DEF LEPPARD's new album, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge, is doing much better than expected. Early estimates have the album selling over 50,000 copies for a debut in the lower Top 10 on next week's Billboard 200. A huge part in this was the band's Dancing With Stars performance (although lip-synched albeit) last night.
If indeed Sparkle Lounge can keep its course, it will become the Leps' first studio album since Andrenalize (which spent several weeks at No. 1) to reach the Top 10. DEF LEPPARD last saw Top 10 glory in the summer of 2005 when Rock Of Ages: The Definitive Collection debuted at No. 10, and before that Retro Active spent a week at No. 9 in 1993.
It has also been confirmed that the track "C'Mon C'Mon" will be sent to U.S. radio in June to promote the band's summer tour dates.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
CINDERELLA/WARRANT: Major Update!
Dates are finally beginning to surface for the seemingly shrouded in secrecy Cinderella/Warrant tour. The Minnesota date was literally confirmed this morning. Not much is known about the tour since one of many early itineraries was leaked online two weeks ago. With these dates surfacing, an official announcement isn't far off. I'd look for something within the next 1 1/2 weeks.
One thing that seems to be common with this tour is the asking price. Promoters in two major cities noted that they ready to confirm the date, but have yet to reach a financial agreement with tour organizers. Both expressed to me they will work until eleventh hour to make sure the show goes on since both have blocked off dates on their respective schedules for the event.
CINDERELLA/WARRANT with THE LYNCH MOB, LYNHAM:
6/26 - Walker, MN - Northern Lights Casino (CINDERELLA only)
6/27 - Walker, MN - Northern Lights Casino (CINDERELLA only)
7/11 - Amarillo, TX - Aztec Music Hall
7/12 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma
7/13 - Wichita Falls, TX - Kay Yeagar Coliseum (onsale 5/3)
7/17 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater (Hold Date)
7/19 - Bonner Springs, KS - Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone
7/20 - Tinley Park (Chicago), IL - FMB Amphitheatre (onsale 5/3)
7/21 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/25 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Froum
7/26 - Pompano Beach, FL - Pompano Beach Amphitheatre (onsale 5/3)
7/27 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live (onsale 5/3)
8/01 - Clearfield, PA - Clearfield County Fair
8/10 - Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair (w/NIGHT RANGER)
Meanwhile WARRANT have lined up the following warmup dates:
5/17 - Nashville, TN - Wildhorse Saloon (tickets onsale now)
5/18 - Walker, MN - Northern Lights Casino (tickets onsale now)
Ticket information for the Minnesota shows can be found here. Tickets range from $30-37.50 for both bands' performances.
One thing that seems to be common with this tour is the asking price. Promoters in two major cities noted that they ready to confirm the date, but have yet to reach a financial agreement with tour organizers. Both expressed to me they will work until eleventh hour to make sure the show goes on since both have blocked off dates on their respective schedules for the event.
The following are dates either confirmed officially or ones that I have personally confirmed:
CINDERELLA/WARRANT with THE LYNCH MOB, LYNHAM:
6/26 - Walker, MN - Northern Lights Casino (CINDERELLA only)
6/27 - Walker, MN - Northern Lights Casino (CINDERELLA only)
7/11 - Amarillo, TX - Aztec Music Hall
7/12 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma
7/13 - Wichita Falls, TX - Kay Yeagar Coliseum (onsale 5/3)
7/17 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater (Hold Date)
7/19 - Bonner Springs, KS - Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone
7/20 - Tinley Park (Chicago), IL - FMB Amphitheatre (onsale 5/3)
7/21 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/25 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Froum
7/26 - Pompano Beach, FL - Pompano Beach Amphitheatre (onsale 5/3)
7/27 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live (onsale 5/3)
8/01 - Clearfield, PA - Clearfield County Fair
8/10 - Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair (w/NIGHT RANGER)
Meanwhile WARRANT have lined up the following warmup dates:
5/17 - Nashville, TN - Wildhorse Saloon (tickets onsale now)
5/18 - Walker, MN - Northern Lights Casino (tickets onsale now)
Ticket information for the Minnesota shows can be found here. Tickets range from $30-37.50 for both bands' performances.
Monday, April 28, 2008
DEF LEPPARD, WHITESNAKE On Next Week's BILLBOARD 200
Been getting a lot of questions about where DEF LEPPARD and WHITESNAKE's new albums will drop on next week's BILLBOARD 200.
DEF LEPPARD'S Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (uMe) has shipped 65,652 units in its first week. Early numbers are promising, but quite frankly Universal have screwed the Leps over again, releasing Sparkle Lounge in the most competitve debut week the charts have seen this year. Def Leppard are competing against Ashlee Simpson's Bittersweet World and Madonna's Hard Candy, along with new releases from Lil' Mama, Steve Winwood, Robyn, Jimmy Eat World, Lyfe Jennings and The Roots. Look for Def Leppard to once again be relegated to the lower end of the Top 20, unless their appearences on Dancing With The Stars and Jimmy Kimmel Live! attract listeners.
WHITENSNAKE's Good To Be Bad is expected to appear on the Top Independent Albums Chart as well as the (hopefully) the bottom portion of the Top 100. The band is getting some decent press and their best reviews in over fifteen years for Good To Be Bad. At the very least, they'll see their best U.S. chart week since Slip Of The Tounge.
DEF LEPPARD'S Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (uMe) has shipped 65,652 units in its first week. Early numbers are promising, but quite frankly Universal have screwed the Leps over again, releasing Sparkle Lounge in the most competitve debut week the charts have seen this year. Def Leppard are competing against Ashlee Simpson's Bittersweet World and Madonna's Hard Candy, along with new releases from Lil' Mama, Steve Winwood, Robyn, Jimmy Eat World, Lyfe Jennings and The Roots. Look for Def Leppard to once again be relegated to the lower end of the Top 20, unless their appearences on Dancing With The Stars and Jimmy Kimmel Live! attract listeners.
WHITENSNAKE's Good To Be Bad is expected to appear on the Top Independent Albums Chart as well as the (hopefully) the bottom portion of the Top 100. The band is getting some decent press and their best reviews in over fifteen years for Good To Be Bad. At the very least, they'll see their best U.S. chart week since Slip Of The Tounge.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
SAMMY HAGAR / SCORPIONS Lineup West Coast Dates
SAMMY HAGAR and THE SCORPIONS have lined up two shows together on the West Coast for August. The first of which will take place at the 1,000-seat Joe Mazzola Classic Concert Showroom at the Konocti Harbor Resort which should make for an extremely cool evening. All info is listed below:
August 1 - Kelseyville, CA - Joe Mazzola Showroom @ Konocti
August 3 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre @ Orange Co. Fair
August 4 - Tucson, AZ - AVA Amphitheatre *
* Unconfirmed
August 1 - Kelseyville, CA - Joe Mazzola Showroom @ Konocti
August 3 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre @ Orange Co. Fair
August 4 - Tucson, AZ - AVA Amphitheatre *
* Unconfirmed
HEAVEN & HELL, TESTAMENT Announce Headline Shows
HEAVEN AND HELL have announced an August 12 date at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York. Support will come from MOTORHEAD and TESTAMENT. Tickets are priced at $55 and $45. More information can be found at www.americas-fair.com
Meanwhile, TESTAMENT have lined up the following "off-dates" from the METAL MASTERS TOUR:
7/31 - Minneapolis, MN - Epic
8/12 - Hamburg, NY - Erie County Fair
8/20 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
8/21 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Diamond Ballroom
8/26 - Farmington, NM - Gator's
8/29 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto
There is a possibility the St. Louis, OKC and Tucson dates are co-headlines with MOTORHEAD, but that has yet to be confirmed by either band's camp.
Meanwhile, TESTAMENT have lined up the following "off-dates" from the METAL MASTERS TOUR:
7/31 - Minneapolis, MN - Epic
8/12 - Hamburg, NY - Erie County Fair
8/20 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
8/21 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Diamond Ballroom
8/26 - Farmington, NM - Gator's
8/29 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto
There is a possibility the St. Louis, OKC and Tucson dates are co-headlines with MOTORHEAD, but that has yet to be confirmed by either band's camp.
Monday, April 21, 2008
DEF LEPPARD Announce Summer Tour
DEF LEPPARD have confirmed their Summer tour. The lineup will be DEF LEPPARD/STYX/REO SPEEDWAGON. The previously rumored DEF LEPPARD/WHITESNAKE package fell through when WHITESNAKE opted to continue adding dates in Europe for August.
07/30- Hidalgo, TX - Dodge Arena
8/01 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
8/02 - Pelham, AL - Verizon
8/03 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum
8/06 - Hamilton, ON, CAN - Copps Coliseum (w/STYX & FOREIGNER)
8/07 - London, ON, CAN - John Labatt Centre (w/STYX & FOREIGNER)
8/09 - Quebec City, QC, CAN - Colisee' Pepsi (w/STYX & FOREIGNER)
8/10 - Ottawa, ON, CAN - Scotiabank Place (w/STYX & FOREINGER)
8/13 - Winnipeg, MB, CAN - MTS Centre
8/15 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
8/16 - Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair Grandstand
8/17 - Omaha, NE - Qwest Center Omaha
8/20 - Fort Wayne, IN - Allen County Coliseum
8/21 - Youngstown, OH - Chevrolet Convocation Centre
8/23 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena
8/24 - Syracuse, NY - New York State Fair
07/30- Hidalgo, TX - Dodge Arena
8/01 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
8/02 - Pelham, AL - Verizon
8/03 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum
8/06 - Hamilton, ON, CAN - Copps Coliseum (w/STYX & FOREIGNER)
8/07 - London, ON, CAN - John Labatt Centre (w/STYX & FOREIGNER)
8/09 - Quebec City, QC, CAN - Colisee' Pepsi (w/STYX & FOREIGNER)
8/10 - Ottawa, ON, CAN - Scotiabank Place (w/STYX & FOREINGER)
8/13 - Winnipeg, MB, CAN - MTS Centre
8/15 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
8/16 - Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair Grandstand
8/17 - Omaha, NE - Qwest Center Omaha
8/20 - Fort Wayne, IN - Allen County Coliseum
8/21 - Youngstown, OH - Chevrolet Convocation Centre
8/23 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena
8/24 - Syracuse, NY - New York State Fair
METAL MASTERS To Add Dates
I've just been informed that two more dates will be added to the METAL MASTERS TOUR featuring JUDAS PRIEST/HEAVEN & HELL/MOTORHEAD/TESTAMENT. One of which is to be the tour's finale on September 1 at The Pearl in Las Vegas, NV. The other show is said to be at Coors Amphitheatre near Denver on August 26. There is also the strong possibility that MOTORHEAD/TESTAMENT will book a show in the Denver area if these plans fall through.
More info as it becomes available...
More info as it becomes available...
No KISS At ROCKLAHOMA, U.S. Tour Ahead
There has been a lot of talk on the web about KISS appearing at Rocklahoma on Sunday night. The festival organizers are scrambling to fill the Sunday slot, preferably with a major name. Catch The Fever were in negotiations with KISS, and have been for quite some time (KISS were offered the festival some months ago but declined). Look for an official announcement within the next two weeks but my sources tell me KISS has declined again.
More Info On JP/H&H Tour
The upcoming tour featuring JUDAS PRIEST/HEAVEN & HELL/MOTORHEAD/TESTAMENT is beginning to take shape. Listed below is the FULL itinerary.
I can exclusively reveal the name of the trek is The Metal Masters Tour and will be headlined by PRIEST, with H&H in the "co-headlining" slot. Top tickets in most markets will be $125, bottom ticket will be around $25. There are still a ton of gaps in the tour schedule with more shows being added, but this is going to be a very brief run that sadly miss a lot of cities. Be prepared to travel!
Below is the full itinerary, not even available to the press at this time, along with onsale dates:
Aug. 06 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 07 - Bristow, VA - Nissan Pavilion At Stone Ridge (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 09 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 10 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 13 - Toronto, ON, CAN - The Molson Amphitheatre (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 15 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 16 - Burgettstown, PA - Post Gazette Pavilion @ StarLake (onsale 4/24)
Aug. 18 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 19 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 22 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 23 - Houston, TX - Woodlands Pavilion
Aug. 24 - Selma, TX - Verizon
Aug. 27 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion
Aug. 28 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Aug. 30 - Devore, CA - Glen Helen Pavilion
Aug. 31 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater at Mountain View (onsale 4/27)
I can exclusively reveal the name of the trek is The Metal Masters Tour and will be headlined by PRIEST, with H&H in the "co-headlining" slot. Top tickets in most markets will be $125, bottom ticket will be around $25. There are still a ton of gaps in the tour schedule with more shows being added, but this is going to be a very brief run that sadly miss a lot of cities. Be prepared to travel!
Below is the full itinerary, not even available to the press at this time, along with onsale dates:
Aug. 06 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 07 - Bristow, VA - Nissan Pavilion At Stone Ridge (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 09 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 10 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 13 - Toronto, ON, CAN - The Molson Amphitheatre (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 15 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 16 - Burgettstown, PA - Post Gazette Pavilion @ StarLake (onsale 4/24)
Aug. 18 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 19 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 22 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center (onsale 4/26)
Aug. 23 - Houston, TX - Woodlands Pavilion
Aug. 24 - Selma, TX - Verizon
Aug. 27 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion
Aug. 28 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Aug. 30 - Devore, CA - Glen Helen Pavilion
Aug. 31 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater at Mountain View (onsale 4/27)
Friday, April 18, 2008
DEF LEPPARD Summer Tour Dates, Info
The rescheduled dates in Grand Rapids & Detroit for August 15 & 23 respctively are being listed as DEF LEPPARD/STYX/REO SPEEDWAGON. It is unclear whether or not this will be the lineup for the new dates. However, DEF LEPPARD have confirmed plans for a Canadaian tour with STYX and FOREIGNER. Initial dates are listed below.
There is still no word on DEF LEPPARD's plans beyond Canada, other than their camp is actively booking U.S. shows. The rumor of a DEF LEPPARD/WHITESNAKE/NIGHT RANGER tour (that seemed likely at one point) has cooled off substantially now that NIGHT RANGER have opted to play their own headlining dates throughout the Summer. WHITESNAKE are still rumored to be onboard.
8/06 - Hamilton, ON, CAN - Copps Coliseum (rescheduled from 4/13)
8/09 - Corner Brook, NL, CAN - Pepsi Centre
8/10 - Ottawa, ON, CAN - ScotiaBank Place (rescheduled from 4/12)
8/12 - Quebec City, QC - Colisee Pepsi (rescheduled from 4/11) *
8/15 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena (rescheduled from 4/18)
8/23 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena (rescheduled from 4/19)
*Unconfirmed
There is still no word on DEF LEPPARD's plans beyond Canada, other than their camp is actively booking U.S. shows. The rumor of a DEF LEPPARD/WHITESNAKE/NIGHT RANGER tour (that seemed likely at one point) has cooled off substantially now that NIGHT RANGER have opted to play their own headlining dates throughout the Summer. WHITESNAKE are still rumored to be onboard.
8/06 - Hamilton, ON, CAN - Copps Coliseum (rescheduled from 4/13)
8/09 - Corner Brook, NL, CAN - Pepsi Centre
8/10 - Ottawa, ON, CAN - ScotiaBank Place (rescheduled from 4/12)
8/12 - Quebec City, QC - Colisee Pepsi (rescheduled from 4/11) *
8/15 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena (rescheduled from 4/18)
8/23 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena (rescheduled from 4/19)
*Unconfirmed
First JUDAS PRIEST/H&H Onsale Date, New Rumor
Tickets for the JUDAS PRIEST show in Uncasville, CT at Mohegan Sun Arena will go onsale this Friday (4/25) at 10:00 AM EST. Support will come from TESTAMENT.
Furthermore, tonight there is new information that suggest JUDAS PRIEST will indeed be headlining the upcoming tour featuring the band alongside HEAVEN & HELL, MOTORHEAD and TESTAMENT. I was also informed that both bands are considering "flip-flopping" headlining slots at each show, but tour organizers are pushing for JUDAS PRIEST to close.
The current list of dates is listed below. This is the same itinerary "borrowed" by BLABBERMOUTH earlier this week. The last three shows on the itinerary are unconfirmed with the exception of the Dallas date (which I personally have confirmed):
Aug. 06 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 07 - Bristow, VA - Nissan Pavilion At Stone Ridge
Aug. 09 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 10 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 13 - Toronto, ON, CAN - The Molson Amphitheatre
Aug. 15 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 16 - Burgettstown, PA - Post Gazette Pavilion @ StarLake
Aug. 18 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 19 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 22 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center
Aug. 23 - Houston, TX - Woodlands Pavilion *
Aug. 28 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion *
Aug. 31 - San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre *
Unconfirmed.
Furthermore, tonight there is new information that suggest JUDAS PRIEST will indeed be headlining the upcoming tour featuring the band alongside HEAVEN & HELL, MOTORHEAD and TESTAMENT. I was also informed that both bands are considering "flip-flopping" headlining slots at each show, but tour organizers are pushing for JUDAS PRIEST to close.
The current list of dates is listed below. This is the same itinerary "borrowed" by BLABBERMOUTH earlier this week. The last three shows on the itinerary are unconfirmed with the exception of the Dallas date (which I personally have confirmed):
Aug. 06 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 07 - Bristow, VA - Nissan Pavilion At Stone Ridge
Aug. 09 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 10 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 13 - Toronto, ON, CAN - The Molson Amphitheatre
Aug. 15 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena (onsale 4/25)
Aug. 16 - Burgettstown, PA - Post Gazette Pavilion @ StarLake
Aug. 18 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 19 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 22 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center
Aug. 23 - Houston, TX - Woodlands Pavilion *
Aug. 28 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion *
Aug. 31 - San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre *
Unconfirmed.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
DEF LEPPARD U.S. TOUR UPDATE
DEF LEPPARD have postponed two more concerts on their current North American tour. The shows in Grand Rapids and Detroit have been "postponed until further notice" according to the LEPPARD camp. I can reveal that the band have already rescheduled the shows for August 15 and August 23, respectively.
The August 15 show is now being strongly rumored to be the launch of their Summer U.S. tour, said to be with NIGHT RANGER and one other act (possibly WHITESNAKE or TESLA).
DEF LEPPARD did confirm earlier in the week that their European tour with WHITESNAKE will conclude on July 17 in Nottingham, UK as planned. Promoters have been surprised with the brisk sales of many of the gigs and wanted to extend the tour through August 2 in Lisbon, Portugal. The plan for LEPPARD was solely based on the reception of their upcoming album in America. If the album met a lukewarm reception, the LEPS would stay in Europe before moving onto Japan and Australia. Now that "Nine Lives" is gaining airplay and climbing the RADIO & RECORDS rock chart, the band are aggressively booking shows in the U.S. as we speak. The aforementioned Lisbon date will go on as planned with WHITESNAKE only.
The August 15 show is now being strongly rumored to be the launch of their Summer U.S. tour, said to be with NIGHT RANGER and one other act (possibly WHITESNAKE or TESLA).
DEF LEPPARD did confirm earlier in the week that their European tour with WHITESNAKE will conclude on July 17 in Nottingham, UK as planned. Promoters have been surprised with the brisk sales of many of the gigs and wanted to extend the tour through August 2 in Lisbon, Portugal. The plan for LEPPARD was solely based on the reception of their upcoming album in America. If the album met a lukewarm reception, the LEPS would stay in Europe before moving onto Japan and Australia. Now that "Nine Lives" is gaining airplay and climbing the RADIO & RECORDS rock chart, the band are aggressively booking shows in the U.S. as we speak. The aforementioned Lisbon date will go on as planned with WHITESNAKE only.
KISS Tour News
KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer revealed earlier this week that the band will be playing the Alive! album in its entirety, alongisde some "obscure songs never played live before" on their upcoming European tour (a fact I posted on Sludge last month). Some of the "obscure songs" Tommy went on to mention include "Room Service", which Thayer is said to be very gung-ho about. I was told about two other songs being seriously considered for the tour, but they seem so bizarre I'm just not sure if this is legitimate information, or some fan's pipe dream. Which two? One comes off of Dynasty, the other was a major hit for the band in Europe in the late 1980's. I was also given a bit of information about KISS possibly touring with THE SCORPIONS (which appears to be false).
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Thanks all for checking the blog out. The information I share here will be a mix of information from my trusted sources, as well as news from around the music and concert industry. If anyone wants to add anything, they are more than welcome to and your input will be appreciated and fully credited.
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