Green Day start writing material for next album

Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong says the band have begun writing material for their next album.

Following the group’s recent induction into the 2015 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the rocker spoke to Rolling Stone about the band’s headspace and plans in the wake of the honor.

“There's definitely a great spirit going on,” Armstrong explains. “We've always been pretty charged up. Before we found any of this out, I had already written a few songs and everybody was really excited by them. And then we heard about the Hall of Fame, and we were just blown away.”

“Yeah, I mean, we're going to take our time,” he continues. “We're not going to try and pull off some, like, victory lap over this because I definitely want the music to come from a real place and be inspired, not just because we got honored or anything like that, but because we're honoring music. We want to work on them, and we want to make a great album.”

Armstrong already has a few tunes together for the follow-up to 2012’s trilogy, “Uno”, “Dos” and “Tre.”

“I've got, like, four or five songs right now,” he says. “I'm gonna take it really slow. I'm just gonna make sure every moment is inspired and that we have something that's really special to us. And right now with the songs that we have, it's going in the right direction.”

The San Francisco Bay-area band were inducted into the Rock Hall on April 18 alongside Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Lou Reed, Bill Withers, Ringo Starr and the “5” Royales.


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Green Day thrilled with 2015 Rock Hall induction
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KISS members honored with ASCAP Founders Award

KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were honored with the ASCAP Founders Award at the 32nd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday.

“A HUGE honor,” posted Stanley. “Thank you.”

“Paul & I received ASCAP Founders Award from Dave Grohl,” added Simmons. “Thank you, Dave. Great night.”

The ASCAP Founders Award goes to pioneering ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.

Past recipients of the honor include Sir Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, and Neil Young.

KISS have sold over 100 million albums worldwide in their 40-year career and have 28 gold albums – the most of any American rock band.

The ASCAP Pop Music Awards also honored The Doobie Brothers with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award – recognizing ASCAP members whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation, while newcomer St. Vincent was presented wth ASCAP's Vanguard Award – celebrating the impact of musical genres that help shape the future of American music.

KISS continue their extended 40th anniversary tour this month with a series of concerts in South America before heading to Europe for shows starting May 29 in Munich, Germany.


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Megadeth share photos from the recording studio

Megadeth are sharing a series of photos from the recording studio as the band works on its 15th album with new guitarist Kiko Loureiro and guest drummer Chris Adler from Lamb Of God.

Images include shots of Louriero at work on his own (“Practicing! Never enough...”) and with leader Dave Mustaine, a look at the former Angra axeman’s guitars, and a pile of shredded drumsticks (“Ya think Chris Adler is working hard enough on the new album?”).

Loureiro joined the group following last fall’s departure of Chris Broderick, while Shawn Drover has been replaced by Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler as a guest player on the follow-up to 2013’s “Super Collider.”

Megadeth recently launched a PledgeMusic campaign to provide the opportunity to bring fans into the recording process with a list of incentive packages.

“Pre-order the album digitally, on CD or on vinyl plus tons of other unique offerings like signed CDs, signed vinyl, gear from the studio and much more,” says the group. “No matter what you order, you will get access to a variety of behind-the-scenes content such as photos and videos from the writing and recording sessions. You’ll get full access to the process in real time.”

Full details are available at PledgeMusic.com

See also:

Former Megadeth drummer accuses Dave Mustaine of ripping him off
Megadeth issue first photo of new studio lineup
Dave Mustaine raves about new Megadeth guitarist
Nick Menza details Megadeth reunion offer
Search Megadeth at hennemusic

Monsters Of Rock cruise raises $48k for Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund

The recent 2015 Monsters Of Rock cruise raised $48,000 for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.

The cruise – which featured more than 30 acts including Extreme, Black Star Riders, Tesla, Night Ranger and others – held daily activities to help raise funds for the charity named after the late rocker, who passed away from gastric cancer in 2010 at the age of 67.

Activities included auctions, Rock 'N Roll Bingo and Dine and Donate for Dio.

"I cannot thank Larry Morand, Mike London and the fantastic Monsters Of Rock Cruise Production Staff, as well as the very generous passengers, who dug deep into their pockets during our wonderful five days at sea," says Wendy Dio. "I want them all to know that every penny raised will go to cancer research so that one day we will find a cure for this terrible disease that takes so many of our loved one's lives. Ronnie would be so proud."

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is dedicated to cancer prevention, research and education and is committed to raising money and awareness in hope of one day finding a cure for this disease.

The charity is hosting a series of events in Los Angeles in May to mark the fifth anniversary of the singer’s passing.

The May 15th - 17th weekend will include a public Memorial Service, a Bowl For Ronnie Celebrity Bowling tournament and the inaugural Ride For Ronnie motorcycle ride and BBQ.


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Ronnie James Dio tribute album due next month
Ronnie James Dio memorial weekend announced
Wendy Dio and Tenacious D comment on Grammy Award win
Tenacious D win Grammy for Best Metal Performance
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Former Megadeth drummer accuses Dave Mustaine of ripping him off

Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has called out Dave Mustaine over alleged wrongdoings with regards to publishing royalties from his days with the group.

“To: Dave Mustaine in regards to my publishing royalties,” posted Menza on his social media sites. “I find it very unprofessional that you conduct business like a child, quit playing games! be a man and stop taking food from my kids mouths. It’s my earned money, Not yours. quit ripping me off. WTF?”

At press time, there had been no reaction from Mustaine over his former drummer’s remarks.

Menza’s comments are the second time recently he has chastised Mustaine publicly over his business practices: while revealing that a reunion of the band’s classic 1990s lineup fell apart during negotiations when they were looking for a new drummer, he later shared the details of a contract offer put on the table by Mustaine.

Menza says Megadeth requested he record the group’s 15th album without payment, with his earnings to be made from touring.

"As soon as I got home and it was time to sit down and negotiate my terms in writing, I was offered a very unfair deal that was so wrong,” revealed Menza. “They didn't feel I was worth anything to the band. Dave blocked my emails, changed his number and then, apparently, Ron Laffitte was fired as the band's manager. Here is one of my favorite bands and a huge part of my life achievements and I was shut out for wanting a fair deal.”

"I am really blown away how this band conducts business,” he added. “A band is about a group of people who have respect for one another, sense of loyalty, camaraderie, and most of all honor and trust! I'm not a puppet I have integrity, loyalty, and honor. That's who I am!”

Mustaine and Megadeth are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to 2013’s "Super Collider" with new guitarist Kiko Loureiro and guest drummer Chris Adler from Lamb Of God.


See also:

Megadeth issue first photo of new studio lineup
Dave Mustaine raves about new Megadeth guitarist
Nick Menza details Megadeth reunion offer
VIDEO: Megadeth release studio footage
Search Megadeth at hennemusic

The Who to release 1982 Shea Stadium show on DVD

The Who will release “Live At Shea Stadium 1982” on DVD, SD Blu-ray and digital formats on June 29.

The band have issued a performance of “Love Reign O’er Me” as a preview of the package, which features the second show of the group’s two-night stand at New York’s Shea Stadium, held on October 13, 1982.

On the road in support of tenth album, “It’s Hard”, the trek was the last to feature Kenney Jones on drums.

The run was also billed as the band’s farewell tour, which wrapped up with two concerts at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens – the second of which was broadcast live on radio and via pay-per-view.

The Who went on to tour again in 1989, 1996, 2000 and several times since.

The band are currently playing shows across North America on their latest farewell tour, “The Who Hits 50!”

The Who
“Live At Shea Stadium 1982”
Release date: June 29

01. Substitute
02. I Can’t Explain
03. Dangerous
04. Sister Disco
05. The Quiet One
06. It’s Hard
07. Eminence Front
08. Behind Blue Eyes
09. Baba O’Riley
10. I’m One
11. The Punk And The Godfather
12. Drowned
13. Tattoo
14. Cry If You Want
15. Who Are You
16. Pinball Wizard
17. See Me Feel Me
18. Love Reign O’er Me
19. Long Live Rock
20. Won’t Get Fooled Again
21. Young Man Blues
22. Naked Eye
23. I Saw Her Standing There
24. Summertime Blues
25. Twist And Shout


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Pete Townshend and Eddie Vedder to host cancer benefit concert
Pete Townshend launches solo album reissues series
VIDEO: Who classic remixed for new Cablevision commercial
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VIDEO: Journey kick off first Las Vegas residency

Journey kicked off their first Las Vegas residency at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Wednesday.

The group delievered a 19-song set spanning materal from their lengthy career, opening with 1980’s “Any Way You Want It” and closing the night with 1979’s “Lovin’, ‘Touchin’, Squeezin’”.

“Journey Las Vegas” will see the band will perform 9 shows at the venue between April 29 and May 16.

Clark County declared Wednesday as Journey Las Vegas Day in the city to mark the opening of the group’s residency.

Journey are following in the footsteps of several other rockers who paved the way with successful extended Vegas runs, including Carlos Santana, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Rod Stewart and Meat Loaf, among others.

Wednesday also brought news that Journey guitarist Neal Schon will release a 2CD instrumental solo album called “Vortex” on June 23.

The project sees Schon regroup with keyboardists Jan Hammer and Igor Len and former Journey drummer Steve Smith to mix elements of rock, jazz, classical and world music over an 18-song package.






See also:

Journey guitarist Neal Schon previews new album Vortex
Journey to open Hollywood Bowl 2015 season
Journey announce Canadian tour
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: JOURNEY
Search Journey at hennemusic

VIDEO: John Fogerty performs CCR classics on Letterman

John Fogerty performed a medley of Creedence Clearwater Revival classics on The Late Show with David Letterman on Wednesday.

Fogerty’s final appearance on the program saw him deliver powerful but brief snippets of "Travelin' Band", "Proud Mary" and "Fortunate Son" to the delight of the retiring host, who exits late night television next month after more than three decades.

The rocker will launch his “1969” summer tour at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, TN on May 2.

Fogerty will perform music on the trek from the three albums he released in a single year with CCR, including “Bayou Country”, “Green River” and “Willy And The Poor Boys.”

The Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman and solo artist will publish his memoir, “Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music”, on October 6 via Little, Brown and Company.


See also:

John Fogerty to publish memoir this fall
John Fogerty announces Canadian tour
John Fogerty joins Bruce Springsteen for CCR classics in New Orleans
VIDEO: John Fogerty performs at Howard Stern’s 60th Birthday Bash
Search John Fogerty at hennemusic

Steven Tyler to debut new solo single on American Idol finale

Steven Tyler (center) with Scott Borchetta (left) and the American Idol Top 5

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will debut his new solo single, “Love Is Your Name”, on the season 14 finale of American Idol on May 13.

Tyler revealed the news during an appearance on Wednesday’s episode in a segment that saw series mentor Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Records take the Top 5 contestants to Nashville for meetings with label staff.

The Aerosmith singer – an Idol judge on seasons 10 and 11 – also announced plans to perform on the finale with popular New Jersey-based contestant Jax, one of the four singers remaining in the competition.

Tyler has been in Nashville since January working with songwriters on material for his debut solo album on Big Machine Records’ affiliated label Dot Records.

The rocker announced his intent to record a country album during a Twitter Q&A last October.

Tyler will join Aerosmith this year for the Blue Army Tour, with summer dates set to start June 13 in Glendale, Arizona.

American Idol’s season 14 finale airs on Wednesday, May 13 at 8 PM on FOX.



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Aerosmith to launch Blue Army tour in Arizona
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler signs with country label for debut solo album
REPORT: Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler to record country album
Aerosmith to play Pro Football Hall of Fame Concert For Legends
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VIDEO: Van Halen rehearse deep tracks ahead of summer tour

Van Halen are currently in rehearsals for their summer tour of North America and the band are sharing video snippets of a pair of rarely-played, deep tracks from their catalog.

“Working on setlist ideas right now,” tweeted bassist Wolfgang Van Halen recently. “Which ‘deep cuts’ or ‘b-sides’ would you like to hear on this upcoming #VanHalen tour??”

This week, the bassist posted some short video clips from rehearsals on Instagram.

“Trying something new today at rehearsal...” he wrote as the band could be heard playing “Dirty Movies” from 1981’s “Fair Warning” album.

Wolfgang followed the first clip up with a second, writing, “Another day, another rehearsal, another tune to try out...” as his father, Eddie, played the introduction to “In A Simple Rhyme” from 1980’s “Women And Children First.”

Van Halen will launch a North American tour in Seattle on July 5 in support of “Tokyo Dome Live In Concert”, their first live release with David Lee Roth.

The album features a 25-song set of material from the band’s original, classic era and 2012’s “A Different Kind Of Truth”, the group’s first studio album with Roth in almost 30 years.

Trying something new today at rehearsal...

A video posted by Wolf Van Halen (@wolfvanhalen) on Apr 28, 2015 at 4:00pm PDT

Another day, another rehearsal, another tune to try out...

A video posted by Wolf Van Halen (@wolfvanhalen) on Apr 29, 2015 at 3:44pm PDT

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Eddie Van Halen discusses live album in Guitar World cover story
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Ronnie James Dio tribute album due next month

A Ronnie James Dio tribute album, “A Light In The Black”, will be released on May 22.

The 2-disc set features 20 tracks by the metal legend redone by a dozen different acts from the Massacre Records stable, including Crystal Ball, Messenger, Gun Barrel, Gloryful, The Order, Metal Inquisitor, Circle Of Silence, Burden Of Grief, Love.Might.Kill, Rebellion, Iron Fate and Wizard.

“Ronnie James Dio was a hero and inspiration to many musicians, such as Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Doro Pesch and Axel Rudi Pell, and rumour has it that he‘s the main reason why every metal head worldwide is familiar with the sign of the horns,” says the German-based label. “Now it‘s time for us to pay tribute to him as well: 12 of our bands covered Ronnie James Dio songs to honor this exceptional musician!”

The cover art for “A Light In The Black” was created by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove.net, who made an effort to pay tribute to the singer.

"I decided to go for an old school type of hand-painted look, like the classic Dio covers, but I still wanted to keep it original,” he explains. “You'll find many hints and details that refer to well-known Dio themes: The mountain has two peaks as if they were devil's horns, and of course the Dio mascot Murray is featured too, merging from the fire."

Crystal Ball’s version of “Sacred Heart” is the first track previewed from the project.


See also:

Ronnie James Dio memorial weekend announced
Wendy Dio and Tenacious D comment on Grammy Award win
Tenacious D win Grammy for Best Metal Performance
Tenacious D cover The Last In Line for Ronnie James Dio tribute album
Search Ronnie James Dio at hennemusic

Axl Rose slams Indonesian President over executions

Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose is slamming the actions of Indonesian President Joko Widodo over the executions of two Australians and six others on decade-old drug charges on Wednesday.

Andrew Chan, Myuran Sukumaran and six others were executed by a firing squad on Nusakambangan prison island near Cilacap in Central Java.

Rose wrote a lengthy letter of appeal to Widodo asking the President to intervene in the face of international calls to halt the executions, while also requesting the same for Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, who managed to earn a reprieve from the killings.

"It's deeply troubling President Widodo ignoring International outcry went thru w/8 of the executions,” said Rose in the first of a series of tweets. “Let's pray Miss Veloso's reprieve is permanent."

"Widodo's refusal 2 postpone the executions until all legal challenges n' investigations of corruption r resolved is inexcusable,” continued the singer.

"4 Widodo 2 b out of the country during his big statement refusing 2 take calls or read any last minute pleas 4 the condemned is cowardice.”

"The People of Indonesia deserve better," added Rose.

Rose joined many others in contacting the Indonesian President in an attempt to sway the recently-elected politician from moving forward with the murders over alleged crimes that took place long before he came to power.

Media reports confirm Australia has recalled their Indonesian Ambassador from the capital city of Jakarta over the incident, while Brazil made a similar move in January over an earlier execution.

See also:

Axl Rose appealed to Indonesian President to halt executions
Former Guns N’ Roses members record new song
VIDEO: Former Guns N’ Roses members reunite in Argentina
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 5: GUNS N ROSES
Search Guns N Roses at hennemusic

Journey guitarist Neal Schon previews new album Vortex

Journey guitarist Neal Schon is premiering “El Matador”, the lead track from his forthcoming instrumental solo album, “Vortex.”

Due June 23, the 2CD set sees Schon regroup with keyboardists Jan Hammer and Igor Len and former Journey drummer Steve Smith to mix elements of rock, jazz, classical and world music over an 18-song package.

"Jan is all over this album,” says Schon of the follow-up to 2014’s “So U.” “I wrote the material to give Jan room to stretch. There are not many three-minute ditties. It's all huge, epic, bombastic…futuristic."

“This is an evolutionary album for me,” continues the guitarist. “I've always aspired to be a better player and push musical boundaries. And sure, I've sold 80-million records with Journey, and I'm proud of that, but this album is really me — all based on my guitar, which is my 'voice.' It's bold. There's love, and there's definitely fire and an element of danger. And the energy level is off the hook."

Schon and Journey kick off their first Las Vegas residency on Wednesday, a run that will see the band perform 9 shows at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino between April 29 and May 16.

Journey were named the No. 3 Rock News Artist Of The Year and delivered both the No. 5 Rock News Story Of The Year and No. 7 Rock News Story of The Year as part of the 5th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards.

Neal Schon
“Vortex”
Release date: June 23

CD1

01. Miles Beyond
02. Awakening
03. Cuban Fly Zone
04. El Matador
05. Eternal Love
06. In a Cloud
07. Irish Cream
08. Lady M (Our love Remains)
09. NS Vortex

CD2

01. Tortured Souls
02. Schon & Hammer Now
03. Airliner NS910
04. Unspoken Faith
05. Twilight - Spellbound
06. Triumph of Love
07. Mom
08. Talk to Me
09. White Light




See also:

Journey to open Hollywood Bowl 2015 season
Journey announce Canadian tour
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: JOURNEY
Journey announce Las Vegas residency
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Ozzy Osbourne: VH1 scrap plans to bring The Osbournes back to TV

VH1 have scrapped plans to bring The Osbournes series back to TV.

"We are no longer talking to the Osbournes about a series; that's not going to happen," Susan Levison, exec vp original programming and production at VH1, tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We wish we could have worked it out, but it just didn't come together for us. The family has been absolutely lovely and we wish them the best. We'd love to figure out a way to work with them at some point in the future."

The change of plans follows a November announcement by Ozzy Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon, that the show was returning to TV.

"Ozzy has decided that he wants to do another few episodes, not a whole season, about eight episodes, of 'The Osbournes',” Sharon revealed on the UK show “Loose Women.” "He said that for the whole three years that we did it he was drunk the whole time. But he would like to do one where he's completely sober, as he is now."

The Osbournes originally aired on MTV from 2002 to 2005, becoming the highest rated original program in MTV's history.


See also:

Black Sabbath plan 2016 farewell tour
Black Sabbath: Bill Ward releases first solo album in 18 years
Black Sabbath feud heats up
Ozzy Osbourne refuses to apologize to Black Sabbath drummer
Search Ozzy Osbourne at hennemusic

Black Sabbath plan 2016 farewell tour

Ozzy Osbourne says Black Sabbath are planning to perform their farewell tour in 2016.

“We all live in different countries and some of them want to work and some of them don't want to, I believe,” Osbourne said during an April 24 press conference for the Monsters Of Rock festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil (video below). “But we are going to do another tour together."

While admitting that schedules could change, the singer said, “The plan is that next year [we'll do] the final Black Sabbath tour and then it's over."

"I'm still gonna continue my solo career," Ozzy added. "I'm doing these few [solo] gigs down here now. Then at the beginning of next year, I'm going out with Sabbath. The Sabbath thing is folding up after the next tour, but I'm gonna continue my solo career."

Ozzy’s wife/manager Sharon Osbourne created confusion about Black Sabbath’s plans when she announced on March 20 that the group were headlining a farewell show at Ozzfest Japan this fall.

"Ozzfest will be back in Japan on November 21st and 22nd,” said Sharon. “And this will be Black Sabbath’s farewell. We're also announcing Korn, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary. Now you can't miss that."

At press time, no details have been provided by Sharon, Ozzy or the Black Sabbath camp to indicate why the band were removed from the lineup, which will now see Ozzy headline as a solo act.


See also:

Black Sabbath: Bill Ward releases first solo album in 18 years
Black Sabbath feud heats up
Ozzy Osbourne refuses to apologize to Black Sabbath drummer
Black Sabbath drummer demands apology from Ozzy Osbourne
Search Ozzy Osbourne at hennemusic

Motley Crue singer Vince Neil to appear on Celebrity Wife Swap

Motley Crue singer Vince Neil has filmed an episode for the upcoming fourth season of the ABC-TV reality series Celebrity Wife Swap.

The Las Vegas Sun reports Neil took his “guest wife” gambling at Red Rock Resort, where he put down $50,000 on the craps table and kept it rolling until he walked away with $660,000.

Neil also cooked a dinner for 20 friends for the program while admitting that it was the first time he’d ever played chef in the kitchen.

“I hadn’t been in a supermarket to do grocery shopping since Motley Crue first went out on the road in 1981,” confessed the rocker. “I didn’t know where to find any of the ingredients.”

Neil’s girlfriend Rain Hannah filmed the other half of the show in Nashville with an unnamed second celebrity.

Motley Crue will resume their farewell tour next month with shows in Australia and New Zealand, followed by appearances at three European festivals in June.

A North American summer run starts July 22 in Eugene, OR, and a newly-announced final leg kicks off October 5 in Hidalgo, TX.

Motley Crue will wrap up their live career with three shows at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, closing things out on New Year’s Eve.


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Motley Crue add dates to North American farewell tour
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Axl Rose appealed to Indonesian President to halt executions

Guns N’ Roses leader Axl Rose was unsuccessful with a last-minute appeal to Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday to halt the executions of two Australians on decade-old drug charges.

Andrew Chan, Myuran Sukumaran and six others were executed on Wednesday by a firing squad on Nusakambangan prison island near Cilacap in Central Java.

Rose penned a lengthy note to Widodo – known for his love of hard rock and heavy metal – asking the President to intervene as a way of showing forgiveness and clemency in the face of international calls to halt the executions, while also requesting the same for convicted drug trafficker Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso.

“As all three are still alive,” wrote Rose, “these are clearly not cases where nothing can or should be done by those who care to do their utmost in efforts to spare them. Under the circumstances it would seem that if they are executed regrettably the Indonesian government becomes the more offensive criminal.

“I appeal to you Mr. President, Mr. Joko Widodo to use your power in ways to strengthen international relationships between your country and others, to show your country's strength and allow the world to witness an extraordinary act of humanity and bravery on yours and your country's part.”

“It's true I do not know these men nor have I met them but their story has touched me deeply,” Rose continued. “I as well as many others could easily have found ourselves in their unfortunate and unarguably self-inflicted position. People make mistakes, sometimes big and horribly regrettable mistakes and sometimes more importantly people learn from their mistakes and make new choices, strive and succeed at true positive change. To not acknowledge and give such change the opportunity to prove its value would seem in this case a greater crime than those originally committed.

“I realize I am no one and no one to get involved with your affairs or those of your government and how this letter reads or anyone other than yourself thinks of it is irrelevant,” said the singer. “Only the lives of these three human beings are what's important now.

“I ask you now to show such great depth of humanity and compassion now to these individuals and to deny your bloodlust in your war on drugs and grant clemency to these three individuals and give them a permanent stay of execution and to change the course of your own life and place in both your country's and world history. No other can do what you alone have the power to do and that is the power to show benevolence and mercy where mercy can be truly appreciated and given its proper respect not only by the condemned but by the entire world and its many leaders.

“Give them a chance to prove you right by living where their deaths at this stage can only prove tragic and by all involved avoidable and unnecessary,” concluded Rose. “You've made your point and struck fear in both the hearts and minds of the condemned and anyone even remotely considering bad choices or already involved in those worlds. Their crimes were not committed on your watch. Life is the only thing important now, not death but life.”

Widodo was elected to office in 2014 as Indonesia’s 7th President after a two-year term as Governor of the country’s capital city Jakarta.

Read Axl Rose’s full letter to President Widodo at Guns N’ Roses’ Facebook page.


See also:

Former Guns N’ Roses members record new song
VIDEO: Former Guns N’ Roses members reunite in Argentina
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 5: GUNS N ROSES
VIDEO: Guns N’ Roses classic performed by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Search Guns N Roses at hennemusic

VIDEO: John Mellencamp performs on Letterman

John Mellencamp performed a tribute to David Letterman on The Late Show Monday night.

The rocker dedicated “Longest Days” from his 2008 album, “Life, Death, Love And Freedom”, to his fellow Indiana native as the host winds down his final month of broadcasts after more than three decades in late night television.

Prior to his performance, Mellencamp joined Letterman to chat, and the two compared notes on their heart attacks as the singer smoked on the show.

“I’m only good at about three or four things,” said Mellencamp. “Smoking is my strong suit. I figure my body is so polluted now that nothing could live in there. Cancer would go, ‘I’m not going in there.’ I’m going to keep smoking.”

Mellencamp is currently playing shows across North America on his Plain Spoken tour.



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Kid Rock breaks Michigan ticket sales record

Kid Rock is breaking a Michigan ticket sales record with the addition of his 9th and 10th shows at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit.

The newly-announced dates in support of “First Kiss” will take place on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, with tickets going on sale May 2 at 10 am. local time.

These shows shatter previous ticket sale records for the state of Michigan, previously held by Garth Brooks at approximately 107,000 tickets; the new dates will see Kid Rock sell over 145,000.

The singer is also breaking the record for most consecutive shows at the venue, formerly held by Bob Seger.

Kid Rock will launch his summer tour with Foreigner in Hartford, CT on June 24.

Tickets for all dates are $20, as they were the last time Rock toured, with every effort made to keep fees down and scalpers at bay. Tickets from the 2nd row to the lawn are $20, with reduced parking and service fees keeping the total ticket price at about $30 or under.

The first row of seats for every show will be held back and given as free upgrades for lucky fans on site.


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Kid Rock: First Kiss debuts in US Top 5
Kid Rock adds two Detroit shows to summer tour with Foreigner
VIDEO: Kid Rock performs on The Tonight Show
Kid Rock announces US tour with Foreigner
Search Kid Rock at hennemusic

Heart singer Ann Wilson gets married

Heart singer Ann Wilson married Dean Wetter on Saturday in Topanga, California.

“A harmonious melody of devotion was felt on 4/25, as #AnnWilson and #DeanWetter were married in an intimate ceremony in front of family and friends,” posted the band. “Congratulations to the Newlyweds! Love Rules!!!”

People reports the ceremony took place in the

backyard of Wilson’s manager Carol Peters.

"Dean and I first met in the '80s and went on a date where we both got smashed and I tried to seduce him,” said the singer. “Like the gentleman he is, he declined. Years passed, we got back in touch after we had both grown up, and Pow! – It worked! Did it ever!"

Check out pictures of the wedding at people.com

Wilson and Heart return to the road for shows starting May 17 in Appleton, WI.



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VIDEO: Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson guests on Renman Live

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson was the featured guest on the April 22 episode of "Renman Live", a web series hosted by music industry veteran Steve Rennie (aka "Renman").

The episode sees Lifeson discuss his career in music and Rush's upcoming 40th anniversary tour, among other things.

Rush are currenly gearing up to launch a North American tour on May 8 in Tulsa, OK.

Named after Rush’s 40th anniversary box set, “R40”, the tour may the last one of its size for Rush.

Bassist Geddy Lee addressed the farewell tour question recently on VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show”, saying "It's very hard to answer that question for a lot of reasons. The three guys in this band have different opinions on this point – everyone's in a different space right now. Neil has a young child at home and he's said numerous times that it's very hard for him to leave his daughter. She needs him.

"It's clear that we are at a point in our career that we have to slow down – and slow down dramatically,” Lee added. “So, I'm not a guy who's in love with the farewell tour idea, but it's clear that this is going to be the last big tour that we're going to do for a while, anyway.”


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VIDEO: The Who preview classical version of Quadrophenia

The Who are sharing a preview of “Love Reign O’er Me” from their forthcoming package, “Classic Quadrophenia”, due June 8 (June 9 in North America).

The project sees Pete Townshend create a new orchestral version of their 1973 concept album based around lead character Jimmy’s search for an identity amongst the mods and rockers in Brighton in the mid-1960s.

Orchestrated by Rachel Fuller, “Classic Quadrophenia” features Townshend and guest vocalists Alfie Boe, Billy Idol and Phil Daniels joined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Robert Zeigler.

The preview clip of “Love Reign O’er Me” mixes new footage of Boe filmed on the beach at Brighton and intercut with scenes from Franc Roddam's 1978 movie.

“Classic Quadrophenia” will be launched with a world premiere concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on July 5, with Townshend and Boe performing alongside the orchestra and the London Oriana Choir.

The Who recently kicked off the spring North American leg of their 50th anniversary farewell tour, “The Who Hits 50!”



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VIDEO: Iron Maiden share inside look at iTunes remasters project

Iron Maiden recently remastered 19 albums from their catalog for iTunes and now the band are sharing a behind the scenes look at the project.

Recording/mix engineer Tonty Newton and mastering engineer Ade Emsley explain the processes involved in updating audio from original master tapes to today’s current technology.

“They’ve been remastered before, let’s get clear about that,” explains Newton. “And I’m quite aware, as well, that I’ve bought remastered albums of bands that sound awful…and I wanted to make sure that this was something special.”

The project saw Iron Maiden remaster all 15 studio albums, 2 Best Of collections and 2 live albums from their original analogue sources exclusively for iTunes.

"The Mastering For iTunes procedure allows the listener to experience the music as close as possible to the way the artist intended it to be heard,” says bassist Steve Harris. “So of course I was very keen for the Maiden albums to be mastered in this way.

“The iTunes process involves a different approach and it's great to finally deliver the music to our fans in as close to a pure and accurate sound as we could possibly achieve.”

Check out Iron Maiden’s remastered catalog at iTunes.


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Iron Maiden remaster catalog for iTunes
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Iron Maiden to be honored with 02 Silver Clef Award
Iron Maiden update singer’s cancer battle
Search Iron Maiden at hennemusic

Motorhead issue Lemmy health update

Motorhead have issued an update on the status of frontman Lemmy Kilmister after he took ill in Sao Paulo, Brazil over the weekend and the band were forced to cancel two appearances at the city’s Monsters Of Rock festival.

“Due to a food related tummy problem, unfortunately Lemmy was not able to perform the show in Sao Paulo,” says the group. “He is already feeling much better and ready to continue the South America dates! Next stop Curitiba!

“Lemmy regrets this mishap very much and is looking forward to making it up to all the fans.”

On Saturday, Monsters Of Rock organizers announced Motorhead’s last-minute cancellation due to Lemmy suffering “a serious gastric disorder, followed by dehydration.”

Judas Priest helped out by adding 30 minutes to their sets following Motorhead’s cancellation, while guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee joined Andreas Kisser and Derrick Green of Sepultura for a jam session in Lemmy’s absence on Saturday.

Motorhead’s next show is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 in Curitiba, Brazil.



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AC/DC drummer Chris Slade to host Dublin drum clinic

AC/DC touring drummer Chris Slade will host a drum clinic at Whelan's in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday, June 30 – the day before the band perform at Aviva Stadium as part of their “Rock Or Bust” world tour.

Tickets for the 18+ only evening are limited to 200 people, who will each receive an event package containing a t-shirt, signed photo, laminate, a pair of Chris Slade signed drumsticks and more – including a photo with the drummer and a drumhead personally signed by Slade.

The clinic will also feature an appearance by Dublin AC/DC tribute band Whole Lotta Voltage, with more details to be announced.

Tickets for the event – priced at €180.00 plus B/F – will go on sale Friday, May 1 via www.whelanslive.com and www.sdentertainment.co.uk.

A member of AC/DC from 1989 to 1994, Slade returned to the lineup this year for the band’s “Rock Or Bust” tour following a series of legal issues faced by longtime drummer Phil Rudd.

Slade’s first 2015 appearance with AC/DC was at the Grammy Awards in February, while he and the group launched their tour on April 10 at Coachella.


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Black Sabbath: Bill Ward releases first solo album in 18 years

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has released “Accountable Beasts”, his first solo album in 18 years.

Available now via iTunes, the project includes longtime Bill Ward Band members Keith Lynch (guitar, keyboards), bassist Paul Ill and drummer Ronnie Ciago, with contributions by drummer Walter Earl and an array of session singers including Ward’s daughter, Emily.

Ward’s drumming can be heard on seven of the album’s nine tracks.

Asked how “Accountable Beasts” compares to his previous solo outings, including 1997’s “When The Bough Breaks”, Ward tells music writer and author Joel Gausten, “It's much tougher; it kicks harder. Most of the stuff is pretty heavy on it. It's very current lyrically. I don't intend to be current with anything; I just write the music and allow it to just be whatever it is. But when I listened to it in hindsight - we did the final mastering on January 6th of this year - I thought, 'Oh my God! A lot of the stuff we're writing about is on TV every day.

“Most of the album is about religion; most of it's about war. It's the stuff that makes the world turn 'round every day. It's about people's souls being ripped to pieces. I guess it could be called morbid, but at the same time I'm also hoping it can be called energizing and respectful lyrically. I've worked really hard on trying to produce something that would mean something to the listener who's drawn in by the music.”

Ward recently had a controversial public exchange with Ozzy Osbourne over year-old-plus remarks by the singer that suggested the drummer was not physically fit enough to participate in Black Sabbath’s 2013 album “13” and its accompanying world tour.

“Well, I know I didn’t expect you to respond to my request of an apology,” wrote Ward, who challenged the motives and actions by Osbourne and the band relating to his participation in “13” rehearsals without making a commitment to the drummer.

“Stay safe old friend,” he added. “Sad we couldn’t roll it out for the fans one more time.”

Bill Ward
“Accountable Beasts”

01. Leaf Killers
02. Accountable Beasts
03. Katastrophic World
04. D.O.T.H.
05. First Day Back
06. As It Is In Heaven
07. Ashes
08. Straws
09. The Wall Of Death


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Black Sabbath feud heats up
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