FOZZY Frontman: 'We Want To Be The Best Band In The World'

Jonathan Newsome of Rock. Nothing But… recently conducted an interview with FOZZY frontman and WWE wrestling superstar Chris Jericho. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Rock. Nothing But…: Let's talk a little bit about "Sandpaper". It's the new single from you guys. I personally love the song. I realize most want to leave lyrics open for interpretation, but this song really intrigues me lyrically. Would you mind giving us a little insight as to what the song means to you?

Jericho: Well, this all started with the riff that Rich [Ward, guitar] was playing last summer when we were on tour over in Europe. It sounded, for some reason, I said, that reminded me of sandpaper. So, usually how I write songs is, I'll come up with a song name, and then work my way backwards from there. So, when I heard the riff, and came up with the sandpaper idea, I just put it away. Then, when it was time to write lyrics for it, I don't really know where it came from. I guess, technically, it could be more of for people that kind of rub you the wrong way. An abrasive type of a feeling, kind of a sandpaper type of a feeling. A lot of my lyrics are story based. A lot of my lyrics just kind of sound good with the rhythms that are going on. Kind of an "I Am The Walrus"-type vibe maybe. [laughs] But, I think this one is a little bit deeper where you can create your own mental pictures for what it is. I think more than anything, it's probably about people that rub you the wrong way, and how you deal with them deep within your psyche. Either that or just a good fucking rock and roll song. One of the two.

Rock. Nothing But…: It features M. Shadows from AVENGED SEVENFOLD. How did he become involved with this song?

Jericho: Shadows and I have become really good friends over the last couple years, and when we were in the studio recording that cat scratch, whiplash, that little intro part; I thought, I'm not really feeling it like I am for most of the other stuff. I thought, Shadows might sound good with this. So, I called him up and he started to put some thoughts into it. Worked on it a little bit, and gave me a couple of ideas for the arrangement of the song. So he kind of went above and beyond just to make it, not only what we were asking for, but kind of what he was thinking, too. He put a lot of time and effort into it, so that was great.

Rock. Nothing But…: You are about to hit the road with FOZZY. You guys are playing Uproar this year alongside some of the biggest names in rock. Obviously, performing is something you have a ton of experience at, but do you have any plans to set yourself apart from the other bands on this tour?

Jericho: Well, our attitude is, we want to be the best band in the world. I think that one of the things that we have on our side, when performing, is it's very entertaining, very energetic, very hard-hitting. I think that people who have never seen us live are usually blown away the first time, because they didn't expect it, and we really like that. So, going on Uproaris our first U.S. tour from coast to coast. It's the first time that we've been in front of thousands and thousands of people. Obviously, we have a huge fanbase, but it's going to be ten-fold by the time we finish this tour, as well as during it. So, I think that we are a very road-tested machine like band that will be showing what we can do, and we're excited to have this opportunity. We're going to make the most of it every single night. We want to steall the show every night. We want to be the band, when people say, "You know SHINEDOWN was great, PAPA ROACH was great, but fucking FOZZY just blew us away." We have that power, we have that capacity, so we are looking forward to it.

You can read the entire interview from Rock. Nothing But…. The chat is also available for streaming as an audio file using the player below.

Courtesy of Blabbermouth

STEVEN ADLER's Mother Launches 'Sweet Child Of Mine' Web Series

The first episode in a new three-part web series from Deanna Adler, the mother of original GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler can be seen below. In the clip, she discusses her reasons for writing her long-awaited tell-all book, "Sweet Child Of Mine: How I Lost My Son to Guns N' Roses" (formerly "No Bed Of Roses") and how Steven really feels about it.

"Sweet Child Of Mine: How I Lost My Son to Guns N' Roses" will be released on August 28 via 4th Street Media.

Several excerpts from the book can be found at this location.

Deanna gives an honest and revealing look into a life beset by abuse and betrayal and what it was like raising a child who became a member of one of the greatest rock bands in history, and a heroin addict of equally epic proportions. The book emotionally and enthrallingly details a mother's love for her infamous son, whose phenomenal success is surpassed only by his astounding capacity for self-destruction.

"Sweet Child Of Mine" is the universal journey of a mother's devotion to her child, filled with moments of both profound joy and crippling heartache.Deanna takes readers on a roller coaster ride through raising a troubled young boy who ultimately reached the pinnacle of fame and success, only to then be publicly branded a junkie and kicked out of his band in front of a television audience of millions; go on to endure continuing addiction, legal battles, financial ruin, two heart attacks, multiple suicide attempts, a debilitating stroke, and numerous stints in rehab. But it is her courage and indomitable spirit that both educates and inspires, as she is living proof that devotion to family, a sense of humor, and faith in a higher power are the foundations for achieving peace and purpose in life.

Deanna Adler appeared on the second season of "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew", on which Steven was a cast member. During the season's episode five, Dr. Drew, Dr. Sophy and Steven sat down for a meeting with Deanna in a what was described as "a tense whirlwind of accusations, denials and resentment. Steven is so flustered that he storms out of the room, leaving the many issues between he and Deannaunresolved, possibly forever."

You can see Deanna Adler's appearance on "Celebrity Rehab" at this location. (Deanna Adler first appears around the 19-minute mark.)

Having been kicked out of his mother's house on numerous occasions before he was old enough to vote, Steven Adler reportedly started skipping school and doing drugs when he was 11.

Steven Adler was the drummer for GUNS N' ROSES from 1985 to 1990. He was eventually fired from the band due to his drug addiction, which caused him to spiral down into depression and more drug use.

Steven Adler's autobiography, "My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses", came out in July 2010. In the book, Adlertells all, fearlessly addressing his struggles with heroin and crack addiction; his financial ruin after being kicked out of GN'R; his shattered marriage; and the severe health problems that nearly claimed his life on several occasions.

Courtesy of Blabbermouth

Review of Motley Crue and Kiss on the second night of "The Tour"

Kiss and Motley Crue performed at Jiffy Lube Live on Friday night. Midnight Sun contributor Jay Trucker was there.

Thirty years after they first toured together, Kiss and Motley Crue are back out on the road, opening their 2012 summer tour on an intermittently stormy night in Bristow. But if Crue is officially the opening act on this tour, their bigger stage show, equal-lengthed setlist and more frenzied audience suggests otherwise.

Motley Crue’s stage show is a spectacle. Working with the carnival theme they’ve been experimenting with for years, this tour includes a huge stage production incorporating all of the classic elements of arock 'n' rollcircus and a healthy dose of vaudeville.

The band entered via the aisles in a druid-style ceremony, accompanied by roadies bearing Motley Crue flags. The show began with the eponymous single off the group's latest album, “Saints of Los Angeles.” Frontman Vince Neil’s stage presence may not be impressive enough to carry a show, but he’s barely noticeable mixed in with the lights, smoke, fire, dancing backup singers, and roller-coaster drum set that serve as a backdrop for Neil’s jazzercising routine and often strained vocals.

Motley Crue is one of those rare bands in which the rhythm section’s personalities are larger than the lead’s. This was evident during Friday’s show when Tommy Lee took the spotlight for a two-part drum solo, during which he played the drums while spinning 360 degrees and later picking up an audience member to accompany him.

Lee then played piano on “Home Sweet Home,” probably one of the most touching songs ever performed by a man dressed as a court jester. Bassist/songwriter/biographer Nikki Sixx, who looks like a touring member of Nine Inch Nails these days, took center stage with a flaming bass guitar during “Primal Scream.”

Despite debuting a new song (“Sex”) midset, Crue otherwise stuck to their classics during the 75-minute production, wrapping things up fittingly with one of their biggest hits and self-laudatory tributes to their own decadent legacy, “Kickstart My Heart.”

But if Motley Crue is representative of '80s raunch and excess, Kiss is a genre in and of itself.

Though only half of the original band is represented in the current lineup, the group arrived in full makeup, platform shoes and cartoon regalia, as did many of their fans. Kiss' LED-light stage show didn’t live up to the high expectations set by Motley Crue, and it’s a bit surprising that they didn’t add more to it in order to outshine their showy supporting act.

Taking the stage at 9:45 with their traditional opening song, “Detroit Rock City,” the band front-loaded hits into the first part of the set, following with “Shout it Out Loud,” “I Love it Loud,” and “Love Gun.” Paul Stanley rode a zip-line to the middle of the pavilion for “Love Gun,” utilizing a temporary structure that brought him closer to the audience. Later, long-tongued bassist/reality tv star Gene Simmons spit blood during their new single, “Hell or Hallelujah,” released earlier this month.

Stanley and Simmons left the stage for a midset guitar and drum solo showcasing Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, current representatives of the Space and Cat Men. Highlighting their '70s roots, the band interspersed bits of The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly” into “Lick it Up.”

If you’ve seen Kiss before, you know what to expect from them, including the mega-hit encore “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Their show remains formulaic, but it’s a formula that has helped them maintain a legion of loyal fans and keeps them drawing as a major touring act 16 years after the band's MTV reunion and resurgent comeback tour. Objectively, however, the metal lunch box heroes haven’t stepped up their touring act to match that of their Sin City-meets-Ringling-Brothers rock-'n'-roll roadshow counterparts in the Crue.

Jay Trucker is a frequent contributor to Midnight Sun. He teaches at the Community College of Baltimore County in Dundalk and blogs occassionally at WNST.net. He last reviewed Def Leppard and Poison at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Wesley Case edited this post.

Motley Crue

"Saints of Los Angeles "
"Wildside"
"Shout at the Devil"
"Same Old Situation"
"Looks that Kill"
"Girl, Don’t Go Away Mad"
"Sex"
Drum solo (club mix and “Roller Coaster”)
"Home Sweet Home (Tommy Lee on piano)"
"Primal Scream"
"Dr. Feelgood"
"Girls, Girls, Girls"
"Kickstart My Heart"

Kiss

"Detroit Rock City"
"Shout it Out Loud"
"I Love it Loud"
"Love Gun"
"Firehouse"
"War Machine"
"Shock Me"
"Hell or Hallelujah"
Bass solo
"God of Thunder"
"Lick it Up ('Baba O’Reilly' splices)"
"Black Diamond"

Encore
"Rock and Roll All Nite"

The above article courtesy of The Baltimore Sun

Audio Samples From Lynch Mob's Forthcoming "Sound Mountain Sessions" Posted Online

Rat Pak Records will release the new Lynch Mob CD Sound Mountain Sessions on August 7th.

A promotional video containing audio samples from the EP is can be viewed below.

Sound Mountain Sessions is a straight forward, gritty, well-polished American hard rock offering from legendary Lynch Mob, that truly captures the magic of their genre. It's got bite, it's got soul, and lyrically, vocalist Oni Logan holds nothing back on this one.Sound Mountain Sessions, is a four song EP that rivals their previous work from the early years.

This is the EP that introduces you to the next and best chapter of these legendary rockers. Featured tracks include: Slow Drag, World of Chance, City of Freedom, and Sucka.

For exclusive pre-order bundles, please visit www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/lynchmob.

Lamb Of God Cancel Tour After Singer Randy Blythe Denied Bail

As they await news about the latest attempt to secure bail for their jailed singer, Randy Blythe, metal band Lamb of God announced on Thursday (July 26th) that they have been forced to cancel their planned co headlining tour with Dethklok. More pressingly, according to reports, Blythe remains jailed in the Czech Republic and it is increasingly unclear if he will be allowed to post bail in his manslaughter case over the 2010 death of a fan at on of their shows.

According to The Gauntlet, the prosecutor in the case has challenged Blythe's attempt to secure bail with a $400,000 payment that is double the amount the singer originally posted to secure his release as he awaits a possible trial.

Following Wednesday's challenge, the prosecutor will submit his reasoning for the latest bail denial in court on Friday. At that point, the judge will have five days to rule, which will be followed by five more days to write up and publish the findings to the court. The judge's ruling will be final at that point unless formal charges are filed and Blythe should be free to leave the Czech Republic without any bail conditions and return to the United States.

D. Randall "Randy" Blythe, 41, was arrested on June 27th at the airport in Prague in connection with the death of a fan at one of the band's shows in 2010. Blythe said in an interview last week? that he knew nothing about any "sort of incident [that allegedly took place during the concert]" and that he remembered "very few details" about the show.

Authorities charge that at a 2010 concert at Prague's Club Abaton Blythe allegedly shoved a local fan from the stage. The man Czech media identified only as "Daniel N." reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage that left him comatose and resulted in his death 14 days afterward. Blythe's representatives have denied the charges? and he's received support from a number of his fellow musicians in the metal community?, including Slash and Sebastian Bach. While his band mates have set up a legal support fund to raise money for his defense, Blythe said he's spending his time in jail reading and writing letters to friends and family as well as keeping a diary. He's getting along well with his cellmate and is working on a book about his time in the Pankrac prison, while also working on new lyrics.

In a statement the band announced the tour cancellation of the tour, which was due to kick off on August 1st in Seattle. "The band regrets the decision but the uncertainty of Randy's release makes it impossible to carry on with the tour.," read the statement. "Upon Randy's release, it is the band's intention to rebook a tour in the fall and at this time the band fully intends to participate in the Mayhem Cruise in December."

Source: MTV News

LAMB OF GOD's Manager Says Czech Prosecutor Is Challenging RANDY BLYTHE's Increased Bail

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 27 and is facing manslaughter charges in connection with a 2010 Prague concert at which he allegedly shoved a local fan off the stage. The man, who is said to have stormed the stage three times during the show, reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage that resulted in his death nearly a month later.

Last week, the court doubled Blythe's bail from about $200,000 to about $400,000.

"[On Tuesday, July 24] the court published that they were upholding the $400,000 bail and Randy's release," LAMB OF GOD's manager, Larry Mazer, told WTVR-TV — the CBS television affiliate based in Richmond, Virginia — in an email. "The prosecutor appealed the $200,000. That appeal was turned down but the bail was raised to $400,000, which, as you know, we paid. But by Czech law, the prosecutor can challenge one more time, which he is doing and that starts the clock all over again."

Mazer did not give an expected time frame for Blythe's release, but he did say he doesn't think it will be within six days. The LAMB OF GOD tour is scheduled to start in Seattle, Washington on August 1.

An official announcement about the tour is expected tomorrow.

Blythe's Czech attorney Martin Radvan told Radio Prague that he expected Blythe to be able to travel home, but that the singer will have to return to the Czech Republic to face trial. "That's what he wants to do," Radvan said. "As a world-renowned artist, in a specific genre of music, of course, he cannot afford to simply disappear."

Radvan added that Randy's stature as a public figure makes it highly unlikely that he would vanish before the trial, saying, "There would be posters with his picture all around the world, and if he wants to continue performing, he will have to return. And he wants to return because he believes he is not guilty of anything he has been charged with."

Radvan said Blythe has been coping with his time in jail, continuing to write music and working on a book.

Martin Holub, a lawyer at Šafra & Partners, told The Prague Post if bail is revoked, Blythe could be kept in prison for up to six months.

"The authorities will be concerned about him leaving the country and then having to begin extradition proceedings," Holub said. "If, however, the appeal court confirms the decision of the previous court, Randy Blytheshould be released on the day that decision is made."

Jonathan Crane, a reporter from the Prague Post, told WTVR-TV that a legal expert believes the Blythe's defense team should have quite a strong case. "Even if Randy was responsible for the alleged attack, the expert said that who is to say that he wasn't accidentally kicked or trodden on or left without help by fans below the stage," Crane said.

The U.S. Embassy in Prague on July 11 released a very brief statement regarding Blythe: "The U.S. Embassy provides standard consular services to American citizens in need of assistance. We cannot discuss specific cases due to privacy concerns."

Source: Blabbermouth

Quiet Riot releases a video showcasing the new band.

A new three-minute QUIET RIOT EPK (Electronic Press Kit) featuring professionally filmed video footage of the band's May 12 performance at the M3 Rock Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland can be seen below.

QUIET RIOT in March recruited Scott Vokoun as its new lead singer.

The band played several shows in early February with ex-MONTROSE vocalist Keith St. John following the departure of Mark Huff.

QUIET RIOT's current touring lineup is as follows:

Scott Vokoun - Vocals
Frankie Banali - Drums
Chuck Wright - Bass
Alex Grossi - Guitar

QUIET RIOT singer Kevin DuBrow died in November 2007 of an accidental cocaine overdose. He was 52 years old.

QUIET RIOT was perhaps best known for its 1983 cover of "Cum On Feel The Noize". The song, featuring DuBrow's powerful, gravelly voice, appeared on the band's album "Metal Health" — which was the first by a metal band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart.

Source: Blabbermouth

TRIXTER Guitarist Interviewed By 'The Musician's Voice' (Audio)

Mark Uricheck of The Musician's Voice recently conducted an interview with guitarist Steve Brown of reunited good-time rock and rollers TRIXTER. You can now stream the 20-minute chat using the audio playerbelow.

TRIXTER's new album, "New Audio Machine", was released on April 24 in North America via Frontiers Records. Featuring the band's original lineup, the CD was produced by Steve Brown with extra production and engineering by Chuck Alkazian (ELTON JOHN, CHRISTINA AGUILERA,TESLA) and includes songwriting contributions by SKID ROW's Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan and STYX's Glen Burtnik.

Commented TRIXTER frontman Pete Loran, "After all these years playing and recording with this band, I would say I am most proud of this record!" Lead guitarist Steve Brown added, "'New Audio Machine is everything TRIXTER was and everything we are now."

"New Audio Machine" track listing:

01. Drag Me Down
02. Get On It
03. Dirty Love
04. Machine
05. Live For The Day
06. Ride
07. Physical Attraction
08. Tattoos & Misery
09. The Coolest Thing
10. Save Your Soul
11. Walk With A Stranger
12. Heart Of Steel (bonus acoustic track)

The "Tattoos & Misery" video can be seen below. The track was written by Steve Brown, P.J. Farley, Mark "Gus" Scott and Xandy Barry (THE ROLLING STONES, PUDDLE OF MUDD, BACKSTREET BOYS, MILEY CYRUS), mixed by Corey Pensa and is featured on

Formed in Paramus, New Jersey in 1984, TRIXTER's self-titled debut album attained gold status (reaching #28 on The Billboard 200 in 1990), and spawned three minor hit singles: "Surrender" (#72), "One In A Million"(#75), and "Give It To Me Good" (#65). Despite the fact that none of the singles made the Top 40 or garnered much radio airplay, the videos for all three tunes were in heavy rotation on MTV (especially "Give It To Me Good", which was #1 on the channel for several weeks). A follow-up effort, "Hear", came out in 1992, but failed to reach the same commercial heights. The band recorded an album of cover songs, "Undercovers", in 1994, which garnered little commercial success, and TRIXTER broke up shortly after its release.

TRIXTER announced the reunion of its original lineup in 2007 and has since played a number of shows, including the Rocklahoma festival in 2008.

TRIXTER's current lineup features Pete Loran on lead vocals and guitar,Steve Brown on lead guitar, P.J. Farley on bass and Gus Scott on drums.

Interview (audio)

Also check out Trixter online

Source: Blabbermouth

Guitarist Adrian Vandenberg In A Legal Dispute Over His Name

Former Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg has slammed the former members of his band Vandenberg for attempting to take over the rights to his surname a second time.

He split the four piece in 1986 in order to join David Coverdale’s band, and insists he was fully in charge of its creative output during their three-album career and he’s branded the new action “ridiculous,” “far-fetched” and “cheesy."

Vandenberg says, “Before joining my close friend David Coverdale in Whitesnake, I had my own band under my own name, which I founded, wrote all the music and lyrics for, made the album covers, designed the logo etc etc.

Here comes the surreal part: a year ago I got summoned by a lawyer representing the three guys I invited to play in my band, trying to claim my own name and trying to prohibit me from using my own name through a lawsuit. Now how bizarre is that?

Singer Bert Heerink, bassist Dick Kemper and drummer Jos Zoomer, each of them not having achieved anything worth mentioning in 27 years, are now trying to piggyback on the name and reputation I was fortunate enough to build through years of working my ass off. A sad situation indeed – since I always thought these guys were friends.”

Vandenberg says Heerink’s position in the case was “even more pathetic” since he’d been fired from the band in 1985, and points out they lost their lawsuit when it came to court, but he states that they’re trying again, this time through a trademark dispute.

“It’s basically like when you invite a couple of people for a ride on the back seat of your new car, then these passengers claim your car is now theirs,” says the guitarist. “Some people have no shame.”

He’s promised to keep fans updated about what he calls “this surrealistic but actually sad soap.”

Source: Eddie Trunk

Jack Russell checks in with a play by play recap of the America Rocks Tour!

As you all know, my band Jack Russell's Great White just wrapped up our summer package-AMERICA ROCKS-where we headlined around the country with our very special guests Faster Pussycat, Bullet Boys, Pretty Boy Floyd and Lillian Axe. It was quite an adventure.

We started the tour in northern California. To say that first day was a real life "Spinal Tap" is an understatement. All the buses, all the people (some I knew, some I didn’t, but they all seemed nice enough), all the gear...it was chaotic at best. On one bus you had a bunch of good ole' boys with a bunch of Hollywood rocker dudes (it took a minute for that to gel) although everyone there survived, some barely. On the other bus were the real pro road dogs, sharing their space with 1989, by the way that was a great year for me, so I’m cool with that. Some did not last the entire adventure, but I won’t speculate on that. We had our own bus, THANK GOD!

When the tour began, everyone was a bit under the weather, and I was definitely not feeling up to par. Things got worse before they got better, but eventually we were all happy and healthy.

We did a few shows in Cali. And then, in what seemed to be a random routing, we headed to Nebraska. Yep, Nebraska makes sense? So. Cal to Nebraska? Anyway, we had a really great show there, aside from the drunken in-house sound guy. He kept turning the speakers on and off, so we finally had him removed from the premises. We have our own sound guy, who is amazing, so we did not need his drunken ass screwing up our sound. However, every time he was escorted out the front door, he came right back in through the back door, we just could not get rid of this guy!

After that show we headed to Kansas, I don’t know if I had the flu or what, but I was not my usual fantastic self! LOL. The next day was the worst, Savage MN. People need to wash their damn hands, germs spread like crazy in this confined space...hint hint band members!

After that, we headed to a really cool venue right outside of Chicago. I have a lot of friends there, so it was an awesome night. Did I mention that the band kicked ass too? Better and better every show. I am a lucky man!

Then off to a show in PA. We got there late so all the bands just kind of threw their stuff on the stage and rocked. No real sound check or anything. It was one of the best shows on the tour.

Then on to Canada. After way too much prep work, we got in no problem (Canada is like Fort Knox these days ya know). However, one band, which shall remain nameless, could not get in, come hell or high water, so they went off on their own, no idea where. Faster's bus broke down or something, so we had to wait at the border for them for HOURS! We were told it would be best for us all to go in together, well fuck that! We gave up the wait and went in, no problem. Thanks for that Taime! We had a blast however, hanging with the border guards for four hours...Anyway, Faster and Bullet Boys finally showed up (can ya guess who wasn’t allowed anywhere near Canada?) and it was truly a great show, great crowd, and great performances by all. Just a really fun time.

Out of Canada… and heading towards the eastern gigs. More great shows in OH, and New Jersey. This tour really brought out the fans and they showed us so much love! I sucked that shit up like a mosquito in a blood bank!

By this time, we were all really getting to know each other, and were really making some good friends. Some of these guys are really a trip, and are great players. Everyone was pitching in and helping each other and things were running pretty smooth at this point. I know it may seem easy, but trust me when I tell you that having 5 bands on one bill, plus having some promoters add a couple of local openers, was a scheduling nightmare. Getting everyone play to nice was quite a challenge at times. Except for me, I'm perfect. No, really I swear!

Next we had a gig in Virginia. There was some kind of crazy storm and no power all along the east coast, including at the venue! Had a day off instead. We rescheduled and will return there in November. Then went to D.C. where some of my band mates wanted to vent to Obama, but instead ended up taking obscene pictures with the Washington Monument (check Dario's Facebook page).

My wife flew in and joined us boys on the tour bus for a week. Then it was the 4th of July in Alabama, what's more American than that! The promoter told us it was the first time in 5 years that the crowd continued to stay AFTER the fireworks were over to watch a band. It kicked ass!

Then off to Texas, the birthplace of our one and only Matthew Johnson. Texas LOVES us, LOVES their boy Matthew, and we LOVE Texas.

The antics also started here...an end of tour tradition. Different band members would randomly jump on stage and do some really wacky shit to whoever was on at the time. Check out You Tube for Lillian Axe joining Faster, that was some funny shit.

Everyone started joining us on stage for our last song "Once Bitten Twice Shy", and on the last night in AZ they all wore our "JACK IS BACK" shirts. I thought that was awesome, then I saw Taime...his shirt said "JACK ME OFF". Thanks Taime, way to ruin a moment, just kidding, it was fucking hysterical!

All in all, we all really had an amazing time! I can't thank Faster Pussycat, Bullet Boys, Pretty Boy Floyd and Lillian Axe enough. It was a great adventure and something I will never forget. We made some amazing friendships, and miss the guys already.

Source: Metal Sludge

Jackyl: 'Screwdriver' Video Released

"Screwdriver", the new video from Kennesaw, Georgia-based rockers JACKYL, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new album,"Best In Show", which will be released on July 31 via Mighty Loud Entertainment, with distribution from Fontana Distribution, LLC.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Best in Show (4:04)
02. Encore (3:55)
03. Screwdriver (4:08)
04. Horns Up (3:28)
05. Golden Spookytooth (3:30)
06. Cover of the Rolling Stone (2:59)
07. Walk My Mile (5:18)
08. Favorite Sin (3:17)
09. Better Than Chicken (2:44)
10. Don't Lay Down On Me (3:57)
11. Eleven (4:30)
12. It's Tricky (2:59)

JACKYL ended 2010 with a bang by collaborating with Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame legend Darryl "DMC" Matthews McDaniels from RUN DMC on the single "Just Like A Negro".

The single is available for purchase at Jackyl.com and comes with a limited-edition "JACKYL featuring DMC" poster. It can also be downloaded from iTunes.

Formed in 1990, JACKYL has enjoyed a career stretching two decades, bringing a hybrid of Southern metal to millions. From the band's debut in 1992 via Geffen Records, through today, they are notorious as one of the hardest-working bands in rock. JACKYL holds two Guiness world records, one for staging 100 shows in 50 days, and another for performing 21 concerts in a 24-hour period. Jesse James Dupree and partner Michael Ballard also brew Jessie James Dupree's America's Outlaw Beer.

Steve Vai New Song Available For Streaming

"John The Revelator", a brand new song from virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai, is available for streaming at RollingStone.com. The track is a 1930s gospel-blues classic, and it has been forever changed and layered with heavy rock Vai-mojo.

"John The Revelator" comes off Vai's new solo album of original material,"The Story Of Light", which is scheduled for release on August 14. The title comes out on Favored Nations Entertainment, the label Vaifounded in 1999. The sprawling and expressive 12-song set continues a conceptual and cosmic narrative arc that began with the artist's most recent studio release, 2005's acclaimed "Real Illusions: Reflections".

Although "The Story Of Light" is largely instrumental, the album does feature guest vocalists, including singer-songwriter Aimee Mann — dueting with Vai on "No More Amsterdam", which she also co-wrote.Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist on "The Voice", appears on"John The Revelator", a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acid-soaked vocals are in the mix as well. Other highlights include the title track (which opens the album),"Gravity Storm", "The Moon And I", and "Velorum".

Throughout, three-time Grammy-winner Vai's lead guitar is as lyrically resonant as it is technically masterful, his licks and solos bending sounds and in listeners' minds in equal measure. "The Story Of Light" follows the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment, and redemption.

"I'm always pursuing knowledge, I'm a seeker of spiritual equilibrium-and music is a big part of that," says Vai. "I've been obsessed with these kinds of ideas for years." Looking ahead, Vai envisions a third set of songs that will unravel the mysteries and reveal truths that swirl through both 'The Story Of Light' and 'Real Illusions: Reflections'. The completed trilogy, intended to be cinematic-even operatic-in scope, will include lyrics and narration.

"The Story Of Light" is available as of today for online pre-sale orders. This special pre-sale selection of bundled packages is offered exclusively through Vai's web site, Vai.com, where complete details on the products and ordering information are available. Each package includes an instant download of a track from the new album personally selected by Vai,"Gravity Storm".

"The Story Of Light" is Vai's 16th solo effort, and the follow up to 2009's live effort, "Where The Wild Things Are". In support of its release, Vaiwill begin a tour of North America on August 15 in Fort Lauderdale Florida, accompanied by his band — who are also featured on the new album:Dave Weiner (guitar), Jeremy Colson (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass), and Deborah Hensen (harp, vocals, keyboards).

Source: Blabbermouth

Motley Crue Guitarist Says "I'll Keep Rockin' Till I Fall Down"

Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars recently spoke with the Miami New Times discussing whether or not turning the ripe old age of 60 has changed his wild lifestyle.

"Well, yes," Mars says sarcastically. "Lots of things change. One doesn't," he snickers, pausing, "I'm still no gentleman. I'm still as big an asshole as ever. Lewd and aggressive. But honestly, there's one thing that's really different for me ... Being sober. And it's really helped. The playing is better. The songs are better. There are some people who drink their whole lives. But thankfully, I was just like, 'Ah, I'm over this shit. Over the drug thing. Over the booze thing. Over this other thing.' It's great to be clear-headed, instead of just sitting around going, 'Huh?' like a dummy. I don't smoke. I don't drink. I don't have many vices, except playing my guitar too much. I guess I'm kind of a boring guy these days. But that's how I'm gonna keep going with Motley Crue as long as I can."

The guitarist adds, "And even after that, I'll just keep playing and writing for TV commercials, movies, old bands, new bands, baby bands, whatever, right until it's all over. There's no way I can keep touring for the rest of my life, because I don't wanna be 75 on the road like an old goat with his head hanging down. But one way or another, I'll keep rockin' till I fall down. Definitely.

source: miaminewtimes.com

STAIND Taking A Break But 'Not Breaking Up

Vocalist Aaron Lewis of Massachusetts rockers STAIND has revealed toBillboard.com that the band is planning to take a break next year.

The group, which released its self-titled latest album in September 2011, is preparing for the August 17 launch of the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival, where they will be joined by SHINEDOWN, GODSMACK and PAPA ROACH, among others.

"The touring that we've done this year has been good," Lewis Billboard.com. "We've got this next tour and we might do something next year and then we're going to take a little break for a second. We're not breaking up. We're not gonna stop making music. We're just going to take a little hiatus that really hasn't ever been taken in our career. We put out seven records in 14 years. We've been pretty busy."

"Staind" sold 47,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No, 5 on The Billboard 200 chart. Produced by Johnny K — known for his work with 3 DOORS DOWN, DISTURBED, and SEVENDUST, not to mention his Grammy Award-nominated collaboration with STAIND, 2008's "The Illusion Of Progress" — and mixed by the legendary Chris Lord-Alge, the marked the end of the group's deal with Atlantic Records.

"There's so many options these days, and we won't really know until that time comes," Lewis told Billboard.com about how STAIND might release its future recordings. "I think it would take a ridiculous, ridiculous check for me to be willing to sign a label deal again, but there's many other ways to do it. Everything is changing so much; every time you close your eyes and then open them again, the business has changed a little bit. So we'll see when we get there what we're gonna do."

Lewis' first full-length solo album, "The Road", will be released on September 11. The CD follows up Lewis' 2011 debut solo EP, "Town Line", which entered the Billboard Country Albums chart at No. 1 and featured the hit single "Country Boy". The new album, produced by Nashville hitmaker James Stroud, is likely to follow in the same musical vein as the EP.

Courtesy of Blabbermouth

ANTHRAX's Scott Ian Schedules Guitar Center Appearances

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has scheduled the following Guitar Centerappearances:

August 9 at 7 p.m.
Guitar Center - Block At Orange
20 City Blvd W Ste 907D
Orange, CA 92868

August 10 at 7 p.m.
Guitar Center
7425 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046

August 30 at 7 p.m.
Guitar Center - San Jose
3677 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051

August 31 at 7 p.m.
Guitar Center
5925 Shellmound St.
Emeryville, CA 94608

Jackson Guitars has issued a limited edition Scott Ian ATL Soloist electric guitar. Only 250 of these will be available mid-price.

The ATL Soloist displays artwork from the Anthrax breakthrough album"Among The Living" depicting antagonist Rev. Henry Kane of"Poltergeist" fame. The body is made of basswood and features neck-thru construction for improved sustain and access to all 24 frets. The neck has a rosewood fingerboard with custom ATL and Thraxagram inlays and a compound radius for maximum playing comfort. A single, strategically-placed Duncan Designed humbucker with volume control inspires unrestrained power and tone.

Features:

* Soloist body shape
* Basswood body
* Neck thru construction
* 24 jumbo frets
* Rosewood compound radius fingerboard
* Duncan-designed humbucker
* Exclusive "Among The Living" graphic
* ATL and Thraxagram inlay 

Courtesy of Blabbermouth

DREAM THEATER Frontman Says Upcoming Concert DVD Will Be 'Very Cool' And 'Unique

DREAM THEATER's August 19 and August 20 concerts at Estadio Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina will be professionally filmed and recorded for the band's next live DVD, to be released sometime next year.

Speaking to Tri-State Rock, LaBrie said (hear audio below), "We're pretty stoked. We're actually gonna be using Mike Leonard, who was the production, filming company that we used for 'The Spirit Carries On'documentary. So they're coming back into it. And we're using Rich Chycki, who's worked on the last few RUSH albums as engineer and mixer, and he also worked on the ['R30'] 30th-anniversary DVD withRUSH. And so we have him involved; he'll be doing the audio recording. And we have some technological things that are gonna be going on this DVD that should make it quite interesting. But it is a two-night shoot. It's in a place that we've played before called Luna Park in Buenos Aires, and it's a beautiful, beautiful area, and it will be outside, so hopefully the weather gods will work in our favor. But yeah, it's a really great place. We thought it was the perfect venue for us to do this DVD. And we're pretty stoked. I think it's gonna be very cool, very unique, and I think it should step it up, once again, from our last official DVD, which was 'Score', [filmed] at Radio City Music Hall. So, yeah, it'll be great. We're really excited about it, and it should be something I'm sure that our fans are going to appreciate immensely once it's all done and out there."

DREAM THEATER — James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar and vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards and continuum) and Mike Mangini (drums) — launched a major North American headlining summer tour on June 15 in Rochester, New York. The tour included stops at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey plus a two-night engagement at the Paramount Theater on Long Island, New York. They were touring behind their 11th studio album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", which had 14 Top 10 debuts around the world. It also produced the band's first-ever Grammy nomination for "On The Backs Of Angels" in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category.

Original Post by Blabbermouth

IRON MAIDEN Singer To 'Fan': 'You've Been Texting For The Last Three Songs! You're A Wanker!'

Fan-filmed video footage of IRON MAIDEN's July 19 concert at Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis, Indiana can be seen below.

During the opening notes of "Wasted Years", IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson can be heard addressing a fan in the audience: "Oh, for fuck's sake, the man the white shirt, you've been texting for the last three fucking songs! You're a wanker!"

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Moonchild
02. Can I Play With Madness
03. The Prisoner
04. 2 Minutes To Midnight
05. Afraid To Shoot Strangers
06. The Trooper
07. The Number Of The Beast
08. Phantom Of The Opera
09. Run To The Hills
10. Wasted Years
11. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
12. The Clairvoyant
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden

Encore:

15. Aces High
16. The Evil That Men Do
17. Running Free

The 34-date "Maiden England" tour is IRON MAIDEN's most extensive visit to North America for many years and includes a number of other cities the band have not played in a very long time such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City and Sacramento, and places like Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) and Cadott, Wisconsin where they have never visited before. The tour is based on the band's "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour", with a setlist almost exclusively from the 1980s featuring all the classic songs and hits. The same spectacular stage set as was used on the original 1988 tour has been recreated, complete with a magnificent light show, pyro and a newly reincarnated Eddie!

When asked by The Aquarian Weekly what the reason was behind choosing a setlist like that of the famous 1988 excursion, 7th Tour Of A 7th Tour, IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith said, "Well, we just thought it'd be fun to revisit that period in time — there were some good songs there. It's just great revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for a long while. It keeps us fresh and it's just, you know, we got a lot of new fans coming on board now, a lot of younger fans who probably never saw or were around when we did that tour. That's one factor of it for us revisiting that time and I think there's some good songs from that period, so it's fun to do."

On the topic of how this tour differs from those in the recent years,Adrian said, "Well, this is a new set; we haven't taken the stage set out, for example, so it's a new stage set. We got new effects. I think it's going to be actually more spectacular than the original tour and probably, technically, you got more stuff now to put into a live show in terms of lighting and that, which will make it quite spectacular, so I think this is going to be pretty special, this tour. What with the songs, we love playing these songs, and with the stage set and effects and of course we gotEddie, he's back, so it should be fun."

The extraordinary and legendary ALICE COOPER is IRON MAIDEN's very special guest on all shows up to July 21. After that date, special guest will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, the inspiring, cutting-edge band from New York.

For a complete list of "Maiden England" 2012 tour dates, visit IronMaiden.com.

Ex Skid Row Drummer Phil Varone Talks About His Porn Career

Kelley Jean of Detroit Dungeon recently conducted an interview with Phil Varone, who first achieved fame as a hard-rocking drummer for SAIGON KICK and SKID ROW and later as an adult movie performer and director. You can watch the chat below.

Varone will receive the IES Rock Honors "Rock Hard" award at the Indie Entertainment Summit on August 4 from noon to 7 p.m. at The Federal Bar (5303 Lankershim Bl.) in North Hollywood, California for his work with the aforementioned bands and now as performer and director with Vivid Entertainment. Other IES Rock Honors award winners this year areGUNS N' ROSES, BLACK SABBATH, JANE'S ADDICTION, THE ROLLING STONES,SUBLIME, AC/DC, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, JIMI HENDRIX, MEGADETH, ALICE IN CHAINS and PINK FLOYD.

"Congratulations to Phil! He is a hard-working guy who loves and is extremely passionate about his work. There is no question that he will be as successful in the adult world as he's been in rock 'n roll," said Steven Hirsch, founder and co-CEO of Vivid Entertainment, which distributed Varone's first adult movie, "Phil Varone's Secret Sex Stash", and the current best seller, "Swinging American Style, Texas F**k 'Em" under the Vivid Celeb imprint.

IES Co-Executive Director Jay Warsinske noted, "Phil personifies the freedom of a rocker's life and his crossover into porn is a natural step for him. We applaud his move and believe that he is very deserving of the Rock Hard Award — in more ways than one."

"Cultural Ambassador to the Sunset Strip" Willie Basse (BUDDY MILES, BLACK SHEEP) will present the award to Varone, who began playing in various local bands while still in high school in Fort Lauderdale. In 1988, he helped form SAIGON KICK, which signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records and earned a gold record for the album "The Lizard" as well as a Billboard Top 10 single for the song "Love Is On The Way". After the band dissolved,Varone joined multi-platinum recording artists SKID ROW and in 2003, Varone played drums for Vince Neil of MÖTLEY CRÜE on his solo tour. Varone was reported to have had sex with more, than 3,000 women during his rock career.

Original Post by Blabbermouth