Text and photos from Marten Andersson Twitter timeline:
It’s official! The Lita Ford freight train is rolling into the @swedenrockfest on June 8! We couldn’t be more excited! I get to Rock for my hometown peeps. 🇸🇪
Lita Ford (vocals & guitar) ~ Marten Andersson (bass), Bobby Rock (drums), Patrick Kennison (guitar)
L.A. Guns released the first single, ‘You Betray’, from their upcoming album ‘Black Diamonds’, on February 3rd. Tracii Guns took to twitter stating that music producer and session musician, Adam Hamilton had sent the drum tracks to him first.
Guns went on to tweet “…I wrote music to the drums and that’s a first for me. Has an obvious Immigrant Song rhythm which is a monster thing.” The strong ‘Immigrant Song’ influence is no surprise with Guns’ well known love for Led Zeppelin. Just like any experienced songwriter would be able to do, Guns perfectly melded the Viking like intensity of Immigrant Song with the signature LA Guns sleaze that seems to get heavier with each new album.
This song also showcases the ever increasing and extremely impressive vocal range of lead singer Phil Lewis. Lewis has kept his voice pristine and after 35 years can still hit and hold the same notes he did on their debut album. The addition of audio effects throughout the song perfectly complements and even amplifies Lewis’ voice and adds to the emotion and power behind the song.
Black Diamonds is set to be released on April 14th and following the exceedingly well received release of ‘Checkered Past’ in 2022, the fans are chomping at the bit to see what L.A. Guns still has up their sleeve. The announcement of the track listing was enough to spark even more excitement in fans. Along with the album release date, L.A. Guns has also revealed their plans for a 2023 tour with dates to be announced.
– Tanis Enos
‘Black Diamonds’ Track Listing:
1 You Betray
2 Wrong About You
3 Diamonds
4 Babylon
5 Shame
6 Shattered Glass
7 Gonna Lose
8 Got It Wrong
9 Lowlife
10 Crying
11 Like A Drug
Not many bands can say they are releasing their third album thirty-five years after their debut, but not many bands have the history that California rockers Roxanne have. Originally formed in the late 80’s, Roxanne garnered commercial success with their 1988 self-titled debut album which was well received with two songs charting on rock radio; “Cherry Bay” and “Sweet Maria”, as well as a cover of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”
The band is back with their first album of new material in five years and second for Rat Pak Records. Stereo Typical features ten brand new songs from the quartet comprised of Jamie Brown (Vocals, Guitar), John Butler (Guitar), Joe Infante (Bass) and Dave Landry (Drums). The new album also features guest appearance from Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big, dUg Pinnick of King’s X and Jeff Scott Soto. Stereo Typical is scheduled for release worldwide on February 24th.
From the driving intro of album opener “Stereotypical” to the anthemic outro of “Without A Rope,” Roxanne is back with their signature sound of rock-n-roll that garnered them a legion of fans in the late 80’s and continue to support them today. Tracks like “Gotta Live,” “The Cost Of Living” and “Until They Do” are chock full of memorable hooks and melodies. Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert adds a blistering solo to the piano ballad “Looks Like Rain.” King’s X frontman dUg Pinnick offers his vocal talents to the catchy “Only A Call Away” and Jeff Scott Soto shines on the first single “Keep On Keepin’ On.
TRACK LISTING:
01 Stereo Typical
02 Looks Like Rain (ft Paul Gilbert)
03 Gotta Live (explicit)
04 Only A Call Away (ft dUg Pinnick)
05 The Cost Of Living
06 Open Book
07 Waiting For Laura
08 Keep On Keepin’ On (ft Jeff Scott Soto)
09 Until They Do
10 Without A Rope
11 Nothing To Lose (bonus track)
Source: Rat Pak Records
Helsinki’s longest serving gothic rock vampires THE 69 EYES will return to Western US stages this Spring! The week-long Gotta Rock US Tour will commence on May 5th in Phoenix, Arizona at The Nile Theater and run through May 13th in Las Vegas, Nevada at Sick New World Fest. Support will be provided by Pretty Boy Floyd on select dates. Alongside some classics, fans can expect to hear tracks taken from THE 69 EYES’ long-awaited new album, to be released later this year via Atomic Fire Records. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 27th. See all confirmed dates below.
THE 69 EYES w/ Pretty Boy Floyd:
5/05/2023 The Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ [tickets]
5/06/2023 The Whisky – Los Angeles, {tickets] *
5/07/2023 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA [tickets]
5/09/2023 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA [tickets]
5/10/2023 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA [tickets]
5/12/2023 The Ranch House – Reno, NV [tickets]
5/13/2023 Sick New World Fest – Las Vegas, NV [tickets] *
* No Pretty Boy Floyd
Recently, THE 69 EYES released the single “Gotta Rock” – a cover from the famous Finnish hard rock band Boycott that released the rock anthem in the late ‘80s. Stream or download THE 69 EYES’ rendition of Boycott’s “Gotta Rock” at THIS LOCATION.
Further info on the new album from THE 69 EYES will follow in the weeks to come. In the meantime, check out the band’s Drive EP HERE.
THE 69 EYES:
Jyrki 69 – vocals
Bazie – guitars
Timo Timo – guitars
Archzie – bass
Jussi 69 – drums
“You are invincible— it happens in your brain.” That’s the core message of the single “Invincible” by Swiss hard rockers SHAKRA, who kick off 2023 with this new anthem featuring powerful walls of guitars and haunting melodies. “As simple as this statement may sound, it stands for the essential in everyone’s life, the ability to have an unbreakable will and thereby achieve or create great things. But not only that. It can also mean being able to pull oneself out of the deepest swamp and be perceived in this society as a person steeled with self-confidence.” SHAKRA’s new song is a source of power to strengthen exactly this will. You can achieve anything, not if you believe in it, but if you know it… and that makes you invincible!
After the five piece shared their latest single, “The Way It Is” by the end of last year, today, SHAKRA premiered a music video for their new song “Invincible”. Watch the clip HERE
www.instagram.com/shakraband
www.afm-records.de
Source: AFM Records
Metal Odyssey is proud to present the newest video interview done by our very own Tanis Enos for her series “What Did You Just Ask Me?” Episode 2. This edition’s guest is axe slinger Sam Bam Koltun for the ultra acclaimed Faster Pussycat. He also plays for Dorothy and Budderside. Tanis once again gives us a fun and fact filled interview that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!
Here’s a list of some of my pet peeves about bands; regardless if they’re big or obscure:
Bands want bloggers to promote them; yet bands won’t promote the bloggers.
Bands that COMPLAIN CONSTANTLY about not making money from touring.
Bands that ask INSANE PRICES for their merch.
Bands that COMPLAIN CONSTANTLY about Spotify.
Bands that ignore their fans on social media.
It’s ALL TRUTH. Way too many bands “think” they’re groundbreaking and all they are is carbon copies of what’s been done before.
My message to bands and solo artists: If it wasn’t for the fans, you wouldn’t have a band. Period.
Golden Robot Records have released remastered Rose Tattoo album Beats from a Single Drum, available to stream everywhere and on limited edition vinyl.
Beats from a Single Drum features 10 remastered songs from the 1986 album including ‘Calling,‘ ‘Michael Oreilly‘ and ‘Suddenly’ with the latter track featured as the wedding song for Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene (Kylie Minogue) on Neighbours. ‘Suddenly’ was also featured in a wedding scene for the hit UK show Gavin and Stacey.
This era was defining for Rose Tattoo with a changed line up, new members in the fold and Beats from a Single Drum released for the first time to great eagerness from fans and critics alike. The main contributing members of this album were Angry Anderson (vocals), Tim Gaze (guitar), Andy Cichon (keyboard/backing vocals) and Scott Johnston (drums/backing vocals). This pivotal time in Tatts history cemented the band as an established name and a force within the Australian music landscape.
This is not the first Rose Tattoo release Golden Robot has been involved with, previously releasing Tatts: Live in Brunswick (2017), Blood Brothers (2018) and Scarred for Live 1980-1982 (2018). The label was also home to the Tatts when they supported Guns N’ Roses on their 2017 Australian stadium tour.
“We are truly excited to remaster what was the most commercially successful album for Rose Tattooand Angry [Anderson]. Tatts will always be a rock n’ roll institution with Angry being one of the most notable Australian front men of all time.” says Golden Robot Records CEO & President, Mark Alexander-Erber.
Led by front man Angry Anderson, Beats from a Single Drum takes on a new life form to deliver a clear and familiar sound to Rose Tattoo fans. Beats from a Single Drum will be made available on vinyl in 2023, a must have for any serious record collector.
Buy/stream Beats from a Single Drum HERE
The vinyl will be available in 4 colours with a limited edition blue vinyl available for pre-order now. A further limited edition red vinyl will be made available in January, with black to follow in February and a limited edition USA exclusive green vinyl to be made available for pre-order in March.
You can pre-order Beats from a Single Drum limited edition blue vinyl HERE
On-Line:
https://goldenrobotrecords.com/
Source: Golden Robot Records
Cruz Del Sur Music is proud to announce the signing of the vintage hard/rock metal outfit TAROT. The label will release the band’s second studio album sometime in 2023. TAROT presents a familiar face from Cruz Del Sur Music: The band’s guitarist and vocalist Will Spectre, also leads arcane metallers THE WIZAR’D.
“I got in touch with Cruz Del Sur when I was looking for a label to release the most recent album from THE WIZAR’D,” he says. “Cruz Del Sur did a great job on that and were very supportive of us, so I thought they would be an excellent choice for the new TAROT album. Luckily for us, Cruz Del Sur was also fans of TAROT and agreed to release the album before they had even heard any songs. We are really looking forward to working on the release with them!”
The TAROT journey began in 2011 when Spectre decided to write songs in the vein of URIAH HEEP, RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE, bands that, admittedly, he is “obsessed with.” The two-track Take A Look Around demo arrived later that year. After honing the production methods needed to capture a warm, analog sound, TAROT released the Life And Death EP in 2014.
Two subsequent EPs, Dying Daze and The Watchers Dream were released in 2014, setting the stage for TAROT’s first full-length, 2016’s Reflections. The release of Reflections coincided with the expansion of the TAROT lineup to play live. The band now comprises organ and synth player David Harrington-George, guitarist/vocalist Felix Russell, bassist/vocalist Dave Walsh and drummer Mat Frodsham.
“Our current lineup is the strongest and tightest yet,” says Spectre. “I think we work very well together. I couldn’t imagine playing with anyone else. The other guys are also taking on writing duties and have contributed songs to our new album.”
TAROT recently laid down the drums for its aforementioned second full-length album with producer/engineer Joe Haley, with the remainder of the tracking to take place at the band’s home studios. Like previous efforts, TAROT’s new full-length will be self-produced and employ production techniques used in the 1970s.
“I think while the new material is very much in line with the previous stuff, the contributions of the other members will be very noticeable and it may take some people by surprise,” says Spectre. “Everything will be much more lively than before, and there will be a fairly distinct difference in the performance since, for the most part, the older recordings were me working on my own. Fans of our previous works won’t be disappointed, though!”
Source: ClawHammer PR
Crashing Wayward is offering up a powerful new mix of the song “Breathe” as their debut single from RFK Media. Available December 16th on iTunes, Spotify and all major distribution platforms, this version gives everyone a strong taste of what’s in store on their first full length album and serves as the perfect introduction to this exciting new band.
While Crashing Wayward’s sound can be categorized as alternative rock, they exhibit a diverse array of influences from Foo Fighters to Queen to Stone Temple Pilots and many more. The recording sessions were produced by Mike Gillies, who has also worked with Metallica, Motley Crue and The Cult among many others.
The members of Crashing Wayward characterize “Breathe” as “a modern alternative rock anthem rejecting intolerance.” Before signing with RFK Media, the band self-released a music video for the initial version of the song which can be viewed at http://breathevideo.com.
Solid support in their home base of Las Vegas includes having “Breathe” cranked up in the arena there during an NHL playoff game and airplay on hometown station KOMP 92.3 FM. Since their debut concert there in 2021, they’ve performed throughout the southwest and are now gearing up for an appearance March 18th at the Nashville ROCKNPOD Expo and the KEELFEST 2 concert event. “Breathe (Album Version)” will also be featured on the RFK Media compilation album “Live The Rock” releasing worldwide in February.
Crashing Wayward ONLINE:
http://rfkmedia.com/crashingwayward
Source: Best Bet Promotions
Platinum-selling alternative-industrial rock band Filter have announced a limited edition 7″ Vinyl featuring their latest single ‘For the Beaten,‘ which will be available in early 2023 via Golden Robot Records.
The exclusive 7″ Vinyl will be numbered for authenticity and available in two colours – purple and gold – with very limited stock available.
‘For the Beaten’ is the A-side described by Filter founder Richard Patrick as “dynamic, dark, and heavy, just like the moment we are in.” The track was met with great affection from eager fans and critics alike who had waited two years to hear what was next for Filter. ‘For the Beaten‘ was put out in October following Patrick joining former and current Nine Inch Nails band members in Cleveland for a NIN surprise reunion show.
The B-side is where things get even more interesting. ‘The Killing Field‘ is the debut track from A Place To Kill, a new industrial trap metal project from Patrick and vocalist Jim Louvau. This 7” is the only place to hear APTK at the moment.
‘For The Beaten’/‘The Killing Field‘ 7″ Vinyl is available for pre-order now, with limited stock availability, and pre-ordering is the best chance of getting your hands on this Filter collector’s item.
You can pre-order Filter‘s 7″ Vinyl HERE
Pre-order ‘For the Beaten/The Killing Field‘ 7″ Vinyl HERE
Pre-order/add/save ‘Like a Ghost‘ and ‘Pirate Love’ HERE
Iconic rockers Faster Pussycat have announced the upcoming release of double A-side singles ‘Like a Ghost‘ and ‘Pirate Love‘ which will be available digitally, via Golden Robot Records on November 28.
This release is the first for the band under the Golden Robot umbrella with Taime Downes saying earlier this year “The band and I are over the moon to join the Golden Robot Records rock-n-roll family! We are super excited to release some of our badass new tunes globally – we know the label see our vision and supports the band and we feel completely at home here.”
The double A-side single comes just a few months before Faster Pussycat are expected to hit Australian shores with an exclusive Australian tour edition of ‘Like a Ghost‘ and ‘Pirate Love‘ on coloured translucent blue 7″ vinyl available to purchase at these shows with only limited stock to be made available online.
Watch the video teaser for ‘Like A Ghost’ HERE
‘Like a Ghost‘ is a track about growing up in the 70’s, listening to the radio and doing what kids do and the memories it brings back. It features Taime‘s signature vocals carrying the song through to completion. The production on this track is second to none with blistering guitars and the band in full force.
‘Pirate Love‘ a cover of the legend Johnny Thunders stays true to the original with both tracks complimenting each other with strong instrumentals, killer vocals and an edge to them – everything you would expect from a top-shelf Faster Pussycat release.
Pre-order/add/save ‘Like a Ghost‘ and ‘Pirate Love’ HERE
ABOUT FASTER PUSSYCAT:
Faster Pussycat is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California
Faster Pussycat has been releasing albums over the past 30 plus years, and have grown to be one of the most influential hard rock bands in the USA, especially during the late 1980s and early 1990s, resulting in sales over two million plus records worldwide and over 215,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone with millions of streams. The band still tour the world and will be in Australia in January 2023.
Source: Golden Robot Records
Deadwolff released their new single ‘Heavy Rock n’ Roll’ today, their first single under Golden Robot Records, part of the Golden Robot Global Entertainment Group.
In addition to release the new track, Deadwolff have released a music video to accompany the song on November 2.
Watch the music video ‘Heavy Rock N’ Roll’ HERE
The track is a punch in the guts from the start with heavy drums and guitar before you’re met with screeching vocals from lead singer Tommy Wolffe. You get exactly what you’ve bargained for will a song called ‘Heavy Rock n’ Roll.’
The track is a fast paced, heavy rocking tune. It’s a song for whatever you’re passionate about or for someone you love. What you’d do to feel the joy that only music or a loved one can bring. So, turn it up ands lap it on repeat. This is the new wave of heavy rock and roll.
Buy/stream ‘Heavy Rock n’ Roll‘ HERE
ABOUT DEADWOLFF
Deadwolff is a three-piece band based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2020, Deadwolff is composed of Tommy Wolffe, on bass and vocals, Bobby Deuce, on guitars and backing vocals, and Angus Pike on drums.
In late December of 2020, Boonsdale Records released the band’s debut EP digitally. Shortly after, Deadwolff signed with Metal Assault Records, based out of Los Angeles, and released their debut EP on cassette, which sold out quickly.
As of recently, Deadwolff has been touring throughout Canada, bringing their catchy hooks, and eccentric live show to electric audiences. Building momentum quickly, Deadwolff sought out and was noticed by Golden Robot Records, whom is set to release their full length debut album.
This is the new wave of heavy rock and roll. On-Line:
https://goldenrobotrecords.com/golden-robot-records/deadwolff/
Source: Golden Robot Records
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce nthe upcoming release of the latest album from Enuff Z’nuff, “Finer Than Sin”. Now fronted by bass player and vocalist Chip Z’nuff for their last three studio albums, including The Beatles’ covers album “Enuff Z’Nuff’s Hardrock Nite”, the band are still delivering the band’s patented power pop melded with hard rock tunes.
Founding member Chip Z’nuff is once again joined by long-running members Tory Stoffregen (guitars), Tony Fennell (guitars), and Daniel Benjamin Hill (drums). “Finer Than Sin” showcases the musical stylings that have kept the banda loyal fanbase since the ‘80s, staying true to their rock ‘n roll roots. “Finer Than Sin” is the band’s 17th studio album overall.
“Finer Than Sin” – Tracklisting:
Sound Check
Catastrophe
Steal The Light
Lost And Out Of Control
Intoxicated
Hurricane
Trampoline
Temporarily Disconnected
God Save The Queen
Reprise
Total length: 0.42.06
Source: Frontiers Music SRL
Finnish Hard Rock band Hootenanny Freaks had their 25th anniversary in January 2022 and now they are releasing two new songs to celebrate their quarter of a century journey.
This release also presents the new singer Arttu Kettunen who have brought loads of new fresh energy to the band – that can be heard on both songs. The song Lose it All is about things going to hell and nothing seems to work out. A music video was also made for the song and it can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel.
Falling Waters is an empowering song that tells about how it feels when the imagination takes over and you believe you have superpowers. The song is one of the heaviest tracks the band has ever recorded.
Currently the band is working on their next full length album.
Check the music video: https://youtu.be/oG6JxiysTFo
Listen to 25th Anniversary Edition single on music services: https://push.fm/fl/hootenannyfreaks-25
More info: https://linktr.ee/HootenannyFreaks
Source: Inverse Records
Autograph‘s new forthcoming release “Beyond”, was the last album to feature founding member and bassist Randy Rand. The album is due out on November 18, 2022 on Frontiers Music Srl, which the band has dedicated to Randy and in his memory.
“We tragically lost our brother, Randy Rand on April 26th 2022. His passing was untimely, as he had so much rockin’ left to do. We dedicate our upcoming album “Beyond” to our band mate and founding member of Autograph. His signature bass playing is a major part of the new record and his spirit is felt throughout.”
“The new album also serves as a catalyst for bringing Autograph into a new era of rock with it’s heavy-hitting and powerful sound. In the spirit of Randy’s love for the music, his excitement on the new release and eternal brotherhood, this one’s for you. Thank you Randy for keeping us connected, bringing people together from all walks of life and fueling the social bonds that music invites. Rest easy brother, we love you.”
Autograph – “This Ain’t The Place I Wanna Be” – Official Music Video | R.I.P. Randy Rand – YouTube
Steve Unger from Metal Church has taken over the bass duties for the band as the legacy of Autograph continues on with a new album dedicated to Randy Rand and a busy schedule of touring.
Current Band Line Up:
Simon Daniels – Lead vocals/guitar
Jimi Bell – Lead guitar/vocals
Marc Wieland – Drums
Steve Unger – Bass/vocals
Source: Best Bet Promotions
Is there something happening?
Since there is a green light for concerts all over the world again, SHAKRA also floods the social media with photos of huge open-air stages all over Europe, in front of thousands of people. And yet it seems that the five have skipped something compared to other bands – where is the new album? Since the big opening, the market has been literally overrun with new works created during the concert-empty period, only the Swiss seem to be once again taking different paths and immediately throwing themselves straight into the live arena. But who is familiar with the band, knows that with them actually nothing ever happens by pure accident.
After SHAKRA released their new album “Mad World” shortly before the pandemic hit the earth and wanted to go on tour with it, this had to be cancelled again immediately or partly postponed. Conscious of their duty, as the Swiss are, this was the first thing that was tackled when in spring 2022 it was finally said that the ring was open – they began to play the concerts, long awaited by the fans, more powerful and intense than ever.
Without anyone suspecting anything, now suddenly a new song appears! “The Way It Is” is the name of the track and the guys have also announced a clip for it, a week later. “The Way It Is” is available now: https://bfan.link/the-way-it-is?
On it will also be heard for the first time the successor of Dominik Pfister, Cyril Montavon, who is still affectionately called “the new guy” by the band, after two years of membership, on bass.
“I had this song idea that had been floating around in my head forever and it just had to come out,” says Thomas Muster, rhythm guitarist. “We thought the song was so awesome that we just had to record it!” adds Mark Fox, vocalist of SHAKRA.
When asked if there is even a whole album in the works, the band keeps a low profile.
It is what it is – “The Way It Is”.
Listen to “The Way It Is” here: https://bfan.link/the-way-it-is?
More SHAKRA:
https://www.shakra.ch/en/
https://www.afm-records.de/en/s/178-shakra-2.html
Source: AFM Records
On August 20, 1976 – KISS performed at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. An estimated 42,000 fans were in attendance. Ted Nugent, Montrose and Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band opened. Source: Kissonline.com
KISS were touring in support of their fourth studio album Destroyer.
Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ have unleashed a video for the track “House Of Lies,” taken from the band’s V full-length released last October via Silver Lining Music. The video comes in anticipation of the band’s upcoming European/UK tour dates.
From the irresistible bluesy-chug of Joe Stump’s guitar to Doogie White’s infectious vocals, “House Of Lies” is a classic slice of foot-stomping heavy metal goodness and ALCATRAZZ take no prisoners in their mission to deliver the dynamite that is V.
Founding member Jimmy Waldo comments, “We are excited to present the new lineup and new music to our fans in Europe. The band is sounding better than ever and we will be performing songs from across the entire ALCATRAZZ catalog. As a taster, check out our new video ‘House Of Lies’ which features on-the-road concert footage, plus Doogie showing us around his home of Edinburgh, Scotland!”
View ALCATRAZZ’s “House Of Lies” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
After a successful UK co-headlining tour, ALCATRAZZ and Girlschool will hit Europe for yet another run together with both bands, providing an in-your-face evening of full volume heavy metal! Kicking off at the Golden Ages Festival in Belgium, it’s no rest for the wicked with the two bands set to bring their electrifying show to the UK in February 2023.
With neo-classical “shred lord” Joe Stump on guitar, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, plus the addition of Doogie White, ALCATRAZZ are offering a high energy metal show covering the ALCATRAZZ classics plus White’s own work as a member of the Michael Schenker Fest and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Newly joined by drummer Larry Paterson, formerly of the Blaze Bayley band, ALCATRAZZ are a metal supergroup in the true sense of the word.
ALCATRAZZ:
Jimmy Waldo – keyboards
Gary Shea – bass
Doogie White – lead vocals
Joe Stump – guitar
Larry Paterson – drums
ALCATRAZZ w/ Girlschool Co-Headlining EU/UK Tour:
8/21/2022 Golden Age Festival – Liège, BE
8/24/2022 Musigburg – Aarburg, CH
8/25/2022 Charity Biker Rally – Bergamo, IT
8/26/2022 Cresheim Festival – Halbergmoos, DE
8/27/2022 Lido – Berlin, DE
8/28/2022 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE
8/29/2022 Matrix – Bochum, DE
8/30/2022 Musicon – The Hague, NL
9/01/2022 Le Forum Vaureal – Paris, FR
9/02/2022 Secret Place – Montpellier, FR
9/03/2022 La Textil – Barcelona, ES
9/04/2022 Sala Lopez – Zaragoza, ES
9/05/2022 Acapulco – Gijon, ES
9/06/2022 RCA Club – Lisbon, PT
9/07/2022 Shoko – Madrid, ES
9/09/2022 Atelier de Moles – Montbéliard, FR
9/10/2022 Altes Kino – Landeck, AT
2/03/2023 Tivoli Venue – Buckley, UK
2/04/2023 Waterloo – Blackpool, UK
2/05/2023 Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK
2/07/2023 Nightrain – Bradford, UK
2/08/2023 Trillians – Newcastle, UK
2/09/2023 Eleven – Stoke, UK
2/10/2023 The Robin 2 – Wolverhampton, UK
2/11/2023 Camden Underworld – London, UK*
*Rescheduled 2022 show; original tickets still valid
For tickets to the EU dates visit: https://bit.ly/3OGvtU9
For tickets to the UK dates visit: www.alcatrazzofficial.com
V was produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (Elton John, Joe Cocker and System of a Down).
Watch/listen to V in full at THIS LOCATION. Purchase V at THIS LOCATION.
Source: EARSPLIT PR
Location: Amos’ Southend – Charlotte NC
Date: 7/27/2022
While on the Sonic Slam Tour, LA Guns and Faster Pussycat broke away from the Keifer Band to perform a sold out show of their own. Fans of all ages lined up outside Amos’ Southend in Charlotte North Carolina to witness their own piece of 80’s metal history. Members of Faster Pussycat graciously greeted fans as they walked to the connected restaurant for some preshow refreshments.
Doors opened at 7:00pm and fans filed in filling in both levels to max capacity. First to take the stage was Carolina natives LA Maybe. This 5-piece rock n roll band was the perfect way to open the show. These young musicians perfectly captured the old school style of rock that both LA Guns and Faster Pussycat bring to the table. Right out of the gate they had the whole venue pumped and ready to go, playing all original music. Midway through the show, guitarist Driz let fans know that he had rocked so hard he chipped a tooth. As their set came to an end lead singer, Goliath Furr, began to talk about how the band was trying to gain a spot on the upcoming KISS Kruise. Furr turned his attention to drummer, Ryan Fosnow, who was holding up a sign that said “Show me your boobies.” Once he turned the sign over it instructed fans to vote for them on Lamaybe.com/vote. They ended their show encouraging fans to sing along to their original song “Oh Sugar”. After the show the band mingled with fans to watch the rest of the performers.
Faster Pussycat took the stage next and were welcomed by thunderous applause and cheers. Opening the show with “Jack the Bastard” it was immediately clear that lead singer, Taime Downe, still had the vocal strength that made Faster Pussycat just as fierce in the 80’s. Downe stands center stage with such pride and confidence and has an amazing band to back him up. The talents of bass player Danny Nordahl, best known as Slim Tender, and drummer Chad Stewart combine to create an exceptional rhythm section and truly shine in songs like “Bathroom Wall”. The guitar duo of Ronnie Simmons and Sam Bam Koltun really bring the sleaze. Before he even plays a note, you can already tell that Simmons is a true rockstar. His style, both in the way he plays and how he dresses can easily be seen as having inspiration from the Ramones to AC/DC. The punk flair that Simmons provides adds a little extra something to the Pussycat set. The true star of the show, however, was in fact Sam Bam Koltun. He truly is a guitar virtuoso at such a young age. He makes every strum and pluck look so easy and it is safe to say that being on stage and performing truly comes natural to him. Even though there is only one original member left, each musician plays like they were there the day the song was written.
Fans were given a special treat when former Faster Pussycat and current LA Guns guitarist, Ace Von Johnson joined the band to perform “Bathroom Wall”. The fun did not end there, though. Downe took to side stage as Slim Tender had his turn on vocals. The band welcomed LA Guns bass player, Johnny Martin to the stage and Tender sang “Pretty Fucked Up”. This certainly got the crowd even more pumped. Faster Pussycat ended their show with “Babylon” and left fans scratching for more.
LA Guns wrapped the night with a miraculous 16 song set that included songs from a very diverse set of albums. They opened with an explosion performing the first track off “Checkered Past”, “Cannonball”. Lead vocalist, Phil Lewis, immediately had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. It does not take long to pick up on the fact that Lewis loves what he does. He is a front man that the younger generation will always be able to enjoy as his vocals have remained immaculate even after over 44 years of singing. While having Lewis on vocals is extremely important for their sound, you can’t have LA Guns without founding member and band namesake, Tracii Guns. Guns continues to amaze fans with his iconic technique and sound. Right before playing “Over the Edge”, Guns began to play his guitar with a violin bow. Long time fans of Tracii know that he is a very big Led Zeppelin fan and this is evident to be a tribute to Jimmy Page with a Tracii Guns twist. This was the first tour to feature Shawn Duncan on drums. Duncan, who also played in BulletBoys, melded so well with the rest of the band, you would have thought he had been with the band from the beginning. A ball of energy was personified in the form of Johnny Martin that night. Martin was in everyone’s face playing his absolute heart out on bass. It was quite the sight to see as he and Ace would bump into each other or play back to back throughout most of the set.
The fun did not stop there, as both Lewis and Guns stepped aside and welcomed Koltun back to the stage as guitarist Ace Von Johnson took over on vocals to sing a cover of “New Rose” by The Damned. Ace started the song with a small speech stating “Do something fucking nice man, this world is fucking numb as it is. There’s too much fucking negative shit man, do something cool”. As a well known animal advocate this type of thing is not out of character for Ace, and the speech was met with a very intense positive reaction. Though Ace is better known for his guitar work, his love for punk rock showed through in his vocals and wowed everyone. As the show came to an end the band took their final bow and, to lighten the mood, began to dance around the stage to a cover of “So Long, Farewell” By The Vandals. Fans cheered and screamed for more as the band excited the stage.
After the show 4 out of 5 members of Faster Pussycat made their way over to their merch table to take pictures with EVERYONE. Ace also made his way into the large crowd of fans to take pictures. Faster Pussycat and LA Guns are perfectly matched to tour together. The crowd’s energy was constant during both bands. Even though the Sonic Slam Tour has come to an end, it is safe to say that this is not going to be the last time we see Faster Pussycat and LA Guns together.
Tanis Enos
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