REVISED VERSION OF “JERSEY METAL: A HISTORY OF THE GARDEN STATE’S HEAVY METAL SCENE VOLUME ONE (1969-1986), WITH MORE INTERVIEWS, PHOTOS AND LAYOUT, AVAILABLE NOW

Hot off their well-received book- Jersey Metal: A History of the Garden State’s Heavy Metal Scene Volume One (1969-1986)Frank White and Alan Tecchio are unleashing a revised volume. Released on March 1st, the updated version features new band interviews, and more photos, ads, and event flyers. 

The revised layout gives the readers an enhanced story flow. The book’s initial Dec. 2022 release sold solidly throughout that month and all of 2023. There are only a few of the original version books available. As a result of the significant changes made for the revised version of Jersey Metal, the first version is now essentially a limited edition.

Jersey Metal is Frank and Alan’s engaging tribute to and celebration of New Jersey’s live and offstage metal scene’s bands, fans and culture. The book includes dozens of interviews with the musicians who once graced classic, many now-defunct stages, interviews with fans who attended shows on a religious basis, and with industry professionals whose insight and stories help to provide a full understanding of the era. 

Jersey Metal includes an abundance of White’s outstanding, front-of-the stage and off-stage photography. White started photographing shows at age 12 in 1975. He daringly lied to his parents about his whereabouts and with his mom’s 35MM camera, caught a bus in a snowstorm to shoot Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden. 

Over the ensuing years, Frank’s work has appeared in countless, prominent magazines including Rolling Stone, Creem, Hit Parader, Circus, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Revolver, Decibel, Premiere Guitar, Metal Edge and RIP. He is a contributing photographer to the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame annual induction ceremony event.

Tecchio is a renowned vocal veteran of the Jersey metal scene. He has sung for stalwarts Hades, Non-Fiction, All Time Low and Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins, as well as Texas progressive metal wizards Watchtower

Alan began writing weekly columns in a local magazine in the early 1990’s while also honing his chops as a graphic designer. His eventual skill set turned out to be a perfect match to Frank’s photos, stories and overall concept for Jersey Metal, and the duo formed WT Publishing. 

The book takes readers on a guided tour of Jersey clubs, theaters and larger venues that played host to then-nascent bands like Metallica, Slayer, The Plasmatics, Twisted Sister and many more. These New Jersey iconic venues, many of which no longer exist, range from The China Club in northern New Jersey to The Union Jack in the State’s central environs to The Galaxy at the southern end of the Garden state. 

Jersey Metal presents events chronologically, so readers see the rise to fame of Jersey natives like Jon Bon Jovi, Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple), Overkill, Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake) and Hades.

There is a plethora of old-school band flyers and contributions from additional photographers. Through interviews with bands and fans, and Frank and Alan’s personal observations, the authors organize and structure the flow of the book in an enjoyablydigestible way.

“It is a metal blessing in disguise that our revised book has made this time period of our lives even bigger and better than before,” White said. 

Tecchio adds, “I think that this new, revised volume is more inclusive than the first one because we had room to add additional content having dropped the text size and removed some ads. Overall, I feel the book has more to offer and flows way better now.”

White and Tecchio are currently working hard on Volume Two of Jersey Metal, which should be completed in late summer/early fall of 2025. The second volume will cover the years 1987-2004. The eventual third and final volume will feature the NJ metal scene from 2005-2021. 

Jersey Metal can be found at jerseymetalbook.com and in select record stores in the Tri-State Area. 

Frank and Alan will be signing copies of Jersey Metal April 26th-28th at The Chiller Theatre Toy, Model and Film Expo in Parsippany.

Share : facebooktwittergoogle plus
pinterest

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, “V,” SHARE FIRST SINGLE, “STAY FREE”

Black Country Communion, the supergroup featuring legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep PurpleBlack Sabbath), guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (The Circle, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream TheaterAlice CooperBilly Idol) will release its highly anticipated fifth studio album, V, on June 14tj. To celebrate, fans are treated to the immediate release of the album’s heavy funk lead single, Stay Free, on all major streaming platforms.

Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin ShirleyV marks a monumental chapter in the band’s storied career, embodying a renewed spirit and an evolution of their unmistakable sound. Shirley captures the essence of the band’s journey, stating, “For a band that started out as a collection of the best practitioners of their instruments, they very quickly found a unique sound. This time around, it has more purpose, the riffs are tougher, and there are hooks! Yes, hooks. It’s the most cohesive record, full of soul and grit, and I think this is the one that’s going to be the benchmark for Black Country Communion.” Glenn agrees, “In my opinion, we had the best time recording this record at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, tons of fun and a magical recording. Meet you inside the music.”

Stay Free, the lead single, is a powerhouse track that blends hard rock’s raw energy with a heavy dose of blues, channeling the spirit of legends like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. It sets the tone for what fans can expect from V — a testament to the band’s dynamic synergy and creative evolution.

Since their debut in 2010, Black Country Communion has delivered a series of critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing the group’s ability to fuse British blues-rock with American soul in a way that captivates audiences worldwide. Their return with V and the single Stay Free reaffirms their status as rock royalty and showcases their growth as musicians and storytellers.

The news follows the announcement of the band’s upcoming performance at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, March 17. This rare appearance will be the first live performance in America from the band in over 11 years. Presented by Joe Bonamassa‘s Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, all profits from the concert will be donated to support music education and musicians in need. The band is also set to appear on the Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea cruise, sailing from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from March 18th-22nd.

V track Listing:

1.  Enlighten
2.  Stay Free
3.  Red Sun
4.  Restless
5.  Letting Go
6.  Skyway
7.  You’re Not Alone
8.  Love And Faith
9.  Too Far Gone
10. The Open Road

Share : facebooktwittergoogle plus
pinterest

GUITARIST RICHIE FAULKNER WENT “FOR A RANDY RHOADS STYLE FLAVOR” ON FORTHCOMING NEW JUDAS PRIEST ALBUM, “INVINCIBLE SHIELD”

Greg Prato for Ultimateguitar.com spoke with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner, portions of the interview appear below.

UG.com: How did you approach Invincible Shield from a guitar perspective?

Richie Faulkner: The same way as always really, you sit down with the guitar, and the guitar is kind of like a conduit. The guitar brings riffs and stuff out of you. Pretty organically really…Other times, you sit down with a guitar and you’re jamming around and things jump out of it…

And then what we do, we get together the three of us, [frontman] Rob [Halford], [guitarist] Glenn [Tipton], and myself, put those ideas together, and see if any of them stick…

UG.com: Which songs are you most proud of guitar-wise?

Richie Faulkner: I think the title track has got a lot of stuff in it. It’s got a lot of riffage in it. So, I’m proud of that one in that sense. It’s got a lot of stuff going on, a lot of interesting guitar parts, and the solo section is its own little section. I was going for a Randy Rhoads-style flavor. But all of them for different reasons. You put a lot of work into each song, both individually and as a writing team, to get them as good as they can be.

Panic Attack, Trial by Fire is a bit of a different rhythm on the guitar, the title track, The Serpent and the King. And you’ve got to be proud of them, otherwise there’s no point in releasing songs or a record. Firepower was a well-received record, and if we’re not 1,000% behind what we’re doing as a band and as musicians on this, there’s no point in releasing it.”

Read more at ultimateguitar.com.

Judas Priest’s Invincible Shield will be released on March 8th through Sony Music. The band has also announced tour dates, in support of the new record, view the itinerary, here.

Share : facebooktwittergoogle plus
pinterest

EDDIE TRUNK HOSTS THE “ROCK FOR RONNIE CONCERT IN THE PARK” ON MAY 19TH

The Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills, CA is the new site of this year’s Rock For Ronnie Concert in the Park fund-raising event, benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.  Set for Sunday afternoon,  May 19th, 11AM to 6PM, the cancer charity is designating this year’s event as a “Year of the Dragon” Celebration, a symbol closely associated with the late singer who succumbed to gastric cancer in 2010. 

Although the concert will be open to the public, a limited number of VIP seats in front of the stage are on sale now for $60 each at diocancerfund.org/events and will only be available in advance.  The advance VIP tickets will also include access to the VIP bar for attendees who are over 21. 

To make full use of the abundant space afforded by this new location, the family-oriented event will be open to all, with on site donations to the 501c3 charity welcomed. To RSVP and make a donation, visit diocancerfund.org/events.

Radio and television personality Eddie Trunk, who is heard on SiriusXM’s 103 Faction Talk channel, will once again host. Headlining the Rock For Ronnie event will be heavy metal veterans Quiet Riot. Also on the bill will be rocker Lita Ford, Dio Disciples, southern rock band Jason Charles Miller and a surprise-filled jam by Eddie Trunk’s All-Star Band, which in the past has included noted musicians such as Doug Aldrich, Steven Adler, Chris Broderick, Phil Demmel, Dave Grohl, Adrian Vandenberg, Ricky Warwick, Jesse Hughes and Brian Tichy, among many others.

“This is the ‘Year of the Dragon,’ which only comes around every 12 years, and anyone who knew Ronnie knows how much he loved dragons,” explains Dio Cancer Fund founder Wendy Dio.  “Because of our wonderful sponsors and supporters, we are able to open up this year’s event at this wonderful, new event location to everyone who wants to attend, while also offering a limited number of VIP seats for purchase in advance. It is our hope that this ‘Year of the Dragon’ special event will be supported by donations that will further our charity’s initiatives in cancer education and research for a cure for this terrible disease that has taken so many of our loved ones.”   

There will be ample opportunities to support to the Dio Cancer Fund at the Rock For Ronnie via a silent auction and raffle, beverage, food and merchandise sales, artist meet and greets, a specially-created Garden of Hope and, of course, direct contributions on site.  There will also be food trucks and assorted vendor booths selling unusual crafts and other items to round out an afternoon of live music and fun for the entire family and open to everyone.

Rock For Ronnie Year of the Dragon Celebration Concert in the Park:

Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Center Park

21820 Califa Street, Woodland Hills CA 91367

11:00AM – 6:00PM 

VIP Preferred Seating Tickets are available now at: diocancerfund.org/events

$60 in advance only

Share : facebooktwittergoogle plus
pinterest

JUDAS PRIEST TO HOLD “INVINCIBLE SHIELD” LISTENING PARTIES, AT BARS IN 30 CITIES, ON MARCH 7TH; SEE IF YOUR LOCAL BAR IS ON THE LIST

There will be a global album listening party for Judas Priest‘s latest metal masterpiece, Invincible Shield, on March 7th at various metal bars in 30 cities around the world. See list below and check your local metal bar for exact time and details, many of which will also be offering giveaways and custom Judas Priest-themed cocktails for their event.

If you live near Daytona Beach, you will be able to experience a special Judas Priest pop-up shop on March 9th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Atlantic Sounds, which will be operating out of a custom Judas Priest military combat truck — “an invincible shield on wheels” — playing the album to the more than 500,000 attendees at Daytona Bike Week. Harley-Davidson will be leading a 100-biker brigade from Orlando to Daytona at 9 a.m. ET.

Fans can also find the truck and brigade at the Daytona International Speedway for a special parade lap at 12 p.m. ET before the Daytona 200. Come celebrate the release of Invincible Shield with your fellow headbangers.

“Invincible Shield” listening parties will be happening at these fine metal bars:

Aachen, GE – Schlüsselloch
Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social
Augsburg, GE – Spectrum
Austin, TX – The Lost Well
Bangor, ME – Geno’s Rock Club
Berlin, GE – Halford
Brooklyn, NY – Rocka Rolla
Buenos Aires, AR – Strummer Bar
Chicago, IL – Liar’s Club
Denver, CO – Trve Brewing
Houston, TX – Brash Brewing
Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
London, UK – The Black Heart
Los Angeles, CA – Rainbow Bar & Grill
Magdeburg, GE – Flowerpower
Mepen, GE – Alte Wäscherei
Milan, IT – Headbanger’s Pub
Montreal, CA – Mutoïde Microbrasserie
Nersingen, GE – Rocks
Orlando, FL – Dirty Laundry
Paris, FR – Dr. Feelgood’s
Providence, RI – The Scurvy Dog
Richmond, VA – Cobra Cabana
San Antonio, TX – Bonds 007
St. Louis, MO – Headless Bat
Stockholm, SE – Garlic & Shots
Toronto, CA – Bovine Sex Club
Uetze, GE (Hanover) – Farmer’s Inn
Vienna, AT – U4 Club
Washington, DC – Slash Run

Invincible Shield will arrive on March 8th through Sony Music.

Share : facebooktwittergoogle plus
pinterest

ALEX VAN HALEN ON HIS FORTHCOMING AUTOBIOGRAPHY “BROTHERS”: “I WAS WITH [ED] FROM DAY ONE”

VanHalenStore.com has some more information, about Alex Van Halen‘s forthcoming autobiography, Brothers, which is scheduled to be released on October 22nd.

“In this intimate and open account—nothing like any rock-and-roll memoir you’ve ever read—Alex Van Halen shares his personal story of family, friendship, music, and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and bandmate.

Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, Brothers is seventy-year-old drummer Alex Van Halen‘s love letter to his younger brother, Edward (Maybe “Ed,” but never “Eddie”), written while still mourning his untimely death.

In his rough yet sweet voice, Alex recounts the brothers’ childhood, first in the Netherlands and then in working-class Pasadena, California, with an itinerant musician father and a very proper Indonesian-born mother—the kind of mom who admonished her boys to “always wear a suit” no matter how famous they became—a woman who was both proud and practical, nonchalant about taking a doggie bag from a star-studded dinner. He also shares tales of musical politics, infighting, and plenty of bad-boy behavior. But mostly, his is a story of brotherhood, music, and enduring love.

“I was with him from day one,” Alex writes. “We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming famous, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I’ve spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.” 

There has never been an accurate account of them or the band, and Alex wants to set the record straight on Edward’s life and death. 

Brothers includes never-before-seen photos from the author’s private archive.

Ordering Details: Fans who order this book from VanHalenStore.com will receive a free exclusive collectible as a bonus. Pre-order details will become available later, as we get closer to the October 22nd release date. Also available as a 720-minute audiobook and an eBook.

Share : facebooktwittergoogle plus
pinterest

1 4 5 6 7 8 904