Jon Lord‘s final studio work, a new version of his Concerto For Group and Orchestra, will be released on September 25. It was recorded in Abbey Road Studios and features the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestra plus Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa and Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse. Lord, who died last month at 71, said of the album: “Over the years since leaving Deep Purple I’ve played it over 30 times, and in 2000 I did it well over 30 times with Purple on tour. I’ve been honing the piece. It’s a marvellous and exciting prospect to have the definitive recording of the definitive score.”
Meanwhile, Deep Purple have confirmed Re-Machined: A Tribute to Machine Head will be released in the US, also on September 25. The album includes Metallica, Maiden, Chickenfoot and many others delivering their interpretations of the tracks from Purple’s iconic 1972 record. It first sees light of day in a Classic Rock Fan Pack, complete with 124-page magazine which includes one of the last interviews with Lord. More information and pre-order.
News broadcaster CNN has issued an unconvincing apology to Hatebreed after including them in a list of fascist bands. Their name was listed alongside a number of “white power” groups amid coverage of a racist massacre in Wisconsin, US. The man accused of the killings performs with two fascist bands, leading to the publication of CNN’s article. Hatebreed tweeted: “First they ignore the Free Randy Blythe story, now they slander us. We demand a retraction and an apology.” The broadcaster removed the band’s name from their list but at first did not apologise. Later they said: “CNN regrets the error.”
Primus mainman Les Claypool is auctioning one of his favourite basses to help raise funds for the welfare of his baby nephew Matthew, who is suffering a rare form of infant cancer. The eBay auction has attracted nearly 60 bids with the price currently approaching $19,000.
A book featuring collected interviews with Jimmy Page will be published on October 23. Light & Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page consists of material gathered over 20 years by author Brad Tolinksi, who writes for Guitar World magazine. The title is describes as “the most complete picture of the media-shy guitarist ever published” and it’s endorsed by Slash, Kirk Hammett and Billy Gibbons.
Godsmack singer Sully Erna has returned to full health after cancelling a series of shows with throat problems. Drummer Shannon Larkin says: “We did a couple of shows last week and he sang great.” Labelling the call-offs as “the biggest bummer of the decade,” the drummer explains: “We’re not spring chickens any more. We were afraid it could damage his cords where his voice would change or he wouldn’t be able to hit notes.” [Pulse of Radio]
Johnny Winter is aiming to recruit a number of guests for the follow-up to his 2011 covers album Roots. He says: “I haven’t picked the songs yet, but I’d like to have Billy Gibbons, Dr John, Mark Knopfler, Clapton, BB King and Buddy Guy.” [Billboard]
Michael Nesmith has returned to the Monkees and will appear on their upcoming tour – the first since the death of Davy Jones earlier this year. Nesmith says: “We reconnected at a private memorial for David. Getting together with old friends can be very stimulating, and even inspiring to me. We did some good work together and I am always interested in the right time and the right place to reconnect and play.” [Rolling Stone]
Riot guitarist Mark Reale’s headstone will be laid over his grave in a public ceremony on Saturday. Reale died aged 56 in January after a lifelong fight against Crohn’s disease, which had left him unable to complete his parts on Riot’s album Immortal Soul, and forced him to abandon plans for a number of live shows. The ceremony takes place at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, at 10am.
Producers of a new documentary about the heavy metal music industry, Behind The Suit And Tie, have released a trailer for the film they say “pulls no punches and features prime movers.”
source: classicrockmagazine.com
