The Winery Dog’s just released their new album, Hot Streak, on October 2nd through Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment). The band has released their first video from the album for the song, Oblivion. Watch it below, as well as a behind the scenes video.
As of October 1st, Hot Streak was sitting at #7 on iTunes’ Pre-Order Rock Albums chart, as well as many of Amazon’s top pre-order lists, including:
Hot Streak track listing:
1. Oblivion
2. Captain Love
3. Hot Streak
4. How Long
5. Empire
6. Fire
7. Ghost Town
8. The Bridge
9. War Machine
10. Spiral
11. Devil You Know
12. Think It Over
13. The Lamb
The Winery Dogs on the road:
October:
8 Glenside, PA Keswick Theater
9 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
10 New York, NY Best Buy Theater
12 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
14 Jacksonville, FL Ponte Verde Concert Hall
15 Tampa, FL State Theater
16 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
17 Orlando, FL The Plaza Live
20 Nashville, TN Wildhorse Saloon
22 Houston, TX Pub Fountains
23 Ardmore, OK Heritage Hall
24 Dallas, TX The Gas Monkey
27 Milwaukee, WI Potowatami Casino
28 Milwaukee, WI Potowatami Casino
29 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theater
31 Denver, CO Marquis Theater
November:
2 San Jose, CA Rock Bar
3 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
5 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
6 Beverly Hills, CA Saban Theater
7 Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d
8 San Diego, CA House of Blues
New Zealand’s High Court has dismissed an appeal by AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd against his convictions.
Earlier this year, Rudd pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill, and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.On July 9th in Tauranga District Court, he was sentenced to eight months’ home detention, together with six months of post-release conditions, and ordered to pay $NZ120,000 ($78,531 US dollars) reparation.
He argued he should have been discharged without conviction and appealed against his sentence on the basis that it is manifestly excessive.
In a High Court judgment released on Tuesday, Justice Raynor Asher dismissed the appeal. He said he had to decide whether the consequences of a conviction were out of all proportion to the gravity of the offence.
“In my view they are not. Even with the convictions, Mr. Rudd may practice as a musician in session work and in concerts in New Zealand and in other countries.”
The judgment notes there’s a potential for Rudd to lose significant income because of the conviction but says for that to arise, two things would have to happen.
“First, the band would have to want him to play with them. Second, the convictions would have to operate as a barrier to him travelling with them on tour. Neither are certain. It is far from clear that at the time when the offending took place there was any place in the band available to Mr. Rudd, given his drug addiction and state of mind.”
Justice Asher says that should Rudd turn his life around so that the band wanted him to be part of it, it is by no means clear that the convictions would pose an insuperable barrier to his being a part of that band.
“It is only in certain countries that there is a certain problem arising from the convictions, and there is nothing to indicate that if Mr Rudd was a greatly wanted band member that his inability to travel to those countries would mean that he could not be employed in other countries.”
[Dana’s note: Thank you to our very own Harry Taint for passing this story along. Thanks again, Harry.]
The long awaited new album from legendary guitarist Vinnie Moore, will be released on October 23rd on Mind’s Eye Music. Titled Aerial Visions, Vinnie’s eighth solo album features drummer Richie Monica (Tantric, Poppa Chubby), and bassists Dave LaRue (Steve Morse Band, 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).
“Everything that Moore throws himself into features his astounding 6-string abilities. Far from being a ‘mere shredder’, Moore combines insane technique with touch, taste, and stylistic influences that include Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Larry Carlton, and many other diverse talents. He can play sweep-picked arpeggios with a bluesy feel or play blues licks at neo-classical speeds, never sacrificing tone, time,or intonation. It’s a unique and musical skill set.” – Matt Blackett, Guitar Player Magazine
Vinnie has released seven critically acclaimed solo albums; five 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!
Says Vinnie, “I have been touring all over the world pretty nonstop for the past 12 years. I started this record about two years ago and have been working on it while at home. I’m totally jacked up about getting it out there for others to hear as well as playing these songs LIVE. Two of the songs on Aerial were written as instrumentals but were included on a UFO record with vocals. I have also done a cover of ZZ Top’s La Grange which I have always thought is one of the coolest songs ever. I have done ZZ covers onstage a lot.”
Vinnie has toured several times all over Europe, UK, Scandanvia, Brazil, and the USA, as well as performing in India, Korea, Mexico, Russia, and Canada. The UFO A Conspiracy of Stars tour will continue in Europe on October 21st, and will include nine shows in December as opening act for Judas Priest on their Redeemer of Souls tour.
Says Vinnie, “With my solo records I can cover a lot more territory stylistically. I enjoy this freedom to be able to follow my muse wherever it leads. All of my influences are in there, from Rock to Blues to Be-Bop to Funk. I am into so many different styles of music that I can’t help myself, I’m basically a slave to it all and so there are inspirations from everywhere. Having said that, being a songwriter is the most important thing to me. I try to use my inspiration to create a mood and take the listener on a little journey to wherever.”
There’s a lot of family pride in the Portnoy household these days. Last Friday, acclaimed drummer Mike Portnoy’s band, the Winery Dogs, released their second album, Hot Streak. Meanwhile, Next to None, featuring Mike’s 16-year-old son, Max Portnoy, rolled out their debut disc, A Light in the Dark, this past summer.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Max and everyone in Next to None,” said Mike, who produced A Light in the Dark. “They are absolutely incredible and so far beyond their years.”
Next to None performs on Tuesday in Asbury Park. The Winery Dogs follow with a show on Friday in Sayreville. The Portnoy family resides in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.
“We’re extremely happy with how our album came out,” Max said in a separate interview. “We’ve been working on it for three years and had a lot of time to go over each and every note.”
A Light in the Dark is a stunning display of prog-rock and metal dexterity from a band of musical wunderkinds. In addition to Max’s complex, hard-hitting beats and rhythms, Next to None features mesmerizing performances from guitarist Ryland Holland (17), singer-keyboardist Thomas Cuce (17) and bassist Kris Rank (16).
…The elder Portnoy stressed that he did not help Next to None musically. “Everything you hear is their doing,” Mike said. “My involvement as a producer was just to guide them through the studio process.”
Max, who has been playing drums since he was 5, said that he understands that some music fans will think Next to None’s opportunities are a result of his famous father’s industry connections. But he said he hopes those opinions will change once people hear the band’s music and see them play live.
“We want people looking at us as Next to None and not Mike Portnoy’s son’s band,” Max said. “This is all we’ve ever wanted to do.”
Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer has just issued the following statement exclusively to Bravewords.com:
“Hi Ratt n Rollers:
Just popping in with a tad bit of Ratt news, for my brain’s own release.
On Sept. 30th, Warren Deanmartin filed a request for a temporary restraining order to keep his 50% business partner and co-owner of WBS, INC. (Ratt) from taking the business out of the red and into the black, while bringing the fans a great show, to preclude me from taking the reins in the corporation, and touring under the Ratt banner.
On October 2nd, we were downtown in Los Angeles County Superior Court for the hearing that Mr. WD filed for a T.R.O. (temporary restraining order) which was denied on all issues.
Although this is just the appetizer, as Mr WD will seek an order for an injunction on the same issues based on the same laws and using the same evidence as he used in his unsuccessful attempt at the restraining order.
In my positive quest to keep business doors open wide, we believe the same outcome will prevail regarding the injunction request.
Oddly, Warren’s claim that the musicians in Ratt are as he put it ‘imposters and a tribute band.’ Well then Warren, answer this question, what does that make you after touring with an array of non original musicians including Robbie Crane on bass, Jizzy Pearl on lead vocals, and John Crabby on rhythm Guitar for 7 years as Ratt? Not to mention other temporary musicians including Keri Kelli & Michael Schenker not withstanding.
In the wake of our recent ‘Ratt’ fan filmed performances that have been widely viewed on YouTube & every major rock website, our current singer Josh & the entire band have been welcomed by the fans with open arms. Most comments state that after seeing the videos Josh is better than Pearcy now or even in his prime. Ratt fronted by lead singer Josh Alan along with the entire band including Doc Ellis, Blaze, Scotty Griffin & myself yours truly, have a 99% approval rating from commenters on rock sites where they are known to bash anyone and anything.
Just like a gum drop from the Candy King himself ‘what goes around, comes around.’
First Battle won, I like the odds. Best to all, even Warren!
Jamie Blaine of Salon spoke with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. Portions of the interview appear below.
Salon: So what’s the key to playing guitar with your shirt off at age 57 & still looking great?
Phil Collen: It’s a really easy fix but no one’s prepared to do it, y’know? Eating right and not drinking alcohol. Or if you are drinking, not much of it. And being a bit active. Honestly, it’s that simple. It amazes me no one will do that!
Salon: Yeah, but you’re not just fit, you’re jacked.
Phil Collen: When I was lifting heavy I would have a vegan protein powder, and I still do occasionally but I try to balance it out. I’ve always done a lot of martial arts and I take a kick bag on tour and do a lot of drills so that keeps me loose and supple and basically young. That’s the fountain of youth part. I actually screwed my back up a few months ago and I could only do two things that didn’t hurt — push-ups and pull-ups on a bar. So that’s all I did with some really light crunches. I’ve been doing this a lot of years so I’ve been able to figure out what works and what does not. You can get away with a lot less, just by tweaking it here and there.
Salon: My wife and I watched the In the Round DVD recently. How were multi-tracked masterpieces likePyromania and Hysteriarecreated so faithfully? I heard you didn’t use tracks.
Phil Collen: Ah, In the Round! No [recorded] backing vocals, no tracks. Every member of this band is a bad-ass singer and we thought it was a cop out out to rely on tracks.
Salon: You guys are working double up, every song on that show. Rick Savage is singing harmony, playing bass, guitar, keyboards, samples….
Phil Collen: Here’s a fun story for you. When we recorded Love Bites we were never in the same room at the same time. We all sang on it but most of the backing vocals were Mutt Lange, he’s the one you hear more than anyone else and Mutt’s an amazing singer.
So we release the album and Love Bites goes to Number One. We’d never played it! It was so hard to work out how to play guitar and sing those parts at the same time. We had to come up with hybrid parts because before, where there had been eight guitar parts — you had to choose the most prominent ones and make a collage of sorts. Same thing with the vocals. I remember we had two days off but instead of taking the downtime we actually went into a studio just to practice that song and try to work it out. Again, it goes back to that thing: you want to be proud of your work. We were and we are.
Salon: After In the Round, we watched Duran Duran’s Arena. I always thought you two were similar: because you were considered teen idols, no one realized what incredibly adept musicians both bands were. So it was very interesting that there was talk of a Duran Duran / Def Leppard supergroup.
Phil Collen: That was when I used to drink so it was one drunken night in Tokyo, but absolutely I do think we had a lot more in common with Duran Duran than a lot of the other rock groups. I think that’s the thing, being open to different styles of music. When people ask me what Def Leppard sounds like I say, imagine a rock version of Earth, Wind & Fire with all their melodies and grooves. So yeah, I’d say we had more in common with them than say, Iron Maiden.
Salon: Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith was nearly the guitarist in Def Leppard. What would that have been like?
Phil Collen: Well, he’s coming into our house so it’s still gonna be the Def Leppard sound. When Vivian Campbell joined, a lot of people asked how he would change our style. What Viv brought was some really killer vocals. I think that’s more noticeable than the guitars.
Salon: I was talking with Eddie Trunk recently and we got on the subject of Def Leppard teaming with Mutt Lange again. Eddie’s opinion was that you guys probably didn’t want to go through that rigorous of a recording process in this day and age. But you did some tracks with Mutt recently, right?
Phil Collen: About two years ago, yeah, but they haven’t come out yet. Mutt is even more talented now than he was back when we were all working together. The guy is just amazing. Hopefully those songs we did will come out soon. I think Def Leppard could work together with Mutt again. Maybe a song or something. Mutt brings out things in you that you didn’t even know were there. Totally inspiring.
Salon: I’ve been listening to Let’s Go [click here to listen] this week. What can you tell us about the new LP?
Phil Collen: For the first time ever in our career we don’t have a record company or anyone to please but ourselves. Let’s make a record for us. Initially we went in to just make a single but the ideas started flying and we really felt we had something to say. We didn’t even know we were making an album. It was shocking to us. One song sounds Top 40, another sounds like the Sex Pistols and then another very classic Def Leppard. I think it’s the best thing since Hysteria.
. The band has released their first video from ... )
