Sleepytime Gorilla Museum To Close?

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum to close for good?............. This was posted on facebook:

"We are announcing the following shows:April 7th, 2011 - Casbah, San Diego, CAApril 8th, 2011 - Troubador, Los Angeles, CAApril 10th, 2011 - The Independant, San Francisco, CAIf you go to these shows, you will have seen Sleepytime Gorilla Museum for the last time. As it turns out, we are being replaced.It has been an honor to make our music with you, both in the room and not. Though these are our final performances, we are still in the process of finishing a new record, a short film called 'The Last Human Being', and a compendium live DVD that's been gathering source material for the past six years.We want you to join us for our final shows. And we mean JOIN us, specifically in a racket of celebratory and funereal music making.How it may include YOU:SINGING: the melody to 'Bring Back the Apocalypse' (see handy notation attached).PLUCKING: YOUR guitar in the precise manner indicated in the following instructional video at the end of a new song that might be titled "Smear."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHJErhTsdfgCHIMING: Herald the coming apocalypse by bringing your favorite collection of small hand bells (we're not kidding) or other such device to play us out. Under no circumstances are you allowed to bring a saxophone. You will be invited to take part in both the final shows, and the shooting of the final scene of our film in early August. Please stay tuned.

Source: AM/ROGOR

Geoff Downes To Join With Yes

Further to earlier news regarding the upcoming Yes album “Fly From Here”, which is due for release in July, it now seems that Geoff Downes has rejoined the band to play keyboards, as reported by Heavy Rock Playlist:Quintessential prog-rockers Yes have announced that they have reunited with legendary producer Trevor Horn for their highly anticipated new album, “Fly From Here”. The album marks the band’s first studio album in ten years. The album originated from a conversation between Horn and Yes bassist Chris Squire, who re-discovered the song ‘Fly From Here’ and realized that it had never been recorded in a studio. “Chris and I were talking one evening about the song ‘Fly From Here’ that we never recorded,” explains Horn. “I said I was prepared to spend two weeks with Yes recording that song. When I arrived in America to record it, I was taken prisoner by the band and only allowed my freedom again in return for producing the whole album. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse!” “Fly From Here” retains Yes’ signature brand of mysticism and large-scale compositions. The record contains plenty of the complex arrangements, beautiful harmonies, and heavy riffs the band is known for. “The new album represents the best of Yes from the ’70s and the ’80s with a current twist,” said Squire. Keyboardist Geoff Downes, who originally joined the band for 1980's “Drama,”, has also re-joined the band for the new album. Yes now consists of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Downes, and lead singer Benoit David.

NEAL MORSE ANNOUNCES TESTIMONY 2 - A NEW 2-CD PROGRESSIVE ROCK STUDIO ALBUM

NEAL MORSE ANNOUNCES TESTIMONY 2 - A NEW 2-CD PROGRESSIVE ROCK STUDIO ALBUM

WORLDWIDE RELEASE: MAY 23, 2011 • WORLD TOUR TO FOLLOW
MIKE PORTNOY RETURNS • GUESTS INCLUDE SPOCK’S BEARD & STEVE MORSE

5/6/2011 - Nashville, TN - Some stories are left unfinished. Sometimes the best part is what happens after the tale’s end. Nearly a decade ago, Neal Morse released his landmark autobiographical progressive rock epic, Testimony. Now, he returns with an extraordinary cast of musicians to tell the rest of the story in Testimony 2. And he’s saved the best for last.

Picking up where he left off on Testimony, the sequel begins with Neal in the mid-‘90s when his band, Spock's Beard, begins to experience unexpected success. Neal sings about their glory days in “Time Changer” and the original band members join in. It’s a vocal extravaganza in their classic style and an extraordinary moment.

The album goes on to tell of Morse's daughter, Jayda, being born with a heart defect. Her miraculous healing has an unexpected impact on Neal, with repercussions that reverberate throughout the album.

Morse goes on into later years, quitting his regular gig in the Eric Burdon band, and continuing with Spock’s Beard. Along the way, he discovers something beyond his imagination. The album concludes with "Crossing Over," which describes his ultimate departure from Spock's Beard in 2002.

Neal Morse launched his solo career, the next year, with Testimony. With the sequel, Testimony 2, he dives deeper into unchartered musical and lyrical territory. Incorporating legendary drummer Mike Portnoy and brilliant bassist Randy George, this breathtaking album is a prog epic with breadth that dazzles and melodies that reach into the soul.

The story ends here (for now), but the music goes on. On the second CD, the songs include a 25-minute progressive rock epic featuring Steve Morse. In addition, the Testimony 2 Special Edition includes a behind-the-scenes DVD documentary about the making of the album.


Neal's largest tour, ever, will bring Testimony 2 to audiences throughout Europe and the United States. Coinciding with the album and tour will be the release of his autobiography, appropriately entitled Testimony. Together, all three occasions make for a unique artistic achievement, and Neal's greatest undertaking, to date.

* * * * * * *

PERSONNEL

Neal Morse: Lead vocals, keyboards, guitars
Mike Portnoy: Drums, vocals
Randy George: Bass

Matthew Ward: Vocals • Paul Bielatowicz: Guitar • Steve Morse: Guitar
Nick D’Virgilio, Alan Morse, Dave Meros: Spock’s Beard vocals
Eric Brenton: Violin • Mark Leniger: Saxophone

Produced by Neal Morse

Released on Radiant Records
Distributed by Metal Blade/RED/SONY and Inside Out/EMl

FARPOINT Release “Kindred” on 10T Records

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 3, 2011

FARPOINT Release “Kindred” on 10T Records

Charleston, SC – May 3, 2011 (10T Records) – 10T Records is excited to announce the signing of South Carolina’s Farpoint to its roster of artists. The band will release their upcoming new full-length CD release, “Kindred,” on May 23, 2011 with a retail street date of July 5.

“Kindred” features Dave Auerbach on guitars, Dean Hallal on vocals, Kevin Jarvis on guitars, keyboards, and vocals, Jennifer Meeks on vocals, and flute, Frank Tyson on bass guitar, and vocals, and Rick Walker on drums, and percussion.

Through four studio albums and over ten years of live performance at clubs, festivals, fundraisers, and private events, Farpoint have continued to walk their own path, creating a unique blend of genres and styles. While existing fans will instantly hear the qualities that they have always associated with Farpoint, “Kindred” sees the band stretching into new territory and broadening their blend of uplifting and positive symphonic prog, folk and hard rock. Produced and Mixed by Jeff Hodges (Fromuz, Man On Fire, Govt. Mule) at Charleston Sound (www.charlestonsound.com), “Kindred” has a more dynamic, full and present sound than prior releases with tight drum grooves and fills, intriguing bass lines, layered harmonies and intricate melodies while retaining a very accessible feel.

“We are thrilled to become a part of the 10T family, and honored to be listed among 10T's incredible roster of artists,” says Kevin Jarvis. “As a completely independent band for over 12 years, it's nice to find a record label that believes in our music enough to make an investment in it, especially when the label obviously maintains such a strong emphasis on the artistic integrity of the music they release.”

“We have been following Farpoint’s musical career for a number of years,” says 10T Records president, Steve Carroll. “When the band approached my partner, Jeff, about recording and producing their next CD at his studio, it seemed like the logical time to combine our energies to create something special. Having Farpoint on board feels kind of like a family reunion.”

All tracks from “Kindred” are now available to preview on the Farpoint artist page at the following link:

http://10trecords.com/artists/genres/progressive-experimental/farpoint/discography/

After July 5th, “Kindred” will be available through your favorite retail outlet.

New DREAM THEATER Drummer: 'I'm Pinching Myself'

Drumhead magazine spoke to new DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Mangini about how he landed his new gig and the preparation for the recording process for the band's new album.

"I'm pinching myself," he said. "I wake up most mornings thinking about my personal playing growth and DREAM THEATER. I have a smile and it's amazing — what a great day I have when I acknowledge what is happening to me. How did I end up here? Whoa!

"Part of my joining any band, or going for any drumming position, is me just letting what is, be. I don't want to change anything that's going on. I just want to play my drums; that's it, that's what I want to do. All I'm expecting to do is to be able to have the opportunity to come up with the greatest drum stuff that I can come up with, along with respect what DREAM THEATER is already.

"What Mike Portnoy has made for DREAM THEATER — and it's not hard for me to like that — is a great thing, it's not only hectic drum stuff, it has a sound, and his sound stems from some similar influences. We both love RUSH and METALLICA, so it's feeling natural for me to do that. I want to continue to replicate that kind of a vibe, as well as to offer a new drum thing that I have been working on that is DREAM THEATER.

"As for the audition, I just walked in with a great feeling and greeted everyone, 'Hi, guys, I'm ready for this.' I was absolutely ready to go in there and not make one stinking mistake. In my mind, I had to be like that. This was important to me. I just had too much interest in these people and in this music to blow it. I was not going to blow it.

"So there I am. I play the tunes and everything is just forward-motion for me, meaning, I wasn't thinking, 'Oh my gosh, this is an audition!' It was more, 'Okay, I'm going to count here, I'm going to look at Jordan [Rudess] there playing the keyboard line, John Myung here, John Petrucci there, James LaBrie there, etc.' I was in the moment. My eyes were picking up everything they were doing. It was like I knew everything they did. For example, if John Myung played something different in 'The Spirit Carries On', I was ready. I was watching, listening and feeling everything they were doing like my life depended on it. When Jordan or John did something in a solo, I followed it. I thrived off that 'one' guitar riff I just had to catch. I would look at them and let them know that I knew what they were doing. [John Petrucci] picked up on everything.

"We were on the same page 100 percent, it seemed. They kept coming over to me and saying the nicest things, acknowledging what I was doing.

"I don't want to sound broken or needy, but I needed them to say these things. I believe we all can use acknowledgement and a dose of niceness with what we really love to do. They knew that I respected them and appreciated being there."

On the preparation for the recording process for the new DREAM THEATER album:

"John [Petrucci] sent me a demo. He didn't ask me to do anything, he just said, 'Check it out.' I grabbed it and thought, 'I'm going to get back to him quicker than he thinks I am, and I'm going to get back to him with more than he's expecting. I'm going to go the extra 17 miles.' So, I transcribed it, got into my studio and recorded it, tried stuff and just did a take. And it was okay. I listened to it and thought to let my wife hear it, and she said, 'You're holding back.' She's not a musician, but she said, 'I know you. You're holding back.' And she was absolutely right. I said, 'You know what?! I'm afraid of doing something wrong or doing too much.' Anyway, I did another take and I kind of let go. Again, because everything happened so naturally in the audition, that's what I needed to follow as a feeling: just be me. Not think too much about this, that and the other thing, and just go with what's coming out naturally. If it's not the right thing,
he'll tell me."

On the beginning of this new chapter in his drumming career:

"So, how did it happen… I prayed daily and I just put my head down and said, 'I can do this. I cannot fail those who also believe that I can do this. It's for my family, extended family, friends, fellow drummer friends, endorsement companies and students that also believe that I'll make good on the gifts I've been given. And finally it's for the DREAM THEATER family for giving me the opportunity.'"

DREAM THEATER: It Was Destiny At Work For Us To Have Found The Right Drummer At The Right Time

A little more than a month after drummer Mike Portnoy's sudden departure from DREAM THEATER, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an incredibly productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly and at length with seven of the world's greatest drummers. The remaining members of the band got to know the candidates musically, personally and professionally and thus assessed the fit of each drummer's incredible chops with the band's trademark prog-rock sound.

After intense consideration, the band has unanimously chosen drummer Mike Mangini (EXTREME, STEVE VAI, ANNIHILATOR) to fill the seat behind the kit which was left vacant by Portnoy's departure late last summer.

DREAM THEATER began telling their intense tale on April 21 when the band took to its Facebook page to give fans a glimpse into the audition process. A video tool that was powered by new technology prompted fans to "like" the page in order to unlock exclusive content. Much to the joy of fans, a trailer for the three-part documentary series on the audition process was then revealed. Those that "liked" the page then received updates on when and where the actual documentary would be airing.

The series, which is featured on Roadrunner Records' YouTube channel, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and critics alike and amassed over 1.5 million views in one week's time. Additionally, both DREAM THEATER and Mike Mangini were trending topics on Twitter this past Friday, behind only royal wedding-related topics.

Keyboardist Jordan Rudess reflected on Mangini's audition, saying, "From the first count-off to the very last note of the final song, every beat Mike played was not only in perfect time, but also executed with an undeniable sense of virtuosity and musicality."

The band has always been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of fans around the world, and has treated their announcement of their new rhythm section anchor with incredible respect to the band's legacy.

"The departure of our lifelong bandmate and friend was an unexpected and truly heartbreaking blow," said guitarist John Petrucci. "The fact that as a result of that event we'd be introduced to seven infinitely capable and uniquely talented drummers was heartening. But when we played with the infectiously positive powerhouse of a drummer that is Mike Mangini, we knew we had found a silver lining to what has been, by far, the most challenging episode in our musical lives."

Bassist John Myung explained that "Mike Mangini is inspiring to us on many levels. His attitude and outlook are entirely positive. His total immersion into performing with us is undeniable, and during the audition, we all felt his strong musical and personal presence. At the same time, we also felt a real unity. He will open up our creative potential. It was destiny at work for us to have found the right person at the right time."

Going into the auditions, singer James LaBrie had a strong vibe for Mangini's potential. "I had the privilege of working with Mike on three of my solo albums, so I knew he would be a huge contender. He is without a doubt one of the most intelligent, intuitive, interpretive and virtuosic musicians I have ever played with."

Mangini is completely cognizant of the demanding rhythmic and artistic responsibilities he'll be expected to take on as the band's new timemaster, as well as how deeply the band's history and relationship runs with DREAM THEATER's passionate and dedicated followers. "I went to work diligently on the audition material far beyond just learning the songs," explained Mangini, who, upon taking up the mantle for DREAM THEATER, gives up a coveted faculty position at the Berklee College of Music. "I imagined myself onstage with them, giving the fans what I know Mike Portnoy — who is obviously a legend — always worked so hard to provide. For his sake, as well as for the fans and the band's, I fought hard to earn the privilege of carrying on the spirit of DREAM THEATER. At the same time, I wanted to honor Mike's incredible drumming and musical interpretations. This band has a phenomenal past. DREAM THEATER's fans are so passionate about DREAM THEATER's music.
They deserve to hear the songs they know played as they love them. I'm responsible for that now."

With the addition of Mangini to the band's lineup, DREAM THEATER moved forward into the studio to begin recording their third release for Roadrunner Records. Guitarist John Petrucci reprises his role as producer, and Paul Northfield (RUSH, QUEENSRŸCHE, PORCUPINE TREE) assumes the same engineering position that he has had on DREAM THEATER's previous two Roadrunner releases. The band will kick off a world tour in July 2011.

Mangini, for one, cannot wait to get on the road and show the DREAM THEATER fan base why he was the chosen one. "I am just bursting at the seams on being the new drummer for DREAM THEATER," he said. "Digesting the incredibly challenging catalog, exploding with creative ideas, and anticipating what James, John, John and Jordan will come up with collectively and individually for new music and a fresh stage show is going to be really exciting and fun for me. I consider this opportunity the absolute pinnacle of my career. I can't even imagine what untapped and future musical genius is inside of these guys; I can't wait until we get into the studio together. Playing with these guys…it's the mountaintop. This is where I want to be."
Source: RNR

GLENN HUGHES Up For DEEP PURPLE Mk. III Reunion

WHITESNAKE/ex-DEEP PURPLE frontman David Coverdale recently told VH1 Radio Networks' Dave Basner that he would reunite with his former DEEP PURPLE bandmates Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar) and Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals) for the right opportunity, like a benefit concert.

When VH1 Radio Networks spoke to Hughes last week, he said he'd be up for a DEEP PURPLE Mk. III reunion, too, and explained why. "Yeah, absolutely, for the simple task of this purpose: When I was in the band in the '70s, let's just say I joined the band a very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Northern chap like David and I left the band, very sort of, let's just say I was overserved at the bar," he said. "And I've made my amends with everybody but I'd like to have a jam with the guys again as a sober man and somebody who knows how to deal with his life on a daily basis. That's the way I’d like to do it."

Hughes revealed there is another reason he wants to reunite.

"And the fans," he said. "I think PURPLE Mk. III is the last reunion of the iconic bands from the '70s. You know, THE WHO have come back and even ZEPPELIN did one show. So Mk. III would be a huge… for the fans it would be monumental. And you know, I like to please the fans, they've been great."

So what's the hold-up? It turns out Glenn has tried before to get the band together to no avail.

"It all depends on if we can get Ritchie to the table and I'm not sure if that's possible. But David and I, we chew the fat over it from time to time. We had a big thing about four years ago where we tried to put it together but we couldn't get everybody to the table and we didn't want to have that weight on our shoulders, it's just too big of a weight. And there's lots of people involved and lots of employment and stuff so we just decided we'd move on because we were spending a lot of time trying to get it together and it didn't sort of pan out."

Former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord told U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine last fall that he can't ever see a reunion of PURPLE's Mk. III lineup.

"I think it's a dream too far," Lord said. "I know a lot of people would like it to happen, but it would have to have Ian Paice involved, and right now he's committed to the current PURPLE lineup. And I know they are planning a new studio album, as well as more touring."

He added, "I got an email from David recently, and it seems Glenn and Ritchie might be into it, although I don't know how Glenn feels now, with BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION happening.

"Yes, I would love to play with Ritchie again, but don't read anything into that as far as Mk. III is concerned.

"I must admit I'd also have a concern or two about David's voice."

Coverdale and Hughes joined DEEP PURPLE in 1973 to create the band's Mk. III lineup, though co-founding member and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left in 1975, to be replaced by Tommy Bolin.

DREAM THEATER Guitarist: MANGINI 'Is Not Only A Beast Of A Player But An Incredible Person'

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER have recruited Mike Mangini — the 48-year-old session artist who has played for ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE and STEVE VAI — as the replacement for the recently departed Mike Portnoy.

In a posting on his official forum, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci writes, "Well, it's been a very exciting day for all of us in DREAM THEATER and we are happy to finally share the news that Mike Mangini is our new drummer! He is not only a beast of a player but an incredible person as well who truly and fully understands and values everything that we strive to be as a band.

"Thank you for being so patient and incredibly supportive to us throughout the years and especially over the last several months.

"Thank you for your faith in us and your immediate and practically across-the-board acceptance of Mike Mangini as our new drummer.

"Thank you for the positive words about the documentary [three-part web series documenting DREAM THEATER's drummer search] and all of your passion and dedication.

"The movie is our gift and our invitation into something that would traditionally be very private and I appreciate everyone's sensitivity towards that.

"There's a lot of work to be done, so back to the studio.

"John Myung finished tracking bass today and Jordan [Rudess, keyboards] is recording as I type.

"Things are real busy around here.

"Can't wait for everyone to hear the new music and to begin playing live with Mike!"

Mangini previously stated about his addition to DREAM THEATER, "The day that I got the phone call to be in DREAM THEATER, it took my brain a minute to assemble what was going on, and when it sank in, the feeling was just of tremendous relief.

"It means so much to me, I almost felt like crying a couple of times. [Laughs] I didn't know what to do.

"What it means to me to be part of not only such a legendary band, but this band, is a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I feel like a puzzle piece, and with Mike [Portnoy] in particular, I feel really honored to carry on the torch for him; I'm carrying on his spirit."

Mangini is notorious for his technical prowess and holds three out of four World's Fastest Drummer titles. These include the Fastest Matched grip at 1,247 strokes in 60 seconds; Fastest Hands, which he earned by executing 1,203 single-stroke notes in 60 seconds without drumsticks mallets etc.; Fastest Traditional Grip which he earned by executing 1,126 strokes in 60 seconds; and Fastest Single Stroke Foot record, playing 13,222 hits in 15 minutes and 5,222 hits in five minutes.

Mangini has written two books about his drumming techniques. These books, titled "Rhythm Knowledge", are a practice method for deconstructing and simplifying complex polyrhythms and time signatures.

Mangini joined ANNIHILATOR in 1991 and appeared on the band's "Set The World On Fire" album. He toured with the group in support of the CD until 1994 at which point he was asked to play with the Massachusetts band EXTREME, replacing that group's original drummer Paul Geary.

After EXTREME dissolved in 1996, Mike was informed through drummer Jonathan Mover that guitarist Steve Vai was auditioning drummers for his live band. Mike successfully auditioned for Steve Vai's band and relocated to Los Angeles.

From late 1996 to early 2000, Mangini was the highly regarded drummer of Vai's live ensemble, which also included bassist Philip Bynoe, guitar wizard Mike Keneally and (in 2000) guitarist Dave Weiner. Mike also recorded several drum tracks for Steve's "Fire Garden" and "Ultrazone" albums.

In 2005, Mike accepted a full-time teaching position at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and today he is a prominent faculty member in the school's percussion department.

Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band last summer while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD.

He played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and toured with them in late 2010 .

IAN GILLAN: 'It Was Great To Work With TONY IOMMI Again'

WHOCARES — the renewed musical union between legendary DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan and none other than BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi: the undisputed master of heavy guitar riffs — will release its debut CD single in North America on June 27 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The single will be made available in Europe on May 24 through earMUSIC. The digital release for both territories will be May 6.

The single features two brand new studio tracks "Out Of My Mind" and "Holy Water", which will raise funds for the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. The CD single will also contain the video clip of "Out Of My Mind" and a 40-minute documentary that shows Gillan's and Iommi's involvement with the Armenia cause over the years.

Speaking to Armenia's Mediamax news agency, Gillan was asked what the experience of working with Iommi again was like compared to their previous collaboration.

"It was great to work with Tony again," Gillan replied. "He is very easy to write with and as a singer I know exactly where he's going. It wasn't dramatic, just friendly and professional."

He added, "We hope to do it again sometime in the not-too-distant future.

"It wasn't like the last experience with BLACK SABBATH; that was a band and an album — totally different."

When asked how the inspiration for the song "Out Of My Mind" came out right after he visiting Armenia in October 2009, Ian said, "Well, normally... people like us who work with bands write the bits that we play. In this case, with 'Out of My Mind', Tony presented the entire musical idea and I wrote what I sing over the top, or along with it, if you prefer. The second track of the WHOCARES single, 'Holy Water', was a bit different as I wrote that with Steve Morse [DEEP PURPLE] and Tony was gracious enough to play guitar on it."

Both Gillan and Iommi have spent a lot of time in Armenia, fallen in love with the country and the people and have dedicated a lot of work to a nation still shocked after the earthquake that struck Armenia on December 7, 1988.

The collaboration of Gillan and Iommi, who have worked together before on the SABBATH album "Born Again", is in itself an incredible news for all rock and metal fans and will be the best of surprises to get to know who is completing the band: None other than Jon Lord ("Mr. Hammond", partner with Gillan on all the DEEP PURPLE classics), IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain, ex-METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted and HIM guitarist player Mikko "Linde" Lindström are also featured on the two new songs.

Commented Gillan: "The idea came as Tony and I flew back from Yerevan together after being inspired by the enthusiasm of everyone there to get this thing done.

"It was brilliant working with Tony again after all these years; he makes life easy for a singer.

"The other guys need no introduction, do they?!"

Added Iommi: "Some twenty years ago when the call came, I thought, well at least I've helped, but it was going to Armenia and seeing the actual devastation caused by the earthquake that really made me realize that funds were still needed.

"Despite all the money that was raised last time, here was a music school doing their best, forgotten, in basic tin sheds. After the warmth and honor bestowed upon us during our visit, we just had to help make a difference and get the school rebuilt. And what better way than to hook up with some of rock's greatest players and my old mate Ian, both an honor and a pleasure."

"Out Of My Mind" recording lineup:

* Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) - Guitar
* Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) - Vocals
* Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) - Bass
* Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN) - Drums
* Jon Lord (DEEP PURPLE) - Keyboards
* Mikko "Linde" Lindström (HIM) - Guitar

"Holy Water" recording lineup:

* Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) - Vocals
* Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) - Guitar
* Steve Morris - Guitar
* Michael Lee Jackson - Guitar
* Randy Clarke - Drums
* Rodney Appleby - Bass
* Jesse O'Brien - Hammond Organ
* Arshak Sahakyan - Duduk Solo
* Ara Gevorgyan - Underlying Duduk Intro Music And Keys