Tag: First Niagara Pavilion

Return of the Dreads Tour: Dreadfully Entertaining (Korn, Rob Zombie, and In This Moment)

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Concert Review, Pictorial, Pittsburgh Event

Somehow metal has a way of surviving like a cockroach.  Not your dirty hotel cockroach, though, more like something “Kafkaesque”.  Korn has never really gone away since they hit in the 90’s, Rob Zombie has stayed in the limelight from White Zombie since blowing up mainstream in 92, and In This Moment (since 2005) takes some of those influences and puts them to good use.  What that all added together makes is the sum of Return of the Dreads Tour that was a downright full on blast of great metal music with a lot of showmanship from each band.

To call In This Moment an opener is a bit of a slight, let’s just say they have not built the audience that the co-headliners have…yet.  Maria Brink has always been a beautiful temptress who blurs the lines of what many would believe a “metal singer” sounds like.  She takes that amazing voice, throws in props, wardrobe changes, grand theatrics, and of course the music to truly put together a brand.  Her guitar players, Chris Howorth and Randy Weitzel play off of one another with fluidity and flash.  What was nice about having a more open stage at First Niagara Pavilion was that the audience could see and interact with the band members more.  When ITM plays smaller venues, it is often hard to see the band and what they are doing behind the masks and makeup.  Although Brink is a show unto herself, the addition of the dancers and even the blank expression of Lord Hannibal provide that little extra that provides a memorable experience. (setlist here)

Korn and Rob Zombie have been flip flopping each night as the final performing band.  In Pittsburgh, Rob Zombie followed ITM and put on his usual jaw-dropping performance.  Zombie also employs theatrics on a grander scale with giant aliens, a dancing satan, oversized boom boxes, and tossed to the crowd massive balloons and “E.T.’s” that may or may not be anatomically correct.  Watching Rob Zombie move is a lesson in frenetic motion, he is a blur of dance, bounce, and twirl.  That guttural tone in his voice is as strong as ever, and his band mates are beyond tight.  John 5 put on his usual guitar pyrotechnics and is able to show off just a fraction of what he can do within the confines of Zombie’s genre, he may be one of the most versatile guitar players in music today.  Piggy D and Ginger Fish (bass and drums respectively) held down the beat that is an essential aspect of Zombie’s music, even when throwing in a cover such as Tone Loc‘s “Wild Thing”.  All in all, it was an amazing set with all the hits you would want to hear including some White Zombie material (“More Human Than Human” and “Thunderkiss ’65“). (setlist here)

Korn has been coming to Pittsburgh from the very beginning, playing small venues such as the defunct Metropol.  Korn have never been known to ‘phone it in’ and their performance last week was no exception.  Opening with “Right Now” from Take a Look in the Mirror, the band launched into full out dreads flying mode and set the tone from there.  Even though Korn’s brand of nu-metal may not be at the top of the charts anymore, the band is just as fresh sounding and aggressive as ever.  Pittsburgh’s very own Ray Luzier on drums has become a backbone member of the band and even though Head has been back for a few years now, he plays like someone fighting for starting position.  Korn had a little less of the theatrics to offer, but made up for it with a very tight set that included new material that definitely reminds one of their earlier work.  Davis’ voice is an instrument to itself and playing off of Munky, Fieldy, and the aforementioned Luzier and Head shows why the genre they championed is still alive and well.

All photos AWELDINGPHOTO ©2016

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Dave Matthews Band: Crowd pleasing jams from the first note in Pittsburgh

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Concert Review, Pictorial, Pittsburgh Event

Story and photos: Dawn Morris

It was Pittsburgh’s 200th birthday, but the giant bash in the city had no effect on turnout for Dave Matthews Band 25th Anniversary tour.

Starting 30 minutes late (10 more than usual) Dave and friends brought the house down a packed crowd yet again.

I will not go in to full on review mode because if you haven’t seen them in 25 years, odds are you’re not going to start now. If you have, you know the drill. Crowd pleasing jams from the first note. Like days of old on Dead Head circuits, the band gets up and goes off. Music improv is the name of the game and jam sessions ran long.

The night was gorgeous with a break in humidity so (for once) I just sat down to chill and hear the music.

Dope was in the air and beers were in hand, but it was nice to see Matthews bridge a generational gap. The crowd easily ran the gamut from 6 to 60, and while a few staggered none fell. Faces of all ages were washed in happiness and signing along. It was easy to just close your eyes and let the sound wash over you.

There is nothing to say (that has not been said) so I present to you the 2016 First Niagara set list:

One Sweet World

Minarets

Grace is Gone

Dive In

Crush

Fool to Think

Seek Up

Kill the Preacher

Why I Am

Stay

Samurai Cop

Belly Belly Nice

Don’t Drink the Water

Drive In, Drive Out

Dancing Nancies

Warehouse

Bob Law

All Along the Watchtower (cover)

Encore:

Sister

You Might Die Trying

all photos © 2016 Dawn Morris

JOSH GROBAN RELEASES SONG ‘DUST AND ASHES’ FROM THE GREAT COMET/ Live in PGH 8/2

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE TODAY
JOSH GROBAN’S SUMMER TOUR: ON STAGE, KICKS OFF TODAY IN NEW ORLEANS
 
 Multiplatinum recording artist Josh Groban releases “Dust and Ashes” from the new musical NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET of 1812 for digital download today, and will be available at all digital retailers and streaming services (Apple Music and Spotify). The single is the first chance to preview Groban’s Broadway debut in THE GREAT COMET this fall. “Dust and Ashes” features music and lyrics by Dave Malloy, and will be distributed by Reprise Records.
THE GREAT COMET will open on Broadway this fall, starring Josh Groban as ‘Pierre’ and Denée Benton as ‘Natasha’ in their Broadway debuts. Created by Dave Malloy (Preludes, Ghost Quartet) and directed by Rachel Chavkin (Small Mouth Sounds, Preludes), THE GREAT COMET will blaze into Broadway’s Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street) beginning October 18, with opening night set for Monday, November 14, 2016. Tickets are on sale now and available at Telecharge.com.
 THE GREAT COMET is a theatrical experience like no other. Malloy’s inspired adaptation of a 70-page slice of War and Peace puts audiences just inches away from Tolstoy’s brash young lovers, as they light up Moscow in an epic tale of romance and passion.
The New York Times calls THE GREAT COMET “a heaven-sent fireball” (Brantley) and “vibrant, thrillingly imagined” (Isherwood), Entertainment Weekly calls it “a stunning, blazingly original musical,” and the New York Post calls it “inventive, ravishing and full-on romantic.” The Original Off Broadway Cast Recording can be purchased on iTunes.
 Tickets for THE GREAT COMET are on sale now and available via Telecharge.com or by visiting the Imperial Theater box office (249 West 45th Street). For groups of 15+, call 1-800-432-7780.

Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multi-platinum albums and DVDs (over 35 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. The 35-year-old Los Angeles native is the only artist who has had two albums appear on the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums list of the past decade, according to Billboard. He has appeared in the feature films Crazy, Stupid, Love, Coffee Town, and Muppets Most Wanted, as well as on CBS’ Life In Pieces, NBC’s The Office, FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and CBS’ The Crazy Ones. Groban has released seven studio albums, 2001’s self-titled double-platinum debut, 2003’s multi-platinumCloser, 2006’s double-platinum Awake, 2007’s quadruple-platinum Grammy-nominated Noel, 2010’s platinum Illuminations, and 2013’s All That Echoes, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, giving Groban his first No. 1 debut and third chart-topper. In April 2015, Groban released Stages a collection of some of the greatest songs from musical theater. The album was nominated for a 2016 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. In February 2016 Groban released a CD/DVD package, entitled Stages Live, featuring performances recorded at the historic Los Angeles Theater in downtown L.A. for his all-new PBS special Josh Groban: Stages Live.   An active arts education philanthropist and advocate, Groban is a member of Americans for the Arts Artists Committee and Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.
Josh also hits the road today, see dates below:

JOSH GROBAN: ON STAGE
07/15
New Orleans, LA
 Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square+
07/17 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre+
07/19 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphiteatre @ Greensboro Coliseum+
07/22 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Theatre+
07/23 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center+
07/25 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center+*
07/26 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center+*
07/29 Uncasvile, CT Mohegan Sun Arena*
07/30 Boston, MA Blue Hills Bank Pavilion+*
08/02 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion+*
08/03 Camden, NJ BB&T Pavilion+*
08/05 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel & Casino*
08/06 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live+*
08/09 Chicago, IL First Merit Bank Pavilion @ Northerly Island+*
08/10 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center+*
08/12 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center+
08/13 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre+*
08/16 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre+*
08/19 Denver, CO Pepsi Center+*
08/20 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre+*
08/23 Seattle, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Amphitheatre*
08/24 Portland, OR
McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheatre*
08/26 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre+*
08/27 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre+*
+ denotes special guest Sarah McLachlan
* denotes special guest Foy Vance
@ denotes special guest Eric Hutchinson

Loudwire gets Exclusive Q&A With Nikki Sixx + Vince Neil Read More: Motley Crue Final Tour: Q&A With Nikki Sixx + Vince Neil

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Interview, Video

by Chad Childers January 29, 2014 12:51 PM on Loudwire.com

The end is nigh for Motley Crue. The band said as much during a Tuesday (Jan. 28) press conference in Los Angeles where they revealed the details of “The Final Tour” (first leg of dates below). In fact, to ensure that these next two years will mark the band’s final dates, the members of Crue went through the process of collectively drawing up a ‘Cessation of Touring’ legal document and signing it to solidify that their upcoming dates will be the final shows and that they won’t tour again beyond the year 2015.

The press conference itself began with representatives from Live Nation and Dodge speaking about the ticketing and sponsorship of the trek, Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta talking about the upcoming Motley Crue tribute album featuring country artists, director Jeff Tremaine speaking about the upcoming ‘The Dirt’ film, and the band’s attorney Doug Mark discussing the unique plan the group came up with to end their career by making it legal. In addition, tour opener Alice Cooper offered a few words about Motley Crue’s legacy before the four band members eventually took the stage.

Speaking about their legacy at the press conference, Vince Neil stated, “I’ve always thought it was just that they did it their way. It may seem a little cliché, but we did. We did everything against the grain and were never a critic’s band, never won any big awards, but we’ve always been a fan band and that’s the thing I think that people will remember about us is that we did it right because we did it the way we wanted to.” You can watch the full press conference in its entirety at this location as well as a promo for the tour here.

After the press conference, Loudwire had a chance to speak exclusively with Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil about ‘The Final Tour’ as well as the prospects of new Motley Crue music. Check out our brief Q&A below:

Did actually signing the ‘Cessation of Touring’ document during the press conference make it feel any more real to you than when you first came up with this idea?

Vince Neil: Not really. I think when we first decided to do this we were pretty stuck on it. We did this to prove, not to ourselves, but to everyone else that we mean this.

Nikki Sixx: We worked really hard on that document. We’ve been working on it for a month. We’ve had the idea for years. It just got more real. There are no loopholes and no grey areas. It’s an agreement between us. It feels really good to have people, when they’re interviewing us, going wow — this is no joke. I’ve talked to people over the years that have mentioned, oh yeah me and the guys have talked about maybe wrapping it up in a few years and they go, ‘yeah, for now.’

Let’s say the Crue were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a few years down the line? Would you reunite to perform at the ceremony?

Vince Neil: Something like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we’d have to sit down and talk about it.

Nikki Sixx: It’s ‘cease to tour.’ I think it’s going to be interesting when the next band announces a farewell tour. They’re going to say, ‘Well is it a farewell tour like Motley Crue? Or is it like all the other bands.’

As for this tour, we assume we’ll get the hits, but will you be playing any rarities or deep cuts?

Vince Neil: It’s one of those things we always have to deal with, no matter what: Do you play your hits? Or do you take ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ out and play ‘Fight for Your Rights’? You’re going to piss people off no matter what. People don’t realize there’s limited time. There’s curfews at places and you only have so long to play you can’t put everything in. Once you put all your hits in, you’re already at your time limit.

What do you think it will be like for the fans that are seeing you for the last time?

Nikki Sixx: I’ve thought about what it’ll be like for the fans. I can see that final bow in Peoria, and they’re going, ‘This is it.’ I know I’d feel emotional if one of my favorite bands was going out.

What’s the status on any new music? Will there be a new Motley Crue album?

Nikki Sixx: It’s hard to find vehicles for your music. Working with Dodge is a great example. It’s such a perfect fit for Motley Crue and for them. Things we’ve done in the past like that where we’re able to extend our music to the masses and writing new music for situations like that, that’s exciting. It’s getting harder and harder to feel inspired to spend six months on a record. All that passion, all those great lyrics, all those melodies, performances, all that time and money and it falls on deaf ears. Where we’re at in the state of the music industry, we’re trying to find new ways to get our music to more people, rather than more music to less people.

The Motley Crue ‘Final Tour’ with special guest Alice Cooper begins July 2 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Tickets for fan club members go on sale today (Jan. 29). VIP packages will be available Jan. 30, with the general on-sale for most shows on Friday, Jan. 31. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and MotleyVIP.com. The full itinerary and our photo gallery from the press conference can be seen below:

Motley Crue and Alice Cooper Tour Dates:

7/2/2014 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena
7/4/2014 — Milwaukee, WI — Summerfest
7/5/2014 — Noblesville, IN — Klipsch Music Center
7/6/2014 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
7/8/2014 — Columbus, OH — Schottenstein Center
7/9/2014 — Maryland Heights, MO — Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/11/2014 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena
7/12/2014 — Wichita, KS — INTRUST Bank Arena
7/13/2014 — Tulsa, OK — BOK Center
7/15/2014 — Cedar Park, TX — Cedar Park Center
7/16/2014 — Dallas, TX — Gexa Energy Pavilion
7/18/2014 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
7/19/2014 — Phoenix, AZ — Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/21/2014 — Los Angeles, CA — Hollywood Bowl
7/22/2014 — Irvine, CA — Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/23/2014 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/25/2014 — Reno, NV — Reno Events Center
7/26/2014 — Ridgefield, WA — Sleep County Amphitheatre
7/27/2014 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
7/29/2014 — Wheatland, CA — Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/30/2014 — Chula Vista, CA — Sleep Train Amphitheatre
8/1/2014 — Salt Lake City, UT — USANA Amphitheatre
8/2/2014 — Denver, CO — Pepsi Center
8/3/2014 — Kansas City, MO — Sprint Center
8/5/2014 — Sturgis, SD — Sturgis Buffalo Chip
8/6/2014 — Sioux City, IA — Tyson Events Center
8/8/2014 — Tinley Park, IL — First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/9/2014 — Clarkston, MI — DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/10/2014 — Toronto, ON — Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/12/2014 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
8/13/2014 — Burgettstown, PA — First Niagara Pavilion
8/15/2014 — Pelham, AL — Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
8/16/2014 — Alpharetta, GA — Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
8/17/2014 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/19/2014 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
8/20/2014 — Virginia Beach, VA — Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
8/22/2014 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
8/23/2014 — Camden, NJ — Susquehanna Bank Center
8/24/2014 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center
8/26/2014 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Saratoga Perf. Arts Center
8/27/2014 — Allentown, PA — Great Allentown Fair
8/29/2014 — Wantagh, NY — Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/30/2014 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center
8/31/2014 — Darien Center, NY — Darien Lake Perf. Arts Center
10/10/2014 — Oklahoma City, OK — Chesapeake Arena
10/11/2014 — The Woodlands, TX — Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion
10/12/2014 — Bossier City, LA — CenturyLink Center
10/14/2014 — Louisville, KY — KFC Yum! Center
10/15/2014 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena
10/17/2014 — Hollywood, FL — Seminole Hard Rock Live
10/19/2014 — Jacksonville, FL — Veterans Memorial Arena
10/21/2014 — Greenville, SC — Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/22/2014 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Coliseum
10/25/2014 — Atlantic City, NJ — Borgata Event Center
10/26/2014 — Montville, CT — Mohegan Sun Arena
10/29/2014 — Syracuse, NY — The OnCenter Complex
11/5/2014 — Biloxi, MS — Mississippi Coast Coliseum
11/6/2014 — Southaven, MS — Landers Center
11/9/2014 — Moline, IL — iWireless Center
11/11/2014 — Green Bay, WI — Resch Center
11/12/2014 — Madison, WI — Alliant Energy Center
11/13/2014 — Omaha, NE — CenturyLink Center
11/15/2014 — St. Paul, MN — Xcel Energy Center
11/16/2014 — Fargo, ND — FargoDome
11/18/2014 — Edmonton, AB — Rexall Place
11/19/2014 — Calgary, AB — Scotiabank Saddledome
11/21/2014 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena

Read More: Motley Crue Final Tour: Q&A With Nikki Sixx + Vince Neil | http://loudwire.com/motley-crue-final-tour-q-a-with-nikki-sixx-vince-neil/?trackback=tsmclip

 

Mötley Crüe announces “The Final Tour”/Aug 13 @PGH’s First Niagara Pavilion

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News
Tickets up on sale starting Friday, January 31
Presales & VIP Ticketing kicks off Wednesday, January 29
Last Chance EVER To See MÖTLEY CRÜE Perform Live
TWEET IT: #RIPMotleyCrue – @MotleyCrue announces #TheFinalTour, Country tribute album, “The Dirt” movie & more! Full details at motley.comAfter more than three decades together, iconic rock ‘n roll band MÖTLEY CRÜE announced today their Final Tour and the band’s ultimate retirement. The announcement was solidified when the band signed a formal Cessation Of Touring Agreement, effective at the end of 2015, in front of global media in Los Angeles today.The band will celebrate the announcement of the Final Tour with a performance at Jimmy Kimmel Live and sit down exclusively with CBS THIS MORNINGtomorrow, Wednesday, January 29.

MÖTLEY CRÜE has proven they know how to make a lasting impression and this tour will be no different; Fans can expect to hear the catalogue of their chart- topping hits and look forward to mind-blowing, unparalleled live production. “When it comes to putting together a new show we always push the envelope and that’s part of MÖTLEY CRÜE’s legacy,” explains Nikki Sixx. “As far as letting on to what we’re doing, that would be like finding out what you’re getting for Christmas before you open the presents. We think in an age of too much information, we’d like to keep some surprises close to our chest until we launch the Final Tour.”

The Final Tour presented by Dodge and produced by Live Nation will kick off in North America on July 2nd in Grand Rapids, MI and reach 72 markets before hitting international territories in 2015.

Fans can look forward to Very Special Guest, ALICE COOPER joining MÖTLEY CRÜE for an incredible package – Alice invented the genre and MÖTLEY CRÜE put steroids in it!

As documented in the Cessation Of Touring Agreement the band signed at the press conference today, the band will not tour after this Final Tour. Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Mick Mars will go their separate ways after the lengthy 2-year touring cycle. Tommy Lee explains “Everything must come to an end!! We always had a vision of going out with a big fucking bang and not playing county fairs and clubs with 1 or 2 original band members! Our job here is done!!!” Of the band’s tumultuous history, Mick Mars adds “(It has been) more drama than ‘General Hospital’ it keeps ’em watchin and they keep comin’ back.” Vince Neil says of the Finality of the tour – “I’ll miss playing with the guys but I won’t quit playing rock and roll!! I feel there are a lot of great opportunities and exciting projects after Motley.”

The Final Tour will coincide with the film made from MÖTLEY CRÜE’s NY Times Best-Selling book The Dirt. Jeff Tremaine (Bad Grandpa) has signed on to direct the opus that is set to debut in theaters globally in 2015, coinciding with The Final Tour.

Ticket Presales and VIP Ticket Package Presales begin Wednesday, January 29th.

MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club members will get the exclusive very first crack at tickets and VIP Packages, via a unique code, beginning on Wednesday, January 29th from 10am local time on Wednesday, January 29th until 10 PM local time the same day via Ticketmaster.com,LiveNation.com, or via MotleyVIP.com (for those shows not being sold via Ticketmaster or LiveNation).

Not a member yet? Join now at Fanclub.Motley.com and receive your unique password code instantly for Ticketmaster/LiveNation sales. You can also purchase the Motley Fan Club Bundle directly through Ticketmaster.com beginning at 12pmlocal time on Wednesday, January 29th. This fan club bundle will get you a 1 year subscription to the MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club and access to the ticket and VIP presale.

Finally, VIP ticket packages will be made available to the general public onThursday, January 30th at 10am local time via Ticketmaster.com, LiveNation.com, or via MotleyVIP.com (for those shows not being sold via Ticketmaster or LiveNation). MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club members will still have access to purchase presale tickets on Thursday, January 30th and Friday, January 31st (where applicable).

The GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET ONSALE for most shows begins Friday, January 31st at 10am local time followed by some shows going on sale Saturday, February 1st at 10am local time.

The following Mötley Crüe VIP Ticket Packages are being offered:

Mötley Crüe: “Too Fast” Ultimate Meet & Greet VIP Package

• Ticket in Rows 1-2 (or GA Early Entry where applicable)
• Exclusive Meet & Greet/Hang with Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars
• Individual one-on-one photo of you with Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars
• One personal item autographed by Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars
• Backstage/Onstage Tour
• Mötley Crüe Custom Autographed Electric Guitar – personalized to you by Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars
• Mötley Crüe Plaque – Personalized to you
• Merchandise Voucher worth $400, redeemable in the Mötley Crüe Exclusive Online Store
• Autographed Litho (autographed by Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars)
• Limited Edition Commemorative Laminate and Lanyard
• On-Site VIP Host

*All “Too Fast” purchasers will be entered to win a pair of front row tickets to attend the last concert on the tour. Two winners will be chosen. Winners are responsible for lodging and travel to the concert.

Mötley Crüe: “Kickstart My Heart” Diamond Meet & Greet VIP Package

• Ticket in Rows 1-5 (or GA Early Entry where applicable)
• Meet & Greet and Photo op with Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars
• Backstage/Onstage Tour
• Merchandise Voucher worth $225, redeemable in the Mötley Crüe Exclusive Online Store
• Autographed Litho (autographed by Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil and Mick Mars)
• Limited Edition Commemorative Laminate and Lanyard
• On-Site VIP Host

Mötley Crüe: “Wild Side” Gold Merchandise VIP Package

• Ticket in P1 (or GA Early Entry ticket where applicable)
• Merchandise Voucher worth $75, redeemable in the Mötley Crüe Exclusive Online Store

Mötley Crüe: “Live Wire” Silver Merchandise VIP Package

• Ticket in P2 (or GA Early Entry ticket where applicable)
• Merchandise Voucher worth $75, redeemable in the Mötley Crüe Exclusive Online Store

Tour Dates

7/2/2014 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
7/4/2014 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
7/5/2014 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center
7/6/2014 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
7/8/2014 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
7/9/2014 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amp
7/11/2014 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
7/12/2014 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena
7/13/2014 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
7/15/2014 Cedar Park, TX Cedar Park Center
7/16/2014 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
7/18/2014 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
7/19/2014 Phoenix, AZ AK-Chin Pavilion
7/21/2014 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
7/22/2014 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amp
7/23/2014 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/25/2014 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
7/26/2014 Ridgefield, WA Sleep County Amp
7/27/2014 Auburn, WA White River Amp
7/29/2014 Wheatland, CA Sleep Train Amp
7/30/2014 Chula Vista, CA Sleep Train Amp
8/1/2014 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amp
8/2/2014 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
8/3/2014 KC, MO Sprint Center
8/5/2014 Sturgis, SD Sturgis Buffalo Chip
8/6/2014 Sioux City, IA Tyson Events Center
8/8/2014 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/9/2014 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/10/2014 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amp
8/12/2014 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
8/13/2014 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion
8/15/2014 Pelham, AL Oak Mountain Amp
8/16/2014 Atlanta, GA Aaron’s Amp at Lakewood
8/17/2014 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp
8/19/2014 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
8/20/2014 VA Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
8/22/2014 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
8/23/2014 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
8/24/2014 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center
8/26/2014 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Perf. Arts Center
8/27/2014 Allentown, PA Great Allentown Fair
8/29/2014 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/30/2014 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
8/31/2014 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Perf. Arts Center
10/10/2014 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Arena
10/11/2014 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion
10/12/2014 Bossier City, LA CenturyLink Center
10/14/2014 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
10/15/2014 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
10/17/2014 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock
10/19/2014 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
10/21/2014 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/22/2014 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
10/25/2014 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Events Center
10/26/14 Montville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
10/29/2014 Syracuse, NY The OnCenter
11/5/2014 Biloxi, MS Mississippi Coast Col.
11/6/2014 Southaven, MS Landers Center
11/9/2014 Moline, IL iWireless Center
11/11/2014 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
11/12/2014 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
11/13/2014 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center
11/15/2014 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
11/16/2014 Fargo, ND FargoDome
11/18/2014 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
11/19/2014 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
11/21/14 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena

Website: Motley.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/motleycrue
Twitter: @MotleyCrue

Follow the Band on Twitter: @NikkiSixx, @MrTommyLand,@TheVinceNeil, @mrmickmars

Mayday Parade added to Vans Warped Tour 2014 line-up

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event, Tour

Tallahassee, FL quintet Mayday Parade is happy to announce that they’ll be playing the main stage on the Vans Warped Tour 2014.

The main stage announcement is a culmination of the band’s biggest year to date, which included the Billboard Top 10 debut of new album Monsters In The Closet. The album is available in stores and digitally on iTunes.

With 4 years of Warped Tour experience, the band posted a video reflecting on their road to the main stage. Drummer Jake Bundrick reflects on the band’s first Warped Tour experience, “We went from selling our EP Tales Told By Dead Friends to kids in the Warped Tour lines to actually playing main stage Warped Tour.” Bundrick adds, “We’re so happy to now be playing on the stage where all the bands we loved and looked up to played. It’s such a dream come true and an honor.” Check out the video below to hear about the band’s Warped Tour history.

Mayday Parade - Vans Warped Tour 2014 Announcement
Mayday Parade – Vans Warped Tour 2014 Announcement

MAYDAY PARADE – For the past seven years, the members of Tallahassee, Florida’s Mayday Parade – Derek Sanders (Vocalist), Jeremy Lenzo (Bassist), Alex Garcia (Guitarist), Brooks Betts (Guitarist), and Jake Bundrick (Drummer) – have honed their patented style of catchy, kinetic pop-punk with an outpour of real rock energy. Their fourth studio album, Monsters In The Closet is a collection of everything the group’s fervent fan base loves about Mayday Parade. The new album shaped the best first week in the band’s history, debuting at #10 on the Billboard Top 200, #2 on the Independent Labels Chart, and selling over 30,000 in the first week. The band has come a long way since their landmark 2007 debut,A Lesson In Romantics, with their cumulative album sales exceeding 650,000, while track sales surpassing 3,000,000. Having crossed the globe on countless tours, the band’s impressive tour resume includes acts such as Plain White T’s, Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, The maine, We The Kings, We Are The In Crowd, and Set Your Goals. This Florida based five-some stand poised for their biggest and brightest chapter yet.

VANS WARPED TOUR 2014 

6.14 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah State Fairpark

6.15 – Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field at Mile High

6.17 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater

6.18 – Mesa, AZ @ Quail Run Park

6.19 – Las Vegas, NV @ Luxor Lot

6.20 – Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex

6.21 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater

6.22 – Ventura, CA @ Seaside Park

6.25 – Chula Vista, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater

6.26 – Wheatland, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater

6.28 – Southeast Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheater

6.29 – Portland, OR @ Portland Expo Center Parking Lot

7.2 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

7.3 – Noblesville, IN @ Klipsch Music Center

7.4 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheater

7.5 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean Drapeau

7.6 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Concert Center

7.8 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

7.9 – Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion

7.10 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center

7.11 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

7.12 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Amphitheater

7.13 – Hartford, CT @ The Comcast Theatre

7.15 – Burgettstown, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion 

7.16 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

7.17 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center

7.18 – Auburn Hills, MI @ The Palace of Auburn Hills

7.19 – Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheater

7.20 – Shakopee, MN @ Canterbury Park

7.22 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

7.23 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach

7.24 – Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood

7.25 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Vinoy Park

7.26 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater

7.27 – Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds

7.28 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte

7.29 – Nashville, TN @ Tennessee State Fairgrounds

7.30 – Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater

7.31 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

8.1 – Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

8.2 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center

8.3 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Center Parking Lot

Carnival Of Madness @ First Niagara Pavilion

by jhann87, posted in Concert Review, Pictorial

Tuesday night August 20th 2013 the Carnival Of Madness Tour rolled through Pittsburgh, PA and blew the roof off the First Niagara Pavilion. This tour features bands We As Human, In This Moment, Papa Roach, Skillet, and headliners of the night Shinedown. The entire concert had a different feel to it from the start. There was certainly something different about this show from the start. Could it be the crazy circus performers roaming the grounds or the $13.00 beer? Only the people there will really now? We As Human started the show off with an outstanding set with a surprise performance by Skillet’s own John Cooper. Next out was In This Moment to deliver a show that really made me wanting more. From the white faced dancers covered in blood on the stage, to the all mighty vocals of Maria Brink. They played the popular song “Blood”, and their current hit “Whore”. To me this set was rival for set of the night. Out next was the ever so famous Papa Roach. Papa Roach did what Papa Roach is known to do and deliver an energy packed performance. These guys have been around for what I believe is 20 years and you would never believe that from their on stage presence. They fly around the stage full of energy like a bunch of teenagers and put on a hell of a show. Highlights of the set were “Scars” and the hit that started it all “Last Resort”. Skillet took the stage next and absolutely blew everyone away. This is the second time I’ve seen them. The first being at Creation Festival 2013 where they headlined. They had a production at Creation that might be the biggest I’ve seen to date. I was wondering on the way in if they would have the same presence on stage without that kind of setup. They absolutely did. Smaller production does not mean smaller performance to these guys and gals. They sounded better than they did previous times and delivered. If anyone went home that night and said Skillet didn’t impress anyone, they weren’t watching the same show I was. Finally out last was the all might Shinedown. What can really be said about this group that hasn’t been said before. The insane amount of pyro that went off to start their set was incredible, and the set to follow was even more impressive. Here are some shots from the performances!

Photos by : Jason Hann

All Photos © Pittsburgh Music Magazine / Jason Hann

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letlive. RELEASES NEW ALBUM, ‘THE BLACKEST BEAUTIFUL’, TODAY

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Streaming
“One of the most affecting heavy records of the year” – NME
“With this record, letlive. are in a league of their own” – Rock Sound
“This is the kind of record that changes people’s lives.” – Metal Hammer
“Writhing and urgent, it’s the record that might make them stars.” – Q Magazine
“The Blackest Beautiful might actually be The Shape Of Punk To Come” – Kerrang!
“Letlive. are currently owning most of the real estate located on the cusp of greatness” – AltPress.com
July 9, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA – After months of buildup and excitement, the critically heralded LA “soul-punk” band letlive. has released their long-awaited and heavily discussed new album, The Blackest Beautiful, today via Epitaph Records.  The new album is currently streaming in its entirety at Youtube.com and is available for purchase now at iTunes, Amazon,letlivestore.com and local indie retailers.
Stream letlive.’s The Blackest Beautiful now at http://bit.ly/14NVBRG
Unequivocally one of the year’s most anticipated heavy-rock albums, The Blackest Beautiful has sparked a musical revolution among a new generation of rock fans with its penetrating sonic intensity, progressively dynamic songwriting and its socio-political charged lyrics.  letlive.’s follow up to 2010’s Fake History is immediate and impactful and further cements their place with hard rock’s elite bands that paved the way before them like Rage Against the Machine, Deftones, The Mars Volta and The Blood Brothers among others.
“More than living up to their self-named genre-of-one, “soul punk” rabble-rousers letlive. rage like Rage Against the Machine and defy boundaries like Refused,” says Brandon Geist, editor-in-chief of Revolver.
The Blackest Beautiful is stirring up a plethora of buzz and garnering incredible reviews from top critics from around the world.  Here’s what a few are saying…
“strong, focused record from beginning to end” – NME (8/10)
“One Of The Returns of the Year – One Of The Records of the Year” – Kerrang! (5/5)
“The Blackest Beautiful is a brutally stunning document full of soul and purpose.” – Alternative Press (4.5/5)
“A brave and bold record that puts every single last drop of blood, sweat and tears on display” – Rock Sound (9/10)

“Another classic in waiting from the most exciting band in hardcore and, arguably, rock music as a whole ” – Front (5/5)
As letlive. releases their magnum opus their journey is only just beginning.  The band is currently on the Vans Warped Tour where they’ve quickly become one of this year’s must-see acts.  Led by Jason Butler, Kerrang’s #1 pick for “The 50 Greatest Rockstars in The World Today,” their music translates impeccably to the live setting with the band channeling a roar of energy and aggression, often times head first into the pit.
Pick up a copy of The Blackest Beautiful today and catch the band this summer at the Vans Warped Tour!  Follow letlive. now at www.facebook.com/theletlive .
letlive. Tour Dates:
July 9 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
July 10 – Washington, D.C. – Merriweather Post Pavilion
July 11 – Boston, MA – Comcast Center
July 12 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
July 13 – New York, NY – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
July 14 – Hartford, CT – The Comcast Theatre
July 16 – Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion
July 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
July 18 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
July 19 – Detroit, MI – The Palace of Auburn Hills
July 20 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
July 21 – Minneapolis, MN – Canterbury Park
July 23 – Kansas City, KS – Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
July 24 – St. Louis, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 25 – Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
July 26 – Tampa, FL – Vinoy Park
July 27 – W. Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amphitheatre
July 28 – Orlando, FL – Central Florida Fairgrounds
July 29 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 30 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
July 31 – Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Amphitheatre
Aug 2 – Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug 3 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Aug 4 – Houston, TX – Reliant Center Parking Lot
 
For More Information:

 u34n_letlivePromoPhoto1ByJonathanWeiner_2

Frankie Palmeri of Emmure is Ready For Mayhem…the PGHMUSICMAG interview

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Interview
Frankie during Trespass America Festival 2012 Stage AE Pittsburgh- ©2012 AWeldingphoto
Frankie during Trespass America Festival 2012 Stage AE Pittsburgh- ©2012 AWeldingphoto

Frankie Palmeri is no stranger to controversy.  His band Emmure (The band’s name is a reference to immurement, a form of execution) has been lighting up stages since 2003 with their own brand of metalcore, or brocore, if you will, with edgy lyrics and metal style music mixed with breakdowns, rap, spoken word, and an overall heavily aggressive beat that goes straight for the jugular.  At the helm as the singer and spokesperson, Palmeri has often incited a lot of controversial press due to t-shirts that referenced Columbine, to commonly using homophobic and racist words like ‘faggot’ and ‘nigger’ in social outlets, as well as coming off as a general hard ass.  Feuds with bands like The Atlas Moth and blogs like Metal Injection only serve to further debate about Emmure and their leader.

2013 looks like a big year in store for Emmure regardless.  With a prime spot on The Rockstar Mayhem Festival and the possibility of a new record to accompany their new contract with Victory Records, Frankie and crew look to further their quest to put out their brand of music whether you dig it or not.  Pittsburgh Music Magazine caught up with Frankie as he and the band recently got back from Russia where he was electrocuted  May 7th (see link for video) on stage.  Although Frankie wasn’t too keen on talking about the incident he did talk to us about festival shows such as Mayhem, the vibe of their performance, understanding Frankie himself, bands creating polarity, the disappointment with 2012’s Slave to the Game, the Emmure writing process, and staying sane on the road…

Stage AE Pittsburgh- ©2012 AWeldingphoto
Stage AE Pittsburgh- ©2012 AWeldingphoto

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL Update – ATTIKA 7 and SCORPION CHILD Added, $4 Beer All Summer Long and More

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

mayhem

ATTIKA 7 (http://www.attika7.com) and SCORPION CHILD (http://www.scorpionchild.com) have just been added to the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL this summer. Both bands will be playing all tour dates with SCORPION CHILD headlining the Sumerian Stage and ATTIKA 7 playing the Musician’s Institute Stage. To see all the bands playing this summer on Mayhem, check out the Mayhem website at http://rockstarmayhemfest.com/bands.

What goes better with blistering heavy metal and hot summer weather than an ice cold beer? Nothing! Now you can refresh yourself at a low price of just $4 for a value beer at your local ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL stop this summer. Look for the value beer stations throughout the venue. ***NOTE: Beer will be $5 in Houston and prices vary in Bangor and Boise

Take the official ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL survey now! By completing this survey, you could be selected as a Mayhem Reporter member to receive a FREE VIP PASS to the 2013ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL date of your choice. The fest will be selecting 10 members for each date of the tour and selected reporters will be announced via email and posted onwww.mayhemreporters.com next week.

For more information on these items and more, visit www.rockstarmayhemfest.com.

Take a look at what some of this year’s festival artists are doing RIGHT NOW:

 

  • CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist & vocalist ALEXI LAIHO joins SiriusXM host Jose Mangin for an in-studio hang to talk about their 9th studio album Halo Of Blood, and about their summer run on the 6th annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. Encore Broadcasts: Friday, June 14th @ 8pm ET / 5pm PT and Sunday, June 16th @ 11am ET / 8am PT and also available on SiriusXM On Demand
  • HUNTRESS is having a “Virtual Yard Sale” to raise funds for the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL this summer!  There are only 14 DAYS LEFT in the fundraiser! New perks added! Check out this hilarious video (http://youtu.be/TjhuNFP1gD8) they made and visit their indiegogo page for more info! More info: http://igg.me/at/huntress/x/3392973

 

In addition to the new bands announced above, artists performing this year include main stage metal and horror legend, festival closer ROB ZOMBIE, plus, the triple gold certified FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and a monster lineup that includes additional main stage bands MASTODON and AMON AMARTH. The festival area is led by stage closers CHILDREN OF BODOM and MACHINE HEAD as well as JOB FOR A COWBOY, EMMURE, BORN OF OSIRIS, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, BUTCHER BABIES, BATTLECROSS, HUNTRESS, THROWN INTO EXILE and CITY IN THE SEA.

The ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL will stop in 26 cities across the United States and Canada as it makes its way to the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, Texas on August 4th, 2013. Dates and venues are listed below. Fans can go to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com to keep up with additional details as they are released.

 

Tour dates are as follows:

 

Date    City                             Venue

6/29     San Bernardino, CA     San Manuel Amphitheater

6/30     Mountain View, CA    Shoreline Amphitheatre

7/2       Boise, ID                    Idaho Center Amphitheatre

7/3       Auburn, WA                White River Amphitheater

7/5       Phoenix, AZ                Desert Sky Pavilion

7/6       Albuquerque, NM        Isleta Amphitheatre

7/7       Denver, CO                 Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

7/10     Toronto, ON                Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/12     Burgettstown, PA         First Niagara Pavilion

7/13     Scranton, PA                Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain

7/14     Darien Center, NY       Darien Lake PAC

7/16     Mansfield, MA            Comcast Center

7/17     Bangor, ME                 Bangor Waterfront

7/19     Camden, NJ                 Susquehanna Bank Center

7/20     Saratoga Springs, NY   SPAC

7/21     Hartford, CT                The Comcast Theatre

7/23     Holmdel, NJ               PNC Bank Arts Center

7/24     Bristow, VA                 Jiffy Lube Live

7/26     Noblesville, IN            Klipsch Music Center

7/27     Tinley Park, IL             First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

7/28     Clarkston, MI DTE      Energy Music Theatre

7/30     Atlanta, GA                 Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

7/31     Tampa, FL                   Live Nation Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds

8/2       Austin, TX                   Austin360 Amphitheater

8/3       The Woodlands, TX    Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8/4       Dallas, TX                   Gexa Energy Pavilion

Sponsors for the 2013 ROCKSTAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL include title sponsor ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK and stage sponsors JAGERMEISTER, MUSICIANS INSTITUTE, and SUMERIAN RECORDS. Festival sponsors include IBANEZ GUITARS,

ZIPPO, METAL BLADE RECORDS, NAPALM RECORDS, SQUATCH SNACK STICKS, FUCK CANCER and KEEP A BREAST. Media partners include REVOLVER MAGAZINE and ZUUS MEDIA.

About ROCKSTAR: Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. New from Rockstar for 2013, Rockstar Energy Water is a non-carbonated and sugar free enhanced water beverage that is now available throughout the U.S. in three refreshing flavors. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com

Butcher Babies Check in with PGHMUSICMAG Before Pittsburgh Mayhem Festival Appearance

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Interview

They’ve been described as ‘The Hottest Metal Act’ today for several reasons.  First of all, Butcher Babies clearly have two gorgeous front-women belting out powerful lyrics overtop ground pounding metal based music in the vein of Pantera.  Second, the music not only holds up, but is really making a mark on the industry and a fast developing fan base, proving they can kick ass with the best of them.  Although one may try to brush off the group as a gimmick of two babes in makeup and little else playing with shock rockers, there truly is much more to the band.  Carla Harvey was raised as a Mormon and has a degree in Mortuary Science, Heidi Shepherd was a bit of a track and field star all the way up to the Junior Olympics, and Henry Flury (guitar), Jason Klein (bass), and Chris Warner (drums) have built their chops playing with Amen, Azdachao, and Scars of Tomorrow (respectively).  The stage show they put on is pure entertainment, but the quality of the music is always first and foremost to the band.

It was strange fate that brought the two front vocalist together.  Heidi did a stint with Playboy Radio, when she decided it was time to stop playing other people’s music and start making her own. She joined an all-girl punk band that was short-lived but where she met future Butcher Baby and best friend, Carla Harvey who also did a stint with Playboy TV.  Setting out to make their mark past the Sunset Strip of Hollywood, with beauty, brains, and brawn Butcher Babies was born.

Butcher Babies have certainly peaked the metal worlds’ interest and are poised to do much more.  With the release of their full length LP Goliath in July and a prime spot on the 2013 Rockstar Mayhem Festival, it seems like this is just the beginning.

Listen here for an exclusive interview with Carla, Heidi, Henry, and Jason as they discuss the release of Goliath July 9th, working with super star producer Josh Wilbur, writing lyrics, their shock rock stage show and their “prop master”, playing the 2013 Rockstar Mayhem Festival and dolling out some $4 beers, as well as playing Pittsburgh…

butcher babies

letlive. SET TO DEBUT NEW ALBUM, ‘THE BLACKEST BEAUTIFUL,’ ON JULY 9TH

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event, Video

u34n_LetliveMini

It’s been awhile since music has had a rebellious voice.  Not since Rage Against the Machine put their fist in the air, in the land of hypocrisy has there been such an unmitigated combustion of sonic ferocity fueled by relentless passion and intrepid ideology.  At least not until letlive. came along…
LA’s volatile four-piece rock band fanned the flames of discontent with their critically praised record, Fake History, for a new generation of fans three years ago, and today have announced their long-awaited return with one of the year’s most anticipated albums, The Blackest Beautiful, due out onJuly 9th via Epitaph Records.  letlive. has premiered their first new song, “Banshee (Ghost Fame),” in the form of a powerful video today.  Additionally, fans who pre-order The Blackest Beautifulstarting today at letlivestore.com will receive an instant download of “Banshee (Ghost Fame).”
Watch letlive.’s new video for “Banshee (Ghost Fame)” now at http://youtu.be/3wnxFJUZtp4
“This song explores the tragic humor in entertainment as an industry as opposed to an art,” explains letlive.’s inimitable vocalist Jason Aalon Butler.  “Sonically this track was a pretty suitable representation of the record’s sonic spectrum.  We also employed some elements of groove that we have always been fans of.”
Named #1 on Kerrang!’s list of “The 50 Greatest Rockstars in The World Today,” Jason Butler, along with cohorts Ryan Jay Johnson (bass), Jean Nascimento (guitar) and Jeff Sahyoun (guitar), organically meld hardcore, punk, metal and even elements of jazz and R&B, on The Blackest Beautiful, creating a progressive, indelible sound that walks the line between aggressive and melodic and crosses a gamut of genres with an intensity that’s rarely found in music today.
“The mindset was certainly a holistic one when regarding this record,” Butler adds.  “The vibe developed on its own as we wrote it.  While we certainly indulged particular tastes, stylistically, as individuals, we made sure that the product culminated as something we could all enjoy. Essentially we all got to explore elements we had always wanted to and somehow found a way to marry them tastefully on one album.”
Self-produced with the help of longtime co-conspirator Kit Walters and mixed by pop guru Stephen George (Mary J Blige, Michael Jackson), The Blackest Beautiful features eleven politically, socially and personally conscious songs like “The Priest and Used Cars,” which refers the tragic costs of poisonous zeal, “Virgin Dirt,” about self-sabotaging relationships, and “27 Club,” a personal tale of living life selflessly or selfishly.
Like those that paved the path before them, Rage Against the Machine, Deftones, Mars Volta, At the Drive In, etc., letlive. transcend passing trends and scenes with a focus that is entirely devoted to their art and furthering their creativity through music.  The Blackest Beautiful is their latest creation, which will undoubtedly be celebrated for years to come.
After two years on the road touring 20 countries, including performances at Download, Reading & Leeds, Soundwave, Pukkelpop, Orion Fest and tours with Deftones in both Europe and Australia, letlive. is ready to hit the road once again, this time in support of The Blackest Beautiful, leaving everything they’ve got on the stage this summer on the Vans Warped Tour.
Follow letlive. now at www.facebook.com/theletlive .
letlive. Tour Dates:
June 15 – Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheater
June 16 – Portland, OR – Portland Expo Center Parking Lot
June 19 – San Diego, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre
June 20 – Pomona, CA – Pomona Fairplex
June 21 – Pomona, CA – Pomona Fairplex
June 22 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
June 23 – Ventura, CA – Seaside Park
June 26 – Las Cruces, NM – N.M.S.U. Practice Field
June 27 – Mesa, AZ – Quail Run Park
June 28 – Las Vegas, NV – Silverton Casino Parking Lot
June 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah State Fairpark
June 30 – Denver, CO – Sports Authority Field at Mile High
July 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Klipsch Music Center
July 5 – Toronto, ON – Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
July 6 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 7 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Concert Center
July 9 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
July 10 – Washington, D.C. – Merriweather Post Pavilion
July 11 – Boston, MA – Comcast Center
July 12 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
July 13 – New York, NY – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
July 14 – Hartford, CT – The Comcast Theatre
July 16 – Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion
July 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
July 18 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
July 19 – Detroit, MI – The Palace of Auburn Hills
July 20 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
July 21 – Minneapolis, MN – Canterbury Park
July 23 – Kansas City, KS – Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
July 24 – St. Louis, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 25 – Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
July 26 – Tampa, FL – Vinoy Park
July 27 – W. Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amphitheatre
July 28 – Orlando, FL – Central Florida Fairgrounds
July 29 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 30 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
July 31 – Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Amphitheatre
Aug 2 – Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug 3 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Aug 4 – Houston, TX – Reliant Center Parking Lot
 
For More Information:

BATTLECROSS unveils “War of Will”; new song “Force Fed Lies” now streaming

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Streaming

Battlecross-WarOfWill

 

BATTLECROSS unveils “War of Will”; new song “Force Fed Lies” now streaming

Detroit, MI’s BATTLECROSS have unveiled the title, cover art, and first single from their upcoming new album. BATTLECROSS triumphantly return as one of the true champions of American Heavy Metal with their devastating sophomore release, War of Will. Co-produced at Audio Hammer Studios with famed producers Mark Lewis and Eyal Levi, the sophomore effort from Detroit’s newest soldiers of steel will soon prove as one of the most impressive follow-up releases, destined to become a heavy metal classic for fans of all sub-genres. “War of Willtriggers a strange Déjà Vu while feeling completely brand new” says Levi.

Stream “Force Fed Lies” and pre-order your copy of War of Will now at metalblade.com/battlecross.

After a fist-pumping debut, impressive breakout tours in 2012, BATTLECROSS will continue their climb as one of metal’s most impressive new bands with appearances at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, Orion Music +More with Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones and Suicidal Tendencies in the band’s hometown of Detroit and the 4th Annual GwarBQ with Municipal Waste and Corrosion of Conformity.

War of Will releases July 9th, 2013 just as the band heads out for the summer on the Rock Star Energy Drink Mayhem Festival Tour with Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom, Machine Head, Behemoth, Mastodon and more. For tickets and details, head to rockstarmayhemfest.com.

BATTLECROSS
06/08 Detroit, MI Belle Isle Park – Orion Music + More Festival w/ Metallica
06/27 Las Vegas, NV Cheyenne Saloon
w/ Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest 2013
06/29 San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheater
06/30 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
07/01 Lake Tahoe, CA Whiskey Dick’s w/ Huntress
07/02 Nampa, ID Idaho Center Amphitheatre
07/03 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre
07/05 Phoenix, AZ Desert Sky Pavilion
07/06 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheatre
07/07 Englewood, CO Fiddler’s Green Ampitheatre
07/09 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection w/ Children of Bodom, Amon Amarth, Behemoth, Job for a Cowboy, Huntress
07/10 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
07/12 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion
07/13 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
07/14 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
07/16 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center
07/17 Bangor, ME Bangor Waterfront
07/19 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
07/20 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
07/21 Hartford, CT The Comcast Theatre
07/22 New York, NY Saint Vitus w/ Huntress
07/23 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
07/24 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
07/26 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center
07/27 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre
07/28 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
07/29 Louisville, KY Expo Five w/ Children of Bodom, Amon Amarth, Emmure, Motionless In White, Born of Osiris, Job for a Cowboy, Huntress
07/30 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
07/31 Tampa, FL Live Nation Amphitheatre
08/02 Austin, TX TBA
08/03 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
08/04 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
End Tour
08/07 Sauget, IL Pop’s w/ Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom, Huntress
08/08 Nashville, TN Marathon Music Works w/ Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom, Huntress
08/09 Cleveland, OH Peabody’s w/ Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom, Huntress

http://www.battlecrossmetal.com
http://www.facebook.com/battlecrossmetal
https://twitter.com/battlecross
http://www.youtube.com/battlecrossmetal

American Opera Posts 1st of 12 Studio Update Videos

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

 

 

 

American Opera Posts 1st of 12 Studio Update Videos; EP Due Out This Summer 

Great Lakes Tour Dates Announced May 25-June 2 + Vans Warped Tour Acoustic Basement Tour Dates July 17-20

 

For the next 12 weeks beginning today, American Opera (aka the musical project and brainchild of Saginaw, MI and recent NYC transplant John Bee and friends) will reveal details for his upcoming EP due out this summer. The first video can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/5N_n0_nR87c.

 

American Opera has also revealed dates for a summer tour around the Great Lakes which will be followed by a stint on the Vans Warped Tour Acoustic Basement Stage. The trek kicks off at Bled Fest on May 25 in Howell, MI. See dates below.

 

Hailing from Saginaw, Michigan and recently transplanted to New York City, by way of a short stint in Chicago, American Opera combines influences from Modest Mouse to Manchester Orchestra, Rilo Kiley to Ben Folds. John’s trademark voice stops conversations and draws immediate attention. The depth of his vocal delivery couples with his introspective and deeply personal lyrics to make a connection with anyone within earshot.


John spent the better part of eight years touring non-stop as part of Michigan-based independent rock band Your Best Friend. In 2011, the band came to an end, and John rolled out his new project, American Opera, a distinct departure from the aggressive rock sounds of his former band. In slightly more than a year, John has performed over 100 shows as American Opera, both solo and with a full band.


He’s been featured in Alternative Press magazine, played with artists like Cursive and William Elliott Whitmore, and has released two EPs already in his short career. 2013 is full of hope. John intends on continuing to tour relentlessly, having just completed a very successful spring headlining tour, including a stop at this year’s SXSW Festival in Austin, TX.  A new EP is being wrapped up as we speak, and a full-length album is next!

 

Displaying AmericanOperaTourPoster.jpg

 

Tour Dates:

GREAT LAKES TOUR

May 25 – Bled Fest 2013 – Howell, MI

May 26 – Studio Anatomy – Traverse City, MI

May 28 – house show/BBQ – Mackinac Island, MI (email natedorough@gmail.com for address)

May 31 – Redamte Coffee – Madison, WI

June 1 – House Cafe – DeKalb, IL

June 2 – Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI

WARPED TOUR – ACOUSTIC BASEMENT STAGE

July 17 – First Niagara Pavilion – Pittsburgh, PA

July 18 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH

July 19 – The Palace of Auburn Hills – Auburn Hills, MI

July 20 – First Midwest Bank Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL

LINKS

www.americanopera.net

www.facebook.com/americanopera

http://americanopera.bandcamp.com

THE SIXTH ANNUAL ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ARTIST LINEUP

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

THE SIXTH ANNUAL ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ARTIST LINEUP

ROB ZOMBIE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, MASTODON, AMON AMARTH, MACHINE HEAD, CHILDREN OF BODOM, BEHEMOTH AND MANY MORE

 

View the Announcement video Here

Tickets Go On Sale Friday March 22nd at 12 Noon

Tour Starts June 29th In San Bernardino, CA

 

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, the world’s biggest hard and heavy music touring festival announces its electrifying sixth-year lineup. Artists performing on the 2013 thunderous fest include main stage metal and horror legend, festival closer,ROB ZOMBIE, plus, the triple gold certified FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and a monster lineup that includes additional main stage bands MASTODON and AMON AMARTH. The festival area is led by stage closers CHILDREN OF BODOM and MACHINE HEAD as well as BEHEMOTH, JOB FOR A COWBOY, EMMURE, BORN OF OSIRIS, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, BUTCHER BABIES, BATTLECROSS, HUNTRESS, THROWN INTO EXILE and CITY IN THE SEA. Four stages will be presented this year for the first time ever and the stages include the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE, THE JAGERMEISTER STAGE, MUSICIANS INSTITUTE STAGE, as well as, the SUMERIAN RECORDS/HEADBANG FOR THE HIGHWAY CONCOURSE STAGE, (local bands performing on the Sumerian Records/Headbang for the Highway Stage will be announced in June).

 

All tickets go on sale March 22nd at 12:00 Noon local venue time via

www.rockstarmayhemfest.com or www.livenation.com.  The tour will stop in 26 cities across the United States and Canada as it makes its way to the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, Texas on August 4th, 2013. Dates and venues are listed below.

 

Get a sneak peak of new FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH music here.

 

A rock icon and auteur filmmaker with insight and unlimited vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of music, film, and publishing. Now, the seven-time Grammy nominated recording artist releases his fifth solo album, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor, which streets April 23, and includes the first single, “ Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Super Town,” along with such tracks as “Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga,” “Lucifer Rising,” “Behold! The Pretty Filthy Creatures” and a heavy-duty cover of Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re an American Band.” Rob Zombie’s Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor is the first release on his new label, Zodiac Swan, through T-Boy Records/UME. Zombie’s also written and directed his 6th feature film, “The Lords of Salem”, in theaters April 19th (Anchor Bay).

 

After three gold albums in a row and ten consecutive top ten radio singles, Five Finger Death

Punch continue their evolution in 2013 by releasing a new single in early May, followed by their fourth studio album in June.  FFDP are set to perform live at this year’s Revolver Golden

Gods Awards show in Los Angeles on May 2 and will warm up for Mayhem playing this summer’s most prestigious European festivals, amongst them UK’s Download Festival and

Germany’s Rock am Ring and Rock im Park.

 

The World’s Greatest Freestyle Motocross team THE METAL MULISHA is also confirmed to

perform on most dates.

 

Sponsors for the 2013 ROCKSTAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL include title sponsor

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK and stage sponsors JAGERMEISTER, MUSICIANS

INSTITUTE, and SUMERIAN RECORDS. Festival sponsors include IBANEZ GUITARS,

ZIPPO, METAL BLADE RECORDS, NAPALM RECORDS, SQUATCH SNACK STICKS,

FUCK CANCER and KEEP A BREAST. Media partners include REVOLVER MAGAZINE and

ZUUS MEDIA.

 

In addition to catching their favorite bands live, fans can take part in a number of festival

activities, including playing the newest video games, perusing vendors, attending autograph

signing sessions and a slew of various interactive activities that will only add to the festival

experience.

 

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK will be sampling their products and providing awesome surprises for

all attendees.  Rockstar will also present the VIP/Contest winner area designated as THE

ROCKSTAR LOUNGE and the festival area PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR TENT where fans can sample ice cold Rockstar and get autographs from their favorite bands.

 

Addition to the festival’s music and arts, MUSICIANS INSTITUTE and the Rockstar

Energy Drink Mayhem Festival have partnered to create the Rockstar Mayhem Independent

Artist Scholarship! This scholarship fully covers tuition and material fees for a two quarter IAP

certificate (Room, Boarding and Travel are not included.) The application period runs from

March 18 until June 1, 2013. Applicants must visit www.mi.edu/mayhem-rock-festivalscholarship

to enter.

 

Fans can go to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com to keep up with additional details as they are

released.

 

Make sure to check out this brand new video announcing the official 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival line up and stay tuned to Mayhem TV for more video updates and features coming soon!

Tour dates are as follows:

Date City Venue

6/29 San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheater

6/30 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

7/2 Boise, ID Idaho Center Amphitheatre

7/3 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheater

7/5 Phoenix, AZ Desert Sky Pavilion

7/6 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheatre

7/7 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

7/10 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/12 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion

7/13 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain

7/14 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake PAC

7/16 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center

7/17 Bangor, ME Bangor Waterfront

7/19 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center

7/20 Saratoga Springs, NY SPAC

7/21 Hartford, CT The Comcast Theatre

7/23 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

7/24 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live

7/26 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center

7/27 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

7/28 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

7/30 Atlanta, GA Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

7/31 Tampa, FL Live Nation Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds

8/2 Austin, TX Austin360 Amphitheater

8/3 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8/4 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion

 

 

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL STAGES AND ARTISTS:

 

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAIN STAGE

ROB ZOMBIE

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

MASTODON

AMON AMARTH

 

MUSICIANS INSTITUTE STAGE               JAGERMEISTER STAGE

CHILDREN OF BODOM                                MACHINE HEAD

BEHEMOTH                                                   JOB FOR A COWBOY

EMMURE                                                        BUTCHER BABIES

BORN OF OSIRIS                                           BATTLECROSS

MOTIONLESS IN WHITE                               HUNTRESS

THROWN INTO EXILE

SUMERIAN RECORDS/HEADBANG FOR THE HIGHWAY STAGE

CITY IN THE SEA

3 LOCAL OPENERS

 

 

 

 

About ROCKSTAR – Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles –

from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in

over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action

Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. New from Rockstar for 2013, Rockstar Energy Water is a

non-carbonated and sugar free enhanced water beverage that is now available throughout the

U.S. in three refreshing flavors. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com

Find us at: www.facebook.com/rockstar – www.twitter.com/RockstarEnergy

www.instagram.com/RockstarEnergy – www.youtube.com/Rockstar

 

 

ABOUT LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT:

Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment and ecommerce company,

comprised of four market leaders: www.Tickmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation and

Live Nation Network. www.Ticketmaster.com is the global event ticketing leader and one of the

world’s top five ecommerce sites, with a database of over 119 million fans who visit our sites.

Live Nation Concerts produce over 22,000 shows annually for more than 2,300 artists globally.

Artist Nation is the world’s top artist management company, representing over 200 artists.

These businesses power Live Nation Network, the leading provider of entertainment marketing

solutions, enabling nearly 800 advertisers to tap into the 250 million consumers Live Nation

delivers annually through its live event and digital platforms. For additional information, visit

www.livenation.com/investors .

http://www.rockstarmayhemfest.com/

AUGUST BURNS RED heading to studio to record fifth album

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

ollowing two monstrous years that saw AUGUST BURNS RED release multiple albums – 2011’s Leveler and 2012’s holiday album, Sleddin’ Hill – headline tours of North and South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and more, the Manheim, PA-based quintet is back at it. Beginning next week the band will hit the studio to start recording their fifth full-length album (holiday releases notwithstanding), due out later this year.

“2012 turned out to be quite intense for us from a touring standpoint,” says guitarist JB Brubaker. “We did more traveling than we had ever previously done in our career and after three straight months on the road to end the year I think we were all ready to come home and shift into writing/recording mode. Now that the writing is complete we are all itching to get started with the actual tracking.”

Eschewing the trend towards big-name producers, ABR has opted to keep in the family for the forthcoming effort, reteaming with Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland of Atrium Audio – the same hometown studio where the band recorded last year’s fan-favorite holiday album, Sleddin’ Hill. The forthcoming album promises to be AUGUST BURNS RED’s most adventurous and exciting work to date – no small feat for a band that has constantly reinvigorated the genre over the course of its career.

“This new record will push the boundaries of our genre more than we ever have before,” Brubaker continues excitedly. “We set out to write a record where every song stands out from the last. There is a lot of ground covered here and a ton of meat to this album. It’s full of odd metered rhythms and breakdowns, unexpected twists and turns, and some of our most technical riffing to date. Each of us have parts that make our heads spin and we have had to practice like crazy to get some of this stuff together. I know we always say this, but this will be our most ambitious album yet.”

The band was recently announced as a mainstage act on this summer’s Vans Warped Tour, marking their third appearance on the venerated annual event, where they were last seen in 2011 performing in support of Leveler.

Already among the most respected acts in the genre, AUGUST BURNS RED solidified their status further with the June 2011 release of their fourth studio album, Leveler, which rocketed to the top of the Billboard charts – debuting at #11 on the Billboard 200 in addition to entering the charts as the #1 Hard Rock album and #2 Rock album. Adding to the stellar debut is the incredible durability and staying power Leveler has displayed, having become the band’s fastest selling album to date by a significant margin.

With four successful albums under their belts and the as-of-yet untitled fifth due out later this year, AUGUST BURNS RED have successfully earned veteran status. One of the leading forces in the modern metal scene, the Manheim, PA-based quintet has breathed new life into the metalcore genre over the course of their almost decade-long career, successfully transitioning from shake-up-the-field upstarts to one of the biggest names worldwide in the genre.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.augustburnsred.com
http://www.solidstaterecords.com
http://www.blacklodgepr.com

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

4/15 West Chester PA @ The Note
4/19 Herford Germany @ Club X
4/20 Leipzig Germany
@ Impericon Fest
4/21 Wurzburg Germany @ Posthalle
4/23 Bochum Germany @ Matrix
4/24 Munich Germany
@ Backstage Werk
4/25 Stuttgart Germany
@ LKA-Longhorn
4/26 Wien Austria @ Impericon Fest
4/27 Zurich Switzerland @ Loudfest
4/28 Meerhout Belgium
@ Groezrock

VANS WARPED TOUR 2013
6/15 Seattle WA
@ White River Amphitheater
6/16 Portland OR
@ Portland Expo Ctr
6/19 San Deigo CA
@ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
6//20 Pomona CA
@ Pomona Fairplex
6/21 Pomona CA
@ Pomona Fairplex
6/22 Mountain View CA
@ Shoreline Amphitheater
6/26 Lax Cruces NM
@ NMSU Practice Field
6/27 Phoenix AZ @ Quail Run Park
6/28 Las Vegas NV @ TBD
6/29 Salt Lake City UT
@ Utah State Fairpark
6/30 Denver CO
@ Sports Authority Field at Mile High
7/3 Indianapolis IN
@ Klipisch Music Ctr
7/5 Toronto ON
@ Molson Canadian Amphitheater
7/6 Buffalo NY
@ Darien Lake Performing Arts Ctr
7/7 Holmdel NJ
@ PNC Bank Arts Ctr
7/9 Virginia Beach VA @ Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
7/10 Washington DC
@ Merriweather Post Pavillion
7/11 Boston MA @ Comcast Center
7/12 Camden NJ
@ Susquehanna Bank Ctr
7/13 New York NY
@ Nassau Memorial Coliseum
7/14 Hartford CT
@ Comcast Theater
7/16 Scranton PA @ Toyota Pavillion
7/17 Pittsburgh PA
@ First Niagra Pavillion
7/18 Cleveland OH
@ Blossom Music Ctr
7/19 Detroit MI
@ Palace of Auburn Hills
7/20 Chicago IL
@ First Midwest Bank Amphitheater
7/21 Minneapolis MN
@ Canterbury Park
7/23 Kansas City KS
@ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
7/24 St Louis MO
@ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/25 Atlanta GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood
7/26 Tampa FL @ Vinoy Park
7/27 West Palm Beach FL
@ Cruzan Amphitheater
7/28 Orlando FL
@ Central Florida Fairgrounds
7/29 Charlotte NC
@ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/30 Cincinnati OH
@ Reiverbend Music Center
7/31 Milwaukee WI
@ Marcus Amphitheater
8/2 Dallas TX
@ Gexa Energy Pavillion
8/3 San Antonio TX @ AT&T Center
8/4 Houston TX @ Reliant Center

Candlelight Red Burns the Stage Down at Uproar

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Interview

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When you play festival style, how does a band make their mark amongst so many other bands vying for the audience’s attention? You come out swinging. Candlelight Red hits the stage at maximum velocity and intensity from the first to the last note.

According to their bio on Last FM, “Candlelight Red is the culmination of two central PA bands merged into one. Bassist Adam Zimmer and Drummer Josh Hetrick were the rhythm section to the State College based band “Stept On”. After the band called it a day in 2006 the two decided to join forces with guitarist Jeremy Edge who had been with the band “Backstreet Law” who later changed it’s name to “Til December”. Out of the ashes came Candlelight Red.

After gigging with vocalists Charlotte Kopp and Greg Locke, The band found Ryan Hoke to fill vocal duties. Ryan had played in the bands “Hyphema” and “Slant 6”, who opened for such acts as “Hatebreed” and “Clutch”. Things clicked immediately and the band began writing songs together”. CLR’s current lineup is comprised of vocalist Ryan Hoke, guitarist Jeremy Edge, bassist Jamie Morral, and drummer Brian Dugan- and it appears to be the perfect mix of chemistry to bring about a musical explosion.

Candlelight Red’s debut EP Demons is full of solid songs and suprises. Fan favorites like “Closer” and the cover of Roxette’s “She’s Got the Look” have received significant airplay with no small help from excellent videos.

Singer Ryan Hocke and guitar player Jeremy Edge took some time out their crazy schedule during the Rockstar Uproar Tour and sat down with Pittsburgh Music Magazine on their tour bus to talk about pre-show rituals, writing songs, touring, and future plans. What follows is an intimate look at the beginnings of a career that should have long lasting and resonating effects due to their passion and wearing their influences on their sleeves: Candlelight Red

30 years of Motley Crue: The Saints of Pittsburgh

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review

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-All photos Alan Welding and property of Pittsburgh Music Magazine

The first time I saw Motley Crue I was in ninth grade and headed downtown on a bus to The Stanley Theater for The Shout At The Devil Tour. I remember running from the point I got off the bus and into the Stanley to get to my seats and hear the opening notes of Accept play “Balls to the Wall” and how much I could not wait for Motley to come onto the stage. There are also some things that I will never forget two things from that night. First, to me Nikki Sixx was the coolest dude on the planet and the reason I picked up a bass guitar. And two, after the show I saw one of the most beautiful women in my life dressed in an all spandex zebra skin-tight clothing. Motley’s bus was rolling out of town, came to a screeching halt upon seeing the girl, and she hopped right in. If there was ever a doubt in a young teenagers mind, it was no longer there, I wanted to be a rock n roll star. And I have been an abashed Cruehead ever since.
This being one of countless Crue shows that I have witnessed, you would think by this time I am jaded. But, the excitement is always there, the expectations build and builds, and the Crue did not disappoint. They came loaded for bear and with no intentions of coming off as second billing. Motley walked from the backstage out into the seats and onto the stage in a demented parade like fashion, complete with flags, girls, and smoke aplenty. The stage already contained a circus sideshow atmosphere that they are so famous for and seem to keep upping the ante each time.
As always the show started off with great fervor from the crowd and Motley came out like it was a finale. All the trappings of a great show were had including Tommy’s now famous roller coaster drum set and solo, Mick Mars’ vintage Fenders blazing underneath his fingers at top speed, Vince cavorting with the crowd and giving them every chance to sing along, and Nikki playing ringleader- throwing his bass around like a toy. A new addition to Nikki’s antics would be the fire throwing bass stock- it was by far one of the coolest effects ever. Just because I am a huge fan does not mean that I will not criticize them if they are not at the top of their game. I once travelled all the way to Vegas to see them on Crue Fest 2 and came away with a feeling that they just were not into it that night. Two weeks later they came into Pittsburgh and kicked my ass. Maybe there is something about our little Steeltown that primes bands up- but one thing is for certain- Motley Crue was flawless last night. Every band member seemed like they were having a great time, there were no sound issues to speak of, the lights and screens and dancing girls and twirling girls were amazing. Water squirting from cannons, Nikki spitting water on everyone, Tommy pouring champagne into the crowd, oh yea and then there was the music. This was rock n roll people in all its glory as it was meant to be- a spectacle. Here’s hoping Motley are around for another 30 years rocking our faces off.

Pittsburgh Setlist:
Saints of Los Angeles
Wild Side
Shout at the Devil
Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)
Sex
Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Home Sweet Home
Tommy Lee Rollercoaster Drum Solo
Live Wire
Primal Scream
Dr. Feelgood
Girls, Girls, Girls
Kickstart My Heart

Rockstar Mayhem Festival Teaser…A Cleveland Pictorial! Coming to Pittsburgh 7/28!

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Event, Pictorial

Get ready for “The Hardest Tour On Earth” and to be blown away. The amount of talent at this year’s Mayhem is unprecedented. The ear crushing and body bruising of hearing Motorhead, Slayer, and Slipknot back to back to back is so intense that it will leave your metal soul not only elated but drained from the sheer experience of it all. Pittsburgh Music Magazine had a chance to speak with many of the performers; Mayhem has great access for all fans including many signings from the likes of Kerry King and Slipknot. Check out the merchandise booths too. Metal Blade Records has some great stuff along with a free sampler CD, Sumerian Records as well. Also some great deals at many of the bands booths on autographed items (We thought the new Anthrax CD signed by the entire band for $10 a steal!). We have some interviews, that will be posted shortly, with Whitechapel, The Devil Wears Prada, and As I Lay Dying. Get ready to rock out with your black and gold out Saturday Pittsburgh! So, to whet your appetites we have included some pix from the Cleveland show to get your metal hearts pumped…

Dirtfedd, As I Lay Dying, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Anthrax, I The Breather, Jagermeister Girls, Crowd Shots, Whitechapel, Motorhead, Slayer, and Slipknot…

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All photos: Alan Welding and Mike Pap

To Write Love On Her Arms is Tackling Today’s Most Serious Youth Issues

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Editorial, Interview

Depression, eating disorders, addiction, self-injury, sucicide…these are some our most pressing issues regarding today’s youth. We can no longer push these issues under the carpet and pretend they do not exist or will just go away. We need to speak honestly, openly, and progressively to combat one of the biggest problems facing our youth.

First the facts:
121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. (World Health Organization)
18 million of these cases are happening in the United States. (The National Institute of Mental Health)
Between 20% and 50% of children and teens struggling with depression have a family history of this struggle and the offspring of depressed parents are more than three times as likely to suffer from depression. (U.S. Surgeon General’s Survey, 1999)
Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with 30% of teens with depression also developing a substance abuse problem. (NIMH)
2/3 of those suffering from depression never seek treatment.
Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. (NIMH)

Last week during the Warped Tour, PMM and myself were lucky enough to sit down with Jason who is a representative for To Write Love On Her Arms. To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire as well as to invest directly into treatment and recovery (TWLOHA website).
We spoke with Jason at length regarding the mission of TWLOHA and what ways people can get involved to combat thiese serious social issues (please see below for entire audio interview). As a high school teacher who has dealt with depression and anxiety on a personal level all my life, as well as having experienced students very close to me struggle with these issues, the work of TWLOHA is a blessing. I have unfortunately lost a few students to suicide and directly see the critical need for organizations such as TWLOHA.

PMM’s Alan Welding interviews Jason of TWLOHA at their Vans Warped Tour tent

TWLOHA is working very aggressively at speaking about these issues where they most often lie: amongst high school and college age students. TWLOHA launched The Storytellers High School Campaign in October 2011 as an initiative to change these numbers and open a conversation in high schools that discusses mental health and community. They are also creating University Chapters across the country to help college students know where the resources are for help and educate. The Storytellers is a two-month campaign where a student organizer works with a faculty advisor on behalf of their high school to create awareness about mental health issues, bring the TWLOHA message to their school, and foster community on their campus, while also raising funds for TWLOHA. The program is completely free and of no cost to the student or school involved. There are a variety of incentives for participating, including the opportunity for a TWLOHA event. Their hope and goal is that by reaching high school students in their everyday environment, and by engaging the student body as a whole, we can change the numbers (TWLOHA website).

Please think about ways that you can help. To explore some options that TWLOHA offers check out their website:
http://www.twloha.com/

For our full interview with Jason click here: TWLOHA

Photos from Warped Tour courtesy of MPAP Photo

Vans Warped Tour 2012 Pittsburgh Pictorial

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Music, Pictorial

Just some quick shots of some of the days excitement at Vans Warped Tour in Pittsburgh including some stellar bands like Dead Sara, For Today, Taking Back Sunday, All Time Low, New Found Glory, Ballyhoo!, Hyro Da Hero, Title Fight, Echo Movement, We the Kings, Anti-Flag, Of Mice and Men, and many more!

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Ballyhoo! Gets the Party Started at Warped Tour in Pittsburgh

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Interview, Music

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We really enjoyed the eclectic reggae/punk/pop/punk sounds of Ballyhoo! at Warped in Pittsburgh. Howi from Ballyhoo! was gracious enough to set aside some time and talk to us about life on the road, the accomplishments of the band, their gear, and influences. Listen to the interview in its entirety here: Ballyhoo!

Ballyhoo! are from Maryland, and are considered a modern rock/reggae party band, actively playing on tour since 2006 (but Howi estimates it has 17 years that they have been playing).
Considered a band that blur the lines between rock, reggae, punk and pop they have created their own hybrid of music that cannot be pigeonholed to one definitive genre. Their signature sound is one they have been perfecting since their high school days in Aberdeen, Maryland with the voice of lead singer and guitarist Howi Spangler; the beats by brother and drummer Donald “Big D” Spangler; the bass lines of JR Gregory and Scott Vandrey (aka DJ Blaze) on the turntables and keys. They certainly found all the right influences to meld their sound together. PMM would describe it as a mixture of Bob Marley, Green Day, Goldfinger, No Use For a Name, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and UB40. They not only rock, but they sway, with a sound that is perfect for a party or blasting in your car.

Ballyhoo!’s dedication to the road has turned them into a well known party band. LAW Records signed them to the Hawaii-based independent record label. Some of the bands they have been playing with are 311, Authority Zero, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, and The Supervillains.

HYRO Da HERO is Bigger Than Life at Warped Tour

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Interview

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Enigmatic, charming, witty, intelligent, and energizing are just some of the adjectives you hear when people speak of Hyron Fenton of Hyro Da Hero. Often compared to predecessors like Rage Against the Machine and praised by the likes of Korn, Hyro is so much more than an act reminiscent of the glory days of rap and roll.
Straight out of Houston, Hyro now resides in LA when he is not burning up the road with his bandmates. His influences are all over the map- from rap to rock to actors. But it’s all of these ingredients that add to the swagger and sound that is a brand new take on the genre. Hyro comes from the rap end of rock and focuses on the beat. Where many acts have the music in their heads and then try to find the beat and the lyrical content, it seems Fenton works from the opposite end which achieves stunning results.

Hyro has been at the music game since 2007 when he released his first mix tape Gangsta Rock. His debut album Birth, School, Work, Death is produced by none other than Ross Robinson of Korn, At The Drive In, Blood Brothers, Deftones, Soulfly, and Slipknot fame. Obviously, Hyro takes no prisoners when it comes to seeking world domination with his craft. Currently Hyro Da Hero is wowing audiences on The Warped Tour here in the US, but is well seasoned at touring the world. He has stunned audiences in Canada, the UK, Australia, and will be headed to Japan in August. Everyone we spoke with at Warped said ‘you have to check out Hyro’. The audience in Pittsburgh ate up the performance that featured high-flying antics and a super charged set, that left not only the band, but the audience breathless.

Thanks to Nightwire.net and Hyro’s management team, PMM was able to conduct an exclusive interview with Hyro on his tour bus which you can check out here in its entirety.

Hyrodahero

You owe to yourself to check out Hyro Da Hero (official website) and download Birth, School, Work, Death. Hyro is currently on the Warped Tour and will hit the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan August 18.

Exclusive Behind the Scenes Bus Tour with Miss May I: In Pittsburgh 7/12!

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Event, Music

Warped Tour hits Pittsburgh tomorrow at First Niagara Pavilion. One of the most anticipated performances is that of Miss May I on the main stage. To get yourself pumped up for their performance you can check out their second video from the tour and some behind the scenes stuff from Revolver Magazine:

Two days ago, MISS MAY I posted the second official VANS WARPED TOUR video update, featuring massive circle pits, Fourth of July antics, extreme air sports and more. Check out the video While you are browsing the web, make sure to visit Revolver Magazine’s online hub, Revolvermag.com, to watch a brand new behind-the-scenes bus tour of MISS MAY I’s tour bus that they’re traveling in during the tour, hosted by singer Levi Benton.

The band recently announced the #32 Billboard Top 200 first week debut of their new album, At Heart, as well as singer Levi Benton’s appearance on one of the Alternative Press Magazine special edition VANS WARPED TOUR covers.

Make sure to keep an eye out tomorrow at VANS WARPED TOUR—Levi is appearing at several Alternative Press Magazine Booth signings throughout the summer. Check the signing times at your local tour stop for more details. The band is taking part in several additional signings during their main stage run at VANS WARPED TOUR this year, including appearances at the Project143 booth and the MISS MAY I merch stand. When arriving at the festival, attendees will be given specific times for each individual signing as well as the band’s performance times (they are scheduled to change per date).

And while you are at it look for Alan and Mike from Pittsburgh Music Magazine taking pictures and interviewing bands (just looked for the covered in tattoos and bald headed morons with cameras all over them).

Rockstar Mayhem Festival Sponsors Announced

by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Event

For those of you headed to First Niagara Pavillion on July 28 for The Rockstar Mayhem Festival, here are the sponsors who will be providing some entertainment and freebies in-between acts:

SPONSOR INFORMATION:

ROCKSTAR:
“ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in nineteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Recovery Lemonade, Recovery Grape, Recovery Orange, Energy Cola, PerfectBerry, 2X, Xdurance, Coconut Water, Rockstar Relax, Rockstar Iced, Tropical Punched, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, and Roasted Light Vanilla.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Australia, Baltics, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Poland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.
ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK supports the active Rockstar lifestyle in Surf, Skate, Snow, MX, BMX, Off-Road, MotoGP, Rally, Wake, MMA, Bull Riding, Bands, DJs, and Live Music.”

www.rockstar69.com

Jägermeister
Jägermeister will be a big part of Rockstar Mayhem again in 2012 with plenty of giveaways, Jagerettes and exclusive signings at each festival date! This years’ artist signings will include KERRY KING of SLAYER and the guys from ASKING ALEXANDRIA, so be sure to stop by the Jagermeister booth at your local festival date to check on signing times. Also be sure to check out jager.com for tour dates, photos and to view the new ‘A Stronger Bond’ commercial featuring Kerry King!

SUMERIAN RECORDS:
Sumerian Records (the world’s premiere metal label) is beyond excited to be sponsoring its own stage at this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. This stage is going to feature three of the label’s hottest and most talked about up-and-coming artists within the metal scene.
San Antonio’s UPON A BURNING BODY have performed select dates on the Mayhem Festival before, but this will be the chance they have been anxiously awaiting to finally perform on the entire tour. Expect lots of new tunes from the band’s highly acclaimed new effort, RED.WHITE.GREEN., amongst a slew of crowd favorites.
Mayhem also marks the much anticipated French metallic powerhouse Betraying The Martyrs return to North America as this will be their third tour StateSide in support of their debut effort, Breathe In Life. This six-piece fine-tuned killing machine has a refreshing attitude to modern metal that is certain to take the music scene by storm.
I THE BREATHER are one of the most enthusiastic, hard working and promising new bands to come onto the scene as of late and their highly acclaimed sophomore full-length album, Truth and Purpose, created an undeniable buzz that spread like wildfire. I
In addition to all of this, Sumerian will also have its most prolific artist, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, on a rotating main-stage slot. This UK sensation have undoubtedly proved to all naysayers that they are one of the genre’s most exciting, ground-breaking and heralded artists as their critically acclaimed newest album, Reckless and Relentless, debuted at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 charts scanning an impressive 31,449 units. This is controversial, unapologetic hard rock at its very finest.
The Sumerian Records’ tent will also be a premier destination for concertgoers with meet and greets with all performing label artists, fan-friendly promotions and contests, as well as offering the chance to purchase albums from all four bands at a special price. Be sure to follow Sumerian Records at www.facebook.com/sumerianrecords for the most up-to-date information on all Mayhem Fest artists and happenings.

Zippo:
One of the most recognized brands in the world, Zippo was founded in the fall of 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, PA, where it recently manufactured its 500th million windproof lighter. With the exception of improvements to the flint wheel and modifications in case finishes, the product remains unchanged and is backed by the company’s famous lifetime guarantee – “It works, or we fix it free™”. Zippo’s diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; watches, fragrance, and lifestyle accessories for men; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo markets in over 160 countries and also owns the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel and W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, both based in Bradford, PA. For more information, visit Zippo.com.

Ibanez:
What better way for Ibanez to celebrate the 25th anniversaries of its iconic RG and S guitar models than to be the exclusive guitar and bass sponsor for the 2012 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. Known for creating instruments that enhance speed and playability, Ibanez also leads the pack as a pioneer in the development of 7 and 8 string guitars. Look for Ibanez signature artists and endorsers in Slipknot, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, and other bands to prove once again that the guitar builders at Ibanez are truly the Masters of More.

Hot Topic:
Hot Topic is a retail brand beloved for our band-related apparel and accessories, licensed merchandise, and fashion apparel for an edgy subculture of rebellious and expressive individuals. Over the last 20 years, Hot Topic has worked with thousands of bands to develop and sell apparel and other gear, introduce new music and more. Hot Topic’s passion for music has led us to support hundreds of shows and tours – and we are proud to be a retail sponsor of the 2012 Mayhem Tour. Hot Topic operates 624 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and an online store at hottopic.com. Find out what we’re doing on the Mayhem Tour by following us on Twitter (twitter.com/hottopic), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/hottopic) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/hottopic).

MATADOR Beef Jerky:
MATADOR Beef Jerky, based in Minong, Wis., is produced by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and distributed by Frito-Lay North America. The MATADOR brand offers a full line of powerfully-bold, meat snacks for today’s snacking consumers, with a unique style of jerky that’s easier to bite and chew, and snack sticks that deliver the perfect blend of spice and snap. MATADOR beef jerky and snack sticks are available nationwide. For more information check out www.Facebook.com/MATADOR and MATADORsnacks.com.

MONSTER®
For over 30 years, Monster’s powered the music that pounds you with our professional line of cables and connectors, hooking up stages and studios for Slayer, Anthrax, White Zombie, Slash, and Ozzy Osbourne, to name a few.

That’s just part of Head Monster Noel Lee’s mission to make music sound better. We’ve spent decades improving audio technology to give people true sound reproduction…nothing added, nothing lost. Monster revolutionized the music industry when we introduced Beats™ by Dr. Dre headphones, and we quickly built on that success to become the world’s leading manufacturer of premium headphones. Since then, we’ve branched out into new genres and categories, like our iSport high-performance sports headphones and our customizable Inspiration headphones. Monster also leads the way with advanced solutions for high-performance home entertainment, audio, home theater, computers, and gaming, along with continuing to innovate in the fields of mobile accessories, home speakers, and professional audio.

Monster proudly throws our full support behind the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. Explore the world of Monster at www.monsterproducts.com

Air Force Reserves:
President Harry Truman called for the formation of the Air Force Reserve in 1948, just a year after the United States Air Force was formed. Originally, the Reserve was conceived as a “stand by” force for emergencies. But in February 1997, the Air Force Reserve changed from a Field Operating Agency to a Major Command (MAJCOM). Since then, the over 71,000-member force has evolved into the Air Force’s Wingman, performing the same missions and working side-by-side on the same equipment. The Air Force Reserve is an exciting, vibrant part of the nation’s defense. It offers similar benefits afforded to those on active duty, with one major addition: the benefit of time. Time to be with your family, time to work at your civilian career, and time to serve your country. An ideal option for those who have never been in the military and want to participate without being on full-time active duty, the Reserve is also a great way for those in other branches of the military to continue their benefits. Those include educational and retirement programs; starting their civilian careers with the stability of a second paycheck; and continuing the camaraderie and adventure only available through the service.

REVOLVER Magazine:
Revolver is the No. 1 hard-rock and heavy-metal destination in the world. In print for over 10 years, the magazine takes readers into the studio, onto the stage, and behind the scenes, providing in-depth information, mind-blowing original photography, and editorial insights they can’t find anywhere else. Revolver was recently named by Billboard as the No. 1 place to get maximum exposure as a hard-rock artist!
Every year Revolver throws the premiere U.S. hard-rock and metal awards show, the Revolver Golden Gods. Approaching it’s 5th anniversary, the show has featured appearances by Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Johnny Depp, Motley Crue, Gene Simmons, Jack Black, Rob Halford, Dave Grohl, Rob Zombie, Slash, Lemmy Kilmister, Dave Mustaine, Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, William Shatner, Kat Von D, and many others. Revolver sponsors over 20 hard-rock tours each year, including the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. Its website (www.revolvermag.com) features exclusive interviews, music and video, photo shoot outtakes, and contests. RevolverTV, the main home of hard rock and heavy metal programming on all mobile phones, features new videos weekly on over 200 mobile networks including the latest versions of Android and iPhone. This year’s ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL issue hits the street on July 10th, 2012. Check the official Revolver Magazine festival program for set times at the show!

Revolver Magazine will be back for the fifth year to sponsor ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL! Revolver’s crew will be at every date with their signature yellow tent giving away thebest prizes and hosting the most exclusive band signings of the tour! Stop by the Revolver tent in your city to pick up a limited-edition Mayhem Festival poster, drawn by fame Batman/Spawn artist Greg Capullo. Musician’s Institute will make a special appearance at ten tour dates to show guitar fans how to shred like the best guitarists inthe industry.

Century Media Records:
Century Media is delighted to be a part of the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVALonce again. Always at the forefront with an active role in emerging stylistic nuances, CM has truly shattered the barriers and exemplified diversity in extremes while remaining rooted in the underground but giving bands opportunities outside of the normal means with major league international touring, commercial radio play, and music placement in high-profile films, TV and commercials. Despite all of the years and breakthroughs the company maintains their organic, family feel and business is still being conducted by fans of the music for fans of the music. Century Media coined the phrase, “Metal for the Masses” and teaming up with the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL give them the chance, yet again, to do just that.

Metal Blade Records
Founded upon owner Brian Slagel’s enduring drive to find great bands and get their music out to as many people as possible, since 1982 Metal Blade has brought wave after wave of powerful, innovative, and often genre-defining music to the ever-hungry metal masses. It is this ethos that has seen Metal Blade build up a stunning and diverse catalogue, weather the various storms facing any independent label, and in an age of declining record sales boast the most successful years of its existence as it strides into its fourth decade. “How important is Metal Blade to our career? They’re only the reason we are enjoying the worldwide success we have today,” states Metallica’s James Hetfield. “Without Metal Blade, there is a damn good chance we never would’ve made it out of L.A,” says Slayer’s Kerry King. Metal Blade artists on Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival this year include As I Lay Dying and Whitechapel. Both artists have new albums being released in the second half of 2012 – follow @metalblade on twitter for updates throughout the summer and beyond. Visit the Metal Blade booth at each date of the festival for exclusive merchandise.

Roadrunner Records:
Roadrunner Records will once again be a part of the annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. Since the festival’s inception in 2008, Roadrunner has been proud to be a major presence at the show and 2012 will be no exception, as multiplatinum hard rock institution SLIPKNOT will be headlining the main stage. This marks the band’s second stint on the tour –they headlined the inaugural festival- and their first major U.S. run since 2009. Slipknot is like no other band the rock scene has ever encountered, having fostered their own culture and lifestyle, along with a legion of passionate, disciple-like fans. To celebrate two decades of game-changing existence, the band will release Antennas to Hell, a “best of” collection documenting its inimitable career thus far on July 17.

This year, Roadrunner will be offering concertgoers a chance to purchase Slipknot’s latest release Antennas To Hell and meet members of the band.

Keep A Breast:
The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is the leading youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization. Our mission is to eradicate breast cancer for future generations. We provide support programs for young people impacted by cancer and educate people about prevention, early detection, and cancer-causing toxins in our everyday environment.

The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is headquartered in the United States as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. We are supported in fulfilling our mission by international partners Keep A Breast Canada, Keep A Breast Europe, and Keep A Breast Japan.

Living The Dream Foundation:
Living The Dream Foundation will be joining Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival this summer to grant Dream Days for children in need. LTDF is a non-profit that makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening afflictions while enriching their lives with the positive message and family of Living The Dream. All tour long they will be selecting one special person to experience a once in a lifetime VIP day. LTDF’s special guests will be taken onstage, backstage, get meet-and-greets with whoever they would like, and the chance to eat dinner with all of the bands. For more information visit www.ltdfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/livingthedreamfoundation.

Snagola:
Snagola was launched in early Summer 2011 to bring together compelling and relevant Merchant offerings directed at College Students. We have grown to offer promotional Gift Cards through our e-Gift Card Store (http://giftcard.snagola.com). Snagola’s Homepage still offers “Featured Promotions” that we negotiate with Retailers on your behalf to bring you exclusive deals with great discounts. Snagola has compiled the best of what is out there. We even put together unique promotional offerings with partners including the Vans Warped Tour and Rockstar Mayhem Festival. While our focus is the needs, wants and desires of the College Student, everyone can take advantage of the offers on Snagola. Visit Snagola online for more information at: http://www.snagola.com