Shinedown ready for 2012 Avalanche Tour.

   Atlantic recording group Shinedown has announced plans to headline this year's eagerly awaited Avalanche Tour. The North American trek -- presented by Zippo and produced by Synergy Global Entertainment, Inc. -- gets underway on March 27th at The Grove in Anaheim, California and then continues through late April (see below itinerary). Accompanying Shinedown on the 2012 Avalanche Tour will be Adelita's Way, with additional support from New Medicine (March 27th - April 10th) and Art of Dying (April 12th - April 25 th).

Pre-sale tickets for the second annual Avalanche Tour will be available to members of Shinedown Nation, the official Shinedown Fan Club, beginning January 31st -- please visit www.shinedown.com for complete details. Additional Avalanche pre-sale tickets will be available on February 1st, with all remaining tickets then offered to the general public on February 3rd and 4th. During the tour, fans at the show in each market will have a chance to win exclusive backstage passes to meet Shinedown and the other bands by tweeting #ZippoEncore. Additionally, Zippo will give fans onsite a special code that is good for exclusive free music downloads on ZippoEncore.com. For information and links to purchase all tickets for the 2012 Avalanche Tour, please visit www.AvalancheTour.com.

The 2012 Avalanche Tour celebrates Shinedown's much-anticipated new album, "AMARYLLIS," which arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on March 27th. The album is highlighted by the explosive new single, "Bully," which is available now at all DSPs. Shinedown's first new music since all six singles from 2008's "THE SOUND OF MADNESS" ascended to #1 at Rock radio, the track is already a top 10 sensation at Rock radio outlets nationwide after having immediately been declared the format's #1 Most Added. A companion video clip for "Bully" is currently in pre-production, while an official lyric video is streaming now at Shinedown's official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/ShinedownTV.


Currently poised to begin a major European tour, Shinedown will herald the release of "AMARYLLIS" with a visit to ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! Slated for Monday, March 26th, the appearance will see Shinedown performing "Bully" live for the first time on national television on the show's outdoor stage (check local listings).

"AMARYLLIS" sees Shinedown joining forces once more with multiple Grammy Award-winning producer Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock, Green Day), who previously collaborated with the band on the record-breaking "THE SOUND OF MADNESS." Recorded at Cavallo's Lightning Sound studios outside of Los Angeles and a pair of Hollywood landmarks, Ocean Way Recording and Capitol Studios, the album was recently named among "This Year's Best Bets" by Billboard, which noted the inventive addition of synths, a 27-piece orchestra, and a 10-piece horn section to the band's powerful hard rock.

"I've always seen Shinedown as its own entity," says Shinedown frontman Brent Smith, "this living thing that's been growing and developing and evolving over the past 10 years. During the recording, the vision of what Shinedown is and where it's going became completely clear. 'AMARYLLIS' is the manifestation of that vision, the centerpiece of what Shinedown is. It reflects on everything we've done and where we're heading. It's a message of empowerment, perseverance, and inspiration that I think speaks to fans that have been with us since the beginning as well as those who are just learning about who we are and what we're about. I can't wait for the world to hear it."

Shinedown will reveal the "AMARYLLIS" cover art with an interactive fan experience beginning on January 30th at www.shinedown.com/amaryllis. In addition, album pre-orders will be available in a variety of bundles. A pair of packages will be on offer, comprising an array of exclusive extras: the "Deluxe Early Entry Bundle" features one General Admission ticket to the 2012 Avalanche Tour show of the customer's choice with early entry, while the limited edition "Premium Meet & Greet Bundle" will include one General Admission ticket to the 2012 Avalanche Tour show of the customer's choice, admission to a very special meet-and-greet with the band, and a screen-printed poster signed and numbered by Shinedown themselves. Both bundles include a CD copy of "AMARYLLIS," a Shinedown rubber bracelet and T-shirt, one-year membership (or renewal) in the Shinedown Nation Fan Club, a full album stream one week before street date, and an instant MP3 download of "Bully."

"THE SOUND OF MADNESS" proved Shinedown's mainstream breakthrough, debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200 before spending 120 consecutive weeks on the chart. The album made rock music history, with each of its six singles reaching #1 on the airplay rankings. Among them are such hits as "Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)," "Devour," "The Sound of Madness," "The Crow and The Butterfly," the gold certified "If You Only Knew," and the double-platinum certified crossover smash, "Second Chance" -- all of which rose to the top of the airplay charts, marking a genuinely stunning streak of rock radio classics. 

Shinedown supported "THE SOUND OF MADNESS" with a wide range of live TV appearances, including performances on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Today Show, CBS' The Early Show, and the 2010 NHL Awards show. In 2009, the band received an American Music Award nomination for "Best Alternative Rock Band."

Shinedown's unprecedented ascendancy over multi-format rock radio initially began with their RIAA platinum certified 2003 debut "LEAVE A WHISPER" and its gold certified 2005 follow-up, "US AND THEM." Together, both albums yielded seven consecutive top 5 radio hits, including "Fly From the Inside," "45," "Simple Man," "Burning Bright," "Heroes," "I Dare You," and of course, the #1 blockbuster, "Save Me," which dominated Active Rock radio for a remarkable 12 successive weeks.

Shinedown is: Brent Smith (vocals), Barry Kerch (drums), Zach Myers (guitars), and Eric Bass (bass).

For further news and information, please visit www.shinedown.com.

(TOUR ITINERARY BELOW)

SHINEDOWN
ON TOUR 2012
All Dates w/2012 Avalanche Tour

MARCH
27 Anaheim, CA The Grove
28 San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom
30 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Theatre
31 Boise, ID Knitting Factory

APRIL
2 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
5 Houston, TX House of Blues
6 Dallas, TX House of Blues
7 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete Street Amphitheatre
9 Springfield, MO Shrine Mosque
10 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room
12 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
13 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
14 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
16 Niagara Falls, NY Rapids Theater
17 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
18 Providence, RI Lupo's
20 New York, NY Best Buy Theater
21 Atlantic City, NJ House of Blues
22 Scranton, PA Cultural Center
24 Richmond, VA The National
25 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head 

Halestorm reveal new album "The Strange Case Of..."

   Atlantic recording group Halestorm has announced the release of their hugely anticipated new album. "THE STRANGE CASE OF..." arrives in stores and at all DSPs on April 10th.

The album is heralded by the electrifying new single, "Love Bites (So Do I)," impacting now at Rock radio outlets nationwide. The track -- as well as three other highlights from "THE STRANGE CASE OF..." -- is featured on Halestorm's new EP, "HELLO, IT'S MZ. HYDE," which is available today at all leading digital retailers.

Produced by Howard Benson (who previously collaborated with the Pennsylvania-based hard rock band on their self-titled 2009 debut), "THE STRANGE CASE OF..." was recently named among Revolver's "Most Anticipated Albums of the Year." "Led by one of our favorite rocker babes, singer-guitarist Lzzy Hale, (Halestorm) promise a more personal album for their follow-up," the magazine noted. "But don't expect them to get all sappy on us. There should still be more than enough of the band's now signature raucous attitude and righteous riffs for any headbanger to get off."

Currently poised to embark on a European tour alongside Atlantic's own Shinedown, Halestorm will hit the road hard to support "THE STRANGE CASE OF...," beginning with a major U.S. trek alongside Godsmack and fellow Atlantic recording group Staind. The dates get underway April 13th at Augusta, Georgia's John Paul Jones Arena and then continue through mid-May (see itinerary below). For full details and ticket information, please visit www.halestormrocks.com/tour-dates.

Formed by frontwoman Lzzy Hale and her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, Halestorm has been hailed far and wide as an incendiary new force in modern hard rock. "HALESTORM" made a top 5 debut on SoundScan's "Hard Music" chart upon its 2009 release, simultaneously bursting into the top 40 on the comprehensive Billboard 200. The album subsequently sold more than 300,000 copies, and half a million cumulative tracks. Produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, Flyleaf), the album earned extensive acclaim for its infectious hard rock anthems, sexy hooks, and rough-and-tumble grooves.

"THE STRANGE CASE OF..." marks Halestorm's first release since last year's "ReAniMate: The CoVeRs eP," which saw the band putting their unique stamp on a diverse collection of classic songs, including tracks by Guns N' Roses, The Beatles, Heart, Temple Of The Dog, Skid Row, and Lady Gaga. Halestorm also unleashed their first-ever live CD/DVD, "LIVE IN PHILLY 2010," featuring such favorites from the band's self-titled debut as "It's Not You," "Familiar Taste of Poison," and the rock radio smash "I Get Off."

True road warriors, Halestorm made its bones as a major league hard rock outfit via countless North American gigs alongside such artists as Shinedown, Avenged Sevenfold, and Disturbed. Last year saw the band traveling the country on the blockbuster "Avalanche Tour 2011," joining such hard rock luminaries as Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Art of Dying, and fellow Atlantic recording group Skillet.

For up-to-the-minute news and tour information, please visit Halestorm at www.myspace.com/halestorm, www.halestormrocks.com and www.twitter.com/halestormrocks.

(TRACKLISTING BELOW)
(TOUR ITINERARY BELOW)

HALESTORM
"THE STRANGE CASE OF..." (Atlantic)
Release Date: April 10th

Love Bites (So Do I)
Mz. Hyde
I Miss The Misery
Freak Like Me
Beautiful With You
In Your Room
Break In
Rock Show
Daughters Of Darkness
You Call Me A Bitch Like It's A Bad Thing
American Boys
Here's To Us
Halestorm - ON TOUR 2012

All Dates Supporting STAIND/GODSMACK except *

April
13 Augusta, GA James Brown Arena
15 Estero, FL Germain Arena
17 New Orleans, LA UNO Lakefront Arena
18 Lafayette, LA Cajundome
21 Lubbock, TX Lone Star Amphitheatre
22 Belton, TX Bell County Expo Center
24 Beaumont, TX Ford Pavilion
25 Laredo, TX Laredo Energy Arena
28 Tampa, FL St. Petersburg Times Forum*

May
1 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete Street Amphitheatre
2 San Antonio, TX Illusions Theatre / Alamodome
6 Evansville, IN Ford Center
9 Battle Creek, MI Kellogg Arena
11 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
12 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena
15 Syracuse, NY SRC Arena & Event Center
16 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena
18 Flint, MI Machine Shop* 

Staind and Godsmack announce Mass Chaos co-headlining tour for 2012.

   Fellow New England platinum rock bands, Staind and Godsmack have announced they'll be doing a co-headline tour, which their fans voted to name, THE MASS CHAOS TOUR. It will kick off April 13th in Augusta, Georgia at James Brown Arena. Opening the show will be hard rock quartet, Halestorm.

"Going on tour with Godsmack was a no-brainer," says Staind singer/guitarist / songwriter Aaron Lewis. "Our fans are in for one hell of a rock show." Godsmack frontman and songwriter Sully Erna says, "We're very excited to get back out with our Massachusetts brothers again. It's been a pinch too long, and all hell is about to break loose!" Lzzy Hale of Halestorm said, "I am stoked to be supporting Godsmack and Staind on this tour! To be touring with the two bands of my generation that paved the way for modern rock is an honor! This line up will crush your skulls!"

The bands are giving fans the chance to design a tour poster for The Mass Chaos Tour via Creative Allies. The winning designer will receive $500 and a prize pack. For contest details and entry, go to http://bit.ly/xzpcAx

Exclusive pre-sale tickets for Staind's Dysfunctional fan club members, www.dysfunctionalstaind.com starts on January 25th - 2 days before they go on sale to the public on January 27th.

Staind's latest release, the self-titled STAIND is a return to the band's heaviest roots, and their most powerful and intense collection of songs to date. Revolver magazine called the album "a shocking crushing tour de force," and Loudwire declared, "the band has returned to the grittier, bottom-heavy, down-tuned sound that defined its commercial breakthroughs, 1999's Dysfunction and 2001's Break the Cycle."

STAIND - the band's 7th studio album, debuted #5 on the Billboard Top 200. The debut single "Not Again" was the fastest rising single of the band's career, hitting #1 on the active rock chart and staying there for 8 consecutive weeks. The new single, "Eyes Wide Open" debuted top 30 -- while still having a track in the top 5. In the span of their career, Staind has sold worldwide over 15 million albums, had 9 top 10 singles across multiple radio formats -- with four of those songs hitting #1, including the most played rock song of the decade, "It's Been A While."

Godsmack is considered one of the definitive alternative hard rock bands in contemporary music. The band's 13 year legacy -- guided by fearless founder and frontman Sully Erna -- includes over 15 million albums sold -- highlighted by scores of sold-out international concerts, countless successful tours, a remarkable 18 hit singles, 4 platinum records, 1 gold EP and four Grammy nominations.

Godmack's THE ORACLE, the bands last album, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart marking the 3rd consecutive album in a row by the band to debut at #1. Certified gold in the US, the album generated such hits as "Cryin' Like A Bitch" and "Love-Hate-Sex-Pain." The band is currently working on a new release slated for mid 2012.

Acclaimed as one of hard rock's most explosive acts, Halestorm made a Top 5 debut on SoundScan's "Hard Music" chart upon its 2009 release, simultaneously bursting into the top 40 on the comprehensive Billboard 200. The band's follow-up album is set for release this spring. Formed by frontwoman Lzzy Hale and her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, Halestorm has made its bones as a major league hard rock outfit via countless North American gigs alongside such like-minded artists as Shinedown, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed and Stone Sour.

GODSMACK / STAIND w/ HALESTORM TOUR DATES:

April 13 Augusta, GA @ James Brown Arena
April 15 Estero, FL @ Germain Arena
April 17 New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena
April 18 Lafayette, LA @ Cajundome
April 19 BOSSIER CITY, LA CenturyLink Center 99 X Fest
April 21 Lubbock, TX @ Lone Star Amphitheater
April 22 Belton, TX @ Bell County Expo Center
April 24 Beaumont, TX @ Ford Pavilion
April 25 Laredo, TX @ Laredo Energy Center
April 27 Phoenix, AZ @ Quail Run Park 98 KUPD UFEST
May 1 Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater
May 2 San Antonio, TX @ Illusions Theater
May 4 Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
May 6 Evansville, IN @ Ford Center
May 9 Battle Creek, MI @ Kellogg Arena
May 11 Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
May 12 Huntington, WV @ The Big Sandy Superstore Arena
May 15 Syracuse, NY @ Oncenter
May 16 Manchester, NH @ Verizon Wireless Arena
May 18 Bangor, ME

www.staind.com www.godsmack.com

Lamb Of God announce announce European tour.

   Lamb Of God announces the confirmed shows for the European leg of the Resolution tour. The tour encompasses all of the major European festivals as well as a number of headline theater and club plays. The tour kicks off with the band’s return visits to India and Israel, which were two highlights on the 2009/2010 Wrath tour. On their first visit to India, the band played to a crowd of 7,000 people and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone India. The show in Israel gave the band an opportunity to see a country that not many metal bands have had a chance to play. The complete schedule of shows is below.

5/26/12 PALACE GROUNDS / BANGALORE, INDIA

5/28/12 FUZZ CLUB/ ATHENS, GREECE

5/30/12 HANGAR 11 / TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL

6/1 6/3 ROCK AM RING, ROCK AM PARK, GERMANY

6/2/12 FORTA ROCK, HOLLAND

6/5/12 KRAKOW / STUDIO, POLAND

6/6/12 BRATISLAVA / MAJESTIC, SLOVAKIA

6/7/12 MUNICH / BACKSTAGE WERK, GERMANY

6/8/12 NOVA ROCK, AUSTRIA

6/10/12 DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL, UK

6/12/12 MANDELA HALL/BELFAST, UK

6/13/12 ACADEMY /DUBLIN, IRELAND

6/15/12 METAL TOWN, SWEDEN

6/16/12 COPENHELL, DENMARK

6/17/12 HELLFEST, FRANCE

6/19/12 MADRID / RIVIERA, SPAIN

6/20/12 BARCELONA / RAZZMATAZZ 2, SPAIN

6/22/12 GRASSPOP, BELGIUM

6/23/12 EAR SHAKER DAYS, SWITZERLAND

6/24/12 GODS OF METAL, ITALY

6/26/12 ZAGREB / BOOGALOO, CROATIA

6/27/12 LJUBLJANA / KINO SISKA, SLOVENIA

6/28/12 PRAGUE / ROCK CAFÉ, CZECH REPUBLIC

6/29/12 WITH FULL FORCE, GERMANY

7/1/12 TUSKA, FINLAND

Florence + The Machine announce spring 2012 tour dates.

   On the heels of the November release of the stunning CEREMONIALS CD, one of 2011's most critically acclaimed albums, Florence + The Machine are heading to the states for a 15 city tour presented by MSN that begins on April 14th at the Santa Barbara Bowl with stops at Coachella (April 15 and 22) and one show at New York's Radio City Music Hall (May 8), it was announced today by her record label Universal Republic. A complete itinerary follows this release.

With recent appearances on Saturday Night Live, GMA, X-Factor, The View, VH 1 Divas and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve, Florence fans will at last get to enjoy the star in a triumphant return to the live stage. Florence + The Machine are expected to perform songs from CEREMONIALS as well as songs from her multi-platinum debut album LUNGS.

Florence + The Machine will also be appearing on an upcoming MTV Unplugged and Austin City Limits on January 28th.

Her April/May tour follows her last appearance in the US, which included sold out dates at Summerstage and the Greek in LA as well as the Bonnaroo Music Festival and four stadium shows with U2.

"As our goal is to 'keep you in the know' about what's happening in your world, supporting the tour is a natural fit," said Rob Bennett, partner of network programming for MSN.

CEREMONIALS, recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios and produced by Paul Epworth (Adele) was released in the US on November 1st and debuted on the Billboard Top 100 Charts at No. 6. It received glowing reviews including Four Stars (****) from Rolling Stone, US Magazine, NY Post and scores of other publications. It was on a slew of Top Ten Best Albums including Time, Entertainment Weekly and People. Amongst the raves: "Like Them (U2), Florence and the Machine are a true band, who channel garage-rock camaraderie into a huge, lashing sound more fit for an Olympian mountain peak than a garage. And like U2, Florence and the Machine are fronted by a singer with the pipes, and the shamelessness, to pull off the melodrama – to turn the ridiculous into the sublime," Rolling Stone. "A bold, epic album of rare transcendence," commented US Magazine…"A star at the ascent of her rise," Newsweek. "Stunning sophomore effort. Florence sings as sweetly as a nightingale," NY Post.

Nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist and an MTV Video of the Year Award with unforgettable performances on 2010's MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammys and the Academy Awards, Florence Welch is poised to cast her spell as she dances across US concert stages.

Show date
City, State
Venue
On Sale Date

Saturday, April 14
Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Bowl
January 28

Sunday, April 15 & Sunday, April 22
Indio, CA
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Sold Out

Tuesday, April 17
Reno, NV
Grand Sierra Resort
January 27

Wednesday, April 18
Davis, CA
Mondavi Center – UC Davis
January 27

Friday, April 20
Phoenix, AZ
Comerica Theatre
January 27

Saturday, April 21
Las Vegas, NV
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
January 27

Friday, April 27
Minneapolis, MN
State Theatre
January 28

Saturday, April 28
Milwaukee, WI
Eagles Ballroom
January 27

Sunday, April 29
St. Louis, MO
Peabody Opera House
January 27

Tuesday, May 1
Dallas, TX
Palladium Ballroom
January 27

Wednesday, May 2
Houston, TX
Verizon Wireless Theatre
January 27

Thursday, May 3
New Orleans, LA
Fair Grounds Race Course
On Sale Now

Tuesday, May 8
New York, NY
Radio City Music Hall
January 27

Friday, May 11
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena
January 27

Saturday, May 12
Atlantic City, NJ
Borgata Event Center
January 27


Blood Orange will be opening on dates except Coachella and New Orleans.

American Express® Cardmember presale starts Monday, January 23rd at 10 am (local) and runs through Thursday, January 26th at 10 pm (local) prior to the public onsale dates.

For more on Florence + The Machine, including tour date info and other exclusive content, please visit http://www.florenceandthemachine.net and http://music.msn.com/florence.

Mayday Parade confirms nationwide tour with We The Kings.

   Mayday Parade is pleased to announce a nationwide co-headlining tour with We The Kings, kicking off February 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. This 4-week trek comes on the heels of a recent sold out headlining tour, and takes the band to both coasts. Downtown Fiction and Anarbor will support. Tickets will be on sale Friday, January 13 at MaydayParade.com.

The band is touring in support of their widely successful self-titled album (out now on ILG), which debuted at #12 on Billboard's Top 200, marking a career high chart position and sales numbers. The album also reached #5 on the iTunes Album Chart on release day. The achievement is significant, as it marks a 30% increase in sales from their last career high, 2009's Anywhere But Here (Atlantic). Critics are in agreement, with Alternative Press awarding the album 3.5 out of 4 stars, while MTV's Buzzworthy Blog praises their "more holistic approach to songwriting," and Absolute Punk loves their "solid pop-rock with massive hooks."

Mayday Parade unleashed two songs prior to the release. The hit-single, "Oh Well, Oh Well" was streamed by Alternative Press and MTV.com premiered "When You See My Friends" which they proclaimed "a swelling mid-tempo ballad set to bursting drums and heavy guitars." Click here to listen: http://on.mtv.com/njl3CU.

Co-produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, Mayday Parade marks a return to their songwriting roots; the entire album was self-written in a collaborative effort by the five band mates. The 12-song collection transpired through careful introspection and it echoes the musicians' maturation over the two years since their second album, Anywhere But Here. The band chose to pen each of the songs themselves, making the album perhaps their most personal to date, complete with relatable lyrics and their undeniable charm.

Mayday Parade is vocalist/piano Derek Sanders, bassist Jeremy Lezno, guitarists Alex Garcia and Brooks Betts and drummer/vocalist Jake Bundrick.

MAYDAY PARADE TOUR DATES:
with We The Kings, Downtown Fiction, and Anarbor

2/02/12 - Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
2/03/12 - Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
2/04/12 - Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
2/06/12 - Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
2/07/12 - Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
2/08/12 - Des Moines, IA @ Peoples Court
2/09/12 - Marquette, MI @ Northern Michigan Univ. (No Openers)
2/10/12 - Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
2/11/12 - St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
2/13/12 - Little Rock, AR @ Revolution Music Room
2/14/12 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
2/15/12 - Lubbock, TX @ Jake's
2/16/12 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
2/17/12 - Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater
2/18/12 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
2/19/12 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
2/21/12 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
2/22/12 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
2/23/12 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
2/25/12 - Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
2/27/12 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room Lounge
2/28/12 - Columbia, MO @ Blue Note
2/29/12 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room
3/02/12 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
3/03/12 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
3/06/12 - Richmond, VA @ The National
3/07/12 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVA
3/08/12 - Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
3/09/12 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend

Skillet ends 2011 with multiple year end honors.

   Atlantic recording group Skillet wrapped up an extraordinary year by being named among 2011's biggest mainstream rock acts according to year-end charts published by Billboard and Mediabase.

The two-time Grammy-nominated band were among the highest ranking artists featured in Billboard's annual "The Year In Music" issue, with their RIAA gold certified album, "AWAKE," approaching 900,000 in sales and included among the year's top 20 "Rock Albums," top 15 "Alternative Albums," as well as the overall "Top Billboard 200." The album's chart-topping single, "Awake and Alive," came in at #3 on the "Active Rock Songs" tally, with Skillet also named among the top 10 "Active Rock Artists." In addition, the band was ranked among the upper half of the total "Billboard 200 Artists" ranking, having spent 120 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 chart with only a handful of other acts. Mediabase, which monitors radio activity in the U.S. and Canada, declared Skillet to be the past year's eighth "Most Played Artist" at Active Rock outlets nationwide, with "Awake and Alive" coming in as the format's #3 biggest hit.

"AWAKE" has proven a true sensation, with digital single sales from the album now exceeding 2.4 million. Produced by Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf), the collection reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Store's "Top Albums" chart within 24 hours of its August 2009 release, while simultaneously exploding into the #2 spot on the SoundScan/Billboard 200. Fueled by three RIAA gold certified and four top 10 Active Rock hits in "Awake and Alive," "It's Not Me It's You," "Hero," and "Monster," "AWAKE" was among the top 10 on Billboard's 2010 "Top Alternative Albums" chart, with Skillet coming in at the year's #7 "Top Alternative Album Artist." "Hero," has also been used by the NFL in their Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, and a remix of their No. 1 active rock hit "Awake & Alive," was featured on the TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon soundtrack.

One of America's hardest working live acts, Skillet has consistently been ranked among Pollstar's Concert Pulse "Top 50 Tours." The band spent much of the past two years on the road, touring alongside Atlantic labelmates Shinedown as well as headlining their own sold-out "Alive & Awake Tour." Having recently returned from a major European tour (including dates in Russia, Germany, Finland, Norway, and the Ukraine), Skillet are back on tour in the U.S.

In addition to cumulative album sales in excess of 2 million, Skillet has racked up a wide range of honors throughout their extraordinary career. Frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes received two BMI Music Awards for "The Last Night" and "The Older I Get," both featured on 2006's Grammy Award-nominated "COMATOSE." That album proved Skillet's popular breakthrough, achieving RIAA gold certification. "COMATOSE" followed the band's 2003 label debut, "COLLIDE," which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy Award nomination. 

Say Anything reveal track list and release date for their new album "Anarchy My Dear."

   Equal Vision Records is excited to announce that Say Anything will release their fourth studio album, Anarchy, My Dear, produced by Tim O'Heir (Say Anything, Sebadoh, Superdrag), on March 13th, 2012. Say Anything has been making odd, unclassifiable indie rock music since they were 14 or 15 years old, playing strangely literate and loud rock, characterized by what one might imagine if Larry David fronted a Fugazi cover band with the members of Queen. Not that that's a stretch or anything. The tracklisting is below.

Anarchy, My Dear is, in its purest sense, a form of propaganda--an intense expression of frontman Max Bemis' love for the idea of anarchy--and even the album's artwork reflects his passion: "We thought we could best represent what the album means by using the symbolism of a burning flag stitched onto an actual flag. The image represents a championing of the 'cause' of struggling against the rules and regulations that dictate our thinking." Continues Bemis, "Anarchy, My Dear is our first attempt to write a true 'punk' record; thematically speaking, it's a collection of songs about subverting society and destroying the boundaries humankind has placed upon ourselves both physically and in our minds. Coincidentally, it also happens to be the first record we've made in years where we had total freedom to explore our 'edgier' side and present a raw picture of what the band is truly about onstage."

Filled with thought-provoking, idiosyncratic lyrics, Anarchy marks a breakthrough in Say Anything's genre-defying evolution. Hailed by Alternative Press as one of the most anticipated albums of 2012, the music has a newfound vintage, glam-rock feel, complete with an urgent punch of anthemic choruses and ferocious energy. SPIN Magazine declared that the first single, "Burn A Miracle," is "one of the more schizophrenic and toothsome pop-punk outbursts frontman Max Bemis (or maybe anyone for that matter) has shared to date. It's a beast. Have a listen." "Admit It Again," a take-no-prisoners critique on contemporary "indie" culture is a follow-up to fan-favorite track "Admit It," off their 2004 album, ...Is A Real Boy. "So Good," "Night's Song," and "Overbiter" feature guest vocals from Sherri DuPree (Eisley), her haunting, ethereal voice providing a contrast to Bemis' snarling onslaught, while the hammered dulcimer backed ballad "Peace Out" touches on the album's theme of self-empowerment and rebellion amidst a contradiction-filled society.

Say Anything is currently planning an extensive North American tour. Details are forthcoming.

Track list:

01. Burn A Miracle
02. Say Anything
03. Night's Song
04. Admit It Again
05. So Good
06. Sheep
07. Peace Out
08. Overbiter
09. Of Steel
10. Anarchy, My Dear
11. The Stephen Hawking

All American Rejects announce track listing for new album "Kids In The Street", New single available 1/31/2012.

   The All-American Rejects have now released the full track listing to their upcoming 4th studio album, Kids In The Street, which will be released March 27, 2012. The album features the first track, "Someday's Gone," as well as the first single, "Beekeeper's Daughter." The single will be available for fans to download starting on January 31st. The single will also be featured on a new episode of 90210, airing on The CW at 8/7c PST on the same of the download.

Track listing:

1) Someday’s Gone
2) Beekeeper’s Daughter
3) Fast and Slow
4) Heartbeat slowing Down
5) Walk Over Me
6) Out the Door
7) Kids in the Street
8) Bleed Into Your Mind
9) Gonzo
10) Affection
11) I For You

The band is also now accepting entries from their fans of their own Kids In The Street inspired stores. Fans can go to, Burnbothends.tumblr.com to submit their favorite moments in life with paintings, photos, videos, interpretive dances, and more. Winners will win a very special entry to a Kids In The Street event with The All-American Rejects. Fans can go to the site and submit their entries now!

The band is preparing to embark on "Shaking Off The Rust Tour" which kicks off January 18th starting in San Luis Obispo, CA. For more information on the tour and The All-American Rejects, be sure to check out their official site, www.allamericanrejects.com, as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages.

"Shaking Off The Rust Tour" Dates

1/18 San Luis Obispo - SLO
1/19 Reno, NV - The Alley
1/21 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
1/23 Spokane, WA- The A Club
1/24 Boise, ID - The Venue
1/25 Park City, UT - Sundance event
1/27 Aspen, CO- Belly Up
1/28 Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep
1/30 Lincoln, NE - The Bourbon Theater
2/2 Indianapolis, IN - VHI Pepsi Superbowl Fan Jam
2/4 Ft. Wayne, IN- Pieres
2/6 Nashville, TN - The Exit/In
2/7 Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
2/8 Wichita, KS - The Scene-ary
2/10 Phoenix, AZ- Devilpalooza @ ASU Campus

Bayside's Anthony Raneri to release debut solo EP "New Cathedrals" out 1/17/2012.

   "The songs I’ve been recording are songs that I have written over the course of the last few years that I filed away in my memory under 'Cool song, not a Bayside song, maybe people will hear it one day'," says ANTHONY RANERI, vocalist of the aforementioned band Bayside. Luckily, fans don't have to wait very long for that one day to come. On January 17, 2012, Anthony will be releasing his solo debut EP NEW CATHEDRALS wholly independently on his newly-minted label, Gumshoe Records, just in time for his annual Where's The Band? Tour with Ace Enders (Early November), Chris Conley (Saves The Day), Evan Weiss (Into It. Over It.), and Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids) along for the ride.

"I listen to a wide variety of music and I have always wanted to experiment with writing in genres such as country, reggae, ska and folk," he explains, encapsulating the surprising diversity that is found in the five-track EP. Released physically via his website and merchandise table on tour and digitally via outlets such as iTunes and Amazon.com, the pre-orders for the EP will begin today (January 10th) at www.anthonyraneri.com, and a special CD bundle will be available for $20 including a t-shirt, CD, a sticker and signed poster.


Track Listing
1. Sandra Partial
2. Charleston
3. The Ballad of Bill the Saint
4. Lead, Follow, Fall
5. Please Don't Leave

From the Americana-tinged country of lead track "Sandra Partial" which premiered on Altpress.com this morning at: http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/premiere_anthony_raneri_sandra_partial_bayside, to the reggae of the closing track "Please Don't Leave", it's quite apparent that this EP is no Bayside record. "First and foremost, it should be made clear that Bayside is not only still a band but will always be my priority," he explains. "I have been playing solo shows for a few years now and I’m finally going to release some music that way for two reasons. The first being that Bayside has time off between tours and releases, and I don’t like to have time off. So doing solo tours and writing more music lets me constantly play music without having to take breaks. The second reason is that I love the sound that we have crafted in Bayside and I think that our fans do also, and sometimes I write songs that I don’t think sound like Bayside songs but I really like them. So rather than change the sound of the band that we have come to love, I figured I would release them under a different name." Among the guests who appear on the recording are Steve Choi (RX Bandits), Davey Warsop (Beat Union) and Jarrod Alexander (My Chemical Romance, Dead Country).

A truly personal labor of love, Anthony will be in charge of all aspects of the release. "I’ve decided to make this a truly DIY solo project," he explains. "I’m going to be self-releasing all of my solo stuff as Gumshoe Records... from funding everything to having CDs pressed to selling them online and at shows. Any page you see, whether it is my blog, Twitter, Facebook, Bandcamp or anything on iTunes was completely started and is run by me. No label, no management, no employees."

"I have been blessed with the most amazing fans who have supported our band and my songs for over a decade. I wanted to prove that music, musicians and fans are all that matters - not labels and suits. I’m doing this on my own because I know that when a musician makes good music and fans support it, you don’t need anything else."

Where's The Band? Tour kicks off January 19th at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA (dates can be found at the tour's Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/wherestheband). 

Mindless Self Indulgence announce spring 2012 tour.

  For over a decade, Mindless Self Indulgence, a four-member outfit based out of New York City, have been whipping crowds of eager fans in to furious riots with their heart-pounding electro-punk and death-defying stage antics. Now they're back with an expansive North American Tour.

Over the years, MSI developed a devoted following, spawned bidding wars between major labels, and earned a reputation as a tough live act to follow, from clubs to arenas. But before this band could start destroying stages and delighting fans worldwide, they had to have a beginning.

In 1999, Mindless Self Indulgence burst onto the NYC scene, f**king up jaded audiences at smoke-filled clubs like CBGBs, Coney Island High, Brownies, and The Knitting Factory. That same year, they put out their debut album for their fans, which they recorded over the course of 48 hours. The result was a 15-track release called Tight, which became so sought-after that it quickly sold out and remains out-of-print to this day. The only available circulating copies of Tight still sell today for as much as $300 on EBay.

On April 26, 2011, for the first time in over a decade Tight was back, and it was as Tighter. This amazing re-issue featured the 15 original, highly coveted, mono recordings, all newly re-mastered, plus 12 previously unreleased audio tracks. Bonus features included a DVD with over an hour of never-before-seen videos from the band's earliest shows, unreleased pictures, printed lyrics, and behind-the-scenes commentary from the band. And to top it all off, a previously unheard and updated “Bring The Pain” (new wave). The album was available on vinyl for the first time ever.

Even though the album itself remained out-of-print for the vast majority of the band's career, the songs from Tight have been a staple of MSI shows for over a decade. So, whether you're an old-school Mindless fan or a MSI newbie, Tighter will make you feel like you were there from the very beginning. It's available now on The End Records.


3/03 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
3/04 - Webster Theatre - Hartford, CT
3/06 - Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD
3/07 - The Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
3/09 - Northern Lights - Clifton Park, NY
3/10 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
3/11 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
3/13 - The Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, ON
3/15 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
3/16 - The Fillmore - Detroit, MI
3/17 - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
3/18 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
3/20 - Pop's - Sauget, IL
3/21 - Beaumont Club - Kansas City, MO
3/23 - House of Blues - Houston, TX
3/24 - Palladium Ballroom - Dallas, TX
3/26 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
3/28 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA
3/30 - The Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
3/31 - Club Nokia Live - Los Angeles, CA
4/01 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ

Rise Against announce new tour dates.

   Rise Against announce the second leg of their 2012 spring tour as new single “Satellite” climbs the alternative radio chart landing this week at #17. Previously announced dates are already on sale and will feature A Day to Remember and The Menzingers. Title Fight will replace The Menzingers on the second leg of the tour which kicks off April 15th at the Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA (see below for complete itinerary). Fan Club presale will take place January 10th at http://riseagainst.artistarena.com at 3pm local market time with public on sale to take place January 13th. For more information visit www.riseagainst.com.

Rise Against wrapped up 2011 with a webisode of live footage and still pictures recapping the band's successful year of traveling around the world. Fans can watch the webisode available now. For more information on Rise Against and their upcoming tour, be sure to check out their official site, as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Endgame is available on iTunes now!

Tour dates featuring A Day To Remember and The Menzingers
*tickets available to general public now

January 17th Austin Music Hall Austin, TX
January 18th Illusion Theater San Antonio, TX
January 19th House of Blues New Orleans, LA** ADTR not on this show
January 21st UCF Arena Orlando, FL
January 22nd Township Auditorium Columbia, SC
January 24th Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
January 26th Kent State University Kent, OH
January 27th UIC Pavilion Chicago, IL
January 29th Penn State State College, PA
January 30th Mid Hudson Civic Center Poughkeepsie, NY
February 1st Paul E. Tsongas Arena Lowell, MA
February 3rd Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, NY ** GLASSJAW joins this show
February 4th Susquehanna Bank Center Camden, NJ
February 5th Patriot Center Fairfax, VA (on sale 11/18)

Tour dates featuring A Day To Remember and Title Fight
*tickets available to general public starting January 13th

April 15th San Diego, CA Viejas Arena ** currently on sale
April 16th Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Theater
April 17th San Jose, CA Event Center at SJSU
April 19th Kent, WA ShoWare Center
April 20th Boise, ID Century Link Arena
April 21st Salt Lake City, UT Saltair
April 23rd Rio Rancho, NM Santa Ana Star Center
April 26th Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless Music Center
April 27th St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre
April 28th Boca Raton, FL Sunset Grove Amphitheater
April 30th Tampa, FL Green Iguana Stadium
May 1st Atlanta, GA Masquerade Music Park
May 2nd Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Uptown
May 4th Indianapolis, IN The Lawn at White River State Park
May 5th Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music
May 6th Pittsburgh, PA Trib Total Media Amphitheatre **currently on sale
May 8th Syracuse, NY New York State Fairgrounds
May 10th Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

All That Remains set to headline New England Metal and Hardcore Festival on April 21, 2012.

Massachusetts' own All That Remains has been announced as a very special guest headliner on Saturday evening, April 21, at the 14th Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival.

As one of metal's preeminent breakthrough success stories of recent years, All That Remains is one of many acts to get its start at the festival. From cracking the Billboard Top 10, to joining the elite active rock radio fraternity, to being one of just a handful of acts to take part in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest and Vans Warped Tour trifecta, the group has shattered previously held expectations about just how far a band with roots in independent heavy metal can go. The quintet also returned to the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival's stage for a headlining slot in 2009.

The band just wrapped their final tour this past December in support of their latest studio release, 2010's "For We Are Many" (Razor & Tie/Prosthetic). All That Remains have sold over 900,000 albums and 1,100,000 tracks to date. The band has had four consecutive hit singles at Active Rock radio with three in the top 10 andtheir latest single "The Waiting One" continues to do well at Active Rock Radio. All That Remains are currently writing material for their sixth album and this will be one of ATR's first performances of 2012.

The 14th Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is a three-day affair, beginning Friday, April 20. The Black Dahlia Murder will headline Friday night, with All That Remains on Saturday and Killswitch Engage will close out the weekend on Sunday night.

The complete lineup for Friday includes The Black Dahlia Murder, The Acacia Strain, Oceano, All Shall Perish, Nile, Skeletonwitch, Lionheart, Fleshgod Apocalypse, First Blood, Molotov Solution, The Contortionist, Reign Supreme, Conducting From The Grave, Fit For An Autopsy, Incendiary, Palehorse, Hour Of Penance, Legion, and Relentless.

In addition to All That Remains, Saturday's bands include Overkill, iwrestledabearonce, Protest the Hero, Periphery, Bane, Shipwreck, Cruel Hand, Aborted, The Mongoloids, Belphegor, System Divide, Naysayer, The Greenery, Diamond Plate, Rotting Out, Expire, Elitist, Trump The Harlot, Manners, and Malefice.

Sunday's lineup is Killswitch Engage, Every Time I Die, Vanna, For Today, Chelsea Grin, Sleeping Giant, Stick To Your Guns, Attila, On Broken Wings, Mychildren Mybride, For The Fallen Dreams, Texas In July, Upon A Burning Body, Volumes, Like Moths To Flames, Hundredth, No Bragging Rights, Counterparts, and Gideon.

Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are: $40 (Friday), $45 (Saturday), and $40 (Sunday) or $115 (three-day pass).

Sponsors this year include All In Merch, Monster, Tama, Ibanez, Zildjian, Metal Blade Records, Break Thru Music, Shook Clothing, Planet Wave, d'addario, Pro Mark, and Evans.

Shinedown sets release date for new album "AMARYLLIS".

   Atlantic recording group Shinedown has announced the upcoming release of their much anticipated new album. "AMARYLLIS" will arrive in stores and at all digital retailers on March 27th, 2012.

"AMARYLLIS" will be heralded by the eagerly awaited new single, "Bully." The track is Shinedown's first new music since seeing all six singles from 2008's "THE SOUND OF MADNESS" go to #1 on the rock radio chart. Today, "Bully" impacts at multi-format rock radio outlets nationwide while also going on sale at all DSPs. "AMARYLLIS" will be available for pre-order beginning January 17th via http://store.shinedown.com/. A series of bundles will be on offer, featuring an array of exclusive extras -- full details will be announced shortly. 

Shinedown frontman Brent Smith explains: "I've always seen Shinedown as its own entity -- this living thing that's been growing and developing and evolving over the past 10 years. During the recording, the vision of what Shinedown is and where it's going became completely clear. 'AMARYLLIS' is the manifestation of that vision, the centerpiece of what Shinedown is. It reflects on everything we've done and where we're heading. It's a message of empowerment, perseverance, and inspiration that I think speaks to fans that have been with us since the beginning as well as those who are just learning about who we are and what we're about. I can't wait for the world to hear it."  


Recorded at Cavallo's Lightning Sound studios outside of Los Angeles and a pair of Hollywood landmarks, Ocean Way Recording and Capitol Studios, "AMARYLLIS" sees Shinedown joining forces once more with multiple Grammy Award-winning producer Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock, Green Day), who previously collaborated with the band on 2008's record-breaking "THE SOUND OF MADNESS." That album proved Shinedown's mainstream breakthrough, debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200 before spending 120 consecutive weeks on the chart. 




"THE SOUND OF MADNESS" made rock music history, with each of its six singles reaching #1 on the airplay rankings. Among them are such hits as "Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)," "Devour," "The Sound of Madness," "The Crow and The Butterfly," the gold certified "If You Only Knew," and the double-platinum certified crossover smash, "Second Chance" -- all of which rose to the top of the airplay charts, marking a genuinely stunning streak of rock radio classics. 

Shinedown supported "THE SOUND OF MADNESS" with a wide range of live TV appearances, including performances on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Today Show, CBS' The Early Show, and the 2010 NHL Awards show. In 2009, the band received an American Music Award nomination for "Best Alternative Rock Band."

Shinedown's unprecedented ascendancy over multi-format rock radio initially began with their RIAA platinum certified 2003 debut "LEAVE A WHISPER" and its gold certified 2005 follow-up, "US AND THEM." Together, both albums yielded seven consecutive top 5 radio hits, including "Fly From the Inside," "45," "Simple Man," "Burning Bright," "Heroes," "I Dare You," and of course, the #1 blockbuster, "Save Me," which dominated Active Rock radio for a remarkable 12 successive weeks.

Shinedown is: Brent Smith (vocals), Barry Kerch (drums), Zach Myers (guitars), and Eric Bass (bass).