The SaltyRockz Blog – Progressive Rock

My first encounter with Prog Rock was not a happy one. I must have been about 12, as yet unaware of a whole world of heavy rock that was soon to reveal its charms, yet still conscious that something rocktastic was afoot out there. After all, the last two bands I’d had a real crush on were Slade and Queen. I still remember butchering the sleeve of Queen’s ‘Somebody To Love’ so that I could send the logo off in the post for some company or other to make me an oversized Queen badge. Ah, happy days!

Prog entered my world via my older brother’s schoolbag. Adidas, natch. He piled in through the front door one evening after school and deposited a bunch of bizarre-looking objects on the living room floor. “Look what I’ve got off Andrew Hollingham,” he proudly announced. The portents did not look good. First there was some sort of armadillo-cum-First World War tank artwork affair staring out of one sleeve. And then there was a skull that looked like it had been made into an Egyptian sarcophagus challenging me from another. This was weird. This was definitely not ‘Mama Weer All Crayzee Now’ and sticking your fist with ‘Slade’ scribbled on into the camera.

I remember my brother setting the needle down on one of the pieces of vinyl. I remember my head spinning and a distinct feeling of nausea. This was possibly not the reaction Messrs Emerson, Lake and Palmer were looking for. Then again, though, contrary bastards that they were, maybe they would’ve been delighted to have made a 12-year-old come over all queasy. Keyboards whirled, drums flailed, tunes hid themselves in a cupboard.

“It’s prog,” said my brother. “It’s shit,” I replied trying to be hard, but desperately hoping our mum didn’t hear. Progressive Rock and I had barely shaken hands and already we’d parted on bad terms.

Two years later, though, and things were very different. Trying to introduce someone to prog via ELP is like giving someone absinthe instead of lager for their first drink. Once I’d assimilated Rush, Zeppelin, Genesis, Yes and Purple – the more rocking, the more comprehensible end of the prog spectrum – then it was possible to sample the harder stuff; the ELPs, the Gongs and the Van Der Graaf Generators of this world. Prog and secondary school bum fluff seemed to go together well enough. And actually, I could dig that vibe, dude.

Of course the advent of punk in the UK did tend to put the mockers on hardcore prog. While Zep and Rush managed to avoid some of the fallout because they had the riffs, ELP and Yes were absolutely slaughtered, suddenly labelled as outmoded and irrelevant by people who were telling us X-Ray Spex were the future of rock! Those ‘Tarkus’ and ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ albums went into hiding as far as most of the British music press was concerned… until now!

Jerry Ewing, a legendary figure on the UK rock writing scene, has just edited his first issue of a new Prog magazine from the makers of Classic Rock, where he champions all that is complex of structure, heavy of intent and unashamedly demanding. Prog has been brought back into the light, blinking at how bright it all is! The days of ridicule are over. It’s time to feel the love in the room! Jerry’s done a great job and you should all buy a copy of his magazine, because if you can’t plug your mate’s product in your own blog, where can you plug it?! But regardless of all that, it’s great to see prog getting some profile, because it’s a music that has so many hidden treasures. I for one firmly believe that Rush’s ‘The Temples Of Syrinx’ should feature as part of every 14 year old’s English coursework. Why? Because it’s sheer bloody poetry, that’s why!

Want to email me about this blog? Get in touch at hojo@saltyrockz.com

HoJo rocked as a top journalist on legendary UK metal magazine
Kerrang! and now runs a way-cool rock T-shirt site at www.saltyrockz.com.

Dee’s Latest News… Monster Circus in Las Vegas!

What can I say about rockin’ with the Monster Circus in Las Vegas that hasn’t already been said? It was awesome! What a killer, old school metal experience! Standing on the stage that the King of Rock n’ Roll graced (no–not Gene Simmons–he just thinks he’s the king of rock n’ roll–we’re talking Elvis baby), with the likes of Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne), Fred Coury (Cinderella), Tony Montana (Great White), Bruce Kulik (Kiss) and John Corabi (Motley Crue) was truly a mind blowing experience. And playing the great songs of all of our bands and our personal favorites from even more of the greats was a dream come true.

You see, Monster Circus is finally delivering the music of our generation to Las Vegas. I mean, a lot of us are grown up now (at least physically) and when we go to Vegas to party, we’re barraged with the music of every other generation but our own! Elvis, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Streisand, Barry Manilow, Elton John, Cher…I mean, come on! Where’s the damn metal?! We’re spending our money in that town, paying their bills and it’s about freakin’ time we got to hear the music we want to party to. And when you get right down to it, is there really better music for Las Vegas? Think about it. When you say “80’s rock” what comes to mind? Sex, drugs, rock n’ roll, booze, girls, cars, partying and rebellion. Now when you say “Las Vegas” what comes to mind? Sex, prescription drugs, rock n’ roll, booze, girls, cars, partying…and has there ever been a more rebellious town? Damn, old school metal and Las Vegas is a marriage made in…well, just south of heaven.

And check this out: Apparently I’m the alternative Wayne Newton, because I have been asked to return to Vegas with Monster Circus again next month! Me and the boys raised all kinds of hell these past two weekends and the Hilton Hotel wants us to do it all over again April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25! If you’re on the strip, come check us out…and party with us after the show!

For more information go to the Las Vegas Hilton website. Dee Snider and the Monster Circus…we’re taking Las Vegas by storm!

Dee Snider 3/30/09

ROCKLAHOMA GOES METAL! Can we get a big Hell Yeah?!!

THURSDAY FEATURES ALL HEAVY METAL AT ROCKLAHOMA

PRYOR, OK—Rocklahoma, the premier eighties music festival in the United States being held July 9-12 in Pryor, Oklahoma announces Thursday as “Heavy Metal Day.”

General Manager of Catch the Fever Music Festivals Mark Nuessle had this to say, “Rocklahoma is a celebration of the eighties music that made rock great!” Our Thursday Lineup consists of a heavier sound as we spotlight the music of Saxon, Overkill, Metal Church, Leatherwolf and of course, recently announced headliner Anthrax!”

Leatherwolf Mike Olivieri, lead vocalist and guitarist had this to say, “It is definitely an honor to bring the Triple Axe Attack to Rocklahoma this year and being part of such a stellar line-up of bands. I’m looking forward to playing a great show and help make this year the best 4 days of classic metal anywhere on the planet. We’ll see you there!”

DD Verni of Overkill went on to say, “We’re psyched to be part of the Rocklahoma festival! Overkill have been doing the summer festivals in Europe for many years and it’s always a great time. So doing one in America with old friends like Anthrax and Metal Church should be a fuckin blast.”

The 3rd Annual Rocklahoma will have over ninety bands on four stages. Additional bands will be announced in the upcoming future.

On the three side stages, Rocklahoma has partnered with Retrospect records to showcase additional bands of the eighties.

Signed on to appear at the 3rd Annual Rocklahoma is Twisted Sister, Anthrax, Overkill, Metal Church, Leatherwolf, Great White, Vixen, Saxon, Hurricane Alice, Helix, Danger Danger, Warrant, Night Ranger, Gypsy Pistoleros, Nelson, KEEL, KIX, Bang Tango, Beautiful Creatures, LA Guns, Britny Fox, Faster Pussycat, Lillian Axe, Dirty Penny, Legendary Scorpions Drummer Herman Rarebell and Friends, Bonfire. Also appearing will be Icon, Big Cock, Baton Rouge, Lord Tracy, featuring ex-Pantera vocalist Terry Glaze, Silent Rage, Warrior, Pair-a-Dice, Julliet, Wild Street, Vougan

Rocklahoma is one of the largest Rock Festivals in North America with attendance coming from all fifty states and six out of seven continents.

Both Playboy and Rolling Stone in 2008 called Rocklahoma one of the top festivals that should not be missed.

Catch The Fever Festival Grounds is located four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma and has 6,200 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 50,000 people. The grounds also feature over 4,000 campsites, on-site parking, bathroom facilities and an on site convenience store. Rocklahoma also has a Picture Alley that allows anyone in attendance to approach the stage during any performance and take photographs of a favorite artist at close range.

Rocklahoma offers a one-day and four-day general admission passes, along with V.I.P. Passes that includes all the food and drink, including Free Miller Lite for all four days. Rocklahoma offers a layaway program on all ticket plans that enables fans to reserve their ticket at the current price.

The public can also order tickets online at www.feverfest.com, charge by phone at 1-866-310-2288, or any of the 3,200 O’Reilly Auto Part Stores across the United States.

What’s New – Week of March 30, 2009

Guess who?!  Anyone?  Anyone?  You bastards!

It’s Dee, and I’m headed your way from a magical metal paradise, where hair bands run free, the rivers are made of Aqua Net and makeup grows on Max Factor trees!  What is this hairy heaven I speak of?  It’s the freakin’ House of Hair, of course!  I’ll be tearing it up with Kix, Iron Maiden, my band Twisted Sister, Lita Ford and a zillion requests from you crazed metalheads.  I’m also gonna fill you in on how you can score a free trip to Rocklahoma – you know you want it!  It’s the House of Hair, ‘bangers!  Prepare yourselves!

HEAVY METAL LEGEND ANTHRAX TO APPEAR AT ROCKLAHOMA

PRYOR, OK—Rocklahoma, the premier eighties music festival in the United States being held July 9-12 in Pryor, Oklahoma is proud to announce Heavy Metal Legend Anthrax as its Opening Night Headliner.

Anthrax, whose sales have exceeded ten million worldwide and long been recognized as one of the founding members of Thrash Metal. Anthrax is celebrating their twenty fifth anniversary of the release of their debut album, 1984’s “Fistful of Metal” as they release their first new studio album in six years entitled “Worship Music.” Anthrax current band lineup consists of Charlie Benante on Drums, Frank Bello on bass, Dan Nelson as its vocalist, founding member Scott Ian on guitar and Rob Caggiano also on guitar.

General Manager of Catch the Fever Music Festivals Mark Nuessle had this to say, “Rocklahoma is a celebration of the eighties music that made rock great!” Our Thursday Lineup consists of a heavier sound as we spotlight the music of Saxon, Overkill, Metal Church, Leatherwolf and of course our headliner Anthrax!

The Third Annual Rocklahoma will have over ninety bands on four stages. More bands are to be announced in the upcoming future. On the three side stages, Rocklahoma has partnered with Retrospect records to showcase additional bands of the eighties.

Signed on to appear at the 3rd Annual Rocklahoma is Twisted Sister, Great White, Vixen, Saxon, Hurricane Alice, Helix, Danger, Danger, Warrant, Night Ranger, Gypsy Pistoleros, Nelson, KEEL, KIX, Bang Tango, Beautiful Creatures, LA Guns, Britny Fox, Faster Pussycat, Lillian Axe, Dirty Penny, Legendary Scorpions Drummer Herman Rarebell and Friends, Bonfire. Also appearing will be Icon, Big Cock, Baton Rouge, Lord Tracy, featuring ex-Pantera vocalist Terry Glaze, Silent Rage, Warrior, Pair-a-Dice, Julliet, Wild Street, Vougan

Rocklahoma is one of the largest Rock Festivals of its type featuring music from the eighties. Attendance has come from all fifty states and six out of seven continents.

Both Playboy and Rolling Stone in 2008 called Rocklahoma one of the top festivals that should not be missed.

Catch The Fever Festival Grounds is located four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma and has 6,200 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 50,000 people. The grounds also feature over 4,000 campsites, on-site parking, bathroom facilities, a convenience store, Rocklahoma also has a Picture Alley that allows anyone in attendance to approach the stage during any performance and take photographs of a favorite artist at close range.

Rocklahoma offers a one-day and four-day general admission passes, along with V.I.P. Passes that includes all the food and drink, including Free Miller Lite for all four days. Rocklahoma offers a layaway program on all ticket plans that enables fans to reserve their ticket at the current price.

The public can also order tickets online at www.feverfest.com, charge by phone at 1-866-310-2288, or any of the 3,200 O’Reilly Auto Part Stores across the United States.

The SaltyRockz Blog – Randy Rhoads

On Thursday March 19 I take a couple of quiet minutes out to remember two guitarists who both died on the same day. The first event I have no recollection of. The second I remember only too well.

Paul Francis Kossoff died of drug-related heart problems on a flight from Los Angeles to New York back in 1976 at the age of 25. It’s heartbreaking that the Free guitarist, a kid of immeasurable talent, bowed out at such a staggeringly young age and in what was apparently a desperate state of mind. To those of us who just don’t have the talent to rip out such touching riffs seemingly at will, it seems almost impossible to imagine how a guy who could play like that could have been so deeply unhappy in his life. But the pathos in Kossoff’s demise only serves to make those soul-stirring songs he performed seem even more potent.

Kossoff truly felt the music. You can see it, touch it almost, whenever he appears on screen on the excellent ‘Free Forever’ DVD that was released a couple of years back. That curious beatific look that comes over the greatest rock guitarists when they’re totally lost in the moment was kinda invented by Koss. Halfway between agony and ecstasy, it looked like he was wringing every last drop of emotion out of the very depths of his soul. Anybody who dismisses white boy guitar music as nothing more than fretboard wanking carried out by automatons and robots really needs to get a grip and check out Koss performing, say ‘Ride On Pony’ from the Granada TV show Doin’ Their Thing back in July of 1970. Man, that performance is just dripping with soul. As far as I’m concerned Free’s minimalism, the way their music all but dropped away whenever Koss began a solo, is testament to the fact that even in an art form that’s hardly renowned for its subtlety, less can so very often mean much, much more. Kossoff’s death really was a tragedy, a human loss even above a musical one. And the soon-come Saltyrockz Koss RIP shirt is one I’ll always wear with pride.

I was already writing for Kerrang! when Randall William Rhoads died in a stupid flying accident. Like Kossoff before him, Randy was just 25 and again, like Kossoff, he’d pretty much redefined guitar playing by the time he took his leave. His style was more American than European, almost the polar opposite of Kossoff’s, and was way more dependent on technical ability. But Rhoads always had the savvy to put more depth and emotion into his guitar pyrotechnics than the hundreds, if not thousands, of guitarists who came after him trying to pay homage to his style. Ozzy described Randy’s arrival in Blizzard of Ozz as like “God entering my life”. It’s hyperbole, of course, but only just. Rhoads defined the ’80s metal guitar sound and style, but in stark contrast to many of the genre’s practitioners Randy was by all accounts a gentle and modest soul. That he should die so needlessly in a daft prank that went wrong, buzzing and clipping the band’s tour bus in a light aircraft flown by the band’s driver Andrew Aycock before crashing, makes the loss that much more tragic.

I never met Rhoads. I was still very much the cub reporter on Kerrang! at the time and big time acts like Ozzy were the domain of the established writers. I do remember being in the Kerrang! office when news of the accident came through, though, and nobody could quite believe that such a dumb series of events had actually led to Randy’s death. It just seemed so senseless. Because it was.

By some bizarre cosmic co-incidence two hugely talented players with vastly differing styles met their demise on the same day just six years apart. I think that’s worth a couple of quiet moments of reflection on my part this Thursday. Or maybe more fittingly, a couple of loud ones!

Want to email me about this blog? Get in touch at hojo@saltyrockz.com

HoJo rocked as a top journalist on legendary UK metal magazine
Kerrang! and now runs a way-cool rock T-shirt site at www.saltyrockz.com.

Review: QUEENSRYCHE – American Soldier

QUEENSRYCHE

American Soldier

Suffice it to say, Empire forever altered the course of the mighty Queensryche. While “Silent Lucidity” became an unexpected AOR juggernaut and “Jet City Woman” happened into a favorable positionamongst FM junkies, the title song has more or less become, tempo-wise, a foundation for Queensryche’s later works.

Though fan reaction to Queensyrche’s 2006 sequel to their greatest achievement, Operation Mindcrime II was a mixed bag, life in the ‘Ryche’s now frontier beginning with the tenebrousPromised Land of 1994 has generally been one melancholic journey after another. Thus Geoff Tate’s ambrosial vocals have historically served his band appropriately, particularly as they’ve quietly sought identity following their commercial ascension and decline since the original Mindcrime and Empire.

Tate and Queensryche’s taste for a temporal and sometimes despondent brand of metal on such albums as Q2K, Tribe and Operation Mindcrime II are almost necessary precursors to what transpires this year as Queensryche and the United States enters a political climate shift with the Iraqi conflict finally beginning to simmer down. Said downcast measures lingering within the proverbial “thinking man’s” metal band are essentially prerequisite coming into their latest studio album American Soldier.

Similar to Winger’s IV and more so Filter’s Anthems of the Damned, Queensryche honors the troops laying down their lives overseas rock-style, only in the case of American Soldier, the album was birthed from a series of actual interviews conducted between Geoff Tate and the troops in Iraq. Relayed in soundbytes through the predominantly sorrowful vibe of American Soldier,tangible military voices lend their distant testimony behind anexceptionally emotive Geoff Tate who gallantly breathes life into his war-tagged muse.

The timing of American Soldier is perfect now that presidential roles have been swapped and the country is more concerned with its own recession-strapped welfare than a controversial war torched by many rock groups including Queensryche themselves during the onstage presentation of both Mindcrime albums. All backlash cast towards the junior Bush now takes a rest in deference to the scarred words and experiences of those spilling their blood on the front lines.

Scott Rockenfield lays down a repetitive thread of concussive beat patterns as American Soldier marches nearly without deviation and in occasional somnolence. This is naturally intentional in order to convey the dead soul nature of war. American Soldier is purposely ugly much of the way as Queensryche hoists a lamenting torch on songs such as “A Dead Man’s Words,” “Sliver,” “Man Down!” and “Middle of Hell.”

While American Soldier does serve to inspire as much as cast a depressing light on the horrors of war, the mostly-languid, withering tempo of the album does carry high above its emotionally-decimated muse (who loses friends and comrades at will throughout the album) on songs such as “If I Were King” and “Home Again.”

Geoff Tate turns in a memorable performance (he dumps you right there in the cockpit on “At 30,000 Ft,” for instance) obviously affected by his meetings with actual soldiers. Although American Soldier hardly breaks its slow, sometimes menacing stride, Tate’s graceful pipes along with the sensitive guitar lines of Michael Wilton and guests Kelly Gray and Damon Johnson (as well as Emily Tate’s cryptic response vocals on “Home Again”) leave a dauntless—if not weepy—ambience to anexceptionally daring record.

Perhaps Queensryche remembered just as many Republicans have historically been into their music as well as Democrats and independents, because American Soldier is a thematic about-face and it caters to each sanction equally. Impartial only to the degree Tate doesn’t throw further darts at the former Commander-in-Chief, American Soldier is a frequently elegant bitter pill with purple hearts pinned to every mournful note.

Heavier in sound and in lyrical content than anything they’ve done since Promised Land, Queensryche has created a provocative, if doom-ushered album of textured refinement for a soon-to-be-post-war society that will be haunted by the past eight years in the upcoming months. American Soldier hails the sacrifices made since 9/11 but it also subliminally condemns the motives forcing said forfeitures of life.

QUEENSRYCHE
American Soldier
Label: Rhino Entertainment
Article by Ray Van Horn, Jr.

VH1 ACQUIRES “ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL”

Network To Create Multi-Platform Promotional Campaign In Support Of April 10, 2009 Theatrical Release

NEW YORK, NY (March 5, 2009) — VH1 has acquired the exclusive rights for the critically acclaimed documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil.” VH1 will handle the television and DVD release and distribute the film theatrically in association with Abramorama. The world television premiere on VH1 this summer and the subsequent DVD release of the film follow a network-wide, multi-platform promotional campaign supporting the theatrical film release April 10, 2009 in New York and Los Angeles followed by a national roll-out.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil”is the directorial debut of screenwriter Sacha Gervasi (“The Terminal”) and was produced by Rebecca Yeldham (“The Kite Runner” and “The Motorcycle Diaries”). The film follows Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner and their band, Anvil, which released one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982’s Metal on Metal. The album influenced an entire musical generation of rock bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who all went on to sell millions of records. Anvil, on the other hand, took a different path—straight to obscurity. The film is both entertaining and touching as it follows their last-ditch quest for the fame and fortune that has been so elusive to them. “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is a timeless tale of survival and the unadulterated passion it takes to follow your dream, year after year.

Ironically, life is now looking up for the band. After years of playing to empty bars and working dead end jobs, the band is beginning to find the success that evaded them for decades. They have recently been signed by manager Rick Sales (Slayer),US agent Scott Sokol (Megadeth, Heaven and Hell), and UK agent Steve Strange (Coldplay). The band is being welcomed with open arms everywhere they go. Their latest fan, Sarah Brown (wife of the Prime Minister), attended the red carpet premiere of the film in the UK. Now with a U.S. Tour, the support of VH1 and VH1 Classic, a feature documentary, and an immeasurable amount of will and determination, the band is picking up where they left off twenty five years ago.

“When I was sixteen years old Anvil was my favorite band in the world. I couldn’t believe it when I met Lips and Robb in London and they invited me to come out on the road with them. Running away to join the rock and roll circus was, of course, an experience I never forgot. When I met the band again twenty years later I was completely awed and inspired to discover that they simply refused to give up on the dream they had had as kids. It makes me intensely happy and proud to see the band finally getting the recognition they so richly deserve. Anvil rocks!”said Sacha Gervasi, director of the film.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It went on to win the Audience Awards at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival, 2008 Sydney Film Festival, and 2009 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival,as well as the Best Documentary Feature Awards at 2008 Galway Film Fleadh, 2008 Calgary Film Festival, 2008 Edmonton Film Festival, and 2009 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the Truer Than Fiction Award at the 2009 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The film was released in the UK to critical acclaim on February 20, 2009.

“This film is so much more than a documentary about the roots of metal. It’s a story about the power of perseverance and friendship and the passion that drives them,” said Tom Calderone, President of VH1. “ ‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ has a huge heart and will resonate with all of our viewers. This is the type of project that drew me into the VH1 fold and makes me especially proud to work here.”

Praised as “The best documentary I’ve seen in years,” by documentarian Michael Moore, the London Times calls it “Possibly the greatest film yet made about rock and roll;” “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” contains appearances by an array of heavy metal icons, including Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, former member of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, and Slayer’s Tom Araya, among others.

“Sacha knew from the beginning that this was not just a “metal” film. In my first encounter with ANVIL, it was impossible not to be moved by their loyalty, determination and mad, blind faith. How sweet it is to see them now ride this tide of success – not just to be heard, finally – but to be heralded for their humbling tenacity and devotion to their art and to each other,” said producer Rebecca Yeldham.

VH1 has thrown the full support of the network behind Anvil, the band’s music and the film on all platforms. The timing of this support from not only VH1 but from the music and film industry coincides with the realization of Anvil’s lifelong dream to “make it.”

Timed to the release of the film in April, VH1 Classic will serve as the exclusive presenter for the band’s U.S. tour. “VH1 Classic Presents: The Anvil Experience” will cover 7 markets and upcoming dates, venues and ticket information will be available immediately on the band’s website anvilmetal.tk and vh1classic.com. At each tour stop, the film will be played immediately followed by a short performance by the band.

Tour Dates:

* April 6 – NY, NY – Blender Theater
* April 12 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
* April 14 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
* April 16 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
* April 17 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
* April 21 – Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
* April 22 – Chicago, IL – Metro

Still can’t stump the BuzzChic

Hey BuzzChic,
I have a song spinning in my head and need some help finding the artist/title.

A couple of lines I remember are:

Does it feel the same
When she calls your name
And you play the game
Of double love

When she holds you tight
Does it feel alright

If you could help me out I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Chuck Decker Listening to KDKB 93.3 in Phoenix

Chuck!  We know this tune well… it’s Vandenberg’s “Burning Heart.”

Headbang On!

BuzzChic

Legendary Tommy Aldridge, Marco Mendoza to record Skin Deep w/ Lipstick Magazine

Lipstick Magazine and Legendary Producer Mike Plotnikoff Join Forces to Fire a Shot Straight Through Rock and Roll!

3/24/09: NJ’s own Lipstick Magazine’s publicist announced yesterday that legendary drummer Tommy Aldridge (Ozzy Osbourne) and bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake) will join Lipstick Magazine and hit producer and engineer Mike Plotnikoff (producer of Buckcherry and engineer for the smash hit Daughtry) in LA at the end of April to record the title track “Skin Deep”.

Lipstick Magazine’s debut is attracting national attention. In less than six months the first single “Skin Deep” has excited music fans, sports fans and major record label execs. The bands bold title track was matched with the NBA star documentary on Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and was aired on FOX 5 TV NY’s “Sports Extra” which was viewed by more than One Million Viewers.

This in addition to the steamy vocals and attack of Lipstick Magazine is set for release by the end of April 2009. Talk of a possible tour to follow.

For more information on Lipstick Magazine go to:
www.myspace.com/lipstickmagazine

More Name That Metal!

Hey Buzzchic,

I have a metal bashed brain from the 80’s and beyond so I need help with a tune. I used to hear it on Z-Rock out of Texas in the 90’s. All I can remember was it was a ballad with the lyrics ” you will forget me don’t you know….” Any help would be great. I am thinking it was a one hit band along the lines of Crimson Glory. All great bands non the less.

PS your hot, keep up the great work and all the best to HOH and Dee the last bastion of Metal.

All the best
Bob

Well, Bob, it’s a Poison song we think you’re metalhead is rememberin’ -  Hope that does it for ya!

Rock On,

BuzzChic

POISON
Look What The Cat Dragged In

I Won’t Forget You
Late at night I close my eyes
And think of how things could have been
And when I look back
I remember some words you had said to me

It’s better to have lost at love
Then never to have loved at all

Chorus
I won’t forget you baby
(I won’t forget you)
Even though I should
I won’t forget you baby
(I won’t forget you)
Even though I should, yeah

Sometimes in my head
I can still see pictures of you
And I laugh to myself
When I think of all those crazy things that we used to do

Although miles come between us
Just between you and me

Chorus

I should let you fade away
But that just wouldn’t be me
Oh, baby

Solo

Although miles come between us
Just between you and me

I won’t forget you baby
(I won’t forget you)
Memories slowly fade
I won’t forget you baby
(I won’t forget you)
And all the plans we made

I won’t forget you baby

Gene Simmons Vs. Bob Lefsetz Cage Match

Want to hear a knock down, drag out, rock n roll debate??  If you’re a Gene Simmons fan (or not) you probably do!

Gene got into it with industry gadfly Bob Lefsetz who objected to Simmons’ purely promotional appearance at an industry conference in Canada.  Gene was there to promote his new label, and Lefsetz was there to be critical.

Simmons started Simmons Records under the Universal Music Canada banner earlier this year, and Lefsetz, not shy about voicing his strong opinions on all things in the music industry, went after each other after separate keynote speaches.

Our favorite quote?  Asked by Lefsetz to stop being self-promotional, Gene responded, “I won’t stop telling you how great I am.  Find someone else for that.”

See the whole verbal brawl below.

What’s New – Week of March 23, 2009

Prime the keg and get ready to unleash a heavy metal beast from the east, west and everywhere in between – the House of Hair is on the march!

This heavy metal juggernaut is set to tear through your radio with Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Cinderella and more. “More” means a Motorhead giveaway, requests, and hours of listening to me yak at you! Slice of heaven or what? It’s all coming up on this week’s House of Hair!

When Kevin Met Dee…

This is a cool story we wanted to share and it all started with an email from a guy named Eric.

He wrote in to tell Dee how much his close friend Kevin dug his work…he told us about Kevin’s struggles and triumphs being a single parent and of Kevin’s admiration for Dee’s work and lifestyle — he even has an image of Dee covering his entire lower leg! Kevin and Eric listen to the HOH on WROQ, Greenville, SC.

Eric was taking Kevin to NYC for some much needed R&R and wanted to know if Dee might take some room in his schedule to meet up (and sign Kevin’s tattoo so he could have the autograph inked permanently – now that’s a fan!)

Dee was blown away by the cool email and met up with Eric and Kevin – here’s a few pics of their meeting.

Kevin and Dee

Dee signs some skin!

Kevin captures the moment in permanent ink

Rock On The Range/Day-By-Day Lineup Announced

ROCK ON THE RANGE, WHERE ROCK LIVES… Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH has announced the band lineup for May 16-17, 2009.

Saturday, May 16
Slipknot
Alice in Chains
Korn
Chevelle
Flyleaf
Saliva
Atreyu
Rev Theory
All That Remains
Static X
Hurt
Black Stone Cherry
Duff McKagan’s Loaded
Crooked X
Halestorm
State of Shock
X Factor 1
The Leo Project
Early Pearl

Sunday, May 17
Motley Crue
Avenged Sevenfold
Buckcherry
Shinedown
Blue October
Saving Abel
The Used
Hoobastank
Billy Talent
Clutch
Sick Puppies
Pop Evil
Cavo
Framing Hanley
Royal Bliss
Charm City Devils
Adelita’s Way
Burn Halo
Drive A with DJ Scratch N Sniff

Single day general admission and a limited number of 2-day field general admission tickets are on sale now at the Crew Stadium ticket office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800 745 3000. Buy tickets at AEGLIVE.COM.

www.rockontherange.com

TESTAMENT announces first US Headlining Tour for “The Formation of Damnation”

UNEARTH AND LAZARUS A.D. TO SUPPORT

Bay Area thrash legends TESTAMENT are taking the stage once again for their first US headlining tour in support of the award-winning The Formation of Damnation. The band’s first new studio album in nine years won “Album of the Year” at the 2008 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The tour will feature the
classic lineup of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, bassist Greg Christian, and drummer Paul Bostaph. TESTAMENT will be bringing along metalcore heroes Unearth and neo-thrashers Lazarus A.D. The tour kicks off May 2.

The password for the TESTAMENT ticket pre-sale is “Damnation.” Links to purchase can be found below along with the individual tour dates. More details will follow regarding Meet and Greet and VIP ticket packs .

Singer Chuck Billy commented on the upcoming US headlining tour: “It was really exciting last summer touring with Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell, and Motorhead, playing in front of all the old-school as well as new-school metalheads. Now we look forward to CRUSHING on our first headline tour on the Damnation Vacation US run. Heavy metal forever!!!”

For over 20 years, TESTAMENT has remained committed to the thrash metal sound that brought them to prominence in the late 1980s. The band has never compromised its unmatched intensity or musicianship and has only continued to up the ante with each release.

The Formation of Damnation was named one of MySpace’s Top Albums for 2008 and found itself at the top of many year-end lists including #9 Rock Album of the Year on iTunes for 2008, #4 Album of 2008 in Revolver Magazine, #10 on Metal Edge Top 50 of 2008, #1 on Metal Maniacs Top 20 of 2008, and the #2 Brave Pick in Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles. The album also dominated metal radio, coming in at #1 on Sirius-XM’s metal channel, #1 on CMJ’s Loud Rock charts, and was the most played album on metal radio according to FMQB.

Combining elements of hardcore, thrash, and extreme metal – while also never overlooking the importance of thought-provoking lyrical ideas and concepts – UNEARTH has steadily become one of the leading lights in heavy metal. Over the years the quintet has played in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, South America, Mexico, Japan, Europe including the Netherlands and Russia, and has appeared on such renowned metal fests as Ozzfest and Download. They have also appeared on International festivals such as Rock Am Park, Rock Am Ring, Loud Park, Wacken and others. UNEARTH’s latest offering, The March, was released in October of 2008.

“THRASH OR DIE” is the motto Lazarus A.D. have lived by since day one and their no holds barred attitude is equaled only by their will to become a leading force in modern metal. Their supreme level of creativity, musicianship and professionalism makes them an electrifying and engaging live act. Powered by only a three-song demo, they earned a spot opening for Anthrax and were the only unsigned band included on Earache Records’ Thrashing Like A Maniac compilation. After being signed by Metal Blade in
2008, Lazarus A.D. released The Onslaught on March 3, 2009.

Stay tuned for more details on TESTAMENT’s upcoming US tour!

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