AC/DC have just released a music video for the title track off their upcoming album, Rock or Bust and is true ROCK N ROLL, AC/DC style! Check it out here:
The album, Rock or Bust is due out on December 2nd, 2014 and you can pre-order it now. This album will be the first that features Angus and Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young as he replaces founding member Malcolm Young who has retired due to illness.
We will continue to keep you updated and we wish all the best wishes and good health to Malcolm. Malcolm was instrumental in making an influence in so many musicians lives and will continue to inspire a whole new generation of rock n rollers!
I will leave you with a video of the last time we saw AC/DC perform here in the Bay Area.
AC/DC have just released the first single off their upcoming album, Rock or Bust and is true ROCK N ROLL, AC/DC style! I picked it up this morning on iTunes and have been rockin out to it all morning! You can pick it up on iTunes here. Take a listen to Play Ball here:
The album, Rock or Bust is due out on December 2nd, 2014 and you can pre-order it now. This album will be the first that features Angus and Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young as he replaces founding member Malcolm Young who has retired due to illness. Here is the statement issued last month from AC/DC on their website:
‘Rock or Bust,’ the highly anticipated new studio album from AC/DC, will be released December 2, 2014. Featuring 11 new tracks and recorded in Spring 2014 at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC, ‘Rock or Bust’ finds AC/DC once again working with producer Brendan O’Brien and mixer Mike Fraser.
“Rock or Bust” is the first AC/DC album in the band’s 41 year history without founding member Malcolm Young on the recordings. Earlier this year AC/DC released a statement explaining that due to illness, Malcolm would be taking a break from the band. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of ‘Rock or Bust’ in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on ‘Rock or Bust’ and will accompany the band on tour.
Starting September 27, Turner Sports will provide fans a sneak peek of the new track ‘Play Ball’ as part of the 2014 Major League Baseball Postseason campaign. Check back here for more.
We will continue to keep you updated and we wish all the best wishes and good health to Malcolm. Malcolm was instrumental in making an influence in so many musicians lives and will continue to inspire a whole new generation of rock n rollers!
I will leave you with a video of the last time we saw AC/DC perform here in the Bay Area.
AC/DC have announced the official release date of their new album, Rock or Bust as December 2nd, 2014. They have also announced the retirement of Malcolm Young and that the nephew of Angus and Malcolm, Stevie Young played rhythm guitar on Rock or Bust and will be heading out with the band on a world tour. Here is the statement below from AC/DC on their website:
‘Rock or Bust,’ the highly anticipated new studio album from AC/DC, will be released December 2, 2014. Featuring 11 new tracks and recorded in Spring 2014 at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC, ‘Rock or Bust’ finds AC/DC once again working with producer Brendan O’Brien and mixer Mike Fraser.
“Rock or Bust” is the first AC/DC album in the band’s 41 year history without founding member Malcolm Young on the recordings. Earlier this year AC/DC released a statement explaining that due to illness, Malcolm would be taking a break from the band. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of ‘Rock or Bust’ in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on ‘Rock or Bust’ and will accompany the band on tour.
Starting September 27, Turner Sports will provide fans a sneak peek of the new track ‘Play Ball’ as part of the 2014 Major League Baseball Postseason campaign. Check back here for more.
We will continue to keep you updated and we wish all the best wishes and good health to Malcolm. Malcolm was instrumental in making an influence in so many musicians lives and will continue to inspire a whole new generation of rock n rollers!
I will leave you with a video of the last time we saw AC/DC perform here in the Bay Area.
UPDATE2 : APRIL 16: AC/DC HAVE RELEASED OFFICIAL STATEMENT: AC/DC JUST RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE:
After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.
In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music.
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I am hoping that people can continue to give the privacy that this band and man so well deserve. After 40 years of their gift of music that they have given to us, I pray that people will respect their wishes for privacy. We don’t need to know everything, we just need to support Malcolm and send healing light and prayers his way. In addition singer Brian Johnson spoke with The Telegraph and said, “We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver, We’re going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we’ll record it.” And about the rumors of illness and future of the band, Brian said, “I wouldn’t like to say anything either way about the future,I’m not ruling anything out. One of the boys has a debilitating illness, but I don’t want to say too much about it. He is very proud and private, a wonderful chap. We’ve been pals for 35 years and I look up to him very much.” You can read the full article in the Telegraph here. So let’s all support them in this trying time and send our best wishes for good health to Malcolm. Let There Be Rock! ~ Marisol
UPDATE 1 : The Sydney Herald does report that there should be a statement released by the band or management soon, possible in the next day. What really ticks me off is that the story was leaked by someone going on the air on a tv gossip/news show with news. He even tweeted “Catch me on @ACurrentAffair9 tonight with breaking news on in the AC/DC story” It pisses me off since the band was going to be working on making a formal statement with news, etc. but this guy had to try and cash in on his 15 minutes of fame and jump the gun with the story. We are always respectful of people we write about here at Music Junkie Press. We have had stories not posted because it would either embarrass or negatively reflect on a musician even if they are 100% true facts. We don’t chase the readers with bad stories, there are too many others out there for that. ~ Marisol, Music Junkie Press.
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We have all be hearing the rumors this past couple days about AC/DC and if they are retiring or heading in to the studio to record. We have not received any confirmation from the band or their representatives but it has been reported by an Australian blogger, Darryl Mason of The Orstrahyun that Malcolm suffered a stroke several weeks ago and when they returned to the studio to begin work on the new album, Malcolm realized he couldn’t play or play like he used to. Here is an excerpt from that blog post:
Plans were underway for a new studio album, their first since 2008’s monumental Black Ice, and a ’40th Anniversary’ world tour, 40 huge shows across the globe.
About 3 weeks ago, founding member, rhythm guitarist, co-producer and co-songwriter Malcolm Young had a stroke, which left a blood clot on his brain.
When AC/DC reunited at the start of April to begin a month of rehearsals, in the lead-up to new album recording sessions, Malcolm discovered he couldn’t play. At least, he couldn’t play like he used to play.
Nothing has been officially confirmed, as of this writing, but friends and family members have been discussing what happened to Malcolm for the past couple of weeks. The blood clot, resulting from the stroke, is believed to be why Malcolm couldn’t keep working.
Although friends have described Malcolm’s condition as serious, it doesn’t mean he won’t recover. People do get better after strokes, and people do recover lost skills.
But friends and family of band members believe the decision was made last week to call it quits.
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First, we do need to await a formal confirmation but if it is in fact true, I want everyone to know don’t count Malcolm out as of yet! I am a stroke survivor myself. I suffered my first stroke at age 35 and then 36, and regained all my faculties within days but then about 7 years ago, I suffered a worse stroke that left me unable to walk, think right, type, etc for a while. After leaving a 6 day stay at the hospital, I went home with a walker to get around. Yet, I felt like I was back to normal and wanted to get back to walking as soon as possible. I went aggressively to physical therapy three times a week determined to speed up the process of recovery. One day several weeks into my rehabilitation, the nurse asked me to jump. I looked at her with my puzzled expression. I knew what she said, “Jump”, I knew what it was but I looked at my feet and couldn’t figure out how to get my feet off the ground and Jump! I then realized four weeks into my recovery that I was not back at my baseline and it would take longer to recover. But you know what, after another several weeks, I JUMPED!, I then began walking faster, going up stairs, and eventually after 6 months, got rid of my walker and returned by to my normal living! People today who didn’t know me then, never believe when I tell them about being a 3 time stroke survivor.
So, what I want everyone to know if in fact this is true about Malcolm Young, he and everyone needs to know that just because at that moment you are not at the same baseline as before, you might be able to get there! Lastly, I send all my best wishes for good health and happiness to the band, whatever does happen. First and foremost is health before the music and thank you for the great rock and roll that AC/DC has given us. I grew up on it and will continue to play it LOUD!
So I will await the news and hope that we can receive a confirmation either way about the news story and maybe, just maybe we will continue to see that 40 year anniversary tour just a bit later than planned. I will leave you with a video of the last time we saw AC/DC perform here in the Bay Area. We will continue to keep you updated.
Just last week, I told you about Todd Morse and his wonderful project,Toddsplanet. They did the most amazing cover of the AC/DC classic, “Back in Black”. If you missed it, check our post here.
You might know Todd from H20 as well as touring with The Offspring but I want you to get to know more about Todd and his new project, TODDSPLANET. They recorded the song at DPS Studios and it was produced by MA3 Productions. You can check out the cover here:
Todd has been busy with his music but that is just the way he loves it. Learn more about Todd Morse in our recent interview with him.
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Music Junkie Press:Todd, we first have to say that your cover with TODDSPLANET is absolutely amazing! What was behind the making of the cover?
Todd: I’ve had the idea to do “Back In Black” that way for about five years. It’s such a classic song that everyone knows, but when bands try and play it like AC/DC it always falls short in my opinion. Besides, I can’t sing like Brian Johnson so I had to give it my own twist!
Music Junkie Press: Well I am glad you gave it your twist, because it is awesome! How did Toddsplanet get started?
Todd: I wanted to do a cover band that was creative, that approached classic songs in an artistic way. I also missed the soulful approach to rock music that comes with a horn section and female back up singers. I love the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley And The Wailers because of all those extra elements moving the songs.
Music Junkie Press:You have been so busy touring with The Offspring and H20, how did you find a time for TODDSPLANET or is it something that you have been working on for a while?
Todd: Music doesn’t stop for me when I’m off the road. I get depressed if I go too long without playing live. I came to realize I’m not the guy that can sit in front of a computer screen recording all day. I need to put music in the air and watch how it vibrates people.
Music Junkie Press: I have watched some of the videos out of Toddsplanet and really loving it! There is so much passion in your performances, will there be more music from Toddsplanet? i.e. tour, CD, etc.
Todd: Thanks! TODDSPLANET live IS what it’s all about. I’m only making videos to introduce the band. As a tool to book gigs. The next song and video will be an original I wrote called “My Shoes” We are mainly a cover band, but many great bands start out that way. It’s important to study the classics.
Music Junkie Press: I am so looking forward to “My Shoes”! How old were you when you first realized that music was the career path you wanted to follow?
Todd: I asked my dad for a guitar when I was like 4 years old but I never thought about making money at it until I joined H2O in my late 20’s
Music Junkie Press: You started young with the guitar. Do you have any specific song writing process?
Todd: It starts in different ways for me, a riff, a beat or just picking something up out of the silence, out of the ether. For me, the most important frame to build a song around is the vocal melody
Music Junkie Press: Growing up, what were the most influential artists for you?
Todd: I grew up on punk rock. Bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and the Dead Kennedys. The Clash opened up my mind to other styles like reggae. blues, and funk. As punk rock became more sanitized and mainstream I started gravitating backwards to blues, soul and roots music. I joined Juliette And The Licks in 2002 and finally had a chance to start writing and performing songs that had that classic and timeless influence, blended with my punk roots.
Music Junkie Press: I love the punk rock influences and blues is always in my heart. If you could go back and talk to your 14 year old self, what advice would you give to yourself?
Todd: Learn how to write great songs first, before anything. Great songs bring you real fans. Record deals, managers, videos and fancy gear all mean nothing without great songs and true fans to connect with.
Music Junkie Press: If I could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song might I be most surprised about finding in there?
Todd: Vocal warm ups and Offspring songs ha ha it’s a work tool for me. I’m a Spotify guy.
Music Junkie Press: What is in store for TODDSPLANET, H20 and Offspring for 2014?
Todd: TODDSPLANET will continue recording and the plan is to start playing lot’s of shows in early 2014. H2O are writing a new record in 2014 with Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory producing again. Next spring will be the 20th anniversary of the Offspring classic “Smash” so I imagine I will be busy!
Music Junkie Press: I can’t wait to see TODSPLANET come to town!! I am very excited about the new H2O album! With the holidays coming up…. What was the oddest gift you have ever received?
Todd: I think I got a Chia Pet once
Music Junkie Press: I remember those! What is your favorite holiday food?
Todd: Mashed potatoes and vegan stuffing!
Music Junkie Press: What is your favorite holiday tradition and do you still do it?
Todd: yes, whiskey!
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Todd: Yes, I will try really hard not to waste your time with any music that isn’t 100 % from the heart and fun!
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
Twitter.com/toddsplanet
Facebook.com/toddsplanet
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That is exciting news about TODDSPLANET touring, a new H2O album and the 20th anniversary of The Offspring “SMASH”. It definitely will be a busy year for Todd. He is such a fantastic and talented musician and it was an honor to interview him. Make sure to visit his social media sites so you can stay up to date on all his latest news!
You all know that I love cover songs, particularly hybrid or unconventional cover songs. Those that completely have someone take the song and truly make it their own. They are imitating or covering a song like you might find during happy hour at the nightclubs. This is a cover that completely takes on a new life. Last month I wrote about Ben Draiman, brother of David DraimAn of Disturbed and Device and how Ben did an amazing cover of Disturbed’s song Stricken. You can read more about that here.
This time I wanted to introduce you to a great groovin cover of AC/DC’s Back in Black. One of the most timeless covers that you might find at any rock and roll show. The cover is performed by Todd Morse and his new project TODDSPLANET. They released a video of the cover and I am completely blown over by this one. It has such a catchy cool sound yet you can pick up the familiar lyrics. It is like seeing an old friend for the first time in 25 years, they physically have changed and yet the more you look at them, all that familiarity comes back in this new look. You love the old friend and you love the version just as much. Check out the song here:
They recorded the song at DPS Studios and it was produced by MA3 Productions. Todd has been busy touring with The Offspring and then H2O and then he still has time to take us on his musical journey with TODDSPLANET. I am excited to see what else he has in store for us. We will see if we can bring you an interview with this amazingly talented musician. For now, visit their social media sites and stay up to date!
Music Junkie Press 