Guitar Maestro ULI JON ROTH to Release “Scorpions Revisited” – A Double-Disc Collection of Re-Imagined SCORPIONS Classics‏

Guitar Maestro ULI JON ROTH to Release “Scorpions Revisited”

 

A Double-Disc Collection of Re-Imagined SCORPIONS Classics

 

Out March 10, 2015 (US) via UDR Music

 

…Feast your ears, heart and emotions on ULI JON ROTH’s unique return to his most famous musical legacy…

 

US Tour Dates Below – Jan/Feb 2015

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     UDR, The Home Of Legends, is set to release guitar legend ULI JON ROTH’s brand new double album of 19 re-invented Scorpions tracks, entitled Scorpions Revisited, on March 10, 2015. Pre-orders for the album will be available soon.

     For over four decades, ULI JON ROTH has forged new frontiers in the world of guitar, both in terms of approach and style. He even managed to invent the sky-guitar, a six octave lead instrument that remains unparalleled. But before he started to explore the creative worlds of music, philosophy and art, ULI JON ROTH was a member of European rock giants, the Scorpions, a band with which he helped create a new path in hard rock music. In 2013, venerated for his originality and dynamism at the time, Roth found himself intrigued by the memory of those early days which began 40 years ago, and specifically by the music he helped write, perform and occasionally sing on the albums Fly To The Rainbow, In Trance, Virgin Killer and Taken By Force. It lead to Roth deciding to spend a year re-visiting, exploring, performing and re-recording his favorite Scorpions songs.

     The first results of this magical, mystical journey into his own past can be heard on ULI JON ROTH’s Scorpions Revisited, a double-disc CD recorded in Hanover, Germany which sees the maestro re-harness all the collective power and poise of those original Scorpions classics, and re-imagine them as he feels today. No one in their right mind would dare call these mere re-recordings, as it’s clear that ULI JON ROTH reinvents these songs from the soul up.

Track listing – CD1:

1.       The Sails Of Charon

2.      Longing For Fire

3.      Crying Days

4.      Virgin Killer

5.      In Trance

6.      Sun In My Hand

7.      Yellow Raven

8.      Polar Nights

9.      Dark Lady

Track listing – CD2:

1.      Catch Your Train

2.      Evening Wind

3.      All Night Long

4.      We’ll Burn In The Sky

5.      Pictured Life

6.      Hell Cat

7.      Life’s Like A River

8.      Drifting Sun

9.      Rainbow Dream Prelude

10.  Fly To The Rainbow

     “The material for this double CD was recorded last year in the same hall in Hanover that we used for the Scorpions rehearsals 1973-1978,”explains Roth. “Together with an amazing bunch of very talented young musicians, I revisited my personal favourites from the early Scorpionsperiod, some of which were written in that same hall. It was an emotional few days and I am very pleased with the results in more ways than one. The idea was to stay truthful to the original spirit of the music, while also putting a new slant on it whenever it felt like the right thing to do. I feel we really succeeded in this and I’m very excited about this project. It was a intense journey into the past and I think we really managed to bring the songs back to life with a vengeance.”

     The band which performed with Roth for these historic shows was Nathan James (vocals), Jamie Little (drums), Ule W. Ritgen (bass), Niklas Turmann (guitar, vocals), Corvin Bahn (keyboards, vocals) and David Klosinski (guitar).

     As noted, this is the first fruit from a re-engagement with his history that left ULI JON ROTH enjoying a surge of fresh creativity and approach to this classic material. Expect a further announcement for 2015. But for now, feast your ears, heart and emotions on ULI JON ROTH’s unique return to his most famous musical legacy.

2015 ULI JON ROTH US Tour Dates:

JANUARY

21.01.2015 – California – Ramona – Mainstage
22.01.2015 – California – Anaheim – House of Blues

23.01.2015 – California – Hollywood – House of Blues
24.01.2015 – Nevada – Las Vegas – Vamp’d
25.01.2015 – California – San Josè – Rock Star Bar
26.01.2015 – Oregon – Portland – Tonic
27.01.2015 – Washington – Seattle – Studio 7
29.01.2015 – Minnesota – Moorehead – The Garage
30.01.2015 – Minnesota – Spring Lake Park – POVS
31.01.2015 – Illinois – St. Charles – Arcada Theatre

FEBRUARY

01.02.2015 – Illinois – Chicago – Reggie’s (& Sky Academy)
02.02.2015 – Michigan – Detroit – Token Lounge
03.02.2015 – Toronto – Mod Club
04.02.2015 – Ohio – Cleveland – Agora Ballroom
05.02.2015 – Connecticut – Hartford – Infinity Hall
06.02.2015 – New Hampshire – Londonderry – Tupelo Music Hall
07.02.2015 – New York – Poughkeepsie – The Chance
08.02.2015 – New York – Manhattan – BB King’s
09.02.2015 – Virginia – Springfield – The Empire

2015 ULI JON ROTH International Tour Dates:

19.02.2015 – Japan – Nagoya – Bottom Line
20.02.2015 – Japan – Tokyo – Nakano Sun Plaza Hall
22.02.2015 – Japan Osaka – Quattro

11.04.2015 – Full Metal Cruise II –
to                   Mediterranian Sea –
16.04.2015    Plama de Mallorca/Barcelona/Ibiza

24.04.2015 – Germany – Lauda-Königshofen – Keep it True Festival
22.05.2015 – Germany – Bocholt – Alte Molkerei
23.05.2015 – Germany – Bocholt – Alte Molkerei
22.08.2015 – Germany – Balve – Balver Höhle

27.08.2015 – Full Metal Cruise III –
to                  North Sea –
31.08.2015   Kiel/Copenhaven/Gothenburg/Hamburg

 For more information, please visit www.ulijonroth.com and www.udr-music.com.

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

     -the Hellion

Top 10 releases of 2014!!!

     Here is the list of the top 10 releases for the Hellion Rocks, Do yourself a favor and give these a listen, your earholes will thank you!

10: Monte Pitman The Power of Three

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9: Kix Rock Your Face Off

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http://www.kixband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKIX/info

8: Graveyard BBQ The Road That Lies Ahead

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www.graveyardbbq.com

https://www.facebook.com/GraveyardBBQ/info

7: Tracii Guns League Of Gentlemen The Second Record

traciigunssecondrecord

http://www.traciigunsband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/traciigunsband/info

6: Down Down IV, Pt. II

downivpart2

www.down-nola.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/downnolacom

www.downboard.com www.myspace.com/downnola

https://www.facebook.com/down/info?tab=page_info

5: Red Dragon Cartel Red Dragon Cartel 

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http://reddragoncartel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/reddragoncartel/info

4: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators  World On Fire

slash_wof

http://slashonline.com

http://bit.ly/1eaRGCg

https://www.facebook.com/Slash/info

3: Tesla Simplicity

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https://www.facebook.com/TeslaTheBand

www.teslatheband.com

2: Black Label Society Catacombs Of The Black Vatican

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https://www.facebook.com/blacklabelsociety

http://www.zakkwylde.com

http://www.twitter.com/zakkwyldebls

http://www.blacklabelsociety.com
http://www.johnjddeservio.com

1: Crowned By Fire Space Music For Cave People

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http://www.crownedbyfire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire/info

     it’s only Rock N’ Roll but I like it…

     -the Hellion

 

Catching up with Justin Manning of Crowned By Fire

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I have been fortunate and had several interviews with Justin. One had crows making a guest appearance, and another featured traffic altercation. Tonight we had an hour of uninterrupted conversation. Sit back and enjoy:

http://www.crownedbyfire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CROWNED BY FIRE

     -the Hellion

 

 

That one song…

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Here’s something I’ve been wondering about. Are there any songs out there that you just can’t listen to anymore? I mean songs that you once couldn’t get enough of but now cringe and change them when they come on . There are a couple of great songs that I am completely burnt out on and I’m sure I’ll catch hell from some people about them and here they are: “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and “Dream On” by Aerosmith. I know, I know, they are iconic songs by iconic bands but listening to them makes me nuts. It could be that I was over exposed to them when they were on regular rotation on FM radio. Let me reiterate, these are great songs but are worn out to me. What are your thoughts, and songs that just don’t do it for you anymore?

-the Hellion

My conversation with John Lennon

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photo by Bob Gruen 1974

     Yes you read that right. Let me explain further.

     Some musicians become prophets and there are very poignant messages in their words. I often times find  myself “conversing” with them.

     Given the state of the world lately I found myself wondering what John would have to say. I thought of how John might view the world and was first reminded of my favorite photo of John which was taken by one of my photographic idols, Bob Gruen. To me it shows the playful, whimsical side of John and at the same time I feel it shows that John looked at the world in many different ways.

    I suffer from an overactive mind that leaves me fighting hard to try to sleep. On one of those evenings I found myself thinking of John and heard “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” in my head. The answer was music and my love of it, that was usually what got me through the nights.  I continued to think about what John would think of how people were constantly thinking only of themselves with little regard to others and bam, “Instant Karma” was there.

     Even when nothing was seeming to go right one day I heard “Nobody Told Me” and I had to stop and smile at it. Yes John was talking to me beyond the grave. I could keep going on and on with examples that had relevance to situations, “Mind Games”, “Imagine”, “Woman”, there’s so many if you open your mind and ears.

     What kind of man could have written these songs that remain so pertinent? Someone who wrote from the heart and not for monetary gain. When someone writes from within and with feeling magic happens.

     I am lucky to be a part of several musicians who are going back to roots and making musical magic again, and I thank them.

     One of his songs that means the world to me is “Love”. The world needs more of it, I revel in it with my wife and family, and I share it with all of you.

     John you have been a good friend to me for so many years and I miss the light you shared with the world. I’ll talk to you soon.

     -the Hellion

UFO Reveal Track Listing to new Album A Conspiracy of Stars

UFO Reveal Track Listing to new Album A Conspiracy of Stars

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Available March 3rd in North America on Steamhammer/SPV

Of course you don’t need to attach more importance to this piece of news than it necessarily has, but it certainly deserves to be mentioned: for the first time in more than 20 years, one of the most British rock bands in music history has recorded a studio album in their native country. Their latest offering is entitled A Conspiracy Of Stars, was cut by rock legend UFO and breathes that typically British easy-going confidence for which this band has been known for over 45 years. A strong release consisting of eleven songs which combine everything that the group surrounding frontman Phil Mogg stands for: meaty riffs, distinctive hooks, diverse songwriting, intelligent lyrics and that generally laid-back attitude which we have associated with UFO from the start. The fact that A Conspiracy Of Stars was produced and mixed by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, among others) may be considered another successful element in a thoroughly consistent release. To cut a long story short: their 22nd studio recording to date sees UFO prove that past and present can be blended in a homogeneous whole.

A Conspiracy Of Starspresents UFO’s current line-up for the first time: along with the original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (keyboards, guitar) and Andy Parker (drums), lead guitarist Vinnie Moore has been a permanent member of the group since 2003, American bassist Rob De Luca joining the fold in 2012. De Luca is not only a brilliant instrumentalist but has also contributed two of the album tracks as a songwriter. The majority of the new material was composed by Vinnie Moore, the album also featuring a song by Paul Raymond and a collaboration between Raymond and De Luca. The lyrics were penned by frontman Phil Mogg.

Track Listing Digipak:

01. The Killing Kind

02. Run Boy Run

03. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun

04. Sugar Cane

05. Devils In The Detail

06. Precious Cargo

07. The Real Deal

08. One And Only

09. Messiah Of Love

10. Rolling Rolling

11. King Of The Hill (Bonus Track)

Track Listing Jewel Case:

01. The Killing Kind

02. Run Boy Run

03. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun

04. Sugar Cane

05. Devils In The Detail

06. Precious Cargo

07. The Real Deal

08. One And Only

09. Messiah Of Love

10. Rolling Rolling

 

Track Listing LP:

Side 1

01. The Killing Kind

02. Run Boy Run

03. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun

Side 2

01. Sugar Cane

02. Devils In The Detail

03. Precious Cargo

Side 3

01. The Real Deal

02. One And Only

03. Messiah Of Love

Side 4

01. Rolling Rolling

02. King Of The Hill (Bonus Track)

23 February 2015 will see the European release (Scandinavia: 18 February 2015 / Germany: 20 February 2015 / US: 3 March 2015) as Digipak (including poster and bonus track), jewel case, vinyl colored double LP and download.

TOUR DATES 2015

FEBRUARY

Fri 20 Germany, Barby – Rautenkranz

Sat 21 Germany, Berlin – K17

Sun 22 Germany, Hagen/Osnabrück – Saal Stock

Mon 23 Germany, Hamburg – Downtown Blues Club

Wed 25 Germany, Mannheim – Alte Seilerei

Thu 26 Germany, Bochum – Zeche

Fri 27 Germany, Siegburg – Kubana

Sat 28 Germany, Affalter – Zur Linde

MARCH

Mon 02 Germany, Rostock – Mau Club

Wed 04 Poland, Warsaw – Stodola

Thu 05 Lithuania, Vilnius  – Forum Palace

Fri 06 Poland, Krakow – Kwadrat

Sat 07 Czech Rep., Zlin – Masters of Rock Café

Mon 09 Germany, Burgrieden/Ulm  – Riffelhof

Tue 10 Germany, Osterode – Dorster Festhalle

Wed 11 Germany, Freiburg – Jazzhaus

Thu 12 Switzerland, Zug – Choller Halle

APRIL

Thu 16 England, Norwich – Waterfront

Fri 17 England, Cambridge – Junction

Sat 18 England, Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall

Sun 19 England, Manchester – Ritz

Tue 21 Ireland, Dublin – The Academy

Wed 22 N. Ireland, Belfast – The Limelight

Fri 24 England, Glasgow – O2 ABC

Sat 25 England, Newcastle – O2 Academy

Sun 26 England, Leeds – O2 Academy

Tue 28 England, Nottingham – Rock City

Thu 30 England, Bristol – O2 Academy

MAY

Fri 01 England, Falmouth – Pavilion

Sat 02 England, Exeter – Phoenix

Sun 03 England, Salisbury – City Hall

Tue 05 England, Brighton – Concorde 2

Wed 06 England, Oxford – O2 Academy

Thu 07 England, London – HMV Forum

Photo from left to right:

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Rob De Luca (bass), Phil Mogg (vocals), Andy Parker (drums), Vinnie Moore (guitar), Paul Raymond (keyboards, guitar)

______________________________________

www.ufo-music.info

https://www.facebook.com/UFOofficial

https://www.facebook.com/steamhammerofficial

www.spv.de

     this record ROCKS!!!!

     -the Hellion

VENOM Reveal Stunning From The Very Depths Cover Art!

VENOM Reveal Stunning From The Very Depths Cover Art!

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Album Out January 27 Via Spinefarm Records

VENOM announced the January 27 release of From The Very Depths(Spinefarm Records) last week, news that was met with elation among the metal community, from tastemakers to fans. The metal icons, who are pretty much responsible for authoring their own genre, have followed up the album release news by sharing the two-horns-up album artwork.

 

The cover is visually arresting, featuring skeletal beings bathed in red and orange tones. The image is dominated by the instantly recognizable VENOMlogo, and is a natural successor to the artwork for previous album, 2011’sFallen Angels, also released via Spinefarm.

 

And to think this is merely the cover! The album’s accompanying music slays,and early praise indicates that this could be one VENOM‘s best releases…ever. Even the album title is 100 per cent ‘Venomous’, referencing the band’s infamous live intro tape.

 

Screw the holiday season. January 27 can’t get here fast enough!

For More Info Visit:

www.venomslegions.com

www.spinefarmrecords.com

Can you feel the darkness?

-the Hellion

EXODUS Drummer TOM HUNTING Performs for New Jersey Music Students at Master Class Clinic

EXODUS Drummer TOM HUNTING Performs for New Jersey Music Students at Master Class Clinic

See Below for Photos from “Meetings with Masters” at New Jersey’s Old Bridge Music Center School

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This past Sunday, November 30th, students at The Old Bridge Music Center School in Old Bridge, New Jersey, were treated to a special Master Class clinic with EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting. The event was part of the school’s ongoing “Meetings with Masters” series that offers young music students the chance to learn from top music industry professionals from around the world.

 

Highlights of the Master Class included an inside look at Hunting’s successful career, drum tips and techniques, advice to young musicians looking to have a career in the music industry, and a Q&A session. Students were then given the opportunity to play along with Hunting on a second drum set with other student musicians in a series of “Double Drum” jams to close the event, much to the delight of all in attendance.

 

“Wow! What an amazing day! We had such a great time and it was really inspiring to take part in the very important work that The Old Bridge Music Center School does,” states Tom Hunting. “I couldn’t be happier about how the day went. We talked a lot about touring, and the lifestyle, practice techniques, different styles of music, and pretty much every aspect of music. And the kids were so smart, extremely talented, and very engaged in the process. I left there wishing we had more time to talk and jam!

 

Hunting adds, “Teaching is something I plan to pursue as a career when all the touring, recording, and traveling with EXODUS settles down in the future. This was my first time teaching (other than a few private lessons) and I left Old Bridge inspired and with a feeling that this is a good path for me. I wanna thank both of the Gregg’s and Zipperhead and everyone else involved in this school for one of my favorite days I can ever remember!  It was a true pleasure and I can’t wait to get back to Old Bridge! Cheers!”

To learn more about the Old Bridge Music Center and their programs, please visit www.oldbridgemusiccenter.com,http://oldbridgemusiccenter.wordpress.com, or www.facebook.com/oldbridgemusiccenter.

 

Tom Hunting and EXODUS are currently wrapping up their tour with headliners Slayer and fellow special guests Suicidal Tendencies. Afterward,EXODUS will embark on a quick run of headline shows from December 7th through December 14th. See below for all remaining tour dates.

 

EXODUS in North America with SLAYER & SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

12/04 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN

12/05 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI

12/06 – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, IN

 

EXODUS Headline Dates:

12/07 – Aftershock – Merriam, KS

12/08 – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO

12/09 – Pub Station – Billings, MT

12/10 – The Hop – Spokane, WA

12/11 – Studio Seven – Seattle, WA 

12/12 – Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR

12/13 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theater

12/14 – Fresno, CA @ Strummers

 

 

On October 14th, EXODUS released their brand new album, Blood In, Blood Out, via Nuclear Blast. The record debuted at #38 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 charts in its first week, which concretes Blood In, Blood Out’s status as the band’s highest-charting album to date. Blood In, Blood Out can be ordered from the Nuclear Blast USA Webshop in CD, digi-pak + bonus DVD, 2-LP exclusive yellow vinyl, and imported limited edition box set formats. The album can also be purchased via iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Or, pick up a copy of the album at your local music retailers.

 

Like: www.facebook.com/EXODUSATTACK

Follow: twitter.com/EXODUSATTACK

Watch: www.YouTube.com/EXODUS

 

AC/DC: Rock Or Bust?

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The last great AC/DC record was Back In Black. There I’ve said it, and I’ll stand by it. I was worried about the future of the band with the loss of Bon Scott and was impressed with their release of Back In Black and then, it all fell apart for me. There were the occasional singles that were decent but overall I lost interest in AC/DC. All of the While I continued to purchase each release with the hopes of finding something inspiring within.

2014 brought us the news of Malcolm having health issues and leaving the band and Phil Rudd living up to the bad boy rocker image, and the news of a new record. Could these issues give the album a new fire? I hoped.

I received my copy and with fingers crossed, shut out the world, and listened.

What was there was an average AC/DC record. There were no tracks that jumped out and grabbed me like the songs of old. Don’t get me wrong, the tracks are not terrible, just not great. Their playing is still excellent and powerful, but the songs themselves are not. I feel that they have found a comfort zone and are playing safely within it. They’ve still got “Big Balls” though.

Rock Or Bust? Sorry AC/DC, it’s a bust for me….

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

-the Hellion

Was Dimebag really that great?

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 photo credit: Chad Lee

THIS POST IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO DISRESPECT THE MEMORY OF DIME

 

It has been almost ten years since Dimebag was shot to death onstage. It just so happened that I was talking to a very well known guitarist today (he wished to remain anonymous) about Dime and the impact he has had on the music community. His opinions and thoughts made me think about Dime and his influence.

I see so many people sporting the pink goatee and citing Dime as their main influence in guitar playing. But was he REALLY that good a player? I mean are there any songs by him that are truly game changers? Or is it “cool” to like him and therefore “cool” to cite him as an innovator? In my discussion with my friend the statement was made that Pantera filled a niche in the metal community and that was all it was.

In my opinion Dime played with heart and soul and THAT is good enough for me. If you look at the so called “A-List” guitar players you might find that their “skill-level”, or “technical mastery” might be lacking but their heart and interpretation was spot on.

I am just curious what you, loyal reader, have to say about Dimebag. Not looking for a slamming of him just some intelligent feedback.

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

-the Hellion