The rehearsals start mid-March so the band want to know the results on March 1. Go vote at www.hensleylawton.com.
The music of "Inertia" combine metal, jazz-fusion, and progressive rock
elements to satisfy almost everyone. The album is to be released by InsideOut Music America on April 17.
Unicorn Records announce the upcoming release of Montreal progressive rock group HAMADRYAD. The third group to be signed to Unicorn will release their debut CD "Conservation of Mass" on March 15, 2001. The album features 58 minutes of pure progressive rock, Hard driven guitars, syncopated drum beats, mellotron textures, B3 organ and angelic vocals. This new progressive rock CD will take the listeners on a mystical venture.
Wakeman embarks on his final tour of the UK from March 10th until April 8th and this will herald the end of an era that has seen him perform over 500 shows in the UK over the last 10 years alone, as another official statement from Rick suggests. The tour will see him perform with operatic tenor Ramon Remedios, who worked with Wakeman on some albums beginning with 1988's "A Suite Of Gods". Remedios rises to the occasion with some classic arrangements of several Rick's compositions as well as those by other well known contemporary composers. There will also be the last chance to hear the legendary "Barber of Wigan", a two man operetta.
Anyway, once Don Felder's out the band set to working on their new album, the first since 1979's "The Long Run". Abilities were proved good some years ago when THE EAGLES came up with some new songs for the "Hell Freezes Over" album. The new one is to be out this Autumn with the European tour considered.
NOISE FROM THE EAGLES NEST
Longtime THE EAGLES guitarist Don Felder has sued the band's founding members, Don Henley and Glenn Frey, claiming he was wrongly fired. The suit, filed February 8 in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Henley and Frey abused their authority and acted unfairly on February 6 when they terminated Felder, who joined the band in 1974.
The suit seeks an accounting of all business transactions made by Eagles Ltd. since Felder joined the band, including record royalties and revenue from touring and merchandise. The suit also seeks to liquidate the company, which is the band's business arm.
"Despite each being a one-third owner of Eagles Ltd., Henley and Frey have consistently treated Felder as a subordinate, with complete disregard for his rights," the lawsuit states.
Lawyers representing Felder did not immediately return calls over the weekend seeking comment.
Daniel Petrocelli, who represents Henley and Frey, said his clients had a right to terminate Felder. However, the attorney declined to say why Felder was fired. "The band is going forward," Petrocelli said Saturday. "This was done in the best interest of the band".
FRAMPTON COMES... AND WINS
Peter Frampton nabbed two nominations at the 2001 Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards, which were announced on February 7.
Frampton's up for Best Rock Guitarist - Male and Best Guitar Performance for "Off the Hook" from 2000's "Live in Detroit", a category which pits Frampton against Joe Satriani for "Until We Say Goodbye," METALLICA's Kirk Hammett for "One," and Brian Setzer for BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA's "Caravan".
Additional males in the Best Rock Guitarist category includes The Edge, Richie Sambora, John Frusciante, Walter Becker, and Dave Grohl. On the female side, the nominees are Sheryl Crow, Patti Smith, and Melissa Etheridge.
MACCA GETS ANTHOLOGIZED
Paul McCartney is heading for the studio to record his first full album of new material since 1997. Macca is soon to check into the A&M studios in Hollywood for a brisk series of sessions, lasting between two and three weeks.
What's more interestimg is that long-awaited WINGS anthology, "Wingspan", is slated to appear in May this year. It's thought that the album will be a double-CD set and is likely to feature outtakes and rare recordings from the 70s supergroup’s archive. A documentary, made by McCartney’s daughter Mary and her husband Alistair Donald, will be released at the same time.
February 13, 2001
GREEN CONTRADICTIONS
On February 1 Peter Green had recorded lead vocals and contributed harp and guitar fills to the "Cruel Contradictions" track of the upcoming CD from glorious brass-handler Dick Heckstall-Smith. Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Paul Jones, and Mick Taylor will also be guests on this album.
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY CHATS
Celebrating the recent 30th Anniversary release of
"All Things Must Pass" album, George Harrison will embark on his first experience with online chats by participating in two 30-minute chats on Thursday, February 15th, 2001. The first one will begin at 8:00 PM Eastern/5:00 PM Pacific on Yahoo!Chat, located at chat.yahoo.com, and the
second at 9:00 PM Eastern/6:00 PM Pacific on MSN
Live, located at www.msn.com. For a direct link to the chat log onto
allthingsmustpass.com.
George took special interest in his website. Designed by @radicalmedia.com, the designers worked closely with the Harrison family to build this rich media showcase of Harrison's experiences, humor, and unique sense of imagination. Users are invited to explore Harrison's world via quirky animations and
rich media showcases. The artwork features the elements
from both the original 1971 cover as well as the 2001
version. Fans will recognize Harrison's garden gnomes,
who playfully roam through each of the sections on the
site, including: "George Harrison", where one can learn
more about the musician; "All Things Must Pass", where
one can browse through album-related documents and view
online videos for the songs "Let It Down" and
"What Is Life?"; "The Daily Bread", where one can view
unique items from Harrison's personal archive; "Cyril's
Rare Guitar Shop", a look at Harrison's guitar collection;
and "Fun Stuff", where one can find various digital souvenirs.
"Websites for me are still new territory," said
George Harrison. "I still don't really know what they
are supposed to do. But it was fun thinking of ideas
and seeing them put together on the screen. I hope
people enjoy it".
PURPLE SCHOOLING
On the eve of DEEP PURPLE upcoming Australian tour, legendary drummer Ian Paice and guitarist Steve Morse announce their music "master class" workshops in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Two of the world's finest and most respected musicians will be showing their wares, techniques, skills as well as question and answer sessions. Each workshops runs for 90 minutes and there will be time for photo and autograph hunters. Both musicians have enjoyed careers spanning 25 years and for any drummer, guitarist or musician general, there is much to learn from this experience.
February 12, 2001
HOWE'S IN THE WORKS
Steve Howe's next solo work - an acoustic recording - is currently being mixed and is scheduled for an April release on Eagle Rock. The title and tracklist are still to appear but it is confirmed that Steve has recorded three YES tracks acoustically for the CD, one of them being "To Be Over".
Moreover, it is reported that Rhino got in touch with Howe regarding his "Anthology" 3CD release.
"FALLEN ANGEL" RISING
Talented American guitar player Iain Ashley Hersey releases his debut album "Fallen Angel" through the Frontiers Records. Hersey, who had his degree at the famed Boston's Berklee College of Music and later on became a teacher at GIT in LA, already played on the last album of Paul Shortino "Stand Or Fall" and co-wrote and performed on Stuart Smith debut album "Heaven & Earth".
Guests on the album include Paul Shortino himself on lead vocals and Pat Regan on keyboards.
DIO: DON'T LOCK UP THE WOLVES
Ronnie James Dio while preparing for American leg of "Magica" tour has delayed his new all stars project "Hear'N'Aid II".
Before the tour will take up in the USA, Ronnie puts all his forces into writing a new DIO album, tentatively scheduled for October 2001 release. The album, still untitled, should be heavy and won't bear the concept line as "Magica". The recording is to start after the tour is done. Still the singer hopes to to stage "Magica" in some capacity as a theatrical production.
SOUTHBOUND ROCK
On May 7 Record Heaven put out SOUTHERN ROCK ALLSTARS new album "Crazy Again". The band are Jakson Spires of BLACKFOOT, Jay Johnson of ROSSINGTON BAND, Dave Hlubek from MOLLY HATCHET and Charles Hart who used to play with RADIO TOKYO.
As press release says, "These prime movers and shakers are back on the road brewing their own hard hitting, guitar-seasoned brand of rock and blues. They storm the stage with lightning licks on guitar, thundering drums and booming bass. With a Southern Rock style uniquely their own, they have electrified jam-packed audiences across the country".
The CD include two covers, THIN LIZZY's "Don't Believe A Word" and FREE's "Wishing Well".
ON THE WAY TO KANSAS
KANSAS camp reports that Sony Legacy announced the remastering and re-release of "Masque", "Leftoverture" and "Point Of Know Return" classic albums. The re-packaging will include an expanded CD booklet, increased liner notes, and alternate photographs from that time period.
Phil Ehart comments, "KANSAS has been well aware of the fans clamoring for the re-release and remastering of "Masque". This CD has been out of print for quite some time now. When Sony approached us for the re-mastering of "Leftoverture" and "Point Of Know Return", we insisted that "Masque" be part of the deal. We look forward to going back into these albums with the chance to revisit that era."
Release dates for both "Masque" and "Leftoverture" is tentatively set for Spring/Summer of 2001 in commemoration of the latter album's 25th anniversary.
The third one of a batch will be out in 2002 to coincide with its 25th anniversary.
February 8, 2001
ANOTHER LYNOTT TRIBUTE - A MEMORIAL
The motion to erect a statue for Philip Parris Lynott in Dublin was passed unanimously by Dublin County Council this week. It was decided to make available a site at H.Q in Abbey Street, for the purpose of erecting a memorial to the late Philip Lynott or failing to achieve this, enter into discussions with the Roisin Dubh Trust with a view to providing an alternative suitable site. Now it's up tp us fans to give a helping hand to raise the money to have the statue made.
The donation can be sent to Roddy Cleere at the Roisin Dubh Trust or to Philomena Lynott, the late artist's mother. The addresses are:
Roddy Cleere 3 Muckross Court, Powerscourt Lawns, Waterford, Ireland
Phil Lynott Statue Fund, Roisin Dubh Trust Ltd, White Horses, Strand Road, Sutton, Dublin 13, Ireland.
NEWS FROM THE FRONTIERS
Frontiers Records and Now & Then Productions proudly report that DRIVE, SHE SAID - the legendary AOR duo formed by Mark Mangold (THE SIGN, TOUCH,
Michael Bolton) and Al Fritsch - will be back on the scene with a brand new album to be released through the Anglo-Italian label worldwide. Recording of the album shall begin in late February and release is scheduled for late summer / early autumn 2001.
The new album is tentatively called "Real Life" and several songs have already been written by Mark and Al, who have spent a very busy month writing and recording ideas for the new album. "Our task" says Mark, "is to recreate the same enthusiastic feeling we had when we composed our first two records. We'll have great melodic songs, a couple of big ballads and also one epic track".
Also the label has signed Iain Ashley Hersey and will release on March the 19th, 2001 his debut solo album entitled "Fallen Angel".
Moreover, there's the most impressive deal was made, with ASIA to release their newest album "Aura". The guest musicians for the album are Simon Phillips, Steve Lukather, Steve Howe, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Levin and Pat
Thrall. The album shall be available in a normal CD format and a digipack limited version with three bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
February 5, 2001
RING OF FIRE - IT'S A BAND
Yes, RING OF FIRE now is the name of the Mark Boals' band. The name comes from the album Mark had released last year. Now the singer and a keyboard player Vitalij Kuprij are at George Bellas Studio in Chicago to work on their debut album. Drummer Virgil Donati and guitar player Barry Barry Dunaway will join the two and begin recording in early March in LA. For the records, RING OF FIRE will invite Erik Norlander to participate.
NEW HEEPY SITE ARISING
Having signed up a recodring deal with Eagle Records and on the verge of releasing a live CD and a tour in the pipeline, THE HENSLEY-LAWTON BAND have launched a web site of their own at www.hensleylawton.com.
There's not a lot of information at the moment but, hopefully, the vets will give the fans enough of it to fill the pages.
ROXY'S BACK TO MUSIC
ROXY MUSIC are to reform for a tour 18 years after they split up. Frontman Bryan Ferry will reunite with guitarist Phil Manzanera and saxophonist Andy Mackay to play a number of dates, although details of the tour have yet to be announced. It was rather predictable that Brian Eno, now a successful producer for groups such as U2, will not rejoin his colleagues.
The band last toured in 1983 after the release of the album Avalon, but there are no plans for a new album to be recorded.
W.A.S.P. ARE IN THE BUSHES
W.A.S.P., a four-man gang, are back with a sonic Jihad called "Unholy Terror". It's Metal-Is Records that granted frontman Blackie Lawless a virtual 'license to kill'. "Unholy Terror" deals with socio, religious and political hypocrisy. This album attempts to draw attention to those hypocritical points of view," Lawless explained. "This record in no way is intended to be blasphemous or an attack on religion, but specifically man's interpretation of what they believe the Bible says."
The album should hit the marketplace on April 3rd.
THE KOBRA IS TO BITE AGAIN
Old viper of KING KOBRA is back in the action. Carmine Appice and Kelly Keeling together with bassist Johnny Rod and guitarists Dave Michael Phillips and Mick Sweda have put together some tracks for the band's new CD. Recording should start in a couple of weeks. The album, still untitled, to be out on MTM Records.
The band will re-record one of KING KOBRA's best songs, "Ready To Strike". There should be some summer festivals, too.
February 1, 2001
HARI'S ON AGAIN
Some site visitors complained that newly opened George Harrison's official site got off. Well, yes - but all things must pass and it's up again in a slightly rehashed appearance. You're welcome to AllThingsMustPass.com.
SMALL FACES FACE THEIR MONEY - AT LAST
Former SMALL FACES keyboard player Ian McLagan informs that after 26 years of not getting any royalties, followed by 10 years of some pennys paid, the band members signed a contract with Decca Records which forces the label to pay them at the rate Decca should have been all along.
YES: THE GENERATIONS CLASH
Oliver Wakeman, adding the finishing touches to his newest project "The 3 Ages of Magick", finally handed out the news: the guitar player to guest on the album is none other than Oliver's father's old colleague Steve Howe. The two started work on the project in 1998 with Steve fulfilling the executive producer duties. Other musicians involved are: Dave Wagstaffe - drums and percussion, Tim Buchanan - bass, Tony Dixon - Uillean Pipes, whistles and flutes and Jo Greenland - violin.
Once the albim is out Wakeman Jr. with Clive Nolan will start recording "Hound Of The Baskervilles", a follow-up to their magnificient "Jabberwocky"album.
MAGNUM FIRES OFF TO MIDLLE EARTH
After mighty 1999's "Legends" ex-MAGNUM vocalist Bob Catley returns with his new killer work loosely based on J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy and entitled "Middle Earth" (tracklisting).
The content of the album is not meant to be a literal telling of the saga, the main writer and producer, TEN's Gary Hughes, has chosen to use various aspects of the story to inspire the lyrics, allowing the epic music to build images of Tolkien`s world.
On the album Hughes provides keyboards and backing vocals, other musicians are Vinny Burns (TEN) on guitar, Jon Cooksey (DANTE FOX) on drums and Steve McKenna (TEN) on bass.
A full European tour with TEN is being planned to support the album throughout April and May 2001, after which Bob will be involved in the 25th Anniversary reunion album/tour of MAGNUM.
January 29, 2001
AIN'T HER MAJESTY A PRETTY NICE GIRL?
The living BEATLES Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were invited to play at the Queen's Golden Jubilee next year. The series of concerts are featuring popular acts during Queen Elizabeth's fifty year reign. Events will take place on the grounds of Buckingham Palace and other Royal residencies, which will be open to the public for the first time.
FOREIGNER DVD TO BE OUT
A revamped and expanded DVD Audio version of the FOREIGNER 1977's self-titled debut album will be released by Rhino as part of its "Atlantic & Atco Re-Masters" series. Due out February 27, the set will also include four original demos from the personal collection of band co-founder Mick Jones.
The original 10-track "Foreigner" album has been remixed in six-channel surround sound from the original master tapes. To augment the release, demos of "Feels Like The First Time" and "Woman Oh Woman" with Jones contributing the vocals, a demo of "At War With The World" sung by the band's lead vocalist Lou Gramm, and a previously unreleased song "Take Me To Your Leader" will be added. Also included will be the original video clips for "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice", each with remixed Dolby Digital surround audio, and track-by-track commentary by Jones and Gramm, and an audio documentary on the making of the album, as well as a photo gallery and song lyrics.
LED + IRON = METAL!
IRON MAIDEN got everyone in the state of shock on the January 19, having invited Jimmy Page to the stage of "Rock in Rio" festival
to present him with a Fender guitar signed by all of IRON MAIDEN, which will be auctioned for charity. Proceeds are to be donated to the homeless shelter Casa Jimmy, which Page and his Brazilian wife Ximena run for homeless kids and teens.
Bruce Dickinson said on the occasion: "We are giving you just what you don't need Jimmy, another guitar!" Page added: "This is a very special occasion for me. It's great to be able to help other people in the world."
THE HENSLEY-LAWTON BAND GET BACK TO ACTION
The Hensley-Lawton Band have signed a worldwide recording deal with Eagle Records to release the CD "The Return" recorded live while Heepvention 2000 in the first week of April.
The upcoming UK tour will be sponsored by Total Rock Radio. A 30-minute live webcast with the band on the radio is scheduled for the end of March. The band are going to play the Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg on June 8th and the German Rock Festival Rock Im Bad, Luneburg/Uelzen on the very next day. Two more dates are confirmed for April 19th and 20th in Zoetermeer and Middenmeer, Holland.
Ken Hensley at the moment is in the studio recording the songs for his new solo album "Running Blind".
January 23, 2001
NEW AEROSMITH TRIBUTE
January 30 is the release date for Perris Records' "Aerosmithsonian: AEROSMITH Tribute" that seems to be no less interesting than "Not The Same Old Song & Dance" as involved are Carmine Appice, Jason McMaster and Steve Fister playing on all the tracks. Guitar solos on the album provided by Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES), Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT/RATT), Marc Ferrari (KEEL) and Jamie Scott (VAIN).
The double CD set features the following tracks and singers:
"Sweet Emotion" - Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent)
"Last Child" - Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS)
"Back In The Saddle" - Ron Keel (KEEL)
"Mama Kin" - Derek St. Holmes
"Train Kept A Rollin'" - Derek Davis (BABYLON A.D.)
"Lord Of The Thighs" - Ron Taylor (LILLIAN AXE)
"Rock In A Hard Place" - Paul Shortino (QUIET RIOT/ROUGH CUTT) featuring Jimmy Crespo (ex-AEROSMITH)
"S.O.S." - Davy Vain (VAIN)
"Get The Lead Out" - Jason McMaster
"Walk This Way" - Derek St. Holmes, Jason Mc Master, Ron Keel, Derek Davis and Ron Taylor.
MARILLION GO TO SCHOOL
In order to introduce a new generation of fans to their music MARILLION set off to play seven 45-minute "Marillion Starter Courses" at UK universities. The perfomances are aimed at students and will be held in small venues on campus, but the band have arranged some tickets for each show to be available to non-students through Racket Records.
ONE MORE HEEPY THING
There are hints on the URIAH HEEP tribute album in the works as it's reported that Lana Lane has recorded a version of "Weep in Silence". Lana's version features Neil Citron on guitar, Erik Norlander on piano, Hammond and bass, and Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK'S BEARD) on drums. The track was recorded at Steve Vai's studio in Hollywood.
CYBERNAUTS IN CYBERSPACE
The official site for CYBERNAUTS is up and running at www.cybernautsruleok.com.
CYBERNAUTS are DEF LEPPARDS' Joe Elliott and Phil Collen plus SPIDERS FROM MARS - Trevor Bolder, Woody Woodmansey and Dick Decent. The band play David Bowie songs from the early Seventies, such as "Changes", "Cracked Actor", "Jean Genie", "The Man Who SOld The World", "Ziggy Stardust" and "Suffragette City". They just returned from the successful tour in Japan and it's only there where the 18-track CD "Cybernauts Live" is currently available. The album will be released to the rest of the world in May supplied with eight bonus studio tracks and will be sold only through the site.
"SHOWBIZ BLUES"
Receiver Records reports that they will be releasing a FLEETWOOD MAC album entitled "Showbiz Blues" this April. This is to be the sequel to "The Vaudeville Years" album with sleeve notes by Jet Martin Celmins. Expect another loads of unreleased material approved for release by the original band members.
GUITAR ALLIGATOR
Frontiers Records and Now & Then Productions inform that the
"Alligator" album from NIGHT RANGER guitarist Brad Gillis
will have a full European release on February 19. The
album differs from the Japanese as here are two new
tracks to be included written and sung by ex-NIGHT RANGER member Gary Moon, "Still"
and "Bigger Than Life".
The trackslisting is as such: "Alligator", "Bigger Than Life", "Heart-Shaped Wings", "Survive", "Circle Of Light", "Eyes", "Chain Gang", "Still", "Tanbark Tyrant" and "Leap Of Faith". Gary Moon sings seven tracks, leaving vocal duties to Brad only on "Chain Gang" and "Survive".
Also appearing is Gillis' bandmate, Kelly Keagy on drums on "Alligator"
and "Eyes".
RECORD HEAVEN NEWS
Record Heaven report of their new releases to hit the shelves soon.
The first is "The Spirit Of The Black Rose. A Tribute To Philip Parris Lynott" that's finally got out to print with finalised artwork and tracklisting. So the perfomers and songs are:
In February Turner sets off to Los Angeles to begin writing session. Japanese guitarist Akira Kajiyama, who played in late 2000 in Japan with Joe and Glenn, is likely to be invited to join the veterans.
Whether the bass man decision was prompted by Napster scandal remains undisclosed.
A limited stock of the album is now available by mail order and at Wetton's forthcoming gigs in Europe, on one of which he's to be joined by Claire Hamill for the first time since John's stint in WISHBONE ASH. Wetton will be touring Europe in January and the band for all these shows will consist of John, Martin Orford (IQ/JADIS), Steve Christey (JADIS) and John Mitchell (ARENA).
The line up is Colin, Stewart, Sam Goldring - drums, Martin Coogan - bass and Martin Croxford - keyboards.
IRON MAIDEN have earned their second "Grammy" Award nomination for the "The Wicker Man," the opening track on 2000's hit album "Brave New World", which is up for the Best Metal Performance award. Their previous nomination was in 1994 for the live version of "Fear Of The Dark" on "A Real Live One" album.
"We've never followed trends, but we've definitely tried to set them in the metal world. IRON MAIDEN is out to prove what real heavy metal is all about and that songwriting ability, instrumental ability and singing ability are important," said singer Bruce Dickinson. "I suppose it's nice and flattering to be nominated for a "Grammy" because that means at least some people in the music industry recognize the quality of your music, but in the end it's not really that important. In our book it has always been what the fans think that counts."
The double-CD set is to be released on January 23.
The Awards will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles
on February 21 and will be broadcast on the CBS Television
Network from 8-11 PM.
The official site says nothing about new release.
The album comes up as a rock opera involving a cast of vocalists portraying characters of the opera:
Leonardo da Vinci - James LaBrie (DREAM THATER)
Caterina - Michelle Young
Lorenzo de Medici - Josh Pincus (ICE AGE)
Giovan Francesco Melzi - Mike Baker (SHADOW GALLERY)
Andrea del Verocchio - Trent Gardner (MAGELLAN)
Salai (aka 'Giacomo') - Robert Berry
Bartolomeo Calco - Steve Walsh (KANSAS)
Ludovico il Moro Sforza - Chris Shryack (UNDER THE SUN)
Francois I - Bret Douglas (CAIRO)
DME wishes all of you happy holidays and dares to recommend great season music from classic performers.
The songs on "Middle Earth" are based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic "Lord Of
The Rings" books and amount to Bob's most ambitious solo work to date.
The titles are as follows:
