Def Leppard Lip Synch

A lot of you are commenting about Def Leppard's performance tonight on Dancing with the Stars. I don't watch that show, but I knew the performance would be on YouTube and I was correct. I wonder why the band felt the need to lip synch? Why not just play and sing?

Here is Def Leppard performing "Pour Some Sugar on Me."  

Are the Cult Actually Glam?

The Cult are often lumped into the Glam category. I don't really think this band is Glam -- more like hard rock. This isn't to say they are not good, but I must admit their songs are quite repetitive. During the endless speculation about which bands would be playing Rocklahoma, people kept mentioning the Cult. I mean, I think the Cult certainly deserve a spot at Rocklahoma more so than half the bands on the current bill, but the choice still surprises me.

XM The Boneyard program director Kevin Kash must really love the Cult, because that band is on constantly. I swear, I hear a Cult song every day during my lunch break. I don't mind the Cult - but the Glam mistress also likes a little variety in her diet. 

I've never seen the band live and I would love to interview lead singer Ian Astbury. Of course, he's notoriously picky, so I am sure no question I asked would be good enough for him. Here are some of my favorite Cult tunes.

Here's "Fire Woman."

Here's "She Sells Sanctuary."

So, are the Cult Glam...or something else?

A Look at Zebra

 Heather has decided to skip Rocklahoma this year. Like a lot of people, she is a little disappointed in the lineup, and has decided to save her money for other vacations. I can't disagree or fault her on the decision. Even though she won't be backstage with Bring Back Glam!, she'll be there in spirit for sure and even offered to research some bands. Today, Heather's take on Zebra.

Time to learn a little about one of the lesser-known bands that will be taking the stage during Rocklahoma 2008. Zebra is on the bill for Sunday, July 13. The band formed in 1975 in New Orleans. Their mainstream debut dropped in 1983. The self-titled album became the fastest selling debut record in Atlantic Records history, shipping 75,000 copies in the first week. The album stayed on the Billboard charts for eight months, peaking at number 29.

The second album came a year later with disappointing results. Sales never took off, and there was no hit single to be found.

Zebra released a new album in 2003, and in 2007 a DVD of a live performance from The House of Blues. Throughout their career, the boys have opened for major acts such as Aerosmith, Kiss, and ZZ Top.

Mentioned on the band's website as a touring "lowlight," Zebra's equipment was stolen after a gig in Houston back in 1981. They say that's when Twisted Sister, Rat Race Choir, the Good Rats and Southern Cross staged a benefit concert on their behalf, raising money to replace the equipment.

In addition to Rocklahoma, Zebra will play the Tomato Fest in Chalmette, Louisiana and the Metro New York Balloon and Music Festival in Shirley, New York.

Aside from the "busy" touring schedule, the guys are working on solo careers. Lead singer Randy Jackson's solo album Randy Jackson's China Rain hit store shelves in 1993. Felix Hanemann plays acoustic guitar and piano in unplugged shows, singing his own tunes along with covers from Rod Stewart, Oasis and Eric Clapton. He hopes to release a solo album in the near future. Following a battle with breast cancer, drummer Guy Gelso is starting a blues band.

If you'd like to know more, you can always visit the bands website. I feel the site leaves much to be desired, starting with the fact that it is silent. Typically bands like to promote their music, and it blasts the moment you click on their site. Not Zebra. This dare-to-be different group apparently wants to attract fans with their lack of music.

After finding some of their tunes on YouTube, I can honestly say I am not impressed. But you judge for yourself.

First, "Who's Behind the Door."

Now, the video for "Tell Me What You Want."

Nine Lives?

Def Leppard is set to release Songs from the Sparkle Lounge in two days (April 29). The album is already leaked on the Internet, but I've been very good and not sampled any of the illicit tracks. I have, however, spent some quality time digesting the first single "Nine Lives." In case you are not familiar, the song features country star Tim McGraw.

I don't like it. I am trying to like it, but I swear the country twang ruins it for me. If I wanted to hear country music I'd go to Nashville. If I was in Nashville, I'd hunt down Alison Krauss and Union Station and not Tim McGraw. No disrespect to him, but his songs are not my cup of tea. Back to the Leps.

You should know by now I love Def Leppard. They are one my favorite bands of all time. I've always thought my life would be irrevocably different if Hysteria was never released. I keep listening to "Nine Lives" and counting references to other songs, especially Aerosmith tunes. Is the title a reference to Aerosmith? Maybe I am just nuts, or let my Aerosmith obsession cloud my judgment.

Reinvention isn't necessarily new to DL. After all, they started out much heavier and changed their sound to fit the times. Still, there's a reason nearly every person I know owns either Pyromania or Hysteria: the albums plain rock. So, I stuck with the Leps through the death of Steve Clark, the lean years when Grunge was king...and come Tuesday, I'll be with them in the Sparkle Lounge.

Is it too much to ask for another song as good as "Animal?" Sigh.

Judge for yourself. I already know quite a lot of you are digging "Nine Lives." Here's the video:

Fantasy Festival 101

There are a lot of music festivals coming up all over the world. After all, summer is the best time to enjoy live music: under the stars and with friends.

While there are so many great events like Download, Sweden Rock, Wacken Open Air, Heavy Mtl, Rocklahoma, South Texas Rock Fest, Bonnaroo and more...a lot of people are disgusted with their respective line-ups. The chances of you finding a festival with your personal dream line-up are slim to none. I want to attend every festival I just mentioned - but there are bands on every single roster I can do without. Such is life.

With that said, why not create a Fantasy Festival? If you were a promoter - and money was seriously no object but you still wanted to sell tickets - who would you book, and why?

We'll say the Bring Back Glam! Festival is three days. Here's my list in no particular order:

Motley Crue
Aerosmith
Lynam
Iron Maiden
Queen with George Michael
Alice Cooper
Poison
RATT
Wig Wam
Bullet for My Valentine
Alleycat Scratch
Crazy Lixx
Crashdiet
Pretty Boy Floyd
Avenged Sevenfold
L.A. Guns
T.Y.R.
Fastway
Metallica
Empyrios
Drugstore Valentine
Vains of Jenna
Def Leppard
Whitesnake
Blue Oyster Cult
Kix

I think it's safe to say I have a diverse list of Metal here. Since we're dealing in fantasy, I am going to set my festival smack dab in the middle of Maui. If this were an actual festival line-up in Maui, your tickets would probably cost $800 - but in BBG! fantasy land, I'll sell you a seat for $300. I promise you'll get leied!

So, do you think you can create a better festival? I dare you.  

Fastway Friday

I really like the band Fastway. I'm pretty sure "Say What You Will" is one of the single best rock songs ever recorded. Fastway's history is long and complicated and intertwines with some of the biggest bands in Metal including Motorhead and UFO. There is no point in my going over that winding history - just click here to read and learn.

*Note: many of you probably know the band Flogging Molly. They are not really my cup of tea, buy former Fastway singer Dave King handles the vocal duties for Flogging Molly now - and they are enjoying quite a bit of success in the punk arena. Good for them I say!

Now, for the videos. Of course I've included "Say What You Will." While Fastway are more of a traditional Metal band, there are some clear Glam elements in this clip, especially Dave King's hair and the super skin-tight pants on the video vixens. Watch and enjoy.

Even more entertaining is the video for "All Fired Up." Yes, there are race suits. Yes, there are (more) skin-tight white pants. Yes, this clip rocks. Watch for yourself.

Finally, I have to include the clip "The World Waits for You." We'll call this a "semi" power ballad. I'm pretty sure Bonham "borrowed" the video concept - or at least the staging - a few years later to support the similarly titled song "Wait for You." Coincidence? I guess the world may never know.

***Of the three videos posted, which is your favorite and why? I am still sticking with "Say What You Will" as my favorite because - at least for me - that song sums up classic Fastway. I can't wait to hear your responses.

In a perfect world, Fastway would be the last TBA added to the Rocklahoma line-up. I am not holding my breath.

Guitar Great Giveaway

Do you like Led Zeppelin? There's a new instrumental tribute album honoring one of the world's greatest rock bands. It's called Get the Led Out: Led Zeppelin Salute and even features tracks performed by Jimmy Page. Here's the entire track list:

01. Whole Lotta Love - Chris  Mahoney
02. Moby Dick - Randy Coven featuring Leslie West
03. Four Sticks - Howard Hart
04. Dazed & Confused - Brian Tarquin
05. Immigrant Song - Greg Rapaport
06. Kashmir - Martin Winch
07. The Battle Of Evermore - Steve Bingham
08. Black Dog - James Ryan
09. D'yer Mak'er - Larry Van Fleet
10. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You - Hal Lindes
11. Friends - Steve Booke
12. All My Love - Doug Doppler
13. Thumping Beat - Jimmy Page
14. 'Cause I Love You - Jimmy Page
15. Wailing Sounds - Jimmy Page
16. Burn Up - Jimmy Page
 

Need more guitar rock? You need to pick up Guitar Masters Volume 1. This instrumental disc features performances by Zakk Wylde, John Paul Jones, Billy Sheehan and Joe Satriani. If you are impressed by amazing axe work, I suggest either disc. Great for music fans and those who actually play guitar.

Here's the track listing: 

01. B Fingers - John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) featuring Trey Gunn
02. 54-46 Was My Number - Toots & the Maytals featuring Jeff Beck
03. I Wish - Zakk Wylde & Randy Coven
04. Unleash the Beast - Billy Sheehan
05. Hair - Stanley Clarke featuring Joe Satriani
06. Minute Mouse – Steve Morse & Randy Coven
07. Skippy - Allan Holdsworth & David Hines
08. Rumba - Marcus Nand
09. Shenandoah - Will Ray
10. Picture of a Purple Sky - Steve Booke
11. Frankenstein - Doug Stapp
12. The Nag - John Scofield
13. Jack Hammer - Brian Tarquin
14. What Can I Say - Carl Tosten
15. Space Talk - James Ryan
16. Stay With Me - Martin Winch
17. Kruununvuori - Jason Carter
18. Zero Gravity - Doug Doppler

***Now for the giveaway. I've scored three copies of each disc so I'll bundle them together and ship them right on out to your home. You need to tell me - in 100 words or less - how the economy is killing your music habit. Be creative. Extra points if you mention the importance of the upcoming presidential election. To recap, three of you will win the two CDs I mention above. Send submissions to allyson@bringbackglam.com. I need the entries by Friday, April 25th at 11:59 p.m. E.S.T. Good luck.