NYS Music 20​18

Author: Chad Vergine

  • Original Woodstock co-creator closer to an Official Anniversary Announcement

    Days after the announcement of the Bethel Woods joint venture with Live Nation and INVNT to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, original Woodstock co-creator Michael Lang quickly reminded fans that the “real” anniversary show will be announced soon.

    Labeled as the Music and Arts Festival celebrating the golden anniversary of Woodstock, the Bethel Woods event takes place Aug. 16-19 on the original grounds where Woodstock was born in 1969. Having the backing of Live Nation for the Bethel event could be a huge advantage when trying to secure big name artist to appear at the event.

    Producer and co-founder Michael Lang stated in an recent email that he “is producing the official anniversary, but not at Bethel Woods.” He also stated through his publicist that “While the original site in Bethel remains close to our hearts, it no longer has the capacity to hold a real Woodstock Festival. I’m delighted that Bethel Woods is doing events in the coming year to celebrate what we brought to life in 1969, and I encourage people to visit the museum and concert venue.”

    Lang also stated that in the next few weeks, he will announce “plans for the real Woodstock 50th Festival to bring back the much needed spirit and energy of the 1969 original.”

    With the date for Bethel Woods confirmed, speculation that the Lang anniversary festival will compete with  the Bethel event, which is slated close to the original weekend the festival took place in August 1969. Placing Lang’s show close, or the same weekend as the Bethel event could be troublesome for both events. Fans don’t want either show to be a watered version of the original, and are looking for both events to exceed their expectations.

    Live Nation may restrict artists performing on their show, from appearing at Lang’s, especially if the dates are close together. There could also be performance clauses restricting artist from appearing in the same 100 mile radius within 90 days of each show. Guitar legend Carlos Santana, who appeared at the original Woodstock festival has stated that he will be part of the Bethel event and also expressed interest in playing Lang’s.

    Fans can stay updated about Lang’s Woodstock festival at the official Woodstock site. 

  • Carlos Santana to Play Woodstock 50th?

    When the music festival season approaches each year, music enthusiast love to speculate about which artist will appear on the bill. After all the speculation, rumors start to post online leading music festival lovers contemplating.

    santana woodstock 50
    Carlos Santana – Turning Stone Event Center

    With the rumored Woodstock 50th Anniversary around the corner, multiple names have been thrown around as who would appear at the epic anniversary show, but there is one thing different about this show from all the others. With all the hype that surrounds Woodstock, artists are starting to add to the rumors by saying they want to be a part of it.

    The first artist to throw his hat into the ring is Carlos Santana. Being part of the original lineup, the Grammy award winning classic rock icon has recently stated that he was more excited to revisit the 1969 festival than the 20th anniversary of his smash hit album Supernatural. Santana wants in so bad, that he has even contacted original Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. Santana stated: “We’ve talked to Michael Lang, but we don’t know if he has secured a place. If they invite me, I’m in.”

    Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang recently told the Poughkeepsie Journal that even though its not a done deal, there are plans for a 2019 Woodstock anniversary show, and an official announcement should be expected soon.

    A rumored lineup has surfaced for a possible anniversary show at the original site of Woodstock, the Bethel Wood Center for the Arts. Bethel Woods released a statement saying that any Bethel Woods event that takes part of the anniversary year will not be produced, sponsored, or have any affiliation with original 1969 organizers Woodstock Ventures. No official lineup has been announced for the possible Bethel Woods event that is rumored for August 15-18.

    Santana was part of the possibly leaked lineup at Bethel Woods and stated that he was already booked for the Bethel event, and hopes to be able to play Lang’s event as well.

    Besides Santana, the leaked lineup included Daft Punk, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Phish, The Weeknd, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Pink, The Who, Zac Brown Band, Mumford & Sons, and The Chainsmokers.

  • Sirius XM Octane Announces First Ever ‘Accelerator Tour’

    Sirius XM Octane, the leader in playing todays hard rock and heavy metal, has announced its first ever curated tour titled the “Accelerator Tour,” named after what the radio station calls their newest, hottest charting hit singles, usually by new up-and-coming artists.

    Octane’s first attempt at a tour will feature all artists who have made the Accelerator List, including headliners Like A Storm, and special guest Royal Tusk, and Afterlife.

    The 19-city tour will makes its debut in Anaheim on Jan. 23 and make a brief stop in New York on Feb. 12 at The Gramercy Theatre. XM subscribers can take part in a special pre-sale, with general public tickets going on sale Dec. 14.

    Since establishing themselves as the best hard rock and radio station available in the U.S., several of today’s best in hard rock and meta luse Octane as their preferred platform when releasing world premieres of new music. The station is known for constantly discovering emerging new artists that hard rock and metal fans become fans of instantly.

    Sirius XM Octane “Accelerator Tour” Dates: 

    Jan. 23 – The Parish @ House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
    Jan. 24 – Holy Diver – Sacramento, CA Jan. 25 – Voodoo Room at House of Blues – San Diego, CA
    Jan. 27 – Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ
    Jan. 29 – Marquis Theater – Denver, CO
    Feb. 01 – Cambridge Room – Dallas, TX
    Feb. 02 – House of Blues Bronze Peacock – Houston, TX
    Feb. 04 – Parish @ House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
    Feb. 08 – The Foundry @ The Fillmore Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
    Feb. 09 – Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD
    Feb. 10 – The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ
    Feb. 12 – The Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
    Feb. 15 – Smiling Moose – Pittsburgh, PA
    Feb. 16 – Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH
    Feb. 17 – The Cambridge Room @ House of Blues – Cincinnati OH
    Feb. 18 – Shelter – Detroit, MI
    Feb. 20 – The Stache – Grand Rapids, MI
    Feb. 21 – Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
    Feb. 22 – Amsterdam Bar & Hall – St. Paul, MN

    Sirius XM Octane Online | Facebook | Twitter |

    Like A Storm Online | Facebook | Twitter |

  • Grant Helps Smith Opera House Expand ADA Assessible Seating

    Geneva New York’s historic, Smith Opera House, has upgraded and increased its ADA-accessible seating by four, with the help of a $1000 grant from the Geneva Rotary Club, enabling the theater to be more accessible to advocates who use wheelchairs.

    The grant allowed the opera house to purchase four sturdy, comfortable and fully upholstered seats, replacing the older theater style seats that were bolted to the floor in the front left and right orchestra sections. Since the chairs were bolted to the floor in sections, the opera house staff was burdened with the laborious task of removing all the bolts which proved to be difficult on short notice. The new seats make it quick and easy for theater staff to remove when additional seating is needed for wheelchairs and their companions. Seats are sold on a first come first serve basis for reserved performances.

    Thankful for their continued support by the Geneva Rotary Club, the Smith’s Executive Director, Susie Monagan, commented about the current grant the opera house received by the club.

    Geneva Rotary Club shares The Smith’s vision of removing barriers to participation. The Rotary grant has enabled us to implement a new seating configuration, creating access to our concerts and films for those who need it. We are so grateful that Rotary continues to support projects at The Smith through its grants program

    Geneva Rotary Club President, Shad Cook,  explained what the Geneva Rotary Club’s fundraising and grant programs hope to achieve, when trying to help assist non-profit community organizations.

    Since 2007, Geneva Rotary Club has committed fundraising efforts to its Grant Program. This program is to assist non-profit organizations throughout the community with special projects to enhance their services for the community, with a special focus on youth programs. Though this project was not specifically focused on a youth program, it does certainly meet a need in the community to allow all community members, young and old, to enjoy the arts in a safe, comfortable and practical manner.

    The Smith Opera House Online | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

  • Cannibal Corpse Guitarist Arrested on Multiple Charges

    Death metal guitarist Pat O’Brien of Cannibal Corpse was arrested after a wild series of events at his home in Northdale, FL.

    Cannibal Corpse Guitarist Arrested
    Via WFLA

    Authorities were called to O’Brien’s home after it caught fire while he was not at home. The fire set off ammunition that was inside the metal shredder’s house, adding another element of danger to the situation while firefighters battled the blaze, forcing them to retreat.

    While the house was burning, O’Brien was allegedly committing a robbery at a nearby family member’s residence. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office was dispatched to the home after a burglary call from the residence after the 53-year-old entered his relative’s home without permission and refused to leave when the owners of the home pleaded with him to go.

    O’Brien eventually left the house, but not before pushing a woman down who was at the scene before fleeing into the backyard where police found him hiding behind a nearby fence. The guitarist then ignored commands by the police and charged them with a knife, prompting the authorities to use their taser guns on him. The home owner stated that O’Brien broke into the house and talked to him about “the rapture,” and that “someone was after him.” The owner believed that O’Brien was hallucinating and even hid inside a closet in the house.

    No one was hurt during the fire or burglary, and authorities have not stated how the fire started. There were also military-style flamethrowers found in O’Brien’s home.

    O’Brien appeared in court wearing nothing but an anti-suicide vest and shackles around his hands and feet. The Hillsborough County judge hearing the case set bail at $50,000, pending passage of a court-ordered drug test.

    If convicted of both charges, O’Brien could land him some serious jail time. The burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault charge could result in a potential $10,000 fine and a possible lifetime prison sentence. The second charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer could carry a 30-year prison term. So far, no charges have been made regarding the house fire.

    Cannibal Corpse was recently announced as one of the openers for Slayer’s continuing farewell tour in spring of 2019. The band has not commented on its lead guitarist’s situation.

  • Queen Announces ‘The Rhapsody Tour’ With Adam Lambert

    With all the hype the new “Bohemian Rhapsody” Freddy Mercury biopic has received, it was only a matter of time the the rest of the remaining members of Queen would announce a new tour and hit the road. Summer 2019 will see Queen members once again team up with who they feel most resembles Mercury today, former American Idol star, Adam Lambert. The pairing will take “The Rhapsody Tour,” to over twenty cities, including one stop in New York on Aug. 6 at Madison square Garden. The tour kicks off July 10 in Vancouver.

    Fans planning on attending the tour can guarantee to hear a set list of Queen hits and a new unique stage show that will have Queen written all over it.

    Guitarist Brian May and current frontman Adam Lambert had commented on the upcoming “The Rhapsody Tour.”

    Queen Rhapsody TourMay stated: “This is great opportunity. Our last tour featured our most ambitious production ever, and got us our best notices ever. So we decided to rip it apart and get even more ambitious! Watch out, America!”

    Lambert added: “The show is set to expand the parameters of what a live music experience can be. To be their most spectacular yet, an innovative and interactive celebration of the continued power of Queen’s music. We have been designing a brand new visual spectacle that will reframe these iconic songs and we are excited to unveil it!”

    Tickets go on sale to the general public on Dec. 7, 2018 at 10 am.

    Queen + Adam Lambert “The Rhapsody Tour” Dates:

    July 10 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, British Columbia
    July 12 – Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
    July 14 – SAP Center – San Jose, CA
    July 16 – Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix, AZ
    July 19 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
    July 23 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
    July 24 – Toyota Center – Houston, TX
    July 27 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
    July 28 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, Ontario
    July 30 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC
    July 31 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
    Aug. 3 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
    Aug. 4 – Xfinity Center – Boston, MA
    Aug. 6 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
    Aug.09 – United Center – Chicago, IL
    Aug. 10 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, Il
    Aug. 13 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
    Aug. 15 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
    Aug. 17 – BB&T Center – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Aug. 18 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
    Aug. 20 – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA
    Aug. 22 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA
    Aug.  23 – Spectrum Center NC

  • Sonic Temple Begins Where Rock on the Range Left Off

    Sonic Temple, the new art and music festival that has replaced one of rock, and metal’s biggest annual festivals in Rock on the Range in 2019, has announced the weekend lineup for their inaugural event May 17-19, 2019 in Columbus, OH.

    Since it’s debut in 2007, Rock on the Range’s fan base grew bigger with each passing year, along with the star studded headliners and supporting bands that helped make the festival feel special and unique every year. Sonic Temple continues that trend.

    Foo Fighters, Disturbed, and System of a Down are the scheduled headliners for each night of the festival.

    Also included in the three day lineup are Bring Me the Horizon, The Prodigy, Ghost, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Chevelle, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Cult, In This Moment, Gojira, Meshuggah, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, Black Label Society, Beartooth, Avatar, Pussy Riot, Bad Wolves, Fever 333, Badflower, the Glorious Sons, Issues, Yungblud, H09909, the Black Dahlia Murder, Don Broco, Wage War, Hands Like Houses, While She Sleeps, Palaye Royale and several more.

    Andrew Dice Clay, Henry Rollins, and Pauly Shore will headline the Sirius/XM Comedy and Spoken Word Tent.

    Rock on the Range co-founder, Danny Wimmer, and his promotion/production company Danny Wimmer Presents, have now turned their attention to Sonic Temple. Wimmer stated:

    I am so proud of what we accomplished with Rock on the Range, and with the debut of Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, we’re excited to bring our devoted rock fans and the city of Columbus a one-of-a-kind, world-class event that expands on the festival experience. The idea behind Sonic Temple is walking into something bigger than yourself, where YOU belong, or where you were always meant to be. The crowd is unparalleled, and the energy is electrifying, like going to a place of worship. We want this festival to be a temple of rock n’ roll. We want this to be the ultimate rock experience for the true fans who love the genre as much as we do.

    Tickets go on sale to the general public Nov. 30. Packages include Weekend VIP: $379.50 plus fees, Pillar Premium VIP Package: $1,949.50 plus fees (accommodations for 2), Weekend Field General Admission: $199.50 plus fees, Weekend Stadium General Admission: $99.50 plus fees, and RV Camping: $250.

    Sonic Temple Online: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

  • Kiss offers one last kiss to fans

    Joining the ever growing line of farewell rock tours, legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Kiss, have decided to throw their hats, or in their case, boots on the shelf but not before one more long kiss goodbye to fans around the world.

    Kiss

    Kiss has announced over 40 shows for the first leg of their “The End of the Road Farewell Tour,” which is expected to span over three years time. Several rumors have circulated about what lineup would take part in one final ride into the sunset. Gene Simmons in a recent interview wouldn’t confirm, or deny if any of the remaining past Kiss members would join the current lineup. Simmons would only state that it has been discussed. Paul Stanley then noted that this tour is a celebration of Kiss, and not any individual lineup or member.

    The Farewell Tour will make two stops in the Empire State during the first run of tour dates; March 22 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale and March 27 at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Tickets go on sale Nov. 2, at 10 a.m.

    Kiss formed in New York City in 1973. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful recording artists of all time.

    Kiss – “The End of the Road Farewell Tour” Dates:

    Jan. 31 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC Canada
    Feb. 1 – Rose Garden Moda Center – Portland, OR
    Feb. 2 – Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
    Feb. 4 – Spokane Arena – Spokane, WA
    Feb. 7 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA
    Feb. 8 – Save Mart Center – Fresno, CA
    Feb. 9 – Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
    Feb. 12 – Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
    Feb. 13 – Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ
    Feb. 15 – T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
    Feb. 16 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
    Feb. 19 – American Bank Christi, TX
    Feb. 20 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
    Feb. 22 – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA
    Feb. 23 – FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
    Feb. 26 – Chesapeake – Oklahoma City, OK
    Feb. 27 – Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
    Mar. 1 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
    Mar. 2 – United Center – Chicago, IL
    Mar. 4 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
    Mar. 6 – Denny Sanford Premier Center -, Sioux Falls, SD
    Mar. 7 – CenturyLink Center – Omaha, NE
    Mar. 9 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
    Mar. 10 – TaxSlayer Center – Moline, IL
    Mar. 12 – KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
    Mar. 13 – Lible Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
    Mar. 16 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Oh
    Mar. 17 – Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland. OH
    Mar. 19 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC Canada
    Mar. 20 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON Canada
    Mar. 22 – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Uniondale, NY
    Mar. 23 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
    Mar. 26 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
    Mar. 27 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
    Mar. 29 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
    Mar. 30 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
    Apr. 2 – Videotron Centre – Quebec City, QC
    Apr. 3 – Canadian Tire Centre – Ottawa, ON
    Apr. 6 – PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC
    Apr. 7 – Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA
    Apr. 9 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
    Apr. 11 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
    Apr. 12 – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena – Jacksonville, FL
    Apr. 13 – BJCC – Birmingham, AL

    Kiss – Facebook | Twitter

  • Disturbed Finishes Recording New Album

    Heavy metal legends, Disturbed, have announced that the band has completed their seventh yet-to-be-named studio album.

    On the bands upcoming album, Disturbed ventured off into several different styles of music. The band is leaning on their fanbase, the “Disturbed1’s,” to vote in an online poll, what kind of single the band should release first, heavy, or ballad.

    Disturbed stated: “The new record is done! The new album includes many styles of music. Since our last album and the recent footage from the studio, we’ve seen a lot of discussion about the evolution of our new music. Disturbed Ones, we have decided to embrace the debate. For our next single — what kind of sound do you want it to be?”

    Blabbermouth reports that in a recent behind-the-scenes video of the band, frontman David Draiman stated about the upcoming album: “You fight for the strength of your creation, you fight to make the greatest thing you possibly can, and it’s worth every minute, it’s worth every bit of sweat, it’s worth every tear. So that’s what we live for. Every time we put out a piece of art, it continues to define who we are. What could possibly be more important than that and require more of your focus and your time and your energy.”

    In a past interview with The Pulse of Radio, guitarist Dan Donegan talked about the band being totally prepared and on the same page before entering the studio: “I mean, we definitely go in there very prepared. We never enter the studio unless we feel like, right now, if these are the songs we record, that we would have an album that we’re proud of and we’re excited about. And we put everything under the microscope and examine it the best we can to make sure that we’re prepared. We don’t like going in there wasting time. We go in there to work, and to try to make the best album we can.”

  • M. Shadows Suffers Vocal Injury, A7X Summer Tour Canceled

    Avenged Sevenfold frontman, M Shadows, posted on the band’s social media pages that he has come down with a serious vocal cord injury, forcing him and his band to cancel their upcoming “End of the World” tour featuring Prophets of Rage, Three Days Grace, and HO99O9.

    M. Shadows

    It seems after the band returned from their run in Europe, Shadows suffered from a viral infection that left him voiceless. Swelling in his throat made it difficult for the doctors to see what exactly was wrong with Shadows. After some voice rest and steroids, the swelling went down and doctors discovered a blood blister on Shadows vocal cords making them unable to vibrate properly.

    Feeling horrible about having to cancel the tour, M Shadows apologized to fans in the statement he posted on social media:

    There is no good way to start out a note containing bad news but here it is.

    After Europe I came down with a terrible viral infection that rendered me voiceless.

    I tried my best to take care of the situation with voice rest, medication and doctor visits but my voice was only getting worse.

    After a week of steroids the swelling went down enough to see the cause of the problem. A blood blister has formed on my vocal folds and is preventing them from vibrating properly. In short, I can’t sing anything at the moment and the more I attempt to the more damage is being done. Luckily, as of now the doctors feel that 3 months of no singing and voice rest should get my chords back on track.

    Unfortunately, this means we will have to cancel all tour dates at the moment.

    Decisions like this weigh on me very heavily. It’s a tour I was looking forward to very much. I want to apologize to the fans who have spent their time and money booking travel arrangements and accommodations. I also want to apologize to our crew and the other bands who were depending on this tour.
    None of these things are lost on me.

    Just know that I have exhausted every possible solution in trying to get out there and perform for you. It just simply can’t happen at the moment.

    We have a few things coming down the pipe soon that should be fun so we hope you look out for those.
    Again, I am deeply sorry and hope to see you all soon.

    In silence,
    M