Good Luck, Viv (and Steve)

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is getting ready to undergo stem-cell treatment in his fight against Hodgkin's lymphoma. This means he'll be missing a few Def Leppard shows including a big one on Sunday night as part of the NFL International pre-game show (Raiders vs. Dolphins). Trixter guitarist Steve Brown is going to fill in for Viv while he's recovering. I bet Steve is pretty excited as this is nice exposure for him.

Whitesnake Announce Live DVD/CD Package

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of WHITESNAKE’s multi-platinum ‘Slide It In’ album, Frontiers Music Srl, the Italian-based label, will release “Live In ‘84 - Back To The Bone”, a complete celebration of the group’s awe inspiring line-up during what many feel was the incredible beginning of what David Coverdale called his desire to make Whitesnakemore ‘electrifying’ on record and on stage.

Set for release in Europe on November 7^th, in the UK on November 10^th, and in North America on November 11^th, this release will be available in DVD and a Deluxe CD/DVD edition.

Culled from audio and video recordings and unheard demos from the private collection of WHITESNAKE leader and vocalist, David Coverdale, the release offers an ultra-rare collection of material, performed by the band’s acclaimed 83-84 line-ups. Featured on the record is the awesome Cozy Powell on drums (ex-Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, MSG and later on Gary Moore and Black Sabbath); unique guitarist John Sykes, whom Coverdale credits with inspiring a whole generation of six stringers after his breathtaking work on the WHITESNAKE ’87’ album and bassist exceptionnnel, Neil Murray.   Bonus content features legendary keyboardist Jon Lord performing his last show ever with WHITESNAKE on video and also the bonus CD.

"All of the features have been treated lovingly and respectfully, with no expense spared, utilizing technology to improve sound and picture quality,"” says Coverdale, who personally oversaw all elements of this release. Concludes Coverdale - “"These are memories I treasure and delight in sharing with you as we continue our celebration of the30th Anniversary of WHITESNAKE’s ‘Slide It In'."

AC/DC Announce New Album

Here's some big news: AC/DC will release a new album on December 2. The album will be called Rock or Bust. The other big news is that rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young isn't part of the band anymore due to illness. Malcolm's nephew Stevie will fill his role on the album.

Rock or Bust was recorded last spring. The album's first single is "Play Ball" and it will be shared on Turner Sports as part of Major League Baseball's postseason. Here's a teaser of "Play Ball." What do you think?

Helix Release Video For 'Even Jesus (Wasn't Loved In His Hometown)'

Helix have a new album called Bastard of the Blues. One of the album singles is "Even Jesus (Wasn't Loved In His Hometown)." I compliment the band for releasing an actual video instead of just a lyric treatment. What do you think?

Pink Floyd Announce More Details About New Album

The big music news of the week (maybe year) is that Pink Floyd will release a new album on November 10. This will be Pink Floyd's first album of new material in two decades. The album will also feature keyboardist Richard Wright, who died several years ago. Here's the AP wire announcing the news:

NEW YORK (AP) — Pink Floyd's new album will arrive on Nov. 10.

A Monday news release gives fresh details about The Endless River, the British rock 'n' roll group's first new material in 20 years.

The 18-song double album features band members David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright, who died in 2008. Roger Waters left the group in 1985 and isn't involved.

The album was assembled from 20 hours of material recorded during the band's 1993 sessions for "The Division Bell."

Gilmour says in the release that the band "added new parts, rerecorded others and generally harnessed studio technology to make a 21st-century Pink Floyd album."

"The Endless River" is comprised mostly of instrumental music with just one song, "Louder Than Words," that includes new lyrics, written by Gilmour's wife, Polly Samson.

Allen/Lande Release Lyric Video

Thanks to the power of Reddit (seriously) I was alerted to the new track by Jorn Lande and Russell Allen. The outfit will release The Great Divide on October 17 via Frontiers. The group released a lyric video for the track "Lady of Winter," a lead single from the album. Here's the video and the album's track listing below. Warning: the guitars will melt your face off. Truly great axe work here. 

"Come Dream With Me"
"Down From The Mountain"
"In The Hands Of Time"
"Solid Ground"
"Lady Of Winter"
"Dream About Tomorrow"
"Hymn To The Fallen"
"The Great Divide"
"Reaching For The Stars"
"Bittersweet"

Shaquille O'Neal Belts Out Bon Jovi

Shaquille O'Neal was at an LSU sports bar earlier this week. Karaoke happened...and of course the basketball star had to belt out some classic Bon Jovi. The performance of "You Give Love A Bad Name" is kind of a debacle, but I think the college kids had a blast... after all, Shaq was an LSU student himself a few years ago!

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