It's time to admit I've bitten off more than a wombat can chew.
There has been so much in the pipeline these past few months that I've not been able to action everything needed and I've also been hit with some external delays.
So in regard to scheduled releases, here's what's happening:
The Radio Sun & Royal Mess CDs:
Preorders on schedule to ship prior to Sept. 25 release.
European general release now October 9.
Street Talk reissues:
Long delay in artwork unfortunately, but finally went to press today (along with Radio Sun and Royal Mess). Should all be in order this week finally, so preorders will ship by Sept. 14.
USB2:
Way behind with this sorry, but I expect to have files formatted and ready to load next week and I will send out USBs in the order in which I received the preorders.
Again, sorry for these delays. Everything is in progress and coming...
I think I need an intern...
MRCD13: It's coming... track list just about finaized and it's looking REALLY strong! To those that pre-ordered with USB2, it will ship separately ASAP.
Special Guest Appearances By Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)!
NYC - The long awaited new album from Classic Rock legends The Lizards, featuring members of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus and Riot, will be released in September 2015 on Hyperspace Records in partnership with drumming legend Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records. Titled “Reptilicus Maximus”, the band's 7th album features guest appearances by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)! Once again the breathtaking cover artwork was created by longtime Lizards artist Rick Klemann.
“These hard rockin' Lizards have slithered their way to the top of the new 'original' classic rock heap. Like their alien counterparts they are simply out of this world!” - Nightwatcher's Rock Blog
The Lizards are drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/BOC), vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo (Riot/Masterplan), bassist Randy Pratt (who also plays harp with Cactus) and guitarist Patrick Klein (who recorded and mixed the album), and have released seven critically acclaimed albums and three live DVDs in the past 13 years. The band's 2006 release “Against All Odds”, and their covers album from 2009 “Archeology”, garnered rave reviews from fans and music press alike worldwide, catapulting The Lizards into legendary status!
“Loved hearing The Lizards when they opened for UFO. Cool riffs, grooves and musicality with Mike DiMeo's killer vocals on top. Awesome new record and I am glad to be a part of it.” - Vinnie Moore, UFO
Says bassist and band leader Randy Pratt, “On our 7th CD, 'Reptilicus Maximus', we brought in a few of our touring buddies. David Lanik, of 'Sharks' kicks ass on 'Ton on the One', the opening track on the CD. Frank Marino, of Mahogany Rush, was the headliner on our first tour and dazzles on 'Evil Eyes', the second track. Vinnie Moore and UFO were the headliners on our LAST tour (so far). Vinnie shreds beautifully on 'Crash', a song I wrote the lyrics to in the hospital after my brutal car crash that sidelined us for awhile. We did a 2 month tour with Glenn Hughes and he came to New York to record 4 songs on our 6th CD, 'Against All Odds'. 'Miracle Man' is a song that he wrote specifically for The Lizards, and I believe we slay it. He and Mike DiMeo do another one of their over the top duets on the closing number on the record. We added Scott 'The Doctor' Treibitz on keys for this CD, adding some new textures, from dark and brooding synths and majestic pipe organ to honky tonk piano and funky hammond organ.”
“Having toured with The Lizards and getting to know the band personally, I was delighted when Randy asked me to play on a track with them. And even if I hadn't gotten to know what a great bunch of guys they are, I still would have accepted the invitation gladly, because I just loved the track and the music they make. With me it's always been about heart, and these cats bring it... straight from the heart.”
Frank Marino - Mahogany Rush
Says Randy, “The music runs from progressive rock to swampy blues, lyrics ranging from the sacred to the profaneall in the name of ROCK. Bobby Rondinelli told us that we got some of the best playing of his career on this record. Since he played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, you can believe the drums are world class throughout!”
“I consider it a crime not to check out these hot sounding reptiles!” - Metalliville, UK
New Studio Album Available September 11 (Toronto, Canada) August 26, 2015 - Iconic rock superstars, Scorpions, have partnered with Yahoo for their first global live stream performance on Saturday, September 12, from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Fans can tune in at 9:10pm ET, to witness the Scorpions Brooklyn debut and enjoy a career-spanning set list of Scorpions' hits, anthems, ballads and vintage classics. The live stream will be available on desktop at https://screen.yahoo.com/live/event/scorpions, or through the Yahoo Screen App on mobile devices (iOS & Android) or connected devices (Apple TV, Roku, Xbox).
Scorpions will be on tour in North American celebrating their 50th anniversary and the release of their 19th studio album, Return To Forever (Sony Music/Legacy Recordings), available September 11, 2015. More information on the new release and upcoming tour dates (routing below) can be found at www.the-scorpions.com.
Return To Forever celebrates a spectacular global return for Scorpions as the album is already available in many parts of the world going Top 10 in multiple markets including Finland, France (#5), Germany (#2), Greece (#1 debut), Russia (platinum!), Hungary, Japan (#4), Turkey (#4) Switzerland (#2), Malasia (their first gold!), Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Holland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.! Produced by Mikael Nord Andersson and Martin Hansen (Sting In The Tail, "MTV Unplugged"), Return To Forever features 19 new songs including first single, "We Built This House," currently at #3 at Classic Rock in the U.S. The track is available digitally as an instant-grat for the album preorder, available at Amazon: http://smarturl.it/Scorps_RTF_Amzn and iTunes:http://smarturl.it/scprns_rtf_itns .
Founded in Hannover, West Germany in 1965, Scorpions were part of the first wave of metal in the 1970's with their debut album, Lonesome Crow, released in 1972. The band rose to arena status with seminal releases Lovedrive, Virgin Killer and Animal Magnetism. In the 80s, Scorpions amassed a string of Billboard chart toppers from Love at First Sting and Blackout, including multiple Top 10 singles "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "No One Like You," as well a string of successful singles such as "Send Me an Angel," "Still Loving You" and "Winds of Change." The band was also ranked #46 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and their hit "Rock You Like a Hurricane" also landed as #18 on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. Celebrated across the globe, the iconic rock act have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and have received multiple honors including World Music Award winners, a postage stamp in Brazil, their Star on Hollywood Rock Walk, Echo honors, most recently they were honored with the Lower Saxon State Award.
Scorpions Return to Forever 50th Anniversary Tour, featuring longtime members Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs, alongside James Kottak (drums) and Paweł Mąciwoda (bass), kicked off in May 2015 with dates on four continents.
North American dates feature special guests Queensryche.
Sep. 10 - Blue Hills Bank Pavilion - Boston, MA
Sep. 12 - Barclays Center - Brooklyn, NY
Sep. 13 - Meadowbrook - Gilford, NH
Sep. 18 - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON
Sep. 19 - Bell Centre - Montreal, QC
Sep. 22 - LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH
Sep. 23 - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica - Cleveland, OH
Sep. 25 - Caesar’s Windsor - Windsor, ON
Sep. 26 - Allstate Arena - Chicago, IL
Oct. 01 - SAP Center - San Jose, CA
Oct. 03 - The Forum - Los Angeles, CA
TheRighttoRock.com has issued their latest podcast (episode #192), featuring Keel vocalist Ron Keel. Ron took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his latest solo release, Metal Cowboy, as well as, his latest project. Interview lasts approx. 30 min.
Well, it's been a long time coming, but we finally met up with the Metal Cowboy himself for An Evening With...Ron Keel as the lads grab a chat right before he recently took the stage in Houston. Ron covers the gamut speaking on everything from Keel up to his latest long-term commitment at Badlands Pawn. So kick your shoes off and grab a cold one because this one is a barnburner. HORNS UP!
MelodicRock Records is super excited and very proud to announce the next chapter for melodic rock band THE RADIO SUN. The acclaimed Aussie band will release their sophomore record Heaven Or Heartbreak via MRR September 25.
Check it out now and please share! PRE-ORDERS available NOW!
Here's the brand new full length track to check out, featuring duet vocals from PAUL LAINE - Science Fiction.
The Heaven Or Heartbreak EPK:
LIMITED SPECIAL EDITION STILL AVAILABLE!
Check out the first single from the album - 'Caught Between Heaven & A Heartbreak'.
While we are at it - how about the full track list for the album? The regular edition sees 11 finely crafted, harmony driven melodic rock tracks, while the limited Special Edition will add 3 exclusive Bonus Tracks!
01. Caught Between Heaven & A Heartbreak (04:28)
02. Tell Me What You Want (03:35)
03. Dying Without Your Love (03:49)
04. Science Fiction Make Believe (04:22)
05. Hanging By A Thread (04:22)
06. Do You Remember Me? (03:41)
07. Walk Away (03:12)
08. Maybe (03:45)
09. You're The One (03:48)
10. Madness In The World (03.47)
11. One In A Million (05:07)
Special Edition Bonus Tracks:
12. I Might Lie (Andy Taylor cover)(Taylor, Jones) (4:25)
13. After The Rain (Nelson cover)(M. & G. Nelson, Tanner, Wilson) (3:54)
14. Caught Between Heaven & A Heartbreak (Acoustic Version) (4.21)
The Radio Sun:
Jason Old - Vocals & Guitars
Stevie Janevski - Guitars & Vocals
Robbie Erdmanis - Bass & Vocals
Ben Wignall - Drums, Keyboards & Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Paul Laine - Additional Backing Vocals & Keyboards
*Guitars On: "Dying Without Your Love"
Dual Lead Vocal On: "Science Fiction Make Believe".
Zakk Zedras - Guitar Solo On: "Hanging By A Thread"
The following three new Rock Candy titles are available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price including postage to anywhere in the world for the next two weeks ending on September 3rd.
JEFF PARIS 'WIRED UP' CANDY273
BACK IN THE mid 80's the world seemed fixated on melodic AOR, singer songwriters. Jon Bon Jovi, Richard Marx and Bryan Adams were of course leading the field, but just below the surface there were numerous contenders ready to ascend the throne. Jeff Paris was, naturally, a prime contender, with songs and a sound that suggested success would be a sure fired certainty. That he sank without trace remains one of life's great mysteries.
Signed to Mercury records by the very same person who inked Bon Jovi, Cinderella and Kingdom Come, the signs looked very good indeed. So good in fact that, despite a lack-lustre reception to Jeff's debut album 'Race To Paradise' the label dug down deep to back a follow up, the sensational 'Wired Up', a record brimming over with confidence and optimism. Produced by Tony Platt (AC/DC, Krokus and Foreigner) and mixed by Bob Rock (M'tley Cr'e, Bon Jovi, the CULT) the record was infused with some of the best melodic hard rock of the era.
Issued in 1987, to gushing reviews, the album contains ten melodic rock nuggets, garnished with razor sharp guitars and a souped up rhythm section part consisting of future Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum. Tracks such as 'Saturday Nite', 'Charmed Life' and Cryin' (later successfully covered by all female rock band Vixen) makes for an album that not only exudes excitement but showcases Paris as an exceptional songwriter.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, NEW INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PARIS, 2,500 WORD ESSAY, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND RARE PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. SATURDAY NITE 2. ONE NIGHT ALONE 3. TRIAL BY FIRE 4. CRYIN' 5. WIRED UP 6. CHARMED LIFE 7. I CAN'T LET GO 8. HEART TO THE FLAME 9. A MATTER OF TIME 10. ILLUSIONS
WHITE LION 'PRIDE' CANDY268
WHITE LION'S RISE to stardom was not without its fair share of difficulties. It started off well with Mike Tramp relocating from his native Denmark to the East Coast of America and teaming up with virtuoso guitarist Vito Brata. Securing a coveted record deal with Elektra Records the band looked set for bigger and better things, but it all came crashing down when the label inexplicably decided not to release their debut album. Fortunately a record deal and a new loyal fan base in Japan and Europe carried the torch helping them to get back in the ring and fight another day.
It was a struggle well worth contesting and one that ultimately paid handsome dividends when Atlantic Records eventually signed the band. Electing to work with seasoned producer Michael Wagener (Dokken, M'tley Cr'e) and recording in Los Angeles, 'Pride' hit the racks to great critical and commercial acclaim. Stuffed to the brim with numerous red-hot slices of melodic yet heavy rock, the album fast became one the era's cornerstone releases, packing punches and knocking down barriers.
Originally issued in June 1987, the record was propelled by the catchy single 'Wait', a track that caught fire at both radio and MTV, helping to establish the band as front line contenders. However, it was the power ballad 'When The Children Cry' that really accelerated sales, to two million and counting. Truly, one of the most heart-warming outcomes in the music business.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, FIVE BONUS TRACKS 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, NEW INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PARIS, 4,000 WORD ESSAY, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND RARE PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. HUNGRY 2. LONELY NIGHTS 3. DON'T GIVE UP 4. SWEET LITTLE LOVING 5. LADY OF THE VALLEY 6. WAIT 7. ALL YOU NEED IS ROCK N ROLL 8. TELL ME 9. ALL JOIN OUR HANDS 10. WHEN THE CHILDREN CRY
BONUS TRACKS: 11. WAIT (Extended Remix) 12. ALL YOU NEED IS ROCK N ROLL (Live) 13. LONELY NIGHTS (Live) 14. LADY OF THE VALLEY (Live) 15. TELL ME (Live)
WHITE LION 'BIG GAME' CANDY269
THE PROBLEM WITH any commercially successful album is that at some point its follow up will be compared and judged not only economically but also creatively. This was exactly the position White Lion were to face with the release of their third album 'Big Game', a record that promised so much, yet, inexplicably, underperformed. Some say that there is a time and a place for everything and, sadly, this time around, lady luck had moved her sights elsewhere.
'Big Game' was, actually, not a disappointing record at all. In fact it was a fine follow-up to their double platinum selling 'Pride' album, but it was recorded in a state of high anxiety. The band had spent almost a year touring the world and was immediately ushered back into the studio by their label and managers who were eager to capitalise on the success, so there was pressure to write and record in double quick time.
Working once again with trusted producer Michael Wagener, and recorded in Los Angeles, the band jumped head-first into material, written by Mike Tramp and guitarist Vito Brata over an intense three day session. That they came up with a number of quality songs is testimony to their talent and tenacity. Pitched somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, tracks such as the lyrically poignant 'Little Fighter' and 'Cry For Freedom' lead the charge but it's their creative cover of Golden Earring's 'Radar Love' that more than steals the show.'
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, THREE BONUS TRACKS 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, NEW INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PARIS, 3,500 WORD ESSAY, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND RARE PHOTOS. TRACK LISTING: 1. GOIN' HOME TONIGHT 2. DIRTY WOMAN 3. LITTLE FIGHTER 4. BROKEN HOME 5. BABY BE MINE 6. LIVING ON THE EDGE 7. LET'S GET CRAZY 8. DON'T SAY IT'S OVER 9. IF MY MIND IS EVIL10. RADAR LOVE 11. CRY FOR FREEDOM.
BONUS TRACKS: 12. WAIT (Live on Westwood One) 13. ALL JOIN OUR HANDS (Live on Westwood One) 14. WHEN THE CHILDREN CRY (Live In Rehearsal)
Ulterium Records are proud to announce the signing of the US heavy metal band MILLENNIAL REIGN to the label. Their new album "Carry The Fire" will be released on October 30th in Europe and North America on CD, LP and digital. The vinyl edition of "Carry The Fire" is strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide.
Millennial Reign was formed as a solo album project by ASKA bassist, Dave Harvey and the self-titled debut album was released independently in 2012. After new members joined Millennial Reign the decision was made to make Millennial Reign a full band, rather than just a recording project. "Carry The Fire" was mixed and mastered at Nomad Studio [King Diamond, Solitude Aeternus, Absu] and the artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco [Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Theocracy].
Fans of Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Judas Priest and Crimson Glory will not be disappointed with this new album. "Carry The Fire" should be in any collection of melodic or traditional heavy/powermetal.
Millennial Reign is:
James Guest - Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitars
Jason Donnelly - Guitars
Daniel Almagro - Bass
Wayne Stokely - Drums
Upcoming Millennial RReign shows:
September 30th: The Rail - Ft Worth, TX
October 16th: Wits End - Dallas, TX
November 21st: Acadia - Houston, TX
December 19th: TC's Midtown - Conway, AR
"Carry The Fire" track listing
01. Forever Changed
02. Way Up High
03. Millennial Reign
04. Men Stand Alone
05. Save Me
06. This Day
07. Will You
08. Innocent Cry
09. Not On My Own
10. I'll Try
(New York, NY):Michael Monroe will release Blackout States on October 9 via Spinefarm Records. The iconic artist has shared the album artwork and track listing ahead of the release.
Blackout States Track Listing:
1. "This Ain't No Love Song"
2. "Old King's Road"
3. "Goin' Down With the Ship"
4. "Keep Your Eye On You"
5. "The Bastard's Bash"
6. "Good Old Bad Days"
7. "R.L.F."
8. "Blackout States"
9. "Under the Northern Lights"
10. "Permanent Youth"
11. "Dead Hearts on Denmark Street"
12. "Six Feet in the Ground"
13. "Walk Away"
14. "Break the Noose" (vinyl LP bonus track)
The record was produced by Chips Kiesbye (TheHellacopters, Nomads) in Gothenburg, Sweden, and mixed by Petri Majuri inHelsinki, Finland.
Select few are the ones born to rock and fewer survive to be called seasoned rock warriors. The Michael Monroe band features nothing but the latter, consisting of bassist Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls), guitarists Steve Conte (New York Dolls, Willy DeVille), and Rich Jones (The Black Halos, Amen) and drummer Karl "Rockfist" Rosqvist (the Chelsea Smiles, Danzig).
On the new album, the legendary vocalist said, "I am extremely excited about our new album, Blackout States. It has all the ingredients of a perfect rock 'n' roll record - strong melodic songs with great meaningful lyrics that defy all clichés, delivered with a punky, ballsy attitude by a killer band. I highly recommend Blackout States to anyone who's even a little bit interested in what real, authentic, high energy rock 'n' roll at its best sounds like today."
HOLLYWOOD, CA (August 25, 2015) - Joel Hoekstra has put together a kick ass sampler of various songs from the upcoming debut album from Joel Hoekstra's 13, DYING TO LIVE! Check it out by hitting the play button below and let us know what you think.
PRE-ORDER your copy now from iTunes or Amazon. Pre-order from either link, the single "Anymore" will download instantly, and the rest will download on the release date.
7th heaven release new 2CD Best Of Set. A 42 song feel-good DUAL CD of various Pop/Rock songs.
7th heaven has been able to develop their own unique brand of rock music that proves that the fundamentals of great pop rock song still ring true with their new release "Next"
Disc 1
1 Sing.
2 This Summers Gonna Last Forever
3 Gravity
4 Dance Of A Lifetime
5 Stoplight
6 Cellophane
7 Time Of Our Lives
8 I'll Be Waiting
9 Better This Way
10 Diamonds
11 We Live Life Young
12 I Can't Find Love
13 Kill The Cycle
14 It's You
15 Dance In The Rain
16 Go For A Ride
17 Right By Your Side
18 Ghost Of Me
19 Never Gonna Bring Me Down
20 I Don't Know
21 Shapes
Disc 2
1 Young And Bulletproof
2 Once In A Lifetime
3 Medicated
4 Living In Danger
5 Now And Forever
6 In The City
7 The One
8 Undone
9 Let's Talk
10 All In You
11 War Machine
12 The Way It Used To Be
13 While You Dream
14 Windows
15 Die For You, Die For Me
16 You Lied
17 Why You Gotta Be Like That
18 Separated
19 Boom
20 Winning It All
21 The Time Has Come
Line-up on this Dual CD:
Adam Heisler (Lead Vocals)
Keith Semple (Lead Vocals)
Andrew Blake (Lead Vocals)
Tony DiGiulio (Lead Vocals)
Anthony Fedorov (Lead Vocals)
Michael Sean (Lead Vocals)
Richard Hofherr ( Lead Guitar / Keyboards / Vocals)
Nick Cox ( Guitars / Vocals)
Mark Kennetz ( Bass / Vocals )
Mike Mooshey ( Drums )
Dan Miller (Drums)
Additonal Background Vocals: Matt Clark
Produced, engineered, Mixed & Mastered by: Richard Hofherr
Have you been waiting for a new Andromeda live DVD? The waiting part is soon over, because Andromeda ' Live In Vietnam is about to be unleashed. The band has started a PledgeMusic crowdfunding campaign, help them to reach the goal and make this great performance available on DVD. The Swedish progsters played a sold-out show at the National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2014.
Guitarist Johan Reinholdz commented: 'We have a crowdfunding campaign, and besides the actual DVD we have lots of bonus stuff available: signed LP's, cymbals (used by Thomas Lejon), Skype lessons with band members, and even the possibility of having a private Andromeda concert at your place.There's also some bonus video footage included, should you decide to join in on the crowdfunding ' go check it all out here and help this live DVD become reality!'
In this episode, we play rock trivia with "Cathouse Live" Rapid Fire and review the Cathouse Live Festival that took place on August 15th in Irvine, California that featured Ace Frehley, Extreme, Tom Keifer, Sebastian Bach, Dokken, Enuff Z Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, Saigon Kick, Bullet Boys etc...
NWoBHM cult act SAVAGE, will release their brand new studio album "7", on October 9, 2015, via Minus2 Zebra Records (distributed by Plastic Head). The double disc release will include complete live album titled "Live N Lethal" on second disc.
SAVAGE, once credited for influencing METALLICA to play fast. Even though the band has often been linked to the NWOBHM movement, their roots are more in the vintage classic rock with a modern feel. Influences such as THIN LIZZY and DEEP PURPLE abound and yet with new material they sound incredibly contemporary and fresh. Their debut album, "Loose 'n Lethal" (from 1983) became a classic and was the biggest selling independent import into USA in it’s day. The band have had a stop start career but came back with a vengeance in 2012 with the epic album titled "Sons Of Malice". The band has been busy ever since on the live scene in the UK and Europe, and most recently an Italian tour earlier this summer.
The classic debut is now given a fresh and live treatment in the form of a recently recorded live gig in their hometown. In addition to this, SAVAGE has been hard at work writing and recording set of new classics on this double release. The album titled "7" features 12 blistering new tracks, which mix old with new. Many of the tracks are fast paced and hark back to the early days, whilst tracks such as "Superspy" and "Empire of Hate" sound akin to something off a modern OZZY album or even METALLICA at their best!
UK's CATS in SPACE have landed! A brand new six piece band who, armed with their exciting brand of ‘Power Pop Rock’, will transport you back to the heady days of the 70s when bands like ELO, Queen, 10cc & Cheap Trick, in particular, ruled the airwaves. CATS in SPACE featuring band members with a wealth if experience in the music business for over 30 years, both as writers and performers for bands like: The Sweet, Asia, T’Pau, Ian Gillan Band, Mike Oldfield,Airrace & Arena to name a few, you can expect performances if the highest caliber. Their debut album ‘Too Many Gods’ is released worldwide in October 2, 2015 via Harmony Factory/Cargo Records.
From the album ‘Too Many Gods‘, a debut single, ‘Mr. Heartache’ is released as a digital download on SEPTEMBER 7th 2015. Co-written by founder member and guitaristGREG HART and MICK WILSON (10cc), it also featured a guest appearance by legendary Glam Rocker ANDY SCOTT from THE SWEET on both vocals and guitar. The new ‘Mr. Heartache’ video can be viewed below.
The new album ‘Too Many Gods‘, in typical vintage fashion, will be available in limited 12” deluxe gatefold vinyl and also as a replica LP Compact Disc and digital download.
Tracklisting: 1. ARRIVAL 2. TOO MANY GODS 3. STOP 4. LAST MAN STANDING 5. MR HEARTACHE ** Guest appearance by Andy Scott (SWEET) 6. UNFINISHED SYMPHONY 7. SCHOOLYARD FANTASY ** CD only
8. THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD ** Orchestra arranged and composed by Mike Moran, ** Guest lead vocals Mick Wilson
9. ONLY IN VEGAS 10. MAN IN THE MOON ** Guest lead vocals Mick Wilson
11. FIVE-MINUTE CELEBRITY 12. VELVET HORIZON
‘Too Many Gods’ was recorded and produced at Yellow Fish studios in Sussex, with long-term copilot IAN CAPLE. All songs were written by GREG HART, or co-written by GREG HART andMICK WILSON, who also features on backing vocal and guest lead vocals, alongside PAUL MANZI, creating a spectacular result- Also, for the album’s centerpiece, the band recruited legendary producer and orchestral genius MIKE MORAN, famous for many musical contributions including FREDDIE MERCURY’S ‘Barcelona’. Mike arranged and scored an 80 piece orchestrafor the seven minute epic ‘The Greatest Story Never Told‘.
With soaring skyscraper vocal harmonies, hook laden choruses, drenched in guitars, vintage synthesizers and orchestrations, the ‘CATS in SPACE’ pull no punches in delivering their symphonic ‘Power Pop Rock’ and hide no influences along the way. As the band say, this album is “All killer, no kitty litter!”
Band:
GREG HART - Guitars, Vocals, Synthesizer PAUL MANZI - Lead vocals STEEVI BACON - Drums, Percussion DEAN HOWARD - Guitar JEFF BROWN - Bass guitar, Vocals ANDY STEWART - Piano, Synthesizer, Vocoder, Wurlitzer
Special guest players:
MICK WILSON - Guest Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Keys ANDY SCOTT - Guitar, Vocals JANEY BOMBSHELL - Backing Vocals GREG CAMBURN - Saxophone MIKE MORAN - Orchestra arranger and performer, Piano, Organ
CATS in SPACE, it’s like ELO and New England colliding with Queen, whilst 10CC look on from afar. I get listen to an awful lot of music, and this is the first thing this year that has gotten me genuinely excited. (Rob Evans - PowerPlay)
CATS in SPACE ‘Mr Heartache‘: This is a very stylish specimen of AOR, with keyboards that wobble and choruses that soar and voices that harmonise like E.L.O. meets REO Speedwagon round at 10CC‘s house. It’s made by people who’ve played with everyone from Asia to Ian Gillan to Mike Oldfield and The Sweet (original Sweet guitarist Andy Scott is on board), so they clearly know what they’re doing. And what a great name! Everybody now: CATS- IN- -- SPAAAAAAACE! (TeamRock)
In this episode, Geoff discusses his band's new album The Key (part one of a trilogy), the follow-up second and third albums (in the trilogy), is Operation: Mindcrime a band or solo vehicle, working on the Queensrÿche Operation Mindcrime album at the famous Le Studio in Quebec, Queensrÿche, any regrets, working with Megadeth's David Ellefson and much more.
Co-host Darrel Dwarf talks about the upcoming KILLER DWARFS original band reunion show in Toronto.
Quotes from the interview:
Choosing Operation: Mindcrime as a band name: "I wanted to set a tone for what kind of music I'm doing; that is conceptual albums that tell a story. Operation: Mindcrime signals that pretty strongly."
"I was in a band for 35 years and really didn't want to be in another one."
Speaking of Queensrÿche: "I wish it could have ended civilly."
Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
And Official Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/OneOnOneMitchLafon
"To my friends in Asia and Australia, it is with great disappointment and regret that I must announce the postponement of my tours in Asia and Australia.
Last week I was taken to the hospital with severe stomach pains. Following blood work, multiple MRI scans and various procedures, medical doctors discovered a large mass in my intestine, and it seems likely that we are dealing with cancer. My doctors have advised me that this will need to be dealt with immediately, and I am scheduled for surgery this week. Recovery from this surgery will take a month – right when I was scheduled to tour the Australasian region.
Providing all goes well, it is our understanding I should be well enough to perform on the coming European tour.
For Australia and Asia, we are working on rescheduling the shows. We will advise you as soon as possible when the new dates are booked.
In Asia, refunds can be obtained through the ticket purchase outlet.
I want to thank Jellybeard Music & Management (our booking agent in Asia) and Thump Music (our booking agent in Australia) for being so supportive in light of this news. We apologize for any inconvenience these tour postponements have caused, but I’m determined to make these dates up, and rock your city soon!
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon from Canada’s The Metal Voice (https://www.facebook.com/themetalvoice) recently spoke to Geoff Tate (Ex Queensryche) who's current musical project called Operation Mindcrime will be releasing a concept album called The Key on September 18, 2015 on Frontiers, the first of three album installments.
Tate spoke about, the concept behind The Key, as well as the recording highs and lows of Queensryche's critically acclaimed albums The Warning and Operation Mindcrime and the closing of the infamous Le Studio Morin Heights where Operation Mindcrime was inspired and recorded.
When asked about Operation Mindcrime’s new concept album The Key
"When you write a concept record it definitely gives you the opportunity to do some different things that you normal wouldn’t do with a record of standalone songs because you are telling a story. So stories aren’t static they are very dynamic, there is lots of different moods you can explore within any given story. I like variance and variety. I go into it with single purpose of writing an entertaining story that is interesting and the challenge of matching music to that story so the listeners are transported on a musical route."
When asked about being learning experiences in the early days in Queensryche from other bands such as Twisted Sister and Ronnie James Dio
"I wasn’t really aware of Twisted Sister at the time, so it was kind of an eye opening experience sharing the stage with these very tall New York guys who wore really elaborate makeup and hair, costumes and it was kind of an eye opening experience. They had a really cool presentation and I learned a lot from them as far as stage craft and just the way they handled themselves."
"And some people that you meet on the way are very open to sharing their philosophy and there mindset their way of doing things, Ronnie Dio for example is a guy that was very helpful in the beginning stages of the Queensryche career, giving us advice helping us out he was a very giving person."
When asked the bands mindset during the recording of Queensrcyhe first Full length album The Warning: "It was a real disappointment to everybody in the band at the time, cause of course it was taken out of our hands and mixed by somebody who didn’t care about it and and didn’t want the input of the band and it was quite a shocking experience."
When asked what Geoff Tate spoken word was in the middle of the song Roads to Madness off the Warning Album: "It’s kind of strange I wrote what I was saying on a scrap of paper in the studio and then walked away from the microphone and never picked up the paper again, so it’s lost."
On how the city Montreal, Canada inspired the story and characters of Operation Mindcrime
"Montreal Canada is a wonderful city very inspirational a lot of the Mindcrime story was written in Montreal. The story line came from my time I spent in Montreal. I used to go to this little club on St-Denis called Le Saint-Sulpice. At the time it was a dark dingy little place, the clientele was a mix of all these different kinds of people and that’s where I met some of the people that became characters in my story. And that’s where I used to spend all my time. Dr X character came from a guy that I met at Le Saint-Sulpice. Sister Mary was a composite of couple of different characters I met one was in Montreal the other was in Amsterdam."
When asked if the whole album The Key will be played during the tour: "I plan on playing the entire album and then probably book ending the new album with songs from my past."
In episode 72 of The Double Stop, Brian is joined by Bassist Chris McLernon (Saigon Kick, Cold Sweat, Cold Gin). This is part 1 of a two part episode.
Chris McLernon (Saigon Kick, Cold Sweat, Cold Gin) discusses his life and career. From his early days/bands to the formation of Cold Sweat (originally called Ferrari) with Marc Ferrari and Oni Logan - and having Oni leave the band to join Lynch Mob, finding a replacement singer in Roy Cathey, the unexpected success of his KISS tribute band Cold Gin (with future Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer), and how he got the gig in Saigon Kick following the recording of The Lizard.
On Lynch's pitch to Oni Logan to join Lynch Mob (21:54) "At this point we're called Ferrari. He's standing there and he says 'Hey Oni! How'd you like to drive a Ferrari instead of just being one?' And I'm like - OK, that's pretty clever. Way to go"
On Oni quitting Cold Sweat on the day they were to sign a record deal (24:00) "Everything I had worked for was on a stack of paper, right in front of me with a pen. And I'm just thinking to myself, you're kidding me."
On Cold Sweat getting dropped after their first album (with new singer Roy Cathey) "Wendy (Dio - Manager) calls us up one day and says I've got good news and bad news. The good news is MTV added the video to heavy rotation today. The band news is MCA has dropped the band."
GLASS TIGER'S popular frontman ALAN FREW has suffered a stroke and is recovering in hospital. He posted this message on his Facebook page earlier. I'm sure all will join me in wishing Alan all the best and a speed recovery.
BON JOVI have walked from their decades long association with Mercury Records. JBJ talked to Billboard about the departure, which you can read below.
But taking a look at recent developments, here's my little cobbled together theory.
Bon Jovi has long been run as a family business. Jon's signing to Irving Azoff Management suggests to me that Jon is looking at the end game now. Azoff does not do small. Azoff only does big, or bigger. So this to me looks like a partnership designed to ensure the most amount of money possible can be extracted from the remaining years of BON JOVI.
My guess is that Azoff has gone to Mercury with a deal in mind and the label has rejected it based on the lack of Richie Sambora involvement. So the guys walk, delivering a final studio album that's really cobbled together with little effort and no real passion. 10 tracks, mainly leftovers (for good reason) and a really shitty physical product with no liners, no pictures, no nothing. 'Burning Bridges' indeed...
So be on the look out for a new mega-deal that someone will swallow encompassing a huge worldwide tour, that 'great' new studio album Jon has already spoken of and a merch tie-in deal beginning in 2016. Perhaps then you'll see a final 'reunion' world tour for even bigger money.
Watch this space I guess!
Here's the Billboard article:
After 32 years on Mercury Records, "It's the end of an era," the singer tells Billboard.
Bon Jovi's 32-year relationship with Mercury Records is ending, Jon Bon Jovi tells Billboard.
"It is the end of an era," says the singer just before taking the stage for a show with his sideband, Jon Bon Jovi & The Kings of Suburbia at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.
The news comes one day after the release of Bon Jovi's "fan album," Burning Bridges. The record, he explains, is a collection of songs that was meant to accompany the group's upcoming 12-show tour of Southeast Asia, but in reality, it was something more, he said.
"[It fulfills] a commitment to Mercury Records," he tells Billboard. "After 32 years, we have parted ways. That is the big news. If you listen to 'Burning Bridges,' the song, it is clearly spelled out."
The song is last on Burning Bridges' tracklist, and includes the scathing lyrics, "After 30 years of loyalty, they let you dig the grave / Now maybe you can learn to sing or strum along / Well I'll give you half the publishing / You're why I wrote this song."
The Sayreville, New Jersey native says he's fully aware that the song is targeting the label, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group which effectively operates under the Island Records banner. Says Bon Jovi: "This hits it right in the head and tells you what happened. Listen to the lyrics because it explains exactly what happened. And that's that."
Bon Jovi has sold 21.8 million albums in the United States, according to Nielsen Music, including five which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The band has also notched 25 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including 10 top 10s and four No. 1s.
Bon Jovi adds that he is looking towards the future with a new album and tour scheduled for the spring of 2016. He intends to complete recording by the end of this year, and he promises that the material -- which comes after a difficult 2014 that saw longtime collaborator Richie Sambora leave the group -- is worth the wait.
"A lot happened," says Bon Jovi. "Richie's sudden departure, my trying to buy the [Buffalo] Bills and now this with the label. I have a lot of material to write about. Believe me, the new record is good. It's pointed. It is something we are going to be very proud of in the spring when we put it out."
Right now, Bon Jovi says he is focusing on the evening's show at Rogers Arena, which was scheduled to take place in Stanley Park but moved to the arena after plans fell apart with the original promoter, Paper Rain Promotions. A "stressful" week involved discovering all of the pieces weren't in place for his show with The Kings.
"When it all fell apart, my initial reaction was it's too bad, make sure everybody gets their refunds," he shares. "And the second sentence was, there isn't going to be any refunds. Now we got to take over. So we called the arena and God Bless them for coming to help and the Tourism Board. We made it happen."
Bon Jovi describes the Kings as a group of friends from New Jersey who give him "the freedom as a player to go and make music when it's not in official capacity." And the snafu as "a situation that turned left," adding, "All I care about is the folks who paid their hard-earned money. We are like the International Silver String Submarine Band from The Little Rascals... We're gonna do a show! So we're playing baby!"
Billboard has reached to Mercury/Island Records for comment.
The first week in December sees the release of the first ever Ten picture disc, with the stunning 'The Gragon And Saint George EP' in glorious 12' vinyl.
At first the 4 month manufacturing turnaround seemed a big disappointment but then we realised this would allow us to use the 'Albion' Japanese bonus track for this release, so not only are the awesome THREE unreleased tracks featured on here ('Musketeers ' Soldiers of the King', 'Is There Anyone With Sense?' and 'The Prodigal Saviour'), we also have 'Good God In Heaven What Hell Is This', making this a stunning seven song collection.
Restricted to a very limited 350 copies, this glorious picture disc will be available for £10.99 plus postage, with pre-orders being taken now at www.rocktopiarecords.com. All orders will be sent out as soon as stock arrives and will be the PERFECT stocking filler for this Christmas.
Fireworks #71 sees our pages once again graced by everyone's favourite minstrel Ritchie Blackmore, who, along with his wife Candice Night, discuss the excellent new Blackmore's Night album, along with talking about reconnecting with David Coverdale, and Ritchie's thoughts about returning to rock out with some Deep Purple and Rainbow songs next year'
If that wasn't enough to catch you eye, we have another Deep Purple connection as the 'Voice Of Rock' Glenn Hughes discusses hitting the road for his biggest ever tour, flanked by none other than ex-Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich. Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick talks about delving into his archives, Buckcherry proudly announce they are back to 'Rock N' Roll', and we also have Progressive Rockers Spock's Beard speaking about their new record.
All that, plus Mike Tramp, Gus G, The Dead Daisies, Russ Ballard - 27 features in total, a round up of the Download and Sweden Rock Festivals, over 100 new releases reviewed, as well as the usual round of of DVDs, books and EPs.
What, you want MORE? Fine, will 77 FREE SONGS do? Yes, that's right, SEVENTY SEVEN mp3 tracks mounted on the cover CD' or available as a download if you buy the PDF version or are having thew magazine shipped overseas. If that's not value for money, we don't know what is.
Lions Pride Music is happy to official announce the release of Marenna's EP, My Unconditional Faith, on the 31th August.
The EP will contain a high dose of melodic hard rock and AOR, alongside 3 music videos added to the release. Marenna serves up some of the best melodic rock songs inside the genre, so treat yourself to a slice of heaven, with this release.
Marenna is a project that came about in 2014 by the composer and lead singer Rodrigo Marenna in solo format, parallel work with the band Lacross Rock, who is the creator and lead singer since 2007 in Caxias do Sul. In this new challenge, Marenna will explore the most of his experience in the music business leading to public his own compostions and his unique style that combines influences from the 90s Melodic Hard Rock (AOR) and contemporary elements of sounds and arrangements. The other focus of the project is to launch the singer in an international career.
To Marenna, the big bet of the project is the involvement of regional musicians with an unique talent that play in bands that Marenna had the privilege of meeting during his artistic journey. With this support, the singer believes his contributing to the discovery of new talents and building a strong and synergistic relationship with the market through their music.
Marenna is here to stay, it is an innovative and audacious project, betting on the instrumental identity style, blended with melodies of easy perception, daring vocal technique and feeling, facing the contents about, feeling, victory and messages of optimism.
"Give It All You Got" is the first official radio single and video from Mike Tramp's upcoming album "Nomad".
This summer Mike Tramp was back in Copenhagen where the video for "Give It All You Got" was filmed and edited. Tramp has this to say about the production.
"For Someone who was a big part of the MTV video generation of the 80's where videos became short movies, record companies spent big cash on production and the artist's motto was "we want it bigger and better than the other bands", I can't express how gratifying it is to be able to do my new video, spanning across two evenings and with just one other person involved, who in this case wears both the cameraman and director hat. Yes, it might be late in my career, but I finally feel that I recognize and identify with the person on the other side of the camera, I am finally me, and tha'ts what it's all about..."
The "Nomad" album will the released on the 28th of August world wide on Target Records and Tramp is afterwards heading on an extensive European tour with support/backing back LUCER.
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
28 Aug 2015 Ph Caféen,Copenhagen, Denmark (album releases how)
29 Aug 2015 Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, Sweden
30 Aug 2015 Debaser Strand,Stockholm, Sweden
05 Sep 2015 Rock Cafe St. Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
06 Sep 2015 De Boerderij Zoetermeer, Netherlands
07 Sep 2015 Bada Bing,Oostende, Belgium
09 Sep 2015 The Diamond Sutton in Ashfield, UK
10 Sep 2015 Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh, UK
11 Sep 2015 The Classic Grand,Glasgow, UK
12 Sep 2015 Diamond Rock Club,Ballymena, UK
13 Sep 2015 Roundy Bar Cork, Ireland Tickets
14 Sep 2015 The Workman's Club, Dublin, Ireland
16 Sep 2015 Marine Hotel Colwyn Bay, UK
17 Sep 2015 Iron Road,Evesham, UK
18 Sep 2015 Fat Lil’s Witney, UK
19 Sep 2015 The Cluny,Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
20 Sep 2015 Yardbirds,Grimsby, UK
22 Sep 2015 The Live Rooms, Chester, UK
23 Sep 2015 Robin 2, Bilston, UK
24 Sep 2015 Our Black Heart,London, UK
25 Sep 2015 The Railway Music Venue Bolton, UK
26 Sep 2015 Corporation, Sheffield, UK
30 Sep 2015 Pacific Rock Cergy, France
01 Oct 2015 Rockpalast, Bochum, Germany
02 Oct 2015 Paunchy Cats Club, Lichtenfels, Germany
03 Oct 2015 Night On Fire Festival Pfinztal, Germany
