Aerosmith Live: Woodstock '94

I've just been wiped out recently. I mean, downright tired. Instead of working on other projects, I ended up watching Aerosmith's Woodstock '94 performance.

Man, I remember watching that gigantic music festival from my little bedroom T.V. Woodstock '94 was held in August to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Woodstock. I remember everything about Aerosmith's fantastic performance that night: it was pouring down rain, but that didn't stop my boys from blowing the younger bands out of the water (yes, pun intended). I was so mad at my parents...I wanted to go to Woodstock '94 bad. I think I literally twitched as I watched the thousands of other people in attendance have an awesome time. I was about 15 during the festival, so I obviously couldn't go alone.

Man, it seemed like everyone knew about Woodstock '94. That was in the days where MTV still played music...and still promoted at least some bands. Pepsi was a gigantic sponsor...I'm sure they ponied up the cash to have the festival broadcast on MTV.

All I know is that I spent the entire festival in my bedroom, staring at my television, and damning my youth. Maybe that's why I'm rabid about concerts now? I don't worry about the money anymore, I'll be damned if I miss a life-changing experience over something as petty as cash (hey, another pun!).

Anyway, Aerosmith performed a lengthy set during Woodstock '94. Here's the song list:

Eat the Rich
Toys in the Attic
Fever
Joe Perry Solo
Draw the Line/F.I.N.E. extended jam
Rag Doll
Cryin'
Crazy
Monkey On My Back
Mama Kin
Shut Up and Dance
Stop Messin' Around
Walk On Down
Janie's Got A Gun
Love In An Elevator
Dude (Looks Like a Lady)
Sweet Emotion
Come Together
'Livin On the Edge
Walk This Way

Of course, I was familiar with every Aerosmith song. I couldn't help wondering then (as I do now) if the young people in the crowd recognize the older songs and their immense importance on American rock music and cultural landscape. After all, 98% of glam bands I write about here are largely influenced by Aerosmith -- just as new bands are today. They ain't America's greatest rock n' roll band for nothing.

Rocklahoma Predictions

There are 234 days until Rocklahoma 2008. While ticket prices have already gone up, and the front VIP section is nearly sold-out...without a single band announcement! I just called Rock Fever, and the receptionist told me those bands will be announced the beginning of next month. My assumption is that the announcement will be much like last year: a few trickles here and there, right up until July 2008.

That's fine with me: the announcements give me something to look forward to and to write about.

At any rate, here are my official predications for Rocklahoma 2008. We'll see how many I get correct.

Whitesnake (headliner)
Iron Maiden (headliner)
Def Leppard (headliner)
Poison
Gypsy Pistoleros
Steelheart
Britny Fox
Pretty Boy Floyd (a reunited, original line-up)
Jet Boy
Vains of Jenna
Sweet FA
Firehouse
Fastway
Saigon Kick
Sebastian Bach

Some of these are givens (Steelheart, Gypsy Pistoleros), others are out of left field (Saigon Kick, Sweet FA, Iron Maiden).

Would you pay $325 for this line-up? Remember, more than 30 bands perform over the four day festival. While organizers hope to bring all new bands for 2008, I will guarantee a handful of repeats right here, right now. In my own world, I'd love to see Aerosmith and Motley Crue (with Tommy Lee on drums), but I'd say both these very expensive bands are just wishful thinking.

So, what are your Rocklahoma 2008 predictions?

Remember, you can check out the website and buy tickets at www.rockfeverfest.com

PBF: More Rumors

As usual, there's something brewing in Pretty Boy Floyd land. Is a reunion with the original members (you know, the Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz) line-up in the works?

Sources tell me...yes. More suspect? Original PBF guitarist Kristy Majors owns Artists Worldwide. Pretty Boy Floyd has suddenly appeared on their roster (www.artists-worldwide.com).

I interviewed Kristy very recently (please see "Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll") and he denied a reunion possibility. I guess we'll see.

Heavy Metal Moms

Way back before Fox News Channel, Geraldo Rivera had his own daytime talk show known as Geraldo. If you're over the age of 25, you probably get the Al Capone vault joke. If you don't get the reference, just look it up on the Internet. You'll have a laugh, I'm sure.

Anyway, Geraldo loves crazy, over the top stories. He also loves to take sensational positions during those interviews, making him a great fit for Fox News.

During the 11 year run of Geraldo, the star "journalist" had guests from all walks of life on his Emmy winning show. One day he hosted a program called "Heavy Metal Moms."

That broadcast featured Steve West of Danger Danger and Kristy "Krash" Majors of (then) Pretty Boy Floyd. Of course, their moms were also in tow. Who else was on the show?  A slew of others including members of Jethro Tull and Joey Ramone and his mom Charlotte Lesher.

I bought a broadcast of the show, but my copy only includes about eight minutes of the hour long program. I'll continue to hunt for the entire episode, still, those eight minutes are priceless.

During those precious few minutes, Steve West talks about being on the road and his mother swoons over the joy of having a son in a glam band. She says she supports her son - and the rest of Danger Danger. This is in stark contrast for Kristy Majors. His mother is embarrassed and says she wishes her son were a doctor, lawyer or even accountant.

At any rate, the clips are a downright hoot -- the dichotomy of watching the audience of women wearing suits with giant shoulder pads juxtaposed against panel guests wearing leather (and yes, lace) is an interesting take on societal mores. Even though Metal became the predominant choice of music in the 1980s, artists still did their best to look different from everyday people. After all, it is Metal's way to flip a middle finger at convention.

Here's Kristy "Krash" Majors talking about groupies. Watch as his mother panics.

Candy Harlots

Just this week, my good friend Christian turned me on to a great Australian glam band.

Candy Harlots were formed in 1987 in Sydney. Apparently, they had quite a reputation...then again, it seems every 80s glam band lived a crazy lifestyle.

It took a few years...but they landed a major deal with Virgin, and released Five Wicked Ways in 1992. Of course, this deal came after a slew of line-up changes, including the replacement of founding vocalist Mark Easton.

That song spawned a few singles, and the band even shot several videos. At any rate, Candy Harlots have a great sound. Remember, this band was far removed from the Sunset Strip and Los Angeles debauchery -- still, the sound in authentic, the influences easy to distinguish.

Here's "Sister's Crazy" from Candy Harlots, off their debut Five Wicked Ways:

Battle Royale: L.A. Guns

Things are getting ugly once again in the dueling L.A. Guns camps. As you probably know by now, there are two versions of the band: one featuring guitarist Tracii Guns, the other featuring vocalist Phil Lewis.

I'm continually torn by this on-going brouhaha. I love Phil Lewis because of Girl, but I think any L.A. Guns featuring Tracii is the real version.

At any rate, Tracii's version is set to hit the road for a winter jaunt, and they'll be coming to Dayton, Ohio. Not surprisingly, I'll be in the crowd.

The other day, Phil Lewis sent a not-so-nice Myspace bulletin berating Tracii Guns and his version of L.A. Guns. I didn't feel like getting in the middle of things by posting here, but since Tracii finally responded, I think it's O.K. to give my opinion on things. By the way, Tracii said he's disappointed in Phil and he thinks both versions should have the opportunity to make a living.

So, what do I think? I think it's very unprofessional for Phil Lewis to run down Tracii Guns. Both men are talented glam artists, so why sling mud? It's pretty clear a reconciliation isn't happening any time soon, so fans get two versions of the band. In some ways this is great: two versions mean twice as many chances to see a band I love.

People know I'm a fan of Paul Black, an original L.A. Guns vocalist who is now back with Tracii. Critics say Paul can't sing, but the problem is this: those critics don't get it. Paul Black is an entire package. When Tracii's L.A. Guns take the stage everyone has a good time. That's the point of going to a rock show in the first place.

Here's Paul Black and Tracii Guns version of L.A. Guns, performing "Wheels of Fire" live in the U.K.

Now, here's the Phil Lewis fronted version performing "Rip and Tear" at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles.

I'm equal opportunity, so I like them both. Which version do you prefer?

Unholy Confessions

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Avenged Sevenfold. The band just released a new self-titled disc and is now touring the country in support of the work. Over the years, Avenged Sevenfold have changed their sound, becoming slightly more slick as fame rolls their way.

If you listen to the band's music enough, it's easy to pick up influences other than straight Metal. The band is a mix of metalcore, thrash, screamo...and yes, glam.

While most modern Metal bands eschew the notion of a lengthy guitar solo, A7X embrace the practice -- with two top-notch axemen! Much like RATT 20 years ago, Avenged Sevenfold's calling card is amazing guitar work. It's this virtuosity that has drawn both me and my husband to their fold.

Now, I'm sure you're skeptical but seriously, if you like glam and guitars you should give A7X a chance. They have a strong Guns n' Roses grit about their guitar sound -- and I love the military precision of the drum work.

If you don't believe me about the glam influences, then take a listen. I prefer Avenged Sevenfold's faster songs, but "Seize the Day" has an excellent guitar solo.

Let's compare to Guns n' Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine."

I expect many comments, so feel free to speak your mind. That's the great part of an open discussion.