Music, videos, trivia, stories, books, gigs and news. Here you´ll find stuff on the great bands from the 70s and 80s!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Saxon: Third "Heavy Metal Thunder - Live: Eagles Over Wacken" Video Podcast; Several Clips Available


"Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is the no-fat-no-bullshit-100%-pure CD/DVD featuring DVD highlights from Saxon's Wacken shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009 comprising thirty songs, plus a live CD from Glasgow in 2011. Each set captures the Barnsley-bred British heavy metal legends delivering classic after classic, from "Denim & Leather" to"Metalhead" to "Heavy Metal Thunder" to "Princess Of The Night" to"Crusader" in front of 75,000-pluds loyal, ravenous fans, who have come to expect (and receive) the levels of performance Saxon have been delivering for 32 years. 


The third video podcast in which the members of Saxon discuss the upcoming release can be seen below.


"When we first played Wacken, it was a small festival with a small stage in a small field, driven by nothing more than raw enthusiasm, which appealed very much to us," says Biff Byford, Saxon's venerable frontman. "It started as fans putting on a festival for fans, and now it's fair to say that it is to heavy metal what the Donington festival used to be. That was the iconic heavy metal festival of the '80s, and Wacken is the iconic heavy metal festival of now." 
"And when the eagle comes down at Wacken, when it opens up over the audience, it is always an electric moment for those there," says Biff emphatically of the famous Saxon eagle, a ton or so of steel and lights, rescued from a storage space in the British home counties where it had lain dormant gathering rust. In many ways, the eagle's rebirth and Wacken's ascent are partners on the journey, as it was Wacken's organizers who offered to restore the mighty metal bird so as it could become a live centerpiece of both Wacken and Saxon's history. 


And when it comes to heavy metal, Saxon's history is, indeed, rich. Rightly seen as one of the premier vanguards of heavy metal alongside the likes of Iron Maiden, Saxon were a major influence behind platinum-coated stars such as Metallica and Megadeth. Formed as Son of a Bitch in 1976 (and becoming Saxon in 1978) they enjoyed tremendous commercial success in the U.K. during the '80s, with 8 U.K. top 40 albums, and have sold over 13 millions albums worldwide, while albums such as "Wheels Of Steel", "Strong Arm Of The Law", "Denim & Leather" and "The Power & The Glory" have become legendary staples of any self-respecting metal fan’s collection. 


But it has always arguably been on stage where Saxon have excelled the most. There's no hiding once you hit the boards, and whether playing to 20000 people in Buenos Aires or 2000 people in Bolton, Byford, Carter,Glockler, Quinn and Scarratt source the same high-voltage energy reserves and deliver the same high-octane, blood and sweat-soaked show that makes Saxon a perennial touring favorite. 


"We've consistently tried to write, and perform songs which both us and our audience enjoy," says Biff, "and we've worked very hard to maintain that link with our audience, because if you don't have that connection it can be very dangerous. We need them, and we need to be ready to deliver for them at every show, that's the challenge and it's one we gratefully accept and enjoy. If the audience are prepared to get crazy, then it's always going to be a strong show, and Wacken always delivers us a fantastic connection. You cannot fake that electricity, everyone wants that 'charged' atmosphere and it is absolutely priceless..."


"Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is available in a variety of formats, including the Golden Ticket D2C/Direct To Consumer Box. 


Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the "Best Of Wacken" DVD, plus the full and complete Saxon Wacken Open Air performances from 2004/2007/2009 each on a separate DVD, plus a Saxon flag. 


The real surprise is that 10 Golden Tickets are randomly included in the box sets, which will allow the lucky winners to visit any Saxon concert in any city around the world (excluding festival appearances). 


Silver Tickets giving access to special online content are for the remaining boxes so there are no losers - only winners. 


Release dates: 


April 23 - U.K.
April 20 - Rest Of Europe 
May 22 - North America 


Several preview clips from "Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" can be seen below.


Motörhead: Lemmy Answer Fan-Submitted Questions In New Video Report


The mighty Lemmy of Motörhead recently answered a couple of fan-submitted questions for Artisan News. You can check out the resulting footage below.

Motörhead was forced to miss the last four shows of Gigantour after Lemmy came down with a combination of a viral upper respiratory infection and a voice strain, resulting in severe laryngitis.


"I'm giving my voice a good rest," Lemmy said in a statemement, "and will be better than ever for our shows on the [Rockstar Energy Drink] Mayhem [Festival] tour this summer. Hope to see you all there!"


Motörhead Music/UDR recently released "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else", a blistering DVD containing some of the finest moments from Motörhead's 2011 tour. Watch a 5 minute trailer in the lower video.


Mixed by the band's long-time producer Cameron Webb, "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" is stuffed with the classics Motörfans demand, from "Overkill" to "Ace Of Spades" to"Killed By Death" as well as some old gems like "Over The Top" and new favorites such as "I Know How To Die".


"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else"gives you the complete set from the band's supreme performance in Chile at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago on April 9, 2011, shot by Banger Films and Sam Dunn ("Iron Maiden Flight 666", "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage"). The DVD continues with some tasty morsels from New York's Best Buy Theater and the Manchester Apollo.


Aerosmith: Joey Kramer on Their Upcoming Tour, Next Album and 'American Idol'



On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, lunchtime shoppers at The Grove were treated to a surprise as Aerosmith arrived to announce details for their upcoming American trek dubbed, the Global Warming tour.


The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (minus guitarist Brad Whitford who had a prior commitment), who have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide were brought to the stage by Jimmy Kimmel and then afterwards, drummer Joey Kramer  sat down with Noisecreep to talk about the tour, the band's history, and how Steven Tyler`s role as a judge on American Idolhas affected the band. As you'll see below, while touring with a band as huge as Aerosmith is isn't logistically a walk in the park, the 60-year-old Bronx, N.Y. native can't wait to get back out on the road:

Joey, there's been a lot of talk on how Steven's judging duties on American Idol will affect the future of Aerosmith. What are your thoughts about this? Does it help or hurt?


I think it absolutely helps this band. Look, I think if there was any controversy, it was because of the way the whole thing happened. I mean, Steven went about it all in a way where he didn't make an announcement - to us or to anyone else - he just went and did. That's Steven. And feeling are feelings and so initially, yeah, it created some weird feelings. But now the band has been exposed to a whole new genre of kids, a whole new group of fans - whether or not it translates into ticket sales we'll see. But I think it's all great.

You're one of the last veteran bands left with all original members. What is it about this band that endures like it does?


We just did South America and Japan, the shows were great and the band is playing like never before. I guess wine gets better with age. We finally feel our old energy, but we're not old. Chronlogically maybe, but as far as the spirit that governs this band - not old. I don't feel any different than I did when I was a teenager and first found these four other guys that wanted to do what their lives just what I wanted to do. I think that's what make us appealing to a lot of people. We believe in what we are doing and we have survived. Then there are the songs, too. I mean, that's our true strength, all of the those songs.

Many of us have our own favorite Aerosmith albums - do you?


Well, I love Pump [1989]. Permanent Vacation [1987]. Those albumsrbairn Bruce Fairbairn produced really got us up to speed in terms of sound and made us, I think, sound like a more modern band.

What younger drummers do you like or pay attention to?


I like Tré Cool from Green Day. Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters. And I really like Adrian Young from No Doubt. Those are all really great drummers. Those guys all know what it is all about. They get it.

Any thoughts on the new record you guys are working on?


The energy, which is the most important thing, reminds me of yesteryear - our real glory days. But put into a modern context. The combination of that makes for some really interesting songs. We all took part in the writing, and of course having Jack Douglas back on board producing reminds us of how special things were back in the '70s. He's just great, and I think that after a 10-year absence people will welcome this record with open arms.

Joey, on the tour, how different is it for you today versus, say, a tour in 1976? Is it harder for you to go out?

I wouldn't say it is harder - I would say it is more complex. Understand, when we first started, it was just us - five guys alone and against the word. Today, there are wives and kids and dogs and aunts and uncles [laughs]. I love touring, I love playing live - we all do - there's just more we have to factor in today when we go out.

(from Noisecreep)

Ace Frehley: "I’ve Lived 10 Lifetimes"; New Interview Available



Ex-KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has revealed he has a bigger IQ than his old bandmate Paul Stanley. “A frontman [like Stanley] doesn’t have to be a genius,” quipped the Spaceman, “he just has to have the right moves.”
Speaking in the new issue of Classic Rock, Frehley said he has an IQ of 163, which equates to "very superior intelligence."

You might ask why I’ve done so many stupid things,” he laughed. “That’s where addiction comes in. KISS once took an IQ test, and I was on top. I guess my brain was working good that morning – thank God for good genes.

I think Paul got the lowest score. No, that didn’t surprise me. A frontman doesn’t have to be a genius, he just has to have the right moves.

But with an IQ test, there are people who are brilliant that would probably do real shitty on them. I mean, Gene has the best business brain, absolutely. I don’t consider myself a very good businessman. When I start doing numbers I get a headache. I’m ruled by the creative side of my brain, not the analytical side.”
Frehley also said he empathised with Mayan predictions that the world will end in 2012.

There’s all sorts of things going on. The sun has an 11-year cycle and it’s coming towards an end, so they’re expecting more sun-spot activity, solar winds and solar flares that could affect computers and power grids. Some planets are aligning, from what I understand, so that could cause an earthquake and severe weather. So a lot of crazy of things could happen.

It doesn’t scare me. If I died tomorrow I’d die happy, because I’ve lived 10 lifetimes over what a regular person might have experienced.”
If the world ends this year, will Ace still have time to play Hard Rock Hell in December? Watch this, er… space.
You can read the full interview in the new issue of Classic Rock magazine.

KISS: Entire AT&T Block Party Concert In New Orleans Posted Online; 30 Minute `Before The Show` Video Available; Photos



KISS performed a free concert at New Orleans’ Woldenberg Park on March 30th, at the AT&T Block Party! Below you can watch the entire show. Also watch a 30 minute Before The Show video (lower):

Set list:

1. Modern Day Delilah
2. Shout It Out Loud
3. Deuce
4. Hotter Than Hell (Gene firebreathing)
5. Let Me Go, Rock 'n Roll
6. Shock Me
7. Calling Dr. Love
8. I Love It Loud
9. 100000 Years (Gene Solo)
10. Love Gun
11. Black Diamond
12. Detroit Rock City
Encores:
13. Lick It Up
14. Rock And Roll All Nite






Aerosmith: Joe Perry Talks New Studio Album In Rolling Stone Q&A



Rolling Stone spoke one-on-one with the 61-year-old Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry about the band's first album in eight years, which is almost complete and scheduled for release this summer. An excerpt from the Q&A follows:

Q: Was it tough rebuilding the bridges to get everyone back in the same place?

A: "No, because the music does that. After a band's been together as long as we have, everybody just gets into their own rhythms. You can't force shit. People do what they're going to do outside of the band, whether it's Steven (Tyler) wanting to put his name on motorcycles or doing American Idol, or Joey (Kramer) writing a book or me putting out a solo record. But the five of us always have this band, and we're constantly amazed that it's still happening."

Q: Are there any songs left over from Honkin' on Bobo?

A: "Well, there are riffs. It's funny, because some riffs have popped up in different songs that we've tried over the years. One riff on this record has to be at least 20 years old. It's been percolating, waiting for its time. It may end up turning up in a couple of songs on this record, in a mini-opera kind of way."

Read the full Q&A at 
this location.

At a press conference at the Grove Mall in Los Angeles on March 28th, just around the corner from the American Idol studios, Aerosmith (minus guitarist Brad Whitford who was on the road with HENDRIX EXPERIENCE) spoke to the media about their Global Warming tour will kick off on June 16th in Minneapolis and their long-awaited 15th studio album which is almost complete.

"We've been underground for four months, doing what we do best, and we've been known to set the world on fire with our type of music," said Steven Tyler. "So we decided to call this the Global Warming Tour. We haven't had a chance to play new music for a few years, so we're looking forward to kicking ass with this new album."

Tyler says the album will be out in three months and some song titles include: 'Legendary Child', 'Beautiful' and 'Out Go The Lights'.

"We're almost done with the record," Tyler updates. "We've got two more songs to finish, then we have to mix which should take us two months."

Bassist Tom Hamilton added that before the album comes out there will be two singles released. 


George Lynch: Talks Lynch Mob Tour, Tooth And Nail, Solo Instrumental EP And Evolving



Iconic and innovative guitar virtuoso George Lynch  is currently on the road with Lynch Mob and celebrating his 25 years with ESP. Matthew O'Shaughnessy from WVOX.com talked to him about the current tour, the Tooth And Nail debut and his upcoming instrumental EP. 

WVOX.com: Describe life in the resurrected Lynch Mob?

George Lynch: "This band is really about changing things up quite a bit and evolving. We really enjoy that. Today, we just worked up a medley of Dokken songs so we've got like five or six Dokken songs built into one ten minute jam! So we're trying that out today. We're also adding some songs from the Wicked Sensation album. The band is very committed and dedicated; we've got Robbie Crane on bass who officially just left Ratt, Scott Kugan who was with Ace Frehley and Oni Logan is back as you know. We are dedicated to seeing this through! I think we are due back in your area (New York) later in the year playing a festival called M3. What's interesting about that festival is that our set is right between Ratt and Dokken!"
  

WVOX.com: You are one of the most decorated guitar players the world over. As you look back to your roots over the last 30 years, and all the wonderful contributions you have gifted the hard rock community, what comes to mind? Does your success seem surreal?

George Lynch: "I look at it from a completely different perspective; When you're in it, you're in it. This is my life, I'm doing what I've always done. Whether or not we sell records or we don't, or we're playing arenas or we're playing clubs.  It's just part of the process. You feel compelled to make music.  The business end of it is something you cannot control. And that's up and down. The most rewarding part of all this is making music that you love and dealing with the challenges, rewards and adversity." 

WVOX.com:  I understand you have quite a lot on the fire recording-wise.

George Lynch: "Yes, I've got an instrumental EP coming out called Legacy on Ratpack Records. And then Lynch Mob is going back into the studio right when we get off this current run of dates to record a five-song EP including one cover song which will be out before the summer touring starts.  And then we finish up the Tooth And Nail record which has a lot of guest singers on it such as "Ripper" Owens, Sebastian Bach, Glenn Hughes and Doug Pinnick of Kin's X.g That's coming out in the fall.  And Lynch Mob is going to put out a full length album in early 2013.  So we've got back to back records stacked up! And just to make things even more confusing, I'm also doing a movie and a CD with a band called Shadowtrain and we're going into the studio on April 10th." 


WVOX.com:  You've always taken quite a liking to ESP guitars. What makes them so special?

George Lynch: "Well, for one thing, the company is really about the people. It's not about the company itself. It's about what they can do. They have always been there for me.  As far as specs on the guitars, etc.  ESP has always been willing to try things other companies have not always been willing to try. They have a sense of humor about it.  I am a dedicated guy.  It's a symbiotic relationship that works for everybody. The president of the company was my guitar roadie in Dokken for eight years and my best friend. He's been the best man at all four of my weddings and he's the Godfather to all my kids, so I'm not going anywhere." 


Friday, March 30, 2012

KISS: Perform 'Calling Dr. Love', 'Shout It Out Loud', 'Hotter Than Hell' At AT&T Block Party Soundcheck; Pro-Shot Video Available



In the KISSonline.com exclusive video below, KISS perform 'Calling Dr. Love', 'Shout It Out Loud' and 'Hotter Than Hell' during soundcheck at New Orleans' Woldenberg Park yesterday (March 29th). 


The KISS AT&T Block Party concert will be streaming live tonight, March 30th starting at 8 PM CT/ 9 PM EST at Uverse.com or for an interactive experience check it out live on Facebook at here




Thursday, March 29, 2012

Ted Nugent: New 24 Minute Audio Interview Posted Online; Solo Dates Announced



Brian Rademacher of RockEyez interviewed with US rocker Ted Nugent on March 23rd. Listen to the audio interview below.

Although the Motor City Madman recently confirmed dates on the The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express Tour with Styx and Reo Speedwagon, Nugent has also announced solo dates on the Great White Buffalo Tour. The itinerary can be found below with more shows to be announced soon. 

April
19 - Ardmore, OK - 2 Frogs Grill
20 - Winnie, TX - Nutty Jerry's
21 - Grand Prairie, TX - Lone Star Park
22 - Mescalero, NM - Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
26 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House
27 - Laughlin, NV - Edgewater Casino
28 - Tucson, AZ - Pima County Fair

May
4 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre

August
15 - Beaver Dam, WI - Dodge County Fair


Slash: Releases "Gotten" Video And Song To Raise Awareness For Homeless Youth; Star-Studded Video And Behind The Scenes Footage Posted


Slash is releasing a special video and song to raise awareness for the plight of homeless youth in Los Angeles. Fans can make a donation to the Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) by downloading the song - a special mix of "Gotten", with Adam Levine of Maroon 5 on vocals, from Slash's previous 2010 debut solo album.

A comprehensive nonprofit organization, LAYN provides for more than 10,000 runaway and homeless youth on the streets of Los Angeles every night, with emergency shelter and group homes for those 12-17 years old and long term transitional housing for young adults 18-24. The goal is to keep these often neglected, abused and homeless youth off the street and provide them with the basic necessities of life such as safety, food, shelter, counseling and supportive services.


To watch, donate and download 'Gotten', click 
here.

To donate directly to the Los Angeles Youth Network, click here.

Shot in downtown LA, the star-studded cast for 'Gotten' features Slash as himself, as well as Amanda “AJ” Milchalka (Hellcats, Super 8), Kristin Bauer (True Blood), Clifton Collins Jr. (Traffic, Capote), Jacob Vargas (Next Friday, Traffic), Sevier Crespo (Fast Lane) and Judd Nelson (The Breakfast Club), among others.


“This video was created to make people take notice of the homeless teen epidemic which is rampant in L.A. as well as in the rest of the country,” explains Slash. “The story in this video is just one scenario amid millions of potential situations happening at any given time in Los Angeles alone. Everybody involved with the making of this video selflessly donated their time and talents to this cause. I thank them with all my heart.”


"LAYN is extremely grateful to Slash, Astound Studios, GenAudio and the entire creative force that has come together to support the programs and services of LAYN for homeless and runaway youth often missed by so many systems and who have such limited options for support,” explains Mark Supper Executive Director of the Los Angeles Youth Network. “Your donation helps us prevent the potential harm these youth are vulnerable and at risk for, and assists us in keeping them from being exploited or victimized on the streets of Los Angeles."



"Gotten" was remixed at Astound Studios from its original version using GenAudio’s unique 3D spatial audio technology, AstoundSound, which is based on over two decades of R&D into how the brain processes audio information. AstoundSound delivers a deeper and significantly enhanced artist-fan connection that stimulates a powerful artist-fan connection triggering a more intensive emotional response.

"The team at Astound Studios and GenAudio were very excited to work on this with Slash and his people," said Jerry Mahabub, CEO of GenAudio and Owner of Astound Studios. "Slash is a visionary, an idol to many, and a friend to me. It was both an honor and a pleasure to work on this project for the benefit of homeless youth that need all of our help."

Check out the video and behind-the-scenes making of footage below: 

U.K. Edition Of Sonisphere Festival Officially Canceled



The organizers of the U.K. edition of the Sonisphere festival have confirmed the cancelation of this year's event, which was due to take place July 6-8 at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire.

The news first broke online last night when headliners Queen posted a message on their web site that their much-anticipated performance with "American Idol" alum Adam Lambert was being called off. By yesterday afternoon, however, all mention of the Knebworth show had disappeared from Queen's web site.

Aside from Queen and Lambert's performance, the festival's bill also included KISS - who has also performed with Lambert during the "Idol" Season 8 finale - Incubus, The Darkness and Evanscense.

Sonisphere was reportedly struggling to sell tickets for this year's edition of the festival, despite being one of the U.K.'s few remaining true rock events.

Commented the organizers: "It is with very heavy hearts and much regret that we announce the cancellation of Sonisphere Knebworth 2012.

"Putting the festival together in what is proving to be a very challenging year was more difficult than we anticipated and we have spent the last few months fighting hard to keep Sonisphere in the calendar. Unfortunately circumstances have dictated that we would be unable to run the festival to a standard that both the artists and that Sonisphere's audience would rightly expect.

"We want to express our deepest regrets to the artists and to thank all the staff, suppliers and contractors who worked so hard with us to try and pull off what has proven to be an impossible task and we know how much they share in our disappointment. We also want to send a huge thanks to the Sonisphere fans who stuck by us and we are so sorry that we can’t fulfil what we set out to do.

Ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund direct from their ticket agents."

Rush: "Headlong Flight"; Next Single From "Clockwork Angels" Hits Radio In April



According to a posting on the Rush fan site RushIsABand.com, the next single from Rush's long-awaited new album, "Clockwork Angels", will be a track called "Headlong Flight". A five-and-a-half-minute edit of the song will be hitting radio on April 19, with the full seven-and-a-half-minute cut set to appear on the full-length CD, which is scheduled to arrive on May 29 in the U.S.  


Album artwork revealed?

Rush started work on the follow-up to 2007's "Snakes & Arrows" in late 2009 with the production team of Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Stone Sour) and engineer Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Dream Theater).
Two songs from "Clockwork Angels" that were previously digitally released,"BU2B" and "Caravan", were reportedly re-recorded for the forthcoming CD due to a record label change in the middle of the making of the album.
As previously reported, "Clockwork Angels" is being turned into a novel by Colorado-based sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson, who wrote on Facebook, "Most of you are aware of my long-standing friendship with (Rush drummer) Neil Peart . . . For more than twenty years, Neil and I have wanted to collaborate on something MAJOR, a way we could tie together our imaginations, and at last that's happening. I'm writing the novelization of Rush's forthcoming album, 'Clockwork Angels'."
Anderson added that he worked with Peart to "flesh out the epic story told over the course of the music," which involves "lost cities, pirates, anarchists, exotic carnivals, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life." 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Aerosmith: Press Event At The Grove, LA, Streaming Online; "The Old Aerosmith Is Back," Says Steven Tyler


Watch a live stream of Aerosmith's Los Angeles press event at The Grove on March 28 in the YouTube link below.



Aerosmith members Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer andJoe Perry took part in a special press event on Wednesday, March 28, at The Grove in Los Angeles, California to announce the band's upcoming "The Global Warming Tour". You can now watch video footage of the question-and-answer session below.

"Well, we've been underground for four months doing what we do best," began singer Steven Tyler, "and we've been known to set the world on fire with our type of music, for the last couple of years, to say the least. So, we decided to call this 'The Global Warming Tour', and come from under the hood, to tell you all that we've got a new album and a new tour."


"The Global Warming Tour" will play 18 markets beginning on June 16 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Support on the trek will come from Cheap Trick.


"The old Aerosmith is back with a new vengeance and we will kick your ass and make out with your mothers," says Steven Tyler.


Joe Perry adds, "Can't wait to bring this band back home. It feels like we've been away too long."


Live Nation is the national tour promoter for Aerosmith's North American tour. This summer's hottest ticket will go on sale March 30 and 31 atTicketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. The first round of tour dates are below with additional dates for a second leg to be announced shortly. Beginning on Thursday, March 29, fans that visit www.livenation.com/aerosmith and RSVP to the presale will have early access to tickets. 


Bassist Tom Hamilton says, "After touring Japan and South America last year we're psyched about bringing it all back for the hometown fans. We're going to break out the classics, the hits and maybe even some of the new ones we've been banging out in the studio. Can't wait to get to Minneapolis!"

Find the Global Warmimg Tour dates here.




KISS, Mötley Crüe: Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Tommy Lee, Mick Mars Talks `The Tour` And The Early Days In New Video Interview


KISS and Mötley Crüe held a press conference on March 20 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California to officially announce details of their co-headlining 2012 North American summer tour, simply dubbed "The Tour". The trek - which will see KISS closing the show each night - will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia and will run through September 23 in Hartford, Connecticut. Some rumours say it will go on until the holidays.

After the press conference, Jeremy Meyer, a columnist with Examiner.com, sat down with members of KISS and  Mötley Crüe  to discuss everything from Tommy Lee first meeting KISS 30 years ago, bad opening acts, iconic songs and more. You can now watch the 15-minute chat below.



Def Leppard: Joe Elliott Talks Upcoming Tour With Poison And Lita Ford In New Audio Interview


Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott recently spoke to BIG 100.3's (web site)Lisa about the band's upcoming tour with Poison and Lita Ford; his favorite rock and roll memorabilia; and his recent obsession with Brazilian music. You can now listen to the chat below.

In an interview with AOL's Noisecreep, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collenstated about the band's upcoming road activities. "We're actually going to be back on tour around when the [film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical 'Rock Of Ages'] is out, and it would be a lot of fun to get some of the other bands featured in 'Rock Of Ages' out with us," he said. "We went out with Poison in 2009, and we all had so much fun."


KISS: New KISS Series From IDW In June




Here`s a KISS Online update on the new comix:


This June, IDW Publishing is bringing back the rock group KISS in comic form. Last year, Archie Comics released a story in which Archie Meets Kiss, this time IDW is giving them marquee status.

According to IDW, the series is rooted in KISS fandom, featuring KISS characters like “Wicked” Lester, the Destroyer, She, the Elder, and more, but it will be very accessible to all comic readers.

KISS will be written by Chris Ryall (Zombies vs Robots) with art by Jamal Igle (The Ray) and KISS #1-4 come with a special “solo album” covers by artist Michael Gaydos.

Variant covers will also be available, including a Michael Gaydos “Demon” cover and a KISS photo cover!

Kiss Online spoke to IDW Publishing’s Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief Tom Waltz and Senior Staff Writer Chris Ryall last July at the San Diego Comic Con. You can find the whole article here.

KISS has been the subject of several comic book series with several different publishers. Why did IDW pick the group to work with?

Chris Ryall: It pretty much follows the way we choose to pursue any license: we’re fans of the material. Both Tom Waltz and I are lifelong KISS fans; and add to that the fact that we produced a line of Simmons Comic Group releases with Gene Simmons a few years back and it’s just been something we’ve always wanted to do. Some of my earliest comic-reading moments are of enjoying the KISS Super Specials that Marvel produced in the ’70s, and it’s a personal thrill to not only be able to carry on with Kiss comics but to now write them myself, too.

Tom Waltz: As Chris states, we tend not to pursue any license at IDW that won’t have an editor behind it who is a fan and willing to champion it through the long process of getting it approved and into print. In the case of KISS, Chris and I are not only champions of the license, we’re uber-fans of the band and their music, not to mention the KISS comics from various other publishers in the past. Like Chris, I ate up those Marvel KISS comics and to now be able to be a part of the ongoing adventures of our hard-rockin’, kabuki-wearin’ heroes is a real highlight of my career as a writer/editor.

KISS #1


Chris Ryall (w) • Jamal Igle (a) • Nick Runge, Igle (c)

You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best! KISS is back in an all-new comic series that will appeal to longtime fans and new readers alike! Four ordinary humans in 1920s Chicago find themselves caught up in a battle of epic proportions that will reverberate across time and space in “Dressed to Kill,” part 1!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Also in June, IDW is reprinting the KISS Marvel Super Specials originally released in the 1970’s by Marvel Comics!

KISS Greatest Hits, Vol. 1: The Marvel Years

Stan Lee, Ralph Macchio (w) • John Buscema, John Romita Jr. (a) • Nick Runge (c)
In 1977, Kiss was not only the biggest band in the world, they were the biggest comic-book stars around! For the first time ever, both classic Marvel Super Specials are collected in one in trade paperback, with story and art from Stan Lee, John Buscema, John Romita Jr., and more! Featuring an all-new cover recreation by Kiss: Avatars cover artist Nick Runge!

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 pages • ISBN 978-1-61377-226-3

· The perfect companion piece to the all-new KISS series launching this month!
· Collects the two classic Marvel KISS comics in one edition!

· All-new Marvel Super Special cover-recreation by Kiss cover artist Nick Runge!



Eric Singer, Tommy Lee, Mick Mars Remembers Their First Concerts; Video Available



Noisecreep had the pleasure of sitting down with some of the members of both iconic bands to talk shop.

Ever wonder what Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee and Mick Mars concerts were? Or how do KISS drummer Eric Singer and Tommy Lee really feel about both bands being shunned thus far by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Check out Noiscreep's exclusive video interview below to find out.


Europe: Joey Tempest Talks "Bag of Bones" In New Video Interviev



Europe frontman Joey Tempest has admitted the band have thought about dropping all of their older material from their live set, to concentrate solely on songs from the last four studio albums since their reunion in 2003.

“We have seriously talked about it,” Tempest told Classic Rock, “and yes, it would include leaving out The Final Countdown. But right now, we don’t feel it’s the right thing to do. Fans come along to shows expecting to hear certain old favourites, and they wouldn’t be happy if we did this. But it is something we could certainly do in the future.”

The band release new album "Bag Of Bones" on April 30, and they play at the Download Festival on Friday, June 8. Below you can watch a brand new 18 minute video interview with Joey Tempest.

“We go on early on the second stage, but that’s OK. For us, it’s a dream come true, because one of our dreams has always been to play at Donington.”

This is followed by a full tour in November, with the possibility of more British dates in 2013.
“Our tour is now being extended into next year, so we might well return either to play at a festival, or do more of our own shows. And then we have to think about our 10th album, which we’ll record in 2014. That’s gonna be a landmark for us.”

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Molly Hatchet: "Regrinding The Axes"; New Studio Album Out In April; With Covers of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Stones, ZZ Top, Thorogood , Lizzy, Moluntain



Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1975, Molly Hatchet took their name from a legendary prostitute who allegedly mutilated and decapitated her clients. Their self-titled debut album, recorded in 1978, quickly went platinum; the follow-up, "Flirtin' With Disaster", was even a bigger success, ultimately selling well over two million copies.

Molly Hatchet has become one of the definitive southern rock band and on "Regrinding The Axes", they revisit some of their favourite songs originally made famous by other legendary rock bands, covering well-known anthems from the repertoire of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, George Thorogood , Thin Lizzy, Moluntain.


The album also features three lengthy live tracks, recorded during one of their mind-blowing concerts. 

"Regrinding The Axes" is due out on On April 17th, Music Avenue and features the following tracklist:
'Bad To The Bone'
'Mississippi Queen'
'Free Bird'
'Back In The U.S.S.R.'
'Sharp Dressed Man'
'The Boys Are Back In Town'
'Tumbling Dice
'Dreams I'll Never See'
'Melissa'
'Wild Horses'
'Tequila Sunrise
'Yesterday'
Bonus Tracks:
'Get In The Game'
'Layla'
'Dreams I'll Never See' 

Black Sabbath: "Rock Family Trees: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"; Complete BBC2 Feature Available



At a time when other bands were heavily into peace, love and flower power, Sabbath set itself apart with music about drugs, the occult, and anger at The Establishment. They were also unique in their incorporation of gothic and folk music elements. Their unique sound, coupled with Ozzy Osbourne’s wild onstage theatrics helped set the stage for today’s shock rock artists.

From the TV-series (BBC2) description:

Formed in the late 60s, Black Sabbath's lyrics, looks and lifestyle got them into trouble with moral guardians on both sides of the Atlantic. This programme charts the band's career, showing how friendships forged between the four original members 40 years ago have survived to the present. (Duration: 50 minutes)


Alice Cooper: Unseen Director's Cut Of Closing Track For Jägermeister Ice Cold 4D Event Now Available



The Jägermeister Ice Cold Event took place May 11th, 2011 at Battersea Power Station in Battersea, South London, starring legendary rock ‘n’ roll royalty Alice Cooper appearing in 4D.

The Jägermeister Ice Cold Event made history as the UK’s first holographic 4D rock gig and celebrated the release of the Alice Cooper box set Old School: 1964-1974. Featuring original band members Alice Cooper, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith and Michael Bruce, plus Steve Hunter standing-in for the late Glen Buxton, the Jägermeister Ice Cold Event was the first time the group has ‘appeared’ together in the UK since 1972, although the band was not actually there in person.

The unseen closing track from the event can now be seen below. This is the Director's Cut, the version the fans did not see at the show due to rushed deadlines for the live show: