Pearl - The Best Reason To Play Drums

Stanley Randolph and Pearl Percussionist Fausto Cuevas will be on tour with Stevie Wonder starting in June 18th in Wantagh, NY.

Fausto Cuevas III : Drums and Percussion

Pearl welcomes Avril to the Peal family! Avril Lavigne continues to conquer the charts her most recent CD, "Best Damn Thing" Don't miss her playing her MCX Masters Series Pink Sparkle kit (with pink cymbals!) on tour

Rodney Howard and his Masterworks Series kit is providing the groove for the remainder of the show and is becoming a leader in contemporary pop drumming!

The Roots/Pearl Percussionist Frank Knuckles continues on the Rising Down tour:
May 4 2008 8:00P Fox Theater Detroit, Michigan
May 6 2008 8:00P Sepsum at U of Montreal Montreal, Quebec
May 8 2008 8:00P Orpheum Boston, Massachusetts
May 9 2008 8:00P Radio City New York, New York
click here for more dates....

New Pearl Percussionist Aaron Draper is currently on tour with R&B vocalist Jill Scott.

Pearl Europe's Bloc Party/Matt Tong are currently busy cutting their third LP, the band will soon hit the road yet again for a lengthy summer tour that starts in Pomona, CA, on July 28 and winds down at Toronto's V Festival on September 6.
7/28 Pomona, CA - Glass House *
7/29 Los Angeles, CA - Mayan Theatre*
7/30 San Francisco, CA - Fillmore *
8/1-3 Lollapolooza Chicago's Grant Park
click here for more dates.....

Steve Potts is on the road with Guy Sebastian promoting The Memphis Album and will perform with Booker T. and The MGs on August 15th at BB Kings in NY.

Kamelot/Casey Grillo have been confirmed for the Metal Rock Fest, a brand new two-day event set to take place August 15-16 in Lillehammer, Norway. A two-minute video clip of Casey's talking about his new kit during the band's current European tour...

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones/Future Man have finalized some additional tour dates for 2008. He has also been working with some young string players performing as Futureman & The Black Mozart Ensemble -- "We are exploring music that I have composed on the Royel piano that is dedicated to a man from the past who was called The Black Mozart... for more information on the history of the Black Mozart go to www.lemozartnoir.com it is a fascinating story and is proving to be a fascinating journey through the history of classical and popular music."
8.5.08 Philadelphia , PA The Mann Center (opening for Return To Forever)
8.6.08 Boston , MA Bank of America Pavilion (opening for RTF)
11.15.08 Spokane , WA Spokane Symphony
11.16.08 Bend , OR Tower Theater
11.18.08 San Francisco , CA Yoshi's
click here for more dates....

Dante' Roberson is a busy guy.... between sessions, in-town gigs, and TV hits, he starts a world tour with The Whispers on July 1st
June 12 DRUMMER’S FOR JESUS Los Angeles, California
June 21 Next Best Drummer (judging) Los Angeles, California
July 1-5 The Whispers cotton club tokyo
Sep 21 Brasil Drum Clinic and Festival - San Paulo
Oct 4 The Whispers show barbados

Shinedown/Barry Kerch are currently rehearsing at Universal Studios Orlando for their upcoming tour. The album will be titled 'Sound of Madness' and is scheduled for release on June 24th. The new single entitled 'Devour' is released to radio May 5th.
Fri 05/09/08 Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Park
Sat 05/10/08 Orlando, FL Tinker Field
Sun 05/11/08 Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium
Tue 05/13/08 Charlotte, NC Amos' Southend
Click here for more dates....

Hardware artist Mac Calvaresi of Cinder Road will open for KISS/Eric Singer on a number of European dates. Cinder Road comments: "The tour will take us back to Europe, this time to many countries we have yet to set foot in. This is truly a dream come true for us."

The unique rhythm section of Jimmy DeGrasso and bassist David Ellefson can be heard on the sophomore album from F5 entitled "The Reckoning". The band recently headlined the first Rage Brigade music festival on April 19 that Club Red in Tempe, Arizona.

Chris Fryer will be splitting his time between the Zac Brown Band and bassist Oteil Burbridge in 2008..... look for a new release from ZBB in mid-summer.

Steven Spence of Black Tide graces the cover on the current Guitar Center catalog... read his interview here

Meldrum/Gene Hoglan has announced the addition of Australian metal vocalist Michele Madden and bassist Laura Christine to the group's ranks. The band is scheduled to enter a Los Angeles studio on April 29th to begin recording its new album for a late 2008 release. Gene says: "Both Michelle and I are super-excited to be working with the amazingly talented and ultra-gorgeous Michele Madden, and we welcome her with open arms into the Meldrum family. I've had the utmost respect for her for the past five years, and always considered Madden to be, in every awesome and cool use of the term, a rock star. BIG respect, absolutely, and I can't believe I actually get to play in a band with one of my all-time favorite vocalists. I'm real psyched, and no one in their right mind is gonna disagree with the fact that this band has just gotten WAAAY mightier with our new addition."

Tom Tom Club/Chris Frantz will make appearances at a few select venues in June....
June 17 Fairfield Theater Company Stage One, Fairfield, CT
June 20 Massive Attack's Meltdown Festival, London, UK with Gang Of Four
June 26 McCarren Park Pool Brooklyn, NY with Devo
June 27 Bank Of America Boston Pavillion Boston with Devo

Disturbed/Mike Wengren's video for the band's new single, "Inside the Fire", will debut on the band's official web site Friday, May 2nd.

The Howard Stern Show's Richard Christy (former drummer of Iced Earth and Death) has issued the following update: "A brand new drumming special that I did is available now on Howard TV! I have to give a million thanks to Howard TV and my boss Howard Stern for giving me the chance to show off a side of me that some people might not know about. Before I worked on the radio with 'The Howard Stern Show' I toured with some of my favourite metal bands including Death, Iced Earth, Burning Inside, Demons & Wizards, Incantation, and many more, On my new Howard TV drumming special called 'Beating It' I talk about my life before the 'Stern Show' as a professional drummer. I also play tons of brand new drum solos and at the end of the special is a brand new instrumental song that I wrote entitled 'Frost' in which I wrote and played the guitar, bass, and drums. I'm extremely proud of the special and I hope you all enjoy it."

2nd ANNUAL PEARL DAY 2008 - SUNDAY JUNE 1st
East Midlands Conference Centre
Nottingham, UK
10.00am to 7pm
Artists scheduled to perform are Ian Paice, Jimmy Degrasso, Jerry Brown, Robin Guy, Dan Foord, Adam Perry, Micheal “Moose” Thomas, Darrin Mooney, Percussion Master Lea Mullen, and The 37th Kingswood Drum Corp
Click the image for more info....

Sevendust/Morgan Rose, Shinedown/Barry Kerch, Chevelle/Sam Loeffler, and 10 Years/Brian Vodinh are among the confirmed bands for the Rockfest 2008, set to take place June 7 at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.

It has been announced that KISS/Eric Singer, Disturbed/Mike Wengren, Cavalera Conspiracy/Igor Cavalera, hardware artist Jose Pasillas with Incubus, and Pearl Europe's Bullet For My Valentine/Moose, Apocalyptica/Mikko, Children of Bodom/Jaska, Biffy Clyro/Ben Johnston, will headline the 2008 Download Festival.

Pearl Europe's extreme metallers Arch Enemy/Daniel Erlandsson desimated the stage on their stop in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Breaking the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart with their new album, P.O.D./Wuv's "When Angels & Serpents Dance" have released the video for their new single, "Addicted" here....

Cavalera Conspiracy/Igor Cavalera and Zimmers Hole/Gene Hoglan will be at The Monsters Of Rock... a one-day celebration of the heaviest music in the universe and is landing exclusively in the Great White North at Calgary's McMahon Stadium on Saturday, July 26!

Papa Roach welcome drummer Tony Palermo to the band and you can see him pulling double duty with Nikki Sixx's SIXX: AM on Cruefest starting...
Jul. 01 - West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
Jul. 03 - Tampa, FL - Ford Center
Jul. 05 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Jul. 06 - Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater

Umphrey's McGee/Kris Myers have announced their tour that kicks off July 10 at Willow Island Centre in Madison, WI., and wraps with a pair of shows August 1-2 at Masquerade Music Park in Atlanta, GA. Other stops include:
Westfair Amphitheatre in Council Bluffs, Iowa (July 12)
Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Va. (July 16)
Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago (July 19)
Penn's Landing in Philadelphia (July 25)
Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore (July 27)
Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park in Cary, N.C. (July 31)

Cryptopsy's Flo Mounier recently spoke about the shift in the band's musical direction on their forthcoming sixth full-length studio album, "The Unspoken King". This is their first album to feature new keyboardist/samplist Maggie Durand and vocalist Matt McGachy. "This was part of the idea we had when we started working on the new material," Flo continues. "First, we wanted a keyboard/sample player who could add a little more live atmosphere. As far as a singer, we were just fed up with monotonous [makes staccato grunting noises] sound through whole albums. I'm a big fan of dynamics in music and creating diversity. We wanted something really extreme in some parts, but with melodics and ambience in others. We're not planning on using clean vocals all that much, but we wanted someone who could, just in case." He continued, "First, it's going to be the best-sounding Cryptopsy album. It'll be the 'tastiest' and most mature; all the parts are there for a reason and everything fits really well. Vocally, it'll be the most diverse Cryptopsy album; there will be a whole slew of screams, growls and voices."
Apr 11 - Mexico D.F - Circo Volador Mexico D.F - Circo Volador, Distrito Federal
Apr 12 - SN Luis Potosi - Huerta del STIC SN Luis Potosi - Huerta del STIC, San Luis Potosí
Apr 13 - Guadalajara - Organic Guadalajara, México
Click here for additional tour dates...

Cradle Of Filth/Martin Skaroupka, Amon Amarth/Fredrik Andersson, The 69 Eyes/Jussi 69, Helloween/Dani Loble, and Cavalera Conspiracy/Igor Cavalera have been confirmed for the Castle Festival 2008, set to take place July 1st-5th at Smederevo Fortress in Serbia.

John Butler Trio/Michael Barker will perform at Coachella (Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA)

Tom Hurst continues on the road with Bucky Covington promoting the current single, "It's Good to Be Us" climbing into the Top 10 this week. Bucky's "A Different World" is nominated for USA Weekend breakthrough video of the year at the 2008 CMT Music Awards taking place April 14th in Nashville.

Check out Nate Morton on the premiere of MTV’s new series, Rock the Cradle Thursday April 3rd @10pm EST! Nine superstar offspring, including Bobby Brown’s son Landon Brown, Lucy Walsh, daughter of the Eagles' Joe Walsh, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, whose mother is Olivia Newton-John, Crosby Loggins, son to Kenny Loggins, Jesse Money, rocker Eddie Money's daughter, Jesse Snider, seed of heavy metal's Dee Snider, Lil B. Sure!, who, of course, is R&B singer Al B. Sure!'s son, Lara Johnston, offspring of the Doobie Brothers' Tom Johnston, and MC Hammer’s daughter A'Keiba Burrell, will take part in a singing competition to see if DNA equals destiny. Think American Idol meets True Life!

Nate Morton & his Shimmer of Oz Reference Series kit on the set

"Rule the World", the new video from American/Norwegian melodic metallers Kamelot, can be viewed below. Kamelot guitarist Thomas Youngblood recently stated about the clip, "We were all floored by the final outcome. It was great to get back to Belgrade to shoot and hang out with the creative team there. The video will certainly be one if not the best video we have ever done. The graphics and visuals are amazing and it was fun to see my character on the screen this time as a bad guy."
Kamelot - "Rule The World"

Pearl Corporation, "The official drum company of WGI" just released a new ad for WGI Championships. Check it out here...!

The five original members of Sevendust/Morgan Rose were in the WKLS studio on April 1st Atlanta, for the first interview and pictures of the reunited lineup.

This just in from J.P. Patterson (The Dicators) "Got a short tour with Patti Rothberg starting next week. Her record (that I'm on too) comes out May 13th."

Heart/Ben Smith hit the road (with Journey & Cheap Trick) for a Summer tour starting July 9th in Denver, CO through October 4 in Albuquerque, NM.
Jul. 09 - Denver, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
Jul. 11 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre
Jul. 12 - Lake Tahoe, NV - Harvey's Lake Resort
Jul. 15 - San Diego, CA - Coors Amphitheatre
Jul. 16 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Amphitheatre
Jul. 18 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Arena
Click here for more dates.....

Pearl Corporation of America has partnered with Drum Corps International to be the presenting sponsor of the Masters of the Summer Music Games event scheduled for Friday, July 25 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. ”Pearl Presents the Masters of the Summer Music Games” will feature the top eight World Class DCI corps as determined by competitive rankings. We are very pleased to have partners like the Pearl Corporation to assist us in our mission of celebrating excellence through the outstanding performances of these exceptional young performers,” said Drum Corps International Executive Director and CEO Dan Acheson. Click here to read more!

The 5th Annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival lineup has now been secured for 2008. Performances include international and national acts Gov't Mule/Matt Abts and Pearl Australia's The John Butler Trio/Michael Barker.

Black Tide/Steven Spence has sold 11,400 copies of its debut album, "Light from Above", in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 73 on The Billboard 200 chart. After months of anticipation,the band has finally unveiled the video for its blazing single "Shockwave". The clip finds the group turning a non-descript suburban home into a frenzy of moshing fans and skateboarders pulling tricks on a half-pipe! The motocross bad boys of the Metal Mulisha also make an appearance making this video a throwback to the glory days of '80s metal!

Vegas Vanguard recently appeared on the A&E network and an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels. To learn more about the Vegas Vanguard please visit their website at www.vegasvanguard.org

Charlie "The Basher" Waymire's Basher Radio has now been unleashed! The new updated site features FULL songs from ENTIRE albums for your listening enjoyment. Not just samples. You can also create your own personal account that will let you create your own playlists.... new music will be added all the time.

Terence Higgins has been sharing the stage with Papa Grows Funk guitarist June Yamagishi.

Here's the latest from hardware artist Mac Calvaresi of Cinder Road, "As far as news updates go, the second single "Should've Known Better" is currently climbing up the active rock charts, and we're promoting it by pounding the road non-stop. We just wrapped up the Tesla "Icicle" Tour as their only support act, and are now direct support for Red on their spring tour. -Mac"

Giving back to the troops overseas, Disturbed/Mike Wengren will play the first ever Operation MySpace event in Kuwait on March 10th. In ground breaking fashion, MySpace is streaming the show in high-definition flash at 11 AM PST/ 2 PM EST exclusively on the official Operation MySpace profile. Disturbed fans and other members of the MySpace community will be able to show their support for those serving overseas by posting videos and messages via the site's video blog section. In addition, a condensed one-hour version of the show, featuring the best moments, will be broadcast nationally on the FX television network on April 12th.
Disturbed has set "Inside The Fire" as the first single from its upcoming album Indestructible, which is tentatively due in May.

Lady Antebellum/Brice Williams received their first ACM Nomination for "Best New Group". Their debut single "Love Don't Live Here" is climbing the Billboard Country charts and checks in at number 16 of the week ending March 7th. Lady Antebellum has been out on tour with Martina McBride on her "Waking Up Laughing Tour" since January. Lady A wrapped up their part of the tour March 2nd in Syracuse New York. Look for their debut album in stores on Tuesday April 15th. They will be touring heavily over the next several months in support of their self titled album.

Yngwie Malmsteen/Patrick Johansson, Children Of Bodom/Jaska, and The 69 Eyes/Jussi 69 are among the confirmed bands for this year's Rockperry festival, set to take place July 18-19 in Vaasassa, Finland.

Rocklahoma 2008 will mark the reunion of Warrant's original lineup including vocalist Jani Lane, guitarist Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon, guiatrist Erik Turner, and drummer Steven Sweet for the first time in 14 years. The band announced the date on Tuesday by XM's Boneyard/VH1 Classic host Eddie Trunk at a press conference taking place at the world-famous Whisky A-Go Go.
"We are stoked to be back together after 14 years! The best part will be playing live again for all the fans that never got to experience the originalWarrant party band from Hollywood, CA! We also can't wait to play for all the fans who have waited so long for this reunion. Cheers — and here we go again!" Warrant will hit the road this summer in July immediately following Rocklahoma and also plan to release a live performance DVD later this summer.

Check out or brand new video "Detox" from Pearl Europe's Millencolin/Fredrik Larzon HERE! "Detox" is the first single from their upcoming album Machine 15.

Pearl Europe's Arch Enemy/Daniel Erlandsson will take part in the inaugural Defenders of the Faith Tour. Dates for what will become an annual event celebrating the very finest bands in metaldom are here:
April 23rd Birmingham Academy
April 24th Glasgow Barrowlands
April 25th Manchester Academy
April 26 London Brixton Academy
Before then, you can catch him on the forthcoming North American tour:
May 11 - New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
May 16 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
May 30 - Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues

Deep Purple/Ian Paice played February 11th in Moscow as a farewell gift to Dmitry Medvedev, the chairman of Gazprom's board of directors and almost certainly Russia's next president. The group performed at the Kremlin to mark the 15th anniversary of the firm's creation. "This is simply surreal," Medvedev said on NTV television after the concert. "I started listening to DEEP PURPLE when I was 13. At that time their music was banned. I never would have imagined meeting the famous group in the Kremlin Palace."
The band is also "in negotiations" to play the 42nd Montreux Jazz Festival, which runs from June 4-19 in Montreux, Switzerland. The band is listed for Great Classics Night along with the likes of SCORPIONS, CHICK COREA, STANLEY CLARKE, AL DI MEOLA. The final band lineup will be confirmed in April. No other band is so closely identified with Montreux because of the song "Smoke On The Water" and its signature first line.

Pearl Europe's Bullet For My Valentine/Moose's will make their U.S. network TV debut on Wednesday, February 27 when they rock the house on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The band will play the title track of its brand new album, "Scream Aim Fire", as well as "Tears Don't Fail", one of the hit singles from the group's first album, "The Poison". "Jimmy Kimmel Live" airs at 12:05 a.m. ET/11:05 p.m. CT.
Immediately following its "Kimmel" appearance, the band will fly to Denver, Colorado to launch the 40-plus-city North American Taste of Chaos tour on Friday, February 29. Currently, B4MV is enjoying international success with a sold-out headline tour of Europe and the UK, and simultaneous Top 5 chart entries for "Scream Aim Fire" across the globe. Check out their official YouTube channel, BulletTV, updated with the first three episodes of the band's 2007 U.S. tour video diary.

WGI.org (Winter Guard International) conducted an interview with Julie Davila.... click here for details.

Hate Eternal/Jade Simonetto have released the following dates for their upcoming tour featuring material from their new album, "Fury and Flames"
April 10 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
April 11 - Dallas, TX - The Doo
April 13 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
April 16 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
April 18 - Louisville, KY - Uncle Pleasants
April 26 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
April 28 - New York, NY - B.B. King Blues Club
April 29 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
April 30 - Charlotte, NC - Tremont Music Hall
April 28 - New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club

At The Gates/Adrian Erlandsson have reformed for the Extreme The Dojo 20 tour of Japan. "We have been talking about a reunion for years, but there've never been any concrete plans until now. Me and Jonas [Björler, bass] have THE HAUNTED as our main priority musically. Adrian [Erlandsson] was very busy in the past with CRADLE OF FILTH. Tomas [Lindberg, vocals] does DISFEAR and THE GREAT DECEIVER, etc.
"I guess I realized this spring (2007), that if we were to pull this off at all it had to be planned way ahead — at least a year prior to the reunion becoming a reality." Confirmed dates are as follows:
May 08 - Osaka, JPN - Club Hatch
May 09 - Nagoya, JPN - Club Quattro
May 11 - Tokyo, JPN - Studio Coast

On April 26th 2008 the Scottish Lion 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band will once again lay claim to a “first of” in the pipe band world. Offering a one day workshop geared entirely to the “pipe band”. The SL78th is breaking new ground by offering more than 650 years of combined Grade 1 Pipe band experience to full bands or band players who attend the workshop. Students will experience first hand what it takes to play at the highest level and receive tips and guidance from some of the best teachers in this art form. All students will receive an invitation to attend the SL78th practice the following day and see their instructors put into play the technique and skills that were imparted at the workshop.

Will Kennedy will be touring with jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour starting March 7th.

Exclaim! TV is back with the 13th episode of their online series. This time, they sat down with Canada's Alexisonfire/Jordan Hastings to discuss a series of trivial and humorous material. Members of the band have kept busy since releasing Crisis in 2006. Co-vocalist Dallas Green will release the second City and Colour album on February 12. Guitarist Wade MacNeil is preparing to release an album under the name The Black Lungs and vocalist George Pettit has been performing in Bergenfield Four while not occasionally playing bass for F***ed Up.

Congratulations to this year's Juno Award nominees announced yesterday:
Finger Eleven/Rich Beddoe - Single of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Group of the Year
Bon Jovi/Tico Torres - International Album of the Year
Faber Drive/Red Bull - New Group of the Year
Avril Lavigne/Rodney Howard - Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year, Juno Fan Choice Award, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year

Hellyeah's video for the group's newly released third single, "Thank You" contains personal photos of people the band has known, loved and wish to honor with a special song and video tribute. Included are never-before-seen photos of Hellyeah drummer Vinnie Paul's brother Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott, a special thank you to lead singer Chad Gray's late grandmother Betty Rau and a tribute to soldiers the band has known who have lost their lives during the conflict in Iraq. "It was very powerful," says Vinnie of the first time he heard the completed song. "It made me think of how much my brother had done for me, and how much we had done together, and how much I miss him and how important it is for me and everyone to know we love him and appreciate him."

Pearl Europe's Swedish punk rock band Millencolin/Fredrik Larzon are back with "Machine 15" on May 6th— the band's first record in three years and the follow-up to 2005's "Kingwood". Click here for confirmed Machine 15 tour dates...

Fredrik @ the video for our new single "Detox"

Mike Dupke continues with W.A.S.P.'s Crimson Idol US Tour....
Feb 14 Huntington, W Virginia Monkey
Feb 15-16 Springfield, VA Jaxx
Feb 17 Webster Theater
Click here for more dates...

The producers of American Idol are teaming up with CMT to find the next great country music duo in the most original singing competition ever, Can You Duet. Chuck Tilley & Sixwire will provide the music as the Can You Duet house band.

Pearl Canada endorsee Andrew Lamarche is braving the weather while performing throughout Winterlude 2008 with Swing and The Campbell Brothers....brrrrrrrr!

Check out all the new songs from Pearl Venezuela's Sonica/Martin Imhof second album "Lo que escribo de ti" at their page www.myspace.com/sonica The band will start a promotion tour of Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico but you can catch a special showcase Sunday February 17th at 5:00 on "Fundación Cultural Chacao" in Caracas, Venezuela.

Musiclink Australia would like to Congratulate all of the Australian Pearl Endorsed Artists
who rated in JJJ's The Hottest 100 Songs of 2007 on Australia Day.
#4, #22, #55) John Butler Trio/Michael Barker - Better Than
#5) Faker/Paul Berryman - This Heart Attack
#15, #66) Powderfinger/John Coghil - Lost and Running
#16) Gyroscope/Rob Nassif - Snakeskin
#27, #77) Operator Please/Timmy - Just a Song About Ping Pong
#63) Karnivool/Steve Judd - The Only Way

The Allman Brothers Band/Marc Quinones and Kris Myers of Umphrey's McGee grace the this summer's seventh annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival line-up. The festival will take place June 12th-15th. at its traditional location, a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN, about 60 miles south of Nashville

Two songs from"Inflikted", the debut album from Cavalera Conspiracy — are currently available for free download. The new project features Sepultura founding members Max and Igor Cavalera alongside vocalist Joe Duplantier (bass) and SOULFLY guitarist Marc Rizzo.
"Sanctuary" MP3
"Infliked" MP3

The 2008 World Solo Drumming Champion is Pearl Pipe Band Artist Barry Wilson of the Scottish Power Pipe Band. This was not the first time for Barry at the Glasgow Scotland competition, having competed in the event for 17 years and never finishing higher than fourth place. “Its something I will never forget, “ said Barry by phone interview with Pipe Band Magazine.
Click here for the full article as published Pipe Band Magazine

Sevendust will release its seventh studio album, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow" on April 1. As the record gets finalized over the next few weeks, identities of the guest appearances will surface —Sevendustfelt bringing in some outside friends (including Chris Daughtry and Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy) added a healthy dynamic for the project. Additionally, the band has signed on new management and feels like is a fresh new beginning for 2008! "It was a challenging and exciting to write," says Morgan. "We've spent so much time with angst over our career that is was nice to in a good head space for a change while working on this project."

Pearl Europe's Children Of Bodom performed at Spinefeast At Sea 2008 January 31 - February 1 aboard the Tallink Galaxy cruise ship.

Congratulations to Gary Seligson and his wife on the birth of thier son.

Seventh Void, the new band formed by Type O Negative guitarist Kenny Hickey and drummer Johnny Kelly, will perform at the Webster Hall on Wednesday, February 13th. Rounded out by bassist Hank Hell and guitarist Matt Brown,Seventh Void contines Type O's tradition of slow, heavy riffs and existential lyrics, but with a slightly sludgier, "stonier" flavor. The band's upcoming album will reportedly be co-mixed by Vinnie Paul.

Audio samples of two tracks from the new album from the veteran Japanese metallers Loudness/ Munetaka Higuchi's, "Metal Mad", have been posted on the band's web site. The CD has a scheduled release date in Japan on February 20th. Check out the songs "Fire Of Spirit" and "Metal Mad" here....
Munetaka Higuchi - Loudness

The new Jaguar XF TV commercial in the UK features the 1968 version of Deep Purple/Ian Paice's classic "Hush".

Dennis Chambers just finished a 4-night run at Jazz Alley with bassist Stanley Clarke, touring in support of his latest release Toys of Men.

Pearl would like to welcome two of its newest groups from the ranks of WGI Independent World Class. Surround Sound, from Ft. Worth, TX and United Percussion, from Camden County, NJ. Surround Sound was awarded the gold medal in WGI Independent Open World Class at the 2005 world championships and United Percussion was awarded the gold medal in 2007, also in WGI Independent Open Class. Both groups have now moved into the ranks of WORLD Class and both have chosen to perform on Pearl & Adams exclusively. Joining these two ensembles and rounding out Pearls involvement within the WGI WORLD Class are: Music City Mystique from Nashville, TN, The Blue Knights from Denver, CO and Gateway Indoor from St. Louis, MO.

It is now confirmed that Slipknot/Joey Jordison, Disturbed/Mike Wengren, and Black Tide/Steven Spence will hit the road together on the first-ever ROCKSTAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL, a riotous road show packed with some of hard music's most influential artists and a plethora of the genre's most exciting young voices. The tour is set to kick off July 9th at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle and will hit 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada between early July and late August (a full itinerary will be announced in the coming weeks).

This just in from the 10 Years/Brian Vodinh camp: "Hello, hope things are well! We would like to let you know that last years tours were awesome and we are extremely proud to be a part of the Peal team! First off some good news that you might want to post the new single "Beautiful" will be released to radio on Feb. 5th! So hopefully expect a top 10 Billboard debut if not #1!! As well as the new album Division will be in stores on April 8th, with a new tour starting around the end of February!! We really appreciate everything that Pearl does for 10 Years, and look forward to 2008!!!!

The television team of (Lorianne) Crook & (Charlie) Chase are back together and this time Bob Mater will be handling the drum duties on the show.... they've already seen musicial acts such as Brooks, George Jones, Georgette Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Lady Antebellum, Mel Tillis, Rissi Palmer, and Montgomery Gentry. Catch them on RFD-TV Thursdays at 9:00 pm (ET).
You can also catch re-airings of the show on
Fridays at 11:00 am (ET) and
Saturdays at 7:00 pm (ET)

Vancouver Canada's Kill Rhythm is a heavy, dynamic, melodic riff rock band who made their independent debut in 2007 will continue to demolish stages in '08!! The line-up include former Flybanger members Rob Wade & Garth.........

2007 was another great year for the Scottish Lion 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band of Toronto Ontario. The band began the 2007 contest season having seen an in flux of new talent in both the pipe and drum corps. The band enjoyed an undefeated season on the Ontario grade 1 circuit which included a win at Maxville Ontario where they secured the 2007 North American Championship. Their winning season also guaranteed the band the Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario’s grade 1 Champion Supreme title and left the band riding high for their annual trek to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland.

Congratulations to Pearl/Adams Concert Artist Matthew Duvall and Eighth Blackbird for their three '08 Grammy Nominations for "strange imaginary animals".

Congratulations to Morgan and Terri Rose on the birth of their son Jonas Jack Rose who came into this world at 7 lbs. 13 oz.

Santana/Dennis Chambers are preparing to launch the "Live Your Light Tour" that will wind its way through North America in April. Click here for tour dates....!

Vinnie Paul/Hellyeah are taking a bmuch needed break from their U.S. tour that began in January....

P.O.D./Wuv will release their new album, "When Angels & Serpents Dance", on April 8. The CD was helmed by Jay Baumgardner Seether, Papa Roach) and features a guest appearance by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir.

Wally Schnalle writes in: "I recently played a drum clinic with Kenny Aronoff in Livermore, CA. I thought you might dig this picture of my "OZ" kit on stage!"

Joey Jordison recently offered up a tentative timeline for the recording of the band's fourth CD, saying that the group would begin this Fall and get into the studio by January of 2008, with the CD likely to arrive in the Spring. "You know, there's still some things to be worked out, but the main thing is, you know, the fans should know that there will be another Slipknot record."

Mike Froedge (Blood Simple, Doubledrive) is[part of a new trio, Speed X, with Black Label Society guitarist Nick Catanese and Queensryche bassist/vocalist Mike Stone.

He helps a Plan come together....! You can hear Nate Morton on the current Simple Plan CD featuring the single, "When I'm Gone". He has also been working with guitarist Don Felder (The Eagles) and Richard Marx.

Clarance Penn just finished a successful series of Village Vanguard dates with saxophonist Dave Douglas.

Pearl & Musiclink AUS would like to congratulate all ARIA Award winners: Michael Barker/John Butler Trio, Russel Hopkinson/You I Am, Timmy/Operator Please, Jon Coghill/Powderfinger

Mudvayne/Matt McDonough's new collection of rarities, demos and live recordings, "By The People, For The People", contains demo versions of some of Mudvayne's most popular songs, including "Death Blooms", "Fall Into Sleep", "Not Falling" and "Happy".

Gene Hoglan joins Zimmers Hole! ZH guitarist Jed Simon has issued the following update: "Gene has loved the band for years, and has been one of our biggest and most outspoken fans. Gene is our bro". He hit the Armoury Studios in Vancouver and layed down some mighty, mighty stuff."

Gene with Meldrum "Purge"

Martin Atkins (Pigface, Ministry, NIN) has published his first book. Tour:Smart, a nearly 600-page text book / manual on every aspect of touring. From routing, geography, and transportation, to merchandising, and how to get a better live sound. (Thanks for the nod too!)

Maintaining our position as a leader in the marching percussion industry, Pearl Corporation has announced that it is now The Official Drum Company and a Presenting Sponsor of WGI Sport of the Arts. "Pearl has been a huge supporter of the indoor percussion activity from very early on in WGI history,” says Bart Woodley, Marketing Manager for WGI. “It is great to see Pearl re-affirm their commitment to music education by becoming a Presenting Sponsor of WGI Sport of the Arts. We are fortunate to have them on our team."
Pearl created its Articulite Series of marching percussion to specifically address the demands of the indoor percussion environment. These drums feature shallower depths for a tighter, more focused sound, and lighter weight for enhanced mobility. "It is always gratifying to be able to support youth and the art of music in such a positive way,” says Rudy Gowern, Marching Percussion Marketing & Product Manager. “Winter Guard International is a leading force in the world of percussion education, and we are very excited and honored to be called the official drum company for the Sport of the Arts.”

Ron Krasinski will be traveling with Engelbert Humperdinck well into the 2008 season.

Trey Landry prepares for RCA artist Chuck Wicks’ US Tour promoting his debut single, "Stealing Cinderella", currently on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

Zildjian Cymbals US Headquarters are currently using two uniquely customized Masterworks Series kits in their showroom for visiting artists. Utilizing Pearl's Masterworks Program, Zildjian created kits that are perfectly matched to their immense cymbal lines. Zildjian artists will now have the opportunity to test their cymbals in the highest quality environment with the best possible products. Director of A&R for Pearl Mike Farriss says. "We were proud to provide drumsets that feature the best technology available today to a company that works as hard as we do to stay a leader in innovation. We are confident that the Masterworks products we have provided will showcase their new and existing products in the best possible light. We are equally proud that we were able to provide the required shell composition specifications that the Zildjian team felt best showcased their products. Zildjian Vice President, Artist Relations & Event Marketing Worldwide John DeChristopher and V.P./ Chief Marketing Officer Brad Baker were very specific about the sound and composition of the shells required for their showroom. It was obvious that they were well in tune with what the blending of materials can accomplish as blending materials is what Zildjian has done since day one."

Zildjian Showroom Jazz Kit

Zildjian Showroom Rock Kit

Dennis Chambers' Carnary Yellow Masters Series in the Zildjian lobby

Steve Williams is using his Reference Series kit on the current production of 3 Mo' Tenors.

Nevermore/Van Williams, longtime champions of the traditional metal sound, are currently writing new material for their follow-up to 2005’s This Godless Endeavor. More information on the band can be located at www.myspace.com/nevermorefans.

Slightly Stoopid/Ryan Moran and Pearl Percussionists OG's 5th studio album, Chronchitis features guest performances by Hip Hop legend Guru, Soul-ska-punk pioneer Angelo Moore, and long time musical counterpart G. Love, as well as members of the Beastie Boys.

Pearl welcomes Blake Dixon of Saving Abel - Riding high on the success of their self-titled CD with the hit single "Addicted", Blake made his debut as a Pearl artist in Memphis with his new MRP Masters Series kit.

Blake and his new MRP Masters Series kit in the Pearl showroom

Pearl welcomes Avril to the Pearl family! Avril Lavigne continues to conquer the charts her most recent CD, "Best Damn Thing" Don't miss her playing her MCX Masters Series Pink Sparkle kit (with pink cymbals!) on tour

Pearl welcomes Charles Shelton to the Pearl family! With the release of his DVD Charles Shelton Jr. and Phophetically Anointed & Appointed, he has gained attention all over the world. Click here to see clips of the DVD....

Pearl welcomes Stanley Randolph - Stanley is currently touring with R&B Legend Stevie Wonder and also performing with his band NuJynisis.

Pearl welcomes The Roots' percussionist Frank Knuckles - Frank and the band are currently touring in support of their new CD Rising Down

Patrick Johansson with Yngwie Malmsteen - Born in Falun, Sweden in 1976, he traveled to the US and joined Yngwie Malmsteen's band in 2001. He also works as a session drummer and private instructor.

Dorman Pantfoeder with Operator - Operator is a hard rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band features former Puddle of Mudd guitarist Paul Phillips and vocalist Johnny Strong, a part-time actor who has appeared in movies such as Black Hawk Down and The Fast and the Furious. Reviews comment that his vocals share a very strong resemblance to Audioslave/Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell. Check the official Operator game....

Joe Morin with Edison Glass - Edison Glass has finished recording their second album titled Time Is Fiction, which was released on February 5, 2008. Edison Glass opened for Blindside during the October 2007 tour with the band Lorene Drive.

Casey Grillo with Kamelot - Kamelot is one of metal's most unique, influential and prestigious acts to come along in decades. The group's reputation among fans and media alike is marked by enthusiasm as well as esteem, each of their seven studio albums to date surpassing its predecessor in terms of songwriting and production. As one of the most difficult-to-categorise artists on the metal scene, Kamelot are poised to assault the planet with their most insightful and ambitious project to date, Ghost Opera . Ready to continue their ascension to the pinnacle of metal royalty, founding guitarist Thomas Youngblood, bassist Glenn Barry, new keyboardist Oliver Palotai and drummer Casey Grillo join lead singer Roy Khan to complete this journey to systematically alter the face of metal.
Kamelot - "Rule The World"
Kamelot - "Rule The World"

Josh Oliver of Decyfer Down - The roots of Decyfer Down go back to more of an acoustic outfit than a rock band. Drummer Josh Oliver and guitarist Brandon Mills started the band at a time when each simply needed to renew his life in God. For Oliver, it was a case of being burned by religion, while for Mills, it was a time to surrender a life of parties and drugs and return to his faith. A mission to reach people burned by religion leads Decyfer Down to play clubs, while its desire to provide churched kids with solid rock music with a genuine message keeps them on Christian stages as well. "Then they see us and they know we're believers and that this is a God-driven band. They see us in a bar, not partying, but connecting with them anyways, and suddenly, their views of Jesus change." And it's times like these that Decyfer Down knows that it must be strong in its purpose - living the truth of God while emitting solid rock music on whatever stage it finds itself.

Pearl welcomes new Marching Percussion/ Education Artists to our Education roster.
Eric Kraft - Milford High School, OH
Christopher Rivera - Trumbull High School, CT/ Shelton Intermediate School Director
Brian Hanner - La Porte High School/ Lee College/ San Jacinto College, TX
Bill Etling - Findlay High School, OH
Jed Leach - Plymouth Canton High School, MI
Bill Register - Fort Mill High School, SC
Steve Yoder - Lawrence Central High School, IN
Aaron Byrd - Fort Dorchester High School, CA
Christopher Martin - George Mason University & Chantilly High School, VA
Joseph Alessandro - Independent, CA
Allen Joanis - Surround Sound Director/ Arranger, TX
Jonathan Merritt - Hilliard Darby High School, OH
Jonathan Ovalle - University of Toledo, OH
Greg Holloway - Independent
Kent Lineberry - Gateway Indoor/ WGI, MO
Alan Barone - Victor J Andrew High School, IL
Andy Beall - Independent/ Boston Crusaders
Sean Daniels - Tennessee State University, TN
Brian Howerton - Vegas Vanguard, NV
Pete Sapadin - Yamato Drum and Bugle Corps, CA
James Sparling - Bellbrook High School, OH

Aaron Gainer of 12 Stones - Formed in Mandeville, LA in 2000, their third album, Anthem For The Underdog, was released in 2007. The album is said to be inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on their hometown.

Kevin Higuchi with Insolence - The hip-hop, reggae and hardcore influenced band are working on a new CD "Audio War" set to hit shelves in February under their label, Powerslave Records.

Stephen Bolognese of Into Eternity - Breathing new life into a tried and true genre comes Canada’s Into Eternity. The band has almost completed all the music in demo form for the new album and are hoping to get into the studio in mid-February.

Jade Simonetto of Hate Eternal - Started in 1997 by Erik Rutan of Morbid Angel and Ripping Corpse fame, Hate Eternal quickly became one of the most talked about extreme metal bands on the scene due to the band’s ability to create exceptional albums, tons of touring, and live shows that left fans hungering for more. Almost three years after the brutal extreme metal masterpiece, I, Monarch, Hate Eternal are back with a new record. Fury and Flames, the bands’ fourth studio album, marks the start of a new chapter in Hate Eternal’s already illustrious career.

Tim DiDuro with Slaughter - Over a decade of Rock and Roll 1990-2006.... In 1990 Slaughter hit radio, MTV and the U.S. touring circuit like a tornado- coming seemingly out of nowhere to roll through everything in its path and turn it upside down. Touring the world with bands that they loved, Kiss, Ozzy, and others meant the good times were just a song away , and their first hit single, "Up All Night" certainly fit into that mold, their second chart-topper, "Fly To The Angels" was more representative of the spirituality and awareness that goes into most of the band's music and lyrics. But never were Slaughter more accurately represented that live onstage in front of their legions of devoted fans over the last ten years.
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Pearl welcomes Jack Irons - Even if you’re not immediately familiar with the name, it’s guaranteed that you’re familiar with his work. This talented and versatile drummer has played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Eleven, Joe Strummer, Neil Young and others. He is currently in the studio with Spinnerette.

Steven Sweet of WARRANT - Warrant's music has undergone a significant evolution during the band's 20-year history but they're known for such hits as "Cherry Pie", "Heaven", and "Down Boys".

Pearl welcomes Chris Vest of Framing Hanley - This five piece rock band from Nashville, TN chose its name as a tribute to a deceased friend, Ashley Hanley. Framing Hanley's CD "The Moment" was produced by Brett Hestla (Dark New Day).

Pearl Europe's Amon Amarth/Fredrik Andersson have issued the following studio update: "On May 1st (Labor Day here in Sweden) we enter Fascination Street Studio to start recording our 7th full-length album. We have ten killer songs, some classic Amon Amarth tunes, some really epic moments and some of the most brutal stuff we've ever written! We are confident that this will be our best and most diverse album to date! We're looking forward to yet another successful collaboration. We'll barricade ourselves for the next month and a half. The album will be recorded in the traditional way, starting with drums, followed by guitars, bass, and vocals. There are plans for some cool guest appearance but nothing we can reveal just yet. We will try our best to keep you updated with blogs, photos and a studio diary. Provided that we can tear ourselves away from the PS3, Wii and of course... a healthy serving of Swedish vodka."

Takara/Patrick Johannson (also of Yngwie Malmsteen) officially announces the addition of Brazilian singing sensation Gustavo Monsanto as lead vocalist for the band. Gustavo Monsanto will join Takara for the upcoming, and as of yet untitled album recording that is currently being recorded in Los Angeles at Big Swede Studios.As Takara prepares for a 08' release of it's new album, plans are currently in the works for the release of a Takara live CD/DVD best of album. Also, in the works for release are previously unreleased demo's from 1988. Takara will also be announcing plans for a first time performance since the release of their first CD, Eternal Faith. Also, Takara will be re-recording the song Spotlight from their first album, "Eternal Faith", to be released on the as of yet untitled new album.

Lacuna Coil/Criz are in the studio recroding their forthcoming album.....vocalist Andrea Ferro commented "So far, we've been in an amazing creative mood. We really have this flowing creativity that we didn't expect, because we took a break after all the touring and the shows and then we just waited a bit before we met again in the practice room just to, you know, clear the air, the mind and change a bit of your lifestyle, don't live the same situation every day. So we just try to live our lives and solve all the situations we have back home, you know, pay all the bill… family and everything. And then, after the Christmas break we met again and started working [on] some ideas, like the first ideas for songs that Marco and Maus came up with, and just start going to the practice room. We basically wanna do something different. We try also to change a bit of the process of the songwriting."

Pearl Australia's The Living End/Andy Strachan are off to New Jersey to record their new album with producer John Agnello. The band will start work on the record shortly at Water Music Studios in Hoboken."After quite a long period of writing/demoing we are keen as hell to get in the studio and make the best record of our career," says TLE's Chris Cheney in a statement. "We are more excited about the new material than any time before in The Living End's history". The new album is scheduled for release in mid-July.

Sam Loeffler of Chevelle says they've been working on material for their 5th CD... an upcoming tour will see them with Finger Eleven/Rich Beddoe.

Sevendust/Morgan Rose completed their seventh studio full-length record titled "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow".

Kirk Yoquelet stays busy playing on CDs by Garrison Starr, Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket vocalist), Judd & Maggie, Aaron Robinson and Kim Richey to name a few.

Mike Wengren and Disturbed have completed their 4th album, Indestructible, the follow-up to 2005's platinum-certified "Ten Thousand Fists". The self-produced CD will be released in the spring of 2008. According to vocalist David Draiman, the forthcoming CD "seems to have taken on a darker character than the previous albums. It's more furiously paced and complex." He continues, "producing the record ourselves has been a learning experience that will serve the record well."

Mike continues to record with his first set of Masters Series drums.... this is the same kit that he used during Disturbed's club days, non-stop touring on Ozzfest, and the infamous "Down With The Sickness" drum intro.

Pearl Europe’s Andy Williams and Doves are recording their new album at "a little farmhouse barn" in Cheshire, England, with an eye on a release sometime next year. The group will hit the road next year once the as-yet-untitled album is ready, according to Williams. "We will try and visit as many places as possible," he says.

Pearl Europe’s Hellhammer recently concluded a series of sessions for a new, as-yet-unnamed project spearheaded by keyboardist Andy Winter. Hellhammer says "It's now almost three and a half years after we recorded the drums for the Winds album that just came out, so it was great to finally again play on some of Andy's new music. I have been looking forward to completing drums for this project for quite some time now, since we actually started talking about the idea for this more like five or six years ago. This is also probably the most different kind of drums I have ever recorded. But I am extremely pleased with the results."
Dimmu Borgir’s latest CD, In Sorte Diaboli, has been certified gold in the band's home country of Norway for sales in excess of 15,000 copies. They are said to be the first metal band in Norway to shift than 15,000 units of a single release.

The Kry/Yves Lajoie in the process of recording the follow-up to Peut-etre. The band also have three nominations for the Covenant Awards in Canada.

Pearl Europe's Children Of Bodom have just entered Petrax Studio in Hollola, Finland to begin recording their as-yet-untitled sixth album. An April 2008 release is expected.

This just in from Barry Kerch of Shinedown – “Just a quick note to let you know that the Reference drums are kicking a** on the record. The drum tech Mike Fasano, Doug the Engineer, and Rob Covallo, are all very pleased with the way they are sounding. They have been used on 98% of the 7 songs we have done so far. Thanks for making a great kit. I am really proud and happy.”

What'cha gonna buy for some new music....? How about the new releases by:
June 3rd - Disturbed Industructable
April 15th - Lady Antebellum Lady Antebellum
April 29th - Mindless Self Indulgence – If
May 6th - Bareanked Ladies Snacktime
May 13th - Hardware artist Adam King with Jason Mraz - We Sing. We Dance. We Stel Things.
May 13th - 10 Years Division

The new Goldfinger/Darrin Pheiffer album is dubbed Hello Destiny which will hit stores on April 22nd. The band will be taking a trip up the west coast and into Canada starting April 25th.
Fri. Apr/25 Petaluma, CA - Phoenix Theatre
Sat. Apr/26 Sacramento, CA - Boardwalk
Mon. Apr/28 Portland, OR - Hawthorne
Wed. Apr/30 Vancouver, BC - Commodore
Thu. May/01 Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Fri. May/02 Spokane, WA - Big Easy
Punkbands.com

Children Of Bodom's "Blooddrunk" (released April 15th) features nine tracks, including a reworked version of "Tie My Rope," which was originally released as a single last year and appeared on Bam Margera's Viva La Bands Vol. 2 compilation.
April 28 Quebec City, QC @ Pavilion De La Jeunesse
April 29 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
April 30 Toronto, ON @ Arrow Hall
May 1 London, ON @ John Labatt Centre
May 10 Winnipeg, MB @ Convention Centre
May 11 Saskatoon, SK @ Prairieland Exhibition Hall
May 12 Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Centre
May 14 Calgary, AB @ The Corral
May 16 Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum

Dennis Chambers releases! He is featured on an incredible live recording, "The Suitcase" featuring guitarist Steve Khan alongside bassist Anthony Jackson and was recorded on the last night of their European Tour on May 17, 1994. The recording took place as part of a live radio broadcast for WDR as the trio performed at the Stadtgarten Club in Koln, Germany. You'll hear Dennis and Paul Van Wageningen on bassonist Paul Hanson's "Frolic in the Land of Plenty", Maceo Parker's Roots and Grooves, don't miss saxophonist Bill Evans' 'The Other Side Of Something' and he is also featured (with Pearl's very own Raymond Massey!!) on Victor Wooten's latest disc Palmystery.

The subject of one of the most popular stories of 2007, major label pop-punk act Mest/Nick Gigler, played a one-off reunion performance at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA on April 17th, 2008.

The dynamic duo of guitarist Robin Trower & bassist Jack Bruce return after a 25 year hiatus with their 3rd release "Seven Moons", accompanied by drummer extraordinaire Gary Husband. Two legendary players with 11 new original compositions.

Kamelot/Casey Grillo will reissue its classic "Ghost Opera" album on March 28 (Germany), March 31 (rest of Europe) and April 8 (USA/Canada) under the title of "Ghost Opera - The Second Coming", enhanced with lots of interesting features. The album will be released as a double CD limited-edition slipcase design. This sophisticated and comprehensive package includes the CD featuring all the songs from the regular album, plus ten additional live tracks recorded live in Belgrade Serbia during the band's 2007 world tour, plus the bonus tracks "Seasons End", "Pendulous Fall", "Epilogue" and the remix of "Rule The World". Additionally the two videos for "Human Stain" and "Memento Mori" (live) and on top of that, the package features new artwork and a comprehensive booklet.

According to The Highway Star.com, a new Deep Purple/Ian Paice box set titled Around The World Live is being prepared for release. The Deluxe Edition four-DVD box set is slated for release in UK on May 19th. "This stunning set features three full Deep Purple concerts, highlights of a fourth, interviews with the band members and a new documentary telling the full Deep Purple story from their beginnings up to the present day with an emphasis on the Steve Morse era; presented in a hard-back bookstyle picture sleeve complete with a 32-page specially commissioned book written by Joel McIver [Classic Rock magazine] and is illustrated with photographs from the era covered by the concerts)."

Barnaked Ladies/Tyler Stewart will release SNACKTIME, a collection of original children's songs, on May 6, 2008. "Our collective kids now outnumber the band more than 2 to 1," explains vocalist/guitarist Ed Robertson. "We set out to make a record that would be entertaining for them…not strictly a children's record, but a record that children would really enjoy."
"Besides, our biological clocks are ticking," jokes Tyler. "The medical risks associated with releasing children's music after age 40 are well documented, and we thought it best not to put any of our lives in danger."Barenaked Ladies will return to the studio soon to start work on their next full-length album.

Caixa Trio releases new CD titled Commissioned Works. Caixa members Julie Davila, Julie Hill, and Amy Smith feature 7 percussion ensemble pieces the group has commissioned between 2004 and 2007. The works are a great showcase for the versatile talents of the trio and involves a wide range of instrumentation and sound. They are joined by other notables on this disk including Anders AstrandMichael Gould, and fellow Pearl and Adams Artist Steve Houghton.

Click here to hear a sample of Terra Cotta Warriors by James Campbell from Commissioned Works.

Dub Trio/Joe Tomino release their third studio CD Another Sound Is Dying on Jan. 29. They reunite with vocalist Mike Patton on "No Flag".

Death's classic 1995 album "Symbolic" (with Gene Hoglan) will be reissued in March. The remastered LP will include the original album tracks plus several previously unreleased instrumental demos.

An update from Bruce Cox - I'm just finishing a European tour with vocalist Anne Ducros. Her latest CD Urban Tribe include a bold interpretation of Beatles’ “Sexy Sadie".

Eric Singer is featured on Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000, the third installment of the definitive collection that contains nearly 10 hours of KISS live on stage.

"Tales from Dirt Town", Bobaflex/ Tommy Johnson's follow-up its acclaimed "Apologize for Nothing" CD, came out on October 30. Expanding on the brutality of the group's debut, "Tales from Dirt Town" incorporates elements of classic rock shaking up an already schizophrenic sound of heavy riffs and growling to harmonious vocals traded off by the band’s four vocalists.

Nemhain, the band featuring Adrian Erlandsson and his wife, Morrigan Hel, have posted a new song called "From the Ashes" on the group's MySpace page.

Hellyeah/Vinnie Paul’s live DVD, "Below the Belt", was released on November 13. The disc contains footage going back to the formation of the band, including the group's first recording session, the making of its self-titled debut album and various stops on the group's ongoing world tour, as well as personal interviews and other features.

Eddie Zyne is featured on the CD from his new band called Slow Ride with original Foghat bassist/vocalist Tony Stevens, Billy Livesay on slide guitar/lead vocals, and multi-instrumentalist Tommy Hall on guitar/keys/harmonica/vocals, this powerhouse foursome has just completed their debut CD titled "Join Together".

Pearl Canada's Billy Talent's 666 DVD features six songs each from shows at London, England's Brixton Academy, Dusseldorf, Germany's Philipshalle and Nurburgring, Germany's Rock Am Ring Festival. A second disc features the audio portion of the entire Dusseldorf concert.

Live At The Murat is Umphrey's McGee's first live release... a two-disc set features fan favorites like "Push the Pig," "The Triple Wide," "In the Kitchen," and "Nothing Too Fancy" along with rare tunes like the set-ending "Padgett's Profile" and the brief but torrid "Angular Momentum," centered on the combo of drummer Kris Myers and guitarist Jake Cinninger.

But hey… he’s a great drummer too! Gary Husband lends his piano chops on the Jason Smith’s Live CD Tipping Point.

Eric Byous continues touring with R&B superstar Anita Baker...
Sat 05/10/08 Castries, SL St. Lucia Jazz
Fri 06/13/08 Vienna, VA Filene Center At Wolf Trap
Fri 06/20/08 Aspen, CO Rio Grande Park
Sat 06/21/08 Primm, NV Star of the Desert Arena
Sat 07/12/08 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Thu 07/24/08 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
Sat 08/02/08 Turks & Caicos, TC Turtle Cove Marina
Fri 08/15/08 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Pavilion
Mon 08/18/08 Portsmouth, VA Ntelos Wireless Pavilion
Fri 08/29/08 Lagos, NGA Shell Hall
Sat 08/30/08 Lagos, NGA Shell Hall

Santana/Dennis Chambers and Derek Trucks Band/Yonrico Scott finish up a short run together on May 5th.

Disturbed/Mike Wengren and Type O Negative/Johnny Kelly have been confirmed for Heavy Mtl, a uniqueevent in North America, which will take place on June 21st- 22nd at Parc Jean-Drapeau Saint-Hélène Island.

Finger Eleven/Rich Beddoe continue on the road in support of Them vs. Me vs. You and their latest single "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague"
Thu 05/01/08 West Palm Beach, FL Downtown
Sun 05/04/08 Memphis, TN Tom Lee Park
Tue 05/06/08 Charlotte, NC Amos' Southend
Fri 05/09/08 Norfolk, VA NorVa
Sat 05/10/08 Washington, DC Center City Lot
Mon 05/12/08 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
Sat 05/17/08 Columbus, OH Crew Stadium
Tue 05/20/08 Libertyville, IL Austin's Fuel Room
Wed 05/21/08 Des Moines, IA Water Works Park
Sat 05/24/08 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

The Smithereens/Dennis Diken will hit the road May 15th for a West Coast run in May to mark the release of a new compilation, Live In Concert - Greatest Hits and More. The CD includes hits like "A Girl Like You", "Too Much Passion", "Blood and Roses", "Only A Memory", "Behind the Wall of Sleep", as well as two songs.

Ryan Adams/Brad Pemberton are preparing for a Canadian run in August but you can catch them June 19th at Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, CO.
8/26 Seattle, WA - WaMu Theater
8/27 Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors Place
8/29 Edmonton, Alberta - Rexall Place
8/30 Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome
9/1 Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Center
9/4 Ottawa, Ontario - Scotiabank Place Oasis:
9/7 Toronto, Ontario - Toronto Island Park (Virgin Festival)

Pearl Europe's Finntroll/Samuel Ruotsalainen's forthcoming North American tour, which will take place in August/September:
Aug. 22 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Aug. 23 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
Aug. 24 – New York, NY @ BB King Blues Club & Grill
Aug. 25 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East