On February 9th, 1980 – The incredible IRON MAIDEN performed at UMIST in Manchester, England. This was a date on the METAL FOR MUTHAS tour.
On this day in 1990 – The Horror movie The Haunting Of Morella was released to wide-screen theaters. This film was written by R.J. Robertson and directed by Jim Wynorski and stars David McCallum and Nicole Eggart. The setting takes place in Colonial America. The plot is that a witch that was put to death seventeen years earlier now wants to take over her daughter’s body. Scary movies are… Metal.
On February 9th, 2007 – Switzerland’s national treasure, KROKUS, performed at Joy Eslava in Madrid, Spain. Did someone say KROKUS kicks 100% Hard Rock ass?
On this day in 2012 – The mighty Megadeth and the great Motörhead performed at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Volbeat and Lacuna Coil were the supporting bands. This was one of many stops on Megadeth’s Gigantour.
RACHEL BOLAN
Above L to R: Rachel Bolan and Sebastian Bach. Hit Parader Poster, circa 1989.
Above: Recent SKID ROW band photo, with Rachel Bolan to the far right.
On February 9th, 1966, Rachel Bolan was born in New Jersey. Happy Birthday, Rachel Bolan! Hell and yeah! Rachel Bolan is world-famously known as an original member, bass guitarist and songwriter for Heavy Metal legends: SKID ROW. Long live Rachel Bolan and SKID ROW! Whoa!
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REST IN PEACE, JIMMY “THE REV” SULLIVAN. BORN FEBRUARY 9TH, 1981.
Announcing “Immortal RANDY RHOADS – The Ultimate Tribute”
The Late and Legendary Guitar Hero Memorialized in Sensational Cover Tracks. A Celebratory Album Featuring All-Star Guests SERJ TANKIAN, TOM MORELLO and More, out on March 3rd, 2015 via UDR Music.
Featuring an All-Star Line-Up of Music Greats:
TOM MORELLO
SERJ TANKIAN
RUDY SARZO
FRANKIE BANALI
VINNY APPICE
TIM “RIPPER” OWENS
CHUCK BILLY
ALEXI LAIHO
GEORGE LYNCH
GUS G.
BRUCE KULICK
DOUG ALDRICH
DWEEZIL ZAPPA
BERNIE TORME
JON DONAIS
BRAD GILLIS
… and More
One of the most venerated guitarists ever to grace hard rock music, the late, great Randy Rhoads (heralded as the legendary lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot) will be celebrated in the truest of fashions with the release of Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tributeon March 3, 2015 via UDR Music.
A collection of 11 classic Rhoads co-written songs, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute is performed by twenty top contemporary artists, including old friends and performing partners Rudy Sarzo and Frankie Banali, his brother Kelle Rhoads and more designated musicians. The album was produced and compiled by the Grammy-award winning guitarist and producer Bob Kulick at his own studio.
Along with the album, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also contain a bonus DVD available in the digipack version, including interesting interviews with some of the involved artists, hosted by Bob Kulick and a feature on the Musonia School of Music, a teaching school on North Hollywood, California, set up by Randy’s mother and run by his brother Kelle Rhoads.
Pre-order details coming soon! Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also be available in double vinyl gatefold and digital formats.
Full track listing with performers:
Crazy Train
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Gtrs: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Over the Mountain
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali
Mr Crowley
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Gtrs: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Believer
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Gtrs: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali
I Don’t Know
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
S A T 0
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
Goodbye to Romance
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
Suicide Solution
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
Flying High Again
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Bernie Torme
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
A lover of classical music, Rhoads had taken initial steps into rock’n’roll as a 16 year old when he formed a band, that soon became Quiet Riot. Rhoads was vaulted to the limelight in 1979 when Ozzy Osbourne chose the relatively unknown guitarist to help shape a new future for him via his band, Blizzard of Oz. The result saw Rhoads co-script two of the most famous albums in hard rock history, Blizzard Of Oz and Diary of A Madman, and rapidly ascended the stairway of fame and recognition for his virtuoso playing and writing. Famed for the way he fused classical flavors with technically-excellent hard rock, Rhoads became one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.
When he tragically passed away on March 19, 1982 in a plane accident, Rhoads was only 25 years old, but thankfully, the legend of his work, ethos and their continuing influence on a whole new generation of guitarists, has never dimmed.
Celebrate the life and legend of Randy Rhoads with Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute!
The “Immortal Randy Rhoads: The Ultimate Tribute” Deluxe Digipakcomes with a CD and Bonus DVD. This DVD contains interviews and Exclusive Features filmed at the Musonia School of Music, where Randy gave guitar lessons!!
“The Final Countdown” to EUROPE’s 10th Album Release Begins!
Swedish rock legends EUROPE will release their 10th studio album, War of Kings, on March 10, 2015 in the United States via Hell & Back Recordings. Recorded at the brand new PanGaia Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, produced by Dave Cobb (Rival Sons) and engineered by John Netti, War of Kings sees the quintet confidently creating 11 monstrously melodic, yet hard-hitting classic rock’n’roll standouts for their fervent global audience.
War of Kings will be available in multiple formats, as a CD digipak, a CD jewel case, a vinyl LP and in digital download format.
Joey Tempest states, “War Of Kings is the album we always wanted to make, ever since we were kids listening to bands like Zeppelin, Purple and Sabbath. And after hearing Dave Cobb’s amazing production for Rival Sons, we simply had to work with him. Our adventure is still ON!”
War of Kings – Track Listing:
1) War Of Kings
2) Hole In My Pocket
3) Second Day
4) Praise You
5) Nothin’ To Ya
6) California 405
7) Days Of Rock n Roll
8) Children Of The Mind
9) Rainbow Bridge
10) Angels (With Broken Hearts)
11) Light Me Up
Bonus: Vasastan (Instrumental)
Photo Credit: Tallee Savage
EUROPE’s place as a legendary Classic Rock band was platinum-stamped early in their career, having enjoyed an explosive period of worldwide success in the ‘80s, under-pinned by their hit album and single The Final Countdown, before going on hiatus between 1992 and 2003. They reunited and quickly settled into a period of re-establishment which has seen them re-enforce their reputation worldwide as one of the premier purveyors of blues-tinged Classic Rock with an edge and some kick. Their last album, 2012’s Bag of Bones, saw EUROPE hit the UK top 40 rock album charts and debut at #2 on the Swedish national charts.
War of Kings is set to take full advantage of the global groundwork EUROPE have put in over the last few years.
Tempest adds: “Hey! We took the long road! But we wanted to re-establish EUROPE the proper way. It’s taken 10 years and countless tours since the re-union, but we’re finally getting there and we’ve done it our way!”
EUROPE:
Joey Tempest – lead vocals, acoustic & rhythm guitar, keyboards
John Norum – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals
John Leven – bass, backing vocals
Mic Michaeli – keyboards, piano, backing vocals, rhythm guitar
1969 – The great Led Zeppelin performed at Kinetic Playground, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Vanilla Fudge and Jethro Tull also performed on this same evening.
1975 – Led Zeppelin performed at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
1985 – The mighty Metallica performed at the Eagles Club Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Metallica were on their Ride The Lightning Tour.
2004 – The legendary IRON MAIDEN performed at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. This was a stop on IRON MAIDEN’s Dance Of Death Tour.
2011 – Ozzy Osbourne performed at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, USA. Ozzy was touring in support of his eleventh solo studio album, released in the Summer of 2010: Scream.
2012 – The legendary ANTHRAX performed at the Best Buy Theater in New York City, New York, USA. ANTHRAX were touring in support of their tenth studio album, released in September of 2011: Worship Music.
VINCE NEIL
Born on February 8th, 1961 in California was Vince Neil. Happy Birthday, Vince Neil! Whoa! Vince Neil is super well-known as the lead singer, original member and co-songwriter for the incredible Mötley Crüe.
Vince Neil has also released three studio albums during his music career, with Tattoos & Tequila (via Eleven Seven Music) being his most recent from 2010. His debut solo album was released back in 1993, via Warner Bros. Records and is titled: Exposed. Long live Vince Neil!
On February 7th, 1969 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at Kinetic Playground in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Rock legends Vanilla Fudge and Jethro Tull also performed on this same night.
On this day in 1975 – Led Zeppelin performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, USA.
On February 7th, 1988 – The legendary DIO performed at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, USA. Megadeth and Savatage were the supporting bands. This was the Dream Evil Tour.
On this day in 1997 – DIO performed at Billboard Live in West Hollywood, California, USA. This was the Angry Machines Tour. AngryMachines was the seventh studio album released by DIO, back in 1996. This also marked the last DIO album to feature the outstanding Vinny Appice on drums.
DAVID BRYAN
On February 7th, 1962, David Bryan was born. Happy Birthday, David! David Bryan is world famously known as the keyboardist/pianist for Bon Jovi. As an original member of Bon Jovi, David has co-written songs and performed backing vocals for the band as well.
As well as being a solo recording artist, David Bryan also wrote Memphis, which became a successful Broadway musical and Tony Award winner. Shown above is the album cover for David’s debut solo album from 1995: On A Full Moon…Long live David Bryan!
SULLY ERNA
On February 7th, 1968, Sully Erna was born. Happy Birthday, Sully Erna! Sully Erna is world famously known as a founding member, lead singer and songwriter for the amazing Hard Rock band: Godsmack. Sully Erna is also a multi-instrumentalist both on album and live for Godsmack. He has also released a critically acclaimed solo album back in 2010: Avalon. Long live Sully Erna!
On February 6th, 1975 – The incredible Led Zeppelin performed at the Montreal Forum, in Montreal, QC, Canada.
On this day in 1977 – The iconic QUEEN performed at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, New York. The legendary Thin Lizzy were the supporting band. Whoa!! Above ticket stub photo credit: Queenconcerts.com.
On February 6th, 2005 – The New England Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles (24 to 21) in Super Bowl XXXIX, on February 6th, 2005. During the halftime of this Super Bowl XXXIX, both MTV and MTV2 aired a 15-minute preview of MTV2’s second relaunch. This (actual) second relaunch occurred at midnight on February 7th, 2005.
On this day in 2015 – Papa Roach debuts at #15, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with their eighth studio album: F.E.A.R., with Maria Brink from In This Moment guesting on vocals for the song Gravity.
On February 6th, 2015 – Sweet & Lynch debut at #120, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with their studio album Only To Rise. This album features Heavy Metal legends Michael Sweet of Stryper and George Lynch of Lynch Mob, KXM and ex-Dokken.
On this day in 2015 – Nickelback drops to #115 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This eight studio album from these Canadian Hard Rockers has spent 11 consecutive weeks on the chart, while peaking at #4.
On February 6th, 2015 – Marilyn Manson sits at #36, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with their ninth studio album: The Pale Emperor. This new release from Marilyn Manson has spent two weeks on this chart, debuting at #8.
On this day in 2015 – Led Zeppelin’s compilation album, Mothership, re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, at #200. This greatest hits package has spent 192 non-consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #7.
AXL ROSE
Born on February 6th, 1962 was Axl Rose. Happy Birthday, Axl Rose! Whoa. Axl Rose is world-famously known as a classic member, singer and songwriter for Guns N’ Roses. Long live Axl Rose! Guns N’ Roses were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, back in 2012.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB MARLEY & REST IN PEACE. FEBRUARY 6th, 1945 – MAY 11th, 1981.
I know I am in line as one of the biggest critics of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame; however I do want to congratulate artists that do get elected in and that I dig beyond all belief. One such artist/band is Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. I realize this is rather old news in today’s up-to-the-second information chain; yet I still wanted to give Joan Jett & The Blackhearts their proper due on Metal Odyssey for achieving what seems to be the impossible: impressing the voters of the Rock Hall.
It almost seems as if this Power Pop meets gritty Rock ‘N’ Roll gal and her band have quietly persevered over the decades, never reinventing the wheel and just staying true to their sound and style that I grew to love very quickly as a young lad. I’ve stated this before on Metal Odyssey and I’m proud to state it again: I had a wicked crush on Joan Jett when I was a freshman and sophomore in high school. Whoa. I did see Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in concert once, back in the late 80’s and I remember it being a very cool show. Good times.
Without question, it was long overdue for the late Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble to get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The late Stevie Ray Vaughan was and forever will be one of the greatest in Rock ‘N’ Roll history, for me. Man, if you ever want to perk yourself up and shred away negativity around you, just listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. For real.
Speaking of the great Ringo Starr, it’s hard to believe it took this damn long for the Rock Hall to induct him as a solo artist. Unreal. I can still see my late sister’s 45rpm of Ringo Starr’sYou’re Sixteen, spinning on the old turntable. Man, it seems like yesterday, to me. Pictured above is the cover sleeve for the 45rpm of You’re Sixteen. Good times.
Last Summer (July) I ventured up to Connecticut and was able to hang out with my Best Metal Buddy and Metal Odyssey contributor/researcher Scott Coverdale. One of our to-do boxes was checked off when we went to Music Outlet in Enfield, Connecticut. If you look closely at the above photo, you’ll notice that Scott Coverdale has a psyched-out look on his face, cause he is about to buy a couple of new CD’s. Good times!
Above: The CD soundtrack cover for Wedding Crashers, released back in 2005. I do not own it, nope.
This may be off the Metal topic, still, here is a question to ponder: What are your five favorite movies of all time? It seems as if my top five movies change around every now and again. Even so, here are my (current) top five movies of all time and in no particular order: They Live, Escape From New York, Field Of Dreams, Night Of The Living Dead (original black & white) and the super hilarious Wedding Crashers. Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale insisted I watch Wedding Crashers, several years ago; I nearly split open from laughter, while watching it the first time! No, Fried Green Tomatoes doesn’t make my list. Metal Be Thy Name!
On February 3rd, 1975 – The super-great Led Zeppelin performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
On this day in 1979 – The legendary Ace Frehley has his cover song of New York Groove sitting at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Ace Frehley’s memorable self-titled solo album from 1978, released via Casablanca Records. New York Groove was written by Russ Ballard and originally recorded by Hello, back in 1975.
On February 3rd, 1990 – The renowned SKID ROW had their hit power ballad, I Remember You, sitting at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This fabulous song is featured on SKID ROW’s self-titled and debut album, released back in 1990.
On this day in 2015 – The tenth studio album, Beyond The Red Mirror, from Germany’s Blind Guardian is released in North America, via Nuclear Blast. The symphonic, Power Metal bliss that flows from this album is mind-bending! Metal be thy name!
On February 3rd, 2015 – Germany’s Symphonic Power Metal band, Orden Ogan, release their new studio album, Ravenhead, in North America, via AFM Records. Ravenhead is a marvelous album and I highly recommend it to all Power Metal and Symphonic Metal fans world-wide! Whoa.
On this day in 2015 – The fifteenth studio album from Germany’s U.D.O. is released in North America, via AFM Records. The album title is Decadent and the artwork is, in my opinion, sensational! U.D.O. are mightier than ever and I recommend this album to all Metalheads across the globe!
RICHIE KOTZEN
On February 3rd, 1970, Richie Kotzen was born in the great state of Pennsylvania. Happy Birthday, Richie Kotzen! Hell and yeah! Richie Kotzen is an enormously successful solo artist, multi-instrumentalist and a world-class guitarist, with over twenty solo albums to his credit. Currently, Richie Kotzen is a songwriter, guitarist and lead singer for the power-trio The Winery Dogs.
Back in 1999, Richie Kotzen teamed-up with Jazz legend Stanley Clarke and they formed the band: Vertu. Richie Kotzen is a former member of Poison; he co-wrote and played lead guitar on Poison’s 1993 studio album: Native Tongue. Richie Kotzen is also a former member of Mr. Big; he co-wrote and played lead guitar on the Mr. Big studio albums: Get Over It (1999) and Actual Size (2001). Long live Richie Kotzen!
I truly enjoyed trying to stay on top of many, many Hard Rock releases that 2014 had to offer. From the dozens or more Hard Rock albums I listened to this past year, this Top 10 represents the titles that psyched me out the most; these are my choice albums that excel from start to finish.
Music creates vibrations that are unique, mystical and timeless. Music is a universal communication that brings us all together, from all walks of life, unlike anything else. Hopefully you’ll appreciate one or many from my personal Top 10 list. Metal be thy name.
#1
MICHAEL SWEET
I’M NOT YOUR SUICIDE
Michael Sweet has, for me, delivered what I consider to be one of the most inspiring Hard Rock albums I’ve ever listened to. If last year’s Stryper album, No More Hell To Pay, wasn’t enough to lift me into the Milky Way of hope and positive reinforcement, then Michael Sweet’s new solo album has put triple asterisks on my will to overcome my personal fears and mistakes. I’m Not Your Suicide is a powerful and sincere album from a musician, songwriter, lyricist and singer that I believe to be an American music treasure.
#2
CHEVELLE – LA GÁRGOLA
#3
KYNG – BURN THE SERUM
#4
ACE FREHLEY – SPACE INVADER
#5
KXM – (Self-Titled)
#6
FUEL – PUPPET STRINGS
#7
TESLA – SIMPLICITY
#8
HELIX – BASTARD OF THE BLUES
#9
J.RAD – SICK FANTASY
#10
JEFF LABAR – One For The Road
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Check out Metal Odyssey’s other TOP TEN lists for 2014 below! Whoa!
On January 30th, 1973 – The iconic KISS performed their first concert at the Popcorn Club, in Queens, New York, USA. KISS were paid a whopping $50 for their two sets of performance on that Rock historic evening. I wish I was there… then again, I was only seven years old then. Whoa!!
On this day in 1973 – The magnificent Led Zeppelin performed at Guildhall in Preston, UK.
On January 30th, 1987 – The mighty IRON MAIDEN performed at The Summit in Houston, Texas, USA. This concert was a stop on IRON MAIDEN’s Somewhere On Tour.
On this day in 1988 – STRYPER has their power ballad, Honestly, sitting at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Honestly is featured on STRYPER’s Grammy nominated and third studio album from 1986: To Hell With The Devil.
On January 30th, 1996 – The legendary IRON MAIDEN performed at the Maysfield Leisure Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This concert date was on IRON MAIDEN’S The X Factour.
On this day in 2004 – The powerful IRON MAIDEN performed at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, USA. This concert was one of many on IRON MAIDEN’s Dance Of Death Tour.
On January 30th, 2007 – The fearsome SLAYER performed at Saltair in Magna, Utah, USA. SLAYER were on their Christ Illusiontour. Ssssllllaaaayyyyerrrr!! Whoa!
On this day in 2015 – The grand HAMMERFALL are to perform at Razzmatazz 2 in Barcelona, Spain. Orden Ogan and Serious Black are the supporting bands and they kick Metal ass too.
On January 30th, 2015 – The super-duper AC/DC have their legendary studio album, Back In Black, resting at #83 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Released back in 1980, Back In Black has spent 162 non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 200 and once peaked at #4. Holy Metal!!
On this day in 2015 – The sensational Metallica have their 1991 studio album, Metallica aka The Black Album, occupying the #185 slot, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Timeless Metal, it is.
1975 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at the Greensboro Coliseum, in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.
1977 – The great Aerosmith had their hit Walk This Way sitting at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Aerosmith’s third and stupendous studio album, from 1975: Toys In The Attic.
2002 – The tenth studio album from the super legendary King Diamond, Abigail II: The Revenge, was released via Metal Blade Records.
2015 – The sixth studio album from Nickelback, Dark Horse, has re-entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and sits at #187. Dark Horse was released back in 2008 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200. Since its release, Dark Horse has spent 152 non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 200. That says something about this album. Whoa.
2015 – The eighth studio album from Nickelback, No Fixed Address, holds on with its #101 ranking on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Falling from #114 the previous week, No Fixed Address has spent ten consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 200. This very cool album debuted at #4, as well.
EDDIE JACKSON
On January 29th, 1962, Eddie Jackson was born. Happy Birthday, Eddie! Whoa and hell yeah! Eddie Jackson aka EdBass is famously known as a an original member, bassist and co-songwriter for the legendary Metal troupe Queensrÿche. To date, the multi-million selling Queensrÿche have released thirteen studio albums. Long live Eddie Jackson!
On January 27th, 1973 – The incredible Led Zeppelin performed at Caird Hall in Dundee, Scotland, UK. Their fifth studio album, Houses Of The Holy, would be released two months later. Whoa!
On this day in 1973 – (The) Sweet saw their hit, Blockbuster, sitting at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent five straight weeks.
On January 27th, 1990 – Mötley Crüe’s hit Kickstart My Heart sits at #27, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. The song is featured on their fifth studio album, released in 1989: Dr. Feelgood.
On this day in 1997 – Pat Boone appeared on the American Music Awards sporting (badass) leather attire and a studded collar to promote his new studio album In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy. This album featured cover songs of Hard Rock and Metal; with Jazz and Big Band music styles. No, I do not own this album and never will.
Pat Boone, alongside the legendary and much more credible Alice Cooper, presented the award for the Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist to Metallica. This edition of the American Music Awards featured live performances by Metallica and Mötley Crüe.
On January 27th, 2012 – The mighty MEGADETH performed at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA. MEGADETH were the headline act on their very own Gigantour 2012. The legendary Motörhead were also featured on this tour, with Volbeat and Lacuna Coil as support.
On January 27th, 2015 – Slipknot’s fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, rests at #149 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This significant album from Slipknot has spent thirteen consecutive weeks on this chart, while debuting at #1.
On January 25th, 1975 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Without Led Zeppelin ever existing, the world as we know it would… suck infected and bloated elephant testicles.
On this day in 1984 – The legendary Eddie Murphy was a guest VJ on MTV. Eddie Murphy as a comedian and actor is… Metal. As for his singing… well… Um… I’ll plead the 5th Amendment. Anyways, shown above is Eddie Murphy’s vinyl 12″ for his Billboard Hot 100 #2 hit single: Party All The Time; it was released in 1985.
On January 25th, 1997 – The world-renowned DANZIG performed at The Boathouse in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. DANZIG was touring in support of studio album #5: Danzig 5: Blackacidevil. DANZIG RULES. ‘Nuff said.
On this day in 2006 – The great MÖTLEY CRÜE received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame for their accomplishments and influence in music. Long live MÖTLEY CRÜE!
On January 25th, 2007 – The powerful SLAYER performed at the House Of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. SLAYER were touring in support of their ninth studio album: Christ Illusion. SLAYER RULES. ‘Nuff said.
On this day in 2014 – The amazing KISS performed at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, as part of the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ outdoor game between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks would go on to defeat the Kings: 3 to 0. By the way, 54,099 hockey and KISS fans were in attendance. Whoa, man!! Um, hockey is… Metal.
On January 24th, 1970 – With their first two studio albums already released, the mighty Led Zeppelin perform at Leeds Town Hall, (Leeds University), in Leeds, UK.
On this day in 1989 – The sensational SKID ROW releases their debut and self-titled studio album, via Atlantic Records. This great album goes on to sell 5 million (plus) units in the United States, alone. Yes, this is the album that features Youth Gone Wild; check out the track list above!
IRON MAIDEN – X Factor and X Factour band lineup, from L to R: Dave Murray (guitar), Steve Harris (bass), Blaze Bayley (vocals), Janick Gers (guitar) and Nicko McBrain (drums).
On January 24th, 1996 – IRON MAIDEN performed at Théâtre de Verdure, Nice, France. This was one of many stops on IRON MAIDEN’s X Factour, supporting their tenth studio album released in 1995: The X Factor. Whoa!
On this day in 2004 – The iconic IRON MAIDEN performed at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, New York, USA. IRON MAIDEN were on the road for their Dance Of Death World Tour.
IRON MAIDEN delivered a 13 song setlist and on the 13th song, (which was the classic Iron Maiden), some dumb dumb threw a beer on the soundboard; thus the concert ended earlier than scheduled.
On January 24th, 2013 – The fierce WHITE CHAPEL, EMMURE, and UNEARTH performed at Studio Seven in Seattle, Washington, USA; this was the Brothers Of Brutality tour. Obey The Brave and Ohio’s The Plot In You also performed as supporting acts.
On this day in 2015 – The fabulous TESLA is scheduled to perform at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, New Mexico, USA. TESLA ROCKS!! Shown above is the cover for the seventh studio album, released in 2014, from TESLA: Simplicity.
For me, 2014 came in like a bear and went out like a lamb. Each year time seems to go by faster and faster, while finding the time to put together my 2014 Top 10 list, once again, seemed like an impossible task for me. Finally, I hunkered down in my bunker and got’er done. Here is my 2014 Hard Rock/Metal Top 10 Albums Of The Year!! – Scott Coverdale
On January 23, 1969 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at The Boston Tea Party, in Boston Massachusetts. This was the first in a three-night stand at this venue for Led Zeppelin. Ready for this… ticket admission was $3.50 in U.S. funds. Holy crap, WHOA!!
On this day in 1988 – Heart sits at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their song: There’s The Girl. This hit peaked at #12 and is featured on the Heart studio album from 1987: Bad Animals.
On January 23, 2015 – Nickelback’s new studio album, No Fixed Address, has fallen to #84 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This album has spent 9 consecutive weeks on this chart and peaked at #4.
On this day in 2015 – Pearl Jam Tenreturns to the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, sitting at #157. This amazing album has spent 257 non-consecutive weeks on this chart and in 1992 it peaked at #2.
ROBIN ZANDER
Above: In Color, the second studio album from Cheap Trick, released in 1977. From L to R: Robin Zander and Tom Petersson.
On January 23rd, 1953, Robin Zander was born. Happy birthday, Robin! Yeah! Robin Zander is famously known as the lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist for the super-great Hard Rock legends: Cheap Trick. Robin Zander also has a couple of solo studio albums on his enviable Rockin’ resume; these solo albums were released back in 1993 and 2010, respectively.
Above: Robin Zander’s Countryside BLVD studio album from 2010. It is out-of-print and very, very hard to find. Yes, it’s rare, man. Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale does own an original copy of this CD; he’s damn lucky for that!
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Robin Zander joined Cheap Trick after original vocalist Randy “Xeno” Hogan departed from the band. Robin Zander has sung on ALL sixteen Cheap Trick studio albums, along with every live album. During Robin Zander’s spare time, he performs with his (side) band: Robin Zander Band. Long live Robin Zander! Long live Cheap Trick! – Stone
On January 21, 1973 – The iconic Led Zeppelin perform at the Gaumont Theatre, in Southampton, UK.
On this day in 1975 – Led Zeppelin perform at Chicago Stadium, in Chicago, Illinois.
On January 21, 1983 – The House On Sorority Row was released to wide-screen theaters. This is a Horror film and I never saw it; nor have I ever heard of this film until I stumbled upon it while looking up Horror online. Looks like a B movie to me!
This flick was written and directed by Mark Rosman. The film studio: Film Ventures, International. Here’s a couple of actresses that starred in The House On Sorority Row: Kate McNeil and Eileen Davidson. You bet.
On this day in 1989 – MTV world premieres the first Metallica music video: One. This song is featured on Metallica’s 4th studio album, released via Electra Records back in 1988: …And Justice For All. Shown above is the cover sleeve for the German issued CD single. Whoa!
On January 21, 1989 – The great Def Leppard have a song sitting at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart: Armageddon It. This song is featured on the multi-platinum selling Def Leppard album from 1987: Hysteria.
On this day in 2015 – The fearsome Rob Zombie stated, on his official Twitter account: “Just finished the final mixes with @zeuss1 for the new studio album. Best album yet. No joke.”
Today, January 19th, 2015, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, here in the United States Of America. This federal holiday is observed by all fifty states and is celebrated on the third Monday of each January for this champion of the Civil Rights movement. On November 2nd, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating this federal holiday, in honor of the late Martin Luther King, Jr.
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On January 19th, 1981 – The sensational STYX released their tenth studio album: Paradise Theatre, via A&M Records. This album features such STYX classics as: The Best Of Times, Too Much Time On My Hands and Rockin’ The Paradise.
On January 19th, 1988 – The fierce MEGADETH released their third studio album: So Far, So Good… So What! This album features the cover of Anarchy In The U.K., originally recorded and released in 1976, by the Sex Pistols.
On January 19th, 1990 – The monster movie, TREMORS, was released to wide-screen theaters, via Universal Pictures. This movie marks the first of its franchise and features the stupendous Kevin Bacon, with co-stars: Fred Ward, Finn Carter and Michael Gross. TREMORS did very well at the box office, earning nearly 50 million U.S. bucks! Whoa!
TREMORS was written by S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock, while the director was Ron Underwood. The plot is basically: stay away from 30 foot burrowing worms, cause they are always hungry for unsuspecting humans. These worm monsters are referred to as graboids in this film. Yup.
I’ve seen TREMORS a few times in my day and admittedly, I dig it. TREMORS is Metal. I tend to like this genre of movies, thus, for a hunky dory time, I do recommend TREMORS as a rental; along with an order of wings, 1 container of Pringles, 1 bowl of buttered popcorn and the beverages of your choice.
On January 18th, 1973 – The great Led Zeppelin performed at St. George’s Hall in Bradford, UK. Pictured above: Led Zeppelin UK tour program for November 1972 – January 1973.
On this day in 2008 – The Science Fiction thriller, Cloverfield, was released to wide-screen theaters, via Paramount. Honestly, this movie is scary as all hell. Seriously. The abbreviated plot is: Extraterrestrial’s are hell-bent on destroying our world as we know it, starting with New York City. The alien that is shown in this film is one terrifying motherfu**er too!
Cloverfield was directed by Matt Reeves and written by Drew Goddard. The actors in this movie are not big-time stars; nonetheless, the acting is very believable and makes this movie that much more realistic to me.
Cloverfield is filmed as a point-of-view and never ceases to make me feel very uneasy about what is possibly watching us from Outer Space. The ending is a shocker, I’ll tell you that. Cloverfield is a MUST movie to see and is without a doubt… Metal.
On January 18th, 2015 – The Best Of Nickelback: Volume 1 falls to #150 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This Nickelback compilation peaked at #21 and has spent 25 consecutive weeks on this chart.
On this day in 2015 – Nickelback No Fixed Address falls to #75 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This eighth studio album from Nickelback has spent 8 consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #4.
On January 17th, 1969 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at The Grande Ballroom, in Detroit, Michigan. Notice the crazy spelling for Led Zeppelin on the above concert flyer? Whoa!
On January 17th, 1975 – A Robert Plant interview that was filmed before Led Zeppelin’s Brussels concert the previous week, was broadcasted on the BBC2 “Old Grey Whistle Test” program. This legendary footage is included on the Led Zeppelin official “DVD”, released in 2003.
On this day in 1976 – Sweet hits #5 in the U.S., on the Billboard Hot 100 with their single: Fox on the Run. This song is featured on Sweet’s sensational third studio album, from 1974: Desolation Boulevard.
On January 17th, 1986 – The Dark Comedy/Horror film, Troll, is released to wide-screen theaters, via Empire Pictures. Toll was directed by John Buechler and written by Ed Naha. The cast stars: Noah Hathaway, Michael Moriarty and Shelley Beck.
The plot is simple; basically, a pissed-off and constipated Troll takes over an apartment building, possesses a little girl and changes people into stuff like plant pods. Now, that’s… Metal!
On this day in 1986 – The Clan Of The Cave Bear was released, via Warner Bros., to wide-screen theaters. Above, notice the resemblance to 80’s Hair Metal and David Lee Roth on his Eat ‘Em And Smile (1986) album cover? Whoever the makeup artist was for The Clan Of The Cave Bear… he or she just HAD to be a fan of 80’s Heavy Metal. I mean, c’mon? I kinda like that makeup job, myself.
The Clan Of The Cave Bear was a flop at the box office and the only cool thing it has going for it is the main star: Daryl Hannah. Whoa, yeah! I’ll say this movie poster is Metal and the movie is not. Due to the English sub-titles used for interpreting the grunts and growls of the Neanderthals and primitive Homo Sapiens, during this film, I highly recommend it only if you’re wasted. Um, yeah.
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