Tag: Scorpions

QUEENSRŸCHE’s TODD LA TORRE: ‘We’re Very Honored’ To Be Supporting JUDAS PRIEST On North American Tour

Todd La Torre has confirmed that QUEENSRŸCHE pulled out of SCORPIONS’ rescheduled “Sin City Nights” Las Vegas residency in order to support JUDAS PRIEST on the “50 Heavy Metal Years” North American tour dates in March-April 2022.

JUDAS PRIEST was forc…

BLABBERMOUTH.NET

Todd La Torre has confirmed that QUEENSRŸCHE pulled out of SCORPIONS' rescheduled "Sin City Nights" Las Vegas residency in order to support JUDAS PRIEST on the "50 Heavy Metal Years" North American tour dates in March-April 2022. JUDAS PRIEST was forced to postpone around two dozen North American shows on its 50th-anniversary tour in late September after the band's guitarist Richie Faulkner suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection during a performance at the Louder Than Life festival. Ticketmaster has since revealed that QUEENSRŸCHE will serve as the opening act on the rescheduled dates, which will tentatively will kick off on March 7 in West Valley City, Utah and conclude in late April. La Torre, who has been fronting QUEENSRŸCHE for nearly a decade, discussed the band's upcoming tour with PRIEST in a new interview with Canada's The Metal Voice. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We've got a tour in March that wasn't supposed to [be made public] yet… All in all, I think it's about six weeks' [worth of shows]." As for QUEENSRŸCHE's decision to withdraw from SCORPIONS' Vegas residency — which is also scheduled to take place in March and April — and do the PRIEST tour, Todd said: "The SCORPIONS, we really like them as people. We're friends with them and we've gotten to tour with them several times. It's one of those things where it's, like, 'Gosh, what do you do?' People that aren't in the business don't understand how things work sometimes. "I think it's great for [QUEENSRŸCHE] to go out with [JUDAS PRIEST]; the optics are great. And we're very honored to have gotten that." Todd went on to clarify that no official announcement has yet been made regarding QUEENSRŸCHE's participation in the PRIEST tour. "I think what happened was Ticketmaster started revealing [the dates and the opening act] to [ticket] holders, so it came out premately," he said. "We're not saying anything [publicly]. It's not our tour to reveal anything, and we respect the authority and the privacy that they have. It's their show. And so when they announce something with everything, then we will. I'm not announcing anything." So far, the following shows have been announced for PRIEST's tour with QUEENSRŸCHE, with more to come: Mar. 07 - Maverik Center - West Valley City, UT Mar. 09 - Angel Of The Winds Arena - Everett, WA Mar. 10 - Moda Center - Portland, OR Mar. 12 - Fox Theater - Oakland - Oakland, CA Mar. 13 - Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood - Las Vegas, NV Mar. 16 - Arizona Federal Theatre - Phoenix, AZ Mar. 18 - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory - Irving, TX Mar. 20 - H-E-B Center at Cedar Park - Cedar Park, TX Mar. 21 - Freeman Coliseum - San Antonio, TX Mar. 23 - Nashville Municipal Auditorium - Nashville, TN Mar. 25 - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre - Alpharetta, GA Mar. 27 - Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center - Charleston, WV Mar. 29 - The Met Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA Mar. 30 - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ Mar. 31 - The Theater at MGM National Harbor - National Harbor, MD Apr. 04 - Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell - Lowell, MA Apr. 07 - Scotiabank Centre - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Apr. 11 - Place Bell - Laval, Quebec, Canada Apr. 13 - FirstOntario Centre - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada A complete list of dates can be found on Ticketmaster. SCORPIONS have since tapped SKID ROW as the new opening act for the Vegas residency. Last month, QUEENSRŸCHE's Michael Wilton confirmed that guitarist Mike Stone will likely contribute guitar solos to the band's next studio album. Since late May, Stone has been handling second-guitar duties in QUEENSRŸCHE, which announced in July that longtime guitarist Parker Lundgren was exiting the group to focus on "other business ventures." Stone originally joined QUEENSRŸCHE for the 2003 album "Tribe" and stayed with the band for six years before leaving the group. For the past four and a half years, Casey Grillo has been filling in for QUEENSRŸCHE's original drummer Scott Rockenfield, who stepped away from the band's touring activities in early 2017 to spend time with his young son. In early October, Rockenfield filed a lawsuit against the band's fellow original members Wilton and Eddie Jackson (bass), alleging, among other things, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and wrongful discharge.

Scorpions release a new album

German hard rock icons Scorpions will release an album of their greatest rock ballads next month.
Titled ‘Born To Touch Your Feelings’, the best of compilation features 17 of Scorpions’ finest rock ballads from their five-decade history including two brand new tracks.
Ahead of its release on Friday 24th November, Scorpions have launched an incentive on social media to get fans to unveil the album artwork.
The band explain on their official website: “Post a picture on Instagram with the Hashtag #BornToTouchYourFeelings now. The more pictures posted with the official album hashtag the sooner you will reveal the brand new Scorpions cover. All your pictures can be found in the social wall on this website.”
At the time of writing the album artwork.
The exact track-listing is also yet to be revealed but expect to hear anthems like ‘Wind of Change’, ‘Send Me An Angel’ and ‘Still Loving You’. 
Explaining how the project came about, singer Klaus Meine told SiriusXM last month: “Sony Music approached us and said, ‘C’mon, guys. You have so many powerful songs. And we wanna put it together in some kind of compilation you guys never did before.'”
Of the bonus tracks, he said: “We went in the studio and everybody came up with great ideas. We just finished a recording session and listened to the first mixes and stuff, and it sounds pretty good. It’s gonna be a ‘best of ballads,’ but with those new tracks. And it’s gonna be a cool project.”

source: Planetrock.com

Top 10 power ballads of all time

This time we want to write about best power ballads in the history of rock music. Simply, we are talking about those songs that make you want to hold up your lighter up and waving it around. For this list, we’re focusing on rock songs that conjure up intense emotion deep within the soul for listeners and musicians alike.

I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf

 #10: I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf

Ok, let’s be clear: not all power ballads require an epic music video to become legendary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. For this 1993 hit, Meat Loaf actually recorded a 12-minute album version of the song, in which he passionately, and perhaps obsessively, details out his crippling loneliness, a fondness for both fire and ice, and of course, his fair set of standards for love. From the opening piano to the intense final act, this song would be absolutely nothing without the wrenching vocals of the man known as Meat Loaf.

 

 

Bringin’ On the Heartbreak – Def Leppard

 #9: Bringin’ On the Heartbreak – Def Leppard

Produced by Shania Twain’s ex Mutt Lange, this monster ballad is notable for its powerhouse music video released during the early days of MTV. In other words, lovers suffering from the horrors of heartbreak could not only listen to a mildly depressing jam, but also see their pain come to life though the oddly shaped guitars of Def Leppard and their power mullets. This chorus was specifically designed to make listeners sport their most badass leather jacket, smoke a Marlboro Red and embrace their passing pain. This all coming from the band that also taught us that “Love Bites”.

 

 

November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

 #8: November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

You know it’s about to get real when Axl Rose steps away from the mic stand and cues the orchestra. It’s time for an agonizing power ballad that will gently rip away at your soul and make you sort through old photos of your ex. Let’s face it: “November Rain” wasn’t created for couples enjoying a picnic at the local park. It’s for recently broken-up lovers to lip-synch into the mirror with the passing chance that a cold winter romance could blossom into something more. At almost nine minutes in length, GNR had early nineties rock fans bawling their eyes out to this emotional epic.

 

Open arms – Journey

 #7: Open arms – Journey

It’s really hard to choose one song between “Don’t stop believing” or “Faithfully” or basically any other song by Journey as the best power ballad from this band. It’s almost like they were put on earth only for making epic power ballads. But then again, with those beautiful compositions and vocalist’s amazing and powerful voice, you can’t expect anything else from this band.

 

 

Home Sweet Home – Motley Crue

 #6: Home Sweet Home – Motley Crue

It’s no secret that Mötley Crüe consumed a heavy amount of hard drugs and alcohol, but they were also passionate storytellers, with “Home Sweet Home” as their most poetic example. Through contrasting themes like “high” and “low,” along with “right” and wrong,” Mötley Crüe showcased their ability to demonstrate the long and winding road of life. Even if their home was a tiny studio off Sunset Boulevard, this power ballad struck a chord with listeners and became one of the definitive videos of the MTV generation.

 

 

Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison

 #5: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison

While some of the entries on our list are best listened to AFTER a break-up, this one is best enjoyed during the MAKE-up. Acoustic guitar. Classic ’80s guitar solo. Existential lyrics about an unknown DJ. What’s not to like? In a time when rock stars and their fans were straight up getting buckwild on a nightly basis, Poison dropped this power ballad and essentially offered everybody a time out from the madness.

 

 

Still Loving You – Scorpions

 #4: Still Loving You – Scorpions

You want a heavy dose of power ballad drama, you say? Well, here it is. Behold: heavy opening whispers…followed by a killer riff. Yes, this Scorpions classic contains an ebb and flow of power ballad emotion, as the lyrics touch on the concept of building a psychological wall, only to tear the sucker down with unconditional love. “Still Loving You” takes us on a journey over six stirring minutes, as lead singer Klaus Meine delivers vocals filled with anxiety, pain and unhealthy obsession.

 

 

I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner

 #3: I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner

Well, here’s a heavy burden to bear for any would-be lover, since it’s one thing to ponder the idea of love, and another to want someone to show you actual love. Ok, you get the idea of this Foreigner hit, well, because it’s all in the title. “I Want to Know What Love Is” came at a crucial moment in music history, as music videos allowed musicians another medium to express their utter confusion in regard to romance, and thus channel their energy to a world of equally troubled listeners.

 

 

Alone – Heart

 #2: Alone – Heart

It’s not our #2 because the title references a universal feeling that everyone can relate to, or even that the band’s name is “Heart,” it’s because of the deeply unsettling lyrics about an individual completely wrapped up in love. Oh, and it’s also because of the irresistible chorus that has inspired countless karaoke renditions around the globe. The lyrics of “Alone” allow listeners to long for their potential lovers, and it’s the perfect companion piece to Heart’s equally potent single “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You.”

 

 

Nothing else matters – Metallica

 #1: Nothing else matters – Metallica

I (and probably yourself ) can name a few people that in some part of their life, knew this song as the best song to be heard. Of course Metallica’s commercial power makes it a lot easier than the rest of list for being heard even by those who have no interest in rock genre, and probably make them fall in love with it. It would really hard to find someone who doesn’t find this song amazing.

Top 10 Anti-War Rock Songs

They say the war is hell on earth which maybe is the reason why so many musicians have railed against it. And today we are counting down our picks for the top10 anti-war songs. For this list we’re picking songs that protest against war in general or those that call out particular or specific battles. We’re basing our choices on a mix of their massage, song quality and overall recognition as an anti-war rock song.

Cranberries – zombie

 #10. Cranberries – zombie

The Irish band the Cranberries wrote zombie in response to the Irish republican Army’s 1993 bombing attacks which killed two small children. Including references to the 1916 Easter rising the song decried violence that had engulfed Ireland and England for too long and which had claimed far too many innocent lives. Featuring an angry grunge inspired sound the lyrics of zombie condemned the acts of war that tear through the brains of everyday people.

 

 

 

System of a dawn – BYOB

 #9. System of a dawn – BYOB

The United states invasion of Iraq was a source of great controversy with many vocally deriding it including this song. In BYOB the band directly levels a familiar charge against the architects of war that those who initiate and maintain wars are never the ones who suffer or fight them. The song hammers the point about the disproportionate amount of poor people involved in fighting wars while presidents and other leaders sit back and watch.

 

 

 

Metallica – one

 #8. Metallica – one

Set to have been inspired by the tragic world war one film “Johnny got his gun” which is in turn based on the novel of the same name Metallica’s one is a gut wrenching plea from a wounded soldier. Having been horribly injured by a landmine, the soldier is kept alive by a feeding tube. He can no longer see or hear, smell or taste. All he can do is feel and all he can feel is pain. The soldier longs for release from the hell that his life has become but he’s unable to even convey this wish to those keeping him alive.

 

 

 

Megadeth – the holy wars

 #7. Megadeth – the holy wars

Another song inspired by the Irish troubles, holy wars condemns the role that religion has often played in the cause of war. While the situation in northern Ireland was the impetus for the song, the lyrics are applicable to many conflicts in which religious differences play a large part. The second half of the song referred to as the “punishment due” makes reference to the Marvel Comics character The Punisher. Perhaps implying that the force of justice will someday destroy the forces of war.

 

 

 

Bob Dylan – Masters of war

 #6. Bob Dylan – Masters of war

Bob Dylan’s melody for masters of war is based upon a traditional folk song but the lyrics are pure Dylan. A blunt condemnation of world leaders at the time and especially those with power in America, the song takes aim at both the military-industrial complex and the cold war mindset that it gained an unhealthy influence over the course of U.S affairs at the time. Dylan is giving no quarter here and allowing no excuses in this matter. It’s a harsh denunciation that still packs a tremendous punch.

 

 

 

Plastic ono band – give peace a chance

 #5. Plastic ono band – give peace a chance

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a beautiful piece in praise of a Utopian world, his give peace a chance is more prosaic but it strikes an equally deep chord through its simple catchy chorus. The verses are simply a rhythmic list of labels applied to those who oppose war and support peace. And they drive the massage that don’t pay attention to who people say we are but listen to what we have to say. Eventually the song takes on the characteristics of a mantra, becoming a spiritual voice against war.

 

 

 

 

Bruce Springsteen – born in the U.S.A

 #4. Bruce Springsteen – born in the U.S.A

When born in the USA became a monster hit in 1984, many mistakenly took the title at face value and assumed it was a patriotic anthem. In fact Springsteen is critical of the country he loves for many reasons. One of them being its tendency to wage wars without regard to what it does to those who fight them. And veterans who are out of place when they return home as one of the silent tragedies of war.

 

 

 

 

Scorpions – Wind of change

 #3. Scorpions – Wind of change

Wind of change is a song by German band Scorpions, with the goal of celebrating the end of cold war, returning hope to people and the fall of soviet union Republics. You can even find references like the name of a river in Moscow, Moskav, and a traditional Russian instrument called balalaika. Beautiful melody of this song with the soothing whistle and voice of Klaus Meine brings us a gospel of the impending victory of peace in the end of every war.

 

 

 

Black Sabbath – War Pigs

 #2. Black Sabbath – War Pigs

 

The Vietnam war was raging in 1970 when Black Sabbath released “war pigs” and the anger behind the song is palpable. Comparing generals to evil witches and condemning all those that fought and design war, Black Sabbath makes if clear that a day of judgment will come when they will get their due. War pigs established Black Sabbath as one of the premier heavy metal bands. The searing lyrics and crashing music make a combination that even decades later tears at the listener.

 

 

 

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate son

 #1. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate son

War has never been waged in an equitable manner but in the 1960s and 70s, more and more people spoke out against the unfairness war engenders. Fortunate son clearly and insistently hammers home the point that the poor and the powerless pay the price in war. Those with rich and influential daddies can escape service or at least avoid direct combat. John Fogety’s impassioned vocals make this two and a half minute rock song into a condemnation of the rule rich men play at war.

Exit mobile version