Joey Tempest Interview On Classic Rock Radio

Europe vocalist Joey Tempest took time out recently to talk to Classic Rock Radio's Jon Kirkman about the bands fantastic new album Bag Of Bones and the upcoming UK tour at the end of the year in November and December. You can hear the Joey Tempest feature on Friday Evening on Classic Rock Radio at 8pm and again on Saturday Evening at 8pm.

The album Bag Of Bones produced by Kevin Shirley(Joe Bonamassa/Aerosmith/Black Crowes/Led Zeppelin) is released by ear Music on the 30th of April

To listen to the interview go here http://http://www.classicrockradio.eu/

and tghen click the Listen Live icon

Darker Than Blue

Darker Than Blue is the Deep Purple Fan website but oh so much more besides. Founded in 1976 Darker Than Blue is the Deep Purple Appreciation Society and the website grew naturally out of regular publications on the band and connected musicians and bands. Founded by Simon Robinson and ably assisted by his wife Ann the website is now the main stopping off point worldwide for fans of Deep Purple and of course all the former members of the band and their respective groups and projects

Darker Than Blue in addition to being the main keeper of the Deep Purple Archive are also involved with the Purple records label which is overseen by Simon Robinson

Simon has also been involved with the production, research and compilation of DVDs such as the two Deep Purple DVDs Live In Concert 1972/73 and The California Jam plus Rainbow Live In Munich 1977 all three DVDs featured Classic Rock radio’s Jon Kirkman who performed the audio commentary on all three DVDs. Simon has also worked tirelessly over the years often working with EMI on numerous Deep Purple releases the most recent of which was the Magnificent Deep Purple BBC Sessions  Boxed Set release. You can even purchase reproductions of the candles that were used on the cover of the Burn album!

Darker Than Blue are also the first stopping off point to buy Anything Deep Purple from Posters and T- Shirts to CDs and DVDs

We are hoping to have more of a tie in later this year where Jon Kirkman alongside Darker Than Blue’s Simon Robinson will present a Regular programme on Classic Rock radio under the title Darker Than Blue.

In the meantime check out the website and also the Darker Than Blue Blog which can be accessed along with the DPAS Online Shop from the main Darker Than Blue Website here:

http://www.deep-purple.net/

Robert Cray: New Album Due in September

Robert Cray – the legendary guitarist and five time Grammy Award winning rock/R&B/soul and blues icon, today confirmed his new studio album will be released in September 2012.  He’ll also undertake a European tour during June that will include three UK concerts.

The Blues Hall of Fame Inductee heads into the studio this month to commence recording the new album, released internationally by the Mascot Label Group’s Provogue Records.  Cray performs at this year’s London Bluesfest at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire (June 26), followed by concerts at Glasgow O2 ABC (June 28) and Birmingham Town Hall (June 29).

“I’m very proud to add the legendary Robert Cray to the Provogue roster,” says Label President Ed van Zijl.  “Not only is Robert an artist of the highest calibre, he has worldwide name recognition that garners a tremendous amount of respect. We are honoured and dedicated to deliver a first-class campaign worthy of Robert’s talent.”

Never content with interpreting his music the same way twice, Cray’s daring innovations have placed him at the top of the business.  His distinct guitar style that has become a signature blend of rhythm and blues, pop, rock, soul and traditional blues helping introduce old and new fans to a more contemporary blues sound.

Working in the studio with Cray will be the acclaimed rock producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa, The Black Crowes).  “I’m really enthusiastic about collaborating with Kevin,” says Cray.  “He’s done some amazing work in the past and I like the direction we’re taking for this album.”

“What an absolute honour to work with Robert Cray,” adds Shirley. “I’ve been a fan since Strong Persuader. He’s an extraordinary talent. It’s really such a treat for me! My goal and challenge with this record, is to tap into the edgy vitality and spontaneity of a live Robert Cray performance, and wrap it up as a studio recording, with a big Blues bow!”

Swedish Supergroup To Release New studio album End of April

Swedish Supergroup to release new studio album end of April 

“Bag of Bones” produced by Kevin Shirley

The new record was produced by one of the world’s most prestigious producers, Kevin Shirley. No stranger to the crème de la crème of iconic rock, Shirley has produced albums for Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Black Stone Cherry and Journey.  Bag of Bones features 11 brand new tracks, including the first single, Not Supposed To Sing The Blues, which was released digitally on  March 9th.

The band recently unveiled the album artwork and now is ready to confirm the track listing of the new album, which is said to be a milestone in Sweden’s biggest hard rock band’s long lasting career.  Prior to the recordings, when EUROPE front man Joey Tempest confessed, “We’re ready to do some serious damage,” – he could not have been anymore correct.  Bag of Bones was already titled “one hell of a record” and is the successor of EUROPE‘s 2009 album Last Look at Eden, which proved to be the band’s most important record since The Final Countdown.

Album Track Listing:

  1. Riches To Rags                     
  2. Not Supposed To Sing The Blues        
  3. Firebox                                
  4. Bag Of Bones                        
  5. Requiem                        
  6. My Woman My Friend                
  7. Demon Head                        
  8. Drink And A Smile                         
  9. Doghouse
10. Mercy You Mercy Me                
11. Bring It All Home    

Says singer Joey Tempest: “Finally we express ourselves completely without restraint. Straight from heart and soul. It took some time but WE HAVE ARRIVED!”

Contributing slide guitar to the title track Bag of Bones is no one less but currently hottest blues rock name, Joe Bonamassa. “We’re honored that Joe Bonamassa wanted to play some slide guitar on our record. We’re all big fans of his music”, Tempest points out.
The album, which features a more straightforward rock approach including the track Doghouse, already performed during the band’s most recent European tour, is going to be available in a standard CD version as well as on classy vinyl.

Steve hackett and Chris Squire Reveal New Collaborative Album Squakett!

Esoteric Antenna are pleased to announce the release of the hugely anticipated album by SQUACKETT, the collaborative project between two legends of Progressive Rock, Chris Squire and Steve Hackett.

With progressive rock (in its many forms) now seemingly more popular than ever a collaboration from members of two the the godfathers of the genre is hugely exciting. Chris Squire has appeared on every YES album and is widely regarded as one of the most influential bass guitarists of all time. Now an established solo artist, Steve Hackett first came to prominence as the guitarist with Genesis. He was in the band from 1970 to 1977 and played on six studio albums and three live albums before leaving to concentrate on his solo career.

The two met when Chris Squire was working on a solo album and needed some guitar parts. Chris was put in touch with Steve and through these sessions the idea for SQUACKETT was born. Over four years in the making, the “Squackett” album is very much more than the sum of its parts. “It was very much about a bunch of pals swapping notes and anecdotes,” says Hackett “I would say if people are looking for uncountable time signatures, in the main that’s not what this album holds. I think the songs are more simple and direct.” “It has a flavour to it that is reminiscent of a few things from different artists,” says Squire. “There is some clever prog rock stuff in there, some jazzy bits but there are parts that have vocal harmonies like Crosby, Stills and Nash”

Album tracklisting is as follows
1. A Life Within a Day
2. Tall Ships
3. Divided Self
4. Aliens
5. Sea of Smiles
6. The Summer Backwards
7. Storm Chaser
8. Can’t Stop the Rain
9. Perfect Love Song

The album will be released in the following formats – Standard CD – EANTCD 1002, Limited and Numbered Vinyl Edition – EANTLP 1002, Limited Edition 2 Disc Deluxe Edition (with hardback cover & 5.1 surround bonus disc) – EANTCD 2002.

On April 21st the band will release a limited edition 7″ vinyl single to tie in with International Record Store Day – http://www.recordstoreday.com. The single will be “Sea of Smiles” (single edit) b/w “Perfect Love Song” and Cat number is EANTS 1001

Thin Lizzy UK Tour Dates In May As Support For Guns 'n' Roses

Thin Lizzy have announced they will be playing a UK tour as special guests of Guns 'n'Roses through May into June Dates BelowMay 19th    Nottingham -  Capital FM Arena
May 20th    Liverpool – Echo Arena
May 23rd    Newcastle – Metro Radio Arena
May 25th   Glasgow – SECC
May 26th   Birmingham – LG Arena
May 29th   Manchester – MEN Arena
May 31st   London – 02 Arena
June 1st     London – 02 Arena

Tickets on sale now from all relevant box offices and outlets.Due to the announcement of the above dates, Thin Lizzy have moved 6 of their 8 UK headline shows from May to November / December.

The new dates are as follows:

Bournemouth Academy – November 30th
Norwich UEA – December 3rd
Middlesborough Empire – December 5th
Liverpool Academy – December 7th
Edinburgh Picture House – December 8th
Nottingham Rock City – December 9th

Tickets from the original May dates are valid for the new show dates.

The shows at Coventry Kasbah on May 15th and Guildford G Live on May 16th will remain in place.