Influential Rock Pioneer Drops from the Spotlight, Produces Celine Dion,
Returns 30 Years Later on His Own Terms with New Album 2.0 (October 19 / Megaforce), Featuring Re-recordings of His Biggest Hits
“I was like a ghost. I would always be there in the background, but I was never there in the foreground. I let the artists do that. And that was a plan.” - Aldo
A fit, handsome twentysomething in a leopard-print bodysuit exits a helicopter and is followed by armed guards toward some kind of warehouse. Entry is gained via a magical Gibson Les Paul, which, naturally, the young hero uses to fire laser beams at the door. Inside, he meets his band onstage and performs “Fantasy,” among the earliest staples on MTV, and one of the best and most perfect singles in rock history—a flawless balance of pop-metal craftsmanship, studio ingenuity and hard-earned musicianship, flaunting killer guitar leads and trailblazing synth parts.
“I don’t know what possessed me to wear a stripper’s leopard-print outfit,” Aldo Nova says today, chuckling. A remarkable record from start to finish, Also Nova can be understood in rock history as both an icon of its era and a profound but still unsung influence on things to come.
On October 19, the guitarist, vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter and producer will release his first new album release in over three decades. Titled 2.0 (Megaforce), it’s a collection of supercharged reinventions of six classic songs off his self-titled smash debut, plus one new original, “I’m a Survivor,” initially written for Foreigner singer Lou Gramm.
2.0 stands as a testament to the extraordinary integrity and continuing imagination of an uncompromising artist who would only make his comeback on his terms. “I thought, ‘I’m gonna become visible again when I have something to say, and when I have something that’s good enough that I can present it to my fans,’” Nova says. “Because that’s always been my priority.”
The idea for 2.0 was set in motion in late 2016. “When I turned 60, I told myself I was going to turn the page,” Nova says. “I realized I had to shut the book and write a completely new book.” He wanted to celebrate his debut’s 35th anniversary in some fashion, but rather than simply remaster and reissue the album, he thought to “bring the songs into the 22nd century.” He was sober, calm, confident, full of faith and in the best shape of his life. As it turned out, the angst, ego and hunger of his younger days were overrated.
A Montreal native, Nova was approached by a 15-year-old Celine Dion to producer her first album, and released Blood on the Bricks on Jon Bon Jovi’s Jambco label in 1991. It stood as the culmination of a long-running friendship and, as any knowledgeable rock fan might argue, a thank-you note of sorts: the rock superstar lifting up the personal hero whose sound provided the blueprint for his own hits.
Nova provided guitar, keys and background vocals for the demo of Bon Jovi’s first hit, “Runaway,” and ended up playing with an assemblage of session musicians throughout Bon Jovi’s 1984 self-titled debut. Nova’s imprint is also all over Jon Bon Jovi’s debut solo album, Blaze of Glory—especially the chart-topping title track, on which Nova’s writing and producing went uncredited but were absolutely essential.
Blood on the Bricks was released alongside “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and the landscape changed completely. “Nirvana was amazing,” he says. “Just the way Kurt Cobain could rip his own soul out when he sang.”
Over the next three decades, Nova’s journey would take him through great professional highs and painful personal lows, and eventually into self-discovery and spiritual contentment. He decided again to focus on his roles as a writer, producer and session musician, capitalizing on the goodwill he’d generated in the industry to put food on the table for his family.
During the ’90s and 2000s, in addition to tracks for popular foreign-language artists, Nova collaborated with Jon Bon Jovi, Faith Hill and Clay Aiken (he co-wrote his hit “This Is the Night”), and did hugely successful work with Celine Dion. In 1997, Nova won a Grammy for Dion’s blockbuster album Falling Into You—“It’s a paperweight,” he laughs; “what I do today is what counts”—and co-produced/co-wrote later Dion singles like the global smash “A New Day Has Come” and “You and I,” the latter chosen as Hillary Clinton’s campaign song in 2008.
Canadian music-industry bigwig Paola Simonetto became the love of Nova’s life, as well as his advocate and catalyst. Simonetto continues to inspire and support Nova, though not from this earthly plane. “During the time that I was working on 2.0, my wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” he explains. “I managed to finish the album right before she passed away on Christmas Day. I still was able to take care of every doctor’s appointment, every chemo treatment. I was cooking and cleaning and at night I worked on my album.
“She always had very good ears. She gave me a lot of pointers on what to do with the music and what not to do,” he continues. “She was a big part of why 2.0 sounds as good as it does.”
“With 2.0, my goal has already been achieved, as far as I’m concerned,” Nova says. “I wanted to beat the 1.0 to death. The second thing is to reintroduce my music to the old fans, and play to a new generation of fans who just developed an interest. I don’t think that young generation has heard music like this ever before. I’m on top of my game now. I’m ready for it.”
STEVE PERRY will release his brand new 10 track studio album 'Traces' on October 5 worldwide via Fantasy Records (a division of Concord Records/UMG)
I was fortunate enough to get a secure audio stream of the new Steve Perry album ‘Traces’, thanks to Universal. Below are my first impressions, written while listening to the album for the very first time. A full feature review will appear here in due course and in the upcoming issue of Fireworks Magazine.
01. No Erasin' 04:07
Writers: Steve Perry, David Spreng
I’m still enjoying the lead track and first single 'No Erasin'. Immediately memorable and how good is it to hear this voice again? So we've all heard the song...what's next is THE question!
02. We're Still Here 04:06
Writers: Steve Perry, Brian West
'We're Still Here' is the second track, written with Brian West. It's a ballad as expected. It is a very smooth, moody ballad with a more direct and unfiltered lead vocal. The chorus isn't big, but it's cool. Laid back and textured with modern production effects. Steve sounds great. Soul harmonies pop up here and there.
03. Most Of All 04:23
Writers: Steve Perry, Randy Goodrum
'Most Of All' is another very sparse, soft and smooth ballad, this time lead primarily by Steve's voice and a grand piano. The chorus lifts tempo slightly as does Steve's voice. I'm guessing this is going to take some time to get to know but will be a favorite. It is a very smooth track and not unlike Strange Medicine's slower moments, a nice guitar solo and plenty of soul.
04. No More Cryin' 04:29
Writers: Dan Wilson, Steve Perry
'No More Cryin' is another ballad, but at least all 3 so far have each had a different style. This one is more bluesy with a touch of Motown to it. The chorus lifts & has some modern styled guitar riffing. Co-written with Dan Wilson, this is going to be another highlight.
05. In The Rain 04:06
Writers: Steve Perry, David Spreng
'In The Rain' is written by Steve & David Spreng. It has starts off as another slow piano ballad, with a warm, soulful vocal and here comes some orchestration... It is very sparse...almost no percussion, just piano and vocal. Some great vocals here.
06. Sun Shines Gray 03:57
Writers: Steve Perry, John 5, Thom Flowers
'Sun Shines Grey' is co-written with John 5 and producer Thom Flowers. We've hit an uptempo one folks! The song reminds me a little of Journey's Trial By Fire sound: almost a Can't Tame The Lion vibe, but modernized. I could imagine Neal Schon playing on this. John 5 is delivers a cool solo and can be heard throughout, albeit in an understated role.
07. You Belong To Me 04:07
Writers: Steve Perry, Barry Eastmond
'You Belong To Me' is another slow, soft piano ballad with some more string orchestration in place and of course, an ultra-smooth and soulful vocal. There's some rasp in that voice and yes, it's aged, but still full of those classic Perry nuances.
08. Easy To Love 04:03
Writers: Steve Perry, Thom Flowers
'Easy To Love' is yes, another ballad...a little different this time. Percussion and some organ accompany another slow, steady vocal. The chorus jumps in tempo with some classic Perry soul harmonies. This is definitely another ballad with a familiar vibe.
09. I Need You 02:59
Writer: George Harrison
'I Need You' is a cover of the Beatles tune, a mere 2.59 in length, this ballad features the most familiar Perry vocal sound yet! Soft, slow, soulful...it’s the theme of the record.
10. We Fly 03:56
Writers: Steve Perry, Jeff Babko
Closing out the standard edition of this album 'We Fly' is...wait for it...wait for it...a ballad! The first minute features only Steve's vocal. Talk about putting yourself out there! An intense song that builds as it goes with atmospheric keyboards in the background. Should be another favorite in time.
Album Produced by: Steve Perry & Thom Flowers
Well folks, that's that! Obviously, one should not ever pass judgment on a record after just one listen, so stay tuned for my full, detailed review soon. Much more listening to do here.
Upfront I'll say that it sounds great but is a very slow paced record. Not unexpected I guess with the subject matter in mind and the time passed since we last heard from “the voice”.
All but 2 tracks are ballads and overall the tempo and the soulfulness of the songs clearly makes this a mood listening album. Perfect for when the situation calls for it, but not for all situations.
Thank You Steve Perry for coming back to share your voice with us fans.
RELEASE DATE: October 5th, 2018
TRACK LISTING:
1. No Erasin’
2. We’re Still Here
3. Most Of All
4. No More Cryin’
5. In The Rain
6. Sun Shines Gray
7. You Belong To Me
8. Easy To Love
9. I Need You
10. We Fly
11. October in New York (Deluxe edition only)
12. Angel Eyes (Deluxe edition only)
13. Call On Me (Deluxe edition only)
14. Could We Be Somethin’ Again (Deluxe edition only)
Founded in 1983 by guitarists Billy Rowe and Fernie Rod, Jetboy continues to crank out their brand of rock n' roll in the 21st century with the same passion that has existed from the beginning.
And rock ‘n roll is what you’ll get on their upcoming new album “Born To Fly”, which is set for release January 25, 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl.
On the song and video for the title track, vocalist Mickey Finns says, “‘Born to Fly’ is just about the feeling of being meant to do something great, and fighting and working to make it happen, never giving up, or giving in and sticking to your guns to do it on your own terms. Remember sometimes greatness comes in small accomplishments. If it feels great to you, then it is great!!”
This new album – put together by the band’s core of guitarists Billy Rowe, Fernie Rod and vocalist Mickey Finn, alongside former faster Pussycat bassist Eric Stacy and drummer Al Serrato – is the first fully-fledged set of new material from JETBOY since 1990. “The band wasn’t working on any new material when Frontiers approached us. Mickey and I had written one or two songs a few years back, but that’s about it. For myself, I’ve been very into writing music and got very into recording, so I had a good amount of complete musical songs that I always felt could end up as new JETBOY material, and some of it did. But, the majority of the songs on this album were written within a couple of months after we got the offer from Frontiers,” says guitarist Billy Rowe of the writing process for “Born To Fly”.
Rowe continues, “Writing and recording this album came so naturally, there was no struggle at all. We feel it happened at the right time and was meant to be. The spirit of the band has been at an all time high ever since we started this new album. We shared ideas via email and then demoed every song before entering the studio. Once we started tracking this album we all felt something special was going on.”
Best described as a blend of edgy rock and roll with a traditional blues based influence, their new album “Born To Fly” is the perfect vehicle to exploit the commanding style of the bands classic rock ‘n roll sound. “The musical inspiration for the “Born To Fly” album came from a life long list of influences from bands we all grew up on from the 1970’s. JETBOY has always approached it’s writing with a simple stripped down, no nonsense rock n roll structure, starting with a great riff and a catchy hook. This album flowed so organically, everything felt like it was meant to be. We’ve also all really grown as musicians, which really helped capture what we feel is some of our best work to date,” states Rowe.
Vocalist Mickey Finn says the “lyrics flowed amazingly fast, with most songs being written in one sitting. My feelings were to stay true to JETBOY'S roots and style, but to also incorporate where we are at today, pleasing old and new fans alike. My wife was the inspiration for "Every Time I Go" and my firstborn son inspired "The Way You Move Me". Our life struggles as a band and lifelong friends inspired tracks like "Beating The Odds" and "Born to Fly". "Inspiration from Desperation" covers our political climate in America these days, "Brokenhearted Daydream" reminds us that love is sometimes fickle and hearts get broken, but don't let it destroy your heart, we have to learn to move on and allow love to come into our lives again. So, all in all, lots of inspiring messages on the record, as well as some good old rock ‘n roll fun and "Party Time" lyrics make it a well rounded listen!
“Born To Fly” is a fine rock record by any measure, hinting back to the band’s ‘80s sound and 70’s influences, while adding 30 years more experience to the grooves. JETBOY is ready to fly again.
A Japanese release of @StevePerryMusic “Traces” has been announced for October 5. Initial listing states a “planned bonus track”, but no further details as yet. More info to follow. You can preorder via my personally recommended and trusted source:
Australian fifteen year old vocalist Cassidy Paris has been gaining worldwide attention with her catchy brand of pop rock and her new single Walking On Fire is a great follow up to her previous singles, ‘Talk About It’ and ‘Stand’.
Co-written by Paul Laine, the new single is available now via iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and all digital download and streaming.
Cassidy Paris was recently announced as the first artist to appear on a new Australian music television show called MUSIC LIFE tv where she will be performing her new single Walking On Fire. The show will air on free to air Australian tv in February 2019.
Power Quest are delighted to welcome guitarist George “The Kid” Karafotis into the band. Hailing from Thessaloniki, Greece, George also plays in the bands Vermillion Days (Greece) and Wild Willy’s Gang (Norway) and was previously a member of Raven Lord and Exorcism.
Power Quest keyboardist and founder member Steve Williams had this to say on the matter:
“It’s fantastic news to have George as part of the band. I’ve known him for a couple of years now and our drummer Rich has known him for 5 years since they played together in Raven Lord. George obviously brings a highly skilled level of guitar playing to the table but in addition to that he also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. On top of that he’s just a bloody nice bloke haha! I look forward to hitting the road and the studio with George in the months and years to come. Welcome aboard matey”
George recently travelled to Southampton, UK to meet the band and undertake his first photo shoot as a PQ member ahead of rehearsals and live shows coming later in the year.
George commented as follows:
“I can't even describe how happy and excited I am for this new era! It feels so amazing to be a part of this great group of smart, hard working and really talented musicians. I felt so welcome from the very first minute during the photo shoot that I wasn't even sure if I was a new member or if we had been playing together for a few years. I could feel the chemistry already. It was like the perfect balance of espresso and milk in a good hot cappuccino, hahaha!
When I first met Rich, he introduced me to Power Quest and I must say that I got stuck with the Blood Alliance album for many months, so when Steve contacted me about the guitarist's position some weeks ago, I felt that it was a straight "YES" before we even talked about the rest of the band's obligations.
I am really looking forward to hitting the road and the studio with my mates and deliver some high quality power metal to all of our friends/fans for many years to come! The Quest just started for me, see you all soon \m/"
For all the latest news, tour dates and more please check out the links below to discover more about the band.
He is one of the most recognisable and notorious frontmen of all time and DEE SNIDER ascended to hard rock royalty in the early 1980s as the lead singer for New York-based heavy rockers, the multi-platinum sellers TWISTED SISTER. The charismatic and outspoken SNIDER in 1985, alongside John Denver and Frank Zappa, testified against censorship in regard to the Tipper Gore led PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) -- SNIDER and company topped the charts in 1984 with the all-purpose us-against-the-world anthems We're Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock. DEE SNIDER and TWISTED SISTER changed the face of MTV and the rock and metal world forever. Apart from those two monster singles, TWISTED SISTER also released all time classic tracks like Stay Hungry, The Kids Are Back, You Can’t Stop Rock And Roll, The Price, Under The Blade and more! After the 1987 dissolution of the group, he embarked on a series of solo and group projects such as WIDOWMAKER and DESPERADO.
But there is more to SNIDER than just his musical prowess and presence. He has starred in several reality TV shows including The Celebrity Apprentice,Gone Country with John Rich, MTV’s Rock The Cradle with his son Jesse and Growing Up Twisted, an A&E series featuring the entire SNIDER family and their Long Island lifestyle. He was also a frequent host on MTV Networks and his own long running nationally syndicated radio show House Of Hair is heard on more than 200 stations in North America. His career as a voiceover artist has resulted in Dee being heard in many radio and TV commercials, documentaries and a year-long stint as the introductory voice on MSNBC. His autobiography Shut Up And Give Me The Mic was a huge success as was his Podcast Snider Comments. He also had a starring role on Broadway in the hit musical Rock Of Ages, there isn’t much Dee can’t do. SNIDER has also just recently unleashed his critically acclaimed new album ‘For The Love Of Metal’
Now the legend himself Mr. DEE SNIDER is headed to Australia for a unique set of shows in Sydney and Melbourne! Now the legend himself Mr. DEE SNIDER is headed to Australia for a unique set of shows in Sydney and Melbourne!
Each city will be treated to one SPOKEN night and one SHOUTED!SPOKEN nights: these will see Dee being interviewed on stage and telling stories about his life, career and a real in depth look at the man himself, then an audience question and answer forum. This will be a very intimate, once in a lifetime opportunity. Plus on these nights there will be a special VIP meet and greet opportunity available, which includes entry to the SPOKEN night, front and second row seats and the first 20 buyers get to ask Dee a question over the mic from the audience, and meet Dee after the event for a photo and 2 items signed.
The SHOUTED nights: These shows will see Dee hit the stage backed by his full band and slam out a killer set list top heavy with classic TWISTED SISTER Material.
Don’t miss the chance to witness a true rock legend the frontman of TWISTED SISTER, DEE SNIDER on stage in two very different environments and two that he absolutely thrives in. If you are a true SMF, you won't be Dee-sappointed!!!
DEE SNIDER JANUARY 2019 TOUR DATES:
Thursday, 31st January - Sydney - Manning - SPOKEN
Friday, 1st February - Sydney - Manning - SHOUTED!
Saturday, 2nd February - Melbourne - Croxton - SHOUTED!
Sunday, 3rd February - Melbourne - Croxton - SPOKEN
TICKETS ON SALE: Thursday, 23rd August, at 10:00am EST.
HANK ERIX, the frontman of the Swedish AOR band HOUSTON, has released a new single and music video for 'Fortune Hunter', the track is taken of his first solo album ‘Nothing But Trouble‘, to be out on October 5th, 2018 via Livewire/Cargo Records UK.
No less than 7, yes...seven, new titles out via Frontiers Records December 7:
Devil's Touch is an excellent new project featuring the amazing talents of two outstanding musicians: famed producer/guitarist/songwriter Mike Slamer and the equally amazing singer Andrew Freeman of Last In Line.
Mike Slamer has been the guy behind some of the most amazing melodic hard rock releases of the past 20 years. The list includes, but is not limited to, Steelhouse Lane, Seventh Key, Slamer, and Terry Brock, and we can't forget his work in the 80's with Streets (featuring Kansas singer Steve Walsh) and the 70's with City Boy. The quality of his songwriting and production work is unsurpassed in the business and the records he produced and was involved in stand the test of time!
A true musician's musician. Andrew Freeman is one of the most gifted singers of the current hard rock scene. With his performance on the Last In Line debut album he turned heads not only with his vocal performance, but specifically because he put his own stamp on a band that was incorrectly thought to be 'just another Dio tribute act'.
1. Drive
2. It
3. One Voice
4. Mind Melt
5. Running
6. Deeper
7. Let Me Know
8. Hit Me Once, Hit Ya Twice
9. Price We Pay
10. Out Of Here
11. Oh Fathers
As part of the Graham Bonnet Band's 2017 'The Book' tour in Japan, a three night special engagement and reunion of Alcatrazz was presented much to the delight of the Japanese hard rock faithful. Founding Alcatrazz members, Graham Bonnet (vocals), Jimmy Waldo (keyboards) and Gary Shea (bass), reunited after 33 years for a unique series of shows in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo, Japan in March 2017. For the special occasion, the band was rounded out by Mark Benquechea (drums) and Conrado Pesinato (guitars), both from the Graham Bonnet Band. In addition to this unique farewell performance caputred on audio and video, Alcatrazz raided the archives and added some unreleased bonus tracks taken from the original sessions recorded in 1985, including one song, 'Emotion' with a young Steve Vai on guitar. Alcatrazz was formed in 1983 by former Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group vocalist Graham Bonnet along with Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea and made three studio albums in the 1980s. The band's debut album included a young Swedish guitarist, Yngwie Malmsteen and their second album, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. Alcatrazz split up in 1987 after the release of their third abum, 'Dangerous Games'.
CD 1:
1. Night Of The Shooting Star
2. Ohayo Tokyo
3. Too Young To Die...Too Drunk To Live
4. Suffer Me
5. God Blessed Video
6. Will You Be Home Tonight
7. Jet To Jet
8. Witchwood
9. Skyfire
10. Hiroshima Mon Amour
11. Island In The Sun
CD 2:
Studio Demos
1. Emotion
2. No Imagination
3. Losing You Is Winning
4. Please Call Me
5. Blue Boar
6. Ohayo Tokyo
7. Set Me Free (Rehearsal)
8. Rider (Rehearsal)
DVD:
1. Night Of The Shooting Star
2. Ohayo Tokyo
3. Too Young To Die...Too Drunk To Live
4. Suffer Me
5. God Blessed Video
6. Will You Be Home Tonight
7. Jet To Jet
8. Witchwood
9. Skyfire
10. Hiroshima Mon Amour
11. Island In The Sun
12. Hiroshima Mon Amour (Soundcheck)
A live album and long-form video of Steelheart's live performance at Frontiers Rock Festival IV in Milan, Italy on April 29, 2017. The band stormed the stage ahead of the forthcoming release of their comeback album, 'Through Worlds of Stardust', which is represented with the inclusion of 'My Dirty Girl', while the rest of the setlist includes Steelheart classics! With tracks culled from the self-titled debut album and from the 'Rockstar' movie soundtrack, singer Miljenko Matijevic was in fine form and delivered an amazing performance to the wowed crowd! The show is also a fitting tribute to the loving memory of Steelheart guitarist Kenny Kanowski, who passed away just a couple of months after this last performance with the band.
