Ann Wilson, the iconic voice of Heart, is set to release a new album titled ‘Another Door’ with her band, Tripsitter. This exciting album drops on 13th October 2023, with a vinyl release coming on 24th November. Remarkably, this is the first time since the ’70s that Ann has collaborated on an entire album with her band.

In a significant highlight of her illustrious five-decade career, Ann penned the lyrics for all the songs on this album, marking a personal first.

The talented lineup accompanying Ann on ‘Another Door’ includes Tony Lucido on bass, Ryan Wariner on guitars, Sean T Lane on drums, Paul Moak with guitars and keyboards, and Tom Bukovac contributing his guitar skills.

Fans got a sneak peek when Ann Wilson & Tripsitter unveiled the lyric video for their lead single, ‘This Is Now.’

Sharing her enthusiasm for the album, Ann stated, “It’s a rejuvenating phase in my artistic journey. Every moment reminds me of my profound love for music!”

News has it that UK fans can anticipate tour dates in 2024 in connection to ‘Another Door.’ While Ann had plans for UK concerts in July 2020, the pandemic caused a change of plans. However, she did grace the stage at Wacken Open Air last summer, treating fans to tunes from ‘Another Door’ and timeless Heart hits.

The distinct album artwork for ‘Another Door’ comes courtesy of StormStudio, continuing the legacy of the late Storm Thorgerson.

On another note, Dolly Parton recently gave a nod to Heart’s song ‘Magic Man’ with a cover featuring Ann. This duet will appear on Parton’s upcoming ‘Rockstar’ album. Parton shared her excitement, saying, “Collaborating with Ann on ‘Magic Man’ was a dream. We even added our own twist to the original. I truly believe it turned out magical!”

‘Another Door’ track-listing:

1. Tripsitter
2. This Is Now
3. Rain of Hell
4. Stranger in a Strange Land
5. Waiting for Magic
6. Ruler of the Night
7. Still
8. Rusty Robots
9. What If
10. Little Things
11. Miss One and Only

Bohemian Rhapsody, the Queen biopic released in October 2018, once held the record as the top-grossing movie biopic, earning a whopping $910.8 million globally on a $50 million budget.

This film, shedding light on Freddie Mercury and Queen’s journey up to their iconic Live Aid performance in 1986, no longer holds its champion title.

Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, Oppenheimer, released in July, has now clinched the top spot with its global earnings of $912.7 million. Centered around J. Robert Oppenheimer, often called the “father of the atomic bomb”, the film boasts a star-studded cast, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh. Beyond its biopic success, Oppenheimer also reigns as the highest-earning World War Two movie.

2023’s film charts see Oppenheimer positioned third, trailing behind the popular Barbie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While Bohemian Rhapsody lost its top-grossing status, it’s worth noting the film bagged various accolades. It earned four Oscars, two BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes.

Reflecting on the movie’s success and a potential sequel, Brian May of Queen remarked, “We’d love to make a sequel.” But he also highlighted the challenges, saying, “It took us 12 years to find the right script for the first one… We don’t want to release something unless we’re confident it will resonate as the original did.”

Geddy Lee, the iconic frontman and instrumentalist from Rush, is embarking on a UK spoken word tour this December.

The renowned Canadian rock musician is set to launch his ‘Geddy Lee In Conversation’ tour after the release of his much-anticipated autobiography, ‘My Effin’ Life,’ by HarperCollins on 14th November.

The tour begins at Wolverhampton’s Civic at The Halls on Sunday, 10th December. Following that, he’ll journey to Sheffield, Glasgow, and Portsmouth, concluding his tour at the London Barbican on Monday, 18th December.

Starting 10am on Friday, 29th September, fans can grab their tickets from Rush’s official website. As a bonus, each ticket bought in the UK comes with a copy of his autobiography, courtesy of tour collaborator Waterstones.

The book tour offers fans a unique evening with Geddy Lee. Attendees will get a deep dive into his life, from touching personal reflections to insights into the legendary journey of Rush, and his profound relationships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. Alongside a special guest interviewer, Lee will read snippets from ‘My Effin’ Life’ and discuss stories from his rich musical journey. Fans will also have an exclusive Q&A opportunity, allowing them to engage directly with Lee.

Reflecting on his memoir, Lee remarked, “Crafting this memoir involved a deep dive into my past. I’ve always been a forward-thinker, so this was a new experience for me. The continuous journey with the band felt eternal, always moving towards our next venture. Yet, navigating the music world without my bandmates requires a different kind of determination. I hope this book provides a bridge back to my true passion.”

Geddy Lee’s UK tour dates:

Wolverhampton The Civic at The Halls – Sun 10th

Sheffield City Hall – Wed 13th

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – Thu 14th

Portsmouth Guildhall – Sun 17th

London Barbican – Mon 18th

Starting his journey with The Byrds, David Crosby carved a name for himself in the realm of music, engaging in myriad partnerships along the way. Some of his significant alliances were with iconic singer-songwriters like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and notably Bob Dylan, who gifted The Byrds their chart-topping hit, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’.

But the alliance that stood the test of time was with Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Their musical relationship spanned over five decades, though not without its fair share of internal disputes. Yet, Nash hints that he and Crosby were mending bridges prior to Crosby’s unfortunate passing in January 2023.

While folk rock was Crosby’s signature genre, his musical preferences were vast. A dive into his music library would reveal an eclectic mix: predominantly folk and singer-songwriter tracks, with significant servings of jazz and classical melodies.

In a 2021 chat with SPIN, Crosby reflected on his broad musical palette, “Most of what I listen to are singer-songwriters.

But jazz, folk, world music, and classical have a special place too.” He went on to share his skepticism towards genres and labels, opining, “Such categorizations often mislead more than inform. People want convenient tags, so they don’t need to delve deeper. I believe such labels prevent genuine appreciation.”

In that very dialogue, Crosby couldn’t help but express his admiration for jazz-fusion giants, Steely Dan. He was in awe of their 1977 album, Aja, remarking, “Exceptional lyrics, unparalleled production, breathtaking vocals, and of course, the songs themselves are unmatched.” His admiration was no less for Steely Dan’s 1980 creation, Gaucho: “In terms of writing, it’s unmatched, even today.”

Yet, alongside his appreciation for Steely Dan, Crosby also held the jazz-centric fusion band Weather Report in high regard. He singled out their album, Heavy Weather, describing it as the zenith of jazz. “It’s among the finest jazz creations,” he proclaimed.

Robert Plant’s vocal style is a distinctive tapestry woven from diverse musical threads. As the voice of Led Zeppelin, he melded the soaring screams akin to Little Richard with the raw blues of Muddy Waters. This mix not only defined Led Zeppelin’s sound but also charted a course for future rock vocalists.

Led Zeppelin, while rooted in the blues, showcased Plant’s wide-ranging musical influences. From folk to psychedelic pop, he was always absorbing new sounds, be it from contemporary charts or dusty vinyl records of past eras. One particular voice that struck him deeply was described by Plant as simply “insane”.

Blues legends played a pivotal role in shaping Plant’s voice. Among them, Howlin’ Wolf, with his raspy, commanding voice, left an indelible mark. Plant was even fortunate enough to see a young Wolf perform in England, describing the experience as transformative.

The song ‘Forty-Four’ by Wolf was one that Plant held in high regard, recalling its complex rhythms and Wolf’s own tours alongside other blues greats like Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson.

But Plant’s influences didn’t stop at the blues. R&B and soul were also instrumental in shaping his sound. Artists like Betty Harris resonated deeply with him. He fondly remembered Harris’s unique voice and how it, alongside other greats from New Orleans, contributed to his ever-evolving vocal identity. Surprisingly, shortly after producing what Plant deemed a contemporary sound, Harris stepped away from singing.

Another cornerstone of Robert Plant’s musical admiration was Elvis Presley. While Presley himself was a mosaic of influences, for Plant, he was a primary musical love. From covering Presley’s hits to drawing inspiration for his own vocalizations, Plant’s connection to the rock ‘n’ roll legend was undeniable. Recounting his childhood, Plant spoke of emulating Elvis, seeking to capture that magic and energy.

In essence, Robert Plant’s vocals are a rich blend of his diverse musical loves, each contributing to the iconic voice that rocked the world.

From the time Black Sabbath emerged, Ozzy Osbourne solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in the heavy metal genre. Despite often branding themselves as a hard rock ensemble during live performances, the haunting tunes from Tony Iommi’s guitar, coupled with Osbourne’s eerie voice, deeply influenced bands drawn to rock’s edgier, darker facets. Later, Osbourne aspired to be a part of a prominent modern metal band.

However, as Black Sabbath’s era waned, Osbourne’s alignment with the group seemed misaligned. His addiction to cocaine sometimes relegated him to the background during live performances, often leaving Iommi as the center of attention.

Post his exit from Sabbath in the early ’80s, Osbourne underwent a meteoric rise in the metal arena, collaborating with Randy Rhoads to produce iconic tracks such as ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Mr. Crowley’. Rhoads’s untimely death was a setback, but Osbourne persisted, releasing powerful albums like Bark at the Moon and No More Tears.

Given the massive fanbase he amassed, a single concert seemed insufficient. With the guidance of his spouse and manager, Sharon, the inception of Ozzfest took place, spotlighting the next generation of hard rock and metal sensations.

An early notable entrant to this festival was Slipknot, known for their innovative sound and their eerie masked appearance. Corey Taylor’s dynamic vocal range, shifting effortlessly from guttural screams to melodic tones in tracks like ‘Wait and Bleed’ and ‘Spit It Out’, set them apart.

During their initial days, Taylor recalled the warmth and enthusiasm Osbourne extended to them. With their extensive nine-member lineup, Osbourne jestingly expressed his desire to join them on stage. Taylor reminisced in a conversation with Loudwire, recounting Osbourne’s words: ‘Slipknot! I’d love to be the tenth member.’

Yet, as the group’s popularity surged post-Ozzfest, Taylor commented on their burgeoning reputation, stating that following their next tour, audiences would often leave after Slipknot’s act, making it challenging for subsequent acts to perform.

Slipknot’s trajectory further soared with their second album, Iowa, placing them among metal’s elite. They even established their festival, Knotfest, in the subsequent decade. From their modest start, Slipknot reached a stature where they rivaled even The Prince of Darkness himself.

From a tender age, the sounds of rock, folk, and doo-wop set the stage for the legendary Stevie Nicks we all adore today. Growing up in a music-loving home, Stevie’s musical spark was ignited and nurtured early on.

Stevie Nicks’ name carries weight in rock history, making her reflections on her musical inspirations all the more profound. Peeling back the layers to uncover the artists and moments that shaped her journey offers a captivating glimpse into the genesis of this rock icon.

One such influence is folk-rock sensation Jackson Browne, especially his songwriting finesse and memorable melodies. His track, ‘That Girl Could Sing’, struck a particular chord with Nicks. She humorously wished the song was about her, imagining herself as its muse. “I’ve always hoped he had me in mind when he penned that track, especially lines like ‘She was a friend to me when I needed one’,” Stevie mused, emphasizing the power of Browne’s lyrics.

Nicks also holds affection for Browne’s ‘Somebody’s Baby’, co-written with Danny Kortchmar for the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. In reflecting on Browne’s overarching impact, she credits him for teaching her the art of penning love songs. Yet, her lyrical inspirations stretch even further, with the poetic brilliance of Joni Mitchell standing out. Nicks admires Mitchell’s unparalleled knack for weaving an abundance of words into a single line without it feeling forced.

Equally inspiring to Nicks are iconic women in music like the enigmatic Kate Bush and her classic, ‘Running Up That Hill’. “Upon hearing it, I immediately thought, ‘I want to cover this’,” shared Nicks. She continued, “As artists, we sometimes hear a song and feel compelled to put our spin on it. But sometimes, realization strikes: ‘I can’t possibly outdo the original’. With Kate Bush, that’s often the case.”

Keith Richards, the iconic Rolling Stones guitarist, recently voiced his reservations about rap music, expressing that he’s not a fan of being “shouted at.”

Now 79, the celebrated musician didn’t hold back on his thoughts about today’s pop music either, labeling it as “unimpressive.”

These candid revelations were shared during Richards’s interview with The Telegraph, leading up to the debut of the Rolling Stones’ anticipated album, “Hackney Diamonds.”

Richards conveyed his eclectic taste, encompassing genres like blues, jazz, and classical. However, he’s not too keen on the modern pop charts. He mentioned, “I’m not here to bash pop music, but its essence has always been to be simplistic. Its repetitive nature lacks genuine emotion for me.”

Emphasizing his preference for authentic instruments, he remarked, “True music comes from actual instruments, not the synthetic elevator-type tunes that have become mainstream.”

Richards didn’t spare rap either, sharing, “Rap feels like someone loudly asserting their opinions. I don’t need that at home, let alone in music.”

Earlier this month in Hackney, Richards, joined by Mick Jagger, 80, and Ronnie Wood, 76, unveiled the impending release of “Hackney Diamonds.”

During this announcement, they fondly remembered their drummer, Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021. Richards poignantly noted, “The void left by Charlie is palpable. However, through Charlie, we found [new drummer] Steve Jordan. Having Steve on board, especially with Charlie’s endorsement, made the transition smoother.”

Two songs on the upcoming album feature Watts’s signature drumming. This album is special as it marks the band’s first set of original songs in nearly two decades.

The audience at the unveiling also got a sneak peek at the video for the band’s new single, “Angry,” which boasts a performance by “Euphoria” star, Sydney Sweeney.

The album is expected to be star-studded, with appearances by the likes of Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney (rumored to play the bass), and Stevie Wonder.

Corey Taylor recently spoke with Kerrang! Radio, addressing various queries on fandom, music creation, and bizarre tales circulating about him. Among these tales, there was an intriguing whisper involving the legendary Dolly Parton.

The whisper circulating was that Taylor was to collaborate with Parton on her new rock-inspired album titled ‘Rockstar.’ Taylor unveiled the truth behind the buzz:

“To be candid, I’ve been rumored to have met my demise four times. I’m not sure how any story can surpass that! When talk of Dolly’s rock album surfaced, my name mysteriously became linked. Intriguing as that collaboration might have been, there was never any ring on my phone. Not once.”

However, Dolly did reach out to another rock sensation, and Taylor expressed excitement over it, saying:

“Interestingly, Rob Halford is now onboard with her. There are a myriad of tales about me floating around, and while a handful might have a kernel of truth, I’ll neither confirm nor debunk them.”

The initial source of the whisper was Madhouse Magazine, which proudly labels itself as the pinnacle of rock ‘n’ roll comedy journalism. It’s evident that they lean into satire, given their headline, ‘Dolly Parton To Team Up With Metal Giants Slipknot.’ This, naturally, led to a whirlwind of confusion amongst the fanbases.

Although Corey Taylor has set the record straight, Dolly Parton’s take on this curious tale remains a mystery as she hasn’t issued any official response.

Whitesnake’s lead vocalist David Coverdale teamed up with Led Zeppelin’s iconic guitarist Jimmy Page in 1993 to craft a joint album. In a recent chat with UCR, Coverdale reminisced about their inaugural ‘Coverdale Page’ record and their deliberations on potential bassists back then. He mentioned:

“Jimmy and I had discussions about potentially bringing on board talents like Chris Squire and the Ox [John Entwistle]. Both were on our radar for the Coverdale-Page venture. Sadly, for various reasons, it didn’t pan out. Yet, the sheer genius of Chris and the Ox was undeniable.”

While Chris and John didn’t become a part of that journey, David holds onto the hope of introducing a box set with previously unheard tracks, possibly with Page’s collaboration. He expressed:

“I’m uncertain about the best person to handle such an undertaking. But I genuinely wish that Jimmy, who might have explored the entirety of the Led Zeppelin archive by now, would be passionate about this. We had a few gems like ‘Saccharin’ that never made it to the album. It’s truly a standout track.”

As enthusiasts anticipate this potential Coverdale and Page offering, Whitesnake is set to release an enhanced version of their 2015 ‘The Purple Album’ to celebrate Coverdale’s memorable three-year stint with Deep Purple.

‘The Purple Album: Special Gold Edition’ is slated for release on October 13th, showcasing a refined version of the original work alongside some never-before-heard pieces, including the 1972 four-track demo that paved the way for Coverdale’s initial association with the band.