Who remembers the Rock anthems of the past? The songs that made your heart pound, sing at the top of your lungs, and pound your fist to the sky? The songs of legend, the songs that were sent down from the Gods? I’m gonna look at a few of those anthems. And ponder…where are the NEW anthems?
“We Will Rock You” – Queen
This song is so strong that I believe it will never fade into obscurity. Used at sporting events and the like it is a true rock anthem. I cherish this song and always have.
“Rock and Roll All Nite” – KISS
Some say this is the worldwide Rock N’ Roll anthem. I know it is said that Kiss wrote this exactly to be that. Another classic that will live forever.
“Denim And Leather” – Saxon
This perhaps is my favorite of all of the Rock anthems I present here. I lived it and it has a special place in my soul.
“Breaking The Law” – Judas Priest
This is another anthem that was part of my youth. I can identify with this on so many levels.
“Highway To Hell” – AC/DC
I will always love this song, even though it was the song I was listening to right before a horrible auto accident. Those first notes…..
“Born In The USA” – Bruce Springsteen
Originally written in the protest song format it was reworked into the anthem that EVERYONE knows. Not particularly fond of it but it was iconic enough to be included.
“We’re An American Band” – Grand Funk Railroad
What can I say does it get anymore anthemic than this? Just one of the songs that gets in and sticks with you.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister
Everyone from the MTV (when they played music videos) remembers this video. A true fist pumping anthem.
“Youth Gone Wild” – Skid Row
One of the newer Rock anthems that is worthy of mention. Skid Row came on the scene like gangbusters and this is the song that did it.
“Nothing But A Good Time” – Poison
Ahhh the 80’s this was a good time. Poison was a true party and live like there;s no tomorrow band. Thanks for that.
So, there’s a few anthems for ya. Anyone have any others to talk about? Let’s make this post a truly interactive one, tell me your thoughts!
Kurt is the bass player for the in your face band DIE HARD TIL DEATH, he took some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.
Where did young Kurt come from?
Kurt: I was born in Columbia, MO in 1969 and have pretty much been a Midwest boy my whole life IN, MO, IL, WI. I did live Maryland for a year. We moved around alot cause of my dads job.
When did music become part of your life and what type of music was it?
Kurt: My first recollections of my exposure to music was around 5 or 6 yrs old. My dad had an acoustic guitar that he would pull out once in a while and play, also his Mom played piano and guitar and can remember sitting on the bench with her while she played. My Moms Dad also was big into music and played organ. My Mom was a big influence as well, she always had music playing in the house and in the car. Around 7 years old I found her record collection and she actually put albums on for me to listen to. Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Doors, stuff I still listen to today.
What was the catalyst that made you realize that becoming a musician was your calling?
Kurt: At age 10 Santa Claus left me an acoustic guitar under the tree. I just thought that was the coolest and I couldn’t wait to play it. My parents enrolled me in lessons at the local music store. The instructor I had, was such a dick though, he had no patience and if I didn’t play it exactly right, he’d chew me out and tell me I wasn’t practicing enough, even though I was playing the thing day and night. Pretty much ruined it for me. I ended up putting it down after a lil bit and started playing saxophone in the school band starting around 5th grade and played all the way till the end of my Sr yr in High School. Once I graduated High School, I was like what am I gonna do now? I played music for all these years, learned how to read music and all that, but I knew I wasn’t gonna continue playing saxophone, that’s not cool. I had met a couple of guys at the community college that played guitar and hung out with them and got bitten by the guitar bug again. So, bought a Fender Strat, a lil combo amp, and started messing around again. Took some lessons from a friend of mine, grew my hair out, noticed the chicks were diggin it and as they say the rest is rock n roll history. Also, when I saw Kiss for the first time, I was mesmerized. Kind of the same story as Gene Simmons told when the first time he saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, that was when I realized “I’m in”
We all know the bass is the most important instrument in a band,. when did you decide to take on the most important position of playing the bass?
Kurt: Well thank you for saying that, I happen to think Bass is pretty important part of the band as well haha A buddy and I wanted to start a band, he was a guitar player too, he was lead, I was rhythm. We’re talkin early 90’s here, so finding a bass player back then was almost impossible. My thinking was everybody and their mother plays guitar around here, and being that at that time I knew I wanted to do this for a living, bass would guarantee me a job cause there are just not that many of us around. So I switched from guitar to bass. And I have to say, it was the best decision I ever made. Bass fits me and my personality and attitude so much better than guitar
Give us a little band history Kurt, how many bands have you been in?
Kurt: Lets see………..professionally I’ve been in 5 bands. Last Laugh, Kamikaze Butterfly, Die Hard Till Death, Skinwalker, and ScreamKing. But total with garage or basement bands, 7.
Two of my personal favorites are Die Hard Til Death and ScreamKing, can you tell a little about them?
Kurt: To date, I would have to say DHTD is my biggest accomplisment and what I’m most proud of. Between the success of the record, the touring, being selected for Rockband, and all the people who I’ve gotten to work with and become friends with, it’s been pretty cool. It’s opened alot of other doors for me professionally that I don’t think would’ve been before. DHTD is a straight up ass kicking METAL band and I’m very proud of it. ScreamKing is classic heavy metal band in the vein of King Diamond, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest. I worked with Joe, the singer, on a couple tracks in the studio and have known him for a couple of years, we’ve stayed in contact and just really get along and see things the same way.
We all heard of the history of bands on tour, any amusing stories from the road?
Kurt: Hmmmmm well besides the typical cliche drunken hotel debauchery, I used to smash my bass on the stage at the end of every show, not to the point where I would destroy it, but I’d give the body a couple good whacks into the stage. This one night, we were playing in Chicago at the Double Door, had a killer show, sounded great, the crowd was really into it, good energy, so I for what ever reason smashed the bass a few times and then rammed the headstock into the stage, it ended up going through the flooring of the stage and sticking. All the lights went down on stage except for one, and it was shining on my bass with the headstock stuck into the stage, like a sword. An Excaliber moment is what we called it.
If you could be a performer in any musical period what would it be?
Kurt: the 70’s
Why the 70’s? That happens to be one of my favorite periods as well.
Kurt: For one, the musicianship in the 70’s was incredible, everybody was a master at their chosen instrument. The singers could all sing, no screaming, guitar players smoked with great riffs, leads, solos, there were moving, walking bass lines, and the drummers beat the crap out of their drums and did shit on them that I don’t think many can do today, and with a single kick drum. Second, the songwriting was amazing back then, listen to a classic rock radio station today and I’m blown away by the amount of quality songs that were written by many bands. Classics as we call them. Third, not only did they play and write great songs, they put on a show, they entertained. They looked like rockstars, the total package. I don’t think you can say that about any other era in music.
I found you iPod under the seat of my car, what kind of surprises am I gonna find on it?
Kurt: There’s a few. Christina Aguilara-Amazing voice, that song “Dirty” the video, WOW! Who didn’t wanna fuck her then? I have some classical music on there, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky. Poison, big into the hair band thing.
What words of advice would you have for the youngster trying to start a band and enter the music world?
Kurt: Write, Write, Write, Practice, Practice, Practice. Focus onthe music, the process, the writing. Get around as many other players or “veterans” of the scene and learn as much as you can from them, do’s and don’ts. Shoot for the good clubs or venues and play with those bands. Build some experience and a fanbase. Also, utilize your social media! Facebook, Twitter, Reverbnation, etc….. I didn’t have any of that stuff back when I started, it was pounding the pavement and flyers. Respect what you do, who you do it with. Leave your ego and entitlement attitude at home. No one owes you anything, you have to go out and earn it! Be confident, not cocky, there’s a BIG difference. And last not but least, DON’T BE A DICK TO PEOPLE! I got that tidbit of advice from Rob Blasko, and it’s probably one of the best bits of advice, you’ll go alot farther in the biz if people like you as a person and know you’re not a “rockstar”
With all of the changes and the advent of digital music and social media what are your viewpoints on the music world today?
Kurt: There are so many good bands out there and they are not getting the recognition or credit they deserve. I’m very impressed by how the indie scene rally’s around its own and is making a scene where there is no scene anymore. Thanks to internet radio and social media, those bands are gettin an opportunity now, I just wish it was on a bigger, broader scale. The corporate music world has circled the wagons so to speak, if you’re in the circle, you’re very lucky and bands wanna stay there, there is no risk taking anymore by record companies due to the economy and state of the music biz. Record companies are closing down, getting rid of positions. streamlining their operations. The bands, promoters, booking agents, venues, everybody needs to work together and get rid of this me me me mentality. I think bands now are putting out some of the best music in a long time. Every album that comes out now is a homerun in my opinion, putting the fans first and giving them what they want and pay their hard-earned money to see and listen to.The indie scene is going to be the catalyst for the next great movement in the music business. Everyone keeps fighting and fighting hard and remember who we do this for and whywe do it. \m/\m/
Check out Die Hard Til Death “The Will”
Thanks Kurt! Appreciate the time from your busy schedule. Be sure and check Kurt out at the following sites:
We’re talking with Alex Grossi, guitarist for the band Hotel Diablo. I know Alex has a great career and has played with some stellar people, but we are going to focus on his new project Hotel Diablo.
Hotel Diablo is: Rick Stitch (Vocals), Alex Grossi (Guitar), Mike Duda (Bass), Mike Dupke (Drums). They have a new CD out which is calledTHE RETURN TO PSYCHO CALIFORNIA.
What are the origins of Hotel Diablo? Was it just one of those magical things that just happened, or was there an inkling running around in the back of someone’s head?
(ALEX) Hotel Diablo really came together right after Rick and myself finished a 2 year run with Adler’s Appetite (w/ former GN’R drummer Steven Adler). During the tour we had started writing together and felt that the material was good enough to stand on its own. We ended getting in a room with Mike and Mike and it clicked instantly.
Was the lineup set from the get go or did it get a little tweaking?
(ALEX) No, it was the 4 of u right off the bat and still is, we are lucky to have found such good chemistry right out of the gate.
Where did the name Hotel Diablo come from? In my mind it puts a visual of driving down a deserted desert highway, tired as hell, and seeing a motel with a sign “Hotel Diablo”. Were any other names thrown around?
(ALEX) The name came from Mike Duda, it could mean a lot of different things – and actually does…Anyone who has spent enough time in the seedier parts of Hollywood will definitely be able to relate…
The song writing process differs from band to band, sometimes with members bringing in bits and pieces individually to bands just jamming and building upon that, what is the formula for Hotel Diablo?
(ALEX)Every song came together differently, and we all have our input. It usually starts with a riff or an idea on acoustic guitar and builds from there. Once we all get in a room and bang it out, it really takes on a life of its own, especially with the brutal rhythm section that these guys are..
I know of a lot of projects where guys from different bands get together and jam but nothing ever comes out of it. What was it about Hotel Diablo that stuck?
(ALEX)I think because we are genuinely trying to do something creative that is real and people can see and feel that. There are so many”members of” projects that are either cheesy cover bands or cash grabs…This is neither, and I am proud of that.
So, the lineup is locked, songs are written, it’s time to hit the studio, tell us about that process.
(ALEX)We had a handful of songs demo-d, but the final piece of the puzzle really came when Gilby Clarke (GUNS N’ ROSES) stepped in as producer, he was instrumental in getting it all together and had some great ideas that really brought the songs to the next level.
The new record is called THE RETURN TO PSYCHO CALIFORNIA what’s behind that title?
(ALEX)I think our singer Rick Stitch put it best — “The Return to Psycho, California” is “a collection of stories, true stories, experienced during a time when our lives were filled with mind-altering shots of wretched adrenaline,” says Stitch. “Strings got bent, knobs were turned and an uncontrolled visceral energy screamed life” into what has become “Psycho, California”.
I saw that Gilby Clarke and Matt Starr were used in the production side of the recording, what was it like working with them?
(ALEX)They both did a fantastic job capturing the spirit of these songs in the studio…Gilby really was the main producer on the record, we brought Matt in to do “Bury You” and “Wicked Lines”. We are all pretty good friends so it was very cool, relaxed vibe the whole time. I am very happy with the team we have.
I really enjoy the straight up sound of the band, describe to the readers in your own words what they can expect from the record.
(ALEX)It is really nothing more than 4 guys playing straight-up rock, this record is really just something we felt was missing from the rock scene. So many guys out here in Hollywood spend their time trying to chase the latest fad, and it pretty much NEVER works. I am proud that this band is simply doing what we like, regardless of what is popular. Old school, straight up rock seems to never go out of style…
I’m an old school nut who likes having the CD in hand, looking at the artwork, reading liner notes, so on and so on. I’m really glad to see that a physical copy of the CD will be out on Sept. 25th. Congrats on that, what distribution channels and where can it be found?
(ALEX)Thanks, we are very happy that the label interest came as quickly as it did, and are VERY happy with the deal we ended up with.It is really hard these days for new bands and we are very thankful to be given this shot.
The record is being released worldwide via Scarlet Records on September 25th, Entertainment One (Bush, Chickenfoot, Black Label Society) is our North American distributor.
It is also coming out in the UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria, Australia, Russia and many other territories. A complete list of distributors can be found on our site. www.thehoteldiablo.com
I have had the MP3 album since it was released and it receives regular play in my rotation. “Taken”, “Psycho, California”, and “Trigger” are standout tracks to me. Do you have any favorites?
(ALEX)“What You Do To Me” is one I am very proud of, I think we really hit our stride on that one.
I think it was a bold move covering “Wonderwall” any stories to tell about choosing this song for inclusion on the record?
(ALEX)We actually were just messing around with it one day, and then while driving home from the studio the original came on the radio, and I had forgotten what a great rock band Oasis is. We thought it would be cool to do. I think Rick did a fantastic job on that one.
It’s all you man, tell us anything and everything you want about Hotel Diablo:
(ALEX)There is a ton of VERY cool stuff on the horizon for us, please keep in touch. We control all of our social media and are very hands-on with the whole thing…check us out at:
There you have it, an insight into a great new band: Hotel Diablo. Check out their website www.thehoteldiablo.com, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hoteldiablo?ref=ts pick up the new record The Return To Psycho California ASAP you will not be disappointed.
I often wonder if Ozzy himself reflects on his history of guitarists. I know I have on several occasions. I have also wondered about other guitarists and how they would have fit in Ozzy’s band. Let’s look at the history of Ozzy’s guitarists and then we’ll imagine some other players and see what we think.
RANDY RHOADS 1979 – 1982
Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981), Tribute (1987)
Any fan of Ozzy knows of Randy. When the world first got their ears filled with the sounds of Randy’s guitars they knew everything had changed. It is in my opinion that Randy changed the game forever.
“Crazy Train” -Randy version
BERNIE TORME 1982
No albums made with Ozzy
Bernie was the immediate successor to Randy following his death. Big shoes to fill as he was hired to play makeup dates, and he was playing through Randy’s gear, AND he had to learn all of the songs in a week. Bernie only stayed on tour for three weeks before leaving to form his own band.
“Crazy Train” – Bernie version
BRAD GILLIS 1982 – 1983
Speak of the Devil (1982)
Brad came in following the departure of Bernie. He filled in and recorded a live album with Ozzy before leaving for Night Ranger.
“Crazy Train” – Brad version
JAKE E LEE 1983- 1987
Bark At The Moon (1983), The Ultimate Sin (1986)
Jake E Lee was in the running with George Lynch for the coveted spot. He obviously won out which I think was good move for Ozzy as Jake seemed suited for his band. We got some good songs from the Jake E Lee lineup as well.
1988: No Rest For The Wicked, 1990: Just Say Ozzy (live album), 1991: No More Tears, 1993: Live & Loud (live album), 1995: Ozzmosis, 2001: Down to Earth, 2002: Live At Budokan (live album), 2007: Black Rain
Zakk Wylde (he seems to make a lot of my blog posts) was, in my opinion, Ozzy’s strongest guitarist. The successful period with Zakk cannot be ignored. The writing combination of Zakk/Ozzy made some of the most memorable in Ozzy’s career.
“Crazy Train” – Zakk Wylde version
STEVE VAI 1994
No recordings
After one of Zakk’s departures Steve filed in temporarily for Ozzy. Vai began writing and recording with Ozzy Osbourne. One track from these sessions, “My Little Man”, was released on the Ozzmosis album. Despite Vai penning the track, he does not appear on the album.
No video found.
ALEX SKOLNICK 1995
No recordings made
Alex had a brief stay in supporting Ozzy and not much else was done other than that.
“Crazy Train” – Alex version
JOE HOLMES 1995–1998, 1999–2001
Song “Walk on Water” From Beavis and Butt-Head Do America Soundtrack (1996)
In 1995, after Ozzy Osbourne had finished recording the Ozzmosis album, a replacement for Zakk Wylde was needed for the tour. Joe got a call from Dean Castronovo (Oz’s drummer) to let him know they were seeking a guitar player. Joe went down to Audible studios in Los Angeles and played three Ozzy classics. Holmes did not mention that he had taken lessons from Randy Rhoads as he thought it would hurt his chances at the job.
“Crazy Train” – Joe Holmes version
JERRY CANTRELL 2004–2006
Under Cover (2005)
Jerry did Ozzy’s cover album for him and it was a damn fine job. If you haven’t heard it you should definitely check it out.
No video found
GUS G 2009-present
Scream (2010)
Gus was brought in when Ozzy and Zakk parted ways. Ozzy was trying to get away from what he perceived as a blurring of the lines between himself and the BLS sound. We shall see what becomes of writing future records with Gus. More power to him!
“Crazy Train” – Gus G version
Whew! What an impressive list of players! But what if Ozzy had tapped Dime, EVH, Herman Li, Buckethead, John5, or DJ Ashba? Something to think about…..thanks for playing!
the Hellion Rocks 