'Don't Close Your Eyes' -- Crack The Sky Version

Thanks to our dear friend Metalboy! - a cover of a KIX classic! Crack The Sky (CTS) - an obscure prog act from the 70s that still exists today - covered "Don't Close Your Eyes."

CTS singer John Palumbo is credited with writing the track, along with Donnie Purnell and Bob Halligan, Jr. Like KIX, Crack The Sky has a cult-like following, especially on the east cost and around the Baltimore, Maryland area. People comment "Hammerjacks!" on CTS YouTube videos. It makes since that CTS would cover the song, especially since it is the biggest "hit" KIX ever had... and we all know Steve Whiteman and the boys are hanging it up for good in a couple months.

I guess a side question would be: is it a cover song if you actually wrote it but didn't record it originally?

Ronnie Younkins Will Perform At KIX Farewell Show

KIX guitarist Ronnie Younkins has confirmed he will be part of the band's farewell show this coming September in Baltimore.

There was some question if Younkins would be included because of his absence from the band due to his sobriety struggles. But Ronnie is doing better now and will take part in the historic KIX event. In fact, the show will feature three guitarists: Younkins, Brian Forsythe and Bob Pare. Pare has been filling in for Younkins the past couple of years.

I'm glad Younkins will be on stage that night - there's no other place he should be, quite frankly.

KIX Calling It Quits

M3 Rock Festival happened over the weekend. The biggest piece of news out of the event happened during the KIX set, when singer Steve Whiteman announced the band was calling it quits.

KIX will play its final live show together on September 17 at Merriweather Post Pavilion near Baltimore, Maryland.

During his announcement, Whiteman said that his health is starting to fail. We already know drummer Jimmy Chalfant is having issues and of course guitarist Ronnie Younkins has been fighting for his sobriety the last couple of years.

The news is sad but not unexpected. Our favorite bands have been around for decades now and we can’t expect them to perform live forever. KIX still has a lot of dates booked over the summer before that final show. If you haven’t seen them live, this is literally your last shot.

The band is choosing to make this decision as a group and on their own terms. Good for them and I wish them well. I will miss them on the live scene.

Drummer Jimmy Chalfant Performs With KIX Again

The headline says it all! Drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant is back behind the kit with KIX! He performed with the band during the Monsters of the Rock Cruise a few days ago. About six months ago, Jimmy collapsed on stage during a live performance. He has a known heart condition and had a heart attack before the incident six months ago. During the stage collapse, Jimmy was unconscious and revived. He's been recovering ever since and it is good to see him back on stage!

I bet the Monsters of Rock Cruise was a ball.

Ronnie Younkins Of KIX Is Doing Better

Ronnie "10/10" Younkins is apparently doing much better these days. He shared an update on his Facebook page that notes he has over two years of sobriety! Plus, Ronnie has been playing live again in his side band The Blues Vultures. In fact, The Blues Vultures will play an unofficial pre-party for M3 next month.

Ronnie was sober for 20 years, but a couple years ago relapsed and got very sick with alcoholism and hard drugs, which lead to some trouble with police. This all meant he had to step back from his guitar duties with KIX. Bob Pare is playing guitar for KIX now and it isn't clear if Ronnie will rejoin the band or not, but he says he would if asked.

KIX Names Matt Starr As Temporary Drummer

KIX drummer Jimmy Chalfant continues to recover from heart issues. He collapsed on stage back in November and was saved by bass player Mark Schenker via CPR. Jimmy had heart issues before that incident as well.

Last night, Jimmy explaining that his recovery is taking longer than expected and the band will continue with all booked shows as planned. KIX has named Matt Starr as a temporary drummer while Jimmy continues to rehab. This includes on the Monsters of Rock Cruise at the end of next month.

Matt Starr has played with lots of acts including Mr. Big and Joe Lynn Turner. He is an accomplished session musician, too. Glad to see KIX will continue on with their shows. I hope Jimmy gets well soon.

M3 Rock Festival Announces 2023 Lineup

M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland is back! This year's event will take place May 6 and 7 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Columbia, Maryland is close to Baltimore.

Bands include STYX, KIX, Slaugher, Winger, Great White, Extreme, Loudness, Child's Play and more. See the poster below for all the acts. Two-day tickets are on sale Friday via Ticketmaster (ugh!). The event is right after the Monsters of Rock Cruise and many of the bands are the same, which makes sense from a booking point-of-view. It would be nice to know pricing but apparently that information has not yet been released.