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Classic Rock News Update

from Dave White 

Thursday October 13, 2005

ROCK MIX - SEPT/2005
Mood:  caffeinated
RETURN OF SIMPLE MINDS - SINGLE TRAILS NEW ALBUM

Sanctuary Records have announced the worldwide signing of Simple Minds. The band will release their first album on the Sanctuary Records label in the UK and rest of Europe on Monday September 12 (US release date - September 13)

Entitled "Black & White 050505", the album is being hailed as a return to form to their classic atmospheric albums - 1982's "New Gold Dream" and 1984's "Sparkle In The Rain". Recorded in Italy and Holland, the album and was mixed in Los Angeles by the legendary Bob Clearmountain (Roxy Music, Rolling Stones, INXS).

Simple Minds

The first single taken from the album, "Home", is released September 5th. To mark the release of the album, the band are planning a series of intimate concerts around the UK during September (dates will be announced in the coming weeks). The 2005 line-up includes original founding members, Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (guitar), with longtime drummer Mel Gaynor, and bass guitarist Eddy Duffy.

NEW SINGLE "Home" will be released across two CD singles on 5 September. CD #1 includes a radio edit of "Home" backed with the non-album track "Bird On A Wire." CD #2 includes the album version of "Home," a rendition of Grant Lee Buffalo's "Mighty Joe Moon", the Trixton Portendo Dance Mix of "Home," plus an enhanced video of "Home."

Album review

Interview

UNIQUE ROCK COURSE STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

The world’s first course on the literature of rock music will be starting on 19 September 2005.

Held at Kensington and Chelsea College, London, the course is designed for men and women of all ages who have an interest in rock music or who want to learn how to write books on music or for the music press.

Taught by an expert in the field, the course features classic texts, plenty of classic tracks and will also be featuring guest speakers from the music press, and a surprise guest from the world of rock!

For further details on the course e-mail Fistful of Dollars email or call 0207 226 5232.

For enrolment details and a brief description of the course, go to the Kensington and Chelsea College website and search for Literature of Rock Music.

Summer rock reading

THE SUMMER'S END FESTIVAL - PROG ROCK CELEBRATION IN SEPTEMBER

The first Summer's End Festival is to be held at the Guildhall, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, UK on the 17th September, 2005.

Described as "a celebration of contemporary progressive rock", the event's organisers have confirmed the following lineup: Also Eden, Steve Thorne, Tr3nity, Galahad, The Pineapple Thief and headliners Magenta.

A day ticket for the event is #18 in advance and #20 on the door, but as the venue has a capacity of around 300, early booking is recommended.

Full details can be found at the website

SECOND FIREFEST EVENT IN NOVEMBER

The second FIREFEST festival takes place at Nottingham Rock City on Saturday November 26th.

The line up comprises both old and new faces alike , some of whom will be familiar to fans of melodic hard rock, others which may be new to many fans out there, but all in all it is a line up that proudly represents a healthy blend of old and new.

The festival also moves ‘home’ with FIREFEST 2 moving to a more central location in Nottingham , one of the premier rock venues in England, Nottingham Rock City is a 1900 capacity venue that has played host to Whitesnake, Motorhead, Y&T, Skid Row and many more besides.

In fact if you care to trawl through the annals of rock, it’s evident that more melodic and hard rock bands have played this venue more than any other venue in England. The move should make FIREFEST 2 more accessible to the vast amount of people travelling and bearing that fact in mind it’s also possible one of the best venues to attend a live show.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the promoters via paypal using the fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com e mail address.

Bands lined up include SARACEN, POWER QUEST, BALANCE OF POWER, DANGER DANGER and BLUE TEARS.

And, for the first time on a UK stage since 1988 and following a long period of inactivity, HOUSE OF LORDS have agreed to a one off European performance of their classic material.

Twisted X

TWISTED X SINGLE OUT AUGUST 1

Twisted X and Outl4w's single 'Summer Of Rock & Roll' (backed by Ye Olde Fighting Cocks' 'Cheer Up It's Summertime') is out on Monday August 1 on ProTV / Universal Records.


CRIBS SINGLE & FESTIVAL DATES IN AUGUST

The Cribs continue their musical blitzkrieg with the release of a new single in August.

The brothers Jarman, who have two Top 30 singles to their name so far this year follow that success with their third, entitled 'Martell'. Lifted from their recent album 'The New Fellas', the single epitomises the vastly underrated trio's knack of knocking out killer tunes.

Arguably one of the highlights of the album, 'Martell' cements the band's position as one of the year's success stories - oft mentioned in dispatches; their contemporaries love 'em! Real life goes on but how those in know wish they could be The Cribs, sometimes confrontational otherwise purely contrary, they live their life onstage as they do off it no matter what. On their day one of the most incendiary live propositions you'll witness, forty five minutes maximum of explosive three minute outbursts...

'Martell' is released on 22nd August thru Wichita Recordings and available on two seven inches and a Cd single.

Meanwhile, the band fire the aural volleys in the States for a handful of shows after which they return to the UK for a short run of shows before the single is released and their appearances at this year's Carling Festivals.

August

16th Brighton Concorde 17th Birmingham Academy 2 18th Edinburgh Liquid Room (T In The Fringe) 19th Manchester Blow Out @ The Bierkeller 24th Stoke Sugarmill 25th Coventry Groovy Garden @ The Colosseum 27th Reading Carling Festival 28th Leeds Carling Festival

October - NME Rock'n'Roll Riot Tour (w/ Kaiser Chiefs and Maximo Park)

15th Manchester Apollo 18th Leeds Town Hall 22nd Birmingham Academy 25th London Brixton Academy 29th Glasgow Academy

CAREER RETROSPECTIVE FROM MICHAEL McDONALD OUT AUGUST 9

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald's first career spanning retrospective: The Ultimate Collection is in stores August 9th

From his work with the Doobie Brothers to his recent albums of Motown covers, singer Michael McDonald has put his distinctive blue-eyed soul stamp on song after song. Featuring 19 tracks, The Ultimate Collection tracks McDonald's career as an expert musical craftsman whose trademark combination of brawny baritone and smooth mix of pop and soul earned him a string of hits on Billboard's Pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.

Artist website

Competition

HENDRIX WOODSTOCK DVD IN SEPTEMBER

Hendrix

Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. in association with Universal Music DVD Video announce the release of Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock [The Deluxe Edition] on September 12, 2005.

This special two-disc DVD presentation of Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock stands as the definitive record of one of Jimi's most celebrated performances.

This all-new deluxe set features all of the existing film footage from Jimi's unforgettable August 1969 Woodstock concert newly re-edited and presented uninterrupted and in its original performance sequence.

Live At Woodstock includes never-before-seen versions of Foxey Lady, Message To Love, Hey Joe, Spanish Castle Magic, and Lover Man, and an all-new 5.1 and 2.0 stereo soundtrack mixed by Eddie Kramer, Jimi's original studio engineer.

Hendrix

? Authentic Hendrix LLC

In addition to the full-length feature Live At Woodstock, this deluxe two DVD collection features a multitude of special bonus features including -

* The Road To Woodstock documentary * Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock - A Second Look * Jimi Hendrix Press Conference * Nashville Roots * Recording Artefacts & Memorabilia

POLICE SYNCHRONICITY DVD IN SEPTEMBER

Police

Universal Music have announced the September 5th 2005 DVD premiere of 'The Police Synchronicity Concert' the stunning live in concert live extravaganza filmed at their final concert on their Synchronicity World Tour (and their last ever Police concert) in Melbourne, Australia 1984.

For the very first time, the audio has been remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound, and includes three different audio soundtracks including dts, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, and 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo.

Songs performed during the concert include their hit singles - So Lonely, Roxanne, Message in a Bottle and De Do Do Do De Da Da Da plus several songs from the Synchronicity album including Every Breath You Take, Synchronicity II and Wrapped Around Your Finger.

The DVD also includes exclusive live performances filmed in multi-angle for the very first time. In addition to the Synchronicity Concert Multi-Angle Tracks, the DVD also features never-before-seen concert footage taken from the Synchronicity concert in Montreal, Canada, (in 1983) a rare interview with The Police and the original theatrical trailer.

ALL ACCESS TO JOURNEY THIS SUMMER

To coincide with their 30th anniversary tour in the USA this summer the band have teamed with www.iloveallaccess.com to offer enhanced VIP tickets.

Each VIP Ticket package includes premium seating and features not available anywhere else! The 5-Star package includes tickets within the first 10 rows, the brand new Journey CD (Autographed), an exclusive Journey T-shirt (only given to VIP ticket holders), a discount coupon for the Journey store, and a new photo of the band members!

Those purchasing the 5-Star package will have their own private VIP room to enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks prior to the Journey concert.

More information

Album review

IOMMI CD RELEASED JULY 11

BLACK SABBATH AXE-SLINGER JOINED BY VOCALIST/BASSIST GLENN HUGHES AND DRUMMER KENNY ARONOFF

TOUR PLANNED AFTER THIS SUMMER'S OZZFEST

Iommi

Tony Iommi, the legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, will release his new album Fused on July 11, via Sanctuary Records. This will be Iommi's third solo album.

Joining Iommi on Fused is former Deep Purple vocalist/bass guitarist Glenn Hughes and former John Mellencamp drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has also played sessions with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd and countless others. The trio will hit the road to promote Fused later this year after Black Sabbath finishes headlining the 10th anniversary Ozzfest tour.

Iommi has worked with both Hughes and Aronoff in the past. Hughes is a longtime friend who sang on the 1986 Black Sabbath Featuring Tony Iommi album Seventh Star. In 2004, previously unreleased songs they had collaborated on eight years earlier were completed and released by Sanctuary as The 1996 DEP Sessions. Aronoff played drums on the song "Black Oblivion" on Iommi's self-titled 2000 solo album, which was loaded with all-star guest appearances. Fused was produced by Bob Marlette, who also manned the studio boards for 'Iommi.'

"I put some ideas for four or five tracks down about three years ago, but I hadn't written them specifically with Glenn in mind," Iommi says. "After The 1996 DEP Sessions was finished last year, I said to my manager that I should try Glenn on my solo album. Glenn came over to England and we did a trial run writing more material and it was unbelievable. His enthusiasm is amazing. He is so full of energy and great song ideas.”

Iommi was eager to work with Kenny Aronoff again and had him in mind from the beginning. The highly respected skins-basher was thrilled about the invitation, especially when Iommi said he wanted to tour to promote Fused.

Iommi's cannot wait to tour with Hughes and Aronoff. "In addition to playing material from this album, we'll probably do a couple of tracks from The 1996 DEP Sessions and a few Sabbath songs too," he says.

Album review

Interview

Bio

FAREWELL EAGLES SHOW ON DVD

The Eagles

Shot in Hi Definition and 5.1 Surround Sound, a new DVD captures the Eagles' sold out November 2004 Melbourne, Australia, concerts from their historic Farewell I tour and features the Eagles performing almost three hours of classic hits in addition to the debut of two new tracks.

The DVD also includes rare, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and sound check performances.

Tracks: Disc 1:

1. The Long Run 2. New Kid In Town 3. Wasted Time 4. Peaceful Easy Feeling 5. I Can't Tell You Why 6. One Of These Nights 7. One Day At A Time 8. Lyin' Eyes 9. The Boys Of Summer 10. In The City 11. Already Gone 12. Silent Spring (Intro) 13. Tequila Sunrise 14. Love Will Keep Us Alive 15. No More Cloudy Days 16. Hole In The World 17. Take It To The Limit 18. You Belong To The City 19. Walk Away 20. Sunset Grill

Disc 2: 1. Life's Been Good 2. Dirty Laundry 3. Funk #49 4. Heartache Tonight 5. Life In The Fast Lane 6. Hotel California 7. Rocky Mountain Way 8. All She Wants To Do Is Dance 9. Take It Easy 10. Desperado plus Bonus Features and Eagles Interviews

Eagles E-Card

THIN LIZZY DVD IN JULY

Following on from their highly successful European Tour in January 2005, Thin Lizzy return with their long awaited and highly anticipated "Greatest Hits" DVD, released by Mercury Records on July 4, 2005.

DVD review

Thin Lizzy DVD

Featuring all the classics, including the original pop promo videos for The Boys Are Back In Town, Waiting For An Alibi, Chinatown, Bad Reputation and many more, this milestone DVD collection brings alive the music and legacy of all things distinctly Lizzy! The DVD also boasts rare live footage including Whiskey In The Jar recorded on BBC Top Of The Pops in 1973.

Mixed for the first very time in stunning Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, this essential DVD package is an outstanding document from one of the greatest rock 'n'roll bands.

Mood:  lazy

JON ANDERSON CD SINGLE & DVD RELEASE; EUROPEAN TOUR STARTS SEPTEMBER

Jon Anderson

On July 11 there is the simultaneous Solo DVD and CD Single release featuring the unique songwriting and vocal talents of the legendary “YES” lead singer, JON ANDERSON.

Year after year, Anderson’s legacy as one of the most prolific songwriters and performers of our time continues and his creative output and extensive touring across the globe shows no sign of slowing down.

'STATE OF INDEPENDENCE' CD Single, written by Jon Anderson & Vangelis, went on to become a worldwide hit for Donna Summer)

The “TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE” DVD (USA Release Date: 6th September 2005)is the debut solo DVD from Jon Anderson – a musical passage through life, time and the world beyond, featuring many new songs as well as classic hits from his work with YES and collaborations with VANGELIS.

Recorded live at XM Radio Studios in the USA, Jon’s inimitable ‘One Man Show’ performance has been crafted with dramatic animation and innovative visuals to create this pioneering concept DVD.

The inclusion of 10 previously un-released songs “Harmony”, “Father Sky”, Bring On The Day”, “Standing Still, “This Is”, “White Buffalo”, “Harping”, “You Lift Me Up”, “Set Sail” and “Who Could Imagine?” – illustrate that Jon has created some very powerful new material crossing many musical genres and his approach to songwriting has no boundaries.

Classic YES songs such as “Yours Is No Disgrace”, “Long Distance Runaround”, “Your Move”, “Nous Sommes Du Soleil”, “The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn)”, “And You And I” are performed by Jon with his own unique style and arrangements. A more recently recognised stage favourite from the fruitful YES catalogue “Show Me” is also featured, augmented by the beautiful additional Piano recorded by Rick Wakeman and a 50 piece Children’s choir.

Amongst several Solo and Vangelis collaborations, Jon also performs the very emotive and aptly named “First Song” confirming that writing original material and a flair for harmony was a path naturally set out for Anderson from a very young age.

The “Tour of the Universe” (DVD) is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS and Stereo sound options and bonus material….

Special features include 'The Golden Mean' The Golden Mean is a source of fascination for Jon Anderson; Dr. Ron Knott reveals its mysteries and explains how its imprint can be found all around us.

Golden Music: An interview with concert pianist Roy Howat of Cambridge University explains how the Golden Mean has influenced the works of the great classical composers B?la Bart?k and Claude Debussy.

Jon Anderson's European Tour kicks off on 1 September in Israel. UK dates confirmed start 7 October in Birmingham (Symphony Hall).

Interview

Review

Competition

STEVE HOWE'S REMEDY TOUR ON DVD

Steve Howe

Released on by Classic Pictures,Steve Howe's Remedy Live DVD features a feature-length concert filmed during his 2004 European tour.

Special features on the DVD include 'Steve Howe Acoustic' featuring many of his classic signature solo acoustic pieces and 'Tour Story' which goes behind the scenes and tells the story of Steve Howe's first solo band tour.

Featured musicians inclue GRTR! contributor Ray Fenwick and Howe's sons Dylan and Virgil.

DVD review

Interview

Competition

Recent releases from Classic Pictures include DVDs by Magnum and M3 (featuring Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody)

Magnum DVD review
M3 DVD review

NEW CD FROM KING CRIMSON VIOLINIST

David Cross

David Cross, ex-King Crimson violinist, has released a new rock album – ‘Closer Than Skin’.

Containing ten tracks written by Cross, bassist Mick Paul and ex-King Crimson lyricist, Richard Palmer-James, ‘Closer Than Skin’ is David Cross’ 5th album and is an astonishingly powerful statement.

David has combined the musical elements of his old band, King Crimson and his other solo material with a more metal-edged sound. With ‘Closer Than Skin’ David Cross has succeeded in creating arguably the best post-Crimson album of his career.

Recorded in 2005 it’s the sound of a world-class musician at the top of his game, brimming with energy, intensity and confidence.

For two years between 1972 and 1974, David Cross lived and breathed King Crimson along with Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford and John Wetton. Together they created an influential sound that continues to be popular and well-respected more than thirty years later.

Though the influence of Cross’ old band is undeniable, ‘Closer Than Skin’ is no exercise in mere nostalgia. There are many bands who have tried to emulate Crimson’s clout and control though few come as close.

Album review

Interview

KANSAS MAN SOLO CD

Steve Walsh

'Shadowman' is first new solo recording from lead singer of classic rock band Kansas in over five years.

With the collaboration of such musicians as Joe Franco (Twisted Sister, Magellan) on drums, Joel Kosche (Collective Soul) on guitars and bass and with former Kansas David Ragsdale on violin on the song “After” and Symphony X’s mastermind Michael Romeo caring for the orchestration on "After", "Shadowman" and "Hell is Full of Heroes", Steve Walsh reaches a new height in his artistic expression focusing on a great songwriting and superb production (courtesy of Shawn Grove also of Collective Soul fame).

The keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter/producer is best known for his visionary work with US progressive rock masters KANSAS. He sings lead on Kansas' biggest and best-known hits -- "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust In The Wind" and "Point Of Know Return".

Review

ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA TOUR

After years of speculation, the first duly authorised and certified Frank Zappa respective and perspective concert tour "Zappa Plays Zappa - Tour De Frank" will take in a massive 17-date European live tour, kicking off in Barcelona on October 25th, ending in Budapest on November 22nd. The UK highlight will include when the concert rolls into the London Royal Albert Hall on November 2nd.

U.K Concert Dates

31 October Wolverhampton Civic Hall 1 November Brighton Centre 2 November London Royal Albert Hall 4 November Manchester Apollo 5 November Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

National ticket hotline 0870 400 0688 24 hours (UK) or book online at www.getLIVE.co.uk

HAMMERFALL AND WITHIN TEMPTATION HEADLINE BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER

photo by Ian Pollard

The annual BLOODSTOCK05 Metalfest takes place indoors at the Assembly Rooms in Derby on 2nd-3rd September 2005.

"Bloodstock is a European metal festival," said Vince Brotheridge, who along with renowned artist Paul Raymond Gregory, make up AMUST4MUSIC, the organizers of Bloodstock. "It has taken five years to get to this stage, and I think you will see from the combined line-up of the two shows this year, about 40 bands, that we have a world-class festival for the U.K. to now shout out about! And we continue to bring to the U.K. the big European bands playing to big U.K. audiences. We were the first to bring to the U.K. NIGHTWISH, PRIMAL FEAR, BLIND GUARDIAN, MASTERPLAN and SONATA ARCTICA, and with HAMMERFALL and WITHIN TEMPTATION making their second ever U.K. appearances this year, Bloodstock is getting bigger and better!"

The BLOODSTOCK UK METALFEST in September will play host to 25 bands in 2005, many of them making their debut UK appearance. HAMMERFALL, STORMWARRIOR, BOB CATLEY, CONQUEST OF STEEL and WARCHILD will head up a night of Battle Metal on the Friday, with WITHIN TEMPTATION, AFTER FOREVER, IRON SAVIOR, CATHEDRAL, RISE TO ADDICTION, and SEASON’S END scheduled for the Saturday, with more surprise bands being announced soon.

Full details of the two events can be found at the website www.bloodstock.uk.com Tickets are now on sale for both shows.

AN EVENING WITH RONNIE JAMES DIO' [FEATURING ALL OF 'HOLY DIVER'] OCTOBER 2005 UK TOUR

Dio, photo by Ian Pollard

Ex Rainbow, Black Sabbath and multi, multi, million selling solo star in his own right, Ronnie James Dio, one of the most instantly identifiable voices in rock music, has confirmed a VERY SPECIAL October UK tour.

Tickets, priced ?18.50 in London and ?16.50 elsewhere, go on sale Friday 25th February from all usual outlets and via 24 hour hotline telephone number 0870 000 688.

There will be no support acts on the 'An Evening With Dio' tour, which will feature two live sets from Dio, including not only a host of classic songs from across his HUGE back catalogue, but also ALL of his classic, debut solo, multi-platinum, 'Holy Diver' album from 1983.

Dates are:-

October 9th - Sheffield Foundry
October 10th - Nottingham Rock City
October 11th - Norwich UEA
October 13th - Newcastle University
October 14th - Glasgow Academy
October 15th - Manchester Academy
October 17th - Exeter University
October 18th - Bristol Academy
October 20th - Southampton Guildhall
October 21st - Birmingham Carling Academy
October 22nd - London Astoria

ALICE COOPER ANNOUNCES UK ARENA TOUR

Alice Cooper

Mr. Shock Rock, Alice Cooper returns to the UK in November for a 10 date lengthy Arena tour, his first full UK tour since 2002.

Special guests will be Twisted Sister who bring their full show to Great Britain for the first time in many years. Additional support to be announced.

Alice will be performing an extravaganza, as might be expected, and will feature his legendary hits, among them Schools Out, Poison, and No More Mr Nice Guy, as well as material from the The Eyes of Alice Cooper album and an as-yet unnamed forthcoming album, due prior to the tour.

The band features on guitars Ryan Roxie and Damon Johnson (replacing Eric Dover, who departed to record and release his own album), Chuck Garric on bass and drummer Tommy Clufetos.

Full Tour Details are:

November 2005

Sat 5th Brighton Centre 0870 900 9100 Sun 6th London Wembley Pavilion 0870 060 0870 Mon 7th Cardiff International Arena 029 2022 4488 Wed 9th Birmingham NEC 0870 909 4133 Thu 10th Manchester MEN Arena 0870 190 8000 Sat 12th Glasgow Clyde Auditorium 0870 040 4000 Sun 13th Newcastle Metro Radio Arena 0870 707 8000 Tue 15th Sheffield Hallam FM Arena 0114 256 5656 Wed 16th Nottingham Arena 0870 121 0123 Thu 17th Bournemouth BIC 0870 111 3000

All tickets are ?29.50 except for London which are ?30 (in advance all subject to booking fee). Credit Cards Tel: 0870 400 0688 (24HRS) Check out www.alicecooper.com/now for Exclusive Ticket Packages Presented in association with The Agency Plus Very Special Guests.

Cooper is currently working on material for his new album which will be released prior to the tour.

Rock Mix
Mood:  lyrical
Now Playing: Releases
MEAT LOAF LIVE DVD & CD IN OCTOBER

Multi-million selling rock legend Meat Loaf releases `Live With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra' CD on October 18.

It may seem strange that it's taken Meat Loaf this long to record a collaboration with an orchestra. After all, it's difficult to think of an artist whose music would be more ideally suited to such a treatment. Meat Loaf's music has all the ingredients for such a marriage - the grandiosity, the sweeping emotions, the change in moods, the courage to defy convention.

The singer admits as much himself.

'The songs are crying out for this, really,' believes the singer, 'they're very long, very dramatic and melodramatic - even operatic. So of course they're perfectly suited to being played with an opera.'

The live CD was recorded with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, under the guidance of arranger/orchestrator/conductor Keith Levenson. The performance was filmed over two nights at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena - normally home to the Australian Open tennis tournament - on the 20th and 22nd of February 2004.

A companion DVD from the same concerts, titled 'Bat Out of Hell Live with the Melbourne Symphony', will be simultaneously released in the UK on Warner Music Vision.

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DAYS OF THUNDER IN NOVEMBER

The boys are back in town..... After the great reception the song got every time it was played in the summer and to get everyone warmed up for their upcoming album - due in spring 2005 - Thunder return with a new single - ?I Love You More Than Rock n Roll. The single is released on 8th November through their own STC Recordings Label.

I Love You More Than Rock n Roll comes out to coincide with the band?s appearances on the UK Deep Purple Tour, which begins on 6th November. Tour dates are:

Sat 6th November Manchester Evening News Arena, Mon 8th Glasgow SECC, Tue 9th Sheffield Arena, Wed 10th Newcastle Arena, Fri 12th Birmingham NEC, Sat 13th London Wembley Arena, Sun 14th Cardiff Arena, Tue 16th Brighton Centre and Wed 17th Plymouth Pavillion.

The single will be released in 3 different formats. CD1, CD2 and a numbered limited edition 7" vinyl. Each version will have completely separate artwork and tracks, and with the exception of the title track and one other, all songs will be exclusive and will not appear on the forthcoming album.

Formats and tracklistings are as follows:-

CD1

I Love You More Than Rock n Roll (radio edit)
Closer To The Fire

CD2

I Love You More Than Rock n Roll (radio edit)
Love's An Easy Word To Say
Loser (Acoustic Version)

Numbered Limited Edition 7" Vinyl

A: I Love You More Than Rock n Roll (radio edit)
B: The Pride (LP track)

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GLOBAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The Global Battle of the Bands, the world?s biggest live talent competition for pop and rock bands kicks off this autumn, 2004.

Encompassing all musical genres, The Global Battle of the Bands will strive to bring the best un-manufactured new talent in the world to a wider audience.

There are just two rules ? no cover versions and no pre-recorded music.

Every year, Local Qualifying Heats and National Finals will be organised in countries around the world, with the eventual winners of these going forward to The Global Battle of the Bands World Final, which will be held in a different major city every year.

The very first World Final will take place at the London Astoria on November 30, 2004 with the winning band taking away the $100,000 first prize.

UK dates ENGLAND

29/09/04 Bristol Fleece & Firkin 07/10/2004 Middlesborough Jumpin? Jacks 10/10/2004 Manchester Bier Keller 12/10/2004 Sheffield Fez 13/10/2004 Leicester Charlotte 19/10/2004 Liverpool Academy 20/10/2004 Newcastle Archer 21/10/2004 Southampton Joiners 24/10/2004 Birmingham Academy 25/10/2004 Cambridge Junction 01/11/2004 Brighton Zap Club 02/11/2004 London Scala 03/11/2004 London Scala 04/11/2004 London Scala 07/11/2004 Exeter Phoenix 14/11/2004 London Mean Fiddler ENGLISH FINAL

SCOTLAND

04/10/2004 Glasgow Barfly 05/10/2004 Aberdeen Lemon Tree 06/10/2004 Edinburgh Bongo Club 17/10/2004 Glasgow Barfly SCOTTISH FINAL

WALES

28/09/04 Cardiff Toucan Club WELSH FINAL

30/11/2004 London Astoria WORLD FINAL

Featuring bands from: Denmark, England, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, USA and Wales with more to come.

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Marillion

Marillion are known for the relationship that they maintain with their fans through their website (www.marillion.com). Continuing this love affair with the internet, a live version of `The Damage', recorded at The Astoria on July 12, will be available from www.marillion.com from Oct 11th.

With the download chart now being recognised by the music industry this looks likely to give Marillion their 3rd chart hit of 2004. The single will be available for just 99 pence.

Filmed on 11th and 12th July at the Astoria in London, the `Marbles On The Road' DVD captures the band in fine form at the end of the first leg of their Marbles World Tour. As well as the majority of their latest album Marbles ("Marbles is a wonderful thing" - Classic Rock), fans are treated to stunning versions of former favourites including Cover My Eyes and, perhaps more surprisingly, The Uninvited Guest.

The extras include behind the scenes footage of the Marbles EPK and promo videos for Marbles' 2 hit singles `You're Gone and `Don't Hurt Yourself'.

This is the first new Marillion film-piece to be released commercially since 1990. Specifically recorded for a DVD release the concert sound is mixed by Michael Hunter in both 5.1 surround sound and 2-channel stereo. The DVD Extras and additional material is provided as stereo-only. The DVD is presented in 16:9 format, is available in both PAL and NTSC formats, and is multi-region.

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The Very Best Of MTV UNPLUGGED, Vol. 3 released in September

The Very Best Of MTV Unplugged 3 is the latest installment in this hugely successful series, offering you yet more classics from the biggest names in rock music. It brings together a fantastic lineup of global superstars, including Eric Clapton, Sting, Paul Simon, The Cure, R.E.M. & Elton John, all of whom have helped to make the MTV show so popular amongst the public and performers alike, and proves beyond doubt the popularity of the live acoustic set.

Fans are also treated to a bonus DVD, featuring every track from the audio disc, ten of which have never before been released!

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Paul Carrack releases live DVD

'Paul Carrack Live at the Opera House' DVD was recorded at the Buxton Opera House in January this year on the second leg of Paul's `It's Ain't Over Tour'. Released on September 27th the DVD will be a delight for fans with twenty timeless songs - including `How Long' and `Over My Shoulder' - as well as a fifteen minute interview with Paul, footage of the soundcheck and interviews with the fans.

With a career spanning more than 3 decades he has been part of dozens of hit records as band member, musician or song-writer. Classics such as Ace's `How Long (Has This Been Going On)', Mike & The Mechanic's `Living Years' & "Over My Shoulder" and Squeeze's `Tempted' are all songs that have his voice on lead vocals. In addition to the songs on which he sings, Carrack has also written numerous hits for other artists including The Eagles, Tom Jones and Diana Ross, and played keyboards with Roxy Music, Smiths, Pretenders, Eric Clapton, BB King, Simply Red, Van Morrison and Elton John ....

More recently the spotlight has turned towards Paul as a front man in his own right. He set up his own label, Carrack-UK, in the late 90s through which he now releases his solo records, the most recent being the acclaimed album `It Ain't Over".

Paul is taking to the road once again this Autumn and his 26 date tour starts in Liverpool on October 15th, visiting Northampton, Southend, Stoke on Trent, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Salford, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Llandudno, Basingstoke, Cheltenham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Preston, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Harrogate, London, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Cambridge and Croydon, ending in Lowestoft on December 8th.

OCTOBER

Fri 15 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 0151 709 3789 ?20.00 Sat 16 Northampton Derngate 01604 624 811 ?20.00 Sun 17 Southend Cliffs Pavilion 020 7960 4242 ?20.00 Wed 20 Stoke Victoria Hall 0870 060 6649 ?20.00 Fri 22 Newcastle City Hall 0191 261 2606 ?20.00 Sun 24 Salford Lowry 0870 100 0000 ?20.00 Tue 26 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 ?20.00 Fri 29 Bournemouth Pavilion 01202 456 456 ?20.00

NOVEMBER

Tue 2 Birmingham Alexandra 0870 607 7533 ?20.00 Wed 3 Llandudno North Wales Theatre 01492 872 000 ?20.00 Fri 5 Basingstoke Anvil 01256 844244 ?20.00 Sun 7 Cheltenham Town Hall 01242 227979 ?20.00 Mon 8 Cardiff St. David?s Hall 02920 878444 ?20.00 Thu 11 Glasgow Pavilion 0141 332 1846 ?20.00 Fri 12 Aberdeen Music Hall 01224 641122 ?20.00 Tue 16 Preston Guildhall 01772 258858 ?20.00 Thu 18 Chesterfield Winding Wheel 01246 345334 ?20.00 * Fri 19 Doncaster Dome 01302 370888 ?18.50 * Sun 21 Harrogate International Centre 01423 537230 ?20.00 Mon 22 London Queen Elizabeth Hall 08703 800400 ?22.50 Thu 25 Bristol Colston Hall 0117 922 3683 ?20.00 Tue 30 Milton Keynes Stables 01908 280800 ?29.50

DECEMBER

Wed 1 Milton Keynes Stables 01908 280800 ?29.50 Sat 4 Cambridge Corn Exchange 01223 457555 ?20.00 Tue 7 Croydon Fairfield Hall 0208 688 9291 ?20.00 Wed 8 Lowestoft Marina Theatre 01502 533200 ?20.00

Tickets can be purchased online via www.cmplive.com (except * only available through box office)

Paul will also be playing at the star-studded Fender Stratocaster 50th year anniversary celebration the "Miller Strat Pack" concert at Wembley Arena on September 24th. (Fender Guitars is celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of rock 'n' roll's greatest icons, the Stratocaster guitar by staging a very special anniversary concert. Sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft, the charity concert will feature many of the world's greatest living guitar legends in aid of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy)

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SINGER-SONGWRITER DEBUT RELEASE IN OCTOBER

Released October 28 is the debut album from singer-songwriter Anna Nalick.

Anna's original plan was to go to college and then follow her dream of a career in music. As she began college, she continued writing and documented her songs on a Rainbow Brite cassette tape recorder. She soon met a photographer (who taught a class at a local high school) who mentioned to Anna that one of her students had parents in the music business. Anna passed along a six song lo-fi home demo and the next thing she knew, that student's mother, a manager of producers and other talent, introduced Anna to Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith, the founding members of Blind Melon now turned production team, and Eric Rosse, best known for his production work with Tori Amos.

Putting her college plans on hold, Anna went into the studio with Thorn, Smith and Rosse as producers, together with mix-engineer Mark Endert (Fiona Apple, Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw) and an all-star group of musicians that included Smith on bass, Thorn on guitar, Rosse and Zak Rae (Alanis Morissette, Macy Gray, Sinead O Connor) on keyboards, Lyle Workman (Frank Black, Sheryl Crowe, They Might Be Giants) and Stuart Mathis (Jewel) on guitar, Joey Waronker (Beck, Johnny Cash, Nelly Furtado) and Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, David Bowie, John Mayer) on drums.

The result is Wreck of the Day, a collection of 11 songs showcasing the burgeoning and complex talent of Anna Nalick.

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ROGER DALTREY ANTHOLOGY IN OCTOBER

For over 30 years, Roger Daltrey has pursued a solo career alongside his primary role as lead singer for The Who. To commemorate three decades of his solo work, Sanctuary Records announce the U.K. nationwide release of the Roger Daltrey anthology 'Just A Boy' on 4th October 2004.

The 2-disc album highlights the varied musical paths Roger has chosen, compiling all his hits and near misses. From ballads 'Giving It All Away' to Brecht's 'Mack the Knife' and with the added bonus of unreleased tracks, "Just A Boy" amply illustrates Daltrey's willingness to adapt to different styles of music.

Considered to be one of the most powerful vocalists in rock 'n' roll, Roger Daltrey's solo album 'Just A Boy' documents the solo career he forged away from The Who in 1973, with the tracks 'One Man Band', 'The Way Of The World', and 'Giving It All Away' taken from his debut album 'Daltrey', through to recent recordings of Who classics 'Pinball Wizard' and 'Baba O'Riley'.

Released 13 September, on Warner Music Vision, is a new Who DVD 'Live In Boston'.

This two-and-a-half hour plus DVD captures the band's concert in Boston on 24 September 2002 following the sudden death of bassist John Entwistle.

The DVD features interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey as well as an Art Gallery feature of Entwistle's drawings.

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DVD & CD RELEASE FROM BOZ SCAGGS

October 4, 2004 is a red letter day for Boz Scaggs fans, with the simulatenous release of "Boz Scaggs - Greatest Hits Live" on DVD and CD. The 1-disc DVD is released by Coming Home Studios, whilst the 2-Disc CD is released by Mailboat Records.

The DVD and CD releases are a captivating live document of the Grammy Award winning artist Boz Scaggs and his 8-piece band, as they performed a rare live concert at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on August 27, 2003.

Originally dubbed as "The Essential Tour," Scaggs performed the best known songs of his career, including the 'Silk Degrees' album hits 'Lowdown' and 'Lido Shuffle', plus 'Slow Dancer', 'Look What You've Done To Me', 'Miss Sun', 'Jo Jo', and 'Heart Of Mine'.

With seventeen songs, spanning several landmark albums, this is essential Boz Scaggs live on DVD and CD. The DVD includes a 14 minute plus behind-the-scenes documentary, photo gallery and a bonus jazz performance track of 'Harbour Lights'.

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Tom Waits first date in 17 years in November!

Tom Waits plays at London's Hammersmith Apollo on Tuesday 23rd November 2004 - the singer's first UK concert since his appearances at the same theatre in November 1987

His 15-track album Real Gone unveils Waits' new musical hybrid, crafted from primal blues, Jamaican rock-steady grooves, African and Latin rhythms and melodies and what Waits calls "cubist funk". The album is released on Anti Records 4th October.

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5.1 mix by Todd Rundgren for DVD-Audio release of 'Liars' in October

Silverline release a 5.1 surround sound Dolby mix of the acclaimed album 'Liars' on 4 October.

The disc, which features on-screen lyrics and weblinks, has been remixed by Todd Rundgren himself.

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THE TUBES WILD WEST TOUR IN DECEMBER

The Tubes have just announced the December 2004 UK Tour Dates for their forthcoming concerts; "The Tubes Wild West Tour".

Lead vocalist and front man, Fee Waybill says, "The Wild West concept of the show is full of unexpected surprises and fun, and UK audiences will be in for a treat."

Dec 5 - Rock Caf? 2000, Stourbridge, West Midlands
Dec 6 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Dec 7 - The Carling Academy, Liverpool
Dec 8 - King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Dec 9 - The Carling Academy, Birmingham
Dec 10 - The Carling Academy, Bristol
Dec 11 - The Academy 3, Manchester University

(getreadytorock)

New Queen Compilation Coming
Mood:  flirty
Queen Prepares To 'Rock' Again

Hollywood Records has set an Aug. 17 release date for a new version of Queen's "Greatest Hits," first issued by EMI in 1981 in the U.K. The upcoming disc boasts live versions of "Under Pressure" and "Tie Your Mother Down" plus an unreleased version of "I'm in Love With My Car," currently being featured in a Jaguar ad campaign.

The surviving members of the U.K. rock act, once led by the late Freddie Mercury, have contributed new liner notes to the package, which will also include previously unseen photos by Mick Rock. Among the other favorites featured on the set are "Another One Bites the Dust," "Bicycle Race," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions."

The release is tied into the Aug. 16 North American premiere of the Queen musical "We Will Rock You," which will open at the Paris in Las Vegas after a smash run on London's West End. Fans who purchase the CD will be able to take advantage of an exclusive offer for a discounted Las Vegas hotel and show package.

"Greatest Hits" peaked at No. 1 in the U.K. upon its original release. Its U.S. counterpart, also titled "Greatest Hits" and released in 1981, reached No. 14 on The Billboard 200. However, the U.S. version had a different track list.

Another album, also titled "Greatest Hits," (with yet another different track list) was issued in 1992 when the band moved to Hollywood Records in North America. That release has gone on to sell 5 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Eric Clapton Updates Program For Crossroads Festival
Eric Clapton has finalised the program for his Crossroads Guitar Festival and Clinic for Dallas June 4-6.

Artists hosting guitar clinics include Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne), Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter (Doobie Brothers), Laurence Juber (Wings), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Sonny Curtis (Buddy Holly's Crickets) and James Burton (Elvis Presley).

As well as Eric Clapton, some of the acts scheduled to appear include ZZ Top, JJ Cale, BB King, Joe Walsh, Tommy Shaw (Styx) and Carlos Santana.

The full line-up for the weekend is:

TALENT LINE-UP

Friday, June 4, the Guitar Center Village, located on the grounds of Fair Park, will open to the public at 4:00pm. Guitar clinics and concert performances are as follows:
4:00pm FAIRGROUNDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
4:30pm - 5:30pm Paul Reed Smith clinic at the Sirius stage
5:45pm - 6:45pm OHM clinic at the Sirius stage
6:00pm - 6:30pm Luther Tatum and Guitar clinic
7:00pm - 8:00pm Acoustic clinic featuring Doyle Dykes,Pete Huttlinger and Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney & Wings) at the Ernie Ball stage
7:30pm - 9:00pm Metal Shop clinic featuring Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society) and George Lynch (Dokken/Lynch Mob) at the Esplanade
8:00pm - 9:00pm Blues clinic with Honey Boy Edwards and guests at the Sirius stage

Saturday, June 5, the Guitar Center Village will open to the public at 10:00am. The day's events include guitar clinics and live performances on the fairgrounds:
10:00am FAIRGROUNDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
11:00am - 12:00pm Rock Club Jam with Tommy Shaw and James Young (Styx)and very special guests at the Esplanade
12:00pm - 1:30pm Shredders clinic featuring Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) and Tony Franklin (The Firm) and other special guests at the Esplanade
2:00pm - 3:00pm Memento clinic at the Sirius stage
2:30pm - 4:00pm Guitarmageddon 2004 Grand Finals!
3:00pm - 4:30pm Guitar Pull clinic with Buck Page (Riders of the Purple Sage), Slim Bryant (Jimmie Rogers) and Sonny Curtis (Buddy Holly's Crickets) at the Ernie Ball stage
4:00pm - 4:30pm Jonny Lang live performance
4:30pm - 5:30pm Fender presents Roscoe Beck, Greg Koch and John Calarco featuring Mike Cross
5:30pm - 6:30pm Jeff "Skunk" Baxter clinic at the Sirius Stage

Live Performances by:Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Johnson, Dan Tyminski, J.J. Cale, John Mayer, Robert Randolph, Special Guest performance TBA, All Star Blues Jam

Sunday, June 6, the Guitar Center Village will open to the public at 10:00am and remain open through the remainder of the day, followed that afternoon by the spectacular culmination of the festival with an 11-hour concert at the Cotton Bowl:
10:00am FAIRGROUNDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
11:00am - 12:00pm Johnny A clinic
12:30pm - 2:00pm Picker's Corner clinic with Marty Stuart,James Burton (Elvis Presley), Doyle Dykes and guests at the Sirius stage
12:00pm COTTON BOWL CONCERT BEGINS
(in order of appearance)
Neal Schon, Steve Vai, Larry Carlton, Sonny Landreth, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Robert Cray Band, Jimmie Vaughan Band with Hubert Sumlin and David Johansen, Booker T & the MG's, Bo Diddley/David Hidalgo/Joe Walsh, Vince Gill, James Taylor (with Joe Walsh), BB King with Jimmie Vaughan, Buddy Guy with Jimmie Vaughan, Carlos Santana
Intermission
Eric Clapton (with Jeff Beck), ZZ Top (with Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck)

By Paul Cashmere

Stones Sue Label
Apparently, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones have filed a lawsuit against their record label over royalties of their last album. The British High Court must decide whether Decca Records owes the veteran rockers money for their greatest hits album Forty Licks. The three original members of the band claims that Decca has refused their auditors access to examine records. Their hope is that the label will hand over the necessary documents. The last thing the Stones need is to be slammed by the government on their taxes.

Rock Mix
Metalli-movie monster
Documentary reveals the band's dark underbelly.

METALLICA ARE THE SUBJECTS OF a new fly-on-the-wall documentary shot during the creation of their current 'St Anger' album. Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster follows the San Francisco quartet going through addiction, fatherhood and what one critic called "near-total disintegration" while recording their first original studio album in six years. It was recently previewed at the Sundance Film Festival, is due to hit cinemas in July and will be available on DVD early next year.


Darkness eclipse Beyonce
UK rockers slag Oasis after Brits triumph.

THE DARKNESS, VOTED BY READERS OF Clasic Rock as having recorded the best album of 2003 and also as last year's biggest hype, have added to their list of honours with a night of triumph at the recent Brit Awards. They won Best British Group, Best British Rock Act and Best British Album for 'Permission To Land'.
While in America recently The Darkness took a pot-shot at Oasis, claiming that Liam Gallagher and company had expected to have US success presented to them on a plate.


Clapton: Johnson is God
Eric records tribute to the late blues legend.

ERIC CLAPTON RELEASES 'ME And Mr Johnson', a new album of Robert Johnson covers on March 23, and will play some shows in the UK later this year.


Traffic honoured
Winwood and co play Hall of Fame ceremony.

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, BRITISH 60s/70s stars Traffic will have taken part in an emotional reunion when they were among this year's inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony in New York.

Organ player/guitarist/vocalist Steve Winwood (who also recently completed a solo tour of the UK) will be joined at the event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel by co-founding Traffic members Dave Mason and Jim Capaldi.


Ozzy hits the road
Recovering singer braces himself to join US Ozzfest.

OZZY OSBOURNE IS TO MAKE A DRAMATIC RETURN TO the stage this summer, headlining the Ozzfest tour in America. The recovery of the one-time Black Sabbath singer - who is still wearing a surgical collar following his quad bike accident in December - has been remarkable. Indeed he is going ahead with the tour against doctors' orders, and will be taking a sizeable medical team with him on the road.


(Rockahead)