Gregg Allman Taken To The Hospital This Weekend

The rep says Allman went to a local hospital where he was treated and released. more on this story

Gene Simmons Vs Rock Hall of Fame

(hennemusic) Despite being eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and snagging a lone nomination in 2010, KISS have yet to make the final cut... something that clearly remains a sore spot for the group.

"It's become a joke," bassist Gene Simmons told Rolling Stone at last Wednesday's press conference announcing the band's summer tour with Motley Crue. "We've been thinking about it and the answer is simply, 'We'll just buy it and fire everybody.'"

Beneath the jokes, Gene explains some of his issues with the concept of the Rock Hall itself. "In all seriousness for the fans, for something to be called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is such an insult to Madonna, Blondie and Tone Loc. Who the f**k knows what other disco act is in there? It's an insult to them because they don't get to be in the 'Dance Hall of Fame,' because that's what they do," Simmons says. "They're legitimate dance, disco artists. They don't belong in rock and roll." more on this story

Rod Stewart To Reunite With The Faces

(Gibson) After years of false starts, it's now confirmed: Rod Stewart will perform with the Faces for the first time in 19 years.

In an interview with Music Radar, Faces drummer Kenney Jones said Stewart and the band will perform a three-song set in Cleveland when they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14.

"Contrary to what some people might think, we're all still great mates and we've never said we wouldn't play together again," said Jones. "We all had dinner about a month ago and decided that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would be the perfect time and place."

Jones said the last time Faces and Stewart rehearsed together was three years ago, and that "the magic was still there." He added that Mick Hucknall was brought in as vocalist for recent Faces gigs in part due to Stewart's busy schedule. Moreover, in a previous interview with Music Radar, Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan had indicated that Stewart's voice "had changed" since having surgery on his vocal cords.

"As to whether we'll do anything else after the Hall of Fame show, we'll just have to see how it goes," Jones added. "I'd like to think there's more to come, although it depends how everyone's individual schedules are shaping up. But we're all really looking forward to getting up on stage again. It's been far too long." more on this story

Aerosmith Doing Something 'Big' This Week

(hennemusic) Something's up in Aerosmith land. Two new posts - on the band's Facebook page and on Steven Tyler's twitter – suggest the band is getting together next week for a major news event.

Here's the tweet from Tyler's Twitter feed: "OK… NXT WEDNESDAY (((HUMP DAY)))…SEE U AT THE GROVE LA??? … SUMTHIN BIG GOING DOWN!!!...MEET ME AT THE FOUNTAIN…11:30???"

A similar message posted at the band's Facebook page reads: "Hey – something's going on big at The Grove in Los Angeles. Be at the fountain near the patch of grass, Wednesday, March 28th promptly at 12 PM. This is YOUR chance to see Aerosmith and a whole lot more!" more on this story

Red Hot Chili Peppers Want Jimmy Page To Join Them On Stage

(Gibson) Red Hot Chili Peppers are hoping they can persuade Jimmy Page to join them on-stage when they play at Knebworth Park in the U.K. on June 23.

Speaking to London's Daily Star, Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith said, "Jimmy Page has come to our shows before but we haven't had a chance to play with him. That would be really cool, so maybe that can happen. Maybe we can get Page to come out to Knebworth. I saw him come on with Foo Fighters at Wembley."

Smith went on to say performing at Knebworth held special meaning for the band. "I first heard about Knebworth when Led Zeppelin played there in 1979," he said, "so to me it's hallowed ground and pretty cool. Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Stones and Queen and The Who – I grew up listening to all of them. To be accepted where these guys play blows our minds. It's like a bucket list kind of thing. We can tick that one off." more on this story

Epica Lose A Member

Epica have parted ways with bassist Yves Huts and replaced him with Rob van der Loo from Mayan and Delain fame. The band had this to say:

"Yves has been with us from the start and has been of great value to the band. We want to thank Yves for his contribution to Epica's success and wish him the very best in his future career, whether musically or in a different way. We will never forget the good times we shared together on the road!

"The silver lining to this cloud is that we can already announce an awesome successor. Fulfilling duties on bass from now on will be none other than Rob van der Loo. You might know Rob from his work with Mayan or Delain. We are sure that Rob will fit perfectly as a musician and as a person, and we are looking forward to share the stage for the first time next week." more on this story

KISS, Jimmy Buffett and The Black Keys To Rock NCAA Final Four

(Turner) Jimmy Buffett, KISS and The Black Keys are set to headline the 2012 NCAA Big Dance Concert Series, in New Orleans in conjunction with the 2012 NCAA Men's Final Four.

The free, three-day music festival is produced by Turner Sports and the NCAA, and will take place at Woldenberg Park in New Orleans during the 2012 NCAA Men's Final Four weekend.

Additional artists performing at the 2012 NCAA Big Dance Concert Series include special guest Blondie, the Avett Brothers, New Orleans legend Dr. John, the Funky Meters, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Cowboy Mouth and Vintage Trouble. The specific time of each performance and final overall schedule will be available soon at NCAA.com/FinalFour.

The Big Dance Concert Series tips off Friday evening of Final Four weekend, March 30 with KISS headlining the Block Party. more on this story

Slash Debuts New Song Live

(hennemusic) Slash hit Toronto this past week to do some press for his forthcoming album, "Apocalyptic Love." The second solo effort from the guitarist is due May 22.

The album's first single, "You're A Lie," is already at radio, and fans have been given a tease of what the video looks like with an online preview.

At his first solo show to launch the new project, Slash played Toronto's intimate Phoenix Concert Theatre on Friday, where he played a mix of solo material, Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver and Slash's Snakepit tracks – and – the debut live performance of "You're A Lie." Check it out.

Paul McCartney Plans Deluxe Reissue of Ram

(Gibson) Paul and Linda McCartney's classic 1971 album, Ram, is getting the deluxe reissue treatment. The album, which was McCartney's second post-Beatles LP and the only album credited to both the former Beatle and his late wife, Linda, will be released in a variety of formats on May 22.

The most ambitious edition will be the Deluxe Edition Box Set, which will include a bonus DVD, 112-page book, bonus discs and assorted exclusive prints. The deluxe set will also include Thrillington, an instrumental version of Ram originally released in 1977.

In a post on his website, McCartney said: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is an album from a long, long time ago, when the world was different. This is an album that is part of my history – it goes back to the wee hills of Scotland where it was formed. It's an album called RAM. It reminds me of my hippie days and the free attitude with which was created. I hope you're going to like it, because I do!" more on this story

Thin Lizzy Added To Guns N' Roses Tour

(hennemusic) Thin Lizzy have been added to the upcoming UK tour by Guns N' Roses. The 8-show UK tour begins May 19 in Nottingham and wraps up with two shows at London's 02 Arena.

"To tour with a band the caliber of Guns N' Roses is an honor and a privilege," said Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham. "Being on the road with a great band who are also great friends is the perfect way to go. It's like one big family, so [we] can't wait to see you all out there."

Guns N' Roses made some UK news recently when Reading and Leeds festival organizer Melvin Benn said he'd rule out booking the current GNR line-up again, following the 2010 debacle orchestrated by Axl Rose's inability to get on stage on time. Read what he had to say.

Joe Perry's Birthday Surprise for Steven Tyler

(hennemusic) Aerosmith's Steven Tyler turns 64 today. American Idol gave Tyler some birthday love Thursday night, with host Ryan Seacrest setting things up.

"We couldn't get through tonight without acknowledging somebody's birthday this weekend," began Ryan. "And a cake would be too obvious, so…this seems more appropriate."

And with that, Aerosmith's Joe Perry surprised Steven - and everyone else - by appearing center stage, with guitar in hand, to play a song for the occasion. "I couldn't decide what to get you for your birthday this year, so I guess this'll have to do," said Perry. Read more and watch the clip here.

Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and Stevie Ray Vaughan Apps Launched

Legacy Recordings have launched "The Legacy Of," a new music app available now on Spotify.

The first set of featured artists on "The Legacy Of" app are Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and Stevie Ray Vaughan. New artists will be announced and added regularly.

An artist-centric app, "The Legacy Of" reveals the depth and breadth of catalog and influence of some of history's most transformative musicians through curated playlists, handpicked album selections, biographies, photos and more. more on this story

Jerry Cantrell To Be Honored at MusiCares Event

Alice In Chains co-founder Jerry Cantrell is set to be honored at the eighth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Cantrell will be honored with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction and recovery process. Lasher will be the recipient of MusiCares' From the Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization.

All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation. more on this story

Paul Rodgers Jams With The Sheepdogs

(hennemusic) The Sheepdogs capped off an exciting year Saturday as they snagged four Independent Music Awards in Toronto, and added further to their street cred when they were joined by Paul Rodgers for the event.

QMI Agency reports Rodgers' band, Free, was apparently a big influence on the '70s-and-blues-inspired Sheepdogs, who also landed on the cover of Rolling Stone last year, becoming the first unsigned act to do so.

Rodgers happened to be in town to give a public chat at Canadian Music Week earlier in the day. "Man! These guys rock!" said Rodgers, 62, half-way through their trio of Free songs together – "I'll Be Creepin'," "I'm A Mover" and the fan favourite, "All Right Now." Check it out here.

Kasabian Deliver Neon Noon Video

(hennemusic) Kasabian have released the video for "Neon Noon," the latest single from their "Velociraptor!" album.

The song is the final track on the latest album and, as guitarist Serge Pizzorno says, it's the perfect way to bring the record to a close.

"'Neon Noon' is a great way of finishing," says Pizzorno. "Like the end credits roll: spaceship comes in to land, a little pod that you've been in, just traveled the galaxy. It's got echoes of Pink Floyd." Check it out here.

The Cult Preview New Song

(hennemusic) The Cult have offered up an audio stream of their new single, "For The Animals."

The first single from the band's forthcoming album, "Choice Of Weapon" (due May 22), goes to radio stations for airplay starting Monday.

A preview of the video for the brand new single can be viewed online here.

Animals As Leaders Lose A Member

Animals As Leaders have undergone a lineup change as they prepare to hit the road at the end of this week for their first European headlining tour and a string of shows with Meshuggah.

Drummer Navene Koperweis has decided to leave the group. He explains in a statement, "Tosin (Abasi) and Javier (Reyes, guitar) are the two most generous, caring and understanding individuals I've ever met and I look forward to a lifetime of friendship with the both of them. Over the past decade I have done nothing but music. Recording, writing, playing, practicing, touring and producing. It's taken me beyond what I could have dreamt of as a kid when I started. My new goals extend beyond the drum kit and I'm the type of person who will constantly chase new dreams. You'll be seeing a lot more of me soon."

The band's mastermind Abasi says, "I've shared some of my most memorable musical experiences to date with Navene and truly consider him a brother. I commend him for following his own path in life, even if that means i'll no longer be sharing the stage with him. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working together and creating a lifelong friendship." more on this story

Van Halen: David Lee Roth Scream Box Plans

(hennemusic) You may soon be able to take Van Halen singer David Lee Roth with you wherever you go; or, at least, Roth's vocal yelps, whoops and screams. Dave Rogge of Brooklyn has created a new "Roth Scream Box."

The battery-powered unit is designed to play the isolated vocal tracks of Roth singing "Runnin' With the Devil," the first song from Van Halen's 1978 debut.

Rogge says he plans to have units similar to this one on sale via online marketplace Etsy in the coming months. No word on whether Rogge will face any copyright infringement issues should he begin actually selling the item, which he says he built in his basement workshop. Check out a video demo

B Sides

Brian May Would Liked To Have Been A Member Of AC/DC

(Gibson) Had he not forged his career with Queen, Brian May would like to have been a member of… AC/DC. May revealed that secret desire to London's The Independent in a wide-ranging interview, going on to add that, musically speaking, he was "the wrong sort of size and shape" for the Australian rockers.

"I'd have probably liked to be in AC/DC [if Queen hadn't existed]," he said. "But I'm the wrong sort of size and shape, unfortunately. Because it's different from Queen. Queen were very eclectic – that's the word isn't it? – and we just trampled over every boundary that there was. But AC/DC are in a sense the opposite. They know their style and it's incredibly pure and I have a great respect for that. And every single note they play is AC/DC completely."

May also said his vision of what he could do with the guitar came to fruition on Queen II, released in 1974. "When we came to Queen II, we were actually in a proper studio with time that was booked like a real, proper band," he said. "We had adventurous ideas on guitar harmonies but also vocal harmonies – just painting a huge picture, which was in our heads. Queen II is a lot of stuff. There are all sorts of guitar parts fighting each other." more on this story

Unaired KISS on Jimmy Kimmel Footage Goes Online

(hennemusic) KISS rocked Jimmy Kimmel's show Tuesday night. Fan-filmed footage of "Cold Gin" and "Shout It Out Loud" has surfaced.

The broadcast showed the band playing their classics, "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love," but the group actually performed an additional two songs for the live audience.

KISS were on the show to promote their upcoming summer tour with Motley Crue, which will hit more than 40 cities across North America starting July 20. Check out the unaired footage here.

Watch Kasabian's Terminal 5 Concert Online

(hennemusic) Kasabian took over Terminal 5 in New York Thursday night for a live show and concert webcast.

hennemusic carried the live feed, as the band ripped through a 17-song, 90-minute set featuring material from their four album, including the latest, "Velociraptor!"

Kasabian recently kicked off their North American tour; next week, they play shows in Boston (Tue), Montreal (Wed) and Toronto (Thu). Watch the video webcast footage here.

James Durbin Has Offer To Reluctant Fans

(hennemusic) James Durbin is gearing up to take his rock show on the road this spring and summer. New dates are being posted on Durbin's website, with some shows in April and May now listed.

James has offered an interesting challenge to music fans who might be on the fence about checking him out in concert.

Durbin invites people to contact him via his Facebook page and/or via Twitter, and say to him, "yo, Durbin, I'm hesitant about coming to your show," he tells Fox News. "If I have a guest list…" Find out what James has to offer you.

Remembering Jan Berry of Jan and Dean

(Gibson) On this day in 2004, Jan Berry of Jan & Dean died at the age of 62 after being in poor health from injuries sustained in a 1966 car crash. The duo's biggest hit was the 1963 #1 single "Surf City" (#26 in the U.K.), which was co-written by Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Gibson looks back:

Surf music pioneers Jan and Dean (Jan Berry and Dean Torrance) met at University High School in Los Angeles, where they both played football, and soon discovered that each had an interest in music. They and some other classmates eventually started getting together after football practice to sing and rehearse in Jan's parents' garage. After enough practice, they mustered the courage to perform at a high school dance under the name The Barons, and they did quite well. The Barons specialized in doo-wop songs popular at the time in the late '50s, tunes like "Get a Job," "Hushabye" and "Short Shorts."

Jan, in particular, had a strong passion for music, and he enjoyed writing and arranging music, including multi-part harmonies. Being an audiophile, his parents' garage quickly turned into a makeshift studio, complete with reel-to-reel tape machines and a piano, and over time his skills as both a producer and engineer grew mightily. He was way ahead of the curve in understanding – and conceptualizing – the possibilities presented with new and emerging technology. For instance, he learned how to utilize two machines to create an echo-delay effect, which in 1958 was no small feat. He was a student of multi-tracking and splicing pieces of numerous recordings together to create finished arrangements that were larger than the sum of their parts.

Jan's first commercial success came from the 1958 single, "Jennie Lee," which he recorded with fellow Baron, Arnie Ginsburg; the single climbed to #8 on the charts, resulting in Jan & Arnie appearing on American Bandstand. The fledgling duo recorded and released three more singles. Dean hadn't been available to record because he was serving in the army reserves. Upon Dean's return, he and Jan began making music together as a duo, eventually with a lot of the help from a couple of upstart producers – a jazz trumpeter named Herb Alpert and his songwriting partner Lou Adler.

Jan and Dean eventually signed with the Dore label, and along with Adler and Alpert, they began sifting through demos, which led them to their first hit as a duo, "Baby Talk," which climbed to #10 in 1959. Like "Jennie Lee," "Baby Talk" was recorded in Jan's garage before a full band was added to fill out the song. The song was filled with the soon-to-be trademarks of surf music – close harmonies, major and minor chords, and no small element of doo-wop and rock with plenty of falsetto thrown in on the high end. more on this story

Oasis Mom Didn't Want A New Home From Her Sons

(Gibson) Unlike some showbiz mothers, Peggy Gallagher has remained unaffected by her sons' success. According to the Daily Express, the Oasis boys tried to buy Peggy a new house when they hit it big with their Definitely Maybe album, but she wasn't interested in moving from her (government-owned) council house.

Noel, who dazzled in the '90s with his Epiphone Noel Gallagher Archtop Union Jack SuperNova guitar, told the BBC: "She gave it all up for us. I think she has great karma and two of her children became two of the biggest rock stars that England ever produced.

"All she got was a new garden gate from us. Liam offered to buy her a castle... but the gate at her council house had been squeaking and she wanted that fixed." more on this story