Tuesday Rock Roundup

The biggest news in rock yesterday was the result of Phil Spector's murder trial, in which he was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Lana Clarkson. In a verdict that followed nine days of deliberations, a Los Angeles Superior Court jury ruled the producer was responsible for the death of the struggling actress. Clarkson was shot dead at Spector's Alhambra, California mansion on February 3rd, 2003, just hours after they'd met at a Sunset Strip club. Prosecutors, as they had in his first trial, painted Spector as a man with a violent temper and a history of brandishing weapons...especially when he consumed alcohol. His defense team argued that Clarkson was depressed over her unsuccessful film career and had grounds for suicide. The legendary record producer faces a sentence of between 15 years and life. Spector was also convicted of a separate weapons charge. After being free on bail for six years, he was immediately taken into custody. Sentencing is set for May 29th.

Aerosmith have announced their summer tour with Z-Z Top. It starts June 10th in St. Louis, with Z-Z joining on June 16th in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The tour is sponsored by Guitar Hero: Aerosmith for two of those rare bands that still feature the original lineups. The tour hits Alpine Valley June 13th, Tinley Park August 28th, and a venue to be named later in Indianapolis on August 30th. Detroit gets the show September 16th: again the venue is TBA.

Also hitting the road is Sammy Hagar's new supergroup Chickenfoot, which also features Michael Anthony on bass, Joe Satriani on guitar, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. They're hitting Chicago's Park West on May 22nd.

The woman accused of having an affair with Bruce Springsteen is speaking out. 44-year old Ann Kelly, through her attorney Noel Tonneman, denies allegations made by her estranged husband Arthur Kelly that she's been involved with Springsteen. Her father, a divorce attorney, says his son-in-law is dragging Springsteen and his daughter "into the gutter," adding that his daughter and Springsteen were just friends. "My son-in-law and his attorney are just seeking sensationalism. They are dredging up mud that doesn't exist... My daughter is guilty only of working out in the same gym as Bruce Springsteen and of talking to him."

Birthdays today: Dave Edmunds is 65, Richie Blackmore is 64

NEW RELEASES:

Dennis DeYoung One Hundred Years From Now CD
Genesis: 1970-1975 vinyl box set
Metallica The Complete Metallica box set, I-Tunes only
The Who Maximum R&B Live DVD
The Reader (Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes) DVD
The Spirit (Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson) DVD
Beverly Hillbillies Collection DVD
Knots Landing: The Complete Second Season DVD
Wings: Final Season DVD

TV PREMIERES TONIGHT: Deadliest Catch (Discovery), The Alaska Experiment (Discovery)