The first time Dio graced my ears was in 1978 “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll” hooked in an instant. That song galvanized me, I knew right then my mission in life. I then followed Dio throughout his illustrious career.
Ronald James Padavona was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on July 10th 1942.
Dio’s musical career began in 1957 when several Cortland, New York musicians formed the band The Vegas Kings, which soon changed their name to Ronnie and the Rumblers. This band’s lineup had Padavona on the bass guitar, along with singer Billy DeWolfe, guitarist Nick Pantas, drummer Tom Rogers, and saxophone player Jack Musci.
In 1958, the band again changed their name, along with a few changes of personnel. The band was now known as Ronnie and the Redcaps. At this point, Padavona began singing, replacing DeWolfe. Musci also left the band, and a new guitarist, Dick Botoff, joined.
Padavona took up the name “Dio” after mafia member Johnny Dio, and first used it professionally at least by 1961, when he added it to the band’s second release on Seneca. Soon after that the band changed their name to Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. The group released several singles during the following years, until 1967.
Ronnie Dio and the Prophets disbanded in 1967, but he and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas started a new band called the Electric Elves. They shortened their name to Elf in 1969, and eventually went on to become an opening act for Deep Purple while recording three albums.
Dio’s vocals caught the ear of Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and when Blackmore left the band, he recruited Dio to Rainbow. Rainbow released its debut as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975. Dio recorded two more classic albums (Rising and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll) and the live album On Stage with Rainbow, but he left the band due to creative differences: Blackmore had wanted to take the band in a more commercial/mainstream direction.
In 1979, after leaving Rainbow, Dio joined Black Sabbath, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. That line-up released the highly successful Heaven and Hell album in 1980, which revitalized the band’s career. They then went on to record Mob Rules with Vinny Appice on drums. Vinny replaced original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward during the tour for Heaven and Hell due to familial problems at the time,it may also be noted that Bill was not very happy with Ronnie’s sing style and temperment (evidence of this divisiveness can be found in the Tony Iommi autobiography Iron Man. The album proved less successful than its predecessor, but still a hit. In 1982, disagreements over the mixing of Live Evil led to Dio and Appice quitting the band to form the band Dio. In 1992, Dio briefly returned to Black Sabbath to record Dehumanizer.
Wanting to continue together as a band, Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice formed Dio, the band, in 1982. On guitar played Vivian Campbell and on bass Jimmy Bain, the latter whom he had known since the old Rainbow days. Their debut album, Holy Diver, included the hit singles, “Rainbow in the Dark” and the title track, “Holy Diver”. As the band changed members over the years, Dio was the only original member. Except a few breaks, Dio, the band, was always touring or recording.
We lost Ronnie James Dio on May 16, 2010
Dio’s career spanned over half a century. During his stellar career , he received a number of distinctions and awards. He was inducted into the Cortland City Hall of Fame in 2004, and has a street named after him there called Dio Way. In his post-Elf band Rainbow, Ronnie wrote some of the first Power Metal lyrics. Classic Rock Magazine awarded Dio with the “Metal Guru Award” at their yearly “Roll Of Honour” awards ceremony in 2006. On January 17, 2007, Dio was inducted into Guitar Center’s Rock Walk of Fame in Hollywood, CA. Dio was named “Best Metal Singer” at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in April 2010 for his work on The Devil You Know, making him the oldest recipient of this award at age 67. He accepted the award in person at what was to be his final public appearance, less than one month before his death. The main stage of Bloodstock Open Air is also named after him in tribute after Heaven & Hell pulled out upon his death. Also the main stage on Masters of Rock festival carries his name since summer 2010. A Dio monument has been unveiled in Kavarna, Bulgaria.
Rolling Stone magazine eulogized Dio with these words: “It wasn’t just his mighty pipes that made him Ronnie James Dio — it was his moral fervor…what always stood out was Dio’s raging compassion for the lost rock & roll children in his audience. Dio never pretended to be one of the kids — he sang as an adult assuring us that we weren’t alone in our suffering, and some day we might even be proud of conquering it”.
On July 10, 2011 in parallel to Ronnie Dio’s birthday in Cortland, NY was held a day-long event featuring many central New York local bands and talent for a benefit to the Stand Up and Shout Cancer foundation for cancer research and Dio Memorial concert. Part of the proceeds from the event went to fund a memorial music scholarship for the local city high-school in his name.
Thanks Ronnie, my life was changed because of you. \m/
Each one of us has been on our own musical journeys. They are often fraught with varying emotions and thought. I recently caught up with Glen Krause who was the bassist for one of Albuquerque NM’s premier rock bands Seventh Sign. Glen has since moved on and continued his musical journey in California. Let’s catch up with Glen:
I always find it interesting to hear what first brought people in the music world. Glen what began your musical journey?
Glen: My parents both were very much the eclectic music lovers, There was always music playing in my house growing up. Classical, country (old school outlaw country), folk, some rock. I just always had theme music in the background of every early experience. I hear a lot of people around my age say that when they were children and they first heard The Beatles the light went on, for me it was when my Father brought Home Electric Light Orchestra’s “OUT OF THE BLUE”! That”s when I first realized I could put on headphones and in the period of less than an hour, go through every emotion possible. I began to devour music like a starving animal!
Once you caught the bug what was it that inspired you to pick up an instrument and learn how to play?
Glen: It’s funny, we always had a guitar in the house and I never picked it up. When My Grandmother passed away we inherited her piano and that kind of interested me. In grade school I took cello and clarinet class for about two weeks each. I just wanted an excuse to leave regular class for an hour a week. really no interest. Until I heard RUSH. My god! Geddy Lee blew me away! I re-listened to everything I had, just to hear the bass lines, I asked my mom to buy me a bass, I had just dropped out of high school and she said “Glen, If you study real hard make an appointment and pass the G.E.D. I will buy you a bass”. The next day she went out to the book store to buy me G.E.D. study guides and I went to go sign up. turns out they were giving the test THAT DAY! She came home with a bag of books, I came home with a G.E.D. and off to the music store we went! (she was thrilled and surprised and a little put out because she thought she would have plenty of time to save up! Sorry Mom, turns out I’m smart and motivated only when necessary! HaHa) Then I went about teaching myself how to play every RUSH song one at a time, album by album.
Ok, you’ve gotten your bass, and you’ve started playing, now which bass players lit your fire and inspired you?
Glen: Well Obviously RUSH but also Pink Floyd, Yes, Led Zeppelin… That was early on. then heavier stuff Sabbath, Maiden, Priest. Now as a song writer as opposed to just a bass player in a band, I go back to melodic, simple emotive music. Beatles, ELO, Elton John 70’s and 80’s pop. I think My influences change as my intentions change. Constantly evolving and De-evolving.
Alright, you’ve been inspired to play, gotten your instrument, learned enough to venture out and perform with a band, what were your first band experiences like?
Glen: There were several “situations” i would call them before there were bands. My first REAL band was a blues band Called the Blues Bears We played one gig. after that I was in a band called Suite G with Tim Griffiths Garcia which over time evolved into The Shouting Scouts. Playing the Cover circuit in Abq. Man that was rough, 4 one hour long sets a night, 6 nights a week for a few years. Paying the dues and the bar tabs and getting LOTS of experience.
All of this was leading up to SEVENTH SIGN.What were the circumstances for you joining them?
Glen: Yeah, In 1990 My mother passed away and I decided it was my time to experience life outside of Albuquerque, My Aunt told me to go to San Francisco because of the creative community and the beauty of that great City, so I did. And I loved it there. I wasn’t really playing much music though. My Good friend Paul Lavelle came out to visit one time and told me about a band that was really good in Abq was looking for a bass player. I was SO NOT interested until he told me the names of the guys in the band. SHWING!!!! I knew Gregg Analla a little but was VERY aware of his vocal talent, I knew Dan Rivera pretty well and knew OF Richard Nance, heard him but never met him. I flew Back to Abq that week to meet up with them, flew back to S.F., packed my stuff, grabbed my cat and less than a month later we were working on the first EP “Blue Print”.
SEVENTH SIGN always stood out among the other bands what was the secret for rising above the norm?
Glen: Well, for one, we focused on originals. We learned three covers so we would have something to play while we wrote. But our intention from the beginning was to be an original band. During that time in Abq. that was NOT the thing to do. It was a cover band town (with the exception of, and mas respect for, Femme Fatal and Flake-Later known as the Shins). So we pretty much locked ourselves into what ever jam room we could find (Wild Wilber’s was our birth place) and just worried about writing great songs and playing them with perfection. We did not even consider the idea of playing a gig for the first 6 months to a year. There was nowhere to play originals anyway. We thought about the big picture from the start. We didn’t want to work our way up in public, we wanted to come out of the box on top! We utilized every opportunity we could, and just tried to be friendly to everybody, a guy dressed as a business man started coming to our practices, he wasn’t a record producer or anything like that, just a cool guy. We were friendly with him even though he wasn’t a hot chick or your typical rock n’ roll looking guy, and BAM! it turns out he’s a pilot with his own plane. James Shelton flew us to out of town gigs, and helped us in so many ways every chance he got, Dan knew a guy who loved doing video stuff, BOOM there you go! Dave Stabley would do live and sequenced video projected behind us while we played. NO ONE was doing that! We had a friend who was a electronics genius who was developing his own robotic lights (James Avilla, R.I.P.) Because WE were working so hard to reach perfection he decided to allow us to showcase his lights, first band in town to have Live video and Robotic lights! And to blast it all out there was the amazing James Wood! Part of the project from day one! Owned his own sound company. Most of the local clubs had his stuff in them anyway but when we finally decided to break it all out and do a live show he pulled it all for that night. A lot of people had been hearing word of mouth about this really good band with this Killer singer so when we played, they went. Skeptically I’m sure and the crowds were small the first few times out. But what they got was a show like they had never seen before in a club from a local bunch of guys. Carefully crafted and well rehearsed music played through the best possible sound system run by the best possible sound man, and amazing, choreographed robotic light show and live video projected larger than life behind us. Go figure It went over pretty well to say the least! By the time we released our demo EP “Blue Print” we sold out Senior Buckets two nights in a row with a line around the building. We will always hold the attendance record for that place, (including national acts)!
UPDATE: We would like to add this video for “Darkheart” filmed by Dale Waseta. Dale was and still is near and dear to our (Glen and James) hearts. His past work with Seventh Sign and his current work with Music U-Night/Rock U-Night/Mysteria Records is greatly appreciated! Thank you fromt he bottom of our hearts Dale! Here is “Darkheart”:
Life and our relationships are full of lessons, what did you learn in your time with SEVENTH SIGN?
Glen: The benefits of work ethic and integrity. About how a group of people (not just the guys in the band) with a shared desire to excel could pull together and help one another. We never looked at it as people trying to squeeze in on our game, we looked at it as people who could help us, WANTED to help us! and by including them we helped them! On any and every opportunity we would round up the troops and help James load a truck of sub cabinets and power amps across town and back. Help Jimmy Avilla install his newly released lights into a dance club. If other bands needed a back line and we were off, we would not only lend it to them we would deliver it to them and set it up! Our hard work and dedication attracted like minded people and we all found ways to help each other. In no time at all, every venue in town loved us every band in town respected us and it was because we shared whatever we could, they all did too. I guess in summary, we all learned in Seventhsign that the best music “scene” is really a music community. It shouldn’t be about what can MY BAND get out of this town, It should be about what can my band do to make this town a fun place to play, where people go to each others shows and fill venues and give the new guys a leg up. A town full of good bands doing well equals a good music scene. A town with a bunch of struggling bands playing to their family through a cheap rented PA while another band with good equipment sits at home that night with their gear in the garage makes for a very bad music scene.
As a people we are continually growing and changing, in your own personal growth you chose to leave SEVENTH SIGN.
Glen: Yes I did, right after we finished our second record, Perpetual Destiny. We had just gotten our first deal, A distribution deal in Japan on Alpha Records. I was blessed to learn that I was going to be a father. It was a hard decision in some ways. I had spent my whole life building up to the moment that was right in front of us. I tried to figure every way possible to stay with the band and continue the work that needed to be done. but ultimately it was impossible. When I realized that I would have to quit my job and tour for road float (food and with luck, a room once in a while no pay other than merchandise) basically it was a no brainer. I wanted to be a father more than I wanted to be a “Rockstar” and I was not about to leave my family behind with no support. It was hard on me but it was hard on the band as well. we were also a family at that point. They did fine getting the position filled. And I was madly in love with my new family. Life happens and it’s the most beautiful thing. I don’t regret making the decision I made at all and never will. But it was difficult.
After all of that are you still playing music?
Glen: Yes, Mostly composing and writing now. i’m working with several different vocalists on new material, trying to break into the score and sound track game, and writing my own stuff just for therapeutic reasons. Mostly by using music as a way to help others.
I understand that one of the ways you are helping others is with some charity work. Can you elaborate on this?
Glen: A few actually. I took on the task of re-releasing the Seventhsign catalog through iTunes and other channels with proceeds benefiting Futures For Children, A New Mexico based charity that provides educational resources and mentorships to at-risk Native American Children and young adults, That is still an on going project. I’m also involved with the SING ME A STORY foundation as a contributing composer and performer. A great charity that collects stories written by orphaned children around the world and has musicians compose, arrange and record a song based on that story. Then they send a copy of the CD to that child along with equipment to play the cd if necessary. Such an awesome Idea. Imagine losing your parents at a young age in a war or massacre or natural disaster, never having the opportunity to really experience or even hear professionally recorded music and suddenly there is a song about YOU that YOU helped write! That could be life changing to a hopeless child. To be able to give that gift with a few days or even just hours work feels so much better than playing “La Grange” to six drunk guys in a smelly bar on a Tuesday night! Anyone can do it to, check out their website, and if you cant record a song send them a few bucks.
The music scene and industry has changed so much since you entered it, what are your thoughts on what’s happening now?
Glen: That is such a hard question to answer. In my opinion, The “industry” is a thing of the past for the most part. Record companies are merely P.R. companies that farm talent. Disney owns so much of the companies that used to be the industry and they groom kids to be pop stars. Reality T.V. shows like American Idol and The Voice and so on have changed the way popular music is chosen for us (which, I believe, it always was). It used to be competing record companies with a constantly rotating A&R department that decided who and what was going to be signed, recorded and marketed. Now it is YOUR vote via text message. That’s Pop. For the Indie scene, social media has changed that so much, actually not so much changed it but let it grow out of control. There are tens of thousands of great and not so great artists out there and they all are on a level playing field. They can relatively easily record their own material, invent their own “label”, sell it via digital download and market it via social networks. Its the wild west out there now in my opinion. Who knows how, when and if it will ever be simple again.
But two simple facts remain, and always will.For the artist, First and foremost always remember that a “Music Scene is, like any other art “scene”, a COMMUNITY not a COMPETITION. If you work VERY hard, sacrifice and suffer for your art, create a good product and provide good customer service (quality shows, being accessible, flexible and interactive within the community of music) you have a chance to make it. You can still dream big and work your dreams into reality.
For the listener, you have an immensely larger buffet these days. Find what you like and enjoy it. (personally love Pandora radio because it helps me cut through the massive amount of offerings and discovers through similarities, music that I enjoy).
There is one thing I would like to add to the last answer and that is the element of what YOU GUYS are doing! You guys are a “community developer” in many senses. You HELP bands and artists and venues do all of those things I spoke of! I will revise that answer to include that because it was a glaring oversight on my part. Its like, there are Agregators like Reverb Nation, CD baby and tune core that help distribute digital music. You Guys, with Music/rock u-night and Mysteria and Polyram that do a similar service but on a much more human and hands on way. helping bands put all of those basic elements I speak of together. A wonderful asset and resource to the “community”.
Thanks for the kind words Glen.
There you have it, a personal journey from and outstanding musician, and an outstanding person.
One of the questions I see the most is “What would your dream band lineup alive or dead be?” I have pondered this question many times and I come up with different answers each time. So I decided to write about it and come up with three bands. One with band members who are no longer with us, one with all living band members, and comprised with both. I will try to give reasons why and even try to give my fantasy bands an appropriate name.
From the other side,
SOPHISTICATED HOOLIGANS:
Bon Scott, AC/DC (deceased 19 February 1980) – vocals
Randy Castillo, Lita Ford/Ozzy/Motley Crue (deceased March 26, 2002) – drums
John Entwistle, The Who (deceased 27 June 2002) – bass
I can only imagine what a jam session with these guys would sound like. I hope that they are hanging out on the other side. I think the combination of these “gentlemen” would make for a unique sound. I chose the name “Sophisticated Hooligans” for them because the oxymoron just suits the attitude I imagine they would have.
Still with us,
COSMIC DESTRUCTION:
Sebastian Bach, Skid Row/Solo – vocals
Zakk Wylde, Ozzy/Pride & Glory/Black Label Society – guitars
Justin Manning, Crowned By Fire – guitars
Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath – bass
Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater/Adrenaline Mob/Flying colors – drums
I shudder to think of the destructive power this band would have, hence the name “Cosmic Destruction”. There would have to be a warning label on the CDs and at the live performances. All of these players have that explosive power that would give this band the ability to crush your chest and have you thank them for it.
Some still with us and some not
RETROGRADE:
Paul Rodgers, Free/Bad Company – vocals
Randy Rhoads, Quiet Riot/Ozzy (deceased March 19, 1982) – guitars
Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers – bass
John Bonham. Led Zeppelin (deceased 25 September 1980) – drums
The mixture of Paul Rodgers beautiful voice combined with Randy Rhoads melodic playing style would compliment each other so well. Combine that with Flea holding down the bottom end and John Bonham keeping the beat and WOW! I know this lineup seems kind of weird but I think it could work. As for calling the band “Retrograde”, I think it just sounds cool.
There you have it those are just my thoughts, please share yours!!!
So… September 23 2009 was the very first time we were on air with BleachBANGS. That date is right around the corner. Crazy. Sitting back listening to some of our very first shows and enjoying. We’ve come along way in 3 years and we’re not done yet. Very happy and proud to have had all these amazing bands on with us over the course of this ride. It’s about you and your music! We’ve had some ups and downs. Tech issues, money issues, idea issues. We’ve overcome all of em. Onward and upward from here. No matter what it is, promoting, housing, feeding, booking, or just talkin it up & playin the tunes on air BleachBANGS is here for you… The bands. Thank you!
We’ll even bang your ugly friends
Cheers,
Charlie Owens.
I have been fortunate to have been asked into the Bleach Bangs family as a co-host, Thanks guys!
I was fortunate to see this band at the Whisky-a-go-go in Hollywood this June. They put on a great set and I see great things in the future for this band. They are based out of Phoenix Arizona.
Ironcore Resistance is a Kentucky based band ready to put their brand of hardcore metal in your face. These will will kick your ass and make you like it. Hell even Father Zakk likes ’em, say no more!
FURYON is a new band from the UK who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock, FURYON mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. I stumbled upon this band and have been enthralled ever since.
I got to meet Erik from Gypsyhawk when he was filling in for mutual friends Scattered Hamlet. He is a great guy and Gypsyhawk is a great band. These guys are a straight up Rocking band and not afraid to tell it to you. Hell yes to bringing back the big sound. Catch these guys if they come ANYWHERE near you!
This world class guitarist is also a friend of mine. Ostrander can hold his own with the best of the best. His shredding and playing style a stellar. His greatness in playing is the complete opposite to his mild mannered quiet demeanor. Do yourself a favor and check out this axeman extraordinaire!
Again thank you internet, one of my internet friends turned me on to this band. REVERENCE features members from: Tokyo Blade and Savatage, Crimson Glory, Jack Starr’s Burning Starr. Power metal to the extreme these veteran performers have come to show the world how it’s done.
Mushroomhead drummer Steve “Skinny” Felton and vocalist Waylon Reavis have teamed with Chimaira bassist Jim LaMarca and Tommy Church to form the band Tenafly Viper. The band has recorded fifteen tracks which have been submitted to Megaforce Records. My friends in Scattered Hamlet pointed this band out to me. Love the vibe and sound and I think you will too!
SPEED X is the new band featuring ex-Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone on guitar, Black Label Society guitarist Nick Catanese, Doubledrive drummer Mike Froedge and former Doubledrive bassist Joshua Sattler, and the latest addition Jason Fowler on vocals. As a BLS fan I was glad to see this side project from Zakk’s “Evil Twin” . I can listen to this over and over. I think you should too.
I interviewed these guys on our radio showBleach Bangs Radio. Fun guys with a Rock N’ Roll mission. Good old school hard rock here and you WILL like it another GREAT band on the rise and you heard them right here on the Hellion’s Blog! Definitely check these guys out when they hit your town!
Another side project band from BLS bassist John J.D. DeServio. Together with Joe Taylor (Lead Guitar), Gregg Locascio (Vox, Guitar),Bob Pantella (Drums), and Troy Cromwell (Keys) This band has elements of Rock, Metal, and Funk. Great to see J.D. step up and put out a great side project CD as this.
“Egypt”:
There you have it! Ten more for your ears, I’ll keep ’em coming!!
We all know and love the players in our favorite bands, but are you familiar with their “Supergroups” and or “Side Projects”? Let’s check out a few and maybe you’ll hear something new to love.
THE FIRM:
The Firm were a British rock supergroup comprising former Free and Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, ex-Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band drummer Chris Slade and bass player Tony Franklin. Page and Rodgers originally wanted former Yes drummer Bill Bruford and fretless bassist Pino Palladino in the group; however, Bruford was contracted to another label and Palladino had tour commitments with singer Paul Young. The Firm released two albums: “The Firm” and “Mean Business”. Here are two of my favorite tracks:
“Radioactive”:
“Satisfaction Guaranteed”:
BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION:
Nikki Sixx formed Brides of Destruction with L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns, initially with the name Cockstar, after Mötley Crüe went on hiatus in 2001. Added to the lineup were Adema drummer Kris Kohls, L.A. Guns bassist Adam Hamilton, who played keyboard in the band, and singer London LeGrand. Hamilton was soon replaced by former Mötley Crüe singer and guitarist John Corabi while Guns left L.A. Guns to focus on the band. They briefly adopted the moniker Motordog before settling on Brides of Destruction[ before recording demos. By 2003, both Corabi and Kohls departed the band, with former Annetenna and Ednaswap Scot Coogan replacing Kohls. Personally Brides of Destruction released two records : “Here Come The Brides” , and “Runaway Brides”. I personally like the first release “Here Come The Brides” better than the second. This band came on strong and burned out fast but is still a great listen.
“Shut The Fuck Up”
“Revolution”:
REBEL MEETS REBEL:
Rebel Meets Rebel is a country metal album by David Allan Coe and Pantera members Dimebag Darrell, Rex Brown, and Vinnie Paul. The music was written and recorded by the band when the musicians had time aside from their other projects, including Pantera’s world tour supporting Reinventing the Steel.
The album was released on May 2, 2006, under Vinnie Paul’s own label Big Vin Records, posthumously after Dimebag Darrell’s murder in 2004.
I picked this album the day it came out unsure of what to expect. I have to admit, it was different and it grew on me. I can appreciate this kind of collaboration. I hope that this is the first time some of you have heard this and you can grow to appreciate it as well.
“Get Outta My Life”:
“Heart Worn Highway”:
THEM CROOKED VULTURES:
Them Crooked Vultures is a rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles in 2009 by John Paul Jones (former member of Led Zeppelin), Dave Grohl (of Foo Fighters and formerly of Nirvana), and Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age). The group also includes guitarist Alain Johannes during live performances. I had heard rumors of this project and was excited for it to come out. I t was what I expected and then some. Not a lot of people have caught the buzz of this band so I’m putting it in your ears.
“New Fang”:
“Scumbag Blues”:
Spacewalk: Salute to Ace Frehley
One of my favorite side project/tribute albums ever! I highly recommend you seek one of these out for yourself. A fitting tribute to ACE FREHLEY if ever I heard one.
1. Deuce – Marty Friedman
2. Shock Me – Gilby Clarke
3. Rip It Out – Scott Ian
4. Hard Luck Woman – Jeff Watson
5. Snowblind – Snake Sabo
6. Rock Bottom – Russ Parrish
7. Parasite – Traci Guns
8. Cold Gin – John Norum
9. New York Groove – Bruce Bouillet
10. Fractured Mirror – Dimebag Darrell
There are some special players on this record, see if you can pick ’em out!!!
We have lost far too many Rockers before their time due to various reasons. It is my intent to talk about their contributions to and what they might have contributed had they lived. Because there are so many, we will focus on four guitarists tonight.
JIMI HENDRIX:
James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was ahead of his time. He took playing to an all new level and combined great stage presence. He was also an innovator in the studio as well, I remember talking to a studio engineer once who told me that one thing the did in the studio for Jimi was to lower his amplifier down an elevator shaft and then suspended a microphone above it to capture a unique sound. I often wonder what direction Jimi would have taken had he lived, and what modern guitarists would sound like. Here are my two favorite Jimi Hendrix tracks:
“Waterfall (May This Be Love)”:
“Stone Free”:
TOMMY BOLIN:
Thomas Richard “Tommy” Bolin (August 1, 1951 – December 4, 1976) remains one of my favorite guitarists to this day. Tommy, in my opinion, is so underrated as a player. How many other guitarists do you know that have replaced both Joe Walsh AND Ritchie Blackmore? Tommy did both, he replaced Joe in the James Gang from 1973 to 1974, and Ritchie in Deep Purple from 1975 to 1976. My favorite remains his solo work. Tommy, like Jimi before him, was ahead of his time in playing style, effects usage, hairstyles, and fashion. There is always the thought in my mind as to what greatness Tommy could have progressed into. Do yourself a favor and check out Tommy’s stuff!
“Teaser”:
“Post Toastee”
RANDY RHOADS:
Randall William Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) I was fortunate to have seen Randy in concert with Ozzy a few months before his tragic passing. It was awesome to say the least. Randy was so fluid on stage, and his playing, flawless. The style with which he played showed his classical skill. His passing during his stellar rise shocked us all. The influence Randy had on today’s guitarists can still be heard. What more could he have given us? Where would rock guitar be if he was still with us?
Randy Solos:
“Lost solo”:
DIMEBAG DARRELL:
Darrell Lance Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004), also known as Diamond Darrell and Dimebag Darrell. When Dime hit the scene EVERYONE noticed. Here was another young guitar player with AWESOME chops. Together with Pantera, his in your face style of playing gave hope to ROCK N’ Rollers everywhere. The onstage murder of Dime shocked the world and left us in awe and disbelief. Although Pantera seemed on the outs, Dime and Damageplan were poised to take over. I know the world will always wonder how much more there was in Dime’s bag of tricks. I feel that as a player he would have continued to grow and influence others. Let’s listen to a couple of tracks from Dime that are not normally heard:
“Fractured Mirror”:
Rebel Meets Rebel “Nothin’ to Lose”
Four guitarists we lost far too soon!! Listen to them and gain influence from them. We will never let them fade away!
Happy Birthday Brother Dime! We love you now, and always!
For those of you who don’t know I co-host an internet radio show called BLEACH BANGS RADIO. We feature band interviews with major acts as well as bands on the rise. Check us out at http://www.bleachbangs.com/ every Tuesday night at 7:30pm MST. Myself, Charlie Owens, Randy Norris, and John Hennis will be your guides!
Yes Testament is STILL kicking your ass with some great music! Like other bands they have suffered lineup changes and health issues but have persevered and kept going.
Dark Roots of Earth was released on July 31st, 2012 this newest release has them as strong as ever.
1. “Rise Up” easily my favorite track. The lyrics:
It’s time to rise up!
It’s time to rise for war!
It’s time to rise up!
Black is death!
And red is war!
just get my blood pounding and my fist pumping! Love to crank this one to 11 and grin evilly at other people in cars.
2. “Native Blood” The video for this track is relevant to the struggles of the Native American peoples. It is a solid track and the video hits home and is very well done.
As for the following tracks, they are ALL solid and worth listening to and developing your own opinions on.
3. “Dark Roots of Earth”
4. “True American Hate”
5. “A Day in the Death”
6. “Cold Embrace”
7. “Man Kills Mankind”
8. “Throne of Thorns”
9. “Last Stand for Independence”
This is one of Testament’s standout records and worth snatching up!
the Hellion Rocks 