Got an e-mail not too long ago asking for a quick update on Billy Idol, so here goes:
For the first time in a while there is a lot of activity and positive news in the Idol camp.
His last album, Devils Playground, was among his best work and yet thanks to Sanctuary Records
went nowhere. Steve Stevens stated in a few interviews that near the end of the tour morale was low and he wasn't sure when or if Billy would record a "next" record.
Well there definitely will be a next record. I'm very happy to report that Billy has been resigned by
EMI and has been working hard on a new album, produced by Josh Abraham. Part of EMI's plan
to relaunch Idol on the charts was the release of the Idolize Yourself compilation, and to include
two songs from Idol's forthcoming studio effort ("John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon") on the set.
The material, being composed by Billy, Steve and Brian Tichy, is said to be a throwback to the classic Idol sound, with the debut LP, Rebel Yell and Whiplash Smile being used as a point of reference.
An early 2009 release is being reported by EMI, with a world tour set to launch in the U.S. in the Spring.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
JOURNEY/HEART/CHEAP TRICK Tour Update
Just wanted to give everyone an early update on the Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick tour. According to my source two of the first three shows of the tour have sold out. Details are listed below. Other markets reporting strong to near sold-out sales are Raleigh, Atlanta (first night is sold out), Oklahoma City, Virginia Beach, Detroit, Indy and St. Louis and Mountain View. I was told that LiveNation are expecting at least 60% of the shows to sell out based on walkup sales (which is exactly how so Def Leppard/Journey sold out so many shows two summers ago).
As for show length, it breaks down as such:
Cheap Trick - 50 min.
Heart - 65 min.
Journey - 115 min.
Early reports:
7/9 Englewood, CO
Fiddler's Green
Attendance: 18,000
Capacity: 18,500
7/11 West Valley City, UT
USANA Amphitheatre
Attendance: 20,000
Capacity: 20,000
7/12 Lake Tahoe, NV
Harvey's Outdoor Arena
Attendance: 6,420
Capacity: 6,420
As for show length, it breaks down as such:
Cheap Trick - 50 min.
Heart - 65 min.
Journey - 115 min.
Early reports:
7/9 Englewood, CO
Fiddler's Green
Attendance: 18,000
Capacity: 18,500
7/11 West Valley City, UT
USANA Amphitheatre
Attendance: 20,000
Capacity: 20,000
7/12 Lake Tahoe, NV
Harvey's Outdoor Arena
Attendance: 6,420
Capacity: 6,420
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Major FLEETWOOD MAC Update
I'm pleased to bring everyone quite possibly the biggest story I've broken all year. After endless speculation and "rumors" (sorry, I couldn't resist) Fleetwood Mac are reuniting in 2009 for an album and tour they are remaining mum on. But that's what I'm here for, isn't it?
In June, Stevie Nicks told a newspaper that the Mac would be regrouping, sans-Christine McVie, for a series of recording sessions in October and would be in full-on tour rehearsals by February with U.S. dates to follow in the Spring. It has taken me several weeks, but here's what I have amassed from my sources.
* The "new album" is in fact a new compilation album that will feature several new tracks. Interestingly enough, one of the conditions for Stevie recording new Fleetwood Mac music was that Lindsey not be named primary producer. An outside collaborator, rumored to be John Shanks or Chris Lord-Alge, is being brought in to "even things up".
* The tour is indeed a "farewell tour" and could last up to two years with a blowout finale being planned. The ideas and expectations for this tour are big amongst organizers with one idea being that the finale will take place at either Wembley Stadium (or Twickingham Stadium) in London, or New York City's iconic Central Park.
* Fleetwood Mac will be performing Christine McVie-sung material on the upcoming tour, with Lindsey and Stevie handling vocal duties on her songs.
* The tour will kick off in the U.S. next Spring with a European tour of arenas and some stadiums
to follow. The group are already being mentioned for next year's Heiniken Jammin' Festival in Italy.
The trek will encompass several U.S. legs, at least one major European leg, a trip to Australia, and there is the possibility of the group returning to Japan for the first time with Stevie and Lindsey since 1979.
* While Sheryl Crow will be participating in the recording the new Mac tunes, she will not be made
a member of the band, contrary to what she announced to the public earlier this year. The first set
of U.S. shows will, however, be a Fleetwood Mac/Sheryl Crow double-bill. Crow is reportedly set on
opening for the group for the duration of the tour, including all overseas legs.
* A lot of money is being put into this and the band are reportedly shopping their name around to both LiveNation and AEG Live for the farewell tour, and any one-offs that will follow.
ALL OF THIS, is to be taken with a grain of salt until confirmed. But do know that unless it looks like
even semi-wet concrete...I don't share it.
In June, Stevie Nicks told a newspaper that the Mac would be regrouping, sans-Christine McVie, for a series of recording sessions in October and would be in full-on tour rehearsals by February with U.S. dates to follow in the Spring. It has taken me several weeks, but here's what I have amassed from my sources.
* The "new album" is in fact a new compilation album that will feature several new tracks. Interestingly enough, one of the conditions for Stevie recording new Fleetwood Mac music was that Lindsey not be named primary producer. An outside collaborator, rumored to be John Shanks or Chris Lord-Alge, is being brought in to "even things up".
* The tour is indeed a "farewell tour" and could last up to two years with a blowout finale being planned. The ideas and expectations for this tour are big amongst organizers with one idea being that the finale will take place at either Wembley Stadium (or Twickingham Stadium) in London, or New York City's iconic Central Park.
* Fleetwood Mac will be performing Christine McVie-sung material on the upcoming tour, with Lindsey and Stevie handling vocal duties on her songs.
* The tour will kick off in the U.S. next Spring with a European tour of arenas and some stadiums
to follow. The group are already being mentioned for next year's Heiniken Jammin' Festival in Italy.
The trek will encompass several U.S. legs, at least one major European leg, a trip to Australia, and there is the possibility of the group returning to Japan for the first time with Stevie and Lindsey since 1979.
* While Sheryl Crow will be participating in the recording the new Mac tunes, she will not be made
a member of the band, contrary to what she announced to the public earlier this year. The first set
of U.S. shows will, however, be a Fleetwood Mac/Sheryl Crow double-bill. Crow is reportedly set on
opening for the group for the duration of the tour, including all overseas legs.
* A lot of money is being put into this and the band are reportedly shopping their name around to both LiveNation and AEG Live for the farewell tour, and any one-offs that will follow.
ALL OF THIS, is to be taken with a grain of salt until confirmed. But do know that unless it looks like
even semi-wet concrete...I don't share it.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
KISS: Alive/35 Tour Stats
A mere two weeks ago, KISS concluded their Alive/35 European Tour in Belgium. The band have hyped how this tour performed better than the Reunion Tour, which is sacrilege to many KISS fans. Now the numbers are in so you can see for yourself.
KISS: "Alive /35" European Tour Stats
May 9th, 2008 Oberhausen, Germany
Konig Pilsener Arena
Attendance: 12,500
Capacity: 12,500
May 11, 2008
Munchen, Germany
Olympiahalle
Attendance: 14,000
Capacity: 14,000
May 12, 2008
Vienna, Austria
Wiener Stadhalle
Attendance: 10,550
Capacity: 11,500
May 13, 2008
Milan, Italy
Arena di Verona
Attendance: 13,001
Capacity: 13,001
May 16, 2008
Sofia, Bulgaria
Akademik Stadium
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 10,000
May 18, 2008
Athens, Greece
Terra Vibe Park
Attendance: 8,589
Capacity: 20,000
May 22, 2008
Riga, Lativa
Arena Riga
Attendance: 8,990
Capacity: 12,500
May 24, 2008
Moscow, Russia
Luzhinki Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 15,000
Capacity: 30,000
May 26, 2008
St. Petersburg, Russia
SKK New Arena
Attendance: 8,100
Capacity: 11,000
May 27 & 28, 2008
Helsinki, Finland
Hartwall Areena
Attendance: 22,400
Capacity: 22,400
May 30, 2008
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 32,500
Capacity: 32,500
May 31, 2008
Oslo, Norway
Valhall
Attendance: 12,800
Capacity: 12,800
June 1, 2008
Bergen, Norway
Koengen
Attendance: 17,145
Capacity: 20,000
June 3, 2008
Copenhagen, Denmark
Forum
Attendance: 9,243
Capacity: 10,000
June 4, 2008
Hamburg, Germany
Color Line Arena
Attendance: 10,384
Capacity: 16,000
June 6, 2008
Prague, Czech Republic
Saska O2 Arena
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 18,000
June 9, 2008
Berlin, Germany
Velodrom
Attendance: 9,011
Capacity: 12,000
June 10, 2008
Mannheim, Germany
SAP Arena
Attendance: 9,786
Capacity: 13,000
June 11, 2008
Oberhausen, Germany
Koing Pilsener Arena
Attendance: 7,558
Capacity: 12,000
June 13, 2008
Derby, England
Download Festival @ Donnington
Attendance: 55,000
Capacity: 60,000
June 15, 2008
Nijmegen, Holland
Arrow Rock Festival @ Goffertpark
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 28,000
June 17, 2008
Paris, France
Palais Omnisports de-Bercy
Attendance: 11,083
Capacity: 17,100
June 18, 2008
Stuttgart, Germany
Schleyerehalle
Attendance: 11,577
Capacity: 15,500
June 21, 2008
Bilabo, Spain
Bilabo Kobetamendi
Attendance: 29,078
Capacity: 50,000
June 23, 2008
Zurich, Switzerland
Hallenstadion
Attendance: 12,565
Capacity: 13,000
June 24, 2008
Milan, Italy
Datch Forum
Attendance: 7,721
Capacity: 11,110
June 26, 2008
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Rockhal Alzette
Attendance: 6,500
Capacity: 6,500
June 27, 2008
Nuremberg, Germany
Arena Nurnberger
Attendance: 8,150
Capacity: 10,200
June 21, 2008
Dessel, Belgium
Graspop Metal Meeting @ The Boeretangsedreef
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 56,000
KISS: "Alive /35" European Tour Stats
May 9th, 2008 Oberhausen, Germany
Konig Pilsener Arena
Attendance: 12,500
Capacity: 12,500
May 11, 2008
Munchen, Germany
Olympiahalle
Attendance: 14,000
Capacity: 14,000
May 12, 2008
Vienna, Austria
Wiener Stadhalle
Attendance: 10,550
Capacity: 11,500
May 13, 2008
Milan, Italy
Arena di Verona
Attendance: 13,001
Capacity: 13,001
May 16, 2008
Sofia, Bulgaria
Akademik Stadium
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 10,000
May 18, 2008
Athens, Greece
Terra Vibe Park
Attendance: 8,589
Capacity: 20,000
May 22, 2008
Riga, Lativa
Arena Riga
Attendance: 8,990
Capacity: 12,500
May 24, 2008
Moscow, Russia
Luzhinki Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 15,000
Capacity: 30,000
May 26, 2008
St. Petersburg, Russia
SKK New Arena
Attendance: 8,100
Capacity: 11,000
May 27 & 28, 2008
Helsinki, Finland
Hartwall Areena
Attendance: 22,400
Capacity: 22,400
May 30, 2008
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 32,500
Capacity: 32,500
May 31, 2008
Oslo, Norway
Valhall
Attendance: 12,800
Capacity: 12,800
June 1, 2008
Bergen, Norway
Koengen
Attendance: 17,145
Capacity: 20,000
June 3, 2008
Copenhagen, Denmark
Forum
Attendance: 9,243
Capacity: 10,000
June 4, 2008
Hamburg, Germany
Color Line Arena
Attendance: 10,384
Capacity: 16,000
June 6, 2008
Prague, Czech Republic
Saska O2 Arena
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 18,000
June 9, 2008
Berlin, Germany
Velodrom
Attendance: 9,011
Capacity: 12,000
June 10, 2008
Mannheim, Germany
SAP Arena
Attendance: 9,786
Capacity: 13,000
June 11, 2008
Oberhausen, Germany
Koing Pilsener Arena
Attendance: 7,558
Capacity: 12,000
June 13, 2008
Derby, England
Download Festival @ Donnington
Attendance: 55,000
Capacity: 60,000
June 15, 2008
Nijmegen, Holland
Arrow Rock Festival @ Goffertpark
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 28,000
June 17, 2008
Paris, France
Palais Omnisports de-Bercy
Attendance: 11,083
Capacity: 17,100
June 18, 2008
Stuttgart, Germany
Schleyerehalle
Attendance: 11,577
Capacity: 15,500
June 21, 2008
Bilabo, Spain
Bilabo Kobetamendi
Attendance: 29,078
Capacity: 50,000
June 23, 2008
Zurich, Switzerland
Hallenstadion
Attendance: 12,565
Capacity: 13,000
June 24, 2008
Milan, Italy
Datch Forum
Attendance: 7,721
Capacity: 11,110
June 26, 2008
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Rockhal Alzette
Attendance: 6,500
Capacity: 6,500
June 27, 2008
Nuremberg, Germany
Arena Nurnberger
Attendance: 8,150
Capacity: 10,200
June 21, 2008
Dessel, Belgium
Graspop Metal Meeting @ The Boeretangsedreef
Attendance: SRO
Capacity: 56,000
Friday, July 4, 2008
KISS: New CD Release Info + More!
A month ago I reported that a new KISS compilation album was in the works. I can now confirm that on August 24 the new compilation will be released...in Japan. Kissology - Best KISS will be released throughout Japan on August 24 via DefStar Records, a subsidiary of Sony/BMG. While a specific tracklisting isn't available, the album will feature the recently re-recorded classics KISS completed in the studio earlier this year. The first few thousand copies of Kissology - Best Kiss will also come with a bonus DVD of the April 2, 1977 show at Nippon Budokan taken from Kissology Vol. 1. The disc can be pre-ordered at CD Japan at this link: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DFCP-56
The next obvious question becomes, will this see release in the U.S.? The answer is a resounding yes. I am hearing several different stories about how KISS will choose to release it, and when. When I get something concrete, it will be be posted here as always. Stay tuned...
The next obvious question becomes, will this see release in the U.S.? The answer is a resounding yes. I am hearing several different stories about how KISS will choose to release it, and when. When I get something concrete, it will be be posted here as always. Stay tuned...
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