Vintage Rock News

Guns N' Roses Plans Tour With Intimate NYC Dates

2012-01-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Before they get enshrined at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April, Guns N' Roses will play a string of six February concerts, including three intimate shows in New York.

Axl Rose and co. will begin their short trek at New York's Roseland Ballroom on Feb. 10 and perform at Terminal 5 two nights later. On Feb. 15, GN'R will return to "The Ritz," the venue now known as Webster Hall which was the site of their 1988 MTV Concert "Guns N' Roses: Live at the Ritz."

Guns N' Roses will also perform at Chicago's House of Blues on Feb. 19, The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Md. on Feb. 23, and the House of Blues in Atlantic City, N.J. on Feb. 24. Ticket presale for the New York shows starts Tuesday (Jan. 31), and presale tickets for the other shows are set for Wednesday.

The legendary rock group is coming off of its first major U.S. tour in 5 years this past fall, after spending 2010 performing in South America, Canada and Europe. Last month, it was announced that GN'R, along with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys, would be part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2012; the induction ceremony is scheduled for April 14 in Cleveland.

Check out Vintage Rock's exclusive pictures of Guns N' Roses from their show at the L.A. Forum in December 2011.

Norman Greenbaum's Spirit In The Sky Still Popular In 2012

2012-01-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

After 40 years, one of music's greatest gospel-rock hits "Spirit In The Sky," penned by Norman Greenbaum, remains as popular today in 2012 as it did in 1970 when it rocketed to number #1 in the US and UK.

While being named song of the year by Cashbox magazine, the track would go on to sell two million copies in 1970 and through the next four decades would be featured in 47 movies and dozens of commercial ads and TV series. In addition, two British cover versions of “Spirit In The Sky” also made it to number one on the charts, making the song a three-time number one hit.

So the question remains, why does "Spirit In The Sky" still resonate with the music listener today?

Greenbaum explains: "A few reasons: It's just a great song, with a terrific production that has stood the test of time, still sounding as vibrant today as 40 years ago. It also sounds great in the car, yep, car radio. When we mixed it, we made sure it sounded as great on car stereos as it did on home systems.

"It has an unforgettable opening musical riff, at times referred to as 'the heavy duty industrial fuzz tone'. It gives people chills listening to it. Plus, when it was included on Rock Band 2 it brought a new generation into the mix.

"Now that the song is aging in years, but not excellence, many fans have aged with it and now recognize it not only as a great song that reminds them of their life back then, such as taking their first date to my concert, 'Spirit' being the first album they ever bought, their parents screaming to turn the volume down, love making in the back seat to it and my favorite, naming their car 'the green-bomb', and as a song to take with them as we near the time to go up to the 'Spirit In The Sky.'

"Because I answer my own e-mail, many people relate to me the circumstances of a loved one passing and how my song has brought them solace and each time they hear my song, either on the radio, in a movie or on TV, they are reminded that their loved ones are OK and looking down on them."

The story behind the song “Spirit In The Sky” is an interesting one. The original idea for the song came from Norman watching a performance on TV one night by country legend Porter Wagoner, who was singing about a preacher.

This inspired Greenbaum to write a religious rock song. Although many have believed through the years that Norman, born of Jewish heritage, was a 'born again Christian', in truth, this is not the case. He made the decision to challenge himself to writing a gospel lyric, hoping he wouldn't flub it and meticulously crafted music that went on to surpass everyone's expectations.

The guitar riff to the song undoubtedly is just as important to the song's success as the words and music.

"My riff is a take on old blues riffs, common in the '20s and '30s," Norman explains. "Although a few other songs have similar riffs, my riff really stands out, as I infused a few original notes and changes the others do not have. Plus, the fuzz just ripples your mind. It is a sound that has never been reproduced, another reason the song stands so well."

Recently, Norman Greenbaum has redesigned his official website – www.spiritinthesky.com and has made available his much sought after CDs from the 60s and 70s, along with T-shirts, hats, mouse pads, signed photos and other memorabilia.

Greenbaum has not recorded anything in recent years, but he is very active with his new website, posting messages to his fans and making available rare photos for viewing.

"Since my website has been redesigned it is much more efficient and compact, with photo viewers and better links," says Greenbaum. "It also has an improved store, where I have introduced a new product, Going-Greenbaum tote bags; the small-sized bag is made of cotton and the large-sized bag is made of canvas. The new site also has music clips of all of my songs available on CD and 'The Best of Norman Greenbaum' import is available again. I also will be introducing some new shirt designs soon."

Much to the excitement of his fans, Greenbaum will be making a rare live appearance in February.

"I'll be doing a guest performance of 3 songs with the band Time In A Bottle at The Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa, CA on February 18th My original back-up singers The Stovall Sisters will be joining me, the first time ever this has happened on stage! Time In A Bottle is a local rock/soul band. The Stovall Sisters will also be doing a few of their own songs with the band."

Finally, the singer-songwriter has this to impart to aspiring songwriters everywhere: "Keep at it until it all fits, you'll know when. One song will stand out. Put all your effort into that song. Of course, 'catchy' helps."

America To Get Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

2012-01-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

On Monday, February 6, at 11:30 a.m., the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will honor the band America with the 2,459th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Needless to say, the Grammy Award-winning duo is celebrating Grammy Week in big style.

First off, they’ll be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame just outside the Musician’s Institute at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, in the company of the Walk of Fame stars of Al Jolson, Hal David, Rush, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne and Journey.

The next evening (Tuesday, February 7), the Best New Artist Grammy winners of 1972, known for iconic hits like “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Horse With No Name” and “Tin Man,” will perform downtown at the Los Angeles’ Grammy Museum, where they’ll treat the crowd to classic hits and have a Q&A session with the intimate audience.

America, an American music duo consisting of singer/songwriter/guitarist Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, came together (along with Dan Peek who left the group in 1977 and passed away last year) while high school students whose fathers were stationed at an Air Force base in England.

The group had instant success with their first, self-titled release, which hit #1 on the U.S. charts and went platinum on the strength of “Horse With No Name,” their first #1 hit single. They won the “Best New Artist” Grammy in 1972 and began a relentless career as touring musicians.

Throughout their career, they have released 16 studio albums, and had massive hits with “Sister Golden Hair,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” “I Need You,” “Don’t Cross The River” and “You Can Do Magic.” Beginning in 1974, America started working with longtime Beatles producer George Martin, for a total of six albums.

They continue to perform more than 100 live shows a year and in 2011 released the Back Pages CD, America’s interpretations of some of their favorite songs. It is a rich, joyous collection of a dozen glimmering interpretations of songs by Bob Dylan, the Buffalo Springfield, Simon and Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, Jimmy Webb, Mark Knopfler as well as Fountains of Wayne, New Radicals and Gin Blossoms, among others.

Upon hearing America's version of his song “Caroline No,” originally recorded by the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson said it is "an absolutely stunning version...I almost got tears."

The album offers a fresh take on timeless songs and proves that, for all of their own rich history, America still has the ability to surprise and enchant us. As one of the most beloved groups in the history of pop continue their aggressive tour schedule, they maintain a large and devoted fan base.

Beyond their hectic recording and touring duties, America find time to perform for various charities including Artists For The Arts Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Keep Memory Alive Foundation for Alzheimer Research. Other charities include: Walk Against Cancer, DART (“Dana’s Angels Research Trust”), to help raise funds for research and studies to find a treatment for victims of Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NP-C).

The Tsunami charity single, "Grief Never Grows Old," performed by various artists under the name “One World Project” to benefit victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster, also included Sir Cliff Richard, Boy George, Steve Winwood, Gary Moore, Bill Wyman, Russell Watson, Kenny Jones, members of the Bee Gees, Brian Wilson with members of the Beach Boys, Chicago, Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson.

Released in February 2005, the single reached #4 on the U.K. charts. They gave a Benefit concert for schools/education in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa (November 1981).

Gerry Beckley has also given extensively to Habitat for Humanity. Dewey Bunnell gives to Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. He and his wife also work with animal rescue in both Wisconsin and California. They are trained birds of prey rescuers in Wisconsin and have taken a lot of injured animals into their home to rehab and have released them upon recovery.

For more information and to view who shares a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit

Deep Purple Preparing New Studio Album For Next Year

2012-01-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

Deep Purple are very excited by the prospect of making a new and significant album. To that end, they have decided to extend their writing and recording period through the summer of 2012.

Commented Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan: "We know we will disappoint some of our fans this summer. However, we look forward very much to our autumn/winter tour and continuing our worldwide tour with our new album in 2013."

During a 2011 interview with U.K.'s Express & Star, Gillan was asked when fans might be able to expect Deep Purple's follow-up to 2005's Rapture Of The Deep album.

"The fact is that we've been touring flat out," said Gillan. "We did 48 countries last year. We're getting so much off on that we just don't feel the drive at the moment for writing."

Gillan did reveal, though, that Deep Purple convened for a mini writing session earlier in the year.

"We were in Spain for a little while and we had a week off," he said. "We spent most of the time in the bar, to be honest with you. It was a good session, but nothing absolutely dynamic came out of it.

"I think to get some progress as far as an album's concerned you've got to have a target, you've got to work to a date, and that gives you pressure. If you've got the pressure, you get stuff done. We don't have a plan, to be honest.

"Things have always been chaos, certainly since I joined, and we've never been able to plan anything. If we'd been able to make plans, we'd probably have retired by now!"

"People like to do stuff that they're good at, that they enjoy, that they get something out of. So while it's fun and we're all getting older and bits are dropping off here and there, it's still great. I think there probably will be another album.

"And because we're not doing an album (right now) doesn't mean I don't write every day. It's a day off today and for me it's a full day at the office. This morning is interviews and this afternoon I've got two or three interesting pieces I'm working on at the moment. I write every day and so when I do come round to making an album there's never a shortage of what I call color material."

Deep Purple's 18th studio album, Rapture of the Deep, was released in November 2005. It was the fourth studio CD from Deep Purple since guitarist Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.

Bruce Springsteen's 'Wrecking Ball' U.S. Tour Dates Announced

2012-01-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will launch the first U.S. leg of the 2012 Wrecking Ball World Tour on March 18 in Atlanta. Springsteen's 17th studio album, Wrecking Ball, will be released on Columbia Records on March 6.

"We Take Care Of Our Own," the album's first single, can be streamed at the singer's official website. The album is also available for pre-order.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 2012 tour dates:

U.S. Tour Dates

March 18: Atlanta, Ga. (Philips Arena)
March 19: Greensboro, N.C. (Greensboro Coliseum)
March 23: Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Bay Times Forum)
March 26: Boston, Mass. (TD Garden)
March 28: Philadelphia, Pa. (Wells Fargo Center)
March 29: Philadelphia, Pa. (Wells Fargo Center)
April 1: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
April 3: East Rutherford, N.J. (Izod Center)
April 4: East Rutherford, N.J. (Izod Center)
April 6: New York, N.Y. (Madison Square Garden)
April 9: New York, N.Y. (Madison Square Garden)
April 12: Detroit, Mich. (The Palace of Auburn Hills)
April 13: Buffalo, N.Y. (First Niagara Center)
April 16: Albany, N.Y. (Times Union Center)
April 17: Cleveland, Ohio (Quicken Loans Arena)
April 24: San Jose, Calif. (HP Pavilion)
April 26: Los Angeles, Calif. (Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena)
April 29: New Orleans, L.A. (New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival)
May 2: Newark, N.J. (Prudential Center)

European Tour Dates

May 13: Seville, Spain (Estadio Olimpico)
May 17: Barcelona, Spain (Estadio Olimpico Lluis)
May 18: Barcelona, Spain (Estadio Olimpico Lluis)
May 25: Frankfurt, Germany (Commerzbank Arena)
May 27: Cologne, Germany (RheinEnergieStadion)
May 28: Landgraaf, Netherlands (Pinkpop)
May 30: Berlin, Germany (Olympia Stadion)
June 2: San Sebastian, Spain (Estadio Anoeta)
June 3: Lisbon, Portugal (Rock in Lisbon)
June 7: Milan, Italy (Stadio Meaza)
June 10: Florence, Italy (Stadio Francesco)
June 11: Trieste, Italy (Stadio Trieste)
June 17: Madrid, Spain (Estadio Santago Bernabu)
June 19: Montpellier, France (Park & Suites Arena)
June 21: Sunderland, U.K. (Stadium of Light)
June 22: Manchester, U.K. (Etihad Stadium)
June 24: Isle of Wight, U.K. (Isle of Wight Festival)
July 4: Paris, France (Bercy)
July 5: Paris, France (Bercy)
July 7: Roskilde, Denmark (Roskilde Festival)
July 9: Zurich, Switzerland (Stadium Letzigrund)
July 11: Prague, Czech Republic (Synot Tip Arena)
July 12: Vienna, Austria (Ernst Happel Stadium)
July 14: London, U.K. (Hard Rock Calling)
July 17: Dublin, Ireland (RDS)
July 18: Dublin, Ireland (RDS)
July 21: Oslo, Norway (Valle Hoven)
July 23: Bergen, Norway (Koengen)
July 24: Bergen, Norway (Koengen)
July 27: Gothenberg, Sweden (Ullevi)
July 28: Gothenberg, Sweden (Ullevi)
July 31: Helsinki, Finland (Olympic Stadium)

2012 NAMM Show Breaks Attendance Record

2012-01-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has tallied the final registration and exhibitor numbers for the 2012 NAMM Show, the largest and longest-running musical instruments and products trade show in the United States.

At show close, NAMM reported 95,709 registered attendees, a six percent increase from last year and representing a new record for the 110-year-old show. International registration also experienced a 15 percent increase from last year to 11,981. The association previously reported strong exhibitor numbers, with 1,441 exhibitors at this year’s show, including 236 new exhibitors.

"Once again the NAMM Show served as the crossroads for musical instrument and live sound products manufacturers, retailers and their guests from all over the world,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. "We are extremely grateful to all of the NAMM Members, music educators, artists, partners and media who made this 110th NAMM Show a resounding success for the industry and a great start to 2012."

The annual trade show is the place where music products retailers meet face-to-face with manufacturers to make their biggest purchases and gain product knowledge for their stores in the year ahead. Throughout the four days of business deals, educational sessions and live music performances, the mood of the show was energetic and positive.

New and veteran exhibitors alike enjoyed increased foot traffic from quality retail buyers over the four-day show.

"We'd like to deeply thank NAMM for their incredible support during our first show as exhibitors." said John R. Gibson, President and CEO, Wi Digital Systems. "Thanks to NAMM, we hit every stretch target, including major media exposure and signing up significant new accounts."

"We were very pleased to see so much enthusiasm from our dealers at NAMM," said Courtland Gray, Chief Operating Officer, Peavey Electronics Corporation. "Our new self-tuning Peavey AT-200 guitar, PVX powered speakers, Max Series bass amplifiers and more all made a very positive impression. We're off to a great start for 2012."

“We are extremely pleased with our experience during the 2012 NAMM Show,” said Jason Padgitt, senior vice president, marketing and communications for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “The enthusiasm we have received on all of our new products from our family of brands has been terrific.”

"We had a wonderful show, said Lizabeth Gray, Santa Cruz Guitar Co. "Lots of sales for the next two years and we're very pleased. I would say that this has been one of most successful NAMM Shows ever!"

“We had a great show,” said John Sorenson, director of sales planning, Avedis Zildjian Company. “Our international representation was very strong. We had some great programs that we released this year and the uptick was very, very good. So we’re looking forward to a great 2012 for sure.”

Themed "Make It Count,” this year’s NAMM Show focused on innovation in the form of apps and technology products designed to make playing music more accessible and easier than ever for consumers.

"I think we did great,” said Trisha Lurie, Jammit. "Everyone liked what we are doing. Great foot traffic in the App and Gaming Pavilion. Our app was very well received at this year’s NAMM Show."

"We had a really great show, said Bradley Walker of Agile Partners, another App Pavilion exhibitor. "Our app generated a ton of interest from guys in Poland, Spain and the UK this year. I think we really got more hands-on this year. The idea of running an amplifier on an iPhone or iPad is better understood and people now want to know how our app compares with the rest of the market."

“We had a press event Wednesday night and we had a dealer party as well and those were very well received, we had a good turnout for that, so we’re having a very good show," said Gloria Harris, Casio. "A lot of booth traffic. We had scheduled a lot of appointments and people came out and they saw the product and they loved it. We’re excited for the new year.”

"We had a great, great show," said Chris DeMaria, Fishman Electronics. We had a couple new products to unveil and we had a lot of excitement, a lot of traffic, a lot of people came by to see what we’re up to and it was pretty exciting. It was a good year for us in 2011 and great to be back in 2012 and meet with our dealers and meet with some of our business partners and we had a great show. We’re seeing some new dealers and it’s a great opportunity for the existing dealers that we normally see at NAMM because we don’t always get out there to meet with them face-to-face and this show is great because it really sets the tone and allows a lot of people to get in the mindset for the New Year.”

“We had an amazingly great show—it was very successful,” said Marco Soccoli, director of artist relations, D’Addario. “We’d like to thank NAMM. Until next year!”

To see more, check out Vintage Rock's coverage of the 2012 NAMM Show.

Steven Tyler National Anthem: Pitchy, Dawg

2012-01-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

hat would Steven Tyler, the American Idol judge, think of Steven Tyler, who sang the national anthem at the AFC championship game on Sunday? Let's just say the rendition probably wouldn't get him to Hollywood.

The 63-year-old frontman for the Boston-based rock group Aerosmith warbled "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the New England Patriots played the Baltimore Ravens. Tyler appeared with his trademark scarf - this one with the Patriots logo in red, white and blue sequins.

A favorite in the region because of his local ties, Tyler was cheered by the crowd anyway. The Patriots went on to beat the Ravens, 23-20, in the AFC Championship game and head to the seventh Super Bowl in franchise history.

The Essential Etta James

2012-01-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

From http://www.eurweb.com/2012/01/the-essential-etta-james

*She could screech like a wildcat or purr like a kitten, but when you heard it you knew it was unmistakably the voice of Etta James – the legendary singer who passed away Friday January 20, 2012 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She will be remembered for her extraordinary recordings and stage performances.

There exists an extensive collection of some of her early hits titled The Essential Etta James. Reading through some of the song titles is like reading a fragmented love letter. Weaving them together could look something like this:

[“My Dearest Darling” when we first started seeing each other I told you I wanted “A Sunday Kind Of Love.” Do you remember? You thought I was kidding with all those jive-talking men hittin’ on me, and I whispered “I Prefer You.” I asked, “Would It Make Any Difference To You” if you knew I’d been watching you and hoping we could get together? I would have done or gone through “Anything To Say You’re Mine.” You looked so sincere when you asked “Baby What You Want Me To Do?” Then you kissed me on the cheek, and sent chills down my spine. That night we got “All The Way Down” and it was wonderful!

After that I heard nothing from you for days and my thoughts of you made me “A Prisoner Of Love.” Finally when you came by to see me I was “Feeling Uneasy” until you took me in your “Lovin’ Arms” and held me tight. I cried tears of joy and thought to myself, “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” – I knew right then I was hooked on your love. I said “If I Can’t Have You” I don’t want anybody else. You looked me in the eyes, told me you loved me and said, “Don’t Cry Baby,” “Trust In Me.” That was the assurance and the “Security” that I needed. “At Last” I had found my true love; my knight in shining armor. As time went on I began “Loving You More Everyday.” I treasured what we had.

Then one day I found out you were seeing someone else. I didn’t want to believe it at first but when I went down that night to club “In The Basement” and saw you and her talking, something told me it was over. I lost control and made a big scene. You had been taking me for a “Pushover” while I was being your “Seven Day Fool.” I was devastated and “All I Could Do Was Cry.”

Soon after we broke up I heard it through the grapevine that you were going to be married. I cried so much I had to go “Tell Mama.” I told her “I’d Rather Go Blind” than to see you married to someone else. Mama said, ‘If you feel that way then go “Stop The Wedding.”’ I was “Almost Persuaded” but decided not to go. Instead, I went to the club and sat for hours thinking about all “These Foolish Things.” Then I told Joe to give me “One For My Baby (And One For The Road).” “Fool That I Am” for falling in love with you.]

In the collection’s liner notes – written by biographer David Ritz – James is quoted: “It was a roller-coaster ride,” she says with a sigh, her mind racing with a million memories. “Man, it was absolutely crazy. But when I listen to the music on these discs, when I think of the producers and writers and musicians who gave me their talents and hearts, when I hear all the different kinds of songs I sang, the different styles, the different feelings I expressed…well I know I’ve been blessed.”

In appreciation, we thank you Ms. Etta James for the many songs that became some of the best and most memorable soundtracks of our lives.

Cancer Not Stopping Black Sabbath

2012-01-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Tony Iommi isn’t letting his cancer get the better of him, says Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler.

Instead, the iconic guitarist has written two new songs since being diagnosed with lymphoma at Christmas, and is continuing work on the band’s first original-lineup album since 1978.

Iommi, Butler, frontman Ozzy Osbourne and drummer Bill Ward decided to move their recording operation from the US to the UK to make the guitarist’s health battle easier. He’s now receiving treatment for the form of cancer which attacks the immune system, and early indications suggest he’s responding well.

Butler says: “We got the engines back up and running at Tony’s home studio. Far from being down and depressed about his diagnosis, Tony had already written the music for two new songs.

“I must say it’s given us all a kick up the rump – it’s great to hear him churning out those riffs again, assuaging the ‘demon C’.

“Takes more than that to stop Tony. Can’t wait for you all to hear our workings – it has been great working on this stuff.”

Butler says goodwill messages from across the world have encouraged them all: “It really does help, not only Tony, but us as a band. It raises up our spirits and restores our faith in this tarnished world.

“Sabbath fans are good people. Time and again you have proven your faith in us and boosted our endeavor.”

The band still plan to release the untitled album, produced by Rick Rubin, later this year. Despite Iommi’s illness the UK’s Download festival yesterday said they’ll appear as planned at the June event. They earlier cancelled a planned headline slot at Coachella in California in April.

2012 NAMM Show Opens In Anaheim

2012-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

The NAMM Show, one of the largest music products trade shows in the world hosted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), opened today (January 19) at the Anaheim Convention Center, welcoming an expected crowd of 90,000 musical instrument manufacturers, retailers, associates and their invited guests from all over the world to the industry’s annual gathering.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the legendary trade show and is the meeting place for musical instrument retailers to view and purchase the latest musical innovations being shown by more than 1,400 manufacturers.

The estimated economic impact of the 2012 NAMM Show for the Orange County, Calif. economy is nearly $80 million.

Key indicators including overall pre-registration, number of pre-registered buyers, international registrants, number of exhibiting companies and total exhibit space sold have all shown solid increases over last year’s event, another positive sign demonstrating steady industry recovery following the economic downturn.

Themed “Make It Count,” the 2012 NAMM Show’s educational sessions will place the spotlight on innovation and ingenuity in the music products industry, highlighting music product manufacturers and retailers that have instituted new and creative ways to maintain successful businesses amidst an economic downturn.

“We’re grateful to once again bring the global music and sound industry together in Anaheim for the NAMM Show,” said Lamond. “This is truly the ‘crossroads’ of product and business innovation and our members will have the opportunity to see the latest in gear, attend world-class education sessions and network with friends and peers. Our mission is to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of music making, and this event is the perfect example of our mission in action.”

Innovation was abound at a Media Preview Day event held yesterday at the Anaheim Convention Center, highlighting the never-before-seen musical instruments, apps and technologies of the future, which will be available to the public in 2012. The products were hand picked from more than 1,400 NAMM Show exhibiting companies. Also open to the media was the adjacent Music App. & Gaming Pavilion, highlighting the newest innovative technologies for making music. The day featured the appearance of celebrity talent including Brian Wilson, John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Michelle Phillips, and Gov. Mike Huckabee.

The doors opened to industry professionals this morning the same way it has for the past 42 years—with a traditional welcome performance by the Fernand L. Petiot All-Industry Marching Band, led by NAMM Members and special guests this year Gov. Mike Huckabee and Michael Butera, executive director at the National Association for Music Education. Considered by the industry to be the “Grand March to the Exposition,” the marching band walked the main lobby and isles of the trade show, energizing attendees for the event to come.

The show provides attendees with numerous business and networking opportunities; retail and marketing expertise from top professionals at the daily Breakfast Sessions and NAMM University presentations; myriad celebrity sightings of musicians demonstrating instruments; countless musical performances from early in the morning until late into the evening; and inspiring new ideas and approaches for their businesses.

The show will once again feature a Hands On Training (H.O.T.) Zone for industry members interested in the newest developments from the recording, live sound, DJ, house of worship and stage and lighting industries. In addition, the Hand-Crafted Instrument Pavilion will celebrate how instruments are crafted from beginning to end and Lounge 88 will offer tailored education sessions to piano dealers from around the world.

For complete coverage of the 2012 NAMM Show, including video, interviews, photos and more, stayed tuned to Vintage Rock's NAMM Show Updates.

New Bruce Springsteen Album To Feature Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello

2012-01-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Although Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming album still doesn’t have a title or a release date, some details about the record have come to light, via a Rolling Stone interview with the Boss’ manager Jon Landau.

The new album was produced by Ron Aniello, who has also helmed records by Jars of Clay, Candlebox and Springsteen’s wife and E Street Band member Patti Scialfa. Landau said that various E Streeters contributed to the album, as did Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello.

“It was an experimental effort with a new producer,” Landau said. “Bruce and Ron used a wide variety of players to create something that both rocks and is very fresh.”

Lyrically, Landau said that the album has “social overtones.” There has been talk of the album dealing with economic justice and that Springsteen views it as the angriest work he’s ever delivered.

Although no U.S. dates have been announced, Landau confirmed that Springsteen and the E Street Band will tour North America in the spring and fall, with a European stretch in between. No one knows what the lineup will look like, following last year’s passing of saxophonist Clarence Clemons.

Van Halen's 'Tattoo' Lands On 'Rock Songs' Chart

2012-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

According to Billboard.com, "Tattoo", the lead single from Van Halen's comeback album with David Lee Roth, A Different Kind of Truth, the band's first since 1984's "1984" to feature Roth on lead vocals, blasted onto the Rock Songs chart at No. 16. The song arrived with 4.6 million first-week audience impressions on 78 stations, according to Nielsen BDS.

The Live Nation store is taking pre-orders for vinyl tour collector's edition of A Different Kind Of Truth. The double gatefold vinyl album includes all 13 songs on two LPs plus custom artwork. This edition also comes with the Deluxe MP3 Edition of the album which will be delivered on the release date for pre-order customers. The deluxe MP3 also includes The Downtown Sessions four acoustic video performances — "Panama," "You And Your Blues (intro)," "You And Your Blues" and "Beautiful Girls."

The exclusive vinyl album is only available in the U.S. and Canada and will ship on or around February 24, depending on the manufacturing schedule.

Van Halen released "Tattoo" on January 10. The song itself said to be is a rewrite of a very old Van Halen track "Down In Flames", which the band used to play in its late 70s club days but never recorded for any of its albums. The new version has a slightly different arrangement and fresh lyrics from singer David Lee Roth.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, at least two other songs on the new record, "She's The Woman" and "Bullethead," date back to the band's early days as well. "She's The Woman" appeared on a 1976 Van Halen demo produced by KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and was performed by the group during its show at the tiny Cafe Wha? in New York City.

Guitarist Eddie Van Halen has said in numerous interviews over the years that he has "10 albums" worth of unreleased material in his archives from throughout the band's career.

Ironically, it was former singer Sammy Hagar who hinted that Van Halen might be digging into the vaults on the new album. Hagar recently told Rolling Stone, "I heard this record is old outtakes from the old days. I mean, stuff from before I even joined the band . . . Because from what I heard, they aren't working with new material. Ed and Dave didn't actually write new songs."

Van Halen will kick off a North American tour on February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky. Kool & The Gang will open.

A Different Kind Of Truth arrives on February 7 via Interscope.

Fan Breaks Into Kate Bush's House To Propose Marriage

2012-01-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

An obsessive Kate Bush fan broke into the singer's house in attempt to propose to her, according to reports.

The Daily Mail says that American Frank Tufaro traveled to Bush's country house carrying a diamond, sapphire and gold engagement ring, but decided to break one of the property's windows to gain entry once he discovered that the singer wasn't home.

He left shortly afterwards but had already been spotted by Bush's neighbors, who called the police. After his arrest, Tufaro was detained under the Mental Health Act and has subsequently been deported from Britain.

Tufaro, who allegedly became infatuated with Bush after seeing her on a television advert as a teenager and had found his way to the singer's house using satellite co-ordinates he had downloaded from the internet, said: "I feel so connected to her. I feel so much love for her and I want to protect her."

The 32-year-old, who was handed over to the FBI after returning to New York, also claimed that he had only broken into Bush's house so he could escape the cold weather.

"It was freezing cold, it was dark and I felt like I had nowhere to go," he said. "I didn't have a clue where I was and I was convinced I was going to die there, it was so bitter and cold.

"I've never broken the law in my life and decided to break a window pane and let myself in so I wouldn't freeze to death," he added.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said, "We can confirm that on December 26 a 32-year-old man was arrested near Kingsbridge in Devon after reports of damage to a property. He was later deported by the UK Border Agency."

Kate Bush released her 10th studio album 50 Words For Snow last year.

More recently, the singer was nominated for Best British Female Solo Artist for the Brit Awards 2012.

Bob Dylan Honors Martin Scorsese At Critics' Choice Movie Awards

2012-01-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Bob Dylan paid tribute to Martin Scorsese with a song at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on Thursday (January 12) when the director was selected as the Music + Film honoree.

After a scorching montage that touched on not only his feature films but his excellent work in musical documentaries — from the Band's The Last Waltz to the Rolling Stones' Shine a Light — Dylan took the stage to perform "Blind Willie McTell," a tune included in Scorsese's PBS documentary series The Blues.

The two artists' connection goes back further though, back to the 2005 doc No Direction Home, which follows Dylan through his musical and cultural development in the 1960s.

After an introduction by Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech about how music first impacted his life and how it has influenced his cinematic work.

"Such a great honor and an amazing performance by the great one, Bob Dylan," he began. "This award has a very special significance to me, so I'd like to begin with a special thank-you to Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. That was the music I used to hear when I was growing up in my apartment in New York, even before we had a TV, in the middle to late '40s.

"Before anything for me, there was music and conversation, and for me they were both the same thing," he added.

Also onstage to present the award to Scorsese was Olivia Harrison, widow of ex-Beatle George Harrison, who was the subject of Scorsese's 2011 documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World.

Jon Anderson To Play Select US Dates

2012-01-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Original Yes vocalist Jon Anderson will be playing a series of select solo concert dates in the US starting in February.

Anderson, one of the most recognizable voices in music and known for his work with Yes, Vangelis and Kitaro, as well as his innovative solo efforts, recently completed a successful tour of the east coast in the US with Rick Wakeman and a solo tour of South America.

The singer's solo tour promises to deliver an exciting mixture of material from his prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with new compositions from his new CD Survival & Other Stories.

Check out the following Jon Anderson US 2012 tour dates:

2/02/2012 - Mesa Arts Center - Piper Theater - Mesa, AZ
2/04/2012 - Wheeler Opera House - Aspen, CO
2/17/2012 - American Music Theater - Lancaster, PA
2/19/2012 - Newton Theatre - Newton, NJ
2/24/2012 - Ovation Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa - Henderson, NV
2/26/2012 - One World Theatre - Austin, TX
2/28/2012 - Kessler Theater - Dallas, TX
3/01/2012 - Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC
3/03/2012 - Parrish Auditorium Miami University Hamilton - Hamilton, OH
3/05/2012 - World Cafe Live - Wilmington - Wilmington, DE
3/07/2012 - Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
3/08/2012 - Baltimore Sound Stage - Baltimore, MD
3/10/2012 - B.B. King Blues Club & Grill - New York, NY
3/14/2012 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
3/15/2012 - Wilbur Theatre - Boston, MA
3/17/2012 - Narrows Center For The Arts - Fall River, MA

Yes Bassist Chris Squire Preps Collaboration With Genesis' Steve Hackett

2012-01-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

Though Yes will be busy with a spate of touring in support of 2011's Fly From Here and the concert album In The Present: Live From Lyon, bassist Chris Squire is also preparing to roll out his long-gestating collaboration with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett.

Squackett, as the duo has dubbed itself, is planning a spring release for its debut album, which Squire tells Billboard.com "is going to surprise a few people, I think."

"Interestingly enough, I didn't really know much about Steve apart from the fact he was in Genesis until we got together in 2006 for the 'Chris Squire's Swiss Choir' album," the Yes man says. "After that we started writing together, and then I realized Steve actually was a pretty good singer. Our voices blend really, really well, so there's quite a bit of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young-type harmony stuff on the Squackett album as well as some pretty heavy-duty bass and guitar playing. It's a lot of good elements, and it sounds very good."

Squire says he and Hackett have talked about taking Squackett on the road in the fall to promote the album, with a repertoire that will also dip into their respective solo releases. "We're going to have more than enough material for a good Squackett show," Squire says. "We'll base the tour around the album, of course, but we'll also be able to do things that haven't been done before. I'd be able to do 'Fish Out of Water' (his 1975 solo album) material; it's never really been done live except for specialty occasions. Steve wants to do some things he worked on as well, and I'm on his new album ('Beyond the Shrouded Horizon'), so that would fit nicely as well." Squire also appears on Hackett's 2009 release Out of the Tunnel's Mouth.

Prior to Squackett activity, however, Squire has plenty of Yes commitments. The group hits Australia for three shows in April, and he says Yes will be back in North America this summer, this time playing more of the "Fly From Here" album -- including the title suite -- than it did during its 2011 tour with Styx.

"We're planning on doing a more 'Fly From Here'-concentrated set for the U.S.," Squire says. "I know our U.S. fans will want to hear the live versions of the 'Fly From Here' material, and of course we've had quite a bit of time to practice in Europe last year. And probably by the time we get to the U.S. we may even add a couple more of the songs. It's been a long time since we've been out there playing new material, and we have really enjoyed that. Of course we still enjoy playing the Yes standards as well, but it's great to have a bit of a challenge and pull off new material."

Fans wanting a bit of the old, however, can check out Live From Lyon, which was recorded during 2009 in France with the short-lived lineup that included new Yes frontman Benoit David and former keyboardist Rick Wakeman's son Oliver in his father's stead.

Wakeman was subsequently bounced for the returning Geoff Downes for Fly From Here. Squire says Life From Lyon was initially conceived as a 3D concert film, which he says the group still hopes to release in the future. "We're sort of waiting 'til they've got the whole 3D TV thing without glasses, which I'm told is on the horizon," he says. "In the meantime we wanted to get it out there, because that was a very good version of the band and a very good performance, I think."

Squire says he hopes to get another Yes studio album in motion sooner rather than later, "with the same group and Trevor Horn," the onetime Yes singer (and Downes' Buggles bandmate) who produced Fly From Here.

As for Anderson's public criticisms of Fly From Here, Squire notes that, "I know he said he didn't care for the album, but he wasn't involved. Nobody expected he'd get the same enjoyment out of it that we are." Squire also maintains that he's "never ruled out the idea of working with Jon again...but right now the task at hand is promoting Fly From Here, and it definitely will be for this year."

Velvet Underground: No Banana For Apple!

2012-01-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

According to msnbc.com, members of the legendary Velvet Underground have filed a lawsuit, seeking to stop its iconic Andy Warhol-designed banana from being used on covers for iPads, iPhones or other items.

The 1960s rock band formed by Lou Reed and John Cale accused the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts of trademark infringement, claiming in a lawsuit that the banana design is synonymous with The Velvet Underground.

The band said it was taking legal action after reading newspaper reports in the past year that the Andy Warhol Foundation had agreed to license the banana design to a series of cases, sleeves and bags planned for Apple's iPhone and iPad.

Apple is not named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court. The Warhol Foundation declined to comment as of Wednesday, January 11.

The banana in question was selected by Warhol and used with the pop artist's signature on the cover of Velvet Underground's 1967 album "The Velvet Underground and Nico," according to the lawsuit.

Although Velvet Underground broke up in 1973, the album later came to be regarded as one of the best albums of all time, and was also referred to as "The Banana Album."

As a result the banana design, which was never officially copyrighted, "became a symbol, truly an icon, of the Velvet Underground" for some 25 years, the lawsuit said.

"The symbol has become so identified with The Velvet Underground ... that members of the public, particularly those who listen to rock music, immediately recognize the banana design as the symbol of The Velvet Underground," the complaint added.

The lawsuit said the band had repeatedly asked the Warhol Foundation to cease licensing the banana design to third parties "in a manner likely to cause confusion or mistake as to the association of Velvet Underground with the goods sold in commerce by such third parties."

Velvet Underground is seeking an injunction stopping the use of the banana by third parties, a declaration that the Warhol Foundation has no copyright interest in the design, unspecified damages, and a share of the profits made by the Warhol Foundation from any licensing deals.

Was Black Sabbath Confirmed For Coachella?

2012-01-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

The reunited Black Sabbath was one of the planned headliners for this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but was forced to pull out just before yesterday's official lineup announcement due to guitarist Tony Iommi's recent lymphoma diagnosis, multiple industry have said.

It's unclear which artist was added as a last-minute replacement for Coachella, which will be headlined by Radiohead, the Black Keys and Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and held for the first time over two weekends (April 13-15, April 20-22) in Indio, California.

As reported yesterday, Iommi, 63, is working with his doctors to determine the best course of treatment. It is unknown if further live dates will be affected by his diagnosis, including a previously announced headlining slot at the Download Festival in England in early June.

In November, the group -- Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward -- announced album and tour plans. The album, Osbourne's first with the band since 1978, will be produced by Rick Rubin and is still on the schedule for a fall release through Vertigo/Universal.

Meanwhile, even without Black Sabbath, Coachella will still host several notable reunions, including influential hardcore bands Refused and At The Drive-In, as well as '90s alt-rockers Mazzy Star and Britpop icons Pulp, who got back together in 2011 but did not tour North America.

Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Has Cancer

2012-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is to undergo treatment for cancer after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

His Black Sabbath band mates - with whom he has recently been reunited to record a new album - have asked for fans to send ''positive vibes'' to the 63-year-old musician.

The hard rock pioneers recently reformed with their original line-up to work on their first album together for 33 years.

A statement released on behalf of the band said: "Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan - the Iron Man of rock & roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery."

The group, widely credited with creating heavy metal, insist they will plough on with plans for the new album.

Black Sabbath had also lined up a series of major dates during the year.

Iommi and colleagues Ozzy Osbourne, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward announced last year that they were together again once more. They had been writing and recording in Los Angeles with producer Rick Rubin on an album due for release in the autumn.

The statement said the group would continue to work on the recording: ''They will now go to the UK to continue to work with Tony. Further information will be released as it becomes available.''

Left-handed player Iommi famously lost the tips of two fingers working in a sheet metal factory as a teenager but learned to play with thimble-like devices to extend them.

The Birmingham-based band, renowned for their powerful riffs, made their debut as Black Sabbath in 1969 and continue to be cited as a major influence on successive generations of rock bands.

Wild-living Osbourne was axed from the line-up in 1979 and replaced by Ronnie James Dio, who died of cancer in 2010.

Black Sabbath had been due to play the UK's Download Festival this summer.

Beatles' Abbey Road Top Selling Vinyl LP In US

2012-01-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

The Beatles' classic Abbey Road album has been crowned the top-selling vinyl LP in the US.

The 1969 record was the top seller for the third consecutive year in 2011 after clocking up sales of over 41,000 in America. They were up from 35,000 in 2010 and 34,800 in 2009, according to figures released by Nielsen SoundScan.

Mumford and Sons' Sigh No More and Radiohead' The King Of Limbs weren't far behind with the former clocking up 26,800 sales and the latter 20,800. Just behind them was Adele with 21 which sold 16,500 copies. Earlier this week, her album was also the biggest selling overall in the US.

Meanwhile, London's Abbey Road Studios where The Beatles' album was recorded are set to welcome members of the public into the legendary Studio Two, which has also been used by Pink Floyd and Kate Bush.

Two talks will take place on March 10 as part of the studio's 80th anniversary celebrations. Led by Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan, authors of Recording The Beatles, the pair will deliver an audio visual presentation entitled 80 Years of Recording at Abbey Road Studios using archive photos, film and audio.

It will cover recordings made in the studio by Sir Edward Elgar, The Shadows, Peter Sellers, Helen Shapiro, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Hollies, the Zombies and Kate Bush, as well as film scores recorded in Studio Two.

In 2010, Vintage Rock assembled a panel of audiophiles to share their opinions on two versions of the Beatles' Abbey Road -- a 1980 MFSL vinyl copy and a 2009 remastered CD -- during a listening test at CES 2010. Check out the video.

Van Halen Rocks NYC Club, Announces Album & Tour Plans

2012-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

Van Halen kicked off what promises to be a busy 2012 with a fiery, hit-laden show at Cafe Wah? in New York on Thursday night (Jan. 5). As the rock legends played to a collection of rock critics and headbanging celebs at the crammed, 250-capacity club, their new label, Interscope Records, was preparing to announce the dates of the band's extensive 2012 tour, as well as the title and release date of their first album with frontman David Lee Roth since 1984. A Different Kind of Truth will hit stores on Feb. 7.

Instead of focusing on new material at their club gig, however, Van Halen ripped through their classics at the sweaty club show, which Roth referred to as "unarguably one of the best gigs of the career." With guitarist Eddie Van Halen nailing every riff, his son Wolfgang Van Halen coolly handling the bass and Alex Van Halen pounding away on the kit, Roth led the uproarious crowd through sing-alongs of "You Really Got Me," "Panama," "Jump" and "Everybody Wants Some," among others.

"Last time I stood on a stage this low, we had to have the car back by midnight, man!" Roth told the crowd with a laugh. The singer, who split from the group in 1985 and was temporarily replaced by Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone, shared stories about serving as an EMT in the Bronx and shouted out his 92-year-old Uncle Manny, the founder of Cafe Wha? who was in attendance last night.

"It took us 50 years to get this gig. It was easier getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame than getting this gig," said Roth. "This is a temple. This is a very special place. And I am more nervous about this gig than I would ever be at the Garden."

Van Halen played one new song, the boisterous "She's The Woman," which was recorded as a demo in the 70s and will presumably appear on "A Different Kind of Truth." The album release follows Roth's reunion with the group in 2006 and a resulting reunion tour in 2007-08, as well as a new deal with Interscope that was finalized in November. A Different Kind Of Truth will be previewed by first single "Tattoo," which will be released this Tuesday (Jan. 10) alongside its accompanying music video.

Meanwhile, Van Halen will kick off their 2012 North American trek on Feb. 18 in Louisville, with the band set to play 45 shows through the end of June. Kool and the Gang will serve as openers for select tour dates. Tickets for the first shows on the Live Nation-promoted arena tour to go on sale on January 14.

Here is the setlist from Van Halen's Cafe Wha? show:

1. "You Really Got Me"
2. "Runnin' with the Devil"
3. "Somebody Get Me a Doctor"
4. "Everybody Wants Some"
5. "She's the Woman"
6. "Dance the Night Away"
7. "Panama"
8. "Hot for Teacher"
9. "Ice Cream Man"
10. "Ain't Talkin Bout Love"

Encore: "Jump"

Here are Van Halen's 2012 tour dates:

Feb. 18: Louisville, KY (KFC Yum! Center)
Feb. 20: Detroit, MI (The Palace of Auburn Hills)
Feb. 22: Indianapolis, IN (Bankers Life Fieldhouse)
Feb. 24: Chicago, IL (United Center)
Feb. 28: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)
Mar. 1: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)
Mar. 3: Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
Mar. 5: Philadelphia, PA (Wells Fargo Center)
Mar. 9: Buffalo, NY (First Niagara Center)
Mar. 11: Boston, MA (TD Garden)
Mar. 15: Montreal, QC (Bell Centre)
Mar. 17: Toronto, ON (Air Canada Centre)
Mar. 21: Ottawa, ON (Scotiabank Place)
Mar. 24: Atlantic City, NJ (Boardwalk Hall)
Mar. 28: Washington, DC (Verizon Center)
Mar. 30: Pittsburgh, PA (Consol Energy Center)
April 1: Rosemont, IL (Allstate Arena)
April 10: Fort Lauderdale, FL (BankAtlantic Center)
April 12: Tampa, FL (St. Pete Times Forum)
April 14: Orlando, FL (Amway Arena)
April 16: Jacksonville, FL (Jacksonville Arena)
April 19: Atlanta, GA (Philips Arena)
April 21: Greensboro, NC (Greensboro Coliseum)
April 25: Charlotte, NC (Time Warner Cable Arena)
April 27: Nashville, TN (Bridgestone Arena)
May 1: Tulsa, OK (BOK Center)
May 5: Tacoma, WA (Tacoma Dome)
May 7: Vancouver, BC (Rogers Arena)
May 9: Calgary, AB (Scotiabank Saddledome)
May 11: Edmonton, AB (Rexall Place)
May 17: Winnipeg, MB (MTS Centre)
May 19: St. Paul, MN (Xcel Energy Center)
May 22: Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center)
May 24: Denver, CO (Pepsi Center)
May 27: Las Vegas, NV (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
June 1: Los Angeles, CA (STAPLES Center)
June 3: Oakland, CA (Oracle Arena)
June 5: San Jose, CA (HP Pavilion)
June 12: Anaheim, CA (Honda Center)
June 14: San Diego, CA (Viejas Arena)
June 16: Phoenix, AZ (US Airways Center)
June 20: Dallas, TX (American Airlines Center)
June 22: San Antonio, TX (AT&T Center)
June 24: Houston, TX (Toyota Center)
June 26: New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Arena)

The Doors To Release Newly Discovered Song January 9

2012-01-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

“The Year Of The Doors” officially kicks off on Monday, January 9 when the iconic rock band will officially debut the first new, completely unreleased song in 40 years, “She Smells So Nice.”

The bluesy track captures the band joyfully barreling through the full-throttle original. Bruce Botnick, the album’s co-producer with the band, recently made the discovery while reviewing the L.A. Woman session tapes. The song will premiere on the Doors Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/thedoors) on Monday and will then be serviced to radio the following day.

On Friday, January 20, there will be a one-time special screening of Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California, with special surprise guests. Jac Holzman, who signed the group to Elektra Records, and Los Angeles rock radio veteran Jim Ladd will present the film and take questions about the group’s final album and legacy afterwards at a public Q&A session.

Coming to DVD and Blu-ray from Eagle Rock Entertainment, Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman is told through new interviews with Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore as well as Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, original manager Bill Siddons, engineer/co-producer Bruce Botnick and others.

The high-definition video also features live and studio performances as well as rare archival photos and rare footage of the band in the studio and on stage. The documentary was made with the full involvement, approval and cooperation of The Doors.

The group’s final album, 1971’s L.A. Woman, with the signature hits “L.A. Woman,” “Love Her Madly” and “Riders On The Storm,” is being celebrated with a special 40th anniversary two-CD release from Rhino.

In addition to “She Smells So Nice,” the second disc of the L.A. Woman reissue includes eight never-before-heard versions of songs from the album. Alternate takes of “L.A. Woman,” “Love Her Madly” and “Riders On The Storm” offer a fresh view on this landmark album, which was the group’s sixth straight Top 10.

The studio chatter between the songs is a revelation, transporting listeners to The Doors Workshop: the West Hollywood rehearsal space where they recorded the album with Botnick. One segment in particular captures a fascinating moment of inspiration when Morrison suggests they add the now-iconic thunderstorm sound effects to the beginning of “Riders On The Storm.”

L.A. Woman marked The Doors' swan song, as Morrison would pass away a few months after its release. At the time, Rolling Stone’s Robert Meltzer called it “The Doors’ greatest album.”

For ticket information on the screening of Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman, go to http://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/the-doors-mr-mojo-risin-the-making-of-la-woman-0

Creedence Clearwater Revival Reunion Unlikely

2012-01-04T09:17:00.000-08:00

Two founding members of Creedence Clearwater Revival have ruled out ever reuniting with frontman John Fogerty, insisting his offer of an olive branch is "20 years too late".

Fogerty, the main songwriter for the Bad Moon Rising hitmakers, quit the group in 1971 at the height of its popularity, and has been at war with his former bandmates Stu Cook and Doug Clifford ever since.

In July last year, rumours of a possible reunion were sparked when Fogerty admitted he hadn't ruled out a comeback and he'd "sit still long enough to listen" if an offer was on the table.

But Cook and Clifford have now spoken out to scupper fans' hopes of a reconciliation, insisting there is too much bad blood between the musicians for it to work.

Cook tells Uncut magazine, "Leopards don't change their spots. This is just an image-polishing exercise by John. My phone certainly hasn't rung."

And drummer Clifford tells the publication, "It might have been a nice idea 20 years ago, but it's too late."

Van Halen To Play New York's Cafe Wha? This Thursday

2012-01-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

According to Rolling Stone, Journalists across New York have been invited to a Van Halen concert at the Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village this Thursday. Though nothing is official, word is the band are going to perform a 45-minute set.

The group hasn't played in public since the end of their 2007/'08 reunion tour with original frontman David Lee Roth, though they have been rehearsing for their upcoming world tour at the Roxy in Los Angeles for the past few months.

A new album is in the works, and a new image released by the band has the date 2.7.12 on it. A new video and single is expected to hit sometime this month. The tour goes on sale January 10th.

The 250-seat Cafe Wha? may seem like an unlikely place for Van Halen to launch their new tour, but the club has an important family connection to David Lee Roth. His uncle Manny Roth owned and operated the venue, providing a stage to then-up-and-coming acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Bill Cosby, Bob Dylan, Richard Pryor and many others.

While the Van Halen camp has been extremely quiet about the band's plans for 2012, they recently put up a giant billboard in Times Square and teaser footage showing the band rehearsing at the Roxy.

They have also given the fansite VHLinks two exclusive videos of the band reminiscing about Eddie Van Halen's old Volvo and judging wet T-shirt contests back in the Seventies. The site also says that a "trusted source" tells them the band has been "busy booking rehearsal space and hotel rooms for the band and their crew for [this] week in NYC."

Paul McCartney's New Album Title: 'Kisses On The Bottom'

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Paul McCartney has revealed that his new album will be called Kisses On The Bottom.

Following reports that the LP's title had been leaked online, representatives for the singer have confirmed that Kisses On The Bottom is the name of the new record from the Beatles legend.

It was announced in December that McCartney, who reportedly doubled his earnings in 2011, will release a new studio album featuring covers of some of his favorite songs, as well as two new compositions, on February 6.

On January 1, McCartney hit out at bands who play live using backing tapes and vowed to never rely on them during his own gigs.