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Day in Rock Report for 05/06/2016


Today's Top Stories


Axl Rose Explains How He Landed AC/DC Gig

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose reveals how he landed the gig with AC/DC to step in for longtime lead singer Brian Johnson for their remaining world tour dates.

Rose will make his debut with the Australian rockers this Saturday, May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal after AC/DC postponed the remaining spring US tour show following news that Brian Johnson was advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss.

"I called the day I read about it in the news, that there was a situation going on with Brian's hearing," explains Rose in an interview with BBC 6 Music. "I called a guy who's their production manager right now�because I knew there was going to be a problem with having dates on sale and dates sold and stuff like that.

"So if I could help, and if I was able to do it, and they were interested, I'd love to help. And that's how it started. I wasn't looking at it like, 'I'm singing for AC/DC.' I was looking at it like, 'y'know, if I can, and if they think I'm able to do it."

Rose wasn't sure if would be able to sing some of the songs in the set. "A lot of the Back In Black stuff is really challenging," he reveals. "I'm not here in any way out of any disrespect to Brian. I can't take anything away from his singing at all. He's a great singer and it's really challenging to sing it. I'm just trying to do it justice for the fans."

The Guns N' Roses leader is very aware of the unique situation that both he and AC/DC are experiencing as they prepare for the 12-date European spring run.

"I'm happy and excited in one sense, but I think it would be inappropriate to be celebrating, in a certain way, at someone else's expense," says Rose. "That's not what I'm here to do. It's an unfortunate situation."

AC/DC auditioned Rose and in Atlanta in March alongside tribute band singers from Texas and North Carolina. Guitarist and solo founding member Angus Young says he had spoken to Johnson extensively before he decided to leave the group.

"In his heart he wanted to finish [the tour] but because of that hearing factor he had to make the decision," he told the BBC. "It's a hard thing to do, and he'd had the problem since we kicked off touring. It was his call. It was a shock to us too. The last thing you want to do is walk away from something, but you don't want someone in a tragic situation; being deaf, or any other affliction." Read more here

AC/DC have also released a video inviting fans to their debut performance with Axl Rose in Lisbon, Portugal this Saturday, May 7. "Lisbon, here we come," says sole remaining founding member and guitarist Angus Young. "We're really excited to be here in Portugal. We're here to give you a great rock show, so we hope to all see you all there."

"Absolutely," agrees Rose. "We are very excited to be there."

"And we'll see you on Saturday," adds bassist Cliff Williams.

The short preview clip was filmed in the band's rehearsal facility in the city, where fans have been camped outside recording audio of the sessions ahead of the European tour launch. Watch the video and read more here.

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Fan Raising Money To Buy Dave Grohl

(Radio.com) A big fan of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl is making news in an unusual way. The fan has set up a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising enough money to buy the musician.

The campaign's description, reads, "I'm [Grohl's] biggest fan and figured I can round up enough scratch to purchase him so we can hang out and high five and s-. Heck, I may give him a bro-hug or two as well."

If you're wondering if Grohl is even for sale in the first place, fear not, the campaign addresses those concerns, stating, "I'm not 100% the amount I'm asking for will buy him.

"Hell, I'm not even sure if it's legal to purchase another human being without being some central part of a 20/20 tv special. But, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try, right?" Read more here.

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Paul McCartney Rocks Prince Classic In Minneapolis

(Radio.com) The Beatles were a huge influence on Prince so it is only fitting that Paul McCartney paid tribute to the legendary musician by performing one of his biggest hits during a show in Prince's hometown.

McCartney gave his best rendition of "Let's Go Crazy" before a crowd in Minneapolis. "Minneapolis, Prince. Prince, Minneapolis. It goes together," he said in a nod to the musician's hometown.

"Here's to the man," McCartney said. "Loved that guy. Thank you, Prince, for writing so many beautiful songs, so much music." Check out video footage that McCartney shared of the performance here.

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Invention Could Let Brian Johnson Return To AC/DC?

(hennemusic) There may be technology that would allow AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson to return to the stage. In-ear monitor inventor Stephen Ambrose of Asius Technologies has made a public offer of assistance to Johnson over the hearing issues that have sidelined him from the band's 2016 tour lineup.

In March, AC/DC postponed the remaining 10 shows on their spring US tour after Johnson was advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss.

Johnson issued his own statement regarding his status with the group while confirming the severity of his health issue following news that the group has brought in Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose to handle vocal duties for the remaining 2016 dates, which resume this Saturday, May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Now Ambrose has posted a video message to Johnson with news that his latest upgrade to in-ear monitor technology may help the rocker return to the live stage.

"This is an open message to Brian Johnson of AC/DC: please don't stop performing - help is on the way," begins Ambrose. "Brian, I introduced Guns N' Roses to in-ear monitors in 1990 and I'm a big fan of Axl Rose's voice, but let's be clear: I'm with Roger Daltrey on this - I really can't imagine anyone but you singing 'Back In Black', or any other part of the show for that matter.

"Nobody should have to go deaf performing on stage, driving race cars or simply listening to their phone, so my life's work has been dedicated to solving this." Read more and watch the video here.

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Latest News


Train Covers The Entire 'Led Zeppelin II' Album

Train have announced that they are paying tribute to Led Zeppelin with the release of a cover album that includes their version of the legendary band's entire sophomore album and they will be playing the full record at some special shows.

"Train Does Led Zeppelin II" will be hitting stores on June 3rd and will be released on CD, limited edition vinyl, digital download, as well as all streaming services. It can be preordered here.

Frontman Pat Monahan explains why the band decided to cover the entire album, "Our favorite band is Led Zeppelin, and they made a huge impression on our lives musically. So I thought, why don't we record one of their albums, just for the fun of it for our fans. The hard part was deciding which one."

He also had this to say about their approach to the recording, "They are so hard to record, especially when you are trying to get as close a version as you can to the original. The mixes, the time that they put in, it's crazy how great they were as a band. They were virtuosos at what they did."

He also added this, "I would love it if people get a dose of what's hiding underneath Train's songs, our influences, but we basically did this for the fun of it."

Fans will be able to watch Train perform the full album during a handful of special shows this spring including New York's Irving Plaza on June 1st, Los Angeles' Troubadour on June 6th, Seattle's Neumos on June 8th, San Francisco's Great American Music Hall on June 4th, and during their appearance at the 2016 Mountain Jam festival in Hunter Mountain, New York on June 2nd.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers Announce New Album, Stream First Single

As promised, The Red Hot Chili Peppers released a new song called "Dark Necessities" on Thursday (May 5) and they also used the occasion to announce their new studio album.

The new album will be called "The Getaway" and is set to be released on June 17th. The effort was produced by Danger Mouse and marks the band's first effort in 25 years that hasn't been produced by Rick Rubin. Stream the new song here.

Frontman Anthony Kiedis called into Los Angeles radio station KROQ's Kevin and Bean morning show to premiere the new single and to discuss the band's first album in five years.

He told listeners (via Radio.com) "We had an unusually difficult experience making this record where we wrote 20-30 songs and it was all ready to go and we thought it was happening, and then Flea went snowboarding and broke his arm real bad, which was a bit of a setback for the bass boner [laughs].

"So we rethought everything and then we didn't have a producer and we were just sort of lost in space with all these songs. Lo and behold it was meant to be, as these things can be, and when all the dust settled Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, emerged and said 'Let's go make a record.'

"We were like 'Great, we have all these songs' and he was like 'Leave those there, let's go write new songs in the studio.' So the process began over again."

Kiedis also explained the different approach that was taken with the new producer, "He has very specific Brian taste. He just wanted to see what would happen when we got in the studio and started something fresh. Initially there was an affinity and a marriage to all these other songs, but the only way we saw this working was to have trust in him and get rid of our old ideas and our old way of doing things and say 'If this is going to work, we just have to throw ourselves off the cliff and see what happens.'" Read more about the interview here.

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Former Slipknot Drummer Joey Jordison Announces New Band Vimic

(TeamRock Radio) Former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has announced that he and three other members from Scar The Martyr have launched a new band called Vimic because wanted to "wipe the slate clean" and start afresh.

The new-look outfit are called Vimic and are completed by vocalist Kalen Chase, bassist Kyle Konkiel, keyboardist Matt Tarach, along with guitarists Jed Simon and Kris Norris - and they hope to release their debut album Open Your Omen later this year via Roadrunner Records.

Jordison tells Sirius XM: "I decided I wanted to start fresh - I did not want to keep rehashing old ideas. If I am going to keep going, I really just wanted to break loose and wipe the slate clean.

So I renamed the band, and I got a new singer and a new keyboard player, plus three other members from the Scar The Martyr lineup. We went down into the basement and started demoing material and everything started clicking."

The sticksman reports the band demoed around 40 tracks and approached Roadrunner once they had whittled that number down to 20. Read about that here.

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Midnight Oil Announce Reunion Plans

(Classic Rock) Midnight Oil have announced that they will be reuniting next year to launch a tour. The Australian rock outfit of frontman Peter Garrett, drummer Rob Hirst, guitarists Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey and bass player Bones Hillman made the announcement in a statement on their Facebook page.

Midnight Oil say: "We wanted you to be the first to know that the five of us are planning to do some gigs in Australia and overseas during 2017. It will probably be at least the end of this year before we know exactly where or when."

Fans can sign up to a mailing list to be kept up to date on any developments, and a free download of a live version of the band's track Forgotten Years is also available. Read more here.

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Van Morrison Announces 'It's Too Late To Stop Now' Box Set

(The Blues) Van Morrison has announced a new box set of his live album 'It's Too Late To Stop Now'. Titled 'It's Too Late To Stop Now�Volumes II, III, IV & DVD,' the package will launch on 3CD/DVD.

The collection features performances recorded at the Los Angeles Troubadour, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and London's Rainbow between May and July 1973.

In addition, the album will come with a July 24 gig at the Rainbow that was filmed for a BBC special but never released. Preorder here. The package is out on June 10 via Sony Music - the same day that a remastered 2CD/2LP of the original It's Too Late To Stop Now is released. Read more here.

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Of Mice & Men Announce Album Release Shows

(Classic Rock) Of Mice & Men have announced a pair of London shows to celebrate the release of their forthcoming Live At Brixton album. Austin Carlile and co have lined up the gigs at the city's O2 Academy Islington on May 26 and the Hippodrome, Kingston, on June 1.

It's out on May 27 on 2CD and CD/DVD via Rise Records and is the band's first release since last year's deluxe version of third album Restoring Force, which was originally delivered in 2014.

The US outfit, who have also been confirmed for the UK's Slam Dunk festivals later this month, have been out of action in recent months as frontman Carlile recovers from surgery associated with his Marfans genetic disorder. Read more here.

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Death Stream Previously Unreleased Song 'Legion Of Doom'

(TeamRock Radio) Death have released an online stream of their previously unreleased track "Legion Of Doom", which will be included on the band's forthcoming deluxe reissue of their 1987 debut album "Scream Bloody Gore."

The reissue will be available from May 20 in 2CD, 3LP, deluxe 2LP box set, cassette and digital formats. Alan Douches has remastered the album from the original tapes.

The package comes with bonus content including rehearsal tapes and studio sessions. Stream the song and see the full "Death Scream Bloody Gore (Deluxe Edition)" tracklist here.

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Scythia Streaming Entire New Album 'Lineage' Online

(Prog) Canadian prog metal band Scythia are celebrating the release of their new studio album "Lineage" this week by making the entire effort, the band's foutth release, available to stream online.

Guitarist and vocalist Dave Khan had the following to say: "Oh boy, Scythia is incredibly excited to release our fastest, meanest and most well-executed release yet.

"Lineage is the culmination of two years of blood, sweat and ale and showcases a loose-concept album about the victims of war set in the medieval world." Check out the album stream here.

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The Hellacopters Announce 12-Inch Vinyl Release

(Classic Rock) The Hellacopters have announced that they will release a 12-inch vinyl single containing tracks My Mephistophelean Creed and Don't Stop Now on on June 3.

The two songs were written by the band back in 1996, but until now were never recorded. They were produced at singer and guitarist Nicke Andersson's studio Honk Palace earlier this year and will be released via Psychout Records/Sound Pollution Distribution.

It was also announced last November that the original lineup of The Hellacopters would reunite at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 10 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Super Sh*tty To The Max. Read more here.

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Wolverine Streaming New Song 'Machina'

(Prog) Wolverine have released a lyric video for their track "Machina," which is a song from the band's forthcoming album 'Machina Viva,' due out on July 8. It's their first release with record label Laser's Edge/Sensory.

Wolverine previously said: "We are very happy to work with someone like label owner Ken Golden and Sensory that has a genuine passion and an interest in the kind of music that we play."

The follow-up to 2011's Communication Lost is said to be "harmonious, yet portentous and sullen" and will include 14-minute track The Bedlam Overture and the "dark electronic landscapes" of Machina. Stream the song here.

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The Fringe Stream New Version Of "Flare'

(Prog) The Fringe have released a stream of their track Flare. The trio consists of Lo-Fi Resistance singer and guitarist Randy McStine, The Flower Kings bassist Jonas Reingold and Big Big Train drummer Nick D'Virgilio.

The song has been cut back from the 10-minute version which features on their self-titled debut album, recorded at Sweetwater Studios at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

It's said to show the "organic, blossoming chemistry" between the band members. Longtime Rush collaborator Hugh Syme worked on the cover design. Read more and stream the song here.

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Late Metal Fan's Ashes Scattered At Behemoth and Dying Fetus Shows

(TeamRock Radio) A deceased metal fan's final wish to have his ashes scattered at his favorite bands' shows was granted earlier this week when Behemoth and Dying Fetus both took action.

Referred to only as Nick, Behemoth frontman Nergal pays tribute to the late Illinois native, saying: "I have never done this before. Our friend and massive Behemoth fan - his name was Nick.

"All I've got to say is, wherever you are, rest in peace, my friend," before he scattered the ashes over the stage and launched into Antichristian Phenomenon.

Dying Fetus also spread Nick's ashes in the moshpit during his favourite song, Homocidal Retribution. The vial was delivered to the band, who shared a photo on Facebook.

They say: "We scattered Nick's ashes in the pit for his favourite song, Homicidal Retribution, may he RIP. Rest in the pit." Read more here.

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Motorhead Announce Release Of Snaggletooth Cider

(Classic Rock) Motorhead have announced the release of their branded Snaggletooth cider, which will be available to purchase online and in UK shops beginning later this month.

The band announced the drink last year, but it has not been on sale until a 12-month development process came to an end. It can be ordered online and will be stocked in Morrison's stores from May 16.

It's described as a "unique sweetened dry British apple cider, crafted with a juice blend of the finest Dabinet, Michelin and dessert apple varieties to give a perfectly balanced, refreshing taste.

"Created in tribute to and in celebration of the loudest rock music on the planet, Snaggletooth Motorhead Cider packs a real punch." Read more here.

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Richard Kruspe Goes Behind The Scenes Of Hotei's 'Move It'

(TeamRock Radio) Richard Kruspe says he feared there wasn't enough space for him to add vocals to Hotei's track Move It. The Rammstein and Emigrate man teamed up with the Japanese guitarist on the track, but feared he might upset Hotei with the changes he needed to make.

In a new behind-the-scenes video, Kruspe says: "First impression I had was, 'How the f*** do I get my vocals into this track?' There was no space, you can hear he's a guitar player and he's not afraid that he's a guitar player.

"I kind of had to bring in the German cleaning machine to get some space for me, that was a big challenge. I know that some artists are not so happy if you try to mess around with their music. But he was so cool, he let me be free and change anything I wanted." Watch the behind the scenes video here.

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Little Brother Eli Streaming New Song 'Gold'

(The Blues) Little Brother Eli have premiered their track Gold with The Blues. It's taken from the Oxford quintet's debut album Cold Tales, released on June 24, which has won them comparisons with Jack White and The Black Keys.

The band make a point of dressing well. Bassist Josh Rigal recently told the Oxford Mail: "We like to sound pretty rough around the edges, but it's important to look good. We favour vintage Victorian dress, but without the top hats."

Little Brother Eli will play a run of live shows leading up to their album launch event in Oxford on June 25. See all of the dates and stream the new song here.

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Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess Announces Keyfest

(Prog) Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess has announced that he will launcha keyboard-focused festival called Keyfest in New York this July. The music camp will take place at New York's New Moon Resort in the Catskill Forest Preserve from July 18-22.

The Dream Theater keyboardist will also be joined by special guest, producer and solo artist Tom Brislin - who has previously worked with Yes, Camel and Renaissance.

Rudess says: "I'm excited for the opportunity to hang out with fellow keyboardists in a relaxed environment and have the chance to share some of the skills and knowledge that I've gathered through the years. Our keyboard world is constantly evolving as technology keeps throwing us new possibilities." Read more here.

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Bruce Foxton Releases 'Now The Time Has Come' Video

(Classic Rock) Bruce Foxton is premiering the video for his single Now The Time Has Come with TeamRock. It's taken from the former Jam bassist's upcoming album Smash The Clock - which he recorded with his bandmates in From The Jam.

Foxton tells TeamRock: "Now The Time Has Come is about growing up - starting with no cares in the world but sooner or later you inevitably need to take on responsibility.

"You can still have fun though. Playing with me in this live session are Russell Hastings on vocals and guitar, Tom Heel on Keys and Mike Randon on drums.

"We have been playing this track on tour and it has been getting a great reaction. After all the time spent working on the new record, I am really looking forward to releasing Smash The Clock this month." Watch the video here.

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Mogwai Didn't Expect To Release 'Atomic' Album

(Prog) Mogwai's Barry Burns says the band didn't expect their latest album to be released when they started writing material for it. Atomic was released last month and contains reworked soundtrack material they composed for the BBC documentary Atomic: Living In Dread And Promise.

The film explores humanity's relationship with nuclear weapons and consists of archive footage from events such as the Cold War, Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Burns tells Noisey: "It's weird because this one turned out like a proper album. We didn't expect it to even be released - but once we realised that these were proper songs that sounded like us and didn't just sound like a soundtrack, we thought we may as well release it."

Burns also hints that Atomic could indicate the direction of the group's next record - but says that could change once they settle down to plan their next release. Read about that here.

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Vektor Release Online Stream Of New Song 'Pteropticon'

(TeamRock Radio) Arizonan progressive thrashers Vektor are streaming new song Pteropticon exclusively with Metal Hammer. Taken from Vektor's upcoming futuristic concept album Terminal Redux, Pteropticon is the name given to an elite squadron of Reapers deep in space, descending upon an unsuspecting alien world.

Vektor frontman David DiSanto explains the title of the track "The prefix, Pter, means wing, and an Opticon is the inner part of the optic lobes in an insect brain.

"Put them together and you get an all-seeing force that patrols worlds from the sky. This track is a full-force, thrash attack from start to finish. We really hope you like it!" Stream the song here.

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Perhaps Contraption Premiere New Music Video

(Prog) Perhaps Contraption have premiered their video for track Droplets/Molecules with Prog. It's taken from the art rock brass band's upcoming album Mud Belief, set for launch on June 3 via Grabby Claw.

The band tell Prog: "Droplets/Molecules condenses the troupe's love for post-minimalism, progressive rock and science, into a detailed, brass-fuelled flurry. Shot entirely on GoPros, it shows what it's like to 'ride' upon our instruments.

"The lyrics evoke fascination on a molecular and subatomic level - the ever-shifting discoveries being made about the smallest building blocks of matter. We wanted the musicality, particularly the woodwind at the end, to reflect that somehow." Watch the video here.

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