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(SRX) '90s glam rockers Rag Dolls have reformed and released their first new recording for 20 years, a single entitled "Do You Remember". more

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Will Return To American Idol

(RockAAA) Fox has confirmed that Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson are set to return to the judges' table for season 11 of the popular Fox reality series American Idol, according to Entertainment Weekly.

As we told you last month, Jackson may have let the cat out of the bag during an appearance on Lopez Tonight. "We'll all be back next year. I believe we'll all be back," Randy told George Lopez on his show, the day after the Idol finale.

"It was a hot season," Jackson added. "We started something that was, like, y'know…our 10th year anniversary…so, going into season 11 we got a lot to prove and show again." more on this story

Metallica and Lou Reed Album Broadway Based

(RockAAA) More details about the recent Lou Reed and Metallica sessions are coming out. In a new interview with New York magazine, Reed reveals the collaboration is based on songs for a theatrical production of Frank Wedekind's classic femme fatale "Lulu" plays.

"There are two stories 'Lulu's based on, and I rewrote 'Lulu' from the get-go, taking the original plot — mostly 'Earth Spirit,' not 'Pandora's Box' — and followed it essentially from the point of view of Lulu and the various people who love her, until she gets involved with Jack the Ripper," explains Reed. "The basics. So the Metallica version will have absolutely all of that and more. It'll probably come out by November."

Any chance of Metallica joining a "Lulu" production? "I don't think Metallica wants to be a band on Broadway!," chuckles Reed. "They're metalheads. They're not going to do that. But the version of the 'Lulu' music I did with Metallica is awe-inspiring. " more on this story

The Scorpions Orchestra

(RockAAA) The Scorpions will perform rearrangements of their own hits accompanied by the German film orchestra Babelsberg at the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Classic Open Air 2011.

The Berlin Classic Open Air is a string of classical concerts that takes place every year during summer. Featuring a range of different performances, the program this year runs from July 7 to July 12 and includes Italian opera and operetta, German opera, and crossover productions that incorporate pop, rock, soul, and jazz.

The Scorpions play Berlin Classic Open Air on July 11.The site of the Classic Open Air is Berlin's majestic Gendarmenmarkt. Built in the 17th century, this former marketplace is home to some of Germany's most stunning architecture and is rightly regarded as one of the most Europe's most beautiful squares. Among its treasures are the much-photographed twin churches of Franzoesischer Dom (French cathedral) and Deutscher Dom (German cathedral), and the splendid Konzerthaus, which is home to the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. more on this story

Avenged Sevenfold's Uproar Festival Expands

This year's Uproar Festival has been expanded with additional dates and an expanded lineup.

The newly announced shows include: Virginia Beach, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle, Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Sacramento and San Francisco.

The tour will be headlined by Avenged Sevenfold and the main stage will also feature Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine and Escape The Fate. Sevendust will headline the second stage that will also feature Black Tide, Art Of Dying and The Black Cloud Collective. more on this story

Nightrage Set Insidious Release

Nightrage's new album, "Insidious," is set to hit stores on September 26th in Europe and a day later in North America via Lifeforce Records.

The band sent out the following comments and details: The new Nightrage album is ready! We are extremely happy with the results and we look forward to sharing this music with all of you. Here is the journey thus far:

We recorded the music at Zero Gravity studios on Athens, Greece with our great friend Terry Nikas at the helm. He did a fantastic job and provided us with an amazing environment and atmosphere to make the best record possible. more on this story

The Steve Miller Band Summer Tour

(Co5) The Steve Miller Band has hit the road for a North American summer concert tour.

The veteran band hit the road in support of thier new studio album Let Your Hair Down.

The band's 20-plus date outing will take them coast-to-coast from California to New York with stops everywhere in between from Denver to Salt Lake City, Chicago to Detroit, wrapping up August 13. more on this story

Motley Crue's Vince Neil To Receive Lifetime Achievement Honor

(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil will be honored with a "Lifetime Achievement In Rock 'N' Roll" award as part of the Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards on August 21 in the main showroom of the Las Vegas Hilton.

The Las Vegas Sun reports a raft of rockers will salute Vince, including what's expected to be a huge red carpet turnout at the awards, with more than 200 musicians on hand.

"We will be honoring Vince with the Lifetime Achievement in Rock 'n' Roll" Award, and there is no one that deserves it more than Vince," Vegas Rocks! Magazine Publisher Sally Steele said. more on this story

Ozzy Goes To Hell

(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne and OzTV hit Hellfest in Clisson, France for a June 19 show.

The Hellfest footage includes a Father's Day moment for guitarist Gus G., which he shares with his bandmates, before yet another Spinal Tap moment hits the band – confusion reigns over the 15 minutes notice the guys are given before the show is to begin. Hilarious!

The Hellfest show was one of the final dates on the 3rd leg of Ozzy's European "Scream" tour; he'll fire up the fourth leg for more shows there later this summer, starting with the Wacken Open Air Festival on August 4. Check it out here

Bury Your Dead To Mosh 'n' Roll in August

Mediaskare Records have announced an August 2nd release date for Bury Your Dead's new album Mosh 'n' Roll.

Returning to the mic for the first time since 2007, Mat Bruso leads the band (guitarist Brendan "Slim" MacDonald, and drummer Mark Castillo) through eleven tracks of hardcore and metal.

"In the years I spent away from Bury Your Dead, I spent a lot of time thinking of all the things I could say on tour or on a record that I can't get away with saying in the real world," explains Bruso. "I would listen to the old stuff and think, "I can't believe that I used to yell this and kids would yell it right back." Doesn't work like that in the real world. I never thought I was the kind of guy who needed to write poetry or lyrics to get by; I just enjoyed doing it. But, I found myself scribbling things down and repeating lines to an imaginary song in my head all day at work, "You're not getting older, you're just getting old," over and over again. I jumped at the chance to get some of these lyrics off my chest, doing guest vocals for Four Year Strong and The Ghost Inside. So when Bury Your Dead asked me if I wanted to do another record, well, f**k yes. " more on this story

R.E.M. Expand Lifes Rich Pageant For 25th Anniversary

Capitol/I.R.S have set a July 12th release date for the expanded 25th Anniversary 2CD and digital edition of R.E.M.'s Lifes Rich Pageant.

The new edition features the digitally remastered original album, plus 19 previously unreleased demo recordings cut prior to the album's studio sessions. The commemorative release also adds new liner notes by music journalist and author Parke Puterbaugh, with the 2CD package presented in a lift-top box with a poster and four postcards. On the same date, the remastered original album will be reissued by Mobile Fidelity on 180-gram vinyl in faithfully replicated LP packaging.

R.E.M.'s fourth studio album, Lifes Rich Pageant was recorded by vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry at John Mellencamp's Belmont Mall Studios in Indiana. Produced by Don Gehman, renowned for producing a string of punchy, soulful heartland-rock albums by Mellencamp, Pageant includes the singles "Fall On Me" and "Superman." The album was R.E.M.'s first to achieve Gold certification status, and it reached #21 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart, the band's then-highest chart position. more on this story

Danzig Cancels Tour and Announces TV Special

Some good news and bad news out of the Danzig camp this week. First bad news comes directly from Danzig:

"Due to complications with travel that were beyond anyone's control, Danzig regretfully has had to cancel their Tour of South America until a later time. Danzig regret any inconvenience to their fans and promise to return as soon as possible."

On the good news front, a couple days ago we told you about the Danzig Legacy plans for Riot Fest where Glenn plans to reunite with Samhain Members and Doyle from The Misfits (see that report here) Now comes word of a Danzig Legacy TV Special. more on this story

Metallica Extend Universal Deal

(hennemusic) Music Week reports Universal Music Publishing has extended its worldwide agreement with Metallica to cover the band's back catalogue and new material.

The publishing company first started representing the band in 1988, and the deal excludes North America and Japan.

"Metallica are one of the biggest selling bands of all time and have created a phenomenal body of work during the last three decades," said Universal Music Publishing President of Europe and UK Paul Connolly. more on this story

All Shall Perish Release Free App

All Shall Perish have released a free Android app through the Android Market to give fans a taste of their forthcoming album This is Where it Ends.

The App will grant users access to audio samples from the new album, photos and videos, as well as the ability to share tweets, chat with other die-hards and more. An app for the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch will be released soon.

This is Where it Ends, All Shall Perish's fourth full-length record, will hit stores on July 26th via Nuclear Blast Records. Grab the app here

Counting Crows CD, DVD and Blu-Ray Set For Release

(Kayos) Eagle Rock has set an August 30th release date for the Counting Crows' August And Everything After Live At Town Hall on CD, DVD and Blu-Ray.

The DVD and Blu-Ray are the first-ever video releases from this acclaimed band and all formats of this release feature the complete album August And Everything After performed live with extended running times and a few surprises. The set list of this live show includes the hit singles "Mr Jones," "Round Here" and "Rain King."

Counting Crows' debut album August And Everything After was released in late 1993 and went on to sell over seven million copies in America. On September 18, 2007, the band performed the complete album live at Town Hall in New York City. more on this story

Keb Mo Summer Tour

Keb Mo has mapped out summer Reflection tour dates that will kick off on August 4th at Villar Center in Beaver Creek, CO.

The 30-date tour includes stops at The Hollywood Bowl on August 10th, BB Kings Club in New York on September 20th, and the Ryman Auditorium on October 7th.

The tour is in support the August 2 release of his new album, The Reflection (Yolabelle/Ryko). more on this story

Volbeat Deluxe

(SKH) Universal Republic Records have set a July 26 release date for the deluxe edition release of Volbeat's Beyond Hell / Above Heaven.

The title will feature the original album, with a new DVD titled Return To Tilburg. Songs captured from the performance on February 24, 2010 include "A Warrior's Call," "Mary Ann's Place," "Sad Man's Tongue," Hallelujah Goat," "Angelf**k," "Another Day, Another Way," and the fan favorite "Still Counting."

The title alludes to a prior performance in Tilburg, Holland at the 013 venue on November 29, 2009 that was rescheduled following singer Michael Poulsen passing out on stage roughly thirty minutes in to Volbeat's set from illness. more on this story

Joseph Arthur Hitting The Road and Late Night TV

(Stache) Joseph Arthur has confirmed an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and a North American Tour.

The North America tour will take place this Summer and Fall in support of his new album The Graduation Ceremony.

Tour stops include the Pearl Jam 20 Festival (Sept. 3 & 4), Austin City Limits (Sept. 18) and an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (July 20). more on this story

Leprous Pick Surrealistic Artist For New Album

(Freeman) Leprous have selected surrealistic American artist Jeff Jordan to create the artwork for their upcoming album, "Bilateral".

Commented vocalist/keyboardist Einar Solberg: "We are proud to announce that we're collaborating with the surrealistic American painter Jeff Jordan and the Spanish designer Ritxi Ostariz for the artwork on our upcoming album. Jeff Jordan is probably best known from his work with The Mars Volta, and his paintings are highly rated all over the world. Ritxi Ostariz did the artwork for our previous album "Tall Poppy Syndrome" (released 2009 through Sensory Records) and of course we want him to be part of this new album - Ritxi too is a critically acclaimed designer, and in our opinion one of the very best in his field."

The band's new album "Bilateral", which was skillfully mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street (Opeth, Pain Of Salvation, Devin Townsend, Symphony X, etc.), will be released on August 22nd, 2011 in Europe and August 23rd, 2011 in North America via InsideOut Music. more on this story

All Pigs Must Die This August

Southern Lord Recordings have set an August 16, 2011 release date for All Pigs Must Die debut album, God Is War. Here is the adjective filled description:

Combining of old-school Swedish death metal savagery with explosive hardcore aggression and blistering, punk/d-beat energy, All Pigs Must Die have quickly become an extremely recognized and respected act in the mere year and a half since the band's formation.

Their crushing 2010-released self-titled EP was initially released on LP via the band's own Nonbeliever Records, eventually catching the ear of Southern Lord, who almost immediately picked up the album for distribution, and signed the hard-working act for the release of their newly completed God Is War full-length. more on this story

Truckfighters Announce U.S. Tour

Fuzzrockers Truckfighters have announced their first ever U.S. tour dates in celebration of the band's tenth anniversary.

The trio - recently called "the best band that's ever existed" by Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme - will kick off the U.S. trek on July 13 in Providence, RI.

In conjunction with the U.S. tour, Truckfighters will release the limited edition colored vinyl LP Hidden Treasures of the Fuzz - The Anniversary of the Century, a collection of rare and unreleased recordings. more on this story

B.B. King Coming To DVD and Blu-Ray

(Submitted) Image Entertainment have set a July 12th release date for B.B. King: Live on DVD and Blu-Ray, a show that is both concert and celebration.

Smooth and rough, he is the undisputed king of the blues. For over 60 years, B.B. King has created some of the world's most identifiable music, with the help of the silky "Lucille", his trademark Gibson guitar.

B.B. King: Live is a chance to see and hear a legend at work, performing a list of bluesy, moving hits: Everyday I Have the Blues, See That My Grave Is Kept Clean , How Many More Years, Downhearted, I Need You So, I Got Some Help I Don't Need, Thrill is Gone, Nobody Loves Me But My Mother, Let the Good Times Roll, Thrill is Gone, When The Saints Go Marching In, Key to the Highway. more on this story

Landmine Marathon Finish Album and Hit The Road

(Prosthetic) Landmine Marathon hit the road yesterday for a short West Coast tour that will wrap up on August 13th.

The band just completed their fourth, as of yet untitled, album, was recorded at guitarist Ryan Butler's Arcane Digital Recording Studios, and should see a fall 2011 release.

Landmine Marathon bassist Matt Martinez commented: "After taking off more than a few months to write and record our next album, we are feeling very antsy to hit the road. This trip will give us the opportunity to rage with friends new and old and 'road test' some of our new songs!" more on this story

Annie Automatic Sets Album Release

(SBI) Annie Automatic will release their first full-length studio album, Don't Look Down, on August 23, 2011.

Band founder French says, "As an artist, I am so proud of this record, and if it makes just one person laugh, or cry, or smile and have fun - or have just a little more courage to be themselves and live free - I've done my job."

To date the band has released an EP, Fighting Chances, and 3 singles. The singles include, "K.I.D.," a mysterious song only given as a free download to hardcore fans, an acoustic version of the prolific track "Something Sacred," and a fun little version of "Over The Rainbow" (featuring Kaley Cuoco) benefiting the Humane Society. more on this story

Satan's Host Plan 25th Anniversary Album

(Submitted) Satan's Host plan to enter Flatline Studios July 18 with producer Dave Otero (Cephalic Carnage, Cobalt) to commence recording a "celebration album" to commemorate the 25th anniversary release of their debut album, the cult classic Metal from Hell.

The new & exclusive compilation will contain a few new songs and revamped versions of classic tunes that span the band's career, with returned original vocalist Leviathan Thisiren (AKA Harry Conklin - JAG PANZER, TITAN FORCE) offering his unique take on the songs.

The as-yet-untitled opus is set for release in November 2011 via Moribund Records, and confirmed songs so far include brand-new songs "For the Love of Satan" and "Conviction," the title track to Metal from Hell, "Witches Return," "Nightside of Eden," "H.E.L.L.," "Dark Priest (Lord Ahriman)," and the title track to Satanic Grimoire.

A special "making of" documentary for the band's latest By the Hands of the Devil can be found here

Singled Out: Alice Anna's Standing in the Rain

Today Daniel Strauch from Alice Anna tells us about their new single and video for "Standing in the Rain" from their self-titled album. Here is the story:

The song/music video of "Standing in the Rain" actually has a very personal attachment for me. When I wrote the song I never intended to speak about it, but the way it came out seemed so impactful that when we were deciding on the single to shoot the video for, there was no getting around it. So here it goes…

I have a younger brother who was adopted by my parents at the age of five. He came from bullsh*t, heroin addict parents and therefore the least attractive childhood one could encounter. He never really found comfort in life and to this day has been in and out of trouble. We always had a close relationship but there was just a point where he couldn't be helped anymore unless he figured life out on his own (For those of us who have dealt with addiction or know someone who has, this is pretty much always the case). This is where the song comes into play. I made a pact with my parents that any decisions he made on his own, he would have to live with the consequences of. At this point he had just gotten out of jail and was staying in a halfway house. I guess he got flustered by it quickly and he called me up one night around midnight and said, "Dan, I can't take it here anymore, I don't get along with anyone, I'm going to do something I regret if I stay". Because this wasn't un-common for him to say, and because I promised my parents and myself that I wouldn't enable him, I told him he'd have to figure it out for the night and go check into another place in the morning. I could hear the rain pouring from the pay phone he was at, and it was cold as hell outside. He always counted on me for things like this, and the kid has such a big heart that it was tearing me up inside. He had spent countless nights on the streets on his own, but the fact that he was trying to get his life together made it hard for me to leave him on the streets in the pouring rain on the middle of a cold night. I eventually had to hang up on him, I didn't sleep a f*cking wink that night, and the pain I felt for him and the help and love I wanted to give him was as intense as ever. So if you read into the song and go along with the emotions of the music, I think you will be able to relate to what this song is about.

The video was shot in downtown Baltimore (where he spent a lot of his time) so it really hits home for me. The director, Brian Morrison, did an amazing job capturing my thoughts and the emotions of the song.

You can find the "Standing in the Rain" on iTunes or Amazon MP3 if you just type in "Alice Anna". You can also watch the video at www.aliceannamusic.com on the homepage. If you use www.aliceannamusic.com, there are also links to our facebook, twitter, youtube, and myspace pages.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and check out the video right here!

. Ozzy Osbourne Blizzard and Diary 30th Anniversary Editions

Its hard to believe but back in 1979, Ozzy Osbourne had been fired from Black Sabbath and no one seemed to care. Who could have imagined that he would one day reinvent himself into an industry all unto himself? - Read the full Ozzy Osbourne Blizzard and Diary 30th Anniversary Editions review