Over the past four decades, Deep Purple has grown accustomed to touring as a five-piece. Suddenly, the band must accommodate about 41 more musicians.
"That's a lot of empty (instrument) cases in the dressing room," says Purple guitarist Steve Morse with a laugh.
Last week, the band behind "Smoke on the Water," "Highway Star" and "Perfect Strangers" kicked off a tour accompanied by string and horn sections, with shows tomorrow in Holmdel, Saturday in Atlantic City and Tuesday and Wednesday in New York. But Morse promises Deep Purple's classics aren't being, well, classicalized.
"This one isn't going to be orchestra-based so much as: It's the rock band Deep Purple playing, with strings and horns being added for some color textures," the guitarist says.
"We're not going to change the songs — I mean, there'll be a few little cameos and features — but the basic idea of the show is: We're doing what we do, and having more texture where it's appropriate."
This isn't Purple's first foray into classical accompaniment. In 1969, the band released "Concerto for Group and Orchestra," an album-long piece composed by Purple's then-keyboardist, Jon Lord. "Concerto" preceded Morse's tenure, which began in 1993. But three current members — singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice — date back to the 1969 album. Keyboardist Don Airy, a member since 2002, rounds out the current lineup.
Traveling conductor
Morse reports that a conductor will travel with the band on this tour, and regional musicians will play shows as geographically convenient.
"There are a few shows where they're going to travel a bit, but mostly, it's going to be local," Morse says. "Our arranger-conductor — since he plays violin, actually, very well — will be in charge of making sure they know what to do.
"Most important is keeping them on the beat with the music. A lot of classical players can read music great and everything, but the whole rhythm thing — maybe they don't feel how exact it needs to be to make rock 'n' roll rock."
Since the genre's birth, rock has utilized strings, from the Drifters' "There Goes My Baby" through the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony." While strings don't necessarily equate "classical," it is classical players who often play strings on rock songs. Morse's view? It's all music.
"For me," he says, "styles in music are very blurred. I don't see a line, really, defining them. But I know people do, so I try to be aware of them from time to time. Rock and classical styles seem to blend very well. You know, rock has always had the same chords, really, as classical music, the same notes — with the exception, possibly, of some of the bent notes on the blues scale.
"I don't think it's too much of a stretch to combine the two. With most styles of music, it's really more about attitude and the repetition of certain things that define a style. I always encourage people to think of music as just one thing, with lots of variety naturally built in. The best musician of all, I think, is one that has seen and done it all."
Morse points out that he is now the longest-running guitarist in Deep Purple's sometimes stormy history.
"I've been in the most years, consecutively," he says. "And the tour that started almost 18 years ago hasn't ended yet."
The reissues of OZZY OSBOURNE's classic first two solo albums, 1980's "Blizzard Of Ozz" and 1981's "Diary Of A Madman", sold around 6,000 copies each in the United States in their first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. They arrived on May 31 in definitive editions that restore and remaster the original recordings. Both were made available separately or as part of a deluxe box set that features both albums on CD and vinyl, a 100-page coffee table book, a documentary on DVD and a "full-size detailed replica of Ozzy's iconic cross."
The two albums were recorded soon after Ozzy was booted from BLACK SABBATH and marked his brief but legendary collaboration with late guitar hero Randy Rhoads. Ozzy told The Pulse Of Radio that he thought he had a winning combination on his hands. "You kind of know, but then again you don't know, because I mean, you're treading on new territory," he said. "And being as I had been fired from BLACK SABBATH, there was a lot of rivalry between them and me. I had everything to gain and nothing to lose, you know."
Both albums come with previously unreleased bonus tracks and have been restored and remastered from the original analog recordings.
The albums restore the bass and drum tracks played respectively by Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake, which were controversially removed for a 2002 reissue by Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon over a royalties dispute.
The "Blizzard Of Ozz" reissue comes with three bonus studio tracks, including an alternate version of "Goodbye To Romance" and a song never released in the U.S. called "You Looking At Me, Looking At You".
The "Diary" reissue comes with a bonus CD of live performances captured on Ozzy's "Blizzard Of Ozz" tour.
The documentary, "30 Years After The Blizzard", chronicles Ozzy's early solo years and features previously unseen footage of him and Rhoads filmed in 1981 and 1982, along with rare archival photos and films, new interviews, and more than 70 minutes of additional live performances and interviews.
"Blizzard Of Ozz" (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition)
01. I Don't Know (5:13)
02. Crazy Train (4:51)
03. Goodbye To Romance (5:33)
04. Dee (0:49)
05. Suicide Solution (4:17)
06. Mr. Crowley (5:02)
07. No Bone Movies (3:52)
08. Revelation (Mother Earth) (6:08)
09. Steal Away (The Night) (3:28)
Bonus tracks
10. You Looking At Me, Looking At You (Non-LP B-Side, Previously Unreleased in the U.S.) (4:15)
11. Goodbye To Romance (2010 Guitar & Vocal Mix, Previously Unreleased) (5:42)
12. RR (Previously Unreleased – Randy Rhoads guitar solo) (1:13)
"Diary Of A Madman" (Legacy Edition)
Disc 1:
01. Over The Mountain (4:31)
02. Flying High Again (4:44)
03. You Can't Kill Rock And Roll (6:59)
04. Believer (5:15)
05. Little Dolls (5:39)
06. Tonight (5:50)
07. S.A.T.O. (4:07)
08. Diary Of A Madman (6:14)
Disc 2:
Ozzy Live (recorded on the "Blizzard of Ozz" tour)
01. I Don't Know
02. Crazy Train
03. Believer
04. Mr. Crowley
05. Flying High Again
06. Revelation (Mother Earth)
07. Steal Away (The Night)
08. Suicide Solution
09. Iron Man
10. Children Of The Grave
11. Paranoid
"Diary Of A Madman"/"Blizzard Of Ozz" 30th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set
Box Set Includes:
* "Blizzard Of Ozz" (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition)
* "Diary Of A Madman" (Legacy Edition)
* "Blizzard Of Ozz" (180-gram LP — original album only)
* "Diary Of A Madman" (180-gram LP — original album only)
DVD — contains "Thirty Years After The Blizzard" documentary — and additional rare and unreleased performances and interviews.
Telethon will Legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) writes on his Facebook page that he will begin pre-production on his new solo album next week with drummer Brent Fitz and bassist Todd Kerns from his current touring band. "[I am] really looking forward to it," the axeman says.
In a May 2011 interview with Planet Rock, Slash revealed that his new solo album will be released next spring.
Another record has been mooted for some time but this was the first time that Slash talked about the schedule for its release.
Although ALTER BRIDGE vocalist Myles Kennedy sang just two tracks on Slash's self-titled solo debut, Slash recently confirmed that Myles will sing everything on the guitarist's next solo effort.
Speaking to Nicky Horne, he revealed, "Myles and I have been writing all throughout the tour so we've got a lot of material, and at this point we're probably gonna start a little bit of pre-production in June and then do the tour in July. In September we're going to [do more] pre-production and the album is slated to come out in March or April."
In a recent interview with The Pulse Of Radio, Kennedy said about the fact that Slash would like him to handle the lead vocals on the guitarist's next CD, "It's very flattering. I think there's kind of a cool thing we got going. We really enjoy working with each other. I know they're auditioning singers now for VELVET REVOLVER, so I don't know if they find the right guy if that'll affect things timing-wise. I'm not really sure. But the plan right now is that yeah, we'll do a record together down the road."
Slash's debut disc came out last year and featured a different singer on each track, including Chris Cornell, Ozzy Osbourne, M. Shadows and others.get rocked this year with the announcement yesterday that British heavy metal band Def Leppard would be a part of Channel 7's annual charity event.
The headbangers with hearts of gold, who have sold more than 65 million albums worldwide and scored hits with the songs Rocket, Let's Get Rocked, Love Bites and Pour Some Sugar On Me, rearranged their Australian tour so that they could play in Perth during the Telethon weekend of October 15 and 16.
Def Leppard's gig at nib Stadium on the October 15 will be broadcast on Seven during the event.
Channel 7 Perth general manager Ray Wardrop said the station was "extremely thrilled" that the metal band has embraced the spirit of Telethon.
"To change their tour dates and make special arrangements to ensure they are in Perth on the Telethon weekend says a lot about the band and their management team," Mr Wardrop said.
The heavy metal legends will make a marked change from Telethon's usual high profile musical guests, mostly pop stars such as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and Sir Cliff Richard.
Def Leppard has never broken up in the 34 years since they formed in Sheffield, England, and have continued touring despite drummer Rick Allen having his left arm amputated after a car accident in 1984 and the drug overdose death of guitarist Steve Clark in 1991.
The band has achieved the rare feat of having two albums, 1983's Pyromania and 1987's Hysteria, with Recording Industry Association of America diamond certification for sales of more than 10 million copies.
Conceived as a hard rock version of Michael Jackson's Thriller, Hysteria is their most successful album, selling more than 20 million units and spawning seven singles.
Def Leppard, which last played Perth three years ago, will be supported by Canadian sister act, Heart, who tour Australia for the first time in October.
Tickets go on sale Monday.
MEGADETH will headline the Maquinaria Festival at Club Hipico in Santiago, Chile on Saturday, November 12. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 15.
The Maquinaria Festival is an event which gathers different musical styles and brings the grandeur of European festivals of music, mixing different forms of art and consciousness.
MÖTLEY CRÜE will embark on a headlining tour of Australia in September with support from POISON frontman Bret Michaels. The three-date trek will also feature an appearance by Doc Neeson, lead singer from Australian band THE ANGELS.
The details are as follows:
Sep. 21 - Brisbane, AUS @ Riverstage (18+)
Sep. 23 - Sydney, AUS @ Sydney Entertainment Centre
Sep. 24 - Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena
All tickets go on sale on June 21 at 9 a.m.
Veteran British female hard rockers GIRLSCHOOL have pulled out of the previously announced North American tour with DIAMOND HEAD and HOLY RAGE (featuring original JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Al Atkins). The trek was scheduled to take place in late August/early September and was expected to include dates in New York, Detroit, St. Paul and Seattle.
Commented GIRLSCHOOL's management: "The main reason for [GIRLSCHOOL pulling out of the tour] is the fact that the main sponsor wanted to wait for the [group's new] album to be released in the U.S. before the band went over to tour. This was for the company extremely important and also for us the only possible way to bring the band to the U.S. and join DIAMOND HEAD on their tour. For that reason, the financial situation has become absolutely impossible to work with, forcing us to cancel the entire tour. As soon as we have a definite release date for 'Hit And Run Revisited' in the U.S., we will be back!"
GIRLSCHOOL last year spent time in the studio re-recording its classic 1981 album "Hit And Run". The new version of the LP will be released in late 2011 to celebrate the album's 30th anniversary.
"Hit And Run" was originally made available in March 1981, followed a short time later by a single featuring the title track. Both releases were very successful in the U.K., with the album reaching position No. 5 and the single No. 32 on their respective charts. The LP also charted in New Zealand and in Canada, where it went gold.
The U.S. version of "Hit And Run", which came out in 1982, featured a different track listing, including songs from GIRLSCHOOL's first album, "Demolition".
01. C'mon Let's Go
02. The Hunter
03. (I'm Your) Victim
04. Kick It Down
05. Following the Crowd
06. Tush (ZZ TOP cover)
07. Hit And Run
08. Watch Your Step
09. Back To Start
10. Yeah Right
11. Future Flash
GIRLSCHOOL's 30th-anniversary album, "Legacy", was released in Europe in November 2008 via Wacken Records/SPV. "Legacy" features a plethora of special guests, including Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH), Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO), Lemmy and Phil Campbell from MOTÖRHEAD, "Fast" Eddie Clarke (FASTWAY, ex-MOTÖRHEAD) and a couple of members of TWISTED SISTER.
GIRLSCHOOL supported MOTÖRHEAD on a U.K. tour in November 2009.
GIRLSCHOOL's original guitarist, Kelly Johnson, passed away on July 15, 2007 after a six-year battle with cancer of the spine. Along with Johnson, the classic lineup of GIRLSCHOOL included Kim McAuliffe (guitar), Enid Williams (bass) and Denise Dufort (drums). The band was an integral and major force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, beginning with the release of its debut album, "Demolition" (1980), and continuing with the follow-up efforts, "Hit 'n' Run" (1981) and "Screaming Blue Murder" (1982)
Ginger (THE WILDHEARTS) will play his last gig as the guitarist for Michael Monroe's (HANOI ROCKS) solo band on June 17 at the Provinssirock festival in Finland. The identity of Ginger's replacement in Michael's group will be revealed after Provinssirock and Monroe and his bandmates are certain that it will be a pleasant surprise to all fans of the legendary Finnish rock vocalist.
Monroe will make his live debut with the band's new guitarist on June 26 at Kalasatama in Helsinki as the support act for the FOO FIGHTERS.
In a series of online postings, Ginger stated about his departure from Monroe's band, "I left for a lot of reasons, mainly the management.
"I didn't agree with the management of the band, but didn't have enough of a position in the band to change anything.
"It was basically me or the manager, and Michael chose the manager.
"Choosing one thing I didn't like about management policy would be like choosing one hair on a dogs back. Put honestly, that dog has a very hairy back.
"There are too many points that I disagreed on to choose any specific ones. I think Michael should have had stronger management.
"I have known for a while [that I wanted to leave Michael's group], but I told the band that I would honor all live shows this year. Recently, in Nagoya, Michael told me that Provinssirock, June 17th would be my final show this year, and that they will have a replacement in place for the FOO FIGHTERS show in Helsinki on June 26th.
"Me and Michael will be friends forever. As I will be with all the guys in that band. We became brothers in music after the last 18 months.
[Regarding Monroe manager's statement on split with Ginger: "It's pointless to stir up a sensation out of this because there isn't any."] "It was as hard to leave something I'd been involved in for 18 months as you'd imagine. [Michael's manager] Virpi [Immonen] didn't write the lyrics and music, so I imagine this wasn't difficult for her.
"When it came to decision-making, I was never as much of a chief member as Michael and Sami [Yaffa, bass]. This is understandable as they formed the band. I was aware of my position from the beginning, but coming from a position as band leader (with THE WILDHEARTS) this was an increasingly difficult situation for me.
"Although [Virpi] might be brilliant in other aspects of the music business, she doesn't understand band management.
"I'm sure Virpi is a very good business woman outside of band management.
"Band management involves as much psychology as business smarts. You also need to be on top of everything, give 12 projections and have great imagination.
"I have no idea who will replace me. The band would not/could not tell me which guitar players were in the running.
"The Michael Monroe gig was never as lucrative as my solo shows. I didn't rely on Michael Monroe for money."
"[I am] not gutted at all [about leaving Monroe's band]. We all have to make choices in this life. Michael made his and I made mine."
"Sensory Overdrive", the new solo album from Michael Monroe, entered the official chart in his home country at position No. 1.
"Sensory Overdrive" was released on March 14 via Universal Music subsidiary Spinefarm Records. The CD features guest appearances by MOTÖRHEAD's Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister and three-time Grammy-winning country/folk singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams.
"Sensory Overdrive" was recorded in Los Angeles with legendary producer Jack Douglas, who has previously worked with AEROSMITH, JOHN LENNON, CLUTCH, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT and NEW YORK DOLLS, among many others.
Back On Black, which specializes in vinyl editions of classic metal albums and is dedicated to providing top-quality releases for record collectors and metal fans worldwide, will re-release TESTAMENT's first four albums — "The Legacy", "The New Order", "Practice What You Preach" and "Souls Of Black" — on June 27 on deluxe limited-edition180-gram vinyl:
* "The Legacy" (originally released in 1987) (purple vinyl)
* "The New Order" (originally released in 1988) (clear vinyl)
* "Practice What You Preach" (originally released in 1989) (white vinyl)
* "Souls Of Black" (originally released in 1990) (blue vinyl)
For more information, go to this location.
TESTAMENT's last album, 2008's "The Formation Of Damnation", was reissued on February 23, 2010 in a deluxe tour edition. The two-disc edition includes the band's comeback album plus bonus footage of classic tracks and more.
Prosthetic Records recently re-released TESTAMENT's out-of-print 1995 hometown-show album "Live At The Fillmore" on CD. The LP was reissued digitally last spring.
The "Live At The Fillmore" re-release includes expanded artwork and new layout by Carson Slovak and new liner notes by Robert Deutsch.
Prosthetic previously reissued four TESTAMENT efforts: the acclaimed late-'90s studio albums "Demonic" and "The Gathering"; the re-recordings compilation "First Strike Still Deadly"; and the vintage live album "Live At Eindhoven '87".
TESTAMENT is currently writing material for the follow-up to "The Formation Of Damnation" for a tentative late 2011/early 2012 release. The new CD will be recorded this summer with British producer Andy Sneap, who has previously worked with MEGADETH, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE, EXODUS and MACHINE HEAD, among others.
Regarding the musical direction of the new TESTAMENT material, the band's vocalist, Chuck Billy, stated in a 2010 interview, "The new album will most likely be a culmination of 'The Gathering' [1999] and 'The Formation of Damnation', but we're definitely not going to forget who we are or our roots. I think we've found a comfortable spot in our writing style."
House of Blues Entertainment, Inked magazine, Crush Entertainment and TKO have joined forces for the inaugural "The Inked Music Tour" featuring THE DAMNED THINGS, it was announced by Kelly Kapp, Vice President, House of Blues Entertainment and Rocky Rakovic, editor of Inked.
"We couldn't think of a better partner to start a branded tour with then Inked magazine," Kapp said. "'The Inked Music Tour' is combining two great forms of expression, music and tattooing, and I hope music and tattoo lovers are as excited to see THE DAMNED THINGS as I am."
"We are pumped that the two great, hip and edgy brands of Inked and House of Blues Entertainment were able to bring our devotees under the same roof-especially because it's the roof of the House of Blues," said Rakovic.
U.K.-based metal heroes DRAGONFORCE have announced their only U.S. East Coast show for 2011. This intimate concert will take place on October 21 at New York City's Gramercy Theater.
As previously reported, DRAGONFORCE will play a special "up-close-and-personal" concert on Tuesday, October 18 at The Troubadour on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.
DRAGONFORCE will return to the U.S. after a two-year absence to give fans a unique opportunity to preview the band's new singer, Marc Hudson, and brand new songs from their highly anticipated forthcoming album before moving to the big stage with full production on their world tour which commences early 2012.
After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, DRAGONFORCE in March welcomed 23-year-old Marc Hudson to the band to fill the boots left by ZP Theart, who parted ways with the group in March of last year.
"I'm really excited about being a part of the DRAGONFORCE family," said Marc. "It's always been my dream to dedicate my life to making music. I'm going to bring all the power and emotion I can to the songs, and help make the killer new record the fans have been waiting for!"
Born in Oxford England, Marc was picked from the thousands of applications via a number of impressive video auditions and live performances, which left the rest of the band in no doubt that they'd found their man. Since the age of 16, Marc has been building his vocal skills gigging with bands in the U.K. underground scene, developing a powerful style with influences which include Bruce Dickinson, Michael Kiske and Sebastian Bach.
Commented founding member and guitarist Herman Li: "After almost a year of searching around the globe, it's great to be able to finally tell our fans the good news. Marc's expressive and melodic vocals are sounding phenomenal on the new songs, adding another dimension to the DRAGONFORCE sound that I am sure all the fans will love."
The band has been working on a new album since early 2010, recording in various studios in California, London and the South of France. The follow-up to 2008's hugely successful "Ultra Beatdown" album will be highly anticipated, with top 10 and top 20 chart positions all over the world and a Grammy nomination in the United States setting the precedent. With Marc brought into the fold, the band is enjoying an injection of enthusiasm and hunger that sees DRAGONFORCE prepared to return more focused and determined than ever before.
"Everyone in the band is extremely excited about how the new material is shaping up," continued Herman. "We haven't felt this kind of energy in the band for a long time. We can't wait to unleash the next DRAGONFORCE album later this year."
The new album is expected to hit the shelves in September.
THE DAMNED THINGS is the new band featuring members of FALL OUT BOY (Joe Trohman, Andy Hurley), ANTHRAX (Scott Ian, Rob Caggiano) and EVERY TIME I DIE (Keith Buckley, Josh Newton).
"Ironiclast", the debut album from THE DAMNED THINGS, sold 6,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 1 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Ironiclast" was released in North America on December 14, 2010 (one day earlier internationally) via Island/Def Jam.
"Can't wait to get back out in the U.S. and rock the House Of Blues on this THE DAMNED THINGS Inked tour," said Scott Ian of THE DAMNED THINGS. "C'mon out and bang your heads with us."
Rakovic added, "THE DAMNED THINGS embody Inked magazine in two perfect ways. One, they have great tattoos on their bodies and, secondly, like the diverse characters we cover in our publication who illustrate the inked culture, the members of THE DAMNED THINGS are from different backgrounds but have come together to make sick music."
"This marks the first time that Inked and House of Blues have come together and we couldn't be more psyched about the partnership. House of Blues is the rock star in the live entertainment industry. We are happy to play Keith Richards to their Mick Jagger," he concluded.
"The Inked Music Tour" featuring THE DAMNED THINGS dates:
August 12 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
August 13 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
August 14 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
August 16 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
August 17 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues
August 19 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
August 20 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
August 21 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew's
August 23 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
August 24 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
August 26 - New York, NY @ Gramercy
August 27 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
August 29 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
August 30 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
"We've Got A Situation Here", the first video from THE DAMNED THINGS, was written and directed by Brendon Small, the co-creator of Adult Swim's "Metalocalypse".
THE DAMNED THINGS is:
Keith Buckley: Lead Vocals
Scott Ian: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Rob Caggiano: Rhythm, Lead Guitar, Vocals
Joe Trohman: Rhythm, Lead Guitar, Vocals
Andy Hurley: Drums, Percussion
Josh Newton: Bass
MÖTLEY CRÜE's current North American headlining trek with support from POISON and special guests NEW YORK DOLLS kicked off last night (Tuesday, June 7) at Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, Texas and will hit approximately more than 40 cities before coming to a close in August.
MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx previously said about CRÜE's decision to embark on a tour with POISON and "special guest" NEW YORK DOLLS, "One of the things MÖTLEY CRÜE said was that we would never tour with POISON because we were sort of punk / heavy metal / glam, we came out of the very, very early '80s and took what we did very... it was very important to us. And then bands came after us and we wanted to kind of separate from them. And we had never planned on touring with any of the bands from that era. There was no animosity — it was just that we put a very clear line. But when the [NEW YORK] DOLLS signed on, it made it seem like it was the right time to do this tour."
DEFTONES will perform on the June 16 edition of "Lopez Tonight", comedian George Lopez's talk show on TBS.
The show, which premiered in November 2009, features audience interaction using a high-energy format. The program airs Monday through Thursday at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) Eastern/9:00 p.m. Pacific in the United States.
For more information, visit www.lopeztonight.com.
Phil Varone, the rock 'n' roll drummer who claims he's had sex with over 3,000 women, shows us his XXX style in "Phil Varone's Secret Sex Stash", a Vivid Entertainment movie available online starting today.
The two-disc CD set of the Vivid-Celeb imprint will be in stores nationwide as of Tuesday, July 5.
"Phil Varone's Secret Sex Stash" takes the viewer inside the raucous sex life of the drummer for SAIGON KICK, SKID ROW and PRUNELLA SCALES. "Granted, it's been pretty easy for me to meet many groupies along the way," says Varone, "but I still feel a charge each time with each new girl. It's a very personal, very explicit experience and never gets old," he added. "This was the first time for me with the incredible five girls in the movie and I loved every minute I had with each of them."
"Sex has been the defining element in my life and both the movie and my website document my continuing extraordinary adventures," says Varone, who notes that viewers of the movie online will see bonus footage and the site will be updated monthly with more scenes.
To celebrate the release of the movie, Phil has scheduled an open-to-the-public party after his long running "Sex, Stand Up Rock & Roll Show" on June 21 at the Key Club in West Hollywood, California.
The movie also reflects Varone's all-encompassing attitude toward sex. "I believe everyone should have sex with as many partners as possible, in as many ways as possible," he says, noting that he and his fiancé have an open relationship and enjoy sexual encounters with multiple lovers.
Over the years Varone has been branded as a sex addict and has appeared on VH1's "Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew" show. "They've got an addiction claim for everything you can do, but I never considered myself a sex addict because sex never screwed up the rest of my life or my ability to function at a high level," Varone says.
Varone has appeared on many TV shows, including "Miami Ink", "Californication", "NUMB3RS", "Oprah", "The Tyra Banks Show", "The Today Show" and many others.
Phil last fall responded to ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach's claim that Varone's decision to pose nude for the cover of the December 2010 issue of Playgirl magazine is "further proof that the name 'SKID ROW' has completely lost all credibility, cool, accuracy and is now devoid of all meaning in every way." Varone told the New York Post, "I'm grateful and proud of my time in SKID ROW and sorry [Sebastian] feels that way." Playgirl representative Daniel Nardicio defended Varone: "This coming from a man [Bach] who preceded David Hasselhoff in 'Jekyll & Hyde' on Broadway? Now that's the epitome of uncool."
Varone joined SKID ROW in 2000 — about four years after Bach parted ways with the group.
DEFTONES may use some upcoming time off to get into the studio and begin laying the groundwork for its seventh studio release, according to Billboard.com. The California band is currently in the midst of its first proper headlining tour since issuing the "Diamond Eyes" album a year ago, but singer Chino Moreno explained that they may take advantage of a break between the end of this trek and some summer festival dates, "We're going to have like a month off, but I think in that month off, we're talking about going in and starting writing again, spending maybe even like two or three weeks in a rehearsal spot just recording ideas and just keeping it going, you know. If all goes well, hopefully we'll have some product for early next year," he said.
Moreno said that all five members of the group are recording their own ideas already, but that DEFTONES music doesn't really emerge until the full band gets into a room together and starts jamming.
He explained, "We find that when we actually get together in a rehearsal spot where there's no distractions and we can work together cohesively as a band, that's really when we're writing songs."
2010's "Diamond Eyes" has been one of DEFTONES' most successful outings. The set's latest single, "You've Seen The Butcher", was a Top 15 rock radio hit.
DEFTONES will once again record with Sergio Vega on bass. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after original bassist Chi Cheng was left in a semi-comatose state by a November 2008 car accident, and stayed on to record "Diamond Eyes" with the group.
DEFTONES will finish up its headlining run on June 13 in San Francisco.
LIMP BIZKIT will release its new album, "Gold Cobra", on June 28. The band's long-awaited fifth studio CD was recorded with the band's original lineup of Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and DJ Lethal and was produced by Durst.
Commented Durst, "We've come full circle to absolutely own who we are as a band, an undisputed five-piece rap rock powerhouse who crushes every stage we play."
"Gold Cobra" will come in several configurations. The standard release will feature 13 new songs while the deluxe edition (available digitally only) will feature 16 new songs. Additionally, fans can purchase a physical CD that has 17 original songs exclusively at Best Buy, and that same release of 16 songs will be available digitally at Napster.com.
LIMP BIZKIT has sold more than 35 million albums, filled concert arenas around the globe, and has received countless awards and accolades. Formed in 1995, LIMP BIZKIT achieved massive success with its studio album "Significant Other", which debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts and went on to sell over 16 million copies worldwide. In 2000, the band's third studio album, "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water", continued the band's success by selling approximately 1.5 million copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling rock album of all time. The band has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, and was voted Favorite Alternative group at the American Music Awards. They have also won numerous MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
LIMP BIZKIT is known for its strong connection to the fans and has more than 2 million followers on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms.
"Gold Cobra" album configurations and track listings:
Standard
01. Introbra
02. Bring It Back
03. Gold Cobra
04. Shark Attack
05. Get A Life
06. Shotgun
07. Douche Bag
08. Walking Away
09. Loser
10. Autotunage
11. 90.2.10
12. Why Try
13. Killer In You
Deluxe
01. Introbra
02. Bring It Back
03. Gold Cobra
04. Shark Attack
05. Get A Life
06. Shotgun
07. Douche Bag
08. Walking Away
09. Loser
10. Autotunage
11. 90.2.10
12. Why Try
13. Killer In You
14. Back Porch
15. My Own Cobain
16. Angels
Best Buy Deluxe
01. Introbra
02. Bring It Back
03. Gold Cobra
04. Shark Attack
05. Get A Life
06. Shotgun
07. Douche Bag
08. Walking Away
09. Loser
10. Autotunage
11. 90.2.10
12. Why Try
13. Killer In You
14. Back Porch
15. My Own Cobain
16. Angels
17. Middle Finger (feat Paul Wall)
The band will hit the road this summer in support of the new album.
Santa Barbara, California metallers DEVILDRIVER have entered the studio with producer Mark Lewis (ALL THAT REMAINS, TRIVIUM, CHIMAIRA) to begin recording a cover version of METALLICA's "Holier Than Thou" for a 20th-anniversary tribute to METALLICA's self-titled album. DEVILDRIVER guitarist Jeff Kendrick states, "[John] Boecklin killed the drums today and tomorrow we get to guitars!"
METALLICA's 1991 self-titled fifth album, commonly known as "the black album," in 2009 surpassed SHANIA TWAIN's 1997 record, "Come On Over", as the best-selling CD of the SoundScan era. To date, the black album has sold 15,672,000 copies.
Although METALLICA had scored their first radio and video airplay with their previous effort, 1988's "...And Justice For All", the black album was the band's biggest commercial breakthrough, producing five singles and making them into one of the most popular rock bands in the world.
Due to "unforeseen circumstances," reformed U.K. crossover metallers ONE MINUTE SILENCE have been forced to pull out of this year's Sonisphere festival. This was an extremely tough decision for the bandmembers to make as they have been itching to get out and fire up the pit once again, but life complexities have simply not allowed them to ready themselves to their "incredibly high standards," according to a press release.
Explained vocalist Brian "Yap" Barry: "We have tried so hard to get ONE MINUTE SILENCE back in shape in time for Sonisphere.
"Music can be a funny path.
"Our sounds were finding ground, but then the ground just seemed to crumble.
"We have been working so hard to make it all come together, but in truth, it has been a real struggle.
"We tried so hard to be ready, but the fact is that as it stands today we are not ready.
"We were desperately not wanting to let any ONE MINUTE SILENCE fans down but we sadly have to pull out of the Sonisphere gig on July 9. Huge apologies from all of us if you bought a ticket especially to see us play.
"Life is life, folks, and we are genuinely sorry. We want you to know that this is also just one gig we're cancelling — we are still focused as a band and will continue to write and rehearse new material as we have been for the past eight months and when we feel ready, we will take the stage again and see you all in the pit."
Although hugely disappointed, the members of ONE MINUTE SILENCE haven't been deterred from their plan — "to write a killer new album that will be the heaviest new sound to hit in decades." The group is still hoping to release a new track this summer and tour in the autumn.
Vocalist Brian "Yap" Barry, guitarist Massimo "Massy" Fiocco and bassist Glen Diani are joined in the current ONE MINUTE SILENCE lineup by new drummer Martin Davies, a virtuosic player who brings even more power and dynamics to the OMS machine.
Many will remember ONE MINUTE SILENCE for their incredible live shows. Their intensity and energy levels were arguably unmatched by any band, making them THE must see live band of the time and earning them the title "Best British Live Act" by Kerrang! magazine.
Yap previously stated about the band's decision to reform: "Initially I wasn't sure if the energy and punch that we had would still be there, but when we got in the rehearsal room together, there was no denying it — in fact, it's stronger than it ever was. Everything we were talking about politically and economically ten years ago has come true today and it's appalling that honest working people are now footing the bill for decades of laissez-fair economics, corrupt banking and elite corporatocracy. We're angrier than we ever were and more experienced this time with it — expect blood."
Davies commented on joining the band: "I was recommended by a friend to Glen, who lives close to me in Bradford, to work with him on his solo project and we just jelled creatively straight away. Then last year when the idea of OMS was being discussed Glen put me forward and I met the band for some rehearsals earlier this year. I'm very excited about the raw energy and creativity within the dynamic of the band — it's very current and subversive which is what I thrive on."
EYES SET TO KILL is going through a rebirth. After completing its deal with the band's old record company, the Phoenix quartet will independently release its fourth studio album, "White Lotus", on August 9 through a joint venture between its management, Maphia Entertainment, and the group's newly-launched label, Forsee.
"White Lotus" marks a new beginning for EYES SET TO KILL and a step away from the band's trademark screamo resonance as the effort possesses more of a metal flavor and more clean singing than was the case in the past.
Regarding the new CD's title, vocalist/guitarist Alexia Rodriguez states, "It's a metaphor for our whole take on our future with a rebirth of our whole band and just having a clear mindset. Everything is a lot heavier. Even the songs that have all singing and not much screaming are still heavy. We're making this what we feel like we ought to be."
Dave Aguilera, EYES SET TO KILL manager and owner of Maphia Entertainment, believes "White Lotus" will see the band blossoming and reaching new commercial heights.
"Their music has really evolved over the last few years from a female-fronted young post-hardcore band to a real radio-metal contender," he states. "The sky is the limit with their new sound. I think the masses are finally about to hear about them."
The first single from "White Lotus" is "The Secrets Between", which will be available for free download on June 16 as a special thank you to the fans who have supported the band in the past. "It's one of the heaviest songs on the album and for the song, we kept the whole singing-and-screaming thing," Rodriguez states. "There's still an even amount, but I think it's a good representation of where we are trying to go and what we wanna sound like."
After releasing its first three studio albums through BreakSilence/Suburban Noize Records, EYES SET TO KILL decided to "escape the fire-breathing world of label politics" and instead launched its own independent label, Maphia/Foresee Records, to release the new CD. They already have the tools in place to make it a success.
"Being on our own and even recording on our own, it's so refreshing," Rodriguez says. "We just went to Europe on our own, we got all these past tours on our own and most of the recent tours we opened, we got on our own without the help of a label. Figuring out we can do everything by ourselves with just the help of our manager and agent made it opens our eyes. I feel like everyone should do this."
As an original founding member of both OTEP and BLEED THE DREAM, Aguilera co-produced nine records and sold over 400,000 units. In 2002, he transitioned into a behind-the-scenes role as he discovered and co-managed platinum-selling act YELLOWCARD. In 2009, he was named the Vice President of A&R for BreakSilence and then in late 2010, he left to form Maphia Management, which currently manages over ten international bands, including EYES SET TO KILL.
With Aguilera lending his expertise and guiding them, EYES SET TO KILL has a strong friend and partner in their corner.
"I put out my own records for years as well worked at labels for years and worked at numerous management companies as a manager," Aguilera says. "Unlike most managers, I started out as an artist myself and can relate to other artists. One thing I will never do is forget why I got into this game in the first place, and that's to protect my bands and not take advantage of them. I think in the future, smart management companies are going to start working with their artists more closely outside of just management."
DOMINANZ, the atmospheric metal band from Norway, will release its new album, "As I Shine", in Europe on August 19 via Industrial Silence Production and Rock N Growl Distro/Cargo Records. The CD was recorded and mixed at Conclave Studio by Bjørnar E. Nilsen and Roy N. Mathisen and mastered at Earshot Studio by Herbrand Larsen.
"As I Shine" track listing:
01. Infinity
02. Agony and Domination
03. As I Shine
04. Eternal Sin
05. Abusos
06. The Philanthropic
07. Last Day of Your Life
08. Man on Top
09. From Skin to Heart
10. The End of All There Is
A video for the song "The End of All There Is" can be seen below.
DOMINANZ is:
* Roy (ex-TAAKE, OFRYSKJE) - Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Synth
* Jørn (HADES ALMIGHTY, ex-IMMORTAL, ex-OLD FUNERAL) - Guitar
* Frode (ex-THY GRIEF) - Drums
According to a press release, "As I Shine" is "the perfect blend of atmospheric black metal and engaging industrialized beats. There is also a dose of gothic, but the listeners will probably notice that DOMINANZ got their roots from the old Norwegian black metal scene. The lyric deals with everything from depictions of erotic oppression, slavery and ways to dominate fellow man. The main theme is on the bleak and destructive and living on the edge between life and death."
FIREHOUSE vocalist C J Snare and FURYON guitarist Chris Green have teamed up to form a new modern heavy metal/melodic rock band called RUBICON CROSS. A four-song EP has just been released through iTunes and Amazon and is being described in a press release as a "soundtrack for your summer."
The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Movin' On
02. Next Worst Enemy
03. R U Angry
04. Shine
For more information, visit www.rubiconcross.net.
NUMBNUTS, the Danish band which features in its ranks singer Esben "Esse" Hansen (HATESPHERE, ex-AS WE FIGHT), has inked a deal with Mighty Music. The group's debut album, "Smokey The Salmon And Horny Mermaids Of Detention", will be released in Europe on August 1. The CD was produced by Jacob Olsen (THE SETUP, CROCELL) and features guest appearances by Henrik Heinz Jacobsen (KOLDBORN, ex-HATESPHERE) and Martin O$ Olsen (AS WE FIGHT, KOLDBORN).
According to a press release, NUMBNUTS "are masters in delivering thrash with the roots buried deep in a rock 'n' roll kind of hardcore."
For more information, visit www.numbnuts.dk.
Danish metallers NEW DISCOLOUR have inked a deal with Mighty Music. The band's debut album, "Short Of Ink", will be released in Europe on August 1.
According to a press release, NEW DISCOLOUR is "a progressive and hard-hitting band that uncompromisingly challenges and explores the metal genre's fundamental sound. The band was formed in 2008 and the year after they recorded their first EP, 'Silent Scream', in cooperation with Christian Bonde (INVISIUS, DAWN OF DEMISE, THE CLEANSING). The EP sparked widespread attention and publicity, [resulting in a nomination] for 'Best Metal Artist' at Underground Music Awards."
NEW DISCOLOUR is:
Artem Kushnirenko - Vocals
Lasse Mikkelsen - Drums
Jesper Rasmussen - Guitar
Søren Thomsen - Guitar
Mayu Tharumann - Bass
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/newdiscolourdk.
Swiss industrial black metallers SAMAEL will embark on a European headlining tour in September. Support on the trek — which is scheduled to kick off on September 1 and conclude on October 2 in Spain — will come from SEPTICFLESH and .
SAMAEL recently filmed a video for the song "Luxferre" in Gothenburg, Sweden with director Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others. The clip can now be viewed below.
"Luxferre" comes off SAMAEL's new album, "Lux Mundi" (English-language translation: "Light of the World"), which was released on April 29 in Europe and May 3 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD features cover artwork by SLUDGE drummer Patrick Pidoux, who previously worked with SAMAEL on 2007's "Solar Soul" and 2009's "Above".
"Lux Mundi" track listing:
01. Luxferre
02. Let My People Be!
03. Of War
04. Antigod
05. For A Thousand Years
06. The Shadow Of The Sword
07. In The Deep
08. Mother Night
09. Pagan Trance
10. In Gold We Trust
11. Soul Invictus
12. The Truth Is Marching On
"Lux Mundi", which took almost three years to be completed, was recorded last summer after the band spent a few days in pre-production in Germany with with longtime collaborator Waldemar Sorychta (MOONSPELL, LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT, GRIP INC.). The actual recordings took place in two different locations in Switzerland and the mix was handled by extreme metal specialist Russ Russell in Kettering, England.
The mighty CANNIBAL CORPSE will once again be returning to Mexico and South America! This time, they'll be bringing along Metal Blade labelmates THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER as well as fellow underground heavyweights SUICIDE SILENCE to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela in December. The tour will begin on December 3 in Sao Paulo, Brazil and will wrap up on December 13 in Mexico City, Mexico.
South American fans are notoriously some of the most diehard metal heads in the world and the bands are excited for this tour to get started. CANNIBAL CORPSE vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher comments: "In every interview, I am asked where the sickest and best death metal fans are and it is hands down South America. I've seen kids in the front row bleeding and losing their minds, they are all crazy in the best way possible. It's hands down my favorite place to play and I can't wait to come back!"
States THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER vocalist Trevor Strnad, "We are very excited to be a part of this monstrous South American tour. It is always a pleasure to play alongside the almighty CANNIBAL CORPSE... but in South America?! The shows are going to be absolutely insane, without a doubt. To the South American fans: prepare for an unearthly ritual!" THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER guitarist Brian Eschbach adds, "We are extremely excited for another chance to support the almighty CANNIBAL CORPSE!!! It has always been great touring with them. We especially look forward to seeing them DESTROY South America and Mexico City. iViva la Smash!"
The dates are as follows (venue details to be announced):
Dec. 03 - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Dec. 04 - Curitiba, Brazil
Dec. 06 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dec. 07 - Santiago, Chile
Dec. 08 - Quito, Ecuador
Dec. 10 - Bogota, Colombia
Dec. 11 - Caracas, Venezuela
Dec. 13 - Mexico City, Mexico
CANNIBAL CORPSE's latest album, "Evisceration Plague", sold 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. This was more than 50 percent higher than the opening tally of the band's previous CD, "Kill" (2006), which landed at No. 170 after shifting more than 6,000 copies. In 1996, CANIBAL CORPSE's "Vile" premiered at No. 151, with more than 6,100 copies sold.
"Global Evisceration", the fourth DVD from CANNIBAL CORPSE, sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 17 on the Top Music Videos chart. The disc also landed at No. 5 on the Canadian chart.
Released on March 15 via Metal Blade Records, "Global Evisceration" was shot and edited by director Denise Korycki (Wild Wind Productions) who also worked on the group's "Centuries of Torment - The First 20 Years" DVD in addition to releases from such other bands as AS I LAY DYING, MASTODON, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and SUPERJOINT RITUAL.
"Global Evisceration" contains one disc and is approximately three hours long with artwork by the infamous Vince Locke. The main program includes full live-song performances from two live shows: the Gothic Theater in Englewood, Colorado on May 3, 2010 and Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 8, 2010. It also contains bonus performances and extra segments, including behind-the-scenes footage covering CANNIBAL CORPSE's tours in support of the "Evisceration Plague" album.
Former MANTAS, DEATH and MASSACRE member Kam Lee will perform MASSACRE's "legendary" 1991 debut album, "From Beyond", in its entirety for one night only at the "A Day Of Death" festival on Saturday, July 16 at Club Infinity in Williamsville, New York.
As previously reported, Lee's former MASSACRE bandmates — Terry Butler (DEATH, MASSACRE, SIX FEET UNDER, DENIAL FIEND, OBITUARY) and Rick Rozz (MANTAS, DEATH, MASSACRE, M INC.) — will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of MASSACRE's classic "From Beyond" album by embarking on a European tour later this year.
Lee has now issued the following statement regarding his upcoming appearance at "A Day Of Death":
"The editors of Glorious Times approached me in February about a special event they wanted to do in July. They knew, of course, that MASSACRE would never reform, but they asked me if I would give in this one time and perform the entire 'From Beyond' album, not for money, but as a special gift to the fans.
"Although it would have been great for the fans to see a full-fledged MASSACRE reunion, my former bandmates opted to just defame and slander me for agreeing to do something for the fans.
"My performance is to be the finale at 'A Day of Death', a one-day festival put on solely as a gift to fans of true death metal. This has always been planned as the last time I will ever perform 'From Beyond' and I fully intend to remain true to that commitment.
"I wish to thank the editors of Glorious Times for giving me the opportunity to do this. However, now those same former bandmates (who had nothing but negative things to say about me for doing this special event for the fans) have decided to do their own MASSACRE tribute in Europe.
"After my special performance and their 'tribute' tour, perhaps we can finally put MASSACRE behind us and let the fans remember the once-great band as it should be remembered... as one of the top bands of its genre.
"Billy Andrews, Allen West and Mike Borders started MASSACRE all those years ago and have watched as time and time again it has risen from the grave only to die a quick death. With these special performances let's hope that MASSACRE can finally die an honorable death."
A revamped version of MASSACRE — consisting of DENIAL FIEND members Sam Williams (guitar), Curt Beeson (drums; NASTY SAVAGE), along with ex-MASSACRE/DENIAL FIEND members Terry Butler (bass), Steve Swanson (guitar) and Kam Lee (vocals) — completed a European tour in late 2007.
Arizona grind-masters LANDMINE MARATHON are recording the follow-up to 2010's "Sovereign Descent". Once again, the band's as-yet-untitled fourth CD is being tracked at guitarist Ryan Butler's Arcane Digital Recording Studios, where he's recorded past efforts from the band, as well as those by MISERY INDEX, PHOBIA, THE FUNERAL PYRE and many more.
LANDMINE MARATHON is about to enter the mixing stage and is aiming for a late fall release. Summer tour dates will be announced in the coming days.
Commented Butler: "The new album contains our most raw and vicious material to date. We definitely found a great groove in writing and recording this record, everything feels very fluid. This is in great part due to our new drummer Andy York, who brings a powerful and tight dynamic to the band. I am really excited for the world to hear this new album."
LANDMINE MARATHON, whose vocalist, Grace Perry, appeared on the cover of Revolver magazine in late 2009, performed several shows at South By Southwest and the second annual Scion Rock Fest in March 2010, and also appeared at Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest and Indianapolis' Dude Fest last year. The band also filmed a video for the track "Shadows Fed To Tyrants" and participated in a unique collaboration with "Crank" filmmaker Brian Taylor, who recorded his own guitar tracks to the track "Skin From Skull".
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