Marshall Of Rock

A new trailer of 'Sound City,' the feature-length documentary directed and produced by Foo Fighter Dave Grohl, about Los Angeles' legendary and now defunct Sound City recording studio in Van Nuys, California has been posted. The concept for the movie was conceived by Grohl after he bought an equally famous Neve 8028 recording console from the studio. The console, built in 1972, is considered by many to be the crown jewel of analog recording equipment.

The Neve 8028 was used to record an amazing list of classic albums by the likes of Nirvana, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, Guns N' Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica and countless others over the past 40 years. The clip features John Fogerty, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood and others discussing their experiences recording at the legendary Los Angeles studio and working with the Neve 8028.

"It's tube-driven, it's analog," comments Fogerty. "The bass sounds better, the human voice sounds better." Sound City will reportedly include new music and interviews with a wide variety of other artists, including Rick Springfield collaborating with Corey Taylor, members of Cheap Trick, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini of Ratt. No release date for the film has yet been announced, but Grohl hopes to have it out by early 2013.

Since my Rock Picks of the Week have continually turned into the Rock Pick of the month or every three weeks, I must make a commitment to being more diligent about catching up. So here is my Ketchup. Some of these tracks have been out awhile, but I have to give them a pick.

Black Keys 'Gold On the Ceiling'
Black Keys have had another massively successful track with this one, as it's currently the #1 track on the alternative charts, top 5 at adult rock, top 10 at active rock and top 20 on the rock charts. The Keys recently performed it on the MTV Movie Awards as part of a tribute to Johnny Depp, who joined the band on guitar.

The Keys recently filmed an episode of the Travel Channel’s 'No Reservations' with host Anthony Bourdain and have shot a cameo, in full ponytails, for a Comedy Central series 'Workaholics.' They also will continue touring in 2012 with some big time gigs including as headliners at the inaugural Firefly Festival in Dover on July 20-22, New York’s Catalpa Festival on July 28th, Lollapalooza in Chicago on Aug. 3rd, and Montreal’s Osheaga Festival on Aug. 5th. Then they'll head overseas for a few European festival dates, followed by a return to the U.S. in October for a brief West Coast swing a and a gig at the recently announced Austin City Limits festival. They'll finish out 2012 with tours of Australia and Europe.

They are also worthy of a tribute album called 'Black On Blues,' out July 17th, which features such artists as Iggy Pop, Leslie West, Ginger Baker of Cream, Dave Davies of The Kinks and more.

Van Halen 'She's The Woman'

I was glad to see that the band actually put out a video behind this one, compiled from rehearsal and concert footage. I like almost everyone thought the worst when VH pulled those 30 dates from their current tour schedule, but was relieved that they just "simply bit off more than we could chew," acording to David Lee Roth in his recent video message addressing the situation.

Van Halen‘s former bassist Michael Anthony heard DLR's explanation for the postponed dates, but he isn’t quite so sure that is the main reason. Their was a report with tour insiders saying the band members "hate each other" and are "arguing like mad." Sammy Hagar weighed in saying, "I'm surprised it took this long. I predicted this was going to happen a lot sooner … They’re hard people to get along with, those brothers."

Anthony told Classic Rock Magazine: "Everybody’s got their own opinions. Who knows? To me it sounds kinda interesting – if you say you’re tired and you want to recharge your batteries you don’t put 30 shows on sale. If I were a fan I’d be going, 'Why are you putting 30 shows on sale?'"

Anthony also offered a possible explanation for why three days lapsed between the announced schedule changes and Roth’s public statement about them: "Maybe that’s the three days you take to come up with your story?" Despite his assessment, he had kind words for the group. "I wish them well — they put out a great album, they’re a great live band, they always have been," he says.

Would he ever consider rejoining the band? "I don’t know. As time goes on now, less and less. Eddie’s got his son up with him now. The circumstance would have to be right. I was always the never-say-never guy, but I don’t really think about it any more...Chickenfoot, my relationship with those guys is great."

Van Halen have since announced more tour dates in 2013, as well as a tour of Japan. There is also speculation that the guys will be rocking the 2013 Super Bowl. Look for the next single from 'A Different Kind Of Truth' to be 'Stay Frosty.'

Foo Fighters, who have become one of my favorite bands EVER, released yet another song from the 'Wasting Light' album. 'Bridge Burning' follows the lead of all the previous tracks released, getting significant airplay. The Foos haven't released an official video, but here's a video interpretation of the song from the band's 2011 'This Video Sucks Contest; directed by Will Doyle & Richard Peete.

The Foos hit the Marcus Ampithetre in Milwaukee, WI on June 28, before hitting festivals in Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium and Netherlands during the month of July. They stop in Belfast, ND on August 21st for a one off U.S. date, then return to the UK for two gigs in late August. The band will wrap up their never ending tour on September 22nd at DeLuna Fest in Pensocola, Florida. Dave Grohl will then focus on completing his Sound City Studios documentary, which I cannot wait to see! Spin Magazine recently brought forth why Dave Grohl is the 'nicest guy in rock.' Check out the reasons why here: www.spin.com

Theory of a Deadman's 'Hurricane' is another great track from the band's latest album 'The Truth Is...'. It has already gone top 5 on the rock tracks, as the band continues building on their past success thus far. Theory of a Deadman will be headlining on tour for the rest of the summer. Check out a date near you here: www.theoryofadeadman.com

New York rockers Eve To Adam are up next with their track 'Reach.' While it didn't have the "reach" I would have hoped as far as radio airplay goes, it did further the band's reach and exposure in a positive way. It comes from the album 'Banquet For A Starving Dog', and is a positive, uplifting song. You can 'Reach,' you just gotta believe, and I believe in this band!

Canadian rockers Art of Dying are back in the rock picks of the week with their latest track 'Sorry.' It's another great track from the 'Vices and Virtues' album. The Art of Dying is my life to live. Vocalist Jonny Hetherington and the guys bring quality rock, and I expect continued growth from this band in the future!

The Dave Grohl produced and directed documentary honoring the late, great Sound City studio continues to move forward with more details, more collaborations, and even a handwritten letter by Dave Grohl explaining why this project is so important to him.

"There used to be a recording studio called Sound City that was in the San Fernando Valley. Nirvana recorded there in 1991. It was this really beautiful dump in the middle of a warehouse district. A lot of great records were made there," Grohl said. "Fleetwood Mac made records there, Neil Young made records there, Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, Dio, Ratt, Pat Benatar...so I interviewed them to tell the history of the studio, but then I invite them back to record with me, and we make a record."

Grohl, who has purchased a vintage recording console from the studio, expanded his mission statement for the film by releasing a handwritten note that let it be known this is definitely a passion project.

"In the spring of 1991, I packed all of my belongings into an Army Surplus duffle bag, put my drums in some dusty road cases, rolled up my sleeping bag and jumped into an old, beat-up Ford van headed down to Los Angeles from Seattle," Grohl wrote. "I was a 22-year-old starving musician without a cent to my name or a place to call home. My destination: Sound City.

"The following three weeks changed my life forever. 'Sound City' is a film about America's greatest unsung recording studio. Deep in California's sun-burnt San Fernando Valley, tucked away behind train tracks and dilapidated warehouses, it was the birthplace of legend," he continued. "It was witness to history. It was home to a special few, intent on preserving an ideal. An analog church, a time capsule. The last bastion of a craft defied by technology. It was rock and roll hallowed ground. And it was our best-kept secret. Now I want to tell its story."

We're still waiting on a release date for the "Sound City" documentary, which will be distributed by Roswell Films, a division of the label that releases all the Foos Fighters music. Here's a trailer and video for the movie, a copy of Grohl's letter, a cassette label that Grohl unveiled at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, and a few studio shots with collaborators in the studio.

Ratt is continuing to write songs for their new studio record, the follow-up to their 2010 comeback album 'Infestation', and also plan on releasing a compilation collection through iTunes. Stephen Pearcy explained, "While Ratt writes and works on the next RoadRunner record 2012, the band will be releasing a compilation record on their own via iTunes. Music from their vaults -- un-released and live tracks from 1983-1991."

Pearcy and guitarist Warren DeMartini have been demoing songs for the currently untitled album and recently worked with the Foo Fighters Dave Grohl recording and filming for his Sound City Studios documentary. Ratt n' Grohl!

Vocalist Stephen Pearcy has recently locked in a publisher for the new book (no title yet), which should be finished later this year for an early 2013 release. You can also for Pearcy on a new episode of VH1 Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp, filming in February 2012.

One another Ratt question comes to mind, is it time for original bassist Juan Crocier to rejoin Ratt? It could be possible as Robbie Crane has officially quit the band, who he's played with since 1997. Crane said during an appearance Mar. 22nd on the "Headbangers At 11" show on 93.3 KDKB radio, "I've been playing in Lynch Mob since October of 2010. It's a thing that I've always loved doing, and I love playing with the band. As of recently, I've moved on from Ratt — I definitely quit Ratt —and I let them all know that. But you know what?! It's not because of Lynch Mob. I'd been with Ratt for 15 years and it was time to move on. I love being in Lynch Mob and this is where my heart's at."

Time to get the all the original guys back together, except of course for the late guitarist Robbin Crosby, may he rest in peace.

Dave Grohl has released a trailer for his upcoming documentary on the legendary Sound City Studios. A multitude of renowed bands, artists and musicicans have recorded at the studio in Van Nuys, California. Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Dio, Ratt, Slipknot, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Rage Against The Machine are just a few of the legendary artist to utilize this dynamic studio. Nirvana also recorded 'Nevermind' there.

Here's a previous post I did all about the studio and some of Grohl's recent collaborations for the documentary. Check that out here, and the new trailer below. It is going to kick some major ass. I can't wait to see it!

Check out more on the awesome Sound Studio website here: soundcitystudios.net< The Foo Fighters had an awesome Grammy week, performing Paul McCartney & Wings 'Jet' at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute for Sir Paul on Friday (Feb. 11), then winning a total of 5 Grammys, including Rock album and Rock performance of the year, and Hard Rock/Metal song of the year on Sunday (Feb.13).

Here's Dave Grohl at the MusiCares Paul McCartney tribute, talking about the Grammy Awards show:

Here's the rest of the band and Dave on the red carpet before the MusiCares tribute:

Here's the Foo Grammy performance with Chris Brown, David Guetta, Lil' Wayne and DeadMau5. Foo Fighters kick into 'Rope,' then DeadMau5 mixes it up. Dave Grohl even hangs in front of the stage to watch DeadMau5 finish the number off.

Here's an E! Network Red Carpet interview with Ryan Seacrest

Here's the band accepting the rock performance of the year Grammy

Here's an Artisan News Report Foo Grammy recap

Foo Fighters stopped by (via satelite) on the Late Show With David Letterman on Feb. 9 to present the Top 10 list of 'Interesting Things about the Grammys':

Dave Grohl hamming it up with Elvis Costello