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Day in Rock Report for 05/19/2016


Today's Top Stories


AC/DC Star Addresses Retirement Speculation And Axl Rose

(hennemusic) AC/DC drummer Chris Slade has addresses an Angus Young retirement rumor and the band's current tour with Guns N' Roses frontman taking over lead vocals in the group in place of Brian Johnson, who stepped aside for live performances in March on the advice of doctors in order to prevent further damage to his hearing.

Slade addressed the questions in a series of interactions with fans on his Facebook page including the group's current European tour with Rose, and the band's future moving forward.

"Of course, everyone would like it to be Brian up there, but unfortunately, due to his health problems, this is not possible," writes Slades. "Axl is doing a wonderful job, and the majority opinion now is that the band were right to finish the Rock Or Bust tour with him. Fans have the opportunity to go to the shows or not, it is entirely their choice or indeed their loss."

The Rock Or Bust tour marks the return of Slade and guitarist Stevie Young to the lineup following the retirement of founder Malcolm Young and a series of legal issues faced by longtime member Phil Rudd.

The Axl-led AC/DC has extended shows from 20 to 23 songs on the spring run with the addition of three classic tracks, including a pair from 1978's "Powerage" - "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" and "Riff Raff" - and "If You Want Want Blood (You've Got It)" from 1979's "Highway To Hell."

When a fan expressed concern over the changes and speculated if guitarist Angus Young was considering shutting AC/DC down and retiring, Slade replied: "Angus is definitely NOT thinking of retiring." Read more and see videos of the performance of the rarities here.

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Black Sabbath Legend Makes Surprising Admission

(Classic Rock) Black Sabbath bass player Geezer Butler reveals in a new interview he used to self-harm when he was younger and that he'd have killed himself if the band hadn't made it.

Sabbath's 1970 single Paranoid was written about the bass player's mental state at the time, as he battled with depression. And he reveals the extent of his problems in a brand new interview with Classic Rock magazine.

Butler says: "I used to be a cutter. I'd cut my arms, stick pins in my fingers, that kind of thing. I used to get really depressed and it was the only thing that could bring me out from it.

"If Sabbath hadn't made it, I'd have been long dead. I'd have killed myself." Read more here.

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Led Zeppelin Members Will Appear At Stairway To Heaven Trial

(hennemusic) Lawyers for Robert Plant and Jimmy Page have confirmed the Led Zeppelin members will attend the upcoming trial to defend a copyright infringement lawsuit over the band's signature song, "Stairway To Heaven", when it starts on June 14.

The suit - brought by Randy California's estate and members of Spirit by trustee Michael Skidmore - claims the acoustic introduction to 1971's "Stairway" was lifted from their 1968 instrumental "Taurus."

The Wrap reports plaintiff's attorney Francis Malofiy brought a motion in a California federal court on May 17 requesting U.S. District Judge Gary Klausner to order the Page and Plant to attend the proceedings to testify or risk a penalty of default, with the jury to be instructed to draw a negative inference from their failure to appear. Malofiy claims the pair's "refusal to specify if they will appear is causing havoc."

"Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, with the aid of defense counsel, want to dictate the court's schedule," the filing reads. "The lack of common courtesy from defense counsel is, frankly, astonishing. Defendants are acting as if this is a concert where their celebrity status allows them to decide when they will appear."

However, Led Zeppelin's attorneys confirmed the pair would be on site for the proceedings in an email sent to Malofiy on May 6, writing "We have previously made it clear that Messrs. Page and Plant will attend the trial, but with them coming from England we cannot guarantee the day they will arrive." Read more and listen to both songs here.

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Latest News


Guns N' Roses Reveal Reunion Stadium Tour Support

(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses have announced the first pair of opening acts that will join them on their summer stadium tour of North America. Alice In Chains will open the first five dates of the Not In This Lifetime tour, which starts June 23 in Detroit, MI.

Lenny Kravitz will step in for two pairs of shows in Foxborough, MA and East Rutherford, NJ in mid-July, with artists for the remaining concerts to be announced.

The trek will see the reunited trio of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan perform material from the band's legendary albums, including 1987's smash "Appetite For Destruction" - the biggest selling debut album of all time with more than 30 million copies sold worldwide.

The GNR lineup is rounded out by guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and drummer Frank Ferrer alongside new addition, keyboardist Melissa Reese. Read more including the dates here.

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Eric Clapton 'Might Be Saying Goodbye' On New Album

(The Blues) Eric Clapton included a version of blues standard I'll Be Seeing You on his album I Still Do in case it's his final release, he's said. The 71-year-old has been considering retirement for some time, and he's already put an end to his days of large-scale touring because he doesn't enjoy travelling any more.

Clapton tells the Chicago Tribune: "I love the song and I love the sentiment. It's one of those things that's been haunting me. Just in case I don't cut another record, this is how I feel. I kind of might be saying goodbye - but I've been doing that for a while."

I Still Do is his first studio project with producer Glyn Johns since 1977's Slowhand. But Clapton had to contend with a serious skin issue just as work began.

"I had full-body exzema and it ended up on my hands," he recalls. "It was a nightmare. I started thinking it was psychosomatic - that maybe I was nervous. And maybe I was." Read more here.

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Metalheads Are 'Great Parents' Says Disturbed Star

(TeamRock Radio) Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan has described metalheads as 'great parents' for bringing their children up to love heavy music. Donegan says the band have noticed a whole new generation of fans in the audience since they returned from a four-year hiatus with last year's comeback album Immortalized.

The guitarist tells Jenn Marino (via Blabbermouth): "It's amazing to be off the road for four and a half years and come back and see that next generation of kids.

"That's some great parenting there. Bringing their kids out to the shows now, and it's a wide demographic of fans that we've kind of developed over the years.

"I'm not trying to knock all the other genres, but that stuff kind of comes and goes. Rock music, you get lifelong fans out of this genre." Read more here.

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Dead & Company Announce Free Concert

Grateful Dead offshoot Dead & Company have announced plans to play a free show at The Filmore in San Francisco on May 23rd and in return they are asking fans to 'pay it forward'.

The group writes in their Facebook announcement, "All we ask is that you "pay it forward" in some way, large or small, and share those acts of kindness with us by using the hashtag #DeadandCoSF. Please share your good deeds and generosity with us, and let the cosmos know how you are paying it forward."

The group, which features former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, along with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti, also revealed that tickets for the show will be available beginning today, May 19 at Noon PST and provided a link that can be found here.

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Brand New Stream New Single 'I Am A Nightmare'

(TeamRock Radio) Brand New have released the single I Am A Nightmare. The track marks a comeback for the punk-rock outfit. Their last single was the unexpected Mene last year - which was their first promo after a six-year break.

Singer Jesse Lacey hinted at their show in Nashville last year that the potential follow-up to 2009's Daisy would likely be their last record. He said: "I'm gonna have a new daughter. We'll hopefully have a record for you.

"I wanna tell you right here and now, this isn't gonna last much longer, but it's been so special for so long. For as long as it does last, we're so grateful to you all for being here." Stream the song here.

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Iron Maiden Competition Was Not Rigged Says Organizer

(Classic Rock) The organizer of a competition to find a support act for Iron Maiden's upcoming show in Johannesburg, South Africa, has denied that it was rigged.

Little-known Joburg band Jasper Dan were picked from a batch of 28 hopefuls who entered a battle-of-the-bands event called Battle For Iron Maiden and handed the opportunity to open for Maiden at Carnival City Festival Lawns in Johannesburg this coming Saturday (May 21).

But established bands and music experts in South Africa are up in arms over the decision, accusing the competition organizers of corruption. The controversy surrounds the fact that Jasper Dan have never released any music and played hardly any gigs before those held as part of Battle For Iron Maiden.

Questions have also been asked over how much money organizers Big Concerts made from the Battle For Iron Maiden events and where the money ended up. Simon Foulds of Big Concerts was interviewed on Gary Cool's Republic Of Rock show on TeamRock Radio and defended the judges' decision in picking Jasper Dan from a shortlist of six acts in the final. He also insisted the proceeds were used to host the various heats and final of the competition.

Foulds says: "It's pretty simple, the band went on stage and met all the criteria and were the best band on the night. The bands weren't paid and they knew that. The prize was the Iron Maiden gig and the bands were told that from the beginning. They all knew what the deal was." Read more here.

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Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Attacks Misconception

(Classic Rock) Dave Mustaine says he thinks that "the world is a beautiful place." The Megadeth frontman has garnered a reputation for being one of the most divisive personalities in metal - but he says that many people falsely assume that he has a negative view of society

He tells KBAD 94.5: "A lot of people think I have a very negative view of the world. I think the world's a beautiful place, but that there are bad people here, instead of some other people who are very pessimistic and think the world's a bad place and that there's only a few good people left.

"I try and go through my day, my job, my travels and just make people as happy as I possibly can. I'm not here to say, 'Oh, the world's gonna end,' and all this kind of stuff."

While he denies that their latest album Dystopia is the band's commentary on current US affairs, he admits they use their music to educate fans. He adds: "Part of the problem with people is they listen to what I say and they think I'm making a judgement. And what I'm doing is saying, 'Look, here's a situation. Find out for yourself. Get your own truth.' Read more and watch the full interview here.

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Jon Anderson And Roine Stolt Release New Album Preview

(Prog) Former Yes frontman Jon Anderson and Flower Kings leader Roine Stolt have released another teaser for their upcoming collaborative album Invention Of Knowledge.

A short audio clip featuring a snippet of the track Know... can be heard below. Anderson/Stolt issue Invention Of Knowledge on June 24 via InsideOut.

Anderson said: "Music is always the driving force in my life - working with such a wonderful musician as Roine made the creation of this album very unique."

Stolt added: "We've been inventing as we go along. Jon is an endless source of new ideas. It's been a very interesting and rewarding time and the result is just insanely detailed." Read more and check out the album teaser here.

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Deftones Announce Australian Tour With Karnivool and Voyager

(Prog) Deftones will tour Australia with Karnivool and Voyager this November. Scoring their first Australian no.1 with their latest album Gore, Deftones will play five shows across the country with the two Perth bands scheduled for support.

Karnivool say: "Some things are too good to say no to. Karnivool and Deftones? Get faaaaarked. Stoked to announce we are heading out on the road supporting The Deftones in Australia in November. This is the first time we have supported a band in Oz for more than a decade (G'day Cog!) but off we go. Cant wait."

Deftones were set to appear at the now defunct Soundwave Festival in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in January this year. The event was pulled due to poor sales. Read more including Deftones current North American and upcoming European dates here.

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Avenged Sevenfold and Alice in Chains Lead New Festival Lineup

(Gibson) More than 35 bands have been announced for the debut Houston Open Air, set to take place Sept. 24 and 25 at NRG Park in Houston with Alice in Chains and Avenged Sevenfold leading the lineup.

The festival will also includes the Cult, Chevelle, Deftones and more hard rock and metal bands performing on three stages. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Whiskey Row and Gourmet Man Food are also part of the festivities.

Other bands tapped for Houston Open Air include Alter Bridge, Anthrax, Pierce the Veil, Of Mice & Men, Sevendust, Baroness, Hellyeah, Chevy Metal, the Amity Affliction, Texas Hippie Coalition and more. Read more here.

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Yngwie Malmsteen Announces New Album 'World On Fire'

(Classic Rock) Yngwie Malmsteen will launch his album World On Fire on June 1. The Swedish guitarist says he spent two years working on the record between tours - which he says made the songwriting process "inspiring."

Malmsteen says: "I spent two years working on it, touring, recording, touring, recording. And that's actually much better in a way. Back in the day I would write the songs then rehearse them with some musicians, then go and do a backing track and we'd record it, mix it, learn the songs to go play them on tour, then do it all again. That way isn't necessarily conducive to making the best music.

"So in a very backhanded way, this weird twist of fate in the music industry has actually made it a more inspiring environment. I can write anytime and record anytime." Read more here.

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Rob Zombie, Social Distortion, Bad Religion For Riot Fest

(TeamRock Radio) Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Deftones and Rob Zombie are among the first wave of acts announced for Riot Fest in Denver and Chicago in September.

Both the Denver event on September 2-4 and the Chicago festival on September 16-18 boast the The Original Misfits - who reunited especially for the festival - along with Deftones, Descendents, Underoath, Death Cab For Cutie, Bad Religion and NOFX on their lineup.

But Denver will exclusively host Jane's Addiction, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed and Converge - while Rob Zombie, Social Distortion, Brand New, Andrew WK and Pierce the Veil will perform only at the Chicago weekend. Bills for both weekends can be viewed here.

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Devin Townsend Project Announce New Album 'Transcendence'

(Prog) Devin Townsend Project have announced that'll they'll release their latest album entitled Transcendence on September 2. It's marks the band's first release since 2014's Z2 double album, and mainman Townsend says it'll bridge the gap between that record and his upcoming symphonic project.

He says: "Transcendence, like every record I've done prior, is an extension of what's been going on in my world, represented in a new batch of songs. I'm 44 years old now, and this is where I have been over the past two years since Z2."

"The result of this process is a record that I truly think the intention of is special. I found gas to put into the tank and am glad I did. I think the intention, the theme, and the participation of everyone involved allows this album to act like a fulcrum between the past few years and what I intend to do next with the symphony. I am very proud of it and everyone involved." Read more here.

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Foghat Announce New Album 'Under The Influence'

(Chipster) Foghat have revealed the details, including special guests, for their brand new album "Under The Influence" which is set to be released on June 24th. We were sent the following details:

Drawing from their collective musical influences, the band not only brought in some special guests from their past who helped launch and inspire the Foghat story, but also invited some new friends into the mix to continue the journey of this never idle band.

They started recording at their Florida studio, Boogie Motel South in 2013. In addition to Foghat members Roger Earl, Craig MacGregor, Charlie Huhn and Bryan Bassett, two additional figures helped shape the sessions - Buddy Guy alumni, Scott Holt, who lent a hand in the writing, and added fantastic guitar and vocals to several tracks, and Grammy winning producer/songwriter, Tom Hambridge.

With their resident genius, guitarist Bryan Bassett at the helm, the project was going slow since Bryan was doing triple duty, playing, writing and recording the tracks, while in the midst of a Foghat tour. So Tom Hambridge came aboard. According to Roger Earl "I met Tom when presenting 3 awards to Buddy Guy and Tom (his producer) at the Memphis Blues Awards. Tom said that he was a fan, and would love to produce a Foghat record. Putting that in the back of my mind, this was the perfect opportunity. Tom came down to Boogie Motel South to meet the band and we clicked and started writing together immediately. Working with him was inspirational!"
Read more including the tracklisting here.

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Zakk Wylde Releases Custom Emjoi Set

Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde has entered the world of custom emojis, which has thus far been dominated by rap and EDM stars, with the release of his very own emoji set.

The new set was released via Emoji Fame. Co-founder Gavin Rhodes had the following to say about Zakk's new emojis, "Many members of the Emoji Fame team are secretly guitar nerds, so when Zakk Wylde agreed to do an emoji set with us we were beyond excited.

"Zakk is arguably one of the top-ten most influential guitar players of all time and we're immensely proud of the set that we put together with him. His emojis are hilarious with a double dose of SHRED thrown in for good measure." Check em out here.

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Today's Report Continues...

Read the second part of today's report here!