Lost Johnny Cash Album To Be Released

The 12 songs are not demos or outtakes, they are true studio recordings. Accompanying Johnny Cash on the recordings was an ensemble featuring a young Marty Stuart on guitar and mandolin as well as Nashville A-Team members Jerry Kennedy (guitar), Pete Drake (steel guitar), Country Music Hall of Fame member Hargus "Pig" Robbins (piano) and Henry Strzelecki (bass). Out Among the Stars also includes a duet with the late Waylon Jennings and two with June Carter Cash. More details including tracklisting.

Toto Member Upset Their Song 'Africa' Used In Mandela Broadcast

(Classic Rock) Toto keyboard player David Paich has criticized CBS This Morning's use of his band's hit Africa during a broadcast of the Nelson Mandela memorial service.

The network's This Morning show played strains of the band's 1982 AOR classic over footage of grieving ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela during the late South African president and anti-apartheid campaigner's Soweto Stadium tribute

Paich told the the Hollywood Reporter: "CBS This Morning utilized Africa as the audio bed for a segment they aired this morning. As the co-writer of the song, if I had been asked for sync approval, the answer would have been a decline with a recommendation they honor the musicians of South Africa setting their sights on indigenous repertoire." more on this story

Foo Fighters Play Surprise 2.5 Hour Show

(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters played a long surprise show at Rock & Roll Pizza in Moorpark, California Monday night, and video from the event has been posted online.

The 2.5 hour, 23-song set served as a warm-up gig for the Foo's two concerts in Mexico City this week, where they'll play the 55,000 capacity Foro Sol Stadium on Wednesday and Friday.

The Mexico City dates are the first live shows since Dave Grohl announced last October that the Foos were going on hiatus following an extensive world tour in support of 2011's "Wasting Light" album.

Check out the video here.

U2 Unplug For Mandela Tribute Song

(hennemusic) U2 have posted the acoustic, Mandela version of "Breathe" on the entrance page of their website in honor of Tuesday's memorial of late South African icon Nelson Mandela, who died last week at the age of 95.

The track appears on the b-side of "Ordinary Love", a song written for the new movie "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom." It originally appeared on 2009's "No Line On The Horizon."

'It was as if he was born to teach the age a lesson in humility, in humour and above all else in patience," wrote Bono in remembrance of Mandela on December 5, the day he passed away. "In the end, Nelson Mandela showed us how to love rather than hate, not because he had never surrendered to rage or violence, but because he learnt that love would do a better job. Mandela played with the highest stakes."

"He put his family, his country, his time, his life on the line, and he won most of these contests," he continued. "Stubborn til the end for all the right reasons, it felt like he very nearly outstared his maker. Today, finally, he blinked. And some of us cry, knowing our eyes were opened to so much because of him.'

Check out the new version here.

Queen Pick Actor To Play Freddie Mercury In Biopic

(Radio.com) The upcoming Freddie Mercury has finally found its star. According to Deadline, British actor Ben Whishaw — best known for his role as Q in the most recent Bond flick, Skyfall – will play Mercury in the upcoming biopic.

The movie, which will be helmed by first time director Dexter Fletcher with a script written by The Queen and Frost/Nixon scribe Peter Morgan, will tell the story of the band's rise to fame, culminating with Queen's legendary performance at the 1985 charity concert, Live Aid, which was organized by Bob Geldof to raise funds for the famine in Ethiopia.

The film is slated to include Queen's music including their hit songs "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions," "Another One Bites The Dust" and "You're My Best Friend."

Sacha Baron Cohen was originally cast as Mercury in 2010, but left the film this past July due to "creative differences" with the surviving members of Queen. more on this story

Aerosmith Selling Off Used Road Equipment

(hennemusic) Aerosmith are selling off some of their used road equipment. "We are doing a end of year cleaning here at Pandora's Box and to make a little room the guys have decided to part with some of their road cases that have been used on tour for the last 25 years or so," posted the band.

"All of the cases show extensive road wear and would be a one of a kind collectors item. The cases come in all shapes and sizes and have the Aerosmith logo stenciled on them. These are the real deal."

"These items are being made available via the fan club for you first. Obviously you would have to be near Boston to acquire them and have your own large vehicle to take them home."

"Here's the deal! Be at the bands warehouse Saturday, December 28th at 10:00am. It's located at 155 Webster Street Suite J, Hanover, MA. Only the cases will be available in the warehouse at this time. SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY PLEASE! This will be a first come first serve kind of thang."

More details and how online fans can also get some Aero collectables here.

Members of Guns N' Roses, QOTSA, Monkees to Appear on 'Portlandia'

(Radio.com) The IFC comedy series Portlandia, led by Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen, is known for cameos from famous musicians, having already featured the likes of Jack White and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder on past episodes.

With the show's fourth season set to premiere on February 27, new details have emerged revealing the slate of musical appearances to expect including turns from Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses).

Other musical appearances set for upcoming episodes of the show are Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Michael Nesmith (The Monkees), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Tunde Adebempe (TV on the Radio), k.d. lang and duo Tuck and Patti. St. Vincent, who appeared on the show during its second season, will also have a cameo during the new run of episodes. more on this story

Dick Wagner Releases Christmas Single to Benefit St. Jude's

(Gibson) A group of esteemed rock musicians have recorded a Christmas single under the guidance of Dick Wagner. The song, which is called "If I Had The Time (I Could Change The World)" was written and produced by Wagner. It is available to buy as a digital download, with 50 cents from each purchase benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Wagner is a guitarist and songwriter who has worked with the likes of Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, and Lou Reed.

Among the more than fifty musicians who participated in the recording (dubbed the Rockers For St. Jude) back in September are Trini Lopez, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Chicago founding member Danny Seraphine, and former Michael Jackson guitarist Jennifer Batten.

"When I decided to write a song to benefit St. Jude children, I thought about what a song can mean in the context of our inner lives, the part that is willing to give, to help others in a time of need. 'If I Had the Time (I Could Change the World)' embraces the notion that we can do something positive to help change lives," Wagner told LA.com. "The children are the purpose of this song. By downloading this song, we can all make a difference – one download at a time." more on this story

Peter Gabriel Reacts To Phil Collins Comeback Plans

(Classic Rock) Peter Gabriel is glad that former Genesis bandmate Phil Collins is considering coming out of retirement. But while he won't rule out a classic lineup reunion of the influential prog band, he's not fully convinced it will ever happen.

Collins retired in 2011 but last month suggested he was reconsidering the decision, saying: "I have started thinking about doing new stuff. Some shows again, even with Genesis. Everything is possible."

Asked what he thinks of his former colleague's comments, Gabriel tells Rolling Stone: "Good! I think he got himself into a bit of a hole, and that's great news he's coming out of it. It doesn't have to involve work – but if it does, that's a great indicator."

His reaction leads to the inevitable question about a Genesis reunion, with the possibility having been raised on several occasions over the last decade. Gabriel replies: "It's never been ruled out. I'm trying to picture a time when it would top my priorities list though." He had more to say about it.

Black Sabbath 'Ecstatic' About Grammy Nominations

(hennemusic) Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has released a statement on behalf of the band regarding the group's three Grammy Award nominations, which were announced Friday in Los Angeles.

"We are ecstatic, surprised and very happy!" says Osbourne. The band's latest album, "13", earned a nomination for"Best Rock Album", while the track "God Is Dead?" is a contender for "Best Rock Song" and "Best Metal Performance."

Sabbath's last Grammy win was in 2000 for "Best Metal Performance" for "Iron Man" from the band's "Reunion" live album.

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be held January 26, 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). more on this story

Rolling Stones' 60 Minutes Australia Appearance Streaming Online

(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones are featured on Australia's TV newsmagazine, 60 Minutes, and video of the program is available. Each of group's members sat down with reporter Charles Wooley for the story, which aired on the Channel Nine network.

The Rolling Stones are returning to Australia next year as part of their 14 On Fire Tour, marking the band's seventh trip down under and first since 2006's "A Bigger Bang" World Tour.

The Australian dates start March 19 in Perth and run to April 2 in Brisbane, followed by an April 5th show in Auckland, New Zealand. Check out the video here.

Yes Announce Spring Tour Dates

(hennemusic) Yes have announced a spring 2014 Canadian tour. The band will play 10 dates featuring their current live show, which sees Yes performing three albums – 1971's "The Yes Album", 1972's "Close To The Edge" and 1977's "Going For The One" – from beginning to end.

The current tour marks the first time since 1973 that Yes - bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Geoff Downes and singer Jon Davison - have performed an album onstage in its entirety.

Canadian dates begin March 19 in Victoria, BC and run to April 2 in Hamilton, ON. Yes are also among the nominees for the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, alongside KISS, Deep Purple, Nirvana, Hall & Oates, The Replacements, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Peter Gabriel, LL Cool J, N.W.A., Link Wray, the Meters, Linda Ronstadt, Cat Stevens, and the Zombies. more on this story

Dream Theater's Minds Are Blown By Grammy Nomination

(Prog) Dream Theater say their minds have been blown after being nominated for a Grammy Award. Their track The Enemy Inside from their recent self-titled album has been shortlisted in the category of Best Metal Performance. It's their second nomination, following a mention in 2012 for On The Backs Of Angels as Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.

Dream Theater say in a statement: "News of our first nomination two years ago was amazing – now to be nominated for a second time is just mindblowing!

"We're so proud to be included in such an awesome group of bands and extremely grateful to all the academy members who voted for us," they continue.

"To us, the acknowledgment, affirmation and recognition of progressive music by the Grammys is especially meaningful and rewarding for us. Best of luck to all the nominees – and thank you once again." more on this story

IOEarth Planning New Album

(Prog) IOEarth have revealed their third album is to be called New World, and they'll start recording sessions early in the new year. It will be the first to feature new singer Linda Odinsen, who came to the band's rescue in April when previous vocalist Claire Malin's health issues threatened to force the cancellation of their Cruise To The Edge appearance.

Odinsen says: "We've already started work on the new album. We're only in the early stages but I already know it's going to be exceptional. The music is powerful and emotive – I can't wait to share it with the world."

Co-founder Dave Cureton adds: "Adam Gough and I have been writing the material for a while now. These pieces sound amazing – we believe we've pushed ourselves to create the most exciting IOEarth album to date." more on this story

Peckham Cowboys Releasing New Album

(The Blues London blues-rockers the Peckham Cowboys will release their second album, 10 Tales From The Gin Palace, via Cargo Records on February 14th in the UK.

Featuring musicians from bands as varied as the Quireboys, Primal Scream and the Ariel Bender Band, it follows their rough-and-ready 2011 debut Flog It! which drew acclaim from Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey.

Frontman Marc Eden, who named the band, says their record sounds like "a fire alarm going off in the burning remnants of the music industry."

Song subjects include Eden's crown court appearance last year (the details of which he's keeping quiet), adventures with girls from the next neighbourhood, avoiding debt collectors and, of course, drinking. more on this story

Heart Release Preview From Forthcoming Live Release

(hennemusic) Heart will release "Fanatic Live From Caesars Colosseum", on CD and DVD/Blu Ray on February 25, 2014, and the band are sharing a video preview of the forthcoming set.

The package captures the Seattle band live on their "Fanatic" tour at Caesars Colosseum in Windsor, Ontario, an event originally filmed by AXS-TV.

In addition to songs from the band's 2012 "Fanatic" album – which were performed for the first time for the television viewing audience – "Fanatic Live From Caesars Colosseum" also showcases many of Heart's classic hits including "Barracuda," "Crazy On You," "These Dreams," "Alone," "What About Love," and many more. Check out the preview here.

Vista Chino Release 'Sweet Remain' Video

(Classic Rock) Kyuss offshoot Vista Chino have released a video for their track Sweet Remain. It's taken from their debut album Peace, which was launched in September via Napalm Records.

Brant Bjork and John Garcia formed the stoner rock band with Bruno Fevery after having toured under the title Kyuss Lives.

They gave up on pursuing the use of the name after ex-member Josh Homme launched legal action against them. Watch the video here.

Adrenaline Mob Release 'Come On Get Up' Lyric Video

(Classic Rock) Adrenaline Mob have released a lyric video for their track Come On Get Up. The song is taken from the supergroup's upcoming second album Men Of Honor.

The lineup, which formerly included ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, now features Russell Allen (Symphony X), John Moyer (Disturbed), AJ Pero (Twisted Sister) and Mike Orlando.

The new album, "Men Of Honor" is scheduled to be released via Century Media on February 18th in North America and February 24 in the UK. Watch the new lyric video here.

Cynic Release 'The Lion's Roar' Lyric Video

(Prog) Prog has posted the European premiere of Cynic's new lyric video for the song "The Lion's Roar". It's taken from Kindly Bent To Free Us, the long-awaited second album since their 2007 reunion – and their third overall – which will be released on February 14 via Season Of Mist.

The label reports: "Instead of simply repeating their successful formula, Cynic dare to expand their horizon into even more complex soundscapes that demand careful and intense study before revealing their full astonishing beauty.

"All the trademarks that gained the American progressive pioneers their cult status are still there: forward-thinking riffing fused with the rhythmical intricacy of jazz and the melodic complexity of progressive rock."

Drummer Sean Reinert recently said of Kindly Bent To Free Us: "We've had a lot of time to let this material develop and gestate. I couldn't be happier about what's happening with these songs. They are truly alive."

Watch the video here.

Bleed From Within Release 'I Am' Video

(TeamRock Radio) Bleed From Within have released a video for their track I Am. It's taken from their third album, Uprising, which was launched in March via Century Media.

Frontman Scott Kennedy said at the time: "The first two albums were good, but maybe we didn't get our message across to as many people as we should have done. Everything's been building up towards this new one.

"We never wanted to be part of some trendy scene; we're a metal band, pure and simple. This is the album we always wanted to make." Watch the new video here.

Decade Release 'British Weather' Video

(TeamRock Radio) Decade have released a video for their track British Weather. It's taken from their debut album Good Luck, set for release on January 17 via Spinefarm Records. It follows an EP release earlier this year.

The Bath-based five-piece's guitarist Connor Fathers recently told Rock Transmission: "There are elements of what we have done before, but it's definitely new. It's more advanced – we've figured out what our sound really is, having done the EP.

"We're sure of ourselves and this is our brand of music." Catch Decade on tour with Mayday Parade starting next month. Grab the tour dates and watch the video here.

Singled Out: Jon and The Jones' Firebreather

Today Jon Moodie from bluesy-rock-alt combo Jon and The Jones tells us about their catchy new single "Firebreather". Here is the story:

Like most of my songs, I don't sit to write intentionally but just allow it to come, since most of the time I want to play and write anyway. For "Firebreather," my roommate and I were sharing a bottle of wine and watching a game but the mood to pick up my guitar and play struck me. I started jamming on a reggae riff that was with a sweeter, watered-down version of the current melody. Fast forward a couple glasses, and I was playing the riff on the downbeat instead of the upbeat and stumbling over myself at the end of the phrase, (which was all caught on the recorder on my phone and found the next day).

As for lyrics in general, when I write a riff, I just start singing gibberish along with it so that I can nail down a melody. Eventually, a line pops into my head and I work around that. Writing is, at first, not a conscious effort though; I play the riff over and over and mumble. It lulls my conscious mind and lets my subconscious come out and play. "Firebreather" was no exception.

Liking the riff and melody, and really feeling the lyrics – I saw this guy in my mind letting loose, letting temptations consume him -- I quickly took it into a band rehearsal. One of those not-so-rare moments of pure magic happened when the three of us (Brian Stanley, Helen Destroy, and myself), get into a room together. We cranked through the arrangement in less than an hour. Seriously! Then, our producers/development label came in and the whole team worked together through the night and over the next few days to get it to the next level.

We all felt we had our first single. Within a few weeks, we recorded it. We laid drums and bass at The Loft studios in Bronxville, NY with the help of Al Hemberger. At Jungle City, NYC, we cut vocals with Dan Tobiason. John Angier was brought in to sprinkle in some hot color on the keys, and Jeremy Cimino did the final mix to get the song out. I am grateful. I'm surrounded by such incredible band/team that this sort of 'lightning in a bottle' atmosphere is not uncommon. I just hope that folks will dig the sound as much as we do, because we are certainly having a lot of fun creating it.

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