Category : LATEST NEWS

LEGENDARY GUITARIST MICHAEL SCHENKER ANNOUNCES SPRING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

Few rock guitarists have as impressive a resume as Michael Schenker does – as he has supplied his six-string talents to such world-renowned acts as the Scorpions, UFO, and the Michael Schenker Group over the years. And it is now confirmed that Schenker will be touring North America come the spring, in support of his killer new disc, Spirit on a Mission, released on March 24th.

Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock line-up proves to be one of the strongest that the German guitarist has ever played with, as it features the former Scorpions Rock You Like A Hurricane rhythm section of Francis Buchholz (bass) and Herman Rarebell (drums), as well as Doogie White (vocals, formerly of Rainbow), and Wayne Findlay (guitar/keyboards, and longtime Michael Schenker Group member).

The tour begins March 25th at the Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA (the day after the release of Spirit on a Mission), and wraps up on May 2nd at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (with special guest Don Dokken on the bill). In between, the tour will go coast to coast, including a performance at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on April 15th.

“Promotion is definitely the next step,” says Schenker of hitting the road in support of Spirit on a Mission. “Wherever we are needed around the world, we will be there to promote [the album]. I want to make Temple of Rock its own entity. Right now it is still using the Michael Schenker platform but eventually I want it to stand on its own feet as Temple of Rock.” To get a taste of the new line-up, view the video for the song Vigilante Man here.

Undoubtedly, this set of North American dates are the first step towards establishing Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock as a global force.

Temple Of Rock — Spirit On A Mission — World Tour
Featuring:
Michael Schenker (guitar)
Doogie White (vocals)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Francis Buchholz (bass)
Wayne Findlay (7 string guitar/keyboards)

March:

25 @ Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA
27 @ Tonic in Portland, OR
28 @ Studio Seven in Seattle, WA

April:

1 @ Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA
2 @ Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA
3 @ Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA
4 @ M-15 Concert Hall in Corona, CA
7 @ Vamp’d in Las Vegas, NV
8 @ Livewire Concert Hall in Scottsdale, AZ
10 @ Trees in Dallas, TX
11 @ 210 Kapones Live in San Antonio, TX
12 @ 18th Street in San Leon, TX
15 @ Gramercy Theatre in New York, NY
16 @ Eclipse in Binghamton, NY
17 @ Newton Theatre in Newton, NJ
18 @ The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ
20 @ Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA
22 @ Rockpile West in Toronto, Ontario Canada
23 @ Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)
24 @ Harpos Concert Hall in Detroit, MI
25 @ Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)
26 @ Freaksters in Pontiac, IL
28 @ Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO
30 @ Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, CA

May:

1 @ Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
2 @ Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (Special Guest Don Dokken)

Meet and greet packages available at michaelschenkerstore.com.

Gundriver opening act for entire tour.

Michael Schenker on the web:

michaelschenkerhimself.com
facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks/

SERIES OF EVENTS PLANNED MAY 15TH-17TH IN CALIFORNIA TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF RONNIE JAMES DIO

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the voice of Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio, is planning a weekend of activities in Los Angeles to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the singer’s untimely death from gastric cancer on May 16th, 2010. The weekend will include a public Memorial Service, as well as a Celebrity Bowling tournament and the inaugural “Ride For Ronnie” motorcycle ride and BBQ, according to Dio Cancer Fund Co-Founder/President, Wendy Dio.

A free public Memorial Service will take place at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on Saturday, May 16th to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Ronnie’s passing. Several former band members and friends who worked with Ronnie over his illustrious career are expected to speak and perform his music. As seating for this event is limited, if you are interested in attending, please send an email, along with your name, phone number and the number of seats to: info@diocancerfund.org

The weekend will begin on Friday, May 15th with a Celebrity Rock ‘n Bowl tournament at PINZ Bowling Center in Studio City. It will be a fun evening of bowling, entertainment and a silent auction, which will include bowling pins autographed by Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, YES, Anthrax, Metallica and many others.

All events lead up to the inaugural “Ride For Ronnie” motorcycle ride and BBQ on Sunday, May 17th. Riders will depart from Harley-Davidson of Glendale and ride to Los Encinos Park in Encino, where they will be treated to food, live music, raffle/silent auction and more. Fans who don’t ride are welcome to attend just the BBQ.

Further information on registering for the “Ride For Ronnie” and purchasing tickets for Celebrity Bowling and the BBQ will be available shortly. Check back at the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund website diocancerfund.org for updates.

SWEET & LYNCH PREMIERE SECOND VIDEO, “DYING ROSE,” FROM THEIR UPCOMING DEBUT “ONLY TO RISE”

Sweet & Lynch are releasing another video from their upcoming debut album, Only To Rise. The video is for the song Dying Rose and premiered yesterday at GuitarWorld.com. Watch it below.

“Dying Rose is the perfect representation of this album. It’s heavy yet dynamic with a riff and melody that reminds you of the greatest era in rock. George and I are proud of this song and excited that you all have the opportunity to finally hear it in it’s entirety and to see it as well!” exclaims Michael Sweet.

Only To Rise is scheduled for release in the United States on January 27th, 2015 through Froniters Music SRL. Backing up Sweet & Lynch on this new musical adventure is bassist James Lomenzo and drummer Brian Tichy.

Sweet & Lynch recently launched a pre-order for the new album via PledgeMusic. The pre-order features various bundle packages for fans and is live at pledgemusic.com/projects/sweetlynch. The album is also available Amazon. Fans who pre-order the album through iTunes will receive instant downloads of Dying Rose, The Wish and September with their order.

From the opening notes of The Wish to the drum solo finish on the album-closer Only To Rise, it is evident that this musical partnership between Michael Sweet’s unmistakable voice and George Lynch’s signature guitar tone has yielded incredible results. Songs Dying Rose, Me Without You and Strength In Numbers showcase the diversity that permeates throughout the entire album. Only To Rise was produced by Michael Sweet who also produced the last Stryper album, No More Hell To Pay, which received massive fan praise and critical acclaim alike.

Plans are currently being worked out for Sweet & Lynch to play a few live shows in the Spring of next year, making this different than any other supergroups that record together but never play live. More information will be announced in the near future. If the past records of these four musicians are any indication, no fan will want to miss these shows.

Sweet & Lynch on the web:

facebook.com/SweetLynch
pledgemusic.com/projects/sweetlynch

ROCKLAHOMA 2015, HOSTED BY EDDIE TRUNK, WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY TESLA, SLAYER, QUEENSRYCHE, ANTHRAX, THE WINERY DOGS, RED DRAGON CARTEL & MANY OTHERS TO TAKE PLACE MAY 22ND-24TH IN PRYOR, OK

After a record-breaking 2014 with over 60,000 fans in attendance, Rocklahoma–presented by Bud Light–returns to “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds in Pryor, OK for its ninth year May 22nd, 23rd and 24th with a lineup featuring top current rock artists and classic bands. America’s Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Party will feature not-to-be-missed performances from bands including Linkin Park, Tesla, Godsmack, Slayer, Volbeat, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Halestorm, Queensrÿche, Live, Anthrax, Ministry, and many more.

The three-day camping festival features music on three stages each day. In addition, the campground stage hosts performances during the Thursday night campground party and in the afternoon and late night hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The current band lineup for Rocklahoma 2015 is as follows: Linkin Park, Tesla, Godsmack, Slayer, Volbeat, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Halestorm, Queensrÿche, Live, Anthrax, Ministry, The Pretty Reckless, Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, Of Mice & Men, In This Moment, Apocalyptica, The Winery Dogs (featuring Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy & Richie Kotzen), Motionless In White, In Flames, Aranda, Nonpoint, We Are Harlot, Young Guns, You Me At Six, Periphery, Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, Starset, Shaman’s Harvest, Upon A Burning Body, Sabaton, Like A Storm, Crobot, Islander, Sons of Texas, Wayland, Gypsy Pistoleros, Nasty Habit, Lynam, Bai Bang, Black Tora, ASKA, Kingdragon, BabyJane, Chaotic Resemblance, Firstryke, Dead Metal Society, Ratchet Dolls, Diamond Lane, Mystery, Ragdoll, Mycah, Delta Rose, Loveblast, Ruff Justice, Warlock Texas, Mach22, Dellacoma, Station, Tempt, Project Terror, London’s Dungeon, Ivy Stone, Lamp Shade Betty, We The Ghost, Well Hung Heart, NICNOS, Even the Dogs, SONS, A Course Of Action, DREK, and Lovebettie, and will be hosted by Eddie Trunk.

“We literally spend months and months piecing together the exact right mix of artists for Rocklahoma each year,” commented Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the festival for AEG Live. “Linkin Park and Slayer happen to be two of the most requested artists by the fans of Rocklahoma to play, so to get them both at the same time is a major coup. But surrounding them with the exact right element of bands that span the spectrum of classic to current and metal to lighter rock, that’s the key. This year’s lineup has that perfect balance with a little something for everyone”.

A Rocklahoma ticket pre-sale is underway now until Monday, January 26th at Noon CST at rocklahoma.com. Special pre-sale prices are available for Weekend General Admission tickets, Weekend Reserved tickets and Weekend VIP tickets. A Weekend General Admission Ticket 4-Pack is also available for purchase during the pre-sale and general on-sale. To get a code for access to the special Rocklahoma Internet pre-sale, “like” Rocklahoma on Facebook or visit rocklahoma.com and sign up to receive the Rocklahoma newsletter. Concertgoers will save by buying early, as general admission prices will increase at the public on-sale.

A limited number of discounted tickets are also now available for active military through GovX.

The campgrounds are a unique part of the Rocklahoma experience, with an endless party running around the clock for four days. Camping tickets may be purchased by calling the Rocklahoma Camping Office at (866) 310-2288 or emailing info@rocklahoma.com. Campgrounds open on Monday, May 18th and will remain open until Noon on Monday, May 25th.

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.

“AEROSMITH ROCKS DONINGTON 2014” TO LAUNCH “CLASSIC MUSIC SERIES” IN MOVIE THEATERS ON FEBRUARY 26TH

Fathom Events, Cinema 1 and Eagle Rock Entertainment are partnering to present a monthly “Classic Music Series” to start off by legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Aerosmith.

Fans will be blown away by Aerosmith on the big screen for a special one-night concert event on Thursday, February 26th, 2015 at 7 p.m. local time. Captured live at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, in June 2014 as part of the band’s critically acclaimed 2014 Let Rock Rule definitive rock & roll event. Rock’s most lethal army–Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton, and Brad Whitford–rocked audiences in 16 countries with electrifying performances. The Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014 19-song set list includes the band’s iconic hits Love In A Elevator, Janie’s Got A Gun, Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing, Dude Looks Like A Lady, Walk This Way, Dream On, Sweet Emotion and many more.

Tickets for Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014 are available at participating theater box offices and online at FathomEvents.com. The event will be presented in more than 300 select movie theaters around the country through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“It’s always an absolute hoot that leaves me howling at the moon, performing at Donington we couldn’t have had a better time on stage that night,” says Steven Tyler. “I could feel the vibes of all the greats pulsing through the stage like AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica and so many more.”

“We have played Donington many times but this performance was one of our best,” said Joe Perry. “Thanks to our fans who were there who helped us make it a night to remember. We are proud to have it be part of this theatrical series and it will give our fans who weren’t there around the world a chance to relive an ass kicking night of rock and roll.”

“We’re really proud and grateful to have been chosen to headline the Download festival at Donington for 2014,” Tom Hamilton says. “It was an awesome experience and I think this film captures it. Special thanks to the insane fans who stuck with us through mud and rain.”

“Aerosmith are rock legends and I am very proud Cinema 1 is a part of bringing this incredible band’s live concert performance to theaters across America,” said Ray Carolin, CEO of Cinema 1. “I am certain their fans are going to be blown away when they experience ‘Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014’.”

The first event in the “Classic Music Series,” Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014, will be followed monthly by a who’s who of rock and pop which will be revealed shortly. Expected events include: a singer with a history of hits since the ‘50s face-to-face with a modern pop mega-star, the beloved progenitors of the jam band genre, one of the UK’s greatest and most influential rock acts, a lauded guitar god and many, many more.

Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh-Owens said, “Aerosmith fans won’t ‘wanna miss a thing’ with Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014. Music aficionados across the nation have a year full of great tunes ahead of them as the ‘Classic Music Series’ is set to bring the best of the best to the big screen all throughout 2015.”