Journey Star Sentenced For Assault Charge

The drummer received a sentence of 80 hours of community service and he must attend anger-management classes. more on this story

Thrice Launching Farewell Tour

Thrice have decided to go on indefinite hiatus after thirteen years together but they plan to hit the road one last time and have announced the dates for their farewell tour.

The band will begin their final tour together on May 4 in San Diego, California. The tour spans major cities in North America and is set to wrap with a hometown two-night stand at House of Blues in Anaheim followed by the final show in Los Angeles at Club Nokia.

Supporting Thrice on all dates will be Animals As Leaders with more information including the announcement of additional support bands and details of commemorative merchandise available at the shows will be announced in the coming weeks. more on this story

Hagar Says Eddie Van Halen Didn't Get It?

(hennemusic) In a new interview with Goldmine, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony discuss the Chickenfoot's strategy to beef up its vocal sound even before they recorded "Chickenfoot III" and the conversation turned to their former band Van Halen.

"Singing with him, he's the only guy that I know that could just go above [me]," adds Hagar. "I don't care if I'm at the peak of my range; he can get up above me, just squeeze his nuts and get on up there – and right on key, he can mimic my phrasing. He's just … he's so fast. That's the thing that people don't understand about Mike. He learns faster than anyone I've ever met in my life. Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen … guys come up with riffs, and come on, I can't f**king play them. I'm sitting here with an acoustic guitar around the house still trying to learn these riffs on this record, and I ain't got 'em down yet … And he's playing his ass off in this band."

"He never played like this in Van Halen," Sammy continues. "Eddie [Van Halen] doesn't even realize what a great bass player he had. I think he never realized it, and that is his complete loss. I remember recording in Van Halen, Eddie was always saying, 'Just play eighth notes.' And he would play all this stuff, and Mike's just going, 'boom, boom, boom, boom.' Boy, Mike's really capable of playing more than that, and he never found out. So Mike and I, one time, we're in Cabo San Lucas when we were in Van Halen — say probably around '89, '88 or '89, when we were still loving each other, and having a good time — and Mike was in Cabo jamming and doing a live broadcast from the Cabo Wabo for some album network that I think used to be around that would do live broadcasts. And Ed is listening to it on the radio, and we get back and he asked me who was playing bass? He went, 'Yeah, yeah, you guys did 'Crossroads' by Cream,' and he goes, 'Who was playing f**king bass on that?' I'm saying, 'That's your brother right over here.' That was Michael Anthony on the bass. And Ed goes, 'Yeah? Yeah? Yeah? Yeah?' And then he'd smoke a cigarette, take a hit off a beer and go, 'Hmmm.' But, he didn't get it, you know? But Michael has been tearing it up on this record." more on this story

Kid Rock Artist Den Sneak Peak

(Banana 101.5) The episode of 'Live from the Artists Den' featuring Kid Rock is set to air this weekend but you can watch his performance of 'Rock and Roll Jesus' and a cover of Elvis Presley's 'Burning Love' from the show now.

Kid Rock has almost released an official live concert DVD several times but has yet to do so. Fans of Rock will get the next best thing when his appearance on the fourth season of 'Live from the Artists Den' premieres on public television and Hulu this Friday.

The episode was filmed at Elvis Presley's 'Automobile Museum' in Graceland and to pay tribute to "The King," Kid Rock breaks into a cover of 'Burning Love' while performing his own song 'Rock and Roll Jesus.' Check out the video here.

Rolling Stones On the Verge of Doing 50th Anniversary Tour

(Gibson) Ron Wood has become the latest member of the Rolling Stones to hint that a 50th anniversary tour will indeed take place this year. In an interview with Radio Times, the guitarist was asked if the legendary rockers would be hitting the road.

"[It would] be lovely, wouldn't it?" Wood responded. "That's what we're on the verge of. I don't know what the hell is going to happen yet, but we all feel we owe it to ourselves and to the people to do something." Wood later added, "Basically, [we need to] get the boys feeling comfortable with each other, because we're all ready to go individually. It's just a matter of tying up loose ends and coming together as a unit."

Last month, drummer Charlie Watts offered up a similarly hopeful view, regarding the possibility of a 50th anniversary tour. The Rolling Stones staged their debut performance on July 12, 1962, at the Marquee Club in London. more on this story

The Devil Wears Prada Lose A Member

The Devil Wears Prada have announced via Facebook that they have parted ways with keyboardist James Baney.

The band had this to say: With great deliberation and difficulty, we have decided to part ways with our keyboardist James Baney. James will always be family to TDWP, being one of the most well-intentioned people we know.

Our prayers to James in beginning a new chapter with his wife back home, and our endless gratitude to TDWP fans for understanding. We'll see you at a show soon. -The Devil Wears Prada

Facebook posting

REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent Tour Coming

REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent are teaming up for The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express" tour.

The 30-date North American tour will kick off on May 1st in Hidalgo, TX and will conclude on July 7th in Gilford, NY.

"Forget all those TV shows with glee clubs singing Rock songs," exclaims STYX guitarist/singer James "JY" Young. "It's time for mega-Platinum Illinois bands STYX and REO Speedwagon in a battle to the end of the Mayan Calendar with the Motor City Madman!" more on this story

Roger Daltrey and Paul Weller For Teenage Cancer Trust

(Gibson) Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller and Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones have been added to the lineup for this year's Concert for Teenage Cancer Trust shows, set to take place from March 28 through April 3 at London's Royal Albert Hall. The three singers will join other confirmed acts that include Paul McCartney, Pulp and Jessie J, among others.

Daltrey, Weller and Jones will kick off the charity event on March 28, with McCartney appearing the following night. Proceeds from the concerts, which are now in their 12th year, go toward improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer.

In a prepared statement, Royal Albert Hall Chief Executive Chris Cotton said: "We are honored to have supported Teenage Cancer Trust's concerts since they started here 12 years ago and the electric atmosphere they bring to the Hall. Teenage Cancer Trust consistently bring a world class line up of talent to help raise funds in support of young people who are affected by cancer and this year, to my mind, is their strongest yet. During the week, we run music education and art workshops in collaboration with the charity to offer teenagers, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to work with some of their favorite artists." more on this story

Van Halen Play Another Rarity On Tour

(hennemusic) Van Halen continues to mix things up on the road. Wednesday night, the rockers pulled out the "Fair Warning" classic, "Hear About It Later," at the Banker's Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The rarely played gem replaced another track from the 1981 album in the set: "Mean Street."

VH threw in "Girl Gone Bad" on Monday in Michigan, and kept that song in the Indianapolis show for the third date of the band's tour in support of "A Different Kind Of Truth." Check out video here.

Train Set for Intimate San Francisco 2012 Tour

Train are hitting the road for their San Francisco 2012 Tour, a special hometown series of club shows, in expectation of the upcoming album California 37, out April 17 on Columbia Records.

The band kicks off six intimate performances in San Francisco starting April 10 at Cafe Du Nord and finishing up April 15 at the Fillmore.

A portion of the ticket sales proceeds will go to the San Francisco charity Family House, which provides temporary housing to families of seriously ill children. more on this story

12 Stones Releasing New Album This Spring

12 Stones have set a May 22nd release date for their fourth album, Beneath The Scars, on the Executive Music Group label via Fontana/Universal.

The band joined forces, once again, with producer Skidd Mills (Saving Abel, Skillet, Saliva), who had previously worked with 12 Stones on 2007's Anthem For The Underdog.

The first single, "Infected," mixed by Johnny K (3 Doors Down, Disturbed, Staind), is currently being serviced to Rock radio and will be available for download on iTunes and Amazon on February 28. more on this story

Toadies Set For EP Release and Social Distortion Tour

Toadies fans have reason to rejoice as the band has announced release the first of two new EPs and a North American tour with Social Distortion starting in April.

The EP, entitled Play.Rock.Music. to be released May 8th was recorded at The Bubble in Austin and produced by Chris "Frenchie" Smith.

The writing of the EP was hot off the heels of last year's Dia De Los Toadies (The 4th annual!) The festival last year was the most successful yet - two days and the strongest Texas line up they've ever had including The Sword, Black Angels and Ume. The 5th Dia De Los Toadies is slated for Labor Day Weekend later this year. more on this story

Mike Inez Updates Alice in Chains Fan On New Album

(Banana 101.5) Alice in Chains follow-up to 2009′s 'Black Gives Way to Blue' is currently in the works and bassist Mike Inez recently gave and update on how the project is coming along thus far.

Reports of their upcoming album first surfaced last summer when Ann Wilson of Heart reported that their new material is "amazing." Jerry Cantrell's recent shoulder surgery may have impeded the new album plans for a bit but in a recent interview at NAMM, bassist Mike Inez revealed that things are "all good" in the world of Alice in Chains.

In the interview with Mz. Hollywood, Inez said "We're holed up, we're writing the new record. We're waiting to go in the studio pretty soon — so, looking forward to it." The in-depth interview then shifted to the question everyone has been dying to know the answer to — how does Mike keep his hair so perfect? Find the answer as you watch the interview here.

Brad Set New Album Release

Razor & Tie have set an April 24th 2012 release date for Brad's new studio album, United We Stand, in North America.

Brad features core members Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) on guitar, vocalist/pianist Shawn Smith (Pigeonhed and Satchel), drummer Regan Hagar (Satchel and Malfunkshun), and bass player Keith Lowe (Fiona Apple and David Sylvian).

Comprised of 10 tracks, longtime fans of the band will find much to love on United We Stand as BRAD's reflective, unique song writing approach is intact with Shawn Smith's soaring vocals cascading over songs like "A Reason To Be In My Skin," "Needle And Thread" and "Bound In Time." more on this story

Thousand Foot Krutch Go It Alone For New Album

(Banana 101.5) Thousand Foot Krutch will release their sixth studio album, 'The End is Where We Begin', without the help of a label on April 22nd.

The band's new found independence may have affected the tone of the new album, as frontman Travis McNevan explained the new songs are more aggressive in nature:

"Without trying, this record has a very militant theme to it, with songs like 'War Of Change' and 'Courtesy Call' painting more of a visual for that. There's an urgency to it and I think the timing feels right. This record's heart can be summed up by 'Be The Change,' the album's lyric and phrase seen throughout the album artwork." More info and a preview here.

Beatles No 1s Now Ringtones

Yesterday Apple Corps and EMI debuted very first Beatles ringtones for the band's 27 UK and US no. 1 hits, exclusively on iTunes.

The 27 chart-toppers include Love Me Do, Can't Buy Me Love, Ticket To Ride, Help!, Yesterday, Day Tripper, We Can Work It Out, Hey Jude, Penny Lane, Let It Be and More.

For fans who want to the full length songs, they can find them on The Beatles 1. The album made its digital debut in September 2011, exclusively on the iTunes Store, bowing at #1 on several iTunes top albums charts around the world, including the US, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, and Greece. more on this story

Sarah Darling Takes On Beatles Blackbird

Sarah Darling has released her rendition of the Paul McCartney Beatles White Album classic "Blackbird" on iTunes.

As heard in heavy rotation on SiriusXM's The Highway, Darling made the song her own with the help of legendary producer, and lead guitar player on the track, Dann Huff.

Proceeds from the charity-based compilation album, "Let Us In" Nashville - A Tribute To Linda McCartney, released in Nov. 2011 on Reviver Music, are benefiting The Women and Cancer Fund, a not-for-profit charity established in the memory of Linda McCartney. more on this story

Very Limited Edition Say Anything Reissue

Doghouse Records are reissuing Say Anything's sophomore album ...Is A Real Boy as a limited edition vinyl and a very limited edition version.

The genre-defining album will be getting a deluxe reissue treatment, will it being available for a limited time only.

There are two options for the ...Is A Real Boy reissue. The first includes a gatefold double LP on opaque white and olive green splattered vinyl. This edition is limited to 240 copies and costs $25.

The second option includes the 2 x LP with a test pressing. Only 10 copies will be available for this option and it costs $60. Grab em here.

Dark Tranquillity Premiere In My Absence Video

Dark Tranquillity have released a new music video for the song, "In My Absence," from their latest album, We Are The Void.

"In My Absence" is the band's fifth promo clip for the album, and it was filmed by the band themselves on the road, with guitarist Niklas Sundin taking care of the editing/post production duties.

Additional live footage was provided by Anders Björler (The Haunted, At The Gates) and Nikolas Pegler.

In regards to this video, Niklas Sundin comments: "I wanted to create a live video that would capture the energy of our show both from the audience's perspective as well as from the stage. To accomplish this, we headed out on our recent Europe/Russia tours equipped with a GoPro HD camera, which was mounted on various objects (guitar necks, vocal microphone, member's bodies etc.) on most of the shows. Despite probably looking pretty weird for those in the crowd that noticed the little device, we arrived home with a lot of interesting footage, and after a lot of editing we're happy to present the final result: A clip for 'In My Absence', filled with an energy and closeness out of the ordinary. Enjoy!" Watch the video here.

Coldplay Gave Song To Garden State

(Gibson) Coldplay didn't bother with the usual payment for the use of one of their songs in a movie when it came to helping out Chris Martin's pal Zach Braff.

According to Britain's Daily Express,Martin and Braff are old pals and Martin waived the usual fee for the comedian to use "Don't Panic" in the 2004 movie Garden State. Braff told Time Out magazine in London, "Chris Martin and the guys in Coldplay put their song on my soundtrack.

"Garden State was, you know, this little movie, and they just said yes because they liked the movie and not for, at the time, any dough, because we couldn't offer them any." more on this story

Gorefest Double Gold Disc Limited Edition Reissue Coming

Metal Mind Productions have set a spring release of exclusive double re-release of two Gorefest albums, "False" and "Erase".

The double digipak edition of "False" and "Erase" is limited to 2000 copies. Remastered using tube technology, digitally edited on golden discs.

The release date is scheduled for March, 27th in Europe and June, 6th in USA (via MVD). more on this story