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Tuesday
Jun212011

MR. BIG GEAR UP FOR AMERICAN TREK WITH ALL FOUR ORIGINAL BAND MEMBERS 

MR. BIG GEAR UP FOR AMERICAN TREK WITH ALL FOUR ORIGINAL BAND MEMBERS

(New York, NY) - After a successful run of tour dates overseas, shredder rock-pop metallers and fan favorites Mr. Big,vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey, will be hitting the road in the United States this summer in support of the band's new album, WHAT IF...  The tour opens in San Diego, June 30th, (see full itinerary below) and marks the first time in 13 years the original line-up has toured North America!  

Produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden), WHAT IF...is now available as a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.  The DVD includes videos of "Undertow" and "All the Way Up" plus a documentary "making of" the album including interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the four band members. 

Formed in 1988, Mr. Big forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark virtuosic musicianship with stellar vocal harmonies.  The quartet produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres, including the ubiquitous "To Be With You," which was a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single in 15 countries for weeks, propelling the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions.
 
In other Mr. Big news, the next single from the new album, "American Beauty," will ship to radio in July in support of the tour.
 
MR. BIG on tour:
 
JULY
 
30        San Diego, CA            4th & B
 
31        Agoura Hills, CA         The Canyon Club
 
AUGUST

 2         Tempe, AZ                  Marquee Theatre
 
 4         Santa Ana, CA            Galaxy Theatre
 
 5         San Francisco, CA     The Fillmore
 
 6         Modesto, CA               Xclamation Festival
 
 8         Salt Lake City, UT      The Complex
 
 9         Denver, CO                Summit Music Hall
 
12        Chicago, IL                  House Of Blues
 
13        Columbus, OH            Al Rosa Villa
 
16        Pittsburgh, PA             Trib Total Media Amphitheater
 
17        Cleveland, OH             House Of Blues
 
19        Buffalo, NY                 Town Ballroom
 
20        Detroit, MI                   Harpo's
 
23        New York, NY             BB King's
 
24        Foxborough, MA         Showcase Live
 
26        N. Myrtle Beach, SC  House Of Blues
 
27        Lake Buena Vista, FLHouse Of Blues
 
30        Houston, TX                House Of Blues
 
31        Dallas, TX                   House Of Blues
 
 
For more information please visit:
 
www.mrbigsite.com
 
www.frontiers.it 

Monday
Jun062011

BLACK VEIL BRIDES RETURN WITH MAJOR LABEL DEBUT, SET THE WORLD ON FIRE, DUE OUT JUNE 14

Summer 2011 just got a little hotter as the Los Angeles’ newest rock sensations, the Black Veil Brides, continue their musical takeover with their major label debut, Set The World On Fire. The band’s sophomore album is slated for release via Lava Music/Universal Republic Records on June 14 in the US. Set The World On Fire is the follow-up to their chart-topping debut album released in 2010. We Stitch These Wounds came in at #36 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the Billboard Independent chart.

"Everything is bigger -- more songs, more vocals, more melodies. And it all came naturally; it's not an attempt to try to outdo our first record, but we wanted to show how we had naturally grown as a band and as songwriters. This is my favorite record I've ever made -- and most importantly, the best album anybody's ever made" proclaims front man and founder Andy Biersack.

“Fallen Angels,” the first single from Set The World On Fire, arrived as an early present to fans on May 3rd via iTunes. With its arena-sized intro to its anthem chorus, the song is a mantra for anyone who has ever felt outside the norm and sure to become the battle cry of the band’s devoted fan base, affectionately referred to as the BVBArmy. The video, shot in Los Angeles last month, was directed by Nathan Cox (Marilyn Manson, Disturbed, DevilDriver, HIM).

The band just wrapped up The AP Tour 2011 and appeared at this year’s Bamboozle Music Festival in New Jersey. Next up for Black Veil Brides is Rock on the Range in Ohio before heading out on Warped Tour at the end of June.

Black Veil Brides are Andy Biersack (vocals), Jake Pitts & Jinxx (guitar), Ashley Purdy (bass) and Christian “CC” Coma (drums)

Thursday
May262011

JUDAS PRIEST ROCKED 'AMERICAN IDOL' WEDNESDAY NIGHT!

No, your eyes did not deceive you – the one and only Judas Priest just debuted their new guitarist, Richie Faulkner, tonight on 'American Idol'! Ripping through a medley that included kick ass renditions of two 'British Steel' classics ("Living After Midnight" and "Breakin' the Law") with major Priest fan – and this season 'American Idol' hopeful – James Durbin joining in on vocals.

This is the second time that Durbin has professed his admiration for Priest on the show, as he wowed judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler a while back with a rendition of "You've Got Another Thing Comin'." Although Durbin was recently voted off the show, he undoubtedly has a bright rocking future ahead, as evidenced by his multi-octave vocal range.

Judas Priest recently announced plans to launch their farewell Epitaph Tour, which will take them around the world, including a just-announced U.S. tour of arenas from October through December, which will also feature opening acts Black Label Society and Thin Lizzy.

Speaking on Wednesday to the Rolling Stone website, Priest singer Rob Halford had the following to say about what fans can expect on the group's forthcoming trek. "We're pulling out all the stops. We've built a brand new stage set, we've got all the effects that people love us for – the lasers, the fire, the bombs, the smoke, new costumes, and the bike. It's just a full-on metal extravaganza."

Few heavy metal bands have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest has during their nearly 40 year career. Responsible for not only issuing some of metal's all-time classic albums ('British Steel,' 'Screaming for Vengeance,' and 'Painkiller') and anthems (the aforementioned "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Coming"), the group has been one of the leading arena rock acts for decades, and single-handedly introduced the "leather look" to heavy metal.

And now Judas Priest are set to blast their way round the world one final time.

Confirmed Judas Priest U.S. Tour Dates (more dates to be announced shortly):

October:

12 – San Antonio, TX: AT&T Center
14 – Corpus Christi, TX: Concrete Street Amphitheater
15 – Houston, TX: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
16 – Dallas, TX: Allen Event Center
18 – Tucson, AZ: Ava Amphitheater
19 – San Diego, CA: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
21 – Phoenix, AZ: AZ State Fair
22 – San Bernardino, CA: San Manuel Amphitheater
23 – Las Vegas, NV: Hard Rock
25 – Los Angeles, CA: Gibson Amphitheatre
26 – Oakland, CA: Oracle Arena
29 – Seattle, WA: WaMu Theater
30 – Vancouver, BC: Rogers Arena

November:

1 – Edmonton, AB: Shaw Conference Center
2 – Calgary, AB: Scotiabank Saddledome
4 – Salt Lake City, UT: Maverik Center
5 – Denver, CO: 1STBANK Center
12 – Chicago, IL: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
13 – Detroit, MI: Joe Louis Arena
18 – East Rutherford, NJ: Izod Center


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.judaspriest.com

Tuesday
May242011

THE SECOND ANNUAL “CARNIVAL OF MADNESS” TOUR HITS THE ROAD THIS AUGUST

Something Wicked This Way Comes…

THE SECOND ANNUAL
“CARNIVAL OF MADNESS”
TOUR HITS THE ROAD THIS AUGUST

Annual Summer Tour to Feature Platinum Artist Theory of a Deadman,
 Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and newcomer Emphatic

Let the madness begin!  After its wildly successful inaugural run, the highly anticipated Carnival of Madness Tour returns this summer!  Joining the Carnival will be Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.
 
Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, the Carnival of Madness Tour will tear through North America for 25+ dates set to launch August 13 in Twin Lakes, WI.
 
VIP ticket pre-sales for the first 15 events will be available for those belonging to Theory of a Deadman’s Deadfan Club beginning Tuesday, May 31, followed by those signed up for the Carnival of Madness mailing list at www.carnivalofmadness.com, beginning Wednesday, June 1.   VIP bundles with exclusive merchandise, content, and an enhanced Carnival experience will be available for purchase through Artist Arena.  
 
The public on-sale for the first round of shows will be Friday, June 3.  All of the ticket on-sale info can be found at www.carnivalofmadness.com.  The “Carnival” ticket price acknowledges the current state of the economy offering an “affordable” ticket that will be in the $25 - $35 range.
 
Bill McGathy, the owner of the Carnival of Madness brand proclaims, “After the incredible energy generated in the inaugural event last year, the 2011 edition combines a fantastic Rock package with a ticket price that is actually affordable in these economically challenged times”.

"Theory of a Deadman is totally stoked to be doing the Carnival of Madness Tour this year,” says singer/guitarist Tyler Connolly.  “It’s great to be joined by Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and newcomers Emphatic – who all have songs rocking at radio and awesome live shows.  It's gonna be a fuckin' great show from beginning to end and definitely something you don’t wanna miss!  See you there!!!"
 
Continues Alter Bridge singer/guitarist Myles Kennedy:  “Alter Bridge is pleased to be taking part of the Carnival of Madness Tour later this summer with Theory Of A Deadman, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.  It will be great to be back in the U.S. playing on our home turf with these bands.  If you dig straight up, no frills Rock…then this tour is for you.  Hope to see everyone there!"

One of Vancouver’s greatest exports, Theory of a Deadman, is returning to give rock music a much needed reality check with their fourth studio release, THE TRUTH IS… The album is slated for release on July 12 via Roadrunner/604 Records and the first single, “Lowlife,” is already storming its way up the rock charts.  THE TRUTH IS…, the follow up to the band’s previous Platinum-selling SCARS AND SOUVENIRS, was produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, 3 Doors Down).  The band recently wrapped playing the inaugural Avalanche tour alongside Stone Sour, Skillet, Halestorm and Art of Dying, and will be playing select festivals before heading out on the Carnival of Madness Tour.  Theory of a Deadman is Tyler Connolly (vocals, guitar), David Brenner (guitar), Dean Back (bass) and Joey Dandeneau (drums).
 
Alter Bridge has been making their mark on the rock world for years through their three studio releases and non-stop touring.  The band is currently haunting the Top 20 of the Rock charts with their latest single, “Ghost of Days Gone By.”  The single, the follow-up their #1 rock smash “Isolation,” is from their Alter Bridge Recordings via EMI Label Services release ABIII, which debuted at #17 on Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart when it was released last November.  In preparation for the Carnival of Madness Tour, the band just wrapped up a successful headline run with Black Stone Cherry and Like a Storm.  Alter Bridge has also made successful national TV appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live in support of ABIII.  Alter Bridge is Myles Kennedy (vocals, guitar), Mark Tremonti (guitar, vocals), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums).
 
Kentucky’s Black Stone Cherry--vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Jon Lawhon and drummer John Fred Young--is a band adept at creating both timeless rock ‘n roll and new, innovative sounds.  The band have recently released their third album for Roadrunner Records, BETWEEN THE DEVIL & THE DEEP BLUE SEA, which is the summation of a year in the life of the band—every emotion, triumph, loss, romance and everything in between—it’s all here on this album.  The first single, “White Trash Millionaire,” is currently approaching sitting at #15 on the Active Rock charts and climbing.
 
Las Vegas-based rockers Adelitas Way will release their sophomore album, HOME SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN, June 7 on Virgin Records.  The album, produced by Dave Bassett (Shinedown), showcases the band’s lyrical and musical growth.  The band has spent the past couple of years on the road and is excited to be part of this year’s Carnival.
 
Hard rock band Emphatic will release DAMAGE, their Atlantic Records debut, on July 12.  Led by vocalist Patrick Wilson and lead guitarist Justin McCain, Emphatic has spent years honing their edge on the road, headlining clubs and theaters along with supporting such like-minded artists as Stone Temple Pilots, Buckcherry, and Papa Roach.  DAMAGE, produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, Flyleaf), features the song “Bounce,” which is currently climbing the Active Rock charts.
 
The Carnival of Madness Tour made its inaugural launch in 2010 with Shinedown, Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd and 10 Years, which proved to be one of the biggest Rock shows of the summer as a Top 50 tour.
 
For up-to-the minute news and information, please visit www.carnivalofmadness.com.
 
CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 2011 TOUR DATES

DATE                                      CITY                           VENUE
Saturday, August 13               Twin Lakes, IL             Shadow Hill Ranch
Friday, August 19                    Council Bluffs, IA        Harrah’s Casino
Saturday, August 20               Sedalia, MO                Missouri State Fairgrounds
Friday, August 26                    Louisville, KY              Kentucky State Fair/Cardinal Stadium
Saturday, August 27               Waterloo, IA                McElroy Auditorium (outdoors)        
Sunday, August 28                 St. Paul, MN               Minnesota State Fair
Thursday, September 1          Allentown, PA             The Great Allentown Fair
Saturday, September 3          Hampton Beach, NH  Hampton Beach Casino
Wednesday, September 7      Baltimore, MD             Pier Six Concert Pavilion
Saturday, September 10        Atlantic City, NJ          House of Blues
Sunday, September 11           Huntington, WV           Harris Riverfront Park
Tuesday, September 13         Charlotte, NC              Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater
Wednesday, September 14    Fayetteville, NC          Crown Coliseum
Friday, September 16             Tulsa, OK                    Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino
Saturday, September 17        Poplar Bluff, MS         Black River Coliseum
 
Note: More dates will be announced in the coming weeks. 
 
 
Carnival of Madness:  www.carnivalofmadness.com

Thursday
Apr072011

Yes/Styx - to tour this summer

April 6, 2011 -- Multi-platinum rock band STYX joins forces with the world's most quintessential prog-rock band YES for a summer tour extravaganza. These two monster rock bands will embark on the 22-city “Progressive U.S. Tour” starting July 4th and concluding August 3rd in Mountain View, CA. Tickets will go on sale starting the weekend of April 8th.
STYX--Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo—has an unmistakable sound all their own, and they continue to prove that they’re one of the hardest working bands in the music world thanks to a vigorous tour schedule that keeps them constantly on the road all across the globe.
YES – The Legendary, Grammy® Award winning prog-rock band that has defined many a generation -- will be on tour in support of their new album FLY FROM HERE on Frontiers Records releasing July 12th.
YES features a lineup of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, and lead singer Benoit David. YES will be reuniting with keyboard player Geoff Downes for this tour.
"When I first heard YES, I knew that the music world was forever changed,” says STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw. “They took progressive rock to a place that had never been expressed in such an impressive yet accessible way. Who among you didn't make it a point to learn the acoustic guitar intro to ‘Roundabout?’ We're very excited to tour with them for the very first time."
“We are excited to have STYX on tour with us. I consider them to be in the vein of YES and the cutting edge of prog-rock in America,” says YES founder/bassist Chris Squire.
STYX is currently putting the finishing touches on REGENERATION, VOLUME 2, the follow-up to 2010’s seven-song EP, REGENERATION, VOLUME 1, which contains six newly re-recorded classics--"Come Sail Away,” "Crystal Ball," "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),” “Lorelei,” “The Grand Illusion” and “Sing For The Day”—and a brand new track, “Difference In The World.” The track listing for REGENERATION, VOLUME 2 is: “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Too Much Time On My Hands,” “Queen of Spades,” “Coming Of Age” (Damn Yankees), “High Enough” (Damn Yankees), “Snowblind,” “Miss America.” Both volumes will be available for sale at every stop along the tour route.
FLY FROM HERE is the first album YES has recorded for close to a decade and was produced by the legendary Trevor Horn in the spirit that YES was founded. The return of Horn along with the Maestro’s that make up YES has brought back the fluid freedom that their music’s ingenuity is best known for. YES holds a shrewd insight and creative vision that challenges audiences as they stretch the boundaries of music.
YES’ performance will feature the title track from their new album FLY FROM HERE as well as the hugely successful and indelible catalogue of music from hit albums such as DRAMA, FRAGILE, CLOSE TO THE EDGE and 90125. Classics such as “Roundabout,” a seminal hit which consistently appears on “the best songs of all-time” lists, and the group’s #1 hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart” are sure to be featured for an evening of music not to be missed.
Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, STYX would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late '70s and early '80s, due to a fondness for big rockers and soaring power ballads. Over the course of their 38-year career they’ve released 15 studio albums, 6 best-of compilations and 4 live albums, garnering 8 Top Ten singles. STYX has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Throughout their illustrious career, they’ve performed more live shows since 1999 than all of the previous years of its career combined. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar box office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon and Bad Company (to name only a few), two more studio albums and no end in sight, STYX continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time.
YES’ remarkable career has served to re-define the boundaries of rock for more than four decades, YES has played the role as a dominant driving music force selling over 30 million albums, reaching platinum status multiple times worldwide. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles have made each of the group’s player’s a virtuoso in his own right.
DATE VENUE CITY
**Additional dates including details of July 4th kick-off to be announced.**
Tuesday, July 5 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ+
Thursday, July 7 CMAC Performing Arts Center Canandaigua, NY+
Friday, July 8 MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Mashantucket, CT*
Saturday, July 9 Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Gilford, NH*
Monday, July 11 Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater Wantagh, NY+
Tuesday, July 12 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Bethel, NY+
Thursday, July 14 Verizon Wireless Amp at Encore Park Alpharetta, GA*
Friday, July 15 Amphitheater at the Wharf Orange Beach, AL+
Saturday, July 16 The Woods at Fontanel Nashville, TN*
Monday, July 18 Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO*
Tuesday, July 19 Verizon Wireless Music Center Noblesville, IN*
Wednesday, July 20 DTE Energy Music Theatre Clarkston, MI+
Friday, July 22 Winstar Casino Thackerville, OK+
Saturday, July 23 Zoo Amphitheatre Oklahoma City, OK*
Sunday, July 24 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Maryland Heights, MO*
Tuesday, July 26 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO*
Thursday, July 28 Eagle River Pavilion Boise, ID*
Friday, July 29 Chateau Ste. Michelle Woodinville, WA+
Saturday, July 30 Maryhill Winery Goldendale, WA+
Tuesday, August 2 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA+
Wednesday, August 3 Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA*
* Denotes STYX closes
+ Denotes YES closes
For additional ticket information please visit: www.styxworld.com or www.yesworld.com.