Alice Cooper has announced that guitarist Orianthi will replace Damon Johnson in his touring band for the next leg of the No More Mr. Nice Guy world tour. The guitarist, 26, already has a huge resume, playing for Michael Jackson, Steve Vai, Carrie Underwood and Carlos Santana.
"It's very difficult to find someone to match the talents of Damon Johnson," commented Cooper, "but not only did we find someone who is more than up to the challenge…she also looks WAY better."
Jack Douglas, who is producing the new Aerosmith album, posted an on-line message giving a clue on the release date. "The new album should be out around May 2012. I know that’s a long wait, but after the South American tour and Japan in October, November and December, we will just get back to work on it in mid-January.
"For those who are asking, this album will be raw, nasty, tough rock with a good deal of the old Aerosmith tongue in cheek."
Rush is moving from Atlantic to Roadrunner Records in a deal that has been years in the making. The label says that there will be a live album from the band's Time Machine Tour followed by their long delayed studio album, tentatively titled Clockwork Angles, in 2012.
Roadrunner records chairman Cees Wessels said "In another life I worked with Rush and their great management team more than 30 years ago and to have Rush finally on the Roadrunner label is a dream come true."
Otis Redding will be honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum beginning on September 9, which would have been his 70th birthday, with a special exhibit of more than twenty artifacts including a promo poster for his original version of Respect, master tapes and clothing. There will also be a screening of the movie Dreams to Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding on September 7.
In addition, his widow, Zelma Redding, will donate a portion of his letters and papers to the hall's new Library and Archives.
In other Rock Hall news, a series of lectures will be streaming live at rockhall.net over the coming months. The schedule:
Wednesday, September 28 (7 PM) - Rock & Roll Night School - The Million Dollar Quartet
Wednesday, October 12 (7 PM) - Rock & Roll Night School - Women Who Rock: Women Rock the 1960's
Monday, October 31 (7 PM) - Rock & Roll Night School - Women Who Rock: American Music Masters
Wednesday, December 7 (7 PM) - Rock & Roll Night School - Women Who Rock: Women Rock Fashion
Elvis Presley Enterprises is suing Arista Music, formerly RCA Records, of Germany, alleging that a 1973 agreement between the singer and the company does not properly accommodate new media such as ringtones, downloads and applications.
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