RUSH’s 2112 has been newly remastered on 200-gram, heavyweight vinyl at legendary Abbey Road Studios using the Direct to Metal Mastering (DMM) audiophile copper plating process, all from original analogue masters. The band’s fourth album, 2112, first released in 1976, proved a breakthrough, highlighted by its seven-part title suite – written by Lee and Lifeson, with lyrics by Peart – recounting a dystopian story set in the year 2112. It came in at #2 on Rolling Stone’s list of ‘Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time.’ Most Rush fans consider it the band’s definitive recording and it has sold over 3 million albums in the U.S.
This unique reissue showcases a custom, limited-edition, hand-etched hologram of the ‘Red Star of the Federation’ pressed in the album’s dead wax runout of side two. To reveal the spinning hologram, fans can use any focused source of light, such as the LED flashlight on a smartphone, directly above the turntable while playing.
1988 – The charismatic David Lee Roth has his hit single, Just Like Paradise, sitting at #6, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Just for the Metal record, I happen to absolutely, 100%, without a micro doubt… love this song. Just Like Paradise is featured on the second full-length album from David Lee Roth, released back in 1988: Skyscraper.
As reported on the KISS Facebook page:
THIS DAY IN KISSTORY 1996:
KISS MTV UNPLUGGED RELEASED
On March 12, 1996, the KISS MTV Unplugged CD and VHS Video were released in the US. KISS MTV Unplugged was recorded August 9, 1995 at Sony Music Studios in New York City. The majority of the CD/VHS features Paul, Gene, Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss join Paul and Gene for ‘2000 Man’ and ‘Beth’. All six members close out the CD/VHS with ‘Nothin’ To Lose’ and ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’. MTV originally broadcast KISS Unplugged on October 31, 1995.
Comment from Paul on Unplugged:
‘Unplugged was a chance for us to celebrate the musical history of the band by stripping, some great songs from different points in our history, down to the bare essence of what makes them great.’
TRACK LISTING:
Comin’ Home / Plaster Caster / Goin’ Blind / Do You Love Me / Domino / Got To Choose / Sure Know Something / A World Without Heroes / Rock Bottom / See You Tonight / I Still Love It / Every Time I Look At You / 2000 Man / Beth / Nothin’ To Lose / Rock and Roll All Nite
‘Got To Choose’ appeared on the VHS and the Vinyl versions of KISS Unplugged but not the US CD.
On March 12th, 1962, Darryl Strawberry was born in California. Happy Birthday, Darryl Strawberry! Whoa! The legendary Darryl Strawberry won a World Series with the New York Mets back in 1986, defeating the Boston Red Sox. After playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, Darryl went on to become a valuable member of the New York Yankees, winning three World Series with them in 1996, 1998 and 1999.
Thanks for the fun baseball memories, Darryl! Long live Darryl Strawberry! Oh, yeah, one more thing… Darryl Strawberry is… Metal. – Stone
On March 11th, 1972 – The iconic Black Sabbath had their timeless song, Iron Man, sitting at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on their whiz-bang studio album from 1970: Paranoid. Whoa!
On this day in 1975 – The fabulous Led Zeppelin performed at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California, USA. Ticket prices were $6.50, $7.50 or $8.50, depending on the seating area. Whoa!! There was also a meager 50 cent service charge per ticket order. Unreal!
On March 11th, 1978 – The debut and self-titled album from the incredible Van Halen was invading the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This glorious album eventually earned Diamond Status by the RIAA, selling 10 million (plus) units in the United States. Metal be thy name!
On this day in 1983 – The third studio album, Metal Health, from the amazing QUIET RIOT was released. This outstanding album is considered the first Heavy Metal album to reach #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. To this very Metal minute, Metal Health (Bang Your Head) is my favorite Heavy Metal anthem of all-time. Over thirty years later, this song continues to make me psyched-out beyond belief. Rest in peace, Kevin DuBrow.
On March 11th, 1989 – The rabid Guns N’ Roses hit single, Paradise City, was resting at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Paradise City is featured on the legendary debut GNR studio album, from 1987: Appetite For Destruction. This song was a strip club sensation; I’m just guessing for I never recall going to those places back in the day. Um, yeah.
On this day in 2015 – The reissue of Led Zeppelin’s marvelous studio album, Physical Graffiti, returned to the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and is impressively resting at #11. Whoa!! Originally released back in 1975, this album reached #1 on this chart and that was many Metal moons ago. This proves that Led Zeppelin are forever relevant and this album’s place in Rock history is immeasurable.
On March 11th, 2015 – Journey’s Greatest Hits has climbed up to #67 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This compilation album from Journey has peaked at #10, while spending a prodigious 345 weeks on this chart!! Long live Journey!
Above: Modern Drummer (August – 1994)
Above: Close-Up (Sweden – May of 2014)
VINNIE PAUL
On March 11th, Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul was born in Texas. Happy Birthday, Vinnie Paul! Hell Yeah!! Vinnie Paul is world-famous as the drummer and co-founder of Pantera, Damageplan and currently raising hell with the supergroup Hellyeah. Long live Vinnie Paul!!
On March 6th, 2015 – The seventh studio album from All That Remains, The Order Of Things, debuts at the #25 position, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. These Massachusetts Metal warriors are signed to Razor & Tie.
On this day in 2015 – Spookshow International: Live, the newly released live album from the great Rob Zombie enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, at #118.
On March 6th, 2015 – The Hard Rock supergroup, Revolution Saints, which features Deen Castronovo (drums, vocals), Jack Blades (bass, vocals) and Doug Aldrich (guitars) have their newly released debut and self-titled studio album entering the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #198.
On this day in 2015 – Yes, Nickelback’s new studio album, No Fixed Address, is persevering on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, falling one notch to #110. This album has spent 15 consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #4.
PAUL BOSTAPH
On March 6th, 1964, Paul Bostaph was born in California. Happy Birthday, Paul Bostaph! Hell and yeah! Paul Bostaph is currently the drummer for the fearsome Slayer. Paul’s impressive past with Slayer includes touring with and being the drummer on four of their studio albums: God Hates Us All, Diabolus In Musica, Undisputed Attitude and Divine Intervention. Slayer’s new studio album featuring Paul Bostaph will be released this year.
Paul Bostaph can also boast to being a drummer for such other legendary Metal bands as: Forbidden, Exodus, Testament and Systematic. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Paul also started his own Metal band: BlackGates.
Paul Bostaph is endorsed by Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, Remo heads, and Vater sticks.
On March 4th, 1972 – The legendary T. Rex hits #10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with Bang a Gong (Get It On). This great song is featured on the 1971 studio album from T. Rex: Electric Warrior. Rest in peace, Marc Bolan, Mickey Finn and Steve Currie.
On this day in 1989 – Cinderella’s hit, The Last Mile, was sitting at #36 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Cinderella’s second studio album, from 1988: Long Cold Winter.
On March 4th, 2015 – AC/DC’s studio album from 1980, Back In Black, is resting at #98 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This amazing album has spent 166 weeks on this chart and peaked at #4. Timeless Hard Rock this AC/DC album is.
SABRINA SABROK
On March 4th, 1967, Sabrina Sabrok was born, in Argentina. Happy Birthday, Sabrina! Whoa and yeah! The beautiful Sabrina Sabrok is a world-famous model, singer, Playboy model and television host. Sabrina’s studio albums and music videos range from Metal to Cyberpunk. Sabrina has shared the stage with many world-class bands, including the mighty Queensrÿche.
Sabrina, El Sexo en su Máxima Expresiónis the name of Sabrina’s television show, which airs on Mexico’s TeleHit. Sabrina also appeared on the Mexican version of the reality television show Big Brother VIP in Mexico. Long live Sabrina Sabrok!
On March 3rd, 1973 – England’s legendary SLADE reaches #1 in the UK with their hit song: Cum On Feel The Noise. I remember never knowing that SLADE originally wrote and recorded this song, until I heard the Quiet Riot cover version on Metal Health, back in 1983. I remember some DJ on WHCN, WCCC or WPLR (FM) up in Connecticut, speaking about the history of this song, when it first released. Good times.
On this day in 1979 – The great Foreigner is at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit song: Blue Morning, Blue Day. Written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, this song is featured on Foreigners amazing second studio album, from 1978: Double Vision. The Double Vision album is my favorite of all Foreigner albums! I remember receiving Double Vision as a birthday gift from my mother, back in January of 1979. God rest her loving soul.
On March 3rd, 1986 – The mighty METALLICA released their third studio album: Master Of Puppets. This happens to be my favorite METTALICA album of all-time! This is THE studio album, that without a doubt, launched METALLICA into the legendary stratosphere of Thrash Metal and ALL of Metal!
Master Of Puppets raised the Metal bar for ALL other Thrash Metal bands too. Unfortunately, this would be the last studio album that features classic member, co-songwriter and bassist Cliff Burton. Man I love this Master Of Puppets album! Battery!! Rest in peace, Cliff Burton.
On this day in 1990 – Warrant reaches #20, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit song: Sometimes She Cries. This song is featured on Warrant’s debut studio album, from 1989: Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich. I remember buying the album on vinyl and I later bought it (used) on cassette; this way I was able to listen to it in my car. Good times. Rest in peace, Jani Lane.
On March 3rd, 2015 – Nickelback – The Best Of Nickelback: Volume 1 moves up five notches and is sitting at #15 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. This greatest hits has spent 57 weeks on this chart, peaking at #2. Long live Nickelback!
On this day in 2015 – It’s Nickelback again, sitting at #2 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart, with their eighth studio album: No Fixed Address. This album moved up from being last week’s #4 and has spent 14 weeks on this chart. Whoa!
Metal Odyssey Headquarters – My pup Ozzy (above) isn’t kidding, it’s been 6 years! It is March 1st, 2015 and it’s the 6 year anniversary of Metal Odyssey. Whoa! Shut the front door! Gather the villagers! My, how fast 6 years can fly by! Metal Odyssey was launched back on March 1st, 2009 (MMIX).
Back in 2009, The Walking Dead and Finding Bigfoot were not on television yet. Wow! In 2009 a pound of bacon cost $3.19 and a U.S. postage stamp cost 42 cents. Unreal! Six years ago, after an eleven year wait, the iconic KISS released a new studio album:
KISS Sonic Boom was released on October 6th, 2009.
__________________________
During 2009 I was new to the blogosphere, thus I used about 200 or more “tags” with every post that was published on Metal Odyssey. I was such a nerd. Oops. I still am. Um, anyhow, take a look for yourself, as to how “tag crazy” I once was:
After 6 years with Metal Odyssey in my Metal life, I’ve learned quickly that there is always room for improvement and I don’t know everything. There are no laurels to rest on here. Each day I am grateful that other humans actually visit Metal Odyssey and hopefully it brings some kind of Metal joy to their lives; as Metal Odyssey has brought immeasurable Metal joy to mine. My love for Metal and Rock ‘N’ Roll hopefully shows, throughout these past 6 years of Metal Odyssey.
I thank every visitor (both random and loyal) and each subscriber to Metal Odyssey; you are ALL the reason why Metal Odyssey’s Metal wheels keep moving. To ALL the kick-ass Twitter followers, you RULE too! Each respective PR agency, PR rep, record label, musician and band I tremendously applaud for delivering to me the invaluable promotional materials and/or insight that are so necessary in the proper execution of Metal Odyssey. You ALL know who you are and you ALL ROCK!
I placed the Witch Cross Axe To Grind album cover (above) for the reason that I can.
I especially thank Nilla, Scott Coverdale, Megy, Sara, Kev Moore, my guardian Metal angels, WordPress.com and my fellow blogging peers for any and all support, these past 6 years. Metal Be Thy Name!
On February 26th, 1972 – The Midwest’s very own Grand Funk Railroad had their hit single, Footstompin’ Music, placed at #29, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Pictured above is the (Mexican version) cover sleeve for the 7″ record.
On this day in 1981 – The seventh studio album from the amazing Judas Priest, Point Of Entry, was released. This album features the Metal classics: Hot Rockin’ and Heading Out To The Higway. I always really liked this Judas Priest album, regardless of it being sort of ignored by some.
On February 26th, 1983 – Sammy Hagar aka The Red Rocker had his hit single, Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy, sitting at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Sammy Hagar’s 1982 studio album: Three Lock Box. Pictured above is the cover sleeve for the 45rpm single.
On this day in 2015 – This day in KISSTORY – The iconic KISS performed at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza, in Hiroshima, Japan. Whoa!
On February 26th, 2015 – The Best Of Foreigner 4 & More has broken into the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart! This live album debuts at #161. Long live Foreigner! This new Foreigner album was released on December 16th, 2014.
On this day in 2015 – Nickelback show’s their perseverance by remaining on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, moving backwards a bit to #109, with their No Fixed Address studio album. This album has spent 14 consecutive weeks on this chart.
FATS DOMINO
On February 26th, 1928, the legendary Fats Domino was born in Louisiana. Happy Birthday, Fats Domino! Whoa! Fats Domino is a Rock ‘N’ Roll pioneer, as a pianist, singer and songwriter. Fats Domino is world-famous for dozens of hit songs; with such timeless Rock ‘N’ Roll classics as: Ain’t That A Shame, Blueberry Hill, Blue Monday, I’m Walkin’, The Big Beat, I hear You Knocking and so many more.
* Fats Domino was awarded the National Medal Of Arts, from President Bill Clinton.
* Fats Domino lost all of his personal possessions and his home was wrecked by Hurricane Katrina, back in August of 2005.
* Fats Domino was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, back in 1986.
Here’s to many more birthdays, Fats Domino! Long live Fats Domino!
Frontiers Music SRL is honored to present a special tribute album conceived by iconic Grammy Award winner and founding member of Ides of March, Survivor and Pride of Lions, Jim Peterik, featuring an impressive array of guest musicians. The CD, titled “Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen”, will be limited to 500 copies, to be sold exclusively at the Frontiers Rock Festival II, held at the LIVE MUSIC CLUB in Trezzo sull’Adda in Milan, Italy on April 11 and 12th, 2015.
Just as the musical influence of Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen (of Le Roux, Angel, Toto, Frederiksen /Phillips, Mecca and Frederiksen/Denander) and Jimi Jamison (of Target, Cobra and Survivor) reverberated inside the melodic rock community, news of their passing within months of one another in 2014 sent waves of disbelief and sorrow throughout the brotherhood of singers, songwriters and musicians who had been touched by their talent and their spirit. The loss so profoundly impacted Peterik’s core that it was difficult at first to imagine a universe in which their lights no longer shined. After filtering his grief through the cathartic process of songwriting, Jim found solace by gathering a group of mutual friends to commemorate their departed comrades the only way they knew how – with music.
Peterik recently produced and co-wrote the debut album “Risk Everything” to introduce the world to the stunning, 5-octave tenor of singer Marc Scherer, who will appear onstage with headliners Pride of Lions at the Frontiers Rock Festival II. Scherer is a featured performer on Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen, along with stars like Dave Bickler of Survivor, Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger, Bill Champlin of Chicago, David Pack from Ambrosia, Mike Reno of Loverboy, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Bruce Gaitsch of Chicago, Alessandro Del Vecchio of Hardline and Ricky Phillips of Styx.
As Peterik explains, ‘Hopefully, these songs and heartfelt performances will bring healing to all those suffering losses in their lives, as well as serve as a celebration of life itself.’
The album is comprised of four new songs and six alternate versions of previously recorded numbers, (never before heard in Europe), along with seven classics distilled from Jimi and Fergie’s most recent releases on the Frontiers label.
Passionate and intensely personal, this collection speaks to the heart of anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Torch: the Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen [Fergie Frederiksen (Official Fan Page)] resists the temptation to wallow in sadness, choosing instead to joyously celebrate two beautiful souls who made the world a better place through the transcendent, healing power of song.
Please enjoy an EPK trailer of the album below:
Tracklist:
1.) The Music Remembers (A new song featuring Lars Säfsund and Robert Säll of Work of Art)
3.) Never Too Late (Taken from the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
4.) I’ll Be the One (Taken from the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
5.) Crossroads Moment (Torch Remix) (Previously unreleased – Original version included on the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
6.) Follow Your Heart (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Happiness is the Road)
7.) Heaven on Earth (From the Pride of Lions album, The Roaring of Dreams)
8.) Never Enough (A new song, featuring David Pack, formerly of Ambrosia)
9.) Last Battle of My War – Fergie and Friends Version – (Previously unreleased; featuring Bill Champlin, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Bruce Gaitsch, Ricky Phillips and Jim Peterik. Original version was included on the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
10.) As Is – Treasure Beneath the Tears Mix (Previously unreleased; original version was included on the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
11.) Happiness is the Road (From the Fergie Frederiksen album of the same name)
12.) You’re in Our Hearts (A new song featuring Marc Scherer)
13.) Long Road Home (From the album World Stage, featuring Jim Peterik and Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
14.) Alive (Original European Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
15.) When the Battle is Over (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
16.) Streets of Heaven (Original Japanese Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
17.) Ever Since the World Began (Previously unreleased version, featuring Dave Bickler)
(February 25th, 2015 – New York, NY) – Rock icons Whitesnake are set to return with their 12th studio album this spring. The Purple Album will be released in North America on May 19th via Frontiers Music SRL. The Purple Album is a re-imagination of classic songs from David Coverdale’s time as the lead singer for Deep Purple’s Mark 3 and Mark 4 studio albums. The album is currently available for pre-order on Amazon in a deluxe edition format ( http://geni.us/WSPurpleDLXamz ) featuring 2 bonus tracks, 4 music videos and a Behind The Scenes featurette on the recording of the album. A standard edition and a double LP vinyl format will be available in the near future. Plans are also underway for a special limited box set edition with memorabilia and merchandise. All details will be announced soon.
“It’s a tribute. A homage. It’s a huge thank you from me to Deep Purple for the opportunity I was given over 40 years ago,” states Coverdale. “As I said to Ritchie, you guys set me on an incredible journey that continues today and I couldn’t have asked for better teachers. The University of Deep Purple was an extraordinary, amazing school to learn from. We can’t wait to play these songs in concert!”
From the opening notes of the classic track “Burn,” to album closer “Stormbringer,” Whitesnake are back and better than ever. Songs like “Lady Double Dealer,” “Soldier of Fortune” and “Sail Away” are given a new energy in the very capable hands of the current Whitesnake lineup featuring David Coverdale on vocals, Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra on guitars, Michael Devin on bass and Tommy Aldridge on drums. A video for the first single “Stormbringer” can be seen below:
Whitesnake was formed in England in 1978 by David Coverdale. The band has released multi-platinum selling albums throughout the years and have been known for hits such as “Slide It In,” “Here I Go Again,” “Still Of The Night” and “Is This Love.” Whitesnake will hit the road this summer on a headlining world tour.
On February 25th, 1984 – Van Halen enjoys seeing their first #1 hit, Jump, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Van Halen’s sixth studio album released back in 1984: MCMLXXXIVor 1984.
On this day in 2003 – The mighty Scorpions performed at Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA.
On February 25th, 2013 – The incredible SLAYER performed at Big Top Luna Park in Sydney, Australia. The great Gary Holt played guitar in place of the late/legendary Jeff Hanneman and Jon Dette was the drummer.
On this day in 2015 – AC/DC has their hit, Thunderstruck, sitting at #3 on the Billboard Hard Rock Digital Songs Chart. This song was originally released back in September of 1990! Whoa, man! Thunderstruck is featured on AC/DC’s 1990 studio album: The Razors Edge. Shown above is the 10″ AC/DC Thunderstruck two song picture disc.
On February 25th, 2015 – AC/DC has their new studio album, Rock Or Bust, at #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. This is the second week in a row Rock Or Bust is sitting at #1 and has spent 11 consecutive weeks on this chart. Metal be thy name!
On this day in 2015 – The Pretty Reckless have their second studio album, Going To Hell, resting at #11 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. Going To Hell peaked at #1 on this chart, where it has spent 47 whopping weeks as well! Whoa!
“NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR
On February 25th, 1949, Ric Flair aka “Nature Boy” was born, in Tennessee. Happy Birthday, Ric Flair! WOOOOOO! Ric Flair is a 16 time World Heavyweight Champion; the most decorated champion in history! From the NWA, NWO, WCW to TNA and the WWE, Ric Flair has conquered the best! Ric Flair has also survived being struck by lightning… twice!
Ric Flair is a two-time inductee in the WWE Hall Of Fame, once as an individual wrestler and the second time with The Four Horseman. Ric Flair’s signature move is the figure-four leglock. Ric Flair is also my favorite Pro Wrestler of all-time! Ric Flair is… Metal. Long live Ric Flair and… Metal be thy name!
On February 24th, 1969 – The exceptional Led Zeppelin performed at Club Lafayette, in Wolverhampton, UK. The late and great John Bonham had booked the Club Lafayette for his wife’s (Pat) 21st birthday party. Led Zeppelin took to the stage and performed before the packed house full of friends and family.
On this day in 1975 – The sixth studio album from the iconic Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti, was released. This magnificent album is certified Platinum 16x, in the USA. This album was also released on Led Zeppelin’s new Swan Song label.
On February 24th, 1999 – Led Zeppelin IV is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame. This seminal studio album was released back in November of 1971 and features such Led Zeppelin classics as: Stairway To Heaven, Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop and When The Levee Breaks.
On this day in 2015 – MOJO magazine (issue 257) releases their Led Zeppelin/Physical Graffiti issue to the world. This issue of MOJO also contains a free CD: Physical Graffiti Redrawn. Cover versions of Physical Graffiti songs are featured on this CD, from such artists as: Blackberry Smoke, White Denim, Syd Arthur and more.
On February 24th, 2015 – Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti Deluxe Edition is released exactly 40 years to the day after its debut! Produced and remastered by the great Jimmy Page, this is undoubtedly a Led Zeppelin studio album to celebrate.
On February 22nd, 1975 – Michigan’s Grand Funk Railroad had their hit song, Some Kind Of Wonderful, sitting at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.
Above: A 45rpm cover sleeve for the S.W.A.T. theme song. It appears that the cover sleeve has Spanish spelling on it too.
On this day in 1976 – The instrumental theme song from the television series S.W.A.T. was a current hit. This song was written by Barry De Vorzon and performed by Rhythm Heritage. I was 10 years old in 1976 and this S.W.A.T. song would psyche-me-out beyond belief! I never missed an episode of S.W.A.T., back in the day either. Get this: My mother (God rest her immensely loving soul) would not allow me to watch Hawaii Five-O and gave the o.k. for me to watch S.W.A.T.; those were good times growing up that will always makes me chuckle.
You gotta remember, this television series was on before every major metropolis, city, town and small village in America had their own S.W.A.T. team at the ready. Nowadays, S.W.A.T. teams are as common as sliced bread. I suppose that’s not a bad thing, in case of an evil Reptilian Alien invasion.
To this day I don’t consider this S.W.A.T. theme a Disco song. C’mon, now. I’m telling you, man, I felt invincible when I heard this song. I still kinda get those same super hero feelings when I hear this song to this day; therefore, the theme song from S.W.A.T. is… METAL. And I’m a nerd.
On February 22nd, 2014 – Led by legendary guitarist George Lynch, the famed Lynch Mob performed at M15 in Corona, California, USA. Did you also know that Lynch Mob kicks 100%, potent and undisputed Hard Rock ass?
On this day in 2015 – Journey’s Greatest Hits is resting at #66 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, moving up 6 places from last week. This album has peaked at #10, while spending 343 weeks on this same chart. Unbelievable! Journey rules.
AMERICA’S FIRST PRESIDENT
GEORGE WASHINGTON
President George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732. George Washington is… Metal.
On February 21st, 1981 – AC/DC’s outstanding and timeless song, Back In Black, was sitting at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This would be the peak position number for this AC/DC song as well.
On this day in 1983 – The legendary Def Leppard performed at the Apollo Theatre in Manchester, England. The all-female Heavy Metal group, Rock Goddess, was the supporting band. This was one of many dates on Def Leppard’s Pyromania Tour. Def Leppard’s third studio album, Pyromania, was released in January of 1983, via Mercury Records in the USA.
On February 21st, 2012 – The mighty Motörhead performed at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, USA. This stop was one of many on Megadeth’s Gigantour.
On this day in 2015 – The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1 from Five Finger Death Punch perseveres on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, now sitting at #152. This great album peaked at #2 and has spent 54 weeks on this chart.
On February 21st, 2015 – .5: The Gray Chapter from the sensational Slipknot moves up on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart, resting at #5.
On this day in 2015 – The sixth studio album from Godsmack, 1000HP, moves up 8 positions to #10 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. This cool album peaked at #1 and has spent 28 weeks on this chart. Whoa!
On February 21st, 1971, Randy Blythe was born in Virginia, USA. Happy Birthday, Randy Blythe! Hell and whoa! Randy Blythe is globally known as the lead singer and lyricist for the incredible Lamb Of God. Long live Randy Blythe!
As a curious crusader of reflecting on my youth in the 80’s, I started recollecting some of the concerts I saw with my buddies from 1984 to 1989 and tried to remember which shows were good or not so good. We must have seen anywhere between 30 to 40 shows, during that time. Out of nowhere The Hooters came to my mind. I remember seeing them twice as an opening act; once for Bryan Adams and the other time for Loverboy.
As I recall, I thought The Hooters were good and nothing spectacular. As a band I liked quite a few of their songs from their first two studio albums Nervous Night and One Way Home, both of which I owned. After 1987/1988 The Hooters just kind of disappeared from the mainstream Rock scene. To be honest, I really didn’t seek out any new material this band may have recorded.
Now that The Hooters were on my mind, I needed to know what I’ve missed from them over the past 25 years. As I did my research, I discovered this band released 4 more studio albums and 2 live albums. My curiosity persuaded me to purchase a four CD mini box import set titled: The 30th Anniversary Fan Collection. This box set was issued in 2010 and includes 2 studio albums, Time Stands Still and 5 X 5, along with 2 live albums Both Sides LiveDisc 1 Live At The Electric Factory and Both Sides Live Disc 2 Secret Sessions Live Acoustic. For the purpose of this post I’m only going to focus on the Both SidesLive/The Electric Factory CD 2.
Above: back cover & complete track list
After listening to this disc for the first time, I was blown away! I never expected to hear such a tremendous Rock N’ Roll album. The Both Sides Live/The Electric Factory Disc 2 includes 13 tracks from their 6 studio albums. The concert begins with I’m Alive, a song from their Time Stands Still album. This would be the first time I heard this song! It’s an excellent tune that sets the mood for the entire CD. Over the course of the next 12 songs, more than half consist of their big 1980’s hits: Day By Day, Satellite, Johnny Band my favorite All You Zombies. I’ve always loved the beginning of that song and recorded live it’s even better!
In my humble opinion every song on this CD sounds better when performed live, compared to the studio versions. They even ”Hooterized” a cover of the Don Henley song classic Boys of Summer which is quite good. The concert comes to a Rockin’ conclusion with the song Free Again, also from the Time Stands Still album.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the latest Rock Music norm and want to enjoy some phenomenal Rock ‘N’ Roll performed by a bunch of fantastic musicians, I would recommend purchasing this CD from The Hooters. Hopefully, you’ll be singing along to most of the songs just as I did. I’m thrilled that I took a chance on purchasing this Hooters Box set, for after all these years I find the music of the Hooters spectacular. – Scott Coverdale
The Hooters “35” Live 2015 Tour! Check the tour schedule below for preliminary list of dates. More details will be available soon. For ticket info and updates, click the link below:
On February 20th, 1972 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at Kooyong Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
On this day in 1988 – The fantastic Foreigner was positioned at #6, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit: Say You Will. This song is featured on Foreigner’s sixth studio album, from 1987: Inside Information.
On February 20th, 1996 – The mighty Sepultura released their sixth studio album: Roots, via Roadrunner Records. Yes, this album features the song: Roots Bloody Roots.
On this day in 2009 – The comedy film, Fired Up! was released to wide-screen theaters, via Screen Gems. This movie’s plot centers around two high school football players that are popular; they are portrayed by Eric Christian Olsen and Nicholas D’Agosto. These two dudes attend a Summer cheerleading camp. Why? They both want to get close to the 300 female cheerleaders that are there. Whoa! That’s Metal! No, I never saw this movie. Honestly.
On February 20th, 2015 – LA’s Heavy Rockers Diamond Lane performs at RockBar Theater in San Jose, California. Diamond Lane is promoting their new studio album, from 2014: Terrorizer. By the way, that kick-ass album artwork above was created by Casey Howard. Long live Diamond Lane!
On this day in 2015 – The spectacular AC/DC has climbed back up 11 spots on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart to #43, with their new studio album: Rock Or Bust. Last week’s position for this album was #54. Rock Or Bust debuted at #3 and has spent 11 consecutive weeks on this chart. AC/DC is still kicking ass! Whoa!
On February 20th, 2015 – The eight studio album from Nickelback, No Fixed Address, has climbed back up 20 spots on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and sits at #98. Last week’s chart position for this album was #118. No Fixed Address debuted at #4 and has spent 13 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 200. Whoa!
Above is AC/DC Highway To Hell studio album from 1979. From L to R: Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, Angus Young and Bon Scott.
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February 19th, 1980 – The legendary Bon Scott passed away, at age 33. To think that Bon Scott died way, way too young is an understatement. Back in 1980, I only knew of one song from AC/DC and that was Highway To Hell, due to my local (Hartford, Connecticut) FM radio stations (WCCC, WHCN, WPLR) playing it and the late, great Casey Kasem spinning it on his American Top 40 syndicated radio program. This was a time when I was discovering Heavy Rock and not realizing AC/DC had a mother load of incredible albums with Bon Scott. Man, did I learn very fast as to who Bon Scott was; it was immediately following his death, unfortunately.
Above: Classic Rock Magazine – UK / July 2004
I can remember my Mother (God rest her beautiful soul) saying to me, upon my holding the Highway To Hell album at our local Caldor department store: not in my house, no sir, bub. Funny thing is, she bought me both Back In Black and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheapon 8-track tapes, upon their releases! What a difference an album cover makes! My Mother probably thought it was an entirely different band on those 8-tracks too. As I’ve stated many times before, my Mother eventually became the most embracing soul for Metal that I could have ever dreamed for.
Above: Classic Rock Magazine – Germany / January 2014
The eventual release of AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, in the USA, only super solidified that the late Bon Scott was a tried and true Hard Rock legend and his legacy was to live on forever. This great album finally hit American shores in September of 1981. As the FM radio stations began to play this album’s title song and Big Balls, it was as if Bon Scott never left us at all! Yes, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap was released earlier in 1976 for AC/DC’s homeland of Australia and (maybe) other countries; yet this album released within fourteen months of Back In Black and I easily became a simultaneous fan of both AC/DC eras.
Above: Hard Force Magazine – France / January 1990
To this day, I will listen to the Bon Scott era of AC/DC just as much as the Brian Johnson era. In my Metal heart, I do believe Bon Scott to be the better vocalist, out of the two. My favorite Bon Scott sung AC/DC song of all-time is: Touch Too Much. This unreal great song is featured on Highway To Hell. Touch Too Much never received the FM radio airplay it deserved; at least not in Connecticut where I grew up. There are dozens of other songs that psyche me out that Bon Scott sings; not listing them all here doesn’t make a difference at all. My main Metal thought of today is remembering the late and great Bon Scott and thanking him for all his timeless music and unique voice. Bon Scott can never be equalled. Rest in peace, Bon Scott. – Stone
On this day in KISSTORY – February 18, 1974 – KISS released their self-titled debut album, via Casablanca Records. I have to pinch myself, realizing that this KISS album is 41 years old! This was a phenomenal debut album from the iconic KISS, a launching pad to eventual world super stardom that continues to this very hour. Here was a debut Heavy Rock album that featured three singers. How many bands of any Rock genre pulled that off back then or now? The great Ace Frehley didn’t even sing on this album; how crazy is that?
Black Diamond is my favorite song that the awesome Peter Criss has ever sung, even though I will always dig his power ballad, Beth,from 1976’s KISS album Destroyer. The fascinating aspect about this KISS album is that it gave Rock fans three singers that did not sound alike. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss were and still are so unique, vocally, that it’s alarming in a grand way.
This album features such KISS classics: Strutter, Firehouse, Cold Gin, Deuce, 100,000 Years and Black Diamond. These are songs that have remained relevant to this day, in my Metal opinion. Strutter and Black Diamond are two KISS songs that I couldn’t live without, for Metal sakes! To this day I love the rawness of sound that this KISS debut radiates. This was not a polished album, by any stretch of the Metal imagination. To remaster this KISS album is a Metal sin.
I was only eight years old when this KISS album was released. I had absolutely no idea KISS even existed at that tender age. At eight years old, all I cared about was the Saturday morning cartoons, coloring books, bugs and my Matchbox car collection. Back then, it was a different culture in America, with (of course) no internet, cell phones or social networks. Little kids like myself were able to enjoy childhood and not be rushed into pre-adulthood; little kids of today cannot even be seen in the toy aisles of Super Walmart. Instead, I have to navigate myself around little kids swarming the computers, cell phones and accessories at Best Buy; and these same little kids are crabbing at their parents, while wearing Slipknot tee shirts and $200 sneakers. You get the point, hopefully.
Is it accurate for me to state that both KISS and their debut album were ahead of their time? I lean towards thinking so. From reading those early album reviews of that time period, I don’t believe the early Rock critics knew what to think or write about KISS. Back in 1974, Rolling Stone magazine was still in a full-throttle state of Flower Power. Heck, the Summer Of Love was only six or so years prior to this KISS album’s release. Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, The Who, Cream, Free, Led Zeppelin and Alice Cooper already introduced the world to the building blocks of Heavy Metal, thus KISS realistically did get in line when it came to Hard and Heavy Rock. Still, the pioneering Hard Rock and Heavy Metal credentials of this KISS debut album cannot be overlooked.
KISS did break loose with an original sound of melodic heaviness and their stage makeup, image and costumes were and still are stuff of marketing genius. The influence of KISS upon other bands to this day cannot be disputed and it all began with this seminal debut album. Would KISS have been embraced any less by Rock fans if there were no makeup or costumes involved? I guess we’ll never know. Thank God for that.
The first time I ever owned this terrific album was my sophomore year in high school and I obtained it through a trade with a fellow classmate. Whenever an iconic album such as this KISS debut comes up for discussion, I cannot help myself from being nostalgic about the past. For me, remembering the past is celebrating the past. It is albums such as this KISS debut from 1974 that enabled our Hard Rock and Heavy Metal communities to grow and persevere these past four decades. KISS, along with their select peers, paved the way for us all to enjoy the heavy music we embrace today and the KISS debut album will always be a treasure in my Metal world. This KISS album I could never take for granted. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Norway’s legendary TNT released a live 19 song album and its full proper title is: 30th Anniversary 1982-2012 Live In Concert With Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. This album was released back on November 10th of 2014. With the legendary Tony Harnell being such an important member in the history of TNT, it is only fitting that this symphonic Heavy Metal concert features him on vocals. Anytime Tony Harnell rejoins TNT, it’s fine to me! With the uncertainty of TNT’s future with or without Tony Harnell aside, this live album is a steel-solid must for every TNT and Classic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock fan.
This album marks the third official live album from TNT and each one features Tony Harnell on vocals. Tony Harnell was the lead singer and co-songwriter on eight consecutive TNT studio albums, from 1984 to 2005. If you are unfortunate to not have experienced TNT in concert (like myself) then this live album (and its live predecessors) will be as close as you can get in taking in a TNT concert. It took me many listens to this album to confidently give it such high praise; the more I listened, the more I have absorbed the details.
Photo credit: TNT Facebook
Above: Tony Harnell fronted TNT
The grandiose element of featuring all three lead singers from TNT’s legendary Hard Rock history on this album, makes for fantastic fraternity. Original vocalist Dag Ingebrigtsen and post-Tony Harnell era vocalist Tony Mills are also featured during this recorded concert. The great Tony Mills remains an outstanding vocalist and had carried the vocalist torch with TNT for more than a few years, singing on TNT’s last three studio albums.
We are always at the mercy of the live recording and rely on a conscientious and true production. With this live TNT album, there are many musical aspects to this concert; the symphony, the band, vocals, backing vocals and guitar solos. That may be nothing new, however, when listening to a live album such as this, everything needs to come together in close to perfection sonically, as if I was actually sitting in the arena where it all happened. I believe TNT succeeded in delivering a memorablelive experience to my ears, anyways.
Above: L to R: Tony Harnell and Ronni Le Tekrø
Tony Harnell is (per usual) top-tier vocally and these TNT vocalists could be considered to be unknowingly dueling with the symphony orchestra at times. In reality, this is still a recording and capturing for digital download or CD every vocal nuance spot-on, with so much spectacular music being performed, is not going to be an easy task. TNT as a unit are nothing short of fabulous, these are incredible musicians that seem to fit perfectly with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, this is the Electric Light Orchestra meets TNT, if you will, only super better. After so many listens to this album, it just all makes 100% sense to me.
Rest assured, TNT rocks-it-out on this album and the captured sounds of the fans in attendance only elevates the rockin’ psyched out mood and atmosphere. When the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra kicks into Sabre Dance on track #11, it’s as if the musical magic can still be non-Metal at times in my life. My favorite songs on this live album are, in no particular order: Invisible Noise, Northern Lights, My Religion, Eddie, Intuition, Magica Lanterna, the swingin’ June and the insane grand guitar solo by the great Ronni Le Tekrø. Northern Lights, Eddie and Magica Lanterna are songs that create goose bump city all over my face and arms. Yup. I will enjoy this TNT 30th Anniversarylive album for the rest of my Metal life. Metal be thy name. – Stone
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