The calendar has flipped into the New Year, and hennemusic looks ahead at the rock forecast for 2012.
Here’s a list of the Top 10 items to watch for:
01 – Van Halen
After picking up hennemusic’s 2011 Rock News Artist Of The Year and Rock News Story Of The Year honors, it’s safe to say the first new Van Halen album with David Lee Roth in 28 years is the clear leader for buzz in the rock world. It’s been generations since the “1984” album exploded for the band, and there’s high hopes that the reunion will deliver the goods. Musicians, fans and non-fans alike will be listening to see if the mighty VH can recapture the spirit of their youth. Single is due January 10, album on February 7.
02 – Guns N’ Roses
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on April 14 could go in any direction, and that’s part of the wild, reckless abandon that the original GNR years brought to the table. Will the band be able to put aside differences for a few hours of their lives and enter the Hall gracefully, and if so, fans will undoubtedly wish for more.
03 – The Rolling Stones
2012 marks the band’s 50th Anniversary and there’s ongoing chatter and speculation that the Stones will pull things together for the event. Keith Richards says he’s happy to invite all past members back for the celebration, it's just that no one knows what that means - a one-off show? a series of dates? a full-blown tour? And…with or without new music?
04 – Black Sabbath
The metal pioneers have reunited, again, for another tour, but this time they’re promising a new album, their first as a unit since 1978. The band have always said they were fearful of creating new music that didn’t live up to their storied past, and now Rick Rubin has the duty of helping them through the process.
05 – Bruce Springsteen
There’s a new album and tour on the way, but this is going to be a strange time for Bruce and his fans. Clarence Clemons is no longer with us, and that leaves one huge achin’ hole in the heart of the E Street Band.
06 – Aerosmith
The bad boys from Boston are due to release their first new album of original material in a decade this spring. Re-teamed with producer Jack Douglas, there’s talk that the guys have reclaimed their 70s vibe.
07 – Pearl Jam
After a year of 20th Anniversary celebrations, Pearl Jam are talking about new music this year. The band were half done the project in the fall and are picking things up again in March. Some summer tour dates have already been announced.
08 – Rush
The legendary power trio is due to return with a new album, “Clockwork Angels.”
09 - Soundgarden
The reunited band have been working on their first new album in 16 years, while trying not to attach a deadline to its completion. Drummer Matt Cameron is also recording new material with Pearl Jam, so there’s some schedule juggling in the mix.
10 – Rock N’ Roll Books
The past year has been amazing for these…here’s just some of the autobiographies due in 2012:
Bret Michaels – Roses & Thorns (spring)
Neil Young – Waging Heavy Peace (fall)
Billy Idol – Dancing With Myself (fall)
Peter Criss – Makeup To Breakup (fall)
Rod Stewart (October)
Pete Townshend (fall)
