Heaven And Hell Thanks Fans

HEAVEN AND HELL have just wrapped up their European tour. The trek featured a special performance at the historic Wembley Arena in London on November 10th.

The band check in with the following message: "Last night Heaven and Hell completed the 98th gig of their 2007 tour. The band would like to thank you all, where ever you may be in the world for your continued support.

Heaven And Hell will see you all again soon."

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Heaven And Hell Drummer Confirms New Album

Special report by Deb Rao

HEAVEN AND HELL are currently on a European tour that is slated to run until November 18th. One of the most anticipated shows on the tour will include a special performance at the historic Wembley Arena in London tomorrow (November 10th).

During the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards Ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London, England, on November 5th, Heaven And Hell received best comeback of the year, and a special award was given to Heaven And Hell guitarist Tony Iommi as Metal Guru of the year.

For over twenty-five years, Vinny Appice has been known as one of the most respected and sought after drummers in hard rock today. Vinny has performed with such legendary bands as DIO and BLACK SABBATH. In this very special Heaven and Hell European Tour interview, Appice gives BW&BK an update of the highlights of the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards, the upcoming Wembley Arena show, Heaven And Hell's recent US Gold Award for selling in excess of over 50,000 copies of the Heaven and Hell - Live At Radio City Music Hall DVD.

Deb Rao: Congratulations on Heaven and Hell's Classic Rock Roll Of Honor Award for best comeback of the year. The Award Ceremony took place at the Landmark Hotel in London, England on November 5th. What did it mean to you, as a member of Heaven And Hell to receive this Historic award?
Appice: "Well it's cool to receive any award and it’s always nice to know people are listening."

Rao: What were some of the highlights that transpired at the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards?
Appice: "It is like a big party. I haven't seen a lot of these friends in years so that was very cool. It definitely was a whose who of rock. This was a room full of musical legends. The highlight I would say was seeing Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page hanging out together and having a laugh!"

Rao: I understand that Tony Iommi also received an award for Metal Guru?
Appice: "Yes, he is the Metal Guru, good choice."

Rao: Heaven and Hell is currently on tour in the UK. How is the tour going so far? How does it feel to be performing in Europe with Black Sabbath's historic roots in the area?
Appice: "The tour is going well. I really enjoy playing the UK being there are so many roots of rock here. So many things I listened to as a kid growing up came from here. It's always been special, playing there."

Rao: Heaven and Hell will be performing at London's Wembley Arena on November 10th. Are you looking forward to this historic event?
Appice: "No…kidding. I can't believe they let me in there. Of course, I am. This is a legendary place with so many famous artists performing there over the years. Yes, can't wait."

Rao: How do European metal audiences compare with American audiences?
Appice: "They have accents and use different currency and they have better beer."

Rao: The U.S. Heaven and Hell tour recently wrapped up with Alice Cooper and Queensryche. What were some of the highlights of this tour? All three bands are legendary. What was it like to be on such am amazing bill?
Appice: "It was great to have them on the show and it made it an evening of great music and just a fantastic show. It was like 3 headliners on one bill. Too many highlights for this interview but it was fun going to the movies to see Halloween with ALICE COOPER."

Rao: At Heaven and Hell's show in Los Angeles, the band also received onstage a Gold Award for Live At Radio City Music Hall. Where the DVD has sold in excess more than 50,000 copies. What was it like to receive this award?
Appice: "It didn't come with a nail to hang on the wall! Very cool to know that many people bought it and are watching you this very minute. My thanks go out to Rhino Records who worked their butt off and all the fans that supported us and made this be successful."

Rao: Heaven and Hell recently performed at four shows in Japan, and one show in Singapore. What did you most enjoy about visiting Japan?
Appice: "It's not the food. I can't use chopsticks either so I would say it was the fans, they rocked! The bullet train is pretty cool too."

Rao: The response of the return of Heaven and Hell has been overwhelming. Are there any plans to record a new album in 2008? The demand is certainly there.
Appice: "Yes, new album coming in 2008."

Rao: What are your touring plans after the UK Heaven and Hell wraps up on November 18th?
Appice: "Chill out a bit and then continue working with my band 3 LEGGED DOGG."

Rao: Any plans to go into the studio with your other project Three Legged Dogg?
Appice: "Yes in 08, we plan to record a new CD for a new label."

Rao: Vinny, what has your most memorable moment been in 2007?
Appice: "It's just been a very special and memorable year altogether. I will remember it as the year we returned together better than ever and had a great time playing together and seeing all the greatest fans in the world again!"

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Iced Earth Drummer Posts Tour Report

ICED EARTH drummer Brent Smedley has checked in with the sixth installment of his European tour diary. All of Brent's diary entries can be read at the official Iced Earth website.

"Hello once again for the 6th installment of the road rage report from The Worldwide Wicked Tour Chapter 1: Europe.

After the Scandanavian gigs we traveled back to Hamburg, Germany to play The Markthalle. This venue holds a very special and historic signifigance for the band as it was the very first place for Iced Earth to play in Europe. The band has played there on every tour with the shows always being amazing.This night was no different… the show was absolutely amazing. The band was in top form and the crowd was intense and enthusiastic for every note. There were some record company people and some old friends in attendance as well. All opinions were that the show was totally awesome. The Markthalle is located in a neat area of town, just a short walk from a massive indoor/outdoor train station which I was able to visit.

The next gig was the last show in Germany in the town of Stuttgart. The venue we played is called The Longhorn, a very peculiar place. The walls are adorned with massive paintings in the style of Michelangelo meets Heavy Metal. There is also a small internet cafe area upstairs in the backstage which was most appreciatted by myself and many other members of our touring party. This day held special signifigance for Iced Earth and our crew. Today (October 30, 2007) the bus driver Guido proposed to his girlfriend Ute (who is on tour as well and in training to be a bus driver herself) after soundcheck. He came on stage and asked her to be his wife over the microphone and in front of all of us and Ute’s mother and friend. She came to the stage and gladly accepted a rose and Guido’s hand and of course said YES. Afterwards a champagne toast was shared to celebrate this momentous occasion. We were most honored to be a part of this.

So onto the gig… the crowd was massive and very intot he show and the band played very well once again. Larry Grohman, the creator of the Larry amp, was also in attendance. He brought Jon a newly modified guitar head, as they are working on a Jon Schaffer signature model which will be available in the near future. The next day we traveled to Paris, France to play a show at The Elysee Montmarte. Happy Halloween! This is somewhat of a pain in the ass gig for the crew as it is a “drop and go” gig, which means when we arrive after the equipment is unloaded (as fast as possible) the bus must leave and not return until we are ready to depart. The traffic in Paris is horrible and that is the reason for this situation. This was a rather large venue and we were blessed/cursed with some of the smallest dressing rooms on the tour complete with a broken toilet and a shower which leaked through the wall (a first for the tour).

We did a photo shoot right before we hit the stage. The crowd here was absolutely phenomenal. This venue was in a very vibrant part of town with all kinds of shops and stores lining the roads.The next show was in Tilburg, Holland at a place simply called 013. This was an extremely nice venue with spacious dressing rooms, great catering, and even a free foosball table in the backstage area. This was definitely one of the best crowds on the tour so far. It was a massive hall and was packed to the back and on all the balconies. This show was another great one for the band.

I must say that the people in Holland are some of the nicest in Europe. We were able to visit with some of them after the show and were thankful for their hospitality. There were some nice statues and a gothic cathedral within walking distance of the club, I was very grateful for the chance to get some pictures of these things as well of some great shots of the crowd. The show was another absolutely amazing one with the crowd simply eating up every note and begging for more.

The next night we played the final show of the headlining portion of the tour in Antwerp, Belgium. It was another packed house, a great way to finish this portion of the tour. The band played exceptionally well. The crowd was amazing also. I dedicated my performance to my father (Jack Richard Smedley) who passed away on this day November 2 in the year 1975. It was like I could feel his presence watching over me during the show - several times I felt chills running down my spine. It was sad to part ways with the opening bands – Turisas and Annihalator and their crews as well. We had a couple of departures as well; Udo the physical therapist, stony the Merchandise guy, and Paul the light man. Best of luck to all of them.

So now it is off to the UK for 11 shows in support of Heaven and Hell and also with Lamb of God. Stay tuned for exciting news and updates from the road… the tour should proveto have a monumental finish. I am happy to say that Jon’s ribs have pretty much healed and the bronchitishe has been battling with seems tobe on the mend as well.

METAL LIVES - Brent."

Iced Earth is currently on tour in support of HEAVEN AND HELL in the UK. Remaining dates include:

November:
9 - Manchester, England - Evening News Arena
10 - London, England - Wembley Arena
11 - Brighton, England - Centre
13 - Birmingham, England - NEC
14 - Cardiff, England - International Arena
15 - Nottingham, England - Arena
17 - Plymouth, England - Pavilions
18 - Bournemouth, England - BIC

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Dio Apologizes To Def Leppard

Komodo Rock recently conducted an interview with legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, HEAVEN AND HELL). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Komodo Rock: So with it having gone gold there has been talk of maybe a new studio album from HEAVEN AND HELL next year. Is that something that could happen?

Dio: Yes, we have decided to do that. When it would be, I couldn't tell you. This is the last part of the tour after about 9 months on the road. It's time for us to take a little breather. When the time is right we will get together and start writing for the next album, but as far as the release date goes it will probably be later next year.

Komodo Rock: Does that mean that you won't be going back to the solo DIO stuff for a while then?

Dio: I will. I plan on doing some touring around March or April. Sometime like that. I want to keep a hand in on that one. I love this band that I play with as well, and it's another career, another career with a lot of great music as well. You will see that a lot in the shows that we do play. When people ask if we are going to be doing any DIO material. That's always a nice compliment. But of course we don't. It would be wrong to do that. It's nice to know though that people don't forget and it's something that they want to hear again so much like we are doing with SABBATH now those songs live forever and they become kinda classics of their own. There is always that path to go down and I will.

Komodo Rock: With touring with DIO, the band, and recording another album next year does that mean there is unlikely to be another HEAVEN AND HELL tour next year?

Dio: I don't know if there will be one next year. It depends on how long it takes us to do what we do. When you do an album you have to tour with it. When it is I don't know but I'm sure we will.

Komodo Rock: So it will be a tour when the album is ready?

Dio: Yeah. When we have that all finished and we can take our time and do a proper job of it then touring will certainly be in the offing.

Komodo Rock: Taking time and getting things just right is obviously important to you?

Dio: Oh, yeah. We are always on top of that anyway. We refuse to play badly in concert and we refuse to put out a bad album as well. What we write will be what makes us happy, and usually what makes us happy is what people want to hear from us. I don't know how much time we will need. Sometimes you can take too much time. You can just wallow around and all of this should be perfect and that should be perfect. You have to have the ability to know when naturalness has to take over because everything isn't perfect, because if it's too perfect then that is what it sounds like. It has no heart. It has no soul. So we know very well how long it will take us and how long it should take us to do it. We are not going to go for the perfectionist, but we do have enough time certainly to give ourselves some choices.

Komodo Rock: You've had press recently regarding Vivian Campbell [referring to a video tape that surfaced of Ronnie telling a fan that he hoped Vivian "fucking dies" and calling Vivian's current group DEF LEPPARD "a fucking rock band for you to fucking have diarrhea with."]. Is that something that you are quite passionate about?

Dio: No, I'm not passionate about it. I think that the lowly vermin that captured that on his cell phone at a moment when you are saying something that perhaps you would never say to the press, or something that you didn't really mean that much, but you know, sometimes situations dictate what you say. And once again that was something that was completely off the record. Apparently I said something bad about the band as well, about DEF LEPPARD, and once again all of things that were said were said in the heat of the moment. No reference to them at all, and I would like to apologize to those guys. I like them. It wasn't fair to them, but as far as Vivian goes, all I can say is check out the source, and then see what that source has been saying and sometimes you reply. Most of the time I have been taking the high road on all of it and I have not said anything on it. I have praised Vivian so much and I think that he deserves praise for as great as he played, but you know that was just a retort to the things that he had said about me first, and once again in an unguarded moment, I feel that I was very unfair, but I said what I said. But I am not passionate about hating him, no. I have better things to do with my life than to think about revenge or being a horrible person. Of course I don't want him to die! What I said was, once again a heat of the moment thing. Those things cannot be explained unless you speak to the source which is me, I guess, like you are doing. So no, I have no passion about that whatsoever.

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Dave Mustaine And Ronnie Dio Talk Life And More

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine and HEAVEN AND HELL's Ronnie James Dio recently told Christopher Toh of TodayOnline.com that they are just two ordinary guys who'd have been a teacher and an author, respectively, if they weren't rockers.

Dio spends time in his studio, where he "can write music and stuff." "I'm also a sports addict. I love watching sports," he says. "I can't sit around with nothing to do. I need to get things done, otherwise I get complacent."

Mustaine likes to spend time with his kids. "I played golf with my son for his high school tournament," he says. "It was his first time and I hadn't played in a long time. It was pretty good! We didn't finish in last place."

On the secret to staying married longer than Britney Spears did:

Dio: "There is no secret. It's all about finding the right person. I'm lucky because my wife is my manager, and she's the most daring and brilliant person I know. I'd be a fool to throw that away. I know she's always going to be my dearest friend. If I'm on a sinking ship and have to choose between two people? I would always save her first."

Mustaine: "Being married to somebody you're attracted to, somebody who's special — they're going to want to be treated special, and they deserve to be treated special."

On whether they get bored:

Dio: "Maybe the travelling bit, like flying long distance. But that's not boring, that's annoying. We're doing what makes us happy, and it should never be boring."

Mustaine: "I'd be lying if I said I don't get bored. Sometimes, when you're waiting to play and you've got a crappy band playing before you, it's like having your hand slammed in the door of a car. So, if I'm playing at a festival and I don't like the bands playing, I walk miles away."

On being raised to be level-headed:

Dio: "My parents brought me up really well — that kept me level-headed even when all the success happened. I never thought myself better than others. I can't fix a car, so I can't be better than a mechanic, right? I have problems like everyone else. It's just I'm very much in control of what I do."

On their life philosophy:

Dio: "Heaven and hell are here (on earth) and you have a choice to take either route. There is no afterlife ... this is my trial time, and I can choose to be evil or an angel."

Mustaine: "I'm a happy guy who has been very blessed. I'm confident, but people mistake it as arrogance. If confidence is arrogance, then I'm f***ing arrogant."

On how long they want to keep on rocking:

Dio: "When I can't give the same level I expect from myself, that's when I won't do this anymore."

Mustaine: "Hopefully, I'll still be doing what I do because I feel I've done it with self-restraint and dignity. But I think other guys should've stopped years ago! I know it's an arrogant thing to say, but why spend your life in a tour bus when you have children? Why not enjoy your legendary stature and go off into the sunset with that legacy?"

If they weren't going to be rockers…:

Mustaine: "I love teaching children. I used to teach martial arts to little kids at a school — but the instructor there was jealous because all the parents were asking me to teach their kids and not him!"

Dio: "I'm writing a book, so if you wanna know the truth about everything, it's going to be in there. It's going to be very funny … I hope! But no telling tales. I'm not going to hang (out) dirty laundry about anyone. If I was going to do that, I'd have a reality TV show."

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Heaven and Hell To Record New Album In 2008

HEAVEN AND HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler, singer Ronnie James Dio, and drummer Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO) — is currently in discussions with various record labels about recording a brand new studio album in 2008, Butler has confirmed to Black-Sabbath.com. More information will be made available soon.

HEAVEN AND HELL played the final show of its U.S. tour with tour with ALICE COOPER and QUEENSRŸCHE on October 6 at the Verizon Wireless in Irvine, California. Before the encore, Indie 103.1's Full Metal Jackie presented the band with gold plaques on stage to honor U.S. sales in excess of 25,000 copies of the group's "Live at Radio City Music Hall" DVD. Vocalist Ronnie James Dio thanked the fans for their support, then dedicated the encore song ("Neon Knights") to veteran KNAC DJ Tawn Mastrey, who died in early October of liver failure brought on by hepatitis C.

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Tony Iommi Discusses Possible Ozzy Reunion Tour

Manchester Evening News has issued the following report from Paul Taylor:

It seems as if one should approach TONY IOMMI with Wayne's World-style deference, muttering "We're not worthy".

After all, this is the man who virtually invented the heavy metal guitar riff, and put the macabre dark side into rock. Guitar anoraks also know him as one of the first to use slippery light strings and as the pioneer of `de-tuning' - slackening the instrument's strings to create the growlier tone young metal bands have since copied.

"'Ello Paul," Iommi chirps, Brummie accent as well-preserved as that of old mucker OZZY OSBOURNE, his manner devoid of any rock star attitude. A few months short of his 60th birthday, Iommi has been a denizen of the dark side of rock for nearly 40 years, but you wouldn't guess it from his chummy banter. Is he ready to serve yet another decade as riffmeister supreme?

"I was asked that question 40 years ago and I probably gave the same answer{hellip} I don't know," says Iommi. "I enjoy playing. I like to be on stage, but the getting there is another thing. I hate the travelling. When you're 20 it's fantastic."

Iommi is back on the road again, not as BLACK SABBATH but as HEAVEN AND HELL, with RONNIE JAMES DIO fronting what is essentially the 1979-82 incarnation of Sabbath. So why not simply call it a Black Sabbath gig?

"If we'd gone out as Black Sabbath, I think people would have expected us to do 'Iron Man', 'Paranoid', all that stuff," says Iommi. "I thought it would be different to go out under another name and play the stuff we'd done with Ronnie."

Dio had been the replacement when Ozzy was first asked to leave Sabbath in the throes of his drink and drug problems.

"It certainly wasn't just Ozzy on his own," Iommi reflects of those torrid times. "But he was probably the worst out of the lot of us. We were all in a little bit of a state at that time."

Sabbath had a string of different singers down the years, while Ozzy forged his own successful solo career. Then in 1997, the original Sabbath line-up reunited and toured sporadically. What chance another Ozzy-fronted tour?

"Everything's a possibility," says Iommi, who lives in Lapworth, Warwickshire. "I talk to Ozzy a lot - once a week. He always stays in touch. I know there's a lot of talk out there about an album, and also a tour. It would be nice - a final tour of Black Sabbath."

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New Game To Feature Metal Legends

According to Gamesarefun.com, Tim Schafer, helmsman of Double Fine Productions, announced his next project recently. Brütal Legend will focus on metal roadie Eddie Riggs and his Tour Of Destruction through a mystical world of rock and roll legend. The game's setting will fuse modern metal and Norse mythology. Brütal Legend already has several big and fitting names behind the voice talent. MOTÖRHEAD founder Lemmy Kilmister, JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Rob Halford, and HEAVEN AND HELL's Ronnie James Dio will all lend their wailing pipes to the game.

November's issue of Game Informer features a cover story on Brütal Legend that reveals interesting details. In the article, Schafer talked about the origins for the game. Way back when he was working on Secret of Monkey Island, Schafer had a friend that lived as a roadie for MEGADETH. His larger than life stories gave birth to the idea, which can now become a full fledged game.

It will be available for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 sometime in 2008. A Brütal Legend trailer can be viewed below: More...

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Iced Earth Make Small Tour Updates

There have been 3 recent changes to the Iced Earth European Fall 2007 tour itinerary. New dates and/or venues for Spain on October 12 and October 13. Also, a date in Paris, France has been added for October 31.

The band also recently confirmed that their very special supporting guests on the European tour will be none other than Annihilator. After that leg of the tour concludes, then it's onto the UK where Iced Earth will support the legendary Heaven and Hell.

Here are the latest Iced Earth tour dates: More...

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Dio Slams Def Leppard Guitarist

eBay Celebrity-Signing has issued footage of legendary vocalist RONNIE JAMES DIO (HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO), recorded following Heaven And Hell's March 30th performance at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

During the session, Dio had words for former Dio bandmate/current DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell, who he refers to as "fucking asshole" and states, "I hope he fuckin' dies".

Check out the footage below...
More...

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Dio To Appear On Alice Coopers Radio Show

Legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO, HEAVEN AND HELL) will be Alice Cooper's special guest on Cooper's radio show "Nights with Alice Cooper" airing Tuesday, October 2. The program is a classic-rock format and is nationally syndicated on the United Stations Radio Networks. Air times differ, so make sure to check out NightsWithAliceCooper.com for more information.

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Heaven And Hell Bassist Talks CD And YouTube

The St. Louis River Front Times recently conducted an interview with legendary heavy metal bassist Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN AND HELL). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Q: The day after the Chicago show on the first leg of the HEAVEN AND HELL tour, there was bootlegged footage up on YouTube. Does that sort of thing bother you, or do you find it flattering that people are so devoted they're sneaking in cameras?

Geezer: (Chuckles) It's just, to me, an incredible phenomenon. I think it's better like that, rather than you know, one guy coming in with a movie camera and doing a bootleg of the whole show. This way, on YouTube, it certainly gets your name out across the whole world. And it's just snippets and stuff, instead of whole shows. So I think it's great.

Q: The guy who put it up said he was in the fifth row, and then other people who were there that night started chiming in with their opinion of the footage, but more about the show. Everybody said it was a great show, and he got a lot of hits. People were rabid to see how you guys were after all these years.

Geezer: Yeah, it's amazing. It is free publicity. And when you're in the entertainment business, that's the greatest thing you can have.

Q: Were you worried about technical problems [during the filming of the "Live at Radio City Music Hall" DVD]?

Geezer: Yeah, we were worried about it – but there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. 'Cause it costs a fortune to have the cameras and everything fly in, I think a lot of them were from the West Coast. And some of them, like the directors, were from Germany. And so it costs a lot of money to set the whole thing up, and with all the gigs we couldn't do a soundcheck, it was that one. We couldn't get the camera angles, we couldn't . . . you know, it was really worrying on the night, because we had to do the monitors while we were playing, the monitor mixes onstage. And it wasn't until the fourth song maybe that the monitors were right for the place. You know, it's always the way with us. When we do a live album, there's always a bomb scare or something! (Laughs).

Q: At least on the album part of it, you can't hear any difficulties.

Geezer: Well, it's just for us, the soundcheck. For all that investment into something, and you're not allowed to do a soundcheck. It's like the basic thing of a gig is doing your soundcheck, to get your sound right. And when you haven't got a chance to get your sound right, or the camera angles, it's panic time. But fortunately, the director had been at a lot of the shows, and we'd done a dummy run-through of the show in L.A. with the director there, so he knew what to expect.

Q: During those first four songs, when the monitors weren't right, did you think, "Oh, it's not going to work out."

Geezer: Oh, yeah. In case you mess the whole thing up. 'Cause I could hear that Ronnie and Tony and Vinny were playing great, and it's sort of, "I hope I'm not the one that's gonna completely ruin this whole thing!" (Laughs). It is a bit of a panic until you settle down. Plus, it's New York, which is always a nerve-wracking place to play.

Q: Still? After all these years of playing out, you still get nerves?

Geezer: Yeah! 'Cause you get all these fanatics who come to see us in places like New York and L.A. They're like "ultrafans."

Q: One of the bass magazines recently went into great detail analyzing your playing style when you play with Ozzy in BLACK SABBATH and Ronnie in HEAVEN AND HELL. Do you think there's that much difference in how you play with the two of them?

Geezer: No, not to me. I just get on with it. (Laughs). It's still me, you know? You'd have to bring in a different bass player to have a different style. You can't possibly change your style just for the same kind of music.

Q: The guy who wrote the article had this theory that because Ronnie wrote lyrics, he had more influence on the melody line.

Geezer: I think the songs are probably more intense (with Ronnie), that's for sure. There's definitely more bass notes in the songs, because the songs are more intense and bit more complicated. There's a lot more chord changes and stuff in the HEAVEN AND HELL line-up. In the original SABBATH, it was like a basic approach to stuff, and we got the ultimate heavy sound. Whereas the Dio era is more melodic, more chord changes, musically more technical.

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Heaven And Hell Drummer: Door Open For New Songs

HEAVEN AND HELL, better known as BLACK SABBATH, capture all of the magic of their spectacular stage show in their first US concert in 15 years in the heart of New York City, with their latest DVD release, Live At Radio City Music Hall. Earlier this year, Heaven And Hell reunited to record three new songs for their The Dio Years compilation. The band kicked off a tour in March of 2007 and chose to film their first US. concert in 15 years at the historic Radio City Music Hall.

The post Ozzy version of Black Sabbath featuring Ronnie James Dio clearly defines why the legendary members of Heaven And Hell - which feature Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice - are extremely seasoned musicians committed to performing with the same standard of excellence that launched the band in 1979.

For any of the Heaven And Hell fans, who had the opportunity to witness the phenomenon of Heaven And Hell live this year, this DVD captures all of the magic of the Heaven And Hell extravagant stage show, but also most important the magic of all four musicians on stage performing classic hits as, 'Mob Rules', 'The Sign Of The Southern Cross' and 'Neon Knights'. The band also performs two new songs, including 'The Devil Cried' featuring an excellent drum solo from Vinny Appice and 'Shadow Of The Wind'.

Other musical highlights of the DVD include a special Tony Iommi guitar solo during 'Die Young'. The haunting performance of 'The Sign Of The Southern Cross', and the devilish effects of 'Heaven And Hell'.

Live At Radio City Music Hall is more than a concert film; it also included a very special Extra feature, which documents the legacy of the band in four special parts.

Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles recently had the chance to sit down and talk with Heaven and Hell drummer Vinny Appice. What follows are some excerpts.

Rao:This is the first concert of the band in fifteen years. How exciting was it to be part of this musical history?
Appice: "Yes, this is the first anything in fifteen years. First tour, first DVD, first CD."

Rao: Tell me a little bit about the production of the DVD. Was it hard to shoot all of the different angles on this tour because it was so theatrical? Also, I heard a lot about the issues regarding the New York City Union.
Appice: "At Radio City there was a lot of confusion because, there was a lot of stuff going on. Because first of all it is New York. You got a lot of friends coming down, and people in the business and you are recording a DVD, so it was really crazy .We had problems doing a sound check because everything ran late. Then, when we did a sound check, we had to stop. We didn't even play one song because the Union Break came up. In New York, the Union Break is like God. So, we had to stop. (Laughter) So it was a little never racking. But, we can only do half a song, and hopefully that was OK for everybody who was doing a little recording and camera work. We would have liked to do more. If we could. So, it was a lot of nerves rattling here and there. But, we thought it came out really, really good. When, we sort of finished product with all of the editing it looks fantastic."

Rao: How did the Union Break affect the process of the filming of the DVD? It must of been kind of nerve racking too?
Appice: "Yes, because it is not only us, it is the guys in the truck recording it. The more we can play, the better they are going to be on getting levels on things. So it wasn't just for us, as a normal show would be. But that is the way it goes."

Rao: Right, plus it was one of the first shows in fifteen years, so you wanted it to be perfect. I guess that is rock and roll.
Appice: "Exactly."

Rao: There is a double CD that comes with the DVD. Is that correct?
Appice: "There is also a CD that they put out too. I guess you can buy, each of these items individually and they are also packaging it together. You get the CD and the DVD. This is all from Rhino, so I am not exactly sure what the package is. You can probably find out all the DVD and CD info on Rhino's website."

Rao: Any plans to maybe record a new studio album?
Appice: "That has been the major question with everybody. Asking that question, and the answer is basically the door is open. We are just going to finish the tour, see what happens afterwards, and take a little time off and see at some point maybe next year, we will do a new record."

Rao: It is pretty interesting that Heaven and Hell is touring with ALICE COOPER. On the recent tour, Heaven And Hell's stage setting was very theatrical. Alice Cooper really started the whole theatrical production in touring that was so popular back in the day. What are your thoughts on the triple bill?
Appice: "I think it is a great bill. Like Ronnie says,” They are not opening acts”. These are three major bands. It is Queensryche and Alice Cooper. They are not opening acts." They are much legendary, yeah no? Alice is going to be doing his thing. I don't know, how much production, he has got. It is going to be a great show. Then, we have production, so it is just like bringing back some of the old stuff. A lot of people haven't seen that. I think it is going to be pretty cool that they haven't seen any shows like this. A lot of shows today, it is just the band playing. There is not a lot of stages stuff, going on. This will be cool, for anyone who has never seen it."

Read the full article at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles.

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Lamb Of God Drummer Comments On UK Support Tour

LAMB OF GOD are teaming up with HEAVEN AND HELL for dates across the UK this November.

Commented drummer Chris Adler: “After our performance at Download Festival this past summer we knew it was important for us to get back to the UK as soon as possible. There is no better way than to join up with the true kings in Heaven And Hell. We are humbled by the opportunity and look forward to putting on an incredible show, every night.“

The final routing for the run is as follows:

November
4 - Newcastle, England at Metro Arena
6 - Glasgow, Scotland at SECC Hall 4
7 - Sheffield, England at Hallam FM Arena
9 - Manchester, England at Evening News Arena
10 - London, England at Wembley Arena
11 - Brighton, England at Brighton Centre
13 - Birmingham, England at NEC
14 - Cardiff, England at International Arena
15 - Nottingham, England at Nottingham Arena
17 - Plymouth, England at Pavilions
18 - Bournemouth, England at BIC

Lamb Of God will provide main support for each concert. The tour is also joined by ICED EARTH.

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Black Sabbath Reunion "Not In Stone" Says Iommi

Billboard.com has issued the following report from Gary Graff:

There's plenty of talk about a BLACK SABBATH reunion for 2008. It's just not coming from the band members themselves. Guitarist Tony Iommi tells Billboard.com that even though "everybody's been talking to me" about the much-reported regrouping, "there's nothing in stone at all. It's very loose, so we'll see what happens."

Sharon Osbourne, original frontman OZZY OSBOURNE's wife and manager, indicated earlier this year that Sabbath would be working together in 2008, and recently confirmed that "we're definitely talking to the guys." She hopes to further the discussions while Ozzy is on the road this fall on his post-Ozzfest tour with ROB ZOMBIE and as Iommi and bassist Terry "Geezer" Butler finish up their HEAVEN AND HELL tour with RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Iommi says he'd like to see any Sabbath reunion involve some new music; the group's original lineup hasn't released a full set of fresh material since 1978's "Never Say Die!," though it did include a couple of new tracks on the 1998 live album "Reunion."

"I've been going on for a few years now saying I think we should've done an album a long time ago," Iommi explains. "It would be nice to do one, but, again, it's having the time to do it. I haven't written an album with Ozzy for a long time, so we'll have to see how long that'll take, and what it involves."

Iommi says he and Osbourne have been talking throughout the year and reports that the singer is "doing quite alright. He sounded fine when I spoke to him. We usually check in with each other and say, 'How you doing?'"

Read the full story at Billboard.com.

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Heaven And Hell Drummer Talks About Live CD/DVD

Glam-Metal.com has issued the following report from Deb Rao:

"August 28th (marked) the release of the new HEAVEN AND HELL DVD and CD, Heaven And Hell: Live From Radio City Music Hall, on Rhino Records. Also today (August 29th), Heaven And Hell hold a special in-store appearance at 6 PM at Hot Topic on Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, CA in honor of the release of the first DVD and CD in fifteen years from the band.

Heaven And Hell will tour Mexico, August 29 - September 1st. On September 5th, in Binghamton, NY at the Broome County Arena, Heaven And Hell will kick off a World Tour with ALICE COOPER and QUEENSRŸCHE."

Deb Rao spoke to Heaven And Hell drummer Vinny Appice prior to the in-store signing and discussed the unveiling of Heaven And Hell: Live From Radio City Music Hall. The following is an excerpt from Deb's chat with Vinny:

Q: Now, this is the first concert of the band in fifteen years. How exciting was it to be part of this musical history?

A: "Yes, this is the first anything in fifteen years. First tour, first DVD, first CD. So it is pretty exciting. Tonight, we are doing an in-store in Hollywood, at Hot Topic signing the DVD for 3 hours, so that should be crazy."

Q: Now, I got to see the New York concert last night on VH1. They were playing Live From Radio City Music Hall. It looks like it came out really well. Tell me a little bit about the production of the DVD. Was it hard to shoot all o fthe different angles on this tour because it was so theatrical? Also, I heard a lot about the issues regarding the New York City Union.

A: "At Radio City there was a lot of confusion because, there was a lot of stuff going on. Because first of all, it is New York. You got a lot of friends coming down, and people in the business and you are recording a DVD, so it was really crazy. We had problems doing a soundcheck because everything ran late. Then, when we did a soundcheck, we had to stop. We didn't even play one song because the Union Break came up. In New York, the Union Break is like God. So, we had to stop. (Laughter) So it was a little nerve racking. But, we can only do half a song, and hopefully that was OK for everybody who was doing a little recording and camera work. We would have liked to have done more. If we could. So, it was a lot of nerves rattling here and there. But, we thought it came out really, really good. When, we sort of finished the product with all of the editing, it looks fanstastic."

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Rob Zombie Explains Heaven And Hell Tour Departure

The Pulse of Radio (formerly Launch Radio Networks) reports: ROB ZOMBIE has confirmed that he will support OZZY OSBOURNE on a fall tour, telling Los Angeles TV station KTLA on Thursday (August 23) that the trek will begin sometime in October and last through December. Ironically, Zombie's name was initially in the running as support for BLACK SABBATH offshoot HEAVEN AND HELL on its fall dates. But Zombie told The Pulse of Radio that the HEAVEN AND HELL shows were too close to the completion of work on his new remake of "Halloween". "The HEAVEN AND HELL thing was unfortunate, because I really wanted to do it," he said. "It was kind of one of those things that was talked about, but I was shooting the movie and I have a feeling that it got a little too talked about. And when I saw the actual dates of when the tour was taking place, I was like, there's no way I can do it. You know, I mean, I can't, like, wrap up this movie and then expect to be on tour like a week later. I'll be so exhausted, it'll just be horrible."

Exact dates and venues for Zombie's tour with Osbourne have yet to be announced. Osbourne wraps up this summer's free Ozzfest on Thursday (August 30) in West Palm Beach, Florida.

HEAVEN AND HELL begins its fall run on September 5 in Binghamton, New York.

Zombie's version of "Halloween", his third film as a screenwriter and director, comes out in theatres this Friday (August 31).

The rocker-turned-filmmaker's first-ever live album, entitled simply "Zombie Live", is scheduled for release on October 23.

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Black Sabbath Bassist To Buy UK Football Club?

According to Alex Fletcher from Digitalspy.co.uk, BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN AND HELL bassist Geezer Butler is considering buying into a Premiership football club.

The heavy metal rocker is well known for his love of Aston Villa FC, and Butler has expressed an interest in investing some money into the West Midlands club.

Butler commented "I never miss a game on television in the US where I live and I'm looking into into investing 60 million...of what I can't say."

The bassist wouldn't be the first musician to switch from the world of popular music to football investment, with ELTON JOHN becoming chairman of Watford FC back in 1976.

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Metallica Tops Aftonbladet's Best Summer Gigs List

Voted by the readers of the Swedish Magazine Aftonbladet's, Metallica was named the best gig this summer. Other bands who made the list include Ozzy Osbourne, In Flames, Heaven and Hell and Motorhead.

1. Metallica 28%
2. Rolling Stones 8.2%
3. Ozzy Osbourne 6.9%
4. In Flames 6.0%
5. Aerosmith 5.6%
6. The Ark 5.4%
7. Per Gessle 4.3%
8. Heaven & Hell 3.9%
9. Justin Timberlake 3.1%
10. The Hives 3.0%

The rest of the list can be found here.

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Heaven And Hell Schedule Hollywood Signing Session

HEAVEN AND HELL members Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will sign copies of their new DVD and CD, "Live from Radio City Music Hall", at Hot Topic in Hollywood, California on Tuesday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m. The details are as follows:

Hot Topic (Hollywood & Highland)
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 462-2590

Beginning Friday, August 17, if you pre-order the new HEAVEN AND HELL CD "Live from Radio City Music Hall", you will get a wristband that guarantees a place in line to meet the band. One wristband per person. Space is limited. No cameras allowed and one autograph per person.

Due to time constraints, the band will only sign copies of the "Live from Radio City Music Hall" DVD or CD.

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