Keith Richards updates new Rolling Stones album plans

In a new interview with The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is sharing an update on the band’s plans for their first new studio album of original material since 2005’s “A Bigger Bang.”

“I’m going to sound like Trump – ‘It will happen; don’t worry about it’ – but it’s in the early stages,” explains Richards. “We have some stuff down, which is very interesting.”

Producer Don Was, who confirms the Stones have been working on new music off and on for more than two years, raves about the work they’ve done so far.

“The songwriting that Keith and Mick did last year was really something to behold,” says Was. “The three of us sat in a room, with them facing each other, five feet apart, with guitars, and there’s something magical that happens that’s still as fresh as when they started.”

When The Rolling Stones entered British Grove Studios in West London in December of 2015, the plan was to begin work on new original material, but the group got on a roll playing blues covers in the studio.

“I knew Mick had a couple of songs, and I had a few,” says Richards. “But it was a new studio, so I called Ronnie Wood and I said, ‘Get down this Little Walter track called “Blue and Lonesome” – we’ll have that in our pocket in case the new stuff isn’t working out in the new room.’

“Sure enough, we get there and the new stuff is not working out in the new room – we’re still looking for the sound. So I said, ‘Ron, “Blue and Lonesome.” ’ Suddenly the room comes alive and we have a take. Then Mick turns around and says, ‘Let me try this Howlin’ Wolf one.’ And in five days, we’d cut the whole damn thing.”

The sessions resulted in the 2016 covers collection, “Blue & Lonesome”; the project debuted at No. 1 in both the UK and Australia while snagging a No. 4 entry on the US Billboard 200 and earning the band a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Blues Album category at the 60th annual Grammy Awards in New York on January 28.

“The blues record I’m really, really proud of,” adds Richards. “It was something that had to be done – it took the Stones full circle. This is a f—ing blues band, and the height of our ambition was to be the best blues band in London. We were just trying to turn London on to the blues, and believe it or not, we turned America back on to the blues. Everything else is basically gravy, because we brought the music back from somewhere else and sent it back home.”

The Rolling Stones will return to live action with concert dates in the UK, Ireland and Europe this summer.

The 11-show series will begin at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland on May 17 and be followed by the group’s first appearances in the UK in five years; stops in Germany, France and the Czech Republic will precede the trek’s finale in Warsaw, Poland on July 8.


See also:

The Rolling Stones announce UK and European No Filter tour dates
Rolling Stones win Grammy Award for blues covers album
Queen, Aerosmith, Nirvana recordings among Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees
Rolling Stones earn Grammy nomination for blues covers album
Search Rolling Stones at hennemusic

Judas Priest controversy erupts over KK Downing comments

A controversy within the Judas Priest camp erupted this week over comments made by retired guitarist KK Downing regarding the health of Glenn Tipton following word that the rocker is stepping aside from touring in support of the group’s March 9 set, “Firepower”, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

The iconic metal outfit recently confirmed Tipton’s plans and decade-long fight with the health issue alongside word that album co-producer Andy Sneap would step in for the guitarist on their upcoming world tour, which begins in Wilkes Barre, PA on March 13.

Downing – whose twin-lead guitar work with Tipton provided a signature sound for the group through the years before he retired in 2011 – issued a statement acknowledging his bandmate’s status while describing Sneap as “one of the greatest contributors to rock and metal that you will ever have the privilege to meet. To that end I have no doubt that his contribution to the new Judas Priest album was much more than just as a producer.”

Frontman Rob Halford addressed Downing’s remarks during a February 27 interview on "The Freaks With Kenny & Crash" show on Phoenix's Fox Sports 910 radio station (video below), stating, “Let me just say that the great joy of Judas Priest is that we've never gone into this kind of arena of a public dispute. And it's so easy to fall into that trap in social media today. How many people have you seen in sports, for example, that have made a rash comment on Twitter, just on the heat of the moment, emotionally. You know, we're all human, we've all got feelings, and we have a tendency to blurt out the first thing that is on our minds, and rightly or wrongly, things can kind of come back and chase you afterwards in a negative way.

"So, with regards to everything that was made in [K.K.'s] statement today, a lot of it, to me, is completely superfluous," he continued. "But the one point that I would like to clarify and have on record is this insinuation that Andy Sneap was covering Glenn's guitar parts on 'Firepower', and I can categorically state that that is a thousand percent false. Because I was with Glenn for all of his guitar work, and he worked really, really hard. Imagine this guy in the tenth year of Parkinson's. I've never seen anybody so brave in the fact that every song was a challenge for him to make it work, but he did — consistently, day after day. It was just a very powerful thing to experience firsthand. And this just goes to show you about the amazing stories that surround invididuals around the world that are dealing with Parkinson's in their life.”

"I just wanted to touch on that one issue,” added Halford, “because out of everything that was laid out in that statement, that one hit me personally. And so now I've been able to clarify that and make sure that everybody out in the world listening to the show, on the Internet and elsewhere, understands that everything that you hear from Glenn on 'Firepower' is the amazing Glenn Tipton. Oh yeah!"

On February 28, Downing released a follow-up statement in reaction to Halford’s remarks, saying “just to clarify that my complimenting Andy Sneap as I did was no more than I would have said about any other guitar playing producers that have also contributed much more than expected to our past albums. Great talent such as Chris Tsangarides (R.I.P) and Roy Z both not only produced – but also contributed song ideas, riffs and licks, lyric ideas etc. Consequently, albums like Painkiller and Angel of Retribution would not have been the same without them. Even George Martin, I believe, provided much more for the Beatles than just the role of a normal producer.

“An extra musician in the studio, like the aforementioned talented producers, really does bring a great benefit.”

Fans will learn more about Downing when he publishes his memoir, “Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, via Da Capo Press on September 18.

Co-written with Mark Eglinton, the project explores the guiatrist’s history with the band, who he joined in 1969 and was featured on all Judas Priest releases from their 1974 debut, “Rocka Rolla”, to 2009’s “A Touch of Evil: Live.”


See also:

Former Judas Priest guitarist comments on Glenn Tipton’s retirement from touring
Judas Priest preview Firepower track Evil Never Dies
Judas Priest preview Firepower track Traitors Gate
Judas Priest: Glenn Tipton retires from touring following Parkinson’s diagnosis
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic

Izzy Stradlin bailed on Guns N’ Roses reunion tour appearance

Former Guns N’ Roses manager Alan Niven has revealed that guitarist Izzy Stradlin bailed on a guest appearance with the band on their Not In This Lifteime tour last year.

“[Izzy] did get as far as flying out and doing a soundcheck, and he left after a soundcheck, he didn’t want to have anything to do with it,” Niven tells the Appetite For Distortion podcast (full audio below). “It was last year, it was somewhere out in the midwest, when they were doing stadiums. Obviously had it gone well and everybody had been happy, and there had been a little bit of brotherhood, I’m sure he would have stayed with it. But something must have really upset him, because he left after the soundcheck, and never turned up for another one or an appearance. I would think right now he is probably a little pissed off.”

Stradlin, who co-founded Guns N' Roses with childhood friend Axl Rose in 1985, first shot down rumors of his involvement in the tour when it launched in the spring of 2016, telling Rolling Stone “There was just so much speculation going on regarding my involvement and studio recording. There’s so much misinformation, so I wanted to clarify that I'm not in the studio recording with any of the Guns N' Roses guys. At this point in time, I'm not involved in the actual shows ... A lot of stuff [fans] are reading isn't true."

Rose later referenced Stradlin’s status in a fall 2016 interview with Brazilian TV, according to The Guardian, where the singer said, “I don’t really know what to say about Izzy. It’s, like, you could have a conversation and think it’s one way and the next day it’s another way. And I’m not trying to take any shots at Izzy. It’s just his thing is kind of his thing, whatever that is.”

The rocker’s comments earned a prompt online reply from Stradlin in a tweet (since deleted), saying his absence from the reunion with Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan was about money: “They didn’t want to split the loot equally. Simple as that.”

Stradlin left Guns N’ Roses in November 1991 during the band’s tour in support of the “Use Your Illusion” albums; he was replaced by Gilby Clarke.

The guitarist rejoined the group he co-founded for five dates in the spring of 1993 as fill-in for Clarke, who had broken his wrist in a motorcycle accident; Stradlin returned for more shows with Rose at the helm of the group in 2006 and, then made multiple appearances with them in 2012 – including back-to-back shows in London, UK in May and June – following their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

The Not In This Lifetime tour topped the $475 million mark in gross sales at the end of 2017 to place fourth on the all-time tour list, according to Billboard.

Guns N’ Roses have extended the reunion run into a third year with a series of summer 2018 concert dates across Europe that will begin in Gothenburg, SE on July 21.


See also:

Steven Adler to perform Guns N’ Roses debut album on 2018 tour
REPORT: AC/DC will record and tour with Axl Rose
VIDEO: Guns N’ Roses stream fall 2017 North American tour recap
Guns N’ Roses reunion now among top 5 tours in history
Search Guns N Roses at hennemusic

Led Zeppelin to issue previously unreleased single on Record Store Day

Led Zeppelin will release a limited edition 7” single featuring previously unheard mixes of “Rock And Roll” and “Friends” as part of Record Store Day 2018 on April 21.

The previously unreleased version of "Rock And Roll" provides an additional peek into the fabled 1971 "Sunset Sound Mixes" of "Led Zeppelin IV". Only two previous "Sunset Sound Mixes" have been released, the first being the version of "When The Levee Breaks" on the original album and the second the "Stairway To Heaven" mix that debuted on the 2014 deluxe edition reissue of the band’s fourth record.

The previously unheard "Olympic Studios Mix" of "Friends" is a stripped-down version without the orchestration that was included of the final mix that appeared on 1970’s “Led Zeppelin III.”

The annual Record Store Day event celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale – for more details, visit recordstoreday.com

Led Zeppelin’s first Record Store Day release previews the band’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which will see the group publish an official book, “Led Zeppelin By Led Zeppelin”, in October, and release a live album at some point, as well, among other projects.

Ahead of the Record Store Day event, Led Zeppelin will reissue their 2003 live set, “How The West Was Won”, on March 23.

Featuring newly-remastered audio, the collection delivers highlights from the band’s legendary shows at the Los Angeles Forum and Long Beach Arena on June 25 and 27, 1972, with the two nights sequenced to replicate a single concert from beginning to end.


See also:

Robert Plant to perform on The Late Late Show with James Corden
Led Zeppelin force Jason Bonham to change band name
Robert Plant comments on Led Zeppelin 50th anniversary celebrations
Led Zeppelin to mark 50th anniversary with live album release
Search Led Zeppelin at hennemusic

Former Judas Priest guitarist comments on Glenn Tipton’s retirement from touring

Retired Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing is sharing his thoughts on the news that bandmate Glenn Tipton has stepped aside from touring in support of the group’s March 9 set, “Firepower”, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Tipton, whose twin-lead guitar work with Downing provided a signature sound for the group through the years, has been dealing with the health issue since the early stages were first detected a decade ago – three years before Downing retired from the lineup in 2011.

“The news that Glenn has finally been forced to come to terms with his unfortunate condition long term came with deep regret and sadness for me,” says Downing on his social media sites. “Equally, this ending of our guitar duo era is also something that I have to come to terms with. The insatiable

appetite that myself and Glenn had for creating inspired and unique music for the world to enjoy for many decades, is something that can never be erased. However, everyone who has witnessed the evolution of our beloved music must come to terms with the fact that things will inevitably change, or just simply end.

“I have to state with great sadness also that I am shocked and stunned that I wasn’t approached to step into my original role as guitarist for Judas Priest. Whether I could have stepped back into the band or not, the potential for this situation arising never entered my head when I departed – although I too am officially and legally still a member of Judas Priest.”

“However,” Downing continues, “I know now more clearly than ever that I did the right thing by leaving the band when I did – as it seems that my time spent in the band, and my value in terms of crafting its huge legacy, was and is unappreciated by more than one member. I sincerely hope, for the fans’ sake, that the decision not to approach me was not a financial one.”

“Firepower” co-producer Andy Sneap will join Judas Priest on guitar alongside Richie Faulkner for their upcoming world tour, which begins in Wilkes Barre, PA on March 13.

“I know Andy Sneap,” says Downing, “and he is one of the greatest contributors to rock and metal that you will ever have the privilege to meet. To that end I have no doubt that his contribution to the new Judas Priest album was much more than just as a producer. All that’s left is for you the fans to go out and enjoy the band as it is, in order to complete a part of music history in which every one of you has played such an important role.”

As the band prepares to hit the road, Downing will publish his memoir, “Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, via Da Capo Press on September 18.

Co-written with Mark Eglinton, the project explores Downing’s history with the British metal icons, who he joined in 1969 and was featured on all Judas Priest releases from their 1974 debut, “Rocka Rolla”, to 2009’s “A Touch Of Evil: Live.”


See also:

Judas Priest preview Firepower track Evil Never Dies
Judas Priest preview Firepower track Traitors Gate
Judas Priest: Glenn Tipton retires from touring following Parkinson’s diagnosis
AUDIO: Judas Priest streams Firepower title track
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic

Ghost announce spring US tour

Swedish rockers Ghost have announced dates for a spring US tour in support of their forthcoming fourth album.

The month-long "Rats! On The Road" trek will begin in Riverside, CA on May 5, with shows scheduled to wrap up in St. Paul, MN on June 1.

Tickets and VIP packages for the spring US tour will go on sale Saturday, March 3 at Ghost-Official.com

Ghost are expected to release the follow-up to 2015's "Meliora" this spring; the set will introduce the group’s new frontman, Papa Emeritis Zero, who replaces outgoing singer Papa Emeritus III following his work on their third album and 2016’s "Popestar" EP.

The band recorded their fourth studio record last year at Artery Studios in Stockholm, Sweden with producer Tom Dalgety (Royal Blood, Opeth).

In December, Ghost surprise-released a digital version of their new live album, “Ceremony And Devotion”, ahead of its arrival last month via 2CD, 2LP and 8-track.

Recorded during Ghost’s 2017 world tour, the set was produced and mixed by Tom Dalgety and features fan favorites spanning the band's entire catalog.

Ghost
"Rats! On The Road" US tour 2018

May 05 - Riverside, CA - RMA
May 06 - Tucson, AZ - Tucson Music Hall
May 08 - Houston, TX - Revention
May 10 - Chattanooga, TN - Tivoli
May 11 - Cincinnati, OH - The Taft Theatre
May 12 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore
May 13 - Columbus, OH - Express Live
May 15 - Port Chester, NY - The Capitol Theatre
May 16 - Syracuse, NY - Crouse Hinds Theater
May 18 - Pittsburgh, PA - Benedum Center
May 19 - Philadelphia, PA - WMMR BBQ
May 20 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
May 22 - Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
May 23 - Nashville, TN - Tennessee PAC
May 25 - St. Louis, MO - Peabody Opera House
May 26 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma
May 27 - Memphis, TN - Cannon Center
May 29 - Ft. Wayne, IN - The Clyde Theater
May 31 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theater
Jun 01 - St. Paul, MN - The Palace Theater


See also:

Ghost stream Absolution from new live album Ceremony And Devotion
VIDEO: Ghost reveal new frontman in Sweden
Ghost release video for Meliora single He Is
Ghost frontman Papa Emeritus unmasks true identity
Search Ghost at hennemusic

Robert Plant to perform on The Late Late Show with James Corden

Robert Plant will perform on CBS-TV’s The Late Late Show with James Corden on Thursday, March 1.

The rocker is currently playing dates on a brief North American tour in support of his latest album, “Carry Fire”; the 3-week run of theaters will wrap up with a show at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2.

Plant’s eleventh solo set features guest appearances by Albanian cellist Redi Hasa, renowned viola and fiddle player Seth Lakeman, and Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde.

The Led Zeppelin singer was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the UK Americana Music Association as part of their 2018 awards event in London on February 1.

The group's highest award is given to a UK artist for outstanding contribution to the Americana genre over the span of a career and life in music.

UPDATE: Watch Robert Plant perform on The Late Late Show here.


See also:

Led Zeppelin force Jason Bonham to change band name
Robert Plant comments on Led Zeppelin 50th anniversary celebrations
Led Zeppelin to mark 50th anniversary with live album release
Robert Plant releases Carry Fire live video
Search Led Zeppelin at hennemusic

Led Zeppelin force Jason Bonham to change band name

Jason Bonham reveals that he changed the name of his touring band from Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience to Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening following a request by Led Zeppelin as the iconic band prepare to mark their 50th anniversary this fall.

"They have plans for the terminology, Led Zeppelin Experience,” Bonham tells KSHE 95 in St. Louis, MO. “And I was like, 'Um, okay, but I need to keep the logo, JBLZE.' One, I have the tag on my car, and two, I have a huge backdrop that I paid for last year. For me it's about the music. So the name of it -- I just wanted to keep the logo.

“So I said, 'I got it. Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening.' I don't know what they have planned, but I said, 'Okay, I will clear the way so they can do what they wish.'"

Bonham has been using Led Zeppelin Experience for live performance tributes to his late father – Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham – since 2010; the first appearance of the Led Zeppelin Evening brand surfaced with news of the rocker’s participation on Foreigner’s upcoming summer tour of North America with Whitesnake that will begin in Bangor, ME on June 15.

Bonham famously joined the surviving members of Led Zeppelin for their December 2007 concert appearance in London that was later released as “Celebration Day.” The drummer continues to record with Black Country Communion and perform with the Sammy Hagar-led supergroup The Circle.

Led Zeppelin will begin their 50th anniversary celebrations this fall; they will publish an official book, “Led Zeppelin By Led Zeppelin”, in October, and will release a live album at some point, as well, according to Jimmy Page.

“It's so different to all the other things that are out there,” says Page. “It's another view compared to [2003’s] ‘How The West Was Won’ or [1976’s] ‘The Song Remains The Same.’ I'm looking forward to people hearing that.”


See also:

Robert Plant comments on Led Zeppelin 50th anniversary celebrations
Led Zeppelin to mark 50th anniversary with live album release
Robert Plant releases Carry Fire live video
Led Zeppelin official 50th Anniversary book due this fall
Search Led Zeppelin at hennemusic

ZZ Top and John Fogerty team up for summer US tour

ZZ Top and John Fogerty are teaming up for an early summer US tour.

The month-long “Blues And Bayous" trek will see the acts kicks things off in Atlantic City, NJ on May 25, with shows scheduled to wrap up in Welch, MN on June 29.

"ZZ Top is one of my favorite bands,” says Fogerty, “and Billy F Gibbons is one of my all-time favorite guitarists. Riffs, blues and bayous ... bucket list!"

"John Fogerty along with ZZ Top have been followers of blues and rock since the beginning,” adds Gibbons, “and we're looking forward to rippin' it up together this spring."

Willie Nelson will join the artists for their June 26 show at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Presales for all dates will be available on Tuesday, February 27 at 10 a.m. local time, with general public tickets on sale Friday, March 2 at 10 a.m. local time.

Ahead of the early summer trek, ZZ Top will perform a 6-show spring residency at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas in April as they return to the stage since postponing the final 18 dates of their 2017 Tonnage Tour last October following doctor’s orders that bassist Dusty Hill take time off to address a stomach issue.

Fogerty released his most recent album, “Wrote A Song For Everyone”, in 2013, and continues to be a regular concert attraction.

ZZ Top & John Fogerty
"Blues and Bayous" summer 2018 US tour

May 25 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Spa & Resort – Event Center
May 26 - Holmdel, NJ @ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
May 27 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
May 29 - Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap
May 30 - Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap
Jun 01 - Pensacola, FL @ Pensacola Bay Center
Jun 02 - Clearwater, FL @ Coachman Park
Jun 03 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Coral Sky Amphitheater
Jun 05 - St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheater
Jun 06 - Atlanta, GA @ TBA
Jun 10 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheater
Jun 12 - Chicago, IL @ TBA
Jun 13 - Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Jun 14 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
Jun 16 - Southaven, MS @ BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
Jun 17 - Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Jun 19 - Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Centre
Jun 20 - Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Heath at Jones Beach Theater
Jun 22 - Gilford, NH @ Bank of NH Pavillion
Jun 23 - Canandaigua, NY @ Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
Jun 24 - Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion
Jun 26 - Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Jun 27 - Detroit, MI @ DTE @ Energy Music Theatre
Jun 29 - Welch, MN @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino


See also:

ZZ Top announce Las Vegas residency
VIDEO: ZZ Top guitarist joins Guns N’ Roses in Houston
ZZ Top postpone remaining 2017 tour dates over health issue
ZZ Top: Cinco vinyl box set to feature first five albums
Search ZZ Top at hennemusic

Clutch announce UK and European tour

Clutch have announced dates for a late fall tour of the UK and Europe in support of their forthcoming studio album.

The month-long run will open in Amsterdam on November 27, with European shows followed by a 5-date UK trek in mid-December.

"We wrapped up recording the latest record a couple of weeks ago in Nashville with Vance Powell,” frontman Neil Fallon reveals. “We are really, really pleased with it. No title yet… still trying to figure that out. It’s kinda like naming a kid.

“We’ve known about this UK tour for some time now and it’s nice to finally let the cat out of the bag. If all goes as planned the album will have been out a few months by the time we return to the UK and bust out the new jams. And have proper holiday roasts.”

Presales for the UK shows are on now, with European concert presales starting Tuesday, February 27; general public tickets for all events will be available starting Wednesday, February 28 at 10 AM local time.

The fall trek follows a brief spring US tour on Clutch’s 2018 schedule as they prepare to share details for the release of the follow-up to 2015’s “Psychic Warfare.”

Clutch
2018 European and UK tour

Nov 27 - Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
Nov 29 - Gothenburg, SE @ Pustervik
Nov 30 - Stockholm, SE @ Annexet
Dec 02 - Berlin, DE @ Astra
Dec 04 - Cologne, DE @ Live Music Hall
Dec 05 - Frankfurt, DE @ Batschkap
Dec 06 - Hamburg, DE @ Docks
Dec 07 - Warsaw, PL @ Proxima
Dec 08 - Wien, AT @ Arena
Dec 09 - Zagreb, HR @ Culture Factory
Dec 11 - Milan, IT @ Fabrique
Dec 12 - Pratteln, CH @ Z7
Dec 13 - Munchen, DE @ Backstage Werk
Dec 14 - Stuttgart, DE @ Longhorn
Dec 15 - Paris, FR @ Elysée Montmartre
Dec 16 - Brussels, BE @ AB
Dec 18 - Bristol, UK - O2 Academy
Dec 19 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy
Dec 20 - Manchester, UK - Academy
Dec 21 - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
Dec 22 - Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy


See also:

Clutch announce spring US tour dates
Clutch complete sessions for new album
Clutch announce winter US tour
Clutch announce first annual Earth Rocker Festival
Search Clutch at hennemusic

The Rolling Stones announce UK and European No Filter tour dates

The Rolling Stones have extended their No Filter tour with the addition of new dates in the UK, Ireland and Europe this summer.

The 11-show series will begin at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland on May 17 and be followed by the group’s first appearances in the UK in five years; stops in Germany, France and the Czech Republic will precede the trek’s finale in Warsaw, Poland on July 8.

The 2018 dates come on the heels of a European run that saw the band perform 14 concerts in September and October last fall.

"This part of the No Filter tour is really special for the Stones," says Mick Jagger. "We are looking forward to getting back onstage in the summer and playing to fans in the UK and Ireland. It’s always exhilarating going to cities we haven’t played for quite a while and also some new venues for us like Old Trafford & The London Stadium."

"It’s such a joy to play with this band there’s no stopping us,” adds Keith Richards, “we’re only just getting started really."

A Rolling Stones fan club presale for most shows will begin Tuesday, February 27 at 12PM GMT, while general public tickets for the UK, Germany and Poland dates will go on sale Friday, March 2 at 9am GMT, with France on sale Friday, March 16 at 9am GMT.

Full presale and ticket details are available at rollingstones.com

The Rolling Stones recently released “On Air”, a collection of live recordings of the group between 1963 to 1965 from a variety of BBC shows from the era.

Last month, the group won a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Blues Album category for their 2016 covers record, “Blue & Lonesome”, at the 60th annual Grammy Awards in New York.

Recorded over three days in December 2015 at British Grove Studios in West London, the band’s first studio album in over a decade featured a pair of guest appearances by Eric Clapton and updated versions of tunes originally recorded by blues legends Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Magic Sam, among others.


The Rolling Stones
2018 No Filter tour
Ireland, UK and Europe

May 17 – Dublin, Ireland @ Croke Park
May 22 – London, UK @ London Stadium
Jun 05 – Manchester, UK @ Old Trafford Football Stadium
Jun 09 – Edinburgh, UK @ BT Murrayfield Stadium
Jun 15 – Cardiff, UK @ Principality Stadium
Jun 19 – London, UK @ Twickenham Stadium
Jun 22 – Berlin, Germany @ Olympic Stadium
Jun 26 – Marseille, France @ Orange Velodrome
Jun 30 – Stuttgart, Germany @ Mercedes Benz Arena
Jul 04 – Prague, Czech Republic @ Letnany Airport
Jul 08 – Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium


See also:

Rolling Stones win Grammy Award for blues covers album
Queen, Aerosmith, Nirvana recordings among Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees
Rolling Stones earn Grammy nomination for blues covers album
AUDIO: Rolling Stones stream 1963 BBC performance of Roll Over Beethoven
Search Rolling Stones at hennemusic

Metallica announce North American arena tour

Metallica have announced dates for the 2018-2019 North American arena leg of its WorldWired tour in support of "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct."

"Following last summer's sold-out 25-date stadium run,” says Metallica, “this year we're bringing the in-the-round production currently being seen in European arenas to the U.S. and Canada kicking off on September 2, 2018 in Madison, WI. Along the way we'll be visiting 34 cities we did not go to last year, including a few we haven't been to in decades, including Grand Forks, ND (nearly 30 years), Sioux Falls, SD, El Paso, TX, Birmingham, AL (nearly 26 years) and State College, PA (20 years). About time, wouldn't you say?!

"The fall/winter tour will mark a few firsts for us as each show will get rolling with the Light It Up pre-show party hosted by our very good friend Jim Breuer. Jim, along with a DJ to get the night rocking with some great tunes, hits the stage before us with comedy, fan interaction, giveaways and much more.

"And if you love to travel and one show just isn't enough, then perhaps the Wherever I May Roam Black Ticket is for you! For the first time in 'Tallica history, you may purchase one ticket that will allow you floor access to any Metallica show on the 2018/2019 North American tour. Feel like trucking to Tulsa? Booking to Boise? Motoring to Minneapolis? No problem... you pick the show, call us no less than 48 hours before the gig and you're in! A limited number of 250 of these Black Tickets* will be available for $598 (yes… we are celebrating the re-issue of the 'Garage Days Re-Revisited' EP!).”

"Of course, some things don't change!,” continues the band. “As we have been doing for most of the 'WorldWired' shows, every ticket purchased includes your choice of a standard physical or standard digital copy of 'Hardwired…To Self-Destruct'. Keep it for yourself or gift it to a friend or family member... you'll receive info via e-mail after your ticket purchase on how to obtain your copy. The enhanced experience options designed to take your Metalli-night to the next level are also returning as we continue to partner with the team that makes it all happen at CID Entertainment. You'll have three options of special enhanced experiences, including premium tickets and amenities ranging from early access to the venue and the 'Memory Remains' exhibit of memorabilia to meeting some of us (!).

"Finally, we'll continue to raise funds for our All Within My Hands foundation, which supports a cross-section of national, local and Bay Area charities, music education programs and local food banks. Continuing our collaboration with Crowdrise, we encourage you to make a donation when purchasing tickets to the upcoming shows and each time you donate, you'll be entered to win tickets, pre-show party passes, meet and greet passes, and one lucky winner will be flown to the last show on the tour. For more information, visit crowdrise.com/Metallica2018.

“We're having an absolute blast indoors in Europe, so why not extend the fun?!? We'll see you back in North America this Fall!”

Presales for the Metallica Fan Club and Citi card members begin Tuesday, February 27, with general public tickets on sale Friday, March 2 at 10:00 AM local time.


Metallica
2018/19 North American tour

Sep 02 - Madison, WI @ Kohl Center
Sep 04 - Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
Sep 06 - Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
Sep 08 - Grand Forks, ND @ Alerus Center
Sep 11 - Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford Premier Center
Sep 13 - Winnipeg, MB @ Bell MTS Place
Sep 15 - Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre
Oct 16 - Milwaukee, WI @ Wisconsin Entertainment and Sport Center
Oct 18 - Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Oct 20 - State College, PA @ Bryce Jordan Center
Oct 22 - Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
Oct 27 - Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
Oct 29 - Albany, NY @ Times Union Center
Nov 26 - Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
Nov 28 - Boise, ID @ Taco Bell Arena
Nov 30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
Dec 02 - Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena
Dec 05 - Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Dec 07 - Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
Dec 09 - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
Jan 18, 2019 - Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
Jan 20, 2019 - Little Rock, AR @ Verizon Arena
Jan 22, 2019 - Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at The BJCC
Jan 24, 2019 - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Jan 28, 2019 - Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
Jan 30, 2019 - Cincinnati, OH @ U.S. Bank Arena
Feb 01, 2019 - Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
Feb 28, 2019 - El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center
Mar 02, 2019 - Lubbock, TX @ United Supermarkets Arena
Mar 04, 2019 - Wichita, KS @ Intrust Bank Arena
Mar 06, 2019 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Mar 09, 2019 - Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
Mar 11, 2019 - Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Mar 13, 2019 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena


See also:

PRO VIDEO: Metallica perform Atlas, Rise in Mannheim
PRO VIDEO: Metallica stream Whiskey In The Jar performance from Bologna
PRO VIDEO: Metallica perform Master Of Puppets classic in Bologna
PRO VIDEO: Metallica perform Cliff Burton Day tribute in Italy
Search Metallica at hennemusic

Queensryche share new album update

Queensryche are sharing an update on the band’s work on the follow-up to 2015’s “Condition Human.”

“Ed Bass throwing down the last 2 songs with Chris Zeuss Harris in the studio!,” posted the group on social media alongside an image of bassist Eddie Jackson recording with the producer. “We only have vocals and guitar solos to finish, but we're very happy with the direction of the new album!”

Further details regarding the release, including track list and date, have yet to be revealed,

“Condition Human” – which debuted at No. 27 on the US Billboard 200 in late 2015 – marked the band’s second studio album with vocalist Todd La Torre.

The Seattle rockers also provided the latest details about the status of drummer Scott Rockenfield, who stepped aside from touring last year to spend time with his newborn son, Rockson; in his absence, the group brought in former Kamelot sticksman Casey Grillo for live performances.

“And for those asking again about Scott and whether he has quit the band - he has not quit the band,” added the group. “He told us he's taking time off and we have no time frame on when he will return. We thought he would take few months off, obviously he doesn't want to tour right now. There is nothing more we can say about it and we can't be more honest about it than that.”

Queensryche recently performed on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise and will continue their 2018 live schedule with a March 1 show in Spokane, WA.


See also:

Queensryche share new album update
Queensryche release Bulletproof video
Queensryche release Hellfire video
Queensryche announce US tour
Search Queensryche at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd to preview farewell tour with live concert broadcast

Lynyrd Skynyrd will preview their “Last Of The Street Survivors Farewell Tour” with a live concert broadcast from the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, GA on Thursday, March 15 via satellite radio service provider SiriusXM.

The band will perform the exclusive, invitation-only show for SiriusXM subscribers in advance of the start of the two-year trek in West Palm Beach, FL on May 4 and in sync with the March 2 launch of "Free Bird," Lynyrd Skynyrd's own Southern Rock channel on SiriusXM.

Available throughout the month of March, "Free Bird" will showcase music from the Florida rockers extensive career alongside shows hosted by band members Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke and Johnny Van Zant. The channel will also include southern rock classics from an array of artists, including The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, ZZ Top and many more.

"Very excited to have SiriusXM support Lynyrd Skynyrd's music and history and to include some of our friends and musical influences on our own channel!,” says Rossington. “Can't wait to share the music and our stories with our generations of fans."

Lynyrd Skynyrd's exclusive concert for SiriusXM in Atlanta will air live on Thursday, March 15 at 9:00 pm ET on "Free Bird" - SiriusXM channel 30 – via satellite and on the SiriusXM app.

Subscribers will have the opportunity to win tickets to this private SiriusXM performance through an invitation sent by email. Plus subscribers since February 8, 2018 will be able to enter for the chance to win a trip to Atlanta, GA including airfare, hotel stay and a pair of tickets to the event.

Lynyrd Skynryd will be joined by a variety of guests at various stops on the farewell tour, including Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Daniels Band, Bad Company, Marshall Tucker Band, 38 Special, Blackberry Smoke and Blackfoot.

The group have also confirmed plans to record and release a new studio album – the follow-up to 2012’s “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” – and will be featured in a CMT-produced documentary.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd to extend farewell tour
Lynyrd Skynyrd announce farewell tour
Lynyrd Skynyrd cancel final 2017 dates over medical emergency
Lynyrd Skynyrd cancel Tallahassee show due to medical emergency
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Foo Fighters top the hennemusic Hot 10

The Foo Fighters top this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

The band performed their single, “The Sky Is A Neighborhood”, at the 2018 Brit Awards in London on February 21.

Read all about it and check out the video in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.

hennemusic Hot 10
week ending February 25, 2018

01 – VIDEO: Foo Fighters perform at 2018 Brit Awards
02 – The Who to release Live At The Fillmore East 1968
03 – Steve Miller Band announces 50th anniversary vinyl box set
04 – AUDIO: Jimi Hendrix streams Lover Man from Both Sides Of The Sky
05 – Robert Plant comments on Led Zeppelin 50th anniversary celebrations
06 – Stone Temple Pilots stream new single The Art Of Letting Go
07 – The Eagles add fall US dates to 2018 tour
08 – Steve Miller Band announces 50th Anniversary US tour with Peter Frampton
09 – AUDIO: The Cars stream Drive demo from Heartbeat City expanded reissue
10 – Black Country Communion stream video for The Cove


See also:

Feb 18: Steve Miller Band
Feb 11: Poison
Feb 04: Steven Tyler
Jan 28: Led Zeppelin
Jan 21: Van Halen

Judas Priest preview Firepower track Evil Never Dies

Judas Priest are streaming a snippet of the track “Evil Never Dies” as the latest preview to their forthcoming album, “Firepower”, ahead of its release on March 9.

The veteran UK metal band’s eighteenth studio album was recorded last year with producers Tom Allom and Andy Sneap.

“Tom Allom has got this classic metal thing,” says frontman Rob Halford. “And Andy is a bit more of a ‘modern metal producer’ but his thinking is a little bit different to Tom’s. And I think to get this balance between that classic old school metal to what Andy’s world is was just a remarkable coalescence.”

Sneap will join Judas Priest on guitar alongside Richie Faulkner for their Firepower world tour – which begins in Wilkes Barre, PA on March 13 – following news that longtime axeman Glenn Tipton has retired from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Available via CD and digital formats, Judas Priest are also offering a limited-edition (300 copies) metallic silver-colored cassette version of the album via their PledgeMusic page, alongside a variety of bundle options including autographed colored vinyl, autographed vinyl test pressings and more.


Judas Priest
“Firepower"
Release date: March 9

01. Firepower
02. Lightning Strike
03. Evil Never Dies
04. Never The Heroes
05. Necromancer
06. Children Of the Sun
07. Guardians
08. Rising From Ruins
09. Flame Thrower
10. Spectre
11. Traitors Gate
12. No Surrender
13. Lone Wolf
14. Sea Of Red


See also:

Judas Priest preview Firepower track Traitors Gate
Judas Priest: Glenn Tipton retires from touring following Parkinson’s diagnosis
AUDIO: Judas Priest streams Firepower title track
Former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing to publish memoir
Search Judas Priest at hennemusic

Neil Young details Roxy Tonight’s The Night Live album

Neil Young is sharing details of his forthcoming album, “Roxy - Tonight's The Night Live”, a recording from a series of September 1973 shows at the famous Los Angeles club that will be released in April.

The project captures Young performing during the venue’s opening week with the Santa Monica Flyers, the name he gave to the band featured on his sixth album, comprised of Nils Lofgren on piano, Ben Keith on pedal steel guitar, and Crazy Horse members Billy Talbot on bass and Ralph Molina on drums.

The 2018 release presents the live debuts of several of the songs that would feature on the rocker’s 1975 album, “Tonight's The Night.”

“We had finished recording TTN and decided to celebrate with a gig at a new club opening on the Sunset Strip, the Roxy,” says Young. "We went there and recorded for a few nights, opening the Roxy. We really knew the Tonight's the Night songs so we just played them again, the album, top to bottom, two sets a night for a few days. We had a great time. Roxy - Tonight's the Night Live is the live recording we made."

“Roxy – Tonight's The Night Live” will initially be released via a 2LP package as an exclusive Record Store Day edition on April 21; a standard vinyl, CD and digital version will be available April 24.

Neil Young
“Roxy – Tonight’s The Night Live”
Release date: April 21 (Record Store Day edition); April 24 (multiple formats)

"Tonight's The Night"
"Mellow My Mind"
"World On A String"
"Speakin' Out"
"Albuquerque"
"New Mama"
"Roll Another Number (For The Road)"
"Tired Eyes"
"Tonight's The Night"
"Walk On"


See also:

Neil Young to release 1973 Los Angeles club show
Neil Young launches online music archive
AUDIO: Neil Young streams single from forthcoming album The Visitor
Neil Young releases animated Powderfinger video
Search Neil Young at hennemusic

VIDEO: Liam Gallagher performs Manchester tribute at 2018 Brit Awards

Liam Gallagher paid tribute to the victims of the 2017 terrorist bombing at the Manchester Arena during the 2018 Brit Awards in London on February 21, where he delivered an emotional, acoustic version of the 1994 Oasis hit, “Live Forever.”

Gallagher was supported at the O2 Arena by acoustic guitar, percussion and a cello for his performance of the third single from the UK band’s debut album, “Definitely Maybe.”

The NME reports the rocker was a last-minute replacement for the tribute – originally scheduled to feature singer Ariana Grande, who’s May 2017 show at the Manchester venue was targeted by a terrorist who blew himself up while killing 23 people and injuring more than 500 others.

Grande was forced to cancel her Brit Awards appearance after falling ill and being unable to fly, under doctor’s orders, to the London event.

The pop star headlined the One Love Manchester benefit concert in the UK city last June, which saw Gallagher perform before a hometown crowd while raising money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, set up by Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross, to support grieving families and victims of the May 22 bombing.

Since the tragedy, Gallagher has been donating royalties from Oasis 1996 UK No. 1 smash, "Don't Look Back In Anger", to the victim benefit fund.

The singer has been touring the globe in support of his debut solo album, “As You Were.”


See also:

VIDEO: Liam Gallagher performs on The Late Late Show with James Corden
VIDEO: Liam Gallagher named Godlike Genius at NME Awards 2018
VIDEO: Liam Gallagher unplugs for Radio X session in London
VIDEO: Liam Gallagher performs Oasis classics in Los Angeles
Search Oasis at hennemusic

VIDEO: Foo Fighters perform at 2018 Brit Awards

The Foo Fighters performed their single, “The Sky Is A Neighborhood”, at the 2018 Brit Awards in London, UK on February 21, and video from the event is streaming online.

The band delivered the “Concrete And Gold” track at the city’s O2 Arena atop the roof of a makeshift house – just as they did in the song’s official video – during their first-ever performance at the annual UK event.

The Foos were named International Group at the 2018 awards, ahead of fellow nominees Arcade Fire, Haim, The Killers and LCD Soundsystem; the win marked the band’s fourth in the category and fifth Brit Award overall, including a 2008 honor for “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” as Best International Album.

"This one goes out to all the musicians who get up on stage and plug in and play," said Dave Grohl. "And long live rock and roll."

The UK event follows last month’s Grammy Awards, where the Foo Fighters picked up a win in the “Best Rock Song” category – a songwriters award – for “Run” while losing out in the “Best Rock Performance” field to a tune by Leonard Cohen.

The Foos return to live action next week with a series of live dates in South America before launching a North American run in Austin, TX on April 18.



See also:

VIDEO: Nirvana classic featured in T-Mobile Super Bowl 52 commercial
Queen, Aerosmith, Nirvana recordings among Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees
VIDEO: Surviving Nirvana members reunite during Foo Fighters show
Foo Fighters snag pair of Grammy Awards nominations
Search Foo Fighters at hennemusic

Robert Plant comments on Led Zeppelin 50th anniversary celebrations

Robert Plant is sharing his thoughts on Led Zeppelin’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations in a new interview with The Current.

“Well, we're planning to get together and talk about it,” says Plant, who is currently playing dates on a brief North American tour in support of his latest album “Carry Fire.” “Basically, it's very difficult to find stuff that still is unheard, and not only will it be 50 years, but it'll be, next year, 38 years since John [Bonham] passed away. And the great thing about Led Zeppelin was that we didn't chronicle ourselves; we just kind of went from town to town and sang songs and played guitars and stuff. And then went about our lives.

“The whole idea of chronicling the life of people in bands … In a way, I wish that we had more stuff to look at, but there will be a book of photographs and stuff. But some of it will be particularly interesting, I think. Beyond that, musically, there's bits and pieces lying around, but not an album or anything like that. But there will be a celebration, I'm sure, somewhere. A cork will pop! [makes sound effects].”

Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin have sold more than 300 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1995.

The iconic UK band will publish an official book, “Led Zeppelin By Led Zeppelin”, in October; billed as the first and only official illustrated book to be produced in collaboration with the members of the band, it will feature unseen photographs and artwork from the Led Zeppelin archives and contributions from photographers around the world.

Jimmy Page recently confirmed that Led Zeppelin will release a live album as part of the 50th Anniversary plans.

“It's so different to all the other things that are out there,” explains Page. “It's another view compared to [2003’s] ‘How The West Was Won’ or [1976’s] ‘The Song Remains The Same.’ I'm looking forward to people hearing that.”

Ahead of the fall celebrations, Led Zeppelin will reissue their 2003 live set, “How The West Was Won”, on March 23.

Featuring newly-remastered audio, the collection delivers highlights from the band’s legendary shows at the Los Angeles Forum and Long Beach Arena on June 25 and 27, 1972, with the two nights sequenced to replicate a single concert from beginning to end.


See also:

Led Zeppelin to mark 50th anniversary with live album release
Robert Plant releases Carry Fire live video
Led Zeppelin official 50th Anniversary book due this fall
VIDEO: Robert Plant performs Season’s Song in Manchester
Search Led Zeppelin at hennemusic