Axel Rudi Pell: last three dates of Mystica tour cancelled
German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell has cancelled the three remaining dates (Heidelberg, London and Zürich) on the second leg of the "Mystica" tour. "We had different reasons for [the cancellation]," Axel explains. "First it wouldn't make sense to fly Johnny [Gioeli, vocals] over [from the U.s.] for just three dates and we couldn't play other cities with the same 'Mystica' program again. The other main points are that I'm recently doing promotion for the 'Diamonds Unlocked' cover album and working simultaniously on a probable Dvd release. Also I'm already working on a few ideas for the next studio album, which we will record sometime in the spring next year. I will fully concentrate on the songwriting only from October on till next year. We will definately play some big festivals in Europe again next year and it is planned to have the next real bigger tour in the fall of 2008, so I hope that you understand the situation.'In other news, Axel has posted the third Mp3 snippet from his upcoming "Diamonds Unlocked" covers album. "i first heard [the song 'Stone'] the very first time when listening to one of my favorite singers Paul Rodgers' side project called The Law back in 1991," says Axel. "So it wasn't the original version from Chris Rea who inspired me to cover this great song."
Download the "Stone" one-minute sample at this location.
Pell is scheduled to release "Diamonds Unlocked" on October 1, 2007 (Germany: September 28; Usa: to be announced), his first album consisting exclusively of compositions by other musicians, proving his expertise when it comes to the history of rock and pop music. Axel Rudi Pell has recorded ten cover songs, among them surprising new versions of real classics. "i have always stressed that I don't have a hard rock and metal fixation," he points out. "i don't think in terms of pigeonholes. If I like a track for whatever reason, I don't care about its stylistic direction. Every song on this album made me want to cover it at some stage when I heard the original."
"Diamonds Unlocked" was recorded by the tried-and-tested lineup consisting of Axel Rudi Pell, vocalist Johnny Gioeli, keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg, bassist Volker Krawczak and drummer Mike Terrana. Pell produced the album single-handedly, and Charlie Bauerfeind took care of the mix.
"Diamonds Unlocked" track listing:
01. The Diamond Overture
02. Warrior (Riot)
03. Beautiful Day (u2)
04. Stone (Chris Rea/The Law)
05. Love Gun (Kiss)
06. Fools Game (Michael Bolton)
07. Heartbreaker (Free)
08. Rock The Nation (Montrose)
09. In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins)
10. Like A Child Again (The Mission)
11. Won't Get Fooled Again (The Who)