MY CONTINUING JOURNEY WITH TESLA 04/20/2013 – THE LAZY DAYS AND CRAZY NIGHTS TOUR

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I was “Teslafied” on 03/25/1987 in Albuquerque, NM. My friend Steve and I had bought tickets for the Alice Cooper “Raise Your Fist And Yell” tour. At that point we had never heard of Tesla. When Tesla took the stage and vocalist Jeff Keith announced that we were about to be “Teslafied” we looked at each other in amusement, for about 30 seconds. This band ROCKED! I became an instant fan and have been ever since. I eagerly purchased each new release and caught them several times when they rolled through my town. Years later a very good friend of mine, Mike Araiza, won a chance to play a song on stage with Tesla. That one song turned into several and a long-lasting friendship with the band. A couple of years later that relationship led to a collaboration with Mike’s musical partner, vocalist Jeff Sandoval, and Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon.

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04/20/2013 – My wife and I purchased VIP seats to once again see one of our favorite bands. It was a mellow evening as we waited for the show, there was no opener so the stage was set for just Tesla.

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After a brief intro the band came on strong with “I Wanna Live” and took hold of the sold out crowd and never let go. Despite a few technical glitches the show went off amazingly. Jeff Keith’s vocals were spot on and powerful as ever. Smiling, and at ease, the perfect host for an evening of Rock N’ Roll. Jeff has a personality that makes you feel like you’re at a backyard party watching your friends band.

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 The rhythm section of Troy Luccketta and Brian Wheat anchored the band solidly. Brian is a joy to watch as a bass player. He doesn’t stand in one spot, as some other do, he plays to the crowd from all over the stage. His playing style is solid and rock steady providing the beautiful low-end to the Tesla songs we all know and love. Troy provides the beat with a no B.S. approach. Perfect timing and giving the band the foundation to rock your ass off.

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     Which leaves me with the Dynamic Duo of guitars, Frank Hannon and Dave Rude. These guys are here to amaze. From heartfelt acoustic, to in your face shred these two have got you covered. Frank and Dave compliment each other so well. The classic Tesla song were played live as if they were in super HD, brilliant, and flawless. Flying across the stage, engaging the crowd, drawing you in to the show. This guitar tag team remains one of my favorites. They have gotten the Rock N’ Roll equation right.

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      During the show we noticed that Mike Araiza and Jeff Sandoval (previously mentioned as members of the Frank Hannon band, and close personal friends) had arrived and were enjoying the show as well. We all said hello and hugs were given all around and went back to watching the show.

Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza from the Frank Hannon Band.

Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza from the Frank Hannon Band.

     The evening’s  set list consisted of songs from the vast library of Tesla greats. Tesla gave the crowd their money’s worth and then some. Including: “I Wanna Live”, “Hang Tough”, “Breakin’ Free”, “Heaven’s Trail”, “Mama’s Fool”, “Getting Better”, “The Way It Is”, “Signs”, “What You Give”, “Love Song”, “Edison’s Medicine”, “”Lazy Days”, “Modern Day Cowboy”, and “Little Suzi” as their encore.   When their set was finished the band took pictures of the crowd and thanked and shook hands with as many as they could from the stage. 

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     The show was over but the evening had just begun to get interesting. We hung around and caught up with Jeff  and Sharon Sandoval and Mike and Marta Araiza. During our catching up a magic “King” and  “Queen” (they’ll know who they are when they read this) managed to slip us a couple of guest passes to meet the band. All of these years of listening to Tesla and now we were getting the chance to meet them.

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     We got meet and talk with Frank Hannon, Troy Luccketta, Brian Wheat, and Dave Rude (Jeff Keith had already retired to the tour bus). We hung around for about an hour and half just talking about projects, music etc. Jeff Sandoval was in full on pimp mode telling the band members about this blog site. He sure made me feel good about what I am doing here on this blog. The guys took a definite interest in it and we shared information for future writings and interviews. Thank you Jeff, Mike, and Marta for the chance to meet this great bunch of guys.

Mike Araiza, Frank Hannon, the Hellion, Mrs. Hellion, and Jeff Sandoval

Mike Araiza, Frank Hannon, the Hellion, Mrs. Hellion, and Jeff Sandoval

Dave Rude and the Hellion

Dave Rude and the Hellion

Troy Luccketta and the Hellion

Troy Luccketta and the Hellion

Brian Wheat and the Hellion

Brian Wheat and the Hellion

     A very special thanks to Jeff, Frank, Brian, Troy, and Dave from Tesla, you guys continue to amaze.

     A super special thank you to Frank Hannon for making the evening EXTRA special!

     “Lazy Days and Crazy Nights” for sure!

     It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

     the Hellion

The song that best defines the spirit of who I am

During a discussion yesterday about the impact of music on our lives the topic of defining songs came up. The question was posed “What single song defines who you are?” I pondered this question for a bit and came to only one conclusion, Rainbow- “Long Live Rock N’ Roll”. It simply states my feelings on the music I love. There is not a second of any day when a song is not running through my head. Someone once told me that if they were to cut me music notes would bleed out of me. “Long Live Rock N’ Roll” indeed!

 

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

Zakk TV? Now our miserable lives are complete!

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     A very cool series from the Boss himself. Now if only we had some Black Label Crunch cereal or Skully Charms with marshmallow guitars to go with it!!! Enjoy, my BLS Family, and GI/FD!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

WORNSTAR CLOTHING WELCOMES NEW GM – KURT ARFT!!!!

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http://www.wornstar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wornstar?fref=ts

Special Announcement: WORNSTAR CLOTHING has a new secret weapon. Kurt Arft officially joins the Wornstar team as GM. Kurt has been a big supporter since the beginning and has volunteered his time over the past couple of years and stepped up to help Stephen and Sylvia without question. He’s been a true loyal friend so it was easy to bring him on board as an essential piece to our ever growing puzzle. Join us in officially welcoming Kurt to the team. www.facebook.com/kurt.arft

     I want to personally congratulate my good friend Kurt. There is no one more deserving than this hard working guy! I know he will take Wornstar even further than they have already gone! I am a Wornstar for life!!!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

ROCK U-NIGHT SHOWCASE 2013!!! – APRIL 27TH ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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Another KICK ASS show here in New Mexico!! Here is the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/195311230592553/

Rusty Tramp
Shit Happens
Mud River
Scars Blue
Knucklez Deep

Chad Erickson’s CARVED ROCK LEATHER!!!

     I have met many great people in the music community Chad Erickson is one of them. He has made awesome leather works for a lot of people in the music world. He recently made a custom leather cuff for me with the Hellion logo. Check out his page and give him a like at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carvedrockleather/

Adam Joad from Scattered Hamlet guitar strap.

Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper guitar strap

the Hellion custom cuff

custom strap for Justin Manning from Crowned By Fire!

Mike Tramp (White Lion) to release solo record, COBBLESTONE STREET, 5/07‏/13

DEADLINE MUSIC TO RELEASE MIKE TRAMP’S NEW SOLO RECORD, COBBLESTONE STREET, ON MAY 7

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Los Angeles, CA…On May 7, Deadline Music (a subsidiary of Cleopatra Records) will release COBBLESTONE STREET, the latest solo record from White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp.  COBBLESTONE STREET offers a unexpectedly softer side of the rock front man, with ten acoustic-leaning tracks.  “This is the album I’ve dreamed about making for the last thirty years,” said Mike.

 

COBBLESTONE STREET is a folky, melodic “movie” of Mike’s life, starting with the title track, a nostalgic ode to his childhood hometown. The single, “New Day” is jangly and joyful with a sing-a-long chorus.  Songs like “Caught In The Storm” and “Ain’t The Life I Asked For” reflect the impeccable storytelling and delicate guitar work of Mike’s influences Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen.  The album closes with a special new acoustic version of White Lion’s hit, “When The Children Cry.”

 

The album was recorded at Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark with co-producer/engineer and multi-instrumentalist Soren Andersen.  “It was a wonderful feeling, sitting there on the couch listening to the songs that were rough and naked, but at the same time so complete,” recalls Mike.

 

In 1983, Mike Tramp founded the rock band White Lion in New York.  The band’s second album, PRIDE, when double-platinum with the hits “Wait” and “When The Children Cry,” and the band toured worldwide.  After White Lion broke up, Mike formed a much harder outfit, Freak of Nature.  FoN released three albums, and toured with Dio.  He has recorded solo rock records, but the COBBLESTONE STREET acoustic record and tour is a new journey.

 

COBBLESTONE STREET TRACK LIST

  1. Cobblestone Street
  2. Caught In The Storm
  3. New Day
  4. Ain’t The Life I Asked For
  5. Revolution
  6. We’ll Be Alright
  7. Angel Or Devil
  8. Find it In Your Heart
  9. What Are You Gonna Do?
  10. Once

BONUS TRACK

  1.  When The Children Cry (2013 Acoustic Version)

 

STREAMING MP3:

https://soundcloud.com/brosseaupr/new-day-from-cobblestone

 

 

Mike Tramp has announced summer U.S. tour dates as well:

7/11              The Rock Junction                       West Greenwich, RI

7/12              Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom    Hampton Beach – NH w/ STRYPER

7/13              BB Kings’s                                 New York, NY w/ STRYPER

7/14              Just Jake’s                                 Montclaire, NJ

7/16             Monirae’s                                  Pennellville, NY

7/17              Dead Horse Cantina                     McKees Rocks PA

7/18              Dingbatz                                    Clifton, NJ

7/19              House Of Rock                           White Marsh, MD

7/20             JB Mcguiness                              New Castle, DE

7/22               Bethel Road Pub                         Columbus, OH

7/23              TBA                                          Pennsylvania

7/24              Brahn’s Concert Cove                  Akron, NY

7/25              Club Diesel                                 Detroit MI

7/26             Slim N’ Chubbys                         Strongsville, OH

7/27             The Whammy Bar                       West Allis WI

7/28              The Firehouse                            Richmond IN

7/29             Penny Road Pub                          Barrington, IL

7/30             JJ Maloney’s                               Kaukauna, Wisconsin

8/1                Aftershock                                 Kansas City, KS

8/2                The Paramount                           Salina, KS

8/3                The Raz                                    Hutchinson, KS

8/4                Jammin’ Joes                             Arvada, CO

8/8                Diamondz                                  Jerome, ID w/ TRIXTER

8/14              Whisky A Go Go                          Hollywood, CA w/ STRYPER (unplugged)

8/15              The Coach House                       San Juan Capistrano, CA w/STRYPER

(unplugged)

8/16              Sunset Station Casino                  Las Vegas, NV w/ STRYPER ( unplugged)

 

COBBLESTONE STREET will be in stores and online retailers for MSRP of $14.98.

 

cleopatrarecords.com

 

 

Benefit Concert Featuring David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Troy McLawhorn (EVANESCENCE), Sal G (STAIND) + EYE EMPIRE — Performing Together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in Celebration of the “Battlefield of the Mind” Film and Soundtrack Release‏

Benefit Concert Featuring David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Troy McLawhorn (EVANESCENCE), Sal G (STAIND) + EYE EMPIRE

and MORE Performing Together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in Celebration of the “Battlefield of the Mind” Film and Soundtrack Release

 

The All-Star Line-Up Unites to Benefit the Boot Campaign at the Legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA on April 24, 2013

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Tickets Available Now!

http://battlefieldofthemindlive.eventbrite.com/

 

*A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Boot Campaign*

 

 

On April 24th, an all-star cast of musicians will perform at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA as part of a benefit concert for the Boot Campaign and their support of our military veterans. In a rare appearance, these alternative rock stars will appear together, performing songs off the “Battlefield of the Mind”documentary soundtrack, releasing on the same day on Chill (www.chill.com/botm). April 24th is also the official release date of the documentary.

 

“Battlefield of the Mind”, a film ArtistDirect calls, “the most powerful documentary of the decade,” is a full-length documentary that tells the raw and tragic details of what life is like as an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran today. Many veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and among them are those whose lives have fallen apart and have become homeless as a result. Severe PTSD leaves these returning heroes on a downward spiral into their own personal hell. The documentary is available to stream and download at: http://chill.com/fran_strine/battlefield-of-the-mind

 

The musicians performing together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in support of the film and the cause include:

 

– David Ellefson of MEGADETH

– Troy McLawhorn of EVANESCENCE

– Sal G of STAIND

– Pete Murray of LO-PRO

– Neil Godfrey of LO-PRO

– Headliners EYE EMPIRE, featuring Corey Lowery (STUCK MOJO /STEREOMUD /DARK NEW DAY) and B.C. Kochmit (SWITCHED) and Ryan Bennett (TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION) and military veteran Donald ‘DC’ Carpenter (SUBMERSED)

 

 

Event Details

The event will open at 7:00pm with filmmaker and participant interaction, exclusive look at the documentary, and Q&A. At 8:30pm the doors will re-open for the all-star jam and performance from Eye Empire.

*A taste of the music from the soundtrack can be found here. (The track is “No Words” Featuring Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson and Sal G.)

 

Tickets are $20 for full access, $15 for performance only.

To purchase tickets and RSVP visit: http://battlefieldofthemindlive.eventbrite.com/

 

VIP tickets (which include early access to soundcheck) are made available at www.chill.com/botm.

 

 

The Documentary

Narrated by David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Co-produced by Aaron Lewis (STAIND), this documentary by Fran Strine takes on a tragic truth – that those men that put their lives on the line to defend our freedom have come home to a world plagued by PTSD and homelessness.  1 in 7 homeless adults are veterans and over ¼ of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, physical illness and substance abuse at the same time.

 

These sad truths moved a concerned public to donate en masse to get the film made leading to a rousing KICKSTARTER success.  The film raised 190% of its funding goal with the soundtrack raising 120% of its funding goal. The film is currently available on CHILL (chill.com/botm) and will see its official physical release along with its soundtrack on April 24th.

 

“After engaging in conversations with these veterans living on the streets and hearing their stories, I knew this was the documentary I had to make and show that we, as citizens can make a difference,” says director and co-producer Fran Strine. The VA was approved $1.35 billion for the homeless in 2013 – a mere 0.035% of the $8.3 trillion US budget, says The White House Office of Management & Budget.  Forbes adds that providing permanent housing for the chronic homeless would save taxpayers $3 billion.

 

The soundtrack for the film features members of many prominent rock bands. DC of EYE EMPIRE, a former soldier himself, said of his band’s involvement, “I have always been sensitive to issues that face our troops Stateside & abroad.  When our good friend Fran mentioned that he and Aaron were going to be making this film and that he would like for us to be involved with the music, we were very humbled.”  Vocalist, Pete Murray (previously of ULTRASPANK) called working with the likes of Ellefson and Mike Mushok of STAIND “…an amazing experience. Working with other musicians with different backgrounds and influences has been an incredible opportunity.”

 

In addition to his narration duties, MEGADETH’s David Ellefson contributed to the soundtrack.  He explains the synergy between the music and the film, “Lyrically these songs were inspired directly by the film and the people portrayed in it.  In many ways, the Soundtrack continues the narrative of the film in music form.  I am proud that the songs and people involved in making them took the subject matter to heart and used it as the springboard for our songwriting.”  Composing score and soundtrack music was a labor of love for STAIND’s Mike Mushok.  “In writing music to the film, I got to watch a scene and express how I feel about it by writing music to it,” explains Mushok.  “It was something that I really enjoyed doing and am happy with the way it ultimately turned out.”

 

Spread the information about the plight of these veterans by purchasing the film and soundtrack and sharing it with your friends and family. Information is power and “Battlefield Of The Mind” is the ultimate ammunition in battling veteran homelessness and PTSD.

 

 

The Soundtrack

Track listing:

1. War Isn’t Over Yet – Eye Empire

2. Give Me Life – LoPro

3. Tear It Down – Feat. Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson & Sal G.

4. Wake of War – Feat. Troy McLawhorn, D.C., Mike Mushok, Corey Lowery & Mike Froedge

5. No Words – Feat. Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson & Sal G.

6. Not Like You – Feat. Troy McLawhorn, Pete Murray & Mike Froedge

7. When – Life on planet 0

8. Witness – Viasava

9. Drop us in hell – Feat. Sal G & Joseph Dougherty

10. Awakening – When earth awakes

11. Wake up – Feat. Michael Benedetto & Keith Caro

12. Save me – Feat. Michael Benedetto & Keith Caro

13. Ask McFly – The Dreaded Marco

14. Hollow Destination – Otan Vargas

 

 

 

For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Adrenaline PR and Maria Ferrero at 732-462-4262 or maria@adrenalinepr.com.

 

 

About Boot Campaign:

The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by five women from Texas known as The Boot Girls.  The campaign encourages everyone to ‘get their boots on’ providing an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for troops, cultivate awareness of the challenges they face upon return and raise funds for military programs meeting the physical and emotional needs of our heroes.  What better way to say “Thank You” to our troops than wearing a pair of boots just like theirs?  Proceeds from boot sales combined with donations and corporate sponsorships help us to assist wounded military and their families with job placement, mortgage free homes, PTSD counseling, adaptive clothing and so much more.

 

About Chill:

Chill is the premier video platform and marketplace to find entertainment content distributed for a global audience direct from artists, comedians and filmmakers. Consumers can stream or download-to-own top films, docs, series and comedy specials in HD quality to any device and transact worldwide. Chill recently released the critically acclaimed Maria Bamford: Special, Special, Special. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the company is backed by venture funding from Kleiner Perkins, William Morris Endeavor (WME), 500 Startups, Redpoint Ventures, Crunchfund, Science Media, Troy Carter and Atlas Venture. Chill is founded by Brian Norgard and Daniel Gould.

 

 

 

 

Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records to release first single “Cold” from the upcoming April 23rd album Frequency Unknown from QUEENSRŸCHE!

Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records to release first single “Cold”

from the upcoming April 23rd album Frequency Unknown from QUEENSRŸCHE!

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Deadline Music / Cleopatra Records is proud to announce the release of “Cold,” the premier single from the upcoming Queensrÿche CD, Frequency Unknown (due out Tuesday, April 23rd). Mixed by Anthony Focx (Jason Newsted, Aerosmith, Night Ranger, Ted Nugent) the single is available on iTunes for downloading and will also be released as a special limited-edition 7” vinyl single with a newly-recorded version of the Queensrÿche classic “Silent Lucidity” – mixed by Jürgen Engler (Doro Pesch, Die Krupps ) -on the B-side.

Catch Geoff Tate and QUEENSRŸCHE on their 25th Anniversary Operation Mindcrime Tour in a city near you!

Sat 04/06/13 West Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall
Tue 04/09/13 Aspen, CO Belly Up Aspen
Wed 04/10/13 Grand Junction, CO Mesa Theater & Lounge
Thu 04/11/13 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
Fri 04/12/13 Albuquerque, NM Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Albuquerque
Sat 04/13/13 Las Vegas, NV Chrome Showroom
Sun 04/14/13 Tempe, AZ The Marquee
Tue 04/16/13 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
Wed 04/17/13 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House
Thu 04/18/13 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
Fri 04/19/13 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
Sat 04/20/13 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia
Sun 04/21/13 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Mon 04/22/13 Sacramento, CA Ace Of Spades
Wed 04/24/13 Austin, TX Emo’s
Thu 04/25/13 Houston, TX The Concert Pub North
Sat 04/27/13 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
Thu 05/16/13 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater
Fri 05/17/13 Saint Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Sat 05/18/13 Turtle Lake, WI St. Croix Casino & Hotel
Wed 06/05/13 Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort Casino
Fri 06/07/13 Providence, RI Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Sat 06/08/13 Hartford, CT Webster Theater
Sun 06/09/13 Boston, MA Wilbur Theatre
Tue 06/11/13 Luzerne, PA Brews Brothers West
Wed 06/12/13 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
Thu 06/13/13 Falls Church, VA The State Theatre
Sat 06/15/13 Detroit, MI The Fillmore Detroit
Sun 06/16/13 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues

WORNSTAR ROCK & ROLL CLOTHING COMPANY Steps Into MMA Arena with The “Wornstar Immortals” MMA Line‏

WORNSTAR ROCK & ROLL CLOTHING COMPANY Steps Into MMA Arena with The “Wornstar Immortals” MMA Line

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Wornstar Clothing’s CEO and chief-designer—Stephen Jensen—is proud to unleash the new WORNSTAR IMMORTALS line upon the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) culture and the world.

Jensen says, “I’m a big fan of MMA and had a huge opportunity to start pushing the Wornstar line into the MMA realm locally, here in Chicago. I wanted to add to our rock & roll styles and start doing designs that are geared more to the MMA “feel” that MMA fans like myself are wearing. So, we created new designs based on this sport and launched, WORNSTAR IMMORTALS. This is Wornstar’s official MMA branch. We wanted to get some fighters on board to try out the new line and recently, Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion of the World—Pat Curran—approached us and told us how much he loved the look and feel of our brand and how much he wanted to represent our line. Wornstar got behind Pat Curran and made him our first spokesperson for the WORNSTAR IMMORTALS line. I’m excited to announce that Pat Curran will be wearing and debuting WORNSTAR IMMORTALS clothing on April 4th when defends his belt against Shahbulat Shamhalaev live on Spike TV!”

Be sure to tune into Bellator MMA on SPIKE TV on April 4th to watch Pat Curran defend his belt against Shahbulat Shamhalaev. Curran will be sportingWORNSTAR IMMORTALS clothing at this fight. For more info, please visit: http://fcfighter.com/post/pat-curran-to-defend-bellator-featherweight-crown-versus-shahbulat-shamhalaev-april-4th

 

About Wornstar: At Wornstar, we’ve always liked clothes that feel like a second skin, like they’re “worn in.” The whole goal with Wornstar is to make clothing that you WANT to wear, that you’re comfortable in, and that looks cool. We seek the highest quality materials when we craft our clothing.

Since we love music and work with a lot of artists, we also wanted to make shirts that are cool to wear on stage, and have artist’s genuinely embrace the brand, forthe brand. We want that same, “cool appeal” to meet the tastes of our customers. Wornstar is established with the mindset to be a long-standing and classic name.Wornstar strives to be anything but typical, we create designs that appeal to fans and artists of all genres…bridging gaps between hard rock and metal to country and hip-hop with our clothing all with the common thread of American rock & roll. Quality is paramount and Wornstar is all about having “nice feeling” clothes that are really comfortable and that you want to wear every day. We want to make your favorite shirt and we’re continuing to make everything better all the time. –WORNSTAR

Be sure to check out the official WORNSTAR IMMORTALS line and the entire WORNSTAR line at: www.wornstar.com.