Away Team

Friday, September 23, 2011
Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD

Photos by Marcy J. Royce

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In July of this year, I interviewed singer/songwriter Dan Strauch of the Baltimore based band, Alice Anna. (click here for the link to see the interview: http://www.away-team.com/rock/2011/07/interview-alice-anna-daniel-strauch-singersongwriter/)

We had a terrific discussion that night. And Alice Anna’s music left me wanting more after I purchased their self titled debut release (released on iTunes on December 21, 2010). I’ve listened to those 6 songs many times in the last 2 months. Listening, studying, and most importantly enjoying the music created. So I was excited to know I would have the chance to see Alice Anna live for the very first time and also be photographing the band.

I arrived at Rams Head Live eager and energized. Before too long, Dan and I met up, exchanged hellos and hugs. It’s like I was seeing an good, old friend for the first time in months. And after our interview and discussion in July, I felt that Dan could be that kind of guy to me as a person. Kind, sweet, gentle, smart, and incredibily talented. It didn’t take too long after Dan had to run off and take care of somethings before drummer, Mike Marx, found me. Dan wanted to catch up and have some time to chat away from the other activity in the room. I joined Dan, Mike and Hunter in the dressing room for some quality time.

Our time together was fun and informative. The conversation was great. Dan informed me that the next 3 songs from the upcoming cd had been released on September 16. Songs are: Awake, Look Into These Eyes, and Carry Me Away. The next batch are to be released in the coming months. In the meantime, I have already purchased the 3 that were released. Go buy all 9. Then let me know what YOU think of the songs. I have this very good gut feeling you will NOT be disappointed. My girlfriend even purchased a cd at the show this night. YAY! Another new fan!

I had some time to learn about Hunter. How he has arrived at this place in his career at the tender age of 22. Hunter shared willingly and answered all my questions with patience. My friends and family know just how much I love to ask questions, ha ha! He and I talked about one of my loves, bass guitars. He uses a NEW Peavey Cirrus this night at Rams Head. Beautiful and great tone. Hunter did surprise me on stage. He is quite the energizer bunny. I was smiling from ear to ear watching him move and work that bass. The other bass he uses is a Fender Jazz. Thanks Hunter for being so gracious, a pleasure to sit with you.

I made me way back to the main room. I finally got my chance to position myself front and center for Alice Anna. What a set! High energy by all the guys. I watched each one perform with enthusiasim. The time just flew by so quickly, much to my dismay. I cannot wait to catch Alice Anna again live.

Check out all that is ALICE ANNA at their site: http://www.aliceannamusic.com/. There you will find upcoming shows. And if you are in the area they are playing, GO. You must check them out. I’m so glad I did!

At the end of the night I tried to say goodbye to the guys. They were so busy talking to all their fans. And that’s great. But you know, I’ll be seeing them again so I’ll get that chance at a proper goodbye again. This time with a hug!

Special thanks to Shauna O’Donnell at MUEN Public Relations and Promotion for helping to make it happen. You, girlfriend, ROCK! You’re my girl.

TESLA is launching their 20th anniversary of their legendary Five Man Acoustical Jam, in full “acoustic” fashion this November in support of their new album Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions.

The new album features “acoustic” versions of Tesla classics such as ‘Hang Tough‘ and ‘What You Give‘ as well as a new single titled ‘2nd Street‘. The concert tour will feature Tesla the band at their best in a sit down stripped acoustic setting reflecting their hit video Five Man Acoustic Jam, as well as new performances from the new album.

Catch Tesla on the Twisted Wires tour in a city near you:
November
1 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
2 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
4 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland
5 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
6 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
8 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
9 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s Nightclub
11 – Dallas, TX – Palladium Ballroom
12 – San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live
13 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
16 – West Hollywood, CA – House Of Blues
17 – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
18 – Phoenix, AZ – The Foundry
20 – Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues
December
1 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore









For more TESLA click here.

From Megadeth.com:
Megadeth is excited to re-launch for the first time since 2008 its critically acclaimed package festival Gigantour. The multi-artist bill — with metal heavyweights Motörhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil all personally picked by Dave Mustaine — will kick off in early 2012 with dates tentatively set for late January through early March.











For more Megadeth click here.

Los Angeles based The Dreaming, which features members of Stabbing Westward, Murderdolls & Living Dead Lights in their ranks, has signed with Epochal Artists Records/EMI for the release of the group’s new album ‘Puppet’ through the label on November 1st, 2011. The group’s new single “Every Trace” is impacting radio now and already lighting up phone lines on stations like KUPD in Phoenix, KXXR in Minneapolis, WIIL in Chicago and WAQX in Syracuse. “Every Trace” can be heard online at here and a bio video and be viewed below.

“After the death of Stabbing Westward, Johnny and I immediately put all our heart and soul into The Dreaming. We spent a lot of time working on our songs and live show in hopes that we would find the right team to get behind this band. After several years bouncing between managers and potential labels, we found a proper home with Epochal Artists Records,” commented Christopher Hall. “Epochal Artists Records understood what we were trying to do, they believe in our music and they are ready to work our album for the long haul. I am so proud to be the first release on E.A.R and so excited to be releasing ‘Puppet’ with them at the helm.”

Formed in 2005 by frontman Christopher Hall, the voice behind platinum rock outfit Stabbing Westward, The Dreaming assembles an all-star roster of musicians including Johnny Haro on drums (ex-Econoline Crush, Stabbing Westward), guitarist Eric Griffin (ex-Murderdolls/Wednesday 13), and bassist Martin Kelly (ex-Living Dead Lights). Since their inception, The Dreaming have become road warriors relentlessly touring with the likes of Ill Nino, Godhead, RA, Trust Company, Flaw, Julien-K, Powerman 5000 and Wednesday 13.

Renowned guitarists Alex Skolnick of Testament and Chris Broderick of Megadeth have joined forces to create the first annual Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat. This unique experience offers a select group of guitarists of all talent levels the opportunity to expand their horizons while spending four days and five nights studying and jamming with Broderick and Skolnick in a relaxed setting at Full Moon Resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains from December 26-30, 2011.

While best known for their work with Testament and Megadeth, Skolnick and Broderick are diverse, well rounded musicians with backgrounds and training in rock, jazz, classical and blues.

Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat will include master classes with Skolnick and Broderick, jam sessions, open mic nights and optional private lessons. Attendees are invited to expand their knowledge of lead guitar, rhythm guitar, music history, jazz theory, chord theory, harmony, improvisation, counterpoint, composition, chord voicings, improv (taught by Skolnick), classical fingerstyle technique (taught by Broderick), and of course heavy metal guitar. Guitarists will learn techniques to increase speed and improve tone, while hearing stories about life on the road, getting gear tips and much more. Nathan Peck (bass) and Matt “Zebar” Zebroski (drums/percussion) of the Alex Skolnick Trio will provide rhythm accompaniment for jam sessions throughout the week.









“I’m really looking forward to partnering with my friend Chris Broderick for our Winter Guitar Retreat,” says Skolnick. “Each of us has a unique, individual approach to guitar and it’s always fun to share one’s experience with deserving students. Therefore, we’ve decided to join forces and create the ultimate post-Christmas, pre-New Year’s getaway for amateur and pro guitarists alike.”

Broderick concurs: “Come join Alex and myself this winter for a comprehensive look at how we view the guitar. It will not only be insightful, but relaxed and fun as well. We will cover things such as stage performance, live jam sessions, and all kinds of helpful guitar playing tips that you can utilize. I look forward to seeing you at this incredible event.”

Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat will provide a full vacation experience, including gourmet meals from the in-house chef. In addition, Full Moon Resort is conveniently located close to a full array of winter activities including skiing and snowboarding.

A special 10% discount for Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat is available for those who register and pay in full before October 31, 2011.

For full details, go to: http://sbwinterguitarretreat.com/site/.

CHICKENFOOT – the supergroup featuring guitarist Joe Satriani, drummer Kenny Aronoff, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and frontman Sammy Hagar – have announced “The 2011 Road Test Tour,” the first live performance dates in support of the band’s forthcoming “CHICKENFOOT III” due September 27th from from eOne Music in North America and around the world by earMUSIC/Edel. The tour is taking them through San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago and New York early November. Venues and ticket on-sale information will be announced October 3rd. Chickenfoot III is available now for pre-order on iTunes.

CHICKENFOOT are also offering fans a very special free Live Concert Webcast: Chickenfoot Presents “III” at 6PM PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME on TUESDAY, SEPETMBER 27TH. The band will perform tracks from the new album at TRI Studios in Marin County, California and host a 30-minute Q&A session with the fans at www.chickenfoot.us. Fans can submit their questions to be included in the live Q&A session at www.chickenfoot.us leading up to the live webcast. Special promotional opportunities to be a member of the live in-studio audience in the studio will be announced on the band’s social sites. The webcast will rebroadcast on the band’s website September 28th at NOON PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME.

“CHICKENFOOT III” was produced by Mike Fraser features an elaborately designed 3D package with optical illusions and special codes giving fans a fully immersed creative Chickenfoot experience, creating a spectacle with spectacles. With special “3D optical enhancers,” otherwise known as old-skool 3D glasses that come with each package, the cover and inside photos feature artwork that trick the eye by looking through the two different red and blue lenses of the glasses. Having used a special state-of-the-art 3D camera rig to create the designs, CHICKENFOOT gives fans a truly multi-dimensional experience throughout the packaging that also offers a 3D photo of each band member with stats and Q&As, QR codes for behind the scenes 3D video content from the photoshoot on smartphones and much more. A look through the red lens even reveals a very special message on the CD itself.

THE 2011 ROAD TEST TOUR DATES:
November 1 – San Francisco, CA
November 2 – Los Angeles, CA
November 4 – St. Louis, MO
November 5 – Chicago, IL
November 8 – New York, NY









For more CHICKENFOOT click here.

Opeth has released a video for The Devil’s Orchard off their new CD Heritage.

Opeth – “The Devil’s Orchard” from Phil Mucci on Vimeo.

For more OPETH click here.

Styx will have its entire career encapsulated within the 16 tracks of Regeneration, Volume I & II on a double-disc to be released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on October 4.

With over 30 million records sold in North America alone, Styx is one of the most beloved rock bands on the planet. Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Todd Sucherman have been together longer than any other lineup in the band’s 40-year existence.

In addition to thirteen Styx classics and a brand new song “Difference In The World,” Regeneration, Volume I & II also includes interpretations of “High Enough,” and “Coming Of Age,” originally recorded by Damn Yankees, which featured Shaw, along with Night Ranger’s Jack Blades, Ted Nugent and drummer Michael Cartellone.” The band had originally re-recorded these acclaimed anthems to sell only at their live shows, as they continued to tour the globe and introduce a new generation of fans to their chart-topping hits. Now, for the first time, this music is being made commercially available.

Track Listing:
DISC 1
The Grand Illusion
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Lorelei
Sing For The Day,
Crystal Ball
Come Sail Away
Difference In The World

DISC 2
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
Miss America
Renegade
Queen Of Spades
Boat on The River
Too Much Time On My Hands
Snowblind
Coming Of Age
High Enough









For more STYX click here.

MusicBuyMail.eu has announced the release of a new VAIN album, entitled Enough Rope, on October 28th.

The new album follows on seamlessly from the glory days of their debut, No Respect. Even the upcoming film, Rock of Ages with Tom Cruise pays respect to Vain by featuring posters and music of this all time classic band.

Tracklist:
Greener
Enough Rope
Stray Kitten Burns
Hot Stage Lights
Distance Of Love
Cindy
Treasure Girl
Solid Gold
Worship You
Vain
Triple X



The album is being released on CD and digital format in Europe and North America by Music Buy Mail (with an online limited edition) and in Japan by Spiritual Beast / Universal followed by a tour in early 2012.









For more VAIN click here.

The Texas Hippie Coalition will hit the road to unleash their brutal fury of hard driven Southern Fried Metal across the U.S.. – THC will start their journey in Las Vegas, September 12th at the Crown Theater in the RIO Hotel.

Asked whether THC are rock ‘n’ roll, heavy metal or southern rock – or a bastardization of the three, the band will tell you one thing, they are a wrecking crew of BRUTALITY! “We’re as southern as southern can be,” says ‘Big Dad’ Ritch, the behemoth front man and driving force behind Texas Hippie Coalition. “Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, ZZ Top, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson – we’re as outlaw as we can get, while at the same time having the power of that Texas groove, like Pantera. We’re metal with a southern rock and roll spirit. We are a band of outlaws.” Big Dad Ritch (vocals) leads this driving force along with Randy Cooper (lead guitar), Wes Wallace (rhythm guitar), John Exhall (bass) and Tim Braun (drums).

THC will join the much anticipated BLACK LABEL SOCIETY select shows dates while they trek the U.S. with their guns blazing across the U.S. – THC will have latest release available “Rollin” on Carved Records.
TOUR DATES:

SEPTEMBER
MON, SEPT 12 Las Vegas, NV The Crown Theater/Rio Hotel
THURS, SEPT 15 Davenport, IA Redstone Room/River Music Experience
FRI, SEPT 16 Merriam, KS Aftershock
SAT, SEPT 17 Glendale Heights, IL Shark City
SUN, SEPT 18 Covington, KY The Mad Hatter
TUES, SEPT 20 Fredricksburgh, VA Q Balls Billiards
WED, SEPT 21 Sarver, PA Peter B’s
THURS, SEPT 22 Watertown, NY Fatboys
FRI, SEPT 23 Rochester, NY Montage Music Hall
SAT, SEPT 24 Tupper Lake, NY Old Northern Pub
WED, SEPT 28 Worcester, MA The Lucky Dog
THURS, SEPT 29 Seabrook, NH Chop Shop
FRI, SEPT 30 Auburn, ME Club Texas

OCTOBER
SAT, OCT 1 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
SUN, OCT 2 Clifton, NJ Dingbatz
TUES, OCT 4 Morgantown, WV 23 Pleasant Street
WEDS, OCT 5 Reading, PA Reverb Rock Garden
FRI, OCT 7 Oklahoma City, OK Diamond Ballroom **
SAT, OCT 8 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall **
SUN, OCT 9 New Orleans, LA House of Blues **
FRI, OCT 14 San Antonio, TX Jack’s Bar
SAT, OCT 15 Houston, TX Flamingo Room
THURS, OCT 20 Tempe, AZ Club Red
FRI, OCT 21 Gallup, NM The Juggernaut
FRI, OCT 28 Georgetown, OH Victory’s Sports Bar

NOVEMBER
FRI, NOV 4 Rochester, MN Wicked Moose
SAT, NOV 5 Mankato, MN Buster’s
WED, NOV 9 Kearney, NE The Garage
THURS, NOV 10 Omaha, NE The Hideout
FRI, NOV 11 Waterloo, IA Spicoli’s Grill and Reverb Rock Garden
SAT, NOV 12 Illiopolis, IL Bunker’s Bar
MON, NOV 14 Urbana, IL The Stop City
WEDS, NOV 16 Fargo, ND The Nestor Tavern

** Denotes date with BLS









For more TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION click here.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the release of Cream: Royal Albert Hall London 2005 on Blu-Ray on October 11. These songs, recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS-HD Master Audio, taken from four nights’ worth, prove Cream’s unerring sense of timing and drama remained intact. It was so good, in fact, they did what nobody ever thought they’d do: reunite for a stateside tour. And it all started here.

This epic 19-song high-definition reunion concert of guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker—who hadn’t played together in nearly 40 years—comes complete with an additional three bonus tracks: alternate versions of “Sleepy Time Time,” “We’re Going Wrong” and “Sunshine Of Your Love.” Interviews with all three legends make up the remainder of this historic two-hour and 47-minute classic.

Cream’s four studio albums – Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears, Wheels Of Fire, and Goodbye – were all successful, and yielded numerous hit singles. Still, it was their incendiary and revolutionary approach to live performance that made them stand out head and shoulders above their peers. This very special chemistry can be felt on Cream: Royal Albert Hall London 2005.

Despite being together originally from only 1966 to 1968, these three not only set the standard for power trios but became god-like to their fans in their virtuosity and intricate bombastic jamming. The interplay between the three of them—all three soloing simultaneously!—was like nothing that had ever came before. To even the surprise and delight of the musicians themselves, that bond did not break through the decades.

Track Listing:
I’m So Glad
Spoonful
Outside Woman Blues
Pressed Rat And Warthog
Sleepy Time Time
N.S.U.
Badge
Politician
Sweet Wine
Rollin’ And Tumblin’
Stormy Monday
Deserted Cities Of The Heart
Born Under A Bad Sign
We’re Going Wrong
Crossroads
Sitting On Top Of The World
White Room
Toad
Sunshine Of Your Love









For more CREAM click here.

The inaugural 48 Hours Festival Powered by Rockstar Energy Drink, the ultimate rock and roll music event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, is offering fans the opportunity to win an exclusive weekend concert experience with the “Debauchery VIP Package.” To enter to win, visit http://48hoursfestival.com/48hrs-festival-flyaway/. The winner and a guest will be flown to Las Vegas and receive:

• Two-day Debauchery VIP ticket to 48 Hours Festival with exclusive VIP entrance
• Access to Debauchery VIP Party Tent with discounted beer and drink specials
• 48 Hours Festival Limited Edition T-Shirt and collectible souvenir ticket
• Official Debauchery VIP Laminate

Located on the Luxor Festival Fairgrounds across the street from Luxor Hotel and Casino, 48 Hours Festival will feature two stages of pure rock with a royal flush of festivities at various Las Vegas locations spanning the entire weekend. Along with scheduled performances by Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace and many more, the festival also will feature multiple big air freestyle motocross jump shows by the Rockstar Metal Militia daily. In addition, the 48 Hours Festival is holding various contests to win “Survival Kits” from bands performing at the festival through its Facebook page.

The countdown to 48 Hours Festival begins Friday, Oct. 14 with a kick-off party at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino featuring Steel Panther. On Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, concertgoers can continue raging at the official after-party at the House of Blues. In addition, Korn’s Jonathan Davis will DJ a Sunday morning Hangover Brunch at Mandalay Bay.

Two-day weekend ticket packages start at $99 and can be purchased at www.48HoursFestival.com/tickets/. In addition, a limited number of once-in-a-lifetime exclusive VIP packages are available including the “All Excess – Cabanas” package featuring a full-service cabana with premium elevated sight lines. For additional information and discount hotel packages at Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur, visit www.48HoursFestival.com.

Bands confirmed for 48 HOURS FESTIVAL:
Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine, Hollywood Undead, Sick Puppies, Escape The Fate, Sevendust, Hatebreed, Adelitas Way, Rev Theory, 10 Years, Black Tide, Art of Dying, Eyes Set to Kill, Butcher Babies, Valora, Hell or Highwater, Orange Blossom Special

“Worship Music“, (Megaforce) Anthrax‘s first studio album in eight years and its first with vocalist Joey Belladonna since 1990′s “Persistence of Time,” blasts onto next week’s Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #12, the band’s highest chart debut in two decades, and second-highest in its career, selling 28,500 copies.

And if that’s not enough, “Worship Music” debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Chart, #3 on the Hard Music Core Chart, and #2 at both the Indie and Indie Core Stores charts.

“I am most proud of our fans who came out and gave us the amazing support they did,” said Anthrax‘s Charlie Benante. “To have our record debut at #12 is a great accomplishment.”

Added the band’s Scott Ian, “I’m absolutely thrilled with the fact that our Anthrax Army came out in force this week to show the world that good music matters. Thank you to all our friends, old and new! It’s a privilege to do this for you.”

While the recording of “Worship Music” was challenging and at some times difficult, it was at the core of an extraordinary experience for a band that had questioned its very future. Anthrax‘s turning point took place in 2009 at a Cleveland hotel bar with Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich when he first brought up the idea of The Big Four. That led to Anthrax‘s decision to get Belladonna back in the band on a permanent basis, and to the complete refashioning of the previously-recorded tracks for “Worship Music” with Belladonna‘s inimitable vocal stamp. Pre-release reviews of “Worship Music” hailed the album as not only a career-best for Anthrax, but “the metal album of the year,” and last week’s New York homecoming concert at Yankee Stadium as one of the original architects of speed and thrash metal with Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth - The Big Four – only added to Anthrax‘s remarkable renewal.

Anthrax hits the road beginning October 14 on a five-week, coast-to-coast tour with Testament and Death Angel.

Upcoming ANTHRAX dates:
10/14 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room
10/15 Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
10/16 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/18 Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion
10/19 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
10/22 Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theater
10/23 San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
10/24 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
10/26 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/28 Dallas, TX @ South Side Music Hall
10/29 Austin, TX @ Emo’s East
10/30 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
11/1 Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
11/2 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
11/4 Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
11/5 Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
11/6 Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
11/8 Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
11/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
11/11 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
11/12 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom * NEW
11/13 Huntington, NY @ The Paramount * NEW
11/15 Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
11/17 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
11/18 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues * NEW
11/19 Milwaukee, WI @ Rave Ballroom









For more ANTHRAX click here.

The music and legacy of ZZ TOP - “That Little ol’ Band from Texas,” that has been part of the world’s musical landscape for over 40 years – will be celebrated with the October 11th release of A TRIBUTE FROM FRIENDS.

The album, to be released by Show Dog-Universal Music, features 11 classic ZZ Top songs interpreted by top-flight artists working in a broad range of musical genres. All of the album’s tracks have been newly recorded, specifically for the project. These include Filter’s performance of “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” Grace Potter & The Nocturnals’ take on “Tush,” as well as Wyclef Jean’s “Rough Boy,” “Legs” from Nickelback and Wolfmother’s interpretation of “Cheap Sunglasses.”

The album kicks off with “Sharp Dressed Man,” from The M.O.B., Mick Fleetwood’s ad hoc group that includes fellow Fleetwood Mac founder John McVie as well as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and guitar great Jonny Lang. Fleetwood commented, “We’re delighted to honor ZZ Top this way. Their legacy, like that of the original Fleetwood Mac, is steeped in the blues we all love so much. I know that Steven and Jonny feel as strongly about their legacy as John and I do.”

After Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, the original–and continuing– members of ZZ Top were informed that A Tribute From Friends was in the offing, they issued the following statement:

“When we were told there was going to be a ZZ Top tribute album a while ago and logically asked, ‘Who are we paying tribute to?’ Then we found out that a bunch of great artists were paying tribute to us and we were in disbelief. For the past forty or so years, all we’ve done is get out there and crank it and try to have a good time while doing so. To a great extent, we’ve succeeded since we’re still having a good time so that would be reward enough for ‘the same three guys playing the same three chords.’ Now comes A Tribute From Friends and we’re so delighted that our music resonates with these great musicians whom we so admire.”

A Tribute From Friends also includes “Waitin’ for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago” by Daughtry, “Got Me Under Pressure” from Duff McKagan’s LOADED and Mastodon’s version of “Just Got Paid.” Coheed & Cambria contributed the anthemic “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers” while country superstar Jamey Johnson’s track is the seminal “La Grange.” Of their invitation to be a part of the album, lead singer Chris Daughtry said, “We were completely honored! A classic great band with amazing songs? We’re in!” And of ZZ Top’s music, “It’s classic! Simple chord progressions, great riffs with hooky choruses…very inspiring to a band like us.”
The co-executive producer of A Tribute From Friends is Carl Stubner, ZZ Top’s manager, who noted, “A Tribute From Friends underscores the legacy of ZZ Top in the most musical way possible and illustrates just how important Billy, Dusty and Frank have been to successive generations. It was a privilege to work with the pantheon of brilliant artists who contributed their efforts and so much love to this project.”

Since Billy, Dusty and Frank founded ZZ TOP on the last day of 1969, the band has been responsible for the worldwide sale of over 50 million records highlighted by many of the very same songs heard on A Tribute From Friends as well many others including “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Pearl Necklace,” “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide,” “Tube Snake Boogie” and a score of smash hit albums that include the RIAA Diamond Award winning (10 million sold) Eliminator as well as gold and platinum winners Afterburner, Fandango!, Deguello, Recycler, Antenna, El Loco, Tejas, Tres Hombres plus compilation sets. Their hit repertoire, iconic and award-winning videos and massive touring schedule has made them a favorite with audiences throughout the world and beyond – they previewed a track from their forthcoming album aboard the Soyuz space vehicle. They are recipients of the Texas Cultural Trust’s 2011 Texas Medal of the Art and had previously been named “Official Texas Heroes” by the state’s House of Representatives. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones in 2004 who cited the band’s remarkable consistency and longevity and, first and foremost, the fact that ZZ Top is “steeped in the blues,” calling them “the heartbeat of the whole country and the heartbeat of rock ‘n’ roll.”

Waitin’ For the Bus/Jesus Left Chicago-Daughtry by RCA Music Group

A TRIBUTE FROM FRIENDS – TRACK LISTING
1. “Sharp Dressed Man” – The M.O.B. (Mick Fleetwood, Steven Tyler, Jonny Lang & John McVie)
2. “Gimme All Your Lovin’” – Filter
3. “Tush” – Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
4. “Legs” – Nickelback
5. “Cheap Sunglasses” – Wolfmother
6. “Got Me Under Pressure” – Duff McKagan’s LOADED
7. “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers” – Coheed & Cambria
8. “Just Got Paid” – Mastodon
9. “Rough Boy” – Wyclef Jean
10. “Waitin’ for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago” – Daughtry
11. “La Grange” – Jamey Johnson

For more ZZ TOP click here.

DISTURBED will release their B-Sides compilation, The Lost Children, on November 8th.

The Lost Children:
Hell
A Welcome Burden
This Moment
Old Friend
Monster
Run
Leave It Alone
Two Worlds
God of The Mind
Sickened
Mine
Parasite
Dehumanized
3
Midlife Crisis (FAITH NO MORE cover)
Living After Midnight (JUDAS PRIEST cover)

Draiman recently announced that DISTURBED will take an indefinite hiatus, which means that the B – Sides release could be the last we hear of DISTURBED.









For more DISTURBED click here.