Tag Archives: 90’s

Nick Menza – gives us the lowdown on what he’s been up to!

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photo by Alex Solca 2013 courtesy of Nick Menza

photo by Alex Solca 2013 courtesy of Nick Menza

 

Nick Menza was part of Megadeth during what I feel was their most successful period. Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction, Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings, what Megadeth fan doesn’t love those records? Nick has since moved on from Megadeth and is now reentering the limelight with a new book and some new projects. Nick took the time out of his very busy schedule for a free-form chat with us about music, the industry and such. It was an extreme honor to talk with him.   Here is the interview, uncut, unscripted and raw! Enjoy:

 

Thanks to Nick and Robert Bolger for making this happen!

 

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

-the Hellion

 

SCHECTER GUITAR RESEARCH KICKSTARTS 2013 BY SIGNING MOTLEY CRUE / SIXX: A.M. BASSIST NIKKI SIXX TO ITS STELLAR ROSTER OF ARTISTS

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Company to Unveil “The Schecter Sixx” Bass at Winter NAMM Conference – Room 210-D

(January 16, 2013, Sun Valley/Hollywood, CA) –2013 is proving to already be a monumental year for Schecter Guitar Research as the company settles into its expanded headquarters in Sun Valley, CA,  ramps up for MAJOR new gear announcements and continues to amass a stellar lineup of artists, which includes some of the biggest names in the recording and touring industries. To that note, the company is proud to announce the partnership with a true modern-day rock icon by signing Mötley Crüe / Sixx: A.M.bassist, NY Times bestselling author and radio host Nikki Sixx, adding even more fire power to its roster.  Not only has Schecterlanded a talented and noted songwriter and player, but also one of the leading voices and minds in fashion, non-fiction, photography and media via his clothing lines, New York Times top 10 selling books and his successful internationally syndicated radio shows Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx and The Side Show Countdown with Nikki Sixx.

However, it is his musical pedigree, history and current musical projects that helped the collaboration with Schecter come to fruition. “It was an exciting and creative process to work with Schecter on the new Schecter Sixx Signature Series Bass,” states Sixx, “It was important to all of us to design a bass that would feel right as well as sound amazing in the hands of all players, not just me. Every detail about the new Schecter Sixx comes from all of our collective experiences – whether it’s my 30 years of playing live and recording or Schecter’s unprecedented standards for making quality instruments for players of all genres. Simply said, this bass rocks!”  Schecter’s Executive Vice President, Marc LaCorte adds, “I really felt as if we instantly gelled and were looking to accomplish the same goal with this project.  Above all, it was so refreshing to see an artist of Nikki’s stature be so involved and genuinely concerned about every detail in the creation of this instrument.”

Nikki Sixx has been known for years as a player stylized by his brashness and Schecter has taken it upon themselves to create this Nikki Sixx signature mode, aptly named the Schecter Sixx. Nikki Sixx will be introducing the Schecter Sixx with an exclusive signing at the winter NAMM Conference in Anaheim, CA on January 26th from 3:00pm-4:00pm PST at the Schecter booth (Room 210-D). It can be maintained that The Schecter Sixx will reflect Nikki’s style, both visually and sonically, while being able to withstand the punishing rigors of the road from opening night to the end of tour closing set.  The Schecter Sixx bass will surely make a rumble through the industry and then resonate with players, retailers and consumers alike.

 

Nikki Sixx Biography

Nikki Sixx is the International rock icon, founding member of Mötley Crüe and Sixx:A.M., two-time New York Times bestselling author with The Heroin Diaries and This Is Gonna Hurt, co-founder of rock couture fashion line Royal Underground, philanthropist, photographer and internationally syndicated radio show host of Sixx Sense and The Side Show Countdown. Some of Sixx’s accomplishments include over 80-million in album sales with Mötley Crüe and Sixx:A.M., countless sold out tours, Mötley Crüe’s sold out residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas – a first for the hard rock genre – an award-winning Superbowl commercial for Kia, photographing a high fashion shoot for The New York Post’s prestigious supplement Alexa, and raising several hundred thousand dollars through his Running Wild in the Night charity for Covenant House California.

http://www.motley.com

http://sixxammusic.com/

www.sixxsense.com

www.facebook.com/nikkisixxofficial

@NikkiSixx

 

About Schecter Guitar Research:

As Schecter Guitar Research moves into its 37th year in business, they have solidified the elite status, as one of the world’s premier guitar companies.  Its continually evolving and expanding line of guitars and basses appeals to a broad spectrum of players and diverse musical styles. Its core business practice offers high-quality instruments with professional components at an affordable price.  One of the company’s strongest assets is its growing roster of high-profile artists, including: Nikki Sixx, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, The Cure, Papa Roach, Seether, Prince, Stone Temple Pilots, Nevermore and Black Label Society.  For more information log onto: www.schecterguitars.com

THE SCHECTER SIXX:  NIKKI SIXX SIGNATURE BASS (Photos below)

Construction:                   Neck-Thru with Ultra Access

Body:                                     Mahogany

Neck:                                    5-ply Maple/Walnut

Scale:                                     34”

Fingerboard:                   Rosewood

Nut:                                     Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL 42mm

Frets:                                     24 X-Jumbo

Inlays:                                     Dots

Pickups:                   EMG P/J

Electronics:                   Vol/Vol/Tone/”Kill” Switch

Bridge:                                     Schecter Custom String Thru Body (or Top-Load)

Tuners:                   Grover

Hardware:                  Black Chrome

Colors:                                     Satin Black (SBK) or Vintage Sunburst (VSB)

Left-Hand Availability: Satin Black (SBK)

Case: SGR-21-NS

Lefty Case:                   See Website www.schecterguitars.com

Handler

LAMB OF GOD’s CHRIS ADLER Announces Exclusive North American Endorsement and Distribution Deal with VRUK Corporation

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New Video Launched Highlighting the CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate

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LAMB OF GOD’s CHRIS ADLER is pleased to announce his new, exclusive North American endorsement and distribution deal with VRUK Corporation, specifically in conjunction with the CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate—a vital tool for drummers looking to increase endurance and speed that CHRIS ADLER himself will be distributing exclusively throughout North America.

The CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate acts as an attachment to your current pedal setup providing heel support, rebound acceleration and control, the key factor of any drum technique. Today, CHRIS ADLER released a brand new video that shows what the VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate is and how it works! Head to this location to view the video (click “watch video” link), read testimonials, grab coupon codes and more!

“In every aspect of my life, my intention is to seek out the very best. When it comes to drumming, I insist on it. I won’t use free because it’s free. I’ll overpay for the tools that allow me to exceed my own expectations,” says CHRIS ADLER. “When writing the Wrath album I wore ankle weights to increase my kick drum endurance and speed. One day after a long rehearsal, I took them off and one rested under my heel. I immediately noticed that securing and resting my ankle and heel while still playing heel-up allowed much more control over each stroke. I took the ankle weights on my US and European clinic appearances and shared what I had found. I used the ankle weights under my heels every night on the following two year world tour. Fast forward to the spring of 2012 and I began R&D on creating a device that could attach to my pedal and provide consistent support and control. Mr. Vruk had beaten me to it and we were immediately in touch. The VRUK design allows for secure attachment to any pedal and grip and heel support system far greater than my homemade designs. I recently used them at the US festivals that the band just played and not only did they perform well, I performed better. With my heel and ankle able to rest between strokes, my endurance and speed have noticeably improved. This product exceeds my expectations and helps me do what I love doing.”

For more information on the CHRIS ADLER Signature VRUK DrumMaster Heel Plate and CHRIS ADLER’s new endorsement and distribution deal, visit www.vrukpedal.com. To purchase or reserve your heel plate, visit www.chris-adler.com/onlineshop/ orwww.vrukpedal.com/store.html.

 

 

YES – A BAND NEAR AND DEAR TO ME

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33-YesClassicBlue_jpg

 

www.yesworld.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yes/107577509265620

 

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I was seven years old when I first heard “Starship Trooper”. I was enraptured by it, it took me away to the stars and beyond. My mom turned me on to Yes and I was hooked. I have remained a fan throughout the years.

Formed in 1968, by Chris Squire, Yes has been cutting edge ever since. They have risen from obscurity, to the heights of success. There have been many different lineups throughout the years with some outstanding musicians.

The most successful lineup (in my opinion) consisted of: Jon Anderson – lead vocals, percussion, guitar, harp, various others, Chris Squire – bass, backing vocals, various others, Steve Howe – guitars, backing vocals, various others, Bill Bruford – drums, percussion, various others, Rick Wakeman – keyboards, piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, various others.

During the 80’s they had hits from the lineup of: Jon Anderson – (vocals), Tony Kaye – (Keyboards), Trevor Rabin – (Guitars, vocals, additional keyboards), Chris Squire – (Bass, vocals), Alan White – (Drums, percussion, backing vocals). This lineup gave us hits like: “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, “It Can Happen”, “Leave It”, and “Changes”

The current lineup of Yes consists of: Chris Squire – (bass, backing vocals, various others), Steve Howe – (guitars, backing vocals, various others), Alan White – (drums, percussion, backing vocals, various others), Geoff Downes – (keyboards), Jon Davison – (lead vocals, various others)

yes-2012-lineup

From 1 March to 12 April 2013, Yes will embark on their Spring 2013 North American tour. The band will play three albums a night for the first time in their entirety: The Yes Album, Close to the Edge and Going for the One. During the Spring 2013 North American tour, Yes will lead a progressive-rock themed cruise titled Cruise to the Edge from 25 to 30 March 2013. Yes will also be going into the studio in the fall 2013 to record a new album, their 21st studio album and the first with Jon Davison.

 

The progressive rock music of Yes deserves a listen.

 

the Hellion

 

 

 

GUITARIST JOE HOLMES!

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Joe26

https://www.facebook.com/pages/FARMIKOS/148649605284041

http://www.farmikos.com/

     Joe Holmes, in my opinion, is a highly overlooked player. The man took lessons from Randy Rhoads in the late 70’s, was a member of Lizzy Bordin, replaced Jason Becker in David Lee Roth’s band when Jason was diagnosed with ALS, and filled in for Zakk Wylde in Ozzy’s band. Here is a video for “Mr. Crowley” featuring Joe Holmes on guitar:

     Now Joe is back with a vengeance with FARMIKOS. I have heard one track and I must say I am blown away. According to the FARMIKOS Facebook page Joe has been working with vocalist Robbie Locke and had guests like Robert Trujillo and Brooks Wackerman, and song writing contributions from Brent Hoffort.

     Be sure to go to the Facebook page and give them a like: https://www.facebook.com/pages/FARMIKOS/148649605284041. I f you want to hear a sneak peak of the record there is a song streaming at the official website at: http://www.farmikos.com/

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Really looking forward to this one!

the Hellion

GREGG ROLIE – ONE OF MY FAVORITE MUSICIAN/VOCALISTS

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gregrolie

http://www.greggrolie.com/

     How many people recognize the name Gregg Rolie? I can almost guarantee you’ve heard his voice (unless you’ve been hiding under a rock with your fingers in your ears). Let me jog your memory a bit:

     That’s right Gregg was the voice behind that Santana classic. In 1965 Gregg joined up with Carlos Santana and formed the Santana Blues Band. Eventually it was shortened to simply Santana. Gregg was with Santana at Woodstock in 1969. He was also known for his distinctive sound of his Hammond B3 organ. I know you know this classic:

      Gregg and Carlos Santana had some differing opinions on the direction of the band and Gregg left at the end of 1971. Gregg returned to his home in Seattle and partnered into a restaurant with his dad. It so happened that it wasn’t that successful.

          In 1973 Gregg joined forces with another Sanatana alumni Neal Schon. This was the begining of Journey. Gregg was the lead vocalist for Journey up until 1977. Here are some Journey with Gregg throughout the years:

  Gregg left Journey in 1980 for a solo career. He released several solo records some of which featured the talents of Carlos Santana, Peter Wolf, Neal Schon, and Craig Chaquico. Here is one of my favorite tracks from the 1987 release Gringo:

      In 1991 Gregg teamed up with Steve Smith and Ross Valory from Journey to form a new band called The Storm. Here is a track called ” I’ve Got A Lot To Learn About Love”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGOdblPUOkM

     Gregg continues to make music to this day with the Gregg Rolie Band:

     Gregg is also a strong supporter of music education for children. In 2005 he became an official supporter of Little Kids Rock (http://www.littlekidsrock.org/) which is a nonprofit organization that provides free instruments and and lessons to disadvantaged public schools in the U.S.A. He is a member of the Honorary Board of Directors.

     Gregg was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 with Santana.

Gregg-Rolie2

     Gregg is an all around renaissance man in the world of music.

the Hellion

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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     HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE HELLION ROCKS!

LOOK FOR NEW AND EXCITING THINGS COMING IN 2013 FROM THE HELLION ROCKS, BLEACH BANGS RADIO, ROCK U-NIGHT, AND MUSIC U-NIGHT!

BACK TOMORROW TO KEEP THE ROCK N’ ROLL FLOWING!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hellion-Rocks/205021266205253

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-Bleach-Bangs-Radio/251995358192526

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-U-Night/397752036952904

https://www.facebook.com/musicunight

check out the Rock U-Night pages:

http://rockunight.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/rockunight?feature=watch

Bleach Bangs' Charlie Owens with Knucklez Deep

Bleach Bangs’ Charlie Owens with Knucklez Deep

 

the Hellion with Scars Blue featuring Tim Griffiths Garcia from Rock U-Night/Music U-Night

the Hellion with Scars Blue featuring Tim Griffiths Garcia from Rock U-Night/Music U-Night

the Hellion with the MIGHTY Skeletonwitch

the Hellion with the MIGHTY Skeletonwitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOE STRUMMER – STILL MISSED 10 YEARS LATER.

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joestrummer

 

John Graham Mellor

(Joe Strummer)

21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002

www.strummerville.com

     There is a fine line between Metal and Punk. I like some of the true Punk bands as much as I like Metal bands. One of the first Punk bands that caught my attention was the Clash. It was the late 70’s and I was a teenager and full of rebellion. The rawness and aggression of the Clash fed my teenage angst.

     The band continued to put out music that called to me and kept my rebellious spirit alive.

Years later as we grew up and matured (well sort of) I came to appreciate Joe as a musician and songwriter. His solo work and the stuff he did with The Latino Rockabilly War, and The Mescaleros, was amazing stuff.

     Joe was taken from us on December 22 2002 by an  undiagnosed congenital heart defect. Joe will always be missed by me, and his music will be forever in my ears. Thank you Joe.

AvenuAJoeStrummer

the Hellion