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)
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:
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!
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.
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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Emotional Fire – Track Listing:
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:
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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LO-PAN SPRING TOUR 2012:
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:
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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2012 Tour Dates & Venues:
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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TESLA:
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:
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 samebook 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 Metalstuff. 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 MötleyCrüe, click on the link below:
MR. BIG – Releasing on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America, via Frontiers Records, is Live From The Living Roomfrom 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 EnoughFor Me. Eric Martin sounds fantastic throughout this entire performance and really shines on Voodoo Kiss, Stranger In My Lifeand 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 Youdoesn’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.
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 Machinereleasing 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.
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:
YES – Back on February 19th, 1971, the third studio album from Yes was released in the UK on Atlantic Records. Conveniently titled The YesAlbum, it boasts three songs that catapulted Yes into the stratosphere of Rock and Progressive Rock notoriety. Yours IsNo Disgrace, Starship Trooperand I’ve Seen All Good Peoplebecame 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 YesAlbum.
GARY MOORE – Live At Montreaux 2010 was released back on September 20th, 2011, via Eagle Records. The legendary Gary Moore had performed at the 44th Montreux Jazz Festival back in 2010. The Festival dates were July 2nd through July 17th of that year. This world-famous festival also showcased the following diverse lineup of bands in 2010: Simply Red, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Norah Jones, Roxy Music, Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Herbie Hancock, Joe Bonamassa and Missy Elliott (to name a several few).
Seven months to the day, after this Montreux performance, Gary Moore passed away from a heart attack. February 6th, 2011 was a very sad day for music indeed. I remember my first time listening to a Gary Moore album in its entirety and it was 1984’s Victims Of The Future. When I first saw Gary Moore in the music video for Shapes Of Things, I was hooked. I thought to myself so long ago… this dude is not acting, this dude is real.
As the Gary Moore discography of Blues piled-up, I regretfully didn’t keep up. Over the years, my habitual leanings towards the “heavy stuff” and being broke time and again seemed to detour my buying habits. It’s okay though, at least I have a Gary Moore want list that I can enjoy filling and exploring still. Plus I’ve held onto Still Got The Blues on cassette after all these years!
Recently, I came across this live Gary Moore CD at Best Buy. I knew I wasn’t leaving the store without it. The whole reality of Gary Moore passing away hit me as well once again, as I held onto this CD. I wasn’t going to be a turd and pass over fine wine for a beer on this shopping trip for music. Not this time. Honestly, this CD surprised the daylights out of me for the track listing screamed of the Hard Rock side of Gary Moore’s late 80’s career. I felt like time froze as I approached the check-out at Best Buy. Really.
As I drove home with this newly purchased Gary Moore CD playing, it felt so right. It also felt so grand to hear Gary Moore playing his harder stuff live too. Odd as it sounds, yet, Gary Moore was alive once again through his music and I just became lost in the midst of these live songs. Gary Moore played three brand new songs at this Montreux Festival and they are included on this album. The new songs are: Days Of Heroes, Where Are You Now and Oh Wild One.
All three new songs that Gary Moore and his band performed are sensational to say the least. Days Of Heroes is vintage Hard Rockin’ Gary Moore. Where Are You Now can be considered a ballad due to its tempo, still, Gary Moore lays his guitar parts and solo down with an exquisite touch, giving this song a Rockin’ edge that is difficult to shake from my brain. The Wild Frontierand After The War days are summoned up by Gary Moore in dazzling fashion, with Oh Wild One. Man, is this a melodic Hard Rock song that became instantly imbedded in my head! Whoa.
The entire band that Gary Moore assembled for this 2010 tour and Montreux performance are seasoned pros (see band lineup below). Honestly, they played damn tight together during this performance and its damn right refreshing to hear such a level of quality from them. Gary Moore just downright shines vocally and (of course) on guitar throughout each song. This live production never comes across as being “tinkered with”, it’s as live as it gets to my senses.
There are guitar legends and then there are those guitar legends that play with such emotion, that their guitar tones come across as vocals to me. Gary Moore was/will forever remain one of those guitar legends for my senses. Just listen to Blood OfEmeralds and So FarAway/Empty Rooms and hopefully you’ll understand what I mean. A mammoth of a song is Blood Of Emeralds, so fullyenriched with Gary Moore’s guitar playing and it simply moves me.
Please pardon my lengthy review for this live gem, only this Gary Moore album I could write about for another 50,000 words or so. However, I will come to a close by saying this is a live Gary Moore album that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I never had an opportunity to see Gary Moore live so this is as close as it gets. It’s amazing how music can change your mood for the better. Gary Moore Live At Montreux 2010 just elevates my spirits and reminds me once again, that what I was hearing way back in 1984 was real after all… and that was the guitar of Gary Moore.
The Band:
Gary Moore – vocals, guitar
Neil Carter – keyboards, vocals, guitar
Jon Noyce – bass
Darrin Mooney – drums
Gary Moore Live At Montreaux 2010 – Track Listing:
Legendary Alice Cooper Group Drummer and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith Unleashes his NEW Youtube Video of “Squeeze Like A Python” from his latest album “KillSmith Two”.
Click on the link below and listen to Neal Smith on vocals, drums and guitar! Neal Smith and his band flat-out: ROCK! Metal be thy name, Squeeze Like A Python is one Hard Rockin’, memorable, kick-ass classic of a song! The video is very cool itself, with some fine eye candy dancing around. Now that’s Rock ‘N Roll… whoa. – Stone
VAN HALEN – As I pondered about what and how to write my review for A Different Kind Of Truth, these two realizations came over me: A. this album simply ROCKS and B. What can I possibly write that hasn’t already been written, debated and tossed around by countless other fans, bloggers, websites and the mainstream press? Whenever a titanic sized band releases a titanic “comeback” album, such as Van Halen has done, the Rock media world can get obviously flooded with album reviews and for good reason.
Having brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen join Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ forces with David Lee Roth once again, on a full-length album, a long-awaited return of this magnitude since the RIAA Diamond Certified – 1984,is something special for fans of this band, (myself included). This Rock historic reunion becomes extra special, due to this new studio album resonating such a vintage returnto form for Van Halen. Whoa, this album ROCKS. Regardless of when any “parts” of any of the songs were written for A Different Kind OfTruth, I’m in the crowd that cares only if the songs were written by members of Van Halen… and not ABBA.
Did I mention that this new Van Halen album ROCKS? Anyhow, life is short and when authentic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal can be written and recorded by this iconic band of the Rock music world and delivered to their patient fans, (there hasn’t been a Van Halen studio album released in 14 years), then there is valid cause for Rockin’ jubilation. This is not a reunion of a band that released a lone chart topping album 25 years ago. Van Halen dominated arenas and stadiums then… and will still now. This is a reunion of a band that can easily boast as much “important” musical influence as the likes of “American” Rock historic legends KISS, Aerosmith and The Doors, (to name a few).
Diamond Dave’s hair may be a “tad” shorter in 2012 and legendary bassist Michael Anthony may be absent from this “classic” Van Halen lineup, only the successful result of 100% pure Hard Rock is in the 13 songs my ears and senses have consumed from A Different Kind Of Truth. I’m both ecstatic and impressed simultaneously by this band. My relief from the first several listens of A Different Kind Of Truth lies in the fact that this new Van Halen album is not a dud, that all four of these musicians took the “right road” and decided to keep their sound real and true. Van Halen didn’t have to reinvent themselves just due to it being 2012. By the way, this album ROCKS.
Now, if you’re looking for a return to 1984, you best keep looking. A Different Kind Of Truth is an album that fits in quite fittingly “somewhere” within the first four Van Halen releases… with Diver Down looking over this album’s shoulder. Van Hagar? Certainly a fabulous and memorable era imbedded in my Rockin’ soul. Gary Cherone fronted Van Halen? A unique moment in Van Halen history that (in my Metal opinion) receives too often unwarranted and negative commentary. It’s now 2012 and this is Classic Van Halen. The Return of Van Halen. Diamond Dave fronted Van Halen. The world just became a “tad” brighter for me, as I wrote that preceding line.
* For more info on VAN HALEN, click on the link below:
MOLLY HATCHET – The Southern Rock & Hard Rock sound of the legendary Molly Hatchet lives! Check out below the 2012 “Justice” World Tour dates and maybe Molly Hatchet will be Flirtin’ With Disaster in your backyard!
2012 Justice World Tour:
February 24th – Lockport, NY @ The Palace Theatre
February 25th – Plymouth, NH @ Flying Monkey Performance Center
March 24th – Mesa, AZ @ Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion
April 7th – Pooler, GA @ Ogelthorpe Speedway Park
April 28th – Fort Worth, TX @ Texas Motor Speedway
May 4th – Smithfield, NC @ Neuse River Amphitheatre
May 18th – Starke, FL – TBA
June 2nd – Scleswig, Germany @ Baltic Open Air Festival 2012
June 10th – Vernon, NJ @ Hidden Valley Club Rock Ribs Ridges
June 15th – Clisson, France @ Hellfest 2012
September 12th – Waterloo, Iowa @McElroy Auditorium National Cattle Congress
September 14th – Abingdon, VA @ Washington County Fair
* 2012 “Justice” World Tour Dates To Be Added
(Source: Molly Hatchet Official Website)
* For more info on MOLLY HATCHET, click on the link below:
Alice Cooper – You And Me (1977/Single/Warner Bros.)
ALICE COOPER – Back on February 4th, 1948, Alice Cooper was born. Today, the ultra influential and legendary Alice Cooper turns a young, Rockin’ and Metallin’ 64! So, without further Metal ado…
HAPPY
ROCKIN’
BIRTHDAY
ALICE
COOPER!
Alice Cooper – Constrictor (1986/MCA)
THANK YOU ALICE COOPER FOR YOUR PIONEERING BRAND OF HEAVY METAL, HORROR ROCK AND PERSONA!
Wanna read about that really cool You And Me 45 rpm single you see at the top of this post? Just click on the big header link below! I wrote and posted up this article back on June 20th, 2010. Metal be thy name!
Tickets On Sale Friday, February 3, at 10AM EST Through Ticketfly
Back for its fourth year with another 2-day festival dedicated to all things Hair, Glam and ROCK, M3 Rock Festival will be Kix-ing off on Friday, May 11th with headlining sets from Baltimore Hair Metal legends Kix, Night Ranger and more! But make sure to save plenty of Aquanet and spandex for an all day Metal slam on Saturday, May 12th featuring two non-overlapping stages and a Festival Village with tons to check out! Indulge in a weekend reliving one of the greatest times of shred-tastic Rock with an all-star 80s lineup for M3-4 at Merriweather Post Pavilion this May!
Don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the Rock & Bus!
Shuttle service from Powerplant Live! in Baltimore and other locations around the DMV to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Drink specials & parking validation available at Powerplant Live! before and after the show!
Louis St. August, lead singer for Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS, has been nominated in this year’s Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll that recognizes the bands and musicians who have impacted the local music scene of New England during 2011. Louis St. August has been nominated in the “Male Vocalist Of The Year” category.
The poll will close at 11:45 PM on Friday, Feb. 3rd. Here is the link to the poll:
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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