Well, it’s that time of year again. The time when one year ends, when another begins, and when we provide you with a recap of 2010 – the best of Unplugging.
Music-lovers around the world rejoiced in the beginning of September when Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced that the new version of iTunes featured a service called “Ping” – a Facebook/Twitter hybrid for those obsessed with music. It offered users a new way to discover music, follow their favorite artists and each other, get tour information and other worthwhile news, and generally just voice their opinions. It revolutionized iTunes and made us all just a little bit more connected.
Towards the end of September, it was announced that Activision’s new Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, would feature Rush’s “2112” suite. For those unfamiliar with the song, it’s an epic 20-minute track. In a press release, Geddy Lee said, “The music, the story and the journey of 2112 lends itself perfectly to the quest in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. In our story, the caves of 2112 are where our hero finds the lost guitar and this rediscovery of music is much like the Guitar Hero warriors’ journey to find the Demi-God of Rock’s Legendary guitar, which has been trapped in a cavern.” The game was released September 28th.
In more Activision news of 2010, this past June Activision took over the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for a preview event of epic proportions. The event featured countless performances by artists like Deadmau5, Usher, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Rhianna, Jane’s Addiction, N.E.R.D, and many more. And MXDWN was there for the whole thing. Follow the link below to relive the night with videos and pictures.
It’s always nice to see bands put aside their differences and come together for one night of legendary music making. That was the case for the “big four” in thrash metal – Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth – at the Sonisphere Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria. Members from all four bands performed the finale together (Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?”) with the three bands vocalists’ alternating verses. For many, this was a night that they will never forget from the year 2010 – a night of metal’s most historic moments.
Big news with Rage Against the Machine for the year was the announcement that a new album is in the works. Zach de la Rocha recently revealed that Rage Against the Machine is working on a new album due out next year. The frontman revealed that since their reunion, they have been a more cohesive, mature unit, with hopes in dropping a new album in summer 2011.
Finally, the Gorillaz stirred up a lot of news for 2010, including the release of their highly anticipated album, which was just dropped on Christmas day. The website featured an advent calendar celebrating the 12 days before Christmas, each day entitled a special, exclusive gift for fans.
iTunes 10 Debuts with Music-Centric Social Networking Service: Apple CEO Steve Jobs revealed that the new version of iTunes will feature a new service known as “Ping.” Ping, like any other social networking sites, offers users to discover new music, find out tour info, follow friends and musicians, and customize album and song charts.
Rush’s 2112 Featured in New Guitar Hero Game: Activision’s new Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, will feature Rush’s “2112” suite. The game, out September 28th, will include a whole new story-based quest mode that the song will surely exemplify. Follow the link for a trailer for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.
Activision’s E3 Preview Event Blows the Lid Off the STAPLES Center [Eminem, N*E*R*D, Chris Cornell, Maynard James Keenan, Jane’s Addiction and more]: Activision’s E3 Preview Event at the STAPLES Center featured countless performances by artists like Deadmau5, Usher, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Rhianna, Jane’s Addiction, N.E.R.D, and many more. Follow the link for video clips!
Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth Perform “Am I Evil?” Encore: The “big four” in thrash metal (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth) joined together on stage at the Sonisphere Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria. Members from all four bands performed the finale, Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” Follow the link for video footage of the performance.
Rage Against The Machine Frontman Reveals New Album in the Works: Zach de la Rocha recently revealed that Rage Against the Machine is working on a new album due out next year. The frontman revealed that since their reunion, they have been a more cohesive, mature unit, possibly dropping a new album in summer 2011.
New Gorillaz Album Finally Releases On Christmas Day: The release date for the new highly anticipated album from the Gorillaz has finally been announced for Christmas Day. Also, featured on the Gorillaz website is a holiday advent calendar. In celebration of the 12 days before Christmas, each day entitles a special, exclusive gift for fans.
