This week brings a variety of news in our beloved rock and roll world. Here is a quick round-up of a few of our favorites pieces of the latest music news:
Aerosmith Put Aside Differences And Continue With Steven Tyler
If you haven’t been keeping up with the drama centering around Aerosmith and their front man Steven Tyler, the skinny and almost-cliché problem in rock bands: Front man issues. A few months back, Tyler announced a 2 year hiatus, and supposedly had quit the band. There are a lot of sketchy details, but according to the singer’s manager, Skip Miller, he would sue the band if they decided to replace Tyler.
Fortunately, the band’s bassist, Tom Hamilton spoke to the Boston Herald about the meeting between all parties. Hamilton says, “There was management there. [We were] all lawyered up. There was a lot of sort of reconciling and processing feelings and stuff. Everyone said how they wanted things to be in the future and it became clear that, for everybody, the coolest thing to do would be to resolve things with the band. The phone was ringing. People wanted to see the band. We finally realized, even with all the BS flying around, that there was a beautiful thing right there if we had enough sense to grab it.”
Hamilton also comments on Tyler’s recent enrollment in rehab to treat his painkiller addiction, stating, “[It was an] intensive sobriety treatment [program]. He took a really big step and it was really great.” The band is due to headline the final day of the Download Festival at Donington on June 13th, with Tyler at the helm.
Eric Clapton – Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010
Besides being one of the most widely-known guitarists of all time, Eric Clapton is also known for fantastic live performances. What’s better, when Eric brings a horde of other guitarists to get together for one big venue? Eric is hosting the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 at Toyota Park, in Chicago, IL on June 26th, and this event is looking to be a must-attend for this year.
The festival features a plethora of rock legends, including Jeff Beck, B. B King, Albert Lee, ZZ Top, and the Allman Brothers Band, just to name a few! The festival is supported by Guitar Center, and will even feature a Guitar Center Village, where you will be able to scope out today’s top guitars, amps, and effects manufacturer’s exhibits.
Last, but not least, all profits from the festival will go towards The Crossroads Centre in Antigua, which is a facility founded by Clapton, to help chemically dependent people.
Rush Announces Details Of Upcoming Tour
If you have recently visited Rush’s website, you may have noticed the almost-ominous clock right on their front page. Finally, the band has released details on their new “Time Machine” tour, which will be starting off on June 29th in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Canadian trio will proceed to visit towns from west to east coast, enveloping the country with the band’s unique sound. They have hinted at a few new songs that you might hear from the tour, as well as for the first time ever playing an entire album. The full Moving Pictures album, as well as hits such as “Tom Sawyer” and “Limielight” will make their appearances on the tour.
On another note, the band also announced that they are in fact, working on an impressive 20th studio album. There has not yet been a released date announced, unfortunately, but we’ll just have to sit and wait.
Dream Theater Plans Intimate Club Shows During Iron Maiden Tour
Fans of the prog-rock or prog-metal genre can’t avoid Dream Theater, and now, even small venues aren’t safe. As some of you may know, the band is soon touring with metal giant Iron Maiden in the US. During the tour, Dream Theater plans on doing a few small shows at 3 spots (so far) across the States.
These shows will be small-scale, as drummer Mike Portnoy says, “…we are not carrying our usual lighting and video show… So instead these will be small intimate club shows…just like the good ol’ days! So come sweat it out with us.” The shows will be sure to be great for those that like close face-to-face shows with bands.
Hope you enjoyed this weeks latest music news action. Have a great weekend, rockers.
Scotty Smith
Guitarist Rock ©2008-2009
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I’m glad Aerosmith is together and touring! I had thought Steven Tyler had quit, and it wasn’t until a few days ago that I saw they were coming to my town this summer (Vegas) with Sammy Hagar. Yay.
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