Keyboardist Jon Lord To Rejoin Deep Purple For London Show

Ex - Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord will join his former bandmates onstage for this year's Sun Flower Jam. The charity show takes place at Porchester Halls in London on September 25.

Confirming that this is a one-off, Jon Lord tells his official web site, JonLord.org, that he is excited by the prospect of playing with Deep Purple for the first time in six years.

"I am looking massively forward to playing some of those grand old Purple numbers again"

"I imagine they'll be playing some of the more recent stuff and I'll join for a few of the old favorites. The idea is not that they'll turn up without Don Airey at all. That would be terribly unfair to him after all this time,"

In its third year, the Sun Flower Jam is the brainchild of Jackie Paice, wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice. The first two years Jon Lord performed at the Jam as part of the house band.

"I imagine I'll also be a member of the house band this year, so when Deep Purple confirmed that they would come and do the show, Jackie asked me, 'Will you get onstage with them?' I said, 'Of course I will!'

"There's absolutely no animosity between us. Never was. And I really miss them, so I'm very much looking forward to it, and of course it's for such a good cause."

The Sun Flower Jam raises money to pay for complimentary health technicians who aid the healing process — or the dying process — in children's hospital wards.

"It all started when Paicey and I went to see a young Deep Purple fan in hospital about four years ago," Jon Lord remembers. "He didn't know we were coming, and when we got there and he saw us, his eyes just lit up. We talked and he even got out of bed and plugged in his guitar to play "Smoke on the Water" for us.

"The idea for the Sun Flower Jam came from that. The first and second years we raised a great deal of money. At University College Hospital in London we managed to add a full team of complimentary practicians.

"The idea behind the Sun Flower Jam is to keep raising money. It's in a small hall with only about 30 tables, each seating 10 people. During the evening we hold auctions, and you pay a lot of money for it, but that's fair enough.

"It's really nice to be able to do what you can to help — and have terrific fun at the same time."

Ex Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart Drummer Mickey Waller Dies At 66

British drummer Mickey Waller has died from liver failure aged 66. Waller was a much in demand session musician during the 1960s and toured and recorded with many of that era’s seminal bands including Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Brian Auger, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and the Jeff Beck Group alongside Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.

Waller was an intregal member of the early Jeff Beck Group, playing the drums on the classic 1968 album 'Truth'.

The instrumental, "Beck's Bolero", with Jimmy Page on rhythm guitar, The Who's Keith Moon on drums, and bassist John Paul Jones combined with Waller's own fiery playing on the remake of The Yardbirds' hit "Shapes of Things" to set the template for Heavy Blues.

Waller also became a regular fixture on many of Rod Stewart’s solo recordings including 1971’s
'Every Picture Tells A Story', the album which included "Maggie May".

Waller died on April 29th, 2008

Detroit's Hard Rockin' The Muggs Prove That There's Life After Reality TV And Get 'On With The Show'

The Muggs
On With The Show
Muggs Music

Review by Nightwatcher



Seen by millions on last fall's Fox TV reality show 'The Next Great American Band', lasting several rounds before being voted off by a non savvy public and clueless judges, on their second album 'On With The Show', Detroit's The Muggs show that once again they are the real deal, in the process coming up with a modern day heavy rock classic.

The 11 self penned tracks which comprise this offering range from the opening slow, moody deep urban blues that is "Motown Blues", long extended guitar work outs such as the 8 minute plus "Never Know Why", hints of classic psychedelia on the title track, to hard driving riff rockers like "Slow Curve", it's safe to call this a diverse, yet remarkably cohesive collection of songs. All performed by a classic power trio who by virtue of their simplicity allow a muscularity which would become diluted if more musicians were added on a regular basis. There is the added piano courtesy of Bobby Emmett III on the slow blues "Curbside Constellation Blues", but other than that it's just the three, rocking their asses off in the proud Motor City tradition.

Written for the most part by guitarist Danny Methric, these are melodic compositions filled with light and shade elements gleaned from Led Zeppelin. There's enough of that band's sturm und drang to cite them as being an influence, but what it all boils down to is that this is one serious, hard rocking band in the classic mold. Methric shows off just enough to please the guitar fanatics, but it's rarely showboaty, fitting the song even while taking off towards the cosmos. One of the best around these days, in the early to mid 70's, this talented player would be undoubtedly ranked among Jimmy Page, Leslie West and Jim McCarty of Cactus as one of the masters. This is stadium styled rock played in small clubs, more fitting of being purveyed over large expanses of Astroturf than in sweaty hot bars.

What's particularly impressive on this release is the fact that the band has managed to keep the same elements of their sound intact, that of heavy blues influenced rock, while at the same time expanding their sound. There's still plenty of tasty hard rock on display with tons of molten hot fretwork from Danny Methric, but there are also more British influences cropping up. Beatlesque harmonies pop up on the previously mentioned title track, even double tracked guitars here and there ala Wishbone Ash or early Allman Brothers. A lifelong Beatles fan, it's no surprise that Methric would introduce more of the influence of that band, and I'm happy to say that they do it up right without being power pop. All the while underpinned by what can be considered one of the best rhythm sections in modern rock.

Bassist Tony DeNardo and drummer Matt Rost lay down a thundering groove, interplay and back beat not too far removed from say Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Even more amazing when you consider that DeNardo is not playing on a bass, but lines on a Fender Rhodes keyboard ala Ray Manzarek of The Doors, with only one arm due to a narrow brush with death a half decade back after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke which has left his right hand paralyzed.

It's a strong indication of the myopic view of the industry that a band this great remains unsigned. If a band this talented had come out in the early 70's, they'd be lauded as legends today with the likes of Mountain,The James Gang, Cactus and Grand Funk Railroad amongst others. As it is, with this offering the self called "Ugliest Band In The World" have gone a long way in cementing their status as one of Detroit's finest of all time. No small feat when you consider that Detroit has unleashed some of the most primal rock ever in the history of rock, such as the The Stooges, MC5, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent's Amboy Dukes and even the original Alice Cooper Group, who although starting out in Phoenix and L.A., rose to fame after slugging it out in the Detroit scene.

The bottom line here is that if you're a fan of heavy blues rock as played in the early 70's tradition, this is a must have. Meant to be listened to from start to finish, filled with 11 slabs of blues-rock majesty, the band have not only avoided the dreaded sophomore jinx, but have come up with one of the albums of the year. As bassist DeNardo says of appearing on TV, "People didn't see the real Muggs and had no idea because TV can paint you in any vein they want". Come join The Muggs' show, and hear what this band is truly capable of. If you're an aficionado of real rock played by extremely talented musicians, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up. 10/10

http://www.themuggs.com/

http://www.myspace.com/themuggs

Sammy Hagar Forms New Supergroup With Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chili Pepper Chad Smith

Sammy Hagar has a new supergroup that includes a virtuoso guitarist and a fellow Van Halen alumnus, but fans eager to see the so-called Red Rocker sing alongside the six-string hero he's most famously associated with shouldn't hold their breath.

It seems a peace settlement in the war of wills between Hagar and Eddie Van Halen could be years away, if it arrives at all. "I love Eddie, but we don't love each other," Hagar said during an interview Thursday. "But like I said, people have to be level-headed and have to be healthy before you can settle a feud."

Instead of waiting for that friendship to be repaired, Hagar has teamed with acclaimed guitarist Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith, and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. The group, code-named Chickenfoot, will enter the recording studio just before Labor Day. "We've written eight, nine songs. We just got to go in the studio Sept. 1," Hagar said. "When people hear the music, it's Led Zeppelin. It's as good as that. I know that's a mighty bold statement... We could rival Zep."

Beatle Paul Gets Honorary Yale Degree

You can call him Dr. McCartney now...

Paul McCartney can now add one more honor to the numerous awards, accolades and the knighthood he has already received. The ex-Beatle on Monday was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University.

In granting the honorary degree to McCartney — Sir Paul McCartney since he was knighted in 1996 — the university said no one compares with the legendary songwriter.

Yale said the 65-year-old McCartney awakened a generation, giving a fresh sound to rock, roll, rhythm and blues.

Yale also conferred honorary degrees on former U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills, astronomer Martin Rees, architect Cesar Pelli, poet John Lawrence Ashbery and others.

Drowning On Dry Land With Buddy Guy

One of the undisputed masters of blues guitar, Buddy Guy has been a major inspiration throughout the years to many of rock and blues' greatest guitarists. None other than Jimi Hendrix reportedly even ended numerous shows early in order to catch a gigs by Guy.

Guy’s songs have been covered by Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan and others. Here's a fantastic version of Albert King's "Drowning On Dry Land", filmed at Udo Music Festival, Live at Fuji Speedway, Fuji Japan, July 22nd, 2006:



http://www.buddyguy.net/

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Billy Powell Undergoes Emergency Surgery

Billy Powell, keyboard player and original member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Lynyrd Skynyrd, underwent an emergency partial revision hip replacement surgery in Jacksonville, Florida on Wednesday, May 21.

" Billy's hip had continued to give him dislocation problems and it was determined that a revision was the only possible solution," says Lynyrd Skynyrd manager Ross Schilling of Vector Management.

Billy will be recovering over the next 3-6 weeks and will have to wear a hip brace for the next three months. It is expected that Billy will rejoin Lynyrd Skynyrd on tour sometime in July. The band will tour with an interim keyboardist in the meantime while Billy recovers.

We here at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock wish Billy a speedy recovery.

Dio’s Black Sabbath Readies Box Set

The Ronnie James Dio-era of Black Sabbath will be memorialized in the upcoming boxed set The Rules of Hell, out July 22nd via Rhino. The five-disc set will see four of the Dio Sabbath albums — Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, Dehumanizer and the double-disc Live Evil — get the remastered treatment. The set will also include extensive liner notes and new interviews with the band. In addition to the set, Dio and Tony Iommi are currently recording a new album as Heaven & Hell, set for release in early 2009. In anticipation for that album, Dio & Iommi will tour with Judas Priest, Testament and Motörhead on the Metal Masters Tour this August.

Getting Juiced With Stonerider

So you say that gritty, down and dirty rock n roll is a thing of the past? Don't tell that to Atlanta, GA's Stonerider, who although most likely weren't even born when this style of music was mega popular, lay down the appropriate amount of sweaty southern sleaze n roll to sound convincingly authentic. If you're a fan of early Aerosmith or the original Guns 'N Roses, this is a band that can give you hope that all is not lost.

Check out this live video of "Juiceman" from their debut release 'Three Legs Of Trouble'. If you like what you hear, you can pick up said release at Trustkill, the band's label, where for a limited time it's on sale for the low price of just $5.00 U.S.

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Checks Into Rehab

According to TMZ.com, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, 60, has checked himself into Las Encinas Hospital drug rehabilitation clinic - the place Dr. Drew practices - in Pasadena, Calif.

It's the same facility where the reality show Celebrity Rehab was filmed. Tyler is getting treatment for substance abuse.

Tyler's reps had no comment.

Stay tuned for updates.

Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters To Pay Tribute To The Who At VH1 Rock Honors

VH1 has just confirmed that critically acclaimed, multi-platinum rock bands Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters along with the Grammy Award-winning rock band The Flaming Lips will perform at the network’s third annual VH1 Rock Honors celebration honoring legendary rock band The Who.

This year’s event will deliver a night of high-voltage tribute performances by the three bands all leading up to the spectacular grand finale performance by The Who as they rock the stage.

Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

As a result of The Who’s revolutionary and era-defining influence on rock music this will be the first VH1 Rock Honors that salutes just one band.

Taping in Los Angeles at the Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA on July 12, VH1 Rock Honors: The Who will premiere on Thursday, July 17 at 9 PM* on VH1, VH1 Classic and MHD.

VH1.com will also offer select performances from the show leading up to and following the on-air premiere at Rock.VH1.com. The Who’s monumental legacy will be celebrated with a 2 hour tribute that will salute the music and the lasting impact of this groundbreaking band.

The influence of The Who will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today’s premiere rock acts as well as the legends themselves.

On Friday, June 6th, tickets will go on sale to Wholigans, members of The Who Fan Club (thewho.com).

The general public on sale will be on Sunday, June 8th. All tickets will be sold via Ticketmaster. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the efforts of multiple charities including The Teenage Cancer Trust, the Double O Charity, VH1 Save The Music Foundation and select VH1 Classic Rock Autism organizations.

Check soon for honoree profiles, exclusive online programming, show information and more at Rock.VH1.com. Additional VH1.com and VH1 Mobile efforts around VH1 Rock Honors: The Who will be announced in the coming weeks.

Talkin' The Blues : An Interview With Eric Sardinas

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1970, then moving to the Los Angeles, California area in 1990, guitarist Eric Sardinas burst forth on the blues scene with the stellar 1999 debut release 'Treat Me Right'. One of the elements differentiating the musician from the rest of the throng of talented players was his choice of instrument. Instead of the regulation Stratocaster or Les Paul he chose a Gibson Dobro®, an axe more commonly used by early blues guitarists such as Tampa Red, Son House and Blind Lemon Jefferson, and on acoustic recordings by such legendary rock players as Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher, both of whom were big inspirations to the young musician growing up. The twist is that, unlike the aforementioned who used the instrument acoustically, this is pure amplified rock power in a blues setting. The results culminate in a unique sound which makes him stand out.

One of the most hard working artists in the business, Sardinas amasses over 300 live shows in the course of any given year, a fact that has given his performances a tightness rarely matched in any genre. While there are times when this mercurial, flamboyant performer stands stock still in a live show, when inspiration strikes he's liable to play slide with a Budweiser bottle, go roam the crowd, or even set his instrument on fire. Incorporate this with the electrifying music being put forth and it makes one of his appearances one of the most exciting to witness, and will leave you craving more.

Now, after a recording hiatus of 5 years, Sardinas is back with a brand new album on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label,'Eric Sardinas & Big Motor', a collection which showcases his prodigious abilities not only as a musician but as a songwriter to full extent. Expanding the sound palette this time around to include flourishes of Hammond organ and gospel styled female background vocals, this is the work of an artist at the peak of his game.

Recently I was fortunate to catch up with Eric in California between dates of his current U.S. tour, where we discussed the new album, his influences, what his philosophy regarding making music is, and much, much more. Read on as we have an exclusive conversation with one of the hottest slide blues players of the present day, Mr. Eric Sardinas....

Click here to access the interview :

Led Zeppelin To Play 4 North American Shows In August?

Canada's MuchMusic has issued a report on their blog which states, according to a "reliable source", that the mighty Led Zeppelin are planning to play 4 dates in Toronto this coming August at Skydome/Rogers Centre.

If this is true, one better take out a loan to purchase tickets as they're certain to be higher than Cheech & Chong in 'Up In Smoke'. Much less how much, with gas prices on a stratospheric rise, an airline ticket would cost by August.

You Can't Beat Rock 'N' Roll If It's Played By GMT

Fronted by Irish guitar legend Bernie Tormé, best known as the eye patch wearing guitar star of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan's self named Gillan band in the late 70's and early 80's, and for heroically saving the day for Ozzy Osbourne by filling in on short notice when Randy Rhoads was tragically killed in 1982, Guy McCoy Tormé, also featuring fellow ex Gillan mate bassist John McCoy and wildman drummer Robin Guy form to create a down and dirty, energetic power trio who blend classic hard rock with punkish psychedelic overtones full of heavy riffing, stellar guitar work and plenty of gritty rock n roll truth. Here's a video from their debut release 'Bitter & Twisted', the aptly titled "Can't Beat Rock 'N' Roll" :



www.gmtrocks.com

Michael Schenker Pulls Back From The Deep End With 'In The Midst Of Beauty'

The Michael Schenker Group
In The Midst Of Beauty
Inakustik

Review by Nightwatcher

Who woulda thought it? A year after seemingly going off the rails once again, turning in pathetic, drunken live performances, canceling his U.S. tour, and most probably turning up on at least some people's lists for most likely to end up in a pine box, the mad axeman himself, ex UFO guitar legend Michael Schenker is back with possibly his best album in over a decade or more with 'In The Midst Of Beauty'.

Featuring 4 out of 5 of the original Michael Schenker Group, namely besides Schenker original vocalist Gary Barden, bassist Neil Murray, keyboardist Don Airey and drummer Simon Phillips, in a day and age when bands are reforming under the old moniker with only 1 or 2 members remaining, this is truly a welcome reformation indeed.

The album kicks off in fine style with the hard driving "City Lights". A throwback to the sound of what the original band put down on the first 2 albums, this is a great start, and immediately those who were there at the time will be magically transported back 25 some years, when denim and leather were the fashion, and long haired guitarists ruled the hard rock world. Propelled by the stellar drums of Phillips, and featuring a great, melodic riff, this lays the groundwork for but the first of Schenker's many excellent solos throughout the album. Playing like a man redeemed from a death sentence (And perhaps he was), this is Michael in high form, and it's truly joyous to hear him back playing like we know he can.

Along the way there are many highlights, notably heavy Deep Purplesque workouts such as "Summerdays", with the vocal work recalling a more subdued Ian Gillan in "Child In Time", while "Night To Remember" crosses the classic MSG sound with a riff similar at times to "Smoke On The Water", only different enough to not be a rip off. Mainly the vibe is the same, with Airey's keyboards lending a credibility to the Purple - like sound. "Wings Of Emotion" is yet another strong rocker with yet another stirring Schenker solo. Barden also impresses here and throughout the album, his vocal abilities not having lost one bit from long ago.

By the time one gets to the album's final track, "This Time", you'll know that you've just listened to, with all the events which have transpired as of the recent past, a resurrection of one of hard rock's most mercurial guitarists, and in that context, ranks as one of the most surprising comebacks the genre has witnessed in quite some time.

The production, suitably vintage, is reminiscent of the band's early 80's albums, so if you don't go into this expecting a modern sounding album, then you won't be surprised at the classic sound conjured up here, and as the style is decidedly retro, is quite fitting indeed.

While this isn't quite to the classic status of the first 2 albums, this is a damn fine classic hard rock album, and is certain to be one of the finest released this year. Welcome back Michael, now please stay awhile this time, okay? 8.5/10

http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/
http://www.myspace.com/michaelschenkerhimself

Original Rush Drummer John Rutsey Dead At 55

John Rutsey, a founding member of Toronto rock band Rush, passed away May 11th according to Rush's management company Anthem Entertainment. He was 55.

Rutsey was famous for playing on Rush's 1974 debut album, including the song "In The Mood" before deciding to leave the group due to health concerns. Rutsey was famous for playing on Rush's 1974 debut album, including the song "In The Mood", Rutsey suffered from diabetes and was unable to go on extended tours with the group.

Rutsey was replaced by dummer Neil Peart, which marked a turning point in the band’s sound towards progressive rock.

FBI Reviewing Scorpions' 'Virgin Killer' Album Cover For Possible Violation Of U.S. Porn Laws

Chelsea Schilling of WorldNetDaily reports that the the FBI is now reviewing a Wikipedia photo of a nude adolescent that could violate federal child-pornography laws.

The image in question, titled "Virgin Killer" from RCA's 1976 Scorpions rock album, depicts a naked pre-pubescent girl (appearing about 10 years of age) in a provocative pose. Her chest is completely exposed and a small crack is placed over her vagina.

The album's cover was banned in the United States due to its extremely controversial nature and was later replaced with a photo of the band. When WorldNetDaily brought the image to the attention of several Wikipedia representatives, they denied any knowledge of it.

Now, isn't this a bit silly? It's taken the FBI 30 some years to discover this album cover, and now they want to investigate it? True, it's in bad taste, but one would think that there would be more important things to investigate...say, perhaps finding Osama Bin Laden or other matters of national security? With this type of diligence, I'm sure we can all sleep well at night knowing we're well protected.
Great album, by the way.

80's Hard Rock Gaining Credibility?

As you may or may not have heard, three of the biggest names in so called 80's "hair metal", Def Leppard, White Lion, and Whitesnake have all released new albums. Which in itself wouldn't probably mean much. But the fact that they're actually garnering favorable reviews is. Twenty years after their heyday, chart topping days long behind them, the much maligned genre may actually be gaining some credibility with mainstream critics, such as The Washington Post's Michael Deeds, who gives at least 2 of these bands somewhat back handed compliments in an article published today "Full Metal Racket : 3 Rock Dinosaurs Roar Back To Life" which can be read here : Full Metal Racket

Funny how things can come around, as 10 years ago even the thought of these bands releasing albums would've been welcomed as much as disgraced NFL star Michael Vick at a PETA meeting.

I'm not sure about the Def Leppard as they've been on a slippery, downhill slide for over 20 years, and White Lion, I most certainly will pass on their latest "magnum opus", but I can vouch for the Whitesnake release 'Good To Be Bad'. Frontman David Coverdale may be fast approaching retirement age, but he still has the pipes to convincingly put over cock rock anthems better than most anyone, past or present. That coupled with strong hooks and impressive guitar work courtesy of former Dio guitarist Doug Aldrich (who co wrote all with Coverdale) and ex Winger axe star Reb Beach will make you think you're back in 1987 again. Which depending on your point of view could be a dream come true or a nightmare, but the fact remains that this one is one of the most solid hard rock releases of the year thus far. Check out our review here, and here's the first video from the release, "Lay Down Your Love":

Jagger Wanted Role In A Clockwork Orange

Members from rock and roll music’s two biggest bands wanted to contribute to the movie A Clockwork Orange, according to a letter from the film’s executive producer.

Writing to John Schlesinger, who was considering directing the film, Si Litvinoff said that the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger wanted to play the psychotic criminal, Alex.

He also revealed that The Beatles had shown an interest in writing the score for the film.

"This film should break ground in its language, cinematic style and soundtrack (the Beatles love the project and Mick Jagger and David Hemmings have both been keen to play Alex),” Litvinoff wrote.

"After you've read the script and novel, I'm sure you will see the incredible potential we all see in this project."

In a return letter to Litvinoff, Schlesinger said that he would pass on the film because he wasn’t sure if it was “the sort of subject I particularly want to tackle."

Stanley Kubrick went on to direct A Clockwork Orange, which was banned in the UK after the director received death threats.

The film was finally re-released on DVD in 1999 after the ban was lifted.

Tesla To Release New Concert DVD In June

"Comin' Atcha Live! 2008", the long-anticipated Tesla concert DVD filmed in Minnesota on February 28, 2008, will be made available in June. This DVD is the first live DVD released by Tesla since "Five Man Acoustical Jam" and will contain many bonus features, including an exclusive look at the band's gear and behind-the-scenes life on the road.

For more info go to http://www.teslatheband.com/