Taz
02-26-2003, 01:56 PM
*from <a href="http://www.HardRadio.com" target="_blank">www.HardRadio.com</a> *
More details continue to be revealed regarding the tragic GREAT WHITE show in Warwick, RI that took the lives of 97 concertgoers and injuring 170 in a fire caused by pyrotechnics. CNN also reported that fire investigators have recovered all of the victims from the rubble of a Rhode Island nightclub, and forensic pathologists are working round the clock to identify the 97 victims. Governor Don Carcieri said "there's just no way of knowing" how long it would take to identify all of the bodies and that families have been providing dental records to speed the process. STC Broadcasting added that: The owners of The Station nightclub say they never approved the pyrotechnics display. Fire officials said there was no permit for the pyrotechnics display. An attorney for Jeff and Michael Derderian (The Station owners) said they had no idea the band Great White would use pyrotechnics, and the band never asked permission. But Great White lead singer Jack Russell said the band got permission from club managers. State Attorney General Patrick Lynch said today that club owner Jeffrey Derderian has not answered questions since Thursday night when The Station, which he owns with his brother, burned to the ground. Lynch said the band has been cooperative. An attorney for the band, Ed McPherson, said today that guitarist Ty Longley, missing since the blaze, had also died in the fire. In the meantime, a fund has been set up by Centreville Savings Bank in West Warwick to help out the victims and their families. Those who would like to contribute can mail a check or money order to: Centreville Savings Bank, West Warwick Municipal Workers Fire Relief Fund, Attention: Cindy Joaquin, 1218 Main Street, West Warwick, RI 02893. Please make cheques payable to Fire Relief Fund.
ARMORED SAINT will release a special three-disc edition of their Symbol Of Salvation album, complete with special Digi-box packaging. The set, due in April through Metal Blade Records, will include the following: CD1 - The original record (remastered) plus and Mpeg video files of the two accompanying videos, 'Reign Of Fire' and 'Last Train Home'. CD2 - The much-sought-after four-track demos of the entire record in sequence, featuring original guitar work by Dave Prichard and bonus track interview. This is part one of a 90-minute interview conducted by Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel, with the band discussing the making of Symbol Of Salvation. The interview was recorded in December 2002. CD3 - Part two and conclusion of interview. The packaging will include a revised version of the cover art, liner notes by rock journalist Jon Sutherland and additional band photos.
MEGADETH's classic second album, Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying (1986 Capitol Records) was recently updated in DTS 5.1 Surround Sound by former leader Dave Mustaine at DTS Studios in California. The DVD Audio Disc will be out in April and will not play on conventional CD players - it is for use in DVD technology. According to their website <a href="http://www.dtsonline.com" target="_blank">www.dtsonline.com</a> "DVD-Audio improves upon CD, just like DVD-Video improved upon VHS." Megadeth is the first Metal band in the DTS catalogue.
JUAN CROUCIER, former bassist and co-writer for RATT and DOKKEN, is currently auditioning drummers for his band LIQUID SUNDAY. The band was developed in the mid 90s' along with his brother Rick. A self-titled debut album was released and the band performed around Southern California. The band went on hiatus due to the demanding schedule of Juan's recording studio, The Cellar. Says Juan: "I just felt it was time to put the band back together and get out there and play. I think we made a great album and I really want people to hear it. What better way than getting out there and performing." Juan and Liquid Sunday plan to be performing in Southern California by Spring. Requirements for the new drummer include: pro's only, must have strong back-up vocals, professional equipment, extensive stage and studio experience and reside in the Los Angeles area or be willing to relocate. For more information please email with (Liquid Sunday/Drum Auditions) in subject line: cdecoy@aol.com. Submissions: ATT: Juan Croucier - Liquid Sunday/Drum Auditions - PO Box 3953 - Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90275. To hear some MP3's of the self-titled debut and for further information visit: <a href="http://www.juancroucier.com/" target="_blank">www.juancroucier.com/</a> In addition, Juan Croucier and former vocalist STEPHEN PEARCY shared the same stage for the first time in over twelve years this past Thursday, February 13th at the Key Club in Los Angeles. Pearcy was headlining Gazzari Night when he made the announcement that he had a very special guest joining him for 'Round And Round'. Though twelve years and bitter words have surrounded the former members, it was obvious all that was set aside. Juan says: "It's been 12 years since Stephen and I have stood on the same stage together. Getting up and playing 'Round And Round' with him and his band brought back a lot of good memories. I had a great time playing with them as well as watching the band. They sounded strong and tight. Stephen sang great. It was fun being on stage with him again. I wish him and his band nothing but the best!".
During a February 17th chat on AOL, DOUG ALDRICH (WHITESNAKE, DIO) hinted at a scheduling conflict between the upcoming Whitesnake tour and the writing sessions for the next Dio album, leaving his status in Dio up in the air. Says Doug: "Ronnie is at the moment working on the story for the next record and I was hoping to write with him for that record at some point, but these dates just came up and I don't know what is going to happen with that right now. I am not sure exactly what the future holds with Dio at the moment, but I love working with Ronnie and the band, and I hope to work with him again when schedule permits."
A biography of the late ALICE IN CHAINS frontman LAYNE STALEY entitled Layne Staley: Angry Chair, is now available. To order a copy send a check or money order for $19.95, plus $4 S&H (orders outside the US include $10 S&H) payable to: Angry Chair - P.O. Box 3147 - Evansdale, Iowa 50707-0147. The number to order the book through BooksMasters is: 1-800-247-6553. Please call Monday through Friday from 7am to 11pm (EST) or visit: <a href="http://www.atlasbooks.com" target="_blank">www.atlasbooks.com</a>
MOTLEY CRUE's NIKKI SIXX has posted the following diary entry at the bands website, <a href="http://www.motleycrue.com" target="_blank">www.motleycrue.com</a> "NSIXX CLOTHING BY DRAGONFLY - Me and Donna are off to Vegas for the magic show Monday evening. Were unveiling the NSIXX line at the Dragonfly booth all week. We're showing both the men's and woman's line. I'm really excited about the quality of the clothes. I'll be there, so stop by and I'll sign something for you. It will be the usual magic shenanigans and business dinners every night and I'll be doing TV and radio everyday to promote the line. Somewhere in the middle me and Donna will hopefully get away to play (with each other). The Brides are doing a photo shoot for the website Monday at around noon and I'll be on KTLA Monday AM. Busy day. f**king Mondays always seem insane. Why is that?? More news when it comes down the line. Sixx."
As posted at <a href="http://www.motleycrue.com" target="_blank">www.motleycrue.com</a> Universal Music Enterprises (UME) has signed an exclusive long-term licensing deal with MOTLEY CRUE for the manufacture, marketing and distribution of the band's catalog in the U.S., it was announced last week by Bruce Resnikoff, President, UME. Mštley CrŸe albums have sold more than 40,000,000 copies worldwide since the group burst onto the music scene in 1981. Motley Crue is one of the few artists in history to own and control its publishing and its catalog of recorded masters. Said bassist Nikki Sixx: "We're proud of where we've been and what we've done. With the strength of UME behind us, our catalog will get the treatment it deserves. This is for our fans - past, present and future." UME, which will issue the catalog albums as well as two DVDs in March 2003 under its Hip-O Records label, will also create new compilations, including a box set, for later release. The Motley Crue catalog encompasses 11 albums from 1982 to 2000, including the six times platinum, #1-charting Dr. Feelgood and the quadruple platinum albums Girls, Girls, Girls, Theatre Of Pain and Shout At The Devil. The DVDs to be reissued are Lewd, CrŸed & Tattooed, which recently went gold and VH1 Behind The Music: Mštley CrŸe. Additional releases such as a first ever box-set and video collection on dvd are being planned. The Hip-O Records reissue of the album catalog kicks off March 4, 2003 with the re-release of their 1998 Greatest Hits album. The group's 10 other albums (four of them in both Explicit and Clean versions), plus two DVD home video collections, will be re-released on March 25. Eight of the 11 albums include bonus tracks making their U.S. debuts, having previously been heard only on their Japanese editions. For the band's first seven albums, those tracks join the bonuses previously added for their 1999 remasters. The most recent four albums are reissued here for the first time: Greatest Hits, the rarities collection Supersonic & Demonic Relics, the band's sole live album Live: Entertainment Or Death, and the studio album New Tattoo, which adds bonus tracks as well.
AC/DC are to play a one off show at Roseland Ballroom in New York on March 11, the day after their induction into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame. Tickets WON'T be on sale to the public. For details of how you may get to see the show, go to <a href="http://www.acdcrocks.com" target="_blank">www.acdcrocks.com</a> Also, Malcolm and Angus Young joined the ROLLING STONES onstage in the 2,000-seat Enmore Theatre in Sydney Australia last Monday night. They jammed through 'Rock Me Baby', marking a rare guest appearance by AC/DC members on another performer's stage. Additionally, guitarist Malcolm Young has commented on the added loudness and forcefulness of the reissued versions of his band, AC/DC's classic LPs. Says Malcolm: "That's the big plus, I thought. You know, I stuck one on the other day, and I stuck the new one on to compare, and it was like a good 30. I'd say 30-percent louder, maybe more, you know? If I look on my CD deck, it's sitting right at the top, just before the red, and it doesn't move from there".
Drummer MARK CROSS has issued the following in regards to his departure from HELLOWEEN: "To the Press, friends and fans all over! After being ill the past few months, it looks like I will no longer remain in Helloween. Past September, a few days after I started the drum recordings, I ended up in a Medical Center and was no longer able to complete the new Helloween album. I gave it two more tries after several weeks, but all my energy and power was gone. Bad luck it is, there are only 2 songs I played on the new album, the rest I passed to Mickey Dee. I needed several months to recover, but the risk for Helloween was too high and they decided to replace me with someone else in the future. I'm sad, but I have to look forward and stand tall to keep this train rolling. I'm back in the studio banging the tubs and am very happy to say that it feels good and I will soon be back in shape 100% looking for new horizons! Bottoms up... Greets, Mark Cross."
HELLOWEEN bassist Markus Grosskopf has a side project on the go called KICKHUNTER that features a classic rock sound reminiscent of BAD COMPANY, AC/DC and ROSE TATTOO. The debut album, Hearts & Bones, was produced by Grosskopf and guitarist Stefan Aurel and is available through Rude Records, a sub-label of Remedy Records. Go to rude@remedyrecords.de for more information.
HELLOWEEN's best of album, entitled Treasure Chest, is now available worldwide. The special limited European edition has a third CD with rare B-sides. The tracklisting for the bonus disc: 'Sh*t & Lobster', 'Oriental Journey', 'I Don't Care, You Don't Care', 'Ain't Got Nothin' Better', 'Moshi Moshi-Shiki No Uta', 'Can't Fight Your Desire', 'Star Invasion', 'Silicon Dreams', 'Grapowski's Malmsuite 1001', 'Electric Eye' and 'A Game We Shouldn't Play'.
Epic/Legacy Records will release the 35-song, 2.5 hour MULLETS ROCK! album on March 4th. The set features classic rock favorites from the 70s and 80s. The 2CD set has the following tracklisting: CD1: MOUNTAIN - 'Mississippi Queen', DEEP PURPLE - 'Smoke On The Water', FOREIGNER - 'Hot Blooded', FOGHAT - 'Slow Ride', BILLY SQUIER - 'The Stroke', TED NUGENT - 'Free For All', BROWNSVILLE STATION - 'Smokin' In The Boys Room', RICK DERRINGER - 'Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo', CHEAP TRICK - 'Surrender', LOVERBOY - 'Working For The Weekend', JOURNEY - 'Any Way You Want It', TOTO - 'Hold The Line', EDDIE MONEY - 'Two Tickets To Paradise', REO SPEEDWAGON - 'Roll With The Changes', ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - 'No One To Run With', STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN & DOUBLE TROUBLE - 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)', GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS - 'Bad To The Bone' and LYNYRD SKYNYRD - 'Simple Man'. CD2 - BOSTON - 'Smokin'', MOLLY HATCHET - 'Flirtin' With Disaster', JUDAS PRIEST - 'Living After Midnight', TWISTED SISTER - 'I Wanna Rock', QUIET RIOT - 'Metal Health (Bang Your Head)', BLUE OYSTER CULT - 'Godzilla', EDGAR WINTER GROUP - 'Frankenstein', KANSAS - 'Carry On Wayward Son', GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - 'We're An American Band', ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - 'Don't Bring Me Down', BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE - 'Takin' Care Of Business', THE HOLLIES - 'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress', THE DOOBIE BROTHERS - 'Rockin' Down The Highway', RAM JAM - 'Black Betty', ALICE COOPER - 'School's Out', MEAT LOAF - 'Bat Out Of Hell' and ARGENT - 'Hold Your Head Up'.
HALFORD manager John Baxter has posted the following update: "Well we're going to back pedal a bit. After 7 shows (3 U.S. & 4 in Japan), Rob has pointed out that the band are working so well together; there is no need to bring in another guitarist at this point in time. Roy Z.'s producing schedule was the motivating factor in locating a new guitarist asap; however, after several conversations, Roy has agreed to work his schedule around the band's forthcoming tours. Inevitably, many will ask if submissions for the position will continue to be accepted, and our response is yes. We will bring Chad back in later this Summer, and we'll also conduct several auditioning sessions, so we're certain we've considered all potential candidates. For those of you that haven't seen Roy perform with Halford; please try and do so, for it is a real treat. Enjoy. JB." Meanwhile, Two HALFORD gigs in Tokyo, Japan on the 11th and 15th of February were filmed for a live DVD.
Former GN'R drummer Steven Adler's website, <a href="http://hometown.aol.com/stevenadlersite/" target="_blank">http://hometown.aol.com/stevenadlersite/</a> has revealed that his new band will tour the US for a limited number of shows under the moniker ADLER'S APPETITE. They will perform Guns N' Roses classic album, Appetite For Destruction, in its entirety. After the tour they are heading right into the studio to record a new album and will begin a world tour in support of the release. Adler's Appetite features the following lineup: Steven 'Popcorn' Adler (drums), Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT - guitar), Brent Muscat (FASTER PUSSYCAT - guitar), Robbie Crane (VINCE NEIL/BLACK N' BLUE/RATT - bass) and Jizzy Pearl (LOVE/HATE - vocals, screams). The bands confirmed tour dates include: March 21st - The Alamo - Kingman, AZ and 22nd - The Railhead (Boulder Station) - Las Vegas, NV.
POISON Frontman BRET MICHAELS <a href="http://www.bretmichaels.com" target="_blank">www.bretmichaels.com</a> will be releasing his first full-length enhanced solo CD, Songs Of Life, on April 22, 2003 on his own Poor Boy Records. Written and produced by Michaels, all 14 tracks on Songs Of Life are exactly that, songs inspired by events in his life. The music tells a strong story and the CD booklet is a pictorial, loaded with photographs and images of Michaels' life, including a never before seen photo of Michaels after his horrific car crash. As far as the music, Michaels says, "This is my sound and these are my songs. Love it or hate it, Songs Of Life is me, a straight-up rock record, and the fans are getting the real deal. Always have and always will. I don't know any other way." In addition, Songs Of Life will be an enhanced CD, including the video for the first single "Raine," a song written after the May 20, 2000, birth of his daughter. The video, shot in ten locations over six months, also contains some of Bret's actual family footage, as well as exclusive footage not shown in the TV version. The songs on this record are very personal to Michaels, and the subjects touch on things he has experienced: rebellion and angst, tough relationships, surviving diabetes, sex and violence, unconditional love, life after the tragedy and heroism of September 11, family, loyalty, sacrifice (Bret's father was a Navy veteran who served in the Korean conflict, his Uncle Nick was killed in World War II and Cousin Bobby, a marine, wounded in Vietnam). ãTo me this is why music is so important and relevant," says Michaels, "It is an outlet to the people who create it, and the fans who listen to it, regardless of the genre, the era or the image. The real success is the fact that you had the balls to go out and make a CD that you believe in, regardless of what is popular at the time. " The CD will also include two bonus tracks, "Party Rock Band" from the film and soundtrack, A Letter From Death Row. (written, directed by and staring Bret Michaels and Martin Sheen), as well as "Stay With Me," an acoustic piano track from the album, Ballads, Blues and Stories, a unique storytellers CD made available only through Michaels' fan club at bretmichaels.com, one of the only fan clubs to offer backstage passes to all members to meet the vocalist at select shows. Michaels, who turns 40 on March 15, 2003, has been an insulin-dependent diabetic since the age of six. The vocalist has suffered and survived the complications of this deadly disease. "In many ways, diabetes is as much a blessing as a curse, says Michaels, "It's taught me that even if I've had to work twice as hard to get half as far, it has shown me to never give up, no matter what the conditions." For more info., please e-mail Contact@BretMichaels.com
KISS' ERIC SINGER recently revealed that he did play on the bands contribution to the RAMONES tribute album. Players on the track, 'Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio', include: Singer - drums, PAUL STANLEY - guitar, GENE SIMMONS - bass, Derek Sherinian - keys and Scott Paige - sax.
A recent posting at <a href="http://www.BrianMaynews.com" target="_blank">www.BrianMaynews.com</a> reveals the problems QUEEN are having with remixing their catalog in surround sound. "Dear Folks around the World, here is an interesting puzzle. As you may know we are now very keen on the idea of remixing the entire QUEEN catalogue of albums in surround sound. This entails going back to the ORIGINAL multitrack masters (in most cases analogue) and carefully transferring everything to the new high resolution digital format for remixing in 5.1 format. The sad thing is that, as we move through this process, we will be coming up against problems, in that we DO NOT POSSESS all the original tapes. It's hard to believe, but many of these precious tapes have disappeared, some probably from their storage in EMI, or Studio vaults, some from remix studios perhaps, some returned to a wrong location in a library, to become effectively irretrievable, some almost certainly stolen, and insomeone's collection!! We are anxious to find all of these missing, lost recordings, so we are appealing for your help, all you friends out there. Please look around, and let us know if you find any information which might lead us to the recovery of our missing tapes. (REWARD!!!!) This is what is missing." The following is the latest updated list of missing multi-tracks for songs on Queen albums: 'The Prophet's Song' (acapella section only), 'God Save The Queen', 'Sheer Heart Attack', 'All Dead All Dead', 'Spread Your Wings', 'Sleeping On The Sidewalk', 'Who Needs You', 'My Melancholy Blues', 'Coming Soon' and 'Staying Power'. Any information can be emailed to: webmaster@brianmaynews.com. Brian May and Roger Taylor will be in Madrid on February 25th for a midday Press Conference to set wheels in motion for the Spanish production of We Will Rock You (The Musical) - planned to open there in November this year. Their next stop is South Africa to record some tracks for the Nelson Mandela Foundation with Dave Stewart of the EURYTHMICS, as part of their commitment to AIDS relief. Then they go on to Australia for a press conference in Melbourne on March 11th, where they will announce WWRY, which opens there in August 2003. While in Spain and Australia, Brian and Roger will attend auditions for the musical.
According to a posting at their website <a href="http://www.nevermore.tv" target="_blank">www.nevermore.tv</a> NEVERMORE's forthcoming album, Enemies Of Reality "is well underway." Frontman Warrel Dane added: "sorry it took so long to get started with the studio report but this time we are all still working our regular jobs and recording so things are a bit hectic. All the drum tracks are done. All the bass tracks as well as the main guitar tracks are done. Jeff is doing solos as we speak. I have three main vocals done and things are going very good. Kelly is really easy to work with...so put your fears to rest!! Some really good news for you guys....the release date at this point is June 17th ...yes June 17th in the US and I believe June 24th in Europe, so the wait won't be much longer....be patient...the enemy awaits."
IRON MAIDEN have confirmed they will be headlining the Download Festival at the famous Donington Park on Saturday 31st May, 2003. This will be their only appearance in the UK this summer, as part of their Give Me Ed... 'Til I'm Dead World Tour 2003. Iron Maiden have headlined Donington festivals twice previously, back in 1988 and 1992, the former with record-breaking attendances in excess of 100,000 fans. Bruce Dickinson says, "Playing in front of your home crowd is a fantastic way to kick off the Give Me Ed...'Til I'm Dead Tour. There are some really strong bands on the bill and I think this will be the festival of the summer for sure. We've known for a few weeks that this was all coming together and I've found it very hard to try and not let anything slip out in case we gave the game away." "To be playing Donington again means a lot to us as it's remembered as being the true home of metal festivals. To be headlining there again after so long is an indication of the resurgence of the music we all love. It's a very special festival for us as it really does feel like home." The Give Me Ed...'Til I'm Dead Tour 2003 has the band headlining not only their own shows but also just about every major festival throughout Europe this summer, before going to the USA later in the year. Iron Maiden finished their last tour playing in front of a sell out 250,000 audience at the Rock in Rio III festival in January 2001 after which they took some time off. They regrouped at the end of last year and returned to London to start writing material for the new record. Progress on the band's studio recording is reported on in Kevin Shirley's special diary. For access to Kevin's diary plus all up-to-date news and information on how & where to get tickets for the Download Festival and future dates being announced shortly fans should check out <a href="http://www.ironmaiden.com" target="_blank">www.ironmaiden.com</a> Also check the Download Festival website at <a href="http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk" target="_blank">www.downloadfestival.co.uk</a>
There seems to be some dissension in the QUEENSRYCHE ranks. In a recent interview with Music Insight, guitarist Michael Wilton is quoted as follows: "As far as I'm concerned the next album should be hard and intense, but (the songs) that I've heard so far are anything but heavy. I'm not interested in turning Queensryche into an adult contemporary band. The next album should be a Queensryche album and not a Geoff Tate solo album." Tate, of course, incurred the wrath of fans everywhere by claiming he "was never a metalhead" in defense of his weak-kneed trip-rock solo opus released late last year. As reported by their website <a href="http://www.queensryche.com" target="_blank">www.queensryche.com </a> QUEENSRYCHE "founding guitarist, Chris DeGarmo has rejoined his former band mates at an undisclosed studio in the Seattle area. While it cannot be confirmed at this time whether Chris has officially rejoined the band, the group is writing as a complete unit for the first time in 7 years. A representative for DeGarmo confirmed the original lineup is "creating the next Queensryche studio release". Queensryche's upcoming full length disc is slated for an early Summer release. It follows their Sanctuary Records debut, Live Evolution, which was released in 2001.
DEMON will perform their first US concert on March 8th at the New Jersey Metal Festival in Irvington, New Jersey. Vocalist Dave Hill comments: "We are looking forward to playing at the Metal Fest. Our albums are now being made available on domestic release through Dead Ringer, who have been instrumental in getting Demon to America. We are looking to reach a bigger audience and hopefully this is the start of many visits to the USA."
HAMMERFALL's website, <a href="http://www.hammerfall.net" target="_blank">www.hammerfall.net</a> has posted the following update on their live activity and their forthcoming Japanese dates with NOCTURNAL RITES: "Hello people, The second week of the tour is coming to an end, with this being the final show in Germany. The tour so far has been a tremendous success! Lots of people (over 2000 in Lichtenfels yesterday), a fantastic atmosphere and great music Ð and lots of beer! Who can ask for more? I still haven't heard from Sven, so I have no idea what's going on with the site, but as soon as I know something I'll let you know. Now, on to more uplifting news: HammerFall is returning to Japan! This has been in the works for a long time and was confirmed a while ago, and here are the dates: March 12th: Club Quattro, Osaka, March 14th: Bottom Line, Nagoya, March 15th: Club Quattro, Tokyo and March 16th: Club Quattro, Tokyo. The tour will be our first in four years, and our second only in the Far East. Swedish greats Nocturnal Rites will be accompanying us for what I hope to be four unforgettable nights. I have very, very fond memories of last time, so my expectations of the Japanese fans are very high. As I'm sure their expectations are of us. Together, we will deliver! - Oscar."
ARCH ENEMY's Daniel has posted the following update at the bands website, <a href="http://www.archenemy.net" target="_blank">www.archenemy.net</a> "Greetings to you all! We arrived in the UK (in Ripley, outside of Nottingham to be precise) just under a week ago to start the recording of Microwave That Curry, (yeah, that's the working title, ha-ha!) at Andy's Backstage studio facilities. We're currently tracking drums and it's been going really good! The week of pre-production we did back home in Halmstad, Sweden with Andy really helped us getting the songs knocked into shape. I'm really excited about the drum sound - it's really in your face! As far as the drumming itself goes... the songs are packed with lots of heavy grooves and double-bass drumming, no compromises there! I'm pretty much done now except for 2 more songs (one being a slow/fast kinda deal and the other is a short instrumental thing Michael has written - a very melodic piece). And then it's time for the guitar bros (who are getting more and more restless here!) to start downpicking and shredding all over the songs! That's pretty much all that's happening here right now. So til' the next sign of life from here, keep banging your heads to any of our other records and expect nothing less than a future masterpiece from here!!! ;-) Daniel."
MOTORHEAD have scheduled the following dates in the UK during October: 5 - UEA - Norwich, 6 - Leas Cliff Hall - Folkestone, 8 - Rock City - Nottingham, 9 - City Hall - Newcastle, 10 - Barrowlands - Glasgow, 12 - Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, 13 - Apollo - Manchester, 14 - Leeds University - Leeds, 16 - Colston Hall - Bristol, 17 - Guildhall - Portsmouth and 18 - Hammersmith Apollo - London. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. MOTORHEAD's Complete Best Of album is out in Japan through JVC on March 21st.
OZZFEST 2003 will feed the "the masses with 14 hours of non-stop rock with its most ferocious line-up to date. Ozzfest 2003 is also offering a limited number of lawn seats for $10 - making Ozzfest the best value for your concert dollars this summer. The special priced ten dollar tickets are available only at venue box offices or other designated locations while they last. Ozzy Osbourne returns to headline Ozzfest 2003 to do what he loves best - play rock n'roll. The Prince of Darkness will hit the stage with band mates Zakk Wylde, Robert Trujillo and Michael Bordin with a hard-hitting set of songs culled from his 33-year career as rock's purveyor of heavy metal. Tickets go on sale in March with limited specially priced $10 tickets available at venue box offices. Regularly priced tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tour dates begin on June 28th in San Antonio at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and run through August 28th at the West Palm Beach Coral Sky Amphitheatre. The entire Ozzfest 2003 roster (minus 4 bands still to be announced) is as follows: MAIN STAGE - OZZY OSBOURNE, KORN, MARILYN MANSON, DISTURBED CHEVELLE; SECOND STAGE: CRADLE OF FILTH, TRUST CO., MEMENTO, HOTWIRE, SHADOWS FALL, GRADE 8, TWISTED METHOD, NOTHINGFACE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, UNLOCO. Head to <a href="http://www.ozzfest.com" target="_blank">www.ozzfest.com</a> or <a href="http://www.ozzy.com" target="_blank">www.ozzy.com</a> for more info.
SHADOWS FALL have been confirmed to perform on the second stage of this year's installment of OZZFEST. Comments frontman Brian Fair, "We are honored to tour with one our favorite artists of all time, Ozzy Osbourne. To be sharing the side stage with some of the best up and coming heavy acts out there is beyond exciting. This is going to be one of the best years the OZZFEST has ever seen. Expect us to pull out all the stops." On the eve of headline tours in Japan and the UK, the band have also just announced another North American leg to their worldwide tour in support of The Art Of Balance.
OZZY OSBOURNE has revealed that he and BLACK SABBATH bandmate Tony Iommi have been collaborating long-distance on songwriting. Ozzy made the announcement during a press conference on February 18th to announce the lineup for the 8th Annual outing of Ozzfest. It wasn't clear if the material is for a new Sabbath studio album, or for a solo project by either party. In related news, Ozzy hopes to take Ozzfest to Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and the Netherlands in September, assuming a possible war with Iraq will not frighten groups from flying to Europe. Meanwhile, BLACK SABBATH's Never Say Die DVD will be available in the US for the first time from March 4th. The set was recorded live in 1978. Tracks include: 'Symptom Of The Universe', 'War Pigs', 'Snow Blind', 'Never Say Die', 'Black Sabbath', 'Dirty Woman', 'Rock And Roll Doctor', 'Electric Funeral', 'Children Of The Grave' and 'Paranoid'.
IN FLAMES are the latest act confirmed to perform at this Summer's Wacken Open Air festival. They will perform on the Friday night, August 1st. The band are also booked to play the Rock Hard Festival on August 7th. Meanwhile, the band have posted the following message at their website, <a href="http://www.inflames.com:" target="_blank">www.inflames.com:</a> "In Flames are right now in the midst of working on new material for the upcoming album, due to be recorded later this summer. All of us are psyched for this of course, the material sounds harder and better than ever. The upcoming tour with Mudvayne and In Flames will be a lot of fun as we are all getting eager to go out on the road again."
The latest acts confirmed to perform at this Summer's WACKEN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL are IN FLAMES, SOILWORK and MASTERPLAN. The festival takes place in Wacken, Germany from July 31st to August 2nd. Other acts on the bill include: SLAYER, DARK ANGEL, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, EXTREME NOISE TERROR, GAMMA RAY, SENTENCED, ICED EARTH, MALEVOLENT CREATION, NILE, PRIMAL FEAR, DIAMOND HEAD, RAUNCHY, RAGE, STRATOVARIUS, THE ALMIGHTY PUNCHDRUNK, VADER, KATAKLYSM, ASSASSIN, SINNER, RUNNING WILD, LORDI, HEAVENSHALLBURN, EIDOLON, THE CROWN, DISMEMBER, ANCIENT RITES, DEW-SCENTED, SINISTER and THYRFING. CRADLE OF FILTH have dropped out of the festival as they will now appear on the Second Stage on the Ozzfest US tour this Summer.
AGENT STEEL have inked a deal with Scarlet. The bands new album, Order Of The Illuminati, will be released in Europe and Asia through the label. Says the band: "Agent Steel is proud to announce they have signed contracts and has serious support from metal's home in Italy, Scarlet Records. After much debate, Scarlet wins this war and Agent Steel is back with more metal, more message and the will to educate and energize the Earth in the coming battle for our planet. The forthcoming release, Order Of The Illuminati, will be available throughout Europe (May/June 2003), and Agent Steel will take the stage to deliver their message of human conquest over the Untied Slave State across all of Europe this Summer! Prepare for the only metallic onslaught of stratospheric dimension. - Agent Steel". Order Of The Illuminati has the following tracklisting: 'Forever Black', 'Dead Eyes', 'Human Bullet', 'Enslaved', 'Earth Under Lucifer', 'Avenger', '10 Fists Of Nations', 'Final Dawn', 'Insurrection' and 'Apocalypse (World Without Windows)'.
WHITESNAKE's upcoming European tour kicks off on May 8th at the Ipswich Regent in Ipswich, England and wraps up on June 11th at the Lycabettas Theatre in Athens, Greece.
As posted at the band's website <a href="http://www.gamma-ray.com" target="_blank">www.gamma-ray.com</a> GAMMA RAY will play another two festival shows this summer: Torres Rock Festival in Spain on May 24th and at Gates Of Metal Festival in Sweden on August 2nd. The latter will see one more exclusive performance of the Skeletons In The Closet set. In further news, the much anticipated book written by Mark Brauneis which the concept for Gamma Ray's No World Order album is partly built upon, is finally out now. At the moment, there is only a German version available but as Mark says, negotiations are underway and it looks good that an English version will be released in the not too distant future. "Sieben Ð Die wahre Weltordnung" (in English - Seven - The True World Order) was released through Extrem-Verlag from Alsfeld, Germany and is delivered through Andromedar-Vertrieb distributions from Nurnberg, Germany. The book has over 260 pages and costs 17.90 Euro. We understand that the book will be available through the big online stores such as Amazon very soon. In the meantime, you can either contact Extrem-Verlag or simply ask your local book store - tell them to look for ISBN No. 3-935054-31-9, that should be it. If you live in Germany, check out the upcoming issues of Metal Hammer and Metal Heart magazines - they will have a review of the book." GAMMA RAY release their new live album, Skeleton In The Closet, on March 21st in Japan through JVC.
The latest acts added to the bill for this years SUMMER BREEZE FESTIVAL, taking place August 21st - 23rd in Abtsgmund (near Aalen/Stuttgart), are KATATONIA, FINNTROLL, BORKNAGAR, WINTERSORG, GOD DETHRONED and 40 GRIT. They join previously announced acts IN FLAMES, IN EXTREMO, J.B.O., CHILDREN OF BODOM, SUBWAY TO SALLY, PRIMAL FEAR, NAPALM DEATH, FARMER BOYS, PYOGENESIS, AMON AMARTH, LETZTE INSTANZ, SINNER, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, DARKANE, GRAVEWORM, EDENBRIDGE, SYMPHORCE, END OF GREEN, DEW SCENTED, HYPNOS, DARKSEED, CALLENISH CIRCLE, HOLLENTHON, DESASTER, PRIMORDIAL, UNDERTOW, EVENFALL, DARKWELL, FINAL BREATH, THE ARMADA, AGE OF IGNORANCE and DEFENDING THE FAITH. A limited Metal ticket is still available through the festival website, <a href="http://www.summer-breeze.de" target="_blank">www.summer-breeze.de</a>
OLIVER/DAWSON SAXON's new live album, It's Alive, is out through Angel Air on March 10th. The album, recorded in Bradford, England, includes the following tracks: 'Power And The Glory', 'Rock And Roll Gypsies', 'Strong Arm Of The Law', 'Past The Point', 'Dallas 1PM', '747 (Strangers In The Night)', 'The Eagle Has Landed', '***** Of A Place To Be', 'One More For The Road', 'Motorcycle Man', 'Wheels Of Steel' and 'Devil Rides Out'.
Cellsum Records artist DAVID ROTER, co-author of BLUE OYSTER CULT's 'Joan Crawford' and 'Unknown Tongue', as well as DICTATORS' material, passed away on February 16th due to complications after a bone marrow transplant. Survivors include his wife Vivian, and children Jacob, 5, and Benjamin Albert, 2.
Vocalist Ian Gillan of DEEP PURPLE comments on the bands new album, due out on August 1st: "The album is finished. I think it sounds great, but my viewpoint is what you might call subjective. You can't compare it with anything we've done in the past, which is the whole point of doing it as we have done". Also, EMI has asked bassist Roger Glover to oversee work on the Burn reissue. The Deep Purple Appreciation Society has tracked down all master tapes. There is no word on any participation from any of the original MK-III members on this reissue.
JOE STUMP will play the following dates in Mexico in March: 15 - Instrumental performance at Taquilla del Circo Volador in Mexico City, 16 - 2pm Guitar Clinic and 6pm Instrumental performance at The Pit Foro Bar in Cuernavaca and 17 - Guitar Clinic at G Martell Escuela de Musica in Mexico City.
MENIKETTI will release their new live album in Japan on March 31st. In other news, frontman Dave Meniketti's other band, Y&T, have rescheduled their previously postponed dates in Spain. The new dates are: March 6th - Razzmatazz II - Barcelona, 7th - Macumba - Madrid and 8th - Sala Gares - Puente La Reina.
ST. VITUS are confirmed to perform a reunion show at this year's With Full Force 2003 festival in Germany, which is set to take place July 4-6 at airport Roitzschjora, Lšbnitz near Leipzig.
BLAZE have announced a string of UK dates that begin on April 25th in London, UK and run until May 5th in Northampton, UK.
ROBERT TRUJILLO (OZZY OSBOURNE) will join ZAKK WYLDE's BLACK LABEL SOCIETY as touring bassist on the bands upcoming tour. However, Metallica.com today announced Trujillo as their new, fulltime bass player.
STRAPPING YOUNG LAD's "SYL" has entered the Billboard Heetseakers chart at #97 during its first week of release.
OPETH won the Swedish Grammy in the Best Hard Rock category for their Deliverance album at the 2003 Grammisgala, which was held on February 18 in Stockholm, Sweden.
ROB ROCK'S RAGE OF CREATION, featuring Rob Rock (ex- IMPELLITTERI) will release the album Eyes Of Eternity on May 26th. Guests on the release include Roy Z (guitar - BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD), Butch Carlson (drums - JAG PANZER), Rick Renstrom (guitar), Mistheria (keyboards - EDGE OF TIME) and Ray Burke (bass).
KING'S X's Black Like Sunday album should be released sometime late spring/early summer and so far the band has debuted three songs from the new album on their current tour: 'Johnny', 'I Won't Turn Back' and 'Finished'. Due to circumstances beyond the band's control the following show has been cancelled: 2/26 - Portland, OR.
SEPULTURA have recorded a song called 'Danca das Borboletas' for the upcoming Brazilian movie Lisbela e o Prisionero. The band recorded this during the sessions for their latest, as yet untitled studio album.
The X-MASS FESTIVALS 2003 will feature HYPOCRISY (headliner), DESTRUCTION, VADER, NILE, DEW-SCENTED, DISBELIEF, MISERY INDEX. The dates run from December 7th at Camden Place in London and run to the 21st in Tilburg, NL.
THE METAL FOR CANCER BENEFIT for Tony "Bones" Hernandez will be held at The Garage (4519 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood) on Saturday, March 1st. AGENT STEEL will be headlining, joined by INFAMY, NOKTURNE and SCARRED. The evening will host the world-debut of Jim Durkin's (DREAMS OF DAMNATION/ex-DARK ANGEL) second thrash band, PAGAN WAR MACHINE, featuring Steve Gaines (bass/vocals), Marcelo Lima and Jim Durkin on guitars, and "Mayhem" Mendez on drums.
Former MTV Headbanger's Ball VJ RIKI RACHTMAN has resurfaced as the host of "The Ball," a two-hour hard rock/heavy metal specialty show airing Saturday nights on 97.1 KLSX-Los Angeles from midnight to 2 a.m. E-mail Rachtman at theball@clubcathouse.com with your requests.
BIOHAZARD hit the road with MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, E-TOWN CONCRETE and SWORN ENEMY on March 19th in Providence, RI. European dates will begin on April 21st. The band's latest album is out overseas on SPV and will see the light of day on these shores via Sanctuary on March 18th.
The "basic composition" of the next RHAPSODY album is done. The disc is scheduled for a September release, with a single expected out in August.
SAVATAGE is in the final stages of pre-production for the new album STORIES, and is tentatively due to enter the studio during the next few weeks to begin recording the effort for a fall release.
HIRAX are writing songs for their new album, tentatively titled The New Age Of Terror. The band are confirmed to play this year's Bang Your Head festival in Germany (www.bang-your-head.de/home.htm).
BYFIST's Adrenalin EP is ready for download at <a href="http://www.Byfist.com" target="_blank">www.Byfist.com</a> Tracks include 'Eternal Damnation', 'Meltdown', 'Left To Die' and 'Mary Celeste'. The bands new album, Preserving The Past, is out in March through Metalage Records.
New progressive metal supergroup SECTION A, featuring singer Andy Engberg (LION'S SHARE), drummer Andreas Lill (VANDEN PLAS), guitarist Torben Enevoldsen and special guests Derek Sherinian and Gunter Werno (Vanden Plas), will release their new album, The Seventh Sign, through Lion Music in May.
Earache has reissued CARCASS' first two albums, Reek Of Putrefaction and Symphonies Of Sickness on CD with the original, banned cover art. These extreme collages of gore have been unavailable since 1992 -- replaced in the meantime by the green and purple censored covers that have saturated the market. Check them out at: <a href="http://www.earacherecords.org/news_stories/earache.html#carcass" target="_blank">www.earacherecords.org/news_stories/earache.html#carcass</a>
A special Asian only release of SKID ROW's No Frills video/DVD is available now in Europe. Tracks on the release include: 'Monkey Business', 'Wasted Time', 'Slave To The Grind', 'Quicksand Jesus', 'Little Wing', 'Psycho Therapy' and 'In A Darkened Room'.
A special Asian only release of MR. BIG's Live video/DVD, recorded at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco in March 1992, is available now in Europe.
SPV have released the following ACCEPT albums in 2For1 packages. The releases are Accept/Restless And Wild and I'm A Rebel/Breaker.
Heavy Metal Records have reissued three WRATHCHILD albums; Stakk Attakk, The Biz Sucks and Delirium.
More details continue to be revealed regarding the tragic GREAT WHITE show in Warwick, RI that took the lives of 97 concertgoers and injuring 170 in a fire caused by pyrotechnics. CNN also reported that fire investigators have recovered all of the victims from the rubble of a Rhode Island nightclub, and forensic pathologists are working round the clock to identify the 97 victims. Governor Don Carcieri said "there's just no way of knowing" how long it would take to identify all of the bodies and that families have been providing dental records to speed the process. STC Broadcasting added that: The owners of The Station nightclub say they never approved the pyrotechnics display. Fire officials said there was no permit for the pyrotechnics display. An attorney for Jeff and Michael Derderian (The Station owners) said they had no idea the band Great White would use pyrotechnics, and the band never asked permission. But Great White lead singer Jack Russell said the band got permission from club managers. State Attorney General Patrick Lynch said today that club owner Jeffrey Derderian has not answered questions since Thursday night when The Station, which he owns with his brother, burned to the ground. Lynch said the band has been cooperative. An attorney for the band, Ed McPherson, said today that guitarist Ty Longley, missing since the blaze, had also died in the fire. In the meantime, a fund has been set up by Centreville Savings Bank in West Warwick to help out the victims and their families. Those who would like to contribute can mail a check or money order to: Centreville Savings Bank, West Warwick Municipal Workers Fire Relief Fund, Attention: Cindy Joaquin, 1218 Main Street, West Warwick, RI 02893. Please make cheques payable to Fire Relief Fund.
ARMORED SAINT will release a special three-disc edition of their Symbol Of Salvation album, complete with special Digi-box packaging. The set, due in April through Metal Blade Records, will include the following: CD1 - The original record (remastered) plus and Mpeg video files of the two accompanying videos, 'Reign Of Fire' and 'Last Train Home'. CD2 - The much-sought-after four-track demos of the entire record in sequence, featuring original guitar work by Dave Prichard and bonus track interview. This is part one of a 90-minute interview conducted by Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel, with the band discussing the making of Symbol Of Salvation. The interview was recorded in December 2002. CD3 - Part two and conclusion of interview. The packaging will include a revised version of the cover art, liner notes by rock journalist Jon Sutherland and additional band photos.
MEGADETH's classic second album, Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying (1986 Capitol Records) was recently updated in DTS 5.1 Surround Sound by former leader Dave Mustaine at DTS Studios in California. The DVD Audio Disc will be out in April and will not play on conventional CD players - it is for use in DVD technology. According to their website <a href="http://www.dtsonline.com" target="_blank">www.dtsonline.com</a> "DVD-Audio improves upon CD, just like DVD-Video improved upon VHS." Megadeth is the first Metal band in the DTS catalogue.
JUAN CROUCIER, former bassist and co-writer for RATT and DOKKEN, is currently auditioning drummers for his band LIQUID SUNDAY. The band was developed in the mid 90s' along with his brother Rick. A self-titled debut album was released and the band performed around Southern California. The band went on hiatus due to the demanding schedule of Juan's recording studio, The Cellar. Says Juan: "I just felt it was time to put the band back together and get out there and play. I think we made a great album and I really want people to hear it. What better way than getting out there and performing." Juan and Liquid Sunday plan to be performing in Southern California by Spring. Requirements for the new drummer include: pro's only, must have strong back-up vocals, professional equipment, extensive stage and studio experience and reside in the Los Angeles area or be willing to relocate. For more information please email with (Liquid Sunday/Drum Auditions) in subject line: cdecoy@aol.com. Submissions: ATT: Juan Croucier - Liquid Sunday/Drum Auditions - PO Box 3953 - Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90275. To hear some MP3's of the self-titled debut and for further information visit: <a href="http://www.juancroucier.com/" target="_blank">www.juancroucier.com/</a> In addition, Juan Croucier and former vocalist STEPHEN PEARCY shared the same stage for the first time in over twelve years this past Thursday, February 13th at the Key Club in Los Angeles. Pearcy was headlining Gazzari Night when he made the announcement that he had a very special guest joining him for 'Round And Round'. Though twelve years and bitter words have surrounded the former members, it was obvious all that was set aside. Juan says: "It's been 12 years since Stephen and I have stood on the same stage together. Getting up and playing 'Round And Round' with him and his band brought back a lot of good memories. I had a great time playing with them as well as watching the band. They sounded strong and tight. Stephen sang great. It was fun being on stage with him again. I wish him and his band nothing but the best!".
During a February 17th chat on AOL, DOUG ALDRICH (WHITESNAKE, DIO) hinted at a scheduling conflict between the upcoming Whitesnake tour and the writing sessions for the next Dio album, leaving his status in Dio up in the air. Says Doug: "Ronnie is at the moment working on the story for the next record and I was hoping to write with him for that record at some point, but these dates just came up and I don't know what is going to happen with that right now. I am not sure exactly what the future holds with Dio at the moment, but I love working with Ronnie and the band, and I hope to work with him again when schedule permits."
A biography of the late ALICE IN CHAINS frontman LAYNE STALEY entitled Layne Staley: Angry Chair, is now available. To order a copy send a check or money order for $19.95, plus $4 S&H (orders outside the US include $10 S&H) payable to: Angry Chair - P.O. Box 3147 - Evansdale, Iowa 50707-0147. The number to order the book through BooksMasters is: 1-800-247-6553. Please call Monday through Friday from 7am to 11pm (EST) or visit: <a href="http://www.atlasbooks.com" target="_blank">www.atlasbooks.com</a>
MOTLEY CRUE's NIKKI SIXX has posted the following diary entry at the bands website, <a href="http://www.motleycrue.com" target="_blank">www.motleycrue.com</a> "NSIXX CLOTHING BY DRAGONFLY - Me and Donna are off to Vegas for the magic show Monday evening. Were unveiling the NSIXX line at the Dragonfly booth all week. We're showing both the men's and woman's line. I'm really excited about the quality of the clothes. I'll be there, so stop by and I'll sign something for you. It will be the usual magic shenanigans and business dinners every night and I'll be doing TV and radio everyday to promote the line. Somewhere in the middle me and Donna will hopefully get away to play (with each other). The Brides are doing a photo shoot for the website Monday at around noon and I'll be on KTLA Monday AM. Busy day. f**king Mondays always seem insane. Why is that?? More news when it comes down the line. Sixx."
As posted at <a href="http://www.motleycrue.com" target="_blank">www.motleycrue.com</a> Universal Music Enterprises (UME) has signed an exclusive long-term licensing deal with MOTLEY CRUE for the manufacture, marketing and distribution of the band's catalog in the U.S., it was announced last week by Bruce Resnikoff, President, UME. Mštley CrŸe albums have sold more than 40,000,000 copies worldwide since the group burst onto the music scene in 1981. Motley Crue is one of the few artists in history to own and control its publishing and its catalog of recorded masters. Said bassist Nikki Sixx: "We're proud of where we've been and what we've done. With the strength of UME behind us, our catalog will get the treatment it deserves. This is for our fans - past, present and future." UME, which will issue the catalog albums as well as two DVDs in March 2003 under its Hip-O Records label, will also create new compilations, including a box set, for later release. The Motley Crue catalog encompasses 11 albums from 1982 to 2000, including the six times platinum, #1-charting Dr. Feelgood and the quadruple platinum albums Girls, Girls, Girls, Theatre Of Pain and Shout At The Devil. The DVDs to be reissued are Lewd, CrŸed & Tattooed, which recently went gold and VH1 Behind The Music: Mštley CrŸe. Additional releases such as a first ever box-set and video collection on dvd are being planned. The Hip-O Records reissue of the album catalog kicks off March 4, 2003 with the re-release of their 1998 Greatest Hits album. The group's 10 other albums (four of them in both Explicit and Clean versions), plus two DVD home video collections, will be re-released on March 25. Eight of the 11 albums include bonus tracks making their U.S. debuts, having previously been heard only on their Japanese editions. For the band's first seven albums, those tracks join the bonuses previously added for their 1999 remasters. The most recent four albums are reissued here for the first time: Greatest Hits, the rarities collection Supersonic & Demonic Relics, the band's sole live album Live: Entertainment Or Death, and the studio album New Tattoo, which adds bonus tracks as well.
AC/DC are to play a one off show at Roseland Ballroom in New York on March 11, the day after their induction into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame. Tickets WON'T be on sale to the public. For details of how you may get to see the show, go to <a href="http://www.acdcrocks.com" target="_blank">www.acdcrocks.com</a> Also, Malcolm and Angus Young joined the ROLLING STONES onstage in the 2,000-seat Enmore Theatre in Sydney Australia last Monday night. They jammed through 'Rock Me Baby', marking a rare guest appearance by AC/DC members on another performer's stage. Additionally, guitarist Malcolm Young has commented on the added loudness and forcefulness of the reissued versions of his band, AC/DC's classic LPs. Says Malcolm: "That's the big plus, I thought. You know, I stuck one on the other day, and I stuck the new one on to compare, and it was like a good 30. I'd say 30-percent louder, maybe more, you know? If I look on my CD deck, it's sitting right at the top, just before the red, and it doesn't move from there".
Drummer MARK CROSS has issued the following in regards to his departure from HELLOWEEN: "To the Press, friends and fans all over! After being ill the past few months, it looks like I will no longer remain in Helloween. Past September, a few days after I started the drum recordings, I ended up in a Medical Center and was no longer able to complete the new Helloween album. I gave it two more tries after several weeks, but all my energy and power was gone. Bad luck it is, there are only 2 songs I played on the new album, the rest I passed to Mickey Dee. I needed several months to recover, but the risk for Helloween was too high and they decided to replace me with someone else in the future. I'm sad, but I have to look forward and stand tall to keep this train rolling. I'm back in the studio banging the tubs and am very happy to say that it feels good and I will soon be back in shape 100% looking for new horizons! Bottoms up... Greets, Mark Cross."
HELLOWEEN bassist Markus Grosskopf has a side project on the go called KICKHUNTER that features a classic rock sound reminiscent of BAD COMPANY, AC/DC and ROSE TATTOO. The debut album, Hearts & Bones, was produced by Grosskopf and guitarist Stefan Aurel and is available through Rude Records, a sub-label of Remedy Records. Go to rude@remedyrecords.de for more information.
HELLOWEEN's best of album, entitled Treasure Chest, is now available worldwide. The special limited European edition has a third CD with rare B-sides. The tracklisting for the bonus disc: 'Sh*t & Lobster', 'Oriental Journey', 'I Don't Care, You Don't Care', 'Ain't Got Nothin' Better', 'Moshi Moshi-Shiki No Uta', 'Can't Fight Your Desire', 'Star Invasion', 'Silicon Dreams', 'Grapowski's Malmsuite 1001', 'Electric Eye' and 'A Game We Shouldn't Play'.
Epic/Legacy Records will release the 35-song, 2.5 hour MULLETS ROCK! album on March 4th. The set features classic rock favorites from the 70s and 80s. The 2CD set has the following tracklisting: CD1: MOUNTAIN - 'Mississippi Queen', DEEP PURPLE - 'Smoke On The Water', FOREIGNER - 'Hot Blooded', FOGHAT - 'Slow Ride', BILLY SQUIER - 'The Stroke', TED NUGENT - 'Free For All', BROWNSVILLE STATION - 'Smokin' In The Boys Room', RICK DERRINGER - 'Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo', CHEAP TRICK - 'Surrender', LOVERBOY - 'Working For The Weekend', JOURNEY - 'Any Way You Want It', TOTO - 'Hold The Line', EDDIE MONEY - 'Two Tickets To Paradise', REO SPEEDWAGON - 'Roll With The Changes', ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - 'No One To Run With', STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN & DOUBLE TROUBLE - 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)', GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS - 'Bad To The Bone' and LYNYRD SKYNYRD - 'Simple Man'. CD2 - BOSTON - 'Smokin'', MOLLY HATCHET - 'Flirtin' With Disaster', JUDAS PRIEST - 'Living After Midnight', TWISTED SISTER - 'I Wanna Rock', QUIET RIOT - 'Metal Health (Bang Your Head)', BLUE OYSTER CULT - 'Godzilla', EDGAR WINTER GROUP - 'Frankenstein', KANSAS - 'Carry On Wayward Son', GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - 'We're An American Band', ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - 'Don't Bring Me Down', BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE - 'Takin' Care Of Business', THE HOLLIES - 'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress', THE DOOBIE BROTHERS - 'Rockin' Down The Highway', RAM JAM - 'Black Betty', ALICE COOPER - 'School's Out', MEAT LOAF - 'Bat Out Of Hell' and ARGENT - 'Hold Your Head Up'.
HALFORD manager John Baxter has posted the following update: "Well we're going to back pedal a bit. After 7 shows (3 U.S. & 4 in Japan), Rob has pointed out that the band are working so well together; there is no need to bring in another guitarist at this point in time. Roy Z.'s producing schedule was the motivating factor in locating a new guitarist asap; however, after several conversations, Roy has agreed to work his schedule around the band's forthcoming tours. Inevitably, many will ask if submissions for the position will continue to be accepted, and our response is yes. We will bring Chad back in later this Summer, and we'll also conduct several auditioning sessions, so we're certain we've considered all potential candidates. For those of you that haven't seen Roy perform with Halford; please try and do so, for it is a real treat. Enjoy. JB." Meanwhile, Two HALFORD gigs in Tokyo, Japan on the 11th and 15th of February were filmed for a live DVD.
Former GN'R drummer Steven Adler's website, <a href="http://hometown.aol.com/stevenadlersite/" target="_blank">http://hometown.aol.com/stevenadlersite/</a> has revealed that his new band will tour the US for a limited number of shows under the moniker ADLER'S APPETITE. They will perform Guns N' Roses classic album, Appetite For Destruction, in its entirety. After the tour they are heading right into the studio to record a new album and will begin a world tour in support of the release. Adler's Appetite features the following lineup: Steven 'Popcorn' Adler (drums), Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT - guitar), Brent Muscat (FASTER PUSSYCAT - guitar), Robbie Crane (VINCE NEIL/BLACK N' BLUE/RATT - bass) and Jizzy Pearl (LOVE/HATE - vocals, screams). The bands confirmed tour dates include: March 21st - The Alamo - Kingman, AZ and 22nd - The Railhead (Boulder Station) - Las Vegas, NV.
POISON Frontman BRET MICHAELS <a href="http://www.bretmichaels.com" target="_blank">www.bretmichaels.com</a> will be releasing his first full-length enhanced solo CD, Songs Of Life, on April 22, 2003 on his own Poor Boy Records. Written and produced by Michaels, all 14 tracks on Songs Of Life are exactly that, songs inspired by events in his life. The music tells a strong story and the CD booklet is a pictorial, loaded with photographs and images of Michaels' life, including a never before seen photo of Michaels after his horrific car crash. As far as the music, Michaels says, "This is my sound and these are my songs. Love it or hate it, Songs Of Life is me, a straight-up rock record, and the fans are getting the real deal. Always have and always will. I don't know any other way." In addition, Songs Of Life will be an enhanced CD, including the video for the first single "Raine," a song written after the May 20, 2000, birth of his daughter. The video, shot in ten locations over six months, also contains some of Bret's actual family footage, as well as exclusive footage not shown in the TV version. The songs on this record are very personal to Michaels, and the subjects touch on things he has experienced: rebellion and angst, tough relationships, surviving diabetes, sex and violence, unconditional love, life after the tragedy and heroism of September 11, family, loyalty, sacrifice (Bret's father was a Navy veteran who served in the Korean conflict, his Uncle Nick was killed in World War II and Cousin Bobby, a marine, wounded in Vietnam). ãTo me this is why music is so important and relevant," says Michaels, "It is an outlet to the people who create it, and the fans who listen to it, regardless of the genre, the era or the image. The real success is the fact that you had the balls to go out and make a CD that you believe in, regardless of what is popular at the time. " The CD will also include two bonus tracks, "Party Rock Band" from the film and soundtrack, A Letter From Death Row. (written, directed by and staring Bret Michaels and Martin Sheen), as well as "Stay With Me," an acoustic piano track from the album, Ballads, Blues and Stories, a unique storytellers CD made available only through Michaels' fan club at bretmichaels.com, one of the only fan clubs to offer backstage passes to all members to meet the vocalist at select shows. Michaels, who turns 40 on March 15, 2003, has been an insulin-dependent diabetic since the age of six. The vocalist has suffered and survived the complications of this deadly disease. "In many ways, diabetes is as much a blessing as a curse, says Michaels, "It's taught me that even if I've had to work twice as hard to get half as far, it has shown me to never give up, no matter what the conditions." For more info., please e-mail Contact@BretMichaels.com
KISS' ERIC SINGER recently revealed that he did play on the bands contribution to the RAMONES tribute album. Players on the track, 'Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio', include: Singer - drums, PAUL STANLEY - guitar, GENE SIMMONS - bass, Derek Sherinian - keys and Scott Paige - sax.
A recent posting at <a href="http://www.BrianMaynews.com" target="_blank">www.BrianMaynews.com</a> reveals the problems QUEEN are having with remixing their catalog in surround sound. "Dear Folks around the World, here is an interesting puzzle. As you may know we are now very keen on the idea of remixing the entire QUEEN catalogue of albums in surround sound. This entails going back to the ORIGINAL multitrack masters (in most cases analogue) and carefully transferring everything to the new high resolution digital format for remixing in 5.1 format. The sad thing is that, as we move through this process, we will be coming up against problems, in that we DO NOT POSSESS all the original tapes. It's hard to believe, but many of these precious tapes have disappeared, some probably from their storage in EMI, or Studio vaults, some from remix studios perhaps, some returned to a wrong location in a library, to become effectively irretrievable, some almost certainly stolen, and insomeone's collection!! We are anxious to find all of these missing, lost recordings, so we are appealing for your help, all you friends out there. Please look around, and let us know if you find any information which might lead us to the recovery of our missing tapes. (REWARD!!!!) This is what is missing." The following is the latest updated list of missing multi-tracks for songs on Queen albums: 'The Prophet's Song' (acapella section only), 'God Save The Queen', 'Sheer Heart Attack', 'All Dead All Dead', 'Spread Your Wings', 'Sleeping On The Sidewalk', 'Who Needs You', 'My Melancholy Blues', 'Coming Soon' and 'Staying Power'. Any information can be emailed to: webmaster@brianmaynews.com. Brian May and Roger Taylor will be in Madrid on February 25th for a midday Press Conference to set wheels in motion for the Spanish production of We Will Rock You (The Musical) - planned to open there in November this year. Their next stop is South Africa to record some tracks for the Nelson Mandela Foundation with Dave Stewart of the EURYTHMICS, as part of their commitment to AIDS relief. Then they go on to Australia for a press conference in Melbourne on March 11th, where they will announce WWRY, which opens there in August 2003. While in Spain and Australia, Brian and Roger will attend auditions for the musical.
According to a posting at their website <a href="http://www.nevermore.tv" target="_blank">www.nevermore.tv</a> NEVERMORE's forthcoming album, Enemies Of Reality "is well underway." Frontman Warrel Dane added: "sorry it took so long to get started with the studio report but this time we are all still working our regular jobs and recording so things are a bit hectic. All the drum tracks are done. All the bass tracks as well as the main guitar tracks are done. Jeff is doing solos as we speak. I have three main vocals done and things are going very good. Kelly is really easy to work with...so put your fears to rest!! Some really good news for you guys....the release date at this point is June 17th ...yes June 17th in the US and I believe June 24th in Europe, so the wait won't be much longer....be patient...the enemy awaits."
IRON MAIDEN have confirmed they will be headlining the Download Festival at the famous Donington Park on Saturday 31st May, 2003. This will be their only appearance in the UK this summer, as part of their Give Me Ed... 'Til I'm Dead World Tour 2003. Iron Maiden have headlined Donington festivals twice previously, back in 1988 and 1992, the former with record-breaking attendances in excess of 100,000 fans. Bruce Dickinson says, "Playing in front of your home crowd is a fantastic way to kick off the Give Me Ed...'Til I'm Dead Tour. There are some really strong bands on the bill and I think this will be the festival of the summer for sure. We've known for a few weeks that this was all coming together and I've found it very hard to try and not let anything slip out in case we gave the game away." "To be playing Donington again means a lot to us as it's remembered as being the true home of metal festivals. To be headlining there again after so long is an indication of the resurgence of the music we all love. It's a very special festival for us as it really does feel like home." The Give Me Ed...'Til I'm Dead Tour 2003 has the band headlining not only their own shows but also just about every major festival throughout Europe this summer, before going to the USA later in the year. Iron Maiden finished their last tour playing in front of a sell out 250,000 audience at the Rock in Rio III festival in January 2001 after which they took some time off. They regrouped at the end of last year and returned to London to start writing material for the new record. Progress on the band's studio recording is reported on in Kevin Shirley's special diary. For access to Kevin's diary plus all up-to-date news and information on how & where to get tickets for the Download Festival and future dates being announced shortly fans should check out <a href="http://www.ironmaiden.com" target="_blank">www.ironmaiden.com</a> Also check the Download Festival website at <a href="http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk" target="_blank">www.downloadfestival.co.uk</a>
There seems to be some dissension in the QUEENSRYCHE ranks. In a recent interview with Music Insight, guitarist Michael Wilton is quoted as follows: "As far as I'm concerned the next album should be hard and intense, but (the songs) that I've heard so far are anything but heavy. I'm not interested in turning Queensryche into an adult contemporary band. The next album should be a Queensryche album and not a Geoff Tate solo album." Tate, of course, incurred the wrath of fans everywhere by claiming he "was never a metalhead" in defense of his weak-kneed trip-rock solo opus released late last year. As reported by their website <a href="http://www.queensryche.com" target="_blank">www.queensryche.com </a> QUEENSRYCHE "founding guitarist, Chris DeGarmo has rejoined his former band mates at an undisclosed studio in the Seattle area. While it cannot be confirmed at this time whether Chris has officially rejoined the band, the group is writing as a complete unit for the first time in 7 years. A representative for DeGarmo confirmed the original lineup is "creating the next Queensryche studio release". Queensryche's upcoming full length disc is slated for an early Summer release. It follows their Sanctuary Records debut, Live Evolution, which was released in 2001.
DEMON will perform their first US concert on March 8th at the New Jersey Metal Festival in Irvington, New Jersey. Vocalist Dave Hill comments: "We are looking forward to playing at the Metal Fest. Our albums are now being made available on domestic release through Dead Ringer, who have been instrumental in getting Demon to America. We are looking to reach a bigger audience and hopefully this is the start of many visits to the USA."
HAMMERFALL's website, <a href="http://www.hammerfall.net" target="_blank">www.hammerfall.net</a> has posted the following update on their live activity and their forthcoming Japanese dates with NOCTURNAL RITES: "Hello people, The second week of the tour is coming to an end, with this being the final show in Germany. The tour so far has been a tremendous success! Lots of people (over 2000 in Lichtenfels yesterday), a fantastic atmosphere and great music Ð and lots of beer! Who can ask for more? I still haven't heard from Sven, so I have no idea what's going on with the site, but as soon as I know something I'll let you know. Now, on to more uplifting news: HammerFall is returning to Japan! This has been in the works for a long time and was confirmed a while ago, and here are the dates: March 12th: Club Quattro, Osaka, March 14th: Bottom Line, Nagoya, March 15th: Club Quattro, Tokyo and March 16th: Club Quattro, Tokyo. The tour will be our first in four years, and our second only in the Far East. Swedish greats Nocturnal Rites will be accompanying us for what I hope to be four unforgettable nights. I have very, very fond memories of last time, so my expectations of the Japanese fans are very high. As I'm sure their expectations are of us. Together, we will deliver! - Oscar."
ARCH ENEMY's Daniel has posted the following update at the bands website, <a href="http://www.archenemy.net" target="_blank">www.archenemy.net</a> "Greetings to you all! We arrived in the UK (in Ripley, outside of Nottingham to be precise) just under a week ago to start the recording of Microwave That Curry, (yeah, that's the working title, ha-ha!) at Andy's Backstage studio facilities. We're currently tracking drums and it's been going really good! The week of pre-production we did back home in Halmstad, Sweden with Andy really helped us getting the songs knocked into shape. I'm really excited about the drum sound - it's really in your face! As far as the drumming itself goes... the songs are packed with lots of heavy grooves and double-bass drumming, no compromises there! I'm pretty much done now except for 2 more songs (one being a slow/fast kinda deal and the other is a short instrumental thing Michael has written - a very melodic piece). And then it's time for the guitar bros (who are getting more and more restless here!) to start downpicking and shredding all over the songs! That's pretty much all that's happening here right now. So til' the next sign of life from here, keep banging your heads to any of our other records and expect nothing less than a future masterpiece from here!!! ;-) Daniel."
MOTORHEAD have scheduled the following dates in the UK during October: 5 - UEA - Norwich, 6 - Leas Cliff Hall - Folkestone, 8 - Rock City - Nottingham, 9 - City Hall - Newcastle, 10 - Barrowlands - Glasgow, 12 - Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, 13 - Apollo - Manchester, 14 - Leeds University - Leeds, 16 - Colston Hall - Bristol, 17 - Guildhall - Portsmouth and 18 - Hammersmith Apollo - London. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. MOTORHEAD's Complete Best Of album is out in Japan through JVC on March 21st.
OZZFEST 2003 will feed the "the masses with 14 hours of non-stop rock with its most ferocious line-up to date. Ozzfest 2003 is also offering a limited number of lawn seats for $10 - making Ozzfest the best value for your concert dollars this summer. The special priced ten dollar tickets are available only at venue box offices or other designated locations while they last. Ozzy Osbourne returns to headline Ozzfest 2003 to do what he loves best - play rock n'roll. The Prince of Darkness will hit the stage with band mates Zakk Wylde, Robert Trujillo and Michael Bordin with a hard-hitting set of songs culled from his 33-year career as rock's purveyor of heavy metal. Tickets go on sale in March with limited specially priced $10 tickets available at venue box offices. Regularly priced tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tour dates begin on June 28th in San Antonio at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and run through August 28th at the West Palm Beach Coral Sky Amphitheatre. The entire Ozzfest 2003 roster (minus 4 bands still to be announced) is as follows: MAIN STAGE - OZZY OSBOURNE, KORN, MARILYN MANSON, DISTURBED CHEVELLE; SECOND STAGE: CRADLE OF FILTH, TRUST CO., MEMENTO, HOTWIRE, SHADOWS FALL, GRADE 8, TWISTED METHOD, NOTHINGFACE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, UNLOCO. Head to <a href="http://www.ozzfest.com" target="_blank">www.ozzfest.com</a> or <a href="http://www.ozzy.com" target="_blank">www.ozzy.com</a> for more info.
SHADOWS FALL have been confirmed to perform on the second stage of this year's installment of OZZFEST. Comments frontman Brian Fair, "We are honored to tour with one our favorite artists of all time, Ozzy Osbourne. To be sharing the side stage with some of the best up and coming heavy acts out there is beyond exciting. This is going to be one of the best years the OZZFEST has ever seen. Expect us to pull out all the stops." On the eve of headline tours in Japan and the UK, the band have also just announced another North American leg to their worldwide tour in support of The Art Of Balance.
OZZY OSBOURNE has revealed that he and BLACK SABBATH bandmate Tony Iommi have been collaborating long-distance on songwriting. Ozzy made the announcement during a press conference on February 18th to announce the lineup for the 8th Annual outing of Ozzfest. It wasn't clear if the material is for a new Sabbath studio album, or for a solo project by either party. In related news, Ozzy hopes to take Ozzfest to Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and the Netherlands in September, assuming a possible war with Iraq will not frighten groups from flying to Europe. Meanwhile, BLACK SABBATH's Never Say Die DVD will be available in the US for the first time from March 4th. The set was recorded live in 1978. Tracks include: 'Symptom Of The Universe', 'War Pigs', 'Snow Blind', 'Never Say Die', 'Black Sabbath', 'Dirty Woman', 'Rock And Roll Doctor', 'Electric Funeral', 'Children Of The Grave' and 'Paranoid'.
IN FLAMES are the latest act confirmed to perform at this Summer's Wacken Open Air festival. They will perform on the Friday night, August 1st. The band are also booked to play the Rock Hard Festival on August 7th. Meanwhile, the band have posted the following message at their website, <a href="http://www.inflames.com:" target="_blank">www.inflames.com:</a> "In Flames are right now in the midst of working on new material for the upcoming album, due to be recorded later this summer. All of us are psyched for this of course, the material sounds harder and better than ever. The upcoming tour with Mudvayne and In Flames will be a lot of fun as we are all getting eager to go out on the road again."
The latest acts confirmed to perform at this Summer's WACKEN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL are IN FLAMES, SOILWORK and MASTERPLAN. The festival takes place in Wacken, Germany from July 31st to August 2nd. Other acts on the bill include: SLAYER, DARK ANGEL, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, EXTREME NOISE TERROR, GAMMA RAY, SENTENCED, ICED EARTH, MALEVOLENT CREATION, NILE, PRIMAL FEAR, DIAMOND HEAD, RAUNCHY, RAGE, STRATOVARIUS, THE ALMIGHTY PUNCHDRUNK, VADER, KATAKLYSM, ASSASSIN, SINNER, RUNNING WILD, LORDI, HEAVENSHALLBURN, EIDOLON, THE CROWN, DISMEMBER, ANCIENT RITES, DEW-SCENTED, SINISTER and THYRFING. CRADLE OF FILTH have dropped out of the festival as they will now appear on the Second Stage on the Ozzfest US tour this Summer.
AGENT STEEL have inked a deal with Scarlet. The bands new album, Order Of The Illuminati, will be released in Europe and Asia through the label. Says the band: "Agent Steel is proud to announce they have signed contracts and has serious support from metal's home in Italy, Scarlet Records. After much debate, Scarlet wins this war and Agent Steel is back with more metal, more message and the will to educate and energize the Earth in the coming battle for our planet. The forthcoming release, Order Of The Illuminati, will be available throughout Europe (May/June 2003), and Agent Steel will take the stage to deliver their message of human conquest over the Untied Slave State across all of Europe this Summer! Prepare for the only metallic onslaught of stratospheric dimension. - Agent Steel". Order Of The Illuminati has the following tracklisting: 'Forever Black', 'Dead Eyes', 'Human Bullet', 'Enslaved', 'Earth Under Lucifer', 'Avenger', '10 Fists Of Nations', 'Final Dawn', 'Insurrection' and 'Apocalypse (World Without Windows)'.
WHITESNAKE's upcoming European tour kicks off on May 8th at the Ipswich Regent in Ipswich, England and wraps up on June 11th at the Lycabettas Theatre in Athens, Greece.
As posted at the band's website <a href="http://www.gamma-ray.com" target="_blank">www.gamma-ray.com</a> GAMMA RAY will play another two festival shows this summer: Torres Rock Festival in Spain on May 24th and at Gates Of Metal Festival in Sweden on August 2nd. The latter will see one more exclusive performance of the Skeletons In The Closet set. In further news, the much anticipated book written by Mark Brauneis which the concept for Gamma Ray's No World Order album is partly built upon, is finally out now. At the moment, there is only a German version available but as Mark says, negotiations are underway and it looks good that an English version will be released in the not too distant future. "Sieben Ð Die wahre Weltordnung" (in English - Seven - The True World Order) was released through Extrem-Verlag from Alsfeld, Germany and is delivered through Andromedar-Vertrieb distributions from Nurnberg, Germany. The book has over 260 pages and costs 17.90 Euro. We understand that the book will be available through the big online stores such as Amazon very soon. In the meantime, you can either contact Extrem-Verlag or simply ask your local book store - tell them to look for ISBN No. 3-935054-31-9, that should be it. If you live in Germany, check out the upcoming issues of Metal Hammer and Metal Heart magazines - they will have a review of the book." GAMMA RAY release their new live album, Skeleton In The Closet, on March 21st in Japan through JVC.
The latest acts added to the bill for this years SUMMER BREEZE FESTIVAL, taking place August 21st - 23rd in Abtsgmund (near Aalen/Stuttgart), are KATATONIA, FINNTROLL, BORKNAGAR, WINTERSORG, GOD DETHRONED and 40 GRIT. They join previously announced acts IN FLAMES, IN EXTREMO, J.B.O., CHILDREN OF BODOM, SUBWAY TO SALLY, PRIMAL FEAR, NAPALM DEATH, FARMER BOYS, PYOGENESIS, AMON AMARTH, LETZTE INSTANZ, SINNER, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, DARKANE, GRAVEWORM, EDENBRIDGE, SYMPHORCE, END OF GREEN, DEW SCENTED, HYPNOS, DARKSEED, CALLENISH CIRCLE, HOLLENTHON, DESASTER, PRIMORDIAL, UNDERTOW, EVENFALL, DARKWELL, FINAL BREATH, THE ARMADA, AGE OF IGNORANCE and DEFENDING THE FAITH. A limited Metal ticket is still available through the festival website, <a href="http://www.summer-breeze.de" target="_blank">www.summer-breeze.de</a>
OLIVER/DAWSON SAXON's new live album, It's Alive, is out through Angel Air on March 10th. The album, recorded in Bradford, England, includes the following tracks: 'Power And The Glory', 'Rock And Roll Gypsies', 'Strong Arm Of The Law', 'Past The Point', 'Dallas 1PM', '747 (Strangers In The Night)', 'The Eagle Has Landed', '***** Of A Place To Be', 'One More For The Road', 'Motorcycle Man', 'Wheels Of Steel' and 'Devil Rides Out'.
Cellsum Records artist DAVID ROTER, co-author of BLUE OYSTER CULT's 'Joan Crawford' and 'Unknown Tongue', as well as DICTATORS' material, passed away on February 16th due to complications after a bone marrow transplant. Survivors include his wife Vivian, and children Jacob, 5, and Benjamin Albert, 2.
Vocalist Ian Gillan of DEEP PURPLE comments on the bands new album, due out on August 1st: "The album is finished. I think it sounds great, but my viewpoint is what you might call subjective. You can't compare it with anything we've done in the past, which is the whole point of doing it as we have done". Also, EMI has asked bassist Roger Glover to oversee work on the Burn reissue. The Deep Purple Appreciation Society has tracked down all master tapes. There is no word on any participation from any of the original MK-III members on this reissue.
JOE STUMP will play the following dates in Mexico in March: 15 - Instrumental performance at Taquilla del Circo Volador in Mexico City, 16 - 2pm Guitar Clinic and 6pm Instrumental performance at The Pit Foro Bar in Cuernavaca and 17 - Guitar Clinic at G Martell Escuela de Musica in Mexico City.
MENIKETTI will release their new live album in Japan on March 31st. In other news, frontman Dave Meniketti's other band, Y&T, have rescheduled their previously postponed dates in Spain. The new dates are: March 6th - Razzmatazz II - Barcelona, 7th - Macumba - Madrid and 8th - Sala Gares - Puente La Reina.
ST. VITUS are confirmed to perform a reunion show at this year's With Full Force 2003 festival in Germany, which is set to take place July 4-6 at airport Roitzschjora, Lšbnitz near Leipzig.
BLAZE have announced a string of UK dates that begin on April 25th in London, UK and run until May 5th in Northampton, UK.
ROBERT TRUJILLO (OZZY OSBOURNE) will join ZAKK WYLDE's BLACK LABEL SOCIETY as touring bassist on the bands upcoming tour. However, Metallica.com today announced Trujillo as their new, fulltime bass player.
STRAPPING YOUNG LAD's "SYL" has entered the Billboard Heetseakers chart at #97 during its first week of release.
OPETH won the Swedish Grammy in the Best Hard Rock category for their Deliverance album at the 2003 Grammisgala, which was held on February 18 in Stockholm, Sweden.
ROB ROCK'S RAGE OF CREATION, featuring Rob Rock (ex- IMPELLITTERI) will release the album Eyes Of Eternity on May 26th. Guests on the release include Roy Z (guitar - BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD), Butch Carlson (drums - JAG PANZER), Rick Renstrom (guitar), Mistheria (keyboards - EDGE OF TIME) and Ray Burke (bass).
KING'S X's Black Like Sunday album should be released sometime late spring/early summer and so far the band has debuted three songs from the new album on their current tour: 'Johnny', 'I Won't Turn Back' and 'Finished'. Due to circumstances beyond the band's control the following show has been cancelled: 2/26 - Portland, OR.
SEPULTURA have recorded a song called 'Danca das Borboletas' for the upcoming Brazilian movie Lisbela e o Prisionero. The band recorded this during the sessions for their latest, as yet untitled studio album.
The X-MASS FESTIVALS 2003 will feature HYPOCRISY (headliner), DESTRUCTION, VADER, NILE, DEW-SCENTED, DISBELIEF, MISERY INDEX. The dates run from December 7th at Camden Place in London and run to the 21st in Tilburg, NL.
THE METAL FOR CANCER BENEFIT for Tony "Bones" Hernandez will be held at The Garage (4519 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood) on Saturday, March 1st. AGENT STEEL will be headlining, joined by INFAMY, NOKTURNE and SCARRED. The evening will host the world-debut of Jim Durkin's (DREAMS OF DAMNATION/ex-DARK ANGEL) second thrash band, PAGAN WAR MACHINE, featuring Steve Gaines (bass/vocals), Marcelo Lima and Jim Durkin on guitars, and "Mayhem" Mendez on drums.
Former MTV Headbanger's Ball VJ RIKI RACHTMAN has resurfaced as the host of "The Ball," a two-hour hard rock/heavy metal specialty show airing Saturday nights on 97.1 KLSX-Los Angeles from midnight to 2 a.m. E-mail Rachtman at theball@clubcathouse.com with your requests.
BIOHAZARD hit the road with MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, E-TOWN CONCRETE and SWORN ENEMY on March 19th in Providence, RI. European dates will begin on April 21st. The band's latest album is out overseas on SPV and will see the light of day on these shores via Sanctuary on March 18th.
The "basic composition" of the next RHAPSODY album is done. The disc is scheduled for a September release, with a single expected out in August.
SAVATAGE is in the final stages of pre-production for the new album STORIES, and is tentatively due to enter the studio during the next few weeks to begin recording the effort for a fall release.
HIRAX are writing songs for their new album, tentatively titled The New Age Of Terror. The band are confirmed to play this year's Bang Your Head festival in Germany (www.bang-your-head.de/home.htm).
BYFIST's Adrenalin EP is ready for download at <a href="http://www.Byfist.com" target="_blank">www.Byfist.com</a> Tracks include 'Eternal Damnation', 'Meltdown', 'Left To Die' and 'Mary Celeste'. The bands new album, Preserving The Past, is out in March through Metalage Records.
New progressive metal supergroup SECTION A, featuring singer Andy Engberg (LION'S SHARE), drummer Andreas Lill (VANDEN PLAS), guitarist Torben Enevoldsen and special guests Derek Sherinian and Gunter Werno (Vanden Plas), will release their new album, The Seventh Sign, through Lion Music in May.
Earache has reissued CARCASS' first two albums, Reek Of Putrefaction and Symphonies Of Sickness on CD with the original, banned cover art. These extreme collages of gore have been unavailable since 1992 -- replaced in the meantime by the green and purple censored covers that have saturated the market. Check them out at: <a href="http://www.earacherecords.org/news_stories/earache.html#carcass" target="_blank">www.earacherecords.org/news_stories/earache.html#carcass</a>
A special Asian only release of SKID ROW's No Frills video/DVD is available now in Europe. Tracks on the release include: 'Monkey Business', 'Wasted Time', 'Slave To The Grind', 'Quicksand Jesus', 'Little Wing', 'Psycho Therapy' and 'In A Darkened Room'.
A special Asian only release of MR. BIG's Live video/DVD, recorded at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco in March 1992, is available now in Europe.
SPV have released the following ACCEPT albums in 2For1 packages. The releases are Accept/Restless And Wild and I'm A Rebel/Breaker.
Heavy Metal Records have reissued three WRATHCHILD albums; Stakk Attakk, The Biz Sucks and Delirium.