Time for our weekly installment of Unplugging, setting you up for a weekend of the best in music.
“Hey, I know this song – it’s on Guitar Hero!” Whether we like it or not, many people are exposed to new music while playing Activision’s popular video game, and sometimes its music that has been around for years. In this case, Rush’s 20-minute “2112” suite will be featured on the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, which will be released September 28th. The song will be epic, nicely fitting with the whole “Warrior of Rock” theme. Speaking of epic, Arcade Fire has announced that they will be streaming their August 5th performance at Madison Square Garden live on YouTube. I plan on sitting in the dark, putting my laptop on full volume, and pretending that I’m there – it’s almost as good as the real thing.
After the death at Electric Daisy Carnival, officials have been trying to improve the safety at such concerts. Insomniac Events, the event planning company behind EDC, has partnered with the Investigative Advisory Group to establish an “18 and Older” policy. All events by the company will now be using handheld scanners to verify the IDs of all concertgoers.
Rock ‘N Rev, the huge festival held August 9-13 in South Dakota, has announced Guns N’ Roses as a headliner. This will be the band’s first appearance in the United States in four years, and they will be joining an already legendary lineup.
New music announcements this week include Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, and Jimmy Eat World. Def Leppard has announced the release of their first ever live album, featuring material from their 2009 tour. They’ve also dropped hints that the live album could come with an EP full of brand new songs. Iron Maiden has announced the release of their 15th studio album, The Final Frontier, out August 17th, and an accompanying music video for the first single “El Dorado.” Finally, Jimmy Eat World will be releasing their sixth studio album, Invented, on September 28th, with a fall tour in the works.
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.
Arcade Fire To Stream Madison Square Garden Performance: Arcade Fire has announced that they will be streaming their August 5th performance at Madison Square Garden live on YouTube. Follow the link for a seriously awesome promo video for the event.
Insomniac Events Partners with IAG, Institutes 18 and Older Policy: After the death of a teenager at the Electric Daisy Carnival, officials have attempted to make these shows safer. Insomniac Events, the company behind EDC, has partnered with the Investigative Advisory Group to establish a new “18 and Older” policy for all concertgoers of Insomniac Events’ shows.
Guns N’ Roses Set to Rock ‘N Rev in South Dakota: Guns N’ Roses has joined the lineup for this year’s Rock N’ Rev Festival, held August 9-13 in South Dakota. The performance will be the group’s first show in the United States in four years. Follow the link for a promo video.
Def Leppard Planning First Ever Live Album, Hints At New Material: Def Leppard has recently announced that they will be releasing their first ever live album, featuring material from their 2009 tour. They have also mentioned that the album may come with an EP full of brand new songs.
Iron Maiden Reveal New Album, New Video: Iron Maiden announced their 15th studio album, The Final Frontier, out August 17th. An accompanying music video for the first single, “Final Frontier”, will include a computer-animated version of the band’s mascot, EDDIE. Follow the link for the track list, tour dates, and music video for “Final Frontier.”
Jimmy Eat World Announce Album Release Date: Jimmy Eat World has announced the release of their sixth studio album, Identity, out September 28th. “My Best Theory,” the album’s first single, will be released in August.
