Quick Takes: Slash & Myles Kennedy, Judas Priest, David Coverdale, Loverboy

Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators have just dropped their new single, “Call Off The Dogs.” The track is the latest teaser from the band's upcoming album, 4, set for release on February 11th. Slash said of the tune: “This one was written pretty much on the fly, and in the spirit of the energy of the whole album 4. You can’t overthink something like this song because it kills the spirit.”
- Frontman Myles Kennedy added: “'Call Off The Dogs' has that up-tempo vibe that helps elevate a record in a lot of ways, especially for rock fans. They want those songs. . . Lyrically, it’s about that point where you wave the white flag and give in to someone after being pursued relentlessly.” (Press release)
Turns out Judas Priest's touring guitarist and co-producer Andy Sneap will be back on the road with the band after all. Only days after giving Sneap the kiss-off in a statement, and Sneap commenting publicly at his confusion over being sidelined — he's back in.
- The Priest issued a statement, which reads: “Hello metal maniacs. . . given all that has recently evolved and transpired we have decided unanimously as a band to continue our live shows unchanged with Rob, Ian, Richie, Scott, Andy and Glenn joining us whenever he’s able. . . so see you all soon as we forge ahead celebrating 50 massive heavy metal years of Judas Priest together!”(Bravewords)
David Coverdale has sold his “music publishing, master rights, and master rights royalties” to Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Limited. Josh Gruss, the Chairman and CEO of Round Hill, said in a statement: “David Coverdale is a true rock icon. As the frontman for two of the world’s greatest bands, Whitesnake and Deep Purple, he has blazed a trail since the early-'70s, and his legacy and influence on the generations of artists that followed him cannot be understated. To have been entrusted with David’s work is a proud day for Round Hill.” (Music Business Worldwide)
'80s favorites Loverboy are back with a metal-tinged single, titled “Release.” Co-founding guitarist Paul Dean first intended for an unnamed metal band which approached him as a songwriter/producer to work with them: “It started out as a frustrated call to action, after months of lock down, and morphed into a metal anthem about the loyalty and commitment of that audience. The communal aspect of heavy rock is almost like a religion. I’ve always been a big metal fan; My son and I have seen many of those bands in concert.” (Press release)
- Loverboy is set for a major spring and summer run with Styx and REO Speedwagon later this year.