KISS & Mötley Crüe – THE TOUR: Check out this very cool tour poster for KISS & Mötley Crüe ‘The Tour’! This looks to be a kick-ass combination, one for both the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history books! Metal be thy name!
* For more info, complete tour schedule, VIP packages and tons more about KISS and Mötley Crüe, ‘The Tour’, just click on the links below!
Stone.
This tremendous Stryper song has woke me up today. I cherish living and all that’s good in my life. I dedicate Calling On You to Nilla. Metal be thy name.
Calling On You is from the 1986 album from Stryper: To Hell With The Devil
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* For more info on STRYPER, click on the link below:
Stone.
HEAVYPINK – I just recently had the Rockin’ pleasure to listen to the debut & self-titled 7″ single from HeavyPink. This is the current project from T. Dallas Reed, (vocalist & multi-instrumentalist), known for his membership with Mos Generator and Stone Axe. (See full press release below for more detailed background info).
Now, for the two songs I took in from this single. Whoa. Whoa again. Um, Mr. Reed… please create more? Um, like, how about a full-length album next week? I’m telling both my Heavy Music and Classic Rock brethren right now, both Flower And Song and There Is A Light are as clever as one could wish for when it comes to Heavy Rock ‘N Roll. With swirls of psychedelia adding ambience amongst the inter-changing tempos of both songs, a 70’s Hard Rock vibe just spills over my senses as I listen with Rockaholic glee.
The way in which these two songs come across to me, they both remind me of hanging out and chilling during the Summertime. Earthy vibes I sense from these songs as well. The guitar tones seem to trigger it all. Go figure.
I applaud T. Dallas Reed for his exceptional end result here with HeavyPink. His fantastic musicianship and vocals come packaged with an honest approach to making Heavy Music that’s both retrospective and relevant. His vocals are subtly reminiscent of a 70’s era Ozzy Osbourne on these songs while the feel of Classic Stoner Rock fills the air. After listening to both songs several times, my best comparison would be Sabbath Bloody Sabbath meets the open-air atmosphere of The Yes Album while being bookended by a Stoner finish.
Metal. Be. Thy. Name.
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* To order a copy of this 7″ single, go here: The Maple Forum – Official Store
* To read more about T. Dallas Reed & HeavyPink and order the single, click on the link below:
http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2012/03/13/67heavypinks/
Essential Press Release:
The Maple Forum is thrilled be releasing the self-titled debut 7” from HeavyPink, the latest project of T. Dallas Reed (Stone Axe, Mos Generator). The vinyl single is limited to 300 and features two brand new cuts, “Flower and Song” and “There is a Light,” exploring a rarely-heard psychedelic side of the Port Orchard, Washington, native’s songwriting.
Reed, who is notoriously DIY, played all the instruments on HeavyPink, sang himself, and recorded the material at his own HeavyHead studio. Fans of Stone Axe will be thrilled to discover that although he is working in a different style, the signature elements of Reed’s work remain intact, most pivotally that there’s zero bullshit involved.
He explains the project’s origins thusly: “Before Mos Generator took our hiatus in 2009 we were working on an album to be called HeavyPink. When the band shelved the project I decided to pick up the concept and use it as a tool to try different recording and writing techniques. I look at it as an experiment in heavy and beautiful music, like ‘Master of Reality’ meets ‘Pet Sounds,’ meets ‘Into the Pandemonium’ all in one and produced by Phil Spector.”
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(Info/Press Details courtesy of Ripple Music)
* For more info on HeavyPink, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE HEAVYPINK.
LONG LIVE T. DALLAS REED.
Stone.
On Monday, March 12, 2012, Michael Hossack, the long time drummer for The Doobie Brothers passed away at his home in Dubois, Wyoming, at age 65. Michael Hossack succumbed to cancer, after a long and courageous battle against it. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Michael Hossack.
Being the drummer on such ultra-classic Doobie Brothers albums as 1972’s Toulouse Street and 1973’s The Captain and Me are two of many reasons why Michael Hossack will forever be looked upon as a Rock and Classic Rock legend. The music Michael Hossack created will live on forever. A tremendous loss to the Rock ‘N Roll world this is.
Rest In Peace, Michael Hossack.
1946 – 2012
Stone.
ZZ TOP – Legends. Rock ‘N Roll Hall Of Famers. Mammoth Influence on all genres of Rock. Now then, when a cover song album of ZZ Top songs is released, these “covers” better be damn good. I can’t stand it when a band or musician just messes around with a Rock classic and “thinks” their famous name alone will give them a pass. Not here folks. I will present to you: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly when it comes to these ZZ Top cover songs I’ve been listening to on: A Tribute From Friends. Plus, I won’t be swayed by the fact that these are “friends” of ZZ TOP. Sometimes “friends” can ruin a classic song without even trying.
Let’s get right to it, shall we?
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THE BAD:
The opening track is Sharp Dressed Man performed by The M.O.B. Who’s The M.O.B.? Mick Fleetwood, Steven Tyler and John McVie. At first, I found this song fun. Then, it irritated the living hell out of me. All I kept picturing was The M.O.B. performing this song at a senior citizen Summer picnic or some Sunday afternoon church fair, with all in attendance going crazy for it. When a cover song sounds “old” and trudging… that’s what happens to my imagination.
Somehow Wolfmother had Cheap Sunglasses thrown in their lap to cover. Not good. I dig the first two studio albums from Wolfmother, only I don’t grasp this cover of Cheap Sunglasses. Annoying. I’ll have to admit, this is the first time I’ve ever been not keen to Andrew Stockdale’s vocals. Another problem is, this cover song sounds way too much like… Wolfmother. A disinterested Wolfmother at that.
THE UGLY:
So sorry that a Rockaholic and Metalhead like myself had NO clue who Wyclef Jean is until now. Rough Boy sounds so over-covered here entirely. Come on now, a Hip Hop / R&B artist covering a ZZ Top song? That is not an entirely bad idea, as long as this song is on an album of covers from ALL artists of Wyclef Jean’s genre.
This song unfortunately doesn’t fit in with the “Rock” flow for me, on this album. To my ears, Rough Boy was as “commercial” as it could get for ZZ TOP back in 1986 and this cover only magnifies it’s “Pop” personality to an embarrassing level. If Wyclef Jean is a friend of ZZ Top’s, then ZZ TOP should have remembered: “friends don’t let friends cover their songs”.
THE GOOD:
Nickelback. Yes, Nickelback. This love ’em or hate ’em Hard Rockin’ band knocked it out of the Classic Rock park with their cover of Legs. This song does sound like Nickelback, yet they did not stray from the non-stop Rockin’ groove that this song originally was all about. Nickelback just gave it more heaviness.
Daughtry. Yes, Daughtry. This guy sings Waitin’ For The Bus / Jesus Left Chicago as if he really digs and feels the song thoroughly. I make NO apologies, Chris Daughtry sings this ZZ TOP classic straight from the heart. Hell, that’s how it comes across to me anyways. Plus, Daughtry didn’t screw around with this songs tempo or try to “reinvent the F’n wheel” with it.
Mastodon. These guys gave Just Got Paid their signature stamp of progressiveness without even trying. Turning Just Got Paid into a relevant Hard Rock song that smokes was obviously… the mission of Mastodon.
Filter covers Gimme All Your Lovin‘ with a grand Alternative meets Industrial sound that is admirable. It’s Filter. The legendary Billy F Gibbons lends his vocals and electric guitar to La Grange. Cool. The remaining tracks are fine listens, just watch out for the bad and the ugly. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
* ZZ TOP – A Tribute From Friends was released back on October 11th, 2011, via Show Dog / Universal.
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Sharp Dressed Man – The M.O.B. (Steven Tyler, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie)
Gimme All Your Lovin’ – Filter
Tush – Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Legs – Nickelback
Cheap Sunglasses – Wolfmother
Got Me Under Pressure – Duff McKagan’s Loaded
Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers – Coheed & Cambria
Just Got Paid – Mastodon
Rough Boy – Wyclef Jean
Waitin’ For The Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago – Daughtry
La Grange – Jamey Johnson
LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.
LONG LIVE “GOOD” ZZ TOP COVER SONGS.
Stone.
As reported on the official website of DEF LEPPARD:
Joe Elliott’s Down ‘N’ Outz’s version of “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” has been a big hit on Joe’s weekly radio show on Planet Rock. Due to the many requests you can now stream the track on demand over at the Down ‘N’ Outz Facebook page: Down ‘n’ Outz – Facebook
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* For more info, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE JOE ELLIOTT’S DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ.
CLASSIC ROCK FOREVER.
Stone.
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After their successful and highly acclaimed 2010 album “Pandemonium” Danish Melodic Hard Rockers, Pretty Maids are now releasing their debut visual release, with the new DVD/CD recording “ IT COMES ALIVE “ ( Maid in Switzerland ), via Frontiers Records.
Riding on the success of “Pandemonium” which by fans and reviewers was rated as the best Pretty Maids album since their heyday back in the eighties, the band has been touring more or less constantly throughout 2010/2011. They undertook a full-scale European tour in 2010 and has since played several festivals plus the occasional gigs.
For many years there has been a massive and ongoing request for a live DVD with the band and on October 1st, 2011, Pretty Maids gathered with an enthusiastic and high explosive crowd of die-hard fans and followers to fulfill the demand.
Tracklisting:
CD1: Pandemonium; I.N.V.U; Hell on high heels; Wake up to the real world; Destination paradise; Another shot of your love; Scream; Walk away; It comes at night; Queen of dreams; Savage heart; Clay.
CD2: Yellow rain; Rock the house; Back to back; Rodeo; Lovegames; Future world; Little drops of heaven; Please don’t leave me; Red hot and heavy.
* Lethal Heroes Bonus track on USA and Euro Edition
* Nightmare In The Neighbourhood iTunes bonus track
* Spooked Japan bonus track
DVD Contents: Pandemonium; I.N.V.U.; Hell On High Heels; Wake Up To The Real World; Destination Paradise; Another Shot of your love; Scream; Walk Away; It Comes At Night; Queen Of Dreams; Savage Heart; Yellow Rain; Rock The House; Back To Back; Rodeo; Love Games; Future World; Little Drops Of Heaven; Please Don’t Leave Me; Red Hot & Heavy.
* Rockumentary (incl. backstage footage and interviews with the band)
* Release dates: March 23rd, 2012 (Europe) and March 27th, 2012 (North America)
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(Source: Frontiers Records)
* For more info on PRETTY MAIDS, click on the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/prettymaids
http://www.youtube.com/prettymaidsdenmark
LONG LIVE PRETTY MAIDS.
Stone.
Ronnie Montrose – Legendary guitarist and Hard Rock & Heavy Metal pioneer Ronnie Montrose passed away on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, at the age of 64. From numerous credible reports, it has been stated that Ronnie Montrose was battling prostate cancer. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends and fans of Ronnie Montrose.
The A-list of musicians that Ronnie Montrose had recorded and played with throughout his legendary career is extensive, (Boz Skaggs, Van Morrison, The Edgar Winter Group) to name a few. Ronnie Montrose had of course, his very own legendary Hard Rock band Montrose, a band in which Sammy Hagar debuted in, fronted and received his career break from. Ronnie Montrose also enjoyed much success with the Rock/Hard Rock/AOR band Gamma.
The Rock N’ Roll of Ronnie Montrose shall live on forever. Rest in peace, Ronnie Montrose.
(Top album photo: Montrose – debut/ST, Warner Bros. from 1973)
Stone.
Liberty N’ Justice with JK Northrup and Roxx Records are proud to announce the official release date of LNJ’s 11th studio album Hell Is Coming To Breakfast on April 24th, 2012. LNJ is sorry for the confusion in mastering the album, there was a flaw in one of the demo’s and the quality had to be fixed before the CD could/can be released. The CD can still be preordered at http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/products/216765-liberty-n-justice-hell-is-coming-to-breakfast-cd-only and the final track listing is…….
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1. “Hell Is Coming To Breakfast” Seann Nichols (Adler’s Appetite / Tarsha), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)
2. “Madhatter” Donnie Vie (Enuff Z’ Nuff), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Chris Dickens (Mission Of One) & Tommy Denander
3. “Whack A Mole” Johnny Lima, JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Jerry Johnson (SAINT) & Richard Lynch (SAINT)
4.”Thankful Heart” Philip Bardowell (Unruly Child), Lynn Louise Lowrey (Vixen/Testify), & Anthony Gravley (Windup Rocket)
5. “Nakatomi Plaza” JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Greg Bishop (X-Sinner) & Scott Weisenborn (Testify)
6. “Stretch Armstrong” Louis St August (Mass), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ) & Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper)
7. “Get Down” Tony Mills (TNT/ Shy),Mark Allen Lanoue (Chasing Karma/ Bilioxi) & Anthony Gravley (Windup Rocket)
8. “Your Memory Just Won’t Do” [Previously unreleased on CD] David Cagle, Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot) & CJ Snare (Firehouse)
9. “Thy will be done” [demo] Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
10.”What do you believe?” [Original demo of ‘Do what you believe’] Mike Ledesma (FAR CRY) Vic Rivera (Crunch)
11. “Monkey Dance” [Alternate Mix] Jack Russell (Great White)
12. “Sin” [Original Acoustic Demo] Jani Lane (Warrant)
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Want to hear some new LNJ from “HICTB”? Jim Madonna has put together some very cool vids for a few of the songs including an acoustic version of “Sin” featuring the late/great Jani Lane!!!!
“Sin” (acoustic version) Jani Lane
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“Stretch Armstrong” Louis St. August (MASS), Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper) & JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)
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“Hell Is Coming To Breakfast” Seann Nichols (Adler’s Appetite / Tarsha), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)
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“Your Memory Just Won’t Do” [Previously unreleased on CD] David Cagle, Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot) & CJ Snare (Firehouse)
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In other LNJ news, LNJ is proud to announce they have joined once again forces with Roxx Records to release “Before The Revolution : Best Of LNJ The Early Years” that will feature songs off the first 4 LNJ CD’s “Armed With The Cross”, “Big Guns”, “Forever Till The End” & “Bargain Bins” plus some cool demo’s! Go to Roxx for more details (Release date TBA)!!!
And in 2009, LNJ along with JK Northrup and with help from CJ Snare (Firehouse) started recording a double CD called “The Cigar Chronicles” at Jk’s studio, Alien Productions (www.alien1111.com).
26 songs (1/2 covers and 1/2 originals that were penned by JK and Justin Murr) that feature the talents of: Kip Winger (Winger), George Lynch (Dokken/ Lynch Mob), Jeff LaBar (Cinderella), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Tony Harnell (formerly of TNT), CJ Snare (Firehouse), Phil Lewis (LA GUNS), Gunnar Nelson (Nelson), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Ted Poley (Danger Danger), Jamie Rowe (Guardian), Stevie Rachelle (TUFF), James Christian (House of Lords), Steve Brown (Trixter) and so so so many more including the last 100% song ever recorded by Jani Lane! Well after many delays the album is finally recorded and is about to start the mixing process!!!
“The Cigar Chronicles” is the masterpiece Justin Murr has been waiting to share along with JK Northrup to the world!!! More details soon including this incredible track listing with over 60 guest musicians!!!
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(Source: Justin Murr)
* For more info on LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE, click on the link below:
www.facebook.com/libertynjustice
LONG LIVE LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE.
Rest In Peace, Jani Lane.
Stone.
As reported on Vixen’s Official Website:
The first issue of The Vixen Chronicles, our monthly newsletter, is now available. Sign up here to receive it by email. We have launched a brand new Kickstarter project that we hope will be the most effective way for us to bring our new music back to our fans.
As you will see, some of the things we’re offering include a never-before-released Vixen song, as well as advance copies of a new Vixen album and live concert video. There are also some one-of-a-kind items and opportunities, like the chance to own the actual desk used on the cover of “Live & Learn” or a guitar signed by all the Vixen foxes or even a pizza date at the Rainbow Bar & Grill with all of the girls!
You can now follow Vixen on Facebook and Twitter.
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* For more info on VIXEN, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE VIXEN.
GO GET ‘EM VIXEN!
Stone.
The Monkees – from back to front: Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones.
DAVY JONES – It’s been widely reported, from numerous reputable sources, that Davy Jones has passed away today. Davy Jones was 66 years old. As is being reported, Davy Jones succumbed to a massive heart attack, in Indiantown, Florida.
Davy Jones was catapulted into stardom as a vocalist, tambourine player and television actor for The Monkees. This Pop Rock sensation of a band formed back in 1966, went on to sell multi-millions of records, while having their likeness on everything from bubble gum cards to lunch boxes.
I remember watching The Monkees television show (re-runs especially) when I was a young lad. It was a favorite of mine to watch with my sister. Those songs The Monkees played on their television show grabbed my attention at such a young age… and Davy Jones with his mannerisms and comments made me laugh too. There wasn’t a Disney Channel nor Nickelodeon back in those late 60’s or seventies, instead, we had television shows like The Monkees.
Different times decades ago, compared to today. Davy Jones entertained me on that old black and white television set my family shared. I was exposed to those fun songs from The Monkees before I ever knew about Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Yes, I grew up watching and listening to Davy Jones and The Monkees. There’s no lying about that on my part.
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(Source: USA TODAY.com)
(Photo: The Monkees/self-titled, Colgems Records & RCA Records – 1966)
Rest In Peace, Davy Jones.
December 30, 1945 – February 29, 2012
Stone.
SUNSTORM – Excuse me for my uncontrollable smile as I write this… the legendary Joe Lynn Turner has returned again with another studio album of 100% pure Melodic Hard Rockin’ energy with Sunstorm and it’s titled: Emotional Fire. With such an extensive history of music and vocal sessions that Joe Lynn Turner has been an integral part of, coupled with talented songwriting from Soren Kronkvist, Tom and James Martin and Daniel Palmqvist, the 11 songs heard on Emotional Fire are beaming of both AOR and Melodic Hard Rock/Rock ultra-quality.
With the undeniably talented nucleus of Sunstorm still intact, this third album from them is one to play loud and over again. Joe Lynn Turner is so close to perfect on vocals on Emotional Fire that it’s scary. Okay, Joe’s vocals sound perfect to my ears anyways. While I listen to Joe sing Gina, I’m thinking hell, covering a Michael Bolton song is not a bad move at all. Just a terrific up-tempo song that resonates with melodic fever.
The opener for Emotional Fire is an inspiring listen called Never Give Up. Both musically and vocally, Never Give Up is signed, sealed and delivered with absolute emotion. This is a Hard Rockin’ song to listen to when the Metal chips are down, whoa. The title track, Emotional Fire, is an exquisite listen into the legendary vocals of Joe Lynn Turner. The vocal harmony from Joe Lynn Turner just rises to the top and spills over throughout this title track (and entire album for that matter).
Please understand, that this is not about a “once a fan, always a fan” album review for Sunstorm and Joe Lynn Turner. This is about letting those who care know, that Joe Lynn Turner is still a premiere Hard Rock vocalist and after all these years, doesn’t give off a single micro-sign of vocal fatigue. Sunstorm is a side project that is tailor fitted for Joe Lynn Turner. Whether it’s an oozy ballad (All I Am) as this album’s closer or a much heavier hitter like Torn In Half, Joe Lynn Turner can belt out the notes with seamless and confident execution.
The musicians of this Sunstorm project are a treat to listen to. Uwe Reitenauer on guitars is all about Classic Rock meets Hard Rock delight. The rhythm section of Chris Schmidt (drums) and Dennis Ward (bass, partial guitars, backing vocals) are rocklike and play with an affluent flair. Justin Dakey on keyboards gives this album a retrospective feel and vibe that will have you wishing MTV was a real Rock music video channel once again.
Any fan of Classic Rock, Melodic Hard Rock/Rock and AOR should dance themselves silly around their neighborhood after listening to Emotional Fire. Sunstorm and Joe Lynn Turner fans will understand what I mean by that preceding sentence. Emotional Fire is a can’t pass-up album for 2012. Give yourself the gift of quality Melodic Hard Rock this year and buy this new Sunstorm album! Oh, yeah… Metal be thy name.
Emotional Fire was released on February 24th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
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Never Give Up
Emotional Fire
Lay Down Your Arms
You Wouldn’t Know Love
Wish You Were Here
Torn In Half
Gina
The Higher You Rise
Emily
Follow Your Heart
All I Am
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* Emotional Fire was produced and mixed by Dennis Ward.
* For more info on SUNSTORM, click on the links below:
LONG LIVE JOE LYNN TURNER.
LONG LIVE SUNSTORM.
Stone.
Ohio’s primo fuzz purveyors, LO-PAN, are kicking off their Spring 2012 in top form. The heavy rocking four-piece will embark on a trek starting March 1 that will find them hitting the East Coast and the South sharing the stage with some of rock’s finest, including Freedom Hawk, Sistered, Truckfighters, and Small Stone Records labelmates, Wo Fat!
Touring in support of 2011’s epic Salvador, LO-PAN are said to already have new material in the works and will take part in Small Stone’s annual SXSW showcase, set for March 16 at Headhunter’s in Austin, Texas, where they’ll perform alongside Suplecs, Dixie Witch, Gozu, Dwellers and longtime tour comrades, Backwoods Payback, among others.
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3/01/2012 Lava Lounge – Pittsburgh, PA w/ EYE, Sistered, October
3/02/2012 The Velvet Lounge – Washington, DC w/ EYE, Kohoutek, Ambition Burning
3/03/2012 Thumbs – Virginia Beach, VA w/ EYE, Freedom Hawk, Constrictor
3/04/2012 The Union – Athens, OH w/ EYE
3/08/2012 Springwater – Nashville, TN
3/09/2012 The Buccaneer – Memphis, TN
3/10/2012 The Roadmap – TexArkana, AR w/ Truckfighters
3/11/2012 Downtown Music – Little Rock, AR w/ Truckfighters
3/12/2012 Ridglea Bar – Ft. Worth, TX w/ Hands In The Honeypot
3/13/2012 Boiler Room – Dallas, TX w/ Wo Fat, Mothership
3/14/2012 Rudyard’s – Houston, TX
3/15/2012 The Ten Eleven – San Antonio, TX
3/16/2012 Headhunter’s – Austin, TX – Smallstone Records Showcase w/ Tia Carrera, Dixie Witch, Suplecs, Gozu, Backwoods Payback, Dwellers
3/17/2012 Happy Hippie – Lake Charles, LA w/ Backwoods Payback, Large Marge, Survive The Musical
3/18/2012 Tsunami Bar – Monroe, LA w/ Backwoods Payback, Electric Sermon, Large Marge
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on LO-PAN, click on the links below:
http://reverbnation.com/lopandemic
LONG LIVE LO-PAN.
Stone.
TESLA – If you are one of “the lucky ones” and are setting sail on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, then you’re gonna be Rockin’ out to the legendary TESLA! For those of you who aren’t sailing the Atlantic on this Rockin’ ship, there are still other tour dates during 2012 where you can catch TESLA live. Check out the TESLA tour dates and venues below!
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02/25/12 – 02/28/12 – Ft. Lauderdale, Bahamas, Key West – Monsters Of Rock Cruise
03/31/12 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld of Scottsdale
04/01/12 – El Cajon, CA @ Sycuan Casino
05/18/12 – Lincoln, CA @ Thunder Valley Casino Resort
07/13/12 – Oshkosh, WI @ Rock USA at Festival Park
07/14/12 – McHenry, IL @ Peterson Park
07/20/12 – Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Live
07/21/12 – Hot Springs, AR @ Timberwood Amphitheater at Magic Springs
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Jeff Keith – Vocals
Frank Hannon– Guitar
Brian Wheat – Bass
Troy Luccketta – Drums
Dave Rude – Guitar
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(Source: Tesla The Band.com)
* For more info on TESLA, click on the links below:
http://youtube.com/teslatheband
ROCK USA OSHKOSH 2012 – Official Website
ROCK USA OSHKOSH 2012 – Facebook
LONG LIVE TESLA.
Stone.
Mötley Crüe – As I wandered about a (somewhat) nearby Barnes & Noble last Friday, I came face-to-face with a very large hardcover book that I couldn’t resist buying. Mötley Crüe – A Visual History: 1983 – 2005. The sticker price was $9.99 (U.S.) and it was on… clearance! Metal be thy name, I love that magic “C” word.
Now, it only gets better. With my Barnes & Noble club card, I saved an additional 10%. Whoa. Why am I getting all psyched out about this price I paid, you may be pondering? Just take a look at what Amazon.com is asking for the same book in “new” condition: $37.95. Whoa! You read that correctly too. Plus, Amazon.com only has one new book currently in stock, with no used editions for sale!
Stone saved BIG here my Metal brethren. Rounding it out, it’s about saving $29.00 when you compare the Barnes & Noble price to that of Amazon.com. Honestly, this Mötley Crüe book is in pristine condition too. Usually those “clearance” books are kinda beaten around the edges. Not this time. Ring that Metal bell, cause Stone scored a Metal deal!
This Mötley Crüe book is a keeper. A Heavy Metal coffee table book it is. Legendary photographer of all things Rock ‘N Roll, Neil Zlozower, has compiled one stunning visual history of Mötley Crüe with his work here. The foreword is by Nikki Sixx. There are over 250 amazing photos to take in. This book measures (approximately) 9.25″ x 11.25″. Former Mötley Crüe co-manager/manager Doug Thaler lends some interesting anecdotes on one page as well.
Stone’s Metal Tip #1: Always shop around for your Metal stuff. When you see a Metal bargain, nail it!
Stone’s Metal Tip #2: You, yes you, can also own this cool Mötley Crüe book at an amazing bargain price. It’s selling at Barnes & Noble (BN.com) right now for $8.98! Take that expensive Amazon.com!
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* Book cover photo credit: Neil Zlozower
* For more info on Mötley Crüe, click on the link below:
Long Live Mötley Crüe.
Stone.
MR. BIG – Releasing on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America, via Frontiers Records, is Live From The Living Room from MR. BIG. This album documents the first ever live acoustic performance from MR. BIG, which took place back in late January of 2011, at the WOWOW TV Studios in Tokyo, Japan. With the idea of an acoustic performance already in place, MR. BIG also embraced a string quintet to add to the overall ambiance of this live acoustic production. The arrangements were provided by Takashi Miyazaki.
If there are two bands from the world of Hard Rock that can pull off a live acoustic set, one is Tesla and the other certainly is MR. BIG. Too often the word acoustic can send shivers down a Hard Rock die-hard’s spine, the mere thought of MR. BIG (gulp) watering down any of their songs surely can bring tears to my eyes. For Metal sakes, this is MR. BIG and they did receive my personal pick of “Best Hard Rock Album of 2011” with their ultra-fabulous What If…
Undertow psyches me out. This acoustic version um… psyches me out too. Is it the overall melody? Can it be the groovy acoustic strings that Paul Gilbert is playing? Billy Sheehan’s signature sound on bass? I don’t know exactly, it’s a cumulative thing happening here and it sounds very cool. Eric Martin never sings in any “acoustic sort of way” either, therefore there is an underlying Hard Rock backbone that is ever-present from his vocals.
Yes Virginia, them Hard Rock dudes that play acoustic sure can shred. Paul Gilbert doesn’t hold back on Still Ain’t Enough For Me. Eric Martin sounds fantastic throughout this entire performance and really shines on Voodoo Kiss, Stranger In My Life and As Far As I Can See. Take Cover just resonates the undeniable richness of sound that translates from an acoustic version. MR. BIG makes it sound just too easy… and fun too. To Be With You doesn’t stray far from its original package and is an acoustic showstopper.
Even if you are not a fan of MR. BIG, this just might be the album to make you one. You will hear four top-tier musicians in their prime, playing their songs in celebratory fashion, courtesy of an acoustic approach. Despite any lack of Hard Rock power, these songs still play-out as MR. BIG and sound like the band I’ve admired for many years counting. Yes, take this acoustic ride with MR. BIG and don’t be afraid to sing along to the songs either.
Okay, there is one drawback about this live acoustic album from MR. BIG. I’m very disappointed that these guys didn’t choose my living room to perform and record in. Maybe next time.
Eric Martin – lead vocals
Billy Sheehan – bass & backing vocals
Paul Gilbert – guitar & backing vocals
Pat Torpey – drums, percussion & backing vocals
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Undertow
Still Ain’t Enough For Me
As Far As I Can See
Voodoo Kiss
Take Cover
Around The World
Stranger In My Life
All The Way Up
To Be With You
Nobody Left To Blame
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* For more info on MR. BIG, click on the links below:
LONG LIVE MR. BIG.
Stone.
WARRANT – Here is a WARRANT tour to look forward to in 2012! With special guests FIREHOUSE and TRIXTER, the CHERRY PIE 21st Anniversary Tour looks to ROCK like there’s no tomorrow! Tour dates and venues are currently being booked. Once dates and venues are confirmed, Metal Odyssey will have ’em posted!
WARRANT will be out once again supporting their kick-ass, 100 proof and Hard Rockin’ 2011 album: ROCKAHOLIC.
FIREHOUSE will be touring is support of their latest album – Full Circle.
TRIXTER will be having their brand new studio album New Audio Machine releasing via Frontiers Records. Look for an April 20th, 2012 release date in Europe and an April 24th 2012 release date in North America! This is the first new album from TRIXTER in 2 decades!
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Stone Says: A Message to The Grammy Awards and anyone affiliated to not acknowledging the late Jani Lane at the 54th Grammys: You should all be embarrassed for the omission of this talented vocalist, musician and songwriter. Jani Lane helped shape Hair Metal and late 80’s Hard Rock, while being a major part as to why Warrant sold multi-millions of albums. The Grammys exhibited a true act of irresponsibility by being so oblivious to Jani Lane’s passing.
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* For more info, click on the links below:
LONG LIVE WARRANT.
Stone.
Back on February 19th, 1948, Tony Iommi was born. Tony Iommi turns a young 64 today. Guitar Legend. Founding member of Black Sabbath. Metal Legend. What more can be said about what Tony Iommi has accomplished for the evolution of Heavy Metal? One more thing can be said, however:
LONG LIVE TONY IOMMI.
Stone.
YES – Back on February 19th, 1971, the third studio album from Yes was released in the UK on Atlantic Records. Conveniently titled The Yes Album, it boasts three songs that catapulted Yes into the stratosphere of Rock and Progressive Rock notoriety. Yours Is No Disgrace, Starship Trooper and I’ve Seen All Good People became eventual permanent listening fixtures on FM radio. These are easily the three songs from Yes that triggered me to become a fan of their music, so many years ago.
The Yes Album is without question, my favorite album from the Yes catalog. The Yes Album I regard as a 100% Progressive Rock and Rock classic, from a seriously legendary band that helped pioneer Progressive Rock. Yes belongs nominated and inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame… what an obvious scandal that this iconic band has not been given membership from that confusing “establishment” as of yet.
The Yes Album was released in the United States one month after its UK release. This was the first Yes album that featured the (eventual) legendary guitarist: Steve Howe. For me, I find it so amazing, that The Yes Album was released over 40 years ago and it still sounds so fresh and brilliant to this day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve escaped stress while listening to The Yes Album. As fine of an introduction to Progressive Rock as you’ll hear, The Yes Album stands alone. Simply timeless to my ears is The Yes Album.
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Jon Anderson – lead vocals
Steve Howe – guitars, vocals & vihuela
Chris Squire – bass & vocals
Tony Kaye – organ, piano & moog
Bill Bruford – drums
* For more info on YES, click on the links below:
LONG LIVE YES.
Stone.
As passed along to me from Louis St. August, vocalist of Boston’s legendary Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS:
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What do you get when you mix Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper) JK Northrup (King Kobra / XYZ) Justin Murr (LnJ) and Louis St August (MASS)??
LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST.
LONG LIVE LIBERTY & JUSTICE.
Stone.
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 > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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