Maintaining the design lines of the popular Timber Tones plectrums, Bone Tones are constructed from treated eco friendly buffalo horn and bone as a bi-product to farming, and are not made from grinding or adding adhesives into a mould, they are purely cut and shaped by hand.

Constructed from premium grade raw buffalo horn and bone, Bone Tones are renowned for their durability and high performance. The polished mirror-like finish cosmetically enhances each individual pattern, whilst the smooth surface maintains reassuring finger gripping properties when playing powerful chords or fast lead lines.

BONE TONES: HORN.                                                                                                                                     

Available cut from clear, black or white buffalo horn, these plectrums are ideally suited for acoustic guitars, enhancing the instruments warm, natural sustain and harmonics.

BONE TONES: BONE.                                                                                                                                          

For a brighter, harder edged attack, bone is the ideal choice for electric guitar players performing a wide range of styles from country to metal.

RRP. £4 each.  Four pack contains Clear, Black or White horn and bone plectrums.

The offer closes on June 30th 2012

Stay tuned to iGuitarmag.com for all the news and pics from Musikmesse. 

1.  SDX Adrian Smith X series guitars - snow white

a. Rosewood board: 2913051576

b.  Maple board: 2913052576

The Adrian Smith SDX features a basswood body, bolt-on maple neck, compound-radius rosewood or maple fingerboard, HSS configuration (high-output Jackson bridge pickup, noiseless middle and neck single-coil pickups), white pickguard (rosewood fingerboard model) or black pickguard (maple fingerboard model), five-way blade selector switch, Jackson tuners, Floyd Rose® Special tremolo system and black hardware.

Pricing for both is £430.80 inc VAT.

2.   MILLE signature 'Phobia'

a.   Rosewood board: 2916401568

This guitar is the new signature instrument of Mille Petrozza - guitarist, singer and founder member of thrash metal band 'Kreator'.

The Jackson X Series Mille Phobia was built to Mille Petrozza's exact specifications and is equipped with an EMG® 81 active humbucking pickup, 24 jumbo frets, recessed Floyd Rose® Special bridge and special gig bag with  embroidered Kreator logo.

Pricing is £670.80 inc VAT.

Stay tuned to iGuitarmag.com for all the news and pics from Musikmesse. 

Ideal for every gig from the garage to the club to the stadium, the American Standard Telecaster has been upgraded with a comfortable new body contour and classic-sounding Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele^® (neck) and Broadcaster (bridge) pickups, making it ring more fully, brightly and crisply than ever. Left-handed model also available.

The American Standard Stratocaster has been upgraded with aged plastic parts and full-sounding Fender Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups for the very essence of Stratocaster tone. Its high-output hot-rodded sibling, the American Standard Stratocaster HSS, has also been upgraded with aged plastic parts, with Fender Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups in the neck and middle positions and a Diamondback^™ humbucking bridge pickup for an added measure of muscle that makes it more graceful and powerful than ever. Both instruments are also available in a left-handed model.

The American Standard Precision Bass and five-string American Standard Precision Bass V are now upgraded with a seismic Fender Custom Shop '60s Precision Bass split single-coil pickup, making the latest incarnations of the indestructible workhorse instrument that revolutionized popular music, stronger and more indispensable than ever. The four-string version also comes in a striking new Jade Pearl Metallic finish option, and both basses are available in a left-handed model.

The American Standard Jazz Bass, in right- and left-handed models, is now upgraded with Fender Custom Shop '60s Jazz Bass single-coil pickups and a striking new Jade Pearl Metallic finish option, making the latest incarnation of our timeless bass hit sing, snarl, groove and growl more powerfully than ever. The five-string American Standard Jazz Bass V and the gracefully voiced American Standard Jazz Bass Fretless now feature the Custom Shop '60s Jazz Bass single-coil pickups; the fretless model is also available in the new Jade Pearl Metallic finish.

The GM50 was born.

Designed to be installed in a cab and weighing less than 2.5 kg, the GM50 is a Class AB amp that measures  L 312mm, W 160mm, H 65mm and outputs 400 Watts rms  at 4 Ω , 250 at 8 Ω  or 120 at 16 Ω. which provides enough clean headroom to make it comparable in output to a 50w tube amp (at 16 Ω),

Handling a full frequency range whilst delivering an uncoloured, flat response output, which is further refined to give a more open sound and "valve like feel" with clarity, enables the GM50 to take advantage of both modelling solutions and more traditional guitar pre-amps

The front of the amp has a combi Neutrik XLR & ¼" jack input along with the power input, power switch and gain knob.

Simple connectivity means that the GM50 will connect to your speakers, using the two wires coming from the rear of the amp,  without the need to select impedance and accepts 4 ohms and above, even non standard ratings. The fan keeps things running nice and cool whilst the rugged design can withstand the high pressures found in cabinets without compromising components or leaking unwanted noise through the unit.

Perfect if you're using a floor mounted or amp-top modeller and don't want to carry a separate amp, the mounting plate enables you to simply put the GM50 into a favourite passive guitar or full range cabinet, turning it into an all in one,ultraportable, active system.

Guitarists can utilise the GM50 to power 1x12, 2x12 or even a 4x12 cab for a simple setup or go for more complex ones such as using a favourite valve preamp to power a W/D/W system with the GM50 providing power in each of your cabs

You could even get your favourite cab builder to design you the perfect powered cab with the GM50 at its heart!

Priced at just £195* the GM50′s will be ready for shipping from April 2012. You can purchase directly from us at www.matrixguitaramplification.com

* excluding vat and shipping, please note the price excludes duty and taxes outside of the EU

 Technical Details

Watts rms - 16 Ω:                      120

Watts rms - 8 Ω:                        250

Watts rms - 4 Ω:                        400

Supply Voltage:                                              110V or 230V +/- 15%

Input Level Sensitivity:                                    0.7v / 0 dBu

Dimensions (mm):                                         312(L) x 160(W) x 65(H)

Weight:                                                         2.43 Kg

Carlsbro is among the most famous names in British guitar amplification and has been designing and manufacturing guitar tube amps since 1959, selling its early models to Jim Marshall's Denmark Street guitar store in London. The famous 50 Top and TC series revives the Carlsbro tube heritage with uncompromising build quality, hand selected components and authentic vintage tone throughout. The 50 Top head and 4 x 12 cab are available in classic red and black liveries, while the TC series comprises three classic combos and a 15 watt head and 1x12 stack.

The re-issued 50 Top is the classic Carlsbro tube head and cab of the 60s and 70s revamped and re-engineered to even higher standards. The new twin channel amp head has switchable (and footswitacble) channels and two master volumes. The valve complement of 4x 12AXT's and 2x EL84's give 50 watts of incredible power at 8! or 16!'s. The preamp has a host of features including Hi and Low sensitivity inputs, 3 band EQ, using Silvered Mica Capacitors, and 'Sleep Mode' automatic muting with no input present.

For the TC series Carlsbro's British engineering team has carefully selected and pre tested all valves prior to installation; only valves with a very high gain have been chosen to deliver the authentic Carlsbro vintage tone. Selected Celestion drivers have been used throughout, housed in high quality plywood cabinets. New to the range is the TC5, Carlsbro's first 5 watt, single channel combo for over 32 years. The TC5 specs include a clean channel with hi / lo sensitivity inputs, tone and volume controls. The TC30 is derived directly from the highly successful TC60, delivering the same classic tone and features in a smaller 30 watt amp. Clean and Overdrive channels feature Gain / Overdrive, tone and level controls, and 2-band EQ, with Gain Boost in the Overdrive channel. The TC15H / TC112 stack features a head and cab both respected in their own right, which together make a perfect combination. The 15 watt head features twin 12AX7 and 6V6S valves and Clean and Overdrive (with Gain Boost) channels. The single 12 inch Celestion G12M loaded cab delivers all the punch and classic vintage tone.

The all new VAC series comprises the VAC 15, VAC 30 and VAC 60 combos, and the VAC 100H head and matched VAC 412 4x12 cab. The series was designed in response to requests from the company's international distributors for a high performance affordable backline amp range. All amps feature spring reverb.

Commenting on the development of the VAC Series, International Sales Director Andrew Bishop stated: "Carlsbro has a long tradition of working closely with its distributors and retailers in developing product for which there is clear market demand. These amplifiers are the latest example of that relationship, specified to offer an entry level product of exceptional quality and performance, such that they will be valued for their sound and build, even by very experienced players. The VAC Series will be very hard to beat in terms of bang for your buck."

Specification:

Programmable combos and heads 
True Valve Power - LOUD as Valve
Voice - select from 6 classic channels (EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88)
3 band EQ with patented ISF
128 user storable patches 
USB connectivity - easily edit and record 
GUI software supplied for deep editing 
Built-in tuner
Footcontroller
Revolutionary tone

"Spark Booster is the epitome of what we tried to contribute to the guitar community with drive sounds," says TC Electronic's Tore Mogensen, Product Manager for guitar, and continues: "After Dark Matter Distortion, Röttweiler Distortion and MojoMojo Overdrive were met with runaway success, we really wanted to round out our efforts in compact drive-effects with a bang. We are an innovative company and hate looking back, but there was no denying that the classic TC Electronic Booster + Line Driver & Distortion would have to be a source of inspiration. From seasoned pros like Scott Ian and Allan Holdsworth to dedicated hobbyists, there are just so many guitarists out there who absolutely love that pedal, but crave modern features and sounds. And so we decided to not go for simply a reissue or something like it, but more of a modern take on what made the Booster + Line Driver & Distortion so special. That result is Spark Booster, and I simply could not be more proud of what we've achieved."

Spark Booster Main Features

• 26 dB of boost.
• Level knob - drive amps even harder.
• Place after existing distortion/overdrive to enhance drive sounds.
• Add grit, life and compression to your tone.
• Add body, punch and warmth to pickups.
• Mid-boost - cut through any mix.
• Active EQ - extended low and high end.
• True bypass - optimal signal integrity.

With the latest COSM amp model onboard - Progressive Amp - the GA-112 and GA-212 empowers guitarists with original sound creation, intuitive control, and the ultimate in comfort, expression, and playability.

The GA-112 is perfect for rehearsal studios or small- to medium-scale live venues, while the GA-212 is designed for medium to large stages.

    * GA-112: One 12" speaker, 100W amp
    * GA-212: Two 12" speakers, 200W amp
    * Original COSM amp model (Progressive Amp) with incredible feel, attack, compression, and sustain
    * Morph from Clean to Super Extreme with the Drive knob and Boost button
    * Intuitive operation with simple, fast-access structure; two volume controls, three tone controls, presence & reverb
    * Smart Channel memorises the latest position of knobs in all four channels without programming or saving
    * LED knobs show current position of knobs in any channel; great for dark stages

Progressive Amp

Built into the GA-112 and GA-212 is a new and unique COSM amp model called Progressive Amp. With the simple twist of the DRIVE knob and push of the Boost button, you can morph through a diverse sonic landscape of new amp sounds, from clean to Super Extreme.

Instant Access

No matter which sound you're going for, the GA series makes it fast and easy to find with only two volumes knobs, three tone-control knobs, and presence and reverb effects to navigate. From your mind to your fingers, the GA series inspires fast workflow and fluid performance.

Smart Channel

The new Smart Channel feature always saves the latest panel settings automatically, and you can recall four types of settings with a button push. No mystery, no confusion - the glowing LED knobs clearly indicate the positions of each parameter for the four memories, and help you visually check the current settings onstage.

Signature Style

GA-series amps are the brainchild of Roland and BOSS R&D, a world-leading force in cutting-edge sound. These amps feature the latest advancements in tone tech, yet they provide simplistic operation with signature styling. Turn heads with these attractive, road-tough amps that look as cool as they sound.

The following pricing and finishes are rumoured, but unconfirmed: Blue Mist, Ebony, Goldtop (rrp £1899)

'Premium Plus Top' finishes at £1999: Trans Black, Desert Burst (Lefthand option), Fireball (LH option), Honeyburst (LH option), Heritage Cherry Sunburst (LH option), Lightburst (LH option), Trans Amber (LH option), Tea Burst (LH option).

Visit the offical Gibson website for full details on their latest model coming soon.

Cocobolo's rich tonal palette and bold complexion give it a premium appeal that's usually reserved for our top-of-the line Presentation Series and custom orders, but this spring it makes a guest appearance with the 800 Series as an 814ce-LTD and 816ce-LTD. Paired with a Sitka spruce top, the two models feature curly maple binding, a Venetian cutaway, and an abalone rosette. Proprietary CV bracing enhances the natural projection and tonal depth of cocobolo, and it all translates into great amplified tone with our onboard Expression System® (ES) electronics.

Koa's captivating characteristics, from a bright, complex tonal profile to its visual beauty, make it a perennial favorite of many. While this batch doesn't quite display the over-the-top figure of our Koa Series models, the "wow" factor is still high, and we're pleased to offer it as value-added upgrade to our 300 Series. Available as a steel-string 310ce-LTD, 312ce-LTD, 314ce-LTD, 316ce-LTD, or as a nylon-string 312ce-N-LTD and 314ce-N-LTD, the guitars feature back and sides of koa with a Sitka spruce top. All models include a Venetian cutaway, pearloid dot fretboard inlays, a three-ring rosette, and ES electronics.

The popular GS Mini breaks new ground this spring with an inspiring batch of beautiful wood for the back and sides. Choose from maple, rosewood and figured blackwood models, all featuring solid Sitka spruce tops. The GS Mini has been hailed since its 2010 debut for packing a full-size voice into a compact form that's perfect for an active lifestyle. Each Mini comes with dot fretboard inlays and a three-ring rosette, and is pre-fitted for Taylor's aftermarket ES-Go™ soundhole pickup.

From our Specialty guitar category, our Baritone-6 enjoys a new ovangkol/spruce wood pairing with the Grand Symphony 416ce-LTD. The baritone design enables players to explore the low growl of a bari-voiced guitar (tuned from B to B) complemented by ovangkol's rich tonal range and clarity. The 416ce-LTD features progressive dot fretboard inlays, a three-ring rosette, Venetian cutaway, baritone bracing, and ES electronics.

Guthrie is arguably the most exciting and significant new guitarist to emerge in the virtuosic rock/fusion guitar scene in many years. A brilliant artist who is at home in a variety of musical genres and styles, he combines astonishing technique with vast theoretical knowledge, a down-to-earth feel, sophisticated harmonic vocabulary, superb improvisation abilities, alongside a penchant for memorable melodies, and woody organic tone. Whether it's mainstream shred rock a la G3, fusion jazz, chicken-picking country, groove-driven funk, down-home blues or whatever other style you could think of, Guthrie does them all with fantastic skill.

Additionally, Guthrie has worked as a transcriber for Guitar Techniques magazine since 1994, and regularly works with the sample recreation company Replay Heaven, as a result of which his guitar and bass work has graced hit singles by the likes of Sonny J, the Sugababes, Cee Lo Green and Dizzee Rascal. He has also toured extensively with Dizzee, performing in arenas and festivals throughout the UK.

The master class will cover topics such as improvisation, efficient playing techniques, and ear development as well as sharing advice on how to generate a range of guitar tones using basic equipment. Guthrie will also demo some of the material from his Erotic Cakes and The Aristocrats albums.

*Within just 48hrs of internal announcement, this masterclass was sold out twice over, and thus Institute has decided to take it to a larger venue. There are a therefore still few tickets available to the general public, priced at only £10 per ticket.


 

AmpKit's Trace Elliot model also includes the famous Trace Elliot 12-band Graphic Equalizer, tuned for bass frequencies, plus the optimized dual-band compressor and a convolution-based simulation of the 1x15 cabinet featuring a specially designed loudspeaker and high-frequency horn-all with the high-quality tone fidelity musicians have come to expect in AmpKit.

AmpKit Version 1.3 also debuts the new breathtaking, 3.1 million-pixel Retina display, which gives users eye-popping graphics of AmpKit's extensive library of virtual amplifier models. This update also includes extended support for digital guitar interfaces, updated headset input compensation to support the new iPad (3rd Generation) and iPhone 4S, and the ability to save setups for all channels on multi-channel amps.

AmpKit+ Version 1.3 is available now for only $9.99 on the iTunes Store. The Trace Elliot 1215 amp model can also be purchased separately for $3.99. The original  AmpKit app is a free download.

Peavey® and Agile Partners, a 2010 Apple® Design Award winner, recently announced the Peavey®  AmpKit LiNK™ HD, the next generation of the popular Peavey  AmpKit LiNK iOS interface for guitar and bass. Based on USB digital audio technology, the 100% digital Peavey AmpKit LiNK HD eliminates crosstalk and feedback for pristine high fidelity, even with authentic high-gain amp models in AmpKit.

AmpKit LiNK HD features a host of innovations that make virtual guitar amplification-and gigging with your iOS device-more convenient than ever. AmpKit LiNK HD will charge your iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod® touch while you play when connected to the optional AC adapter. And with AmpKit LiNK HD, you can send your signal to a headphone output and a line output, making it the ultimate in convenience and ideal for gigging.

AmpKit LiNK HD connects an electric guitar or bass directly into the dock of an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via a snug-fitting cable, so it won't disconnect while in use. Together, AmpKit LiNK and AmpKit provide guitar and bass players with a powerful, convenient way to jam wherever they go.

The original Peavey AmpKit LiNK is available now from authorized Peavey retailers. The Peavey AmpKit LiNK HD will be available in Q2 2012. Please visit  www.peavey.com/dealerlocator to find a dealer near you.

Band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer held a press conference in Los Angeles yesterday (March 28) to confirm the dates and Tyler told the fans what to expect: "Well, we've been underground for four months doing what we do best, and we've been known to set the world on fire with our type of music, for the last couple of years, to say the least. So, we decided to call this The Global Warming Tour, and come from under the hood, to tell you all that we've got a new album and a new tour."

The 'Global Warming' tour kicks off on June 16th in Minneapolis and continues through another 16 U.S. cities before it's final date in Washington on the 8th August. 

Aerosmith's last studio album of original material was 2001's 'Just Push Play' which failed to live up to it's predecessors in terms of sales, as did 'Honkin' On Bobo", the collection of blues covers the band released in 2004

Despite the poor performance of the rockers recent albums in the charts, their live performances remained as popular as ever but the bands last concert which they were scheduled to play the Twin Cities in September 2009 was one of about 20 shows cancelled after Tyler, the bands flamboyant frontman fell from the stage at a gig in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Tyler's injuries led to a period of uncertainty for the group with the singer questioning his place as a member of Aerosmith and his bandmates discussing replacing him. Despite this, Tyler and the rest of the outfit managed to put aside their differences as he went on to become a judge on "American Idol", exposing himself and Aerosmith to a new audience. Their differences were clearly gone when the bands guitarist Joe Perry appeared on the show last week to wish Tyler, who just turned 54, a happy birthday.

Support on the tour will come from Illinois rock band Cheap Trick, who will open the shows on all the US dates. Tickets go onsale March 29th from www.livenation.com/aerosmith 

"The Global Warming Tour" dates (first leg):

Jun. 16 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center

Jun. 19 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena

Jun. 22 - Chicago, IL - United Center

Jun. 27 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre

Jul. 01 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum

Jul. 03 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live

Jul. 05 - Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills

Jul. 07 - Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater, Summerfest

Jul. 17 - Boston, MA - TD Garden

Jul. 21 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

Jul. 24 - East Rutherford, NJ - IZOD Cente

Jul. 26 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena

Jul. 28 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center

Jul. 30 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center

Aug. 01 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center

Aug. 04 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena

Aug. 06 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl

Aug. 08 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome

This morning the official Sonisphere website removed all content aside from a statement which read: 

"It is with very heavy hearts and much regret that we announce the cancellation of Sonisphere Knebworth 2012.

Putting the festival together in what is proving to be a very challenging year was more difficult than we anticipated and we have spent the last few months fighting hard to keep Sonisphere in the calendar. Unfortunately circumstances have dictated that we would be unable to run the festival to a standard that both the artists and that Sonisphere's audience would rightly expect.

We want to express our deepest regrets to the artists and to thank all the staff, suppliers and contractors who worked so hard with us to try and pull off what has proven to be an impossible task and we know how much they share in our disappointment.  We also want to send a huge thanks to the Sonisphere fans who stuck by us and we are so sorry that we can't fulfil what we set out to do.

Ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund direct from their ticket agents.

Team Sonisphere."

This year's headliners Queen who were due to play on the Saturday night, with Kiss and Faith No More the other two top billers, also released a statement to their fans via queenonline.com 

"We are disappointed to hear of the cancellation of the Sonisphere Festivals as we were very much looking forward to performing with Adam Lambert and particularly as the venue was Knebworth, our last stand with Freddie. We apologise for the disappointment to all those who were looking forward to seeing us. We are working to see if we can redress the situation at some other venue.

Roger Taylor and Brian May"

There have been mixed reactions to the news so far, as fans took to twitter and various website forums to express their sadness at missing out, but with many citing the inflated ticket prices and over crowded UK festival scene for the demise of the event.

Other festivals to be cancelled this summer, include Oxegen and The Big Chill.

Meanwhile, there will be no Glastonabury as the iconic event is having a fallow year.

The Ventura boasts two flavors of desirable tones. The "clean" side utilizes the tried-and-true Color Channel from 65amps' original London, while the "dirty" side employs 65amps' Bump Circuit that made the SoHo their most popular touring amp. Players are able to seamlessly transition through four levels of tone structure and gain structure in one amp.

The Ventura is the latest offering in 65amps' more affordable "Working Pro" Red Line that is geared towards working musicians who need super functionality and reliability without compromising tone and responsiveness.

Specifications:

•    2x 6V6 power section


•    20 Watts


•    Hybrid London Color channel and SoHo gain stage front end 

•    EF86 clean channel / EF86->12AT7 dirty channel 

•    12AX7  Phase inverter


•    Bump that works on both channels = 4 Voices


•    Passive FX Loop


•    Master Voltage


•    Knobs = Volume, Tone, Master Voltage


•    Switches = Manual Channel Switch & Manual Bump Switch


•    Footswitch = Dual button that controls channel and bump

Peter Katsis - Smashing Pumpkins manager - said: "The Smashing Pumpkins created 'Oceania' as an album experience, and it is intended for the process of the release to follow a path of inclusion, so that best efforts are made for all the fans hear it at the same time as press or radio".

"We were excited to find partners in EMI that were equally passionate about the plan for the album release as well as being huge fans of the Pumpkins."

The LP, which will be the band's seventh studio record, produced by singer Billy Corgan over the last two years has been described by the singer as the band's best album in over 15 years and their strongest offering since 1995's 'Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness'.

Speaking to Billboard last year, Billy Corgan explained his decision to revert back to the traditional album format. "I just saw we weren't getting the penetration in to everybody that I would have hoped. I mean, we have 1.3 million followers on our Facebook page, right? So you think you put a song up and 1.3 million people are going to see it, but only if they're looking at the exact moment it goes up."

"They're not necessarily searching and their friends aren't necessarily going to tell them about it. I just saw that we weren't reaching the sort of casual person who still gets their information from traditional sources. So I thought, 'What do I need to do?' and then I thought, 'OK, I'll go back to making an album.'"

Smashing Pumpkins will release 'Oceania' through EMI on June 18th.

The tracklisting for 'Oceania' is as follows:

'Quasar'

'Stella P And The People Mover'

'Panopticon'

'The Celestials'

'Violet Rays'

'My Love Is Winter'

'One Diamond, One Heart'

'Pinwheels'

'Oceania'

'Pale Horse'

'The Chimera'

'Glissandra'

'Inkless'

'Wildflower'

Speaking with Details, Chris Cornell says that rock music has "definitely lost its place at the center of the musical universe.". When asked about the state of rock music in todays climate, Cornell added, "When I was growing up in the late Seventies, everyone could identify the five or 10 bands that formed the center. Even if you preferred the fringe - The Clash, over, say, Van Halen - you still knew what the center was. Now kids turn on the radio and hear Eminem or Kanye, so that's what they gravitate towards."

Cornell also says that he thinks modern technology has played a major role, adding, "They're making music on iPhones. Everything's fractured. The reason there's no modern-day Shakespeare is because he didn't have anything to do except sit in a room with a candle and think."

Cornell also went on to speak about his past drug use, saying, "When you pick up the pipe for the first time, you don't know that that's your fate. The moment isn't that dramatic. And then that was it - I didn't want to care anymore."

The singer admits he doesn't know why his generation of musicians was hit so much harder by drugs than previous ones, explaining, "Those bands somehow had the ability to be completely fucked up all the time and still function. They could play an amazing guitar solo even though they could barely walk. The Eighties killed that - everyone was doing coke."

Chris Cornell is set for a return with Soundgarden later this fall, as they continue work on their first new album in 16 years. No release date has been set yet, although sources close to the band suggest it will be some point in 2012.

This week saw the band offer a preview of a new song called 'Live To Rise', taken from "The Avengers" soundtrack, also featuring new tracks from Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch amongst others. The album arrives on May 1, three days before the movie opens on May 4.

Listen to 'Live To Rise' below

Associated Links

Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun Guitar Lesson

Soundgarden - Superunknown Guitar Authorised Edition

The Blur and Gorillaz frontman who is currently gearing up for the release of the studio album version of his opera 'Doctor Dee' commented this week on his prolific songwriting career and how much he enjoyed collaborating with other musicians. 

Damon, who has released collaborative efforts with former Clash bassist Paul Simonon, Dan The Automator, Snoop Dogg and Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea amongst many others told The Quietus: "I do genuinely like working with people but at the same time I don't expect it to work, and there have been a lot of people who a lot of things don't happen. I mean, for about 24 hours, many years ago, I was making a record with David Bowie and Ray Davies. But that only lasted 24 hours."

Albarn also spoke about 'Under The Westway', a new song he has written for Blur, which the band showcased earlier this year during a gig at London's O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and which bassist Alex James has heavily hinted that they will be performing at their Hyde Park show this summer. 

Speaking about 'Under The Westway', he said: "I've done a new tune for Blur, it's really traditional. It's something I've had knocking about for years and didn't know what to do with it. Initially I wrote it as a slightly wistful national anthem for my house, I had this idea of getting it made into an old 78 record and making a flag and then just playing it - just being really silly. But I had these chords and I ended up writing this tune around it."

He then went on to say that although Blur are back playing together for this summer's live appearances, he didn't see it as a full return. "I don't really do anything with Blur any more - there's this concert this year but its not a full time thing at all. Maybe this tune's a last little coda to the whole story."

Meanwhile, Damon's right hand man in Blur, Graham Coxon is also preparing himself for the release of his 8th Solo album 'A+E'. 

Speaking this week to NME, Graham said he believes the recording of this album has opened him up to a whole new style of music. He also revealed that he has another 10 songs recorded but, does not want to release them as he feels it would be a "backward step".

When asked how many songs he recorded for 'A+E', the guitarist replied: "Well I recorded 22 songs, and 'A+E' was 10 of those. If I'd done these 10, it'd be a couple of months. Quite quick. Two of the 22 were rubbish, so really there's another 10." 

Then asked what was likely to happen to those songs, he said: "They're just sitting there. They're not like 'A+E'. 'A+E' was a particular pile of songs, and the other songs went into another pile. They're more what you'd associate with Graham Coxon I guess. Mid-80s, indie, Velvet Underground-influenced, Scott Walker-y, soulful, filmic." 

Asked if those tracks would ever be released, he replied: "I don't think so. It might be backward step. If it feels good to put them out, maybe I will, but with 'A+E' I feel like I've opened another door and I want to have a look through it. I love some of the songs. I don't think they can be dressed up differently either."

'A+E' is released on Parlaphone on the 2nd of April but you can stream it right now on the Guardian website here 

Associated Links

Learn To Play David Bowie

Jam With The Kinks

The Best Of Blur

Ronnie Montrose was born in San Francisco and moved with his family to Colorado when he was two, returning back to his native home when he was 19 years old. In 1969, he started a band with Bill Church called Sawbuck, but that project got sidetracked when Ronnie was hired to do studio work with Van Morrison (Tupelo Honey), Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter, Herbie Hancock, and others. In 1973, he formed his own band, Montrose, who recorded two albums together.  The debut Montrose album went platinum and has been called the "first American heavy metal album." In 1979, Ronnie formed Gamma, who recorded four albums. Ronnie continued to record through the 1980s and 1990s, and Gamma put out their fifth album in 2005.

This is from Leighsa Montrose, Ronnie's beloved wife:

"Ronnie was the kindest man I had ever met. I am honored that he was my husband and best friend as well. We slept together, we woke each morning together and we shared every meal together. We savored every moment that we had together. I am so proud of him for the man he was, which extended far beyond his musical abilities. I am full of joy to have been a part of his life, and I'm so happy that he was a part of mine. I dearly thank all of you for your friendship and love you shared with him. I know it meant everything to him.

All love,
Mrs. Leighsa Montrose"

Sammy Hagar stated:

"One of my top priorities this year was a Montrose reunion. Ronnie and I planned to do it in Cabo in October. I am so sad it won't happen, but on April 27th, Joe Satriani, Denny Carmassi, Bill Church and I are going to play the hell out of some Montrose!!!"

Tickets to "A Concert For Ronnie Montrose - A Celebration of His Life In Music" will go on sale on March 30 at 10am.  General admission tickets are $55.00 and VIP Reserved tickets are $175.00. AXS.com andgoldenvoice.com

A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit the Ronnie Montrose Fund for San Francisco Bay Area Musicians through SweetRelief.org.

The site reports that last week a number of journalists and industry executives were invited to the Roadrunner offices in New York to listen to Rush's upcoming 'Clockwork Angels' album.

While there has been no official word from the band or Roadrunner at this time, it is suggested that 'Headlong Flight' will indeed be the first single and a 5.5-minute edit will be airing on radio on April 19th.

Rush are expected to release their new studio album 'Clockwork Angels' in May 2012 with a tour to coincide later in the year.

Associated Links

Learn To Play Rush

Rush Jamtrax

Learn To Play Rush - Perfect Partner Set

It will be the fourth annual 'Golden Gods' ceremony and the show, presented by Epiphone, will take place on April 11th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. This will also be the first time the whole show will be broadcast live on Xbox LIVE in addition to the Xbox and Revolver facebook pages.

The 2012 Revolver Golden Gods Awards Show will feature special performances and collaborations that honor both the past, present and future of heavy music.

The one-of-a-kind performances will include sets by Marilyn Manson (in his first U.S. performance in nearly three years); Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Evanescence, Sixx:A.M. featuring Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, James Michael, acclaimed rock producer and songwriter, and DJ Ashba of Guns N' Roses (in their first performance in almost four years); and 2011 Best New Band Golden God Award winner Black Veil Brides, who will perform their only U.S. show of 2012 so far.

Meanwhile, Ex-GUNS N' ROSES lead guitarist Slash, released a special version one of the tracks from his 2010 self titled Solo album to help raise money and awareness for the charity Los Angeles Youth Network.

The song, recorded with Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, "Gotten" was remixed and made in to a 9 minute 32 second video for the special release and can be viewed below.

Watch our own Jamie Humphries put the amp through its paces and hear the sound of what blackstar call "the culmination of more than seven years technical research and development"

This is what Blackstar say about their new ID Series:

In the five years since its launch, Blackstar has led the way in the innovation of guitar amplification. The ID: Series represents the culmination of more than seven years technical research and development. The unique controls allow you to custom design your own sound, store it and then have the confidence that the amp will perform in a live environment.

Blackstar's patent-applied-for True Valve Power offers six distinctly different power valve responses - EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88. When engaged it delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break-up characteristics of a valve amp and uniquely delivers the same acoustic power output as an equivalent valve power amp. This means that for the first time ever, in an affordable series of amplifiers, these products deliver live without compromise - True Valve Power means loud as valve™.

The Voice control has six different channels - Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2. When used together with Blackstar's patented ISF control you can get the exact tone you're thinking of.

The effects section delivers studio quality modulation, delay and reverb effects simultaneously that you can store with your sound.

Deep editing and storing of patches is simple using the supplied Blackstar GUI software. Patches can be shared, uploaded and downloaded via our online community. The USB connector also allows you to record your amp directly to your computer.

An emulated output, MP3/line input and midi footswitching functionality complete the package.

By using the unique Voice control, patented ISF and patent-applied-for True Valve Power, these amplifiers allow unparalleled flexibility and ease of use, enabling you to in effect, design the sound in your head and deliver it live as loud as valve™. Individuality is power!

"The Nugent band is very proud that we can donate dozens and dozens of guitars to meaningful children's and military charities across the land each year," said Nugent. "This very special, one-of-a-kind Peavey guitar is going for yet another very important charity-to help fight the fight against autism and assist those battling this terrible disease. Peavey and the Nugent tribe are American Blood Brothers for those in need."

Artists For Autism will donate the proceeds from this auction to Autism Speaks and Project Lifesaver International, which will use the funds to not only create awareness about autism, but also to provide equipment and rapid response services to children with autism who wander, which will reduce the potential for serious injury and save lives.

Founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics Hartley Peavey said, "We're happy to be able to contribute to autism awareness and autism response services. This is a fine musical instrument with high-quality custom treatments that make it a must-have for collectors and players."

For more information, please visit Artists For Autism online at www.artistsforautism.net, or click here for the auction page.

Steven Tyler, the band's wiry frontman predicted that the album, which is as yet untitled, is likely to be out a month after the Global Warming Tour begins on June 16th. "Doing a record in four months is unheard of in Aerosmith territory," Tyler said. We will not let you down." Tyler told the cheering fans.

The band still has to write two more songs and mix the album, which is being produced by Jack Douglas, whose productions include 1975's  "Toys in the Attic" and their last album, "Honkin' on Bobo" from 2004. The new album will present Aerosmith's first new material since 2001's "Just Push Play."

In an exclusive interview with Billboard, guitarist Joe Perry explained the recording process for the new album and how they'll set the set list for the upcoming tour.

"Each record, always starts with the stuff left over from the last record." Perry said. "In the case of "Legendary Child," which will appear on the new album and in the film "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," the song dates back 21 years to the "Get a Grip" sessions. "This record is different from the recent past, say the last 20 years, where everybody is getting in the studio and throwing down their songs," Perry noted. "Some of the songs are completed and some are just riffs. This record is a lot more band-written stuff than there has been in the recent past.

"We probably have two songs to write to finish. Or certainly there are slots to fill. We don't sit there and listen to the songs as a bunch.  First time we did that was two weeks ago. The record company came in and wanted to hear what's happening and that gave us a chance to listen to everything as a bunch. We get a sense of where we're at and we'll do that again very soon."

Aerosmith are currently finishing the record in Los Angeles, having recorded the basic tracks at their Pandora's Box studio in Boston and Perry's Boneyard Studio. While the album is being mixed, Aerosmith will rehearse about 25 songs -- including two or three new ones -- for the tour.

"This tour, in addition to a couple songs we know we're going to play from the new record, we want to bring out songs we just haven't played for years," Perry says, singling out "Woman of the World" from the band's second album, "Get Your Wings."  "We'll be playing some of those -- songs that were staples in the sets back in the old days that will be new songs to a lot of people if they don't know the albums."

Perry is also keenly aware that their hits -- more than 30 singles on the mainstream rock top 20 -- are their bread and butter. Rehearsals will determine the backbone of the set list and then they'll see how the others play out. Perry adds that in Japan the band added "Hangman's Jury" to a show in a heartbeat.

"They said we've got to do a rehearsal for that; I said I don't think so. I took my practice amp and walked into Steven's dressing room and worked on the harmonies and went out and played it that night.

"When you play to 15,000 to  20,000 people you don't want to disappoint too many. We're entertainers first. We're very cognizant of the fact this is the only time someone will see our band this year or in two years or perhaps ever. We always have to think about it that way. We give them the songs they want to hear. Playing songs that we would like, that say f--- you to the audience? That isn't part of our vocabulary; we just don't work that way."

Photo credit: FayesVision / WENN

"The energy in the studio is amazing," Kendall said. "This is the most excited I've been since I was nine years old and got my first guitar. It's remarkable to be doing our third record with Frontiers Records and to feel the love and support from Serafino and his team. They are truly part of the GREAT WHITE family."

Great White, now featuring Kendall, Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals) - will release "Elation" in North America on May 22 via Frontiers Records.

"This is a new birth of the band," Desbrow said. "I wanted to call the album 'Tabula Rasa', which means rebirth, but we went for 'Elation' because of the euphoria in the atmosphere. It's a fresh and healthier start than ever before. I'm like a kid in a candy store."

Lardie, who also acted as "Elation"'s producer, spoke enthusiastically about the groups songwriting approach and the positive teamwork that ran throughout the 'Elation' sessions. "The difference in this studio experience was simple," he said. "Everyone was completely present and contributed to the making of this album. As a producer, I feel my part is to get the best out of each of us and I got better than anyone's best!"

"Elation" track listing:

01. (I've Got) Something For You

02. Feelin' So Much Better

03. Love Train

04. Heart Of A Man

05. Hard To Say Goodbye

06. Resolution

07. Shotgun Willie's

08. Promise Land

09. Lowdown (bonus track)

10. Just For Tonight

11. Love Is Enough

12. Complicated

This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which features Russell alongside Robby Lochner (FIGHT) on guitar, Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) on guitar, Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) on bass and Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) on drums.

The band who have recently released their EP, 'Hello, It's Mz. Hyde' were speaking about the recent collaboration and the inspiration behind their up-coming album "The Strange Case Of…", which arrives in stores and at all DSPs on April 10.

You can watch the videos of Lzzy Hale and brother Arejay talking to Roadrunner and recent single "Love Bites (So Do I)" below.

"The Strange Case Of…" will mark Halestorm's first release since last year's "ReAniMate: The CoVeRs eP", which saw the band put their unique hard-rock stamp on a range of classic songs by Guns N' Roses, The Beatles, Heart, Temple Of The Dog, Skid Row, and Lady Gaga. Halestorm also unleashed their first-ever live CD/DVD, "Live In Philly 2010", featuring songs from the band's self-titled debut as "It's Not You", "Familiar Taste of Poison" and the rock radio smash "I Get Off". 

Halestorm will hit the road in true rock n' roll style in support of "The Strange Case Of…", starting with a major U.S. tour with Godsmack and fellow Atlantic recording group Staind. The dates begin on April 13th at the James Brown Arena in Augusta and roll through the US and across to europe.

photo by Mary Ouellette. www.theywillrockyou.com

Speaking to Gibson.com, the band open up about their sound and style of playing which played such a huge part in the evolution of the band.

"We always tried to make the guitar parts as meaningful to the tunes as we could," Dunaway says. "Michael had a clean, cutting sound, and distinct notes, whereas Glen was more about feel, and was more edgy and loose. Glen's playing was like an angry hornet. He would bend notes, and play notes where he didn't pick every note. And he used a spoon for a slide. He did lots of things that were unconventional."

Both Bruce and Buxton used Gibson SGs to compose and play the band's dual-guitar rockers. Guitar forums are rife with speculation about the gear each used, but Smith and Bruce offered clarification.

"Glen's main guitar was a white SG [Custom] with three humbuckers and a Bigsby B-5 tremolo," said Smith, in 2010. "Michael played an SG - a burgundy one - as well. They each had a really different sound, especially on-stage. Michael had a big, meaty, solid sound, whereas Glen liked to use the tremolo bar a lot. There was lot more jazz in Glen's playing." (Note: Buxton also played an early '60s SG Custom fitted with a maestro tailpiece.)

Bruce spoke about why the SG was, for him, the perfect guitar. "My fingers aren't very long, and other guitars just didn't feel right," he said. "I play really hard, and press down hard on the frets. It's not exactly the feathery touch that someone like, say, Eric Clapton has. The SG allows me to play that way. I remember my first SG, which had a single-coil black pickup. Later, I got an SG Special, with two [P-90] humbuckers, and put my original single-coil pickups in that guitar. That gave it a really nice fat sound. Glen and I liked to do these long, droning things, and the SGs were perfect for that."

"I love [riffs and melodies]," said Bruce, "but I also love playing something like 'Muscle of Love,' which is very physical, and very in-your-face. Those riffs - 'Be My Lover,' 'I'm Eighteen,' 'Under My Wheels,' 'Elected' - usually came from just sitting around and tinkering on the guitar. 'Halo of Flies,' from Killer, was comprised of parts left over from other songs. I used to play those parts, in order, as a warm-up exercise, and we took them and created a song from them. I know my limitations. I'm not a great soloist. I can write simple leads, but what I really like to do is go for interesting chord structures."

"Michael would often play in the open-chord position, and Glen would play the same chord further up the neck," Dunaway reveals. "The intro to 'Long Way to Go' is a good example. It sounds like one rhythm guitar, but it's actually two guitars, doubled. But the real dynamic, in the case of Glen and Michael, is that they had totally different styles and sounds, and yet they complemented one another without creating distraction or conflict. They were masters of that."

Smith agrees: "Michael and Glen orchestrated their guitar parts. On some songs they played the same line, but one might be an octave different from the other. And sometimes, instead of two guitars playing harmony, Glen would play in a way that would reinforce the bass guitar. That was something he did that was really different."

Unfortunately, Buxton's death in 1997 occurred years before the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Still, according to Cooper, much of the band's original chemistry is ignited whenever the surviving members play together. Smith, Bruce and Dunaway all contributed to Cooper's most recent album, Welcome 2 My Nightmare.

"When we played together at the Hall of Fame ceremony, it was like we had never missed a day," Cooper said, in September of 2011. "I know exactly how Neal plays, and the same is true of Mike and Dennis. They each have their own touch when it comes to our music. It's in their DNA, and it's built into the way they play."

Visit the Gibson site here for more info

Slayer guitarist Kerry King has paid tribute to his longtime guitar technician and friend, who passed away on Saturday (31st March, 2012).

Armand Crump's unexpected death shocked King and he released the following statement on Sunday remembering his friend:

"Holy shit. Never thought I'd be writing this. "The world lost a great man yesterday. 

"It was an incredibly rough day for me, I can't imagine what it was like for his family and Cassie [Armand's longtime girlfriend Cassandra Dines]. Needless to say, no one saw this coming. 

"I thought I had a great guitar tech until the day I retire. "Life is short. Enjoy what you have while you have it.

"I was one of the few lucky ones. I saw him Friday, played him some new SLAYER and watched him bang his head and play air guitar. 

"What a great dude!! I even got what may have been his last man hug. 

"Love ya, buddy."

Friends of Armand took to their facebook and twitter feeds to post tributes and messages of condolences remembering the Slayer guitar tech:

Dave Lombardo (SLAYER): "SLAYER and the metal road crew community is mourning the loss of a hard worker and dear friend Armand Butts Crump III. He was the best, he had to be to work for Kerry King. I'm going to miss him fucking with me from stage left. I still can't believe it. We are deeply saddened. RIP ABCIII."

GUNS N' ROSES: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague and friend. Your spirit lives on! RIP Armand."

Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH): "Rest In Peace guitar tech, Armand Crump."

Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD): "It's times like these when I realize how much I take for granted how lucky and blessed I am to have my health and the love of family and friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to Armand's family. The world is a darker place without you my friend, you will be sorely missed."

Zach Myers (SHINEDOWN): "For the big man with a even bigger heart ... Boise tonight is for Armand! Thanks for being so nice to me."

Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT): "One of the best guitar techs I've ever known, Armand Crump - whom I borrowed from my friend Kerry last year - has passed away. RIP AC."

Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD): "A bro died - Kerry King's tech Armand Crump. Known him for 12 years, from the very first LAMB OF GOD tour when he was with AMEN. RIP bro. We will miss you"

Rob Dukes (EXODUS): "I will miss you my friend. Me and John are gonna take our ride in your honor. You will be missed."

Doc Coyle (GOD FORBID): "Sad to hear of Armand Crump's passing. Known him for 11 years and he's always been cool to me. Hopefully he's doing shots with Dime and Jimi."

Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA): "Fuck!!! Just heard about Armand!!! Man, this sucks big time, So sad. My feelings goes to Armand's family. RIP my friend...."

Paolo Gregoletto (TRIVIUM): "Just heard about Armand, Kerry King's tech, passing away. He was a very nice dude and always treated us well when we toured together."

Matt DeVries (FEAR FACTORY, CHIMAIRA, SIX FEET UNDER): "Armand was a such a great dude and was always nothing but kind and helpful to me when I was in Chimaira. RIP brother."

Brian Fair (SHADOWS FALL): "So sad to hear about Armand Crump passing away. Was a great friend for years. Teched for Amen on one of the 1st ever Shad tours. RIP brother."

Tony Campos (SOULFLY, ex-STATIC-X): "Saddened to hear an old friend, Armand Butts Crump, passed today. His bad attempts at cholo Spanish always made me laugh. Rest in piece, my friend."

Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED): "My heart hurts for the friends & family of Armand Crump. He always made me smile. R.I.P."

Chris Beattie (HATEBREED): "The world lost a really awesome guy RIP Armand Crump."

Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY): "Just heard about guitarist Kerry King's longtime tech Armand Crump passing away. Great guy... Was always cool to see him. Very sad news. RIP"

Mark Hunter (CHIMAIRA): "RIP Armand… always treated us like family."

EMG: "SLAYER tech Armand Butts Crump passed away today. We don't have any of the details but our hearts and thoughts go out to the SLAYER camp and all of Armand's friends and family. Armand was a really kick-ass guy and one hell of a tech... It's a sad day to lose someone so talented and so young. R.I.P. brother..."

Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records): "This is terrible, Armand was such a great guy. We are saddened by the tragic loss. Your spirit lives on! RIP Armand."

Video footage of Armand Crump taking Dunlop TV through King's live rig back in 2010 can be seen below.

Photos by David Livingston/Getty Images North America, EMG.

To enter 'RØDE Rocks', artists need to record an original composition of more than two minutes in length and then create an accompanying video that features at least one RØDE microphone. After uploading the video to YouTube the artist simply needs to visit www.roderocks.com and submit their details along with a link to the video. At the end of June 2012 a panel of guest judges including Matt Sorum (Guns n' Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult), David Catching (Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal), Howlin' Pelle Almqvist (The Hives), James Lavelle (UNKLE, MoWax), Band of Horses, Gareth Liddiard (The Drones), Har Mar Superstar, Deuce and Warpaint will reduce the number of entrants to ten finalists, and those videos will be showcased on the RØDE website for a two week period in which all visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite performance.

First prize winners will receive return flights to Los Angeles, California to record at the famous Record Plant studios in Hollywood, with superstar producer Alain Johannes. Johannes is one of rock's most in-demand collaborators, following his work with artists such as Chris Cornell, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Mark Lanegan, Them Crooked Vultures and more. Providing additional production and engineering support during the recording session will be John Merchant (Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, R.Kelly, Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Phil Ramone) and Grammy Award winner Francis Buckley (Quincy Jones, Aerosmith, Alanis Morisette, Paula Abdul, LL Cool J, Black Flag). Additionally the winning artist(s) will receive vocal training throughout the sessions from SLS certifi ed instructor Robert 'RAab' Stevenson (Kelly Rowland, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, The Singing Office). The resulting recording will be professionally mixed and mastered, and provided to the winning artist to release as they see fit.

Second and third prize winners will each receive a studio prize pack consisting of a number of studio and live performance microphones and studio monitors from Event, totalling over US$15,000 in value.

"A quick tour of the most popular independent YouTube artists will show that RØDE is already the microphone of choice for showcasing these incredible talents" commented Damien Wilson, RØDE's Global Sales & Marketing Director. "We're very excited about the 'RØDE ROCKS' competition being the connector between these great independent talents and some of the music industry's fi nest artists, producers and engineers, as well as offering the winner a once-in-a-lifetime, money-can't-buy recording experience!"

RØDE Rocks judge and rock n' roll icon David Catching was blown away at the scale of the prizes. "You better have immense talent to win this chance of working with Alain, John, Francis and RØDE at Record Plant, because you'll be involved with the best of the best and coolest of the cool! This combination of bad assery is a dream come true!" he exclaimed.

"I wish I wasn't a judge, cause I'd give my right arm to be recording with these awesome men, on these amazing mics at this legendary studio! Give it your best, because that's what you'll get in return!"

Full terms and conditions are available on the competition website. Visit roderocks.com now to enter!

Speaking to the Examiner, Monkeys drummer - Matt Helders, responded to a question about their new single by saying: "The way 'R U Mine' has gone we are more into doing songs like that for now. We are kind of into the idea of doing a record that is like 'Evil Twin' and 'R U Mine'." 

The band, who are currently mid-way through a lengthy trek across the USA and Canada as support to the Black Keys on their US arena tour, spoke about the experience of being the support act for the first time in their careers: "We've been looking for a tour like this since we started because we've never done a support tour, not in England, not anywhere. We were trying to think what the right band would be, and we had some good offers that didn't work out timing wise from other bands. For this (tour) we thought it would be stupid to turn down. It's a massive tour, and I think we've done as much as we could on our own without doing something like this."

The drummer also revealed details about the band's new track 'Electricity'. Due out later this month as the B-side to 'R U Mine', Matt said: "When we recorded 'Electricity' we recorded 'You & I' which was the B-side to 'Black Treacle' and (recorded) another one that didn't really work out. It was a good song, but it didn't fit in with 'R U Mine' so 'Electricity' was the one that seemed to make more sense. It's really the only thing we've got that nobody has heard yet that is already recorded."

The new track, 'Electricity', will appear as the b-side to 'R U Mine' and both will be available exclusively on limited purple vinyl as part of this year's Record Store Day on 21 April, 2012.

Watch the video to 'R U Mine' below

Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

"No Reflection", was premiered on March 7 on the Los Angeles radio station KROQ and was made available exclusively on iTunes on March 13. You can hear the song below.

The single will be the first cut from his long-awaited new album, "Born Villain", out on May 1 (one day earlier internationally) via Cooking Vinyl and Manson's own label Hell, Etc. 

Speaking to Revolver magazine, Manson talked about the new album: "The new record put simply has the ambition and determination of how I started making music in the first place," he says. "It sounds like the first record in that it's not afraid to do anything. I had to remove myself from my lifestyle and start fresh."

"It doesn't really sound like any of my old records. In fact it sort of sounds like what I listened to before I made records - KILLING JOKE, JOY DIVISION, REVOLTING COCKS, BAUHAUS, BIRTHDAY PARTY … It's very rhythm-driven. It's actually very bluesy. It's the first record where I repeat verses. I just sign the words in a different key, the next time. I've never done that before, because I've always felt like I needed to write a lot of words in the past … I think this will probably be the grandest concept record of all."

Marilyn Manson - No Reflection by Cooking Vinyl

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Hey Cruel World…

02. No Reflection

03. Pistol Whipped

04. Overneath The Path Of Misery

05. Slo Mo Tion

06. The Gardener

07. The Flowers Of Evil

08. Children Of Cain

09. Disengaged

10. Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms

11. Murders Are Getting Prettier Every Day

12. Born Villain

13. Breaking The Same Old Ground

Watch 'The Beautiful People' - Marilyn Manson - Guitar Performance By Danny Gill below......

                                     This is taken from the LickLibrary DVD 'Learn To Play With Marilyn Manson' available here

The master section widens the range of possibilities with two footswitchable master volumes, so players can set one as a default and use the second as a solo boost. It also has a patented Presence control that boosts the extreme high frequencies, giving the amp extra cut; and high and low gain inputs.

On the rear panel, the built-in Peavey MSDI™ (Microphone-Simulated XLR Direct Interface) eliminates the need for miking by allowing users to send the amp's signal directly to a recording device or mixing console. Additional controls include a line out with level control; active effects loop with send and return level control; impedance selector; half-power switch; and a tube bias adjustment jack.

Peavey Butcher Amplifier Head is now available for review throughout Europe.

Features

-  Two independent channels, Clean and Crunch

-  100 watts into 16, 8 or 4 ohms

-  Half-power switch drops the output to 50 watts

-  4 x EL34 power amp tubes

-  5 x 12AX7 preamp tubes

-  Three-band EQ on each channel

-  Global Presence

-  Two Master Volume controls

-  Global Master Volume Boost with switch and level control

-  12-way Punch attack control on Crunch channel

-  Pre-gain Boost switch on both channels

-  Built-in MSDI™ microphone-simulated direct XLR output

-  Line out with level control

-  Active effects loop with send and return level control

-  Tube bias adjustments on back panel

-  Four-button footswitch included

-  Made in the U.S.A.

Features, specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.

The new album, which will be Europe's ninth studio album, is to be released on April 27 via earMusic/Edel. The CD, which features a guest appearance by blues-rock guitarist and iGuitarMag fave, Joe Bonamassa, was produced by Kevin Shirley, who has previously worked with IRON MAIDEN, JOE BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK STONE CHERRY and JOURNEY, among others.

Speaking to Total Rock Joey said: "Kevin Shirley did such a great job capturing the spirit of this band. He just let us do our thing and then pushed us and our songs to the max. Finally we express ourselves completely without restraint. Straight from heart and soul. It took some time but we have arrived!"

The tracklisting for 'Bag Of Bones' is:

01. Riches To Rags

02. Not Supposed To Sing The Blues

03. Firebox

04. Bag Of Bones

05. Requiem

06. My Woman My Friend

07. Demon Head

08. Drink And A Smile

09. Doghouse

10. Mercy You Mercy Me

11. Bring It All Home

The "Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" digital single was made available on March 9. You can watch the video for the song and the full interview below.

EUROPE 'Not Supposed To Sing The Blues' from Patric Ullaeus on Vimeo.

 Photo: Gary Wolstenholme

Last week, John Petrucci visited three Guitar Center stores in the U.S. to introduce The Dreamscape. Beginning his promotional tour in Manhattan (March 30), before heading to Central Chicago (March 31) and San Francisco (April 1). These in-store appearances gave musicians the opportunity to hear Petrucci unlock the power of The Dreamscape, take a photo and also get The Dreamscape signed by Petrucci. 

Video footage of Petrucci talking to the Artisan News about The Dreamscape at the Guitar Center in-store on March 30 in New York City can be seen below.

The Dreamscape Main Features

* Six Signature Tones Tailored by John Petrucci

* One Brand New Flanger TonePrint

* Three Mind-blowing Modulation Effects in One Pedal: Chorus, Flanger and Vibrato

* Corona Chorus TonePrints Are Available as The Dreamscape TonePrints

                     CLICK TO ENTER OUR EXCLUSIVE JOHN PETRUCCI TC ELECTRONIC DREAMSCAPE PEDAL COMPETITION

Machine Head was formed by frontman Robb Flynn after he requested to start a side project whilst still part of Vio-lence his previous band. When his request was turned down, he left the band and formed Machine Head in 1992 with Adam Duce, Logan Mader and Tony Constanza. Though the band's first album, Burn My Eyes, was a big success in Europe, they would not achieve mainstream recognition until later albums.

Machine Head's new album, "Unto The Locust", sold more than 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 22 on The Billboard 200 chart - putting them in the Top 25 for the first time in the band's 17-year history. 

Machine Head have now sold more than 2.4 Million albums worldwide since their album debut in 1994.

Listen To 'Locust' Below.

When asked what direction the band would be heading in for their forthcoming release, Castillo replied saying that he wasn't allowed to answer that but "the ultraviolet robot will blow your minds". The rumour mill is now in full swing with fans on messageboards and forums suggesting that "Ultraviolet Robot" will be the title of the follow-up to 2007's 'Era Vulgaris'.

Frontman Josh Homme had previously stated that the new album wouldn't compromise on anything. "We're at a weird moment where we really don't feel like we have anything to prove," he said in May. "We just want to play to the people that are into us and we want to play right at them."

It appears that announcements of a release date and the official title of the album may not be far away, although delays in the recording due to the legal wrangle with Homme's former bandmates in Kyuss Lives! are said to be holding back any official news.

Meanwhile, Josh's duet with Florence + The Machine on their recent MTV Music Unplugged Session has emerged online. You can listen to the 'Jackson collaboration below. The performance will premier on Sat 21st April at 9pm.

From the opening lick to the final chord, it is unbelievable! If you've got any links to Stevie performances you think we should hear, head over to our facebook page here and post them - We'd love to hear them

Enjoy....

No one cares more about tone than Eric Johnson, and his choice for getting sweet, singing lead tones is the Eric Johnson Signature Fuzz Face. EJ worked closely with Fuzz Face guru Jeorge Tripps to create his signature pedal. It is inspired by EJ's prized personal Fuzz Faces and is built to his incredibly strict specifications, featuring hand-selected BC183 silicon transistors (for higher gain), custom repro '68-'69 knobs, and a vintage-style hammertone finish. The result: a beautifully dynamic, expressive, and powerful pedal. "I first heard the Fuzz Face when I was about 12 and loved playing through it," he says. "It's the classic tone used by Jimi Hendrix, one of my greatest influences. No other pedal gets this type of sound. It's the pinnacle of psychedelic fuzz."

....and for our U.S. readers, you have the chance to win one of these along with an Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster: 

                          Dunlop & Fender Present: The Eric Johnson Titan of Tone Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Eric Johnson's Signature Fuzz Face pedal, Dunlop has teamed up with Fender to offer this amazing prize package. 

• One (1) lucky grand prize winner will get a Fender Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster, autographed on the back of the headstock; an autographed Dunlop Eric Johnson Fuzz Face; an autographed Eric Johnson Fuzz Face poster; and ten (10) Player's Packs (6 picks per pack) of Eric Johnson Signature Jazz III picks!
• One (1) runner up with receive an autographed Dunlop Eric Johnson Fuzz Face, an autographed Eric Johnson Fuzz Face poster, and eight (8) Player's Packs of Eric Johnson Signature Jazz III picks!
• Three (3) other winners will receive a an autographed Eric Johnson Fuzz Face poster, and two (2) Player's Packs of Eric Johnson Signature Jazz III picks!

                                                                                         CLICK HERE TO ENTER 

Mistitled by bootleggers back in the '70s, the show was the final performance of the Rolling Stones' five night residency at the Los Angeles Forum. As part of the Rolling Stones Tour of the Americas, which started with a bang, the band played on a flatbed truck driving down 5th Avenue in New York City, showcasing their new guitarist, Ronnie Wood. The lineup for the show is Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Bill Wyman, Ian "Stu" Stewart, Billy Preston, Ollie E. Brown and Trevor Lawrence. Remastered by Bob Clearmountain, the album contains an incredible versions of "Fingerprint File" and "Angie".

Fans get 24 remastered tracks for just $5 when they order the album digitally through the archive website (via Google Music). Hits include 'Honky Tonk Woman,' 'Gimme Shelter,' 'Heartbreaker,' 'Angie' and 'Brown Sugar,' the song the band kicked off the tour playing through the streets of New York City.

The site is a must for any Stones fan, with two more high quality remastered bootlegs currently available and more being promised in the future.

'Driving Towards The Daylight' was produced by Kevin "Caveman" Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin) and is their seventh collaboration in six years. 

Recorded at Studio At The Palms in Las Vegas, NV, The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, CA and The Cave in Malibu, CA, Driving Towards The Daylight is a balanced back-to-basics album that highlights Bonamassa's signature style of roots blues with rock-and-roll guts, while honoring the traditions of the original blues musicians. "We've taken some really traditional old blues songs - the Howlin' Wolf song 'Who's Been Talkin'?' and the Robert Johnson song 'Stones In My Passway,' and we've tried to imagine how they would do them in a rock context," said Shirley. "It's a very exciting return to the blues in a very visceral way. It's vibrant and it's gutsy and it's really, really rugged."

To challenge Joe and move him out of his comfort zone, a unique group of musicians was gathered including Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford (guitar), Blondie Chaplan (guitar), Anton Fig (drums and percussion), Arlan Schierbaum (keyboard), Michael Rhodes (bass), Carmine Rojas (bass), Jeff Bova and The Bovaland Brass, Pat Thrall (guitar), and Brad's son Harrison Whitford (guitar).

Brad Whitford, speaking from the studio in Vegas, said, "This is definitely more influenced by the stuff that the guys and musicians in this room love, early '60s English and American rock and blues. I guess we'll never get that out of our system and its fun to come in here and find our own path down that highway."

To support the release, Bonamassa's label J&R Adventures premieres the reality mini-series "Countdown to Daylight" which debuts today and you can watch it below. The official music video and free download for title track "Driving Towards The Daylight" will be unveiled on May 1.

Pre-order your copy now at www.jbonamassa.com/dttd

"My new songs lean toward '60s garage but without nostalgia. I want a record that makes sense to me today," he said. "A friend owns a bar in Paris and introduced us when I was deejaying after a show. He went deep into music and started dropping knowledge about all these obscure LA bands. We ended up going back and forth deejaying all night."

Auerbach most recently produced a track for UK singer Michael Kiwanuka as well as Denver indie act Tennis' sophomore album, "Young and Old". Speaking about the Kiwanuka track, Which is titled 'Lasan' Auerback said: "It was great - really quick. We went and did it really quick at Ray Davies' studio. It was nice. Obviously his voice is amazing the songs are cool. The production on that stuff is great too - I like what the guy is doing."

The Black Keys frontman has been working relentlessly since the release of their seventh studio album 'El Camino' in December last year. Auerbach recently revealed that he bandmate Patrick Carney will be playing at UK festivals this summer, but declined to reveal which ones as they were "top secret", but hinted that planning had already begun for the follow-up to their last record.

You can listen to the track Dan produced for Michael Kiwanuka below....

Classic Rock Revisited: Aerosmith has been talking about the new album they are working on. I have heard that the album is going to be like the 1970's albums. Is that true? 

Whitford: "There is more of that on the new album. It is not as much as I would like, as I would have preferred to do it all old school. For the most part, the band recorded live. There is more of a tip of the hat to the old approach. A huge part of that is having Jack Douglas back producing the band once more." 

Classic Rock Revisited: Explain to me how a producer can influence the band? 

Whitford: "In the context of the band, sometimes you don't see the stuff that is right in front of you and you need somebody to point that out. You take certain things for granted and you have to have somebody there who can point things out to you, or to guide you to do something. Being a fan, once again, is a huge part of that because you are a fan of music and a fan of the other guys in the band and you want to do your best. Jack is a huge part of that. Back in the day, Jack was the sixth member of Aerosmith. He fit in and he always will." 

Classic Rock Revisited: You guys have all gone through hell with Aerosmith. It has been a great thing but at times it has been total insanity. You, however, never seem to cause trouble. I have to ask if you role is to be a peacekeeper or are you just the kind of guy that fades into the background?

Whitford: "I suppose you could say I am a peacemaker, as I try to keep things moving forward. Aerosmith has a tendency to stall over silly stuff. I think that is part of my role. I try to smooth out the bumps." 

Classic Rock Revisited: I love Joe Perry's playing and I will never say a bad word about it. I think, however, the guy named Whitford does not get all the respect he deserves. Does it bother you that Joe gets a bigger spot light? 

Whitford: "At certain times it has but I really don't care anymore. The people that appreciate it and really know me realize my contributions and that is all that I'm really concerned about. I am there for my fans and they know what I do." 

Read the entire interview at Classic Rock Revisited.

In the recent interview, the drummer says that he's offered his services to Donovan who, like Guns N' Roses, will be at the ceremony on April 14 to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame

"I might play drums with Donovan. I offered my services to Donovan, because I played with him one time before, and 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' was a song he recorded that John Bonham played drums on and Jimmy Page was the guitar player. I offered Donovan that me and Slash could play that maybe, but I haven't heard back if he wants us to do it or not."

When asked asked about his ex-band members plans for the ceremony, Sorum said that he'd asked Slash to call Axl and find out what the singer was planning for the event.

"Slash's answer to me was that he spoke to Izzy [Stradlin], and Izzy wasn't planning on coming. So I think that was like, if Izzy's not going to come and it's not all the original guys, then it doesn't make sense."

The DVD/Blu-Ray release is an official and authorised story of the album and will be released on June 26th, Eagle Rock also released previously the bands "Making of The Darkside of The Moon" DVD in 2003.

"Wish You Were Here" was originally released in September 1975 as the follow up to The Dark Side of the Moon, fans have named it their favourite Pink Floyd album - on release the record landed Number 1 spots on the UK and US charts.

"The Story of Wish You Were Here" tells the tale of the making of this iconic album plus interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason and footage of Waters and Gilmour performing parts of the album.

Full details on the DVD/Blu-Ray release will be available at  www.eagle-rock.com.

Thanks to LickLibrary for the report. 

Trivium's 2011 album 'In Waves' sold 22,000 copies in its first week of release and debuted at #13 on the Billboard 200 and at #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock charts, making it the highest charting record Trivium has released to date.

iGuitar Magazine would like to join the music industry, artists and fans around the world in paying tribute to a man that truly helped shaped our world and was a defining influence on music itself over the past 50 years.

RIP Jim Marshall.

Jim's ascent into the history books as 'the Father of Loud' and the man responsible for 'the Sound of Rock' is a true rags-to-riches tale. Cruelly robbed of his youth by tubercular bones, Jim rose to become one of the four forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar as we know and love it today to be born. The ground breaking quartet also included the late, great trio of Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover - together with Jim, they truly are the cornerstones of all things rock.

In addition to the creation of the amps chosen by countless guitar heroes and game changing bands, Jim was also an incredibly humble and generous man who, over the past several decades, has quietly donated many millions of pounds to worthy causes.

While the entire Marshall Amplification family mourns Jim's passing and will miss him tremendously, we all feel richer for having known him and are happy in the knowledge that he is now in a much better place which has just got a whole lot louder!

Rest in Peace & thank you Jim.

Your memory; the music and joy your amps have brought to countless millions for the past five decades; and that world-famous, omnipresent script logo that proudly bears your name will always live on.

Marshall Amps have set up a Facebook Page in his memory here: https://www.facebook.com/JimMarshallOBE

The track is taken from the soundtrack to the Hollywood blockbuster 'The Avengers', which will also feature new music from Kasabian, Rise Against, Bush, Black Veil Brides, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch and Evanescence.

The band are currently in the studio finishing up work on their sixth studio album, which will be Soundgarden's first record since 1996's 'Down On the Upside'.

Chris Cornell and his band are coming to the UK this summer to headline the Hard Rock Calling festival at Hyde Park, London and will also perform at Castle Donninton's Download festival in June.

'The Avengers' film is set for release on April 26th in the US but will be titled 'Marvel Avengers Assemble' in the UK. The full tracklisting to Avengers Assemble OST, featuring Rise Against, Evanescence and Black Veil Brides is as follows: 

1. "Live to Rise" - Soundgarden 

2.  "I'm Alive" - Shinedown 

3.  "Dirt and Roses" - Rise Against 

4.  "Even If I Could" - Papa Roach  

5.  "Unbroken" - Black Veil Brides  

6.  "Breath" - Scott Weiland 

7.  "Comeback" - Redlight King  

8.  "Into the Blue" - Bush 

9.  "A New Way to Bleed (Photek Remix)" - Evanescence 

10. "Count Me Out" - PUSHERJONES 

11. "Shoot to Thrill" - Theory of a Deadman 

12. "Wherever I Go" - Buckcherry  

13. "From Out of Nowhere" - Five Finger Death Punch  

14. "Shake the Ground" - Cherri Bomb 

Additional track on the international release: 

15. "Pistols At Dawn" - Kasabian

You can listen Soundgarden's 'Live To Rise' in full below now.

After the successes of Martin Scorsese's brilliant documentary 'No Direction Home' and Todd Haynes oddball biopic 'I'm Not There' , producers Rodgrigo Teixeira and Fernandy Loureiro have begun the hunt to find a director for their English-language feature film after buying rights from Grey Water Park Prods.

Dylan's 15th studio album, Blood on the Tracks was released by Columbia Records in January 1975. Certified Double Platinum in the US and Gold in the UK, the album topped the Billboard 200 chart for two weeks following its release and Rolling Stone ranked the album within the Top 20 of all-time.

Biographers have concluded the songs stemmed from personal turmoil at the time, including his separation from his third wife Sara. But Dylan himself once told an interviewer that he found it hard to fathom the album's popularity, since it implied "enjoying that type of pain," but he's also denied that it's in any way autobiographical. In his typically gnomic autobiography, he claims the songs are all inspired by Anton Chekhov's short stories.

Producers Rodrigo Teixeira and Fernando Loureiro don't seem to be looking to Chekhov, but say, "Our goal is to work with a filmmaker who can create a classic drama with characters and an environment that capture the feelings that the album inspires. As long-time admirers of one of the greatest albums in the history of music, we feel privileged to be making this film." 

Watch the video of Bob performing 'Tangled Up In Blue' from the album below.

You can watch the video below along with Jack's recent performances from Saturday Night Live:

Meanwhile, Jack White is set to return to the UK in June for a series of recently announced live shows. Jack will headline London's historic Brixton Academy and Hammersmith Apollo venues on 21st and 22nd June, before performing at the Radio 1 Hackney Weekend on 23rd June. These shows are part of a busy touring schedule for Jack, which will see him performing at major cities across the US and Europe. 

Full tour dates below - for ticket information head to www.jackwhiteIII.com

May 15 Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
May 16 Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
May 18-20 Gulf Shores, AL - The Hangout Music Fest
May 19 Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
May 21 New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom
May 22 New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom
May 24 Detroit, MI - Scottish Rite Theater
May 26 Quincy, WA - Sasquatch!
May 27 Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
May 28 Eugene, OR - Hult Center for the Performing Arts (Silva Concert Hall)
May 30 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern 
May 31 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
June 21 London, UK - Brixton Academy
June 22 London, UK - Hammersmith Apollo
June 23 Hackney Marshes, UK - Radio 1's Hackney Weekend
June 25 Amsterdam, NL - Heineken Music Hall
June 26 Berlin, GER - Tempodrom
June 27 Cologne, GER - E-Werk
June 29 Werchter, BEL - Rock Werchter
July 1 Belfort, FR - Les Eurockeennes
July 2 Paris, FR - L'Olympia
July 3 Paris, FR - L'Olympia
July 5 Hamburg, GER - Docks
July 20-22 Dover, Delaware - Firefly Music Festival 
July 27-29 Niigata, Japan - Fuji Rock Festival

2010's "Diamond Eyes" has been one of DEFTONES' most successful outings. The set's last single, "You've Seen The Butcher", was a Top 15 rock radio hit.

DEFTONES will once again record with Sergio Vega on bass. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after original bassist Chi Cheng was left in a semi-comatose state by a November 2008 car accident, and stayed on to record "Diamond Eyes" with the group.

Last October, Reprise Records released a limited-edition vinyl box set from DEFTONES. "Deftones: The Vinyl Collection, 1995 - 2011" is a seven-album (8 LP) retrospective containing the band's six studio albums - 1995's "Adrenaline", 1997's "Around The Fur", 2000's "White Pony", 2003's "Deftones", 2006's "Saturday Night Wrist", and 2010's "Diamond Eyes", and the limited-edition 2011 Record Store Day release "Covers". Each album was exclusively re-cut for vinyl from the original master recordings and pressed on 180-gram European virgin vinyl. The collection, which included a unique lithograph and cover art, came packaged in a hand-numbered collector's box pressing of 1,000 copies worldwide. 

Thanks to Blabbermouth for the report.

The show, announced after Sonisphere was cancelled, will be on July 5. You can buy tickets from Thursday April 12 from the link below:

Marilyn Manson tickets

The news comes after Manson revealed his new video for 'No Reflection' taken from his forthcoming album 'Born Villain' which you can watch below. Judging by the single we think the new album could see a big return to his form.

'Born Villain' is out April 30 via Cooking Vinyl.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's famous 'Number One' Stratocaster will be on display until October 14th at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum In Austin as part of the 'Texas Roadtrip Exhibit'.

SRV's strat is one of the most instantly recognisable guitars in history and has been kept in storage by Jimmy Vaughan since his brother's tragic death in 1990. Now Jimmy has loaned the instrument to the Texas State History Museum to give fans a unique chance to see it up close and in detail.

Number One (also known as Vaughan's 'First Wife') was a 1962/63 Fender Stratocaster used by Vaughan for most of his career; it was "rebuilt more times than a custom Chevy." Vaughan always claimed it was a 1959 model, since that date was written on the back of the pick-ups; Rene Martinez, who maintained the guitar since 1980, saw the year 1963 stamped in the body and 1962 on the neck. After purchasing the instrument in 1973 from Ray Henning's Heart of Texas music shop in Austin, Texas, it was his main performing instrument and companion. It is incredibly worn through years of playing and touring, has SRV written on the pickguard and a flipped bridge, putting the whammy bar on top. Vaughan used the guitar on all five of his studio albums and on Family Style.

Also on display will be Jimmie Vaughan's white '63 Stratocaster that he used with the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

                                 Click here to watch our SRV 'Track Of The Day' and see Stevie playing his famous 'Number One'

Photo credit: Andrew Horansky, KVUE News

Watch Buddy scream "WOOOAAAHHH, you know i love you B.B!".........."Yesss-I know", King replies!

It's only a short video but it's 3 minutes that'll make you wish you were there to experience the energy first hand - If you like it, head over to our Facebook page here and let us know.

After a five year period away from the USA, the band are back stateside to promote their latest reinvention 'Velocirator'. Speaking with Buzzine's Andrew Shaw, Tom also went on to explain the differences between the leicester band's third offering 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum' and their new LP to clarify his point. '''West Ryder' was our concept record," he said. "We were gonna make our crazy, psychedelia record, which it was, with all these crazy songs in it and then 'Velociraptor!!' was back to normal, 'back-to-basic' songwriting. Good songwriting, good pop songs.''

Last month, Kasabian unveiled the new video for their track 'Neon Noon'. Shot by the band's priniciple songwriter and guitarist Serge Pizzorno at  his home, using only his mobile phone and four mirrors. Pizzorno also revealed that he been inspired to shoot the video after seeing "psychedelic images" projected by his son Ennio's night light. You can watch the video at the botom of the page.

Kasabian will headline both Reading And Leeds Festivals and T In The Park this summer and are also confirmed to play shows as part of Ibiza and Majorca Rocks. 

An excerpt of the interview follows:

Andrew Shaw: On Velociraptor!, you headed back into the studio with Dan the Automator (who wrote with you on the West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum as well): Why did you call him back in?

Tom Meighan: Dan the Automator is easy to work with, so we thought, "Well why not?" [laughs]

He's got a great ear for opening our music up, and I don't know what he does, but he does something to it. Probably gives it more space…and he's a really nice guy as well. He's definitely out there [laughs]. Velociraptor! came around, so I said, "Let's just go back into working with Dan the Automator again." So it was cool. And the process of it - the whole thing, recording it, is very calm. We record very much like a garage rock band. It's weird. And it's not as if we jack off to each other. Like, "Just one word; trying to get it right for the whole day". We do a few takes and we pick the best one or the best vibe - and that's pretty much how we work.

AS: You've got all that space to spread out, and get that Kasabian sound…

TM: Yeah! We're very 'studio professional'. We're really on board. We're good in the studio. We're really straight on it. Dan The Automator helps with that.

AS: Sergio [Pizzorno] once said that as a band Kasabian are really aware of the prudishness in modern music. I think he used the phrase: "Nobody's breaking the glass anymore." Was there a point in Velociraptor! where you could say, "That's the glass broken"?

TM: Basically, what Serg was saying there, is that we try not to do what we did before. We always try to reinvent ourselves in the way that a band like Radiohead would do. Or we come at things from another angle. [Laughs] I'm at a loss for words really - But basically, "Switchblade Smiles" is the emergency, 'break-the-glass' moment - It's got everything to it.

AS: "Switchblade Smiles" is a way of saying, "This album has arrived"?

TM: Yeah! That's when we knew. It's like a defining moment. But "Days Are Forgotten" for me... When we did that, I thought, "Yeah. This is it. This is the boy. This is the baby here."

AS: You started the recording back at the end of 2010, and you released the album last year. Now you've had time to live with it, what were you most pleased about?

TM: When you release an album, it's out there, it's for everyone to hear, and it's not your baby anymore. And you're very proud. When you're in the studio creating it, sharing with just a few mates or whoever - it gives them a blast and it's great… But once it's out there, it's really out there… and it's just crazy, really. The other night, me and Serg were on the tour bus, we actually put our record on - Velociraptor! - and we had a jazz-cigarette and we had a chat, and we listened to it.  The album was so beautiful and colorful. We gave ourselves a nice pat on the back. We don't really do that a lot, but we did. I was, "Ain't that great?" And he was like, "Yeah, that's great, Tom. Wow!" And that was a "Well done". But, your question... the thing I'm most proud of on the record?…oh wow... the whole thing is great really. I like "Neon Noon." - the last song on the album. It's kind of Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here." Serg said that, anyway: It's just beautiful...

To read to full interview go to www.buzzinemusic.com

"The extra momentary and drop tune features are a hell of a lot of fun, and the new footswitch input allows you to be able to use more than one setting in a song without bending down to your pedalboard and forgetting to play the next riff in time." says Mikey. "Thankfully DigiTech haven't done away with the industry standard I-can't-do-without features, mainly being bomb-proof and MIDI controllable, a big big plus for the touring professionals out there. All that and it's now polyphonic. At last you can play chordy riffs that don't sound garbled or glitchy, as well as speedy runs of notes without losing any definition."

Mikey is also using the latest HardWire compact pedals. The HT-6 Polyphonic Tuner, SP-7 Stereo Phaser and TR-7 Tremolo/Rotary pedals are all being road tested ahead of the sold out UK tour.

"The Polyphonic Tuner is pretty much what most guitarists have been waiting for - I know there are others on the market but this one is built tougher, has a far more detailed display and can handle drop tunings better (a must for metal players). The bypassed sound is totally transparent too which is great." he says.

"The Stereo Phaser and Tremolo/Rotary pedals are heaps of sexy analogue sounding modulation, both feature tons of lush scrolling vibe as well as a mass of different modes. I think the Rotary is my favourite out of the two - it's wicked".

Skindred's UK tour begins on the 10th April at the O2 Academy, Leeds. The new album 'Union Black' is out now.

As well as live performances from Marilyn Manson, Korn, Evanesence, Sixx;AM, Black Veil Brides, Trivium, Slash and Yngwie Malmsteen, the show will also see the debut of the only unheard completed Pantera track in existence.

The lost-and-found Pantera song 'Piss,' which will appear on the 20th anniversary edition of 'Vulgar Display of Power,' has its own cover art, which the band have revealed via its Facebook page. The track, which Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul first recalled earlier this year in an interview with Loudwire, was recorded during the 'Vulgar Display Of Power' album sessions and eventually uncovered when Paul began scouring old Pantera tapes looking for bonus material for the new release.

Speaking about the track Vinnie Paul says, "'Piss' is the only unheard complete Pantera track in existence. It's 100 percent Pantera with attitude and our signature groove!" he adds. "After mixing it, I can't believe it didn't make the record! So it's 2012 and 20 years later and new Pantera music has been delivered. Cheers!"

The song will be available for purchase via iTunes on Thursday (April 12), but the premiere of the 'Piss' video is all set for tonights Golden Gods Awards. It will be broadcast live on all Xbox game consoles as well as Revolver Magazine's Facebook page starting at 6pm PT.

The 20th Anniversary edition of "Vulgar Display of Power" is out on May 14th(UK)/15th (US).

Track Listing (Deluxe Edition)

CD

1. "Mouth For War"

2. "A New Level"

3. "Walk"

4. "Fucking Hostile"

5. "This Love"

6. "Rise"

7. "No Good (Attack The Radical)"

8. "Live In A Hole"

9. "Regular People (Conceit)"

10. "By Demons Be Driven"

11. "Hollow"

12. "Piss" - Previously Unreleased

DVD

1. "Mouth For War" - Live In Italy

2. "Domination/Hollow" - Live In Italy

3. "Rise" - Live In Italy

4. "This Love" - Live In Italy

5. "Cowboys From Hell" - Live In Italy

6. "Mouth For War" - Video

7. "This Love" - Video

8. "Walk" - Video

With your help we want to compile the greatest guitar playlist your ears have ever heard and we're starting right away. Click the Spotify link below to subscribe to our collaborative playlist and begin adding your favourite guitar songs to the list. If you're not already a Spotify user don't worry, you can sign up for free if you have a Facebook account.

As long as the songs you add are intrinsically guitar based then feel free to add whatever you think our subscribers would like to hear. There are no rules to how many songs you can add but try to keep it within reason (no full albums or complete artist back catalogues please!). The idea being that any guitar fan can put the playlist on shuffle and open themselves up to hundreds of great tracks that they may never have heard.

When you've added your favourite songs to the list, share it with your friends and let them do the same........

CLICK HERE TO START ADDING YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS TO THE iGUITAR READERS TOP TRACKS PLAYLIST

Last Thursday, the world of rock n' roll mourned the passing of one histories true musical innovators. Like Steve Jobs, he was a inventor of tools for musicians and artists alike to realise their potential and find a unique voice - these kind of creators leave a legacy as vast and inspiring as any rock star or designer.

Shortly before his death last week, Jim Marshall, creator of the famous amplifier, gave his last interview to Alfred Hickling. He talked about his debt to Hendrix and Spinal Tap - and his final invention, the one-watt amp

This article is taken from the guardian.co.uk website

At the Marshall amplifier factory in Milton Keynes, there's a small museum piled high with musty, well-used equipment. There are original models of the 100-watt amps favoured by Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. There's a white leather model made for Paul Weller with a mod target emblazoned across its front. There is a replica of Lemmy's amp, which the Motörhead bassist customised with Soviet army insignia and christened Murder One. But it is the tributes that various stars have scrawled on to their gear that are most striking. An amp belonging to Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist Zakk Wylde is inscribed: "Dad Rules." A 50-watt model donated by Jeff Beck states: "Thanks, Dad, for everything."

Last Thursday saw the passing, at the age of 88, of the man the rock guitar community simply knew as "Dad". The timing was particularly poignant, as the company was due to celebrate, in September this year, the 50th anniversary of the first amplifier Jim Marshall built - a design reckoned to be so perfect, and so loud, that it has remained fundamentally unaltered ever since.

Until recently, Jim Marshall had always been first into the office, arriving at 6.30am so that he could open the mail. "If there was ever a complaint," he would say, "I wanted to be first to know about it." But a series of strokes had weakened him and, when I visited his factory earlier this year, he was too frail to talk to in person. But, still determined to celebrate his half-century in the business, he agreed to a correspondence by email. It was to be his last interview.

Just a short step away from Marshall's office is the original prototype amp, created in 1962. It looks like a poorly welded combination of old, cobbled-together military components - and that's precisely what it is. The amplifier that shaped the sound of modern rock came about as much by accident as by design - as Marshall and his engineering colleagues Dudley Craven and Ken Bran were basically attempting to replicate an American-made Fender amplifier with what limited components they could find in postwar Britain.

"We started out in my shed," he told me, "making an amplifier from Monday to Friday that we could sell in my shop on Saturday. This gave us the money to go out the following week and get more parts. I would have been delighted if we could have built and sold just 50 amps. I didn't dream that the endeavour would last 50 years."

What is even more surprising is that the original design has barely been altered. The key to the sound of a Marshall amp is the continued use of practically obsolete electronic components known as vacuum tubes, or valves. Remember the days when you would turn on the TV and wait a couple of minutes for the set to warm up? Well, Marshall amps still do that - yet guitarists would not have it any other way. As Jeff Beck put it in an interview with Guitar Player magazine: "If you want to get a little bit rude and loud, you've got to have a Marshall. The Marshall sound is the balls. It's the big daddy - it has that growl that no other amp has."

Marshall played in swing bands, but was a drummer, and drum-teacher, rather than a guitarist. Initially, he set up a music shop in Hanwell, west London, to sell drumkits to his students. But it soon became the unofficial labour exchange for the emerging rock scene. "I was certainly the first to cater for rock'n'rollers in the London area," said Marshall. "I had so many top drummers as pupils that they started bringing their guitarists into the shop with them - chaps like Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend. Anyway, all the guitar players would say to me, 'Jim, if you sold guitars and amplifiers, we'd much prefer to buy them from you because all the music shops in the West End treat us like absolute idiots because we play rock'n'roll. Because we don't play jazz, they just don't take us seriously.' So I did - and they kept their promise!"

Although the first amplifier was a three-way collaboration between Marshall, Craven and Bran, it was Marshall alone who devised the concept of the imposing tower of speakers now recognised throughout the world as the Marshall stack. Such a wall of Marshalls became the ultimate statement of rock-star machismo: the Swedish heavy-metal guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen once boasted that there were two structures visible from space: "the great wall of China and my Marshall amplifiers". However, even in the mid-1970s, arguably the days of peak rock indulgence when Kiss were touring with up to 18 stacks, it was a closely guarded secret as to how many of them were actually switched on.

Marshall explained that the idea for the stack came about as a result of a volume war being raged within the Who. "Pete Townshend wanted a cabinet containing eight 12in speakers. I told him it would be impossible to lift - and I was right. So we tried cutting the cabinet in half and putting one on top of the other."

Jimi Hendrix paid the stack a back-handed compliment, claiming that it looked like "a bunch of refrigerators strung together". Marshall was initially suspicious when his former drum pupil Mitch Mitchell introduced him to the then unknown guitarist he had begun playing with. "I thought, 'Hello, here's another American who wants something for nothing.' But Jimi offered to pay for his gear if I would provide service and support for him anywhere in the world. And Jimi was, of course, brilliant for the brand - not only because of his groundbreaking playing, but also because of his tremendous showmanship. As a result, I've often referred to him as Marshall's greatest ambassador."

Yet, if Hendrix was the brand's greatest ambassador, the second greatest may have been a guitarist who didn't really exist. Even rock fans who care little about how all the sounds are produced are familiar with the scene from the spoof 1984 rockumentary This Is Spinal Tap in which guitarist Nigel Tufnel, played by Christopher Guest, shows off an amp specially modified so that the volume controls go up to 11. "That's one louder, innit?" he says.

"The 'one louder' catchphrase proved very popular," said Marshall. "Christopher Guest was just fantastic when we did the launch for the JCM900 series in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. We drove there together and, as soon as he stepped out of the limo, he instantly became Nigel Tufnel - and he didn't go out of character for a second. But then I've been very fortunate with the people who supported me over the years."

These have included Paul Kossoff of 1970s legends Free (big hit: All Right Now); Kerry King of thrash metallists Slayer; and the former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who testifies to the special bond that developed when Marshall helped him out of a spot of bother. "He took great care of me personally, ever since we first met in the early 1990s. At that time, he did the unprecedented - he had a brand new amp designed for me when my Marshall amps were destroyed in a Guns N' Roses concert riot in St Louis in 1991. We were friends ever since."

Today, Marshall is a global brand producing up to 200 amps a day. The white handwritten logo has begun to spread to other products, though: it's now possible to buy Marshall headphones, Marshall DAB radios, even a Marshall fridge. But having spent 50 years serving the often contrary needs of guitarists, Marshall's last act as an amp manufacturer was to create a range of amplifiers that are - whisper it - not very loud at all.

The centrepiece of Marshall's 50th-anniversary range is a series of mini amps that replicate five of its most famous models - one from each decade - and are rated at only a single watt each. That's good news for the neighbours of budding rock guitarists, but it's also a reflection of the fact that musicians are now asking for amps that still have the classic Marshall sound (raw and distorted, yet warm and rich) but come without the eardrum-piercing oomph, since modern systems mean you no longer need a stack of amps to blow the back row away. A lion's roar at pussycat levels, if you like. But does this mean the days of the mighty Marshall stack are numbered?

"The little amps are only a part of our anniversary celebration," said Marshall. "The reason we decided to do them is simple: it's what a lot of guitarists want today. Every amp I made came from me chatting to guitarists and trying to produce the sound they heard in their heads. There will be some bigger amps too, though. After all, I have been nicknamed The Father of Loud!"

As I passed his empty office on my way out of the factory, I remembered my first Marshall amp. Shortly after I bought it, I received a personalised letter, signed Jim Marshall, thanking me for my purchase and welcoming me to the Marshall family. I don't have the amp any more. But I'll always keep the letter.

Previously they had released performances of "Further On Up The Road" and "Dustbowl", this week they've made the acoustic performance of "Ballpeen Hammer" available to stream. You can watch all three performances below.

In addition, Joe has also offered a free download of "Slow Train" from his Live At The Beacon Theatre DVD in MP3 format, click here for your free track

The band broke the news of the trilogy - called '¡UNO! ¡DOS! ¡TRE!' - via frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's personal Twitter account. He wrote:

Ok. Here's the deal. We're making a 3 album trilogy. Not 1. Not 2. But 3 albums. Called ¡UNO! ¡DOS! ¡TRE! Coming September November January

- Billie Joe Armstrong (@BJAofficial) April 11, 2012

Armstrong had previously tweeted that the band had entered the studio around Valentine's Day of this year. Currently, the musical inspired by the act's "American Idiot" is stationed in Los Angeles, and can be seen at the Ahmanson Theatre through April 22.

Producer Rob Cavallo said about the new songs: "It takes balls to do this, each hit of every instrument is actually super important, they add up to one thing. When you get it done, it's like 'Wow, that's a big powerful statement'."

The band had already mentioned in recent interviews that their new efforts will move away from the concepts of their last two records 'American Idiot' and '21st Century Breakdown'.

In a statement about their plans for the new records, Green Day said: "We are at the most prolific and creative time in our lives. This is the best music we've ever written, and the songs just keep coming. Instead of making one album, we are making a three album trilogy. Every song has the power and energy that represents Green Day on all emotional levels.

Adding: "We just can't help ourselves... We are going epic as f**k!"

The official release dates for the trilogy are Uno! (Sept 25), ¡Dos! (Nov 13), and ¡Tré!(Jan 15 2013)

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Dear Friends and Fans,

I regret to say that the shows planned for this April 2012 have been cancelled.

Since I came back from Europe I have been struggling with my voice.   Last Saturday's gig in San Juan Cap was a vocal disaster.

I thought it was fatigue from the brutal schedule in Europe however the voice is getting worse and now I am having pain even speaking.

Today I went to my doctor  in Beverly Hills.   He is an ear, nose,  and throat specialist.

I was concerned I may have nodes.   16 years ago I had nodes… twice… 2 separate surgeries.

Today he looked at me and it is very very bad news….  My Left vocal chord is hemorrhaged, bruised,  and bleeding.

The bottom line is I need to be on total voice rest for the next 3 weeks.   This means no singing and limited talking.

I explained I had gigs next week and he told me I am the only singer he ever treated that wanted to talk about doing shows with this condition.

He explained that by trying to sing in this condition I would likely ruin my voice for good.

I am very sorry but I must cancel all shows for April including April 28th in Redondo.

The doctor assured me that if I rest and follow his advice my voice will return back to normal within 3 weeks from now.

Those of you who purchased VIP tickets will be refunded through paypal.

Sorry for this bad news.

Best Wishes,

Richie Kotzen

At a very early age, Richie Kotzen began playing piano but by the time he turned seven he'd been inspired by KISS to pick up the electric guitar. Kotzen was first noticed as a teenager with a lightning-fast guitar techniques. With his talents, he was able to play alongside some of the best musicians around; including renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke and a three-year stint in the band MR. BIG. 

"I have been lucky in the sense that I have been able to play with guys who I could learn from," explains Kotzen. "The biggest musical lesson for me was playing in a band with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Obviously, these guys are jazz musicians and I am not, but I learned so much from the time we recorded and toured together. My favorite rock bassist is Billy Sheehan, and we were in MR. BIG together for three years, which was awesome."

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from iGuitar by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.

The Metal Hammer Golden God Awards will take place at the prestigious IndigO2 at London's O2 Arena on the 11th June 2012. There will also be the traditional floating festivities rocking the HMS Hammer as it travels down the Thames. It is guaranteed to be the biggest and best metal party, with a line up of the some of the most awesome heavy rock bands in the business, recognising all the rock related achievements of the last year and celebrating legends and new blood alike.

'Orange Amplifications sponsorship of the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards' said Damon Waller, Managing Director, 'clearly shows that amps like the Signature #4 Jim Root Terror, Rockerverb 100 and the Dark Terror are a force to be reckoned with and a true voice of the modern metal sound.'

Not only will Orange Amplification be a main sponsor they are also sponsoring 'The Golden God' award, the 'Outdoor Stage' on HMS Hammer and will be at the Metal Hammer tent at this years Download festival.

Orange Amplification endorsees Ghost will all be playing at the Golden Gods alongside Lamb of God and Anthrax. Several Orange bands are nominated for awards including Black Spiders, TRC (Best UK Band), Skindred (Best Live band), Heights, The Defiled (Best New Band), Cancer Bats, Ghost, While She Sleeps (Breakthrough Artist) and Mastodon (Video of the Year).

Earlier this week, the band released a short video trailer featuring a short preview of the new single "Headlong Flight". Watch the clip below

Recording began in April 2010 with Grammy Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Deftones) - who also collaborated with the band on 'Snakes & Arrows'. Rush co-produced both records.

The first two songs, "Caravan" and "BU2B," were completed during that first session at Nashville's Blackbird studios and performed nightly during the wildly successful Time Machine Tour, which ran from June 2010 to June 2011.

Work then resumed in the fall of 2011 at Revolution Recording in Toronto after the tour's finale, with additional strings (arranged by David Campbell) recorded at Hollywood's Ocean Way Studios earlier this year.

Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams.

The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life.

The novelization of "Clockwork Angels" is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

The announcement is the second piece of big Rush news in as many days after the band were crowned lifetime achievers at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards last night. Drummer Neil Peart was the only member of the band on hand to accept the award. Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee was in Japan, and guitarist Alex Lifeson, who Peart claimed is "the funniest man in the world," was in Toronto.

Although known for his challenging and wordy lyrics, Peart was uncharacteristically brief and direct in his acceptance speech. He simply wanted to "express our gratitude. Our lifetimes aren't over, our achievements aren't over, so this is like 'So far, so good,' and we'll keep trying to get better. Thank you."

The ceremony saw Tenacious D bestow the band with the award. Jack Black spoke about the influence Rush had on him growing up:

"Rush was the most impressive band, musically, when I was just learning about rock... Weirdly, they got your body moving in interpretive-dancing ways, but it was still aggressive. Their stuff was just so complex and so tasty!"

The full tracklisting for 'Clockwork Angels' is as follows:

1. Caravan 

2. BU2B 

3. Clockwork Angels 

4. The Anarchist 

5. Carnies 

6. Halo Effect 

7. Seven Cities Of Gold 

8. The Wreckers 

9. Headlong Flight 

10. BU2B2 

11. Wish Them Well 

12. The Garden

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If you've ever had any doubts about Richie's title as one of the best guitar players in the world then this should go some way to confirming any doubts - and no-one even mentions his voice. What a voice!

Get well soon Richie. Hopefully we'll see you back out on the road very soon.

 You can keep up to date with all the latest news from iGuitar by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.

Machine Head has frequently been cited as a main influence in the development of Heavy Metal. Alongside Led Zeppelin's IV and Black Sabbath's Paranoid, it has stood the test of time as one of the quintessential English hard rock albums since it's birth 40 years ago.

This documentary, featuring Jon Lord, Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice and Roger Glover gives an account of the events surrounding the recording of 'Machine Head' in December 1971 and the Casino fire on the 4th December which resulted in the band writing and recording 'Smoke On The Water'. Described as the "mother of all riffs" it became one of the most famous and instantly recognisable songs in history and it's simplicity made it a dream for all beginner rock guitarists wanting to sound like their heroes.

In a move that will see the event rename it's main stage for one year only, Copping tweeted: "The main stage at Download this year is going to be named The Jim Marshall Stage as a tribute to the great wall of speakers & amps man." 

Andy also went on to say: "The music industry lost an innovator and a legend with the sad passing of Jim Marshall. We had to remember him in some way and having the main stage dedicated to his name seemed the perfect tribute." 

With only eight weeks to go until Download Festival 2012 opens its gates, organisers have confirmed another 19 acts who'll appear across the weekend of 8, 9 and 10 June at Donington Park, Castle Donington.

The Download Festival line-up so far is as follows:

'Whipping Post' was a 5-minute song from the Allman Brothers Band's 1969 debut album, but when the band played live it became the standard for long epic jams that could range from anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. The solo's are shared between Duane and lead guitarist Dicky Betts.

Opening in 11/4 which is unusual for a rock band (and which Greg Allman openly admitted he didn't realise), this video is not from the 'At Fillmore East' album, but from a show at the same venue in 1970. If you want to hear the 23-minute version from the album we've included that too at the bottom of the page.

Whipping Post - The Fillmore East, 1970 

 Whipping Post - At Fillmore East, 1971

The track is the first to be taken from the band's new album 'Living Things', which is due for release on June 25 in the UK and June 26 in the US. The record is the follow-up to the band's 2010 fourth album 'A Thousand Suns'. 

Artwork for the album, features a dark coloured human figure shedding a white skin with the phrase 'Dedicated to wherever music lives' alongside the band's logo and album title.

Speaking about the forthcoming release Linkin Park's rapper Mike Shinoda says: 'People would be surprised to learn how much of a sense of humor we have about ourselves.  There are things we've done in our career that we wouldn't do now, but they felt right at the time.  It's like opening a drawer and finding an old pair of bell bottoms, going, 'Oh my God, I can't believe I went to school wearing that"

Frontman Chester Bennington also spoke to Kerrang!: "With this album, we've incorporated a lot of guitar work with big choruses and the heavier electronic stuff to give it that really big wall of sound feeling without getting too metal. This will be more familiar to people than 'A Thousand Suns' was, were we like'… We're just going to go bonkers."

"All of our songs take these really big creative turns and twists throughout the process, so sometimes songs will start out as a melody or some musical chord progressions. Other times, they'll start out as beats, and the next thing you know they kind of evolve over the course of the making of the album."

"That's really what he was going towards, a solo album but working with different people. I was really excited about some of the stuff he was working on. I got to see him play it in front of me. That's why I was really sad [when he died]. I was like 'Oh man, not only are you cutting off a life, but a message to the world, a musical path is just left with... Bush and all this other stuff. He was cut short. Who knows where this music would have gone?"

Erlandson released his book, 'Letters To Kurt' earlier this month through Akashic Books.

Watch the full performance here below, here is the full set list. Let us know what you think at our Facebook page here.

1. Bloom (1:05)

2. 15 Step (7:30)

3. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi (11:40)

4. Morning Mr Magpie (17:25)

5. Staircase (22:40)

6. The Gloaming (27:20)

7. Pyramid Song (31:10)

8. Daily Mail (36:30)

9. Myxomatosis (40:15)

10. Karma Police (45:15)

11. Identikit (50:30)

12. Lotus Flower (54:30)

13. There There (59:55)

14. Bodysnatchers (1:05:40)

15. Idioteque (1:10:00)

Encore 1

16. Lucky (1:17:20)

17. Reckoner (1:21:50)

18. After the Gold Rush intro, Everything in It's Right Place (1:27:25)

Encore 2

19. Give Up the Ghost (1:37:20)

20. Paranoid Android (1:43:04)

The new leg will launch their summer dates June 15 in Rochester, NY and wrap July 21 in Chester, PA. The tour includes stops at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ plus a two-night engagement at the Paramount Theater on Long Island, NY.

Dream Theater's single 'On the Backs of Angels' was recently nominated for the band's first ever Grammy Award in 2012 in the category of Best Hard Rock / Metal Performance. Despite their nomination Dream Theater lost out to the Foo Fighters with their song 'White Limo'.

Dream Theater are touring in support of their latest album A Dramatic Turn Of Events (Roadrunner).

This is probably the band at their best live. Recorded for the MTV Live and Loud programme in 1993 it was one of the band's last ever concerts - It was difficult to choose between this and a song from the MTV Unplugged set but this is such a great song we thought we'd go with this.

Feel free to post any other videos on our facebook page you think others might like and we'll share them.

A post on the band's official website states five of their guitars were stolen from a soundstage in Culver City, California, where they've been rehearsing for their U.S. tour, which launches this week.

The guitars (pictures below) include Petty's 1967 12-string blonde Rickenbacker 360 and his 1965 Gibson SGTV Junior, as well as instruments belonging to bassist Ron Blair, rhythm guitar player Scott Thurston, and lead guitarist Mike Campbell.

They said they would pay a $7,500 reward "with no questions asked to anyone with information leading to the recovery of the guitars."

If you find these guitars or have any information that may lead to their recovery, you can contact Tom and his band by sending an e-mail to StolenGuitars@TomPetty.com.

Tom's Rickenbacker 360/12 - 1967 Blonde (serial # GH 3747)

Tom's Gibson SG TV Junior - 1965 (serial # 318533)

Scott's Epiphone Sheridan - 1967 (serial # to be updated ASAP)

Mike's Dusenberg Mike Campbell Model (serial # to be updated ASAP)

Ron's Fender Broadcaster - (serial # to be updated ASAP)
(The photo is of Mike's Broadcaster, but Ron's was stolen.) 

7/7 - Hinckley, Minn.

7/9 - Highland Park, Ill.

7/12 - Kettering, Ohio

7/13 - Mount Pleasant, Mich.

7/14 - West Toronto, Ontario

7/15 - Clarkston, Michigan

7/17 - Boston, Mass.

7/18 - Gilford, N.H.

7/20 - Atlantic City, N.J.

7/21 - Atlantic City, N.J.

June 16, 2012 IND - Bangalore - Bangalore Open Air

August 19, 2012 CYP - Limassol - Kourion

Watch the two performances below...

Whilst most interviews since the release of the new album 'A Different Kind Of Truth' have been handled by the outspoken frontman David Lee Roth, this interview offers a refreshing insight into Eddie's new-found energy for life and the band and a couple of well kept secrets too, most notably the reall story behind the the Variac and his amp.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

On drinking:

"The funny thing is, about the whole alcoholism thing: It wasn't really the partying. It was like - I don't mean to blame my dad, but when I started playing in front of people, I'd get so damn nervous. I asked him, Dad, how do you do it?' That's when he handed me the cigarette and the drink. And I go, Oh, this is good! It works! For so long, it really did work. And I certainly didn't do it to party. I would do blow and I would drink, and then I would go to my room and write music."

On feeling better after getting sober:

"There was one day, I think. Because I must have laid on the couch for a year. Just watching Law & Order.What's funny is: When I drank and did drugs, I never watched TV. Wolfie never, never saw me watch TV growing up. I was always in the studio, making music, and now, nothing. All of the sudden I'm on the couch watching TV, going, 'This is a fucking trip.'"

On recording the new album:

"Before we decided to actually make a full record, we said, 'Hey, let's do some old demos.' And we actually recorded three of them already. And I engineered She's The Woman, Out Of Space and Bullethead, and it ended up turning into a whole record. But we figured: Why not give fans the era that they liked, you know?"

On his son, Wolfgang, and his brother, Alex:

"I can't think of anyone more blessed than me. For one, you know all the bullshit I've been through in my life. To have a brother that I've been playing with since day one, and now my son. I don't think anyone else in music can actually say that. I don't know anyone who has a son and brother that they play together."

                                  photo: Peter Yang 

On David Lee Roth:

"We never really hated each other. I think the press blew that out of proportion. He did kind of blindside us by leaving - we certainly weren't ready for that. But we always, if we argued - you know, now it's always about, about the structure of a song. It's never personal. We've never on a personal level not gotten along."

The story of the Variac and his amp:

Dave and I did an interview promo thing before the first record came out... The guy's going, 'We have Van Halen, a brand-new band from L.A. here in the studio. So Dave, tell me' ... And here's Dave, 'Bop, bop, yabba, dabba, doo,' you know? Then he turns to me and says, I understand you and your brother, Alex, are from Amsterdam, Holland.' And I went, 'Yeah.' Dead air.

"So afterwards, Dave goes, 'Here's what you're gonna do. You're gonna lie. You're gonna make up some shit so they don't remember it.'...So anyway, I do my first full-blown interview with Guitar Player, and that whole thing is in my head.

"I had my 100-volt Marshall. I bought one through the recycling or the newspaper that was from England, and it was set on 220 volts. I didn't know. So I plugged the thing in, but I'm going, 'Fucking thing doesn't work. I got ripped off.' I just let it sit there. After about an hour, there's sound coming out, but it's really quiet, cause it's running on half voltage. So I go, 'Hey, wait a minute. It sounds exactly like it's supposed to all the way up, but it's really quiet.' So we had a light dimmer in the house, and I hooked up the two leaves from the amp to the light, so I did it backwards, blew out the fuse box.

"Then I went down to DOW Radio and asked, 'Do you guys have any kind of super duper light dimmer?' They go, 'Yeah, it's all Variac, variable transformer, you know.' And on the dial you could crank it up to 140 volts or down to zero. So I figured, if it's on 220 and it's that quiet, if I take the voltage and lower it, I wonder how low I can go and it still work... So, my Variac, my variable transformer was my volume knob. Too loud, [makes knob turning sound] I'd lower it down to 50.

"I told people the complete opposite. I told them I raised it up 140 volts. I felt so bad. I felt so fucking horrible, man. They said, 'Please don't attempt what Eddie Van Halen said in the last interview,' because everyone was blowing their amps.'... I felt so bad. I never lied again after that."

On being tight with Dave:

"The last tour, I'd go over to Dave's room and he was all the way over on the opposite side. He kind of kept to himself. We're a lot tighter. It feels more like a band, and it is more of a band. It's family to me, you know. Always has been. I think - was it the Hanson press gig that we did? - where Dave just came up to me, gave me the biggest hug and he just said, 'Your fuckin' son, man. He's a motherfucker. He's risen to the occasion and beyond.' That made me proud."

You can read more of Eddie Van Halen in Esquire here.

Meanwhile, Van Halen have also added another 18 concerts to its highly successful 2012 North American tour. The newly added dates begin July 7 with an encore performance at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The newly added dates are as follows:

The dates as reported are as follows:

Sept 7: Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena

For more information go to the Rush Is A Band Blog Site

"I couldn't think of a cooler way to round out the first 30 years than how the Fillmore week played out in December," said METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich. "And I can't think of a cooler way to start off the next 30 years than immortalizing that unique, incomparable and unforgettable week in magazine form, our first So What! edition to leave the confines of our fan club."

"This is an incredibly exciting partnership," said Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas. "METALLICA's 30th anniversary shows were history in the making, and the chance to work with So What! - easily one of the metal world's best-loved and respected fanzines - was simply too good to pass up."

"Metallica The 30th Anniversary Event" will be a 132-page magazine featuring exclusive live and behind-the-scenes photos from the four historic nights at the Fillmore Theatre, post-Fillmore interviews with all four members of METALLICA, a few of the fan favorites who joined the band on stage - including Brian Tatler, Sean Harris, King Diamond, Dave Mustaine, and Rob Halford - and a look behind the scenes on how the shows came together. The issue will also feature an exclusive seven-inch vinyl single of "So What!" and "Through The Never", recorded during four shows last year complete with a souvenir picture bag. 

Commented METALLICA: "We've always been incredibly proud of our little publication, So What! magazine, that is sent to all fan-club members every three months and is now in its 19th year of existence. 

"As we were putting together the first issue of 2012 commemorating our 30th anniversary celebration at the Fillmore Theatre in December of last year, we realized that the upcoming issue was looking so special, so unique and so unprecedented that we really should make it available to share with all our friends around the world. 

"Now, we know that we're breaking the rules here - So What! is for fan-club members only - but we figured since we make the rules, we can occasionally break 'em!! So for the first time ever, we are printing a special limited edition newsstand version of the magazine in collaboration with Metal Hammer, who has joined us for our new adventure."

A video preview of "Metallica The 30th Anniversary Event" is available below.

So What! is a quarterly publication published by the METALLICA Club and sent exclusively to the fan-club members. Each issue is a collector's item featuring 48 glossy, full-color pages that brings club members the most METALLICA news, photos, and inside information. The members of METALLICA are major contributors to each magazine, answering fan letters, providing personal photos and letters, judging contests, and providing a behind-the-scenes view that fans won't find anywhere else. Each issue of So What! brings the members of the fan club even farther into the world of METALLICA.

This Is Gloucestershire reports Plant will debut his new outfit, The Sensational Space Shifters, at a May 8 concert at the Gloucester Guildhall in Gloucester, England.

Titled Robert Plant Presents Sensational Space Shifters', this will be his first gig with his new band ahead of a busy summer festival schedule.

Guildhall spokesman Joe Schiavon said they were excited about the gig. "It gives me great pleasure to announce Led Zeppelin frontman and award-winning solo artist Robert Plant will be performing an exclusive low-key warm-up show at Gloucester Guildhall next month"

He added: "This is obviously a massive show for us, and we can't wait to host it."

Tickets are £35 and go on sale this Friday at 10am, but are limited to a maximum of four tickets per person.

Since Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's death in 1980, the enigmatic singer has recorded many solo albums and collaborated with a wide variety of accomplices. The BBC filmed Plant in 2010 for the documentary 'Robert Plant - By Myself'. You can watch it below

The Pixie's set that year went down in history as one of the most celebrated performance's of the festivals history and was the band's first Festival show since the reformation earlier that year.

The tells fans: This week, finding ourselves between two consecutive weekends of Coachella for the first time ever, we thought it fitting to rifle through the Pixies vault in search of an apt celebration.

So, we're very pleased to bring you a completely free download of 4 tracks from Pixies memorable '04 Coachella performance.

The free tracks are : 

They completed a full tour last year, playing their 1989 album Doolittle in full. No more shows have been announced and although rumours of a new album by the quartet have been circling for a good while now, the band have always said that they would not release any new material unless in was up to the standard of their past releases

Head over to the band's offical site www.pixiesmusic.com to get the download now.

Photo : Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

Leja Siv Harju of Rock N Roll Industries magazine was there to conduct interviews with Randy Rhoads' brother Kelle and sister Kathy, along with Richard D'Argenzio and longtime family friend Bobby Kelekian. Check out the footage below. The full report is available at the Rock N Roll Industries magazine.

Before his tragic death at the age of 25, Randy Rhoads was on a fast track to being hailed by critics and public alike as the greatest rock guitar player of all time. Over a short two-year period, Randy recorded two seminal multi-platinum albums with Ozzy Osbourne, which are heralded today as among the most noteworthy recordings in hard rock music history. Through his jaw-dropping six-string work on songs such as "Crazy Train", "Mr. Crowley" and "Flying High Again", Randy Rhoads achieved legendary status as a guitar icon and his artistic legacy continues to grow with each passing year.

A brilliant guitar virtuoso, Randy's masterful ability of bridging rock and classical techniques helped him forge a groundbreaking style of guitar playing. In 1981, Guitar Player magazine honored Randy by selecting him as best new talent of the year. Humble and self-effacing, Randy refused to rest on his laurels. Instead, being bestowed with this prestigious award motivated him to strive for greater creative heights. Tragically, Randy's life ended much too soon when on the morning of March 19, 1982 he was killed in a small private plane that careened into the garage of a plantation home in Leesburg, Florida.

Randy Rhoads' ascendancy to super-stardom was inevitable. Tirelessly honing his craft, he was a devoted student of his instrument, endlessly practicing and perfecting his skills. His days were spent as a guitar teacher and by night he solidified his rising reputation as the "next big thing" on the Hollywood club scene. His big break arrived when he assumed the lead guitar slot in Ozzy Osbourne's solo band. Soon the entire music world would be dazzled by his spectacular flights of fiery fretboard sizzle, swiftly recognizing the merits of this burgeoning guitar genius. 

With his dynamic six-string wizardry, Randy Rhoads invented an exciting and technically advanced style of explosive hard rock guitar playing that dominated the '80s music scene. Decades later, his massive influence continues to shape, educate and inspire first, second and third generation players and music fans that marvel at his extraordinary musicality and stunning instrumental prowess. Today, Randy's legendary status as a guitar hero is assured, joining the pantheon of rock's Mt. Olympus where he stands proudly alongside such revered guitar heroes as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Ritchie Blackmore.

No one-trick pony, Randy was well versed in a multitude of musical genres seamlessly cross-navigating rock, blues and classical. In fact, his immense love of classical music continued to be a driving force in his life. Until his untimely death, he continued to take classical guitar lessons in an effort to break new ground as a player.

Today, mythologized and immortalized, Randy Rhoads has become a veritable pop culture institution. Paying homage to his pioneering ability, Marshall Amplifiers created a custom amplifier that bears Randy's name and signature sound. Action figures and sculptures with Randy's likeness have become highly sought after collector's items, while Jackson Guitars have sold millions of Randy Rhoads model guitars, pleasing the late guitarist's loyal legion of dedicated followers. His image graces innumerable music magazine covers annually. 

The musician had "been poorly" for a while and died at home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, on Friday morning, his friend John Adrian has confirmed.

Weedon began learning the guitar at twelve. The first British guitarist in the UK Singles Chart, with "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" in 1959, he was an influence on many stars, including Eric Clapton, Brian May, Mike Oldfield, The Shadows and The Beatles. It is well documented that Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Brian May all learned from Bert's books.

As well as his hits and TV appearances at a crucial time in modern British music history, his best-known contribution to British guitar style is his tutorial guide 'Play in a Day', which many stars claim was a major influence on their learning and playing.

His playing style focused on both rhythm and melody, and was itself influenced by the jazz guitarists of the 1950s, notably Les Paul. Weedon placed a lot of emphasis on control of tone, and wanted to make the guitar the star of his music

Inverness Ironworks (June 14)
Aberdeen Music Hall (15)
Edinburgh Queens Hall (16)
 

Fans got an idea of which direction the show would head in with the very first song, 'Listen to Her Heart' from the 1978 'You're Gonna Get It!' album. The band followed with three of their biggest hits, 'You Wreck Me,' 'I Won't Back Down' and 'Here Comes My Girl.'

Main Set

Listen to Her Heart (from You've Gotta Get It!, 1978)

Five of the band's guitars were stolen last week from a rehearsal space in Los Angeles, but were recovered on Tuesday (April 17) by police. 

Daryl Washington, who worked as a private security guard at Culver Studios where the band had been practising ahead of the tour, has been arrested in conjunction with the crime. The stolen items included Petty's 1967 12-string blonde Rickenbacker 360 and his 1965 Gibson SGTV Junior, as well as a Fender Broadcaster belonging to bassist Ron Blair, and guitars belonging to Scott Thurston and Mike Campbell.

An SG was found in the pawn shop, leading police to track down 51-year-old Washington, reports Culver City Patch. The CEO of Culver Studios, James C Cella said in a statement:

"We're relieved and extremely pleased that all of Tom Petty's stolen guitars have been recovered and that a suspect has been arrested. Our security department cooperated fully with the Culver City Police in the effort to solve this crime."

He continued: "Even though the alleged culprit was not an employee of the Culver Studios but worked for an independent contractor, we feel a real sense of responsibility for everything that happens on our lot and we have conveyed our profound apologies to Mr Petty for the distress the incident has caused him."

The band have also been added to the Isle Of Wight Festival bill and will headline alongside Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam.

Photos : 

Tom Petty performs with The Heartbreakers during a stop on his summer tour at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 17, 2008. (AP / Jason DeCrow)

Tom Petty performs in front of a sell-out crowd at Darien Lake Aug. 14, 2010. (Warren Linhart)

Let us know what you think over at our facebook page or on Twitter

Joe Satriani has announced his plans to team up with John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and Steve Morse (Deep Purple) for the South American leg of his G3 tour.

The announcement comes after last weeks news that the European tour will feature the more familiar Vai--Satriani duo with Steve Morse. 

G3 2012 South America now has 2 dates announced - kicking off on October 11, 2012 at Citibank Hall, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. John Petrucci will take the place of Steve Vai for this part of the tour. Shred master John Petrucci needs no introduction, as part of the progressive metallers Dream Theater, this will be his seventh jaunt as part of the G3 trio.

The tour dates so far are: 

G3 2012 SCHEDULE (NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA) 

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather

03.24.2012      Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, NZ    

03.25.2012      Logan Campbell Centre, Greenlane, Auckland NZ    

03.27.2012      Royal Theatre, Canberra, AU    

03.29.2012      Newcastle Panthers, Newcastle NSW, AU    

03.30.2012      Hordern Pavillion, Sydney, AU    

03.31.2012      Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria AU    

04.01.2012      Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria AU

04.03.2012      Festival Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia AU    

04.05.2012      Convention Centre, Brisbane, Queensland AU    

04.06.2012      Byron Bay Blues Festival, Byron Bay, AU    

G3 2012 EUROPE 

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Steve Morse

07.20.2012      Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam, NL

07.21.2012      Stadthalle Offenbach, Frankfurt, DE    

07.22.2012      10 Giorni Suonati Festival, Vigevano, IT    

07.23.2012      Tonhalle, München, DE    

07.24.2012      Stadthalle Freilichtbühne, Hamburg, DE    

07.28.2012      Guitare en Scene, Genevois, FR    

07.31.2012      Tesla Arena, Prague, CZ    

08.01.2012      Papp László Budapest Sportaréna, Budapest, HU    

08.03.2012      Ukraine Hall, Kiev, UA    

08.05.2012      Crocus City Hall, Moscow, RU    

G3 2012 SOUTH AMERICA more dates to come

Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Steve Morse

10.11.2012      Citibank Hall, Rio de Janeiro, BR    

10.12.2012      Credicard Hall, Sao Paulo, BR

Rolling Stones 1972 classic double-album 'Exile on Main St' is to be turned into feature film, reports the Rolling Stone.

In 2008 a book detailing the infamous recording sessions which took place during the Summer of 1971 was released by former rock-journalist Robert Greenfield and now Virgin Produced have purchased the film rights.

The album features iconic Stones tracks such as 'Tumblin' Dice' and 'All Down the Line' and has been touted by some as the band's best work. The recordings took place within the confides of Keith Richards rented French villa and was plagued by in-house conflicts and drug & drink abuse. It was also at a time when the band were steering clear of the British Government due to a spiralling tax bill and was just two years after founding bassist Brian Jones was found motionless at the bottom of his swimming pool at Cotchford Farm.

Speaking previously about making the record, Keith said: ''It wasn't a great environment for, like, breathing. It was very Hitleresque - the last days of Berlin sort of thing.''

This great honour is made in recognition of OMEC's outstanding achievement having grown its export sales by 90% since their last award in 2009. They now sell to over 80 countries worldwide.

In the six years since receiving its first award, OMEC has launched many new and innovative products, expanded into the computer market and celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Managing Director Damon Waller commented 'We are especially proud to be presented with this Award in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year, and we aim to continue doing what we do best, designing, building and creating new innovative products and building the brand.

Cliff Cooper, founder and CEO, also commented, saying "It was always our dream for Orange Amplification to become a truly global company and, with factories in three Continents and a worldwide distribution network, to now receive the accolade of the Queens Award for the third time is so very special. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff around the world who with their dedication and enthusiasm have made this possible.

Kerry took time out to speak with Loudwire about the Metal Masters experience for him, Slayer's new album, this years Mayhem Festival and much more. Read an excerpt from the interview below, you can read the full interview at the Loudwire website. 

What does being part of Metal Masters mean to you?

It's a blast, it's cool to play with guys who aren't the same guys you been playing with for 30 years, it's fun. I been playing with Phil [Anselmo] since before 'Cowboys From Hell' - everybody else I've known longer so it's cool.

When you were first approached to join Metal Masters, what went through your head?

It depended who was in for one thing. Once they told me Phil signed on, I'm like, "Alright, lets resurrect Phil and let people see him do heavy metal that he hasn't done in 12 years." He's still a metal force so we're onstage with him and there's some fury going on. It's awesome.

Part of Metal Masters is about sharing techniques with the fans. If you could get a lesson from a musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Probably Randy Rhoads, I'd say Dime [Dimebag Darrell] but we were friends - I'd like to have another night with him sure, not so sure about a lesson. You can't go wrong with Randy Rhoads.

How would you describe the Metal Masters experience for someone who may not be familiar with it?

It's really cool man, the stage we have is far too cramped for as many people that are up there. I don't even think I'm gonna go on stage right, you'll see a mess of stuck guitar players in different parts of the stage not able to get to their pedals. It's gonna be cool, we're playing fun songs, Phil rehearsed for this, I know he sounds great so I'm looking forward to that.

There are some really young kids here who are musicians themselves looking at their idols onstage, what advice would you give them?

Good or bad advice? [Laughs]

Let's go with good first.

If you're gonna try this f-in' whirlwind, you better do something you like or the fans are gonna see right through it.

And bad advice?

Give up.

Well Slayer fans aren't giving up, you guys are headed back into the studio, can you tell us about what fans can expect and the progression of the album so far?

We've only been working on it for a couple of weeks right now, since our producer from the last record had a small window and me and Dave [Lombardo] are working on nine songs so we thought we could get in and finish two or three and demo everything else so that's what we're trying to do now. I don't know if anything will come out by Mayhem or not, hopefully we'll get two done and we can get it out to Mayhem.

Having won 'Best Band Of The Year' and 'Best Album Of The Year' at last year's British Blues Awards, this album is another step forward for Oli. Still only 19 years old and having been championed by the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford and Walter Trout amongst the various magazines and radio stations, it looks like Oli Brown is a name that we'll be hearing a lot more from....

We also have a great live version taken from Oli's show in Birmingham last week. You can also watch the full show below.

If you like it, share it and spread the word. Come by our facebook and let us know what you think.

 photo : www.sherrylouisephotography.com

iGuitar Magazine favourite Dave Ellefson was speaking to the Artisan News about the LP, "'Countdown' was really one of my favorite records of the whole MEGADETH catalog... for a number of reasons. Musically, I think it brought together the best of thrash, the melodic part, writing big, hooky riffs. And that record really launched us into the mainstream, which opened up a lot of other opportunites and things for us to do. But more importantly, I think, than all of that, is it was a really cool time when the four of us were really, probably, our most connected together as a band." 

MEGADETH's fifth LP, "Countdown To Extinction" was released on July 14, 1992 through Capitol Records. The band's best-selling full-length CD to date, it was certified double-platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for U.S. shipments in excess of two million copies. The album also produced the band's most successful hit singles, "Symphony Of Destruction", "Sweating Bullets", "Skin O' My Teeth" and "Foreclosure Of A Dream".

Gigantour - the critically acclaimed package festival founded in 2005 by MEGADETH - made its highly anticipated return for the first time since 2008. The multi-artist bill kicked off on January 26 in Camden, New Jersey and wrapped on March 3 in Austin.

MEGADETH was among the nominees for the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which was held on February 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The band's tenth Grammy nomination was for its new single, "Public Enemy No. 1", off MEGADETH's latest album, "TH1RT3EN", which came out on November 1, 2011.

"Public Enemy No. 1" actually marked the second Grammy nomination for music from "TH1RT3EN", as the song "Sudden Death" was first unveiled in the 2010 video game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" and received a "Best Metal Performance" nod.

Watch the Artisan News video and Dave Ellefson's exclusive chat with iGuitar from Issue 5 about his early days and how he became involved with the bass guitar and Megadeth.

Phil also featured in iGuitar Magazine Issue 3 and talked with Stuart Bull about his time as DEF LEPPARD and his pre gig rituals. You can watch the full video interview here.

Def Leppard's influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums-including two of the best selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria. Most recently, the band released their first live album Mirror Ball: Live & More last summer, which rose to the top 20 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. The album captures the group's legendary concert experience, bringing together live versions of classic Leppard hits such as "Rock of Ages," Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Foolin" and will feature their soon to be released single, "It's All About Believin'."

With 100 million records sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard--Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums)-continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the sound for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, have become synonymous with their name. For the past thirty years the band's concerts have become must-see events and have quickly made them an institution in the touring industry, as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide

Def Leppard Interview by conklinradio

Gateshead Sage Theatre (November 1)

Cambridge Junction (2)

Leeds Metropolitan University (3)

Warwick Arts Centre (4)

London Roundhouse (5)

Brighton Corn Exchange (6)

The new album has been produced by Mike Paxman and is being hailed as ASIA's best album since its classic early 80s releases. The album will be released on CD, collector's edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on a limited edition vinyl.

The first single from the highly anticipated new record is entitled "Face On The Bridge" and will be released digitally worldwide on Monday May 14th.

See below for ASIA's European dates and head to the official ASIA website for details on the full world-tour.

Europe

Sep 2 - Weyfest, UK, Weyfest Festival
Dec 15 - Tavistock, UK, The Wharf,  www.tavistockwharf.com 
Dec 16 - Holmfirth, UK, The Picturedrome,  www.picturedrome.net 
Dec 17 - Edinburgh, UK, Queens Hall,  www.thequeenshall.net 
Dec 19 - Salisbury, UK, City Hall,  www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk 
Dec 20 - Birmingham, UK, Town Hall,  www.thsh.co.uk
Dec 21 - Manchester, UK, RNCM,  www.rncm.ac.uk
Dec 22 - London, UK, Shepherds Bush Empire,  www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

'La Grange' is probably the least formulaic arrangement of any hit radio single since time began......Verse >> Key Change >> Solo Until Outro.....

.....and it's about a brothel!

We can't wait for the new ZZ Top album........

"Ronnie Montrose has been playing music for over 40 years. And believe it or not, this is the one and only live DVD recording of his career. Ronnie and his band created a very wonderful evening filmed at the Uptown Theater in Napa, California. This DVD includes acoustic pieces, songs you never heard him perform before, and ones you haven't heard him do for years and years and years. Thanks to the fans and everyone involved, this was a magical evening for all including Ronnie and his band."

Pre-orders are already available at www.ronniemontrose.com and will follow this friday's tribute concert taking place at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco 

The all-star bill, titled "A Concert For Ronnie Montrose - A Celebration of His Life In Music" will see Sammy Hagar reunite the original Montrose band, along with Joe Satriani, to perform the group's landmark 1973 self titled debut album.

There will also be a variety of special guests, including many of the great musicians that Ronnie played with over the years. Some of the confirmed artists include: Neal Schon from Journey, Steve Smith formerly from Journey, members of Tesla, Eric Martin from Mr. Big, Rickie Philips from Styx, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer of KISS and Jimmy DeGrasso from Y & T and Alice Cooper.

Ronnie Montrose was born in San Francisco and moved with his family to Colorado when he was two, returning back to his native home when he was 19 years old. In 1969, he started a band with Bill Church called Sawbuck, but that project got sidetracked when Ronnie was hired to do studio work with Van Morrison (Tupelo Honey), Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter, Herbie Hancock, and others. In 1973, he formed his own band, Montrose, who recorded two albums together. The debut Montrose album went platinum and has been called the first American heavy metal album. In 1979, Ronnie formed Gamma, who recorded four albums. Ronnie continued to record through the 1980s and 1990s, and Gamma put out their fifth album in 2005. 

The tour starts tonight in Tucson, Arizona and hits the New Orleans Jazz Fest this weekend.

Distinguished as one of the most savage players in all of rock, Zakk Wylde has made his mark on everything from the tours and recordings of Ozzy Osbourne, to his own Black Label Society, to a wide range of solo outings and collaborations. Throughout it all, his outlandish style has been every bit as distinctive as his searing solos and eviscerating tone-as witnessed once again on the Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul. High on personality and loaded with tone, this new guitar from Gibson USA exhibits a playful new twist on Zakk's trademark "bullseye" graphics, with a vertigo-inducing "twisted bullseye" that creates an optical illusion that's nearly as powerful as the music that you'll make with it. The Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul features all the traditional tonewoods and craftsmanship that have made the Les Paul a legend, along with Zakk's preferred specs for optimum playability, and his choice of kicking EMG™ active humbucking pickups for unparalleled output and sustain.

To craft the body of the Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul, Gibson USA starts with the timeless pairing of a solid Grade-A maple top and a mahogany back, which work together to blend sonic depth, richness and clarity. The mahogany body uses traditional weight relief which retains resonance while reducing overall weight. A solid one-piece, quarter-sawn Grade-A maple neck is glued in with a traditional mortis & tenon joint, and carved to measure .818" at the 1st fret and .963" at the 12th. It is finished in natural satin for a comfortable, played-in feel, and topped with a Grade-A maple fingerboard with Zakk's preferred custom fret wire. In addition to the striking Vertigo graphic atop a natural finish, and the back's contrasting Ebony Black finish-all in genuine nitrocellulose lacquer-the Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul carries several Custom-style appointments such as 7-ply top binding, 5-ply back binding, multi-bound headstock with acrylic inlays. Furthermore, the back of the headstock displays a black Zakk silhouette decal, and the entire run will have a unique sequential serial numbering from "ZWVTO 001" on up.

The Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul is powered by Zakk's choice of an EMG-85™ humbucker in the neck and an EMG-81™ humbucker in the bridge, partnered by independent volume and tone controls for each, and a three-way selector switch. These active humbuckers are the first choice of many thrash, shred and metal players, and they yield unparalleled output and sustain for utterly demolishing neck pickup tones and incendiery bridge tones, yet with impressive clarity and a frequency response unmatched by any other pickup available. It all stays locked and loaded in the hardware department with the classic pairing of Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, along with a set of high-quality Grover™ tuners with kidney buttons.

Each guitar comes protected in a plush-lined hardshell case with black exterior, and includes owner's manual and adjustment literature, along with Gibson's Limited Lifetime Warranty and 24/7/365 customer service.

This version of 'Bullfrog Blues' is taken from Rory Gallagher's Old Grey Whistle Test show at Shepherds Bush Empire in 1976. Whilst the rest of the show went out to televison audiences this encore was not originally broadcast.

It show's Rory in fine form and in good spirits playing his 1959 Fender Esquire, and features solo's from all the band members. You can watch the full show below.

This year's Annual Rory Gallagher tribute festival takes place between 31st May and 3rd June in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, with acts coming to honour Rory from Italy, Germany, Holland, England, Spain, USA, Scotland and from throughout Ireland. Over 12,000 people attended the Festival in 2011. 

Rory Gallagher was born at the Rock Hospital in Ballyshannon on 2nd March 1948 to Parents Daniel and Monica. At that time Rory's Dad was working on the building of the ESB Hydro Station in Ballyshannon. Rory and his family departed Ballyshannon in the 1950's before moving for a period to Derry City, where Rory's brother and life-long Manager Donal was born. The Gallagher Family later moved to Cork City. 

The town has played host to the biggest tribute to Rory Gallagher with the International Tribute Festival for the last 10 years. On Wednesday 2nd June 2010, the town came to a standstill as the Rory Gallgher lifesize bronze statue of Rory Gallagher was unveiled. 

Tickets are available from here.

A source has told Music-News.com that frontman Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce will play live together this autumn.

The decision has reportedly been inspired by the reunion of fellow Manchester band The Stone Roses, who play several outdoor shows this year. The Smiths are said to have had conversations with a "well-known promoter" about a comeback.

Seemingly in response to the rumours, Marr wrote on Twitter: "Hey Everybody !! Amazing news !....My amp is fixed ! Johnny."

Rumours of a reunion have been heating up ever since Marr said that he would reform the band if the coalition government disbanded, although it was reported in 2006 they had turned down £76 million ($123 million) for a 50-date tour of the US.

Frontman Morrissey was previously understood to be against the idea, and in 2006 said: "I would rather eat my own testicles than reform The Smiths, and that's saying something for a vegetarian."

Johnny Marr was featured in Issue 7 of iGuitar Magazine talking about his musical roots and his new Signature Fender Jaguar. Read the full article here.

Mark's solo effort, being released under the name Tremonti, showcases his acclaimed guitar playing and incomparable songwriting. The release also marks his debut on lead vocals. 

Tremonti features Eric Friedman on rhythm guitar and Garrett Whitlock on drums. Mark's Alter Bridge/Creed bandmate, Brian Marshall, will be stepping in for the bass duties when Tremonti takes to the road later this year. Long time friend and collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette, known for his work with Alter Bridge, Chevelle and Ratt, produced the album.

From the first riffs of album opener "Leave It Alone" to the final notes of the closer "Decay," it is apparent that Mark's playing and songwriting are at a new level. The metal influences he grew up on ring throughout the album on songs like "So You're Afraid," "Wish You Well" and "Giving Up." Mark finds his voice; literally, stepping up to the microphone for the first time in his career as a lead vocalist. The depth of his voice carries the melodies on songs like "New Way Out" and "Proof." The first single, "You Waste Your Time," will be unleashed at Active Rock radio over the next few weeks and will continue the success at the format that Mark has achieved with both of his other projects.

The lead single, "You Waste Your Time," will hit Active Rock radio in the coming weeks.

So You're Afraid by Tremonti

The Things I've Seen by Tremonti

You Waste Your Time by Tremonti

Watch the video for 'She's The Woman' below 

1. 'The Future Is Now'

2. 'Secrets from the Underground'

3. 'Days Go By'

4. 'Turning Into You'

5. 'Hurting As One'

6. 'Cruising California (Bumpin' In My Trunk)'

7. 'All I Have Left Is You'

8. 'OC Guns'

9. 'Dirty Magic'

10. 'I Wanna Secret Family (With You)'

11. 'Dividing By Zero'

12. 'Slim Pickens Does the Right Thing and Rides the Bomb To Hell'

Watch the Video Trailer From The Offspring For Their New Disc 'Days Go By'

Black Hawk humbuckers were designed in response to players' demands for a pickup that embodied the transparency and output of an active, with the character and wide dynamic control of a passive, all without the hassle of batteries. Each coil has a pair of specially annealed nickel plated steel blades which transfer the magnetism to the strings evenly across the width of the coil for perfect string to string balance. These coils are scatter-wound by hand with 42AWG Heavy Formvar wire and then powered by a trio of ceramic magnets for the bridge humbucker and Alnico V magnet for the neck humbucker.

Although on paper the DC resistance is moderate, the specially designed coils and blades, along with the custom calibrated magnets, are capable of huge amounts of power but never at the expense of dynamics. The combination of coil size and winding technique ensure the Black Hawk humbuckers remain extremely reactive to pick attack and changes to the volume pot. 

Low notes have excellent depth and track extremely quickly. High notes remain strong and full no matter how high on the neck with broad mids and solid highs. Clarity throughout all frequencies is exceptional without ever sounding harsh or clinical. The combination of ceramic powered bridge and Alnico V powered neck creates a vast palette of contemporary tones suitable for playing styles as varied as fusion to extreme metal.

Unlike the original Freeze pedal, the Superego has a new Gliss control. This acts as like a portamento effect, such that one played note 'slides' in pitch, into the next note. The Gliss control adjusts the time it takes for one note to reach the other.

Another unique feature of the Superego is the effects loop. This allows the frozen output to be routed through additional effects, and mixed with the original signal. The pedal can be operated in Latch mode, where notes are frozen by momentarily pressing the pedal switch down, and auto mode, which sustains notes automatically.

Watch the video below

Soul-rocker Kravitz spoke with Billboard.com about the forthcoming release and the inner turmoil he was going through in a period of his life he says 'was just spinning'.

Just off touring to support his debut album, "Let Love Rule," Kravitz tells Billboard.com that, "It was a crazy time. My ex-wife (actress Lisa Bonet, who he divorced in 1993) and I were going through issues. I just had my child the year before ('Let Love Rule' came out). I was adjusting to success and...fame. It was a lot to deal with. I ended up kind of going into hibernation, 'cause at that point I went through a pretty serious depression. I just let all these feelings out onto the songs. It was very cathartic for me."

For the Deluxe Edition of "Mama Said," Kravitz raided his vaults to create a two-disc package that features 21 bonus tracks, 15 of which have been previously unreleased. The treasure trove features home demos of "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," "The Difference is Why" and "What the...Are We Saying?," remixes, instrumental takes of several tracks and eight songs recorded live in Japan and in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The set also includes two previously unreleased (and unfinished) songs, "Riding on the Wings of My Lord" and the instrumental segue "Framed, Lying, Crying."

"You forget about all these things," Kravitz notes. "Then you listen and you're like, 'Oh, man, wow!' These were things I didn't have time to finish, or I didn't feel they were (right) for that moment. I was tempted to finish them off and put vocals on them and whatnot, but I said, 'Y'know what, man -- no. Let it be what it was, from that time. Don't bring this into this time period.' But, yeah, it's interesting to find that stuff."

The full track list for "Mama Said: Deluxe Edition" includes:

DISC 1

DISC 2

photo: David Hindley

Joe, you've played with so many of the great guitarists over the years - anyone in particular you've yet to play with that you dream about?

It's funny. I can plan and dream and scheme about certain guys - like say Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck - guys I grew up loving that I would kill to play with. Then out of the blue comes something like Chickenfoot, a band I never expected but that I love to death. Who could have predicted that? So you can plan, and that's cool, you have to do that - but you have to keep an open mind because sometimes you wind up playing with people you never thought about, but it becomes like a dream gig. That's what I think about Chickenfoot. We just have so much fun.

Joe, can you take us back to the tour you did with Mick Jagger in 1988? That was special to you, wasn't it?

Some of the most fantastic memories I have in life - and it actually pretty much may have saved my career. Talk about a random event you'd never expect to happen. I was on my very first solo tour figuring out how to play 'Surfing With the Alien' in front of an audience. We were losing lots of money as well, about eight grand a week playing two club shows a night. I was all but done. So I was going to scrap the tour and just go figure something else out. Then I get a call about an audition for a Mick Jagger solo tour. I end up getting the job, then BAM - all of a sudden i went from all but total obscurity into a hyper world with a red carpet in front of me at all times. It was insane.

How did that help your solo career?

It was Mick. See, not only was he the total rockstar I always dreamed he would be - but he was also funny, unpredictable, incredibly cool, open, and one of the most generous people I'd ever met. He said to me, 'my staff is your staff - use all of my resources to help promote your record while we tour. Use this private room for interviews - use these people to help you.' Then he gave me a big solo spot in the show. He was totally selfless and completely excited to help me with MY success as a solo artist. He would tell me all the time -you've gotta go all the way - you've got to take advantage of whatever you can and most importantly, connect with the audience. I just learned so much from Mick Jagger and he really allowed me to establish myself as a solo artist.

What's the most important thing you learned from Mick Jagger?

Being on stage with him every night, I never failed to appreciate that this is a guy who always is trying harder than all of us to make a great show for the audience. We had an 11-piece band - so if someone wanted to kick back and relax a bit, it'd be easy to cover. But then Mick would run past you, giving 100%, 100% of the time, and you'd realize, if he's doing it, we all have to do it. He would drag me into the spotlight with him so different parts of the audience could really see me. He loves his audience so much, and is so focused on pleasing them - that's what I think I was the important thing he taught me - appreciating those who come and see you play - and working your hardest to please them.

Are you still in touch with Mick?

Whenever the Stones play in the Bay area I go backstage to say hi. And you know what? I have loved them since I was a little kid, and so I still get star struck around them.

Read the full interview here.

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS will release their new album, "Oceania", on June 19 via EMI Label Services/Caroline distribution.

Produced by THE SMASHING PUMPKINS' frontman Billy Corgan, "Oceania" is an intense and dynamic offering that will appeal to new and existing fans of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS alike. "Oceania", the band's seventh studio record, is "an album within an album," part of their 44-song work-in-progress "Teargarden By Kaleidyscope".

Peter Katsis, manager of SMASHING PUMPKINS for Prospect Park, stated: "THE SMASHING PUMPKINS created 'Oceania' as an album experience, and it is intended for the process of the release to follow a path of inclusion, so that best efforts are made for all the fans hear it at the same time as press or radio. We were excited to find partners in EMI Label Services that were equally passionate about the plan for the album release as well as being huge fans of the PUMPKINS."

The album is the band's first recorded effort with their new line-up, which now features Mike Byrne on drums, Nicole Fiorentino on bass and Jeff Schroeder on guitar. 

In December last year, Corgan insisted that 'Oceania' was the band's strongest offering since 1995's 'Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness'.

"Oceania" track listing:

Mayer, 34, has been sidelined since last September with a granuloma in his throat which had to be operated on. He was forced to cancel several shows and step out of the limelight to recover.

Mayer explained the condition in an open letter to fans posted on his blog, a portion of which reads:

"During rehearsal on Tuesday, it came to mind that I should see my throat doctor because something didn't feel/sound right. I went in for a visit on Wednesday and a scope of my vocal cords revealed that the granuloma has grown back where it had mostly healed. This is bad news. Because of this, I have no choice but to take an indefinite break from live performing. Though there will be a day when all of this will be behind me, it will sideline me for a longer period of time than I care to have you count down."

Despite the setbacks, the musician is still set to release his fifth studio album "Born and Raised" on May 21st(UK), 22nd(US).

The music video for the first single from the record, "Shadow Days" was released at the weekend and can be watched below:

"Born And Raised" Track listing;

The show at Webster Hall was also streamed online and White has made the full video available to stream on his Vevo Channel, watch the show below:

The garage-blues man played a 21 song, career-spanning set, including a Frank Ocean, No Church In The Wild nod during Cut Like A Buffalo.

SETLIST

with The Peacocks


Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground (The White Stripes song)


Missing Pieces


Freedom At 21

Love Interruption

Hotel Yorba (The White Stripes song)


Two Against One (Rome cover)


Top Yourself (The Raconteurs song)


I'm Slowly Turning Into You (The White Stripes song)


Blue Blood Blues" (The Dead Weather song) (with Screwdriver riff intro)


Take Me With You When You Go

with Los Buzzardos


Sixteen Saltines


I Cut Like a Buffalo (The Dead Weather song)


Weep Themselves To Sleep


Trash Tongue Talker

You Know That I Know (Hank Williams cover)


We're Going To Be Friends (The White Stripes song)


Hypocritical Kiss

Hello Operator (The White Stripes song)


Carolina Drama (The Raconteurs song)


Catch Hell Blues (Fragment) (The White Stripes song)


Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes song)


Goodnight Irene (Leadbelly cover)

White recently made his solo debut in the UK with a London live show at the HMV Forum. This sunday saw him knock Adele from the top of the UK charts and score his third number No.1. Jack also recently confirmed he had already had twelve new tracks ready for a follow up record.

Blunderbuss is out now on Third Man/Columbia records

The guitarist and singer, who performs as The Nightwatchman, wrote on his twitter feed:

I'm putting a new band together and ur in it. Our 1st rehearsal is tomm noon @ Bryant Park in NYC. Looking for about 10,000 guitar players

- Tom Morello (@tmorello) April 30, 2012

He added: "Join my new band! Don't have a guitar? Bring a drum. No drum? Bring a kazoo. No kazoo? Just come. Bryant Park/noon tomm. #MayDayThrowdown"

Tom Morello - who has recently joined Bruce Springsteen on a number of US tour dates - has been linked to the Occupy movement since it formed last year. In 2011, he played shows at Occupy camps across the world, including those in London, Los Angeles and New York. 

The army of guitarists will gather in Manhattan's Bryant Park and march down to Union Square at 12 noon to draw attention to the need for greater social equality.

Morello previously joined protesters in London and treated them to a brief performance, while he also played for Occupy demonstrators in Austin, Texas during the South By Southwest music and arts festival in March (12).

"The Peavey 6505 Series has earned its place in rock history as the guitar amplifiers of choice for a wide range of top rock and metal artists," said Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics.

The Peavey 6505 has helped define the down-tuned sound of modern metal in the arsenals of artists like Machine Head and producers such as Colin Richardson, Andy Sneap and Jason Suecof, who have produced the most enduring metal and hard rock albums of the past two decades.

"The 6505 was the first amp you could plug into for that heavier, thrashier tone," said Sneap.

One of the keys to bringing metal's new lows to the masses was Peavey's patented Resonance circuit, which keeps the extreme low-end tight where other amps cannot. Resonance causes dramatic changes to the low-end response and allows the speaker to recreate the extended low frequencies with clarity and punch. Resonance is still a key ingredient of the 6505 sound today.

"When you throw in the Resonance, you almost get an extra sub-harmonic that is below where the bass is," said Richardson, whose credits include Machine Head, Chimaira and more. "They're some of the heaviest tones I've ever tracked."

Machine Head's Robb Flynn has used the amp since the recording sessions for his band's debut, Burn My Eyes, in the early '90s. "We were trying to get a modern, heavy tone," he said. "And when we came across [the 6505], it was crushing. It's got a really incredible midrange growl that works so well."

The 6505 legacy continues today with an artist roster that includes Bullet For My Valentine, Asking Alexandria, All That Remains, Black Veil Brides, The Devil Wears Prada, Bring Me The Horizon, August Burns Red and more.

"It might be on 60-70% of [metal] releases that have come out in the last 20 years," said Richardson. "If you put a metal record on, I'm sure Peavey is over 50% of what you're hearing."

Added Flynn, "Now that guitar tone has pretty much defined a generation of guitar tone."

The Peavey 6505 Series includes the original  6505 head; the  6505 Plus, which features two independent channels; the  6534™ Plus, outfitted with EL34 tubes for a more British-sounding tone; and two combo versions of the 6505 Plus, a  1x12 and a  2x12.

Customers buying a PRS Studio model from participating UK dealers will receive an immediate £250 rebate on the advertised price of the guitar - whether buying in store or on-line. This amount is simply deducted at the checkout, with no forms to fill in or post-purchase claims to be made.

Headline Music Ltd's Gavin Mortimer had this to say:

"we've been really pleased with the take-up of the Rebate Scheme on the PRS Studios. It's been very popular with dealers and customers, hence the decision to extend it for an extra week.

The Studio is a fantastic guitar - one of the most versatile and flexible that PRS have ever produced - and those thinking about investing in one this year should do so sooner rather than later."

For more information visit www.headlinemusic.co.uk 

Fender Pawshop Offset Special

The Pawn Shop Jaguarillo guitar hot-rods traditional Jaguar design through the roof with a scorching HSS configuration in which all three pickups -two standard Stratocaster single-coils and an Atomic humbucking bridge pickup - are angled for enhanced bass and treble response.

With a standout design that calls for double-take reactions, the Pawn ShopReverse Jaguar Bass features a "reverse" body and "reverse" headstocks, new pickguard shape, two Reverse Jaguar humbucking pickups and a streamlined control layout of a single three-way pickup toggle switch and two knobs (volume and tone).

Fender Pawnshop Jaguarillo

A guitar from the past and the future, the Pawn Shop Offset Special guitar is one of Fender's most offbeat designs ever. Features include a semi-hollow double-cutaway body with an f hole and sleek offset waist, a pair of large JZHB humbucking pickups with three-way toggle switching and an Adjusto-Matic™ bridge with vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece.

Fender  Pawn Shop Mustang Special

The enormously popular Pawn Shop Mustang Special returns with a brand new 3-Color Sunburst finish, expanding colour choices for players of all tastes. Features include a rosewood fretboard with modern 9.5 radius and medium jumbo frets, pickup toggle switch, three-way coil selector slide switch foreach humbucking pickup (enabling 15 different tonal options), mint green pickguard, '70s-style hard-tail Stratocaster bridge, vintage-style tuners and strap buttons, and deluxe gig bag.

Fender Pawn Shop Reverse Jaguar Bass

"Live to Rise" is the first single from the Marvel Music/Hollywood Records album Avengers Assemble, which will be released May 1. Tracks from Shinedown, Rise Against, Bush and Five Finger Death Punch are among the 14 cuts on the album.

"We've been hard at work on our new album, which will come out this Fall," said Soundgarden. "When the opportunity arose to write an original song for 'Marvel's The Avengers' film came our way, we thought it could be a cool match. We are excited to release our new song "Live To Rise", which is also the only new song in the film."

Frontman Chris Cornell says that although he's proud of "The Avengers" cut, the track is nothing like what Soundgarden will churn out for their upcoming new album. "The hard part of writing a song for a film is it has to act as a Soundgarden song, first and foremost, then obviously, it has to coexist with the film," Soundgarden singer-songwriter Chris Cornell told Billboard. "It sounds kind of stripped down and more streamlined than a lot of other songs we've been writing, but if you take any song out of context, from any one of our albums, going all the way back to our first Sub Pop EP, it's not going to tell you anything about the songs around it. We're just that way. This would fit on our record … but if there's a way that it stands apart, this is fairly rhythmically straightforward."

Cornell also insisted that Soundgarden's reformation wouldn't taint their previous work. "'[It's] adding to what I believe is an important legacy, as opposed to when a band gets together and if they make new music it doesn't add to anything, it just sort of subtracts," he said. "It's, in a sense, borrowing from a great legacy to go out and make money and have something to do. This is not that."

The soundtrack is currently available on iTunes, and the movie reaches theaters on May 4. 

"We kind of went back old school this time," guitarist Gary Rossington said in a statement. "All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks. We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us, so that's when you know you are on to something good. We can't wait to let the fans hear these songs and play 'em live."

"Last of a Dying Breed" reunites the band with producer Bob Marlette who produced "God & Guns," which was released in September 2009. 

Joining Lynyrd Skynyrd is bass player Johnny Colt, who has played with the Black Crowes, Train and Rockstar Supernova.

When asked about receiving a phone call from guitarist Rickey Medlocke on behalf of Lynyrd Skynyrd to join the band, Colt said: "What else do you say to Medlocke, Rossington and [singer Johnny] Van Zant? We're talking southern rock royalty. We're talking Lynyrd Skynyrd. The only thing out of my mouth was, When and where?"

Before their album release, the group is headed on a U.S. and European summer tour, starting with a May 4 show in Baltimore.

Lynyrd Skynyrd 2012 Tour Dates

All participants were registered and given IDs, with organisers approving electric, acoustic, classical and bass guitars.

The bid to create the world's largest ensemble performance on guitar dates back to 2003, when 588 musicians riffed together on Wroclaw's Main Market Square. 

The record had been unbroken since 2009, when 6346 enthusiasts descended on central Wroclaw for the event. 

Watch videos from the event below to hear the sound of 7273 guitarists

2013 will mark 40 years since the release of the debut Montrose album with Sammy Hagar on vocals, and the Red Rocker has announced what may be the first of many retrospective dates to celebrate his four decades in rock.

The only date to be announced so far will take place on September 1 at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey's in Stateline, Nevada.

Hagar announced on his website that the show will begin with his current band the Wabos, then bassist Michael Anthony will join him for a set of Van Halen tunes (billed as "The Other Half"). After an intermission, Hagar will lead a tribute to Montrose, with Denny Carmassi and Bill Church, along with Joe Satriani filling in for the late Ronnie Montrose. Then, "if we get an encore," Hagar writes that Anthony, Satriani and Carmassi will join him for some Chickenfoot tunes.

As Hagar says, "This is a prototype to the type of thing I want to take on the road next year so I promise it to be the party of a lifetime!" 

For tickets and further details go to Sammy's website here

Last Friday Sammy Hagar was back with Bill Church and Denny Carmassi from the original Montrose to perform a tribute gig for the late Ronnie Montrose, who took his life on March 3.

In a recent statement Hagar announced, "One of my top priorities this year was a Montrose reunion. Ronnie and I planned to do it in Cabo in October. I am so sad it won't happen, but on April 27th, Joe Satriani, Denny Carmassi, Bill Church and I are going to play the hell out of some Montrose!"

It happened last Friday at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. Joe Satriani filmed in for Ronnie's guitar parts.

Watch a performance from the show below

The UK concerts will feature a plethora of hits spanning Michael Schenker's colourful career. Songs to be performed by the 'Temple of Rock' line-up include UFO's 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor', Michael Schenker Group's 'Armed and Ready' and 'Into The Arena', Scorpions classics 'Another Piece of Meat' and 'Rock You like a Hurricane', plus new songs from the recently released 'Temple of Rock' album 'Miss Claustrophobia' and 'Before the Devil Knows You´re Dead'.

May 9 - Wolverhampton The Wulfren

May 10 - Manchester HMV Ritz 

May 11 - Glasgow O2 ABC

May 12 - London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Michael Schenker was our cover star for last month's Issue of iGuitar Magazine watch him jam with Jamie Humphries below

click here to read the full magazine

The Slash Octave Fuzz features a searing Fuzz tone coupled with a separate Sub Octave voice and an Octave Up Fuzz, all for thickening up your tone with a sinister growl. With an array of external and internal controls, there are numerous ways to combine the main Fuzz effect's thick '70s shag with the chainsaw grind of the Octave Up Fuzz and the warm growl of the Sub Octave. Internal Gain and Tone pots shape the Octave Up Fuzz effect. Emblazoned with custom Slash graphics, the Slash Octave Fuzz features all analog circuitry, true hardwire bypass and comes in a heavy duty housing with durable jacks and switches.

The Slash Cry Baby Classic is custom-voiced for the raw, expressive sound that influenced a generation of guitar players. Tuned to a lower frequency and featuring a custom-wound resonance inductor, this wah-wah has a huge dynamic range and a wide sweep. Two side-mounted blue LEDs indicate ON/OFF status, viewable from any angle onstage, so you can always tell when the effect is on. The Slash Cry Baby Classic also features high quality components, such as a true hardwire bypass switch and a long-life pot, and comes in housed in a heavy duty die-cast casing featuring custom Slash graphics.

Now celebrating the 25+ years Slash has used Tortex Picks with the limited edition Slash Pick Tin, featuring the same white 1.14mm Tortex picks Slash takes to the studio and on the road, adorned with new album art and imagery. The Slash Pick Tin also includes a code to download a free digital copy of Apocalyptic Love's title track.

The MXR Slash Octave Fuzz, Slash Cry Baby Classic, and Slash Pick Tin are exclusive to Guitar Center in the US.

For more information go to www.jimdunlop.com

ESQUIRE: Did you actually have to decide at one moment that I'm going to be in this band? Or did you just feel like you were - I mean, there had to be a point where you're like, Holy shit, they're really planning this thing around me. 

WOLFGANG VAN HALEN: I guess it really didn't hit me until, like, the first night of the tour, in 2007. It just felt so normal, because we had already been rehearsing for two years. It just kind of fell into place, you know? I didn't really have anything that I felt like I needed to do other than music. It's the only thing I had, I think.

ESQ: So you joined when you were fifteen?

WVH: We started rehearsing when I was almost sixteen, like four months before I was sixteen. But then we rehearsed for, like, a year and a half, two years - it takes a really long time to get shit done - but by the end, we were all practiced up. It's just so crazy. We're playing while rehearsing. We started rehearsing and recording ourselves for the record right before I turned eighteen. So for about two and a half years, we've pretty much been rehearsing every single day - excluding Sundays, maybe, just the three of us, and it's funny, it doesn't feel like work at all. It just feels like something that we do.

EDDIE VAN HALEN: Not even close to work - we just kind of meet each other every day. "See you in the studio tomorrow!" "Okay!" "You wanna play?" "Yeah, okay, let's play."

WVH: We call each other at 10:30, like, "Hey, see you at 12."

EVH: Sometimes we go, "You wanna play or not?"

WVH: Dad always goes, "Do we have to?" And I say, "Yes."

EVH: No, but half the time it was because I was so tired of setting up mics and engineering.

ESQ: You don't have some guy that does that for you?

EVH: No, because I know what I want. The shit I record sounds way better than the record.

WVH: The early demos of just the three of us sound fantastic. We had severe cases of demo-itis. 

EVH: I'm the only one who knows how this band is supposed to sound. Drum-wise, it starts with the drums. If Al's drum sound isn't there, you know, forget it. I'm the only one who can get it.

WVH: The band has never sounded this good.

ESQ: So you enjoy playing sound checks? Are you really working kinks out, or do you just enjoy playing?

WVH: It's kind of just a ritual, almost. We've been doing this new thing to mix it up - every single show we've played has been different - I want to keep it interesting. Since we're on the second tour, I think we've earned the ability to play older songs, like "Hear About It Later." Last night I was so happy we played that.

ESQ: Have you written an entire song for Van Halen?

WVH: Not yet. Just little parts. It's a collaboration. Like, we go, "Hey, I came up with this idea," kind of just all play. We jam it and kind of play around: "Hey, that works." "No, no, no, this works." "No, how about that?" 

ESQ: A lot of people who are famous for something, their kids turn out to be assholes.

WV: Yeah. You kind of inherit the lifestyle without any of the skill that got them to where they were.

ESQ: Seems like you're the new face of Van Halen. I saw this real kind of leadership quality in what you were doing, not only onstage, but when you're backstage, you're the guy saying, "We're going to play this," "Let's rehearse this," "Can we learn how to play this?"

WVH: I mean, I kind of come up with the set lists. When we've got a song that we haven't done, it's like, we should probably run through this before the show and figure out like the count of it. Because dad, for some reason, counts in odds. He'll land on three instead of four.

ESQ: He'll go "1,3,5,7" instead of "1,2,3,4"?

WVH: Yeah, I have to look at him sometimes and go -

EVH: You making fun of me?

WVH: He still, to this day, does not know the lyrics to "Beautiful Girls." You know how we go, "top of the world, beautiful girls"? He has it written down on his pedal board. On the last tour I used to have to go [mouths lyrics]. You were at sound check yesterday when we were practicing "Full Bug" and he was like, "I don't know when to stop!" So I had to go over there and was just like, "Now!"

ESQ: This music was written well before you were even born. And you enjoy it?

WV: Oh, yeah, I love it.

ESQ: The whole sound sounds much meaner. I mean, it is just thunderous. To hear all those old Van Halen songs with your bass, it's like, bass-plus. It's like turbocharged Van Halen.

EVH: The bass sounded a lot meaner at home when we recorded it ourselves.

ESQ: Well shit, man. How the heck are we going to hear that stuff?

EVH: Eh, we'll leak it out. The demos of the demos.

ESQ: Are you writing music on the road?

WVH: Not much. I mean, we have a lot of ideas that we wrote that never made it to the record that were so awesome I wish they had made it. But we kind of held it off to another record, possibly.

ESQ: Because there's just so much material?

WVH: Yeah, there's so much. And there's so much material that dad wrote such a long time ago that has never seen the light of day, either.

ESQ: But when your father is retired, okay -

WVH: That's going to be a while.

ESQ: I know, but when his arms fall off… okay, when his arms fall off and his ears fall off, you're going to carry on this band.

WVH: Yeah, it kind of falls on my shoulders. I thought it would be really fun if dad and I just sat down and started jamming and see if we came up with something together, instead of him writing something and me putting my spin on it.

Read the full interview here www.esquire.com

Photo: Theo Wargo, Getty Images

Experience French 'kartoon guitarist extraordinaire', Christophe Godin, in these intimate and insightful Vigier clinics. Enjoy Christophe's colourful personality and humour, while witnessing one of the world's finest guitar heros of the modern age.

Godin, best known for his time with the French band Metal Kartoon, has also toured with a number of big names in the business, including Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal and played with Paul Gilbert and Frank Gambale.

Monday 21st May - Mann's Music, Colchester 1-5pm
Tuesday 22nd May - Mid Air Music, Chatham 1-5pm
Wednesday 23rd May - Guitar Guitar, Epsom 1-5pm
Friday 25th May - Tone World, Manchester 7-9pm (in-store greeting 3-5pm)

Contact dealers for further details.

Watch Guthrie Govan - One of the masters of the fretless guitar demonstrate the latest edition to Patrick Vigier's astonishing Excaliber Surfreter Guitars in Issue 9 of iGuitar Magazine. Click the picture below to watch the full review.

The Adam Black 0-6 Acoustic Guitar features a dove tail neck joint, rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top with a maple binding.

A new acoustic guitar AND Fusion's flagship gig bag system to put it in!  You'll definitely be ready for the stage with this prize package.

The contest runs until May 14th so there's not much time left.

A statement posted on the band's website, reads, "What a great show here in Prague to start off the 20th Anniversary of the Black Album! The band surprised everyone, and played it backwards! During and after Sandman, it was pyro, pyro, pyro, and pyro!!! Sandman had fireworks, Fuel had the big flames..."

The band's setlist was as follows:

He added, "The thing is, although we haven't played at Donington for six years, we have been to the U.K. pretty much every single summer since then. So they wanted us to do something different, and that's what they came up with. I quite like the fact that come [this] summer it'll be the 21st anniversary of the 'black album,' not the 20th."

Metallica will be performing the record in its entirety throughout the tour, including a slot at Britain's Download Festival next month.

"Mixing '12804', which is the song I wrote as my tribute to Dimebag Darrell. My daughter, Jordan who is 7, has declared the song a single! I guess I gotta agree. Probably my favorite song on the record..." 

'12804' refers to December 8th 2004, the day PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN guitarist Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed on stage at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. 

Projected's debut release is expected to be made available later in the year.

Connolly describes Projected's musical direction as "not super heavy. . . somewhere closer to Foo Fighters/A Perfect Circle. It's sorta heavy, just not real metal. I guess. The songs are pretty badass, though."

The full line-up for Projected is:

It will be a G3 homecoming of sorts for LaRue, who performed with Joe Satriani during the Super Colossal era, and has worked with Morse since 1988. LaRue is also a member of progressive rock supergroup Flying Colors, who count among their ranks Morse and - how's this for a small world - former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy.

Petrucci's only solo album to date is 2005's Suspended Animation, which features LaRue on bass.

Confirmed dates for the G3 South American tour, so far, are:

Steve Morse - Issue 9 iGuitar Magazine. Click Here To Read 

 John Petrucci Talks To Andy James - Issue 5 iGuitar Magazine. Click Here To Read

Photo: © David Atlas / Retna / Retna Ltd

It's a powerful slab of rock nonetheless and if you like this but don't know much else about BSC then there's a whole three albums to check out. We recommend their self-titled debut and it's follow up 'Folklore and Superstition' 

Halestorm will celebrate its sensational success with an epic summer touring schedule, comprising a U.S. headline trek, high profile festival appearances, a series of much-anticipated European dates, and a number of support slots alongside Avenged Sevenfold (see itinerary below). In the meantime, the band is currently wrapping up a major U.S. tour alongside Godsmack and fellow Atlantic recording group Staind. The "MASS CHAOS 2012" tour continues through a May 16th finale at Manchester, New Hampshire's Verizon Wireless Arena. For up-to-the-minute details and complete ticket information, please visit www.halestormrocks.com/tour. 

"The Strange Case Of..." is shaping up as Halestorm's biggest release thus far. The album made a stunning #1 debut on Billboard's "Hard Rock Albums" chart, while also making a top 15 entry onto the overall Billboard 200. In addition, "The Strange Case Of..." has proven a top 10 success on both the "Rock Albums" and "Alternative Albums" rankings.

Produced by Howard Benson (who previously collaborated with Halestorm on their self-titled 2009 debut), "The Strange Case Of..." includes such explosive tracks as "Here's To Us," which shot to #1 on iTunes' "Top Rock Songs" chart after being featured in a February 2012 episode of Fox's hit series, Glee. In addition, the album's "Freak Like Me" is featured in a new live video heralding Halestorm's upcoming tour schedule. The clip will made available exclusively to members of the band's official "Eye of the Storm" fan community before being showcased across the myriad Halestorm online platforms.

Along with its popular success, "The Strange Case Of..." has also drawn critical acclaim, with Billboard praising the collection as "full of chugging riffs, wailing solos, drums that kick like a boot to the gut, and never-out-of-style soft/loud dynamics that lead to massive choruses." "Led by one of our favorite rocker babes, singer-guitarist Lzzy Hale, (Halestorm) promise a more personal album for their follow-up," noted Revolver in its album preview. "But don't expect them to get all sappy on us. There should still be more than enough of the band's now signature raucous attitude and righteous riffs for any headbanger to get off."

Formed by frontwoman Lzzy Hale and her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, Halestorm has been hailed far and wide as an incendiary force in modern hard rock. "Halestorm" made a top 5 debut on SoundScan's "Hard Music" chart upon its 2009 release, simultaneously bursting into the top 40 on the comprehensive Billboard 200. The album subsequently sold more than 300,000 copies, and half a million cumulative tracks. Produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, Flyleaf), the album earned extensive acclaim for its infectious hard rock anthems, sexy hooks, and rough-and-tumble grooves. 

"The Strange Case Of..." marks Halestorm's first full-length release since last year's "ReAniMate: The CoVeRs eP," which saw the band putting their unique stamp on a diverse collection of classic songs, including tracks by Guns N' Roses, The Beatles, Heart, Temple Of The Dog, Skid Row, and Lady Gaga. Halestorm also unleashed their first-ever live CD/DVD, "LIVE IN PHILLY 2010," featuring such favorites from the band's self-titled debut as "It's Not You," "Familiar Taste of Poison," and the rock radio smash "I Get Off."

True road warriors, Halestorm made its bones as a major league hard rock outfit via countless North American gigs alongside such artists as Shinedown, Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet for My Valentine, and Disturbed. Last year saw the band traveling the country on the blockbuster "Avalanche Tour 2011," joining such hard rock luminaries as Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, and fellow Atlantic recording group Skillet. 

A design for guitarists presents music staff that can be either used as tablature or standard notation, another design presents blank chord diagrams with multiple usage, while a third design is the standard notation staff for all instruments. In an effort to let written music notation stand out, the tenets of the designs are:

-Larger sized staves and chord diagrams

-Plenty of room to annotate music as necessary

-Crisp finer lines

MUSIC PAPERis available now. For more information, visit: www.pelemeleworks.com

About Pêle-Mêle Works

Pêle-Mêle Works develops and publishes music instructional products for students, teachers, and practising musicians, amongst which the CHEATSHEET Music™ series (www.cheatsheetmusic.com).

Halestorm became the first ever female-fronted group to top the Active Rock Radio chart and it's no wonder, this is the lead single taken from the band's latest album "The Strange Case Of..." and it's a perfect representation of what Halestorm do best. Big riffs, big Vocals and a big attitude.

Watch the video to 'Love Bites (So Do I)' and listen to the full album below

The Liverpool Deluxe Sansamp is part of Tech 21's Private Stock.  These products are personally designed by Andrew Barta, founder of Tech 21, inspired by equipment he  originally built for himself.  The Private Stock are all hand-built per order, quantities are extremely limited.

The SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe features a combination of an all-analog signal path and convenient digital programmability. There are four independent, pop-free footswitch actuators and the same controls as its sibling --Drive, Character, Low, Mid, High and Level. Dual inputs allow you to have two instruments on-line and ready to go With 6 program locations, you can create three custom tones for each input or use all six for a single instrument.

Super simple to operate, changes can easily be made on the fly--without having to refer to the owner's manual. You just turn the knobs to a setting you like, double click on a footswitch and it's saved in that channel. You can tailor and program any six sounds, from the jangle of mop-top pop to the top-boosted growl of mod rock.

The SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe can be used as a preamp or stomp box with any amp/combo, power amp and speaker cabinet, or direct into any mixing console. There's a 1/4- inch instrument level input, as well as 1/4" and XLR outputs with selectable levels.

For more information visit:

www.tech21nyc.com

The competition is to design an image to fit on a standard pick shape. The design needs to be bright and creative, exciting and clearly show your passion for music. It will be a striking imaginative concept, well executed and have an originality and point of difference that makes it stand out from the others.

There areeight categoriesto enter: rock, metal, blues, folk, punk, psychedelic, pop and jazz. Each category will have six winners who will have the opportunity to see their creation put in to production and go on sale worldwide, as well as receiving a 200 of their winning Rotosound picks.

To enter simply download the pick template from >http://www.rotosound.com/pick_competition.php design your pick and send your entry stating which category you are entering to jason@rotosound.com. You can also enter by post to Rotosound, Unit 3B, Morewood Close, Sevenoaks, Kent, TH13 2HU including your email address, first and last name, address including post code and telephone number. The closing date for entries is on the 30^th June. See the Rotosound website for full entry rules.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges including the Rotosound CEO Jason How and will be announced on the 31^st July.

To find our more about the competition and the guitar pick range visit http://www.rotosound.com/

The Sunset guitars are available in two models, Sunset 1 and Sunset 2 and both feature mahogany necks and bodies with maple tops, rosewood fingerboards and TV Jones pickups.

Sunset Series guitars come equipped with D'Addario strings, chrome hardware and are available in black and candy apple red.

Sunset 1 specifications include:

Bigsby B50 Tailpiece
Maple top on chambered mahogany body
Mahogany neck
Rosewood fretboard with 12" radius
22 Frets
Rectangular pearl inlay
Grover tuners
TV Jones Classic and Classic Plus pickups
One volume, one tone and three-way toggle controls
Single cutaway
Single "F" hole on body top
Chrome hardware
D'Addario strings
MSRP $1,195 USD

Sunset 2 specifications include:

Maple top on chambered mahogany body
Mahogany neck
Rosewood fretboard with 12" radius
22 Frets
Rectangular pearl inlay
Die cast tuners
TonePros licensed bridge with stop tailpiece
TV Jones Ltd. pickups
One volume, one tone and three-way toggle controls
Chrome hardware
D'Addario strings

MSRP $750 USD

This version sees him performing on his only US Television appearance. Featuring Paul Cook from The Sex Pistols on drums (Paul played the vibes part on the original recording) and Clare Kenny on bass, Edwyn's guitar playing on this track is brilliant and his guitar sounds as good as you've heard. 

Northern Soul-Punk-Dance-Pop never sounded so good.....

For more information visit Heavenlyrecordings.com

Tickets for all the European tour can be ordered online via the official European press page here.

Flying Colors: September 2012 European Tour

Flying Colors showcases Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar). "The album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us," says Portnoy. "The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved."

Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the songs are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who in becoming a band have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music.

"It was quite an experience making the album," recalls Dave LaRue. "It's been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop and metal into one big recording."

http://flyingcolorsmusic.com/

Flying Colours guitarist Steve Morse is our cover star on this month Issue of iGuitar Magazine. To watch Steve's full interview and technique video's click here.

MuseBox™, the new plug-and-play, software-powered musical instrument and effects module for electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, vocals, and drums, is now available from Peavey Electronics dealers throughout North America. MuseBox, a collaboration between  Peavey Electronics and  Muse Research, makes an extensive library of essential studio-quality sounds and effects available to musicians and audio professionals in an affordable, compact and easy-to-use package.

MuseBox runs virtual instruments and effects software, the same technology used in the production of today's hit records and used on stage by the world's biggest touring bands. What's different is that MuseBox enables musicians of all types to take these cutting-edge software-based synths, sounds and effects from the studio to the stage with ultimate ease and stability.

The MuseBox is pre-loaded with more than 4GB of professional virtual instruments and effects, including an assortment of essential keyboard sounds, reverbs, chorus, compressors and more-a total software package valued more than $900 featuring Universons, Wave Arts, AAS, Camel Audio, ForeFront, MuTech and others, as well as Peavey's revolutionary  ReValver™ amp modeling software-all built-in, pre-authorized and ready to play.

MuseBox is powerful and versatile enough for the entire band, and even the sound engineer. Thanks to its extensive range of presets, flexible software and versatile I/O options, you can play guitar through it, sing through it, mix through it, play along to backing tracks, and of course, create lush keyboard sounds with a MIDI controller. Guitarists can use it to run amp-modeling software, multi-effects libraries and more. Singers can enhance their vocals with reverb, compression, de-essing and harmonization in real time. Keyboardists will love the hundreds of superb-quality sampled, modeled, and synthesized sounds with super-low latency and stability, while drummers can choose from an extensive collection of acoustic, electronic and exotic hand percussion and pitched percussion sounds.

The versatility of MuseBox also makes it a must-have for live sound engineers who want the flexibility to process effects for front-of-house and monitors in a stable, portable, incredibly versatile box that is built for the road with its all-steel and -aluminum construction.

Using software-based instruments and effects is incredibly easy with MuseBox due to its innovative user-interface design. The SoundFinder™ feature lets you simply browse through different categories of sounds or effects, and select any one of the thousands of factory presets with the simple turn of a knob and press of a button. In addition, SoundFinder's preset architecture makes it easy to create new presets by combining different sounds or effects together, and then saving them as user presets that can be quickly recalled during a gig, either from the front panel or by simply connecting a footswitch to the back of the unit for hands-free operation.

MuseBox is not only simple to use, it's also very powerful and designed to grow with you as you explore the world of virtual instruments and effects. Musicians can connect a VGA monitor, mouse and keyboard directly to the unit and take advantage of the DuoHost™ graphical user interface, which lets you explore and create your own presets or take advantage of the more advanced features like "MIDI Learn." MuseBox also has a CF-expansion card slot on the back, which will allow users to add new virtual instruments and effects as they become available from Muse Research.

MuseBox's flexible I/O options include stereo, 24-bit, 48 kHz pro-grade 1/4" rear-panel inputs and outputs, as well as two front-panel guitar/mic inputs with phantom power, and MIDI and USB keyboard inputs.

The MuseBox is available now from authorized retailers with a U.S. MSRP of $1399.99 ($999.99 street). For an expanded list of features, specifications and presets, visit  www.peavey.com/musebox.

The guitar, the JP100 3TS, features a quilt veneer maple top. Other features include a thin maple neck, 24 jumbo frets, Shield inlays, locking tuners, floating tremolo bridge, Dome knobs, three-way switch and two high-output ceramic magnet pickups.

Like the other Petrucci models, the guitar was designed by Petrucci and Music Man. Each guitar is inspected and set up in Orange, California.

The Sterling by Music Man JP100 3TS is available now. To Learn more about the guitar, visit sterlingbymusicman.com

When asked about the comparisons with the band's last original studio release "Just Push Play", the guitarist says "Let's say they're polar opposites. The whole attitude of making this record and the way that we went about it is so opposite. I mean, the band stayed in the room and everybody had riffs, songs. I can remember writing some of the riffs 20 years ago; they've been kind of bubbling under. Steven and I would look at each other and go, "We gotta use that one," and they'd always end up somewhere. A lot of these riffs that we love, that are really part of our inner Aerosmith lexicon, are now songs, finally.  So the whole process was different. The record's gonna sound modern and hi-fi."

There is no release date date set for the as yet un-named album, however Perry does reveal, "We're releasing a new single in three or four weeks, and that is going to open the door."

Aerosmith kick off their summer "Global Warming" Tour with Cheap Trick on June 16th in North America.

Visit  www.aerosmith.com for ful details.

In an interview with Spinner the guitarist's widow Olivia Harrison says a number of works-in-progress remain following his death in 2001.

She oversaw the creation of Early Takes, an album of demos and unreleased material, launched to coincide with the DVD publication of Martin Scorcese's Harrison documentary, Living in the Material World.

She tells Spinner: "There is some more material. There may be a minute of something he was writing and it will never be finished. I had an idea of giving unfinished songs to different people - giving one to Paul, maybe, or giving one to somebody else and saying: 'Here are the bones of a song, would you like to finished it?' I think that would be a nice idea."

Olivia says of her husband's writing process: "It was an amazing thing to witness. It was just being born right then and there. I'd try not to interrupt - I'd put a pencil and paper by him, just to make sure he had something if he wanted to write something down. I'd get the tape player and put it there."

And she believes Harrison didn't feel stifled in the Beatles, despite being faced with the challenge of writing alongside the Lennon-McCartney hit machine.

"Nobody can stifle you as a writer," says Olivia. "You can just keep writing. You might not get your song on an album. It seems to be history that he was suppressed or something - but really, he developed later as a songwriter."

Read the full interview here www.spinner.com

Schenker's current tour marks the first time his touring band will feature two ex-SCORPIONS members - Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass). Songs being performed by the Temple Of Rock line-up include UFO's 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor', MSG's 'Armed and Ready' and 'Into The Arena', Scorpions classics 'Another Piece Of Meat', 'Lovedrive', 'Coast To Coast', 'Holiday', 'Blackout' and 'Rock You Like A Hurricane', plus new songs from the recently released Temple of Rock album 'Miss Claustrophobia' and 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead'. 

Schenker's touring line-up also features singer Doogie White (Yngwie Malmsteen, Rainbow, Cornerstone, Tank) and guitarist/keyboardist Wayne Findlay.

Michael Schenker was the iGuitar Issue 8 Cover Star. Watch his jam with Jamie Humphries below and read the full article in the mag here.

Johnson had earlier hinted that the band could return with new material as early as this year but in a new interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Malcolm suggested that the singer's comment may have been a touch premature.

"You know what Brian's like," Young told Classic Rock. "He just says things and then walks away. It'll be a little while - a year or two anyway.

"I've been doing some jamming on some song ideas but I do that all the time, as do the rest of the band," Young continued. "We are still working. But we had a long rest between 'Stiff Upper Lip' and 'Black Ice,' so I think we need a couple of years to recuperate and work on it a bit more."

Back to 'Back In Black' then........

The Rolling Stones frontman has confirmed that he will perform on the show as well as host, but Rolling Stone is stating that he might play with the programme's fellow musical performers.

Arcade Fire Tweeted about their upcoming appearance on the show on May 11 writing, "We're extremely excited to be joining Mick Jagger on SNL next Sat, May 19!"

Meanwhile the Foo Fighters Twitter account asked their followers, "What're you guys doing next Saturday Night?#SNL."

Jagger last hosted Saturday Night Live with the rest of The Rolling Stones in 1978. It is thought that he will delve into his band's back catalogue on the show, in order to kick off their 50th anniversary celebrations. 

The legendary frontman was announced as the season finale host on May 3. Last September, Jagger released an album as part of his super group SuperHeavy, which features Dave Stewart, of the Eurythmics, soul singer Joss Stone, reggae artist and youngest son of the late Bob Marley, Damian Marley, and "Slumdog Millionaire" film composer A.R. Rahman.

The first single off of the album was "Miracle Worker," which the band shot a corresponding video for in late June. Other tracks include "One Day One Night," "You're Never Gonna Change" and "SuperHeavy." 

It was initially thought that Jagger would use the SNL platform to perform tracks from the SuperHeavy project but with the news of 'Arcade Fire' and 'The Foos' joining him, Stones fans can rest a little easy -in the past, Arcade Fire has covered "The Last Time" (watch it below). 

The Rolling Stones played their first ever gig in London on July 12, 1962, and had been expected to celebrate the half-century landmark by embarking on a world tour later this year, but in March the band revealed that they would be delaying their live shows until 2013. 

Blur shows don't come around very often. Coaxed out of retirement by the Olympics committee the band are set to headline a special show this summer, to coincide with the global sporting event arriving on London soil.

Now the band have unveiled three warm up shows. Blur are set to play a short burst of intimate dates ahead of their Hyde Park appearance, mixing a two night stand in the Midlands with a visit to the seaside.

The Britpop giants will play Margate Gardens on August 1st, before playing two shows in Wolverhampton. Hitting Civic Hall on August 5th and 6th, the brief run of shows end with a visit to Plymouth on August 7th.

Bass player Alex James said: ''Every one of these shows will be very special and we can't wait to get cracking.''

Singer Damon Albarn - who completes the band with drummer Dave Rowntree and guitarist Graham Coxon - has hinted the Olympic show could be the band's last ever.

When asked if the show would be the end of the band, he said: ''I think so, yeah,'' before adding: ''And I hope that's the truth: That that's how we end it.''

Tickets are £35 each (plus a £3.50 booking fee) and available from 9:00am on Friday (May 18th).

Blur are set to play the following shows:

August

Click here to buy tickets for Blur!

The competition sees MPs nominate the best live musicians and music venue from their constituencies. Now in its second year it has become the single most participated-in Parliamentary competition with a massive 165 MPs submitting nominations - including the Prime Minister David Cameron and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Hunt.

The finalists will be announced on 23rd May, with the live finals competition being held on 30th May in last years' joint winner in the live music venue category, the Bedford in Balham. Winners will be invited to play a live set on the terrace of the House of Commons in the evening, which will see a full backline of Orange amps.

Commenting on the involvement of Orange Amplification Mike Weatherley MP said "We're delighted to have Orange on board, particularly with their strong British heritage dating back to the 60s with their products being used by international music legends"

Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amplification said "We are very proud to be working with Mike in supporting the Rock The House competition which is both raising the awareness of the live music industry and also providing a superb platform to showcase the best of upcoming British talent." Orange Amplification has just been awarded for the third time in six years the Queens award for Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2012.

With no shortage of Patronage from rock stars, a vast array of priceless prizes and a finalists' judging panel that reads as the who's who of the music industry, it is no surprise that Rock the House has captured the imagination of MPs and musicians alike.

These are the first UK dates since the band brought their 3 ½ hour Time Machine Tour in May 2011 - the tour was met with widespread critical acclaim and included a sold out date at London's O2 Arena.

Rush "Clockwork Angels" UK Arena Tour - May 2013:

This announcement follows the band unveiling details of its highly anticipated, new album, 'Clockwork Angels'. This is the renowned trio's first new collection of original material in over five years and their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner Records. 'Clockwork Angels,' the band's 20th studio album, will be released in the UK on June 11th.

The album, "Clockwork Angels" lyrically chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. 

The band are currently working on their trio of albums '¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré!', which are due out across the end of this year and will headline the three-day festival as part of the release celebrations. 

'¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré!' will be released in three stages, with the first album coming out in September, the second in November and third and final album on January 12 2013. Voodoo Music Experience takes place from October 26 - 28 and so comes after the release of '¡Uno!' and before '¡Dos!' comes out. Green Day are the only band confirmed for the festival so far.

Green Day will also play headline shows at Japan's Summer Sonic festival and France's Rock En Seine in August and a headline slot at I-Day festival in Bologna, Italy on September 2 as well as three shows in Germany in late August. 

Although the band currently have no UK dates scheduled, their American Idiot musical will tour later this year. The show will hit the UK for three months, ending with a two-week run at London's HMV Hammersmith Apollo in December.

Lee explained that the genesis of the album came about in 2010 when they were planning the 'Time Machine' tour. "We didn't feel good about going out without anything new," Lee said. "It feels to us that we need new material to stay contemporary in our view. So we…started writing some material based on an idea that we had discussed the previous winter for a potential album featuring a single story line. So we wrote four of those songs and two of them, we recorded very quickly, one called 'Caravan' and the other called 'BU2B.'"

"Long story short," Lee continued. "In the fall of this past year, 2011, we finally got back together to continue writing and putting the rest of the album together, and finished it in February."

'Clockwork Angels' is coming out on Roadrunner Records on June 12.

Listen to the full interview here

Image Credit: Jazmin$Million (flickr.com)

For more info visit www.bogneramplification.com

For over two decades the Whammy pedal has been known as the ultimate pitch-shifting pedal in the world, used by everyone from Jimmy Page to Tom Morello and heard on songs like "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes and the Black Keys' recent hit, "Lonely Boy." The introduction of new possibilities with the Whammy pedal reinforces its legendary status of the pitch-shifting realm. 

Rob Urry, vice president, HARMAN Professional Division and general manager of Signal Processing and Amplifier Business Units, told Amped "The release of the new Whammy is the latest chapter in the pitch-shifting revolution. Bringing together the best of the original Whammy with the latest developments offering both classic and chord shifting modes, we are giving guitarists a reason to rediscover the unrivaled tone that makes this pedal a legend in the first place." 

The Whammy lets guitar and bass players raise and lower their tuning by up to two octaves, to create pitch shifts from subtle to extreme and dramatic musical effects not possible with any other pedal. The Whammy now incorporates new pitch-shifting technologies that enable the player to bend entire chords up or down while keeping all the notes in the chord perfectly in tune. The Whammy also keeps its signature Classic single-note mode that has made the pedal one of the most recognizable in rock and contemporary music, along with nine Harmony 2-note interval settings and two Detune modes. 

Offering true bypass means that the signal from the guitar is completely unaffected by the Whammy when it's switched off, maintaining all the purity of the guitar signal when the player doesn't want anything altering his or her sound. This can be especially important when using a lot of pedals on a pedalboard. The Whammy won't alter your sound - until you want it to. 

The Whammy also includes 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, a MIDI input that allows control of the pedal from an external MIDI device, and a 9-volt DC power input. The Whammy employs high-quality 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital and digital-to analog converters for clean, smooth pitch-bending sound. An on/off switch engages and disengages the Whammy effect, and a "Classic/Chords" switch lets players select either mode. Digitech says that the Whammy is built to withstand the rigors of the road, with a rugged all-metal chassis, pedal and footswitch with a bold "Whammy" logo proudly displayed.

For more information visit Digitech

Theroux will be choosing the films on the Sunday (May 27), whilst independent London cinema the Prince Charles will be curating the cinema on the Friday night (May 25) and Mogwai - pictured above - will be curating both the cinema and the musical line-up on Saturday (May 26).

Slayer, Mogwai, The Afghan Whigs, The Make-Up, Melvins, Mudhoney, Dirty Three and Yuck are amongst the bands playing the three day festival. As well as previewing his latest documentary Twilight of the Porn Star, Theroux will be putting on a screening of the 2005 Max Carlish documentary, Stalking Pete Doherty. Scroll down for full cinema listings and also for the newly released set times for the weekend's bands.

Friday May 25

4pm - Doors

Great Hall:

6.30pm-7.30pm - Melvins

8.15pm-9.15pm - Sleep

9.45pm-11.00pm - Slayer

West Hall: 

4.30pm-5.15pm - A Storm Of Light 

5.45pm-6.30pm - Yob 

7.30pm-8.15pm - Wolves In The Throne Room

Cinema curated by Princes Charles Cinema:

4:00pm-5:33pm - They Live 

6:00pm-7:25pm - The Monster Square

7:45pm-9:53pm - Se7en

10:00pm-11:24pm - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Saturday May 26

12pm - Doors

West Hall:

12.30pm-1.15pm - Umberto

1.45pm-2.30pm - Floor

3.00pm-3.45pm - Harvey Milk

4.15pm-5.00pm - Chavez

5.30pm-6.15pm - Codeine

6.45pm-7.30pm - Mudhoney

8.00pm-9.00pm - Dirty Three

9.30pm-11pm - Mogwai

Panorama Room:

2.00pm-3.30pm - The Music Of Can

3.45pm-4.45pm - Antoni Maiovvi

5.15pm-6.15pm - The Soft Moon

6.45pm-7.45pm - Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat

8.15pm-9.15pm - Balam Acab

9.15pm-11.00pm - DJs

Cinema curated by Mogwai:

12:00pm-1:22pm - All Tomorrow's Parties (picked by ATP)

1:30pm-1:55pm - The Meaning Of Style

2:00pm-4:17pm - The Lives Of Others

4:30pm-5:50pm - Tales From A Hard City

7:00pm-8:18pm - Rec

8:30pm-10:32pm - The Exorcist

Sunday May 27

12pm - Doors

West Hall: 

12.30pm-1.15pm - Forest Swords

1.45pm-2.30pm - Blanck Mass

3.00pm-3.45pm - Demdike Stare

4.15pm-5.00pm - Thee Oh Sees

5.30pm-6.15pm - Archers Of Loaf

6.45pm-7.30pm - Yuck

8.00pm-9.00pm - The Make Up

9.30pm-10.45pm - The Afghan Whigs

11.15pm-12.00am - El-P

Panorama Room:

2.00pm-3.30pm - DJs

3.45pm-4.45pm - Tall Firs

5.15pm-6.15pm - Siskiyou

6.45pm-7.45pm - Sleepy Sun

8.15pm-9.15pm - Tennis

9.15pm-11.00pm - DJs

Cinema curated by Louis Theroux:

12:00pm-1:40pm - American Movie

2:00pm-3:36pm - Don't Look Back

4:00pm-6:00pm - What is this film called Love? w/ Mark Cousins Q&A 

6:00pm-8:00pm - Twilight Of The Porn Stars w/ Louis Theroux Q&A

8:00pm-8:55pm - Stalking Pete Doherty

9:00pm-10:37pm - Knuckle

10:45pm-12:00am - King Of Kong

Ward released a statement (which you can read below) on his website, Billward.com, saying that he will not be playing with the band at their Birmingham show on May 19, nor with them at Download Festival on June 10 or at Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3.

Ward had been keeping fans up-to-date on his website as negotiations continued with those running the reunion. Bill originally said back in February that he wouldn't be participating until a "'signable' contract" was presented to him that would reflect "some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band." Later in that month, he said that the lines of communications were still open.

Today, he posted the following on his official site:

Dear Sabbath Fans and Fellow Musicians,

I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming Sabbath shows a failure to agree has continued. At this time I have to inform you that I won't be playing with Black Sabbath at the Birmingham gig dated May 19th, 2012, nor will I be playing at Download on June 10th, 2012. Further, I will not be playing at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2012.

It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news. I am sincerely passionate in my desire to play with the band, and I'm very, very sorry that it's fallen to this. This statement is even more painstaking to write, as I was particularly excited to play alongside Tony Iommi after the recent treatments he underwent. I wanted that to become a reality.

To express my thoughts about you, the Sabbath fans, I'm going to speak to you all through an experience my brother James had recently. My brother Jimmy lives in the U.K. When speaking with him a couple of days ago, he told me that an acquaintance had stopped him on the street and confronted him, 'is your brother playing Birmingham? What's going on? I waited in line with my son and paid x amount for the concert tickets.'

The man's son is a young drummer. He's going to see Sabbath, and he wants to see Bill Ward play drums. Upon hearing this news, I felt horrible. I couldn't help feeling some resentment towards the failure to reach an agreement, the failure to remember where we came from, the failure to be as brothers, as we once were. To be clear, I'm not blaming the other guys or finding any faults with them. I would think it can't be easy for them either, but this situation is just really sad. It's sad that it's come to this. 'This' will surely leave a mark and be unwelcome to the memory. Hopefully 'this' will heal and pass in time.

My heart sank when Jimmy told me about this young boy. I know this boy is going to be disappointed, and I don't know how to amend it, other than to put my arms around the boy and tell him I love him. Sabbath fans have a voice and a face, to me you're human, you have families and despair. You have ferocity and emotions and graciousness, and at this moment as far as I'm concerned you are also that young boy in England. I don't know how to amend my part in these failings other than to put my arms around you and say I love you and let you know I'm very, very sorry.

Throughout this process, which began over a year ago, I have had to stand up for myself time and time again. I have had to stand up for myself and in doing so realize my actions indirectly, although unintentionally, are upsetting and hurting a lot of you. I know in my heart I couldn't have done these concerts by agreeing the terms suggested. I made a solemn vow after the last European and Ozzfest concerts that I would never again enter into what was, in my opinion, a totally unsatisfactory contract. I have to stand for something, and as painful as it is, I'm doing it.

Earlier in April 2012, I'd been asked to participate 'minimally' in the Download festival. I believe I'd been offered no more than three songs to play while another drummer presumably played the rest of the show with Black Sabbath. I was not willing to participate in that offer. I was not prepared to watch another drummer play a Sabbath set, while I was to play only three songs.

I found out about the Birmingham gig on Monday, April 30 through the Internet ad. I was taken aback somewhat by the date, and the fact it was Birmingham. Knowing the 'signable' contract negotiations were at best in shreds, I was upset by the idea that the band was going to play Birmingham and play it assumedly without me. I had no prior knowledge of the date and location, and I felt totally excluded. We contacted the representative for Black Sabbath to see if something could be worked out. In the meantime my drum crew and I, along with our US endorsers, finished all the necessary planning for a swift departure to the UK. There wasn't a whole lot to complete; we'd all been on standby more or less since mid-January 2012. The remaining work in the UK was confirmed done by our European and UK endorsers and we were good to go by Friday, May 4 2012. There were two stress points: firstly, getting an agreement in place, and secondly, getting to England in a timely manner. Jetlag time was taken into account as well as drum practice, a drum practice room in the heart of Birmingham, accommodation, and travel arrangements were all in place to meet with any band rehearsals that may have transpired before the Birmingham show. So far everything that had been arranged was on my dime, but we didn't move ahead without a realistic confirmation.

Communications between the representative and my lawyer continued through the weekend of May 5 finalizing on Wednesday, May 9. The offer we received on May 9 was, 'come to the UK, play for free and see how the first show goes.' I was tempted. Playing for free would not have been a problem for me, but 'seeing how the first show goes' left an element of risk which could have affected Download. My ideal thought was to play in full the Birmingham show, in full Download, and in full Lollapalooza.

I had notified the representative that May 10 was my cutoff day in order to have good lead-in time for England. On the night of May 9 I asked for a brief letter to be sent to the representative asking to find out if we were at an end. On the morning of Thursday, May 10, I received a reply in the affirmative. After consulting with my advisors and crew a decision was made to let go and stop.

I can't prioritize the Sabbath fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing. I had to say 'no' to Birmingham on the principle of wanting to play all the shows. Saying no to Birmingham is very difficult for me. My family grew up in Birmingham. Black Sabbath grew up in Birmingham. It's still my hometown and I resent having to arrive at such a difficult choice.

Although the statement was made that, 'the door is always open' for me, as explained above, walking through that door is not always as easy as it sounds. There are many complicated issues and unseen and unspoken agendas on hand. I can assure you, my criteria for a 'signable' contract is based in mindful principles, respectability, and acknowledgement of my history within the band.

I hold no malice or resentment towards the other band members. I love them; I'm tolerant of them; I'm frustrated with them, as they may be with me. My fight has never been with them. I'll love them forever. In my opinion, nobody wins this time; the band doesn't win; the fans for an original lineup don't win. Nobody wins, nobody. Even the ones who thought they did.

I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent. This is the statement I didn't want to write; it's the last thing I wanted to do. But, I have written it, and now it can go into the universe.

Since Spring of 2011, I've waited patiently and hopefully for a signable contract, you know the rest. I stand for the boy in the U.K., for the coming drum student, for all the drummers, who write their parts out and get stiffed on the publishing, I stand with the Sabbath fans chanting 'Bill Ward' and asking 'why?' and I stand with Tony and Geezer and Ozzy.

On a final note, even though I'm at an end with the upcoming announced concerts, I will remain with an open mind and a position of willingness to negotiate 'signable' terms with Sabbath's representatives in the future.

Stay strong.

Stay safe.

With all my heart and strength, I love you,

Bill Ward

The "Lefty" Custom 24 features a maple top, mahogany back, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, "old school" abalone bird inlays, our redesigned 5-way blade switch, which offers a dual humbucker option for the first time, and 59/09 treble and bass pickups with our contoured bobbins (new for 2012) that arc with the strings for a more spread out, open tone.

To place an order for a "Lefty" Custom 24 Limited Edition instrument, contact your authorized PRS dealer between May 15 - June 15, 2012, or check in with an authorized dealer at any time to see what configurations they have available.

For more info visit PRS.com

The video was shot at Universal studios in LA and features Slash shredding it out while frontman Myles Kennedy provides the vocal work for the song, and a woman (or the liar) appears to be decimated by the sheer rock 'n' roll force of the song...

'You're a Lie' comes from the 'Apocalyptic Love' album, which arrives in stores May 22. It was recently "most added" at Active Rock radio. Slash and his band began their touring support of the album earlier this month.

Photo credit : Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Due to be released on July 23rd, 'Handwritten' could well seal The Gaslight Anthem's place in the big league. Boasting the Single of The Week accolade on BBC Radio 1 this week with world renowned DJ Zane Lowe - The Gaslight Anthem will take the stage in the US this week for two intimate sold-out gigs at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn on May 16th and The Roxy in West Hollywood on May 18th. The shows are the prelude to a full schedule of tour dates, festivals, and television appearances throughout the summer in support of their new record.

Set to be released this summer, The Gaslight Anthem preceded 'Handwritten' with new single '45'. Announcing plans for a show at KOKO on June 11th, tickets for the one off date sold out within 15 minutes.

Now The Gaslight Anthem have unveiled the final details for 'Handwritten', the band's first album on Mercury Records and produced by two-time Grammy Award-winner Brendan O'Brien, known for his work with Bruce Springsteen (Best Rock Album Grammy, 2002), Pearl Jam, Incubus and many others,

The full track-listing for 'Handwritten' is as follows: 

The Gaslight Anthem UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:

In 2010, Crow modified her entire live acoustic guitar line-up with the same new and advanced pickup system used in the Gibson Jackson Browne model released earlier that year. After an extensive in-studio comparison of guitars and pickups, the idea for her Southern Jumbo Special Edition was born.

Crow's new Southern Jumbo is built for power and projection with wider X-bracing on the red spruce top. With mahogany back and sides, the combination of wood and pattern bracing gives this SJ a dynamic and responsive tonal range unlike any Southern Jumbo Gibson has built. The acoustic-electric version of this guitar has the same incredible stereo pickup system used in the highly-acclaimed Jackson Browne Model.

Traditional appointments like Ivroid Waverly tuners, vintage Gibson script logo and banner decal, a hand-beveled pickguard, bound fingerboard and a custom classic sunburst finish, result in a beautiful guitar with a classic appearance. The onboard electronics unleash a new level of acoustic performance capability never before achieved in an acoustic pickup.

"Having tested many internal pickup systems on many guitars," said Robi Johns, project director with Gibson Acoustic, "we've discovered a new realm we never thought possible for live performance natural sound. This guitar, combined with this pickup system, can change the way players interact with their instrument on stage. It's very exciting. Our goal is to get to the point where, as a player, you forget that you're plugged in."

Gibson continues to advance acoustic guitar tone and performance through innovation, experimentation and collaboration with world-class players.

For more info visit Gibson.com

Laney has released this statement:

We are very happy to welcome Andy James to the Laney family of endorsees.

For some time, he has been widely regarded as one of the U.K's rising stars in the realms of Shred & Metal guitar. Now, Andy James has undeniably earned himself a place among the very best in the world.

As a major contributor to 'Lick Library' and 'Jamtracks Central' - Andy has specialised in teaching lead techniques for Heavy Rock and Metal. Not only can he be found mastering others' techniques but, influenced by the likes of Andy Timmons, John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert and Adam Dutkiewicz, Andy is incredibly skilled as a songwriter, as heard on a solo 'In the Wake of Chaos' and 'Machine' , as well as his contribution to his band, Sacred Mother Tongue, who have a new album about to be released.

It hasn't taken long for Andy James' name to become a leading light in the world of Metal guitar; Andy can be found holding workshops and master-classes as far afield as the Los Angeles N.A.M.M show and the Frankfurt Music Messe.

Be it workshops, exhibitions or with Sacred Mother Tongue, seeing this man live is a must. To witness first hand the sound, the dynamic, the dexterity and the speed with which he plays, live on stage, is a site to behold and is the personification of what has made Andy James world-renowned in his field, and now, the world is his fretboard.

Andy is heading out to China for some dates starting next week with Sacred Mother Tongue. He is currently using the Ironheart range of amplifiers.

For more information visit: www.andyjamesguitarist.com

Jagger and Beck have known each other since the beginning of their careers, having come up through the London blues scene that centered around the Ealing Club, and Beck even auditioned to join the group after Mick Taylor left in 1975. However, they have not often recorded together. Beck played on Jagger's first two solo albums, 1985′s 'She's the Boss' and 1987′s 'Primitive Cool.' The two most recently performed together in February in front of President Obama for 'In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues.'

It is widely believed that Jagger will drop the news of an upcoming Rolling Stones album and/or tour during his appearance after news broke that Stones guitarist Ron Wood is keeping October and November free.

Watch Mick Jagger and Kristen Wiig's promo below

• 3 piece Maple neck 34" scale 4 string 35" scale 5 string  
• Rosewood or Maple fingerboard
• 3 piece Ash body with Book-matched solid maple tops with dual veneer accents
• Original Overwater fully shielded soap bar pickups / Overwater 3 band EQ
• New ultra-light Overwater bridge in black 
• Available in a trans colour Satin and 'Metallic Flare' finishes and priced from just £1295
• Limited Options Available 

Scott Devine is one of the most versatile and in demand bass players on the UK music scene today. He has performed and recorded with Georgie Fame, Dennis Rollins, Martin Simpson, Adrian Ingram, Gary Boyle, The Drifters, The Four Tops, Spyro Gyra, Peter Grant, and is currently musical director for platinum selling polish artist Tatiana Okupnik. His own education is a who's who of bass greats and world class jazz musicians including Skuli Sverrisson, Jeff Andrews, Ralph Alessi, Ravi Coltrane, Brad Shepik, Adam Rogers, Mike Walker, Zoltan Dekany and Gary Willis.

Scott has a passion and commitment for education and is one the most highly regarded bass teachers in the UK. He lectures at several Universities in the UK and has been invited to teach at several jazz summer schools in Europe. He is founder, creator and owner of an extremely popular and ever growing bass educational website. Here there are over 60 HD video lessons and an interactive educational bass forum called 'The Campus'. If you haven't heard Scott before check out this video bass lesson he recorded especially for us using his signature bass!

Overwater and Scott have been working for some time on a new bass that truly suits the needs of the new millennia virtuoso bassist. After intense R&D, numerous consultations and in the field testing we feel we are able to offer something very special.

Amy Harris: I have read a lot of discussion in your recent interviews about serial killers and even the song  "Night Stalker" being written about  Richard Ramirez. Why the serial killer references behind that? Do you have an interest in this type of people or the history and stories behind it?

John: I think it is interesting to me about how the mind works and how someone is wired, how their mind works, how it is completely OK to do these things, which I could never even think of doing something like that. It was always so interesting to read about this or watch documentaries. It is so odd for something like that to happen so I have always had this little fascination with it, not that I am pro for that kind of thing or anything, but it is just very interesting to see something like that.

Amy Harris: I know that you are always writing constantly. How did you narrow the songs for the album?

John: I kind of would write a certain thing and I would say, "It would be really cool if I had something like this next," because I like a nice flow to the record and a lot of people don't like the shredding thing all the time, I don't even, this is coming from me. I like a nice even flow to everything and the acoustic stuff is a nice breather to everything that is going on.

Amy Harris: I know you are playing the same day as  Marilyn Manson this time at  Rock On The Range. When was the last time that you saw him? I'm sure you will run into each other that day.

John: I saw him at the [Revolver]  Golden God Awards [in April] and I didn't say hi.  Ginger, his old drummer is playing with us in  ROB ZOMBIE. It's fine. We don't have any bad blood. We are adults; it's fine. We have no problems with each other whatsoever. I know it would make a great story if we did, but we don't.

Read the entire interview from  Amy Harris.

This show is billed as a multimedia extravaganza featuring the music of some of the greatest rock guitarists of the past 50 years. We were sent this description. along with the dates:

Michael Angelo Batio, takes you on his 90 minute aural/visual journey to the different eras of rock music while playing guitars with incredible speed and musical precision. The "Hands without Shadow's - A Tribute to Rock Guitar" show entails an awesome display of guitar wizardry accompanied by an equally talented band. This chronological tribute features Batio's incredible arrangements and medley's from the different eras of rock beginning with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, then moving on to Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Metallica and more.

The tour dates are as follows:

MAY

Air Studios was established in 1969 by Sir George Martin in Oxford Street. Air Studios moved to its current location, a prestigious converted Victorian church in London's Hampstead, in 1992.

Air Studios is constantly used to record major film scores that regularly feature in each year's Oscar line up. Alongside the large orchestral studios are studios that host some of the world's greatest recording artists, such as George Michael and Coldplay. The main hall of the studios is regularly used for live concerts and television recordings.

Richard Boote, Chairman of the Air Entertainment Group and founder of Strongroom, who acquired the AIR Studios in 2006 said, "Air Studios is a profitable part of our business and the decision to put Air on the market has been a difficult one. However, with the Group's vision of content creation and a more public-facing focus, it was felt that the Studios would benefit longer term from having an owner that will continue its great recording heritage that keeps it on a par with Abbey Road."

"You Waste Your Time" jumped straight in at Number 10 on the iTunes Rock Singles chart shortly after being released. Tremonti said in a statement, "I am overwhelmed by the positive response the song has already received. I never imagined it would hit the Top 10 so quickly and that is a testament to the amazing fans I have. I couldn't have gotten anywhere in my career without them and want to thank each and every one of them for their support. I can't wait until they hear the rest of it."

Produced by Michaels "Elvis" Baskette who you might recognize from his work on albums by groups like Chevelle and Ratt, the album is set to be a success if this video is anything to go by. Check out the perfomance below

All I Was track listing:

1. Leave It Alone
2. So You're Afraid
3. Wish You Well
4. Brains
5. The Things I've Seen
6. You Waste Your Time
7. New Way Out
8. Giving Up
9. Proof
10. All I Was
11. Doesn't Matter
12. Decay

Tremonti's  All I Was will hit stores on July 10 via Fret 12 Records. For more information and updates visit  www.TremontiProject.com

ArtistWorks, the first collaborative global learning community comprised of master artists and ambitious amateurs, announces the May 23rd launch of the online, interactive Rock Guitar School with Paul Gilbert. Most noted as a member acclaimed Heavy Metal band Racer X, platinum-selling Hard Rock band Mr. Big and a recent member of the G3 guitar super tour, "guitar deity" Paul Gilbert's distinctive playing has influenced and inspired an entire generation of guitar players across the globe. Gilbert's new Rock Guitar School will feature a complete course of beginner-to-advanced guitar lessons - ranging from classic riffs and guitar licks to Paul's signature blazing arpeggios and string skipping. 

World-renowned guitarist Paul Gilbert, is one of Guitar World's "50 Fastest Guitarists of All Time and one of Guitar One Magazine's "Top 10 Fastest Shredders of All Time." 

"I know there are people out there who are hungry to learn the guitar, or just want to improve, or get back to playing," says Gilbert. "But there are so many things that can keep you from it - lack of time, money or even access to great teachers - my Rock Guitar School really eliminates all of those barriers and lets me have a real conversation with people who are passionate about playing guitar."

The Rock Guitar School with Paul Gilbert utilizes ArtistWorks' patent-pending, breakout video technology to create a direct, personalized educational experience. Subscribing students view Gilbert's lessons and submit video questions/performances directly to Gilbert via webcam or smart phone for critique and guidance. Gilbert then reviews and responds personally to each student with a personalized video response. This Video Exchange Learning™ Platform is available in the Rock Guitar School for all subscribing students to view and subsequently learn from Gilbert - and from watching each other - creating a "virtual classroom" with an ever-evolving curriculum. 

ArtistWorks students study in a guided, self-paced environment that allows them to drive the learning process according to their schedule and access instructor guidance and feedback at their own pace. Multiple camera angles allow students to see lessons from alternate viewpoints so they may analyze techniques from different vantage points. In addition, students can slow lessons down, and loop lessons to allow them to break lessons down and focus on every detail.

The Rock Guitar School with Paul Gilbert paulgilbertguitar.com is open to guitar players at all levels of proficiency. Subscription fees are reasonably priced at $90.00 for 3 months, $150.00 for 6 months and $240.00 for a 12-month subscription. 

Founded in 2008 by former AOL executive David Butler, ArtistWorks, Inc is a Napa California-based technology and music education company that has created a proprietary, patent pending, online Video ExchangeTM interactive education platform which allows virtuoso musicians to "teach the world" by presenting their full method, technique or curriculum in HD video to subscribing students. Utilizing simple web cams, iPhones, iPads and more, students are able to submit videos through the site to the ArtistWorks' instructors for individualized feedback and guidance - creating a two-way, individualized educational experience. ArtistWorks currently offers schools from such world-class, virtuoso artists as: guitarist Andreas Oberg; harmonica artist, Howard Levy; guitarist Martin Taylor; DJ Qbert; pianist Christie Peery; drummer Thomas Lang, drummer, Billy Cobham, percussionist Luis Conte as well as the ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass with banjo player, Tony Trischka, double bassist Missy Raines, flat pick guitar player Bryan Sutton; dobro player Andy Hall; mandolin player Mike Marshall and fiddle player Darol Anger.


Go to www.artistworks.com/paul-gilbert now to be one of the first to be admitted to The Rock Guitar School with Paul Gilbert.

Scott began his career in the late 80's in his native Palm Desert region of California playing in the seminal band Across the River. After joining The Obsessed, Scott left to join Kyuss, the pioneers of the "Stoner Rock" (often referred to "Desert Rock") style. He has been touring and holding down bass duties in various other bands and recording projects ever since.

As a young left-handed bass player, Scott learned on a regular right-handed bass that he simply flipped over, so he plays the bass with the strings in a mirror image of most players. This lends a unique aspect to his tone, which is comprised of an aggressive fingerstyle attack that has led to him being one of the most legendary bassists in the Alternative, Doom and Stoner Rock genres.

Scott had a brief stint playing with Tool, as well as being one of the final bassists in the running to join Metallica after the departure of Jason Newsted. (As documented in the film Some Kind of Monster.) Other projects since Kyuss' first incarnation include rejoining doom metal legends The Obsessed, as well as albums and tours with Goatsnake, Unida, Butcher, Ten East, and many more.

Most recently, Scott has taken part in the film and music project "Sound City", masterminded by Dave Grohl (of the Foo Fighters), and has been on tour with the reformed version of Kyuss, referred to as Kyuss Lives!

Scott is currently playing a Thumb BO 4-string bass, and a personalized custom shop Katana is in production.

The highlights were his literal blues song 'Tea Party', performed alongside old friend Jeff Beck "I love the blues because in any era, the blues talk about what's on people's mind," he said at the song's outset. Whilst far from Mick's best lyrical work in what seemed like a hastily put together observation on the current US election campaign, but executed so as not to offend anyone. We just can't find fault in anything Jeff Beck does. Every blues lick is a joy to watch and it's just a shame we didn't get to see Beck let rip on the short (for a blues song) jam.

Watch Jagger's performances below.

Last Thursday, the band abruptly postponed all the tour dates after their July 26th show in New Orleans, pulling more than 30 dates from their schedule including shows in Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Salt Lake City and El Paso. They offered no explanation for the postponement at the time.

Rolling Stone reported through sources close to the tour that the reason for the cancellations were due to band members "aurguing like mad" and even Sammy Hagar weighed in, telling The Associated Press: "They're hard people to get along with, those brothers. Otherwise I'd still be in the band.". Roth insists otherwise in the video. "The band is getting along famously," he says, "better than we have in quite some time."

The true cause for the disruption, he explains, is simply exhaustion. 

"As usual, we bit off way more than we could chew when it came to scheduling. The band is winning, but our schedule has been sidelined for unnecessary roughness," he says. "We're gonna take a break and we're gonna come all the way back around, because this tour is gonna take about two years."

Photo : Matt Smith

Tommy discovered Markbass on a gig and fell in love with the sound right away. "Markbass gives me that big, full sound that I'm used to, with the portability that I need," he says. His rig of choice is a CMD 102P combo with a Traveler 102P extension cabinet.

Tommy played with Johnny Winter at the Woodstock festival in 1969 before connecting with Stevie Ray Vaughan and forming the Double Trouble rhythm section. Through the 1980s, they became one of the biggest blues bands ever, until tragedy struck and Stevie Ray Vaughan was killed in a helicopter crash in 1990. Tommy went on to perform as a member of Arc Angels and Storyville, and also released a star-studded Double Trouble album with Willie Nelson, Dr. John, Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Susan Tedeschi, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Reese Wynans.

Tommy has also performed with Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Little Richard, Hubert Sumlin, Mike McCready, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Lou Gramm and John Mayer.

 

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance has announce their End of Year Showcase event which will this year be held at the renowned Proud Galleries in Camden on Tuesday 5th June.

Proud Camden is located in the 200-year-old Grade II Listed Horse Hospital in the Stables Market, Camden. Adorned by images of rock royalty throughout, the venue has been systematically designed and painstakingly restored. Proud is known for its commitment to programming the very best live music - Jessie J, Peter Doherty, Dizzee Rascal, The Kooks, Stereophonics, and Johnny Borrell have all played intimate sets there. And recent performers at the venue have included Ed Sheeran, Dirty Pretty Things, Lethal Bizzle, The Enemy, Lykke Li, Vivian Girls, Black Lips, Manchester Orchestra and I Blame Coco.

The Institute will be taking over Proud's 'New Bands on the Block' for the day and evening with over 25 acts playing in the Main Room and the Terrace, from 1:00pm-11:30pm, followed by student DJs until 1:00am. The live performances will feature students from all years, but focus on graduating BMus and Foundation Degree students. The event promises to deliver high quality original music with full band performances and acoustic chill out sets covering a wide range of styles from rock and metal, to indie and pop, to jazz, funk and neo soul.

Being located in London, at the heart of the global music community, the Institute provides students with unrivalled opportunities to perform at a wide range of gigs and showcases. Not only will this event give the students a chance to celebrate all their hard work throughout the year, but it will also be an opportunity for them to showcase their work to the public and industry professionals invited by the Institute.

This event is open to the public and entry is free. For more information contact Proud Galleries directly or the Institute on:

-        www.icmp.co.uk

-        0207 328 0222

-        enquiries@icmp.co.uk

Marshall Amplification have announced the third edition of the Marshall Ultimate Band Contest and we have all the details. The competition opens on the 2nd July 2012 but you can start planning your road to victory straight away. Just head over to the Marshall UBC Facebook page and like it to stay tuned for all the information you'll need to win this amazing prize....

Check out last year's winner The Royal Cartel - They'll be playing Download Festival 2012 which takes place June 8th-10th

The Music Masters Camp Series - Women's Music Summit includes instructional workshops, master classes, round table panels, group dinners, jam sessions, social gatherings and much more.  Respected female musicians will be teaching at the summit, including Kaki King, Meshell Ndegeocello, Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole, Smashing Pumpkins), Marnie Stern, Malina Moye and Bibi McGill (Beyoncé, Pink).  Industry panelists include Laura Taylor of Guitar Center and Laura B. Whitmore, Summit co-producer and columnist for Guitar World.

Submit your best songs to the Women's Music Summit for a chance to win.  Finalists may be asked to provide additional information and a video showcasing themselves performing. This opportunity is open to women only. The Dean Markley USA Scholarship includes all classes, accommodations and meals.

For more information on how to enter, please visit the contest page.

For more information on Dean Markley USA, please visit www.deanmarkley.com

About Dean Markley USA

Established in 1972, Dean Markley Strings is recognized as an innovator and leader in the world of musical instrument strings. Over the years, the company has expanded its product line to include pickups and accessories. Celebrated by retailers for their sales performance and endorsed by an elite calibre of musicians, Dean Markley USA products are the smart choice.

www.DeanMarkley.com

FAT Drive takes a futuristic analogue approach to create complex crunch tones using CMOS clipping and a variable low pass filter for tone shaping.

Bringing the tone control all the way clockwise takes this filter completely out of the circuit for total transparency and robust low end. Rolling the tone control back smoothes out the highs, leaving ample mid-range bloom and bottom end punch. A Hi / Lo toggle switch brings additional versatility to the FAT Drive's wide-ranging palette of overdrive tones, altering the gain structure for enhanced crunch and soaring leads. The FAT Drive features true bypass switching and runs fine on standard 9-volt power but ships with an 18-volt adapter for superior headroom, clarity and overall output.

For more infomation head to > www.pigtronix.com 

The simple-to-install SH3W-T4 upgrade for Fender Select Series HSS Stratocaster can transform any instrument into a session guitar player's dream machine. It contains AweSome Musical Instruments T4-Switch, part of their revolutionary patented  Pickup Switch UpgradeTM family of products. Using two sets of three switches, these drop-in products let you instantly get 76 pickup tones from your upgraded instrument.

For the session guitarist, this upgrade product gives your electric guitar new life to let you sound truly unique. Now you will now only need one guitar to play everything including Rock, Pop, Blues, Surf, Grunge, Jazz, Metal, Folk, intensely Country Twang with guts and even the elusive "tin-canny" pickup tones - plus everything else in between. This upgrade will give you a "Grand Canyon Wide" range of unique and subtle pickup tones - to more precisely tailor your output to "mirror the mood" that the recording session demands.

Once upgraded your instrument will sound like almost every electric guitar ever made, including a Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Les Paul Custom or Studio, Silvertone, National, Mosrite, Airline, Danelectro, Harmony, Kay, Maestro, Supro, Valco or like virtually any electric guitar ever made with either single-coil or humbucker pickups. This upgrade gives you access to all the pickup tones ever created on just one guitar.

This upgrade also lets you emulate a huge number of well-known, famous guitar signature sounds of hundreds of headliner groups from your modified instrument to give you a huge edge in the crowded music market.

Now as a session guitarist you can travel much lighter - because they only need one (maybe two) instruments instead of a dozen or more. They only need to tune up one guitar instead of a dozen or more. With this upgraded secret weapon, they now have access to several dozen additional pickup tones that nobody has ever heard before.

This upgrade product comes in four colors (3-ply white, black, white pearloid, brown tortoise) and are made to fit a standard American right-hand Select Series HSS Stratocaster or similar body. These pickguards are completely wired and designed to accept your pickups and installed with no soldering needed.

AweSome Musical Instruments is company in a Detroit, MI suburb. They have several dozen products that are based on their revolutionary patented  Pickup Switch UpgradeTM family of products. These products are proudly made in the U.S.A.  Nobody can give you more Pure Analog pickup tones than we already do.

"We are known for creating several dozen of the best pickup tones in the world. You could be known for using them."

Get more information at >> www.AweSome-Guitars.com

Buffalo Fx is a one man band from France building vintage pedals for the modern day guitarist.  The latest two pedals are Buffalo's take on the classic Tone bender Mkii circuit and a revised version of the original Buffalo Fuzz.

Steve, owner of buffalo says ' I wanted to make a fuzz for the 21st century,  this has all the classic sounds of a 60's germanium fuzz plus the added versatility of the external bias and pre-gain controls allowing a huge amount of tones, if you ever wondered what a germanium overdrive sounded like then this is the answer'

The bender mkii is based on the original circuit using NOS germanium Transistors but with the added functionality of external bias, tool free battery change and 9v DC power capable.

"We've re-defined the concept of live mixing with the introduction of the DL1608, which takes digital, mobile mixing to a whole new level," remarked Mackie Product Manager, Ben Olswang. "Since then, we've received an amazing amount of feedback from musicians, engineers and contractors wanting not only to know more, but to share their ideas. A video podcast series is the perfect platform to engage with these customers."

Subscribe to the DL1608 video podcast series through iTunes to keep up-to-date. Even better, once the DL1608 is out in the field, interested users can pull this podcast series up right on their iPad. With how-to videos planned for wireless setup, effects use and more, this video series is bound to be an extremely valuable tool for users who want help at the gig during hours when traditional technical support is simply not available.

To subscribe to the video podcast series via iTunes visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mackie-dl1608-video-podcast. The videos will also be hosted on Mackie's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/MackieTV. Additional DL1608 info is also available by email. Visit http://eepurl.com/iWslb to sign up.

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad. With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, the DL1608 delivers unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control allows a user to mix from anywhere in the venue, providing the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPad devices so musicians' can control their own monitor mix on stage.

Eric Johnson, and his full live band, will be at the Radisson Hotel in Guildford for the evening show and a chance to hear the living legend talk about his long relationship with Fender Guitars. 

There will also be a chance for the audience to ask Eric questions, and talk with Andertons and Fender representatives at the end of the evening.

Tickets for the event cost just £9 per person and are extremely limited availability.

Full details are available at  www.andertons.co.uk 

With over a year of research and development, the Helix string uses a precise elliptical shape for the winding wire. The shape then had to be paired with the correct winding process. The hyper-elliptical winding process results in an increased number of wraps along the length of the string. This increases the mass of the string without changing its diameter or material. More mass makes a fuller tone; more windings give a smoother feel as well as a brighter, more resonant tone.  Additional benefits of the hyper-elliptical windings are a relaxed feel and less unwanted noise.  The strings are designed to last much longer without sacrificing tone and performance.

What makes the Nikki Sixx signature set unique is his choice of custom gauges:

First String: .050

Second String: .070

Third String: .090

Fourth String: .110

Nikki Sixx is the founder/bassist/songwriter of the band Mötley Crüe, with album sales exceeding 80 million, seven platinum or multi-platinum albums, 22 Top 40 mainstream rock hits, six Top 20 pop singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has three Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance.  He is also the founder/bassist/songwriter of the chart-topping band Sixx:A.M.  In addition to his musical career, he can be heard discussing music and lifestyle topics on his radio show SIXX Sense, is a two time New York Times bestseller, co-owner/clothing designer of Royal Underground and is recognized for his philanthropy with Covenant House.

MSRP: $49.50 USD

It has also been announced that Slash will appear on Piers Morgan's US show 'Piers Morgan Tonight' tonight (23 May) at 9pm EDT.

In the U.K., "Apocalyptic Love" was released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form - providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format also comes with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and is available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records simultaneously released the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.

"You're A Lie", the new video from Slash, can be seen below. The clip was filmed in early April at Lot 28 at Universal Studios in California with director Anthony Leonardi III. Leonardi is also helming the first feature film produced by Slash, called "Nothing To Fear", which was recently picked up for distribution by Anchor Bay Entertainment. The movie is the first of a proposed series of horror films produced by Slash's company, called Slasher Films, which he launched last year in partnership with two other producers. The film began shooting in March in Louisiana, with Anne Heche and others confirmed for the cast.

"'You're A Lie' is the second song I brought to the band in 2011 during the last tour," explains Slash. "We worked on it at soundcheck somewhere, I can't remember where. It's gone through some minor changes along the way, mainly the chorus. But for the most part, it's remained true to its original arrangement."

You can buy your copy of Slash's Classic Rock 'Apocalyptic Love' fanpack right now!

The recently released 'Apocalyptic Love' tracklisting is as follows..

1) Apocalyptic Love

2) One Last Thrill

3) Standing in the Sun

4) You're a Lie

5) No More Heroes

6) Halo

7) We Will Roam

8 ) Anastasia

9) Not for Me

10) Bad Rain

11) Hard & Fast

12) Far and Away

You can pre-order yours right freakin' now! DO IT.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR SLASH 'APOCALYPTIC LOVE' FANPACK!

You can get your free copy by visiting www.schonmusic.com now

Click here to see the iGuitar Dave Ellefson interview and technique lessons

David Ellefson: "Look, it would be fun to do it. I think Dave just threw that out there as kind of a wishlist, [as] something [that would be] fun to do. I don't know if it's ever going to be a reality. But a lot of people got excited about the thought of it. If it would ever happen, absolutely, I'd participate. I think it would be a blast."

On Megadeth being in the headlines for things that are completely unrelated to music, usually as a result of controversial statements by Dave Mustaine:

David Ellefson: "Those are Dave's feelings and opinions and here in America with our freedom of speech and liberties that we have, every one of us can voice their own opinion. He says those things because that's how he feels about them. Megadeth has always been a band that has been about people's personal freedoms and liberties anyway. So, I think, for us to be able to say and do whatever we want, provided that it doesn't hurt other people, there's nothing wrong with that."

Hetfield laughed off talk of a possible collaboration between members of his band and members of Megadeth in a recent interview, calling it "crazy" talk on the part of Mustaine. An original member of Metallica before being kicked out in early 1983, Mustaine has jammed with his ex-bandmates on several occasions over the past couple of years during "Big Four" shows and at METALLICA's 30th anniversary concerts last December.

Although Mustaine recently spoke about assembling a "supergroup" combining him and Ellefson with Hetfield and Ulrich, Hetfield told So What!, Metallica's fan club magazine, "I see [Mustaine] healthier now. I see him as less of a bitter guy. But I do see a lot of stuff in the press with him talking about jamming with us and making an album. All this other crazy stuff. I read it and say to myself, 'Hold on. This is the Dave that we kind of wanted to forget about. You know, the big-mouth that wants to just go-go-go.'"

Hetfield added, "But there is an authenticity about him when he speaks. He doesn't think too much before he does. He just goes off the cuff. Plus, when he says stuff like that, it's well-intended."

Mustaine feuded with the members of Metallica for more than two decades before finally patching things up over the last couple of years.

Mustaine recently made headlines when he told Canadian television and radio personality George Stroumboulopoulos that he is certain that President Obama "was born somewhere else than America."

"I have a lot of questions about [Obama], but certainly not where he was born," Mustaine said. "I know he was born somewhere else than America."

When Stroumboulopoulos pointed out that this school of thought made the musician part of the so-called "birther" movement, Mustaine countered, "I'm not calling a question to it, I just, you know, it's a point. How come he was invisible until he became whatever he was in Illinois?"

Stroumboulopoulos tried to further challenge Mustaine on his claims, causing the Megadeth frontman to attempt to change the subject.

"I don't want to talk about my president," Mustaine said, before going on to admit that he was going to "have to do some more homework on where Obama came from."

The Wraith's solid mahogany neck and body are matched with Oktober Blockhead pickups. Standard features include a 24 ¾ scale length and 12" radius ebony fretboard, inlayed with mother of pearl diamonds.

Standard Options Include:

. Solid mahogany neck and body

. Set neck construction

. Premium bound ebony fretboard with mother of pearl diamond inlays

. 24 fret neck

. 24 ¾" scale

. Floyd Rose Special tremolo (non-recessed)

. Oktober Blockhead pickups BH1 (bridge) and BH2 (neck)

. Form-fitting Oktober hard shell case

.  Jet Black finish

List price:$ 1099.00 USD

Factory Direct: $ 599.99 USD

For more information please visit www.oktoberguitars.com

About Oktober Guitars

For over 23 years, Oktober Guitars has been building quality, custom hand crafted instruments. A company started for musicians by musicians, Oktober Guitars is on the cutting edge of today's market. Founder and head luthier Tony Leicht began the company to offer consumers an affordable option for a custom instrument, without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship. The result is a reasonably priced import line crafted to the same specifications as custom made instruments.

www.oktoberguitars.com

Recorded solely at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, CA and Studio at the Palms in Las Vegas, NV, Driving Towards The Daylight is described as a 'balanced and back-to-basics album that highlights Bonamassa's signature style of blues, roots, and rock & roll.'

Driving Towards The Daylight was produced by Kevin "Caveman" Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin), making this Bonamassa and Shirley's seventh album collab in six years.

"We've taken some really traditional old blues songs - the Howlin' Wolf song 'Who's Been Talkin' and Robert Johnson's 'Stones In My Passway,'" says Shirley, "and we've tried to imagine how they would do them in a rock context. It's a very exciting return to the blues in a very visceral way. It's vibrant and it's gutsy and it's really, really rugged."

A unique group of musicians was assembled, including Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford (guitar), Blondie Chaplin (guitar), Anton Fig (drums and percussion), Arlan Schierbaum (keyboard), Michael Rhodes (bass), Carmine Rojas (bass), Jeff Bova and The Bovaland Brass, Pat Thrall (guitar), and Whitford's son Harrison Whitford (guitar).

Brad Whitford, speaking from the studio in Vegas, said, "This is definitely more influenced by the stuff that the guys and musicians in this room love, early '60s English and American rock and blues. I guess we'll never get that out of our system and its fun to come in here and find our own path down that highway."

Driving Towards The Daylight is also available in limited edition digibook format which includes 72-page booklet with exclusive photographs and interview with the man himself. 

Driving Towards The Daylight tracklisting

1. Dislocated Boy
2. Stones In My Passway~
3. Driving Towards The Daylight
4. Who's Been Talking
5. I Got All You Nedd
6. A Place In My Heart
7. Lonely Town Lonely Street 
8. Heavenly Soul
9. New Coat Of Paint
10. Somewhere Trouble  
11. Too Much Ain't Enough Love (w/ Jimmy Barnes)

We was lucky enough to catch up with Joe for an exclusive interview and jam session in Issue 4 of Guitar Interactive Magazine. The feature also includes an in-depth Bonamassa gear section, including Joe's very own Lazy J amp, and a full analysis and review of the fabulously rare and expensive '59 Gibson Les Paul.

The new track "Gravity Storm" see's Vai back in fine form and features some of his heaviest work to date with some interesting bending riffs. We at iGuitar can't wait to hear the full album after hearing this.

Although The Story of Light is largely instrumental, the album does feature guest vocalists including singer-songwriter Aimee Mann-dueting with Vai on "No More Amsterdam," which she also co-wrote-and Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist on The Voice.  McClellan appears on "John the Revelator," a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acid-soaked vocals are in the mix as well.  Other highlights include the title track (which opens the album), "Gravity Storm," "The Moon and I," and "Velorum."

Throughout, three-time GRAMMY-winner Vai's lead guitar is as lyrically resonant as it is technically masterful, his licks and solos bending sounds and in listeners' minds in equal measure.  The Story of Light follows the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment, and redemption. 

"I'm always pursuing knowledge, I'm a seeker of spiritual equilibrium-and music is a big part of that," says Vai. "I've been obsessed with these kinds of ideas for years." Looking ahead, Vai envisions a third set of songs that will unravel the mysteries and reveal truths that swirl through both The Story of Light and Real Illusions: Reflections.  The completed trilogy, intended to be cinematic-even operatic-in scope, will include lyrics and narration.

The Story of Light is available as of today for online pre-sale orders.  This special pre-sale selection of bundled packages is offered exclusively through Vai's website, www.Vai.com, where complete details on the products and ordering information are available.  Each package includes an instant download of a track from the new album personally selected by Vai, "Gravity Storm."

Following up the 2009 live album Where The Wild Things Are, The Story of Light is Vai's 16th solo effort.  In support of its release, Vai will begin a tour of North America on August 15th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, accompanied by his band-who are also featured on the new album: Dave Weiner (guitar), Jeremy Colson (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass), and Deborah Hensen (harp, vocals, keyboards).

For more information visit the website here: www.vai.com

The song is from their forthcoming new album, "Music From Another Dimension," which will be released August 28. It will also appear in the film "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," which hits theatres on June 29. 

"Legendary Child" has some Aerosmith history: it was originally recorded during the sessions for the band's 1993 album, "Get A Grip". You can hear the new track in the soundcloud player below

Legendary Child by aerosmith

"Music From Another Dimension" track listing...

This is Aerosmith's first all-new album since 2001 and is being produced by, Jack Douglas, who previously worked with the band on their classic albums such as "Toys In The Attic" and "Rocks".

Aerosmith's "The Global Warming" tour starts on June 16th and finishes on August 8th.

All the dates can be viewed HERE.

JHS agreed a deal with the Soundking group earlier in 2012 to exclusively distribute the Carlsbro and Studio masterlines, and now stock of the legendary amplifiers has arrived in the UK. JHS is distributing a wide range of Carlsbro's amps, from classics like the 50 Top DC Head and Cab through to new and improved offerings from the Tube and Colt lines.

Since its inception in 1959, Carlsbro has steadily grown to become one of the world's biggest names in guitar and bass amplification, with a range of amps to suit every style and level of musician.

A thoroughly British brand (it's all designed in the UK), Carlsbro caters to everyone from beginner bedroom players through to some of the biggest - and best - artists of all time. Bands like The Beatles, Britpop kings Oasis and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger have all chosen Carlsbro to help deliver their genre-defining tones, and now UK players will have the chance to emulate their heroes.

JHS Managing Director Dennis Drumm said: "Carlsbro, an iconic brand which we are knocked out to be representing; the Carlsbro sound is back and it will make guitarists sit up and take note!"

For more information visit:

Carlsbro: www.carlsbro.com

JHS: www.jhs.co.uk

Soundking: www.soundking.com

The boys from Isla Vista have given fans a sneak peek at what is to come by releasing the video to their new single 'Devil's Paradise', taken from the upcoming 'Stairway To Hell' EP. 

'Stairway To Hell' heralds Ugly Kid Joe's return, containing songs spanning the full repertoire of influences which made Ugly Kid Joe one of the prime soundtracks for young snowboarders, surfers, keggers and characters worldwide. Whether it's 'Devil's Paradise', with it's hypnotic riffery and hook line, grooving and grinding it's hips seductively, the melodic power-fueled darkness of 'No One Survives' or the irrepressibly memorable chug-n-chorus of 'I'm Alright' it's clear that Ugly Kid Joe have everything they started with plus fatter chops and a (frankly) superior curve on songwriting.

Ugly Kid Joe released three full-length albums and toured extensively throughout the 1990s before disbanding in 1997.

Metal Express Radio: Nick Raskulinecz produced again. He's worked with artists such as the Foo Fighters and Alice In Chains, and Marilyn Manson. Did having someone young and in touch with current bands help to reinvigorate you as musicians?

Alex: To some extent, yes. There's something about the way Nick works; his enthusiasm is very infectious. He's very instinctive and has great ears. We've come to really respect his opinion. He's not always right, but he's never short on ideas and that's always a good thing to have. I don't think he wants to influence us by citing other bands or musicians. I think what he tries to do with all the artists he works with and I've spoken to a few. I played golf with Jerry Cantrell from Alice In Chains recently and he said the same thing, he brings what's in you, out. The thing that makes you what you are is what he hunts for.

Read the entire interview from Metal Express Radio.

The track will be available until midnight on Memorial Day and is a thank you to his legions of fans for helping him surpass the one million "likes" mark on Facebook.

"I have the most loyal fans and that's what make my job so easy," Williams said. "I only do 20-25 shows a year and my fans love the music. The best way to celebrate with them is to offer a free download of my new single this holiday weekend."

"That Ain't Good" is from "Old School, New Rules", the first album on Hank Williams, Jr.'s new label imprint, Bocephus Records, which will hit stores on July 10th.

The free download includes a duet with Brad Paisley on 'I'm Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams' plus a brand a new duet with Merle Haggard on his classic 'I Think I'll Just Sit Here and Drink.'

Both tracks will be available on Hank's new album which is due for release on 10th July through Bocephus Records.

Here's the full track listing:

1. "Takin' Back The Country"

2. "I'm Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams" (with Brad Paisley)

3. "Three Day Trip"

4. "Old School"

5. "We Don't Apologize for America"

6. "You Win Again"

7. "Cow Turd Blues"

8. "Who's Takin' Care of Number One"

9. "That Ain't Good"

10. "Keep The Change"

11. "Stock Market Blues"

12. "I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink" (with Merle Haggard)

 

"Elton waits for Bernie to write great lyrics and he just hands them to him with no musical thing in mind," Hagar said. "And then Elton writes these fantastic songs. For me, as a lyricist, when I hear Joe's music, it speaks to me. [He's] the well."

The feeling is mutual, according to Satriani. The guitarist credits his respect for his bandmates as pushing him to write the best music he can.

"I'm inspired by the thought of recording with these guys," Satriani modestly countered. "And it's important that it goes beyond just being a professional musician, at least for me. I have to be really inspired and excited that I'm going to write something and Sammy and Mike and Chad are going to really love it, and they're gonna add something to it. They're gonna take it to the next step."

Watch the full interview below

Chickenfoot were featured in Issue 8 of iGuitar Magazine, and Joe Satriani was our cover start in Issue 2. Click the pictures at the bottom to watch the fully interactive features and interviews.

Canadian based artist Jason Edmiston has made a number of limited edition prints available from his 'Monsters of Rock' series at his Etsy shop, reports UltimateClassicRock

Edmiston has been a commercial illustrator since 1996 and first debuted his range of surreal images in 2011 at NYC's Underground gallery show. The second half of the set was then released at the Phone Booth Gallery in Long Beach, CA at the start of year.

In the 'Monsters of Rock' series famous musicians are re-created into some pretty vile looking creatures sim. Some of the rockers that have been feature in Edmiston's prints are Joey Ramone, AC/DC's Angus Young & Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.

Each work is priced at $40 (£25.49) and is signed and numbered. However, there are only 100 copies available of each 'monster,' so be quick.

The album is the brainchild of Daisy Deakin who is currently trying to set up her very own charity, Tunes for Treatment, which will be non-profit scheme that will raise money by showcasing local and not so local musical talent.

Deakin was inspired to make the album after her mother was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in 2009.

Daisy said that discovering her mum had the illness on Christmas Eve was devasting and she now wants to raise awareness of the rare cancer.

The 20-year-old said:

"It is mainly because of my mum I am doing this.

"However, as a musician I know how hard it is to get gigs and circulate your music so the right people get interested.

"Doing an album this way raises money for charity as well as giving bands some good exposure."

Since the news her mother has been treated and is in remission.

So far Daisy has had people come forward who play rock, indie and acoustic tracks.

She said: "Anyone who wants to play on the album is welcome, no matter what kind of music they play."

The charity is also looking for volunteers to keep the Facebook page updated and checking e-mails.

Tunes for Treatment will host their first acoustic night on Friday 1st June at The Old Hat & Bistro in Southend on Sea - Head to their official FaceBook FanPage to find out more. 

Blues rock fans will be able to purchase tickets to see Joe perform at four different London venues including The Borderline on March 26th, 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire on March 27th, HMV Hammersmith Apollo on March 28th and the Royal Albert Hall on March 30th. All tickets are on sale from Friday 1st June. A special 48-hour ticket pre-sale on Planet Rock radio will start from Wednesday May 30th, two days before tickets go on sale to the general public.

For those fans that purchase a special VIP ticket, this will enable them to attend all four concerts, including admission to see Bonamassa perform at the Borderline in London on Tuesday 26th March 2013. The Borderline concert is restricted to a limited run of 200 tickets, and will showcase Joe's atmospheric rise to the top of the guitar world, in an intimate and a reduced capacity setting of this famous London West End venue where it all began for the critically acclaimed blues rock guitarist.

Now's your chance to get up close and personal in London with Joe Bonamassa at what is being hailed as "The Guitar Event of the Year." 

Joe Bonamassa 2012 UK Live Dates are as follows:

Joe Bonamassa Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday 1st June.

A few days after the announcement, singer David Lee Roth explained the situation, saying "As usual, we bit off way more than we can chew when it came to scheduling. The band is winning, but our schedule has been sidelined for unnecessary roughness. If we continue past July 4th and all the way into Australia and Japan, then we're asking for the robot zombie tour."

"We're gonna take a break because this tour is gonna take us about two years," added Roth.

"The band is getting along famously, better than we have in quite some time, and I think the shows reveal that through the miracle of YouTube," Roth said. "I think we're one of the few bands who relishes you bringing whatever camera - if you can carry it in and pull the trigger on it yourself, then please do. And through the eye of YouTube, you can see that we're having ourselves a hell of a time, and I think that translates into the music."

Plenty of fans are taking the band up on the chance to film the 2012 shows, including the group's late March stop in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center.

The setlist from the Pittsburg show is as follows. Watch it the video below.

01 - Unchained 

02 - Runnin' With the Devil 

03 - She's the Woman 

04 - Romeo Delight 

05 - Tattoo 

06 - Everybody Wants Some!! 

07 - Somebody Get Me a Doctor 

08 - China Town 

09 - Jamie's Cryin' 

10 - Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover) 

11 - Drum Solo 

12 - You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover) 

13 - Blood and Fire 

14 - Dance the Night Away 

15 - I'll Wait 

16 - Hot for Teacher 

17 - Women In Love 

18 - Girl Gone Bad 

19 - Beautiful Girls 

20 - Ice Cream Man (John Brim cover) 

21 - Panama 

22 - Guitar Solo 

23 - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 

24 - Jump 

One of the most iconic names in pop music, The Beach Boys just seem to scream summer. Harmonies born from the haze of California, the band's output never seems to age despite the passing years.

Reforming just in time for their 50th anniversary, The Beach Boys have outlined plans for a number of shows. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks are touring across the globe, with a British date now firmly in their sights.

The legendary group will play Wembley Arena on September 28th, with tickets for the Live Nation show set to go on sale at 9am on June 1st.

Alongside the live shows, Beach Boys have also been working on a new studio album. 'That's Why God Made The Radio' is set to be released on June 4th, with Brian Wilson returning on production.

"Radio was my whole education," Brian Wilson explained recently. "Chuck Berry, Rosemary Clooney, The Four Freshmen, Phil Spector, Little Richard... To hear 'That's Why God Made The Radio' on the radio would be a thrill beyond belief, it really would."

'That's Why God Made The Radio' is set to be released on June 4th. Last year Clash caught up with Beach Boys legend Mike Love for a brief chat - read his thoughts  HERE.

Photo credit: Robert Matheu

In 2007, the two legendary companies joined forces to create the VG Stratocaster guitar, the first instrument to blend Roland's innovative digital technologies with Fender's iconic solid-body guitar. The G-5 represents the next generation in this important partnership, which aims to enhance and expand the potential of the guitar through the seamless integration of familiar, world-class instrument design and latest digital processing.

Inside the G-5 is Roland's groundbreaking COSM guitar modeling, the same tone technology found in the VG-99 V-Guitar System and GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer. Driven by an inconspicuously mounted GK-3 Divided Pickup, the onboard COSM engine gives the player a world of different guitar sounds including unique "ideal-performance" pickups, such as a humbucker with ultra-wide range and a single coil with full, bold tone at their fingertips, available simply by adjusting the familiar Stratocaster knobs and 5-way pickup selector switch. (sentence is long, can we break up?)

The 20 sounds onboard the G-5 VG Strat include Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster®, humbucking, 12-string, acoustic models, and cutting-edge unique sounds, plus five alternate tunings. A Mode Control knob selects one of five distinct modeling modes, while the Tuning Control knob allows players to apply alternate tunings such as open G, drop D, baritone, and others to any currently selected model. In addition, a digital reverb effect is available when an acoustic model is selected. 

As an instrument, the G-5 VG Stratocaster is an authentic Fender Stratocaster guitar through and through. It features a solid contoured body, 22-fret maple neck (with rosewood or maple fingerboard), three American Strat® single-coil pickups with 5-way switching, a synchronized tremolo bridge, a 3-ply pickguard, American inline tuners and chrome hardware. The G-5 is 100% a real Strat® guitar, with the same legendary sound and feel that players have loved for over 50 years.

The G-5 VG Stratocaster gives players a single, versatile guitar that can cover any musical style and playing situation.

The G-5 VG Stratocaster is available in a classic three-tone sunburst finish with a rosewood fingerboard, or a black finish with a maple fingerboard.

For more information, visit www.RolandUS.com.

Phil's guitar choice is a white, solid bodied six string Caparison Angelus-M3B +EMG, the ideal instrument for his hard-edged chord work and soaring solos, effortlessly performed on the double octave, ebony fingerboard with12th fret oval inlay.

The maple set neck Angelus-M3B +EMG is designed to deliver high output with a pair of Caparison's optional EMG active humbuckers, with endless sustain provided by the body construction consisting of a carved two-piece maple top, central maple section acting as a tone mantle for the pickups and mahogany wings.

Says Campbell,

"My Caparison is one of the easiest guitars I've ever played and the sound is out of this world."

Phil Campbell joins an impressive list of high energy Caparison players that include:

Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage, Christopher Amott, formerly of Arch Enemy, Jona Weinhofen of Bring Me The Horizon, Mattias "IA" Eklundh of Freak Kitchen, Michael J. Romeo of Symphony X, Jeff Williams and Andy Rosser-Davies of Onslaught, Chris and Tino Troy of Praying Mantis and Dennis Stratton, formerly of Iron Maiden.

Caparison Guitars are designed by Itaru Kanno, a former Charvel/Jackson designer who helped fashion such iconic milestones within guitar design, including the Soloist Special, Dinky, AXE, Falcon.CDS Series, CDS II, Questar Series and the Doug Aldrich Model.

The HD Dierks Bentley is crafted with solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a premium Adirondack spruce top, it will surely appeal to a wide range of pickers and strummers from Country to Bluegrass to Rock.  Unique to Dierks' model is the patriotic bold red, white, and blue Herringbone inlay that adorns the top perimeter, rosette, and back purfling. The vintage profile neck shape has comfortably narrow string spacing, Waverly tuners, and bone nut, saddle and bridge pins for exceptional playability and tone. The black Ebony fingerboard bears a mother of pearl Phoenix bird inlayed at the 12th fret, a symbol of great significance to Dierks that pays homage to his Phoenix, AZ upbringing.   Each HD Dierks Bentley Custom Signature Artist Edition will bear an internal label, personally signed by Dierks Bentley and numbered in sequence without total.  The retail price for the HD Dierks Bentley will be $4999 and the MAP price will be $3999.

"I bought my D-28 years ago because so many of my heroes played Martins, and I would never have thought that I'd be working with Martin one day to design my own signature model," said Bentley.  "Their guitars have been played by the best musicians of all time and cross all music genres, so it's still pretty unreal that they asked me to collaborate on a custom model…definitely something I can check off my bucket list!"

 "Dierks Bentley is leading a new generation of great young American country artists making an impact with their craft.  He is an outstanding ambassador for Martin and has bridged generations of country music fans," said Fred Greene, vice president and general manager of guitars, C.F. Martin & Co. "It is a pleasure to work with such a gifted artist and to see this partnership reach a new level with the HD Dierks Bentley model."

About Dierks Bentley:

CMA award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley recently released his sixth Capitol Nashville studio album HOME.   The new album debuted at No. one and has already scored two chart-topping hits, "Am I The Only One" and the anthemic "Home."  Bentley has forged his own brand of country music combining classic country songwriting, influences of bluegrass instrumentation and the energy of rock & roll.  His five previous studio albums have earned 10 GRAMMY nominations, sold over five million albums and scored nine No. one hits.  Bentley is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and is currently headlining his Country & Cold Cans Tour which has already made stops this year in the US, Canada and Australia.

Dierks will be performing with the model on CMT's UNPLUGGED which airs on cmt.com the same day. The on-channel airtimes are captioned below for your easy reference.

CMT:

6/25 - 10a

6/26 - 11a

6/29 - 9a

6/30 - 10a

7/1 - 9a

CMT Pure:

6/25 - 9pm

6/26 - 5pm

6/29 - 6pm

6/30 - 3pm

7/1 - 9pm

To celebrate our Steve Morse interview, style analysis and gear reviews, we've teamed up with Musicman guitars and TC Electronic to bring you iGuitar's greatest competition yet! One lucky winner is going to scoop the pool this time and will recieve a handmade, USA-built Musicman Steve Morse Y2D guitar, as reviewed in this issue!

The winner will also recieve a TC Electronic Flashback Delay pedal ready for them to download the Steve Morse TonePrint too!

All you have to do to enter is answer the following three questions by eail. But remember - you must be a registered iGuitar reader (It's completely free!) so if you haven't, sign-up today! Just send us an email will your answers. One entrant with the correct answers will be chosen at random and will receive these two fabulous prizes!

Questions:

Q1. In the 1980's Steve Morse played with which leading Prog Rock Band?

A/ Genesis

B/ Emerson Lake and Palmer

C/ Kansas

Q2. Musicman's Steve Morse Y2D Guitare features an optimal tremolo system made by:

A/ Kahler

B/ Wilkinson

C/ Floyd Rose

Q3. TC Electronic's Flashback delay pedal features sounds from which earlier TC unit?

A/ The 2290

B/ the 2627

C/ The 1812

To enter, email your answers (e.g. Q1 - C) along with your name, email address and daytime phone number, marked 'Steve Morse Competition' to competitions@iguitarmag.com

What are you waiting for.......

Here's last month's winner Bruce Sloan with his TC Electronic John Petrucci Signature Dreamscape Pedal

Joe Walsh and Friends will also feature collaborations with the legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist on solo hits such as "Life's Been Good" and Eagles classics including "Life in the Fast Lane." 

"It's an honor and a privilege to be onboard for a CMT CROSSROADS episode," said Walsh. "I've hand-picked some old friends and some new friends and we're going to make sure it's a special evening. Nothing beats country music with a little rock & roll sprinkled on top. We're going to mix up a batch and see what happens. I got a real good feeling about it. Nashville, here we come!"

Best known for his powerful guitar licks, Joe Walsh has entertained the masses and captivated his peers for more than three decades with such classics as "Funk #49," "Walk Away," "Life's Been Good," and "Ordinary Average Guy." A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Eagles, Walsh has also enjoyed tremendous success as a solo artist and will release Analog Man, his first solo album in 20 years, on Tuesday, June 5. Walsh will tour in support of the new record throughout 2012, both in the US and abroad. 

Joe has given fans a taste of the album before it's release by streaming the album in full at RollingStone.com

Joe Walsh has also released another new video clip from his show at Hollywood's Troubadour of album track "Wrecking Ball", watch it below:

Elvis Presley die-hards (excuse the pun) will have the chance to bid on the Memphis Crypt that briefly housed 'the king' following his death on August 16, 1977, reports UltimateClassicRock

The rather morbid auction will take place at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills as part of a two-day sale of rock memorabilia called 'Music Icons' and will take place on June 23 - 24.

Bidding on the crypt will begin at $100,000 and the winning bidder will also be granted the services of the chapel, the opening and closing of the vault and crypt for burial, and a memorial inscription.

"I just consider that if you're an ultimate fan of Elvis Presley, it's an opportunity," Darren Julien, the auction house president, told the New York Times. "It's definitely a conversation piece. Only one person can say, 'Hey, I'm going to be buried where Elvis

In their storied 43 year career that 'lil ol band from Texas' have sold over 50 million physical albums  and the recently announced digital ploy is a new territory for Gibbons & co, however the longtime guitarist and lead singer believes it's a necessary.

He told USA Today:

"ZZ Top would be the last guess for the most Internet-savvy band. However, I think we're just in the initial stages of a very fast-moving platform. Sooner rather than later, any other form other than digital media will be a thing of the past. It won't vanish, but let's face it, this is seemingly the way of the future."

The leading track set to feature on the EP, 'I've Got to Get Paid,' was recently used in a video commercial for whiskey manufacturer Jeremiah Weed via YouTube - See below. 

The innovative functionality of the Dual Expression pedal is complimented by the quality of its build. The cast-aluminium housing provides a sturdy but lightweight base to the pedal and an adjustable range knob enables users to optimize its performance.

The Dual Expression Pedal is also designed to be an optimal match for Source Audio's Soundblox Pro Series pedals, which use expression signals to dramatically enhance their capabilities by adding functions like morphing, LFO speed control, filter modulation, volume and mix control, and many more.

MSRP for the Dual Expression Pedal is $149 (street: $109). It is available now. For more info and a list of authorized dealers, visit www.sourceaudio.net  or call Source Audio directly at 781.932.8080.

About Source Audio:

Widely acclaimed for bringing innovation into the world of guitar effects pedals, Source Audio was founded in January 2005 by former engineers, scientists, and executives of Analog Devices, Kurzweil Music Systems, and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Since the 2006 release of its flagship product, the Hot Hand motion-sensing ring, Source Audio's distortion, modulation and Hot Hand products have been recognized through multiple awards from Guitar Player, Guitar World, Bass Player, and Premier Guitar Magazines - www.sourceaudio.net

This is the eighth edition of lithographs in this ongoing series of limited edition high quality collectable lithograph images, commemorating the career of the Blues icon.

There is a limited run of ONLY 250 "Joe to the Max " Lithograph prints and which have been created by the world famous Peter Max. Each lithograph is personally hand signed by Joe Bonamassa and Peter Max. Each lithograph print comes with a certificate of authenticity ensuring the quality and collectable nature of each piece. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed!

Peter Max, is known as one of Americas premier pop culture artists f our time. Peter has inspired Americans for more than four decades. His one-man museum exhibitions have had record-breaking attendance while also demonstrating how fine art can extend beyond museum walls. Peter Max has created thousands of notable works including iconic images of the statue of Liberty, Walt Disney, Bob Dylan and much more.Retail price is $599, includes the frame, lithograph and 2 free tickets to a show of your choice and an invite for you and a guest to personally meet Joe Bonamassa! Click here to buy now.

Each lithographic print comes framed in a high quality black frame and double matte background that is guaranteed to look great in any room in your home. "Joe to the Max" is a beautiful piece of art with a dimension of 26"W X 32"H.

This particular lithograph print retails for $599 (£386.00). Each of the 250 owners of the prized "Joe to the Max " lithograph will also receive 2 tickets to a show and an invite to a meet and greet with Joe at the show of their choice. Meet Joe in person, get his autograph and take a photo with him before he performs live for you!

This makes a great Fathers Day, Holiday, Birthday or anytime gift!

Along with the slew of Priest classics on offer the band also included covers of Joan Baez's 'Diamonds and Rust' and Fleetwood Mac's 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)' in their final show's setlist.

And as for this being a 'farewell' tour, then Glen Tipton revealed that the band don't plan on retiring just yet, although the days of month-long treks around the world and back are well and truly over, he said:

"We don't plan on retiring. We've said that this is our last world tour. It takes a chunk out of your life - 18 months. We won't be doing any more world tours as such and in my parts of the world, it will be the last time people get a chance to see us."

Judas Priest in London - Set List:

1. 'Rapid Fire'
2. 'Metal Gods'
3. 'Heading Out to the Highway'
4. 'Judas Rising'
5. 'Starbreaker'
6. 'Victim of Changes'
7. 'Never Satisfied'
8. 'Diamonds & Rust'
9. 'Prophecy'
10. 'Night Crawler'
11. 'Turbo Lover'
12. 'Beyond the Realms of Death'
13. 'The Sentinel'
14. 'Blood Red Skies'
15. 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)'
16. 'Breaking the Law'
17. 'Drum Solo'
18. 'Painkiller'
19. 'The Hellion/Electric Eye'
20. 'Hell Bent for Leather'
21. 'You've Got Another Thing Coming'
22. 'Living After Midnight'

Montreal based Godin Guitars was awarded the honour of "Manufacturer of the Year "during the 2nd annual MIAC Excellence Awards on Sunday May 13th at Toronto's International Centre. The M.E.A.s were presented during a special ceremony at the 41st annual MIAC trade show, which is Canada's premier trade show for the Canadian music products industry.

The MIAC Excellence Awards are presented to those individuals and organizations that exceptionally contributed to the well-being and future prosperity of the industry as a whole.

Robert Godin, founder of Godin Guitars, was on hand to pick up his manufacturer of the year honour, as was Godin's Sales & Marketing Manager, Mario Biferali who says; "We're very honoured for this recognition, and extremely proud of the fact that we make every single guitar right here in Canada. It is always nice to be recognized and this year being our 40th year in business, makes it that much more special."

For further information, please visit: http://www.miac.net/

About Godin Guitars:

With its early beginnings in 1972, the Godin Guitar family now includes 7 lines of guitars. These include the renowned Godin & Richmond electric lines, as well as the finely crafted acoustic lines such as Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Norman, Art & Lutherie and LaPatrie nylon stringed classical guitars. Godin Guitars is also the manufacturer of the revolutionary TRIC acoustic guitar case and is the North American distributor of high-end Italian made SR Technology acoustic amplifiers. Based in Montreal Quebec, this Canadian company has 6 factories, 5 of which are located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and 1 located in Berlin New Hampshire.

O'keeffe and Son are as the name suggests are a Father and Son operation based in west Yorkshire. Tony and Jim have 45 years of combined guitar playing and tinkering, Tony O'keeffe Graduated from Central St Martins in 1995 and has been exhibiting his art internationally ever since.

Now it seems the band's core members (Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield) have ejected Tate and plan to proceed without him under the new name of Rising West.

However, the band will perform two shows with Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre at the Hard Rock Cafe in their hometown of Seattle. The dates will act as warm up shows for a possible new album and tour with La Torre at the helm, reports MetalTalk.

Built to impeccably high standards within a sturdy, fortress-like polished stainless steel housing, the Cornell PedalAmp is far from a one-function stomp box.

For Boost or Overdrive -                                                                                                                        

The mains powered PedalAmp can be used conventionally for boost or overdrive utilising the classic tone formula of two ECC83 (12AX7) valves, renowned for their high gain and low noise in the pre amp section, feeding rich, fat overtones to the warm, sparkling tonal characteristics of an EL84 in the output stage. If required, higher levels of saturation are reached via an additional EQ Cut footswitch.

As an amp/pre amp.                                                                                                                   

Whilst the EQ layout is simplicity itself with Gain, Treble, Bass and Master Output identified with pointy chicken head controls, the PedalAmp delivers a full 4watts rms, easily driving stand-alone speaker cabinets or warming up the front end of any amp.

Studio/ Live -                                                                                                                                                    

The Cornell PedalAmp has been designed to achieve optimum amplifier performance.                                                                                                                     Connect straight into the PA or mixing console via the 'Mixer Output' and the PedalAmp delivers pure valve tone, from crystal clean to blues to high rock without signal loss or diffusion with the tonal frequencies.

True bypass, headphone socket, built in speaker simulator and 9volt dc outlets to supply additional effects, are all part of the Cornell PedalAmp's complete package, providing all the tools the serious guitarist needs for every environment.

Denis Cornell amplifiers are used by some of the biggest names in the guitar world, favoured by professional musicians, studio players and engineers worldwide for their specific tonal range and headroom.   

Cornell PedalAmp rrp: £690 

Over the recent months surviving members Ford, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie  have put previous ill feelings to bed after years of non-communication.

In an interview with Metal Underground, Ford said,

"I would if it was the Runaways.  There's all kinds of lineups you can have and all kinds of wonderful musicians. Unfortunately Sandy's not around anymore, the drummer, and she was such a huge part of the band. I don't know if Joan Jett would do the band without Sandy. I would, I love Sandy and nobody will ever take her place, but there's still me and Joan and Cherie. The Runaways had a couple of bass players and they were both great. I would love to do the Runaways again, maybe next year, 2013 would be a good time."

Ford's new album, 'Living Like a Runaway' will be released on 18th June (12). The British born guitarist will also be touring North America this month with Def Leppard and Poison. 

Don't forget we was lucky enough to catch up with Lita Ford along with Gary Hoey at NAMM 2012 to discuss her new album. Check out our exclusive interview below which features in Issue 7 of iGuitarMag.
 

The new EP, entitled 'Texicali,' has been produced by world-renowned record producer Rick Rubin. It is part of a full-length ZZ Top album which, at present is still untitled and hasn't been given a release date. Although the new album will be released through American Recordings.

Rubin said:

"Based on the visibility of the 'Gotsta Get Paid' song, we decided to make available more of a taste of the album than just the one song."

He continued: "That's the beauty of the new digital landscape; we can put out what we want when we want, in the best service of the artist."

Gibbons notes

"We were itching to get some new music out before the full album release; making available these four tracks seems like a good way to accomplish that most expeditiously. Dusty, Frank and I are happy with what's been accomplished in the studio so we figured we'd provide some hot and tasty 'hors d'oeuvres' before the main course is served this fall."

'Texicali' EP

1.I Gotsta Get Paid
2.Chartreuse
3.Over You
4.Consumption

Check out the leading single from the EP, 'I Gotsta Get Paid' below and listen to 'Consumption' here

On July 17, Cleopatra Records is releasing Black On Blues, an all-star tribute to The Black Keys featuring artists from all genres of music. Iggy Pop, Ginger Baker, Albert Lee, and Doug Kershaw are just some of the contributors.

Hailing from Akron, Ohio, The Black Keys is Dan Auerbach (guitars and vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums). As part of the heavily blues-based garage rock revival, the duo has sold millions of records in its decade of recording and touring. From festival headlining to national ad campaigns, The Black Keys has gone from indie buzz band to sometimes controversial major player earning honor from the classic artists that have paved the way.

Many such classic artists with hefty blues credentials appear on Black On Blues. The legendary Iggy Pop (of the Stooges) performs with epic drummer Ginger Baker (Cream, Blind Faith). Dave Davies (The Kinks), Walter Trout, Oli Brown Band, Cyril Neville and Devon Allman also perform on the record.

Black On Blues was mastered by Grammy Award-winner Brian Lucey, who has mastered several of The Black Keys albums, including the most recent, El Camino.

Track List:

The PedalPro Multi-effect contains 14 pure analogue effects: a solid state compressor/limiter, a JFET distortion, a stereo optical noise gate, a fasel-based optical wah, vowel generators, envelope filters, an optical phaser, a tremolo panner, boost, a BBD chorus-flanger-delay, and a stereo volume pedal.

Users can control, store and recall the settings of every effect's parameters via a central digital interface. Unlike digital sound processing units, the PedalPro uses a smart, four-processor based architecture that enables users to control their analogue effect without the sound ever being digitised. Users can enjoy the best, studio-quality analogue sound available on the market while gaining a controllability and creative scope never before possible.

Key features:

• 14 classic analogue effects designed to work together simultaneously and in any number of configurations.
• Ability to assign an expression pedal to any analogue parameter including the wah, wet/dry, volume, gain, depth, tempo and others to alter their range as you play.
• Option to integrate and control external effects using pre and post loops
• More sound options and the ability to produce entirely new sounds owing to the number of parameters accessible and their modulation functions.
• One high-input impedance JFET buffer instead of several multi-stage stomp box buffers.
• Easy and intuitive to use.
• Higher headroom and dynamic due to 30V internal power supply (+/-15V).
• 21 golden-plated moisture-free relays to provide the optimum connection between your
• effects and true bypass.
• Silent switching between presets.
• Wide variety of different routing possibilities.
• Ability to create entirely new modulating waveforms and synchronisable functions for all new sounds.
• Full recall and storage of 500 complete analogue presets and an unlimited number on a MAC/PC-based preset library using USB interface.
• Made in the Netherlands with the tightest manufacturing quality control to ensure total reliability and a lifelong investment.
• The Pedalino Foot Controller brings users complete control of the PedalPro Multi-effect via four multi-level pressure-sensor pads. At less than a centimetre thick, Pedalino's radical ergonomic shape and large switching pads reduce errors while eliminating the mechanical noise inherent to existing foot controllers. Users can switch between presets with minimal effort and maximum
• control, comfort, and precision.

Ideal for live performances, Pedalino users can enjoy a clean stage, while remotely adjusting, storing and recalling the parameters of their presets on the fly. Using an expression pedal, users can adjust the range of their parameters in real-time, as they play.

Key features:

• No moving parts and nothing to break down for a longer life-span.
• Easy to use. No programming required thanks to a bidirectional protocol (ADES). Sound names, preset parameters and their configurations are instantly downloadable from the PedalPro.
• Jump silently between presets in one motion.
• Extra-large, visible display.
• Change guitars in total silence using the mute button.
• Tune your guitar with all-new precision and ease.
• Modify effects' parameters while playing live using an expression pedal.
• Customise the level of force required to activate the footpads.

The PedalPro System (Multi-effect + Foot Controller) is now available for €1999.- (incl. 19% VAT). This price does not include the expression pedal. All products can be purchased on the Vintage Revolution website and shipped to any location in Europe.

For full details of the PedalPro System including sound samples, visit our website at www.vintagerevolution.com.

Guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, beatboxers, looping musicians of all sorts: BOSS® wants you to bring it on.

BOSS Corporation is pleased to launch the Loop Station World Championship. Start by submitting a video performance with any BOSS RC-Series looping product, and the result could be a trip to the U.S. Finals in Hollywood, California. Or, better yet, $3,000 in BOSS gear and a trip to the International Championship at Winter NAMM 2013 in Anaheim, California.

Open Competition - June 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012

Upload a video performance using any BOSS RC-Series Looper to Youtube.com that is five minutes or less.

Visit www.BossUS.com/LoopStation to fill out entry form.

Entries will be judged and selected by BOSS, who will be looking at the creativity, musicianship, stage presence, and technical skill of the looping performance.

U.S. Finals - October 20, 2012

Top six entries will be flown in to compete at the BOSS U.S. Loop Station Finals at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.

Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry insiders.

Prizes include:

1st Prize - $3,000 in BOSS Gear; trip to the International Championship

2nd Prize - $2,000 in BOSS Gear

3rd Prize - $1,000 in BOSS Gear

International World Championship - Winter NAMM, January 24-27, 2013

Winner of the U.S. Finals will represent the United States in the BOSS International Loop Station Championship in Anaheim, CA.

Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry insiders and celebrities.

Prizes include:

1st Prize - $3,000 in BOSS Gear

2nd Prize - $2,000 in BOSS Gear

3rd Prize - $1,000 in BOSS Gear

To enter the U.S. division of the BOSS Loop Station World Championship, please visit: www.BossUS.com/LoopStation.

This is an exciting 4-in-one boost that gives you a choice of four distinct flavours of boost to suit any occasion or style. Pushbutton switches allow you to choose any combination of the four, which allows for many "stacked" sounds that result in a diverse range of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz tones. This is where it truly stands apart from other boosts… it's like a dozen pedals in one!

The boosts are as follows:

R - Rangemaster - a modern recreation of the classic Rangemaster treble boost. I have painstakingly replicated the signature vowel-peak slightly dirty boost using modern components for lower noise and higher consistency and reliability.

M - MOSFET - my version of a popular boost known for its super hard sound. Not a simple copy, I've redesigned the circuit to feature my noise free "non-crackling" gain control and use a lower-noise transistor. The tone is clear and clean at low gain, and loud and fat when turned up.

O - Opamp - an original design boost circuit using an opamp. Designed to sound neutral and clean at low gain, but becomes a hot overdrive when turned up. Can be used as a high-quality buffer at minimum gain.

J - JFET - this is a hot boost based on the SRPP topology and utilizing Toshiba 2SK117 audio JFETs. The sound is an intense boost with a slightly lean low-end. When overdriven by the other boosts, it has a very tube-like character that makes it ideal in the last position.

The finish is hand-painted acrylic over baked enamel primer with a tough gloss over-coat. Each one is an individual and no two are exactly alike. It is as interesting visually as it is sonically.

Check out this demo of the SOULSONICFX Four Banger:

The Illuminated Overdrive is the result of my work reverse-engineering the popular Klon Centaur overdrive. But this isn't a simple copy, I use higher-quality components wherever I can and try to do whatever possible to wrench the most performance from the circuit. The most obvious difference is the addition of the 3-way toggle switch labelled "Norm, Hot, Asym". This selects between three different clipping modes, each with its own characteristic tone.

Norm is the normal mode - this gives the same signature dark overdrive sound as the original Centaur.

Asym gives an asymmetrical clipping mode which has a more active harmonic character and a tone many people consider "tube-like".

Hot is very loud and crunchy - almost the exact polar opposite of the soft, dark normal mode.

The finish is a true work of art as beautiful and unique as the overdrive itself. Each is hand-painted a deep metallic gold using iridescent acrylic pigments with a breathtaking silver vein pattern over top. A tough gloss over-coat protects the beauty.

All Illuminated Overdrives now include a True Bypass/Buffered toggle that allows you to select which bypass style works best with your rig at no additional charge!

Find out more at www.soulsonicfx.com.

The Tea Philter lets you dial in everything from your favorite vocal mid-range tone to thick lows. Using point-to-point wiring and easy-to-follow instructions you can have a working fixed wah pedal in a matter of hours.

These kits are designed to give novice and experienced musicians the opportunity to build their own amps and effects pedals. All kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and use point-to-point wiring. A pre-drilled enclosure and all necessary parts are included.

All you need to provide are hand tools, a soldering iron and solder.  The effect pedal operates on a 9V battery; for a longer lasting option, a 9-volt adapter can be purchased separately.

For a complete listing of kits available from MODTM Kits DIY visit MOD Kits DIY

The patent pending Railhammers are designed by award winning guitar industry veteran Joe Naylor. Railhammers feature rails under the wound strings for tight lows, and poles under the plain strings for fat highs. The result is clarity that is similar to an active pickup, but with the harmonic content and organic tone of a passive design.

Touch sensitivity, sustain, and harmonic content are also enhanced by the extremely efficient magnetic structure, and the elimination of any moving parts. The strong magnetic field also prevents any dead spots when bending strings.

Other features include: universal spacing, six screw baseplate, four-conductor wiring (for custom wiring such as coil split, phase, series/parallel, etc.) and height tapered rails which contributes to consistent volume overall from string to string.

The bridge model is wound to 8.5K, the neck model to 7.5K. This provides excellent tone and volume balance when switching between pickup positions.

For more info please visit www.railhammer.com

In 2001 Daniels started playing a 1934 Martin C-2 archtop whose broken top had been replaced with a soundboard of Adirondack spruce, in effect converting it into an Orchestra Model (OM). That guitar became Daniels' constant companion in the studio and on stage and it became the template for the Martin OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist Edition. The model draws inspiration from the tonewoods and appointments of Daniels' original guitar but with some unique accents suggested by the man himself. The back and sides are rare Madagascar rosewood, the top is Adirondack spruce reinforced with 1⁄4-inch scalloped Adirondack spruce bracing, the modified V neck with long diamond volute is carved from genuine mahogany, and the fingerboard and belly bridge are crafted from black ebony. Instead of the usual "natural" finish, the top of the OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist sports a rare and extraordinarily beautiful 1932 shaded finish. Also extraordinary are the neck and fingerboard inlays. A Madagascar rosewood headplate provides the backdrop for a Golden Era style "C. F. Martin" block letter inlay in abalone pearl that replicates the original version on the Martin C-2. Special long pattern diamond and square abalone pearl position markers on the fingerboard lead to happy/sad theatrical mask inlays in mother of pearl at the 12th fret, which Daniels says fits an actor's guitar.

"My new OM looks great and it has terrific balance all the way up the fretboard," said Daniels. "I'm noticing a solid low end that my original 1934 C-2 seems to lack. I remember striving for that element when we were specing it out, so mission accomplished! I've passed it around among several guitar playing crew members on set and everyone is impressed with the sound right out of the box - acoustic guitar heaven."

The acclaimed actor has always had a passion for music and over the past decade, Daniels has taken his passion public with five albums of impressive, mostly self-penned songs and occasional tours that demonstrate that he is every bit as talented behind a microphone as he is in front of a camera.

"We all know that Jeff Daniels is a talented actor, but I was unaware of what a tremendous musician, songwriter and guitarist Jeff Daniels is," said Chris Martin IV, CEO of Martin Guitar. "It is obvious that playing guitar is a very important part of his life. We are greatly honored at the opportunity to collaborate with him on this special project."

Each Martin OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist Edition guitar is delivered in a vintage-inspired Geib style case and bears a distinctive interior label personally signed by Jeff Daniels and numbered in sequence.

"I am the lucky soul that got to work directly with Jeff Daniels over the past few years on this great little Orchestra Model guitar," said Dick Boak, Director of Museum and Archives, Special Projects for Martin Guitar. "Like a Pegasus, it was reborn from an old 1934 Martin C-2 archtop into a stunning fingerstyle instrument. There are so many songs and stories buried inside this model, but the best part for me is getting to know this amazing person. Thank you Jeff!"

Authorized C. F. Martin dealers are currently taking orders for the OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist Edition. MSRP $4,999.  Participating dealers are listed on the C. F. Martin website, www.martinguitar.com.

About Martin Guitar

C.F Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 175 years. It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size.

One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings. These include the Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ line - the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, and the Martin SP line - which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.

Martin guitars and Martin Strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers. They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies; on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com and www.martinstrings.com.

'Honeyboy and the History of the Blues' looks at the career of the bluesman, who passed away in Chicago on August 29, 2011 at the age of 96.

The film features interviews with Keith Richards, Joe Perry, Robert Cray, B.B. King and Lucinda Williams talking about the importance of the blues, both on their own work and the history of American popular music. Edwards is also seen performing, in clubs, in a rural setting, and along the Chicago lakefront.

Called "The Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen," Edwards friends included greats, such as Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton. He appeared in the 1991 film, 'The Search for Robert Johnson,' and over the years frequently told the story of how he was present the night in 1938 when Johnson was fatally poisoned by a jealous husband.

'Honeyboy' described his life:

On Saturday, somebody like me or Robert Johnson would go into one of these little towns, play for nickels and dimes. And sometimes, you know, you could be playin' and have such a big crowd that it would block the whole street. Then the police would come around, and then I'd go to another town and where I could play at. But most of the time, they would let you play. Then sometimes the man who owned a country store would give us something like a couple of dollars to play on a Saturday afternoon. We could hitchhike, transfer from truck to truck, or if we couldn't catch one of them, we'd go to the train yard, 'cause the railroad was all through that part of the country then...we might hop a freight, go to St. Louis or Chicago. Or we might hear about where a job was paying off - a highway crew, a railroad job, a levee camp there along the river, or some place in the country where a lot of people were workin' on a farm. You could go there and play and everybody would hand you some money. I didn't have a special place then. Anywhere was home. Where I do good, I stay. When it gets bad and dull, I'm gone.

Edwards moved to Chicago in the 1950s and continued to perform and record up until only a few months before his passing. Edwards won a Grammy Award in 2008 for Best Traditional Blues Album, and in 2010 was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. His autobiography, 'The World Don't Owe Me Nothing,' was published in 1997. Edwards continued the rambling life he describes in his autobiography as he still toured the world well into his 90s.

Bloodstock Open Air will return to Catton Hall in Walton-Upon-Trent  on August 9th and the well respected metal fiesta have just confirmed Oakland Metal elders, Machine Head as their Saturday  headline act (11th August).

The headline slot on the Ronnie James Dio stage will mark the first ever UK festival appearance for Machine Head, who released their latest album 'Unto The Locust,' in 2011.

See below for B.O.A line-up so far

Ronnie James Dio Stage

Alice Cooper, Machine Head, Behemoth

Anvil, Watain, Paradise Lost, Dimmu Borgir, Hatebreed, Corrosion of Conformity, Sanctuary, Grand Magus, The Black Dahlia Murder, Decline, Nile, Mayhem, Lock Up, Sepultura, Iced Earth, Testament, Chthonic, Dio Disciples, Crowbar, Benediction, I Am I, Moosorrow, Freedom Call

Sophie Lancaster Stage in association with Last.FM

Alcest, Orange Goblin, Anaal Nathrakh

Evile, Marionette, Furyon, Demonic Resurrection, Headcharger, Winterfylleth, Ancient Ascendant, Easter Front, Pythia, Primitai, Crimes of Passion, Derision, Bloodshot Dawn, Re Armed, Saturnian, Witchsorrow, Dripback, Battalion

New Blood Stage

Gone Til Winter, Huron, Fallen Fate, Reign of Fury, Dreamcatcher, Reflections In Exile, Infernal Creation

 

Produced by Kevin Shirley (Joe Bonamassa, Aerosmith, The Black Crowes), the ten-song album includes material written by all four Robert Cray Band members; Robert Cray (vocals/guitar), Jim Pugh (keyboards), Cray Band co-founder Richard Cousins (bass) and Tony Braunagel (drums). The new album blends blues, rock, soul and jazz, with a lyric-sheet that examines the triumphs, fallouts and follies of love.

Nothin But Love is Cray's sixteenth studio album and marks the latest milestone in a career that has produced 15 Grammy award nominations (5 wins), over 12 million record sales worldwide, thousands of sold out concerts across the globe, and even his own signature line of Fender guitars.

Produced with what Shirley refers to as "the dirt under the fingernails," Nothin But Love was recorded live over two-weeks at the Revolver Studios in LA. The album features the soaring break-up blues of Won't Be Coming Home, the jazz chops of I'll Always Remember You, the soul-drenched ode to repossession that is Great Big Old House and the frantic '50s-flavoured rocker Side Dish.

According to local news network WKRN the guitarist, who played with Fleetwood Mac between '71 - '74, was found by his wife with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest at around 12.15 pm.

Bart Herbison, executive director of the Nashville Songwriters Association, quoted Wendy Welch as saying Welch had spinal surgery three months ago, doctors told him he would not get better and he did not want her to have to care for an invalid.

The couple had no children.

Police spokesperson Don Aaron has said that a suicide note was recovered from the scene and added that Welch had recently been suffering with 'health issues.'

Long-time Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks said Welch's death hit her hard.

"The death of Bob Welch is devastating ... I had many great times with him after Lindsey and I joined Fleetwood Mac. He was an amazing guitar player - he was funny, sweet - and he was smart. I am so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac - so, so sad," she said.

See Bob Welch performing classic track 'Sentimental Lady' with Christine McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac below:
  

Dave Mustaine and co were playing on the event's Main Stage on Tuesday (June 5th) performing tracks from their new album 'Th13teen,' when the crowd began booing and chanting for 80's metallers W.A.S.P  to appear after unconfirmed reports that Blackie Lawless, the band's frontman, had refused to perform after an altercation with Mustaine backstage.

After Megadeth cut short their set, a spokesman for the band addressed the audience and announced:

"Guys, Dave's been hit in the head with a rock… I apologize. He's been hit in the head."

The crowd then launched further missiles at the spokesman prompting him to also leave the stage amid chants of 'Megas**t.'

Megadeth, who released their last album 'Th1rt3en' in late 2011, are scheduled to appear at this weekend's Download Festival.

See below for fan-filmed footage of the incident:

                     

The DGT has always been a hugely popular fixture in the PRS line-up, and Mr Grissom's new DGT Standard takes the features of the original and blends with the sonic character of an all mahogany guitar. So that means a carved mahogany body, 25″ scale length/22 fret mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, jumbo frets, moon inlays (with birds as an option), locking faux bone tuners and PRS trem. Pickups are a pair of DGT humbuckers, each with a volume control, push/pull tone control and 3-way selector.

There's a great choice of opaque and translucent colours where the SGT Standard is concerned too - Faded Cherry, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Natural, Antique White, Black, Seafoam Green, Frost Blue Metallic, Green Burst and Powder Blue.

Tonally, the DGT Standard has a more focussed mid-range with what Grissom describes as "a nice chime and growl as well". It's s storming guitar, and one that will only be available for a limited period, so talk to your local PRS US dealer ASAP!

Alongside the new DGT, PRS have also released a limited run of "Lefty" Custom 24 guitars. A perennial favourite, the CU24 is of course the guitar that Paul Smith took to his first trade show in 1985.

The left-handed version sticks to the popular format of maple top, mahogany back, mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard with "old school" abalone birds inlays. The excellent 59/09 humbuckers make an appearance here, with new contoured bobbins that arc with the strings for a more open tone - these are controlled with a 5-way blade switch that now allows both humbuckers to be selected at the same time. There's a load of gorgeous finish options, from Amber Black to Eriza Verde, McCarty Sunburst to Purple Hazel - and 10 Top flame and quilt tops, nickel, gold or hybrid hardware are also available…

All in all, an irresistible package for left-handers!

For more information on PRS Guitars in the UK visit  www.headlinemusic.co.uk

In the short clip vocalist Andi Deris announces that the band's new album will be released in early 2013 and will supported by an extensive world tour.

The band, which was founded in 1984 by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool, have been in talks with a view of reforming their 'Keeper of the Seven Keys' lineup which included Michael Kiske & Kai Hansen along with long term members Michael Weikath and Marcus Grosskopf.

Weikath said last month:

"Right now we are busy with finalizing the songwriting process and are getting ready to take the accumulated ideas into a final selection for the new record. Everybody in the band is excited and eager to take what we have worked on so far to the next level."

Helloween formed in 1984 in Hamburg, Germany and have released 15 albums, however it was their second and third studio albums 'Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt 1' & 'Pt 2' which gave the band their much deserved notoriety.

     
            

The video (watch below), features footage taken on location at a show in the band's homestate of New Jersey.

Produced by Brendan O'Brien and recorded and recorded in Nashville.  The band have described the songs from 'Handwritten' as "pretty personal and pretty aggressive".

The Gaslight Anthem spoke to Gigwise earlier this week about the band's dreams of playing at Wembley Stadium and the recording of their new album. An excerpt from the interview follows

Having debuted your new track, '45', on Radio 1, what kind of feedback have you had?

It's been crazy. I knew it was premiering on the BBC but I didn't know exactly when and the way I found out was through my Twitter which went insane. There was post after post - it was great to see that reaction because it's the first thing people have heard from the album and they're saying it's their favourite song. It's nice for me to feel validated.

Did you always think this would be the first single for those reasons?

I was like, 'this is gonna be the first single,' but I didn't know how it was gonna work because it's my first time on a major label, but I had a gut feeling. That's the thing you look for when you write a song and release it, for people to like it. You feel like it's all worth it.

You've described new album 'Handwritten' as being pretty aggressive. Is '45' a good indication of what the rest of the album is like?

There are really fast songs and then there's one song that's faster than anything we've done since 'Sink or Swim'. Even the mid-tempo songs are intense and guitar heavy. It's definitely not a laid-back record, it's explosive and it bursts out at you. That's the kind of thing we were feeling.

What put you in that frame of mind? Did changing labels last year have an effect on that?

My friends have said that if you get a new member or a new guitar it injects a certain energy, so when you're around new people, and especially people who are excited, it makes you feel good. The cool thing is, Side One Dummy [the band's previous label] are really excited and supportive of us. They didn't look it as a bad thing.

You can sense an ambition about the band, so it makes sense you'd make this move at some point.

Yeah, it's no secret that we wanna play big shows and sell a lot of records and be a big band. At the same time, there's a certain responsibilty we all feel. We don't just want to drive around in Aston Martins. If we're a big band it means we get to have a big voice and take out bands that might not have otherwise had a chance. If we're making tons of money that means we can give money to all the charities we want to; it helps you have more of an impact on your community. Plus, it's awesome to play - I'd love to play Wembley Stadium. There is a responsibilty, though. We'd be nothing without our fans.

Given your plans to tour through to the winter, what does this record sound like live and are you confident playing it live yet?

It sounds big! We were playing a lot of shows with the Foo Fighters last year and that got us jazzed up to do some big rock songs, but I wouldn't say it doesn't sit with the other records. It sounds brighter! I mean artists like Pearl Jam and Springsteen - big sounding rock records.

Did you feel like side-project The Horrible Crowes was something you had to get out of your system before you got back to Gaslight?

Definitely. I wasn't tired of it, I just ran out of ideas. Your steam can run out a little. The last thing anyone wants to hear is a half-arsed rock record.

Did you have a greater appreciation of that big guitar sound going back into the studio for this album?

I was on fire by the time I got back in there.

You recorded in Nashville. How did the atmosphere of the place influence your album?

The vibe of the studio was very encouraging. We're one of those bands that hangs out with the interns. At the end of the recording, two of the guys pulled us over and said, 'You're the coolest band, noone ever acknowledges us.' We bought them dinner and gifts 'cos they're important. You can't run a studio without them.

What is it about Nashville that so many American artists are drawn to?

Nashville's just got this cool history. It's country music, which we didn't know and is out of our league which is cool. We didn't know anybody down there, so it was like a virgin experience being in a town where you dont know anything. That was the thing with the album - we wanted to record like it was our first record. What would Gaslight Anthem sound like if we started in our 30s? We didn't want those outside influences.

Read the full interview here > www.gigwise.com

The Eagles and Duesenberg Guitars have collaborated in designing a new signature guitars to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. The new Duesenberg Eagles Series features the DCF Eagles Signature Guitar along with the DBF Eagles Signature Bass. Both are based on the company's Fullerton double-cutaway series. Duesenberg has aimed for elegance with these models, which feature custom gold sparkle paint along with raised 3D wings on the lower part of the body, custom inlays of the bands name on the fingerboard, and silver-plated hardware.

Features
• Semi-Acoustic Maple Body 
• Arched Spruce Top 
• Sustain Center Block 
• Maple Neck - Rosewood Fingerboard 
• Guitar: Domino P90 and Grand Vintage Humbucker 
• Duesenberg Deluxe Tremolo 
• Bass: 2 Duesenberg Bass-Buckers 
• Custom Duesenberg Tuners and Trussrod Cover. 
• All hardware is Silver Plated and the Duesenberg Eagles Series comes with a custom case.

For more information, visit:
duesenbergusa.com

Horror icon Christoper Lee has announced that he planning to release a second Metal album under the guise of Charlemagne, reports MetalTalk

Lee, who turned 90 last month, is most famous for his roles as Dracula in the Hammer Horror film series as well as Saruman the White in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

However Lee recently told the BBC that he had become 'fascinated' by the metal genre:

"I became rather fascinated by this (genre) because, in terms of history of music, it's fairly recent, really. And if it's properly done and you can understand the story and you can understand what the people are singing and you have the right bands and the right singers, I think it's rather exciting.

"When I was approached to do the first Charlemagne album, By The Sword And The Cross, it is heavy metal, of course, but what I sang was more symphonic. Now, on the second one, The Omens Of Death, it is 100 per cent heavy metal. I've done my bits and pieces, and they are heavy metal. I'm not screaming or anything like that, but it is definitely 100 per cent heavy metal."

The first single from the second album, entitled 'The Omens of Death,' was released digitally and on limited edition vinyl last month (May12). Lee revealed that this second album will see him move into 'full on' Heavy Metal, with music arranged by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner.

RUSH release their first album in over five years on June 12. "Clockwork Angels" marks the band's 20th studio record and is their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner Records. Behind the mixing desk was producer Nick Raskulinecz, who also collaborated and co-produced 2007's "Snakes & Arrows".

Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life.

To mark the release of "Clockwork Angels", Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson connected with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins for an hour long conversation about the new album, making music, and much more. The FMBQ Productions Special, titled "Inside Rush: Clockwork Angels" can be streamed below in the soundcloud player.

Inside Rush: Clockwork Angels hosted by Billy Corgan by FMQB Productions

In the past the band had stated that 'Antennas To Hell' would be revealed on 17 July, however, a new video has since been uploaded with the short tag: 'Slipknot / Antennas To Hell / Coming 07.24.12.

See below for the latest video update along with the three previous videos..

Megadeth set: 

Throughout  the rest of the year (2012), as part of a new licensing and distribution agreement between Universal & the Zappa Trust, Zappa's sixty plus recordings will be released as they appeared on Zappa's own independent label, Barking Pumpkin Records.

The first 12 releases, which include Zappa's 1966 debut Freak Out! and his concert album series No Commercial Potential, will be available on July 31st - See the full list below.

The remaining releases will be released monthly through the end of 2012.

1. Freak Out! (1966)
2. Absolutely Free (1967)
3. Lumpy Gravy (1968)
4. We're Only In It For The Money (1968)
5. Cruising With Ruben & The Jets (1968)
6. Uncle Meat (1969)
7. Hot Rats (1969)
8. Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)
9. Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)
10. Chunga's Revenge (1970)
11. Fillmore East, June 1971 (1971)
12. Just Another Band From L.A. (1972)

Approximately two years ago, Shahab Tolouie began the realization of his long-term idea to gather the diverse strands of persian, jazz and flamenco together in a manner that incorporates modern technologies in one instrument to attain the precise timbres that are optimal for live performance of his original style - Persian-Flamenco fusion.

The name is derived from "fuse" - English for "fusion" and "tar" - Farsi for "strings"; hence 'fusion of strings'. The nickname Lucifer is that of the mythological morning star, the bearer of light.

It took a year and half for two luthiers Mehr & Owrang (Crimson Oath) to build the FuseTar. It is made of thirteen different types of wood and weighs 2.1 kg. With an acoustic chamber approximately 2cm larger than that on a regular guitar, the FuseTar possesses three necks. The uppermost is a fretless neck, which makes possible to play the quarter-tones peculiar to eastern music. The middle neck is the 'guitar neck', a combination flamenco/jazz guitar configured with the "true temperament" fretting technology, which produces more accurate intonations and longer sustain than a normal guitar and is used, for example, by John McLaughlin and Steve Vai. The third neck is a Persian 'setar neck' with four strings fretted for quartertones, a traditional instrument whose roots stretch back 2,000 years. This is the first time a traditional Persian instrument has been modernized with the fixed, "true temperament" fretting system.

At the same time FuseTar is a unique work of art - carefully decorated by elements from three the most significant historical periods of Persian Empire (Achaemenid: the Lion-griffin - a protector from evil, Parthian & Sassanid: Derafsh Kaviani - symbol of independence and freedom. Lion and Sun - always been associated with Persian royalty). And Faravahar - the best-known symbol of Zoroastrianism.

 

Following the release of the 'Angles' LP, Casablancas and co revealed they would not be wasting no time in returning to the studio to record the follow-up. However, it was widely rumoured that tension in the Strokes camp were riding high due to the frontman's solo ambitions.

The band are working with producer Gus Oberg, who produced 'Angels' and Albert Hammond Jnr's 2008 solo effort 'Como Te Llama?,' on the new project at the world-renowned Electric Lady Studios in New York.

Check out this video interview with bassist Nikolai Fraiture discussing the band's plans for the follow-up to 'Angles' at Benicassim 2011.

Sat 20th October - BIRMINGHAM Institute

Sun 21st October - LONDON Roundhouse

Tickets are on sale now.

Electro-Harmonix sent us this press release with a brilliant accompaning demo for anyone wanting to hear it. See below.

Press Release

With the unveiling of the new Crying Tone wah wah, Electro-Harmonix has re-invented this classic pedal and brought it into the 21st Century. EHX founder and president, Mike Matthews, explained its conception this way: "The wah wah pedal has been around since the 1960s and guitarists love them. But they also complain to me that the moving parts wear out, break and need to be replaced. Now, almost half a century later, technology has advanced to where we're able to create a wah wah with absolutely no moving parts. The pedal sounds incredible, is more responsive and has no moving parts to break."

The Crying Tone wah wah pedal is part of a new series for Electro-Harmonix dubbed The Next Step. Currently, there are four other pedals designed and poised for production: An Expression Pedal, Pan Pedal, Talking Pedal (vocal formant wah with fuzz) and Volume Pedal. All feature the proprietary design that makes The Next Step Effects ground breaking.

Every aspect of the Crying Tone pedal's design, from its unique shape to its state-of-the-art circuitry, is the result of almost three years of intensive design and development by an international team of engineers and musicians. The Crying Tone Wah Wah pedal comes equipped with a 9Volt battery and accepts an optional 9.6DC-200 power supply. The Crying Tone is shipping now and carries a U.S. List price of $116.

The current lineup includes the Ana Echo (analog delay), Black Secret (distortion), Blade (distortion), Cruncher (high gain distortion), Ensemble King (analog chorus), Green Mile (overdrive), Hustle Drive (drive), Pitch Box (harmony/pitch shift), Shim Verb (digital reverb), and the Ultra Drive (distortion). Mooer has plans to add 40 pedals to the line for a total of 50 pedals.

The compact size, light weight, quality sound and low price make this a sure hit for the 2012 holiday season and beyond.

For more information, visit:
www.osiamo.com

The new record, entitled 'I Bet on Sky,' will be released on 17th Sept in the UK and 18th Sept. in the US. The Massachusetts grunge godfathers, which once again features the original line-up of J Masics, Lou Barlow and Murph , finished recording the new album earlier this year. It will mark their tenth studio outing since their debut on Homestead Records in 1985.

Dinosaur Jr - 'I Bet on Sky' tracklist

1. "Don't Pretend You Didn't Know"
2. "Watch the Corners"
3. "Almost Fare"
4. "Stick a Toe In"
5. "Rude"
6. "I Know It Oh So Well"
7. "Pierce the Morning Rain"
8. "What Was That"
9. "Recognition"
10. "See It on Your Side"

Dinosaur Jr tour dates:

June 22: Subterranean, Chicago, IL
June 23: Green Music Festival, Chicago, IL
July 6: 80/35 Music Festival, Des Moines, IA
Aug. 25: LouFest 2012, St. Louis, MO
Sept. 24: Lee's Palace, Toronto, ON
Sept. 25: Lee's Palace, Toronto, ON
Sept. 26: Lee's Palace, Toronto, ON
Sept. 27: St. Andrew's Hall, Detroit, MI
Sept. 28: MidPoint Music Festival, Cincinnati, OH
Sept. 29: Pygmalion Festival, Champaign, IL
Oct. 1: Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN
Oct. 2: Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
Oct. 3: Tipitina's, New Orleans, LA
Oct. 4: Mohawk, Austin, TX
Oct. 5: Fitzgerald's, Houston, TX
Oct. 6: The Prophet Bar, Dallas, TX
Oct. 8: Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff, AZ
Oct. 9: The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA
Oct. 10: The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
Oct. 11: WOW Hall, Eugene, OR
Oct. 12: Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
Oct. 14: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
Oct. 15: Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO
Oct. 17: The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
Oct. 18: Cabooze, Minneapolis, MN
Oct. 19: Majestic Theatre, Madison, WI
Oct. 20: The Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, MI
Oct. 22: The Bluebird, Bloomington, IN
Oct. 23: Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
Oct. 24: Mr. Smalls Theatre, Millvale, PA
Oct. 25: Black Cat, Washington, DC
Oct. 26: Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, VA
Oct. 27: Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA
 
 

Joe, who recently released his 12th solo album 'Driving Towards The Daylight' has been in the studio this weekend with Black Country Communion working on the supergroup's new record. 

There are two ways customers can approach the program. One option is to order one of the notable CAD models that PRS has created (largely generated from artist requests and conversations). These include the HXDA, MDT, and Blistertone to name a few. Alternatively, if you have a musical or tonal idea, a dream combination of features, or a desired cosmetic upgrade for an existing model, you can order that as well. "You don't have to hand us a schematic-just ideas," says Doug Sewell. "You want a half power switch on a '30'? No problem. If you want a triode switch on a '30,' well I've heard too many ghost notes in that, so I'd steer you in another direction that meets your needs better." No matter which path you take, Doug, Paul, and the PRS amp team will work with you through our CAD dealer network to create one-of-a-kind pieces based on any current or previous model.

What is CAD's ultimate goal? According to Paul Reed Smith, "In the end, it's about making a magic piece of gear-something as musical as possible. Whether you're onstage or in the studio, you have an amp that you can use and that you love."

Customers are encouraged to contact an authorized CAD dealer for details on how to get started.

For more information visit www.prsguitars.com/customampdesigns/

A teaser trailer for the CD can be seen below. Also available is the album's cover artwork, which was created by Travis Smith of Seempieces ( OPETH, DEVIN TOWNSEND, NEVERMORE, ICED EARTH, DEATH, AMORPHIS).

Commented TOURNIQUET: "The title track, 'Antiseptic Bloodbath', speaks of the way our society prefers to sanitize brutality. We can have our tidy Christian faith, or continue with no faith at all, as long as we don't consider the painful bloody price that was paid for us.

"We use animals for our food, profit, and amusement, but would rather not know about the needless, often systematic suffering that is inflicted on them by a callous and greedy humanity. 'Don't upset my comfort zone - brutal truth, leave me alone.' The great news is that we have the ability to choose. This album encourages us to make good and humane choices in our daily lives that reflect these images."

TOURNIQUET's last studio release, 2003′s "Where Moth and Rust Destroy" (Metal Blade), featured special guest appearances by guitarists Marty Friedman (ex-MEGADETH) and Bruce Franklin (TROUBLE).

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Be sure to check out the latest Issue (#10) of iGuitarMag for our Eddie Van Halen special in which we feature a lost interview with the Dutch guitar maestro along with a Van Halen masterclass to assist you and your playing.