Wrathchild UK: New Album "Stakkattakktwo" Out In August

British glam veterans Wrathchild UK will release their long-awaited fourth studio album, "Stakkattakktwo", on August 23rd via Perris Records. A tour, dubbed "Glam Godz – Stalkin' The Earth Tour", will follow later in the year.

Commented the band: "We are really excited that the album is going to be distributed worldwide and that all of our fans will finally get to hear what we've been up to these last few years. 

"We thought long and hard about who to do this record with, but at the end of the day it was a no-brainer - the guys at Perris cut their teeth getting off on the same vibes that we we've been into from the start of the Wrathchild journey. Perris Records (USA) have distribution networks worldwide second to none, and more importantly, they truly worship at the altar of all that is rock 'n' roll!"


"Stakkattakktwo" track listing:

01. Goin' Down
02. All About U
03. Cherie Cherie
04. Trikk Or Treat
05. Hollywood Or Bust
06. Nice 'N' Eazy
07. White Hot Fever
08. I'll Be Your Rokk 'N' Roll
09. Bad Billy
10. I Luv The Night
11. Sycophantic Suicide

Wrathchild UK's current lineup:

Gaz "Psychowrath" Harris - Lead Vocals
Marc Angel - Bass, Backing vocals
Phil "Wrathchild" Vokins - Guitar, Backing vocals
Eddie Star - Drums, Backing vocals

Wrathchild, who released three albums in the 1980s ("Stakk Attakk", "The Biz Suxx" and "Delirium"), have long hinted at reforming and indeed it was reported in 2005 that the group was rehearsing with three-quarters of the most popular lineup - vocalist Rocky Shades, Star and Angel, plus original guitarist Phil Vokins. However, in an about-turn, the band chose a new singer in Gaz Harris and decided to call themselves Psychowrath instead (before reverting to the Wrathchild moniker in 2009).

For more information, visit www.wrathchildofficial.com.

Journey: Performed On "Today" Show; 4 Videoes

Legendary rockers Journey performed on the "Today" show onFriday, July 29th as part of this year's Toyota Concert Series. You can now watch video footage of their appearance below.

One of the songs performed on the "Today" show, "City Of Hope", is the first single from Journey's latest CD, "Eclipse". The track was inspired by, and written in lead singer Arnel Pineda's hometown of Manila, Philippines and the accompanying clip is a documentary-style combination of performance, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Journey at rehearsals in San Francisco earlier this year, plus footage of the band in Manila. 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

ZZ Top: New Album Finished; New Song "Flyin` High" Available

ZZ Top’s new album is now finished, being mixed, and will be released in the fall of 2011. Billy Gibbons tells Mojo magazine, “It sounds and feels like "Tres Hombres", with a few elements of the "Eliminator" period thrown in. A pretty wide range, from basic blues to slightly more fancy stuff.

Songs recorded include “Flyin’ High,” “More Slower Blues.” “Chartreuse” and “Have A Little Mercy.” The latter is, says Gibbons, inspired by early B.B. King cuts.

The sessions have been executive-produced by Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Metallica, etc). Gibbons adds, “The thing about Rick is he pushes the artists to spend more time reaching down deeper than they normally would.”

ZZ top recorded at the famous Shangri La Studios in Malibu with engineeer Dave Sardy (Oasis, Jet). The trio then moved back to Texas, to Foam Box Recordings in Houston, with long-time engineer Joe Hardy. “It was the Sardy and Hardy party,” said Gibbons.

A version of “Flyin’ High,” which is not confirmed for the album, has already debuted: played en-route to the International Space Station on Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft. “We figured it’d be the perfect song to pass along to the astronauts,” said Gibbons.

Not every song will be as as radio-friendly as “Flyin’ High”, insists Billy. “More Slower Blues” is “simply one chord, that never stops.”

ZZ Top have yet to reveal the album’s title and its final tracklisting.

Ace Frehley: "No Regrets"; Memoir Out On November 1st; Cover Available; Pre-Order At Amazon

Legendary rocker and former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will release his memoir 'No Regrets' on November 1st. The 288 page book, co-authored by Joe Layden, will be published under Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books's VH1 Books imprint and can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com.

Ace Frehley is known worldwide as the legendary original lead guitarist for the seminal rock band KISS and respected as a solo artist who has influenced generations of guitar players. KISS is known for its wild make-up, spectacular costumes, and theatrical live shows (not to mention their music)! Frehley will delve into his life as a kid growing up in the Bronx, his ups-and-downs and influences which catapulted him into a life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll, and reveal what is was like to be one of the founding members of one of the most influential bands in the world.

In its nearly four-decade existence, KISS has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, ranking among the top-selling rock-and-roll bands of all time. The KISS Army remains vast and devoted, buying merchandise and concert tickets at sellout shows that continue around the globe. Now, Ace Frehley, long regarded as the most approachable and likeable member of the band, opens up about his unbelievable exploits as one of the founding members of KISS.

It all started in January of 1973, when this self-taught musician and Bronx native spotted an advertisement in the Village Voice posted by Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons: "Guitarist wanted with flash and balls." Frehley, figuring he had both, answered the ad, and the rest was history.

Within a few years, KISS was playing spectacular live shows to sold-out stadiums all over the world, decked out in their iconic costumes and makeup. The band was raking in millions of dollars on tours, albums, and merchandise, and the rabid KISS Army numbered in the six figures. Frehley, known as "The Spaceman," had transformed from a scrappy, music-obsessed kid to one of the most famous and revered guitarists of his era, hailed by critics and adored by fans. No Regrets goes behind the make-up, the money, the women, and the partying. Frehley recounts his battles with drug addiction and his brushes with death, sets the record straight about his complicated relationships with Simmons and Paul Stanley, and describes his evolution as a musician -- all with his characteristic humor and honesty. Without a doubt, No Regrets is a must-have for every KISS fan.

Ace Frehley said "I think Sinatra said it best...'regrets I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention.'"

Jennifer Bergstrom, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief of Gallery Books, said "NO REGRETS is sure to be the next must-read rock-and-roll memoir."

Gallery Books' Senior Editor Jeremie Ruby-Strauss negotiated the deal with Frank Weimann, President of The Literary Group International, which includes world rights. 

Zakk Wylde, Phil Collen, Doug Aldrich Featured In Free Digital Magazine iGuitar

The free digital Magazine iGuitar has now launched its third issue which features not one but two interviews with the great Zakk Wylde, plus in-depth looks at some of his kit: Zakk's Gibson Les Paul, the Marshall JCM800 amp and the MXR Zakk Wylde pedals. 

Other interviews continue the heavy metal theme with Stuart Bull quizzing Def Leppard's guitar ace Phil Collen, Jamie Humphries meeting Whitesnake's Doug Aldrich and Gary Cooper profiling that master of chords Pete Townsend. All the interviews are supplemented with videos showing you how play songs by these great guitarists and the techniques they use.

A special feature, tying into the cover story, is "The Wizard's of Oz." Top guitar teacher Jamie Humphries takes a look at the guitar styles of Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Jake E. Lee and Gus G., some of Ozzy Osbourne's greatest axemen. Check out the free lick lessons, and if you like the free licks then there is almost a DVDs worth of additional licks available on special offer as a paid download for subscribers; in all twenty five licks plus a jam track, to get your metal soling up to speed.

Reviews include guitar, amp and FX products from a host of manufactures including Line 6, Yamaha, Providence, PRS, T-Rex, Vigier, Marshall and Brace Audio. All reviews include a full product write up, as well as videos demonstrating the gear and letting you see the products and details on how to use them.

In the Quiet Room section, there is an exclusive interview with Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel plus even more exclusive live footage from one of his recent gigs. Also included are reviews on products from Breedlove, Tanglewood, Trace Accoustic and LR Braggs, again complete with video demonstrations.

Then there is the competition - you can win a copy of the highly sought-after signed copy of the "Book of Orange" and a superb Orange CR6S Stereo Micro Crush Combo.

On top of all that, the third issue of iGuitar which has 200 pages is brimming with technical know-how, lessons and much, much more.

iGuitar is much more than just a magazine, it offers readers an exceptional experience with its dynamic design and layout, and its fully interactive multimedia presentation.

iGuitar is available free from www.iguitarmag.com/issue3, no strings attached!

John Sykes And Mike Portnoy Join Forces In New Power Trio

Drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, Adrenaline Mob) has joined forces with guitarist/vocalist John Sykes (Whitesnake, Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy) and an as-yet-undisclosed bassist in a brand new power trio. The project is currently recording material at a Los Angeles studio, with Portnoy describing one song as "copping the Zeppelin/Sabbath vibe" and another as "Floyd meets Purple! Some serious old-school classic rock."

Portnoy and Sykes appeared Monday, July 25th at a taping of season eight of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show". The program's co-host Eddie Trunk tweeted about their new collaboration, "I heard demos. Sounds like killer Blue Murder meets '1987' Whitesnake. Amazing!" He also said that the new group will perform some Blue Murder material when it hits the road.

Sykes announced his departure from Thin Lizzy in July 2009, explaining that "I feel it's time to get back to playing my own music."


Mike Portnoy recently posted this message:


"Yes, this is what I've been working on here in LA for the last week or so (as well as a few days at the end of May).

John and I have been working with a bass player as well (no, not Dug Pinnick) and the announcement of who it is will be made at a later point...let's just say it is a completely ridiculous modern-day power trio!!!

We've demo-ed 12 songs so far and will begin recording the album in the fall. "

Tony Iommi: Filmed For VH1´s "That Metal Show"

Tony Iommi filmed an interview for VH1's "That Metal Show" on July 24th in LA with Eddie Trunk. 

The hour show will be aired in August and you can check out some photos from the interview in the "Behind The Scenes" album: www.iommi.com/page.php 

Check www.iommi.com for more information and some sneak peaks of the show.

Thin Lizzy: Pro-Shoot Of Entire (52 Min) Hellfest Performance Posted Online

Professionally filmed video footage of Thin Lizzy's entire performance at this year's Hellfest, which was held June 17-19, 2011 in Clisson, France, can be viewed below (courtesy of Arte [Association Relative à la Télévision Européenne], a Franco-German TV network).

Thin Lizzy will embark on a U.K. headlining tour in January 2012 with support from Clutch.

Comprised of a kick-ass line-up featuring Phil Lynott-era Lizzy members Scott Gorham (guitar), Brian Downey (drums) and Darren Wharton (keyboards), as well as Guns n' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus, former The Almighty singer/guitarist Ricky Warwick, and bassist Marco Mendoza, Thin Lizzy is aiming to bring the house down each night.


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