GRINDERMAN 2

Grinderman 2 has been released and like it's primate fronting brother this second 'wolf' record offers the same majestic, destructive, noise creating team of four, that delivered that first raw album. Except that in this sophomore offering the band have managed to maintain that sonic ear lashing bashing, whilst also dwelling into territory that explores a broadening of the bands' sound without relinquishing the initial vitality found on Grinderman I. Tracks such as ''Worm Tamer'' deliver garage, psychedelia, whilst the sensational ''Palaces of Montezuma'' simply stands out on its own; certainly the most talked about track on the album so far. A personal highlight however is the prog-like "When my baby comes", click here to give it a listen.

The album is hopefully a sign of things to come, promising that Grinderman is not just another project for Cave but instead it will exist for many years to come, as next to the Bad Seeds' softer appraoch, Grinderman is the perfect antidote with which to rock out to, laugh and admire Ellis', Casey's, Sclavunos' & Cave's unrefined sonic creativity. (Click for: GRINDERMAN - "Star Charmer", a non LP track)

For tickets and tour dates click here

GRINDERMAN - "Palaces of Montezuma" - Jools Holland

"The spinal cord of JFK...."

SOUNDGARDEN AT THE VIC THEATRE

mtv article

'Jesus Christ Pose'

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS BRIXTON ACADEMY REVIEW

The crowd was loud, Kretz, the DeLeo's and Weiland were certainly on form and the music was powerful and moving as ever. The venue's Roman facade's and peeling paint lay the setting for a night of sensational Weiland dancing, groove riffing rock. 'Vasoline' and 'Crackerman' set the pace for gig but there were also some new tracks which went down quite well with the hungry crowd as well as some rare tracks; 'Lounge Fly' & 'Tumble in the Rough', The 'hits' which went down like a storm, 'Plush', & 'Interstate Love Song' to name two. Dean DeLeo proved he's an underrated class guitarist, whose bright but heavy chords are the fill and texture to the unit of Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz's superb bass and drum backbone, the trio providing the platform and colour for Scott Weiland's Bowie meets John Lydon persona. His frontman and vocal abilites were top notch as he delivered 'Big Empty' and 'Trippin' On A Hole'...' with a profound emotion and projection that enticed every individual in the Academy to unite and sing in hope for another STP concert of this quality soon.

1. Vasoline
2. Crackerman
3. Wicked Garden
4. Between The Lines
5. Hickory Dichotomy
6. Big Empty
7. Sour Girl
8. Creep
9. Plush
10. Interstate Love Song
11. Bagman
12. Huckleberry Crumble
13. Tumble In The Rough
14. Lounge Fly
15. Sex Type Thing
16. Encore:
17. Dead And Bloated
18. Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart

AEROSMITH - LONDON 02 ARENA REVIEW - PHOTOS

Aerosmith were fantastic at the London 02 Arena last night. Good to see they are still here having read only 6 months ago that it was all over for the boys. They delivered a set of sing a long classics, as well as some vintage material...no 'Combination' though, which could have taken the place of that song...."I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", which seemed slightly out of place last night, considering the quality of the set, inclusive of other ballads such as 'What It Takes 'and 'Cryin'. Steven Tyler proved that he still is the greatest front man alive today and all 18,000 there last night hang to his every word and charismatic swagger.

Airbourne were a great surprise opening act that shook the rock n'roll foundations of the edifice.

Only negative; the face value of the tickets...

1. Love in an Elevator
2. Back in the Saddle
3. Falling in Love (is Hard on the Knees)
4. Eat The Rich
5. Pink
6. Livin' on the Edge
7. What It Takes
8. Chip Away the Stone
9. Train Kept A-Rollin' (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
10. Cryin'
11. Drum Solo
12. Lord Of The Thighs
13. Stop Messin' Around (Fleetwood Mac cover)
14. I Don't Want To Miss a Thing
15. Sweet Emotion
16. Baby, Please Don't Go (Big Joe Williams cover)
17. Draw the Line
18. 
    
19. Encore:
20. Dream On
21. Walk This Way
22. Toys in the Attic

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - 02 SHEPHERD'S BUSH EMPIRE LONDON REVIEW / PHOTOS

Fantastic performance from Michael and the boys. The sound was excellent and the surprise guests were a real treat. Pete Way & Paul Raymond plus Doogie White joining the band for 'Doctor Doctor' was superb, as well as Herman Rarebell on for 'Lights Out', and Neil Murray on 'A Night to Remember', here's to Pete Way's recovery, as well as plenty more years from MSG on fine form.

Setlist:

Armed And Ready
Cry For The Nations
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Are You Ready to Rock
I Want You
Night To Remember (with Neil Murray)
Into The Arena
Lost Horizons
Rock My Nights Away
On And On
Lights Out (with Herman Rarebell)
Attack of The Mad Axeman

Encore:
Ride On My Way
Doctor Doctor (with Pete Way, Paul Raymond & Doogie White)
Rock Bottom

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - NEWS ON 30th ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Source taken from official MSG site:

Michael Schenker and MSG is very proud to have guest apperances of Herman Rarebell (ex Scorpions), Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake) and Doogie White (ex Rainbow) PLUS MORE SPECIAL SURPRISE GUESTS who will perform only at MSG's 30th Anniversary Shepperds Bush Empire show in London on June 02 2010!

Perhaps even Graham Bonnet will come to the show...

R.I.P Ronnie James Dio "The vision never dies, life's a never ending wheel..."

Today the world has lost a Legend. Ronnie James Dio succumbed to cancer, with his battle ending this morning, but his legacy, unique voice and musical body of work will last till the end of time.

RIP Ronnie James Dio

July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010

KISS - WEMBLEY ARENA - Pt. II

KISS - WEMBLEY ARENA...older & cockier...

KISS- Wembley Arena: 12th May 2010

KISS's legacy is a long & fan head-butting controversial one, but also one to celebrated as it is coming up to 36yrs...hence the ALIVE 35 tour title that began last year and has now become the SONIC BOOM tour in support of the band's new studio effort since 1998's PSYCHO CIRCUS; a record full of contradictions. KISSTORY is filled with wave like highs and lows. From constant line up changes to deaths rip; Eric Carr (July 12, 1950 – November 24, 1991) & Mark St John (February 7, 1956 – April 5, 2007), and tonight is an affair of mainly ups with a few dips in the explosive 2 hour plus set that the band deliver.

My decision to attend the concert was a last minute one as my favourite era of the band is with Stanley, Frehley, Criss & Simmons. Tonight though with Eric Singer & Thommy Thayer taking over the Catman & Space Ace responsibilities, Simmons & Stanley conjured a set of fan favourites and a few new tracks from Sonic Boom. The 2/3 full Wembley arena (a 2nd date added to the SOLD OUT date on the 13th) was loud and proud. It's easy to forget how many classics KISS have, and the crowd tonight put their voices to the test as song after song was sang in heavy chorus and excitement. Paul Stanley is a classy a front man as there has ever been, his voice may be slightly strained at times but for a man nearing 60, his playing, singing & performance are a testament to his dedication to the fans and his passion for the music. Gene on the other hand although equally as dedicated was somewhat a little more 'visual'. His constant groin rubbing and saliva dripping might have been tantalising to women of his age but at times it was somewhat off-putting & gimmicky. Nearing 60, Simmons is no junior, but having said that, he was perhaps just fulfilling his character as the DEMON to it's plethora-tic dimension, as at other points during the night his fire breathing, blood gurgling antics were top notch entertainment and delighted the fans. Singer and Thayer are solid throughout the night and fill the large shoes of the much missed originals; Frehley & Criss; Although as Stanley introduced Thayer to sing ' Shock Me', a signature Ace song, their was an audible lull in the crowds enthusiasm...this may be due to the set list decisions surely coming down to Simmons & Stanley, and therefore their decisions are final. Perhaps a track such as 'When Lightning Strikes' from the new record, sang/written by Thayer would have suited best and would kill of any awkward atmosphere. Thayer's & Singer's playing and on stage performance was excellent and they do the job with full dedication and class.

The show was full of sonic booms, rockets, bazooka's, fire-houses, an excellent light show, flying KISS members and a pivotally great sound. The band really do deliver, and a fan's ticket is worth every penny. Cold Gin, Shout It Out Loud, Detroit Rock City & Love Gun sounded sensational as they played part of a great set to please most.

As a long time KISS fan of all the era's, I had to see them; although one does ask whether the band should have hang the curtain up in 2002 once the farewell tour was completed, as their popularity still exists but for the hard core fans KISS exist as a 50% cover band? Their set list like many 'classic' bands exists due to their original 'golden' era, a bill heavily laden on the 70's work done by the band, and the ALIVE 35 / Sonic Boom tour tag is a representation of their knowledge that their best work stems from this era.

But tonight is a concert that exists in it's own right, KISS prove that despite changes and the passing of time, they still have what it takes to deliver live, and few come to close their stage show & theatrics. The band paid tribute to former members through a touching digital display during 'God Gave Rock n' Roll to You II' as images of the extremely talented Eric Carr, Bruce Kulick were shown along side The Beatles and The Who, a fitting tribute to their past.

Bottom line, KISS is still a must watch live act, go and lose your KISS virginity...

Set List

1. Modern Day Delilah
2. Cold Gin
3. Let Me Go, Rock And Roll
4. Firehouse
5. Say Yeah
6. Deuce
7. Crazy Crazy Nights
8. Calling Dr. Love
9. Shock Me
10. I’m An Animal
11. 100,000 Years
12. I Love It Loud
13. Love Gun
14. Black Diamond
15. Detroit Rock City
16. Lick It Up
17. Shout It Out Loud
18. I Was Made For Lovin’ You
19. God Gave Rock’n Roll To You
20. Rock And Roll All Nite

UFO / SCHENKER NEWS

UFO are about half way through their second leg of their Visitor tour and all UK dates have now been played. There was some interruption to their tour as the volcanic ash caused havoc and forced the band to postpone a date in Germany. All dates end in late May apart from an appearance at the High Voltage Festival in July and rescheduled date in Nurmberg, as well as headlining the HARD ROCK HELL FESTIVAL IN PRESTATYN in December. Coincidently The Michael Schenker Group will also headline the concert at Prestatyn, which will bring up the obvious question....will there be a UFO reunion?

This Year (2010) Michael Schenker is taking MSG's 30th Anniversary Celebration
with Special Line-ups around the World. The Tour already started with amazing enthusiasm in Japan (DVD and Live CD which will be released in Autum) and will be in Europe in May, June, July and will continue in the States in July and August. Also planned are South America, Russia and other countries in Asia. Michael says :"It's exiting stuff and don´t miss the London show at Shepherd's Bush Empire on June 02 with surprise guest appearances!"

The above was taken from MSG's official website. Although Paul Raymond is the only UFO - MSG link, UFO aren't touring in early June. Without jumping to conclusions can we expect a UFO appearance..though UFO has nothing to do with the 30th anniversary celebration of the band, Schennker does perform UFO classics... perhaps we can expect another 'Simon Phillips' appearance on drums? Will Robin McAuley join for a few tracks? Lenni Wolf of KINGDOME COME & Herman Rarebell from the SCORPIONS recently joined MSG on stage at Musikmesse in Germany, so what can we expect from the Mad Axeman? Will it be a special guest opening act or just special guests joining MSG?

In the states MSG will be joined by George Lynch on the now called ''Battle of the Axe Tour'', something that would be great to have over here in the UK.

Check out RB Araki's MSG page for all confirmed and possible tour dates: http://www.rbaraki.com/notice2-e.htm

Head to MISTY GREEN & BLUE for all the latest news on UFO: http://www.beatsworking.tv/UFO/latest.html

Here's some rare LIVE footage of UFO performing Belladonna in Russia 2006:

SOUNDGARDEN FIRST REUNION SHOW - 'NUDEDRAGONS'

Thayil and the boys rip it up at a 'secret' club show...

If the quality here is anything to go by, the reunion will be an explosive affair. Roll on those tour dates.

SCHENKER, WOLF, RAREBELL - MUSIKMESSE MARCH 2010

Great footage of Lenny Wolf (Kingdom Come), Herman Rarebell (Scorpions) & Michael Schenker performing 'Lights out', Armed and ready' and some other tracks, shame the clip isn't longer!

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - ROCK BOTTOM - TOKYO DVD?

Possible footage for the new MSG Japan dvd, if so it looks and sounds truly fantastic. The band is in superb form.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

The band's new single can be downloaded here: http://www.fmqbproductions.com/epks/2010/stp/

The band have scheduled two further UK dates besides their DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL appearence.

June 14th at the Olympia Theatre Dublin & June 16th at Brixton Academy London

New album due MAY 25th, here's theTracklist:

Between The Lines

Take A Load Off

Huckleberry Crumble

Hickory Dichotomy

Dare If You Dare

Cinnamon

Hazy Daze

Bagman

Peacoat

Fast As I Can

First Kiss On Mars

Maver

"Hail! Hail The Sting in the TAIL!!!"

SCORPIONS have begun their final world tour with succesful shows in Prague & Moscow where songs from their new record (now available in Germany, March 22nd & 23rd worldwide) were debuted and well received. STING IN THE TAIL seems to be doing well in terms of chart places so far and reviews have been positive, it's certainly a cut above 'Humanity: HOUR 1, it's certainly a fantastic send-off from the teutonic heroes of metal. The album is hard, heavy, & melodic. Highlights include, 'NO LIMIT', 'RAISED ON ROCK' 'TURN YOU ON', 'LORELEI'...think CRAZY WORLD MEETS 1984's LOVE AT FIRST STING with a slight modern twist. This is pure SCORPIONS, don't expect an overnight sensation, this album takes time to grow, but in my eyes this is a sign of it's quality. Is it their best? No, is it worth it, ABSOLUTELY. It's a stronger record than Humanity or Unbreakable and probably their best since FACE THE HEAT. Buy IT, love IT and GET STUNG. A quality album to end their career with. "Hail! Hail The Sting in the TAIL!!!"

Check out the SCORPIONS official site for more info. Full song clips can be found on Youtube.

Some live reviews:

Prague & Moscow

SLASH SOLO ALBUM PREVIEW

Vid including clips of all songs from Slash's solo record. Some pretty varied stuff, with Myles Kennedy the now confirmed singer for the tour on track 4. "Back from California".

MARCH PLAYLIST: '70, '80, '81, '85, '99, '07

Great rock n' roll track from an arguably overlooked album, excellent chorus.

STP at their best but subdued.

Seemingly forgotten W.A.S.P masterpiece

Probably Ozzy's best epic track, featuring Randy Rhoads seminal guitar work.

Brilliant work from the CCR gang

Killer track from the 80's bad boys.