Report: Coachella Promoters to Announce New Cruise

The Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, CaliforniaKarl Walter/Getty Images for Coachella

Goldenvoice, the promotions company behind Coachella, are expected to announce later today that they will be expanding the brand of their hit music festival to include a cruise, the Los Angeles Times reports.

While those asked about the cruise did not give specific details regarding cost, dates or who might play, it is expected the ship would sail out of Florida perhaps as early as December. "The ship looks amazing," siad one artist representative who works with Goldenvoice.

The expansion comes as no surprise for the ever-growing Goldenvoice: Just this year they presented Coachella on two consecutive weekends, a move that grossed $47.3 million. The company has already set aside two weekends for Coachella next year.

Concert cruises have also become more common over the past few years, with artists ranging from Weezer to R. Kelly to the biggest names in EDM setting sail.

The Coachella cruise also comes on the heels of a recent flare-up between Goldenvoice and Indio, California, the desert town that hosts Coachella and Goldenvoice's country festival, Stagecoach. Recently a city councilman proposed a 5-10 percent admission tax for events of more than 2,500 people, which would have raised Coachella ticket prices by $18 to $36, an increase Goldenvoice was not willing to absorb or pass along to ticket buyers.

More recently, however, the councilman backed away from his proposal after Goldenvoice considered finding a new location for Coachella and even canceling the 2014 fest.

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Mumford & Sons Announce New Album: 'Babel'

Since releasing their sleeper-hit debut LP, Sigh No More, in 2009, Mumford & Sons have barely stopped touring – circling the globe multiple times in three years. "It's been tough," says bassist Ted Dwane. "We're all in relationships in London, and it's hard to be away from our families. But for us, this is an absolute dream come true." And the folk rockers are heading right into the next phase: Their second LP, Babel, hits stores on September 25th, and this summer they launch their biggest tour yet.

Mumford & Sons wrote the majority of the LP on their tour bus and during soundchecks over the past two years. "The road has rubbed off into the album," Dwane says. "It's full of aliveness." While they knocked out their first album in just five weeks, they've spent a full year and a half recording the follow-up, mostly due to their busy touring schedule. Sigh No More producer Markus Dravs (who has also worked with Coldplay and Arcade Fire) returned for the sessions, joining the band at four different studios throughout its native England. "Being away so much for the last couple of years is inevitably a theme on the record," Dwane says, "because it's something that we've all shared."

Photos: Mumford & Sons Take America

Expect heavier emotions this time around. "You might hear a little bit more of a slight flavor of darkness on a couple songs," Dravs adds. "My Love Don't Fade Away" and "Ghosts That We Knew," which the band has been playing live for months, are desperate pleas for companionship in rough times; on "Below My Feet," frontman Marcus Mumford seems to mourn a loved one, howling, "For all my sweat, my blood runs weak." And the band rocks harder than ever on "Lover of the Light," packing the arrangement with horns, distorted banjo and rollicking drums.

But Mumford made sure not to stray too far from the earnest, mostly acoustic approach that made them stars. "The ingredients are very much the same: the four core instruments and a lack of a drummer, which can give it that strange, simple, unique sort of sound," Dwane says. "I don't think we were looking to be too crazy and experimental." Adds Dravs, "The idea was always 'If it ain't broke, why fix it?'"

Beginning August 1st in Hoboken, New Jersey, the group will take the new songs on a 15-date summer U.S. tour, including two sold-out gigs at Colorado's Red Rocks. "The main challenge we've faced as a band in the last year is working out how to play these larger audiences and keep it feeling like our show," says Dwane. "A lot of the time, if you go into an arena, they're pretty uninspiring. But we try to create an atmosphere." In between gigs, the bandmates will play four of what they call "Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers" – staging their own outdoor festivals in small cities like Portland, Maine, and Bristol, Tennessee, with friends including Dawes, St. Vincent and Justin Townes Earle, plus local food and retailers. "Basically, we wanted to take all of the things we love from the smaller festivals like Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado," says Dwane. "So many festivals now are just so enterprising, and it's all about cutting every corner."

Mumford & Sons are feeling energized now that their singer has recovered from a broken hand sustained in June, which forced them to cancel two U.K. festival dates. "It was bad," says Dwane. "Everyone was like, 'Fuck, you know, this is really bad.' But he's just about back on top. Looking back at this last few weeks, the spirit is uncrushable. Everyone just mans up. Everyone gets on with it."

Babel track list:
"Babel"
"Whispers in the Dark"
"I Will Wait"
"Holland Road"
"Ghosts That We Knew"
"Lover of the Light
"Lovers' Eyes"
"Reminder"
"Hopeless Wanderer"
"Broken Crown"
"Below My Feet"
"Not With Haste"

Mumford & Sons U.S. tour dates:
8/1 Hoboken, NJ – Pier A
8/4 Portland, ME – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and St. Vincent, Dawes, the Maccabees, Apache Relay, Simone Felice and Haim
8/6 Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Centre
8/7 Canandaigua, NY – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
8/9 Portsmouth, VA – nTelos Wireless Pavilion
8/11 Bristol, Tennessee – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and Dawes, JEFF the Brotherhood, the Very Best, Apache Relay, Simone Felice, Justin Townes Earl and Haim 
8/13 Louisville, KY – Louisville Waterfront Park
8/14 Columbus, OH – The LC Pavilion
8/18 – Dixon, Illinois – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and Gogol Bordello, Dawes, Abigail Washburn, the Very Best, Apache Relay and Haim
8/20 Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theatre
8/21 Laramie, WY – Gryphon Theatre
8/22 Magna, UT – The Saltair
8/25 – Monterey, CA – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and Gogol Bordello, the Very Best, Apache Relay and Haim
8/28  Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
8/29 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/1 Aspen, CO – Aspen Jazz Festival

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Mumford & Sons Announce New Album: 'Babel'

Since releasing their sleeper-hit debut LP, Sigh No More, in 2009, Mumford & Sons have barely stopped touring – circling the globe multiple times in three years. "It's been tough," says bassist Ted Dwane. "We're all in relationships in London, and it's hard to be away from our families. But for us, this is an absolute dream come true." And the folk rockers are heading right into the next phase: Their second LP, Babel, hits stores on September 25th, and this summer they launch their biggest tour yet.

Mumford & Sons wrote the majority of the LP on their tour bus and during soundchecks over the past two years. "The road has rubbed off into the album," Dwane says. "It's full of aliveness." While they knocked out their first album in just five weeks, they've spent a full year and a half recording the follow-up, mostly due to their busy touring schedule. Sigh No More producer Markus Dravs (who has also worked with Coldplay and Arcade Fire) returned for the sessions, joining the band at four different studios throughout its native England. "Being away so much for the last couple of years is inevitably a theme on the record," Dwane says, "because it's something that we've all shared."

Photos: Mumford & Sons Take America

Expect heavier emotions this time around. "You might hear a little bit more of a slight flavor of darkness on a couple songs," Dravs adds. "My Love Don't Fade Away" and "Ghosts That We Knew," which the band has been playing live for months, are desperate pleas for companionship in rough times; on "Below My Feet," frontman Marcus Mumford seems to mourn a loved one, howling, "For all my sweat, my blood runs weak." And the band rocks harder than ever on "Lover of the Light," packing the arrangement with horns, distorted banjo and rollicking drums.

But Mumford made sure not to stray too far from the earnest, mostly acoustic approach that made them stars. "The ingredients are very much the same: the four core instruments and a lack of a drummer, which can give it that strange, simple, unique sort of sound," Dwane says. "I don't think we were looking to be too crazy and experimental." Adds Dravs, "The idea was always 'If it ain't broke, why fix it?'"

Beginning August 1st in Hoboken, New Jersey, the group will take the new songs on a 15-date summer U.S. tour, including two sold-out gigs at Colorado's Red Rocks. "The main challenge we've faced as a band in the last year is working out how to play these larger audiences and keep it feeling like our show," says Dwane. "A lot of the time, if you go into an arena, they're pretty uninspiring. But we try to create an atmosphere." In between gigs, the bandmates will play four of what they call "Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers" – staging their own outdoor festivals in small cities like Portland, Maine, and Bristol, Tennessee, with friends including Dawes, St. Vincent and Justin Townes Earle, plus local food and retailers. "Basically, we wanted to take all of the things we love from the smaller festivals like Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado," says Dwane. "So many festivals now are just so enterprising, and it's all about cutting every corner."

Mumford & Sons are feeling energized now that their singer has recovered from a broken hand sustained in June, which forced them to cancel two U.K. festival dates. "It was bad," says Dwane. "Everyone was like, 'Fuck, you know, this is really bad.' But he's just about back on top. Looking back at this last few weeks, the spirit is uncrushable. Everyone just mans up. Everyone gets on with it."

Babel track list:
"Babel"
"Whispers in the Dark"
"I Will Wait"
"Holland Road"
"Ghosts That We Knew"
"Lover of the Light
"Lovers' Eyes"
"Reminder"
"Hopeless Wanderer"
"Broken Crown"
"Below My Feet"
"Not With Haste"

Mumford & Sons U.S. tour dates:
8/1 Hoboken, NJ – Pier A
8/4 Portland, ME – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and St. Vincent, Dawes, the Maccabees, Apache Relay, Simone Felice and Haim
8/6 Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Centre
8/7 Canandaigua, NY – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
8/9 Portsmouth, VA – nTelos Wireless Pavilion
8/11 Bristol, Tennessee – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and Dawes, JEFF the Brotherhood, the Very Best, Apache Relay, Simone Felice, Justin Townes Earl and Haim 
8/13 Louisville, KY – Louisville Waterfront Park
8/14 Columbus, OH – The LC Pavilion
8/18 – Dixon, Illinois – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and Gogol Bordello, Dawes, Abigail Washburn, the Very Best, Apache Relay and Haim
8/20 Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theatre
8/21 Laramie, WY – Gryphon Theatre
8/22 Magna, UT – The Saltair
8/25 – Monterey, CA – Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Show with Mumford & Sons and Gogol Bordello, the Very Best, Apache Relay and Haim
8/28  Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
8/29 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/1 Aspen, CO – Aspen Jazz Festival

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KISS and 'Family Guy' Announce Licensing Deal

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Dirty Projectors Announce 'Swing Lo Magellan'

Amber Coffman of the Dirty Projectors performs in London.

Dirty Projectors will release their sixth album, Swing Lo Magellan, on July 10th. Whereas the group's previous records have been focused on a particular theme or musical technique, the new disc finds the band's frontman and primary composer, David Longstreth, focused on penning distinct tunes. "It's an album of songs, an album of songwriting," he said in a statement.

Longstreth recorded Swing Lo Magellan in upstate New York with mostly the same lineup as on the band's tour for their breakthrough record Bitte Orca – vocalist and guitarist Amber Coffman, bassist Nat Baldwin, drummer Brian McOmber and vocalist Haley Dekle. Vocalist Angel Deradoorian has taken a hiatus from the group.

The track listing for Swing Lo Magellan is as follows:

"Offspring Are Blank"
"About to Die"
"Gun Has No Trigger"
"Swing Lo Magellan"
"Just from Chevron"
"Dance for You"
"Maybe That Was It"
"Impregnable Question"
"See What She Seeing"
"The Socialites"
"Unto Caesar"
"Irresponsible Tune"

You can stream the album's first single, "Gun Has No Trigger," below.

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Dirty Projectors Announce 'Swing Lo Magellan'

Amber Coffman of the Dirty Projectors performs in London.

Dirty Projectors will release their sixth album, Swing Lo Magellan, on July 10th. Whereas the group's previous records have been focused on a particular theme or musical technique, the new disc finds the band's frontman and primary composer, David Longstreth, focused on penning distinct tunes. "It's an album of songs, an album of songwriting," he said in a statement.

Longstreth recorded Swing Lo Magellan in upstate New York with mostly the same lineup as on the band's tour for their breakthrough record Bitte Orca – vocalist and guitarist Amber Coffman, bassist Nat Baldwin, drummer Brian McOmber and vocalist Haley Dekle. Vocalist Angel Deradoorian has taken a hiatus from the group.

The track listing for Swing Lo Magellan is as follows:

"Offspring Are Blank"
"About to Die"
"Gun Has No Trigger"
"Swing Lo Magellan"
"Just from Chevron"
"Dance for You"
"Maybe That Was It"
"Impregnable Question"
"See What She Seeing"
"The Socialites"
"Unto Caesar"
"Irresponsible Tune"

You can stream the album's first single, "Gun Has No Trigger," below.

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The Temper Trap Announce North American Tour

Dougy Mandagi of The Temper Trap performs in London.

Australian rockers the Temper Trap will launch a tour of North America in support of their second album, The Temper Trap, on June 5th at Terminal 5 in New York City. The band's new album, which was produced by Beck and Phoenix collaborator Tony Hoffer, will hit stores on the day of the tour kickoff.

"We’re really excited about the new songs and touring," Dougy Mandagi tells Rolling Stone. "I think playing live is what we do best, so fans can expect a very excited passionate band playing their fuckin' hearts out. There is a good balance of the things that have worked well in the past for us and new things that we’re trying out. There’s definitely more of a dynamic vocally for me, and each of us are taking on new instruments."

Mandagi is particularly enthused about returning to the States. "America is bar none our favorite place to tour," he says. "All the romantic notions that have been sung and written before about the road – faces peering out of diner windows and smoky New York dive bars – are all true. It's like stepping into a movie set everywhere you go. Americans are also so positive and nice, so being around them can be quite empowering."

The Temper Trap has expanded to a five-piece with the addition of keyboardist Joseph Greer as a full-time member, which Mandagi says will improve the group's dynamic onstage. "Joseph is our secret weapon," he says. "He’s a really good piano player, so any sappy piano ballad that we may potentially write from this point on will totally be his fault."

The Temper Trap's full North American tour itinerary is as follows:

6/5 New York City, NY - Terminal 5
6/7 Boston, MA - House of Blues
6/7-10 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
6/10 Dallas, TX - House of Blues
6/11 Austin, TX - Stubbs
6/13 San Diego, CA - House of Blues
6/15 Los Angeles, CA - The Palladium
6/16 San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
6/17 Portland, OR - Roseland Ballroom
6/18 Seattle, WA - Showbox
6/19 Vancouver, BC, Canada - Malkin Bowl

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The Temper Trap Announce North American Tour

Dougy Mandagi of The Temper Trap performs in London.

Australian rockers the Temper Trap will launch a tour of North America in support of their second album, The Temper Trap, on June 5th at Terminal 5 in New York City. The band's new album, which was produced by Beck and Phoenix collaborator Tony Hoffer, will hit stores on the day of the tour kickoff.

"We’re really excited about the new songs and touring," Dougy Mandagi tells Rolling Stone. "I think playing live is what we do best, so fans can expect a very excited passionate band playing their fuckin' hearts out. There is a good balance of the things that have worked well in the past for us and new things that we’re trying out. There’s definitely more of a dynamic vocally for me, and each of us are taking on new instruments."

Mandagi is particularly enthused about returning to the States. "America is bar none our favorite place to tour," he says. "All the romantic notions that have been sung and written before about the road – faces peering out of diner windows and smoky New York dive bars – are all true. It's like stepping into a movie set everywhere you go. Americans are also so positive and nice, so being around them can be quite empowering."

The Temper Trap has expanded to a five-piece with the addition of keyboardist Joseph Greer as a full-time member, which Mandagi says will improve the group's dynamic onstage. "Joseph is our secret weapon," he says. "He’s a really good piano player, so any sappy piano ballad that we may potentially write from this point on will totally be his fault."

The Temper Trap's full North American tour itinerary is as follows:

6/5 New York City, NY - Terminal 5
6/7 Boston, MA - House of Blues
6/7-10 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
6/10 Dallas, TX - House of Blues
6/11 Austin, TX - Stubbs
6/13 San Diego, CA - House of Blues
6/15 Los Angeles, CA - The Palladium
6/16 San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
6/17 Portland, OR - Roseland Ballroom
6/18 Seattle, WA - Showbox
6/19 Vancouver, BC, Canada - Malkin Bowl

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Aerosmith Announce 'Global Warming' Tour Dates

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry perform during the band's Latin America tour at the Simon Bolivar Park in Bogota in 2011. REUTERS /JOHN VIZCAINO /LANDOV

Aerosmith have announced dates for their 2012 Global Warming North American Tour, which will kick off on June 16th at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and wrap up on August 8th in Tacoma, Washington – though more dates may be added. Cheap Trick will open for the band on all announced dates. Aerosmith last toured the United States in the summer of 2010.

"The old Aerosmith is back with a new vengeance and we will kick your ass and make out with your mothers," said frontman Steven Tyler in a statement.

Added bassist Tom Hamilton, "After touring Japan and South America last year we're psyched about bringing it all back for the hometown fans. We're going to break out the classics, the hits and maybe even some of the new ones we've been banging out in the studio.  Can't wait to get to Minneapolis."

Aerosmith has been working with producer Jack Douglas on a new LP that will reportedly be released in May. Last week, Joe Perry made a surprise appearance on American Idol to perform "Happy Birthday" for Tyler, indicating that he is more receptive to his bandmate's role as a judge on the show. Back in 2010, Perry described Idol as "one step above [Teenage Mutant] Ninja Turtles" in an interview with the the Calgary Herald. "It's his business, but I don't want Aerosmith's name involved with it," Perry said. If the new Aerosmith album does come out in May, expect the band to debut their first single on the show.

Here are Aerosmith's complete tour dates:

6/16 Minneapolis, MN - Target Center    
6/19 Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena                      
6/22 Chicago, IL - United Center
6/27 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre                          
7/1  Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum                                 
7/3  Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube
7/5  Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills                    
7/7  Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater, Summerfest        
7/17 Boston, MA - TD Garden    
7/21 Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center                               
7/24 East Rutherford, NJ - IZOD Center                                         
7/26 Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
7/28 Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center                       
7/30 Houston, TX - Toyota Center
8/1  Denver, CO - Pepsi Center   
8/4  Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena   
8/6  Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl    
8/8  Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome

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Aerosmith Announce 'Global Warming' Tour Dates

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry perform during the band's Latin America tour at the Simon Bolivar Park in Bogota in 2011. REUTERS /JOHN VIZCAINO /LANDOV

Aerosmith have announced dates for their 2012 Global Warming North American Tour, which will kick off on June 16th at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and wrap up on August 8th in Tacoma, Washington – though more dates may be added. Cheap Trick will open for the band on all announced dates. Aerosmith last toured the United States in the summer of 2010.

"The old Aerosmith is back with a new vengeance and we will kick your ass and make out with your mothers," said frontman Steven Tyler in a statement.

Added bassist Tom Hamilton, "After touring Japan and South America last year we're psyched about bringing it all back for the hometown fans. We're going to break out the classics, the hits and maybe even some of the new ones we've been banging out in the studio.  Can't wait to get to Minneapolis."

Aerosmith has been working with producer Jack Douglas on a new LP that will reportedly be released in May. Last week, Joe Perry made a surprise appearance on American Idol to perform "Happy Birthday" for Tyler, indicating that he is more receptive to his bandmate's role as a judge on the show. Back in 2010, Perry described Idol as "one step above [Teenage Mutant] Ninja Turtles" in an interview with the the Calgary Herald. "It's his business, but I don't want Aerosmith's name involved with it," Perry said. If the new Aerosmith album does come out in May, expect the band to debut their first single on the show.

Here are Aerosmith's complete tour dates:

6/16 Minneapolis, MN - Target Center    
6/19 Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena                      
6/22 Chicago, IL - United Center
6/27 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre                          
7/1  Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum                                 
7/3  Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube
7/5  Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills                    
7/7  Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater, Summerfest        
7/17 Boston, MA - TD Garden    
7/21 Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center                               
7/24 East Rutherford, NJ - IZOD Center                                         
7/26 Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
7/28 Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center                       
7/30 Houston, TX - Toyota Center
8/1  Denver, CO - Pepsi Center   
8/4  Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena   
8/6  Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl    
8/8  Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome

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KISS and Motley Crue Announce 'The Tour'

The members of KISS and Motley Crue announce a joint tour.

KISS and Mötley Crüe gathered today at L.A.'s Roosevelt Hotel to announce "The Tour," a joint summer package that kicks off July 20th in Bristow, Virginia and runs through September 23rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Each band will play about 90 minutes and KISS will close every night.

Calling it "The Tour" is a bold proclamation. But after more than 60 combined years on the road, both bands feel comfortable with living up to that title. "You will scream your head off until it’s no longer on your shoulder and then you’ll feel great. You’ll be drenched, exhausted, and completely satisfied without ever having anyone touch your schmekel," Gene Simmons told Rolling Stone.

KISS' Paul Stanley has loftier goals though, namely surpassing the band's reputation as one of the great live acts. "What we’re hoping for, and certainly I am, is whatever people’s expectations are, we blow them out of the water," Stanley told Rolling Stone. "I want people to hope for the legend that they’ve heard about and find out it’s greater than that. I think that the longer we’re around the more invincible we become."

This marks the first time the two acts have shared the same stage since Crüe opened five dates for KISS on 1982, 30 years ago. And while Crüe have since become hard rock icons in their own right, they are still the same KISS fans as back then. In a joint conversation with RS, Crue drummer Tommy Lee turned to KISS drummer Eric Singer and asked, "Are you guys gonna play 'Firehouse'?'" When Singer responded yeah cause Simmons was gonna blow fire, Lee's inner child started air drumming. "I fucking love that song," he said, tapping his hands excitedly.

The admiration and respect are mutual. "I'm a big Mötley Crue fan," Singer said. "I've always been a fan of Tommy's and a fan of the band, so I think it's really cool."

A double bill of KISS and Mötley Crüe promises to be over the top, "Elvis on steroids," it was called in the press conference. "I want people to leave and go, so this is what rock & roll is," Stanley said. "It’s dangerous, it’s loose, it’s not perfect. So whatever pop artist you see dancing around on a stage lip synching, that’s a con game and that’s not a live concert. If you want karaoke, go to a karaoke bar."

Simmons fired shots at pop singers in the press conference, saying, "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them. No fake bullshit. Leave that to the Rihanna, Smhianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.'"

Crüe's Nikki Sixx didn't disagree, but took the more positive route, hoping it inspires young fans to see two bands who've persevered in both up and down times. "What I would like to see people take away from it is that if you actually practice your instrument and practice writing songs and put a hundred percent into your show and every aspect of it, from your clothes to your lyrics, if your singers sing, then this is what happens – you have a long career and you get to go out and do the real deal," he told us. "It’s real rock & roll."

Lee suggested those youngsters seeing both bands for the first time will be speechless. "They're gonna be tripping, for somebody who hasn't seen either band," he said. "They're gonna be walking out of there flipped out. I would."

It was the always quotable Simmons though who summed up what people can expect from a night with Mötley Crüe and KISS. "Come out, we’ll blow shit up, go home and fuck your girlfriend, that’s it," he said.  That's exactly what we'd hope for.

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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KISS and Motley Crue Announce 'The Tour'

The members of KISS and Motley Crue announce a joint tour.

KISS and Mötley Crüe gathered today at L.A.'s Roosevelt Hotel to announce "The Tour," a joint summer package that kicks off July 20th in Bristow, Virginia and runs through September 23rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Each band will play about 90 minutes and KISS will close every night.

Calling it "The Tour" is a bold proclamation. But after more than 60 combined years on the road, both bands feel comfortable with living up to that title. "You will scream your head off until it’s no longer on your shoulder and then you’ll feel great. You’ll be drenched, exhausted, and completely satisfied without ever having anyone touch your schmekel," Gene Simmons told Rolling Stone.

KISS' Paul Stanley has loftier goals though, namely surpassing the band's reputation as one of the great live acts. "What we’re hoping for, and certainly I am, is whatever people’s expectations are, we blow them out of the water," Stanley told Rolling Stone. "I want people to hope for the legend that they’ve heard about and find out it’s greater than that. I think that the longer we’re around the more invincible we become."

This marks the first time the two acts have shared the same stage since Crüe opened five dates for KISS on 1982, 30 years ago. And while Crüe have since become hard rock icons in their own right, they are still the same KISS fans as back then. In a joint conversation with RS, Crue drummer Tommy Lee turned to KISS drummer Eric Singer and asked, "Are you guys gonna play 'Firehouse'?'" When Singer responded yeah cause Simmons was gonna blow fire, Lee's inner child started air drumming. "I fucking love that song," he said, tapping his hands excitedly.

The admiration and respect are mutual. "I'm a big Mötley Crue fan," Singer said. "I've always been a fan of Tommy's and a fan of the band, so I think it's really cool."

A double bill of KISS and Mötley Crüe promises to be over the top, "Elvis on steroids," it was called in the press conference. "I want people to leave and go, so this is what rock & roll is," Stanley said. "It’s dangerous, it’s loose, it’s not perfect. So whatever pop artist you see dancing around on a stage lip synching, that’s a con game and that’s not a live concert. If you want karaoke, go to a karaoke bar."

Simmons fired shots at pop singers in the press conference, saying, "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them. No fake bullshit. Leave that to the Rihanna, Smhianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.'"

Crüe's Nikki Sixx didn't disagree, but took the more positive route, hoping it inspires young fans to see two bands who've persevered in both up and down times. "What I would like to see people take away from it is that if you actually practice your instrument and practice writing songs and put a hundred percent into your show and every aspect of it, from your clothes to your lyrics, if your singers sing, then this is what happens – you have a long career and you get to go out and do the real deal," he told us. "It’s real rock & roll."

Lee suggested those youngsters seeing both bands for the first time will be speechless. "They're gonna be tripping, for somebody who hasn't seen either band," he said. "They're gonna be walking out of there flipped out. I would."

It was the always quotable Simmons though who summed up what people can expect from a night with Mötley Crüe and KISS. "Come out, we’ll blow shit up, go home and fuck your girlfriend, that’s it," he said.  That's exactly what we'd hope for.

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Rolling Stones Announce Career-Spanning Documentary

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones on tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1981.

The Rolling Stones have announced plans to release a new documentary that will cover every phase of their career from their start in 1962 up to their 50th anniversary celebration this year. The band has tapped The Kid Stays in the Picture director Brett Morgen for the project, which as of yet has no official title. The Rolling Stones are the executive producers of the film, which is scheduled to debut at the band's 50th anniversary celebrations in September.

"For anyone who wants to experience the band, this is the film that will defy convention and create a sonic tapestry to transport viewers into the world of the Rolling Stones,” Morgen said in a statement. "The film will deliver the original, bold, sexy and dangerous flavor of the iconic rock band."

In addition to being the first film to tell the story of the band's full career, the documentary will feature a great deal of uncensored, never-before-seen footage from the band's vaults and personal archives.

"Nobody has put the story together as a narrative," Morgen told Rolling Stone. "We've been looking under every rock going through their archives. It will be music never heard before, and I've conducted 50-plus hours of interviews so far. By the time we're done, they will be the most extensive group interviews they've ever done.

"He told me 80 percent of the footage has never been seen before, which amazes me," Keith Richards told Rolling Stone. "I didn't know there was that much around."

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Rolling Stones Announce Career-Spanning Documentary

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones on tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1981.

The Rolling Stones have announced plans to release a new documentary that will cover every phase of their career from their start in 1962 up to their 50th anniversary celebration this year. The band has tapped The Kid Stays in the Picture director Brett Morgen for the project, which as of yet has no official title. The Rolling Stones are the executive producers of the film, which is scheduled to debut at the band's 50th anniversary celebrations in September.

"For anyone who wants to experience the band, this is the film that will defy convention and create a sonic tapestry to transport viewers into the world of the Rolling Stones,” Morgen said in a statement. "The film will deliver the original, bold, sexy and dangerous flavor of the iconic rock band."

In addition to being the first film to tell the story of the band's full career, the documentary will feature a great deal of uncensored, never-before-seen footage from the band's vaults and personal archives.

"Nobody has put the story together as a narrative," Morgen told Rolling Stone. "We've been looking under every rock going through their archives. It will be music never heard before, and I've conducted 50-plus hours of interviews so far. By the time we're done, they will be the most extensive group interviews they've ever done.

"He told me 80 percent of the footage has never been seen before, which amazes me," Keith Richards told Rolling Stone. "I didn't know there was that much around."

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Barenaked Ladies Announce Tour With Blues Traveler, Cracker and Big Head Todd

Barenaked Ladies will be joining forces with Blues Traveler, Cracker and Big Head Todd and the Monsters for Last Summer on Earth, a package tour kicking off this July in Toledo, Ohio. The four bands will play more than 30 arenas and amphitheaters across North America through the middle of August.

"I love playing outside in the summertime," says Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson. "To travel and hang around with a bunch of bands, and get a chance to do some collaboration is part of the magic of a summer tour." The  tour's ominous title is a nod to what could be a potentially dreadful economy for live music, and superstitions about the end of the world. "I'm a man of science, and therefore put zero stock in all of the disastrous predictions about the year 2012," says Robertson. "But just in case, I think everybody should come out and see one last great summer concert tour!  It can't hurt, right? Here's hoping the Mayans just got tired of chiseling!"

Photos: Random Notes

The itinerary for the Barenaked Ladies' Last Summer on Earth tour is as follows. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
July 6        Toledo, OH        Toledo Zoo Amp   
July 7        Rochester, NY        Marvin Sands PAC       
July 8        Dayton, OH        Fraze Pavilion
July 9        Chicago, IL        Charter One Pavilion
July 11        Vienna, VA        Wolftrap
July 12        Raleigh, NC        Raleigh Amp           
July 13        Charlotte, NC        Uptown Amp
July 14        Charleston, SC        Family Circle Stadium
July 16        Alpharetta, GA        Verizon Amp
July 17        Tampa, FL        Ask Gary Amp
July 18        West Palm Beach, FL    Cruzan Amp
July 20        Houston, TX        Cynthia Woods
July 21        Austin, TX        ACL at Moody Theatre
July 22        Dallas, TX        Gexa Amp
July 24        Albuquerque, NM            Sandia Casino
July 25        Phoenix, AZ        Comerica Theatre
July 27        Los Angeles, CA        Gibson Amp
July 28        Las Vegas, NV        The Joint @ Hard Rock
July 29        San Diego, CA        Harrah’s Rincon
July 31        Saratoga, CA        Mountain Winery
Aug 2        Boise, ID        Botanical Gardens       
Aug 3        Redmond, WA        Marymoor
Aug 9        Council Bluffs, IA    Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Aug 10        West Allis, WI        Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
Aug 11        Detroit, MI        DTE Amphitheatre
Aug 12        Indianapolis, IN    The Lawn @ White River State Park
Aug 14        Wantaugh, NY    Jones Beach
Aug 15        Philadelphia, PA    Penn’s Landing
Aug 17        Bethlehem, PA        Sands Event Ctr   
Aug 18        Boston, MA        Bank of America Pavilion
Aug 19        Bangor, ME        Bangor Waterfront

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Barenaked Ladies Announce Tour With Blues Traveler, Cracker and Big Head Todd

Barenaked Ladies will be joining forces with Blues Traveler, Cracker and Big Head Todd and the Monsters for Last Summer on Earth, a package tour kicking off this July in Toledo, Ohio. The four bands will play more than 30 arenas and amphitheaters across North America through the middle of August.

"I love playing outside in the summertime," says Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson. "To travel and hang around with a bunch of bands, and get a chance to do some collaboration is part of the magic of a summer tour." The  tour's ominous title is a nod to what could be a potentially dreadful economy for live music, and superstitions about the end of the world. "I'm a man of science, and therefore put zero stock in all of the disastrous predictions about the year 2012," says Robertson. "But just in case, I think everybody should come out and see one last great summer concert tour!  It can't hurt, right? Here's hoping the Mayans just got tired of chiseling!"

Photos: Random Notes

The itinerary for the Barenaked Ladies' Last Summer on Earth tour is as follows. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
July 6        Toledo, OH        Toledo Zoo Amp   
July 7        Rochester, NY        Marvin Sands PAC       
July 8        Dayton, OH        Fraze Pavilion
July 9        Chicago, IL        Charter One Pavilion
July 11        Vienna, VA        Wolftrap
July 12        Raleigh, NC        Raleigh Amp           
July 13        Charlotte, NC        Uptown Amp
July 14        Charleston, SC        Family Circle Stadium
July 16        Alpharetta, GA        Verizon Amp
July 17        Tampa, FL        Ask Gary Amp
July 18        West Palm Beach, FL    Cruzan Amp
July 20        Houston, TX        Cynthia Woods
July 21        Austin, TX        ACL at Moody Theatre
July 22        Dallas, TX        Gexa Amp
July 24        Albuquerque, NM            Sandia Casino
July 25        Phoenix, AZ        Comerica Theatre
July 27        Los Angeles, CA        Gibson Amp
July 28        Las Vegas, NV        The Joint @ Hard Rock
July 29        San Diego, CA        Harrah’s Rincon
July 31        Saratoga, CA        Mountain Winery
Aug 2        Boise, ID        Botanical Gardens       
Aug 3        Redmond, WA        Marymoor
Aug 9        Council Bluffs, IA    Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Aug 10        West Allis, WI        Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
Aug 11        Detroit, MI        DTE Amphitheatre
Aug 12        Indianapolis, IN    The Lawn @ White River State Park
Aug 14        Wantaugh, NY    Jones Beach
Aug 15        Philadelphia, PA    Penn’s Landing
Aug 17        Bethlehem, PA        Sands Event Ctr   
Aug 18        Boston, MA        Bank of America Pavilion
Aug 19        Bangor, ME        Bangor Waterfront

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The Rolling Stones Announce 50th Anniversary Photo Book

The Rolling Stones have announced a new photo book, The Rolling Stones: 50, that will hit stores on July 12th, the 50th anniversary of the band's first gig. The book, which will be published by Thames & Hudson in the United Kingdom, includes 700 photos and illustrations, many of which were taken from the Daily Mirror's archive, which contains the largest newspaper collection of Rolling Stones images.

"This is our story of 50 fantastic years," the band said in a statement. "Curated by us, [the book] features the very best photographs and ephemera from and beyond our archives." The book will also feature comments and writing from members of the band.

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The Rolling Stones Announce 50th Anniversary Photo Book

The Rolling Stones have announced a new photo book, The Rolling Stones: 50, that will hit stores on July 12th, the 50th anniversary of the band's first gig. The book, which will be published by Thames & Hudson in the United Kingdom, includes 700 photos and illustrations, many of which were taken from the Daily Mirror's archive, which contains the largest newspaper collection of Rolling Stones images.

"This is our story of 50 fantastic years," the band said in a statement. "Curated by us, [the book] features the very best photographs and ephemera from and beyond our archives." The book will also feature comments and writing from members of the band.

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Phish Announce Summer Tour, 'Junta' Vinyl Reissue

Jon Fishman of Phish performs at Super Ball IX in Watkins Glen, New York.Griffin Lotz for RollingStone.com

After taking the spring off to pursue various solo endeavors, Phish announced that they will return to the road this summer with a tour that includes a special three-night stand in Atlantic City (June 15th - 17th) at Bader Field – the site of Metallica’s upcoming festival – as well as a headlining spot at this year’s Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee (June 10th).

Phish unveiled this latest round of dates by way of a comedic video short featuring drummer Jon Fishman. In the video, a sleepy Fishman walks into Phish’s "secret training facility somewhere in Vermont" and picks up his drumsticks, seemingly for the first time in awhile. Then he does what Phish is most well known for – he jams. In the montage that follows, he undertakes spring training by lifting weights, running, making vegetable juice, sewing his stage dress back together and, of course, getting his famous vacuum cleaner – which he uses as an instrument – all tuned up and in tip-top shape. 

The tour kicks off with a double-header in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 7th and 8th and snakes around the Northeast and Midwest before wrapping up in Saratoga Springs, New York for a three-night tour closer beginning on July 6th.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 16th. 

Phish fans, who rarely only catch one concert by the band per tour, will be happy to note that additional tour dates will be announced later this spring. Phish will also reissue their debut album, Junta, as a special limited-edition 3-LP vinyl set for Record Store Day on April 21st.

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

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Phish Announce Summer Tour, 'Junta' Vinyl Reissue

Jon Fishman of Phish performs at Super Ball IX in Watkins Glen, New York.Griffin Lotz for RollingStone.com

After taking the spring off to pursue various solo endeavors, Phish announced that they will return to the road this summer with a tour that includes a special three-night stand in Atlantic City (June 15th - 17th) at Bader Field – the site of Metallica’s upcoming festival – as well as a headlining spot at this year’s Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee (June 10th).

Phish unveiled this latest round of dates by way of a comedic video short featuring drummer Jon Fishman. In the video, a sleepy Fishman walks into Phish’s "secret training facility somewhere in Vermont" and picks up his drumsticks, seemingly for the first time in awhile. Then he does what Phish is most well known for – he jams. In the montage that follows, he undertakes spring training by lifting weights, running, making vegetable juice, sewing his stage dress back together and, of course, getting his famous vacuum cleaner – which he uses as an instrument – all tuned up and in tip-top shape. 

The tour kicks off with a double-header in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 7th and 8th and snakes around the Northeast and Midwest before wrapping up in Saratoga Springs, New York for a three-night tour closer beginning on July 6th.  Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 16th. 

Phish fans, who rarely only catch one concert by the band per tour, will be happy to note that additional tour dates will be announced later this spring. Phish will also reissue their debut album, Junta, as a special limited-edition 3-LP vinyl set for Record Store Day on April 21st.

To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here

Amazon MP3 Download Center

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