Rock on the Range 2010 Review

"Are you ready to make some memories?" Drowning Pool frontman Ryan McCombs screamed at the ever-growing crowd of kids in the pit at Rock on the Range. The Columbus, Ohio festival went down May 22 and 23 at the Crew Stadium -- an appropriately perfect venue for just the right mix of metal, mud and horrible tattoos.

That's the beginning of my 2010 Rock on the Range review. Continue reading and check out some photos of the show!

Play Modern Warfare 2 with Ozzy Osbourne

I don't know much about video games but this Ozzy-related promotion is very cool...because you actually get a chance to play with Ozzy himself. I know some of you play video games so I thought I'd pass along. The release:

The Godfather of Heavy Metal and the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne along with son Jack Osbourne, will visit Xbox LIVE® to play Gold Members in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2. If you're a Gold Member (if you're not a Member, upgrade here: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/goldBenefits.htm) join Xbox Tuesday, June 8, starting at 4:00 p.m. EST and meet the legendary Ozzy Osbourne.

If you get a chance to play with Ozzy Osbourne, Xbox wants to hear all about it! They'll be posting recaps from gamers all across the country. Send an email to xboxgwf@live.com with the subject "GWF - Ozzy," and be sure to include your gamertag and hometown!

Check out the "Making Of Scream"

Slash, 'Starlight' Live at Rock on the Range

Videos are popping up of bands performing at Rock on the Range. Naturally, I went looking for Slash first. Here's an amazingly close shot of Slash doing "Starlight." The video bounces a little but the person making the clip did an overall great job. Our friend Christian was down in the pit for Slash and told me horror stories of having people crowd surf right into his head and having to hold his glasses for fear of breakage. I watched from safety -- nothing was going to get in the way of me enjoying Slash.

Rocklahoma Roll Call 2010

I have a crazy busy week ahead of me and it all ends Friday when I leave for Rocklahoma. This will be my fourth year in a row attending and covering the event. As you all know by now, the fest moved away from 100% Glam to more modern. I'm excited and interested to see how the changes are perceived during the fest. With that, who's with me? Drop me a note if you're attending Rocklahoma. I'd love to hang out.

Meanwhile, I'm starting a new job today and also trying to write the Rock on the Range review and edits tons of photos. Come back soon for the updates!

Sevendust and Others Added to Shiprocked

Guess what? More bands were just added to Shiprocked...including one of my faves, Sevendust! If you want to book, cabins start at $499. Check out the lineup:

Atlanta's own SEVENDUST lead the way, having recently released their infections seventh studio album Cold Day Memory, which features the hit single "Unraveling." Be sure to catch them next weekend at Rocklahoma. Then all summer long, they'll be touring as part of the Carnival Of Madness Tour, with Shinedown, Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd, and... 10 Years!

10 YEARS hail from Knoxville, Tennessee, and join the ShipRocked lineup just as they are putting the finishing touches on their third album Feeding The Wolves. The highly anticipated project is being helmed by Grammy nominated producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Flyleaf, Seether). The band will also be on the road as part of the Carnival Of Madness Tour!

BLACK STONE CHERRY might be from Kentucky, but they have toured the world over, delivering their Southern heritage with a mix of heavy, loud guitars, larger than life drumming and lyrical storytelling. Their latest album Folklore and Superstition enlisted famed rock producer Bob Marlette (Ozzy, Shinedown, Quiet Riot), to help meld the traditions of their roots, with some vintage arena rock. Wait until you see these boys play!

Listening to Oklahoma City's ARANDA is something like hearing an explosive hybrid of the atom bomb and all of Woodstock combined. They are an experience. Brothers Dameon and Gabe are no strangers to sharing the stage with big names in rock: during the past year, they have performed with hit bands such as the All American Rejects, Saliva, Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Theory of a Deadman, and Black Stone Cherry.

ShipRocked couldn't be more proud to add these four amazing bands to our lineup for 2010, which of course already includes Cinderella, Vince Neil, Tesla, Drowning Pool, and HAIL! featuring Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Andreas Kisser of Sepultura, and Tim "Ripper" Owens. Onboard you'll also see The Letter Black featuring Mark "Traa" Daniels from P.O.D., LYNAM, Broken Teeth, Niki Barr Band and Pianotarium!

Click for more information and to book.

'Song for Ronnie James'

Jorn Lande has recorded the truly moving "Song for Ronnie James" from the forthcoming tribute album Dio due this July from Frontiers. 

The release:

Napol, May 2010 - The Norse God of Metal. The leader of the renaissance of classic Hard Rock on its highest level. One of the most prolific and sought-after singers of today, whose vocal talent has reserved him a place amongst the greatest giants in the history of Rock. This is Jorn Lande and now he offers his talents to honour the musical legacy of Ronnie James Dio, with his new album aptly entitled “Dio”, to be released on Frontiers Records on July 2^nd in Europe and July 27^th in the US.

Handpicking some lesser known tunes of the Dio era, along with some of the true classics, Jorn offers a fine collection of songs that present the music of the Man and the Artist, with a unique twist. In Jorn Lande’s own words: “Throughout the years I have had the privilege of  both meeting and working with many of the musicians that have inspired me on my musical journey. Ronnie James Dio has inspired me through decades, and this man's influence continues to add colour to my creative spirit. Ever since the first time I heard his royal roar back in the 70's, I have been fascinated by this extremely talented man's creative force and dedication to music. His career has been going on for so long and includes so many great songs, that it was a challenge to decide which songs and what era to focus on. I ended up focusing on the DIO era”.

The album also includes an original song for which a videoclip, shot by Thomas Tjader (Pretty Maids, In Flames) was produced. Jorn says “I wrote 'Song for Ronnie James' as a tribute and a personal thanks to the man who has been my mentor for more than 35 years. This great man has affected my life and career in such a way that without his presence, I would not have become the artist I am today”.

I'm at Rock on the Range 2010

That's right, it's festival season! I'm at Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio all this weekend. For immediate updates of band happenings, crazy mishaps and 140 character reviews, follow me on Twitter @bringbackglam!

As per usual, I'll have a full report of the fest including pictures and backstage stories.

Oh yeah, I'm seeing Papa Roach today. Yeah!