Taz
12-10-2002, 07:43 PM
*from <a href="http://www.HardRadio.com" target="_blank">www.HardRadio.com</a> *
Rockdetector will release the seventh book in their series, ROCKDETECTOR A-Z OF AOR, in March, 2003. The 500 page tome, written by editor in chief Garry Sharpe-Young and Classic Rock's Dave Reynolds, will cover the entire AOR spectrum from past to present. As with Rockdetector's previous best selling books it is also planned to include an accompanying compilation CD. Bands and labels wishing to submit artist updates and photographs for inclusion should email Sarah Jarvis at: support@rockdetector.com. They require high resolution photographs suitable for print. The book publishes in March and photos will be accepted until the end of December.
According to guitarist/CULT touring bassist BILLY MORRISON's website, <a href="http://www.billymorrison.net," target="_blank">www.billymorrison.net,</a> his "jam" band, CAMP FREDDY, will be throwing a party for the public in Hollywood, CA on December 16th. The venue and details on how to get in will be announced on December 12th at <a href="http://www.billymorrison.net." target="_blank">www.billymorrison.net.</a> The free show will be open to 400 lucky fans as well as the usual L.A. club show guest list. Camp Freddy also features guitarist Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION), drummer Matt Sorum (ex-GUNS N' ROSES, The Cult), bassist Scott Ford and singer Donovan Leitch. In other Camp Freddy "live" news, the band are also scheduled to perform at the opening of the world's largest strip club, Sapphire Gentlemen's Club, in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 13th. This is a private party.
COMPANY OF SNAKES' official website, <a href="http://www.companyofsnakes.com," target="_blank">www.companyofsnakes.com,</a> has posted the following message from the band that features ex-WHITESNAKE guitarists Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody. "The Company of Snakes is being put on hold until further notice, though the band is not splitting up. After the recent tour in Russia and Scandinavia the Company Of Snakes have no plans for any shows in the future, until the summer of next year at the earliest. There are a number of reasons for this decision, the main one being the lack of record company support over the last year. However, we would like to thank all our fans for the outstanding support you've given us over the last 5 years. There is a possibility of a Company of Snakes DVD to be shot sometime next year, and of course the band members are continuing with their various non-Company of Snakes projects. Thanks, Bernie, Micky, Neil, John and Stefan."
LIVING COLOUR's website, <a href="http://www.livingcolournet.com," target="_blank">www.livingcolournet.com,</a> reports that the band have inked a deal with Sanctuary Records and are now finishing up recording their new album at Nova Sound studio. The band's Corey Glover has issued the following: "I wanted to say thanks to all of our friends and fans who have supported Living Colour over the years. We know that everyone is (patiently) waiting for the new CD, we are making all of the final touches now and will keep everybody updated. We are planning new tour dates including a few in Canada, so stay tuned in for that. Also, Living Colour is looking for a few good venues in Brazil... does anyone have any suggestions? Corey Glover - c_glover@excite.com."
STRYPER are set to record two new studio tracks for inclusion on a new Best Of Stryper album, due out in Spring 2003 through Hollywood Records. All four original members, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox and Tim Gaines, will enter the studio in January for the first time in over 11 years to record the songs. The Best Of CD will include the band's favorite songs plus the two new tracks, described as being "heavy & modern". In other Stryper news, the band's T-shirts will appear in the new film, Charlies Angel: Full Throttle, due out in Summer 2003. In related news, Robert Sweet and BLISSED have some live dates coming up. They will be in California for a few dates in January, and then head to Texas for a couple of dates there in February. Check <a href="http://www.Blissed.biz" target="_blank">http://www.Blissed.biz</a> for details.
AC/DC have signed a multi-album deal with Epic/Sony. The first releases through the deal will be reissues of the albums Back In Black, Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, due out early next year. Further reissues will follow, all of which will sport new liner notes and rare photos, and utilize Sony's proprietary ConnecteD technology to unlock special online content created for each release. The band's next studio album will complete their contract with Elektra/ Warner, the label the band have been with for the past 26 years. The new deal with Elektra will also see some of AC/DC's back catalog released on vinyl as well as compilation DVD releases. Sony CEO Tommy Mottola comments on the signing: "Today AC/DC is going stronger than ever, making it a true pleasure to welcome the band into the Sony Music family, and an honor to have the opportunity to bring both their classic repertoire and new releases to fans across the country and around the world. In related news, Image Entertainment will release the DVD, Rockmasters - AC/DC, on February 18th, 2002. The disc features a concert taped on October 27th, 1977 in London, England. The Bon Scott led performance includes the tracks 'Let There Be Rock, 'T.N.T.', 'Bad Boy Boogie' and many others.
Rock Confidential recently spoke with TWISTED SISTER's DEE SNIDER regarding the reformed bands upcoming plans. Says Dee: "Well, first of all as far as I'm concerned we have not reformed. We have reunited. A reformation implies the band getting back together, picking up where you left off and restarting your careers. Reuniting is a short term thing where you have a specific purpose. In this case for me, and I can't speak for everybody, I hated the way the band went out. It came on ferociously and ended with a thud. If I was to write it down I would write, "Twisted Sister" with an ampersand (&) with "..." after it. I felt that a band like this should have exclamation points at the end of it. To me this is the opportunity to put that exclamation point at the end of our name and say "goodbye" properly." The entire interview can be viewed at <a href="http://www.rockconfidential.com." target="_blank">www.rockconfidential.com.</a>
RUSH recently completed their 66-date 2002 tour with three dates in Brazil, the first time the band have performed in that country. The three Brazilian shows drew over 125,000 people with the Sao Paulo date having over 60,000 in attendance, the largest crowd that Rush has ever played to. The band's show in Rio was recorded and is in the process of being edited for release on DVD. The release date for this DVD, which will also include some behind the scenes footage, will be announced shortly. Also scheduled for release is a new compilation CD entitled The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits: 1974-1987, available on February 11, 2003.
KISS' website, kissonline.com, reports that the band will be playing three concerts at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The confirmed dates run from March 11th - 13th. Prior to public release, advance ticket sales to be offered from the Udo Artists web site at: <a href="http://www.udo.co.jp/artist/kiss/index.html." target="_blank">http://www.udo.co.jp/artist/kiss/index.html.</a>
Z Records has signed guitarist JOHN SYKES (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, SYKES). The recently inked deal covers the release of John's previously only available in Japan solo albums - Out Of My Tree, Loveland, 20th Century and Nuclear Cowboy.
Bassist JEFF PILSON (DOKKEN, L/P) posted the following update on December 2nd at his website, <a href="http://www.jeffpilson.com." target="_blank">www.jeffpilson.com.</a> "Hello one and all, has it really been a month already? I'm going to answer a few questions here, which have been coming up rather often. I'll try and cover as much as I can, so let's get started. First, I do really wish I could take credit for any of the vocal work on George's remake CD, but it just wouldn't be true! Robert [Mason] ended up singing the whole record and did an absolutely amazing job. I think everyone will really dig the heavy new interpretations. Anthony, as far as I know, played bass on the entire record as well. George and I had planned on me singing and playing on the Dokken tracks, but it just didn't work out. But Robert really did a fabulous job [as did Anthony], and the record came out great. When and if L/P is to tour, I'll have the opportunity to sing plenty of Dokken tunes then. In the meantime, the remake disc is a must-have! Now some big news. Lynch/Pilson will be signing a domestic deal with Spitfire Records and we're over-the-top excited about it. A final release date has yet to be named, but my guess is March or April, shouldn't be any later than that. The label has been so supportive of the music and direction, and that was pretty much what made us go with them. I'm going to be working hard with them to try and incorporate as much of the internet fan base as we can, so all of you can be active participants in the record campaign if you choose. We'd like to organize street teams, etc. in the hopes that more people will hear this than the usual release. It's funny how a lot of new heavy bands are starting to acknowledge us [Dokken, George, etc.] as influences, so maybe a new audience will appreciate what we do. I would be very happy if the record is made aware to anyone who will listen and they have an opportunity to judge it on its own merits. This could be an exciting year for us, and I'm hoping that everyone here can be an integral part of it. For those of you wanting to join in, get ready to start writing a lot of e-mails! Still finishing up the Rehab production work, though some complications have developed. I'm hoping everything can be resolved, as this is some of our best production work yet. We'll also be working with some other new artists in the next couple months, I'll keep you posted as to how that goes. One final note about the Dokken lawsuit. It was never really intended to be a public issue, but apparently the rock press has a system for discovering any lawsuits filed which involve people in their data base. This suit is strictly a business matter, which I've been left no choice but to pursue. However this in no way affects what Dokken was, or what any of us have ever contributed to it. Someone on the message board posted something about how maybe we all should never have met, and it made him or her sick! I gotta say, I can relate to that! If I were to read about this kind of thing, I'd probably say, 'how pathetic!' And you know what, it IS pathetic, and unfortunate. But I will never say that I wish we were never to have become a band. Even amongst the dreadful string of memories, I still remain extremely proud of the work we did and the music we made. It is time to move on, however, and I think everyone involved owes the franchise Dokken a great deal of respect, and we'll all have to trust that the outcome will be positive for all parties. I'm sure it will, and I'd like nothing more than for everyone to get a clean start and their fair share of opportunities. I trust it will all be good in the end. So that's about it. I hope everyone has a delightful holiday season, and we all have time to reflect on the wonderful blessings we've been so universally given. With such a frightening and volatile world out there, I think we all need the reality check of friends and family to keep us grounded. I certainly know I do. And with the love and communication I've experienced the last few years through this website, I've seen the word friends take on a whole new meaning. That, to me, is progress. And that keeps me coming back for more, and keeps me wanting to create and give for as long as I'm able. Thanx again everyone, and we'll see you next year! Take care. Jeff."
According to the HELLOWEEN website, <a href="http://www.helloween.org," target="_blank">www.helloween.org,</a> MOTORHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee will fill in for Mark Cross on the recording of the band's new album. A posting on the band's website reads: "Helloween is currently in the studio recording their new album. It is very unfortunate to announce that Mark Cross could not complete all recordings on the album, due to the malicious (EBV) Epstein-Barr virus also known as Mononucleosis, which had struck him this September. He'll need at least 4-5 months of recovering. The symptoms of this virus are very dangerous and can leave serious marks in your health. It first destroys your entire immune system and leaves you no energy. Therefore Mark is still is too weak to do any kind of intense activities at the moment and strictly needs to rest by the doctors orders. We all agreed on having Motorhead's Mickey Dee as the replacement for the recordings only! To avoid possible rumors, Mark Cross remains the drummer in Helloween and we're looking forward for the tour next year." Meanwhile, Cross has posted the following message at his website, <a href="http://www.mcross.com," target="_blank">www.mcross.com,</a> regarding his current health. Says Mark: "How tricky life can be! I cannot believe that a thing like that came in my way and especially now, during such an important production! I've always been a positive-thinking man and somehow felt invincible. Well, for the first time in my life, I have to admit that something knocked me out and forced me to take a serious rest, a thing I'm not really used to, since I'm a very energetic kind of guy. I always loved to push myself to the limit yes, but it seems that exactly that caused the virus' attack. You can easily get infected with mononucleosis when your organism has reached a low level after stress or months of heavy training like I had. Mononucleosis - Epstein-Barr is unfortunately a very common virus and can leave heavy damages in your health. It is a kissing disease and can be caught anytime anywhere. It can cause serious damages to your health and ruin liver and spleen, if you don't get immediate medical attention with pure vitamin treatments and can awake in the worst cases multiple scleroses. Knock on wood! Its first symptoms are swollen glands, high fever and then you'll be lying in bed wishing you'd never been born. It takes at least 6 months of recovery. And again, knock on wood! My heart is bleeding for the decisions being made right now and for not being able to give my full performance on the HELLOWEEN production, a very, very inconvenient time but that's life. The good thing is, that I'm already feeling much better, though I know that it's still gonna take a while to get 100% back on my feet again and be able to jump and bang around like a madman! Thanks to my family and friends who stand by my side right now and give me positive energy. See you all on tour next year!! Peace, Mark Cross."
SILENT FORCE is probably one of the biggest surprises to come out Europe in recent years, having made serious inroads with only two albums under their belt, the first of which (Empire Of The Future) went largely unnoticed. With the release of Infatuator, however, the band was able to secure tours with Stratovarius, Angra, U.D.O., and an invite to this year's Prog Power festival in Atlanta, Georgia. Returning home to Germany following the band's triumphant appearance, guitarist Alex Beyrodt offered BW&BK his impression of Silent Force's growing North American fanbase and their plans for an all-important third album, due out some time in mid-2003. "The Prog Power was really cool," says Beyrodt. "We were in Pittsburgh last year to play DC's (Cooper/singer) home town, which was cool, but this was fantastic. Having a line-up that included Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Pain Of Salvation, Angra, Edguy and Silent Force, it was like a dream. The organization was great and the crowd was just amazing. We did a combination of stuff, putting some of DC's solo stuff and a Royal Hunt song in our set because the promoter wanted it, and it went over really well. We did some warm-up shows in Europe beforehand just to get used to being on stage again and the band was so tight. The reviews we got in the States were great, so all that work really paid off." According to Beyrodt, 20 songs have been written and demoed for Silent Force's third album, currently sitting in his computer waiting to be recorded. "With the next album we're focusing even more on the melodies," says Beyrodt. "It will still be very heavy, but we're going to put an end to the Judas Priest/Rob Halford comparisons. I'm tired of that, you know? DC has a unique voice and he can do all that Halford stuff, but there's no reason for that to be the focus. There were only two songs on Infatuator that were Priest-influenced, but that's all people seemed to talk about. So, we're focusing on writing the best songs for our singer, concentrating on the vocal lines and the melodies. But, we're not sacrificing the heavy aspect of the music. Out of the 20 songs we've written, 12 of them are up-tempo double bass tracks, so you get the idea of where we're going." In the meantime, Beyrodt and Cooper can be heard on a new rock opera album called Missa Mercuria, a prog-rock flavored outing that also features members of Vanden Plas, Pink Cream 69 and Edenbridge. "DC wrote all the lyrics for the concept, which was dreamed up by a girl named Karin Forstner, and he sang on a bunch of the songs. I ended up writing the music along with the guys from Pink Cream 69 and Vanden Plas. It was really cool because I grew up with the Vanden Plas guys. We grew up in the same part of Germany, so we were all hanging out together when we were 15 and 16 years old. Same with the Pink Cream guys; I've known them for 20 years. None of us had played together, but it all came together for Missa Mercuria and it was great. It started off just sending tapes back and forth, but there was one weekend where we were all together at the House Of Audio Studios recording a bunch of stuff. In the final recordings, though, we did things separately so we could actually concentrate on the work (laughs.)"
Turns out GREAT WHITE isn't dead after all. Singer Jack Russell's last outing with the band was supposed to be on the live Thank You...Goodnight album that was just released, but word has it that Russell and the band's founding guitarist Mike Kendall have been playing gigs with Russell's solo band under the name JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. This new outfit has played three shows thus far at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, Chicago and Orlando.
RACER X, featuring JUDAS PRIEST drummer Scott Travis, ex-MR. BIG guitarist Paul Gilbert, and ex-BADLANDS drummer Jeff Martin (on vocals), will release their new album, Getting Heavier, in Japan on December 18. A bonus CD called Snowball Of Doom 2 will be added to the first 30,000 units.
Organizers of the SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL, taking place June 6 - 8, 2003, have announced a list of 10 bands scheduled to appear at the festival. Confirmed acts so far include: TWISTED SISTER, BLIND GUARDIAN, JETHRO TULL, Y&T, KROKUS, BUDGIE, KAMELOT, PEER GUNT, SONATA ARCTICA and TANKARD. Another 41 bands will be announced in early Spring, 2003. Updates and more information can be found at <a href="http://www.swedenrock.com." target="_blank">www.swedenrock.com.</a>
In BANG YOUR HEAD 2003 news, TWISTED SISTER are now confirmed for the festival, taking place in Balingen, Germany on June 27th/28th. Other confirmed acts include SODOM, U.D.O., ANNIHILATOR and others. Also, Bang Your Head will return to their indoor roots on April 12th, 2003, for a special event entitled Bang Your Head: Revisited. DORO will headline the event that will also feature MAJESTY and up to four other acts that are yet to be confirmed. There will also be on stage interviews, special guests, signing sessions and more. The event will take place at Zollern-Alb-Halle in Albstadt, Germany on April 12th. Tickets are available at Ticket-Hotline (+49-74 57-9 13 93) now and will be available soon through <a href="http://www.bang-your-head.de/." target="_blank">http://www.bang-your-head.de/.</a>
SEVEN WITCHES and Jack Frost are ready to record their next album, Passage To The Other Side, due for release through Noise Records in Spring 2003. The album will be produced and mixed by Frost and bassist Joey Vera. This will be the band's first release with new vocalist James Rivera (ex-HELSTAR, DESTINY'S END).
The BLAZE website, <a href="http://www.planetblaze.com," target="_blank">www.planetblaze.com,</a> reports that the band's forthcoming live album will be called As LIVE As It Gets, and will be released on March 24th. The 2CD set will include material from WOLFSBANE and IRON MAIDEN, as well as material from Blaze's first two studio albums. No word yet as to whether a DVD will follow. Towards the end of the year, most likely in the Fall, the band will be putting out a new studio album, the writing for which is already under way. In related news, the Silicon Messiah and Tenth Dimension albums will be released in the US through Navarre in February. These will be followed by the release of the live album, also via Navarre.
HALFORD guitarist METAL MIKE CHLASCIAK has announced the formation of PAIN MUSEUM, a new metal band featuring vocalist Tim Clayborne, current Halford drummer Bobby Jarzombek and long time Metal Mike collaborator Steve Booke on bass. The band will tour and record around the Halford schedule. Pain Museum's debut CD will build on the style of Halford's Resurrection album, laced with melodic crushing riffs and over the top metal vocals. The new CD is being produced by Metal Mike and will be completed by spring 2003. The band will kick off a North American tour in early 2003. "I guarantee that this will be one of the most celebrated Metal albums of 2003," says Metal Mike. "The music twists all styles of real Metal into something that's new, defined, yet strangely familiar. I have a superb musician line-up and the album goes straight to the heart. No filler - we are here to play Metal. I promise it will not disappoint." In addition to announcing the construction of Pain Museum, Metal Mike is in development with several manufacturers on his own signature equipment line. Jackson Guitars has already delivered the first of Metal Mike's "Preferred Artists Choice" signature guitars, which they plan to have available in stores by summer of 2003. Not to shy away from the fashion culture, Metal Mike has also recently signed on as an endorsee of New Rock Boots and GENE SIMMONS' Dragonfly Clothing Company. For more information on Pain Museum, their touring schedule and their upcoming album visit <a href="http://www.painmuseum.com" target="_blank">www.painmuseum.com</a> or check out the official Metal Mike Chlasciak web site at <a href="http://www.planetshred.com." target="_blank">www.planetshred.com.</a>
OMEN, featuring original guitarist/songwriter Kenny Powell, recently completed recording their new album, Eternal Black Dawn, due out in 2003 through a yet-to-be-determined label. The album is a return to the classic Omen sound heard on the Battle Cry and Warning Of Danger albums. A European tour in support of the new album is also expected for 2003. In related news, Omen have inked a management deal with California based Jeff Keller Management. For additional info on the band, check out their website at <a href="http://www.omenlegion.com." target="_blank">www.omenlegion.com.</a>
VOIVOD's ongoing studio diaries continue to be posted by the band's Jasonic (aka Jason Newsted) at <a href="http://www.chophouserecords.com." target="_blank">www.chophouserecords.com.</a> His posting for November 26th read: "I'm back pedaling a bit here. I'm writing on Sunday December 1, 2002. I really have some catching up to do!! OK...so on Tuesday, we were on the last mix and had about 2 minutes of the song remaining and the console goes down!!! We had expected to finish on the 26th, but this is just one of the many obstacles to fall in our path while trying to complete this record. We have managed to power through it though... Keep it Metal, Jasonic." For November 27th he simply posted: "...one day of technical crap...", and for the 28th, "...one day off for sleep on Turkey Genocide Day, then onto..." The posting for the 29th of November read: "Now the sound screen microscope is out. Mucho fine tuning and serious, intense listening. Keep it Metal, Jasonic." November 30th: "This is the day that I thought we could put it to bed. Mr. Dobbs keeps finding little things to make it better and better and better while making me crazier and crazier and happier and happier. Keep it Metal, Jasonic." Most recently, December 1st: "The sky opens again, the Bay parts wide, month 12 + 1 day =3D 13, so DIG IT!! This is beautiful; ugliness is here. Ready for the people to hear March 4, 2003...V-DAY IS COMING! KEEP IT HEAVY!! KEEP IT METAL! And, as always, thank you for all your attention and kind support!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jasonic."
BLIND GUARDIAN's official website, <a href="http://www.blind-guardian.com," target="_blank">www.blind-guardian.com,</a> has posted an explanation for the band's canceled show in Houston, Texas on November 29th. The posting reads: "This is Roger Smith, the road manager for the Blind Guardian tour. The real reason for the show not happening is that Bobby, the Houston promoter, did not do his job. I tried to call, e-mail and even call his house. What really sucks is that I live in that city, and I wanted the show to happen. Before I left on this tour I told Bobby that he would have to do his best on this show. Blind Guardian needs a real house crew and Bobby isn't a real promoter. He could not get me into the club until after 4pm which I told him I needed a 12 noon load-in. Bobby did not do any promotions for this show. I myself and the booking agent tried calling the club and the promoter to see what the f**k is going on and did not get a reply from not one person, until 24 hours from the show happening. I'm sorry but I do not work that way. The person to blame is Bobby the promoter from Houston."
QUEENSRYCHE's website, <a href="http://www.queensryche.com." target="_blank">www.queensryche.com.</a> reports that the band will call their forthcoming Sanctuary Records release Tribe. A February 2003 release is expected. Meanwhile, the band have confirmed that they will perform at Anchorage, Alaska's Egan Center on New Year's Eve.
METALLICA's official website, <a href="http://www.metallica.com," target="_blank">www.metallica.com,</a> has reported in it's "Jump In The Studio" section that the band have begun looking for a new bassist to replace the departed Jason Newsted (VOIVOD). Lars Ulrich explains that they abandoned the original plan to wait until the new album was recorded to find a bassist because it's likely that there will only be a short gap between the time that the band finish the new album and when they head out on their next World Tour. Says Lars: "We ain't gonna do a lot of touring without a proper bass player, and we kind of realized that if we were going to not start the bass player thing until the record was done, we might end up in a situation like we usually do where there's three weeks between the end of a record and the beginning of a tour, and then we might end up in a really stupid, pressure situation, trying to get some guy and we don't have a lot of time. And that's why we started auditioning bassists." New bassists will be auditioned by invitation only. Those invited will be well known musicians with the necessary skills and experience. Frontman James Hetfield comments: "We are excited jamming with people, getting a vibe with them. The vibe is most important. We know the people we've got on our list can play and it's very important that our personalities vibe, and that this person is going to be around for a long time. We don't want just someone coming in and then being gone, we don't like the revolving door syndrome." "We don't want rent-a-bass-player, we don't want mercenaries, we want someone that we can be proud to say to the fans and the rest of the universe that this guy is in METALLICA, he's a brother, and he's part of the team", Lars said. "And also somebody who can give us some strength." The identities of those auditioning will not be revealed. Says guitarist Kirk Hammett: "It's not right and it's not fair for any of us to disclose who any of those bass players are, because that puts undue pressure on them, somehow, in some way. And also, we don't wanna give more fuel to the rumor mill, because I'm sure that anyone we name will be seen as a reflection on us and what we are doing at this moment."
Former ANTHRAX vocalist JOEY BELLADONNA (www.joeybelladonna.com) recently began work on a new, as-yet untitled album with his new self-titled band. The album will be available through he bands new website, <a href="http://www.JoeyBelladonna.com," target="_blank">www.JoeyBelladonna.com,</a> which will soon be updated with some new music clips. "We are very excited about the new material and look forward to hearing from and speaking with the fans via online chats, radio, magazines and email (Joeyb@joeybelladonna.com). We also would like your feedback on material that you would like to hear at future shows! Stay tuned, keep in touch, can't wait to hear from you! Sincerely, Joey Belladonna."
After confirming a new European deal last week, AMERICAN DOG have also inked a deal for South America. Details will be announced soon.
Rockdetector will release the seventh book in their series, ROCKDETECTOR A-Z OF AOR, in March, 2003. The 500 page tome, written by editor in chief Garry Sharpe-Young and Classic Rock's Dave Reynolds, will cover the entire AOR spectrum from past to present. As with Rockdetector's previous best selling books it is also planned to include an accompanying compilation CD. Bands and labels wishing to submit artist updates and photographs for inclusion should email Sarah Jarvis at: support@rockdetector.com. They require high resolution photographs suitable for print. The book publishes in March and photos will be accepted until the end of December.
According to guitarist/CULT touring bassist BILLY MORRISON's website, <a href="http://www.billymorrison.net," target="_blank">www.billymorrison.net,</a> his "jam" band, CAMP FREDDY, will be throwing a party for the public in Hollywood, CA on December 16th. The venue and details on how to get in will be announced on December 12th at <a href="http://www.billymorrison.net." target="_blank">www.billymorrison.net.</a> The free show will be open to 400 lucky fans as well as the usual L.A. club show guest list. Camp Freddy also features guitarist Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION), drummer Matt Sorum (ex-GUNS N' ROSES, The Cult), bassist Scott Ford and singer Donovan Leitch. In other Camp Freddy "live" news, the band are also scheduled to perform at the opening of the world's largest strip club, Sapphire Gentlemen's Club, in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 13th. This is a private party.
COMPANY OF SNAKES' official website, <a href="http://www.companyofsnakes.com," target="_blank">www.companyofsnakes.com,</a> has posted the following message from the band that features ex-WHITESNAKE guitarists Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody. "The Company of Snakes is being put on hold until further notice, though the band is not splitting up. After the recent tour in Russia and Scandinavia the Company Of Snakes have no plans for any shows in the future, until the summer of next year at the earliest. There are a number of reasons for this decision, the main one being the lack of record company support over the last year. However, we would like to thank all our fans for the outstanding support you've given us over the last 5 years. There is a possibility of a Company of Snakes DVD to be shot sometime next year, and of course the band members are continuing with their various non-Company of Snakes projects. Thanks, Bernie, Micky, Neil, John and Stefan."
LIVING COLOUR's website, <a href="http://www.livingcolournet.com," target="_blank">www.livingcolournet.com,</a> reports that the band have inked a deal with Sanctuary Records and are now finishing up recording their new album at Nova Sound studio. The band's Corey Glover has issued the following: "I wanted to say thanks to all of our friends and fans who have supported Living Colour over the years. We know that everyone is (patiently) waiting for the new CD, we are making all of the final touches now and will keep everybody updated. We are planning new tour dates including a few in Canada, so stay tuned in for that. Also, Living Colour is looking for a few good venues in Brazil... does anyone have any suggestions? Corey Glover - c_glover@excite.com."
STRYPER are set to record two new studio tracks for inclusion on a new Best Of Stryper album, due out in Spring 2003 through Hollywood Records. All four original members, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox and Tim Gaines, will enter the studio in January for the first time in over 11 years to record the songs. The Best Of CD will include the band's favorite songs plus the two new tracks, described as being "heavy & modern". In other Stryper news, the band's T-shirts will appear in the new film, Charlies Angel: Full Throttle, due out in Summer 2003. In related news, Robert Sweet and BLISSED have some live dates coming up. They will be in California for a few dates in January, and then head to Texas for a couple of dates there in February. Check <a href="http://www.Blissed.biz" target="_blank">http://www.Blissed.biz</a> for details.
AC/DC have signed a multi-album deal with Epic/Sony. The first releases through the deal will be reissues of the albums Back In Black, Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, due out early next year. Further reissues will follow, all of which will sport new liner notes and rare photos, and utilize Sony's proprietary ConnecteD technology to unlock special online content created for each release. The band's next studio album will complete their contract with Elektra/ Warner, the label the band have been with for the past 26 years. The new deal with Elektra will also see some of AC/DC's back catalog released on vinyl as well as compilation DVD releases. Sony CEO Tommy Mottola comments on the signing: "Today AC/DC is going stronger than ever, making it a true pleasure to welcome the band into the Sony Music family, and an honor to have the opportunity to bring both their classic repertoire and new releases to fans across the country and around the world. In related news, Image Entertainment will release the DVD, Rockmasters - AC/DC, on February 18th, 2002. The disc features a concert taped on October 27th, 1977 in London, England. The Bon Scott led performance includes the tracks 'Let There Be Rock, 'T.N.T.', 'Bad Boy Boogie' and many others.
Rock Confidential recently spoke with TWISTED SISTER's DEE SNIDER regarding the reformed bands upcoming plans. Says Dee: "Well, first of all as far as I'm concerned we have not reformed. We have reunited. A reformation implies the band getting back together, picking up where you left off and restarting your careers. Reuniting is a short term thing where you have a specific purpose. In this case for me, and I can't speak for everybody, I hated the way the band went out. It came on ferociously and ended with a thud. If I was to write it down I would write, "Twisted Sister" with an ampersand (&) with "..." after it. I felt that a band like this should have exclamation points at the end of it. To me this is the opportunity to put that exclamation point at the end of our name and say "goodbye" properly." The entire interview can be viewed at <a href="http://www.rockconfidential.com." target="_blank">www.rockconfidential.com.</a>
RUSH recently completed their 66-date 2002 tour with three dates in Brazil, the first time the band have performed in that country. The three Brazilian shows drew over 125,000 people with the Sao Paulo date having over 60,000 in attendance, the largest crowd that Rush has ever played to. The band's show in Rio was recorded and is in the process of being edited for release on DVD. The release date for this DVD, which will also include some behind the scenes footage, will be announced shortly. Also scheduled for release is a new compilation CD entitled The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits: 1974-1987, available on February 11, 2003.
KISS' website, kissonline.com, reports that the band will be playing three concerts at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The confirmed dates run from March 11th - 13th. Prior to public release, advance ticket sales to be offered from the Udo Artists web site at: <a href="http://www.udo.co.jp/artist/kiss/index.html." target="_blank">http://www.udo.co.jp/artist/kiss/index.html.</a>
Z Records has signed guitarist JOHN SYKES (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, SYKES). The recently inked deal covers the release of John's previously only available in Japan solo albums - Out Of My Tree, Loveland, 20th Century and Nuclear Cowboy.
Bassist JEFF PILSON (DOKKEN, L/P) posted the following update on December 2nd at his website, <a href="http://www.jeffpilson.com." target="_blank">www.jeffpilson.com.</a> "Hello one and all, has it really been a month already? I'm going to answer a few questions here, which have been coming up rather often. I'll try and cover as much as I can, so let's get started. First, I do really wish I could take credit for any of the vocal work on George's remake CD, but it just wouldn't be true! Robert [Mason] ended up singing the whole record and did an absolutely amazing job. I think everyone will really dig the heavy new interpretations. Anthony, as far as I know, played bass on the entire record as well. George and I had planned on me singing and playing on the Dokken tracks, but it just didn't work out. But Robert really did a fabulous job [as did Anthony], and the record came out great. When and if L/P is to tour, I'll have the opportunity to sing plenty of Dokken tunes then. In the meantime, the remake disc is a must-have! Now some big news. Lynch/Pilson will be signing a domestic deal with Spitfire Records and we're over-the-top excited about it. A final release date has yet to be named, but my guess is March or April, shouldn't be any later than that. The label has been so supportive of the music and direction, and that was pretty much what made us go with them. I'm going to be working hard with them to try and incorporate as much of the internet fan base as we can, so all of you can be active participants in the record campaign if you choose. We'd like to organize street teams, etc. in the hopes that more people will hear this than the usual release. It's funny how a lot of new heavy bands are starting to acknowledge us [Dokken, George, etc.] as influences, so maybe a new audience will appreciate what we do. I would be very happy if the record is made aware to anyone who will listen and they have an opportunity to judge it on its own merits. This could be an exciting year for us, and I'm hoping that everyone here can be an integral part of it. For those of you wanting to join in, get ready to start writing a lot of e-mails! Still finishing up the Rehab production work, though some complications have developed. I'm hoping everything can be resolved, as this is some of our best production work yet. We'll also be working with some other new artists in the next couple months, I'll keep you posted as to how that goes. One final note about the Dokken lawsuit. It was never really intended to be a public issue, but apparently the rock press has a system for discovering any lawsuits filed which involve people in their data base. This suit is strictly a business matter, which I've been left no choice but to pursue. However this in no way affects what Dokken was, or what any of us have ever contributed to it. Someone on the message board posted something about how maybe we all should never have met, and it made him or her sick! I gotta say, I can relate to that! If I were to read about this kind of thing, I'd probably say, 'how pathetic!' And you know what, it IS pathetic, and unfortunate. But I will never say that I wish we were never to have become a band. Even amongst the dreadful string of memories, I still remain extremely proud of the work we did and the music we made. It is time to move on, however, and I think everyone involved owes the franchise Dokken a great deal of respect, and we'll all have to trust that the outcome will be positive for all parties. I'm sure it will, and I'd like nothing more than for everyone to get a clean start and their fair share of opportunities. I trust it will all be good in the end. So that's about it. I hope everyone has a delightful holiday season, and we all have time to reflect on the wonderful blessings we've been so universally given. With such a frightening and volatile world out there, I think we all need the reality check of friends and family to keep us grounded. I certainly know I do. And with the love and communication I've experienced the last few years through this website, I've seen the word friends take on a whole new meaning. That, to me, is progress. And that keeps me coming back for more, and keeps me wanting to create and give for as long as I'm able. Thanx again everyone, and we'll see you next year! Take care. Jeff."
According to the HELLOWEEN website, <a href="http://www.helloween.org," target="_blank">www.helloween.org,</a> MOTORHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee will fill in for Mark Cross on the recording of the band's new album. A posting on the band's website reads: "Helloween is currently in the studio recording their new album. It is very unfortunate to announce that Mark Cross could not complete all recordings on the album, due to the malicious (EBV) Epstein-Barr virus also known as Mononucleosis, which had struck him this September. He'll need at least 4-5 months of recovering. The symptoms of this virus are very dangerous and can leave serious marks in your health. It first destroys your entire immune system and leaves you no energy. Therefore Mark is still is too weak to do any kind of intense activities at the moment and strictly needs to rest by the doctors orders. We all agreed on having Motorhead's Mickey Dee as the replacement for the recordings only! To avoid possible rumors, Mark Cross remains the drummer in Helloween and we're looking forward for the tour next year." Meanwhile, Cross has posted the following message at his website, <a href="http://www.mcross.com," target="_blank">www.mcross.com,</a> regarding his current health. Says Mark: "How tricky life can be! I cannot believe that a thing like that came in my way and especially now, during such an important production! I've always been a positive-thinking man and somehow felt invincible. Well, for the first time in my life, I have to admit that something knocked me out and forced me to take a serious rest, a thing I'm not really used to, since I'm a very energetic kind of guy. I always loved to push myself to the limit yes, but it seems that exactly that caused the virus' attack. You can easily get infected with mononucleosis when your organism has reached a low level after stress or months of heavy training like I had. Mononucleosis - Epstein-Barr is unfortunately a very common virus and can leave heavy damages in your health. It is a kissing disease and can be caught anytime anywhere. It can cause serious damages to your health and ruin liver and spleen, if you don't get immediate medical attention with pure vitamin treatments and can awake in the worst cases multiple scleroses. Knock on wood! Its first symptoms are swollen glands, high fever and then you'll be lying in bed wishing you'd never been born. It takes at least 6 months of recovery. And again, knock on wood! My heart is bleeding for the decisions being made right now and for not being able to give my full performance on the HELLOWEEN production, a very, very inconvenient time but that's life. The good thing is, that I'm already feeling much better, though I know that it's still gonna take a while to get 100% back on my feet again and be able to jump and bang around like a madman! Thanks to my family and friends who stand by my side right now and give me positive energy. See you all on tour next year!! Peace, Mark Cross."
SILENT FORCE is probably one of the biggest surprises to come out Europe in recent years, having made serious inroads with only two albums under their belt, the first of which (Empire Of The Future) went largely unnoticed. With the release of Infatuator, however, the band was able to secure tours with Stratovarius, Angra, U.D.O., and an invite to this year's Prog Power festival in Atlanta, Georgia. Returning home to Germany following the band's triumphant appearance, guitarist Alex Beyrodt offered BW&BK his impression of Silent Force's growing North American fanbase and their plans for an all-important third album, due out some time in mid-2003. "The Prog Power was really cool," says Beyrodt. "We were in Pittsburgh last year to play DC's (Cooper/singer) home town, which was cool, but this was fantastic. Having a line-up that included Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Pain Of Salvation, Angra, Edguy and Silent Force, it was like a dream. The organization was great and the crowd was just amazing. We did a combination of stuff, putting some of DC's solo stuff and a Royal Hunt song in our set because the promoter wanted it, and it went over really well. We did some warm-up shows in Europe beforehand just to get used to being on stage again and the band was so tight. The reviews we got in the States were great, so all that work really paid off." According to Beyrodt, 20 songs have been written and demoed for Silent Force's third album, currently sitting in his computer waiting to be recorded. "With the next album we're focusing even more on the melodies," says Beyrodt. "It will still be very heavy, but we're going to put an end to the Judas Priest/Rob Halford comparisons. I'm tired of that, you know? DC has a unique voice and he can do all that Halford stuff, but there's no reason for that to be the focus. There were only two songs on Infatuator that were Priest-influenced, but that's all people seemed to talk about. So, we're focusing on writing the best songs for our singer, concentrating on the vocal lines and the melodies. But, we're not sacrificing the heavy aspect of the music. Out of the 20 songs we've written, 12 of them are up-tempo double bass tracks, so you get the idea of where we're going." In the meantime, Beyrodt and Cooper can be heard on a new rock opera album called Missa Mercuria, a prog-rock flavored outing that also features members of Vanden Plas, Pink Cream 69 and Edenbridge. "DC wrote all the lyrics for the concept, which was dreamed up by a girl named Karin Forstner, and he sang on a bunch of the songs. I ended up writing the music along with the guys from Pink Cream 69 and Vanden Plas. It was really cool because I grew up with the Vanden Plas guys. We grew up in the same part of Germany, so we were all hanging out together when we were 15 and 16 years old. Same with the Pink Cream guys; I've known them for 20 years. None of us had played together, but it all came together for Missa Mercuria and it was great. It started off just sending tapes back and forth, but there was one weekend where we were all together at the House Of Audio Studios recording a bunch of stuff. In the final recordings, though, we did things separately so we could actually concentrate on the work (laughs.)"
Turns out GREAT WHITE isn't dead after all. Singer Jack Russell's last outing with the band was supposed to be on the live Thank You...Goodnight album that was just released, but word has it that Russell and the band's founding guitarist Mike Kendall have been playing gigs with Russell's solo band under the name JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. This new outfit has played three shows thus far at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, Chicago and Orlando.
RACER X, featuring JUDAS PRIEST drummer Scott Travis, ex-MR. BIG guitarist Paul Gilbert, and ex-BADLANDS drummer Jeff Martin (on vocals), will release their new album, Getting Heavier, in Japan on December 18. A bonus CD called Snowball Of Doom 2 will be added to the first 30,000 units.
Organizers of the SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL, taking place June 6 - 8, 2003, have announced a list of 10 bands scheduled to appear at the festival. Confirmed acts so far include: TWISTED SISTER, BLIND GUARDIAN, JETHRO TULL, Y&T, KROKUS, BUDGIE, KAMELOT, PEER GUNT, SONATA ARCTICA and TANKARD. Another 41 bands will be announced in early Spring, 2003. Updates and more information can be found at <a href="http://www.swedenrock.com." target="_blank">www.swedenrock.com.</a>
In BANG YOUR HEAD 2003 news, TWISTED SISTER are now confirmed for the festival, taking place in Balingen, Germany on June 27th/28th. Other confirmed acts include SODOM, U.D.O., ANNIHILATOR and others. Also, Bang Your Head will return to their indoor roots on April 12th, 2003, for a special event entitled Bang Your Head: Revisited. DORO will headline the event that will also feature MAJESTY and up to four other acts that are yet to be confirmed. There will also be on stage interviews, special guests, signing sessions and more. The event will take place at Zollern-Alb-Halle in Albstadt, Germany on April 12th. Tickets are available at Ticket-Hotline (+49-74 57-9 13 93) now and will be available soon through <a href="http://www.bang-your-head.de/." target="_blank">http://www.bang-your-head.de/.</a>
SEVEN WITCHES and Jack Frost are ready to record their next album, Passage To The Other Side, due for release through Noise Records in Spring 2003. The album will be produced and mixed by Frost and bassist Joey Vera. This will be the band's first release with new vocalist James Rivera (ex-HELSTAR, DESTINY'S END).
The BLAZE website, <a href="http://www.planetblaze.com," target="_blank">www.planetblaze.com,</a> reports that the band's forthcoming live album will be called As LIVE As It Gets, and will be released on March 24th. The 2CD set will include material from WOLFSBANE and IRON MAIDEN, as well as material from Blaze's first two studio albums. No word yet as to whether a DVD will follow. Towards the end of the year, most likely in the Fall, the band will be putting out a new studio album, the writing for which is already under way. In related news, the Silicon Messiah and Tenth Dimension albums will be released in the US through Navarre in February. These will be followed by the release of the live album, also via Navarre.
HALFORD guitarist METAL MIKE CHLASCIAK has announced the formation of PAIN MUSEUM, a new metal band featuring vocalist Tim Clayborne, current Halford drummer Bobby Jarzombek and long time Metal Mike collaborator Steve Booke on bass. The band will tour and record around the Halford schedule. Pain Museum's debut CD will build on the style of Halford's Resurrection album, laced with melodic crushing riffs and over the top metal vocals. The new CD is being produced by Metal Mike and will be completed by spring 2003. The band will kick off a North American tour in early 2003. "I guarantee that this will be one of the most celebrated Metal albums of 2003," says Metal Mike. "The music twists all styles of real Metal into something that's new, defined, yet strangely familiar. I have a superb musician line-up and the album goes straight to the heart. No filler - we are here to play Metal. I promise it will not disappoint." In addition to announcing the construction of Pain Museum, Metal Mike is in development with several manufacturers on his own signature equipment line. Jackson Guitars has already delivered the first of Metal Mike's "Preferred Artists Choice" signature guitars, which they plan to have available in stores by summer of 2003. Not to shy away from the fashion culture, Metal Mike has also recently signed on as an endorsee of New Rock Boots and GENE SIMMONS' Dragonfly Clothing Company. For more information on Pain Museum, their touring schedule and their upcoming album visit <a href="http://www.painmuseum.com" target="_blank">www.painmuseum.com</a> or check out the official Metal Mike Chlasciak web site at <a href="http://www.planetshred.com." target="_blank">www.planetshred.com.</a>
OMEN, featuring original guitarist/songwriter Kenny Powell, recently completed recording their new album, Eternal Black Dawn, due out in 2003 through a yet-to-be-determined label. The album is a return to the classic Omen sound heard on the Battle Cry and Warning Of Danger albums. A European tour in support of the new album is also expected for 2003. In related news, Omen have inked a management deal with California based Jeff Keller Management. For additional info on the band, check out their website at <a href="http://www.omenlegion.com." target="_blank">www.omenlegion.com.</a>
VOIVOD's ongoing studio diaries continue to be posted by the band's Jasonic (aka Jason Newsted) at <a href="http://www.chophouserecords.com." target="_blank">www.chophouserecords.com.</a> His posting for November 26th read: "I'm back pedaling a bit here. I'm writing on Sunday December 1, 2002. I really have some catching up to do!! OK...so on Tuesday, we were on the last mix and had about 2 minutes of the song remaining and the console goes down!!! We had expected to finish on the 26th, but this is just one of the many obstacles to fall in our path while trying to complete this record. We have managed to power through it though... Keep it Metal, Jasonic." For November 27th he simply posted: "...one day of technical crap...", and for the 28th, "...one day off for sleep on Turkey Genocide Day, then onto..." The posting for the 29th of November read: "Now the sound screen microscope is out. Mucho fine tuning and serious, intense listening. Keep it Metal, Jasonic." November 30th: "This is the day that I thought we could put it to bed. Mr. Dobbs keeps finding little things to make it better and better and better while making me crazier and crazier and happier and happier. Keep it Metal, Jasonic." Most recently, December 1st: "The sky opens again, the Bay parts wide, month 12 + 1 day =3D 13, so DIG IT!! This is beautiful; ugliness is here. Ready for the people to hear March 4, 2003...V-DAY IS COMING! KEEP IT HEAVY!! KEEP IT METAL! And, as always, thank you for all your attention and kind support!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jasonic."
BLIND GUARDIAN's official website, <a href="http://www.blind-guardian.com," target="_blank">www.blind-guardian.com,</a> has posted an explanation for the band's canceled show in Houston, Texas on November 29th. The posting reads: "This is Roger Smith, the road manager for the Blind Guardian tour. The real reason for the show not happening is that Bobby, the Houston promoter, did not do his job. I tried to call, e-mail and even call his house. What really sucks is that I live in that city, and I wanted the show to happen. Before I left on this tour I told Bobby that he would have to do his best on this show. Blind Guardian needs a real house crew and Bobby isn't a real promoter. He could not get me into the club until after 4pm which I told him I needed a 12 noon load-in. Bobby did not do any promotions for this show. I myself and the booking agent tried calling the club and the promoter to see what the f**k is going on and did not get a reply from not one person, until 24 hours from the show happening. I'm sorry but I do not work that way. The person to blame is Bobby the promoter from Houston."
QUEENSRYCHE's website, <a href="http://www.queensryche.com." target="_blank">www.queensryche.com.</a> reports that the band will call their forthcoming Sanctuary Records release Tribe. A February 2003 release is expected. Meanwhile, the band have confirmed that they will perform at Anchorage, Alaska's Egan Center on New Year's Eve.
METALLICA's official website, <a href="http://www.metallica.com," target="_blank">www.metallica.com,</a> has reported in it's "Jump In The Studio" section that the band have begun looking for a new bassist to replace the departed Jason Newsted (VOIVOD). Lars Ulrich explains that they abandoned the original plan to wait until the new album was recorded to find a bassist because it's likely that there will only be a short gap between the time that the band finish the new album and when they head out on their next World Tour. Says Lars: "We ain't gonna do a lot of touring without a proper bass player, and we kind of realized that if we were going to not start the bass player thing until the record was done, we might end up in a situation like we usually do where there's three weeks between the end of a record and the beginning of a tour, and then we might end up in a really stupid, pressure situation, trying to get some guy and we don't have a lot of time. And that's why we started auditioning bassists." New bassists will be auditioned by invitation only. Those invited will be well known musicians with the necessary skills and experience. Frontman James Hetfield comments: "We are excited jamming with people, getting a vibe with them. The vibe is most important. We know the people we've got on our list can play and it's very important that our personalities vibe, and that this person is going to be around for a long time. We don't want just someone coming in and then being gone, we don't like the revolving door syndrome." "We don't want rent-a-bass-player, we don't want mercenaries, we want someone that we can be proud to say to the fans and the rest of the universe that this guy is in METALLICA, he's a brother, and he's part of the team", Lars said. "And also somebody who can give us some strength." The identities of those auditioning will not be revealed. Says guitarist Kirk Hammett: "It's not right and it's not fair for any of us to disclose who any of those bass players are, because that puts undue pressure on them, somehow, in some way. And also, we don't wanna give more fuel to the rumor mill, because I'm sure that anyone we name will be seen as a reflection on us and what we are doing at this moment."
Former ANTHRAX vocalist JOEY BELLADONNA (www.joeybelladonna.com) recently began work on a new, as-yet untitled album with his new self-titled band. The album will be available through he bands new website, <a href="http://www.JoeyBelladonna.com," target="_blank">www.JoeyBelladonna.com,</a> which will soon be updated with some new music clips. "We are very excited about the new material and look forward to hearing from and speaking with the fans via online chats, radio, magazines and email (Joeyb@joeybelladonna.com). We also would like your feedback on material that you would like to hear at future shows! Stay tuned, keep in touch, can't wait to hear from you! Sincerely, Joey Belladonna."
After confirming a new European deal last week, AMERICAN DOG have also inked a deal for South America. Details will be announced soon.