News Stories
Welcome to Rock Over America Magazine, where we always strive to bring you the best in music and entertainment.
Ronnie James Dio News
Rhino Records has released the following statement to Goldmine magazine regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):
"R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio.
"The Rhino family is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ronnie James Dio.
"As a member of ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO, and HEAVEN & HELL, Ronnie was truly a pioneer in rock 'n' roll with one of the most powerful voices in the history of music.
"Ronnie had a nearly 50-year relationship with the Warner Music Group family, from one of his first singles on Atlantic in 1962, to his platinum albums with BLACK SABBATH and DIO on Warner Bros. Records, up to his final release with HEAVEN & HELL last year on Rhino. Not only was Ronnie a true legend in rock 'n' roll, but he was also a sincere, gracious man that we were proud to call a friend.
"One of our favorite memories from Ronnie's many visits to the Rhino offices was the time he personally went from office to office to thank people individually for all the hard work they had been doing on his behalf ” a truly sincere gesture that demonstrates what a generous, caring person he was.
"Today we take the time to celebrate his life and music.
"Ronnie, your Rhino family is raising our horns up for you today. We know that is the way you would have wanted it."
Former DIO and current ALICE COOPER bassist Chuck Garric spoke to the Tahoe Daily Tribune about the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW).
"I called Ronnie a couple of times but he was really sick," said Garric. "He was living in privacy and I gave him his privacy. ... I just dropped him a line to tell him I was thinking about him."
Garric played in the band DIO in 1999 and 2000.
"Getting to play with Ronnie is what launched my whole career," Garric said. "I wouldn't be in ALICE COOPER if it hadn't have been for Ronnie James Dio. He gave me my break."
"He was one of the nicest and sweetest guys you could imagine," Garric said. "I felt at home as soon as I walked into the rehearsal room and played with Ronnie. It just felt natural and comfortable. He was just a pleasure to be around."
Former SCORPIONS drummer Herman Rarebell has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):
"I knew Ronnie for quite some time” he often came to SCORPIONS shows over the years.
"Although he just passed away last weekend, I already really miss him.
"Hanging out with Ronnie was always fun and we always had a great time laughing and joking.
"Without a doubt, he will go down in history as one of the greatest singers in the world of heavy metal and hard rock.
"The best way we should remember Ronnie and to celebrate his life is to break out any one of his classic recordings from RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO, or HEAVEN & HELL.
"Ronnie, you will never be forgotten."
Some of Sweden's finest heavy metal musicians will gather to pay tribute to Ronnie James Dio during this fall's edition of the Sweden Rock Cruise, set to sail on October 7, 2010 from Stockholm, Sweden for Finland and return the following day. There will be a long tribute concert with a number of guest musicians performing classic songs from Dio's career with a main band consisting of members of LION'S SHARE.
So far the following artists have been confirmed to perform with LION'S SHARE at the event:
* Mikael Ãkerfeldt (OPETH) * Joacim Cans (HAMMERFALL) * BjÃrn Gelotte (IN FLAMES) * Ian Haugland (EUROPE) * Messiah Marcolin (ex-CANDLEMASS) * Johan Edlund (TIAMAT) * Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, BIBLEBLACK)
Also scheduled to appear:
* TIAMAT * NIFELHEIM * ALIEN
The show will end with all artists performing HEAR 'N AID's "Stars" (Dio was behind the HEAR N' AID project, a collection of metal artists who recorded the track "Stars" in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief.)
On the cruise, Sweden Rock Magazine will donate SEK 25,000 to the Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, set up by Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy Dio. Everyone attending the cruise can donate money, which will be sent to this cancer fund.
John Tsantakis, guitarist of New York City-based power metallers GOTHIC KNIGHTS, has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):
"It was absolutely heartbreaking to hear that Ronnie James Dio passed away earlier this week.
"The bands's sincerest and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
"To us, he was and always be one of the greatest singers in metal.
"All week, I have been reminiscing about the past and thinking how much Dio was a huge influence on me, both musically and lyrically. To me, his music, imagery, aura, and showmanship was simply true metal at its finest.
"Back in the day, I used to buy his albums on cassette and vinyl. I kept listening to the cassettes over and over, so many times that I kept wearing out the tapes and rebuying them. I played the vinyl on special occasions as I didn't want to scratch them. Plus the album covers were pieces of art to me.
"I remember the days back in high school when I used to draw out the Dio logo down to the detail on every one of my blue canvas binders. My wife, too, is a huge Dio fan. In fact, she is a HUGE RAINBOW fan, to say the least. She told me the other day when we were listening to 'Rainbow Rising', that she feels so sad that she lost her Elvis. She so is right, we lost our Elvis."
Powerhouse Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ARK, THE SNAKES) will honor the musical legacy of Ronnie James Dio with his new album, aptly entitled "Dio", to be released on July 2 in Europe and July 27 in the U.S. via Frontiers Records.
Handpicking some lesser known tunes of the Dio era, along with some of the true classics, Jorn offers a fine collection of songs that present the music of the man and the artist, with a unique twist.
Commented Lande: "Throughout the years I have had the privilege of both meeting and working with many of the musicians that have inspired me on my musical journey. Ronnie James Dio has inspired me through decades, and this man's influence continues to add colour to my creative spirit. Ever since the first time I heard his royal roar back in the '70s, I have been fascinated by this extremely talented man's creative force and dedication to music. His career has been going on for so long and includes so many great songs that it was a challenge to decide which songs and what era to focus on. I ended up focusing on the Dio era."
"Dio" will also include an original song for which a video, shot by Thomas Tjader (PRETTY MAIDS, IN FLAMES), was produced. Jorn says, "I wrote 'Song for Ronnie James' as a tribute and a personal thanks to the man who has been my mentor for more than 35 years. This great man has affected my life and career in such a way that without his presence, I would not have become the artist I am today."
The "Song for Ronnie James" video can be viewed below.
"Dio" was mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios and it features the following tracks:
- Song For Ronnie James
- Invisible
- Shame on the Night
- Push
- Stand Up And Shout
- Don't Talk to Strangers
- Lord Of The Last Day
- Night People
- Sacred Heart
- Sunset Superman
- Lonely Is The Word / Letters From Earth (2010 version)
- Kill The King
- Straight Through The Heart (live)
- Song For Ronnie James (video)
JORN is:
- Jorn Lande: Lead Vocals
- Willy Bendiksen: Drums
- Tore Moren: Guitar
- Jgor Gianola: Guitar
- Tor Erik Myhre: Guitar
- Nic Angileri: Bass
MASTERPLAN vocalist Jorn Lande has a vocal capability that is world-class, distinctive, rich and spanning a large range. As such, the man is in high demand since he has guested or sung for such bands as MILLENIUM, ARK, THE SNAKES and many others. He is also a well-known solo artist with several albums under his belt, beginning with his 1999 debut, "Starfire".
Steve Williams of U.K.-based metallers POWER QUEST has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):
"Well, it's five days on from hearing the terrible, saddening news of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. I wanted to let the news sink in before commenting officially but, in all honesty I still can't quite believe that he has departed.
"Ronnie was a massive inspiration and influence to me from the time I first heard his vocals in the early 1980s on [SABBATH's] 'Heaven And Hell' record. I was 11 years old and here I am 27 years later still remembering that time as if it were only a short time ago. Whether it was with SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO or latterly HEAVEN & HELL, there is no doubt in my mind that we have lost a truly legendary figure and one of the gentlemen of rock as well.
"I had the pleasure of seeing Ronnie James Dio fronting both DIO and SABBATH over the years. I particularly recall two shows above all others. Firstly BLACK SABBATH (supported by TESTAMENT) in Southampton, U.K. on the 'Dehumanizer' tour in 1992. This was an incredible show that many of us who were there still talk about to this day. Secondly, the 'Holy Diver' tour in 2005 once again in Southampton. This show will stick in my mind forever.
"The 2005 show fell on my birthday and my friend Andre Bargmann (former POWER QUEST drummer and at the time, drum tech for Simon Wright. Andre went on to tech for Vinny Appice in HEAVEN & HELL, amongst others) contacted me the day before to ask if I would be going to the show. Needless to say, I was already planning to attend but Andre made some arrangements for myself and my girlfriend to meet Ronnie and the rest of the band backstage, where I was presented with a signed drum skin with birthday wishes from all the guys. This has had pride of place on my studio wall ever since, and will continue to do so.
"Ronnie was so welcoming and friendly, as were the rest of the guys as well, and it was a real privilege to be able to spend just a few minutes chatting and talking about music. It's just one of those things that I will never forget and I'm very thankful for.
"Although Ronnie may have left us, his immense legacy will live on in the wonderful music he leaves behind. Not just for those of us who have followed his career for years but also for future metal/rock fans and musicians.
"On behalf of myself and the POWER QUEST family, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager] and all her family and friends at this most difficult of times."
Gil Moore, drummer for Canadian hard rock legends TRIUMPH, has released the following statement to Goldmine magazine regarding the passing of Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW)
"He was a great singer. And it's a tragedy to see him die so early in life. I mean, he wasn't young, but he sure wasn't old.
"He had one of the best voices. His first record with RAINBOW that really blew me away. I just about wore out the cassette playing it. This guy had a freight train of a voice. He really did.
"We would see Ronnie backstage. He would show up at TRIUMPH shows with quite a bit of regularity. He'd show up at our show and come backstage. And he was always a great guy."
Metallica News
"Can't make it to Europe this June for one of the seven Sonisphere 'Big Four' shows featuring the 'TALLICA along with SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX? No problem . . . we've got the next best thing through the magic of satellite technology with a special HD simulcast from Sofia, Bulgaria on June 22!
"Here's how it works: The live show will be transmitted via satellite to over 450 movie theaters in the U.S. and over 350 theaters across Europe, Canada, and Latin America. Within hours of all of us walking off the stage, depending on what time zone you live in, you'll be able to rock out to each set in the cozy confines of your local movie theater that same night.
"Now the nitty gritty details: Tickets for the one-night-only event are available at the local theater box offices and online at TheBigFourLive.com where you can see a complete list of presenting theaters. They will start to go on sale Friday, May 21 in the U.S and Friday, May 28 internationally. Please note that ticket on sale times and even days will vary by theatre, so check with your friendly neighborhood participating movie theatre for exact days and times tickets will be available and keep watching TheBigFourLive.com for theatre additions/changes. For our friends in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, delayed screenings will be coming your way. Again, keep watching here and TheBigFourLive.com for updates.
"A few more tidbits you might find helpful: Ticket prices in the U.S. will be around $20 plus whatever service charges your local theater may add. No, unfortunately each band's entire set will not be shown, but trust us, you'll see most of the action.
"If you're still with us here and want a little more info about the good people helping to make this happen, check out: byexperience.net. They've done some awesome events!"
AC/DC News
Versailles Records' forthcoming "Rock & Roll Train:
A Millennium Tribute to AC/DC" will feature former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade alongside LIZZY BORDEN guitarist Ira Black on the Bon Scott-era classic "Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock & Roll)". Black co-produced the track, along with album producers Richard Kendrick and Jake Brown, who commented of Slade's inclusion that "it's one of the true highlights for Rik and I, in over 10 years of producing these albums, to be working with a member of the greatest hard rock band of all time on this record — coupled with the fact this will be our first tribute LP ever issued on vinyl."
In addition to Slade, "Rock & Roll Train: A Millennium Tribute to AC/DC" will feature current/former members of such acts as GUNS N' ROSES, MEGADETH, LIZZY BORDEN, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION, RAINBOW, HANOI ROCKS, DANGEROUS TOYS, WARRANT and L.A. GUNS, as well as a number of original artists, including THE SKYSCREAMERS (which features vocalist Rose Reiter), KATET, LOADED DICE, ATTICA and MARTIAN HONEY. The album will be issued with a bonus sampler featuring up-and-coming millennium rock and metal bands influenced by AC/DC. A fall release is expected.
Ozzy News
The North American release of OZZY OSBOURNE's Scream has been delayed one week. The album was previously announced for a North American release on June 15th, but will now be released in the US and Canada on June 22nd.
Scream - his first album in almost three years and 10th studio album overall - will be released on June 11th in mainland Europe, June 14th in the UK, and June 23rd in Japan via Epic Records.
Produced by Ozzy and Kevin Churko, both of whom did the same honors for Ozzy's 2007 worldwide million-seller Black Rain, the album will feature the first single 'Let Me Hear You Scream' (as heard below).
Ozzy Osbourne recorded most of Scream at his Los Angeles home studio, The Bunker, and co-wrote all the songs, primarily with Churko. Notably, the album marks the first appearance of Ozzy's new guitar player , Gus G (FIREWIND).
Ozzy's band also features bassist Blasko, drummer Tommy Clufetos and keyboardist Adam Wakeman.
Scream tracklisting is as follows:
'Let Me Hear You Scream' 'Diggin Me Down' 'Let It Die' 'Soul Sucker' 'Fearless' 'I Want It All' 'Time' 'Crucify' 'I Love You All' 'Jump The Moon' (Japanese bonus track)
Ace Frehley News According to the Artisan News Service, guitarist Ace Frehley is currently working on a memoir of his time in the seminal rock band KISS.
One of the most popular rock guitarists of the 1970s, Frehley became an inspiration to a generation of guitarists with his lead-guitar prowess and atmospheric Les Paul sound.
Ace Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982 before rejoining KISS in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. Frehley's second stint lasted until 2002 as Ace went back to being a solo artist again, but the stories and memories still remain from touring in one of rock and roll's most successful acts of all time.
One the red carpet just before his performance with Slash at the at the sixth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert on May 7 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, Ace Frehley talked about putting his memoir together and how he got help remembering some of his old stories that he might have forgotten.
"It's gonna be memoirs, you know," he said.
"I just turned 59, [so] I think it's about time I start getting the stuff out and writing it down on paper before I forget it.
"It's hard for me to remember a lot of the stuff, so what I've been doing isgetting together with people I used to work with, and they usually have bettermemories of situations than myself. Getting together with old bodyguards... They have the best stories about me... stuff I don't remember."
Thin Lizzy News
THIN LIZZY is set to hit the road, this time with THE ALMIGHTY frontman Ricky Warwick at the helm.
Warwick, 43, replaces Lynott in the latest reincarnation, joining THIN LIZZY alumni Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton. Also on board are DEF LEPPARD's Vivian Campbell and former WHITESNAKE bassist Marco Mendoza.
Stuart Bailie of the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast said that while the new THIN LIZZY lineup was great news for Warwick, whom he described as a "100% rocker," he thought the new formation's pedigree "was suspect."
"It's crossing over, really, from reunion to tribute band, so it's something of a hybrid," he said.
"I saw the great THIN LIZZY in the Ulster Hall in 1978 and that memory is still intact. That is the way I want to keep it.
"When you see QUEEN perform with Paul Rodgers on vocals, it is not quite the same experience as seeing the original QUEEN and I'm guessing it will be the same with this lineup, although it does have some of its original lineup.
"What people will be seeing is a photocopy of a photocopy” although I wouldn't knock the guys for doing it. Does it sully Lynott's legacy?
"I'm not sure about that but it's never going to be the same experience without the great man himself."
THIN LIZZY 2010 is:
- Scott Gorham - Guitar
- Brian Downey - Drums
- Darren Wharton - Keyboards
- Vivian Campbell - Guitar
- Marco Mendoza - Bass Guitar
- Ricky Warwick - Lead Vocals / Guitar
Rock/Metal Goes Virtual, Literally Neverdie Studios has launched ROCKtropia, the first virtual music world and the first independently developed virtual planet in MindArk's Entropia Universe. Created by virtual world pioneer and entrepreneur Jon "Neverdie" Jacobs, the planet introduces a revolutionary, highly interactive venue for artists to connect with their fans while also creating a new revenue stream in the music space and a platform for artists to pursue fame and fortune.
The first continent to be inhabited on the planet will be the home to destinations created for rock icon Lemmy, lead singer of MOTORHEAD, and hit singer/songwriter/producer Kevin Rudolf. "The launch of ROCKtropia is a personal triumph," said NEVERDIE. "It has been a long time in the making and we're thrilled to be the first new virtual world on the amazing Entropia Universe platform. With the help of Lemmy and Kevin, we have created an exciting new experience for both music fans and gamers. We look forward to exploring new ideas and working with many more artists in the future."
ROCKtropia's landscape is a fully interactive 3D destination that allows artists and their fans to connect in an immersive and entertaining environment. ROCKtropia represents a viable, new revenue stream for the music industry. In addition to introducing groundbreaking communication and revenue capabilities to the music world, the planet offers artists unprecedented creative input into the design and development of their online presence in a highly stylized, customized virtual land.
Without depending on album sales, artists can generate real-world revenue from their fans' participation in their land through Entropia's virtual reality economic system, including the introduction of limited edition virtual merchandise tied to album launches. The symbiotic relationship also lets fans earn real-world income through activity in the virtual goods economy of their favorite artist's destination, creating additional incentive for fans to get involved in the community.
The continent will also feature the City of Dreams, where up-and-coming artists can pursue their aspirations and gain exposure, and the Vampire Freaks Cathedral, a gathering place for VampireFreaks.com members. ROCKtropia's lands currently include:
* Lemmy's Castle - Located high in the rugged terrain and mountains, Lemmy's Castle sits on the north side of ROCKtropia and is guarded by demon spawn, dragons and other creatures created by Lemmy himself.
* Motorhead Stadium - A massive arena inside a crater, Motorhead Stadium features three large stages that will be the location for live performances and battle events.
* ZOMhattan - Inspired by Manhattan and created in conjunction with Kevin Rudolph, ZOMhattan was originally intended to be the capital of ROCKtropia until beta testers' avatars were turned into zombies by a virus. A safe haven in the city, Rudolph's B.A.M.F Headquarters will also exist as a location for his fans to gather and check out new music and content from the singer. Fans of Rudolph will also be able to buy the singer's virtual merchandise, earn exclusive prizes and receive advance access to new material.
* City of Dreams - The center of pop culture in ROCKtropia, the City of Dreams is the location for aspiring artists to promote their music and pursue fame and fortune. Through quests, musicians can earn tokens to get their music played on Club NEVERDIE Live, ROCKtropia's main radio station, or score airplay on Jango Internet radio. Artists that prove popular can earn the opportunity to get their own studio and potentially their own income-generating venue. The city will also be the home to a palace run by Audio-Freaks.com, one of the U.K.'s biggest, most popular dance music production companies, and NEVERDIE Studios' own machinima film studio, the location for new artists to create their own music videos.
* VampireFreaks Cathedral - Situated in ROCKtropia's deep forest and surrounded by vampire chicks, wolves and werewolves, the Cathedral is home to VampireFreaks.com members, the largest industrial goth vampire social network with more than 3 million members. NEVERDIE Studios has also created exclusive, limited edition virtual goods that can be earned by early members of ROCKtropia. This includes the opportunity to win guitar axes by defeating the guardians of Lemmy's castle and diamond encrusted shotguns launched by B.A.M.F. HQ by conquering Zomhattan's zombies.
"It's a wonderful idea really," said Lemmy of ROCKtropia. "It's the best idea that has ever been visited upon in my suffering years. I get to invent monsters that go on to slaughter thousands of people and I get paid for it! What could possibly be better than that?"
"In my world, you go to jail telling your kids bedtime stories," Lemmy told "Pop & Hiss", the Los Angeles Times music blog. "I want big stinking bats with horrible noses, or flying anteaters. In my world, most people would die."
For a guy who claims he hates computers, and recently got his first laptop, he's passionate about this brooding online landscape.
"It's goes to show I do know what's going on in the 21st century," he said. "I want to take over the whole world, in the end. Look at the size of my security guards. Clone them, send them out. What's the point of having a castle if it isn't scary?"
Steven Adler News
Former GUNS N' ROSES and current ADLER'S APPETITE drummer Steven Adler's forthcoming tell-all biography, "My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses", has had its release date pushed back to July 27 from the previously announced June 22. The 304-page hardcover book is available for pre-order for $25.99 at the HarperCollins.com web site.
Adler was featured in "Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House", an eight-episode, one hour series that premiered in January 2009 on VH1.
The other members of GUNS N' ROSES band threw Adler out in 1989, saying his drug use was harming his performance. In 1993, the band agreed to pay him $2.3 million to settle Adler's lawsuit claiming a 1990 agreement by which he gave up his interest in the band was read to him and signed without his attorney present.
ADLER'S APPETITE's current lineup is rounded out by vocalist Rick Stitch (of the Los Angeles-based group LADYJACK), guitarists Alex Grossi (HOOKERS 'N' BLOW, ex-QUIET RIOT) and Michael Thomas (FASTER PUSSYCAT) along with bassist Chip Z'nuff (ENUFF Z'NUFF).
Singer Sheldon Tarsha announced his departure from ADLER'S APPETITE in April 2009, saying it was "time now for me to follow my heart and continue working with my original band."
Twisted Sister News
Twisted Sister has been around well over 30 years, and French is the one member that has seen it all: member changes, up and down chart positions, the crazy '80s and a breakup. The band formally reunited just a few years ago and plays only a handful of dates each year.
So while the demand for a full tour exists, French says it makes better business sense to not devalue the brand and madness that is Twisted Sister. In fact, the band tends to do just the opposite of their classic counterparts.
"I know what these [other legacy] bands make, I know their lifestyle, I know what they do," continues French. "I can't function that way. I don't believe it's viable for them. I believe they [tour] because they really have no other options on this planet. And by going out on the road constantly, they devalue themselves because they're out there all the time. We work in a completely separate business model. If I don't play, guess what? My value increases, doesn't it? So the less I play, the more valuable I become. So I work completely opposite. I'll bet you I make more money playing 12 shows than most [other] bands make playing 50 shows."
But not touring and not playing at all are two totally different things. In fact, in the past couple of years, Twisted has become a hot commodity on both the European and American festival circuit.
Explains French, "We average one show a month. So it's like 12 a year and we're going to be doing 15 this year. And most of them are in Europe and South America, because the offers are huge and the amounts of people are huge. And frankly, the festivals outside the U.S. tend to be better organized, and they've been going on for years and years and years. The American tours just haven't gotten quite the vibe and handle on it that they've got in Europe. They've been doing it in Europe for like 25 years, they have it down. You know, Bang Your Head, Wacken. And then the culture of the kids to travel and to camp right there is built into the nature of what they do. That's a relatively new thing here in America."
Right now, Twisted Sister has two American dates this summer, headlining both the Midwest Rockfest and Rock n' America. The band will also play festivals in Sweden, Mexico, Switzerland, Norway and many more.