I would like to apologize to my loyal readers. I had to step away from social media for a minute because of the overwhelming flood of mayhem on it. I needed time to reflect on how I can help. We need more positive messages and treatment of each other. Only by looking within and deciding to make a positive impact can we make changes. Never be afraid to care.
-the Hellion
It’s always a good day to talk with Michael Sweet from Stryper. I had the chance yesterday to speak with Michael a bit about the new record and some other things. It was a heartfelt conversation and left me feeling good. Thanks again Michael, and Kevin for making it happen. Enjoy our conversation right here:
Do yourselves a favor and pick up the new Stryper release out on Frontier Records Friday, October 16th, I give it a 15 out of 10 stars!!!
Check out Stryper online:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
I find myself beating a dead horse again with the announcement of the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
The elite few are at it again by nominating too many artists that ARE NOT IN THE ROCK N’ ROLL GENRE!!! I think it was said best by the Sex Pistols when they refuse to attend their 2006 induction and sent the following letter:
Transcript: “Next to the SEX-PISTOLS rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain. Your museum. Urine in wine. Were not coming. Were not your monkey and so what? Fame at $25,000 if we paid for a table, or $15000 to squeak up in the gallery, goes to a non-profit organisation selling us a load of old famous. Congradulations. If you voted for us, hope you noted your reasons. Your anonymous as judges, but your still music industry people. Were not coming. Your not paying attention. Outside the shit-stem is a real SEX PISTOL”
So what should happen? How should we recognize those worthy? Here are my thoughts: You wouldn’t see Slayer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (if indeed there is one) or the R&B/Soul/Funk/Rap Hall of Fame (if indeed there is one of those as well) and I wouldn’t expect to either. You wouldn’t see Whiz Khalifa inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame either. So why would we see Country Music artists or R&B/Soul/Funk/Rap artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? We don’t have cross-genre radio stations so why would we have a cross-genre Hall of Fame called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
I am of the opinion that we could rename it as the Music Hall of Fame and let it become a free for all or stick to the music for what it was named for and just induct artists in the Rock And Roll genre. Now there is nothing wrong with other genres of music let’s just call it as it is.
As for the elite few that are in charge of nominations…well I think we should let the people speak. There should be criteria that bands must meet for nomination for sure but I believe the listeners should have the final word. Every year the bands that meet said criteria should be listed and a site opened where the fans have a certain amount of time to vote, and the top 16 should be the ones inducted, and the process cycles annually.
These are just my thoughts and musings. I’ll shut up now and go listen to the new Stryper record.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
A recent conversation I overheard: “I’m going to see Def Leppard this weekend, are you?” “No I don’t like him.” I interjected “You know, Def Leppard has a new record coming out.” To which the response was “I only like that one song, you know, the “Sugar” song.”
After banging my head repeatedly into the wall I began to think about veteran bands and their new music.
I can recall going to several recent shows where the bands were touring on new music and yet the fans were only interested in hearing the “hits” from the past. It is this that bothers me. Why make a new album then if no one cares to hear the new stuff? I get why there are so many frustrated musicians in the world these days.
I, for one, love to hear the new music, I actually prefer it. I blame this on corporate radio (yet again, the bane of my existence). Oh yes they will play the “new” track from the more popular artists for a bit but then often times it fades away to be replaced with the classic “hit” songs.
What does this really do to the artists? I feel that it makes some of them only go through the motions when writing a new record. They put it out only because they have to contractually. It’s the “nobody cares to listen to our new music, so why bother” syndrome. I am not saying it’s always like that but I get that vibe from some.
So what is the fix? I don’t really think there is a general fix for the problem. It is up to us stalwart music lovers who go out and buy the new releases from veteran artists to turn others on to said new music. I have said in the past that Rock N’ Roll was spread by word of mouth in its beginning and it has come full circle to that today.
I am tired of seeing people at Iron Maiden, KISS, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, etc., etc., shows looking bored and distracted when they play new material. I get it, you love “that one song”, but why not give the new stuff a chance, and you might just find another song or two to love.
It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
Many years ago some pissed off disaffected young men decided to tell the world how they were feeling. Their medium: loud, fast, and aggressive music, their name? METALLICA!!!!
When James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich got their shit together and put Dave Mustaine and Cliff Burton in the lineup they were ready to shake up the Rock N’ Roll world. They were loud, obnoxious, and very much what we needed in music at that time.
They then went to New York to record their debut record with which they planned sonic assault on the eardrums of the world, which is when they began their race to “jump the shark” so to say.
Nobody was madder and more disaffected than Dave Mustaine (if you doubt me listen to his music even to this day). When they kicked him out and replaced him with Kirk Hammett from Exodus they started down that road to the shark.
While we got some really good music from Metallica in the early days the clock was ticking for our young anarchists.
Keep in mind these are just my thoughts on Metallica and how I feel they have jumped the shark. Like I stated earlier I believe their path to jumping said shark was with the dismissal of Dave Mustaine. I do indeed own every release by Metallica and I have passed my judgment as this: the so-called Black album was the demise of Metallica in that I feel the loss of any fire and passion in their music. Yes, there were some great tracks here and there in the subsequent records but none that were solid from open to close. Now am I saying Metallica sucks? Not a chance, they just aren’t making the music that I fell in love with anymore. I will continue to purchase their future releases and give them a fair listen and hope for that spark to reappear, but I am not holding my breath. I will thank them for the back catalog of music that still put my fist in the air but inside I weep when I listen to St. Anger….
Rest In Peace Cliff Burton, I have always admired and respected you and your style of playing.
It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
-the Hellion
So, people are calling me out on my Facebook statement from earlier today. After hearing about the Metallica/Budweiser beer thing. I posted: “Drink some beer with our name on it so you don’t care if our next record is terrible…” I then commented on my own post: “What’s next Megabeer, Five Finger Hard Punch?”
It was all in fun people, but I get it. I’m close enough to people in the industry to understand the struggle. Being a musician in today’s world is harder than ever. That is why many of them have chosen to diversify their interests. That is why we have seen so many hot sauces, coffees, restaurants, clothing lines, guitars and gear, etc., etc. from artists these days. The problem that can arise from this, in my opinion, is that I feel the music gets lost in all of the hustle and bustle.
So, in conclusion, pay more attention to the music instead of the “stuff”! Now go buy some music and band merch, and hit up a show or two!!!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
As I sit here and see/hear/read all of the news about racial tensions, the assassination of police officers, and other horrors going on I thought I would talk a little about my feelings to you my loyal readers.
I am going to share some things with you about my life and thoughts. First off, my mother’s father was a Cherokee and a tribal leader, I knew nothing of this life as he passed long before my birth and I only had word of mouth to go by. I spent the first 9 years of my life with a man whom I thought was my father. This man was abusive as all get out to me and my mom. He was severely racist as well. We lived in neighborhood that was all white and to everyone’s horror a black family moved in. I made quick friends with their son and I was well treated by their family, not so by my stepfather. I could have given a shit about his color. My mom divorced him shortly before I turned 10.
My mom’s next husband came from a family of Mexican descent and I was suddenly thrust into that culture. I embraced it and was accepted into their family with open arms. I often heard the terms “Spic”, “Beaner”, and other derogatory terms and they hurt me deeply.
As an adult I found out about my birth father and his heritage. They come from Nordic roots and settled in Normandy and then Canada and later America. When I found his family I learned that I had cousins that were a mixture black and white. This phased me not one bit.
Growing up around racial and cultural diversity taught me tolerance instead of bias. I am of the firm belief that one owns one own actions, period. I could have very easily taken the PTSD crutch and been an abuser myself, or a racist, or a myriad of other horrible things I’ve been exposed to in my life. I, however, chose to do what I felt was right in my heart. I love my wife, children, grandchild, friends, and family and would do anything for them.
There is stupidity in every race and THAT stupidity belongs to each individual who makes bad decisions.
I thought we were done with racial inequality and it was put to bed. How can we have a black lives matter without a white/yellow/red/brown lives matter? How come there is a NAACP and not a NAACP (insert Caucasian in the place of the C)? Why don’t we just have a NAAP? To quote Depeche Mode, “People are people, so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully?”
As for the police, like in every job in the world there is corruption and people there for the wrong reasons. For the most part however, the police are there to protect and serve. Police Service is a thankless job for most of the officers, and now we have people assassinating them willy nilly.
I am going to say this right here, right now: IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE KILLED BY THE POLICE DON’T BE OUT DOING SHIT YOU SHOULDN’T BE DOING!!!!
I am heavily tattooed and have that “Biker” look and have NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE POLICE!!! BECAUSE WHENEVER I HAVE AN INTERACTION WITH THE POLICE I TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT AND COMPLIANCE! An altercation in the field with police can cause nothing but trouble and heartache. Burning, looting, and destruction are not the answer people. Mature conversation and communications can accomplish far more.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the greatest men to advance racial equality and I have always admired him for it. But I feel his work is being unraveled by the actions of people today.
I don’t know about any of you but I bleed red and my outside is just a fancy wrapper. We are all just people and as such we should be caring for each other and brothers and sisters of the HUMAN RACE.
People are people…
-the Hellion
What a cool experience we had at the Hellion Rocks yesterday. We were honored to have the chance to speak with guitar legend Marty Friedman. I was tied up with mayhem and mischief so Mike Araiza stepped up and took care of business. Mike and Marty had a great conversation that we are sure you will enjoy! So check it out right here:
e sure and pick up the killer new release from Marty Friedman “Inferno” out on Prosthetic Records NOW!!!
Catch up with Marty Friedman online:
https://www.facebook.com/martyfriedman.official
http://prostheticrecords.com/?p=3971
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s MARTY FRIEDMAN!!!
-the Hellion and Mike Araiza
So you wanna be a promoter huh? Well you better put your big boy/girl pants on and get ready to work. If you think it’s a cool thing to do and you get to hang out with the band, you have another thing coming.
What exactly is a promoter? According to the internet it says: Tour promoters (also known as concert promoters or talent buyers) are the individuals or companies responsible for organizing a live concert tour or special event performance. The tour promoter makes an offer of employment to a particular artist, usually through the artist’s agent or music manager. The promoter and agent then negotiate the live performance contract.
Let’s be real, most bands these days deal with local “in town” promoters. This means a lot of work for the small time promoter because most don’t really have the money or staff to back them. This also means a lot of upfront money out of pocket for said promoter. First things first, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FUCKING MONEY TO PAY THE BANDS!!!!!!! The minute you book a show you should set aside your guarantees. There is nothing more heinous than for a traveling band to get stiffed on their guarantee. Most of these bands are getting show to show on the money from the previous show. Now, let’s talk venue. Make sure you completely check out the venue and ensure load in/out locations, if there is a “green room” for the band, if there is sound equipment and a person to man it (here’s a tip: a good promoter should be able to put their hands on a PA and sound guy in a minute. ALWAYS HAVE A BACK UP, AND A BACK UP BACK UP!) The MINUTE you book a show PROMOTE THE SHIT OUT OF IT!!! This does NOT mean just create a Facebook event page and sit back and expect the masses to show up. Make flyers, call people, hand out said flyers at other shows, hit up the local radio shows, HIT THE STREETS!!! Night of show, BE THE FIRST PERSON THERE!!!! You are the director of traffic for the evening, period. Make sure everything and everyone has a place and they are in it. Make the bands feel welcomed and appreciated (THEY WILL TELL OTHER BANDS HOW THEY WERE TREATED!!!) and they will do their best and will love to work with you again. The fans will come to know that your shows are well run and incredible and the word will spread. There are no excuses for putting on a lame show.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
I have been doing a lot of thinking about the songs that have staying power. What makes them great? Why can certain songs be listened to over and over again, yet others drive you batshit. One of the things that has come to light in my thoughts is the alchemy between the musicians and the studio wizards. I have decided to seek out some of these wizards and try to get in their heads.
I now present to you the first of my conversations with said wizards, Mr. Sterling Winfield. If you have been living under a rock and do not recognize the name let me educate you. He has worked with: Pantera, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Nightranger, Pissing Razors, Hellyeah, and Damageplan to name a few.
Sterling also clues us in to a new band he is working with: A Rebel Few. Check them out at: http://www.arebelfew.com/
Grab yourself a cold one, put your headphones on, and check out our interesting chat with Sterling right here:
It’s loud (and it sounds great), it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!!!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 