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News archive May 2010 -


Rush


UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP INTERNATIONAL TO RELEASE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, AWARD WINNING RUSH DOCUMENTARY ON DVD & BLURAY

RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE AVAILABLE JUNE 28th

Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, in association with Banger Films is thrilled to announce the feature length DVD and Blu-ray release of the critically acclaimed, award winning documentary, 'Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage' on June 28.

The film made its world premiere in April at the ninth annual Tribeca Film Festival in NYC and the filmmakers, Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn won the highly coveted Heineken Audience Award.

Rush (Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart) is one of rock's most influential bands, ranking third for most consecutive gold and platinum albums behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The band has engaged legions of devoted fans over the decades and is revered by generations of musicians.

The documentary features never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with some of today's most respected rock artists such as Billy Corgan, Taylor Hawkins, Trent Reznor, Sebastian Bach, Kirk Hammett, Jack Black and Gene Simmons.

'Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage' explores the forty-year career and phenomenon behind what could be the world's biggest cult band. Directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn embark on a comprehensive exploration of this extraordinary power trio, from their early days in Toronto, through each of their landmark albums, to the present day.

DVD Review

"...will appeal not only to the band's loyal fan base but also to all those who are interested in finding out how it is possible for an outfit as cult and commercially-unmotivated as Rush to sell out huge arenas, thirty six whole years after their first album came to light." John Stefanis

Ultimate Festival Kit

ULTIMATE FESTIVAL PINK KIT LAUNCHES

The Ultimate Festival Kit have announced the release of a new addition to their kit collection - The Ultimate Festival Kit Pink.

This new survival kit is packed full with nineteen convenient travel size essentials preparing the ladies for this summer's music festival no matter what the weather. No need for the festival goer to run around to various shops spending more time and money than necessary. This pre-packed kit with ten essentials has all the bases covered for the girly way to festival survival.

The Ultimate Festival Kit Pink contains virtually everything you need to get through all of the conditions you are likely to encounter. It contains not only your standard essentials such as ponchos and suncream, but also some fantastic new items such as UV face paint, tampons in a cute carrying case, feminine wipes, dry shampoo, hair ties and much more.

Andrea Embling, Director and Co-creator of The Ultimate Festival Kit comments - 'After reviewing valuable feedback from our customers, I decided that now was the time to create a kit especially for women. After all women have different needs than men, so why not build a kit to suit?'

More information


Bloodstock Open Air

TWISTED SISTER, ENSIFERUM, EDGUY, EVILE COMPLETE BLOODSTOCK 10th ANNIVERSARY

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 festival has also confirmed bands for the SOPHIE LANCASTER stage: Benediction, Witchsorrow, Enforcer, Killing Machine, Steelwing, Mithras, The Prophecy and Regardless of Me, Purified In Blood and Mordecai.

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 includes Opeth/ 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


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).

Now, with less than two months to go, SONISPHERE has announced a further 19 acts to the already stellar line up.

Joining the Friday night festivities, it is an honour to confirm that GARY NUMAN will make his KNEBWORTH debut before ALICE COOPER opens his Theatre Of Death. With 12 top 20 singles under his belt, the electro-pop pioneer comes armed with a string of hits spanning his 30+ year career. With a fanclub including musicians such as Dave Grohl, Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor, GARY NUMAN's influence in the world of rock is indisputable. Indeed such is the high regard that Trent Reznor (whose NINE INCH NAILS played their final UK show at last year's SONISPHERE) holds for the pioneering NUMAN, that he invited him to join NIN onstage during their 02 shows last year, and rumours are rife of a musical collaboration between the two. See why GARY NUMAN has achieved legendary status at this exclusive festival set, and his only remaining UK performance of 2010.

After making his UK solo debut at last year's SONISPHERE, it is with tremendous excitement that we can confirm the return of COREY TAYLOR to BOHEMIA. Armed with an acoustic guitar and his voice, this is a rare opportunity to see the SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR up close and personal, at this exclusive performance.

Joining COREY on the Saturday at BOHEMIA will be Lauren Harris' SIX HOUR SUNDOWN, whilst on the Red Bull Bedroom Jam stage additions come in the form of DON BRONCO, Belfast rockers GENERAL FIASCO, Icelandic hardcore mob ENDLESS DARK, and London Grungers JAPANESE VOYERS. The JAGERMEISTER stage sees additions in the form of ALLIES, RSJ and the TOM HOLLISTER TRIO, while OUTCRY COLLECTIVE are set to make a racket on the STRONGBOW BOWTIME BAR stage.

Sunday additions include classic rockers VOODOO SIX at Bohemia, SACRED MOTHER TONGUE, SLAM CARTEL, GU MEDICINE and TURBOWOLF on the new look JAGERMEISTER stage, with a special performance from blues rocker PHILIP SAYCE on the STRONGBOW BOWTIME BAR stage.

SONISPHERE takes place at KNEBWORTH HOUSE July 30th - August 1st 2010


John Norum
Photo: Kenneth Markstrom

EUROPE'S JOHN NORUM ANNOUNCES SOLO RELEASE; EUROPE PLAY iTUNES FESTIVAL

Mascot Records have announced the July 5th release date of 'Play Yard Blues' - the long-awaited new studio album from Europe guitarist John Norum.

Hot on the heels of Europe's critically acclaimed 2009 album 'Last Look At Eden', Play Yard Blues is Norum's seventh solo release, featuring seven original John Norum tracks and three covers, including Thin Lizzy's It's Only Money, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush' Ditch Queen and Mountain's Travellin' in the Dark.

The new solo album sees Norum take his guitar playing in a new direction. While his trademark sound and distinctive style remains, the new recordings embody a bluesy rock vibe and much more soulful approach.

Both mixed and produced by John Norum, Play Yard Blues was recorded in Norum's home town of Stockholm alongside Peer Stappe (who play percussion on the album). Norum's long-standing Europe bandmate Mic Michaeli appears on the album, playing keyboards on several tracks.

The band will perform music from their current critically acclaimed album 'Last Look At Eden', plus all their classics including the timeless anthem 'The Final Countdown.'

"We'll be well up for playing at the famous Roundhouse in Camden," says Europe's lead singer Joey Tempest. "Recording the event live makes it even more exciting."

More than 60 acts will perform throughout July's 31 nights, including Ozzy Osbourne, Faithless, Scouting For Girls, Foals, Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding, Phoenix, The Courteeners, Underworld, The XX, Laura Marling, The Drums, Wild Beasts, Scissor Sisters, Goldfrapp, Kate Nash, Pixie Lott and Tony Bennett.

Album review

John Norum page and podcast link


Blaze Bayley Photo: Noel Buckley/GRTR!

BLAZE BAYLEY & BLACK SPIDERS HEADLINE SOS FESTIVAL ON 9TH & 10TH JULY 2010

SOS Festival (Schools Out For Summer) is back at Radcliffe Civic Hall for its' 3rd year in 2010 & this time, expanded to a two day indoor event, the headliners are Black Spiders on the Classic Rock day, Friday 9th July, & former Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley on the Metal day, Saturday 10th July.

The full line-up for each day:

9th July - Black Spiders, Falling Red, 4Bitten, Citizen Charlie, The Crave, Exit State, The Jokers, Hell To Pay.

10th July - Blaze Bayley, Fury UK, Babylon Fire, Nightvision, Moth Circus, The More I See, Skull Branded Pirates, Extreme O.D., Collibus, Fantasist, Spires, Afterdown.

With 20 bands over the 2 days, the festival again combines the well known, international talent, with local Manchester talent and focuses on quality throughout. As well as the obvious attraction of the headliners, there's also notable highlights such as Fury UK who've won over so much of the metal community this year since being backed by Metal Hammer magazine in its Hotlist 2010 and putting in an amazing performance at Hammerfest in March.

The More I See featuring former-Prodigy guitarist Gizz Butt; Falling Red who've come up with the sleaze/glam rock release of the year with 'Shake The Faith' and hotly tipped by both Classic Rock & Big Cheese magazines whilst also touring as main support to former-AC/DC singer Dave Evans in May; 4Bitten (Greece) who tour the UK between May & July with Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network) & Michael Schenker (UFO/Scorpions).

The Crave who've recently supported the legendary Deep Purple and last but not least the nautical seafaring metal madness & fun of the Skull Branded Pirates.

SOS Festival is the brainchild of Manchester's independent record label Rocksector Records and is run in association with Scan Computers. Says Lynne Hampson (PR Manager at Rocksector Records) "Put this fantastic line-up of bands together with free parking, easy transport links, cheap accommodation nearby, and you have an amazing rock and metal experience at a mere £15 for a two day ticket & £10 for a single day ticket if you prefer".

More information at www.sosfestival.net

Tickets on sale now at www.ticketline.co.uk


SUZANNE VEGA CLOSE-UP IN JUNE

Suzanne Vega will go down in pop history as the bard of Tom's Diner, but she's also been writing potent love songs since her debut album in 1985.

"Close Up Vol 1: Love Songs, released June 14, reinterprets 12 of her classic songs, including 'Gypsy', "the most poignant ode to lost love ever!" (TIME MAGAZINE)

In 1985, songer-songwriter Suzanne Vega released her stunning self-titled debut album. 25 years and 7 million album sales later, she is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation.

Now Suzanne is reinterpreting a majority of her catalogue in an intimate and personal way, creating 4 new thematic albums that will be released over the next 2 years.

The first of these is Suzanne Vega Close-Up, Vol 1, Love Songs, which will include stripped down versions of her influential hit Marlene On The Wall, bossa nova favourite Caramel and many more.

Suzanne will tour the UK and Ireland in June as follows:

Mon 14 June Salford The Lowry BO: 0843 208 6000
Weds 16 June London Cadogan Hall *** SOLD OUT ***
Thur 17 June Basingsoke Anvil BO: 01256 844244
Sat 19 June Birmingham Town Hall BO: 0121 780 3333
Sun 20 June Gateshead Sage BO: 0191 443 4661
Mon 21 June Glasgow City Hall BO: 0141 358 8000


Ronnie James Dio
Photo: Ian Pollard

RONNIE JAMES DIO PASSES AWAY (1942-2010)

Legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio has passed away after losing his battle with stomach cancer.

His wife and manager, Wendy Dio, has said the following:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.

"Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all.We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss."

"Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."


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.

Album review

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.

Ratt

RATT RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM AND TOUR

Sunset Strip legends, RATT are back! 'Infestation', their first studio album in 11 years is released 19th April and the band have shuffled dates for their UK visit in June.

The album has been warmly received at press, with Classic Rock magazine calling 'Infestation' ..their best studio form in 25 years.

Meantime, the band have confirmed their Main stage slot at Donington's Download Festival, and have moved their previously announced London club show forward from July to June for scheduling reasons. A Belfast show has also been added. The dates now run as follows:

Sun 13th June - DONINGTON Download Festival (Main Stage) - www.downloadfestival.co.uk

Tue 15th June - LONDON O2 Islington Academy - www.o2academyislington.co.uk/event/6945/ratt-tickets

Wed 16th June - BELFAST Spring & Airbrake - www.cdcleisure.net/2.php?&band=285&venue=Spring+%26+Airbrake

Thu 17th June - WOLVERHAMPTON Civic - http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/index.asp?loc=whatsonshow&woid=14204

Tickets are on sale now from box offices, all usual ticketing agents and online at the links above or www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

There's been a flurry of activity in the Ratt camp in the past few years. Vocalist Stephen Pearcy has returned to the fold and the band has since signed to the Loud & Proud division of Roadrunner Records. The legendary Los Angeles rock squad, also featuring guitarist Warren DeMartini, drummer Bobby Blotzer, bassist Robbie Crane and new guitarist Carlos Cavazo, engineered Hollywood's much-heralded Sunset Strip sound in the 1980s.

"We wanted this to be like something that we would have written right after [1984's] 'Out of the Cellar', Pearcy said. "We definitely went back to basics with the mindset of a band with a lot of excitement and some great songs to get out." 'Infestation' was produced by Elvis Baskette (Alter Bridge) in the knob twiddler's Virginia studio, marking the first time the band has recorded outside of Los Angeles. The album is full of attitude and of reflection, cycling through a range of emotions. There are party anthems that Ratt are known for alongside more contemplative, thoughtful tunes.


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


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
 


Y & T NEW ALBUM OUT MAY 21

Y&T, featuring original members Dave Meniketti (vocals and lead guitars) and Phil Kennemore (bass), along with longtime members John Nymann (guitar) and Mike Vanderhule (drums) have recorded their first studio album in 13 years, aptly titled 'Facemelter' to be released in Europe on May 21st on Frontiers Records.

With a discography of 18 albums and three greatest hits collections, Y&T has sold over four million albums since their 1974 inception. The band has toured with numerous Rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Mötley Crüe, receiving constant and extensive airplay with hits such as Forever, Rescue Me, Mean Streak, and Summertime Girls.

Y&T songs have been featured in a multitude of movies and television shows, including Real Genius, Out of Bounds, Baywatch, and Hunter. After five US top 100 albums, songs that tipped into the 40s, two Bammie Awards, and many international television appearances, Y&T's hits are still played nowadays on classic rock radio stations everywhere.


SIMPLE MINDS SINGER SOLO PROJECT OUT 16 MAY

LOSTBOY! AKA is the debut solo album from the legendary Simple Minds' singer/ songwriter Jim Kerr. It is released in the UK & Ireland on 16th May 2010 on earMUSIC, the international pop rock label of Edel Group, distributed by Absolute via Universal. Produced by Jez Coad (Simple Minds last 2 albums) and featuring Charlie Jones on bass (Robert Plant, Page & Plant, Goldfrapp) alongside long-time Simple Minds drummer Mel Gaynor, Lostboy! AKA showcases a new musical alter ego for Jim, whilst retaining strong links with his 40-million selling, 33-year career with Simple Minds.

Jim Kerr says, "Unbelievably I seemed to have reconnected with the spirit of the kid I was when I first started to make rock music. As if I had come face to face with the lost boy that I had left behind. I wanted to make music that reflected the rediscovery of the energy with which I had reconnected.

I am delighted with the result and convinced that Lostboy! AKA is something special that will grow quickly over the next years in parallel with the ongoing great story of Simple Minds."

Album review


Natascha Sohl

GRTR! FAVOURITE RELEASES NEW ALBUM

GRTR! Favourite (and 'One To Watch') releases her second album 'Dirty Little Word' on 12 April.

'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)


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


MAGENTA REISSUE HOME AS 2-CD SET

Magenta have released their 'Home' album together with 'New York Suite' and sequenced as the band originally intended.

Says band mainman Rob Reed: "I always regretted not releasing the album as a 2 disc set, as it was originally written and recorded. At the time I was concerned that it may be too long, and so came up with the idea of releasing it as 2 discs, one containing most of the shorter pieces and the second,the New York Suite, with the majority of the longer songs.

These pieces worked together thematically as they all came from the middle of the story. However, I now believe that this took the heart out of the album, so when the time came to press the CD again, it was an ideal opportunity to put it all back together at last and present the whole album as it was intended"

The album is exclusively available via the band's website: www.magenta-web.com

The band recently played the Winters End Festival, the last to feature band's bass player Dan Fry.

Gig review


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.

Album review

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.




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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

Album review


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'.


CHICKENFOOT RELEASE DVD AND BLU-RAY

Eagle Rock Entertainment (UK), is pleased to announce the April 26th Blu-ray and DVD release of Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On 'Live' - one of the most highly anticipated live rock'n'roll concert experiences of the year. In addition to the April 26th UK release, the Blu-ray and DVD will be released in the US on Tuesday April 20th by EMI America.

Filmed in state-of-the-art hi-definition over three sold out concerts, Chickenfoot: Get Your Buzz On 'Live' offers fans an unforgettable opportunity to experience four rock'n'roll legends, sharing a stage together and blowing the roof off with their explosive musicianship and dynamic onstage chemistry.

Chickenfoot, who won 'Best New Band' at the UK's prestigious 2009 Classic Rock Magazine Awards, features vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen, Montrose), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani.

The Blu-ray and DVD editions are jam-packed with exclusive, never-before-seen backstage footage, rare behind-the-scenes interviews, additional performance footage, photo gallery and hilarious segments featuring a host of special guest appearances from Adam Corolla, Bob Weir and Christopher Guest aka 'Nigel Tufnel' of Spinal Tap fame.

DVD review


The Gig Cartel

Gig Cartel

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Information


Europe has been confirmed to play at this year's iTunes Festival at the London Roundhouse on July 25th with Foreigner.

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