Classic Rock Report

Classic Rock, Friday, July 30, 2010

Rock Hall To Create Lennon Time Capsules

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is planning to extend the legacy of the late John Lennon well into the 21st century. In cooperation with Yoko Ono, the Cleveland institution is dedicating three time capsules to honor the music legend at a ceremony on October 8th -- the day before what would have been Lennon's 70th birthday. The Rock Hall plans to open them on October 9th, 2040 in a ceremony marking the slain Beatle's 100th birthday. The capsules will contain post-Beatles recordings and contributions from fans around the world. Once they're sealed, the capsules will be stored for the next 30 years at the Rock Hall and at two other locations of significance to Lennon. Regarding the project, Ono said, "I am delighted to support this effort to help share John's music and messages of peace and love with the children of today and tomorrow."

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is inviting the general public to submit commentary, birthday wishes, musical performances, and personal thoughts about John Lennon to www.BoxOfVision.com/TimeCapsule. Contributions will be accepted through September 15th.

Alex Chilton Remembered At New York Fundraiser

New York's City Winery was the setting this week for a tribute to the late Alex Chilton. Spinner.com reports that singer-songwriter Jesse Malin and indie rock band Yo La Tengo performed at "Channeling Chilton" on Wednesday. The event featured music by the late Box Tops singer who would later be a founding member of Big Star. In addition to covers from the music renaissance man's catalog, Malin performed The Replacements 1987 track "Alex Chilton." Also on hand for the event was Chilton's former Box Tops band mate, Bill Cunningham. Cunningham looked out in the audience at Manhattan's City Winery and asked, "What must Alex Chilton's record collection have sounded like?"

"Channeling Chilton" was a benefit for the Gulf Restoration Network. Chilton died on March 17th of this year of a heart attack. He was 59-years-old.

Ray Davies Selling UK's Konk Studios

Kinks' star Ray Davies his putting some historic real estate on the market. The UK's "Hornsey & Crouch End Journal" reports that Davies' Konk Studios is up for sale for just under two-million pounds -- or about three-point-one-million American dollars. In addition to The Kinks, the studio's hosted the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Elvis Costello, Culture Club and pop stars Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue. David Winskill, a Councillor in Crouch End -- where Konk is located -- isn't pleased with the impending sale. Winskill said, "I think it's possible that if this had happened in any other country there would have been an enormous campaign to preserve this as some kind of national monument."

A realtor for the unique property said that there is interest in the studio from local developers, but that nothing specific has been agreed upon yet.

REO Speedwagon Is Celebrating 1980's "Hi Infidelity"

REO Speedwagon is celebrating the biggest chapter of its career. Billboard.com reports that the rock band is into a two-year plan to honor the 1980 release of "Hi Infidelity" and the fame that followed. REO lead singer Kevin Cronin says of the milestone, "This is 2010, so we're kind of celebrating 30 years since we recorded the album. Next year is 2011 -- 30 years since 1981, the year that rocked our world...The 'Hi Infidelity' record was such a turning point for us, just on a personal and professional level." "Hi Infidelity" hit number one and spun off some of the band's biggest hits of all time, including "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On The Run."

Among the special tributes to the LP, REO Speedwagon is performing the hit-filled side-one of "Hi Infidelity" while on the road with Pat Benatar. In 2011, the band plans a deluxe edition of the classic album.

Steve Hackett Adds More Dates To His "80 Trains" Trek

Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett is adding more solo dates to his schedule this fall. The rocker announced UK performances beginning this November for his "Around The World in 80 Trains" tour. Hackett rolled out the new dates following a strong showing at London's High Voltage Festival last weekend. Backing Hackett on the road are Amanda Lehman on guitar, Roger King on keyboards, Nick Beggs on bass and vocals, Gary O'Toole on drums and vocals, and Rob Townsend on saxophone and other instruments. Hackett's played dates in Italy over the past week and has shows in Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia on the immediate horizon.

Hackett's been playing live and promoting his new CD, "Out Of The Tunnel's Mouth," over recent months. That LP -- along with a special extended edition of the disc -- are available now.

Today's Birthdays

Jethro Tull bassist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond is 64.
Blues great Buddy Guy is 74.

Today In History

In 1954
Elvis Presley joined the Memphis Federation of Musicians, Local 71.

Elvis Presley made his professional concert debut, opening for Slim Whitman at Overton Park in Memphis.

In 1963
The Beatles recorded "Please Mr. Postman" and "It Won't Be Long" at Abbey Road studios in London.

In 1966
The Troggs' "Wild Thing" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

The Beatles' album "Yesterday...And Today" hit number one on the albums chart.

Bob Dylan was on the cover of the "Saturday Evening Post."

In 1968
The Beatles' Apple Boutique closed.

In 1969
The Temptations released the single "I Can't Get Next To You."

In 1970
The Rolling Stones fired manager Allen Klein.

In 1971
George Harrison released the single "Bangladesh" in the UK.

In 1973
Led Zeppelin filmed its concert for the movie "The Song Remains the Same."

In 1987
David Bowie kicked off a four night stand in Philadelphia on his Glass Spider tour.

In 1990
Paul McCartney ended his world tour with a show in Chicago.

In 1994
Aerosmith's "Crazy" peaked at number 17 on the pop singles chart.

In 2001
Surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd said they would continue as a band despite the death of bassist Leon Wilkeson.

In 2002
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band released their first album together in 18 years, "The Rising." Springsteen also made a number of TV appearances in conjunction with the release.

The Brian Wilson tribute album, "Making God Smile: Artists' Tribute to the Songs of Beach Boy Brian Wilson," was released.

Johnny Horton's 1960 album "Johnny Horton Makes History" was reissued by Columbia Records.

In 2003
The Rolling Stones headlined a benefit concert for Toronto, Canada, to help the city recover in the wake of the SARS outbreak. AC/DC, Rush, and Justin Timberlake were also among the performers.

Sun Records founder Sam Phillips died of respiratory failure in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 80.

In 2004
Paul McCartney attended the graduation ceremony at the Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, which he helped establish in 1996. He also presented The Bangles with the Companions Award for the successful master class the group conducted at the facility in March 2003, which was the best-attended session in the school's history.

In 2006
Dr. John was among the performers at a benefit in Chicago for the New Orleans Musician's Relief Fund.

In 2008
Cheech & Chong announced plans for their "Light Up America..." tour with a press conference in West Hollywood. The trek marked a reunion for the comedy duo, who hadn't hit the road together in more than 25 years.

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Classic Rock, Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Sir Elton John Won't Do "American Idol"

Talk of Sir Elton John joining "American Idol" as a regular judge is getting a short run through the rumor mill. Deadline.com reports that the "Rocket Man" won't appear on the FOX hit, nor will pop superstar Justin Timberlake. Both artists reportedly were on the short list of replacements for Simon Cowell, who exited the show after its nine season. John's rep pulled no punches in shooting down the "American Idol" rumor. UK publicist Gary Farrow says "It's absolute rubbish. This story's three months old...Elton's got commitments right up until next year. As we stand at the moment, Elton has no plans to do that show."

What Sir Elton is doing is hitting the road again next month. The rocker is playing five consecutive nights at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, Monaco beginning next Monday, August 2nd.

The Cars To Fans: Anyone Ready For A Reunion?

The Cars are hinting that they may be headed toward a reunion. ContactMusic.com reports that the new wave rockers recently posted a buzz-worthy photo on their Facebook Fan page. The photo depicts the band's surviving members working together in a Boston, Massachusetts studio. Under the picture, a captions reads-- "Anyone in the mood for a reunion by the Cars?" Since its 1980s heyday, The Cars have lost bass player Benjamin Orr to cancer. The remaining originals were depicted in the studio photo together.

If the band is recording a new LP for fans, it will be its first since 1987's "Door to Door." The Cars were first signed to Elektra Records in 1977. Among their biggest hits were 1981's "Shake It Up," and "Drive," "You Might Think" and "Hello Again," all of which were off the band's popular 1984 album, "Heartbeat City."

Queensryche Cabaret On The Road, To Be Filmed For DVD

Queensryche is giving fans a new way to enjoy its music live. "The Las Vegas Review-Journal" reports that the hard rockers have fused their material with a Cirque de Soleil-style presentation. Called "Queensryche Cabaret," the act has Queensryche sharing a stage with ballerinas, go-go dancers, jugglers, and contortionists. Lead singer Geoff Tate says that there's just as much "spectacle" to take in from the stage. The 51-year-old rocker comments that "Queensryche Cabaret" audiences typically are decked in tuxedos and formal gowns. Tate adds,"It's kind of like if you took the 'Moulin Rouge' movie and mixed it up with 'The Rock Horror Picture Show,' and added heavy metal and a giant mouse. You've gotta be really dedicated to wear a giant mouse costume."

For fans who can't catch the act live, Queensryche is creating a DVD of the show which is due soon. The band's also got an album in the the works, slated for release in 2011. For more information about the Cabaret, visit www.queensryche.com.

On TV: PBS To Air McCartney Special Tonight

PBS is premiering an episode of "In Performance at the White House" that honors one of the world's surviving Beatles tonight. "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" was taped in Washington DC last month, but will air on the public television network this evening. Tonight's broadcast will feature a musical salute to Sir Paul and his expansive catalog. Guests include Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock, The White Stripes' Jack White, The Jonas Brothers, and McCartney himself.

"Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" will have its premiere on PBS tonight at 7:00 p.m. Region time. An encore performance is scheduled to air at 8:30 p.m.

Metallica Rewards Concert "Campaigner" With Tickets

Metallica is rewarding a fan in New Zealand who "campaigned" to bring the band to his town. ContactMusic.com reports that the rockers are giving free tickets to Christchurch, New Zealand resident Jamie Woods. Woods created a petition to get the metal band to visit Christchurch as part of its "World Magnetic" trek. Metallica obliged, even scaling down its show to accommodate the smaller venue there. Unfortunately for Woods, the shows in Christchurch were sold out when he attempted to buy tickets. The band subsequently had one of its reps call Woods to get him tickets to another show. Woods said that he thought that he'd received a crank call, telling the rep, "You cannot do that to someone. That's bloody cruel."

Metallica will launch the fall leg of its "World Magnetic Tour" on September 15th in Melbourne, Australia. The band's two shows at the CBS Canterbury Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand are on the books for September 21st and 22nd.

Today's Birthdays

Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse is 56.
Former Free and Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke is 61.
Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show steel guitarist George Cummings is 72.

Today In History

In 1954
Elvis Presley's first interview was published in Memphis.

In 1956
Gene Vincent made his first national TV appearance, on the "Perry Como Show." In addition, his hit "Be-Bop-A-Lula" peaked at number seven on the pop singles chart.

In 1957
Jerry Lee Lewis made his first TV appearance, on "The Steve Allen Show."

In 1958
Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser" peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.

In 1965
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts bought a 16th century manor in Sussex, England.

The Who appeared on the BBC's "Ready Steady Go!"

In 1969
The Fifth Dimension, the Chambers Brothers, and the Edwin Hawkins Singers were included on the TV special "Harlem Festival."

In 1970
Jimi Hendrix played his last concert in his hometown of Seattle, Washington.

The movie "Ned Kelly," starring Mick Jagger, had its premiere in Melbourne, Australia.

In 1973
Three Dog Night's "Shambala" peaked at number three on the pop singles chart.

Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" peaked at number four on the pop singles chart.

Seals & Crofts' "Diamond Girl" peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.

Grand Funk Railroad released "We're An American Band."

The Allman Brothers Band, The Band, and the Grateful Dead were among the performers at the "Summer Jam" festival in Watkins Glen, New York, which drew a crowd of 600-thousand people.

In 1974
Eric Clapton released the album "461 Ocean Boulevard."

In 1975
Black Sabbath released the album "Sabotage."

In 1976
Jefferson Starship released the album "Spitfire."

In 1977
Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson appeared on cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine.

In 1978
The Doobie Brothers made a guest appearance on the TV show "What's Happening!"

In 1979
Ted Nugent, Journey, Aerosmith, and Thin Lizzy were among the headliners at the World Series of Rock concert in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1982
Jackson Browne and wife Lynne Sweeney became parents to son Ryan Daniel Browne.

In 1984
Rod Stewart's "Infatuation" peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.

In 1986
Keith Richards and girlfriend Patti Hansen became parents to a second daughter, Alexandra.

In 1987
Surviving members of The Beatles took legal action to block Nike from using the song "Revolution" in a commercial.

In 1992
Former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters married Priscilla Phillips.

In 1995
James Al Hendrix won back rights to his son Jimi Hendrix's name, likeness, image, and music after a variety of firms had profited from the late guitarist's music.

In 1999
Pete Townshend performed at the Supper Club in New York to preview his album "Pete Townshend Live: A Benefit for Maryville Academy."

In 2001
Former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh was on hand to greet fans and sign autographs at an American Red Cross blood drive in Philadelphia.

The Eagles played the first show at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

In 2004
John Mellencamp was among the performers on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Carlos Santana was named the 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. He was formally recognized at a charity event in conjunction with the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony that took place in August.

In 2005
A handwritten lyric sheet of The Beatles' song "All You Need Is Love" set a new sales record, and shattered the old one. The sheet sold at an auction, fetching more than one-point-oh-five-million-dollars. Before the sale, auctioneer Ted Owen noted that if the bidding hit 879-thousand-dollars, that figure would be twice the previous record price for a manuscript of pop music.

In 2006
Eric Clapton's concert at Moscow's Red Square was cancelled a week before it was to take place after Russian authorities retracted the permit for the show. The event would have been Clapton's first performance in the historic spot.

The New York Dolls made an in-store appearance at the Tower Sunset Pop in Hollywood in conjunction with the release of the CD "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This," which was issued a few days earlier. It was the group's first new studio album in 32 years.

In 2007
After a show in Denver, Ozzy Osbourne underwent minor outpatient surgery at a local hospital for a blood clot. He sought medical attention after complaining of leg pains throughout the day. He remained in the hospital for several hours.

Eric Clapton hosted his second Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago. Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Jimmie Vaughan, and Derek Trucks were among the participants. The event was a fundraiser for Clapton's Crossroads Centre rehab facility in Antigua.

Jefferson Starship was the headliner on the first day of the Monterey Summer of Love Festival. The two-day concert was a 40th anniversary celebration saluting the famed 1967 event. Other performers included Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company, It's A Beautiful Day's David LaFlamme, and Barry McGuire.

In 2008
The Doobie Brothers and Three Dog Night performed a benefit in Las Vegas for Soles4Souls Inc., an international organization that provides footwear free of charge to anyone in need.

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Classic Rock, Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Stones Shoot Down "Retirement" Rumors, Mick Has A Birthday

The Rolling Stones are shooting down rumors that they have a retirement plan in the works. EntertainmentWeekly.com reports that a rep for the English rockers said talk of wrapping up the band's run in music are simply, quote, "not true." This, after the UK newspaper "The Sun" cited an inside source as saying "The band realize that age is creeping up on them. They want to bow out on top of their game, and not short-change their fans." The rumors also suggested that the Stones' upcoming world tour would be their last. The enduring band will mark its 50th anniversary in 2012.

The rep's clarification coincided with Mick Jagger's sixty-seventh birthday on Monday. Mick's birthday brings the combined age of the Rolling Stones to 265. Jagger's fellow bandmates include 63-year-old guitarist Ron Wood, 66-year-old guitarist and vocalist Keith Richards, and drummer Charlie Watts, who's 69.

Cooper, The Runaways Re-Record Hits For "Guitar Hero"

"Guitar Hero" is attracting a few more big names from rock to its fold. Blabbermouth.net reports that the video game franchise is rolling out re-recorded tracks by The Runaways and Alice Cooper. The Runaways spent time in the studio polishing up its 1976 hit, "Cherry Bomb." As for the 62-year-old Cooper, he recorded "No More Mr. Nice Guy" again. Cooper says he's thrilled to reach gamers with his music. The rocker said in a statement-- "Younger fans getting exposed to true classic rock songs is one of my personal crusades. The new audience listening to the classic songs of today, like 'No More Mr. Nice Guy', will hopefully be inspired to write the classic songs of tomorrow."

Harmonix "Guitar Hero" has brought the music of Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and more to video gamers worldwide. The popular video game series launched in 2005.

KISS Reaches Out To Youth Audience, Offers Free Lawn Tickets

KISS is reaching out to a new audience -- namely fans who weren't born when the band was first popular. Billboard.com reports that the New York rockers are trying something new on upcoming amphitheater dates. They're giving up to four lawn tickets to the children of every paying adult. Bass player Gene Simmons says "It's time to give back." The rocker adds that he wants kids to see another approach to music than what's offered by Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers. Simmons says "It's important for them to see how the big boys do it. There's no tapes. There's no background singers backstage. There's no click tracks. It's important for the kids to see that whatever you see on stage is real. We want to spread this. I'm insulted by any act that goes up there with dancers and tapes. It's insulting."

Simmons adds that the band will record a follow-up to 2009's "Sonic Boom" soundtrack at some point, but that he doesn't have a timeline for that. He's also appearing on another season of his reality show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels."

Racy Photos Of Bon Jovi Released Online

Racy photos of Bon Jovi band members have been released online. TMZ.com is running the photos, which date back to the band's heyday in the 1980s. One shows singer Jon Bon Jovi posed lying on a bed with four mostly naked women on his lap. The racy shots come courtesy of former tour manager Rich Bozzett, who has just released an unauthorized memoir about the band called "Sex, Drugs And Bon Jovi." He says "Jon has never wanted to talk about the band's early years, but now his fans can finally read -- and see through never-before-released photographs -- what life on the road was like. As tour manager, I lived with the band and saw it all -- from the incredible fan support to how Jon and the band dealt with drugs, alcohol, and sex."

Bozzett's book alleges Jon took drugs before shows and that the band was linked to one of the biggest drug smuggling operations in the U.S. at the time. He claims the band frequently had run-ins with airline security while they traveled, including strip searches of Jon with the Drug Enforcement Agency involved.

Slash Recruits Montana, Continues To Trek The Globe

Slash has recruited a veteran bass player for an upcoming leg of his world tour. According to Blabbermouth.net, the 45-year-old guitarist has hired Tony Montana, formerly of Great White, to rock with him on dates booked in Asia and Australia. Montana is taking over for Todd Kerns, who recently underwent eye surgery and is taking time off to recover. Since the April release of his first-ever solo album, Slash has been playing live dates in various time zones and locales. His material on tour features tracks from "Slash," but also includes material from his days with Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, and Slash's Snakepit.

The Asian leg of Slash's tour with his traveling band will kick off this Thursday, July 29th at Hong Kong's Asia World Expo. Among the destinations on this next leg of the tour are Singapore; Kuala Lampur, Malaysia; Osaka, Japan; and Brisbane, Australia.

Sir Elton Reportedly Working On George Orwell Musical

It's rumored that Sir Elton John is circling another stage musical. The UK's "Daily Mail" reports that the rocker is working with Lee Hall on an adaptation of the George Orwell novel, "Animal Farm." Hall was John's collaborator on the successful musical "Billy Elliott," adapted from the 2000 film of the same name. It reportedly took the creative duo two years to buy rights to the story. Published in 1945, the farm-set story has been referred to as a "Stalinist" allegory. Orwell wrote the novella to reflect events leading up to World War II.

If "Animal Farm -- the Musical" gets off the ground, it won't be Sir Elton's first foray into animal theater. The 63-year-old also wrote songs for the Broadway adaptation of the Disney film "The Lion King."

Hughes Talks Dio Fundraiser LP And Concert

Fresh off his participation in a Ronnie James Dio tribute concert over the weekend, Glenn Hughes is talking about additional projects to remember the late frontman. Hughes performed with Dio's Heaven & Hell at the High Voltage Festival on Saturday in London. The rocker has now told the UK's "Express & Star" that there are at least two more tributes in the pipeline. The first is an LP to benefit the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund. The second is a concert in Los Angeles, California next March.

Hughes shares a link with the late Dio via Black Sabbath. Both rockers sang with the hard rock band at various points in its history. On Saturday, Hughes "sat in" at the microphone on Heaven & Hell tracks once performed by Dio including "Children Of The Sea" and "Bible Black."

Elvis Presley's White Grand Piano, More Memorabilia Up For Auction

Fans of rock n' roll's late, great "King" will get another chance to bid on his possessions next month. Elvis Presley's white grand piano is going to the blocks in Memphis on August 14th, with auctioneers anticipating a selling price north of one-million dollars. Two-hundred-70 lots of Presley memorabilia will be offered. Other items for sale include Elvis' 1955 RCA Records contract and the original purchase agreement for Graceland, his fabled Tennessee mansion. Heritage Auctions is handling the event.

In related news, Chicago's Hindman Auctioneers reportedly lost a few Elvis items due to concerns about authenticity. These lots included autopsy tools allegedly used to prepare Presley's body after his 1977 death. The removed items included forceps, rubber gloves, lip brushes, aneurysm hooks, a comb, needle injectors, eye liner, and a toe tag.

Today's Birthdays

Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry is 66. She's best known for the 1967 hit "The Ode to Billie Joe."
Marshall Tucker Band flute and sax player David Muse is 61. He was also a member of Firefall. Paper Lace guitarist Michael Vaughn is 60. Paper Lace is best know for their 1974 hit "The Night Chicago Died."

Today in History

In 1955
Chuck Berry's "Maybellene" broke into the R&B chart.

In 1959
Santo and Johnny released the single "Sleepwalk."

In 1969
Led Zeppelin and The Doors performed at the Seattle Pop Festival.

In 1973
The New York Dolls released its self-titled debut album.

Jethro Tull's album "A Passion Play" was certified Gold.

In 1974
Lynyrd Skynyrd released the single "Sweet Home Alabama."

In 1976
Bruce Springsteen sued his manager for breech of contract and fraud. A subsequent counter-suit prevented Springsteen from officially working for a year.

John Lennon finally won his battle to remain in the U.S. He was granted a green card.

In 1977
Led Zeppelin cancelled the remaining dates of their North American tour because Robert Plant's son, Karac, died of a respiratory ailment.

In 1978
The Doobie Brothers' album "Takin' It To The Streets" was certified Platinum.

In 1979
Alice Cooper's Indian Art Store in Scottsdale, Arizona, was firebombed. Roughly 200-thousand-dollars in merchandise was destroyed.

In 1981
Stevie Nicks released the album "Bella Donna."

In 1986
Queen became the first Western act to play Budapest, Hungary, in more than 25 years.

In 1987
.38 Special released the album "Flashback."

In 1995
Bob Dylan joined the Rolling Stones at a show in Montpelier, France. They performed Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone."

In 1999
Eric Clapton released the album "Blues."

In 2001
Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Leon Wilkeson died in his sleep. He was 49.

The three-day WOMAD Festival began. Festival founder Peter Gabriel made two appearances at the event, performing at it for the first time since 1994.

In 2004
U2's Bono was in Boston to perform at a tribute concert honoring Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy and to speak to a student group about social activism.

In 2007
Kiss frontman Paul Stanley was hospitalized after suffering a "cardiac event" while prepping for a concert in San Jacinto, California. Doctors became concerned when the rocker's pulse skyrocketed to 190 beats per minute, and stayed that high for more than an hour. Because it was so close to showtime Stanley encouraged his band mates to play the show without him, marking the first time Kiss performed as a trio.

In 2008
Jon Bon Jovi's Arena Football League team the Philadelphia Soul took the 2008 AFL title with a 59-to-56 win over the San Jose CaberCats in the championship game in New Orleans.

In 2009
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and drummer Steve Adler both received a restraining order against the same woman. The woman had been pursuing Adler, claiming that they were long lost lovers who met in rehab in the early '90s, and had made multiple appeals to Slash and members of his family hoping they would connect her with Adler.

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Classic Rock, Monday, July 26, 2010

Aersosmith's "Back In The Saddle" Playing North American Dates

Aerosmith is "back in the saddle" again, playing North American dates as part of its "Cocked, Locked, and Ready To Rock" Tour. "The Contra-Costa Times" reports that the rockers were crowd-pleasers at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Friday -- playing familiar hits in their first date on this leg of the trek. "The Times" Tony Hicks notes in a review that lead singer Steven Tyler seemed, "a bit more cautious," adding that his on stage persona was "turned down a notch." The 62-year-old reunited with Aerosmith earlier this year after months of speculation that he'd left the band. Last August, Tyler was injured in a stage fall during a show in South Dakota that led Aerosmith to cancel tour dates, including a gig at Oracle Arena. By the end of 2009 the rocker had checked himself into rehab to address a dependence on painkillers. On this tour, it's guitarist Joe Perry who's coming off an injury. Perry was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle in mid-July, but says he's feeling fine.

Aerosmith is scheduled to play a few more California dates this week. The Boston band is headlining at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles tonight and will rock the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine this Thursday.

Former GNR Drummer Steven Adler Talks About His Autobiography

Steven Adler is purging some old demons on the page. Billboard.com reports that the former Guns N' Roses drummer says it was "healing" to write about his life in the autobiography "My Appetite For Destruction: Sex & Drugs & Guns N' Roses." Adler was asked to leave GN'R in 1990. Adler says in the years since, he's successfully battled substance abuse. The rocker explains, "You can't take 30 years of pain and all that stuff and just get rid of it immediately, but at least I'm starting to get it out and I'm starting to become my own person again. I wasted so much of my life, it's great to have survived and be living again."

Adler has a new band -- called "Adler's Appetite" -- which is currently touring North America. However, the 45-year-old admits that he likes the idea of rounding up the original members of Guns N' Roses. Adler says that he thinks just about everyone -- except for lead singer Axl Rose -- would like to do it. Axl is currently touring with the 2010 incarnation of the Hollywood hard rock band.

Report: Bono's Back Injury Cost Insurer 16 Million

U2 singer Bono may have a 16-million-dollar back. London's "Sun" reports that when U2 had to cancel their U.S. "360" tour dates earlier this summer due to Bono's back injury, an insurer had to pick up a 16-million-dollar bill. That's the equivalent to the reported eleven-million-pounds that insurance company Robertson Taylor must pay over the cancelled shows. Bono's back injury was quite serious, with the singer having experienced temporary paralysis because of it. The injury happened in May and forced 16 concerts to be cancelled across North America as Bono underwent emergency surgery in Germany. But the philanthropic U2 frontman has recovered and U2 will be back on the road to kick off their European tour on August 6th in Turin, Italy.

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Robert Cray To Guest On "Tonight Show" This Week

The Robert Cray Band is getting in tune for a major TV appearance this week. The outfit -- led by blues veteran Cray -- is appearing on NBC's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on Wednesday. The 56-year-old is staying busy these days. Tomorrow, he'll release his first-ever live concert DVD. Called "Cookin' In Mobile," the project and accompanying CD features highlights from Cray's Alabama show at the Mobile Saegner venue this past February. On Sunday, Cray and his band were across the Atlantic, playing the Maryport Blues Festival in Maryport, Cumbria, England.

Tune in to see The Robert Cray Band on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" this Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. Region time on NBC.

Today's Birthdays

Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger is 67.

Queen drummer Roger Meddows-Taylor is 61.
Former Van Halen singer Gary Cherone is 49. He also worked with the group Extreme.

Today In History

In 1965
The Beatles released the album "Beatles '65."

In 1968
Decca Records pushed back the release date of The Rolling Stones' album "Beggars Banquet" because of a disagreement over the cover artwork. The band originally wanted to use a picture of a graffiti-covered toilet, to which label execs objected.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney completed writing "Hey Jude" at a session at Paul's home.

The Jackson 5 signed to Motown Records.

In 1969
The Rolling Stones single "Honky Tonk Woman" and the Guess Who's "Laughing" broke into the Top 40.

In 1974
The first Beatles convention took place in Boston.

The Rolling Stones released the album "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll."

The Eagles' album "One Of These Nights" was the number one selling album in the U.S.

In 1978
The Rolling Stones' single "Miss You" was certified Gold.

In 1980
The Rolling Stone's album "Emotional Rescue" hit number one.

In 1990
Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland died of a drug overdose. He was 37.

In 1992
Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley and actress-model Pamela Bowen got married.

In 1998
Sha Na Na's "Chico" Ryan died. He was 50.

In 2001
Vanilla Fudge reunited and announced plans for a late summer tour. The band members hadn't worked together in more than a decade. The tour began in Phoenix a month later.

In 2003
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain was arrested outside the group's Wantagh, New York concert after allegedly running over a parking attendant.

Mick Jagger celebrated his 60th birthday at a private party in Prague. Former Czech President Vaclev Havel was among the guests.

In 2005
Bob Dylan was the first artist confirmed for induction in the UK Music Hall of Fame Class of 2005.

In 2007
A life-sized bronze statue of Elvis Presley was unveiled at the site of rock icon's historic 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert. The performance, which was broadcast globally via satellite, was the first musical event ever to air live world-wide.

Charges were dropped against the man accused of shooting Ray Davies because the former Kinks frontman didn't appear for the start of the trial. While the court date had been set a couple months earlier, Davies was only notified two days in advance, and didn't have enough time to travel from London to New Orleans for the proceedings. The case dated back to January 2004, when the rocker was with a friend in New Orleans and someone snatched his friend's purse. Davies was shot in the leg while pursuing the thief.

After Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page testified at the trial of a Scottish man arrested for selling pirated CDs and DVD, the defendant changed his plea and admitted he was guilty. Page had been called to testify because many of the bootlegs were of Led Zeppelin material.

In 2008
Ozzy Osbourne hosted The Monsters of Rock event in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Kiss' Gene Simmons was in is Edmonton, Alberta to serve as the Grand Marshal of the first Rexall Edmonton Indy.

###

Classic Rock, Friday, July 23, 2010

Perry Talks Injury, Aerosmith North American Tour

Aerosmith's Joe Perry says he's "lucky" to have walked away from a motorcycle accident last week and that he's ready to return to the stage tonight. The guitarist tells "Rolling Stone" that after being hospitalized last Thursday, he's amazed to be doing so well. Perry, says, "I've been in enough accidents to know that you don't know how banged up you are for a while. The doctor went over everything and said that nothing was broken or bleeding. I didn't even need x-rays. I spent the entire weekend pretty sore, tracing ice packs." Perry asserts that he's "good to go" as Aerosmith prepares to launch the North American leg of its "Cocked, Locked, And Ready to Rock" tour in Oakland, California tonight.

Perry's motorcycle accident is the latest in an injury-laden year for Aerosmith. The Boston band had to cancel concert dates after frontman Steven Tyler tumbled off the concert stage last August. Prior to that, the band's rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford missed several summer concert dates to recover from surgery for a head injury he suffered after exiting his Ferrari. Perry, Tyler, Whitford, bass player Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Kramer are all slated to tour together on this upcoming leg.

The Boston band further expanded its itinerary on the eve of the tour launch Thursday, announcing the addition of more tour dates throughout Western Canada that begin on September 8th.

Here are the dates for Aerosmith's North American Tour:

Fri 07/23/10 - Oakland, CA, Oracle Arena
Mon 07/26/10 - Paso Robles, CA, Grandstand @ California Mid State Fair
Thu 07/29/10 - Irvine, CA, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sat 07/31/10 - Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena
Tue 08/03/10 - Dallas, TX, Superpages.com Center
Thu 08/05/10 - The Woodlands, TX, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sat 08/07/10 - Tampa, FL, 1-800 Ask-Gary Amphitheatre
Mon 08/09/10 - Sunrise, FL, BankAtlantic Center
Thu 08/12/10 - Wantagh, NY, Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
Sat 08/14/10 - Boston, MA, Fenway Park
Tue 08/17/10 - Toronto, ON, Air Canada Centre
Thu 08/19/10 - Omaha, NE, Qwest Center Omaha
Sun 08/22/10 - Tinley Park, IL, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Tue 08/24/10 - Holmdel, NJ, PNC Bank Arts Center
Thu 08/26/10 - Syracuse, NY, Mohegan Sun Grandstand, at the New York State Fair
Sat 08/28/10 - Atlantic City, NJ, Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
Tue 08/31/10 - Auburn Hills, MI, The Palace Of Auburn Hills
Thu 09/02/10 - Cincinnati, OH, Riverbend Music Center
Sat 09/04/10 - Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena

Recently-Added Western Canada Dates

Sep. 08 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
Sep. 10 - Calgary, AB - Saddledome
Sep. 12 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Centre
Sep. 14 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
Sep. 16 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena

Indiana Police Claim To Find Weed On Michaels' Tour Buses

Rocker Bret Michaels and his "Roses & Thorns" touring entourage have hit a road bump. According to TMZ.com, police officers in DeKalb County, Indiana reportedly found marijuana and illegal substances in two of Michaels' traveling buses on Wednesday night. Cops pulled over the buses at 11:30 pm local time with K-9 dogs reportedly sniffing out the substances. Michaels was reportedly on one of the two detained buses when the search was conducted. He was not on the bus where police allegedly found the illegal substances. No one was arrested at the scene, but citations were made. Prosecutors in DeKalb will now review the case.

No announcements have been made regarding the incident's impact on Michaels' tour. Per the rocker's website, he's scheduled to take "Roses & Thorns" to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Sioux Falls, South Dakota tonight. Earlier this month, Michaels released a new solo LP, "Custom Built." The 47-year-old continues to battle back from a brain hemorrhage he suffered earlier this year.

Fogerty's "Centerfield" To Enter Baseball Hall Of Fame This Weekend

John Fogerty's making a stop in Cooperstown, New York this weekend -- not for a concert, but for a special recognition. America's Baseball Hall of Fame is inducting the Creedence Clearwater Revival rocker and his 1985 hit "Centerfield" into its Hall of Fame on Sunday. Fogerty is scheduled to attend the celebration in person, where he'll perform "Centerfield" live for fans playing on his restored baseball bat-shaped guitar. The midday event at the Clarks Sports Center in Cooperstown is free and open to the public. Earlier this year, Fogerty told "Rolling Stone" that he was humbled by the honor, noting, "It's one of those things that you're not sure that you heard it right because, as they say, it came out of left field."

Over the years "Centerfield" has become a baseball staple. The 25-year-old hit is regularly played during baseball games throughout the country all summer long, and for more than a decade it's been included in the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. The track was also featured prominently in the minor league ball film "Bull Durham."

Beach Boys' Al Jardine Talks About The Band's 50th

Al Jardine is looking ahead to 2011 when The Beach Boys turn 50. RollingStone.com reports that Jardine wants all of the members of the legendary band to reunite for the anniversary of its 1961 formation. The guitarist says, "We're definitely doing at least one show--you heard it first. It's a big deal. I don't know where it will be yet, but it'll probably be free. Golden Gate Park was mentioned, as was the [National] Mall in Washington, D.C." Jardin adds that Chicago's North Shore also is a consideration. An insider says Mike Love also is interested in organizing a reunion concert. If true, this departs from comments Love made just last month. In June, Love publicly stated that there were no plans to reassemble all of the members of the group -- including his cousin Brian Wilson -- to honor its 50th year in music.

Wilson's manager says she was unaware of any Beach Boys reunion plans. Wilson -- meanwhile -- is currently working on a new project, "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin." The album inspired by the compositions of George and Ira Gershwin is due out on August 17th.

Downtown Las Vegas Hosts Ultimate Elvis Weekend

Downtown Las Vegas is the setting for a celebration of rock's "King" during "Ultimate Elvis Weekend" beginning tonight. The event -- which is part of the city's Fremont Street Experience -- will also host a two-night "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest." This weekend's winner will advance to a national competition which takes place in Memphis, Tennessee next month. Tonight and tomorrow night, Elvis tribute artists will croon and shake to take home the regional title and other prizes. The "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest" takes place on the First Street Stage in Downtown Las Vegas tonight and tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. local time. The event is part of The Fremont Street Experience's "Summer Of The 70s."

High Voltage To Rock London's Victoria Park This Weekend

If you're a rock fan and money's no object, you may want to buy a ticket to Heathrow Airport. Starting tomorrow, the High Voltage Festival 2010 is coming to London's Victoria Park. The two-day event is bringing an eclectic list of rock acts together on one lineup. Tomorrow, there's the highly-anticipated Ronnie James Dio tribute from Heaven & Hell with Glenn Hughes. Also on day one, ZZ Top, Foreigner, and Gary Moore are among the acts on the main stage. On Sunday, July 25th, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer will rock together for the first time in 15 years. ELP is on Sunday's main stage roster with Joe Elliott, Joe Bonamassa, Bachman & Turner, UFO, and the Quireboys.

Other acts at High Voltage this weekend include Black Label Society, Dweezil Zappa, progressive rockers Marillion, Uriah Heep, and Genesis alum Steve Hackett. For more information or updates throughout the weekend, visit www.highvoltagefestival.com.

Garcia Biopic On Its Way To The Screen, Script Complete

Dead Heads should feel "grateful" these days. A biopic about the late Jerry Garcia is inching its way to the big screen. According to Variety.com, a screenplay about the late San Francisco rocker is now complete. It's from writer Topper Lilien who also penned the 2000 film "Dungeons & Dragons." Documentary director Amir Bar-Lev is on board to direct. Bar-Lev scored excellent reviews with his film "The Tillman Story," about late NFL star-turned military recruit Pat Tillman.

Next month marks the 15-year anniversary of Garcia's death. The frontman suffered a heart attack on August 9th, 1995 at a California rehabilitation center. He was 53 years old at the time.

Glenn Hughes Announces Solo Tour

Deep Purple alum Glenn Hughes is playing live dates on the road across the pond this fall. The rocker has announced a trek throughout his native United Kingdom with scheduled shows in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Scotland; and other European "hamlets." Hughes will launch the live dates with a show on September 23rd at the UK's Manchester Academy.

The rocker's also playing at a tribute for the late Ronnie James Dio this weekend at the High Voltage Festival in London's Victoria Park with Heaven & Hell. The tribute is the headlining act on Saturday, July 24th. Both Hughes and Dio were vocalists for Black Sabbath at various points in their respective careers.

Here are the dates for Glenn Hughes' UK Tour:

Sept. 23: Manchester Academy
Sept. 24: Holmfirth Picturedrome
Sept. 25: Glasgow O2 ABC
Sept. 27: Gateshead Sage
Sept. 28: Bilston Robin 2
Sept. 29: Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Oct. 1: Plymouth Pavilion
Oct. 2: Exeter Phoenix
Oct. 3: Cardiff Millennium Hall
Oct. 5: London Islington O2 Academy
Oct. 7: Leamingotn Spa Assembly
Oct. 13: Southampton Brook

Nikki Sixx To Guest On Reality Show "L.A. Ink"

Look for Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx on reality TV -- briefly -- this fall. The bass player is scheduled to appear on the season premiere of TLC's "L.A. Ink" on August 11th. The rocker's guest cameo will pair him on the small screen with his girlfriend Kat Von D. Von D is one of the artists on the reality series that follows the events at Los Angeles' High Voltage Tattoo and American Electric tattoo parlors.

Sixx isn't the only Crue band member in the news these days. Just last month, frontman Vince Neil was arrested for DUI in Las Vegas, Nevada. Neil also released his cover album, "Tattoos & Tequila" last month.

Today's Birthdays

The Rascals drummer Dino Danelli is 66.
David Essex is 63.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive guitarist Blair Thornton is 60.
Roxy Music sax and synthesizer player Andy Mackay is 64.

Today In History

In 1955
Bill Haley and His Comets' "Razzle-Dazzle" peaked at number 15 on the pop singles chart.

Chuck Berry released his first single, "Maybelline."

Elvis Presley performed as part of the "Big D Jamboree" at the Sportatorium in Dallas.

In 1963
Neil Young had his first recording session, at a studio in Winnipeg, Canada.

In 1964
The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart. The band also took part in the Night of a Hundred Stars event at the London Palladium.

In 1965
The Kinks performed "You Really Got Me" on the TV show "Where the Action Is."

The Beatles released the single "Help" backed with "I'm Down" in the UK.

In 1966
The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England was officially reopened.

The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City" broke into the Top 40.

Napoleon the 14th released the novelty song "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Ha!"

In 1968
Vanilla Fudge's self-titled album was certified Gold.

In 1969
The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.

Three Dog Night's single "One" and Blood, Sweat, and Tears' single "Spinning Wheel" were certified Gold.

In 1971
The Rolling Stones and the late Brian Jones' father sued former manager Allen Klein for 29-million-dollars, saying he mismanaged the band's money.

In 1976
New releases included Paul McCartney and Wings' single "Let 'Em In."

In 1977
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and manager Peter Grant were arrested on battery charges before the group's concert in Oakland, California. The two were accused of beating up members of promoter Bill Graham's staff.

Judas Priest kicked off its first U.S. tour, opening for Led Zeppelin.

Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" broke into the Top 40.

In 1980
Grateful Dead keyboardist Keith Godchaux died from injuries in a car accident. He was 32.

In 1982
Judas Priest's album "British Steel" was certified Gold.

In 1985
Dire Straits' album "Brothers In Arms" was certified Gold.

In 1987
The surviving Beatles sued EMI-Capitol Records for 40-million-dollars, accusing the label of cheating the group on CD royalties. The band was also requesting the label return master tapes.

In 1989
Ringo Starr kicked off his first All-Starr Band tour. Joe Walsh, Billy Preston, Dr. John, The Band's Rick Danko and Levon Helm, and E Street Band members Nils Lofgren and Clarence Clemmons were among the musicians who joined him for the trek.

In 1990
Production began on the movie "Falling From Grace," which marked John Mellencamp's acting and directing debut.

In 1991
The U.S. Post Office announced plans to issue a stamp honoring Elvis Presley.

In 1992
Bruce Springsteen began a solo world tour with a show in New Jersey.

Chicago received induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1998
Aerosmith had to postpone the first 13 dates of its upcoming because drummer Joey Kramer had been injured in a fire a week earlier.

In 2001
George Harrison denied reports that he was close to death as he continued his battle against cancer.

In 2002
Actor Leo McKern died following a lengthy illness. He was 82. He had appeared in The Beatles' second film, "Help!"

In 2003
Ozzy Osbourne's longtime tour manager Bobby Thomson died in his sleep as Ozzfest was prepping for its stop in Detroit. He had been battling throat cancer.

In 2005
The New York Dolls reunion continued in the wake of bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane's death, as the band played the second of two concerts in Amagansett, New York.

In 2009
Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen revealed that he was recovering from surgery on his hand. The rocker said doctors discovered that he had a bone spur, twisted tendon, and a cyst in his left thumb. The operation was a success and gave Van Halen full use of his hand.

One-time Sha Na Na guitarist Danny "Dirty Dan" McBride died in his sleep. He was 63.

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