Back on January 27th, I attended the Gigantour show at the Mohegan Sun area in Uncasville, Connecticut. On the bill this time around was (headliner) Megadeth, Motorhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I am not a huge Megadeth fan, but there was nothing else coming around so I decided to attend. In fact, I think Megadeth is the band that I care least about that I somehow manage to see the most.
The evening started off with a 35 minute set from Lacuna Coil. I had never heard them (or Volbeat) before this show, and I was almost completely unimpressed by this band. The female singer Cristina Scabbia has an amazing voice and is not too bad to look at either. However the rest of the band, to me, seemed average. But the worst was the male singer, Andrea Ferro, who I can best describe as the Flava Flav of Nu Metal. He can't sing very well, interjects himself where he isn't needed, and continually annoys with instructions to jump up and down, clap your hands, etc. I was glad their set was only 35 minutes.
Volbeat was next, and while I was unfamiliar with their music, they put on a high energy set and were just a solid band. For me, they were the highlight of the night. They were tight and knew how to put on a show. Plus, the singer was generally appreciative of all reactions from the crowd (which was starting to fill in at this point), which I just like. The downside of this band is all of their songs start to sound very similar about half way through their set.
Next up was Motorhead, who were the real reason I attended. Believe or not, I had never seen them live before. They were exactly what you would expect them to be, so I was neither blown away or let down by Motorhead. Plus, I personally dig Lemmy's disposition, and find him to be hysterical.
Finally, it was time for the headliners, Megadeth, to take the stage. My God, what a lackluster performance this show was. My biggest gripe with Dave Mustaine is that he never seems to put any energy into his shows and is just going through the motions, and this was the worst example of this that I have ever seen. The set, which opened with "Trust," was stale and boring, and basically the same set that I have seen them play many times before. The vocals were low in the mix, but when you could hear Dave, he sounded like he was just whining into the microphone. Honestly, I could not wait for the show to end. The rest of the band are impressive, but when the frontman is a dud, there isn't much you can do to save the show.
If I had to grade this show, it would be a D+ or C- at best. I've been to many shows, and this one just simply lacked a spark that made it interesting or fun. That being said, I do think I am in the minority with my opinion, because the show had to be close to a sellout and the crowd was loving Megadeth. Maybe they see something that I don't...
Diva extraordinaire, Whiney Houston, died yesterday in Los Angeles, Calif. She was 48. Her body was found in a fourth floor room of the Beverly Hilton Hotel and the cause of death is still under investigation. Houston was at the hotel gearing up for a pre-Grammy party. Tonight's Grammy Awards show will obviously be filled with tributes to Houston.
Houston's voice was unmatched and she defined pop music in the 80s. Quite simply, no one could hit notes like Houston. I'll never forget watching the video for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" with my mom when I was a kid. My mom shook her head and said "Some people just have it all." She was of course referring to that amazing voice and the cover model good looks.
Because Whitney Houston's voice and talent was transcendent, it isn't surprising that many rock musicians have tweeted tributes in her honor.
Bret Michaels released this statement:
"My deepest condolences to Whitney Houston's family and friends. I first met Whitney when we were in Rome on tour. I couldn't sleep so I went down to the lobby. There she was sitting on the couch reading a book. Apparently she couldn't sleep either. We sat and hung out chatting for quite a while. She was awesome. Over the years, we ran into each other at several other events, the most memorable being when we were performing in Rio for the Hollywood Rocks festival. I happened to walk up to my room from the pool where a bunch of us had been sitting and saw the news about the Northridge earthquake. I remember telling her, the guys from Aerosmith and others about the news... Again... what a great person with a great voice and amazing talent. She will be missed."
Sebastian Bach released this statement:
"This is hitting me hard. I used to sing all of Whitney Houston's songs all the time. I absolutely loved her voice. I practiced along to her songs countless times and her music affects me deeply. I cannot believe how temporary life is. How fragile music is. Everything you know, everything you hold dear can be ripped away at a moment's notice and you won't even see it coming. I always figured Whitney would record another record that would blow us all away. So sad that was not meant to be. 48 years old? Ugh. It makes me sick. Such a loss. RIP, Whitney Houston. My condolences to my friend Bobby Brown and his children."
Skid Row tweeted "R.I.P. Whitney Houston" as did James Michael. Kip Winger tweeted "Sad to lose such a one of a kind talent, RIP Whitney Houston." Nickelback tweeted "Rest in Peace Whitney Houston. Thank you for the gift you gave us all." Aerosmith's Joey Kramer chimed in with "Stunned & Sad #Ripwhitneyhouston." Finally, Slash weighed in and tweeted "Shattering news about Whitney. RIP."
I have great news! Rival Sons, one of my favorite new bands, is entering the studio! The band will release a new album later this year - and I'll be seeing them at Rock on the Range in May!
Here's some new album details:
No young band made a bigger impact on rock and roll this past year than Los Angeles’ RIVAL SONS! The band signed to Earache Records in June and quickly churned out the incredible ‘Pressure & Time’, which created buzz throughout the globe as being the best new rock band to come around in ages, including being labeled as iTunes’ “Breakout Rock Artist of The Year”. The band also reached other highlights such as playing the SuperBowl ‘Salute to the Troops’ Kick-Off Party and performing across the world with acts such as Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, AC/DC and Evanescence, amongst others. RIVAL SONS also had the great pleasure of performing alongside Jeff Beck at the Classic Rock Awards (broadcast on Sky TV), where the band was also nominated for two awards.
Now, RIVAL SONS is back in the studio throughout February to record the follow-up to ‘Pressure & Time’, which is expected to surface later this year on Earache Records. The band is locked inside Honey Pye Studios in Nashville with GRAMMY-nominated producer Dave Cobb (Chris Cornell, Waylan Jennings, Jamey Johnson) who has produced all three previous releases from RIVAL SONS and GRAMMY-winning engineer Vance Powell (Jack White, Kings of Leon, Jimmy Buffett).
RIVAL SONS has quickly become one of the most lauded rock bands in the world and 2012 will see them further their hold as Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Saviors. More details to come soon regarding their new album and tour plans.
RIVAL SONS will perform at this year’s annual Rock On The Range in Columbus, OH from May 18 – 20 alongside Incubus, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Marilyn Manson, Slash and more. The band has also been tapped to perform at this year’s Rocklahoma (May 25-27) and will soon be returning to the UK with Black Stone Cherry. This summer will see RIVAL SONS hit the major European festivals.
Bret Michaels is working on a duet with country music legend Loretta Lynn. Yeah, you read that correctly. Michaels and Lynn will rerecord 'Ever Rose Has Its Thorn.'
The remake of 'Rose' will be included as a bonus track on Michaels' upcoming album 'Get Your Rock On.' Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, My Darkest Days guitarist Sal Costa and Jimmy Buffett will also guest on the record.
The other day Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry tweeted that the band was ready to hit the road this summer, starting in June. That's awesome news. Not awesome news? NME is reporting that longtime Aero producer Jack Douglas wanted the band to hire Stephen King to write song lyrics to specifically help out lead singer Steven Tyler.
Yes, Douglas wanted the guy who wrote Thinner and Carrie, (ok, King wrote Thinner under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, but still...) to write lyrics for Aerosmith.
Apparently the Bad Boys from Boston had the same reaction as me when they heard Douglas' idea.
According to the article, which originally appeared in Classic Rock magazine, Douglas said of the idea:
"They looked at me like I was crazy... If there's anyone who's going to inspire him, it'd be Stephen King.'"
Douglas conceded that Steven didn't need melody help.
I'm sorry but I think this is insane. Then again, Aerosmith is widely known to use outside writers. I mean, Diane Warren anyone?
Since it's just about time for the Rocklahoma lineup announcement, it seems only fitting to discuss what is going on with the Gypsy Pistoleros. Some deets:
In advance of the release of their highly anticipated album FOREVER WILD, BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED: GREATEST HITS VOL. 1, Flamenco Rock ’n’ Rollsters GYPSY PISTOLEROS give us a taste of things to come with their Flamencoinfused, glammed out rendition of Ricky Martin’s chart hit LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA! With its English translation ‘Living the Crazy Life’, this track is an uncannily appropriate way of capturing the PISTOLEROS’ wild persona - as flaunted across the stages of ROCKLAHOMA five years running. The group has also swaggered its way into numerous sweatbox club shows, notching up a series of gigs including shows alongside BUCKCHERRY, PAPA ROACH, LA GUNS and ZZ TOP.
The PISTOLEROS host a gig on the 23rd of March at CLUB HELL (Fixxion Warehouse, Skinner Street, Wolverhampton) celebrating their debut HMR release. VERY special guests, strippers, burlesque performers, midgets (!)… This gig is not to be missed.
For more details and to view the LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA music video, see HeavyMetalRecords.com and GypsyPistoleros.com. From their 2006 beginnings as opening act for American Rockers ADLERS APPETITE in Spain the PISTOLEROS quickly attracted the attention of the Spanish Rock media. Capturing the imagination of Spanish Audiences with a glorious collision of crashing big punk rock riffs on a backdrop of Spanish flamenco breaks, the band has earned themselves a critically acclaimed worldwide reputation for their attitude-laced fusion of Latin Rock.
THE GYPSY PISTOLEROS ARE:
Lee Pistolero (Vocals) Iggy Pistolero (Guitars) Jeff Pistolero (Drums) Kenny K. Doll (Bass)
This greatest hits collection has been mixed and produced by the legendary Joe Gibb (Jane’s Addiction, Funeral for a Friend) at the Mighty Atom Studios.
I know I have a lot of readers that play guitar so I thought I would pass this along. Paul Gilbert is doing an awesome clinic this summer. I can only imagine this is going to be awesome.
The first annual Paul Gilbert’s Great Guitar Escape--featuring aacclaimed gguitarist Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X)--will take place July 9-13 at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY. Guitar players of all ages, levels and styles are invited to join Paul Gilbert and other expert musicians for this experience focused on the techniques, styles, and life of the modern working musician.
Paul’s musicianship was praised in the January 2012 issue of Guitar Player magazine. Writer Matt Blackett noted, “His sense of melody, composition, and humor in his solos is world class, and his chops and execution—which have always been off the freaking hook—just keep getting better.”
Here are comments from some of the instructors for Paul Gilbert’s Great Guitar Escape:
Paul Gilbert:
“When I was in high school, I would look ahead to every summer vacation and think, ‘This summer, I’m really going to get better.’ Those summer days were a chance to take my extra time and focus it all on the guitar. The result was noticeable bursts of improvement in my technique, my ability to improvise, and my ability to write songs. These musical leaps always seemed to happen when I could remove the distractions of daily life and spend hours getting deeper into the instrument. With the help of the teachers at The Great Guitar Escape, and the stunning location of the Full Moon Resort, I know that you will take similar leaps yourself…from “instant gratification” techniques and phrases, to musical ideas and philosophy to last you into the future... Let’s make this summer the one where you take your guitar playing and musicianship to a new level. I’ll be practicing my guitar until I see you there!”
Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats, Dizzee Rascal, Asia, The Fellowship, The Young Punx):
“I'm flattered and honoured that Paul Gilbert invited me to be involved with his Great Guitar Escape - and I must say I'm looking forward to it immensely. There's something very cool about the idea of guitar players getting together in a pleasantly tranquil location to celebrate their chosen instrument…and Paul's roster of tutors encompasses an impressively diverse range of playing styles, so this promises to be a musically mind-expanding experience for everyone who attends. Most pleasing!”
Tony MacAlpine (CAB, Planet X):
“The Great Guitar Escape is an excellent way to learn and interact with professional guitar players and an even better way to have a super time in a great environment where improvement is the goal!”
Chris “Kid” Andersen (Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, The Terry Hanck Band, Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop):
“I am very proud to be part of Paul Gilbert's Great Guitar Escape. If there are any guitarists out there who couldn't pick up a thing or two from the incredibly diverse lineup of instructors who will be at their beck and call during this week, I can only assume that they are busy doing some incredibly well-paying gig, or that they are contractually obligated to do something to pay off their debt to Satan that week. Regardless of whether you are a shredder, jazzer, rock god in training, funkazoid, bluesman or a chicken-picker, you are going to have a great time and get a chance to meet up, learn from and jam with some people that'll fit your taste and make your every day of this experience. Personally, I am eagerly anticipating seeing Guthrie Govan doing an impression of me! "
Scotty Johnson (Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Paul Gilbert, Robben Ford’s Fords and Friends, The Ford Blues Band, The Blindside Blues Band):
"I'm thrilled to be a part of this landmark event. Clinics by day, jamming every night, throw in the beautiful scenery and this is as close to heaven as a guitar player can get!"
Sam Coulson (UK guitar virtuoso):
"I am looking forward to this July's Great Guitar Escape with even greater anticipation! It makes me extremely proud to be teaching and playing alongside my fellow contributors. It is my belief that everyone attending will find themselves in a magnificent environment to soak up all the musical ideas they possibly can. And furthermore, what a great location to do so in. The amazing beauty of upstate New York will be the perfect place to stand up next to a mountain and chop it down with the edge of your hand! Needless to say I am thoroughly excited to perform and teach at Paul Gilbert's Great Guitar Escape!"
Kelly Lemieux (bassist for Goldfinger, Electric Love Hogs, 22 Jacks, MD.45, King of Clubs, Fear):
"What an amazing thing to be a part of. I'm sure this will be a great learning experience for everyone involved. I can't wait for this summer! I'm shopping for bug repellent right now!"
The daily schedule for Paul Gilbert's Great Guitar Escape is as follows:
Monday, July 9
3:00 PM
Sign In
4:30-5:15 PM
Meet and Greet with Instructors
5:30-6:30 PM
Paul Gilbert – Introduction Seminar
6:45-8:00 PM
Dinner
8:30 PM
Concert with Paul Gilbert Band
Tuesday, July 10
8:00-10:00 AM
Breakfast
10:15-11:15 AM
Scotty Johnson – Crash Course in Music Theory: The Language of Musicians
11:30-12:45 PM
Paul Gilbert – 5 Steps to Alternate Picking
1:00-2:00 PM
Lunch
2:15-3:30 PM
Kid Anderson – Rock ‘n’ Blues Vocabulary I
Paul Gilbert – Hands-On Beginners Course I
3:45-5:00 PM
Tony MacAlpine – Advanced Heavy Rock I
5:15-6:30 PM
Guthrie Govan – Choose Your Notes Wisely: Note Choice and Improvisation
6:45-8:00 PM
Dinner
8:30 PM
Concert/Jam with Paul Gilbert and all instructors
Wednesday, July 11
8:00-10:00 AM
Breakfast
10:15-11:15 AM
Sam Coulson – Vibrato, Sustain, and Ripping Tone I
11:30-12:45 PM
Paul Gilbert – Stuck Technique – Unstuck!: Break Through Your Technique Barriers
Bring your guitar!
1:00-2:00 PM
Lunch
2:15-3:30 PM
Rodney Holmes – Groove Inventions I
Mike Arellano – Guitar Tech 101
Paul Gilbert – Hands-On Beginner’s Course II
3:45-5:00 PM
Scotty Johnson – Essential Skills for the Working Guitarist I
Tom Size – Crash Course in Modern Mixing
5:15-6:30 PM
Kid Andersen – Rock ‘n’ Blues Vocabulary II
Kelly LeMieux – Bass Guitar On Tour I
6:45-8:00 PM
Dinner
8:30 PM
Concert/Jam with Paul Gilbert and all instructors
Thursday, July 12
8:00-10:00 AM
Breakfast
10:15-11:15 AM
Sam Coulson – Vibrato, Sustain, and Ripping Tone II
Scotty Johnson – Essential Skills for the Working Guitarist II
11:30-12:45 PM
Paul Gilbert – Melodic Phrasing with Arpeggios and ‘Arscalios’
1:00-2:00 PM
Lunch
2:15-3:30 PM
Tony MacAlpine – Advanced Heavy Rock II
Rodney Holmes – Groove Inventions II
Paul Gilbert – Beginner’s Course III
3:45-5:00 PM
Guthrie Govan – It’s All in the Details: A Guide to Articulation and Control
Kelly LeMieux – Bass Guitar On Tour II
6:45-8:00 PM
Dinner
8:30 PM
Concert/Jam with Paul Gilbert and all instructors
Friday, July 13
8:00-10:00 AM
Breakfast
10:00-11:00 AM
Paul Gilbert Speech/Meet and Greet with Photo
11:00 AM
Check Out
For full details about Paul Gilbert’s Great Guitar Escape, visit:
Monday, February 13, 2012 at 12:01AM 