by Nick | Sep 7, 2018 | New Releases, News
Featuring guest appearances by even more Motörhead alumni including Lemmy Kilmister, Fast Eddie Clarke, and Phil Campbell along with Cliff Evans (Tank), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe), and Lee Richards (Ex Godsmack)!
Los Angeles – The brainchild of Grammy nominated former Motörhead guitarist Würzel and bass player Tim Atkinson who after forming the band Leader of Down in 2008 busied themselves in a London rehearsal studio writing dozens of tracks in preparation for recording an album. They then recruited drummer, Steve Clarke (Ex Fastway) to join the ranks and continue preparing for the debut album “Cascade Into Chaos” (scheduled for release on Cleopatra Records September 2018).
The name Leader of Down came from Würzel mishearing the lyrics to the Status Quo track “Down, Down”. Würzel found this extremely funny as he had been singing the wrong words “Down Down, Leader of Down” for over 30 years.
“Cascade into Chaos” is named after a phrase that Würzel and Tim liked during the initial songwriting sessions, it seemed a very obvious choice and was the only title that the two of them ever really discussed.
The band started recording the initial tracks for the album which included a reworking of Würzel’s solo release from the 80’s “People Say I’m Crazy”. These initial sessions also included a track that was always intended for Lemmy to sing on, as Würzel said “We think it would suit him”. This track eventually became “Paradise Turned Into Dust” with Lemmy finishing his recording at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles in 2015 shortly before his own passing, at a very emotional session with Tim Atkinson and Steve Clarke. Unmistakably Lemmy Kilmister with his unique voice on “Laugh At The Devil”.
Although there are several guest vocalists on the album such as Whitfield Crane, the line up of Leader of Down is completed by vocalist Matt Baker and guitarist Alex Ward who have slipped seamlessly into the line up.
After Würzel’s tragic death in 2011 the band continued to finish the album and enlisted the help of some friends to honour the great man. With guest appearances from Lemmy, Phil Campbell (who joined Motörhead on the same day as Würzel in 1984), Fast Eddie Clarke who has also sadly passed away beginning of 2018, Whitfield Crane from Ugly Kid Joe, Lee Richards (Ex Godsmack), Bruce Foxton from The Jam, and Cliff Evans from Tank.
Says Tim Atkinson, “It is a very bittersweet feeling now that the album is being released. It feels very strange without Würzel being here, and I know he would be thrilled with the final result. It was a real pleasure writing with Würzel, as we instinctively knew what both of us were thinking when we put our ideas forward. We always wanted Lemmy to sing on ‘Paradise turned into Dust’, and it was a very emotional session in Los Angeles when Lemmy completed the track and I just wish that Würz had been there to see it. It was amazing that so many friends helped us to finish the album with guest appearances and I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart. To hear Phil playing with Würzel again was absolutely fantastic”.
The album features 10 blockbusting tracks, all mixed by Motörhead Grammy winning producer Cameron Webb at Maple Studios in California.
The album is of course a tribute to Würzel and the other fallen Motörhead heroes but it is also just the beginning for Leader of Down who after a successful appearance at Hard Rock Hell are embarking on a tour with Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons in November 2018, and will be very busy next year with live shows already planned. Leader of Down have signed a worldwide deal with Los Angeles based label Cleopatra Records.
As Lemmy once shouted from the stage at Hammersmith Odeon, shortly after Würzel and Phil Campbell joined, “Well, are we back?” We can safely say that Würzel is back, we just wish that he was with us for the ride.
Track listing
1. Paradise Turned Into Dust ( Lemmy vocals, additional bass Tim Atkinson)
2. Cascade Into Chaos
3. People Say I’m Crazy
4. Serial Killjoy (Bruce Foxton on additional bass with Tim Atkinson)
5. Children of Disease (Whitfield Crane vocals, Lee Richards and Richards/ Crane) backing vocals, Phil Campbell 2nd guitar solo)
6. Snakebite (Fast Eddie Clarke all guitars and vocals)
7. Punch and Geordie
8. Feel Good (Cliff Evans first guitar solo)
9. The Killing Rain (The last song Würzel ever recorded)
10. Laugh at the Devil (Lemmy vocals and all guitars by Fast Eddie Clarke)
To purchase:
Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/leader-of-down-cascade-into-chaos-cd/
Buy the vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/leader-of-down-cascade-into-chaos-lp/
For more information:
www.LeaderOfDown.com
www.facebook.com/leaderofdownofficial
Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 828-350-8158
[email protected]
CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
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by Nick | Jan 5, 2017 | News
Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmister, Randy Rhoads, Ross The Boss Friedman, Frankie Banali Among 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees
METAL BLADE RECORDS, SCORPIONS, AND THE RAINBOW JUST NOMINATED TO THE HALL OF HEAVY METAL HISTORY
Clifton, NJ, December 27, 2016) – Metal Blade Records (Celebrating their 35th Anniversary), Scorpions, and the Rainbow Bar and Grill have just joined the list of Metal Royalty who have been nominated for induction into the 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History. The All-Star Induction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Anaheim Expo Center, Anaheim CA. Television and Radio Legend Eddie Trunk will host the event. Performing at the Ceremony will be Dio Disciples featuring “Craig Goldy,” “Simon Wright” “Scott Warren,” “Bjorn Englen,” “Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens,” and “Joe Retta.” Ross “The Boss” (band), will also be performing, which features Iconic guitarist “Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman,” “Rhino (Formerly of Manowar),” vocalist “Marc Lopes,” and “Mike LePond” (Symphony X and Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins). Surprise artists will also take part in the event. Supporting bands include Budderside, and LA rockers Diamond Lane.
Ronnie James Dio, “Rainbow,” “Black Sabbath,” “Dio,” (With Wendy Dio accepting the induction)
Metal Blade Records (With Brian Slagel accepting the induction)
Scorpions (With Drummer Mikkey Dee accepting the induction)
Rainbow Bar and Grill (With Rainbow Bar and Grill owner Mikael Maglieri accepting the induction)
Lemmy Kilmister, “MotorHead” (With Manager Todd Singerman accepting the induction)
Ross “The Boss” Friedman, formerly of “Manowar”
Rudy Sarzo, formerly of “Ozzy Osbourne” and “Whitesnake.”
Frankie Banali, of “Quiet Riot,” (Along with a special 33rd Anniversary Induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 Heavy Metal Album status).
Vinny Appice, formerly of “Black Sabbath” and “Dio.”
Don Airey of “Deep Purple”
Andy Zildjian, President/CEO of “Sabian Cymbals”
Randy Rhoads, “Ozzy Osbourne,” (With the Rhoads family members accepting the Induction)
“The induction of Ronnie into the Annual Hall of Heavy Metal History is indeed an honor and I know Ronnie would have been very proud,” says Wendy Dio. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund, we thank you for your support and donation. Every penny will go to cancer research and education, to hopefully one day find a cure for this horrible disease that takes the lives of so many of our loved ones.”
“We are totally honored to be inducted into such a great organization,” says Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel. “I am awestruck at the names that stand beside us, and so thankful for everyone who has helped us along the way. Huge thanks to all at the Hall of Heavy Metal History for this great honor.”
“Our family is so deeply honored to have Randy inducted into The Hall of Heavy Metal History,” says Kathy and Kelle Rhoads.” To think that after all these years since he has passed, he is STILL remembered and respected is totally awesome. His passion for music continues to inspire so many. It was always about the “Music” for him. He would be speechless about this award, and so would our Mom!!”
A press conference and General Admission entrance will commence at 6:30 PM. The Induction Ceremony will take place from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A VIP Meet and Greet with the celebrity Inductees will take place after the Induction Ceremony. Ross The Boss Band, Budderside, Diamond Lane, and surprise guests will perform throughout the night.
Music fans can be a part of the most important night in Heavy Metal!! Tickets are $25.00 for General Admission, and $100.00 for combined General Admission and “VIP Meet And Greet” with the Celebrity Inductees. VIP ticket includes special VIP seating, Pictures and Autographs with the Celebrity Inductees, gift bag with an official VIP Pass, an official Event poster, an official Event T-Shirt, an official Event Program, and additional sponsor items.
For tickets, please go to www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org/store
The Hall of Heavy Metal History was developed by a team of Iconic music industry executives to enshrines forever, those Legendary musicians, music industry executives, Radio DJ’s, journalists, and producers who are responsible for making Heavy Metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they keep inspiring Heavy Metal fans throughout the world, from generation to generation. Some of the top executives in the music industry oversee the Hall of Heavy Metal History nominating process. Inductees must meet strict criteria and guidelines, which include the artist or band having at least 2.5 Million retail units/downloads sold worldwide. The other contributing factors are the inductee’s Integrity, Character, and their Contribution to the Heavy Metal community.
The Hall of Heavy Metal History is a Division of the non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). With over 45 Million + major media impressions, top Celebrities, Sports Stars, Law Enforcement Agencies, Major Corporations, Child Protective Agencies, United States Congressmen and Senators, Doctors, Teachers, the United States Department of State, along with Doctors, Parents, and School Systems, join D.A.D. to help bring therapy services and programs for special needs children and their families.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or 973-725-5150.
Official Hall of Heavy Metal History Links
Websites: www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallofheavymetal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heavymetalhall
by Nick | Sep 12, 2016 | News
According to the Scorpions Mikke Dee Joins The Band Permanently!
James Kottak leaves on a positive note.
Since 1992, the Swedish Mikkey Dee used to be a former band member of Motörhead until the dissolution of the rock band after the death of Lemmy Kilmister.
“We would like to thank James for so many years of lasting participation in the band and personal friendship. We understand and respect his need for time as he makes his way through the final stages of his healing process.”
“After our incredibly successful shows in the US, Europe and Asia, we are sure to have found a fantastic drummer with Mikkey Dee. He brings a fresh energy to the band and we look forward to the exciting time together that lies ahead.“
– SCORPIONS
Scorpions Links:
Official Website:
https://www.the-scorpions.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Scorpions/
