Away Team

JANUS- ‘Nox Aeris’

REALID Records/Warner ILG

Rating: 9 out of 10

Reviewed By: Jay Rybak

 

 

The first time I heard the single ‘Eyesore’ from Janus’ 2009 debut Red Right Return, I became an instant fan.  Needless to say I had been impatiently awaiting the latest offering from the Chicago based rockers… and good things come to those who wait, very good things.  For those of you unfamiliar with Janus, think 10 Years meets Filter.  The perfect blend of melodic, yet heavy, with a hint of electronic.

As evidenced by the first single ‘Stains’, ‘Nox Aeris’ is that quintessential Janus album, yet with this offering there is one thing that really stood out to me.  Not to detract from the great talents that comprise the rest of the band, but Johnny Salazar is a phenomenal drummer.  You get a little taste in the first track ‘In Flames’, but the cymbal-crashing, double-bass smorgasbord ‘Stray’ is a glaring example, with the track that follows, ‘Numb’, serving as a delicious dessert.

Pair this newfound respect for Salazar, with the shredding of Mike Tyranski, and the vocal prowess of David Scotney and the stars align.  The band as a whole clicks on all cylinders in the heavy hitters ‘A Promise To No One’ and ‘Polarized’, my two favorite tracks off the album, and two more reasons why ‘Nox Aeris’  is in constant rotation in this writer’s playlist, and should be in yours.

To put it simply, if Duran Duran got massive testicular implants, and broke onto the scene in 2012, the result would be ‘Nox Aeris’.  This album is a must have and comes very highly recommended.

‘Nox Aeris’ is available now on iTunes, and hits stores Tuesday, March 27th.  For more info on Janus, including tour dates and to purchase music, visit the band’s official website.

 

 

Rocklahoma has announced the 2012 lineup for the three-day camp & rock festival that features the top current active rock artists and classic bands. America’s biggest Memorial Day Weekend party–May 25-27 at “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds in Pryor, OK–is proud to be presented by Budweiser.

The initial Rocklahoma lineup includes: Rob Zombie, Chickenfoot featuring Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff (sitting in for Chad Smith), Michael Anthony & Sammy Hagar, Creed, Megadeth, Slash, Queensrÿche, Chevelle, Theory of a Deadman, Jackyl, Puddle Of Mudd, Hellyeah, P.O.D., Volbeat, 10 Years, Cavo, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Pop Evil, Red, The Darkness, Art of Dying, Trivium, Aranda, Redlight King, James Durbin, Janus, New Medicine, Rival Sons, Anti Mortem, Gypsy Pistoleros, Wildstreet, Firstryke, Black Tora, Sunset Riot, The Glitter Boys, Fist of Rage, Switchblade Scarlett, Krank and more. Bands will perform on the Main Stage, Second Stage and the Retrospect Records Stage.

“Rocklahoma has quickly become the rock n’ roll party of Memorial Day Weekend, and 2012 is going to take the party to a whole new level,” commented Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the festival for AEG Live. “We’ve got a great balance of talent this year with some amazing classic artists covering the last three decades along with plenty of today’s rock. But the most unique part of this festival is definitely the campground experience…Three days and nights of craziness and chaos that only Rocklahoma can deliver!”

General Admission and VIP packages for Rocklahoma go on sale Friday, February 24 at 10am CST at all Ticketmaster outlets and www.rocklahoma.com. To get access to the Rocklahoma internet pre-sale, which will be held from Wednesday, February 22 at 10am CST through Thursday, February 23 at 10pm CST, go to www.rocklahoma.com and sign up to receive the Rocklahoma newsletter. Fans can save by buying early, as ticket prices will increase in the coming weeks.

Camping tickets may be purchased by calling the Rocklahoma Camping Office at (866) 310-2288 or emailing info@feverfest.com. Campgrounds open on Sunday, May 20 and will remain open though Tuesday, May 29.

The Axis Entertainment Campground Stage returns in 2012 to enhance the Rocklahoma camping experience. Anyone holding festival and camping tickets will be able to check out some of the finest new rock bands performing on this stage, located next to the General Store in the main campgrounds.

Rocklahoma’s VIP packages have expanded due to popular demand. Some of this year’s weekend VIP packages include:
Groupie Package (One Person)
- VIP Reserved Ticket
- Access to VIP Catering Tent
- Private Backstage Lounge Tent Access *
- Weekend Pit Access
- Package Inclusive of all taxes and fees
* This year, the Groupies will have their own Backstage Lounge, which is conveniently located between the Main and Second Stages.

Roadie Package (One Person)
- VIP Reserved Ticket
- Access to VIP Catering Tent
- Private Backstage Lounge Tent Access **
- Private Restroom Access
- Weekend Pit Access
- One Event Poster, T-Shirt and Festival Mug
- One Commemorative Laminate
- VIP Deck Access
- Package Inclusive of all taxes and fees
**Exclusive for Roadies and Rockstars is the Backstage Lounge, which is conveniently located between VIP Catering and the Main Stage.

Rockstar Package (Two Person)
- Roadie Package for Two
- Three Night stay at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa (room & tax only)
- Shuttle Service
- Best Seats in the House
- Package Inclusive of all taxes and fees
**Exclusive for Roadies and Rockstars is the Backstage Lounge, which is conveniently located between VIP Catering and the Main Stage.

For a detailed list of 2012 Rocklahoma VIP ticket options, packages and amenities, please visit www.rocklahoma.com.

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

Let the madness begin!  After its wildly successful inaugural run, the highly anticipated Carnival of Madness Tour returns this summer!  Joining the Carnival will be Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.

Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, the Carnival of Madness Tour will tear through North America for 25+ dates set to launch August 13 in Twin Lakes, WI.

VIP ticket pre-sales for the first 15 events will be available for those belonging to Theory of a Deadman’s Deadfan Club beginning Tuesday, May 31, followed by those signed up for the Carnival of Madness mailing list at www.carnivalofmadness.com, beginning Wednesday, June 1.   VIP bundles with exclusive merchandise, content, and an enhanced Carnival experience will be available for purchase through Artist Arena.

The public on-sale for the first round of shows will be Friday, June 3.  All of the ticket on-sale info can be found at www.carnivalofmadness.com.  The “Carnival” ticket price acknowledges the current state of the economy offering an “affordable” ticket that will be in the $25 – $35 range.

Bill McGathy, the owner of the Carnival of Madness brand proclaims, “After the incredible energy generated in the inaugural event last year, the 2011 edition combines a fantastic Rock package with a ticket price that is actually affordable in these economically challenged times”.

“Theory of a Deadman is totally stoked to be doing the Carnival of Madness Tour this year,” says singer/guitarist Tyler Connolly. “It’s great to be joined by Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and newcomers Emphatic – who all have songs rocking at radio and awesome live shows.  It’s gonna be a fuckin’ great show from beginning to end and definitely something you don’t wanna miss!  See you there!!!”

Continues Alter Bridge singer/guitarist Myles Kennedy:  “Alter Bridge is pleased to be taking part of the Carnival of Madness Tour later this summer with Theory Of A Deadman, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.  It will be great to be back in the U.S. playing on our home turf with these bands.  If you dig straight up, no frills Rock…then this tour is for you.  Hope to see everyone there!”

One of Vancouver’s greatest exports, Theory of a Deadman, is returning to give rock music a much needed reality check with their fourth studio release, THE TRUTH IS… The album is slated for release on July 12 via Roadrunner/604 Records and the first single, “Lowlife,” is already storming its way up the rock charts.  THE TRUTH IS…, the follow up to the band’s previous Platinum-selling SCARS AND SOUVENIRS, was produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, 3 Doors Down).  The band recently wrapped playing the inaugural Avalanche tour alongside Stone Sour, Skillet, Halestorm and Art of Dying, and will be playing select festivals before heading out on the Carnival of Madness Tour.  Theory of a Deadman is Tyler Connolly (vocals, guitar), David Brenner (guitar), Dean Back (bass) and Joey Dandeneau (drums).

Alter Bridge has been making their mark on the rock world for years through their three studio releases and non-stop touring.  The band is currently haunting the Top 20 of the Rock charts with their latest single, “Ghost of Days Gone By.” The single, the follow-up their #1 rock smash “Isolation,” is from their Alter Bridge Recordings via EMI Label Services release ABIII, which debuted at #17 on Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart when it was released last November.  In preparation for the Carnival of Madness Tour, the band just wrapped up a successful headline run with Black Stone Cherry and Like a Storm.  Alter Bridge has also made successful national TV appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live in support of ABIII.  Alter Bridge is Myles Kennedy (vocals, guitar), Mark Tremonti (guitar, vocals), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums).

Kentucky’s Black Stone Cherry–vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Jon Lawhon and drummer John Fred Young–is a band adept at creating both timeless rock ‘n roll and new, innovative sounds.  The band have recently released their third album for Roadrunner Records, BETWEEN THE DEVIL & THE DEEP BLUE SEA, which is the summation of a year in the life of the band—every emotion, triumph, loss, romance and everything in between—it’s all here on this album.  The first single, “White Trash Millionaire,” is currently approaching sitting at #15 on the Active Rock charts and climbing.

Las Vegas-based rockers Adelitas Way will release their sophomore album, HOME SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN, June 7 on Virgin Records.  The album, produced by Dave Bassett (Shinedown), showcases the band’s lyrical and musical growth.  The band has spent the past couple of years on the road and is excited to be part of this year’s Carnival.

Hard rock band Emphatic will release DAMAGE, their Atlantic Records debut, on July 12.  Led by vocalist Patrick Wilson and lead guitarist Justin McCain, Emphatic has spent years honing their edge on the road, headlining clubs and theaters along with supporting such like-minded artists as Stone Temple Pilots, Buckcherry, and Papa Roach.  DAMAGE, produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, Flyleaf), features the song “Bounce,” which is currently climbing the Active Rock charts.

The Carnival of Madness Tour made its inaugural launch in 2010 with Shinedown, Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd and 10 Years, which proved to be one of the biggest Rock shows of the summer as a Top 50 tour.

For up-to-the minute news and information, please visit www.carnivalofmadness.com.

CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 2011 TOUR DATES

DATE                                      CITY                           VENUE
Saturday, August 13               Twin Lakes, IL             Shadow Hill Ranch
Friday, August 19                    Council Bluffs, IA        Harrah’s Casino
Saturday, August 20               Sedalia, MO                Missouri State Fairgrounds
Friday, August 26                    Louisville, KY              Kentucky State Fair/Cardinal Stadium
Saturday, August 27               Waterloo, IA                McElroy Auditorium (outdoors)
Sunday, August 28                 St. Paul, MN               Minnesota State Fair
Thursday, September 1          Allentown, PA             The Great Allentown Fair
Saturday, September 3          Hampton Beach, NH  Hampton Beach Casino
Wednesday, September 7      Baltimore, MD             Pier Six Concert Pavilion
Saturday, September 10        Atlantic City, NJ          House of Blues
Sunday, September 11           Huntington, WV           Harris Riverfront Park
Tuesday, September 13         Charlotte, NC              Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater
Wednesday, September 14    Fayetteville, NC          Crown Coliseum
Friday, September 16             Tulsa, OK                    Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino
Saturday, September 17        Poplar Bluff, MS         Black River Coliseum

If you don’t see your area listed, not to worry more dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

The daily performance lineups have been revealed for the Fifth Anniversary of ROCK ON THE RANGE–America’s premier destination rock festival–May 21-22 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

A limited number of ROCK ON THE RANGE Saturday and Sunday single day Stadium GA tickets will be available for only $59.50 beginning March 28 at 10:00 AM EST. In addition, as a way to honor those who serve their country, ROTR will again offer a $30 single day Stadium GA ticket to members of the military. To qualify for the $30 ticket, concertgoers must present a photo ID with military ID to the Columbus Crew box office Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm between May 1 and 21, 2011. Two-day weekend Stadium GA festival passes (which include entrance to the Friday pre-party) start at just $99.50 plus service and transaction fees.

The daily artist lineups for ROCK ON THE RANGE are as follows:

Friday, May 20 Pre-Party (doors open at 6pm):
Steel Panther, Danko Jones, Lez Zeppelin

Saturday, May 21 (doors open at 11am):
*Monster Energy Stage: Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Staind, Alter Bridge, Hinder, Sick Puppies, Rev Theory, Finger Eleven
*The f.y.e. Stage: Danzig, Escape The Fate, My Darkest Days, Crossfade, Asking Alexandria, Trust Company
*Jägermeister Stage: P.O.D., Black Veil Brides, 2 Cents, Egypt Central, Bad City, Downplay

Sunday, May 22 (doors open at 11am):
*Monster Energy Stage: A Perfect Circle, Disturbed, Stone Sour, Bullet For My Valentine, Black Label Society, All That Remains, Saving Abel, 10 Years
* The f.y.e. Stage: Hollywood Undead, A Day To Remember, Trapt, Cavo, PopEvil, Hail The Villain
*Jägermeister Stage: The Damned Things, Fu Manchu, Evans Blue, Art Of Dying, Red Fang









For more ROCK ON THE RANGE click here.

Of the many bands I’ve followed over the last two decades, only a handful have had a strong staying power in my musical library…one such band is Atlanta based powerhouse Sevendust.  When I first saw Sevendust, back on a cold winter night twelve years ago at the Webster Theater in Hartford, CT, I knew they were going somewhere.  Never did I dream that I would be seeing them grace the stage at Woodstock ’99, let alone have the chance to interview the backbone of the band, iconic drumming idol Morgan Rose.  While Woodstock was 1999′s biggest concert event… flash forward to 2010, the year in which I finally got to chat with rock’s biggest drummer on a stop of rock’s biggest tour… the Carnival of Madness.  Eight albums, one rockstar wife, and one Playmate of the Month wife later, there were many questions to be answered.  How does one get the answers to twelve years worth of questions into twelve minutes worth of conversation?  Sit back, crack open a cold one, and find out.

AWAY-TEAM:  Well Morgan, congratulations on the tour, and the album Cold Day Memory, which I think is destined to become a classic in the Sevendust catalog.

MORGAN ROSE:  I appreciate it man.

AWAY-TEAM:  I’m really impressed with it.  Now, with Cold Day Memory you kinda seem to have gotten back to the core Sevendust sound.  Do you attribute that to the chemistry of having a guy like Clint Lowery back in the fold?

MORGAN ROSE:  Oh yeah, 100 percent.  Ya know, we did three records without him, and we missed him.  You know that’s like bringing in that fifth element, ya know.  I mean, the sound of our band was always the heavy riffs, the melodic choruses, and the three different voices.  Really, to be honest, the last time we really had a decent amount of power on a record was Animosity, because we were dictated to during Seasons alot, so it still sounded like us, but we were told what to do.  So we had to kinda groove our direction that way, and we like that record, but Animosity was really the last time that all five of us had the power to be able to do exactly what we wanted, so this was the first time since then, and I think that it showed for sure.

MORGAN ROSE:  For sure.  Ya know, being a fan first and foremost, you can really see that you guys are clicking on all cylinders again.

MORGAN ROSE:  Yeah, definitely.  We’re excited.  We’re really happy to get him back, and get our little family back together, and get in the studio.  Because, you know, we did a lot of touring before we were able to get in there with him, so…it was nice to get back in the studio.

AWAY-TEAM:  Now, that album was actually released on your own label 7 Bros.  How did 7 Bros. come about?  Was it kinda the product of “We’ve been fucked over by TVT, we’ve been fucked over by Winedark, we KNOW we’re not gonna fuck ourselves over”? I mean, how did that come around?

MORGAN ROSE:  Uh… Yeah, it was kind of a partnership thing we did through Warner Music, ya know for the first time we were gonna get the real distribution through WEA.  We were gonna have the machine through Warner to borrow people to work for us, and help us out.  So, even though it’s our own label, and considered an indie, we’ve got the resources all around us, and you add our management In De Goot into the fold, all of a sudden… you’ve got a massive machine at radio with In De Goot; you know Bill McGathy has the been the godfather of radio for a very long time.  The combination put us in a position where we felt we had enough behind us to be able to pull this off on our own.

AWAY-TEAM:  You’re widely considered to be one of the best drummers of all-time…

MORGAN ROSE:  (laughs)

AWAY-TEAM:  truthfully, you see it everywhere, it is what it is, right?

MORGAN ROSE:  That’s crazy.  I’m totally flattered that people think that.

AWAY-TEAM:  The most amazing thing to me, is that it’s hard enough to play at the level that you do, but to sing at the same time?  That just blows my mind.  I mean guys like you, and Phil Collins always amazed me because he had such a great voice, but could play the shit out of the drums at the same time.  I’ve always wondered, how do you manage to keep your voice holding one note, and your hands and feet holding another?

MORGAN ROSE:  I don’t know.  I mean it all really started years ago… I’d be writing parts for other people to do and practice, I’d come up with these parts for other people to sing, and they’d be like “Well why don’t you just sing it?”  And I’m like “I don’t wanna be hindered with a microphone back here”, of course the stupid headset came into play, and that was like, that’ll be so you don’t have to move a mic around.  As embarassing as that thing might be, I was glad when Tommy Lee wore it, because it opened the door so I would feel a little less embarassed.  Ya know, it is what it is.  It was one of those things where I developed some ideas, doing something in a certain voice, and everyone just told me they wanted me to do it.  In one way, I wish I never would’ve brought it up, in another way it helped define our sound a bit having that extra voice.

AWAY-TEAM:  You say, in one way you wish you never did it.  Is it because it’s just kind of a burden as your trying to play?

MORGAN ROSE:  Uh… it’s not hard to do, I think it’s probably more that I’m just completely combustive back there.  Ya know I’d like to just lose my mind, and I do the best that I can, but ya know that things in my way and…I mean I’ve gotta do all kinds of prep work to make sure that thing doesn’t fly off.  So I use a mic that’s not really a state of the art microphone, just because it’s the only one that’ll stay on my head the way that I play.  So I’ve got a mic that’s not really the highest quality, just because I wanna make sure I can play the way that I want to play.  But at the same time, that voice lends itself to distortion, so if the mic breaks up a little bit it kinda adds to the sound live.

AWAY-TEAM:  Does having Clint back in the fold lift some of that vocal burden from you?

MORGAN ROSE:  Uh, yeah, ya know the harmony stuff was always left up to him.  When he was gone Vinny and John took over that area.  So it’s not so much of a change as far as how much I’m doing, but on this record, ya know Clint has quite a heavy voice of his own, so he took a little bit of the grunt, or some of that work from me, so I don’t have to worry about doing as much.  So yeah, it’s helped out in lightening the workload on me a little bit.

AWAY-TEAM:  You guys have been out touring and playing for a long time.  I remember the first time I saw you guys, back in ’98, at a little club called the Webster Theater in Hartford, you were there with Godsmack, Kid Rock, and I think One Minute Silence, and Second Coming.  You’ve come a long way from that thus far, in fact I even saw you guys play at Woodstock ’99.  So what’s been the absolute highlight of your career so far?

MORGAN ROSE:  I mean, ya know when we went over and played for the troops, that was a big highlight for us.  We played for some big crowds, and we played for some small ones, but overall to think that we’re just “five little rednecks from Georgia” that twelve years later, actually twelve years signed, but fifteen years later these kids that grew up playing a little bar in Atlanta called The Rec Room in front of fifty to a hundred people are now being invited to go and play for the men and women who protect our country, and to be personally invited to do that was just an honor.  Not a lot of people get to do things like that, so we felt very blessed, and it made us feel amazing inside.  We’ve had so many opportunities to do, ya know, Woodstock and some of the tours that we’ve done, they’ve been great, they’ve been highlights, but to do something like that.  It just sets itself apart.

AWAY-TEAM:  It’s good to see people giving back to those guys. 

MORGAN ROSE:  Oh Yeah!

AWAY-TEAM:   You mentioned Tommy Lee earlier, Tommy has a tremendous amount of respect for you.  You actually got to fill in for him a few times, how was that experience?  I mean it’s fucking Motley Crue, was it intimidating? Was it exciting?  How’d that all pan out?

MORGAN ROSE:  It was terrifying, because I got the call to do that just a few hours before I actually hit the stage.  I mean, I got the call and in two hours I was at the airport getting on a plane that I barely made, to Cincinnati, to get to the venue, and in another two hours I was on stage.  And I didn’t know how to play any of the songs, I mean it was nerve-wracking to say the least.  But he’s one of my best friends, and I love him dearly, and for him to call me and have me fill in for him in a pinch was definitely an honor.  And to be able to, I can put that in my memory bank, and in my book of accomplishments.  I mean Nikki Sixx actually put out a press release, that said “As of now Motley Crue’s a five man band”, and I was like “WOW” that was cool.

AWAY-TEAM:  You’ve had some dark times in the past few years.  You admittedly were not in it mentally, but you’ve pulled through and seem to have a renewed vigor.  You’ve just put out one of your best albums to date, where’s Morgan Rose at now? And what’s the plan after Sevendust?

MORGAN ROSE:  I’m in a great place right now.  I’ve got a great girlfriend that…I think that, short of doing this for a living and some of the damage that it does to you out here, ya know it is sort of a fantasy world, I mean everything that we do out here is so far from reality sometimes, that you get home and you gotta learn how to be a human being again.  And we spend so much time on the road, that sometimes your decision making on the people that you’re with can be a little clouded.  I’ve got two great kids, out of the people that I’ve made the decision to be with prior to my current girlfriend… and there was a lot of quick decisions that were made without really knowing each other well enough.  And then with those situations, I’ve lived and learned and we’re taking it at the right pace I think.  I’ve got a great girl, and I’ve got great kids, and I get along with both the exes just fine, so… I’m in a much better place now than I’ve been in, god ya know, maybe ever.

AWAY-TEAM:  That’s about all that you can ask for, to get along with the exes. (laughs)

MORGAN ROSE:  Yeah.  And as far as after Sevendust, I don’t know.  It occupies so much of your time, ya know Clint works endlessly on trying to create music for this band, or for somebody else or, that’s his outlet to be able to stay consistently working on music.  You know he’s gonna have a baby soon, and that’ll probably slow him down, and he knows it.  It’s something that I think about, but I’m still thinking that we got this thing on the track right now for a while to come, ya know, our bodies are not breaking down as quick as I thought they would.  Ya know, fifteen years of playing together, and thirteen years on the road, you’d figure that the bodies would break down quicker than they have, and “knock on wood” we’re doing pretty good.

AWAY-TEAM:  So, no plans on being a pro craps player? Because I hear you guys are getting a bit of practice.

MORGAN ROSE:  (laughs) Oh we’re doing… we play cee-lo back there.

AWAY-TEAM:  Lewis (Cosby of the band 10 years) was telling me that. (laughs)

MORGAN ROSE:  Oh yeah man.  That’s our little getaway.  I mean, after doing this for so long, it’s like you’ll find anything to spice up the situation, and that’s fun and you might walk away with a few bucks as well.

AWAY-TEAM:  You have a clothing company called Alien Freak Wear.  How did that get started?  And I understand a portion of the proceeds go to charity?

MORGAN ROSE:  Yeah.  And that thing totally got started, actually the brains behind the whole thing was my first wife (former Coal Chamber bassist Rayna Foss).  I was doing a signing one day, and I signed that little alien face, and I started signing that on all my autographs because people wanted me to do it, and it sort of became my logo.  She said you should put it on a t-shirt and sell it, and I was like “I don’t know who would buy it”.  She told me “You’d be surprised, you’ve got a pretty loyal group of people that follow your band and it wouldn’t be that tough, and we could do something for the kids, and for charity…”  I though it couldn’t hurt, and we’ll do it just to see what happens, and it did really well.  And then I went through a divorce, and we shut it down.  Then I got re-married (to former Playmate Teri Harrison), she said “You should do that again”, and I did it again, and I got a divorce, and I shut it down…and then ya know, it started up again, and it’s doing real well now.

AWAY-TEAM:  Is there any particular charity that goes to?  Or is it just kinda spread out?

MORGAN ROSE:  Uh, well we’ve changed it a few times.  Give a little bit out here, a little bit out there.  The Children’s Shelter of Atlanta, is one of the ones that we like dealing with alot.

AWAY-TEAM:  In a movie about your life, who plays you?

MORGAN ROSE:  Probably uh, Screech.  (laughs) No…

AWAY-TEAM:  (laughs)

MORGAN ROSE:  God, I don’t know.  Probably Screech!  (laughs)  That’s probably closer to how things have been going, I think I made out better, hopefully, than Screech, but early on I think I was probably Screech.

AWAY-TEAM:  Being the second band out on this tour, and coming out so early, as opposed to what you’re used to in being a headliner, how does that change your daily routine?  And is it a welcome change?

MORGAN ROSE:  Yeah, I mean it’s cool, it’s a short set.  We’re in and out, so we usually don’t stay up until four or five anymore, because when you finish a show at midnight it takes a while to wind down.  Here, we’re off by seven, and ready to go to bed by midnight.  So a little more rest, and we love all the guys out on the tour, so we have a good time with ‘em, so it’s really easy actually.

 AWAY-TEAM:  So with a short set like that, how do you choose a set list?  And aside from the new stuff, is there an old Sevendust staple that must be played every night?

MORGAN ROSE:  Uh, yeah, “Face to Face” gets played every night no matter what.  That’s the one song that never leaves.  But like “Black” is in and out, “Denial” is in and out, “Praise” is in there every night too.

AWAY-TEAM:  I think my all time favorite is “Wired”

MORGAN ROSE:  Yeah, we haven’t played that one in a while!

AWAY-TEAM:  I know!  So aside from the travel, and missing your family and girlfriend, what’s the hardest part of being on the road?

MORGAN ROSE:  Eating.  Eating the right stuff!

AWAY-TEAM:  I hear that. (laughs)   Ten words or less, describe the Carnival of Madness.

MORGAN ROSE:  A lot of dice, a lot of drinking, a lot of sleep!

AWAY-TEAM:  (laughs) Well hey Morgan, thanks for your time, it’s been an honor.

MORGAN ROSE:  Thank you, I really appreciate it.

AWAY-TEAM:  Hopefully we’ll talk again soon in the near future.

MORGAN ROSE:  Sounds good, man.  Talk to you soon.

You can catch Sevendust on this fall’s Hard Drive Live Tour with special guests 10 Years and Since October

For more info, including tour dates and to purchase music, visit http://www.sevendust.com/  For more info on Morgan Rose and Alien Freak Wear visit http://www.alienfreakwear.com/

Special thanks go to Morgan Rose for so graciously giving me his time, and Julie Lichtenstein at SKH Music and Amanda Cagan at ABC PR for making it all happen.

Band photos courtesy of Jeremy Adamo.  Individual photo courtesy of Marcy Royce.

United Stations nationally syndicated radio shows HardDrive and HardDrive XL returns next week with the second annual HARDDRIVE LIVETOUR 2010 branded and produced in conjunction with its’ weekend and nightly radio programs. The tour launches on October 4th in Augusta, GA at The Country Club.

The 2010 lineup for the fall concert tour features headliners Sevendust, 10 Years, with special guests Since October, Aranda and Anew Revolution. The excursion will begin in Augusta, GA on October 4th and is currently scheduled to arrive in 28 cities across North America by November. Tickets and additional information regarding the tour are available now at www.harddrivelivetour.com. Trojan Condoms are now an official sponsor of the tour.

In addition local station meet and greets and ticket giveaways at all the stops, two major national contests are tied in with the tour. On October 7th, five winners, with guests, of the HARDDRIVE HIGH ROLLERS BONANZA contest will attend the Atlantic City stop of the tour. It will include a VIP reception, celebrity poker with the bands, as well as a special post-show acoustic performance from Since October,all hosted by Lou Brutus. There will also be a flyaway to the last stop of the tour at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL to catch the final show of the trek on November 10th. Lou will be on hand to MC the night and there will be a pranks galore as it’s Lou’s birthday-all part of HARDDRIVE LIVE BRUTUS BIRTHDAY BASH!

Regarding their participation in the HardDrive Live Tour 2010, the members of Sevendust issued the following statement, “We couldn’t be more excited to be on the HardDrive Live tour this Fall. Roxy (Myzal, HardDrive producer) has been there since the beginning and HardDrive have been huge supporters of the band over the years. It will also be great to be on tour with our friends in 10 Years and, of course, as always – playing for our Sevendust family.”

The complete itinerary for HardDrive Live 2010 dates:
OCT
4: Augusta, GA @ The Country Club
5: Fayetteville, NC @ Jester’s Pub
7: Atlantic City, NJ @ HOB
9: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
10: Fitchburg, MA @ Fitchburg Trade -Bay State Metalfest
12: Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
13: Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
15: Indianapolis, IN @ 8 Seconds Saloon
16: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
17: Mt. Clemens, MI @ Emerald Theatre
19: Sault Sainte Marie, MI @ Dream Makers Theater At Kewadin Casino
21: Chicago, IL @ Joe’s Bar (SEVENDUST with special guests TBA!)
22: Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
23: Radio show TBA
26: San Antonio, TX @ Scout Bar
27: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
29: Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont East District
30: Fresno, CA @ Woodward Park (KRZR Halloween Show!)
31: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (last show with Since October)
NOV (Aranda joins tour &replaces Since October)
2: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
3: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
5: Minneapolis, MN @ TBA (Radio show)
6: Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
7: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
9: Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor (Special Guests Since October)
10: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues (Special Guests Since October)

For more HARDDRIVE LIVE 2010 info click here.

HARDDRIVE LIVE featuring SEVENDUST and 10 YEARS will also featureSINCE OCTOBER, ARANDA and ANEW REVOLUTION. The trek will begin in Augusta, Georgia on October 4 and will hit 28 cities across North America by November 10, where it will wrap in Orlando, Florida.

The members of SEVENDUST said in a statement, “We couldn’t be more excited to be on the ‘HardDrive Live‘ tour this fall . . . ‘HardDrive‘ have been huge supporters of the band over the years.”

SEVENDUST has been touring behind its eighth studio album, “Cold Day Memory“, and drummer Morgan Rose told The Pulse of Radio that the band is really enjoying itself at the moment. “I mean, we’re interacting with each other as well as the people out in the crowd just because we’ve played these songs so many times that we need to entertain ourselves a little bit,” he said. “So, you know, I hope nobody minds that we’re up there having a good time within each other, you know, and hopefully that translates to everybody out there.”

ARANDA will replace SINCE OCTOBER on the bill beginning November 2 in Salt Lake City.

Confirmed “HardDrive Live” tour dates (subject to change):
Oct. 04 – Augusta, GA – The Country Club
Oct. 05 – Fayetteville, NC – Jester’s Pub
Oct. 07 – Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues
Oct. 08 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
Oct. 09 – Hampton Beach, NH – [to be announced]
Oct. 10 – Fitchburg, MA – Fitchburg Trade
Oct. 12 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Oct. 13 – Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
Oct. 15 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
Oct. 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
Oct. 17 – Mount Clemens, MI – Emerald Theatre
Oct. 19 – Sault Sainte Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino
Oct. 21 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar (Sevendust)
Oct. 22 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
Oct. 23 – Radio show [to be announced[
Oct. 25 - San Antonio, TX - Scout Bar
Oct. 26 - Odessa, TX - Do Amigos
Oct. 27 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
Oct. 29 - Las Vegas, NV - Fremont East District
Oct. 30 - Fresno, CA - Woodward Park
Oct. 31 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Nov. 02 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
Nov. 03 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
Nov. 05 - Minneapolis, MN - [to be announced]
Nov. 06 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
Nov. 07 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Nov. 09 – Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
Nov. 10 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues

For more SEVENDUST click here.

“Shoot It Out“, the new single from Knoxville, Tennessee alternative hard rockers 10 YEARS, is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page here. The track, which will be released via iTunes on July 6, comes off the group’s third album, “Feeding the Wolves“, due on August 31 via Universal Republic Records.

“Shoot It Out” has already been blasted out to radio, infiltrating Active and Modern Rock stations nationwide this past month, and it’s a fitting preview of what’s to come from the quartet’s anxiously awaited new CD.

On “Shoot It Out“, 10 YEARS deliver its trademark soaring melodies, while conjuring a darker, heavier vibe than before. The band embraces its metallic side and truly blows away all expectations with “Shoot It Out“.

10 YEARS debuted “Shoot It Out” while on tour with FLYLEAF during the “Unite and Fight Tour” this spring (see video below), and it instantly became a crowd favorite alongside hits such as “Beautiful” and “Wasteland”.

In order to bring “Feeding the Wolves” to the masses, 10 YEARS will join SHINEDOWN, SEVENDUST and CHEVELLE on this summer’s “Carnival of Madness Tour“. These four juggernauts of modern rock have put together a package that’s bound to be remembered for years to come, and it’s the perfect platform for fans to experience selections from “Feeding the Wolves” live and hear favorites from the band’s past releases “The Autumn Effect” (2005) and “Division” (2008).

CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 2010 TOUR DATES
July 16 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Arena
July 17 Simpsonville, SC Heritage Park
July 18 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Amphitheatre
July 20 Orlando, FL UCF Arena
July 21 Estero, FL Germain Arena
July 23 Knoxville, TN Civic Coliseum
July 24 Charlotte, NC Verizon Amphitheater
July 25 Raleigh, NC Raleigh Amphitheater
July 26 Virginia Beach, VA Virgina Beach Amphitheatre
July 28 Columbia, MD (D.C.) Merriweather Pavilion
July 30 Philadelphia, PA Penn’s Landing
July 31 Wiscasset, ME Lincoln County Fairgrounds
August 1 Boston, MA Comcast Amphitheater
August 4 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
August 5 Holmdel, NJ PNC Amphitheatre
August 6 Canadaguiga, NY CBMS Performing Arts Center
August 7 Detroit, MI DTE Amphitheatre
August 9 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Amphitheatre
August 10 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo
August 11 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion
August 17 Memphis, TN Desoto Civic Center
August 18 Lafayette, LA Cajon Dome
August 20 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheater
August 22 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
August 24 Casper, WY Casper Event Center
August 25 Billing, MT Metropark Center

The inaugural outing of the Carnival Of Madness tour begins next month in Jacksonville, FL on July 16th but the festivities are already well underway.
All fans attending the Carnival Of Madness this summer are in for an experience like no other. Two major contests surrounding the event are underway:

PRS Six String Contest
Fans choose a song from one of the bands on this year’s Carnival Of Madness tour and record themselves showing off their best guitar or air guitar performance. Winners will receive tickets, VIP passes and a custom guitar presented ON STAGE and a personal guitar lesson from one of the acts. This contest is for every show on the tour! Details and how to enter can be found here.

Sony Bloggie Cam Sideshow
One lucky fan at each show will receive a Sony Bloggie Cam, two tickets to the show of their choice along with backstage access to shoot the bands hanging out with their new camera! Details on how to enter can be found here.

On top of all that, fans using their Smartphones to download the upcoming Carnival Of Madness app will be able to: play trivia games for prizes in real time including for backstage passes on site, purchase discounted merchandise that can be directly shipped to their homes, and so much more. More details to be announced shortly.
“All of the fans attending our shows this summer are not only going to get the best rock show out there; they’re going to have tons of chances to win cool stuff, signed items and meet the bands,” commented Shinedown lead singer Brent Smith. “This festival is going to be the most fan-friendly event happening this summer, period.”

As previously announced, COM headliner Shinedown will be bringing a who’s-who of rock bands along with them this summer: Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd, Sevendust, and 10 Years for 26 dates across North America. The shows will kick off in Jacksonville, FL on July 16th and conclude in Billings, MT on August 25th.

The Carnival Of Madness tour is THE rock event this summer.

CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 2010 TOUR DATES
July 16 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Arena
July 17 Simpsonville, SC Heritage Park
July 18 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Amphitheatre
July 20 Orlando, FL UCF Arena
July 21 Estero, FL Germain Arena
July 23 Knoxville, TN Civic Coliseum
July 24 Charlotte, NC Verizon Amphitheater
July 25 Raleigh, NC Raleigh Amphitheater
July 26 Virginia Beach, VA Virgina Beach Amphitheatre
July 28 Columbia, MD (D.C.) Merriweather Pavilion
July 30 Philadelphia, PA Penn’s Landing
July 31 Wiscasset, ME Lincoln County Fairgrounds
August 1 Boston, MA Comcast Amphitheater
August 4 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
August 5 Holmdel, NJ PNC Amphitheatre
August 6 Canadaguiga, NY CBMS Performing Arts Center
August 7 Detroit, MI DTE Amphitheatre
August 9 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Amphitheatre
August 10 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo
August 11 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion
August 17 Memphis, TN Desoto Civic Center
August 18 Lafayette, LA Cajon Dome
August 20 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheater
August 22 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
August 24 Casper, WY Casper Event Center
August 25 Billing, MT Metropark Center

For more information and tickets visit the CARNIVAL OF MADNESS website here.