Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Black Sabbath Day in Birmingham proposed


Black Sabbath Day in Birmingham?

It could happen, according to a report in the Birmingham Post.

Local city council is reviewing a document entitled Destination Birmingham, written by Councilor Philip Parkin.

The proposal suggests the city could raise its profile by associating itself with the metal legends, while recognizing their hometown and contributions to the music world.

“The report is saying that Black Sabbath reforming is significant, Black Sabbath are huge and metal is huge,” said Parkin. “Given this, it is us saying to the council that we need to celebrate the fact these people come from Birmingham and there could be various ways we could do it.”

“We could hold a civic event and potentially invite the band along to say thank you from Birmingham for the contribution they’ve made to music in our city,”
Parkin continued. “An event like this could show people that it is possible, Black Sabbath show that it is possible.”

“This report is about what’s happening today and in the future, not just in the past. The music scene is really bubbling along in Birmingham at the moment. It’s an interesting time for new bands and we want the council to support that.”


Black Sabbath’s reunion and their agreement to headline Download Festival in June is an opportunity we should not miss,” says the report.

The four-piece revealed last week they were planning to finish writing their new album back in Birmingham, while guitarist Tony Iommi is also battling cancer.

The reunited Sabbath are recording their first album in 34 years with producer Rick Rubin and are heading out on a world tour later this year.


Black Sabbath Black Sabbath



See also:

Black Sabbath back where it all started
Black Sabbath guitarist given cancer boost with guitar therapy
Black Sabbath recording update
Black Sabbath guitarist thanks fans for support following cancer news
RUMOR: Black Sabbath pulls out of Coachella following cancer news
Black Sabbath guitarist diagnosed with cancer
Birmingham student wins Ozzy Osbourne Award
Holiday wishes from Black Sabbath
Christmas Rock: Ozzy Osbourne & Jessica Simpson
Black Sabbath bassist congratulates Metallica on anniversary
VIDEO: Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler rock with Metallica
Ozzy Osbourne to launch his own SiriusXM channel
Black Sabbath announce European tour dates
VIDEO: Ad for Black Sabbath & Metallica at Download
Black Sabbath guitarist lands on New York Times Best Sellers List
VIDEO: Black Sabbath reunion press conference
Black Sabbath reunion brings new album, world tour
Black Sabbath Countdown Clock posted
Reunited Black Sabbath rehearsed at Ozzy’s house
Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund hosts Awards Gala
Black Sabbath to announce reunion on November 11?
Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi LIVE chat
Black Sabbath top the hennemusic Hot 10
Tony Iommi confirms Black Sabbath rehearsal
VIDEO: Watch full Black Sabbath 1970 concert
Black Sabbath reunion confirmed by Ozzy Osbourne
Tony Iommi adds second US book signing
Black Sabbath guitarist confirms first US book-signing
Black Sabbath guitarist confirms Sheffield book signing
Black Sabbath guitarist adds Birmingham book signing
Black Sabbath guitarist confirms London book signing
Ozzy Osbourne’s music helps locate missing autistic boy
Ozzy Osbourne has cross made from 9/11 rubble
Ozzy Osbourne announces Dr. Ozzy book-signing tour
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne coming to DVD
Ozzy Osbourne: Crazy Train is theme for Charlie Sheen Roast
Ozzy Osbourne: Trust Me, I’m Dr. Ozzy book update
OzTV: Ozzy Osbourne wraps up Scream tour in Denmark
Black Sabbath reunion rumors grow
Black Sabbath guitarist to do UK, New York book signings this fall
Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi kills reunion rumours
Ozzy Osbourne’s Birmingham home may help local tourism
Black Sabbath: More details about Tony Iommi autobiography
Drummer remembers legendary Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin studio jam

VIDEO: Foo Fighters – These Days


The Foo Fighters have delivered their new video for “These Days.”

Directed by Wayne Isham, the “Wasting Light” clip features the band playing stadium shows in Australia and New Zealand.

The video is available as a FREE DOWNLOAD on JANUARY 31 ONLY from iTunes here.

Up next for the Foos is a performance at the Grammy Awards.

The Foos are nominated for six (6) Grammys, including Album Of The Year and Best Rock Album for “Wasting Light”; Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for "Walk"; Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for "White Limo"; and Best Long Form Music Video for “Foo Fighters: Back And Forth.”

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast by CBS on Sunday, February 12 at 8:00 PM EST from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.


Foo Fighters Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters – These Days




See also:

Foo Fighters to perform on Grammys
Foo Fighters cause tremors in New Zealand
Foo Fighters: Dave Grohl thanks fans for amazing year
VIDEO: Josh Krajcik rocks Foo Fighters on X Factor
VIDEO: Joan Jett & Foo Fighters rock Letterman
VIDEO: Dave Grohl fills in on drums for Cage The Elephant
Foo Fighters lead rock noms at American Music Awards
VIDEO: Roger Waters, Foo Fighters rock Fallon
VIDEO: Foo Fighters mock religious protestors in Missouri
VIDEO: Foo Fighters, Bob Mould rock Conan
VIDEO: Foo Fighters rock Conan
VIDEO: Watch Foo Fighters take a shower
VIDEO: Watch Foo Fighters full set at Lollapalooza
VIDEO: Foo Fighters Garage Tour
VIDEO: Alice Cooper joins Foo Fighters at Milton Keynes
Foo Fighters: ‘Rope’ covered by Chase & Status
Dave Grohl talks about playing ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ again
VIDEO: Watch Foo Fighters Live From 606
VIDEO: Watch Foo Fighters Live On Letterman webcast
VIDEO: Foo Fighters rock Letterman
VIDEO: Foo Fighters rock Jon Stewart, play online concert tonight
VIDEO: Foo Fighters rock Saturday Night Live

AUDIO: Van Halen – As Is preview


Van Halen have offered up another preview of a track from their new album, “A Different Kind Of Truth,” due out next Tuesday.

“As Is” begins in a dark, rhythmic place - bringing up memories of “Sunday Afternoon In The Park” from 1981’s “Fair Warning” – and then launches into overdrive, with squeals from both Eddie’s guitar and David Lee Roth.

Producer John Shanks was blown away by the band during the recording of the new album.

"When the sessions started,” Shanks told the Los Angeles Times, “just seeing how Eddie and Alex play together — there's such a synchronicity in their feel and rhythm and their playing. There were times, honestly, I was just moved by it, not just as a musician, but as a human being. The nuances of the way they communicate is staggering."

VH will be communicating with fans when their world tour kicks off February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky.


Van Van Halen

Van Halen – As Is (preview)



See also:

Van Halen: David Lee Roth’s handwritten lyrics to Stay Frosty
Michael Anthony: No plans to challenge Van Halen over old songs
AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never full preview
Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen again
AUDIO: Van Halen – She’s The Woman preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – Big River preview
David Lee Roth talks new Van Halen album
AUDIO: Van Halen – Bullethead preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – China Town preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – Stay Frosty preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – Blood And Fire preview
Wednesday: Van Halen to debut new song on CSI
Van Halen add more dates to US tour
Van Halen: Tattoo hits #1 on Billboard Hard Rock Singles chart
VIDEO: David Lee Roth explains Van Halen’s Tattoo
VIDEO: Van Halen unplug for You Really Got Me
Van Halen: David Lee Roth’s handwritten lyrics to Tattoo
Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen single
Van Halen: Tattoo earns Top 20 debut on Billboard’s Rock Songs chart
Van Halen offering new album on vinyl
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10 for 3rd week
Eddie Van Halen donates 75 guitars to L.A. schools
VIDEO: Van Halen – Tattoo
Van Halen: ‘Tattoo’ video preview
Van Halen recording engineer talks about new album
AUDIO: Van Halen ‘Tattoo’ single goes on sale, extended preview available
Van Halen singer’s uncle raves about Café Wha? show
VIDEO: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth – Ode To Uncle Manny
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10 for 2nd week
Van Halen: ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ Deluxe Edition details
Van Halen: 'A Different Kind Of Truth' track listing
VIDEO: Van Halen rock 1979 classics in New York
VIDEO: Van Halen rock 1978 classics in New York
AUDIO: Preview new Van Halen single, ‘Tattoo’
VIDEO: Van Halen rock 'Panama' at New York club show
VIDEO: Van Halen arriving at Café Wha? in New York
VIDEO: Van Halen debut new song at New York club show
Van Halen: ‘Tattoo’ single available for pre-order
Van Halen 2012 tour dates announced
PHOTOS: First pictures at Van Halen LIVE in New York
VIDEO: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth confirms album title, New York concerts
Van Halen: New album title revealed?
AUDIO: Van Halen talk about the old days
NBC's Al Roker uncooperative on Van Halen flight to New York
Van Halen: 'Tattoo' single arrives next week, tour starts next month
Van Halen to play New York club show this Thursday
hennemusic: Van Halen leads list of Rockers To Watch in 2012
VIDEO: Van Halen talk about playing wet t-shirt contests
VIDEO: Eddie Van Halen remembers his 1958 Volvo
VIDEO: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth scrapbook, part 1
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10
Van Halen billboard displayed in Times Square
VIDEO: Van Halen remember the club days
VIDEO: Van Halen release raw 2012 tour promos
Van Halen tour: VIP packages will be available
Van Halen rehearsal update
Van Halen: single, video & album release dates revealed
Van Halen announce 2012 tour
Van Halen win two hennemusic Rock News Awards
Rock News Artist Of The Year #1: VAN HALEN
Rock News Story Of The Year #1: VAN HALEN
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10
Rock News Story Of The Year #9: VAN HALEN
2011 hennemusic Rock News Awards finalists announced

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Cult: New album due this spring, preview new song




The Cult return this spring with “Choice Of Weapon,” their ninth studio effort.

Rolling Stone reports the album – the band’s first full-length in 5 years – is due May 22.

Co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E.) and longtime collaborator Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith), “Choice of Weapon” was made in several studios, including the band's own Witch Mountain as well as spots in New York City, Los Angeles and the California desert.

Rolling Stone caught up with Cult frontman Ian Astbury for an album update.

“Let's put it this way – the paint's still wet. We're breaking it to you guys first,” says Astbury. “I think we missed our initial release date, partially due to the way that we ended up finishing the record. We began with Chris Goss, who is a very close friend and somebody I've been friends with for over 20 years. And we always talked about doing a Cult record together. Chris did all the refinement, helping us find the material, craft it, and I think we've been at it for quite a while. It just became attrition. Everyone was getting kind of exhausted. Kind of wearing each other out in the studio.”

“You know, there's no really clear beginning or end date, really, with the creative process,”
Ian continues. “I think it's ongoing. It's almost like you're always working with different ingredients, different influences. Things can change. I mean, I personally like to take things right up to the wire, so that things are as relevant and as fresh as they can be. Like, I'm still changing some song titles right now, based upon different vibrations I'm picking up on, either from myself or within my group or from an outside source.”

Read lots more with Ian Astbury at Rolling Stone here.


The Cult The Cult

The Cult - Lucifer




See also:

The Cult working on new album with Bob Rock
The Cult: Matt Sorum selling bass drums on eBay
The Cult: back in the studio

Van Halen: David Lee Roth’s handwritten lyrics to Stay Frosty


David Lee Roth has offered up an image of his handwritten lyrics to “Stay Frosty,” one of the tracks on Van Halen’s forthcoming new album, “A Different Kind Of Truth.”

A preview of the song was included in last week’s CSI episode.

The bluesy-acoustic romp starts out swampy before launching into full-tilt boogie overdrive; the tune will likely remind VH fans of the band’s cover of “Ice Cream Man” from their 1978 debut.

Van Halen’s new album is due next Tuesday, February 7; their tour kicks off February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky.





Van Van Halen

Van Halen – Stay Frosty (preview)



See also:

Michael Anthony: No plans to challenge Van Halen over old songs
AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never full preview

AUDIO: Jack White – Love Interruption




Former White Stripes main man Jack White has announced details of his first solo debut album release.

Due April 24, “Blunderbuss” was produced by White and recorded at his own Third Man Studio in Nashville.

White describes the project as "an album I couldn't have released until now. I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

White has offered up his first single, “Love Interruption.”

The song will be available to purchase Monday night at 9 pm PST/12 AM EST.

A vinyl version of the "Love Interruption" single featuring exclusive non-LP B-side "Machine Gun Silhouette" will be released February 7 on Third Man Records, but is available now for pre-order at www.jackwhiteIII.com and www.thirdmanrecords.com.


Jack White Jack White

Jack White – Love Interruption



See also:

AUDIO: Jack White covers U2
VIDEO: Jack White, John Paul Jones and Alison Mosshart join Seasick Steve at iTunes Festival

VIDEO: Trivium unplug for classic Iron Maiden cover

Orlando, Florida rockers Trivium continue to tour in support of their latest effort, “In Waves.”

Trivium’s fifth record debuted at #13 on Billboard in August, the highest opening-week chart entry for the band.

The group spent the fall on the road with Dream Theater, and are now on a North American co-headlining swing with Swedish metallers In Flames.

Trivium recently stopped by 98 Rock in Tampa Bay for an interview and performance session, where they unplugged for some of the new tracks and a cover of an Iron Maiden classic.


Iron Maiden Iron Maiden

Trivium – Iron Maiden
Original by Iron Maiden
98 Rock – Tampa Bay, FL




Trivium Trivium

Trivium – Built To Fall
98 Rock – Tampa Bay, FL



Trivium – Dying In Your Arms
98 Rock – Tampa Bay, FL



See also:

VIDEO: Trivium perform acoustic Iron Maiden cover

Michael Anthony: No plans to challenge Van Halen over old songs


While Chickenfoot’s Sammy Hagar continues to bash away at his former band, Van Halen (see here and here for some of Sam’s comments), bassist Michael Anthony continues to take the high road.

Anthony was dismissed from VH following their ill-fated 2004 reunion tour with Hagar, and eventually replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang.

During Chickenfoot’s recent week-long series of shows in Europe, the mild-mannered Anthony spoke with Planet Rock about looking forward to hearing the new VH album.

"They [Van Halen] played a show in New York the other week," says the bassist. "There was [a] song they played called 'She's The Woman', which is actually a song that was, basically, written before I even joined Van Halen."

The bulk of VH’s “A Different Kind Of Truth” is based on material written and/or demoed during the 70s and early 80s, when Michael was a key part of the lineup.

But don’t look for Anthony to go after his former bandmates for songwriting credit on the reworked compositions, despite their original policy of crediting all members equally.

"I don't want to do anything," said Michael. "I just let it be. And, hey, it'll be nice to hear some of those old songs again that I haven't played in a long time."

The first VH single, “Tattoo,” has its roots in the band’s unreleased mid-1970’s song, “Down in Flames,” as the two share the chugging riff and verse parts, with fresh lyrics added by Roth.


Tattoo - Single - Van Halen Tattoo - Single - Van Halen

Van Halen – Tattoo



See also:

AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never full preview
Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen again

AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never full preview


The 28-year wait for David Lee Roth’s full album return to Van Halen is about a week away from ending, as “A Different Kind Of Truth” hits stores next Tuesday, February 7.

Various previews of new songs continue to trickle out – short samples of all songs can be found online – and some full versions are starting to pop up.

“The Trouble With Never” features a couple of classic Roth lines:

“When you turn on your stereo, does it return the favor?”

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

Roth and VH kick off their 2012 tour in Louisville, Kentucky on February 18.


Van Halen
"A Different Kind Of Truth"

Release date: February 7, 2012

01. Tattoo
02. She’s The Woman
03. You and Your Blues
04. China Town
05. Blood and Fire
06. Bullethead
07. As Is
08. Honeybabysweetiedoll
09. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin’


Van Van Halen

Van Halen – The Trouble With Never



See also:

Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen again
AUDIO: Van Halen – She’s The Woman preview

Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen again


Chickenfoot recently performed part 2 of their Road Test tour, with a week of shows across Europe, in support of “Chickenfoot III.”

The guys did media interviews during the trip and, naturally, since the band features two former Van Halen members – Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony – the subject of VH and their forthcoming new album, “A Different Kind Of Truth” (due Feb 7) came up during the sessions.

While chatting with Radio Metal,Hagar was asked how he is feeling now that VH are releasing a new album.

“Oh, I’m okay with those guys doing whatever they want to do,” says Sammy. “What I’ve heard so far, I wasn’t impressed with at all, personally. I think in Chickenfoot, we’ve raised the bar a little bit on what a four-piece rock band can do, and I think they chose to take the easy route and take some of their old stuff and and re-record it instead of writing new songs. Who is Van Halen today? I don’t know, I don’t think the fans are going to be happy with it. I couldn’t care less if it’s the biggest album of the year, that wouldn’t be important to me, what is important to me is that, as artists, why would you do that? They haven’t released an album since my last album in something like 1991 or ’92, (Ed. note: "VHIII" was issued in 1998) and then they just go back. To me it makes a strange statement, it kind of says ‘We don’t have anything, we’re not a band anymore, we’re not creative.’ Isn’t it a strange statement to you?”

Radio Metal: Do you think this was intentional? I mean, as a band it’s normal to have some habits, some patterns, some ways of composing that come back, so do you think it really was intentional?

Hagar: I don’t know. To be honest with you, the last time I was around those guys was in 2004 on the reunion. It was a disaster, it was horrible, Eddie was in a really bad shape, I wrote about it a lot in my book. And I don’t know what they’re thinking to be honest with you. Because if they were thinking at all, they would certainly have Mikey in there playing bass. So I don’t know what they’re thinking. I believe it was probably intentional because I don’t think they had any choice. If they had had a choice they would’ve done all new stuff. From today. They would’ve written together like a band.

Radio Metal: So you think they don’t have any inspiration today?

Hagar: I don’t think so. I think there’s zero inspiration and zero creativity. If there was any, they would write new songs. What does the band do? When Chickenfoot got together for our first album, we were four new guys and we got together and wrote ten, twelve songs and made an album. When we decided to do our second album, we didn’t go back and take the two songs that were left over from the first album, we wrote all brand new songs. Because we’re new people, we’re inspired. Here’s what we have to say, here’s what we want to play now, here’s who we’ve become since then. And you present yourself to the fans as who you are and what you’ve become. And if you don’t have any idea of who you are or what you are and what you’ve become [laughs], then I guess you have to go back and show them what you used to be. I don’t know, does that make sense?

Radio Metal: Michael told us that he was totally open to have Chickenfoot going on tour or at least making a couple of shows with Van Halen. What about you?

Hagar: Hell yes! [laughs] Are you kidding? Right now, for free. They wouldn’t even have to pay me.

Radio Metal: Anyway, does that bother you when you hear people comparing Chickenfoot and Van Halen?

Hagar: Oh no, I think it’s fantastic. Really, it’s fantastic, are you kidding me? If you take Joe versus Eddie, you take Dave versus me, Wolfie versus Mikey, Chad or Kenny versus Al… I mean, come on! You know what I mean? Man for man, who can sing the best? Dave or I, today? Who can play the best? Joe or Eddie, today? Who could play or sing the best? Wolfie or Mikey? I think it’s a joke, sure I love the comparison as long as it’s fair. Not because you’re a big Eddie Van Halen fan, you think that he’s God therefore you think that he’s better than Joe, you have to be bipartisan and just listen and watch both of them play. Listen, I played with them both, I can tell you right now: there is no comparison today. Never mind the innovator that Eddie was. I’m talking about what they can play today.

Radio Metal: So in other words, Chickenfoot is way better than Van Halen?

Hagar: As individuals, absolutely! I’ve been in both bands, I can tell you right now. Take the new albums and compare them track-by-track and then tell me.

Contrast Sammy’s comments to something the Red Rocker mentioned earlier in the interview….when asked about lead singers being the loud mouths in bands…

Hagar: [Laughs] I’m trying to calm down in my old age. I used to shoot my mouth off a lot, before Van Halen, and in Van Halen I’d shoot my mouth off a lot, and after Van Halen I’d shoot my mouth off a lot. But now what I want to do is, since I wrote my book, now I just want to concentrate on being a positive person and have the attitude that if you don’t have something good to say about someone, just don’t say anything. I’m trying to be like that in my life now.

Check out the full Sammy session with Radio Metal here.


Tattoo - Single - Van Halen Tattoo - Single - Van Halen

Van Halen – Tattoo



See also:

AUDIO: Van Halen – She’s The Woman preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – Big River preview

Guns N’ Roses confirm New York club shows & more


Guns N’ Roses are set to invade New York during fashion week with a series of intimate shows, and then continue with additional stops through the northeast, the band announced Monday.

Six shows have been confirmed, so far - including the historic return to The Ritz (now Webster Hall), 24 years after the filming of their heralded “Live At The Ritz” – the MTV concert continues to be one of the most sought after trades in bootleg circles. For the Webster Hall date, GN’R will celebrate their return by reclaiming the venue as The Ritz with signage and the name appearing on the marquee. The New York takeover in February marks the first time the band will appear at Roseland and Terminal 5, beginning on February 10, 2012.

Ticket presale on Tuesday, January 31 at 10:00am ET for the NY run, public on-sale is Wednesday, February 1.

Chicago, Silver Spring and Atlantic City presale is Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00am EST, with public on-sale Friday, February 3.

Tickets and VIP packages for all six dates will be available at gunsnroses.com.

GNR have just come off their sold-out global 2011 arena tour, with more than 30 shows in the US, visits to Latin America and multiple festivals, having played to millions of fans around the globe.

The original GNR lineup will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland on April 14.

GNR’s European tour is set to start May 17 in Dublin.


Guns N’ Roses
2012 US Tour


Feb 10 – Roseland Ballroom – New York, NY
Feb 12 – Terminal 6 – New York, NY
Feb 15 – The Ritz (Webster Hall) – New York, NY
Feb 19 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
Feb 23 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
Feb 24 – House of Blues – Atlantic City, NJ


Guns Guns N' Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Nightrain
The Joint – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV – December 30, 2011



See also:

Guns N’ Roses confirm more European dates
Guns N’ Roses announce two European dates

VIDEO: Steve Vai presented with Les Paul Award


Guitar wizard Steve Vai was honored with the prestigious Les Paul Award at the 27th annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards on January 20th.

The special event took place in Anaheim, CA as part of the NAMM 2012.

The Les Paul Award is an annual prize given to a musician/recording artist whose work has epitomized the marriage of music and technology.

The 2011 honor was co-presented to Vai by Les Paul’s son, Russ Paul, and bassist Billy Sheehan.

Vai joins a lengthy list of music icons who have received the Les Paul Award, including Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Robertson and more.

Read a full TEC bio on Vai here.




See also:

Steve Vai sets Guinness World Record
Spinal Tap guitarist supports Steve Vai’s world record attempt
Steve Vai to attempt World Record for Largest Online Guitar Lesson

Aerosmith album update from Joe Perry


Aerosmith are putting the finishing touches on their first studio album in 8 years, and preparing to return to the road this summer, says guitarist Joe Perry.

“We’re in the middle of a bunch of stuff,” Perry tells the QMI Agency. “I’m out here [Hollywood] finishing up the Aerosmith record that we started last summer. Hopefully we’ll have it done in the next month or so.”

“And we’re definitely touring this summer. We’re gonna put tickets on sale in February or March and we’re going on the road in June. Everybody’s lined up. We’re ready.”


As for the new album, the Boston band reteamed with producer Jack Douglas, who worked with them on some of their biggest records in the 1970s.

Part of the “Jack” effect was to recreate the vibe of some of their earlier work…but was it a success?

“It definitely has a feel like some of the early stuff,” says Joe. “We’ve tried to bring that back. People are always asking for something that sounds like the old stuff, but you can’t rewrite ‘Mama Kin’ or ‘Same Old Song and Dance.’ All you can do is go in and start from the same place you started when you made those records. So we just went in with Jack Douglas and we all worked on the record. There’s a song or two that the band helped write, and Tom (Hamilton) wrote and Brad (Whitford) has a track on there. So from that point of view, it’s a lot more like an early Aerosmith record. We were all in the room when we were pulling these songs together and recording them. Every way that we used to make our records, that’s what we did to get this to where it is. Right down to what we’re doing now, which is going over the tracks and bringing them up to speed. Steven [Tyler] is finishing up the lyrics and we’re just going to put the finishing touches on it.”

The new Aerosmith album is expected later this spring.


Aerosmith Aerosmith

Aerosmith – Mama Kin



See also:

VIDEO: Steven Tyler interviewed on Access Hollywood
VIDEO: Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry rock The Tonight Show

Sunday, January 29, 2012

AUDIO: Van Halen – She’s The Woman preview


Van Halen have offered up another preview track from their forthcoming “A Different Kind Of Truth” release.

“She’s The Woman” was the one new song in the setlist for the band’s Café Wha? club show in New York earlier this month; the gig was meant to hype media types on the group’s return.

The song has a real history with the band: it was one of the tunes recorded for the Gene Simmons-financed demos in 1976, and it was re-recorded a year later as part of the 1977 Warner Brothers demos.

The original version of the song includes riffs that were later found in “Mean Street,” from 1981’s “Fair Warning” album.

“A Different Kind Of Truth” is in stores February 7; VH launch their 2012 world tour February 18th in Louisville, Kentucky.


Van Van Halen

Van Halen – She’s The Woman (preview)



See also:

AUDIO: Van Halen – Big River preview
David Lee Roth talks new Van Halen album

Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10


Van Halen return to the top of the hennemusic Hot 10.

The band’s recent three-week run at #1 was interrupted by Jimmy Fallon’s “Tebowie” video last week, but the California rockers rebound with more news about their forthcoming album, “A Different Kind Of Truth.”

VH info is in such demand that the band takes 7 of the top 10 chart positions this week.

At #1 this time out is footage of David Lee Roth explaining the background behind the disc’s first single, “Tattoo.”

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.



hennemusic Hot 10
week ending January 29, 2012

01 – VIDEO: David Lee Roth explains Van Halen’s Tattoo
02 – AUDIO: Van Halen – Blood And Fire preview
03 – AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never preview
04 – Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen single
05 – AUDIO: Van Halen – Stay Frosty preview
06 – Van Halen add more dates to US tour
07 – AC/DC: Band health issue puts new album plans on hold
08 – Guns N' Roses update from bassist Tommy Stinson
09 – Wednesday: Van Halen to debut new song on CSI
10 – Film based on KISS’ ‘The Elder’ album in the works




See also:

Jan 22: Jimmy Fallon’s Tebowie
Jan 15: Van Halen
Jan 08: Van Halen
Jan 01: Van Halen
Dec 25: Guns N’ Roses

Saturday, January 28, 2012

AUDIO: Van Halen – Big River preview


More new music from the forthcoming Van Halen album, “A Different Kind Of Truth,” has surfaced online.

The fourth time is a charm for “Big River,” which has been in the VH toolbox since the mid-70s.

Originally known as “Big Trouble,” the song was first recorded for the Gene Simmons-produced demos in 1976; it was redone for the 1977 Warner Brothers demos, and then again during the “Diver Down” sessions in 1982, according the Van Halen Encyclopedia. The song was intended for “Diver Down” and later for “1984,” but appeared on neither.

Other than its title, the tune is not related in any way to "Big Trouble" from David Lee Roth's 1986 solo debut album “Eat 'Em and Smile.”

Like “Tattoo,” the first single from “A Different Kind Of Truth,” the track is one of several cuts on the new disc that are based on songs written and/or demoed in the band’s early years.

"It's material that Eddie and I generated, literally, in 1975, 1976 and 1977," Roth tells the Los Angeles Times in a new interview. "Usually fellas in our weight division will kind of gamely — or ironically, wink, wink — try to hail back to it [but] keep a safe, mature distance from it."

“A Different Kind Of Truth” is due February 7.


Van Van Halen

Van Halen – Big River (preview)



Van Halen – Big Trouble (1976 demo)



See also:

David Lee Roth talks new Van Halen album
AUDIO: Van Halen – Bullethead preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – China Town preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – The Trouble With Never preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – Stay Frosty preview
AUDIO: Van Halen – Blood And Fire preview
Wednesday: Van Halen to debut new song on CSI
Van Halen add more dates to US tour
Van Halen: Tattoo hits #1 on Billboard Hard Rock Singles chart
VIDEO: David Lee Roth explains Van Halen’s Tattoo
VIDEO: Van Halen unplug for You Really Got Me
Van Halen: David Lee Roth’s handwritten lyrics to Tattoo
Sammy Hagar slams new Van Halen single
Van Halen: Tattoo earns Top 20 debut on Billboard’s Rock Songs chart
Van Halen offering new album on vinyl
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10 for 3rd week
Eddie Van Halen donates 75 guitars to L.A. schools
VIDEO: Van Halen – Tattoo
Van Halen: ‘Tattoo’ video preview
Van Halen recording engineer talks about new album
AUDIO: Van Halen ‘Tattoo’ single goes on sale, extended preview available
Van Halen singer’s uncle raves about Café Wha? show
VIDEO: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth – Ode To Uncle Manny
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10 for 2nd week
Van Halen: ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ Deluxe Edition details
Van Halen: 'A Different Kind Of Truth' track listing
VIDEO: Van Halen rock 1979 classics in New York
VIDEO: Van Halen rock 1978 classics in New York
AUDIO: Preview new Van Halen single, ‘Tattoo’
VIDEO: Van Halen rock 'Panama' at New York club show
VIDEO: Van Halen arriving at Café Wha? in New York
VIDEO: Van Halen debut new song at New York club show
Van Halen: ‘Tattoo’ single available for pre-order
Van Halen 2012 tour dates announced
PHOTOS: First pictures at Van Halen LIVE in New York
VIDEO: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth confirms album title, New York concerts
Van Halen: New album title revealed?
AUDIO: Van Halen talk about the old days
NBC's Al Roker uncooperative on Van Halen flight to New York
Van Halen: 'Tattoo' single arrives next week, tour starts next month
Van Halen to play New York club show this Thursday
hennemusic: Van Halen leads list of Rockers To Watch in 2012
VIDEO: Van Halen talk about playing wet t-shirt contests
VIDEO: Eddie Van Halen remembers his 1958 Volvo
VIDEO: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth scrapbook, part 1
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10
Van Halen billboard displayed in Times Square
VIDEO: Van Halen remember the club days
VIDEO: Van Halen release raw 2012 tour promos
Van Halen tour: VIP packages will be available
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Van Halen: single, video & album release dates revealed
Van Halen announce 2012 tour
Holiday message from Eddie Van Halen
AUDIO: Rare 1978 Van Halen interview
Van Halen win two hennemusic Rock News Awards
Rock News Artist Of The Year #1: VAN HALEN
Rock News Story Of The Year #1: VAN HALEN
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Rock News Story Of The Year #9: VAN HALEN
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Sammy Hagar says new Van Halen is old Van Halen

VIDEO: James Durbin rocks 95.1 WIIL in Wisconsin




James Durbin continues to tour the country to promote his debut album, “Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster.”

This week, James hit WIIL 95.1 in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin for an interview and to rock some tunes for the studio audience.

Durbin and crew unplugged for versions of his new single, “Stand Up,” and the album track “Deeper.”

James plays The Rave in Milwaukee on Saturday night.


James Durbin James Durbin

James Durbin – Stand Up
95.1 WIIL Rock - Pleasant Prairie, WI – January 26, 2012


James Durbin – Deeper
95.1 WIIL Rock - Pleasant Prairie, WI – January 26, 2012



See also:

VIDEO: James Durbin – Stand Up
VIDEO: James Durbin sings Queensryche classic at his wedding
VIDEO: James Durbin rocks Portland
live @ hennemusic: James Durbin in concert
VIDEO: James Durbin rocks Conan
VIDEO: James Durbin – ‘Stand Up’ preview
James Durbin gets married on New Year’s Eve
Rock News Artist Of The Year #9: JAMES DURBIN
James Durbin: Rockline show now streaming
VIDEO: James Durbin interviewed at American Music Awards
Rolling Stones, James Durbin lead this week’s new releases
James Durbin: Debut album released, available for streaming
VIDEO: James Durbin – Love Me Bad
James Durbin previews Right Behind You
James Durbin adds In This Moment members to band
AUDIO: James Durbin previews Higher Than Heaven
VIDEO: James Durbin previews Love Me Bad video
VIDEO: James Durbin rocks FOX News
AUDIO: James Durbin – Love Me Bad
Judas Priest looking forward to James Durbin debut
James Durbin: How I discovered heavy metal
James Durbin: Debut album details released
VIDEO: Motley Crue guitarist in studio with James Durbin
James Durbin to appear on Rockline next month
AUDIO: New James Durbin single rocks NFL
Motley Crue guitarist recording with James Durbin
James Durbin signs record deal, album due this fall
VIDEO: James Durbin rocks Guns N’ Roses, Muse on American Idol tour
James Durbin tops the hennemusic Hot 10
VIDEO: James Durbin covers Skid Row
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Judas Priest: James Durbin is our hero
Judas Priest talk about American Idol experience with James Durbin
VIDEO: Judas Priest rock American Idol finale with James Durbin
Judas Priest to play American Idol finale tonight with James Durbin?
James Durbin tops the hennemusic Hot 10
VIDEO: James Durbin rocks Live! With Regis & Kelly
VIDEO: James Durbin rocks The Tonight Show
James Durbin gone from American Idol
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