Black Velvet Magazine

Filter UK Shows

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:25:33 -0400

Filter will play Edinburgh Liquid Rooms on August 26th followed by London Islington O2 Academy on August 28th.

Prior to these shows, the band’s sixth album, ‘The Sun Comes Out Tonight’ will be released on June 3rd. It is Filter’s first on Wind-Up/Spinefarm Records.

Watch the making of ‘The Sun Comes Out Tonight’, part 1, here:

The Answer UK & Ireland Tour

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:44:00 -0400

Irish rockers The Answer are set to tour the UK & Ireland in October. Tickets will go on sale this Wednesday 22nd May via www.livenation.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Dates are:

Fri 11th Oct - Limelight 2, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Sat 12th Oct - Whelans, Dublin, EIRE

Thurs 17th Oct - Academy 3, Manchester, UK

Fri 18th Oct - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, UK

Sat 19th Oct - Cockpit, Leeds, UK

Sun 20th Oct - Corporation, Sheffield, UK

Tues 22nd Oct - The Garage, Glasgow, UK

Wed 23rd Oct - O2 Academy, Newcastle, UK

Thurs 24th Oct - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK

Fri 25th Oct - Electric Ballroom, London, UK

Sat 26th Oct - The Thekla, Bristol, UK

Sun 27th Oct - Concorde 2, Brighton, UK

Sat 30th Nov - Hard Rock Hell Festival, Pwllheli, Wales

The Answer will release their new album, ‘New Horizon’, prior to the tour, on September 30th 2013 through label Napalm Records GmbH. The album was produced by Toby Jepson, ex-Little Angels vocalist. The band were lucky enough to also work with the late Storm Thorgerson and his team on the album artwork. Storm was working on final ideas for the album cover just before his sad recent passing.

Visit www.theanswer.ie for more info.

A Rocket To The Moon Announce Split

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:28:11 -0400

A few days ago, A Rocket To The Moon announced that their forthcoming tour will be their last. They wrote:

Five years ago we played our first show with our best friends The Maine in Tempe Arizona. We were just a bunch of kids setting out to follow our dreams, see the world and make our parents proud. We are so grateful to be sharing the stage with them again this summer. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we’ve decided this will be our final US tour. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end this chapter than with our friends that were there from the start. Since 2008 a lot has changed. We have grown as a band and also as individuals. We are band mates, best friends, business partners and most importantly, we are brothers. This band has been our family for the last 5 years. We shared everything with each other and experienced the world together. The bond that we’ve created is irreplaceable. This wasn’t the easiest decision for us, but we all felt like it was the right one and the right time. You guys, our fans, have supported us through everything. The good times and the bad. We owe you the world and words simply cannot begin to describe the amount of gratitude and love we have for each and every one of you. We ask that you come see us this summer, share some stories, laugh,sing and cry with us. For every ticket stub you’ve collected, record you purchased or T-shirt you picked up at a show, just know it has not gone unnoticed. We hope our music has been able to help you see the light in the darkest of times and has left a lasting impression in your hearts as you have done in ours. We love you with all of our hearts. Thank you for staying on our side. Lets go out the way we came in, surrounded by loved ones and friends, doing what we love. Here’s to the future. Stay Wild & Free.

-Nick, Andrew, Eric and Justin.
A Rocket To The Moon

Good luck to the guys with their future endeavours.

Goo Goo Dolls Inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:03:02 -0400

Goo Goo Dolls were yesterday inducted into the RockWalk in Hollywood, California. Guitar Center’s RockWalk includes such luminaries as AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Chuck Berry, B.B. King, The Ramones, Bo Diddly, Iron Maiden, Eric Clapton and many more. More info can be found at www.rockwalk.com

Watch their induction here:

Goo Goo Dolls new album, ‘Magnetic’ is due for release in June. Read an interview with Johnny Rzeznik in the new issue of Black Velvet. A vegan recipe by drummer Mike Malinin is also in the issue. More info is at www.blackvelvetmagazine.com

Sacred Mother Tungue part ways with bassist Josh Gurner

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:25:00 -0400

Sacred Mother Tongue have parted ways with bassist Josh Gurner. They have released the following statement and are looking for a new bass player:

With a heavy heart the time has come to tell you all that we are parting ways with our long term bass player Josh Gurner.

Josh is the little guy with the big presence! Aside from his superb bass playing Josh was a big character in SMT and became notorious for his on and off-stage antics including the infamous ‘Josh-Pit’. At Download festival 2011 Josh leapt from the second stage and formed his own pit while still playing, and at Sonisphere he even climbed the Jager truck viewing platform without dropping a note! Those are just two of many great memories.

As we move in to our busiest and most important year for the band Josh has his own commitments elsewhere with Hacktivist and although we have all tried hard to make schedules fit together, the two bands both have too much going on for it to work.

So we bid Josh a fond farewell and send him on his way with all the love and luck we can muster. A page turns and a new chapter begins for Sacred Mother Tongue.

For the time being we are pleased to announce that our very old friend Des Jones will be standing in on the bass. Some of you who caught us on the Ill Nino tour will have already seen us with Des and I’m sure you’ll agree he’s done a blinding job of filling in. However we are now looking to fill a permanent position within Sacred Mother Tongue.

Applicants need to have some experience of playing bass. We don’t care how many strings you use, we don’t care whether you’ve been in a successful band or not, we’re not even stipulating that you have to have been in a band, BUT you must be a shit-hot bass player. We are looking for the cream of the crop to replace Josh Gurner… let’s not forget this boy’s talent! We’d love to find the UK’s best kept secret!!

The role is open to applicants from anywhere in the UK, so here’s how the process is gonna work. We are asking for serious candidates to put themselves forward in the following ways;

Please submit

1) a short CV or brief history of your musical experience,

2) tell us your location,

3) whether you have transport

4) and any other major commitments,

5) links to websites and/or recorded music and/or live or performance videos of bands you’ve previously played in

6) a video introduction of yourself and short performance of a piece of your choice

7) a brief rundown of the gear you currently use

Send all this via email to info@transcendmusic.com and we will be back to you very quickly. Many thanks for your participation, good luck to all out there.

The band have the following upcoming shows scheduled:

15th June – Main Stage DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL, UK

17th June - Electric Ballroom LONDON (UK) w/POD & HELLYEAH

18th June - The Cellars SOUTHAMPTON (UK) w/POD

20th June - L’Susine GENEVA (Switzerland) w/HELLYEAH & POD

23rd June - Rock N Roll Arena ROMAGNANO, (Italy) w/HELLYEAH

24th June – Backstage MUNICH (Germany) w/HELLYEAH & POD

25th June – Essigfabrik COLOGNE (Germany) w/HELLYEAH & POD

26th June - Le Forum VAUREAL (France) w/HELLYEAH & POD

28th June - Colo-Saal ASCHAFFENBERG (Germany) w/HELLYEAH

Sacred Mother Tongue are also the headline act for the inaugural Rock & Metal Circus Festival in Stoke, which runs across 20/21/22 September.

SACRED MOTHER TONGUE’S second album ‘Out Of The Darkness’ is out now.

HIM's US Tour Cancelled

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:43:33 -0400

HIM’s North American tour (which was due to kick off in Los Angeles on May 3rd at the House Of Blues) has been cancelled due to unforeseen medical circumstances. HIM’s lead vocalist Ville Valo has been diagnosed with severe asthma with presumptive pneumonia. Tickets for all dates will be refunded at the point of purchase. HIM will be back later this summer as part of the Rock Allegiance tour.

RIP Jeff Hanneman

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:24:34 -0400

Jeff Hanneman of Slayer has passed away today, with liver failure. He was 49. RIP Jeff. Condolences to Jeff’s family, friends and bandmates.

Adler's Tour Postponed

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:55:00 -0400

Adler, featuring Steven Adler (formerly of Guns N’ Roses), have announced that they’ve postponed their upcoming US and European tours. They write:

We regret to inform everyone that the Summer tour and European tour has been postponed. Steven has checked into an undisclosed rehabilitation center to continue working on his sobriety. We appreciate everyone’s support and understanding. We hope to make the dates up soon.

Best wishes to Steven. We hope you’re able to conquer those demons.

Sound And Fury Festival 2013 Cancelled

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:49:00 -0400

Santa Barbara’s Sound And Fury Festival has been cancelled this year. The festival was due to take place on the weekend of July 26th - 28th. The organisers have announced:

“It’s over.

We are sorry to bring you this unfortunate news but the 2013 edition of the Sound and Fury festival is cancelled.

We apologize to everyone from the bottom of our hearts for having to do this, but it was unavoidable.

In order to quell speculation, you will hear the absolute truth from us. Due to unforeseen circumstances and the massive financial risk it takes to run a festival, we have to cancel this year.

We are just two people, running a festival that brings in over 60 bands and 1,800 kids to Santa Barbara every year. The amount of logistics and headaches this encompasses one can only imagine, needless to say from March to July our lives don’t feel our own.

This year, we put together what we thought was an amazing lineup with amazing sponsors that all spread the word of the festival far and wide. We as organizers have to weigh the pro’s and con’s of doing a festival and not losing tens of thousands of dollars in the process.

Plain and simple, we couldn’t take that risk this year.

To all of the bands, sponsors, friends, co-workers and attendees, we are very sorry.

Tickets will be fully refunded at the point of purchase (No Sleep Records) and should be completed by weeks end. If you bought a ticket, you will get your refund but be patient as we are sorting out the best way to get that to you.”

www.SoundandFuryFest.com.

Fearless Vampire Killers to support Madina Lake

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:43:00 -0400

Fresh from their first ever headline tour, rising UK rockers Fearless Vampire Killers have announced that they will be joining Madina Lake as special guests on their Farewell Tour of the UK this Autumn.

“Madina Lake are a band that have had their trials and come through the other side, we love them and I’m sure there’s loads we can learn from them. We’re super stoked to be part of this!” says Laurence Beveridge on supporting their fellow concept rockers.

Co-vocalist Kier Kemp adds, “This tour is going to be next level awesome! I love the idea of going everywhere and Ireland will be a first for us. Each place has its own story and we’re going to make sure that everyone who comes to a show goes away with something new to think about!”

Madina Lake - Farewell UK tour 2013 dates are:

September
20th Dublin, Academy
22nd Cardiff, ClubIFORBACH
23rd Exeter, The Cavern
24th Bristol, The Fleece
25th Oxford, O2 Academy 2
27th Gloucester, Guild Hall
28th Milton Keynes, Crauford Arms
29th Coventry, Kasbah
30th Birmingham, Institute
October
2nd Leicester, 02 Academy 2
3rd   Stoke, Sugar Mill
4th   Wrexham, Central Station
5th   Liverpool, 02 Academy 2
6th   Manchester, NQ Live
8th   Leeds, Cockpit
9th   Newcastle, Newcastle University
10th Glasgow, King Tuts
12th York, Fibbers
13th Sheffield, Corporation
15th Lincoln, Tokyo
16th Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
17th Colchester, Arts Centre
18th Folkstone, Quarterhouse
19th Tunbridge Wells, The Forum
20th Guildford, Boiler Room
22nd Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
23rd London, Garage

Visit www.madinalake.com for tickets. For further information on FVK visit www.fearlessvampirekillers.co.uk

Birmingham band Strangle Kojak Members Go Separate Ways

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:18:03 -0400

Birmingham band Strangle Kojak who have been quiet lately (Ash has recently been on the road with Room 94) have posted a status about the band’s future. They wrote:

Hey Everyone.

As you may have noticed we have been quiet for a few months now. We feel that we owe you an explanation as to what’s been going on.

As most of you know, Sam left the band in January and since then we have spent a lot of time and careful consideration to where our next step as Strangle Kojak would be.

After sitting down as the 3 of us a few times and having many chats and discussions about this we realised that our paths were heading in different directions.

Ash and Max will be carrying on together. We have some big plans for the near future. If anybody is interested in being a part of that please email ashleynealofficial@live.co.uk

As we are working on many different idea’s and collaborations at the moment we cannot say either way whether we will or will not be continuing as Strangle Kojak.

We want to thank everybody that has ever supported us or believed in Strangle Kojak so far. We’ve had an amazing few years leading up to this point and it’s all because of you. Thank You!

So there it is, you’re up to date with everything as it stands. Over the coming months we will be working hard and keeping you informed on all developments.

Once again, thank you so much for everything!

See you soon…

Ex Members of Attack! Attack! and Evita form New Band.

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:11:46 -0400

States and Empires are a new 3 piece band from South Wales featuring ex members of Attack! Attack! (UK) and Evita. Check their new website out at www.statesandempires.com where you can download a great new song, ‘Revolution’, for free.

Black Velvet 76: Anberlin, Goo Goo Dolls, Stone Sour, Flyleaf, Phil X, Taking Hayley, The Dead Famous...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 06:49:53 -0400

Issue 76 of Black Velvet Zine is out now and includes:

Interviews with Anberlin, Stone Sour, Goo Goo Dolls, Flyleaf, Don Broco, Phil X, Wednesday 13, Drowning Pool, Taking Hayley, The Dead Famous, Blitz Kids, Badwolf and Crown Jewel Defense.

Two page My Chemical Romance live photo collage.

Concert reviews including Bon Jovi, All Time Low, We The Kings, Anberlin and Crown Jewel Defense.

Tons of album, single and EP reviews of the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, Stone Sour, Tantrum To Blind, Screaming Eagles, Fearless Vampire Killers, Sacred Mother Tongue, Swingin’ Utters, City Of Ashes, Goodnight Wednesday, The Condors, Bitch Queens, Adler, Wake Up Call, Skarlett Riot, Buckcherry & more.

‘Me, Me, Me & My Rock CV’ - the section where someone in the music industry tells us what they do and why they do it. This issue we feature Adam Gillison of Jumbo Records.

James Kennedy of Kyshera writes this issue’s ‘A (Musical) Note From…’ column.

All the usuals such as Supersonic Future Superstars (featuring Another Lost Year, King & Country and Kill For Eden) & a new section, Fan Focus (featuring AlterBridge.org.uk).

Filling up the rest of the space with ads are: Voodoo Vegas, Mongrel, Kill For Eden, The Dirty Panties & Screaming Eagles.

Buy from Birmingham Bullring Newspoint, Cardiff Spillers, Dudley ST, Leeds Jumbo, Redditch Train Station Newsagents, Southampton October Books, Chicago Quimbys, Baltimore Atomic Books or online at www.fourdogsmusic.co.uk, www.ethicalwares.com and www.punkrockshop.co.uk. Also, www.atomicbooks.com and www.quimbys.com in USA.

More info at www.blackvelvetmagazine.com

Andrew McMahon - Pop Underground

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:43:44 -0400

Andrew McMahon, former frontman and creator of both Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate, will release his new solo EP, Pop Underground, in May on his own record label Left Here Records. This will be Andrew’s first project under his own name.

Andrew says of the EP, “It’s an exciting moment to release these songs into the world. The pop underground was about taking chances and experimenting with new sounds and approaches in the studio. I hope that energy is audible when these tracks find their way to people’s headphones.“

McMahon has lined up a handful of UK dates to coincide with his appearance at Slam Dunk.

20 May – Birmingham Glee Club

21 May – Manchester Ruby Lounge

22 May – London Union Chapel

24 May – Glasgow Oran Mor

Fort Hope, featuring ex-members of My Passion are support.

McMahon’s touring band features 6 musicians in total including former bandmates Jay McMillan and Mike Wagner.

For more on Andrew McMahon please visit: andrewmcmahon.com

Bands seem to be dropping like flies these days. Madina Lake (albeit with a tour still to come) and...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:03:55 -0400

Bands seem to be dropping like flies these days. Madina Lake (albeit with a tour still to come) and My Chemical Romance have left holes in the rock world while on March 22nd, Attack! Attack! UK announced that Ryan and Mike were leaving the band and so the band itself would cease. Now the US Attack Attack! have announced that they also are splitting. They wrote:

Well everyone, it’s been a wild ride for Attack Attack, but I think it’s about time Whiting and I take some time to write this note.

We want to start by thanking every single one of you that has ever come out to a show, bought a shirt, gotten in a fight over crabcore, or spent the time to send us notes online. We have been insanely blessed to be able to do what we have done with AA and we think it’s time that we wrap up
this chapter in our lives.

Yes, this means exactly what you think it means. The Back in Action Tour will be Attack Attack’s final and most ironic tour.

After 6 long years of playing in garages, VFW halls, clubs, open air festivals, and everything in-between. We’ve decided it is time to lay AA down for good.

You are all beautiful, wonderful people, and we want you to know that we deeply appreciate everything you have done for us.

We are sad to lay Attack Attack to rest, but are very excited for what is next in this new chapter of our lives.

Stay Tuned!!!

Much love,

The Andrews

Who will be next to call it a day? Place your bets now.

Tyson Ritter in Betas

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:45:00 -0400

Tyson Ritter of The All-American Rejects stars in a new show on Amazon.com called Betas. You can watch it for free over at THIS LINK.

Tyson explains: ‘It’s this hilarious story about these funny nerds who are working at a tech farm in Silicon Valley to get that golden dream of being the next big Internet success. I play Dane, a total dirtbag graphic designer that lives in his own world of “I rule bro.” Please check it out (it’s free) and give it a review of 5 stars so we can make more episodes for your enjoyment!!! (Plus, you totally are gonna want to see Dane get crapped on even more.) Thanks guys!!’

Stevo Leaves Sum 41

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:15:00 -0400

Drummer Steve ‘Stevo’ Jocz has announced that he’s leaving Sum 41 after 17 years. Stevo wrote:

I’m sorry to announce that I’ve decided to leave Sum 41.

Touring with the band has been an amazing experience that has taken us far beyond our old practice space in my parent’s basement to countless countries around the world. I’ve had the opportunity to see and experience so much and for that I am truly grateful.

I just want to thank all of our fans for making the last 17 years possible. I had a blast.

Thanks again,

Stevo.

The band recently dropped off of a Canadian tour with Billy Talent citing recurring back problems for vocalist Deryck Whibley.

Keri Kelli - Black Velvet's Latest 'Tourtured Soul'

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:44:07 -0400

Watch our interview with Keri Kelli from last weekend when he was in the UK touring with Love/Hate. Keri has previously been a member of Alice Cooper’s band, Slash’s Snakepit, and more. He also plays guitar in John Waite’s band.

RIP Chi Cheng

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:36:55 -0400

Black Velvet is sad to hear the news that Chi Cheng, Deftones bassist, has passed away. Chi was in a car accident in November 2008 and since then has been unconscious and then in a partly-conscious state. Chi had been in hospital in New Jersey until he was released to be taken back home mid-2012.

His oneloveforchi.com website has been updated with this message:

Our dearest Family, (April 14, 2013)

This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing.

I know that you will always remember him as a giant of a man on stage with a heart for every one of you.

He was taken to the emegency room and at 3 am today his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear.

He fought the good fight. You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone.

I will write more later. I will be going through the oneloveforchi site and any other information may not be reliable.
If you have any stories or messages to share please send them to the onelove site. Please hold Mae and Ming and the siblings and especially Chi’s son, Gabriel in your prayers. It is so hard to let go.

With great love and “Much Respect!” Mom J (and Chi)

Thank you to Phil and Hostgator.com for being kind enough to upgrade my server at no charge to handle the increased traffic to www.oneloveforchi.com so it won’t crash again. We appreciate it so much.

Thank you One Love Fam for your love and support. -Gina Blackmore

Our condolences to Chi’s family and friends.

Bowling For Soup Announce Final UK Tour

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:05:00 -0400

Sad news. Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup has announced that their forthcoming October UK tour will be their final UK tour. Watch the video below.

Dates for the tour are:

BOWLING FOR SOUP BIDS FAREWELL - TOUR 2013

10 OCT - GUILDHALL - SOUTHAMPTON

11 OCT - UEA - NORWICH

12 OCT - ROCK CITY - NOTTINGHAM

13 OCT - MANCHESTER ACADEMY - MANCHESTER

14 OCT - O2 ACADEMY - LEEDS

15 OCT – O2 ABC - GLASGOW

16 OCT - O2 ACADEMY - NEWCASTLE

17 OCT - O2 ACADEMY - SHEFFIELD

18 OCT - O2 ACADEMY - LIVERPOOL

19 OCT - O2 ACADEMY - BIRMINGHAM

20 OCT - UNIVERSITY - CARDIFF

21 OCT - O2 ACADEMY - BRISTOL

22 OCT - PAVILLIONS - PLYMOUTH

23 OCT - THE FORUM – LONDON

Tickets for the tour go on sale at 9am on Friday 12th April priced £20 regionally and £21.50 in London (subject to booking fee) from www.livenation.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Make sure you buy a ticket - or six - it will be your last chance to have fun singing along and hearing their legendary songs and banter.

Bowling For Soup will again be offering VIP tickets for fans to gain early entry to the show, an exclusive acoustic performance, signed merchandise and a photo opportunity with the band.

In happier news, the band are working on a new album - and YOU can help fund it. Visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/bowlingforsoup for more info.