In a new interview with Marcelo Vieira of the Igor Miranda YouTube channel, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars was asked why former MÖTLEY CRÜE singer John Corabi is not featured on his upcoming debut solo album, "The Other Side Of Mars". Mick said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[John] was doing… I really wanted him to sing on it, but I know he was busy with DEAD DAISIES and doing these other things. I don't know… He was kind of, like, not adamant, but kind of unsure. John is a good friend of mine, and we both kind of decided that [we should] not repeat the '94 album. Yeah, that kind of thing. I think we made the right choice to have him not to sing, even though he's got an incredible voice."

Mick previously discussed John's absence from "The Other Side Of Mars" this past October during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". Asked why the songs he recorded back in 2016 with Corabi are not included on the LP, Mick said: "I felt the songs were just a little — not strong enough. And there is a certain person that kind of interfered with that. And I'm not gonna say his name, but he kind of like messed some things up. The songs were wrong, parts in there that shouldn't be there and blah blah blah. It isn't a long story, but it was kind of like, 'That ain't gonna fly.' So I shelved it."

Asked by host Eddie Trunk to clarify that it was a third party who was involved in the project — not Corabi — who "kind of mucked it up," Mick said: "[I was] kind of duped — that's all I have to say — by a third party. And that's it. That's all. I got rid of him and went on and searched for other people. I mean, look, I found [producer] Michael Wagener after a while. He lives just down the street."

Back in 2016, Mars released snippets of two solo songs, apparently called "Gimme Blood" and "Shake The Cage". The tracks, which were recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, where Mars has lived for about a decade, featured Corabi, who appeared on CRÜE's 1994 self-titled album. Corabi later said that he didn't contribute to the writing process for the two songs, but that he was open to collaborating with Mars on some brand new material.

During a December 2021 Facebook Live session, Corabi was asked about the fate of the material he recorded with Mars. He responded: "A couple of years ago, Mick asked me to sing a couple of songs, and I did it. He put snippets of them out, but he's gone on to do a full record. And as of right now, I have no idea whether or not Mick is using those songs. It's Mick's solo record. He just asked me to sing two tunes. Unfortunately… I wanted to do more, and Mick wanted me to do more, but I wasn't able to, because of my schedule and because of Mick's schedule. So we'll all just have to wait and see. I'm as excited to hear Mick's record as you are. And we'll see. Hopefully he used those songs. Maybe he didn't. I don't know."

Birmingham, Alabama rocker Jacob Bunton collaborated extensively with Mars on "The Other Side Of Mars", which will arrive on February 23, 2024 via Mick's own label 1313, LLC, in partnership with MRI.

Bunton had previously collaborated with former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler and CINDERELLA frontman Tom Keifer, and has songwriting credits with Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler and Smokey Robinson, among others.

Bunton sings lead on all but two of the 12 songs on "The Other Side Of Mars".

Other guests on the LP include WINGER/ALICE COOPER keyboardist Paul Taylor, KORN drummer Ray Luzier, and Brion Gamboa, who handled lead vocals on the songs "Undone" and "Killing Breed".

Bunton previously fronted the Alabama bands MARS ELECTRIC and LYNAM.

Gibson, the iconic instrument brand, has announced the launch of the Gibson Band, which features a revolving collective of Gibson artists.





Today, the Gibson Band is launching the first single, “Deconstruction”, which was co-written by Serj Tankian of System Of A Down and Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, and features Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath on guitar. Listen to “Deconstruction", out now on Gibson Records, here, and check out a lyric video below:







Gibson Records, Cesar Gueikian, Serj Tankian, and Tony Iommi will donate all proceeds from the sale of the song “Deconstruction,” as well as the funds raised from the auction of Serj Tankian’s painting and a unique Les Paul guitar (details below) via Gibson Gives, and the Corporación America Foundation will match the funds raised from the auction - with all funds going to Armenia Fund’s Artsakh Refugee Initiative. Tankian, Gueikian, and the Eurnekian family are all of Armenian descent, and the Armenia Fund provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Armenia and global Armenian communities through the development of vital infrastructure projects, educational, cultural, healthcare, and disaster relief programs, as well as direct assistance to families and individuals. For more information, head here.


In addition to fronting System of a Down, Serj Tankian is also an accomplished painter. The single cover artwork for “Deconstruction” is based on an original work of art by Serj Tankian titled “Our Mountains.” Tankian stated, “’Our Mountains’ harks back to the twin peaks of Mount Ararat, a symbol of the Armenian nation and the location for the rebirth of Noah’s civilization.” Tankian’s original “Our Mountains” painting - a 48” x 36” acrylic on canvas - as well as a one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul Standard customized with the “Our Mountains” artwork, will be part of an exclusive global auction from Friday, December 8 through Monday, December 18, closing at 11 AM, PST, via Julien’s Auctions, here.





Lot 1:


"Our Mountains" Original Painting by artist Serj Tankian. 48” x 36” acrylic painting on canvas.


Acrylic on canvas original artwork titled “Our Mountains,” by System of a Down founding member Serj Tankian. An accomplished artist as well as a musician, Tankian created this work to be sold in conjunction with the release of “Deconstruction,” the first single from the Gibson Band. “Our Mountains,” was used as the cover artwork for the single’s release. The painting is accompanied by a unique musical score that is unlocked via smartphone or tablet using optical recognition software via the Arloopa app.





Lot 2:


2023 Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar, Customized with Serj Tankian’s “Our Mountains” artwork.


The 2023 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar serial #232030094 was custom built by the luthiers and craftspeople of Gibson USA using a proprietary, pure lacquer, technique that perfectly recreates the center portion of the original painting “Our Mountains,” painted by Serj Tankian of System of a Down. The guitar comes with a Black USA Modern hardshell case.


“We are thrilled to launch the Gibson Band project and release the first song, ‘Deconstruction,’" says Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson. “We have been working on this project for a very long time. The concept of the Gibson Band was born out of a love of writing and recording new music and having a new venue for collaboration between our team and our Gibson artists. The first song, ‘Deconstruction,’ brings multiple emotions together for me, including the dream of collaborating with Serj Tankian and Tony Iommi, two artists I admire and who have been influential and transformational in so many ways. Serj and I are both diaspora Armenians therefore, we immediately decided we wanted ‘Deconstruction’ to be dedicated to the Armenian community. I hope everyone loves ‘Deconstruction’ as much as we loved making it!”


“It’s a dream come true to have collaborated with my good friend, Cesar Gueikian, and Tony Iommi, who I have collaborated with before,” says Serj Tankian. “I am happy that we are using our platform to donate the music, my art, and Gibson’s incredibly unique guitar for such a great charity. Music with the right intentions can inspire and also create positive change.”


“It was great to hook up with Serj again and also to do a track with Cesar (I think that he’s trying to steal my job!! ) ha-ha!! The Armenian people are really lovely people, and it’s a great pleasure, a great cause, and I’m very happy to be involved in it.” -Tony Iommi


“We are delighted to participate in this initiative alongside Gibson Records,” says Martin Eurnekian, CEO of Corporación América Airports. “We are committed to fostering positive change within our communities, and we pledge to contribute a donation to the Armenia Fund which will match the funds generated from the auction of Serj’s painting, and the Gibson Les Paul guitar. This collaboration with Gibson presents an exceptional opportunity for us to further our strategic goal of making a meaningful impact in Armenia.”


(Photo - Gibson)

Frontiers Music Srl has issued the new release from Blue Öyster Cult, entitled 50th Anniversary Live - First Night. Watch the official video for "Dancin' In The Ruins" from the release below:





The legendary American hard rock band, Blue Öyster Cult, celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a very special set of 3 sold-out shows in a row in September 2022 at Sony Hall in NYC.




For this historic career milestone, each show featured the band playing in its entirety one of their first three albums ('Blue Öyster Cult', 'Tyranny and Mutation', and 'Secret Treaties'), followed by a set of deep cuts and classics from their other albums. Founding member Albert Bouchard was a special guest on all three nights.


The band played for nearly 3 hours and delivered an amazing set performing the S/T debut album back to back and the second set also included some fans’ favorite and deep cuts along with some of their best-known songs. Blue Öyster Cult were truly on fire. All in, they played for nearly three hours for the delight of the fans that filled the venue. Frontiers will release each night as a special individual package.


For over five decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY-based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. They occupy a unique place in rock history, because it’s one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim and commercial success.


The band is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as Metallica, and BÖC was listed in VH1’s countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time.


Upon the release of BÖC’s self-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-yet-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BÖC’s canon includes three stone-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” from 1976’s Agents Of Fortune, the pummeling “Godzilla” from 1977’s Spectres, and the hypnotically melodic “Burnin’ For You” from 1981’s Fire Of Unknown Origin. Other notable BÖC songs include “Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll,” “Then Came The Last Days Of May,” “I Love The Night,” “In Thee,” “Veteran of the Psychic Wars,” “Dominance And Submission,” “Astronomy,” “Black Blade” and “Shooting Shark.”


The intense creative vision of BÖC’s original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom is complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Danny Miranda and drummer Jules Radino.


“We realized we’re a ‘classic rock’ band. That’s what we are, that’s what we do best, and that’s what we know,” declares the band.


They’re proud of BÖC’s classic sound, and pleased the band is creating vibrant work for disenfranchised music lovers who don’t like the homogenized, prefabricated pop or sound-alike, formulaic rap-metal that monopolizes the radio airwaves and best-seller charts.


Order 50th Anniversary Live - First Night here.





Tracklisting:


Disc 1:
"Transmaniacon MC"
"I’m On The Lamb But I Ain’t No Sheep"
"Then Came The Last Days Of May"
"Stairway To The Stars"
"Before The Kiss, A Redcap"
"Screams"
"She’s As Beautiful As A Foot"
"Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll"
"Workshop Of The Telescopes"
"Redeemed"


Disc 2:
"Dr. Music"
"Burnin’ For You"
"Train True (Lenny’s Song)"
"Tainted Blood"
"Harvest Moon"
"Dancin’ In The Ruins"
"The Vigil"
"Career Of Evil"
"Box In My Head"
"Godzilla"
"(Don’t Fear) The Reaper"
"In Thee"
"That Was Me"
"Hot Rails To Hell"


DVD - Blu-ray:


"Transmaniacon MC"
"I’m On The Lamb But I Ain’t No Sheep"
"Then Came The Last Days Of May"
"Stairway To The Stars"
"Before The Kiss, A Redcap"
"Screams"
"She’s As Beautiful As A Foot"
"Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll"
"Workshop Of The Telescopes"
"Redeemed"
"Dr. Music"
"Burnin’ For You"
"Train True (Lenny’s Song)"
"Tainted Blood"
"Harvest Moon"
"Dancin’ In The Ruins"
"The Vigil"
"Career Of Evil"
"Box In My Head"
"Godzilla"
"(Don’t Fear) The Reaper"
"In Thee"
"That Was Me"
"Hot Rails To Hell"








Blue Öyster Cult are:


Eric Bloom – Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Donald “Buck Dharma ” Roeser – Guitars, Vocals
Richie Castellano – Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Danny Miranda – Bass, Vocals
Jules Radino – Drums


Special Guest:


Albert Bouchard - Drums, Percussion, Guitars, Vocals

Melodic power metal band Signum Regis has released a lyric video for "Servants of the Fallen One", the latest single from their new album, Undivided. The album was released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital on November 17 via Ulterium Records.


Ronnie König of Signum Regis comments: "'Servants of the Fallen One' was written, recorded and added to the album as the last song, just to make sure that there were enough songs with the 'hit' characteristics on it. It looks like this decision was a home run, because fans consider it to be one of the catchiest or the catchiest song on the album."







Undivided was produced, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Kamelot, Evergrey) and the epic artwork was created by Uwe Jarling (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy). Guests on the album includes guitarists Jimi Cimbala (No Control) and Daniel J. Fries (Affector) and vocalist David Åkesson (Moonlight Agony, Quantice, Symphonity).


The songwriting on Undivided is strong and the songs that ended up on the album were cherry picked from many. On the album you will find fast power metal songs, epic heavy metal songs, lots of catchy melodies, neoclassical influences and uplifting lyrics. Throughout the entire album you hear the strong musicianship that Signum Regis are known for, crowned by the excellent vocal delivery by Jota Fortinho.


The album marks the return of Signum Regis to Ulterium Records, the label where the band released three successful releases from 2013-2015: Exodus, Through The Storm and Chapter IV: The Reckoning.





Tracklisting:


“Daniel’s Prophecy”
“Ministry Of Truth”
“Salt Of The Earth”
“Interpreter Of Dreams”
“Pilgrim Road”
“Servants Of The Fallen One”
“Sea Of Galilee”
“Prepare For War”
“Undivided”
“Shield My Soul”


"Daniel's Prophecy" lyric video:





“Salt Of The Earth”:

Following the success of their albums Nihil and Ascension, the Belgian black metal ensemble Serpents Oath has inked a deal with Odium Records for their third album, Revelation, scheduled for release on January 20, 2024.


The band recently unveiled "Pandaemonium", the third video from the upcoming album. This new release showcases a blend of fierce rage and dramatic elements, culminating in what the band describes as an "epic hymn." The song, according to Serpents Oath, symbolizes the "Final Harvest," a time when the Undead Gods emerge to reign supremely and harvest human Lifeforce, signifying their open rule over creation.







The album's cover art is crafted by the renowned artist Nestor Avalos. Revelation will be available in various formats:

• Wooden Box: Limited to 50 copies, including a Red marble LP, digi pack CD, exclusive design t-shirt, pendant, and patch.


• Die Hard LP: Red marble, heavy vinyl, gatefold, limited to 100 copies.


• Black LP: Heavy vinyl, gatefold.


• Digi Pack CD: 6 panels with a 12-page booklet

Tracklisting:


"Invocatio Genesis"
"Blood Covenant" 
"Gateways To Tiamat"
"Purification Through Fire"
"Invocatio Apocalypsis"
"Beyond The Void"
"Drakonian Gnosis"
"Path Of The Serpent"
"Invocatio Resurrectio"
"Cult Of Death"
"Unto Typhon"
"Pandaemonium" 


"Blood Covenant" video:





"Purification Through Fire" video:





For further details, visit Serpents Oath on Facebook.


 

Toronto hard rockers Xephyr have announced details for their fourth studio album, No Signal. Bursting with guitar-driven tracks, the album lyrically delves into the undertaking of new journeys, continuing in the face of adversity and overcoming personal struggles. No Signal is a massive step forward for the band following their 2019 offering Iron Wine, in terms of production, performance and songwriting. No Signal will be unleashed on January 12, 2024.


To celebrate this announcement, Xephyr has also shared the first single and video from the album, "Remember". 







The band comments: "No Signal is a representation of every struggle and triumph we've experienced and endured over the last few years from both the world and within as both a band and individuals. We really pushed the boundaries of our songwriting, and we have a monolithic album on our hands that we could not be more proud of, which we believe features Xephyr at our hungriest, most mature and most visceral point ever. Every success and every failure has led us to this very moment right here. No Signal is this moment in time."


Featuring 14 brand new hard-hitting tracks, No Signal offers everything from Xephyr's most simplistic and melodic material, to their heaviest and most technical offerings. All with a more polished and punishing production, the track list explores numerous styles from melodic hard rock to thrash metal and everything in between. The first half of the album begins in a nightmare-ish, dystopian scenario filled with uncertainty. However, the latter half takes a more optimistic turn and is about coming to terms with the fact that while the world may be messed up, everything is going to be okay. 





Tracklisting:


"Shot In The Head"    
"Remember"    
"Wanted You To Know"    
"I'm Here For Blood"    
"Figured You Out"    
"Wrench"    
"The Disparation"    
"Realignment"    
"Morning Sun-Callahan"    
"Goodbye To Love"    
"Pulse"    
"Worlds Go Dark"    
"Insane"    
"Back For Good"


In addition, Xephyr is pleased to announce their album release show will be held at The Rockpile in Toronto, Ontario on January 19, 2024.





 

UK thrash metallers Shrapnel have released their blazing new single and video, "In Gravity", which features Scott Kennedy (Bleed From Within) via Candlelight Records.


Commenting on the new single: "'In Gravity' marks the launch of a new chapter for Shrapnel. We've channelled every bit of suffering, devastation, and emotion that we've experienced in recent years, and created the most hard-hitting and urgent song we've ever written. Never have we been so confident about our own material. With Jens Bogren producing and Scott Kennedy from Bleed From Within on guest vocals, it’s been hard to keep our excitement under wraps. They’ve helped us raise the bar higher than ever and made 'In Gravity' a definitive statement that we are only looking forward. We can’t wait for everyone to join us on this next stage of our journey."







Stream / download "In Gravity" at this location.





Born from a period of pain, tragedy, isolation, yet hope for the future, "In Gravity" emerges as an uplifting and crushingly precise statement about where Shrapnel are currently, with a taste of what to expect from the band in 2024. A cathartic exercising of demons, this is not a track that dwells on the past or leans on well-worn tropes but looks excitedly forward.

Drawing on Shrapnel's ever-deepening well of experience and influence, "In Gravity" marks a band at the height of their songwriting prowess. Whether dealing in extremity and complexity, Gojira-inspired bludgeoning heaviness, or a newly emerging sense of modern melodic maturity, Shrapnel are able to weave their sonic palette in new, genre-defying directions.


Formed in 2009, Shrapnel have been on a campaign of destruction ever since. From the blistering underground EP No Saviours, through to their 2020 release, Palace For The Insane, the band have grown from strength to strength with no intention of slowing down.


(Band photo credit: Andy Ford)


 

Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon has released his new solo single, “Fool’s Delight”. The song is now available to stream or download at this location, and can be heard below. A music video is coming soon.





In live news, Tesla will be touring extensively in 2024. Thus far, the following shows have been confirmed:




January
11 - Seminole Casino Hotel - Immokalee, FL
13 - Maxwell C. King Center For The Performing Arts - Melbourne, FL
14 - The Stage At Coco Outdoors - Coconut Creek, FL
16 - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa, FL
17 - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa, FL
20 - Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino - Santa Fe, NM
26 - UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena - Milwaukee, WI
27 - Mystic Lake Casino - Prior Lake, MN


March
1 - Paramount Arts Center - Ashland, KY
2 - Blue Gate Performing Arts Center - Shipshewana, IN
5 - American Music Theatre - Lancaster, PA
6 - Sound Board Theater - Detroit, MI
8 - Epic Event Center - Green Bay, WI
9 - Four Winds Casino Resort - New Buffalo, MI
12 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
13 - Durham Performing Arts Center - Durham, NC
16 - MGM Northfield Park Center Stage - Northfield, OH
23 - Grand Sierra Resort And Casino - Reno, NV


May
29 - Pikes Peak Center - Colorado Springs, CO
31 - House Of Blues - Dallas, TX


June
4 - ACL Live At Moody Theater - Austin, TX
5 - Aztec Theatre - San Antonio, TX 
7 - House Of Blues - Houston, TX
11 - Mission Ballroom - Denver, CO 
13 - Peppermill Concert Hall - Wendover, NV
14 - Peppermill Concert Hall - Wendover, NV


July
20 - Beaver Dam Amphitheater - Beaver Dam, KY





 

A new chapter in the While She Sleeps story is firmly underway. After introducing a subversive new twist on their sound with the single "Self Hell" (also the title track to their new album which follows on March 29), the band powered into their biggest ever headline show at the 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace to deliver a high intensity show in which their performance was equalled by their ambitious visuals.


Now While She Sleeps bring the curtain down on 2023 and line up an even bigger 2024 as they share the new single "Down", which features Alex Taylor of fellow Sheffield band, Malevolence. The track is accompanied by an exceptional video, which the band made DIY-style as a labour of love project.


While "Down" is informed by the band’s desire to bring a whirlwind of fresh sonic influences to the fore, it nonetheless maintains the fierce aggression that typified the band’s roots. The track opens with an ominous blare of an MS-20 synth, before grinding heavyweight riffs, industrial-tinged beats and a soaring melodic hook heighten its intensity. Completed by a ferocious verse from Alex Taylor, "Down" is indicative of where While She Sleeps are going in 2024: a maximalist, anything-goes attitude powered by swagger and self-belief.




Guitarist Sean Long says, “‘Down’ has been a central pillar in the new album throughout the writing process of Self Hell. Loz was completely on fire and it gave a reminiscent early Sleeps style to the track. The working title for this song was ‘Film-Riffs’ simply because it sounded like it could be in an action movie. And it will. That’s exactly what it is. A high-intensity new sound that you can’t not bang your head to. It was one of the first demos that we knew would be an integral part of the album, it houses all elements of the last 10+ years, yet we have also taken steps to excite ourselves in new areas and introduced new sounds to our advantage. The unmistakable MS20 has made its footprint on the new sound of Sleeps and gives the song an instant identity as soon as it starts.


"The song is about our deepest desire to feel free from the grips of our own compulsions; trauma, past, society, and everything in between. While we all face this journey in life there are always obstacles that hinder our progress on the path. More often than not these manifests in the form of people who simply get in the way of your freedom and bring you down.”


The accompanying video was directed and edited by the band, which was structured by editing together 1175 still photos - approximately five photographs of each second of the video. Factor in a characteristically explosive performance from the band, a larger-than-life guest appearance from Alex Taylor, 15 litres of paint, 7 cans of spray paint, 2 fire extinguishers and a box of fireworks, and you have an idea of the barely controlled chaos that ensues. The video will be available soon in flick-book form, a soft back version that you can sync with the audio to create a unique physical viewing experience.


Mat Welsh adds, “The video is created from the core of our ethos, we wanted to make something that embodied the attitude of Sleeps, in our most natural environment. In a time where AI is taking over and technology is everywhere you turn, the idea behind the video was to take things in the opposite direction by physically delivering the lyrics and emotion of the song. Using only ourselves, a small space, some paint and the creativity and expression we harness, it took us seven days to shoot and we definitely underestimated the level of detail it required. The shortest road doesn’t equal the best journey and we believe that good things come through focus and hard work. This video is a testament to that.”





Self Hell is available to pre-order here. Formats include black/white swirl and neo-orange vinyl, both of which are packaged with a signed photo, as well as a CD.


The album was produced by their long-term collaborator Carl Bown and the band’s guitarist, Sean Long. While She Sleeps - completed by Lawrence ‘Loz’ Taylor (vocals), Mat Welsh (guitar), Aaran Mckenzie (bass) and Adam Savage (drums) - recorded the album during sessions at Metropolis Studios in London, Treehouse Studio in Chesterfield, and their own Six Audio in Sheffield.





Tracklisting:


"Peace Of Mind"
"Leave Me Alone"
"Rainbows"
"Self Hell"
"Wildfire"
"No Feeling Is Final"
"Dopesick"
"Down"
"To The Flowers"
"Out Of The Blue"
"Enemy Mentality"
"Radical Hatred / Radical Love"


"Self Hell" video:

The Rolling Stones have released new lyric videos for "Happy", the track from the band's classic 1972 album, Exile On Main St. Watch the clips in English and Spanish, below:










The Stones recently announced they are going back on the road with a brand-new tour performing in 16 cities across the US and Canada.


Fans can expect to experience Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood play their most popular hits ranging from “Start Me Up,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction” and more, as well as fan favourite deep cuts and music from their new album, Hackney Diamonds.


The legendary rockers will be returning to the road following the success of their history-making and chart-topping studio album Hackney Diamonds, which has just received a Grammy nomination for the projects lead single, "Angry". Showcasing a new stage and high energy that only the Stones can bring as one of the worlds most iconic artists ever, this tour will guarantee a show to remember. The United States last hosted the rock n roll giants during their critically acclaimed No Filter tour in 2021, which sold out stadiums across the country while becoming one of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time.


The tour is set to kick off April 28, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with stops in Las Vegas, Glendale, East Rutherford, Seattle, Foxboro, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Denver, Chicago, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Santa Clara. The Stones will also make a stop at this years New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for a special performance on May 2. Full tour routing is below.





Confirmed dates:


April
28 - NRG Stadium - Houston, TX


May
2 - Jazz Fest - New Orleans, LA
7 - State Farm Stadium - Glendale, AZ
11 - Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas, NV
15 - Lumen Field - Seattle, WA
23 - Metlife Stadium - East Rutherford, NJ
26 - Metlife Stadium - East Rutherford, NJ
30 - Gillette Stadium - Foxboro, MA


June
3 - Camping World Stadium - Orlando, FL
7 - Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta, GA
11 - Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia, PA
15 - Cleveland Browns Stadium - Cleavland, OH
20 - Empower Field at Mile High - Denver, CO
27 - Soldier Field - Chicago, IL


July
5 - BC Place - Vancouver, BC
10 - SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
17 - Levi’s ® Stadium - Santa Clara, CA

In a new interview with Brazil's Veja, RUSH bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee was asked about the possibility of him recording and playing music again, more than eight years after the band played its final show. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Obviously, there was a complex set of feelings that followed after [RUSH drummer] Neil's [Peart] passing. And it wasn't just that he had passed away. It was that for three and a half years, we had been dealing with his illness. So these things really bring you closer together as people and also weigh heavily on your heart. So when he eventually did pass away in January 2020, it was hard for me to think about just picking up an instrument and start to sing. That didn't feel right to me. I didn't really have any heart for music. So, fortunately, I found something to do during the pandemic, which was writing. And that filled a gap for me in terms of, it was a challenge and I was challenging my memory and testing my skills as a writer and learning about writing. And so I found that quite satisfying, but it took much longer than I expected. And, of course, anything to do with music was the farthest thing from my mind at that time. But since Alex [Lifeson, RUSH guitarist] and I have gotten together last year for the Taylor Hawkins tributes and the little show we did with PRIMUS for 'South Park', I realized that those songs are still part of me. And I don't have a problem to play those songs again, but I have to find the right place and time, if that would ever happen, and I'm not sure that that's what I wanna do next. I have great interest to continue to play in some form, and I probably will, sooner or later, do something musically. And I would like to go back on the road and play live again at some point. But I'm not sure whether that will be with Alex or whether that will be on my own. Those are things that I'm still pondering at this moment."

Asked what his thoughts were when he realized that RUSH's August 1, 2015 concert at the Forum in Los Angeles would truly be the band's final concert ever, Geddy, who is promoting his just-released memoir, "My Effin' Life", said: "Well, I was very disappointed. I was really excited about that ['R40'] tour. I was really proud of it, because I thought we were playing really well, and I loved how the design of the show had come together and all these ideas that we had were working and it was just a beautiful thing. So I wanted to play everywhere, I wanted to take it all around the world, but it wasn't meant to be. And I still held out hope towards the end that [Neil] would change his mind, maybe, or after a few weeks off that he would say, 'Okay, guys, let's go back out and do some more shows.' But when I heard that he wanted to send his case home, his dressing room case, I knew that was it. And that was very hard for me, because I was resentful that someone else's decision was affecting what I wanted to do. But I had no choice because I had to respect his decision. We were always a democracy, and we always said, 'If all three don't wanna do something, we don't do it.' So, you can't have it both ways. You have to accept the good with the bad. And, so, when the tour ended, I was sad. I was frustrated. But there was nothing I could do about it, so my wife and I went walking. And that was how I tried to process it. And, unfortunately, within a year, we learned of his illness and in that moment, nothing else mattered and any resentment I had disappeared in a moment. And now it was time to be there for him and try to help him and his family in any way we could, which was very hard."

Peart died in January 2020 after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

RUSH waited three days to announce Peart's passing, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

Glioblastoma is the same disease that killed senators John McCain and Edward Kennedy, and Beau Biden, the son of U.S. president Joe Biden.

Peart was considered one of the best rock drummers of all time, alongside John Bonham of LED ZEPPELIN; Ringo Starr of THE BEATLES; Keith Moon of THE WHO; Ginger Baker of CREAM and Stewart Copeland of THE POLICE.

Legendary AOR band, Head East, is back and better than ever with the highly anticipated release of Full Circle, their first studio album in over four decades. Widely recognized for their classic rock anthem "Never Been Any Reason," Head East has maintained a prominent presence in the music scene through electrifying live performances and outstanding live recordings, cultivating a dedicated fan base that spans generations. But now the band has taken the long awaited step back into the studio for a series of recordings for their new album Full Circle.


Full Circle not only marks Head East’s return to the studio but also serves as a musical retrospective, revisiting iconic moments from their ‘70s albums including their seminal 1975 debut album Flat As A Pancake. These new versions of “Never Been Any Reason” and “If You Knew Me Better” retain the magic of Head East's early days, enriched by the wisdom and artistry that only time and experience can bring.


But the album is not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a celebration of the band's enduring spirit and a testament to their continued creative prowess. In addition to revisiting classic tracks, the album features new original compositions that showcase Head East's ability to evolve while staying true to their signature sound as well as studio versions of songs they’ve been performing live for years. These fresh additions are bound to captivate both longtime enthusiasts and a new generation of listeners alike. For proof, check out the excellent studio version of “Say Yeah!,” which is released today on all digital music platforms. Stream/download the single here; listen below.




Full Circle’s fusion of timeless classics and innovative new material creates a musical odyssey that transcends eras, offering something for everyone and bringing their music full circle in a triumphant return to the studio. The album will be available on both CD and digital on December 29 with the vinyl version available everywhere January 12.


Order the CD/Vinyl here. Pre-order/pre-save the digital here.





Tracklisting:


"Never Been Any Reason"
"Since You Been Gone"
"City Of Gold"
"Fly By Night Lady"
"Raise A Little Hell"
"Treat Me Right"
"If You Knew Me Better"
"Say Yeah!"
"Prisoner"
"You Can't Go Home"
"Jefftown Creek"
"One Against The Other"
"Love Me Tonight"


"Say Yeah!":

In a new interview with Nicholas Georgakopoulos of The ProgRock Digital podcast, METALLICA's longtime drum tech Jimmy Clark spoke about how he first landed the gig. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I'm going on my tenth year being with them. And in my industry, it really comes down to word of mouth and who you've known and met on the way up. That's how I got part of the part of the METALLICA organization, from people who are in the organization who I've known over the years. And they just followed me, and they knew what I was doing, because I've been with a lot of different acts as either a carpenter, a drum tech, a rigger, stage manager, so I've had a lot of hats I've worn. So, when the opportunity came up to be in METALLICA, I mean, well, when they needed drum tech, people that were involved reached out to me and the rest is history."

Asked to "run us through a day in the life of Jimmy Clark out on the road with METALLICA," Jimmy said: "Well, let me tell you. You know what? The METALLICA organization is a very well-oiled machine and it's not stressful at all. I think we're down to doing 25 shows a year now on the starting of the [tour in support of the] '72 Seasons' [album]. We have a huge 40-yard-by-40-yard stage now, and we do two shows per city or country, wherever we're in. And it's just something you adapt to. After about a week of doing it, I found my grounding and I just get it done. The METALLICA crew, for one, is probably the best crew in the world for anybody. Everybody in their department is the top in the industry. So that makes it easy. So we move our gear and everything quickly, efficiently and safely."

He continued: "So yeah, that's pretty much it. It's not stressful for me at all. I've enjoyed this gig from the day I got it to when we're in St. Louis next week and I hear him play that first note again. I love METALLICA's music and I enjoy 'em; I haven't got tired of 'em. And I look forward to every night when they play to make sure that Lars is having a great night and he's comfortable, having a great show."

Clark went on to say that he no longer gets nervous prior to each gig the way he did when he first started working for the METALLICA organization. He explained: "[I used to feel that way] when I first got the gig, 'cause when I realized, 'Oh my God, now I work for METALLICA and I work for the biggest metal drummer in the world.' I mean, to me, Lars is like — I might as well be working for John Bonham or Keith Moon or any of those guys I grew up on. He's iconic. So in the beginning, yeah, it was a little rattling until I found out his face expressions and when I knew he needed [something], and now it's to the point where I'm just so comfortable with them. I just get up there and do my gig, as long as I know I'm pretty confident in myself that I have everything in order. The worst thing I have before a show to do is maybe go take a leak before the show and it's a long way to the bathroom. That's the worst of my worries right there."

In a 2017, interview with Drum! magazine, Clark said that he landed the METALLICA gig after a long run as head carpenter on country superstar Kenny Chesney's tour. He first started on the road with METALLICA as a carpenter/rigger. "Then one day, when I didn't have much to do, I introduced myself to Flemming [Larsen], who had been Lars's drum tech through the duration of his career," Jimmy recalled. "He was cleaning cymbals, and I said, 'Hey, Flemming. Can I help you out?' He said, 'Sure, man, if you want to.' He gives me the 18-inch crash, some polish and some rags, and sends me on my way."

Clark continued: "Now, as Lars will tell you, I'm the cymbal polish connoisseur. I won't play my kit if they're not clean; it's a pet peeve I have. So, I bring the crash back to Flemming in 15 minutes and he loses his mind — not in a good way. He goes, 'Oh, no! That's too good! I'll never get the rest of them to look like that!'" Clark replied, "Hey, I'll do 'em all. I'd be happy to."

When Larsen decided to take time off in 2015, Tony DiCioccio at METALLICA's management Q Prime Management called Clark and offered him the job as the band's official drum tech.

Clark told Drum! magazine that working for METALLICA is his dream gig.

"I've already told [Lars], 'I'm here until you retire,'" he said. "That's my plan: I'll retire with him."

In support of METALLICA's latest album, "72 Seasons", the band has been playing two-night, no-repeat shows in each city— first in Europe and then in North America — as part of the "M72" tour. Each concert sees METALLICA performing on a massive ring-shaped stage, with the Snake Pit in the center, and four drum sets which are equally spaced out around the circular stage so Ulrich can get closer to the audience at various points in the show.

The "M72" tour launched in late April in Amsterdam and will resume next May in Munich, Germany.

Former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach was revealed to be the voice behind the Tiki mask on Wednesday's (December 6) episode of "The Masked Singer".

Based on an international hit, "The Masked Singer" features celebrities facing off against one another with one major twist: each singer is shrouded from head to toe in an elaborate costume, complete with full face mask to conceal his or her identity.

Back for Season 10 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke.

Nicole was the only one to guess correctly with Bach, who has pursued a solo career since being fired from SKID ROW in 1996.

"It was the connection to me that sealed the deal," Nicole said. "It was 2006 and I was on the same bill as this legend and we saw the monkey clue for SKID ROW's song 'Monkey Business'."

Prior to Tiki's performance of KISS's classic "I Was Made for Lovin' You", Sebastian shared a little bit about his journey from small-town kid to world-famous performer.

"When I was a kid, my buddy asked me to join a choir," Tiki said. "He told me if I got in, I'd get a three buck stipend every month. I said, 'What's a stipend?' But I knew three bucks meant two more KISS posters. So, I auditioned, and because I had a super high-pitched voice, I was made lead soprano.

"Who would have thunk I'd be touring the rest of my life," he added. "It just goes to show never pass up an opportunity because you never know what it will lead you to."

Regarding why he chose to do the show, Bach told Variety: "I love singing, and honestly I saw some really cool friends of mine on the show — namely Dee Snider and Bret Michaels. I've always loved a big production. I just went to the very last KISS show at Madison Square Garden. And I've always loved costumes and make-up and smoke and lights. 'The Masked Singer' is definitely a big production with a lot of staging. Before I got on the show, I thought it was more about comedy and the costumes — which it is. But then when I did it, I found out it's about the singing. I was very happy to be a part of it because I love to sing."

According to Kerrang! magazine, IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson has "just married" his fiancée, French fitness instructor Leana Dolci.

The two split their time between Paris and his home in London.

"I wander round and it all feels a bit bohemian, a bit exotic," he told Kerrang! of Paris, where he has lived for a few years now.

The 65-year-old singer revealed his engagement to Dolci while speaking to Bosnia And Herzegovina's <N1 TV channel in March.

Bruce's second wife, Patrice "Paddy" Bowden was found dead in May 2020 at the home they once shared in Chiswick, West London, following a "tragic accident." London Ambulance Service confirmed that the patient was pronounced dead on arrival.

Bruce and Paddy had married in 1990 after two years of dating and shared three children: Austin, Griffin, and Kia. They tied the knot following Bruce's split from first wife Erica "Jane" Barnett.

At the time of Paddy's death, Bruce said in a statement: "This is a terrible tragedy which appears to be a tragic accident.

"Our children Austin, Griffin and Kia and I are devastated. Out of respect for Paddy we won't be making any further comment at this hugely difficult and painful time for our family."

Dickinson is believed to have split from Bowden privately in 2018, although their breakup wasn't made public until November 2019.

Nine years ago, Dickinson was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer after doctors discovered a golf ball-size tumor on his tongue and another in the lymph node on the right side of his neck.

The singer got the all-clear in May 2015 after radiation and nine weeks of chemotherapy and later covered his cancer battle in his 2017 autobiography, "What Does This Button Do?"

Bruce Dickinson and wife to be French fitness instructor Leana Dolci don't they make a great couple. 💞

Posted by Fans of iron maiden on Sunday, April 30, 2023

Bruce Dickinson with his girlfriend Leana Dolci.

Posted by Fans of iron maiden on Sunday, August 9, 2020

Leana & Bruce Dickinson

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Posted by Bruce Dickinson unofficial on Saturday, January 1, 2022