Away Team

Former GUNS N’ ROSES bandmates STEVEN ADLER and DUFF MCKAGAN will be presenting the “Riff Lord” award at the REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS SHOW.

The fourth annual REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARD SHOW presented by Epiphone® will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. For the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages.

The 2012 REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS SHOW will feature one-of-a-kind special performances and collaborations that honor both the past, present and future of heavy music. The night’s hard-rocking musical performances will include sets by MARILYN MANSON (in his first U.S. performance in nearly three years); iconic GRAMMY-winning guitarist SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators; EVANESCENCE; SIXX:A.M. featuring Nikki Sixx of MÖTLEY CRÜE, James Michael, acclaimed rock producer and songwriter, and DJ Ashba of GUNS N’ ROSES (in their first performance in almost four years); and 2011 Best New Band Golden God Award winner BLACK VEIL BRIDES, who will perform their only U.S. show of 2012 so far.

Adler, McKagan, Slash, singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin will all be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next month in Cleveland, along with later GUNS N’ ROSES members, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and drummer Matt Sorum.

Steven Adler’s new band, simply called ADLER, will be releasing their debut single “The One That You Hated” April 10th on iTunes.

In addition to Steven, ADLER features Lonny Paul (ADLER’S APPETITE) on guitar and Jacob Bunton (LYNAM, MARS ELECTRIC) on vocals/guitar. The group has been recording its debut album in Los Angeles with producers Jeff Pilson (former DOKKEN and current FOREIGNER/TOOTH AND NAIL bassist) and Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, ADRENALINE MOB).

ADLER’s CD will feature guest appearances by ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5 and Steven’s former GUNS N’ ROSES bandmate Slash (guitar).

For More Info click here.

JOHN 5 is pleased to announce the new release date for his impressive upcoming full-length solo CD/DVD, God Told Me To. The CD/DVD will be released through Rocket Science Ventures and Sony/RED on May 8th, 2012—just days before he heads out to perform with Rob Zombie on their upcoming co-headliner with Megadeth. God Told Me To was recorded and produced by JOHN 5, Chris Baseford (Rob Zombie, Tommy Lee) and Bob Marlette (Sebastian Bach, Black Sabbath) in 2011. The cover art for the album is illustrated by none other than Rob Zombie, who is also tapping JOHN 5 to score the entirety of his upcoming film, ‘The Lords of Salem’.

JOHN 5 doesn’t just play the guitar. His guitar is an extension of his soul and through it his music has become the Frankenstein birth penetrating the ear drums of fans and admirers worldwide. For JOHN 5, the music is not just about playing, but living, breathing, feeling and passion. His impressive resume has seen him work with some of the most renowned musicians in the industry (Rob Halford, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie to name a few), and has cemented his name into the annals of rock history.

The CD portion of the release features ten painstakingly handcrafted pieces transcending multiple styles—an equal combination of acoustic and electronically influenced tracks—each designed to gradually reveal JOHN 5’s innovative interpretation of his instrument. The orchestration of God Told Me To showcases JOHN 5’s ability to master the subtlety of dynamics, thus emphasizing the overall production value of this body of work. God Told Me To stands tall as a stunning, audible cultural experience.

The DVD portion of the release is hosted by retro-style horror-host Mike Odd and takes a look inside the world of JOHN 5 during his terrifying trip into the realm of God Told Me To. The DVD features footage of JOHN 5 in the studio while working on the new album, exclusive videos taken on tour, a peek inside the photo shoot for his 2011 remix album Remixploitation, and more.

“I’m so proud of this record, I’ve put more time into this release than any other! It’s half acoustic and the other half electric with a tribute to Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen with ‘Beat It’,” states JOHN 5. “The DVD shows me actually recording the songs as well as behind the scenes of a “day in the life” of JOHN 5! This album will take you on a musical journey designed to show more diversity in my playing than in the past. Enjoy!”

JOHN 5 continues to branch out, coupling his solo career with his work in Rob Zombie. His five previous solo albums, up to his 2010 release, Art of Malice, continue to break new molds in solo instrumentalist work. JOHN 5 also continues to work in 2012 with other artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rod Stewart, and is currently working on new music for Rob Zombie’s upcoming album.

JOHN 5 Performing with ROB ZOMBIE on Co-Headliner with MEGADETH:
5/11 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
5/12 Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion
5/16 Pittsburgh, PA@ Stage AE
5/18 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Deltaplex
5/20 Columbus, OH @ Columbus Crew Stadium (Rock On The Range)
5/22 La Crosse, WI @ La Crosse Center
5/24 Sioux City, IA @ Tyson Center
5/25 Wichita, KS @ Hartman Arena
5/26 Pryor, OK @ Fever Music Festival Grounds (Rocklahoma)









For more JOHN 5 click here.

U.K. based hard rock band, Starseed, released their debut album, Peace Machine, today February 21, 2012.  The band, who includes Russell Spence (Vocals, Guitars), Gerald Gill  (Guitar, Vocals), Peter Wicker (Guitar), Murray McChlery (Bass, Vocals)  and Andrew Spence (Drums, Vocals), produce some of the most satisfying melodic hard rock.  Epic energy, powerful, and riff driven rock with electrifying stage shows, their music grasps many elements of the post-grunge scene drawing influences from early Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains  to the power and torment of Soil. More recent comparisons include the tenacity and energy of Stone Sour and intense melody of Alter Bridge.

AOL Music is celebrating the release of the music with an exclusive full album stream HERE

Many members of the band were raised in Africa (South Africa and Zimbabwe) until re-locating to the U.K. where Starseed completed the current lineup and achieved success. Starseed has played major festivals alongside Rage Against The Machine, Rob Zombie, and Linkin Park. Most recently, they performed at the 2011 Download Festival.  With these achievements, Starseed are also proud endorsees of PRS Guitars, Blackstar Amps, Tama Drums, Roland, Sabian Cymbals, Rotosound Strings, Protection Racket and TC Electronic.  Their reception by fans and media in the US has been extremely positive and welcoming. Here’s what people are saying about Peace Machine:

“After waiting four years longer than our friends across the Atlantic, Starseed’s Peace Machine will finally be released in the U.S. this February. The five-piece starts off with a bang as “Shine” burns like a phoenix with scorching guitars and fiery harmonies that show off Russell Spence’s range. The suspense is built up through the booming kick drum and high-inducing chords at the beginning of ‘See Through Your Lies.’ Leading up to each verse, one can’t help but want to get up and just run as far and as fast as possible.” -The Aquarian

“For fans of Soundgarden & Alice In Chains, Peace Machine has plenty to savour” -Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden

Fans can buy the album featuring the singles “Shine” and “See Through Your Lies” at ITUNES or AMAZON.COM

For more Starseed visit the band’s official website here.

MEGADETH and ROB ZOMBIE have just announced a co-headlining tour, guaranteed to raise the temperature on the planet. The trek, which marks the first time the two bands have toured together, kicks off Friday, May 11th in Holmdel, NJ and encompasses high-profile appearances at several rock festivals, including Rock On The Range and Rocklahoma.

Rob Zombie will headline Rocklahoma, co-headline Rock On The Range, and will close all shows on the Megadeth dates. The tour wraps Saturday, March 26th at Rocklahoma.

ROB ZOMBIE & MEGADETH dates:
May 11 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
12 – Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion
16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
18 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Deltaplex
20 – Columbus, OH – Rock On The Range
22 – La Crosse, WI – La Crosse Center
24 – Sioux City, IA – Tyson Center
25 – Wichita, KS – Hartman Arena
26 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma
















For more ROB ZOMBIE click here.
For more MEGADETH click here.

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.

ROCK ON THE RANGE returns for its sixth year boasting a massive lineup covering the rock spectrum. America’s premier destination rock festival will be held May 18-20 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH featuring performances from Incubus, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Slash, Megadeth, Chevelle, Cypress Hill, Mastodon and many more.

“Incubus is stoked to be joinin’ the killer lineup at Rock On The Range this year. We’ll see y’all in Columbus,” comments Brandon Boyd from festival co-headliner Incubus.

“If you thought last time was a blast, then this time we are gonna blow your fucking mind,” says co-headliner Rob Zombie.

To get the party started and based on the success of last year’s anniversary celebration, the weekend will kick off with the Friday Night 4Play, which is absolutely FREE with every ROCK ON THE RANGE weekend ticket purchase. The May 18 party will feature performances from Hairball, Foxy Shazam, Hells Bells and more.

The current lineup for ROCK ON THE RANGE 2012 is as follows: Incubus, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Slash, Megadeth, Chevelle, Cypress Hill, Mastodon, Theory of a Deadman, Volbeat, Down, The Darkness, Halestorm, Escape The Fate, P.O.D., Lacuna Coil, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Cavo, Attack Attack!, Trivium, Bobaflex, Falling In Reverse, Redlight King, Aranda, Emphatic, Otherwise, James Durbin, Black Tide, Kyng, 12 Stones, SOiL, Rival Sons, Eve To Adam, and Ghosts of August.

Monster Energy returns as one of the driving partners behind the success of ROCK ON THE RANGE as more than fifteen acts perform on the mammoth Monster Main Stage. Jägermeister also celebrates its fifth year as a key partner while welcoming twelve of the hottest up-and-coming bands to the in-your-face, up close and personal Jägermeister Music Stage. In all, ROCK ON THE RANGE features three stages, 44 bands, and three days of non-stop rock.

Tickets for ROCK ON THE RANGE go on-sale Friday, February 10 at 10:00 AM EST at the festival’s website, Ticketmaster and the Crew Stadium Box Office. Two-day weekend stadium GA tickets once again start at just $99.50 (plus service and transaction fees). A limited number of ROTR pre-sale layaway tickets are also still available through February 29. Visit www.RockOnTheRange.com for full details and VIP package information.

This month’s JAMMIT featured tracks come from guitar virtuoso, Steve Vai and legendary progressive masterminds, RUSH with their epic 2112 masterpiece in its entirety.

Jammit is the first music software solution that eliminates the annoying “stop, play, rewind” method of learning your favorite songs. Jammit® is more than just a cool app that separates the instruments that you want to hear from within the mix of your favorite songs, it’s also the source of the most accurate transcriptions in the world. Jammit® unlocks the secrets that are hidden in the mix so you can learn to play exactly what was recorded with unique offerings for guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals.

Jammit’s patented variable timing technology provides easy, snap-to-grid looping for repeating and perfecting difficult sections. Meticulous note-for-note transcriptions in standard notation and tablature are derived from the isolated tracks providing a level of accuracy previously unavailable anywhere. The amazing variable speed feature allows users to slow down any part of a song without affecting the pitch, making the most complex musical performances easier to master.

Jammit® offers a diverse selection of the greatest artists including Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Three Days Grace, Slayer, Rob Zombie, Nickelback, AFI, Yes, Mötley Crüe, Pantera, and many more. Visit http://jammit.com/ for a complete listing of current and upcoming artists. JAMMIT® is a must-have for every level of musician and singer from beginner to the accomplished professional.

Jammit® releases new tracks daily on Twitter and Facebook , follow us and find out what’s coming out tomorrow!

Jammit® is currently available for the iphone, ipod touch and ipad with Android and desktop versions coming soon.

Get ready for hell on earth, because for the first time since they tour together on Ozzfest 1999, Rob Zombie and Slayer are teaming up to hit the road, bringing a glorious purgatory to fans in 12 North American cities. The co-headline trek kicks off Wednesday, July 20 at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 1 at 10:00AM local time.

“We haven’t toured with Zombie since Ozzfest 1999, so you can expect no less than ‘hell on earth,’” said Slayer’s Kerry King. “Total sonic annihilation and a visual bludgeoning. Bring your own body bag…”

“Total destruction on stage and off is what this combination promises,” states Zombie, “Seriously, how much more Hell could you ask for? The answer is none more Hell.”

Both Zombie and Slayer will present their full headline sets at every show, and both bands will close shows over the course of the tour. San Francisco’s thrash-metal band Exodus has been confirmed to open all shows.

Slayer has been performing its classic 1990 Seasons In the Abyss album in its entirety over the past several months, but will instead draw from its entire 30-year catalogue for this tour’s setlist.

Never one to play it safe, Zombie will be bringing his legendary stage show out in full force. Audiences can expect an exploding non-stop barrage of sin, sex and Satan guaranteed to rip your face off. This a true rock and roll spectacle at its finest.

Dates for the Slayer and Rob Zombie tour are as follows:
JULY
20 Sovereign Center, Reading, PA
22 DTE Amphitheatre, Detroit, MI
23 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
24 Heavy T.O. at Downsview Park, Toronto, ON Canada
27 MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB Canada
29 Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK Canada
30 Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB Canada
31 Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB Canada
AUGUST
2 Save-On-Foods Memorial Center, Victoria, BC Canada
3 Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC Canada
5 Rose Quarter Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR
6 WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA

For more ROB ZOMBIE click here.
For more SLAYER click here.

DEF LEPPARD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ROB ZOMBIE, TESLA, HEART, KID ROCK, and CINDERELLA are among the confirmed bands for the 18th annual Rock Fest, set to take place July 14-17, 2011 in Cadott, Wisconsin.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Thursday, July 14:
05:00 p.m. SLAUGHTER
07:00 p.m. CINDERELLA
09:00 p.m. THREE DAYS GRACE
11:00 p.m. ROB ZOMBIE

Friday, July 15:
03:00 p.m. ROCK SUGAR
05:00 p.m. SALIVA
07:00 p.m. SKILLET
09:00 p.m. HINDER
11:00 p.m. KID ROCK

Saturday, July 16:
01:45 p.m. [to be announced]
03:00 p.m. MY DARKEST DAYS
05:00 p.m. SICK PUPPIES
07:00 p.m. CHEVELLE
09:00 p.m. SEETHER
11:00 p.m. AVENGED SEVENFOLD

Sunday, July 17:
01:45 p.m. [to be announced]
04:30 p.m. JACKYL
06:00 p.m. TESLA
08:30 p.m. HEART
10:30 p.m. DEF LEPPARD

For more ROCK FEST info click here.

Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and Ozzy Osbourne… aside from being iconic figures in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, what do they all have in common?  They’ve all had the honor of calling Tommy Clufetos their drummer.  Ever since he picked up the drumsticks at the age of seven, Tommy Clufetos has lived and breathed rock ‘n’ roll, doing more in ten years than most people dream of accomplishing in a lifetime.  It’s that kind of dedication that has brought him from keeping time for the Motor City Madman to tearing through the Diary of a Madman.  Recently I had a chance to speak with Tommy about what it’s like to play with rock royalty, covering everything from the Prince of Darkness to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  So sit back, grab a cold one, and kick up your feet as we delve into the mind of one of rock’s great stickmen….

AWAY-TEAM:  I’d like to start by congratulating you on the success of the current tour, and on semi-recently being named the new full time drummer for Ozzy Osbourne.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Thank you.

AWAY-TEAM:  You guys are currently touring with Slash as your supporting act, I know you’ve had the chance to play with him before, how did that come to be?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  You mean how did it come with me jamming with Slash before?

AWAY-TEAM:  Yeah.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I was doing this thing with Alice Cooper, not when I was in Alice Cooper’s band, he just asked me to help him out and do this thing called the MAP Fund, which is affiliated with the Grammy’s and it helps those with substance abuse addictions.  So we played at this concert, and Slash jammed with Alice when I was playing drums, I think he played “School’s Out” or something.  So we played together then, and he just asked me to jam with him a couple times out of that.  He’s a total gentleman, Slash, I love his guitar playing.  Ya know he’s one of the last guitar hero rock stars out there, so…  I can’t say enough about that guy, he’s such a great guy, and great musician.

AWAY-TEAM:  Yeah, he’s legendary!

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Right.

AWAY-TEAM:  Now I spoke with Gus G. a few months ago, and he hadn’t yet met Slash, and I asked him this very question, but he didn’t have the answer yet.  So now it’s time for an update… have you guys played any songs on this tour with both Ozzy and Slash on stage at the same time?  I know they played together on Slash’s album.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Ozzy sang on Slash’s album, yeah.  But they don’t do that during the concert, because we fly in and out of the shows, so it doesn’t really leave much time for us to… ya know, sometimes we’ll get there when he’s already on stage, and we have to get ready, so.  The schedule is quite compact, so I don’t think it technically leaves room to do that.  But that would be cool.

AWAY-TEAM:  Sure would.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  But the package of Slash and Ozzy  together is going over really well, and I think it’s a great thing for fans.  Alot of tunes that people are familiar with, and alot of tunes where people go ‘Oh, I forgot about that song’, so it’s a great night of rock ‘n’ roll hits for everybody.

AWAY-TEAM:  I think the great part of it, is we haven’t seen something like this in a long time, and I’ve said this before, it kinda brings you back to the days of the old Monsters of Rock tours and things like that.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Yeah.  I mean Slash is just an icon, and so is Ozzy, so it makes for a great night for everybody.

AWAY-TEAM:  Right.  So how did you get the gig with Ozzy?  Did you have to audition? Or did they call you and say “Hey, what are you doing? We want you to play with us”?  How did that work out?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I was kinda in the right place at the right time.  I was brought in to help out during Gus G.’s audition, he came in from Greece, and their drummer at the time couldn’t make it, so I was asked to do it just so Gus could be comfortable and focus on playing guitar… and the music would be solid.  So that’s what I came in to do, and then they asked me to play at a thing called Blizzcon in California, which again Mike Bordin, who’s an amazing drummer, could not make due to commitments with Faith No More.  They asked me to do that, and out of those couple experiences they asked me to join the band.  So I was very lucky, and excited, and so ecstatic to say ‘Yes’.

AWAY-TEAM:  Now you left Rob Zombie’s band to take the gig with Ozzy, I understand Rob was a little bitter when you left him.  Have you spoken to him since, and managed to salvage your friendship?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I have not spoken to him.  But I have nothing but great things to say about Rob and my time spent there, and ya know I base our relationship on what I saw when I was there and I have nothing but great things to say about that.  I wouldn’t say anything negative, just because of a couple statements in the press.  So, no hard feelings on my end.  I wish him, his wife Sheri, and all the guys nothing but the best.  I still think the world of all of them.  So, that’s how I feel.

AWAY-TEAM:  These days Ozzy seems to be a bit more energized than he has been in the past few years.  I’m sure in part it has to do with some of you younger guysbeing around.  With guys like yourself and Gus being closer in age to Ozzy’s kids, than the man himself; do Ozzy and Sharon treat you with more of a parental instinct? Or are you still just one of the guys?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  The age thing doesn’t really come into play.  We play in his band, and it’s business.  But this is more like a family than anything I’ve ever been involved with.  They’re super cool, and super nice, and ya know we just played an L.A. show and Ozzy’s whole family was out there.  They couldn’t be better to us, they treat us all great despite the age.  Whether you’re old or young, it’s all the same thing.

AWAY-TEAM:  It’s all rock ‘n’ roll.  And speaking of that, Ozzy’s still going at age 62, where do you see yourself at age 62?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I’ll still be rockin’ n’ rollin’ my friend!

AWAY-TEAM:  Kick ass! 

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I just hope I die on stage.  That would be… not too soon! (laughs)

AWAY-TEAM:  (laughs) Yeah. Let’s not rush it!

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I can’t stop.  So I’ll probably be that dude up there that people are saying ‘Why won’t he quit?’

AWAY-TEAM:  (laughs)

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  At least I know it right? (laughs)  I’ll probably still be taking my shirt off when I’m a fat guy!

AWAY-TEAM:  (laughs)  I gotta ask this question… the whole metal world let out a collective ‘What the fuck?” when we first heard that Ozzy was working with Justin Bieber, in fact I even read somewhere somebody said ‘I hope Ozzy bites his head off’ (laughs)

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  (laughs)

AWAY-TEAM:  How did the guys in the band feel about it, see when we first heard we didn’t know it was a commercial, we just heard they were working together so it obviously created a bit of a storm in the media.  So how did you guys feel about it? I mean did you bust his balls a bit?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I mean he’s doing a Super Bowl commercial, so who wouldn’t be in a Super Bowl commercial?  It’s like the biggest thing in the world, and I mean he’s Ozzy Osbourne he can do whatever the hell he wants.  So I think it’s great, Ozzy is more than music, he’s a cultural icon!  He’s like Coca-Cola.  Coca-Cola is just fucking cool, and so is Ozzy.  So, I mean we go up on stage and Ozzy just rocks balls!  Harder than anybody out there, harder than any punk kid.  He’s the real deal, so whether he’s in a commercial with Justin Bieber, or in The Osbourne’s, he still IS rock ‘n’ roll.  He’s the definition of rock ‘n’ roll, and he proves it when he gets on the stage, and we’re there to back him up on it!

AWAY-TEAM:  Speaking of backing him up, current band not included, if you could pick an all-time, all-star lineup for Ozzy, consisting of former band members who would it be?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Oh man, that’s a tough one.  He’s always had such great bands.  The No More Tears era was a great band, of course the Blizzard era was a great band, ya know I just feel honored to be in the Ozzy Osbourne band legacy.  That’s what I feel lucky about.  My name is in those ranks, and that’s just a great feeling, because he’s always had and always found the great musicians.  Ozzy’s so good at getting great musicians in his band, and he can see talent, so I feel blessed and honored to be in that category.   I’m not saying I’m in that category, but just to be mentioned with the same guys is a great feeling.

AWAY-TEAM:  Yeah, I think Gus put it really well.  He said you guys get to “…go out there every night and play the Bible of Heavy Metal”  That’s pretty fucking cool!

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  When we played in Los Angeles the other night, Tony Iommi was out there and Bill Ward came into our dressing room… sweetheart of a guy, total monster, amazing drummer.  So it was great to meet those guys and have ‘em at the show.

AWAY-TEAM:  That’s awesome.  So how did you get started playing drums?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  My father was a musician, and I got drums for my 7th birthday, and from that moment on I’ve known what I was gonna do with my life.  So it was full on instantly, blinders on, to get to doing what I’m doing now.  So it’s been an endless, relentless pursuit of quality and determination to get where I am now.

AWAY-TEAM:  What was the first song you ever learned?  And who did you idolize, or style your play after growing up?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Wow, first song I ever learned (pauses)  I think it was, my dad was a musician, so I think it was growing up a song called “C-Jam Blues” which was a Duke Ellington thing.  Kinda like a little swing number, and it had little breaks for me to do some fills in, and stuff like that.  That’s the earliest thing I can remember doing.  I started so early, it just sort of came easy for me.  I could just play tunes instantly, so um, ya.  Once you look back it’s kinda funny how quickly it goes by.

AWAY-TEAM:  So who did you idolize growing up?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I idolized my parents.  Ya know, as you get older it’s harder to have idols, but my parents; I give them the greatest credit for me doing what I’m doing now.  They never told me I couldn’t… I mean my mom, I can’t imagine the noise she had to deal with for 20 years in the house, at all times of the day blasting music and playing drums.  And my dad always made sure I had drum stuff, and took me out and saw music, and put me in his band, so.  The support was always there, and they always told me I could do whatever I wanted as long as I put the effort in.  So they gave me the tools to have the confidence, in order to go out and do what I do.  That’s really who I’m gonna give credit to.  To do music, ya know, you gotta have that right mindset.  Being able to play your instrument and be good at it is almost the easy part.  Your mind has to be together, and you have to understand your place and your role.  So it’s very easy, ya know we’re staying at the Four Seasons Hotel and just got off a private jet, it’s easy to start thinking you’re a big shot.  But you gotta remember where you came from, and remember why you’re there.  You gotta stay grounded, and I credit that to my parents for instilling those values in me.  Ya know, when I did wrong, they put you in your place, when you did good, you got credit for it.  So I carry those lessons with me to this day.

AWAY-TEAM:  Now you got your first real big break with Ted Nugent,  how did you end up playing with him?  Had he known you from the Detroit scene?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  I got to first play with Ted, a guy in Detroit, a great sax player named Alto Reed whose played in Bob Seger’s band for the last 30 years, asked me to play on a movie soundtrack that he was putting together.  Ted Nugent also played on it.  So I first played with Ted during that, and didn’t have any idea of what music we were gonna play, he just sat down and wrote a song, and I immediately followed him.  We did one take of it, and we cut it.  Then we did another one in one take, and I think I impressed him because he called me the next day to go on tour with him.  So, ya know, you get certain moments in life where you go “This is my shot.”  If I didn’t buckle down and kick ass, Ted Nugent is not gonna give me another shot.  You can work for ten years busting your hump, and eventually your break will come in a round about way, and you get that one opportunity to go to the next level.  And I knew that was my moment, my one moment.  I’ve had numerous moments like that, that have led me to where I’m at.  But you don’t get those moments without the years and years of hard work and preparation in order to lead you to be prepared to take advantage of that moment.

AWAY-TEAM:  Right, it’s all about what you make of it.  So being with a guy like Ted, it’s almost a requirement to be into guns…

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  You know what, Ted doesn’t give a shit.  Ted only cares about you working your ass off, and being professional, and doing your job.  Of course he’s gonna take you to shoot guns, but he doesn’t care if you’re a vegetarian, if you’re black or white, as long as you kick ass and do what you do to the best of your ability, your his best friend.

AWAY-TEAM:  So what’s the sickest weapon you ever shot with him?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Oh my god.  We went out in Texas, he would fly us out to these hunting ranches for his birthday and shoot like, I don’t even know what they’re called.  But like insane crazy machine guns, like you’d see in movies, like in Red Dawn.  Just stupid, stupid stuff.  I’d be firing these things and be like “What am I doing right now!”  For me it was crazy, being the city guy, ya know?

AWAY-TEAM:  (laughs)  Right.  Having played with so many greats over your career, do you ever get jaded?  In other words, let’s take someone I know you’ve never met, at least I hope you’ve never met!  Elvis walks by, is it ”So what it’s Elvis he’s just another guy like me”? Or do you still get a little starstruck?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  You picked the one guy, I mean I’m an Elvis nut…

AWAY-TEAM:  Likewise!

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  …so if he walked by, I’d really be going crazy.  Second of all, I would have loved to play for Elvis, that’s one guy I would’ve loved to play for.  I am an Elvis fanatic!  To me though, we’re people.  Elvis would be the one dude that I would freak out about though.  But, we’re all people, and at this point you’re either an asshole, or you’re not an asshole! (laughs)  So sometimes you meet famous people and they’re fucking assholes, sometimes you meet famous people and they’re the greatest people in the world.  So, ya know, we’re all just people.  I don’t really let anybody freak me out, cuz who cares.  You can’t be intimidated by people either.  You can be excited, and have a certain charisma that makes you excited to meet them because they’re exciting.  But it’s not just because they’re a star, ya know.  Like Ozzy has a certain charisma, where you’re like “Oh my god, this is Ozzy“  It’s fucking cool!  But it’s not just because it’s Ozzy, it’s because he’s a cool person.  If that difference makes sense.

AWAY-TEAM:  I know exactly what you mean!

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Like there’s certain guys I’ve played in bands with where I go “Oh my god, this guys a douchebag!”  But the guys I play with now, everybody is so cool, everybody is on the same page, and so professional, it’s just a joy to be around.  We’re having a riot out here…Blasko, Adam Wakeman, Gus G, Ozzy…all top notch supreme gentlemen, and highest level musicians.

AWAY-TEAM:  Of all the legends that you’ve played with, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and Ozzy, what’s the best advice any of them has ever given you?

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Best advice anybody has ever given me… that’s a tough one.  (pauses)  I have no idea.  I learned alot from Ted Nugent, he gave me my first big break, we’re both from Detroit, share alot of the same influences, come from the same place and look at things the same way so I learned alot of things from him.  But most of the stuff, my parents gave me the tools, I knew what I was doing.  I was ready when anything came down the pipeline.  I’m talking emotionally, and mentally I was ready.  The best advice I can give somebody, if they wanna do this, is to keep the music number one.  If something else comes in front of your music, or whatever you wanna do in your life you will not make it.  Everything I do during the day has to do with me wanting to play music for the rest of my life.  And when you get away from that, when you start getting into drugs, and start drinking, when the partying becomes too much eventually, it may take years, you’re gonna fall.  I don’t care who you are, when you stop practicing as much you will lose your chops.  You will lose it, I’ve seen so many drummers that are like “Oh yeah, I don’t really pick up the sticks in between tours.”  WHAT? You don’t pick up the sticks?  I have to pick up the sticks, I have to play, I have to stay hungry for it.  Or year, after year, after year you will become dull, and you will lose it slowly.  You gotta keep the hunger, and you gotta keep the music number one.  So that’s my biggest advice, and everybody who I’ve worked for, that’s what they do and they have 42 year careers because of it.  So they may not say something, they may not say the advice, but if you’re smart enough and perceptive you can pick it up on your own.  Watch and learn.

AWAY-TEAM:  Very true.  Excellent pearls of wisdom.  Tommy, thank you for your time, it’s been a true honor.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Thank you very much for your time.  I appreciate it, and all the best to you!

AWAY-TEAM:  Same to you.  Best of luck with everything, and I look forward to seeing you behind the kit for many years to come.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Appreciate it.  all my best.

AWAY-TEAM:  Thanks buddy!  Talk to you soon.

TOMMY CLUFETOS:  Bye.

For more info on Tommy Clufetos visit http://www.tommyclufetos313.com/ and http://www.ozzy.com for info including tour dates.

Special thanks to Tommy Clufetos for so graciously giving me his time, and to George Vallee at Sumerian Records for making it all happen.

According to KTVN.com, ROB ZOMBIE‘s previously announced, sold-out February 8, 2011 concert at the Knitting Factory in Reno, Nevada has been canceled due to an unspecified illness.

All tickets are refundable at the point of purchase.

Since Joey Jordison is still in Europe performing with MURDERDOLLS, Rob Zombie utilized the services of MARILYN MANSON drummer Ginger Fish (real name: Kenneth Robert Wilson) for last night’s (Sunday, February 6) performance at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California.

For more ROB ZOMBIE click here.

3 INCHES OF BLOOD are gearing up for a huge tour alongside Eluveitie, Holy Grail and System Divide this February in support of their latest furious offering ‘Here Waits Thy Doom‘. The band experienced one of their most successful years on the heels of their first release for Century Media, spending the summer as part of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival alongside heavyweights such as KoRn, Rob Zombie, Lamb of God and Five Finger Death Punch.

Now, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD is unveiling an additional set of headlining dates leading into the February trek with Eluveitie.

1/26 – Neurolux – Boise, ID
1/28 – Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE
1/29 – Mojo’s – Columbia, MO
1/30 – The Bluebird Nightclub – Bloomington, IN
1/31 – Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA

3 INCHES OF BLOOD w/ Eluveitie, Holy Grail and System Divide
2/1 Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
2/2 New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theater
2/3 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
2/4 Quebec City, QC @ Cercle
2/5 Montreal, QC @ Le National
2/6 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
2/8 Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
2/9 St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
2/10 Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater
2/11 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
2/12 Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Sound
2/14 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
2/15 Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
2/16 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
2/17 San Francisco, CA @ Slims
2/18 Hollywood, CA @ The Key Club
2/19 Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
2/21 San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
2/22 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
2/24 St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
2/25 Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
2/26 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

For more 3 INCHES OF BLOOD click here.

ALICE COOPER will hold his 10th annual Christmas Pudding celebrity charity concert on December 18th at the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.

This year The Coop will be joined by members of the original ALICE COOPER BAND – Neal Smith (drummer), Michael Bruce (guitar/keyboards) and Dennis Dunaway (bass) – along with ROB ZOMBIE, former EAGLES guitarist Don Felder, Cheech Marin and others.

Proceeds will benefit Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation, a Christian organization that strives to help children and teens in the Phoenix area by providing a center where young people can learn about and participate in sports, music and educational activities.

For more information click here.

What do Rob Zombie, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Marky Ramone and so many other rockstars have in common? They all love animals and have signed guitars and more to help support the upcoming concert HUMANITY THRU MUSIC and the building of a No-Kill animal sanctuary. Right now you can get your ticket for $35 as a special Halloween price – Just Paypal to donations@furfeather.org and get yours now!!!

Come wag your tail and rock-out in Hollywood on November, 6th at the First Annual “Humanity Thru Music” concert and paw-sta dinner in benefit of Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary a 501c3 dedicated to much needed animal welfare in California. Come help save the lives of our homeless animals from having to enter shelters and face needless euthanasia by supporting the building of Southern California’s first full NO-KILL animal sanctuary, medical and educational center.

The night will dazzle you with bright lights and stars as you cross the green carpet to the corridor off of Hollywood Blvd for fun, food and a paw-stompin concert with Platinum super-group players from YES & TOTO – YOSO – playing hits from both bands Roundabout, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Rosanna, Hold The Line and so much more!!

Join celebrities and rockstars at the vegetarian Paw-sta buffet bar then trot over and chase your tail around one of the largest silent auctions full of the best treats, including guitars signed by Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, George Lynch, drum heads signed by Marky Ramone, weekend trips, Hi-end spa weekends, signed sports memorabilia, autographed Star Wars memorabilia, Two Brunches at the House of Blues, Tickets from the LA Philharmonic (winter season) and Hollywood Bowl tickets (summer season), a Two Night Stay at the beautiful Carmel By the Sea, Cypress Inn – part owned by Doris Day and pet friendly. The list of auction items is endless and all proceeds go to Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary to further their goal of building in 2011.

NIGHTS SCHEDULE: Will-call opens at 5:30 pm to check in and purchase tickets with the Green Carpet and silent auction starting at 6:00 pm. The vegetarian paw-sta buffet starts at 6:30 pm with a martini and wine bar. 8:00 pm is your cue to go rock-out to classic rock in the amphitheater for the concert that will start at 8:30pm. The concert will end about 11:00 pm in which the guests will return to the corridor for the last chance to bid on the silent auction before the winners are announced. At this time, coffee and dessert will be served.

ONLINE ADVANCE SALE: General Admission seats, dinner and dog tags (festival seating) is $50, VIP seating, dinner, dog tags and commemorative book is $100 (guaranteed first 5 rows), $195 VIP Backstage (First 3 center rows seating guaranteed | VIP Lounge | After-Show Meet & Greet | Special YOSO Gift bag), Platinum group seating for 10 includes all above* $1250.

TO BUY TICKETS – Go to www.ticketfly.com, Paypal at www.furfeather.org OR Paypal direct with ticket seat-type and quantities to music@furfeather.org – You will be provided with a confirmation page you will bring to will-call night of the event. Will-call starts @ 5:30 pm sharp!

WALK-UP (day of show): General Admission seats, dinner and dog tags (festival seating) is $50, VIP seating, dinner, dog tags and commemorative book is $100 (guaranteed first 5 rows), VIP Backstage not available.

The term “Super-Group” describes a band rising out of two of the most creative bands of the past 30 years: YOSO is formed out of TOTO’s brilliant lead vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of former YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, thus equalling the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. The band’s debut album “Elements” will debut this Fall in the USA on Frontiers Records. This long awaited release comes with a bonus live CD where the band plays some old and new classics. Their musical blend presents a fascinating combination of the sound of YES (“90125″/”Big Generator” era) and TOTO, with a very interesting and original sound that truly encompasses the styles.

For more on FUR & FEATHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY click here.
For more on YOSO click here.

Backstage Auctions is is presenting the Rock Gods And Metal Monsters Auction, an unprecedented hard rock and heavy metal online auction event. “Almost every item being offered in the auction is “iconic memorabilia” and is easily identifiable to a specific artist or band,” explains Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.

The auction, which is scheduled to go live on Halloween, features amazing pieces direct from the private collections of:
Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, DIO), Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, IMPELLITTERI), Scott Rockenfield (QUEENSRŸCHE), Kip Winger (WINGER), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Bobby Rondinelli (BLACK SABBATH, AEROSMITH), Andy LaRocque (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND) John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON) and Al Jourgensen (MINISTRY) just to name a few. “When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal,” says Jacques. The auction catalog features over 50 Gold and Platinum records awards, guitars, stage props, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters, original artwork, photos and the list goes on and on.

“It’s not an every day event that you can stand behind and grab on to Al Jourgensen‘s infamous “skull and bones” microphone stand which he used extensively on many Ministry shows and rehearsals. The historical relevance of that one piece in the rock community is well documented,” says Jacques.

Equally impressive is the private collection of Concrete Management co-founder, Walter O’Brien which features a jaw dropping collection of RIAA record awards presented to him while managing Pantera and White Zombie. On a more personal level, Sarzo and Bonnet have both offered up vintage “rocker apparel” that they wore on stage, during photo shoots and really cool music videos.

The auction wouldn’t be complete without a few guitars, drum kits, stage props and handwritten lyrics. Amazing pieces that Scott Rockenfield of Queensrÿche, John 5 of Rob Zombie and Kip Winger have pulled out of their personal collections are sure to get quite a bit of activity during the auction.

“While this is a stellar line-up of artists, we are still adding headliners to the event, which is exciting. It will be interesting to see who makes the final cut,” says van Gool.

The event, aptly titled the Rock Gods And Metal Monsters Auction, is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history.

The auction, which will be held on-line at Backstageauctions.com starts on October 31st and will run through November 7th. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24.

For more info click here.