Had the chance to chat with Justin Manning about some stuff…so check it out:
-the Hellion
Tag Archives: GNR
Appetite for disaster…
As most of you have probably heard by now there are rumors flying about Axl Rose filling in on vocals for AC/DC. Here is my unabashed opinion, like it or not.
I have stated many times before how I am of the opinion that AC/DC died with Bon Scott. Angus and the boys soldiered on with Brian Johnson and had some good songs but it just wasn’t AC/DC for me and never would be. Yes, I continued to buy every record they released because I support that way, but there was always something missing for me.
Now we hear of some sort of hearing debacle with Brian Johnson and his immediate departure from their current tour. That departure started the rumor mill going full blast with speculation upon speculation as to who would step up and fill Brian’s shoes. Who indeed…
Within my circle of friends I began to hear a rumbling of Axl’s name being thrown about. Then I began seeing it on social media, and now many websites are jumping on the “Axl replacing Brian” band wagon as well.
Here are my thoughts, the AC/DC machine runs pretty tight, Axl does not. I am of the opinion that given who Axl is (don’t get me wrong he is a great front man) and who AC/DC is it would be like oil and water. I cannot even imagine Axl performing with them for one minute. We were all just getting excited about the impending “reunion” of Guns N’ Roses (don’t get me started on that one) and now this hence the title of this writing, “Appetite for Disaster”.
I would love nothing more than to be wrong and it be a great success for Axl and AC/DC but I just don’t see it…
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
Guns N’ Roses…you know where you are???
So, I have been sitting some info for a while. As most of have heard, some form of Guns N’ Roses will be performing at Coachella and a possible tour. Keep in mind this is some form of a reunited GNR. Stay tuned right here for more information to come….
You know where you are?
-the Hellion
BABYJANE, GILBY CLARKE, AND WORLD DOMINATION…
Wait, what? You’ve never heard of Babyjane? Don’t worry, you soon will. Imagine if you will a band steeped in Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, Skid Row, Sex Pistols, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, The Cult, Faith No More, Megadeth, Pantera, KISS, Aerosmith and you will begin to understand the music of Babyjane.
Australia has given the world some great bands and now we can include Babyjane into that fold. I was excited to learn that Babyjane was doing a little bit of work with one of my favorite artists and one hell of a nice guy, Gilby Clarke. Paul Judge – Bass / Vocals recently related the story of how they came to work with Gilby:
” the song basically came to be through testing the waters to see who was out there in the States that would just record one song with us, so we could get a feel of who we wanted to do the next album with. we recorded twice with Michael Wagener so we’ve been there and done that – we didn’t want things to start getting stale by recording with him over and over again. plus, he’s all the way over in Nashville. we love it there, but it’s so far away – we wanted to spend more time on the coast. it’s a better environment for recording, at least for us.
asking Gilby to record us was a punt we took that we never thought he’d say yes to, but he jumped at the chance when he heard our demos. we sent him demo’s for 4 songs we’d been working on – You Know That Bitch Better Than Me, 23 Sins, No Enemies and Do Ya Know Who I Am. he chose Do Ya as the song – we ended up trimming the title because it sounded catchier.
recording with him was great because he was in our favourite band from our teenage years. we had to rush it – we only had a day in LA before catching 2 flights to Oklahoma to play Rocklahoma. he was supportive and really guided us into a groove when laying the song down. other producers haven’t been quite so nice in the past. being positive and patient with musicians goes a long way. but, while recording with him, Keith Olsen reared his head up again – and we were scheduled to record with him two years ago, but the funding fell through. he made us an offer which was too good to refuse this time, and since he was always our original choice, we left the Gilby things as a fun one-off experiment and went back to our original plan, which was to have Keith record the next album. we met up with him in hollywood, he bought us dinner, then came down to watch us play at the whiskey.
when we got offstage he said “absolutely fantastic – I HAVE to record you guys now… we’re gonna make this happen.” so, all we need to do now is line up WHEN we’re gonna record with him in 2016.
as for recording with Gilby, he’s so busy with Slash and Duff and all the rest of them in Kings of Chaos that we wouldn’t have had time to do any more songs with him than the one we did. but when you hear it, you’ll see it was worth it. it’s a song about not really having any relationship with yourself at times. feeling alienated from yourself, having no idea who the fuck you are. it’s the first track we’ve recorded to feature our more recent guitar player, Sav Hatzi.
we’ve been very lucky in the 7 years we’ve been a band – we haven’t taken over the world but we’ve worked with amazing people in the industry. all without having to get loads of commercial airplay too. we’ve had an idol of ours, John Corabi, sing the opening song on our second album, we’ve had Michael Wagener mix and record us from top to bottom, we’ve opened for Sebastian Bach and Paul DiAnno, we’ve been given attention on blabbermouth.net six times, we’ve been invited to play Rocklahoma, no one can ever tell us we haven’t reached some milestones. if it all ended tomorrow we’d be over the moon with what we’ve done. most importantly, we’ve made some amazing music.
but the next album is really gonna blow heads off. Whitesnake 1987 is a milestone in rock, and Ozzy’s No rest For the Wicked was one of my favourite albums growing up – Keith’s done them both, as well as Jesse’s Girl, Winds of Change by the Scorpions… he’s got an ear and sensibility for great melodies. that’s just what Babyjane need. so we’ve had the big, snappy sound of Michael Wagener leading the way on a Babyjane album, we’ve had a racy, get-it-all-done-in-one-day thrash of working with Gilby – which was great for the feel of the song – and next we’re going to have a big, planned, soundscape of rock n roll love that only Keith can accomplish at the mixing desk. in fact, when I hear him talk about the Neve console on the Sound City documentary he did, I get excited at what he’s going to bring to the album.” -Paul Judge
Andy Smith (vocals and guitar); Sav Hatzi (lead guitar); Paul Judge (bass and vocals) and Nik ‘Animal’ Kats (drums)
Babyjane, not content with just hanging around Australia, has kicked in the door to the outside world and wedged it open. With their impending new release and the people involved they will have no problem knocking it off its hinges.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Babyjane
-the Hellion
Ok, ok, I get it!!!
So, people are calling me out on my Facebook statement from earlier today. After hearing about the Metallica/Budweiser beer thing. I posted: “Drink some beer with our name on it so you don’t care if our next record is terrible…” I then commented on my own post: “What’s next Megabeer, Five Finger Hard Punch?”
It was all in fun people, but I get it. I’m close enough to people in the industry to understand the struggle. Being a musician in today’s world is harder than ever. That is why many of them have chosen to diversify their interests. That is why we have seen so many hot sauces, coffees, restaurants, clothing lines, guitars and gear, etc., etc. from artists these days. The problem that can arise from this, in my opinion, is that I feel the music gets lost in all of the hustle and bustle.
So, in conclusion, pay more attention to the music instead of the “stuff”! Now go buy some music and band merch, and hit up a show or two!!!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
Guns N’ Roses, my thoughts as of today.
As I sit here watching Guns N’ Roses Appetite For Democracy, and with the internet buzz of Axl and Slash making up, I am full thoughts and conjecture.
When Guns hit the scene they were so incendiary I predicted imminent flame out, and was correct. The original five members were an alchemic formula that gave us some iconic music though. Magic happened when those five guys put their talents together. When it all fell apart I was disappointed but not surprised.
Axl, in my opinion became infected with delusions of grandeur which took the chemistry away from the band. I remember reading somewhere that Duff said when he looked across the stage and couldn’t see Slash past the backup singers, keyboards, orchestra and such that he knew it was over.
I, like others, mourned the loss of what could have been another Stones, or Aerosmith rocking us for many years to come.
The demise of Guns was survived well by Slash, Duff, and Izzy, and not so well for Axl and Steven. (remember I’m only talking about the original five).
The breakup gave us Velvet Revolver, Slash’s Snakepit, Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds and Adler’s Appetite all of which I still listen to. They continued to evolve and move in different ways Giving us Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Duff McKagen’s Loaded, The Walking Papers, and Adler.
All the while we waited out the infamous Chinese Democracy from Axl and co. We heard all of the stories of lineup changes and recording shenanigans and waited, and waited, and waited…
When Chinese Democracy finally dropped, so did my jaw. Personally I found the record unlistenable, believe me I tried and tried. There are a couple of ok tracks but that was it for me.
Axl put together to some stellar musicians like Bumblefoot, DJ Ashba, and Richard Fortman and took to the road. Well I am of the opinion that despite the talented players Axl put together, It was nothing but a GN’R cover/tribute band.
I remember having several discussions with peers and friends about the possibility of the reuniting of the original members and at the time I didn’t see it happening.
Now we find out that both Bumblefoot and DJ Ashba have left the band and like I stated earlier, Slash and Axl have reportedly made up.
We have seen Duff and Izzy make appearances with GN’R and Steven has said he would play with GN’R again.
I am now of the opinion that an reunion is in the making but I don’t think it would last. While we could only hope that some new music and a tour with the original five would happen, I think the old demons would surface and end it all in finality.
Just some thoughts on the current GN’R stuff.
it’s loud, it’ dirty, it’s Guns N’ Fuckin’ Roses!!!
-the Hellion
it’s all you
With all of the news of racial/social/political unrest as of late it has caused me to reflect on things, and I have come to the conclusion it is all because of you.
You have the choice to not hit your child or your spouse. Sure you might have grown up in a home where domestic violence was the norm (I myself witnessed my mother beaten by my stepfather and I was at the end of a few myself), and yet I choose to respect my wife and children. I choose to not follow that path.
You have the choice not to sexually abuse others. Again, I knew people who were abused by people they trusted and yet they grew up and made choices to help others that were being abused.
You have the choice to not abuse alcohol. Again I have firsthand experience with alcoholism in the home. This is a devastating problem int he country today. I have again made the choice to stay away from that lifestyle.
You have the choice to not abuse drugs. Once more, I have experienced this in my home as a child. This is another choice I am proud to have made in staying away.
You have the choice to obey the law and not run from the police. I am saddened to see all of the death and destruction in the news today regarding this issue. Think of how many would still be alive if they had just obeyed the law and the police. I say again, you have the ability to choose the right thing.
There is only one race, the human race. We are all brethren and should not be afraid to embrace each other publicly and claim our love for one another. We could achieve miracles then.
Choose wisely my friends
-the Hellion
Go home iHeartRadio, you’re drunk
I used to enjoy listening to the radio. Now it’s just a jukebox with the selector buttons broken so we hear the same songs over and over. While I enjoy all forms of music, I predominantly listen to Rock N’ Roll. Recently one of my favorite long time radio stations, KZRR 94 Rock, was assimilated by the collective known as iHeartRadio. This assimilation has brought with it inane commercials for iHeartRadio advertising artists and events that have NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GENRE OF ROCK N’ ROLL!!! I also tried out their streaming of 94 Rock while I was out of state for three months. With their streaming they have something called “Fast Tracks” which turn out to be an abbreviated version of a song…wait, WHAT? PLAY THE WHOLE SONG!!!! Here’s another idea for iHeartRadio, how about playing some of the new artists trying to break through? I mean as much as I love the artists that do get play, there are many others out there.
I get the feeling that iHeartRadio is actually trying to kill off live radio and music as well. Just the other day another station that I listened to, 104.1 The Edge, dismissed its long running morning show personalities. This dismissal has led to an out-crying of support for said personalities. The reason was given as “restructuring” of the radio station…sigh.
I think we need REAL radio stations back with REAL DJ’s who played the music that they loved and had some control over it. I mean think about how many bands you were turned on to by a DJ.
I say now go home iHeartRadio you are not welcome anymore.
-the Hellion.
Talkin’ with UFO bassist Rob De Luca
Having been a long time UFO fan, I jumped at the chance to sit down with bassist Rob De Luca. I have had Rob on my radar for a few years now and was excited to learn of his addition to the UFO lineup. We had a great conversation and are sharing it with you here:
Thanks to Rob, UFO, and Jon Freeman for making this happen. Be sure to check out the new UFO release “A Conspiracy Of Stars”.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!
-the Hellion
Bar Bands, Bar Bands, Bar Bands…2
First off I want to thank you all for the overwhelming response to last nights Bar Bands post. I was however, reminded of a few more things regarding bar bands and I am addressing them now.
Promoters, you need to do just that. I have seen an unfortunate trend as of late with putting up an event page on social media sites, dusting off your hands and calling it a day. I am sorry that is not good enough, period. I cannot tell you how many times at the last minute I get a message “hey you coming to the show tonight?” and because of the lack of show promotion this is the first time I hear of the show. Shame on you, shame. You are doing the band a complete disservice to say the least. EVERYONE should know about a show you put together.
Club owners, pay the bands a decent rate!!!!! These guys are traveling on their own usually on limited means throughout the country. Club owners wake up because you know they are talking to each other about clubs to play in and which to avoid. Imagine if you treat a band decently and they spread the word and you have bands knocking your door down to play your venue. Word gets around, locals will see the bands are dying to play your venue and will be beating your door down to attend.
Promoters and Club owners, ADVERTISE!!!!!! There are usually on most towns several means of advertising the show. If people don’t know, they wont go!!! If you work with the advertising outlets I am sure a bond can be made and some kind of deal can be made.
Lastly, remember these bands are providing us a service and we should be thanking them.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!
-the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 