Rock Of Ages
The A to Z of classic rock, metal, prog, blues,
folk, fusion, punk, alt-country, comedy and more ...

Dear rock fans…

Welcome to the first 2009 Rock of Ages newsletter filled with news, reviews, playlists and rock recommendations… First up if you are not familiar with the change of station – the show has shifted to UJFM which is the campus radio station at The University of Johannesburg (formerly known as RAU) and broadcasts live every Sunday 2pm-5pm on 95.4 FM (Joburg only) and on live audio streaming at www.ujfm.co.za.

I'm grateful to the UJFM Music Manager, Sot Moldovanos, for bringing the show on board – please let him know how appreciative you are by emailing him at sot@ujfm.co.za. At this time there is no DSTV coverage but I am assured that the station is looking into it….it's been quite an adjustment moving to an afternoon show after years of burning the midnight oil in studio dungeons located deep in the earth (ok that's a bit exaggerated) but I'm very happy to be back on air. It's made even more special by the fact that the general audience is pretty young but judging from the sms's received after each show, they are totally into rock especially classic rock –I've had requests for all the icons; Stones,Who, Jimi, Led Zep, Purple, Sabbath, Doors etc as well as the newer bands like Porcupine Tree, The Answer, Airbourne, Riverside, Tool and the like. Musically Rock of Ages remains pretty much the same –eclectic, unpredictable and totally unrehearsed! …

For those of you who have asked about the Rock of Ages Specials that I used to host, the good news is that this feature will return to the show in May…30 minutes of ad free, non stop music from some of rock's guiding lights –Expect upcoming specials from the likes of Trapeze, Juicy Lucy, Iron Maiden, Abstract Truth, AC/DC, Back Street Crawler/Paul Kossof and many more. With regards to the actual newsletter these will now become more regular with a issue out every month. As always thanks for your support in keeping rock music alive –please send any suggestions, comments etc to rockofages@icon.co.za

Footstomping Music Vol. 2

Finally after months of label negotiations we are almost ready to release Vol.2 - whilst the track listing is not entirely finalised you can count on the following classic bands and tunes:

• Juicy Lucy – Who do you love
• Trapeze - You are the music (we are the band
• Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride
• The Guess Who - American Woman
• Mahogany Rush - Talkin' about a feeling
• Bachman Turner Overdrive - Not fragile
• Spooky Tooth - I am the walrus
• ZZ Top - Tush
• Cream - Crossroads
• Fleetwood Mac – The Green Manalishi
• Aerosmith - Same old song and dance
• Cactus - Evil
• May Blitz - For Madmen only
• Montrose – Rock the nation… and more.

Expected release date is June 2009 and will be available through selected music stores (if you can call them that these days!) and autographed copies via the Rock of Ages website at www.rock.co.za/rockofages.

Rock of Ages recommends……

Seasick Steve

There has been a spate of excellent rock and blues albums released over the past few months and I'll try to steer you in the right direction over the coming weeks…First up if you are a blues fan then the major label debut of box car riding hobo, Seasick Steve, is not to be missed! “Started out with nothing and still got most of it left” ***** is one of the most authentic roots blues records I've ever heard –playing a battered acoustic 3 string guitar and sporting a vocal style that makes JJ Cale sound like Ronnie James Dio, Seasick Steve casts a hypnotic spell over the listener with his tales of life on the road ('Walkin' man'), drinking ('Thunderbird'), Elvis ('Just like a king') .. the labum includes cameos by Nick Cave and Grinderman, KT Tunstall and an unbelievable vocal from Ruby Turner on “Happy man” –completely irresistible and addictive listening - get it!

Mastodon - Crack The Skye

For modern metalheads who tend towards the more progressive side of the genre (Opeth, Riverside, Dream Theater) you would be doing yourself a disservice by not checking out the new Mastodon album “Crack the Skye” ***. It's a richly complex and dark record, somewhat more down tempo than it's predecessor, ”Blood Mountain”, more melodic without sacrificing power and edge. Thankfully it generally avoids the pitfall of what I like to call 'Viking vocals' (rooaaaaarggghhh) that seems to plague modern hardcore metal. It's quite an adventurous album that bears repeated listening…….

Boys Club

When virtuoso musicians get together for a live project the results are often disappointing with egos trying to outplay the other –You can't say that about the Boys Club album “Live in California” **** which is a collaboration between ELP keys wiz Keith Emerson, Deep Purple/Trapeze bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (aka the Voice of rock) and uber guitarist Marc Bonilla. Recorded live in 1998 and only released recently in SA, the trio rip through a collection of classic ELP epics (Tarkus, Hoedown, Nutrocker), solo tunes from Hughes and Bonilla and what for me is the ultimate version of Procol Harum's “Whiter shade of pale” that Glenn Hughes absolutely owns! –this is one album that prog rock fans should not miss……

The Hold Steady

Finally - with a handful of exceptions (Wilco, Ryan Adams) I have never been a huge fan of what the crits like to call 'Americana'. In fact I stopped buying Uncut magazine because they kept championing scores of new obscure singer songwriters/bands as if it was the second coming of Bob Dylan, Creedence or Nick Drake…if you hailed from Peoria, Illinois, sported a scruffy beard, took downers and drank cheap wine at the local roadhouse and just happened to play guitar and sing songs then you are the next big thing. I had been reading about The Hold Steady for a few months and unfairly pigeon-holed them in said category – What a shock when I heard their album, “Stay positive” ***** what a brilliant record! Everything a rock record should be –stellar playing, soulful vocals, memorable riffs aplenty and the most intelligent lyrics this side of Steely Dan, it hasn't been off my car stereo or iPod for the last 2 weeks. Think early Springsteen fused with classic Stones…I tell you something…at the risk of p**ing off the distributors, Just Music, I don't want The Hold Steady to be wildly successful in SA, I want to keep them a secret for myself (just like Gollum's Precious in Lord of the Rings).

Ratings:
***** Volcanic....not to be missed.
**** Seismic....highly recommended...buy it!
*** Aftershock....solid effort.
** Damp squib really!
* Do I need to explain this?

On Rock of Ages this Sunday…….

Along with the normal mixed bag of psych rock, prog, metal, hard rock, blues, folk and the deliciously obscure I will be playing tracks from the soon-to-be released new Dream Theater album “Black Clouds and Silver Linings”, courtesy of David Gresham Records who have kindly given me an advance copy. As you will hear the masters of prog-metal are on top form with this album, uber guitarist John Petrucci shredding like there's no tomorrow and drummer supremo Mike Portnoy clearly underlining his deserved reputation as the world's greatest drummer…. Don't miss this preview –the album is due in June.

For those about to rock…we give you news!

BAD COMPANY RETURN

Bad Company have announced they are to reform for a tour this year. Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke will confirm dates soon.

NIRVINYL

Nirvana are to have three albums re-issued on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl this year. 'Nevermind', 'In Utero' and 'MTV Unplugged' will be out out by the Original Recordings Group.

JOVI VS. JOVI

Bon Jovi have issued a cease & desist order against an all-girl tribute band called Blonde Jovi. The claim the name and logo is too similar, and might confuse fans. Blonde Jovi are now going to change their name.

UNSEEN HENDRIX

Unseen footage of Jimi Hendrix at home, backstage and in relaxed situations is to be released later this year as part of a new DVD. This was shot in 1969, whena film crew followed the master guitarist for a month.More Jimi news - Universal Music Group have signed a five-year deal as the exclusive administrator of the Jimi Hendrix back catalogue outside of the United States.

STONES RE-ISSUES

The Rolling Stones are to have their post-1971 catalogue re-issued and re-mastered by Universal this year. The details are: 'Sticky Fingers', 'Goats Head Sou p', 'It's Only Rock 'N' Roll', 'Black And Blue ' - May 4. 'Some Girls', 'Emotional Rescue', 'Tattoo You', 'Undercover' - June 8. 'Dirty Work', 'Steel Wheels', 'Voodoo Lounge', 'Bridges To Babylon', 'A Bigger Bang' - July 13.

GILLAN VS. BLACKMORE

The ongoing friction between Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore has burst back into life. The Deep Purple singer recently claimed that Blackmore had asked for his image to be removed from 'Machine Head' T-shirts being sold on tour, and subsequently sued Purple manager Bruce Payne over this issue. Blackmore insists that he never asked for his image to be taken off these T-shirts, and that he has sued Payne for access to band books and accounts. The guitarist also rejects Gillan's assertion that when the latter rejoined the band in 1992, he demanded a payment of $250,000 to do an record and tour. Blackmore ends his statement: "Ritchie, frankly, is amazed at Gillan's childish comments on other issues he discussed in the interview. Hasn't the time come for him to act like an adult?"

WAKEMAN HOLDS COURT

Rick Wakeman is to perform his classic album 'The Six Wives Of Henry VIII' at Hampton Court on May 1/2. He will be joined for this event by a seven-piece band, The English Chamber Choir, the 72-piece Europa Orchestra, guest narrator Brian Blessed. There will also be cameras on Wakeman's keyboards, with images displayed on side screens. In addition to the original music, the man has also composed three additional associated pieces: 'Tudorture', 'Defender Of The Faith' and 'Tudor Rock'. There will be a new CD available on the night, plus the event is being filmed for television. DVD, CD and download releases will happen later in the year. For ticket and venue Information, go to www.hrp.org.

OZZY'S STATUE

Ozzy is to have a limited edition statue this Summer. It's part of the ongoing Rock Iconz series, and will feature Ozzy as he was during the early 1980s.

TAPPING BACK INTO AMERICA

Spinal Tap are touring again...well, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shear are to do a tour of America in the Spring. Dubbed 'Unwigged & Unplugged: An Evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean And Harry Shearer', the trio will play Spinal Tap songs, as well as those by the folk equivalent The Mighty Wind.

MAIDEN FLY HIGH

The new Iron Maiden project, FLIGHT 666 will be released on extended Blu-ray and DVD formats, alongside a double-CD soundtrack album and limited edition double-vinyl picture disc which will be available Monday 25th May on EMI Records, and Tuesday 9th June on EMI Records Canada and UMe in the USA.

Short Cuts…….Metallica have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guitar god/legend Jeff Beck was inducted by fellow guitar god/legend, Jimmy Page…. Velvet Revolver have denied they've chosen Gord Prior from Canadian band Blu Bones as their news singer. The band have yet to make any decision…..Green Day are to re-issue their entire back catalogue on vinyl at points throughout 2009. This includes a box set with all the band's singles….Kid Rock is currently working on a new album. He's recording at his own Allen Roadhouse studio in Detroit. Also involved are the Twisted Brown Trucker Band, Uncle Kracker, engineer Al Sutton and producer/engineer Mike E. Clark…According to blabbermouth.net, System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan has paid over $300,000 for the first comic ever to feature Superman. This was in an internet auction…Dream Theater are to call their new album 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings'. Due out in late June, this will be available on CD, vinyl and also in a special three-CD format…Poison frontman Bret Michaels is to publish his autobiography in June. It's called 'Roses And Thorns: The Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy To My Reality'…Iggy Pop is to release a jazz album in May. It's been inspired by the book 'La Possibilitune'...The New York Dolls release new album 'Coz I Sez So' through Atco on May 5, produced by Todd Rundgren…. Kiss are to start work on a new album shortly. As yet untitled, it should be released later in the year... Jane's Addiction are to put out a box set in April. This will be titled 'A Cabinet Of Curiosities', Much of the material will be previously unreleased…Lemmy is to be a character in the upcoming game 'Guitar Hero: Metallica', due out in the Spring. Players will have the option of becoming the Motorhead legend in the game It would appear that a Creed re-union tour of America is very close to being agreed. A message on their official website (www.creedofficial.com) hints at this by saying 'Coming soon. Stay Tuned'. … Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood is currently working on a solo album titled 'More Good News'. This is being produced by Bob Rock, and Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder guests on the record…. Deep Purple, Pantera, Queens Of The Stone, Ozzy and White Zombie will all have tracks featured on the upcoming game 'Guitar Hero Smash Hits'. This will be released in June.

Happy Birthday and may you always rock!

        Classic Rock Birthdays - April

April 1
Ronnie Lane - Faces/Small Faces - 1944
John Barbata - Jefferson Airplane/Starship - 1945
Jeff Porcaro - Toto - 1954

April 2
Leon Wilkerson - Lynyrd Skynyrd - 1952
Leon Russell - 1941

April 3
Jan Berry - Jan & Dean - 1941
Richard Thompson - Fairport Convention - 1949
Mel Schacher - Grand Funk Railroad, ? and the Mysterians - 1951

April 4
Berry Oakley - Allman Brothers Band - 1948

April 7
Ravi Shankar - 1920
John Oates - Hall & Oates - 1948
Janis Ian - 1951
Bill Kreutzmann - Grateful Dead - 1946
Mick Abrahams - Jethro Tull - 1943
Spencer Dryden - Jefferson Airplane, New Riders of the Purple Sage - 1938

April 8
Steve Howe - Yes - 1947
Julian Lennon - 1963

April 9
Gene Parsons - Byrds/Flying Burrito Brothers -

April 12
John Kay - Steppenwolf - 1944

April 13
Jack Casady - Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Hot Tuna - 1944
Max Weinberg - E Street Band - 1951
Lowell George - Little Feat - 1945

April 14
Ritchie Blackmore - Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore's Night - 1945

April 15
Allan Clarke - Hollies - 1942
Gerry Rafferty - Stealers Wheel - 1947

April 16
"Lonesome" Dave Peverett - Foghat - 1943
Lee Kerslake - Uriah Heep, Blizzard of Ozz - 1947

April 17
Don Kirshner - 1934
Roy Estrada - Captain Beefheart, Mothers of Invention, Little Feat - 1943

April 18
Mike Vickers - Manfred Mann - 1940
Skip Spence - Quicksilver Messenger Service, Moby Grape, Jefferson Airplane - 1946

April 19
Mark Volman - Turtles, Flo and Eddie, Mothers of Invention - 1947
Alan Price - Animals - 1942

April 20
Craig Frost - Grand Funk Railroad - 1948

April 21
Iggy Pop - The Stooges - 1947

April 22
Peter Frampton - 1950
Paul Carrack - Squeeze, Roxy Music - 1951

April 24
Gary Cambra - Tubes
Jack Blades - Night Ranger, Damn Yankees - 1954
Doug Clifford - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1945
Glenn Cornick - Jethro Tull - 1947

April 25
Stu Cook - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1945

April 26
Gary Wright - Spooky Tooth - 1943

April 27
Casey Kasem - 1932
Pete Ham - Badfinger - 1947
Ace Frehley - KISS - 1951

April 28
John Wolters - Dr. Hook - 1945
Jimmy Barnes - Cold Chisel, INXS - 1956

April 29
Klaus Voorman - Manfred Mann - 1942

        Classic Rock Birthdays - May

May 2
Goldy McJohn - Steppenwolf - 1945
Bob Henrit - Kinks, Argent - 1944
Lou Gramm - Foreigner - 1950

May 3
Pete Seeger - 1919
James Brown - 1933

May 4
Ronnie Bond - Troggs - 1943
George Wadenius - Blood, Sweat & Tears - 1945
Ed Cassidy - Spirit - 1923

May 5
Bill Ward - Black Sabbath - 1948
Doug Gray - Marshall Tucker Band

May 6
Bob Seger - 1945
Colin Earl - Foghat, Mungo Jerry - 1942

May 7
Prairie Prince - Tubes, Journey, New Cars - 1950
Ray Monette - Rare Earth, Funkadelic - 1946

May 8
Paul Samwell-Smith - Yardbirds - 1943
Alex Van Halen - Van Halen - 1953
Rick Nelson - 1940
Gary Glitter - 1944

May 9
Billy Joel - 1949
Tom Petersson - Cheap Trick - 1950
Richie Furay - Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Souther Hillman Furay Band - 1944

May 10
Donovan - 1946
Jay Ferguson - Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne - 1947
Sid Vicious - Sex Pistols - 1957
Bono - U2 - 1960
Dave Mason - Traffic - 1946

May 11
Eric Burdon - Animals, War - 1941
Butch Trucks - Allman Brothers Band - 1947

May 12
Steve Winwood - Traffic, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group - 1948
Billy Squier - 1950
Ian McLagan - Faces/Small Faces - 1945

May 13
Danny Kirwan - Fleetwood Mac - 1950
Ritchie Valens - 1941
Pete "Overend" Watts - Mott the Hoople - 1947
Stevie Wonder - 1950

May 14
Jack Bruce - Cream, Manfred Mann, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers - 1943
David Byrne - Talking Heads - 1952
Gene Cornish - Rascals - 1945
Bobby Darin - 1936

May 15
Graham Goble - Little River Band - 1947
Brian Eno - Roxy Music - 1948
Mike Oldfield - 1953

May 16
Roger Earl - Foghat, Savoy Brown - 1946
Robert Fripp - King Crimson - 1946

May 17
Bill Bruford - Yes - 1949
Steve Earle - 1955

May 18
Rick Wakeman - Yes, Strawbs - 1949
Bill Wallace - Guess Who - 1949

May 19
Pete Townshend - The Who - 1945
Dusty Hill - ZZ Top - 1949

May 20
Joe Cocker - 1944

May 21
Hilton Valentine - Animals - 1943
Leo Sayer - 1948

May 22
Bernie Taupin - 1950

May 26
Stevie Nicks - Fleetwood Mac - 1948
Garry Peterson - Guess Who - 1945
Levon Helm - The Band - 1940

May 28
John Fogerty - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1945

May 29
Gary Brooker - Procol Harum - 1945

May 30
John Bonham - Led Zeppelin - 1948

Rock Of Ages Presents Footstomping Music

Track List Grand Funk Railroad - Footstomping Music Deep Purple - Burn Uriah Heep - Look at yourself Black Sabbath - Sweat Leaf Thin Lizzy - Chinatown Robin Trower - Too rolling stoned Mountain - Never in my life Wishbone Ash - Blowin' free Foghat - I just wanna make love to you Budgie - Baby, please don't go Santana - Toussaint l'Overture Alice Cooper - Muscle of love Nazareth - Go down fighting Blue Oyster Cult - The Red & the Black Lynyrd Skynyrd - Gimme back my bullets Free - The Hunter Taste - What's goin' on

Buy this 'Footstomping Music' CD direct from Rock Of Ages