Category : LATEST NEWS

RICHIE KOTZEN, VINNIE MOORE AND GUS G. TEAM UP FOR U.S. FALL TOUR DATES

Guitar legends Richie Kotzen, Vinnie Moore and Gus G. will join forces for a 10-date U.S. tour in the fall. Prior to this tour, Vinnie and Gus will play four shows in Texas without Kotzen.

Vinnie Moore and Gus G. tour dates:

Sep. 13 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
Sep. 14 – San Antonio, TX – Rock Box
Sep. 15 – Dallas, TX – Trees
Sep. 16 – Lubbock, TX – Jake’s

Richie Kotzen, Vinnie Moore and Gus G. tour dates:

Sep. 18 – Scottsdale, AZ – BLK Live
Sep. 19 – Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vampd
Sep. 20 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House
Sep. 21 – Sacramento, CA – Holy Diver
Sep. 23 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
Sep. 24 – Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
Sep. 26 – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s
Sep. 28 – Santa Clarita, CA – Canyon Club
Sep. 29 – Agoura Hills, CA – Canyon Club
Sep. 30 – Pasadena, CA – The Rose

Kotzen’s 21st solo album, Salting Earth, was released in April 2017 via his own custom label, Headroom-Inc. The disc veers from the balls-out, heads-up declaration of the opening track and first single, End Of Earth, to the burning-sky harmonic thrust of Thunder to the Prince-like funk-jazz swing of This Is Life to the acoustified take-me-as-I-am self-reflection of the album’s final song, Grammy. Kotzen’s previous solo release, 2015’s diverse, far-reaching Cannibals, was a well-received hit among his core fan base,

Moore’s latest solo album was released in October 2015 through Mind’s Eye Music. Titled Aerial Visions, the disc featured drummer Richie Monica (Tantric, Poppa Chubby), and bassists Dave LaRue (Steve Morse, Flying Colors, The Dregs), Rob DeLuca (UFO, Sebastian Bach), Dorian Heartsong (Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience) and Elliott Dean Rubinson (Uli Jon Roth, MSG).

Vinnie has released eight critically acclaimed solo albums; six albums and one DVD as a member of rock royalty legends UFO; and one album with band Red Zone Rider. His solo and UFO releases as well as live performances have amassed rave reviews all around the globe from both fans and music press, inspiring guitarists worldwide and launching him into aerial guitar superhero distinction.

Gus G.’s latest solo album, Fearless, was released on April 20th through AFM Records. The follow-up to 2015’s Brand New Revolution marks Gus’s first release since exiting Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 2017.

On Fearless, Gus joins forces with vocalist/bassist Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Unisonic) and drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence).

FOURTH ANNUAL “RIDE FOR RONNIE” MOTORCYCLE RALLY AND CONCERT RAISES $50,000 FOR “RONNIE JAMES DIO STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND”

As some 300 motorcycle riders and passengers arrived at Los Encinos Park on Sunday, May 6th after completing the motorcycle ride from Harley Davidson in Glendale, a rainbow appeared in the sunny, blue, but cloudy sky. Rainbows have long been associated with Ronnie James Dio and his music, and the colorful presence seemed to signal the late singer’s approval of the event created in his memory.

The 4th Annual Ride For Ronnie Motorcycle Rally and Concert attracted motorcycle enthusiasts and rock music fans alike and raised some $50,000 for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Dio Cancer Fund co-founder and president Wendy Dio warmly greeted those who gathered in Glendale for the Ride before once again leading the procession of motorcycle riders for the morning RIDE to Los Encinos Park in Encino, California. Among those participating in the Ride this year were actors Star Fields (Sons of Anarchy) and Al Coronel (The Last Ship), actor and musician E.J. Curse, Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe and former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, plus Dio Cancer Fund Medical Director Dr. Sandy Kapoor and event sponsor KLOS Radio air personality Frank Kramer of the Frosty, Heidi and Frank morning show.

The afternoon of live music following the Ride, hostedby radio and television personality Eddie Trunk who was joined by KLOS’ Melissa Maxx, kicked off with Long Beach, CA hard-rockers Railgun. They were followed by the very first live performance by Classless Act, formed by childhood friends Nico Tsangaris on lead guitar and drummer London Hudson, the 15-year old son of guitar god Slash. They performed their version of Black Sabbath’s The Mob Rules in honor of Ronnie James Dio who wrote the song. Other bands that performed throughout the day were: The 10-piece Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band One More From The Road, Beasto Blanco, Dio Disciples, featuring: Simon Wright, Craig Goldy, Scott Warren, Bjorn Englen and singers Oni Logan and Tim “Ripper” Owens) and Steven Adler’s All Star band, featuring Marten Andersson (LizzyBorden, Steelheart), Ira Black (I Am Morbid, Metal Church, Lizzy Borden), Robert Crane (Black Star Riders), Mike Dupke (Dee Snider, W.A.S.P.), David “Rock” Feinstein (Elf), Constantine Maroulis (American Idol, Rock of Ages), Tanya O’Callaghan (Dee Snider), Carl Restivo (Tom Morello’s Nightwatchman, Street Sweeper Social Club, Perry Farrell’s Satellite Party, Rihanna), Joe Retta (Dio Disciples, Heaven & Earth), Joey Scott (Lizzy Borden), Patrick Stone (Budderside), Michael Thomas (Faster Pussycat), and Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders, Thin Lizzy, The Almighty).

The bands held Meet and Greets for fans during the course of the afternoon, and a raffle and music memorabilia heavy silent auction brought in additional donations. The silent auction included an Elton John Tour Program, a signed Heavy Metal Hall of Fame poster, a KISS Waffle Maker and a full Pantera discography on vinyl among many other items.

Wendy Dio and Dio Cancer Fund Medical Director Dr. Sandy Kapoor presented a check for $25,000 to Dr. David Wong of the UCLA School of Dentistry to further his team’s research into the development of a simple, non-invasive saliva test for the early detection of cancer. Dr. Wong surprised the crowd with the news that an early form of this test will be available some time this summer.

For more information, visit diocancerfund.org.

Pictured above: Eddie Trunk and Tim “Ripper” Owens (courtesy of Gene Kirkland)

EDDIE’S NEW AXS SHOW “TRUNKFEST” PREMIERES ON JULY 1ST

AXS TV unveils a one-two punch of original primetime summer rock programming, beginning July 1st with new episodes of The Top Ten Revealed, hosted by Katie Daryl, at 9pE/6pP, followed by the series premiere of Trunkfest, hosted by Eddie Trunk, at 9:30pE/6:30pP. Each series will consist of eight all-new episodes.

Beloved AXS TV star Katie Daryl launches into the summer cycle of the popular countdown series The Top Ten Revealed with a smoldering premiere dedicated to rock’s most iconic Songs About Sex. The night features expert analysis by an impressive roster of music legends and critics, on hand to reveal their picks for sizzling singles by Warrant, Aerosmith, and more. Other highlights include Epic Songs Of ’73 on July 8, headlined by hits from Elton John, The Who, and The Eagles; and One Hit Wonders on July 15, saluting Carl Douglas, and The Knack, among others. Notable guests include Dee Snider, Lita Ford, Eddie Money, Matt Pinfield, and many more.

Then, hit the road with Eddie Trunk in the series premiere of Trunkfest, as the noted music historian rolls into the one and only Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. During the episode, Trunk hitches a ride in a fan’s sidecar; sits down for an exclusive interview with Southern Rock superstar George Thorogood; and gets schooled in the ways of motorcycle stunts with daredevil Doug Danger, who takes Eddie behind the scenes of his breathtaking Rattlesnake Jump.

Other highlights from the freshman series include a creepy cruise down to New Orleans on July 8th for the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience festival, where Trunk celebrates Halloween with a harrowing trip through a haunted house, eats a fried Oreo for the first time, catches up with Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters and learns how to make jambalaya, before joining Tom Morello, Chuck D, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford to discuss their supergroup Prophets of Rage; then, Trunk heads south of the border for a concert vacation at Castaway with Southern Ground, talking with Southern Rock favorites Blackberry Smoke, and chart-topping Country mainstays the Zac Brown Band, before watching ZBB’s personal cuisine wiz Chef Rusty craft a sumptuous ceviche while standing in water.

“With their encyclopedic knowledge and passion for all things rock, Katie Daryl and Eddie Trunk each provide unique insights that viewers won’t get anywhere else,” said Evan Haiman, vice president of music programming and production. “The Top Ten Revealed offers priceless commentary from some of the biggest names in rock, as they serve up their hilarious, astute, and often over-the-top takes on the most memorable songs in rock history; and Trunkfest brings the ultimate summer concert experience home, taking viewers on a guided tour of the nation’s top festivals with in-depth explorations of the sights, sounds, tastes, and bands that make these events so incredible.”

LIZZY BORDEN LAUNCHES VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE, “LONG MAY THEY HAUNT US”

For decades, Lizzy Borden has been one of theatrical rock’s top front-men. And on June 15th, Borden will issue his first album in 11 years, My Midnight Things, through Metal Blade Records. The extended layoff between albums has not dulled his desire to rock and shock. “Although we have stayed busy touring all over the world, I missed being a recording artist. I look at the new album as a new beginning, I pushed the restart button on my career,” Borden comments.

For a preview of My Midnight Things, the band premiered video premiere of Long May They Haunt Us, which Lizzy Borden proclaims as “the most meaningful song on the My Midnight Things album. It’s about those people that are no longer in our lives but we still think about them every single day. They haunt us with more than a memory, a haunt that we hope will never go away.” Watch the clip, below.

Additionally, watch the lyric video for the previous single, My Midnight Things, below.

To celebrate My Midnight Things release, Lizzy Borden will have an album release party on Thursday, June 14th from 7-10PM at the Hard Rock Live, Las Vegas (3771 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109). Hosted by Jim Florentine (along with Lizzy Borden in attendance!), there will be giveaways, drink specials, signed CDs/LPs available for purchase, and more at this event, which is open to the public. Please RSVP to mymidnightparty@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.

Having signed a new contract with Metal Blade on the strength of three demo tracks, Borden opted to produce My Midnight Things himself, with Joey Scott as co-producer, who also handled all the drumming duties. “I knew what I was going for and had doubts that I could find a producer who would understand that,” Borden explains. “My approach is very different than what is happening in today’s current sound.”

Borden is planning on hitting the road shortly. “I’ve already started working on the My Midnight Things show, and I really can’t wait to play these songs live,” Borden adds. “There are so many talented players out there in the world, I know I will find the right musicians to be on stage with me in my touring band in the new show. And just based on what is being talked about so far, it will be the best show I’ve ever done. I really do feel a new excitement that I have not felt in years. The best is yet to come.”

My Midnight Things track-listing

1. My Midnight Things
2. Obsessed with You
3. Long May They Haunt Us
4. The Scar Across My Heart
5. A Stranger to Love
6. The Perfect Poison
7. Run Away with Me
8. Our Love Is God
9. My Midnight Things (Reprise)
10. We Belong to the Shadows

My Midnight Things can be pre-odered in the following formats:

–limited 1st edition Digipak-CD (includes bonus tracks)
–jewelcase-CD
–180g black vinyl
–clear pacific blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 300 copies)
–clear burgundy marbled vinyl (EU exclusive – limited to 200 copies)
–olive/black marbled vinyl (US exclusive – limited to 300 copies)
–opaque cool gray marbled vinyl (US exclusive – limited to 200 copies)
* exclusive bundles with a shirt, plus digital options are also available.

Lizzy Boreden online:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

THE RIGHTS TO 130 JUDAS PRIEST SONGS UP FOR SALE AFTER K.K. DOWNING’S GOLF COURSE INVESTMENT DOES NOT PAN OUT

Richard Smirke of Billboard reports:

A share of the royalty rights to over 130 Judas Priest tracks, including metal hits Breaking The Law, Living After Midnight and Painkiller, are being put for sale, following the demise of KK Downing’s luxury golf resort.

The guitarist and founder member of Judas Priest — real name Ken Downing – is thought to have invested millions in developing Astbury Hall, located in Shropshire, England, and its 18 hole, 71-par golf course in the hope of one day attracting the Open Championship.

That dream ended last fall when the business fell into administration (similar to Chapter 11 insolvency in the U.S.) and the 320-acre estate was put up for immediate sale with an asking price of more than £10 million ($13.5 million).

At the time, administrators blamed “tougher economic times within the wider corporate hospitality market” for placing “unsustainable pressure” on the business. Astbury Hall and its golf course has since been acquired by new owners.

The next part of the bankruptcy process involves the sale of Downing’s share of the royalty rights to 136 Judas Priest songs, which administrators FRP Advisory LLP say generates between $340,000 and $400,000 per year.

Downing left the band in 2011, subsequently citing a breakdown in relationships between members and dissatisfaction with the group’s live performances. When guitarist Glenn Tipton announced he was retiring from touring earlier this year due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Downing wrote that he was “shocked and stunned” not to be asked back.

The heavy metal pioneers, which formed in 1969 and have sold over 50 million records, is currently in the middle of a world tour. Its most recent album, Firepower, debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in March – the group’s highest ever charting record in the U.S.

This summer, Priest team up with Deep Purple for a 25-city co-headlining North American tour slated to begin on August 21st in Cincinnati, Ohio, promoted by Live Nation. Downing’s autobiography Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest is due for publication later this year.

Commenting on the sale of rights from Downing’s back catalog, joint administrator Alastair Massey called it “a unique investment opportunity” from one of the “driving influences” of the band’s success.

source: billboard.com

AEROSMITH’S STEVEN TYLER CONFESSES THAT HE ONCE HIT ON ONE OF DAUGHTER LIV’S CELEBRITY FRIENDS

[Steven Tyler] the 70-year-old Aerosmith frontman, confessed Thursday (May 17th), that he once hit on a movie star friend of his daughter Liv Tyler ― while she watched.

Tyler said he and Liv filed into a van leaving a party hosted by Stella McCartney in England.

“And who would be sitting to my right? Cameron Diaz,” Tyler told host James Corden on The Late Late Show. “So I look at this beautiful woman and I say, ’Cameron, should you ever need someone to take you to the movies or like if I was to ask you to show me around London’ ― and of course Liv went, ‘Daddy, you’re hitting on my best girlfriend!’ And I got ashamed for a moment.”

Tyler said he “got a lot of shit for it.”

Watch the whole clip, below.

additional source: huffingtonpost.com