AC/DC Win First Grammy Award

AC/DC have won their first Grammy.

It was a long way to the top for the Aussie rockers and tonight the band beat Linkin Park, Nickelback, Alice In Chains and Metallica to take away the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance.

AC/DC won the award for 'War Machine’, a song that wasn’t even an a-side. 'War Machine’, from the 'Black Ice’ album was the b-side to the 'Rock and Roll Train’ single.

However, they missed out on the Best Rock Album award. That went to Green Day.

'Black Ice’ producer Brendan O’Brien also won for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for Black Ice, as well as his work with Pearl Jam, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage and Bruce Springsteen.

Other notable winners were guitar legend Jeff Beck, who won Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "A Day In The Life", from 'Performing This Week...Live From Ronnie Scott's'.

The Derek Trucks Band took home Best Contemporary Blues Album Honors for 'Already Free',

Booker T. Jones (Of Booker T. & The MG's fame) won Best Pop Instrumental Album for 'Potato Hole'.

British metal titans Judas Priest won Best Metal Performance for 'Dissident Aggressor' from 'A Touch Of Evil -Live'.

Delta Blues legend David "Honeyboy" Edwards, one of the last living links to Robert Johnson, was awarded a lifetime achievement award.

Rockin' Site You Should Know : Rock N' Roll TV With Share Ross

Looking for a great, rockin' place to go after this site? Well dear readers, look no further than Rock N Roll TV.

Hosted by the lovely and talented Share Ross, bassist for Vixen, Contraband, Dogs D'Amour, and currently guitarist and singer for Bubble, every well produced episode presents the latest in rock news in an entertaining, fast paced fashion which is sure to appeal to your eyes and your ears. http://www.rocknrolltv.net/

A good friend to Nightwatcher's House Of Rock, selected stories from which are featured on a fairly regular basis, do yourself a favor, cruise on over and tell them we sent you! Just recently they've been placing episodes on YouTube, where we've plucked this up from, #178 :

West, Bruce jr & Laing Rock Long Island

This past Friday, January 29, the reunited West, Bruce & Laing, now entitled West Bruce jr & Laing, with Jack Bruce's son Malcolm replacing him alongside original members guitarist Leslie West and drummer Corky Laing rocked the Capitol One Bank Theater in Westbury, Long Island.

Here's some live audio from the show in the form of "Play With Fire/Love Is Worth The Blues ":

Joe Bonamassa Shows Off 'Black Rock' With Spring Trek

Live Daily is reporting blues-rockin' guitarist Joe Bonamassa will spend most of the spring pounding the pavement in support of his forthcoming 10th studio set, "Black Rock."

Following a late-February leg in Russia, the singer/songwriter/guitarist will kick off the US portion with a March 3 show in Eugene, OR. The two-month trek crisscrosses the country, stopping by theaters in 30 cities through a March 8 concert in Omaha. Details are included below.

"Black Rock," Bonamassa's 10th solo effort, is slated to hit retailers March 23 and will mark his sixth release on his own J&R Adventures imprint. The musician teamed up again with producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith), who also worked on Bonamassa's 2009 collection, "The Ballad of John Henry." That set debuted atop Billboard's Blues Albums chart last February.

The new album--which was recorded at and named after Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece--features a number of covers, including a version of the Willie Nelson-penned song "Night Life" alongside B.B. King. Other tracks on the album: Leonard Cohen's "Bird On a Wire," John Hiatt's "I Know a Place" and Jeff Beck's "Spanish Boots," among others.

In November, Bonamassa accepted the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at the UK's prestigious Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards in London. His most recent release on DVD, 'Live From The Royal Albert Hall', which features a guest appearance by rock legend Eric Clapton, hit #6 on Billboard's DVD chart this past fall.

March 2010
3 - Eugene, OR - McDonald Theatre
4 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theatre
5 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
7 - Bend, OR - Tower Theatre
9 - Medford, OR - Craterian Ginger Rogers Theatre
10 - Santa Cruz, CA - Rio Theatre
11 - Sacramento, CA - Crest Theatre
12 - San Francisco, CA - Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
13 - Bakersfield, CA - Majestic Fox Theater
17 - Riverside, CA - Riverside Municipal Auditorium
19 - Phoenix, AZ - Orpheum Theatre
20 - Santa Fe, NM - Lensic Performing Arts Center
23 - Fort Worth, TX - Bass Performance Hall
24 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre
25 - Stafford, TX - Stafford Center
26 - Oklahoma City, OK - Civic Center Music Hall
27 - Fayetteville, AR - Walton Arts Center

April 2010
15 - New York, NY - Town Hall
16 - Boston, MA - Wilbur Theatre
17 - Peekskill, NY - Paramount Center for the Arts
18 - Wilmington, DE - Grand Opera House
20 - Albany, NY - Hart Theatre at The Egg
21 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre
23 - Washington, DC - Lisner Auditorium
24 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre
25 - Harrisburg, PA - Sunoco Performance Theater
29 - Cleveland, OH - Ohio Theatre

May 2010
2 - Dayton, OH - Victoria Theatre
7 - Iowa City, IA - The Englert Theatre
8 - Omaha, NE - Orpheum Theatre

Hear Stream Of "New" Jimi Hendrix Single "Valleys Of Neptune"

Though there have been many posthumous releases from Jimi Hendrix's archives since his tragic death, the recently-announced 'Valleys of Neptune' isn't meant to be a "lost" album. Rather, it's a look at the creative period in Hendrix's life between the 1968 release of 'Electric Ladyland' and his legendary appearance at Woodstock the following summer.

"In the aftermath of 'Electric Ladyland,' he made a series of recordings with the original Experience," co-producer, author and Experience Hendrix catalog director John McDermott tells Spinner. "When they effectively stopped working as a three-man recording unit, he brought in [bassist] Billy Cox -- this album captures that transition. We don't want to over-dramatize it. This is that missing period of time."

The dozen tracks on 'Valleys of Neptune' reflect a time where Hendrix, finding his way with a new band while fighting contractual problems, was blossoming creatively. Featuring reworked hits like 'Fire' and 'Red House' as well as fully-realized songs that have never officially been released, the album shows that Hendrix was embarking in a new direction, one that would later be heard on 'Band of Gypsys.' While the album is due out on March 9, check out Spinner's exclusive premiere of the title track below to hear what McDermott refers to as a "snapshot" into a part of Jimi's life that's rarely been heard. Click to hear the stream at this location.

Paul Rodgers Turned Down Aerosmith Gig

Classic Rock Magazine has revealed that Joe Perry of Aerosmith asked Paul Rodgers to replace Steven Tyler – but Rodgers refused.

The conversation took place at November's Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, at which Perry and Rodgers were both guests. Editor-in-chief Scott Rowley introduced the stars to each other and a colleague was nearby while they chatted.

Rowley's colleague explains: "Perry said he'd long admired Rodgers as a vocalist, and mentioned Aerosmith were having trouble with Steven's erratic behavior.

"Perry got straight to the point and asked Rodgers whether he'd be interested in singing for Aerosmith.

"I think he was quote surprised by Perry's invitation, which came right out of the blue. He regained his composure and thanked Perry, but said he was committed to the reunion of Bad Company, so singing in Aerosmith wouldn't be possible."

Perry recently confirmed the band were actively looking to replace Tyler, although it's not clear whether it would be permanent. The band have been near collapse since communications broke down between the singer and bandmates after his stage fall in August.

Tyler has returned to rehab and has made two unusual public appearances in the past week - one at a Palm Desert karaoke bar and one in a Home Depot store.

March To See Release Of New Studio Album 'Bare Knuckle' From Blues Guitar Legend Guitar Shorty

March 2, 2010 will see the release of a new studio album on Alligator Records by blues guitar legend Guitar Shorty.

Entitled 'Bare Knuckle', it's the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'We The People', which was awarded the 2007 Blues Music Award Winner - Contemporary Blues Album by the Blues Foundation.

Credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy, Guitar Shorty has been electrifying audiences for five decades with his supercharged live shows and his incendiary recordings, beginning in 1957 with a Willie Dixon-produced single on the Cobra label. Like a bare knuckled boxer, Shorty strikes with his blistering, physical guitar playing and his fierce vocals, connecting directly with body and soul.

What really sets Shorty apart is his absolutely unpredictable, off-the-wall guitar playing. He reaches for sounds, riffs and licks that other blues players wouldn’t even think of. Amazon.com says his guitar work “sounds like a caged tiger before feeding time. His molten guitar pours his psychedelicized solos like lava over anything in his path.”

Eric Johnson On New Studio Album : "I Set The Bar Incredibly High This Time"

In an interview conducted by Musicradar.com, Austin guitar legend Eric Johnson gives details concerning his yet untitled studio album, the follow-up to 2005's 'Bloom' which the guitarist hopes for a spring release.

For the album, Johnson says he wrote 25 songs, then recorded "about 17 or 18", subsequently whittling the list down to roughly a dozen -of which 60 percent are vocal tracks. Addressing his perceived perfectionist tendencies, which have seen him notoriously going years between releases, he admits that he'd like to release records with a greater frequency. However, he's not apologizing for the time he takes, stating, " While he admits that he would like to release records with greater frequency, he's unapologetic for the time he takes in the studio.

"You listen to Stevie Wonder singing You And I - are you going to tell me he isn't a perfectionist?" he says. "Now, he might be one of those guys who can just roll out of bed and sing like that all the time, but I'll bet you he sets the bar pretty high. And with my new album, I set the bar pretty high this time."

Produced by Johnson and engineer Richard Mullen, along with engineer Kelly Donnelly, the album will include guest performances by Steve Miller, Jimmie Vaughan and Jonny Lang. Mixing the album is Andy Johns, who produced and/or engineered such classic albums such as Free's 'Heartbreaker', 'Led Zeppelin II', Blind Faith's 'Blind Faith', West, Bruce & Laing's 'Why Dontcha' among many others. Lang makes a guest turn on a tip of the hat to Stevie Wonder, a new song called "Austin". Another song, a slide guitar infused instrumental "Soul Surprise" shows the guitarist's admiration for the aforementioned blues rockers Free . For more information go to this location.

Guitar Legend Peter Green To Expand UK Tour

Planet Rock is reporting that Peter Green & Friends have expanded their forthcoming UK tour to a whopping 19 dates.

The legendary former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and his band will play shows throughout February and March, culminating in a date at the Union Chapel in London on 22 March.

Tickets for the shows are on sale now.

Here are the dates:

Feb 13 Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex Douglas
Feb 18 Opera House Buxton
Feb 19 Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Feb 20 Holmfirth Picturedrome
Feb 22 Glee Club, Birmingham
Feb 23 Huntingdon Hall, Worcester
Feb 24 The Globe, Cardiff
Feb 26 Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter
Feb 27 Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter
Feb 28 The Brook, Southampton
Mar 8 The Maltings, Farnham
Mar 9 Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes
Mar 11 The Junction, Cambridge
Mar 12 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Mar 13 Irish Centre, Leeds
Mar 15 Assembly Rooms, Leamington
Mar 16 Bath Komedia
Mar 17 Komedia Theatre, Brighton
Mar 22 Union Chapel, London

For more info on purchasing tickets go to this location.

No Sabbath Reunion For Ozzy

Ozzy Osbourne has wrecked fans' hopes for another Black Sabbath reunion, insisting the group is like an ex-girlfriend he no longer wants to date.

The rocker refuses to rule out another tour with his old bandmates, but insists it isn't something he's planning for the immediate future.

Osbourne, who is currently embroiled in a copyright battle with Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, says, "I'm not gonna say I've written it (reunion) out forever, but right now I don't think there is any chance. But who knows what the future holds for me? If it's my destiny, fine."

Black Sabbath last toured with Ozzy as frontman in 2005 and the bandmates last reunited to perform at their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2006.

Osbourne adds, "I had girlfriends when I was younger and I would go, 'Oh, I would really like to go back with Shirley,' and then you do and you go to yourself, 'What the f**k was I thinking?'"

Hell Has Frozen Over : Keith Richards Gives Up Alcohol

Keith Richards has given up alcohol.

The Rolling Stones guitarist - who is known for his hellraising lifestyle - hasn't downed a drink in four months, despite previously claiming he would never become teetotal.

A source close to the 66-year-old musician said: "There's no guarantees that he'll stay off it - but he's doing really well so far.

"He has always quite enjoyed the fact that he seemed to be able to carry on drinking as much as he liked with no real negative impact on his health."

It is believed Keith decided to quit booze after seeing his bandmate Ronnie Wood start drinking heavily again and eventually split from his wife of 23 years Jo to run off with 21-year-old cocktail waitress Katia Ivanova, who Ronnie is also now separated from.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "He has watched Ronnie fall well and truly off the wagon last year and he doesn't like what he sees.

"Plus he has started to feel for the first time like it might do him some good to give up the booze for a while."

Four years ago Keith suffered a brain haemorrhage after he fell out of a tree while partying on the Pacific island of Fiji, but made a full recovery.

The Scorpions To Retire After 'Sting In The Tail' Tour

German heavy rock legends The Scorpions have announced that they plan to retire after the tour to promote their upcoming CD 'Sting In The Tail'. 'Sting In The Tail' is set for a March 19th release.

The band states, "It was always our pleasure, our purpose in life, our passion and we were fortunate enough to make music for you - whether it was live on stage or in the studio, creating new songs.

While we were working on our album these past few months, we could literally feel how powerful and creative our work was - and how much fun we were still having, in the process. But there was also something else: We want to end the Scorpion's extraordinary career on a high note. We are extremely grateful for the fact that we still have the same passion for music we've always had since the beginning. This is why, especially now, we agree we have reached the end of the road. We finish our career with an album we consider to be one of the best we have ever recorded and with a tour that will start in our home country Germany and take us to five different continents over the next few years.

We want you, our fans, to be the first to know about this. Thank you for your never-ending support throughout the years!

Two new song samples from the new CD have also been posted online, Raised On Rock (listen here) and The Good Die Young (listen here)

Blues Guitar Legend Luther Allison's 'Songs From The Road' CD/DVD To Get February Release

Ruf Records announces a February 9 release date for Luther Allison's Songs from the Road, a live two disc CD/DVD that documents a magical night of blues music from the legendary guitarist/singer, recorded at the Montreal Jazz Festival by Canadian Television on July 4, 1997. Distributed in the U.S. by the Allegro Corporation, the new release will retail for a special low price, essentially getting both the CD and DVD for the price of one.

Songs from the Road was filmed just four days before Luther Allison was diagnosed with the terminal cancer which took his life one month later; thus, this document represents his last live recorded performance.

The CD includes 80 minutes of the 90-minute set he performed that night, while the DVD features the 56-minute video version that was aired originally on Canadian TV. The CD includes 11 Luther Allison standout songs, including "Cherry Red Wine," his 1996 award-winning Song of the Year, "Serious," "Will It Ever Change," "Move from the Hood," and "It Hurts Me Too." The DVD also includes bonus footage of an interview with Allison, as well as a documentary on his life.

For a man with only one month to live, Luther Allison showcases an amazing performance on Songs from the Road, with blistering guitar runs, passionate singing and amazing showmanship, demonstrating why to this day he is still one of the most beloved bluesmen of all time.

Melding blues and gospel, with rock and soul, Luther Allison's music transcended boundaries - musical, sociological, and geographical - with an appeal that endeared him to audiences all over the world. The CD captures all the raw energy that made his shows so special; and the beautifully filmed DVD brings the audience right up on stage with the legend, as the beads of sweat drip from his head and collect on his guitar, right before your eyes. For more info and to hear clips from the album go to this location.

No Genesis Reunion With Peter Gabriel At Rock Hall Induction

Peter Gabriel has stunned the music world by announcing he won't be joining his former Genesis bandmates onstage for the group's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in March (10).

In fact, Gabriel isn't sure he'll even attend the ceremony in New York.

Fans were hoping the induction would lead to a reunion for the band's original line-up, but Gabriel insists he has no plans of teaming up with Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, who reformed as Genesis in 2008 for a world tour.

Gabriel tells Rolling Stone magazine, "I’m definitely not going to sing. I learned at our last reunion (in 1982) that you can’t just get up there. You have to rehearse."

And his upcoming European tour plans might rule out an appearance: "I’m trying to find a way to do it... If I can work it out, I’ll go."

He refuses to completely rule out a reunion in the future, but admits another get together seems highly unlikely.

He adds, "I always describe it as going back to school, since this was a school group for me. It’s a fun place to visit and see your old friends, but it's not a place you want to live. Phil (Collins) has had trouble with his wrists and his back, so it’s pretty unlikely."

Saxon Vocalist Wants Metal To Be Recognized As Religion

Saxon vocalist Biff Byford is figure-heading a campaign to get heavy metal recognized as a religion in the UK.

Byford has teamed up with Metal Hammer Magazine for a campaign urging British rock fans to adopt heavy metal as their "religion" ahead of the 2011 census.

At the last census nine years ago, 390,127 people in England & Wales and a further 14,052 in Scotland stated "Jedi" as their religion thanks to a massive internet campaign.

It was ultimately ranked as the fourth most popular religion in the UK behind Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

In 2011, it may be heavy metal's turn.

Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas told Gigwise: "Ever since Black Sabbath made their debut 40 years ago heavy metal has grown to become one of the UK’s most significant cultural institutions, and a global phenomenon. Hell, if the Jedi can do it, why can’t metalheads? The force is strong in us."

Biff Byford added: "Getting heavy metal recognized as a religion is a great bit of rebellion, isn’t it? This really is going to be a very cool thing.

Jeff Beck To Release 'Emotion & Commotion', First Studio Album In Seven Years, April 13

RollingStone.com is reporting that two months after Jeff Beck performs at Madison Square Garden along with Eric Clapton, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist will release his solo album Emotion & Commotion, his first studio LP in seven years.

April 13th’s Emotion will boast both originals and covers, including renditions of Jeff Buckley’s “Corpus Christi Carol,” The Wizard of Oz’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You,” featuring Joss Stone on vocals.

Emotion also finds Beck teaming with a 64-piece orchestra for a handful of tracks, like Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5,” the Atonement score’s “Elegy for Dunkirk” and Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” “It turned out amazingly well, but I didn’t want to commit to an entire album of classical music,” Beck said. “What appealed to me instead was the idea of bringing together these seemingly contradictory sounds on different kinds of nonclassical music.”

Joss Stone will also appear on the track “There’s No Other Me.” The original rock compositions on Emotion & Commotion include the wah wah pedal-heavy opener “Hammerhead” and the airy “Never Alone.” Frequent collaborators drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Tal Wilkenfield and keyboardist Jason Rebello join Beck on the disc, which was produced by Steve Lipson and Trevor Horn.

Paul McCartney Turned Down For Slot In Them Crooked Vultures

Sir Paul McCartney wanted a place in Dave Grohl's supergroup Them Crooked Vultures, but was turned down in favor of Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones.

The Beatles star teamed up with the Foo Fighters frontman onstage for a performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards, and when the pair went out for dinner afterwards Grohl revealed his plans for a new band with Queens of the Stone Age singer Josh Homme.

The veteran musician offered his services, but was disappointed when Grohl turned him down - because the rocker had already asked Jones to play bass.

McCartney says, "We went out for a bite to eat afterwards and Dave told me he was starting this band with Josh. I asked him who was playing bass and he rather sheepishly told me he'd approached John. So you read it here first - Paul McCartney was nearly the bass player in Them Crooked Vultures."

Uriah Heep Confirm First U.S. Live Dates Since 2002

British hard rock legends Uriah Heep have confirmed their first North American live dates since 2002. The band will be promoting both the Wake The Sleeper and the Celebration releases (marking the band's 40th anniversary).

According to an update, "The band very much looks forward to meeting its USA fans again! Stay tuned for additional gigs and dates!"

First confirmed dates include:

June
18 - Chattanooga, TN - Riverbend Festival - Bud Light Stage
22 - New York, NY - B.B. King Blues Club
24 - St. Charles, MO - Ameristar Casino St. Charles
25 - Kansas City, MO - Ameristar Casino & Hotel Kansas City

July
2 - Algona, IA - Freedom Park

'Frampton Comes Alive!' Named Top Classic Album That "Accidentally Ruined Music"

In a list compiled by that bastion of great music journalism Spike.com (Spike TV), the iconic 1976 live double album by Peter Frampton, 'Frampton Comes Alive!' has been named the number one classic album which "accidentally ruined music".

In choosing the album, the site states that 'Frampton Comes Alive!'" literally changed music overnight, turning the record industry into very big business, pushing music further away from its artistic roots, ushering in the era of pop stars and turning musicians into products and brands overnight".

Others on the list include Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite For Destruction', Van Halen 'Van Halen', The Sex Pistols' 'Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols', Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', Bob Marley's 'Legend', Nirvana's 'Nevermind', The Beastie Boys' 'Paul's Boutique' and 'Rage Against The Machine' Rage Against The Machine'. To read the entire list and their reasons behind their choices go to this location.

Cover Art, Details Of Joe Bonamassa's 'Black Rock' Revealed

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the new "Supergroup" Black Country come more details of hard rockin' blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa's upcoming Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes) produced 'Black Rock' studio album.

Consisting of thirteen tracks, besides the previously announced duet with Blues legend B.B. King "Night Life", the album will reportedly also include covers of The Jeff Beck Group’s “Spanish Boots,” Leonard Cohen’s poetic “Bird On A Wire,” Otis Rush’s “Three Times A Fool,” Bobby Parker’s “Steal Your Heart Away,” Blind Boy Fuller’s “Baby, You Gotta Change Your Mind,” John Hiatt’s “I Know A Place,” and James Clark’s “Look Over Yonders Wall”, as well as the Bonamassa originals “When The Fire Hits The Sea,” “Quarryman's Lament,” “Wandering Earth,” “Athens To Athens,” and “Blue and Evil."

Recorded at, and named for, Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece, of the album Bonamassa says, “It was the kind of record Kevin Shirley and I wanted to make. We needed to rock again a bit like on my first album. I wrote the whole thing there.”

According to Mascot Records, Bonamassa's European label the album is set for release March 22, 2010.

Eric Clapton and Klaus Voormann Rejoin Yoko Ono For Plastic Ono Band

John Lennon`s original Plastic Ono Band featured Eric Clapton and Klaus Voormann. The music legends will rejoin Yoko Ono`s new version of the Plastic Ono Band next month in Brooklyn.

The 21st century Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band formed last year and released the album ‘Between My Head and the Sky’.

The show ‘We Are Plastic Ono Band’ will feature a host of guests including Paul Simon, Bette Midler, Scissor Sister and Martha Wainwright.

It will be held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on February 16.

John and Yoko formed the Plastic Ono band as a conceptual group in 1969.

As Plastic Ono Band, John and Yoko released the singles ‘Give Peace A Chance’, ‘Cold Turkey’, ‘Instant Karma’ and ‘Power To The People’.

The only album credited solely to Plastic Ono Band was the 1969 live record ‘Live Peace In Toronto’. Eric Clapton played lead guitar, Klaus Voormann was on bass.

In 1971, John and Yoko released the bookend albums ‘John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band’ and ‘Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band’.

The new line-up of Plastic Ono Band features Sean Lennon, Cornelius and Yuka Honda.

It's Official : Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Sherinian Form New "Supergroup" Black Country, Album To Ensue

"I'm like the one up there representing the Bonham family. that's kind of how I should look at it," Jason Bonham told Spinner backstage at L.A.'s Wiltern, where he would later honor his iconic father, John Bonham, as part of Guitar Center's Drum-Off last weekend. The event is a competition for aspiring stickmen and showcases some of the world's greatest drummers, including Tommy Lee, Tool's Danny Carey and Billy Cobham, among others.

There's no question, Led Zeppelin is part of his family and legacy, an inheritance he proved worthy of when he so successfully filled in for his father at the band's O2 reunion show in December of 2007. But he says, breaking the hearts of millions of fans, that part of his life is indeed over. "As far as the big question, the big one, I think that one's come and gone now. But it was a lot of fun while it lasted," he says, echoing Jimmy Page's sentiments in recent interviews that the Zep reunion is not going to happen.

And like his bandmates that night, Bonham is moving on to new music. "I just literally went into the studio last week for two days with one person I'd done an album with before, very quickly, and then the other was a friend of my father's I got to meet later on, Joe Bonamassa and Glenn Hughes, and we're working on a new project with a working title of Black Country," Bonham says. "We just went in with [producer] Kevin Shirley and played riffs and just jammed for two days. And that's really exciting."

Bonham says the new group, which takes its name from the industrial area in England that he and Hughes -- best known for his work with both Deep Purple and Black Sabbath) come from -- is in fact a band. "We're actually recording an album, literally in that process of jamming it out and editing and putting together and going, 'Yeah, that's really cool,'" he says. " Joe just wanted to play guitar so with Glenn on bass and vocals, it's a power trio."

UPDATE : Producer Kevin Shirley has posted this on his Facebook page : "The cat is out the bag! This is BLACK COUNTRY. Jason Bonham on drums, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Glenn Hughes on bass and vocals and Joe Bonamassa on guitar and vocals. The songs are all original and they are all the very best players in the world!

Jason (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) - a totally unique drummer and what a powerhouse, yet oh-so-tasty. Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper) - super versatile, playing mostly overdriven Hammond in this ensemble. Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze) - bass and vocals and Joe Bonamassa is the best Blues guitarist around, adds his signature vocals. We're planning to get this out late summer! Perhaps if you're around San Bernadino about March 17........."


Here's 1/2 of said "Supergroup", namely Hughes and Bonamassa performing the Deep Purple classic "Mistreated" from last November :

The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band's 'Blue Again' Live DVD Set For Release On January 26, 2010

Grammy-nominated Mick Fleetwood (his first ever nomination outside of Fleetwood Mac) is set to see the release of his Mick Fleetwood Blues Band's "Blue Again," the companion DVD to their 'Best Traditional Blues' category nominated CD.

"Blue Again" contains live performances of the iconic rock drummer and Mac co-founder Fleetwood and his Mick Fleetwood Blues Band featuring guitarist Rick Vito performing classic early Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac songs such as "Albatross," "Oh Well" and "Black Magic Woman" ( a hit for Fleetwood Mac prior to Carlos Santana's version ). The DVD will be released January 26th on 429 Records which is distributed by Fontana/Universal in the U.S. and E1 Entertainment in Canada.

'Blue Again' was recorded live at the Marlowe Theater, Friars, Canterbury, Kent England on October 25th, 2008 and sees him teaming up on this recording with guitarist and lead vocalist Vito, bassist Lenny Castellanos and keyboardist Mark Johnstone.

Track Listing :

1. Fleetwood Boogie
2. Oh Well
3. Streamliner Blues
4. Looking for Somebody
5. Rollin' Man / Bayou Queen Medley
6. Eyesight to the Blind
7. Love That Burns
8. Red Hot Gal
9. Rattlesnake Shake
10. Black Magic Woman
11. The World Keeps on Turning
12. Black Crow
13. When We Do the Lucky Devil
14. Passage East / World Turning Medley
15. Shake Your Moneymaker
16. Albatross
17. Homework
18. Stop Messin' Around

For more info go to www.429records.com

Legendary British Guitarist Mick Green Of The Pirates Passes Away At 65

Classic Rock magazine is reporting that Mick Green, legendary lead guitarist for The Pirates, died yesterday (January 11) at age 65.

Green’s death was revealed on the guitarist’s website by his son, Brad.

No cause of death was given, but Green spent time in hospital last year with a suspected kidney problem. He also had a history of heart attacks – including one suffered on stage while on tour with Bryan Ferry in 1993.

Brad’s website message reads as follows:

“It is with the greatest of sorrow that I have to inform you all that my father, Mick Green, has passed away.

“My dad will be deeply missed by his family, friends and fans all around the world. He inspired and dazzled with his amazing talent and his sharp personality and wit. His spirit and his music will continue to live on through his music.

“Thank you all for your support and thoughts.”

Green joined his schoolfriends, bassist Johnny Spence and drummer Frank Farley, in The Pirates in 1962, just after the band scored a huge hit with Shakin’ All Over with Joe Moretti on lead guitar.

It was during the 1970s that The Pirates came into their own as a live act and made a huge impact on the era’s flourishing pub-rock scene.

More recently, Green appeared on Sir Paul McCartney’s 1999 album Run Devil Run and Van Morrison’s 2008 album Keep It Simple.

Uriah Heep guitarist Mick Box named Green as a major influence, and his ability to play ead and rhythm guitar simultaneously influenced a number of British guitarists to follow, including Pete Townshend of The Who.

Box commented:

“As a youngster I first saw Mickey Green performing in a theatre in Leytonstone, East London. He had a beautiful Fender Telecaster and an air of confidence that really made an impression on me. Seeing him on stage was when I decided I wanted to be a guitarist myself.

“A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to meet Mickey at a festival in Scandinavia, and he was a complete gentleman as I retold the story of that first encounter that made such a big impression on my life.

“He was truly the guitarist of the manor in the East End of London, that’s for sure.”

New Hendrix Album To Feature 12 Previously Unreleased Studio Recordings

Experience Hendrix LLC and Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Recordings launch their monumental 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project on Tuesday, March 9, with the release of Valleys of Neptune, a newly curated album of 12 fully realized studio recordings, more than 60 minutes of music never commercially available on a Jimi Hendrix album.

Centered around tracks recorded during a pivotal and turbulent four-month period in 1969, Valleys of Neptune unveils the original Jimi Hendrix Experience's final studio recordings, as the group lays down the foundation for its follow-up to Electric Ladyland, alongside the guitar superhero's first sessions with bassist Billy Cox, an old army buddy he'd recruited into his new ensemble.

Valleys of Neptune provides an essential, compelling, and up-til-now largely unseen view of what Jimi Hendrix was up to musically in the critical period between the release of Electric Ladyland in October 1968 and the 1970 opening of his own Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village, the state of the art facility where he would begin his final project, the ambitious double album First Rays of the New Rising Sun.

Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, the Hendrix family-owned company entrusted with preserving and protecting the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, noted, "My brother Jimi was at home in the studio. Valleys of Neptune offers deep insight into his mastery of the recording process and demonstrates the fact that he was as unparalleled a recording innovator as he was a guitarist. His brilliance shines through on every one of these precious tracks."

Valleys of Neptune is originality electrified, offering more than 60 minutes of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix music, originally recorded, and newly mixed for this historic release, by Hendrix's longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, who first worked with the guitarist on Are You Experienced? in 1967. Valleys of Neptune is produced by Janie Hendrix, John McDermott (who contributes detailed liner notes to the album) and Eddie Kramer.

"Valleys of Neptune" has long been one of the most sought after of any commercially unavailable Jimi Hendrix recording. The song will be released as a single globally on February 2, 2010, nearly forty years after Jimi finished recording the track at New York's Record Plant in May of 1970.

Other highlights on Valleys of Neptune include blazing studio covers of Elmore James' classic "Bleeding Heart" and Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" as well as premier performances of original Hendrix compositions like "Ships Passing Through The Night," "Lullaby For The Summer" and the original un-dubbed Jimi Hendrix Experience rendition of "Hear My Train A Comin'." Also included in Valleys of Neptune is "Mr. Bad Luck," a Jimi Hendrix Experience track, produced by Chas Chandler during the 1967 Axis: Bold as Love sessions.

As part of the opening wave of releases for the Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project, Legacy Recordings will also be releasing new deluxe CD/DVD editions of Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Ladyland, and First Rays of the New Rising Sun, also available on vinyl, on March 9.

Each of the essential titles in the Jimi Hendrix catalog to be newly reissued on Legacy will feature a bonus DVD featuring newly created documentaries directed by the Grammy award winning Bob Smeaton [Beatles Anthology, Festival Express, Beatles: The Studio Recordings] and featuring interviews with Experience members Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, original producer Chas Chandler and engineer Eddie Kramer. In addition, Smash Hits, Jimi's original compilation, will be reintroduced. The critically acclaimed Live At Woodstock will be available as a standard DVD as well as a Blu-ray Disc.

For more info on the tracks go to this location.

The Allman Brothers Band Announce Annual New York City Residency Dates For 2010

In what has become a rite of passage and annual destination for fans of the Allman Brothers Band, the iconic and revered group will return to New York City in March 2010 for a lengthy residency beginning March 11, with eight shows confirmed (March 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20) just as they have since 1989.

2010 marks a change of venue for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group: they’re taking their act uptown to the 3200-capacity United Palace Theatre (formerly known as the 175th Street Theatre) in lieu of the Beacon Theatre which is unable to host the ABB due to a 2010 scheduling conflict.

These shows will begin a year of very limited touring for the group, allowing various members to work on their other projects. The Allman Brothers Band will be performing with the same line-up they’ve had since 2001--Gregg Allman (vocals and keyboards), Butch Trucks (drums and tympani), Jaimoe (drums), Warren Haynes(vocals, lead and slide guitar), Derek Trucks (slide and lead guitar), Oteil Burbridge (bass) and Marc Quinones (congas and percussion)--but will only make a few other live appearances this year, including a few high-profile festivals including their fifth appearance at the Wanee Festival (April 16 & 17, which the band hosts) followed a week later at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (weekend of April 23-25).

In 2009, the group kicked off their 40th anniversary tour with 15 shows at the Beacon Theatre and, as they always have, hosted a wide variety of special guest musicians.

Paying homage to the group’s late co-founder Duane Allman, the band were joined onstage by the likes of Eric Clapton (two nights), Grateful Dead co-founders Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, members of Phish and Widespread Panic as well as Bruce Hornsby, Sheryl Crow, Boz Scaggs, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Levon Helm, Johnny Winter, Susan Tedeschi, Chuck Leavell, the Asbury Jukes horn section, Bruce Willis, Kid Rock and others.

Joe Bonamassa, Scott McKeon, Tyler Bryant Coming To Guitar Hero 5 And Band Hero

Activision has announced the lineup of artists and songs coming to Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero in January for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii.

Blues rock guitar fans will rejoice as there finally will be a bit of blues music with the New Blues Masters Track Pack. The pack will feature Joe Bonamassa with "Lonesome Road Blues", Scott McKeon with "Broken Man" and Tyler Bryant with "Who I Am". The pack will be available on the PS3 starting January 21.

Savatage - Still The Orchestra Plays Double CD/DVD Due Next Month

On February 26th, Ear Music will release a triple disc (two CDs and one DVD) set from Savatage - Still The Orchestra Plays - Greatest Hits Volume 1 & 2.

The two CDs feature 20 previously released songs as well as three new tracks, recorded last year by Jon Oliva. The DVD is a re issue of 'Live Japan '94'.

The tracklisting is as follows:

CD1: Greatest Hits Vol.1
'Power Of The Night'
'Hall Of The Mountain King'
'24 Hours Ago'
'Legions'
'Gutter Ballet'
'Summers Rain'
'When The Crowds Are Gone'
'Ghost In The Ruins'
'If I Go Away'
'NYC Don‘t Mean Nothing'
'Edge Of Thorns'
'All That I Bleed'

CD2: Greatest Hits Vol.2
'Handful Of Rain'
'Chance'
'One Child'
'I Am'
'Anymore'
'Hourglass'
'The Wake Of Magellan'
'Morphine Child'
Bonus tracks (recorded by Jon Oliva in 2009):
'Anymore' (acoustic)
'Not What You See' (acoustic)
'Out On The Streets' (acoustic)

DVD – Japan Live ‘94
'Taunting Cobras'
'Edge Of Thorns'
'Chance'
'Conversation Piece'
'Nothing Going On'
'He Carves His Stone'
'Jesus Saves'
'Watching You Fall'
'Castles Burning'
'All That I Bleed'
'Stare Into The Sun'
'Damien'
'Handful Of Rain'
'Sirens'
'Gutter Ballet'
'Hall Of The Mountain King'

"Still The Orchestra Plays" will be followed by the re-release of Savatage's complete catalog — remastered and featuring bonus tracks as well as newly recorded audio commentary. According to producer Paul O'Neill, there are also some other Savatage projects in the offering, including a possible new album.

Green Day, Guns N' Roses May Soon Get Rock Hall Of Fame Nods While Others Still Are Snubbed

According to Ultimate Guitar, Green Day and Guns N' Roses could become eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame if organizers decide to change its rules.

Currently Hall Of Fame rules state that nominees can only be put forward if it's 25 years after the release of their debut album.

Now, according to Showbiz411, co-founder and publisher of Rolling Stone magazine and Hall Of Fame chief Jann Wenner is considering reducing this to 20 years due to the lack of suitable artists who fit the criteria to choose from.

The 63-year-old is also keen to bring bigger and fresher names into the RRHOF as the list of acts become smaller.

This could be great news for an array of bands – including Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy, Kid Rock and the previously mentioned Green Day and Guns N' Roses.

However, it may cause upset to those names who are yet to be inducted.

Deep Purple, Rory Gallagher, Grand Funk Railroad, Alice Cooper, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Cheap Trick, Yes, Kiss, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Judas Priest and King Crimson are amongst those who are yet to receive a nomination or have failed to make the final cut. So much for a lack of suitable artists.

Cheap Trick To Play SXSW 2010

AntiMusic is reporting that the one-and-only Cheap Trick will perform at the 2010 SXSW Music Festival, to be held March 12-21 in Austin, Texas. Since the '70s the band has been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is catchy and instantly recognizable. With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards, Cheap Trick are a musical institution. Their most recent release, 'The Latest,' has garnered glowing reviews worldwide and continues the group's reign as a power-pop progenitor as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together.

Not from 'The Latest' but rather from the recently released 2009 DVD 'Sgt. Pepper Live', here's Cheap Trick with their version of The Beatles' 'Abbey Road Medley' :

Slash: No Reunion For Guns N' Roses

Guitar legend Slash says he and Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose have been offered "hundreds of millions" to reform.

But he told GQ magazine: "During that last tour it was like an ongoing exercise in how we could bond the least, it just got worse and worse."

The pair have not spoken for 13 years, but Slash said: "It got to a point off stage where it was impossible for us to even be in the same room together and create any music.

"So it's sad that something so good doesn't exist any more, even though we're both still alive and on the same planet. But that's all."

No Stones Tour In 2010

The Rolling Stones have blasted rumors they're planning to tour this year without guitarist Ronnie Wood- insisting they have no gigs scheduled for 2010.

The band was rumored to have met behind Woods' back to discuss ditching him, because of his ongoing struggle with alcohol addiction and his doomed high profile relationship with young lover Ekaterina Ivanova.

Sources claimed Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were seeking a replacement for a 2010 tour that would include a gig at this summer's (2010) Glastonbury Festival in England.

The gossip has prompted the group to release a statement to NME.com, denying they have any upcoming plans to hit the road.

The statement reads, "Following recent UK media speculation, The Rolling Stones would like to make it clear there are no plans at the moment for the band to tour in 2010."

Rumors Swirling Regarding New "Supergroup" Featuring Glenn Hughes

According to Classic Rock Magazine, Glenn Hughes ( Deep Purple/Black Sabbath/Trapeze) has confirmed he’s the vocalist in a new ’supergroup’.

The band are already in the studio working on their debut album with producer Kevin Shirley.

So far, none of the other musicians involved have been identified, although rumors have so far suggested that anyone from the following list might (or might not) be in the line-up: David Coverdale, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham, Ken Hensley, Jordan Rudess… and Jimmy Page!

Talking about the band, the always understated Hughes says: “It is gonna rock… and you’re gonna get it! The new band is now runnin’… it is a spectacle… with the most amazin’ players… an orgasm for the mind!”

As previously reported Hughes is also working with producer Shirley on the remixes for a reissue of Deep Purple’s 1975 album Come Taste The Band.

Joe Bonamassa also fueled the fire regarding the rumors by posting via Twitter on New Year's Day : " Supa groupa starts tomorrow.. Been writing all week. I am very excited to see a bunch of friends and crank up the super bass plexi.�"

For a taste of what a possible Hughes/Bonamassa collaboration could sound like, here's some stellar footage from last November's Guitar Center King Of The Blues Finals where "The Voice Of Rock" joined the guitarist onstage for a fiery version of the Trapeze classic "Medusa" :

Jimmy Page: 'Led Zeppelin's Future Is Down To Plant'

Jimmy Page is insisting the future of Led Zeppelin depends on his former band-mate Robert Plant - because they can't continue the group without the lead singer.

The legendary rockers sparked rumors of a reunion tour after Plant, Page and John Paul Jones reteamed for a benefit concert in London in December, 2007, but the singer has since rejected all offers to hit the road with his old pals.

Plant recently sparked speculation he may reform the band once more for iconic U.K. music festival Glastonbury next summer, after admitting he'd been in talks with organizer Michael Eavis, but he has continually dismissed reports they will regroup.

Page is planning to work on new music in 2010, but despite making it clear he'd welcome a Led Zeppelin reunion, he refuses to carry the band's moniker without Plant's involvement.

He says, "You'd better ask Robert Plant what the future of Led Zeppelin is. Musicians can always play together but I don't think you can go out with a band called Led Zeppelin if you haven't got the original vocalist."

Bo Diddley's Double Live 'Have Guitar Will Tour' To See Stateside Release This Month

On January 12th, Blues Boulevard will give a stateside release to a double live CD from one of the founding fathers of blues based rock, the late great Bo Diddley.

Entitled 'Have Guitar will Tour', the first disc, and 8 song set recorded in the UK in 1983, features a band which included ex Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell and Colosseum's Dick Heckstall-Smith. The second disc collects 25 of Diddley's most influential tracks, including "Who Do You Love", "Roadrunner", "Mona" and many more.

Diddley, who passed away in 2008 was a key figure in the transition of Blues into Rock & Roll, by introducing more driving rhythms and a hard-edged guitar sound to the music.

Anniversary Reissue Of Deep Purple's Come Taste The Band In The Works

According to Deep Purple fan-site The Highway Star, Glenn Hughes (ex-Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath) has broken the news on Twitter that he’s been indeed working with producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa, Iron Maiden), and they are working on the remixes for the reissue of Deep Purple's 1975 album 'Come Taste The Band'. Still a work in progress, songs that have received the treatment so far include 'You Keep On Moving', 'Gettin’ Tighter', 'Dealer' and 'I Need Love'.

Come Taste The Band was recorded between August 3 and September 1, 1975 at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany, and released in October 1975. The album was co-produced and engineered by the band and longtime associate Martin Birch (Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath). It is the only Deep Purple studio record featuring Tommy Bolin, who replaced Ritchie Blackmore on lead guitar. When Blackmore left the band, many observers and critics assumed that Deep Purple would not continue. It was David Coverdale who asked Jon Lord to keep the band together, and Tommy Bolin was asked to take the guitar slot.

The band was rounded off by bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice.

Shirley has since posted regarding the remixes on his Facebook page :

"Just finishing a remix of the Deep Purple album, Come Taste The Band. What a trip!! It's been such fun - started off with 'The Drifter' and didn't want to stray too much from the originals, but by the end I'm pushing it, and there are some different bits and pieces all over - I'm diggin' it. Sent the mixes to both David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, who also came up to my studio, The Cave, for a day - Coverdale: 'Kick arse. KS...a veritable sonic treat...' Glenn Hughes: 'Yeah baby!...sounds great...Drums are way better...sounds more cohesive...two thumbs up...' I was a Deep Purple fan before I was a Zeppelin fan."

Pete Townshend's Past Coming To Haunt Him Preceding The Who's Super Bowl Appearance

The New York Daily News is reporting : Who's playing the Super Bowl half time show this season?

The Who were supposed to. But if a pair of watchdog groups have their way, that won't happen, according to ButlerReport.com.

The groups - Child AbuseWatch and Protect Our Children - are incensed that the NFL invited Pete Townshend's band to play February's halftime show, since the guitarist was a registered sex offender in the U.K. between 2003 and 2008. Townshend had to register for that five year period after admitting to breaking the law by searching for child pornography on his computer.

While Townshend may have copped to downloading the porn, he said it was part of research he was doing to help stop the practice.The advocacy groups aren't appeased.

Protect Our Children has not only been protesting the NFL over the Who's inclusion in the Super Bowl. They've also contacted the Immigration and Naturalization Department about the issue.

They're calling on a clause in U.S. immigration law which allows authorities to deny entrance to the country to "aliens convicted of - and those who admit - having committed a crime involving moral turpitude."

POC's Kevin Gillick ranted to the ButlerReport, "how he (Townshend) has been given access to the U.S. remains a mystery or perhaps it's another demonstration of celebrity privilege."

According to the U.K.'s Guardian, the NFL has responded to the groups with a letter stating that Townshend never faced criminal charges in the matter.

Last year, Child AbuseWatch wrote to the organization behind the Kennedy Center Awards protesting their decision to honor Townshend and his band. The honor went through as planned.

The Superbowl takes place Feb. 7 in Miami.

Soundgarden Reunion Planned For 2010

Soundgarden will reunite for concerts in 2010, according to a Twitter message from frontman Chris Cornell which directs fans to a new Web site, Soundgardenworld.com. The Seattle rock quartet -- Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron -- has not played live since splitting up in the spring of 1997.

Although no details have been announced yet, sources tell Billboard the group is weighing offers from several major U.S. and international festivals. But a tour routing is still a work in progress, due to Cameron's prior commitments to play with Pearl Jam in the spring and summer of next year.

Cameron has been Pearl Jam's permanent drummer since 1998; that group recently announced its first North American date of 2010 as part of the second weekend of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 29-May 2), and will also play 10 European shows from June 22 in Dublin through July 10 in Oeiras, Portugal.

Also still amorphous are plans for some kind of Soundgarden best-of and/or reissues of its back catalog. In addition, Thayil and Shepherd have long discussed compiling a Soundgarden boxed set, which would include a wealth of unreleased studio material.

For many years after Soundgarden split, the instrumentalists were said to have had little contact with Cornell and reportedly turned down an offer to reform for Sub Pop's 20th anniversary concerts in Seattle in 2008. Cornell was not on hand for an impromptu live performance on March 24, 2009, at Seattle's Crocodile Cafe, when Cameron, Thayil and Shepherd played the Soundgarden songs "Hunted Down," "Nothing to Say" and "Spoonman" with Tad Doyle on vocals.

But all four members were present at an Oct. 6, 2009 Pearl Jam show in Los Angeles, when Cornell reprised the Temple of the Dog song "Hunger Strike" with the band, and sources say reunion plans began to take shape shortly afterward. To read more go to this location.