Van Halen Working On New Album

"We don't hire out and have somebody design a bunch of album covers for us and then choose.... we start from scratch ourselves. Same thing with the merchandise - if you buy a t-shirt, that was designed, literally, in my living room. On and on... stage design, lighting rig, putting the show together - it takes about a year and a half, 18 months, because any idea that you have is 85 phone calls. Anybody can go, 'I got an idea, it's a stage that's shaped like, uh, like a square on top of a circle'. Great, my question never was, 'were you able to dream up a stage design', my question is, 'are you prepared to do the 87 phone calls that are about to follow now, to make sure it came out the way we decided'. And then there's another 80 phone calls that are gonna follow that because we have to figure out how to take the f**kin' thing apart and put it in the trucks and buses. And, and, and. So if you really want to generate the ideas from scratch and bring them all the way to the finish, you're gonna have to learn a few other languages, and you're gonna have to speak those over a lot of extra phone calls. And that's usually the break point for most artists." Listen to the interview here.

Queen Discover More Unreleased Freddie Mercury Material

(hennemusic) Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed the band have discovered more unreleased material featuring their late frontman Freddie Mercury in their vaults.

"There's more in there than we thought, in the Queen source archive," May recently told Mojo magazine via The Guardian. "I'm a little nervous of saying there's an album there, but there's certainly a few tracks ... We've found some Freddie vocals, some demos."

The guitarist compared the project to Queen's 1995 album "Made In Heaven", released four years after Mercury's death due to complications from AIDS. As with those tracks, Queen are taking Mercury's unused takes, cleaning them up, and adding original music. "If we find an analogue 24-track of Freddie singing something that never got finished, the first thing we do is ... make [a digital] copy at the highest resolution you can," May said. "Then we start weaving our tapestry." more on this story

Guns N' Roses Guitarist Frustrated

(Classic Rock) Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal has run out patience with the way the band's plans affect his solo career. Axl Rose's outfit tend towards last-minute decisions about touring, while most other acts prepare many months ahead of time. That leaves Bumblefoot faced with either cancelling solo engagements or not making them at all – and he says that's got to stop.

He tells Radio Future (via Blabbermouth): "It seems like the running gag was, 'If you want Guns n'Roses to hit the road, all you have to do is book your own tour. They'll book one at the same time and you'll have to cancel yours.'"

Bumblefoot – who joined GnR in 2006 and appears on their last album, Chinese Democracy – cites the example of a solo tour he'd planned for a previous January and February. GnR made their own plans forcing him to change his – but then things changed again and everything was scrapped.

"The changes came at a very big loss," he says. "It also came at a detriment to my name. You book something with agents and promoters, and their biggest concern is you're going to cancel because Guns is going to book something. When you do that, they're going to be very reluctant to book again. I can't let that happen any more." more on this story

The Pixies Dismiss A Member

(Classic Rock) Bassist Kim Shattuck has been dismissed by the Pixies just four months after she was confirmed as replacement for founding member Kim Deal who left the group in June.

Muffs member Shattuck has admitted she's "super disappointed" at the move, which comes after the band completed a UK tour as part of a bigger world trek.

She says via Facebook: "Super disappointed to learn that my time with the Pixies ended today. Amazing experience. Looking forward to focusing my attention back on the Muffs and our upcoming new album. All the best to everyone." more on this story

Iron Maiden Named Of The Fastest-Growing Music Companies

(hennemusic) Iron Maiden LLP, the UK metal band's holding company, has been named one of the fastest-growing music companies in the UK, according to a report by the London Stock Exchange.

Entitled "1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain", the firm's report names Iron Maiden LLP as one of six music companies outperforming other businesses in the sector; others include the music app Shazam, Kobalt Music Group and the production music library Audio Network.

The Guardian reports Iron Maiden fall into the £10-20m earning bracket, using billions of real-time data from sources such as email traffic, financial transactions, PCs on the web and office space. more on this story

Lostprophets Urge Singer's Victims To Speak Out

(TeamRock Radio) The former bandmates of disgraced Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins have spoken out for the first time since he was charged with a string of child abuse offences.

They've said they weren't aware of their colleagues' crimes, although admitting he was a "difficult character" and that their relationship with him was in the process of breaking down. And they've called for any further victims to come forward and speak out.

Watkins was arrested and remanded in December 2012, and last week pleaded guilty to 13 charges against him including the attempted rape of a baby.

The rest of the band – Lee Gaze, Mike Lewis, Stuart Richardson, Jamie Oliver and Luke Johnson – confirmed in October they wouldn't attempt to continue their career.

Now they say in a statement: "We have learned that the allegations against Ian were true, and that he would not be contesting them in court. Until then, we found them extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake. Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny.

"Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: We did not." Read the rest here.

The Beatles Concept Album That Was Nearly Made

(Gibson) For many Beatles fans, 1967's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band represents the pinnacle of the Fab Four's achievements. Densely textured, sublimely arranged and packed with some of Lennon and McCartney's best songs, the disc remains a touchstone for every pop band that puts a premium on melody and craftsmanship. Incredibly, however, as writer Philip Norman and even Sir George Martin have pointed out, The Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece might have been even better, had some grievous missteps not occurred.

On February 17, 1967, "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane" were released to the record-buying public, on what has since been described as the greatest 45-rpm record ever produced. Martin, who was complicit in the decision to issue the double-A-sided single, has since called that decision "the biggest mistake of [his] professional life." The factors behind Martin's regret are two-fold. First, as dictated by the customs of the day, releasing "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" as a single precluded the inclusion of either song on The Beatles' forthcoming album, which, at that time, was envisioned as a spectacularly ambitious concept disc of a different sort than Sgt. Pepper's.

Martin later explained in The Beatles Anthology: "The only reason that 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Penny Lane' didn't go onto the new album was a feeling that if we issued a single, it shouldn't go onto an album. That was a crazy idea, and I'm afraid I was partly responsible. It's nonsense these days, but in those days in was an aspect that we'd try to give the public value for money. Brian [Epstein] came to me and said, 'I must have a really great single. What have you got?' I said, 'Well, I've got three tracks – and two of them are the best tracks [Lennon and McCartney] have ever written.' So, we put them together …."

A second, more heartrending reason the decision was regrettable is that the concept album Lennon and McCartney had in mind would likely have been an even greater artistic triumph than Sgt. Pepper's turned out to be. Exhausted by the madness of Beatlemania, and having therefore given up touring, The Beatles were, in Martin's words, "generally fed up with their lives." With two magnificent songs to serve as lynchpins, the era's two finest songwriters envisioned crafting a collection of autobiographical songs that would take a kaleidoscopic view of their earliest memories, drawing inspiration from people and places in Liverpool that figured prominently in their childhood.

"We were in another phase of our career," McCartney explained, in The Beatles Anthology, remarking on the sense of freedom and imagination that had taken hold in Lennon and himself. "We didn't have to be performing every night, so instead we could be writing or chatting with our mates, or visiting an art exhibition. Having the time off gave us time to come in [to the studio] with crazy ideas. We were all opening our minds to different areas, and we [were] sharing it all with one another. There was a lot of cross-fertilization."

Of course, in retrospect, the album The Beatles eventually did come up with wasn't exactly shabby. McCartney's "When I'm 64," which was written and recorded during the sessions for the proposed "childhood" disc, became a high point of the Sgt. Pepper's album. Furthermore, songs such as "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "A Day in the Life" were nearly on par with "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane," and certainly occupied similar stylistic terrain. Still, the album suffered from weak moments, and even Lennon later concluded it was preposterous to call Sgt. Pepper's a concept disc.

"It doesn't go anywhere," Lennon said. "All my contributions have absolutely nothing to do with this idea of Sgt. Pepper and his band. [The album] was not put together as it sounds, except for Sgt. Pepper introducing Billy Shears, and the so-called reprise. Every other song could have been on any other album."

Ringo Starr concurred in that assessment, saying the overarching intent to record a "show" album got derailed. "It was going to run like a rock opera," he said. "It had started out with a feeling that it was going to be something totally different, but we only got as far as Sgt. Pepper and Billy Shears. We thought, 'Sod it! It's just two tracks.' We kept the title and the feel that it's all connected, but in the end we didn't actually connect all the songs up." more on this story

Thin Lizzy Guitarist Reveals 'Absolute Bar-None Worst' Live Experience

(Classic Rock) Black Star Riders guitarist Scott Gorham has recalled the "absolute bar-none worst thing" that ever happened to him on stage. He severely injured his leg during a Thin Lizzy show after a jump went wrong – but he was on so much cocaine that he didn't know how much damage he'd done, and went back to finish the performance.

Gorham doesn't say when the incident took place, but he's remembered performing a number of shows with his leg strapped up during 1981′s Chinatown tour.

"I made a move, something I did a hundred times with Phil. I'd jump on the drum riser, play with Brian Downey a bit, do a big leap off, land, and Phil and I would be doing our thing, "He tells Total Guitar.

"In Washington DC, I jump up, mess around with Brian, I jump, I hit – and I just crumble on the floor. I couldn't get up; I'm looking at my guitar tech going, 'You've got to help me here.' Two guys unceremoniously drag me off stage behind my amps. I'm sitting there going, 'Oh man, I guess I just dislocated my knee. I'm okay now!' I was coked up to the eyeballs – feeling no pain." more on this story

Rare Bruce Springsteen Born To Run Manuscript To Be Auctioned

(hennemusic) A handwritten working manuscript of Bruce Springsteen's 1975 classic, "Born to Run", will be offered as part of a Sotheby's New York auction on December 5.

"Although Springsteen is known to have an intensive drafting process," said Sotheby's, "few manuscripts of 'Born to Run' are available, with the present example being one of only two identified that include the most famous lines in the song."

The auction house says that most of the lines in this version from 1974 were written in Long Branch, N.J. and appear to be unpublished and unrecorded, however it does include "a nearly perfected chorus." more on this story

Nightwish's Tuomas Holopainen Releasing Scrooge McDuck Album

(Prog) Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen has revealed the first details of his graphic novel-powered side project. His solo album was inspired by The Life And Times Of Scrooge McDuck, written by Don Rosa. It's the biographical story of the fictional character which struck Holopainen powerfully as he first read it 20 years ago.

The LIfe And Times Of Scrooge will be released in April and contains 10 tracks featuring a host of guest musicians. Rosa has created the album artwork.

Holopainen says the music is inspired by the classical, folk and soundtrack genres in the vein of composers Vaughan Williams, Michael Nyman, James Newton Howard and Enya. more on this story

Thirty Second To Mars Get Their Revenge

(TeamRock Radio) Thirty Second To Mars frontman Jared Leto says his band's success is all the revenge they need on those who tried to stop them doing what they needed to do.

And guitarist Tomo Milicevic insists the acclaim they've receive for fourth album Love, Lust, Faith And Dreams is a "f**k off" to those who don't believe in the three-piece.

In the exclusive TeamRock video, Leto says: "The greatest form of revenge is massive success. It's a fun form of revenge – I'm not a big believer in revenge. What's nice is to work really hard and to see it pay off.

"We've been doing this for so long. We've had our ups and downs, battled our record company, been sued for $30m. We're survivors, and our audience is made up of other survivors." Stream the interview here.

TesseracT Perform Live For BBC Session

(Prog) TesseracT last week appeared on BBC Radio 1, where they performed three tracks from current studio album Altered State at Maida Vale Studios in London.

Bassist Amos Williams, who speaks on the show, told Prog in March the theme of the album was inspired when they brought in vocalist Ashe O'Hara following Dan Tompkins' decision to leave.

Williams reported: "The concept isn't so much a bite at some fans' reaction, but it's about how people find it hard to deal with change. You've just got to embrace it."

He also said: "The second album is one of those excruciatingly difficult things for a band to do. You spend loads of time before you're signed making your life's work. Then you've got to tour, live a normal life and write material – all within a certain timescale. It was a challenge from day one." more on this story

Brandon Curtis of Secret Machines' New Band Cosmicide Debut Song

Brandon Curtis of Secret Machines' new band Cosmicide are giving fans a taste of what is to come with an online stream of a new track called "Talo's Corpse".

Brandon had this to say, "It's been a while since I have played my own songs for anybody. I guess since the last Secret Machines record was released in 2008, I have been busy mixing and producing music for other bands (Russian Circles, School of Seven Bells) or playing in other bands (Interpol). I never intended to wait this long - five years has flown by. I am excited to introduce my new project to you, finally."

The track was written/produced by Brandon Curtis and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer. Listen to it here. The band has also just confirmed their very first live shows which will be taking place in New England later this month. more on this story

Joe Bonamassa Releases 'Christmas Date Blues'

(The Blues Joe Bonamassa has released a seasonal track, Christmas Date Blues, which can be downloaded freeing return for a Facebook like or your email address.

The cheery number is a celebration of another great year for the guitarist, who recently launched his Tour De Force live collections. The blurb reads:

"Brighten up your holiday party with Bonamassa's music – enjoy the season and share the gift of his music with your friends. Thanks for supporting Joe. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

If that seems just a little too cheery, producer Kevin Shirley adds his two cents on Facebook. Read what he had to say and grab the download link here.

Geoff Downes and Anne-Marie Helder Release Album

(Prog) Geoff Downes and Anne-Marie Helder have made their collaborative album Electronica available on general release. The Yes and Asia keyboardist worked with the Panic Room and Mostly Autumn vocalist under the title New Dance Orchestra on the 12-track record.

The result is a collection which, says Downes, escapes easy definition while blending elements of melody, pop and electronica. He explains: "The concept of the New Dance Orchestra is to create entirely 'virtual' orchestrations, utilizing a variety of instruments made up from computerised technology and other audio resources.

"Electronica is the result of a collection of carefully crafted songs using these orchestral treatments on each individual track in different ways." more on this story

Black Label Society Side Band Cycle Of Pain Delay EP Release

Black Label Society bassist JD Deservio has announced that his side project Cycle Of Pain have been forced to delay the release of the new EP 'Pain Us' after parting ways with their record label.

The EP was originally scheduled to be released last week, November 27th, by Sliptrick Records. But now the band says "A single and new video will be released around the holidays with the EP following shortly after, likely releasing in early 2014."

The band also assures fans that the split with the label has not had an impact on their upcoming live dates which include two later this month and two early next month.
more on this story

Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger Visits Set Of James Brown Movie

(hennemusic) Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger recently paid a visit to the set of the new James Brown film, "Get On Up", currently filming in Natchez, Mississippi.

The Natchez Democrat reports Jagger, an executive producer on the project, was seen around town and on the set. "We walked out of the building together at one point, but I didn't speak to him," said Adams County District 1 Supervisor Mike Lazarus, an extra in a scene that was shot on November 21. "It was kind of interesting to see him eating lunch at the same table as Octavia Spencer two tables down from me."

Directed by Tate Taylor, "Get On Up" features Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson in "42") starring as Brown; Spencer, Viola Davis, Dan Aykroyd, Nick Eversman and Craig Robinson are among the cast. more on this story

Megadeth To Headline Music Festival

(hennemusic) Megadeth will headline the Skogsrojet Festival in Rejmyre, Sweden on August 1, 2014. Also on the bill are Gamma Ray, Unisonic, Quireboys and many others.

Megadeth recently launched their Super Collider US tour with Fear Factory and Nonpoint. The band have been on the road since the late spring release of their new album, "Super Collider."

The project debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 album chart in June with opening week sales of 29,000 copies. Check out the Skogsröjet Festival flyer here.

KISS Fan Donates Gene Simmons Bass To Smithsonian

(hennemusic) A Charleston, South Carolina KISS fan has donated an autographed Gene Simmons bass from his collection to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The Post And Courier reports KISS fan John Downs was inspired to make the donation after he learned that Eddie Van Halen had donated one of his signature guitars to the Smithsonian in 2011.

"We don't just want to collect the highest-end guitar. We want to show the American experience with the guitar," said Eric W. Jentsch, deputy curator for the Smithsonian's National Museum Of American History. "We like to tell broad stories, and Gene Simmons is a story unto himself." more on this story

Lemmy Admits Excess Has Caught Up With Him

(TeamRock Radio) Motorhead icon Lemmy has admitted his recent health woes are a result of living a life of excess.

He spent three weeks in hospital over the summer, forcing the cancellation of a string of shows, then confirmed he hadn't recovered sufficiently to take part in a UK tour which should have been happening now.

"I'm paying for the good times, I suppose. It's a mixture of all the things I ever did, and I did plenty," Lemmy tells the New York Times. "I've already given up smoking. I drink wine and that's it." more on this story

Motley Crue's Vince Neil Jams AC/DC Classic

(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil joined Sin City Sinners for the AC/DC classic, "Highway To Hell", at the November 9th grand opening of Vince Neil's Tatuado Eat-Drink-Party! in Las Vegas, and video of the performance has surfaced.

Neil's latest venture, located at the Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, has been launched with partners David Tuttleman and Mark Green, owners of Kahunaville at Treasure Island.

"I have wanted to expand the Tatuado brand and bring it to The Strip for a while," said Neil. "Teaming with David and Mark to recreate Rock & Rita's into my own spot will create a true home for the brand. People can come have a great time and enjoy my signature line of spirits while they party." Watch the video here.

Singled Out: Fake Club's Beauty Queen

Today all girl hard rockers Fake Club tell us about their recent single "Beauty Queen". Here is the story:

So, the track came about through Aicha (drums) and Chloe (rhythm guitar), who initially came up with the chords, the vibe and the main hook: 'You know her, she's the one that got it all.'

They also had the chorus melody sorted out and we knew that we wanted it to start with the phrase 'Beauty Queen'... Sooooo we had some jigsaw puzzle pieces to connect and knew how important the lyrics would be so it didn't sound a bit 'high school musical' and land on the right side of pop. (Which was a danger cos that initial hook was so damn HOOKY).

We then took fricking ages working out the story...what we wanted to say...who we wanted to say it too. And it actually went through loads of different manifestations. At one point, there was an actual rap going on with the verses...!? With the various girls joining in for various lines...!? (totally 'RUN DMC') which could have opened up a whole new world for Fakeclub if we had decided to walk through that door.... But luckily we didn't haha. Door remained and continues to remain firmly locked.

We then fell on something, which I suppose continues to be a theme in our writing as it most definitely is a theme in our worlds... 'WANT', 'GREED' 'The importance people place on material possessions over skin, and blood, friendship and love. All stuff which musicians have, of course, been talking about for decades... (it's understood we weren't making ground breaking statements) but were very excited about doing our own take on it. So we did.

And we actually feel 'Beauty Queen' is one of our tracks with the most considered and concise message... And.....We hope you do too.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself as you watch the video here and learn more about the album right here!