We Will Rock You

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKMAGAZINE.COM:

Bon Jovi fans are unhappy with what they believe to be extortionate ticket prices for the band’s run of shows at the O2 Arena in London next June.

Just so you know, the standard ticket prices range from £45 to £200.

But the really silly money comes with what are being called ‘Premium Ticket Packages’, which include a guaranteed front row seat, plus such glorious items as a Jon Bon Jovi folding chair which you then take home, dinner backstage – and anyone who’s ever enjoyed the catering experience backstage will tell you how delightful that can be! – and a tour of the backstage area (while trying to avoid irate roadies pushing flight cases).

All of that plus, to be fair, a load of other goodies will set you back… £1,300.

Writing on the band’s official forum, one fan commented: “I am going to stand up for what I believe in and use my earnings to feed my kids rather than lining some fat cat’s pockets.”

Another pointed out: “After writing an album about the world’s problems with the recession the prices are just a mockery.”

However, despite this backlash, tickets are selling so well that two more dates have now been confirmed, on June 22 and 23. That’s 10 nights in all so far, with more possibly to be added.

For further info, and to complain about the ticket prices, go to www.bonjovi.com

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKMAGAZINE.COM:

Classic Rock exclusive: Steven to work on ‘Brand Tyler’ as band members ponder a future without him…

Words: Peter Makowski

“Once the band hit the final note and I walk off stage – then I’ll tell you the whole story,” an exuberant Steven Tyler announced to Classic Rock minutes before Aerosmith played a triumphant set to a crowd of over 50,000 adrenalized punters at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The future of Aerosmith looks uncertain at moment as they approach their 40th anniversary in 2010.

Since falling off stage whilst the band were on tour with ZZ Top, Tyler has decided to pull out of a planned South American tour at the end of the year and seems intent on pursuing solo projects, as he revealed to Classic Rock.

“I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but it’s definitely going to be something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself – Brand Tyler.”

Guitarist Joe Perry also took advantage of the recent break by recording and releasing a new solo album – Have Guitar, Will Travel – and will be touring in the States over the next couple of months with talks of doing some dates in Japan and the UK early next year.

Even with all the internal politics the band managed to pull out all stops by playing what Perry described as “one of the best shows of the year”. There will be a full live review in the January issue of Classic Rock.

“You know on a good night I believe that Aerosmith can top any band in the world,” said the granite-jawed axeman, “but the Grand Prix is a tough act to follow.”

On stage there was no sign of any acrimony – just the smiles, banter and the general bonhomie that is associated with Boston’s premier good-time band.

But off stage the story is much different.

As with the last three shows, none of the band see Tyler until the opening number and his dressing room is located quite a distance from the rest of the group.

At the moment Aerosmith’s future is an open book and over the next couple of weeks the band will reconvene (probably sans Tyler) to discuss future plans, which could be either the announcement of a long hiatus – or even possibly include carrying on with a new lead vocalist.

Guitarist Brad Whitford revealed:

“I’m not sure how good that would look, it would largely depend on who we could get and who would want to do it. That’s big shoes to fill.

“Nobody could replace Steven or imitate him – he’s one of a kind. But if somebody was willing to do it and the chemistry was right, why not?”

For future developments keep your eye on this website and February’s issue of Classic Rock, which will have a full story – and a very, very special surprise for Aerosmith fans.

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio’s Dave Basner

With the economy still not doing great, many people are troubled these days.  REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin has had his share of difficulties but the singer feels they only made him stronger.  He told us his thoughts on the matter.   

“Life has its challenges.  If you run from those challenges, then you get nowhere, then you learn nothing and then just stay in the same rut you’re in.  If you take a look at it and face it and go for it, well then, then, then life is going to be great and then you’re going to look back on it as, ‘Okay, little rough spot there,’ but you get through it and you feel better.” 

Speedwagon fans will no doubt feel better by picking up the band’s new holiday album, Not So Silent Night… Christmas with REO Speedwagon.  The set boasts the group’s takes on some yuletide classics.  The record came out today and the band plays in Richmond, Virginia tonight.  Speedwagon.com has all the details.  

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio’s Dave Basner

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson is currently on a solo tour, but don’t think that means that things with the band are over.  In fact, Ian explained that the time the band members spend away from one another help the group stay together.   

“Part of the reason Jethro Tull has remained a viable unit is that we’re all very different people.  We live in different places thousands of miles apart.  And we have very different interests in our different activities outside the band and that’s what keeps it a good and healthy family relationship.  We’re not breathing down each other’s necks all the time or sharing exactly the same interests in life.  We all have our separate activities and that’s good but it’s sometimes bad in the sense that people are perhaps never quite where you want them to be if you need to do a quick rehearsal or work out a new song.” 

Ian plays in Phoenix tonight.  For all his dates, head to JethroTull.com. 

FROM WWW.CALSSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio’s Dave Basner

David Crosby and Stephen Stills each have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – Crosby for The Byrds, Stills for Buffalo Springfield and both for Crosby, Stills & Nash.  Meanwhile, their CSN bandmate, Graham Nash, only has the one induction with the group.  However, that may soon change as Nash’s other band, The Hollies, are nominated for induction in 2010.  So what does Stephen think of that? He told us at last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25^th anniversary celebration concert.   

“It’s about time.  I’ve been lobbying [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame co-founder] Jann [Wenner] for a long time.  I’ve really thought it should’ve happened.  I just think they so deserve it and I feel so good for Allan Clarke, Clarke is a great singer.  And besides, with me and David having two, we were never going to hear the end of it. So it’s about time. I’m very, very happy for him and I’ve been stuffing ballots for a month.” 

500 voters are currently sending in their ballots, deciding who will be the ones inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Those names will be announced in January.  The induction takes place in New York on March 15^th. 

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio’s Dave Basner

According to Rush drummer Neil Peart, the guys from the band are set to have a pow-wow where they plan to discuss “another kind of ‘reinvention.’”  The rocker revealed on his Web site that with the shape of the music industry, the group wants to brainstorm on what exactly they should do next.  Neil said they don’t have any ideas yet but will meet this month in L-A and figure out their future.  Among the possibilities are releasing just a couple of songs, doing a rhythmic concept record, recording with an orchestra or even working on film-and-music projects.  We won’t know for a bit what Rush decide to do but you can read all about Neil’s thoughts on the upcoming meeting at NeilPeart.net.

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

Classic Rock Magazine last night named “Chickenfoot” as 2009’s ‘Best New Band’ at their annual awards ceremony that took place at London’s Park Lane Hotel. While unable to attend the London ceremony, the band recorded a personalized video acceptance speech which played out to rapturous applause.

The star studded event was attended by such legends as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Pete Townshend of The Who, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones,  Brian May of Queen, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Iggy Pop, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Joey Tempest of Europe, Ginger Baker of Cream, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Carl Palmer of ELP and members of Iron Maiden,  Anthrax, Anvil, Marillion, ZZ Top, Uriah Heep and Mott the Hoople.

The prestigious award follows a successful year for the band, including sold out concerts and their debut album going Gold in America. The band will also release a new Deluxe Edition of their eponymous debut album in the UK on Monday November 9th, available through the earMUSIC label.

Comprised of drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani and vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen), Chickenfoot have been hailed as one of the most exciting rock and roll bands in recent years and this limited edition 2-Disc Deluxe set will include a bonus DVD disc featuring over 60 minutes of exclusive live footage, behind the scenes interviews and the official promotional videos for the singles ‘Oh Yeah’ and ‘Soap On A Rope’.

Read the full official online Chickenfoot Deluxe Edition announcement here - http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/earmusic/chickenfoot.htm
 

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

DREAM THEATER was honored with the “Spirit Of Prog” achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards last night in London (November 2) 

The award was presented to DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy by Prog legend Rick Wakeman of Yes who added that he couldn’t have been happier for it to go to such a worthy recipient (and joked that he was jealous he wasn’t getting it!).

DREAM THEATER–James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar, vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums, percussion, vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards, Continuum–also was nominated in the “Album Of The Year” category for their latest album BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS.  

Says Portnoy: “Apparently I gave a great acceptance speech, although I was so stunned I have no recollection of what I said as I was unprepared and was basically improvising. Afterwards, Jimmy Page even told me he loved my speech!! (uh, wow…).” 

The star-studded event was attended by such legends as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Pete Townshend of The Who, Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones, Brian May of Queen, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Iggy Pop, Slash, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Ginger Baker of Cream, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and Carl Palmer of ELP, plus members of Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Anvil, Marillion, ZZ Top, Uriah Heep and Mott The Hoople.    

Here’s an initial report of the winners:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/iggy-pop-awarded-living-legend-at-classic-rock-roll-of-honour-2009/

2009 continues to be a watermark year for DREAM THEATER as a recording act and touring powerhouse. Having achieved a #1 debut on the Billboard European chart and 12 Top Ten album chart debuts around the world including the U.S. with BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS (Roadrunner)—their 10^th studio release and a highlight of their 25-year career—the legendary progressive metal masters just wrapped their second European tour this year.

The band took their “Progressive Nation” tour to 15 countries including the U.K. where they performed in October at London’s Wembley Arena. Next, they launch their Down Under trek December 1. This will encompass seven shows in New Zealand and Australia, wrapping December 12 in Perth.  Special guests Pain of Salvation will join the band on all dates except in New Zealand.   Look for the band to head to South America in the winter-spring, followed by another U.S. leg also in the spring.  

To read a story about progressive rock in which Dream Theater figure prominently, go here: 

http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/News/Default.aspx?newsID=3593

www.dreamtheater.net
www.myspace.com/dreamtheater
http://www.progressivenation2009.com/

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio’s Dave Basner

Rob Halford has posted a new video.  It’s to his group Halford’s tune “Get Into The Spirit,” which is off the band’s new holiday album, Halford III – Winter Songs.  The clip features the Judas Priest singer performing the song with Halford in a recording studio.  Check it out for yourself at MetalGodShop.com.  Winter Songs is out now. 

FROM WWW.CLASSICROCKREVISITED.COM:

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio’s Dave Basner

Heaven & Hell guitarist Tony Iommi recently received a stem-cell treatment on his injured hand and the rocker is talking about how he’s doing.  Iommi told BBC News that “it’s coming on alright” and while he has to wait to see if there are permanent results, “It’s been six weeks but it’s feeling great.”  Read more at News.BBC.co.uk.