Paul Cashmere of Undercover News reports that Axl Rose is returning to Australia for the first time in 14 years with his new incarnation of GUNS N' ROSES.
The GN'R "Chinese Democracy" tour will play Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in June.
The GUNS N' ROSES lineup is W. Axl Rose on vocals; guitarists Robin Finck, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Richard Fortus; bass player Tommy Stinson, keyboard players Dizzy Reed and Chris Pittman and drummer Frank Ferrer.
The Australian tour will be a spectacular in its own right with SEBASTIAN BACH and Australia's rock legends ROSE TATTOO performing as special guests.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday, April 26.
Dates are:
June 10 - Perth - Burswood Dome
June 13 - Adelaide - Entertainment Centre
June 15 - Melbourne - Rod Laver Arena
June 20 - Brisbane - Entertainment Centre
June 23 - Sydney - Acer Arena
JUDAS PRIEST's K.K. DOWNING WANTS TO GET "MORE ADVENTUROUS" WITH BAND's SETLIST
JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing recently answered a number of fan questions via his newly launched web site. A few excerpts follow:
Q: Do you think that you'll play any new/old songs on the next PRIEST tour? I mean, songs like "Dreamer Deceiver" or "Tyrant" or "Sinner" or "Devil's Child" or "Never Satisfied" or "Heading out to the Highway" or "Call for the Priest" or "Freewheel Burning" or "Love Bites"? I know that's a lot, I'll stop there. One other thing, do you think new Gibson Flying Vs are worth buying? Because I want to buy a heritage cherry one (I think you can figure out why) and don't want to waste my money.
K.K. Downing: Yes, indeed we are very aware that fans would like us to include all of those songs and more, the reason I guess why we didn't include so many of those songs on the last tour is because of Rob [Halford] being away so long we felt the need to re-establish ourselves. So now hopefully the world knows PRIEST is back and we can certainly be more adventurous with our set list.
I have several friends that have bought re-issues of cool guitars and many of them are very good, but they are best value if you go out and play them and make them earn their keep as they are not inclined to keep their value very well. One friend bought the Rory Gallagher Strat for £2.500 but only got £1.500 for it a year later. It is your choice to resist the temptation but I think that buying a decent original is money better spent, its value will be sure to rise.
Q: K.K., if you or PRIEST ever had the chance to get "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings Of Destiny" from Gull Records, what songs would you play live and which is your favourite one if you listen to the albums at all?
K.K. Downing: Actually we can play whatever songs we like, as you know we have been playing songs from "Sad Wings" i.e. "Victim" etc. for some time. And we have been talking of playing some of the older and more obscure songs, so I hope you will be pleased the next time we tour. Of course I would like to play an extended version of my solo on "Rocka Rolla". Also "Run of the Mill" and "Never Satisfied", to name a few. A fan from South America just two days ago suggested maybe a long medley of those early songs on the next tour, so we will see what will be. It will have my vote.
Q: Just wondered if you deliberately tried to avoid BLACK SABBATH comparisons (broadly same style, same city etc.) by speeding up your sound, and having a more streamlined song structure? And was it difficult leaving the '70s sound behind? Was this is a conscious development — do you think, or was it more of a natural evolution for the band?
K.K. Downing: Actually although we were aware of BLACK SABBATH we did not pay any attention at all in respect of comparisons, being I guess that it was only the start of the rock and metal evolution and there was so many alternatives available to us in respect of image, direction etc. Also being a HENDRIX fan I was into music with more versatility, so I guess that might answer your next question. That is PRIEST evolved naturally and wantingly through the decades always pushing the boundaries of metal as far and wide as we could in order to make this great style of music known to as many people as possible.
Q: What prompted your move from Hamer to ESP guitars? Will Hamer be making any new custom guitars for you and Glenn [Tipton] for the new album and tour?
K.K. Downing: I believe it was the "Jugulator" tour that was soon to begin, and I suddenly realised that I fancied having made a guitar that i had a rough design for in my head. So I spoke with my good friend Jol Danzig at Hamer but as it happened they had just moved and decided to concentrate on the top of the range products. Jol said he could make my guitar but the wood that they were maturing would not be ready for around 6 months. So I approached ESP and they were able to help to put my design together. I still like my black ESP a lot and play it very often. However since then Hamer have made me a couple of nice guitars including what I believe to be the first ever gold top flying V.
Throughout MANOWAR's legendary career, the band has delivered on its promise to return to each country where the band has performed. Still, the sold-out crowd Schleyerhalle crowd was unprepared for what bassist Joey DeMaio would announce as he stepped to the front of the stage.
On July 7, 2007, Manowar will headline the Magic Circle Festival in the heart of Germany, Bad Arolsen.
The crowd was thrown into a further frenzy when the bassist announced that festival tickets will cost only 10 Euros.
"It is a way to thank the true fans for their undying loyalty during the last two years of unfortunate delays of touring and record releases," explained DeMaio.
The band's Schleyerhalle performance was part of the sold-out Demons, Dragons & Warriors Tour 2007. The tour, which also features Manowar's Magic Circle Music roster mates RHAPSODY OF FIRE and HOLYHELL, is in support of Manowar's 10th studio album, Gods of War, the latest installment in the band's legacy of classics. Germany, Greece, Hungary and Finland are just a few of the countries where the album remains in the top-20.
Look forward to the approaching Magic Circle Festival, DeMaio declared, "This is the unique beginning of something designed for the loyal fans of true metal."
For ticket information and more breaking news for what is certain to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, stay tuned to www.manowar.com or www.magiccirclemusic.com. The Army of Immortals will unite in Bad Arolsen, Germany this July.
