March 11, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Iraqi war metal

These guys make Slayer look a bunch of bitches! They survived the brutality of the Saddam Regime and even witnessed the occupation of foreign troops on their homeland. With IEDs, roadside bombs and firefights surrounding them every day and night, Iraqi natives Acrassicuada found time and wherewithal to practice in dark, humid, and dingy basements. You begin to understand why the middle easterners are ready to make the big time with their unique brand of heavy metal. The band was featured in a very compelling 2007 documentary called “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” which may be available at your video store or you can check it out on Netflix. Well, the band's dream is surely coming true. Their first ever four song EP, titled “Only the Dead See the End of the War” is available streaming online at their MySpace page. The EP was produced by Testament's guitarist Alex Skolnick and the engineer of Lamb of God and System of a Down, Josh Wilbur. The band made it to the states this year to perform a January show at a New York night club. Show your support for metal and get online to buy this EP! Check out the video for "Garden of Stones" on YouTube.

Open auditions

Billy Corgan is holding auditions for a new bassist and keyboardist. Last summer, Corgan worked to find a new drummer and sure as S he found one. He's a bit young, at age 19, but there is no drama with this new guy. I mean, it's unlikely he will get down into a heroin fix at a hotel with the keyboardist like former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin did. Corgan is taking applications from now to March 31st. If you're interested, get a music resume together along with a bio, photos and a performance video and send it in. Corgan's plans are to finish releasesing track-by-track the remaining 41 tracks from “Teargarden by Kaleidoscope” then hitting up a world-wide tour with an entirely new and fresh Smashing Pumpkins lineup. For more information, check out the press release online.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 10, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Open auditions

Dragonforce fans, you are surely going to be upset by this news. At first, it was written off as a rumor. But now it has been confirmed. Roadrunner Records initially had released the story about the departure singer ZP Theart. The reason given by the band for the departure of ZP was creative differences. In other words, the band wasn't clicking as it should have—especially when the band is preparing for a new album. The band released a statement about how the creative core is still grounded with the band and working on the fifth studio album. Now a worldwide search has begun to find a singer for the extreme epic power metal band that will be able to soar with a pure voice and a sword in hand. Get more information about the split and the ongoing auditions online at Dragonforce.com/auditions.

Bringing it to the states

If you're upset that Serj Tankian didn't bring his Grammy Award winning symphonic rendition of “Elect the Dead” to the states, well you'll have your chance to check it out soon. Two very special dates have been set aside in the states to allow for a performance of the wild front man's project. Travel down to Atlanta to catch the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Serj perform July 9th. The Greek Theater in LA will be will put together a symphony for a July 30th performance. Both of these shows follow several other performances Serj is doing of “Elect the Dead Symphony” in Europe. The Symphony debuted in New Zealand last year and has been in demand ever since. Yesterday, the CD/DVD release of the New Zealand performance was made available and several weeks ago it was released on iTunes.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 9, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Album update and new single streams

The album will simply be called “Slash” and it's the first ever truly solo album from legendary shredder and top hatted rocker, Slash. A digital release of the first single, “By the Sword,” from the album will be available for download March 28th. Currently the single is streaming online through AOL Spinner. “By the Sword” was co-written by Slash and Wolfmother front man Andrew Stockdale, who also lends his vocals to the track.

Listen to the song at Spinner.com

“By the Sword” wasn't originally going to be the first single from the album. “Crucify the Dead” featuring vocals by Ozzy Osbourne was the track that was initially chosen to be the release. Why the change? No, not because “By the Sword” is better, but rather, Ozzy has a new album coming out and there could be confusion about which album any particular single came from. Slash said that because the record is entirely comprised of guest vocalists, it is difficult to get the release of the singles just right so not to confuse or disrupt the artists other material. Since Ozzy has a new album coming out, Slash didn't want to step on the dark prince's toes.

Some of the other guest vocals on Slash's forthcoming solo album include Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold, Kid Rock, Chris Cornell, all-around musician Dave Grohl, Lemmy from Motorhead, and even Iggy Pop. Look for an April 6th release of the album.

So, what about Velvet Revolver? After all, Scott Weiland is done with that project and has gotten back on board with Stone Temple Pilots with a new album just around the corner. Well, with Slash's upcoming tour taking most of his time, he did say afterwords the band will get back together in the search for a new singer.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 7, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Two drummers named Joey

A couple of stories about drummers named Joey to pass along to you. It's reported that Aerosmith's drummer, Joey Kramer, sold his house for $2.7 million. The 17-acre South Massachusetts home with a recording studio built in took 19 months to sell on the market for 27% less than the asking price. Someone must have been hard up for cash. Not like that has any significant impact on your life. This next drummer story may, however. Slipknot's skin beater will be taking some time away from the maniacal 9, but only for the summer. It's reported that Joey Jordison will be touring with Rob Zombie for some of the spring and summer months. The story goes that John 5, Zombie's guitarist, called up Joey and asked if he had any recommendations for drummers and Joey jokingly said “Yeah, me!” Jordison will beat the skins for Zombie throughout the Gruesome Twosome tour and part of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival where Zombie will co-headline with Korn.

Concert gets crazy

A bunch of police down in Guatemala fired warning shots in the air and then opened fire with pepper spray and rubber bullets into a crowd of crazy Metallica fans who were trying to bum rush a sold out show. 27,000 people attended the show Friday where Metallica rocked the country. Despite the clash of police and miscreants outside the show and a power problem that caused electricity to cut out during the second song, it's reported that Friday's Metallica show in the Central American country was pretty bad-ass.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 6, 2010

Greg Bishop hosts Saturday Session on 970 WMAY, the News and Talk of Springfield. Catch the show live from 4 to 7pm CST online at WMAY dot com.

Tune in for your chance to win 1 of 2 remaining copies of "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer". Find out about tonight's event planned at the ALPL&M from the SJ-R online.

What, you didn't hear?

News on the march - Students are enraged that money is going to bail out banks and fund senseless wars while education gets the ax. Military tribunals for the 9/11 suspects are now considered by the Obama administration. Get details on Boston's big brother camera grid and how police in the UK may start carrying fingerprint scanners with them. This and so much more with news on the march. Catch all the stories you may have missed by checking out Bishop's Shared Items through Google Reader.

Interview

Randall Stufflebeam, Constitution Party candidate for Governor, will join the show at 5p CST to discuss what he thinks Illinois' government needs to get back towards the right direction. Be sure to get your questions ready and call in at 217.629.7970!

In focus

Sibel Edmonds' story appeared in an article found in Larry Flynt's Hustler Magazine. Edmonds, a former FBI translator who has been labeled the most gagged woman in intelligence history, has some serious accusations against common politicians that are not being rebutted--except for the anticipated denial. These kinds of accusations (blackmail, bribes, treason) could warrant a libel suit, but that has yet (and may never) happen. Join the discussion and get the run down of her accusations in the 6-o'clock hour (CST) on Saturday Session.

The shooting at the Pentagon metro station early Friday morning has the media's focus on hate groups, because the individual (who is now dead) posted some ramblings online about his distrust for government and how he didn't believe the official version of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. What does this mean for groups like We Are Change, Oath Keepers, and even the TEA Parties? Well, the lists are already being compiled and legislation targeting these types of "non racial hate groups" could be just around the corner. Tune in to Saturday Session to get a run down of the dangers posed by connecting political motivations with "random" acts of violence.

Upcoming rallies

With the Chicago Gun Case in the minds of gun owners around the state, there will be a rally in downtown Springfield March 10th. Get all the details here.

Two weeks from now, the Rally for Non-intervention will take place at the Abraham Lincoln statue on the Capitol Steps in Springfield. Get the details here and help spread the word by inviting your friends via the Facebook event.

This and so much more

Greg Bishop can be contacted many different ways. Check out Bishop's Profile to get links and phone numbers. To call the Saturday Session on WMAY, dial 217.629.7970 or email bishop@wmay.com. You can also join the video chat room with live streaming video (available during the show, 4 to 7p CST, only).

March 5, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

New Pumpkins tune

The steady trickle of new Smashing Pumpkins tunes continues. Get over to Smashing Pumpkins dot com to download the latest track from “Teargarden by Kaleidoscope” called “A Stitch of Time,” for free! The song came to Corgan in a stream of consciousness moment just before a Smashing Pumpkins concert. Corgan recorded the initial concept on his phone and that was the only documentation of the song he had for a full year. Now, the song, which is a drum-less, acoustic and synth tune about a slight moment in time, has made its debut. This is the third track from Corgan's musical genius. Future plans for the album include releasing the remaining 41 tracks from the album for free download and then releasing a multi-disc box set with all the tunes. So, you could either download the songs for free as they come out at the bands website, or you can buy the 11 disc box set. Each disc will have 4 tracks on it. The first disc, “Volume 1/Songs for a sailor,” will have the first 4 releases, three of which have been released over the past few months. The forthcoming track, “Astral Plane,” should be released for download soon.

Listen to the tune below:

Corgan reveals all

Corgan is the founder and only original member of the band that grew up in the mainstream 90s. In the first interview Corgan had with Rolling Stone Magazine in 10 years, the Pumpkins front man opened up to some of his problems of the past—according to the Pulse of Radio. Depression seemed to really get the worst of Corgan as he used to wake up and tell himself “Go eat breakfast or go kill yourself.” He even opened up to Rolling Stone about the recent “relationship” he had with Jessica Simpson saying he loves her and that the relationship is not your typical boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. He explained that when people enjoy being together and good things happen, that's the best you can ask for. Some other things he talked about with Rolling Stone was how he fired Pumpkins original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and how his father, 2 years ago, was arrested with a needle stuck in his arm addicted to heroin. He also proclaimed that he should be considered one of the most influential artists in the world.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 4, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Taking a day off

It's been three weeks of none stop touring and performing for Phil Labonte, who's been filling in on stage for Howard Jones of Killswitch Engaged. The band has announced that because of the grueling torture Labonte is being put through, Killswitch will have to cancel their show today in Tucson. Labonte, who is the front man for All That Remains, needs a brake. A statement from the band says Labonte has been “pinch-hitting” for Howard Jones, who had to leave the road to attend to some personal issues. After learning all kinds of new material and the new found strain of his voice, Labonte needs to rest his body, his voice, and his mind … at least for one day.

Looking forward

New album updates anyone? Hellz Yeah! Drowning Pool will be releasing a self-titled album in April. With tunes titled “Let the Sins Begin,” “Regret,” “Alcohol Blind,” and “All About Me,” this album will surely be a hard hitting and controversial album for you to pick up and piss your parents off with. HellYeah also has a new album coming out soon. Vinnie Paul, taking time away from the kitchen preparing spicy food or working on his cookbook, has updated the world on the status of the new HellYeah album. Paul said the band is three-quarters the way through the recording process. Paul said he's really proud of the album so far and that “it's a little more southern, a little more rock and roll ... it's got some very, very metal moments in it too”. The new Hellyeah album will be out June 1st. The band will start touring in April, so keep your eyes open, your ears tweaked and your rock horns ready cause Paul says the band will take the tour around the world for two years!

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 3, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Interactive/multimedia content

With increasingly interactive media constantly updated online, the standard website with lame content will just not stand. Fans want more! Some bands are starting to pick up on that call for more content and are producing online Internet videos to provide a window into the bands daily life. Bands from the recent past that have done this include Godsmack while Metallica's ramp up to the album “Death Magnetic,” chock-full of rich and interactive multimedia content. Now, fans of Alice in Chains and In This Moment have something to log online for.

Making of

In This Moment, with the maddening metal from the band and wicked lyrics from the seductive Maria Brink, will surely entice their fans to clamor for the first of many online webisodes. You can catch part 1 of In This Moment's Making of Star Crossed Wasteland on YouTube. For the first installation, you can see Maria's pooch she named twinkle, the bedrooms the members are staying in and the bathroom where Maria gets ready for her day. Too cute! This is the first of many videos the band will produce to provide a window for fans to peer into surrounding the recording process of In This Moment's forthcoming album. Watch the intimate video here.

Tour video blog

Meanwhile, Alice in Chains will be uploading weekly tour video blogs. The videos will be exclusive through Myspace. Stay close to Alice in Chain's Myspace page for content coming soon. The videos will be exclusive behind the scenes with backstage interviews, antics on the road. Currently there is a 30 second teaser of the tour video diary available online. The band is currently on tour till sometime in May, so there will be plenty of forthcoming video content for bands to enjoy.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 2, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

Brutal mosh pit

Over the weekend in Australia, a disable AC/DC fan was sent to the hospital. What happened is the quadriplegic fan was in a motorized wheelchair on the floor at the venue. Being quadriplegic, he had a long metal pin he used with his mouth to operate things on his chair. When his chair made it's way into the pit area of the floor, something broke bad and the the metal pin or rod became a dangerous weapon and ultimately impaled him … in his eye. Authorities have concluded that the fan's mate accidentally triggered the motorized chair to go towards the pit area. True story. All of this happened while AC/DC was on stage, rocking out to 45,000 dancing fans in their home country. The last report has the man in serious but stable condition and no word if he was able to keep his eye. Check out photos from AC/DC's shows in Brisbane.

Zombie plays few new songs

Typically, when a band hits the road after releasing a new album, it's standard practice to perform some (if not all) of the tunes from their most recent release. Well, not for Rob Zombie. Zombie is on the record saying he will only play about four songs from his most recent album in his upcoming tour with Alice Cooper. This is because, according to Zombie, fans expect to hear some of the older and more classic tunes. Zombie is even going as far as to say that the band will not perform 'The Man Who Never Laughs' and 'Burn' from the new album because he just doesn't “like that song that much.” Zombie toured last fall where he only played two cuts off his most recent album “Hellbilly Delux 2.” In the upcoming “Gruesome Twosome” tour with Alice Cooper, Zombie may play two others … but no more! When you check him out at the Mayhem Festival this summer, Zombie may be up to playing five songs from 'Hellbilly Delux 2.”

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.

March 1, 2010

Music News from the Rock Station, 92-7 WQLZ by Bishop

True crime book

Former Pantera front man will be involved in a tell tale book. Will it be an autobiography or a biography? As is the case with many recent “autobiographies,” there is usually a ghost writer or some famed author that helps with the bulk of the work. Well, this is the case with Phil Anselmo's forthcoming autobiography. Anselmo signed on with MetalSucks.net writer and true crime author Corey Mitchell. That's rather fitting, because the earlier part of Anselmo's life with Pantera is indeed a true crime (with all the drug use, and crazy parties … surely some crimes occurred).

What's in a name?

Trouble on the Black Sabbath front. There's always some crazy conflicts going on with band names. In particular there is a case between Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne over the name Black Sabbath. A judge in New York has ruled that Osbourne can indeed sue Iommi about Iommi's use of the band's name. Osbourne claims that Iommi has illegally taken sole ownership of the name and is using it without permission of other band members. Osbourne is seeking 50 percent ownership of the name and some of the recent profits Iommi made from using the name. This is merely round one of a long drawn out process. Who wins? We may not know for years. Meanwhile, Ozzy has a new book out and an album forthcoming just around the corner. The dark one also recently got the key the city of West Palm Beach. Say what? See photos of the event here.

New song streaming

Killswitch Engaged has a new song available for streaming. Be sure to check out the track My Obsession online today streaming worldwide here. The song officially will be part of a digital extended soundtrack for the Playstation 3 game “God of War III.” The soundtrack will be out officially tomorrow and will feature tracks from Killswitch, Trivium, Opeth, and Dream Theater.

Catch the Music Minute every weekday with the Free Beer and Hot Wings Show on 92-7 WQLZ, the Rock Station.