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
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
posted by JasonR @ 3:21 AM
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