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THE ROCK DIRT ARCHIVES: aug 2005 | sept 05 | oct 05 | nov 05 | dec 05 | jan 2006 | feb 06 | march 06 | april 06 | may 06
it's coming back...soon.
THE ROCK DIRT
Thursday, April 5, 2007
by Anngelle WoodBut Of Course. The question this week driving media outlets worldwide into a frenzy whether Keith Richards snorted his father's ashes or not? The story surfaced after a “report” in the Brit publication NME where Keef supposedly said that he mixed his dead dad’s cremated remains with some blow. Spokespeople scrambled to retract the comment as merely a joke after it blew up across the globe. He’s Keith Richards. He’s still alive. He wears hair jewelry, railing dad no big deal. Move on.
HOLY F*CK! Marilyn Manson and Slayer team for a tour this summer. The
oft-misunderstood denizens of dark rock launch their unholy union July 25 on the east coast, visiting some 25 cities by September. Manson and Slayer will play full sets each with two yet-to-be-named support bands opening all shows. At last check no US dates had been announced. Manson's "Eat Me, Drink Me" is due in June. Slayer continue to tour in support of, "Christ Illusion", released in August and made a respectable showing with its debut at #5 on The Billboard 200.
Shoots and Ladders. Scrap that, Rush has christened new record, “Snakes and Arrows” due for a May 1 release.The tour of the same name kicks off June 13 in Atlanta with itinerary covering some 45 cities throughout the U.S.and Canada. Two New England dates – both of which tickets are on sale for now – include June 27 at the Tweeter Center, Mansfield and July 9 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.www.rush.com
www.VH1.com+ROCK SHOW+
Heart, Sept 28 at the Bank of America Pavilion, Boston
Mike Inez - pictured far right - returned to Alice in Chains,
new bassist Ric Markmann joins them on the road.
www.heart-music.com
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place July 28 in Chicago. A partial list of those confirmed includes Jeff Beck, Doyle Bramhall II, Robert Cray, Derek Trucks, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Vaughn, Buddy Guy, BB King, Sonny Landreth, Albert Lee, Los Lobos, Stevie Winwood and Willie Nelson. The event will benefit Eric’s Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a residential care facility that provides treatment and education to chemically dependent persons and other compulsive addictive behaviors, their families and significant others.
www.crossroadsantigua.orgR.E.M. plans a five-night stand in Dublin this summer to roll out new songs for its next record. The dates, the first live gigs in 2 years, are scheduled for June 30-July 5 at the Olympia Theatre and will serve as live rehearsals in order to jumpstart the band’s sessions with producer Jacknife Lee in Dublin, Vancouver and back home in Athens, GA.
Velvet Revolver announced initial tour dates in support of upcoming sophomore release, “Libertad.” VR will do seven dates in South America in April, eleven shows in North America in May – none of which include Boston at this time - and do the European festival circuit beginning in June. Besides, Weiland needs some time away from the wife.
Ventilicious. Paul McCartney is the first artist to sign to Starbucks label Hear Music (a joint venture with the Concord Music Group). Sir Paul’s next record, due this summer, will be available along side your Tall Non-Fat Mocha Chai-accino Latte and at your traditional music retail outlets provided they use recyclable cardboard and fair trade beans.
Refueled. Former Doors members - now touring under the name Riders on the Storm – have replaced Cult singer Ian Astbury with former Fuel singer Brett Scallions. Apparently Ray Manzarek has big plans for Brett online postings on the subject included, “He's going to be great! Big voice, commanding stage presence. Prowls like a cat... I'm really excited about his joining the band." As for Astbury, he bailed to rejoin the Cult. Smart move.
Punk Poetry. Tim Armstrong of Rancid readies his long-awaited solo disc, “A Poet's Life” for a May 22 release (accompanied by obligatory bonus DVD). Originally said to be made available as a free download last year, only two songs ever showed up. Rancid is also planning a new record by the end of the year.
Brad Delp
June 12, 1951 – March 9, 2007
March 14, 2007 - There’s a much sadder conclusion to the passing Friday of Brad Delp, Danvers native and lead singer of the band Boston.
It was announced today that his death was the result of suicide. His family shared this in a statement relayed by police, “He was a man who gave all he had to give to everyone around him, whether family, friends, fans or strangers," adding, "he gave as long as he could, as best he could, and he was very tired. We take comfort in knowing that he is now, at last, at peace."
Brad was found by his fiancée, Pamela Sullivan, at his home in Atkinson, NH. He was 55. Toxicology tests by the NH medical examiner's office showed that he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, two notes were left, the contents of which were not revealed. A private funeral service will be held with a public memorial to pay respects in the weeks to come. Boston was planning a summer reunion tour. Brad also played regularly with his tribute band to The Beatles, Beatle Juice.
Brad grew up in Danvers, Mass where he worked in the manufacturing plant Hot-Watt – ironically with my mother – when he met and formed the band Boston with Tom Scholz. I recall her stories of Brad who, even after finding success as the leader of the band, still came to see visit his old haunts and took very good care of his mom (who also worked at the company if I recall correctly). Brad was a kind and humble man despite the band’s huge success. Anyone who knew Brad or knew of Brad speaks of him in very high regard.
We have just lost the nicest guy in rock and roll.
I know first hand the affects suicide has on the lives of those left behind. I only hope that Brad's fans, friends, and family know that support is out there.
Some links:
American Society for Suicide Prevention - www.afsp.org
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education - www.save.org
Suicide Fact Sheet - www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/suifacts.htm
THE ROCK DIRT
March 7, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
Nevermind the Inductees, Spirits of the Aged, Icky StripesFireworks.
That Van Halen reunion tour was on. Then off. Then on. Then…well, you get it. Same goes for the band’s attendance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction on Monday (March 12) in New York City. Reportedly all the members of Van Halen - Eddie and Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, and Sammy Hagar - have told the Rock Hall they will be attending with Eddie and Alex reserving a table for themselves and their families. However, the band is still not performing. That task will be handled by Velvet Revolver as Slash and company will offer a live performance tribute in lieu of the band themselves bickering like old men. Think what Metallica did for Black Sabbath last year minus the bickering. VR’s Scott Weiland and Slash will be on hand to induct VH into the Rock Hall. And just in the nick of time, VH1 Classic finalized a deal to air the ceremony live for the first time with AOL Music streaming live coverage.
www.blabbermouth.netIn Addition. Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder will induct R.E.M. into the Rock Hall while Jay-Z handles the honors for forefathers of Rap and Hip Hop Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Making his first public appearance in I don’t know how long, Rage Against The Machine front man Zach de la Rocha will induct punk rock poet laureate Patti Smith. Keith Richards will take some time away from tree climbing to be on hand for the induction of The Ronettes.
www.fmqb.comPuddle Jumping. New Aerosmith interview posted via YouTube from the band’s visit to London last month to announce its upcoming tour there. The band was across the pond for a few days in February for the announcement and for a gig at London's Hard Rock Cafe. Aerosmith resumes work on a new record now that Steven Tyler and tom Hamilton are well from their various ailments. Tom Hamilton will join the band on the road this spring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvCsRzcFG2I
Raw Power. The Stooges reunion record, “The Weirdness,” comes out March 20 on Virgin Records. Get a taste with new song, "My Idea Of Fun," streaming at www.myspace.com/iggyandthestooges.
Spirit of the Aged. Smashing Pumpkins’ reunion record, "Zeitgeist," will be released on a Saturday in July – an atypical day for a record’s release except it lands on 7/7/07.
Road Show. Marilyn Manson has a slew of European dates lined up this spring in support of new record, “Eat Me, Drink Me” – also set for release this spring. If all goes well, Marilyn should be touring stateside by July.
What The? White Stripes have wrapped their hiatus as well as the recording of new record, interestingly entitled, “Icky Thump” – evidently a take on Brit slang for “what the heck?” – that will feature numbers like, "Catch Hell Blues," "Little Cream Soda," and "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)." New record was recorded between visits to the laundromat at Jack White’s home base in Nashville. It’s their sixth record, but the first under new deal with Warner Music Group. The Stripes found themselves label-less when V2 Records was restructured earlier this year.
The always eclectic Icelandic goddess Bjork will release her next studio record on May 7. Self- produced "Volta" features collaborations with an assortment of artists including the red hot Timbaland.
+ROCK SHOW+
Iggy and the Stooges, April 7 at the Orpheum Theater, Boston. Tickets on sale now through www.ticketmaster.com
Heaven and Hell with Megadeth and Machine Head, May 15 at Tsongas Arena, Lowell
Tickets on sale now through www.ticketmaster.com.Genesis’ ‘Turn It On Again” Reunion tour, Sept 11, TD BankNorth Garden, Boston. Tickets will go on sale Mon, March 12 at 10am and available at the Garden box office and at Ticketmaster outlets, including Macy’s, by calling 617-931-2000 and via www.livenation.com. Tickets will set you back $57, $82, $127 and $227 depending on the section.
Gene, Gene, The Pimpin’ Machine. Gene Simmons will get animated once again, this time lending his pipes to SpongeBob SquarePants as character Sea Monster for an upcoming episode of Nickelodeon's kid- and adult-friendly show. According to Gene, "I was born for this part.” He was also born for his part on Gene Simmons Family Jewels, his A&E reality show that returns for a second season this month. How can you resist monster of Rock Gene Simmons getting made fun of by his teenaged kids? Season 2 debuts on A&E on March 25. (Teaser: Gene and Shannon get matching face lifts!)
www.aetv.com
THE ROCK DIRT
Feb 22, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
Indefinitely VH, Sevens, the Bono of Global Warming
Spontaneous Combustion. The pending Van Halen reunion is a no go. Word came this week that all plans have been "officially postponed indefinitely." So much for that.
The New Bono? In the humanitarian sense. Vice and almost-President Al Gore - environmental crusader, Nobel Peace Prize- and Oscar nominee (“An Inconvenient Truth” documenting dangers of global warming lecture is up for two Academy Awards) – will try his hand at concert promoting. Al, along with Live 8 producer Kevin Wall, is organizing a series of global concerts to raise awareness about global warming. The Police and Genesis just joined the list of more than 100 acts that will perform in multiple countries that day. The show appropriated called “Live Earth” will take place on July 7 – 7/7/07 - in London, Shanghai, Sydney, Johannesburg, Brazil, Japan, US locations to be determined and possibly Antarctica. Fancy that!
Seven Dylans. Post-production is underway on I’m Not There, the film featuring several aspects of Bob Dylan’s life and work, in fact, he’s portrayed by seven different actors including Christian Bale, Heath Leger, Richard Gere, and most interestingly, Cate Blanchette.
Fine. Chris Cornell has quit Audioslave citing “suckage”. Seriously, we could smell it from miles away after the release of last release, “Revelations” which came so very quickly after "Out of Exile." These things tend to happen when you need to satisfy record label contracts. As previously reported in THE ROCK DIRT, Rage Against the Machine plans to reunite for Coachella this spring while Chris will release his second solo record, “Carry On” on May 1.
Getting the Band Back Together. The Burden Brothers’ Vaden Todd Lewis will do just that with other band the Toadies for four live dates in his home state of Texas in March.
D.I.Y. Tori Amos’ next record, her ninth studio release, drops May 1; Tori wrote and produced “American Doll Posse” all by herself at home in Cornwall, England. Her world tour starts May 28 in Rome.
www.ToriAmos.comSnowball’s Chance. Original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler blogged recently that he and Axl Rose spoke after a show and "resolved a lot" – could such clarity lead to the original lineup getting back together? Nah. But Steven would like you to believe so.
Do Tell. Former GNR and current member of Velvet Revolver, Slash is co-writing his autobiography.
Major Indie. Former Indie darlings Interpol is putting the finishing touches on its third record – first on major label Capitol - in New York City, with mixing in progress in the U.K. According to Interpol drummer Dan Kessler the band is, “a lot more open” and that “it sounds like tells, "With this record, I think, anything goes. We're a lot more open. It sounds like Interpol…but there's a lot more atmosphere and sound in general, rather than just filling it up with guitars all the time." New, yet-to-be-titled Interpol is due in June.
www.6Music.comTelevised. VH1 Classic will reportedly air the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony live in its entirety in March to feature appearances by Van Halen, R.E.M, Patti Smith and The Ronettes.
+ROCK SHOW+The Police Reunion Tour – sponsored by Best Buy! – Sat, July 28 and Sun, July 29 at Fenway Park. Tickets cost some $225, $90, $50 thru ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster locations including Orpheum Theater box office, Boston. SOLD OUT in 10 seconds.
An Evening With…. Roger Waters returns July 9, this time to the (TDBankNorth) Garden. As he did last year, “Dark Side of The Moon” in its entirety as part of two full sets of Waters classics. Tickets on sale Sat, March 3, 10am.
Arcade Fire comes to the Orpheum Theater May 10. Tickets on sale Fri, Feb 23, 10am.
www.ticketmaster.com
THE ROCK DIRT
Mon, Feb 5, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
Music's Über Czar , Boston's Power Rock Collective, Idol LoveThis Just In. Reunited rock has been the theme of the Dirt these days. The Boston Globe reports THE POLICE’s (still non-existent) itinerary will include a two night stand at Fenway Park in Boston July 28 and 29. With Red Sox and city officials not commenting, we can only believe it’s true! Word is full tour dates are moments away.
www.boston.comMusic Czar. Leave it to none other than über-producer Rick Rubin – who’s worked with everyone from Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys, limpbizkit (boo), Dixie Chicks, and Metallica - to be named Sony Music’s "music czar." With this anointing, Rick will oversee the creative development of artists on its COLUMBIA and EPIC RECORDS labels. At last, there may be some good new music to get excited about.
www.fmqb.comNew Play. Brian Eno has joined Coldplay to produce the band’s next record. During an interview with BBC Radio, Eno said that it will be “will be very original and very different from what they've done before." Look for the band to try out the new joints during some dates south of the border. Meanwhile, Coldplay’s “The Singles 1999-2006” comprised solely of 7-inch vinyl singles will surface March 26 in the UK on Parlophone and is expected to be released eventually on Capitol Records.
Dealing With The Devil. The Eagles' have made some interesting choices in their illustrious career. This could top it. With new music is set to arrive within the next three months the band will partner with Wal-Mart to release it. On that deal, the often outspoken Don Henley said, “They can't be any more evil than a major record label." (Or charging hundreds of dollars for concert tickets. Just sayin’.)
www.billboard.comBetter Than Best. Stevie Nicks will release “The Very Best of Stevie Nicks” – apparently better than the last best of – on March 27. This collection will include live versions of "Edge of Seventeen," "Landslide" and "Rhiannon" as well as a DVD with live performances and Stevie commentary.
So. Peter Gabriel passed on the Genesis tour and will release his next record independtley in America. Peter’s joint venture with Ingenious Media will release his untitled new release stateside without a label. Interestingly, Ingenious Media’s Duncan Reid projects that the deal could earn nearly twice as much going it alone.
Ultimate Rock. AC/DC’s three-decade long reign of thunder has been immortalized by way authorized biography, “AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll (published by Harper Collins).” Written by Aussie Rock journalists Murray Engleheart with Arnaud Durieux, the rock-ography (laughed when I wrote it too) is a no-holds-barred look at the life and times of the Aussie gods of rock.
www.acdcbook.com+ROCK SHOW +
Bang Camaro – Boston’s 18-plus person power rock collective – will celebrate the release of its debut record on Feb 24 at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston with Damone and Protokoll. Get the record beginning Feb 20 at www.bangcamaro.com.
As part of the national release of Static Of The Gods’ “Cycles Follow Signs”, the Boston band will embark on a multi-date east coast tour to include Feb 21 at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge with Silent Service, the Shorebirds, and Desert Sea! and March 3 at Milly’s Tavern in Manchester, NH with Thick As Thieves, Harris, and The Shills
www.myspace.com/staticofthegodsJagermeister Music Tour with Stone Sour, Shadows Fall & Lacuna Coil at Avalon, Boston on Weds, April 4.
The Killers touch down at Tsongas Arena in Lowell on Sun, April 29.
Rod Stewart comes to the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH on Weds, May 9.
Tickets on sale for all shows via www.ticketmaster.com.
Trading Spaces. Not so that Courtney Love is in line to replace Paula Abdul as loony judge on American Idol. Love reportedly told Us Weekly that the show’s executive producer Nigel Lythgoe contacted her to see if she’d be interested. He says it must be an imposter.True. Courtney Love says she signed up for mate-finding site Match.com but only found a match with 2% of its members.
THE ROCK DIRT
Tues, Jan 30, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
Policing the Grammys, Diamond Dave on the Vegas Strip, and the Rock Revolution May Not Be TelevisedReunification. While we await the Police’s official reunion tour announcement, a Canadian radio station reported the band were holed up in Vancouver's Lions Gate Studios to rehearse. One cloud has cleared, however, it was confirmed today (Jan 30) that the Police will play the 49th annual Grammy Awards on Feb 11 in Los Angeles. This appearance is expected to be the kick off to a world tour for which dates should come the day after the show.
Reincarnation. A 40-date Van Halen amphitheatre reunion tour is in the works, a tour that would put Diamond Dave up-front for the first time in more than 20 years. A Las Vegas launch is looking good with two dates at the Pearl in the Palms Casino likely to happen April 27-28. The chatter has been on-going as to who’ll be on bass. It’s been no secret that the rift remains between Eddie Van Halen and Michael Anthony with word coming months ago that Eddie’s 15-year-old son Wolfgang has been present during rehearsals. Van Halen last toured with Sammy Hagar in 2004 but Sammy has since refused to work with the Van Halens'. Seeing as the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction is coming in March, this rivalry could make for some public amusement.
Related. Rhino Records has tentative plans to release a DLR-era Van Halen compilation. Don’t expect a standard best of, It’s said to have a little more color.
The Revolution May Not Be Televised. A shame, I say. That’s if this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony isn’t shown on TV. According to a report in the New York Daily News, the Rock Hall's contract with VH1 has expired. We run the risk of not catching Van Halen scrap in public. We’d also miss the induction of Punk rock poet laureate Patti Smith, godfathers of rap Grandmaster Flash and forefathers of Alternative R.E.M. Celebrated girl group the Ronettes will also be inducted into the Hall March 12 in New York.
Reunions Redux
Meat Puppets’ original lineup - Curt Kirkwood, Cris Kirkwood and Derrick Bostrom – took the stage for the first time in 11 years joining newest super group Army of Anyone (Richard Patrick of Filter and Brothers DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots) in Austin, TX last week. The “super” set included Puppet’s “Attack by Monsters” and “Lake of Fire."
See it, feel it.Yes, indeedy. 80s swagger is reborn. Winger has gotten the band back together. All original members – Kip Winger, Reb Beach, Rod Morgenstein, Paul Taylor and John Roth - the same boys who brought us “Seventeen” and “Headed for a Heartbreak” are playing this Fri, Feb 2 at Harpers Ferry in Allston with Say When and Almada. Equally as exciting, “Winger IV” is in stores now. Holy Shit! I’m 17 again.
www.harpersferryboston.comPros and NeoCons. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young continue work on a documentary and live record that chronicles their Freedom of Speech '06 tour, both of which are expected this year. Neil Young is working on the film, while the band is collectively listening to recording that will appear on the disc. The documentary is expected to be more of a concert film sprinkled with interviews from fans who comment both for and against the war in Iraq and the current administration, as well as from soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001.
See Me. Feel Me. Marilyn Manson’s studio exile has brought forth new effort, “Eat Me, Drink Me” - an apparent Alice In Wonderland reference. The title ties in nicely with his Marilyn's small budget film, Phantasmagoria: the Visions of Lewis Carroll, of which he directs and stars. With the record near completion, we can look forward to a spring release and subsequent world tour in support.
Modest Marr. The Modest Mouse-Johnny Marr (yes, that Johnny Marr) teaming will surface by way of new record, “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank,” on March 20. Delightful.Godspeed. Boston musician Jon Erik Johnson, Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys being among his many bands, passed away unexpectedly on Weds, Jan 17 at his home. Members of the Boston music community have rallied to assist his family with expenses. A memorial scholarship fund is being set up in Jon Erik’s name to benefit needy students. Additionally, a series of benefit shows are in the works. More about Jon Erik and his life and times from the Weekly Dig. www.weeklydig.com/music/articles/jon_erik_johnson
THE ROCK DIRT
Tues, Jan 22, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
Reunitings A-Plenty, Heaven and Hell on Earth, Motivational OzzyA.K.A.M.I.A. What’s lost has been found. Little has been heard from Zak de la Rocha since Rage Against the Machine’s demise in 2000. Until now. Rage Against the Machine will regroup for this year’s Coachella Festival in April, a performance likely to only one of a kind seeing as how three-fourths of the band went on the form the ridiculously successful Audioslave with for Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell. Rage guitarist Tom Morello will perform as his alter-ego, the Nightwatchman, the moniker under which he will release a record on April 24. Bjork and the Red Hot Chili Peppers head up the lineup for the 2007 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival going on April 27-29 in Indio, CA. The list of performers is vast and varied to include a reunited Crowded House and Jesus And Mary Chain – the latter’s is the first performance since its very messy 1998 split as well as the Arcade Fire, Sonic Youth, Regina Spektor, the Roots, Willie Nelson, Interpol, Peeping Tom, Fountains Of Wayne, the Black Keys, Damien Rice, the Decemberists, Peaches, and Kings Of Leon. Coachella tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan 27 with single day tickets available for $85; three-day passes will set you back $249.
www.coachella.com
And the inductees are. Van Halen, REM, The Ronettes, Patti Smith and Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5 are the chosen ones. Little surprise and even less pomp and circumstance surround the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announcement of the class 2007 seeing as how Sammy Hagar was flapping his jaws about the it entire week leading up to the unveiling. He should be ignored just for opening his mouth.
www.rockhall.com
Mob Rules. Heaven and Hell, the 21st century incarnation of 80s-era Black Sabbath will lead the charge on an upcoming tour with Megadeth and Down. The band, named for its first post-Ozzy Sabbath record – featuring Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and one time Sabbath/Dio drummer Vinnie Appice - will hit the road in March in support of the Rhino records release, "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years" anthology due April 3. The only U.S. date thus far - March 30 at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. If there’s a God, they’ll come to Boston.
Posthaste. Perhaps Ozzy Osbourne has found some inspiration in the re-teaming of the post-Ozzy Black Sabbath. He’s jacked up his guesthouse on the property behind his Beverly Hills mansion complete with soundproofing, mixing console and ProTools rig to serve as home base for recording what will be his first release of originals since 2001’s “Down to Earth.” Is it lack of motivation for the delay? Oz tells of his trials in the new issue of Revolver magazine, "If you're already inspired before you leave for the studio, you're fucked by the time you get there! But now I have the luxury of working in my own home. I can play the music on my own sound system, and I can lie down in my room and watch my flat-screen TV whenever I like." His 2006 Ozzfest backing band will appear on the record - guitarist Zakk Wylde, drummer Mike Bordin and former Rob Zombie bass player Rob "Blasko" Nicholson.
www.revolvermag.com
No Rest. Butch Vig puts back on the producer hat and will begin mixing the new Jimmy Eat World record the band is slating for early summer release. Of the songs, Butch calls it an “eclectic” mix – some that sound like classic Jimmy Eat World, others are a lot more “dreamy” and some that are very “groove-acious.” That tells me nothing. In other Butch news, Garbage’s self-imposed musical exile will come to an end this month when the band takes part in the Butch Vig organized benefit "Beat It, Wally" for veteran drummer Wally "Llama" Ingram who is battling throat cancer.Reunited. A momentous event will be marked by on Jan 27 at the Abbey Lounge in Somerville with the reunion of not one, but two legendary Boston bands - The Outlets and Moving Targets. Thanks to Baystate Rock host, Carmelita, who celebrates 20 years as local music director of WAAF’s Sunday night show. One the many things that make this performance so special is that both The Outlets and Moving Targets will feature their original members. Comparative newbies Temper and Hooray for Earth will also be featured. Springa from Boston 's legendary hardcore band SSD, who was also featured in the recent documentary “American Hardcore”, will act as Emcee and DJ.
www.baystaterock.com
THE ROCK DIRT
Tues, Jan 12, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
Moon For Your Pleasure, Corgan Makes Smashing Promises, Allmans Go HiTech
Never Say Never. Rumors continue about the pending Police 30th Anniversary Reunion tour which could - by several accounts - kick off as early as May. A&M Records is planning a retrospective release of some sort in honor of the occasion – possibly a box set and or a DVD. According to the label, everyone is “hopeful the band will support our plans and while early discussions have taken place, nothing has been decided.” Let the suspense continue. For those keeping track, the band split in 1986, only playing together twice since – once at Sting’s 1992 wedding and again at their 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Not worthy? Mike Myers will portray legendary Who drummer Keith Moon in the upcoming adaption of his life cleverly entitled, “See Me, Feel Me: Keith Moon Naked For Your Pleasure.” Myers, best known for his Austin Powers and Wayne Campbell characters, was hand picked by Who singer Roger Daltry for the part. The logic, according to producer Nigel Sinclair, is that Mike looks very young (he’s 43) and Keith (who died at 32) looked much older than he was. With the film set to be released in 2009, Myers has a lot of work on his hands.
www.billboard.com
Official. Nearly 13 years after his death, there may finally be an “official” film made about the life and times of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Courtney Love has acquired the rights to Seattle author Charles R. Cross’ biography, Heavier Than Heaven – by many accounts the most accurate depiction of Kurt’s life - to bring the book to the big screen. According to a message posted at all-things-Courtney-and-Hole site, MoonwashedRose.com, the project is “in an embryonic stage" - no script, no director, no stars. Meanwhile, Courtney continues to be seen out and about with Billy Corgan and is working on her second solo record for release this year.
Bloggan. Billy Corgan is making promises. He writes via the band's Myspace blog that the new year will bring a new Pumpkins record, a "world tour of tears, and that "we truly look forward to playing again for fans young, old, and missed." About the sound we can expect, he writes of "absolutely deafening guitars, thundering drums, and the melodies of snakes." Of the members of the band involved, only Billy and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain are said to have reported to work thus far.
www.myspace.com/smashingpumpkinsSXSW. The Who’s Pete Townshend will act as the keynote speaker at this year's South By Southwest conference in Austin, TX. Former Talking Head David Byrne will join Emmylou Harris among the list of speakers along with Nettwerk co-founder and CEO Terry McBride. Included in the list of performers - Indie darlings-turned-major Interpol and American Power Punk godfathers The Stooges.
Change Up. The Allman Brothers Band will make their yearly pilgrimage to New York's Beacon Theater in March. The 2007 edition of their annual residency with 13 shows stretching from March 22 through April 7. The band plans to go high tech and cybercast the shows in high-definition video to fans for a fee. Sure makes you miss them good old days of straight-up bootleggin’.
I Dos and Don'ts
Evanescence’s Amy Lee and her break-up with Seether singer Shawn Morgan is the stuff songs are made of. Songwriting may have been the catharsis needed to move on. Lee is engaged to a psychiatrist - not likely her own - named Josh. At least it would make a good song.
Marilyn Manson’s near-year marriage to Dita Von Teese has met an abrupt end. It’s turned into a "he said, she said" as Dita claims the twosome split at Christmas time, with Marilyn preferring the more appropriate Halloween. Either way, smells like it’s over.
For Those About To Rock Orchestrally…Boston’s Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra will regroup to perform selections from its successful "A Night at the Rock Opera" Saturday, Jan 27. The show is part of "SUPPORT ARLINGTON'S SHOW PLACE" - A Regent Theatre Benefit Event with proceeds benefiting the repair and upgrade of sound and lighting equipment at the theater known in the community as a vital cultural component of Arlington, metro-Boston, and Eastern Massachusetts. Tickets range from $15 - $30. Cheap date. Good cause.
www.ultrasonicproductions.com
THE ROCK DIRT
Tues, Jan 2, 2007
by Anngelle Wood
New Year, New Dirt!Johnny on Freddie. Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Productions is reportedly behind the unnamed Freddie Mercury film project - which Queen guitarist Brian May confirmed is in development. Now who would portray such a revered front man the likes of Mercury? Captain Jack, of course. Johnny Depp is being lined up for the biopic - or is it a rockudrama? Eh.
Not in a million years. That's Sammy Hagar's response to rumors of a David Lee Roth-Eddie Van Halen reunion. Sammy was more hopeful about Van Halen's possible induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2007. Though the announcement won't come until later this month, it's Sammy who said, "Management told me the other day we got in."
Class of 2007. As we await the official Hall of Fame announcements on January 8, of the nine nominees Chic, Dave Clark Five, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, R.E.M., The Ronettes, Patti Smith, The Stooges, Joe Tex and Van Halen, only five will make the cut and be inducted on March 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
www.rockhall.comPowerPunk. Whether they get in or not, The Stooges will release their first record in 33 years on March 20. "The Weirdness" recorded with producer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies) is in the final mastering stages at legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. The updated incarnation of the band will feature three of the four original members including Iggy, guitarist Ron Asheton and drummer Scott Asheton along with former Minutemen and fIREHOSE bass player Mike Watt.
TV Time. David Bowie's stint on Ricky Gervais' "Extras" is set to air during the show's second season on HBO beginning January 14. Chris Martin of Coldplay also plays himself in an upcoming episode along with some great one liners about what Gwyneth is up to at home. Check your listings.
www.hbo.comBang for the Bucks. The Rolling Stones raked in a fat $138.5 million gross for the 2006 portion of "A Bigger Bang" tour to set them atop the list for best grossing tour of the year, their second in a row. Tickets to the 39 2006 North American shows averaged $136 and served some 1 million fans thus supporting my theory that the band will tour for as long as they can roll Keith out on a dolly.
www.pollstar.comCertainly, Sir. Rod Stewart has been given a nod by the Queen and is among Her Majesty's 2007 New Year Honours List of those who'll receive the Commander of the Order of the British Empire honor by Queen Elizabeth II. Rod the Mod earned the CBE medal for his contributions to music and he is, without a doubt, "overjoyed" and proud to be a Brit despite having resided in California for many years.
ÜberRock. There's little left for Bono to receive besides that illusive Nobel Peace price. Rock royalty and true humanitarian Bono - whose real name is Paul Hewson - will be knighted but don't call him "Sir." He'll receive his honorary knighthood from the British ambassador to Ireland, David Reddaway, in Dublin this week. Why no grand title though? He's Irish, not a national of Britain or the Commonwealth of former British colonies. In true Bono fashion, he is flattered and hopes the new title will help in opening new diplomatic doors in his campaign for aid to Africa.
www.billboard.comRecord Time. Trent Reznor confirmed that he is in fact working to finish a new NIN record for release this year. This is a rather extraordinary feat seeing as how a NIN record historically takes five years. An online post from Trent includes, "Is it possible I am actually finished writing and recording a new Nine Inch Nails record? Apparently so. We begin mixing in January! Highly conceptual. Quite noisy. Fucking cool."
www.NIN.com+ROCK SHOW+
New Super Group Army Of Anyone featuring Filter's Richard Patrick and Stone Temple Pilot brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo will get its headlining coming out party at this winter's six-week SnoCore tour kicking off January 18 in Houston. No local dates have been announced.
www.snocore.comThe Used and 30 Seconds To Mars lead the charge on the upcoming Taste Of Chaos tour beginning in Everett, WA on February 15 with a stop at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on March 22. Tickets on sale now.
www.tasteofchaos.comCLOSER TO HOME
Growing Pains. Sully Erna of Godsmack has put pen to paper and written a book about his life and times growing up in the great state of Massachusetts. The Paths We Choose is due on shelves February 7 (his 39th birthday) and, according to a post at the book's site, offers a truly authentic Sully experience. We're warned not to expect tales of rock star life on the road but rather of growing up, struggling on the mean streets of Lawrence, trying to make it, and his never-ending love of music. I do look forward to entries about his time in Stripmind, Meliah Rage, Fighting Cocks and Seka.
www.thepathswechoose.comLadyPlay. ROCKRGRL magazine will celebrate its labor of love at Berklee Performance Center on April 20 with a Battle of the All-Female Bands. The contest is being held as part of the ROCKRGRL Women of Valor Award Evening honoring the band FANNY - the first all-female band ever to release a full-length record on a major label. Prizes range from the opportunity to perform at the event to a Luna Electric Guitar, a showcase at the Verge Festival in Boston in April, studio time at Berklee. Music can be submitted via MySpace or CD.
www.myspace.com/rockrgrlHappy New Year. Got Dirt? Send it.
Anngelle Wood - Radio DJ, music & entertainment writer/reporter, founder of Anngelle Wood Productions and rock enthusiast - is keeping her ear to the ground to give you the week in dirt. Got dirt? Feedback? Send it.
Hear Anngelle on 100.7 WZLX-FM, Boston and as a contributor/host for local music show, "On The Town with Mikey Dee" Wednesday nights at 9pm on 91.5 WMFO-FM at Tufts University.
Anngelle is also the former Music & Entertainment reporter and co-host of the WFNX morning show - heard throughout New England including Boston, Providence, Manchester, Portsmouth, parts of Maine and Connecticut. More bio info here.
The Rock Dirt written by Anngelle Wood
copyright © 2005-2007 the rock dirt/anngelle wood productions
