Category : LATEST NEWS

BRET MICHAELS TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE “JORJA BLEU” ON APRIL 7TH

Bret Michaels, who has sold over 35 million records and has had several number one hits such as the timeless classic Every Rose Has Its Thorn, is set to release his emotionally-charged new single Jorja Bleu on Friday, April 7th. The song is new and fresh, yet has the instantly-familiar sound that we’ve all come to love and expect from Michaels. It’s also a very personal and real conversation with his youngest daughter, for whom the song is named after. In the new single, Bret recounts an exchange between father and daughter with lyrics like, “She said ‘What if I fall?’…and I said, ‘What if you fly?’”

Michaels, the BMI award winning songwriter states, “This song is as raw and stripped down as it gets. This is a man sharing his trials and tribulations in such a way that he hopes to inspire his daughter to chase her dreams with no apologies, while keeping her feet planted firmly on the ground.”

In fact, Bret felt so strongly about the raw, pure emotion in the original demo (engineered on a laptop on his tour bus by longtime friend and music director Pete Evick), that after spending a lot of time trying to recapture it in a multi-million dollar studio, Michaels decided to release the original demo.

Erick states, “More times than not, Bret’s original untouched ideas are the best stuff. It’s amazing watching him work. Bret will beat-box, hum, or sing all the parts from the drums, bass, guitar, keys, and even horns, right down to the vocals. Then go back and do the tracks with the instruments. He pushes my knowledge and the technology as far as it can go. The most special thing about this track is that Bret plays everything himself: all guitars, other instruments, and vocals (except the female harmony) are 100% him”.

This is the first single from Michaels since his modern country crossover Girls on Bars, co-written by two-time CMA award winner Luke Laired. Laired said, “Bret is awesome to write with. Ideas just kept coming nonstop when we were in the studio. He’s always ready and willing to push the boundaries and try new things”. “Girls on Bars” boasted the highest number of views of any debut single ever on CMT.

The highly-anticipated new single Jorja Bleu which in many ways is the sequel to his song Raine which is titled after his oldest daughter drops on Tuesday April 7th on iTunes and all other digital retailers and subscription audio formats.

Michaels, who has been described as a “Cultural Touchdown” by former CEO of MTV Judy McGrath (currently on the board of directors at Amazon) has had cross-genre and multi-generational success with songs like the country hit All I Ever Needed and the pop duet Nothing to Lose with Miley Cyrus; the latter was the most added song to radio the week of its release, topping both Bon Jovi and Nickelback.

Catch Bret out on the road with Poison along with Def Leppard and Tesla. Poison have also announced their own select headlining dates, click here to view their itinerary.

For everything Bret Michaels please visit bretmichaels.com

EDDIE TRUNK DISCUSSES HIS CAREER AND SOME OF HIS FAVORITE INTERVIEWS

Anylouder spoke with our very own Eddie Trunk, highlights from the interview appear below.

Anylouder: Tell us about your stint with Mega Force Records . You are credited with reviving Ace Frehley’s career by signing him to Mega force Records. How did it all happen ?

Eddie: I was always a huge KISS fan. I became VP of Megaforce in 1987 at 23 years old. I loved much of the heavy music the label was doing, but I said to Jon Z who owned it “we need to get some hard rock to get on radio and MTV”. He asked what I suggested and as a KISS fan I said “let’s find Ace”. There was great risk because Ace wasn’t in great shape then. But we tracked him down and he was the first act I signed. To this day we are still great friends. Jon wasn’t a Kiss fan, but he knew people loved Ace. My first concert was Kiss in NYC in 1977, I had no idea 10 years later I would be signing their lead guitarist! There’s a signing photo in my first book.

Anylouder: Was being associated with the radio always a big priority ? Were you ever attracted to the glamour side of things like taking the stage as a musician for example or being in a band ?

Eddie: I regret not ever learning to play an instrument. Maybe one day when I retire. No time now. The attraction was anything I could do to support the bands I loved. Radio came very early because I had an idea for a metal show. Something not common in 1983. The idea got me on, then I had to learn radio. It was never about promoting me, but through all the things I’ve done I’ve been lucky to become known as much as some of the bands. And I appreciate that. But it’s always been about giving the music a platform. I never stopped doing radio through everything I’ve ever done. I still love it because I get to do what I want. If I was playing the same 100 songs every day I probably wouldn’t love it. I love being able to share and talk to people on the radio. It’s very rare to have the freedom I have but I worked for it, and thankfully have an audience that supports it.

Anylouder: Being an interviewer , a music historian and a talk show show host amongst other , what advice would you give to young people interested in the said fields like how to conduct an interview , approach an artist ?

Eddie: Be unique and be prepared. The problem in media today is there are tons of people running around saying they are media because they have a Facebook page. Anyone can claim to be media, but do they have an audience? So you have to stand out and build a following. And that’s harder than ever today with the oversaturation. As far as dealing with artists; it’s okay to be a fan, but don’t act like one. It will take you much further.

Anylouder: Take us [through] some of your favorite and most insightful and fun interviews that you have taken ?

Eddie: Going to the UK and sitting with Sabbath one day and Robert Plant the next was amazing for TV. I did incredible interviews…for VH1, Not that many people saw them because the channel wasn’t that popular yet. My favorite interviews are with artists that aren’t so sensitive and will have fun and mix it up. Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony are great like that. I’ve been lucky to have really interviewed just about anyone, and still do every day on my current radio shows. Everyone always asks me about Axl Rose, who did my radio show, then years later [That Metal Show]. Those were big just because he talks to nobody.

Anylouder: Talking about everyone that you have interviewed over the years , one name that always pops up is Vito Bratta . You being a close friend , what really happened back in the day to such a promising career and what is he doing now ?

Eddie: Vito is still a friend and still lives in NYC. It’s really hard for fans to understand some artists, as talented as they are, are not in music for life. They just don’t want to deal with the ups and downs and business and touring. Look at Chris Degarmo, same thing. He flies planes. Great writer and player. But not a lifer for rock and touring playing. Vito made a huge mark and then just decided he didn’t want to be out there doing it anymore. Family commitments happen, peoples priorities change. Sometimes they just don’t want to put the work in. Where is John Sykes? He’s a guitar hero of mine and I have tried to get him to do stuff. Everyone is just not in it for life. To me that’s Vito. I’m asked about him all the time. He came to a book signing for my second book. It was great seeing him, but he just isn’t interested in being in the spotlight and playing. It happens.

Read more at Anylouder.

source: anylouder.com

GUITARIST JOHN 5 DISCUSSES HIS NEW ALBUM, ALONG WITH, WHAT IS WAS LIKE TO WORK WITH MUSICIANS DAVID LEE ROTH, ROB HALFORD, PAUL STANLEY, AND OTHERS

Greg Prato of the Long Island Pulse Magazine spoke with guitarist John 5. Portions of the interview appear below.

Pulse: Let’s discuss Season of the Witch.

John 5: This album is completely different from the previous albums. Times have changed so much—I have a 13-year-old son, and I watch what he and his friends do, and they just watch music nowadays. Meaning, when they want to listen to music, they go on YouTube. Even downloading now is a thing of the past; it’s all streaming and YouTube. What I did with this record is I made a new song and video once a month for about six months because everyone is going to “cherry pick” anyways. When it comes out on iTunes, they just pick the songs they want so…I gave the fans a new song and video. With all of them gathered up, it’s well over a million views or two million. And there is no way that anyone is getting a million spins on radio. Nobody. It’s a different time. I did heavy stuff, western swing…the album goes in all different styles of music. It’s a lot of fun. There’s a little something for everybody. That’s just who I am—I love all these different styles of music. And it’s from the heart. I think fans really latch onto that.

Pulse: In addition to metal, you’ve done a lot of country/chicken-pickin’ type guitar work.

John 5: That’s what I grew up on. And it’s really challenging to play. If anybody ever puts down country music or bluegrass music or western swing, it’s fine, you might not like that music. But it is very, very, very challenging to play.

Pulse: Let’s discuss memories of some of the artists you’ve worked with, starting with David Lee Roth.

John 5: One of my heroes. Van Halen was one of—and still are—my heroes. It was an amazing experience and one of the most challenging, for sure. Because when we go into the studio, he says, “If you can’t do it in two takes, you can’t do it.” I love him.

Pulse: Rob Halford.

John 5: Maybe one of the greatest vocalists ever. He was so professional, too. He’s been doing it so long and he knew what to do and what not to do. This guy knew all the answers. It’s like if you’re going to a certain place, you know all the shortcuts, and you know how to get there, because you’ve driven there a million times. It was a real pleasure.

Pulse: Paul Stanley.

John 5: One of my heroes. I love Kiss… It was really great to be a part of Kisstory. And I’ve known Paul and these guys forever. But to be on record really was a huge accomplishment in my life. And I did it with Ace Frehley, too, and was on his last record. Being a part of that is something very special to me.

Read more at Long Island Pulse Magazine.

To learn more about John 5’s forthcoming new album, Season of the Witch, go here.

source: lipulse.com

WARRANT STREAM NEW SONG, “ONLY BROKEN HEART”

As previously reported, Warrant will release their new album, Louder Harder Faster, on May 12th. The band is currently streaming the song, Only Broken Heart, which can be heard below.

With a line-up featuring original members, Erik Turner, Jerry Dixon, Joey Allen, and Steven Sweet along with singer Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Cry of Love), Warrant are now stronger than ever. Mason’s vocals remain a breath of fresh air and his swagger on the songs gives new life and a bright future to the band. With production handled by Foreigner and ex-Dokken bass player Jeff Pilson (Last In Line, Starship, Adler’s Appetite, etc.), Warrant is sounding tighter and playing better than ever before. Louder Harder Faster, true to the band’s roots, is full of rockers with some classic ballads thrown in and will surely send their faithful fans into a frenzy.

Erik Turner says, “You can hear and feel the emotions of the last 25 plus years of being in this band poured into LHF. The fun and the frustrations, the pleasure and the pain… a whole lot of blood, sweat, tears and beers went into the making of this album. Love it or hate it, its the real f’ckn deal, 100% pure melodic hard rock. Hand crafted by five musicians who dedicated their lives to music when they were just little kids with big dreams.”

Read more about the release, here.

Louder Harder Faster tracklisting:

1. Louder Harder Faster
2. Devil Dancer
3. Perfect
4. Only Broken Heart
5. U In My Life
6. Music Man
7. Faded
8. New Rebellion
9. Big Sandy
10. Choose Your Fate
11. Let It Go
12. I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink (Bonus Track available on CD ONLY)

Warrant tour dates:

Mar 10 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, TX
Mar 16 The Token Lounge, Westland, MI
Mar 17 The Corbin Arena, Corbin, KY
Mar 18 Watseka Theater, Watseka, IL
Mar 24 Akron Civic Theater, Akron, OH
Mar 25 Rock the Arena II @ Savage Arena, Toledo, OH
Mar 31 Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN

Apr 1 PBR event / Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
Thaw Out Days After-Party
Apr 22 Tacoma Dome PBR Event
Apr 27 Hampton Beach Casino, Hampton Beach, NH
Apr 28 Aura, Portland, ME
Apr 29 M3 Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia, MD

May 12 PBR event / Rock Bar @ Miracle Mile Shops, Las Vegas, NV
May 19 The Rose, Pasadena, CA
May 20 The Canyon, Agoura Hills, CA

Sep 16 Shrinedom @ Creek Hill Barn, Irasburg, VT

Oct 28 Rock N Skull 2017 @ Avantis Dome – Pekin,IL

Nov 1 PBR Event T-Mobile Arena, Toshiba Plaza Stage, Las Vegas, NV

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit warrantrocks.com/tour.

ROCKLAHOMA DAILY BAND LINEUPS ANNOUNCED SCHEDULED MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN PRYOR, OK

The single day band lineups have been announced for the 11th year of Rocklahoma, presented by Bud Light, May 26th, 27th & 28th, 2017 at “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma, just outside Tulsa. Single day tickets will go on sale Monday, March 27th at Noon CT at Rocklahoma.com and weekend ticket prices will increase at that time.

Soundgarden, Def Leppard, and The Offspring lead the music lineup for America’s Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Party, which features the best current rock artists and classic bands. The three-day camping festival features music on three stages, as well as a campground stage to keep the music going all night long. With onsite camping amenities and unparalleled VIP packages, Rocklahoma lives up to its motto of “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Rock.” In 2016, Rocklahoma had its biggest year ever, with over 70,000 fans attending the festival’s 10th year.

The Rocklahoma weekend kicks off with the Campground Party starting in the afternoon on Thursday, May 25th. The full Rocklahoma music lineup is as follows (subject to change):

Thursday, May 25th (Campground Party): Another Lost Year, Nicnos, Locust Grove, Final Drive, Midnight Mob, Hoodslide, Stolen Rhodes, BC & The Big Rig, Reliance Code, Screaming Red Mutiny

Friday, May 26th: Def Leppard, Three Days Grace, Skillet, Pierce The Veil, The Pretty Reckless, In Flames, Slaughter, Rival Sons, Fozzy, Badflower, Goodbye June, Aeges, Retrospect All Stars, Lynam, Aska, Electro_Nomicon, Ratchet Dolls, Death Grip, T.R.O.Y., Arson City, Keychain, Sun And Flesh, Thousand Years Wide, Save The Hero, The Normandys, Difuser

Saturday, May 27th: Soundgarden, Stone Sour, The Cult, Zakk Sabbath, Suicidal Tendencies, Diamond Head, Fuel, Starset, Red Sun Rising, Dinosaur Pile-Up, DED, Kore Rozzick, Dead Metal Society, Wild Street, Diamond Lane, Black Tora, Five Star Hooker, Moxy & The Influence, Adakain, NonHuman Era, The Mendenhall Experiment, Paralandra, Wild Fire, The Adarna, The Revolutioners

Sunday, May 28th: The Offspring, Seether, Jackyl, Ratt, Buckcherry, Taking Back Sunday, Nothing More, Black Stone Cherry, Norma Jean, Wage War, Royal Republic, One Less Reason, London’s Dungeon, Niterain, Nova Rex, 3D In Your Face, The Tip, Desire The Fire, Wild Planes, Coda Cutlass, As Above So Below, The Chimpz, Sweatin Bullets, Weston Horn & The Hush, Skytown, The Fairweather

Registration for the Miss Rocklahoma competition is underway now through March 31st at Rocklahoma.com Voting on the Top 10 finalists begins April 10 and five finalists will compete on stage at Rocklahoma for the chance to be named Miss Rocklahoma 2017.

Single day General Admission tickets for Rocklahoma will be available for only $72 each and single day ticket 4-packs will be sold for $260 beginning Monday, March 27 at Noon Central Time. (Ticket prices do not include fees.)

The last day to purchase Rocklahoma 2017 tickets at the current special price is Monday, March 27th at 11:59 AM CDT. At 12:00 PM CDT on Monday, March 27th, ticket prices will increase as follows:

Weekend General Admission: $137*

Weekend GA 4-Packs: $467*

GA Camping: $95*

VIP Camping: $115*

*plus applicable service fees

A limited number of River Spirit Casino Groupie packages are still available. VIP Reserved, River Spirit Casino Roadie and Rockstar Packages are SOLD OUT. For full details, please visit Rocklahoma.com.

As in the past, General Admission ticket discounts are available for active military through Rocklahoma partner GovX.

The campgrounds are a unique part of the Rocklahoma experience, with an endless party running around the clock for four days. General Admission Camping and VIP Camping tickets may be purchased as an add-on during online checkout at Rocklahoma.com. Campgrounds open on Sunday, May 21st at Noon and will remain open until Noon on Tuesday, May 30th. Camping is only available with weekend ticket purchases and prices for camping will increase on Monday, March 27th at Noon.

In addition to music, Rocklahoma offers multiple onsite experiences, including those listed below.

Monster Energy: Keep the energy up all weekend long! Stop by the Monster viewing deck to refuel and meet some of your favorite Rocklahoma artists! Check the Monster socials the week of the show to get the meet and greet schedule.

Zippo: Zippo Encore will be back in action at Rocklahoma with a full stock of Zippo lighters, including the limited edition festival designs! Come by and spin their wheel for great prizes, enter their Zippo Custom art contest, and get your Zippo lighter filled for free.

Bud Light: As you’re rocking out at Rocklahoma, make sure you grab some cold Bud Lights. With Bud Light, you’re not just drinking beers, you’re building friendships. We can’t wait to return to the country’s biggest music festival! Share your Bud Light Music Moment with us! #BudLightMusic #drinkresponsibly.

River Spirit Casino: River Spirit Casino can’t wait to rock out with fans at Rocklahoma 2017! Stop by our Rocklahoma Chill Zone to kick back with a cold drink. The brand-new River Spirit Casino and Hotel is Rocklahoma’s official Play & Stay destination.

Rocklahoma is located just 45 minutes northeast of Tulsa, in Pryor, OK. The “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds is a premier destination for a multi-day festival and includes onsite camping with access to restrooms and shower house, a general store for campers, VIP reserved seating, hospitality areas and much more.

SCORPIONS ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN “CRAZY WORLD” TOUR WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST MEGADETH

Scorpions, one of the most iconic and influential hard rock bands of all time, continue to celebrate 50+ years of rock with the return to North America for the Crazy World tour. Since performing a handful of festivals and concerts last year in the U.S., which included their Blacked Out In Vegas residency, the band will return on September 14th to begin the month-long run of dates which include stops in New York, Dallas, Toronto, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, amongst other, with more dates coming. Together for the first time Grammy-award winning thrash metal band, Megadeth, will join the Scorpions as a very special guest. Full tour schedule is listed below. General tickets and special VIP packages on sale soon, check the band’s official website. for more information and exact on-sale dates. Scorpions Rock Zone fan club members have exclusive, first access to tickets & VIP packages. For more information and to join the community visit the-scorpionscommunity.com.

“When our album Crazy World was released back in ’91, right at the end of the cold war, we toured around a world that was pretty crazy back then, but there was so much hope in the air for a more peaceful future. Now 26 years later, things are getting more crazy every other day. After all these years, Crazy World is still a good motto for our upcoming world tour. We are very much looking forward to seeing all of you out there,” states Klaus Meine.

Scorpions/Megadeth tour dates:

September:

14 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
19 – Laval, QC – Place Bell (support TBA)
22 – Toronto, ONT – Budweiser Stage
23 – Chicago, IL – All State Arena (support TBA)
26 – Denver, CO – 1st Bank Center
29 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena
30 – Seattle, WA – Tacoma Dome

October:

3 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort
4 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Forum**
8 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Arena
11 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
12 – Dallas, TX – Pavilion at the Music Factory
14 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – BB&T Center
October 15 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena

**On Sale March 24th More dates to be announced shortly.

With over 100 million records sold around the world, the band will play fan favorites from their incredible catalogue including Wind of Change, Still Loving You, Rock You Like A Hurricane, Send Me An Angel and many more. They’ll also be performing songs off their 19th studio album and most recent release, Return To Forever.