TheRighttoRock.com has issued their latest podcast interview (episode #43), featuring Last in Line (Ex-Dio, Black Sabbath) bassist Vinnie Appice. Vinnie took time out of his busy schedule to discuss Last in Line's latest release II, as well as current tour. Vinnie also answers the question if whether the original Dio band ever has a possibility to of getting back together, when Dio was still alive. Tune in to find out what he says. Interview lasts approx. 20 min.
The boys recently caught up with Last In Line drummer Vinnie Appice to discuss Last In Line's latest release II. Vinnie also discusses the band's tour plans as well, as how the whole project started. He also takes us back to his days backing up John Lennon. This one is not to be missed.
And hey if you dig Last In Line's music as much as we do, then show them some love by purchasing their music from your favorite online store won't you? HORNS UP!
Vivian Campbell, Vinny Appice, Phil Soussan, and Andrew Freeman collectively known as Last in Line, are set to release their second album, “II” via Frontiers Music Srl on February 22.
Last In Line was formed in 2011, when Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, and Vivian Campbell, (Ronnie James Dio’s co-conspirators and co-writers on the "Holy Diver", "Last In Line" - the album from which they took their name, and "Sacred Heart” albums) teamed up with esteemed vocalist Andrew Freeman. The debut al-bum “Heavy Crown” was released in February 2016, landing at #1 on the Billboard HeatSeekers Chart. Initially, the release had been preceded by tragedy when bassist Jimmy Bain unexpectedly passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016. Last In Line, honoring what they knew would be Bain’s wish to keep the band moving, brought in renowned bassist Phil Soussan (ex-Ozzy Osbourne) and committed to sustained touring in support of the album, hitting festivals, headlining clubs, and sharing the stage with metal luminaries such as Saxon and Megadeth.
In late 2017, the band gathered in L.A. to start the recording of the second album, which was produced by the band members and Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, The End: machine, ex-Dokken), who also produced the debut album. Having really gelled as a band while touring in support of the debut album, the songwriting came readily to the members. They’ve created a record that shows a big progression in sound, while immediately being recognizable as Last In Line thanks to Vinny Appice’s rhythms, thunderous bass from Soussan, amazing vocals from Andrew Freeman, and the roaring guitars of Vivian Campbell.
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Black Out The Sun
3. Landslide
4. Gods And Tyrants
5. Year Of The Gun
6. Give Up The Ghost
7. The Unknown
8. Sword From The Stone
9. Electrified
10. Love And War
11. False Flag
12. The Light
Lineup:
Andrew Freeman - Vocals
Vinny Appice - Drums
Phil Soussan - Bass
Vivian Campbell – Guitars
Frontiers Music Srl had previously announced the formation of a brand new band featuring legends of the hard rock/heavy metal scene, Dream Child and today announces the release of their debut album, "Until Death Do We Meet Again" is scheduled for September 14.
Dream Child features:
Craig Goldy: Guitars (ex-Ronnie James Dio, Giuffria)
Simon Wright: Drums (ex-AC/DC, DIO, Operation: Mindcrime)
Wayne Findlay: Guitars and Keyboards (Michael Schenker)
Diego Valdez: Vocals (Helker)
Of “You Can’t Take Me Down” Craig Goldy states: “It’s about when all the people, circumstances, obstacles and so forth that life can throw at us take a turn for the worst and that no matter what, we can and will prevail!”
Craig Goldy says, "The band Dream Child was conceived during a brainstorming session with Serafino (President of Frontiers) one day while discussing other matters over the phone. I mentioned that I had been listening to my favorite bands a lot recently, Deep Purple and Rainbow's “Rising" album, among others in that style and had noticed that many people who also love those bands often have the very same comments as one another: "They don't make music like that anymore!" Even though I said that in passing, Serafino asked me a question that would forever shape my future. He simply asked, "Well, can you?" and I said.....”YES!!!"
During the very first public memorial for our most beloved Ronnie James Dio, I had mentioned that whenever I do start writing original material again that I would utilize everything that I had learned from working side by side with the Master for so many years in such a way that I would hope to make him proud....and here it is! The name is inspired by one of his lyrics on the "Dream Evil" album and the nickname he gave me at the time, Dream Child!
We are so very fortunate to have bassist Rudy Sarzo as a featured guest, Simon Wright on drums, Wayne Findlay on guitars and keyboards, and a surprise vocal discovery from Argentina, Diego Valdez, whose voice will send shivers up your spine!!
This album will bring back memories of the days most people have thought were long gone and never to return, yet it is also new and fresh enough to be unique with some unexpected twists and turns!! No more "same old, same old" here, no fillers. Every song is an oasis in the desert and a rare gem in the coal mines of life in this new world that thinks the past greatness of rock would remain in the past. We've brought it back to life once again!!
I am very proud of this album and all who have made this become a reality. There are some big names who've lent a hand in the writing and I am amazed at the new and aggressive sound that producer Alessandro Del Vecchio has brought to these songs!!! I hope you all agree...."
LAST IN LINE---the band that features current DEF LEPPARD/former DIO guitarist Vivian Campbell, former DIO/BLACK SABBATH drummer Vinny Appice and vocalist Andrew Freeman (RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT/OFFSPRING) have confirmed five USA concert dates for October before they head out on a UK/Europe tour. After memorable appearances at the LOUD PARK Festival in Japan and Rocklahoma in the USA, requests came soaring in from fans, demanding that LAST IN LINE play more stateside shows. To round out the line-up bassist Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBOURNE, VINCE NEIL) has been enlisted after original DIO bassist/original LAST IN LINE member Jimmy Bain passed away. Erik Norlander (Ex-ASIA) will handle keyboards.
Vivian Campbell says, "We're thrilled and humbled by the reaction the ‘Heavy Crown’ album has gotten and in due course we look forward to playing more shows across the entire U.S. as schedule and resources permit."
Earlier this year, saw the release of the well-received, debut album from LAST IN LINE, "Heavy Crown." The album landed at #1 on the Billboard Heatseeker Chart, #6 on the Hard Rock albums chart and #22 on the Top Rock chart.
What started as a casual and fun reunion jam in a Los Angeles rehearsal room in 2011 has grown into a fully-fledged recording project that has taken on a life of its own. LAST IN LINE, the band, takes its name from the second DIO album released in 1984. Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell were Ronnie Dio’s co-conspirators and co-writers on the Holy Diver, Last In Line and Sacred Heart albums records that defined the classsic early Dio sound and became a part of rock history.
Appice stated that LAST IN LINE would be playing more dates during late 2016 and 2017 as Campbell’s Def Leppard duties eased off. He also praised LAST IN LINE's live performances, saying: "The band kicks ass. It's so much fun to play together. We have a great time on and off the stage. It's just a real pleasure playing, especially with Viv again. We're not doing this to try to make money; we're doing this because we want do it. And Viv is totally enjoying playing this stuff and revisiting his old solos. With the addition of Phil and Erik we have become a powerhouse again.”
Phil Soussan, who is the heir to the late Jimmy Bain’s place in the band, says: “It is such a thrill to be playing with LAST IN LINE. Jimmy and I were not only bass players in ‘sister’ bands but also longtime friends. I am proud to be able to do him justice and to pay tribute to his legacy. In fact we are all friends and former bandmates. Vinny keeps me on ‘10’ and we bring the thunder. It is an honor to finally share a stage with Vivian and to reunite with Andrew who is ‘the real deal’ and Erik who brings so much texture to the music. The band just feels so right ...and heavy!”
Keyboard Virtuoso, Erik Norlander also weighs in: "Vinny and Phil are an absolutely thunderous rhythm section that is truly genre defining! It’s so great to be playing with them again. Andrew is an unstoppable powerhouse vocalist and an amazing frontman. We always feel so confident going on stage with him. And, Vivian leads the charge of this mighty brigade with his unfathomably heavy virtuoso guitar work. It’s a thrill to weave my keyboard parts around his iconic riffs.”
The LAST IN LINE project has been especially significant to Vivian Campbell, who has been playing to enthusiastic audiences on tour with both DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE while battling cancer. He says, "I'm pleased to report that my cancer treatments are going as well as I could hope for and that my ability to continue my work during this difficult time has given me even greater purpose in both life and work. It's been an absolute pleasure to re-connect with my old friends and our past musical legacy and to build upon that with Andrew on the ‘Heavy Crown’ album.”
Campbell adds, “Losing Jimmy was a very bitter blow for all of us, but we will continue to honor him through performing the music he created. Jimmy would very much approve of his old friend Phil Soussan joining us to help make this happen and the addition of Erik Norlander on keys elevates the band to new musical heights. I find tremendous joy in each and every note that we play together."
VIP Packages can be purchased at the band’s official website. They include: Meet and Greet with Last In Line, VIP Souvenir Laminate, Guitar Pic Set, Group Picture with the band, Personal items autographed and Autographed Band Photo
Totally Driven Radio, the weekly radio podcast heard live every Thursday night from 8 11 pm Est time on the Totally Driven Entertainment Radio Network, hosted by Bay Ragni and Nick Wilkinson covers the world of sports and entertainment each week, as well as bringing you celebrity guests interviews,
Returning to Totally Driven Radio is Legendary Drummer Vinny Appice, formerly of Dio and Heaven n Hell, now with The Last in Line
We talked to Vinny about…
**The great response The Last in Line has gotten for their debut album “Heavy Crown”
**How the Last in Line got together
**What it was like playing again with Vivian Campbell
**The sudden passing of Jimmy Bain
**The days leading up to his passing
**The sendoff they did to Jimmy on the ship
**Did Jimmy know or not about the cancer
**Having Eric Brittingham of Cinderella fill in for Jimmy on the cruise
**The explosion of the Rock Cruises, and if he enjoys them
**If they figured out whom the new bass player will be
**If Andrew felt any pressure to fill the shoes of Ronnie James Dio
**If Wendy Dio supportive of The Last in Line
**Playing “Rainbow in the Dark” recently at a benefit with Slash
**If he asked Slash if the need a drummer for GnR
**Any more Drum Wars with his brother Carmine
**He touched on Resurrection Kings with Craig Goldy
**He talked about the people from the cruise texted people back at shore, about Jimmy’s passing before his family was notified
Look for Last in Line on all Social Media sites Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
Go to their website for links to everything: http://www.lastinlineofficial.com/
Remember to listen to Totally Driven Radio every Thursday, and Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
The hyperbole has been high and I must admit, on paper the idea of Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain (RIP) joining Vivian Campbell in a Dio-inspired new material project was very tantalizing.
I mean, who wouldn’t be excited at the prospect of Vivian returning to his roots and really getting a chance to shred again?
But try as I may, I have not been able to get into this album. I’ll take some heat for that, but it’s all about personal taste and my opinion is that this album hasn’t worked in a couple of areas.
First – Andrew Freeman. Monster voice and commanding frontman, but I just don’t take to his vocal style on this album. Too much shouting, it’s just not gelling with me.
That’s not so say it’s not an impressive performances, but I just can’t warm to it.
Second – pacing. As is the case with a lot of Dio material, the overall tempo favors a slow, methodical pace with occasional forays into something more uptempo.
But in most cases, I really struggle with albums that plod along.
The album opens mid-pace with the impressive rocker Devil In Me and immediately launches into the fastest track of the album with Martyr. That’s my kind of pace.
Starmaker is haunting and has potential, but I struggle withthe vocals and the ultra-slow pace, which continue into Burn This House Down.
I Am Revolution hits the fastest mark of the entire album with a flurry of guitars and a rapid beat. This is what I was hoping to hear more of, cool track.
But then Blame It On Me heads straight back to ultra-slow plodding heavy metal. Already Dead tries to break out of that pace but doesn’t manage it for long.
Curse The Day has an interesting moody and somewhat melodic hook, but still remains relatively slow moving.
The next two tracks pick up the pace a little, but not enough.
The Sickness is a slow metal ballad or sorts. Some cool riffing, but not enough to save the second half of the album.
Jeff Pilson handles production responsibilities with his usual professional aplomb, and fans waiting to hear Vivian Campbell shred again are rewarded with some fine performances here.
I know there will be a great many that love this record and it isn’t without merit. It’s just one of those records that despite the obvious quality, hasn’t made a lasting impression to these ears.
Jimmy Bain - friend, brother and band mate passed away on Saturday January 23, 2016.
The Medical Examiner report states the official cause of death was lung cancer.
Jimmy didn't know he had lung cancer, but he did know he had pneumonia and was receiving treatment for it.
This didn't stop him or slow him down, we had four rehearsals 4 hours a day, then a flight to Miami for The Def Leppard Rock Cruise.
A pre-sail gig and sound check was scheduled for the following day. At the gig Jimmy played great and even sang that night while holding a heavy bass guitar on his back, never complaining or asking for help.
Next day we preceded to board the cruise ship for a 5 day voyage of which we were scheduled to play Sunday the 4th day.
That gig never happened as Jimmy passed away in his cabin the night before, we were devastated.
Jimmy was a trooper, he gave his all to the band he loved, the music he loved and the fans.He didn't want to let anyone down.
I don't know anyone that would have attempted this schedule while being this sick and not feeling well, a trooper.
He was so happy and proud of the new album we recorded, it so unfortunate and sad he didn't live to see it released.
We were all looking forward to being on the road and playing together again, there was such a magic between us.
Our prayers go out to his family and so many friends and fans who will miss the amazing person that was Jimmy Bain.
Famed DIO, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL drummer, VINNY APPICE, joins Mitch in this special YouTube edition of One On One With Mitch Lafon. Vinny checks in for a quick update on his new band LAST IN LINE which includes the classic DIO - Holy Diver lineup featuring Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell and bassist Jimmy Bain. Singer Andrew Freeman (Lynch Mob, Hurricane) rounds out the band. Their new album Heavy Crown is released in February 2016. He also discusses his RESURRECTION KINGS side project featuring Chas West (LYNCH MOB), guitarist Craig Goldy (DIO, DIO DISCIPLES), and bassist Sean McNabb (DOKKEN, GREAT WHITE). Their debut album is slated for January 2016. Vinny also addresses the current drumming situation in BLACK SABBATH and whether or not he'd like to join them for their Farewell Tour. Reminisces about the Black Sabbath MOB RULES album and picks his favorite between the Holy Diver and Mob Rules albums.
Quotes from the interview:
Vivian Campbell: "Viv is moving along with his health and he's doing really good now."
LAST IN LINE (the band): "Out of all the bands I've played with - this is my favorite combination of 'band'. I look forward to going to rehearsals. I look forward to being with them. It's just fun."
KILL DEVIL HILL: "There were a lot of things going on. It wasn't pleasant. It was a great band, but it wasn't pleasant."
BLACK SABBATH: "When I first joined the band, I was a kid. I brought my drums down to audition with them in my '67 Mustang. It started out from there and it was always 'you're in the band until Bill Ward comes back'. They expected him to come back. This was his baby."
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DEBUT ALBUM TO BE RELEASED
FRIDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2016 ON FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL
On Friday 19th February, Frontiers Music SRL will release one of the most highly anticipated Hard Rock releases of 2016 - the debut album from LAST IN LINE, "Heavy Crown".
Formed by three original members of DIO including Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell (guitar) Vinny Appice (drums) and Jimmy Bain (bass) and named after DIO’s 1984 studio album "The Last In Line", the new band are on a mission to bring classic Hard Rock to fans who can’t get enough of the real thing. The album will be released on CD, CD/DVD (including a bonus track) and Digital formats. Pre-orders can be made HERE.
First single, Devil In Me was premiered on Planet Rock (UK) and SiriusXM (U.S.) on Monday, November 16th and today, November 17th, the official music video for the track is now available for viewing on YouTube. The single is now available as an instant grat with digital pre-orders from iTunes and Amazon MP3.
Last In Line (L-R): Andrew Freeman, Jimmy Bain, Vivian Campbell, Vinny Appice.
Photo Credit: Ross Halfin.
Says guitarist Vivian Campbell, "When we started this project a few years ago, the initial idea was to reunite the original Dio band to play the songs we wrote and recorded with Ronnie in the early 1980’s. Joined by Andrew Freeman on vocals, we played a handful of shows in southern California, the UK, and Japan. It was a limited ambition, but it brought us great joy in reconnecting to this great music, to each other, and to our collective history."
The new songs featured on the debut Last In Line album are all co-written by the four band members.
"When we first got together as the Last In Line line-up, our ambition at that time didn’t extend to writing and recording any new music, says Campbell, "but when we were offered the opportunity to do so by Frontiers, we decided to enter the studio to write this new album in the very same spirit as we did the Holy Diver album; Back in 1982 Ronnie, Vinny, Jimmy and I went into Sound City studios to kick around ideas and riffs, and about six weeks later we started laying down the tracks for what was to become the Holy Diver album."
The new material was written after the band toured the classic Dio songs. During the tour, when the band started really connecting with each other musically, that’s when they decided the time was right to start writing new material for what was to become the Last In Line debut album. Vivian Campbell will also be putting time aside to go on tour with Last In Line when not touring with Def Leppard. Expect 2016 tour dates and festival appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.
LAST IN LINE – OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
What started as a casual and fun reunion jam in a Los Angeles rehearsal room in 2011 has, in the ensuing years, grown into a fully-fledged recording project that has taken on a life of it’s own. Last In Line, the band, takes it’s name from the second Dio album released in 1984. Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell were Ronnie Dio’s co-conspirators and co-writers on the Holy Diver, Last In Line and Sacred Heartalbums – the records that defined the classic early Dio sound and have gone on to become part of Rock History!
During that first jam, it was immediately apparent that the chemistry of the original band was very much intact – even after a 27 year hiatus. The excitement generated by that rediscovery led to a second session, this time they called in vocalist Andrew Freeman (a friend of Vinny's) whose credits include singing in the Raiding The Rock Vault production in Las Vegas and background vocals for The Offspring.
Andrew has the vocal power to complete the original powerhouse sound of the Dio band.
Hearing Andrew’s interpretations of the songs was a revelation for Vivian, who immediately suggested that they book some local shows for fun. In Vivian’s mind, the fact that Andrew could put a different spin on the songs made it an interesting prospect, and one that would justify taking things to the next stage, outside of the rehearsal room.
Over the ensuing years, a handful of local LA shows led to a handful of overseas shows in the UK and Japan, and eventually to an offer from Frontiers Records to record a new album of original material.
During the course of 2014 the band wrote and recorded 12 new songs under the guidance of longtime friend and producer Jeff Pilson. It proved to be a symbiotic relationship with Jeff that captured the organic crunch of the band and brought out the very best in Andrew’s voice and delivery.
In February of 2016, Last In Line’s debut album, Heavy Crown will be released, with the debut track, Devil In Me leading the charge. The band will gear up for a highly anticipated tour in both the U.S. and Europe in support of the record. The "live"set will include new songs alongside their early classic Dio-era works.
The debut album will be titled Heavy Crownand released on February 19, 2016 via Frontiers Music Srl. The CD was recorded at a Southern California studio with producer Jeff Pilson.
"In preparation for the release of the debut Last In Line album, we recently shot a couple of music videos, did an epic photo shoot with Ross Halfin Photography, and prepared the album artwork and packaging. We’re very excited about what’s to come in early 2016 with the new record and thought we would take this opportunity to bring everyone up to speed with some changes that have happened within the band.
When we started this project a few years ago, the initial idea was to reunite the original Dio band to play the songs we wrote and recorded withRonnie James Dio in the early 1980’s. Joined by Andrew Freeman on vocals and original Dio keyboard player, Claude Schnell, we played a handful of shows from southern California to the U.K to Japan. It was a limited ambition, but one that brought us great joy in reconnecting to this great music, to each other, and to our collective history.
Our ambition at that time didn’t extend to writing and recording any new music, but when we were offered the opportunity to do so by the Frontiers record label, we took that step forward. At that time, it was decided that we enter the studio to write this new album in the very same spirit as we did the Holy Diver record: In autumn of 1982 Ronnie, Vinny, Jimmy and I went into Sound City studios to kick around ideas and riffs, and about six weeks later we started laying down the tracks for what was to become the Holy Diver album.
It was after Holy Diver was written and recorded that we brought in Claude to embellish certain songs in a way that the guitar just couldn’t do. From that time forward Claude became an essential part of the band's live shows.
In retracing our footsteps, we again started to write this new album as a four-piece band – thus keeping the emphasis on guitar-driven songs. In the course of doing so we have decided to continue on that path and remain a four-piece band.
We wish Claude every success and he remains a very close friend and confidant to all concerned."
