End o' week musings

It's been a hectic week in my world, but I sure didn't miss any fun.

Last Saturday, my brother, Jason, had planned to go with me to see Trash Daddy www.trashdaddy.net but got stuck at his work. I was already at my mother's house and she asked, "It's a live band show, right?" "Yes," I answered warily. "I'd like to go," she said. So we got prettied up and headed down to Angel's Roadhouse.

There were two bands before Trash Daddy- a classic rock/metal group and a Tom Petty tribute band. My mom was arockin'! And when Trash Daddy took the stage, we got out of our seats and headed up toward the stage to get a better view of the action. The show was great and my mother wants to see them again!

I went to dance practice on Sunday and we're almost ready for our show on the 31st. Plus we're already plotting our evil ideas for our next few shows after that.

The rest of my week has been a blur of writing, dancing, singing and generally trying to keep out of trouble. ha ha ha! On Monday, I will be spending the day with the performers for Circus Vargas, learning some of the acts for a story. What an exciting life, huh? Oh yeah, up top, you might notice my 1965 Triumph Daytona Special 500+ chopper. My brother is helping me refurbish it so I can get cruising again. If you know any places to get good deals on sandblasting and rechroming, please drop me a line... thanks!

In rotation this week: Tribe of Gypsies, Aerosmith, Nekromantix, 50 Lashes, Bitch Funky Sex Machine, Nashville Pussy, Aerosmith, Biohazard and Saturday Morning Television (a rocked up compilation).

Find an adventure this week and

keep on rockin'

Mickie

John Mayer tickets going on sale

John Mayer’s plans for Spring and Summer ’07 are heating up – he will headline the New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 5th and his own CONTINUUM Summer Tour will feature special guest, Ben Folds. Buzz artists Rocco DeLuca, Brett Dennen, and James Morrison will also make appearances for special dates. Tickets for the Continuum Summer Tour become available to members of Mayer’s “Local 83” fan club on March 16th and available to the public beginning March 24. As previously announced, the success of John Mayer's platinum-certified CONTINUUM has prompted a full summer tour, which will make stops at arenas and amphitheatres throughout the US beginning June 1st in Ridgefield, WA and continuing through August 8th in West Palm Beach, FL (see full itinerary following).

CONTINUUM and its first single, “Waiting on the World To Change” recently earned Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Album (CONTINUUM) and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Waiting on the World to Change") at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, where Mayer performed his current single, the stunningly spare "Gravity." A pop/rock album showcasing diverse influences, CONTINUUM features rich lyrics, the groove of the guitar-slinging bluesman, and the vocals of the soulful crooner.

In February, the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine featured John Mayer as one of "The New Guitar Gods" of contemporary music. USA Today wrote that Mayer's "smartly crafted third album combines singer/songwriter pop and sinewy guitar blues," and The New York Times opined, "Mayer has been writing songs again, good ones, with all the leanness and directness that distinguish his strongest work."

Joined by some of the brightest talent emerging in his genre, John Mayer’s CONTINUUM Summer Tour hits the road June 1, 2007:

BEN FOLDS (June 1 through August 8) is widely acclaimed for his prowess as a pianist, songwriter, performer and multi-instrumentalist ---recently released recently released a 3-D interactive DVD release, "Live At My Space." Filmed at Ben's studio, it was MySpace.com's first ever live-by-request web cast that allowed fans to use instant messenger to make song requests throughout the performance. The project was an instant success in an effort to connect on a level only imaginable in a world where music and the internet collide. The DVD includes some of Ben's classics as well as a rare stand in performance with singer "Titler" covering Johnny Cash's classic title "Walk The Line".

ROCCO DELUCA & THE BURDEN (June 1 through June 15) are the first signing to the Jude Cole and Kiefer Sutherland owned independent record label, Ironworks Music. With his impressive vocal range and preference for the Dobro steel guitar, DeLuca’s sound is intertwined with elements of his Appalachian Folk & Blues influences. Rolling Stone remarked, “The echoes of Neil Young, Robert Plant, Jeff Buckley and Pearl Jam blend into something unique …the group packs the heat and rock aggression to work its way into your head and stay there.” The band is currently supporting their debut album, I Trust You To Kill Me, along with their single, “Colorful” which is climbing the Hot AC charts. DeLuca is a VH1 'You Oughta Know' Artist and currently on the 'You Oughta Know' tour w/ Mat Kearney and The Feeling.

BRETT DENNEN (June 16 through July 17) channels folk, world, pop, and rock music into a breathtaking mix that falls easily into one category - timeless. Chris Douridas, host of KCRW's "New Ground, raves "rarely does music come along so unadorned, so pure in spirit, and so eloquently written." Dennen's electrifying live show has seen a groundswell of support across the country often selling out markets the first time he plays. His new album, "So Much More" (Dualtone) was released in September.

JAMES MORRISON (July 17- August 8) debut Interscope Records album, Undiscovered, will be released on March 13, 2007. The 22-year-old U.K. singer/songwriter is a 2007 Brit Award winner for Best Male British Solo Artist who can no longer claim "undiscovered" status in his native Britain and Europe. His album debuted at #1 on the U.K. charts, selling over 600,000 copies in the UK and over 1 million worldwide. Morrison will perform on The Tonight Show on March 15th and The Today Show on March 16th.

CONTINUUM Summer Tour Dates:
DATE CITY/STATE VENUE ON-SALE L83 onsale
June 1 Ridgefield, WA The Amphitheatre 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 2 George, WA The Gorge 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 5 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion 4/01 at 10am 3/16
June 6 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center 3/24 at 12pm 3/16
June 8 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay 3/31 at 10am 3/23
June 9 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl 3/31 at 10am 3/16
June 12 Chula Vista, CA Coors Amphitheatre 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 13 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 15 Denver, CO Red Rocks 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 16 Denver, CO Red Rocks 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 19 Kansas City, MO Verizon Wireless 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 20 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 22 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Music Ctr 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 23 Houston, TX C.W. Mitchell Pav 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 23 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 26 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena 3/24 at 10am 3/16
June 28 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion 4/07 at 12pm 3/23
June 29 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion 4/07 at 12pm 3/23
June 30 Indianapolis Verizon Wireless 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 01 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Ctr 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 03 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre 3/24 at 10am 3/16July 05 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 14 Hartford, CT Dodge Music Center 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 15 Saratoga, NY SPAC 3/24 at 12pm 3/16
July 17 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden 4/07 at 10am 3/23
July 20 Camden, NJ Tweeter Waterfront 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 21 Hershey, PA Hershey Park 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 24 Holmdel, NJ PNC 3/30 at 9am 3/16
July 25 Washington, DC Verizon Center 3/24 at 10am 3/16
July 26 Uniondale, NY Nassau Colisuem 3/30 at 9am 3/16
July 30 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless 3/23 at 10am 3/16
July 31 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amp 3/23 at 10am 3/16
Aug 1 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless 3/23 at 10am 3/16
Aug 3 Nashville, TN Gaylord Center 3/24 at 12pm 3/16
Aug 4 Pelham, AL Verizon Wireless 3/24 at 12pm 3/16
Aug 5 Atlanta, GA Phillips 3/24 at 12pm 3/16
Aug 7 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre 3/24 at 10am 3/16
Aug 8 West Palm Beach, FL Sound Advice 3/23 at 10am 3/16

CONTINUUM was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and includes the #1 hit "Waiting On The World To Change," and its follow-up single, "Gravity." The album features sultry grooves such as "I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You," "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room," and the Sam Cooke-flavored "I'm Gonna Find Another You." Fans of the John Mayer Trio will recognize "Vultures" and "Gravity" reworked for the studio by John, Steve, and Pino, as well as a blazing display of fretwork on Jimi Hendrix's "Bold As Love." Longtime fans will recognize "Heart of Life" and "Stop This Train" as keeping in-step with trademark Mayer material.

A musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries, John Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as the John Mayer Trio, whose live album Try! was released in November '05. Mayer's other collaborations -- in genres ranging from Rock to Blues, Hip-Hop to Jazz to Country -- have included work with Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Ahmir ?uestlove.

Over the course of his career, John Mayer, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, has sold more than nine million albums including his 2001 breakout, the 4x platinum-selling Room For Squares, 2003's Heavier Things (which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 the week of its release and featured the Grammy- winning Song Of The Year, "Daughters"), his critically acclaimed work with the John Mayer Trio on Try!, and most recently, the best-selling Grammy-winning CONTINUUM. Room For Squares, Heavier Things, and CONTINUUM have each earned Grammy Awards for John, bringing his career Grammy total to five. Try!, his live recording with the John Mayer Trio, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.

For more info, please visit www.johnmayer.com

Type O Negative charts at #1 and #27

TYPE O NEGATIVE have entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #27 with DEAD AGAIN (SPV Records), selling over 22,000 copies in its first week of release. At the same time, the album’s lead single is now impacting radio. “The Profits Of Doom” was #1 Most Added on the CMJ Loud Rock and FMQB Metal Detector charts this week.
In other news, the Brooklyn-based goth rock icons are set to hit the road March 28 in Providence, RI for a headlining U.S. tour. The trek includes an April 20 stop at the Avalon in Los Angeles as well as a May 8 show at New York City’s Irving Plaza.
With DEAD AGAIN, Type O Negative--PETER STEELE (vocals, bass), JOSH SILVER (keyboards), KENNY HICKEY (guitar), JOHNNY KELLY (drums)--have truly raised the bar. it’s arguably the group’s most ambitious record yet, teeming with fury, sorrow and darkness and delivered with a broader sound palette that’s neither contrived nor cloying. Here’s a sample of the disc’s early critical acclaim:

“The Brooklyn, NY quartet have taken the art of metal songwriting to epic heights since their inception in 1990, and don't stray far from their proven formula on new release Dead Again…the long-under appreciated depth of Type O Negative's craft is, once again, prominently displayed, offering a poignant blend of brooding Black Sabbath dirges and unearthly metallic crunch, acerbic New York City attitude, and Peter Steele's droning vocals and lyrical black humor. The dissident elements meld seamlessly, at times even brilliantly…Type O Negative have conjured an alliance of subtle pop aesthetics and crushing metallic majesty.”
--Paul Gargano, LiveDaily.com, March 19, 2007

“The Brooklyn-based goth metal quartet return with their seventh studio offering entitled Dead Again which, much like their earlier releases, draws inspiration from late 60s and 70s rock, blending ethereal, lush melodies, gloomy doomy dirges and sarcastically morbid lyrics into sonic madness.”
--Valerie Angela Ciliento, METAL EDGE, March 2007

“The songs on Dead Again are truly epic, with many tracks over 7 minutes and one song that's over 14 minutes long. Type O Negative are a very versatile band. On this album some songs are slow, gothic dirges; others doomy, sludgy and midtempo; and a couple are faster with a punk/thrash vibe…Dead Again is a very ambitious undertaking, and it succeeds…Type O Negative seems rejuvenated with this album, one of their best in many years.”
--Chad Bowar, About.com, March 2007

“Dead Again is a loud, throbbing, rip-your-scabs-off record. It has an invasive quality that goes into your ear and enters your bloodstream like an anti-coagulant, and is a preventative for the sluggish and stopped up.”
--Charlie Steffens, KNAC.COM, March 9, 2007

Catch the band on the road in the following markets and go to: www.TypeONegative.net for the most up-to-date information on TYPE O NEGATIVE.

Date City Venue
With Brand New Sin:
Wed 3/28 Providence, RI Lupo’s
Thu 3/29 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
Fri 3/30 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
Sat 3/31 Worcester, MA The Palladium
Mon 4/2 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
Tue 4/3 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Thu 4/5 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theatre
Fri 4/6 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
Sat 4/7 Detroit, MI Harpo’s
With Celtic Frost and Brand New Sin:
Mon 4/9 Chicago, IL Metro
Tue 4/10 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Wed 4/11 Milwaukee, WI The Eagles Club
Fri 4/13 Sauget, IL Pop’s
Sat 4/14 Lawrence, KS Granada Theatre
Sun 4/15 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
Mon 4/16 Magna, UT The Great Salt Air
Wed 4/18 San Francisco, CA Slim’s
Thu 4/19 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
Fri 4/20 Los Angeles, CA Avalon
Sat 4/21 Ventura, CA Majestic Ventura Theatre
Sun 4/22 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
Mon 4/23 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
Wed 4/25 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom
Thu 4/26 Corpus Christi, TX The Pavilion at Concrete Street
Fri 4/27 Houston, TX Meridian
Sat 4/28 San Antonio, TX White Rabbit
Mon 4/30 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live
Tue 5/1 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
Wed 5/2 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Landing
Fri 5/4 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
Sat 5/5 Charlotte, NC Tremont Music Hall
Sun 5/6 Baltimore, MD Sonar
Tue 5/8 New York, NY Irving Plaza

Michael Franti visits injured soldiers

On Friday (March 16th) outspoken Anti- recording artist and award-winning documentary filmmaker Michael Franti visited patients at Washington’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During his visit, Franti performed for the injured soldiers who live in a special ward of the hospital and their families.
“I was very moved by the courage of the young men I met who were dealing with very intense injuries from shattered bones to limb amputations and how most of them seem to have a positive attitude about their recovery and their plans for the future,” Franti says of his visit to WRAMC.“One of the patients, Pete, played my guitar even though he still had shrapnel in his finger tips and in physical pain,” Franti explains. “He had also been burned by a roadside bomb that destroyed the Humvee he was in and didn't have full hand strength yet, but still he had this desire to practice and play guitar. Music has been a healer in my life and I thought there are probably patients like Pete who will be passing through the hospital who will have plenty of time to play the guitar or at least try it, so I went out and bought a guitar for the ward. I came away from this experience feeling a deeper commitment toward the work of Veteran's issues and the healing power of music.”
In keeping with that belief, that evening – following an uplifting performance with Spearhead at the city’s 9:30 Club as part of his ongoing Yell Fire! tour – Franti participated in a fundraiser for Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). In addition to a screening of his acclaimed anti-war documentary, I Know I’m Not Alone: A Musician’s Search For The Human Cost Of War at Busboys & Poets, Franti also played an intimate late night acoustic set.
Last November, Franti won the Best International Documentary Award in the prestigious Harlem International Film Festival for his directory efforts on the aforementioned film. Shot during his travels to the war zones of Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in 2005, the film has been called “an antidote to despair” by anti-war activist Medea Benjamin of Global Exchange.
Through his heralded 2005 film about the Iraq war, I Know I’m Not Alone and the 2006 album it inspired, Yell Fire!, Franti has been heralded as “the most important artist recording and touring today who has yet to reach the masses,” by Island Records’ founder Chris Blackwell.
And the critics have resoundingly agreed: “Who says protest songs can’t be both fiery and fun,” wrote Entertainment Weekly in it’s a- review of Yell Fire! Elswhere, All Music Guide wrote, “Franti’s brain-stimulating songwriting rises to a new level of proficiency,” and Amazon.com said, “It’s easily Franti’s best album yet.”
“Artists have a unique opportunity because we have a voice, but our voice comes through something that we create,” Franti told The San Francisco Examiner recently. “So when we write about political things and our cause, it brings up something that a news anchor or a politician can’t do.”
Michael Franti and Spearhead are midway through a five-week U.S. trek and have been confirmed to appear at the 2007 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee the weekend of June 14th – 17th.

Cancer cure sought with "The Song the World Wrote"

Music fans who have always dreamed of writing a world-famous song can now become a part of "Oceans of Love - The Song the World Wrote," a unique songwriting contest designed to knit hearts from around the world together in song and help fight cancer. Lucy DeLima-Wilson and her son, Johnny DeLima, have dreamed for many years of one day bringing people from around the world together in perfect harmony to spread cheer and goodwill to others. They are now realizing this dream through an amazing effort to write a song that contains lines from folks around the world.

"This is a very inspirational project, as music is a great way to tell a story and help find a cure. Cancer affects too many people and hopefully, the proceeds from this song will help in finding a cure. I look forward to hearing the finished song," says Shane Bourbonnais, President of Live Nation in Canada.

"Oceans of Love - The Song the World Wrote" will consist of lines entered by contestants each week for 24 consecutive weeks. The starting date for entries will be announced in a later release. Once the contest officially begins, line entries will be made online at the www.songtheworldwrote.com Web site. Visitors to the Web site will vote each weekend to determine which line will be added to the song Monday morning. The world can watch online as this amazing song comes together.

Lucy DeLima-Wilson states, "This will be the first time a songwriting effort of this magnitude has ever been attempted. Guinness Records is currently reviewing our preliminary application."

The BC Cancer Foundation (http://www.bccancerfoundation.com) is the grateful recipient of a percentage of the net proceeds from the contestants- entry fees through the end of the contest, along with another international cancer research organization (to be determined).

"'Oceans of Love - The Song the World Wrote' will help the many thousands of people around the world who are affected by cancer every day. The BC Cancer Foundation is honored to be one of the two charities chosen to deliver this message of hope," states Nicholas Locke, Senior Vice President, Development, BC Cancer Foundation.

Emmy Award Winning Songwriter A.J. Gundell will kick off the first line of lyrics; other lines from contestants will follow. The theme of the song is love, peace and paying it forward. The second phase of the contest will be writing the music, with the final goal of having it recorded by an international recording artist.

About Lucy DeLima-Wilson and Johnny DeLima: Johnny is a performer/songwriter in Vancouver. He survived major brain surgery as a teenager and awoke with a new-found commitment to life and giving back. Lucy is a social worker in Toronto who enjoys spreading the ideas of love and unity to others. She believes strongly in diversity and paying it forward.

More information about the lyrics contest and voting procedures can be found at the Web address below. Those interested in writing a line of the song or voting should check the Web site often as new information is added: http://www.songtheworldwrote.com

Fu Manchu to headline at Troubador April 12

Century Media/Liquor & Poker Music recording artists FU MANCHU will be headlining a show at The Troubador on Thursday night, April 12th. FU MANCHU are touring in support of their critically-acclaimed new album, We Must Obey.

More than a decade ago, FU MANCHU was one of the originators of the "desert rock" sound, mixing a '70s classic rock sound with a punk rock aesthetic, a sound evident today in bands such as Wolfmother, Early Man, The Sword, and Priestess. Rolling Stone has described FU MANCHU as "a transcendent distillation of Seventies rock heaviness and Eighties punk aggression." During their history the band have proven themselves to be one of the hardest-working touring acts in the country, touring alongside acts such as Social Distortion, Motorhead, Monster Magnet, and Clutch.

www.centurymedia.com
www.liquorandpokermusic.com

Chris Shin of Unified Theory now promoting new band

Chris Shinn, formerly with Unified Theory, is hitting the road to spread the word about his new band, Everything Is Energy. They’re performing in Hollywood on Thursday, April 12 at King King at 10:30pm.

After Unified Theory dissolved in 2001, Chris spent the next few years forming the band now known as Everything Is Energy. However, that didn’t come without some personal sacrifice. After troubling health issues lead to self-medicating, Chris checked himself into a treatment facility where he was able to get healthy and subsequently start his music career refreshed and more balanced.

As Chris says, “All I hoped was to never again feel the way I did going into rehab. I wanted my voice back.”

Chris spent the better part of the next year coming to terms with his addiction to alcohol and putting his emotional well being first. “Just like most things with me, putting these things first in my life had to be learned.”

“Being able to play music with people I love and make the sort of records we want is success,” he continues. “That is the truth! Before recovery, I felt owed. Living in the sickness prevented me from living honestly. Now, living in the truth prevents me from that sickness.”

In a review of Unified Theory’s self-titled album on All Music Guide, Greg Prato praised Chris’ vocals: “While new singer Chris Shinn does bear some resemblance vocally to Blind Melon's late great singer Shannon Hoon (both sing in a high register and have a thing for ethereal lyrics), Unified Theory's self-titled debut shows that Shinn has brought a more modern rock sound to the proceedings, mixing Jeff Buckley and Radiohead with (Brad) Smith and (Christopher) Thorn's retro rock stylings (Zep, Allmans, etc.).”

The debut album from Everything Is Energy — produced by Krish Sharma (Perry Farrell, The Rolling Stones) -- will be released later this year on Chris’ The Nest Records, which he started with manager JJ Sansone. To check out four songs from the forthcoming disc, please head over to Everything Is Energy’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/thesoundisaw

Secondhand Serenade offers fans contest & firms tour

Indie phenomenon SECONDHAND SERENADE--which is acoustic singer/songwriter JOHN VESELY—has just launched a leg of special U.S. tour dates in support of the debut CD AWAKE. These shows include the “2007 Couch Tour” with Monty Are I, whereby the two acts will give a few select fans in the tour markets an added treat by visiting their home to perform a few songs, hang out and eat pizza. Fans can enter this contest at www.myspace.com/secondhandserenade by explaining why they feel the groups should come to their house. Later this spring, SECONDHAND SERENADE will join My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park and many others for New Jersey’s Bamboozle festival.

In other news, SECONDHAND SERENADE was named "MTV Discover & Download Artist" and the video for “Vulnerable”--lensed by Frank Borin (Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Dani California”)--has been added to mtvU. “Vulnerable” will also be airing on Fuse TV's OVEN FRESH next week. OVEN FRESH airs Monday through Friday at 7:00 AM Eastern Time and the audience will be able to vote for their favorite video online at http://fuse.tv/tv/ovenfresh/index.php.

SECONDHAND SERENADE was also selected to compete in Yahoo! Music’s popular “Who’s Next?” program which highlights up-and-coming artists set to make a big impact. Voting runs through March 28 at: http://music.yahoo.com/promotions/whosnext/. At the same time, JOHN is a featured on AOL Music’s “Breakers,” whereby he’s competing with 11 other new artists including Amy Winehouse, Hellogoodbye and Landon Pigg. To vote, click on http://music.aol.com/franchise/breakers-2007/morrison-landon-pigg-secondhand-serenade.

AWAKE was released by Glassnote Records on February 6 and has already moved almost 20,000 copies. JOHN’s mix of extremely heartfelt music and poetic lyrics has caused a strong reaction with fans. This underground buzz and word-of-mouth propelled him to reach and stay at the top unsigned artist position on MySpace for four months. SECONDHAND SERENADE has now reached over 18 million plays on MySpace, an incredible feat for an indie artist just now signed by a label. The Glassnote Records album--distributed through ILG (Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group)--features two additional songs not on the original album and debuted on Billboard's Heatseekers chart at No. 16.

Recently, Rolling Stone featured SECONDHAND SERENADE in the magazine’s new artist “On The Edge” section and pronounced: “equipped with an acoustic guitar silken tenor pipes, a shitload of tattoos and whole lotta sadness.” SECONDHAND also scored #3 in the magazine’s year-end reader’s poll for “Best MySpace Artist.”

SECONDHAND SERENADE is teaming with esteemed producers Butch Walker and Danny Lohner to produce his next full-length album. The new album--which will feature a full band--will be released at the end of the summer.

To see and hear SECONDHAND SERENADE, visit: www.myspace.com/secondhandserenade, www.purevolume.com/secondhandserenade.

The current tour dates are as follows:

With Monty Are I:
Tue 3/20 Los Angeles, CA Knitting Factory – Front Room
Wed 3/21 Fullerton, CA The Alley
Fri 3/23 Roseville, CA The Underground
Sat 3/24 Fresno, CA The Belmont
Sun 3/25 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
Tue 3/27 Seattle, WA Chop Suey
Wed 3/28 Portland, OR Rock ‘N’ Roll Pizza
Fri 3/30 Salt Lake City, UT Avalon Theatre
Sat 3/31 Denver, CO Bluebird Theatre
Bamboozle 2007:
Sat 5/5 East Rutherford, NJ Meadowlands
Sun 5/6 East Rutherford, NJ Meadowlands

www.secondhandserenade.com
www.myspace.com/secondhandserenade
www.purevolume.com/secondhandserenade

The Almost announces tour

THE ALMOST will be in Los Angeles for two consecutive shows (APRIL 12th and APRIL 13th) with Say Anything, Saves the Day and John Ralston.

THURSDAY, April 12 at the HOUSE OF BLUES (on Sunset)
FRIDAY, April 13, at the HOUSE OF BLUES (on Sunset)
Doors: 7:00 PM
Ticket price: $15.99

AND

FRIDAY, April 13-THE ALMOST will be performing at the Vans Warped Tour Kick-off party at the Key Club (with The Briggs, K-Os and Meg & Dia)
Ticket price: $10.00

THE ALMOST--the brainchild of Underoath drummer/vocalist AARON GILLESPIE--will release their debut SOUTHERN WEATHER April 3 through a first-ever joint venture with Tooth & Nail and Virgin Records.

GILLESPIE--who sings and performs virtually every note and instrument on his solo debut--teamed with acclaimed producer Aaron Sprinkle (Pedro The Lion) for SOUTHERN WEATHER.

The album kicks off with the percussion-driven first single "Say This Sooner" which after building a buzz on the Internet and Satellite Radio is now impacting terrestrial radio and already received early adds this week at: WSUN Tampa, WXDX Pittsburgh, WGRD Grand Rapids, WTZB Sarasota, WCYY Portland, WARQ Columbia, SC, KTEG Albuquerque and WBSX Wilkes Barre, PA just to name a few. Look for the new video to debut soon.

Album highlights include the alt-country inspired "Dirty And Left Out," which features a guest vocal collaboration with Sunny Day Real Estate singer Jeremy Enigk; the inventive Thursday-meets-Oasis vibe of "Everyone Here Smells Like A Rat;" and the breathtaking, undying roar of "I Mostly Copy Other People," which benefits from the bass and guest vocal work of The Starting Line's Kenny Vasoli.

THE ALMOST will join Say Anything and Saves The Day for a West Coast tour beginning in mid-April, to be followed by an East Coast trek in early May with Paramore (see dates below). Later this summer, the group will join the majority of the Vans Warped Tour. On the road, GILLESPIE leads THE ALMOST on vocals and guitar and is joined by: Jay Vilardi (guitar), Alex Aponte (bass) and Kenny Bozich (drums).

www.purevolume.com/thealmost
www.myspace.com/thealmost
www.thealmostmusic.com


DATE CITY VENUE
With Say Anything and Saves the Day:
Tue 4/10 San Diego, CA Soma
Wed 4/11 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
Thu 4/12 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
Fri 4/13 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
Fri 4/13 Los Angeles, CA Key Club (Vans Warped Tour kick off party with: The Briggs, K-Os, Meg & Dia)
Sat 4/14 Pomona, CA Glasshouse
Sun 4/15 San Francisco, CA Slim's
With Paramore and This Providence:
Fri 4/20 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
Sat 4/21 St. Petersburg, FL State Theatre
Mon 4/23 Orlando, FL The Social
Tue 4/24 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
Thu 4/26 Norfolk, VA The Norva
Fri 4/27 Towson, MD Recher Theatre
Sat 4/28 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Mon 4/30 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
Tue 5/1 Boston, MA Avalon
Wed 5/2 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
Sat 5/5 East Rutherford, NJ Meadowlands Sports Complex (BAMBOOZLE)
Mon 5/7 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
Tue 5/8 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Wed 5/9 Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall
Vans Warped Tour 2007 this summer…

Check out new music store for artists & fans- KaboomTune.com

KaboomTune.com is now open and ready for business. This explosive new music store has been boiling for over 8 months preparing research and technical development and is now ready to bring consumers a pleasant and safe environment to browse, buy and download independent music to what they call "Music 2.0".

KaboomTune also gives musicians a chance to sell their albums, t-shirts, bumper stickers and more, all from their custom tailored Kaboom Profile. Each artist can have Music Videos, a Blog and Streaming Cameras. KaboomTune is also capable of handling live streaming concerts from anywhere in the world. KaboomTune helps its artists grow musically and financially by giving them retail space free of charge. It's a win-win situation for the artist.

The independent music retailer has partnered with IFanz Inc. which is owned and operated by Ruth McCartney. This allows artists to cost effectively sell their music on iTunes, Napster AOL and more. The digital distribution is only $30 and artists retain 85%. KaboomTune works hard to advertise its artists by way of word of mouth, partnerships and specific target markets. Musicians and customers alike will be happy with KaboomTune's service and dedication to independent music.

KaboomTune.com

The Slow Signal Fade calling it quits

Josh Mills of It's Alive! Media & Management had this to say:

Sad news to report..... LA’s The Slow Signal Fade are calling it quits. A simple, low key note from the band is below.... The Slow Signal Fade’s last show ever will be on Monday April 16th @ The Troubadour..... a free, all ages show. Having worked with the band since 2003 on their 2nd EP & only full length, it was more than a pleasure to work with this band. To see them live, hear the band progress musically on record, to see the long hours and endless touring along with being four of the nicest folks you could find, well, it’s a sad day for me personally to announce this. I know a lot of fans feel the same way too. I’ll miss the beautiful noise Margueritte, Ron, Chris and Aaron made for sure.
Best, Josh

From The Slow Signal Fade:

Hello All.... This just in!!! Some sad news. Los Angeles based shoegaze / indie rock outfit, THE SLOW SIGNAL FADE will be calling it a day after 5+ years of pavement pounding, excessively long van tours, and countless pleased fans. No tales of bad blood, scorned love affairs, or baby's mama drama here, the band has mutually decided that it was no longer possible to sustain a "normal" existence on the always "ON THE VERGE" lifestyle. They will be playing their FINAL SHOW EVER on Monday, April 16th at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA. The SSF play at 9:30, the show is ALL AGES and FREE!!! If you haven't had the chance to catch The SSF live over the past few years, THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!! I RECOMMEND YOU DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!!
-The SSF

For more information, visit www.theslowsignalfade.com

Teens invited to audition for new Menudo

Maybe it's just me, but I thought the world was finally over those boy bands... Still, who am I to not get the word out to some nice young guy who deserves a chance to follow his dreams? So go for it! -M

THE SEARCH IS ON! MTV AND MTV Tr3s JOIN FORCES TO FIND THE NEW MENUDO

Casting Kicks Off On March 31st in Los Angeles
When: Saturday, March 31st 11:00AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Plaza Mexico, 3100 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, California 90262

The search to recreate Menudo, one of the biggest and most successful Latin pop singing groups, kicks off in Los Angeles. Additional casting sessions in Dallas, Miami and New York will be held through the end of April. Celebrity judges along with renowned music manager, Johnny Wright will be on hand to audition teenage boys on their natural singing and dancing abilities, charisma and stage presence.

The auditions are open to males who are at least 15 years old and appear to be less than 19 years old. All contestants will be asked to sing a song, in English or Spanish, from a pre-selected song list available on www.mtvtr3s.com. A legal guardian who can sign a release must accompany contestants under 18. Complete eligibility requirements are available at www.mtvtr3s.com.

Once selected, Menudo will be part of the Epic Records family. The partnership between Epic and Menudo kicks off with a first single in July and the group's “debut” album in December 2007.

MTV Tr3's will chronicle the entire journey of thousands from the first audition to the last, culminating with the selection of seven finalists in “Road to Menudo” which debuts on May 12. The road continues on MTV this fall when the band will dwindle down to the five final members of the new Menudo as the channel air the 10-episode reality series. Reveille, producer of the two-time Golden Globe winner and Latin crossover hit “Ugly Betty,” is producing the MTV series in association with Road Games.

We Are I gaining notice

WE ARE I CREATE BUZZ WITH SIX-SONG EP AND ‘CONTROLLED CHAOS HYBRID ROCK’

What was the last band that managed to successfully merge classic rock’s multi-layered sound with prog metal sonic exploration? Few have been so bold – but Boston’s We Are I are no average band.

“Everybody in the band is a really great player,” explains guitarist Rich Chamberland. “It’s really diverse. Jay Staples (singer) is a freak – he’s very melodic, his voice has a Freddie Mercury-like quality to it. Keenan Wakem (bass) is amazing – his stage show is killer. New blood, Ralph Arsenault (drummer) has kicked the band up an extra notch."

On the heels of their first release, ‘Off the Hook,’ the quartet has just unleashed a self-titled EP produced by Anthony J. Resta, who has worked with the likes of Collective Soul, Megadeth, Perry Farrell, and Elton John.

"Listen to our music, it’s heavy but melodic, everybody sings. This is a four-part-harmony band. What you hear is what you get. We don’t ‘kind of pull it off.’ I like to think of us as a ‘hybrid band,’ not alternative. We fuse together a lot of influences. When you listen to the music, you’ve got Jay delivering rapid fire lyrics, with the band playing three over four time, so it’s like Tool but a little crazier – controlled chaos hybrid rock.”

Soon after their formation, We Are I quickly made fans out of some of the most successful and renowned hard rock musicians, including Disturbed’s Dave Draiman (who says of the band, “Their CD jumped out at us - we heard something very unique, the caliber of musicianship is top notch”) and Godsmack’s Robbie Merrill (who is highly anticipating the group’s new release – "I just couldn't take their first album out of my CD player, I can't wait for the new stuff!").

As a result of Draiman and Merrill’s support of the group – and prime opening spots for the likes of Disturbed, Lacuna Coil, Shinedown, and King’s X - record labels are beginning to buzz around We Are I. With even greater success on the horizon, it’s the band’s ability to pull through the rough times that has gotten them to where they are today.

For more information, visit www.wearei.com and www.myspace.com/i

The Coup wages war protest on MySpace

Boots Riley – The Coup’s revered, thought-provoking MC – is hoping to utilize a post of his band’s incendiary, anti-war song “Captain Sterling’s Little Problem” on its MySpace Blog (www.myspace.com/thecoupmusic) as a means to spark a G.I. Rebellion against the War In Iraq.

Riley is encouraging The Coup’s 25,000 MySpace friends to download the Pick A Bigger Weapon track, which features guitar by Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, for free and send it via email or burned CD to everyone they know in the military. In doing so, Riley believes the G.I. dissent could prompt Congress to act more decisively.

“I have this suggestion: the soldiers should demand to be returned home, using any means necessary to make this happen,” Boots blogs. "This would lead to a swift end to this war, saving countless lives, both U.S. and Iraqi… Congress hasn’t done more than give lip service to wanting the war to end. The people that are directly affected by this war are going to have to act.”

“Captain Sterling’s Little Problem” was originally recorded as the theme for “Sir! No Sir!,” David Zieger’s recent documentary of the Vietnam War. Inspired by the stories that some of the veterans tell in the film, Boots reports that “at one point a Pentagon report deemed half of the soldiers in Vietnam were ‘mutinous and not to be trusted’,” adding that “the largely unreported G.I. rebellions played a very important role in stopping the Vietnam war.”

Counting lines like, “You brought us to this country not to free but bodybag them/And free up all their money so accounting firms can add them ," the scorching song – from the Associated Press’ #1 album of 2006 – cannot be ignored.

“So far about 600,000 Iraqi civilians have died in this war and at least 3,100 U.S. soldiers have died,” Riley writes. “Much has been publicized about the role that music plays in the military today. I’ve seen a few news segments about the music that soldiers are listening to on their Walkmans and MP3 players – how they listen to certain songs to get in the mood to do what they have to do. Besides the motivation of purely expressing my thoughts, my experience and my emotions, I also make music to influence people to see my point of view.”

Riley – who was recently selected as keynote speaker for UC Berkeley’s Black Graduation on May 12th – will join The Coup for an explosive set next month at The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Sunday, April 29th.

Group seeks to induct Chet Helms into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Induct Chet Helms Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Legendary Rock Music Promoter was Instrumental to 60's SF Music Sound

A group of friends and fans of the late music promoter, Chet Helms are trying to draw attention to his legacy when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies take place in NYC. A petition is being circulated at the web site, www.thepetitionsite.com where names can be placed on the petition. Bill Graham has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Chet Helms also needs to be acknowledged as one of the leaders of modern rock music and the rock music concert. He was also pivotal in creating the "Summer of Love" in 1967.

A 40-year celebration of the Summer of Love will be held in San Francisco in Golden Gate Park on Sept. 2, 2007 at Speedway Meadows. This free event will feature many popular musical guests. Type, "Chet Helms" into the search box on the top of the web site to locate the petition.

A Brief History of Chet Helms:
Chet Helms was one of the founding fathers of the modern rock music concert and also the psychedelic and peace movement of the 1960's. He hitchhiked with the then unknown, Janis Joplin from Texas and brought together Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, which helped shape the San Francisco music "sound" with his Family Dog Production company. Many have said that without Chet Helms and his spirit for the music over money there would be no Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother or many other popular rock bands.

As promoter for "Family Dog Productions", Helms promoted many acts such as Big Brother and the Holding Company, The Grateful Dead, the Charlatans, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Peter Tosh, The Clash and many others. Helms promoted pivotal concerts for over 40 years at such venues as the Avalon Ballroom, Family Dog at the Beach in SF, Golden Gate Park, Denver Dog and the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. He recently produced "A Hepcats Ball" at the Great American Music Hall in SF as a benefit for his friend and SF Oracle Founder, Allen Cohen before his death in 2005.

For more information on Chet Helms and his contributions to rock music, please visit: www.chethelms.com and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Helms.

KCRW brings Kraak & Smaak to the El Rey

On Saturday, March 31st, Dutch outfit Kraak & Smaak will serve up their booty-shaking funkiness to Los Angelinos for the first time ever. The show, presented by KCRW, and produced by Bossa:Nova will also feature a set by esteemed DJ Mark Rae (Rae & Christian, Grand Central Records).

Always a step ahead of the curve, the Bossa:Nova crew, led by Jason Bentley, have the knack to spot talent early, and rise to the challenge of bringing such talent to Los Angeles. The crew first brought Kruder & Dorfmeister, Zero 7, Groove Armada, Lazy Dog and Gilles Peterson to the City of Angels, and now they bring the heavenly Kraak & Smaak. Heralded as “one of the 20 dance acts you must see live” by International DJ Magazine (right along side dance music giants, The Chemical Brothers), Kraak & Smaak “play a tight, dancefloor-friendly blend of house, breaks, funk and soul. They’re guaranteed to get any party started.” The live show is complete with a seven-piece band, vocalists and a ton of bass…one guarantee after another that on Saturday night at the El Rey, you will definitely need your dancing shoes.

Kraak & Smaak released their debut CD, Boogie Angst, in 2006 on Quango Music Group, to critical acclaim and, more importantly to fan’s delight. The Dutch trio will be releasing a collection of rarities and remixes on May 1st, 2007, entitled The Remix Sessions. Fans everywhere will rejoice as hard-to-find tracks, many of which were only released on vinyl, are assembled in this boogie-licious showcase. From banging dance floor " Mimezine – Can't get Enough," to funky, midtempo "Jamiroquai – Electric Mistress" to eerie, internationally-infused " Skeewiff – Man of Constant Sorrow,” Kraak & Smaak reveal their astounding vision for the possibilities of electronica.As Big Shot Magazine touted, “these guys are fusion masters who meld elements into a funky-electro house party.”

Official Web site:http://www.kraaksmaak.com
Tickets: http://www.bossanovaclub.com/

Moshav crossing country on tour

Continuously performing across the United States, MOSHAV has built a loyal following, The band is currently on a US tour and peform in NYC, Baltimore, Philly, VA, Jersey, Boston & LA.

The band’s new album on JMG, “MISPLACED,” paints a picture of our past, our experiences, and all of our influences,” says vocalist and percussionist, Yehuda . “We feel like we have found our sound and can’t wait for people to hear it.” This CD contains thirteen songs including the track, “The Only One” produced by Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Guster, Barenaked Ladies) and remixed by Brendan O’Brien.

Raised in Israel on Moshav Meor Modi’im, a musical village in the hills between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Yehuda (vocals, percussion), Duvid (vocals, guitar), and Yosef (vocals, bass) learned and played music since childhood. Their American parents had come to Israel in 1972 – just in time for the Yom Kippur war. They settled on a Moshav – a similar lifestyle to a kibbutz but with more autonomy and independence for the family – where their children were born and raised.

Eventually, American students traveling in Israel heard them play and befriended the members of the band. Taken not only with the beauty of their music, but the band members’ charismatic stage presence, these young kids from the U.S. went back to the States and raised the money to bring MOSHAV to America for a short college tour in 1998. By 2000, the band had moved to Los Angeles.

How did this band come to get signed in America? The group came to the attention of music publisher Ronny Vance, who brought the band’s demo to producer Aniello. After signing to JMG (distributed by Red) Aniello and MOSHAV produced MISPLACED, the very first all English album.

In describing the sound of MOSHAV, Aniello states: “MOSHAV is a passionate and daring fusion of Middle Eastern and Classic American Rock music. Their music transports you to the well worn Streets of Jerusalem, but you're not a tourist...you feel and understand every word. It's like the beginning of time and you're in the same place that Jesus and King David walked, except you have your Ipod on full blast and your fist in the air!”

David concludes, “When we were growing up, the only electrical appliance in the house was a record player. So, while American kids might be growing up watching television and playing video games, we were growing up listening to music.” The music they listened to were the records their parents had brought with them – Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young – and that music, combined with the beat poets they read and embraced continues to influence their songwriting. The particular Moshav that was home to the members of the band had been founded by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, himself a musician, and the young men performed with Rabbi Carlebach as well as on their own.

Upcoming Dates:
NYC - Makor on 3/17
Baltimore - 8X10 on 3/18
Philly - World Cafe Live on 3/19
Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java on 3/20
Teaneck, NJ - Mexacali Blues on 3/21
Boston - Paradise Lounge on 3/22
Pacific Palisdaes, CA - Kehillath Israel Temple on 3/24

# # # #

End o' week musings

This kitty's expression as he nibbles on a Bomb Pop totally sums up my thoughts of "thank goodness it's Friday"! (Also note photos of Joe Walla Band and me with Paul Stoddard of Diescast, but more about them later). It has been one long, tiring week for me, made even longer due to my lack of exciting adventures... unless you consider surgery exciting... Yes, I'll come clean- I wasn't lounging by the pool last week, I had to have a biopsy on Friday. It wasn't all that bad, as my surgeon and her staff were wonderful and the anthesiologist did a great job.

I was afraid because in the past I have woken up on the table in the operating room or made it through to recovery and then woken up so ill that I thought they wouldn't let me ever go home. This time I went to sleep swiftly and calmly and woke up as if I had been sleeping. In fact, I had a really fun dream- I was in a band and all the nurses and doctors were my band mates. They were all in their scrubs, while I was rocked out. I told the nurses and even remembered what instruments they played and one nurse gasped, "You said I was the keyboardist and I play piano!" How's that?!

My mother came to care for me for 5 days and we went out on a long walk every morning (doctor's orders) and I slept deeper than a zombie every afternoon ha ha! My phone rang and rang and I received bouquets, a nice Middle Eastern dinner and happy visits from my friends and co-workers. If it wasn't so darn uncomfortable, it would have been a lot more fun, but...

Thursday I went for my post-op visit and the doctor told me my biopsy report came back negative, although it was still a good thing we removed the mass. She also said I can return to my normal busy self as I feel able. I'd like to thank all of the wonderful people in my life who have been supportive and have kept me in their thoughts and prayers.

The weekend is looking up for me, as I have band practice on Saturday and dance rehearsal Sunday. Valerie promised that if I don't feel up to dancing, she'll treat me to a nice glass of wine and some good conversation-- now that's a deal!

Other good news, Diecast will be at the House of Blues, Hollywood on April 1 www.hob.com; www.diecast1.net. More good stuff to see and hear, include Trash Daddy www.trashdaddy.com at Angel's Roadhouse in Yucaipa on St. Patrick's Day, Joe Walla Band at Angel's Roadhouse on March 24 and Aluminum Marshmallow and the Age of Aquarius Horn Section at the Wistaria Festival in Sierra Madre www.sierramadrechamber.com on March 25.

In rotation this week- Stray Cats, Tribe of Gypsies, Morpheus, Joe Walla, The Bad Cats and Orange Sky.

Keep positive and be thankful for the little joys in life

and as always,

keep on rockin'

Mickie

Gear up for Metal for the Masses

The Century Family is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Metal For the Masses tour, hitting the Avalon in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 14th. The tour is co-headlined by THE HAUNTED and DARK TRANQUILLITY, with support coming from INTO ETERNITY and Scar Symmetry. The Metal For the Masses tour is presented by Hot Topic, Decibel Magazine, Draven Shoes, and Lambgoat.com.

THE HAUNTED are touring in support of their newest album, The Dead Eye. Released on Halloween, The Dead Eye sees the thrash metal legends experimenting with their sound, leading to a more diverse and dynamic effort, while still retaining flashes of the heavy thrash sound that made the band famous within the metal community. On the band's previous album, The Haunted were a featured artist on the 2005 edition of the "Ozzfest" tour. The group has toured in the past with acts such as Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, In Flames, and Damageplan.

DARK TRANQUILLITY are touring in support of their upcoming new album, Fiction, hitting stores on April 24th. Alongside other Swedish melodic thrash acts such as In Flames and At the Gates, DARK TRANQUILLITY were one of the originators of the now-famous "Gothenburg" metal sound. This will be the band's first North American tour since a support run last spring with Opeth and Devildriver.

INTO ETERNITY are based out of Regina, Saskatchewan, and are touring in support of their critically-acclaimed new album, The Scattering of Ashes. This album is the first effort featuring the stylings of new vocalist Stu Block, and spotlights the band's continually evolving mix of progressive metal, thrash metal, and death metal influences. The band is following up a very successful 2006 run that saw them emerge as the breakout artist of last fall's Gigantour, where the band performed alongside heavy metal giants such as Megadeth, Lamb of God, and Arch Enemy.

As mentioned above, this tour will be hitting the Avalon in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 14th.

www.centurymedia.com
www.liquorandpokermusic.com
www.nuclearblastusa.com

Slayer to go Down Under

Coming off a 24-date, SRO North American headlining tour and their first-ever Grammy win, thrash/punk icons SLAYER will head off to Australia for their first tour there in five years. The six dates will begin on April 12 in Perth, and will take the band to the country's major markets - Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, with the April 21 closing date in Auckland, New Zealand. The critically-acclaimed, Grammy-nominated band Mastodon will be special guests on all dates.

As New York's Newsday recently cited, "After 24 years of striking fear into the hearts of parents, Slayer not only continues to reign as one of the world's best-known metal groups, it's starting to earn respect within the music industry as well."

Earlier this month, Slayer was awarded the Grammy for the track "Eyes of the Insane" in the category of Best Metal Performance. "Eyes of the Insane" is on the band's most recent album, "Christ Illusion," which was released on August 8, 2006 and became the band's highest-ever chart debut, coming in at#5 on Billboard's Top 200 in the U.S. "Christ Illusion" was also a top 10 album internationally in its first week.

Even after more than two decades together, Slayer still rules the concert stage.

"All Slayer needs to put on a riveting show is its relentless music," wrote the Washington Post of the band's recent DC performance. At a show earlier this month, the New York Times music, "mellowing is not on the band's docket."

After the Australian dates, Slayer will play the major European festivals over the summer. That itinerary will be announced shortly.
Slayer's Australian tour dates are as follows:
APRIL12 Metro City , Perth, Australia
14 Thebarton Theatre , Adelaide, Australia
15 Vodafone Arena , Melbourne, Australia
17 Hordern Pavilion , Sydney, Australia
19 Riverstage , Brisbane, Australia
21 St. James Theatre , Auckland, NZ

Local band Generation Beautiful readies self-release

Los Angeles-based rock band, Generation Beautiful, possesses a sound that seems tailor-made for modern day radio, as evidenced by any number of tracks from their self-titled live debut album, on Interline Records. The band was formed when Beautiful Creatures guitarist Anthony Focx began writing music with female singer Shelby Goff. As the project progressed, lead guitarist Fred Nilsson, drummer Jerry Vidal, and bassist Jamie Zimlin came aboard with their own, unique musical backgrounds to complete the dynamic quintet. The upcoming eight-song release is sure to please any rock fan.

Generation Beautiful’s music combines heartfelt ballads (“Father”, “Freedom”) with harder hitting rock songs (“Everything”, “This Is Me”, and “Rowdy”). The album was recorded live on stage in front of a high-energy audience, and it faithfully captures the excitement of Generation Beautiful live.

Generation Beautiful - Live was mixed by Focx, whose other production work consists of projects such as Beautiful Creatures’ Deuce, Aerosmith’s recent remake of “Back in the Saddle” for NASCAR on ESPN, Cinder Road’s new album on EMI, and also has worked on the Katherine McPhee track "Home".

The multi-talented Focx has certainly met his musicalmatch with Goff, whose vocal style encompasses raw aggressive strength yet is soulful at the same time. A dynamic live performer, Goff was nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” and won the award for “Rock Single of the Year” at the 2005 Los Angeles Music Awards. As a result, the singer is considered by many to be one of the most promising and upcoming women in rock today.

In addition to playing traditional Southern California rock venues, Generation Beautiful has also taken a unique route towards perfecting their music and stage act. They have performed for the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. As a result the group has received a number of accolades including a write up in the largest international military newspaper Stars and Stripes.

Generation Beautiful – Live will be released April 6, 2007 exclusively in all the major online music stores, including iTunes, Napster, and Rhapsody. The band plans to follow up with a full-length studio record due out Summer 2007. In August 2007 they will embark on yet another tour, this time for the troops in Korea and Japan, to be followed by a US tour.

For more information on the band visit www.generationbeautiful.com

GENERATION BEAUTIFUL - LIVE TRACKLISTING:
01 Intro
02 This Is Me
03 Borrowed Time
04 Freedom
05 Breathe
06 Sweet Caroline
07 Father
08 Everything
09 Rowdy

Frogg Cafe's new album can be preordered

FROGG CAFE Releases Double Live CD "The Safenzee Diaries"

10T Records isthrilled to announce the release of the first official double live CD by Frogg Cafe, entitled "The Safenzee Diaries" on April 10, 2007. This will be the New York based band's 4th official release and their first new release on 10T Records.

Frogg Cafe is a 6 piece band making music that incorporates elements ofprogressive rock, pop melodicism and fusion jazz into a sound that is wholly their own. Peppered with an appealing variety of other flavors including Latin music, bluegrass, modern chamber music and avant-garde/experimental, their energetic live shows feature extended flights of group improvisation that draw grins from hardcore jam-band fans. In fact, it is these live performances that have historically set Frogg Cafe apart, with each show being a unique and exhilarating one of a kind event.

"The Safenzee Diaries" fully captures Frogg Cafe on stage, preserving the world-class musicianship and unexpected interplay that have garnered the band praise from around the world. "The Safenzee Diaries" also incorporates live in the studio jams intertwined between tracks. Additionally, there are energetic reinterpretations of classic Frogg Cafe tunes featuring different solos and sometimes entirely new arrangements, plus three brand new tunes never heard before.

"I'm really excited that Frogg Cafe is releasing our first live (double) CD!" says Frogg Cafe bassist Andrew Sussman. " This is a true representation of the energy of our music, which on a studio album is very hard to achieve. This release represents the best of hundreds of hours of live shows and live in the studio jams. We're also psyched that this is our first release with 10T Records, who have been there for us every step of the way. This really is a road trip musical diary of all of our great memories and crazy moments on stage and off."

"We couldn't be happier with our partnership with Frogg Cafe," says 10T Records president Steve Carroll. "They were one of the bands that we launched our label with and it's very satisfying to be able to bring this fantastic double live CD to the ears of all of their eager fans around the world!"

"The Safenzee Diaries" is available for immediate pre-order throughthe 10T Records website. All orders received between now and the official release date will ship on or before the end of the week prior to the official release. Additionally, all tracks from "The SafenzeeDiaries" are available to listen to in their entirety through the 10T Records website:http://www.10trecords.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=24 After April 10, "The Safenzee Diaries" will be available at your favorite retail outlet for immediate purchase. For further information: www.10trecords.com

INDIE BANDS: Vaux nominated for Shortlist Award; ecodek garners win in Canadian Music Week Awards

DENVER INDIE ROCK OUTFIT “VAUX” NOMINATED FOR SIXTH ANNUAL SHORTLIST MUSIC AWARD

The Shortlist Organization recently announced that the VAUX album Beyond Virtue Beyond Vice has been nominated for the highly regarded Shortlist Music Prize. The Shortlist Music Prize is a peer-selected award that recognizes the most creative and adventurous albums of the year.

The nominees were selected by a panel of listmakers including two journalists from Rolling Stone and CMJ, and recording artists: Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol), Ronnie Vannucci (the killers), Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips), Sufjan Stevens, Franz Ferdinand, Panic! at the Disco, and KT Tunstall. Some of this years other nominees included acts such as: Beck, the Decemberists, TV on the Radio, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Belle and Sebastian, Mute Math, Cat Power, Mates of State, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Strokes among others. In all, artists from ten countries were nominated, including five Scandinavian and five English artists. More than 45 record labels, including VAUX’s Denver based label Outlook Music, released the 61 albums nominated for the award. The five previous shortlist winners include: Sigur Ros, N*E*R*D, Damien Rice, TV on The Radio and Sufjan Stevens.

Listmaker Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol calls this year’s Long list “an incredible list that looks like my own ipod.”


eccodek Wins "Best World Music Group Award" At The 2007 Canadian Music Week Awards

rephlektor inkorporated congratulates eccodek (aka the multi-ethnic collective led by Canadian producer Andrew McPherson) on being named "Best World Music Group" at the 2007 Canadian Music Awards ("The Indies.") Other notable winners included Arctic Monkeys, Feist, MSTRKRFT and Wolfmother. For more info visit http://www.cmw.net/cmw2007/awards_indies.asp

eccodek's victory at the The Indies precedes the April 24 US release of their new album Voices Have Eyes - the follow up to 2006's widely acclaimed More Africa In Us. eccodek's Voices Have Eyes continues to explore the crossroads where global groove, dub and electronica converge, expanding on a palate shaped by such innovators as African Head Charge, Bill Laswell, Mad Professor and Kruder & Dorfmeister.

Now in its 25th year, Canadian Music Week is the single longest running and premiere conference focusing on the Canadian Music business. CMW combines informative, intensive conferences, cutting edge trade exposition, award shows & Canada's biggest New Music Festival.

The Indies officially kicked off Rogers Wireless CMW 2007 on Wednesday March 7, 2007 at Toronto's The Docks Entertainment Complex. The show featured performances by Wolfmother and The Stills, among others.


Here's what the press said about eccodek's previous release, More Africa In Us

"One of the most outstanding contemporary dub albums to come out of this country."- eye Magazine (Toronto)

"The overall hypnosis is thoroughly enjoyable...like Frederic Galliano accomplished with his 'African Divas'"- Global Rhythm

"Tired of waiting for new work by Massive Attack? Then Andrew McPherson's thrilling creation eccodek may be what you need."-Arkansas Democrat

"...An ethereal, atmospheric, global soundtrack."- Toronto Star

"Hypnotic and near otherworldly offering of tribal beats and sensual grooves."- San Francisco Bay Times

For more information about eccodek please visit:

http://www.eccodek.com
http://www.whiteswanrecords.com/
http://myspace.com/eccodek

Gibson Guitar launches Cleveland Rocks! artist event

Gibson Guitar, the world’s premiere musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology is proud to announce CLEVELAND ROCKS!, a special arts project featuring fifty Gibson Les Paul Guitars creatively designed by local visual artists, musicians and celebrities. The fifty Gibson Guitars will be displayed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum beginning in mid-May. The guitars will then be auctioned off by Julien’s Auctions with the proceeds benefiting the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.

This community arts project is a wonderful opportunity for Cleveland based visual artists, musicians and celebrities to be involved in a unique art project and an opportunity for visual artists to garner international press awareness by displaying their artistic talents on the world’s most coveted guitars.

“It was only fitting that we support the city which gave us the phrase Rock-n-Roll and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “Our guitars are played by numerous artists who have called Cleveland their home and we hope the Cleveland Rocks project strikes a chord with everyone.”

Chris Carmody, President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, said, “We at the Film Commission present Cleveland’s unique features to entice film producers to bring their projects here”. We are grateful for Gibson Guitar’s support, and for giving Cleveland artists a great opportunity to show off their own unique talents.”

Local artists interested in participating in designing a guitar for CLEVELAND ROCKS! may download an application at www.clevelandfilm.com beginning Thursday, March 15, 2007. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 4. Due to the nature of the project, there will be no extensions of the deadline. The artwork/artists chosen will be notified on Monday, April 9, 2007 and will be chosen by a selected group at the Greater Film Commission.

Each chosen artist will receive a Gibson Les Paul guitar model base to paint and will be part of all press and promotional campaigns for the project. Each artist will also be noted on a special plaque which will accompany the painted guitars at the Rock Hall exhibit and receive an invitation to the gala auction event.

For more information, interested parties can also call the Greater Cleveland Film Commission at (216) 623-3910.

About Greater Cleveland Film Commission:
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission was established in 1998 to promote the increased production of film, television, video, radio, and other types of media in northeast Ohio. The film commission has brought in over $26 million dollars through film and television projects which have generated economic benefits for the region and increased training and job opportunities for northeast Ohioans. For more information go to www.clevelandfilm.com

About Gibson Guitar:
Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Gibson’s HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Maestro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Gibson Baldwin Music Education, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, Baldwin, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com or www.gibson.com/press

Metal underground heroes Clutch on tour with new album

Clutch has been kings of the metal underground for years by this point – on the strength of such past classic as ‘The Elephant Riders’ and ‘Pure Rock Fury.’ But with their latest release, ‘From Beale Street to Oblivion,’ the quintet – which includes oft-bearded singer Neil Fallon, guitarist Tim Sult, bassist Dan Maines, drummer Jean-Paul Gaster, and organist Mick Schauer – Clutch is threatening to infiltrate the mainstream full-on. And it’s not that the group has softened their sound at all, it’s just that it’s arguably the band’s strongest album from front-to-back. Produced by Joe Barresi (who has worked with Kyuss, Tool, Melvins, Queens Of The Stone Age, etc.), the twelve track album touches upon a myriad of hard rock styles – stoner rock, southern rock, blues metal, and plenty of tasty jams.

“This is probably the most ‘live’ album we have recorded,” enthuses Fallon about ‘Beale Street.’ “We went out for a few weeks, and played the music on the road. So, when we went into the studio, all of us knew exactly what was going to happen - a first for Clutch. I don’t know why we haven’t done it this way all along; it’s so much easier. We also recorded the basic tracks directly onto tape. Nothing digital in there at all. We haven’t done that since ‘The Elephant Riders’. And this record has a few more bluesy elements than has been the case in the past, but nothing so blatant that it could be called alien to what we do.”

One of rock’s most hard-working live bands, Clutch will be supporting the March 27th release of the album (which is their third for the DRT label) with a world tour – including U.S., European, and Australian dates, as well as an appearance at the mammoth Bonnaroo Festival on June 14th.

“Musically, we’ve become much more of a rock ’n’ roll band now, as opposed to being a metal or hardcore one,” says Fallon. “Our style is riff oriented, with a swing. It’s never been a calculated move; we just followed our instinct, and that is leading us closer to those bands to whom we listened in our childhood. Bands which are now termed as ‘classic rock’.”

With ‘From Beale Street to Oblivion,’ it won’t be long until Fallon and company are mentioned in the same breath as their classic rock heroes.

CLUTCH "FROM BEALS STREET TO OBLIVION" confirmed tracklisting:
1. You Can't Stop Progress 2:40
2. Power Player 3:05
3. The Devil & Me 3:55
4. White's Ferry 5:23
5. Child of the City 3:51
6. Electric Worry 5:15
7. One Eye Dollar 1:24
8. Rapture of Riddley Walker 4:08
9. When Vegans Attack 4:54
10. Opossum Minister 4:27
11. Black Umbrella 4:05
12. Mr. Shiny Cadillackness 5:11

LIVE DATES INCLUDE:
Wed 03/14/07 Chicago, IL Metro / Smart Bar
Thu 03/15/07 Detroit, MI State Theatre
Fri 03/16/07 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
Sat 03/17/07 Toronto, ON Opera House
Mon 03/19/07 Cambridge, MA Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
Tue 03/20/07 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Wed 03/21/07 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
Fri 03/23/07 Norfolk, VA The NorVa
Sat 03/24/07 Charlotte, NC Tremont Music Hall / The Casbah
Tue 04/03/07 Stoke, UK The Sugarmill
Wed 04/04/07 Manchester, UK Academy 3
Thu 04/05/07 Glasgow, UK The Garage
Fri 04/06/07 Birmingham, UK Barfly
Sat 04/07/07 Oxford, UK Zodiac
Sun 04/08/07 London, UK Mean Fiddler
Tue 04/10/07 Portsmouth, UK Wedgewood Rooms
Wed 04/11/07 Northampton, UK Soundhaus
Thu 04/12/07 Nottingham, UK Rock City
Fri 04/13/07 Newport, UK T.J.'s
Sat 04/14/07 Colchester, UK Colchester Arts Centre
Sun 04/15/07 Sheffield, UK Corporation
Tue 04/17/07 Ghent, BEL Charlatan
Wed 04/18/07 Cologne, GER Underground
Thu 04/19/07 Bochum, GER Matrix
Fri 04/20/07 Tilburg, NET Roadburn Festival
Sat 04/21/07 Hamburg, GER Molotow
Sun 04/22/07 Malmo, SWE KB Club
Mon 04/23/07 Stockholm, SWE Debaser
Wed 04/25/07 Helsinki, FIN Nosturi
Fri 04/27/07 Oslo, NOR Oslo Spektrum Arena ANS
Sat 04/28/07 Goteborg, SWE Sticky Fingers
Sun 04/29/07 Copenhagen, DEN The Rock
Fri 05/11/07 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Sat 05/12/07 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
Sun 05/13/07 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Tues 05/15/07 Cincinnati, OH Bogarts
Thurs 05/17/07 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Fri 05/18/07 Lawrence, KS Granada
Sat 05/19/07 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre
Mon 05/21/07 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
Wed 05/23/07 San Francisco, CA Slim's
Thurs 05/24/07 Los Angeles, CA Roxy Theatre
Fri 05/25/07 Los Angeles, CA Roxy Theatre
Sat 05/26/07 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
Thurs 05/31/07 Brisbane, AUS The Zoo
Fri 06/01/07 Sydney, AUS The Metro
Sat 06/02/07 Melbourne, AUS Hi Fi
Thurs 06/14/07 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Festival

For more information, visit Clutch’s official website: www.pro-rock.com

Bleed the Dream on tour and ready to release 2nd CD

Southern California’s BLEED THE DREAM will release their second full-length CD KILLER INSIDE April 10 on Warcon Records. Co-produced by acclaimed producer Garth “GGGarth” Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Rise Against, Atreyu), Ben Kaplan and the band--DAVE AGUILERA (guitar), KEITH THOMPSON (bass and vocals), MARK HOLMES (vocals) and TOM BREYFOGLE (drums)--KILLER INSIDE features the pulsating rock track and lead single "Closer."

In other news, BLEED THE DREAM is confirmed to play the entire Vans Warped Tour this summer and will join The Almost, The Briggs, Meg & Dia and K-OS for the tour’s kick-off party on Friday, April 13 in Los Angeles. Vans Warped Tour dates launch June 28 in San Diego, CA and wrap August 25 in Los Angeles. BLEED THE DREAM will also perform at a special showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas on Saturday, March 17.

Equally aggressive and melodic, KILLER INSIDE features such songs as “You’ll Have To Lie, To Be Honest,” “Vampires (Don’t Kill For The Money),” “This Parking Lot’s A Murder Scene,” “Tell Someone Who Cares,” “Considering, This Time It Was Me” and “Tongue Tied.” The darkly beautiful and emotive tracks on KILLER INSIDE are a poignant tribute to Scott Gottlieb, the band’s original drummer who lost his battle to cancer in April 2006. “Musically, these are the best songs we’ve ever written,” notes bassists AGUILERA when discussing the band’s decision to continue after losing Scott. “That’s all you can do in life…keep going.”

BLEED THE DREAM has amassed widespread fans through their non-stop touring schedule. The band has spent time on both the Vans Warped Tour and Taste Of Chaos Tour and has performed with Hawthorne Heights, Pennywise, Yellowcard and Funeral For A Friend, among others. A recent tour with critically acclaimed and cutting-edge Japanese metal act Dir en grey has solidified the band’s place as one of the hard music scene’s emerging artists.

The current tour dates are as follows:
Date City Venue
SXSW:
Sat 3/17 Austin, TX Spiro’s (611 Red River, 7:30pm)

Vans Warped Tour Kick-off Party:
Fri 4/13 Los Angeles, CA Key Club

Vans Warped Tour:
Thu 6/28 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre
Fri 6/29 Pomona, CA Pomona Fairgrounds
Sat 6/30 Ventura, CA Seaside Park
Sun 7/1 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
Tue 7/3 Vancouver, BC Thunderbird Stadium
Thu 7/5 Calgary, AB Race City Speedway
Sat 7/7 Salt Lake City, UT Utah State Fairgrounds
Sun 7/8 Denver, CO TBA
Wed 7/11 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
Thu 7/12 Las Cruces, NM NMSU Practice Field
Fri 7/13 San Antonio, TX Verizon Amphitheatre Lot
Sat 7/14 Dallas, TX TBA
Sun 7/15 Houston, TX Reliant Center
Wed 7/18 Atlanta, GA Hi Fi Amphitheatre
Thu 7/19 Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Park
Fri 7/20 Tampa, FL Vinoy Park
Sat 7/21 Miami, FL Bayfront Amphitheatre
Sun 7/22 Orlando, FL Tinker Field
Mon 7/23 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Tue 7/24 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Wed 7/25 Washington, DC Merriweather Post Pavilion
Thu 7/26 Scranton, PA Montage Mountain Amphitheatre
Fri 7/27 Detroit, MI Co America Park + Street
Sat 7/28 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun 7/29 Minneapolis, MN Metrodome
Tue 7/31 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre
Wed 8/1 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Centre
Thu 8/2 Cleveland, OH Tower City Amphitheatre
Fri 8/3 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center
Sat 8/4 New York, NY Nassau Coliseum
Sun 8/5 Englishtown, NJ Raceway Park
Tue 8/7 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Wed 8/8 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion
Thu 8/9 Boston, MA Tweeter Center Lot
Fri 8/10 Buffalo, NY Darien Lakes Field
Sat 8/11 Toronto, ON Park Place
Sun 8/12 Montreal, ON Park Jean Drapeau
Tue 8/14 St. Louis, MO UMB Bank Pavilion
Wed 8/15 Kansas City, KS Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Fri 8/17 Boise, ID Idaho Center Amphitheatre
Sat 8/18 Seattle, WA Gorge
Sun 8/19 Portland, OR Columbia Meadows
Thu 8/23 Fresno, CA Selland Arena
Fri 8/24 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre Lot
Sat 8/25 Los Angeles, CA Home Depot Center


For additional information on BLEED THE DREAM, visit:
www.bleedthedream.com
www.myspace.com/bleedthedream
www.warconent.com

Gibson & Jimmy Page team up for new guitar

Gibson Guitar, the world's premier musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology has partnered with legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to produce a limited-edition replica of Page's iconic double-neck guitar. The guitar was created through a partnership with Page and the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tenn. and is based on the specifications of Page's original '71 Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck model that boasted a 12-string electric on top and a six-string electric on bottom.

Throughout Led Zeppelin's golden years in the '70s, Page's majestic double neck was a fixture of the band's legendary live shows; just the sight of the iconic, distinctive SG Double Neck, slung around Page's neck spellbound audiences and elicited their howling approval.

The replica took a little over a year to create with hands-on analysis throughout the process from Page himself. The discussion between Page and Gibson Guitar started back in 2004 when Gibson introduced his signature Les Paul Standard. Gibson revisited the idea again in 2005, following the overwhelming success of his Signature Les Paul, and the project began to evolve. The Gibson Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck is a precise duplicate of Page's original EDS-1275 guitar. Gibson has made only 25 Limited Edition Aged Double Necks that replicate every detail of Page's iconic guitar "ding for ding," featuring 20-fret rosewood fingerboards on both necks, period-correct headstock style for 12-string with a Page profile neck, master volume and tone controls for each neck, a "master" three-position pickup selector switch, as well as a three-position toggle switch for engaging the pickups on either or both necks.

The replicas also feature a weathered Heritage Cherry finish that is unique to the new model and will be enhanced on the 25 Limited Edition Aged models with authentic custom aging by Gibson Custom. Each of the 25 Limited Edition Aged guitars will feature Page's signature on the rear of the headstocks, plus a certificate of authenticity signed by Page, as well as, a specially designed Custom Shop case, the acclaimed two-DVD Led Zeppelin box set and a copy of a private interview with Page regarding the Double Neck. These 25 exact replicas will list for $33,500. Gibson has also produced 250 Vintage Original Spec Signature Double Necks that don't feature the same aging or a signature on the headstock but will be accompanied by a standard certificate of authenticity which will retail for $10,000-$12,000.

"Working with Jimmy Page has proven, once again, to be a wonderfully rewarding experience," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "We are thrilled to be able to offer fans the replica of his legendary double-neck guitar which will put his unique sound and style right at his fan's fingertips."

Gibson's Aged Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck specifications:

Model: Aged Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck
Pickups: Jimmy Page Pickups (Unique to his Custom Shop signature models)
Hardware: Chrome
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 24 ¾"
Nut Width: 1.687" for six-string, 1.715" for 12-string
Nut: Corian
Bridge: Chrome ABR
Neck Material: One-Piece Mahogany
Body Material: Period-Correct Solid Mahogany
Controls: Master volume and tone controls for each neck. A "master" three-position pickup selector switch. Three-position toggle switch for engaging the pickups on either or both necks.
Colors: Dark Cherry
Date Available: 250 Vintage Original Spec Models Available Now - Call Your Authorized Gibson Dealer to Learn More
25 Aged & Signed Models available March 18th

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Gibson's HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Maestro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Gibson Baldwin Music Education, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, Baldwin, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson's website at www.gibson.com or www.gibson.com/press

Bad Religion, Tiger Army & The Briggs to play benefit

The historic Santa Monica Civic will host rock pioneers Bad Religion with special guests Tiger Army and The Briggs for one unprecedented concert on April 6 benefiting Heal the Bay.

The joining together of these three bands combined with the backdrop of the Santa Monica Bay is the perfect setting for this special event. Heal the Bay (www.healthebay.org) is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean for people and marine life.

Headlining the night is Bad Religion whom has been diligently working in the studio on their fourteenth album which is slated for release on July 10th. After relentless touring over the past few years in support of 2004's The Empire Strikes First, songwriting principals and co-founders Brett Gurewitz (guitar) and Greg Graffin (vocals) have teamed up with Grammy-nominated producer Joe Baresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age) for the band's latest effort.

Southern California phenomenon Tiger Army will provide direct support to Bad Religion. Their upcoming album Music From Regions Beyond, hailed by Alternative Press as one of this year’s “Most Anticipated Albums,” is their definitive work. Produced by Jerry Finn (AFI, Blink 182, Rancid), the album follows worldwide touring with AFI, Social Distortion, Rancid and Morrissey. It includes the lead single "Forever Fades Away" (featuring AFI's Davey Havok and longtime Morrissey collaborator Alain Whyte).

Opening the night is none other then The Briggs. The Briggs cut their teeth in the Southern California music scene by patching together an urgent, swaggering and infectious brew from the best parts of rock, punk, oi!, folk and reggae. Tickets for this event are already on sale. To participate in the special KROQ pre-sale, go to www.KROQ.com for more information.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 at 7:30 PM
SANTA MONICA CIVIC

Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets including Wherehouse Music, select Macy’s locations and Ritmo Latino. To charge by phone, call (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

PRODUCED BY NEDERLANDER CONCERTS in association with RIGHT ARM ENTERTAINMENT

Vans Warped Tour news

The VANS WARPED TOUR® is well established as America’s longest-running touring festival, breaking up-and-coming indie talent as well as showcasing established artists for the past 12 years. It has cemented its place in history by playing a major role in bringing punk-rock/skate/action sports culture from the underground to the forefront of American youth culture, while at the same time creating awareness and taking action towards environmental and causes and helping those in need. June 28, 2007 in San Diego, CA marks the kick-off of the “Lucky 13” year for the traveling punk rock summer camp which will feature a diverse array of artists as well as a variety of lifestyle attractions for its traditionally low ticket price.

Bands for the 45-date tour that Alternative Press readers voted the “Best Tour/Festival” of 2006 and Rolling Stone called “America’s most successful festival” (2005) have been revealed via the tour’s website: www.warpedtour.com/warpedtour/band.asp. Please note that not all bands are on every tour date and the line-up is subject to change.

Showing his enthusiasm about the variety of musical talent that will join WARPED this year, tour founder and producer Kevin Lyman elaborates on the massive number of band submissions for this summer’s trek: “We received over 4000 submissions, so in booking the tour this year I felt that a diverse line-up was in order. The tour has always been a place to explore and discover new music. This year’s line-up has old school, emo, punk, screamo, hip-hop, more ska than you have seen in a long time and everything in between. If you’re open minded, this will be a great show.”

The VANS WARPED TOUR® 2007 Presented By The New AT&T annual early Internet pre-sale for members of the www.warpedtour.com community will begin Sunday, April 1 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Through this special offer, fans will receive a concert ticket and a copy of the Vans Warped Tour double compilation CD for only $19.99 plus 25 cents for the Hollywood Heart* charity and a nominal convenience charge. After the limited pre-sale tickets sell out or when tickets officially go on sale in each market, tickets will return to their regular price of approximately $25.00, plus applicable Ticketmaster charges.

In other news, the tour will continue to implement and develop its “Warped Eco Initiatives” (WEI), including: biodiesel fuel for touring trucks and buses, environmentally friendly catering for bands and crew courtesy of Tada Catering and a solar-powered sound system. In 2007, WARPED will also team with Philippe Cousteau’s environmental organization Earth Echo International, which “empowers individuals to take action to sustain and enhance our water planet.” Lyman and the VANS WARPED TOUR strive to develop multiple ways to help the environment and create awareness through action.

Underlining the cultural relevance of the Vans Warped Tour and its significance to the punk-rock/skate community, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland recently unveiled a 2007 exhibit and time capsule that document the story of the Warped Tour from its inception in 1995 through the present. The exhibit, “Warped: 12 Years of Music, Mayhem and More,” opened January 27 and runs through September 3, 2007. The presentation features memorabilia from No Doubt, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, NOFX, New Found Glory, My Chemical Romance, Joan Jett, Dropkick Murphys, Bouncing Souls, Rancid, Helmet, Taking Back Sunday, Senses Fail, All-American Rejects and others. When the initial six-month exhibit ends, these items will be put into a “time capsule” to be stored at the Museum for 25 years, opened at a special event in 2031 and again displayed for an additional six months.

The media also continues to support the VANS WARPED TOUR. Here’s a sample of the critical acclaim from 2006:

"...the tour has maintained its DIY spirit by letting bands set up their own booths to sell T-shirts and stickers. It also continues to offer an area for political and social-cause tents (the One Project to end hunger in Africa, the Democratic Party and the Truth anti-smoking campaign). Smaller music stages and tents throughout the event also help keep Warped feeling authentic. You never know what strange new crew you might discover playing fervently to a scant few on the fest's outskirts...The continued success of the festival…continues to suggest that there will always be an audience for clamorous hard-core music…seeing it all in a new environment such as Dodger Stadium definitely made for a home run."
--Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles Times, July 14, 2006

“The Warped Tour is often described as a launching pad for young bands…as Joan Jett and some of the other veterans have figured out, this launching pad makes a pretty comfortable landing pad too. The Warped Tour is a place you can go after you have gone places.”
--Kelefa Sanneh, New York Times, August 7, 2006

“Warped is a great place to discover soon-to-blow-up bands…”
--Sarah Lewitinn, SPIN, July 2006

“Uniting relentless aggression with ruthless efficiency…this surprisingly nimble monolith of disaffected youth culture is as strong as ever.”
--Jason Ferguson, Revolver, October 2006

“With more than a hundred acts, dozens of buses and enough vegan hash to serve a thousand punks, the mammoth Warped Tour caravan is rolling from coast to coast in its twelfth summer, kicking up a dust cloud of punk pop, emo, hardcore, screamo and thrash.”
--Jenny Eliscu, Rolling Stone, August 10, 2006

“Forget world peace or eliminating hunger: Everybody knows it’s the Vans Warped Tour that brings us together. Twelve years in, and Warped remains the punk paradise where, each summer, we get the chance to see in one day more great bands than one human brain can possibly process for a ticket that costs less than most band t-shirts.”
--Alternative Press, June 2006

“For a dozen years, Lyman and Warped have continuously pumped new blood-fans and bands-into the punk-rock scene, contributing significantly to the genre’s vitality.”
--Ray Waddell, Billboard, August 5, 2006

“Perhaps the greenest of the green--and we aren’t just talking about the colour of the spiky hair…”
--Vit Wagner, TORONTO STAR, July 29, 2007 (regarding “Warped Eco Initiatives”)


The VANS WARPED TOUR continues to enhance the fan experience year-round via the free Warped Community at www.warpedtour.com. 2007 brings many new features to the site, including: Individual Pages with personal profiles, the option to link to a MySpace profile and ability to connect with others who will be attending the same shows; Band Pages where fans can connect with bands, listen to streaming music and more; Vintage Warped Pages where fans can post photos and comments about tours from previous years; and easier access to contests for community members who log into the site.

The current tour dates and venues are as follows:

Date City Venue
Thu 6/28 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre
Fri 6/29 Pomona, CA Pomona Fairgrounds
Sat 6/30 Ventura, CA Seaside Park
Sun 7/1 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
Tue 7/3 Vancouver, BC Thunderbird Stadium
Thu 7/5 Calgary, AB Race City Speedway
Sat 7/7 Salt Lake City, UT Utah State Fairgrounds
Sun 7/8 Denver, CO TBA
Wed 7/11 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
Thu 7/12 Las Cruces, NM NMSU Practice Field
Fri 7/13 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Lot
Sat 7/14 Dallas, TX TBA
Sun 7/15 Houston, TX Reliant Center
Wed 7/18 Atlanta, GA Hi Fi Amphitheatre
Thu 7/19 Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Park
Fri 7/20 Tampa, FL Vinoy Park
Sat 7/21 Miami, FL Bayfront Amphitheatre
Sun 7/22 Orlando, FL Tinker Field
Mon 7/23 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Tue 7/24 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Wed 7/25 Washington, DC Merriweather Post Pavilion
Thu 7/26 Scranton, PA Montage Mountain Amphitheatre
Fri 7/27 Detroit, MI Comerica Park and street
Sat 7/28 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun 7/29 Minneapolis, MN Metrodome
Tue 7/31 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre
Wed 8/1 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Centre
Thu 8/2 Cleveland, OH Tower City Amphitheatre
Fri 8/3 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center
Sat 8/4 New York, NY Nassau Coliseum
Sun 8/5 Englishtown, NJ Raceway Park
Tue 8/7 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Wed 8/8 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion
Thu 8/9 Boston, MA Tweeter Center Lot
Fri 8/10 Buffalo, NY Darien Lakes Field
Sat 8/11 Toronto, ON Park Place
Sun 8/12 Montreal, ON Park Jean Drapeau
Tue 8/14 St. Louis, MO UMB Bank Pavilion
Wed 8/15 Kansas City, KS Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Fri 8/17 Boise, ID Idaho Center Amphitheatre
Sat 8/18 Seattle, WA Gorge
Sun 8/19 Portland, OR Columbia Meadows
Thu 8/23 Fresno, CA Selland Arena
Fri 8/24 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre Lot
Sat 8/25 Los Angeles, CA Home Depot Center


The Vans Warped Tour® is made possible through the support of Vans®, title sponsors AT&T Wireless, Fuse, Hot Topic, truth, Monster Energy and Hansen’s Sodas, Lost Beverage, Guitar Center, Harley Davidson, Lucky 13, Sabian, SRH Clothing, Smart Punk, West 49, MySpace.com, Hurley, Circuit City, Energizer® e2™, Ernie Ball, Trojan, NAMM, Alternative Press and SPIN magazine and many others.

* Hollywood Heart (www.camppacificheartland.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing recreational opportunities through a summer camping program for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.