NYS Music 20​15

Author: Chad Vergine

  • Elton John Wants Sit Down With Vladimir Putin Over Gay Rights

    Music legend Elton John has offered to sit down with Russian president Vladimir Putin and discuss gay rights in Russia.

    Elton John

    Russia is trying to control homophobia in the country. In June of 2013, President Putin passed a law that made it legal to prosecute individuals promoting “homosexual behavior among minors.” Reports of homophobic attacks have recently exploded in Russia, which holds staunch views when it comes to gay issues.

    Putin has stated numerous times that Russia needs to “cleanse” itself of homosexuality. He claims Russia will run out of children if gays are allowed to marry.

    When speaking to BBC News, John said that Putin’s attitude towards gay people is “isolating and prejudiced” and “ridiculous.” He went on to comment about remarks Putin made in 2014 about gay people targeting children. John then added, “Give me a break. You are the president of Russia and you go and say stupid things like that?”

    When asked, Elton said, “I would like to meet [Mr. Putin]. It’s probably pie in the sky…He may laugh behind my back when he shuts the door, and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can think I have the conscience to say I tried.”

  • Nothing More Loses Drummer Paul O’Brien Due to Anxiety Over Spotlight

    The rock world lost a really amazing live drummer recently. Paul O’Brien of Nothing More has departed from his rock brothers in search of a life in music behind closed doors and away from the spotlight, according to the band’s Facebook page.

    In a message he wrote up for the post, O’Brien stated that depression is very real, and being in the spotlight triggered some major anxiety issues buried deep down inside of him, and it’s just too much of a mental struggle for him to carry on.

    Paul O'BrienO’Brien wrote that is was the hardest decision he has ever made to step down from Nothing More. He said the band has an amazing message and it was an absolute honor to be part of something so much bigger than himself.

    Being on the road isn’t for everyone, O’Brien wrote, and he learned through a very real experience playing live in front of thousands of fans that he is one of those individuals. With life on the road he felt that he would never escape. It was something O’Brien has been carrying with him for a long time, and he had to do what was best for him and his future.

    O’Brien wanted to thank what he called his brothers for life, Daniel, Mark, Jonny and Will. He said the things they been through, no one can take away from them, and and he loves his bandmates more than words can describe. O’Brien also thanked them for being very supportive through this difficult time and wrote that it means the world to him. “I know without a doubt, you guys will take this thing all the way to the top,” he wrote. O’Brien said he will always remember traveling the globe and seeing amazing things with them during that chapter of his life, and he will always be there for musical brothers and is eternally grateful to have such an opportunity that most could only dream of.

    O’Brien thanked all the supporters of Nothing More: the families, crew, friends, bands, label, management and all the fans, “every person who bought a shirt, put us up for the night, fed us, carried our gear, took us on the road, booked a gig…..you’re a massive reason for the success of this band” that he hopes help continue to let his former bandmates achieve the ultimate greatness that he knows that they are capable of.

    O’Brien plans to lay low for a while looking for a quiet life out of the spotlight. He said he has found happiness in that before and that he his lucky to have his lady, family and close friends at home to help support him through everything.

    O’Brien also stated that music will always be a huge part of his life and he would love to get into some studio for some session drumming. He said that he has always been fascinated by the recording side of things. O’Brien would always like to try his hand at producing and maybe some teaching, but first, he said he needs to get his head on straight and smile again. He closed out his statement, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for everything. Much love and respect.”

    Nothing More has chosen Pearl artist Ben Anderson to head up the drumming duties for the band’s current Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. Anderson has also drummed for Digital Summer and Letters From The Fire.

  • CYBERSTAR formed by Members of Drowning Pool, Fozzy and Allele

    CYBERSTAR is the next supergroup formed by musicians from other bands ready to hit and the rock airwaves everywhere. CYBERSTAR consists of Drowning Pool vocalist Jasen Moreno, Fozzy guitarist Billy Grey and Allele drummer Dusty Winterrowd.

    What seems to be a common and pretty cool trend more often than ever these days in the world of rock music is the formation of supergroups. Bands go on the road together and make friendships while they travel the highways and back roads of the world. Some bands also take breaks and go on hiatus, allowing some of those musicians to explore other opportunities and musical interests.

    Cyber Star Logo

    Moreno and Grey started working on the rock/metal CYBERSTAR super project after the two met on tour in the United Kingdom. The two artists started writing songs together, and then added drummer Winterrowd to the mix. With the chemistry between these three musicians, the writing process began almost immediately.

    An upcoming EP from the band is in the works. The music and songs on the EP have been constructed cyberly. The first two singles recorded for release, “Eye for an Eye” and “Floods,” will hit radio this fall. CYBERSTAR has released samples of the two tracks on Soundcloud. The band plans to announce show dates soon.

    https://soundcloud.com/cyberstarband/eye-for-a-eye-sample

  • Pat Tiernan Celebration Event at Parish Public House

    Parish Public House in Albany will hold A Celebration of the Life and Music of Pat Tiernan on Saturday, Sept. 12. The NYS Music-sponsored show will be hosted by Brian LaPoint & The Joints.

    Pat Tiernan

    As part of the $5 cover charge for the show, fans will receive a master copy of Tiernan’s original songs upon entry. The disc will include 10 original tracks and one cover track.

    Two acts performing at this years event, Brian Lapoint & The Joints and Erin Harkes, also took part in a benefit show shortly after Tiernan’s passing.

    Harkes shared memories in an interview after Tiernan’s death:

    Because I have no boundaries, I got up and said, ‘Can I sing with you? He nodded, smiled and said go ahead… I apologized for being so bold and went to creep away after the song. He grabbed my arm and said, ‘No, you’re staying.

    He told me a joke one time before I went onstage and I could barely perform because I was laughing so hard. He just looked at me, smug and smiling. He knew he had completely ruined the first song for me. I wasn’t even mad because the joke was so funny.

    The show will also include the rapidly growing jazz/funk/electro band Formula 5 and the high-energy dance trio Lord Electro.

    Tiernan died suddenly at his home on July 24, 2012, at the age of 29. Tiernan as born in Albany and lived in East Greenbush. Pat’s first live stage performance was at 7 years old when he played with his father’s band. Tiernan was focusing on furthering his musical career that fall with a move to Texas before he passed.

    The lineup for the event will include:

    Erin Harkes – 6 p.m.

    18 Strings of Trouble – 7 p.m.

    Kyle Albano – 8 p.m.

    School Bus Yellow – 9 p.m.

    Brian LaPoint & The Joints – 10 p.m.

    Lord Electro – midnight

  • Corey Taylor on Almost Becoming a History Teacher, Slipknot Fans and Performing Live

    In a recent interview with Zippo Encore Artist Spotlight during Slipknot’s Summer’s Last Stand tour, Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor enlightened everyone about performing live, Slipknot fans and what he would do for a day job if he didn’t find music.

    Corey Taylor on performing live:

    “Getting fired up for stage is pretty easy, um cause I love to play.”

    “Put the stuff on, um you know, you know touchin’ base with all the guys, ah comin’ together for the huddle. You know going back stage and waiting for the audience to pop, I mean that gets the adrenaline going like nobody’s business and just the fact that knowing you’re gonna play songs that you absolutely love.”

    “It’s a lot of little things that, just make every show not only unique, but vital for me.”

    “I’m not one of these guys who waits 3 hours to go on stage, I can’t wait, and if we’re late going on I’m losing my mind so I, I just love playing live.”

    Corey Taylor on Slipknot fans:

    “I love our fans, you know I mean the fans are the whole reason we have this. The fans are the whole reason we get up in the morning. There the whole reason why we strap this stuff on every night and then the whole reason that we kill each other on stage Every Single Time.”

    “Some of the most passionate, intelligent, crazy fans on the planet and ah were very, very lucky to have them.”

    Corey Taylor on music possible different career:

    “Music is everything. I mean music is so important to me that, if I didn’t have it , I would not be the same person and for the longest time I dint know that  I wanted to do music, I mean I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be a history teacher. um but I kinda just kept coming back to music.”

    “The music is probably the last “Vital”, emotion that we all have in common and it doesn’t have to be the same style, but its the one thing that ties us all together.”

    “Clown said it best, every show is a war, every song is a battle and If you’re not trying to win, there’s no point to it.”

    Corey and the boys from Slipknot are about to close their current Summer’s Last Stand tour on Sept. 5 at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, Texas.

  • Gemini Syndrome Release New Single, ‘Eternity’

    Synners, we have a new single! Gemini Syndrome has released an audio stream of their new single “Eternity,” off their upcoming second studio album set to be released in early 2016, which is still to be named. The single also debuted on SiriusXM Octane. Fans can pre-order the single now, set to be released on Aug. 21.

    This is the band’s first new music since the release of their debut studio album LUX in 2013.

    Gemini Syndrome has seen a lineup change since we last saw them, but the core of vocalist Aaron Nordstrom, Brian Steele Medina on sticks and Alessandro “AP” Paveri on bass are still intact.

    Medina on the new music heading our way:

    “Aaron, AP, & myself have poured our hearts into the new music & we wanted to give a taste before we head into the studio. We’re streamlined and stronger than ever. We’re not going anywhere — We’re here for all Eternity.”

    After touring in 2014, the band confronted and exorcised internal and external demons. Between some band members having personal struggles and splitting with their music label, it was a dark time for the band.

    Gemini Syndrome will head out on a small, five-date headlining tour starting on the release date of “Eternity” at the Blue Max in Midland, Texas. The band will then join Avatar, Huntress and First Decree on tour for 22 shows.

    Synner’s of New York will get their chance to see Gemini Syndrome on tour with Avatar at Revolution on Sept. 17 in Amityville and Sept. 18 in Poughkeepsie at The Chance.

    Gemini Syndrome Dates:

    08-21-2015 – Blue Max – Midland, TX

    08-23-2015 – Scout Bar – Houston, TX

    08-25-2015 – Juanita’s – Little Rock, AK

    08-26-2015 – The Warehouse – Clarksville, TN

    08-27-2015 – Cheers Pub – South Bend, IN

    Dates with Avatar:

    08-28-2015 – The Machine Shop – Flint, MI

    08-30-2015 – Aftershock – Merriam, KS

    08-31-2015 – Marquis Theatre – Denver, CO

    09-01-2015 – Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO

    09-02-2015 – Sokol Underground – Omaha, NE

    09-03-2015 – 7 Flags Event Center – Clive, IA

    09-04-2015 – Q & Z Expo Center – Ringle, WI

    09-06-2015 – The Tree – Joliet, IL

    09-08-2015 – The Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL

    09-09-2015 – Expo Five – Louisville, KY

    09-10-2015 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH

    09-11-2015 – The Odeon Concert Club – Cleveland, OH

    09-12-2015 – Vouge – Indianapolis, IN

    09-13-2015 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI

    09-14-2015 – Mainstage – Morgantown, WV

    09-15-2015 – Alter Bar – Pittsburgh, PA

    09-17-2015 – Revolution – Amityville, NY

    09-18-2016 – The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY

    09-19-2015 – Chameleon Club – Lancaster, PA

    09-20-2015 – Hard Times Café – Hagerstown, Maryland

    09-21-2015 – Capone’s – Johnson City, TN

    09-22-2015 – Hard Times  – Fredericksburg, VA

  • Disturbed Announces First U.S Tour Back From Hiatus

    Disturbed fans: The last piece of the puzzle has been placed. Disturbed has announced their long-awaited returning U.S tour. Spring 2016 will see Disturbed’s first tour since 2011, when the band went on hiatus that October. Disturbed posted on their

    We’re excited to announce that we’re heading out on tour in 2016. Tour dates are below, and more dates around the world…

    Posted by Disturbed on Thursday, August 13, 2015

    “>Facebook, “These are the first dates of many more to come and more announcements will be coming soon.” The band will also announce overseas dates soon as well.

    Disturbed 2015

    Tour buses will get down with the sickness and burn rubber through 19 cities starting on March 11 at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, British Columbia, and conclude at the New Daisy Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee on April 10. If other acts will join them on the tour, they have yet to be announced.

    Fans first got excited about the band’s return with a short video clip of Disturbed’s mascot “The Guy,” starting to show signs of life while hooked up to life support.

    With that then came an end to Disturbed’s hiatus: a brand-new single and video “The Vengeful One,” and the announcement of a sixth studio album titled Immortalized, which the band was secretly recording for a year.

    The only thing left for fans now was an official tour announcement from the band. Now the only wait Disturbed fans have is for the band to roll into your town this spring.

    New York will see two stops this spring. Monday, April 4, at Irving Plaza in New York City and Tuesday, April 5, in Niagara Falls at Rapids Theater.

    David Draiman on some of the upcoming tour stops:

    “Our return from hiatus was for one reason: we are dying for our fix of the live experience. We need to satisfy our addiction to the feeling you get when you play to the most dedicated and vibrant fan base in existence, the DISTURBED ones. We know the arena shows will come, but we wanted to start out feeling like it did in the old days. Intimate, hot, and intense. We can’t wait. Prepare yourselves. The Leviathan has risen.”
    David Draiman on the bands return:
    “The idea was to leave when we were at our peak, which we were, and to come back when we felt reinvigorated. Everything was strategic. We wanted to give ourselves a chance to breathe, give the fans a chance to breathe, and give the culture a chance to evolve. Now is the time. The environment feels ready. The musical landscape feels ready. We’re ready.”
    Disturbed’s sixth studio album, Immortalized, will be released on Aug. 21. Fans who pre-ordered the album will get pre-sale privileges for the upcoming tour. Disturbed will also play their first show in more than four years on the same day as the album release in their home town of Chicago at the House Of Blues.

    Disturbed’s Touring Schedule:

    03-11-2016 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
    03-12-2016 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA
    03-14-2016 – Roseland – Portland, OR
    03-16-2016 – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
    03-17-2016 – The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
    03-20-2016 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
    03-23-2016 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX
    03-24-2016 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
    03-25-2016 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
    03-27-2016 – Iron City – Birmingham, AL
    03-29-2016 – House of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC
    03-30-2016 – The National – Richmond, VA
    04-01-2016 – Baltimore Sound Stage – Baltimore, MD
    04-02-2016 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
    04-04-2016 – Irving Plaza – New York, NY
    04-05-2016 – Rapids Theater – Niagara Falls, NY
    04-07-2016 – St. Andrews Hall – Detroit, MI
    04-08-2016 – Orbit Room – Grand Rapids, MI
    04-10-2016 – New Daisy Theatre – Memphis, TN

  • Disturbed Releases Past and Present Video Clip

    Disturbed fans are about to get Stupify over a video the band posted on their Facebook page. The three-minute-and-some-change video clip shows a look back at Disturbed’s 15-year career, while hinting at the end of the video that a worldwide tour is on its way.

    The video showcases the band in past shows while reminiscing about their first studio album The Sickness, to their soon-to-be-released sixth studio album Immortalized. You can hear some of David Draiman’s  concert quotes during past live shows to the tune of the bands hit singles from each album mixed in a medley.

    Since the beginning of summer when the band announced the end of their hiatus, fans are just waiting in excitement for an official tour announcement from the band.

    Immortalized will be released everywhere on Aug. 21.

  • Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin and Sevendust U.S Fall Tour Heads to Albany

    Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin have stunned the rock world when the bands announced that they will pack up the gear and hit the road together for a co-headlining, two-month, 27-date U.S coast-to-coast fall tour. If those two bands were not enough for you, add Sevendust and Nothing More on select dates to round out one hell of a rock tour.

    Bands will load their tour buses and hit the road starting in Wichita, Kansas on Oct. 16 at the Intrust Arena and close the curtains Nov. 24 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine.

    Albany and the Times Union Center will see the second to last stop, and the only New York date, on this star-studded tour on Monday, Nov. 23.

    Recently, Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin shared the stage in Central New York this summer at the 20th anniversary show for Syracuse rock radio station K Rock, giving rock fans that day an amazing showing and, as we know now, giving them a glimpse into the future. The bands will also share the stage at this year’s Monster Energy Drink Aftershock Festival in California.

    Shinedown recently released a music video for lead #1 hit single “Cut The Cord,” off their upcoming fifth studio album Threat To Survive, which the band announced will be released on Sept. 18 and available for pre-order everywhere.

    Shinedown has released 19 singles, with all six singles from the band’s breakthrough album The Sound Of Madness reaching #1 on the rock charts. Follow-up album Amaryllis saw three more #1 singles and two top-five hits.

    Shinedown’s highly energetic performances, mixed with frontman Brent Smith’s emotional theatrical performances and positive vibe he commands over the crowd, make for many memorable concert moments.

    Breaking Benjamin released their fifth studio album, but first to debut at #1, this past June titled Dark Before Dawn. The album has already released two hit singles in the songs “Failure” and “Angels Fall.”

    After a hiatus, Ben returned with a new lineup and played a string of limited, sold-out acoustic shows before hitting the road on an electric touring cycle. This eventually brought the band through every major rock festival this summer, playing amazing, unforgettable performances at Rock on the Range, Rocklahoma and Carolina Rebellion.

    Nothing More will add their high-powered, energetic, must-see performance to the lineup during October, the first month of the tour.

    Sevendust will hit the road with the boys for the month of November to support their 11th studio album, Kill The Flaw, which will be released on Oct. 2.

    Shinedown / Breaking Benjamin Tour Cycle:

    10-16-2015 – Intrust Arena – Wichita, KS

    10-18-2015 – Lonestar Amphitheater – Lubbock, TX       

    10-20-2015 – Santa Ana Star Center – Rio Rancho, NM

    10-21-2015 – KUPD Festival @ Mesa Amphitheater – Pheonix, AZ

    10-22-2015 – The Joint – Las Vegas, NV

    10-24-2015 – Monster Energy Aftershock 2015 – Sacramento, CA

    10-26-2015 – Xfinity Center – Everett, WA

    10-27-2015 – Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA

    10-29-2015 – Brick Breedan Fieldhouse – Bozeman, MT

    10-30-2015 – Maverick Center – Salt Lake City, UT

    10-31-2015 – 1st Bank Events Center – Broomfield, CO

    11-02-2015 – Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, SD

    11-04-2015 – US Cellular Center – Cedar Rapids, IA

    11-06-2015 – Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL

    11-07-2015 – Covelli Center – Youngstown, OH

    11-08-2015 – Salem Center – Salem, VA

    11-10-2015 – Knoxville Coliseum – Knoxville, TN

    11-11-2015 – Von Braun Center – Huntsville, AL

    11-13-2015 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

    11-14-2015 – Verizon Center – Little Rock, AR

    11-15-2015 – Show Me Center – Cape Girardeau, MO

    11-17-2015 – Crown Center Coliseum – Fayetteville, NC

    11-19-2015 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT

    11-20-2015 – Bryce Jordan Center – St. College, PA

    11-21-2015 – Big Sandy Arena – Huntington, WV

    11-23-2015 – Time Union Center – Albany, NY

    11-24-2015 – Cross Insurance Arena – Portland, ME

  • PhanArt Presents “A World Café Live One” In Philadelphia

    World Café Live in Philadelphia will host PhanArt’s “A World Café Live One,” an art exhibition inspired by the music of Phish, on Aug. 12. Show time starts at 11 a.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m. With more than 20 artist appearing at the event, PhanArt and A World Café Live One will surely bring you some of the best Phish-inspired art, with some exclusive pieces available for the Philadelphia and Magnaball shows only.

    PhanArt

    Admission to the event is free and will act as a warm-up for those who plan to attended the second show of Phish’s two-night stay at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, which is just a 10 minute walk from World Café Live.

    Artists appearing at this one-of-a-kind art show will include Isadora Bullock, The Art of Ryan Kerrigan, Tripp’s Prints, Dr. Wookles, StuPINdous Creations, Jampanties, Setlist Tees, Josean Rivera, Pins by CZ, The Overhead View, Pin Me Down, Graphic Translations, Pinsanity Designs, Fred Sutter, Zenster Designs, S.A.W. Family Creations, Whole Phamily, [Brendan/LoPorto Studios], Blueskaithreads and Dogmatagram Designs. Fans will see a variety of Phish-inspired posters, pins, shirts and unique wears.

    The Mockingbird Foundation will debut eight prints from their upcoming book, “The Phish Companion Third Edition.” The foundation has awarded more than 800,000 in grants over the past 15 years for musical education.

    San Francisco-based pianist Holly Bowling will play a special performance throughout the show. Each set will feature Phish songs, including a complete rendition of “Tahoe Tweezer,” during the final hour starting at 3 p.m.

    If that wasn’t enough for PhanArt fans, a curated beer list of Phish-inspired local craft brews will be on hand and selected by Beeradelphia director Michael Lawrence.

    Creator, producer and promoter for the event Pete Mason is the founder of PhanArt as well as the author of PhanArt: The Art of the Fans of Phish. Previous PhanArt exhibitions since 2013 have been held in cities such as Atlantic City, Chicago, Las Vegas and Miami.