New Rush On The Way
Canadian prog legends Rush release their new album Clockwork Angels on June 8 via Roadrunner/Loud & Proud. They’ve released an official lyric video for the single Headlong Flight. A couple of the album’s tracks (Caravan and BU2B were performed on the band’s Time Machine tour and were featured on the live album of the same name. The new album will be accompanied by a novel being written by Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with Rush drummer/lyricist Neil Peart. Now, Rush have never toured Australia, which is kinda crazy when you consider that they have 24 gold records and 14 platinum records, and total worldwide sales of over 40 million records. Check out the unofficial site rushinoz.com for the latest on petitions to finally bring the band down to Australia.
New Gotthard Single
Swiss hard rock band Gotthard have just released a video for Starlight, the first single from their new album Firebirth, which is out on June 1. This is the band’s first album with their new vocalist, Swiss-born, Melbourne-raised Nic Maeder.
Gig Alert: Steel Panther
They rocked your balls off at Soundwave and their sideshows with Alter Bridge. They sleaze all over LA’s Sunset Strip every Monday night, rock Vegas on the weekends, and recently toured the UK with Def Leppard and Motley Crue, two bands who were namechecked in Death To All But Metal). And now the mighty Steel Panther are coming back for their own headlining tour! They’re playing at the Palace on Sunday October 7. Tickets go on sale on Thursday May 17 at 9am.
Helloween Spin-Off: Unisonic
Check out Unisonic, the new band featuring former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske and guitarist Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray, ex-Helloween) alongside guitarist Mandy Meyer (Asia, Gotthard and Krokus), bassist Dennis Ward and drummer Kosta Zafiriou (both of Germany’s Pink Cream 69). It’s fairly safe to say if you dig Helloween, you’ll love this. The album is released in a few weeks but you can check out the video for their anthem and album opener Unisonic on YouTube now.
Gig Alert: Voodoo Lounge
Old hard rock stalwarts S.A.S. (featuring Simon Croft and Rene), along with past hard rock legends Redback and City Sharps, play Guruland Studios Voodoo Lounge on Saturday May 19. Free hotdogs! Win grog on Deathwheel! Entry is $12 and the action kicks off at 9pm. 17 Carinish Rd, South Oakleigh.
Footy!
If you love yer footy, get on the YouTubes and search for Twelve Gauge Shot Glass’s song Bring On The Football. I especially like the bit where they invade a cricket match.
Outta my way, I have a class to teach
I’m giving a guitar masterclass at Montmorency Secondary College on Wednesday May 23, from 9.45am til 2pm. Bookings are essential, tickets are $20 and students must be accompanied by an adult (teachers and adults may attend individually). I’ll be going over topics that are especially helpful for beginner/intermediate guitarists, including ear training, technique, phrasing, tone and all that fun stuff. Sponsors of the Montmorency masterclass program include Gibson, Epiphone, Gallin’s Pro Shop, The Sound Lab, DrumTek, Bass Centre and Drumscene.
Be In My Video
Music Managers Forum Australia and the St. Kilda Film Festival present Making A Music Video – Everything You Need To Know, a free forum which promises some great networking opportunities and information. Speakers include Natasha Pincus (director of award-winning music videos for many of Australia’s favourite musicians, including Gotye, Powderfinger, Paul Kelly and Sarah Blasko); Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), cinematographer Warwick Field (music video credits include Paul Kelly’s God Told Me To, End Of Fashion’s Fussy, Pete Murray’s Chance To Say Goodbye, Powderfinger’s Burn Your Name, Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know, and Missy Higgins’ Unashamed Desire); Sarah Hickey (MD at Monster and Bear Productions); and Darcy Prendergast (Oh Yeah Wow, with artists such as Gotye, Kate Miller Heidke, Regurgitator, Eskimo Joe, Art Vs. Science and All India Radio). It’s at the Forum Hall opposite the Astor Theater on the corner of Chapel St and Dandenong Road, 6.30pm to 8pm, Thursday May 24. Afterwards head over the road to the Astor for the iconic Sound KILDA and see Melbourne and Victoria’s finest indie music clips and others, free!
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