Archive for the classic rock Category

TOTO “XIV” – New Studio Album Lands In Top 10 On The Charts In Nine Countries

Posted in classic rock, Music, rock albums, rock music with tags , , , , on April 5, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Toto - XIV - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #MOT777

As reported by Frontiers Music SRL:

From Toto:

“A HUGE Thank You to the fans for the first week success of TOTO XIV!

The album landed in the Top 10 on the charts in nine countries (Germany #4, Netherlands #2, Japan #2, Denmark #7, Czech Republic #10, Finland #5, Norway #6, Sweden #4 and Switzerland #3). TOTO XIV also became the first new studio album to chart in the US & UK since 1988’s The Seventh One.

“We’re pleasantly stunned at the response,” exclaimed David Paich. “We couldn’t be more pleased with this initial success! And we’re always blown away when a new TOTO album bursts onto the Charts. We owe it all to our friends and Fans!”

“I am happily shocked, thankful and surprised,” echoed Steve Lukather. “ I can’t begin to thank you all for the support of buying real music and the love and kindness you have all showed this band for 38 years. So much thanks to our team and Frontiers records and all the people that work with us and most of all to the fans and our friends. It means so much to us. This one is for Mike and Jeff and all the Porcaro’s!”

TOTO XIV was released on March 20th in Europe & March 24th in North America.

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Toto XIV - album logo - #09777TMO

Website: http://www.totoofficial.com/

Frontiers Music SRL - logo - #2014FM

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE TOTO.

REST IN PEACE, JEFF & MIKE PORCARO.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 1st… From David Lee Roth To Iron Maiden

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 1, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

David Lee Roth - Hit Parader Magazine - promo cover - April - 1984 - #0401DLRMO1

On April 1st, 1985David Lee Roth left Van Halen to begin a solo career. Yup. Shown above is the April, 1984 edition of Hit Parader, with Diamond Dave as the cover feature. Yup.

Cheap Trick - Promo Album Cover Pic!

On this day in 2008 – In the state of Illinois, this date marked the first Cheap Trick Day. This special day was decided upon, in June of 2007, in the state of Illinois. Whoa, man! Happy Cheap Trick Day, Illinois! Long live Cheap Trick!

IRON MAIDEN "The Number Of The Beast" large album pic!!

On April 1st, 2015IRON MAIDEN’s The Number Of The Beast is ranked at #33 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. This iconic Metal album was released back in 1982 and is the third studio album from the legendary IRON MAIDEN. Whoa! Long live IRON MAIDEN!

Iron Maiden - Piece Of Mind - promo album cover pic - 1982 - #66IMMO0104

On this day in 2015IRON MAIDEN’s Piece Of Mind is ranked at #45 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. Released back in 1983, this is the fourth studio album from the mighty IRON MAIDEN.

Iron Maiden - Brave New World - promo album cover pic - 2000 - #0401BDASMO

On April 1st, 2015IRON MAIDEN’s Brave New World is ranked at #53 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. Released back in 2000, this is the twelfth studio album from the magnificent IRON MAIDEN. Brave New World also marked the return of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, after his successful solo career; guitarist Adrian Smith also marked his return on this fabulous album. Whoa!

Pantera - Vulgar Display Of Power - Promo Cover Pic!

On this day in 2015PANTERA’s Vulgar Display Of Power is ranked at #39 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. Originally released back in 1992, this is the sixth studio album from the great PANTERA. Long live the legacy of PANTERA! RIP, Dimebag Darrell.

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METAL BE THY NAME!

Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 30th… From SAXON To KISS

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 30, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Ramones - Classic Band Logo - #900870RMOPNYC

On this day in 1974Ramones perform their first live show at the Performance Studio in New York City. Whoa!!

Sanctuary Records - Logo - black on white - 2007

On March 30th, 2000Castle Communications was sold to the Sanctuary Records Group Ltd. for £40 million. Castle owned the rights to all The Kinks back catalogue. Sanctuary Records dissolved when it later became a subsidiary of Universal Music Group in 2007.

Kiss - 2012 - Final Four Block Party - Mens NCAA - basketball - promo banner

On this day in KISSTORY – March 30, 2012: KISS rocked over 35,000 fans at Woldenberg Park in New Orleans, during the AT&T NCAA Final Four Block Party! Long live KISS!

Saxon - band promo pic - band logo - 2013 - #47

On March 30th, 2013 – The mighty SAXON performed at Estacionamiento del Poliedro de Caracas in Caracas, Venezuela. This was one of numerous dates on SAXON’s Sacrifice World Tour, 2013. Long live SAXON!

HATEBREED - Large Logo - B&W!

On this day in 2015 – The great HATEBREED are performing at Re:Public in Minsk, Belarus. Long live HATEBREED!

ACDC - Rock Or Bust - promo album cover pic - 2014 - #12

On March 30th, 2015AC/DC Rock Or Bust is holding steady at #2, on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart. Rock Or Bust has spent 16 consecutive weeks on this chart. Long live AC/DC!

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

JOAN JETT – Is Guitar World Cover Feature For May 2015 Issue

Posted in classic rock, Guitar, guitars, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 29, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Joan Jett - Guitar World Cover Promo - May 15 - 2015 - #030578JJMO

As reported by Guitar World:

Guitar World’s May 2015 issue features the queen of noise Joan Jett! She’s been banging out some of rock’s greatest power chords since the age of 15. With her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, there’s only one thing you need to know- she still loves rock and roll. Special Rock Riffs Lesson: Andy Aledort examines the essential riffs and licks that define true rock and roll guitar, from Chuck Berry to Joan Jett.

Then, just over 30 years ago Judas Priest recorded the heavy metal call to arms, Defenders of the Faith. Here, guitarist Glenn Tipton and singer Rob Halford recall the making of their masterwork.

Get your copy today for $7.99!

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE JOAN JETT.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 28th… From RUSH To KISS

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 28, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy - promo album cover pic - 1973 - #0328LZMO01

On March 28th, 1973 – The super-duper legendary Led Zeppelin released their fifth studio album: Houses Of The Holy. This studio album features such song classics as: The Ocean, No Quarter, The Rain Song, Dancing Days and The Song Remains The Same.

Rush - Moving Pictures - promo ablum cvr - #1977GLNP

On this day in 1981RUSH peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, with their eighth studio album Moving Pictures. This album spent three consecutive weeks at #3. Moving Pictures has since become a multi-platinum selling album for RUSH, in the United States alone. Yeah!

Scorpions - Classic Band Logo - B&W - #03282015MOS

On March 28th, 1982 – The mighty SCORPIONS performed at Palazzo del Ghiaccio in Bolzano, Italy. This was one of numerous dates on their Blackout tour. Blackout, the eighth studio album from SCORPIONS, was released the very next day, on March 29th, 1982. Whoa, man!

Skid Row - Subhuman Race - promo album cover pic - 1995 - #0328SRMO003

On this day in 1995SKID ROW releases their third studio album: Subhuman Race.

Queen - Classic Band Logo - #339770328MOQ

On March 28th, 2005 – At London’s Brixton Academy, Queen began their first tour with vocalist Paul Rodgers of Free, Bad Company and The Firm fame. Rest in peace, Freddie Mercury.

RUSH - publicity pic - #1 - 2011

On this day in 2010RUSH was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame, at the Toronto Centre For The Arts. Whoa!

Eric Singer - Tommy Thayer - Monster Mini Golf - Las Vegas - 3rd Anniversary Celebration - 03282015

On March 28th, 2015 – Monster Mini Golf Presents KISS, Las Vegas 3rd Anniversary Celebration takes place today!

RUSH - 2112 - promo album cover pic - #2112MORHLP

On this day in 2015 – The iconic studio album, 2112, from the legendary RUSH, returns to the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart!! 2112 takes #149 on this chart! Originally released back on April 1st of 1976, 2112 has spent 36 non-consecutive weeks on this chart, while peaking at #61. Right on, RUSH! Whoa!

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

BAILEY “Long Way Down” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in album reviews, classic rock, Hard Rock, rock music with tags , , , , on March 27, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Bailey - Long Way Down - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #4466BMO - 03

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

Bailey Long Way Down was released back on December 9th, 2014, via Frontiers Music SRL. This is a solo project for Nigel Bailey, the frontman for Three Lions. As a songwriter and guitarist, Nigel Bailey soars on Long Way Down; his vocals are contagious and melodious, while being reminiscent of a Lou GrammJohn Parr and Joe Lynn Turner style. Maybe it’s unfair to compare Nigel Bailey to the three aforementioned vocalists; still he is an excellent vocalist in his own right. Frankly, every singer is unique, in my Metal opinion.

Musically, this album’s songs are so enjoyable for me to take in, time and again. Both Bailey’s vocals and the music makes me feel so damn inspired. Very, very melodic is the Hard Rock on Long Way Down. This is an album that should appeal to a vast array of Rock music fans, from Classic Rock to Hard Rock with AOR in-between. I could easily see Bailey open for Foreigner, Styx and the like; this is quality here, my Hard Rock brethren.

Nigel Bailey - publicity photo - 2014 - #007731MO

Bailey unearths the glory days of Classic Hard Rock with this album. A key word I use often when writing album reviews is memorable and Long Way Down has it from start to finish. This is such a splendid guitar-driven album too. Bailey’s vocals sound so perfect on top of the music, it’s nothing short of amazing. I am very impressed at how Bailey could take an 80’s Hard Rock sound and make it all sound so relevant.

My favorite songs on this album are Bad Reputation, Feed The Flames and Stay; they are such outstanding songs! Heck, there are so many favorite songs of mine on this Bailey album! Once again, melodic, memorable and top-tier quality songs, vocals and musicianship are the makeup of this solo Bailey album. I 100% recommend this Bailey album to any Rock or Hard Rock fan looking for a new album they can enjoy listening to countless times over for years to come. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track List: Feed The Flames, In The Name Of The King, Dirty Little Secret, Bad Reputation, Stay, Somewhere In Oslo, Long Way Down, Spend The Night, Love Falls Down, Ticket To Yesterday, Dirty Angel

Bailey - classic logo - 2014 - #77733MOB

* For more info on BAILEY:

Facebook: Bailey

Website: http://www.baileyrocks.com/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BAILEY.

LONG LIVE MELODIC HARD ROCK.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 26th… From Oceano To Steven Tyler

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 26, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Golden Earring - Twilight Zone - 45rpm - cover sleeve promo pic - 1983 - MO

On March 26th, 1983Golden Earring had their hit single, Twilight Zone, sitting at #10, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Golden Earring’s 1982 studio album: Cut.

Def Leppard - 80's band publicity photo - band logo - #0326777DLMO

On this day in 1988 – The illustrious Def Leppard had their hit single, Hysteria, ranked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Def Leppard’s fourth studio album from 1987: Hysteria. Sadly, Hysteria would be the last studio album to feature guitarist and songwriter Steve Clark. Rest in peace, Steve Clark.

Youth Gone Wild - Heavy Metal Hits of the 80s - promo cover pic - 1996 - #032696MO

On March 26th, 1996Youth Gone Wild: Heavy Metal Hits Of The ’80s, Volume 1 was released. This series of compilation albums featured enormous Heavy Metal hits of the 80’s golden era. Featured songs include: Street Of Dreams by Rainbow, The Last In Line by DIO, Ace Of Spades by Motörhead, Blind In Texas by W.A.S.P. and Balls To The Wall by Accept. There are 14 songs on Volume 1. No, Youth Gone Wild by Skid Row is not on this compilation. Go figure.

Oceano - Ascendants - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #010326MO

On this day in 2015 – The #1 Heavy Metal album on the iTunes Top Heavy Metal Albums Chart is Ascendants by Oceano. This album was released via Earache Records. Home base for Oceano is Chicago, Illinois.

Birthday balloons - nighttime - clip-art!!

Happy Birthday - promo banner - #2014BD

Steven Tyler - People Magazine - cover promo - #7767STMO26

STEVEN TYLER

On March 26th, 1948, Steven Tyler was born in New York. Happy Birthday, Steven Tyler! Whoa! Steven Tyler is known across the Universe as the lead singer and co-founding member of the super legendary Aerosmith. Back in 2001, Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Long live Steven Tyler and Aerosmith! Metal be thy name.

Aerosmith - Classic Band Logo - B&W - #11077

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 25th… From Van Halen To Saxon

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on March 25, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Van Halen - You Really Got Me - Atomic Punk - 45rpm cover sleeve promo - #1978VHMOTK64

On March 25th, 1978 – The amazing Van Halen had their hit single, You Really Got Me, at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on the first studio album from Van Halen, commonly referred to as Van Halen I. Ray Davies of The Kinks originally wrote this song and it was released by The Kinks back in 1964. Whoa, man!

Saxon - classic band logo - #820325SMOBB

On this day in 1982 – The might SAXON performed at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Vixen-Cryin-181214

On March 25th, 1989Vixen had their memorable hit single, Cryin’, standing at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Cryin’ is featured on the 1988 debut and self-titled album from Vixen.

STEELHEART - logo - large!

Bulletboys - promo band photo - logo - #80SBBMO0325

Great White - large classic logo

On this day in 1991 – The great Steelheart, BulletBoys and Great White performed at the Towson Center Arena in Towson, Maryland, USA. Very cool!

Nickelback - No Fixed Address - promo album cover pic - #201417

On March 25th, 2015 – Yes, the latest studio album from Nickelback is still holding its own, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Spending 17 consecutive weeks on this chart, No Fixed Address is at #143 for this week.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

JOE SATRIANI AND STEVE VAI TO HOST BENEFIT CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS – ANIMALS AS LEADERS

Posted in classic rock, Guitar, Music, rock guitarists, rock music with tags , , , , on March 24, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Joe Satriani - publicity pic - #3 - epic - 2013

Steve Vai - publicity photo - 2015 - #0324SVMO2

SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE JUNE 12TH AT THE WILTERN THEATRE – LOS ANGELES

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AUCTION ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MUSIC INDUSTRY VETERAN AND FRIEND – CLIFF CULTRERI

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(Los Angeles, CA – March 24, 2015) Legendary guitarists JOE SATRIANI and STEVE VAI announce plans for a third benefit concert in support of music industry veteran and good friend, Cliff Cultreri.

“A Benefit for Cliff III” will take place on Friday, June 12th at 8pm at Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.  This event will feature performances by Satriani and Vai, as well as special guests, Animals As Leaders.

In addition to this extraordinary musical event, Satriani and Vai, along with other artists, have graciously donated various items to be auctioned at the event.  Among these items are autographed guitars as well as a chance to join Satriani’s “G4 Camp” taking place June 28 – July 2  in Cambria, CA and a package to attend Vai’s camp, “Vai Academy 2015 – All About The Guitar” in Vail, CO, August 2-6 as well.

Cliff Cultreri is the A&R executive who ‘discovered’ Satriani and Vai, as well as many other popular recording artists, while working at Relativity Records and Koch Entertainment. Cultreri is suffering from a host of Auto-Immune and Connective-Tissue disorders that are simultaneously attacking his immune system, a 1 in 100 million occurrence that causes severe pain and physical debilitations.  During his years in the industry, Cultreri has served as A&R for a number of top names including Allan Holdsworth, Billy Sheehan & Talas, Peter Frampton, Megadeth, Corrosion Of Conformity, Exodus, Anthrax, Death, Venom, Slash’s Snakepit, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, Modern English, Gene Loves Jezebel, Fat Joe, Common, Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, 3-6 Mafia, KRS1, Beatnuts, C Murder, Kurupt, Soulja Slim, RZA, and many others in all genres of music.

In 2006, Satriani and Vai joined forces for the first Cultreri benefit show and in 2011, came together again for the second.  Through both benefits, the duo have raised money and brought attention to the devastation this disease takes on both the patient and their family.

Satriani and Vai hope to raise even more funds with this year’s benefit to help Cultreri and his family’s financial needs. “I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with my good friends Steve Vai and Animals as Leaders for a night of unforgettable music,” said Satriani.  With Vai adding, “It’s a great privilege to take to the stage with my friends Joe and Tosin (of Animals As Leaders) in support of our dear buddy Cliff.  It’s a great cause and will be a magical evening of guitar extravaganza.”

Reserved tickets start at $45 and are on sale now through ticketmaster.com/.  A limited number of VIP packages, including a meet and greet with Satriani and Vai, are also available.  Doors will be at 7 pm with the show set to begin at 8 pm.

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Source: MAD Ink PR 

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.

LONG LIVE STEVE VAI.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 23rd… From Blue Cheer To Motor Sister

Posted in basketball, classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 23, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Blue Cheer - Summertime Blues - promo 45rpm cover sleeve - 1968 - #68BCMO0323

On March 23rd, 1968 – Blue Cheer has their hit single, Summertime Blues, at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This is a cover song of Eddie Cochran’s 1958 hit single by the same name.

Rick Derringer - Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo - promo 45rpm cover sleeve - 1974 - #74RDMO0323

On this day in 1974Rick Derringer had his hit single, Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, resting at #23.

VAN HALEN II - large promo album pic!

On March 23rd, 1979 – The celebrated Van Halen released their second studio album: Van Halen II. Released via Warner Bros. Records, this album features the memorable songs: Beautiful Girls, Dance The Night Away, You’re No Good and Somebody Get Me A Doctor.

motorhead-logo-classic-large

On this day in 1982 – The amazing Motörhead performed at Newcastle City Hall in Newcastle, England. Long live Motörhead!!

Saxon - Dogs Of War - promo album cover pic - 1995 - #95SMO0323

On March 23rd, 1995 – The mighty SAXON performed at Capitol in Mannheim, Germany. This concert date was on SAXON’s Dogs Of War tour. Including the drum solo, SAXON played 20 songs on that evening. Whoa, man! Dogs Of War was the twelfth studio album from SAXON, released in August of 1995.

Motor Sister - Ride - promo album cover pic - #0323MSMORSI

On this day in 2015Motor Sister debuts on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart, with their studio album Ride, at #12. Motor Sister features guitarist Scott Ian of Anthrax, along with his wife (vocalist) Pearl Aday. For the Metal record, Pearl Aday is the daughter of the legendary… Meatloaf. Metal really is about family. Whoa!

Happy Birthday - promo banner - #2014BD

Basketball - clipart - #0323MO

A SPECIAL NBA EDITION!

Moses Malone - 1989-90 NBA Hoops Trading Card - promo picture - #MMMO

MOSES MALONE

JASON KIDD - Nets - UD - 2007-2008 - basketball card - promo pic - #0323JKMO

JASON KIDD

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

NBA LEGENDS ARE… METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 22nd…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 22, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Anthrax - Among The Living - promo cover pic!!

On March 22nd, 1987 – The great ANTHRAX released their third studio album: Among The Living. Such classic ANTHRAX songs featured on this album are: I Am The Law, One World, Caught In A Mosh, Indians and Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.). If you were to just start buying ANTHRAX CDs today, this would be a grand starting point, in my Metal opinion.

scorpions-logo-large

On this day in 2014 – The powerhouse Scorpions performed with an orchestra, at Dvoretz Sporta, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Whoa!

Guns N Roses - Greatest Hits - promo album cover pic - #777GNR

On March 22nd, 2015Guns N’ Roses have their Greatest Hits jump up an impressive 28 places to #112, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Whoa!!

Metallica - Master Of Puppets - 1986 - #860303MMOCB

On this day in 2015 – The iconic Metallica have their third studio album, Master Of Puppets, move up an unbelievable 62 places to #130, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart! Holy crap! Talk about a timeless Metal album!! This album was originally released back in 1986!

Falling In Reverse - Just Like You - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #02MORR

On March 22nd, 2015 – Las Vegas Nevada’s Ronnie Radke led, Falling In Reverse, have their third studio album, Just Like You, sitting at #137 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This album has peaked at #21, while spending 3 consecutive weeks on this chart.

Happy Birthday - promo banner - #2014BD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEORGE BENSON!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WILLIAM SHATNER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN SHAW!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARCUS CAMBY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUAN URIBE!

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

STARZ – Signs To Frontiers Music SRL

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 21, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Starz - classic band logo - 2015 - 0322SMO

As reported by Frontiers Music Srl:

Frontiers Music Srl is delighted to announce the signing of US Hard Rock legends STARZ who will release a new album in the second half of 2015!

Although not as commercial successful and well-known as a lot of their peers, STARZ has proven to be a hugely influential band for those musicians who were aware of them. Several massively successful U.S. artists, like Cinderella, Bon Jovi, Poison, Twisted Sister and Motley Crue cite STARZ as a primary influence. Magazines like Kerrang! and Hit Parader have included STARZ albums on lists of the most important heavy metal albums of all-time!

All together STARZ recorded four studio albums in the second half of the 70’s: “Starz”, “Violation”, “Attention Shoppers” and “Coliseum Rock” and gathered critical acclaim with their ability to mesh the smooth with the hard. “We loved pop melodies,” admits guitarist Richie Ranno, “and we also loved heavy guitars. We liked to combine hooks with a harder edge. Our singer Michael Lee Smith had a great sense of melody. In the course of four albums, we only used orchestrations or keyboards once, preferring to mix heavy rock productions with melodic overtones.”

Starz - classic band logo - 2015 - 0322SMO

STARZ are now returning with a lineup featuring original members Richie Ranno on guitars, Michael Lee Smith on vocals, Joe X Dube on drums and new faces George DiAna on bass and Alex Kane on guitar.

“We are absolutely psyched to be writing and recording an album of new STARZ songs for the Frontiers Label. We’re really excited about the new songs we’ve come up with – SUBWAY TERROR 2015 – here we come! Our sincere thanks go out to the staff of Frontiers Records for giving us this opportunity,” says Ranno.

STARZ appeared live in Europe at the HRH Festival in Wales, on March 13th.

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Frontiers Music SRL - logo - #2014FM

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE STARZ.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC HARD ROCK.

LONG LIVE FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL.

Stone.

Wanna See My DON DOKKEN Autographed Trading Card? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on March 21, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Don Dokken - 2008 - Upper Deck Spectrum Of Stars - Autographed Trading Card - #0803DDMO

That’s it above! That’s my cool looking Don Dokken autographed trading card! This unbelievable piece of Rock ‘N’ Roll history was seeded into packs of Upper Deck Spectrum Of Stars trading cards, which were initially sold around 2008; that’s the date printed on the back of this card, anyways. There were many Rock and Metal celebrity musicians featured on these trading cards. Two other of these autographed trading cards that I own are Miljenko Matijevic (Steelheart vocalist) and (the late) Jani Lane from Warrant and Saints Of The Underground fame.

Below: the backside of this spectacular trading card:

Don Dokken - Autograph Trading Card - 2008 - Spectrum Of Stars - #0803DDMO - Back Side Of Card

I did not purchase a single pack of these Upper Deck trading cards, due to the high price point. I bought this gem as a single card, from a private seller, back when I was living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Good times. I looked this Don Dokken autographed card up on ebay today, it was recently listed for $14.99. I don’t recall spending that much money on mine; I believe I paid under ten dollars. Metal be thy name! – Stone

If you’d like to read about and see my stunning Miljenko Matijevic autographed trading card, just click on the link below! Whoa!

Wanna See My Miljenko Matijevic (Steelheart) Autographed Trading Card?

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE DON DOKKEN.

LONG LIVE DOKKEN.

LONG LIVE HEAVY ROCK ‘N ROLL.

LONG LIVE COOL AUTOGRAPHS.

Stone.

AJ PERO – Drummer For Twisted Sister And Adrenaline Mob Has Passed Away

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 20, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

AJ Pero - publicity photo - twitter - 2015 - #777AJMO33

The legendary AJ Pero has passed away, at the young age of 55. AJ Pero was the drummer for Twisted Sister and Adrenaline Mob.

As reported on the Twisted Sister Facebook page:

The members of Twisted Sister are profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of our brother, AJ Pero.

The band, crew and most importantly the family of AJ Pero thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time.

As reported on the Adrenaline Mob Facebook page:

We write this with tears in our eyes & our hearts broken to pieces.. our beloved brother AJ Pero peacefully passed away in his sleep this morning on the bus. We are in complete shock & our hearts & prayers go out to his family. It has been nothing short of an honor to have shared the stage with such a beautiful soul & legend! We love you AJ, rest in peace.

We will cherish this last picture we all took together on tour forever! What a great night we had… we’ll miss you buddy!

Adrenaline Mob - tour - 2015 - campfire - #777AJPeroMO

Photo credit: Adrenaline Mob Facebook

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The Metal Odyssey family expresses condolences to the AJ Pero family and to the families of Twisted Sister and Adrenaline Mob. God Bless AJ Pero.

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* For more info:

Facebook: Twisted Sister

Facebook: Adrenaline Mob

MetalOdyssey

REST IN PEACE, AJ PERO.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 20th… From Led Zeppelin To Fuel

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, movies, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on March 20, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Led Zeppelin - The Belfry - March 20 - promo flyer pic - #1971LZRPJPMO33

On March 20th, 1971 – The sensational Led Zeppelin performed at The Belfry in Sutton, Coldfield, UK. Whoa, man!

Judas Priest - British Steel - promo cover pic - #9094

On this day in 1980 – The mighty Judas Priest performed at Newcastle City Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England. Judas Priest were touring in support of their sixth studio album: British Steel. Get this: Judas Priest were supported by the incredible Iron Maiden. Whoa!!

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock n Roll - 45rpm cover pic - 1982 - #1JJMO

On March 20th, 1982 – The great Joan Jett & The Blackhearts had their hit single, I Love Rock ‘n Roll, sitting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in the USA. This song was originally recorded and written by London, England’s the Arrows.

Fuel - Puppet Strings - promo cover pic - #2015FMO

On this day in 2014 – Pennsylvania’s very own FUEL had their fifth studio album, Puppet Strings, perched at #1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart. This album is highly and 100% recommended by me to everyone reading this. Whoa.

Enslaved - In Tims - promo album cover pic - 2015 - MOE44

On March 20th, 2015 – Norway’s Metal ambassador’s, Enslaved, debut on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart! Their new and fantastic studio album, In Times, is at #8 on this chart! Yeah!! If you don’t have this album yet… buy it, listen to it and be glad I told you so.

Insurgent - promo movie poster pic - 2015 - #77IMOMP

On this day in 2015 – The motion picture Insurgent is released to wide-screen theaters, via Summit Entertainment. This film was directed by Robert Schwentke and written by Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman. Among the several stars in this film are Naomi Watts and Kate Winslet. Action, Adventure, Romance and Science Fiction all revolve around a futuristic Chicago that is in ruins. Whoa.

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

THE DEAD DAISIES – Opening For The Legendary KISS On June European Tour And Australian Tour This October

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 19, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Kiss - Dead Daisies - world tour - 2015 promo banner - #00833DDKMO

As reported on The Dead Daisies newsletter:

“Who wouldn’t be psyched to get to play in a band opening for the mighty KISS? I am looking forward, as I always will, to playing with The Dead Daisies, opening for KISS on their October Australian run!

This is the band that started it all for me! KISS records were the rock and drumming bibles in which I learned what great rock music is and honed my drum skills as a little kid! To fast forward decades and be able to share their stage as a drummer is a complete honor! Hope to see ya there!”

– Brian Tichy (Drummer) The Dead Daisies

EUROPEAN KISS TOUR DATES

  • Jun 02 Hamburg, O2 Arena, Germany
  • Jun 03 Berlin, O2 Arena, Germany
  • Jun 04   Leipzig Arena, Germany
  • Jun 06   Vienna, Rock in Vienna Festival, Austria
  • Jun 08  Prague, O2 Arena, Czech Republic
  • Jun 10  Zurich, Hallenstadion, Switzerland
  • Jun 11   Verona Arena, Italy
  • Jun 14  Download 2015 Festival, Parkham, United Kingdom
  • Jun 16  Paris, Le Zenith, France
  • Jun 18   Amsterdam, Ziggo Dome, Holland
  • Jun 19  Graspop Festival,Dessel, Belgium
  • Jun 21   Barcelona, Palau San Jordi Fest, Spain
  • Jun 22   Madrid, Barclay Card Arena, Spain

Kiss - Dead Daisies - Australia - world tour - 2015 - promo flyer - #090633DDKMO

AUSTRALIAN KISS TOUR DATES

  • Oct 3 Perth Arena
  • Oct 6 Adelaide Entertainment Centre
  • Oct 8 Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
  • Oct 10 Sydney AllPhones Arena
  • Oct 12 Newcastle Entertainment Centre
  • Oct 13 Brisbane Entertainment Centre

MORE DATES TBA

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE THE DEAD DAISIES.

LONG LIVE HEAVY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – The Iconic RANDY RHOADS Remembered

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on March 19, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Randy Rhoads - Guitar World Cover promo - June 1987 - #777RRMO03

Above: Guitar World cover feature – June, 1987

Randy Rhoads was born on December 6th, 1956 and tragically passed away on March 19th, 1982 at the very young age of 25. During a tour with Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads passed away from injuries sustained in a small plane crash, in Leesburg, Florida. Randy Rhoads to this very minute, is mentioned, discussed and immortalized on both social media and within the entire Heavy Metal and Hard Rock communities.

Beloved music legends that have made an impact on countless fans and musicians, worldwide, never die; Randy Rhoads is one such beloved legend and his spirit still speaks to us all through his recorded guitar playing. Randy Rhoads made his biggest impact while with Ozzy Osbourne, with touring and being featured on Ozzy’s first two studio albums along with one full-length live album.

Guitar Magazine - Randy Rhoads - Aug - 1980 - #333303MO

Above: Guitar Magazine (August – 1990)

The launching pad to world fame began for Randy Rhoads when he and Kelly Garni founded Quiet Riot, initially under the band name of Mach 1. Randy would be featured on the first two studio albums from Quiet Riot, both released in Japan only, back in 1977 and 1978. From his humble beginnings with Quiet Riot to global stardom with Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads would become a pioneer of the Neo-Classical guitar movement and an entire new book on the meaning of Heavy Metal was written. Once a Randy Rhoads guitar riff and/or solo gets stuck in my head, it’s there for days! I believe I’m not the only one who can say that either.

Through the pages of Heavy Metal history, it has been well documented that Randy Rhoads was a guitar teacher and touched many musicians lives, while growing up within a musical family. The Musonia School of Music in North Hollywood, California, was started by Randy Rhoads’ mother Delores Rhoads and exists to this day, currently being run by Randy’s brother: Kelle Rhoads. If you want to read an insightful and touching remembrance of Randy Rhoads as a guitar teacher, you must read the story written by the famed and talented guitarist Janet Robin, by clicking the link below:

http://guitarkadia.com/emon/guest-post/my-guitar-lessons-with-randy-rhoads/

I have compiled below, a pictorial discography of Randy Rhoads. Man, I wish I owned the first two Quiet Riot albums! Please let me know if there is any rare album missing from the list. Long live the musical spirit of Randy Rhoads. Metal be thy name. – Stone

RANDY RHOADS – DISCOGRAPHY

Quiet Riot - debut self titled album - promo cover pic - #77QRRRMO

QUIET RIOT – debut & self-titled (1977)

Quiet Riot - II - promo cover pic - 1978 - #775QRRRMO

QUIET RIOT – II (1978)

Quiet Riot - The Randy Rhoads Years - promo cover pic - 1993 - #33QRRRMO

QUIET RIOT – The Randy Rhoads Years (1993)

Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard Of Ozz - #3303RROOMO1

OZZY OSBOURNE – Blizzard Of Ozz (1980)

Ozzy Osbourne - Live EP - #4333OORRMO99

OZZY OSBOURNE – Live EP (1980)

Ozzy Osbourne - Diary Of A Madman - promo cover pic - #777OO

OZZY OSBOURNE – Diary Of A Madman (1981)

Ozzy Osbourne - Randy Rhoads - Tribute - promo album cover pic - #9393OORRTMO03

OZZY OSBOURNE / RANDY RHOADS – Tribute

(live album/1987)

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RANDY RHOADS – TRIBUTE ALBUMS:

Randy Rhoads - Tribute - promo cover pic - #2000RRMOCT

Randy Rhoads – Tribute (2000)

This Tribute album to Randy Rhoads features cover songs of ten Ozzy Osbourne classics that Randy helped write and (of course) played on. Featured guest artists include: Sebastian Bach, Joe Lynn Turner, Jake E. Lee, Mark Slaughter, etc.

Randy Rhoads - The Ultimate Tribute - promo cover pic - #RRHMMOT3399

Above: Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute was released on March 2nd of this month. A potpourri of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal artists (Tim “Ripper” Owens, Bruce Kulick, Tom Morello, Brad Gillis, etc.) contribute in covering many Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne songs that Randy Rhoads wrote and played on.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

REST IN PEACE, RANDY RHOADS.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – Saint Patrick’s Day Edition And Happy Birthday To Scott Gorham!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , on March 17, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Thin Lizzy - classic band logo - b&w - #3377TLPLMO1

On March 17th, 1970 – Dublin, Ireland’s very own Thin Lizzy performed at Carlton, Kilkenny, Ireland. Whoa!

Alice Cooper - Hello Hooray - 45rpm - promo cover sleeve - #1973ACBMO

On this day in 1973Alice Cooper Band’s single, Hello Hooray, was peaking at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in the United States. This great hit song is featured on the 1973 album: Billion Dollar Babies.

Primordial - promo band photo - 2010 - #99533PMO

On March 17th, 2012 – Dublin Ireland’s Metal ambassadors, PRIMORDIAL, performed at LKA Longhorn, in Stuttgart, Germany.

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Saint Patricks Day - Holiday decoration - free - #0317SPDMO

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Kopek - promo band pic - September 2014 - #76634D

On this day in 2015 – Ireland’s Hard Rock warriors, KOPEK, perform in Frankfurt, Germany, at Zoom. KOPEK are out touring in support of their new studio album: RISE.

Slipknot - 5 The Gray Chapter - promo cover pic - 2014PG

On March 17th, 2015 – Iowa’s Slipknot has moved up a notch with their newest studio album and is sitting at #165, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. .5: The Gray Chapter has spent 20 weeks on this chart and debuted at #1.

Birthday balloons - nighttime - clip-art!!

Happy Birthday - promo banner - #2014BD

Embed from Getty Images

On March 17th, 1951, Scott Gorham was born in California. Happy Birthday, Scott Gorham! Whoa and hell yeah! Scott Gorham is world-famous as a long-standing member of the great Thin Lizzy. Scott Gorham was also a founding member and guitarist for the 90’s Hard Rock band: 21 Guns.

This legendary guitarist and songwriter is now a founding member, guitarist and songwriter of the Hard Rock band: Black Star Riders. Long live Scott Gorham!

Below, watch and enjoy the new Black Star Riders music video for The Killer Instinct, (Nuclear Blast Records) featuring Scott Gorham on guitar! Whoa!

Black Star Riders - The Killer Instinct - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #880317BSRMO

The new Black Star Riders studio album, The Killer Instinct, is out now, via Nuclear Blast Records! Whoa!

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – March 16th…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 16, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Bon Jovi - band logo - New Jersey - #22777 - BJMOJBJ

1989 – MTV announced it is was giving away Jon Bon Jovi’s childhood home in Sayreville, New Jersey. This announcement was made on MTV’s MTV’s Giving Away Bon Jovi’s House contest. MTV had received over three million phone calls; in turn this blew out the phone lines in Newark, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois. Whoa!

Nickelback - No Fixed Address - promo album cover pic - #201417

2015 – The eighth studio album from Nickelback, No Fixed Address, is persevering on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, falling three notches to #113. This album has spent 16 consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #4.

Nickelback - Dark Horse - promo album cover pic - #7739NMO

2015Nickelback’s sixth studio album from 2008, Dark Horse, climbs seven notches to #168, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This album peaked at #2 and has spent 158 weeks on this chart.

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Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Birthday balloons - nighttime - clip-art!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY LEWIS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUCK WOOLERY!

Stone.

STRIKEFORCE “Elegant Steel” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on March 15, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Strikeforce - Elegant Steel - promo album cover pic - 2014 - #33SFHVMMO

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

4.5 METAL Fists Out Of 5!

STRIKEFORCE are a Classic Hard Rock band that formed back in 1982. Lead by founding member and guitarist Duke Jackson, Strikeforce also features Jim Burdette on drums, Daryn Unterbrink on vocals, and bassist James Murphy. The newest studio album from Strikeforce, Elegant Steel, was released back on December 9th, 2014, via HighVolMusic. Duke Jackson is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and serves as a founding member, writer and producer of Strikeforce.

This five song album (EP if you will) is jam-packed with many hooks and high energy Hard Rock songs, all guitar driven and I’ve been reeled in! This is an album that is tailor-made for good-times, whether you’re partying or hitting the open highway; these are songs that have succeeded in making me feel that Classic Hard Rock goodness!

Strikeforce - promo band pic - #1003 - 2014

My favorite song on this album is Let Me Rock U, a song that can stand head-to-toes with many (historically untouchable) Mötley Crüe songs and I’m not talking junk here at all. Live Action is a freaking refreshing way to dropkick any dumbass mood I might be in. Yeah, Strikeforce is a tried and true Hard Rock force, from their songwriting to their musicianship, with Duke Jackson shredding away in many eye-popping moments!

Daryn Unterbrink’s vocals are memorable and melodious; this guy can sing! The rhythm section does a bang-up job and everything just comes together so ideally, on Elegant Steel. This album from Strikeforce essentially comes at me like a bonus for 2014; sometimes special Rockin’ surprises do come in small packages! Metal be thy name! – Stone

Elegant Steel – Track List: All About The Money, Falling Down, Live Action, Doomsday, Let Me Rock U

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* For more info on STRIKEFORCE:

Facebook: StrikeForce Rocks

HighVolMusic - banner logo - #1 - 2013

http://www.highvolmusic.com/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE STRIKEFORCE.

LONG LIVE ASS KICKING ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.