John Lennon is being honored with an official British commemorative coin.
The singer songwriter was chosen by a public vote in which he bested Sir Walter Raleigh, author Jane Austen and several other British cultural figures.
The commemorative Royal Mint coin with a face value of 5 pounds ($8) went on sale Friday. Collectors will be charged 44.99 pounds for each of the limited edition coins.
The former Beatle will join William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale among British luminaries whose images have graced special coins.
The coin shows Lennon with long hair and sideburns and his trademark round glasses on the reverse with the cameo inset bearing the strings of his guitar.
Struck in sterling silver to Proof quality, the coin comes in a display case complete with a Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing the specifications of the coin and paying tribute to Lennon.
For more info and to purchase the coin go to this location.
Planet Rock is reporting that supergroup Black Country Communion will hit the studio in January to start work on a follow up to their debut which was released last month.
In an interview with Internet radio station Heard It On The X Jason Bonham revealed that the band would reconvene in January for a new record before they start booking live dates around the world.
“We’ve got a gig in December,” he revealed. “In January we’re doing another album. We’re gonna have a second album out before we even start the proper tour.”
Bonham is currently touring his Led Zeppelin Experience – a touring musical exhibition of his father’s work – throughout the US.
Stay tuned for the continuation of our exclusive four part series with the members of Black Country Communion, with interviews with keyboardist Derek Sherinian and blues rock titan Joe Bonamassa discussing their debut album -coming soon.
Billboard is reporting that Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards opens up about fame and fighting with Mick Jagger in his new autobiography, "Life," which hits bookstores Tuesday.
"I can't untie the threads of how much I played up to the part that was written for me," Richards writes. "I mean the skull ring and the broken tooth and the kohl. Is it half and half? I think in a way your persona, your image, as it used to be known, is like a ball and chain. People think I'm still a goddamn junkie. It's 30 years since I gave up the dope! Image is like a long shadow. Even when the sun goes down, you can see it."
The rocker, who beat an addiction to heroin, continues, "Fame is probably a bigger killer than drugs in my game."
Richards also opens up about his sometimes contentious relationship with his bandmate of 48 years, Mick Jagger. In an interview that aired on the BBC last Sunday, he says Jagger "started at first to annoy me and then slowly enraged me."
Jagger thought he was "bigger than the Stones," explains Richards.
But their relationship has improved since the '80s. "Nobody has the perfect marriage," says Jagger, who co-wrote the tome with journalist James Fox.
"Mick and I are still great friends and still want to work together," Richards adds in an interview with Rolling Stone. They're even considering hitting the road together.
"We're whispering - I wouldn't say talking. I'm getting hints. And I'm always ready. Mick and I spoke about a month ago in New York. It's at that mumbling stage," Jagger continues. "But I had some outtakes from the last sessions we did [for A Bigger Bang] and said, 'Just to jog your memory ...' So there's interaction. You don't want to push it too hard."
Many classic rockers were bummed at the demise of much loved legendary British bluesy hard rockers Thunder last year after two decades and nine full length albums together.
However some can surely rejoice with the formation by Thunder lead guitarist Luke Morley of a new band The Union, for which he has teamed up with guitarist/vocalist Pete Shoulder, formerly of Winterville. The latter is certainly no slouch as well, being one of only three British artists (the other two being Eric Clapton and Peter Green) to win a W.C. Handy Blues Foundation award, presented in Memphis in 2006 for co-writing the American Blues Song of the Year, when the late Little Milton recorded his co- composition "Think Of Me".
Featuring a similar brand of blues inflected British album rock as his previous band, albeit a bit more laid back in spots, the band's debut 12 track self titled release is an impressive effort in the vein of pre MTV Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin and Coverdale era Deep Purple, which means you're getting classy 70's styled melodic riff rockers topped with soulful, impassioned vocals which are sure to satisfy ones classic rock yearnings and then some.
Need more convincing? The band has the entire album streaming at their official website, which can be accessed here.
Guitarist Eric Johnson has announced the release of his sixth studio album, Up Close, on his own Vortexan Music label (via EMI Distribution) on December 7th 2010. The 15-track disc presents 14 new Johnson compositions plus his version of the Electric Flag song “Texas,” and features guest appearances by fellow master players Jimmie Vaughan and Sonny Landreth on guitar and vocals by Steve Miller, Johnny Lang and Malford Miiligan (Storyville).
Lyrical themes of reflection, emotional revelations, personal growth and fulfillment are underscored on the album by Johnson’s most daring, urgent, progressive and at times raw and fervent guitar work to date.
“I decided to let go a bit and allow things to happen and just go with the flow,” explains Johnson of his approach to the album. “I like my work to have a high proficiency, but I also wanted to go for the energy and magic of the performances.”
He precedes the album’s release with a special acoustic Guitar Masters tour alongside acclaimed players Peppino D’Agostino and Andy McKee in October, and follows it with his second appearance on the Experience Hendrix tour later this year and another leg of the Guitar Masters tour in January 2011.
Track Listing:
1. AWAKEN
2. FATDADDY
3. BRILLIANT ROOM (Malford Milligan -vocal)
4. TEXAS (Steve Miller –vocal, Jimmie Vaughan - guitar)
5. GEM
6. TRAVERSE
7. AUSTIN (Jonny Lang - vocal)
8. SOUL SURPRISE
9. ON THE WAY
10. ARITHMETIC
11. THE SEA AND THE MOUNTAIN
12. VORTEXAN
13. A CHANGE HAS COME TO ME
14. CHANGE - revisited
15. YOUR BOOK (Sonny Landreth - guitar)
Up Close is energized by Johnson’s continuing focus on broadening and enriching his work “I wanted to bare myself a little further and show myself more,” he says. “I want my music to always grow and have more of a profound meaning and impact.”
Music- news.com is reporting that Rolling Stones' guitarists Ronnie Wood and Mick Taylor are among an increasing list of renowned musicians who will join New Blues guitar pioneer Stephen Dale Petit live onstage on December 1st at London's famous, under threat, 100 Club.
The 100 Club has an incredibly unique heritage, hosting history-changing appearances from stars like Glenn Miller and Louis Armstrong in the 40's, Howlin' Wolf and BB King in the 50's, The Stones, The Who & The Kinks in the 60's, The Clash & The Sex Pistols in the 70's and Oasis and Travis in the 90s. More recently The White Stripes and The Kings Of Leon have used it as their venue of choice for intimate London gigs.
As widely reported in recent broadsheet and tabloid press, the 100 Club is threatened with closure. Guitarist Petit, who has strong connections with many of the guitar world's greats, is mounting the benefit gig to raise awareness and support for the club.
Calfornia-born Petit, who has headlined the prestigious club nearly a dozen times, says 'The first gig I went to in the UK was Alexis Korner at The 100 Club. There is no other venue like it on earth ' when you walk downstairs it's like entering a magic portal. I always feel honoured to perform there, and this show is going to be extra special'.
Organisers will not be drawn on an increasing list of stellar rock names rumoured to be making an appearance on the night. They will only comment that more guests will be confirmed at www.stephendalepetit.com in the coming days.
"Gun Song" from Stephen Dale Petit's 2010 album 'The Crave' :
On April 22, 2010 legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, coming off winning his 5th Grammy Award, performed an exclusive concert at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California.
On October 26th, via Atco Records, Beck will release 'Live and Exclusive From The Grammy Museum', recorded in front of an intimate crowd of 200, in three formats.
Audio and video will be available together exclusively from iTunes for $11.99. All other digital outlets will offer an audio-only version for $7.99. The album will be available on CD exclusively through Amazon’s Disc on Demand service for $7.99.
Beck's band, which consisted of Narada Michael Walden on drums, bassist Rhonda Smith and keyboardist Jason Rebello performed eight songs, four of which were from his new album 'Emotion & Commotion', which reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Album Charts in its first week of release.
Track Listing
1. Corpus Christi Carol
2. Hammerhead
3. Over The Rainbow
4. Brush With The Blues
5. A Day In The Life
6. Nessun Dorma
7. How High The Moon
8. People Get Ready
"Hammerhead" Live April 22, 2010, at the Grammy Museum :
As previously reported blues guitar legend Buddy Guy's new album, 'Living Proof', will hit stores on October 25th and features B.B. King and Guy on the lead single, "Stay Around a Little Longer."
The landmark single represents the first time that these two blues titans have ever joined together on a studio release.
Guy and B.B. King are currently on a joint tour of North America which is scheduled to run currently through January 2011.
Here's the video for the single for your viewing and listening pleasure :
On December 7th, 2010, British rock guitar legend Robin Trower is set to release a brand new studio album 'The Playful Heart' via his own V-12 Records. Distribution in North America will be handled through MVD Entertainment Group.
Recorded with his touring band, with includes vocalist Davey Pattison, and produced by long time musical cohort Livingston Brown, reportedly the eleven new songs show a more introspective Robin Trower. Three tracks are available for sampling at this location.
Pre-orders will be accepted at the official Robin Trower store starting on Oct 24, and shipped in late-November. The first 100 pre-orders will get a T-shirt and CD for $25. Orders after that will get the CD for $20. Shipping is included in the price. Full track listing can be found here.
The Robin Trower Band "Too Rolling Stoned" live at Mühle Hunziken, Rubigen, Berne, Switzerland October 13, 2010 :
antiMusic is reporting that on Friday, November 26, George Harrison's magnificent 1970 solo debut, All Things Must Pass, will be released in a limited edition, numbered 180-gram vinyl set in its original 3LP configuration, with faithfully replicated original monochromic album art, poster and lift-top box packaging.
Newly remastered at Abbey Road Studios from the original analogue master tapes, the deluxe vinyl reissue commemorates the landmark album's 40th anniversary and will be available exclusively at Record Store Day-participating independent music retailers across the U.S. On the same date, the album will be available for download purchase in audiophile quality digital format (96Khz/24 bit) exclusively at www.georgeharrison.com.
"George Harrison's All Things Must Pass was a milestone release in 1970 and it ranks with record store owners as one of the best albums ever released," said Michael Kurtz, co-founder of Record Store Day. "The organizers of Record Store Day could not be more thrilled to support the restored reissue 40 years later - almost to the exact day - of this majestic album."
Unfortunately George isn't around to do a promo film for the 40th Anniversary, but here's the EPK promo he made for the 30th Anniversary remaster in 2000 :
Planet Rock is reporting that another brand new unreleased live set from The Doors is on its way next month.
The Doors Live In Vancouver 1970 is to be released on November 22, featuring a performance from the band recorded June 6th 1970, at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This set is particularly notable as it features a guest performance from blues legend Albert King on guitar on several songs. Although it has been bootlegged for years, this is the first official release of the show.
Here's the tracklist:
Disc 1: Roadhouse Blues // Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) // Back Door Man // Five to One // When the Music's Over // Love Me Two Times // Little Red Rooster* // Money* // Rock Me* // Who Do You Love *
Disc 2: Petition the Lord with Prayer // Light My Fire // The End // Thank You & Goodnight
This past weekend, Texas blues rock guitar powerhouse Lance Lopez performed at the Jakarta International Blues Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, held October 15-16 at at Istora Senaya.
During his time there he sat in with Indonesian guitarist Rama Satria Clapoth's band The Electric Mojos, performing a blistering version of "Love Hate Relationship" from Lopez's 2004 album 'Wall Of Soul'. Like Godzilla hitting Tokyo, we imagine they didn't know what hit them.
Lopez, whose superlative Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Buddy Guy) produced album 'Salvation From Sundown', already out in Europe and due to be released in the U.S. November 9th, is currently on tour in Germany. To pre order go to this location.
Rock Radio UK is reporting that Ex Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord says guitarist Ritchie Blackmore might consider a reunion of the last lineup of the band he appeared in – but it's unlikely to happen because there are doubts over two members.
While Blackmore, Lord and bassist Glenn Hughes are interested in opening discussions, there are doubts over whether drummer Ian Paice would join up. And there are also doubts over whether singer Coverdale’s voice is capable of delivering a full set.
Purple MkIII got together in 1973 after singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover left. The more jazz-blues feel of their album Stormbringer resulted in Blackmore’s departure, and Tommy Bolin replaced him in Purple MkIV.
Reunion plans have stalled on the drawing board in the past because Paice is a member of the current Purple lineup – he’s the only remaining member to have been in all versions of the band.
Now Lord tells Classic Rock Magazine: “I know a lot of people would like it to happen.
“I got an email from David recently, and it seems Glenn and Ritchie might be into it. I don’t know how Glenn feels now, with his band Black Country Communion happening.
“But it would have to have Ian involved, and right now he’s committed to the current Purple lineup. I know they’re planning a new studio album as well as more touring.
“I would love to play with Ritchie again – but don’t read anything into that. I must admit I’d also have a concern or two about David’s voice.”
Coverdale’s band Whitesnake were forced to cut short a tour last year after he began suffering vocal cord problems. Although he says he’s recuperated, Whitesnake shows in recent years have featured more spoken-word and instrumental elements, thought by some to enable him to rest his singing voice. Coverdale would be unlikely to be able to construct a Deep Purple concert the same way.
Last year Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich volunteered to take the throne if Paice was the only stumbling-block to a reunion – but Lord said at the time there could be no band without Paice.
Billboard.biz is reporting that The Jimi Hendrix estate, Martin Scorsese and an old saxophone player named Lonnie Youngblood are among those battling over a 40-year-old song entitled "Georgia Blues" that was recently featured on a Scorsese-directed PBS special on blues music and distributed via an accompanying album.
In the mid-1960s, Hendrix, working as Jimmy James, played in Youngblood's band. Later the guitar virtuoso struck out on his own, but he reunited in 1969 with Youngblood in a New York studio to record "Georgia Blues."
The tune was mostly forgotten until Scorsese's 2003 PBS special, "The Blues," which spawned a few albums including "Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Jimi Hendrix," which included the song. It's now the subject of heated litigation.
Earlier this year, Youngblood sued the estate, MCA Records and Scorsese, claiming the song was released without his permission and without proper credit. Youngblood said the Hendrix estate offered him $3,000 for rights, which he refused.
On Tuesday (Oct. 12), the Hendrix estate struck back with counterclaims, asking a judge to declare it the owner of the song and Youngblood's belated copyright registration as invalid.
According to papers filed in New Jersey District Court, Hendrix produced and recorded the song at his own cost. The estate says the two-day session at the Record Plant Studio in New York produced several Hendrix tracks, including "Georgia Blues," which have remained in the physical possession of the estate since that time.
The estate now wants Youngblood to account for all of his royalties on "Georgia Blues."
Ronnie Wood has allayed fears of an impending Rolling Stones retirement.
With rumors circulating in previous months that the band might call it day after a possible 50th anniversary tour in 2012, the Stones guitarist has told BBC Radio 4 that they've got no plans to hang up their weathered boots just yet.
He's insisted that the band, who have of course staved off death numerous times, will keep rocking until they "drop" - although one must hope the said "dropping" isn't live on stage.
Speaking about if the band will keep going, he said, "Yeah. Oh definitely. The old frays. We will rock 'til we drop."
Reports by British tabloid newspapers in July this year had suggested that the Rolling Stones were keen to retire after an anniversary tour in 2012. But a representative for the band later rubbished the rumors.
The band have kept ticking since their inception in 1962, releasing 29 studio albums along the way and performing numerous large-scale tours. And earlier this year, the band topped the UK album chart for the first time since 1994 with their re-mastered reissue of their 1972 record "Exile On Main Street."
Rock Radio UK is reporting that former Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin icon Robert Plant has compared Black Sabbath to 60s pop star Bobby Goldsboro in a light-hearted ribbing.
Zep and Sabbath used to rehearse in the same studios, with Sabs drummer Bill Ward having said Plant and co used to “come in and interrupt us” and rumours abounding that tapes exist of the bands jamming together in the late 1960s.
But speaking on Canadian radio Plant suggests that Sabbath are no more relevant than the man who sang the tearjerking hit Honey – and Led Zep drummer John Bonham always told Tony Iommi’s outfit they were no good.
Plant discusses his early days, saying: “Apart from Jimi Hendrix I had to keep clear of a lot of mainstream popular music, otherwise I’d have been running a nice boutique somewhere in northern England now. You could give up really quickly.”
Asked about Black Sabbath he replies: “Who? They’ll go a long way and they’ll influence a lot of people in Seattle. Lovely, great, yeah. And what would you do without Bobby Goldsboro as well?
“Bonzo and I thought we were pretty good and we used to bore the pants off everybody telling them we were. Those guys over there – Sabbath, if you insist – Bonzo used to tell them they weren’t very good.”
Plant also reveals he doesn’t own an iPod, explaining: “Up there on the Pantheon there are no iPods. I don’t use an iPod – I have two decks, crossfaded, and sometimes I just DJ for myself.”
In the full interview the singer discusses the traditional music which inspired him, why he thinks his new Band of Joy deserves the name of the act he fronted before Led Zep, and his hatred for 50s pop music and poodle-hair rock – even though he had the haircut himself at one point.
On October 4th, legendary British hard rockers Stray, featuring guitarist Del Bromham released their brand new album 'Valhalla' via Angel Air Records. The album, which features 12 original tracks was produced by Chris Tsangarides, known for his work with Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy and many others throughout his career.
Stray originally came together in 1966, releasing their self titled first album in 1970. The band grew to be a popular draw in the early 70's, landing them spots touring with Status Quo, Ten Years After, Black Sabbath. Kiss and Rush. Iron Maiden covered the band's signature song "It's All In Your Mind" as the B side of their 1990 single "Holy Smoke".
The original Stray finally dissolved in 1977, although guitarist Bromham later continued to play in various resurrected versions of the project well into the 2000s.
Ruf Records has announced a November 9th release date for 'Diamonds in the Dirt', the new album from British blues guitar sensation Joanne Shaw Taylor.
'Diamonds in the Dirt' follows the international critical acclaim and sales generated by Taylor - who is now based in Detroit - for her 2009 label debut, White Sugar, which was nominated as 'Best New Artist Debut' at the 2010 Blues Music Awards.
Back in the UK, Joanne was named 'Best Female Vocalist' at the recent British Blues Awards.
Plaudits for her first album were universal. 'A spectacular debut from a major talent,' said All Music Guide in its review. About.com: Blues called it 'A collection of scorching blues-rock fretwork and soulful vocals, the album represents Taylor's 'coming out party' to blues fans everywhere.' The Boston Herald said, 'England's Taylor has all the tools to become the next big thing in blues".
The album as was 'White Sugar' is produced by the legendary Jim Gaines (Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan) Recorded at Gaines' Bessie Blue Studios in rural Tennessee, the disc will feature 10 original songs. Taylor attributes living in Detroit as influencing the direction of the songs, saying, "here are a huge amount of incredible bands and musicians in Detroit,' 'I'm sure it's given me new inspiration and been part of the reason for the slightly heavier sound on this album.'
Blues rock guitar god Joe Bonamassa has an as yet untitled new studio album coming out reportedly sometime early in 2011.
Apparently he's got a slow train comin' too, as evidenced by a brand new song from the forthcoming album entitled...Yes, you guessed it, "Slow Train".
Here's a sneak peek of the track, courtesy of this fan filmed video captured live at Cambridge Corn Exchange in Cambridge, England October 10th, 2010 :
The man known as the "King of Rock and Soul" has died. Police say Solomon Burke died on a plane today at Schiphol Airport after flying from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, where he had been scheduled to perform in a sellout show at Paradiso. Burke was 70. According to his family, Burke died of natural causes.
During the half-century that he performed, he drew from his roots: gospel, soul, and blues, as well as developing his own style in a time when R&B, and rock were still in their infancy. Burke was considered a pioneer and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1940, Burke, influenced by artists such as Little Richard, signed with Atlantic Records in the early 60's. His best known song, "Cry To Me" was a favorite of the British beat groups, inspiring cover versions by The Rolling Stones, The Pretty Things, and later on by The Animals' Eric Burdon in 1980. The song gained new popularity in the 80's with its inclusion in the blockbuster film 'Dirty Dancing' in 1987.
His 1964 hit "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" was also recorded by The Rolling Stones, The Thirteenth Floor Elevators and Led Zeppelin were known to perform the song live as part of the medley in "Whole Lotta Love" during the late 1960's.
He won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2002 for "Don't Give Up On Me." Burke's new studio album 'Hold On Tight', a collaboration with Dutch rock band De Dijk was released September 24th.
Planet Rock is reporting Tony Iommi has finished recording a brand new song with Ian Gillan, Nicko McBrain and Jon Lord which will raise money for a new music school in Armenia.
In a statement he revealed that the new song, which is called "Out Of My Mind", has been recorded.
"I had a great time in the studio yesterday with Ian Gillan, Nicko McBrain and Jon Lord," he revealed. "We had a brilliant time together laying down the track 'Out of My Mind' and a lot of fun doing it, plenty of jokes and humor! As expected everyone played so well. What an exciting time!!"
In October 2009 Tony and Ian travelled to Armenia to see how funds they raised in 1989 with a star studded reworking of "Smoke On The Water" had been used. On their trip they visited a music school only to find it being run out of temporary accommodation, with its only location not having been rebuilt 20 years after the earthquake had struck.
No word on when the song will be released, but expect it soon.
Julian Lennon, John Lennon's son with his first wife Cynthia, has posted the following message on his official Facebook page:
"I had the pleasure of going to see Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion, Black Sabbath, Trapeze) play tonight [Tuesday, October 5] in Islington [England]. I can say, without a doubt, he is one of the best singers/songwriters/performers I have ever seen. His range is mind-blowing! And his talent knows no bounds...
"If he's playing in your neighbourhood, I urge you to go see him play LIVE, whether with Black Country Communion or as a solo artist.
"Just amazing... Initially the show explodes with rock tunes, the likes of which have been missing from our airwaves for many years now, but then Glenn also opens up and shows us his abilities as a funk/jazz/soul/blues performer.
"Outstanding...
"A GREAT night out! Looks like we might try a little writing together too..."
As previously reported, the self-titled debut album from Black Country Communion — featuring Hughes, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa hit #1 on the UK's Official Rock Charts, #13 on the UK Top 40 Album Charts, #53 on the Billboard Album Charts and #6 on the Indie Album Charts in its first week of release.
Glenn Hughes performing the Trapeze classic "Medusa"(Also on the Black Country Communion album) live at O2 Academy Islington, England October 5, 2010 :
Legendary former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant will be featured on NPR's World Cafe program with host David Dye on Friday, October 22nd.
Find your local station at this location. You can also connect to the WXPN (Philadelphia) stream, Monday through Friday, 2 - 4 PM (EST), at this location.
Plant's 'Band Of Joy' - which entered the US Billboard Album charts at #5 this past week, will be released on double vinyl in the US on October 25th by Rounder/Universal Music.
Vocalist Steve Lee of Swiss melodic hard rockers Gotthard was killed Tuesday evening after a fatal motorcycle accident on Interstate 15 northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 47-year-old rocker was traveling with a group of motorcyclists when a semitrailer crashed into them due to the slippery road. A representative of German music management company Bottom Row, Gotthard's label, confirmed the death of Lee.
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Fackrell said Wednesday the crash happened about 5:15 p.m. PDT Tuesday, after Stefan Alois Lee and a group of at least eight other motorcyclists pulled to the side of Interstate 15 to put on rain clothing.
Fackrell says the semitrailer swerved before hitting a parked Harley-Davidson motorcycle that hit Lee. Drugs, alcohol and speed did not appear to be factors in the crash.
Fackrell says drugs, alcohol and speed did not appear to be factors in the crash.
Lee died at the scene, about 63 miles north of Las Vegas and 10 miles south of Mesquite. His girlfriend Brigitte Voss Balzarini, and Gotthard bassist Marc Lynn witnessed the motorcycle accident.
Gotthard is one of Switzerland's most successful bands, selling millions of albums and having played alongside Deep Purple, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi.
The singer went to the U.S. with some biker friends this weekend to fulfill a long-cherished dream for which he’d never had the time. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson. The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles.
Gotthard is one of the most successful rock bands in Switzerland. It was formed in Lugano by Lee and Leo Leoni in 1992. They have released eleven albums, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Gotthard's latest recording, 'Need to Believe', was released on September 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records in the U.S.. They recently toured with Whitesnake and performed at Arrow Rock Festival in the Netherlands.
Planet Rock is reporting that Jethro Tull are to reissue their sophomore album, Stand Up, later this month.
The brand new deluxe reissue is a 2CD/DVD collection that contains both a remastered edition of the original album replete with a handful of bonus tracks along with a live recording from Carnegie Hall and a live film from that same concert.
The reissue is scheduled for release on October 25th.
Here's the tracklisting :
Disc 1 – Stand Up
A New Day Yesterday (2001 Digital Remaster)
Jeffrey Goes To Leicester Square (2001 Digital Remaster)
Bouree (2001 Digital Remaster)
Back To The Family (2001 Digital Remaster)
Look Into The Sun (2001 Digital Remaster)
Nothing Is Easy (2001 Digital Remaster)
Fat Man (2001 Digital Remaster)
We Used To Know (2001 Digital Remaster)
Reason For Waiting (2001 Digital Remaster)
For A Thousand Mothers (2001 Digital Remaster)
Living In The Past (2001 Digital Remaster)
Driving Song (2001 Digital Remaster)
Sweet Dream (2001 Digital Remaster)
17 (2010 Digital Remaster)
Living In The Past (Original Mono Single Version) (2001 Digital Remaster)
Bouree (Top Gear BBC Radio Session)
A New Day Yesterday (Top Gear BBC Radio Session)
Nothing Is Easy (Top Gear BBC Radio Session)
Fat Man (Top Gear BBC Radio Session)
Stand Up (US Radio Spot #1) (2010 Digital Remaster)
Stand Up (US Radio Spot #2) (2010 Digital Remaster)
Disc 2 (CD) - Live At Carnegie Hall
Nothing Is Easy
My God
With You There To Help Me/By Kind Permission Of
A Song For Jeffrey
To Cry You A Song
Sossity, You're A Woman/Reasons For Waiting/Sossity, You're A Woman
Dharma For One
We Used To Know
Guitar Solo
For A Thousand Mothers
Disc 3 (DVD) - Live At Carnegie Hall
Introduction
Nothing Is Easy
My God
With You There To Help Me/By Kind Permission Of
A song For Jeffrey
To Cry You A Song
Sossity, You're A Woman/Reasons For Waiting/Sossity, You're A Woman
Dharma For One
We Used To Know
Guitar Solo
For A Thousand Mothers
Gibson.com is reporting that Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck are considering a recording project, one of several new albums Stewart hopes to make now that he has decided to end to his Songbook series, after Fly Me to the Moon... The Great American Songbook, Volume V is released on October 19.
Stewart told Billboard he hoped to record blues and country albums. “And I may record with Jeff Beck, and I may have to write a few songs… I’ve got a meeting with Jeff in a couple weeks in London, and we’re going to see if we can work together and see what each of us wants to do. We’re a little bit older now and we can tolerate each other.”
To read the rest of the article go to this location.
Rufus Stone Limited Editions , who specialize in expensive, limited edition rock books have announced the forthcoming release of two "coffee table" sized books tracing the history of Whitesnake and also the late Ronnie James Dio.
'Whitesnake -The Definitive Biography', according to the blurb regarding the release, "traces the history of the band from humble beginnings playing Rafters in Manchester in front of 500 people to their current position as one of Classic Rock’s most successful stadium acts. Written by Simon Robinson, John Tucker and Nigel Young, The Definitive Biography celebrates the success of Whitesnake with the full story, comprehensive discographies and an extensive gig list together with hundreds of rare and many unseen colour pictures, and memorabilia from across the band’s career.
This huge volume, available in two strictly limited edition versions, including a 250 copy HARDKASE edition, is a must for all fans of the band and will become a true collector’s item in years to come. The standard edition (just 750 copies) costs £175.00 each and the HARDKASE edition (250 copies) costs £225 each plus p+p"
'Ronnie James Dio -A Photographic Memoir' features photos by renowned music photographer PG Brunelli, who traveled the world with the late Rainbow/Sabbath/Heaven & Hell vocalist from 1983, photographing him onstage, backstage, at home and in the studio. Also including written contributions from Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, Judas Priest's Rob Halford, former Dio guitarist Doug Aldrich and many others,the book has been compiled with the knowledge and approval of Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy.
To be released November 30, 2010, and available in two limited edition versions, starting at just £40 (plus p+p) more details can be found here.
For a sneak peek at the Dio book go to this location.
