WORNSTAR CLOTHING – WRAP YOURSELF IN SOME ROCKIN’ THREADS

http://www.facebook.com/wornstar

http://www.WORNSTAR.com

     Wornstar clothing had me hooked by the get go. My good friend Adz Redpath from the band Darksite brought them to my attention. He wore their clothing onstage and swore by it.

ADZ REDPATH

     As I looked into getting some Wornstar clothing, I found that I knew several people who also wore their clothes and in turn, I helped others to find out about them and start wearing them as well.

        Kurt Arft                               John Exall                             Martin Tully       the Hellion

                 

      Mark Voykin

 

     These guys are just a few of the people I know that wear Wornstar Clothing. I find their products to be of the highest quality and their service world class. The attention to detail is amazing and the support of their customers is awe inspiring. Let’s learn a little about Wornstar from their site:

     Wornstar Rock n’ Roll Clothing for Rock Stars and Fans

Originally conceived in 2002 by Sylvia and Stephen Jensen, Wornstar Clothing was launched. Wornstar grew out of Sylvia’s 15 years of experience styling rock star photo shoots for her husband Stephen’s entertainment design and photography studio, F3 Studios. Beginning as altered clothing for photo shoots and album covers, Sylvia’s work quickly gained the attention of Stephen’s Rock Star clients and led to creating custom pieces for them to wear in front of the camera and on stage. Stephen had designed merchandise graphics for his rock star clients and several companies and even some other apparel companies and decided that starting a line with his wife was a natural extension of F3 Studios.

Stephen is responsible for designing guitars and graphics for Dimebag Darrell, Dave Mustaine, Shaun Glass, Corey Beaulieu, and more; album graphics for Dirge Within, Soil, A.M. Conspiracy and many others as well as created amazing artwork and ads for music industry manufacturers. Stephen is also known for his amazing photography and you can learn more about him on his website blog at

http://www.F3Studios.com/

This proven combination made the foundation of what Wornstar Clothing is all about.

The Wornstar Clothing line is a combination of exclusive graphic clothing and customized recycled clothing. Our goal is to make clothing for the rock n roll life style that is cool to look at and comfortable to wear. Every piece on this website can be purchased as is or customized to fit your taste and needs, or we can even design something from scratch specifically for you. Wornstar will be constantly updated, changing and evolving, so check back often.

Please visit our onlinestore for wear ready custom clothing or use the contact form to submit a request. http://www.Wornstar.com/

• Image Consulting
• Styling & Wardrobe Coordination
• Custom Clothing featuring designs by
Stephen Jensen, F3 Studios
• Custom Recycled Clothing
• Set Design
• Photography, Hair and Make-up, Design and Printing coordination

     Great people, great clothing, great company. Whether you are a performer, or just want to step up your game, you cannot go wrong with Wornstar clothing. Do yourself a favor and check them out and get noticed!

the Hellion

THANK YOU FOR READING!!!

 

Well my blog has completely exceeded my dreams. over 15,000 views in over 100 countries! Thank you all! I am very humbled by the global response. One of my goals was to make this a blog for the people and to have the readers interact with it. Therefore, I am asking my readers for their input to the blog.  If you have ideas, a piece you wrote (CD reviews, show reviews, or just a subject you are passionate about) please send it to me and I will review it for inclusion on the blogsite. You can reach me at janaya64@msn.com or message me here. Be a part of the Hellion rocks!!!

 

the Hellion

WHEN A BAND CHANGES DIRECTION (OR DOESN’T)

How many times have you heard “This band sold out” or “That band went mainstream”? I have heard this about several bands throughout the years. Let;s take a look at several bands that have “changed direction” , or have stayed the same and if that has worked for them.

     QUEEN 1971 – 1991 the Freddie Mercury years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen remains one of my favorite bands of all times. The band was constantly evolving and changing throughout their career. They explored many styles of music during their recording career. They were never afraid to branch out and explore their creativity. Here are two songs that show their diversity. The world lost a beautiful soul when Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, we will forever miss and love you Freddie, thank you for your music. Queen pulled off, to great success, changing directions.

“Keep Yourself Alive” from QUEEN – 1973

“These Are The Days Of Our Lives” from INNUENDO – 1991

MEGADETH 1983 to present

Megadeth is a band who has stayed true to their original vision. Their style of speed/thrash metal has pretty much been a constant throughout their career. While some will say it has hurt their career, their fans remain loyal, and their record sales constant. I say cheers to Dave and crew (though they have changed over the years) keep it going! Staying true to their direction has worked for Megadeth.

“Peace Sells” from Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying? – 1986

“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” from Th1rt3en – 2011

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 1983 to present

This band has always been in a special place in my heart. Never afraid to be who they are, always giving their all to their fans. Their members and styles have changed throughout the years but they have always managed to pull it off. Playing what they want to and disregarding the critics their music reflects the colorful personalities that infuse this band. Many people have tried to pigeonhole this band to a certain genre, to no avail. I call them a Rock N’ Roll band PERIOD. Thank you RHCP, you have given my soul much joy. Keep growing and evolving and stay true to your passions.

“True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” from The Red Hot Chili Peppers – 1984

“The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie” – from I’m With You – 2011

METALLICA – 1981 to present

Ahhh Metallica, the source of great contention amongst metal heads. Some say they sold out with the “Black” album, some say they didn’t. I think they have made some questionable choices in the past years, but they remain strong as one of the driving forces in metal music. As part of being human we are constantly changing and growing (well, some of us do) as the events surrounding us dictate. The guys in Metallica are not immune. Growing older, gaining families, becoming financially stable HAS to affect them, and their music. I, for one, appreciate that fact and despite their making some music that does not always appeal to me I stand by this band and remain a fan. R.I.P. Cliff Burton, miss you!

“No Remorse” from Kill ‘Em All – 1983

“All Nightmare Long” from Death Magnetic – 2008

GUNS N’ ROSES 1985 to present???

GNR WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!? They were poised to take over the world and instead they burned it down. The energy of the the five original members was the perfect combination. Then the backup singers, the keyboard players, the horn section, etc… etc… sigh. I know this band has been the topic of great controversy, and probably will remain so for a long, long time. I will always remain in love with early GNR and the music they made and I am grateful for that, post original five, not so much. I personally believe the direction that the band took killed them (this is my humble opinion). Oh well we have our memories…. if we could only find our way back to the jungle.

“Welcome To The Jungle” from Appetite For Destruction – 1987

“This I Love” from Chinese Democracy – 2008

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY 1998 to present

Ahhh BLS, now here’s a band that I totally get. Members have come and gone and yet this band gets stronger and stronger. Great music year after year, record after record and a loyal fan base that unifies together as one big BLS family. Zakk Wylde never shies away from playing whatever he wants, piano based ballads, acoustic songs, full out electric, it matters not to Zakk. With BLS it never grows stagnant and you will never be bored! GI/FD!!!

“Born To Lose” from Sonic Brew – 1999

“Overlord” from Order Of The Black – 2010

These are just my opinions on bands that have (or have not) changed direction, please feel free to comment or message me with your ideas or thoughts and I will post them here.

the Hellion

BANDS, BANDS, BANDS, BANDS, BANDS!!!!!

We’re back with another round of bands for your earholes!!!

1. HOUR OF PENANCE 

 

http://www.facebook.com/hourofpenance

http://www.hourofpenance.net

Giulio Moschini – Guitars / Backing Vocals, Silvano Leone – Bass / Backing vocals, James Payne – Drums, and Paolo Pieri – Vocals / Guitars make up this  band from Italy. Forged in the dark shadows of “The Holy Capital”, this most unholy of quartets have steadily been making a name for themselves as one of the most intense, talented and impressive, both in the studio & live onstage, modern death metal bands around. These tyrannical troubadours of brutality have so far spread their plague of destruction across the breadth of the European continent from pulverizing festivals in Portugal and Spain in the West through laying waste to Germany, the Netherlands & central Europe to besieging the Czech Republic in the East.

 

    2. THEART

 

http://www.facebook.com/followtheart

http://WWW.FOLLOWTHEART.COM

Azaria – Vocals and Guitar, Kara Jayne – Vocals and Bass, Jak – Guitar, and Jordan – Drums. It’s Rock N Roll but it’s Glam. Dynamic and Eclectic. Songs about Love, Lust, Life & all other four letter words. Raw and dirty music to touch your primal soul.

 

3. MADLIFE

 

http://www.facebook.com/Madlifemusic

http://www.madlifemusic.com

Angry Phill- Vocals, Isaiah- Guitar, and Kyle- Drums MADLIFE is advancing through 2012 with three major announcements. Their newest extolled single, “To Live and Die In Hollywood” debuted at #8 new adds on Media-base Active Rock Radio, quickly gaining momentum the second week climbing to #6. Secondly, they announced their endorsement deal with Schecter Guitars. Lastly, while gearing up for international touring, the highly anticipated 4th album, “21st Century Megalomaniac  is the next chapter in MADLIFE’s chronicles. Its unmistakable headway of innovative musical tonality irrefutably blends with the angry lyrical sonnets.

 

4. BLOODY HAMMERS

 

http://www.facebook.com/BloodyHammers

http://www.bloodyhammers.com/

Vocals, Bass: Anders Manga, Organ: Devallia, Guitar: Zoltan, and Drums: Curse. Bloody Hammers’ full length debut ‘Bloody Hammers’ is an explosion of heavy sound and infectious melodies. Propelled by singer Anders Manga’s captivatingly melodic vocals, ‘Bloody Hammers’ is a psych/hard rock/horror fan’s dream come true—a strong display of dooming riffs, crooning to soaring vocals and driving grooves. ‘Bloody Hammers’ is an addictive album with a retro edge that appeals to both the Nick Cave and the Black Sabbath sides of the brain. This is an absolute must-have for fans of the southern USA metal and dark hard rock scenes.”

 

5. CHASSIS

 

http://www.facebook.com/chassisofficial

http://www.chassis.com.pl

Michał “Misiek” Gabryelczyk – vocal, Mateusz “Matrix” Rybicki – guitar, Maciej “Koniu” Kończak – guitar, Piotr “Piooro” Piórkowski – bass, and Karol Skrzyński – drums CHASSIS is a rock band based in Gdansk, Poland. Their dynamic and energetic songs are based on solid rocking riffs, tight, expressive rhythm section and vast harmonic landscapes. In combination with melodic and mighty vocal lines, Chassis brings a perfect blend of styles for wide audience.

 

the Hellion

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! – UPDATED FOR MARTIN TULLY

     ENJOY IT MY GHOULISH ONES!!!

AND FOR MY GOOD FRIEND MARTIN TULLY:

BLEACH BANGS RADIO 10/30/12!

 

http://www.bleachbangs.com/

 

THE WORLD IS FULL OF MONSTERS

 

The world is full of monsters. As a parent I am aware of this everyday. My children are now grown and young adults out in the world. I was often told as they were growing up that I was to overprotective and that nothing would happen. I tried and we were lucky so far, and I hope to remain so. My Friends in NJ were not so lucky as to the  recent events that have befallen them. The loss of their daughter Autumn has touched me deeply, the callousness in the way the alleged perpetrators treated   her sickens me. Now the blame game will begin, “I was mistreated as a child”, “My father wasn’t around”, etc. etc., well I got news for you, I WAS mistreated as a child, and my parents were at times neglectful. But you know what? I CHOSE NOT TO CARRY ON THAT CYCLE. YES,  YOU HEARD ME, I MADE THE DECISION.  All of your actions are chosen by you. Own them they’re yours. Now, take the time and talk to your loved ones and be a part of their life.

 

Rest In Piece Autumn Pasquale, the world dimmed a bit with your loss. If you want to donate to Autumn’s family and make sure that your donations
go to Autumn’s family, Please Contact only Joe Fortino, John Higginbottom, Ken Mondillo or Greg Tripp members of The Electric Boa
Or
Autumn Pasquale Memorial Fund
C/O Fulton Bank of New Jersey
35 N Delsea Dr
Clayton, NJ 08312
Donations can be made via mail or walked in to the location
This is the official fund…watch the scams..this is the official one..Help is still needed.

 

with repsect,

the Hellion

AN INTERVIEW WITH CROWNED BY FIRE GUITARIST JUSTIN MANNING

 

http://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire?fref=ts

http://www.crownedbyfire.com

Justin took time from his busy schedule to call me and give an intimate interview on Crowned By fire and their up and coming take over of the world. Take your time, sit back, grab a tasty beverage and listen……

thanks Justin! It was a pleasure speaking with you as always.

the Hellion

MUSIC CAN SAVE YOU

I have been thinking about a conversation I recently had with a friend about growing old. I recently turned 48 years old and I still find excitement and joy in Rock N’ Roll. I’m not your typical 48 year old, I have long hair, earrings, numerous tattoos, I write a music blog, co-host an internet radio show, and created an internet video music show. I am twice the age of a lot of my friends. And yet, we have meaningful conversations, I give them advice, and we discuss pertinent world issues.

I feel that music knows no age, it is timeless. Through my entire life it has been a constant friend to me, always there, always comforting, never questioning me, never belittling me, always my companion.

My mom always had music on when I was growing up. When my first step-dad wasn’t home it was Rock N’ Roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jackson 5, Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Temptations, The Who, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, Isley Brothers, David Bowie, MC5 were but a few of the many bands my mom introduced me to. My step-dad however, only listened to country music. Johnny Cash, Jack Greene, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sonny James, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Bill Anderson, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, and Conway Twitty were some of his staples. I was five in 1969 and all of this music had me hooked, I was in love with music. I enjoyed the Rock N’ Roll more than the country (As an adult I would later come to respect the country music). Music became my anchor in the storm of my turbulent and dark childhood.

I was ten when my mom married my second step-dad and saved me (or so I thought) from the monster we had lived with. My new step-dad was a more   of a free-spirit. Johnny Mathis,Cher,Terry Jacks,Redbone, Grand Funk Railroad, Elton John, Blue Swede, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Wings, Three Dog Night, The Steve Miller Band, and Steely Dan filled my ears with glorious sounds. However, it soon became apparent that music would become my only friend. My mom and my new step-dad soon had no time for me and my newborn brother. They had lives to live and we were and interruption. Again it was a dark time for me. It was 1974.

1974 -1985 Many many things happened in those years, most I choose to put away and not reflect upon. A lot of music came and went of varying styles and trends. I was lost and wandering, but music was still there. Hard Rock and Heavy Metal became my music of choice ( I made some questionable choices in music during this period as well).

1985 I was reborn. I met my future wife and The Cult, AC/DC, Dio, Dokken, Kiss, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Ratt, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and David Lee Roth were on the scene. My life became worth living and truly became joyful to me.

1990 I became a father and vowed to be there for my new son and treat him as I wish I had been treated as a child. We filled him with love, companionship, and music. Megadeth, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Pantera, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Warrant, Queensryche, Poison, and many others were often heard on radios and cassette players (yes cassette) in our home.

1993 My daughter was born furthering my joy in life. She was full of life and energy and completed my dream family. The music from that time carried on the “Metal Scene” was prevalent in our home in this period.

  

 

Present- I am 48! Oh shit! When did this happen? My kids are now young adults, I am still as much in love with my wife as I have ever been. and music is still a huge part of my life. I now write about, interview, and talk with people about music on a daily basis. I share my experiences, give advice, and share music both new, and old with many others. Music, yeah it can save you, it saved me.

 

the Hellion

http://www.bleachbangs.com/

http://rockunight.com/

https://thehellionrocks.wordpress.com/

 

 

TOP 5 ROCK BASS PERFORMANCES – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BOTTOM END!

 

I was talking to a friend today and he asked me what I thought were the five best bass performances in Rock N’ Roll. Hmmm… hard  question but I’ll give my opinion on it and see what happens. I love the bass and the weight that it gives to Rock music. So let’s check it out. Keep in mind these are in no particular order they are just the five that stand above the others.

1. Cliff Burton (METALLICA) “FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS”  (LIVE) [CLIFF ‘EM  ALL]

The aggressiveness of Cliff’s playing style in the intro to this song amazes me to this day. I will always remain in awe of him and wonder what more he would have given to us. Enjoy and remember:

2. JOHN ENTWISTLE (THE WHO) “BABA O’RILEY” (LIVE) 1978

The way John carries the song’s intro is magnificent. John’s solid performance style and coolness when he was laying down massive bass lines will forever influence bass players for years to come. Look at his hands, watch and listen:

3. GEEZER BUTLER (BLACK SABBATH) BASSICALLY/N.I.B.

What can I say, utter brilliance here. The riff is as iconic as any guitar riff. Geezer carries this song with majesty, a lot of bass players learn this bass line and try to honor it. I have seen Geezer play it live and it is just as magnificent as it is on record. Listen and get lost:

4. BILLY COX (JIMI HENDRIX) “DOLLY DAGGER” 

Just listen to the bass line and you’ll hear why it is included. Billy was an amazing player period. If you’ve never heard of him look up his stuff and prepare to get blown away.:

5. STEVE HARRIS (IRON MAIDEN) “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”  (LIVE) 1980

Steve Harris and his monster bass runs make him one the most inspiring bassists in rock history. (Besides if I didn’t include Steve Eddie’s Mates would lynch me). I have always been inspired by Steve’s playing style. This is for you Eddie’s Mates:

By no means is this a complete list. There are so many more to list. These five however, jumped into my mind immediately. Please give me YOUR input!

the Hellion