ShipRocked Sails in 1 Month!

In exactly one month, I'll be setting sail on ShipRocked. I'm in desperate need of a vacation and the trip is going to be a blast. There are a ton of bands already booked like Buckcherry, Queensryche, Hinder, Hellyeah, Sevendust, Candlebox, Filter, Lynam, Living Colour and many more. Last night the cruise added a band called The Voodoos.

The Voodoos are originally from Ireland. They have a different sound - not Glam by any stretch of the word but that doesn't mean they don't rock. Check 'em out. And if you want to come on ShipRocked and hang out with me, you can still attend! Cabins are available by clicking on the official website.

James Durbin Is Recording with Mick Mars!

Watch it, love it people. Our beloved Mick Mars has been laying down guitar tracks for James Durbin's debut. Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster comes out November 21.

This album is going to rock...

Queensryche to Perform 'Operation: Mindcrime' Aboard ShipRocked

ShipRocked guests are in for a very special treat next month, when Queensryche takes the stage onboard the cruise to perform their epic concept album, Operation: Mindcrime, in its entirety!

This performance of Mindcrime -- which will feature Maria Brink of In This Moment on vocals as "Sister Mary" -- will be the band's first of the album since the Rocklahoma festival in the summer of 2008.

"We've always enjoyed performing for our fans in intimate settings and the forthcoming ShipRocked cruise will certainly be one of those occasions," states Queensryche lead singer Geoff Tate, who returns with the band for their second ShipRocked cruise. "We're calling this one, 'Mutiny on the Mindcrime.'"

The special performance of Operation: Mindcrime, covering all fifteen songs from the album including such fan favorites as "Revolution Calling," "Operation: Mindcrime," "I Don't Believe In Love" and the closing track "Eyes Of A Stranger," will be in addition to a greatest hits performance that will take place on another night of the cruise, which sets sail towards the Mayan Riviera on Monday, November 14th.

Maria Brink is ecstatic about joining Queensryche for the ten-minute song, "Suite Sister Mary." "I am so excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity to sing with Queensryche on the upcoming ShipRocked cruise! All of us in the band are huge Queensryche fans, and Geoff Tate is one of the best lead singers in the business. Getting to sing 'Suite Sister Mary' off the original Mindcrime album is a huge honor. This is going to be a cruise to remember!"

There are still a few cabins remaining, so reserve yours ASAP to guarantee your spot! BOOK ONLINE today at http://www.getshiprocked.com/2011/ or by calling 1-888-438-9509. See you on the ship!

My Darkest Days, 'Every Lie' - New Video

Do you like My Darkest Days? The Canadian band is one of my favorite modern acts. I really like their self-titled album. The band made a splash with their video for "Porn Star Dancing" and now they've got a new one for "Every Lie." The video actually has a plot and everything - just like the good videos back in the day.

Do You Like Stephen Pearcy's New Stuff?

Stephen Pearcy will release Sucker Punch in 2012. We have a few more months to wait, so in the meantime, Pearcy has released a couple of the songs on YouTube. I really like "Over & Over Again." It's true that Pearcy's voice sounds hyper-produced and "smoothed over" but I really dig the song and its sound. Do you?

New Crashdiet, 'Hollywood Teaze'

Crashdiet has a new song out called "Hollywood Teaze." The track is a bonus on the upcoming Generation Wild gatefold LP. That LP is up for pre-order now and will be released October 28.

The lyrics for "Hollywood Teaze" are very trite, but I love the video. I'm not quite sure if this song was specifically written for the bonus to the LP or if it was part of a new writing session. There's something about "Hollywood Teaze" that seems throwback to me, and I don't mean in an 80s way. I mean more in an alternative, yet post-grunge, sort of way. Then there's a happy chorus, so it's sort of all over the place. Regardless, any new Crashdiet is great news in my world.

What do you think of "Hollywood Teaze?"

'Tears Don't Put Out the Fire'

Remember Alien? The Swedish AOR act formed in 1986. I found the video for their single "Tears Don't Put Out the Fire" last night on YouTube. To my surprise, the band is just great! I was even more stunned to learn that Alien is apparently back together, playing a few shows here and there around Sweden. The members of Alien will even play Firefest later this month. Check them out: