Get Ready to ROCK! Classic,progressive and metal rock music news,reviews,interviews

News update Updated 29 June 2009

On this day...

New release info
(updated 21.06.09)

Tour dates
(updated 21.06.09)

Audio interviews

Tina Dico
Thunder
Todd Rundgren

Rock Stars

Angela Gossow
Biff Byford
Colin Blunstone
Blaze Bayley

Competitions

WIN! WIN! WIN!
BLURAY DISCS...
WOODSTOCK DVD..!

Gig reviews

Z Rock...
Childline Rocks...
Sweden Rock...
Download...
UFO...
Neil Young....
Chickenfoot..!

JAMIE'S JOURNAL!

Mermaid Kiss' Jamie Field writes for GRTR!
A personal musical journey...

ANNA'S DIARY!!

Tull's acoustic tour violinist writes for GRTR! Anna Phoebe continues her stories...

Metal news and interviews

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Photo: Ian Pollard

Sweden Rock..! Full report..! Photo galleries..!

Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson

Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson in 1984

CONDOLENCE BOOK LAUNCHED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

PRS for Music, the organisation which represents the UK's songwriting community today launched an online Condolence Book to pay tribute to Michael Jackson and celebrate his career and huge contribution to music.

Chief Executive, Steve Porter, said: "Michael Jackson was an iconic figure in the music industry, a global inspiration to songwriters and performers everywhere as well as the ultimate showman himself. He leaves a gaping hole in the music world."

Tributes can be sent via www.prsformusic.com/michaeljackson

Alice Cooper who has paralleled Jackson's visual/theatrical approach in the rock world has paid his own tribute: "Michael Jackson was easily as influential as James Brown, and that's saying a lot. He was the Fred Astaire of his time. We had Vincent Price in common -- I used him first on "Welcome To My Nightmare" in 1975, and he later used him on "Thriller." Nobody moved like Michael, he was truly the King of Pop."

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio ran half-hour segments of Jackson's more rock-oriented work on Friday 26 June. Jackson collaborated with Slash ("Black And White", "Give In To Me"), Steve Stevens ("Dirty Diana"), Van Halen ("Beat It") and Carlos Santana ("Whatever Happens") amongst others.

THUNDER BID FAREWELL - LARGER VENUE FOR LONDON AND EXTRA DATE IN GLASGOW: SUPPORT ANNOUNCED

When Thunder announced that after 20 years they were calling it a day and bowing out with a final tour, they had no idea that they would spark such a ticket buying frenzy. The final show at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Academy sold out in 46 hours. This unbelievable demand has prompted a hasty change of venue to accommodate the disappointed fans. They will now perform their last ever UK show on 11th July at the Hammersmith Apollo.

The lack of a Scottish show prompted Glasgow's 96.3 Rock Radio to launch a petition. To date, almost 1,000 fans have voted with their signatures persuading the band to add a Glasgow date on 1st July at the O2 Academy.

After 20 years of recording and touring, THUNDER, the band with the most loyal fans in rock, have decided this is a fitting time to hitch up their wagons and ride into the sunset.

Each of the 5 musicians has been spending more time on activities outside the band. Having discussed it at very great length, Thunder have now announced their last ever UK tour, during which they will say thank you and bid an extremely fond farewell to their fans and rock it up for the very last time.

"We've played loads of fantastic shows over the last 20 years, but we want all the shows between now and when we go to be the best we've ever done. We really hope you'll want to be there to help us to do that. And Thanks for everything" - Thunder

Thunder are (for the next 6 months): Danny Bowes - vocals; Luke Morley - guitars & vocals; Ben Matthews - guitar & keyboards; Chris Childs - bass and Harry James - drums.

Support bands for the shows are:Logan (Glasgow & Manchester) Airrace (Sheffield & Cambridge) - recently reformed,The Quireboys (Newcastle & Nottingham), The Electric Boys (Wolverhampton & London) - recently reformed

The dates are as follows:

Wed, 1st July Glasgow O2 Academy �22.00 08444 999 990
Fri, 3rd July Manchester Academy �22.00 0844 576 5483
Sat, 4th July Sheffield City Hall �22.00 0114 278 9789
Sun, 5th July Cambridge Corn Exchange �22.00 01223 357 851
Tues, 7th July Newcastle City Hall �22.00 0191 261 2606
Wed, 8th July Nottingham Rock City �22.00 0871 3100 000
Fri, 10th July Wolverhampton Civic Hall �22.00 0870 320 7000
Sat, 11th July London Hammersmith Apollo �25.00 08448 444 748

Tickets will be on general sale as of Friday 30th January. All tickets subject to booking fee. Buy online at www.livenation.co.uk - credit cards (24 hour) 0844 576 5483.

Thunder formed in 1989, releasing their debut album Backstreet Symphony in 1990, which went Gold, as did their follow-up Laughing on Judgement Day, which peaked at number 2 in the UK album charts. Their legendary appearance in 1990 at Monsters of Rock at Donington cemented their place in the hearts of British rock fans. Twenty years later, after twenty top-50 singles, 9 studio albums and a 2-year hiatus, this really is the end of the trail for Thunder.

Thunder wowed the Download crowd in June with their 45 minute set on the Tuborg Stage.

Album review

Chickenfoot
Photo : � 2009 Bryan Adams. From left to right: Michael Anthony (bass), Sammy Hagar (vocals), Joe Satriani (guitar) and Chad Smith (drums)

SATCH, SAMMY AND CHAD SUPERGROUP NEW ALBUM AND TOUR

'Chickenfoot'; the new rock supergroup comprised of drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani and vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen), today announced the global release of their debut album 'Chickenfoot'. The album will be released by earMUSIC in Germany on June 5th and in the UK on Monday June 8th. The album will be released by Best Buy in the U.S. on Sunday June 7th.

The album, hailed as the most intense rock'n'roll album since Led Zeppelin, coincides with a European tour that will consist of outdoor festivals, including Montreaux, Switzerland, and Bospop, Holland, plus various intimate indoor rock shows including the London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on June 25th.

Tickets for the London 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire concert go on sale at 9am on Friday March 27th. This will be Chickenfoot's only UK date on the European tour. 24 Hour Credit Card Hotline: 0844 576 5483, Box Office: 08444 77 2000, Book Online - www.livenation.co.uk

Tuesday June 23 CORK, IRELAND: Live at the Marquee
Thursday June 25 LONDON Shepherd's Bush Empire

Album review

Video interview

Gig review

Magnum

MAGNUM RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM "INTO THE VALLEY OF THE MOONKING" IN JUNE

British hard rock legends Magnum follow up their 2007 album Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow with a brand new studio recording, Into the Valley of the Moonking released on 15th June through SPV/Steamhammer.

Magnum have recorded 12 brand new tracks which are diverse and at the same time typical of the band - sensitive melodies with gritty hooks. All the songs were penned by the band's guitarist Tony Clarkin who also produced the album.

He says: "My hope is to make it interesting for anyone who hears the album, so I put great emphasis on lyrics and musical arrangements. I think the common ground in all Magnum releases is that we take great pride in making a record and always do the best we can."

The track, 'Moonking', sees Clarkin get out his blues guitar and proves that Magnum's vocalist, Bob Catley cuts a fine figure in every rock genre. Into The Valley Of The Moonking features small surprises and intricate details, yet is still in keeping with Magnum's typical melodic rock tradition.

Into The Valley Of The Moonking will be available in three different versions: as a regular jewel case CD, a top-quality Digipak consisting of CD and bonus DVD, and for collectors in vinyl format featuring two LPs and a gatefold cover.

Tony Clarkin Podcast

Album review

Europe

EUROPE RETURN WITH MINI-ALBUM AND BLOODSTOCK GIG

Europe, Sweden's biggest selling hard rock band is pleased to announce the release of a special mini album 'Last Look At Eden EP' on 10th August.

Released by Edel entertainment's rock music record label earMUSIC, the mini album will feature five tracks and an exclusive promo video for the 'Last Look at Eden's single.

The mini album coincides with the band's headline appearance at this year's Bloodstock Festival on 16th August (www.bloodstock.uk.com) and will precede the band's long awaited studio album "Last Look at Eden" on 14th September. The new album will be 'Europe's eighth studio album; their first since 2006's critically acclaimed "Secret Society".

Conceived as a gift to the fans and a way to introduce the new studio album of the same name, the Last Look at Eden mini album will be available as a CD deluxe digi-pack and digital download.

The mini album features two new songs from the forthcoming full-length album of the same name. These include the title track and first single 'Last Look At Eden', plus 'U Devil U', as well as three never-before-released live tracks including a cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Since I've Been Loving You'. The mini album also includes the promo video for 'Last Look At Eden', and is available to pre-order from townsend-records.co.uk and amazon.co.uk.

John Norum from Europe is the featured artist on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in July. More information

EP Review

WHITESNAKE ANNIVERSARY REISSUES IN JUNE

To coincide with the 25th and 20th respective anniversaries of Whitesnake's 'Slide It In' and 'Slip Of The Tongue', EMI will release double-disc Special Editions, each with a bonus DVD disc on 8 June.

Released in 1984, Slide It In was Whitesnake's seventh studio album and their first to be released in the US, being remixed especially for that market, going on to achieve Quadruple Platinum status. This anniversary Special Edition features the classic 'US Remix' of the album, plus 10 bonus tracks including the rare b-side single, Need Your Love So Bad, and deluxe packaging with a 24-page booklet, including rare and unpublished photos and archive memorabilia. Liner notes and brand new artwork were written and designed conjunction with David Coverdale.

The DVD disc features seven videos, six of which are available for the first time on DVD. It includes footage from the band's headline appearance at the 1983 Monster Of Rock Festival, Donnington.

In 1989, at their commercial peak, Whitesnake unleashed Slip Of The Tongue. Following the incredible success of their eponymous 'Whitesnake 87' album, the band hoped for a repeat occurance; sure enough they scored another hit the world over, giving them their third multi-platinum album, which has, to date, sold four million copies.

Due to an injury prior to recording, guitarist and co-writer Adrian Vanderberg, was unable to perform. Recalling Steve Vai's mesmerising guitar-playing in the film Crossroads, David Coverdale hired the Guitar Wizard to fill in for Vanderberg; upon Vanderberg's return, Vai stayed with the band and subsequently toured the album.

This anniversary edition features the original album, digitally remixed, with six bonus tracks, including rare b-sides and alt. mixes, plus two previously unreleased live tracks from Castle Donnington 1990. The album is a deluxe package with 24-page booklet, featuring rare and unpublished photos and archive memorabilia. Liner notes and brand new artwork were written and designed conjunction with David Coverdale.

Whitesnake's latest album, Good To Be Bad, was a worldwide Top 10 hit (UK #7) and was awarded album of the year at the 2008 Classic Rock Awards.

Whitesnake have sold 100,000,000 album worldwide. They will play the Download Festival on 14th June.

Album review

Simple Minds
Photo: Lee Millward

SIMPLE MINDS NEW ALBUM MAY 25, SUMMER DATES AND UK TOUR WITH OMD; NEW SINGLE

Graffiti Soul is Simple Minds 15th studio album. It was produced by the band and Jez Coad, and was mixed by Bob Clearmountain in Santa Monica, California. The songs were written in Rome, Sicily, Antwerp and Glasgow, and the core Simple Minds line-up of Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitar, keyboards), Mel Gaynor (drums) and Eddie Duffy (bass) recorded the material at Rockfield studios near Monmouth, Wales.

Various events could serve as jumping-off points for the new album's back-story: the band playing Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in London's Hyde Park last June, for example, or the industry tremors that rattled their previous record label, Sanctuary. "Unfortunately, the fall-out hit not long after we'd joined them", notes Kerr of the latter event. The upshot was that the Minds' 2005 album Black & White 050505 didn't get the launch or exposure it deserved, but having inked a new deal with Universal, the band now looks set to capitalize on the undoubted strengths of Graffiti Soul.

"We've had to overhaul the band in recent years, and this new record finally sees the full fruit of that", says Jim Kerr. "I still stand by Black & White as a good record, but there was a period before that when we were like a Jumbo Jet down to one engine, and people still expected us to land on the Hudson. From the band itself, to production, to outside writers we've got a great team now; people that are able to fill the boots of those who brought great things to Simple Minds in the past."

Graffiti Soul and Simple Minds' ongoing success as a live act serve to underline that the group is anything but a spent force. More than that, the band that broke America with their 1985 chart-topper "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and the attendant Once Upon A Time album is as hungry and committed as ever.

'If you really love music, you'll come back to it with a passion irrespective of life's twists and turns", says Kerr. "That's why I hope people get to hear Graffiti Soul - I think it's got legs. And if we can celebrate our 30th anniversary and still have people excited about the new stuff, that would be wonderful."

Simple Minds are now set to release 'Stars Will Lead The Way'. A contemporary, synth beat, twist to their era defining guitar sound and Jim's awe inspiring way with a melody, 'Stars Will Lead The Way' is released 20th July on UMRL (Universal).

The band have recently announced a UK tour with OMD in support

Tickets for the UK will go on sale at 9am on Friday April 24th by calling the National Credit Card Hotline: 0871 424 4444, or book online at www.ticketline.co.uk.

Dates include Newcastle Metro Arena (Nov 30), Birmingham LG Arena (Dec 2), Manchester MEN Arena (Dec 3), Sheffield Arena (Dec 5), Cardiff International Arena (Dec 6), London Wembley Arena (Dec 7) and Glasgow SECC (Dec 11).

"We are very excited to announce the UK leg of the Graffiti Soul tour," says Kerr.

This summer, Simple Minds, The Pigeon Detectives, The Script, Goldie Lookin Chain, Judy Collins and Arno Carstens join the immense main stage bill for Sunday 14th June at the Isle of Wight Festival 2009.

The band play iTunes Live Festival at the Roundhouse on 16 July, Blickling Hall Norfolk on Friday 17 July (with special guests The Stranglers), Edinburgh Castle, Saturday 18 July and the Liverpool Summer Pops Festival, Tuesday 21 July 2009.

Album review

Check out latest and breaking news!!

"THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS" MAKES UK DEBUT AT WIRELESS FESTIVAL IN LONDON'S HYDE PARK, JULY 4 AND 5

Austin's The Black And White Years won five of the biggest Austin Music Awards at this year's South by Southwest including best rock band and best song. The band is coming to the UK to perform their first ever live shows. They will open for Basement Jaxx on Saturday July 4th at the Wireless Festival, and will also open for KanYe West the following day (Sunday July 5th at Wireless).

Although their eponymous debut album was released in the US in 2008, they are in the process of recording 5 new tracks and these will be included within the release of the UK and European edition of the album which will be released in the UK in early 2010.

MARIANNE FAITHFULL TO PLAY LONDON CONCERT ON JULY 20

Marianne Faithfull announces a special concert at Royal Festival Hall to mark the release of her extraordinary album, 'Easy Come Easy Go'.

On Monday, July 20 Marianne Faithfull will return to London to perform at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall.

Tickets on sale from March 13, 2009

Ticket Office: 0871 663 2500

Online booking: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Ticket price: �20 & �25

Marianne will be performing songs from her new album 'Easy Come Easy Go' (released in UK on March 16) as well as a selection of songs from her long and distinguished career. One of the most original female singer-songwriters this country has produced, Marianne possesses that rare ability to transform any lyric into something compelling and personal; and not just on her own songs, for she has become a master of the art of finding herself in the words and music of others.

Album review

FESTIVAL ROUND-UP

Cambridge Rock Festival

CAMBRIDGE ROCK SPECIAL FEATURE

Guilfest 2009

GUILFEST '09 SPECIAL FEATURE

BLAZE BAYLEY HEADLINES SOS EVENT

SOS Festival (School's Out For Summer) returns for its' 2nd year at Radcliffe Civic, near Manchester) on 11th July & boasts no less than Blaze Bayley, the former-Iron Maiden vocalist, as its' headline act. Says the event organiser Lynne Hampson "It's a real coup for the festival to have Blaze headline the day for us. We're delighted with the way the line-up has come together with 7 of the 11 bands actually signed to record labels. Things have progressed very fast indeed".

SOS takes place on 11th July at Radcliffe Civic, Thomas Street, Radcliffe & doors open to the public from 2.00pm until 11.30pm. The event is the only one of its kind in the area & is an all-day rock & metal festival featuring an array of talent from around the country.

As Lynne explains "Last year SOS set out to be a regional event and although it retained that side to it, we also widened the appeal & we know that many people travelled a good distance to attend. This year we have lots of feedback that people will be travelling to the show from all over the country.

"We have of course Blaze Bayley who was previously with Iron Maiden, one of the biggest metal bands on the planet, but we also have Fury UK who are currently on a UK tour with Blaze & have played Bloodstock & Bulldog Bash festivals, Serotonal featuring Darren White (ex-Anathema) & Crosswire featuring Marshall Gill (New Model Army)."

More information: www.sosfestival.net

HAWKWIND HEADLINE SKYFEST ON JULY 12

Legendary rock band Hawkwind have been confirmed as the headline act as part of the 2009 Biddulph Festival on Sunday 12th July. Now in its eleventh year the organisers have teamed up with local music promoters and entrepreneurs Chris and Gemma Connelly to extend the highly popular events at Biddulph Grange Country Park from the usual one day to two.

The Sunday event goes under the name of SKYFEST and the event is aimed at helping to launch a brand new music education and studio complex called Sky Studios.

Eric Cox long time Biddulph festival programmer said "music in the Biddulph Grange Park has always been our signature event and Biddulph Festival is delighted to team up with Skyfest, to bring a great family entertainment for the people of the area".

Hawkwind enjoyed world wide stadium status throughout the world when their single Silver Machine hit the UK charts in 1972, and this event set to be the biggest promotion of its kind in the town.

The evening show will be ticketed and start at 6pm. The festival site is open free of charge during the day from 12pm to 5pm with a line up of local live music, stalls, bar, refreshments and workshops. The local live music will take the form of a 'Battle of the Bands' final, the winner of which will open the evening event for Hawkwind.

Tickets for Hawkwind are �20 and are on sale from Thursday 2nd April from www.sky-fest.co.uk or www.sky-studios.co.uk

CORNBURY FESTIVAL 2009 JULY 11th & 12th

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS, SUGABABES, THE PRETENDERS, JOE JACKSON, THE MAGIC NUMBERS, IMELDA MAY, TEDDY THOMPSON, SHARLEEN SPITERI, EDDI READER, THE DAMNED PLUS MANY MORE

Cornbury Festival continues its eclectic musical tradition as it announces the line up for its sixth glorious year. The Festival has just added Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac founder) to the World Stage on July 11 and The Lightning Seeds to the main stage on July 12.

With a fusion of indie pop Brit nominees Scouting for Girls and 'Belle de Jour' Imelda May, the stage is shared with inimitable girl group The Sugababes and Chrissie Hynde's legendery rock outfit The Pretenders.

"Cornbury is a unique experience in all manner of ways", says promoter Hugh Phillimore. "We're immensely proud of our musical diversity and family friendly ethos. Where else could you see The Damned and the Sugababes on one bill?"

The festival embraces the 'something for everyone' approach. From alt rockers The Magic Numbers and rising stars Teddy Thompson and Ava Leigh, to the retro classic chic of Sharleen Spiteri, Cornbury attracts festival goers from all age ranges and with all manner of tastes.

For all ticket information please visit www.cornburyfestival.com

Tickets prices:- Adult weekend with camping �110/under 16 �65, Day tickets - Adult �55/under 16 �27.50

Cornbury takes place on 11th and 12th of July 2009 at the Cornbury Park Estate, Charlbury, Oxfordshire, OX7 3EH.

Cornbury Festival is 30 minutes from Oxford and 75 minutes from London

Parking is free at the festival grounds

HOP FARM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE FRATELLIS AS SATURDAY HEADLINER
Vince Power's Hop Farm Festival have announced the The Fratellis as this years Saturday exclusive headliner. The Brit Award winning Scottish Indie pop collective will top Saturday's impressive band line up.
More acts will be announced shortly. The Festival takes place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July at The Hop Farm on the A228 near Paddock Wood, Kent.
There is also the return of the '5 a side celebrity football tournament', one of the most popular activities at Vince's previous festival extravaganzas. Alongside this the Hop Farm will offer fun fare and campsite entertainment, defining itself an 'un-missible event' on the summer calendar.
The Hop Farm Festival returns as a truly unique experience, exclusively themed as an event totally free of ticket registration, with No VIP areas, No Branding or Sponsorship. This year the festival offers a weekend experience of boutique camping, top-notch food and traditional ales, with some of the best artists playing over 3 stages.
It is a festival for festival- goers, returning live music to its roots, where music lovers turn up and enjoy the same experience as every other ticket holder. Weekend tickets are �125.00 inc camping and parking and with day tickets at �65.00, its one of the cheapest festival tickets available.
For all the information on this years event go to their brand new website at: www.hopfarmfestival.com
To Book Tickets please visit www.seetickets.com.

WHATFEST RETURNS - FULL LINE UP ANNOUNCED
The North West's newest music festival Whatfest has announced it is to return bigger and better for 2009.
Cheshire's leading live music festival, Whatfest, has confirmed a superb line-up for this year's event.

The three-day music extravaganza has announced its full line-up for 2009 with almost 70 up-and-coming acts from across the UK lining up alongside the likes of Dodgy, The Bluetones and China Crisis, at Riverside Organic Farm, Whatcroft, from July 17.

Rudheath heroes The Shallow Call are sure to draw a huge crowd, whilst other bands including Stockport's Eskimo Smile, and Manchester's Jessie Rose Trip are not to be missed, and boast huge fan bases.

Event organiser Simon Bennett said: "We have managed to secure an amazing line-up for the festival this year and have bands coming from all over the country.

"Considering this is only our second year it is a great achievement, and shows just how popular the festival has become in such a short space of time.

"Whatfest is all about giving up and coming acts the chance to shine on the big stage, and we have being working hard to hunt out the biggest and best talent.

"We have bands like Dirty Avenues from Manchester, who have more than 750,000 myspace hits, along with Sam Issac and Sgt Wolfbanger, who are great bands that are sure to go a long way in the industry."

Early bird discounts are available until May 31, with day tickets from just �16.50 and weekend passes �39.50.

For up-to-date news on the festival visit www.whatfest.co.uk

A-Ha AND REAMONN FOR iTUNES FESTIVAL

A-ha will be performing live at the London iTunes Festival on 24 July. The event takes place at the Roundhouse in Camden, and they will be supported by band Reamonn

A-Ha, Norway's multi-million selling purveyors of instant pop gems, return on 6 July 2009 with the brand new single 'Foot Of the Mountain' released on Universal Music Record label.

On 24 August 2009, Reamonn will return to the UK with the release of their brand new single 'Moments Like This' on Universal Music Record Label.

The single will hit the stores a week after they appear at iTunes Festival at Camden's Roundhouse on 24 July. Already established as a stadium filling behemoth in Europe, having played at both Live 8 and Live Earth, Reamonn have gradually introduced themselves to a UK audience by playing intimate venues in London.

AUTUMN TOURS/GIGS

Mick Ralphs and Ian Hunter Photo: Keith Smith, Two Miles From Heaven, Mott The Hoople Appreciation Society
MOTT THE HOOPLE RECEIVE LIFETIME AWARD
MOTT THE HOOPLE were awarded The MOJO Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mojo Awards ceremony on Thursday 11 June.
Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen and Dale Griffin were there in person to accept the award.
Mott The Hoople (Verden Allen, Dale Griffin, Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs and Overend Watts) will reform for five anniversary concerts at Hammersmith Apollo London on 1st, 2nd & 3rd October 2009. Extra dates have been added on October 5 and 6. Tickets on sale Monday March 16. It will be the first time the original line-up has played together for over 35 years.
Formed in 1969 when Ian Hunter joined Verden Allen, Dale Griffin, Overend Watts and Mick Ralphs - Mott The Hoople released their eponymous debut album that same year.
By 1971 they were selling out and trashing the Albert Hall - rock bands were banned for years afterwards - but just 12 months later, after on-stage punches and insults were thrown, Mott The Hoople split, only reforming thanks to longtime fan, David Bowie. He gave them 'All The Young Dudes' the first of a string of hits including the Mott-penned songs 'Roll Away The Stone', 'Honaloochie Boogie' and 'The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll'. Despite the success and accolades Mott The Hoople's split was surely inevitable and by 1974 vocalist Ian Hunter had quit the band.
It is fitting that the 2009 shows are at Hammersmith Apollo - this is where one side of the famous 'Mott The Hoople Live' album was recorded in 1973 and was the venue they had to play twice in one day to satisfy ticket demand, the second show ending in near riot when the curtain came down on their final encore.
Tickets on sale January 22nd 2009: priced �36.00 and �42.50 available from:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
www.seetickets.co.uk/08700 603 777
www.ticketweb.co.uk/08700 600 100
Angel Air will be re promoting its extensive Mott The Hoople back catalogue as well releases from Verden Allen and Mick Ralphs over the next few months.
New albums from Overend Watts and Verden Allen will be released on Angel Air in the summer of 2009.

Angel Air website

FLEETWOOD MAC ADD 2nd WEMBLEY SHOW TO THEIR UNLEASHED TOUR
Due to phenomenal demand, an additional show at London's Wembley Arena on Saturday 31st October has just been added to Fleetwood Mac's UK Tour.
Following on the heels of their hugely successful 55-city sold out North American Tour, legendary super group Fleetwood Mac will be bringing their "UNLEASHED TOUR" (their first concert tour of Europe in five years) to the UK.
It was confirmed by Live Nation, the tour's international producers, that the tour will begin in Glasgow, Scotland on October 22nd and visit 5 other cities in the UK and Ireland.
The show will include all the Mac's greatest hits from over the course of their career as one of the most enduring and influential rock bands of all time.
THURSDAY 22 GLASGOW SECC
SATURDAY 24 O2 DUBLIN
TUESDAY 27 MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS ARENA
FRIDAY 30 LONDON WEMBLEY ARENA
SATURDAY 31 LONDON WEMBLEY ARENA (EXTRA DATE)

Photo: Lee Millward
ALICE COOPER'S THEATRE OF DEATH TOURS THE UK IN THE AUTUMN
Alice Cooper's Theatre of Death Tour, comes to 10 UK cities in November and December, and is set to surpass all previous spectaculars.
Featuring many of Cooper's massive hits including School's Out and Poison plus newer material from his 2008 "Along Came A Spider" album..."
"Alice Cooper's Theatre of Death" is a very different show than any that has gone before. Always expect the unexpected from the unpredictable Alice Cooper"
This time the King of Shock Rock has specifically chosen to stage this more visual UK tour, in smaller more theatrical venues for the first time in many years, in order to offer fans a closer look at the gruesome action.
Of his latest tour, Alice says, "I ALWAYS prefer to play theatres because it makes the theatrics of our show so much more intense. With this being a new show, with things we've never done before, we're proving that Alice is totally indestructible. It's still pure rock 'n roll of course. The great thing is that England always gets our shows better than anyone else."
The band features long time Alice Cooper regulars Damon Johnson and Keri Kelli, guitars; Chuck Garric, bass and Jimmy deGrasso, drums.
Support for the tour will be Man-Raze, who are Def Leppard's Phil Collen (vocals, guitar); Paul Cook (drums), founder of The Sex Pistols one of the most influential bands of all time and Simon Laffy (bass) who was a member of Collen's pre-Leppard outfit, Girl.
Full tour details:-
Tues 24th Nov Manchester Apollo 0844 4777 677
Wed 25th Nov Glasgow Clyde Auditorium 0870 040 4000
Fri 27th Nov Newcastle City Hall 0191 261 2606
Sat 28th Nov Sheffield City Hall 0114 278 9789
Sun 29th Nov Swindon Oasis 0179 344 5401
Tue 1st Nov Wolverhampton Civic Hall 0870 320 7000
Wed 2nd Dec Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460
Fri 4th Dec Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555
Sat 5th Dec Brighton Centre 0870 900 9100
Sun 6th Dec London HMV Hammersmith Apollo 0844 844 4748
Tickets go onsale on Friday 29th May at 9.00am. Ticket prices are �33.50 in London and �32.50 regionally (all subject to booking fee). Buy online at www.livenation.co.uk. Credit cards 0844 576 5483 (24 hours). Doors will open at 7pm at all venues.

THE ANSWER ANNOUNCE UK HEADLINE TOUR
Irish Hard Rockers The Answer have announced they will be playing a 15 date headline tour of the UK and Ireland in November/December of this year (dates and details below).
The Answer got together in spring 2000, signed a contract with the legendary Australian rock label, Albert Productions, in 2005 and brought out their debut album, Rise, in 2006. The band have performed with icons such as the Rolling Stones, The Who and Aerosmith. Playing celebrated headlining tours in England, Japan and Australia.
Everyday Demons is The Answer's second album. "When you listen to the new songs, you'll discover more or less a cross section of our private record collections," comments guitarist Paul Mahon. "Everything we like and much more can be discovered on Everyday Demons."
"Naturally, our lyrics are mostly about beautiful women, the fun we have with our music and other important experiences in life," Mahon grins ambiguously.
Most recently the band have supported AC/DC on their 'Black Ice' World tour to huge critical acclaim, claiming new fans the world over. Make sure you don't miss them later this year when they return to the UK to rock a city near you.
Due to ligament/tendon damage to drummer James Heatley's left hand, The Answer had to cancel club dates in April.
The band are set to release the single 'Tonight' on May 24th, the second from album 'Everyday Demons'.
The single will be backed by two new exclusive B-sides
The new album's high UK chart placing comes quickly after the January success in Japan where 'Everyday Demons' entered the international Japanese album charts at number 8!
There is heightened expectation also in Europe and the US, where 'Everyday Demons' has also been released. The USA has already seen an iTunes 'Single of the week' of the album track 'Demon Eyes' which was downloaded over 280,000 times last week.
November
25th - Manchester Academy
26th - ABC Glasgow
27th - Edinburgh Picture House
28th - O2 Academy Newcastle
30th - Sheffield Corporation
December
1st - Nottingham Rock City
2nd - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
4th - O2 Academy Bristol
5th - O2 Academy Oxford
6th - Portsmouth Pyramid Centre
8th - Cambridge Junction
9th - HMV Forum, London
10th - O2 Academy Liverpool
12th - O2 Academy Dublin
14th - Belfast Ulster Hall
Tickets are on sale now priced at �13.00 Regionally and �14.00 for London and can be booked through www.livenation.co.uk (all tickets subject to a booking fee)

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IAN ANDERSON TOURS IN SEPTEMBER
As the self-professed "unplugged guy with a bunch of noisy friends" Jethro Tull's legendary frontman, Ian Anderson commands much respect as an acoustic musician amongst his peers.
The only original member of Jethro Tull, Ian remains synonymous with the brand identity.
Now, after 40 years of leading Tull, playing in 52 countries on the way, Ian Anderson brings his new tour to the UK in September for both old and new fans alike.
Although Jethro Tull are usually found sharing the same delicatessen shelf as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Who, The Rolling Stones and the other worthy stalwarts of the British "Rock Invasion" of the seventies. It is all too often forgotten that a large part of the Tull repertoire is, in fact, acoustic music, whether whole songs or sections of the blockbusters such as Thick As A Brick and Aqualung.
With a band consisting of German guitar virtuoso Florian Opahle, pianist and accordionist John O'Hara, bassist David Goodier, Drummer Mark Mondsir and special guests, Ian will play Tull acoustic classics as well as other specially re-arranged Tull rock material and, in addition, some new material specially written for these tours.
Drawing on Folk, Classical, Rock and Jazz music styles, Ian blends elements of many world music cultures to delight his fans.
Full tour details for September 2009 are:
Tues 15th Peterborough The Cresset �24.50 & �22.50 01733 842 515 www.cresset.co.uk
Wed 16 th King's Lynn Corn Exchange �24.50 01553 765 565 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
Thurs 17th Buxton Opera House �23.00 & �25.00 0845 1272190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Fri 18th Bridlington Spa Theatre �24.50 01262 678258 www.eastriding.gov.uk/leisure/tourism/thespa
Sat 19th Lancaster Grand Theatre �22.50 01524 845 230 www.lancastergrand.co.uk
Mon 21st Yeovil Octagon Theatre �22.50 & �24.50 01935 845 911 www.octagon-theatre.co.uk
Tues, 22nd Cheltenham Town Hall �22.50 + �24.50 01242 774548 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Weds 23rd Aylesbury Civic Centre �22.50 + �24.50 01296 585 541 www.aylesburycivic.org
Thurs 24th Salisbury City Hall �22.50 + �24.50 01722 434 726 www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk
Mon 28th Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall �22.50 + �24.50 01892 554266 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Tues 29th Worthing Pavilion �22.50 + �24.50 01903 215 799 www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
Tickets go onsale on Thursday 9th April and are available from venue box offices or online from venue websites and maybe subject to a booking fee. There is no support. Doors open at 6.30pm at all venues.

GONG REUNITE FOR ANNIVERSARY
To celebrate their 40th Anniversary of live touring, GONG, the progressive/psychedelic rock band originally founded in 1967 by Australian musician Daevid Allen will join forces with guitarist Steve Hillage and other core members from the original line-up for a rare UK tour in November 2009.
The UK tour will celebrate the first time Gong have toured the UK since 2000. Tickets are on sale from February 25. Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777 or book online from www.seetickets.com or www.ArtistTicket.com.
Dates as follows: Bristol O2 Academy (Nov 19), Exeter Lemon Tree (Nov 20), Manchester Academy 2 (Nov 21), Edinburgh Picturehouse (Nov 22), Sheffield Leadmill (Nov 23), Leamington Spa Assembly (Nov 25), Cambridge Corn Exchange (Nov 26), London HMV Forum (Nov 27), Oxford Regal Theatre (Nov 28) and Brighton Corn Exchange (Nov 29).
Gong's music has been described as space rock. The highly anticipated forthcoming tour will reunite founding member Daevid Allen with former Gong members Steve Hillage, Gilli Smyth, Mike Howlett, Miquette Giraudy, Chris Taylor, Theo Travis and John McKenzie.
Gong are currently working on a brand new forward-looking album called "2032", the same year that the Planet Gong makes full contact with the Planet Earth - and a major new chapter in the continually evolving Gong mythology. The album will be released September 2009.

TODD PLAYS CLASSIC ALBUM GIG
Todd Rundgren - rock'n'roll icon, guitarist, interactive progenitor, singer/songwriter and record producer, will perform his paradigm shifting 1973 album, A Wizard, a True Star in its entirety for the first time ever in Britain on Saturday 6th February 2010 at the London HMV Hammersmith Apollo.
This marks Todd's only UK performance of the album which is hailed as an influential masterpiece by many of today's new bands, including Hot Chip.
Tickets for the concert go on sale at 9am on Wednesday May 27th. Tickets are priced �48.50, �45.00, �40.00, �32.00 (Agency and credit card bookings subject to a fee). Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777, Book Online: www.seetickets.com.
Although Rundgren's breakthrough 1972 album, Something/Anything? is considered by many to be his masterpiece, the psychedelic impact and bordering-on-disturbing innovation of the follow-up, A Wizard, A True Star is arguably Rundgren's most experimental and influential album and is regarded as one of the most pioneering progressive rock albums of all time.
This will be the first time in Britain that he will perform the whole record live onstage, from start to finish. The first half of the concert will feature a selection of Rundgren's songs throughout his career, while the second half will consist of the entirety of A Wizard, a True Star. Originally released in 1973, much of the album is an extended medley after the fashion of The Beatles' late recordings. The effect of the songs merging one into another was immediate, infectious and dazzling; the lyrical content was often at once both tongue in cheek and hallucinogenic.

WOODSTOCK ANNIVERSARY REISSUE IN JUNE
The three-day Woodstock music festival in 1969 was the pivotal event of the 1960's peace movement, and the Best Documentary Oscar winning film 'Woodstock - 3 Days of Peace And Music' (1970) is the definitive record of that milestone of rock n' roll history.
Warner Home Video is pouring on the love for Woodstock's 40th anniversary this summer, packing in two hours of never-before-released footage into its 4 Disc DVD and 2 Disc Blu-ray special edition. (Release date:15 June 2009)

Album review

CROSBY STILLS NASH IN CLASSIC SERIES
This summer as fans all over the world celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, the Classic Artist Series will tell the definitive and inspirational story behind a unique era of music history, which produced more legendary and ground-breaking artists than any other has since.
The documentary 'Crosby Stills & Nash Legends Of The Canyon' is packed with insightful interviews from musicians of the era and pays special attention to the story behind Crosby, Stills and Nash, a fantastic example of the musical greatness to emerge from Laurel Canyon, and a band which helped pave the way for the arrival of the California singer-songwriter movement. Other contributions include Michelle Phillips of Mamas and Papas fame and Gerry Beckley from America. Universal Pictures will release the 2 disc DVD 'Legends Of The Canyon' on 13 July 2009.

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NEW RELEASE/TOUR NEWS
(MAY 2009 - SEPTEMBER 2009)
New release dates

IN ROD WE TRUST: REISSUES
Warner Bros. via Rhino reissue ATLANTIC CROSSING and A NIGHT ON THE TOWN as Limited-Edition Two-Disc Sets with re-mastered original album, plus unreleased versions of each album track and outtakes - available for pre-order on www.rhino.co.uk
For Rod Stewart, 1975 was a year of profound personal and professional change. Because of Britain's high tax rate, he moved from London to Los Angeles, where he signed with Warner Bros. Records, and left his longtime mates in the Faces to finally commit himself as a solo artist.
His first two 'American' albums ATLANTIC CROSSING and A NIGHT ON THE TOWN went gold and double platinum respectively, charting with signature hits like 'I Don't Want To Talk About It' and 'Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright).'

Album review

BLUES ROCKER GWYN RELEASES EXPLOSIVE NEW ALBUM
A fiery combination of 21st century alternative blues, psychedelic rock and swampy Delta grooves, 'Two-Man Blues Army' was recorded in a workshop at Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, Kidderminster, in the west of England, on Gwyn Ashton's Apple laptop. The album is released on June 8.
It was engineered and mastered by David Mitson and has already received media attention, with a Guitarist magazine interview and photo shoot on location during the recording.
Two-Man Blues Army is Ashton's follow-up album to Prohibition (Album Of The Year 2007 - Guitar & Bass magazine (UK)), which featured Don Airey (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Rainbow Gary Moore), and Chris Glen and Ted McKenna (Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Ian Gillan Band, Michael Schenker Group, Rory Gallagher).
Gwyn promotes the album on Friday July 24 (Marr's Bar, Worcester).
More information

NEW ALBUM FROM RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
Rodrigo y Gabriela will release their new studio album, entitled '11:11' on Rubyworks, on Monday 7th September 2009.
'11:11' was recorded in Ixtapa, Mexico. The album has been produced by Rodrigo y Gabriela, with John Leckie co-producing two of the tracks. The album was mixed in Wales and London by Colin Richardson, best known for his work with Slipknot and Trivium.
Comprising 11 new self-written compositions, '11:11' is Rod & Gab's personal 'Gracias' to a first eleven of musicians, both past and present, who have inspired them along the way. Alex Skolnick of metal gods Testament guests on the album, as do widely respected acoustic veterans Strunz & Farah.
'11:11' is the long awaited follow up to 2006's 'Rodrigo y Gabriela', which has so far enjoyed worldwide sales in excess of half a million albums.

TUBULAR BELLS REISSUED IN JUNE
Over the last 37 years Mike Oldfield has produced timeless, unique and inspirational music that has enthralled listeners the world over. Fans old and new can celebrate the great man's work with a special release of his classic, multiplatinum selling album Tubular Bells, out on
8th June through the Mercury Music Group/Universal Music Catalogue. This is the first classic album to be released from Oldfield's back catalogue, which was transferred from Virgin to Mercury/Universal in 2008. It is 35 years since the opening passage was used in the film THE EXORCIST, making the album a global phenomenon.
This exciting new version of his 1973 groundbreaking album will not only be repackaged, but Mike himself has also remastered the tracks from his home in the Bahamas. There will be FOUR physical editions of the album, as well as TWO digital versions. All versions will carry a new 2009 stereo mix of the album. The DELUXE EDITION has a 5.1 mix, while the boxed ULTIMATE EDITION, complete with 60 page hardback book with a foreword by Mike Oldfield, poster, plectrums and all manner of Tubular delights, contains all of this as well as previously unheard demo and rough mixes of this epochal recording. There will 500 of these superb, limited editions available through www.mikeoldfield.com signed and numbered. For those who like things old school, there is a vinyl version being released as part of the acclaimed Back To Black series.
There will also be a double-disc edition of the album with a bonus disc of Oldfield's biggest hits between 1974 and 1983. This edition will be extensively advertised on TV.
To celebrate the release, on June 6th at 6pm (6.6.6pm) a worldwide bell ringing event will take place. Bells will be rung in Milan (MTV), Berlin (at Siegessaule, the location were Mike performed the legendary millennium bell concert on New Years Eve Y2K), Brussells (Atomium), Paris (the George Pompidou centre), Sydney (Opera House), Japan/Narita (at one of the traditional Japanese Temples) and finally London, where bells will be rung on at famous landmarks. Footage will then be shown on Mike's website.

TIM RIPPER OWENS (EX-JUDAS PRIEST AND EX-ICED EARTH VOCALIST) RELEASES HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM
The album, 'Play My Game' is released on 18th May 2009 through SPV/Steamhammer.
The album features 12 new tracks written by Tim or in collaboration with renowned friends, and several guest appearances from the likes of Vinnie Appice, Simon Wright, Steve Stevens, Doug Aldrich, Marco Mendoza, James Lomezo and Ray Luzier to mention but a few and promises to live-up to the 'cast of musicians'.
Album review

SECOND BATCH OF SCHENKER REISSUES IN MAY
EMI continue with their Michael Schenker Group reissues, with a second batch of remastered albums.
'Assault Attack', 'Built To Destroy' and 'Rock Will Never Die' are released on 18 May 2009.
After leaving UFO in 1978, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker returned briefly for a second stint in The Scorpions before deciding to form his own group - settling on a name that left no confusion about the creative force in the group!
To date The Michael Schenker Group has released 12 studio albums, amassing two UK Top-10s, and 6 Top-40s in the process.
The second batch of albums have now also received the remastering treatment, they come crammed with previously unreleased bonus material and feature extensive liner notes written by Classic Rock journalist Dave Ling.

Album review

ROCK LEGENDS NEKTAR CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH RELEASE OF NEW LIVE CD
The progressive music community is buzzing with the release of a new live double CD by prog-rock legends Nektar called 'Fortyfied'. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary, Nektar's contribution over the past 40 years has quite rightly earned them their place in any 'Progressive Rock Hall of Fame'. But the band is much more than a 'Prog Legend', the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. Recorded on their 2008 tour of Europe, 'Fortyfied' is released on the band's own label Treaclemusic and features many beloved Nektar classics such as "Tab In The Ocean", "Recycled pt.1", "Man In The Moon" and part two of the group's classic "Remember The Future".
The Nektar story is a remarkable one. A British rock band that found stardom and major success in Germany and the USA, yet failed to make the significant breakthrough in their own country. With three gold albums under their belt ("Remember The Future", "Down To Earth" and "Recycled"), Nektar produced some of the most original work of the seventies and eighties. In virtuoso guitarist Roye Albrighton Nektar had a charismatic front man who had shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix, in Allan "Taff" Freeman a unique keyboard player, in Derek "Mo" Moore a bass playing powerhouse and in Ron Howden a fluidity rarely found in a drummer. Fifth member Mick Brockett was not a musician, but was responsible for one of the most stunning light and visual shows ever to grace the rock stage. Nektar's history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed was out...until that is, the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long awaited reunion tour of the classic line-up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions. The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow - by loyal fans across the globe! "It's pretty timeless music," says Roye Albrighton, "and what I'm hearing from most of the new, younger fans that are now coming to our shows, is that it's like going back in time. They are starting to really discover music again, which, of course, is a great relief to us and some of the older bands from our time."
An American tour in September 2004 saw Taff Freeman depart the band for personal reasons and his successor, Hammond virtuoso Tom Hughes, instantly earning a place in the hearts of the Nektar faithful. With continued concert dates, along with the remastering of the remainder of the Nektar back catalogue on CD, this legendary band has become once more a proud force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive music. In 2007 Nektar truly took over their own management, procured their official website as their own, entirely under their control and went on a 22-date tour of Germany. Joining Roye and Ron was Peter Pichl on 5-string bass and Klaus Henatsch on keyboards, these two new members from the rock 'n roll city of Hanover, Germany, seemed to gel from the outset and now, along with the release of the critically acclaimed CD 'Book of Days' in 2008 and the new live DBL CD 'Fortyfied', Nektar looks set to make its mark once again.
Much to the elation of US Nektar fans, the band is scheduled to play three special engagements in America:

Album review

'FIREFALL REUNION LIVE' Celebrates Thirty-Two Years Of Platinum Rock & Roll
Classic rock fans worldwide have long awaited 'Firefall Reunion Live.' With one magical concert, Firefall brings back a younger time where melodies rule and musicality soars.
Original Firefall members joined the current band, together for twenty years, in front of a sold-out hometown crowd at the Boulder Theater on April 9, 2008 for this memorable and satisfying live performance.
The list of recognizable songs is impressive: "Just Remember I Love You," "Strange Way," "Cinderella," "You Are The Woman" "Livin Ain't Livin," "Mexico," "So Long," "Goodbye I Love You" and many others.
There's also the newest Firefall single, "Walk More Softly." Their vocals and musicianship are at an extremely high level; the solos feature spontaneous fiery interaction between lead guitars, sax and flute.
Firefall burst onto the national and international music scene in 1976 with two platinum and three gold albums in their first three years. They enjoyed saturation radio airplay and toured with the top groups of the day: Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Band, Loggins and Messina, The Allman Brothers Band, REO Speedwagon, Bob Seger, Heart, America and many others.
The veteran Firefall band members who joined forces that evening included JOCK BARTLEY - lead & rhythm guitars, lead & backing vocals (original member), MARK ANDES - bass guitar and backing vocals (original member), LARRY BURNETT - lead & backing vocals, rhythm guitars (original member), DAVID MUSE - sax, flute, keyboards, harmonica, backing vocals (original member) and JOE LALA - congas, timbales, percussion (original member).

KANSAS TO CELEBRATE 35TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIVE SYMPHONIC DVD, 'THERE'S KNOW PLACE LIKE HOME,' ROCKLINE APPEARANCE, AND US SUMMER TOUR
Kansas s celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of Kansas' self-titled 1974 debut than with a live DVD, 'There's Know Place Like Home,' which will be released on August 4th. A hi-def for Blu-ray release (mixed in 5.1 surround sound), the show was filmed on February 7th of this year in their home state (at Washburn University's White Concert Hall), and was certainly not your average affair.
For this show, the group - which includes singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, violinist David Ragsdale, bassist Billy Greer, and drummer Phil Ehart - was united with former members Kerry Livgren (guitar/keyboards) and Steve Morse (guitar), as well as the 50-piece Washburn University Orchestra.
When asked how it was to play alongside an orchestra, Ehart responds, "It's always an adventure. Adding another 50 people to your 'band' can always prove eventful. Our biggest memories are usually of certain symphonies that look down their noses at our music. What's funny about this is that those symphonies are usually the ones that have the most trouble playing our scores!" And when the topic of playing with Livgren and Morse comes up, Williams gets downright philosophical. "Very comfortable...like loose fitting underwear." Comprised of a solid track listing that includes fine renditions of Kansas classics ("Dust in the Wind," "Carry On Wayward Son," etc.) and fan favorites ("Hold On," "On the Other Side," etc.), 'There's Know Place Like Home' will surely go down as one of the group's best-ever live performances.
In addition to the DVD's release, Kansas will appear on the popular syndicated radio show, Rockline, on Wednesday, August 5th, from 11:30pm to 1:00am. The group will also be supporting the DVD's release with a summer's worth of tour dates. And if that wasn't enough, Kansas' members (save Walsh) are preparing the debut release of their new side band, Native Window, which will issue their self-titled album on June 23rd, and "open" for Kansas on the summer tour. And as far as Kansas' popularity, it continues to flourish, as their classic ballad, "Dust in the Wind" recently obtained gold status as a digital download, while their classic rocker, "Carry On Wayward Son," is featured on the games 'Guitar Hero II' and 'Rock Band II.' "They still get a lot of attention, still get a lot of airplay," says Williams about the enduring popularity of Kansas' songs. "They have retained a relevance through the years, that only a small percent of recordings do." With the release of 'There's Kn ow Place Like Home' and the supporting tour, Kansas will prove this theory as fact once again this summer.
KANSAS Tour dates with Native Window for 2009:
04/25/09 Patchhogue NY Performing Arts Center
06/13/09 Joplin MO Landreth Park
07/24/09 Merced CA Fair
08/23/09 Rochester, MN Mayo Civic Center

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POWER QUEST CONFIRMED FOR METALFEST UK AND PROG POWER USA
POWER QUEST are pleased to announce two festival appearances for 2009!
They are confirmed for the first edition of a new UK festival called Metalfest, set to take place on September 25-27, 2009 at JB's in Dudley. The 6 piece will play amongst the likes of Blaze Bayley, Brainstorm and Threshold, to name a few of the confirmed acts. For more information, please visit: www.metalfest.org.uk
Also Power Quest will be attending the ultimate Power Metal event in the US, happening in Atlanta on 11th and 12th Sept 2009 in its 10th year! ProgPower USA X will have Royal Hunt, Fates Warning, Pagan's Mind and many more established bands on their bill. Some more US shows around the festival are planned and will be announced in 2009. More information on ProgPower: http://www.progpowerusa.com
Guitarist Andrea Martongelli is already looking forward to it: "We were on fire on the recent UK tour, Bill and I will show everyone out there, that we are THE ultimate guitar duo in power metal. We are second to none, and 2009 will be the year to prove it live!" And his shredder twin Bill Hudson adds: "I will be in the Guinness books of records soon, as I am going to play ProgPower now for the 3rd time in a row! Awesome!"

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