Tag Archives: 80’s

WHAT THE F@#K PEOPLE!!!

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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

 

Let’s talk Van Halen….again

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In a land before time…there were record stores, racks of magazines, radio stations that played real music, and rockstars who were like gods to us. Gods shining bright from Olympus, inaccessible to us mere mortals.

Like a tornado raging across the plains Van Halen took their place on high.

I was instantly floored and in love with their music, and style. I fancied myself in the same ilk as David Lee Roth. I had the long blond hair, I wore bandannas like him, and I was loud and boisterous like him. It wasn’t a party without me and when I entered a room, everyone there knew it.

David Lee Roth to me was the end all to be all. The force of David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, Eddie and Alex Van Halen was out of this world.

I look back now and have to ask myself “What the hell was I thinking?” I can now say David Lee Roth was not the great vocalist I thought. But, at that time, he was the vocalist we all wanted.

Now we find ourselves older and wiser, well some of us any way, and Van Halen is once again on the minds of everyone.  Van Halen 2015 is, to me, an eight cylinder engine running on only six. Sure the music still sounds good but we are missing those outstanding backing vocals and the stellar stage presence of Michael Anthony. And David Lee Roth has become a parody of himself.

I have such a hard listening to the new live stuff coming out now. I cringe with embarrassment at the attempts to reclaim their status in the rock world. I will always love Van Halen now and forever, but it’s time to retire their jerseys….

 

P.S. STOP FIGHTING AND NAME BASHING EACH OTHER AND PASS THE TORCH ON!!! LET THE VAN HALEN LEGACY GO OUT ON A GOOD NOTE!!!

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

-the Hellion

So you want to be a promoter?

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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

MOTÖRHEAD ANNOUNCE 2015 US TOUR DATES NEW ALBUM “BAD MAGIC” COMING AUGUST 28TH

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What can I say about Motörhead? Well, having witnessed them live, and meeting the immortal Lemmy, they will remain a favorite of mine eternally.
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June 16th 2015 –  Grammy Award winning iconic rock band Motörhead, who are embarking on a 40th anniversary world tour in support of their upcoming release Bad Magic, have announced a US tour. These North American shows start in mid-August, with Saxon and Anthrax as special guests on select dates, before ending with the now-legendary Motörboat Cruise between Sept 28th – Oct 2nd from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas. The cruise also features Slayer, Anthrax and a bumper line-up of bands including three exciting new acts, Others, Budderside, and No Words.
 
Bad Magic is the band’s 22nd studio album and is slated to be released August 28th via UDR Music / Motörhead Music. The album was recorded at NRG Studios in Los Angeles, CA with long-time producer Cameron Webb. Bad Magic is the follow up to the band’s highly successful album Aftershock which saw Motörhead enjoy their most successful year yet, including a fourth Grammy nomination.
 
 
MOTÖRHEAD NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
 
Wed 19 Aug – Riverside, CA – RHA
Fri 21 Aug – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
Sat 22 Aug – Los Angeles, CA – Shrine
Mon 24 Aug – San Francisco, CA – Warfield 
Thu 27 Aug – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Fri 28 Aug – Denver, CO – RIOTFEST
Tue 01 Sep – Austin, TX – Cedar Park Center
Wed 02 Sep – San Antonio, TX – Aztec
Fri 04 Sep – Dallas, TX – Bomb Factory
Sat 05 Sep – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
Tue 08 Sep – St Louis, MO – Pageant
Wed 09 Sep – Indianapolis, IN – Murat
Fri 11 Sep – Chicago, IL – RIOTFEST
Sat 12 Sep – Detroit, MI – Fillmore
Tue 15 Sep – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale
Wed 16 Sep – Wantagh, NY – Jones Beach
Sat 19 Sep – Toronto, ONT – RIOTFEST
Tue 22 Sep – Philadelphia, PA – Tower Theatre
Wed 23 Sep – Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
Fri 25 Sep – Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
 
 
 
BAD MAGIC – TRACK LISTING
 
1.     Victory Or Die – 3.09
2.     Thunder & Lightning – 3.06
3.     Fire Storm Hotel – 3.35
4.     Shoot Out all of Your Lights – 3.15
5.     The Devil – 2.54
6.     Electricity – 2.17
7.     Evil Eye – 2.20
8.     Teach Them How To Bleed -3.13
9.     Till The End – 4.05
10.  Tell Me Who To Kill – 2.57
11.   Choking On Your Screams – 3.33
12.  When The Sky Comes Looking For You – 2.58
13.   Sympathy For The Devil* – 5.35
 
*by The Rolling Stones
     it’s LOUD!!! SO LOUD!!! IT’S MOTORHEAD!!!
     -the Hellion
 

Vinnie Vincent mystery?

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I have been hearing lately that guitarist Vinnie Vincent has gone missing. I did a Google search and found a couple of atricles regarding this but nothing concrete. Interesting how a former member of “The Hottest Band In The World!” can just fall off the earth. Is it a conspiracy? Did people from the planet Jendell abduct him on Ace’s command? Did Gene and Paul stash him with Jimmy Hoffa? Has fallen under the spell of the Cat People? Or is he just done with the limelight and rat race and just living life? I’m gonna keep digging and will keep you updated.

https://youtu.be/TjAA9Tlpiqk

     where are you Vinnie?

     -the Hellion

UPDATE!!!: Vivian Campbell: Def Leppard Guitarist Pulls Out of US Tour, Says His Cancer Has Returned

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     This update is from Vivian Campbell via Facebook:

     

So, so happy to report that I’ve dodged the bullet of radiation. I was due to start a course that would have sidelined me for most of the first leg of the US tour, but my brilliant doctors have steered me towards an alternative course of treatment that will enable me to rejoin the tour this Saturday night in Birmingham Alabama. Furthermore, they’ve tailored future treatments to accommodate the tour schedule so I won’t have to miss any more shows.

I’m so happy and so indebted to the wonderful physicians who have worked so hard on my behalf to make this happen.

See you Saturday!

This saddens me to hear. Thoughts and well wishes to Vivian and his family.

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Vivian Campbell: Def Leppard Guitarist Pulls Out of US Tour, Says His Cancer Has Returned

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppard-guitarist-vivian-campbells-cancer-returns/

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     the Hellion

Getting reacquainted with Led Zeppelin

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(Photograph by Heilemann/Camera Press/Redux)

     I’ve been spending a lot of time with Led Zeppelin lately. I have been listening to their albums with a new ear. With an 184 mile commute round trip I have the time. My focus has been on different aspects of their albums with each listen. From Led Zeppelin to Coda  a new appreciation has grown within me for a band that has been a part of my life for a very long time. I mean how many of us used to draw the four symbols on everything we had?

     The production and engineering on these albums was way ahead of the time. There is a magical depth to the music Led Zeppelin gave us. The lyrical content combined with the music expands the mind and transports us to worlds far from the ordinary world.

       Led Zeppelin took us from blues to hard rock to reggae, sometimes on the same record. I often hear traces of them in many other bands throughout the years.

     Thank you for the journeys Robert, Jimmy, John, and Bonzo for the friendship and joys you have given me.

     it’s loud, it’s wonderful, it’s Led Zeppelin!!!

     the Hellion

Should keyboards be used in metal?

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Ahhh keyboards in rock music. I have always been a fan of keyboards in rock n’ roll, I mean John Paul Jones in Led Zeppelin, John Lord in Deep Purple, Rick Wakeman in Yes, Freddie Mercury in Queen, the list goes on and on. And then on December 21st 1983, a day that lives on in infamy to me,  Van Halen released the single “Jump”, wait…what just happened? My hard rock driven guitar band released a song with a sickly poppy sounding keyboard in it? If you can’t tell I was sorely disappointed in the boys. People were labeling the song as “pop rock” or “synthrock”, I was aghast a this. I eventually overcame my lament and forgave Van Halen for this travesty (again this is my opinion).

Today on my commute home I heard “Jump” on the radio (no I still don’t like it) and thought to myself I wonder what others think about keyboards in hard rock and heavy metal. I know bands like Sonata Artica, Kamelot, and Nightwish use them, but what are your thoughts?

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, i might as well JUMP!!!

-the Hellion

My top 10 Rock songs that never get old for me

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There are songs that you have heard a million times and you can’t take them anymore (Post about those songs another time), and those that remain eternally epic. This is my list of those songs I consider most epic.

10. “Tombs Ov Oblivion” – Crowned By Fire

     9. “Back In The Saddle” – Aerosmith

     8. “Breakin’ Down” – Skid Row

     7. “More Than A Feeling” – Boston

     6. “Now I’m Here” – Queen

     5. “Dance The Night Away” – Van Halen

     4. “River Of Deceit” – Mad Season

     3. “No Quarter” – Led Zeppelin

     2. “Love To Love” – UFO

     1. “Spirits In The Night” – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

     These are the ten top songs which I could listen to over and over without them wearing out on me. I guess of I were to make a Hellion Rocks greatest hits CD these would be the ten songs that would make the cut for me. Why these ten songs? They each represent to me musical craft at its best. I can listen to these and be carried away on musical adventures in faraway lands. I encourage your feedback and responses with your own definitive top ten list.

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

     -the Hellion

 

MICHAEL MONROE, Celebrated Rock ‘N’ Roller, To Release Blackout States On October 16 Via Spinefarm Records

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MICHAEL MONROE, Celebrated Rock ‘N’ Roller, To Release 

Blackout States On October 16 Via Spinefarm Records

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(New York, N.Y.): MICHAEL MONROE-hugely influential front man, force of nature, multi-instrumentalist and revered rock ‘n’ roll icon-will release a new studio album, Blackout States, on Friday, October 16 via Spinefarm Records.

This 13-track outing was produced by Chips Kiesbye (Hellacopters, Nomads) in Gothenburg, Sweden, and mixed by Petri Majuri in Helsinki, Finland.

It is the follow-up to Horns and Halos, a Finnish chart-topper in 2013.

With Blackout States, MONROE‘s current touring and recording outfit, comprised of bassist Sami Yaffa (ex-Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls), guitarist Steve Conte (ex-New York Dolls/Company of Wolves), guitarist Rich Jones (ex-Black Halos/Amen), and drummer Karl Rockfist (ex-Chelsea Smiles/Danzig), provided strong creative support for a groundbreaking artist whose reputation continues to flourish. Many of rock’s most noted performers, including Dave Grohl and Slash, have cited MONROE‘s unwavering drive and three-decade-plus career as a genuine source of inspiration.

Indeed, when Slash headlines the Ice Hall in Helsinki on May 28, MONROE will be the invited “Special Guest,” opening the show in front of thousands of fans; after that, he heads across to London to play the Camden Rocks Festival on May 30.

This one-off UK appearance at Camden Proud will be filmed by celebrated videographer/photographer Ville Juurikkala as part of the video for the first single from Blackout States.

As with Horns and Halos, the new recordings see MONROE both toasting the future and honoring the past, occasionally giving the nod to glam punk pioneers, Hanoi Rocks, the group with which he forged his name in the early-to mid-’80s.

Says MONROE, “I’m extremely excited about our new album, Blackout States. It has all the ingredients of a perfect rock ‘n’ roll record: strong melodic songs with great meaningful lyrics that defy all clichés, delivered with a punky, ballsy attitude by a killer band. I highly recommend Blackout States to anyone who’s even a little bit interested in what real, authentic, high energy

rock ‘n’ roll at its best sounds like today.”

MONROE has a number of festival appearances locked into place for the spring and summer, with further international touring plans to be announced shortly.

For More Info Visit:

http://www.michaelmonroe.com/site/

https://www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial

https://twitter.com/michaelmonroe

     Michael Monroe and Hanoi Rocks was very influential to the “Hair Metal” bands of the 80’s. I have always been a fan of the music and style of Hanoi Rocks. I am glad to see Michael still living the dream and making great music.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Michael Monroe!!!

     -the Hellion