Anne Erickson holds bylines in several Gannett publications as well as Ultimate Classic Rock, Gibson Guitar, Premier Guitar, Guitar Edge and beyond. She's also a radio DJ and is currently working on-air on Townsquare Media rock station Banana 101.5-FM and is the programmer and managing editor of Audio Ink Radio. She holds a master’s degree from Michigan State University. Interview highlights: Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins, Ozzy Osbourne, Maynard James Keenan from Tool and A Perfect Circle, Alice Cooper, Skillet, RED, As I Lay Dying, Cake.
Anne Erickson
Alice Cooper, Queen’s Roger Taylor Join Foo Fighters in Concert
Alice Cooper and Queen's Roger Taylor joined the Foo Fighters on stage at last weekend’s gig at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. The mascara-wearing rocker performed his classic hits 'School’s Out' and 'I’m 18' with the band, the same songs he recently performed with actor Johnny Depp at his own London show.
Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell Surprised by Tour with Heart
Two powerhouse rock acts, Def Leppard and Heart, set out on a blockbuster tour this summer. While both bands are likely stoked for the pairing, if you ask Leppard guitarist Vivian "Viv" Campbell, the guys of Leppard were just as surprised as anyone to hear about the tour.
Puddle of Mudd Cover Neil Young, AC/DC, Stones on New Album
Post-grunge guys Puddle of Mudd are paying respect to their earliest influences with an album of cover songs, titled ‘re:(disc)overed.’ The album, set to drop Aug. 2, has Wes Scantlin and the crew putting their spin on AC/DC’s ‘TNT,’ Neil Young’s ‘Old Man’ and Led Zeppelin’s ‘D'yer M'ker,’ to name a few.
Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’ Gets Makeover from Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus hauled her ambitious Gypsy Heart Tour to Brisbane, Australia, this past weekend, where she took a breather from her usual pop fare to take a stab at singing Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide.’ This is not a fabrication, you can see it all for yourself, right here.
Metallica Show in Nova Scotia, Canada in Jeopardy
Metallica fans in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, may be in for a mega disappointment. According to Blabbermouth.net, the city is stating they will deny municipal services for Metallica’s upcoming concert on the Garrison Grounds July 14 unless promoter Harold MacKay repays approximately CAD $360,000 to the city. In other words, the show might not happen.
Deep Purple’s Steve Morse on Replacing Ritchie Blackmore
Stepping into the role of new guitarist in an already established band is never easy. It might even bring some hesitation —especially when you’re replacing someone as killer as Ritchie Blackmore.
That’s exactly what happened to Steve Morse, when he joined Deep Purple following co-founding member Blackmore’s long reign on the six-string.
Jimi Hendrix’s Friend Says Red Wine Caused His Death
Red wine is usually praised as an indulgence that -- packed with heart-healthy antioxidants -- is actually good for you. But according to the doctor who tried to save Jimi Hendrix on the night that the legendary guitarist died, it's "plausible" red wine cause Hendrix’s untimely death.
Gene Simmons of Kiss and Sharon Osbourne End Feud
Ozzy Osbourne’s candid wife Sharon and KISS bass player Gene Simmons have finally patched things up. After years of insults and quarrels, Simmons apologized to Sharon on CBS TV show ‘The Talk,’ ending the highly publicized, nasty feud.
Robert Plant to Accept Montreal International Jazz Festival’s ‘Spirit’ Award at Upcoming Gig
As veteran rock ‘n’ roller Robert Plant continues to trek across the U.S. with his Band of Joy, one concert, in particular, will be gratifying. The former Led Zeppelin singer will pick up the Montreal International Jazz Festival’s Spirit award when he croons at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of Place des Arts in Montreal, Canada, June 24, reports the Montreal Gazette.
Chickenfoot’s Michael Anthony: New LP ‘Heavier Than the First’
Amidst rumors the new Van Halen album is finally finished (and rocks hard, to boot), former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar has wrapped up recording sessions on his new effort with rocking super-group Chickenfoot. The album -- Chickenfoot’s second -- is expected to drop before year’s end.