Rock Tours Dominated In 2012

Rockers made up 20% of the list, led by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at #2 ($210.2 million over 66 shows), Roger Waters at #3 ($186.4 million over 48 dates), and Metallica at #8 ($86.1 million over 21 concerts). See the other rockers that made the list.

Metallica's Black Album and Ride The Lightning Score More Platinum

(hennemusic) Metallica ended 2012 with more RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) Gold and Platinum certifications for U.S. sales.

Topping December's list was the band's 1991 self-titled LP (aka. the 'Black Album') reaching its 16th platinum certificate for sales of 16 million, while "Ride The Lightning" was awarded its 6th platinum for sales of 6 million copies.

Metallica played both albums in their entirety during their inaugural Orion Music + More festival in Atlantic City in June. more on this story

Bruce Springsteen To Receive All-Star Tribute

(CBS Local) A star-studded lineup will be on hand to perform Bruce Springsteen's songs when he is presented with the 2013 Grammy MusiCares Person Of The Year Award at a ceremony taking place on Friday February 8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

On the bill: Elton John, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Jackson Browne, Patti Smith, Neil Young, gospel legend Mavis Staples, Sting, country superstars Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Dixie Chick Natalie Maines.

Plus Columbian rock star Juanes, R&B superstar John Legend, Best New Artist GRAMMY nominee Alabama Shakes, Emmylou Harris, Jim James of psychedelic rockers My Morning Jacket, and six-time GRAMMY nominees Mumford & Sons. more on this story

Tom Waits On The Simpsons

(hennemusic) Tom Waits will guest star but won't sing on The Simpsons this Sunday, January 6 on Fox.

Waits will reportedly play himself as someone who helps introduce Homer to a community of survivalists, according to executive producer Al Jean.

"We did a lot of research into the 'prepper' phenomenon, where people are convinced that some horrible catastrophe – like an electromagnetic pulse – is going to occur, and that people will have to survive without the grid," he says. "Homer becomes a prepper." more on this story

Steven Adler Hoping For Rock Hall Repeat With New Band

(Gibson) Drummer Steven Adler has already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his role with Guns N' Roses, but he's hoping to do it again with his new band.

Adler, whose new band is simply called Adler, says he's gunning to see his band get inducted into the legendary Rock Hall someday.

"It was an honor to be inducted for Guns N' Roses and now the goal is to be inducted in it for the next 25 years," Adler recently told Rock Rebel Magazine. "This is my second opportunity and the goal is doing rock n' roll for people and travel all around the world and universe!" more on this story

Tommy Thayer Was On Stand-By To Replace Ace In KISS

(Classic Rock) KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer says he'd been lined up to replace Ace Frehley four years before it actually happened.

He'd even been kitted out with his own Spaceman garb in case the changeover took place while the band were touring.

"Actually, being the lead guitarist in KISS was unimaginable, but I think Paul and Gene had almost made me the heir apparent for several years before it happened. Because of the volatility in the band from 1998 on, I was literally on 'stand-by' backstage for several tours to take over on guitar if necessary.

"Behind the scenes, I had my own KISS outfit, boots and makeup kit in case of an emergency situation. By the time they asked me to be the new KISS lead guitarist over 10 years ago, the writing had been on the wall for a long while." more on this story

Aerosmith Celebrate 40th Anniversary Of Their Debut Album

(hennemusic) Aerosmith mark the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album on the latest installment of In The Studio.

Released in January of 1973, "Aerosmith" featured concert staples like "Mama Kin", "Walkin' The Dog", and what would become the band's signature tune, "Dream On."

In The Studio host Redbeard catches up with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton as they reminisce about the beginnings of what would be Aerosmith.

"To say that it's a dream come true, to become famous, to have an album out, get your voice and songs on the radio, it's a real trip," says Tyler. "It really is a dream come true." more on this story

Rush Classic Transformed For TV Series

(hennemusic) Rush classic, "Working Man", has been redone as the theme for the Transporter TV series.

According to The Canadian Press, a "modernized" version of Rush's early classic, "Working Man", is being used as the intro to the new Transporter: The Series, which premieres with back-to-back episodes tonight (Thursday, January 3rd) on HBO Canada.

Fan site RushIsABand reports the new version of "Working Man" is a barely recognizable electronica arrangement from Jamie Forsyth with Danielle Armstrong on vocals. more on this story

Freddie Mercury's Rolls Royce Being Auctioned

(hennemusic) Queen fans have a chance to own a part of the band's history as the late Freddie Mercury's 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow is being put up for auction.

The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow was produced in various forms from 1965 to 1980. It was the first Rolls-Royce to use a monocoque chassis, a response to concerns that the company was falling behind in automotive innovation. Aside from a more modern appearance and construction, the Silver Shadow introduced many new features such as disc rather than drum brakes, and independent rear suspension, rather than the outdated live axle design of previous cars.

This very special Rolls Royce Silver Shadow was bought by Freddie Mercury's company, Goose Productions Ltd., in the company's financial year ending 30th September 1979. A letter in the car's file directly from Jim Beach, the long-time manager of Queen and its individual members, confirms WLX 293M was bought for Freddie's use and continued to be used and owned by the company until his death in November 1991. more on this story

Kid Rock Delivers Happy New Year Surprise

(CBS Local) When it comes to wishing fans a "Happy New Year," it should come as no surprise that Kid Rock has his own style.

That is, if you can call drinking bourbon straight from the bottle while dressed in a sparkly gold suit in a VFW hall "style."

Kid Rock's new video for "Happy New Year" includes all those things, along with some impressive breakdancing and even a cameo appearance by Cindy Crawford. She looks great, of course–and as the video's director Jameson Stafford wrote on his Facebook page, "you should have seen her in person," because it "felt like everyone on set just stopped when she walked in – she just had this surreal glow." Read more and watch the video here.

The Air I Breathe Announce Farewell Tour Dates

The Air I Breathe will be embarking of a farewell tour of North American starting next month.

The tour is set to kick off on February 15 in Springfield, VA and will feature support from For All I Am and Famous Last Words as well as Sirens & Sailors (2/15-2/25), This Romantic Tragedy (2/26-3/10) and Forty Fathoms (2/27-3/10).

The band said of the trek, "We're heading out for one more tour in February! This tour is for the friends we've made along the years to see / hear 'Great Faith In Fools' live one last time and for the new fans who never got a chance to. Playing on the tour will be the members from the last couple tours and festivals. We tried to hit a bunch of areas we didn't get to hit on the Rise Tour as well as some favorites. See you next month!" more on this story

Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash Announce New Tour

(Classic Rock) Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash have revealed their touring schedule for the first half of 2013.

They'll play 25 shows in the UK beginning on February 28 and ending on June 29, including a set at the inaugural HRH Prog Festival, sponsored by Classic Rock's sister title Prog Magazine, in April.

Last September MTWA played a garden-party show to a group of invited guests, who were surprised to see former members Ted Turner, Laurie Wisefield and Steve Upton take the stage. more on this story

Rush For Tots

(hennemusic) Rockabye Baby! will release "Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of Rush" on January 29.

"Rockabye Baby" was developed by Van Halen singer David Lee Roth's sister Lisa Roth, in conjunction with CMH Records. The series includes collections made from the songs of artists like AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith, Pearl Jam, The Beatles, and many others.

Rush album description: "Do you have a modern-day warrior putting up a fight at bedtime? Looking for a reliable way to put baby to sleep and not some fly-by-night sandman? Try Rockabye Baby's tender lullaby versions of Rush's hard-rock hits. This magic music will bring your baby closer to the heart of slumberland." more on this story

Jimkata Expand Die Digital 2013 Winter Tour

Jimkata have expanded their Die Digital 2013 Winter Tour with the addition of several more dates.

The group have added new shows in MO, NE, IN, MA, NH, NY, VT, PA and CT, and they will also be playing a five-night Colorado run, Snoe.down, and an Official Umphrey's McGee After-Party.

The tour kicks off on January 17th in New Haven, CT and will conclude on April 6th in Ithaca, NY. more on this story

Caravan Kick Off Tour Next Week

Caravan will be kicking off their 10-date UK tour next Tuesday January 8th at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall with support from Garron Frith.

The tour marks the 40th Anniversary of their album, For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night. The band will also perform songs from their other classic albums, including In The Land Of Grey And Pink.

The current line-up features Pye Hastings (1968 founding member: guitar, lead vocals), Geoffrey Richardson (viola, guitar, flute, vocals), Jan Schelhaas (keyboards), Jim Leverton (bass, vocals) and Mark Walker (drums, percussion). more on this story

Yellowcard Announce Live TV Broadcast

AXS TV will broadcast Yellowcard's concert at The Paramount Theater in Huntington, New York live on Saturday January 12th.

"We have some pretty cool news to share," said Ryan Key, lead singer of Yellowcard. "On January 12th we are playing The Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY. A lot of you have been asking us for something live for as long as I can remember. Well hopefully this will do!

"AXS TV, one of the premier networks for live concerts and events in the U.S. will be broadcasting the entire show, 100% live on January 12th. Make sure to check your listings to see where you can watch. Thanks!" more on this story

Down and Warbeast Tour Dedicated To Mike Scaccia

Warbeast are dedicating their upcoming tour with Down to the memory of late Rigor Mortis and Ministry guitarist Mike Scaccia.

Warbeast frontman Bruce Corbitt had this to say, "Mike Scaccia left this Earth doing what he loved to do. Tragically, the music world has lost an extremely talented, gifted and unique guitar virtuoso. His music and his legend will live on forever. But a loving husband, father, son and brother etc. can never be replaced.

"Mike would be overwhelmed with this outpouring of emotion that has risen from his passing, but he would mainly be proud of the enormous support that everyone has shown towards his family during this devastating time in their lives. more on this story

Eyehategod, Neurosis, Nachtmystium, Yakuza Supergroup Set To Tour

Mike IX Williams (Eyehategod), Scott Kelly (Neurosis), Sanford Parker (Nachtmystium) and Bruce Lamont (Yakuza) have teamed up to form the new musical collective, Corrections House, and they will be launching a tour later this month.

The 19-date tour is set to kick off January 21, 2013 in Brooklyn, New York and will conclude on February 15th in Denver, Colorado.

The trek will feature special solo sets by Parker, Lamont, Kelly and Williams and they will close out each performance together as Corrections House. more on this story

Hot Water Music Release Drag My Body Video

Hot Water Music have released a new music video for their latest single "Drag My Body."

The video was directed by Josh Hegard and shot in Silverlake, California, and is the second video and from Exister, the band's first album since 2004. You can watch it here.

Hot Water Music will be kicking off their North American headline tour in Tampa on January 16 with support from La Dispute and The Menzingers. more on this story

Spinal Tap Hit Too Close To Home For Aerosmith's Steven Tyler

(Gibson) Rolling Stone reports that former record industry executive Joe Smith has donated a large amount of interviews he has done with famous musicians to the Library of Congress. The interviews were conducted some time in the mid'80s.

One of the interviews is with Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, who talks candidly about his hard partying days in the'70s: "I can remember the height of my oblivion, I was into doing things just because I could. I would think nothing of tipping a whole long spread, and I'd be so livid – explicit – no turkey roll! Give us a turkey – no gravy, no stuffing, just real meat. No hockey pucks, no mystery meat, just a turkey."

Does that perhaps sound a bit like Nigel Tufnel, the over the top character from the rock mockumentary This is Spinal Tap? Well, apparently Tyler thought that the movie hit a little too close to home, as he reveal in the interview with Joe Smith: "That movie bummed me out, because I thought, 'How dare they? That's all real, and they're mocking it.'" more on this story