The Korotkin’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog
July 17, 2007
Our HOH 2nd Grand Prize Winners:
The Korotkins Rocklahoma Blog!
by Ronna and David Korotkin of Ellicott City, Maryland who listen to 98Rock!
Dee and the HOH Staff,
All we can say is Thank God you picked a second grand prize winner!! Rocklahoma rocked!!! This was the best concert line-up I have ever seen. Not only did you put together some of the very best rock bands from the ‘80s, but The House of Hair treated us like rock royalty. Our seats were incredible – front and center. We were only a few feet away from some of the greatest bands of all time. I never had such great concert seats in all my life. We were so close to Stephen Pearcy, Bret Michaels and Vince Neil that there were times I didn’t even use the zoom on my camera!
Leave it to The House of Hair – they did not miss a thing. VIP seats, VIP parking, and meeting so many of the musicians that rocked my teenage years. We were treated to meet & greets and interviews with bands like RATT, Warrant, Vince Neil, Queensryche and of course the most spectacular band of the weekend – Twisted Sister! Dee, you are the greatest and so are A.J., Jay Jay, Mark and Eddie. Twisted Sister was so much fun to hang out with. Truly a dream come true. Who would have thought I would be hanging out back stage with a group I first saw in concert when I was in college. I kept thinking that these are the same guys that came up on stage through the sewers and manhole covers and blew me away back then – and they are blowing me away again right now! The highlight of the weekend came when we got to sit on the stage – just as Dee promised – when Twisted Sister performed in front of 35,000 people. This was a thrill of a lifetime and Dee even called out to the fans and pointed us out onstage. Wow!!
The House of Hair gave us one of the most incredible experiences of our lives, and Rocklahoma is something all of the headbangers from the ‘80s should do at least once. Even non-headbangers like my husband need to do it. Dee, I know you may find it hard to believe but my husband was rockin’ with the rest of us, devil horns raised high! He got a kick out of it when you pushed him out of the way just to hug me (which I loved by the way), calling him some New Wave guy. But I wouldn’t have gotten to Rocklahoma without him and it is an experience we will share and talk about for the rest of our lives.
Thank you The House of Hair, thank you Rocklahoma and thank you Dee for picking a second grand prize winner,
July 17, 2007 Ronna Korotkin and my wonderful husband Dave, who now has a much greater appreciation and love for hair metal bands
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog Day 4
July 15, 2007
Our HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog! by Kimberly Kucharczyk of Neosho, MO who listens to the HOH on KXDG-FM, BIG DOG 97.9 Joplin, MO
Rocklahoma Day 4: July 15th
Bittersweet is the only word that can define Sunday. I knew that would be the day I got to meet Dee Snider and the other members of Twisted Sister, but it also meant that my journey was coming to an end.
Among the bands that performed the last day were: Steelheart, Britny Fox, L.A. Guns, Great White, Jackyl, Queensryche, and last but not even close to least, Twisted Sister. I probably sound like a broken record, but once again, the fans were brought to the edge of frenzy by the songs that they grew up with.
Paul Black of L.A. Guns followed the steps of some of the other lead-singers and walked the seat backs to sing among the screaming fans. Tracii Guns dazzled the audience with his guitar playing. Paul Stewart beat the drums to a pulp, and bassist Jeremy Guns played so hard we could feel it in our chests. “Ballad of Jane” brought back the good old days.
Jackyl “Lumberjack”ed their way into our hearts. A real chainsaw was used for the opening part of the song and then later used to destroy a barstool on stage. The broken pieces of the stool were passed out to some of the fans in front of the stage. We even got to see the lead-singer’s hiney as he took much pleasure in mooning the audience. Riotous applause reverberated throughout the venue.
While the past few days had been a blast, what I had been waiting for since my phone call from Dee to tell me I had won, was meeting him and the rest of the band. As Great White played on stage, my boyfriend and I were at Twisted Sister’s press conference. We then went to the HOH Lounge where we got tons of pictures taken with them and got autographs from the entire group.
Dee Snider is a man who is larger than life. He has a smile and demeanor that go straight to your heart and soul. I used to think he was really cool, but now when I hear his name, I see his face that day and the word that comes to mind is reverence.
After Queensrÿche performed, it was time to meet Dee and the gang in full costume for even more pictures. When he walked out, all I could say was “Hell yea!” Of course, everyone laughed. I couldn’t help myself; I was in awe.
We originally thought we would once again be on the elevated platform at the side of the stage to watch their performance. Much to our surprise, we were literally seated ON THE STAGE not 10 feet from the bassist. I cannot put into words the quality of their set.
Dee had said earlier in their press conference that “Every band goes on trying to mop the stage with the last one. We intend to mop the stage with every last one of them.”
Someone grab a bucket, because that is exactly what happened. “Captain Howdy” made an appearance. The entire venue screamed “I Wanna Rock”. The music world was given 35,000 mutual opinions of what we thought of “today’s” attempts at music, in that “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. As if their larger than life personalities weren’t enough, they felt it necessary to give us Christmas in July, filling the air with snow as they did their version of “Silver Bells”. Candy canes flew through the air to raised fists and horns.
The lights have gone dark, and the stage is now empty. This Twisted Sister’s “Come Out and Play” weekend came to a bittersweet end. Yet, my spirit burns bright with the revelations that I made over those four short days. My inner teenager will always stay at the surface instead of hiding behind maturity. Rock & Roll keeps you young!
But, what really hit home was what hit me when I kept waiting all weekend for someone to ask who my favorite band is from back in the day. I realize now that it’s not only impossible to choose just one, it’s also unnecessary. Like them, hate them, or love them, they were (and still are) ALL the voice of an entire generation.
As it turns out, the era is not dead, it is not buried, it is not OVER! Raise your horns America. Call your radio stations. Tell them you’re not going to take this cookie-cutter commercial crap anymore. We are the ones who buy the CDs and merchandise. Don’t stand by and let some corporate p.o.s. buy a house with your money because he decided what you should listen to. Rock & Roll is here to stay.
We laid a foundation for it in Pryor, Oklahoma in July 2007. We will build on that foundation every year until our numbers stand so strong and tall we have a true beacon of hope for future generations to look up to. As for me, I will be at Rocklahoma next year! I hope to see every last one of you there! There’s room for everyone, and even if it was at capacity, we could always make room for just one more.
If it ain’t Metal, It’s Crap!
– July 17, 2007 Kimberly Kucharczyk of Neosho, MO
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog Day 3
July 14, 2007
Our HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog! by Kimberly Kucharczyk of Neosho, MO who listens to the HOH on KXDG-FM, BIG DOG 97.9 Joplin, MO
Rocklahoma Day 3: July 14th
Saturday brought a mixture of different strains of Rock & Roll. Among the more than 10 bands that performed were Bang Tango, Bullet Boys, Faster Pussycat (Taime got upset with the guitarist and ended the set a few songs early), Firehouse, Warrant, Skid Row, Winger, Dokken, and Vince Neil. As the contest winner, I was able to go to the Meet & Greet with Warrant when they did their press conference, as well as watch their set from an elevated platform side-stage. Although Jani Lane (who I met the next day) was no longer front-man, they had no trouble giving the audience what they expected. Not surprisingly, they closed out the show with “Cherry Pie”.
My senses were overwhelmed when Skid Row performed after Warrant. Again, a different front-man made no difference at all. Their new lead-singer Johnny Solinger had a range that nearly equaled that of Sebastian’s. Scotti played his fingers to the bone, and as my boyfriend remarked, he still has that signature wickedness in his performance. Dave “the Snake” Sabo, Rachel Bolan, and drummer Dave Gara helped pull the audience back to the time when it was okay to be the “Youth Gone Wild”. They introduced some new songs as well, which were favorably received. I was already in heaven, my voice strained and almost gone from screaming and singing along the entire day, and there was one more band yet to play.
Vince Neil allowed me and my boyfriend to sit in on the HOH interview. I again got autographs and pictures. The quiet, business minded, gentleman who answered all the questions volleyed at him was a world apart from the Vince Neil who owned the stage the entire time he and his band played. For the most part, it was Mötley Crüe revisited. We were taken to the “Wildside” where there were “Girls, Girls, Girls” and we all left smiling from ear to ear. There was not a single band that disappointed on Saturday.
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog Day 2
July 13, 2007
Our HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog! by Kimberly Kucharczyk of Neosho, MO who listens to the HOH on KXDG-FM, BIG DOG 97.9 Joplin, MO
Rocklahoma Day 2: July 13th
While some would consider Friday the 13th an unlucky day, in Pryor, Oklahoma, I would consider it to be one of the luckiest days of my life. The line-up included a J-Pot Music contest winner, Dirty Penny. This band only proves that many today are trying to revive the music that used to make us happy to turn on the radio and dance around in our underwear. Their energy and performance were explosive, even though their set was during the day. White Lion performed as well, and I was lucky enough to meet lead singer Mike Tramp in the House of Hair Lounge. He was the first of many to autograph my white Rocklahoma t-shirt after I got my picture taken with him. But, my fun was just beginning.
As I said in my HOH contest entry, RATT was the first band I ever saw in concert. Not only did I get to meet the band that helped turn me into an ‘80s music junkie, I got photos taken and autographs from them as well. Their set was everything I expected and more. Pearcy was with RATT once again, doing what no one else could do. He belted out hits like “Round and Round” as if it were 20 years ago.
Slaughter and Quiet Riot also performed on Friday. Mark Slaughter walked the benches of the venue, singing among the screaming fans. Quiet Riot let no one down with their performance. The night was complete after hearing them perform “Cum on Feel the Noize”.
Just when we thought we couldn’t take anymore, it was time for the headliner, Poison. Standing room dwindled to non-existence as their turn neared. The fists waved, horns flew, and voices screamed as they came on stage. Their set included a laser light show, booming pyro effects, and all the original members of the band. Bret sang his heart out, C.C. made his guitar talk to the audience just like in the old days, and Bobby and Rikki did their thing with their same passion for the music. No one went away disappointed. It was as if a time-warp had pulled us back to the days of MTV when you could actually plug in and watch videos all day long.
I thought to myself on Friday, This has been more than I ever expected, and I still have two more days to go!
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog Day 1
July 12, 2007
Our HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Blog! by Kimberly Kucharczyk of Neosho, MO who listens to the HOH on KXDG-FM, BIG DOG 97.9 Joplin, MO
Rocklahoma Day 1: July 12th
Rocklahoma was not just a gathering; it was an iconic testament to the age of music that was thought to be dead, long since cremated and wrapped in the flannel that suffocated our hearts in the early 90s.
Like the mighty Phoenix, Rock and Roll not only rose from its proverbial ashes, it soared through the hearts of all who refused to let it die. The masses that attended this four day festival epitomized all that is Rock ‘n Roll.
On July 12th – 15th, 2007, I and 35,000 of my closest friends got together in Pryor, Oklahoma, and threw the biggest party that Rock ‘n Roll has seen in years. For four days and nights, the 16 year-old girl in me over-powered the 35 year-old woman I had become. I was no one’s mother, no one’s employee, no one’s student; I was simply the me that existed in its purest form.
My story goes something like this:
Rocklahoma Day one: July 12th
When we arrived at the venue, the stage hadn’t been set. The grounds were muddy from the torrential rainfall of earlier in the day. Vendors were busy setting up, selling airbrushed t-shirts, Rocklahoma memorabilia, henna tattoos, and there were even those cheesy carnival trailers that sold funnel cakes and lemonade.
Nonetheless, the air had a certain quality about it that gave you hope. Something big was on the horizon; you could feel it on your skin. The anticipation and outward happiness of every single person pouring through the gates cut through the haze in the overcast skies. As the sun peeked out from behind lingering clouds, we could hear the stage door being rolled up. Something wicked this way comes, and everyone was welcoming it with open arms.
Thursday’s lineup consisted of mostly smaller bands, some new, some foreign. Among them were Gypsy Pistoleros who had traveled all the way from the U.K. to perform. Their set was amazing, and included a cover of “Living La Vida Loca” that rocked the house and left everyone begging for more.
KISS Army also performed on Thursday, dazzling onlookers with their Gene Simmons spitting flames, oozing blood from the mouth and teasing the ladies with a little of the tongue action his “character” is so famous for. Their make-up and costumes took me back to the time when I used to listen to my KISS 8-tracks and sing to my mirror.
Rounding out Thursday, we were treated to a special all-star jam by US 66. Chad Stewart and Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns, Steven Adler of the original Guns N Roses, Michael Thomas of Faster Pussycat, Joe Lesté of Bang Tango, and others all rocked out as a special preview of things to come. To say that the crowd was tantalized would be a huge understatement.
Queensryche Replaces W.A.S.P. At Rocklahoma 2007
June 26, 2007
June 26, 2007
PRYOR, OK — The powerful, dramatic, diverse and electrifying Queensryche has joined Rocklahoma’s already historic line-up. Queensryche joined the Rocklahoma’s line-up following unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances that prevented W.A.S.P. from appearing on Sunday, July 15 at the four-day festival, explained Mark Nuessle, General Manager of Catch the Fever Music Festivals.
“We are so fortunate to have a band of such high-quality and popularity of Queensryche to step in to the vacancy left by W.A.S.P.,” said Nuessle. “Queensryche is an awesome band to add to this line-up — especially just prior to their Fall tour with Alice Cooper and Heaven and Hell.”
Queensryche, out of Seattle, is considered by many critics to be the original band that began the “Seattle Sound” that produced such groups as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. More than two decades after Queensryche’s inception, they have sold over 20 million albums, numerous hits and have consistently toured in over 22 countries world wide. Nominated for four Grammy Awards, their music has been featured in three films.
“When you look at their history and realize they’ve toured with groups such as Motley Crue, Metallica, KISS, and Bon Jovi — that they’ve had numerous Billboard hits that have remained on the charts for long periods of time worldwide — it just makes it that much more exciting that they have decided to join Rocklahoma,” said Nuessle.
The announcement of Queensryche joining Rocklahoma’s line-up will only push already-record ticket sales higher.
“This is the last chance for fans of ’80’s rock to see the largest gathering of this kind to get their discount tickets,” said Nuessle. “If they want to be a part of rock history, this is their chance.”
Tickets have sold worldwide for Rocklahoma and have been sold across six continents and throughout the United States, making Rocklahoma one of the most successful music festivals across the United States and is a part of Oklahoma’s Centennial Celebration as ’80’s rock fans will converge on the state from locations as far away as Japan, Australia and South Africa.
With VH-1 Classic Host, Eddie Trunk, as Master of Ceremonies, Rocklahoma’s now four-day line-up is:
Thursday July 12, 2007
Tiger Tailz
Gypsy Pistoleros
Hollywood Roses
KISS Army
an 80’s Jam from special guests
Friday July 13, 2007
Poison
Ratt
Quiet Riot
Slaughter
Y&T
White Lion
Saturday July 14, 2007
Vince Neil
Dokken
Winger
Skid Row
Warrant
Firehouse
Enuff Z Nuff
Faster Pussycat
Bulletboys
Bang Tango
Sunday July 15, 2007
TWISTED SISTER
Queensryche
Jackyl
Great White
LA Guns
Steelheart
Britny Fox
ROCKLAHOMA, an official Oklahoma Centennial event presented by Rock Fever and Miller Lite, will be held July 12-15, 2007, at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds four miles north of Pryor, OK just off highway 69.
Tickets prices will increase on Tuesday, June 26th, so fans are encouraged to get their tickets now to ROCKLAHOMA! Tickets are on sale and available by calling toll free (866) 310-2288 or online at www.rockfeverfest.com.
ABOUT ROCKLAHOMA July 13-15, 2007
ROCKLAHOMA, an official Oklahoma Centennial event presented by Rock Fever and Miller Lite, will be held July 13-15, 2007, at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds four miles north of Pryor, OK just off highway 69.
Official Rocklahoma website
ROCKLAHOMA Tickets are:
One Day General Admission
$ 40.00 plus handling fees and tax
Three Days General Admission
$ 90.00 plus handling fees and tax
VIP Tickets
Good all three days, reserved seating,
and all the beer and food you can eat!!!
$ 275.00 plus fees and tax
Rocklahoma 2007
June 10, 2007
Rocklahoma 2007 Quick Links
Win Rocklahoma 2007 Concert Trip of a Lifetime! Read winning entries here.
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Rocklahoma Day 1: July 12th
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Rocklahoma Day 2: July 13th
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Rocklahoma Day 3: July 14th
HOH Winner Kimberly’s Rocklahoma 2007 Rocklahoma Day 4: July 15th
Korotkin’s Rocklahoma: HOH 2nd GP winners: The Korotkins’ Blog!
Misc Rocklahoma 2007 News
Queensryche Replaces W.A.S.P. At Rocklahoma 2007
TWISTED SISTER TO HEADLINE ROCKLAHOMA 2007!
TWISTED SISTER TO HEADLINE ROCKLAHOMA 2007!
April 20, 2007
April 20, 2007
PRYOR, OK — Today, heavy metal fans across the nation heard the news they’ve been hoping for from The House Of Hair nationally-syndicated radio host and Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider!
“It is my distinct pleasure to announce that Twisted Sister will once again be involved with a show that will go down in history. Twisted has just been confirmed as the headliner for the ROCKLAHOMA Festival on Sunday July 15th,” Snider said during his weekly radio show. “Rocklahoma will go down as one of the most momentous concerts of all time.”
Twisted Sister’s ROCKLAHOMA appearance is the band’s only announced North American show for 2007. Twisted Sister will perform full on with costume, make-up and all five original members – Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda and AJ Pero.
There are 22 House of Hair bands that will appear at ROCKLAHOMA, the largest rock festival of its kind to ever be organized.
To date, ROCKLAHOMA’s three-day line-up includes:
Friday July 13, 2007
Poison
Ratt
Quiet Riot
Slaughter
Y&T
White Lion
Saturday July 14, 2007
Vince Neil
Dokken
Winger
Skid Row
Warrant
Firehouse
Enuff Z Nuff
Faster Pussycat
Bulletboys
Bang Tango
Sunday July 15, 2007
TWISTED SISTER
Queensryche
Jackyl
Great White
LA Guns
Britny Fox
Steelheart
“When I tell you that this will be the most incredible line-up ever, you have to believe me. Check it out. Over three days, you’ll have the chance to see so many bands that your head might explode — like that dude in the Judas Priest video,” Snider said, making reference to the 1982 Judas Priest video for “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin.”
Twisted Sister is known for extravagant makeup and shock tactics, as well as for the rebellious mood of their heavy metal music. The band formed in New York in 1976 and played primarily in clubs. The 1984 release of the Twisted Sister’s third album, “Stay Hungry,” brought the band international fame. Videos for the album’s hit singles, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” ran constantly on MTV. “Stay Hungry” sold more than 2 million copies by the summer of ’85 and went on to sell more than 3 million copies in the following years. In late 1985, Twisted Sister released their fourth album, “Come Out and Play,” which went gold. Over a span of 30 years, the band released over a dozen albums, including “A Twisted Christmas” in 2006.
Although rumors have been circulating about whether or not band members might retire Twisted Sister, Snider recently put an end to those rumors by discussing ROCKLAHOMA.
“On the Twisted Sister retirement front: Ain’t happening,” he said. “We’re strappin’ on the spandex one more time.
ABOUT ROCKLAHOMA July 13-15, 2007
ROCKLAHOMA, an official Oklahoma Centennial event presented by Rock Fever and Miller Lite, will be held July 13-15, 2007, at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds four miles north of Pryor, OK just off highway 69.
Official Rocklahoma website
Purchase Rocklahoma Tickets
Tickets to ROCKLAHOMA are currently on sale NOW and available by calling toll free (866) 310-2288 or online at www.rockfeverfest.com. Tickets are:
One Day General Admission
$ 40.00 plus handling fees and tax
Three Days General Admission
$ 90.00 plus handling fees and tax
VIP Tickets
Good all three days, reserved seating,
and all the beer and food you can eat!!!
$ 275.00 plus fees and tax
