SLASH set to be honored with the Les Paul Award at the 30th annual NAMM TEC Awards

We are getting closer and closer to that special time of year…. NO, not the holidays! I am talking about the annual Winter NAMM Convention, otherwise known as the Disneyland for musicians.  Music Junkie Press will be covering the convention and we look forward to bringing you live coverage of new products, artist appearances, music news as well as coverage of the TEC Awards show.

This year will be the 30th NAMM TEC Awards and it will be an amazing one. Legendary musician /songwriter/guitarist, SLASH will be honored with the Les Paul Award. “The Les Paul Award named for the revolutionary inventor and esteemed musician, honors individuals or institutions that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of audio and music technology. Instituted in 1991, the honor has been granted to luminaries including Pete Townshend, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Todd Rundgren, and Peter Gabriel.”

SLASH has not only achieved success with album sales over 100 million copies, won a Grammy Award, seven nominations and we can’t forget the recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. His infamous solos from Guns n Roses songs were the inspiration to many young guitar players as they aspired to be as great a guitarist. His work in Velvet Revolver brought on a whole new group of fans and then his solo work with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, has once again brought him to the forefront of rock n roll. Most recently, with his recent release of World On Fire he has truly set the world on fire with and grabbed everyone’s attention. Check out coverage of their recent performance at the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco here.

The TEC Awards will also feature comedian Sinbad as the host and the event will be held on Saturday, January 24th and we will make sure to bring you a recap of the night.

~ Marisol

The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 9200 members from around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visitwww.nammfoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Information & Links: 

• Website: http://slashonline.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/slash
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Slash
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/slash
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-on-fire-feat.-myles/id892523527

Chris Broderick announces departure from Megadeth

One of the coolest guitarists in metal, Chris Broderick has announced his departure from Megadeth. Chris posted the following statement on his website:

Due to artistic and musical differences, it is with great reluctance that I announce my departure from Megadeth to pursue my own musical direction. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate the amount that you the fans have accepted and respected me as a member of Megadeth for the last seven years, but it is time for me to move on. I wish Dave and everyone in Megadeth all the best. I am working on a few things of my own and hope that when they come out, you will all dig it.

Until then,
Chris. \m/

* * * * * * *

We wish all the best to Chris in his future endeavors and we can’t wait to hear what he has in store for all of us.  I am hoping we get to see him once again at the upcoming NAMM convention in January. I will leave you with some photos from our Rockin Ryan of Chris when Megadeth performed at Aftershock 2013.

Stay tuned and stay metal!

Marisol

Chris Broderick Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chris_Broderick

ARCH ENEMY announces Jeff Loomis as their new guitarist!

ARCH ENEMY have announced Jeff Loomis as their new guitarist and he will be joining them on their upcoming European tour as well as all future 2015 tour dates. Jeff Loomis states: “I’m very excited to be playing with ARCH ENEMY. Michael Amott and I have stayed in contact over the years since we toured together when I was playing in NEVERMORE. Not only do I admire his guitar playing and songwriting, but I also consider him a close friend. To be able to share the stage with Michael, Sharlee, Daniel and Alissa is something I’m really looking forward to. 2015 is going to be a great year… See you all on tour!“

After a great year of intensive touring in support of their critically acclaimed album, War Eternal, ARCH ENEMY is parting ways with guitarist Nick Cordle, who states: “With ‘War Eternal’, I believe we wrote an album together which will stand the test of time, and I wish them well for the future.”  USA fans will be able to catch a special reunion as Christopher Amott (the brother of ARCH ENEMY founder/bandleader Michael Amott) has joined the band for the remainder of their American headlining tour.  Michael Amott (guitars) comments: “We all wish Nick the very best in his new endeavors and we are sure that you will hear much more from him. We’re also super grateful to my brother Christopher for stepping in to finish the current American tour!
The prospect of working with Jeff Loomis moving forward is truly awesome! Jeff Loomis is one of the best guitar players in the metal world in my opinion, as well as being a long time friend. I look forward to tearing it up on stages around the world together as we continue on the ‘War Eternal’ touring cycle throughout all next year and beyond!”

In case you missed our coverage of Arch Enemy when they made a stop in San Francisco earlier this month, make sure to check it out here.   Check out the upcoming tour dates and hopefully you can catch them coming to a venue near you:

ARCH ENEMY – live in North America with KREATOR, HUNTRESS, STARKILL
Nov. 19, 2014 – Mojoes – Joliet, IL
Nov. 20, 2014 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
Nov. 21, 2014 – Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI
Nov. 22, 2014 – Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH
Nov. 23, 2014 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH

ARCH ENEMY – live in Europe with KREATOR
Nov. 26, 2014 – Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France
Nov. 27, 2014 – L’Usine – Istres, France
Nov. 28, 2014 – Razzmatazz – Barcelona, Spain
Nov. 29, 2014 – La Riviera – Madrid Spain
Dec. 1, 2014 – Le Bikini – Toulouse, France
Dec. 2, 2014 – Le Bataclan – Paris, France
Dec. 4, 2014 – 013 – Tilburg, Netherlands
Dec. 5, 2014 – MHP Arena – Ludwigsburg, Germany
Dec. 6, 2014 – Turbinenhalle – Oberhausen, Germany
Dec. 7, 2014 – Garage – Saarbrücken, Germany
Dec. 8, 2014 – Docks – Hamburg, Germany
Dec. 9, 2014 – Huxleys – Berlin, Germany
Dec. 11, 2014 – Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, Germany
Dec. 12, 2014 – Eventhall – Geiselwind, Germany
Dec. 13, 2014 – Tonhalle – München, Germany
Dec. 14, 2014 – Z7 – Pratteln, Switzerland
Dec. 16, 2014 – Institute – Birmingham, UK
Dec. 17, 2014 – O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
Dec. 18, 2014 – The Forum – London, UK
Dec. 19, 2014 – Academy – Manchester, UK
Dec. 20, 2014 – Academy – Dublin, Ireland
Dec. 21, 2014 – QMU – Glasgow, UK
Dec. 22, 2014 – O2 Academy – Newcastle, UK

ARCH ENEMY – live 2015
Jan. 22-26, 2015 – 70,000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL
Jan. 29, 2015 – Teatro Estudio Cavaret – Guadalajara, Mexico
Jan. 30, 2015 – Jose Cuervo Salón – Mexico City, Mexico
Feb. 01, 2015 – Coliseo el Salitre Bogota, Colombia
Feb. 03, 2015 – Club Blondie Santiago, Chile
Feb. 04, 2015 – Rock & Soccer Antofagasta, Chile
Feb. 06, 2015 – Circo Voador Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Feb. 07, 2015 – Carioca Club – Sao Paulo, Brazil
Feb. 08, 2015 – Music Hall – Curitiba, Brazil
Feb. 10, 2015 – El Teatro Flores – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Feb. 12, 2015 – Plaza de toros Belmonte – Quito, Ecuador
May. 2, 2015 – Karmoygeddon Festival – Kopervik, Norway
Jun. 04, 2015 – Out & Loud Festival – Geiselwind, Germany

I will leave you with a slideshow of photos from our Rockin Ryan of their set in San Francisco:

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Check out the video for their song, As The Pages Burn which is off their latest album, War Eternal and has been hailed as their strongest album to date:

Make sure to visit their social media sites so you can stay up to date on the latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.archenemy.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archenemyofficial  
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/archenemyofficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/archenemymetal

Check out the new music video from Gus G. for Long Way Down featuring Alexia Rodriguez

Ozzy Osbourne/Firewind guitarist Gus G. has released a new music video. The video is for Long Way Down and features Alexia Rodriguez from Eyes Set To Kill. It is an amazing track and it is great to see Alexia involved, she is one of my favorite vocalists as well as a bad ass guitarist!  The video was shot by acclaimed director and long-time GUS G. creative partner Patric Ullaeus (IN FLAMES, WITHIN TEMPTATION, AT THE GATES, etc.).About the video’s storyline and background, Gus G. comments:

“I worked on this track with producer Kevin Churko (OZZY, 5FDP, etc.), his son Kane and Alexia Rodriguez from EYES SET TO KILL. Once we finished it, we knew we had a special song in our hands. 

The ‘Long Way Down’ lyrics were inspired by a scene I witnessed many years ago, when I briefly lived in Sweden. What I saw, is the exact storyline with the girl in this video.
We hear about suicides all the time in the news, it’s always shocking. Hundreds of thousands of people deal with depression everyday. They’re brave.
If there is one message we’d like to pass out with this song & video, it is that suicide can be prevented. If you need help, or know someone who does, reach out to any organization of the following:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org  (US)
http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html (International)
Many thanks to Patric Ullaeus for your belief, your dedication and always awesome videos!“

Check out the video here:

Gus G. has been quite busy touring and there is no letting up in site. Check his upcoming dates below:

GUS G. w/ Metal All Stars, feat. members of MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, DREAM THEATER and more:
21.11.2014 – La Paz, Bolivia @ Teatro Al Aire Libre *
22.11.2014 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Espaco Das Americas
28.11.2014 – Bochum, Germany @ RuhrCongress
29.11.2014 – Leipzig, Germany @ Haus Auensee
30.11.2014 – Berlin, Germany @ Huxleys
01.12.2014 – Zurich, Switzerland @ X-Tra
02.12.2014 – Milan, Italy @ Live Club *
03.12.2014 – Vienna, Austria @ Arena
04.12.2014 – Ljubljana, Slovenia @ Hala Tivoli
05.12 .2014 – Belgrade, Serbia @ Hala Sportova
06.12.2014 – Prague, Czech Republic @ Forum Karlin
07.12.2014 – Warsaw, Poland @ Progresja
09.12.2014 – Nuremberg, Germany @ Rockfabrik
10.12.2014 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Vega
11.12.2014 – Kiel, Germany @ MAX
12.12.2014 – Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013
14.12.2014 – Paris, France @ Cabaret Sauvage *
16.12.2014 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton *
17.12.2014 – Dublin, Ireland @ Academy *
19.12.2014 – Bergen, Norway @ USF Verftet *
20.12.2014 – Stavanger, Norway @ Stavanger Konserthus *
*=Newly announced or updated show!

GUS G. – “We Are The Fire” European Tour 2015 feat. ARTHEMIS:
19.02.2015 – Cambridgeshire, UK @ The Corn Exchange St Ives
20.02.2015 – Nottingham, UK @ Rescue rooms
21.02.2015 – Manchester, UK @ Academy 3
22.02.2015 – Southampton, UK @ The Joiners
24.02.2015 – Hamburg, Germany @ Logo
25.02.2015 – Flensburg, Germany @ Roxy
26.02.2015 – Rotterdam, The Netherlands @ Baroeg
28.02.2015 – Vienna, Austria @ Szene
01.03.2015 – Munich, Germany @ Feierwerk
03.03.2015 – Düsseldorf, Germany @ Pitcher
04.03.2015 – Zwolle, The Netherlands @ Hedon
05.03.2015 – Malmö, Sweden @ KB **
06.03.2015 – Jönkoping, Sweden @ Denim And Leather **
07.03.2015 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Sticky Fingers **
**=no ARTHEMIS

If you don’t already have it, make sure to pick up Gus G.’s latest release I Am The Fire available on iTunes, CM Distro or other digital retail outlets.  Make sure to visit social media sites so you can stay up to date on the latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

GUS G. online:
http://www.gusgofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialgusg
https://twitter.com/gusgofficial
http://www.youtube.com/firetv

Guitarist Ethan Brosh will be direct support on upcoming Red Dragon Cartel/Jake E. Lee Tour

Guitarist Ethan Brosh is widely considered one of the most promising instrumentalists on the scene, as evidenced by his latest album, ‘Live the Dream.’ And now, he is set to open for guitar legend Jake E. Lee’s band, Red Dragon Cartel, on a nearly month-long tour of North America, kicking off on December 2^nd in New York City and wrapping up on December 20^th in Baltimore.

“I feel both honored and privileged to once again take my band on tour with one of my all time favorite guitar players, Jake E. Lee!,” says Brosh about the upcoming trek. “Jake’s playing, writing and overall style have been an influence and an inspiration since the very beginning stages of my guitar playing. We’ve all been waiting many years to see Jake back on the scene so I feel lucky to be a small part of it on this upcoming tour. I can’t wait to be back out there seeing my fans again and doing what I love to do most!”

Mixed by Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth) and featuring the talents of world-class bassist Dave Ellefson, as well as the mastering expertise of Bob Ludwig (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden), ‘Live the Dream’ is Brosh’s most exciting and ambitious project to date. And the album cover painting by Joe Petagno (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) is also sure to turn heads.

Issued by Carmine Appice’s label Rocker Records LLC, “Live the Dream” is available for purchase via these links:

iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-the-dream/id816347755

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Live-Dream-Ethan-Brosh/dp/B00HZMRX0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393806359&sr=8-1&keywords=ethan+brosh

Check the dates below on the tour and see if he will be coming to a venue near you:

• Dec 2 Webster Hall NY, NY
• Dec 3 Dobbs Philadelphia, PA
• Dec 5 Mexicali Live Teaneck, NJ
• Dec 6 The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY [with Burning Heat]
• Dec 7 1150 Oak Bar Cranston, RI [with Burning Heat]
• Dec 9 Rockstarz Cheektowaga, NY
• Dec 10 The Garrison Toronto, ON
• Dec 12 Token Lounge Detroit, MI
• Dec 13 Reggie’s Chicago, IL
• Dec 14 TBA
• Dec 16 Dayton, OH
• Dec 17 Agora Theater Ckeveland, OH
• Dec 19 Altar Bar Pittsburgh, PA
• Dec 20 Fish Head Cantina Baltimore, MD

Make sure to visit the social media sites and stay up to date on the latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.ethanbrosh.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ethan-Brosh/88968151778
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethanbrosh

Snakebite will set sail and perform on this year’s Kiss Kruise!

Earlier this year we brought you an interview with the amazingly talented Brev Sullivan (Rock of Ages). In case you missed it, make sure to check it out here. Interview with Brev Sullivan.  Brev has been quite busy, with the release of his contemporary jazz guitar CD, Brand New Day (available on iTunes here) and performing with his bands. His band, Snakebite are about to set sail next month for the 4th KISS KRUISE which will sail to the Great Stirrup Cay on October 31st to November 4, 2014.   The headliners of the cruise feature Kiss, Cheap Trick, Robin Zander’s, and Pat Travers. Snakebite will be performing on the Soundcheck Stage and will deliver some old school Original Heavy Vinyl Rock definitely proving that Rock n Roll is alive and thriving!

Snakebite are also set to release their new CD, Feel the Bite in early October. Just in time for you to be singing along with them on the Kiss Kruise! Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.  Make sure to also pick up Brev’s CD, Brand New Day on Itunes or CDBaby.

Brev Sullivan at NAMM 2014

 

Snakebite features:

• Tim Brown (McBrain Damage): lead vox
• Brev Sullivan (Rock of Ages): guitars, vox
• Patrick Johansson (Yngwie/WASP/Lynch Mob): drums
• Crystalline Entity (Brubaker Artist): bass, background vox

Get ready for their new CD Feel the Bite and if you are in the Ft. Lauderdale area, don’t miss their show this Saturday on September 27th at Cheers, Food and Spirits. Visit their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/Snakebiterockband.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.snakebiterockband.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Snakebiterockband
• Website: http://brevsullivan.com/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brevrockguitar

Michael Lee Firkins announces new tour dates

One of our highlights from the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 was the great performance by Michael Lee Firkins.  It was amazing as always to watch and Michael is captivating on guitar. He brought the perfect fusion of blues and rock to life at the venue and everyone was enjoying it. Michael has announced a string of tour dates for October and November. Check out the dates below and see if he will be coming to a venue near you:

To get you ready, check out the photos by our Rockin Ryan of Michael’s performance at the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3.  When Michael plays, you are drawn to him as he stuns the crowd with his slide playing, singing and fueling the crowd with funky rockin blues. The notes and tones he brings out truly highlight the extreme talent as a guitar player.

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I would highly recommend you picking up his latest album, Yep which was released last October. You can pick it up on iTunes here.  Make sure to visit his social media sites and stay up to date on the latest news. I will leave you with a couple videos from the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 set.

~ Enjoy, Marisol

Information & Links: 

• Website: http://www.michaelleefirkins.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Lee-Firkins/118745014854229
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/firkinsguitar
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/michael-lee-firkins/id251444760

Richie Kotzen awakens your every sense with his performance at Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival.

Last Saturday, we had an amazing time covering the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival at the Great American Music Hall. It was a night full of spectacular music and Richie Kotzen headlined the event after some stellar sets by  Michael Lee Firkins  Spiralarms and Ben Woods.

The event which is put together by Dave Lopez and is a benefit with proceeds going towards medical supplies for Jason as well as his future care. It was a magical night where many great musicians came to honor the amazing fighting spirit of Jason as he battles ALS. Jason was in attendance with his family and friends as we all enjoyed a fantastic night of amazing music.

Richie completely rocked the place and his energy on stage is unstoppable. His passion and emotion came through strongly with each note and word. Richie has one of the most powerful voices out and when he sings, his voice just travels through your body, awakening every sense, inviting you to move and then touches your heart.  It was quite an emotional night for all of us as we all wish the best for Jason in his battle with ALS and you could just feel the intense love for that man in the room from all the musicians. Richie shared the story of when he worked with Jason on his first album and it was great to hear what an impact Jason has made on everyone.

The performance by Richie was simply spot on and spectacular on all levels. Mike Bennett who performed earlier in the night with Ben Woods just killed it on the drums and Dylan Wilson on bass was an energetic wildman! It was one set that I wished would go on all night! Check out the photos of the set by our Rockin Ryan:

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Richie set off to start a tour in Spain this month and will return to US for headlining shows in November. In addition, he has just released The Essential Richie Kotzen on Loud & Proud Records and is  a MUST HAVE! We will be bringing you a full album review. For now, check out his newly released video for War Paint here:

Make sure to visit his social media sites and stay up to date on the latest news. We will leave you with several videos of Richie’s performance on Saturday.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: www.richiekotzen.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/richiekotzenmusic
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/Richie_Kotzen
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/RichieKotzenOfficial

Michael Lee Firkins brings the rockin blues to life at the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival

Another great highlight from the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival was the great set by Michael Lee Firkins featuring Courtney DeAugustine on drums and Dave Rapa on bass. It was amazing as always to watch them perform and Michael is captivating to watch on guitar. He brought the perfect fusion of blues and rock to life at the venue and everyone was enjoying it. I was so glad to see Courtney on drums, we had the chance to catch her perform earlier this year at the Bonzo Bash and she is spectacular with her energetic precision drumming. Dave on bass makes it look so easy as he is knocking out bass lines and always with an infectious smile on his face.

In addition, we were treated to legendary Steve Hunter joining in on a couple songs! What a stellar night for music! When Michael plays, you are drawn to him as he stuns the crowd with his slide playing, singing and fueling the crowd with funky rockin blues. The notes and tones he brings out truly highlight the extreme talent as a guitar player. Check out the photos from the set by our Rockin Ryan:

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I would highly recommend you picking up his latest album, Yep which was released last October. You can pick it up on iTunes here. You can also catch Michael Lee Firkins perform at the SoFA Street Fair in San Jose on September 14. Visit the Facebook Event page for more details. Make sure to visit his social media sites and stay up to date on the latest news. You don’t want to miss them if they are coming to play at a venue near you! I will leave you with a couple videos from the set as well.

~ Enjoy, Marisol

Information & Links: 

• Website: http://www.michaelleefirkins.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Lee-Firkins/118745014854229
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/firkinsguitar
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/michael-lee-firkins/id251444760

Ben Woods delivered a spectacular flamenco set at Jason Becker’s Not Dead Yet 3

Last Saturday when we headed out to the Jason Becker’s Not Dead Yet 3 Festival at the Great American Music Hall, I knew it was going to be a night filled with awesome music. But it was even more amazing as each set was spectacular and so different from the next. The night opened with Ben Woods and he treated us to some of the most beautiful music infused with his flamenco style. It was intense as his guitar played bled out such emotion with each note.

With his special guests of Mike Bennett (Richie Kotzen) and Salar Nader on percussions and the talented flamenco dancer, Arleen Hurtado, the atmopshere grew into a magical space that allowed the music to carry you away and take you deep into the rich culture of flamenco. Watching Ben on the guitar is jaw dropping as his hands frenetically take control over the guitar and the most beautiful notes exude, yet he makes it look so easy. It is dizzying if you try to keep your eyes on his finger work and his talent left me breathless.  Check out the photos by our Rockin Ryan of his set here:

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Ben currently has his CD Flametal out and it is stellar. He fuses flamenco with metal and the result is a spectacular musical gem. You can pick up Flametal which was released earlier this year on iTunes here. A couple of my faves on the CD are Por Arriba, 1849, Forbidden Zone and honestly I could sit here and name each song! Take a listen to Por Arriba here:

 

Check out some videos of Ben’s performance from Saturday night:

Make sure to visit his social media sites and stay up to date on his latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.flametal.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flametalben
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLAMETALBen
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/flametal666/videos
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/flametal/id80869178