Day of the Rocker

Bring Back Glam! spoke with Twisted Sister guitarist Eddie Ojeda a few hours before the legendary New York rockers hit the Rocklahoma stage. During the interview, Eddie spoke about Video Years, why Vampire's Rock and the importance of specialized rock radio.

Bring Back Glam!: Tell me about playing Rocklahoma.

Eddie Ojeda: Well, so far…it looks like it’s going to be great. Looks like a great crowd. It’s so nice there’s finally something like this in the States. There are so many European festivals that go on every year… We’ve (Twisted Sister) played all of them, headlined all of them, and it’s just great to be finally doing one here in the States that’s running so well, so smoothly. I’m glad to see everyone get together here.

BBG: Rocklahoma is your only U.S. date this year?

Eddie: Yep, just Rocklahoma.

BBG: What about the U.K.?

Eddie: We have one U.K. date. This year, like last year, we’ve done a lot of festivals, or a lot of one off shows. It was pretty brutal. We almost wanted to take this whole year off, just give it a break from ourselves, and then come back in 2008. We decided to do this show, and one other one in England. I myself am doing this thing called Vampire’s Rock, starting in September. I’ll be doing 39 shows with that.

BBG: Club dates?

Eddie: Nope, arenas. This is a big production. There’s a website, www.vampiresrock.com, and it’s a big theatrical production. Kind of like Rocky Horror, but not gay. Or less gay. No offense to anyone.

BBG: Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Eddie: Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being gay.

BBG: Tell me about the new Twisted Sister DVD.

Eddie: Yes, the Video Years. It just came out. It’s basically a commentary of all our old videos, plus interviews and commentaries. It’s very cool. I watch the footage and I think “Man, I was cute!” It’s great to finally have that on an official DVD release. We plan to put out another DVD, a Christmas DVD, probably called A Twisted Christmas: Live. It’s all the best shows from last year.

BBG: Does the success of the Christmas album surprise you?

Eddie: Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. When we did it, it was for fun. We hoped people would “get it.” Some people would ask “Why are you doing a Christmas album?” It was fun. The attitude was that no one has ever really done a hard rock/heavy metal Christmas album. We did it with a lot of different songs in mind, and we rearranged everything. It was cool and very fun. We recorded it in August –

BBG: Which is very holiday like –

Eddie: Oh yes! A nice holiday feeling, August in New York.

BBG: Dee Snider really pushed Rocklahoma hard on his House of Hair radio show. Do you think Dee is instrumental in bringing back glam?

Eddie: I think so. I think there are a lot of people responsible, and not just Dee. There’s bands like Poison and Queensryche, guys that have faith, kept playing and kept us all alive. I think it’s cool, with a lot of the 80s music, a lot of kids that were too young…You know, they saw the videos or whatever, this festival is giving people a chance, that could never see the bands at one time. Or bands like us (Twisted Sister), the 80s were very entertaining. The whole thing about 80s bands – hair bands – they were all very entertaining. You’ve got to say that.

BBG: Do you like the term hair band?

Eddie: Uh, it’s kind of like…I don’t hate it. Well, I don’t really think about it that much. The term makes it seem like that’s all you have, you know? Some of the guys don’t have that much hair anymore! (Laughs)

BBG: Well, do you think Dee’s radio show and the Hairball John Radio Show are getting young people back into this music?

Eddie: Sure, I think it all helps. The more people are aware of a certain genre of music and the power behind it, the better. Great guys like Hairball John are promoting us, helping with the message.

BBG: Bring Back Glam!

Eddie: Absolutely, Bring Back Glam!

Like Never Before

Bring Back Glam! interviewed Miljenko Matijevic, lead crooner for Steelheart, just minutes after he left the Rocklahoma stage. During the interview, Miljenko spoke about the re-birth of Steelheart, the time he died, and the band's new album. Transcription follows.

Bring Back Glam! What was it like playing Rocklahoma?

Miljenko Matijevic: Well, it felt like…the beginning of a whole new vision. We were supposed to play up in Germany at the big open air festival (Wacken Open Air) and I was kind of waiting to see what show opened up the doors so to speak. The freedom. That didn’t happen and I’m actually glad it didn’t happen because I felt the need for it to start in the United States. That’s why this was the new beginning, of Steelheart.

BBG: It’s already been announced there will be a Rocklahoma 2008. Do you want to come back and play again?

Miljenko: Yeah, sure. In fact, a promoter just talked to me…and already ask me to come back…they want to put me up in a later night sort of thing. So yeah, absolutely.

BBG: What was it like playing so early? (Editor's note: Steelheart played around 2:00 p.m.)

Miljenko: It was…fine. Great. It’s nice to be playing before more people. But it don’t matter. The people we played for…if we touched them, I’m sure they’ll tell others. It’s the way life puts it together, you gotta do what you gotta do.

BBG: What’s up with your new album? (Editor’s note: The Just a Taste EP is already available)

Miljenko: The new album is complete. It has been complete for awhile now. We are just trying to find out what is the right release date. That is what’s going on. What we’re thinking about is releasing it in October, the end of October. In a weird way, I was trying to release it on the way I died. October 30^th, when I had my accident and I almost died (Editor’s note: Miljenko Matijevic was hit with an improper lighting truss in front of 13,000 people while opening for Slaughter. The result was extensive brain damage).

BBG: What do you think programs like the Hairball John Radio Show are doing for this type of music?

Miljenko: They’re giving a good energy. Putting that out there in the United States…it’s a positive thing. It’s giving people power. A smile. And that is so powerful…I’ll check this guy out. You’ll hear me…then they’ll play RATT…then something else. The 80s were such an incredible, good time of energy that the 90s…I don’t even want to talk about the 90s. Now, it’s like “What the hell is going on? These guys had something going on in the 80s.” There’s an energy. A vibe. So now, it’s coming back. At the same time, it can’t come back just like the 80s. If it does, it will last ten minutes and end up in Vegas –

BBG: Why do you think that?

Miljenko: Because…you haven’t evolved. Need to twist it and grow as a person. Change your music so you can prove you know what’s up. Give the people a little bit of what’s today…but not forgetting yesterday. That’s important.

BBG: So, the new Steelheart album will be modern, with a reverence for your classic sound?

Miljenko: When I started from day one I said, I want to make a record with elements of the past, present and future. I don’t forget about everyone in the past, but still be modern.

Gigantic Pile of Crap

The New York Post has suddenly decided that Vains of Jenna are newsworthy. Remember, dear readers that I first wrote about Vains of Jenna on December 30, 2006. The Post article focuses more on Bam Margera than VOJ. Article by Maxine Shen follows. Warning: it's a big pile of crap! Don't worry: I'm interviewing Lizzy DeVine tomorrow night. I'll actually get some facts about the band, instead of spewing back-handed compliments and negative insults.

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July 22, 2007 -- WHEN it comes to spreading word about obscure Scandinavian bands, it's hard to find a better prophet than Bam Margera.

After successfully bringing unusual bands like HIM, Turbonegro and the 69 Eyes to the attention of the MTV-watching masses - all were guests on his "Viva La Bam" show - the popular pro-skater and "Jackass" star is taking a stab at the music business.

He started a record label, Filthy Note, last fall, with the sole intention of throwing his considerable influence over America's youth behind the label's first signing, Sweden's Vains of Jenna.

Why bother with such a mercurial industry?

"It's so easy for me to let the kids know what bands are good and what bands aren't," Margera says. "Next thing you know, everyone starts recognizing [the music], they do research and find out that they're rockin'."

Filthy Note released Vains of Jenna's debut album, "Lit Up/Let Down," in October and sent them to play a bunch of small club dates in the United States. Less than a year later, the quartet of young unknowns - who look like refugees from an '80s hair-metal video - are opening for Poison and Ratt at Jones Beach on Tuesday.

Lead singer Lizzy Devine admits that he was hesitant to sign with the untested Filthy Note, but common sense won in the end.

"Bam's such a huge person in the U.S., and in the whole world, kids really look up to him," Devine says. "If he can get some 15-year-old to buy our album and they really enjoy it, that's perfect."

But just because Margera's got legions of loyal fans worshipping his every move doesn't mean that he'll be able to turn his pet bands into No. 1 chart-toppers.

"Celebrities have almost never been able to break bands," says Revolver Editor-in-Chief Tom Beaujour. "Bam liking a band isn't enough to make other people really like a band, but it is enough to make them check it out. He can definitely expose bands in a way that most bands or labels would kill to have as a marketing tool."

"I can shrink-wrap band posters with my skateboards, of which I sell 10,000 a month," says Margera. "If Island Records asked Element to do that, they'd say, 'No. Give me 50 grand to do it.' But they do it free for me because it's a favor, and they know it'll help them as well."

The only potential impediment to the scope of Margera's influence is that "his taste is either totally ahead of the curve or just completely off the map," says Beaujour.

"Maybe sleaze rock is going to be the next emo and he's a prophet. If not, he's just a dude who has this huge pulpit from which to proclaim his love for these completely strange bands."

In case he is some kind of music savant, Margera's staying mum about the next five bands (from Scandinavia, of course) that he's trying to sign, in case some "jerkoff" from a major label tries to outbid him.

"I hope that Warner Bros. and Island don't catch on to my plan. I don't want them flying to f- - - ing Finland and stealing my thunder - I'm going to have to start buying more plane tickets if they do." --Maxine Shen.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07222007/entertainment/music/viva_la_swedes_music_maxine_shen.htm

Sometimes a Picture...

Remember when musicians...were Rock Stars? The members of L.A. Guns are still rock stars, pure and simple. Just look to these photos as proof:

Later today on Bring Back Glam! another exclusive backstage Rocklahoma interview. I'm still working on my photo gallery, so please be patient. All this work takes time, especially considering I have a demanding day job.

Call It Rock n' Roll

In the hectic few moments between Great White’s backstage press conference and taking the Rocklahoma stage, Michael Lardie, Mark Kendall and Audie Desbrow were sweet enough to chat with Bring Back Glam!. During the interview, the boys discuss seeing old friends all summer, Starbucks, and Internet radio. Transcription follows.

Bring Back Glam! Let’s get right into this. Tell me about your upcoming show at Rocklahoma.

Michael Lardie: Well, here we are at Rocklahoma. We’re planning on playing a good cross mixture of all our albums. How many albums do we have now? 14, 15? It’s really great to play with all these bands. It’s like an 80s Woodstock for rock and heavy metal bands. You look at the lists, and you go “Oh my God, they’re playing?!?”

Mark Kendall: Almost every band today (Sunday, July 15) we played with at some point.

BBG: How long have you been at Rocklahoma?

Michael: Well, we flew in this morning.

BBG: So, you’re not watching the other bands?

Michael: Well, we played a show last night and then we came on over here. We’re tired.

Audie Desbrow: We’re running on pure adrenaline right now.

Michael: Soon, Starbucks!

BBG: Is there even a Starbucks here?

Michael: (Laughs). No, but there’s one in Tulsa. We have connections.

BBG: Well, I was going to ask if you were excited to see anyone, but you just arrived so you’ve missed most the festival.

Michael: No, but a couple of the guys, we’ve recently played with. Like Kendall said, we tour around. We just did a show with Vince Neil in Colorado. It’s kind of like, we’re around…if we don’t see them here (at Rocklahoma), we’ll definitely seem them on the road this summer.

BBG: What do you think about radio shows like Hairball John? What does it do for your type of music?

Michael: I think it keeps it in the pipeline in a good way. All the Internet radio stations seem to host special programs…there’s a market for it obviously. Just look how many people are here to see these bands. It gives people an alternative to regular radio.

Audie: I’ve noticed a lot of younger kids at our gigs, you know, like, the parents bring their kids, the kids say “This does rock!” They are not music research people, but when they do hear this, they know there’s something to it. “It’s not just my lame parent’s music.”

Mark: The different generations get into something, that they are not force fed.

Michael: That’s an excellent point, too. The generation coming up is very Internet savvy. The fact that they can access a lot of these shows, because they’re driven. It flips my parents how I’m into it…and my nephews are into it. The computer thing…it’s a whole other vehicle to keep this music alive.

Mark: I met a 23 year old kid with like 100 face piercings, and he swears by the Doors. “The Doors rock man!”

BBG: Well, what do you think all this says about today’s modern rock music?

Michael: I think it’s like anything: it will stand the test of time if it’s a great song. We’ll know in 15 or 20 years…If it’s all just kill your parents—

Mark: Negativity!

Audie: (Cackles). I remember when I wanted to kill my parents. I moved on. (Laughs).

2008 Rocklahoma Planned

An official press release from Rock Fever:

PRYOR, OK --- With nearly 100,000 fans in attendance at Rocklahoma over the pre-party and three-day concert last week, organizers are already planning the Second Annual Rocklahoma Eighties Festival, scheduled for July 11-13, 2008. As a thank you to this year’s V.I.P. and Reserve Seat ticket holders, fans can renew their same seats for next summer’s Rocklahoma, now through September 17th. Reserved Seat ticket holders can upgrade their current seats to V.I.P. seats and enjoy all of its privileges.

“The artists and the fans came out and enjoyed the party in record numbers,” said Dave Giencke, Director of Operations for Catch the Fever Music Festivals. “Over 1,000 fans have already renewed their V.I.P. seats for next year’s Rocklahoma, which will continue to feature the major rock artists from the music of the eighties. As a thank you for Rocklahoma’s success, we want to give all our fans the first chance to renew their seats for 2008.”

V.I.P. seats for the Second Annual Rocklahoma  are $300, plus tax and handling. Past Reserve Seat ticket holders may purchase their seats as V.I.P. seats now through September 17th. Upgrades will be available after September 17th in order of date of purchase, Giencke said, adding that the first 2,000 ticket orders will receive a free copy of the Commemorative Rocklahoma 2007 Tour book.

“After September 17th, we will contact patrons and give them the choice of unsold seats closer to the stage. The upgrades to better seats will be done in the order of date they renew,” he said. “For example, if they bought their 2008 tickets at this year’s show, they will have first choice of upgraded seats. But if they wait until September 17th to buy their tickets, they will have last choice. So it is very important to buy now!”  “The remaining VIP Tickets will be available to the general public beginning October 1st.”

Renewals may be purchased by calling (866) 310-2288.  General admission tickets are also available at a discount to everyone. General admission tickets for one day are $50, plus tax and handling. General admission tickets for all three days are $110, plus tax and handling. All three-day ticket purchasers will be eligible to attend Rocklahoma’s Pre-Party on Thursday, July  10, 2008.


Campground spots are also being purchased for next year and are available on a first come first serve basis. General admission camping is $45, plus tax and handling. V.I.P. camping is $55, plus tax and handling. Fans must hold a three-day concert ticket before they will be allowed to purchase their campsites.

“The earlier you purchase your campsite, the better the location. So again, it’s important to buy now!” Giencke explained.

Organizers say the phenomenal success of this year’s Rocklahoma was noticed around the world, as fans from all 50 states and six continents were in attendance. The success of 2007’s Rocklahoma guarantees that next summer’s event will be even bigger.

“Artists worldwide took note of the response of rock fans at Rocklahoma this year. Although the line-up for the Second Annual Rocklahoma in 2008 hasn’t yet been finalized --- and the possibility is hard to imagine after the success of this year’s event --- fans can expect an even bigger eighties line-up next summer and an even better show,” Giencke said.

The World Is Small...Until You Have to Clean It

Bring Back Glam! met up with John Covington (Big Cock, Greg Leon Invasion) and David Henzerling (Big Cock) backstage at Rocklahoma. It's the most random interview ever for Bring Back Glam!, but we shared a lot of laughs and a little sweat. Some transcription is omitted for obvious reasons!

Bring Back Glam!: John, tell me what it was like playing the Rocklahoma stage with the Greg Leon Invasion.

John Covington: Very sweaty. The sweatiest I’ve ever become.

David Henzerling: We’re all going to start taking off all our clothes.

BBG: That’s not such a bad thing.

David: I want to mingle with the fans soon.

BBG: You’re not wearing a Big Cock shirt.

David: I have to go put it on. I had a lot of people email me, asking if I would be there. I said I would wear the shirt.

BBG: I asked you a few weeks ago about playing the show and it didn’t end up happening. Are you disappointed?

David: Nope, I’m thrilled to be here. I mean as far as the contest goes…I generally don’t like the battle of the bands. It’s the bands that have 30 friends that dial day and night that win. I had a lot of emails, asking us to play and enter the (JPOT) contest. We did and we got a lot of votes but we didn’t win.

John: We want to spread the love of Big Cock.

David: Exactly. We want to thank everyone who voted. We don’t want to thank the people that voted against us.

BBG: John, who are most excited about seeing here at Rocklahoma?

John: David. I get aroused being around him. And we’re not even playing. Just think of what would happen if we played.

BBG: (Laughs). Ok. I get that.

John: The best part of being a drummer is that you get to watch everyone’s asses. Between Colby (Big Cock bassist) and Dave…and the highlight is Robert Mason’s (Big Cock vocalist) ass. That’s a part of the drummer thing: looking at asses.

David: A question for you, Allyson. How did you get hooked up with Hairball John?

BBG: Uh, he found my site.

David: It was just fortuitous that I email you and then talk to him days later and he says “I’m working with Allyson now. She’s my Metal correspondent.”

John: It’s a small world until you have to clean it.

BBG: That was profound.

David: Ok, more questions for you. Who do you really want to see here at Rocklahoma?

BBG: Well, I’ve already seen a stop of the current Poison/RATT tour, but I want to see them again. Plus, Vince Neil because I’m a huge Motley Crue fan.

BBG: Now, back to you. Are you going to watch in seats, or backstage like a true rock star?

David: I’ll go back and forth. I want to hang with the crowd.

BBG: You’re credentialed under the Greg Leon Invasion ---

David: I’m here with anyone who wants to see me. I’m just thrilled anyone cares. Thanks John!

BBG: Wait, did I ever ask you why you named your band Big Cock?

David: The Rolling Stones and The Who were taken. Seriously, if the band was called Night Wing, no one would care.

BBG: Do you honestly believe that?

David: Yeah. A band named Big Cock isn’t going to get played on the radio. You know what? The music wasn’t going to get played on the radio anyway! At this point, I don’t really care if anyone likes it or not. But people do. That’s the reason I started to do this when I was 18 years old. Year by year, it starts to get diluted, trying to appease the powers that be for the money and all that. The name gets attention, and pisses off a small amount of people.

BBG: What do you think of the current state of commercial radio?

David: If you like Nickelback, there are plenty of bands that will satisfy.

BBG: Where did all the real rock stars go? Did they all die? Did the mainstream force them underground?

David: Yes! But it’s cyclical with rock music. It’s happened many times. In the seventies it got over bloated and punk came in and washed it away. Started again in the eighties with RATT and Quiet Riot, and then went away for awhile, as Jefferson Starship-like bands got popular. It was destroyed for good by grunge, and it’s never quite come back since then.

BBG: Don’t you think this Rocklahoma festival is a good sign that glam is returning?

David: I think a lot of promoters will be watching this. I can’t believe no one has done this until now. If it is successful, I think we’ll see it again in the future.