Category Archives: Uncategorized

Remember when it was fun?

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I was thinking today about all of the hate that surrounds us these days. It wasn’t so long ago that we were in the parking lots before/after shows laughing and having a GOOD time. Bands were supporting other bands, people were supporting each other and it was FUN. The success of others put a smile on your face, bashing others for their good fortunes was not the norm. It was about the music and the love of the music. WE can do this and bring back around. How you say? SUPPORT your favorite bands, share them with others, share the bands your friends post about with other friends. Go to their shows, go to traveling bands shows. Smile at the others that are there, shake their hands. WE can be positive and make the Rock N’ Roll experience FUN again!!!

 

the Hellion

SCATTERED HAMLET- BAND REVIEW

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SCATTERED HAMLET

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http://www.scatteredhamlet.com/

This CD will give you that kick in the ass you have been looking for!

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Scattered Hamlet personally.

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This band is a great group of regular guys who bring some kick ass dirty Rock N’ Roll. They are building a fan base with each tour. They had success at Rocklahoma this year and will be back next year. Adam Joad -vocals/guitar/harmonica, Nate Jealouss – guitars/vocals, Redd Yoachum – guitars/vocals, Jake Delling Le Bas – drums are the core of this band. They are fixing to go out on the road again on a North West  tour:

Fuel To Burn Tour 2012

8/9 St. Joseph, Missouri (Tremors)
8/10 Harrisburg, South Dakota (Phoenix Lounge)
8/11 Franklin, Minnesota (Outdoor Motorcycle Rally)
8/12 Clive, Iowa (Bombay Bike Club)
8/13 Chicago, Illinois (Stage Bar or Ultra Lounge TBA)
8/14 Detroit, Michigan (The Token)
8/16 Green Bay, Wisconsin (JD’s)
8/17 Fargo, North Dakota (Legacy Ballroom)
8/20 Salt Lake City, Utah (The Dawg Pound)

Meet Rich Erwin, “The Kentucky Assassin,” You can catch him live and rocking on the 2012 Fuel To Burn Tour holding down the low-end for SH.

Make sure to see them if you get the chance!

Like their Facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet

Here are link to a couple of their videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdq1dUf11ws – Hillbilly Harmony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uftk8uxpQTk&list=UUYjxrdF5ZNGH59kMUV_sJrQ&index=1&feature=plcp – Skeleton Dixie

Hell Riders- Let’s ROLL!

the Hellion

The new wave of metal compared to classic metal!

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My friend A.J. Greene was wondering my thoughts on the new wave of metal bands compared to classic metal bands. I thought that I would give it a shot. I have noticed that there are several new bands who have hearkened back to the stripped down sound of their metal forefathers. No keyboards, no processors, no electronic drums, just raw an unabashed power. Several bands come to mind so let’s do this:

WHITE WIZZARD

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White Wizzard was formed in Los Angeles in the summer of 2007. Bringing back melodic guitar riffs combined with aggressive drumming and wailing or singing vocals, White Wizzard gives hope to metal fans. Like ’em on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/WhiteWizzard Check out this video for “Over The Top” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfnIBnz2_zw This band to me pays homage to:

IRON MAIDEN

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http://www.ironmaiden.com/

Iron Maiden has remained one of my favorite bands since the first time I heard them. This band has continued to impress and amaze me. I remember the controversy of “The Number of the Beast” and how we were evil for listening to them. Thank you Iron Maiden, I listened to them for years and I think I turned out ok. Facebook :http://www.facebook.com/ironmaiden  Let’s listen to “The Trooper” :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uq6Ax-zzkQ

CROWNED BY FIRE

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http://crownedbyfire.com/

Crowned By Fire hit my radar earlier this year. Their sheer brutality and stark lyrics quickly burned themselves into my brain. A SOLID first release coupled with great imagery and talented musical and songwriting skills will carry this band for many years. Here’s their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire?ref=ts Catch the video for “Witch In The Window” here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a94gS48VCKQ&feature=related I definitely feel this band was heavily influenced by:

MOTORHEAD

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http://www.imotorhead.com/

Dirty, nasty, and LOUD!  These things any many more have been said about Motorhead. And they are all true. Lemmy has become an icon in the world of metal. Motorhead still remains a shaping factor in the world of metal. I recently caught them on the GiganTour and WOW! Lemmy was ill and still manged to kick our asses. Motorhead…Hell Yes!  Let’s check out one of their newer tracks “Get Back In Line” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O02Gnzn5JDY

GHOST

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http://ghost-official.com/

This band is a mystery. They keep their identities hidden in mystery, and let their shows and music speak for them. Dark lyrics and subject matter will keep this band in spotlight for years to come. I have told several of my associates  about this band and they have all fell in love with them. The drummer for Scattered Hamlet, Jake Delling Le Bas told me they changed his life. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-the-band/145511608861548 Check out this live performance of “Ritual” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHeRlFAAGs&feature=related The dark evil imagery of this band reminds me of:

BLACK SABBATH

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http://www.blacksabbath.com/

Black Sabbath two words that are synonymous with metal. From the first notes I ever heard from them I was a fan. Throughout the changes over the years I have remained true. This band has influenced so many wonderful bands and will continue to do so. Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is a song that to this day kick my ass:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkYCAnDmb2g

There you have it. Three newer bands and their classic counterparts. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and ideas on this subject. I can think of many more myself but I am truly interested in your opinions. (Thanks again A.J. good suggestion!)

the Hellion

My top 5 albums of all time – the Hellion

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I was recently asked online by my friend Mark (SDMF_Philly) to blog about my to 5 albums of all time. So here we go. These are in no kind of order they are just the five albums that I can listen to over and over (there are many more but these five just out at me right away). Let’s get started:

THE BEATLES – REVOLVER

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released on 5 August 1966

1. “Taxman”
2. “Eleanor Rigby”
3. “I’m Only Sleeping”
4. “Love You To”
5. “Here, There and Everywhere”
6. “Yellow Submarine”
7. “She Said She Said”
SIDE 2
1. “Good Day Sunshine”
2. “And Your Bird Can Sing”
3. “For No One”
4. “Doctor Robert”
5. “I Want to Tell You”
6. “Got to Get You into My Life”
7. “Tomorrow Never Knows”

I grew up listening to these songs and have over the years (no comments) have grown to appreciate them on so many levels. The Beatles have always remained an influence on my musical growth. I will be blogging about the influence of the Beatles on music soon. My favorite track off of this album is “Love You To” I just love the vibe of this song. Check it out here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF90rX43VpE

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)

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released on August 13th 1973

1. “I Ain’t the One”
2. “Tuesday’s Gone”
3. “Gimme Three Steps”
4. “Simple Man”

5. “Things Goin’ On”
6. “Mississippi Kid”
7. “Poison Whiskey”
8. “Free Bird”

My mom (may she Rest In Peace) used to sing “Simple Man” to me when I was younger. My step dad was a country fan but he allowed this record to be played in the house. I loved the feel of these now classic songs. I could put this record on the turntable and just go to a different place. This is a timeless record to me and still gets plenty of play. Here is a link to “Simple Man” I hope I’ve done you proud mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paUGhVQfBpw

VAN HALEN – VAN HALEN II

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released on March 23, 1979

Van Halen changed the game. Style, great vocals, KILLER riffs, feel good music in a feel good time. II is my favorite VH record for all of those reasons. I actually picked this record up the day it came out and ran all of the way home to hear it. I must have played it twenty times that day. It still sounds as fresh to me in this day as it did back then. My favorite track is “Women in Love” the intro to the closing notes are still amazing. Check out the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-HTBen7_CE

GUNS N ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION

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released on July 21, 1987

1. “Welcome to the Jungle”
2. “It’s So Easy”
3. “Nightrain”
4. “Out ta Get Me”
5. “Mr. Brownstone”
6. “Paradise City”
7. “My Michelle”
8. “Think About You”
9. “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
10. “You’re Crazy”
11. “Anything Goes”
12. “Rocket Queen”

Another game changer. The sheer aggression on  this record quickly grabbed my attention. The power, bravado and devil-may-care ways gave the music world a shot in the arm. Another record that you put on and listen to open to close. GNR did their homework on looks and hooks and manged to keep the F@%K you attitude. “It’s So Easy” stands out the most to me on this record “See me hit you, you fall down” love that lyric. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNE2Oqut238&feature=related

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – CALIFORNICATION

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released June 8. 1999

1. “Around the World”
2. “Parallel Universe”
3. “Scar Tissue”
4. “Otherside”
5. “Get on Top”
6. “Californication”
7. “Easily”
8. “Porcelain”
9. “Emit Remmus”
10. “I Like Dirt”
11. “This Velvet Glove”
12. “Savior”
13. “Purple Stain”
14. “Right on Time”
15. “Road Trippin'”

The thing I like best about Red Hot Chili Peppers is their “We play what we want to” style. You never know what you are going to get from a new RHCP record. This one marked the return of guitarist/songwriter John Frusciante to the band. The tracks are soulful and plain beautiful. the layered vocals, and lyrics make this a magical record for me. My stand out track is “This Velvet Glove”  the lyrics”  “Sailin’ for the sun cause there is one Knows where I’m from I care for you I really do, I really do” just hit me.  here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiqSl0bfWro

There you have it 5 albums that mean the world to me. Thanks

the Hellion

Australia ROCKS! Sunset Riot, RAGDOLL, My Dynamite, Sisters Doll, BABYJANE

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AC/DC, INXS, Little River Band, Men At Work…Australia has given us some great music. Through my recent involvement as a co-host on the internet radio show Bleach Bangs http://www.bleachbangs.com/ I have found a new crop of bands that are carrying the torch. The 80’s have come and gone here in the US but the influence is still being felt in Australia. Let’s talk about a few of the stand out bands:

SUNSET RIOT

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http://www.sunsetriot.com/Sunset_Riot/Home.html

I have actually had the pleasure of hanging out with and seeing Sunset Riot perform several times.

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The music Sunset Riot brings is addicting and worms its way into your head and you find yourself singing them without even realizing it. The guys themselves are extremely friendly and warm. They treat every one with kindness and respect and make their fans feel special. Del- vocals, JP – guitars, Ziggy- guitars, Resh – drums, and newly added Simo- bass have found the right equation for feel good Rock N Roll. do yourself a favor and check out this band. Here is a link to their video for Save Me From L.A.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxgyaEiaZn4

RAGDOLL

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http://www.ragdollrock.com/

Ragdoll brings forth some powerful music that pays homage to some of the hard rock acts we all know and love. I have not had the privilege of seeing them live but my co-hosts have and I can appreciate them through their experience. I find this band easy to listen to and am glad they are writing songs in the style of 80’s feel good rock! Their appearance at Rocklahoma was good and I am glad to see they are able to come here to the US and share with us. Ragdoll is: Ry Dash – VOCALS/BASS,  Le’on Todd – GUITARS/BACKGROUND VOCALS, and  Cam Barrett – DRUMS/BACKGROUND VOCALS Here is a video link to my favorite song “Foot to the Floor” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_151047&feature=iv&src_vid=tyzxA2o7b10&v=YZqgru0QCIw

MY DYNAMITE

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http://mydynamite.net/home.cfm

Love bluesy rock? My Dynamite will satisfy that love. The Black Crowes have been one of my favorite bands for years. My Dynamite carries the torch and gives us new music in that style. Who would have thought you could find good old fashioned American blues in Australia? We were fortunate to have had an interview with them and found they are planning a European tour and hopefully we can get them to the US as well. My Dynamite is: Patrick Carmody – Lead Vocals, Jorge Balas – Guitar, Travis Fraser – Bass, Simon Aarons – Drums, and Benny Wolf – Guitar. Here is a link to a song I really enjoy “Fork In Your Tongue” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvAw6v-V3o&feature=plcp

SISTERS DOLL

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http://www.sistersdoll.com/

Remember the Glam of the 80’s how much fun it was to dress up and just have a GOOD TIME? Sisters Doll are trying to bring that back and having fun in doing it. Ranging in age from 14 to 17 these brothers (Brennan Mileto – Lead Guitar/Lead Vocals, Bryce Mileto – Drums/Back Up Vocals, and Austin Mileto – Bass Guitar/Back Up Vocals) yes they are brothers, are bringing the SPECTACLE of Rock N Roll back. I look forward to seeing more from these guys. Here is a link to their video for “Dollhouse” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik2yCc8PfAY

BABYJANE

http://www.babyjane.com.au

BABYJANE cites the following as their influences:

Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, Skid Row, Sex Pistols, Vains Of Jenna, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, The Cult, Faith No More, Megadeth, Pantera. Wow! How you NOT want to give these guys a listen? I checked them out prior to doing an interview with them and was duly impressed. Solid song composition, catchy hooks, and raw sound give these guys an edge that cut you to the quick! DO NOT MISS BABYJANE!! Here’s a link to their EPK I’ll let it speak for itself : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeVUE98g11w

Been missing the 80’s? I found them…in Australia of all places. Can anyone say ROADTRIP???

Black Label Society – The Blessed Hellride CD review

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Many people that I have talked to about BLS have told me this was the CD that got them “into” BLS. This is why I have chosen it for review.

All songs written by Zakk Wylde.

  1. “Stoned and Drunk” – 5:02
  2. “Doomsday Jesus” – 3:30
  3. “Stillborn” – 3:15
  4. “Suffering Overdue” – 4:29
  5. “The Blessed Hellride” – 4:32
  6. “Funeral Bell” – 4:41
  7. “Final Solution” – 4:04
  8. “Destruction Overdrive” – 3:01
  9. “Blackened Waters” – 3:56
  10. “We Live No More” – 4:02
  11. “Dead Meadow” – 4:30

Released in 2003 The Blessed Hellride: “Stoned and Drunk” opens the door to this CD with blistering drums and Zakk’s brutal vocals and guitar licks. An easy song to crank up, roll the windows down and hit the road. “Doomsday Jesus” carries on the brutality leading us down an apocalyptic road of Viking like wailing vocals, hammer like drumming, and shotgun guitars. “Stillborn” gives a taste of Ozzy himself on backing vocals and is easily one of BLS’s best known songs. A kick ASS video directed by none other than Rob Zombie can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGt4JVX860 “Suffering Overdue” slows down a bit but maintains the heaviness of the CD and settles in for a groove that keeps you into the feel of the CD. The title track “The Blessed Hellride” hearkens towards the acoustic mastery of Zakk Wylde. My favorite version is the acoustic duet he does with the Evil Twin himself and can be found here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXiSxviwj78 “Funeral Bell” picks the pace back up and fires the engines back into overdrive. The Funeral Bell is ringing but not for BLS or the BLS Family! “Final Solution” Keeps the pace and Zakk’s pinch harmonic style prevails throughout. “Destruction Overdrive” is a dangerous song for me to listen to while driving because I just want to floor it and drive like hell. Easily one of my favorite tracks on the CD. When you look down and see the your speedometer is at 120mph “Blackened Waters” brings you back to reality and slows the pace back a bit and still keeps it heavy. The drum intro to “We Live no More” is one of my favorite songs intros. Zakk’s vocal work on this one is my favorite on the CD. Zakk closes out the CD with the piano laden “Dead Meadow” but there is nothing dead here. Great way to close out a CD that like a finely tuned engine revs up and down and gets the blood pumping! A great CD to get you into BLS. Pick it up and I guarantee you’ll be back for the rest of the collection

Zakk Wylde/ Black Label Society

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SDMF = Strength Determination Merciless Forever

the calling card of The Black Label Society. It means a lot to me that’s why it’s inked on my arm. I first became aware of Zakk Wylde like most of the rest of us, through Ozzy. I quickly came to love his playing style and naturally when Pride & Glory happened it gave us chance to hear Zakk on a new level. When it progressed into Black Label Society I was a already a fan. As the albums rolled out and the internet grew and grew I met many others who felt the bonding power of the BLS Family. Our Family genuinely cares for one another to the point of meeting and hanging out at shows, and other events. BLS items are readily shared between Family on a regular basis. At times it seems as if the music takes a backseat and the love of Family takes over. SDMF? You bet until the day I die. I Bleed Black and wear my colors every day.Image

The music of BLS carries me daily and there is rarely a day where a BLS song is not heard blaring from my speakers. If you have never heard BLS do yourself a favor and check out some songs, I promise you will find something you will like. Zakk and BLS  continue to evolve and amaze me. Check out this video for “Stillborn” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGt4JVX860 BLS will ALWAYS be a part of my life and I will ALWAYS be here to spread the positive message and help to lead others in a positive way. Don’t HATE, APPRECIATE!  Thank you Zakk Wylde, thanks from the bottom of my heart. http://www.zakkwylde.com/ http://www.blacklabelsociety.com/news.html http://www.facebook.com/zakkwylde?ref=ts https://twitter.com/ZakkWyldeBLS

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Classic CD review – KISS: Rock and Roll Over

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There are CDs that you always go back to. There are CDs that you can listen from start to finish. There are CDs that can transport you in time and space to a different world. This CD is all of that for me. KISS is one of the many bands who had an impact on my life. So much so that I have the cover art inked on my arm. Rock and Roll Over  takes me back to a time when life was fun and rock and roll was about having a good time. This was a time when KISS was still shrouded in mystery. When you went to a RECORD STORE (look it up if you are confused, LOL) and grabbed the vinyl copy and ran home to your room and cranked it up!.  The guitars, druming, bass, and vocals on this devil may care record never cease to amaze me. My standout tracks are “Calling Doctor Love”  “Mr. Speed” and “Take Me”. If you’ve never heard KISS or think you don’t like KISS give this selection a try, you might change your mind.

1. “I Want You” Paul Stanley Stanley 3:04
2. “Take Me” Stanley, Sean Delaney Stanley 2:56
3. “Calling Dr. Love“ Gene Simmons Simmons 3:44
4. “Ladies Room” Simmons Simmons 3:27
5. “Baby Driver” Peter Criss, Stan Penridge Criss 3:40
6. “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” Simmons Simmons 3:47
7. “Mr. Speed” Stanley, Delaney Stanley 3:18
8. “See You in Your Dreams” Simmons Simmons 2:34
9. “Hard Luck Woman“ Stanley Criss 3:34
10. “Makin’ Love” Stanley, Delaney Stanley 3:14

Motley Crue / Kiss The TOUR – The REVIEW!

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It was a cloudy night at the Hard Rock Pavilion in Albuquerque NM. The sky threatened rain, thunder rumbled in the distance. Despite the looming storm the masses were gathering for this EPIC show. Kiss AND Motley Crue in ONE show!!! The crowd was a mix a many diverse peoples. Old to very young, long hair, short hair, male, female, obvious rockers to regular joes, they were all there. There was a mix of Kiss and Crue shirts from all eras of said bands. There were even the diehard fans in full makeup and costume while some had just the facepaint. The show was opened by a fresh young band from the UK called The Treatment.  Check ’em out at http://www.facebook.com/TheTreatmentOfficial These young lads brought some good hard rockin’ party music. They received a decent reaction from the crowd. I personally enjoyed their sound and hard charging energy. It was great to see a new band get this opportunity to open for two music icons. The Treatment will definitely stay on my radar. I hope to make contact with them and try to do an interview on our radio show Bleach Bangs Radio http://www.bleachbangs.com/

MOTLEY CRUE:

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A light wind kicked up and brought a sprinkle of rain with it. One of these gusts blew the curtain aside enough to see Tommy Lee’s rollercoaster drum kit. We were in for an experience with this show. As usual Motley Crue took the stage like madmen. People on stilts, strange costumed individuals, flag bearers all heralded the arrival of THE CRUE!  The stage set up was extraordinary, giant fans, lights, pyro, rollercoasters oh my! The band sounded tight as ever launching into Crue classics that we all know and love. Two songs in however, the house lights came up and the show was paused to announce a severe lightning storm in the area. As if on cue the rain got heavier and lightning indeed began striking near the place. The crowd stood their ground and waited it out. 20 minutes later it was on again. Motley took us through their set with old as well as newer songs. Tommy Lee’s drum solo/roller coaster ride was nothing short of amazing. He even brought a fan up to ride (congrats to Garrett). Nikki Sixx at one point had a flamethrower bass that spouted out a 10 foot flame. Nikki also brought up a young kid who had an Ace Frehley costume and makeup, that was very cool. Mick Mars still had the killer hooks and riffs he is known for. Vince Neil was on solid form leading this wild and crazy show as the ringmaster. Not a disappointing moment in the set. The funniest moment of the night was during “Girls Girls Girls”. They were running pictures of various women throughout history when lo and behold, a JUSTIN BIEBER pic was in the mix! Kudos to MOTLEY CRUE!

KISS

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Like deities from above the force that is KISS descended to the main stage from a platform high above. They hit the stage running and never stopped. The rain was continuous but the fans and KISS didn’t care. This was my first time seeing KISS with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in makeup. I was at first was skeptical  about the choice of allowing them to take on the iconic personas of Ace and Peter but by shows end I was impressed. As with The Crue KISS played classic as well as contemporary songs (including “Hell or Hallelujah” from the upcoming MONSTER release. Gene Simmons did his classic moves of breathing fire and blood spitting and it was still as entertaining as when I first saw them done in 1978. Paul Stanley goaded the crowd into screaming his name to encourage him to “fly” out to a small stage in the middle of the venue. Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer put on a spectacular pyro performance which ended with Eric firing off a LAW rocket. Note for note the songs were perfect for the crowd to experience the spectacle of KISS. They closed the house down with their encore of “Rock and Roll All Nite” and literally covered the place in confetti.

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As the final notes of the song echoed away I saw the joy and rapture of satisfied fans. Kiss asked if they could take a picture of them with us the NM KISS ARMY

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It was a very satisfying night of Rock N Roll!!!!

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We love you too KISS!!!

Kiss/Motley Crue

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no blog today due to attending THE TOUR. Show review tomorrow! Thanks!