Rocklahoma Performance Times Announced

Courtesy: A12 Entertainment

The 2021 Rocklahoma Festival will go on for now.

Performance times for the festival were announced Wednesday through a news release distributed to the media. The festival’s unofficial start is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. ET Thursday with a performance by Devium IV on the Deb Concerts Stage.

Thursday night’s kickoff continues at 8:05 p.m. with a performance by Dead Metal Society. The Iron Maidens follow at 9:30 p.m. Stephen Pearcy, the voice of RATT will headline the evening’s events at 10:50 p.m.

FRIDAY

Friday’s official launch opens at 11 a.m. on the Deb Concerts Stage with a performance by Straight Six. Lovesick Radio, Outlaw Devils, Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls, and Color of Chaos keep things moving from 11:50 a.m. through 2 p.m.

Liliac closes out the performances on the Deb Concerts Stage at 5 p.m., but before that, Plush will take the stage at 4 p.m. on the Renegade Stage. Half an hour later at 3:30, From Ashes To New will open the action on the Renegade Stage.

Performances from the likes of Tremonti, Candlebox, and Sevendust are also scheduled for Friday. Rob Zombie is scheduled to headline Friday’s events at 10:45 p.m. on the Freedom Stage.

SATURDAY

Slipknot is scheduled to headline Saturday’s events at 10:45 p.m. on the Freedom Stage. Prior to its performance, other bands, such as John 5 and the Creatures, Zero 9:36, and Pop Evil are also scheduled to perform.

Also scheduled to perform Saturday are the likes of Butcher Babies, School of Rock, and Falling in Reverse.

SUNDAY

Sunday will see its own wide array of acts scheduled to perform. Among those scheduled to perform Sunday are The Hu, Puddle of Mudd, and Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals.

The full rundown of performance times for this weekend’s festival is noted below.

Thursday, September 2

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

10:50 PM – Stephen Pearcy The Voice Of Ratt

9:20 PM – The Iron Maidens

8:05 PM – Dead Metal Society

7:00 PM – Devium IV

Friday, September 3

FREEDOM STAGE

10:45 PM – Rob Zombie

8:45 PM – Chevelle

6:55 PM – Sevendust

5:40 PM – Candlebox

4:30 PM – Ayron Jones

3:30 PM – From Ashes To New

RENEGADE STAGE

9:55 PM – Grandson

8:05 PM – Tremonti

6:20 PM – Austin Meade

4:00 PM – Diamante

3:00 PM – Plush

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

5:00 PM – Liliac

2:20 PM – Color Of Chaos

1:30 PM – Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls

12:40 PM – Outlaw Devils

11:50 AM – Love Sick Radio

11:00 AM – Straight Six

Saturday, September 4

FREEDOM STAGE

10:45 PM – Slipknot

8:45 PM – Anthrax

6:55 PM – Pop Evil

5:40 PM – Badflower

4:30 PM – Bones UK

3:30 PM – Butcher Babies

RENEGADE STAGE

9:55 PM – Falling in Reverse

8:05 PM – Jelly Roll

6:20 PM – Zero 9:36

4:00 PM – All Good Things

3:00 PM – School Of Rock

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

5:00 PM – John 5 And The Creatures

2:20 PM – Rocket Science

1:30 PM – Fist Of Rage

12:40 PM – 90LB Wrench

11:50 AM – Mind Of Fury

11:00 AM – The Rumours

Sunday, September 5

FREEDOM STAGE

8:45 PM – Halestorm

6:55 PM – Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals

5:40 PM – Motionless In White

4:30 PM – Steel Panther

3:30 PM – Stellar Ascent

RENEGADE STAGE

9:55 PM – The Hu

8:05 PM – Andrew W.K.

6:20 PM – Knocked Loose

4:00 PM – Cory Marks

3:00 PM – Jeris Johnson

DEB CONCERTS STAGE

5:00 PM – Puddle Of Mudd

2:20 PM – Budderside

1:30 PM – Paralandra

12:40 PM – Severmind

11:50 AM – Jessikill

11:00 AM – Chaotic Resemblance

A three-day pass is required to attend the Roadhouse Pre-Party on Sept. Thursday. Doors for the Roadhouse Pre-Party open at 11 a.m. Festival grounds open for the festival daily at 2 p.m.

Rocklahoma is presented by AEG Presents.

More information on Rocklahoma is available along with all of the festival’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.Rocklahoma.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rocklahoma

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocklahoma

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

John 5 Announces Dates For Next Leg Of “Invasion Tour”

Courtesy: Adrenaline PR/60 cycle hum Records

John 5 and The Creatures will launch the second leg of their “Invasion Tour” Wednesday.

The next leg of the tour, which is in support of the group’s latest album Invasion, is scheduled to launch Wednesday in Battle Creek, MI.  It is set to run through Nov. 24 in Rochester, NY and to feature performances in cities, such as Charlotte, NC; Omaha, NE and Atlanta, GA.

The tour’s schedule is noted below.  Tickets and VIP packages are available here.

JOHN 5 and The Creatures tour dates:

Invasion Tour w/Jared James Nichols and Reverend Jack

10/30 – Music Factory @ Battle Creek, MI

10/31 – Cleveland, OH @ The Winchester 

11/1 – Detroit, MI @ Token Lounge

11/2 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s

11/3 – Ringle, WI @ Q&Z Expo Center

11/5 – Kansasville, WI @ 1175

11/6 – Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club

11/7 – Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s

11/8 – Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground

11/9 – Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck

11/11 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar

11/12 – Memphis, TN @ Growlers

11/14 – Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Old Bar

11/15 – New Orleans, LA @ The Parish at the House of Blues

11/16 – Miramar Beach, FL @ Village Door Music Hall

11/17 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East

11/18 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend

11/20 – Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger

11/21 – Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head on Stage

11/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge

11/23 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club

11/24 – Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall

John 5 (a.k.a. John William Lowery) talked about the upcoming stretch of live dates in a recent interview.

“I’m excited to get back out on the road with The Creatures and play music from the new album,” he said.  “The response to the first leg of the Invasion Tour earlier this year was amazing and I can’t wait to hit even more cities.  Jared James Nichols was phenomenal last time around and we are happy to have him join us again.”

More information on John 5 and The Creatures’ upcoming live dates is available online now along with all of the group’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://john-5.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/John5official

Twitter: http://twitter.com/john5guitarist

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

John 5 And The Creatures Announce Schedule For Next Leg Of “Invasion Tour 2019”

Courtesy: 60 Cycle Hum Records/Adrenaline PR

John 5 and The Creatures announced the schedule this week, for the next leg of the group’s “Invasion Tour 2019.”

The next leg of the tour, which is in support of the group’s brand new album Invasion is scheduled to launch Oct. 30 in Battle Creek, MI and to run through Nov. 24 in Rochester, NY.  The almost month-long tour features performances in cities, such as Greesnboro, NC; Kansasville, WI and Atlanta, GA.  Jared James Nichols, who served as support on the most recent leg of the band’s tour, will be back as support for this leg of the tour, too.

John 5 (a.k.a. John Lowery) talked about his expectations for the upcoming tour run in a recent interview.

“I’m excited to get back out on the road with The Creatures and play music from the new album,” Lowery said.  “The response to the first leg of the Invasion Tour earlier this year was amazing, and I can’t wait to hit even more cities.  Jared James Nichols was phenomenal last time around, and we are happy to have him join us again.”

Before John 5 and The Creatures launch their upcoming tour run, they will perform at a special one-off co-headlining show with The Aristocrats on Sept. 1 in Los Angeles, CA.  A special edition of Invasion will be available for purchase at that concert.  Tickets for the concert are available here.

The full schedule for the next leg of the Invasion Tour 2019 is noted below. Tickets and VIP packages for the tour are available here.

JOHN 5 and The Creatures tour dates:

w/The Aristocrats

9/1 – Los Angeles. CA @ 1720

Invasion Tour w/Jared James Nichols and Reverend Jack

10/30 – Music Factory @ Battle Creek, MI

10/31 – Cleveland, OH @ The Winchester

11/1 – Detroit, MI @ Token Lounge

11/2 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s

11/3 – Ringle, WI @ Q&Z Expo Center

11/5 – Kansasville, WI @ 1175

11/6 – Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club

11/7 – Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s

11/8 – Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground

11/9 – Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck

11/11 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar

11/12 – Memphis, TN @ Growlers

11/14 – Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Old Bar

11/15 – New Orleans, LA @ The Parish at the House of Blues

11/16 – Miramar Beach, FL @ Village Door Music Hall

11/17 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East

11/18 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend

11/20 – Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger

11/21 – Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head on Stage

11/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge

11/23 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club

11/24 – Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall

More information on Invasion is available online now along with all of John 5 and The Creatures’ latest news at:

 

 

Website: http://www.john-5.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/John5official

Twitter: http://twitter.com/john5guitarist

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Audiences Will Welcome John 5 And The Creatures’ New Musical ‘Invasion’

Courtesy: 60 cycle hum Records

More often than not, when people think of the word “invasion,” they typically attribute a negative connotation to the word.  However, not every invasion is a bad thing.  The British invasion that introduced Americans to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones was definitely a positive invasion.  The so-called “new wave of British Heavy Metal” was just as welcome, as was the “New Wave of American Heavy Metal.”  This week, a new invasion began with the release of John 5 and The Creatures’ new album, simply titled Invasion.  The record comes almost two-and-a-half years after the release of the group’s most recent record Season of the Witch and more than a year and a half after the release of the group’s most recent live recording, It’s Alive.  Simply put, John 5 and The Creatures have worked hard, making certain their fans have been kept entertained over the course of almost the past three years, and this latest offering from the band continues to do just that, entertain audiences.  That is due in part to the continued wide range of arrangements that make up the body of the 34-minute album.  They will be addressed shortly.  The record’s production and mixing builds on the foundation formed by that wide array of arrangement, and will be discussed a little later.  The record’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements and will also be addressed later.  Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of Invasion.  All things considered, they make the album another invasion – both literally and metaphorically – that audiences will welcome.

John 5 and The Creatures’ new full-length studio recording Invasion, which was released just this week, is another positive new offering from the group.  It is a work that will invade listeners minds, and be welcome by said listeners in the process.  That is due in part to the record’s collective compositions.  The 10 songs that make up the body of the 34-minute record run the gamut from the industrial realm to that of funk to country/bluegrass and even some blues-based material in the vein of Joe Satriani.  In regards to the more industrial style material, said music opens the album in the form of the album’s title song.  Though short – it clocks in at just two minutes and 10 seconds – the use of the bass, guitar and ethereal effects instantly conjures thoughts of the works that he helped compose during his time with Marilyn Mason.  The funk elements show up in the infectious arrangement at the center of ‘Zoinks’ and ‘I Like The Funk.’  Both songs incorporate a certain rock influence into their arrangements, immediately making them appealing to Red Hot Chili Peppers fans.  The country/bluegrass sounds are just as abundant as the funk/rock elements, showing up in different fashions in ‘Howdy,’ ‘Cactus Flower’ and ‘Constant Sorrow.’  Yes, the latter of that trio is in fact a take-off of the famed ‘I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow.’  This take on the modern classic song is not only a solid closer for the album, but also one of the record’s most notable works.  While ‘Constant Sorrow’ takes on its source material with a new take, ‘Howdy’ is a full-on bluegrass piece that will appeal to fans of old school country and bluegrass stars, such as Chet Atkins, Scruggs & Flatt, and Red Allen – just to name a few well-known bluegrass figures for comparison.  ‘Cactus Flower,’ while clearly exhibiting a country influence, is much more reserved than its counterparts featured in this record.  It creates a very serene atmosphere with its soft, gentle cymbal rolls, guitar line, and seeming keyboard element.  It creates this vision of cowboys out on the trail and farmers out in the fields harvesting their crops.  It is, in this critics view, another of the album’s most notable additions.  It is just one more of the album’s most notable entries, too.  The blue-rock style arrangement at the heart of ‘I Want It All’ will appeal to fans of Joe Satriani with its driving riffs and time keeping.  The trills and the fills that John 5 performs couples with the keyboards and the drums to make a whole that fans of Mr. Satriani will enjoy time and again.  It is yet another way in which the album shows its strengths.  Between that song, the others discussed here and the prog-metal styling of ‘Midnight Mass,’ the whole of this record once again clearly exhibits John 5’s versatility as a musician and guitarist, which is of course nothing new for him. It is another example of why John 5 – whose real name is John Lowery – made the right decision so many years ago to break away from Marilyn Manson and go it alone.

The wide array of arrangements exhibited throughout Invasion builds a strong  foundation for this latest impressive offering from John 5 and The Creatures.  They collectively continue to exhibit Lowery’s talents as a guitarist, musician and composer.  They are only one part of what makes the record another appealing to audiences.  The record’s production and mixing adds its own appeal to its presentation.  From one song to the next, every line gets its own moment in the sun.  The album’s opener is one of the prime examples of the importance of the album’s production and mixing.  The song’s opening bars balance the dark, brooding drums and guitars expertly with the ethereal, gentle blowing wind-type effects to create the song’s ominous mood.  That mood gives way to an even more foreboding feeling as Lowery’s guitar line powers up more, adding even more to the song’s goth vibe.  The end result is a powerful opening that is quite the stark contrast from the album’s more lighthearted finale.  ‘I Want It All’ is another example of the importance of the album’s collective production and mixing.  There is a lot going on in this song, from Lowery’s guitar work to the time keeping to the audio effects used on the song’s few vocal moments in which Lowery sings, “I want it all.”  Those behind the boards clearly spent a lot of time balancing each element.  Lowery’s guitar work takes center stage, but is balanced well with the drums. Speaking of the drums, the cymbal crashes are kept to a certain minimum so as to not overpower the actual time keeping.  Rather, it is there, but more for the sake of effects.  Even as Lowery sings, it is easy to understand what he is singing despite the use – supposedly – of a talk box or some sort of similar tech.  ‘Cactus Flower’ is another example of the importance and power of the album’s production and mixing.  This time, the subtleties are more in a positive vein, and are handled just as well as the subtleties of the album’s opener.  The airy synth that sits at the song’s base joins with Lowery’s gentle, flowing guitar line to paint such a vivid picture for listeners.  The emotional impact from that balance makes the song, again, one of the album’s most powerful additions and one of its best.  When that impact is considered alongside the impact of the other noted songs and the rest of the album’s works, the overall impact of each work’s production and mixing is a record that is just as easy on the ears because of the work that went into its creation as for its variety of musical sounds.  Speaking again of the variety in the arrangements, it has already been noted that the noted variety forms a strong foundation for the album.  The sequencing of those songs rounds out the most important of the album’s elements.

Invasion’s sequencing is important because it keeps things interesting for listeners.  Listeners will note that Lowery never sticks to just one style of music for too long at any one point throughout the course of the album.  Case in point, the first two songs – ‘Invasion’ and ‘I Am John 5’ are both industrial in style, but are different from each other in their respective styles.  The album  takes a decidedly different turn as it enters its third song, ‘Midnight Mass.’  This song is a full on prog-metal work that also incorporates some thrash elements into the mix for a whole that is, again, completely separate from the arrangements presented in the album’s first two songs.  The variations continue nonstop from here, with the more funk-infused ‘Zoinks!’ and the country/bluegrass vibe of ‘Howdy.’  Lowery and company return to the album’s more hard rock/goth sounds as it enters its second half with ‘Crank It – Living With Ghosts.’  As the album progresses on toward its finale, the changes remain just as constant as they were in the album’s first half.  The reserved nature of ‘Cactus Flower’ is a start contrast to the high energy of ‘Crank It – Living With Ghosts.’  Its energy is just as stark from that of ‘I Want It All’ and ‘I Like The Funk.’  Their collective vibes and energy is just as different from that of the album’s finale, too.  Simply put, the constantly changing energies of the songs ensures just as much as the arrangements themselves and their production, listeners’ maintained engagement and entertainment.  Keeping that in mind, the record in whole does a lot to show what makes it another strong new offering from Lowery and company.

John 5 and The Creatures’ new album Invasion is another solid new offering from Lowery and his fellow musicians.  That is due to yet another wide array of styles exhibited in the song’s arrangements.  This is nothing new for John 5 and The Creatures.  The fact that the songs are not just repeats of the group’s past works makes that wide array that much more enjoyable.  The production and mixing that went into bringing each arrangement fully to life adds to the record’s whole even more.  The record’s sequencing puts the final touch to its presentation.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of Invasion.  All things considered, they make Invasion one more of this year’s top new rock records and an invasion on the ears that every listener will welcome.  More information on Invasion is available online now along with all of John 5 and The Creatures’ latest news at:

 

 

Website: http://www.john-5.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/John5official

Twitter: http://twitter.com/john5guitarist

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

John 5, The Aristocrats Announce Co-Headlining Performance

Courtesy: Adrenaline PR

John 5 will release his new album next month, and in celebration, has announced a special new live performance.

The famed guitarist — and his backing band The Creatures — will co-headline a special performance with The Aristocrats — Guthrie Govan (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass) and Marco Minnemann (drums) — on Sept. 1 at 1720 in Los Angeles, CA.  The performance will be the first for John 5 and The Creatures following the release of the group’s new album Invasion on July 31.

John 5 (a.k.a. John William Lowery) and The Creatures debuted the video for Invasion‘s lead single ‘Zoinks!‘ in January. He talked about his anticipation for the upcoming performance in a recent interview.

“John 5 and The Aristocrats — It doesn’t get much better than that,” Lowery said.  “It’s one show only and you’re not going to want to miss it.  It’s going to be a very exciting night, and definitely one to remember.”

The Aristocrats shared Lowery’s thoughts in a separate statement.

“We always say that anything can happen onstage at an Aristocrats show — and that goes double for a John 5/Aristocrats double bill!,” the band said.  “We’re psyched because the Aristocrats and John 5 are obviously coming at the instrumental rock thing from just completely different angles, and neither one of us is playing it straight down the middle.  Should be a fun night for anyone in L.A. who likes their music loud and bent.”

Tickets for the concert are available here.  VIP packages are available here.

The Travis Larson Band will serve as the opening act for the concert.

More information on the upcoming concert is available online now along with all of John 5 and The Creatures’ latest news at:

 

Website: http://www.john-5.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/John5official

Twitter: http://twitter.com/john5guitarist

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and ‘Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Eagle Rock’s Mingus Montreux Show Shines In Phil’s Picks’ 2018 Top New Live CDs List

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Going to live shows is neither easy nor inexpensive nowadays.  Between the collective cost of tickets — which is itself oftentimes bank-breaking — transportation, food, potential lodging and souvenirs, and of course planning around work and family schedules, getting out to live shows is not easy for anyone.

Those barriers make the availability of live recordings something critical for audiences everywhere, regardless of genre.  To that end, live CDs deserve their own consideration just as much as studio recordings, each year.  Keeping that in mind, Phil’s Picks has developed once again a list of the year’s Top 10 new live CDs.

This year has been an interesting one for live CDs.  Some notable live CDs were featured as part of bigger bundles (E.G. The Rolling Stones’ San Jose ’99 and Voodoo Lounge ’94 shows) while others, such as Alice Cooper’s A Paranormal Night @ The Olympia Paris and Marty Friedman’s One Bad M.F. Live were standalone offerings.

Some were standout offerings for all of the best reasons.  Others had some problems to note.  Keeping all of this in mind, this year’s crop of live CDs deserves just as much attention as the vast sea of studio recordings released throughout the year.

Topping this year’s list is yet another live CD from the people at Eagle Rock Entertainment in the form of Charles Mingus’ classic 1975 Montreux Jazz Festival show.  This recording presents Mingus at one of his finest moments, and why his live performances were — and still are today — such powerful presentations.

Coming in second in this year’s list is the new Jimi Hendrix live CD, Live at the Hollywood Bowl.  This CD was released as part of the bigger Electric Ladyland box set, and stands out so strongly because of its set list, Hendrix and company’s performance and the production values.

Third place in this year’s list of the year’s best new live CDs goes to veteran viking metal outfit Amon Amarth.  The 30-song set list spans two nights and quite an expansive portion of the band’s catalog.  That set list is directly mirrored on its DVD and BD presentation, and sounds just as good.  Though because of the intensity of the show, it is still better appreciated being seen and heard and not just heard.  That’s not to say the CD presentation is bad, but audiences will agree that hearing it makes for far more appreciation for the concerts’ DVD and BD presentations.

Also featured in this year’s list of top new live CDs are those noted new offerings from Marty Friedman, Alice Cooper and The Rolling Stones alongside new offerings from Opeth, Devin Townsend and John 5 to name just a few more titles.  As always, this critic’s list features 10 of the year’s top new offerings plus five honorable mentions, which follow, for a total count of 15.  Without any further ado, here is Phil’s Picks’ 2018 Top 10 new Live CDs.

PHIL’S PICKS 2018 TOP 10 NEW LIVE CDs

1. Charles Mingus — Live at Montreux 1975
2. Jimi Hendrix — Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Aug. 14, 1968
3. Amon Amarth — The Pursuit of Vikings: 25 Years in the Eye of the Storm
4. Devin Townsend Project — Ocean Machine: Live at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv
5. Opeth — Garden of the Titans: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6. The Rolling Stones — No Security; San Jose ’99
7. The Rolling Stones — Voodoo Lounge Uncut
8. John Mclaughlin & The 4th Dimension and Jimmy Herring & The Invisible Whip — Live in San Francisco
9. Marty Friedman — One Bad M.F. Live
10. Accept — Symphonic Terror: Live at Wacken 2017
11. Alice Cooper — A Paranormal Night at The Olympia Paris
12. Fates Warning — Live Over Europe
13. Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow — Memories in Rock II
14. John 5 and The Creatures — It’s Alive
15. Overkill — Live in Overhausen

John 5 And The Creatures To Open 2018 With New Live Recording

Courtesy: Adrenaline PR

John 5 and the Creatures will open the new year with a new live recording.

the former Marilyn Manson guitarist and his fellow musicians will releae It’s Alive! in stores and online on Thursday, Jan. 28 according to a news release about the recording. That’s a day earlier than the normal Friday release date on which music releases are typically made available.

Pre-orders are open now. The recording’s track listing is noted below.

It’s Alive! track listing:

1. Guitars, Tits and Monsters

2. Flight of The Vulcan Kelly

3. Six Hundred and Sixty Six Pickers In Hell, CA

4. Here’s to the Crazy Ones

5. This is my Rifle

6. Jiffy Jam

7. Hall Haw

8. Season Of The Witch

9. The Nightmare Unravels

10. Portrait of Sydney Sloan

11. Triple D

12. Black Grass Plague

13. Behind The Nut Love

14. Making Monsters

15. Beat It

16. Now Fear This

17. Medley

John 5 said of the recording’s creation in a recent interview that it came to being on a whim.

“I remember pulling up to a beautiful venue that we played in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, and before we were unloading the equipment, the soundman said, “Hey guys, would you like to record the show?,” the guitarist said. “We said, “sure that would be amazing!” I always wanted to have a really great recording of the show. We were a few weeks into the show, so we were really well-rehearsed, so I said, “Alright guys, let’s not jump around. Let’s just really try to get a great performance because we only have one shot – no other shows if we mess up!” So, we explained to the crowd that we would be recording. You can hear that on the recording of the album, which makes it very magical. It came out amazingly! That’s the magic of live albums to me – capturing the performance.”

He added he was so impressed by the end result that he wanted to release the recording and tour in support of the offering.

“I’m so proud of it that I wanted to put it out and also tour it like bands used to tour live albums back in the 70s,” John 5 said. “I thought that was so cool! I’ve put out a lot of records, so I thought – g********, I’m going to do it!”

The tour in support of It’s Alive is currently scheduled to start Feb. 1 in Orlando, Florida and to run through April 21 in Tacoma, Washington. The tour also includes performances in Los Angeles, California; Greensboro, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois and other cities. The full schedule is noted below.

JOHN 5 and The Creatures It’s Alive! tour dates:

2/1 – Orlando, FL @ The Social

2/2 – Jacksonville, FL @ 1904 Music Hall

2/3 – Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn

2/5 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel

2/6 – Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger

2/7 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Shaka’s

2/8 – Richmond, VA @ Broadberry

2/9 – College Park, MD @ Milkboy

2/10 – Sellersville, PA @ Sellersville Theater

2/11 – Stanhope, NJ @ Stanhope Theater

2/12 – New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom

2/13 – Boston, MA @ Middle East

2/14 – Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

2/15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Hard Rock

2/16 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland

2/17 – Westland, MI @ Token Lounge

2/18 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies

2/20 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews

2/21 – Indianapolis, IN @ Vogue

2/22 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House

2/23 – Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall

2/24 – Chattanooga, TN @ Songbirds

3/29 – San Antonio, TX @ Rock Box

3/30 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

3/31 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

4/2 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

4/3 – Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole

4/4 – Mesa, AZ @ Club Red

4/5 – San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick

4/6 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go

4/7 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vamp’d

4/8 – Fullerton, CA @ SlideBar

4/11 – Ventura, CA @ Discovery

4/12 – San Jose, CA @ Ritz

4/13 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge

4/14 – Fresno, CA @ Full Circle Brewery

4/15 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlows

4/17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

4/18 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux

4/19 – Bend, OR @ Volacanic Pub

4/20 – Portland, OR @ Hard Rock PDX

4/21 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome – Tacoma Guitar Festival

More information on It’s Alive, John 5 and The Creatures’ tour and more is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.john-5.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/John5official

Twitter: http://twitter.com/john5guitarist

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.