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It’s “Van Halen Day” on Rock History Book – Check out the New Album Today – CLICK TO LISTEN
February 6, 2012 – It’s safe to say that Rock History Book Radio has tons of Van Halen fans listening everyday and it was a no-brainer to pronounce, today, “Van Halen Day!” All day hosts John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards will feature two tracks, every hour, from the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” MORE

Norah Jones to Release New Album in Spring
Jan 31, 2012 - Good news for all the Norah Jones fans out there! The singer is set to release a new album in spring called 'Little Broken Hearts.' This will be Jones' fifth studio CD and she will be joined by producer and musician, Danger Mouse who is notably the backbone for the project. He also co-wrote many of the tunes with her. MORE

Springsteen to Release "Wrecking Ball" in March
Jan 24, 2012 - Bruce Springsteen is full speed ahead with his new album due out in March. “Wrecking Ball” will be his 17th studio album and is produced by heavy hitter Ron Aniello (Patti Scialfa, Jars of Clay) and talent thrown in from Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machines) and members of the E Street Band. MORE

Paul McCartney to Perform at Grammy’s
January 24, 2012 - It’s a done deal as Paul has announced (via his website) that he will be preforming at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb 12. This is also a very special occasion for him as he’s nominated this year for Best Historical Album for "Band On The Run." McCartney is definitely no stranger to the stage and if he pulls this one in it will be his 15th Grammy win in all. MORE

John Mayer Introduces New Custom Guitar
January 23, 2012 - John Mayer has been out of the spotlight since he cancelled numerous gigs last year to undergo throat surgery. His decision to finally go under the knife was necessary after attempts to rest his voice did not help. In the meantime, John had to regroup and push back the release of his new album. MORE

Etta James Dies at the Age 73
Jan 20, 2012 - Etta James, an iconic R&B American singer known for her classic songs “ At Last” and “Something’s Got A Hold Of Me” has died today at the age of 73. MORE

Steven Tyler and Finding Mrs. Right!
January 19, 2012 - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith never ceases to amaze me. He sat in on an Ellen DeGeneres show recently and proceeded to explain why he decided over the Christmas holidays to marry girlfriend Erin Brady. MORE

Steven Tyler on New Album in the Making
January 14, 2011 - Aerosmith fans will be watching as Steven Tyler is about to get really comfortable in his seat for his second round of American Idol. Ever since he joined the panel for this vocal talent show last season Tyler says sales of Aerosmith’s back catalog has rose 260 percent. We all know he has much to talk about when it comes to American Idol, but let’s get back to your roots Steven! MORE

NEW INTERVIEWS

RETRO - INTERVIEWS - Dan Peek of America
July 26, 2011 - Although Dan Peek left the group America in 1977 he is certainly not forgotten as a member of the famous band. Peek passed away on July 24 of undisclosed causes. He was 60. The singer’s site simply states, “Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011” and features a video of Peek performing his
America hit “Lonely People. MORE

Classic Interview with the Late Great Jim Clench of April Wine and BTO
November 8, 2010 – When I heard that Jim Clench had passed away I immediately went to my basement to find one of my favourite April Wine albums, “Electric Jewels.” More than any other LP from the group, this one really showcased his talents at such an important time in their incarnation. More

NEW REVIEWS

REVIEW: Colbie Caillat – All of You - Universal Republic
Sept, 2011 – On her third album Colbie Caillat has decided to strategically give us an uptempo summer-vibe. It still sounds like her smash debut “Coco” but this time it’s Colbie with caffeine and it’s positive and fun. MORE

It's Hard to Imagine a Better Outcome
REVIEW - Elton John & Leon Russell – The Union – Decca Records

October 31, 2010 – This project started after Elton John just happened to mention his chief influences on “Spectacle,” a TV program hosted by Elvis Costello and produced by him and partner David Furnish. MORE

 

A Disappointing Return for Sade
REVIEW - Sade – Soldier of Love
June 16, 2010 – There’s always been an understated value to everything that Sade does and sameness to her entire repertoire. That quality of old wine has served the singer/band well… until now. Unlike Norah Jones who has, at least, tried to mix-up-the-pot, Sade really needs to stop wearing the same dress to every party. MORE

BIRTHDAYS (Click here for the full list)

December 1 - Gilbert O'Sullivan (1955)
December 1 - Bette Midler (1945)
December 1 - John Densmore (The Doors) (1944)
December 2 - Jay-Z (1970)
December 2 - Michael McDonald (1952)
December 3 - Ozzy Osbourne (1948)
December 5 - Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) (1965)
December 5 - Jim Messina (1947)
December 7 - Tom Waits (1949)
December 8 - Phil Collen (Def Leppard) (1957)
December 8 - Warren Cuccurullo (Duran Duran) (1956)
December 8 - Gregg Allman (1947)
December 8 - Bobby Elliot (The Hollies) (1942)
December 9 - Jakob Dylan (The Wallflowers )(1970)
December 9 - Nick Seymour (Crowded House) (1958)
December 9 - Donny Osmond (1957)
December 9 - Walter Orange (The Commodores) (1946)
December 11 - Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) (1958)
December 11 - Jermaine Jackson (1954)
December 11 - David Gates (Bread) (1940)
December 11 - Chester Thompson (Genesis) (1948)
December 12 - Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) (1963)
December 12 - Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) (1949)
December 12 - Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers Band) (1943)
December 12 - Dionne Warwick (1940)
December 14 - Peter Stacy (The Pogues) (1958)
December 16 - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) (1949)
December 16 - Benny Anderson (ABBA) (1946)
December 16 - Tony Hicks (The Hollies) (1943)
December 18 - Christina Aguilera (1980)
December 18 - Elliot Easton (The Cars) (1953)
December 18 - Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) (1943)
December 19 - Kevin Shepard (Tonic) (1968)
December 19 - Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire) (1941)
December 20 - Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) (1966)
December 20 - Peter Criss (Kiss) (1945)
December 23 - Bruce Hornsby (1955)
December 23 - Adrian Belew (1949)
December 25 - Robin Campbell (UB40) (1954)
December 25 - Phil Spector (1940)
December 25 - Little Richard (1932)
December 26 - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) (1963)
December 27 - Karla Bonoff (1952)
December 27 - David Knopfler (Dire Straits) (1951)
December 27 - Mick Jones (Foreigner) (1944)
December 28 - Edgar Winter (1946)
December 29 - Marianne Faithfull (1946)
December 29 - Ray Thomas (Moody Blues) (1941)
December 30 - Jeff Lynne (ELO and Traveling Wilburys) (1947)
December 30 - Davy Jones (The Monkees) (1945)
December 30 - Michael Nesmith (The Monkees) (1942)
December 30 - Bo Diddley (1928)
December 31 - George Thorogood (1952)
December 31 - Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) (1951)
December 31 - Donna Summer (1948)
December 31 - Burton Cummings (The Guess Who) (1947)
December 31 - Andy Summers (The Police) (1942)

Click here for the full list
 

Former Thin Lizzy Guitarist Gary Moore Dead at 58
February 7, 2011 – Gary Moore, best known for his work with Thin Lizzy, died in a hotel room in Spain on Sunday. He was 58.

One of his former band mates in Thin Lizy, Eric Bell says, "I can't believe it. He was so robust, he wasn't a rock casualty, he was a healthy guy. He was a superb player and a dedicated musician."

Moore was staying at a hotel in  Kempinski Hotel on the Costa del Sol where he reportedly drank champagne and brandy at the bar on Saturday night and returned to his room with his girlfriend at 11PM. He was found dead at 4AM.

Bob Geldof says, "One of the greatest blues players of all time. Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore - the glorious trinity of the Irish blues men... His playing was exceptional and beautiful. We won't see his like again."

Henry Rollins tells the Hollywood Reporter, "(It's) a big loss.” says Henry Rollins to the Hollywood Reporter, “He was too young to go."

Sharon Osbourne made this statement on Twitter, "I'm devastated to hear about Gary Moore... much love & respect to his children. He will be sorely missed."

Another former Thin Lizzy member, Brian Downey,  adds, "I am in total shock. I've known Gary since 1967 and he's been an amazing friend ever since. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers."

Moore had a successful solo career in Europe but he did not perform on Thin Lizzy's biggest commercial success “Jail Break” from 1976.

Officials say they will perform an autopsy this week.

Update: Autopsy reports say that Moore Died of a Heart attack- by John Beaudin

 

 

Fleet Foxes Named “Best Live Band," Yoko Ono, Mott the Hoople, Zombies & Joy Division Also Honored at Mojo Awards
June 12, 2009 – Listening to the Fleet Foxes is a cerebral Folk/Baroque/Pop religious experience. This is a band that can make you stop in your tracks. The eccentric group beat out Leonard Cohen and Radiohead yesterday (June 11th) to win Mojo Magazine’s “Best Live Act” award.

The Seattle band, known for their haunting vocal harmonies were nominated in three categories but only won the “Best Live” prize. Reps from Mojo said Fleet Foxes are now officially "one of the greatest live bands in the world."

Elbow, from Manchester picked up “Song of the Year” for “One Day Like This.”

Also congrats go out to Yoko Ono who was honoured with the “2009 Mojo Lifetime Achievement Award” Mojo editor-in-chief Phil Alexander said, "She may have been married to one of the most famous men in the world, but she also helped change music as we know it, She is a huge influence on modern music and this award recognizes her inspirational qualities and ongoing questing."

Mott the Hoople, the 1970’s English glam rock group headed by Ian Hunter picked up the Mojo Hall of Fame award. Hunter has recently announced two reunion shows with all five original members of the group to take place in October 2009. It’ll be the first total reunion of the band in 35 years.

The Specials, The Doors, Elton John, Madness and Arthur Lee have also won the award.

Other classic acts like Paul Weller, Joy Division, Miles Davis, the Zombies, the late Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top also won awards. Check out the full list below. – by John Beaudin

2009 - Mojo Award Winners:
- Breakthrough Act - White Lies
- Song Of the Year - Elbow (One Day Like This)
- Best Live Act - Fleet Foxes
- Best Album - Paul Weller (22 Dreams)
- Compilation Of The Year - Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story
- Vision Award - Joy Division
- Catalog Award - Miles Davis (Kind Of Blue 50th Anniversary Edition)
- Classic Album Award - The Zombies (Odessey And Oracle)
- Maverick Award - Manic Street Preachers
- Hero Award - The Pretty Things
- Outstanding Contribution To Music - Joe Brown
- Roots Awards - Topic Records
- Classic Songwriter Award - Johnny Marr
- Mojo Medal - Chris Blackwell/Island Records
- Inspiration Award - Blur
- Icon Award - Phil Lynott
- Les Paul Award - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
- Hall of Fame - Mott The Hoople
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Yoko Ono

Thin Lizzy Halts Movie on Late Great Singer Phil Lynott
Nov. 27, 2008 – Anyone growing up in the 70’s will remember ‘The Boys Are Back in Town,’ a huge worldwide hit for the Irish band Thin Lizzy. That album, ‘Jailbreak’ still lands on many top LP lists. Lead singer Phil Lynott died of heart failure and pneumonia on January 4, 1986 at the age of 36. He was in the process of being immortalized, Hollywood style, until the other surviving members of Thin Lizzy decided the script was unfair to his and the bands memory.

According to guitarist Scott Gorham, the biopic starring CSI actor Gary Dourdan as Lynott, was too sensationalizing on his alcohol and drug use. He said: "It's an ongoing saga because when we looked at the script, it was full of truths and half-truths and Hollywood's take on Phil's life was all about drugs.” So now the film has been halted.

Gorham says, "Of course there were drugs - that's the sensational side of Thin Lizzy - but when the movie absolutely centered on that it became a problem.”

"We want to veer people towards the music of Phillo and Thin Lizzy because he was a remarkable songwriter, musician and performer.”

"There was a lot more to Phil and the band than just taking drugs. It irritates me that the personal stuff overshadows the musical legacy. You only get one shot at getting a movie right. We won't give it the green light until everyone is happy."

The movie will probably go ahead after some re-writes. We hope so as Lynott was one of the most underrated rockers of the 70’s. – by John Beaudin