SPV/STEAMHAMMER IS PROUD TO RELEASE THE NEW ACE FREHLEY ALBUM IN EUROPE:
2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ace Frehley will release Space Invader, his first new solo album in five years, via SPV/Steamhammer in Europe on July 07. The album will include nine brand new original songs as well as a cover of Steve Miller’s “The Joker.”
Frehley has released an official statement surrounding his new studio album: “Life on Earth has been very good to me, and the body of work I’ve created over the years has withstood the test of time. Today I see no obstacles before me and my creativity has never been more fine tuned. Growing up in an Alien world has enhanced my senses and allowed me to succeed where others would have failed. The best is yet to come!”

Widely known as the original “Space Ace” and founding guitarist for 16 cumulative years (over 2 tenures) of the multi-platinum selling rock band Kiss, Frehley is demonstrably the most popular original member. In addition to having the best-selling solo album career (vintage or current) among the original foursome, Frehley’s self-titled Ace Frehley, released in 1978, went on to sell over one million copies, producing the only Top 40 single, “New York Groove,”ќ from any of the legendary Kiss solo albums; (peaking at #13). The massive hit was most recently featured in an episode of cult show “Entourage”ќ and was also KISS’ second bestselling download in 2012, besting such KISS Army anthems as “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,”ќ “Beth”ќ and “Calling Dr. Love”ќ even after 36 years.
Since departing from KISS, Frehley went on to release four more solo albums and one live EP including his most recent effort, Anomaly in 2009, which received a welcoming response among critics. “‘Anomaly’ shows why many rock and metal guitarists list “Space Ace’ as a prime six-string influence,” said Rolling Stone.

GARY CHERONE’S HURTSMILE TO RELEASE NEW RECORD ‘RETROGRENADE’:
Boston (April 30, 2014) Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen) is back with Hurtsmile and, teaming up with pledgemusic.com to release ‘Retrogrenade‘ on June 2 with a public release to follow. Available now at Pledgemusic.com, is a free download of the single “Rock & Roll Clichй.”
Following up their 2011 self-titled debut, the band’s second release ‘Retrogrenade’ pays homage to almost every genre Cherone has presented in the past and still finds room to give you something new. Inspired by their classic rock roots, “it is the collective effort of the Band flexing their musical muscle” says Gary. Diverse tracks include the Aero/DC inspired ‘Rock & Roll Clichй,’ the hook laden ‘Hello I Must Be Going’, the epic blues of ‘Where Do We Go From Here’, to the sweet acoustic broken-hearted harmonies of ‘Goodbye.’ Hurtsmile rebels against traditional cohesiveness and does not attempt to capture a specific mood. It rather bombards you with a multitude of emotions and challenges you to go along for the ride.

Hurtsmile is Gary Cherone on vocals, Mark Cherone (Flesh) on guitar, Joe Pessia (Tantric/Dramagods) on bass and Dana Spellman on drums. To download “Rock & Roll Clichй” please go to: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hurtsmile/updates/35280.
Track Listing: Rock & Roll Clichй, Hello I Must Be Going, Big Government, I Still Do, Sing A Song (My Mia), Anymore (Don’t Want My Love),Where Do We Go From Here, A Melody For You, Wonder What, Walk Away, Good Bye, Pump it Up.
WebLinks: www.hurtsmile.com / www.facebook.com/Hurtsmile / www.twitter.com/hurtsmile.

VAN HALEN SOPHOMORE EFFORT DANCES ONTO RADIO 35 YEARS AGO:
Dallas, TX – April 29, 2014. North American syndicated Rock radio show and website InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History’s Greatest Rock Bands celebrates the 35th anniversary of Van Halen II with a look back at four formative Van Halen albums.
The quintessential American hard rock band Van Halen’s 1978 debut all but guaranteed their election to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame on the first ballot, quickly becoming a benchmark for every hard rock band ever since. Six years later they even topped that with 1984, one of the most popular and influential albums ever. Every one of the four Van Halen albums in between, II, Women and Children First, Fair Warning and Diver Down would all sell millions and each would top its predecessor on the album sales chart.
These early years, although undeniably successful, came with a price, and by 1982 Van Halen had become a series of contradictions: even though selling a million each on Van Halen II and its successors, as well as hundreds of thousands of concert tickets, their record label was concerned over a lack of mainstream hits and a shallow well of songs. Creative frustration along with personal conflicts within the band would eventually lead to a post-David Lee Roth Van Halen.

Alex Van Halen describes to InTheStudio host Redbeard how visceral and primal their creative process was on those formative albums. “When we’re in the studio and the amps are cranked to eleven on the dial and you’re having a great time playing it, I think that’s the one thing you shouldn’t forget. We’ve been looking at songs, how do we write them, how do we come up with the ideas, but once we start playing, it’s a perpetual thing.” 
Van Halen II /InTheStudio interview is available now to stream at: www.inthestudio.net/redbeards-blog/van-halen-2-35th-anniversary/

GEOFF TATE TO EMBARK ON FAREWELL QUEENSRYCHE TOUR BEGINNING IN JULY:
More than thirty years after setting forth on the musical journey that would become known as Queensryche, singer Geoff Tate — one of rock’s quintessential front men and the lead vocalist heard on all Queensryche hits — will be performing his farewell tour as “Queensryche” beginning in late July (see below for full itinerary).
The announcement of the tour, Queensryche Starring Geoff Tate – The Farewell Tour, comes hot on the heels of the recent amicable settlement with his former band mates Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield, who will be continuing with the band name.
With Geoff at the helm of Queensryche, the band experienced incredible success, garnering four Grammy nominations, performing in 46 different countries and selling over 20 million albums worldwide.

“One thing that’s really important for fans to know is that this never went to court,” comments Geoff Tate, who will be continuing as Geoff Tate: The Voice of Queensryche once the summer farewell tour is complete.
As part of the agreement between the original members, Geoff will have the exclusive right to perform the concept albums Operation: Mindcrime and Operation: Mindcrime II as unique performances.

For the past several months, Geoff and his version of Queensryche (comprised of bassist Rudy Sarzo, guitarist Robert Sarzo, guitarist Kelly Gray, drummer Simon Wright and keyboardist Randy Gane) have been performing the fan favorite on their 25th Anniversary Mindcrime Tour (with special guest Sass Jordan as “Sister Mary”) in front of sold out audiences everywhere.
“It’s sort of similar to the Pink Floyd situation where Roger Waters retained The Wall,” comments Geoff. “Mindcrime was my thing and my story, so it’s only appropriate that I keep that… The others will be touring as Queensryche and I’ll be continuing on as me.”

The popularity of the theatrical back-to-back presentation of the Operation: Mindcrime saga (I & II) was exemplified when the performance was captured for the 2007 double DVD/CD set, Mindcrime at the Moore, that hit #1 on Billboard’s Top Music DVD Chart and eventually reached gold status.
For the forthcoming tour, Geoff’s version of Queensryche will be performing all the hits along with some rarities to celebrate the music he’s enjoyed making over the past thirty years.
Although the name will change, the line-up of stellar musicians performing with Geoff after this “farewell” tour is expected to remain the same.
Tickets go on sale for the majority of shows this Friday, May 2nd and this Saturday, May 3rd.
Please visit www.queensryche.com, www.facebook.com/GeoffTateOfficial and www.twitter.com/GeoffTate.

Queensryche Starring Geoff Tate / 2014 Farewell Tour Dates
Wednesday, July 30 – Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, California
Thursday, July 31 – The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California
Friday, August 1 – Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, California
Saturday, August 2 – House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, August 3 – The Canyon Club in Agoura, California
Thursday, August 7 – Strummer’s in Fresno, California
Friday, August 8 – Theatre Deville in Vacaville, California
Saturday, August 9 – Downtown Amphitheater in Morgan Hill, California
Tuesday, August 12 – Music Marathon Works in Nashville, Tennessee
Wednesday, August 13 – Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina
Thursday, August 14 – The Chop Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina
Friday, August 15 – Ziggy’s by the Sea in Wilmington, North Carolina
Saturday, August 16 – Ziggy’s in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Sunday, August 17 – Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, August 19 – Trees in Dallas, Texas
Wednesday, August 20 – Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, Texas
Friday, August 22 – Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, August 23 – Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunday, August 24 – Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tuesday, August 26 – The Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah
Thursday, August 28 – The Cotillion in Wichita, Kansas
Saturday, August 30 – Tailgaters in Bolingbrook, Illinois

In a related article, Geoff talks to Billboard: www.billboard.com/articles/news/6070287/geoff-tate-puts-queensryche-lawsuit-behind-him-the-whole-experience-was-such-a.

Michael Wilton of Queensryche will be the very special guest on this week’s episode of Noize In The Attic (Where Your Past Comes Back To Haunt You) broadcasting this Friday 1-3PM EST on WNHU 88.7FM New Haven, CT (streaming live on www.wnhu.net) The in-depth interview brings us up to speed on all things Queensryche plus Michael goes back in time with stories on growing up, touring with Ozzy and more! Free podcasts are available on iTunes or by following the link at www.noizeintheattic.com where you can also find additional air-times and affiliates.

JAMES KOTTAK ON THE WRONG SIDE OF UAE AUTHORITIES:
From: www.billboard.com/articles/news/6070318/james-kottak-arrested-scorpions-drummer-jailed-in-dubai.
Newspapers in the United Arab Emirates are reporting that the American drummer for the rock band Scorpions has been sentenced to one month in jail after being convicted of offensive behavior in Dubai.
The government-backed National newspaper reported Tuesday that James Kottak was convicted of insulting Islam, raising his middle finger and being under the influence of alcohol while in transit at Dubai airport. The reports allege Kottak was heard ranting about “non-educated Muslims” and that he covered his nose when he saw Pakistani and Afghan passengers nearby. He also reportedly pulled his pants down.
The Gulf News daily says he was arrested April 3 en route from Russia to Bahrain, where the German band was scheduled to perform at a Formula One race. Kottak was a no-show at the April 5 concert. The newspapers say Kottak admitted to drinking but denied other charges.
“There is no way that I would say such a phrase about Muslims, whether I was drunk or not,” he reportedly told police. “I confess to drinking alcohol but I refuse the other two charges, I did not do them.”
The Scorpions’ manager didn’t respond to requests for comment. Kottak’s local lawyer couldn’t immediately be reached. Kottak joined the Scorpions in 1996.

SIGNUM REGIS: NEW VOCALIST ANNOUNCED:
The melodic metal band Signum Regis are proud to announce their new vocalist: Mayo Petranin. Ronnie Konig of Signum Regis comments: “Mayo Petranin has been with us as a guest singer since the last autumn. We played several gigs together, did a lot of rehearsing and spent a quite a bit of time together. During those months, we were able to tune in to the same vibe musically; we got to know each other and became friends. Being so happy with Mayo’s work and his interpretation of our songs, we are now naturally moving forward to the next step: Mayo is now officially the singer and frontman of Signum Regis.”
Signum Regis line-up 2014: Mayo Petranin – Vocals; Filip Koluљ – Guitars; Ronnie Konig – Bass; JaЎn Tupa – Keyboards, backing vocals; Jaro Jancula – Drums.

Up-coming Signum Regis shows:
May 2nd: Blast of Eternity Club Show [with Sleeping Romance] – Neckarsulm, Germany
May 3rd: Rock for Eternity – Amersfoort, Netherlands

The latest Signum Regis album “Exodus” was released late 2013 through Ulterium Records. The album feat. guest vocals from Michael Vescera [ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness], Matt Smith [Theocracy], Lance King [ex. Balance of Power], Goran Edman [ex. Yngwie Malmsteen] and more. Signum Regis are currently working on new material, and will hit the studio later this year to record the follow-up to “Exodus”.

ACE FREHLEY, NIGHT RANGER & GEORGE LYNCH FOR CARNEGIE MUSIC FUND:
Legendary San Francisco Rock ‘n Roll DJ and personality Nikki Blakk will add major rock ‘n roll power to the Carnegie ROCKS @ VIP Premiere Event! Her passion and enthusiasm for rock only proves that this event isn’t your ordinary art exhibit or concert. It’s a unique, never been done before, rockin’ bash. Nikki Blakk is an on-air personality at San Francisco’s 107.7 The Bone (KSAN) Monday through Friday from 7PM to Midnight. She is also a host for The Metal Zone, which is featured every Friday night from 10PM to 1AM.

The Carnegie Arts Center is proud to announce a commitment to music in the community through the newly created Carnegie Music Fund. The fund will support music education in all forms and will continue to make an impact long after the “Rocks” exhibit closes in late August. The Music Fund will help to capture the national and international enthusiasm for Carnegie ROCKS! To contribute and help us accomplish our $20K Goal, please visit: bit.ly/PLM9Ms.

The historic Carnegie Library opened in 1916, and is now one of only a handful of art centers in the region. The Carnegie’s programs include exhibitions, education classes and programs, lectures, and activities in artistic genres as diverse as dance, music, theater and more. At least 25% of all programming is dedicated to children and teens. The Carnegie Arts Center Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Website: carnegieartsturlock.org.
To purchase Carnegie Rocks @ VIP premiere tickets: Carnegie Rocks @ VIP Premiere Event! is a fund(d)raiser and will be held on Saturday, May 24. Limited tickets are still available. www.carnegierocks.eventbrite.com.