Sully Erna Says Godsmack Was Once Considered a "Biker Band"
GODSMACK is playing the Rock 'N Rev festival this August in Sturgis, South Dakota, which will also feature GUNS N' ROSES, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, ALICE IN CHAINS and more. The festival will be held in conjunction with the Sturgis motorcycle rally, which is considered to be the biggest one in the world. That's no problem for Godsmack, considering that they were once a "biker band."
Lead singer SULLY ERNA said that when Godsmack was first starting out, their main audience "were strictly Hell's Angels." But as their fan base started to grow, he says some of the new fans "got beat up" by the Angels because they were so protective of Godsmack. Eventually, Erna said that the band "had to sit down with them and say 'we love you guys. You've been an amazing support to us but you gotta stop beating up the fans because you're not gonna allow us to grow.'"
Erna and Godsmack still have love for the biker crowd, even going so far as to call it "a beautiful marriage" between the two groups. Erna says that they remain "very well-connected in the biker community" because all the members of the band ride bikes as well. The Rock 'N Rev festival takes place from August 9-13. Ticket info can be found at the RocknRevFestival.com. SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Who says heavy metal and romance can’t go hand in hand? The folks at Ozzfest are offering a special offer this summer for couples who want to exchange vows at the long-running hard rock festival. The Unholy Matrimony Package claims to provide everything except a marriage license. Each package will offer couples 10 pit tickets, for the bride, groom and eight guests; an official Ozzfest wedding ceremony performed by ordained minister MC BIG DAVE; a champagne toast; access to the VIP lounge and a backstage tour, plus plenty of other goodies. The Unholy Matrimony Package options remain available for the August 17th show in Chicago, the 19th in Pittsburgh and the 24th in Boston.
This year’s six-date Ozzfest kicks off Augut 14th in San Bernardino, California and features OZZY OSBOURNE, MOTLEY CRUE, ROB HALFORD, NONPOINT and DEVIL DRIVER on the main stage. For more information, visit Ozzfest.com. SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Grammy Auction Features Memorabilia from Slash, Ozzy, DMB & More
Another Grammy Charity Online auction is underway, the last one of the summer. Now through Friday, you can go to eBay to bid on both memorabilia and VIP experiences galore. Featured items include four VIP tickets to the 53rd annual GRAMMY Awards, a VIP concert package and meet-and-greet with PHOENIX, and signed memorabilia from the DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, HEART, GREEN DAY, SLASH, JOHN MELLENCAMP, OZZY OSBOURNE and many others. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares, which provides people in the music industry with resources in times of medical and financial need. SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
07/28/10
Shinedown Still Changing Lives with "Second Chance"
SHINEDOWN are currently out on the road with their Carnival of Madness tour, and of course, every night they play their smash hit, "Second Chance." Though the song has now been out for just under two years, it continues to have powerful impact on fans' lives. The song is about lead singer BRENT SMITH's personal journey, but it seems everyone can relate to it. As he told us, "I've had a lot of teenagers come up to me and say that that song, if it didn't save their life, it rejuvenated their life and gave them a purpose."
Brent told us that one of the most memorable stories he heard from a fan about how "Second Chance" changed her life came from a young girl who wanted to attend the prestigious Julliard School of Music, but couldn't make her parents understand. Brent says the girl told him that she "brought it into her parents' living room one night and was like, 'I want you to listen to this song and understand what I'm trying to say, because I can't explain it to you, but this should be able to.'" Brent says the girl told him her parents listened to the song at least ten times, and then afterward, "they got up and they gave her a huge hug and they were like, 'We're really sorry. We get it now.'"
Brent says it's the message of the song that makes it so powerful. He explains, "If there's a goal or you have a dream or there's something you aspire to be, and you want more than anything in the world, then you should go get it. No one has the right to stop you. If you want it bad enough, you can get it."
The Carnival of Madness tour stops in Columbia, Maryland Tuesday night. The tour wraps up at the end of August. SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Gorillaz Reveal Complete North American Tour Dates
As reported last week, GORILLAZ are touring North America starting October 3rd with a show in Montreal, Canada. The only other show that was known at the time was an October 8th gig at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Now all of the other dates have finally been revealed and the animated primates, led by DAMON ALBARN, will be heading to major cities all across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting August 6th. However, you can get first crack at the tickets through a pre-sale if you join Gorillaz' fan club, the Sub Division, over at their website.
Here are the North American tour dates for Gorillaz:
10/3 -- Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Bell Centre
10/5 -- Wallingford, CT, Oakdale Theatre
10/6 -- Boston, MA, Agganis Arena
10/8 -- New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
10/10 -- Camden, NJ, Susquehanna Bank Center
10/11 -- Fairfax, VA, Patriot Center
10/13 -- Detroit, MI, Fox Theatre
10/14 -- Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Air Canada Centre
10/16 -- Chicago, IL, UIC Pavilion
10/17 -- Minneapolis, MN, Target Center
10/19 -- Houston, TX, Toyota Center
10/20 -- Dallas, TX, Verizon Theatre
10/22 -- Austin, TX, Frank Erwin Center
10/24 -- Denver, CO, Wells Fargo Theatre
10/26 -- Phoenix, AZ, Dodge Theatre
10/27 -- Los Angeles, CA, Gibson Amphitheatre
10/30 -- Oakland, CA, Oracle Arena
11/2 -- Seattle, WA, Key Arena
11/3 -- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Rogers Arena SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Rob Zombie Releasing Special Edition of Hellbilly Deluxe 2 on September 28th
ROB ZOMBIE is releasing a special edition of his newest album, Hellbilly Deluxe 2, on September 28th. The album will include three new tracks -- "Everything Is Boring," "Michael" and "Devil's Hole Girls and the Big Revolution" -- plus a re-imagining of the song "The Man Who Laughs." Also included will be a music video for the song "Mars Needs Women," which was filmed during Zombie's Gruesome Twosome tour with ALICE COOPER earlier this year. The video can currently be seen at Noisecreep.com. The Hellbilly Deluxe 2 special edition will also feature a live version of Cooper's classic "School's Out" with Cooper himself, a DVD tour documentary entitled Transylvanian Transmissions, and all-new expanded artwork.
The new songs on the Hellbilly Deluxe 2 special edition feature the recording debut of SLIPKNOT drummer JOEY JORDISON with Zombie's band, something Zombie says was "kind of cool." Jordison has been Zombie's drummer throughout the entire Rockstar Mayhem festival, which ends on August 14th.
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
New Linkin Park Single Featured in Trailer for Medal of Honor Video Game
LINKIN PARK is lending their new single, “The Catalyst,” to a trailer for the new Medal of Honor video game. The band’s DJ, JOE HAHN directed the clip, which will premiere on MedalofHonor.com/Linkinpark on Sunday. A one-minute teaser trailer featuring the song has already been posted on the website.
“The Catalyst” will be released on iTunes on Monday, and will be also featured in the Medal of Honor game itself, which will be available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 12th. Of course, you’ll also be able to hear the song on Linkin Park’s new album, A Thousand Suns, due out September 14th.
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
07/27/2010
Godsmack's Sully Erna Says Solo Album Sounds More Like "World Music"
Fans of GODSMACK are used to the band's aggressive, in-your-face rock. But for lead singer SULLY ERNA's forthcoming solo album, it's a complete 180-degree turn. Erna says that the as-yet untitled solo effort, which is in stores on September 14th, has "a world music kinda vibe." He explains that the album features "piano compositions and cellos and flutes" which, needless to say, isn't your typical Godsmack album.
If you haven't already guessed, Erna said that the album is "filled with songs that I saved over the years" that are "not quite for Godsmack." Instead of collaborating with his bandmates, he instead brought on the lead percussionist from the eclectic former band DEAD CAN DANCE. He also collaborates with singer LISA GUYER, who has performed with Godsmack in the past, as well as classically-trained cello player IRINA CHIRKOVA. Erna calls the music on his solo album "some of the best stuff I've ever written."
Godsmack will be performing at the Rock'N Rev festival which takes place between August 11-14 in Sturgis, South Dakota. Tickets are currently on sale at the festival's website.
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
AC/DC, Ozzy, Guns N' Roses Included on Soundtrack to New Madden Game
This year’s edition of the popular Madden football video game will highlight some rock songs that are staples at stadiums across the country. The Madden NFL 11 soundtrack includes hits by AC/DC, OZZY OSBOURNE, GUNS N’ ROSES and KISS, plus covers of stadium anthems like QUEEN’s “We Will Rock You” and GARY GLITTER’s “Rock N Roll Part 2.” The game will be released for all major video game consoles on August 10th.
Here are some of the original recordings you’ll hear in Madden NFL 11:
AC/DC, “Thunderstruck”
Blur, “Song 2”
Bush, “Machinehead”
Guns N’ Roses, “Welcome to the Jungle”
Kiss, “Rock and Roll All Nite”
Ozzy Osbourne, “Let Me Hear You Scream”
Ozzy Osbourne, “Crazy Train”
The Hives, “Tick Tick Boom”
Todd Rundgren, “Bang the Drum”
And here are the covers that can be heard in the game:
“Rock N Roll Part 2,” originally performed by Gary Glitter
“We Will Rock You,” originally performed by Queen
“Crowd Chant,” originally performed by Joe Satriani
“Kernkraft 400,” originally performed by Zombie Nation
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Avenged Sevenfold Lead the Charge with This Week's Rock Releases
AVENGED SEVENFOLD's new album, Nightmare, is in stores this week and is one of the more anticipated albums from the band. The album is the first to not feature drummer JIMMY "THE REV" SULLIVAN, due to his death in December of last year. DREAM THEATER's MIKE PORTNOY took over drumming duties on the album and is also touring with the band this summer on the Rockstar Uproar tour.
Other notable rock releases this week include the new self-titled album from EVANS BLUE; the legacy edition of Couldn't Stand the Weather from STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and DOUBLE TROUBLE; Live at the Greek Theater 2008, the new live album from RINGO STARR and his ALL-STARR BAND; and Crazy for You, the debut album from indie band BEST COAST.
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Jimmy Eat World Release U.S. Tour Dates
JIMMY EAT WORLD have announced an upcoming U.S. tour which will kick off this fall in support of their forthcoming album, Invented, which is in stores September 28th. The tour will start on September 21st in Atlanta, Georgia and will come to a close October 17th in Toronto, Ontario. Tickets will be made available to the public this coming weekend with a pre-sale happening on Thursday, July 29th. You can sign up for the band's mailing list over at their website for more info on the pre-sale.
Jimmy Eat World has also promised they're not planning to boycott their home state of Arizona and will play a show there during the tour. That date has yet to be released.
Here are the tour dates for Jimmy Eat World:
9/21 -- Atlanta, GA, Center Stage
9/22 -- Asheville, NC, The Orange Peel
9/24 -- Sayreville, NJ, Starland Ballroom
9/25 -- Columbia, MD, Virgin Mobile FreeFest
9/29 -- Los Angeles, CA, The Wiltern
9/30 -- San Francisco, CA, Warfield Theatre
10/1 -- San Luis Obispo, CA, SLO Veterans' Auditorium
10/3 -- Denver, CO, Ogden Theatre
10/4 -- Omaha, NE, Sokol Auditorium
10/5 -- Milwaukee, WI, Pabst Theatre
10/7 -- Chicago, IL, Riviera Theatre
10/8 -- Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak Music Theatre
10/9 -- Columbus, OH, Newport Music Hall
10/11 -- Philadelphia, PA, Electric Factory
10/14 -- New York, NY, Terminal 5
10/15 -- Boston, MA, House Of Blues
10/17 -- Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Kool Haus
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
07/26/2010
Rage Against the Machine Raises $300K at Benefit Show to Protest Arizona Immigration Law
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE performed with a purpose Friday night at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, in what was their first show in the area in 10 years. They raised 300 thousand dollars for frontman ZACK DE LA ROCHA’s organization The Sound Strike, which is calling on musician to boycott Arizona in protest of the state's controversial illegal immigration law. Guitarist TOM MORELLO says the band opposes the law because they believe it’s a form of racial profiling.
According to The Orange County Register, Rage Against the Machine played a 14-song set that emphasized their earlier music and also included a cover of THE CLASH song "White Riot." CONOR OBERST was the opening act.
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Pigeon Poop Interferes with Kings of Leon Concert
KINGS OF LEON had to cut short their concert in the St. Louis area on Friday night after the poop hit the band. Pigeon poop, that is. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Kings of Leon walked off after just three songs at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater because pigeons repeatedly dropped feces on them. Their rep says the opening acts also had a difficult time dodging the feces.
In a statement, a spokesman for the band said, “[Bassist] JARED [FOLLOWILL] was hit several times during the first two songs. On the third song, when he was hit in the cheek and some of it landed near his mouth, they couldn't deal any longer. It's not only disgusting -- it's a toxic health hazard. They really tried to hang in there. We want to apologize to our fans in St. Louis and will come back as soon as we can." Fans who attended the concert can get a full refund.
SOURCE: ABC RADIO NETWORK
Foo Fighters Guitarist Chris Shiflett Says New Album Will Go "Back to Basics"
The FOO FIGHTERS will begin recording their new album this year, with guitarist CHRIS SHIFLETT saying it will go "back to basics." In an interview with Spinner.com, Shiflett says that "DAVE [GROHL] built a studio at his house and we'll be recording it there." He says that the band have been working on new songs and demos that are "pretty upbeat and rocking" and that the new album will "definitely be a lot more rocking than the last couple." The new album is being produced by BUTCH VIG. No release date yet.
Nomi
