A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. and I’m thankful as always for my family, friends, Metal Buddies, faith, country and the freedom I’ve grown so accustomed to since being alive. I’m thankful for our U.S. troops that protect us here at home and abroad. The Rock N’ Metal that inspires me each and every day, I am absolutely giving thanks for as well. (See below!)
I’m giving thanks for this clear Metal fact: I’ll be catching up with Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale this Thanksgiving weekend… over a couple of cold brews and plates of wings as we discuss… Metal and NFL news.
Now, let’s begin: A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – What I’m Thankful For!
I am thankful for ALL the pioneers of Heavy Metal, aka, Metal. I give Metal thanks to the 1969 debut/ST from Led Zeppelin, with the 1970 debut/ST album from BlackSabbath to follow. I am also thankful for 1974’s KISS debut/ST (see at top of post). Moving forward to 1979’s No Mean City from Nazareth and every other seminal and not so famous Heavy Rock album from those building block years of Metal – I declare my Metal thanks!
AC/DC… WHOA!
From Saxon to Iron Maiden and from Motörhead to Diamond Head, I give Metal thanks.Believe me, if I could list every single band and musician that has psyched-me-out throughout my Metal lovin’ life, I would!
I am thankful for ALL the pre-Heavy Metal history; a Rock and Roll and Classic Rock History that includes all the pioneering bands and musicians that paved the path for Hard Rock and Metal.
I am very, very, thankful for these albums & bands: (A very short list, of course!)
LIZZY BORDEN – Best Of (1994 – Metal Blade Records)
SATYRICON – The Age Of Nero (Koch Records)
DIO – Holy Diver (1983 – Warner Bros.)
SOUNDGARDEN – Down On The Upside (1996 – A&M Records)
SOULFLY –Enslaved (2012 – Roadrunner Records)
SCORPIONS… WHOA!
WITCH CROSS IS BACK! WITH KEV MOORE! WHOA!
STRYPER… WHOA!
MASS… WHOA!
DORO… WHOA! WHOA AGAIN!
CHRIS BARNES and SIX FEET UNDER… WHOA!
SKELETONWITCH… WHOA!
VENOM… WHOA!
HATEBREED… WHOA!
ORANGE GOBLIN… WHOA!
THE BIG FOUR… WHOA!
OVERKILL… WHOA!
TESTAMENT… WHOA!
EXODUS… WHOA!
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION– Afterglow
(2012 – J&R Adventures)
3 INCHES OF BLOOD –Long Live Heavy Metal
(2012 – Century Media)
BLACK SABBATH – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
(1973 – Warner Bros.)
QUEENSRYCHE – Operation Mindcrime (1988 – EMI)
What and/or who are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day? If you’re thankful for a favorite band and/or musician… let it be known by commenting! Whoa!
THE ROLLING STONES – On its release date of November 13th, I happily purchased the brand new 2CD of greatest hits from The Rolling Stones titled: GRRR! at my local Target store. Here’s a funny blunder I am guilty of while making this GRRR! purchase:
Upon seeing GRRR! stocked upon the CD display at Target, the excitement overcame me; so much so that I read the sale price (incorrectly) as $9.99 (U.S.). After buying this 2CD and a few other items, I thought to myself: “gee whiz, Stone, that amount I paid was higher than I calculated in my brain.” I paused, then came to a complete stop before exiting the store. I needed to check my sales receipt and make sure I didn’t get screwed on the price of an item (which happens more often than not).
* The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Logo designed by: Shepard Fairey
* The Rolling Stones tongue logo was originally created by John Pashe, back in 1971.
Sure enough, I read the price sticker wrong on the GRRR! 2CD. Instead of the price being $9.99 (like I thought I read it) it was $19.99 instead! Whoa! I had not a clue. I guess the good news is that I didn’t pay $19.99 for GRRR! after all. Nope. I instead paid the sale price for GRRR! which was: $16.99. That’s very, very cool. Heck, this is a “2” CD after all and it boasts 40 classics from The Rolling Stones! Not too shabby of a Rockin’ buy and YOLO!
The 2 NEW songs on GRRR! are: One More Shot and Doom And Gloom. Both of these songs ROCK!!! WHOA!!! Think: Hard Rock Rolling Stones, (not) Start Me Up or Harlem Shuffle. Seriously, I am very psyched-out about these 2 new songs; they signify that The Rolling Stones can certainly dig-in-deep and continue to put out some kick-ass Classic Hard Rockin’ material!
I highly recommend GRRR! to all Rolling Stones fans and anyone that digs Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Rock and the history of Rock and Roll! Metal be thy name.
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THE ROLLING STONES GRRR! – Track Listing:
(Stone Notes: This is the 40 song track listing. There are 50 and 80 track versions of GRRR! as well).
Disc one:
Come On
Not Fade Away
It’s All Over Now
Little Red Rooster
The Last Time
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Get Off Of My Cloud
As Tears Go By
19th Nervous Breakdown
Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSMAN – MURRAY BOLTON – IS THE WINNING BIDDER
ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE GERSON INSTITUTE SUPPORTING HOLISTIC CANCER THERAPY
Guitar Played Exclusively Throughout Def Leppard “Rock of Ages” Tour This Summer
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(Los Angeles, CA) –In early September, PHIL COLLEN, lead guitarist for the iconic rock band DEF LEPPARD, announced plans for the charitable auction of “Wings” a custom Jackson PC1 guitar that COLLEN had played throughout this summer’s Rock of Ages tour. The auction began exclusively through eBay’s “Giving Works” on September 5th and ended on the morning of September 15th.
Reaching beyond all expectations, the highest bidder paid an amazing $15,000 for the one-of-a-kind guitar. The lucky winner is New Zealand businessman Murray Bolton. COLLEN personally handed “Wings” over to Bolton a few weeks ago when Murray visited COLLEN’s home.
In an extraordinary act of charity Phil included $5000 of his own to the auction’s total in order to deliver a $20,000 check this past Thursday, November 15th, when he performed live at the San Diego based Gerson Institute.
“I am very excited to present this check to the people at the Gerson Institute”, said Collen. “Meeting Murray and handing over “Wings” was bitter-sweet. I really grew to love that guitar but am so happy that it’s going to a great home and the money will help so many more people.”
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a more than appropriate time for COLLEN himself to introduce the auction’s winner and present the check to the Gerson Institute, a San Diego based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Gerson Therapy, an alternative treatment for cancer and other degenerative diseases.
In early 2012 Jake Willoughby, a guitar and music store owner, asked COLLEN if he would assist in helping to raise money towards the fight against cancer with Jake’s mother Connie having just passed away from pancreatic cancer after a courageous 13-month fight. By tragic coincidence Phil’s own father, Kenneth succumbed to the same disease in 2004. Jake donated a PHILCOLLEN signature guitar, the Jackson PC1 from his music store. In the spirit of hope it was named “Wings”. Mike Learn, a noted artist whose graphics are well-known in the guitar world, donated the graphic custom paint job on the guitar. Ironically, Mike also lost two family members to the same disease.
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About The Gerson Institute:
The Gerson Institute is a non-profit organization in San Diego, California dedicated to providing education and training in the Gerson Therapy, an alternative, non-toxic treatment for cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases.
Black Country Communion – Afterglow is the third studio album from the supergroup that should really be named: Classic Rock Champions. All kidding aside, this Kevin “The Caveman” Shirley produced album is so much more than I expected. With super legendary musicians joining forces with such a prominent producer, the first two BCC albums were magnificent in their own right; only Afterglow is by far the very best out of the three albums from this band, in my Rock infested opinion.
Glenn Hughes wrote the lyrics to every song, with Jason Bonham lending a pen on This Is Your Timeand Common Man. With the writing of the music for Afterglow, it’s a collective effort from the entire band, which is broken down so nicely in the liner notes. These four musicians are undoubtedly legends and they have written and recorded a wonderful album of eleven songs.
Afterglow stands out from the first two BCC albums with its unbelievably memorable songs. These are songs that just instantly stick inside my head with their melodies, rhythm, beats and (of course) vocals. Whereas the first two albums had a song or two that may sound like (just above) average offerings, Afterglow is a listening sensation of Classic Hard Rock from beginning to end. My God, I’m tickled to death by Afterglow and I’m strongly considering it to be my top Hard Rock album of 2012… and quite possibly my favorite album across the board from this year!
Watch & listen to below: The Making Of Afterglow – Black Country Communion Episode 1
The sunny skies of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple certainly shine over this album, with Big Train, Afterglow and Confessor (respectively); giving every musical indication that even legends such as BCC will give a nod to other Classic Rock sounds other than their own. Let there be no misunderstanding however, that BCC is a band as original as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Jason Bonham doesn’t over extend on drums (and never has in his career), while Derek Sherinian follows suit on keyboards. I applaud them both for I’m so convinced that the less is more plan of attack always comes out victorious in Rock and Roll. Joe Bonamassa is such a talented guitarist it’s spooky. His lead vocals on Cry Freedom are superb and makes for an added bonus on an album filled with pure Rockin’ magic.
Lead vocals and bass are brought to you by none other than Glenn Hughes. What can I possibly write that has never been written before about this legend of Rock? Glenn Hughes is one of those vocalists walking the planet today with a captivating voice. I listen to Glenn’s vocals and lyrics on The Circle and have to pick my jaw up off the floor each time this song ends. Overall, BCC has whisked my memories back to the slower days when FM radio actually meant something to all of us; while (thankfully) reminding me that majestic Hard Rock can still be created. Metal be thy name.
* Black Country Communion Afterglow was released on October 30th, 2012, via J&R Adventures.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION:
Glenn Hughes – lead vocals and bass guitar, (acoustic guitar on The Giver)
Joe Bonamassa – lead and acoustic guitars, (lead vocals on Cry Freedom)
Jason Bonham – drums and percussion, (backing vocals on This Is Your Time)
Raise Your Fist, the twelfth studio album released last week in the U.S. and Canada by reigning metal queen DORO PESCH, has debuted at #65 on the American Billboard Heatseekers chart. DORO sends a huge thank you to all her fans for making this chart entry a reality!
Raise Your Fist was recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia and features musical guests Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead and Ozzy/Firewind guitarist Gus G. Album artwork was created by British artist and longtime DORO collaborator Geoffrey Gillespie. Pick up your copy at the Nuclear Blast Webshop, your local independent retailer, on iTunes, or Amazon.
DORO will be will be returning to North America in 2013 to rock the masses in support of Raise Your Fist.
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DORO North American Headlining Tour 2013:
2/01/2013 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
2/02/2013 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
2/03/2013 Empire – West Springfield, VA
2/04/2013 B.B. Kings Blues Club – New York, NY
2/05/2013 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
2/07/2013 Mod Club – Toronto, ON
2/08/2013 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
2/09/2013 Al Rosa Villa – Columbus, OH
2/10/2013 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
2/12/2013 Blondie’s – Detroit, MI
2/13/2013 Mojoe’s – Joliet, IL
2/14/2013 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
2/15/2013 Spicoli’s Grill and the Reverb – Waterloo, IA
KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my KISS Rock And Roll Over neon clock, lit up in all its kisstastic glory! I bought this very cool KISS neon clock a few years ago at Hot Topic. Guess what? It set me back just $10.00 (U.S.) cause I found it on a… markdown shelf! The original price was more than double that too. Metal be thy name!
This neon clock can either be hung on a wall or stood up on a shelf. The diameter measures approximately 11.5″. I have a choice of using 1 AAA battery or just plugging this neon clock into a socket. Not too shabby.
I threw away the original box this KISS neon clock came in. What the hell was I thinking? Sometimes Stone brain farts… big time. It’s like that elder Metal troll told me recently: “Stone, y-y-you c-c-can’t fret over c-c-chucking away t-t-that KISS neon c-c-clock b-b-box.”
Here’s all the boring info (regarding who made this neon clock):
* Made In China
* Produced by Rabbit Tanaka Corp. Ltd
* 2007 KISS Catalog, Ltd – Under License By Signatures Network
Check out my KISS neon clock unlit below! Whoa!
By the way, if you haven’t yet bought MONSTER, you absolutely, positively, 100%, certainly should! Yes, I am quite ecstatic over this new KISS album. Metal be thy name.
Minneapolis based, MetalKast music video network announces their exciting new TV series Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ. Production for the first season is underway with a few episodes complete. This new exciting television series aims to attract music fans and dedicated musicians.
On November 5th 2012, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ started a Kickstarter fundraiser campaign to help complete production for the first season. The campaign will run through December 6th and offers fans and musicians great packages for your pledge. The Kickstarter campaign can be found here.
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ is one of MetalKast flagship shows aimed at rediscovering music television. Until recently, before shows like Metal Evolution and That Metal Show, we have had a void in “music video networks”, from music to non-music-related programming. MetalKast has been testing web distribution for years. With support from record labels, artist promotion companies and the artists themselves, we are filling the void left by others.
In support for this Kickstarter project, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ is making available for the first time it’s promotional DVDs, Blu-Ray, and HD digital formats available as gifts for supporting this project. Additionally offering numerous signed DVDs and drum sticks from these amazing players: Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch), Mikkey Dee (Motorhead, King Diamond, Don Dokken), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Earthworks, UK, Yes), Carl Palmer (Elp, Asia), Larry Paterson (Blaze Bayley, Chokehold), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, BOC, The Lizards), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P.), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Slavior, Warlord), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, DIO, WWIII), and Randy Black (Primal Fear, Bif Naked, Annihilator).
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ first full season will include Tobias Ralph (Adrian Belew, Crimson Projekct) and Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes), and Carl Palmer (ELP, Asia).
Filming major events in the drumming world have also included activity at Vic’s Drum Shop (Victor Salazar) with interviews, statements and clinics from Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, UK, Missing Persons), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Jimmy Chamberlin (The Smashing Pumpkins), Gavin Harrison (Iggy Pop, Ed Poole), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Adrenaline Mob), Todd Sucherman (Stix), Paul Collier (Angel Corpse, Final Revenge), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Nile), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Alan Holdsworth, Steve Vai), Hanna Ford (Bellevue Suite, Prince), Nathaniel Townsley (Stevie Wonder, Special EFX, Mariah Carey), and many more.
Additionally, RTD filmed interviews with famed photographer/drummer Rob Shanahan (Ringo Starr’s Personal Photographer) and John Douglas (Alex Van Halen’s drum tech, custom drum builder, artist and drummer). Upcoming episodes include a feature on Larry Mullen’s tech/U2 crew chief Sam O’Sullivan.
The legendary Jean Beauvoir (Gary US Bonds, The Plasmatics, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul – see more below) has contacted me regarding the following special news involving the recording of his new Crown Of Thorns EP:
“I’m reaching out because I am running a Pledge Music Campaign for the recording of a new Crown Of ThornsEP… A new way to do it! It’s very cool and to those who have Pledged, I’ve been giving great free updates that include, acoustic concerts, free albums, duet of myself and Bruce Springsteen and lots of other stuff, (there’s) more to come so it’s well worth it for the fans.”
“Thanks and all the best!”
Jean Beauvoir
Crown Of Thorns, KISS, Ramones and so on!
Pledge what you can by clicking on the link below!
(To read complete Jean Beauvoir biography, click here: Jean Beauvoir)
Beauvoir selling over 1,5 million copies worldwide from his first solo effort, lead to productions and co-writing ventures with artists such as KISS, The Ramones, N’Sync, John Waite, Deborah Harry, Lionel Richie, The Pretenders, Carol Davis, Nile Rogers, Nona Hendryx, Desmond Child, Jim Vallance and many more. He toured and performed with the Eurythmics, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Little Steven, BruceSpringsteen and The Who. He’s made hundreds of personal and TV appearances throughout the world and has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as an artist, producer and songwriter.
Jean also expanded his musical horizons through his groups, Voodoo X and Crown of Thorns, he released four additional solo records to date and was also actively involved in the hugely successful Hand in HandCharity in Berlin Germany amongst others throughout the years.
AEROSMITH – Call it nostalgia. Call it an impulse purchase. Call it being a big softy for Classic Rock. Call it appreciating Aerosmith’s perseverance and the majority of their albums; especially their catalog from the 70’s decade. Regardless of all the reasons, I bought Aerosmith’s 15th studio (album) CD, Music From Another Dimension!(Columbia), on November 6th at my local Super Walmart.
I’ve listened to this new Aerosmith CD several times now and I dig most of it. Music From Another Dimension! doesn’t Rock like 70’s Aerosmith, then again this CD doesn’t Rock like 80’s or 90’s Aerosmith either. This new Aerosmith offering does Rock, let there be no mistake. Lot’s of (radio friendly) Rock/Hard Rock relevance, mixed together with funky and bluesy vibes and a solid nod to good ol’ American Rock ‘N’ Roll. Aerosmith has a whiz-bang album here; trying to top any of their early classics or 80’s chart-toppers isn’t what I was looking for anyways.
Steven Tyler’s vocals are so trademarked that it’s astonishing. Really, who else has ever or currently sounds like Steven Tyler? Steven Tyler, Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) all sound groovy, like a well oiled Aerosmith machine. Good and well written songs coupled with legendary musicians sure do go a very long way. Aerosmith certainly surprised me here, I was afraid this new album was going to be overly sticky bubble-gum. Instead it’s a good time on the mainstream Rock ‘N’ Roll highway.
Carrie Underwood sings a duet with Steven Tyler on Can’t Stop Lovin’ You. I wish Joan Jett, BonnieRaitt, Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks or Ann Wilson sang a duet with Steven Tyler on this album instead. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You is a fine song, I just would have appreciated a legendary Classic Rock gal instead. Then again, that’s just me.
Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp sings backing vocals on Freedom Fighter. Who cares. I really don’t. Apparently I never answered the phone quick enough to get that backing vocal gig with Aerosmith. Next time I’ll hustle to my cell phone or at least listen to my messages quicker. Um… yeah.
I recommend this CD to my fellow Rockaholics, it’s all good and understood that this album was intended for widespread appeal. That’s a given. A new generation of Aerosmith fans will certainly be sowed, courtesy of this band’s always current world-wide popularity and new album. Here’s some last second Rockin’ advice: while you listen to MusicFrom Another Dimension!, just pretend that American Idol doesn’t exist and everything will be okay.
So that’s about it. I’m not gonna blab anything more about Music From Another Dimension! other than:
1. I really, really, really dig the album cover artwork. Retro rules.
2. Another Last Goodbye is a (gulp) ballad. Ugh.
2. The Walmart version of this CD has the exclusive bonus track: Shakey Ground. It’s a Rockin’ cool song for a bonus track, making for a terrific way to close out this new Aerosmith album.
GEOFF TATE – The Voice Of Queensrÿche. For over three decades running, Geoff Tate is a top-tier vocalist who spans Rock, Hard Rock and of course… Metal. Geoff Tate is a name that comes up when other well-known musicians talk to me about influences. The only vocalist that I identify with Queensrÿche is Geoff Tate.
I’ve been fortunate to hear the vocals of/and witness Geoff Tate in a live setting, on multiple occasions while he was fronting Queensrÿche. Wether it was an arena or club, I’ve observed Geoff Tate commanding both stage and crowd.
Today, Geoff Tate’s sophomore solo album, Kings And Thieves, will be released via InsideOut Music. Whoa! If you are a fan of Geoff Tate and/or Classic Heavy Rock, like myself, the celebration of this vocal and songwriting legend never ceases! Legendary vocalists are born and not made and give their songs profound emotion. Geoff Tate is living proof of this. Metal be thy name.
Take a listen (and read) below to the lyric video for Dark Money… this song ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!
Last week was bizarre and filled with one reality check after another, for me. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania and lived most of my life in (very expensive) Connecticut; therefore my respect and fear of hurricanes is without question real. Our region of the country already suffered through a storm of the century, during the very end of August 2011. A vicious ice storm followed in late October of 2011. Of course, many (if not all) of you know that Hurricane Sandy made her presence felt on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic.
October 29th and 30th were grueling days, while waiting out this super storm. The biggest fear was waiting out this hurricane Monday night. Looking out the windows, all I or my family could see was total blackness. All we could hear was wind that sounded like freight trains speeding around and on top of our house. This entire experience was all a reality check, once again. We were fortunate to have not been harmed and our house was not damaged. Our power was on again/off again during the first 48 hours; still we never lost power permanently. Call it luck and luck is never a guarantee in life.
NASA satellite imagery of Hurricane Sandy
Our city still has tens of thousands of families without power, as I write this (Saturday at 7:31 pm EST). The New Jersey and New York citizens that have suffered from Hurricane Sandy reminds me of just how lucky my family and I are… this time. I posted about the charitable organizations that are currently helping in the aftermath of this hurricane. In case you missed it, you can read about it by clicking the link below:
On to another reality check. To add more sadness to this Halloween season, on our school district’s designated Halloween night, a classmate of my daughters was struck by a passing car, while trying to cross a street. This innocent young lad passed away from the injuries he sustained. My daughters knew this young lad and have been coping with this tragedy through an open-door policy of discussion within our family. I pray that this young lad finds peace in heaven.
The reminders that keep knocking on my brain’s door these last several days are: life is precious, our time on Earth is not predictable nor guaranteed and material items are worthless compared to being alive. Yes, the comforts of a car, cell phone, laptop, electricity, house and personal items makes life easier; only these things truly are secondary to being alive. Family, friends, Metal Buddies, my faith and music are what matters most to me. Since Metal and Rock ‘N Roll are imbedded in my soul, they’re no longer material items to me. Metal be thy name.
And yet another reality check…
Recently, Metal Buddy and Witch Cross vocalist, Kev Moore, informed Metal Odyssey readership and I the following:
“I want to give a ‘head’s up’ to KING’S X drummer Jerry Gaskill and his wife who’ve lost their NJ home and all their possessions. Jerry also had to contend with a heart attack in February. This year really sucks for him. Buy their albums people! They rock! Friends and family have also launched a campaign to help them rebuild from this second tragedy to blight their lives:”
W.A.S.P. has been celebrating their 30 Years Of Thunder in 2012, coinciding with straight-from-the-heart written installments from the legendary Blackie Lawless (founder, vocalist and guitarist of W.A.S.P.). These 30 Years Of Thunder installments can be read here: http://www.waspnation.com
Installment #14 from Blackie Lawless is… you’ve guessed it… one more reality check. I express my condolences to Blackie Lawless for his personal loss.
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Of course I turned to Metal for soothing away my worries all last week. Funny thing is, the one song that really seemed to cheer me up and inspire me in ways I cannot explain was originally co-written by Charlie Chaplin. Yes, the silent film icon known as Charlie Chaplin.
The song is Smile and it is a cover version from the legendary Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra fame). Smile is among 11 cover songs from Jeff Lynne’s solo album Long Wave. All 11 songs are Pre-Rock classics that Jeff Lynne has turned into magic for my ears. The melody and lyrics of Smile simply moves me. Unreal.
JEFF LYNNE – LONG WAVE
Released on October 9th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
Features performances by members of YES, King Crimson, Deep Purple, Symphony X, Opeth, Marillion, Asia, The Moody Blues, Dream Theater, Tangerine Dream, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Hawkwind, The Zombies and Cream!
London, UK – Progressive Rock fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the forthcoming release of a new covers CD by music legends Nektar called “A Spoonful Of Time”, featuring an all-star guest line-up! Celebrating their 43rd Anniversary, Nektar’s contribution over the past four decades has quite rightly earned them their place in any ‘Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’. But the band is much more than a “prog legend;” the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. And now on November 27th, Cleopatra Records will be releasing the first ever covers album by the iconic UK ensemble, joined by an incredible gathering of musical heroes from a wide variety of genres!
Says founding Nektar member Roye Albrighton, “The idea originated from Cleopatra themselves…they thought it might be a good idea to do an album of classic songs with a multitude of different players but under the Nektar banner. Klaus, Ron and myself were to be the staple musicians taking part and the files would be given out to various musicians to do their parts. I was asked to do most of the vocals except for the one track which was (“Africa”) and quite a few guitars too. Ron did a lot of the drums and Klaus was prominent on several of the tracks on Hammond and mellotron.”
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Track listing:
01. Sirius featuring Michael Pinnella (Symphony X)
02. Spirit Of The Radio featuring Mark Kelly (Marillion)
03. Fly Like An Eagle featuring Geoff Downes (Asia / Yes) • Joel Vandroogenbroeck (Brainticket)
04. Wish You Were Here featuring Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
05. For The Love Of Money featuring Ian Paice (Deep Purple) • Nik Turner (Hawkwind)
06. Can’t Find My Way Home featuring Steve Howe (Yes) • Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion) • Mel Collins (King Crimson)
07. 2000 Light Years From Home featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)
08. Riders On The Storm featuring Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) • Rod Argent (The Zombies / Argent)
09. Blinded By The Light featuring Joakim Svalberg (Opeth) • Ginger Baker (Cream)
10. Out Of The Blue featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)
11. Old Man featuring David Cross (King Crimson)
12. Dream Weaver featuring Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
13. I’m Not In Love featuring Rick Wakeman (Yes)
14. Africa featuring Bobby Kimball (Toto) • Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)
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Nektar’s “A Spoonful Of Time” was produced by the band and mixed by prog icon Billy Sherwood, who also played bass on some of the tracks.
Says Billy, “I really enjoyed working with Nektar on their new record, it was an honor playing bass on the entire project too!! Roye is very creative and inspiring to be around, Ron and Klaus are great to work with too… I felt like it was working with friends, making music, as it should be. I look forward to playing some gigs with them in the future.” Roye adds, “The songs featured on the album were chosen by Cleopatra, of which a few of them I quite like. It was good working with Billy, on this covers album and our new studio album ‘Time Machine’, and like me, he wants the absolute best for the music.”
The Nektar story is a remarkable one. A British rock band that found stardom and major success in Germany and the USA, yet failed to make a significant breakthrough in their own country. With three gold albums under their belt (“Remember The Future”, “Down To Earth” and “Recycled”), Nektar produced some of the most original work of the seventies and eighties. In virtuoso guitarist Roye Albrighton, Nektar had a charismatic front man who had shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix, in Allan “Taff” Freeman a unique keyboard player, in Derek “Mo” Moore a bass playing powerhouse and in Ron Howden a fluidity rarely found in a drummer. Fifth member Mick Brockett was not a musician, but was responsible for one of the most stunning light and visual shows ever to grace a rock stage. Nektar’s history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed was out…until the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long-awaited reunion tour of the classic line-up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions.
“The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow, by loyal fans across the globe! “It’s pretty timeless music,” says Albrighton, “and what I’m hearing from most of the new, younger fans that are now coming to our shows, is that it’s like going back in time. They are starting to really discover music again, which, of course, is a great thrill to us and some of the older bands from our time.”
An American tour in September 2004 saw Taff Freeman depart the band for personal reasons and his successor, Hammond virtuoso Tom Hughes, instantly earning a place in the hearts of the Nektar faithful. With continued concert dates, along with the remastering of the remainder of the Nektar back catalogue on CD, this legendary band has become once more a proud force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive music. In 2007 Nektar truly took over their own management, procured their official website as their own, became an entity entirely under their own control and went on a 22-date tour of Germany. The band released the critically acclaimed CDs ‘Book of Days’ in 2008 and the live DBL CD ‘Fortyfied’ in 2009. Signing with US label Cleopatra in 2011, the band competed its first U.S. Tour in seven years by virtue of a successful month-long jaunt of the States, to the delight of their U.S. fans both old and new. Nektar is set to make its mark once again with the release of their critically acclaimed studio album “Time Machine.” Now with the release of “A Spoonful Of Time,” Nektar is back with a psychedelic head trip through classic rock radio with artful twists on classics by The Doors, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, Steve Miller, 10cc and others!
As far as future plans for Nektar: “To make more music, and to experiment more in different ways,” says Albrighton. Nektar will be a part of the Cruise to the Edge cruise in March with the Yes, Tangerine Dream, Saga, Steve Hackett, Carl Palmer Band, UK and others. In closing Roye has this to impart to the band’s long-standing fans, “A huge thanks to all those fans who have stuck by the band through thick and thin over the years… We are only doing it for you.”
October 31, 2012 – London, UK – The music industry is buzzing about the new concept album by former legendary Uriah Heep / Lucifer’s Friend vocalist John Lawton titled ‘The Power of Mind’. An innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, but performed by John Lawton and Bulgarian ensemble Diana Express, ‘The Power of Mind’ is an exploration into the science of positive thinking and its applications to the subconscious mind. Featuring 14 amazing songs that showcase the soulful vocals of John Lawton and the powerful instrumentals by Diana Express will leave you wanting to hear it again and again…
“ ‘The Power of Mind’ is a concept album with positive thinking being the theme,” John explains. “In the world of today, I don’t think there are many better things to focus on. The way the songs flow into each other is really the way one would read a book or relate stories to friends. The melodies and lyrics say a lot about how we should view each other.”
John Lawton began his musical career in North Shields, UK, in the early ’60s with The Deans, a bunch of kids who decided at random that John should be singer. He then moved on to West One and later to Stonewall, which included John Miles, Vic Malcolm (later of Geordie) and Paul Thompson (later of Roxy Music). After Stonewall finished a stint at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg in 1969, John decided to stay in Germany. He is offered the job as singer with legendary German cult rock band Lucifer’s Friend (1969-1976, 1979-1995) and subsequently recorded 9 studio albums during his time with the band. In the early ’70s John also joined the Les Humphries Singers, with whom he recorded more than 20 albums and took part at 1976’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Listen to and watch the video for Fairy Tale below!
Stone Says:John Lawton has a truly amazing and timeless voice. Diana Express are certainly world-class musicians. I cannot say it any better than that. Metal be thy name.
In 1976 John joined Uriah Heep as their front man, and recorded the classic albums ‘Innocent Victim’, ‘Firefly’, ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘Live ’79’, and toured Europe and the USA until September 1979. During his longstanding career John has worked with some big names of rock, on various projects, including Roger Glover’s ‘Butterfly Ball’ and Eddie Hardin’s ‘Wizard’s Convention II’. In late 1980 he joined German rock band Rebel on three albums, including their hit singles “Line of Fire” and “Eagles Flight”. He would record one more album with the group, now known as ZAR in the early ’90s. John ventured into the world of classical music when he recorded vocals for Volker Barber’s ‘Excalibur’. In January 1994 he formed GunHill, later known as JLB – John Lawton Band. The band recorded two albums (studio/live) and toured the UK and Europe. In August 2000 John recorded his first solo album, the critically acclaimed ‘Still Paying My Dues To The Blues’.
In December 2008 John entered the world of television by presenting the Bulgarian travel documentary series “John Lawton Presents”. Which leads to the teaming of John and Bulgaria’s Diana Express in November 2011 to record ‘The Power of Mind’ in Plevin, Bulgaria. John comments, “The involvement came via a musician friend of mine from Sofia, Bulgaria, who knows the writer and producer of the album, Milen Vrabevski. I met with Milen briefly in Sofia after an exchange of e-mails and he gave me a copy of the original ‘The Power of Mind’ CD, which had been sung in Bulgarian. I must say I liked it very much, it was very well sung, played and produced. Milen then asked me if I would consider singing the whole album again in English and after looking through the English lyrics I agreed. It was a real joy to record in the studio in Pleven, owned by the guitarist of the band, Maxim Goranov. It took me about a week and a half to complete the solo and backing vocals.”
John Lawton has built a reputation on his powerful vocals and charismatic personality and is regarded as one of the best singers around today! And now with his new CD ‘The Power of Mind’, John has reached an artistic peak. In conclusion John has this to impart to his longtime listeners, “People who know me and my background will expect something new and with ‘The Power of Mind’ they have exactly that. The album is a collection of excellent songs very well-played and produced and one which I am very proud of…so make sure you give it a good listen. Think positive and trust in the Power of Mind.”
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Available soon on iTunes, “Fairy Tale”, the first single from ‘The Power of Mind’.
Title: John Lawton and Diana Express – ‘The Power of Mind’
London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!
After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.
A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”
The first interview I had with Gordon Brown was just after his amicable departure from Heavy Rock legends IronClaw; that interview was posted here on Metal Odyssey practically a year ago to this day, on October 21st, 2011. Now, with a fresh start and always the positive outlook on the future, Gordon Brown has started a new band: DeltaOne Six.
A Scottish gentleman with music flowing from his soul, Gordon Brown has a bluesy voice that fits right into any decade of Rock and Roll. This past year, Gordon Brown shared many of his songs that he has recorded throughout his life, via Soundcloud. (See link at bottom of post). The “open-book” approach that Gordon Brown has taken, with the music he’s created, shows to me the honest-to-goodness personality of this man.
Since I’ve known Gordon Brown, he has always taken a nothing to hide approach with his music and has never dodged a question. This is an artist I’ve been rooting for since I first heard him sing. Recently, Gordon Brown answered another round of questions, being his typical friendly and polite self! I’m proud to present to you, this second interview with Gordon Brown:
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Stone: Can you give more (untold) details as to why the Iron Claw partnership ended?
Gordon: Very simply, the band wanted to play a heavier style of music than I did. Once the recording of the album was finished things just didn’t work out – if it isn’t right it’s time to move on. There’s no animosity, we don’t see each other as we live in different towns, but I dare say at some point we’ll have a pint or two. At this stage it appears unlikely that Iron Claw will perform live again, I was speaking to Alex Wilson recently and told him that I would consider writing lyrics and singing on any future recordings. As far as I’m concerned that door is not shut, only it would have to be music that appealed to me. The music from “A Different Game” lives on in a live sense though, currently I’m doing Southern Sky with a view to possibly adding some others further down the line.
Stone: How has “life after Iron Claw” been treating you?
Gordon: Life has been good, I am working on some collaborations with songwriters in the USA and have started a new band “Delta One Six”, we’re due to go live on November 9th and have a song being included in a compilation of Scottish Blues acts due for release in November. Throughout my musical career I have been fortunate enough to play with some truly amazingly talented musicians, the boys in Delta One Six are an absolute delight to play with.
People have had the chance via You Tube to see some of the very early practice sessions, they were recorded using a mobile phone, the sound quality, despite being taken from one side is pretty good – I think people will enjoy what we’re looking to create – a tiny amount in the way of effects, just ass-kicking blues/rock played with passion.
Check out Delta One Six below, jamming during a rehearsal this past August! This is cool stuff! Metal be thy name!
Stone: You list the music you “err towards” as British Blues, Southern Boogie, Chicago Blues and “a hint of Bluegrass chucked in for good measure” on your bio. You’ve obviously excelled, on a grand scale, with (Bluesy) Hard Rock with Iron Claw. What is the one genre you want to sing, that comes straight from your heart and soul?
Gordon: The bluesy thing will remain, it suits the way I like to sing. I always end up coming back to the Blues, having said that I’m not a huge fan of Delta Blues, I much prefer the electric sound. It’s fair to say that I do like ballads as well, the Blues I do is a mash-up of Free, Whitesnake, The Allmans and too many others too mention.
Stone: While growing up as an aspiring musician, what records were in your collection?
Gordon: It kinda went in stages, I started off listening to my elder brothers and sisters music, The Beatles, Stones, Cream, Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green), the first record I remember listening to was Jigsaw Puzzle Blues, it was the B side to Albatross. When I started secondary school I was a big fan of a band called Slade for a couple of years – then came the Black Sabbath period, but I was also listening to all manner of things like, Atomic Rooster, Wishbone Ash, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pink Floyd, The Groundhogs, Frankie Miller, Blue Oyster Cult, Humble Pie, Thin Lizzy and in particular one band which has stuck with me since that time – the mighty FREE (and Bad Company ), I’m a huge fan of Paul Rodgers.
Southern Rock came along in the shape of Lynyrd Skynyrd at about age 15 and I’ve loved that genre ever since. Punk arrived when I was 17 – I didn’t think much of it, so pretty much ignored it. The NWOBHM didn’t really shake my boat either – I did enjoy gigs by Saxon and Iron Maiden, but found myself still listening to the things I grew up on and I still do! My little confession is that I’ve always wanted to do a blues/rock cover of At The Car Wash by Rose Royce. Unfortunately, so far no-one shares my vision for it!
Stone: Which well-known bands and/or musicians of today would you want to work with on a “special guest” level of recording?
Gordon: Warren Haynes, Paul Rodgers or Greg Allman would be top of my list, Glenn Hughes, Buddy Guy and so many more including Iron Dave from Diablo Canyon. I think the real answer would be “anyone who asked”!
Stone: These are turbulent times in the world right now; many countries economies and wars have taken it’s toll on the human spirit it seems, yet music seems to be the universal language of peace, hope and friendship that unites fans and bands worldwide. What are your thoughts on the power of music to unite and heal?
Gordon: I agree with you 100% that music brings people together and I would say one genre more than any other to do that is Metal. Music does much already to unite people to combat famine etc. in terms of providing money to assist, alas, I think we humans are too wrapped up in making a profit and fighting over oil.
Stone: If you could change the record industry overnight, what changes would you mandate?
Gordon: Fair contracts for bands. Too many bands sign themselves away just to become a “signed band” and end up being ripped off or having their recordings buried. The most important thing for most bands to understand is that you get back what you put in, if you don’t work hard you’ll go nowhere – the music business is 90% business and 10% music – sad but true!
Stone: Gordon, there is no denying you have an amazing voice and music is in your soul. For all aspiring vocalists out there, what are the golden rules to follow in protecting your voice? Is a true lyricist born or made?
Gordon: Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, avoid air-conditioning and take lots of exercise while eating a healthy balanced diet. Well, I drink, smoke and probably don’t exercise as much as I used to. My simple Golden Rule is practice, practice, practice! I probably sing somewhere between 1 and 2 hours per day (most days!). There are certain songs I use as “training songs” in which I simply sing along to a record and try to match the high and low notes, (for example) Ronnie James Dio singing Heaven and Hell and Catch the Rainbow, maybe a bit of David Coverdale and always some Paul Rodgers, I find it helps with the way I like to phrase songs, I don’t try to imitate them, quite often I’ll do a harmony to their vocal, if possible get some lessons and learn how to breathe properly.
On stage I am always accompanied by Vocalzones, Strepsils, Vicks (for up my nose!) a flask of hot tea and about 3 litres of water, before a gig I do lots of breathing exercises and some scales just to warm up, occasionally I’ll gargle a glass of whisky (sometimes I might even drink it!) but my firmly held view is that when I’m on stage I’m working and therefore no excessive alcohol intake.
Lyricists, I think they can be both born and made, probably more born than made though, I think you have to be in tune with the music and let it talk to and guide you as to the direction the lyrics should take. Unless of course you have the lyric but no tune to go with it, I think that’s harder to do and those who can put a tune to lyrics are born.
Stone: You have showcased your musical evolution on Soundcloud. I find this “open-book” approach to your musical resume commendable and inspiring. What and/or who has been most influential to you, in creating your life’s soundtrack?
Gordon: In everything you do, there is something that shapes the person you become, every person you meet from your parents onwards define your path. Personally, I think I’ve led a full and interesting life so far, it’s had its highs and lows, but I’m very much an optimist, if you get knocked down, get up, brush yourself down and keep moving forward. The open book approach and putting up videos of band rehearsals and recordings that weren’t the greatest was a gamble, it could have put people off completely and fortunately that hasn’t been the case.
Very simply, I think that people can appreciate an honest approach, they know that live music isn’t about every note being perfect (even the best bands/artists make mistakes), live music is about finding a vibe and making the audience believe in what you’re doing.
Stone Says: I’d like to thank Gordon Brown for this interview and for being such a cool long-distance Metal Buddy!
RUSH – Canada’s greatest Rock & Progressive Rock band ever. You can even throw in Canada’s greatest Hard Rock band ever too, if you like. Simply put, one of the greatest bands in Rock Music history. RUSH has been ignored by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for what reason(s) again? I would certainly like to know the reason(s) for RUSH not being enshrined inside that building in Cleveland, Ohio.
Let’s face it, the legendary RUSH has been influencing countless bands and musicians, while psyching-out their fans, going on 5 decades now! RUSH is a pioneering Progressive Rock band that makes credible all-time lists at every turn, with absolutely no sign of stopping! Whoa! Metal be thy name!
The musical excellence that Geddy Lee (bass & vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums & percussion) radiates from their vast catalog of studio and live albums is mind-boggling to me… and I shall never stop saluting this unreal important band.
Okay, with all that cool stuff blabbed, it’s time for your voice to be heard! Take the poll below and answer this simple question: Shouldn’t RUSH be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by now?
RUSH – Stats Of Note:
* Debut/ST album released in 1974
* Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame – Class Of 1994
* Inducted into Canada’s Songwriting Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2010
* Bestowed the Order of Canada – 1997
* Have earned 24 Gold Records
* Have earned 14 Platinum Records
* RUSH has sold more than 40 million records worldwide
* 3 records have gone multi-platinum
* 7-time Grammy Nominee
* Winner of 8 JUNO Awards
* Awarded a star on both the Hollywood Walk Of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk Of Fame (1999)
Digitally restored video & audio, with two previously unreleased tracks! In stores October 22!
On July 5th, 1968, The Doors took to the stage of the Hollywood Bowl for a concert that has since passed into legend. The Doors were performing on the back of their 3rd album release “Waiting For The Sun” and the US No.1 single “Hello, I Love You”. They had been honing their live performances over the previous 2 years and were on absolute peak form.
Now for the first time the original film footage from the Hollywood Bowl has been digitally scanned and restored to present the show better and more complete than it’s ever been seen before, with 2 previously unreleased tracks (Hello, I Love You & The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)) returned to the running order and with sound newly remixed and mastered from the original multitrack tapes by The Doors’ engineer and co-producer BruceBotnick. This is now the definitive edition of this famous performance and features over an hour of bonus material!
Stone Says: I’ve read some excerpts already from this Peter Criss book and they are heartwarming, heartbreaking and hilarious. I don’t think you need to be just a KISS or Rock ‘N Roll fan to buy this book; all you need to be is a fan of life. I simply cannot wait to buy this book and read it entirely. Metal be thy name.
DORO – Releasing on November 6th, via Nuclear Blast, the 12th studio album from the legendary DORO shall be released upon the Heavy Metal masses. Raise Your Fist is the new album and fans of DORO will be guaranteed to raise their fists to what they’ll be listening to… on high volume! The Queen Of Heavy Metal has never wavered in her pride of keeping the tradition of Heavy Metal alive and loud with her albums; Raise Your Fist is no exception!
From Raise Your Fist In The Air to Victory, the Heavy Metal thunder of DORO is unmistakably a listen into a world of Heavy Metal that is both triumphant and so real to us fans; the fans who’ve earned their loyaltyto Metal badges decades ago or this very year. It Still Hurts is a ballad with the iconic Lemmy Kilmister and is the one moment on this album that pulls the plug on the psyche-you-out meter. Regardless, I do respect this song and having Doro Pesch and Lemmy sing a duet together is a grand historical Heavy Metal moment to treasure.
Raise Your Fist In The Air is my #1 choice for Metal Odyssey’s Heavy Metal Anthem Of 2012. Grab The Bull(Last Man Standing)is as outstanding of a song from DORO as there can be and legendary axe slinger Gus G. guests with his signature six-string fire power. As for the band, I applaud each and every member of DORO. These guys have proven their Heavy Metal prowess time and again during their respective careers and are exemplary once again on Raise Your Fist.
Engel and Freiheit (Human Rights) are sung by Doro Pesch in her native German and they’re shining Heavy Metal moments on this album; despite my not knowing a word of German myself! The vibes, mood, atmosphere and emotion that resonates from Engel and Freiheit (Human Rights) are more than enough to make this middle-aged Metalhead gleefully content.
Hero is the song that ends Raise Your Fist.Hero is also a song that brings tears to my eyes and softens my Metal heart like there’s no tomorrow. I broke down when I first heard this song and I still kinda do each time it’s played. This is a song that Doro Pesch has written and dedicated to the late and forever great RonnieJames Dio. Hero is brilliant lyrically and musically, I couldn’t be more truthful by stating this.
Doro Pesch is a vocalist and songwriter that has touched the Metal hearts and souls of her countless fans for decades. She is our Heavy Metal Queen. Both Doro Pesch and her band receive a well deserved standing Metal ovation from this fan, for their Heavy Metal creation that’s called Raise Your Fist. Metal be thy name.
DORO RAISE YOUR FIST – Track Listing:
Raise Your Fist In The Air
Coldhearted Lover
Rock Till Death
It Still Hurts – featuring Lemmy Kilmister
Take No Prisoner
Grab The Bull (Last Man Standing) – featuring Gus G.
KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my KISS Peter Criss (Johnny Lightning) die-cast race car I bought many years ago. Each member of the Klassic KISS lineup was featured on a die-cast in this Johnny Lightning series. This series was featured as “Racing Dreams” and referred to by Johnny Lightning as “the greatest race cars that never were!”
Stone Notes: Yes, as any loyal visitor to Metal Odyssey knows, I keep most of my KISS Kollectibles sealed in their original packaging… unless they’re CD’s, magazines, comic books or books. Uh, you get the Metal point.
A (Johnny Lightning) KISS trading card was also a part of this package (see above photo). My Peter Criss car came with an Ace Frehley trading card; it is #20 of a 50 card set. Along with being card #20, “Ace… ready for a good time!” is the card designation within the set. I do own 1 die-cast of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley from this Johnny Lightning series as well.
I don’t own the complete trading card set from this line; maybe someday I’ll track the set down (for a reasonable price) and buy it. The year of issue for this really cool die-cast was 1997 (the date is found on the back of the packaging). Remembering which retail store I bought this KISS Peter Criss die-cast is fuzzy; Walmart or Kmart would be my best guesses for I’ve bought many die-cast cars at both locations, over the decades. Metal be thy name.
Depicted on the hood of this die-cast car is the Peter Criss solo album portrait:
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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