Retro Blues Rockers Radio Moscow To Deliver 'Brain Cycles' On April 14th

"Brain Cycles" due out April 14th, is Radio Moscow's second album, a new psychedelic trip into the musical territory originally charted by artists such as Randy Holden, Groundhogs, Peter Green and Flower Travellin' Band, just to to name a few.

Hailing from Ames, Iowa, an unlikely rock n' roll town if there was one, and formed in 2006 by guitar prodigy Parker Griggs (24 years old), Radio Moscow released their self-titled debut in 2007, with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys handling the production. Stoner Rock called the album "an astonishingly good debut," Pop Matters hailed it as an "awesome record-.......fun and slutty and cool," and Modern Fix described their sound as "dirty-ass psych-powered blues rock " After a full year on the road, Parker Griggs has headed back into the studio to cut the long awaited follow-up.

On "Brain Cycles," he once again plays all the instruments (guitar, drums, and percussion) and assumes vocal.. duties as well as production credits, while the bass guitar is in the hands of young Zach Anderson (19 years old). Conceived as an homage to the thrilling days of yesteryear, when vinyl was king and analog stereo ruled the world, "Brain Cycle..s" is best experienced at maximum volume while wearing headphones, if you want your brain to catch the waves! Radio Moscow will be back on the road all 2009. http://www.myspace.com/radiomoscow

To read a review of the self titled debut go to this location

Project/Object Re-creates The Frank Zappa Experience For East Coast Tour

Frank Zappa's two longest-running band members, Ike Willis and Ed Mann, and Mothers of Invention's original synth player, Don Preston, have united to faithfully recreate the live Zappa experience for an East Coast tour.

Ed Mann started his tenure with Zappa when he applied percussion overdubs to " Zappa In New York.” Ike Willis joined in 1978, and together or individually they appeared on every Zappa tour thereafter; and almost every album until Zappa’s tragic death. Both Ed and Ike were integral parts of Zappa's final tour in 1988, which some say was his most historic tour, and one that he richly represented to his fan base with several live recordings.

Often compared to jazz keyboard great Cecil Taylor for his style of attacking the keys with intense passion, Don Preston’s solos also reflect intellect, technical skills and a storyteller's way with a line. His playing, like his compositions, ranges across panoramas of mood and emotion, all colored with the freedom that comes from possessing remarkable facility. A founding member of The Mothers Of Invention, he performed and recorded with Zappa until 1974.

The band also features founding member Andre' Cholmondeley, Dave Johnsen, Eric Svalgard, Eric Slick (Adrian Belew Trio) and on most dates -Robbie "Seahag" Mangano (Sound of Urchin).

Thu 29th JAN - Mexicali Blues - Teaneck, NJ - $18/$20
Opening Act: School Of Rock Bergen

Fri 30th JAN - 8x10 Club - Baltimore, MD - $18/$20

Sat 31st JAN - Sellersville Theatre - Sellersville PA - $18/$20 All
Opening Act: Igor's Egg

On Tour: February 2009

Sun 1st FEB - State Theatre - Falls Church, VA - $18/$20

Mon 2nd FEB - Club Cafe - Pittsburgh, PA - $20/$22

Tue 3rd FEB - Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI - $12/$15

Wed 4th FEB - Beachland - Cleveland, OH - $18/$20

Thu 5th FEB - The Morse Theater - Chicago, IL - $20/$22.50

Fri 6th FEB - Papa Pete's - Kalamazoo, MI - $12/$15

Sat 7th FEB - The Tralf - Buffalo, NY - $20/$23

Legendary Folk Rock Guitarist John Martyn Dead At 60

Legendary British singer/songwriter John Martyn has been found dead, aged 60.

A cause of death is yet to be determined for the Scottish musician with only the following message being left on his official website: “With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning.”

The celebrated songwriter collaborated with Dave Gilmour, Eric Clapton and Phil Collins amongst others on his 20 studio albums and was awarded an OBE in the last new year’s honors list.

A legendary figure in folk / world music, Martyn first came to prominence as a folk singer / guitarist with a laconic jazz style, teaming up with bassist Danny Thompson to create an acclaimed musical duo. After aquiring an echoplex guitar effects unit, Martyn's experimental side took hold resulting in the acclaimed albums "Solid Air" and "One World".

Martyn's unique hybrid of styles earned him the attention of Island Records' Chris Blackwell and in 1967 he became the first non-reggae artist signed to that label, which grew to include many other seminal British folk artists, such as Richard and Linda Thompson, Traffic, Free, and Fairport Convention. He released his acclaimed debut, London Conversation, on Island in 1968 and followed up with the jazz-fueled Tumbler. On 1970's Stormbringer! he debuted what was to become his signature--an acoustic guitar fed through various electronic processors, such as a fuzzbox, phase-shifter or Echoplex. While such effects have since become commonplace, this approach was considered revolutionary at the time.

Band To Keep An Eye On : L.A.'s Din Caliber

In the words of L.A.'s 'Laist',"For a band of two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old, Din Caliber has a huge sound that's quite exciting".

Taking their cue from the great English rock groups from the sixties and seventies, Din Caliber have concocted their own blend of heavy blues-based riffs, experimental passages, and catchy melodies into a refreshing sound not heard in recent memory. The band's music brings the listener on a magic carpet ride through of the best elements of the psychedelic past while keeping their focus completely current and vital. A mutual admiration for such superior bands as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Move and King Crimson drew these three L.A. musicians together.

Guiding them on their journey is analog keyboard guru Damon Fox(Bigelf), who recently had this to say. "When I think of Din Caliber there are a few adjectives that come to mind... timeless, loud, memorable, unique and genius. There hasn't been a band like them in ages, if ever. They will definitely leave a mark." The trio has exploded onto the Los Angeles scene with a wave of recent gigs at local clubs such as, The Whisky, The Roxy and The Viper Room.

www.myspace.com/dincaliber

Din Caliber Live at King King, Los Angeles, CA 12 -14 -2008 :

Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Billy Powell Dead At 56

Billy Powell, keyboardist for southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has died at his northeast Florida home.

Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett says 56-year-old keyboard player Billy Powell called 911 about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m.

Cornett says no foul play is suspected and an autopsy will not be performed.

He says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected.

The band, based in Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1966 and took its name from a gym teacher they disliked: Leonard Skinner. Powell joined the group around 1972, the year before they released their first album, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd.

The band, of course, went on to become one of the biggest-ever Southern rock groups, and is best known for its hit "Free Bird," which opens with Powell's piano flourishes. Skynyrd's other classics include "What's Your Name," "Gimme Three Steps" and "Sweet Home Alabama," which was a top-10 single in 1974.

A plane crash on October 20, 1977 — which killed singer Ronnie Van Zandt, guitarist Steve Gaines and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, among others — decimated the band, although its members have continued through the years as the Rossington-Collins Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Powell had been onboard the plane.

Lynyrd Skynyrd were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Powell was one of two surviving band members who were with the group before a 1977 plane crash that killed three of its members.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1952, Powell grew up in a traveling military family and went to Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Fla., where he became friends with Leon Wilkeson, future bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Powell, who took music lessons as a youth, became a roadie for the band until about 1972 when he helped set up the band's equipment at a school prom. There, he sat down at a piano and began to play a version of "Free Bird." Van Zant hired him as keyboardist.

The song featured a keyboard introduction that helped turn the piece into a rock 'n' roll anthem and made Powell a star.

By the band's second album, featuring "Sweet Home Alabama," Lynyrd Skynyrd was a popular fixture. After the death of key members, the remaining group formed the core of the Rossington-Collins Band and later reunited as a new Lynyrd Skynyrd, with Van Zant's brother Johnny on vocals. Powell also had a stint performing with a Christian rock band.

Powell's survivors include his wife and four children.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : # 1 Bigelf - Cheat The Gallows

Bigelf - Cheat The Gallows - What would you get if you threw Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Queen, The Beatles. Pink Floyd and the quark strangeness and charm of Hawkwind in a blender? Well, other than a bloody mess, you might get something which sounds similar to L.A. retro doom -meisters Bigelf. No other album was as ambitious, overblown and pretentious yet still rocked with the passion and heaviness as this one this year.

This one took me a few listens to really get into compared to their earlier albums, but damn if it isn't good. Bombastic? Yes. Almost preposterous at times? Yes. Pretentious? Yes, most certainly. But honestly I can't remember the last time I've heard an album such as this. It's definitely an anomaly in today's music scene, and I don't know which audience is going to embrace it. It's way too progressive for the average metal fan, not to mention too light at times. It's too metal for the average prog listener, and too out there for the pop fan.

All of which being particularly audacious after being signed to Linda Perry's Custard label, home of James Blunt. The normal route for a first release in an attempt to crack the U.S. market (All previous albums were until recently only available via import) would be to make things more accessible. But this is a band which obviously plays by their own rules creatively speaking, a trait which hearkens back to when it was art, not commerce which directed an artist's muse. Which is why it's earned being bestowed Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Album Of The Year 2008.

If you dig retro 70's sounding hard rock in the vein of early Sabbath, Purple, late 60's/early 70's Pretty Things, even vintage Alice Cooper Group, with a liberal dose of Hawkwind styled freakiness thrown in, this is certainly one you should give a chance to, as it ultimately rewards the listener who has the patience to take in what the band is trying to put forth.
http://www.bigelf.com/

Sir Paul Books 'Colbert Report' Appearance

Paul McCartney will appear on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" tomorrow (Jan. 28), his only scheduled U.S. late-night appearance in support of "Electric Arguments," the 2008 album he recorded as the Fireman with producer/musician Youth.

"Colbert" is making a name for itself in the music landscape. "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" a holiday special featuring Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello, drew 2.3 million viewers; recent guests on the talk show also have included Neil Young, Tony Bennett, Rush and R.E.M. McCartney has been rumored as one of the headliners for the upcoming Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., the lineup for which could be announced before the end of the day.

He will also perform next weekend on the Grammys with Dave Grohl on drums and at an April 4 benefit for the David Lynch Foundation at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Rising UK Blues Rockers Back Door Slam Split Up

Rising UK blues rock power trio Back Door Slam, whose debut album, 'Roll Away' reached # 7 on Billboard's Blues Album Charts, and was tabbed by this site as # 7 album of the year 2008, have split up. The band recently completed a tour opening up for Gov't Mule this past November.

In a posting on the band's official web site, the three, guitarist Davy Knowles, bassist Adam Jones and drummer Ross Doyle cite apparent musical differences in being behind the split :

"Dear Friends and Back Door Slam Family:


After much thought and soul searching, we have reached the painful decision that we should part ways at this time. The decision was the hardest of our lives, but it's one we believe had to be made in order for each of us to move forward creatively and musically.

We will each continue with our own musical projects and hope to fulfill our own musical ambitions; Davy will be working on a follow up to the the first Back Door Slam album "Roll Away", and will be touring the US to support and promote the record, and Ross and Adam will be embarking on new projects of their own in the UK and Europe, so please keep checking backdoorslam.com for news about each member of the band, and upcoming album releases.


We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed Back Door Slam over the last few years and shown their support for the three of us.

Davy, Adam and Ross"

We at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock wish all three the very best in their future endeavors.

Throwing Down The Sword: Martin Turner On Wishbone Ash Reunion :"Andy Powell Can F*ck Off!"

Looks like there's a feud a brewing in Wishbone Ash land. And apparently, one shouldn't hold ones breath waiting for a reunion of the original band any time soon.

Speaking to Classic Rock Magazine, bassist Martin Turner, whose own version of Wishbone Ash (Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash) will be touring throughout 2009, was asked if there was any chance of marking the band’s 40th anniversary this year with a special show with his former bandmates.

“Oh God, this is messy,” said Turner. “We had a brilliant offer to put the band back together, so long as there were three original members. Ted Turner [guitar], Steve Upton [drums] and myself approached Andy [Powell]. A year later he was still stalling. Now he’s announced a 40th anniversary gig at Shepherd's Bush [on May 16] and wants the three of us to join him on stage to perform ­ guess what? ­ The whole of Argus.”

“Wow, what a great idea,” said Turner, whose own version of Wishbone Ash has already re-recorded and released the seminal album. “Andy Powell can fuck off. We won’t be his support band.”

Here's the original Wishbone Ash in happier times, live on The Old Grey Whistle Test 1971 :

Thin Lizzy's 'Still Dangerous' To Hit Stores March 3

VH1 Classic Records is proud to announce the March 3, 2009 release of 'Still Dangerous: Live At The Tower Theater Philadelphia 1977'. This newly discovered live album, featuring the quintessential Thin Lizzy lineup—Phil Lynott, lead vocals/bass; Scott Gorham, guitar; Brian Robertson, guitar; Brian Downey, drums—showcases the band at the height of its prodigious powers.

Thin Lizzy roared out of the 1969 Dublin, Ireland pub scene. Their sound was crystallized in the 1976 anthem "The Boys Are Back In Town." With Lynott's intricate wordplay and those two lead guitarists, a template for '70s hard rock was cast in stone. In 1978, they released Live And Dangerous, thought to be one of the all-time great live rock albums.

Seen as a companion volume, the new live album contains two songs not found on Live And Dangerous: "Soldier Of Fortune" and "Opium Trail," alongside such Lynott-authored classics as "Dancing In The Moonlight," "Jailbreak" and "Don't Believe A Word." This long lost concert CD pulled legendary producer Glyn Johns (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones) out of retirement to remix and remaster.

Guitarist Gorham remembers the discovery of these tapes: "We pulled all these boxes down, and I didn't even realize how many we had! There were a hell of a lot. One of the engineers was cataloging each reel, and one box came up marked `Philadelphia 2.' That kinda stuck because I remembered Philadelphia but didn't know what the `2' meant. Then it hit me. What had happened, on that particular leg of the King Biscuit tour, before we actually started the tour proper, we were asked to come out and do the radio show. We were uncomfortable because we wanted to do a few warm-up shows before we went [on the air live] so we struck a deal. We said we'll go in and do this show for you if you only simulcast four songs, and let us come back in a few weeks time and do the whole show. They agreed. This tape is that second show coming back through Philadelphia where we were ready to go out and conquer America.

"We were gambling," continues Gorham. "Phil liked to do that. Listening to this record really takes me back to that time. Phil would say, `let's start with this and then do that.' He was very cool and loved to get out there and shake it up a bit and see the audience reaction. It got kind of scary at points, but it was a fun thing to do."

Road-testing these songs prior to the release of the Bad Reputation album, Thin Lizzy sounds confident on Still Dangerous, bursting at the seams with innovations and ideas that would harness its spectacular powers–powers that would ultimately be emulated by generations of bands since.

Track Listing
1) Soldier Of Fortune
2) Jailbreak
3) Cowboy Song
4) The Boys Are Back In Town
5) Dancing In The Moonlight
6) Massacre
7) Opium Trail
8) Don't Believe A Word
9) Baby Makes Me Cry
10) Me And The Boys

Benefit Concert To Be Held in Honor of Late Blues Guitarist Sean Costello

The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research will hold its first benefit concert Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the North Atlanta High Center for the Arts. Sean was a beloved blues musician from Atlanta, who was internationally acclaimed, and in his honor, fellow musicians Lurrie Bell [2008 Living Blues Awards for Blues Artist of the Year and Most Outstanding Guitarist], Jason Ricci [Muddy Waters Award for most promising new talent], The Wood Brothers, King Johnson, Felix and the Cats with Jon Liebman and the Soul Shakers will lend their time and talent to this cause. Doors will open at 4p.m. for review of silent auction items with entertainment to follow at 4:30p.m. Tickets are $30 and will be available online and at the door. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Donations are tax deductible.

The benefit emerges as the first project of The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, an organization founded by his mother, Debbie Costello Smith, upon Sean’s untimely passing. Sean was acclaimed for his musical prowess at a very early age. He was designated the Beale Street Blues Society Best Performer at age 15; was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award for his album Cuttin' In in 2000; was voted Best Blues Band in Creative Loafing and Atlanta magazine; was featured on the cover of Blues Revue in February of 2002; and was named the Best New Act by the French Blues Feste in 2003. Most recently, Sean was nominated for two Blues Music Awards: Best Contemporary Blues Album and Best Contemporary Blues Male Artist of 2008.

Sean resided in Atlanta, but was known throughout Europe and the U.S. as a talented, but humble musician who readily shared his talent with young and old. He played with musical greats BB King, Buddy Guy, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Hubert Sumlin, Elvis Costello, Etta James, Pinetop Perkins, Bo Diddley, Little Jimmy King, Nappy Brown, Bob Margolin, and many others. He formed special and lasting relationships with Felix Reyes, Donnie McCormick and Levon Helm. Sean had the honor of playing for James Cotton’s birthday, as he was Mr. Cotton’s favorite band.

Sean passed away suddenly in April last year (2008) on the eve of his 29th birthday, after quietly battling depression and anxiety for more than 10 years. It was only a year before his passing that Sean was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. At the time of his passing, he was in treatment to overcome the debilitating symptoms of this mood disorder and the often associated self-medication.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : #2 B.B. King - One Kind Favor

B.B. King - One Kind Favor - The 82 year old King Of The Blues strikes back with his best album in years on this T Bone Burnette produced effort. By design made to sound similar to B.B.'s classic 40's and 50's blues cuts, his lead work is stellar, and he actually sounds interested for the first time in God knows when. The accompaniment, cut mostly live in the studio, features long time Eric Clapton collaborator bassist Nathan East and studio drum legend Jim Keltner, and when you add in an appearance by Dr. John, it all adds up to not only among of the finest from this blues legend, but easily the best traditional blues album of the year.

Put up front and center, and sans strings which sometimes characterize his recent work, King restates affirmatively why among blues guitarists, he stands above the crowded throng as the true master. Once the first track begins, a cover of Blind Lemon Jefferson's "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean," you'll be sucked in, and won't emerge until the final notes. With B.B. in outstanding form both vocally and chops - wise, you truly can't go wrong with this offering. Elegant, yet earthy at the same time, if you dig the blues in its finest form, this is an essential addition to your collection. http://www.bbking.com/

Slash Fights For His Right To Party

A Los Angeles judge ruled yesterday (January 23) that Slash and his wife can proceed with a lawsuit against the brokers who sold them their house because it's not, in their eyes, suitable for parties.

The former Guns N' Roses guitarist claims that real estate agent Gregory Holcomb and Sotheby's International Realty misrepresented the Hollywood Hills house, saying it was a good location to hold parties.

The couple, who bought the house in 2006 and sold it in 2007, claim that the home was smaller than advertised and is located on a street with parking restrictions, inhibiting their ability to throw large parties. As a result, they are seeking more than $1 million and punitive damages.

The judge did not dismiss the couple's claims, but will allow Sotheby's to dispute the punitive damages.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : #3 Joe Bonamassa Live From Nowhere In Particular

Joe Bonamassa - Live From Nowhere In Particular - The double live album has grown out of favor since its 70's heyday, but don't tell that to "New King Of The Blues" Bonamassa, who has released a neat encapsulation of his exemplary career so far, thus freeing him to make the next big stride, as was the case back then when releasing one of these signified a stylistic change, or moving to the next level creatively speaking. Some of the finest guitar work heard all year, it's a testament to his prodigious abilities as not only a guitarist, but as a songwriter and vocalist that it flows together seamlessly.

Just as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Peter Green and Johnny Winter in the late 60's, Alvin Lee, Jimmy Page and Rory Gallagher in the 70's and Stevie Ray Vaughan in the 80's were the cream of the crop in terms of blues rock guitarists, such is Bonamassa today. Once again, witness a legend in the making. If you've never experienced the power, fury and grace that is this amazing musician this is an excellent way to start. There's an old adage which says a live recording is great if it makes you wish you were there...with "Live From Nowhere In Particular" even if you were there, you'll wish you were again.

With a brand new album, 'The Ballad Of John Henry' due next month, and a historic show scheduled in May at London's historic Royal Albert Hall, 2009 may very well be the breakthrough year for this guitarist into the mainstream, one which has been well earned through tireless touring and remarkable consistency. If you've never heard Bonamassa before, this would be a fine place to start.

http://jbonamassa.com/

Final Details For Deep Purple 'Stormbringer' Remaster Announced

The Deep Purple Appreciation Society have announced the following final details for the remastered version of Deep Purple's 1974 album, Stormbringer:

There is a disc CD limited slipcase edition. CD1 is the original stereo album remastered, plus Glenn Hughes' excellent remixes and a couple of the quad mixes reduced to stereo. CD2 is a DVD format carrying the full quad album in 4.1 audio (it is NOT a true DVDA or SACD). Despite earlier hopes (and one or two sites suggesting otherwise) there is no actual video material on the second disc.

There is also a double gatefold vinyl edition, also limited, in a gatefold sleeve, with album art fully restored and looking loads better than the original. The inner gatefold has all the lyrics. There are special printed inner bags with full sleeve notes, pics and memorabilia.

These editions are available to pre-order from dpas mail order at this location. Release is now set for the last week of February 2009. Once the 2 disc Ltd Edition has gone, the title will revert to a lower priced 1CD regular edition with the album, remixes and a few other items. The old CD version is being deleted.

"Soldier Of Fortune" from 'Stormbringer' :

NPR Derek Trucks Band Live Session Available Online

At 9 years old, Derek Trucks found an old acoustic guitar at a garage sale for five bucks, took it home and began to practice. In two years' time, the child prodigy was onstage with the Allman Brothers Band, and went on to play with Bob Dylan, Joe Walsh and Stephen Stills. Trucks, the nephew of Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks, formed The Derek Trucks Band at 15.

Known for improvisation, The Derek Trucks Band blends blues, soul, jazz, rock, Indian music and Latin music in its exploratory sound. Its sixth studio album, 'Already Free,' just came out on January 13th. Trucks has been a full fledged member of The Allman Brothers since 1999, and in 2001 he married blues vocalist/guitarist Susan Tedeschi. In recent years, Trucks and Tedeschi have merged their respective bands on occasion, billed as the "Soul Stew Revival".

NPR's World Cafe is featuring a three song session from The Derek Trucks Band recorded live in the studio, which can be accessed at this location. In the session with host David Dye, Trucks discusses his choice of cover songs throughout his career, including one by his late friend Paul Pena. Tedeschi joins the band on vocals and describes the music their kids listen to at home.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : # 4 Jeff Beck Performing This Week ...Live At Ronnie Scott's

Jeff Beck - Performing This Week ...Live At Ronnie Scott's - This British guitar legend has been at the top of many people's best guitarist lists ever since coming to prominence after joining the most bluesworthy Yardbirds in the mid 60's. And with good reason. Beck took the blues and added a completely new dimension and vocabulary to the genre, then further upping the ante when with Rod Stewart in The Jeff Beck Group several years later, he was a pioneer in what came to be known as heavy metal. Never one to rest on his laurels, in the 70's he turned towards jazz rock, recording the seminal 'Blow By Blow' and 'Wired' albums, and all phases of his playing have continued to inspire countless guitarists to the present day.

Players from Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Tommy Bolin and Stevie Ray Vaughan, "New King Of The Blues" Joe Bonamassa all the way to new princes Davy Knowles of Back Door Slam and Ryan McGarvey have sung his praises, and wherever there's a musician looking for inspiration, inevitably they will worship before the shrine of Beck.

All of such praise worthiness is on ample display on this live document, recorded during a 2007 residency at London's prestigious Ronnie Scott's jazz club, during which such luminaries as Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin turned up to dig the sounds he still manages to coax out of his Strat like no other.

Jimmy Page has been quoted as saying that, "When he's on, he's probably the best there is". And he most certainly is on here, which is why after over 40 years as a recording artist, he still provides the type of thrills reserved for the best of the best, making this album a no brainer for inclusion in the top albums of the year, and also for his 2009 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. http://www.jeffbeck.com/

Rod Stewart, Flea Deny Faces Reunion

Despite reports that the Faces are reuniting for an album as well as a tour with Flea on bass, Rod Stewart's spokesperson tells Billboard "there are no plans for a Faces reunion tour this year." Additionally, a spokesperson for Flea tells Billboard the artist "knows nothing" of a Faces tour.

Guitarist Ron Wood reportedly told the U.K.'s Daily Mirror that he and Rod Stewart wrote an album's worth of new material during a Christmas vacation, and that Flea would be participating in an upcoming tour. However, the online version of the piece has since disappeared from the Daily Mirror Web site.

Rumors have swirled since last fall that Stewart, Wood, Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones were planning to tour for the first time since splitting in 1975. The musicians reportedly rehearsed last year with Stewart touring bassist Conrad Korsch filling the role of the late Ronnie Laine. But a recent report in the New York Post suggested the members didn't get along during the process and that a tour seemed unlikely.

McLagan is already booked for a spring North American tour in support of his new album, "Never Say Never," due March 3 from 00:02:59 Records.

There have been a handful of near-Faces reunions since the band broke up, including at a 1986 Stewart concert at London's Wembley Stadium. The surviving members have performed together in various incomplete incarnations in recent years, including Wood and McLagan with Stewart at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 2004.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : # 5 The Muggs - On With The Show

The Muggs - On With The Show - Detroit has spawned many rough and tumble hard rockers throughout the years, from Iggy & The Stooges, Ted Nugent's Amboy Dukes, The MC5, The Alice Cooper Band (who although from AZ never got their mojo working until moving to Michigan) all the way to The White Stripes. Add in Motown and the city's blues pedigree (John Lee Hooker was from here) and you get one damn fine rock and blues tradition.

One which sees high energy power trio The Muggs, with their sophomore release, which melds the high energy Zeppelin like blues rock of their stellar debut with a Beatlesque vibe, ready to take their rightful place among the area's greats. Danny Methric is a monster guitar player who would've been a star in the 70's, and if you are a fan of Page, Humble Pie era Frampton, or even the original Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, you'll find much to devour.

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.

http://www.themuggs.com/

Rising Irish Rockers The Answer Offer Free Download

The Answer, four lads hailing from Downpatrick in Northern Ireland have been busy fulfilling their duties as the opening act for the North American leg of AC/DC’s Black Ice World Tour.

Yesterday, Spin.com exclusively premiered an MP3 for the song 'Demon Eyes', the opening cut off their forthcoming North American debut full length album, Everyday Demons (March 31st). The track is available here.

The Answer finishes the American leg of AC/DC's Black Ice in Nashville, TN on January 31st and head to New York to play The Mercury Lounge on Tuesday, February 3rd. This will be The Answer’s only club gig in America prior to departing for the European leg of the AC/DC World Tour.

The Answer recently released Never Too Late, a four song EP giving fans a small taste of what’s to come on their US debut Everyday Demons, due out March 31st on The End Records. The new album was recorded in summer ’08 in Los Angeles with John Travis producing.

The Answer was recently named one of Billboard Magazine's "15 Artists to Watch in 2009". The band appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and in December was featured in Rolling Stone’s Hot Issue where the magazine proclaimed them “Rock Gods In Training”.

Don’t miss your chance to see them at The Mercury Lounge on February 3rd. Tickets are $12 and are on sale at this location.

And, don't forget to check out NHOR's exclusive interview with The Answer vocalist Cormac Neeson at this location.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of The Year 2008 : # 6 Glyder - Playground For Life

Glyder - Playground For Life - These young Irish hard rockers have moved past the obvious Thin Lizzy homage of their debut and have begun forging their own sound on this Chris Tsangarides (Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy, Tygers Of Pan Tang) produced followup. Filled with memorable hooks, razor sharp riffs, great musicianship and strong songwriting, these lads are helping to bring the classic rock sound into the 21st century in fine style, and in the process may find themselves enjoying the kind of success in time as their musical spiritual forefathers.

If you think all hope is lost in today's rock scene, and they just don't make 'em like they used to, this is a release that beyond a doubt will prove you wrong. Already ahead of the curve of Lizzy, who took several albums to hit consistency, and featuring in Bat Kinane and Pete Fisher the finest heavy guitar duo since Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson or Judas Priest's KK Downing and Glen Tipton, if classic rock is your thing, grab this one without hesitation. http://www.glydermusic.com/

Ted Nugent Wants To Be Obama's Drug Czar

The Raw Story is reporting that it seems as though self-titled "rock legend" Ted Nugent is no fan of taking a Journey to the Center of the Mind.

The same Nugent who said, during an August 2007 concert, -- as he was holding what appeared to be two assault rifles -- "Obama, he's a piece of sh**, and I told him to suck on my machine gun," seems to have undergone a change of heart.

Instead of death threats, now Nugent wants a job. And not just any job. He's got the Cat Scratch Fever for no less than US Drug Czar.

"[Drug traffickers] are as evil an adversary as the voodoo terrorist Taliban our soldiers face in Afghanistan," writes Nugent in a Thursday editorial.

"Call me, President Obama," writes Nugent. "Hippies, dope heads, corrupt politicos and various other human debris hate me, which makes me the perfect man for the job."

Nugent's take is ... A bit modernized.

"Our inner cities will remain war zones until we commit to taking the trash out," he writes at the polemic's most cringe-inducing line.

"[A]s America's Drug Czar, I would put a big hurt on the drug kingpins and consumers like they have never seen," he concludes. "Every American who smokes dope, manufactures, buys or sells meth or uses any illegal drugs is aiding and abetting the enemies of America. Case closed. This spiritual inbreeding and cannibalism must be identified, admitted to and stopped immediately. America can, and must do this."

For Nugent to ask Obama for this position in particular is humorous on its face, especially considering what he once told High Times magazine about how he escaped the Vietnam draft.

"I got 30 days' notice of the physical," Nugent reportedly said. "I ceased cleansing my body. Two weeks before the test I stopped eating food with nutritional value. A week before, I stopped going to the bathroom. I did it in my pants. My pants got crusted up."

High Times also reported he told military health officials that he'd been smoking enough meth to get "this big juicy 4F."

When confronted by The Independent in 2006 on these quotes, Nugent denied their veracity and instead claimed he had simply fabricated his responses to High Times because the interviewers came in with "glazed eyes."

Over The Rainbow Announce Japanese Tour Dates

Over The Rainbow, the new project featuring former Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow musicians and a second generation Blackmore on guitar, will take the stage in Japan this spring.



CONCERT DATES:
April 27: Namba Hatch (Osaka)
April 29: Diamond Hall (Nagoya)
May 1: Kosei-Nenkin Hall (Tokyo)

For Japanese fans, this will be their first glimpse at the younger Blackmore in their country. Jurgen, "J.R." Blackmore, son of the founder of Rainbow Ritchie Blackmore, is looking forward to handling guitar duties for Over The Rainbow in a country that has always embraced the melodic hard rock sound that made Rainbow famous. He says, "I have never been to Japan before but it was always my big dream. So, my dream comes true, to meet the Japanese Rock fans live."

OVER THE RAINBOW is:
Vocals: Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow 1980-1984)
Guitar: Jurgen ("J.R.") Blackmore
Keyboards: Tony Carey (Rainbow 1975-1977)
Drums: Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow 1980-1982)
Bass: Greg Smith (Rainbow 1994-1997)

For more information go to http://www.myspace.com/overtherainbowrocks

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : # 7 Back Door Slam - Roll Away

Back Door Slam - Roll Away (iTunes version) - The hard copy version of this one actually came out in the last half of 2007, so I was a bit hesitant in adding this, but the fact it was re released on iTunes last year, with the added bonus of a 5 track EP featuring live tracks and a video technically makes it eligible, and one of the advantages of this being my site, I can do what I want, so there you go.

The bottom line is that this trio of Manx blues rockers have released an absolutely stunning debut. Featuring powerful, soulful beyond his years vocals and guitar work courtesy of Davy Knowles reminiscent of the best of the late 60's early 70's masters such as Hendrix and Cream era Clapton, grafted on strong, gritty, mostly original songs which remain true to the genre's aesthetic, yet at the same time are infused with a youthful passion and fire, allowing them to rise above the well traveled grooves of the idiom.

So much so that if it weren't but nominally able to be placed on a list of 2008 releases, might very well been at the very top. But music such as this is timeless, so whichever version you get, don't quibble, just get it. And be sure to see them live when you get a chance, as amazing as the album is, they astound in a live setting. Touring extensively over the past year and a half opening for artists such as The Who, Kid Rock and Gov't Mule and playing numerous festivals including Bonnaroo have made them a tight aggregation, so if classic power trios with a ton of soul are your thing you'll leave being a fan, mark my words.

Mott The Hoople Reunion Shows Confirmed

Mott The Hoople have confirmed that they are to reunite and play together for the first time in 35 years, to celebrate their 40th anniversary this year.

The group featuring all original members; Ian Hunter, Verden Allen, Dale Griffin, Overend Watts and Mick Ralphs will play two shows at London's Hammersmith Apollo on October 2 and 3, 2009.

Formed in 1969, Mott are famous for tracks like the David Bowie-penned "All The Young Dudes" as well as "Roll Away The Stone" and "Honaloochie Boogie".

Tickets for the Mott The Hoople reunion shows will go on sale later this month, on January 22.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : #8 Steve Fister - Deeper Than The Blues

Steve Fister - Deeper Than The Blues - L.A. based guitarist Fister paid his dues as axeman for hire with Steppenwolf, Pat Travers and Lita Ford (For whom he served as bandleader live) before embarking on a remarkably consistent solo career over a decade ago which blends the guitar wizardry of Jeff Beck with a bluesy 70's hard rock vibe, punctuated with the melodic sense of The Beatles on more recent efforts.

All of which were clearly evident on this studio offering which showcases his talents without being too self indulgent, resulting in one of the best releases of the year. One of the best players too many have never heard, if blues based rock is your thing, or great musicianship for that matter, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Make no mistake, this is a rock album, but one on which Fister has successfully interpreted the blues in his own vision, in the process blurring the lines between what is considered "rock" and what's considered "blues". But with results this good, why bother arguing over what it is or isn't, just go out, buy it and enjoy the fantastic sounds. http://stevefister.com/

Jeff Beck Rules Out Jeff Beck Group Reunion

Jeff Beck has ruled out a Jeff Beck Group reunion with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood - because he thinks reformation of bands is a bad idea.

As his former band mates plan a Faces reunion, the guitar great insists he won't be following suit. He says, "Reformation of bands is never my idea of a good idea. Leave well enough alone, especially 35 years after it happened. It usually indicates there isn't anything else happening in someone else's career, otherwise you wouldn't entertain it - let's face it. We weren't together in the heyday of money. We were playing small clubs and dives and broke up just before Woodstock, so we never had any big money gigs."

However he isn't ruling out a low-key get together: "It would be fun if we did it in private to see if it would sound any good, but leave it well enough alone and remember it for being groundbreaking at the time."

And Stewart tells Rolling Stone magazine he's given up on bring the Jeff Beck Group back together. He says, "Woody was playing bass and I was singing and it sounded f**king brilliant. We did "Rock My Plimsou"l and "I Ain't Superstitious," and everybody was glued to it. But Jeff phoned me up two days before the show and said he didn't want to do it. He canceled. I've given up trying to reunite the Jeff Beck Group."

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008 : #9 GMT - Evil Twin

GMT - Evil Twin - Best known as saving the day for Ozzy Osbourne by filling in when Randy Rhoads tragically was killed in 1982, Irish rock guitar legend Bernie Torme has teamed up with ex Gillan bandmate bassist John McCoy and wildman drummer Robin Guy in Guy McCoy Torme for a second offering, the follow-up to 2006's critically acclaimed 'Bitter & Twisted'.

Far from succumbing to the dreaded sophomore jinx, these rock veterans up the ante, creating a soundscape where heavy, punk -like riffs coexist with psychedelic Hendrix influenced guitar overtones and intelligent lyrics, all served up with a unique British flavor. Not your typical metal album by any means (When's the last time you heard tabla and sitar on a classic metal song?). Throw in the guitarist's first long epic blues guitar extravaganza "Perfumed Garden," and an appearance from yet another former Gillan mate, keyboardist Colin Towns and you have something really special.

Torme, who handles all vocals, bar a guest appearance on one track by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, isn't your usual operatic styled heavy singer, which actually works to his benefit as it makes a refreshing change from the norm, and is yet but another layer on an extremely tasty second helping. Tabbed by this site as "Album Of The Month" for December, this is one which, given more time to live with, most likely would've ranked even higher.

Remarkably cohesive, the chemistry of this band cannot be denied, the results can be heard from start to finish. Not interested in chasing trends, the three create passion fueled music which is only driven by their love of playing, not commercial concerns, which is how it should be.

http://www.gmtrocks.com/

Stray Cats To Strut for Brian Setzer's 50th

Guitarist Brian Setzer will celebrate his 50th birthday in his new hometown of Minneapolis with a rare club gig by his old band, the Stray Cats, April 10 at the Fine Line.

Tickets to the party go on sale Friday at 11 a.m. for the all-too-fitting price of $50. Known for the '50s-sounding '80s hits "Stray Cat Strut" and "Rock This Town," the Stray Cats embarked on their first tour in 15 years in 2007.

Since 2000, Setzer has earned 3 Grammy Awards: Best Pop Performance Duo/Group for "Jump Jive An' Wail", and two Best Pop Instrumental Performance awards for "Sleepwalk" and "Caravan". In December 2006 he received his 7th Grammy nomination for his version of "My Favorite Things," again in the Best Pop Instrumental Performance category.

Neil Young Fans Say New Album So Bad It Shouldn't Be Released

The Guardian UK is reporting that Neil Young has announced the release of a new album, and no one could be more distressed than his fans.

For months now, Young obsessives have been awaiting the release of Archives Volume 1 – a vast library of early recordings, in the form of 10 Blu-ray discs. This week, however, reports have emerged that an album of new Neil Young material – called Fork In the Road – will pre-empt Archives, pushing its February release back into spring.

Often, this would call for celebration. Who needs old material when you are being offered shiny, new songs by a music legend? Alas, that's not what Neil Young's fans seem to be thinking. They have heard these new songs – on Young's recent tour, or in a new viral video – and let's just say they don't like them very much.

"Would a record company actually listen to this garbage and then agree to release it?" asked one fan at the popular Thrasher's Wheat site. "At some point, they're going to have to take a stand – right? I'm actually rooting for the record company here."

With Fork In the Road, Young seems to be exploring three things – dirty blues, direct lyrics, and his LincVolt electric car project. That all sounds well and good until you hear the opening lyrics of the title track.

"Got a pot belly," Young sings, "It's not too big / Gets in my way / When I'm driving my rig."

The video – clearly a webcam recording of Old Shakey chomping on an apple, mouthing along, cotton buds in his ears – doesn't inspire much confidence. A few minutes in, he sings about blogging. Later in the video he plays air guitar as a flat-screen TV seems to be repossessed. Commentary on the financial crisis? Maybe. Revelatory rock music? Says a fan of his for the past 20 years: "This new stuff is simply the most tired music I've ever heard from Neil."

Neil Young's spokesperson confirmed to Rolling Stone that the "timeliness of the subject matter" on Fork In the Road meant that it would be released soon, probably postponing Archives and the highly anticipated lost album Toast. "It seems logical," the spokesperson said, "but that hasn't been confirmed yet.

It's Time For Nightwatcher's House Of Rock's Top 10 Albums Of 2008! #10 Mad Shadow - Self Titled

This is a little late in comparison to other sites, who already had their picks for the best albums of 2008 up by the end of the year in most cases, but better late than never. So, over the course of the next 10 days, I will present my picks for the Top 10 albums of the year.

It was a particularly good year musically speaking, if you get away from the mainstream, and there are many bands who had releases which probably could be on this list, but aren't. Narrowing it down wasn't easy, and perhaps I omitted some which should be. But without further ado, let's begin this by presenting #10 :

Mad Shadow - Mad Shadow - From the Pacific Canadian coastal city of Vancouver came this one out of the blue to leap frog into the top. None of the members of this band are even legal to have a drink here in the States, but it didn't stop them from soaking up the influences of 60's and 70's legends ala Led Zeppelin, Cream and The Doors and bringing them forward with a liberal dash of Soundgarden added to the mix.

Classic blues rock at times not too dissimilar to what rising Irish band The Answer are doing, and featuring all original songs written by at the time 15 year old guitar god in training Danny Sveinson, if it weren't for the semi rough production on the title track, this one would have certainly ranked in the Top 5 at least. As it is, it still stands head and shoulders with the best of the year, and with a band this young, if they don't implode, stand a very strong chance of hitting it big within the next several years. Grab this one and be way ahead of the curve.

http://www.madshadowband.com/

Jimmy Thackery, Bernard Allison, Ryan McGarvey Among Those To Appear At Inaugural Denver Mile High Blues Festival

Mile High Marketplace is proud to announce the first annual Mile High Blues Festival on August 8th and 9th 2009 in Denver, Colorado. Denver's blues scene has been without a major Blues Festival for over 5 years but the drought is over with the NEW Mile High Blues Festival. The Festival is loaded with 2 days of nationally renowned and Grammy-winning blues recording artists; plus many artists who were recently nominated for the 2009 Blues Music Awards (BMA). A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Colorado Blues Society to support keeping the blues alive in Colorado.

The line-up includes blues artists such as C & C Records Recording Artist and guitar great Bernard Allison (son of blues icon Luther Allison), singer-songwriter Curtis Salgado (the inspiration for John Belushi's Blues Brothers character) and acclaimed guitar virtuoso Jimmy Thackery. One of the hottest rising stars of Blues with 4 BMA nominations including Best New Artist and Album, the magical Eden Brent will perform. Also on the line-up are renowned national artists such as the legendary Grammy Award-winning John Hammond, Memphis singer-songwriter Reba Russell and a special guest star appearance by Rick Estrin & the Night Cats formerly known as Little Charlie & the Night Cats. Fast rising blues rock guitarist Ryan McGarvey will perform a special tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan and local favorite Delta Sonics will kick off the festival. PLUS more to be announced soon...

The 2-day event will be held at the NEW Mile High Marketplace Event Center, the newest addition to the 80-acre Denver landmark long known for the Mile High Flea Market. The 25,000 square foot tented venue will offer guests a unique festival setting for listening to some of the finest blues music around including all the things that make a blues festival great such as plenty of food, BBQ, cold beer and festival merchandise to choose from. Included in the price of the concert ticket is free parking and admission to Mile High Marketplace with acres of additional entertainment, shopping and family fun.

Mile High Marketplace is conveniently located at I-76 and 88th Avenue just minutes from downtown Denver. Tickets go on sale in March 2009. General admission tickets are $25 per day in advance or $20 per day if purchasing both days. Tickets at the gate are $30 per day. VIP tickets will also be available. Kids under 12 are free.

For more information, visit www.milehighbluesfestival.com and watch for artist bios, pictures, feature stories, festival activities and more.

Up The Irons! 82 Year Old Iron Maiden Fan Talks Of His Love For Heavy Metal

From the BBC, somewhat disproving the adage, "If it's too loud, you're too old," Owen Brown, an 82-year-old heavy metal fan from Weobley in Herefordshire, England has spoken about his longstanding love affair with rock music. Hmmm...maybe there IS time for that Zeppelin reunion, after all. :

Jeff Beck, Metallica Among '09 Rock Hall Inductees

Guitar legend Jeff Beck, heavy-metal superstars Metallica and hip-hop pioneers Run DMC are among the artists who have been chosen for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the institution's Class of 2009. Beck previously entered the hall in 1992 as a member of the Yardbirds. The induction ceremony will take place April 4 in Cleveland, and will be shown live on Fuse TV and the channel's website.

Other members of the class of 2009 include 1950s R&B vocal group Little Anthony and the Imperials and Sixties soul singer Bobby Womack.

Rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson is being inducted as an early influence, and three sidemen will also enter the Hall of Fame: Elvis Presley's bassist Bill Black and his drummer D.J. Fontana, as well as Dewey Lyndon "Spooner" Oldham, who has played piano with everyone from Neil Young to Aretha Franklin to the Drive-By Truckers.

Beck, who has had a 40-year career, said: "It's a great thrill to be recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, especially for the 25th anniversary.

"Nobody makes music for the honors but to take a place alongside so many of your own heroes is an indescribable feeling. I'm a very humbled and proud man right now."

Deep Purple Vocalist Ian Gillan On Purple Mark III : "It’s Like Seeing Your Girlfriend With Another Guy."

Classic Rock Magazine is reporting that in an interview in the latest issue of Classic Rock magazine, Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan reveals he has “no interest” in the Mk III line-up of the band – and he doesn’t particularly rate Mk IV, either.

After Gillan resigned from Purple, signaling the end of the Mk II version of the group, he was replaced by David Coverdale in 1973.

In further line-up shift, bassist Roger Glover, another mainstay of Purple Mk II, was succeeded by Glenn Hughes. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, drummer Ian Paice and keyboard player Jon Lord completed the Mk III line-up. Purple Mk III issued two studio albums, both in 1974: Burn and Stormbringer.

Gillan said: “I’ve never listened to any of Purple Mk III’s records. What are they called? Burn and… Strongbow (Strongbow is English cider, for our cousins overseas), is it?”

“I’ve got no interest in them,” he continued. “It’s like seeing your girlfriend with another guy.”

Gillan added: “As for Mk IV [when American guitarist, the late Tommy Bolin, replaced Ritchie Blackmore), I listened to their Come Taste The Band album [1975] and that wasn’t really Purple in my book.

“I’ve got no problems with the performances, I just don’t think it’s Deep Purple at all.

“Glenn Hughes is one of the most naturally talented musicians but he’s still copying Steve Wonder to this day, so I can’t call him a bona fide member of Deep Purple.”

“The Mk III and IV line-ups were full of talent, but you know you can spend £100 million on football players and you won’t necessarily get a good team.”

Gillan, of course, now sings in the Mk VIII version of Purple alongside Glover, guitarist Steve Morse, drummer Ian Paice and keyboard player Don Airey.

Well Ian, in case you missed it, here's Messrs. Coverdale, Blackmore, Hughes, Lord and Paice playing "Mistreated" at the California Jam in 1974 :

Cheap Trick Planning Massive Vegas Beatles Tribute With Full Orchestra

Cheap Trick are in negotiations to stage a massive Beatles symphonic show in Las Vegas.

The band staged a tribute to the Fab Four at the Hollywood Bowl in August 2007 - to mark the 40th anniversary of the group's 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album - and now the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper reports the quartet is close to finalizing a headlining slot with the Las Vegas Hilton.

The proposed show would feature Cheap Trick performing the classic album with a full orchestra.

Rumors suggest the Hilton residency could begin this spring and stretch throughout the year.

Jeff Beck, Slash, Santana, Joe Bonamassa Featured In 'Rock Prophecies' Documentary

Smart, hip, funny and moving, ROCK PROPHECIES is a backstage pass into the eccentric world of rock ‘n roll from the vantage point of an obsessed photographer. Barely 18, Robert M. Knight befriended and captured Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin well before they became iconic. Years later, he snapped the controversial final photograph of Stevie Ray Vaughan. During photo assignments, mysteries about the creative process are explored as Knight revisits his life long guitar heroes such as SLASH, Santana, and Jeff Beck. In the end, Knight relives his past when he discovers and mentors a new guitar prodigy that unravels the meaning behind his final and foreshadowing conversation with Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Framed by director John Chester’s natural storytelling, the movie chronicles real-life events in a unique cinematic experience that transcends the documentary format. Among the things that set the film apart is that in a career spanning five decades, Knight has forged lasting friendships with his famous subjects, many of whom play active roles in the story. Knight well understands that a rock photographer is only as good as his access, and that being there at the right time and place can become the stuff of legend.

ROCK PROPHECIES was directed by John Chester (Lost In Woonsocket, A&E's Random 1) and executive produced by Emmy/Golden Globe winner Tim Kaiser (Seinfeld, Will & Grace). Bruce Friedman, Andrew J. Funnell, and Sandy Deeley join Kaiser and Chester as Executive Producers. The film was shot at multiple locations across the U.S. and England, wrapping in Los Angeles, CA, home base for production company RockDoc LLC.

Producer Kaiser has called Knight, “the Forrest Gump of rock ‘n roll,” because of his recurring knack for stumbling onto watershed moments in rock history. “A lot of people take great pictures,” says Kaiser, “but Robert really captures historic moments.”

Director/executive producer Chester adds, "In the past Knight took pride in shooting them first. Now in his late 50's, Knight wonders if he's lost his touch for surfacing the legends. This film explores his journey to find both himself and the world's next great guitar player. The audience will not be disappointed."

Artists who appear are Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, SLASH, Steve Vai, Billy Gibbons, Def Leppard, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Bonamassa, The Answer, Sick Puppies, Scott McKeon, Panic at the Disco, Rick Nielsen, John 5 and Tyler Dow Bryant. These artists and more are all represented in Knight’s body of work, which encompasses one of the largest music-centric photographic archives in the world, most of which is unseen.

ROCK PROPHECIES will be hitting film festivals in Spring 2009.

For more information: www.rockprophecies.com

Deep Purple Guitarist Steve Morse To Join Legendary Prog Rockers Kansas For 35th Anniversary Show

Legendary prog rock band Kansas are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year with a gala performance February 7th, 2009 at the White Concert Hall in Topeka, the eponymous state of Kansas. Both founding guitar player Kerry Livgren and current Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse are confirmed as special guests. Steve was a lead guitarist for Kansas between 1986 and 1989 and played on two of their albums: Power (1986) and In the Spirit of Things (1988). The concert will be recorded for the live DVD and Blue-ray “There’s Know Place Like Home”.

Forming in Topeka, KS in 1970, Kansas' self-titled debut album was first released in 1974. The band appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks during the 70s and 80s while playing to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan.

The band has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, including three multi-platinum releases, one platinum live album and eight gold albums with hit singles "Carry On Wayward Son" achieving gold status and "Dust In the Wind" reaching gold sales status in 1978 and again in 2005 with digital download sales.

Currently, Kansas features founding members Phil Ehart on drums, Steve Walsh on keyboards/vocals, Richard Williams on guitar with long time bass player/vocalist Billy Greer and David Ragsdale on violin/guitar.

More details at www.kansasband.com.

Alice Cooper Band To Reunite?

Further to the news that Alice Cooper will be appearing at Monster Mania-Con 12, which happens between March 13th and 15th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, NY, it has been confirmed that original Alice Cooper Band members Michael Bruce (guitar), Dennis Dunaway (bass) and Neal Smith (drums) will also be in attendence. Whether this suggests they could perform together is so far unconfirmed.

The last time the surviving members of the original band performed together in public was at Cooper's annual 'Christmas Pudding' show in Phoenix, Arizona in December 2006.

"Billion Dollar Babies", live 1973 :

Vocalist Mike DiMeo Leaves Masterplan

In a posting on his MySpace page, vocalist Mike DiMeo (Riot, The Lizards) has announced that he no longer is in long running German melodic metal band Masterplan.

In the blog posting , DiMeo states, "I also do want to confirm that I am no longer working with the Masterplan guys…..Although I have nothing but profound respect for them and continue to wish them nothing but success in the future".

DiMeo, regarded as one of the finest vocalists in the heavy rock scene, first came to prominence after joining the legendary New York City band Riot prior to the recording of 1994's "Nightbreaker". He went on to record six studio albums and one live album with the group before departing to join Masterplan, replacing original singer Jorn Lande for the recording of "MK II" in 2006.

In August 2008, DiMeo announced the formation of a brand new project, Tenpoint.

Masterplan - Lost And Gone, from the album "MK II"

Classic Savatage Albums To See Vinyl Reissues

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2009, SPV records will be re-releasing 4 classic Savatage records on vinyl LP this spring. Look for Hall of the Mountain King on March 2 (March 24 in the USA), Gutter Ballet on March 30 (March 24 in the USA), Streets on April 27, and Power of the Night on June 2.

Founded by the brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1978, the long running band has been inactive since the release of its last album, 'Poets & Madmen' in 2001, and have not performed live together since 2002. Instead they concentrate on their more commercially successful side project, Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Guitarist Criss Oliva was tragically killed by a drunk driver on October 17, 1993. Vocalist Jon Oliva has also been active with Jon Oliva's Pain, releasing 3 albums since 2003.

"When The Crowds Are Gone", from 1989's 'Gutter Ballet' :

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Two Arrested In Allman Brother Burglary

Pollstar is reporting that Gregg Allman almost had a few less silver dollars after someone broke into his southeast Georgia home and stole a coin collection, knives and unreleased concert recordings, police said.

The Allman Brothers Band singer and keyboardist, 61, was out of town when burglars broke into his home in Richmond Hill, 20 miles south of Savannah.

He's upgrading his security," detective Mickey Sands of the Bryan County Sheriff's Department said Thursday.

Sands said the burglars took a case containing Allman's collection of 19th-century silver dollars and two safes filled with gold coins, personal papers, collectible knives and several tapes of unreleased recordings.

Investigators recovered all of Allman's belongings except a handgun.

Craig Matthew George, 27, and Brittney Ann Sahlberg, 19, both of Richmond Hill, were charged two days after the Dec. 27 burglary. Sands said Allman knew them but would not say how.

George and Sahlberg have been released from jail on bond. Neither had a listed phone number in Richmond Hill. Sands and District Attorney Tom Durden said they did not know if either has an attorney.

Allman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Allman Brothers Band in 1995. Songs he's written include "Midnight Rider," "Whipping Post" and "Melissa."

Going Down Like A Lead Balloon :" Led Zeppelin Are Over," Says Manager

It seems that in the wacky world that is Led Zeppelin these days, even Jimmy Page's manager can't even keep things straight."Led Zeppelin are over!," Peter Mensch is telling reporters today.

"If you didn't see them in 2007, you missed them. It's done. I can't be any clearer than that." That sure does sound like a final death knell for the long-brewing rumors that Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham (son of late drummer John Bonham) would get back together for a tour or even an album without reunion-shy frontman Robert Plant. Of course, just a couple days ago this same manager was eagerly stirring up those very rumors in interviews. So who's really to say whether any or all surviving band members might change their minds again tomorrow?

It's heartening though to see that another saga has come along to captivate and mesmerize the rock world now that speculation on whether or not Axl Rose will ever release GN'R's 'Chinese Democracy' is over. However, if they drag this thing out as long as Axl did, the only speculation going on will be whether or not the individual members will survive through a performance, let alone a tour.

UPDATE : Apparently, the Music6 original article was taken from old news, and therefore is irrelevant. But considering the back and forth "will they/won't they" news that has been going around, until further notice, this will be the last news piece run by this site regarding this issue, as it's really getting silly.

Former Jethro Tull/Frank Zappa Keyboard Legend Eddie Jobson Returns From 27 Year Retirement With UKZ

Keyboard and electric-violin legend Eddie Jobson (U.K., Roxy Music, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull) is returning in grand style from a self-imposed 27-year retirement to introduce UKZ, his new "Virtual Virtuoso" supergroup, with a world debut concert exclusive in New York City.

Anticipated by Ticket News as "one of contemporary music's iconic performances" and attracting concertgoers from around the world, UKZ will begin and end its "One City World Tour" on Saturday, Jan.24 at Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St., NYC. Show time is 8 p.m. This rare concert event also will feature the U.S.debut of special guests Stick Men, featuring King Crimson's Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto. Tickets are $125, $95, $85 & $60 and on sale NOW through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. For info, call the box office at 212.840.2824 or visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org.

In a state-of-the-art display of masterful musicianship that elevates the spirit of progressive music to the modern demands of younger new audiences, UKZ will be premiering compositions from its upcoming debut EP, RADIATION, set for release March 24 via Ryko Distribution. UKZ's updated sound infuses the industrial edge and rhythmic aggression of bands from Tool to Nine Inch Nails, and it's exemplified in the seven-minute video for the title track, which already has received over 5,000 hits in its first week on YouTube.

"New directions excite me," says Jobson, "I decided a year-and-a-half ago that I still had more to say in the rock arena, and that the internet had allowed every aspect of that expression to be approached in a new way. Everything with this band project has been self-produced, independent of the music-business machine. I have created a real 'player' band of virtuosos and I am taking it straight to the people."

A classically trained progressive-rock icon, Jobson assembled UKZ virtually by auditioning performances on YouTube. The result is a multi-generational "dream band" of world-class improvisers from all parts of the globe whose members are: Trey Gunn (a 10-year veteran of King Crimson and the leading exponent of the Warr 10-string touch guitar), Aaron Lippert (former lead singer of Expanding Man), Alex Machacek (Austrian guitar prodigy), and Marco Minnemann (German drum sensation).

Jobson has spent much of his time away from band activity creating music for film and television. He's been an integral contributor to movie and TV soundtracks, and also has earned several Clio awards for his commercial compositions.

Keyboardist Jon Lord : No Purple Reunion Without Ian Paice

Former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord has spoken out about the rumors that Deep Purple Mk III could be set for a reunion.

Speaking on his own website, Jon Lord has said it was all “hot air and wild speculations” and that he couldn’t imagine a Deep Purple experience without the presence of drummer Ian Paice.

Lord’s statement comes in the wake of Metallica’s Lars Ulrich’s recent comments that he would offer his services to Purple for a one-off show.

Lord said on his web site :

"It all seems like a lot of hot air and wild speculation to me.

I like Lars and what he has achieved with Metallica. He’s obviously always been very complementary in his comments about DP, and I love the story of his famous nine-years-old 'baptism of fire' at our ‘73 concert in The KB Halle in Copenhagen, but if I was asked to be involved in a Mark III reunion - (which, by the way, I haven’t. All I ever said was that the idea had a few good points and a few not-so-good points.) - and I indeed considered that offer, I would not be able to even imagine it without the presence of Ian Paice.

By the way - I have NOT retired!

Love, and as peaceful a new year as possible, to all of you."

Stooges Guitarist Ron Asheton Dead At 60

Ron Asheton, guitarist for influential proto-punk band the Stooges, was found dead in his Ann Arbor, Mich., residence Tuesday. He was 60. Police say the rocker apparently had died of natural causes several days earlier.When police found him early Tuesday, they said, he seemed peaceful.

Alongside singer Iggy Pop, Asheton helped found the Stooges in 1967. The group broke up in the mid '70s, but became active again in 2003. The Stooges are among this year's nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Lead singer Iggy Pop called Asheton "my best friend" in a statement Tuesday, and the band expressed shock at his death.

For all that knew him behind the facade of Mr. Cool & Quirky, he was a kind-hearted, genuine, warm person who always believed that people meant well even if they did not," the band said in a written statement. "As a musician Ron was The Guitar God, idol to follow and inspire others. That is how he will be remembered by people who had a great pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share good and bad times with him."

Rolling Stone named Asheton the 29th most influential guitar player of all time.