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:
EXTREME will make their much-anticipated debut concert performance in Moscow, Russia. This landmark concert will be the first time Extreme has played Russia and will take place at the new Stadium Concert Hall on April 25th.
As you prep your SXSW dance card, you’ll definitely want to add the Austin based duo, Not In The Face. These guys havebeen described by those in the know as; Grimy, gritty and raw – Low-Fi and boisterous with a Texas redneck attitude – blistering blues-pop – Righteous! – their songs reveal a mean streak and melodic sense that would make Paul Westerberg proud…like a punk rock Springsteen from the Deep South.
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Live Reviews:
” (the) powerhouse two-piece stormed the stage with big , meaty riffs and a bluesy swagger that might invite comparisons to , say, the Black Keys, but which was infused with such a joy being alive that it felt positively Springsteen-ian” – Culturemap Austin
“…Opening a weeknight bill inside Emo’s , unassuming in every way, the drummer and guitarist proceeded to build from a rootsy garage groove that turned into an all out assault and an epic, Zepplin-esque climax that made Not in the Face the must-see act of the week…” – The Austin Chronicle
Not in the Face ” has the strength of Bruce Springsteen with the swagger of Johnny Cash channeling the electricity of Iggy Pop” –Republic of Austin
“The Austin duo cranks out catchy, energetic and dynamic Southern-tinged rock that will have you pumping your fist in the air one minute and crying into your beer the next.” -KUT 90.5 Radio (Austin NPR Station)
“Their live show left me with my jaw hanging…It was hot, it was loud and it was fucking amazing.” – Windy City Rock
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(Source: MAD Ink, PR)
* For more info on NOT IN THE FACE, 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!
I guess the above poster says it all. Big name bands. Up and coming bands too. It’s cool that the promoters of Rocklahoma want to “mix things up” with a wide representation of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. From what I’m seeing looking at this Rocklahoma lineup, there is something for just about every Heavy Music fan, both young and (gulp) old. No Death or Black Metal bands on this Rocklahoma bill though, what a shame.
ANTI-MORTEM is a Heavy Hittin’ and Hard Rockin’ band from Oklahoma that kicks some very serious ass. Very serious ass they kick. I’m not one for whining about whose band name is bigger on any F’n festival poster, yet MEGADETH should have their name up at the top. I imagine the same can be said for SLASH and QUEENSRYCHE too. Metal be thy name.
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* For more info on ROCKLAHOMA, click on the links below:
ADRENALINE MOB – Releasing on March 13th, 2012, via Elm City Music is the debut full-length from Metal Supergroup – ADRENALINE MOB. Featuring: Mike Portnoy (Drums), Russell Allen – (Vocals) Mike Orlando, (Guitar) and John Moyer (bass).
Tune in every Tuesday at 9pmEST starting February 28, for a NEW episode!
Los Angeles, CA – Fools for Rowan, the Nashville based rock band is set to release an eight-part web series called “Life On The Road With Fools For Rowan,” on February 28, 2012. Every week, the web-series will debut a new segment of behind the scenes footage from their summer concert with the bands Evanescence and Art of Dying, put together by super fan and videographer, Beth Barbaglia.
Beth Barbaglia, a videographer from Mequon, Wisconsin and graduate of Concordia University, was eager to put together the remarkable video footage after seeing them in concert last August with Evanescence and Art of Dying.
The series will include the pre-show party with fans, including guest appearances Lzzy and Joe, from Halestorm, plus scenes from the dressing room with Art of Dying. Also included is footage before, after, and during their show with Evanescence. The eight-part series will also feature the Fox 17 Nashville’s interview segment, live performances, fan footage, pre-show load in, and a sound check rehearsal at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium.
Fools For Rowan is a powerhouse rock group defined by their soaring vocals, powerful guitar licks and intense personal lyrics. Thanks to the support of their amazing fans, the band successfully completed their Kickstarter campaign to raise the money needed to record their highly anticipated sophomore album. The band is also planning another nationwide tour for 2012.
If you have ever wondered what really goes on in the life of your favorite rockstars, then don’t miss the band’s eight-part series premiering February 28, 2012 at 9pm EST/8pm CST. You can catch the series on Fools for Rowan’s official website, Facebook page, and YouTube page. The series will provide a real, inside look to the people behind the music.
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(Source: LaFamos PR & Branding)
* For more info on FOOLS FOR ROWAN, click on the links below:
69 CHAMBERS like to call their music a minefield of contradictions, combining brutality with pop sensibility in an array of in-your-face Rock and Metal songs.
With their upcoming yet untitled masterpiece, 69 CHAMBERS are more than ready to take over the world’s Rock and Metal audiences. In the band’s own words, the new songs are more mature, sometimes harder, and playfully incorporate different stylistic influences.
The immediate success of their debut album “War On The Inside” allowed the band to play live highlights such as Hellfest Open Air in France and the renowned MFVF Festival in Belgium, and survive several line-up changes up to the recent departure of bassist Maddy Madarasz in late 2011.
Now stronger than ever, the band is back to a three-piece formation including guitar legend Tommy Vetterli and world-class drummer Diego Rapacchietti, while Nina is taking over the bass duties.
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69 CHAMBERS are:
Nina Treml – Bass & Vocals
Tommy Vetterli – Guitar
Diego Rapacchietti – Drums
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(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on 69 CHAMBERS, click on the links below:
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:
LOS ANGELES TRIO FEATURES DAVE LOMBARDO (SLAYER), PANCHO TOMASELLI (WAR) AND GERRY NESTLER (CIVIL DEFIANCE)
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21, 2012 – PHILM, the Los Angeles power trio featuring Slayer’s Dave Lombardo, War’s Pancho Tomaselli and Gerry Nestler of Civil Defiance, have signed to Ipecac Recordings and will release their debut album, Harmonic, on May 15.
“When people hear about my involvement in PHILM, they automatically assume that it will compare to Slayer’s sound,” explains Lombardo. “They couldn’t be more different. I have scaled down my drum set to a four-piece, reminiscent of the drummers from the late ’60s that influenced me. Each song is unique in itself, I like to refer to it as ‘rhythmic emotion.” It’s almost like taking all the heavy songs of the ’60s and bringing that era to a modern plateau, then blending them with the modern trance and psychedelic sounds of today.”
“We decided to record Harmonic in the intimate setting of a home, with various vintage recording equipment. ” says Lombardo on the band’s debut album. “The music was written collectively in an improvisational manner, unlike the majority of recordings I’ve done before. This was very important given this is my first recording where I’m carrying the title of Producer and performer. The album achieves a dense, unholy convergence of tones and discords.We also touch on haunting, desolate, ambient sounds. Our music tends to be written in a manner where we never know the outcome until we listen back to what we recorded. A Harmonic journey.”
A highly anticipated release, PHILM officially took form in late 2010 with a handful of tour dates and an early four-song demo that quickly began to make the rounds of in-the-know music critics. Noisecreep said the band “has crafted a crunchy, thrashy, yet thoroughly unclassifiable sound” and the OC Weekly said of the trio: “PHILM’s ability to melt down metal influences and mix them with the elements of funk, ambient jazz and punk… is potent and has left audiences wondering how so much noise could emanating from just three musicians.”
PHILM’s next show is Apr.28 at The Ruby Room in San Diego with more tour dates to be announced soon.
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Harmonic – Track Listing:
01. Vitriolize
02. Mitch
03. Hun
04. Area
05. Way Down
06. Harmonic
07. Exuberance
08. Sex Amp
09. Amoniac
10. Held in Light
11. Dome
12. Killion
13. Mezzanine
14. Mild
15. Meditation
(Source: Speakeasy PR)
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* For more info on PHILM, click on the links 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:
What do you get when you mix Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper) JK Northrup (King Kobra / XYZ) Justin Murr (LnJ) and Louis St August (MASS)??
A little fun tune called “Stretch Armstrong” off the forthcoming Liberty & Justice CD “Hell Is Coming To Breakfast” out March 1st! ____________________________________________________________________
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:
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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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