Sweden Rock Festival 2011

[Don]

JUNE 8-9-10-11

http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?pg=17&pr=526

Confirmed bands so far

OZZY OSBOURNE (UK)
There are famous artists, there are legendary ones - and there is Ozzy Osbourne. Not only is "the Prince of Darkness" one of hard rock's most iconic characters, he has also remained at the very top of his career for longer than any of his peers. It began for real on Friday the 13th of February 1970, with the release of Black Sabbath's eponymous debut - the Big bang in heavy music history. Until 1978 the band would release another seven albums featuring Ozzy's uniquely scornful voice over ominous Doomsday riffs, in countless immortal tracks like "Paranoid" "Iron man" and "Sabbath bloody sabbath". 1980 saw the arrival of the singer's solo debut "Blizzard of Ozz", another landmark release establishing the characteristic Ozzy sound with tough riffs combined with strong melodies. In the following years Ozzy's status has grown to Olympic proportions. Events like the reunion of the original Black Sabbath and the controversial reality show "The Osbournes" have been commercial triumphs. However, his prime achievements remain the albums themselves. In 2010, "Scream" materialized as Ozzy's tenth studio release, featuring the single "Let me hear you scream". The latter is the newest addition to an array of classic songs including "Crazy train", "Mr. Crowley", "Bark at the moon" and "No more tears". To name but a few. It is this heavy metal titan that in 2011 makes his very first appearance at SRF. Which will be his only Swedish appearance of the year, nonetheless. The next issue of Sweden Rock Magazine, out in Sweden on November 9th, features an Ozzy cover story. The magazine is in Swedish

SAXON (UK)
What can be said about Saxon that hasn't been said countless times? Not only are they one of the biggest, most classic bands from the perennial New Wave of British Heavy Metal - they are also one of the bands the audience at SRF never get tired of seeing. Saxon debuted in 1979 and made eternal heavy metal history the following year with the two album classics "Wheels of Steel" and "Strong Arm of the Law". Rarely, or never, had heavy metal riffing and traditional rock grooving mated so convincingly. To many, the two albums remain the jewels in Saxon's crown. A crown that, on the other hand, contains few items that are not jewels. The band's later outputs, most recently "Into the Labyrinth" (2009), also overflow with masterful tunes. But you already knew all that. Like you also knew just how deadly Biff Byford & Co always are on stage. Especially when they bring the dear old giant eagle with them on stage. Like they will in 2011. As an extra bonus for their fans at Sweden Rock, Biff and the boys will play the entire "Denim & Leather" album at this year festival!

STYX (US)
Do you remember the song Cartman in "South Park" compulsively must finish if someone starts singing it? That's right - "Come sail away", the big hit off Styx' breakthrough album "The Grand Illusion" (1977). The Chicago band that debuted in 1972 reached tremendous success with their grandiose blend of progressive rock, showtune arrangements and FM-rock. They peaked commercially with the mega-seller album "Paradise Theatre" (1981) and the hits "The Best of Times" and "Too Much Time On My Hands". The number of Styx hits is impressive: "Lady", "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man" and "Babe", to name but a few. In the 80s internal ruptures caused the band's implosion, but in later years they have reinvogorated themselves with two of the three main men of the golden age at the helm: guitarists/vocalists Tommy Shaw (also known from Damn Yankees) and James Young. What more should be said about Styx of today? Oh yes - they are a fabulous live band.

RHAPSODY OF FIRE (I)
1997 was the year melodic metal exploded in Europe. Debutants included HammerFall, Nightwish, and not least Rhapsody. The Italians' first progeny "Legendary Tales" was a hybrid of grandiose, double-bass-packed Power Metal and even more grandiose Hollywood filmscore music that was totally unprecedented. Later albums like "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" (1998) and "Power of the Dragonflame" (2002) confirmed Rhapsody's status as one of the world's biggest Power Metal bands. 2006 saw them change their name to Rhapsody Of Fire for copyright reasons, but the music and the serene fantasy themes remained the same. With "The Cold Embrace of Fear" the band have arrived at their ninth full-length album, and in 2011 they make their highly anticipated return to the live scene. Including SRF, like so many of you have been yearning for so long.

MUSTASCH (S)
Mustasch is the band who is proud to be Average Joe's faves in Sweden. Machistic rock, based on fat riffs, contagious choruses and a lethal groove is their simple but effective recipe for success. Ever since Mustasch's third album "Latest Version of the Truth" (2007) hatched the massive hit "Double Nature", the band has established itself as one of Sweden's most popular, period. The following, latest and eponymous album arrived in 2009 and was another astounding success. Up next is a compilation of re-recordings, scheduled for release on February 28th - the tenth anniversary of frontman Ralf Gyllenhammar forming the band. Have you seen Mustasch live before, you know you're in for one hell of a party. Not least if you saw them at a previous SRF.

JASON & THE SCORCHERS (US)
Jason, last name Ringenberg, celebrates his 30th anniversary as the singer of Jason & The Scorchers in 2011. The band were pioneers in effectively blending country with tough rock, and their four first releases (1982-86) are now heralded as milestones. They were way ahead of their time, but worshipped by a congregation of fans who followed them faithfully through a number of sound experiments and time-outs. Today's Jason & The Scorchers include the frontman of Swedish Bonafide, Pontus Snibb, on drums, and this line-up has arguably made the band more famous than ever thanks to its brilliant stage presence. This, and the quality of the latest album "Halcyon Days", makes Jason & The Scorchers a most welcome addition to SRF 2011.

OVERKILL (US)
New York may not have spawned as many classic Thrash Metal acts as the Bay Area, but Anthrax and Overkill both rank among the most legendary bands of the genre. The latter act has produced such classic albums as "Feel the fire" (1985), "Taking over" (1987) and "Years of decay" (1989), characterized by the combination of punk-inspired aggression and melodies comparable to modern day Power Metal. Overkill's fifteenth and latest album "Ironbound" stays true to those roots, albeit being rawer still. Singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist DD Verni are as always at the helm, and as always we're in for a first class performance from this brilliant live act on their return to SRF. AGENT STEEL (US)
Call it melodic speed metal, call it US-power metal - but whatever you call it you wouldn't deny the brilliance of Agent Steel's first three releases: "Skeptics Apocalypse" (1985), "Mad Locust Rising EP" (1985) and "Unstoppable Force" (1987). The hurricane riffs, the killer melodies, the sci-fi lyrics and the grandiose falsetto vocals of John Cyriis formed a unique union. Many were aggrieved when a frustrated John declared the band split up in 1988. Eleven years later Agent Steel reformed withou their eccentric original singer. Well, the fans thought, it was good but not as good as it used to be. But now John Cyriis has returned to Agent Steel, which makes the bands SRF debut an event that no fan of top notch 80s metal can afford to miss.

WALTER TROUT (US)
Blues guitarist Walter Trout has raffined his craft during an extensive period. He started playing in 1965, moved to Los Angeles in 1973 to open for legends like John Lee Hooker and Joe Tex, joined the classic Canned Heat in 1981 and moved on to John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in 1984. He stayed with the latter band until 1989 - only then, with John Mayall's blessing, did he start his solo career for real. No wonder he has developed his very own style as a blues- and rock guitarist, examplified by his latest and 20th (!) solo record "Common Ground". It was also John Mayall who, according to Walter himself, taught him to entertain a live audience. We at SRF are much obliged. GROUNDHOGS (UK)
The British 60s gave birth to a number of bands that have made lasting impressions on the face of Blues rock. Prime examples include Cream, Chicken Shack and of course The Groundhogs. The latter were co-founded as early as 1963 by guitarist/singer Tony McPhee. The band reached their commercial peak in the early 70s with such albums as "Thank Christ for the Bomb" (1970) and "Split" (1971). The Groundhogs have been on hiatus several times, but Tony McPhee has always resurrected his beloved band to once more spread the gospel of classic, blues-based rock. Now the band makes its first appearance at SRF.

FLÄSKET BRINNER (S)
Fläsket Brinner (The Pork Is Burning) was one of the firts, and possibly most eccentric of Sweden's "progressive" bands in the early 70s. With their technical skills, lots of improvisation and (almost) no vocals they were reminiscent of - but refused to be called - a jazz band. Only two albums were released, "Fläsket Brinner" (1971) and "Fläsket" (1972), but these have gained permanent acclaim, especially the classic "Gånglåten" (The Walking Song) off the debut. Internal strife and dissatisfaction about the progressive scene becoming increasingly political contributed to the demise of Fläsket Brinner. However, in 2003 the band was resurrected by original members Erik Dahlbäck (drums) and Bengt Dahlén (guitar). The "new" Fläsket Brinner, featuring bassist Göran Lagerberg (ex-Tages, Grymlings), has become great success with live audiences. Check them out at SRF to find out why.

RAGE (D)
Rage is unquestinably the most productive band in German metal history. Since 1986 they have so far produced no less than 19 studio albums, plus several EP:s and live releases. This is even more impressive given the consistently high quality of their discography. Rage has even managed to create their own unique sound, featuring elements of both heavy metal, thrash metal and power metal. What many people may not know is that the band's music also works very well in an acoustic setting. This is exactly what main man Peavy Wagner, guitar-wiz Victor Smolski and drummer André Hilgers intend to demonstrate. That's right, at SRF 2011 Rage goes unplugged - is there a chance we'll get to hear mega classic "Don't Fear the Winter" in this stripped-down condition?

[DrFU]

Styx but no Journey or Foreigner?

[Deb]

Styx but no Journey or Foreigner?

Hey is your AV recent? Were all you guys at Gary's show? Right on!

[Don]

Styx but no Journey or Foreigner?

It's early yet. Also, Download is that weekend. The other bands may opt for that festival instead. To play both festivals, Journey would have to have Arnel singing 6 days in one week, something they didn't want to do last tour. Styx and Foreigner might though, I've seen their past schedules and they've done 7 gigs in a row at times.

[DrFU]

Styx but no Journey or Foreigner?

Hey is your AV recent? Were all you guys at Gary's show? Right on!

Yup; Saturday at Ribfest in Tampa; the Gary Schutt Band opened for Rick Springfield and Grand Funk Railroad. How cool is that?

He sounded terrific; crowd seemed to like him a lot; I heard lots of "this guy is really good" comments.

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ...

Crazy Deb has a new strategy ... bribe people with beer tickets to let you stand right in front of the lead singer ...

[Saint John]

Crazy Deb has a new strategy ... bribe people with beer tickets to let you stand right in front of the lead singer

It would work with me!

[Maui Tom]

Who IS Grand Funk nowadays?

[Deb]

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ....

As always! So glad you guys had fun!! Gary IS good! Wish you all were coming to Cali in April.... Melly, leave your cell on in case NBL is played.

[DrFU]

Who IS Grand Funk nowadays?

Still got Don (minus the 'fro) & Mel, but no Mark ... plus assorted others. Saw them not too long ago in Houston.

We actually bailed before GF came on at Ribfest due to being fried (in multiple senses of term) and because Gary had a second show at another venue that started at 9.

Springfield was great. Full of energy and sounded just like the old days.

Caught the Doobies Friday night too; they are sounding most excellent these days; new stuff rocks.

[DrFU]

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ....

As always! So glad you guys had fun!! Gary IS good! Wish you all were coming to Cali in April.... Melly, leave your cell on in case NBL is played.

I'm a maybe for April ... moved my class and have some other stuff cooking in SoCal, so it just might work out.

[StevePerryHair]

Styx but no Journey or Foreigner?

Hey is your AV recent? Were all you guys at Gary's show? Right on!

Yup; Saturday at Ribfest in Tampa; the Gary Schutt Band opened for Rick Springfield and Grand Funk Railroad. How cool is that?

He sounded terrific; crowd seemed to like him a lot; I heard lots of "this guy is really good" comments.

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ...

Crazy Deb has a new strategy ... bribe people with beer tickets to let you stand right in front of the lead singer ...

So THAT'S what happened to Debbie's beer tickets!! I "used" all of mine It was so much fun hanging with you girls! That couldnt' have been a more perfect day at that ribfest! So awesome:)

[StevePerryHair]

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ....

As always! So glad you guys had fun!! Gary IS good! Wish you all were coming to Cali in April.... Melly, leave your cell on in case NBL is played.

I know Deb! It seems like we're never going to get to cross paths again Someday!!!!

[Melissa]

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ....

As always! So glad you guys had fun!! Gary IS good! Wish you all were coming to Cali in April.... Melly, leave your cell on in case NBL is played.

I will!!

[StevePerryHair]

And, of course, always a blast hanging with the chicas; we ODed on barbecue, sweet potato fries, Smirnoff Cranberry, beer ... and laughter--as always ....

As always! So glad you guys had fun!! Gary IS good! Wish you all were coming to Cali in April.... Melly, leave your cell on in case NBL is played.

I will!!

Yeah, you can't answer it on the ship, but you can have it in your voicemail for when we get back to port!

[Michigan Girl]

awww ...you guys had a party without me ...

Very pretty pic (but small) ...got more!?!?

[DrFU]

awww ...you guys had a party without me ...

Very pretty pic (but small) ...got more!?!?

Thanks, MG, & you know you have a standing invite ...

Here we are before we got melted by rock 'n roll, sunshine, & booze ... plus, the beautious Dr. Noah Drake ...

[Maui Tom]

who's the dude who's not "The Schutt"?

[DrFU]

who's the dude who's not "The Schutt"?

Rick Springfield? You know, the guy who wants Jessie's Girl? Played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital?

[Maui Tom]

sure don't look like him...you guys get duped?

[StevePerryHair]

who's the dude who's not "The Schutt"?

.

Um, he didn't look too depressed on Saturday... didn't look 61 either. He is very gracious to his many fans and I really have a lot of respect for him. I have not seen a front man that will allow that much contact with his fans, not afraid to enter the audience during the show...even FELL off of a rail trying to get to them! I am a bigger fan now than I ever was

[Melissa]

awww ...you guys had a party without me ...

Very pretty pic (but small) ...got more!?!?

Awe MG would have been an even bigger blast with you there! We all had an absolute awesome time, as always with these ladies!

Best line all weekend this time, from Debbie to Lynn: "Did you touch it when it was wiggling?" (talking about the iphone screen, lol)

[DrFU]

sure don't look like him...you guys get duped?

Better?

[Maui Tom]

better...at least I can tell it's him...

[StevePerryHair]

sure don't look like him...you guys get duped?

Oh trust me! It looked like him! I have great pics to prove it, but most are stuck on a disc I can't download

[StevePerryHair]

Here's one from my phone....is this better?

[Melissa]

Here's one from my phone....is this better?

Damn iphone pics are SO much better than any other phones! My phone pics from Saturday suck!

[Maui Tom]

yes...for some reason the first one just didn't look like him to me....

[StevePerryHair]

yes...for some reason the first one just didn't look like him to me....

Ok, good, cause I'd hate to torture you with more pics

[Deb]

who's the dude who's not "The Schutt"?

Looks like Rick "I'm always depressed" Springfield.

Um, he didn't look too depressed on Saturday... didn't look 61 either. He is very gracious to his many fans and I really have a lot of respect for him. I have not seen a front man that will allow that much contact with his fans, not afraid to enter the audience during the show...even FELL off of a rail trying to get to them! I am a bigger fan now than I ever was

How soon they forget MRFest 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pUXHltaAo ~ 3:00 minute mark EM jumps down in the crowd (right beside Cindi) hangs out and sings along with the fans instead. (LOL, Joe Lynn Turner holding the mic out to him and the fans ) LOL, even dropped his mic thing when he hopped back up later and had to jump back down near the end of the song again.

[StevePerryHair]

who's the dude who's not "The Schutt"?

Looks like Rick "I'm always depressed" Springfield.

Um, he didn't look too depressed on Saturday... didn't look 61 either. He is very gracious to his many fans and I really have a lot of respect for him. I have not seen a front man that will allow that much contact with his fans, not afraid to enter the audience during the show...even FELL off of a rail trying to get to them! I am a bigger fan now than I ever was

How soon they forget MRFest 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pUXHltaAo ~ 3:00 minute mark EM jumps down in the crowd (right beside Cindi) hangs out and sings along with the fans instead. (LOL, Joe Lynn Turner holding the mic out to him and the fans ) LOL, even dropped his mic thing when he hopped back up later and had to jump back down near the end of the song again.

LOL!! Silly me! I meant to say there are very FEW front men who do this!! Mark Slaughter did it too, with slaughter, in Daytona. The thing with Rick though is he attracts a very wide range of women, thanks to his soap years! And those are the craziest people he's brave!!