During the process of doing interviews for Music U-Night I was given an interview with Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio. I always like to spend some time before the interview getting to know my subject on a personal level. For me it helps to make the interview process flow easier and seem more natural. In getting to know Charlie it was if we were long lost brothers. We have so many common interests and likes, it was fate.
Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio on Music U-Night:
A little bit later I was asked to be interviewed on Bleach Bangs Radio. The on air chemistry continued and I was able to “meet” Randy Norris, and john Hennis, Charlie’s co-hosts on the show. It was a great experience.
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/
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!
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!
Does a bands image really matter? Do people really care what the band looks like? Let’s look into it.
KISS:
Would anyone have ever given them a second look without the makeup and bombastic shows? Was it the image that made them or their music? I am a “Classic Kiss” fan. I admit it was the makeup that led to the Kiss Army. I learned to appreciate the music later on, and even later on realized they really weren’t stellar musicians but at that point it no longer mattered. Kiss carries on performing their classics in full makeup to sold out crowds.So with Kiss I say yes, image is predominant.
WINGER:
Here is a band of outstanding musicians whose image caused them some grief. Winger was often dismissed as “Pretty Boys” and never given a chance to show they ROCKED! Beavis and Butthead even poked fun at Winger. I was appreciative of the playing skills of Kip Winger – bass guitar, string arrangements, vocals Reb Beach – guitars, vocals Rod Morgenstein – drums, vocals Paul Taylor – keyboards, vocals. If you put aside the macho insecurity and just listened you will find Winger is an outstanding band.
the BEATLES:
Mop Tops, to Hippies the Beatles kept their image current to the happenings around them. They were groomed for most of their early career and set the standard for young bands of the time.A lot of bands based their own image upon that of the Beatles. Towards the later years, however, they found their own individuality which I feel reflected upon their music.
Judas Priest:
We have all seen the progression of the “image” of Judas Priest. When they first hit the scene they were almost hippiesque in their appearance. Then they set the bar for metalheads. Leather, spikes, motorcycles…little did we know it was Rob Halford’s way of coming out to the world. Did it matter when he finally came out publicly? HELL NO because the Priest ROCKED! In my opinion they still have one of the great “looks” for a band.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES:
The Black Veil Brides hit my radar in 2009. I told my self with a total image makeover there could be something. 2012, I was right, BVB are everywhere. While not on my regular listening rotation this band is making a name for itself. Paying homage to Kiss/Motley Crue/Glam Rock, BVB catches the eye for sure.
Does imagery affect a band? I was recently at a local show and saw several people just hanging out at the venue. I didn’t know they were a band, they got on stage played and got off. No show, no unity as band. I think that a stage performance should be just that, a performance.
Part two coming soon featuring: Twisted Sister, Slipknot, Glam bands, Death/Black metal bands, Mudvayne, Ghost, and more!!!
Update: Looks like a three part topic: Lordi, Gwar and more to be included! Thanks Aj!
SDMF_Philly asked about this. Here you go brother! I feel that the mix of social media and the music world is a double edged sword. On one hand a band is able to get their music out to the world a lot faster. The use of social networks allows for bands to keep their fan base in the loop. Bands can give an up to the minute report of the events of touring, studio, video time. Social networks can also bands to use their fan base to advertise for them. What better than free advertising from willing participants? On the other side with EVERYONE using social media how does one keep from being lost in the flood? I am of the opinion that getting new fans is extremely difficult due to the sheer number of bands on the web. I also feel that some of the excitement and anticipation of waiting for a new release from a band is gone. I can remember having discussions with friends and wondering what our favorite bands new albums were going to be called, or what it would sound like. Now we know months a head of time all of the details. Social media? Like it or not it’s here to stay. I’m just gonna put the MP3 player on shuffle, get my headphones, and ROCK OUT!! Here’s a killer new track from Testament:
the Hellion Rocks 