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As The Rolling Stones continue to celebrate their 60th anniversary, renowned Los Angeles landmark Rockaway Records has acquired an extensive collection of Rolling Stones vinyl and memorabilia with over 10,000 items including rare LPs & 45s, vintage t-shirts from 1973-1983, dozens of concert posters from 1969-1978, promotional items and more. Major highlights include a copy of “Beast Of Burden,” the 2nd rarest Rolling Stones picture sleeve 45 and a 1977 promotional hanging display designed by Andy Warhol.

The collection comes from late longtime fan, collector, and famous skateboarder Brad “Squeak” Blanck, a well-known and beloved figure in The Rolling Stones community. For more information, please visit rockaway.com or call 323-664-3232 to set up an appointment.

This collection is already attracting buyers including Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, who purchased a rare set of 1978 UK promo posters for Some Girls.

“We have bought many amazing collections over the past 45 years, but this is definitely the most exciting one in a long time! Some of the highlights are a 1967 Satanic Majesties lenticular that is different from the one on the album cover, 1970s t-shirts that look like new, and a 1977 promotional display for Love You Live that was designed by Andy Warhol.” – Wayne Johnson, Rockaway Records.

Following the success of Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles and 1970s punk collections, Rockaway continues to be the premiere destination for collectors who seek unique, hard to find pieces of music memorabilia from their favorite artists.

While many independent record stores and chains in Los Angeles shut their doors years ago, Rockaway Records remained open and shifted their focus to high-end vinyl and collectibles. Co-founders and brothers Wayne and Gary Johnson started aggressively acquiring extensive record industry and personal collections of vinyl, posters, autographs, and other rarities. Expert appraisers of music and music memorabilia, the brothers Johnson have traveled the world buying and selling some of the most highly sought-after music collectibles.

Rockaway is known throughout the world for its honesty and expertise, and in turn sellers are paid the highest possible value for their goods. Rockaway competes with the larger auction houses and often gets much higher returns on music-related items because of their extensive knowledge of the marketplace due to their 45 years of unparalleled experience in the music industry.

Wayne and Gary began selling records in 1979 after attending the legendary record swap meet at the Capitol Records parking lot in Hollywood. What began as a hobby 45 years ago quickly evolved to become the world-renowned business it is today.

To make an appointment, please call 323-664-3232 or e-mail info@rockawayrecords.com.

Things have been a little subdued in the kitchen of Britain’s top light entertainers of late. Toyah and Robert Fripp performed a ragged version of Joan Jett’s Bad Reputation two weeks ago, but that followed a long fallow period, where fans of the couple’s weekly Sunday Lunch videos had to content themselves with a long run of blooper reels and old highlights.  

Were the frolicsome pair running out of ideas? Could the nation’s longest-running pandemic-inspired husband-and-wife internet variety show be stumbling towards a sorry dénouement? Could this be the end? 

Apparently not. For while King Crimson leader Fripp may not be wielding his trusty axe in the couple’s latest video, his post-punk bride more than makes up for any shortfall, singing The Velvet Underground’s classic ode to sadomasochism, bondage and submission while dressed in the sort of costume more usually reserved for the sorts of parties we never get invited to. 

As Wilcox cavorts on the kitchen table, an awestruck Fripp gazes up at her and provides a running commentary. 

“Toyah will do almost anything to get out of cooking.”

“I wonder if we’re having desert?”

“I’m frightened.”

So are we, Robert. So are we. 

Toyah and Robert will be performing a pair of “Rock Party” shows at Huntingdon Hall, a venue in Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping Centre, on May 26 and 27. 

“Slinky persons of the grooving variety might like to get out their party shoes in preparation for Toyah & Robert’s Rock Party in Worcester,” advises Fripp. “Audient alert: please be prepared to rock out and have a good time!”

Tickets are on sale now (opens in new tab). 

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Firewind guitarist Gus G. has shared a new video from the road. This time it’s a shred chat with Michael Angelo Batio, which went down on their current Electric Guitarlands European tour. Check it out below.

Gus G., Michael Angelo Batio, Rowan Robertson, and Andy Martongelli are teaming up for the upcoming Electric Guitarlands tour.

Description: A fantastic musical evening with four of the best guitarists in the world of rock music, performing for more than two hours of entertainment.

Michael Angelo Batio, the legendary Chicago shredder, former member of Nitro, is currently the guitarist of Manowar. Gus G., the great Greek guitarist was a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band from 2009 to 2017 and is the frontman of Firewind. At the age of 17, Rowan Robertson was recruited by Ronnie James Dio to join his band. Suddenly, he escalated from obscurity to worldwide fame. Andy Martongelli, one of the best known Italian shredders, guitarist, composer, producer and teacher, member of the David Ellefson band.

A unique evening with a set list that, along with songs from the solo careers of these great performers, will also be full of classics from legendary bands such as Van Halen, Pantera, Black Sabbath, Dio, Megadeth and more. The legendary double neck guitar solo of Batio will  be part of the show as well.

The band is completed by Francesco Caporaletti on bass (The Gang, Vinnie Moore), Roberto Pirami on drums (Vinnie Moore, Michael Angelo Batio band) and Riccardo Curzi on vocals.

For tickets and further information, head here.

Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen has checked in with the following message to her fans:

“Feeling the love not only on stage, but also in the charts! To chart with Paragon in multiple countries, let alone Germany and UK, is amazing! So grateful to all of you who made it happen!”

Paragon chart e tries are as follows:

– Germany Album Charts: #19
– UK Official Independent Albums Chart: #12
– UK Independent Album Breakers Chart: #3
– UK Physical Albums Chart Top 100: #38

Floor released Paragon on March 24. Paragon showcases Jansen’s impressive vocal range and powerful voice on a diverse collection of pop-infused tracks and emotional ballads influenced by the sounds of her career. The album has something for everyone and is a must-listen for fans of Jansen.

With its mix of influences and powerful vocal performances, Paragon is an album that will appeal to fans of pop music and metal alike. It’s the perfect addition to any music collection, and a must-have for fans of Floor Jansen and Nightwish.

Paragon is available digitally and physically on CD, vinyl, and a limited edition deluxe box set. The album is available on all major streaming platforms and at music retailers worldwide. You can order the album here.

Tracklisting:

“My Paragon”
“Daydream”
“Invincible”
“Hope”
“Come Full Circle”
“Storm”
“Me Without You”
“The Calm”
“Armoured Wings”
“Fire”

“Daydream” video:

“Me Without You” video:

“Storm” video:

“Fire” video:

“Invincible”

Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx took to social media earlier today, May 13th, with the following updates re. new music with guitarist John 5:

“Recording in London England where so many of my hero’s are from ain’t a bad way to start the day.”

“Hit the studio with Vince Neil today here in London. The new Motley Crue songs are 100% officially done and ready for mix.”

It’s presently unclear how many new songs Mötley Crüe have recorded. It’s also unknown how and when they will be released.

In April, Mötley Crüe revealed that they had entered the recording studio with their longtime producer, Bob Rock, to lay down some new music.

On May 1st, Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx took to social media with the following update: “Vince is cutting lead vocals this week on the new songs… We have a few final things Bob Rock wants us to record and then heading to London next week to prepare for European tour. We’re really excited to play for our European fans. It’s been a minute. Great combination of stadiums and festivals.”

Sixx previously commented, “Vince Neil hits the studio Monday – Wednesday and we’re back in finishing background vocals and adding more layers of guitars towards the end of the week into the weekend. The only thing I can say about the new songs is they are pretty heavy.”

Prior to that, Sixx stated, “I have to say when I was a teenager I had no idea being in a band could garner so much love and so much hate. What a great original journey I’ve got to travel over the years watching people have so many feelings about our band. THANK YOU. Pretty much wrapped up most of the songs so it’s all vocals from here on out. These songs are personal. You’ll understand more later. Being in a band for 42 years you have to constantly look for inspiration —- and I can’t believe we’re leaving soon for Europe. We’re gonna be there for two months. I’m bringing my family and gonna really make a point to get out and also make time for some photography. Leica Camera sent me the new M11 and the SL2 to test out. Can’t wait and can’t wait to play all these shows. I’m just living in gratitude everyday. And thank you to the lovers and the haters. You keep me inspired.Oh and as you can see we actually never took a break. Just came home from tour and back to work. I guess I’ll rest next time I die?”

Mötley Crüe’s 2023 tour of The UK and Europe begins May 22nd in Sheffield, England, and wraps up July 6th in Glasgow, Scotland. The complete itinerary can be found here.

(Photo – Ross Halfin)

Metallica have checked in with the following signature whiskey update:

“We are psyched that Blackened American Whiskey is now shipping in the UK and EU exclusively through The Spirit Co. Get your hands on a bottle at this location.

Shipping commences on May 29th. Delivery times 4-8 days from dispatch.

Award-winning Blackened Whiskey has announced its release of Cask Strength, starting with Volume 01, as a nationwide rollout and will include Canada. Blackened Whiskey Cask Strength features the same award-winning blend of the finest North American bourbons and ryes as in the original expression. The whiskeys are then married and finished in brandy casks, bottled at cask strength, and non-chill filtered, offering a viscous mouthfeel with an even bolder flavor profile. Each volume of Cask Strength is its own unique batch and limited in quantity.

After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback on previous limited Cask Strength releases, which have received a 91 rating from Whisky Advocate and Gold from the John Barleycorn Awards, Blackened Whiskey is answering consumer demand with this expression and rolling it out across the U.S. and multiple provinces in Canada. 

The makers of Blackened Whiskey sonically-enhance their whiskeys to extract more flavor from the finishing casks, using a patent-pending scientific process co-developed by the sound engineers at Meyer Sound, a global leader in sound technology. Dubbed Black Noise™, this sonic-enhancement process produces low hertz sound waves causing the whiskey to reverberate at a fast rate, interacting with the oak staves of the finishing barrel, measurably releasing wood compounds and flavors. 

Blackened Whiskey Cask Strength features notes of rolled oats, vanilla wafer, fig, maple sugar, and toffee on the nose. On the palate are hints of walnut, caramel, and vanilla creme with a brown sugar, ancho chile, and a cinnamon spice finish.

“I absolutely love cask strength whiskey,” said Blackened Whiskey Master Distiller & Blender, Rob Dietrich. “You are drinking whiskey in its purest form; unfiltered, uncut and born straight from the barrel with one unapologetic purpose – to be savored.” 

“When creating Blackened, we didn’t want to create just another whiskey. Our goal was to create something unique and refined that would appeal to even the top notch whiskey experts,” said Metallica bassist, Robert Trujillo. “We are so proud of Rob’s latest accolades with Rye The Lightning receiving the #14 spot on Whisky Advocate’s Top Whiskies of 2022. We know fans are going to be excited for the release of Blackened Whiskey Cask Strength, starting with the newly released Volume 01.”

Blackened Whiskey Cask Strength is on shelves now with an SRP of $69.99. To find local retailers or gather information, visit Blackened Whiskey’s website BlackenedWhiskey.com and follow on social at @BlackenedAmericanWhiskey. To hear the playlist, visit this location.

On May 6th, Pantera performed at the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City, Florida. It marked the first time in 22 years the band has performed on US soil. The band’s last performance in America was on July 25, 2001 at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington.

Drummer Charlie Benante (Anthrax) has shared drum cam video from the show, which can be viewed below.

Check out fan-filmed video from the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally below. The setlist was as follows:

“Mouth For War”
“A New Level”
“Strength Beyond Strength”
“Becoming” (with “Throes of Rejection” outro)
“I’m Broken” (with “By Demons Be Driven” outro)
“5 Minutes Alone”
“This Love”
“Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit”
“Suicide Note Pt. II” (first performance since 2001)
“Walk”
“Domination / Hollow”
“Cowboys From Hell”

Pantera’s confirmed live dates are listed below.

May
18-21 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
26 – Sofia, Bulgaria – Armeets Arena
27 – Bucharest, Romania – Metalhead Meeting Open Air Festival
30 – Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra

June
5 – Lodz, Poland – Atlas Arena
10 – Sölvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival
12 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
13 – Berlin, Germany – Verti Music Hall
15 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell
21 – Hamburg, Germany – Edel Optics
22-24 – Oslo, Norway – Tons Of Rock

August
4 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (with Metallica)
11 –  Montreal, QC – Stade Olympique (with Metallica)
18 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium (with Metallica)
25 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium (with Metallica)

September
1 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium (with Metallica)
7-10 – Alton, VA – Blue Ridge Rock Festival

November
3 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center (with Metallica)
10 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field (with Metallica)

Germany rock legends Scorpions have unearthed more vintage video, this time of the rare performance of the Virgin Killer track “Pictured Life” from Kaléidospop on May 7, 1977.

Check out the previously uploaded performance of  “All Night Long”:

Catch Scorpions live in concert on the dates listed below.

May
14 – Westfalenhalle – Dortmund, Germany
16 – SAP Arena – Mannheim, Germany
19 – Zag Arena – Hannover, Germany
21 – Schleyer Halle – Stuttgart, Germany
23 – Mercedes Benz Arena – Berlin, Germany
28 – Hall Tony Garnier – Lyon, France
31 – Zenith – Toulouse, France

June
2 – Hallenstadion – Zürich, Switzerland
5 – Olympiahalle – Munich, Germany
7 – Winning Group Arena – Brno-Střed, Czech Republic
10 – Atlas Arena – Łódź, Poland
12 – Royal Arena – Copenhagen, Denmark
14 – Avicii Arena – Stockholm, Sweden
17 – Song Festival Grounds – Tallinn, Estonia
19 – Žalgirio Arena – Kaunas, Lithuania
22 – Ergo Arena – Gdansk, Poland
25 – Štark-Arena – Beograd, Serbia
28 – Romexpo – Bucharest, Romania
30 – Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley – Mogilovo, Bulgaria

July
6 – Festival les Déferlantes Sud de France – Céret, France
11 – Icónica Sevilla Fest at Plaza de España de Sevilla – Sevilla, Spain
16 – Altice Forum – Braga, Portugal