Punk rock supergroup Osaka Popstar have announced a special in-store appearance at the Virgin Megastore Times Square in New York City on Tuesday, May 30 in connection with the May 23 release of Osaka Popstar & the American Legends of Punk, their debut CD with bonus DVD on Misfits Records/Rykodisc. Osaka Popstar creator and frontman JOHN CAFIERO, the legendary MARKY RAMONE (RAMONES), JERRY ONLY (MISFITS), DEZ CADENA (BLACK FLAG) and IVAN JULIAN (RICHARD HELL & THE VOIDOIDS) will all be on hand to sign autographs for fans. In addition, the first 200 people will receive a free 24” x 36” Osaka Popstar poster.
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Bad Religion frontman Greg Graffin will release a new solo album, Cold as the Clay through Anti-/Epitaph Records on July 11. Produced by Bad Religion guitarist and co-founder Brett Gurewitz, the disc cuts a new path for Graffin as it honors the traditional folk music and folk rock he was reared on during his Wisconsin childhood. This record is similar in style to his last solo record “American Lesion,” but far less depressing and a little more country. No word yet on whether Graffin will play out for it like he did on election day for American Lesion in NYC and LA.
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Sonic Youth has just announced dates for their summer tour. The Flaming Lips will serve as openers.

August 4 State Theater Detroit, MI
August 24 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair
August 25 Council Bluffs, IA Stir Cove at Harrah’s
August 28 Columbus, OH Promowest Pavilion
August 31 Allentown, PA Allentown Fair
September 1 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair
September 3 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion