Superb heavy blues rockers STRAY TRAIN have released a new single and video for the song “Give it Away”, taken from the latest album “Blues from Hell”(released November 24th, 2017). The video cut and edit by Jaka Curlic, filmed during the band’s shows with NICKELBACK and SCORPIONS. Watch the video here:
Stated the band: “Hi friends and fans in the virtual world, we have a special treat for you. We’re very happy to announce our new single called »Give it Away«. Pay attention to the lyrics and tell us what you think! A lot has happened for us this year. Among other concerts, we also played in Russia with Nickelback and with Scorpions in Slovenia in our hometown. We appreciate every fan we have and since a lot of you weren’t able to see us on those big shows, we decided to put together a video recap, so you can experience what we got to experience. So turn your speakers up, sit down, press play and enjoy!!”
[The Stage-photo @Nickelback show by Miro Majcen]
As previously announced, STRAY TRAIN will join AUDREY HORNE and THE NEW ROSES in France, as the 3rd part of STRAY TRAIN’s “Blues From Hell” tour, kicking off on December 12th in Strasbourg. See the shows and details below.
December 12 – Strasbourg @ Laiterie
December 13 – Lyon @ Bloggg
December 14 – Limoes @ Xmass Festival
December 15 – Paris @ L’Empreinte
Slovenia, Ljubljana based Heavy Blues Rockers STRAY TRAIN was founded by experienced musicians in early 2015 and has since released two albums and toured relentlessly all over Europe, recently (May 2018) in Moscow and St.Petersburg, as main support for NICKELBACK . Their latest album “Blues From Hell – The Legend of the Courageous Five” (released November 24th, 2017) was mixed by the eminent Ronald Prent, who has already participated in mixing albums for bands like Depeche Mode, Rammstein and Queensryche. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands, where Queen, U2, Depeche Mode and many others have recorded, “Blues From Hell” contains 12 fresh compositions, with a specific and distinctive blend of blues and rock. The album is available on CD and double vinyl.
It is without a doubt that Uli Jon Roth has certainly earned his legendary status – with a career spanning five decades, Uli is set to celebrate his 50th anniversary of performing on stage, since starting out aged 13 in December 1968. His career has been a colourful journey, from the early days of the SCORPIONS to ELECTRIC SUN and a successful solo career, notably an innovator in the music world. Not forgetting Uli‘s creation of the unique and visionary Sky Guitar!
Uli is about to embark on a special six date UK tour, starting 29th November, celebrating his career by playing many favourites from over the years. Check for more information here. Metal Shock Finland Senior Manager Alison Booth recently spoke to Uli about the forthcoming tour and much more besides, for her Blackdiamond’s Metal Mayhem radio show. The whole show can be heard at this location.
Some excerpts of the in depth chat with Uli can be read below, with the full interview on the audio player.
Discussing the forthcoming 50th anniversary shows, Uli stated:
“I haven’t done such an ambitious programme in many years. I’ve got such a big repertoire from over the years, so I had to think hard about what not to play. There’s certain contenders that are always there like ‘Sails Of Charon’, certain Scorpions tracks, but I haven’t performed any of the Electric Sun stuff in years and that will be very interesting for me because that music is very demanding to play – although it should sound easy when you’re listening to it.
So we’re basically playing a best of Electric Sun, a best of my period with the Scorpions from the seventies, to doing some of my Sky Of Avalon, which is a little bit more adventurous, more melodic symphonic rock I guess. And it’s a long show, it’s a mission, so it’s an evening’s worth. I’m also playing a little acoustic set, just solo on my eight string Flamenco Sky guitar and I’m going to play some new pieces that I’ve written this summer which I love playing. And we’re also playing something that I particularly look forward to – some music of my deceased brother Zeno, who you may know, he died earlier this year unfortunately. He was a great songwriter and great guitar player himself, so we’re going to honour his memory and his legacy by playing two of his best songs.
So that’s basically in a nutshell what we’re going to do.“
Mentioning the fact that there seems to be no sign of Uli slowing down, he remarked:
“No, actually on the contrary. I was just saying to my daughter today that I have so much on my plate sometimes that I wish for longer days! (laughs). I’m a bit of a workaholic and recently it seems to be increasing, don’t ask me why.”
Looking back over his long career, Uli expressed:
“Innovator is probably true because I’m always interested in coming up with new ideas and I prided myself in loving each solo that I’ve recorded on albums, different from the other ones you know – trying to break new ground, technically, musically or whatever. So for me, it’s been largely a journey of discovery and also seeing how far you can push the guitar, unlocking some of those mysteries and there are still so many in the guitar. It feels like sometimes I’ve barely grazed the surface, because each time I pick up a guitar I have new ideas and it feels completely fresh and new, it’s just great.
I think the secret to that is that I play really very rarely, you know, I don’t play very often these days. Lots of the time it’s just on stage so that’s why I guess I don’t get bored and it doesn’t get repetitive to me ever.”
Regarding the future, Uli revealed:
“Next year will be very busy because I’m also working towards some orchestra shows, which is very labour intensive with score writing. We’ll probably have to spend some time in the studio editing the DVD and making that. I have written by now a considerable amount of new music and to my eternal shame and disgrace, I’ve recorded very little in recent years and I know a new album is long overdue.
Having said that, it’s not an easy undertaking for me because I’m not so keen on recording studios, because I don’t like the medium as such. I prefer writing music, maybe even writing it down, that as a score I prefer playing it live. But actually making it so that you have an album, you know the final like pinning down the butterfly once and for all. I’ve always had a problem with that you know, so we’ll see. I’ll do my best to come up with a new album.”
Corporation, Sheffield Thursday 29 November ULU, London Friday 30 November Kasbah, Coventry Saturday 1 December Academy 3, Manchester Sunday 2 December Òran Mór, Glasgow Monday 3 December The Stables, Milton Keynes Wednesday 5 December
Superb heavy blues rockers STRAY TRAIN– who currently are preparing for the shows with NICKEBACK in Russia – will join SCORPIONS on June 8th at Arena Stožice in Ljubljana!
Stated the band: “We’re super excited to announce we’ll be playing with Scorpions in our home town at Arena Stožice! We’re very excited and grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to rock Ljubljana’s biggest arena.”
As previously annouced, next week STRAY TRAIN will share the stage with NICKELBACK, as main support, on their “Feed The Machine tour” in Moscow and St.Petersburg! See the details below:
May 21st – Moscow – Olympissky
May 23rd – St.Petersburg – Ice Ledovy Palace
Just recently STRAY TRAIN released two new videos for the song “Blues From Hell”, as Official Music Video and Director’s cut, watch them below.
“Tour From Hell, Pt.2” shows/festivals:
May 17th – Firchie Think Tank – Novi Sad – Serbia
May 18th – Klub Fest – Beograd – Srbija
May 21st – Moscow – Olympissky – w/ NICKELBACK
May 23rd – St.Petersburg – Ice Ledovy Palace – w/ NICKELBACK
June 02nd – Blaurock Open Air – Ulm – Germany
June 8th – Arena Stožice – Ljubljana, Slovenia – w/ SCORPIONS
July 14th – Pivo In Cvetje – Lasko – Slovenia
July 20-22nd – Cutombike Summer Days – Mannheim – Germany
August 2-4th – Castle Kolpa Music Festival – Fara – Slovenia
August 18th – Motorcity Festival – Sotocje, Tolmin – Slovenia
More dates to be announced soon.
Slovenia, Ljubljana based Heavy Blues Rockers STRAY TRAIN was founded by experienced musicians in early 2015 and has since released two albums and toured relentlessly all over Europe. Their latest album “Blues From Hell – The Legend of the Courageous Five” (released November 24th, 2017) was mixed by the eminent Ronald Prent, who has already participated in mixing albums for bands like Depeche Mode, Rammstein and Queensryche. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands, where Queen, U2, Depeche Mode and many others have recorded, “Blues From Hell” contains 12 fresh compositions, with a specific and distinctive blend of blues and rock. The album is available on CD and double vinyl.
World-renowned guitar virtuoso JOE SATRIANI’s G3 2018 UK Tour with Dream Theater’s JOHN PETRUCCI and the former Scorpions guitarist ULI JON ROTH will kick off in the UK at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion on Tuesday 24th April and will continue on to London, Bristol, Manchester, Portsmouth and Birmingham.
Each of the three incredible guitarists will perform their own set, followed by a massive jam at the end of the show. Fans will have the chance to meet Joe, John and Uli when purchasing one of the VIP Meet & Greet Packages available at all shows.
The European leg of the G3 2018 Tour includes shows in Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland and more.
“I could say that I’m surprised at the durability of G3 and how much it’s grown, but in a way I’m not,”Satriani says with a laugh, “I think part of its charm and its mojo is in the chemistry of having three top guitarists share what they do on stage. It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, it’s wild – it’s everything you could want in a show.”
Joe Satriani released his 16th solo album, What Happens Next, in January 2018 via Sony/Legacy Recordings. Click here for more information on the G3 UK tour and the album.
G3 2018 APRIL UK TOUR
JOE SATRIANI, JOHN PETRUCCI & ULI JON ROTH
Tuesday April 24 – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Wednesday April 25 – London Eventim Apollo
Thursday April 26 – Bristol Colston Hall
Friday April 27 – Manchester Apollo
Sunday April 29 – Portsmouth Guildhall
Monday April 30 – Birmingham Symphony Hall
For Canada’s The Metal Voice, former Anthrax singer Neil Turbin (Deathriders, Bleed the Hunger) spoke with legendary and former guitarist Uli Jon Roth at the Whisky, in Los Angeles on Feb 21 2017. Roth Spoke about his time with the Scorpions, Jimi Hendrix influence and theories behind his death as well as weighed in on Michael Schenker‘s verbal attacks on his Scorpions brother Rudolf.
Watch the interview here:
Uli Jon Roth had this to say about former UFO guitarist Michael Schenker‘s war of words towards his brother Rudolf, “It was a little strange, I couldn’t follow it. I don’t know what got into Michael, I thought Rudolf always did good things for Michael. Certainly I cannot second any of that stuff. I’ve been with Rudolf for 5 years extremely closely he is the greatest guy I totally respect him on the human level and as a musician. Maybe he is not like a virtuoso guitar player but he is sure heck of a songwriter and that is rare. Very few people in rock can write a riff like Rock you like a hurricane or stuff that really stays in your mind forever. Rudolf has that gift and that should not be undervalued. I don’t know whats with Michael I don’t know what the problem was maybe he knows something I don’t know but i doubt it. It’s all about different perspectives different people see things, different parts in their lives.”
Roth Continued, “Sure some of the stuff Michael said I could understand where he is coming from, yeah ok maybe he plays a flying V. But then again that’s also natural they are brothers, they come from the same kind of background and Rudolf did start the Scorpions. Without Rudolf there would be no Scorpions. Rudolf was the motor from the beginning, he was the only one with the real vision, in that band to go forward, to do that and that’s a tremendous achievement threw thick and thin. The whole thing was a little sad maybe it will all blow over. I love them both, greatest respect and love for Michael who was one the greatest guitar players of all time. but there is no need to go up against your brother. if there is a problem don’t do it publicly and that’s my opinion.”
In a prior interview with MICHAEL SCHENKER on THE METAL VOICE on May 26 2016 MIchael said
“When they approached me just recently for the SCORPIONS [50th-anniversary deluxe edition reissues of their albums], I found out that they put a bio out that was a complete[ly] wrong story. I found out that there was not a picture of me on ‘Lovedrive’, there was no mention on ‘Holiday’ who wrote and played that intro, and, of course, Rudolf persuaded me to give him the ‘Coast To Coast’ melodies. And so I’m very disappointed with that. And I must say I’m now finding out more and more weird stuff about Rudolf.”
Michael added: “I have to stay away from him and I can’t trust him anymore — period.”
Uli Jon Roth was a member of the SCORPIONS from 1973 through 1978, playing on five classic SCORPIONS records, “Fly To The Rainbow” (1974), “In Trance” (1975), “Virgin Killer” (1976) and “Taken By Force, “Tokyo Tapes”.
Metal Blade Records (Celebrating their 35th Anniversary), Scorpions, and The Rainbow Bar and Grill have just joined the list of Metal Royalty who have been nominated for induction into the 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History. The All-Star Induction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Anaheim Expo Center, Anaheim CA. Television and Radio Legend Eddie Trunk will host the event.
Performing at the Ceremony will be Dio Disciples featuring “Craig Goldy,” “Simon Wright” “Scott Warren,” “Bjorn Englen,” “Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens,” and “Joe Retta.” Ross “The Boss” (band), will also be performing, which features Iconic guitarist “Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman,” “Rhino (Formerly of Manowar),” vocalist “Marc Lopes,” and “Mike LePond” (Symphony X). Surprise artists will also take part in the event. Supporting bands include Budderside, and LA rockers Diamond Lane.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.
The 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees Include:
Ronnie James Dio “Rainbow” “Black Sabbath” “Dio” (With Wendy Dio accepting the induction)
Metal Blade Records (With Brian Slagel accepting the induction)
Scorpions (With Drummer Mikkey Dee accepting the induction)
Rainbow Bar and Grill (With Rainbow Bar and Grill owner Mikael Maglieri accepting the induction)
Lemmy Kilmister “Motörhead” (With Manager Todd Singerman accepting the induction)
Ross “The Boss” Friedman formerly of “Manowar”
Rudy Sarzo formerly of “Ozzy Osbourne” and “Whitesnake.”
Frankie Banali of “Quiet Riot,” (Along with a special 33rd Anniversary Induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 Heavy Metal Album status).
Vinny Appice formerly of “Black Sabbath” and “Dio.”
Don Airey of “Deep Purple”
Andy Zildjian President/CEO of “Sabian Cymbals”
Randy Rhoads “Ozzy Osbourne,” (With the Rhoads family members accepting the Induction)
“The induction of Ronnie into the Annual Hall of Heavy Metal History is indeed an honor, and I know Ronnie would have been very proud,” says Wendy Dio. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund, we thank you for your support and donation. Every penny will go to cancer research and education, to hopefully one day find a cure for this horrible disease that takes the lives of so many of our loved ones.”
“Our family is so deeply honored to have Randy inducted into The Hall of Heavy Metal History,” says Kathy and Kelle Rhoads.” To think that after all these years since he has passed, he is STILL remembered and respected is totally awesome. His passion for music continues to inspire so many. It was always about the “Music” for him. He would be speechless about this award, and so would our Mom!!”
A press conference and General Admission entrance will commence at 6:30 PM. The Induction Ceremony will take place from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A VIP Meet and Greet with the celebrity Inductees will take place after the Induction Ceremony. Ross The Boss Band, Budderside, Diamond Lane, and surprise guests will perform throughout the night.
Music fans can be a part of the most important night in Heavy Metal!! Tickets are $25.00 for General Admission, and $100.00 for combined General Admission and “VIP Meet And Greet” with the Celebrity Inductees. VIP ticket includes special VIP seating, Pictures and Autographs with the Celebrity Inductees, gift bag with an official VIP Pass, an official Event poster, an official Event T-Shirt, an official Event Program, and additional sponsor items.
Pic By Lee Millward
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 