On June 4th, Mercyful Fate performed at Mystic Festival 2022 in Gdańsk, Poland. Fan-filmed video of the band's entire show is available below.
The setlist on the night was as follows:
"The Oath"
"The Jackal of Salzburg"
"A Corpse Without Soul"
"Black Funeral"
"A Dangerous Meeting"
"Melissa"
"Doomed by the Living Dead"
"Curse of the Pharaohs"
"Evil"
"Come to the Sabbath"
Encore:
"Satan’s Fall"
Mercyful Fate's tour schedule is as follows:
Tour dates:
June
10 - Sweden Rock - Sölvesborg, Sweden
14 - Wuhlheide - Berlin, Germany (with Volbeat)
16 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium
18 - Copenhell - Copenhagen, Denmark
24 - Rock The Castle - Verona, Italy
26 - Hellfest Open Air Festival - Clisson, France
July
1 - Rock Fest Barcelona - Barcelona, Spain
2 - Tuska Open Air - Helsinki, Finland
22 - Hills Of Rock - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
24 - Artmania Festival - Sibiu, Romania
28 - Fezen Festival - Székesfehérvár, Hungary
29 - Metaldays - Tolmin, Slovenia
August
4 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany
6 - Beyond The Gates - Bergen, Norway
11 - Brutal Assault - Jaromer, Czech Republic
13 - Bloodstock Open Air - Derbyshire, UK
21 - Psycho Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
In early 2020, famed former drummer for FATES WARNING and WARLORD, Mark Zonder, began working on new material with the vision of beginning a new, full-time band that would offer something different from his current catalog. The mission was to deliver straightforward, no-frills hard rock that speaks to a broader audience. The end result, which sees Zonder reunite with FATES WARNING lead vocalist Ray Alder, along with bassist Philip Bynoe (STEVE VAI, WARLORD),guitarist Joop Wolters and keyboardist Vivien Lalu, is A-Z. Today, the band has announced its self-titled debut album will see an August 12, 2022 release via Metal Blade Records.
The music video for the LP's first single, titled "The Machine Gunner", can be seen below.
Zonder comments: "It has been a long time coming, but we are all very excited to share A-Z with the world and get the show on the road!! With an exceptional-sounding album and brilliant artwork from Hugh Syme, let the games begin!"
"A-Z" track listing:
01. Trial By Fire
02. The Far Side Of The Horizon
03. The Machine Gunner
04. Rise Again
05. Window Panes
06. Run Away
07. Stranded
08. At The Waters Edge
09. Borrowed Time
10. Sometimes
11. The Silence Broken (Bonus Track)
When Zonder started working on material in early 2020, he had a very clear vision for the band he wanted to put together. "I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials and 'Cobra Kai'," he said. "I wanted to have a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses and would lead to the ability to tour larger venues and build a second and third record off the success of the first. I did not want to hear things like, 'I don't hear a single. It is too proggy. I just don't get it. Let me listen to it a few more times.' I knew from myself and the others that I would recruit, it would have some sophisticated music parts but the big hook was the main priority." The result was A-Z, and while Zonder is adamant it is not a supergroup that is doing a "one and done" record, it has a stellar lineup, reuniting him with Alder, Bynoe, Wolters and Lalu, the combination of these players stirring up a very specific kind of magic that could not be replicated.
Things came together smoothly from the start, Zonder sending drum patterns and grooves to first recruit Lalu, and he would write songs using guitar sounds so between the two of them they had basic song structures pretty quickly. Zonder knew Bynoe would jump on board as they have a long history and mutual respect and Lalu had worked with Wolters for years, recruiting him for the band. Both Wolters and Lalu brought in great musical ideas that were turned into songs. The goal was always the same: shorter songs and getting right to the chorus, no twelve-minute songs, and everyone found it easy working to this remit. With everything else coming together nicely, finding the right singer was the hardest aspect of the whole process.
"I had sent out a basic song to over 20 different singers, some popular named singers and some unknown, but completely struck out," says Zonder. "Then I just decided to call Ray as I was not sure what he was up to. I figured it could not hurt to get in touch. I do remember speaking with him back in the day and him talking about how he loved this kind of music. I sent him a track or two and he just killed it." Adds Alder, "I found this a chance to do something completely different than what I am used to, being in a prog metal band for 30 years. I find the blend of the '80s, '90s and a touch of '70s style of music very cool, and it is great to work with Mark after all of these years." Thrilled to have him on board, Zonder did not have a list of demands. "My only words to him were 'do whatever you want.' I was not going to tell him what to do. Same for all of the others guys. Yes, there has to be some editing and making decisions, but when it came to the music I just wanted everyone to do what they do best." The results are undeniable, from the high-octane stomper "The Machine Gunner" to the gorgeous sway of "Rise Again" or the towering "Stranded", every track an anthem that sounds like only the biggest venues could contain them.
The band's name came courtesy of Alder — A-Z = Alder through Zonder — and it fit straight away.
"What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band. If we named the band SCARY SERPENT it would give a certain direction and I did not want people to prejudge the band and record," Zonder says. Likewise, self-titling the record made sense. "I did not want to give a direction idea to the audience. If we named the album 'Far Side Of The Horizon', people would probably think 'prog band'. But if you named it 'The Machine Gunner', it would give a totally different direction for thought." For artwork, wanting to again get the best possible contributor, they turned to the famed Hugh Syme (RUSH, FATES WARNING),who delivered the vivid image of a zebra eating an apple, encompassing the band name in a sly way. "Again, hire the best people you can find and just let them do what they do. The artwork is absolutely fantastic and really fits the whole concept. He is truly the best. Just a great guy to work with."
The official lyric video for "Nevermore", a brand new song from Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Omens", which will be released on October 7 via Epic Records.
Densely muscular, soaked in unnerving spite, with a pessimistic eye toward inner struggles and global affairs alike, "Omens" is a furious entry in the LAMB OF GOD catalog, perhaps the band's angriest album yet.
"The world is crazy and keeps changing. 'Omens' is a reaction to the state of the world," explains vocalist D. Randall Blythe. "It's a very pissed-off record." He pauses for emphasis. "It is extremely pissed off."
"Omens" is also LAMB OF GOD's most diverse affair. The band tracked with longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur (KORN, MEGADETH) live in the room together at Henson Recording Studios (formerly A&M Studios) in Los Angeles, California, a location that birthed classics from THE DOORS, PINK FLOYD, RAMONES and SOUNDGARDEN, among others.
"The inner workings of the band have never been better," explains guitarist Mark Morton. "You can hear it in 'Omens'. You can see it in our performances, and if you're around us for five minutes, you can feel it."
The "Omens" album pre-order is live now at Lamb-Of-God.com, boasting several exclusive items, including a signed colored vinyl variant, shirt, hoodie, and signed CDs with an alternate color cover. All physical CD and vinyl releases will include a free access code to watch the livestream viewing of "The Making Of Omens" documentary, which will premiere the week of album release.
"Omens" track listing:
01. Nevermore
02. Vanishing
03. To The Grave
04. Ditch
05. Omens
06. Gomorrah
07. Ill Designs
08. Grayscale
09. Denial Mechanism
10. September Song
LAMB OF GOD will support the new album with a massive Live Nation-produced U.S. headlining tour featuring special guests KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on all dates. Different legs will also see support from BARONESS, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, SPIRITBOX, ANIMALS AS LEADERS as well as SUICIDE SILENCE and FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY. The tour kicks off September 9 in Brooklyn and runs through October 20. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, June 10 at 10 a.m. local time on lamb-of-god.com.
Morton said: "Two decades ago, LAMB OF GOD, along with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, were a part of a new wave of American heavy metal music. Our scene grew from a small, loosely connected network of underground shows in basements and warehouses, into a global phenomenon that helped define an entire generation of modern heavy metal. We are thrilled to announce the 'Omens' tour, which celebrates not only the perseverance and impact of that original movement, but also the creativity and originality of the bands that it influenced. Heavy metal is alive and well. The 'Omens' tour proudly showcases the depth and diversity of our scene. This is not a tour to miss."
"Omens" will be the follow-up to LAMB OF GOD's self-titled album, which was released in June 2020 via Epic Records in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast Records in Europe. That LP marked LAMB OF GOD's first recordings with Art Cruz, who joined the band in July 2019 as the replacement for the group's founding drummer, Chris Adler.
"Lamb Of God" was recorded with Wilbur and included special guest appearances by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT).
Two years ago, LAMB OF GOD bassist John Campbell told Media Mikes about the band's continuing working relationship with Josh: "I would have to look on the Internet to see how long we have been working with him. [Laughs] I want to say that he first started working with us on 'Sacrament'. That was in 2006 and we have been working with him ever since."
He added: "Josh Wilbur is an amazing person professionally and as a human. He is incredibly creative and very aware of things like this. He goes in to an album to try and create the best possible piece of art he can. Josh is great with suggestions and helping us along in the process. He understands the band and all of our personalities very well and that's a godsend."
UGLY KID JOE will release a new studio album, "Rad Wings Of Destiny", on October 21. The official music video for the first single from the LP, "That Ain't Livin'", can be seen below.
"Rad Wings Of Destiny" sees UGLY KID JOE re-teaming producer Mark Dodson who was behind the desk for the band's debut album, "America's Least Wanted", which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
"'That Ain't Livin'' is a tip of the hat to old-school AC/DC 'Powerage' rock and roll," comments UGLY KID JOE frontman Whitfield Crane. The track features Shannon Larkin, Dave Fortman, Klaus Eichstadt, Cordell Crockett and Crane, with a guest appearance from YELLOWCAKE guitarist JJ Curran.
UGLY KID JOE will return to Europe this summer for a slew of festival appearances throughout June and July, including Hellfest, Copenhell and Graspop Metal Meeting.
After a 15-year hiatus, UGLY KID JOE reformed in 2012 and has toured extensively throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
The band released the EP "Stairway To Hell" in 2012 and the full-length "Uglier Than They Used Ta Be" in 2015.
Two years ago, Crane told Eonmusic about UGLY KID JOE's huge success on the back of single "Everything About You" in 1991: "'Eye of the storm' is a good way to put it, because it just was all happening at a deadly fast gait. And it was a lot — it was beautiful and also very challenging, because there's a lot of people that surround the business of music that are full of shit. But when you're 23 [or] 24, you don't know how to negotiate that, so on one hand, it was super fun and we did all the things you should do at that age, and on the other hand, it was too much for me. But we survived it, and I can deal with it all now."
Back in April, Scorpions members Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs were on hand at Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas, NV. They performed some of the band's songs with the campers, and video can be viewed below. Jeff Scott Soto joined them for "Big City Nights".
Scorpions will return to North America on the Rock Believer World Tour with special guests Whitesnake on their Farewell Tour. The two-month long run of dates kicks off on August 14 in Toronto with additional concerts in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas and Denver, amongst others. In addition to Whitesnake, Swedish band Thundermother will be joining the tour. Get tickets here.
“After the amazing start we’ve had with our residency in Las Vegas, it‘s about time to come back for a real tour to rock the US like a hurricane again. We can‘t wait to see all you Rock Believers out there!” - Klaus Meine
“Once again it's time to feel the sting of the Scorpions & the bite of the Whitesnake!!! Can’t wait!!!” - David Coverdale
Tour dates:
August
21 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
24 - Quebec City, QC - Centre Videotron
27 - Montreal, QC - Bell Center
30 - Detroit, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre
September
1 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
5 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Casino **
7 - Belmont Park, NY - UBS Arena
9 - Mashantucket, CT - Foxwoods Casino **
12 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live
14 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
17 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
19 - El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center
21 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Arena
24 - San Antonio, TX - Freeman Coliseum
27 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
29 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
October
1 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
4 - Los Angeles, CA - The Forum
7 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Cente
9 - Portland, OR - Moda Center
13 - Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena
15 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
18 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Coliseum
21 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay
A rare "mistake" by KISS drummer Eric Singer during the band's concert in Antwerp, Belgium on Monday has revealed what some fans are saying is proof that KISS is using pre-recorded tracks during its performances.
Several KISS fans who attended the group's June 6 show at Sportpaleis have shared video of KISS kicking off the set with "Detroit Rock City", the classic song that has consistently served as the live opener for the band's live performances in recent years. At the end of the track, Singer, who has played with KISS on and off since 1991, apparently "forgets to rest for a measure," according to YouTube commenter Austin Ogonoski, "instead continuing to play the standard beat for two additional measures. " After "Eric realizes he messes up," he "begins the drumroll/breakdown a measure late," which "means Paul's [Stanley] vocal track is out of sync with what the band is actually playing," Austin explained. "Paul's track plays 'Everybody's gonna leave their SEAT,' completely out of sync with the song and when nobody is at a mic."
Another YouTube user, Jochem Blaauw, who shared video of the "Detroit Rock City" performance shot from a different angle, simply wrote in the clip's description: "Show opening of the Antwerpen show 2022. Eric's rare mistake at 5:05 makes even more interesting." He also commented on another video of the same song, writing: "Great quality. Curious about Eric's rare mistake at 5:09 and Paul's 'singing' right after..."
Some of the other attendees apparently didn't notice the mishap, with Lieven Ostijn writing on Facebook: "The show got kicked into motion with classic show opener, Detroit Rock City... and with numerous loud blasts of pyrotechnics…. Paul Stanley was in remarkably good voice, and also proofed to still be one of the best frontmen in the world."
Ever since KISS's "End Of The Road" trek launched in late January 2019, there has been persistent online chatter about Paul allegedly singing to a backing tape. The speculation stemmed from the fact that Stanley had been struggling to hit the high notes in many of the band's classic songs for a number of years.
Three years ago, former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach defended KISS against claims that the band is using pre-recorded tracks during its farewell tour, saying that Stanley sang "his ass off LIVE" during a concert in California. "I have seen way more obvious use of backing tracks than with KISS," Sebastian wrote on Twitter.
FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho also defended Stanley's vocal performance on "End Of The Road" tour, saying that the "Star Child" "has nothing to prove to anybody." Jericho explained: "He's one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time. I think that's something that anybody would say. I would much rather have him use the technology that's available to not sound like he's hurting himself, which then makes me not enjoy the show as much."
Bach's comments came just hours after MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx called out another band for using taped vocals during its live performances after it previously derided other groups for doing the same thing.
Sixx wrote on Twitter: "Certain band out on the road right now putting other bands DOWN and saying that they are a REAL rock band, no background singers,and other old people cranky comments except his lead vocals are on tape.People in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. #GetOffMyLawn #WizardOfOz"
Most fans assumed that Sixx was referring to KISS, especially since Gene Simmons has previously slammed bands who used backing tapes for not being honest enough to include that fact on their concert tickets.
After KISS played on NBC's "America's Got Talent" in September 2018, Stanley was asked by Rolling Stone if that was actually a live performance or if he and his bandmates tracked it earlier. "What you tend to do is record it live and that way you know that everything is as it should be," he responded. "It's not like going into the studio or anything like that. It's…with all its imperfections, it's live."
Sixx has been open about his band's used of taped vocals during live concerts, saying, "We've used technology since '87." He added the group employed "sequencers, sub tones, background vox tracks, plus background singers and us. [MÖTLEY CRÜE also taped] stuff we can't tour with, like cello parts in ballads, etc.... We love it and don't hide it. It's a great tool to fill out the sound."
In a 2014 interview, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars admitted that he wasn't comfortable with the fact that his band used pre-recorded backing vocals in its live shows, claiming that he preferred to watch groups whose performances are delivered entirely live. "I don't like it," he said. "I think a band like ours… I have to say '60s bands were my favorite — '60s and '70s bands — because they were real, like, three-piece bands or four-piece bands, and they just got up there and kicked it up. Made a mistake? So what? Sounded a little bit empty here or there? So what? It's the bigness and the rawness and the people that developed and wrote the songs and made them and presented them. To me, that's what I really like. I mean, I could put on a MÖTLEY CD and play with it all day long. I don't wanna do that."
Back in 2015, Simmons slammed bands who used backing tapes, saying: "I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks. It's like the ingredients in food. If the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that's at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you're paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks and they'll sing sometimes, sometimes they'll lip sync. At least be honest. It's not about backing tracks, it's about dishonesty.
"There's nobody with a synthesizer on our stage, there's no samples on the drums, there's nothing," Gene continued. "There's very few bands who do that now — AC/DC, METALLICA, us. I can't even say that about U2 or THE [ROLLING] STONES. There's very few bands who don't use [backing] tracks."
Kiss «Detroit Rock City» live @ the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, Belgium on June 6th 2022. Here’s the opening of Kiss farewell show as I taped it.
Dead Creek, featuring Job Bos (Satyricon) and Norman Lonhard (ex-Triptykon), have released "Set Me Free", the band's debut single, and an accompanying video.
"'Set Me Free' was the second song I ever wrote for this band," says Bos. "It already started coming to life in late 2019 when Norman and I started jamming on that main riff, which felt so incredibly heavy. It's a very catchy song with a great groove, it feels very spacious and almost atmospheric at times but also like a brick to your head. ‘Set Me Free’ is still one of my favorite tracks on this record and I am f***ing proud of how it turned out!”
“One of the thrilling gifts of working with a musical force like Dead Eyed Creek is not only to creatively connect with their music, but also being given the opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists by helping them along the journey to share their message,” explains director Matt Mahurin [Metallica, Alice In Chains, U2]. “Such powerfully beautiful songs. I love the contrast between the heavy, brooding parts and the calmer passages.”
Actress Ruby Modine (“Shameless,” “Happy Death Day” stars in the video.
In the fall of 2019, guitarist and band founder Job Bos (Satyricon, Dark Fortress, The Ruins Of Beverast), approached longtime friend and drummer Norman Lonhard (ex-Triptykon) with the idea of creating music together. “I’ve been working with music for over half of my life. This time I felt the need to go far back to my roots, play the kind of music I grew up with. I never really played guitar but I had all these ideas in my head, so the only way to realize these ideas was to actually pick up a guitar and start. It was such a natural and rewarding process and it turned out pretty damn good!” Job Bos explains.
Dead Eyed Creek’s sound has it all - from heavy riffs and monstrous grooves to tragic and beautiful ballads and everything in between. With their music, they expand upon the greatness of ‘90s rock, but most of all continue the sound from that era that so many have fallen in love with.
Now Dead Eyed Creek are gearing up to release their debut album. The international four piece already recorded eleven songs with German producer Michael Zech at Q7 studios in Munich and crafted something wonderfully iconoclastic. To top it off, the acclaimed American music video director Matt Mahurin, who has worked with bands such as Metallica, U2, Alice In Chains and many more, teamed up with Dead Eyed Creek to help them craft their first music videos.
Lineup:
Job Bos - guitars
Einar Vilberg - vocals
Max Blok - bass
Norman Lonhard - drums
Legendary rock band DEF LEPPARD played a special invitation-only concert in Los Angeles at the Whisky A Go Go for SiriusXM listeners. The intimate performance, part of SiriusXM's Small Stage Series, took place on May 26 in celebration of DEF LEPPARD's new album "Diamond Star Halos" which was released the following day (May 27). Professionally filmed video of the "Pour Some Sugar On Me" performance from the Whisky show can be seen below.
Prior to DEF LEPPARD's upcoming "The Stadium Tour" with MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON and Joan Jett, this was the first time fans could see the band perform new songs live from its latest album live in addition to the stadium anthem hits that cemented DEF LEPPARD as rock icons.
The setlist was as follows:
01. Take What You Want
02. Animal
03. Foolin'
04. Armageddon It
05. Kick (live premiere)
06. Love Bites
07. Excitable
08. Rocket
09. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
10. Switch 625
11. Hysteria
12. Pour Some Sugar On Me
Encore:
13. Rock Of Ages
14. Photograph
The performance is being broadcast throughout June on Classic Rewind (ch. 25) and '80s On 8.
Def Leppard Radio launched on May 27 and will run through Saturday, June 25 on the SiriusXM app.
Featuring a slew of guest hosts, Def Leppard Radio delves into the band’s 40-year music career, providing insight behind both their greatest hits and their new album. Def Leppard Radio also spotlights other artists performing on their stadium tour like MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON and Joan Jett, as well as artists who influenced DEF LEPPARD, including David Bowie, QUEEN, T.REX, MOTT THE HOOPLE and more.
SiriusXM's Small Stage Series features performances with premier artists spanning music genres and styles, and comedy, and held in small iconic venues. SiriusXM launched its Small Stage Series in August 2021 and to date has announced performances by Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Brandi Carlile, COLDPLAY, Dave Matthews, Ed Sheeran, GLASS ANIMALS, THE GO-GO'S, H.E.R., J Balvin, J. Cole, Jason Aldean, John Mayer, John Mulaney, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, Michael Che, Nathaniel Rateliff & THE NIGHT SWEATS, OLD DOMINION, Shaggy and TWENTY ONE PILOTS.
SiriusXM is available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SXM App, and with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream at home. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM's trials and most popular plans.
GUNS N' ROSES played a cover version of the AC/DC classic "Back In Black" during its headlining concert Tuesday night (June 7) at Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville, Spain. Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.
GN'R's version of "Back In Black" came three days after the Axl Rose-fronted out played a cover of AC/DC's "Walk All Over You" in Oeiras, Lisbon, Portugal.
Six years ago, Rose did a string of European and North American concerts with AC/DC as a "guest vocalist," mostly to fan and critical acclaim.
In March 2016, AC/DC's singer of 35 years, Brian Johnson, had to leave the band's North American tour after doctors told him he might lose his hearing, while 40-year bassist Cliff Williams announced his retirement at the rescheduled trek's conclusion.
The lineup that completed the tour consisted of Rose, Williams, Angus Young, Chris Slade on drums and Angus's nephew Stevie Young on guitar.
AC/DC's North American tour with Rose ended in Philadelphia in September 2016, and despite initial fan trepidation, Axl got generally good reviews for his performances. Angus said at the time: "I mean, under the situation that we had, it was very good that he volunteered and said, 'Hey, if I can help, let me try.' So he's been very good. And he had to learn a lot of songs very quickly, and he's done a great job."
Duff McKagan, who is one-third of the reunited partial classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES, got a chance to watch Rose and AC/DC play in June 2016 in London, England and in September 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Duff spoke about Axl's collaboration with AC/DC during a 2019 appearance on "The Church Of What's Happening Now" podcast. He said: "The way [Axl] did that was amazing. He was, like, 'If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna go try out. They need a hand here.' [Late AC/DC frontman] Bon Scott's his all-time [hero]. [We said], 'Dude, you know you don't really have to try out for AC/DC.' But he was really nervous. 'I'm gonna go try out. It fits in with our touring perfect.' And [GUNS N' ROSES guitarist] Slash and I were, like, 'You've got the gig.' But he went to Atlanta and tried out, quote-unquote, and got the gig. I saw him twice on that tour. I flew to London to see him, and I flew to Cleveland to see that. It was great."
McKagan added: "I think what it did for [Axl]… We got to know Angus through that. Angus has now come out and played with us a bunch of times. That was that thing when he was 14 or 15, 'Man, one day, if I ever got to be in AC/DC…' He was singing with a broom, and he finally got to do it. Amazing."
This past January, Slash told Classic Rock magazine about Axl's pairing with AC/DC: "I came out to a gig in London, and it was phenomenal. I was blown away, especially when he sang the Bon Scott stuff. That was a very proud moment, actually."
Asked by Classic Rock writer Paul Elliott if it felt weird seeing Rose fronting another band so soon after GN'R launched its reunion tour, the guitarist said: "Not at all. It was AC/DC, man.
"The fact that he got asked to do that was very cool," Slash continued. "And he worked his ass off doing it, too. He really adhered to the whole AC/DC regimen and pulled it off.
"In the moment, when it first came up, it was a little jarring, I have to say," the guitarist admitted. "I was super-proud that he was doing it, but how that was gonna happen and go right into the GUNS thing, I really didn't know. But anyway, it worked out. So it wasn't like a big deal.
"In all these years that we've been apart, he's become super-fucking professional. And he's never missed a beat during this whole time. So it's been great. There has been a sort of synergy that's been happening this last six years that we never had in our first incarnation."
Back in February 2017, GUNS N' ROSES was joined by Angus on stage for a pair of AC/DC songs — "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "Riff Raff" — toward the end of GN'R's main set at two concerts at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.
AC/DC reunited with Johnson and Williams in 2018 to record its long-awaited comeback album, "Power Up", which was released in November 2020.
The Dead Daisies, currently on tour in Europe, have shared the new video below, stating: "The first three shows of the tour with Foreigner have been a blast!🚀🚀 Check out the goings-on..!"🤘🤘
The Dead Daisies recently released the meta cinematic video for "Radiance". Watch below, and listen to the single here.
Says the band: "Today sees the release of our much anticipated Meta Cinematic for the new single ‘Radiance‘.
Entering into a new world which we call the Metaverse, the band have transformed into The Meta Daisies where they become an eternal burning flame of youth and hero like with their Guardian Daisy always looking out for them and guiding them through this wonderful new world. Daisy moves through metaverses, searching through futuristic cities, enchanted forests and to the depths of Hell, discovering mystical energy sources that will change this new world forever.
Set to the soundtrack of ‘Radiance’, the brand new song from The Dead Daisies, this brand new cinematic view of a parallel universe will have plenty for you to discover time and time again as you watch Daisy finding and unlocking secrets on her quest to protect the band.
You can view the entire dramatic story of Daisy moving through different Metaverses online now, here.
"Radiance" is the first single from The Dead Daisies' upcoming new album, set for release in August. The band have been writing and recording over the last couple of months in Los Angeles with esteemed producer Ben Grosse at the Mix Room studios.
Tour dates:
June
8 - Zitadelle Spandau - Berlin, Germany (with Foreigner)
10 - Freilichtbühne Peißnitzinsel - Halle (Saale), Germany (with Foreigner)
11 - Muziekcentrum De Bosuil - Weert, Netherlands
13 - Matrix - Bochum, Germany
14 - Hirsch - Nuremberg, Germany
16 - Schlossgarten / Schloss - Bruchsal, Germany (with Foreigner)
18 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
19 - Graspop Festival - Dessel, Belgium
22 - Rockhal - Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg (with Judas Priest)
23 - Garage - Saarbrucken, Germany
25 - God Save The Kouign Fest - Penmarch, France
27 - Zenith - Munich, Germany (with Judas Priest)
29 - Conrad Sohm - Dornbirn, Austria
30 - Komma - Woergl, Austria
July
2 - Fabrique - Milan, Italy
3 - Castello Di San Giusto - Trieste, Italy
6 - SRC Tasmajdan - Belgrade, Serbia (with Whitesnake)
8 - Masters Of Rock - Vizovice, Czech Republic
9 - Hype Park - Krakow, Poland
11 - Budapest Arena - Budapest, Hungary, (with Judas Priest)
12 - Dvorana Stozice - Ljubljana, Slovenia (with Judas Priest)
15 - Faliro Olympic Indoor Hall - Athens, Greece (with Judas Priest)
17 - Midalidare Rock - Mogilovo, Bulgaria (with Judas Priest)
18 - Arenele Romane - Bucharest, Romania (with Judas Priest)
19 - Skenderija - Sarajevo, Bosnia (with Whitesnake)
26 - Theatre Antique - Vienne, France (with Judas Priest)
27 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
28 - Substage - Karlsruhe, Germany
30 - Freilichtbuhne Peißnitzinsel - Halle (Saale), Germany (with Judas Priest)
31 - Rudolf Weber Arena - Oberhausen, Germany (with Judas Priest)
August
2 - Brose Arena - Bamberg, Germany (with Judas Priest)
5 - Time To Rock Festival - Knislinge, Sweden
LIVING WRECKAGE — the new modern metal band comprised of vocalist Jeff Gard (DEATH RAY VISION), guitarists Jon Donais (ANTHRAX, SHADOWS FALL) and Matt LeBreton (DOWNPOUR), bassist Matt Bachand (SHADOWS FALL, ACT OF DEFIANCE) and drummer Jon Morency (LET US PREY) — has released a music video for the brand new single "Endless War". The track is taken from LIVING WRECKAGE's upcoming, self-titled debut album, due on September 23 via M-Theory Audio on CD, limited-edition colored vinyl and digital. Produced and engineered by Shane Frisby (UNEARTH, BURY YOUR DEAD),and mixed by Pete Rutcho (REVOCATION, FALLING IN REVERSE),the LP is anticipated by fans curious to hear more music, as evidenced by how quickly LIVING WRECKAGE's three-song EP, which was available solely at the group's shows and via mail-order, sold out.
"With 'Endless War', we wanted to do a straight-forward thrasher," explains Bachand. "This song shows the more aggressive side of what we do as opposed to the previous releases of 'One Foot In The Grave' and 'Breaking Point', which showcase a more melodic side to the band. As our influences are so varied, there is a little something for everyone on the upcoming full-length album."
LIVING WRECKAGE will take part in Bike Week with a couple shows: June 15 and June 17 at Tower Hill Tavern in Laconia, New Hampshire.
In a 2021 interview with the "2020'd" podcast, Donais was asked how we landed the gig with ANTHRAX after previously spending almost two decades with SHADOWS FALL. He said: "SHADOWS FALL, a couple of the guys were having kids or about to have kids and got married, and they just didn't wanna be on the road anymore. And we weren't making enough where you could have that kind of stuff; you had to be on the road all the time. You can't be selfish anymore once you have a wife and kids. You can't [go], 'Well, I might make this much money, or I might not. But I'm gonna go have fun.' It came to the point where they had to choose that path. And then ANTHRAX lost their guitarist, and they asked me to fill in — just to fill in. And I was, like, 'Absolutely,' 'cause I kind of saw the writing on the wall with SHADOWS FALL."
According to Donais, his predecessor in ANTHRAX, Rob Caggiano, hooked him up with his current gig. "'Cause he knew he was gonna leave, and he wanted to make sure that they were all set," Jon said. "He wanted to make sure that they were covered and didn't wanna leave 'em hanging. And he knew we knew each other, and he asked me if I'd be interested, and I was, like, 'Yeah. A hundred percent.' And then I didn't hear anything for a little bit, and I didn't know what was going on.' Then, maybe two or three weeks later, [ANTHRAX guitarist] Scott Ian called, and he goes, 'I heard you know what's going on.' I go, 'Yeah.' He goes, 'Can you do it?' I go, 'Fucking absolutely.'"
Donais made his live debut with ANTHRAX in Australia without a single rehearsal with the band. "I jammed with Scott a little bit, but it was, 'Here. Learn these songs and be ready,'" he recalled. "Oh. God. That first show — I was shaking."
Donais contributed lead guitar to ANTHRAX's latest album, "For All Kings", which came out in 2016 via Nuclear Blast in Europe and Megaforce in the U.S. At the time of the record's release, his ANTHRAX bandmates praised his playing, with bassist Frank Bello saying: "I think Jon has brought a great energy to the band. He stepped up and then some on this record." Ian added: "Jon's approach towards lead guitar playing, he's more of a guy who's looking to construct something that makes sense and helps a song rather than the 45 seconds for him to be showing off how many notes he can play in X amount of measures."
Andy Timmons recently released his eighth studio album, Electric Truth, via his personal imprint Timstone Music. Order the album here.
In this lesson from Guitar World, Andy looks at “Grace”. He wrote the song after seeing a Jimi Hendrix Experience Tribute show, which, as always, features so many great guitar players performing and interpreting the timeless and brilliant music of Jimi Hendrix.
For tabs and text of this video lesson, see the August 2022 issue of Guitar World
Joining Timmons in the studio were drummer Lemar Carter (Joss Stone, Raphael Saadiq), bassist Travis Carlton (Larry Carlton, Robben Ford), and keyboardist Deron Johnson (Miles Davis, Stanley Clarke, Seal). Corry Pertile laid down vocals on a couple of tracks, while Smith performed on “Johnnie T”.
Tracklisting:
"EWF"
"Apocryphal"
"Johnnie T" (featuring Josh Smith)
"When Words Fail..."
"Say What You Want"
"Grace"
"Shuggie"
"One Last Time"
"Take Me With You"
Touch was the first band to play at the inaugural Monsters Of Rock Festival at Castle Donington in 1980, along with Rainbow, Scorpions, Judas Priest and Saxon. A live version of their hit, "Don't You Know What Love Is", appeared on the compilation LP Monsters Of Rock, documenting the performances at the festival.
Touch's first album was released on Atco Records and their first singles, "Don't You Know What Love Is" and "When The Spirit Moves You", charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Their follow-up album was recorded in 1982 and produced by Todd Rundgren, The record never came out and Touch disbanded thereafter.
The original band recently reformed after almost 40 years to create the new album, Tomorrow Never Comes, out now. Today, the band releases a music video for the song, "Lil Bit Of Rock N Roll". Check it out below, and get the new album here.
Tomorrow Never Comes tracklisting:
"Tomorrow Never Comes"
"Let It Come"
"Swan Song"
"Try To Let Go"
"Fire and Ice"
"Trippin' Over Shadows"
"Frozen Ground"
"Lil Bit of Rock N Roll"
"Glass"
"Scream at the Sky"
"Wanna Hear You Say"
"Run For Your Life"
Frontiers Records announce the signing of Hydra, a new melodic rock band from Sweden. The group's debut album, Point Break, will be released on August 5.
Today, the band has released the first single and video from the album, "Stop The Madness". Watch the video below, and pre-order/save Point Break here. A second single, "Bringing Down The Moon" is also available today. Listen here, and below.
Hydra is the brainchild of Swedish songwriter/musician Henrik Hedström, who has been a songwriter based out of Stockholm for many years and a friend of drummer/producer Daniel Flores (First Signal, Find Me, The Murder Of My Sweet) for the past 15 years. Flores drums and plays keyboards on the album, vocals and lead and rhythm guitars are handled by Andi Kravljaca (Aeon Zen, Seventh Wonder), and bass and fretless bass by Jonny Trobro (Find Me, First Signal). Henrik plays keyboards and acoustic and clean guitars in Hydra.
In his own words, Henrik Hedström was "kind of a musical prodigy and always sang or played piano at the school celebrations." In Stockholm, Henrik started and joined a few bands through the years, serving as a singer, guitar player, and songwriter. He eventually decided to start a solo career and began working with Swedish producer Anders Bagge. After some time with Anders, Henrik started a new band, Hydra. Around the same time, Henrik was signed as a songwriter by Warner/Chappell, writing pop music, but this ultimately wasn't where his heart was and he eventually started a career outside of music.
In 2007, Henrik met Daniel Flores, whom he was introduced to through a mutual friend, Andreas Novak (Mind's Eye, House of Shakira). The two wound up recording some pop music demos for Warner/Chappell, but again, Henrik's heart wasn't really in it and in 2009, he ended his deal with Warner/Chappell. In 2019, Flores reached out to Henrik and asked him to send over some old and newer versions of his songs, particularly the rock ones. Later in 2019, Henrik's song "A Million Miles" was recorded and released by First Signal and in 2020, "Beat Them All" by Angelica, both releases coming via Frontiers Music Srl.
Point Break tracklisting:
"Stop The Madness"
"Bringing Down The Moon"
"No Lullaby"
"Stay A While"
"Angela"
"Forever My Love"
"Never Be The Same"
"Doors Of Love"
"The Most Wanted"
"Suspicious"
"To Say Goodbye"
"Stop The Madness" video:
"Bringing Down The Moon":
Lineup:
Andi Kravljaca - Vocals, Lead & Rhythm guitars
Henrik Hedström - Keyboards, Acoustic & Clean guitars
Daniel Flores - Drums and keyboards
Jonny Trobro - Bass/Fretless bass
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