NEWS /  Mark Knopfler’s latest soundtrack recording was released on April 22nd 2016.
 
‘Altamira’ is the story of the accidental discovery of Patheolithic paintings by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, an amateur archaeologist, and his nine year old daughter Maria, in 1868 inside Altamira’s caves located in Cantabria in the North of Spain.
The Hugh Hudson directed film stars Antonio Banderas and Rupert Everett alongside Golshifteh Farahani and Nicholas Farrell.
 
The project was recorded at Mark’s London studio, British Grove, and also features the world famous percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie. The album was co-produced and engineered by Guy Fletcher.
 
Mark was attending the world premiere of the film in Madrid on April 1st and had the following to say about the project: ‘It was a pleasure working with Evelyn, Hugh and Guy on 'Altamira'. There's nothing as great as working with a skilled, committed team.’

Album track list:
1.    Altamira
2.    Maria
3.    Dream Of The Bison
4.    By The Grave
5.    Onward
6.    Marcelino’s Despair
7.    Farewell To The Bison
8.    This Is Science
9.    Glory Of The Cave
10.Farewell To Altamira

Altamira Soundtrack ‘Making Of’ :

NEWS / London, UK – Italian prog ensemble Armonite, featuring composer Paolo Fosso and violinist Jacopo Bigi, has released their highly anticipated debut album “The Sun is New Each Day”! Produced by the first producer of Muse, Paul Reeve, and mastered by Geoff Pesche at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in London, “The Sun is New Each Day” is an exciting mix of electric violin, keyboards, bass, and drums, including amazing participation by Porcupine Tree's bassist, Colin Edwin and Dutch drummer Jasper Barendregt. 

“Working with a team like this is fantastic,” says Fosso, composer of the album, “Everyone's unique skills and talents added something special to the album and the final result is powerful. Life and people offer a boundless supply of inspiration. Channeling concepts without the support of lyrics might be hard, but it's also very universal. These songs break down the language barriers becoming visceral and direct. We tried to give the album one sonority, but also characterize each track with a different setting. 

“For example, in the song 'Suitcase war' you'll see a rejection of how our life has changed after becoming workaholics. Whereas 'Insert Coin', featuring 8-bit sounds by Swedish demoscener Anders 'Goto80' Carlsson, is a tribute to 80's and 90's arcade coin-ops.” 

Each track captures the various passions found in the band. “Satellites” is a reflection on space exploration and technology, “ 'G' as in Gears” features Samuel Gomper's famous speech, “What does the Working Man Want?” and “Die Grauen Herren” recalls the Men in Grey from Michael Ende's novel, “Momo.”

“The Sun is New Each Day” is a whirlwind of sounds, themes and emotions. “Connect Four”, a track composed by Bigi, finds its sound in a protest against gambling addictions. While the track “Sandstorm” is a look at the living energy that can be found in Marrakech. 

“We hope the album connects you to the world around you,” says Fosso, “Tracks like 'Le temps qui fait ta rose' from 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery suggest 'It's the time you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important.' Yet, the track 'Slippery Slope' explores that unclear side of the human soul.” 

Here's what the press have said about Armonite's “The Sun Is New Each Day”:

“The release is a collection of artistic violin rock, prog metal and progressive music, all instrumental, which has a strong impact on the listener. Truly something unique, Armonite is compelling, captivating, and worth exploring. Their music gives way to an emotional and dramatic excitement.” - The Huffington Post

“This is a spectacular album performed by spectacular musicians.” - ProgPizza

“Armonite are an infectious prog rock masterpiece in the form of a band. Their new album, 'The Sun Is New Each Day' is a journey through the minds of brilliant musicians in the truest sense of the word.” - Jammerzine

“Entertaining, colorful, varied, enthralling instrumental music played at an impressive level.” - Babyblauen Seiten

“The Sun is New each Day is a brilliant and bold album. Paolo Fosso and Jacopo Bigi along with their mates are talented musicians and without question have mastered their respective instruments.” - The Even Ground

“Minute after minute, you realize each track is a gem of sound which goes through different ideas, from jazz to electronics, some classical music, rock fusion, and above all progressive.” - Mundo Rock & Heavy Webzine

“For any rock music fan that is looking for a diversion from the usual, this album will not disappoint.” - Daily Vault

“Every progressive rock fan should take a listen to “The Sun is New each Day”, as they will certainly find something interesting.” - Altprogcore

In conclusion, Armonite's hopes and goals go well beyond the release of their album. Says Bigi, “What we really want to do is bring these tracks live. In order to do this, we need to show how great our fan base is. So follow us on Twitter and YouTube, 'like' us on Facebook. The more people that get involved with us, the sooner we can go on tour and share our music live!” 

The band will be going to tour with “The Soundtrack is New each Day” show, one soundtrack cover in violin rock after each original song from our album. Then they'll get back to writing for a new album. Stay tuned…!

TRACKLIST 
1) Suitcase war
2) Connect Four 
3) 'G' as in Gears 
4) Sandstorm 
5) Slippery Slope
6) Satellites 
7) Die Grauen Herren 
8) Le temps qui fait ta rose 
9) Insert Coin 

To purchase Armorite's “The Sun is New Each Day” CD: https://armonite.bandcamp.com

Armorite's videos:
Suitcase War - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1hl4guK6ow
Le temps qui fait ta rose - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYiDjAYmFlI
Die Grauen Herren - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L8tt7IuiYs
Insert Coin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgsibAqvpJE

For more information:
Website: http://www.armonite.com 
Bandcamp: https://armonite.bandcamp.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/armonitemusic 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2jTstKBeJe0BI6o1pLGLA 

Contact:
merry-go-sound
Artist Management
[email protected]

(Bron: Glas Onyon PR)

​Kaum einer Band ist die Verbindung von Rock und Pop mit Klassikelementen so kongenial geglückt wie dem Electric Light Orchestra. Inspiriert von dem ikonischen Jeff Lynne, verbanden sich zuvor als nicht vereinbar geltende Pole zu einer unvergleichlichen Symbiose. Nahezu 60 Millionen Alben und 26 Single-Hits enthält die einzigartige Erfolgsbilanz des Electric Light Orchestra. Nach ihrem ausverkauften Hyde-Park-Konzert 2014 spielen Jeff Lynne’s ELO nunmehr wenige ausgewählte Konzerte in Europa, darunter am 5. Mai 2016 in Oberhausen.

Jeff Lynne ist und bleibt die kreative Kraft des Electric Light Orchestra, als dessen Produzent, Songschreiber, Arrangeur, Leadsänger und Gitarrist er nach wie vor wirkt. Darüber hinaus hat er als Gründungsmitglied ...

Concert is reeds uitverkocht

NEWS / Prince herovert de top van het klassement van de platenverkoop in de VS na zijn plotse dood donderdag. In de top 10 van de albums duikt het popicoon op met drie van zijn producties.
In de wekelijkse lijst die traditioneel zondag verschijnt, volgens cijfers van Nielsen Music, prijkt de Minneapolis Kid op 1 met het album "The Very Best of Prince" dat in 2001 verscheen. Daarna volgt "Purple Rain" uit 1984. "The Hits/The B-Sides", een compilatie van drie albums uit 1993, claimt de zesde plaats op.

Een van de factoren voor dit succes is het feit dat fans het werk van de artiest moeilijk via streaming kunnen beluisteren. De platen van Prince staan enkel op Tidal, eigendom van rapper Jay-Z.

Een dubbelslag aan de top van de Amerikaanse albumverkoop is zeldzaam. Rapper Nelly lukte dat als laatste toen hij in 2004 gelijktijdig de albums "Sweat" en "Suit" uitbracht. In de loop van zijn carrière verkocht Prince meer dan 100 miljoen platen. (Bron: Belga)

NEWS / This year just keeps getting sadder in the world of music, and this one really hits us hard. Legendary Philadelphia soul singer, Billy Paul, has died at age 81. Paul actively performed for a half century, but was best known for this chart-topping 1972 hit, "Me and Mrs. Jones." It was without a doubt one of the most lauded soul songs ever -- after overcoming some inital controversy -- and Paul made it his own with an expressive delivery over pristine Gamble & Huff production.
Paul (born Paul Williams) grew up in Philadelphia in a household where jazz ruled.  He attended Temple University and Granoff Music School, and soon after was performing locally, covering virtually all types of popular music to growing crowds.  By the late 50s he was appearing with Jazz and Pop stars such as Charlie Parker and Nancy Wilson and cut his first record,  "Why Am I," for Jubilee Records.  He later teamed with upstart record executive Kenny Gamble for the live jazz album, Feeling Good At The Cadillac Club and the more soulful Ebony Woman.  
Things broke out for Paul, though, when he signed to Gamble & Huff's new Philadelphia International Records and recorded 1972's 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul.  The disc's high point, "Me and Mrs. Jones," was beyond huge, hitting number one and becoming a Grammy winner and one of the year's biggest hits.  Despite the stark lyrical theme of continuing adultery, audiences were drawn to the irresistible bass line and to Paul's right-on vocals.  The accompanying album also became a big hit.
Paul's follow-up single, "Am I Black Enough For You?", drew its own controversy, and failed to chart high - perhaps stalling his crossover success. But while Billy Paul never matched the success of that hit, he continued to churn out successful music for the rest of the decade, landing a sizeable hit with "Thanks for Saving My Life," and placing several other songs on the charts, including "Be Truthful to Me," "Let's Make a Baby," and a cover of Paul McCartney's "Let 'Em In." Throughout this time, Paul was fearless in putting messages in his music, even as radio and others found controversy in his work.
Paul moved from label to label in the 80s and 90s with limited success, but was a consistently popular concert draw.  He formed Billy Paul Management and Production and began working with other Philadelphia-based artists.  He also continued to perform around the world well into the 21st Century.
Pop music fans may have only known Billy Paul for a single song, but what a song it was. And soul music fans will remember the much deeper catalog of soul and jazz recordings and live performances that kept Billy in our minds right until this sad day. He will be missed and remembered. 
(Bron: Soultracks.com)

NEWS / De Congolese zanger Papa Wemba is overleden. Dat heeft de Congolese VN-radio Okapi bericht. Hij was een van de bekendste muzieksterren van Afrika en werd ook wel de "koning van de Congolese rumba" genoemd. Papa Wemba overleed op een muziekfestival in Abidjan, de grootste en belangrijkste stad van Ivoorkust. Hij werd 66 jaar. Naar verluidt zeeg hij neer op het podium.
Papa Wemba kwam enkele keren in opspraak wegens mensensmokkel. Daarvoor werd hij zowel in Frankrijk als in België veroordeeld. Hij kwam in februari 2003 in het vizier van het Brusselse gerecht toen er op de luchthaven Brussels Airport 15 Congolezen landden die zogezegd zijn begeleidingsband vormden. Helaas bleek geen van hen een muziekinstrument te hebben en kenden verschillenden niet eens één liedje van de Congolese superster. Hij werd in ons land veroordeeld tot een gevangenisstraf met uitstel van 15 maanden en een boete van 22.000 euro, waarvan de helft met uitstel. 
(Bron: Belga)

NEWS / As the days after Prince’s untimely death march on, the world gets a better glimpse at what could have happened during his final days.
Several reports say he nearly overdosed on the painkiller Percocet six days before his death when his private jet had to make an emergency landing in Illinois following an Atlanta concert.  It’s reported that the singer took the drug to ease his chronic hip pain following hip surgery six years ago. EMT’s administered the “save shot” to the singer, and allegedly, they left the hospital only three hours after arriving, ignoring doctor’s orders to stay 24-hours when his crew’s requests to get a private room wasn’t granted. He was found unresponsive in his Paisley Park home on Thursday, April 21st.
Now, the Associated Press and Us Weekly are reporting that his body has already been cremated and a small, intimate memorial service took place at his compound earlier today (April 23). Purple flower arrangements and catered food was seen being delivered to the late singer’s home before friends and family were seen arriving later on. Friends such as percussionist Sheila E. and bassist Larry Graham were among those seen entering his home for the ceremony.
The singer’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement: “A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye,” “Prince’s remains have been cremated and their final storage will remain private. We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time. The cause of death remains unknown and it will be at least four weeks before we receive the results of the autopsy. An announcement will be made at a future date for a musical celebration.”
An autopsy was performed on Friday (April 22), and the results are expected to be released in a few weeks.
(Bron: Singersroom.com)

​NEWS /  BILLY SHERWOOD is the current bass player in the band YES and will be touring with the band throughout 2016. TONY KAYE was an original founder member of YES and re-joined the band for the hugely successful 90125 era, which produced the hit OWNER OF A LONELY HEART. “Live in Japan” sees the duo performing songs from their careers including a generous number of YES hits!

The album is OUT NOW worldwide through all good retailers, including Amazon and iTunes, however for anyone purchasing directly from Cherry Red EACH ORDER COMES WITH A LIMITED EDITION HAND-SIGNED POSTCARD!  http://shop.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=5339

“Really looking forward to the release of our CD/DVD! It was very special for us to go to Japan and play these songs. We're both very excited to now be able to share the experience with everyone!” - Billy Sherwood

Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye's “Live In Japan” 2CD / 1DVD release will be eagerly greeted by YES fans especially in light on Sherwood’s recent return to the band in mid-2015!

DISC ONE

1. CONFESS
2. TOGETHER WE ARE
3. CUT THE TIES
4. TIME AND A WORD
5. I COULD
6. RED LIGHT AHEAD
7. FIREWORKS
8. YOUR MOVE
9. OWNER OF A LONELY HEART

DISC TWO

1. I AM WAITING
2. TONY KAYE SOLO
3. THE OTHER SIDE
4. WONDROUS STORIES
5. MAN OVER BORED
6. THE MORE WE LIVE
7. NO WAY WE CAN LOSE
8. SAY GOODBYE
9. ROUNDABOUT

The DVD is NTSC Region 0 – Playable Worldwide and has the same track list as the CDs, plus behind the scenes tour clips.

To purchase:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/1wkM
Amazon Digital: http://geni.us/3CMk
iTunes: http://geni.us/3nGy

For more information:
http://www.billysherwoodhq.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tony.kaye.3

NEWS / What could read like an April's Fool simply isn't: Stratovarius is one of the most influential, successful and enduring power metal bands in the world; one of the top names thanks to their distinguished mix of fast progressive metal and a melodic approach to melodies.
 
What started in 1985 under the name Black Water and left a trail of 16 studio albums and ten Top 5 chart positions in their native country Finland (and more than 40 top chart positions all around the globe), found Ð after a few bumpy steps and stones in the bandÕs line-up Ð its peak in StratovariusÕ recent studio works ÒElysiumÓ, ÒNemesisÓ and ÒEternalÓ. All milestones in sound, creativity and song writing.

It happens rarely nowadays, especially in metal, that a band creates one magic song after the other. Stratovarius are one of the few exceptions. 29 of those exceptions (and there could have been more!) can be found on StratovariusÕ longest and greatest ÒBest OfÓ which is going to be released on May 6th, 2015 on earMUSIC.

The ÒBest OfÓ is going to be released as 2CD Standard Edition, Digital and as 3CD Limited Edition in a high quality packaging including the exclusive 60 minute bonus CD ÒLive At Wacken 2015Ó. Both editions include liner notes written by exceptional keyboardist Jens Johansson as well as rare picture material from the bandÕs private archive. As a special treat, the ÒBest OfÓ includes the brand new song ÒUntil The End Of DaysÓ from the current band line up consisting of Timo Kotipelto, Jens Johansson, Mattias Kupainen, Lauri Porra and Rolf Pilve.

All hand-picked by the band and adding up to 2 ? hours of pure Stratovarius bliss, the songs give metal fans and those to be a great selection on the bandÕs impressive work, including classics such as ÒBlack DiamondÓ, ÒHunting High And LowÓ and ÒSpeed Of LightÓ as well as more recent material such as the most streamed song in the bandÕs history ÒUnbreakableÓ and ÒShine In The DarkÓ from their recent studio album ÒEternalÓ. All songs are remastered by the bandÕs long-time companion Mika Jussila of Finnvox Studios.

Jens Johansson explains: ÒIt's been 20 years since the Episode album, we're all getting older but this stuff sounds as fresh as ever. Could it be that Stratovarius has discovered the fountain of Eternal Youth!? You may feel younger, but we can't actually (legally) promise you'll be younger after listening to this best-of album, but we can guarantee one thing: when you put it through your speakers, it will play Until the End of Days!!  To me it's a testament to the fact that paying attention to song writing and production was expensive, but so worth it. The songs, the sound and the performances really have stood the test of time.Ó
 
Timo Kotipelto adds: ÒWow! 20 years in Stratovarius have passed at the speed of light! I still remember when I joined the band and was happy to do some power metal. And I am very happy to still be able to do it after all these years! This collection of songs is an excellent selections and a cool way to remember the history of the band from the past to the present! I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did while selecting the songs. Rock the Metal!Ó

All Stratovarius albums will be re-released throughout 2016 and 2017, including extensive booklets and a lot of bonus material.


Tracklist ÒBest OfÓ
Ê
CD2
1. Halcyon Days
2. Will My Soul Ever Rest In Peace?
3. Destiny
4. Paradise
5. Deep Unknown
6. Elysium
7. Black Diamond
8. If The Story Is Over
9. Unbreakable
10. Forever
11. Shine In The Dark
12. Hunting High And Low
Ê
CD1
1. Until The End Of Days (brand new song)
2. My Eternal Dream
3. Eagleheart
4. Speed Of Light
5. S.O.S .
6. Forever Free
7. Wings Of Tomorrow
8. No Turning Back
9. Break The Ice
10. Distant Skies
11. Will The Sun Rise?
12. A Million Light Years Away
13. Under Flaming Skies
14. Darkest Hours
15. Winter Skies
16. I Walk To My Own Song
17. Maniac Dance
Ê
CD3 Ð Live At Wacken 2015 (only available on Limited Edition)
1. Intro
2. Black Diamond
3. Eagleheart
4. Against The Wind
5. Dragons
6. Legions Of The Twilight
7. Paradise
8. Shine In The Dark
9. Speed Of Light
10. Unbreakable
11. Hunting High And Low
Ê
Stratovarius will perform songs from past and present throughout festivals in Europe this summer:

06.04.2016 Ð Dattelbach, Metal Franconia (GER)
21.05.2016 Ð Risteily, RadioRock (FIN)
04.06.2016 Ð Plzen, Metal Fest (CZ)
11.06.2016 Ð Kouvola, Vaakuna Piknik (FIN)
23.06.2016 Ð Nummirock 2016 (FIN)
22.07.2016 Ð Peurunka, John Smith Rock Fest (FIN)
11.08.2016 Ð Villena, Leyendas del Rock (ESP)
19.08.2016 Ð Zvolensk‡, Slatina More Than Fest (SLO)
24.09.2016 Ð Milano, Spazio Rock Festival 2016 (IT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrB-_vEP2eA&feature=youtu.be


Mer info:
V2 Records Benelux

www.v2benelux.com

NEWS / Release datum: 27 mei 2016

First New Album In Nearly 20 Years Including Tracks Written By Rivers Cuomo, Ben Gibbard, Noel Gallagher And Paul Weller, Andy Partridge,  And Album Producer Adam Schlesinger. Also Features Previously Unreleased 1960s Recordings Of Songs Written By Neil Diamond, Harry Nilsson, Carol King, And  Others That Have Been Revisited. And Completed In New Monkees Sessions


The Monkees can now reveal the full track list for their highly anticipated new album GOOD TIMES!, their first new album in 20 years, tied to the group’s 50th anniversary and extensive North American tour. 


All three surviving band members (Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork) have written new songs for the album as well as providing vocals and music performances. The unmistakable voice of the late Davy Jones is also included with a vintage vocal on the Neil Diamond-penned “Love To Love.” To produce the new album, the band found the perfect musical co-conspirator in Grammy® and Emmy®-winning songwriter Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne, Ivy). The release date of GOOD TIMES! has been moved up two weeks and will be now be available on May 27 on CD ($13.98) and digitally, with a vinyl version ($19.98) coming out on July 29. 


Much like The Monkees’ early albums, GOOD TIMES! features tracks written specifically for the band by some of the music world’s most gifted songwriters, including Rivers Cuomo of Weezer (“She Makes Me Laugh”), Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie (“Me & Magdalena”), Andy Partridge of XTC (“You Bring The Summer”), as well as a song co-written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller (“Birth Of An Accidental Hipster”). 


GOOD TIMES! finds all three band members taking turns on lead vocals, playing a wide range of instruments, and sharing new compositions, including Nesmith’s “I Know What I Know” and Tork’s “Little Girl.” In addition to producing the album, Schlesinger also penned “Our Own World” and co-wrote a song with Dolenz (“I Was There [And I’m Told I Had A Good Time]”).


To help bring the 50th anniversary full circle, The Monkees completed songs for GOOD TIMES! that were originally written and recorded for the group during the 60s. Harry Nilsson wrote the title track “Good Times,” which he recorded at a session with Nesmith in January 1968. The production was never completed, so the band returned to the original session tape (featuring Nilsson’s guide vocal) and have created a duet with his close friend Dolenz. “Good Times” will mark the first time Dolenz and Nilsson have sung together since Dolenz’ May 1973 single “Daybreak.” GOOD TIMES! also includes the Neil Diamond-penned “Love To Love,” the Carole King and Gerry Goffin collaboration “I Wasn’t Born To Follow,” “Whatever’s Right,” written by legendary songwriting duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, who were responsible for many of the classic Monkees hits, and “Gotta Give It Time,” by Jeff Barry and Joey Levine. 

In addition to the new album, Dolenz and Tork will launch a Monkees 50th Anniversary Tour on May 18. The jaunt boasts nearly 50 North American dates through the end of the year including a homecoming gig at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles on September 16.  Tickets are available now.

In other Monkees news, the band will release the entire series of “The Monkees” television show on Blu-ray for the very first time. All 58 episodes have been painstakingly restored in high-definition from the original film negatives. The 10-disc Blu-ray collection also includes the 1968 cult-classic “Head,” along with many never-before-seen outtakes from the film. Due to the overwhelming amount of bonus material included, the collection, limited to 10,000 individually numbered pieces, will now be available on June 24 and can be purchased exclusively at Monkees.com for $199.98.

During the band’s time together, The Monkees amassed a dozen Top 40 hits, including a trio of tunes that soared to #1. Between September 1966 and December 1967, “Last Train To Clarksville,” “I’m A Believer,” and “Daydream Believer” collectively occupied the top position for 12 weeks. Sales of their LPs were more phenomenal still: The Monkees occupied the #1 position for 13 consecutive weeks, and More Of The Monkees for 18 weeks. Both Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. went to the top as well, for a four-in-a-row feat in the incomprehensible space of 13 months. The final tally: 16 million albums and 7.5 million singles sold in a mere 2 1/2 years.

GOOD TIMES!

Track Listing (with songwriters noted)
 “Good Times” (Harry Nilsson)
 “You Bring The Summer” (Andy Partridge)
 “She Makes Me Laugh” (Rivers Cuomo)
 “Our Own World” (Adam Schlesinger)
 “Gotta Give It Time” (Jeff Barry/Joey Levine)
 “Me & Magdalena” (Ben Gibbard)
 “Whatever’s Right” (Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart)
 “Love To Love” (Neil Diamond)
 “Little Girl” (Peter Tork)
1“Birth Of An Accidental Hipster” (Noel Gallagher/Paul Weller)
1“I Wasn’t Born To Follow” (Carole King/Gerry Goffin)
 “I Know What I Know” (Michael Nesmith)
 “I Was There (And I’m Told I Had A Good Time)” (Micky Dolenz/Adam Schlesinger)

NEWS / "AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.  As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian's decision to stop touring and save his hearing.  We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment."
 
AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals.   The European stadium tour dates begin on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and run through June 12 in Aarhus, Denmark as previously announced (see below for full itinerary).  Following this European run of dates with AC/DC, Axl Rose will head out on his Guns N' Roses, 'Not In This Lifetime' Summer Stadium Tour.
 
 
AC/DC European tour dates
May 7                         Lisbon, Portugal                     Passeio Maritimo De Alges
May 10                       Seville, Spain                         Estadio De La Cartuja
May 13                       Marseille, France                   Stade Velodrome
May 16                       Werchter, Belgium                 Werchter Site
May 19                       Vienna, Austria                       Erns-Happel Stadium
May 22                       Prague, Czech Republic        Letnany Airport
May 26                       Hamburg, Germany              Volksparkstadion
May 29                       Berne, Switzerland                 Stade De Suisse
June 1                         Leipzig, Germany                  Red Bull Arena
June 4                         London, England                    The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
June 9                        Manchester, England             Etihad Stadium
June 12                      Aarhus, Denmark                  Ceres Park
 
The 10 postponed U.S shows will be rescheduled and announced imminently, also with Axl Rose.

As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer.  I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.
On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness.  While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.  I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised.  In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow.  Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC.  I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond.  That was the darkest day of my professional life.  
Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness.  Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.
I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine.  The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before.  Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work.  I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice.  The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.
Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years.  Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC.  My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.  
Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring.  My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that.  For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing.  I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances.  While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.  Only time will tell.
Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding.
Love,
Brian

“If this impressive debut can introduce them to the same audience that has embraced The Dirty Loops with such enthusiasm, 'Days in the Sun' might launch SkyTalk to great heights.” - PROG Magazine

NEWS /  In support of their latest critically acclaimed EP “Days in the Sun” NYC prog trio SkyTalk has released a new video titled “Hearing The Silence”!

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqMQuLg_BhQ&feature=youtu.be

SkyTalk is a 3 piece collaborative effort formed in January 2015 by twin brothers Jordan and Talor Steinberg and Dan “Ello” Costello. Costello was introduced to the twins by a mutual friend while all three were attending Purchase College. They bonded instantly on a similar taste in music, particularly 70's progressive rock bands like Yes and Rush. Shortly after meeting, the three met up again to jam and quickly found that they had an undeniable musical chemistry, as well as similar inner philosophies on life and music. Eager to form a band, the three began writing original music together and were surprised at the effortlessness of the process, writing five songs in a matter of two months that would later become their “Days in the Sun” EP.

Blending their love of progressive music as well as soul and funk influences, SkyTalk polished their newfound sound and recorded the EP in the following months. With a lyrical emphasis on spiritual concepts, and the shared belief that music is a necessary and powerful force of healing and expression in the world, SkyTalk has released their first EP and is currently working on a new full length record which even further emphasizes these principles. 

Here's what the press have raved about SkyTalk:

“Hearing the Silence is an incredible piece of music. It combines King's X sounds with fusion and more of a soulful rock element. The instrumental section is pretty crazed. I love the funky bass.” - Music Street Journal

“With licks and riffs boiling hot, 'Hearing The Silence' turns out quite dry, its powerful chorus an exemption and its solo section the best showcase of the group's dexterity.” - dmme.net

“Hearing the Silence features nimble interplay in the rhythm section, with the slap-bass driven groove punctuated by brisk syncopated breaks.” - PROG Magazine

SkyTalk is currently booking shows in New York and in the East Coast, as well as beginning to record a full length album. They are also working on another music video.

To purchase SkyTalk “Days in the Sun” EP: http://skytalkband.bandcamp.com/releaseshttp://skytalkband.bandcamp.com/releases
For more information: http://www.facebook.com/skytalkbandwww.facebook.com/skytalkband
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/skytalk-943145862/days-in-the-sunhttps://soundcloud.com/skytalk-943145862/days-in-the-sun

​Fans of jump, swing and boogie, rejoice: You have a new artist to play! Gus Spenos is a blues man with the shouting style of some of the all-time greats who also has serious sax chops (and the day job of being a top neurologist in Indianapolis). On If You Were Gold Baby, Spenos and his big band prove they know how to lay down tracks that make listeners want to move and groove.

Press:
"An exhilarating ride of a record. 'If You Were Gold Baby‘ has its swing thing down ... Gus has somehow doctored the sound of big bands and jump blues to sound like a brand new art form. Its spontaneous and fresh, and I really dig it, baby." -Pete Williams, Made in the Shade.

NEWS / Prince is dood. Lang leve Prince! Net als de dood van David Bowie is het verlies van Prince Rogers Nelson niet in te schatten. De muziekwereld nam gisteravond afscheid van een icoon én beeldenstormer. Maar ook van een superster die van dubbelzinnigheid een pikant punt maakte in zijn hele oeuvre.
"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisele Park residence this morning at the age of 57," schreef zijn P.R.-dame Yvette Nole-Schure gisteravond in een statement. Nog voor onze adem finaal kon stokken in de keel, las haar bericht: "Er bestaan geen verdere details over de doodsoorzaak." (Bron: DeMorgen)

NEWS / Gent Jazz Festival haalt op 9 juli de Welshe muzikant, producer en songschrijver John Cale naar de 15de editie van het evenement in de Gentse Bijloke. Dat meldt de organisatie.
"Van The Velvet Underground tot zijn Music For A New Society kan de man op een indrukwekkende carrière terugblikken", zegt organisator Bertrand Flamang. 

Dezelfde avond staat ook Dave Harrington Group op het hoofdpodium. "Dave Harrington is bij de meesten gekend als de helft van Darkside, zijn elektronicaproject met Nicholas Jaar. Op Gent Jazz Festival komt hij zijn nieuwe band en nieuw album voorstellen dat schippert tussen improvisatie en elektronica." Verder staat die avond onder meer ook componist Max Richter op het programma. Oak Tree, winnaars van Jong Jazztalent Gent 2013, sluit dan af op de Garden Stage.

Zoals eerder bekendgemaakt staat zondagnamiddag 10 juli volledig in teken van Gentse bands, met Nordmann, Moondog by Roland & Friends, Flat Earth Society feat. Mauro Pawlowski en Balthazar op het hoofdpodium. Op de Garden stage staan drie coaching projecten in samenwerking met het Conservatorium van de HoGent. De avond wordt daar afgesloten met Kamikaze, waarbij Bart Maris, Filip Wauters, Kristof Roseeuw en Tom Wouters eenmalig opnieuw samenkomen.

Nog een thuismatch is er voor de Gentse band "The Germans", die op 16 juli de slotakkoorden van de feesteditie spelen. Het volledige programma en tickets is te vinden op www.gentjazz.com. (Bron: Belga)

NEWS / Aretha Franklin was in the mood for celebrating, and not just because she had a birthday party.
"Good news, we're ready to sign for the movie," Franklin said Thursday night (April 14) of the biopic about her life she has been trying to arrange with Straight Outta Compton producer Scott Bernstein. "We've agreed on all the key points. There's very little left now (to negotiate), very little. They have given me creative control and that's all I wanted."
Plans for a biopic date back to at least 2011, when Franklin announced she wanted Halle Berry to star. Jennifer Hudson is now reportedly being considered for the lead.
Franklin spoke to The Associated Press in the first floor lounge of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where she has held parties before, as some 100 of her friends gathered Thursday to wish her a happy birthday. Franklin, who turned 74 on March 25, arrived in white fur and settled into a corner table alongside record executive Clive Davis and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, among others.
There was music, of course, but little of Franklin's. The singer of "Respect," ''Chain of Fools" and other classics took the night off, content to smile and nod her head along to performances by the Dizzy Gillespie All Stars and Dennis Edwards of Temptations fame. Near the end, a multi-tiered vanilla cake was wheeled out, with a tape recording of Stevie Wonder’s "Happy Birthday" playing on the sound system.
Davis, who has known Franklin for more than 30 years and worked with her on numerous recordings, told the AP he approached their collaborations with a sense "that everything she does is history."
"Everything will be studied centuries from now," he said.
(Bron: Billboard.com)

NEWS / Het Amerikaanse Arise In Chaos hun nieuwe album ‘Terminal Cognition’ komt uit op 20 mei via David Ellefson’s EMP Label Group en wordt verdeeld door SPV. The video voor het nummer ‘Devine’ kan hier bekeken worden:
https://youtu.be/Es0wHfZ0MXk
 
David Ellefson (Megadeth) and Ahrue Luster (ex-Machine Head, Ill Nino)staan in voor de productie van dit nieuwe album. Joshua Wickman (Within The Ruins, Legion, King (810), Last Of A Dying Breed) stond in voor mix en mastering. David Ellefson over het album: “Toen ik aan dit album startte met de band werkten we eerst aan het nummer ‘The Devine’, en ik wist meteen dat er iets speciaals aan was en doorheen het ganse proces was iedereen zo enthousiast dat besloten werd met EMP in zee te gaan. Al luisterend naar het finale resultaat, bij het bekijken van de video en merkend hoe alles in elkaar past weet ik gewoon dat deze jongens nog veel stof gaan doen opwaaien in de metal scene.”
 

       
       Track list:

1. Nero
   
2. By Your Own Hand
   
3. The Divine
4. Hell Bent
5. Siren
6. Violent Colors
7. All We Know
8. Reflections
   
9. Driven
10. Arise In Chaos
    

Arise In Chaos is:
Dustin Griboski - zang
Nick Allen - Gitaar
Adam Landreth - Gitaar
Drew Keeb Gillett – Bass
Jer Matheson - Drums
 
Sinds hun oprichting in 2010 werden ze al snel een band waar rekening mee gehouden in de West Coast metal scene. Toen ook het debuut ‘Civilization Decay’ uitkam in 2012 werd de groep ook een Of the to-go metal acts in Denver. Ze deelden het podium met o.a. All That Remains, 3 Inches of Blood, Soulfly,Motionless In White, Cavalera Conspiracy, Death Angel, en vele andere.
Zanger Lei becommentarieert: “We namen echtgoed materiaal op met David (Ellefson) in Phoenix en hebben alles tot in detail afgewerkt in Denver met Ahrue Luster  en het ganse team daar. Gelukkig wonen we in een stad met geweldige studio’s en wereldtalent, wat het voor ons mogelijk maakte om dit album zowat in onze achtertuin op te nemen.”
http://www.facebook.com/ariseinchaos

NEWS /  De Zweedse rockband Psychopunch hebben net hun tournee doorheen Duitsland, Oostenrijk en Zwitserland beëindigd waar ze het podium deelden met The Carburators, Kitty In A Casket en The V8 Wankers. Een deel van deze tour werd gefilmd door Dirk Behlau die de video maakte die je kan bekijken op onderstaande link en een impressie vormt van het plezier dat ze hadden op deze tour.
 
‘On A Night Lilke This (Hell Yeah)’ uit hun nieuwste album en ‘Sweet Baby Octane’ werden in Keulen en Frankfurt gefilmd en bevatten live materiaal, soundcheck en backstage footage. De tour zelf was wild  en zo gek als maar zijn kan. Voor de band is het dus geweldig om deze herinneringen ook op video te hebben. Diegene die erbij waren kunnen dat beamen en voor de anderen is het de moeite om het te bekijken.
Bekijk de video hier:

Het nieuwe Psychopunch album ‘Sweet Baby Octane’
is nu verkrijgbaar bij Steamhammer / SPV

NEWS / Vandaag kwam de gloednieuwe single ‘Magnetised’ van Tom Odell uit. Dit is de eerste single van een nieuw album ‘Wrong Crowd’ dat op 10 juni uitkomt.
Bekijk de fan-tas-ti-sche videoclip hier: https://youtu.be/4fgzu9Fo66Y
(Bron: SonyMusic.be)

NEWS / Tiles gitarist Chris Herin overhandigd Ian Anderson van de legendarische Jehtro Tull een kopie van hun nieuwe album ‘Pretending 2 Run’. De legendarische frontman van Jehro Tull verleende ook zijn medewerking aan dit dubbele concept album.
Herin zegt: “Ian Anderson is al een Tiles fan sinds we ons derde album ‘Presents Of Mind’ heben uitgebracht. Doorheen de jaren zaten we al met het idee om hem een gastrol te geven op één van onze albums en nu was de tijd rijp. We stuurden Ian de gevoelige sferrijke melodie van ‘Midwinter’ toe en hij heeft er op zijn beurt een mooie melodie ingespeeld tussen de vocale stukken om nadien met zijn inmiddels tot handelsmerk geworden fluitwerk los te barsten in de lange outro solo. Ik heb hier zeker al twintig maal aar geluisterd om er zeker van te zijn dat dit werkelijk gebeurde – Wat een sensatie voor ons als band en wat een genreuze geste van een icoon uit de progressieve rock wereld!”
Naast Ian Anderson vind je op ‘Pretending 2 Run’ ook gastvertolkingen van Mike en Max Portnoy, Adam Holzman, Mike Stern, Colin Edwin, Kim Mitchell en anderen.

NEWS / A nasty case of the flu prompted Prince to make an emergency landing in Illinois on Friday morning (15Apr16).
The superstar was heading home from a show in Atlanta, Georgia when he was taken ill and he instructed the pilot of his private jet to touch down and get him to the hospital.
The plane landed at Quad City International Airport in Moline just after 1am local time, and Prince was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, where he was treated and released hours later.
A representative for the Purple Rain singer has assured fans the 57-year-old is feeling much better and is now resting at home.
A source tells TMZ the singer has been fighting the flu for several weeks and cancelled two shows on 7 April (16).
He fell ill just before taking the stage in Atlanta on Thursday night (14Apr16), but insisted on continuing with the performance. Singers Janelle Monae and Judith Hill were in the audience cheering Prince on as he performed while sick as a dog at the Fox Theatre. And according to Janelle, Prince did nothing but impress in spite of his ailment. 
"Prince. In Atlanta. At the FOX Theatre. With just a piano. Greatest ever. RE inspired all over again," she wrote on her Twitter page.
Prince was flattered by all the admiration he received for the show, writing on his own Twitter account: " I am still floating on a cloud of purple intoxication after last night's Piano & A Microphone show in Atlanta." (Bron: Music-News)

NEWS / Kanye West drove Coachella fans wild as he made two surprise appearances during the opening night of the Californian music festival.
The rapper joined A$AP Rocky on stage on Friday (15Apr16), performing Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 from Kanye's The Life of Pablo album to a delighted crowd. However, Billboard.com reports that Kanye was hit by technical problems, and his mic stopped working a mere 10 words into the track.
Kanye kept rapping, unaware of the issue, while the crowd rushed close to the stage to get a glimpse of the rap superstar. The pair wanted to play one more track, but the sound was cut as A$AP had already overturn his allotted time slot, NME.com reports.
Kanye wasn't his only surprise guest during his set, as he brought out Black Hippy member ScHoolboy Q to perform their track Electric Body, which fortunately wasn't hit with any mic malfunctions.
Later on Friday night, Gold Digger hitmaker Kanye took to the stage again to make his second surprise appearance at the music festival, this time during the hugely popular set from Skrillex and Diplo supergroup, Jack U.
Diplo announced Kanye's arrival during the track Power, whipping fans into a frenzy. However, the rapper simply stood soaking in the audience's applause, then exited the stage, according to Billboard.com.
The music festival continues on Saturday at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, with rockers Guns N' Roses headlining. (Bron: Music-News)