A strong rumour suggests that Y&T are being courted to play a series of UK club gigs next year.

ROBIN BLACK AND THE INTERGALACTIC ROCK STARS will be recording their second album with legendary producer BOB EZRIN in the New Year. The Canadian outfit have recently added a new rhythm section in drummer CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER KIDD and ex THE AGE OF ELECTRIC/STATIC IN STEREO bassist JOHN KERNS. This new line-up is currently touring the UK.

STEVE PRICE of Z-Roxx has announced the formation of a record label arm to their increasingly successful mail order business. Having established themselves, not only as a first class source of hard rock/AOR/melodic rock but as specialists in southern rock (or 'suvvern rock', as an erstwhile 'Kerrang!' Kontributor used to call it), the company will launch the label to particularly cater to the southern rock market in March 2004.

The first release will be a budget priced compilation (tentatively titled 'Stars & Bars') to introduce some of the new breed of southern rock bands to the European market. Acts already lined up for the project include MICHAEL BUFFALO SMITH, SULENTIC BROS BAND, ALLIGATOR STEW, CHIGGER RED, GHOST RIDERS and BOUNTY HUNTER.

Norwegians GLUECIFER's new album, 'Automatic Thrill', is set for release throughout Europe through SPV in January (Epic/Sony in Norway and Sweden). The album is a superb combination of raw metal and sleazy hard rock.

Lemon Records - an offshoot of Cherry Red - will be re-releasing BOURGEOIS TAGG's 'YoYo' album (of 1988 vintage) on January 13. The Beat Goes On Records will issue a 2 on 1 combination of DERRINGER's 'Derringer' and 'Sweet Evil' albums on the same day.

The new video from THE EXIES , for the track 'Kickout', can now be seen at the band's official site (www.theexies.com). The SCOTT STEVENS led troupe are presently recording material for their third album, due through Virgin next year. Incidentally, the Japanese version of the band's current album ('Inertia') features two bonus tracks in 'Supernatural' and 'Cut Me Free'.

Following the split of the superb (and vastly underrated) SPLENDER earlier this year, the group's former frontman WAYMON BOONE is set to return with a brand new band. It has just been reported at www.alternativeaddiction.com that the singer has formed HEADRUSH and is rumoured to have already played some shows on the US West Coast. According to the report, Boone has allied himself with bassist ALLISON JOHNSON  and former SIMON SAYS drummer MIKE JOHNSTON. 

Alternative blues pop rockers THE BLUESKINS are currently recording their debut album for Domino Records. The Wakefield based quintet have just issued their second single 'Number 23'. The CD also includes 'Can't Get Down', 'Love My Guitar', 'Ellie Meadows' and the terrific 'Lager And Lime'.

TSAR are back! Bizarrely, the L.A. nu-breeders have returned with an independently released 7 inch vinyl single. 'Straight' (backed with 'The Creature In Disguise') is available through the band's official website (www.tsar.net)

GENE SIMMONS reveals that his forthcoming solo album will be released through Simmons Records/Sanctuary in the Spring. One wonders if it will contain as many special guest artists as his first such record did back in 1978.

NINE DAYS have just released their new album, 'Flying The Corporate Jet', via their own website www.ninedaysmusic.com. Looks like the unreleased 'So Happily Unsatisfied' is just a dusty memory. Read an exclusive interview with JOHN HAMPSON on this site by clicking here!

Canadian songstress FEFE DOBSON releases her debut album, 'Take Me Away', on Island Records in Canada on December 9. A cross between AVRIL LAVIGNE and TIFFANY, this girl could be a major star in 2004.

RICHIE RANNO of STARZ reports that he is close to completing work on two live DVDs available shortly through www.starzcentral.com . The first will feature the band's first reunion show at Jaxx in Virginia earlier this year. The second package contains the band's second show at The Wreck Room in New Jersey.

Richie also has a live DVD available featuring a performance by his side band RICHIE RANNO'S ALLSTARS. Recorded in May 2003, the band also included current Starz bassist GEORGE D'ANNA and guitarist MICHAEL KELLY SMITH of BRITNY FOX.

Drumming maestro TONY THOMPSON tragically succumbed to renal cell cancer on November 12th, three days shy of his 49th birthday. He had been battling the disease for a year.

Best known for his work with CHIC, THE DISTANCE and POWERSTATION, Thompson had also worked with LABELLE, CROWN OF THORNS, MADONNA, MICK JAGGER, DAVID BOWIE, DEBBIE HARRY, DIANA ROSS and a host of other names. He had also played with LED ZEPPELIN at 'Live Aid' back in 1985 and was reported to have recorded material with the three surviving members of the group before a car crash Thompson was involved in effectively ended the collaboration.

Thompson died without health insurance and a memorial show to be held at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles on December 16 is intended as both a memorial and a benefit for his family. Donations can also be made via www.tonythompsonfund.com or www.nilerodgers.com.

It's also extremely sad to report the death of former RIOT vocalist GUY SPERANZA on November 8th, also from cancer. Guy was an original member of the band, appearing on the New York outfit's first three (and possibly best-loved) albums, namely 'Rock City', 'Narita' and 'Fire Down Under', before departing the group. He was, of course, replaced by the late RHETT FORRESTER.

Fans in the UK, in particular, have fond memories of Guy's live performances on tour here supporting SAMMY HAGAR and SAXON, as well as appearances at the first ever 'Monsters Of Rock' event at Donington in 1980 and the 'Heavy Metal Holocaust' at Port Vale Football Club the following year. RIP.

VERTIGO ANGELS have just released their first single, 'Firefly', through Livewire Records. The track is taken from the female fronted, Brit band's debut album 'Eradicate Apathy'

Word has leaked via Germany that the WHITE LION reunion will see ex RATT guitarist WARREN DE MARTINI join MIKE TRAMP, JAMES LOMENZO and JIMMY DEGRASSO for a round of festival shows next summer. However, although this is indeed likely to be the line-up that will ensure the White Lion name returns to the fray, it isn't set in stone.

Although the appointment of Warren De Martini in place of VITO BRATTA is sure to set tongues wagging, as Mike Tramp revealed to reyno-roxx.com, it hasn't been a case of Bratta not being invited.

"I have asked him since '98, prior to recording the 'Remembering White Lion' album, if he wanted to do something or work together. He's been asked to take part in this reunion time after time, but it seems like it's a case of he can't do it , but at the same time he doesn't want me to do it either. But trust me, White Lion II will roar in 2004. Most likely Warren De Martini will take Vito's place, alongside James Lomenzo and Jimmy DeGrasso. German keyboard player HENNING WANNER (JADED HEART) will also be involved."

SKID ROW blast into the UK next week for a series of club shows in support of new album 'Thickskin'.  The New Jersey-ites, now complemented by vocalist JOHNNY SOLINGER and ex SAIGON KICK drummer PHIL VARONE, play Bradford Rios (14th November), Glasgow Garage (15th), Nottingham Rock City (16th), Dudley JBs (17th), London Mean Fiddler (19th), Manchester Academy (20th), Cardiff Engine Room (21st).

WALTHAM - the self-confessed RICK SPRINGFIELD nu-breed act - are currently in the process of putting together a DVD to follow the critically acclaimed 'Permission To Build' album. Singer FRANK PINO JR. reports that the band have compiled the "most kick-ass, fun to watch, virtual touring experience that will give fans the world over a taste of what we want to give them when we pay them a visit!" More on the band on the site shortly.

Hip-O release a four CD boxed set from MÖTLEY CRÜE on November 11. Rather tactlessly (given some band history) titled 'Music To Crash Cars To: Volume 1', the set consists of the first four Elektra albums (plus bonus tracks previously released on the Hip-O re-issues) plus the enticing prospect of the original Leathür Records mix of the debut album 'Too Fast For Love'.

In addition to the mouth-watering album from SPIN GALLERY due for release earlier next year, Atenzia will also be releasing product from new signings KID DOWN, LONDON CALLING (the new project from GUARDIAN vocalist JAMIE ROWE), PLUNGE (a Baltimore trio featuring erstwhile SR-71 member MIKE RUOCCO), Sweden's STEREOLITH and fellow Swedes WHITE SILVER.

Sticking to the AOR theme, don't forgot that ANDREW McNEICE has recently launched Melodicrock.com's first ever compilation CD! Click here for further details! A very interesting assortment of what the melodic rock genre has to offer in 2003!

FOO FIGHTERS release a DVD through BMG in the States on November 18. Aptly titled 'Everywhere But Home', the package features the band live in Ireland and Iceland. The track-listing should be: 'All My Life', 'Aurora',  'Breakout', 'Doll' (acoustic version), 'Everlong' (acoustic), 'For All The Cows', 'Generator', 'Have It All', 'Hey J.P.', 'Learn To Fly', 'Low', 'Monkeywrench',  'My Hero', 'See You' (acoustic), 'The One', 'Times Like These', 'Times Like These' (acoustic), 'Tired Of You'.

Behind the scenes footage will also be included, as well as photo galleries, short films and at least forty five minutes of bonus, hidden extras. What's more, an audio CD is contained in the package, featuring the band's first ever show in Reykjavik. A must-have!

ALANIS MORISSETTE is set to release her new album, 'So-Called Chaos' in February.

NO DOUBT's GWEN STEFANI has her debut solo album scheduled for release by Interscope in the New Year.

SKEW SISKIN return to action with 'Album Of The Year' through UlfTone on November 24. Not sure if the record lives up to its rather cheeky title yet, but it does highlight the amazing transformation of singer NINA C. ALICE in terms of image!

UlfTone will also be releasing MIKE TRAMP's 'Rock 'N Roll Alive' on the same day. Click here to go straight to more details on this subject further down. 

METALLICA have regrettably announced that they are cancelling their South American tour, which was set to begin on October 25th. All shows have been cancelled, and no dates have been rescheduled at this time.

The band cited physical injury and mental exhaustion as the reason for the cancellations. Stated JAMES HETFIELD, "Between reconnecting, recording and touring 'St. Anger', we've been going non-stop for the last eighteen months, and, simply put, we are fried...both in body and in mind."

In particular, drummer LARS ULRICH, is being treated for a recurring rotator cuff injury, dating back to their 1991-93 'Black Album' tour, and has been advised to continue to rest his shoulder in order to avoid any further aggravation to the injury.

Metallica will now begin their 'Madly In Anger With You World Tour' in Tokyo, Japan on November 6. They are due to play London (at Earls Court) on 19th and 20th December.

Anyone remember TAMI SHOW? The female fronted act from Chicago recorded two albums in their time (the self-titled debut in 1987 and the quite superb 'Wanderlust' in 1991). Well, CLAIRE MASSEY has now resurfaced with her  CLAIRE project and has recorded an EP and a full-blown album, 'Suncat Muse', with producer KEVIN SHIRLEY and erstwhile Tami Show (and ex PEZBAND) guitarist TOMMY GAWENDA. Ex SPIDER/SHANGHAI drummer ANTON FIG also appears.

Incidentally, Claire's sister (and Tami Show bandmate) CATH has her own band these days called KISS ME LUNA. The third Massey sister, KRISTIN - best known for her work with SIREN (aka RED SIREN) has won songwriting contests since the demise of her last band VENUS D'MILO (whose album for Atlantic of 1992/3 vintage that, to some extent, featured the kind of material EVANESCENCE are doing now, remains unreleased) helped design the recipes for former Siren bandmate ROBERT HAAS' self-help book 'Permanent Remissions'. Haas is now a well known nutritionist and also the author of 'Eat to Win', 'Eat to Succeed' ( I sense a theme here, don't you?!), 'Forever Fit', and 'Eat Smart, Think Smart'.

Boston's MASS are in the news again.  The four-piece, best known for their 1985 RCA release 'New Birth' and the MICHAEL SWEET produced, Enigma issued 'Voices In The Night' of 1988 vintage, regrouped a couple of years ago. Having released the 'Best Ones' compilation independently the group are currently touting a new demo, a tape that finds them working once more with the STRYPER frontman.  Visit www.massmusic.com for more details and CD availability.

Speaking of reunions and comebacks, there’s definitely been something in the air this past month. Not only have Swedish melodic rock gods EUROPE announced their reformation, but former ANGEL, GIUFFRIA and HOUSE OF LORDS keyboard maestro GREGG GIUFFRIA has signed a solo deal with Frontiers Records!

While Europe are gearing up for a new album, DVD and world tour, Giuffria is currently recording his new album due for release early in the New Year. The record, to be co-produced by Gregg and ANDY JOHNS, is reported to include a reworking of Angel’s classic ‘The Tower’. A special guest vocalist is to appear on the track. Strong rumours suggest the man in question to be GLENN HUGHES….

Mysteriously, it now appears that Giuffria’s involvement with the long awaited comeback record from House Of Lords came to an end before it even began. House Of Lords are now working with PLANET X and former DREAM THEATER keyboard player DEREK SHERINIAN….

Intriguingly, there’s also the prospect of the return of WHITE LION! Vocalist MIKE TRAMP – currently touring the UK and Europe - reveals that the band will co-headline the ‘Bang Your Head’ festival in Balingen, Germany next June.

Still, it’s unsure who exactly will be joining frontman Tramp at this stage. Will guitarist VITO BRATTA shock us all by burying the hatchet and come out of self-imposed retirement??

We shall see, but Tramp himself was in fine form at Nottingham's Rock City on Saturday night. Playing a set of material culled from his three solo albums along with choice White Lion and FREAK OF NATURE classics, he was all smiles as a decent sized crowd turned out to support him playing the venue's 'Disco II'.  Tramp (and band) enjoyed an excellent rapport with the audience, leading to numerous hilarious exchanges, particularly with a couple of girls at the front.

Amazingly, Tramp's number one fan, a Japanese girl called Kathy, made famous by her daily letters to Mike - extracts of which we rather cruelly printed in an on tour article in 'Kerrang! back in 1989 -  had even flown all the way from Tokyo to see the last dates on this tour!

Having just released a 3CD set re-issue of the three Freak Of Nature albums through UlfTone, Tramp intends issuing a live album, recorded on the recent world tour, through the label before the end of the year. The album was recorded at Copenhagen's 'Pumphuset' venue. It will be released as a limited-edition double-DigiPak and includes a number of White Lion classics. The tracklisting is as follows:  (Disc 1): 'Live For Today', 'If It Ain’t Gonna Rock', 'Living On The Edge', 'Lay Down My Life For You', 'Mr. Death', 'Better Off', 'Broken Heart', 'Follow Your Dreams', 'Wait'. (Disc 2): 'Falling Down', 'Little Fighter', 'Living A Lie', 'What Am I', 'Nothing At All', 'I Won’t Let Go', 'More To Life Than This', 'When The Children Cry', 'Rocking In The Free World'.

Incidentally, another band announcing that they will be appearing at ‘Bang Your Head’ are Cleveland, Ohio metallers SHOK PARIS. This will be a part of their 20^th anniversary celebrations, which include re-releases of their best known works. Other bands set to appear in Balingen are Angel, UFO, GOTTHARD, MAGNUM and LILLIAN AXE.

Former PHANTOM BLUE guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM brings her latest band, the critically acclaimed MELDRUM, to London's Forum on November 22. The band are playing support to DANZIG and will also be playing throughout Europe, including gigs in Stockholm and Milan. www.meldrum.nu for full details.

ALAN SCHAEFER of Atlanta's FIVE STAR IRIS is back in writing mode with ED ROLAND of COLLECTIVE SOUL. The pair have spent the past weekend collaborating on new material for future use. Five Star Iris' debut EP should be released via the band's website by now. Go to www.fivestariris.com.

Maltese melodic pop rock outfit CORKSKREW have the track 'Manic' appearing on an Austrian compilation album shortly.  The compilation, 'Band:Union III', is released by Bandunion, an Austrian private non-profit organisation committed to assist and promote promising Austrian and other European and international bands alike. In all the double-CD features 35 bands mainly from Austria, but also from the USA and Malta.

Corkskrew’s chosen track was a hit radio single that was released prior to the launch of the band’s debut CD 'Micromania'. It's likely the female fronted group will also be playing shows in Austria next year as well. Check out their material at www.corkskrew.net.

The best AOR album I’ve heard in a loooong time might not be set for release this year, but look to Atenzia to issue it early in 2004. SPIN GALLERY is the name and they are the latest brainchild of Swedish melodic rock guitar wizard TOMMY DENANDER.

Tommy reports that Spin Gallery, initially known as SWEETWATER "is my finest work to date!!!
"I produced it and played 95% of the instruments. I wrote almost all the songs with CHRIS DEMMING, who is also one of the 3 singers. However, we did get a couple of great songs from STEVE PORCARO, CLIF MAGNESS and RICHARD PAGE.
"And MARCUS LILLIEQUIST plays some of the best drumming I've heard in my life on this album!"

The material is an amazing combination of influences. Imagine a cross between MR MISTER, TOTO (both hardly surprising, given some of the co-writers), WINGER, ‘Talk’ era YES, NELSON and INVERTIGO, with a BEAU HILL or NEIL KERNON style production and you’ve got the sound of this band.

Arguably the best AOR band of all-time, JOURNEY, release a 'Greatest Hits' DVD through Sony on November 22. The package includes a ton of old videos, including some live footage.

A round up of the latest nu breed releases finds STRANGE CELEBRITY’s ‘Remedy’ (Curb/Warner Brothers), produced by cult AOR hero DANNY WILDE, topping the list.

Meantime, STORY OF THE YEAR, signed to Maverick, are an interesting amalgam of nu-metal and nu-breed. Perhaps a little too ‘shouty’ in places for some tastes, but there are some pretty good melodic songs on offer in a more commercial JIMMY EATS WORLD vein.

AM RADIO, featuring ex DIO guitarist ROWAN ROBERTSON, have the poppy ‘Radioactive’ out via Elektra, while the excellent, new VERTICAL HORIZON album, ‘Go’, has just surfaced through RCA

It pleases me no end to learn that THE START, my favourite band of the 21^st century, have signed a new recording contract with Nitro Records. Meantime, two bands tenuously linked to The Start (they both come recommended by the band's manager) are THE JET CITY FIX and the superbly monikered POST STARDOM DEPRESSION. Both bands hail from Tacoma, Washington. While the former are a trashy, glam-punk hard rock band bordering on nu-breed, the latter are a hybrid of THE AGE OF ELECTRIC and AUDIOSLAVE! Sounds good? Check out reviews of the latest albums from both groups on this site soon!

THE GETAWAY CAR, one of my favourite new bands, are in the process of putting together their debut album. The group's TODD WRIGHT reports that: "We're in the process of finishing 22 songs. i'm in NYC right now mixing 6 of them with a fella named JAMIE LAMM (fearlessmusic.net). The rest we are finishing at our home studio."

Look for a release in the new year. Also look out for new albums next year from AC/DC, FIONA APPLE, ANASTACIA, VANESSA CARLTON (produced by boyfriend, 3RD EYE BLIND's STEPHEN JENKINS), COLLECTIVE SOUL (tentatively titled 'Engage'), HEART, THE HIVES, NATALIE IMBRUGLIA, JEREMIAH FREED, SEVEN AND THE SUN, VELVET REVOLVER and W.A.S.P.

Z Records have secured the rights to release the previously unreleased second album from 80s hard rock mob FEMME FATALE. The band released their self-titled debut album for MCA in 1988. Despite the obvious attractions of vocalist LORRAINE LEWIS and the provocatively titled first single ‘Waiting For The Big One’, following a UK club tour the band split with Lorraine eking out a solo career over the years. At one point during the 90s she had given up music and was working in a florists in Seattle! But the lure of rock ‘n’ roll became too much and she returned to the fray, first with SNOWBALL and is now promoting a brand new solo release. "Be warned", she told me, "It’s a bit twangy!"

Former TOTO frontman JOSEPH WILLIAMS returns to the fray on October 20^th with his latest project VERTIGO. The album builds upon his reputation as one of the greatest of all performers of ‘West Coast’ AOR. Issued by Frontiers, the record features the stirring guitarwork of ex DARK LORD and one-time DOKKEN axe slinger ALEX DE RUSSO.

Another Frontiers release is RICHIE KOTZEN’s latest album ‘Change’. I have a growing admiration for this guy. His last record, ‘Slow’, was superb and this new effort is even better.

VERTIGO ANGELS are Livewire Records’ latest signings and ‘Eradicate Apathy’ is now available. Extremely akin to THE START in sound,

Leicester glam punks NEW GENERATION SUPERSTARS, fronted by AARON JAMES, caught my attention recently thanks to an impressively catchy two track CD single featuring ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Overload’ as well as a spot opening for TB Records’ latest Canadian signings CRASH KELLY. NGS have also opened for ROBIN BLACK recently.

HAREM SCAREM appear to have finally made an album close to the awesome ‘Mood Swings’. The new ‘Higher’ record

GB Music have released a NEW ENGLAND live album. Titled ‘Greatest Hits Live’, the recording is taken from a 1979 show.

FACE DANCER are, quite unbelievably, back! Having recorded two quirky albums for Capitol in 1979 and 1980, Face Dancer disappeared for some years before releasing a third album independently. A reunion gig occurred last month and Face Dancer are now offering ‘This Time’ on CD with plans to issue www.face-dancer.com

Astonishingly, so are another F band…..FORTRESS. This band disappeared totally after releasing a solitary album for Atlantic in 1981 entitled ‘Hands In The Till’. Reminiscent of AXE, Fortress . But mainman CHARLIE SOUZA has been responsible for the album gaining a CD release (www.cdbaby.com) and check out his own band’s material at www.charliesouza.com

KIM BINGHAM recently debuted her latest project, an all girl KISS tribute band called SMOOCH. While Kim becomes ‘Paula Stanley’, former SACRED CHILD vocalist ASTRID YOUNG takes the Astra Frehley’ role. www.smoochrocks.com for more Kiss-ing.