Guitarist Joe Satriani rips Coldplay on plagiarism

Although accusations of plagiarisms by people against each other have been around for quite a long time, plagiarism in this day and age of the internet have become so easy and rampant (not only in the music industry, mind you!) that any dickhead can copy certain materials and post them in a website and without even batting an eyelash claim the said body of works as theirs. .

I personally know some people who shamelessly pass themselves off as writers when in fact all their materials were culled from various sources online. It’s really funny on what extent some phony people would do to earn some unearned glory and undeserved recognition. What gives? Just to soothe one’s ego and make one look cool to the people around you? It’s laughable if you ask me. But in this particular blog entry we will just zero- in on this particular incident.

The latest case of guitarist Joe Satriani accusing Coldplay of plagiarism is just another footnote in the long history of allegations that is quite inherent in the music business.

The guitar virtuoso is claiming that the British band stole his music from his 2004 instrumental “If I Could Fly” by incorporating it to their hit, “Viva La Vida“ the carrier of their chart- topping album “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” which earned them recently seven Grammy Nominations including record and song of the year.

Joe Satriani, according to reports is taking the British band to task and taking them to court “seeking a jury trial, damages and “any and all profits” attributable to the alleged copyright infringement.”

Funny but this is not the first time that Coldplay is accused of plagiarism for the same song. Earlier in the year, Creaky Boards, an obscure band from New York also accused them of plagiarizing their song, “The Songs I Didn’t Write.”


Sometime ago there were even claims that they plagiarized one of Ashlee Simpson’s’ songs. Actually it's the other way around. Anyway, who cares, huh? Ha-ha-ha.

The merits of Mr. Satriani’s law suit against Coldplay are still to be determined by the courts. But in many cases, the result often varies; some were successful while others simply fail to take off while some, the concerned artists simply shrugged them off.

The list of people being accused/guilty of plagiarism is actually quite long and endless in the music industry; from Madonna to Britney Spears to Timbaland to Avril Lavigne to Bruce Springsteen to Nirvana to every Tom, Dick and Harry in the business and so on and so forth…

Here are just some of the few famous cases of plagiarism that were eventually settled in and out of courts; George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord,” the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” and Red Hot Chili Pepper’s “Dani California.”

Another example is Vanilla Ice’s hit “Ice Ice Baby” whose riff were stolen from the David Bowie/Queen collaboration “Under Pressure.”

Also add the opening of Scorpions’ classic “Always Somewhere” vis-à-vis Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.”

People can always deny the accusations and refute the allegations by citing all kinds of excuses and justifications. They may even win the court battles for the real truth does not emerge from litigation in most cases.

Still, common sense and decency dictates that if you take something from somebody somewhere, it’s only right to credit the source of your material. And it is never wrong to apologize for one’s transgressions whether it is by omission or intention.

Lastly, the moral of the story is, if it doesn’t belong to you, don’t pass it off as yours. And don't be afraid to tell the truth, for the truth will set you free.

Doctor's appointment: A Promise to Keep

Dr. Pepper, the soft drink company who made a promise many moons ago that they will give a free pop to everyone in the USA if the much- hyped and much-delayed Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy will ever see the light of day.

Well, don't look now but it seems that Axl Rose has finally attained enlightenment and the album will hit the stores two days from now and in the words of Tony Jacobs, Dr. Pepper’s vice- president for marketing,

“We never thought this day would come. But now that it’s here, all we can say is: The Dr. Pepper’s on us.”

So, on Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site and they'll be honored until Feb. 28 next year.

Here's the New York Times' background story of the Chinese Democracy saga, "How Axl Rose Spent All That Time"



UPDATE:

Dr. Pepper failed to keep its promise. The Doctor failed to honor the appointment and a lot of fans were left holding an empty bottle, so to speak.

A Taste of Journey II

Yes, you can have a taste of Journey and give some to Charity, too.

The 2007 REVELATION Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, a collaboration between De La Montanya Winery * Vineyards and Journey is now on sale at both the band's and winery's website.

Proceeds will go to the Bay Area Children's Charity of San Francisco.





A Taste of Journey 1

Back on the Road: Metallica

Energized heavyweights Metallica begin world tour...

"The (Led) Zeppelin mystique and that KISS thing about who are these larger-than-life comic book characters didn't interest me," Ulrich told Reuters on Tuesday, as nearly 20,000 fans at the Jobing.com hockey arena waited impatiently for their heroes.

Such bold words from Metallica's drummer Lars Ulrich. If you want to read the full article, click here

Billboard: New Guns N' Roses Single Hits Radio Tomorrow

October 21, 2008 , 5:15 PM ET

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

The title track from Guns N' Roses' new album, "Chinese Democracy," will be available to download by U.S. radio outlets at 5 a.m. ET tomorrow morning (Oct. 22). Although some album tracks leaked this summer, this is the first authorized new music from the group in nine years.

As previously reported, "Chinese Democracy" the album is due Nov. 23 exclusively via Best Buy. The 14-track set includes only three songs that have not either been performed live or leaked online in recent years.

Guns N' Roses was last on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart in 1999 with "Oh My God," its contribution to the "End of Days" soundtrack. The song peaked at No. 26. Prior to that, it hadn't appeared on the tally since 1994, when its cover of "Sympathy for the Devil" from the "Interview With a Vampire" soundtrack reached No. 10.

Spread the LOVE

RollingStone: Q&A: Journey's Arnel Pineda

"I'm trying to fill up very, very big shoes"

ANDY GREENE Posted Oct 02, 2008 11:41 AM

In Issue 1062 Rolling Stone spoke to Arnel Pineda about what seems like the dream gig of a lifetime: going on tour with Journey after being plucked from obscurity when the band caught him singing "Faithfully" on YouTube. Here's more of our conversation with the 41-year-old Filipino vocalist, as he opens up about the hardships of the road and how he learned about landing the job.

How's the tour going? It's gotta be a blast playing to such gigantic crowds.

Yeah, it is, it is. For an Asian guy like me, to be in a band, you know it's so surreal. It's some sort of a miracle it happened to me. It changed my life, overnight. Everything hasn't sunk in yet.

Do you remember the first time you heard Journey's music?

Oh, I think I was 10 or 11 years old. I think the first song I learned about then was "Open Arms." Then when I got tired of listening to "Open Arms" I borrowed my friend's Journey album, Escape, and tried to listen to every song. Basically I learned "Stone in Love," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Who's Crying Now" — that album. Journey are very big in the Philippines.


Your old band the Zoo used to cover Journey, right?

Just once every six months. When me and my guitar player went back to the Philippines from Hong Kong to form the Zoo there was this guy who remembered me singing Journey songs in the Eighties. So he yelled out the song "Faithfully," so we [played it], and then they recorded it, and those were one of the videos that were uploaded on YouTube.

So how were you first contacted by Journey?

When Neal Schon discovered the videos on YouTube, he tried to find my friend's e-mail address, so he found it and he sent him an e-mail claiming that he's Mr. Neal Schon and he's from Journey and he's serious about getting me to San Francisco to try out as their frontman. When my friend forwarded the e-mail to me, I was just laughing. I just told him that this is one of the biggest jokes I have ever received from someone. "It's a hoax," I tell him. "You shouldn't believe it."

But my friend insisted that, "Why don't you just try replying? Maybe he's really Neal Schon." But I told him that Neal Schon is one of the biggest guitar players in the world. I don't think he will ever waste his time for me. But my friend is a very persistent guy. So I e-mailed Neal Schon back and after 10 minutes he called me. But then he had to convince me that he was really Neal Schon, because I was asking him about his identity.


What kind of questions?

Like, "Are you really Neal Schon?" I was trying to challenge him to go Webcam to Webcam conversation through Yahoo! Messenger, because I told him, "I know very well the face of Neal Schon. You have to show your face so I can believe you." And then he was laughing hard and he was telling me, "Believe me, my friend. This is Neal Schon and I'm serious about me offering you to audition for my band."

After a while I felt his sincerity, so I gave in and then we exchanged numbers and I told him that we just released an album in the Philippines and we have a manager so it may be a bit of a problem. So [he spoke to my manager] and then we had an agreement that they're gonna help me find a way to process my application for a visa to get to San Francisco, and the rest was history.

Tell me about first meeting the band and your first audition.

Well I was in awe. I was star-struck, because, you know, my God, in the flesh. Real life, real time, I get to see them, I get to shake their hands ... And I was very nervous. It was nerve-wracking because, for the first time, I'm gonna sing with one of the most popular, the best bands in the world. It was lots of tremendous mixed emotion.


How did they tell you that you had the job?

Mr. Neal Schon broke it to me, the good news. I was in a hotel, he picked me up, and then he told me. I was on my way downstairs and he told me, "You got the job, boy."


Can you explain to me the sensation of walking onstage in front of all those people for the first time?

It's very scary. I was so terrified. I was just very, very afraid. Two minutes before we hit the stage, I told them that I just want to back out. But Neal Schon told me, "No. It's too late now. You can't back out anymore." So there I go. He pushed me a little, like, kiddingly, "Go. Go. Sing for us."

And how's the tour been so far? Are you more comfortable onstage now?

I am quite comfortable with the stage now, but, for me, it's still a very grueling tour. I haven't done this before. I may have done an every-night gig in Hong Kong because I was there for almost 16 years, and in Manila, Philippines, I did gigs there. After the gig, you get to go home to the same place and same house, but here, it's like ... you know? You get to experience disrupted sleep ... You get to sleep a couple of hours in the bus and then they wake you up and then you need to try to sleep back in the hotel, and then they wake you up ... two o'clock in the afternoon to do sound check, and then you have to wait there until nine o'clock.

So it's very hectic. It's very stressful. It's a very, very challenging job. It's a fantastic job, but at the same time it's a curse. Trying to fill up very, very big shoes.


It has got to be fun, on tour, to be seeing the whole country, right?


Oh, I never get to enjoy them because, it's all buses, stage, microphone, hotel rooms. I never really get to go around and walk out and just see the place. I have off days, but I would prefer resting.


It has got to be lonely at times without your family.

It is. It is very, very sad. There are days I would break down and cry. But, you know. I just have to be man enough to face that this is a job I'm doing for my family. That's all the consolation that I'm getting. That's the only thought.

It's got to be fun to be onstage, though, and see all these huge crowds.

Yeah, it is. Of course. Until now ... I still feel I'm wondering, "Why am I here with these very famous guys onstage every night?" I'm still like, "Wow, this is not really happening." But it is, you know. It's a wonderful feeling, but at the same time, it's scary. I'm just trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

Do you think it's going to be done some day? Do you think maybe you'll quit if it's too much touring?

Well, I personally told Mr. Neal Schon that the only thing that will make me quit is if I get sick. If I can't do it anymore, then I just need to go. I guess that's the same reason Steve Perry bailed out.

The guys are good to me, so with that part I have no problem. But it's just with the tour. The schedule is so grueling for me. It's so new to me. Until now, my body hasn't really adjusted to all of these amazing things that have been happening.

But the tour is done in a few weeks, right?

It will be over around October 5th.


Then you go home, right?

Yeah, but only for a short time and then I think they're planning to go out again second week of November for another three-week tour and then, yeah, Christmas-time.


So is this not all the fun that you thought it would be?

When Neal Schon told me I had the gig I already thought how hard it was gonna be, the touring and everything. I knew then. That's why I told my manager back then, "I think I can't do this."

Right, but you're doing it.

Yeah. One day at a time.

Total Eclipse: Pink Floyd founder Richard Wright dies at 65

RICHARD WRIGHT (1943- 2008)


LONDON (Reuters) - Pink Floyd keyboard player and founding member Richard Wright died on Monday after a short battle with cancer, his spokesman said. He was 65.

Wright, guitarist Roger Waters and drummer Nick Mason founded the band that became Pink Floyd in the 1960s when they were students. Pink Floyd went on to become one of the biggest names in rock.

"The family of Richard Wright, founder member of Pink Floyd, announce with great sadness, that Richard died today after a short struggle with cancer," his spokesman said in a statement.

"The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

Wright co-wrote five songs on the record "Dark Side of the Moon" which was released in 1973, spent 14 years on the Billboard 200 album chart and is one of the best selling albums ever.

Wright left Pink Floyd after falling out with Waters during sessions for "The Wall." He rejoined the band in 1987.


Here are two songs that were part of the seminal album "The Dark Side of the Moon" although I took these songs from another album, "Delicate Sound of Thunder"--

Us and Them--




The Great Gig in the Sky--

David Gilmour wants to say "Gdansk You!"

There will be a one- night showing in select movie houses across North America of Pink Floyd original David Gilmour's Live in Gdansk concert. This will coincide with the release of the live album itself.

Here's more from his website...





David's next album is Live in Gdansk, a double live album plus concert DVD to be released on Monday 22nd September 2008 (Tuesday 23rd in North America; Wednesday 8th October in Japan).

The last concert on David's 2006 Summer Tour was held in front of 50,000 people at the shipyards in Gdańsk, Poland, at the request of the Gdańsk Foundation.

The creation of the Solidarity movement, after Lech Walesa's sacking from the shipyards, led directly to the dismantling of the Soviet Union's control over the former Eastern Bloc, and to the reunification of Germany.

The concert was the only occasion on which David performed the tour material with an orchestra, using the 40-strong string section of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zbigniew Preisner, who was responsible for the On An Island album's orchestral arrangements.

Other unique features of the show included the special 6-screen design, created by lightmeister Marc Brickman to allow each band member his own dedicated screen for the edification of the audience; the performance of A Great Day For Freedom with the orchestral arrangement of the late Michael Kamen, and a guest appearance by prominent Polish pianist Leszek Mozdzer, who reprised his piano part from A Pocketful Of Stones.

Live in Gdansk will be available in versions to fit every pocket. The 2-CD audio-only version represents the August 2006 concert from the Gdańsk Shipyard, featuring David and his stellar touring band plus a 40-strong orchestra. The final concert of the On An Island tour in front of 50,000 people, it can be seen as well as heard on the 3-disc version, which includes an extra concert DVD (114 minutes long) and Gdańsk Diary, a 37-minute filmed documentary. All of the show is included on the CDs, except for Wot's... Uh The Deal?, which does however make an appearance over the concert end-credits on the DVD.

There is also a 4-disc version, packaged, like the 2-disc and the 3-disc, in a carbon-neutral cardboard wallet, with a 12-page booklet including credits and concert photos, plus a 5-disc package, presented in a cardboard box with bonus collectable extras. The 4-disc version is the same as the 3-disc version, but with an additional DVD of live performances from the Mermaid Theatre, the AOL Sessions, and Abbey Road. It also has three brand-new tracks performed as live jams by David with Richard Wright, Steve DiStanislao and Guy Pratt, filmed in David's barn. In addition, it also has the whole On An Island album in 5.1 surround sound audio, on Dolby Digital or DTS format.

As if that wasn't enough, the 5-disc version has all of the aforementioned discs, plus an extra audio CD of live tracks recorded on the Summer 2006 tour, and a 24-page booklet, reproduction concert memorabilia and a 2-sided poster.

Finally, for vinyl junkies, the entire concert will be available in a box of LPs: 8 sides will be the concert, including Wot's... Uh The Deal?, while the 5th disc holds two Barn Jams, On The Turning Away live from Venice, and two songs from the Live From Abbey Road sessions. You also get a 'Webpass', which allows one complete download of the whole five discs in MP3 format to a computer of your choice.

Dust in the Wind

You used to tell me when I would admonish you about your drinking

that just like Edgar Allan Poe with his Amontillado, you need your beer

to summon the creative spirit from deep within you.

Yes, you were quite an artist albeit a temperamental one

everyday you pursued the muses, challenged the gods

and wrestled with the demons that came your way.

And this I can say--

You put up a good fight, laughed your heart out and enjoyed

Your Life…

Although in the end you succumbed to the frailties that made and unmade you.

Tonight, I will drink a bottle of beer in your honor

but instead of an Ice-cold San Miguel, I’ll toast a Michelob for you.

So, I say Kampai to you Akihiko!

My Japanese father AKI was born in autumn 2 years after the end of the Second World War and left in May, 18 summers ago to play chess and drink with his buddies in the great beyond.

He would have been 61 today.

(What's the Story?) Morning Glory?

Oasis' Noel Gallagher Attacked In Toronto!



Oasis’ Noel Gallagher was attacked on stage by a man who sneaked past security and charged at the unsuspecting guitarist and pushed him from behind wherein he fell hard onto his speakers.

The attack was done while the band is in the middle of the song Morning Glory and occurred in front of thousands of Canadian fans at the Virgin Festival on Monday night in Toronto.

Security immediately collared the attacker whisked him off the stage followed by members of the band back stage several seconds later. The concert was delayed for about 15 minutes before Oasis returned on stage to finish the set.

Afterwards, Mr. Gallagher was brought to the hospital for treatment where he was diagnosed to have suffered a broken rib. This was the second time that Mr. Gallagher was attacked while playing on stage. In 1994 a man also slipped past security and punched him in the face.

The attacker was later identified to be a 47- year old man named Daniel Sullivan who was brought to the police station but released pending his arraignment on assault charges on October 2, 2008.

Obviously Oasis’ Wonderwall once again failed them last night.

Wild Thing

In March 1967 at Finsbury Astoria in London, Jimi Hendrix lit a fire on his way to rock stardom. He literally and figuratively set his 1965 Fender Stratocaster afire onstage but he got burned in the process for his concert- ending stunt earned him a trip to the hospital for minor burnt injuries in his hands.

A lot had been said about that legendary night and the fate of his “Strat” went unheard of for decades until the nephew of Tony Garland, who was once Mr. Hendrix’s aide found the burnt guitar in his grandparents’ garage in England in 2007.

Today, that iconic guitar sold for $495,000 at an auction by the rock memorabilia firm, Fame Bureau and was bought by Daniel Boucher an American collector who plans to convert the guitar for right- hand playing so that he can play it himself. In case you don’t know it yet, the guitar god was a lefty.

Here’s a video of his US debut as the Jimi Hendrix Experience at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival where his only other documented "guitar- burning” took place.

Masked Madness

Like every artist worth his music, the masked metal band from Iowa Slipknot dreams of being on top of of the Billboard pop charts for quite some time but never attained it.

Although they did come close twice in the past with the albums “Vol. 3 the Subliminal Verses” peaking at No. 2 in 2004 and “Iowa” landing at No. 3 in 2001, in the final counting they always end up short.

This time though they will not be denied as they achieved the feat and finally joined the elite group of chart toppers.

Their latest album “All Hope Is Gone” is now No.1 according to Billboard, and has sold 239, 516 copies on its first week to relegate the Game‘s “LAX” to number 2.

This time, the metal band won the battle over the rapper even by a mere 1,134 album sales.


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Sir Duke

Motown Superstar Stevie Wonder will receive the Gershwin Award for Popular song on February 29, 2009. He will be the second recipient of the award after Paul Simon in 2007 which is given by the Library of Congress to recognize a musician‘s lifetime of work.

James Billington of the Library of Congress in a statement said that, the prize is to “honor an artist whose work transcends musical styles to bring diverse listeners together and foster mutual understanding.”

Songs like "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "My Cherie Amour, ""Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours," "Superstition," and "I Just Called to say I Love You" have indeed transcend generations and endeared him to music lovers all over the world.

Another Brick in the Wall

Pink Floyd received the 2008 Polar Prize worth $157, 700 from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in honor of their contribution to popular music.


The Polar Prize, founded by Stig Anderson, (a.k.a. the manager of ABBA) is Sweden’s highest and biggest music prize and is usually given to pop artists and classical musicians. Some past winners were Paul McCartney, Pierre Boulez and Bruce Springsteen, just to name a few, all successful artists in their own right.

The Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt cited Pink Floyd who was represented by Nick Mason and Roger Waters for "a monumental contribution ... and captured the mood and spirit of a whole generation in their reflections and attitudes."

Various Swedish artists performed their songs during the ceremony which were capped by the singing of their monstrous hit “Another Brick in the Wall.”

They shared the honors with soprano Renee Fleming who was also honored for her contribution to opera.

Neil Young's back in the saddle

The Old Man is back on the road again in North America. The short journey commences on October 14 in St. Paul, Minnesota and will end at the Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 15, 2008.

There will be a one night stop- over in Motown on December 7 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Wilco and Everest will be the front act.

Tickets go on sale for the Detroit date on Sept. 12. Tickets will be $45, $75 and $250. For more information, go to www.neilyoung.com or www.livenation.com.

Dave Matthews Band's LeRoi Moore, 46

Leroi Moore
September 7, 1961- August 19, 2008

"LeRoi Moore, the versatile saxophonist whose signature staccato fused jazz and funk overtones onto the eclectic sound of the Dave Matthews Band, died Tuesday of complications from injuries he suffered in an all-terrain vehicle accident, the band said. He was 46." --AP

Metallica's Death Magnetic in store September 12, 2008

Yes, per posting on the band's website entitled "The Last Piece of the Puzzle"-- "Death Magnetic" their first album in five years, will be released worldwide on September 12, 2008.

By scheduling the release of the said album on a Friday, Metallica is once again defying the norms for albums are usually released in North America on a Tuesday. But knowing their history and peculiarity, this is not surprising since they did the same thing with their ill- fated album (read: commercial failure) "St. Anger" where it was released a day earlier than planned in their attempt to combat piracy.

Metallica by the way will be back on the concert scene this Saturday at Ozzfest in Dallas, Texas wherein guitarist Kirk Hammett will join Slayer's Kerry King, Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrel and Anthrax's Scott Ian in a tribute to late Pantera guitarist Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott, who was murdered on stage in Columbus, Ohio, in 2004.

Highway to Hell

AC/DC, the legendary rock band from Down Under, formed by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young in the early 70s and is widely considered to be the father of hard rock and heavy metal is raring to go and traverse the Highway to Hell again.

Yes, fellow rockers, according to Billboard, the Hall of Famers will be embarking on a World Tour and will jumpstart the 18- month, 17 countries juggernaut tentatively named as “Black Ice” with a concert in October in a still to be determined location in the United States.

Manager Rob Light said that this will be the band's first world tour in nearly 8 years which will coincide with the release of their new album exclusively through Wal-Mart (following in the footsteps of the Eagles and Journey) wherein the single “Runaway Train” is on its way to various radio station next month.

So I say, power up and let’s get ready to rock ‘n roll!


Here’s a video clip of AC/DC with their late front man Bon Scott--

'Rock Across America' With VH1 Classic!

NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ VH1) -

VH1 Classic is celebrating some of America's most influential music icons from all regions of the United States this July 4th weekend. Beginning on Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6 the network will "Rock Across America" and dedicate one day to each region of the country including the East, Midwest, South and West. The 4-day marathon will include some of the greatest concerts known to the rock 'n' roll world and will give an all-access look into the lives of these American music greats that helped shape the classic rock culture. Throughout the holiday weekend that celebrates America, classic rock fans across the country will be able to relive the memories with artists like Bruce Springsteen, James Brown, KISS, The Temptations, Tom Petty, Heart and more.
Highlighted programming to air throughout the weekend include:

The East

"VH1 Storytellers: Bruce Springsteen" Airs on Thursday, July 3 at 3:30 PM ET/PT

New Jersey singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen gives fans the performance of their lives as he performs songs from his album "Devils & Dust." Viewers will get a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration and stories behind such hits as "Blinded by the Light," "Brilliant Disguise" (which he performs with his wife Patti Scialfa), "The Rising," "Thunder Road" and from his new album the title track "Devils & Dust" and "Jesus Was An Only Son." The acoustic show ends with questions about Bruce's life and work.


"KISS Unplugged" Airs on Thursday, July 3 at 6:00 PM ET/PT

The KISS nation will get a chance to rock hard with original and current members of the legendary New York City rock band KISS. For a full hour fans can watch a makeup-free KISS play some of their greatest hits acoustically with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss reuniting to play tracks like "Rock and Roll All Night" and "Nothing To Lose." Fans will also get to see current members Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick join the crew to belt out songs like "Comin' Home" and "See You Tonight."

"VH1 Classic in Concert: Poison: Live, Raw and Uncut" Airs on Thursday, July 3 at 8:00 PM ET/PT

Poison performs at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in St. Louis on August 2, 2007. This Pennsylvania band performs some of their greatest hits including "I Want Action," "I Won't Forget You," "Something To Believe In," "Unskinny Bop," "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Talk Dirty To Me."

The Midwest

"The Temptations" Airs on Friday, July 4 at 6:00 PM ET/PT

The true story of The Temptations, the Soul vocal group of the 1960s, as seen from the viewpoint of the last surviving member, Otis Williams, played by Charles Malik Whitfield. The story begins in the late 1950s in their hometown of Detroit and chronicles their humble beginnings to their adventurous climb to the top and ends in the 1990s with the untimely deaths of the remaining four members. Also starring are, D.B. Woodside as Melvin Franklin, Terron Brooks as Eddie Kendricks, Christian Payton as Paul Williams and Leon as David Ruffin.

"VH1 Classic in Concert: Styx" Premieres on Friday, July 4 at 11:00 PM ET/PT

Hailing from Chicago, Styx are one of the most successful bands of all time with worldwide album sales in the millions. On May 25, 2006 they took the stage in Cleveland for a new venture accompanied by the 115 piece Contemporary Youth Orchestra and a 60 member chorus. With a set list that combined Styx classics, new songs and cover versions this was a truly unique event.

The South

"VH1 Classic in Concert: ZZ Top Live from Texas" Premieres on Saturday, July 5 at 4:00 PM ET/PT

This newest installment of VH1 Classic's "Classic In Concert" series features ZZ Top captured at their very best in their home state of Texas. Band members Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard deliver hit after hit in their own imitable style.

"Rock and Rock Picture Show: Jailhouse Rock" Premieres on Saturday, July 5 at 7:00 PM ET/PT

Starring Elvis Presley and Judy Tyler, "Jailhouse Rock" is a film about an ex-convict, named Vince Everett, who upon release from jail, goes on to not only start his own record label but become the shining star he always thought himself to be. This is the classic story of a 'nobody becoming a somebody' and belittling everyone around him in the process. Humility ultimately catches up to him and Everett finds out the hard way that friends are more important than stardom.

"Soundstage: Tom Petty" Airs on Saturday, July 5 at 9:00 PM ET/PT

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers hit the stage for a night of classic rock and roll. This Florida band, recognized as one of the greatest American rock bands performs some of their most memorable hits including: "American Girl," "Don't Do Me Like That," "Free Falling," and many others taken from a catalog of critically acclaimed albums. For decades Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers have earned praise and adoration from fans for their trademark brand of American rock and roll and their refusal to compromise their integrity. The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the first year they were eligible.

The West

"John Fogerty: The Long Road Home" Premieres on Sunday, July 6 at 6:00 PM ET/PT

This comprehensive retrospective features, for the first time ever, all of the California songwriter's most poignant and enduring hits. Included are seminal tracks from the "Creedence" catalog, along with the creme de la creme of his solo work, including "Centerfield," "Deja Vu (All Over Again)" and "Hot Rod Hear" from the GRAMMY Award-winning CD "Blue Moon Swamp."

"Journey: Revelation" Premieres on Sunday, July 6 at 8:00 PM ET/PT

Live from the March 6, 2008 Las Vegas concert marking the first U.S. public appearance of Journey's current lineup. San Francisco's own, Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) - are proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda ('pin-eh-da'). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.

"Heart: Dreamboat Annie" Premieres on Sunday, July 6 at 10:00 PM ET/PT

On April 17, 2007, the iconic rock group and Seattle natives, Heart took the stage at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles in front of a live audience to perform their spectacular 1976 debut album "Dreamboat Annie" in its entirety for the first time ever! Songs performed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson include "Crazy on You," "Magic Man" and "Dreamboat Annie."

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60's, 70's and 80's, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Madonna and many more. Learn more at VH1Classic.com

Free Copy of Journey REVELATION CD/DVD

This is to give Arnel Pineda and Journey Fans outside of North America the chance to own their new REVELATION CD/DVD ALBUM. So, US and Canada Residents are disqualified to join since you can easily buy the said album at a store near you.

I am a Filipino Journey Fan and I am putting my money where my mouth is. So, I am giving away 2 Revelation Albums every month starting June 30, 2008 until December 30, 2008 in support of Arnel Pineda’s unparalleled journey with Journey through lottery drawing every 15th and 30th of the month.

To qualify, you must be a certified blogger and your site should be current. You can add yourself to the new Arnel Pineda & Journey Fan Group, REVELATION in Multiply if you want to but it's not necessary to avail of the prize. For non- multiply users, you can post a shoutout about your intention to participate in the contest at the cbox located on the left side of this website. Or simply put 'em in the comment section below.

You can also submit your name or pseudoname and the URL of your website/ blog at journey.rocks@yahoo.com or journey(dot)rocks@yahoo.com or for questions about your eligibility. No strings attached, free shipping worldwide.


Winners will be posted on this website at half an hour after the contest ends. If you win, you can contact me at the same email address for your postal address.


The first drawing will be on June 30, 2008 8 pm EST.


GO FORTH AND SPREAD THE WORD…

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Josh Groban: Awake Live

Josh Groban released his third live album, Awake Live last May 6, 2008 which features his August 28, 2007 concert at Salt Lake City’s EnergySolutions Arena in Utah.

I was hoping that he would choose his concert at the Palace of Auburn Hills where I watched the said show last February 2007 since he used to study at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan before he made it big. But it didn’t turn out that way. He-he.

Anyway, Josh Groban chose the Utah concert because of its significance; He made his first arena concert in Salt Lake City and he also sang at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics there wherein his performance was viewed by more than 2 billion people worldwide.

I got Josh Groban's brand new CD/DVD Awake Live from Sam’s Club for $19.99 the other day and the moment I played it on my CD player, I was transported back in time, in that cold and fantastic night at the Palace where he wowed the crowd with his showmanship and lulled us into dreamland by his soothing baritone about a year and two months ago.

I already listened and enjoyed the CD while I haven’t watched the DVD yet although I read from the album’s notes that it includes majority of the songs from his Awake album with a smattering of tracks from his 2001 double - platinum self- titled debut album as well as from the multi- platinum Closer.

But the reason I refrain from watching the DVD is because of this---





Yes, Grobanites you better check your local theater listings for the World Wide Theatrical Premiere of AWAKE LIVE on Thursday, May 15 in the United States and relive his sensational Awake performances once again.

I will be driving to Emagine Theater in Canton, MI to do just that.

iLike R.E.M.

R.E.M. following in the footsteps of Radiohead announced their plan to release the new "Accelerate" album, their 14th studio release on iLike, the online music sharing service on March 24th. The 11 track album along with a video introduction and discussion will be made available in streaming form.

The iLike music and social networking site allows their users (23 million as of last count) not only to share and listen to music but also interact directly with artists.

Isn’t it great to see great bands like R.E.M. as well as Radiohead offering their music for free as a way of paying their loyal fans back for their support?

Michael Stipe in an interview once said and I quote,

"I think you can either go with it or sit back and watch it happen, and I would rather be out on the field than in the bleachers."

I say, I second the motion.

Here's one of my fave songs of R.E.M.--

Journey featuring Arnel Pineda in Chile 2008

Festival de Viña del Mar

The Journey Watch

TOUR SCHEDULE


02/21/08

Quinta Vergara

Vina del Mar, Chile, Festival

02/23/08

Santiago Arena with Peter Frampton/Earth, Wind & Fire

Santiago, Chile

02/24/08

Vina del Mar Casino

Valparaiso, Chile

03/08/08

Planet Hollywood Theatre for the Performing Arts

Las Vegas, Nevada

Across The Universe Day

Tonight, February 4, 2008 at exactly 7 EST, NASA will beam the Beatles’ song Across The Universe to outer space while people and radio stations around the world are being asked to play the song at the same time to celebrate the first ever “Across The Universe Day.”

NASA in a statement, “the transmission will be aimed at the North Star, Polaris which is 431 light years away from earth. The song will travel across the universe at a speed of 186, 000 per second..”

The “Simultaneous- Playing” also marks the 40th Anniversary of the song which was first recorded by the Fab Four on February 4, 1968 at the EMI Studios in Abbey Road, London, England.

There are 4 different versions of the songs which can be found at the following albums:


Original 1968 version on Past Masters Volume II



Alternate 1968 version on The Beatles Anthology Volume II




Remixed 1970 version on Let It Be



Remixed 2003 version on Let It Be…Naked



So, tonight with my trusty old guitar in hand, I’ll be singing and playing my own version of the song to be ONE with all The Beatles’ fans and music lovers all over the world.

This a one for the books celebration that transcends race, gender and age which only shows us how their music is universal and still relevant to this day.



Here's the link to
NASA's Special Across The Universe Video

Here's the Link when "Simul- Play" is happening in your are
Across The Universe

The New Journey

Arnel Pineda (vocals)
Neal Schon (guitar)
Jonathan Cain (keyboards)
Ross Valory (bass)
Deen Castronovo (drums)

A Taste of Journey

Yes Folks, you are looking at a bottle of Limited Edition 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from the De La Montanya Family of Sonoma, CA with an Autographed label from all the members of the rock band, Journey.

With just 16 cases on sale, proceeds of the $100 bottle goes to California's Greater Bay Area Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Hmmm, I'm thinking of getting one but...

Anyway, let me introduce you to Journey's very potent line- up:

Arnel Pineda (lead singer)
Neal Schon (guitar)
Jonathan Cain (keyboards)
Ross Valory (bass)
Deen Castronovo (drums)

And new lead singer Arnel Pineda’s journey with Journey begins this coming February 21 at the Festival de Viña del Mar in Chile to jumpstart their 2008 Concert Tour Series…

I say, let's drink to that.

The Songs Remain The Same

LED ZEPPELIN at the O2 Arena, London, England

Two Clips: