Hello my friends. How are you all? I hope you’re all kicking ass.
I know there’s been a lot of rhetoric out there regarding upcoming Anthrax shows, Big 4, and otherwise. I’ve been debating on whether or not to make a public statement about this as it really pertains to my personal life, and I generally like to keep that personal. Because this is affecting my band life, I feel like you, my friends, deserve to hear from me personally.
I will be playing the Big 4 show April 23 in Indio, CA as well as the shows in Manila, Bangkok, and Japan that will follow the Indio show.
I won’t be playing the shows scheduled from July 2-16 in Europe and the UK. My wife Pearl and I are expecting our first child, and she is due literally the day of the Big 4 Sonisphere show in France.
This decision to miss these shows was a deeply personal one. I co-founded this band July 18, 1981 and for almost thirty years, I have been there for everything we’ve ever done. I have never been faced with anything that would make me even question being there for anything Anthrax related. Becoming a father is the biggest, best thing that’s ever happened to me and it made the decision relatively easy. My priority is with my wife and the birth of our first child.
As soon as I was faced with this decision, I knew, as Freddie Mercury so eloquently said, “The show must go on.”
I started thinking about guitar players I knew, guys that I am a fan of, guys that I respect, guys that headbang like Angus was watching them, guys that I listen to, and guys who I thought had the spirit to enable the show to go on. This wasn’t a hard decision at all. I asked the rest of the band what they thought, and we were on the same page. We chose Andreas [Kisser from Sepultura] because we feel he can do the gig better than anyone. He has the fire, the attitude, and the crushing right hand to do the gig. I’ve played with Andreas at the Roadrunner 25th anniversary show, and I’ve gotten up and played with Sepultura, and we are kindred spirits. We both play every show like we’re going to jail the next day— like it’s the last show we’ll ever play. He has what it takes, and he has the experience and history to fucking bring it and make these Anthrax shows something special. I can’t wait to see and hear it for myself.
This year will bring our tenth Anthrax studio record featuring the return of the one and only Joey Belladonna. We’re hard at work finishing it, and I can say that from the tracks I have heard, it is going to tear your fucking heads off. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road with the band that is now better than we’ve ever been, and seeing all your sick faces and banging heads.
Cheers,
Scott
(Scott will play the following dates)
APRIL
23 Empire Polo Club: Indio, CA (Big 4 show)
30 Pulp Summer Slam Festival: Manila, Philippines
MAY
2 AP Parking: Esplanade, Ratchada, Bangkok, Thailand
5 O-East: Tokyo, Japan
6 O-East: Tokyo, Japan
7 Diamond Hall: Nagoya, Japan
9 Big Cat: Osaka, Japan
(Andreas Kisser will play the following dates)
JULY
2 Veltins Arena: Gelsenkirchen, Germany (Big 4 show)
3 Ullevi: Gothenburg, Sweden (Big 4 show)
5 Komplex AG: Zurich, Switzerland
6 Fiera Open Air Arena: Milan, Italy (Big 4 show)
8 Sonisphere Festival: Knebworth, UK
9 Sonisphere Festival: Amneville, France
11 Garage: Saarbrucken, Germany
12 Vega Musikkenshus: Copenhagen, Denmark
14 Slottsfjell Festival: Tonsberg, Norway
15 Dour Festival: Dour, Belgium
16 Zwarte Cross Festival: Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands
Yesterday, JAG PANZER unleashed their new album The Scourge of the Light on SPV/Steamhammer. This album is a true return to form for the power metallers from Colorado. The band recently shot a video for their song “Burn.” Starting today, people can see an exclusive premiere of the video on Noisecreep.
For the original band members, Harry Conklin (vocals), Mark Briody (guitar), and John Tetley (bass), JAG PANZER has always been something they held close to their hearts. Tetley explains, “We’ve known each other from our earliest childhood and have never lost sight of the idea that this band is based on. I don’t exactly want to use the term ‘spiritual,’ but the three of us are connected with this very special relationship. You could say that our lives are inseparably linked with the history of JAG PANZER.” This heartfelt passion has always been apparent in their songs; however, the American band has never sounded as impressive, mature, and accomplished as they do on their latest album The Scourge of the Light. The album will be out on 28 February 2011 in Europe, 25 February 2011 in Germany, and on 8 March 2011 in the US.
There are a number of reasons why JAG PANZER has accomplished so much on their current album. Without a doubt, the band’s two main songwriters, guitarists Mark Briody and Christian Lasegue, have never been in better form. Every one of their extremely dynamic riffs sounds haunting; every melody cuts their listeners to the core. It may sound like a contradiction, but since guitarist Chris Broderick, who was a band member between 1997 and 2007, left to join Megadeth, JAG PANZER has returned to their old roots. Tetley states, “There can be no question that Chris Broderick is an amazing guitarist, and we were really happy for him that he has this chance with Megadeth. But, we feel that thanks to Christian Lasegue, JAG PANZER’s classic, clearly more melodic power metal style has returned and that the fans will definitely be happy about this.” Tetley may well be right since JAG PANZER’s most recent studio recording Casting the Stones (2004) was criticized, especially in Europe, for its noticeably harsher direction. Tetley said, “We knew that Christian was the best man for the job, after all he was a band member for three years in the mid-1980s.” However, there are other reasons why The Scourge of the Light sounds so impressive. Despite their limited production budget, JAG PANZER spared no expense or effort to give their ten, fantastic new songs a driving force for their trademark sound. For this reason, they asked Jim Morris to mix the recordings at his legendary Morrisound Studios in Florida, and they sent the result to New York’s renowned Sterling Sound for mastering. The result is a real ear catcher, without any ifs and buts: “I feel The Scourge of the Light is the best-sounding album in the history of JAG PANZER,” Tetley said. He rightly expresses his pride in the product of his group’s labors.
LINE-UP:
Harry Conklin - vocals
Mark Briody - guitars
Chris Lasegue - guitars
John Tetley - bass
Rikard Stjernquist - drums
HEAD Tyrolia Winter Sports, a division of HEAD USA, Inc. has once again proven to be a pioneer and leader in the industry with the introduction of HEAD’s newest line of big mountain skis, Motörhead. Without sacrificing style or innovation, the Motörhead series combines groundbreaking technology with an edgy appeal, featuring graphics designed by the seminal metal band Motörhead. Lemmy and his group of mountain marauders have designed what may be the coolest looking, best-skiing, big mountain skis to date. These bad boys redefine the meaning of rocker when it comes to ski design.
The Motörhead family consists of four models varying in width from 94mm to 125mm. With a unique wooden core, the density from the tip to tail of the skis is eliminated, reducing swing weight and providing the skier with more controlled turns. Full sidewall laminate constructions and heavy metal edges deliver the rock-solid stability that big mountain skiers crave.
Wednesday February 2, 2011 Source:Michael J Media Location: Madison, Wisconsin
SUNSPOT’S “GO, PACK!” GAINING TRACTION ALONG WITH SUPER BOWL HYPE, Madison Rock Band’s Song Licensed By FOX Sports and Being Spun Regionally.
Madison, WI, Rock band Sunspot has racked up a few awards and a lot of recognition during the past decade, including winning Rock Album of the Year in the Madison Area Music Association Awards for their most recent audio release, Singularity. But it’s quite possible that Sunspot will enjoy some level of national recognition this week, as their song, Go, Pack! was licensed by FOX Sports just before the NFL postseason began last month. The track has not been played on any national broadcasts yet, but regional affiliate Fox 47 has been spinning the song on its ads hyping the Green Ba Packers’ berth in Super Bowl XLV this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition, the song is being spun on radio stations in Merrill, Wisconsin; in Wausau, WI and Kenosha, WI; as far away as Denver, CO; and on Madison’s own 105.5 Triple M, all markets where Sunspot enjoys a rabid fan base built through incessant regional touring.
“When I was a kid, our priest literally would end his sermons just in time so that everyone could get home in time for kickoff,” said bassist and lead singer Mike Huberty. “All of us were born and raised in Wisconsin, so we bleed green and gold and we wanted to write a song that expressed that. We’re over the moon that Packers’ fans have embraced it and we’re looking forward to cranking it up after watching the Pack decimates Pittsburgh to become this year’s Super Bowl champs!”
Huberty also added that while Sunspot is far from a “jock rock band,” the Packers are the one thing that has united the jocks and everyone else in Wisconsin. Will they unite in victory Sunday night? Time will tell, and it will also tell if Sunspot will be a household name by next week as well. Also, for those in the Madison area, Sunspot will also be performing live at Scatz Sports Bar in Middleton on Sunday for their Super Bowl party, from the end of the game until midnight.
Sunspot is three musicians that sound like an army. They’re the biggest sounding trio you’ve ever heard. With three-part harmonies, a blazing guitarist, a funny and poignant lyricist and singer, a killer chick drummer, and a real deal multimedia experience, they bring a live show that’s part theater, part art performance, part arena rock extravaganza, and all fun. Singalong rock with big guitars, smart lyrics, and a sense of humor, the trio from Madison, Wisconsin combines the physical impact of hard-hitting rock with the ear candy of pop music and the thoughtful words of a singer-songwriter. Think the Fountains of Wayne or Barenaked Ladies with Lars Ulrich on drums and Eddie Van Halen on guitar. Sunspot’s most recent CD, Singularity, was named Madison’s Rock Album of the Year by the Madison Area Music Association. Two of the tracks would go on to win awards in Madison, “No Place Like Home” as Rock Song of the Year, and “Sweet Relief” took home Video of the Year.
After joining forces in 1996 as students at the University of Wisconsin, they’ve gone on to record and release five albums, a DVD, and over a hundred biweekly video podcasts (Sunspot Road Mania), and have performed hundreds of shows all over the country, sharing the stage with bands like Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, Sponge, SevenMaryThree, Hot Hot Heat, and Sick Puppies. In 2010, Sunspot designed a unique live experience that was a combination of theater, audience participation, multimedia stage show, and rock concert party. The show, Major Arcana, linked live performances of their songs with a storyline and the band took it on a national tour. In December, Sunspot released the DVD version of their multimedia spectacle, Major Arcana, as a full 90-minute concert film accompanied by audio commentary, special features, and more surprises. The band also plans to release a new album in the spring of 2011.
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICA’S PREMIER DESTINATION ROCK FESTIVAL WITH SPECTACULAR LINEUP OF ROCK HEAVYWEIGHTS FEATURING A PERFECT CIRCLE, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, DISTURBED, KORN, STONE SOUR AND STAIND.
LINE-UP ALSO INCLUDES PERFORMANCES FROM DANZIG, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY AND ALTER BRIDGE
ROCK ON THE RANGE is celebrating its Fifth Anniversary! America’s premier destination rock festival—May 21-22at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio—will feature a spectacular lineup of rock heavyweights including A Perfect Circle (first performance of 2011), Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Korn, Stone Sour and Staind (first performance in two years). The unforgettable weekend will also be highlighted by performances from Danzig, Hollywood Undead, Bullet For My Valentine, Black Label Society and Alter Bridge. In addition, Juliya of Fuse TV will return as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.
“Three years ago my other band Ashes Divide was fortunate enough to play Rock On The Range as a support act; to return to the same festival and headline this year with A Perfect Circle is truly an honor,” says Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle.
“We are honored that Rock On The Range has asked us be one of the headliners,” says M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold. “Not only is it an amazing show to be apart of, but it holds a deep spot in our hearts. Rock On The Range was the last American show we played with our best friend and drummer, The Rev. We are looking forward to continuing his legacy of rock n roll insanity that night! See you all there.”
“If you suffer from stimulus overload, the fifth anniversary of Rock On The Range may be too much for you,” quips Del Williams, co-executive producer of the event for Right Arm Entertainment. “Virtually all of the bands that make up the top of the Active Rock charts are performing at America’s biggest Rock festival. When you look at the acts on the bill, and think of the massive list of songs that live in
the body of that lineup, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with excitement.”
The ROCK ON THE RANGE celebration will start early on Friday night, May 20 with the nation’s biggest pre-festival Anniversary Party at the venue, featuring performances from two of the world’s craziest throwback rock artists—Steel Panther and Lez Zeppelin. Best of all, your ticket to the Anniversary Party will be absolutely FREE with every ROCK ON THE RANGE weekend ticket purchase!
“It seems like only yesterday that we created this vision for an active rock festival in the heartland, but it’s actually been five years now.” comments Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the event for AEG Live. “If it weren’t for the loyal fan base of active rock fans, the ‘Rangers,’ Rock On The Range would still just be an idea on the back of a napkin! We can’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ then to throw a big FREE party for everyone! It will be a night of unmatched celebration!”
A special ROCK ON THE RANGE ticket pre-sale will take place from Wednesday, February 9 at 10:00 AM (ET) through Friday, February 11 at 10:00 PM (ET). For details on pre-sale, go to:
. Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 AM (ET). Two-day weekend festival passes start at just $99.50 plus service and transaction fees. Layaway ticket purchase options are also still available for a limited time.
“We are extremely excited about the lineup for Rock On The Range’s Fifth Anniversary show at Crew Stadium,” said Mark McCullers, President & General Manager of the Columbus Crew, a co-executive Producer of Rock On The Range. “We are coming off another record year in 2010 and are looking forward to raising the bar again in 2011.”
ROCK ON THE RANGE—The Book is another new bonus for fans in connection with the fifth anniversary of the festival. This limited edition coffee-table photo book captures the first four years of ROTR and features behind-the-scenes photos, never-before-seen performance shots, and testimonials from past ROTR performers including Stone Temple Pilots, Slipknot, Slash, Godsmack, Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Rise Against and many more. Copies of ROTR—The Book will be included in each of the VIP and Hotel ticket packages and is also available independently for $25 plus shipping and handling at www.RockOnTheRange.com.
The current lineup for ROCK ON THE RANGE 2011 is as follows: A Perfect Circle, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Korn, Stone Sour, Staind, Danzig, Hollywood Undead, Bullet For My Valentine, Black Label Society, Alter Bridge, A Day To Remember, Hinder, Escape The Fate, All That Remains, P.O.D., The Damned Things, Fu Manchu, Black Veil Brides, Saving Abel, Sick Puppies, Finger Eleven, My Darkest Days, Cavo, Trapt, Rev Theory and Pop Evil.
Presented by Right Arm Entertainment, AEG Live and Crew Stadium, ROCK ON THE RANGE is a two-day, multi-stage music and lifestyle event featuring a potent line-up of bands on three stages. The nationally renowned festival centrally located in the heart of the country has annually drawn crowds in excess of 30,000 per day since its inception in 2007.
Tuesday February 1, 2011 Source:Big Hassle Media Location: New York City
Available at Bandcamp with donations going to benefit Wisconsin based charities including The Foundation for Madison WI, Public Schools.
Wisconsin born and bred, Locksley are always proud to let people know about their home state. They let that pride show through with the song “Oh, Wisconsin!” a tribute to the state and a rally cry for all Packers fans excited to see Green Bay in the Superbowl, be they young or old, big or small, or prefer their cheese curds fried or squeaky (un-fried for the uncheesucated). It’s something all Sconnies near and far can get behind, especially when considering donations made on Band Camp will go directly to Wisconsin based charities including the Foundation for Madison, WI Public Schools http://www.fmps.org/ among others.
Suppose you haven’t had the pleasure of living in or visiting the badger state, or don’t consider yourself a Packers fan? Well there’s still a lot to love about the song “Oh, Wisconsin!,” which is at its heart a story many can relate to. “Oh, Wisconsin!” is about growing up in small town America with dreams of big city lights, and missing home after you’ve left.
Fittingly, Locksley are a Madison, WI band who now call New York City home. Over the past few years they’ve built up a devoted fan base on the strength of their hook filled straightforward rock ‘n’ roll and dedication to perfecting their live act. This summer they will release their new album featuring the single “The Whip” which last week was unexpectedly picked up by select Top 40 stations.
Clutch has just confirmed that they will be touring North America with the legendary hard rockers Motorhead and special guest Valient Thor. The tour kicks off January 29th in Las Vegas, NV at the House of Blues and runs through March 11th ending in Los Angeles, CA at Club Nokia LA Live. In addition to the shows with Motorhead, Clutch has announced a string of headlining shows. All the dates can be found below.
Weathermaker Music and Clutch are putting the finishing touches on what is sure to be a must have for any Clutch fan, a deluxe double disc re-issue of the classic Clutch album “Blast Tyrant”. This limited edition release includes 25 total songs, over 97 minutes of music, brand new artwork and is available for the fan friendly price of $15.98. The bonus disc features ten tracks, six of which were found untouched in the deepest realms of the Clutch/Weathermaker vault as well as four brand new recordings!
CLUTCH ON TOUR WITH MOTORHEAD AND VALIENT THOR
1/29 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
1/30 - San Luis Obispo, CA @ Slo Brew*
1/31 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
2/1 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s*
2/2 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
2/4 - Seatlle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
2/5 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
2/7 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theater
2/9 - Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Centre
2/10 - Calgary, AB @ Flames Central
2/12 - Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings
2/13 - Fargo, ND @ The Venue
2/14 - Sioux Falls, SD @ The Vault*
2/15 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
2/16 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
2/17 - Kansas City, MO @ The Midland Theater by AMC
2/18 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue*
2/19 - Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
2/20 - Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
2/22 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room
2/23 - Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theater
2/24 - Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom*
2/25 - Kitchener, ON @ Elements Night Club
2/26 - Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
2/27 - So. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground*
2/28 - New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
3/1 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues Boston
3/3 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
3/4 - Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues
3/5 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
3/6 - Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounger*
3/8 - Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
3/10 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
3/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia LA Live
Dates with *asterisk* denote CLUTCH headlining shows.
