Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti posted the following message on his Facebook page :
“It’s with great sadness that I write this today. Y&T’s original rhythm guitarist, Joey Alves, passed away at 7:10 this morning at the age of 63. He suffered from ulcerative colitis and other complications that led to his passing. Joey was one of the finest rock rhythm guitarists, and I’ll always remember playing next to him chunking out those monster chords with his classic red double cutaway ‘59 Les Paul Jr. As Ronnie Montrose once said about Joey, “There are rhythm players, then there’s Joey. A class of his own……
He was a fun guy who always played with attitude and conviction, and was responsible for writing some memorable riffs for Y&T over the years. His friendship and presence will be missed. This is a great loss for all the Y&T family and faithful. He now joins Phil and Leonard in rock and roll heaven.
New Quiet Riot singer James Durbin was a recent guest a Eddie’s Sirius/XM show, Trunk Nation. Portions of the interview appear below (as transcribed by blabbermouth.net).
On the feedback he has received since joining the band:
“I’ve been getting so much positive feedback, and so many people are just super stoked and super pumped about this lineup and about coming to see us. And so it’s all about keeping it on that wave of positivity. Yeah, there’s places where people congregate to be unhappy, but, you know, you can’t please those people, and those aren’t the people coming to our shows to begin with…What’s said is said, and I said what a lot of people have been thinking throughout the years. But, you know, if you wanna read more into that, there’s plenty of gossip sites that keep posting things about me, so they’re still talking. So that’s the name of the game — is press.” (Apparently, Durbin referred to blabbermouth.net posters as “supreme scum” for their critical comments regarding his new position).
Discussing the pros and cons of being on American Idol:
“Yeah, there’s definitely pros and cons to it, but you take the good and you take the bad, you take ’em both and there you have [it]. There’s definitely more good things that outweigh it. Of course, with anything, you’re gonna have people that love it, people that hate it, people that are indifferent, people that just really don’t care. And luckily, there’s much more positivity and much more people that are super stoked about this than the thirty people going back and forth on a gossip site…To hear all these things and have people keep posting things and making attention out of it, I’m getting a lot of support from the hard rock and metal community, from the actual people that are doing it, and have been doing it throughout the years — the entertainers, the artists, the creative minds themselves; not the people that take something that took so much time and so much love and sadness and energy to create, and then just completely s–t all over it. There’s no point to that. I feel like, coming from an artistic stance, you can be indifferent to things and you don’t have to like everything, but if you don’t like it, just shut your mouth. You know? If you like it, fire off. I wanna hear it. If you don’t, go away.”
He continued, “..For me, the whole Idol thing and everything all together, the reason I did was just so that I could be a working musician and play music for a living and support my family. And that’s who I’m in a band with. So it’s pretty cool. It’s come full circle. But nothing in this music industry or the rock and roll world or anything comes without a price to pay, so whatever the ticket price is, I’ll pay it. But you can guaran-damn-tee that I will be there every single night banging my head, making you feel the noise, and I will never phone it in, dial it in, make a gimmick of myself or this band, because they deserve it, Kevin DuBrow’s legacy and memory deserves it, and Quiet Riot deserves it.”
Quiet Riot announced last week that it would delay the release of Road Rage until this summer so that Durbin could replace all the vocals on the album with new lyrics and melodies.
Art Of Anarchy have partnered with Loudwire.com to exclusively debut their hard-driving, new track Echo Of A Scream, which can be streamed below.
The track comes off the band’s highly acclaimed new offering, The Madness, set for a March 24th release through Century Media Records. A new music video for the aforementioned track is set to be shot at the end of this month.
The group also are currently preparing for their first-ever national headlining tour starting April 3rd and head over facebook.com/ArtOfAnarchyBand for all dates and “meet and greet” VIP package options.
Scott Stapp states “The track, Echo of a Scream, is a chronicle of the curse of self doubt. It speaks to a place in life when confidence has been lost and you feel like your a shell of your former self or as the lyric describes it, an “echo of a scream.” It touches on the internal dialog within the mind of someone wrestling with feeling disconnected from who they really are and lost in trying to find their way back to their true self. Its two competing voices, the negative self talk voice contrasted with the voice trying to fight it and overcome it.
John Moyer brought the initial music bed to the band and we all really liked the drive and energy so we decided to track it. John while out with his other band Disturbed played the music for David Draiman (Disturbed) and David came up with a great melody idea for the chorus. Zac Maloy and I wrote the lyrics and then the melodies for the verses and the rest is history. This song was a true collaborative effort with Bumblefoot and John Votta writing monster solos. I’m really happy with how the song came out and its one of my favorites on the record.
I’m also really looking forward to getting out on the road in April with this band. Its going to be a high energy rock and roll show that really takes you on a journey. Everyone in the band really brings a passion and charisma to the live performance so its a show you don’t want to miss. Especially in these intimate settings.”
As previously announced, the 3rd Annual Ride For Ronnie Motorcycle Ride and Concert, benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, will take place on Sunday, May 7th. Riders will assemble for a continental breakfast at Harley-Davidson of Glendale with kickstands up at 11AM. The ride will take them through the streets of Los Angeles County to Los Encinos Park in Encino, where they will be treated to an afternoon of live music, raffle and live auction, food trucks and more. Last year’s Ride For Ronnie event raised over $50,000 for the cancer charity.
The Dio Cancer Fund is pleased to announce that after being unable to host last year’s Ride due to scheduling conflicts, renowned radio personality Eddie Trunk will return to host 2017’s Ride For Ronnie. In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Trunk explains that he was first invited by Wendy Dio to host Ronnie James Dio’s memorial service in 2010, and since then has donated his time to host several subsequent events in support of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund’s quest in cancer research.
Trunk tells Billboard, “It’s a great cause and a great fund. Wendy and her team work real hard on making these things happen… I’m really honored to be a part of this, and I’m really honored to help when I can. It does so many things. It helps people who need help who are struggling with cancer. It helps grow this fund. It helps grow awareness for Ronnie and keeps his memory alive. I’m just happy to be a part of it and help whenever I can when I’m called on.”
He continues, “I loved [Ronnie] as a fan long before I knew him personally – loved his voice, loved his music. When I finally got into the business and got to know him personally, as much as I was a fan of him as a musician before I knew him, I became even more of a fan when I got to know him as a person, because he was just a wonderful man.
This year’s Ride For Ronnie will include performances by rockers Lynch Mob, Eddie Money, Rough Cutt, Dio Disciples, The Loveless, Sonia Harley and No Small Children.
A silent auction will be conducted at one of the exhibit booths throughout the afternoon, while live auctions, featuring one-of-a-kind rock collectibles, will be held during intervals between artist performances.
Food trucks will be on site throughout the day. Those participating include Slammin’ Sliders, G’s Taco Spot, Greenz on Wheelz and Archie’s Ice Cream. Sponsors lending their continued support to the Ride For Ronnie are Harley-Davidson of Glendale, Law Tigers and Ninkasi Brewing Company. New sponsors to the event this year include Bigg Time Entertainment and LA’s rock radio station, 95.5 KLOS.
Guitar genius Richie Kotzen (Winery Dogs/ Solo) just joined the ever growing All-star line-up of the 5th annual Rock Against MS Benefit Concert & Award Show – Kotzen will bring his signature style of guitar brilliance with his solo band to the stage. He will be covering his extensive, critically acclaimed catalogue tossing in some unexpected classic favorites.
Hosted by comedians Bill Burr (Breaking Bad/Date Night) and Craig Gass (Sex in the City/Howard Stern Show). This amazing evening is comprised of comedy, music, art and awards – This special night is to raise awareness and educate the public about multiple sclerosis, while raising money build the first of many MS resource centers across the Nation and outreach program services.
Concert Info:
Headliner: Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Member And Grammy Nominee Nancy Wilson Of Heart will debut her new band, Roadcase Royal, with Liv Warfield Formerly of Prince’s New Power Generation. Joining Wilson (guitar) and Warfield (vocals) are lead guitarist Ryan Waters (the musical director for Liv’s solo work and Prince Protégé) along with Heart members Chris Joyner (keys), Dan Rothchild (bass), and Ben Smith (drums).
Featured Artists: Richie Kotzen (Winery Dogs), Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy/Whitesnake), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, Dokken), James Lorenzo (John Fogerty), JoelL Hoeksta (Whitesnake), dUg Pinnick (Kings-X), Robert SAarzo (Hurricane), Scotti Hill (Skid Row), Phil Buckman (Fuel), Matt Starr (Ace Frehley), Rodger Carter (John 5), Bruce Watson (Foreigner), Joe Retta (Sweet), Anthony “Tiny” Biuso (Cadillac Tramps), Howie Simon (Nelson), Marty O’Brien (Lita Ford), Shawn Duncan (Odin), Michael Bluestein (Foreigner), John Allen (Bagpipe Badass) – Featuring Queen Nation. More artists TBA and special guests.
Venue:
The Los Angeles Theatre
615 S. Broadway @ 6th Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Pre-sale tickets:
Platinum VIP w/M&G Package – $250
Silver – $60
Bronze – $35
*** Please email to reserve Wheelchair seating at info@rockagainstMS.org
Day Of Show Add $10
Under their belt, Warrant has eight million records sold worldwide, two Top Ten Billboard albums, five Top 40 Billboard hits, five number one MTV videos…the list goes on and on. Now, six years after the release of Rockaholic, the album that relaunched the band as a force to be reckoned with in the 21st Century, Warrant returns with another slab of muscular hard rock, aptly titled Louder Harder Faster, to be released on Frontiers Music Srl on May 12th.
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.”
Jerry Dixon adds, Louder Harder Faster is truly one of our best records to date. It has all the classic Warrant ingredients that people have come to know, plus a lot of extras that keep it in the modern realm of todays music. It’s a perfect mix between balls and ballads. When we started this project over two years ago, we wanted to bring the listener back to the days of sitting in the living room and cranking up a record from start to finish. Making full records seems to be a lost art, we hope in some small way that this album helps people find that art again.”
Warrant’s signature style of rock is catchy, very melodic, and remains the band’s calling card. The band is fired up and more inspired than ever musically. The band will be out touring in support of Louder Harder Faster, so be sure to catch them when they hit your town. See tour dates below.
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
Warrant was one of the most popular and successful rock bands to emerge out of Hollywood, CA in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The band was formed in the early 80’s by Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon. In 1989, Warrant released their classic debut Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, which immediately entered the charts and launched the hit singles Down Boys, Sometimes She Cries, and Heaven, which climbed up to number two on the US charts. With extensive touring for DRFSR, sales exceeded 2 million records in the U.S.
In the summer of 1990, their second album Cherry Pie was released. The album turned out to be an even bigger success, featuring the Top Ten hits I Saw Red, Uncle Toms Cabin and the rock anthem Cherry Pie, which received massive airplay on MTV and continues to get millions of plays on streaming services and YouTube to this very day.
Warrant is:
Robert Mason – lead vocals
Joey Allen – lead and rhythm guitar
Erik Turner – rhythm and lead guitar
Jerry Dixon – bass guitar
Steven Sweet – drums
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 just joined the ever growing All-star line-up of the 5th annual Rock Against MS Benefit Concert & Award Show – Kotzen will bring his signature style ... )
