Tag Archives: Buckethead

SUNFLOWER DEAD: On Tour Now with ALL THAT REMAINS, HELLYEAH and NONPOINT‏

by

0

SUNFLOWER DEAD: On Tour Now with ALL THAT REMAINS, HELLYEAH and NONPOINT

 

Self-Titled Album Out Now via Bloody Bat Records!

image001

SUNFLOWER DEAD is out on the road now with All That Remains, HellYeah, and Nonpoint! Select dates will also include performances by In This Moment. See below for all current tour dates and stay tuned for updates!

SUNFLOWER DEAD’s new music video for their track ‘Make Me Drown’ is available for viewing on YouTube right now at this link:http://youtu.be/I5fb_cOtmTk

The band’s new self-titled album is available now via Bloody Bat Records. You can purchase the album at www.sunflowerdead.com/shop, or with  iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic and PureTracks.

SUNFLOWER DEAD tour dates with ALL THAT REMAINS, HELLYEAH, and NONPOINT:

3/22/2013        Club Nokia                  Los Angeles, CA

3/23/2013        The Knitting Factory    Reno, NV (w/ In This Moment)

3/24/2013        The Knitting Factory    Boise, ID (w/ In This Moment, NO HellYeah)

3/25/2013        The Black Sheep          Colorado Springs, CO (off date, In This Moment headlining)

3/27/2013        In The Venue               Salt Lake City, UT

3/29/2013        Wilma Theater             Missoula, MT

3/30/2013        The Knitting Factory    Spokane, WA

3/31/2013        Roseland Theater         Portland, OR

4/1/2013          The Showbox              Seattle, WA

4/3/2013          Bismarck Civic Center Bismarck, ND (w/ In This Moment)

4/5/2013          The Venue @ The Hub            Fargo, ND

4/6/2013          The Wicked Moose      Rochester, MN

4/7/2013          Mojoes                         Joliet, IL

4/9/2013          Club Fever                   South Bend, IN

4/10/2013        Austin’s Fuel Room     Libertyville, IL

4/12/2013        The Masquerade          Atlanta, GA

SUNFLOWER DEAD consists of Jamie Teissere (guitar, formerly of Droid), Michael Del Pizzo (vocals, piano, accordion), Jaboo (guitar) formerly of Two Hit Creeper, Luis Gascon (bass) touring member of Buckethead, and Jimmy Schultz (drums) touring drummer of In This Moment. The band formed with a goal of creating an undeniable unit that would not just move but more importantly, entertain people.

For more information on SUNFLOWER DEAD, please visit these websites:

www.sunflowerdead.com

www.facebook.com/sunflowerdead

www.twitter.com/SUNFLOWERDEAD

www.reverbnation.com/sunflowerdead

WHEN A BAND CHANGES DIRECTION (OR DOESN’T)

by

0

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

THE GUITARISTS OF OZZY

by

1

Image

I often wonder if Ozzy himself reflects on his history of guitarists. I know I have on several occasions. I have also wondered about other guitarists and how they would have fit in Ozzy’s band. Let’s look at the history of Ozzy’s guitarists and then we’ll imagine some other players and see what we think.

RANDY RHOADS 1979 – 1982

Image

Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981), Tribute (1987)

Any fan of Ozzy knows of Randy. When the world first got their ears filled with the sounds of Randy’s guitars they knew everything had changed. It is in my opinion that Randy changed the game forever.

“Crazy Train”  -Randy version

BERNIE TORME  1982

No albums made with Ozzy

Bernie was the immediate successor to Randy following his death. Big shoes to fill as he was hired to play makeup dates,  and he was playing through Randy’s gear, AND he had to learn all of the songs in a week. Bernie only stayed on tour for three weeks before leaving to form his own band.

“Crazy Train” – Bernie version

BRAD GILLIS 1982 – 1983

Speak of the Devil (1982)

Brad came in following the departure of Bernie. He filled in and recorded a live album with Ozzy before leaving for Night Ranger.

“Crazy Train” – Brad version

JAKE E LEE 1983- 1987

Bark At The Moon (1983), The Ultimate Sin (1986)

Jake E Lee was in the running with George Lynch for the coveted spot. He obviously won out which I think was good move for Ozzy as Jake seemed suited for his band. We got some good songs from the Jake E Lee lineup as well.

“Crazy Train” – Jake E Lee version

ZAKK WYLDE 1987–1992, 1995, 1998, 2002–2004, 2006–2009

1988: No Rest For The Wicked, 1990: Just Say Ozzy (live album), 1991: No More Tears,  1993: Live & Loud (live album),  1995: Ozzmosis,  2001: Down to Earth,  2002: Live At Budokan (live album),  2007: Black Rain

Zakk Wylde (he seems to make a lot of my blog posts) was, in my opinion, Ozzy’s strongest guitarist. The successful period with Zakk cannot be ignored. The writing combination of Zakk/Ozzy made some of the most memorable in Ozzy’s career.

“Crazy Train” – Zakk Wylde version

STEVE VAI 1994

No recordings

After one of Zakk’s departures Steve filed in temporarily for Ozzy. Vai began writing and recording with Ozzy Osbourne. One track from these sessions, “My Little Man”, was released on the Ozzmosis album. Despite Vai penning the track, he does not appear on the album.

No video found.

ALEX SKOLNICK 1995

No recordings made

Alex had a brief stay in supporting Ozzy and not much else was done other than that.

“Crazy Train” – Alex version

JOE HOLMES 1995–1998, 1999–2001

Song “Walk on Water” From Beavis and Butt-Head Do America Soundtrack (1996)

In 1995, after Ozzy Osbourne had finished recording the Ozzmosis album, a replacement for Zakk Wylde was needed for the tour. Joe got a call from Dean Castronovo (Oz’s drummer) to let him know they were seeking a guitar player. Joe went down to Audible studios in Los Angeles and played three Ozzy classics.  Holmes did not mention that he had taken lessons from Randy Rhoads as he thought it would hurt his chances at the job.

“Crazy Train” – Joe Holmes version

JERRY CANTRELL 2004–2006

Under Cover (2005)

Jerry did Ozzy’s cover album for him and it was a damn fine job. If you haven’t heard it you should definitely check it out.

No video found

GUS G 2009-present

Scream (2010)

Gus was brought in when Ozzy and Zakk parted ways. Ozzy was trying to get away from what he perceived as a blurring of the lines between himself and the BLS sound. We shall see what becomes of writing future records with Gus. More power to him!

“Crazy Train” – Gus G version

Whew! What an impressive list of players! But what if Ozzy had tapped Dime, EVH, Herman Li, Buckethead, John5, or DJ Ashba? Something to think about…..thanks for playing!

P.S. thanks A.J. Greene

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-U-Night/397752036952904 Like this!

the Hellion