The Riff Effect, electric guitar and rock music at its best!

Jeff Green The story of "Jessica"

2011-04-21T09:41:00.007+03:00

Filed under: Contemporary Classic Rock — Real Rock News @ 4:13 pm

http://www.realrocknews.com/

Although time does not allow to me to become familiar with all of the new “contemporary classic” artists that come onto the scene, I’m always happy to share news of artists that fall into that category and are appealing to my tastes. One such artist is Jeff Green, a California native who currently resides in Ireland.

Jeff’s background includes a stint with the Eagles tribute band Illegal Eagles, which he found himself fronting after being asked to join during 1997. His new album, Jessica, is likely to resonate with fans who share his passion for some of the classic groups that were influential in his own musical development. Yes, Rush, The Who and Pink Floyd are cited as some of Green’s most important influences, and are the influences he leaned on most heavily during the creation of Jessica.

Although the music that makes up Jessica may bring joy to fans, it was a result of Green’s own personal grief that he suffered due the tragic loss of his daughter during childbirth in 1996. Despite the tremendous grief he experienced, he was eventually able to come to peace with his grief and realize that he had to honor her the best way he knew how: With music.

The musical influences that led Green to become the kind of writer and performer he is probably goes a long way towards my appreciation for this album which might best be described as progressive rock with almost palpable pensive overtones. However, the musical content of this album is not limited to ballads, as might be assumed after knowing about the events that inspired it.

“Future,” the first track, features up-tempo segments with soaring guitars and a “classic” synthesizer piece that is certainly reminiscent of many hits from the 70’s and 80’s that are so familiar to many of us. “On This Night” delivers similar up-tempo content, once again featuring guitar and synthesizer that’s held together with solid performances by both the bass player and drummer. I certainly cannot find fault with the musicians Green enlisted to record this album with him.

The remaining ten tracks will escape my attempts to adequately describe them, but for me, I found something worthwhile in every one. In other words, it’s one of this albums I can just queue up and listen to from start to finish without any nagging desire to hit the “Forward Track” button. That’s not likely to be true for everyone, of course, but it’s these kinds of albums that are easy for me to talk about. When I come across something I don’t care for, I find it extraordinarily difficult to say too much beyond “I don’t care for it.”

Eleven years in the making, Jessica is not only a tribute to his daughter, but also an effort to help other parents who have to endure the pain that results from bearing a stillborn child. All proceeds from the sale of the album will be donated to Southend General Hospital for the purpose of constructing a dedicated space or bereavement room for grieving parents.

Jessica can be sampled on Jeff Green’s MySpace page and purchased on his website

http://www.myspace.com/jeffreyrgreen

Love Will Set you Free - Whitesnake

2011-02-14T21:50:00.004+02:00

Forevermore is the 11th studio album by English hard rock band Whitesnake, which will be released on March 25, 2011 in Europe and March 29, 2011 in the US.
The album will be released on vinyl in addition to CD. A special edition of the album, called 'Snake Pack' will be released in England only, and will contain 2 bonus live tracks, a 132 pages magazine, a pin as well as special album artwork.
The two live bonus tracks are a teaser for an upcoming live album, recorded in 1990 at Donington Park ("Live at Donington 1990") due for release in the summer of 2011 A world tour to promote the album has been announced.
A digital single for the song "Love Will Set You Free" will be released, along with a video for the song, on February 21, 2011.

BON SCOTT's 'Round And Round' Due This Month

2011-02-10T22:48:00.004+02:00

Starline Media Entertainment has set a February 22 release date for Bon Scott's "Round And Round", featuring rare recordings made prior to the singer joining Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. The album is based around the three-track "Round And Round" single that Scott recorded with Peter Cross of the MOUNT LOFTY RANGERS in 1973.

Producer Ted Yanni has devoted two years to bringing Scott back to life, assisted by many like-minded friends, musicians and technicians.

"Round And Round" also features material from Scott's pre-AC/DC band FRATERNITY.

"Round And Round" track listing:

01. Carey Gully

02. Round And Round

03. To Know You Is To Love You

04. She Said

05. Every Day You Have To Cry

06. I Can't Dance With You

07. Peculiar Hole In The Sky

08. Love Makes Sweet Music

09. Can Hear The Raindrops

10. Why Me

11. Sooky Sooky

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153641

Check out audio samples from

http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/Bon-Scott-Round-And-Round-The-For/hnum/4980304

QUEEN: FIRST FIVE ALBUMS RE-ISSUED

2011-01-29T10:35:00.002+02:00

QUEEN: FIRST FIVE ALBUMS RE-ISSUED ON ISLAND RECORDS – MARCH 14th 2011

We've created a band page for Queen including the latest photos, videos and reviews. Go check it out.

by GOD

Posted on 26th January 2011

“We aimed for the top slot and we were not going to be satisfied with anything less.” Freddie Mercury

March 2011 sees the re-release of Queen's first five albums - one of the most exciting and influential back catalogues of all time. Recorded in the maelstrom of the early 1970’s London music scene Queen created a groundbreaking and unique soundtrack that remains globally influential today. Theatrical, imaginative, diverse, melodic and unpredictable they had a sound and a look all of their own. Sitting alongside their contemporaries like Led Zep and David Bowie, Queen set the standard for British rock in the 1970’s and became one of the most thrilling, glamorous and downright rock n roll bands of all time, directly influencing a contemporary roll call of artists from Foo Fighters & Axl Rose to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

“Queen”, “Queen II”, “Sheer Heart Attack”, “A Night At The Opera” and “A Day At The Races” have been specially re-mastered and each will be released as a standard CD as well as a deluxe 2 disc set which will feature new bonus content. Each deluxe album will be released on iTunes featuring bonus tracks plus additional sleeve notes, unseen pictures and videos.

From the pure raw rock of “Queen” through to the majestic anthems on “A Day At The Races”, the first five albums highlight the diverse talent, musical ambition and already global success of a band made up of some of the best songwriters, musicians and performers of all time.

‘Queen’, recently nominated by Dave Grohl as his favourite album of all time, was recorded in the same studio that David Bowie was recording Ziggy Stardust. Because they didn’t have any money, the album was recorded on Bowie's downtime, so Queen were literally recording at 3AM after Bowie had gone to bed. ‘Queen’ is their heaviest album, influenced by The Who, Hendrix and Led Zep and contains some of their hardest rocking songs, and also some of their most imaginative. Like all subsequent Queen albums, no two songs sound the same and there are mixtures of light and shade, the band teasing one minute with a lullaby, then blowing your head off.

‘Queen II’ is the real beginning of Queen as we know it. It’s the first time we hear the multi layered overdubs, the harmonies, the varied musical styles (ballads, folk, blues, thrash metal, pop and rock, it’s all there). It also includes their first hit single ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’, which led to the first of many iconic performances on Top of the Pops. The band recorded ‘Queen II’ in just over a month in 1973 ahead of its release in 1974. The album cover was shot by legendary photographer Mick Rock and inspired by a Marlene Dietrich portrait. The image was later brought to life in the revolutionary Bohemian Rhapsody video.

‘Sheer Heart Attack’, Roger Taylor’s favourite Queen album, was released in 1974 and reached Number 2 in the UK. Prior to this Queen were mostly considered a heavy rock band, but this album experimented with a variety of musical genres, including music hall, heavy metal, ballads and ragtime. At this point Queen started to move away from the progressive tendencies of their first two releases into a more radio-friendly, song-orientated style, illustrated by ‘Killer Queen’, which was their biggest hit at that point reaching No 2 in the UK. It also went to No 12 in the US Billboard Charts, the first of many hits there. A song about a high-class call girl, it contains the guitar solo that Brian May is most proud of and won Freddie his first Ivor Novello Award.

‘A Night at The Opera’, named after the Marx Bros film, is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time. Exceptional on every level, musically, lyrically and artistically, Queen took the strongest elements of their previous two albums to make the ultimate winning combination. The most expensive album ever recorded at that time, it delivered rock, opera, heavy metal, romance, ballads, pop, sci-fi folk, music hall, ‘trad jazz’ and even the National Anthem. The album contains perhaps the most famous rock song of all time, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which went on to spend fourteen weeks and number one, be voted Song of the Millennium, become the only song in history to reach Xmas No 1 twice and sell a million copies on two separate occasions. Queen also recorded the first official pop promo for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as they were on tour and could not appear on Top of The Pops and this video paved the way for MTV and VH1.

By 1976, Queen were back in the studio recording ‘A Day At The Races’, which was written and recorded by Queen at their happiest, riding on the crest of a wave and loving every second. The album is an infectiously jubilant piece of music full of love, optimism and good old fashioned rock and roll. Like ‘A Night at the Opera’ it again borrowed the name of a Marx Bros movie, and its cover was similar to that of ‘A Night at the Opera’, a variation on the same Queen Crest. It reached number one on the British charts and features the classics ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, Freddie Mercury’s personal favourite composition ‘Somebody To Love’ and ‘Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy’

http://www.queenonline.com/

FULL TRACKLISTINGS FOR EACH ALBUM:

http://livemusic.fm/news/queen-first-five-albums-re-issued-island-records-%E2%80%93-march-14th-2011

Former Scorpions And UFO Members Form New Band

2010-12-14T13:12:00.002+02:00

New ‘Classic’ Albums DVD A Must-have For Serious Rush Fans

2010-11-20T19:18:00.001+02:00

Filed under: CD/DVD Reviews,Rush — Real Rock News @ 9:30 am

Regrettably, I’ve been sitting on this one a while since it landed on my desk just before I was set to take off for a week, but I’m back now and I’ve just finished watching 2112 & Moving Pictures: Classic Albums on DVD. It may be my favorite Rush DVD release thus far.

There’s no doubt that Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage was great and I enjoyed it immensely, but if you want to get a bit more technical with the amazing musicians of Rush, this DVD is for you.

What was unique about this release was that it was centered around two of the group’s most recognized and important albums. 2112, the Rush classic that propelled them to fame after nearly being dropped by their record label, and Moving Pictures, an album that consists of material that has built itself a reputation as the most-requested in the band’s extensive catalog.

Fans expecting a “concert” DVD may be disappointed by this one. Although there is plenty of Rush music sprinkled throughout, it’s more about the creative force behind the music of two albums that helped make Rush one of the top-selling rock bands in history.

The reason I love this DVD is because of its lack of theatrics. I’ve always been frustrated by video releases of live performances that seem to be more about the pyrotechnics, light shows and screaming fans than it is about actually showing what’s going on with the band. And let’s not even talk about the relentless barrage of 2-second, seizure-inducing shots most “live” DVDs use that barely allow you to determine what model guitar Alex Lifeson is playing, let alone how he’s actually playing that chord! Perhaps I’m just a typical Rush geek.

In contrast to so many other video releases, this one features a generous amount of face time with all three members of the group. Even the famously reclusive Neil Peart has plenty to say on this one!

For concert footage fans there is some vintage stuff which is fun to look at, but there is also a great deal of studio performance footage that was obviously done for the purpose of this release, and features great close-ups which show what’s going in with more clarity and detail than I have previously seen. If you are a Rush fan and a musician, I dare say you will love this DVD.

Stepping back a bit from all the technical aspects that are included, it’s very interesting to hear Lee, Lifeson and Peart expand further on how they work together and make Rush what it is. In addition to the feature track on this DVD, there is also a generous bonus track that features more in-depth discussions of things such as how a song like “YYZ” came to be, for example.

We also get to hear each individual speak a bit about their respect and admiration for their band mates and how their unique and varied abilities combine to form what many believe is the greatest progressive rock band of all time.

A theme that seems to be woven throughout the discussion of these two albums is one that I’ve been aware of since first hearing Rush back in the 70’s but I had not fully realized how central it was to so much of Rush’s work.

With 2112 being hailed as the album that saved their career, it also may have been the beginning of the media’s long-standing reluctance to give the group the respect they so obviously deserved. Neil Peart’s acknowledgement of Ayn Rand as in inspiration for the concept behind the album makes it pretty clear where Rush stands with regard to individual freedom and liberty — a factor that many in the media and music industry may not have been terribly excited about.

The whole freedom theme is carried on into the discussion of “Red Barchetta,” a song that’s built on another story of freedom’s triumph over would-be oppressors. The success of 2112 ensured that Rush was did not intend to be oppressed themselves, when it came to the kind of music they wanted to make.

If you happen to be a dedicated Rush fan and do not yet have this DVD in your collection, go out and get it. I’m pretty confident that you will not regret it.

Like all of my reviews, I did not and will not be receiving any compensation of any kind for this review. I received a review copy of the DVD at no charge and that’s it. Yeah, I really do like this DVD that much.

http://www.realrocknews.com/new-classic-albums-dvd-a-must-have-for-serious-rush-fans/

Chickenfoot news

2010-10-10T17:38:00.003+03:00

Joe Satriani says he’d love Tommy Lee to replace Chad Smith in Chickenfoot if the Chili Peps drummer can’t fulfil obligations with the supergroup.

Satch, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony are gearing up to record their second album with Smith in January – but the skinbeater’s duties with his main band could keep him from touring the record.

And while he’s committed to doing as much as he can, Satch has a shortlist of people who could replace him if the need arises, and it’s topped by Motley Crue’s Lee.

The guitar virtuoso tells Music Radar: “Were Chad not able to be in the band because of the Chili Peppers, I think it would be fun to get somebody really outrageous like Tommy Lee. He’s a great drummer, a lot of fun and a crazy personality.

“We’ve had some guys sit in from time to time. Some names that have been thrown around are Abe Laboriel Jr from Paul McCartney’s band and Jason Bonham. They’d both be really great.

“We just did two shows with Chad and they were fantastic. Afterwards he said he’s still committed to the band, so that was cool. I’m not worried about him completing the album. As for touring – we’ll have to see. Obviously he’s going to be pretty busy.”

Satch admits his own new album, Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, is part of the grieving process for his mum Katherine, who died last December.

He says: “Grieving is a personal matter. For me, writing those songs and recording them, and now putting them out for the world to hear, has been part of that.

“She was a piano player, so ever since we were kids we’d sit next to her and watch her play. She really loved music and dancing – the whole family danced to music. Everybody felt free to dance around and enjoy music as family. I have such great musical memories of her.

Joe Satriani’s track-by-track podcasts

“Writing is a private undertaking, so I can sit in my home studio and wallow in my sadness, and go through the process of bringing out those feelings. You just have to let the feeling come over you. If you’re writing about something sad you have to allow yourself to have the courage to let it all out.

“On the other hand, if you’re writing about something silly, like going surfing with an alien from another planet, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed that it’s silly. Just let it out. See how silly you can get – allow that dream to happen.”

"HEART" beats again on a new record.....

2010-08-07T21:37:00.001+03:00

Heart’s forthcoming album, Red Velvet Car, is being promoted as “the most personal and powerful work yet from Ann and Nancy Wilson.” Perhaps I’m stuck in the past – which may not be a bad place to be these days – but I don’t think Heart will ever top their debut Dreamboat Annie. An album that remains on my list of all-time favorite albums. That’s not to dismiss their latest effort, in fact, it’s actually quite good.

I suppose many a reader would rather get beyond geezer reminiscences and get on with this latest release from Heart – the first studio album since 2004’s Jupiter’s Darling, which was not able to attain the commercial success they had enjoyed with previous releases.

Producer Ben Mink, who worked with Ann Wilson on her 2007 solo album Hope & Glory, reportedly formed an immediate musical connection with Nancy Wilson, and for the first time in her career, sister Ann was encouraged by Mink to “hold back” a bit vocally.

“It’s not that he wants me to hold back the intensity, but instead to explore what’s inside of me,” Wilson says. For me the “holding back” factor was evident from the get-go. Track 1, “There You Go,” reveals an Ann Wilson that sounds more mellow than what we might be accustomed to coming from one of the rock world’s true powerhouse female vocalists.

Despite the mellow introduction to this album, any speculation about Heart’s inability to rock is quickly put to rest with “WTF,”brings us back to the Heart that reminds me more of “Barracuda” or “Even It Up,” although in contrast to those two Heart classics, the sentiment behind this one is decidedly introspective, being described by Ann Wilson as “…kind of the way you talk to yourself.”

The title track finds itself in position three and backs the tempo down again with a emotional passage that is accompanied by evocative lyrics that make it easy to visualize your way through the story that is woven into this relatively short, but powerful song. This one brings home the words of of Nancy Wilson who said, “There’s not an inauthentic, fictitious or posing bone in the body of this album.”

“Queen City” is a tribute to the Wilson sister’s home town of Seattle, Washington. This one may be my least-favorite track on the album. It’s has a catchy foot-tapping quality to it, but for me it just didn’t seem to have the same level of emotion and sincerity of the other tracks.

It’s clear that the group has indulged their acoustic side during the making of Red Velvet Car. Track six is a good example, and has a more light-hearted feel to it compared to some of the other songs in the album, but that may not be what was intended, and may be the result of a superficial interpretation on may part. Lyrically, it is a song that took ten years for Nancy Wilson to complete, and although it there is a positive element to it, it was described by Nancy Wilson as “really quite heartbreaking.”

Heart fans may want my head on a platter over this one, but some of the subtleties in “Wheels” remind me of something Rush might have come up with. Mink has worked with Rush, and whether that has anything to do with anything is not known to me. However, any comparisons between Heart and Rush should not be considered anything by complimentary coming from me. Similarities can be found everywhere and are probably more likely a result of coincidence rather than influence.

The remaining tracks stay true to the decidedly mellow, acoustic feel that this album has. There is no “Magic Man” or “Magazine” on this album, but perhaps that is just a reflection of who and what Heart is today, and it’s certainly not a bad thing.

Perhaps it is best summed up by Ann Wilson herself: “Here we are at this point in the band’s history and just like with any lifespan, the longer you love, the longer things look in back of you — and shorter in front of you too. That sense of perspective means that you’re much less likely to want to waste any time at all. So there’s a even greater sense of mortality, of the stakes involved here and an even stronger desire to make every moment on the album matter.”

Red Velvet Car may not be the kind of hard-rocking album that we remember from the band’s early years, but I think it’s a worthy representation of how the Wilson sisters have matured and seen their priorities change through the years.

It may be easier for us who are a bit closer in age to Ann and Nancy Wilson to appreciate the journey that has led them to Red Velvet Car, but at the same time, it’s a release that should please – and perhaps even surprise – Heart fans of all age groups.

Red Velvet Car is set for release on August 31st 2010

Read more: http://www.realrocknews.com/take-a-spin-in-hearts-red-velvet-car/#ixzz0vwlN6pEK

Status Quo - 40 years on stage

2010-05-16T13:13:00.003+03:00

Slash’s Guitar Tribute To Les Paul

2010-04-05T17:00:00.006+03:00

SLASH is dedicating his latest guitar creation to his “man and mentor” LES PAUL.
The former Guns n’ Roses star was devastated when guitar icon Paul died this month (Aug' 09), at the age of 94.
He was among the first to pay tribute, revealing the pair had bonded over their love of the instrument.
Just weeks on, Slash has sat down with technicians at guitar giants Gibson to put the finishing touches to his latest Gibson Les Paul Slash model - which he is releasing to honour his late pal.
Slash reveals on hisTwitter.com page, “The new Les Paul is going to be tight, the best Slash model yet, without a doubt. We’re going to call the new Les Paul Slash Model the Appetite guitar. It is modeled after the guitar I recorded that album (Guns n’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction ) with.
“It will be my tribute to Les Paul the man & mentor.”
(Aug 29th 2009)
http://blog.taragana.com/e/2009/08/29/slashs-guitar-tribute-to-les-paul-28916/

Q&A with Slash (latest interview)

2010-04-05T16:39:00.013+03:00

former Guns N’ Roses guitarist riffs on rocking out with Fergie, meeting ‘obnoxious’ Cher and why a reunion with Axl is doubtful.

By LARRY GETLEN

Last Updated: 8:21 AM, April 4, 2010

Posted: 12:18 AM, April 4, 2010

Considering the train wreck Axl Rose has become, it’s hard to believe that Slash was in a band with him for even a minute. Slash’s mellow demeanor is nearly equal in degree to Axl’s level of personal turbulence. And yet Slash, who created some of the greatest guitar riffs and solos of the rock era (“November Rain,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” etc.), struck lightning not once, but twice, in the wacked-out vocalist department by creating Velvet Revolver with singer Scott Weiland.

The poster child for Ray Bans and top hats spoke to The Post.

Since your mother [OLA HUDSON] was a costume designer for musicians and your father [Anthony Hudson] created album art, Were you exposed to rock stars growing up?

Yeah. A lot of pop-star eccentricity — a lot of wants and needs and delusions of grandeur. Joni Mitchell was probably my favorite. She was just a very deep, soulful individual. Then, on the flip side, there was Cher, who was obnoxious. She had a lot of attitude. My mom had a store, and she would come into the shop and be demanding and rude.

When Axl finally released “Chinese Democracy” in 2008, What did you think?

It was the perfect Axl record — exactly what I would have expected from the final years of us working together, and seeing where he was headed musically. It’s very heavy; sort of a dark, depressing record. He’s f- - - ing phenomenal.

But the two of you haven’t spoken in years. would you be open to speaking again?

I’m more standoffish because I know how vehemently he hates me. So that sort of makes me doubt it. But if we ran into each other and all that animosity were to pass for a second, then I’m sure we could have an interesting conversation.

Axl Rose and Scott Weiland are great vocalists, but not so stable. Is that why you worked with so many guests on your new record?

Now you’re getting into the deeper psychological aspect of it, which I hadn’t really taken into consideration. Maybe a couple of hours on the couch might pull that one out! I think the whole thing was just inspired by great singers that I wanted to work with. I didn’t think about other aspects of it. But the one cool thing that did come out of this was that it gave me a whole new respect for singers, and changed my attitude toward them given the last couple of guys that I’ve worked with. These people were all amazingly gracious and professional. I’ve done so much session work where I write or play with somebody, and it’s an empty feeling when you’re done because they take off with the material — it’s like being a surrogate. So this time, I had all these people play on my record.

That song “Beautiful Dangerous” is pretty hard-rocking for Fergie!

It is. But here’s the thing about Fergie: I met her at club Avalon in LA four years ago. We did a little rock medley, and she sang “Black Dog,” “Live and Let Die” and “Barracuda” like nobody’s business. I just don’t hear great female rock singers like that anymore. It was f- - - in’ amazing. She’s actually more of a rock ’n’ roll singer than a pop singer; I think even Will [will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas] knows that.

On Tuesday, Slash releases his first-ever solo album — simply titled “Slash” — featuring a range of guest vocalists that includes Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie, Adam Levine, Chris Cornell, Iggy Pop and more.

* “I was a huge fan of old ‘SNL.’ I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Dan Aykroyd over the last few years. He is one of the all-time great actors. He’s just fantastic. I don’t think anybody’s come along who can do what he does.”

* “I was just in the Bahamas. I like hanging out and being outdoors and in the sun. Being near water and diving are fun.”

* “Who do you think my favorite author would be? It goes without saying that I’m a huge Hunter S. Thompson fan. Have been ever since I read ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.’ I’m somebody who actually tweets Hunter S. Thompson quotes.”

* “Right now, I’m reading Kurt Vonnegut’s ‘Hocus Pocus.’ I love the way he writes, and how involved his stories are. They’re very tricky and unpredictable. I also like English author Graham Greene. I just love his sarcastic, dark look at everything. It has a sense of humor to it that’s very English. Definitely twisted.”

* “I’m a big fan of Colombian food, and the marinated steaks that they do. They taste good, and I like anything spicy.”

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/music/with_slash_lDtKV134RfV1vU908WBSlI

Hagar Supergroup "Chickenfoot" CD Due in May

2010-03-28T21:17:00.005+03:00

By Hildi @ March 16, 2009 3:03 PM Permalink
Sammy Hagar's new band could be very, very cool. Joe Satriani, VH's Mike Anthony and Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith. Satch has this update...

Sammy Hagar's new band is gonna have the rock world talking. They're either gonna say, "Finally! The return of kick-ass rock and roll!" or....something entirely different.

Chickenfoot will release their self-titled debut album in either April or May. The first single might be either "Oh, Yeah!" or "Bitten By The Wolf". The band's tour in support of the CD will kick off in May, warming up in smaller venues in the USA, followed by a few weeks in Europe during the summer.

Reportedly audiences can expect to hear songs from each of the bandmembers' careers. With classics from Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and some Joe Satriani instrumentals.

Smart! Even if they suck, we'll still wanna pay to see em. Hagar's no dummy. Remember, he just made $80 million by selling the majority of his tequila company.

Chickenfoot takes the June cover of Guitar World. Here's an update from guitarist Joe Satriani.

"Chickenfoot. Chickenfoot? Chickenfoot! Yes, the band Chickenfoot, featuring Sammy Hagar, Chad Smith, Michael Anthony and yours truly, is about to release its first CD, called 'Chickenfoot', of course.

"It was one year ago this last February that we first got together in Vegas for a little jam in front of a few thousand people, and decided to make a go of it. I'm glad we did. "Thinking back, it seemed kind of crazy to join a new band just as I was about to release (the latest Satriani CD) 'Professor Satchifunkilus'... and launch its world tour. All the hard work paid off, though.

"Our 'Live in Paris' DVD from that tour will be released this year in all its psychedelic glory, and the Chickenfoot CD should be out in about a month or two. As a new band, Chickenfoot will do a few CD-release party gigs in May to kick things off, then it's off to Europe for a few weeks of summer festivals. We are looking towards a headlining tour in the USA this fall.

"I'm so excited about bringing our new band and music to the stage. The energy this unit puts out is incredible, absolutely amazing. Chickenfoot rocks!"

http://whtq.com/blogs/rock_news/2009/03/hagar-supergroup-chickenfoot-c.html

SLASH - New Song Available For Free Download Rock Hard

2010-03-28T20:41:00.007+03:00

Legendary guitarist SLASH (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) will be releasing his upcoming solo album, Slash, in the US on April 6th via EMI and in Canada via Universal Music. In the UK the album is due out on May 10th through Roadrunner Records.

The instrumental track called 'Watch This' features Dave Groh (FOO FIGHTERS) and bandmate Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-Guns N' Roses) is available for free download below.
Slash spoke to BraveWords.com recently about the track: "There was no plan to do an instrumental and I had been chasing Dave Grohl down to sing that song for months, and originally it was this cool riff and like a couple different parts and it didn’t have any real arrangement. And I finally got Dave and he’s like, 'you know, the reason I’ve been sort of dodging you is I don’t wanna sing it.' He goes, 'I hate singing other people’s stuff. I did it once and it was a disaster. I wanna play drums.' So, you know, I was like, 'okay, you know what, maybe we’ll make this the instrumental ‘cause I just want to do something with Dave.' And I sat down and I did a demo of it with the vocal in my head, sort of did the vocal lines on the guitar. And just slapped it together, called Duff up, asked him if he wanted to play it, got Duff and I and Dave in the studio. And I think that was like 3, maybe the fourth take and that was it."

Slash tracklisting with guest vocalists:

'Ghost' (Ian Astbury of THE CULT)
'Crucify The Dead' (OZZY OSBOURNE)
'Beautiful Dangerous' (Fergie of THE BLACK EYED PEAS)
'Promise' (Chris Cornell of SOUNDGARDEN/AUDIOSLAVE)
'By The Sword' (Andrew Stockdale of WOLFMOTHER)
'Gotten' (Adam Levine)
'Doctor Alibi' (Lemmy Kilmeister of MOTÖRHEAD)
'Watch This' (Dave Grohl/Duff McKagan of FOO FIGHTERS/VELVET REVOLVER )
'I Hold On' (KID ROCK)
'Nothing To Say' (M Shadows of AVENGED SEVENFOLD)
'Starlight' (Myles Kennedy of ALTER BRIDGE)
'Saint Is A Sinner Too' (Rocco De Luca)
'We're All Gonna Die' (IGGY POP)

Bonus tracks:
Baby Can't Drive (ALICE COOPER, NICOLE SCHERZINGER)
Back From Cali (MYLES KENNEDY)

http://www.bravewords.com/news/134918

Jimi Hendrix Coming to “Rock Band” With Full “Axis” Album, More Exclusives to Follow

2010-03-28T20:20:00.005+03:00

3/25/10, 8:15 am EST

Photo: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Jimi Hendrix is the greatest guitarist of all timeand current Rolling Stone cover star, and now RScan reveal that his legendary albums are coming exclusively to Rock Band with a wave of downloadable content thanks to Harmonix, MTV Games and Experience Hendrix. The guitarist’s entire second LP Axis: Bold as Love will be unleashed as DLC starting March 30th, along with the unearthed Jimi single “Valleys of Neptune” from the new disc of the same name.

Jimi Hendrix on the cover of Rolling Stone: see all the issues.

“Much like Jimi’s music, we feel that Rock Bandrepresents an amazing, innovative medium for music discovery and interaction that can have a profound affect on those who experience it,” says Janie Hendrix, the CEO of Experience Hendrix. “We are extremely pleased to be able to have Jimi Hendrix’s genius musical legacy continue to live on and touch people the world over through Rock Band.” The makers of Rock Band jumped at the opportunity to become the exclusive music video game destination for Jimi. “Hendrix’s music is something that our fans and supporters have been clamoring for on the Rock Band platform,” MTV Games’ Paul DeGooyer tellsRolling Stone.

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/03/25/jimi-hendrix-coming-to-rock-band-with-full-axis-album-more-exclusives-to-follow/

The Mixolydian Scale

2010-03-24T12:50:00.000+02:00

The Mixolydian Scale is a happy scale one should know.

Here are some cool stuff you can do using the Mixolydian Scale

Fender announces new American Deluxe guitars and basses

2010-03-23T10:02:00.000+02:00

Fender's all-new 2010 American Deluxe series looks set to be one of the major announcements of the show. Alongside new alder and ash American Deluxe Telecasters, four and five-string Jazz Basses and a Precision bass comes a variety of Stratocaster flavours in the shape of alder and ash-bodied, V Neck and HSS models.
The electric guitars feature reconfigured S-1 switching and compound 9.5 – 14-inch neck radiuses, while the basses benefit from a newly-designed preamp with switchable active or passive operation.
In addition to some tasty new finishes including Sunset Metallic, Tungsten and Wine Transparent, the most significant upgrade across the range comes in the shape of Fender's new N3 Noiseless pickups.
Fender says: "N3 Noiseless pickups are among the best-sounding pickups ever affixed to a Stratocaster or a Telecaster guitar, achieving the remarkable sonic feat of providing unmistakable vintage sound without unwanted noise…

"Using an improved stacked-coil design, N3 Noiseless pickups are specially tailored for each Stratocaster and Telecaster pickup position... The insulated metal core of each pickup position type differs in thickness and composition for enhanced tone, and Fender has fine-tuned the size, shape and wire gauge of the coils to balance the magnetic responsiveness essential to great tone.
"Further, N3 Noiseless pickups represent a welcome return to the warmth and clarity of alnico magnets. Again, the type of alnico magnets used is tailored to pickup position – Alnico V for the power and warmth of the Stratocaster N3 bridge pickup and the signature snap and spank of both Telecaster pickups; Alnico II for the sweetness and sparkle of the Stratocaster N3 middle pickup; Alnico III for the fullness of the Stratocaster N3 neck pickup without undue magnetic string pull."

Here are some new models:

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster (alder body, rosewood or maple fretboard)

Fender American Deluxe Strat HSS (alder body, rosewood or maple fretboard)

Fender American Deluxe Telecaster (alder body, rosewood or maple fretboard)

Find out more on http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/musikmesse-2010-fender-announces-new-american-deluxe-guitars-and-basses-240937/2

"Exile on the Main Street" - Rereleased

2010-03-14T10:03:00.005+02:00

The Secrets Behind the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street" Reissue
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards reevaluate their classic 1972 double album

ANDY GREENE Posted Mar 09, 2010 12:40 PM

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards talk candidly about cracking open their vaults to dig out 10 never-before-heard tracks for May 18th's deluxe rerelease of the band's 1972 classic "Exile on Main Street."

http://www.rollingstone.com/

In the new issue of Rolling Stone, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards talk about plundering their vaults for the upcoming rerelease of their 1972 masterpiece Exile on Main Street. Here's more from our conversations with the two Rolling Stones and producer Don Was.

Pink Floyd win battle with EMI over single-song downloads

2010-03-12T11:39:00.000+02:00

Pink Floyd have won their lawsuit over the matter of single-song downloads against EMI, which now puts an end to the digital sale of the group's individual tracks.

As reported by the BBC, under the terms of a 1999 contract that predated iTunes and other digital music retailers, the band mandated its songs could not be offered outside the context of their original albums. EMI argued that the agreement only referred to physical sales such as vinyl, cassette tapes and CDs. In the end, Britain's High Court sided with Floyd.

In his ruling, Judge Andrew Morritt stated that the contract's clause prohibiting the slicing and dicing of Pink Floyd albums protected "the artistic integrity of the albums."

We're guessing that Judge Morritt is a huge fan of A Saucerful Of Secrets and he simply can't fathom the idea of fans hearing Remember A Day without checking out the rest of the groovy disc.

Morrit ordered EMI to pay the band's legal fees (said to be $60,000) while the court determines an appropriate monetary payment of finds and damages.

Also to be decided is how much money Pink Floyd should receive in digital royalties, as the band's 1999 contract does not cover downloadable music. This could get even more interesting very shortly.

Source: http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/pink-floyd-win-battle-with-emi-over-single-song-downloads-239703

It's Official ...They are coming to Athens

2010-02-25T20:40:00.008+02:00

Aerosmith Back On The Road With Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock Tour

Aerosmith, America’s Greatest Rock Band Return to UK and Europe

Aerosmith - the biggest, most enduring and thrilling band in rock history will make a sensational return to the UK and Europe this summer, with the COCKED, LOCKED, READY TO ROCK TOUR, spawning what will be the ultimate event of the new decade.

"Back by popular demand with more spit and fire than ever before, we're coming across the pond and parting the waters as we go,” says Steven Tyler.

"Aerosmith is going to be rocking in the UK and Europe this summer," adds Joe Perry. "Enough BS we're coming and everything is going to be set at eleven."

Aerosmith - Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer will hit Europe for the first time in 3 years to deliver a fistful of knockout, heart pounding, headline, summer rock shows.

Tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

June 2010

Sweden - Rock Festival - June 10th
UK - Download Festival - June 13th
UK - London 02 Arena - June 15th
Romania – Bucharest - June 18th
Greece – Athens Olympic Stadium - June 20th
Holland – Nijmegen Goeffert Park - June 23rd
Belgium - Graspop Festival - June 25th
Spain – Barcelona St Jordi Arena - June 27th
France – Paris Bercy Arena - June 29th

Touch it

2010-02-22T18:01:00.000+02:00

That's one first attempt after jamming with Nick Fassolas. I played the guitar in this , its simple but i find it groovy. So enjoy!

Forgot about them : Guitar duo Scot Gorham, Brian Robertson

2010-02-17T21:57:00.003+02:00

"A great guitar duo of Scot Gorham and Brian Robertson from Thin Lizzy led by Phil Lynott." Listen to my favorite song "Warriors" from the Album Jailbreak live on the BBC back in 1976.

Forgot about them : Alvin Lee (Ten Years After)

2010-02-15T10:24:00.002+02:00

(not a good quality video but worth watching all you rock guitarists....check their song I'd love to change the world does it ring a bell to you ?)

Forgot about them : Paul Kossoff (Free)

2010-02-15T09:41:00.004+02:00

"The band that started the fame of singer Paul Rodgers, Free, had a marvelous guitarist, Paul Kossoff, whose vibrato was legendary."

Whitesnake - Day Tripper (Very Rare Video)

2010-01-30T22:25:00.000+02:00

The 5 Essential Blues Boxes

2010-01-26T23:55:00.000+02:00

Oreanthi former Michael Jackson's leading guitar player

2010-01-25T15:21:00.001+02:00

Oreanthi the Greek lead guitar for Michael Jackson

And not only can she shred her axe but she can sing too!!!

Scorpions the end of the road!

2010-01-24T18:27:00.000+02:00

On their official site the Scorpions posted an important message to their fans:

Important Message to our Fans

It was always our pleasure, our purpose in life, our passion and we were fortunate enough to make music for you - whether it was live on stage or in the studio, creating new songs.

While we were working on our album these past few months, we could literally feel how powerful and creative our work was – and how much fun we were still having, in the process. But there was also something else: We want to end the Scorpion’s extraordinary career on a high note.

We are extremely grateful for the fact that we still have the same passion for music we’ve always had since the beginning. This is why, especially now, we agree we have reached the end of the road. We finish our career with an album we consider to be one of the best we have ever recorded and with a tour that will start in our home country Germany and take us to five different continents over the next few years.

We want you, our fans, to be the first to know about this. Thank you for your never-ending support throughout the years!

We uploaded the very first snippets from our new album for you.

And now… let’s get the party started and get ready for a “Sting in the Tail”!

See you on the world tour,

Yours

Scorpions

Source: www.the-scorpions.com/english/

Epiphone 'Inspired By' John Lennon Casino £884

2010-01-24T10:43:00.000+02:00

Affordable Beatles tribute hollowbody

While the calibre and heritage of Epiphone's discontinued, USA-made John Lennon 1965 Casino can hardly be questioned, it had one major drawback: the price!
Retailing on the cusp of £2000, for many guitarists not even the high build quality could compensate. This tale isn't unique among Epiphone's American-made guitars.
Keen to redress the balance for those with smaller pockets, Epiphone has launched the new Indonesian-made 'Inspired By' John Lennon Casino – £1,200 cheaper than the former USA model and £400 more expensive than the standard Chinese-made Casino.

"The key to the Beatles tone is in the volume control."

One event more than any other led to the Casino's enduring popularity. In 1966, with Paul McCartney already using his 1962 Casino on many famous tracks such as Taxman and Paperback Writer, John Lennon acquired his very own sunburst model.

It's argued that McCartney's use of the model was the more impressive from a musical perspective, but Lennon definitely did more for it visually than any guitarist before or since.

Contemporary players such as Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher have also become synonymous with Epiphone semis but, as we know, their inspiration draws directly from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Here, Epiphone has borrowed Gibson Custom's Historic 'Inspired By' moniker as a means to upgrade the standard Casino with USA appointments, but retain that famous artist relation at a modest price – perhaps due to the fact that Epiphone has, as mentioned, discontinued the USA-built equivalent.

Hear it in action in the following audio demo:

The upgraded fittings include two Gibson USA P-90 pickups with dog-ear, nickel-plated covers and a Switchcraft-made three-way toggle switch and output jack.

Like the ES-330, the Casino's maple laminate body is completely hollow and shares the distinctive twin-cutaway shape with single-layer, off-white binding on the front and back edges, which in this case is extremely well done.

The 'Inspired By' also features a more vintage-correct sunburst than its Chinese counterpart, where the 'burst is wider to the edges and has a more luxurious, deeper gradient as seen on sixties examples. However its scratchplate, as on our regular Casino, is still a little cheap looking and it's common for players to remove it.
In keeping with the original, the 22-fret neck joins the body at the 16th fret, which is three further back than a centre-blocked ES-335 and one further than our Chinese-made standard Casino.

Full review

Classic Rock Preview For 2010

2010-01-17T21:32:00.005+02:00

Classic Rock Preview For 2010
Filed under: Classic Rock News — Real Rock News @ 2:18 pm

The new year looks like it will be an interesting one for classic rock fans. A number of our old favorites will be going on tour or releasing a new album. There’s clearly a lot of demand out there for the music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and fortunately, many of the big names from those decades are still going strong.

Yes resumes their tour next month on the 4th at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH. Still no Jon Anderson, but as long as he stays healthy, there may be a chance we’ll see him fronting the group again some day.

Although it has not been confirmed, the Rolling Stones are said to be preparing for a world tour sometime this year. We can thank Ron Wood’s ex-girlfriend Ekaterina Ivanova for leaking that little gem to her friends.

In April, Bad Company will reunite for a brief tour of the U.K. What’s a little unique about this reunion is that it will be made up of the original members. So many of the classic acts seem to have undergone significant line-up changes over the years, so it’s really kind of nice to see the real deal on stage for this one.

In May, Scorpions hit the road for a world tour of their own. They are also working on a new album, but have not revealed a release date that I am aware of.

The Faces appear set to reunite for a tour sometime this year, although it remains to be seen how many of the original members will be there. Other members of the group seem to have lost their patience waiting for a decision from Rod Stewart about the tour, and have decided to forge ahead without him. Stewart reportedly decided he would rather work on other projects. With Ron Wood presumably set to tour with the Stones, it’s not clear what his status is regarding the reunion.

That enduring trio from the Great White North may soon be dusting themselves off and getting back to work on a new album and tour. No confirmation on any plans yet, but Rush is rumored to be kicking around the idea of linking up and figuring out what kind of project they want to do.

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart are working on a new album that is planned for release this summer. Word is that we’ll be hearing a lot more from Nancy on vocals for this new release.

No dates have been lined up yet, but Randy Bachman and Fred Turner are planning what will probably be the closest thing to a BTO tour we will ever see, although they will probably not be billing themselves as Bachman-Turner Overdrive for legal reasons. Seems Randy’s brother and former BTO drummer Rob, and former BTO guitarist Blair Thornton, have teamed up in an effort to ensure that the name is not used. They claim that Randy Bachman gave up any rights to it when he went solo in 1977. I guess that’s what you call “Takin’ Care of Business.”

With the future of Aerosmith hanging in the balance, it’s hard to predict which direction they will be headed in this year. The continuation of Aerosmith in its current form seems to be in the hands of frontman Steven Tyler, who has reportedly checked himself into rehab recently.

As time carries us further into the new year, we’re very likely to hear from more classic acts who have plans for new material, a tour, or perhaps both. As long as the fans are out there in sufficient numbers, a lot of these enduring groups seem quite happy to forge ahead and continue making music as long as the aging process will permit.

http://www.realrocknews.com/classic-rock-preview-for-2010/

Jimi Hendrix 'Valleys of Neptune' to Feature 12 Previously Unreleased Recordings

2010-01-17T18:44:00.000+02:00

Experience Hendrix LLC and Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Recordings will launch their monumental 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project on Tuesday, March 9, with the release of Valleys of Neptune, a newly curated album of 12 fully realized studio recordings, more than 60 minutes of music never commercially available on a Jimi Hendrix album, from the artist Rolling Stone magazine called the greatest guitarist of all time.

Centered around tracks recorded during a pivotal and turbulent four-month period in 1969, Valleys of Neptune unveils the original Jimi Hendrix Experience's final studio recordings, as the group lays down the foundation for its follow-up to Electric Ladyland, alongside the guitar superhero's first sessions with bassist Billy Cox, an old army buddy he'd recruited into his new ensemble.

Valleys of Neptune provides an essential, compelling, and up-till-now largely unseen view of what Jimi Hendrix was up to musically in the critical period between the release of Electric Ladyland in October 1968 and the 1970 opening of his own Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village, the state of the art facility where he would begin his final project, the ambitious double album First Rays of the New Rising Sun.
Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, the Hendrix family-owned company entrusted with preserving and protecting the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, noted, "My brother Jimi was at home in the studio. Valleys of Neptune offers deep insight into his mastery of the recording process and demonstrates the fact that he was as unparalleled a recording innovator as he was a guitarist. His brilliance shines through on every one of these precious tracks."

Valleys of Neptune is originality electrified, offering more than 60 minutes of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix music, originally recorded, and newly mixed for this historic release, by Hendrix's longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, who first worked with the guitarist on Are You Experienced? in 1967. Valleys of Neptune is produced by Janie Hendrix, John McDermott (who contributes detailed liner notes to the album) and Eddie Kramer.

"Valleys of Neptune" has long been one of the most sought after of any commercially unavailable Jimi Hendrix recording. The song will be released as a single globally on February 2, 2010, nearly 40 years after Jimi finished recording the track at New York's Record Plant in May 1970.

Other highlights on Valleys of Neptune include blazing studio covers of Elmore James' classic "Bleeding Heart" and Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" as well as premier performances of original Hendrix compositions like "Ships Passing Through the Night," "Lullaby for the Summer" and the original un-dubbed Jimi Hendrix Experience rendition of "Hear My Train a Comin'." Also included in Valleys of Neptune is "Mr. Bad Luck," a Jimi Hendrix Experience track, produced by Chas Chandler during the 1967 Axis: Bold as Love sessions.

As part of the opening wave of releases for the Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project, Legacy Recordings will also be releasing new deluxe CD/DVD editions of Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Ladyland, and First Rays of the New Rising Sun, also available on vinyl, on March 9.

Each of the essential titles in the Jimi Hendrix catalog to be newly reissued on Legacy will feature a bonus DVD featuring newly created documentaries directed by the Grammy award winning Bob Smeaton [Beatles Anthology, Festival Express, Beatles: The Studio Recordings] and featuring interviews with Experience members Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, original producer Chas Chandler and engineer Eddie Kramer. In addition, Smash Hits, Jimi's original compilation, will be reintroduced. The critically acclaimed Live At Woodstock will be available as a standard DVD as well as a Blu-ray Disc.

"No artist has ever transformed the pop music landscape as profoundly or as permanently as Jimi Hendrix," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "We are proud to be partnering with Experience Hendrix in releasing Valleys of Neptune, a treasure for Hendrix fans both new and experienced. It's an auspicious start in fulfilling a shared vision for the Jimi Hendrix catalog going forward."

More of the story here

Thin Lizzy - The Rocker

2010-01-03T19:24:00.001+02:00

100 Greatest Rock Songs Ever

2009-12-27T19:12:00.002+02:00

Happy New Year ...2010 almost here ...

Time to remember the best rock songs ever... (until now)

1. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
2. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
3. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
4. Respect - Aretha Franklin
5. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
6. Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
7. A Day In The Life - Beatles
8. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
9. Good Vibrations - Beach Boys
10. What'd I Say - Ray Charles
11. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - James Brown
12. Won't Get Fooled Again - Who
13. All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
14. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
15. Imagine - John Lennon
16. Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen
17. Layla - Derek & the Dominos
18. Light My Fire - Doors
19. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
20. Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/best_songsddd.html

check for more ....

Experience Hendrix Tour

2009-12-22T21:05:00.002+02:00

Experience Hendrix Tour coming 2010?

40 years after Jimi Hendrix's death, his myth revives on stage again.
The epic Experience Hendrix tour will take place in the States on 2010

This live show will include the rhythm section of Hendrix, with Chris Layton drums, Billy Cox base, whereas an impressive list of artists will also perform such paying tribute to Hendrix: Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Aerosmith) , Jonny Lang, just to mention a few.

This Tour was first launched on 2008 and had great success.
So it is a good idea to repeat it hoping that Europe will merit this time and enjoy this unique and memorable Tour dedicated to the one and only Jimi Hendrix

Buckethead Signature Les Paul

2009-12-18T15:55:00.000+02:00

Buckethead Signature Les Paul - Christmas time present to yourself!

From his prolific solo work, to his prominent memberships in the supergroup Praxis and rock legends Guns N’ Roses, Buckethead has displayed one of the most fiery creative personas of our times, and has continually affirmed his stance in the upper echelon of contemporary shredders.

Equally attention-grabbing as his incendiary chops, Buckethead’s stage show and visual presence remain unique among the rock field, and his Gibson guitars—a white Les Paul in particular—have always been a big part of that.

As Gibson continues to roll out the Rocktober action, the Buckethead Signature Les Paul celebrates this unparalleled artist’s achievements. With an oversized, chambered Les Paul body, a marker-less ebony fingerboard, and Buckethead’s choice of Gibson’s contemporary ceramic humbucking pickups—complete with modified electronics and “arcade” style kill switches—this is a Les Paul like none to have come before.

It’s primed to get you noticed, and designed for utmost performance for the contemporary rock, metal, and shred performer.

For more information click here

Brian May Guitar & Equipments

2009-12-13T18:31:00.001+02:00

Whitesnake - Come On (1978)

2009-12-13T17:29:00.000+02:00

The Who My Generation (infamous explosion)

2009-12-06T10:19:00.000+02:00

THE ROLLING STONES - LIVE IN 1967 - GET OUT MY CLOUD

2009-12-05T22:09:00.001+02:00

Rocky lick

2009-12-03T21:42:00.000+02:00

Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns n Roses - Guitar Lesson - How to play on Electric Guitar - Main Riff

2009-12-03T02:00:00.000+02:00

Best Solos of Slash in Guns N' Roses

2009-11-29T19:59:00.002+02:00

Roger Taylor - The Unblinking Eye (Everything Is Broken)

2009-11-24T09:37:00.000+02:00

Roger Taylor of Queen, has released a brand new single titled The Unblinking Eye

Gibson Introduces The Angus Young SG

2009-11-18T23:00:00.000+02:00

Classic rock doesn’t get much bigger than AC/DC, and no one wallops out the massive, bone-crunching tone like Angus Young on his Gibson SG.

Young’s incendiary tone has inspired wave after wave of rock guitar heroes, and turned on countless players to the power of his seminal guitar of choice, the SG. Now the Gibson USA Angus Young SG, brings all the tone and playability of this classic double-cutaway made to Young’s own specs within reach of the hard-working rock guitarist, giving you all the punch, crunch, and sizzle that Angus achieves with his own treasured instrument.

Way back in 1961 the Gibson SG replaced the underappreciated Les Paul Standard, and while the Les Paul would surface later in the decade as a rock and blues classic, the new SG (originally named Les Paul/SG) was an instant hit in its own right. Its simple yet inspired ingredients of thin, all-mahogany body and neck and two Gibson humbucking pickups gave it a snappy attack with a muscular punch, and its slim, fast neck yielded unprecedented playability.

The Gibson USA Angus Young SG not only captures the look, feel and sound of a classic SG, it also embodies some of the rare specs and qualities of Angus’s own ’68 model, known to be a stand-out example among a classic breed. It’s light, all-mahogany body yields superb resonance, while its extra slim, narrow neck provides unparalleled playability—and, topped with an upgraded ebony fingerboard with lightning-bolt inlays, it also provides a look that will help any rocker stand out from the crowd.

Loaded with Gibson’s popular 57 Classic humbucking pickup in the neck and an Angus Young humbucker in the bridge for added punch and sizzle, it also packs all the firepower a gigging guitarist needs to cut it on the big stage. Each guitar comes with a snug-fitting Gibson USA hardshell case.

Full story here

Mad Catz Rock Band Fender Stratocaster

2009-11-14T22:17:00.000+02:00

Rock Band and its main rival Guitar Hero are sort of a big deal, if you hadn’t heard already. For the most competitive faux rockers, the Mad Catz Fender Stratocaster is the ultimate Rock Band controller.

Based on a legit Fender Strat body, it’s gotten the Dr. Frankenstein treatment, being reborn as the clear superior to any plastic wannabe instrument. The Mad Catz Stratocaster is perfect for living out your Rock Star fantasies, giving you the weight and feel of a real guitar, plus the heritage of Hendrix, Lennon, and Clapton. The Mad Catz Fender Stratocaster is decked out with:

Premium Fret Buttons and Strum Bar
Wireless connectivity
Overdrive Stomp Box compatibility
Metal Tuning Keys and Bridge
Official Fender high-gloss polyester paint job
Compatible with Rock Band, Rock Band 2, The Beatles: Rock Band, Guitar Hero 4 & 5, DJ Hero, Band Hero

We subjected the Mad Catz Fender Stratocaster to a Rock Band jam session recently and thoroughly enjoyed the more realistic experience. Plus, we didn’t feel like we were hunched over a ukulele, a big bonus after two hours playing. Do the same and your back, not to mention your Rock Band rep, will thank you.

Editor’s Note: Go here for a video walk through of the Mad Catz Stratocaster.
Cost: $300

Queen - Death on two legs

2009-11-14T08:24:00.000+02:00

The making

Joe Perry: Aerosmith’s Problems Far From Over

2009-11-14T08:16:00.000+02:00

When Steven Tyler joined Joe Perry onstage last night in New York to sing “Walk This Way” — and announced he wasn’t quitting Aerosmith — it seemed like the troubled group’s problems might be over. But Rolling Stone has learned that things are far from settled within the band, as part of reporting for a story that will appear in our next issue.

The cameo, says Perry, came as a surprise even to him. “There was all this commotion during our encore break and somebody said, ‘Steven is here.’ ” Perry says. “And I was like, ‘What?’ ” After exchanging pleasantries, Tyler asked to sit in with the group on the final encore of “Walk This Way.” “Being an acquaintance of 40 years, I said, ‘Why not?’ ” Perry says. “So he came up and sang and that was the last I saw of him.”

Whole story here

Lead electric blues guitar solo

2009-11-10T23:40:00.000+02:00

Blues Guitar licks and phrasing lesson

2009-11-09T20:51:00.002+02:00

Roger Taylor - Queen at the BBC 2009

2009-11-08T21:00:00.000+02:00

Kiss new cd out!

2009-11-08T20:58:00.002+02:00

KISS SONIC BOOM—the band’s highly anticipated CD, and its first new material in 11 years released in the UK and Europe through Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records on 5th October 2009 . SONIC BOOM, produced by the band’s Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, features 11 brand-new KISS anthems from the band that has sold over 80 million albums worldwide in a 35-year recording career.

KISS’ Gene Simmons says, “SONIC BOOM may be the best new record we've done since Destroyer! It is Rock And Roll Over meets Love Gun!” Paul Stanley confirms: “SONIC BOOM is the perfect title for what we’re creating – it’s earthshaking and deafening!”

SONIC BOOM is the first new KISS studio album to feature guitarist Tommy Thayer alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer. It will be available as a single disc and also in a special three-disc set featuring a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band’s recent, record-breaking KISS ALIVE 35 South American tour.

Paul Stanley, “"Through all of the albums that are considered our classics, we tried to always find ways to give our fans extras that went beyond just the music. Besides our making the best KISS album in decades, including a bonus CD with 15 of our most famous songs and an additional live DVD, shot during our recent concert in Buenos Aires. So in every sense, SONIC BOOM is the ultimate return to classic KISS form. You wanted the best, you got the best!"

SPITFIRE - Die Fighting

2009-11-08T20:57:00.000+02:00

RELEASED May 31st 2009

SPITFIRE was the only Greek metal band which anno 1987, did achieve to sign a contract with EMI Records and to release the first diamond, "First Attack".

In a world of uncertainty is good to know that some things never change. It took them 22 years to release the second album and here they are. SPITFIRE, strike back with "Die Fighting"from Emotion Art Music.

And yes, we are dealing with a great release. Anyhow, to release an album after all these years, means that you don’t do it for the kicks, you do it because you have collected some interesting ideas and because you really feel you want to do it.

I would like to mention that four tracks ("Icarus", "Everlasting Love","Underground", "I’m Ready") were planned to be in a full length album that SPITFIREwould release in 1996, but it never saw the light of the day. Hence, it could be assumed that twenty two years since "First Attack" -is a long time- fortunately the debut album did cast a long shadow on the band. "Die Fighting" is a masterpiece.

Mötley Crüe updated Greatest Hits

2009-11-08T20:54:00.000+02:00

Mötley Crüe have announced plans for an updated version of their Greatest Hits, including a special never before heard remix of "The Animal In Me" and the Grammy nominated "Saints of Los Angeles" from the hit Saints of Los Angeles album.

The remix of “The Animal In Me” comes from an interpretation by James Michael, who co-produced the song with Nikki Sixx and DJ Ashba.

After playing to a million rock fans around the world over the past year with the recently completed Crüe Fest 2, the Saints of Los Angeles 2009 arena tour, headlining tour dates around the globe and last year’s Crüe Fest (which was the most successful touring rock festival of the summer) and over eighty million albums sold, the world’s most notorious rock band only knows how to do things huge.
The Crüe will offer a new version of their Greatest Hits in time for the 2009 holiday season and will include hits like “Dr. Feelgood,” “Without You,” “Smokin’ In The Boys’ Room,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)”, “Don’t Go Away Mad,” “If I Die Tomorrow,” “Saints of Los Angeles” and also a new remix of “The Animal In Me.” The album will be released on November 17.

Carlos Santa & Eric Clapton at the Crossroads

2009-11-08T20:50:00.000+02:00

Two amazing masters of guitar with distinctive unique sounds meet on stage!

Uli Jon Ruth

2009-11-08T20:48:00.002+02:00

Uli Roth playing Sky Overture live at some festival in Europe... Actually, this video is on his site, but It doesn't seem like a whole lot of people have seen it. Unbelievable guitar playing!

Byian May - Queen

2009-11-08T20:47:00.000+02:00

The one and only Bryan May with Queen. The player who touched so many different kinds of guitar playing including opera rock.

Rory Ghalagher

2009-11-08T20:45:00.000+02:00

Brute force and ignorance, one time classic rocker whose amazing talent and productivity was never really appreciated by the masses, but then again the masses never appreciate anything lol

Enjoy you true rockers!

Jimmy Hendrix

2009-11-08T20:43:00.000+02:00

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter.

He is widely considered to be the greatest guitarist in the history of rock music by other musicians and commentators in the industry and one of the most important and influential musicians of his era across a range of genres.

Queen - I Was Born To Love You (2004 video)

2009-07-12T00:04:00.000+03:00

Led Zeppelin Whole Lotta Love - learn the Classic R

2009-06-26T18:33:00.001+03:00

Heart Baracuda

2009-06-07T22:00:00.001+03:00

Guitar Lesson-Rock Licks part 2

2009-06-07T21:48:00.000+03:00

Guitar Lesson-Rock Licks

2009-06-02T01:36:00.000+03:00

AC/DC - Baby Please Don't Go

2009-05-30T16:24:00.001+03:00

Queen - Save Me

2009-05-28T23:23:00.000+03:00

Sweet Child O Mine , Guns 'n' Roses (Guitar Lesson)

2009-05-27T02:00:00.001+03:00

Gary Moore - The Loner - Solo Lesson Pt. 1

2009-05-27T01:29:00.000+03:00

Intro AC/DC Thunderstruck

2009-05-24T00:46:00.001+03:00

Bon Jovi - Thank You For Loving Me

2009-05-24T00:33:00.001+03:00

Deep Purple "Black Night"

2009-05-18T17:32:00.000+03:00

How to Play a C Chord on Guitar

2009-05-17T20:16:00.000+03:00

How to Play an A Chord on Guitar

2009-05-17T20:13:00.001+03:00

Uli Roth Sky Overture Live

2009-05-16T18:25:00.001+03:00

Easy rock licks and riffs

2009-05-15T16:15:00.001+03:00

How to Play Power Chords

2009-05-14T16:07:00.002+03:00

How an E chord is played

2009-05-14T15:57:00.001+03:00

Welcome to The Riff Effect

2009-05-04T19:40:00.008+03:00

The Riff Effect is a blog which wants to help and inform guitar players, especially beginners. I hope this blog will make it possible for me to share my thoughts, problems and views with people interested in electric guitar.

"A riff is a short, repeated, memorable musical phrase, often pitched low on the guitar, which focuses much of the energy and excitement of a rock song."