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FM FM: Featured Artist in March

Panic Room PANIC ROOM will be promoting their new album 'Satellite' with Spring dates as follows:

Sat 6 March - The Duchess, York
Sat 13 March - The Flowerpot, Derby
Thurs 25 March - 12 Bar, Swindon
Sat 27 March - The Peel, Kingston
Sun 28 March (Sunday) - Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Sun 25 April - The Y Theatre, Leicester
Fri 30 April - St David's Hall, Cardiff (supporting HAWKWIND)
Sat 15th May - 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London (with Mostly Autumn, supporting WISHBONE ASH)
(* support for all Panic Room headline gigs is Chris Johnson (Parade/ex-Mostly Autumn/Fish)

Details of venues/tickets can be found at www.panicroom.org.uk and www.myspace.com/panicroomuk.

Album review


HEAVEN'S BASEMENT HIT THE ROAD

Rising rockers and GRTR! "Ten for 10" nominees HEAVEN'S BASEMENT hit the road this month with Manchester sleaze merchants DEAR SUPERSTAR, picking up where they left off in December of last year.

"On this tour we are hitting all the places we missed on the December 09 UK tour which was an absolute riot for us!! We are really looking forward to round 2, it makes 2010 start great for us. We are hoping on having a few new songs in the set again just like on the December tour"

Catch Heaven's Basement and Dear Superstar at the following shows:

Feb 2010

24th Peterborough, Club Revolution
25th Wakefield, The Hop
26th Bolton, Kico Club
27th Edinburgh, Studio 24
28th Inverness, Madhatters

March 2010

02nd Bristol, 02 Academy
05th Nottingham, Rock City
06th Cheltenham, Night Owl
07th Wolverhampton, Loose Lucee's (Formerly Little Civic)
09th Leicester, The Musician
10th Birmingham, 02 Academy
11th Brighton, Engine Room
12th Hatfield Forum @Uni of Hertfordshire
13th Oxford, 02 Academy

Tickets from available from seetickets.com 0845 230 5595

www.myspace.com/heavensbasementofficial

Gig review


POWER QUEST WORKING ON NEW ALBUM, REVEALING FIRST SONG TITLES!

POWER QUEST are pleased to announce that they will be returning to the recording studio on July 5th 2010 to begin recording their 5th, as yet untitled, album. This will be their second offering for Napalm Records and will be the first to feature the new look POWER QUEST line up.

Recording will take place at Remaster Studio in Vicenza, Italy and will be produced by Nick Savio. This fantastic studio was where the majority of the Master of Illusion album was recorded. Band leader Steve Williams commented, "It's going to be great to be back in Italy and to be working with Nick again and I'm expecting to run into one or two very familiar faces during the recording process!"

Prior to this, the band will be demoing 3 new tracks for the record company at the end of March at Aubitt Studios in Southampton. The following songs are set for inclusion in the recordings: "Sacrifice", "Time to Burn" and "Rising Anew".

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New release info
(Updated 18 February 2010)

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(Updated 18 February 2010)



 

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Rock & Blues Festival, Jan 29-31 - Photo: Noel Buckley


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Joe Bonamassa

JOE BONAMASSA 'Black Rock' Review & Video Interview!!

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The new HENDRIX CD: Our Verdict!!


FRONTIERS ANNOUNCES NEW WHITESNAKE ALBUM

Whitesnake are gearing up for their latest album and have already started composing new material. "We are off to a very good start, with the new songs taking positive shape. It feels good, fresh & exciting," explains David Coverdale.

The next release already feels like a solid, natural progression to their last opus, the successful, critically acclaimed 'Good To Be Bad' album, awarded by the influential Classic Rock magazine as "Best Album of the Year" in 2008.

"As always, we want to take it to the next level," states Coverdale. "I feel that with the last album we achieved a strong Whitesnake 'cocktail' that comfortably embraced and mixed all the previous musical aspects and styles of the band's history, while taking our identity a little further... all on one album..."

Coverdale said the production team for the new album will most likely be the infamous Brutal Brothers, or Los Bros Brutalos, who handled the recording of "Good To Be Bad". "The new songs are in the very familiar and recognizable Whitesnake territory of soulful, bluesy, melodic power rock, with a couple of ballads thrown in for good measure... It can't be a Whitesnake album without ballads, mate!"


FRONTIERS RECORDS TO RELEASE THE NEW ASIA ALBUM 'OMEGA'

Asia, rock's first important super-group of the 80s - featuring members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles - will release Omega, its highly anticipated new album of original material. The record is due April 23 in Europe (May 4 in USA) on Frontiers Records.

Geoffrey Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, the four original Asia members, reunited in 2006, twenty-three years after all four had last played together. The much publicised reunion resulted in highly successful world tours, a double live LP and DVD (entitled Fantasia: Live In Tokyo) and an acclaimed studio album Phoenix in 2008 which debuted at number 73 in the Billboard charts in the USA and entered the top 100 in several European countries.

Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, Asia's first release was the best selling album in the world in 1982 and sat at the number 1 spot in the USA for 9 weeks, powered by the classic rock anthem, 'Heat Of The Moment,' and four other radio hits.

Asia's 1983 sophomore album, Alpha, also went multi-platinum and enjoyed several hit singles, including the #1 smash, 'Don't Cry'. During the recording of its third disc, the band splintered, and by the 1990s, only Geoff Downes remained from the original line-up.

The reunion came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, but morphed itself into an ongoing endeavour. In 2008, they returned with the first new studio album, Phoenix, which had been strongly influenced by the fusion of talents and heritages that the band excited the music world with back in 1982.

Omega shows a new renaissance for this amazing group of musicians, which seem to live up to a joie-de-vivre that stands the test of time.

Begun during the summer 2009, the writing and recording sessions of Omega, immediately showed inspiration and good feelings. 'We were looking to create something different with Omega,' says keyboardist Geoff Downes. 'Of course, the sound of the 4 band members of Asia will always have a certain hallmark when we play together. That's a given. But we approached the song writing with a mind to getting a degree of variety into these compositions. Hence, you will hear areas of textures where arguably we have never gone before.'

Adds lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist John Wetton: 'Asia is an English prog-rock band with a pop edge, always has been, and hopefully always will be. Accessible, melodic, anthemic songs with great playing, luxuriating in a bed of lush orchestration, with lyrics that strike a sympathetic chord in even the most cynical heart. There you have it, Omega is a themed album in Asia's fine tradition, without the millstone of a concept.'

Asdia tour dates


Download

AC/DC CONFIRMED AS HEADLINER FOR DOWNLOAD 2010

DOWNLOAD CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF DONINGTON WITH THEM CROOKED VULTURES, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, DEFTONES, MEGADETH, MOTÖRHEAD

After many rumours, gossip and speculation DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL organisers have confirmed that the world's greatest rock band AC/DC will be one of the headliners for this year's festival, taking place at Donington Park 11-13 June.

There is no better band to help celebrate 30 years at Donington than AC/DC, who with all guns blazing (not to mention bells!) will be appearing at Donington for the fourth time. AC/DC first appeared at the second Monsters of Rock concert in 1981, and then 1984 and 1991. 2010 will mark three decades of AC/DC at Donington Park - and their debut Download performance.

Festival organisers have also announced that they are increasing the arena capacity this year to accommodate even more fans keen to experience Download at Donington Park and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Monsters of Rock. Last year's event sold out at 85,000 per day - the increased arena size this year will make Download the biggest UK music festival after Glastonbury. Established in 1980 by promoter Paul Loasby and the late Maurice Jones who died last year, the event was originally created as a day-long Summer festival dedicated to rock and heavy metal bands. Over the years it was quickly established as the annual event for the UK hard rock fraternity. It was destined to become a British music tradition - 30 years on and Download Festival has become the premiere rock festival.

Andy Copping, Download festival Promoter, commented, "Download 2010 will be one for the history books. It will see the return of the world's greatest rock band to the most legendary and spiritual home of rock. We have been pushing for this moment for many years, but for this to become reality alongside the likes of Them Crooked Vultures, Motörhead and Megadeth is the best 30th Anniversary of the site we could have dreamed of, it's also going to be a fantastic tribute to Maurice Jones who started this all off back in 1980."

John Probyn, COO Live Nation explained, "The Donington site and its continuing flexibility should take some of the credit for the longevity and success of both Monsters of Rock and Download Festival. We are thrilled that our 30-year association with the site will be marked not only with a superb line-up, but also by the expansion of Download 2010 to accommodate more festival-goers than ever."

Joining AC/DC and following two incredible shows at Hammersmith Apollo before Christmas are rock supergroup de jour THEM CROOKED VULTURES, which features rock legends Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones. Incredibly none of the band have ever played at Donington before either - making this Download performance even more exclusive.

Also confirmed will be reformed grunge-rock heroes STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, for their first UK show since getting back together for a massive North American tour in 2008. The band have NEVER played at Donington or Download before, although striking frontman Scott Weiland has of course performed twice, with previous band Velvet Revolver.

One of the 'Big Four' bands of thrash metal, MEGADETH, will be back at Donington for the fourth time, having played Monsters of Rock in 1988, and then two Download Festivals (2005 and 2007), alongside metal behemoths MOTÖRHEAD, also making their fourth appearance with one Monsters of Rock (1986) and two Download's under their studded belts (2005 and 2008).

Returning for the third time will be Sacremento heavy rockers DEFTONES, with a new album slated for April. With an incredible four Download performances already - and with each year moving further and further up the bill - Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE return in 2010 bringing circle pits-a-plenty - lock up your daughters. WOLFMOTHER - also confirmed for London's Hard Rock Calling - will be bringing their Australian rock to the Download stage for the second time and finally, making their second Download appearance will be Danish rockabillies VOLBEAT.

Weekend tickets for Download 2010 go on sale 9am Friday 29 January via www.downloadfestival.co.uk. V.I.P packages also available.

AC/DC

AC/DC'S MUSIC TO BE FEATURED IN IRON MAN 2

BAND TO RELEASE AC/DC: IRON MAN 2 ALBUM ON MONDAY APRIL 19, 2010

Through a unique collaboration between Marvel Studios and Columbia Records, AC/DC's music will be featured in Marvel Studios' IRON MAN 2, the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster film. In addition, Columbia Records will release the album AC/DC: Iron Man 2 on Monday, April 19, 2010.

AC/DC: Iron Man 2, features 15 classic AC/DC songs selected from ten of the band's studio albums, ranging from 1976 to 2008.

The film opens internationally beginning on April 28, 2010 and in the U.S. the film is scheduled for release on May 7, 2010.

The debut video from AC/DC: Iron Man 2 is the AC/DC's classic album cut 'Shoot To Thrill', which was filmed live last month in Buenos Aires during the band's highly acclaimed Black Ice World Tour, the second highest grossing world tour of 2009 according to concert industry trade publication Pollstar.

The video also incorporates exclusive footage from IRON MAN 2. More information: www.acdc.com and www.marvel.com. 'Shoot To Thrill' was originally recorded for the band's 50-million selling album Back In Black, one of the best selling albums of all time.


FIFESTOCK 2010 - Legendary artists to perform at the UK's most intimate music festival

The second annual Fifestock 2010 will again be hosted at The Inn at Lathones, home to the R.A.T.S. (Rocking at The Stables), one of the UK's most intimate music venues with a capacity of just 50.

The music festival kicks off on Thursday 18 February and will see over 20 world-renowned acts perform over 26 days.

Hailed as Britain's smallest rock festival, the notoriety of the performers is huge. Headlining acts include Mick Taylor (formerly of The Rolling Stones), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson's guitarist for 3 world tours/Jeff Beck's for 2 world tours), Henry McCullough (Joe Cocker, Paul McCartney & Wings), Graham Gouldman and Mick Wilson (10cc), Carlene Carter (daughter of June Carter/step-daughter of Johnny Cash) and Deborah Bonham (sister of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, who recently duetted with Paul Rogers) to name a few.

Fifestock organiser, David Mundell, commented: "I decided to set up an annual music festival to inject some much-needed enjoyment in to a very dreich time of the year. Last year's event was a roaring success and feedback was extremely positive. By encompassing many genres, and attracting big names such as Mick Taylor, Jennifer Batten and Carlene Carter we hope to appeal to a broad range of music lovers again this year and to become a permanent fixture on the national music scene for years to come."

Forming part of the Inn at Lathones, Scotland's oldest coaching inn, Rocking at the Stables is a unique venue steeped in history. With a capacity limited to 50, music lovers are never crushed in a crowd, nor do they struggle to see the stage. The venue's intimacy has been described as the 'ultimate living-room gig', with many acts staying behind for a drink and a chat with fans after the gig.

The Stables also houses music promoter David Mundell's huge memorabilia collection including Fender guitar scratch plates, drum skins, posters, photos, and lots of other interesting items signed by the world's most famous musicians.

Fifestock 2010 is supported by the Celebrating Fife 2010 Flagship Fund.

Fifestock takes place from Thursday 18 February until Saturday 13 March at Rocking at the Stables, The Inn at Lathones, Largoward, St Andrews, Fife KY9 1JE.


KISS ADD EXTRA SHOWS

Rock legends KISS have added shows in Sheffield, Newcastle and Liverpool and a 2nd show at London's Wembley Arena to their new 'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From the Beginning To the Boom' tour to Europe in Summer 2010.

With multiple dates across Europe, the 'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom' is set to be THE rock event of 2010, building on the incredible success of the 2009 'Sonic Boom' album.

'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom' will see dates in Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Demark, Holland, France, Spain, Belgium and, not only will the tour feature KISS's first UK arena shows in 11 years, but it will see the band breaking new ground completely with their first ever shows in Slovakia.

Whilst utilizing elements of 'KISS Alive 35', 'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom' will be a fresh, new show tailored to the bands European fans and showcasing the brand new 'Sonic Boom' album.

2010 UK Dates
Sat 1st May Sheffield Arena (UK)
Sun 2nd May Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (UK)
Tues 4th May Liverpool Arena (UK)
Wed 5th May Birmingham LG Arena (original date 11th)
Fri 7th May Dublin, O2 Arena (Eire)
Sun 9th May Glasgow, SECC (UK) SOLD OUT
Mon 10th May Manchester MEN Arena (UK)
Wed 12th May London, Wembley Arena (UK)
Thu 13th May London, Wembley Arena (UK) SOLD OUT


IRON MAIDEN AND RAMMSTEIN ADDED TO THREE DAY SONISPHERE FESTIVAL

Having established itself as the 'Best New Festival' at the 2009 UK Festival Awards, Sonisphere Festival moves from strength to strength with the announcement of our phenomenal 2010 headliners, as well as the first of many great bands for the three day event over July 30, 31 and Aug 1.

With the power to rock the very foundations of Knebworth Hall itself, the weekend headliners, both renowned for sensational live shows, are British Metal titans Iron Maiden - for whom Sonisphere will be their only UK appearance of 2010 - and German industrial rock monsters Rammstein, who make their first - and only 2010 - UK Festival appearance.

Already confirmed for the event are Alice Cooper, Anthrax, The Cult, Iggy & The Stooges, Slayer and Motley Crue (also making their only UK appearance in 2010).


Touchstone

TOUCHSTONE OPEN PROG STAGE AT HIGH VOLTAGE FESTIVAL

Prog/melodic rockers Touchstone will be opening the Prog stage at the High Voltage Festival on July 24. The festival is being staged at Victoria Park, London and features a reunited ELP, ZZ Top, Asia and Marillion amongst others.

The band recently reissued their 'Mad Hatters' EP. Originally released in 2006 as a limited edition, the four original songs have been remastered with the addition of three live tracks.

Review

Win the EP!!


Bloodstock Open Air

HEAVEN AND HELL HEADLINE BLOODSTOCK: TWISTED SISTER, ENSIFERUM and EDGUY COMPLETE 10th ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Heavy Metal Legends HEAVEN & HELL have been confirmed as headline act for BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2010.

The metal masters have chosen to headline the 10th anniversary of the festival, crowning an already incredible line up, befitting such an important milestone.

Living legend/guitarist TONY IOMMI commented: "Great for Geezer and me to play somewhere near to home, even better to headline a legendary festival. Thanks for the opportunity!"

BLOODSTOCK more than welcomes their appearance. Says founder Paul Gregory: "10 years of bringing the UK a METAL festival that metalheads can be proud of has just been made better with the announcement of Heaven and Hell.

As a fan to say I'm made up with the announcement would be the understatement of the millennium. This year Bloodstock has come of age".

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR is undoubtedly the UK's most loyal festival to the metal genre. A performance featuring members of BLACK SABBATH - the true pioneers of the genre - at this special 10 year anniversary is an occasion for any metal fan to celebrate, and one the BLOODSTOCK attendees will welcome.

Heaven And Hell

Photo: Ian Pollard/GRTR!

The promise of RONNIE JAMES DIO, TONY IOMMI, GEEZER BUTLER and VINNY APICE performing classic SABBATH songs such as 'The Mob Rules', 'Lady Evil', 'Die Young' and 'Neon Knights' will surely be one of the stand out moments in the 10 year history of BLOODSTOCK, and is not to be missed.

BOA is thrilled to confirm the final headline slot for the 10th anniversary festival will be taken by legendary US metallers TWISTED SISTER. Capturing the spirit of rebellion, the multi-million selling New Yorkers enjoyed a hugely successful career, adored by metal fans and feared by the "moral right", before disbanding in the mid-80's. Re-uniting in 2001 to headline the NEW YORK STEEL benefit concert in the wake of the Sept 11th attacks, the band made their first steps towards returning to the stage after fourteen years, delighting fans across the world.

Now BLOODSTOCK is honoured to have Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda, A. J. Pero, and Mark "The Animal" Mendoza for their first UK outdoor festival performance since 1983's MONSTERS OF ROCK. Never failing to deliver anything short of a spectacular live set, the foundations of Catton Hall are set to shake as classics such as "I Wanna Rock", "Leader Of The Pack", "Burn In Hell" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" have all in attendance singing their hearts out.

Finnish warriors ENSIFERUM bring the battle back to BLOODSTOCK in 2010 making a welcome return to the main stage. These heroic Viking Metallers are no strangers to BOA, having laid waste to the stage in 2006. With four albums worth of aural artillery, these Finns are well-equipped to rally the metal warriors in attendance, ensuring victory at BOA's Decennial celebration, at this exclusive festival appearance.

German power-metallers EDGUY also make a welcome return to the BLOODSTOCK stage, which the band are excited about gracing again. Charismatic frontman/metallic maniac TOBIAS SAMMET is especially looking forward to returning to the UK for EDGUY's only UK Festival appearance:

The BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL 2010 will take place at Catton Hall, Derbyshire from 13th - 15th August.

Weekend tickets are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com

Line up to date: Heaven & Hell/ Children of Bodom/ Fear Factory/ Obituary/ Ross The Boss/ Rage/ Andromeda/ Behemoth/ Devin Townsend/ Doro/ Leaves Eyes/ Suffocation/ Dream Evil/ Cannibal Corpse/ Korpiklaani/ Gwar/ Amorphis/ Gojira/ Sonata Arctica.

Official website


JETHRO TULL ANNOUNCE TOUR IN 2010

Jethro Tull will hit the road in the UK in March for a 23 date tour. These shows will feature an assortment of 'Best of Tull' repertoire with some rare gems thrown in for good measure. Support to be announced.

Ian Anderson says about this tour "Of all the music recorded by Jethro Tull over the years, there are several songs which have rarely, if ever, been performed in public. We look forward to introducing some of this material to the setlist in 2010 along with some of the tried and trusty favourites."

"Martin Barre and I, along with long-standing drummer Doane Perry and old friends David Goodier and John O'Hara will bring variety and depth to the concerts with the aid of a few forgotten musical instruments currently being dug out of the rusty skip and dusted down for action. (I know I put that Sousaphone somewhere safe....)"

Tour dates

Ian Anderson Interview Podcast

Ian Anderson is featured artist on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in February. More information




Check out latest and breaking news!!


KATATONIA ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES FOR MARCH 2010

Following the release of their critically acclaimed album 'Night Is the New Day' in November 2009, Katatonia are set to tour the UK in 2010.

Full dates are as follows -

Tues 9th March Manchester - Academy 3
Wed 10th March Nottingham - Basement
Thu 11th March London - Garage
Fri 12th March Hammerfest II - Prestatyn
Sat 13th March Cardiff - Barfly
Sun 14th March Wolverhampton - Little Civic

Formed in 1991 by Anders Nyström and Jonas Renkse, their debut album, 'Dance of December Souls', was released in 1993, gaining the band recognition for their eclectic brand of gothic doom/death metal & joining acts such as Paradise Lost & My Dying Bride to become one of the genre's defining bands.

On future albums a newer, sleeker Katatonia sound came to the fore, starting with a streamlined & structured collection of melodic dark rock songs that became the third album 'Discouraged Ones'; the main evolution point for modern day Katatonia.

The band's eighth album 'Night Is The New Day' sees a band at the height of their powers, a continuation of the heaviness, depth and atmosphere of their previous album, 'The Great Cold Distance'. 'Night Is the New Day' is also a more multi-dimensional effort - waltzing between prog moments, doom, folk and the classic melodic anthems that are staple to Katatonia's uncompromising sound. K

Katatonia are completed by the haunting tones of Jonas Renkse's journeys of urban & emotional decay, & now joined by Frank Default on keyboards, notable for his work on the track 'Unfurl' from the 'July' EP - utilising his expertise to the fullest to texture the soundscapes.

The album was recorded throughout July 2009 and was co-produced, engineered and mixed by David Castillo (Opeth, InMe). Recording was divided between Studio Mega (for drums) and Ghost Ward Studios, where most recording took place; this provided a dose of inspiration from the darker corners of life with its choice of location. Mastering was completed at Fascination Street Studios (where 'The Great Cold Distance' was recorded) with Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth and Paradise Lost)

Consummate live performers, Katatonia have just supported Paradise Lost across the UK and performed at the Hellfire festival. The bands have announced a series of headline UK gigs across the UK in March 2010 in addition to performing at Hammerfest II.

Album review


Karnivool

AUSTRALIAN PROG METALLERS KARNIVOOL UK DATES

Karnivool, who have received excellent reviews for their second album 'Sound Awake' play UK dates prior to a US tour in March.

The album is released in the USA on February 16.

Thursday 11 March - Roadhouse, Manchester.
Friday 12 March - King Tuts, Glasgow.
Saturday 13 March - Rock City, Nottingham.
Sunday 14 March - Joiners, Southampton.
Monday 15 March - Relentless Garage, London.

Album review


STEVE HARLEY TOURS IN 2010

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel have announced a fifteen date tour that takes in all of the Home Nations and Eire in May and June 2010. Tickets go on sale at 9am on 27 November 2009.

Steve Harley is one of the UK's most respected songwriters and performers. Whilst his calling card is the million-selling number one single 'Make Me Smile [Come Up And See Me]', he also had hits with 'Mr. Raffles [Man, It Was Mean]', 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Soft' and many more.

Harley even scored a hit with an enormously successful cover of The Beatles' 'Here Comes The Sun' but is rightly revered for his own compositions, and he'll have some new songs to play on this tour.

This year at the prestigious Classic Rock Awards, he picked up the 'Childline Rocks' Award in front of a room full of his peers.

The May / June tour will come hot on the heels of Steve Harley's hugely anticipated new studio album - his first for five years - 'Stranger Comes To Town'. The album, featuring ten brand new songs, will be released in April 2010. Recorded at a residential studio in East Anglia with members of Harley's longstanding touring band, the album has been a true labour of love and these dates offer the first chance to hear some of the new material.

MAY 2010

Sun 23 Dublin, Academy 0818 719300 R.O.I. / 0844 2774455 N.I.
Mon 24 Belfast, Spring & Airbrake 0818 719300 R.O.I. / 0844 2774455 N.I.
Weds 26 Edinburgh, Queens Hall 0131 668 2019 / seetickets.com
Thurs 27 Newcastle, Journal Theatre 0844 493 9999/ thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk
Fri 28 York, Opera House 0844 847 2322 / grandoperahouseyork.org.uk
Sat 29 Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall 0870 320 7000 / wolvescivic.co.uk
Sun 30 Buxton, Opera House 0845127 2190 / buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

JUNE 2010

Tues 01 Bristol, Colston Hall 0117 922 3686 / livenation.co.uk
Weds 02 Wavendon, The Stables 01908 280 800 / stables.org
Thurs 03 Wavendon, The Stables 01908 280 800 / stables.org
Fri 04 Holmfirth, Picturedrome 0871 230 1101 / picturedrome.net
Sun 06 Ipswich, The Regent 0844 847 2322 / livenation.co.uk
Mon 07 Brighton, Dome 0870 320 700 / livenation.co.uk
Weds 09 Cardiff, St David's Hall 0870 320 700 / livenation.co.uk
Thurs 10 O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000 / livenation.co.uk


RODRIGO y GABRIELA ANNOUNCE FIVE NIGHT RESIDENCY AT 02 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE

Acoustic rockers Rodrigo y Gabriela will be back in London next year for an unprecedented five night stand at one of their favourite venues - the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. The shows will run on November 2nd, 3rd, 5th (yes, expect to see fireworks), 6th and 7th, and will see Rod & Gab play to 10,000 fans during the residency.

Tickets priced at £22.50 (including booking fee) will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 23rd December. The duo played three sold out shows at the venue in May 2007.

Rodrigo y Gabriela are currently on a world tour promoting their new studio album '11:11' which was released to glowing reviews in September 2009. The next leg will see them visit Australia, New Zealand and Japan before an extended jaunt around North America en route to further European dates in the spring.

Rod & Gab's most recent London gig was the triumphant sold out night at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo in November. Shows so far on the first leg of the '11:11' world tour have seen them joined onstage by Robert Trujillo of Metallica in Chicago and guitar legend Al Di Meola in Paris.

'11:11' is Rodrigo y Gabriela's personal tribute to eleven musicians or bands who have inspired them along their musical journey, ranging from household names like Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix to personal favourites such as Le Trio Joubran and Michel Camilo. The album was produced by Rodrigo (with co-production by John Leckie on one track) and mixed by Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Trivium).

Album review

Gig review


TRIVIUM TOUR UK IN MARCH 2010

Metal masters Trivium have confirmed a massive 16-date UK headline tour in March 2010, in support of current album Shogun. Special guests for the Into The Mouth Of Hell We Tour shows are currently being confirmed.

Singer/guitarist Matthew Heafy has this to say: "United Kingdom! As we said at Download, the UK was the first place in the world to truly embrace Trivium and make us feel like we had a home away from home on stage. The first several UK headline tours we did back in 2005 and 2006 were destructive, lethal and life-changing experiences we shared together: long sets... long tours... no frills, just our friends, our music and a good metal time.

It's been a very long time since we've done a full blown, multi-date headlining UK tour... and man have we missed it. We mentioned at Download that it would be a while till we would return... and 2010 is just about that time. We're coming back with a vengeance and we're bringing some friends and we're playing some of our favourite venues. We hope to see you there!"

Tickets will go on sale for all shows at 9am on Monday 13 July for £16.50 regionally and £18 London from all usual box offices/ticket agents and by calling 0844 576 5483 or visiting www.livenation.co.uk/trivium

Tour dates


Bad Company
Bad Company 2009 at Hard Rock Cafe, London 17.11.09.
Photo: Mark Taylor

BAD COMPANY ANNOUNCE 2010 SHOWS

The original members of Bad Company, Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke have announced that they will reunite for a series of eight UK shows in April 2010.

This marks the first time the original members will perform in the UK together in over three decades.

The opening show will take place at the Birmingham LG Arena on 1st April with the final show on 11th April at Wembley Arena - the first Wembley Arena concert appearance in the history of the band. Tickets go on sale for all dates at 10am Friday 20th November. Additionally, a new Bad Company live CD/DVD set is set for release prior to the tour on 9th February 2010 (Image/Universal Music Group).

Rodgers, celebrating over four decades as a writing and recording artist (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen + Paul Rodgers), was recently presented with the 'Classic Songwriter' award by Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck at the annual Classic Rock Magazine Roll of Honour 2009.

Rolling Stone recently named Rodgers one of the 'Top 100 Singers of All Time,' Classic Rock UK placed him at #2 on their '50 Greatest Singers in Rock' list and England's Planet Rock Radio fan poll placed him at #3 on their 'Greatest Voices of Rock' list. His debut solo DVD 'Live in Glasgow' is certified Gold and charted at #1 in Canada, #2 in Japan, #3 in the US and #4 in the UK .

'These dates are to thank the fans for keeping the music alive,' said Rodgers. 'It's great to be with Paul and Simon,' said Ralphs. 'We made great music together and had the time of our lives doing it. I'm really looking forward to us bringing Bad Company back to the UK.'

Bad Company
Bad Company 2009 at Hard Rock Cafe, London 17.11.09.
Photo: Mark Taylor

Ralphs recently regrouped with 70s rock band Mott the Hoople for five sold-out reunion shows at the Hammersmith Apollo in London Autumn 2009.

After the break up of Free (known internationally for their smash hit 'All Right Now' co-written by Rodgers) Paul connected with ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. Free drummer Simon Kirke would later join that year and the trio would begin rehearsing. Ex-King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell came aboard a few months later and the supergroup Bad Company was solidified.

In 1974 they signed to Swan Song Records (owned by Led Zeppelin and distributed via Atlantic Records) to release their highly anticipated debut album, titled Bad Co. Rodgers' concept to write a song titled the same as the band's name was a first.

Propelled by the hit single 'Can't Get Enough', the album would quickly hit #1 on the charts and remain in the Top 40 for four straight months. Bad Company were at the forefront of the 70's arena rock movement.

To this day, the multi-platinum Bad Co. album arguably remains one of the most accomplished debuts in rock history, reading as a virtual greatest hits set in itself.

Straight Shooter, Run with the Pack, Burnin' Sky and Desolation Angels would all follow within a five year run throughout the '70s with the writing team of Rodgers and Ralphs yielding more multi-platinum awards with hit after hit, 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' 'Seagull,' 'Run with the Pack,' 'Burnin' Sky,' 'Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy,' making Bad Company one of the biggest concert attractions of the decade. In 1982, the band released their final recording Rough Diamonds and the single 'Electricland' would be their last before disbanding. The group's multi-platinum award-winning greatest hits set 10 from 6 has become a music collectors staple.

April 2010

Thursday 1 Birmingham LG Arena
Friday 2 Manchester Evening News Arena
Sunday 4 Sheffield City Hall
Monday 5 Cardiff CIA
Wednesday 7 Newcastle Metro Arena
Thursday 8 Glasgow Clyde
Saturday 10 Brighton Centre
Sunday 11 Wembley Arena

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday 20th November priced £38.50 London / £34.50 Regional (subject to booking fee) and are available from www.livenation.co.uk

Gig review (press event)

ONE-OFF SOLO SHOW FOR PERRY

Rock Legend Joe Perry will be playing a very special one-off solo show with at London's 100 Club on 13th April 2010.

As co-founding member, principal co-songwriter, electrifying lead guitarist and co-producer of Aerosmith - America's Greatest Rock & Roll Band, Joe Perry has achieved permanent iconic stature in the pantheon of rock. Perry has driven Aerosmith, over the course of three decades, to sales of more than 150 million albums, four Grammy Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards, two People's Choice Awards, eight American Music Awards, an Academy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Joe Perry's fourth solo album, 2005's Joe Perry, not only received universal praise from journalists across the country, it earned him his first solo Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Song ('Mercy').

Joe Perry's fifth sold album entitled, Have Guitar Will Travel, follows self-produced solo releases including Let The Music Do The Talking (1980), Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker (1984) and I've Got The Rock 'N' Rolls Again (1981).

Recorded this past Spring at the BoneYard, Perry's state-of-the-art home studio, Have Guitar, 'Will Travel' is a ten-song CD written and produced by Perry, complete with his trademark rock and blues ferocity.


NEW RELEASE/TOUR NEWS
(JANUARY 2010- )

New release dates


Jimi Hendrix

VALLEYS OF NEPTUNE RELEASED 8TH MARCH 2010

12 PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED JIMI HENDRIX STUDIO RECORDINGS AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Experience Hendrix LLC & Sony Commercial Music Group Launch Monumental Jimi Hendrix Catalogue Project With Brand New Studio Collection Documenting Pivotal Creative Period in 1969

Experience Hendrix LLC and Sony Commercial Music Group will launch their monumental 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalogue Project on Monday, March 8, with the release of Valleys of Neptune, a newly curated album of 12 stunning studio recordings. This collector's item contains more than 60 minutes of music never commercially available on a Jimi Hendrix album, from the artist Rolling Stone magazine called "the greatest guitarist of all time".

Centered around tracks recorded during a pivotal and turbulent four-month period in 1969, Valleys of Neptune unveils the original Jimi Hendrix Experience's final studio recordings. Here the group lays down the foundation for its follow-up to Electric Ladyland, alongside the guitar superhero's first sessions with bassist Billy Cox, an old army buddy he'd recruited into his new ensemble.

Valleys of Neptune provides an essential, compelling, and largely unseen view of what Jimi Hendrix was up to musically in the critical period between the release of Electric Ladyland in October 1968 and the 1970 opening of his own Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village. The state of the art facility is also where he would begin his final project, the ambitious double album First Rays of the New Rising Sun.

Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, the Hendrix family-owned company entrusted with preserving and protecting the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, noted, "My brother Jimi was at home in the studio. Valleys of Neptune offers deep insight into his mastery of the recording process and demonstrates the fact that he was as unparalleled a recording innovator as he was a guitarist. His brilliance shines through on every one of these precious tracks."

Valleys of Neptune offers more than 60 minutes of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix music, originally recorded, and newly mixed for this historic release, by Hendrix's longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, who first worked with the guitarist on Are You Experienced? in 1967. Valleys of Neptune is produced by Janie Hendrix, John McDermott (who contributes detailed liner notes to the album) and Eddie Kramer.

Other highlights on Valleys of Neptune include blazing studio covers of Elmore James' classic "Bleeding Heart" and Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love," as well as premier performances of original Hendrix compositions like "Ships Passing Through The Night," "Lullaby For The Summer," and the original recording of the Jimi Hendrix Experience rendition of "Hear My Train A Comin'." Also included in Valleys of Neptune is "Mr. Bad Luck," a Jimi Hendrix Experience track, produced by Chas Chandler during the 1967 Axis: Bold as Love sessions.

As part of the opening wave of releases for the Jimi Hendrix Catalogue Project, Sony Commercial Group will also be releasing new deluxe CD/DVD editions of Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Ladyland, and First Rays of the New Rising Sun, also available on vinyl, on March 8.

Each of the essential titles in the Jimi Hendrix catalog to be reissued by Sony Commercial Group will feature a bonus DVD featuring newly created documentaries directed by the Grammy award winning Bob Smeaton [Beatles Anthology, Festival Express, Beatles: The Studio Recordings] and featuring interviews with Experience members Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, original producer Chas Chandler, and engineer Eddie Kramer. In addition, Smash Hits, Jimi's original compilation, will be reintroduced. The critically acclaimed Live At Woodstock will be available as a standard DVD, as well as a Blu-ray Disc.

"The UK has always had a deep emotional connection with the music of Jimi Hendrix which flourishes to this day", commented Richard Connell, General Manager of Sony Commercial Music Group. "We are proud and honoured to continue that tradition by partnering with Experience Hendrix and our US colleagues at Legacy Recordings in releasing Valleys of Neptune. The album is a treasure for Hendrix fans both new and experienced and marks a fantastic first step in fulfilling our collective vision for the catalogue of this exceptional artist."

Album review


THE QUIREBOYS NEW STUDIO ALBUM RELEASED MONDAY 29TH MARCH 2010

The Quireboys release new acoustic album and announce intimate live shows

2009 saw The Quireboys, everyone's favourite lovable rogues, play 103 shows in 16 countries in support of the 20th anniversary of their debut album "A Bit Of What You Fancy".

March sees The Quireboys deliver their long threatened, much anticipated acoustic album "Halfpenny Dancer", already described by Classic Rock magazine as "an instant classic".

Led by Spike Gray, one of rock's most recognisable frontmen, The Quireboys take a detour into Americana and Country. Featuring re-workings of Quireboys classics, "There She Goes Again", "Mona Lisa Smiled" - recently voted amongst the songs of the decade by Classic Rock magazine - overlooked fan favourites, "King Of New York", "Pretty Girls" and an eclectic choice of covers, Jim Reeves "He'll Have To Go", Leo Sayer's "Can't Stop Loving You" and a stripped down version of UFO's anthem "Love To Love", a nod of the hat by Spike to UFO frontman and early Quireboys manager, Phil Mogg.

As on the album, live, the band are augmented, by dobro, mandolin, lap steel and fiddle. Choosing to eschew the more traditional rock venues, they play some very special intimate shows throughout March and April, including London's famous Jazz Café.

The current line-up includes original front man Spike Gray & guitarist Guy Griffin together with Paul Guerin (guitar), Damon Williams (bass), Keith Weir (keyboards) & Phil Martini (drums).

Acoustic Tour Dates:

Saturday 6th March - The Stone House, Knaresborough
Address: Market Square, Knaresborough
Ticket price: £18 ** Doors: 7:00pm
Booking website: www.kula-productions.com

Thursday 25th March - The Musician, Leicester
Address: Clyde Street, Leicester
Ticket price: £15 ** Doors: 8:00pm
Venue website: www.themusicianpub.co.uk

Friday 26th March - 12 Bar, Swindon
Address: 179 Westcott Place, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 5HT
Ticket price: £15 ** Doors: 8:00pm
Venue website: www.the12barswindon.com Tel: 01793 535 713

Monday 19th April - The Stables, Wavendon nr Milton Keynes
Address: Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU
Ticket price: tbc ** Doors: tbc Venue website: www.stables.org Tel: 01908 280 800

Friday 23rd April - Jazz Café, London
Address: 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG
Ticket price: £16 ** Doors: 7:00pm
Venue website: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

More information:

The Quireboys Official site: http://www.quireboys.com/
The Quireboys Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thequireboys


STEVE VAI CD IN APRIL

Guitar Legend Steve Vai releases 'Where The Other Wild Things Are' on 13th April 2010

This is the companion CD to the original 'Where the Wild Things Are' DVD and CD that came out last year.

The DVD entered the UK chart at No. 11 and the US chart at No. 4. It went gold in both the USA and Canada and 'Now We Run' was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental.

'Where The Other Wild Things Are' features tracks that were not included on the first CD, but that were on the DVD.

DVD review

Interview


Foreigner

FOREIGNER CAN'T SLOW DOWN IN MARCH

Foreigner release a new CD 'Can't Slow Down' on 1st March

The album features 13 new songs and is produced by Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith/Buckcherry) and Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse).

Founder member Mick Jones - lead guitars and vocals - is joined by Kelly Hansen (ex Hurricane) vocals; Tom Gimbel (long term touring with Aerosmith) on guitar, saxophone, flute and backing vocals; Michael Bluestein (Stevie Nicks, Enrique Iglesias and Anastacia) on keyboards, Jeff Pilson (ex Dokken, Dio and MSG) on bass; and on drums, Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Slash's Snakepit, Glenn Huges, Billy Idol).

Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular Rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi-platinum albums and sold out concert tours. They performed at the O2 Arena the night that Led Zepellin reformed as part of the now legendary Tribute Concert to Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun.

On 29th November 2009 Mariah Carey entered the UK singles chart at no. 19 with Foreigners biggest UK hit 'I Want To Know What Love Is' which they took to number one 25 years ago almost to the date.

Album review

Mick Jones Podcast


ALAN PARSONS LIVE IN MADRID ON CD AND DVD

Legendary studio wizard Alan Parsons returns with a live concert recording - Eye 2 Eye - Live In Madrid to be released March 19 in Europe and April 6 in the USA on Frontiers Records.

Eye 2 Eye - Live In Madrid will come out in two separate configurations in CD and DVD format.

Eye 2 Eye - Live In Madrid was filmed and recorded at the May 14, 2004 show in Playa Mayor - Madrid, Spain. The location is a gorgeous plaza surrounded by historic buildings and is a legacy to a very fine performance from an outstanding group of musicians.


BLAZE BAYLEY'S SECOND ALBUM OUT ON FEBRUARY 1

Blaze Bayley's second studio album 'Promise and Terror' will be released on the band's own label - Blaze Bayley Recordings - on 1 February 2010 and distributed by Plastic Head.

'Promise and Terror' is available to pre-order from the band's website only until 18 January 2010 with all pre-orders signed by the band.

The accompanying World Tour kicks off at JB's in Dudley, UK on 6th February 2010. European & South American tour dates have now been confirmed and further dates and countries will be announced shortly.

On 25 September 2009 the book 'At The End Of The Day' written by the band's drummer, Lawrence Paterson, was released. This follows the story of 'Blaze' Bayley Cooke from Wolfsbane to Iron Maiden to BLAZE and, ultimately, to the current self-titled Blaze Bayley band.

The first run of 500 copies of the book has now sold out but there are plans to reprint the book later in the year.

The double live album 'The Night That Will Not Die', recorded at Z7, Switzerland, was released in the summer of 2009; all audio mixed and mastered by producer Jase Edwards.

www.blazebayley.net




Check out latest and breaking news!!


BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE ANNOUNCE THIRD ALBUM RELEASE ON APRIL 26

'Fever' is set for UK release on April 26th through Columbia produced by Don Gilmore (Linkin Park) and mixed by Chris Lord Alge

Two years after crashing into the US Billboard charts at number 4 with the album 'Scream, Aim, Fire', Welsh four piece BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE are finally set to return to the fray with the release of their hugely anticipated new album 'Fever' on April 26th, through Columbia (UK).

The official first single, the blistering 'The Last Fight' is set to precede 'Fever', with a release date of April 19th, but before then, eager to get new music into their fans' hands as quickly as possible, the band are offering album track Begging For Mercy' as a free download for a limited time only. The track will be made available on Tuesday the 16th February at the newly launched band website - www.bulletformyvalentine.com.

 


Natascha Sohl

GRTR! FAVOURITE RELEASES NEW ALBUM

GRTR! Favourite (and 'One To Watch') releases her second album 'Dirty Little Word' on March 22.

'Dirty Little Word' was written and recorded in New York at the invitation of A-list song-writer/producer Russ DeSalvo and his team, which has brought Natascha support in the New York, Los Angeles and Nashville music scenes, together with US management.

A single 'Fade' is released on March 8.

Album review

Rising Stars (Special Feature)


DREAMING TREE RELEASE SECOND ALBUM

Wolverhampton/Telford-based progressive pop/rock band The Dreaming Tree are due to release their new album, entitled 'Progress Has No Patience' on March 13th 2010.

Recorded during the last 6 months of 2009 with producer Karl Groom (Threshold/Dragonforce), the band performed the drum tracks at Thin Ice studios, home of classic and progressive rock and metal, before recording guitars, bass and keyboards at their own Treehouse studios. The vocals were then finished off back at Thin Ice before the album was mixed by Groom.

Following on from 2006's 'Grafting Lines and Spreading Rumours' and 2008's 'Unplugged One: How To Sound Good Naked', 'Progress Has No Patience' takes songs that have been played live but never recorded, as well as songs that have never been played live, and treats them to a more sophisticated and measured approach, whilst retaining the individuality and quirkiness that is such a feature of the band's style.

To celebrate the launch of the release, the band will be performing a show in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, at The Theatre On The Steps on Saturday March 13th where they will be giving away copies of the new album to all ticket holders. Should you wish to attend the show, contact the box office via the band's website at www.thedreamingtree.co.uk

Support for the show comes from Katie Buckhaven. Her debut album was described by the Mail on Sunday as 'Outstanding', and was given 4 stars by The Guardian.

More details and further information will be posted on the band's website, which can be found at www.thedreamingtree.co.uk


Mick Taylor

MICK TAYLOR BLU-RAY DISC IN MARCH

Best known as a former guitarist with The Rolling Stones, Mick Taylor has worked with many famous names over his 40 year career, including Jack Bruce and Bob Dylan.

This live concert was filmed in crystal clear Blu-Ray quality in July 2009 at The Billboard in Tokyo. Release date, 22 March 2010 via Wienerworld.

February Wienerworld DVD releases include 'Rare & Unseen John Lennon', Marty Balin 'Live At The Boston Esplanade' and Dangerous Toys '20th Anniversary'.


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DAVID ELLEFSON

I think that ... you have to be able to write songs because songs are the thing that stand the test of time. Most bands don't even stand the test of time - most bands break up!

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I like economics in music, it makes you work smarter, makes you work faster. If someone gives you a million dollars, you'll find a way to spend it and it's stupid.

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