Posts Tagged ‘moon’

AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ Used to Test New Laser Technology for Drones

Kevin Mazur, Getty Images We all know how awesome AC/DC ‘s music is, but their classic hard rock anthems appeal to people from all walks of life. Even British engineers rock out to ‘Highway to Hell’ while they’re on the job! They just happen to be using the song to test new laser technology for in-flight drones. You may remember a story that broke earlier this year, when AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ was blasted at immense volume at an Iranian nuclear power plant thanks to a computer hacker . Now, British engineers have chosen AC/DC for military drone testing … sound like a conspiracy, Dave Mustaine ? In fact, the laser technology that was tested using ‘Highway to Hell’ is being developed to make drones lighter and operate longer without having to refuel. EADS Innovation Works in Newport, UK, are working on the laser reflector, which they call ‘Dazzle.’ Since we’re not all that bright when it comes to complex engineering, check out this description of the laser reflector courtesy of Gizmodo : After the laser beam enters the reflector, it passes through a transparent switch, called a light modulator, that adds the digital zeroes and ones of the video data to the beam. The light then hits a mirror and is reflected back to the spot it came from – carrying the video data. The tech will allow a speed boost to 1 gigabit per second – easily allowing faster delivery of HD video, which struggles to top 20 megabits per second with radio frequencies. Scientist Yoann Thueux is that man who chose ‘Highway to Hell’ for the inaugural testing of the laser technology. “It was on my iPod and I thought it would be a good song to go first because I know it completely by heart,” says Thueux. “I’d be the first to tell if the technology was not working properly on playback.” As for the next song to be beamed into a drone, Thueux hopes to use one of his own band’s tracks, although Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ has also been suggested. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/acdc-back-in-black-album-grammy-hall-of-fame/” title=”AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ Album Inducted Into Grammy Hall of Fame” align=”center”]

Dave Grohl’s ‘Sound City’ Documentary Set for Sundance Premiere

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images We’ve all been curious to see ‘Sound City,’ Dave Grohl ‘s star-studded documentary tribute to the legendary L.A. studio of the same name, and now the wait is almost over — provided you have a ticket to next year’s Sundance Festival. Sundance 2013, set to kick off Jan. 17 in Park City, Utah, will play host to a wide variety of new films from across the spectrum, and ‘Sound City’ will be among the new documentaries getting their first public screenings. It’s one of the most high-profile premiere outlets a filmmaker can ask for, and Grohl is understandably enthused. As he put it in a press release, “As a first time director, I am humbled to be able to share my passion for songwriting and storytelling with this incredible cast of legendary musicians, as seen through the extraordinary story of America’s greatest unsung recording studio, Sound City. Being included in this group of artists is a true honor, and the Sundance Film Festival is the perfect place to premiere a film about craft, integrity, and passion for art. I am over the moon!” Grohl has been hard at work on ‘Sound City’ over the last year, interviewing a long list of former studio clients and organizing jams with everyone from his former  Nirvana bandmate Krist Novoselic to Rick Springfield to  Slipknot ‘s Corey Taylor, not to mention kicking off a SiriusXM radio show dedicated to the studio’s history. Check out the trailer below, and start saving up for a plane ticket to Utah. Dave Grohl’s ‘Sound City’ Trailer [button href=”http://loudwire.com/foo-fighters-dave-grohl-taylor-hawkins-swap-places-to-honor-led-zeppelin/” title=”Next:  Dave Grohl Drums in Foo Fighters Tribute to Led Zeppelin” align=”center”]

Daily Reload: Axl Rose, Nirvana + More

Theo Wargo, Getty Images – Axl Rose made a rare appearance on late night television, discussing Guns N’ Roses , politics and “Corn Rose” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. [ Loudwire ] – Nirvana : The Musical? Courtney Love would like to see the story of her late husband’s band either on Broadway or the big screen. [ Loudwire ] – With Stone Sour going strong, Corey Taylor says Slipknot are “on hiatus” for the time being. [ Loudwire ] – Ozzy Osbourne is the “Prince of Darkness,” so it’s only fitting that his ‘Bark at the Moon’ single soundtrack a Texas home’s awesome Halloween light display. [ Loudwire ] – Cradle of Filth singer Dani Filth claims he’s been stalked by the reincarnation of serial killer Elizabeth Bathory. [ Loudwire ] – Congrats to In This Moment , whose latest single ‘Blood’ is now a Top 10 track. [ Rock Music Report ] – Aerosmith are plotting a surprise major pre-election street concert next Monday in Boston. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Bon Jovi have revealed their plans for a 2013 world tour and announced their next album title. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Arcade Fire are apparently working on new music again, with an eye toward a late 2013 release. [ Diffuser.fm ] – Looking for a film you haven’t seen on Halloween? Check out the 9 Unique Horror Movies to Watch on Halloween That You’ve Probably Never Seen list. [ GuySpeed ]

Iron Maiden + Rammstein Confirmed to Headline 2013 Download Festival

Karl Walter / Nick Laham, Getty Images The UK’s legendary Download Festival has just announced two of the headlining acts for their 2013 bill. Iron Maiden will headline the second day of Download (June 15) to bring their ‘Maiden England’ tour to over 100,000 rabid fans. Rammstein are also confirmed for the fest, and will headline the closing June 16 date. Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson offered his excitement for once again headlining the Donington Park fest. “We’re absolutely over the moon to be headlining Donington again,” says Dickinson. “The idea of returning exactly 25 years later with a show inspired by that same 1988 “Seventh Son” Tour, was too good an opportunity to be missed! And, thanks to modern technology, we’ve been able to update and improve on the original production.” Dickinson continues, “We will be bringing a huge new lightshow, stage set, various incarnations of Eddie, plenty of pyro and all kinds of other exciting stuff for the fans. And of course treating the fans to lots of their favourite songs from that period! We’ve had many great times at Donington and there is always a wonderful mix of bands and a really wild crowd who love their metal, all of which makes for a memorable show and fantastic party atmosphere!” Rammstein offered a shorter, yet entertaining quote on closing out the fest with their unique brand of German metal. “It’s only a festival…not a moon landing,” Rammstein comments. Download 2013 will open their gates from June 14-16 at Donington Park for what is already sure to be a memorable outing. The festival organizers have not yet announced who will be headlining the first day, or what other acts will be added to the lineup. Tickets for the 2013 Download Festival will be available beginning Sept. 28. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-bruce-dickinson-auctioning-off-co-pilot-spot-in-world-record-attempt/” title=”Bruce Dickinson Auctions Co-Pilot Spot for Charity” align=”center”]