Metal Kaoz has issued an interview with German metal queen DORO PESCH, in which she talks about Doro’s forthcoming album. An excerpt follows:
Q: What can you tell us (about the new) album?
A: “I think we have completed 80% of the new record and there are some great songs coming up. Actually, one song is dedicated to RONNIE JAMES DIO and the working title is ‘Hero’. That’s a very special song. I was a big Dio fan and I know that there are so many fan out there are missing him so much, so definitely this song will be on the new record. Also they will be some speed metal songs, some anthems songs and of course some power ballads.”
Q: Do you have in mind when will it be released?
A: “Maybe next spring, because we’ll be touring until the end of this year, so it’s not enough time to work in the studio. And then we need some time to cool off after the tour and stuff like that. I think around spring time the new album will be out.
Doro’s mammoth 25 Years In Rock 2DVD/CD set – which documents Doro’s 2,500th live concert – is available now.
In 2008, Doro celebrated her 25th anniversary concert at the ISS Dome in her hometown of Düsseldorf, Germany. With over 8,500 people in attendance, this magical performance featured her long-time band members Nick Douglas (bass), Joe Taylor (guitar), Johnny Dee (drums) and Oliver Palotai (keyboards, guitar). Guest appearances were made by OVERKILL’s Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, GRAVE DIGGER’s Chris Boltendahl, former NIGHTWISH singer TARJA TURUNEN, SCORPIONS’ Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker, Liv Kristine (LEAVES’ EYES), Floor Jansen (AFTER FOREVER), AXEL RUDI PELL and many others. This once-on-a-lifetime concert set was captured in its entirety and includes outtakes from this very special career-affirming evening.
Check out the 25 Years In Rock landing page here. Check out the DVD video trailer below:
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund hosted its first Awards Gala on Tuesday evening (November 1) at the famed Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles to raise funds for its commitment to cancer prevention, research and education. Founded in memory of Ronnie James Dio, the world-renowned voice of DIO, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL who died of gastric cancer last year, the Dio Cancer Fund has already raised more than $500,000 in its short history.
Wendy Dio, widow of the late singer and Fund Founder/President, and Gloria Butler, Chairman of the Board of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, will present the Dio Cancer Fund‘s latest pledge to the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research at their annual dinner in New York this week. Additionally, the Fund has committed monies to the gastric cancer research unit of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Ronnie was treated during the last six months of his life.
Awards named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio were presented to honorees in recognition of their support of the Fund‘s important work. Eddie Trunk, host of VH1 Classic‘s “That Metal Show”, served as special guest emcee and, after introducing each honoree, was surprised by Wendy Dio with the final award of the evening, the Long Live Rock ‘N Roll Award.
The Killing the Dragon Award went to Danny Zelisko, a cancer survivor and President of Phoenix-based Danny Zelisko Presents concert promotions, who remarked that “not a day goes by that I don’t miss Ronnie.” The King of Rock ‘n Roll Award went to Ronnie James Dio‘s longtime bandmate and friend Terry “Geezer” Butler, bassist for BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL. Mike Carden, a cancer survivor and President, North America, Eagle Rock Entertainment, a leading independent record label which has released several Dio recordings, accepted the Rainbow in the Dark Award, calling Wendy Dio “the hero of this evening.”
In accepting the Sacred Heart Award, television medical expert Sandeep “Sandy” Kapoor, M.D., Medical Director/Co-Founder of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, spoke poignantly about the need for better ways to screen for cancers and the public’s need to demand better access to health care and treatment. “We have to help each other,” he said, “‘stand up and shout’ to stopping cancer before it starts.”
Rita Haney, a tireless fund-raiser, Founder of Dimebash in memory of her late boyfriend “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott of the band PANTERA, accepted the Stand Up and Shout Award for her continuous contributions to the Dio Cancer Fund. Tony Martell, founder of the T.J. Martell Foundation, which has funded innovative medical research to find cures and treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDS for nearly 40 years, spoke via videotape from New York. His Man on the Silver Mountain Award was accepted on his behalf by T.J. Martell Foundation CEO Laura Heatherly.
Among the guests in attendance were “L.A. Ink”‘s Kat von D and rockers Slash, Glenn Hughes, Frankie Banali, Keith Emerson, Alex Kane, Marc Ferrari and members of the DIO band Rudy Sarzo, Craig Goldy, Scott Warren and Simon Wright as well as record producers Roy Thomas Baker and Mike Fraser and various other celebrities who popped in to show their support.
Event sponsors and guests were treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and various gourmet food stations created by renowned chef William S. Bloxsom-Carter and a performance by the rock band ASIA featuring John Payne in addition to escorted tours of the Mansion grounds and world-famous grotto and commemorative photos, some with Playboy Bunnies. Silent and live auctions, with items such as guitars signed by THE ROLLING STONES and U2, among others, and one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia including Mohammed Ali‘s signed robe and boxing gloves, proved to be an exciting addition to the evening’s festivities.
Perhaps you know that the Origin of Halloween represents a Scottish variant of the fuller All-Hallows-Even (“evening”). But of course all of us know what’s happening on Halloween and the meaning of “Trick-or-Treat”. And also Halloween is one of those events that has had much of its imagery and background used through rock and metal history, and some bands and artists such as King Diamond and Impellitteri have used the title of Halloween for their songs. Moreover, we have Helloween, a band whose name and logo represents Halloween.
For many of us Halloween is a reminder of some yummy and funny things such Candies, Chocolates, Pumpkins and some horror symbols like Vampires, Frankenstein and Ghosts. This horror part of Halloween was/is really an interesting issue for RockMetal bands and artists to be creative in writing songs about those topics.
Metal Shock Finland’s Chief Editor asked me to be the DJ of the MSF Halloween party, and select for you 10 best songs as the Top 10 Halloween songs. She left no choice and it has to be done! But forget about the number “10” because It’s Halloween and I want to give you my lucky number “13” and let’s hope we will not be trapped or hunted by some Halloweenish creatures!
13. Helloween – Dr. Stein
One of the Helloween’s most popular songs from the upbeat “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2” It was written by Michael Weikath and The Dr.Stein single was released in July 1988. It also re-recorded for compilation album “Unarmed – Best of 25th Anniversary“, the new version is in Jazz and Roll though.
I want to put it in the chart and start the party with this song because Helloween and this song are really Halloweenish.
12. Iced Earth – Dracula
From “Horror Show” the sixth studio album of Iced Earth. This time we encounter with horror and a sad story about a Halloweenish demon, the lyrics are lifted straight from the Bram Stoker’s Dracula movie that was one of the best movies in this genre .
The songs and lyrics are written by Jon Schaffer and the style of singing from Matt Barlow is extremely AWESOME.
11. Wolf – Voodoo
Nothing is scarier than when the Wolf is howling upon the mountain in the dead of the night. It sends a shiver through the whole of your body so you could even feel the sharpness of wolf teeth in your flesh. Now Wolf is singing about one of mankind’s most scary horror stories, Voodoo!
This song is from the treasure of chest, “Ravenous” album, and it ‘s written by Niklas Stalvind. His singing style is really great, reminds me of old school heavy metal. Also Niklas studied psychology and I think that was a good basis to help him write a such a great horror song as Voodoo.
10. Megadeth – She Wolf
It seems tonight we have a great thrash song from a golden album by Megadeth here in our party as well, Both the Music and lyrics to She-Wolf is written by Dave Mustaine and it was released on June 17, 1997 on the “Cryptic Writings” Album.
The song starts with a great thrashy riff and it is completed perfectly by a great solo in the end. I believe She-Wolf is the best choice for having some thrash in our Halloween Party.
9. AC/DC – Highway to Hell
“A fucking highway to hell” Angus said when he was asked to describe what life was like being constantly on tour. By all means it’s time to rock with a gem from the Rock&Roll world, the “Highway to Hell” single by AC/DC spent 45 weeks on the German Singles Chart, even though it peaked at only No. 30, in its 19th week on that chart.
The song was written by Bon Scott, Angus Young and Malcolm Young while the main guitar riff was created by Angus Young and it was released in July 1979. But let’s remember Scott who was found dead, in the back of a friend’s car, just over six months after the song was released. R.I.P. Bon Scott.
8. King Diamond – Bye Bye Missy
Yes, let’s listen to a true Horror Metal song. King Diamond is a legendary Heavy Metal band who focus on horror stories and that’s what we need here. When King starts to sing, the whole of your body will be filled with horror and fear and nobody can do it better than the King!
Bye Bye Missy is written by King Diamond on the “Them” album that was released in 1988. This album is a concept album about a young King and his mentally ill grandmother. One night, King investigates strange voices and discovers his grandmother having a tea party alone, with the teacups and kettles floating in the air ….
7. Judas Priest – Burn In Hell
Time to eat some fire, sent by one of METAL GODS. Tell me what is the most scary thing in this world?! You may agree with my view that it’s doomsday. Jugulator is the 13th studio album by Judas Priest. This album describes for you such a hellish end that you feel those shivers again, yeah, I can hear you whisper!
“Burn in Hell” was released in 1997 as the promo single for their 13th studio album Jugulator and is written by K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. A music video was produced for the song. It was shortened down to a little over four minutes.
Burn In Hell tells us about the evil that we do, As Nostradamus predicted the year 2012 will be the end of the world and it’s coming soon! So we are going to blister, BURN IN HELL!
6. Gamma Ray – Hell Is Thy Home
After the doomsday and after we made Hell as our home, now it’s time to bang your head with some Power Speed elements from Germany. Some people call Kai Hansen a Metal God as well, and as he is one of the creators of Melodic power Metal, why not?!
“Hell Is Thy Home” is written by Kai and was released on the “Majestic” album in 2005. You’ll find it as fast and powerful as a Metal song could be plus it has a very dark lyrical concept. And I believe this song is a great example what the band is capable of.
5. Black Sabbath – Lady Evil
Black Sabbath is another band I can call Halloweenish because of the horror kind of image the name invokes. Many critics and writers mention them as the first Heavy Metal band! They brought some horror elements to Rock music with using some Chromatic and Diminished scales.
“Lady Evil” was released in April 1980 on the golden album of Black Sabbath, “Heaven and Hell”. The exact origins of much of this album’s material is still a topic of debate. And this was the first album after Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the band and replaced with the Legendary Ronnie James Dio, R.I.P. The song has a strong Rainbow feel and is filled by a great Heavy rhythm and great guitar solos.
4. Accept – Metal Heart
“We had read an article that someone was working on an artificial heart and that one day everybody is going to have a computerized heart. It talked, in general terms, about how more and more of humanity gets sucked out of the daily life and more and more replaced by machine. It’s not a new thing now, but then it was new. Humans versus machine, was the general vibe of the record.” Wolf Hoffmann explained the concept behind the album and that shows the reason why I chose this one.
The song starts with famous classical theme, Tchaikovsky’s Slavonic March, and continues with an awesome galloping riff, including Beethoven’s Für Elise in the main solo. Metal Heart was released in March 1985 on the album of the same name.
3. DIO – Night People
It’s still sad and painful, and I’m sure many of us need to wipe away our tears when we listen to our VOICE OF METAL, R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio, one of the most talented musicians in the whole of heavy metal history.
Night People is the first track of the fourth DIO album, Dream Evil. The song starts with awesome heavy riffs that make you bang your head from the first moment and the Ronnie’s voice is as perfect as ever. By continuing with that great solo in the middle of the song, the circle of perfection is completed.
2. Iron Maiden – Transylvania
For understanding why I chose this song as the second one in this list, just close your eyes and imagine yourself walking in Count Dracula land, Transylvania, It’s night and you can sense the smell of blood from everywhere. Yeah the Shivers again and that’s because of you are walking on the land where the most scary Halloween symbol, Dracula, lived his life and maybe he’s still somewhere there hiding. :s
Transylvania was released on 14 April 1980 on the self titled album of METAL GODS, Iron Maiden and composed by founder and bassist Steve Harris, which was later covered by Iced Earth on the album Horror Show. The fast and powerful riffs and solos in this song could show you how it’s dangerous and scary, walking in the land, Transylvania!
1. Helloween – Halloween
Listen… take care … In the streets on Halloween, The spirits will arise….
Now it’s time to go back to our most Halloweenish Metal Band, Helloween. The legendary creators of Melodic Power Metal released this long length song on May 23, 1987 on their most successful album, “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1”. This album has credits by many to be the birth of Power Metal.
The “Halloween” song is written by Kai Hansen and it is 13 minutes 18 seconds long. The scary and horror style riff, played by the keyboard and guitar in the intro disconcerts you and suddenly starting with a powerful riff, you’ll find out that you are entered to a Halloween party full of Ghosts, Witches, Pumpkinheads, Vampires and … The song keep going and you would like to dance with those creatures but BEWARE … Black is the night full of fright and you’ll be missing the day … And now horror is back again and this is the point that fantasy Rocks horror, you run and scream on Halloween. Now Listen to me again, Keep your praying: “Save me from the evil one Give me strength to carry on I will fight for all mankind’s Deliverance and peace of mind”
At the end of the song you’ll not exist anymore, you’ll find yourself a part of Halloween, singing “IT’S HALLOWEEN, TONIGHT”.
PS: Special thanks to my friend Ali Blackdiamond for help
Over the years, legendary singer RONNIE JAMES DIO fronted some of the most popular/enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands of all-time, including RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN & HELL and DIO. But before all of these bands, there was Elf. Described as a “rock/honky tonk/blues band,” a forthcoming release, And Before Elf… There Were Elves, will prove that Ronnie could easily handle other rock-related styles. The Niji Entertainment Group has issued the following update:
“Check out the commercial that will run on VH1 Classic. October 25th, The Elves invade! Being released for the very first time in a spectacular Lenticular cover collectors edition is And Before Elf…….There Were Elves, featuring 12 tracks both recorded live on stage in concert and live in the studio. Hits like ‘You Shook Me’, ‘Buckingham Blues’, ‘Smile For Me Lady’ and ‘Stay With Me’.
And Before Elf…..There Were Elves will be in store on 10/25/11, or you can pre-order it right now below.”
And Before Elf…There Were Elves tracklisting:
‘You Shook Me’
‘Stay With Me’
‘Four Day Creep’
‘Buckingham Blues’
‘Wakeup Sunshine’
‘Driftin”
‘Smile For Me Lady’
‘You Felt The Same Way’
‘Simple Man’
‘Drown Me In The River’
‘Cold Ramona’
‘Little Queenie’
The First Annual RONNIE JAMES DIO Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund Gala will be held on Tuesday, November 1st, at the World Famous Playboy Mansion. The event will include cocktails and gourmet food stations created by renowned chef William S. Bloxsom-Carter, a silent auction and a performance by the rock band ASIA FEATURING JOHN PAYNE featuring John Payne. Guests will be treated to tours of the Mansion grounds and world-famous grotto.
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According to an update, six distinguished supporters will receive awards on the night. They will be presented to six distinguished honorees for their contributions to spreading awareness of Fund’s important work.
SUAS Ribbon:
A privately funded 501C3 charity organization dedicated to cancer prevention, research and education, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has already raised more than $500,000 in its short history. Monies raised have been committed to the cancer research work of the T. J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research and the gastric cancer research unit of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Ronnie was treated for gastric cancer during the last six months of his life, according to Wendy Dio, widow of the late singer and Fund President/Founder.
Eddie Trunk of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show will serve as Special Guest emcee. Awards named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio will be presented to the following honorees:
* Man on the Silver Mountain Award: Tony Martell, founder of the T.J. Martell Foundation, which has funded innovative medical research to find cures and treatments for leukemia, cancer and AIDS for nearly 40 years.
* Rainbow In The Dark Award: Mike Carden, cancer survivor and President, North America, Eagle Rock Entertainment, leading independent record label.
* King Of Rock ‘n Roll Award: Terry “Geezer” Butler, bassist for BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, and longtime bandmate and friend of Ronnie James Dio.
* Sacred Heart Award: Sandeep Kapoor, M.D., Medical Director/Co-Founder of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund;
* Killing The Dragon Award: Danny Zelisko, concert promoter and cancer survivor, President, Danny Zelisko Presents, Phoenix.
* Stand Up And Shout Award: Rita Haney, a tireless fund-raiser, Founder of Dimebash, in memory of her husband “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott.
“Ronnie would be proud to witness the legacy he’s left behind,” says Fund chairman Gloria Butler. “Sadly, we’ve all known people that have suffered this cruel disease, cancer. Most of us have lost loved ones far too early. If only…if only there was more money for research to be able to find cures for all of the cancers. Maybe someday people will be able to reflect on how their ancestors strived to make a difference in finding a cure. What now seems like a fantasy may prove to someday be a reality.”
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) charity. Single tickets are $750.00 and Tables of 10 are $10,000.
Bob Ruggiero of Houston Press‘ “Rocks Off” blog recently conducted an interview with powerhouse American vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Rocks Off: How did you hear about [DIO DISCIPLES], and why did you want to be part of it?
Tim “Ripper” Owens: I think with Ronnie [James Dio], he was such a legend and a friend and everybody loved him. When Wendy [Ronnie‘s wife/manager] mentioned that she wanted to do something to celebrate his music, I wanted to be involved. It was a no-brainer, and I was excited. And we wanted to do it the right way, with people that Ronnie would want to do it. He was such a great person, no one nicer in the industry, and vocally, he was the best.
Rocks Off: You’ve already done some [DIO DISCIPLES] shows in Europe. Which song has been your personal favorite to sing?
Tim “Ripper” Owens: That’s tough. There are so many emotional parts in the evening. You know what, I enjoy singing “Heaven And Hell” and watching the people get into it. But emotionally, it’s “Rainbow In The Dark”. It’s a hard one to sing. This feeling just comes out.
Rocks Off: Which has been the biggest challenge vocally?
Tim “Ripper” Owens: “Rainbow in the Dark”! You know, they’re all a bit challenging! (laughs). There’s so much power and light and shade in how he [did the songs]. And he sounded amazing all the way to the end.
Rocks Off: I have to ask, what are your thoughts about founding guitarist K.K. Downing abruptly quitting JUDAS PRIEST?
Tim “Ripper” Owens: Well, you know, I’m friends with all the guys, and that’s what happens. It’s just a shame that they were going to embark on their last tour — though I think they’ve kind of backtracked on it. You know, whatever made it happen, it was probably for good reason, and I wish Ken success. He’s probably got some other things he wants to do, and I wish the band all the success. But when they do end it for good, I hope it’s something with Ken.
Rocks Off: You sing with a number of bands in addition to your solo career. Is the flexibility a good thing?
Tim “Ripper” Owens: You know, they just sent over songs for the Yngwie for the next tour, which starts right after the DIO DISCIPLES tour, a day later! I think you know, may I have a bit too much on my plate! But it is a blessing. I toured solo last year most of the time in Europe and South America, all over the world. But it’s funny that people are always telling me to do more music. I’ve also got a HAIL! tour and new CHARRED WALLS [OF THE DAMNED] album. This is a real job. I just booked 12 shows in Australia for next May!
Rocks Off: So you have no spare time.
Tim “Ripper” Owens: Well, I spend the summer with my family and my wife and kids. The kids are in cheerleading and piano and they’re always running around. I also have a restaurant, Ripper Owens Tap House, in Akron, Ohio. It’s a rocking sports eatery, and we have a lot of acts play like L.A. GUNS, the BULLETBOYS, and LYNCH MOB.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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ns: I think with Ronnie [James Dio], he was such a legend and a friend and everybody loved him. When Wendy [Ronnie‘s wife/manager] mentioned that she wanted to do something to celebrate his music, I wanted to be involved. It was a no-brainer, and I was excited. And we wanted to do it the right way, with people that Ronnie would want to do it. He was such a great person, no one nicer in the industry, and vocally, he was the best.
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 