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
Heart to ‘Keep the Fire Burning’ on Tour With Def Leppard
Heart kick off a North American tour with Def Leppard this Wednesday (June 15) in West Palm Beach, Fla., and frontwoman Ann Wilson is speaking out about what – and what not – to expect. All the hits? Yes. Performed in a timeworn way? Not even close.
Duff McKagan Eyeing Tours With Izzy Stradlin and Slash
Guns N’ Roses fans going through withdrawal may soon have something to satisfy their fix. Ex-GN'R bassist Duff McKagan has divulged that there are talks of his band Loaded touring with his former GN'R bandmate Izzy Stradlin at the end of 2011. Furthermore, McKagan hopes that both acts can share a bill with Slash in the near future.
Aerosmith’s Joe Perry To Answer Fans’ Questions on Facebook
Is there a question you’ve always wanted to ask Aerosmith axeman Joe Perry? If your answer is, “yes,” then you might get your chance. Mr. Perry is going to social networking kingpin Facebook for an exclusive question-and-answer session, and he’s asking fans to submit their questions.
Jimi Hendrix’s ‘In The West’ and ‘Winterland’ Set for Reissue and Expansion
Experience Hendrix and Legacy Recordings have announced plans to release a new pair of Jimi Hendrix reissues, ‘In the West’ and ‘Live at Winterland,’ on Sept. 13, 2011.
Alice Cooper: ‘Elvis Told Me to Put a Gun to His Head’
Alice Cooper had the rare chance to meet one of his musical inspirations in 1971, but it didn’t end quite as he imagined. The shock-rocker has announced that during his first meeting with "the King," Presley handed Cooper a gun and told him to point the weapon at Elvis’s head.
Dream Theater Announce New Album ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events’
Progressive metallers Dream Theater are releasing more details about their greatly-anticipated new album, which will be their first with new drummer Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Annihilator, Extreme) in toe. ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events’ will drop Sept. 13 via Roadrunner Records and be supported by a yet-to-be-announced world tour.
Motley Crue Guitarist Mick Mars Going R&B on Future Solo Album?
Motley Crue's 1980s hair metal would never have hit big without guitarist Mick Mars’ striking sonic presence and blues-based, metallic romp. Now Mars is telling the Dallas Observer that he’s been jamming with renowned jazz guitarist George Benson, and the two apparently share a musical idol in Wes Montgomery.
Billy Joel, Chrissie Hynde to Present at the 2011 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner
Pianist Billy Joel and Pretenders guitarist/vocalist Chrissie Hynde are among a long list of performers who have signed on to present at the 2011 Songwriters Hall of Fame Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on June 16 in at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Iron Maiden Releases ‘From Fear to Eternity: The Best of 1990-2010′
To say Iron Maiden is one of the most influential bands in heavy metal is far from a hyperbole. Now fans can relive the band’s more recent years, as EMI released today (June 6) Iron Maiden’s ‘From Fear to Eternity: The Best of 1990-2010’ double-CD set.
Kiss Guitarist Paul Stanley Campaigns to Prevent Hearing Loss
Glam-guitarist Paul Stanley is long known for his flamboyant antics with Kiss, but lately, he’s kept busy voicing his concern over the epidemic of hearing loss among teens.