THE WHO “TOMMY” DIGITAL BOX SET

WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL BOX SET APP

www.itunes.com/thewho 

http://smarturl.it/tommyapp

“TOMMY remains magnificent 9/10” UNCUT

November 25^th 2013 - When it was first released in 1969 Tommy, The Who’s defining rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind pinball playing boy was a groundbreaking leap forward for the long playing album format. It only seems fitting that the 2013 edition of the album should once again push the concept of the ‘boxset’ into new territories.

To complement the recently released in Deluxe and Super Deluxe editions of ‘Tommy’ Universal Music Catalogue have collaborated with developers MODO to produce a brand new iPad digital box set application.

The first of its kind, fans can download the app for free and if already have Tommy in their iTunes music collection, they can play the full tracks on their tablets along with the visuals/extra that accompany the super deluxe set. If not, they can play 90 second edited previews through iTunes & buy them directly.

The critically acclaimed book written by Richard Barnes, Mike McInnerney’s original artwork & photos included in the box are available to flip through and view using the usual pinch & swipe navigation of the iPad. As with the music, the photos and the book are included in the in app purchase mechanic.

The digital box set also includes: a built-in Music Player – fans can listen to the album whilst reading the book & exploring the photos. The video section includes five tracks streamed into the app taken from the Who’s Live At The Coliseum ’69 show. A specially developed Pinball Game – created using the NYC Metropolitan Opera House gig of 1970 poster image that encourages fans to play and post their scores as well as links to the official Who site, official store and social channels.

The digital box set enables fans to have their full super deluxe experience with them on the move and shows off the wonderful assets from the physical deluxe that many people would never see, due to the limited nature of the boxset.

Geoff Smith, head of digital for Universal Music Group International ‘The Tommy digital box set transforms the beautiful physical box edition into a unique & fully immersive experience allowing fans of all ages across the world to access & explore this seminal album in a fully interactive way’.

 www.thewho.com

www.itunes.com/thewho

Charity Christmas single from our favourite TV Doc

You may find yourself wondering why a non-rock song is   getting posted  on our rock station blog.

Especially when there is currently a drive in the rock world to get AC/DC to Christmas No1 this year.

However,  I recently had a quick chat with popular TV actor/musician   Alan Fletcher who plays Dr Karl Kennedy in Neighbours, 

Alan is a bit of a rocker himself and  often belts out a rock tune or three at his live shows and we support our fellow rockers  - right?Especially when that fellow rocker is doing his utmost to support a cancer charity, and 'Fletch' will be donating his revenue from this Christmas single to Blue September to help fund cancer research for men

The rock twist, spot the Motorhead shirt !

Not to mention the fact that if you are racking your head about what to dance to this Christmas with  your Gran or Mom   then this is perfect. It's fun, it's cheesy, it's catchy and quite frankly I am  secretly addicted to the video that goes with it (ok perhaps not so secretly now)

(I just wish there was a Chanukah  version  too ;-)     )

Alan has teamed up with the Pacific Belles on the song (think of the Andrews sisters) and you will even find a few other faces from Neighbours in the video which you can view by clicking  here




If You Want a Happy Christmas  is released on 1st of December but you can pre-order.

It's available from ITunes  here:  
 

and for Amazon just click here

and kiss kiss kiss the one you love with a merry Ho Ho Ho!  

PS:  Alan will be headlining this years pantomime at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. He will be playing the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood .

''Blue September is a fun way of delivering a serious message about ‘facing up to cancer in men’. Why BLUE? Blue is for men and we lose too many of them to prostate, lung, skin, bowel and testicular cancer.  To find out more visit the site with a click  right here

 

 

 

 

 

Marilyn Michaels @RadioGirlProds

 

As you are no doubt aware there is a new Yes book available to buy. The book is a limited edition and contains interviews with the various members of Yes across the years on various subjects including Yes tours albums and solo projects. The interviews were undertaken by Jon Kirkman who has worked on a number of Yes and related yes projects. He has spoken to 16 of the 18 members of the band who have passed through the ranks over the years.

The signature edition of the book contains the book along with two CDs of interview excerpts  and three high quality prints of the band across the years ready for framing. The book is also signed by the author and Geoff Downes, Patrick Moraz and Alan White. The standard limited edition is also signed by the author. There are many photos in the book that are previously unseen and the book contains 150,000 words

You can view a film featuring a walk through of the book below

The Book is available to buy here and you can arrange to buy in easy to pay installments
www.rslimitededitions.com

There is also a variety of merchandise relating to the book available now including mugs

Ladies T Shirts

 Men's T Shirts

Hoodies

Tote Bags

All the merch comes in a variety of colours and designs and is available to buy now. Be aware however of the final postage days for Christmas when buying . You can buy any of the above from here :)
http://classicrockradioshop.cottoncart.com/

Freddie Mercury - never forgotten

"A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It's a theatrical event."
-- Freddie Mercury

On the 24th November 1991 Freddie Mercury of Queen  died.

 Fans and musicians   worldwide  paid their highest respects to rock’s most  flamboyant showman

So much has been written about Freddie during his reign with Queen and in the years  since.

I certainly doubt we will ever see anyone like him again, he had it all, the look, the talent, the showmanship.

Let's take a look back at Freddie

Always remembered

R.I.P  Freddie Mercury  5 September 1946  - 24 November 1991

Born as Farrokh Bulsara

loved around the world as Freddie Mercury

              

Freddie Mercury statue

We're a bit flashy, but the music's not one big noise."
-- Freddie Mercury

"I dress to kill, but tastefully."
       "I have fun with my clothes onstage; it's not a concert you're seeing, it's a fashion show."
-- Freddie Mercury







 

          






But life still goes on
I can't get used to living without,
living without, living without you, by my side     
 

AWARD-WINNING GUITARIST OLI BROWN SET FOR UK TOUR DATES WITH CANADIAN PERCUSSION STAR LYLE MOLZAN

Oli Brown, the multi-award winning guitarist and singer, will tour the UK throughout December as a duo with Canadian percussion star Lyle Molzan for a series of stripped-down, intimate live dates.

Renowned for his incendiary live shows, Brown’s forthcoming tour will be unlike anything his fans will have seen before, as he reveals, “I’m going to be performing solo for the first part of the set, which I’ve never done before. Lyle will then join me onstage playing his Cajon, before we rock it out as a heavy, electric duo. I’m looking forward to this as I have the bass wired into the guitar, so we keep the depth of the sound and create something more ‘of the moment’ in the live show. I’m in no way replacing a bass player for future tours, but it’s exciting to offer something a little different and unique for fans who have seen my previous shows.”

Brown met Molzan after his manager had been taking drum lessons from the Canadian virtuoso. “One night, we went down to my rehearsal space to jam and I knew immediately Lyle was someone I wanted to work with,” says Brown. “In addition to being a technically gifted player, Lyle’s energy and groove brings so much to the live show. He’s also a great person to be around off-stage; we pull the best out of each other.”

Preparing for the tour, Molzan said, “Oli Brown is an exceptional player and vocalist, and well beyond his years. This is a style of music I haven’t played often, it’s been liberating and inspiring to really rock out. I think it’s just a matter of time before the whole world knows about Oli, and I’m thrilled to be laying down the beats in this duo format.”

24 year-old Brown has released three studio albums since his 2008 debut Open Road, which saw Brown named 'Best Male Vocalist' and  'Best Young Artist' at the 2010 British Blues Awards. More success followed with the release of his second album in 2010, Heads I Win Tails You Lose, a debut appearance at the Glastonbury festival, MOJO and Classic Rock magazine voting the album their number 3 and number 4 blues albums of the year, respectively, and Brown winning the ‘Best Band’ ‘Best Album’ categories at the 2011 British Blues Awards. His third album Here I Am, released in 2012 reached number one in the Amazon, HMV and iTunes blues charts, leading to further award nominations at The British Blues Awards.

Brown will follow-up his UK tour by beginning work on his fourth studio album in February 2014. Currently in pre-production in the U.S., Brown will return to the UK and Europe once the album is finished in May.

Dec 05 – The Thunderbolt, Bristol (Tickets)

Dec 08 - Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich (Tickets)

Dec 09 – Greystones, Sheffield (Tickets)

Dec 10 - Komedia Studio, Brighton, (Tickets)

Dec 11 – Musician, Leicester (Tickets)

Dec 12 – Erics, Liverpool (Tickets)

Dec 13 - Think Tank, Newcastle Upon Tyne (Tickets)

Dec 14 - The Duchess, York (Tickets)

Dec 15 – The Talking Heads, Southampton (Tickets)

"One of the best and brightest guitar heroes performing in the world today" - Classic Rock magazine

"the hottest young pistol in British Blues" – MOJO

"Oli brings a freshness and excitement to every performance" - Planet Rock Radio

"a masterful show" - The Times

http://www.oliselectricblues.co.uk/

www.facebook.com/OliBrownOfficial

 Jake E Lee.New Band and New Album Red Dragon Cartel

The newest band ready to take aim at the creative void in the hard rock world, Red Dragon Cartel, are set to release their debut album via Frontiers Records. The self-titled debut by the band made up of guitar legend Jake E. Lee, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, singer D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley is set for release on January 27th 2014 in the UK and on the following day in the US. Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums.

Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).

From the opening riff of "Deceived" to final sustained piano chord of "Exquisite Tenderness", it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as "Shout It Out", "Wasted" and "Slave" showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies.
Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track "Feeder" and a lyric video for the song can be seen below.

The band will be bringing these new powerhouse songs on the road playing a handful of dates before embarking on a full tour in 2014. Tickets are currently on-sale and all information can be found on the band’s website:
http://reddragoncartel.com

December 12th – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go
December 14th – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater (Support of Queensryche)
December 15th – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
December 20th – Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vamp'd

L-R: Jonas Fairley (drums), D.J. Smith (vocals), Jake E. Lee (guitars), Ronnie Mancuso (bass)

DIRE STRAITS

THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1978 – 1991

25^TH NOVEMBER 2013

THE  STUDIO ALBUMS 1978 – 1991 brings together all six of the band’s studio albums on vinyl in one handsome boxed set.

·       

  

DIRE STRAITS (1978

)

·         COMMUNIQUE (1979)

  MAKING MOVIES (1980)

   LOVE OVER GOLD (1982)

BROTHERS IN ARMS (1985)

ON EVERY STREET (1991) 

All albums have been re-mastered for vinyl by Bob Ludwig, cut at Bernie Grundman’s and pressed at Pallas, Germany on beautiful 180gm vinyl.  The CD running order with full length versions of the tracks have been restored to Brothers In Arms, now presented as a 2xLP set, as well as a double vinyl of On Every Street.  With all original artwork restored, the six albums are packed in a handsome box set slipcase. All come complete with download cards and are available as a strictly limited edition.

Formed in 1977, Dire Straits, led by Mark Knopfler, were one of the iconic groups of the late 20^th Century. When they first appeared on the London live circuit, their timeless music, faultless musicianship and memorable songs quickly connected with music lovers. From the start, it was clear that Dire Straits would set their own path and while the then-current zeitgeist of new wave showed there was an appetite for the new, Dire Straits proved that classic song writing would never go out of fashion.  

Working hard touring, writing and recording, they released a series of ever more successful albums and by 1985 they were the biggest selling band in the world.  Dire Straits appeal was almost instantly universal. They travelled the globe building an enormous and loyal international following.  Their keynote songs, such as ‘Sultans Of Swing’, ‘Romeo And Juliet’ and ‘Money For Nothing’ dominated the airwaves in the 80s and the revolutionary new music TV channels such as MTV propelled the songs to become international standards.  They remain one of the most played bands on radio to this day.

Available To Order Here
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dire-Straits-Complete-Studio-1978-1991/dp/B00F469JLQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1384950610&sr=1-1&keywords=Dire+Straits

Rocking Parliament

Parliament’s largest competitions, Rock the House and Film the House, will be launched for 2014 at a gala reception on the Terrace Pavilion of the House of Commons  today ( 19th November)


Among the guests will be musicians and Patrons Rick Wakeman (Yes),  and Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake).

Speaking on the competition, Mike Weatherley MP said:
"Every year the competition gets bigger and better and my thanks go to our Patrons, Sponsors, Judges, the entrants, the MPs who take part and the loyal team who have run the project since its inception in 2010. If you're a musician or a film maker, make sure you take part in the 2014 competition!"


 Brian May (Queen) said:
“It is a great honour to back Rock the House. The UK is a hotbed of musical talent from all genres, and if the British music industry is going to grow and thrive then musicians need to be able to make a living from selling their product. This competition gives all musicians, from all backgrounds the chance to get out there and make live music – one of the things Brits do best.”

 Alice Cooper:
“Having had MPs try and ban Alice Cooper from performing in the UK in the 1970s, it’s great to hear that the sound of shedding guitars and powerhouse vocals will be echoing through the halls of Parliament. Rock the House is a great project which celebrates the fantastic diversity of the British music scene and gives musicians a vehicle through which to hold their legislators accountable about protecting the music industry’s intellectual property.”

 Rick Wakeman (Yes) said:
“Having a genuine love of both music and politics, nothing pleases me more than seeing the two working so closely together. Rock the House is fast becoming one of the most prestigious events in the music calendar and to have Collibus performing to launch the 2014 event is just fantastic. It just goes to prove what an amazing catalyst music is for all walks of life. More music and less conflict in the world! Congratulations to all concerned. Makes an old rocker very proud!”


 Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders) :
          "Music has the power to change, motivate and inspire as politicians should too. Great that it's being recognized for that."

 Rob Damiani (Don Broco) :
          "Rock The House was such a success this year, so it’s very exciting to see what great British bands will be discovered in 2014. Metal in Parliament? Yes please!"

 Gus Wood (Young Guns) :
          "I think any opportunity to engage young people in politics is something to be celebrated, regardless of their allegiances. While music can feel much more relatable and vital to people, politics is vital and it's cool to see two such disparate but important things next to each other. Plus it’s kinda neat walking around such a great building!"

 

TEN of SLAYER’S seminal albums to be reissued

TEN OF SLAYER’S SEMINAL ALBUMS

TO BE REISSUED ON VINYL ON NOVEMBER 25, 2013

 For those of you who enjoy thrash/metal mixed in amongst your Classic Rock collections we have been informed that   American Recordings will  reissue ten of Slayer’s seminal albums on vinyl. All ten albums will be available individually and were re-mastered from the original analog flat master tapes and pressed on the highest quality, 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Albums include all nine of Slayer’s studio recordings, 

Reign In Blood (1986)

South of Heaven (1988)

Seasons In The Abyss (1990)

Divine Intervention (1994),

Undisputed Attitude (1996),

Diabolus In Musica (1998)

God Hates Us All (2001)

Christ Illusion (2006)

World Painted Blood (2009)

Plus their live double-record

Decade of Aggression: Live (1991)

 Each title  features the original album artwork including reproductions of the original 12X12 inner sleeves. There will also be a very limited quantity of rare test pressings for each title that will be given away. Fans are encouraged to check Slayer’s official website and social media outlets for further announcements and details.

As American Recordings’ owner and long-time Slayer producer Rick Rubin put it, “Slayer defines speed metal and these albums define Slayer.  Listen at your own risk.”

For those in the USA or Canada who would like to see the band on tour you can  still catch the latter part of their Fall tour at:

Nov 20       Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA

Nov 21       Kool Haus, Toronto, ON

Nov 23       CEPSUM/University of Montreal, Montreal, QC

Nov 24       Pavilion de la Jeunesse, Quebec, QC

Nov 26       Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford, CT

Nov 27       Theatre @ MSG, New York, NY

Nov 29       Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ

Nov 30       Tsongas Arena, Boston, MA

Band links

http://www.slayer.net

https://www.facebook.com/slayer

http://www.twitter.com/SlayerBand

Marilyn Michaels

Find Classic Rock Radio on TWITTER at @classicrockeu and myself @RadioGirlProds

MASCOT LABEL GROUP SIGNS ADRIAN VANDENBERG’S MOONKINGS

Mascot Label Group proudly welcomes Vandenberg's MoonKings. The Dutch rock group will join, amongst others, Joe Bonamassa, Volbeat, Gov't Mule, Beth Hart, Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society and Kenny Wayne Shepherd on the Rotterdam, Holland based record company's roster.

Mascot Label Group CEO Ed van Zijl is over the moon with signing Adrian Vandenberg's brand new band: "Adrian is one of the most outstanding rock guitarists in the world. I have always followed his career and needless to say we are thrilled to finally be working with him. Vandenberg's MoonKings are a fresh and hard rocking new band that will surely make an impact on the scene."

Adrian Vandenberg rose to worldwide prominence with Vandenberg, the melodic rock band that hit internationally with the powerful ballad ‘Burning Heart’. Adrian solidified his status as one of the most talented rock guitarists around when he joined David Coverdale in the hard rock super group Whitesnake, co-writing many of its Billboard Hot 100-hits, like ‘The Deeper The Love’ and ‘Now You’re Gone’, and supplying the legendary guitar solo to ‘Here I Go Again’. After leaving Whitesnake, Adrian concentrated on his successful career as an artist, exhibiting his paintings in prestigious galleries all over Europe.  Music however was always prevalent on his mind, so as soon as he had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented young musicians, he started creating new music. Vandenberg's MoonKings are Adrian Vandenberg (guitar), Jan Hoving (vocals), Sem Christoffel (bass) and Mart Nijen Es (drums). The band is currently in the studio recording their debut album.

“We are proud to have joined the Mascot family. It’s a great company with fantastic people that love the music they work with”, Adrian Vandenberg enthuses. “The band is raring to go and prove itself to the world, so we’re anxious to finish the album and get it out there and I’m very happy that Ed van Zijl is giving us the opportunity to do so.”

Vandenberg's MoonKings debut album will be released on 24 February 2014, after which the band will tour extensively throughout Europe… and beyond.

Official Websites

www.moonkingsband.com

https://www.facebook.com/moonkingsband

https://twitter.com/moonkingsband

Spotlight: 

Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson 

(2013 Deadline Records)

I was surprised when I first read about this project. Was shocked when I found it in my snail mailbox. My initial reply was "no thanks." An unwritten agreement between myself and whoever sends a CD my way is: To Whom This May Concern, “I might open it / I might not.” And this is out of respect for the money spent getting it to me. Should I not be interested, then they went out of their way to get a BAD review. I'd rather not say shit then create or add to already bad vibes (should that be the case). In a way I feel like a SMOOTH CRIMINAL receiving, keeping, and doing absolutely nothing after receiving new product (CD / DVD) and deciding straight away if I could do anything with it or not. The rejects end up in piles I keep in the dining room. One day it will hit the ceiling. My actions go back to what my deceased Father told me way back when; “If you don't have nothing good to say about someone, then don't say anything at all.” Ended up good advice I carried with me throughout my life.

Music is all subjective. What may ROCK WITH YOU, might not toot my horn. Still, why be a prick if you don't have to be? My regular readers know me enough that if I do a review of anything, I spent the proper time listening to whatever it was, before doing any typing. The process explains itself. How can I write about something in which I know nothing about? I read a review recently on Rolling Stone Magazines website recently where my initial response was, "what the fuck did I just read?" Makes me wonder if the author ever even bothered playing / listening to what it was they just did 500 words on. In Uncle G's World, time is devoted to those who catch my attention.

It was my wife who actually convinced me that I should give Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson, a listen. Remember the piles I told you about? That was my first reaction. So to those involved with Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson, I offer a sincere apology. No shit !! Jackson's songs are classics. One requirement to make that last statement true is the song in its almost bare existence can survive a change of style in which it is performed. Like Yes doing a reggae version of Roundabout and the crowd immediately knowing and jamming to the new vibe. Same song, just a new way of presenting it. Some failures, or good attempts, and every once in a while the reinvention is hip and people are getting it by the groves. In my opinion, that's what happened here.

The foundation to Cleopatra's Deadline Music tribute was put in place by musicians Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen. Guest artists from the world of metal and classic rock all add to each well done track. All 13 tracks good selections when trying to pick out the best to represent the King of Pop. The metal stereotype guitar crunches, speed playing, the pounding drums mixed in with in-your-face bass playing, all present and accounted for. The core of the songs is there with some liberties taken. That's the whole point of the record. I bet MJ's in the after-life giving devil horns listening to this. We all know that Jackson himself sometimes liked a harder rock sound thrown in the mix every now and then.

Rating: Using the one to five star rating system, Uncle G gives Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson, 5 solid stars. The whole project is well executed. It almost begs to ask if Kulick and company can pull it off again. If you already dig MJ, and you like metal, it's a given you should get this. And if you like both (but never publicly admitted it before), then what are you waiting for? BEAT IT.....to your favorite music retailer and pick a copy for yourself up TODAY.

Gary Brown
American Corespondent for Classic Rock Radio (Dot EU)