Unreleased Ronnie James Dio Tunes Coming with 'And Before Elf…There Were Elves'

More good news for Ronnie James Dio fans! A rarities package is due in October that will give us some unreleased Elf tracks. The album will also feature a 3D cover (there's that 3D trend again)! I'm pretty excited about this. I'm usually not big on rarities packages, but this seems truly worthwhile -- this is all new content to us and therefore not some random cash grab. Here's the details:

Over the years, legendary singer Ronnie James Dio fronted some of the most popular/enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands of all-time, including Rainbow, Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell, and Dio.

But before all of these bands, there was Elf. Described as a "Rock/Honky Tonk/Blues band," a forthcoming release, 'And Before Elf…There Were Elves,' will prove that Ronnie could easily handle other rock-related styles.

Released on October 11th via the Niji Entertainment Group, 'And Before Elf' will feature twelve previously unreleased tracks (all from 1971), comprised of both live in the studio and live on stage tracks.

The album will feature a striking Lenticular/3D/Hologram cover, that when you turn it, you will see two alternating images – Ronnie from the first Elf LP, as well as a vintage group shot from 1971. And although these recordings are 40 years old, the sonic quality still passes the test, as longtime Dio engineer Wyn Davis remastered the original tapes.

Formed in 1967 in Cortland, New York, The Elves also featured other members that would carve a niche for themselves in the hard rock world!

Guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein (Dio's cousin) would go on to front the Rods. Elf would last for a trio of albums, before Ronnie exited the group in 1975, to co-form Rainbow with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.

Ronnie James Dio always had the golden touch as a masterful singer and frontman.

And upon hearing 'And Before Elf…There Were Elves,' you'll discover he possessed his one-of-a-kind voice from the very beginning of his career.

 "And Before Elf…There Were Elves" Track Listing:

1. You Shook Me
2. Stay With Me
3. Four Day Creep
4. Buckingham Blues
5. Wakeup Sunshine
6. Driftin'
7. Smile For Me Lady
8. You Felt The Same Way
9. Simple Man
10. Drown Me In The River
11. Cold Ramona
12. Little Queenie

SSMF Announces 'Motley Memory' Contest

Can your favorite Motley Crue memory win you passes to the Sunset Strip Music Festival? Last night I was poking around the SSMF website and came across a cool Motley contest. All you have to do is share your favorite memory of the band (in video form) and you could win VIP tickets to the festival. I have faith that one of my readers will win this contest! If you are already planning on attending this fest, please let me know! Our girl Kari is going and I'm hoping she'll give us all an official report of the awesomeness. I'll be there in spirit!

Here are the SSMF contest details:

This year, SSMF has decided to take it back to the fans. Motley Crue not only has an arsenal of accomplishments that’s more than worthy (30 loud years, 80 million in album sales, seven platinum/multi-platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammy noms, a New York Times best-selling memoir, two dozen tours logging more than 1,350 live gigs across the globe…), but most importantly, a die hard fan base that has been a huge part of their success and longevity.

So now, mega-Motley-fans, it is your time to shine by letting the band know what they’ve meant to you! Your video–30 seconds max–should tell the band about your favorite Motley Crue Memory (#motleymemory). Submissions may be used for promotional purposes, and one winner, chosen by the band, will have a mighty Motley future: Winning a pair of VIP tix to the 8/20 Street Fest, and access to the Motley Crue Tribute at House of Blues on 8/18.

CONTEST RULES, SUBMISSIONS, NOTICES:

How to Enter: Submit one video, 30 seconds or less, by emailing a YouTube link to your video, your name, and your contact information to ssmfcontest@gmail.com with “MOTLEY MEMORY CONTEST” in the Subject line.

Who can Enter: You must be age 18 or older to submit a video for consideration.

Video Content: Entries should answer the question, “What is your favorite Motley Crue Memory?” You are responsible for the content submitted. No nudity, slanderous or malicious comments will be permitted. Content submitted does not reflect the views of the Sunset Strip Music Festival, LLC, or Motley Crue.

Use: Your submitted video and name may be used for promotional purposes. By submitting your video you agree that your video may be used for promotional purposes. Select videos may also be included in Motley Crue’s tribute event on Aug. 18. Note: Make sure to save the original video in case it is needed for promotional purposes.

How to Win: One winner will be selected by the band. Winner will receive two VIP passes to SSMF. (Note: Does not include airfare/lodging/meals/etc). Winner will be notified approximately one week before the festival.

Deadline: Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm, Friday, August 5.

Metal To the Core?

You find weird things on Twitter sometimes. Yesterday, I came across a Tweet from ZodiacFacts that said something to the effect of "Leos love heavy metal and hard rock." Basically, the gist was that Leos like music with passion.

I'm a Leo and this got me to thinking: is being a metal fan so ingrained in a person that it is just in their core? Put another way, was I destined to be a metal fan versus someone who loves country or classical or jazz?

There probably isn't an easy answer to my question, but I do think people are naturally inclined to like one thing over another. I mean, I was a metal fan in fifth grade. I'm an only child, so I didn't have older siblings to share metal bands with me, which I know is a common experience for most metalheads. So what drew me to metal? It had to be the rhythms, MTV and the fact that my parents like rock music, right? After I realized I liked rock and metal, it didn't take long for me to search out new bands on my own. Now, here we are some 20+ years later. I can see myself getting into other forms of music for sure, but none the way I feel toward metal bands. I can't see that changing ever in my entire life.

This must be pre-determined and cellular, yes?

8 Track is Back!

Yesterday I told you that Diemonds re-released their debut on cassette. Now, thanks to a tip by an awesome BBG! reader, I'm happy to report that a band called the Biters has just re-released the album All Chewed Up on... 8 Track.

Seriously.

The Biters remind me of The Ju Ju Hounds, Cheap Trick and some classic rock band I can't put my finger one. The band is from Atlanta and just sound so unique. The Biters are not really Glam, but they do rock.

Now back to that 8 Track. I'm not old enough to have ever owned an 8 Track, let alone an 8 Track player but I love the nostalgia and it's a great marketing ploy for the band.

Diemonds, 'Take On the Night' - New Video

Basically, Diemonds = great Glam band. They just released a rocking video for “Take On the Night.”

Diemonds formed in Canada in 2006 and have a female singer (!) Now here's the cool part: the band just re-released the debut In The Rough on cassette tape. Seriously. It doesn't get any more throw-back Glam than that!

Diemonds have toured with Dirty Penny, Wildstreet, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat and more.

Bret Michaels Super Cruise Canceled, Statement Released

On Wednesday, it was announced that the Bret Michaels 'Rock Your World' Cruise was canceled. The cruise was set for this November and was supposed to sail out of Miami, Fla. Last night, Bret released a statement about what happened. Seems like a promoter-gone-wrong sort of situation. Here's the statement:

To my family, friends, MEGI employees, other entertainers and most importantly you, the fans, who have purchased tickets to the upcoming Bret Michaels "Rock Your World" Super Cruise:

Ninety-five percent of the time, in the entertainment business, you deal with great promoters and agents. However, there is always a five percent chance of someone or something not being on the up and up, as was the case with our promoter in Syracuse, whom I filed suit against and fought to get people's money refunded as best I could. In this case, the promoter, Willie Donwell, backed out of this event. He will not and cannot fulfill his contractual obligations. It has also come to my attention that Mr. Donwell has been involved in at least one other lawsuit of a similar nature in which he was sued by Prince. As a work for hire, I have always been and am ready still to perform as per my original contract. However, that option is not available as Mr. Donwell has attempted to release himself from his obligations and put his business dealings off on others. The goal was to give my fans the concert cruise experience of a lifetime and I have gone out of my way to do that. Even as late as yesterday I was on the radio with WMMR helping to promote this event.

As this is my first ever cruise, I want to reassure everyone that I have went out of my way to try and make this the best fan cruise on the high seas. Again, we are all victims of what I believe is a less-than-reputable promoter who apparently feels he can take advantage of both artists and fans. Know that I am working hard to right this wrong.

All money will be refunded to you by Shoreline Travel.

Sincerely,
Bret Michaels

If any of my readers were planning on attending this cruise, you have my sympathy. Having a vacation canceled just plain sucks. At least it seems like you'll get your money back.

Here's a video of Bret performing "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with Kenny Chesney in Cincinnati a few days ago:

Sevendust vs. Twisted Sister

Did you know that Sevendust covered Twisted Sister years ago? I received an email yesterday about people talking about the cover on a message board. I had no idea about this cover but I'm VERY excited. I love Sevendust in a big, bad way. Actually, they are one of my favorite bands. So color me surprised to learn that Sevendust did a most awesome cover of "I Am (I'm Me)." This song is from the tribute album Twisted Forever.

I don't have this album and that's why I had no idea Sevendust had covered a glam band (but of course it makes sense because Twisted guitarist Jay Jay French was managing Sevendust at the time of this recording). Now, you need to note: the song is in Twisted Sister style and doesn't really sound like Sevendust. It's almost punk -- very interesting to hear Lajon Witherspoon in this way. Check it out:

I've always liked "I Am (I'm Me)" because of the song's message. Other bands on the Twisted Forever tribute are Overkill, Nashville Pussy, Fu Manchu and Motorhead.