Music, videos, trivia, stories, books, gigs and news. Here you´ll find stuff on the great bands from the 70s and 80s!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Aerosmith: Tom Hamilton To Sing Lead On The New Album; More Details Revealed




"Music from Another Dimension!" is the upcoming 15th studio album by Aerosmith, to be released on November 6, 2012. This album will be released in a single CD, edition, along with a deluxe version of the CD. 


An interessting thing is that former guitarist Rick Dufay guests on one song (11)– and that bassist Tom Hamilton sings lead on "Up on the Mountain" (14). Find the song credits and more details below. Other guests on the album is Carrie Underwood (2), Johnny Depp (13) and Julian Lennon (9).


Track list:

1-What Could Have Been Love
(Steven Tyler, Russ Irwin, Marti Fredrikson)
2-Beautiful - feat Carrie Underwood on vocals
(Steven Tyler, Marti Fredrikson, Brad Whitford, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton)
3-Street Jesus
(Brad Whitford, Steven Tyler)
4-Legendary Child
(Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Jim Vallance)
5-Oh Yeah – feat Lauren Alaina on backing vocals 
(Joe Perry)
6-We All Fall Down
(Diane Warren)
7-Another Last Goodbye
(Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Desmond Child)
8-Out Go the Lights
(Steven Tyler, Joe Perry)
9-Love Three Times a Day (Hello Goodbye) – feat Julian Lennon on backing vocals
(Steven Tyler, Joe Perry)
10-Closer
(Steven Tyler, Joey Kramer, Marti Fredrikson)
11-Shakey Ground (The Temptations cover) – feat Rick Dufay on guitar
(Jeffrey Bowen, Al Boyd, Eddie Hazel)
12-Lover a Lot
(Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Jesse Kramer, Marti Fredrikson)
13-Freedom Fighter – feat Johnny Depp on backing vocals
(Joe Perry)
14-Up on the Mountain – lead vocals by Tom Hamilton
(Tom Hamilton)
15-Tell Me
(Tom Hamilton, Steven Tyler)

The keyboards are played by Russ Irwin. It is produced by Jack Douglas and Marti Fredrikson (1, 2, 10 and 12)

KISS: "Destroyer: Resurrected"; Samples Available




"Destroyer: Resurrected" is now available for pre-order at iTunes. Additionally, you can listen to 90-second samples of each track, including Ace Frehley's "lost" solo on "Sweet Pain." Listen here.


Aerosmith: Carrie Underwood, Rick Dufay, Julian Lennon, Johnny Depp To Guest On "Music From Another Dimension"




Country megastar Carrie Underwood, Julian Lennon (John Lennon's son with his first wife Cynthia) and actor Johnny Depp make guest appearances on "Music From Another Dimension!", the new album from Aerosmith.


Underwood duets with Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler on a crossover ballad titled "Beautiful", a move which guitarist Joe Perry was skeptical about at first before eventually being won over. "Their voices matched up really well," Perry tells RollingStone.com in a new interview. "It doesn't sound forced. It was just right." Lennon contributed harmony vocals to "Love Three Times a Day", which Tyler describes to RollingStone.com as "Beatles-que." "He's such a sweet fucking guy," Tyler says. "And he's John's first son with that voice and sense of humor - gimme a break!" Depp laid down backing vocals on a Perry-penned track called "Freedom Fighter", which the guitarist will either appear the regular album or be released as a bonus track on a later deluxe edition of the CD.

"Music From Another Dimension!" also features a guest appearance by guitarist Rick Dufay, who briefly replaced  Aerosmith 's Brad Whitford in the early Eighties. Dufay joined the band on a cover of The Temptation' 1975 hit "Shakey Ground", which Tyler had originally intended to include on a solo album.



Some other cool facts about the new album is that bassist Tom Hamilton sings lead on "Up On The Mountain". Find out all the details here.

Monday, July 30, 2012

DIO: "The Singles Collection"; Box Set Coming




According to CDJapan.co.jp, Universal Music has set an August 31 European and September 3 Japanese release date for "The Singles Collection", a box set containing 48 songs from 14 of DIO's classic singles in replicas of the original release and a DVD featuring 12 music videos. It comes with a reprint of a U.K. tour poster and DIO family tree (subject to change) and it also includes a 32-page complete discography of the Vertigo years. 


The 14 CDs are: 


* Holy Diver
* Rainbow In The Dark
* The Last In Line
* We Rock
* Mystery (inc. UK tour poster)
* Rock N Roll Children
* Hungry For Heaven
* Dio Live
* King Of Rock N Roll
* I Could Have Been A Dreamer
* All The Fools Sailed Away
* Intermission
* The Dio EP (inc. DIO family tree)
* Jesus Mary And The Holy Ghost

Sunday, July 29, 2012

KISS: "Monster"; Cover Artwork, Track List Unveiled; Album Ready For Pre-Order




This is the cover artwork for KISS` "Monster"! "Monster" is now available for pre-order at iTunes. The 13 song strong track listing is as follows:

Track list (iTunes version):


1. Hell Or Hallelujah
2. Wall Of Sound
3. Freak
4. Back To The Stone Age
5. Shout Mercy
6. Long Way Down
7. Eat Your Heart Out
8. The Devil Is Me
9, Outta This World 
10. All For The Love Of Rock & Roll
11. Take Me Down Below
12. Last Chance
13. Right Here Right Now



According to the front/back cover below, there will be only 10 songs on the CD. But I`m not really sure this is the official CD, or just a fan made picture.




Friday, July 27, 2012

"KISS FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Hottest Band in the Land"; New Book Out In September


"KISS FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Hottest Band in the Land": KISS fans get ready for the September 11th release of the new KISS FAQ, just ahead of next year's 40th anniversary of the group.

To some, KISS is a band. To others, KISS is a religion, a way to approach life. Dale Sherman takes readers behind the makeup and stage effects in "KISS FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Hottest Band in the Land" (Backbeat Books, $22.99), showcasing the good, the bad, and the weird that has made KISS the legendary ultimate rock-and-roll party band.


Book description:
Since 1973, KISS has recorded over 20 studio albums; been recognized as an innovator in rock presentations; witnessed a firestorm of rumors and controversies; remained a thorn in critics' sides; and continues to surprise its massive fan-following, the KISS Army, with various career twists and turns. Moreover, many television shows, movies, toys and even comics have kept KISS a bigger-than-life name in entertainment for decades.

Yet with all that has been written over the years, there are subjects that fans have never put to rest when it comes to the “hottest band in the land”: What were the most significant concerts? Why did "Phantom of the Park" turn out that way? What were the best – and worst – album covers? How did the comics come about? And what the heck is a deuce?

These subjects and more appear in KISS FAQ – showcasing the good, bad, and the weird that has made KISS the legendary ultimate rock-and-roll party band, still going strong after 40 years. Accompanying this entertaining work of solid rock scholarship are dozens of rare images – from posters to live shots and beyond. Also included is a foreword by Bill Starkey, the creator of the original KISS Army.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Tommy Bolin: "The Definitive Teaser"; 3CD Set Coming




Tommy Bolin fans are being treated to an archive release that is sure to put smiles on their faces. "The Definitive Teaser" is a three-disc box set that contains a remastered version of the guitar legend’s classic solo debut, "Teaser", plus two discs worth of extras and outtakes.

A special five-disc collectors edition will also be available, which will include the double disc posthumous release, "Great Gypsy Soul". Both versions will be released via 429 Records in September.

The set was assembled by producer Greg Hampton, along with Tommy’s brother Johnnie. Tommy Bolin’s brief, turbulent life and career may not have allowed him to make many commercial inroads, but he certainly influenced other guitarists.



"The Definitive Teaser" track listing:


Disc 1

"Teaser" remastered
  1. The Grind
  2. Homeward Strut
  3. Dreamer
  4. Savannah Woman
  5. Teaser
  6. People, People
  7. Marching Powder
  8. Wild Dogs
  9. Lotus
Disc 2

Alternates and Outtakes
  1. Teaser
  2. Flying Fingers
  3. Cookoo
  4. Wild Dogs
  5. Chameleon
Disc 3
  1. Crazed Fandango
  2. People, People
  3. Smooth Fandango
  4. Marching Powder
  5. Homeward Strut
  6. Oriental Sky (Lotus)

Saturday, July 21, 2012

KISS, Mötley Crüe: `The Tour` Kicks Off In Bristow On July 20, Videos, Set Lists Available



KISS and Mötley Crüe rocked Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, on the first night of "The Tour" on July 20. The bands' set lists were as follows:

Mötley Crüe:
Saints Of Los Angeles 
Wild Side 
Shout At The Devil 
Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.) 
Looks That Kill 
Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) 
Sex
Tommy Lee Drum Solo 
Home Sweet Home 
Primal Scream 
Dr. Feelgood 
Girls, Girls, Girls 
Kickstart My Heart 


KISS:
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
I Love It Loud
Love Gun
Firehouse
War Machine
Shock Me/Tommy Thayer & Eric Singer Jam
Hell Or Hallelujah
God Of Thunder/Gene Simmons Bass Solo
Lick It Up
Black Diamond
Rock And Roll All Nite


Friday, July 20, 2012

Judas Priest: "Screaming For Vengeance Special 30th Anniversary Edition" ; CD+DVD Out In September; Trailer Posted



"Screaming For Vengeance Special 30th Anniversary Edition" coming on September 3rd.

"One of the most important, influential and imitated bands ever..." – Kerrang

A vital part of rock history - Judas Priest have spent 4 decades writing classic songs and putting on spectacular live shows. During this period, the band has sold in excess of 30 million albums, and played to countless millions of fans across the globe. In 1982, they released their eighth studio album "Screaming For Vengeance", containing their hugely successful "You’ve Got Another Thing Coming", the single which proved that metal could get mainstream radio airplay in the US – leading the way for a whole generation of new metal bands.

To celebrate the 30 year anniversary of this epic release, Judas Priest present you with "Screaming For Vengeance Special 30th Anniversary Edition", containing not only the re-mastered original album plus bonus tracks, but also a live DVD from the 1983 US Festival show, filmed in San Bernadino CA on 29th May 1983.

The US Festival was intended to be a celebration of evolving technologies; a marriage of music, computers, television and people - organized by Steve Wozniak formerly of Apple Computer.

The "Screaming For Vengeance Special 30th Anniversary Edition" live DVD was filmed at the second, and what turned out to be last, US Festival in 1983. The Sunday was the Heavy Metal Day -"It was the day new wave died and rock n' roll took over". It set the single-day concert attendance record for the US with an estimated 375,000 people.

Judas Priest have this to say about this memorable day in metal history:

'On the day that we performed, we flew in by helicopter - and the first sight we saw was that of thousands of abandoned cars piled up around the crests of the hills that surrounded the festival arena, which as we went over took our breath away. For there below us, spread throughout hundreds of acres was a massive crowd – over three hundred thousand strong! The summer heat was raging and combined with the hot Santa Ana winds made for a scorching metal furnace on stage.'

CD tracklisting:

1. The Hellion
2. Electric Eye
3. Riding On The Wind
4. Bloodstone
5. (Take These) Chains
6. Pain And Pleasure
7. Screaming For Vengeance
8. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
9. Fever
10. Devil’s Child

Bonus tracks:
11. *Electric Eye (live)
12. *Riding on the Wind (live)
13. *You’ve Got Another Thing Coming (Live)
14. *Screaming For Vengeance (Live)
15. Devil’s Child (live)
16. Prisoner of Your Eyes

* Live from the San Antonio Civic Center, September 10th 1982

DVD:
US Festival Show - San Bernadino CA 29th May 1983

1. Electric Eye
2. Riding On The Wind
3. Heading Out To The Highway
4. Metal Gods
5. Breaking The Law
6. Diamonds And Rust
7. Victim Of Changes
8. Living After Midnight
9. The Green Manalishi (with the two-pronged crown)
10. Screaming For Vengeance
11. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
12. Hell Bent For Leather

Plus booklet featuring photos from Mark Weiss and sleeve notes written by Eddie Trunk.

Guns N Roses: Slash And Steven Adler Talks "Appetite For Destruction" In New Video Interviews


Slash, Steven - and another notorious Steven - back in the daze...

Video footage of Slash talking to Australia's long-running radio station Triple M about the 25th anniversary of Guns N' Roses' classic debut album, "Appetite For Destruction", can be seen below.

Also original drummer Steven Adler shares his memories as he recently sat down with AOL's Noisecreep to discuss `one of the most successful and important debut albums of all time` which has gone on to sell more than 30 million copies.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

KISS: Help For Heroes Benefit Gig July 19; Videos Available



On the eve (July 19) of KISS’ massive national tour with Mötley Crüe, KISS honored the U.S. military with an intimate concert at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia. The Tour starts Saturday July 20!


"The greatest thing is to have our kind of success and by then, you don't do anything you don't want to. We do this because we love doing it," said Paul Stanley to myfoxdc.com (Video interview available)

View below fan-filmed footage of "Hell Or Hallelujah", "Crazy Crazy Nights", "Rock And Roll All Nite", "I Love It Loud", "Detroit Rock City", "Firehouse", "God of Thunder" and an excerpt of "Black Diamond," offering a first look at KISS' new stage for "The Tour". And they even did the "COTN" classic "War Machine"!

Iron Maiden: Live At The Beat Club, Germany 1981; Full Concert



Iron Maiden live at the Beat Club in Bremen in Germany on April 29, 1981. 

Ides of March
Prowler
Sanctuary
Phantom of the Opera
Iron Maiden
Wrathchild
Innocent Exile
Sanctuary
Another Life


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Aerosmith: Rocks TD Garden In Boston; July 17 Footage Posted



Aerosmith rocked Boston on July 17! When the Bad Boys from Boston announced their Global Warming Tour a few months back, Aerosmith mouthpiece Steven Tyler bragged, “We will kick your ass and make out with your mothers.”

The Boston Herald writes "
We can’t confirm that Tyler and his mates have consummated the mothers part of the deal, but judging from last night’s sold-out show at TD Garden, Aerosmith is fulfilling its butt-kicking promise big time. In their first hometown gig since 2010’s Fenway Park [map] thriller, Aerosmith rocked harder than we’ve seen them in years, in many ways recapturing the raw magic first displayed in numerous North Shore high school gyms and at K-K-K-Katy’s in the early ’70s." Read the full review here.



Watch killer clips of "Draw the Line", "Love In An Elevator", "Dream On", "No More No More" and "Rag Doll" below:

Tygers of Pan Tang: "Ambush"; New Album Out In September; Free Downloads Available



Tygers of Pan Tang will release a brand new album, "Ambush", on September 24, celebrating a landmark year in the band's history.

"Ambush" features 11 tracks of handsomely crafted melodic rock, recorded and produced by Chris Tsangarides who produced the band's historic "Wild Cat" and "Spellbound" albums in 1980 and 1981.


"Ambush" track listing:


01. Keeping Me Alive
02. These Eyes
03. One Of A Kind
04. Rock & Roll Dream
05. She
06. Man On Fire
07. Play To Win
08. Burning Desire
09. Hey Suzie
10. Mr. Indispensable
11. Speed


Fans can get a free MP3 download of "Speed" and also watch a trailer video at the Rocksector Records web site. They can also find details of how to pre-order the album from August 1, including an option for a special limited edition fanpack.


Tygers of Pan Tang:
Robb Weir - Guitar
Jacopo Meille - Vocals
Dean Robertson - Guitar
Gavin Gray - Bass
Craig Ellis - Drums/Percussion


Steve Harris British Lion: First Ever Solo Project From Steve Harris; Cover Artwork, Track List Revealed



Wow – this can be good! Steve Harris from Iron Maiden and producer Kevin Shirley join forces for Harris` first ever solo project. That's a great combination of creativity: The album will be released on September 24.

The band includes singer Richard Taylor, gutarists David Hawkins (who also plays keys) and Grahame Leslie and drummer Simon Dawson.

EMI Music are proud to announce the release of Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris’ debut solo/side project album. Entitled "British Lion" and comprising ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on for the past few years between Iron Maiden tours and releases, it is an album that will surprise and delight music fans the world over.

With a decidedly heavy rock-vibe this roaring debut paints with a full palette of sounds; brooding, melancholic, righteously indignant and exuberantly heavy. With Kevin Shirley at the mixing helm – whose credits include Iron Maiden as well as Led Zeppelin, Journey and Rush among many others – this is an album to sink your teeth into.

From the growling riffage of opening salvo This Is My God to the heavy forlorn balladry of follow-up Lost Worlds which showcases Richard Taylor’s soaring vocals, it’s clear that ‘British Lion’ is an altogether different beast from Maiden.

Karma Killer, with its dirge-like muscularity, and Us Against The World, with its massive chorus, demonstrates just how far ‘British Lion’ has flexed Steve Harris’ considerable musical muscle. Dovetailed with guitarist David Hawkins’ positively gargantuan lyrical guitar melodies, it’s a mere hors d'oeuvre ahead of the epic, riffing-feast of The Chosen Ones, with its swaggering bravado.

A World Without Heaven, at a breathtaking seven minutes and infused with progressive elements without ever teetering into self-indulgence illustrates perfectly these songsmiths’ colossal abilities to create a mood and stay there. Supercharged by Steve Harris’ inimitable style, there’s an un-cynical vibe here that’s as refreshing as it is out of place in today’s all-too-categorised music industry.

And as far as the name ‘British Lion’; “I’ve always been proud to be British,” explains Steve, “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be. It’s a massive part of being me. It’s not like I’m flag-waving or trying to preach, this is not a political statement at all. It’s like supporting your football team, where you come from. I just think it lends itself to some really strong imagery too, and to me it fits in with the sound.”

With Iron Maiden, Steve Harris has become one of the most recognised and successful ambassadors for British music on the world stage. Having released 15 studio albums, sold over 85 million records worldwide and played more than two thousand gigs in 58 countries in the band’s thirty-five year career, his appeal is truly global.

And now with ‘British Lion’, Steve steps out from Iron Maiden’s illustrious shadow to present a different side of his musical visions.

The tracklisting for ‘British Lion’ is as follows:

1.This Is My God
2.Lost Worlds
3.Karma Killer
4.Us Against The World
5.The Chosen Ones
6.A World Without Heaven
7.Judas
8.Eyes Of The Young
9.These Are The Hands
10.The Lesson




Ritchie Blackmore: "Guitar God"; Complete Film


This film is one of the finest video documentary on any rock musician. Ritchie Blackmore is a true Guitar God!

Cram packed with past band members and acquaintances.Interwoven around video footage of Ritchie from Leeds Polytechnic, Granada TV studios Manchester, with rare clips of Deep Purple and Rainbow. Concert footage from Germany and Japan. In fact many things on here are the best you've ever seen.

Some of the inclusions have been available previously. But there is enough new items on here to keep you happy Interviews with Glenn Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, Doogie White, Don Airey, Bobby Rondinelli, David Coverdale and Jon Lord, Ian Gillan and Ian Paice talk openly about the experiences they lived through throughout the '70's. Nick Simper talking candidly about his brush with fame. Ronnie James Dio also contributes.

All the contributions about Blackmore are both brutally, very honest and also flattering. Ritchie Blackmore is a Guitar God. Watch the complete film in five parts below:

Fastway: Debut Album Reissued With Bonus Tracks



Fastway's 1983 self-titled debut has been reissued, with an additional seven tracks, by  www.rockcandyrecords.com

Fastway was originally formed by Motörhead's Fast Eddie Clarke and former UFO bassist Pete Way. Sadly Pete Way's tenure was short-lived leaving Fast Eddie to write and record the album with a session bassist, drummer Jerry Shirley (from Humble Pie) and Irish vocalist David King. 


Issued in 1983 and produced by veteran studio wizard Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, KISS) "Fastway" cut an impressive form in a world obsessed with glam rock and thrash metal. Embracing traditional values and emitting a sense of rough-hewn charm, Fastway's music was big on riffs with clever use of melody and songs that packed a punch. In America the record found an enthusiastic home, helping to propel it into the Billboard top 30 charts attaining gold status, with the singles "Say What You Will", "Easy Livin", and "All I need Is Your Love". 


The reissued CD includes 24-bit remastering from the original source tapes, 7 bonus tracks, a 3,500 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with Fast Eddie Clarke, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

King Diamond: Entire Sweden Rock 2012 Show Posted Online


King Diamond made its return to the live stage on June 9 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden. Fan-filmed video footage of the entire concert can be seen below. 

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. The Candle
02. Welcome Home
03. Voodoo
04. At The Graves
05. Up From The Grave
06. Let It Be Done
07. Dreams
08. Sleepless Nights
09. Andy La Rocque / Mike Wead Guitar Solo
10. Shapes Of Black
11. Come To The Sabbath (with Mercyful Fate's Hank Shermann and Volbeat's Michael Poulsen)
12. Eye Of The Witch

Encore:

13. The Family Ghost
14. Halloween (with Mercyful Fate's Michael Denner and Motôrhead's Mikkey Dee)
15. Black Horsemen



KISS: Paul Stanley Talks "Monster", The Tour And More In New Interview




Paul Stanley recently spoke to Reuters about the tour, the band's new album "Monster," and the secret to the group's longevity.


Q: After all these years, do you still feel pressure when you hit the road?

A: "I do. I'm very excited about it but I also know there's a lot to live up to. We're really up against our own reputation and the legend of what KISS is supposed to be, and that grows bigger and bigger. How much of it's true I don't know, but we have to live up to that."

Q: So what can fans expect?

A: "The apocalypse! It's a lot more than people usually get in one night. It's being bombarded with rock ‘n' roll. Motley's co-headlining, and one thing we didn't want to do was the kind of sabotage between bands that happens. We always figured, let a band go out and do the greatest show they can, and that'll only amp us up to do what we do that much better. There's no ego clashes, and this is another way to give fans more than just a concert - it's an event."

Q: What about the new album which you also produced? What can fans expect from that?

A: "'Monster' is done. Its heart is beating, and it's chained down until we release it in October. I was asked if it's a great Kiss album and I said, forget about Kiss - I truly believe it's far beyond being a Kiss album. It's a great album of its genre with all the elements of all the classic bands that I listened to - all the music that inspired me - The Who, the Stones, Humble Pie, (Eric) Clapton, (Jimi) Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. That's what I grew up with, and it inspired me to create passion, chaos, something sexually aggressive that'd celebrate life. That's a description of rock ‘n' roll."

Read the full interview here.

Aerosmith: Brad Whitford Talks Aerosmith And New Album


Jeb Wright from Classic Rock Revisited spoke with legendary Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford. An excerpt from the story is available below: 


Two Thousand and Twelve is proving to be an exciting year for Aerosmith. The band is back on the road and has a new album is in the can, just waiting to be released. Even more exciting for classic rock fans is the fact that Aerosmith have Cheap Trick onboard as their opening act. Brad Whitford, a huge Cheap Trick fan, exclaims his excitement for the show, “I think Aerosmith and Cheap Trick are my personal favorite package. We’ve had some good openers over the years, but I think Cheap Trick is just amazing. They have so many great tunes and they are a great live band. They bring the house down night after night. It is a great opportunity for them and for us.” 

Indeed, the hits preformed at a Cheap Trick and Aerosmith concert include many of the most iconic songs of the last 35 years. Whitford admits, however, that fitting all of Aerosmith’s most beloved songs into one show is impossible, “We normally play about two hours in concert and that allows you to do around twenty songs, and that makes it hard to pick. We have 100 plus to pick from and to narrow it down to twenty is not easy. It makes it impossible to play everything that people want to hear, but we try to make it fair and include stuff from most eras of Aerosmith. Some albums get overlooked and certain songs get overlooked, as that is the nature of the beast.”

To make things even tougher on America’s favorite hard rock band, Aerosmith have a new album in the can and want to promote it during the tour. They are currently performing the first single from the upcoming album, 'Legendary Child', as well as another tune that Whitford is excited about, “We do one new song called 'Oh Yeah' and we have a lot of fun playing that song. It is a song that has a good old fashioned Joe Perry rock riff and those are always a lot of fun to play. We included that song to sort of test the waters and people are liking it. It translates really well live because it is straight ahead rock.”

Whitford explains the recent rumors that Steven Tyler may have to cancel some gigs due to health reasons, “Steven always goes above and beyond. He gives 110% every show. A lot of times, he ends up pushing his throat a little more than he should, but he is like a racehorse, you can’t hold him back.” In fact, the entire band is as excited as Tyler to be on the road in 2012. “We are all still here and we all still want to do it. Right now, Aerosmith sounds better than I have ever heard us sound. I really think everybody in the band feels like I do.” 

Read the full story on this location.



Jon Lord Dead At 71; Musicans Remember "The Lord of the Keys"


Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 71.  Jon Lord died on Monday, July 16, in a U.K. hospital. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Read more on BBC.

A message at his web site states:

"It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday, July 16th at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family. 



Musicans remember "The Lord of the Keys":

"Our beloved Jon passed away on this day Monday 16th July 2012.


We have lost a dear friend, a brother and a wonderful musician.
His dignity and graciousness touched us all. His music was an inspiration and took us to places beyond our imagination…


A truly great man.


We humbly express our eternal love and great respect."
- Deep Purple

"It was an absolute joy and pleasure for me to know him and to work alongside him. He is missed already."
- David Coverdale


"I am deeply saddened about the passing of Jon Lord. I am proud and humbled to have known him both personally and professionally, and blessed to share a special time with him. He was a true and gifted original, a gentleman of the industry, and he shall be greatly missed! My sincerest sympathies to his family and relatives and to all of us who have lost one of the great musicians of our time! R.I.P., Jon... May God hold you in his hands."
- Joe Lynn Turner


"[It's a] sad day in rock and roll; Jon Lord has passed on. One of the biggest, baddest, heaviest sounds in heavy metal. One if a kind."
- Slash


"[I was] very sad to hear of Jon's death, following his battle with the demon cancer. [He was] one of the great musicians of my generation. Tony Iommi recently worked with Jon, and said what a lovely bloke he was. I met him a few times, but never got to work with him. Blessings."  
- Geezer Butler


"It is with great shock and deep sadness that I was informed of the loss of a dear friend and great musician, Jon Lord. You brought fun, laughter, silliness and light with your sense of humor to everything you worked on, you changed the world of rock with your unique take on it all. I send my love, thoughts, and deepest sympathy to his family. God bless you, Jon. [You will be] forever in our hearts." 
 - Graham Bonnet


"RIP the great Jon Lord, Deep Purple's cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great, great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thank you." 
 - Tom Morello


"Wow, I can't believe Jon Lord passed away today. His style of playing the organ set the standard by which every rock band with organ lived by. A real legend and a real star. RIP, Jon!" 
- Tracii Guns


"Love and respect to the legendary Jon Lord. Condolences to his family. His mark in contemporary music is long and permanent. R.I.P." 
 - Damon Johnson (Thin Lizzy)


"I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Lord today. [He was] one of the nicest and most talented people I've ever met. Rest in peace." 
 - Joe Bonamassa


"Very sad news about the great Jon Lord. [He was] one of my biggest influences and idols growing up. RIP." 
 - Adam Wakeman


"My condolences to Jon Lord's family, fans and friends on his passing. Jon, thank you for being a part of the soundtrack of my life." 
 - Rudy Sarzo


"I'm very sad to hear about the passing of Jon Lord. He was an inspiration to me!" 
 - Jordan Rudess

"Just like Ronnie [James Dio] was the master on vocals, Jon Lord was the king on the Hammond organ... R.I.P., Jon Lord. I grew up on Deep Purple. He was truly the best... [It's a] very sad day for rock." 

 - Peter Baltes

 “I just found out that Jon Lord from Deep Purple passed away. What an amazing musician and a true gentleman. We lost a great one … RIP.” 
 - Dee Snider


“Very sad to hear that Jon Lord has passed away.” 
 - Iron Maiden

"My heartfelt RIP to Jon Lord.. A massive influence of all musicians of my generation and beyond..." 
- Steve Lukather

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Jon Lord, who I had the great pleasure of working with from 1978-82 in Whitesnake. Wonderful musician and a nicer person would be hard to find. R.I.P." 

- Neil Murray



"R.I.P. Jon Lord, maestro of keyboards, probably the most influential keyboardplayer in rock."
- Adrian Vandenberg
"RIP Jon Lord!!! A truly sad loss, a great influence to me and probably the best rock organist ever. Remembered for ever :( The Lord of the Hammond, I salute you RIP"
- Mark Stanway (Magnum)

"RIP Jon Lord, a real gentleman and a great musician."
- Bernie Torme

"I was truly shocked to hear that Jon Lord 71, had passed away. Jon was one of the all time great, rock keyboard players, and composers, and he had the most amazing Hammond Organ sound ever.
I have known Jon for many years dating back to the late 60's, and he was always the perfect gentleman, and great company.
The musical world has lost a giant, and his contribution to rock music will live on forever.

When people have asked me who was my favourite keyboard player, his name was always first on my lips."

- Mick Box, Uriah Heep


From the obituary in The Guardian:


"Lord discovered his trademark sound when he formed Santa Barbara Machine Head, which also featured Wood's brother and future Rolling Stone, Ronnie Wood. The key to this group's success was its powerful, organ- and guitar-driven formula, which pointed at the future musical recipe of Deep Purple, and also the meeting of Lord and the bassist Nick Simper. The duo were the backbone of Deep Purple, who formed when the businessman and manager Tony Edwards invested in the new group and auditioned the cream of London's young talent – the guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, the singer Rod Evans and the drummer Ian Paice among them. This quintet formed Purple's first lineup in 1968."