Roadrunner Records Latest News

'Spin' Review: Killswitch Engage Breaks Metal Rules

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Killswitch Engage kicked off their first headlining tour for their 2009 self-titled album near their hometown in Boston, Massachusetts last week, and Spin Magazine was on hand to write up a review.

No strangers to cracking some jokes, Killswitch commanded the crowd with laughs. Writes the reviewer, "Any band whose name loosely translates to "Turn it off" either has a keen sense of humor or is hopelessly clueless. Killswitch Engage demonstrated the former Thursday night by kicking off their first headlining show at Boston's House Of Blues with the thumping electronic belches of Yello's "Oh Yeah," the eternal soundtrack to foiling high school principals.

So even before they played a note, it was clear that the Western Massachusetts band wasn't especially interested in hewing to the model of heavy metal as a serious calling.

In fact, singer Howard Jones violated a seemingly ironclad law of metal by good-naturedly mocking his audience when he called out, "Make some noise, white people!" And then, once the white people had complied, added, "It's funny because I'm black.""

To catch more of Killswitch's on-stage hi-jinx, don't miss the band on tour now. Go here for a full list of dates.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer To Showcase Artwork This June

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wentworth Gallery will be presenting two art exhibitions by legendary drummer and artist Michael Cartellone. The Skynyrd skinsman will make two special back-to-back appearances at the Wentworth Galleries in Short Hills, NJ and King of Prussia, PA on June 5 & 6, 2010. The exhibitions will include acrylic paintings and drum-heads, along with limited edition artwork, all for purchase. Guests will have the opportunity to see Mr. Cartellone on both days.

Special Appearances by Michael Cartellone:

Saturday, June 5: 4 pm -7 pm

Wentworth Gallery: The Mall at Short Hills, 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ

Sunday, June 6: 1 pm – 4 pm

Wentworth Gallery: The Court at King of Prussia, 690 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA

Cartellone attended the Cleveland Institute of Art at the age of four, with his focus set on the Visual Arts. Indeed, Michael intended a career in Visual Arts for the next five years, until he began drumming at the age of nine. He completely threw himself into drumming, playing his first professional gig at a bar at the age of eleven, although he never stopped painting. Cartellone continued studying both drumming and painting simultaneously throughout his grade school and high school years. By the time he graduated high school, Cartellone was performing four nights a week, earning his living as a musician; yet at the same time, he had begun selling his paintings. As Cartellone explains it, "music and art have always been two halves of a whole."

Read more about Cartellone and his upcoming exhibit right here.

And if haven't done so yet, get your copy of Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest God & Guns.

Dream Theater Continue Global Assault in Mexico/ South America

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Progressive rock titans DREAM THEATER -- James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar, vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums, percussion, vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards, Continuum) -- continue their global assault with a March 5-24 tour of South America and Mexico. The trek will encompass 11 shows in six countries, with first-time visits to Lima, Peru and Porto Alegre, Brazil.

In an interview below with Mike Portnoy, the drummer discusses the band’s deep admiration for their fans in Mexico and South America. In Santiago, Chile in 2006, DREAM THEATER played to their largest audience ever (20,000) as a headlining act, a show that was released as a DVD on Portnoy’s YtseJam Records.

The concerts in South America and Mexico -- to be opened by Bigelf -- will follow a monumental year of touring for the band in connection with their 10th studio release BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS, for which they achieved a #1 debut on the Billboard European chart and 12 Top Ten album chart debuts around the world including the U.S.

In 2009, the legendary progressive metal masters -- who’ve sold in excess of 10,000,000 records and DVD's worldwide -- broke records in Europe, playing to festival crowds of over 80,000 fans and made their debut appearance in Israel in front of 10,000 fans. Next came their headlining North American 'Progressive Nation' tour, followed by their overseas September/October 2009 'Progressive Nation' headlining trek reaching 15 countries. They finished the year with a December down under swing with seven shows in Australia and New Zealand.

2009 was also a watermark year for DREAM THEATER as a recording act. Beyond the aforementioned worldwide chart debuts, BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS -- a highlight of their 25-year career -- was praised by Mojo magazine’s Paul Elliott in a July 2009 review: “…their lofty ideals remain intact. By modern criteria, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is as highbrow as The Mars Volta, as grandiose as Muse and as heavy as Metallica.” A video of the album’s “Wither” was shot in 2009 on location in the U.K. (London, Manchester), France (Paris, Lille) and Netherlands (Rotterdam):

DREAM THEATER were also honored with the "Spirit Of Prog" achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards in London (November 2).

Q&A with Mike Portnoy about the March 2010 shows in South America and Mexico

Dream Theater has an upcoming headline tour of South America and Mexico where the band has built a fan base from previous gigs and sold many records. Can you talk about an experience of playing there before--and the bond that exists with your fans there?

“Our South American audience has become one of the biggest and most passionate for Dream Theater on the planet! We first experienced the intense love affair when we played Brazil for the first times in 1997 and 1998...when we finally returned in 2005, we were able to visit Argentina, Venezuela and Chile as well as Brazil and were overwhelmed by the incredible responses. Our first show in Santiago Chile still remains the biggest headlining show the band has done to date with over 20,000 insane fans showing up for a three -hour "Evening With" Dream Theater.”

The Mexico City show is about ¾ sold already and it’s an 8,000 capacity venue. That has to be amping up Dream Theater.

“This will be our fifth time playing National Auditorium in Mexico City (having previously sold the venue out in 2000, 2002, 2006 & 2008)....it is always a highlight for us....you can never go wrong with 10,000 intense, passionate Mexican fans!!”

The upcoming trek will mark your first shows in Lima, Peru and Porto Alegre, Brazil…which underlines the band’s growing popularity. It’s very notable that the band will perform in South American venues with capacities ranging from 6,000 to 15,000. Can you talk about how the global market keeps expanding for Dream Theater?

“We always look forward to playing new cities and countries for the first time....after almost 20 years on the road, they are becoming far and few between for us...so it's always very special for us. There's nothing more rewarding than playing a song we've played over 1,000 times through the years but seeing the excitement on the faces of the audience that are hearing it in person for the very first time!”

You have invited Bigelf to open all these shows for you. What excites you about them?

“It's been my personal mission to help Bigelf get the exposure they've been waiting 15 years to receive. I fell in love with them within the first minute of hearing their sound. They are like all of my favorite classic bands wrapped in one: The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Queen, etc. I have taken them under my wings and brought them on tour with DT throughout North America and Europe and am now pleased to have them join us in South America. I hope our fans welcome them with open arms and open ears. They are not a technical band like DT, but anybody with good taste in music should be able to appreciate them and fall for them just as I have!”

DREAM THEATER - SOUTH AMERICA/MEXICO 2010 TOUR DATES

Date		Location	Venue

Fri	Mar 05, 2010	Monterrey, Mexico	Esenica
Sun	Mar 07, 2010	Mexico City, Mexico	National Auditorium
Mon	Mar 08, 2010	Guadalajara, Mexico	Diana Theater
Thu	Mar 11, 2010	Santiago, Chile	Movistar Arena
Sat	Mar 13, 2010	Buenos Aires, Argentina	Luna Park
Tue	Mar 16, 2010	Porto Alegre, Brazil	Pepsi On Stage
Thu	Mar 18, 2010	Curitiba, Brazil	Master Hall
Fri	Mar 19, 2010	Sao Paulo, Brazil	Credicard Hall
Sat	Mar 20, 2010	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Citibank Hall
Mon	Mar 22, 2010	Lima, Peru	Jockey Club
Wed	Mar 24, 2010	Caracas, Venezuela	Poliedro

'The Blackening' Named Metal Hammer's Album of the Decade

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In their March 2010 issue, Metal Hammer UK is running through their top albums of the decade, and proudly holding the #1 spot is Machine Head's 2007 crusher The Blackening.

To celebrate this achievment, we're giving away ten special edition copies of the Bay Area metal band's #1 album. Enter to win right here!

Opening the Crypts: Fear Factory

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In honor of our friends in Fear Factory reuniting and releasing a new album next week, we're reminiscing on the old days with this classic cut!

From the band's 1992 debut album Soul of a New Machine, listen to "Martyr" -- one of the first songs Burton C. Bell, Dino Cazares, and Ray Herrerra unleashed onto the world.

Enter to win a classic Fear Factory prize pack right here!

Photos: First Night of Killswitch Engage's Headlining Tour

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As of February 4th, Killswitch Engage are underway on their first headlining tour for their latest album, 2009's self-titled smash, Killswitch Engage.

Kicking off this extensive tour supported by The Devil Wears Prada and Dark Tranquility in their home-state of Massachusetts, LiveDaily.com was on hand to capture the band's explosive performance.

Check out some photos here, and don't miss KsE on tour now!

Taking Dawn Interviewed at Hardrock Haven

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Listen in as Taking Dawn frontman Chris Babbitt checks in with Hardrock Haven to discuss their debut album Time to Burn, the lead single by the same name, what's behind their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” and much more.

Writes the site, "Taking Dawn is a brand new band that is clearly influenced by ’80s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal and wear their influences with pride and reckless abandon. Babbitt doesn’t hold back anything — the honesty, anger and quick wit is all available to hear in the interview. Tune in now to get to know their interesting frontman, and pick up Time to Burn immediately thereafter."

Do it!

Amanda Palmer Side Project Pulls Big Names

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Weird Al Yankovic, Tegan & Sara, Margaret Cho, Gerard Way, Andrew WK. Those are just a few of the special guests featured on Dresden Dolls frontwoman-turned-solo-artist Amanda Palmer's latest project Evelyn Evelyn.

But that's not all. Yahoo! is reporting that Frances Bean Cobain will also be singing on a track entitled "My Space" on the March 2010 album.

No stranger to guest-featuring, late last year Amanda Palmer posted a video she made for Tegan & Sara's "Hell."

The whimsical vocalist also released a DVD compilation of her videos, which fans can find right here.

Episode1: Mutiny Within Let Us In On Their Journey

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Metal newcomers Mutiny Within have been on an amazing journey for the past two years. From signing with Roadrunner to solidifying their line-up, then writing, recording, and going on their first-ever US tour, the band has grown, learned and experienced so much right in front of the camera lens -- and all before the release of their debut record.

As we approach the February 23rd release date for Mutiny Within, the band has compiled various installments of the footage documenting each step along the way, and are debuting the resulting webisodes right here every Friday to let us in on their adventure.

Check out part 1 below, and don't miss your chance to pre-order the album at a discount and with some bonus extras right here.

Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess Live on JamPlay

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Critically acclaimed keyboard artist, and Dream Theater band member Jordan Rudess is proud to announce three FREE live webcam question and answer sessions on JamPlay. Jordan Rudess first gained national exposure when the readers of Keyboard Magazine voted him 1994’s Best New Talent in the Overall Best Keyboardist category after his first solo release Listen. Since 1999, Jordan has been an integral member of and creative driving force behind Dream Theater, the most critically-acclaimed progressive hard rock band in the world. Register here!

JamPlay is an online music education community where musicians can learn to play the guitar via online video lessons. They also offer lessons live via webcam with leading instructors. As part of these special webcam appearances, both Jordan and JamPlay are proud to offer a FREE 7 day trial membership offering full, unrestricted JamPlay access, including the ability to check out Jordan live on Webcam in his question and answer sessions. JamPlay offers 360 hours of lessons from 33 teachers, plus 12+ hours of live webcam lessons take place daily.

Jordan states, "I've always wanted to reach out to students all around the world and be able to share what I have learned in my musical journey. In this new relationship with JamPlay, I'm able to achieve a new level of communication and extend my passion for teaching to all those who are interested to study with me.”

Kevin Wimer, co-founder of JamPlay, says, "We are very excited to be working with Jordan. We are anxious not only to have him share his incredible talents with our existing community, but also to introduce his fans to JamPlay."

Jordan’s live JamPlay webcam schedule is as follows:

February 10th - 8:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST -

February 24th - 8:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST

March 2nd - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST

Ratt Reveal Artwork, Tracklisting For Infestation

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s no secret that RATT are back and raring to go. The band is proud to announce April 20, 2010 as the release date for their Loud & Proud debut, Infestation, an 11-song opus that is their first studio record in 11 years. The first single, “Best of Me,” is scheduled to impact rock radio on February 21. The song is available at all digital stores.

There’s been a flurry of activity in the Ratt camp in the past few years. Vocalist Stephen Pearcy has returned to the fold and the band has since signed to Loud & Proud/Roadrunner. The legendary Los Angeles rock squad, also featuring guitarist Warren DeMartini, drummer Bobby Blotzer, bassist Robbie Crane and new guitarist Carlos Cavazo, engineered Hollywood’s much-heralded Sunset Strip sound in the 1980s.

“We wanted this to be like something that we would have written right after [1984’s] Out of the Cellar, Pearcy said. “We definitely went back to basics with the mindset of a band with a lot of excitement and some great songs to get out.” Infestation was produced by Elvis Baskette (Chevelle, Alter Bridge.) in the helmer’s Virginia studio, marking the first time the band has recorded outside of Los Angeles. The album is full of attitude and of reflection, cycling through a range of emotions. There are party anthems that Ratt are known for alongside more contemplative, thoughtful tunes.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

Eat Me Up Alive

Best of Me

A Little Too Much

Look Out Below

Last Call

Lost Weekend

As Good as it Gets

Garden of Eden

Take a Big Bite

Take Me Home

Don’t Let Go

Check out the first single, "Best of Me" right here:

Mutiny Within Video Tour Diary Part 1

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Currently on the Tyrants of Evil Tour supporting Arch Enemy, Exodus and Arsis, Roadrunner's metal newcomers Mutiny Within have been documenting their time on the North American trek.

Watch the first installment of their experience on the road below, and check mutinywithin.com for more updates as they continue on tour.

The band's self-titled debut is out on February 23rd. Pre-order your copy now, and get some bonus extras!

Trivium Announce New Drummer, New Tracks

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Florida metallers Trivium are pleased to announce Nick Augusto as their new permanent drummer. Augusto was introduced to Trivium fans when he filled in behind the kit on last fall’s “Into the Mouth of Hell We Tour” trek. He is now stepping in to permanently replace the departing Travis Smith.

Vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy commented, “We’re really happy to have our good friend and fellow Floridian Nick Augusto join the Trivium family. Nick’s drumming is very technical and diverse and he brings a real intense energy to the band and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the new song, ‘Shattering the Skies Above,” that we just recorded with Nick. I think it’s the best Trivium recording we’ve ever done; it’s raw, full of energy and I think Nick’s drumming really pushed us to a new level.”

The always industrious Trivium are wasting no time in the wake of this line up shift and are staying busy as they work their new skinsman into the fold. The band has recorded two brand new tracks: the aforementioned “Shattering the Skies Above” will appear on the forthcoming, digital-only God of War Blood & Metal EP, as well as a cover of Sepultura’s “Slave New World.” Video footage of the band and their new drummer recording “Shattering the Skies Above” is viewable here.

The band will also head right back out on the road, embarking on a tour of Asia, New Zealand, Australia and the UK, which kicks off February 11, in Jakarta, Indoensia and runs through March 24 in England. This will be the band’s final tour dates in support of 2008’s Shogun. Once the tour ends, the band will head back to the studio to work on their next album for Roadrunner Records.

Dommin Check In From The Road in Europe

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dommin have hit the UK and are playing their first ever shows on British soil in support of Lacuna Coil. Namesake vocalist/guitarist Kristofer Dommin has checked in with some update from the first few shows:

Day 1- Manchester

"We woke up this morning to a snow covered environment. Because we LA boys aren't accustomed to such cold, we layered up and headed to the venue.

First days of tour are always a bit interesting. The good thing is that we got to see our friends in Lacuna again. It's great to be re-united and we are so grateful to be on their tour. But the tricky part comes when trying to get familiar with new gear I have never played on. The guitars are mine but the amps are rented. And being the first band, you don't get too much of an opportunity to soundcheck before the doors to the venue open and people come rushing in. But it all seemed to sound okay. I certainly need to get back into touring shape. After two months off, I wasn't surprised that I felt winded after the first song. But we all made it to the end alright."

Day 2 - Birmingham

"We hit the stage at 7:30, and while I felt like I was much more "on" tonight with my energy, my voice and guitar playing, the crowd was a bit subdued...a bit luke warm. It was a surprise from what we were told a day earlier. Manchester seemed much more receptive. But in the end, I think we won them over and proved ourselves once again.

It's a long way too Glasgow tomorrow so we will need to be up early. I took one more opportunity to blast my excitement about the album release before I left the conscious world. Tomorrow is a busy day. We have an acoustic performance that I hope we are prepared for. I fall asleep listening to Konstantine tap away on his keyboard with his headphones on as he freshens up on the acoustic versions of the songs....and I'm out."

Day 3 - Glasgow, Scotland

"It was a 6 hour rainy drive from Birmingham to Glasgow. On the way up, we stopped at a gas station where I saw a very cool feature in Rocksound magazine. Right next to it was Metal Hammer Magazine that had one our songs on their CD sampler. Its a bit weird but very very cool.

When we arrived in Glasgow, the sun came out and Konstantine and I split from the band to do an intimate acoustic performance for 30 or so radio contest winners from 96.3, the rock station there. Apparently they had been playing us for a while which is awesome to receive such support."

To read the full road report for each day, check out dommin.com. And if you haven't gotten your copy of Love Is Gone yet, go here and get it now.

Roadrunner Votes on Top 10 Albums of the 00's

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Don't adjust your web browser -- we know it's February 2010, but as we move through the first couple months of this new decade, we can't help but reflect on some great music from the not-so-distant past.

Since 1986, Roadrunner Records’ US contingent has proudly carved itself a niche in hard and heavy music. In later years we’ve branched out to radio rock and even the alt/indie field, but when it came time to rate the Top 10 albums of the first decade of this millennium, our staff and artists alike kept with Roadrunner’s traditions, and focused mainly on metal – with a few surprises in the mix.

Though you’ll find a lot of Roadrunner releases in our consensus list below, know that this Top 10 was compiled of over 40 entries from Roadrunner employees around the globe and even includes the opinions of artists like Max Cavalera, Corey Taylor, Matt Heafy, Joel Stroetzel and much more.

So here’s the Top 10 that most of us agreed on, and judging by our tie for the number four position and three-way tie for number 9, it wasn’t all in perfect harmony.

1. Killswitch Engage – The End of Heartache

2. Killswitch Engage – Alive or Just Breathing

3. System of a Down - Toxicity

4. Deftones – White Pony

4. At the Drive-In – Relationship of Command

5. Opeth – Blackwater Park

6. Tool – Lateralus

7. Mastodon – Crack the Skye

8. Glassjaw – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence

9. Slipknot – Vol. 3 the Subliminal Verses

9. Radiohead – In Rainbows

9. Iron Maiden – Brave New World

10. Muse - Absolution

Agree? Disagree? Let us know below. And if you haven’t seen everyone’s individual lists yet, check them all out here.

Video: Young the Giant

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Roadrunner Records newcomers Young the Giant are currently in the studio with Grammy-award winning producer Joe Chiccarrelli working on their forthcoming debut. Get to know the band here, and check out their work in progress in the video below.

LA-based fans can catch Young the Giant live at The Roxy on Saturday, Feb 13th. Go here for ticket information.

Theory of a Deadman To Play The 2010 Olympics

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As Vancouver’s latest breakthrough rock band Theory of A Deadman continue on their 2010 North American tour with labelmates Taking Dawn, the band is gearing up to participate in an exciting new program at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

On February 19th, Theory of a Deadman will perform a full length set as part of the medal ceremony festivities for the Winter Games in their hometown. The “Victory Concert Series” will be broadcast on TV and the internet around the world. Other performers are Nelly Furtado, Barenaked Ladies, Billy Talent, Loverboy, Hedley, INXS, Stereophonics. Theory's show starts at 6:25pm PST prior to the medal ceremony for Ladies' Snowboard Halfpipe.

Tune in on your TV, or visit NBColympics.com to catch the performance live.

Madam Adam Ready Their Roadrunner Debut

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Roadrunner Records is pleased to announce the signing of Charleston, South Carolina rock band MADAM ADAM. The band is currently finishing up the recording of their as-yet untitled Roadrunner debut in Nashville, Tennessee, where they are working with producer/mixer Skidd Mills (Saving Abel, Saliva, Skillet, Sick Puppies.) Roadrunner expects to release the album in summer of 2010, and the band will be announcing some Southeast tour dates shortly.

The band - vocalist/guitarist Scott Gould, bassist Kenny Varner, guitarist Drew Reindollar and drummer Matthew Reindollar - has posted webisodes from the studio sessions on their MySpace page.

Roadrunner Senior VP of A&R Ron Burman commented about the signing, saying, "I'm really excited to be working with Madam Adam. They have really catchy rock songs, the kind that I grew up listening to on rock radio. Madam Adam write songs that stick in your head after one listen, which is rare. The singer, Scott, has a great voice and they are an exceptionally good live band."

"We're grateful for the opportunity to work with Ron Burman and the staff at Roadrunner -- to have such an accomplished team behind us is that dream every kid with a guitar hopes becomes a reality," Gould said. "Last week, we laid the final tracks to the debut, thanks in part to producer Skidd 'The Wizard' Mills and at the moment we're describing it as Casablanca starring Conan the Barbarian."

Dommin Receives Rave Reviews

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As LA-based goth-rock newcomers Dommin finally release their debut album Love Is Gone today, the receptive reviews are rolling in.

Thenewreview.net writes, "Dommin’s vocals are eerie and extremely captivating, drawing you in with every breath. Tracks like “Closure” and “Making The Most” make you want to grab your kitten calendar and slit your wrist at the same time. Both tracks offer beautiful dreamscapes that are all overloaded with depressing thoughts and deep-ended emotions. I haven’t heard this much feeling in music since Depeche Mode’s Violator or Type O Negative’s Bloody Kisses. Also worth mentioning are the piano/keys in “Making The Most.” They are interlaced with the thick wall of distortion and haunting overtones that Dommin bring to the table."

While Noisecreep contends, "'Love Is Gone' is the darkly romantic, gothically tinged debut of Southern California's Dommin, named after frontman Kristofer Dommin. Strains of DNA from Danzig, Type O Negative and Depeche Mode manifest in Dommin's melodic, broody tunes, like 'Tonight' and 'My Heart Your Hands.'"

Frantikmag.com praises, "Hopeless romantics, melodramatics, and the broken hearted can really sink their teeth into this one and go along for the ride. Dommin’s uncanny way of making alternative rock music that sounds like your heart veering near the edge of the world is long lost in today’s world of rock. Only a few handful of bands can vindictively accomplish making this type of music from beginning to end without sounding contrived but Dommin has successfully done so. The intricate layers of soul-testifying lyrics, dark piano elements and the roaring accompaniment of cinematic drums, guitars and bass make a deeply intense but sullen soundscape of heartache and pain."

If you haven't done so yet, get your copy of Dommin's Love Is Gone right here, right now, and watch the video for "My Heart, Your Hands" below:

Airbourne On the Cover of 'Hour' in Montreal

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Currently finishing up a tour supporting Motley Crue and Joe Perry in Canada, Aussie rockers Airbourne are currently gracing the cover of Montreal English weekly magazine Hour.

Writes the magazine, "Imagine, if you will, the hallways and dressing rooms backstage, throbbing with big-breasted blondes with orange tans and bad tattoos. Mötley Crüe top this bill, then Aerosmith 1970s guitar god Joe Perry, and then there are our boys in Airbourne, the balls-to-the-wall thunder from Down Under."

The magazine continues to set the stage for the party-hearty quartet on this massive tour, writing, "This tour has all the makings of an out-of-control rock'n'roll circus. All you have to do is read the scummiest, nastiest, dirtiest rock bio ever written, the Crüe's 2001 New York Times best-seller The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band, to wonder if their handlers will be able to keep them out of trouble on this tour. And Joe Perry - currently feuding in the press with (former?) Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler, now in rehab to beat a painkiller addiction - used to be known, along with Tyler, as the notorious Toxic Twins."

Posing the question on everyone's mind, Hour inquires, "So what's it like opening for these legendary rockers and legendary drug addicts? Have the Crüe and Perry passed on the party animal torch to Airbourne?

"I dunno, mate!" laughs Joel O'Keeffe, lead vocalist and lead guitarist for Airbourne, right now the most fun, most hard-rocking boogie band on Earth. "[But] everywhere you go, once again, anything goes!""

Read more about Airbourne's trek in Hour, look out for the band's sophomore record No Guts. No Glory. out April 20th and give the lead single "No Way But the Hard Way" a listen right here: