Escape Music would like to confirm that David Reece (Bangalore Choir / Accept) now is the lead vocalist for Gypsy Rose.

Kraftwerk are expected to release their back catalogue in a special box set called 'The Catalogue'.

The Cure are to headline the American Download Festival, which takes place at Shoreline Amphitheatre on October 6 2007. Kings of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Modest Mouse, Incubus and The Shins will be joining the Cure with many more to be confirmed.

PRESTO BALLET, who feature METAL CHURCH's Kurt Vanderhoof, have started work on their second album for release via Inside Out later this year.

NUNO BETTENCOURT (ex-EXTREME now in SATELLITE PARTY) has been writing recently with former JOURNEY vocalist STEVE PERRY.

THE CULT have signed with Roadrunner Records and release their new album on Sep 25th.

Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin's new album, "Miami", is now available for purchase via iTunes. No CDs will be made available in stores.

Ann Wilson's first ever solo record, Hope and Glory will be released on September 11, 2007 via Rounder (Zoe) Records.
Track Listing: Goodbye Blue Sky, Where to now St. Peter, Jackson, We Gotta Get Out of This Place, Immigrant Song, Darkness Darkness, Bad Moon Rising, War of Man, Get Together, Isolation, A Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall, Little Problems Little Lies.
Guests include: Elton John, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson, k d Lang, Alison Krauss, Shawn Colivin, Rufus Wainwright and Nancy Wilson.

Norwegian progressive metal band Circus Maximus issued the following update: "It's been a while, but for the last 9 months we have been preparing a new album for you and now it is finally done!!
The name of the album is Isolate and has this dark approach to it, although we have of course still kept the melodic touch that Circus Maximus is all about. The album ended up being a concept-album although that was never the intention, but as the songs and the lyrics went along the story just added itself.
To make it short ... The story is about how much you can loose until you go completely mad, and how much have lost when insanity finally embraces you. It's really up to the listener (and reader...) to interpret the story themselves, because it can be understood in different ways and we don't want to spoil the surprise..."
There's one instrumental among the 9 songs, 1 real epic tune clocking in at almost 13 minutes as well as another 9 minute tune.
Final tracklisting is: 01. A Darkened Mind, 02. Abyss, 03. Wither (also included in the forthcoming Frontiers Records sampler CD Rock The Bones Vol. 5), 04. Sane No More, 05. Arrival Of Love, 06. Zero, 07. Mouth Of Madness, 08. From Childhood's Hour, 09. Ultimate Sacrifice.
The release date is settled in Europe on August 31 on Frontiers Records. In the meanwhile the band has announced the following Festival gigs:
2007/06/06-09 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
2007/07/12-15 - Kvinesdal, Norway - Kvinesdal Rock Festival
2007/08/24-25 - Botngård, Norway - Fosen Rock Festival
2007/08/17-18 - Notodden, Norway - MetalHeart Festival
2007/10/05-07 - Baarlo, Holland - ProgPower Europe Festival
2007/11/09 - Copenhagen, Denmark - ProgPower Scandinavia Festival
2008/03/28-29 - Bristol, UK - ProgPower UK Festival
Circus Maximus released its critically acclaimed debut album, The First Chapter, in 2005 via Frontiers Records.

DEEP PURPLE
Jul. 12 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater
Jul. 13 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House Of Blues
Jul. 14 - Pompano Beach, FL - Pompano Beach Amphitheater
Jul. 15 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jul. 18 - South Bend, IN - Morris Performing Arts Center
Jul. 19 - Cadott, WI - Rock Fest
Jul. 21 - Farwell, MI - Mountain Rock Music Festival
Jul. 22 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
Jul. 23 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
Jul. 24 - Saint Louis, MO - The Pageant
Jul. 26 - London, ON - Rock The Park
Jul. 27 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theater
Jul. 28 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
Jul. 31 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
Aug. 02 - Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theater
Aug. 04 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues
Aug. 07 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
Aug. 09 - Bethlehem, PA - Musikfest

The line up for the 2007 Glastonbury Festival has been leaked over a week before the official announcement. As expected, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Who will headline the sold-out event and the line up for the two main stages is below:
Friday June 22
Pyramid Stage
Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, The Fratellis, Bloc Party, The Magic Numbers, Amy Winehouse, Gogol Bordello, The Earlies, Adjagas

Second Stage
Bjork, Arcade Fire, Mr Hudson and the Library, Super Furry Animals, The Automatic, The Coral, The Cribs

Saturday June 23
Pyramid Stage
The Killers, The Kooks, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Lily Allen, The Good The Bad And The Queen, Guillemots, The Pipettes, Seasick Steve, Liz Green

Second Stage
Iggy & the Stooges, Editors, Brakes, Klaxons, Maximo Park, The Enemy, The Long Blondes

Sunday June 24
Pyramid Stage
The Who, Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers, Shirley Bassey, James Morrison, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, The Waterboys

Second Stage
Chemical Brothers, Babyshambles, The Rakes, The Sunshine Underground, The View

Reviews

Blasdead “Ground Flare” Majestic Rock Records (Cat No MAJCD094)

Tokyo based Blasdead are part of a growing scene in Japan, similar to what happened in the UK in the early ‘80’s, there are a growing number of home bred heavy metal bands emerging. “Ground Flare” contains 10 tracks- the guitars and drums are reminiscent of early Metallica or Megadeth, mixed with Dio like vocals. The highlights include “We Go The Way”, “Behind The Mask” and “Envy”.

Tracks to Burn? “We Go The Way”, “Behind The Mask” and “Envy”.
Why Buy? Fans of early Metallica and the like will love this CD.

Nikk Gunns. 2 out of 5

Chris Poland “Return To Metalopolis- Live” Lion Music (Cat No LMC206).

Former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland originally released “Return To Metalopolis” shortly after leaving the band, in 1987, and the album has been re-issued a number of times over the years. This live CD was recorded in 1991 on the short-lived tour in support of the album. What we get here is 6 live tracks, all of which are instrumentals- except a cover of Megadeth’s “Wake Up Dead”, all of which highlight Poland’s dexterity and abilities as a guitarist.
In addition to the live tracks, there are also 2 studio tracks on the CD. The first, “Pandora” is a more melodic number, which is an unreleased studio demo from the early ‘90’s. The second, “Tin Man”, is again more melodic than the live material and has an almost jazzy feel to it, at times- this track is a B-Side from Chris’s first OHM album in 2003. Finally, there is an enhanced video which features OHM playing the “Metalopolis” track “Alexandria”, live in 2003.

Tracks to Burn? “Return To Metalopolis”, “Nightmare Hall” and “Wake Up Dead”.
Why Buy? Fans of Poland’s work since, and with, Megadeth will no doubt enjoy this disc, the bonus tracks add to the value.

Nikk Gunns. 2 out of 5

Middle Age “Different View”

Swedish band Middle Age, recorded the 9 track “Different View” album is just 3 days. What they have produced is modern sounding, heavy- yet melodic, rock that could sit easily along side bands such as Linkin Park and POD.
However, their real strength on this CD lies in the slower numbers like “Fire” and “Someone To Reach For”- two tracks that could see the band on to a major label. Other highlights include “Different View” and “Afraid”. Certainly a band to keep an eye on.

Tracks to Burn? “Fire”, “Someone To Reach For”, “Different View” and “Afraid”.
Why Buy? See for yourself at www.myspace.com/middleage

Nikk Gunns. 3 out of 5.

Razor Ball “Razor Ball” Mascot Records (Cat No M72122)

Featuring Bowie guitarist Reeves Gabrels and former Slash’s Snakepit singer Rod Jackson, Razor Ball have released an album that, at times, reminds me of The Black Crowes (“Sure Won’t Hurt You”, “2 Busy Livin”, “End Of The Line”) and at other times the Red Hot Chili Peppers (“Where Your Lucky”, “All Waiting 4U”). Jackson’s powerful and bluesy vocals work well for this band, particularly on the rockier numbers, such as “Decadence” and “”What Do U Want From U”. One thing that does detract from the quality of the song writing, however, is the tendency to over play the guitar at times, and I can imagine that this could be an issue if the band tour the album.

Tracks to Burn? “Sure Won’t Hurt You”, “Dirt To Dust”, “Decadence” and “”What Do U Want From U”
Why Buy? A good album, guaranteed to get your feet moving.

Nikk Gunns. 3 out of 5

Nearly twenty years after the creation of the band, and over a decade since the music was last available to fans, the music of The Traveling Wilburys will be reissued on June 12, 2007, in the U.S. and June 11, 2007, worldwide. The previously released albums Traveling Wilburys Volume 1 and Traveling Wilburys Volume 3 feature inarguably some of music's greatest singer- songwriters -- George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan -- as the iconic band The Traveling Wilburys. Both CDs will be combined into one release, The Traveling Wilburys Collection, and will feature bonus tracks of rare and newly mixed previously unreleased music along with a bonus DVD featuring a 24-minute documentary showing unseen footage of the Wilburys and their five video clips.

E-Card

Listening Party

Traveling Wilburys Official Myspace Page

Track Listing:
Disc One
TRAVELING WILBURYS VOL. 1
1. Handle With Care
2. Dirty World
3. Rattled
4. Last Night
5. Not Alone Any More
6. Congratulations
7. Heading For The Light
8. Margarita
9. Tweeter And The Monkey Man
10. End Of The Line
Bonus Tracks:
11. Maxine*
12. Like A Ship*

Disc Two
DVD - The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys
Music Videos:
1. Handle With Care
2. End Of The Line
3. Inside Out
4. She's My Baby
5. Wilbury Twist

Disc Three
TRAVELING WILBURYS VOL. 3
1. She's My Baby
2. Inside Out
3. If You Belonged To Me
4. The Devil's Been Busy
5. 7 Deadly Sins
6. Poor House
7. Where Were You Last Night?
8. Cool Dry Place
9. New Blue Moon
10. You Took My Breath Away
11. Wilbury Twist
Bonus Tracks:
12. Runaway (B-side to "She's My Baby" UK CD and 12.)
13. Nobody's Child (previously released on Nobody's Child: Romanian
Angel Appeal)

Epica are to release new album 'The Divine Conspiracy' through Nuclear Blast on September 10.

Klaus Meine mentions in this interview that this might be the last Scorpions album – www.scorpions.gr/root/goldinter.mp3

NIGHTWISH has been forced to re-schedule the announcement of their new singer. It'll now happen tomorrow, Thursday the 24th of May, at 4:00 CET on the band's website:
www.nightwish.com

NIKKI SIXX has finished the recordings of the 13 tunes to be featured on "Heroin Diaries" soundtrack. The new band has been named SIXX: A.M.

INTENSE has released their album "As Our Army Grows". The Video for "Fear Is Not Enough" has been uploaded to YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oEYsxh_h1U
The band's first show of 2007 is in Germany, at the Headbanger’s Open Air
www.intense-uk.com
www.myspace.com/intense

Linkin Park have entered the American albums charts at number one with their latest long player Minutes To Midnight, which entered the UK charts at number one last week. The album has sold 623,000 copies making it the year's biggest selling album.

Jimmy Eat World are to enter the studio on May 20 to start mixing their sixth studio album. The follow up to 2005's Futures is expected sometime in September.

Oasis are planning to release a DVD of there 2005 Don't Believe The Truth world tour. Full details are to be confirmed but the bands official site are asking fans to send in personal photos and video footage of the bands Manchester City Stadium shows in July 2005.

PRESS RELEASES

VOIVOD drummer Michel “Away” Langevin has issued an update on the band’s current activities: "Hello there, Here's what's up: The video for Polaroids is finished. It was done with Banger Productions and Ottoblix and contains some of my animation work. I started working on the video for The X-Stream, also in collaboration with Banger Productions and Ottoblix. We will be recording the follow-up to Katorz in the fall 2007. I'm almost finished with the Roar re-issue on Sanctuary. It will include a bonus DVD pulled from the Iron Gang archives of the era. Expect a fall release. Troubleman Unlimited are done with the layout of my art book. The book will contain 325 Voivod related drawings and covers the years 1976-2006. No release date yet but it's getting close! Check out our new belt-buckles, soon on Bandmerch.com. My project Les Ékorchés is out on Indica/Outside. Produced by Glen Robinson. Info: lesekorches.com and myspace.com/lesekorches
My other project Kosmos will come out this year on The End. Info: myspace.com/kosmostheband
Snake's project Paranoland is on the way. Also produced by Glen Robinson. Info: myspace.com/paranoland
Also in the works: The Outer Limits and Angel Rat re-issues on The End. Killing Technology and Dimension Hatross re-issues with bonus Iron Gang DVDs on Sanctuary. DVOD 2 and DVOD 3 are coming along too. That's about it I guess. I'm very sorry about the delays, all of this is a lot of work! Peace, Away" The band released the critically-acclaimed Katorz last summer on THE END RECORDS. The album was recently released as a limited edition vinyl pressing available exclusively through THE END RECORDS’ mail-order. The beautiful gatefold 180gm vinyl comes in color format and also includes special artwork and packaging designed by VOIVOD artist/drummer Michel “Away” Langevin. The album was done with full cooperation from the band. The release is limited to 1,000 copies: 400 clear vinyl, 400 red vinyl and 200 black vinyl For more information, go here: http://www.theomegaorder.com/s.nl/it.A/id.14168/.f?sc=2&category=2

GIG NEWS

THE TRACIE HUNTER BAND
Jun 29th Camden Bar Monsta
July 25th Islington Lark In The Park

REVIEWS

KILLING FOR COMPANY ‘Enemies’ (CDS 2007)

The charmingly named Killing For Company (they got their name from a book about the serial killer Dennis Nilsen) have this download only song out now. There is a name in the band though in former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable plus Steve Williams, ex-Sheer Shock Revival. Stereophonics this isn’t as it is a big, anthem headed by the shouty vocals of Greg Jones and underpinned by a damn fine rhythm section.

***1/2
Jason Ritchie

H.I.M. ‘Uneasy Listening Vol.2’ Universal (2007) www.universalrepublicrecords.com

Second volume of live and alternate versions that is really for fans only, as those new to the band would be better off getting the ‘And Love Said No’ greatest hits collection (which is re-released and re-mastered along with this CD and includes two unreleased songs). Frankly some of these tracks are cack like ‘Rendezvous With Anus’ and ‘Again’. On the other hand the live version of the Chris Isaak cover ‘Wicked Game’ is great stuff – wonderful vocals - and ‘Endless Dark’ is the hook filled goth metal H.I.M. do so well.
If you’re a fan buy this otherwise spend your money on the band’s studio albums.

***
Jason Ritchie

Saga “World’s Apart Revisited”, 2 DVD. InsideOut/SPV

Recent DVD releases have been like buses- you wait ages for a great value, treat for the fans package to come along and then all of a sudden there are a few. Whilst most bands are sticking out live DVDs with little or no bonus material, Canadian melodic/prog band Saga have released a real smorgasbord of a package.
Disc one contains a full gig, recorded in Switzerland in 2005, a show where they performed a one off rendition of their classic “World’s Apart” album in it’s entirety, in between classic tracks and rarely played tracks.
Throughout the show the band are fresh, energetic and clearly having fun.
Disc 2, however, is the real treat. We get interviews with the band, sharing tales from the road on their “World’s Apart” tour of the early 80’s. We also get 5 tracks from that tour, live from England in 1981- plus photo gallery from the recording of the “World’s Apart” album and a documentary including interviews and live footage from 1981/82.
This is a great release for fans of the band and is also available as a 2DVD& 2Cd set.

Nikk Gunns

Poison “Poison’d!” Capitol/EMI

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t apprehensive about hearing this 13 track covers album from Poison. One of the biggest selling bands of their genre, the band have sold over 25 million albums in a 20 year career- and believe it or not they are still selling out the big venues with their annual US tours.
Produced mostly by legendary producer Don Was, 4 tracks have been previously released by the band, this CD was a revelation. On it we have tracks originally recorded by The Rolling Stones (“Dead Flowers”), Bowie (“Suffragette City”), Tom Petty (“I Need To Know”) and The Cars (“Just What I Needed”)- and the band has succeeded in making the tracks their own, with every song sounding less like the original artist and more like Poison did them all along. I have to be honest and say that the older, previously released, tracks such as Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Nite” and Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance”- itself a massive hit for Poison, do sound a little dated and would have benefited from a new recording. However, this does not detract from the fact that the band have pulled off what others have tried before- and failed, to do- they have released a credible covers album, that released with this summers tour, should do well for them.

Tracks to Burn? “Just What I Needed”, “Mama’s Got A Squeezebox”, “I Need To Know” & “Dead Flowers”.
Why Buy? Long standing fans of the band and fans of party band style rock will love this CD.

Nikk Gunns 4 out of 5

MASS ‘Crack Of Dawn’ Escape Music (2007) www.escape-music.com

Blimey here’s a blast from the past! US hard rock band who released a couple of good albums back in the 80’s. Amazingly they have been carrying on since although mainly touring and releasing albums in their native US. This is a damn fine hard rock album, that has a big dose of the classic 80’s hard rock sound plus some neat modern touches. I defy any rock fan not to love ‘It’s You’ – a great riff, big chorus and emotive vocals from Louis D’Augusta. Doesn’t get much better than this! The title track is pure 80’s hard rock, similar to say Dokken or Sugarcreek. Ballads? Try ‘Someday’ that builds nicely to an epic chorus and the vocals/guitars are nice and clean in the mix. ‘Leaving You’ starts off acoustically before kicking in big time by the song’s end. ‘Who Am I’ shows the band can bring their songs up to date being a very modern rocker in the style of Hinder or Buckcherry. A couple of songs sound a tad to generic like ‘Empty Soul’ and ‘Money Brain’ but overall this is a damn fine album. Crank it up! One for hard rockers everywhere.

****
Jason Ritchie

LILLIAN AXE will now release their new album on 17th July.

The Kinks are to have the whole of their Pye back catalogue made available digitally from May 28 in the UK and Europe. This includes classics such as 'You Really Got Me', 'Tired Of Waiting For You', 'Sunny Afternoon', 'Waterloo Sunset' 'Days' 'Apeman' and 'Lola'.

The Smashing Pumpkins have a new line-up. Joining original members Billy Corgan (vocals/guitar) and Jimmy Chamberlin (drums) are guitarist Jeff Shroeder, bassist Ginger Reyes and keyborad player Lisa Harrington.

DEBBIE HARRY has announced that she will release a new solo album, 'Necessary Evil', on August 7th.

Former Blind Faith band-mates Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood have played together again for the first time in decades. Clapton made a guest appearance during Winwood’s set at the Countryside Rocks festival at Highclere Castle in Berkshire, performing Presence Of The Lord and Can’t Find My Way Home from Blind Faith’s 1969 self-titled debut.

Rose Tattoo have parted company with bassist Steve King.

PRESS RELEASES

Press Release / It is with great pleasure that we announce that Toby Jepson, ex-lead singer of the chart topping British rock band Little Angels and current solo artist has been invited to join the ranks as lead vocalist of the 2007 version of Fastway.
Fastway was the brainchild of ex-Motorhead Guitar legend 'Fast' Eddie Clarke who achieved huge success in the mid eighties releasing 3 albums to popular acclaim both in Europe and the US. Having had a rest from the business, Eddie has re-surfaced with fresh intent, a new line up featuring bass player John McManus (ex-Mamas Boys) and drummer Steve Strange, and a series of open air festival dates (listed below).
This invitation has come as a surprise to Toby and I'm sure to all of you, but never the less Toby has accepted the challenge and had the following to say about the situation "I'm very excited to be asked to do this, I owned a copy of the first Fastway record and have a lot of respect for Eddie, it is a great opportunity and one I simply couldn't turn down…it will see me as part of a great band treading the stages of Europe's biggest festival this year and who know what else in the future..."
When pushed about how it will affect Tobes solo career he said "not at all is the answer! I have had detailed discussions with the management of the Fastway camp and have let them know that I have a solo career in development that I have commitment to and will continue to pursue. I see this project with Fastway as a great second string, it allows me to work with other musicians on material that isn't mine and so stretches me as a vocalist and allows me to simply concentrate on the singing...it looks like it will be a lot of fun and I intend to enjoy it...we have already had a couple of rehearsals and it sounded great, Eddie is on top form so I think the shows will be very cool, however, the Chepstow show and the September tour is still of the highest priority for me and I cant wait to get back in the studio in July to record the next EP so all is as it should be."
The events are as followed:
Sweden Rocks 9th June
Download Tuborg Stage 10th June
Fields of Rock Holland 16th June
Grass pop Belgium 22nd June
Wakken Open Air Germany 3rd August
www.tobyjepson.com


Hi everyone,

Most people familiar with me know that I'm never usually stuck for words, whether written or spoken, many think I talk too much and others listen and then ignore everything I've just said (those in that category have stopped reading already, haha). It's strange then that I'm struggling to write about the position I find myself in at the minute, mostly because recent decisions have been exceptionally hard to make, but also because I know many will wonder if those I've made are the right ones. OK, I may as well tell you what I'm talking about to keep you from dozing off and the crux of the matter is that after six months as Fastway singer it has been mutually agreed by both the band and myself that I should relinquish that position. I'm devastated at not being able to join the guys on the summer festival tour and I was genuinely excited about the prospect of playing with the legendary 'Fast' Eddie Clarke at Sweden Rock and Donington amongst many other huge shows, but for the good of both myself and Fastway it was decided in an amicable fashion that the logistics involved in having a singer based in Ireland and all three other band members in London made things too difficult to co-ordinate and I wasn't in a position to fix the problem by, as suggested, moving to London.

The Fastway shows over the summer, although fantastic opportunities for a lad from East Belfast, were low-key in the great scheme of festivals and the appearance fees didn't justify the huge amounts it would take to accommodate my travelling expenses for rehearsals and shows. This would also have greatly affected future arrangements as Fastway was generating enough attention to alert promoters to the new line-up and it was inevitable that the festival shows would lead to greater things, including lengthy tours. This would have affected a very important part of my life and the main reason the decision was made to bow out at this point because I just couldn't walk away from my responsibilities with my comrades in 'Stormzone'. That's why I mentioned at the beginning that there were those who questioned my sanity, including some of those in my band, but we've worked long and hard in putting Stormzone together and having just released our debut album and (during the Fastway schedule) done some fantastic shows in promotion of the CD I just couldn't throw away what we've built over the past couple of years, especially as it's a vehicle through which I can honestly express myself in my own style with my own band and not be simply looked on as a replacement singer in an already established act.

The guys in Fastway have been fantastic and understanding about all this and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity they gave me in reaching a wider audience as their singer. Eddie Clarke, John McManus and Steve Strange are all superb musicians and friends and were capable at the beginning of the Fastway reunion of recruiting a vocalist of their stature and standing in the world of rock but chose to give me a shot. Things were working out very well and Fastway sounded great, and maybe if the band hadn't have looked as if it had the potential to be big again events wouldn't have led to this decision of mine being so damn hard, but it's been made and I have to live with it. I have so many commitments which were made at the start of the year with Stormzone that I just couldn't allow success with Fastway to put me in a position of disappointing my own band and those to whom promises had been made to perform later on in the year after the Fastway summer shows were supposed to have finished. The record deal we made with Escape Music also had to be considered as it was for 3 albums and it would have been very difficult meeting the schedule required to record and release our second album this year. It also wouldn't have been feasible for me to move over to London and then put Stormzone in the position I was in travelling for rehearsals and gigs etc.

For those who feel I've missed out on a great life-changing opportunity, yes, it would have been brilliant performing this summer in front of thousands of people, but it's actually more important to me to ensure I'm playing for people as promised with Stormzone as well, and bearing in mind we're performing at this years Firefest in Nottingham (with plans to do some small shows in the USA shortly after that) I comfort myself in the knowledge that I get to play in front of a huge audience at Firefest living and dying with our own songs and performance, and although I realise that even this time next year Stormzone may not be playing every European festival, I'd still like to think we'll have progressed enough to be invited to some of them and therefore this opportunity is only a delayed one rather than a missed one!

For those who feel I've maybe let Fastway down, mmmm, maybe to a certain extent, but my decision was based on a number of factors, most of which have been covered above and it was (very amicably) agreed by everyone involved that this was the best outcome if I felt the way I did and they've certainly got time to get an established singer able to front Fastway in time for Sweden and certainly beyond. I had to be loyal to those I felt strongest about, and that loyalty lay totally with my family, band and friends and each of those elements equates to the other as my family are also friends and band treated as family. My love for them all made the hardest decision in my life more straightforward than it might have otherwise been.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully you'll understand the whirlwind of emotions I'm going through at the minute, but just think, now I've double (or treble) the time to devote to Stormzone. Oh dear I hear the other guys in the band saying, that's going to make him double (or treble) the complete pain in the ass he already is, haha! Did I say at the start of this I was stuck for words? Dear God I wouldn't like to see me in full voice then! Take care everyone and stay tuned for updates,

Kindest regards,
Harv

GIG NEWS

SAXON
Jun. 02 - SWI Winterthur Spirit Of Rock Festival
Jun. 29 - GER Dischingen Rock am Härtsfeldsee
Aug. 02 - GER Wacken Wacken Open Air
Aug. 11 - GER Balve Rock am Schloß
Sep. 14 - GER Nürnberg Löwensaal
Sep. 15 - F Strasbourg La Laiterie
Sep. 16 - AUT Hohenems Eventcenter
Sep. 18 - AUT Salzburg Rockhouse
Sep. 19 - CZ Praha Retro Music Hall
Sep. 20 - HUN Budapest Petofi Hall
Sep. 21 - SER Beograd SKC
Sep. 22 - CRO Zagreb Boogaloo Club

FIREWIND + KAMELOT
Oct. 10 – Tokyo, JPN - Shibuya O-East
Oct. 11 - Osaka, JPN - Shinsaibashi Club Quattro
Oct. 12 - Nagoya, JPN - Bottom Line
Oct. 14 - Yokohama, JPN - Yokohama Blitz

PINK CREAM 69
Jul. 19 - Saarbrücken, GER - Garage
Jul. 20 - Karlsruhe, GER - Das Fest
Jul. 21 - Aalen, GER - Greuthalle (Angeldays Festival)
Jul. 27 - Seebronn, GER - Rock of Ages Festival
with FREEDOM CALL and MAD MAX
Oct. 03 - Bochum, GER - Zeche
Oct. 04 - Memmingen. GER - Kaminwerk
Oct. 05 - Aschaffenburg, GER - Colos-Saal
Oct. 06 - Winterthur, Switzerland - Gaswerk
Oct. 07 - Nürnberg, GER - Hirsch
Oct. 08 - Fulda, GER - Kreuz

House of Progression Gigs 2007
Fri 25th May, JUMP +Whimwis
Sat16th June, Strangefish +Tim Burness
Sat 7th July, Tinyfish +Bard+Tree,
Sat 4th August, Darwins Radio+Mother Black Cap
Sat Sept 1st, Solstice +Also Eden,
Sat Oct 20th, Glass(USA)+Sphere3+The Resonance Association,
Sat Nov 3rd, Credo + Dead Heroes Club,
The House of Progression Christmas Party.
Sat Dec 1st, JADIS + Jo McCafferty (TBC)
More shows to be confirmed.

THE PEEL LIVE MUSIC VENUE: 160 CAMBRIDGE
RD, KINGSTON, SW LONDON.
TEL:020 8546 3516. www.myspace.com/houseofprogression www.myspace.com/thepeel www.peelmuzik.com
BUS: 131,213,281,85,65,N77-TRAIN:KINGSTON / NORBITON
(35 MINS FROM WATERLOO STN) TUBE:WIMBLEDON
then 131 BUS OUTSIDE VENUE.

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE support MUSE at the latter’s Wembley gigs.

DURAN DURAN will play a special show just for members of their fanclub at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom on June 17th.

REVIEWS

ALLIANCE ‘Destination Known’ Escape Music (2007) www.escape-music.com

Another lavish digipack re-issue of the two albums released so far by Alliance (their third album is due out later this year). Alliance feature vocalist/bass player Robert Berry (ex-Three/Ambrosia), keyboards player Alan Gerald (ex-Night Ranger), guitarist Gary Pihl (Boston) and drummer David Lauser – all bar Berry have also appeared with Sammy Hagar.
The music is classy AOR/melodic rock with the odd touch of progressive rock. The debut album is full of great tunes including the ultra catchy ‘True Meaning Of Love’, ‘Rosie’s Catina’ and the AOR-tastic ‘Best Of Me’. Four bonus songs on this CD including a Stevie Wonder cover ‘Tell Me Something Good’ and ‘My My My’, which has a strong chorus.
Their second album was more of the same although it did have fewer killer songs than the debut. That said ‘I’d Give Anything’ with its harmonies and the Sammy Hagar penned ‘Do It For Free’ are well worth hearing. Four more bonus songs on this CD of which only ‘Change’ and ‘The Gift’ get the foot tapping.
If you like harmony filled AOR/melodic rock than Alliance are worthy of a listen and in Robert Berry they have a very competent and melodic vocalist.

****
Jason Ritchie

NEWS

Bernado has left NEXX and the band have suspended all their online activity eg MySpace for now as well.

Deep Purple will release a new live DVD Live At Montreux 2006 June 2 in the UK on Eagle Vision and June 8 in Germany on Edel and June 12 in North America.
The track listing is: DVD 1 (40th Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, July 2006): 1. Pictures Of Home, 2. Things I Never Said, 3. Strange Kind Of Woman, 4. Rapture Of The Deep, 5. Wrong Man, 6. The Well-Dressed Guitar, 7. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, 8. When A Blind Man Cries, 9. Lazy, 10. Keyboard Solo, 11. Space Truckin', 12. Highway Star, 13. Smoke On The Water, 14. Hush, 15. Too Much Fun, 16. Black Night.
DVD 2 (Rapture Of The Deep release party, Hard Rock Cafe, London, October 2005): 1. Fireball, 2. I Got Your Number, 3. Strange Kind Of Woman, 4. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, 5. Rapture Of The Deep, 6. Wrong Man, 7. Lazy, 8. Perfect Strangers, 9. Highway Star, 10. Smoke On The Water.

Former Creed frontman Scott Stapp has been arrested and charged with assault. This is allegedly after a domestic incident.

PRESS RELEASES

Dear Camel Fans,

At long last, our return to England is complete. As with most things, it has taken far longer than we had anticipated, but most things do it seems. It was more than worth the effort. We are both so happy to be back home.

This eBeast is more of a personal message. We would like to share some personal news with you:

Back in 1992, when Camel had well and truly returned to the forefront of their musical niche, Andrew began to display some unusual physical symptoms that necessitated a visit to the doctor. After some tests, he was diagnosed with a little-known blood disorder called Polycythaemia Vera (PV). It's rather like an upside-down leukaemia where there are too many red blood cells as opposed to too many white blood cells. For most, fortunately, PV is a slow-moving disorder and it hasn't had a tremendous impact on our daily lives. In fact, it has been quite cooperative. However, it is a progressive disorder, and has a very specific course that it runs if the patient responds well to treatment. Andrew has responded very well to all the treatments, at each stage, and seems to have been on a very 'normal' course. As time has passed, his health has gradually become less robust as it once was. Many of you know that he lost his voice on the past two tours, and a couple of shows had to be cancelled due to illness (Camel's only performance in Ireland). His immune system has to work harder than normal, and being exposed to such a demanding tour schedule with so many different environments, it has been taxed considerably. He has had to deal with more than his fair share of colds, chest and/or throat infections. Nothing terribly serious, but it's not conducive to intensive touring. Ultimately, we were forced to announce the Farewell Tour, though Andrew was already thinking about the 'Retirement Sucks' tour.

We have now come to the latter stage of PV, and a condition known as Myelofibrosis (MF) is taking its place. Once again, this isn't necessarily a fast-moving disorder. It can be for some, but Andrew is a strong-willed person and has virtually followed the medical text-book to date. I feel he will continue on this positive route. His physical symptoms have changed thought, and they're having a more direct effect on our lives than the PV symptoms. Fatigue is the most common symptom, and with the recent move, we have both been considerably more tired than usual, so it's not surprising. Andrew would be the first to tell you that he isn't exactly speedy when it comes to writing music that satisfies his heart. MF is having a direct effect on this, so he's slower than he has been in the past. But he's still thinking/writing/playing. The spirit is willing, the flesh is a little under the weather at times.

There are a couple of reasons we have elected to tell you about this. The first is, of course, that he hasn't been in the limelight of musical output of late. Rather than continue the roaring sound of silence, we wanted to let you all know why. The other reason is a bit more down to earth. You have all been much like an extended family to us, and we feel you should know. Your support, both emotional and financial, has accorded us a life of musical freedom, and we have said many times in the past that we are eternally grateful. We say it again.

That, in a nutshell, is how things are with us. We have thought that some of you may want to write to Andrew. Since he needs to conserve his energy to focus on musical pursuits and his general health, he won't be able to receive nor reply to emails. Instead, we have set up a special Guest Book where you can post words of encouragement. That way, Andrew can easily read them when he has the opportunity, and take strength from your words. Remember, just because there has been a medical diagnosis, life is not therefore cast in stone. The power of our determination is the only thing that can impress a stone.

We see this glass as more than half full, and not empty in any way. Presently, we are looking for a home to buy, where we can build a new studio and get on with the business we both love. It's easy to look at the darker side of life, but I was certainly never one to take the easy path. There are so many blessings in our lives that deserve far more acknowledgement, from the simple song of the blackbird, to the strong relationship we have shared for nearly 30 years now. One of the beautiful things about this stage of life is gaining the understanding that it's really all about the little details, things that happen in the unexpected swiftness of a breeze. They are moments that make up the true quality of our lives. Everything in life is only as significant as we make it. That is the wonder of choice, where we think we have none.

Our choice is to keep our eyes on the prize. We were given this life to live, not to stand idly by and watch what falls upon us. We are planning a new studio album and we are looking at the feasibility of some brief, mini-tours, as it were, as opposed to a 3 month odyssey of consecutive rehearsal and performance dates, with nothing but travel in between. Not only do we know that isn't good for Andrew's health, we just don't want to do it any more. Once Upon a Time, it was incredibly exciting to go from city to city, crammed on a bus, playing cards, watching the horizon change and fall behind with ever new horizons to chase. We think we'd like to stroll through it all now, taking a bit more time to savour those horizons and expand the pleasure of more intimate performances.

Life isn't easy, nor fair. No one ever said it would be. But we can take life easier, and that's the special give of life for us right now. Yesterday, 17th May, was Andrew's birthday. For me, it was the best day that ever happened in the Universe.

With our fondest regards to each and everyone of you,
Susan Hoover


Metal Heaven welcomes 3 new bands the ever growing family - Steve Grimmett Band, Consortium Project and Viron.

Steve Grimmett Band - This is the brand new project put together by Steve Grimmett simply titled 'The Steve Grimmett Band'. Steve's history is nothing short of incredible, having one of the most powerful and original voices in rock. His successes include Grim Reaper who accomplished major success worldwide with three highly acclaimed studio albums along with single releases and MTV airplay. After Grim Reaper came a brief spell with Onslaught and again there was commercial success even from that unlikely line-up. The band's debut single even charted in the UK. More recently Steve's success came in the form of Lionsheart, a powerful melodic metal band that took places such as Japan by storm with their debut album reaching number 1 in the mainstream charts as well as a top 5 hit single.
A new Steve Grimmett Band studio album is due out in October 2007 on Metal Heaven and will be produced by the highly rated and acclaimed Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) and Pete Newdeck.
Steve Grimmett Band is: Steve Grimmett (Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart), vocals; Ian Nash (Seven Deadly Sins, Lionsheart) guitars; Richie Walker, bass; Pete Newdeck (Paul Di'Anno's Killers, The Shock), drums.
Guests: Eric Ragno (Jeff Scott Soto, Tony Mills), keyboards; Carsten Schulz (Evidence One), backing vocals.
Live 26.10.2007 UK-Nottingham, Trend University, Firefest IV (with Threshold, Demon, Soul Doctor & Stormzone)

Consortium Project IV - Producer and lead singer Ian Parry (ex Vengeance, Elegy) is proud to present his forth offering Consortium Project IV Children of Tomorrow for a release in July 2007. Unlike previous albums C IV is a more diverse rock metal production with progressive elements reminiscent of his earlier productions. Parry has spent more than a year on this epic co-produced production writing, recording and mixing with colleague Elegy keyboard player Joshua Dutrieux.
The song writing has been shared as on the previous Consortium 3 albums with Joshua, Ian and newcomer to the Consortium family, ex-Within Temptation drummer Ivar de Graaf. Consortium show on the road later in 2007, as a prelude to an Elegy reunion.
The full line-up of Consortium Project 4 is: Ian Parry vocals; Joshua Dutrieux keyboards; Ivar de Graaf drums; Henrik van der Laars - guitars.
Guests: Lou St.Paul (Winter's Bane) guitars; Rosita Abbink female vocals; Erna auf der Haar female vocals; Kyrah Dutrieux spoken words; Judith Rijnveld femals choirs; Niels Vejylt - guitar; Marcel van der Zwam - bass.
www.ianparry.com

Viron - New at Metal Heaven is one of Germany's most promising Metal bands Viron. The band's debut album NWOGHM received high class reviews all over Europe last year and built the foundation for some single gigs and short tours with Ruffians, Solemnity, Morgana Lefay, Sacred Steel, Sabaton, Legion of the Damned, Majesty, Rebellion, Bonfire & Tierra Santa plus performances at festivals such as Headbanger's Open Air, Swordbrothers Festival and United Metal Heads Festival.
The coming album will again be recorded at "Kohlekeller" studios with producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner (Sieges Even, Abandoned, Killers, Crematory) and is scheduled for a release in early 2008.
Line-Up: Alexx Stahl - vocals; Thilo Feucht - guitars; Roger Dequis - guitars; Ingmar Holzhauer - bass; Neudi - drums.
Live - 25.05.2007 - D-Weinheim, Cafe Central (with Sabaton); 11.08.2007 - D-Mommenheim, Mommenheim Open Air (near Mainz)
www.viron1.com

In further news, Finnish Metal band Manitou will release their 3rd album No Signs Of Wisdom in July!
The archetypes for Manitou are Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Annihilator, Ozzy, Dio, Whitesnake, Judas Priest and Tarot. Manitou's own trademark is to compose honest, traditional heavy metal and mix some little proggy elements here and there. You'll find 3 minute straight-forward metal rockers as also 11 minute epic stuff on their albums.
The band in the past has played numerous gigs with the likes of UDO, Paul Di'Anno, Helloween, Graham Bonnet, Tarot, Machine Men, Thunderstone etc., got cheering and great reviews from the metal media and even topped the Finnish single chart on position #2 last year with their Fools In Control single.
No Signs Of Wisdom includes the following songs 1. In This Indolence, 2. Dread Of The Freaks, 3. No Signs Of Wisdom, 4. The End Within, 5. Harbinger, 6. Polluted World, 7. Some Of The Sins Revealed, 8. The Loon, 9. August Sky.
MANITOU are: Markku Pihlaja - vocals (Kaihoro); Markus Vanhala - guitars (Omnium Gatherum, Malpractice); Antti Lauren - guitars; Ismo Laukkanen - bass; Matti Suhonen - drums.
www.metalheaven.net

GIG NEWS

THE ANSWER
20th June Borderline, London

COUNTING CROWS + COLLECTIVE SOUL + LIVE
July 22: Wilmington, Del. (Daniel S. Frawley Stadium)
July 24: Eastlake, Ohio (Classic Park)
July 25: Washington, Pa. (Consol Energy Park)
July 27: Dayton, Ohio (Fifth Third Field)
July 28: Comstock Park, Mich. (Fifth Third Ballpark)
July 31: Erie, Pa. (Jerry Uht Park)
Aug. 1: Buffalo, N.Y. (Dunne Tire Park)
Aug. 3: Louisville, Ky. (Louisville Slugger Field)
Aug. 4: Indianapolis (Victory Field)
Aug. 7: Sauget, Ill. (GCS Ballpark)
Aug. 8: Tulsa, Okla. (Drillers Stadium)
Aug. 10: Sedalia, Mo. (TBA)
Aug. 11: Des Moines, Iowa (Principal Park)
Aug. 14: Aberdeen, Md. (Ripken Stadium)
Aug. 15: Frederick, Md. (Harry Grove Stadium)
Aug. 17: Manchester, N.H. (MerchantsAuto.com Stadium)
Aug. 18: New Britain, Conn. (New Britain Stadium)
Aug. 21: Altoona, Pa. (Blair County Ballpark)
Aug. 22: Lakewood, N.J. (First Energy Park)
Aug. 24: Pawtucket, R.I. (McCoy Stadium)
Aug. 25: Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (Dutchess Stadium)
Aug. 27: Syracuse, N.Y. (TBA)
Aug. 28: Allentown, Pa. (TBA)
Aug. 30: Ft. Wayne, Ind. (Memorial Stadium)
Sept. 1: St. Paul, Minn. (Midway Stadium)
Sept. 2: Fargo, N.D. (Newman Outdoor Field)

REVIEWS

ART OF DYING Revolver Records (2007) www.artofdyingmusic.com

Canadian band’s debut album and they have already been gaining glowing praise form ‘Classic Rock’ amongst others. This praise is indeed justified as there are some cracking rock tuners on here like ‘Fits Of Clarity’, with its catchy chorus and ‘’Completely’ driven along by a cracking guitar riff. They sound at times like fellow Canadians Nickelback as they have the knack of penning hook filled modern rock tunes that will have a wide appeal.
An assured debut album and one for fans of Nickelback for sure.

***1/2
Jason Ritchie

TM STEVENS ‘Africans In The Snow’ SPV (2007) www.spv.de

Bass player TM Stevens has worked and appeared on many albums including the Pretenders, James Brown, Steve Vai and Billy Idol to name but a few. This solo album features plenty of guests including Kings X drummer Will Calhoun and former Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt who whips up a storm on the rap meets funk metal of ‘Gotta Get My One’. Imagine James Brown jamming with King’s X! It is a real musical potpourri from the traditional music on ‘Afro Soul’ through to the rap/funk of ‘Mama Said’. ‘Ayeahi’ is a wonderful song with soothing rhythms and some great African backing vocals.
If you like your music varied with a strong underlying funk vibe this is a damn fine album and will be right up your street. One to play loud on a sunny day!

***1/2
Jason Ritchie

SYMPHONY X ‘Paradise Lost’ Inside Out (2007) www.insideout.de

There are a lot of top notch progressive metal albums out this year including Threshold, Kamelot, Dream Theater and now Symphony X weigh in with another ‘must have’ album. Lyrical references include Milton’s poem of the album’s title plus Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’. You can tell just by the string and choir led intro track that you are in for a treat – sheer pomp glory! The whole album is a highlight really with Russell Allen showing the more aggressive side to his singing than appears ion the Allen/Lande albums. Juts listen to ‘Serpent’s Kiss’ or the title track where he really lets fly vocally. Musically it all hangs together well with no one band member dominating or running away with pointless soloing of the ‘look at me’ variety sometimes. Michael Romeo’s guitar solos often have you have to skip back and hear them again! Stunning yes, flashy no.
They have done it again with another fine album that hangs together well musically and has plenty to keep the listener coming back for more. This album sees them use more backing arrangements coupled with the strong melodies they are so good at.

****
Jason Ritchie

Fundraising forum open to all (also features bands who have helped raise money for charities)

Former Asia and current GPS bassist/vocalist John Payne has been cast as Parson Nathaniel in the touring version of Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds that can be seen around Britain later this year.

EPICA are to call their new album 'The Divine Conspiracy'. This is due for release in the late summer.

Fredrik Åkesson (ex-ARCH ENEMY, KRUX, TALISMAN) has been confirmed as the new guitarist in OPETH following the departure of Peter Lindgren.

EVANESCENCE welcomes drummer Will Hunt and guitarist Troy McLawhorn, both from DARK NEW DAY, to the band.

====================================================
CLASSIC ROCK NEWSWIRE FORUM
====================================================
http://www.atfreeforum.com/crnewswire/

PRESS RELEASES

Frontiers Records proudly announce the release of Marco Mendoza's solo album Live For Tomorrow on July 6.
Marco is one of the most respected and well known musicians in the Los Angeles music scene. According to Ted Nugent, "Marco is the world's greatest bass player and he's got the soul". He also played with the likes of Thin Lizzy (with whom he's been recently touring UK and going to appear live during the summer), Whitesnake, Blue Murder, Ozzy Osbourne and The Cranberries.
Though most often recognized for his jaw-dropping 6-string fretless bass chops, Marco is a master of the 4, 5 and 6-string fretted bass, too. But that's not enough. In Live For Tomorrow, his debut solo album, Marco shows his hidden vocal talent, which just needs to be heard to be believed! Mixing different vocals styles from the bluesy David Coverdale and Paul Rodgers ranges to the Eric Martin-esque overtones, Mendoza shines as a singer that is able to deliver a passionate and strong performance in every song.
Live For Tomorrow was mostly written and produced by Marco during the second half of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, together with former Poison and Mr. Big guitarist Richie Kotzen, who also produced the album. Musically the record offers a sincere and down to earth sound, reminiscing of classic Hard Rock (with hints to AC/DC, Mr Big, Damn Yankees etc.) with Blues and Melodic Rock roots.
Some very special guests appear to tribute the talent of this amazing guy. Among them Ted Nugent, Doug Aldrich (of Whitesnake) and Steve Lukather of Toto all offer guitar solos appearances, Tommy Aldridge of Whitesnake and Brian Tichy (Pride & Glory, Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner, Billy Idol) play drums while Richie Kotzen of course handles the bulk of guitars and duets on vocals with Marco on I Want You.
Sit back, light a cigar, relax, put the stereo on and enjoy the ride that this musical master can offer!
Live For Tomorrow will include the following cuts: Not For Me; Live For Tomorrow; Lettin' Go; Look Out For The Boys; I Want You; Your Touch; Let The Sun Shine; You Got Me; In My Face; Broken; Still In Me; Dance With Me.
Live For Tomorrow will be released on July 6 in Europe on Frontiers Records with US release on Locomotive and Japanese release on King.

GIG NEWS

ZZ TOP have cancelled their upcoming European shows due to illness.

EPICA
Jan. 05 - Doornroosie - Nijmegen, NETH
Jan. 17 - De Kade - Zaandam, NETH
Jan. 18 - Bibelot - Dordrecht, NETH
Jan. 25 - Burgerweeshuis - Deventer, NETH
Jan. 26 - Groene Engel - Oss, NETH

PEARL JAM + IDLEWIND
18th June Wembley Arena

New interview with TIGERTAILZ

Fundraising forum open to all (also features bands who have helped raise money for charities)

The Thrills will return on July 23 with their third studio album called 'Teenager' and the track list is:
'The Midnight Choir', 'This Year', 'Nothing Changes Round Here', 'Restaurant', 'I Came All This Way', 'Long Forgotten Song', 'I'm So Sorry', 'No More Empty Words', ‘Teenager', 'Should've Known Better', 'There's Joy To Be Found' and 'The Boy Who Caught All The Breaks'

OZZY’s autobiography has been postponed until autumn 2008 and instead his wife Sharon will publish the second volume of her memoirs this autumn.

BOB GELDOF has been criticising the upcoming Live Earth concerts on July 7th as he thinks they lack any real focus.

H.I.M. will release their new album in Sep now.

PRESS RELEASES

Lock up your daughters! Velvet Revolver, rock's ultimate supergroup, is back. Once again, Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots), Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses) and Dave Kushner (Wasted Youth) have returned to give rock 'n' roll a swift kick in the ass with their rough and raunchy sound.
The band's upcoming release, Libertad, is the follow-up to their 2004 Grammy-winning, multi-platinum debut, Contraband. We got Scott and Slash to talk about their first single, She Builds Quick Machines, plus previews of three more songs. Tell us if you think they have a hit on their hands before the album drops on July 3.
4 songs can be streamed now via: www.music.aol.com/franchise/firstlisten/velvet-revolver-new-songs

GIG NEWS

FROM THE JAM (featuring Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler from The Jam)
NOVEMBER
24 - Plymouth Pavilions
25 - Cardiff St Davids Hall
26 - Grimsby Auditorium
27 - Liverpool Carling Academy
29 - Glenrothes Rothes Halls
30 - Preston 53 Degrees
DECEMBER
1 - Leicester De Montfort Hall
3 - Leeds Met Students Union
4 - Nottingham Rock City
5 - Manchester Academy
8 - Sheffield Octagon
9 - Bristol Carling Academy
11 - Southampton Guildhall
12 - Norwich UEA
14 - Newcastle Carling Academy
15 - Glasgow Carling Academy
16 - Cambridge Corn Exchange
18 - Birmingham Carling Academy
19 - London Kentish Town Forum
21 - Brighton Centre

PSYCHEDELIC FURS + The Alarm + The Fixx
JULY
2 - NAPERVILLE, IL Festival (Outdoors)
4 - BALTIMORE Pier Six (Outdoors)
7 - BUFFALO Canal Street (Outdoors)
9 - PT PLEASANT, NJ Jenkinson Pavilion (Outdoors)
10 - BOSTON Avalon
11 - WESTBURY, NY North Fork Theatre
14 - SAN DIEGO 4th & B
15 - SAN FRANCISCO The Mezzanine
17 - COSTA MESA, CA Pacific Amphitheatre (Outdoors)
19 - DENVER Ogden Theatre
20 - AUSTIN Stubbs (Outdoors)
21 - DALLAS House Of Blues
22 - HOUSTON Verizon Wireless Theatre

THE ALARM
JULY
2 - NAPERVILLE, IL Festival (Outdoors) *
4 - BALTIMORE Pier Six (Outdoors) *
7 - BUFFALO Canal Street (Outdoors) *
9 - PT PLEASANT, NJ Jenkinson Pavilion (Outdoors) *
10 - BOSTON Avalon *
11 - WESTBURY, NY North Fork Theatre *
14 - SAN DIEGO 4th & B *
15 - SAN FRANCISCO The Mezzanine *
17 - COSTA MESA, CA Pacific Amphitheatre (Outdoors) *
19 - DENVER Ogden Theatre *
20 - AUSTIN Stubbs (Outdoors) *
21 - DALLAS House Of Blues *
22 - HOUSTON Verizon Wireless Theatre *
AUGUST
4 - Bristol Academy
SEPTEMBER
8 - Glasgow Academy
OCTOBER
6 - Newcastle Academy
NOVEMBER
10 - London Shepherds Bush Empire
DECEMBER
1 - Manchester Academy
JANUARY
26 - The Gathering
* with Psychedelic Furs and The Fixx

RICK SPRINGFIELD
MAY
18 - Lincoln, RI - Event Center at Twin Rivers
JUNE
1 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Pavilion (w/ Eddie Money & Scandal)
8, 9 - Las Vegas, NV - Green Valley Ranch Casino
15 - Shreveport, LA - Sam's Town Casino
16, 17 - Vinton, LA - Delta Downs Casino
22 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
23 - Rowlett, TX - Pecan Grove Park
29 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park (w/ Eddie Money & Scandal)
30 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion (w/ Eddie Money & Scandal)
JULY
1 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook Music Arts Center (w/ Eddie Money &
Scandal)
6 - Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Kewadin Casino
7 - Arlington Heights, IL - Frontier Days Festival
12 - Grande Ronde, OR - Spirit Mountain Casino
14 - Walker, MN - Moondance Jam
AUGUST
3 - Universal City, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre (w/ John Waite)
4 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Arts Center
5 - Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery
8 - Westbury, NY - North Fork Theater (w/ Eddie Money)
9 - Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Center
10 - Rochester, MI - Meadowbrook Music Festival
11 - Robbinsville, MS - Sam's Town Casino Tunica
SEPTEMBER
15 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall (w/ Eddie Money & Scandal)
28 - Denver, CO - Venue to be announced (w/ Eddie Money & Scandal)
29 - Pala, CA - Pala Casino
30 - Phoenix, AZ - Maricopa Events Center (w/ Eddie Money & Scandal)

REVIEWS

REO SPEEDWAGON ‘Find Your Own Way Home’ (2007) www.speedwagon.com

REO Speedwagon released their last studio album back in 1996, the good in parts ‘Building the Bridge’, although they are no strangers to the road having toured relentlessly in the US each year. This new album is very strong selection of songs and sees the band harking back at times to their late 70’s/early 80’s albums. The production is also first rate with Joe Vannelli helping Kevin Cronin. Vanelli also handles all the keyboard parts bar the one track Neal Doughty plays on, which doesn’t hopefully signal the end of Doughty’s involvement with the band!
‘Smilin’ In The End’ and the title track are classic up tempo REO tunes, with neat line in harmonies and some nice guitar work from Dave Amato. ‘Dangerous Combination’ ventures into pop rock and the band wheel out the ballads, with ‘Another Lifetime’ the pick of the bunch. Bassist Bruce Hall takes the lead vocal on ‘Born To Love You’, with his dad, who has now sadly passed away, guesting on clarinet. It’s not bad and reminded me a lot of Bob Seger, good, solid bar room rock. There is a nice diversion into a bit of rock ‘n’ roll fun with ‘Run Away Baby’, which I would imagine would go down a storm live.
Great to see them back and with a very string album that whilst maybe not being the highly polished REO some would expect it is nonetheless damn fine melodic rock/AOR.

****
Jason Ritchie

Ted Nugent releases a new album in early July. Called 'Love Grenade', it's produced by Nugent's Damn Yankees band mate Jack Blades.

Guitarist Jeff Bloggs has left Hydrogyn to be replaced by current DIO guitarist Craig Goldy.

Obituary guitarist Allen West has been jailed for undisclosed offences. He is not expected to be free until next February, but remains an official member of the band, who are currently touring and recording without him.

Hammerfall are to release a compilation album in mid-October. Its to be called 'Steel Meets Steel: Ten Years Of Glory'. This will feature three new songs.

Last November, Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover donated his painting,'Compassion', to be auctioned for The Linda McCartney Cancer Centre. It sold for 900. Now, 100 signed, limited edition prints are available. They are priced at 80, plus p+p, with all money raised going to the cancer centre. For details, please call 0151 706 3153, or visit www.yourcentre.org

THY MAJESTIE has announced the addition of Dario Cascio (vocals) and Simone Campione (guitar) to the group's ranks. "We are so pleased to have them in our team!" the band writes on its web site. "They brought us life and new enthusiasm. They are officially in the band. We look forward to starting working on the new album!"

MATCHBOX 20 release a ‘Best Of’ in October via Atlantic.

ZZ TOP are keen to start work on anew album although they are still without a record label.

JACK BRUCE has all but ruled out any further CREAM reunions due to ongoing animosity between himself and drummer Ginger Baker.

HARDWAY have signed with Angel Milk records (home to NEXX) and will have MARK SPIRO handling vocals on their debut album.

PRESS RELEASES

AFM Records update
DORO: SPECIAL CD WITH NEW VERSION OF “ALL WE ARE” IS GOING TO BE RELEASED ON MAY 25!

On Friday, March 30, Doro Pesch performed the Warlock classic “All We Are“ live on Pro 7 TV. Doro played the entrance song for the female box world champion Regina Halmich in front of 19,000 people in the German Köln Arena as well as millions of TV viewers. In the context of “Mc Fit Fight Night”, Regina did a friendly match against German top comedian Stefan Raab and she won the fight after 6 rounds. Doro performed the song live in the boxing ring with her friends Schmier (Destruction), who played the bass, guitar player Bas Maas (After Forever) and the well-known live and studio drummer Tim Husung. Now, the metal queen re-recorded the song in this new version to eternalize it for her close friend Regina. A special CD with the new version of “All We Are” plus other rare material and different bonus videos will be released on May 25. The playing time of the CD will be around 45 minutes.

NEW LION´S SHARE ALBUM “EMOTIONAL COMA” WILL BE RELEASED ON JUNE, 15!

After a six-year break, Swedish melodic metal masters Lion´s Share have returned with their finest effort to date, “Emotional Coma”. The revamped outfit, which now features singer Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights) and bassist Sampo Axelsson (Glenn Hughes) alongside band mastermind Lars Chriss (guitar) and session/non-touring drummer Richard Evensand (ex-Chimaira, Soilwork, Therion), continues to produce modern-sounding heavy metal that revolves around Chriss' thick, power-packed riffs while showcasing Johansson's hauntingly melodic delivery. Songtitles such as “The Edge Of The Razor”, “Bloodstained Soil” and “The Arsonist” pull few punches, highlighting the band's heavier, more aggressive approach without sacrificing the traditional elements which made their earlier efforts such cult favourites. After four successful releases, Lion´s Share is ready to make its strongest impact to date with what is undoubtedly the most focused effort of the band's career. Stars like Kiss' Bruce Kulick, Glen Drover of Megadeth and Mats Levén (Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion) have given the band their stamp of approval by making guest appearances on “Emotional Coma”. Look for Lion´s Share to hit the road later in the year, with several dates already scheduled, including an appearance at this year's Sweden Rock Festival.

EVIDENCE ONE: “THE SKY IS THE LIMIT” WILL BE RELEASED ON JUNE 22, 2007!

The new Evidence One album, “The Sky Is The Limit“, will be released on June 22. On the new album, the band is combining melody and heaviness into one without disappointing the fans of their first albums. Diverse songwriting, cleverly arranged, with a high class sound - this is what Evidence One stands for. Without leaving their musical way, the band made another step forward what is hard to believe when you already know their previous works.

NEW AT VANCE ALBUM “VII“ OUT ON JUNE 29!

The new At Vance, “VII”, will be released on June 29. As the name already says, the band built around fabulous guitarist Olaf Lenk, already releases its seventh album. So what's different then? Well, in truth not much, but did you really expect that a band who had established its own sound so strongly on the last six releases would break the mould and do away with its very own interpretation on neo-classical power metal that crosses elegantly with the true spirit of 80s hard rock? No! All they've done is to step ahead again. Listen to the dramatic groove snaking through “Shiver” or the ultra catchy “Cold As Ice” where the new At Vance singer Rick Altzi shows his brilliant range.

GIG NEWS

BON JOVI will do a full world tour but not until early next year.

REVIEWS

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT ‘Release The Stars’ Geffen (2007) www.geffen.com

Rufus Wainwright has gained rave reviews for his music and rightly so as he is the master of crafting highly listenable songs that embrace many musical genres be it pop, acoustic or folk. The Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant is executive producer and appears on many of the songs as well.
On first listen this album’s musical arrangements sound a lot like latter day Divine Comedy. It is only Rufus’s vocal that lets this album down at times as his delivery is often at one level only.
Lyrically he is on fine form taking a pop at George Bush and then going off on a song about masturbation! The songs with the rich backing are the ones that keep me coming back for more such as ‘Sanssouci’ and the opening track ‘Do I Disappoint You’ that even throws in a children’s chorus to the musical mix.
Another fine release from Rufus Wainwright, possibly his best work yet and perfect for fans of the Divine Comedy.

****
Jason Ritchie

JOHN MACALUSO & UNION RADIO ‘The Radio waves Goodbye’ Lion Music (2007) www.lionmusic.com

Drummer John Macaluso (Malmsteen/Ark) has assembled a strong line-up of fellow musicians on this solo album. They include Dream Theater’s James La Brie, Ark’s Adrian Holtz, Riot vocalist Mike Dimeo, Chris Caffery (Savatage/TSO) and fellow Malmsteen band mate Randy Coven.
As you’d expect the music follows a progressive metal vein although at times the melody can be lacking in favour of extended solos. Highlights? James La Brie belting it out on ‘Soul In Your Mind’, the instrumental ‘T-34’ and ‘Gates To Bridges’ where Mike Dimeo puts in a sterling vocal performance.
Not an instant album by any means but worth persevering with and of definite interest to fans of Dream Theater, Ark and Savatage.

***
Jason Ritchie

Velvet Revolver are to release an EP called 'Harmony And The Tyranny' in June. It's to feature two tracks from new album 'Libertad', plus a cover of Talking Heads' 'Psycho Killer' and a video on the making of the album.

Paul Simon is to release a new album on June 25 called 'The Essential Paul Simon'. Warner Brothers will release the package on 2 discs with 36 tracks, and also as a 3 disc set with 45 minute video.

Love featuring the late Author Lee, are to release an album called the 'Blue Thumb Recordings' on June 25 via Hip-O Select. The outfit only ever charted twice in the UK when the legendary Forever Changes made number 24 in 1986 and 'Out Here' made number 29 two years later.

BOSTON news –
"After hearing that Beatlejuice planned to put on one last concert as a tribute to Brad, we decided we would really like to do something similar with Boston. After all, people around the world have listened to Brad singing these songs for thirty years.
We planned to let several well known singers that had a history with Boston cover Brad's lead vocal parts, and invite all our former band members to sit in during the performance. The musicians and crew members of Boston feel like they are a part of a family, the loss affected us all, and we needed to get together again one more time. Boston concerts are what brought us together in the first place, so it seemed like the best thing to do for everyone.
Within a couple of weeks we had acquired a roster of great singers to fill in for Brad, and contacted many of our former band members, who were very excited about sitting in. Our guest vocalists were eager to sing the songs Brad made famous with Boston. All together we had about 20 performers who would be included in various parts of the concert. Since we had begun rehearsing for our spring shows early last winter, we were basically ready to play any time in April or June. We prepared a tentative set about two and a half hours long that included our most popular songs, with the extensive live arrangements we have presented in the past.
A note here about getting ready for a Boston concert - While we do our best to make Boston performances look effortless, in reality the parts are difficult to play and the intricate arrangements are a lot to remember. To be prepared for a typical concert requires both constant drilling so that the changes are automatic, and peak performance level to accomplish playing some of the instrumental passages. Once we have done this, improvisation on themes becomes possible, and concentration can be directed to emotion rather than simply recalling parts.
In my personal case this requires several months of preparation, followed by a time consuming ritual of daily rehearsal. Even during a tour, I practice 2 to 3 hrs a day.
Back to reality. Unfortunately, the local Live Nation promoter, who is the only game in town for putting on a major concert, was not able to give us a date for our Boston concert any earlier than late October. By that time the layers of rust would be very thick, and all those arrangement details long forgotten.
Rather than spending the time necessary to perform up to Boston standards six months from now, we've decided to let go of the idea and return to the studio where I had several projects already in the works. I'm also looking forward to possibly completing an engineering design I've neglected which could improve many people's lives.
Hopefully someday we will be able to resurrect the idea and put on a Boston reunion concert. Meanwhile we are planning to play a few songs along with several other bands at an Aug 19th tribute being put together by Brad's son and daughter. Although this won't be a Boston concert, we will play a few songs, as will Beatle Juice, Sammy Hagar, Extreme, Godsmack, RTZ, Cheap Trick, Ernie and the Automatics, and Charlie Farren, according to the information we have.
A bit of other news I've just finished remastering Boston's Greatest Hits CD which now includes I Had a Good Time. It sounds a lot better than the old 1997 version; we'll let you know when Sony plans to release it. I plan to start mixing live tracks for a Boston Live CD next.
Walk On and Don't Look Back, Tom Scholz."

PRESS RELEASES

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce all details surrounding the release of ROBIN BECK's forthcoming studio album project "Livin' On A Dream" on July 6th 2007.
Robin started writing the songs that would make the follow up to "Do You Miss Me" in late 2006. "I started co-writing back in December and completed the first song "Nothing's Gonna Change Your World" in January 2007" says Robin, who adds "I wanted to write songs that would rock my own personal way. The biggest difference between the new CD, "Livin' On A Dream" and 'Do you Miss Me" is that this new CD is driven by my own story lines. "Do You Miss Me" lacked that aspect... There is a tougher, more edgy melodic/rock foundation to the stories".
Robin was not alone in her powerful new undertaking, "Livin' On A Dream". "There is a strong new member of my writing team, Tommy Denander" states the now Florida-based singer. "Tommy is a powerful player and his input was key to this project becoming my best work as a writer and a singer.. Tommy co-produced with James Christian my partner and husband and we all worked in perfect harmony together. Another one of the highlights of this CD is the collaboration between Chris Pelcer, James Christian, Jeff Kent and my self on the song "Always". I'm also back with my closest writing partner, Jeff Kent who put me firmly back into my truest Rock n' Roll shoes. Jeff and I are an amazing writing team. I also had the privilege of working with "guitar great", Jimi Bell and drummer "extraordinaire" BJ Zampa, both House Of Lords band members. In my opinion, we wrote two of best rockers on the CD. Last, but not least, I will always have a touch of my favorite songwriters Amy Sky and Marc Jordan somewhere in my work. They collaborated on a a song called "Until The Last Teardrop Falls" which brought James and I together for a heart pounding ballad that shows the profound love we share in no uncertain terms. Of course, James is at the helm of everything magnificent about these recordings. He is the only producer I have ever worked with who really knows how to bring the best out in my vocal performances. These are best productions of my career, period!"
"Livin On a Dream" promises to be Robin Beck's most powerful and exciting creation ever! "This CD is what my fans have been asking me to record for years now. An entire CD of my own work realized. I am so proud of these recordings. All the songs you will find have provocative and memorable hooks with monster playing. We all found a unique collaboration of creative energies that made "Living on a Dream" be an artist's dream come true".

"Livin' On A Dream" will include the following tracks:
Livin' On A Dream; Show Me The Way; Love Me Like A Man; Always ; Nothing's Gonna Change Your World; Seventeen Forever; Can't Get Enough Of Your Heart; Runaway; Wrapped Around Your Finger; It's Magic; I Can't Walk The Line; Till The Last Tear Drop Falls: Love Lies. Release date is scheduled on July 6th 2007 on Frontiers Records.

GIG NEWS

PRINCE
1ST AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
3RD/4th AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
7TH AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
10TH/11th AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
14TH AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
17TH/18th AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
28TH AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
31ST AUGUST - O2 ARENA - LONDON
1ST SEPTEMBER - O2 ARENA - LONDON
9TH SEPTEMBER - O2 ARENA - LONDON
12TH/13th SEPTEMBER - O2 ARENA - LONDON

SUM 41
July
5th London Astoria

KULA SHAKER
12TH JUNE - MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY - MANCHESTER
13TH JUNE - HOXTON BAR & GRILL - LONDON
15TH JUNE - BUSH HALL - LONDON
16TH JUNE - THEKLA SOCIAL - BRISTOL
17TH JUNE - RESCUE ROOMS - NOTTINGHAM

REVIEWS

U.D.O. - Mastercutor (AFM Records) 2007

I don't know what it is that's being added to the drinks of the rock aristocracy but over the past few years the likes of Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Saxon and Motorhead have all produced fine albums that bare comparison to their heyday. Add now to that list the diminutive, uniquely voiced ex-Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider and his solo band U.D.O. because with Mastercutor they've gone and produced what could well be the old school metal album of 2007.
From the demonic TV show introduction onwards there are more than enough hammering riffs and pounding rhythms for any headbanger. If you want a track that defines the term 'heavy metal' look no further than 'The Wrong Side Of Midnight', if you want 80's style anthemic rocker fare go for 'We Do - For You' or for the real highlight of the album check out the thunderous 'Vendetta'. As with the last Motorhead album there's even a couple of slower tracks and both 'One Lone Voice' and 'Tears Of A Clown' are impressive interludes.
Given the quality of the first eleven tracks it's even possible to forgive the poor closer 'Crash Bang Crash' which is every bit as corny as the title suggests. Overall though this is a fine, heavy album from a band that I for one had long written off.

****
Bill Leslie

THE MISSION re-issues (2007) Universal

Three Mission albums get the revamped treatment with added tracks etc. First up ‘God’s Own Medicine’ (****) the band’s debut album and one with such classics as ‘Wasteland’ (the band’s big hot single) and the full unedited version of ‘Love You To Death’. There is also a good take on the previously unreleased Free’s ‘Wishing Well’ which Wayne Hussey makes his own! This album showed the band’s strength’s – Hussey’s gothic vocals, neat guitar that was never overstated and lyrics that at times made little sense but always retained that mystical, gothic air about them.
‘The First Chapter’ (**1/2) rounded up singles released before the band’s debut album (remember back in the 80’s singles and in particular 12” singles were a real must have for fans). Being honest this is a fans only release as there is a lot of filler on here for the casual fan such as ‘Vagilante Man’ (which picks the lyrics of Nazareth and these are delivered in a very strange vocal)., although their cover of Neil Young’s ‘Like A Hurricane’ and the brooding ‘Wake (RSV)’ are well worth listening to. Also a good live version of ‘1969’, a track recorded by Hussey’s pre-Mission band the Sisters Of mercy.
‘Children’ (***1/2) released back in 1988 was produced by Led Zep’s John Paul Jones and you can hear the Led Zep tinged arrangements on ‘Kingdom Come’ and ‘Beyond The Pale’ in particular. Only slight downside to the album is that a few tracks tend to merge into one, although the cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’ takes on epic proportions and again is well worth hearing.
Two albums well worth having if you are a casual fan and one just for fans only. Those with vinyl copies of the original will enjoy these re-issues as well as you do get added bonus and unreleased tracks on each album.

Jason Ritchie

PINK FLOYD members appear for Syd Barrett tribute

Full gig review to follow of the Syd Barrett tribute from Mark Stay who also took these photos. Roger Waters left the stage before Dave Gilmour came onto the stage.

To quote the man himself -

'Went along to the Barbican last night to see a concert in tribute to Syd Barrett.
A great evening, if all a bit under-rehearsed and wonderfully shambolic (but that’s how Syd would have wanted it…)…
We had the likes of Chrissie Hynde, Martha Wainright, The Bees, Damon Albarn, Robyn Hitchcock, John Paul Jones and Captain Sensible (who now looks worryingly like Paul O’Grady). All wonderful artistes with wonderful interpretations of Syd’s work.
And then this lot showed up… (please see pics)
And that’s when my head exploded…

LINE OF FIRE are working on their new album ‘Momentum’ due for a late 2007 release.

GOTTHARD charted at no.1 in their native Switzerland with their new album.

HARDLINE are working on their new album and hope to complete it during the summer.

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx will release his first solo album, "The Heroin Diaries," on August 21, prior to the publication of his autobiography of the same name, which arrives September 25. The album's 12 tracks each match up with one chapter in the book; first single "Life Is Beautiful" can be downloaded from the book's MySpace.com page www.myspace.com/heroindiaries

PRINCE is to play a 21-date tour of London, which will include seven nights at the Millennium Dome, now known as the O2 Arena. The tour will start on August 1 with full venues to be confirmed but the prices will be £31.21, which is a reference to his 3121 album that he released least year.
Prince explains: "There are going to be so many nights here that we are going to change the show every night. We play so many different styles of music, it's really hard to get a full dose of what we do unless you come to several shows. Also, I have a wide fan base that come to multiple shows, I see that a lot in London."

Evanescence will carry on despite the departure of two band members.

From Billboard.Com –
Lisa Gerrard's new album, "The Silver Tree," is her first solo set in 17 years, but film soundtracks and collaborations have kept her plenty busy in the interim.
"I've been working like an animal," says Gerrard, the former Dead Can Dance singer whose last proper solo album was "The Mirror Pool" in 1995. She's since scored "The Gladiator," "Whale Rider" and "The Insider" and recorded outings with Pieter Bourke and Patrick Cassidy, along with a Dead Can Dance reunion tour in 2006.
"The Silver Tree," she tells Billboard.com, "was meant to be really different" than the ethereal piece she's releasing tomorrow (May 8). Gerrard describes her original vision as "very contemporary" and more traditionally song-oriented. "It was meant to be something that I suppose was an escapism from some of the stuff I was going through in my life at the time," she explains, "and I realized it was just bullsh*t ... not at all what I really wanted to do."
She credits film director Clive Collier, who made the new documentary "Sanctuary Lisa Gerrard," with helping her to alter her direction. "We became very close, close friends," Gerrard explains, "and he said, 'Look, play me some of your work, your real work you don't play anybody.' So I did ... and he said, 'It's so beautiful, this work. I don't understand why you're hiding it. Why are you hiding it?'" From these tunes, "The Silver Tree" was reborn.
Gerrard is currently on the road in North America promoting the project wrapping up June 1 in Mexico City. She's not sure what will transpire after that, though Gerrard is certain we won't be seeing her with Dead Can Dance anymore.
"Brendan (Perry) doesn't want to work with me anymore," Gerrard says. "He doesn't want to know me. I brought some wrong musicians for him that were right for me or something. I don't really know. He's always been angry with me ... but I think he really likes me, deep down. He's just not ready to admit it. But it doesn't matter if he doesn't. He's really happy; he's got a beautiful wife, a beautiful daughter. I think he's OK. And so am I."

PRESS RELEASES

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Los Angeles featuring Michele Luppi on July 6.
Los Angeles presents the shining talents of Michele Luppi, an Italian amazing singer who cut his teeth at the VIT Los Angeles, with Robin Randall (co-writer of hits for FM, Mark Free, James Christian etc) as one of his musical coaches.
Upon his return to Italy, he gathered considerable experience having the opportunity to sing alongside some of the most important national and international artists, including Maurizio Solieri, Andrea Braido, Umberto Tozzi, Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice of Deep Purple.
Strong in a singing style, which has become unique, Michele started teaching with some of the most important Italian music schools and at the same time started a massive live work with his band Mr. Pig, later joining the Italian Progressive Metal masters Vision Divine.
Los Angeles is Luppi's personal tribute to the AOR greats that shaped his singing and songwriting abilities and also features Fabrizio Grossi, Tommy Denander, Frankie De Grasso with Gregg Giuffria (House Of Lords) appearing as special guest on keyboards. "It is a dream come true to have one of my greatest musical heroes, Gregg Giuffria, guesting on the album" states Michele "I used to have his poster stuck on my bedroom walls and now he plays on my record... I can't believe it."
About the music and the songs Michele says "This kind of music gave me the desire to become a pro-musician, the one that got stuck into my heart in my early days I'm pretty sure it s gonna stay there forever. I think the songs turned out heavier compared to the originals; we all made efforts in order to make the tunes sound fresh. I put all my passion and strength in this project."
While Luppi's astounding vocals can be described as Mark Free meets Eric Martin and songs supplied by the likes of Richard Marx, Jeff Paris and Dennis Matkovsky (among others), Los Angeles is a true AOR beauty.
"I hope more people will listen to my songs and share the beauty of this branch of Rock called AOR" concludes Luppi, adding "AOR is beauty within Rock Music and I m truly honoured to be part of it!"
Track listing of Los Angeles includes the following tracks: I Will Carry You; I Must Be Blind; Thanks To You; Edge of Forever; Last Chance; Run; When You Think Of Me; One More Try; The Other Side; Caroline; Measure Of A Man.
The album will be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on July 6, with a Japanese release to be handled via King Records.


Former QUIET RIOT/OZZY OSBOURNE and current DIO bassist Rudy Sarzo has issued a statement in response to a recent press release from Rudy's former QUIET RIOT bandmate Kevin DuBrow in which DuBrow explained the reasons behind his decision to withdraw his involvement in an upcoming documentary about late OZZY OSBOURNE/QUIET RIOT guitarist Randy Rhoads.

Said Sarzo: "In response to a recent press release from Kevin DuBrow, I'm compelled to address his statements regarding claims of inaccuracies in my book, 'Off the Rails', and towards an upcoming Randy Rhoads documentary now in production.

"I want to highly stress that Dakota Pictures' Randy Rhoads documentary that is being directed by Peter Margolis is not based on my book, 'Off the Rails', or any book for that matter. In no way is the film scripted. It is based on interviews from family members, childhood friends, former band members and fans who want to share their memories and express their feelings about Randy in this special tribute.

"The documentary's director, Peter Margolis, is an ex-student of Randy Rhoads. His life was truly influenced by Randy's music and friendship. The film has 100 percent support and participation of the Rhoads family, and from what I understand, Kelle Rhoads [Randy's brother] will be contributing to the soundtrack of the film.

"I sincerely hope that Kevin's animosity towards me, which he's been harboring for nearly 25 years, does not extend into this well-meaning project.

"In response to Mr. DuBrow's statement that my book is filled with inaccuracies, well, I have yet to see him back up his allegations. Besides, out of the 24 chapters in the book, there is only one that refers to my time with Randy in QUIET RIOT. The other 23 chapters are about my memories of Randy during my period in Ozzy's band."

A number of photos taken at Randy Rhoads's gravesite at the Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino, CA on March 19, 2007 to mark the 25th anniversary of Randy's passing have been posted online at this location.

With the blessings of the family of late OZZY OSBOURNE/QUIET RIOT guitarist Randy Rhoads, Dakota Pictures and director Peter Margolis began filming the "Randy Rhoads Documentary" on March 19 at the Mountain View Cemetery. In hopes to fully capture the significance of the 25th anniversary of Randy's passing, the filmmakers interviewed as many of Randy's fans as possible.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/randyrhoadsfilm

In 1982, Rhoads, the then-lead guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE, and two others were killed at Flying Baron Estates, just outside Leesburg, Florida, when their small plane struck Osbourne's tour bus, then crashed into a mansion.

GIG NEWS

GRAHAM BONNET + JOE LYNN TURNER
Wed 8th August Tampere Klubi
Thu 9th August Helsinki Virgin oil & co
Fri 10th August Mikkeli Jurassic rock
Sat 11th August Imatra Rock to the river

DAVID GRAY
18TH/19th JULY - ST JOHN'S, SMITH SQUARE - LONDON

MEATLOAF
29TH JUNE - ASHTON GATE - BRISTOL
28TH OCTOBER - S.E.C.C. - GLASGOW
31ST OCTOBER - METRO RADIO ARENA - NEWCASTLE
2ND NOVEMBER - NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE - BIRMINGHAM
4TH NOVEMBER - EVENING NEWS ARENA - MANCHESTER
6TH NOVEMBER - WEMBLEY ARENA - LONDON

STATUS QUO
11TH/12Th NOVEMBER - REGENT THEATRE - IPSWICH
14TH NOVEMBER - CORN EXCHANGE - CAMBRIDGE
19TH NOVEMBER - PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS - PLYMOUTH
21ST/22nd NOVEMBER - NEW THEATRE - OXFORD
24TH/25th NOVEMBER - INTERNATIONAL CENTRE - HARROGATE
27TH NOVEMBER - VENUE CYMRU - LLANDUDNO
1ST DECEMBER - CITY HALL - HULL
2ND DECEMBER - PLAYHOUSE - EDINBURGH
4TH DECEMBER - CITY HALL - NEWCASTLE
5TH DECEMBER - INTERNATIONAL ARENA - CARDIFF
7TH DECEMBER - EVENING NEWS ARENA - MANCHESTER
8TH DECEMBER - NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE - BIRMINGHAM
9TH DECEMBER - NOTTINGHAM ARENA - NOTTINGHAM
11TH/12th DECEMBER - COLSTON HALL - BRISTOL
13TH DECEMBER - BRIGHTON CENTRE - BRIGHTON
15TH DECEMBER - WEMBLEY ARENA - LONDON
16TH DECEMBER - S.E.C.C. - GLASGOW
17TH DECEMBER - EXHIBITION CENTRE - ABERDEEN
20TH DECEMBER - HALLAM FM ARENA - SHEFFIELD
21ST DECEMBER - INTERNATIONAL CENTRE - BOURNEMOUTH

REVIEWS

SOPHIA RAMOS 'Her Majesty' (Independent 2005)

www.myspace.com/sophiaramos
www.cdbaby.com/sophiaramos04

If you like feisty female hard rock then grab this album ASAP! Sophia Ramos has a voice that goes from belting hard rock a la Chris Connell (just check out opener 'Black Madonna') through to a more soulful vibe on 'Shining Still'. 'Kill Your Pain' is a belting number with angry vocals and heavy guitar riffs, whilst the album closes on a more mellow note with two slower numbers 'Jon's Song' and 'Stay Here With You'. Musically it touches blues, rock, funk and soul with the nearest vocal comparison being Sas Jordan. Blows wimps like Kelly Clarkson out of the water! Top notch backing musicians including Steve (now in the New York Dolls) and John Conte (ex-Company Of Wolves) and session drummer Tony Beard.
This is in your face hard rock and one to play loud!

****1/2
Jason Ritchie

TOBRUK ‘Wild On The Run’ Majestic Rock (Originally 2004, re-issued 2007 double CD) www.majesticrock.com

Ah I remember this band who came out just prior to Bon Jovi and Europe making it big in the UK. UK based Tobruk’s sound was prime time melodic hard rock and they even had Bon Jovi’s producer Lance Quinn produce this album. Featuring vocalist Stuart ‘Snake’ Neale (who passed away last year hence this re-issue) the album isn’t band with the keyboard heavy rock of ‘Wild On The Run’ and ‘Going Down For The Third Time’ bona fide melodic rock classics. Sadly the other tunes are okay but not ones you come back to regularly to play again and again. After the band called it a day only really keyboard Jem Davis has been seen much first in Midnight Blue and then in FM.
There is a bonus live disc but to be honest the sound quality is very poor indeed and really only for collectors, not the casual fan.
Worth a listen if you enjoy UK based 80’sd melodic hard rock bands like Airrace, Lionsheart, FM (although FM had a much more polished sound) and Terraplane.

***
Jason Ritchie

‘The Grand Illusion’ by Chuck Panozzo (2007) Amacon ISBN 9780814409169

Original Styx bass player Chuck Panozzo tells his life story and also provides a message of hope for all, be they gay or straight, young or old. Styx fans after a detailed band history won’t find it here but you do get some fascinating insights into the bands formative years with the Wooden Nickel label and some insight to the eventual parting of the ways with fellow co-founder Dennis De Young.
The book instead gives a very honest look at Chuck’s life and how he copes with hiding the fact he was gay whilst being in a leading US rock band. Coupled with this he relates how he looked after his brother and Styx drummer John, through the latter’s alcohol problems and untimely death back in 1996 and the passing of his mother (his father had died when Chuck was younger). But the biggest credit has to go to his frank description of his battle with AIDS and how he tried to ignore he was HIV positive until he became really ill. All through the book is the back story of the band Styx and how Chuck drove himself to keep on playing and performing when he was able with the band. He details as well how performing live and meeting the fans kept him going and how now he has ‘come out’ he is a leading campaigner and spokesperson on gay issues.
Of definite interest to fans of the but more importantly it is a moving and rewarding memoir of how he battled and hopefully has overcome AIDS, coupled with making it acceptable to lead the life he chooses as a rock musician in what is a very heterosexual genre.

****
Jason Ritchie

Pink Floyd's bass player Guy Pratt's new book...

Having dallied with Funkapolitan, Pratt suddenly found himself on Top of the Pops and supporting David Bowie with smooth Australian outfit Icehouse. At a ludicrously young age he became a sought after bass player to the stars, finding himself crawling from studio to bar, from hotel to stadium portacabin with the likes of Robert Palmer, Womack & Womack, Bernard Edwards, Bryan Ferry and David Crosby. The eighties were in their prime, and with a number of Crolla-suited appearances in windswept videos behind him, he was invited to join Pink Floyd for a series of stadium of extravaganzas to make Bono & co look fairly modest. Pratt has recorded with Madonna, and spent time in the studio with Michael Jackson. He was in The Smiths for a week, has travelled through customs in a wheelchair after a flight with Jimmy Page, and has lived to tell all. My Bass and Other Animals emerges from the successful stand-up tour of the same name. It charts his journey from a Mod band in Southend to playing with Roxy Music at Live 8; it is a witty and revealing but heartfelt memoir of life at the sharp end of the music business.

Guy Pratt on You Tube and here

There’s also a competition for signed copies running on Brain Damage

Fans should feel free to embed the clips on their own sites!

‘My Bass & Other Animals’ is published on 24th May by Orion.

From the Sunday Express –
The Beatles have been reunited for the release of a never-before-heard new single. It has emerged that the legendary band, who are tipped to reinvent themselves when their music goes digital this summer, have not released their last Lennon-McCartney track. Friends say this may now be the “one last great song” that Sir Paul McCartney has felt he has been waiting for since he resumed touring and working in 1989. His iconic band are expected to cash in to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds in new marketing campaigns around the first release of Beatles digital downloads. They plan to reach their existing fans and a whole new generation of young music lovers. But they are set to surprise the world by offering the new song alongside the classics. The plan is to have Ringo Starr drumming on the track and to lift a George Harrison performance from The Beatles archives to make sure that the Fab Four are included in the enterprise. The new song, entitled Now And Then, is based on fragments of a Lennon ballad given to Sir Paul McCartney by Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono in 1994 as part of their Anthology project. In a flurry of activity, McCartney will also release a new album, Memory Almost Full, in June to coincide with the 40th anniversary of The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

Wolfsbane will be reuniting for a three-song set as part of former frontman Blaze Bayley’s performance at Rock Of Ages Festival in Tamworth on September 9.

Poison’s tribute album, Poison’d, is released via EMI on June 4. It includes the band’s versions of songs by The Sweet, David Bowie, The Cars, Tom Petty, Kiss, The Who and many more.

Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin has a new solo album called Miami. Released exclusively through iTunes, it features ex-George Satellites guitarist Rick Richards.

Ex-Kiss drummer Peter Criss releases a solo CD called One For All through Silvercat Records on July 24. It includes a tribute song to his friend and former band-mate Ace Frehley, titled Space Ace.

Evanescence guitarist John LeCompt has been fired whist drummer Rocky Gray has quit, leading to speculation that the remaining members of the band are about to part company.

New Order could have called it a day after bassist Peter Hook revealed to XFM Radio that the band had 'broken up'.

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CLASSIC ROCK NEWSWIRE FORUM
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http://www.atfreeforum.com/crnewswire/

PRESS RELEASES


GIG NEWS

GMT
Jul. 07 - The Pitz, Milton Keynes
Jul. 21 - Riga Club, Southend
Jul. 28 - The Rock & Blues Custom Show, Derbyshire
Aug. 11 - Rainbow Spirit Enlightenment Fayre, Chepstow
Sep. 07 - The Twist, Colchester
Sep. 08 - The Academy, Manchester
Sep. 29 - Esquires, Bedford
Nov. 02 - Boardwalk, Sheffield
Nov. 16 - The Point, Cardiff
Nov. 29 - Carling Academy, Liverpool
Dec. 01 - Fibbers, York

TOTO
29 June 2007 Open Air , Leer (Germany)
30 June 2007 Arrow Rock Festival , Biddinghuizen (Holland)
01 July 2007 Gilde Parkbühne , Hannover (Germany)
03 July 2007 Freilichtbühne , Schwerin (Germany)
05 July 2007 Parkbühne Open Air , Leipzig (Germany)
06 July 2007 Stadthalle Open Air , Bremerhaven (Germany)
07 July 2007 Westfalenpark , Dortmund (Germany)
10 July 2007 Laugardalshöllin , Reykjavik (Iceland)
03 August 2007 Bodø Spektrum , Bodø (Norway)
04 August 2007 R21, Torvet, City Square , Trondheim (Norway)
05 August 2007 Color Line stadion , Ålesund (Norway)
10 August 2007 Arenaen , Frederikshavn (Denmark)
11 August 2007 Festival , Ringstead (Denmark)
17 August 2007 Oulun Pesapallostadion , Oulu (Finland)
18 August 2007 Ratinan stadion , Tampere (Finland)

DOKKEN / KINGDOM COME
26 September 2007 Germany, Ludwigsburg, Rockfabrik
27 September 2007 Czech Republic, Prague, Retro Music Hall
28 September 2007 Austria, Vienna, Planet Music
29 September 2007 Hungary, Budapest, A38
2 October 2007 Germany, Karlsruhe, Substage
3 October 2007 Germany, Augsburg, Spectrum
4 October 2007 Belgium, Vosselar, Biebob
5 October 2007 Germany, Hannover, Musikzentrum
7 October 2007 England, Maximes, Wigan, Z-Rock Fest
8 October 2007 Italy, Milano, Alcatraz
9 October 2007 Italy, Rome, Circolo Degli Artisti
17 October 2007 Germany, Hamburg, Markthalle
19 October 2007 Denmark/Fredikshaven - Norway/Oslo, Rock the Boat
20 October 2007 Denmark, Copenhagen, The Rock

TALISMAN European Farewell Tour
19 May 2007 Hellendoorn Festival, Hellendoorn, Netherlands
20 May 2007 The Corporation, Sheffield, UK
21 May 2007 JB's, Dudley, UK
24 May 2007 Ksilourgio Milou, Thessaloniki, Greece
25 May 2007 Gagarin 205 Live Music Space, Athens
27 May 2007 Biebob, Vosselaar, Belgium
28 May 2007 Poppodium Metropool, Hengelo, Netherlands
29 May 2007 Headbangers Ballroom, Hamburg
31 May 2007 Apolo, Barcelona, Spain
1 June 2007 Heineken, Madrid, Spain
2 June 2007 Santana 27, Bilbao, Spain
4 June 2007 Teatro Juan Ramón Jimenez, Gran Canaria, Telde, Spain
6 June 2007 De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands
8 June 2007 Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden

DANNY VAUGHN
7 May 2007 RESCUE ROOMS, NOTTINGHAM
8 May 2007 THE PURPLE TURTLE, LONDON
10 May 2007 CLUNY'S, NEWCASTLE
11 May 2007 THE ROSETTA, BELFAST
12 May 2007 JB'S, DUDLEY
13 May 2007 THE BARFLY-LIVERPOOL
1 June 2007 THE NIGHT OWL-CHELTENHAM
2 June 2007 THE CORPORATION-SHEFFIELD
3 June 2007 TOM'S PUB -TREFOREST, PONTYPRIDD

DANTE FOX
7 May 2007 Rescue Rooms (with Danny Vaughn), Notthingham
8 May 2007 Purple Turtle Bar(with Danny Vaughn), London
8 September 2007 The Palace, Tamworth - ROCK OF AGES FESTIVAL 200

UNITED FORCES OF ROCK FESTIVAL Ludwigsburg, Germany September 30th 2007

JOE LYNN TURNER
STAN BUSH
DANGER DANGER
WHITE WOLF
SOUL DOCTOR
LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM
HUMAN ZOO

THIN LIZZY + QUEENSRYCHE
November
22 Leicester - De Montford Hall
23 Cambridge - Corn Exchange
24 Ipswich - Regent
26 Nottingham - Royal Concert Hall
27 Birmingham - Academy
28 Cardiff - St Davids Hall
30 Glasgow - Academy
December
1 Aberdeen - Music Hall
2 Newcastle - City Hall
4 Sheffield - City Hall
5 Manchester - Apollo
6 Liverpool - University
8 Bristol - Colston Hall
9 Southampton - Guildhall
10 Exeter - University
12 Folkstone - Leas Cliff
13 London - Sheperds Bush Empire

REVIEWS

DAYDREAMER - 'Daydreamer' (Escape Music 2007)

It's interesting when a band can bring to mind so many others acts yet still manage to produce something that sounds pretty unique however that's exactly the situation with this debut album from Swiss rock band 'Daydreamer'.
The most obvious comparison to draw is that smooth traditional metal of Headless Cross era Black Sabbath displayed in the likes of strong opening track, the strangely titled 'I Am F...', 'Glass Prison' and the excellent 'Slaves Of Our Fantasy' whilst I defy anyone to listen to the superb 'Guardian Angel' without thinking of ' St.Elmo's Fire' during the chorus! Containing also some impressive heavier power metal moments, a couple of ballads of which 'Hand In Hand' would grace a Scorpions album and two of the finest tracks I've heard this year in the epic melodic rock sheen of 'Dreamtale' and the amazing 'You Better Run' which employs a piano fronted build up in a similar way to Van Halen's Right Now and is potentially the song that could take the band to a wider audience.
Lyrically thoughtful even if the vocals are a little accented at times, and instrumentally delivered with impressive ability throughout its a very polished although occasionally unconventional modern hard rock release that offers something a little different and is well worth hearing.

***½
Bill Leslie

Stryper: Live in Puerto Rico Greatest Hits

Despite their multi-platinum career Stryper, especially in their
bumblebee striped 80s heyday, have come in for a lot of stick. Their
naff outfits, on their sleeve Christianity and bible tossing didn't
endear them to many, but it cannot be denied that they are a talented
bunch who can write a cracking catchy tune when they want to... just
check out "Honestly" or "Always there for You" if you need proof. Even
"To Hell with Devil" has got enough balls to satisfy the average
hard-rocker. It could be argued that the subtle Christian approach of
Kings X or Trouble might have been better for cred. Never the less you
can't argue with success. Oh yes, I have met them and they are
thoroughly nice blokes all around.

This "greatest hits" gig was recorded in Puerto Rico in 2004 in front
of a rather keen audience. There are fourteen tracks on here, thirteen
of their own and "Winter Wonderland". What is odd is that their
biggest hit is on here but only in less than perfect archival footage
from 1989. That aside this is a pretty good package, bereft of liner
notes though it might be, and a must for any Stryper fan. I thoroughly
enjoyed the 72 minutes of material on here and am not ashamed to say
it. Take it from this heretic, there is talent in between all those
yellow and black stripes.

Rating: 4/5
Marty Dodge

Damn Yankees: Uprising Live

Now this lot I have always adored since their debut CD. They combine
talents of some of the best bands of their genres from the 80s in the
form of Ted Nugent, Jack 'Night Ranger' Blades and Tommy 'Styx" Shaw.
Damn Yankees are a slicker paired down version of all those bands and
are truly a supergroup. Take out the pomp of it all and just go for
blues-soaked heavy rock of the heartland. All their big hits are on
here including "High Enough", "Where you Goin' Now" and "Coming of
Age". As would expect with such an outing you get some stuff for their
pasts as well. The band banter in between the tracks shows a bit into
how this lot of giant talents manage to produce anything without
killing each other. There is even a bit of insight into how they
manage those close harmonies. This was originally released in '92 on
VHS and the DVD version suffers from none of the bad conversion
problems that happens so often when using archive material.

One can always hope that the Damn Yankee machine will come back,
especially with Blades and Shaw working together again. Until that
happens this is a fitting testament to a cracking rock supergroup.
Great stuff and well worth the price of admission.

Rating: 4.5/5
Marty Dodge

CD reviews

Sadus: Chemical Exposure, Swallowed in Black & A Vision of Misery

Quite literally one of the fastest and most aggressive death/thrash
metal bands on the planet this lot took playing their death to the
uber-extreme of intensity. Home to one of the top thrash/speed metal
bass talents going, in the form of journeyman Steve DiGiorgio,
(Artension, Autopsy, Control Denied, Death, Dragonlord, Iced Earth,
Painmuseum, Testament, Vintersorg and numerous guest appearances),
this is a reissue of their first three albums. The band is still going
strong releasing material as recently as 2006.

This is music for those who like their stuff really out there on the
ultimate extreme. The sheer ferocity of the material on these three
albums is just something to behold. The roots of much of what exists
as extreme metal can be traced to these albums and DiGiorgio. Of the
three, the later one is where everything came together just right.
Through the aggression and speed there exists a bonding of the
musicians. As with the other Roadrunner re-issues in this series there
are bonus tracks and extended liner notes. The liner notes provide an
interesting insight into the making of the albums.

Rating: 4/5
Marty Dodge

Gorguts: The Erosion of Sanity and Considered Dead

These Canadian nutters made a career of extreme technical chaotic
metal that pushes the edge of reason. Much like their Canuck cousins
Voivod, they were determined to take the genre as far as it could go
and then some. Some say that the follow-up to these albums called
Obscura saw the band fall of the edge into oblivion. These two CDs
prepared them for that insanity showing a progression. Complete with
bonus tracks and liner notes this is yet another set of releases any
extreme metal fan should not be without. Death metal taken to the nth
degree, it's certainly not for the faith of heart or ear.

So that is you lot for this week. I am sorry I managed only four
reviews for you. I need to be a better job of hitting the pile for
next time. Next week will be a tad mellower with music from Marillion,
Rush, and a few other niceties. The two tracks from my band will not
be up for yer listening pleasure until after my wedding on the 19th as
they were written and recorded to premiere at our reception.

Rating: 4/5
Marty Dodge