As reported earlier in 2011, deluxe editions of the Smashing Pumpkins back-catalogue are in the works.  The track listings for the first two special editions have been revealed. ‘Gish’ and ‘Siamese Dream’ (originally released in 1991 and 1993 respectively) will feature a host of unreleased and rare material, while each one will also feature a DVD containing previously unavailable live performances.

GISH TRACKLIST:

Elvis Costello has announced the dates for the UK leg of his ‘Revolver’ tour.  The singer-songwriter will appear at the following venues in Ireland and the UK in May:

Dublin Grand Canal Theatre  (9)
Glasgow Clyde Theatre (11)
Manchester Apollo Theatre (12)
Liverpool Empire Theatre (13)
Birmingham Symphony Hall (15)
Brighton Centre (16)
Newcastle City Hall (18)
Nottingham Royal Concert Hall (19)
Bournemouth BIC Centre (20)
Bristol Colston Hall (22)
London Royal Albert Hall (23)
Cambridge Corn Exchange (26)
Basingstoke Anvil (27)

The shows will feature Costello’s ‘Spectacular Spinning Songbook’ – last seen in 1986 – whereby members of the audience will be invited to spin a wheel to determine the setlist.

Costello will also release a limited edition, signed 3CD box set of live recordings entitled ‘The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Wheel!!!’ on December 6th 2011.

AOR legends Journey are to receive an award celebrating their commitment to live performance.

The “Legend of Live” award is given as part of the Billboard Touring Conference, and previous recipients have included Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, The Allman Brothers Band and Rush.

Journey’s founder member, guitarist Neal Schon is said to feel “honoured” at being given such an award. Ray Waddell, Billboard’s Executive Director of Content and Programming for Touring and Live Entertainment added: “…Most would agree that Journey’s longevity has in large part been driven by their stellar live performances. From their days blowing up the Bay Area music scene to their ascent to international headlining and, today, iconic rock status, withstanding personnel changes that would bring down a lesser band, Journey’s talent transcends musical trends and draws bigger crowds year after year. In short, Journey personifies a ‘Legend of Live.‘ ”

Journey’s fourteenth studio album ‘Eclipse’ was released in May 2011.  Read a review here.

Back in August 2011, it was reported the original line up of Black Sabbath had re-united and were working on new material. A day later, metal fans had their hopes smashed when it was reported the reunion news was a hoax.

More fuel has been added to the on-off reunion rumours, as guitarist Tony Iommi has said in an interview with Planet Rock radio there was “a very strong possibilty” that he, frontman Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward would work together in the near future.

“At the moment we’re in talks about it.“, said Iommi, “…but what’s going to happen with it, I don’t know. There’s no definite decision on anything at the moment, but at least it’s going. We’re talking, we’re all talking to each other. We’ve met up, had a play and it was great.”

So far no concrete plans have been made.

Iconic 80s pop duo Buggles – featuring Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn – are to make a rare live appearance on Tuesday 25th October.

During the duo’s original career span, Buggles never performed live, but  Horn and Downes made a somewhat belated live appearance in 2004 as part of a Prince’s Trust benefit and eventually staged their first full-length show in 2010.

The second ever Buggles appearance will take place at London’s 02, as part of “The Great British Music Experience”.  Trevor Horn will also be taking part in a Q & A session before the set, and also give away copies of his forthcoming album with Producers (released in March 2012).

Buggles released two albums, ‘The Age Of Plastic’ in 1980 and an overlooked follow up ‘Adventures In Modern Recording’ in 1981.
Between the two releases, both Horn and Downes joined prog rock legends Yes, with whom they recorded one album, ‘Drama’, released in 1980.

In 2011, the Yes album ‘Fly From Here’ reunited the band with both Buggles men and revisited work unfinished from the ‘Drama’ era and also completed a couple of Buggles demos.  (Read a review of ‘Fly From Here’).