http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/ LIVEHARDROCK.COM en-us Mon, 17 May 2010 03:43:45 GMT 1440 CPG-Nuke Dragonfly Livehardrock.com News http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/images/logo.gif http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/ http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=86 By WAYNE PARRY, Associated Press Writer Wayne Parry, Associated Press Writer Ronnie James Dio, whose soaring vocals, poetic lyrics and mythic tales of a never-ending struggle between good and evil broke new ground in heavy metal, died Sunday, according to a statement from his wife and manager. He was 67.. Dio revealed last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer shortly after wrapping up a tour in Atlantic City, N.J. with the latest incarnation of Black Sabbath, under the name Heaven And Hell.. . "Today my heart is broken," Wendy Dio wrote on the singer's site, adding he died at 7:45 a.m. "Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.. "Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all," Wendy Dio continued. "We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us ... Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.". The statement was confirmed by Los Angeles publicist Maureen O'Connor.. . Dio rose to fame in 1975 as the first lead singer of Rainbow, the heavy metal band put together by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just quit Deep Purple.. Dio then replaced legendary vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1980 with the critically acclaimed album "Heaven And Hell," considered by many critics to be one of the finest heavy metal albums of all time. His on-again, off-again tenure with Black Sabbath touched off an intense debate among fans as to which singer was the true essence of the band — a discussion that lasted until his death.. He also enjoyed a successful solo career with his self-titled band, Dio, in between his three stints with Black Sabbath (1980-82; 1992; and 2007-2009, when the band toured as Heaven And Hell, to differentiate it from Osbourne-led versions of Sabbath). Many of his most memorable songs revolved around the struggle between good and evil, including his signature tune "Heaven And Hell." He also drew heavily on medieval imagery in songs like "Neon Knights," "Killing The Dragon" and "Stargazer.". "He possessed one of the greatest voices in all of heavy metal, and had a heart to match it," said Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French, whose band toured with Dio since 1983, and was to do so again this summer at European rock festivals. "He was the nicest, classiest person you would ever want to meet.". Dio organized an all-star charity collaboration in 1986 called "Hear N Aid" to raise money for famine relief in Africa, styled on the successful "We Are The World" campaign of a few years earlier. His solo hits included "Rainbow In The Dark, "The Last In Line" and "Holy Diver.". ___. Online:. http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/. . Mon, 17 May 2010 03:43:45 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=85 2/14/2009 - Houston, Texas - Upon the heels of his critically acclaimed self-released EP, Texas metal renegade Tommy Bones has ventured back into the recording studio to work on his next full length CD. His recent EP release has garnered rave reviews worldwide, not to mention receiving solid airplay in many pockets of the world. "For releasing a EP, the response was very good," says Bones. "We got alot of positive responses. Really good responses came from the people that actually understood the style and what I was trying to do with that album. It was a very different style of music for the time we are in and that's what I wanted to do. I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon just to sell music... I want to make music the Tommy Bones way and only the Tommy Bones way, straight forward METAL". A native of Iowa, Tommy Bones started in 2006 as a solo project. The guitarist/vocalist recorded a 10-song CD titled 'Scarred', which combined a mixture of Rock, Alternative and Blues. After the CD was released Tommy Bones began receiving substantial airplay around the world. Because 'Scarred', which is available today at iTunes, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, etc, began selling tremendously, Tommy relocated to Dallas, Texas to get a new band started. Consequently, Tommy’s song "Alone" is featured on 'Dallas Rockers For Life' album, which is awareness against drunk driving. The upcoming CD promises to deliver a powerful dose of ear shattering metal delivered in Tommy Bones idiosyncratic style. "The new album is currently being recorded," Tommy explains. "It is alot more drum driven, something the first album I think was missing. We are taking a lot more time on this album on little details and production. The music itself is more aggressive and powerful. Yet, I still have that Tommy Bones drive and groove". Here's what the press has been saying about the Tommy Bones EP: "This is pure classic heavy metal with a touch of Texas for good measure. If you are into finding great bands before everyone gets wind of them, then check this lot out. Think Panteraat their best, then up the quality and that is what you get with this lot." Blog Critics "If you like your metal white hot, then this newly released EP might run through your veins appreciatively like a quick jolt of adrenaline." Music Tap "Tommy Bones is one of the best original metal bands to come out of Texas since Pantera." Extreme Full Throttle Radio Along with completing the new CD, Tommy plans on touring in support of the upcoming release. For more info and a listen to a sample of the new album: www.myspace.com/tommybonesmetal Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR PH: 828-350-8158 glassonyonpr@cs.com Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:12:05 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=84 2/18/2010 - Netherlands - When you think of Dutch progressive rock, bands like Focus, Supersister, Kayak and Earth & Fire immediately come to mind. Now with the release of their 5th CD, Dutch prog ensemble Mangrove can proudly be added to this prestigious list. Touted by as "essential listening" by Jerry Ewing of Classic Rock Presents Prog magazine, Mangrove's latest CD masterpiece 'Beyond Reality' has been garnering international praise since its release this past June. "We are very excited about the great reviews out there," says Chris Jonker who plays keyboards with the band. "They come from all over the world, which is truely amazing! Most reviewers are stunned and excited about the the big step forward we made in comparison with the previous albums.We are also very happy that our latest album has been nominated for the 'Italian Prog Awards', for best artwork, best recording and best foreign record. Its predessor 'Facing The Sunset' already got the IO Pages Prog Award in 2005 for best prog album of that year in The Netherlands." On June 27th 2009 Mangrove released the long expected and stunning new studio album ‘Beyond Reality’. The title seems to fit the great expectations of the band very well. On this album the development of a professional approach, songwriting capabilities and the moments of virtuosity are clearly showcased. Beside the epic tracks like "Daydreamer’s Nightmare" and the vivacious "Voyager", there is the title track "Beyond Reality" which exhibits elements of classic rock suitable for a wide music loving audience. Together with the beautiful modesty of "Love and Beyond", the 18-minute epic "Time Will Tell" and the instrumental powerplay of "Reality Fades", an enormous variety is presented to the listener. With this new album, Mangrove intends to make a clear statement: pushing the limits in an amazing way. Driven by where it all started with: passion for the music. "All we try to say to our fans and potential fans is captured inside our music: people who like it to be carried away on a musical journey, will be satisfied from beginning to end," explains Chris Jonker. "We try to bring the sensation of seventies giants like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and King Crimson back to life, even though we add our own distinctive Mangrove sound." "Brilliant, fantastic and amazing work, highly recommendable!" - Progressive Rock BR The recordings were made in a professional studio and a considerable amount of time was spent on mixing and mastering the album to give attention to every detail. This production process and the hard work has led to the desired result: a crystal clear top-notch sound in which a perfect balance between power and definition has been achieved. Mangrove can definitely be reckoned as one of the top bands in the progressive genre. ‘Beyond Reality‘ is the impressive proof. Power, emotion, virtuosity and modesty, this album has it all. Together with the superb artwork this is the ultimate masterpiece of Mangrove. "Although it's not a real concept album, the songs refer to the same kind of theme," Chris Jonker explains. "It's a bundle of observations of human behavior when dealing with time / space related issues. It's all about here and there, me and you, now and then, in short the ingredients of human pie". "Once the album has gotten under your skin, it stays there and draws you into a wonderful and versatile sound universe that is well defined and emotional." - Power of Metal Driven by the passion for writing exciting music and longing for the stages to show their ability to perform it with an almost touchable intensity Roland van der Horst (guitars, vocals) and Joost Hagemeijer (drums, vocals) felt in 1998 that the time was right to form a band and bring their project ‘Brainstorm’ to life. The first demo recording “Massive Hollowness” was the first achievement by these passionate musicians, who renamed the group Mangrove. The year 2001 secured the perfect band: some months after Pieter Drost (bass) completed the rhythm section with his distinctive bass sound, Chris Jonker (keyboards) completed the sonic palette with the keys. Writing sessions started and resulted in the rather successful release ‘Touch Wood’ in 2004. The foundation for the typical Mangrove sound was built. But it was the 2005 concept album ‘Facing The Sunset’ which grabbed the attention of many fans of pure progressive rock within the scene. Beside the stage favorite "There Must Be Another Way", this album with four long tracks ends up with the climax of the exciting 21-minute epic "Hidden Dreams". Mangrove onstage is a synonym for emotion, passion and intensity but surely also for exploding energy. The interaction with the audience perfectly applies to the charismatic front man Roland van der Horst. His contagious stage performance gets the attention of the fans and the press. All of these elements helped to gain an excellent live reputation throughout the years. The music is characterized by the variety in tempo and dynamics, with modest passages but also heavy symphonic eruptions. The 2006 double live album ‘Coming Back To Live’ summarizes a brilliant Mangrove period with a cross-section of the first three albums. And now with Mangrove's fourth release the band has reached a new plateau in their career. "With this album Mangrove have continued to build on their past work while at the same time they have taken giant strides towards creating a unique sound that is truly their own," says Simon Hill of New Horizon's. "From a musical point of view there honestly is nothing I failed to like about this album, my only concern now is where on earth can the band go from here? I don't know the answer to that question but I sure look forward to finding out in the fullness of time!" "We built up a strong live reputation the last few years and we just love it to perform live," says Chris Jonker. "Next May we will do some great gigs in The Netherlands and Germany. We are especially excited about some special gigs: in May we will perform 'unplugged' for the first time in our 9-years existence. It will be a great experiment: what would progressive rock sound like on a grand piano, acoustic guitars, etc. in a theatre? Furthermore, we are very excited about doing our first headliner gig at 'De Boerderij', Zoetermeer (NL). This 750-capacity venue is well known for having presented many great progressive rock bands and artists from all over the world. We have performed in different countries in Europe (Germany, Belgium, Poland, UK, Switzerland) and we plan to come back more often there. Of course we would also like to let the people in the USA enjoy our performances. Nothing planned there yet. But if the demand is also there, of course we will consider this..." For purchasing information of Mangrove's 'Beyond Reality' CD as well as up to date information on the group check out the official website at www.mangrovemusic.nl Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:11:48 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=83 DJ_Hairtrigger here, And i just got a Motorola DROID smartphone, and i been searching for an app that will let me listen to the station. Well i found it it's called DROIDLIVE in the android market, if you will download this app sorry its not free its a one time fee of 3.99 but worth it i think for you LHR fix!!!!!!!!!!!! this will make our feed available for you to listen to on your andriod based smartphone!!!!!! see you on the airwaves!!!!!!!!! DJ_Hairtrigger............. Look at the schedule for my show times Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:11:14 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=82 3/8/2010 - Austin, TX - Austin's most talked about music duo Black Bone Child, whose debut album from last year garnered rave reviews worldwide from fans and critics alike, are back with not one but two new CDs scheduled for release on March 9th. The partnership of Donny James and Kenneth M has yeilded a fusion of styles that has been captivating audiences across the US. Between an exciting fresh take on slide guitar and driving distorted bass lines, this energetic and rhythmically based rock is sure to keep the dance floors packed and listeners hanging on every note. And now Black Bone Child has done it again with their two new albums. The first of the two entitled 'Alligator,' is a swampy, sweaty, and sexy celebration of rock as it should be. Fully electric and ready to party, 'Alligator' delivers the same carefree vibe as the debut, but with a higher dose of energy. The other half of BBC's two disc release entitled 'Take You Blind,' is a complete departure from the fully electric sound. Stripped down to just acoustic, harmonica, percussion, and vocals 'Take You Blind' is sparse sonicly, but hardly lacking. Songs like "Baby Baby" and "By My Hand" exemplify the vibe of this stripped down fun and groove oriented album. The albums together, although very different from each other, maintain a cohesive sound that is undeniably Black Bone Child. "Our first of the two records 'Take You Blind' is bit of a departure from our regular rock-n-roll electric sound," says Kenneth M. "It's stripped down but still full. We wanted to capture the 'porch' sound of us just sitting outside playing these songs acoustically to just bring a whole new perspective on what it is that we do. Our biggest fear in doing this was that it would turn out to be just a boring album of acoustic versions done poorly, but the new format has breathed a fresh air onto some older songs as well as fresh interpretations of songs from our other new record 'Alligator.' On the contrary to 'Take You Blind,' 'Alligator' is a fully electric album more from the vain of our first album, but more guitar driven and 'rocked out.' We tried to capture the more live element of the band with this record. We tracked the album live in the studio with our live band, which didn't exist during the sessions for our first album. The result has been a more explosive, energized performance which translated to the other side of the microphone and into the final product. People should look for a no holds, electric, enegized, example of rock and roll in its purest form. We are pretty proud of both, and to present them together shows a diversity in us that many bands today haven't shown yet. It's an exciting release for us." "We spent the majority of the winter in the studio," adds Donny James. "The two records were recorded pretty much during the month of November. The goal was to have a recording that represented what the live band sounds like and have one that went into other areas that we hadn't touched on before." "Black Bone Child, flat out rocks! Killer guitars, big beat, V-8 American rock 'n roll..." - Bryan Beck (93.3 KGSR - Austin, TX) In the spring of 2008 Black Bone Child self-produced their eponymous debut album at White Door Studios in Austin. The result is a product that showcases not only BBC’s songwriting and playing abilities, but also their talents from the other side of the microphone as engineers and producers with even their eye for graphic design. With the acquisition of Steve Hudson (live drums) and Jason King (live guitar), Black Bone Child hit the live music scene in Austin in the fall of 2008. Within 2009, the band established themselves as one of the premier Rock bands in Austin. Touring incessantly, playing over 100 dates, multiple regional tours, and two national tours has chiseled the band into a live force to be reckoned with; with 2010 showing no signs of slowing down. "Black Bone Child is an exciting new group and one of my favorite discoveries of the summer. A little Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, a little Black Keys, a little blues, and still distinctive, dynamic, and original.” - Shadoe Stevens (CaboWaboRadio.net - Los Angeles, CA) "I still love the first record that we did," says Donny. "It was so exciting because it was so new. I love the fact that we didn't come out with two new albums that sound exactly the same as the first one. The thing I enjoy most about the new stuff is that it shows diversity and gives our fans something new, a fresh look at what they know as Black Bone Child. Both records are light-hearted and energetic, open up the cover to 'Alligator' and you'll get the picture." "If the first album is the toe tap, 'Alligator' is the fist pump, and 'Take You Blind' is the hand clap," adds Kenneth. "If that makes any sense at all." In support of the two new Black Bone Child releases, Kenneth, Donny, Steve and Jason will be performing several select dates: March 19 - Austin, TX Threadgills Opening for Bob Schneider (DURING SXSW) 11:30PM April 2 - Dallas, TX TBA April 3 - San Angelo, TX The Deadhorse 9pm April 9 - Austin, TX Encore 9pm April 23 - Tyler, TX - Click's 9pm April 24 - Jackson, MS - The Ole Tavern 9pm w/The Bad Reeds April 30 - Austin, TX - Midnight after party for The Dead Weather (Jack White's new band) at Stubb's "The live band is in top form, we are putting on our most energetic, tight shows of our career, and just having a blast," says Kenneth. "We all just love doing this and I think it shows when we play." And what does the future hold for Black Bone Child? "We are all looking forward to getting out on the road again and representing this release in multiple cities," says Kenneth. "After all we are a band and the best thing bands do are play. It is great to be in the studio and put out a physical representation, but the band belongs on the road performing it." "We are all dying to hit the road again and deliver a good old fashion rock 'n' roll show from Austin to the rest of the Nation," Donny concludes. Black Bone Child's 'Alligator' and 'Take You Blind' CDs are available through the band's website, iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon MP3 and many other on and off-line vendors. For more information: www.blackbonechild.com Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:10:35 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=81 2/1/2010 - New York, NY - It has been almost 20 years since New York City boogied to the sounds of funk music legends The Funky Knights. Imagine a mixture of Barry White, John Lee Hooker and Sam Kinison and you get the bare essence of what The Funky Knights are all about. Here's a band with three talented lead singers that can play real blues to real dance music, supporting a front man who has to be seen to be believed. Incredibly prolific, The Funky Knights have written over 70 original songs, which they perform in concert along with a sprinkling of classic funk covers to create a classy grove that won't let up. But the music is only part of it. With their wild clothes, over-the-edge theatricality and unrestrained sexuality, a Funky Knights performance will transport you to another universe, and judging by the reaction, it's an addictive experience! Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:52:57 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=80 12/14/2009 - Houston, TX - Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Gregg Rolie, best known for his vocals and keyboard work with legendary music groups Santana and Journey, has caused a flurry of excitement amongst the music press with the release of his latest CD 'Rain Dance". This live CD captures Gregg and his all-star band performing at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2007. The music press and fans alike have been raving about the new CD and have even compared Rolie's band to that of the original Santana group, in which Rolie was a founding member. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:52:24 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=79 11/23/2009 - Philadelphia, PA - one of rock's lost classic band's Phoenix, featuring ex-Argent members John Verity, Bob Henrit and Jim Rodford, rises once again with a CD release by premier reissue label Renaissance Records, in conjunction with itsaboutmusic.com. A power trio with a style akin to Grand Funk, Boston, Starcastle and Argent, the short-lived band released two critically acclaimed albums 'Phoenix' and 'In Full View'. Both albums have been painstakingly remastered from the master tapes to insure ultimate sound quality, making this the definitive CD reissue (both albums are available on one CD). Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:51:59 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=78 11/7/2009 - Redding, CT USA – Founding member of the legendary classic rock band Wishbone Ash, Andy Powell, is setting the record straight about the recent controversy surrounding the ownership and usage of the group's name. A band fronted by another founding member, Martin Turner, is also being promoted as Wishbone Ash, creating confusion among fans and press. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:51:35 GMT http://www.livehardrock.com/lhr/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=77 Hi all! It's Norm, co-founder and bassist of HARD ECHO. Sorry to say I have bad news for anyone who calls themselves a fan of our group. It's been about 2 1/2 months since I dis-banded HARD ECHO. We are all still friends and either still talk every once in a while and/or even hang out together. This was solely my decision and I want to give our great fans the reason. Since HARD ECHO's inception, I always wanted to write and play music that we loved and that both everyday Metal-Heads and other musicians would love and appreciate. That's the reason why we always got members whom were very talented and had great equipment, a sign that they were serious about what they were doing. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:22:55 GMT