A lot of people have recently become aware of John 5 through his guest appearances on That Metal Show and as the guitarist for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. His career however, is quite impressive. He has done studio work with Matt Ball, Avril Lavigne, Rob Halford, k.d. lang, Garbage, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, FeFe Dobson and has written and recorded with southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. One of my favorite projects he has done was RED SQUARE BLACK. Featuring: Mark Binder – Vocals, John Lowery (later to become John 5) – Guitar, Randy Castillo – Drums, Angelo Barbera – Bass they released one EP in October of 1994 entitled “SQUARE”.
With tones of metal, and industrial this band was ahead of its time. Sadly they only had the one release and the members moved on to other projects. Here’s a listen to “Violent Pause” from the EP:
John 5 also co-wrote “The Monster Is Loose” with Nikki Sixx and Desmond Child for Meat Loaf’s 2006 release Bat Out Of Hell III.
Currently John 5 is playing with Rob Zombie, a new record and tour are in the immediate future. Here’s “Foxy, Foxy” from the 2010 release Educated Horses:
John recently released his sixth solo record God Told Me To on May 8th of this year.
A great release full of smoking and innovative licks I HIGHLY recommend getting this. Here is the video for “Welcome To Violence”:
If I had to sum up John 5 in one word it is, AWESOME!
There is nothing like a well-engineered song through a pair of great headphones. Over the years there have been many songs that just blow you away when listened through headphones, in a dark room, lying on the floor. Let’s look at two this week.
PINK FLOYD – “ECHOES” (1971)
If you want to experience some “out of this world” music, this is one of the best compositions for that. Surreal, spacey, and sometimes outright scary (when you are driving on a deserted back highway at 3:45 in the morning) This song pulses in and out, and takes you places in your mind that you might not be familiar with.
RUSH – “2112” (SIDE ONE) (1976)
Take the whole first side of 2112 as an audio journey that you fill your ears with wonder. Put on your headphones, relax, and go to places you only dream of. It will be 20:34 minutes well spent.
More headphone trips to come, keep your ears open…
Death Alley Motor Cult brings metal back to where it belongs, to the forefront of radio. Start with a dose of blistering guitar work, a thunderous rhythm section, growling vocals and you have an idea what Death Alley Motor Cult is all about. Check out “American Nightmare”:
In a flash of bright, colorful, iridescent light The Electric Boa don’t just remind you of all things rock, they ARE all things rock – now, yesterday and tomorrow. Here is “Horse” live:
I have loved this band since I found them. In the process of spreading the word I have bought several of their CDs and passed them along to friends. Here is my favorite track:
a couple of years ago a friend told me about this band. I have liked them ever since. Blues based straight up Rock N’ Roll have kept this band in my ears. They made a breakthrough with the 2011 release of “Pressure & Time”. They have just released “Head Down” on 09/17/12 I recommend you grab it. Here is their new video for “Keep On Swinging”:
This is another band recommended to me by a friend. They are new to me but a definite like. Heavy DOOM and hard charging music makes this band a worthwhile listen. Check out “Coven of Cain” and let me know what you think!:
from their bio: Abiotic is an American progressive, technical death metal band from Miami, Florida that has recently signed to Metal Blade Records. The five-piece group consists of vocalist Ray Jimenez, bassist Alex Vazquez, drummer Andres Hurtado and guitarists Matt Mendez and Johnathan Matos. The band has released two singles and a seven song studio EP entitled ‘A Universal Plague’. “Vermosapien”, the second track on the EP, has recently been featured on the quintet’s first music video, directed by Dan Drescher.Abiotic is agressive, melodic, technical and musical, to say the least. They’ve been compared to bands like The Faceless and Veil of Maya. Mixing technical riffs, brutal break downs, and solos that will leave you breathless, makes this five-piece assault an act that fans won’t ever want to miss. Here is “Vermosapien”:
I got to see these guys a few weeks ago. Great band, very tight, awesome stage performance and great guys to talk to. I see great hings with this young band. They out on the road and earning their stripes! Here is their new video for “tWIST3D l0V3 sTORY” :
So I just love this band period! Getting out, getting done with pure Rock N’ Roll music. Bringing the fun back into Rock but at the same time ready to kick your ass at the drop of hat. Thanks guys! Here’s “KISS Tried To Kill Me” :
I have a deep seated love for southern rock. I grew up listening to old school country and hippie rock. Southern Rock was a natural progression for me. I found Blackberry Smoke recently and new immediately I would like them. With bands like them Southern Rock and its legacy will stay true. Here is “Ain’t Much Left Of Me” :
I heard this band on satellite radio one day and had to know more. What I found is a band whose attitude is “What you see is what you get”. No frills, groove laden Rock N’ Roll. This band sees regular play in my rotation. Here’s the KILLER track “Brother Go On”:
We got ROCK LEGEND Phil Soussan to get with us on some questions. You know him from his stellar bass playing and songwriting with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil, Johnny Hallyday and John Waite, as well as a membership in Beggars & Thieves. Soussan has also played in bands featuring Jimmy Page, Steve Lukather, Edgar Winter and Richie Kotzen. Let’s check out his interview:
I am thankful to my mother for being instrumental in exposing me to various forms of music. Was there someone who opened your ears to music?
Phil: Yes, my Mom used to play the radio all day and sing along to songs. I was bought a kid record player at about 4 years old, and I used to sit in front of it changing records and singing along. About that time, my Mom’s musical cousins – two brothers who played just about every instrument, bought me a real 1/4 size acoustic guitar. The rest is history!
When was it that you decided to learn music? Were you formally educated or self-taught?
Phil: Both. I was self-taught on the guitar, melodicas, recorders – anything that made a sound! At about 8 I started taking proper recorder lessons and at 11 began classical violin and music theory studies.
I think all of us at one time cranked up some music and played air guitar to our heroes music, what were some of the bands you jumped around in your bedroom to?
Phil: The Carpenters… NOT!! David Bowie, T-Rex, Sweet, Slade, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, The Move, Wizzard, the Yardbirds, the Stones and of course the Beatles – all of these the first time round!
What were some of your early bands experiences? Did you take any lessons learned from those experiences and they are still relevant to you today?
Phil: I had a lot of American friends growing up in London and they placed a lot of importance on the quality of sound and their technique, compared to UK musicians that were not very polished. I started to practise a lot by watching in the mirror and I was able to see my technical faults better. I knew how it should look. I still do this today.
I’ve talked to a lot of musicians who have been “starstruck” by other musicians, has that ever happened to you?
Phil: Very few times… when I first had a chance to meet Jimmy Page, once I got to know him the familiarity kicked in and we became friends.
If there was any performer alive or not you could work with who would that be?
Phil: Elvis during the Sun Sessions era, Hendrix, Zeppelin during the LZ III years.
I love the idea of one-off “supergroup” projects, what would your ideal project be?
Phil: Big Noize with Sebastian Bach!
Is there a singular moment in your musical career that you are most proud of?
Phil: Walking on to the Stage at Wichita for my first US gig with Ozzy, and at Donnington in 1986.
I love your solo work and have a copy of “NO PROTECTION” can you tell us about the CD?
Phil: Thank you! I played and recorded virtually all the instruments on the record. I wanted to do a record where I performed and arranged the entire record. I first heard McCartney do it with “Maybe I’m Amazed” and I wanted to try the challenge of doing it myself. It was tough but I learned so much about imagining arrangements in my head. Some people think it’s because you want to be able to control everything, but it’s not. I think I wanted to do it is because I wanted to really get inside of music, from every perspective. And it was very difficult to do. But when you come through it, you are a better musician for it: you understand arrangements better, you understand all the instruments better. It takes four times as long to change one part, and I don’t have three other guys to say, “Hey, let’s change this”. I had to change it, record it, change that, record this, and then listen and realize, “No, it’s not working. I think I’ll do something else”. But what I got out of it was a sense in my head that, when I hear an idea now, I can imagine exactly how it should be arranged. And that’s something that I was not doing very well before. So it’s an amazing exercise. My last album “Vibrate” was fun to do but it was what I would call a compilation, a compilation meaning songs one written there, one written here, one written there, and every song put together into a collection written over a long period of time. This album was written at one time from beginning to end, all songs written around the same time, and there’s a thread of continuity that goes through it. As I started recording it, I was in my studio and I started coming up with arrangements.The record itself is really a snapshot of my life at the moment, at a point where I had to go through a lot of realizations and changes in the you cannot stop life from taking its course.
Here is “Free My Soul” from NO PROTECTION:
Are you still involved with the Grammy’s and how did that come about?
Phil: Yes, I am Vice President. I have been a member for many years and about 6 years ago a put myself on the ballot to run as a Governor, which I did. I wanted to find a way to give back to the musical community and the Grammys was the best way. I became involved in advocacy issues, fund-raisers for MusiCares and education issues. I wanted to do something for MusiCares as they were the entity that did so much for by best friend Randy Castillo when he became so ill.
What does the future hold for you? New recordings, touring, etc….?
Phil: All of the above, We just got back from doing a festival in Bulgaria with Big Noize and we had a change of singer from Joe Lynn Turner to Sebastian Bach; it was awesome and we are now looking to book more shows with this line up. I really want to do more shows out of the Los Angeles area with my solo band doing material from this new album and some of my other hits written for other artists, but it is proving difficult to tie down local promoters as most of the agents are closed off to new projects. Maybe I shall try to approach local venues myself.
If you were asked to give a lecture to musicians looking to start their careers, what advice would you have for them?
Phil: Ask yourself if this is really what you want to do and if it is then go for it, never say die and never give up.
What era appeals to you the most and why is that?
Phil: The era before digital music – I loved making records and selling records was the way in which we made our money. Today everyone feels that music should be free and it has become such a s challenge to be able to pay your bills and continue making music for people with no income. It is not as if recording equipment manufacturers give you free equipment!
Being a veteran of the music industry what are your thoughts of the sate of things today?
Phil: We are getting back in to the T-Shirt business. We use music to invite people to a gig and if you sell them merchandise then you walk away from the deal with some income. If not then you come up zero.
If we were hanging out and I plugged your MP3 player into my stereo would I be surprised at what was on it?
Phil: Just a varied assortment of music.
This last one is open, tell us anything you want to:
Phil: Listen to my record, enjoy the songs and if you like them please join my mailing list at www.philsoussan.com and write! I try to reply to everyone as much as I can. Please follow me on Twitter at @philsoussan and although I have a Facebook “page” I am not on Facebook anymore – I hate Facebook as I don’t know anyone on it who is not made miserable/ jealous or had their friendships and relationships compromised… and I want to make people feel good – My music makes people feel good!
Thanks so much for considering this. I know there are some questions you have answered a million times over the years, I’m just hoping to bring them to a new audience!
Phil: You’re welcome! Rock on!
Let me know if you are tied in to any local promoters or radio stations and perhaps I can arrange to come out to NM and do some shows!
Phil
Thanks Phil!
I am gonna leave you with Phil’s version of the classic “Shot In The Dark”:
There have been some pretty cool bands that were made up for movies. Let’s take a look at some of the bands that would have been cool if they were real.
STEEL DRAGON
The movie “Rock Star” from 2001 gave us one of the coolest bands that never was.
Mark Wahlberg as Chris “Izzy” Cole (Lead vocals)
Dominic West as Kirk Cuddy (Rhythm Guitar)
Jason Bonham as A.C. (Drums)
Zakk Wylde as Ghode (Lead Guitar)
Jeff Pilson as Jörgen (Bass)
This was the film lineup on screen. The actual music from “Steel Dragon” was pretty cool. with songs such as “Livin’ the Life”, “Blood Pollution”, “Stand Up”, “Wasted Generation” written by greats such as; Steve Plunkett, Peter Beckett, Twiggy Ramirez, Sammy Hagar, and Desmond Child, A.Allen, J. Allen to covers of “We All Die Young” (Miljenko Matijevic, Kenny Kanowski) by Steelheart and “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Ronnie James Dio, Richie Blackmore) by Rainbow. This is definitely one of my favorite bands that never was. Here’s “Blood Pollution”:
STILLWATER
“Almost Famous” from 2000 gave us the band Stillwater. This was a 70’s band that I wish would have been.
Peter Frampton
Mike McCready
Jon Bayless
Ben Smith
Gordon Kennedy
Marti Frederiksen – vocals
Were the magic behind the band. Nancy Wilson wrote the song “Fever Dog ” which we can see right here:
THE WONDERS
” That Thing You Do! ” from 1996 is a movie I can’t pass up. From the mind of Tom Hanks this is the tale of a band in the 60’s and their rise to fame and their meteoric fall from it. The movie features original music by Tom Hanks, Adam Schlesinger, Rick Elias, Scott Rogness, Mike Piccirillo, Gary Goetzman and Howard Shore. Here’s the title track:
It truly is a small world. Several years ago I attended a show and was fortunate to meet the guys in Texas Hippie Coalition. I kept my eyes and ears on them since then. There were a few lineup changes in THC and that was where Craw first came to my attention. He subsequently left THC and fell off of my radar. Enter my friend Alan Scott. Alan is a local jewelry/leather craftsman who has made pieces for many varied artists and celebrities. He told me a bout a band called Die Hard Til Death. I became friends with the bassist Kurt Arft who in turn told about his friend Craw who was now playing with All Hail The Yeti. Kurt helped us to get in touch and I was able to do this interview. I put together some questions and emailed them to Craw. He sent back his answers and yet I felt I needed something more so we got to talk on the phone one evening. Craw rang me up and I went outside and sat on the tailgate of my pickup under the stars and got to know Craw a little bit. We had a lot of similar musical tastes in some Outlaw Country and talked about how much we both enjoyed the “soul” in some of the artists in the past. I asked him about touring and what their plans were. All Hail The Yeti will be playing a few shows until the holidays and then after maybe some touring. I also asked about how the name came to be He said that Connor came up with it…that’ll wait for another interview. Now, let’s get to know Craw:
Tell me about where you come from and where you grew up? What was the music like?
Craw: I grew up in South Louisiana in a small town surrounded by bayous, crawfish ponds, duck blinds, and deer stands. Where most folks come from struggle and are proud of their last name, culture, and the things they have worked hard for…mainly offshore workers, farmers, plant workers, and fisherman. As hard as they work they can party even harder and ‘pass a good time’ HAHA C’mon… Louisiana is full of great music: Zydeco, Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock/Metal, we cover all the bases down home and I am fortunate to grow up around all of it.
Music is such a part of my life on multiple levels it is part of my DNA I think. What is it about music that infected your soul?
Craw: The way music has infected my soul? Brother I don’t know one person that doesn’t use music as a way to deal with the stress of this strange world we live in every day… Music is an amazing gift given to us; it can be your shoulder to cry on during the worst of times, or it can lift your spirits and bring everyone together during the best of times. Can I get an Amen!!
What was it that drove you to pick up an instrument and learn to play? Craw: Well I’ve always had an instrument in my hand, both of my parents were musicians. My father was a helluva singer and guitar picker and my mother has the voice of an angel and is a very poetic songwriter…it’s in the blood. On my mother’s side, “Thibodeaux”, we have the fiddle players and on my father’s side, ‘’NeQuent”, is the accordion players. A lot of my family members can play an instrument or sing…
A lot of artists do not start out playing the instruments they end up playing. Was guitar your first choice? Craw: Guitar was my first choice absolutely. Even though my folks were separated early in my life both of them had a guitar layin around the house… In school I played saxophone and dabbled in other instruments, but I always had a love for guitar.
Were you able to take any formal lessons or did you dig in to your inner spirit and learn by ear?
Craw: Never had formal lessons as a kid, but we lived n a trailer house out in the woods. My step father and mother would invite friends and family to the house for cookouts, crawfish boils, and bbq’s. They always had a couple of acoustics jammin some blues/southern rock tune, a country song everyone could sing along to, or playin along with the radio. I was very lucky to have these people show me lil chords, parts of songs, and tricks. Later I would listen to the radio and figure out the tuning before the second verse. I would try to play along; I didn’t realize then, but I was playing by ear and learning to pick up pretty quick.
I love all music but I can readily identify with the music of the late 60’s and 70’s. Is there any “era” of music that appeals to you more than others?
Craw: It’s hard to say a specific era? I love music that dates back from 1930’s to the present…but my favorite “genre” is hands down Outlaw Country. I can listen to Waylon and Willie all day long.
Who are some of the artists that inspire you to this day?
Craw: Good question how much time ya got… Let’s kick back a few cold ones and I’ll try to fire em all off to ya before one of us passes out! It will be you.
Ha ha, I’m gonna hold you to that one brother. You are probably right in your assumption on that. When was that you started playing in your first band? Craw: When I was in High School, I convinced a of couple friends to play cover tunes and write songs. I always wanted to have a band of brothers just playin music. I was into sports, dirt bikes, hunting and fishing; all that changed once I got into a band. All I wanted to do with any free time was practice and play shows, I was obsessed!
Were you in many bands? I’ll bet there were some mixed experiences and many lessons learned from them.
Craw: I can count them on both hands… Man what didn’t I learn from these bands and experiences? Haha, and I will always have great memories of all the musicians I met and will continue to share the stage with. It has been a blessing to meet life-long friends through music.
What can you tell me about the origins of All Hail The yeti?
Craw: Connor started this band with a love for Sludge and Doom Metal bands from Southern Louisiana and influences from his favorite bands growing up, not just metal but all genres. He has found brothers who share the same passion and drive for this kind of music, and we love what we create… All of us share stories of bands we grew up on and the energy is still there like it was the first time we discovered them!! I will get goose bumps just talking about a concert back in the day or a part in a song, crazy isn’t it?
I hear ya brother and now the feeling exactly. I have heard the term “Whiskey Metal” used to describe All Hail The Yeti. What’s that all about?
Craw: Come watch a live show… best way to explain it brother…
I love the “sound” of All Hail The Yeti how did you guys develop that sound? Does it all start with a jam session and songs all pulled from that? Or does each member bring pieces in and go from there?
Craw: It’s one helluva Gumbo bruh… Ingredients of our influences mixed with jam sessions and bits n pieces from each member thrown together in one pot. I love watching the magic happen when creating a song.
I am always on the lookout for new artists to check out how about you? Anything new caught your ear lately?
Craw: I really stick with my old favorites, y’know? The guys in the band are always showing me new artists they are up to date on; all kinds of new shit like Ghost, a band from Sweden called Graveyard, Haarp, to name a few..
Some people are surprised at what they find in my music collection. Is there anything surprising to others in yours?
Craw: Not really I’m stuck in my ways man. I love listening to old records and I still have a CD player in my truck so it’s the same damn outlaw country mix, blues mix, or the same damn rock metal mix HAHA. Lawd, someone “pimp my ride” so I can be up to date.
If you were offered a chance to give a lecture to people trying to break into the music industry, what would that include?
Craw: I’m still learning and watching this business change every day so I couldn’t lecture anyone. If someone was passionate and was honestly asking for my advice, I would tell them my journey, from start to present, and hopefully they can take from it and apply it to their dreams…and they all have my respect for getting out there and trying.
The floor is yours brother, close this out with whatever you want to say to the readers.
Craw: Well I appreciate all the questions and those who are taking the time to read this interview. As some people try to be the “Biggest, Baddest, King, Queen” etc… Haha? I’m happy to just be “alive and kickin” and living my dream. It’s not the automobile ya drive, or how fat the wallet is, or who ya know to me. It’s what’s inside and where your heart is. My heart is where it needs to be: in music, and it has led me to meet amazing friends and extended family that I will always hold close to me. Find your happy place and have fun with your life while ya can. See you on the road, I love you all…Craw
What a great interview, thanks Craw. I plan on staying in touch with this for a LONG LONG time. Check out the video for “The Art Of Mourning” by All Hail The Yeti:
VOTE FOR SUNSET RIOT TO OPEN FOR EVERCLEAR!!I’ve seen a few bands in my life. Few have moved me the way Sunset Riot has. Upon hearing some of their tunes on cd i was hooked immediately. When I saw them live the first time I knew I was a fan for life! If you’ve seen them live you know exactly what I’m talking about. For me it gets better every time. Other bands should really pay attention to the way these guys are doing it. Because whether they know it or not… they’ve got it figured out. PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE AND VOTE FOR MY MATES!!!! THANK YOU.
Cheers!
Charlie MF Owens
I first heard of Sunset Riot from the Bleach Bangs crew. They were right on all points, energetic stage show, great Rock N’ Roll, down to earth guys. This hard working band deserves this shot so let’s help them out! It’s easy to support:
My friend Stevil Helmer from Die Hard Til Death told me about these guys. While still new to my ears this guys are certainly welcome in my ears. Thanks Stevil! Let’s look at the video for “Gun To My Head”:
I received a message the other from Ade Riches telling me about this band. “PEEPSHOW’s 2nd album release, ‘Brand New Breed’ last week won the Scottish New Music Award for Loud/Metal Recording of the Year 2012 at the musician and industry awards ceremony in Glasgow. The band have also received praise of their LP ‘Brand New Breed’ across the music press in magazines including Fireworks Magazine, Rocksound Magazine, Powerplay Rock and Metal Magazine, and Big Cheese Magazine” -Ade. How could I NOT check them out? Great job Peepshow! I look forward to more from you! Here’s “Let Go” :
Dream Theater, Skid Row, Disturbed, Dio, Queensryche, and Halcyon Way. Yup I love the way that sounds. Halcyon Way is Atlanta’s premier heavy metal band. They are known for their explosive live shows, instantly catchy melodies, precise vocal harmonies, incendiary guitar work, intricate yet pounding drums, and showmanship hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock. Here is the promo for their release “IndoctriNation”:
SOULBLEED is and always has been a band that has stuck to their Heavy Metal roots. No matter what they are doing, be it writing, recording, or performing live, the members hold themselves to a high standard and work hard to create music that stands out. The band is dedicated to making music that is brutal, raw, melodic at times yet always metal. Drawing from a wide range of influences has helped the band shape their sound and find a voice that is unique to them. Thanks to the guys in Dronika for pointing them out to me! New album promo:
I was fortunate to have recently seen Coldspell play live. I was also lucky to have been able to interview and hang out with these guys. Warm, and down to earth people, yet they will not hesitate to kick your ass on stage. It was a pleasure to see a band that “had it together”. DO NOT MISS THEM if they hit a town near you! Here is “Time”:
Whiskey Six — Landed on my radar a couple of years When I accidentally caught their show at a Tattoo convention. Their Heavy southern laden sound had me hooked from the start. Check em out! Vid—” Your Disease”
Anti-Mortem A killer young Metal band out of OKC. This in my eyes (or ears) is what metal is all about. With this band you can hear the passion and honesty in the music. I sadly have not seen them live… yet, but if you ask around, it’s unanimous…They will destroy you! Vid—Truck Stop Special:
Wildstreet You want a band with the perfect mix of that “80’s feel” and incredible modern sound? This IS the band. You WILL sing along to every song. Every song WILL get stuck in your head. Trust me, that’s a good thing.It’s not just an image with these guys. They are living their sound all out. One of the best live shows going. They know what they’re doing in and out of the studio. Vid–Poison Kiss:
Black Tora I will put this 3 piece up against ANY 4,5,6 etc.. out there. I was blown away at how much sound these 3 are capable of producing. Bombastic drums, outstanding vocals, and “are you kidding me” guitar playing.In my opinion this is one of the most underrated bands out there. Unbelievable. Vid—Never Enough:
Warner Drive For a long time I had other bands and friends telling me to check this band out. WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!?! Big mistake on my part.Thankfully I own their C.D.s now and their tunes are all over my phone and iPod, so I don’t have to be without them anymore. Live show you ask. GO as soon as possible!!! Vid– The scarecrow:
Ten more bands worth checking out! Thanks to my good friend and co-host on Bleach Bangs Radio ( http://www.bleachbangs.com/) Charlie Owens for guest appearing with his picks!
I remember in 1983 a friend of mine told me about a band he had seen called Pantera. He said the guitarist “Diamond Darrell” was “out of this world”. I remembered the name but never heard anything more about the band at the time.
1990- I turned on the radio one day and heard a song that blasted through and hit me like a ton of bricks. “Cowboys From Hell” totally crushed me! I found out the name of the band was Pantera. Hmmm??? Could this be the same band I heard about several years ago? It was, and I understood what my friend had meant. “Diamond Darrell” and Pantera became one of my new favorite bands. I bought “Cowboys From Hell and played it over and over. Cherishing each brutal song as they burned into me.
1992 – “Vulgar Display Of Power” continued the onslaught, I was telling everyone and anyone about Pantera! The songs remained true to the name of the record and “Diamond Darrell” was burning up the strings.
1994 – Pantera continued to evolve as did “Diamond Darrell”. I do not know the circumstances but he had morphed into “Dimebag Darrell” with the release of “Far Beyond Driven”. The aggression continued and the guitar work became even more amazing (yes it did!) I was sure that Pantera was going to change the face of Rock N’ Roll and I championed their cause.
1996 – “The Great Southern Trendkill” gave me my favorite Pantera song to date. “Floods” (in my opinon) was Dimebag’s best work EVER! If there are any doubts check it out here and get back to me and we can discuss it:
2000 – “Reinventing the Steel” gave me more ammunition to carry on the fight! This band was going straight into the halls of Metal Icons from my past. I knew that I would forever sing the praises of Dimebag’s playing. And then…..Pantera was no more. I was crushed.
2003- Damageplan! Well alright! Dime was back! My guitar hero was back! I eagerly listened to this album and was happy! “Reborn” (featuring Zakk Wylde!!!) was never a truer song!
2004- December 9th – I was at work, it was early in the morning. I had stepped outside to receive some materials when I received a text message from my then fourteen year old son. “Dad, did Dimebag get killed?” WHAT?!?!?! I had heard nothing at this point. I made some phone calls and it was true. I was horrified at the thought. Another of my favorite musicians had been taken from us. When I heard the details of his murder I was sickened. WHY?!?! I will ALWAYS wonder why?
2012- I still listen and try to turn people on the music Dime created and left for us. He remains now and forever one of my favorite guitarists. Thank you Dime for the music and for giving all you had.
Dime and his brother Vinnie did a cover of one of my favorite Ace Frehley songs “Fractured Mirror”. You can just feel the emotion in this fitting tribute to one of Dimebag’s heroes.
the Hellion
P.S. this post is dedicated to a young music lover who has parents who care enough to share the healing power of music with him – “Matt The Cat” this is for you!
the Hellion Rocks 