Author: Mark Leader

The Rolling Stones singer was in Hollywood for the Sunday night Academy Awards presentation. He joked that he wasn’t the Academy’s first choice. It was Bob Dylan. But Dylan suggested they should get someone younger, so Mick stepped in. Actually, with the Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” up for numerous Oscars, the Academy invited Dylan…

David Johansen, co-founder of the New York Dolls, died Friday (2/28) at his home on Staten Island. He was 75. Last month Johansen revealed that he had been living with stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor. He had kept keep his illness private for years. The legendary New York Dolls are widely acknowledged as a…

Tarja Turunen will release a live album, “Circus Life,” on May 16th. The set’s lead single is “Shadow Play.” The 2020 performance, recorded “in the round” format in Bucharest, Romania, features a career spanning setlist that includes “I Walk Alone,” “Until My Last Breath” and “Innocence.” “Circus Life” Tracks: 01. Mystique Voyage02. 500 Letters03. Naiad04. Diva05. You And I06. Love To Hate07. Demons In You08. Never Enough09. Falling Awake10. I Feel Immortal11. I…

3/7 Spiritbox: Tsunami Sea Singer Courtney LaPlante confirmed that “Tsunami Sea,” the band’s sophomore full-length effort, is a concept album. “Every record we make is a concept album, but we don’t market it like that normally. I like to show not tell,” The set contains lead single “Soft Spine“and the follow-up “Perfect Soul.” 3/7 The Wildhearts:…

2/2 Aerosmith Members Perform At “Jam For Janie” Grammy Viewing Party Singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry (both pictured), plus bassist Tom Hamilton perform at Tyler’s sixth annual philanthropic event. The event raises over $2.5 million to support Janie’s Fund, and the L.A. Fire Department Foundation and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. 2/2 Grammy Rock Winners The winners are: Rolling Stones –…

  “Son Of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds” from P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval is out. Born in Southdown, two exits from the Mexican border, Sandoval became the frontman for P.O.D. — a group too Christian for the world and too secular for the church — he has, according to a blurb promoting the book, defied every expectation, and has…

Shinedown’s “Dance, Kid, Dance” is #1 at Active Rock radio. Released late last month the song is the band’s 22nd to reach #1 Mediabase’s Active Rock chart. Vocalist Brent Smith noted that the time for change had come. “The last two albums (“Planet Zero” and “Attention! Attention!”) were both conceptual so it was important for…

Pantera has announced “The Heaviest Tour Of The Summer, a U.S. amphitheater trek that will launch on July 15th in Burgettstown, PA and conclude on September 13th in West Palm Beach, FL. Amon Amarth will provide support. Pantera’s line-up has original members – vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown. Guitarist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society) and drummer Charlie Benante…

“Collusion,” is the latest sing from Killswitch Engage’s recently released album, “This Consequence.”   “‘Collusion’ is about the struggle between people in power and the common people,” explained vocalist Jesse Leach. “It speaks about the propaganda and divisiveness used to keep us in control. It’s about the ruthlessness of the ruling class who use wealth to raise,…

Blues legend Buddy Guy and Switchfoot have dropped the official audio for. “Last Man Standing.”  “I remember watching him (Guy) live as a teenager and being completely transformed,”: shared Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman. “I wanted this song to be something worthy of the man who helped shape my musical journey.” Guy (pictured) is credited with influencing the guitar playing…