Category Archives: Classic Rock

Revolver Magazine and Guitar World Magazine Reveal RONNIE JAMES DIO “Rainbow In The Dark” Cover Track – Featuring Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Christian Martucci & Jason Christopher‏

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Revolver Magazine and Guitar World Magazine Reveal RONNIE JAMES DIO “Rainbow In The Dark” Cover Track –

Featuring Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Christian Martucci & Jason Christopher

 

Grab this Track and More — Get the RONNIE JAMES DIO “This Is Your Life” Compilation – Pre-Order via iTunes

 

Win an ASG Series Dio Guitar from GuitarWorld.com!

 

This Is Your Life is the #1 Hard Rock/Metal Album // Top 10 Overall on Amazon!

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Album Artwork by Mark Sasso

his Is Your Life Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Ronnie James Dio With Renditions of his Greatest Songs from Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio

Available April 1, 2014 via Rhino

 

 

Dual premiere alert! Today, Revolver Magazine and Guitar World Magazine have partnered up to reveal a stellar rendition of ‘Rainbow In The Dark’, performed by Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Christian Martucci, and Jason Christopher. The track appears on the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute compilation This Is Your Life, available April 1, 2014 via Rhino in physical and digital versions. Take a listen now at Revolvermag.com or GuitarWorld.com!

While visiting GuitarWorld.com, make sure to enter to win an awesome ASG Dio Vision Guitar! The guitar features a solid basswood body and set neck, a rosewood fingerboard, Mother of Pearl inlays, and more. View a full description at ArtistSeriesGuitar.com, and enter to win via GuitarWorld.com now.

Don’t be the last in line – reserve your digital copy now via iTunes here, or physical via Amazon here. As a bonus with your iTunes pre-order, you’ll get a free, instant download of Motörhead and Biff Byford of Saxon’s rendition of Rainbow’s ‘Starstruck’. In addition, all digital versions of This Is Your Life, will include a newly recorded version of Black Sabbath’s ‘Buried Alive’ re-imagined by Jasta, the side project of Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta. This track will be exclusively available on the digital versions.

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Local to New York City? Duff’s Brooklyn is hosting the official This Is Your Life east coast listening and release party this Saturday, March 29th at 10:00PM. The event is free and you must be 21+ to attend. Duff’s Brooklyn is located at 168 Marcy Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. For more information, visit www.duffsbrooklyn.com.

In other Dio event news – on March 17th, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund hosted its 3rd annual Awards Gala at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood, CA, and raised in excess of $90,000 for cancer research and education. Thank you to all who attended and donated! The event included all-star performances from Halestorm, Oni Logan, Rowan Robertson, Jimmy Bain, Brian Tichy, Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Tim “Ripper” Owens, Craig Goldy, Bjorn Englen, Simon Wright, Scott Warren, Corey Taylor, Christian Martucci, Scott Ian, Duff McKagan, Jason Christopher, Roy Mayorga, and more – and awards were presented to distinguished honorees for their contributions to spreading awareness of Fund’s important work. The red carpet was star-studded, with appearances from Rob Halford, Pearl Aday, Vinny Appice, Mark Boals, Ann Boleyn, Dewey Bragg (Kill Devil Hill), Maxwell Carlisle, Mikey Doling (SNOT), Lita Ford, Jeff George, Rita Haney (Dimebags Hag), Kathryn Hanneman (Jeff’s/Slayer widow), Nik Kai, Sin Quirin, Jack Russell (Great White), Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Vext (SNOT), Mark Zavon (Kill Devil Hill), and more.

 

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This Is Your Life is a tribute album created to raise funds for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund(www.diocancerfund.org), which features an all-star group of his friends and fans performing 13 of their favorite Ronnie James Diotracks. The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable fund dedicated to supporting cancer-prevention research, raising awareness and educating the public about the vital importance of early detection and prevention, and was co-founded by Dio’s longtime manager and wife, Wendy Dio. 100% of the monies received from this album by the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund goes directly into cancer research.

Produced by Wendy Dio, widow of Ronnie James Dio and Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer FundPresident/Founder,  This Is Your Life includes contributions by such metal heavyweights as Metallica, Scorpions, Anthrax, Glenn Hughes and Rob Halford, as well as appearances by many of the musicians who performed with Dio over the years. See below for a full tracklisting, chock full of renditions by today’s most stellar classic, heavy metal and hard rock artists!

Ronnie James Dio This Is Your Life Track Listing:

  1. “Neon Knights” – Anthrax*
  2. “The Last In Line” – Tenacious D*
  3. “The Mob Rules” – Adrenaline Mob
  4. “Rainbow In The Dark” – Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Christian Martucci, Jason Christopher*
  5. “Straight Through The Heart” – Halestorm*
  6. “Starstruck” – Motörhead with Biff Byford*
  7. “The Temple Of The King” – Scorpions*
  8. “Egypt (The Chains Are On)” – Doro
  9. “Holy Diver” – Killswitch Engage
  10. “Catch The Rainbow” – Glenn Hughes, Simon Wright, Craig Goldy, Rudy Sarzo, Scott Warren*
  11. “I” – Oni Logan, Jimmy Bain, Rowan Robertson, Brian Tichy*
  12. “Man On The Silver Mountain” – Rob Halford, Vinny Appice, Doug Aldrich, Jeff Pilson, Scott Warren*
  13. “Ronnie Rising Medley (Featuring A Light In The Black, Tarot Woman, Stargazer, Kill The King)” – Metallica*
  14. “This Is Your Life” – Dio

Digital Bonus Track: “Buried Alive” – Jasta*

* Previously unreleased

 

Updated Statement From GWAR Regarding The Passing of Dave Brockie

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Jack Flanagan, manager of GWAR has issued this official statement:

On behalf of Dave Brockie’s family, Slave Pit Inc. and GWAR, we would like to thank all the loyal fans worldwide for the outpouring of love and support shown to us over the past few days.  Knowing that we have such amazing family, friends and fans is truly helping us all get through this tough time.

 

We are awaiting a toxicology report from the medical examiners office to confirm the cause of death. The medical examiners office has informed us that the results can take one to three months to be processed. Standard protocol exists that a toxicology procedure be performed.

 

We have made funeral arrangements and a private memorial has been scheduled for close friends and family.

 

As Dave and Oderus would have wanted, this year’s GWAR-B-Q scheduled for August 16th at Hadad’s Lake (7900 Osborne Turnpike Richmond, VA) will still take place as planned. We have scheduled the Dave Brockie public memorial to take place the day prior to the GWAR-B-Q, Friday August 15th, also at Hadad’s Lake.

 

More information shall be released as the details are confirmed.

 

 

Help support the Hellion Rocks with a T-Shirt!!!

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Help the Hellion Rocks by purchasing a T-shirt at the link below! Thanks for all of your support!!! – the Hellionfront-big

 

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https://www.booster.com/thehellionrocksfundraiser

The producer: the unsung (for the most part) hero of the music industry

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You ever listen to some music and think to yourself “Wow, that sounds great!” I’m not talking about the band or the song, I’m talking about the SOUND of it. The drums are huge, the bass is punchy, the guitar tones come through, the vocals have presence, and the entire package is clean and brilliant.

So how did it get that way? Proper production that’s how. A lot of things are necessary to making a recording with great quality:  the band and their songs , recording equipment and place to record, and a producer.

The pre-production process is a necessity for any recording project. This is an opportunity for the band and the producer to put their heads together and come up with a battle plan to record the band and their songs in the best way. Often times during this process the songs are reworked with the assistance of the producer in order to maximize the tracks for recording. I have spoken to producers who have told me that sometimes a band has reworked all of their songs intended for an album based upon the producers’s input.

Over the years some producers have become stars in their own right often sought out by artists for the particular “sound” that is associated with them . Does this change the band? I don’t think so, in fact, I think that a working relationship between a band and a producer over time can become a magical thing. Think of the relationship between Rick Rubin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, magic, sheer magic.

Sometimes the artist puts on the producer’s hat as well. This can work for some and be too daunting for others. I feel that this can be exhausting both physically and mentally  and takes a superhuman effort to pull off.

Then there is the producer who is also a musician who does double duty, producing AND playing on project he is working on. While this sounds like it would be cool for the producer it makes me wonder if something is lost on either side because of the hard work it takes to play and produce. I know some who have pulled it off successfully, more power to them. Chris Collier  and his double duty work on the Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza Project song “It’s All I Need” comes quickly to mind.

Here’s a piece of advice to up and coming bands: Do yourself a favor and make sure you pay attention to the production of your recordings, it will pay off in the end.

I wish to thank the following producers for the body of work they have given to the world of music: George Clinton, Roy Thomas Baker, Jerry Wexler, Jimmy Miller, Trevor Horn, Steve Lillywhite, Jeff Lynne, Jimmy Iovine, Sam Phillips, Berry Gordy, Mutt Lange, Teo Macero, Jim Steinman, Chris Thomas, Daniel Lanois, Todd Rundgren, T Bone Burnett, Arif Mardin, Brian Wilson, Brian Eno, Rick Rubin, Phil Spector, Nile Rodgers, Quincy Jones, Sir George Martin, Chris Collier, Sterling Winfield, Steve Thompson. While in no means complete, these producers quickly come to mind for me.

In conclusion, take out that favorite recording and listen to it, I mean REALLY listen to it. The mix of bass, drums, guitars, and overall presence combined with the talent of the band. Then look at the production credits, seek out the producer and thank them.

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

-the Hellion

the Hellion Rocks presents: Pat Harrington of GAGGLE OF COCKS

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Dirty Rock N’ Roll, you know I love it. I was taken aback when I first heard the name GAGGLE OF COCKS, I shut up and listened when I heard them. I believe you will dig these cats as well so check out the interview with Pat Harrington right here:

     Here’s video for the track “Black Helicopters” for ya:

     Be sure and check out GAGGLE OF COCKS online at:

http://gaggleofcocks.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gaggleofcocks

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     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s GAGGLE OF COCKS!!!

     – the Hellion

 

(Hed)P.E. and SOiL announce Born To Ride 2 Tour‏

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Metal, rasta, punk infused heavyweights (hed)P.E. will embark on the “Born To Ride 2” tour with fellow label mates SOiL throughout May 2014. This tour follows 2012’s “Born To Ride” tour featuring both bands.

 

(Hed)P.E.’s forthcoming album “Evolution” is currently being mixed and is slated for a summer 2014 release on Pavement Entertainment. This is the follow up to 2010’s “Truth Rising”. According to vocalist Jahred, the album will be “Some of the heaviest material we have ever recorded”.

 

SOiL is currently supporting their new single “The Hate Song” which comes from the critically acclaimed new album “Whole”. Available digitally and in stores now.

Confirmed dates are as follows:

 

MAY 2014:

1 Arlington Heights, IL     HOME bar

2 Waterloo, IA                  Reverb Rock Garden

4 Denver, CO                   Summit Theatre

7 Los Angeles, CA           Whiskey A Go Go

8 Pomona, CA                 The Glass House

9 Las Vegas, NV              LVCS

10 Tempe, AZ                 The Marquee

11 Ramona, CA               Ramona Mainstage

13 Long Beach, CA         Gaslamp

14 Fresno, CA                 Strummer’s

16 San Francisco, CA      DNA

17 Sacramento, CA         Ace Of Spades

18 Reno, NV                    Knitting Factory

20 Spokane, WA              Knitting Factory

21 Seattle, WA                 Studio Seven

22 Portland, OR               Hawthorne Theatre

24 Salt Lake City, UT         In The Venue

25 Colorado Springs, CO   Black Sheep

30 Oklahoma City, OK       The Chameleon Room (SOiL Only)

31 Kansas City, MO           Kansas City Rockfest (SOiL Only)

 

Razor & Tie Hits #1 And #2 At Rock Radio With The Pretty Reckless and All That Remains

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RAZOR & TIE HITS #1 AND #2 AT ACTIVE ROCK RADIO
– FIRST INDEPENDENT LABEL TO HOLD BOTH SPOTS
The Pretty Reckless “Heaven Knows” At #1
All That Remains “What If I Was Nothing” At #2
(New York, NY) – Razor & Tie celebrates the top two spots on the Active Rock Radio chart this week with The Pretty Reckless hit song “Heaven Knows” hitting #1 and All That Remains’ “What If I Was Nothing” landing at #2.  Led by Razor & Tie Senior Vice President Promotions Kurt Steffek, this marks the first time an independent label has held the top two spots on the chart.  The Pretty Reckless join All That Remains and P.O.D. as Razor & Tie bands that have gone to #1 on the rock charts.
Steffek comments, “I’m extremely proud of this accomplishment for Razor & Tie and couldn’t be happier for our bands.  Hats off to some great A&R as well as the wonderful promo team that I work with.”
Razor & Tie Co-Owner’s Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam add, “We have made a commitment to work with the most inspiring artists in rock and this is an incredibly gratifying accomplishment. We are very fortunate to support The Pretty Reckless and All That Remains.  More to come.
The Pretty Reckless celebrate this first #1 Radio hit in advance of their forthcoming album release, Going To Hell, on March 18th.  The video for the “Heaven Knows” can be watched here: http://vevo.ly/GlreyE. The band, led by singer Taylor Momsen, has supported Evanescence, Guns N’ Roses and Marilyn Manson on tour in addition to headline runs in both the U.S. and abroad. The Pretty Reckless is currently supporting Fall Out Boy on tour in Europe and UK  and look out for dates in North America this spring and summer.
“What If I Was Nothing” is from All That Remains’ album A War You Cannot Win.   The album debuted at #13 on the Billboard Top 200. “What If I Was Nothing” also marks the band’s 6th Top 10 single at the format.  The first single from the album, “Stand Up” reached #1 at Active Rock Radio.   One of the leading rock/metal bands in music today, ATR has sold more than 1 million combined albums to date and 1,500,000 tracks to date.
An exciting time in the label’s history, Razor & Tie has upcoming releases from Chiodos, Chelsea Grin and KYNG along with additional releases via the label’s new imprint Washington Square from The Hold Steady and Augustana.

KXM releases video for “Rescue Me”

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Ray  Luzier (KORN), dUG Pinnick (KING’S X), and George Lynch (LYNCH MOB) collectively known as KXM have released the video for “Rescue Me” off of their forthcoming Rat Pak Records release! Enjoy:

PHOTO - KXM General Publicity 1 (Sébastien Paquet) copy

https://www.facebook.com/KXMofficial

http://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/kxm

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s KXM!

     the Hellion

WINGER RELEASE VIDEO FOR DEBUT SINGLE “RAT RACE”

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WINGER RELEASE VIDEO FOR DEBUT SINGLE “RAT RACE”

 

Latest Album Better Days Comin’ Available in

North America on April 22nd Via Frontiers Records

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iTunes Pre-Order Available at http://smarturl.it/WingerDeluxe

 

(New York, NY – March 5th, 2014) –Winger returns this week with the first video from their upcoming Frontiers Records release Better Days Comin’. “Rat Race” is the debut single from the album being released in North America on April 22nd. The video for the song can be seen right here: 

The video was also featured on the home page of Ultimate Classic Rock. The high-energy song and video alternates between black and white performance footage and color montages of life’s daily rat race. “Rat Race” was filmed in Nashville, TN and directed by Jason Green.

“In this day and age, how quick you think, hard you try,no matter how fast you run, someone is always gaining on you” states front man Kip Winger. “We wanted to make sure the video visually represented that.”

 

Better Days Comin’ is available for digital download via iTunes at http://smarturl.it/WingerDeluxe. Fans that pre-order the album will receive an instant download of the first single “Rat Race.” The album is also available for physical pre-order on Amazon.com in a standard (http://smarturl.it/WNGR_AmzCD) and deluxe configuration (http://smarturl.it/WNGR_AmzDLX). The deluxe edition comes in a glossy digipak and includes the bonus track “Another Beautiful Day” and a DVD including a Making of the Album documentary as well as the videos for “Rat Race” and title track “Better Days Comin’.” Fans can also order exclusive bundles, autographed items and more from the band’s webstore at http://bit.ly/1hJLPYw.

 

From the opening riff of album opener “Midnight Driver of a Love Machine” to the final outro lick of “Out Of This World,” it is clear Winger is back and better than ever. Hard rocking songs like “Queen Babylon,” progressive rock movements like “Tin Soldier,” and touching ballads like “Ever Wonder” show the band’s diversity while always centering on great songs. The band has always been known for their incredible musicianship and the trend continues on Better Days Comin’.

 

Winger formed in the late 1980’s and soared to immediate success with their 1988 self-titled release. The album spawned the hit singles “Seventeen” and “Headed For A Heartbreak” and achieved platinum sales status. Winger also stayed on the Billboard Top 200 chart for over 60 weeks where it peaked at #21. Their next album, In The Heart Of The Young, also achieved platinum status behind the singles “Can’t Get Enuff” and “Miles Away.” The change in musical climate of the mid-90’s, compounded with unprovoked ridicule on MTV’s popular Beavis and Butthead, led the band to go on hiatus in 1994. In 2001, the band reunited and have not looked back since. Winger has made a name for themselves with relentless touring, while winning back fans and critics alike because of their exceptional musicianship, Kip Winger’s powerful vocals and the band’s incredible songwriting.

PHOTO - Winger General Publicity 1 (ANDRES MARTINEZ)

 

Winger is comprised of Kip Winger on vocals/bass, Reb Beach on guitar, John Roth on guitar and Rod Morgenstein on drums.

www.wingertheband.com

 

 

STRYPER FRONTMAN MICHAEL SWEET RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “I’M NOT YOUR SUICIDE” AVAILABLE VIA ITUNES WITH PORTIONS OF THE PROCEEDS GOING TO SUPPORT CHILDHELP

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Video Premieres Today at

Loudwire http://loudwire.com/michael-sweet-im-not-your-suicide-exclusive-video-premiere

Noisecreephttp://noisecreep.com/michael-sweet-im-not-your-suicide-exclusive-video-premiere

and NewReleaseTuesdayhttp://nrt.cc/MichaelSweetPremiere

Solo Album Slated for Release on May 6th Via Big 3 Records Available for

Pre-Order Via MichaelSweet.com

 

(NEW YORK, NY) – Michael Sweet, singer/songwriter/guitarist for the multi-platinum rock band Stryper, is releasing the debut single, “I’m Not Your Suicide,” from his upcoming solo album of the same name being released on May 6th via Big 3 Records. Michael Sweet has partnered up with ChildHelp for the release of the single. Michael Sweet and Big3 Records are donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of ‘I’m Not Your Suicide’ to ChildHelp. The single is available via iTunes and can be purchased here: http://tinyurl.com/NotYourSuicideiTunes. The video for “I’m Not Your Suicide” will be premiering today as well with an exclusive premiere at Loudwire, Noisecreep and NewReleaseTuesday.

 

Michael Sweet felt compelled to partner with ChildHelp after learning that almost half of all children who have been abused consider suicide. His intention was for the heartfelt lyrics to connect with these kids and hopefully offer some peace to those in need. Bringing added attention to the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers an immediate 24/7 professional crisis counselor on call, and championing the ChildHelp Speak Up Be Safe in schools, Michael Sweet is sharing a message of crisis intervention and prevention education. “I’m Not Your Suicide” is a song with a message of hope and through the partnership with ChildHelp, illustrate to children a positive alternative through the lyrics of the song.

 

The full album I’m Not Your Suicide is available for pre-sale at MichaelSweet.com. Fans who pre-order the full-album will be able to instantly download the song “Taking On The World Tonight (featuring Tony Harnell) and be registered to win a guitar used in the recording of the album. Fans will also receive a sneak-peek into the upcoming autobiography Honestly: My Life and Stryper Revealed. Buyers will be able to download chapter 18, a chapter where Michael reveals his personal thoughts on Christian music and the industry that surrounds it. The autobiography was originally slated for release on May 6th, but due to production delays will be available at a later date.All details are at MichaelSweet.com

 

With the upcoming and long-overdue solo album, Sweet is finally delivering the project fans have been patiently waiting for. Self-produced, I’m Not Your Suicide includes special appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (dcTalk, Audio Adrenaline), Chris Jericho (Fozzy), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Electra Mustaine (daughter of Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine) and Stryper bandmates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines. Legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff played on the record as well.

 

Sweet is best known as the singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer for Christian rock pioneers Stryper, selling over 10 million albums worldwide. In addition to Stryper, Sweet has had a successful solo career, and he served as the guitarist and co-vocalist for the legendary classic rock band BOSTON from 2007-2011. The future remains bright for a man who has endured heartbreaking tribulations throughout his life and career, including the 2009 passing of his wife of more than 22 years, Kyle. In 2010, Sweet remarried to Lisa Champagne-Sweet, a woman he describes as “a Godsend and the one who fits perfectly by my side.” Sweet continues to record and tour with Stryper, as well as touring and recording as a solo artist.

 

For more information on Michael Sweet visit www.MichaelSweet.com