Tag Archives: Glam Rock

PET PEEVES: Who’s your favorite/best guitarist?

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There are so many polls, questions, battles, etc., etc., on who’s the best guitarist. I feel that this is a question that can never be truly asked or answered. In my opinion each and every guitarist that I listen to is distinctly different. I often wonder what Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Zakk Wylde, Tony Iommi, Dimebag, Randy Rhoads, and many more, would think (or would have thought) of all of these comparisons. For me, there is such joy in the diversity of styles in rock n’ roll. If everyone tried to sound like each other what would be the point? I say enjoy the bad ass guitarists that are out there and do yourself a favor and seek out the new crop of players that are trying their hardest to be heard. I just had to put this out there after seeing all of the recent polls and battles out there. Now, let’s talk about some  axe slingers you should be listening to.

     Justin Manning:

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Justin is the guitarist for the band Crowned By Fire. Incredible riffs, blinding speed, and a certain uniqueness in style make Justin a player to watch. check Justin and Crowned By Fire in the video for “Witch In The Window” : 

 Redd Yoachum:

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Redd is the lead guitarist for Scattered Hamlet. Redd plays with an old soul. He makes you feel the music that he plays, his passion fills your ears with sonic joy. I feel the guitar heroes who have passed on are smiling down on Redd. Here is the live version of “Skeleton Dixie”: 

 Craw Cajun:

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Craw is the guitarist for All Hail The Yeti. Craw is another one of those guitarists that when they play it gets right into your soul. All Hail The Yeti’s self titled release  was my top CD for 2012. This is a band on the move and Craw is a player headed for legendary status. Check out Craw’s playing in “The Art Of Mourning” : 

These are but three of my favorite guitarists that I feel should be getting more attention in the world. If you have any by all means bring to my attention! You can reach me at janaya64@msn.com or on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/theHellionRocks

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

the Hellion

One of my influential records: QUEEN LIVE KILLERS

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Queen was a band that was always on the cutting edge. I fell in love with their music when I first heard “Now I’m Here” from 1974’s Sheer Heart Attack, I was 10 years old and hooked. I followed and enjoyed their music from then on. 1979 brought the fans a live album that with a good pair of headphones and the proper “mood enhancement”  made you feel like you were at an actual live Queen show.  The talent and showmanship put forth on this record is nothing short of stellar. The combination and chemistry between Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon gave us some of the most iconic music ever made.

1. “We Will Rock you (fast version)”
2. “Let Me Entertain You”
3. “Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To…)”
4. “Killer Queen”
5. “Bicycle Race”
6. “I’m In Love With My Car”
7. “Get Down, Make Love”
8. “You’re My Best Friend”
9. “Now I’m Here”
10. “Dreamer’s Ball”
11. “Love Of My Life”
12. “39”
13. “Keep Yourself Alive”
14. “Don’t Stop Me Now”
15. “Spread Your Wings”
16. “Brighton Rock”
17. “Bohemian Rhapsody”
18. “Tie Your Mother Down”
19. “Sheer Heart Attack”
20. “We Will Rock You”
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “God Save The Queen”

     These are the tracks that make up this jewel of an album. This is an album I will always cherish. If, after all of these years, you are new to Queen this is the album for you to get your feet wet. Check out the live version of  “Don’t Stop Me Know” and feel the power of Queen.

     We lost Freddie Mercury in 1991 and the world got a little dimmer and sadder. You will always live on in my heart and ears Freddie, thank you for all you have given us.

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

the Hellion

Hard Rock Legends SKID ROW Release “This Is Killing Me” Lyric Video Today — Currently Writing ‘United World Rebellion – Chapter Two’‏

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Hard Rock Legends SKID ROW Release “This Is Killing Me” Lyric Video Today

 

Currently Writing ‘United World Rebellion – Chapter Two’ – Release Date Coming Soon

 

‘United World Rebellion – Chapter One’ Out Now

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Hard rock legends SKID ROW are currently writing their upcoming second EP in the United World Rebellion series, entitled United World Rebellion – Chapter Two. In the meantime, the band is releasing a brand new lyric video for the track ‘This Is Killing Me’ cut from United World Rebellion – Chapter One, which is in stores now. Check out the lyric video here: http://youtu.be/GVflonjC2a4

 

The release of United World Rebellion – Chapter One in April marked the band’s first new music unleashed in seven years. The New Jersey hard rock legends announced that United World Rebellion – Chapter One would be the first in a series of EPs that they plan to release in the near future.

 

SKID ROW is performing in a town near you! See below for all currently confirmed U.S. dates.

 

Confirmed SKID ROW U.S. Tour Dates:

8/9 – Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fair Budweiser Stage

8/10 – Uncasville, CT @ Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun

8/15 – Lynchburg, VA @ Phase 2

8/16 – Morristown, TN @ Cherokee Park Amphitheater

8/17 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend

8/18 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ The Boathouse

8/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont County Club

8/23 – Chandler, AZ @ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

8/24 – Sheridan, WY @ Trails End Concert Park

9/6 – Akron, NY @ Braun’s Concert Grove

9/13 – Denver, CO @ Casselmans

9/14 – Hinckley, MN @ Grand Casino Amphitheater/Grand RockTember Music Festival

 

 

SKID ROW will be on tour in Europe/UK this October and November with UGLY KID JOE.

 

 

See what the press is saying about United World Rebellion – Chapter One:

 

·         “The songs, all still penned by masterminds Rachel Bolan and Dave “The Snake” Sabo, still hold true to the attitude-soaked punk-leaning riffs the band built its name on.”  -AllMusic.com

 

·         “Overall, United World Rebellion – Chapter One is a powerful comeback for SKID ROW, that shows them embracing their roots and creating six standout tracks that can easily sit amongst the band’s classics. Any fan of their earlier works, as well as any hard rock or hair metal fan, should look into purchasing this album for themselves.” –Ultimate-Guitar.com

 

·         “The long awaited five tracks are packed with more of everything that made SKID ROW legendary.”  – Lithium Magazine

 

·         If you enjoyed any of the Bach fronted SKID ROW records, you owe it to yourself to check this out… United World Rebellion – Chapter One is a solid addition to the SKID ROW catalogue and I am excited to see what “Chapter Two” will offer. – Metal-Temple.com

 

Check out our interview with Dave “The Snake” Sabo: 

 

For more information on SKID ROW, visit these websites:

www.skidrow.com

www.facebook.com/OfficialSkidRow

twitter.com/OfficialSkidRow

twitter.com/UnitedWR

 

New York Dolls celebrate 40th anniversary of their debut record

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     The New York Dolls are a far too overlooked band. The Dolls influenced many bands that we all know and love: Sex Pistols, Kiss, the Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, the Damned, the Smiths, it goes on and on. They began a movement which gave us the “spectacle” of rock. It was ok to glam it up and go to a show. It was ok to be over the top. The Dolls made us feel good about who we were. Today 07/27/13 marks the 40th anniversary of their debut studio album “New York Dolls” on Mercury Records. Produced by the legendary Todd Rundgren it is a record that I find still relevant to this day.

Thank you David Johansen, Arthur “Killer” Kane, Jerry Nolan, Sylvain Sylvain, and Johnny Thunders for making this wonderful record. Do yourself a favor and give it listen and see why the bands we love were influenced by them.

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

    the Hellion

MY CONVERSATION WITH RUDY SARZO

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at the meet and greet

at the meet and greet

Rudy Sarzo, his accomplishments are many: Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, M.A.R.S., Manic Eden, Michael Angelo Batio, Dio, Bassinvaders, “Ripper” Owens, Animetal USA, Queensryche, Project Rock, TRED, and several others. Rudy has become a legendary bass player that has inspired so many musicians. I was fortunate to have met him recently after a Queensryche show. Imagine my response  when I confirmed an interview with him. The interview went well (a few rude people make noise in the beginning though) and Rudy  was certainly a warm and down to earth person. I cannot thank him enough for taking the time to do an interview with me. Here’s the link and enjoy:

 

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

the Hellion

Interview with Robert Sarzo about his new release AFTER THE STORM.

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Every so often you run into someone who makes a positive impact on you. Robert Sarzo is one of those people. I was fortunate to meet him after a Queensryche show recently. He was extremely gracious to everyone he met and was genuine about it. That, my friends, is class. He recently released a solo record call After The Storm. Robert was kind enough to give me phone call and chat about his new record and music. Enjoy it right here:

     If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and go to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robertsarzo1 and pick up After The Storm.

     Thank you Robert, for everything!

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

Robert Sarzo releases After The Storm

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1. War Dance
2. Don’t Change Your Love
3. Lace, Pearls and Fire
4. Innocent Girl
5. Not Yet
6. Los Canbios De Amore
7. Heilo Y Fuego
8. Angelita
9. Backbeat

     Robert Sarzo is one of the worlds outstanding guitarists. I was fortunate to meet him and his brother Rudy at a recent Queensryche show. His playing and showmanship was outstanding.

Robert Sarzo on fire!

Robert Sarzo on fire!

Now Robert has released After The Storm. I picked it up yesterday and haven’t stopped listening to it. Full of tribal sounds, Latin rhythms and full on metal licks, there is something here for everyone.

After The Storm opens with the tribal inspired instrumental  “War Dance”. Great drum beat backed with ethereal sounds make up this track. “Don’t Change Your Love” is a straight on rocker full of great riffs and smoking vocals. Pure rocking at its finest. “Lace, Pearls, And Fire” is one  my stand out tracks on this record. Catchy hooks and dirty blues based rock make this a do NOT miss song. “Innocent Girl” slows the pace a bit but loses nothing in that. Opening with beautiful guitars, it leads into a “raise your lighter to the sky” type of ballad full of emotion and melody another stand out track for sure. “Not Yet” is a great sing along track that will get your blood pumping and head nodding in time to the hook, another favorite. “Los Canbios De Amore” is the kickass Spanish version of “Don’t Change Your Love”. “Heilo Y Fuego” is the awesome Spanish version of  “Lace, Pearls, And Fire”. “Angelita” is the Spanish version of “Innocent Girl” . “Backbeat” closes out this wonderful record with another rocking tune that fills the ears with joy.

Robert is filled with true musical talent and this talent needs to be heard. Be sure and pick it up at https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robertsarzo1

You can keep up with Robert on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/robertsarzosr?ref=ts&fref=ts

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

the Hellion

All Axess Launches the First of their Platinum Series Instructional Lessons with LAMB OF GOD’s Willie Adler

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Willie Adler’s “Destructional” Guitar Lesson Available Now

Premier online music community and media company AllAxess.com have partnered with multi Grammy-nominated guitarist Willie Adler to launch the first of their Platinum Series Music Instruction Series.

 

All Axess have continued to make their mark on the music and media world with the addition of the Platinum Series which offer an intimate and insightful look into the approach and playing of some of the world’s top musicians. The Platinum Series contains the most interactive and personal music lessons ever and not only feature never-before audio and video content, but chances for the fans to interact and communicate with their favorite artists.

 

All Axess Co-founder and DevilDriver guitarist Jeff Kendrick comments about the release of the Platinum Series lessons:

 

“I am extremely pleased to not only offer the first of All Axess’s Platinum series instructional lessons, but to bring you the playing techniques and insights of one of the most respected heavy metal guitarists in the world. Cannot wait for all of you to enjoy it.”

 

Willie Adler’s “Destructional” Lesson will be the inaugural video lesson released by All Axess and will contain all aspects of his guitar playing and musicianship. The lesson will encompass the following:

 

1.) A complete insight into Willie’s guitar playing and will include warm-up routines, left and right-handed exercises, riffs and melodies that Willie has crafted over many years of playing.

 

2.) New, never before heard six “jam tracks” and audio loops produced solely by Willie for this lesson. Tracks include guitar and drum parts.

 

3.) Jam tracks will also be made available as session files and audio stems for the fans.

 

4.) Multi-camera angles that capture the riffs and techniques that have made Willie one of the most respected guitarists in the world.

 

5.) A unique user name and password that gives the user “Axess” to follow-up question and answer sessions with Willie.

 

6.) Corresponding lesson tablature to follow along and learn from.

 

7.) User’s will have opportunities in the future to upload and share ideas with other players and enter contests to win prizes.

 

How much would you guess this lesson costs? $80.00?… $100.00? We are offering a limited time only discounted rate of $7.99 for the next 30 days! The lesson will retail for $19.95 after the pre-sale! Hurry up and purchase yours today!

 

All Axess will be bringing you a ton more lessons and new surprises, please stay tuned to AllAxess.com.

 

 

 

ABOUT ALLAXESS.COM:

 

Founded in 2011 by DevilDriver guitarists Jeff Kendrick and Mike Spreitzer, AllAxess.com quickly became a pioneering music media community online. In addition to its main hub site with exclusive lessons and video from the world’s top musicians, the company encompasses a myriad of official sites for individual players. These include Willie Adler (Lamb of God), Chris Kael (Five Finger Death Punch), Paolo Gregoletto (Trivium) and more. The brand also boasts a series of individual lesson videos, personal merchandising, official social media pages, and more. AllAxess.com has been profiled in Forbes,Metal Hammer, and ARTISTdirect.com as well as numerous other media.

 

GUITARIST ROB SMITH – LANDS A PRS GUITAR ENDORSEMENT

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Who says hard work and perseverance doesn’t pay off.  Rob has been a friend of mine for quite a while now and this news come with great joy to me. Rob truly deserves this endorsement. Rob has been a staple in the music industry for years. He has championed the local music scenes in everywhere he has called home. He lends his valued experience to so many people. I know he loves PRS guitars and he definitely knows his way around them. What’s cool about Rob is that he has his own distinct sound. With his bands Voice Of December and Darken The Day he will put this endorsement to great use.

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Congrats to my brother Rob, you’ve earned it!!! Check out the release at http://www.prsguitars.com/artists/  under new artist profiles. Check out Rob and his bands at: https://www.facebook.com/vodband and https://www.facebook.com/DarkenTheDay?fref=ts

 

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

the Hellion

 

SKY ROCK 2013 – MORBID JUSTICE, LA GUNS, DOKKEN, AND SKID ROW!!!

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600147_483367895072056_1127127107_n   Sky Rock 2013 was a blast! Mrs. Hellion and I picked up daughter Hellion and then made a trek to grab Charlie “MF” Owens and headed out towards Acoma NM. We had an interview scheduled with Dave “The Snake” Sabo from Skid Row  and were trying to coordinate interviews with Dokken and LA Guns. We enjoyed some rock n’ roll conversations along the way, good times with great people. We made it to Acoma and and worked out the details to get our press credentials and were treated with not only photo passes but all access as well.

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     We then hiked the back forty up the hill to the concert area and waited for entry into the amphitheater. We immediately ran into local openers Morbid Justice. We hung out and talked them for a bit before getting to work on covering the show.

Morbid Justice with Charlie "MF" Owens.

Morbid Justice with Charlie “MF” Owens.

Morbid Justice and the Hellion

Morbid Justice and the Hellion

     Morbid Justice put on a brutal set. With hints of early Pantera, Megadeth, and Metallica they came and they kicked ass. The crowd gave them a mighty reception and the band fed off the audience making their set even better. Great job Morbid Justice!!!

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

 

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

 

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

 

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

LA Guns hit  the stage running playing a mix of well known classics mixed in with tracks from their new release Hollywood Forever. Phil Lewis had no trouble hitting all of his notes and his voice was spot on. Steve Riley still has the chops behind the kit and Scott Griffin kept the bottom end in check. Newcomer Michael Grant showed some serious talent on the six string. It was great to hear the songs that were part of the heyday of the Sunset Strip!

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     Dokken brought out the hits we all know and love. Coupled with a few new tracks they laid down a solid set giving the fans what they were waiting to hear. Don Dokken was clear and on his game. Mick Brown drums, Sean McNabb on bass, and John Levin on guitar. Great players one and all. Unfortunately we had to cut it short on watching the Dokken set as we had an interview to film with Skid Row.

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     We Set up and did our interview with Dave “The Snake” Sabo amidst the  hustle and bustle and craziness that was the backstage area. We only had a few minutes with Dave so we made the best of it and pounded out a great interview. Check it out right here:

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     Skid Row owned the show without a doubt. Tight, fun, and full of energy Skid Row was a joy to watch. Johnny Solinger drew the audience in with his magnetic personality. Engaging the crowd and delivering powerful vocals. The twin guitar assault of Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill was amazing to say the least. Rachel Bolan’s bass thundered throughout the nearby hills, he even treated us to vocals on “Psychotherapy”. Rob Hammersmith provided the beat that kept them all in time. They performed the classic songs to perfection and intermingled songs off of their new EP United World Rebellion (which is an amazing piece of work). Skid Row definitely owned the night.

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     All in all a successful evening of ROCK N’ ROLL!!! Thank you Morbid Justice, LA Guns, Dokken, and Skid Row for the music!!!

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

     the Hellion