VH1's New Supergroup Metal Show
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: VH1 plans a show in hopes to bring metal back to the forefront.
Topic: Hair Metal
VH1 and J.D. Roth's 3 Ball Prods. ("Breaking Bonaduce") have gone into business with a few heavy-metal American idols.

Cabler has greenlit "SuperGroup," a seven-episode reality show that casts Ted Nugent, Scott Ian, Sebastian Bach, Evan Seinfeld and Jason Bonham as members of a new band aimed at bringing metal back to the forefront of the music scene.

Rockers from different bands will live together for two weeks in Las Vegas. They will endure boot camp-style training from iconic rock manager Doc McGhee in preparation for a concert at Sin City night spot Rain.

VH1 exec VP of original programming Michael Hirschorn said skeinskein is part of cabler's larger effort to resuscitate music programming. Over the last couple years, VH1 has rebuilt its ratings via Celebreality Sundays -- a lineup of reality shows, anchored by B-list celebs, including "Hogan Knows Best," "Bonaduce," "The Surreal Life" and its multiple spinoffs.

"What I liked about 'SuperGroup' was that it combined elements that have worked so well for us in Celebreality with an organic music idea," Hirschorn said.

Series began production Wednesday for a May 18 premiere at 10 p.m.

While band members participating in "SuperGroup" have not committed to sticking together beyond the two-week period, Hirschorn said plans to record a single are being mulled.

VH1's last big push into music series programming -- shows including "Bands on the Run" and "Bands Reunited" -- helped pull the channel out of ratings limbo at the end of 2004 alongside pop nostalgia franchise "I Love the ..."

"SuperGroup" is the first of several music-centric series on tap for later this year, Hirschorn said. As part of the initiative, VH1 on Saturday will roll out the first entry in a new documentary franchise, "Rock Docs." DMC will be the first profiled.

Roth's 3 Ball is producing Fox's upcoming reality competishcompetish "Unanimous."

Courtesy of www.variety.com

Great White In Court
Mood:  sad
Now Playing: Great White being charged for 2003 nightclub incident.
Topic: Hair Metal
A number of new defendants were named in an amended civil lawsuit filed Wednesday by survivors and relatives of those killed in the Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, nearly three years ago. The February 20, 2003, blaze - which started when onstage pyrotechnics set off during a Great White performance ignited soundproofing foam on the club's walls - claimed the lives of 100 people and left 200 others injured.

According to The Associated Press, the revised suit names individual members of Great White, claiming bassist David Felice, drummer Eric Powers, guitarist Mark Kendall and lead singer Jack Russell helped arrange the pyrotechnics display but never sought the required permit. Russell was the sole member of the group to be included in the original suit, which was filed in July 2004. The updated complaint replaces the original lawsuit, and comes mere days before a three-year deadline for claims stemming from the Station tragedy.

The amended suit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages, restores the state of Rhode Island as a defendant (a federal judge dropped the state from the civil action last year), and introduced claims that the state is responsible for the "egregious negligence" of West Warwick's fire inspector Denis Larocque, the AP reports. Plaintiffs' lawyers allege that the fire inspector failed to cite the club for installing the flammable foam around the stage and as a buffer lining the walls.

West Warwick building official Stephen Murray has also been added to the suit's list of defendants. He's accused of failing to properly inspect the Station and enforce occupancy restrictions and exit requirements.

Aram DerManouelian, the president of American Foam, has been named in the revised complaint, accused of discouraging his employees from informing potential buyers about the hazards the foam might pose. Several companies that produce and sell some of the foam and insulation that was present inside the club at the time of the fire (including Home Depot) were named, along with insurance companies accused of failing to rigorously inspect the Station edifice for the flammable foam.

Nearly four dozen defendants were listed in the original filing, including the club's owners, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, Great White's former tour manager, Daniel Biechele, and American Foam Corporation. The Derderians still face 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, stemming from the fatal inferno. Late last month, Biechele, who'd been facing the same criminal charges, pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter as part of a deal that will see him serve no more than 10 years behind bars.

AXL ROSE IN COURT AGAIN!
Mood:  don't ask
Now Playing: Yes, and this time he's not the defendant.
Topic: Hair Metal
LOS ANGELES - It's not Gun N' Roses but cars and cash that have rocker Axl Rose suing a Beverly Hills auto dealership.

The suit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims the dealership failed to deliver two luxury cars after receiving $20,000 in deposits and also failed to give the Guns N' Roses frontman any money after selling his Ferrari.

Rose contends that Beverly Hills Classic Cars took his deposits but violated oral agreements to get him a 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo and a 2005 Porsche GT3.

The suit also contends the dealer sold his consigned 1999 Ferrari Marinello but never paid him a promised $135,000 of the proceeds.

After-hours calls to the dealer and its owner were not immediately returned Thursday night.

Courtesy of www.ap.org

Bon Jovi gives unsigned bands the chance to open their concerts....
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: The Have A Nice Day tour has finally kicked-off.
Topic: Hair Metal
Thousands of Bands Nationwide Compete To Make Their Dreams Reality During Bon Jovi's "Have A Nice Day" World Tour

LOS ANGELES, January 9, 2006 - In step with their "Have A Nice Day" tour announcement, Bon Jovi issued a challenge to unsigned bands nationwide to submit their best single to XM Satellite Radio and participating local radio stations for the chance to be their opening act. Since kicking off the "Have A Nice Gig" challenge on November 2nd, hundreds of bands have submitted their best tracks to local and XM Satellite radio and 24 have already become hometown heroes -- taking the stage before Bon Jovi in their local arenas.

In all, more than 50 unsigned regional bands, in 36 tour markets across North America will win the opportunity to be Bon Jovi's opening act. In addition, one grand-prize winning band, determined by Bon Jovi fans, a panel of music experts and the band will open for Bon Jovi in front of fans at Giants Stadium next summer and secure a demo recording deal.

The "Have A Nice Gig" competition, which consists of 52 total concert dates, began November 2, 2005 in Des Moines, Iowa and concludes with Bon Jovi's March 9, 2006 concert in Phoenix, Arizona. The first 10 opening act competitions were promoted through participating local radio stations; the next 14 through a promotion with XM Satellite Radio and the final 28 shows will again team with local radio stations.

The competition is broken up into two legs. The first leg includes the initial 24 winning bands as selected for concerts in November and December. The voting phase to determine a first round winner begins January 9th and ends February 5th during which time the public is encouraged to log on to http://bonjovi.xmradio.com and vote for their favorite band. One winning band from the first leg of competition will be selected in February. Leg two of the competition will include 28 opening act winners from concerts between January 14th through March 9th. Information on the second leg of competition will be announced shortly.

It was more than 20 years ago that Jon Bon Jovi, still an unsigned and struggling artist, was asked to submit his single titled "Runaway" for a local radio station's "homegrown" compilation album in New York. Soon the single was being played in heavy rotation across the country and the rest as they say... is history. Now, Bon Jovi is challenging unsigned artists nationwide to create their own "Runaway" success story and has teamed-up with radio stations nationwide, XM Satellite Radio and AEG Live to help with their search.

"Every kid who ever picked up a guitar dreams of playing in their hometown arena. Most only dream," says Jon Bon Jovi. "I was that kid and I remember dreaming from the cheap seats aboutthat shot. 22 years ago, I went to a radio station with a demo tape and got a D.J. to play my song." Jon adds, "When I had the idea to help local bands at all of the shows nationwide I must say it was met with uncertainty by some knowledgeable folks. But thanks to XM and AEG Live, we're making 55 bands' dreams come true."

Des Moines rockers, The Nadas, were the first of 24 unsigned bands to win the coveted opening slot performing for more than 15,000 Bon Jovi fans on November 2nd. "I am on a high I don't want to come down from," exclaimed Jason Walsmith, vocalist and guitar player for The Nadas. "I feel like we shouldn't play another show so I can keep the taste of arena rock on my tongue."

One of the qualities of XM Satellite Radio that I'm most proud of is the fact that we embrace musicians that have been overlooked by terrestrial radio and, in some cases, haven't been discovered by record labels, remarked Jon Zellner," Senior Vice President/Music Programming. "There are so many talented musicians out there just waiting for a chance to get their music played. I'm glad that we've been able to assemble some of the best unsigned talent and give them opportunity to realize their dream."

In Chicago, competition became so fierce for a chance to open for Bon Jovi during their sold-out two-night run at the United Center that both Sleeping Shelby and The Steepwater Band became instant celebrities. The bands were featured with interviews and performances on WGN TV, one of the countries highest rated morning shows and on WLUP, a top radio station in Chicago.

Courtesy of www.bonjovi.com

Mick Mars Pulled Offstage... Police!
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: I think Motley Crue's Mick Mars had a few too many beers....
Topic: Hair Metal
It could be a scene from the movie "Spinal Tap": Veteran rocker calls the cops after a concert, complaining that two fans pulled him off the stage.

But the fans say, no, the rocker felloff the stage. Too many Shirley Temples?

It all happened during the closing number at the Motley Crue show on New Year's Eve at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Guitarist Mick Mars leaned forward toward some fans; he says to give them a guitar pick.

But the two fans, Karen Ann Sklar, 30, of Birmingham and Christine Bajaj, 32, of Sterling Heights, told Auburn Hills police they saw Mars reaching out to them, and thought he was trying to pull them onstage, maybe to go backstage.

Everybody knows there ain't no party like a Motley Crue backstage party.

Witness reports vary; two bystanders backed the women up, saying they didn't yank him, while a Palace security officer thought they did.

At any rate, Mars, who had a hip operation just over a year ago, plummeted to the floor.

Although he asked that the police be called, Mars declined to press criminal charges. In a comment posted on Motley Crue's Web site, the guitarist said, "I'm fine, I am undamaged. I had a great time, and to the girl that pulled me in, I am not upset with her or mad. I hope she got my pick. See ya'll next time. Thanks for a very memorable New Year's Evening."

Neither Sklar nor Bjaj returned calls from a reporter.

Maybe it's age maybe it's that hip operation, but longtime concertgoers will remember a time when rockers like Bruce Springsteen used to willingly fling themselves out into a Detroit audience -- and be caught.

Def Leppard to do an album full of 70's Glam covers....
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Covermainia? Rock On!
Topic: Hair Metal
British rockers record glam classics for "Yeah!" After a nonstop 2005 -- marked by a twenty-fifth-anniversary hits compilation, a slew of TV appearances and tours with Bryan Adams and Cheap Trick -- Def Leppard have no plans of stopping. This spring will bring a covers album, Yeah!, followed by a summer tour.

For Yeah!, the Eighties mega-rockers plan to reach back into music history for over-the-top favorites that predate the band. "I saw Marc Bolan and T. Rex in 1971 on Top of the Pops," Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell recalls, "and [singer] Joe [Elliott] has the same memory. I was nine years old, and I knew I wanted to play guitar. So most of the songs come from the glam era: T. Rex, Roxy Music, E.L.O."

While the album will include renditions of E.L.O.'s "10538 Overture" and Roxy Music's "Street Life" -- which Campbell says the band recorded "as more of a punk-rock song" -- expect more straight-up rockers, like Thin Lizzy's "Don't Believe a Word," as well as some melodic material, like the Kinks classic "Waterloo Sunset." "But we really made it sound like Def Leppard," Campbell says of the Kinks track. "Joe does a great vocal, and we made the guitar parts work."

After a summer tour, likely to launch in June, Def Leppard plan to get to work on a new studio album, due in 2007. "We've really tried to gather ideas on the road this last summer," Campbell explains.

Meanwhile, the guitarist has further kept himself busy this year with the release of his first solo album, Two Sides of If -- a blues-flavored collection of covers that finds him taking the mike for the first time. "Blues as a genre works well for me, because it can accommodate me as a guitar player as well as a singer," he explains.

But while a solo project has long been a mission for Campbell, there's no chance of him quitting the band he joined some thirteen years ago. "I did this record because I wanted to and I could," he says. "I don't desire to be the point guy. I prefer being a team guy -- if it's the right team."

Courtesy of www.rollingstone.com

New albums do out soon!
Now Playing: Even if hair metal is long gone, albums from your favorite bands are still coming out.
01/08: Ginger - Valor Del Corazon
01/24: Ace Frehley - Greatest Hits Live
01/27: Bob Catley - Spirit Of Man
02/06: Iron Maiden - Death On The Road DVD
02/06: Whitesnake - Live: In The Still Of The Night DVD
02/07: Whitesnake - The Definitive Collection
02/17: Warrant - Born Again

Van Halen May Be Reuniting
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: David Lee Roth says the reunion is inevitable.
Topic: Hair Metal
Reuniting the original Van Halen lineup is just a matter of time, according to David Lee Roth. "I talked to the drummer [Alex Van Halen] about a week ago," the band's former lead singer tells the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. "And I think, eventually, the inevitable will happen."

"It definitely won't be rockers with walkers," he adds, seemingly indicating that a reunion is in the near, as opposed to distant, future. "Getting onstage and singing 'Dance the Night Away' -- let me tell you how difficult that isn't going to be."

The comments came in a Q&A about Roth's new career: morning radio host. Once one of rock's notorious bad boys, the performer debuted today (Jan. 3) in the 6 a.m.-10 a.m. slot on more than a half dozen stations that formerly broadcast Howard Stern, who will soon bow a show on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Along with Alex and Eddie Van Halen (guitar) and Michael Anthony (bass), Roth is a founding member of Van Halen, who recorded and performed with the band from the mid 1970s until his exit in 1985. When his replacement, Sammy Hagar, left Van Halen in 1996, Roth recorded a pair of new songs with his former bandmates for a career retrospective, but tensions kept the reunion from progressing any further.

After Van Halen parted ways with former Extreme frontman Gary Cherone after a single album, Roth once again tested the waters with his old crew early in the 21st Century, but the project's momentum sagged when Eddie Van Halen was diagnosed with cancer.

Roth, whose solo career started off promisingly with hit remakes of "Just a Gigolo" and "California Girls," has seen his star fade substantially from his glory days. In recent years he has recorded and toured sporadically, including a summer 2002 co-headlining jaunt with Hagar; he has also worked as an emergency medical technician in New York, gaining his certification in 2004.

But for now, Roth's concentration is on his radio career, based at "92.3 Free FM" WFNY New York, formerly known as WXRK and "K-Rock."

"Where do you start on a gig like this?" he asked on the air this morning, before answering his own question with a post-New Year's discussion of what to eat when you have a hangover. For Roth, it's "a two-cheeseburger happy meal super-sized with a Coke."

In his first hour, Roth also reminisced about listening to radio for the first time as a child in the early '60s. He briefly sang along to a soul song and made suggestions about what should be done with the space at Ground Zero in New York's lower Manhattan.

Roth didn't wrangle any rock royalty guests to help him through his first syndicated show, though he did take one jab at an old bandmate. When WFNY had difficulty putting callers on the air, Roth quipped, "Who's manning the phones, Eddie Van Halen?"

But despite that and plenty of public feuding with his old band, some of it aired in his 1997 autobiography, "Crazy From the Heat," Roth holds his career with Van Halen in an honorable place.

"When people bring up Van Halen, I talk about it with pride and with no apprehension at all," he told the Tribune Review. "I play those songs all the time."

Courtesy of www.billboard.com

Robert Plant To Donate To Charity
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Ex-Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant to help aid Africans.
Topic: Classic Rock
MESA, Ariz. - Robert Plant has secured a $60,000 donation for a Carefree, Ariz.-based charitable organization that aids nomadic people in drought-stricken West Africa.

Plant, former frontman for Led Zeppelin, had committed proceeds from a four-song CD by his band, Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, but it failed to generate the royalties he had expected.

The 57-year-old rocker made an appeal to PAR Charitable Trust, a small grant-making organization, which agreed to make up the financial gap needed to build and operate school dorms for 200 children for three years, TurtleWill founder Irma Turtle said recently.

TurtleWill offers medical treatment, school funding and employment training for tribal people in remote regions of Ethiopia, Mali and Niger.

The trust will supplement proceeds from sales of the "Live in Paris" CD to build eight dormitories and provide meals, blankets, school uniforms and medicine for students in four locales in Mali.

On the Net:
http://www.robertplant.com/
http://www.turtlewill.org/

Courtesy of www.ap.org

P.S. Merry Christmas!!!!! No updates tomorrow!

Motley Crue to record new album with Bob Rock!
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Nikki Sixx says its the Crue's new album is now for sure.
Topic: Hair Metal
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has told Doug Podell of Detroit's WRIF 101.1 FM that the band will commence the songwriting/demoing process for their new studio album on May 1, 2006. Joining the group for the new album sessions will be producer Bob Rock, who previously worked with Motley Crue on their "Dr. Feelgood" and self-titled albums, as well as the three new tracks that appeared on CRUE's two-CD "greatest hits" collection, "Red, White & Crue", which came out in early February.

"We are definitely gonna make a new record," Sixx told WRIF earlier this month. "We go back out on tour in February. We tour into the first week of April. May 1st we start writing and rehearsals for the new music, probably demoing stuff up. We're doing the new album with Bob Rock. And then when it's ready, we're gona cut it. Our intention is to make the greatest record we've ever made. With that being said, we also believe that if we overthink it, it will lose its rawness, so we wanna get in there and just terrorize the music and then just get it on tape. That's the idea, but that's more of in a perfect world. In a MOTLEY world, we will probably get closer to getting the album done and then go, 'You know what? We're missing one or two songs,' or something, which we do a lot. We did that... 'Kickstart My Heart' was the last song written for the 'Dr. Feelgood' album.

"We are very excited about making a new record. I think new music is so important. We have a great catalog of music - people love to hear all the hits, and we've been playing obscure songs as well - but new music is really the lifeblood of any rock 'n' roll band. And you have to do it, you have to forge forward. Especially for bands like us and AEROSMITH and AC/DC that have been around for so long. We have to keep making new music or we become nostalgic. Which is, I think, what we all felt about KISS. We go, 'God, we love KISS, we love the show, but it's only trading on the past and not moving into the future.' So that's where we're at."

Listen to the 13-minute audio interview with Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, conducted earlier this month by Doug Podell of Detroit's WRIF 101.1 FM, at this location (Windows Media).

Courtesy of www.motley.com