RATT performed yesterday at W. Hollywood's Viper Room for a handful of invited people, most importantly, Portrait Records' JOHN KALODNER. The purpose of the showcase was to introduce the singer chosen to replace STEPHEN PEARCY, and though the pressure was on, ROBERT MASON was up to the task. Known as the second singer in LYNCH MOB and CRY OF LOVE and one-time tour backup singer for OZZY OSBOURNE, Mason has a strong, clear, bluesy voice that brought new life to the Ratt classics (plus a cover of "Walkin' the Dog") that the band played in its seven song set. Though minus fifth member KERI KELLI, currently touring with WARRANT, Ratt sounded tight and rocking on "Way Cool Jr.," "Lack of Communication," "Lay it Down," "Over the Edge," "Loving You (Is a Dirty Job)," and "Round and Round." While Mason's status is still unofficial, awaiting word from Kalodner, Ratt is already planning a tour to begin in late May.
Covered Like A Hurricane is a SCORPIONS tribute with George Lynch featured on lead guitar and guest vocalists such as Taime Downe, Jizzy Pearl, Kelly Hanson, Phil Lewis, Joe Leste and Stevie Rachelle. I have no further details on this release at this stage.
METALLICA will be the subject of an original 10 episode series at artistdirect.com called Metallivision. Starting April 13, a new episode will be added every Thursday, featuring interview segments with the band, crew and fans and other behind the scenes insights. "The Internet is about connecting us directly to our fans, and Metallivision cements that connection. It's an intimate look at what's going on in our world," says JAMES HETFIELD. The new episodes can be accessed at www.artistdirect.com/artisttv/metallivision, and older ones will be archived at the Artst TV section of the artistdirect site.
LITA FORD's Greatest Hits Live is out now, with one new studio track.
Drummer ROD MORGENSTEIN, formerly of WINGER, will participate in a cyberchat to promote his current prog-rock outfit PLATYPUS, in which he collaborates with TY TABOR (KING'S X), JOHN MYUNG (DREAM THEATER) and DEREK SHERINIAN (PLANET X). Morgenstein will talk to fans on America Online tonight, April 12, at 9 PM ET, keyword Rock Chat.
