Tag Archives: 80’s

it’s all you

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rant

With all of the news of racial/social/political unrest as of late it has caused me to reflect on things, and I have come to the conclusion it is all because of you.

You have the choice to not hit your child or your spouse. Sure you might have grown up in a home where domestic violence was the norm (I myself witnessed my mother beaten by my stepfather and I was at the end of a few myself), and yet I choose to respect my wife and children. I choose to not follow that path.

You have the choice not to sexually abuse others. Again, I knew  people who were abused by people they trusted and yet they grew up and made choices to help others that were being abused.

You have the choice to not abuse alcohol. Again I have firsthand experience with alcoholism in the home. This is a devastating problem int he country today. I have again made the choice to stay away from that lifestyle.

You have the choice to not abuse drugs. Once more, I have experienced this in my home as a child. This is another choice I am proud to have made in staying away.

You have the choice to obey the law and not run from the police. I am saddened to see all of the death and destruction in the news today regarding this issue. Think of how many would still be alive if they had just obeyed the law and the police. I say again, you have the ability to choose the right thing.

There is only one race, the human race. We are all brethren and should not be afraid to embrace each other publicly and claim our love for one another. We could achieve miracles then.

Choose wisely my friends

-the Hellion

Go home iHeartRadio, you’re drunk

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rant

I used to enjoy listening to the radio. Now it’s just a jukebox with the selector buttons broken so we hear the same songs over and over. While I enjoy all forms of music, I predominantly listen to Rock N’ Roll. Recently one of my favorite long time radio stations, KZRR 94 Rock, was assimilated by the collective known as  iHeartRadio. This assimilation has brought with it inane commercials for  iHeartRadio advertising artists and events that have NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GENRE OF ROCK N’ ROLL!!! I also tried out their streaming of 94 Rock while I was out of state for three months. With their streaming they have something called “Fast Tracks” which turn out to be an abbreviated version of a song…wait, WHAT? PLAY THE WHOLE SONG!!!! Here’s another idea for iHeartRadio, how about playing some of the new artists trying to break through? I mean as much as I love the artists that do get play, there are many others out there.

I get the feeling that iHeartRadio is actually trying to kill off live radio and music as well. Just the other day another station that I listened to, 104.1 The Edge, dismissed its long running morning show personalities. This dismissal has led to an out-crying of support for said personalities. The reason was given as “restructuring” of the radio station…sigh.

I think we need REAL radio stations back with REAL DJ’s who played the music that they loved and had some control over it. I mean think about how many bands you were turned on to by a DJ.

I say now go home iHeartRadio you are not welcome anymore.

-the Hellion.

Bon Scott and Brian Johnson and AC/DC

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I was 13 years old and had that one older friend that my parents warned me about. He was also that friend who turned me on to some great music. He had long hair, wore a denim vest, engineer boots, drank beer, and smoked cigarettes. He also loved this band from Australia called AC/DC.

I grew to love this band as well and their “dangerous image”. They were raw, abrasive, and didn’t give a shot about niceties. They songs reached into your dirty side and made you feel cooler by just having listened to them. There was no pop, bubblegum, with these guys, just nasty Rock N’ Roll.

Bon Scott had a voice like no other, period. There was no smooth golden notes to slide easily into your ears. Bon himself exuded so much coolness, and it worked.

Then in 1980 on the heels of their greatest album to date, Highway To Hell, the world lost Bon. I was devastated to say the least. Myself and my Rock N’ Roll cronies paid our respect by trying to wear out our AC/DC records. And yes, I shed a few tears for Bon.

I don’t remember when it was but I soon read rumors that AC/DC was going to soldier on with a new vocalist. My circle was abuzz with speculation. And on July 25th 1980 we were waiting at the record store for the new release, Back In Black.

We listened to the record trying to be accepting of what we were hearing. It was a great record from start to finish. While the new singer, Brian Johnson, was no Bon Scott, he did the band justice. We had hope for AC/DC with Brian.

It is now 2015 and I now find myself reflecting back through the years of AC/DC music. Now, I am gonna piss a lot of you off. Back In Black was the last great album AC/DC made.

I had high hopes for the band but in my opinion they strayed into the pop world with all of the albums after Back In Black. While not becoming a shitty band, they just lost that dangerous raw edge that drew me in in the first place.

I do happen to own every AC/DC release from the beginning to Rock Or Bust, and will continue to support them, I just happen to not get the same rush from their newer music.

Bon, I miss you and wonder how far you could have taken the band,  and Brian great effort in carrying on but sorry, it wasn’t the same.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s AC/DC

-the Hellion

“Honky Tonk Metal” Band SCATTERED HAMLET Announce Upcoming U.S. Tour‏

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“Honky Tonk Metal” Band SCATTERED HAMLET Announce Upcoming U.S. Tour

 

Announcing New Partnership with COLDCOCK WHISKEY

 

In the Studio Now Recording the Follow Up to Skeleton Dixie

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SCATTERED HAMLET is what would happen, “If science mutated the genes of AC/DC, Motorhead, Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Steven Jones all into one new being, then added a shot of Nashville Pussy for good measure.” – Tony Sison, All Access Magazine

 

SCATTERED HAMLET is pleased to announce their upcoming full U.S. tour and partnership with COLDCOCK WHISKEY. The band, who have dubbed their live act “The Hillbilly Sideshow Extravaganza”, will be headlining several dates on their “Shotgun Shells and Dynamite Run”, while select dates will feature Kingshifter (Pavement Entertainment). The 30+ day tour will also include festival stops at Rocklahoma (Pryor, OK), Hogrock (Cave in Rock, IL) and Trishstock (Hannibal, NY).

 

See below for all confirmed tour dates.

 

SCATTERED HAMLET “Shotgun Shells and Dynamite” U.S. Tour:

May 15 Newhall, CA @ Vu

May 16 Phoenix, AZ @ Blooze Bar

May 17 Midland, TX @ Blue Max

May 18 Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog

May 20 Dallas, TX @ The Boiler Room

May 21 Pryor OK @ Rocklahama Retrospect Kickoff Party

May 22 & 23 Pryor OK @ Camp Jager Stage at Rocklahoma

May 24 Tulsa, OK @ Downtown Lounge

May 25 Fayetteville, AR @ Smoke and Barrel

May 27 Asheville, NC @ One Stop/Ashville Music Hall w/ Gutterhound

May 28 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern

May 29 Roanoke, VA @ Coffee Pot Roadhouse w/ Media Downfall

May 30 Ladson, SC @ The Hive May 31 Greenville, SC @ Gottrocks

Jun 3   Portland, ME (TBA)

Jun 4   Long Branch, NJ @ The Brighton Bar

Jun 5   Brooklyn NY @ The Shop

Jun 6   Hannibal, NY @ Trishstock Festival

Jun 7   Providence, RI @ Dusk

Jun 9   Akron, OH @ Empire

Jun 11 Cave In Rock, IL @ Hogrock Motorcycle Festival

Jun 12 Algona, IA @ The Afterlife

Jun 13 South Bend, IN @ McCormicks

Jun 14 Madison, WI @ Frequency

Jun 15 Chicago, IL @ Live Wire

Jun 17 Tulsa, OK @ Downtown Lounge

Jun 18 Kansas City @ Aftershocks w/ Kingshifter

Jun 19 Witchita, KS @ The Elbow Room w/ Kingshifter

Jun 20 Tracy, MN @ Bonnie & Clyde’s

 

 

SCATTERED HAMLET is again working with multiple Grammy-nominated producers Jason Dongaghy and Jake Rodenhouse to record their follow up to Skeleton Dixie. The band will be performing tracks off of the highly-anticipated album (due out the end of 2015) throughout the tour.

 

According to frontman Adam Joad, “People are going to be hearing a lot of the new material on this tour. We’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from the demos so we’re looking forward to seeing the audience reactions come May.”

 

Joad adds, “We’ve upped the ante all around for our live show. We’re pumped to have COLDCOCK WHISKEY right alongside our beer kegs, deer skulls, shotgun mic and the chaos people have come to expect from the HILLBILLY SIDESHOW EXTRAVAGANZA.”

 

Rick Zeiler, founder of COLDCOCK WHISKEY states, “We are thrilled to be working with SCATTERED HAMLET! The guys put on a great live show and have an energy that fits perfectly with COLDCOCK WHISKEY!”

 

 

SCATTERED HAMLET is known for a relentless touring schedule of over 200 shows a year. The band has played in 40+ U.S. states.SCATTERED HAMLET’s music has been featured on CBS, CMT, the Travel Channel as well as VEVO Entertainment.

http://www.scatteredhamlet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SCATTERED HAMLET!!!

     – the Hellion

Bleach Bangs Radio discusses Motley Crue, AC/DC, and Van Halen and should they hang it up?

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Well, like that irritating rash, WE’RE BACK!!! We at Bleach Bangs Radio are exploring out options to infiltrate your ear holes and burrow into your brains. This time we decided to discuss some bands and their lifespans. Should they pull the plug? Should the defibrillators be hooked up to them? Check out the show right here:

     Afterwards let us know your thoughts. Pay attention as well because you just might have your chance to participate in an upcoming Bleach Bangs show yourself!!!

     -Bleach Bangs crew

Hangin’ with Sworn Enemy

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Had a blast hanging out and talking with Sworn Enemy! Thanks to Mike Araiza for camera operations a nd editing the video! Here the conversation with the guys:

     Thanks go out to Sal, Matt, Mike, Jeff, and Taykwuan of Sworn Enemy, and Tom George for hooking this up!

     Check out Sworn Enemy online:

http://swornenemymusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSwornEnemy

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SWORN ENEMY!!!

     -the Hellion

Having a conversation with Red Sky Mary

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Hot on the heels of my review of the upcoming Red Sky Mary release River Child, I was able to score a conversation with Sam and Tom from the band.

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We had a great time talking and I would like to share it with you right here:

     Thanks again to Red Sky Mary and Carved Records! Check them out online at:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary

http://www.redskymary.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorWo1Wb0EtFkwy9tODdF6Q

http://www.carvedrecords.com/artists/red-sky-mary/

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s RED SKY MARY!!!

     -the Hellion

Red Sky Mary – There is hope for new Rock N’ Roll

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red Sky mary

I don’t know how I came across Red Sky Mary, but I am glad that I did. The minute I listened to their music it was if a defibrillator shocked me back to life. REAL bluesy Rock N’ Roll music from a new band. The music that I found on you tube took me back to the time when it was all about the music and not the paycheck.  I used my internet detective skills and hunted down their contact info and was rewarded by a quick response from their label Carved Records. In the process of locking down an interview with Red Sky Mary I was given an advance listen to their upcoming release River Child which drops on May 12. River Child is everything I expected and then some! Soulful vocals that reach right in to you and tickles your inner self, LOUD guitar riffs that get the job done with being over pretentious, a rhythm section worthy of the power bands of old, and old school haunting harmonies. Hailing from Portsmouth, NH Red Sky Mary is made up of: Sam Vlasich (Vocals), Tom Boisse (Guitar), Gary Boisse (Bass), Barrett Goeman (Drums).

River Child is a 10 song shot in the arm to straight up Rock N’ Roll. The tracks are:

1. “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose”
2. “Payback”
3. “Gone”
4. “Run Ragged”
5. “South OF The City”
6. “Howl”
7. “Pride”
8. “I Will Wait For You”
9. “Too Much”
10. “River Child”

     Stand out tracks for me are “I will Wait For You” which reminds me of the Black Crowes in their heyday. Blues based and soulful it drags all kinds of emotions out of you with it haunting melodies and vocals. The Album opener “All Hell’s Breaking Loose” is just that hell does break loose on this raucous track. A feel good rocker that will make you want to gather you best buds and ride around with the windows down and the music cranked. An infectious chorus with have you singing along with your fists in the air. The title track “River Child” carries you along with a cool groove. Again, the vocals and harmonies are top notch and rival many of the great bands from the past. “Howl” which is the lead off single will have you doing just that. Your blood will begin pumping and you will fell the magic of pure Rock N’ Roll course through your body.

     Red Sky Mary has a definite throwback sound to them and yet their sound remains fresh as well. I get the feeling this is band making music for the sake of making music. I would give the new Red Sky Mary release a 15 out of 10 stars in my book. This record has a definite spot in my top 10 of 2015 and is a contender for number 1.

     Some say Rock N’ Roll is dead, I laugh in their faces because bands like Red Sky Mary prove them wrong. Keep Rockin’ fellas because it’s working. Be sure to check them out online at:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary

http://www.redskymary.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorWo1Wb0EtFkwy9tODdF6Q

http://www.carvedrecords.com/artists/red-sky-mary/

     It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Red Sky Mary!!!

     -the Hellion

Skid Row or Skid No?

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     I find myself again in the position of commenting on a band who has made multiple vocalist changes. The first time I heard Skid Row was when I heard “Youth Gone Wild” from their self titled release in 1989. I, like so many others,  was blown away by the powerhouse vocals of Sebastian Bach. Upon further listening I came to realize the talent that the entire band held as song writers and musicians. The three studio releases with Sebastian: Skid Row, Slave To The Grind, and Subhuman Race were all fantastic and still get their fair share of play from me.

     It saddened me when I heard Skid Row had parted ways with Sebastian in 1996. There was a brief stint where Sean McCabe (Shawn Mars) picked vocal duties before they settled on Johnny Solinger.

     Johnny and Skid row released Thickskin, Revolutions Per Minute, United World Rebellion: Chapter One, and Rise of the Damnation Army – United World Rebellion: Chapter Two. I had managed to catch them a couple of times with Johnny and felt he did a bang up job and was a good fit with the band. I even managed to squeeze in an interview with guitarist Dave “the Snake” Sabo with my cohort Charlie Owens. Things were good within the Skid Row camp, or so we thought.

     On April 6th the news was released that Skid Row had parted ways with Johnny Solinger and had picked up Tony Harnell as their new vocalist.

     I am very familiar with the vocal stylings of Tony Harnell and TNT. I have always liked Tony and his voice is powerful and great for Rock N’ Roll music. Would he fit the mighty Skid Row? We would see….

     April 13th 2015- I was forwarded a newly recorded version of “18 And Life” with new vocalist Tony and……was not blown away. While the elements for this formula were all stellar, something about it just fell flat for me. I haven’t counted them out yet as I will wait to see what their NEW work will sound like. I just don’t understand why they had to revisit that classic song.

     So far Skid Row has had five, yes five vocalists:

     Matt Fallon (1986-1987)

     Sebastian Bach (1987 – 1996)

     Sean McCabe (Shawn Mars) (1997–1998)

     Johnny Solinger (1999 – 2015)

     Tony Harnell (2015 –

     Only time will tell if Skid Row has made the right decision with this move. I will always remain hopeful of a Sebastian Bach reunion although I think it will only remain on my wish list.

     Skid Row, or Skid No, what is your take on the matter?

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

     -the Hellion

Talkin’ with UFO bassist Rob De Luca

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Having been a long time UFO fan, I jumped at the chance to sit down with bassist Rob De Luca. I have had Rob on my radar for a few years now and was excited to learn of his addition to the UFO lineup. We had a great conversation and are sharing it with you here:

     Thanks to Rob, UFO, and Jon Freeman for making this happen. Be sure to check out the new UFO release “A Conspiracy Of Stars”.

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

     -the Hellion