Bret Michaels Super Cruise Canceled, Statement Released

On Wednesday, it was announced that the Bret Michaels 'Rock Your World' Cruise was canceled. The cruise was set for this November and was supposed to sail out of Miami, Fla. Last night, Bret released a statement about what happened. Seems like a promoter-gone-wrong sort of situation. Here's the statement:

To my family, friends, MEGI employees, other entertainers and most importantly you, the fans, who have purchased tickets to the upcoming Bret Michaels "Rock Your World" Super Cruise:

Ninety-five percent of the time, in the entertainment business, you deal with great promoters and agents. However, there is always a five percent chance of someone or something not being on the up and up, as was the case with our promoter in Syracuse, whom I filed suit against and fought to get people's money refunded as best I could. In this case, the promoter, Willie Donwell, backed out of this event. He will not and cannot fulfill his contractual obligations. It has also come to my attention that Mr. Donwell has been involved in at least one other lawsuit of a similar nature in which he was sued by Prince. As a work for hire, I have always been and am ready still to perform as per my original contract. However, that option is not available as Mr. Donwell has attempted to release himself from his obligations and put his business dealings off on others. The goal was to give my fans the concert cruise experience of a lifetime and I have gone out of my way to do that. Even as late as yesterday I was on the radio with WMMR helping to promote this event.

As this is my first ever cruise, I want to reassure everyone that I have went out of my way to try and make this the best fan cruise on the high seas. Again, we are all victims of what I believe is a less-than-reputable promoter who apparently feels he can take advantage of both artists and fans. Know that I am working hard to right this wrong.

All money will be refunded to you by Shoreline Travel.

Sincerely,
Bret Michaels

If any of my readers were planning on attending this cruise, you have my sympathy. Having a vacation canceled just plain sucks. At least it seems like you'll get your money back.

Here's a video of Bret performing "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with Kenny Chesney in Cincinnati a few days ago:

Sevendust vs. Twisted Sister

Did you know that Sevendust covered Twisted Sister years ago? I received an email yesterday about people talking about the cover on a message board. I had no idea about this cover but I'm VERY excited. I love Sevendust in a big, bad way. Actually, they are one of my favorite bands. So color me surprised to learn that Sevendust did a most awesome cover of "I Am (I'm Me)." This song is from the tribute album Twisted Forever.

I don't have this album and that's why I had no idea Sevendust had covered a glam band (but of course it makes sense because Twisted guitarist Jay Jay French was managing Sevendust at the time of this recording). Now, you need to note: the song is in Twisted Sister style and doesn't really sound like Sevendust. It's almost punk -- very interesting to hear Lajon Witherspoon in this way. Check it out:

I've always liked "I Am (I'm Me)" because of the song's message. Other bands on the Twisted Forever tribute are Overkill, Nashville Pussy, Fu Manchu and Motorhead.

The New Chickenfoot Is Going to Rock

Chickenfoot just released another teaser for the new album. Chickenfoot III will be released September 27. If you are not aware (but I know you are) Chickenfoot is the supergroup featuring Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani and Chad Smith. The first single from Chickenfoot III will be "Big Foot," officially available August 2nd.

Apparently, the first video and even the album's cover will be in 3D. That's all the rage these days with movies and whatnot and Chickenfoot has the cash to do cool production, so good for them. I think this new Chickenfoot is one of my most anticipated albums of the year. I'm a big Sammy fan and he always delivers the rock. I'd like to see Chickenfoot live. A tour for the new album would be very cool.

Here's the new teaser:

Here's the first teaser:

Festival Alert: Outlaw Jam

East coast readers, listen up: the Outlaw Jam is July 30 and 31 in Frederick, Maryland. The festival looks pretty awesome (KIX is playing!) The event is geared to bikers and music fans alike. The event will go down at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. Here's the lineup:

Saturday
Motley Crue
Poison
New York Dolls
Shooter Jennings
Black Stone Cherry
The Nighthawks w/ Bob Margolin
& Kid Ramos
The Freddie Long Band & Korupt
Jeanette Lee - The Black Widow
Arlen Ness
Frederick Rock School

Sunday
Brian Setzer's Rockabilliy Riot
Kix
The Edgar Winter Band
Elvin Bishop
Black Stone Cherry
The Nighthawks w/ Bob Margolin
& Kid Ramos
No Shame
Jeanette Lee - The Black Widow
Charlie Hunnam (Jax from SOA)
Kim Coates (Tig from SOA)
Theo Rossi (Juice from SOA)
Emilio Rivera (Marcus from SOA)
Tommy Flanagan (Chibbs from SOA)
Arlen Ness
Frederick Rock School

The best part is that this festival is cheap. Two-day tickets are just $79.50. There are some special seating packages available as well. If you are planning on attending this fest, let me know!

Farewell Motorhead Guitarist Michael 'Wurzel' Burston

Motörhead guitarist Michael "Würzel" Burston has died at the age of 61. He had heart disease (specifically, ventricular fibrillation, triggered by cardiomyopathy).

"Würzel" joined Motorhead in 1984 and left the band in 1995 (but made occasional Motorhead appearances, including at the Download Festival in 2008). He had his own band called Leader of Down. Many props to his metal legacy.

'Someone, Somewhere' Is Definitely A Glam Song

One more Asking Alexandria post and I'll quit talking about them for awhile. I freaking love this band! Their new album Reckless & Relentless is awesome -- basically the only thing I've listened to for weeks.

Here's the thing: Asking Alexandria is not a Glam band. But, they are influenced by 80s metal and the entire vibe of the Glam scene. AA guitarist Ben Bruce even told me that he's "bringing back Glam!"

So, I thought I would post another AA song, in the off-chance I could convert another fan or two. I think "Someone, Somewhere" should be a single from Reckless & Relentless. Actually, I think this is the song that could crossover and make the band huge. And there's Glam guitars in this track, too! "Someone, Somewhere" is my favorite Asking Alexandria song by a mile. Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Oddest Album Cover Ever?

Sebastian Bach will release Kicking & Screaming September 27th via Frontiers. The first single will be the album's title track. So check out the cover: oddest ever? For sure.