MASTODON & CLUTCH: NEW DATES ADDED TO THE MISSING LINK TOUR‏

ADDITIONAL DATES ADDED TO MASTODON & CLUTCH

THE MISSING LINK TOUR

 

GRAVEYARD WILL SUPPORT / BIG BUSINESS TO SUPPORT WHERE NOTED

c2518000-2210-4113-94a9-5e87449ac1f5

February 17, 2015 – (Burbank, CA) – As previously announced, Mastodon and Clutch join forces for THE MISSING LINK TOUR along with special guests Graveyard and Big Business – each taking part of the tour as support.Together, this night of heavy rockwill be one of the heaviest and most exciting concert events of the year. Shows have been added in Honolulu on April 4th (tickets are on sale now) and Detroit on May 23rd (tickets on sale Feb 20th).

 

Neil Fallon (singer of Clutch) responded: “When we first announced the Missing Link itinerary it was received with a lot of excitement. It also received a good deal of consternation regarding the lack of a Detroit date. Myself included.  So, we’re happy to announce that there is now a Detroit gig on May, 23rd at the Freedom Hill Amphitheater. See ya there.”

 

Support will be provided by Big Business, who recently supported Mastodon throughout a sold-out European tour. Sweden’s Graveyard will then take over the main support slot, starting in Los Angeles on April 29th and continuing throughout the remaining dates, closing out the tour in Columbus, OH onMay 24th.  Tickets are on sale now.

 

Mastodon and Clutch share a longtime friendship as fans will recall Clutch frontman, Neil Fallon, contributed vocals to “Blood And Thunder” (from Mastodon’s 2004’s Leviathan) so their fans can expect surprises in store throughout the tour as they rumble across North America. THE MISSING LINK TOUR will feature full sets from both Mastodon and Clutch. Clutch will close the show onApril 24th in Vancouver, May 10th in Pittsburgh, May 15th in Bethlehem, May 16th in Baltimore and also the final night of the tour, May 24th in Columbus. Mastodon will close all other shows.  For further info on Mastodon, go to: http://www.mastodonrocks.com/.  For further info on Clutch go tohttp://www.pro-rock.com

Revered Maryland rockers Clutch have been pushing the boundaries that define heavy rock music since the 4 original members got together in high school. Clutch is an unmatched musical force that has been best described as “the quintessential American Rock Band”. Clutch released their tenth and latest studio album Earth Rocker via their own label Weathermaker Music on March 16, 2013. The album entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #15 giving the band their highest chart position to date.

 

Mastodon’s sixth studio album, the universally praised, ONCE MORE ‘ROUND THE SUN, entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at the #6 position on June 24, 2014, also their highest chart debut of their career.  ONCE MORE ‘ROUND THE SUN has rightfully been placed in many Year End Critics & fan BEST OF 2014 lists including those in Rolling Stone, Revolver, Magnet, Decibel, CMJand many more. At present Mastodon has remained on the CMJ Loud Rock charts for the 26th week in a row. When OMRTS was placed No. 8 on Rolling Stone‘s “Top 20 Metal Albums of 2014” list, they summed up the success of the album stating, “The bold hooks and sharply defined riffs of Mastodon’s sixth studio full-length makes it easy to hear this album as their evolution from prog-sludge wizards to straight-ahead hard rockers – but the reality is actually far more, er, complex… Ultimately, the best part of Sun is Mastodon’s ability to make hooky and visceral music without sacrificing either their metallic muscle or their innate weirdness.”

 

Clutch’s Earth Rocker reached #1 on the Rock Chart and #4 on iTunes’ overall Top 100 album chart. Earth Rocker was awarded “Album of The Year” by Metal Hammer and garnered a Top 10 spot on Rolling Stone’s “Top 20 Metal Albums of the Year”. Rolling Stone further enthused:  “Four Maryland lifers – road dogs who’ve been grinding since the early Fugazi administration, cranking out  seething admixtures of jam-band chops, careening blues-punk riffs and singer Neil Fallon’s nerdy, piss-taking wiseass lyrics – release their hardest rocking set to date. Look for a go-go break (and some clever punning on the phrase “drop the bomb!”) on “D.C. Sound Attack!” Inspirational verse: “If you’re gonna do it/ do it live on stage/ or don’t do it at all.”

 

Clutch is currently working on their follow up to Earth Rocker which will be released in 2015.

 

Confirmed dates for THE MISSING LINK TOUR are as follows:

 

 *Mastodon Closes The Evening.  **Clutch Closes The Evening

# indicates newly added tour date.

 

# Apr 4             Honolulu, HI                The Republik (not part of THE MISSING LINK – on sale NOW)

Apr 16              *St. Paul, MN                 Myth

Apr 17             * Winnipeg, MB               The Burton Cummings Theatre

Apr 18              *Saskatoon, SK              O’Brian’s Events Center

Apr 19             * Edmonton, AB               Expo Centre

Apr 21             * Calgary, AB                   MacEwan Hall

Apr 23             * Vancouver, BC              Commodore Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

Apr 24              **Vancouver, BC             Commodore Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

Apr 25              *Portland, OR                  Roseland

Apr 26              *Seattle, WA                   Showbox SODO

Apr 28             *Oakland, CA                   Fox Theater

Apr 29              *Los Angeles, CA           Palladium

Apr 30             *Tempe, AZ                     Marquee Theater

May 01             *Las Vegas, NV              House of Blues

May 02             *Salt Lake City, UT         The Complex

May 03             *Denver, CO                   Red Rock’s Amphitheatre

May 05             *San Antonio, TX            Kapone’s Ballroom

May 06             *Oklahoma City, OK        Diamond Ballroom

May 08             Atlanta, GA                      Shaky Knees Festival

May 09             *Raleigh, NC                    Lincoln Theatre Street Stage

May 10             **Pittsburgh, PA               Stage AE

May 12             *Clive, IA (Des Moines)   7 Flags

May 13             *Milwaukee, WI                Eagles Ballroom Club Stage

May 15             **Bethlehem, PA              Sands Event Center

May 16             **Baltimore, MD               Pier Six Pavilion

May 17             *Boston, MA                    House of Blues

May 19             *New York, NY                Central Park Summerstage

May 20             *Niagara Falls, NY           Rapids Theatre

May 21             *London, ON                    London Music Hall

# May 23           **Sterling Heights, MI   Freedom Hall – (Tix on sale Feb 20)

May 24             **Columbus, OH              LC Pavilion

 

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

     -the Hellion

YESTERDAY’S SAINTS Announce North American Tour With Iron Man‏

YESTERDAY’S SAINTS Announce North American Tour 

With Iron Man

ImageProxy (5)

New Album out Now!

“There are so many dimensions to “Generation of Vipers” and that’s what makes it such a great album.”

-Metal Underground-

 

“Ambitious it is, but I believe they met that mark. It is as bold and brutal as any Thrash and Death Metal, as complex and technical as anything I have heard this year as well, but maintains an accessibility that gives you a complete listening experience.”

-Metal Temple-

Concept albums are not new territory in metal by any means. But Northern Virginia’s YESTERDAY’S SAINTS elevate the notion of conceptual metal to a whole other level, thanks to the rich, extensive storytelling and the pummeling metal in Generation of Vipers. The music is as smart and thought-provoking as it is extreme, that’s not an easy thing to do. Striking an artful balance is difficult, but YESTERDAY’S SAINTS make it seem easy.

 

Generation of Vipers is available for order HERE.    Purchases of the album via bandcamp will also receive a physical copy of the album and the download is mastered for digital play.  The album’s amazing artwork was done by Vance Kelly (Huntress, Down, Prong)

In support of the new album, the band has announced a North American tour supporting Iron Man.  The tour begins March 12th in Washington, DC and runs through March 22nd in Dayton, OH.  Press opportunities are available for all shows.

 

Vocalist Matt Rice commented on the upcoming tour:

 

“We are really excited to be heading out on the road with our friends in Iron Man and being able to bring our new music from our album to new ears.  This is the first set of dates we have this year and we are currently working with our agent on future shows for this year.  See you on the road”

YESTERDAY’S SAINTS, who play a death-thrash-power hybrid, has been in existence since summer 2010 and with a self-released EP and some regional touring under their belt. They knew that a full concept album was the next step they wanted to take. But they did not go about it capriciously. The decision to go with a concept for the 11-track Generation of Vipers was driven by the most important things the songwriting and careful thought.

 

The album is assembled like an opera, with three acts, along with an instrumental interlude and outro. It traces the story of Satan, one of the most notorious characters in history, throughout time, from his desire to usurp God’s throne to his modern infiltration of mankind to the indication that all of Earth’s inhabitants are now his descendants.

It’s a lot to process, but once you absorb that story along with the music, your appreciation will be furthered and deepened, as all senses are satisfied by Generation of Vipers, which targets one’s brain and one’s body.

 

Overall, Generation of Vipersis pretty advanced and intellectual extreme metal. But it’s not stringing together big ideas for the sake of big ideas. The album, which was recorded in the band’s own studio and Assembly Line Studios in Virginia, features atypical metal instruments, such as the piano, cello, violin, so it really is lush and expansive and there is a lot going on.

 

YESTERDAY’S SAINTS and Generation of Vipers requires time and attention, but once you make the commitment and dive into the story and the sound, you’ll find yourself doubly rewarded.

 

YESTERDAY’S SAINTS Live:

3/12: Washington, DC @ The Pinch

3/13: Allentown, PA @ Jabber Jaws 

3/14: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie

3/15: Brooklyn, NY @ The Paper Box

3/16: Providence, RI @ Dusk 

3/17: Salem, MA @ Koto 

3/18: Buffalo, NY @ Broadway Joe’s

3/19: Ft. Wayne, IN @ Skeletunes – formerly Berlin Music Pub 

3/20: Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary

3/21: Columbus, OH @ Ruby Tuesday Bar CLUB IS ON OSU CAMPUS

3/22: Dayton, OH @ Courtyard Lounge – Englewood

For More Info Visit:

http://www.facebook.com/YesterdaysSaints

https://twitter.com/YestrdaysSaints

http://instagram.com/yesterdays_saints

http://www.yesterdayssaints.com

 

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

-the Hellion

American Metal Legends TESTAMENT Announce “Dark Roots of Thrash II” Tour, Coming April 2015

TESTAMENT to Perform an Exclusive New Set List, Including The Legacy and The New Order in Their Entirety + Select Practice What You Preach Album Cuts
Re-Introducing Bassist STEVE DIGIORGIO
Support from Thrash Leaders EXODUS + Texas Metal Assailants SHATTERED SUN
TESTAMENT and EXODUS Combined VIP Meet & Greet Experience Available via www.SLOTIX.com
image001 (3)
     Pioneers of the classic American metal scene, TESTAMENT, are announcing what will undoubtedly be the most crushing heavy metal tour to hit North America this spring – the Dark Roots of Thrash II tour! The Dark Roots of Thrash II tour will conquer North America for five weeks, beginning April 1st in San Francisco, and will include select TESTAMENT and EXODUS festival performances. Select cities are on sale now, and more dates will be announced soon. 
Adding to TESTAMENT’s live onslaught, fans will receive a guaranteed pummelling from the Dark Roots of Thrash II tour’s revered support: fellow Bay Area-thrashers EXODUS and Texas melodic metal assailants SHATTERED SUN.
TESTAMENT, EXODUS and SHATTERED SUN “Dark Roots of Thrash II” Dates:
04/01/15   Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
04/02/15   House Of Blues – Hollywood, CA
04/03/15   Livewire – Scottsdale, AZ
04/04/15   Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
04/06/15   Aztec Theater – San Antonio, TX
04/07/15   House Of Blues – Houston, TX
04/08/15   House Of Blues – Dallas, TX
04/10/15   Pop’s – Sauget, IL
04/11/15   Mojoes – Joliet, IL
04/12/15   Harpo’s – Detroit, MI
04/13/15   The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
04/15/15   Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON – CANADA
04/16/15   Rapids Theatre – Niagara Falls, NY
04/17/15   Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
04/18/15   The Palladium – Worcester, MA, New England Metal & Hardcore Festival
04/19/15   The Paramount – Huntington, NY
04/21/15   Mercury Ballroom – Louisville, KY
04/22/15   Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN
04/23/15   Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
     it’s gonna get LOUD!!!
     -the Hellion

Bassist Joey Vera talks about MOTOR SISTER

PromoImage (2)

Yipee!!! (That’s me jumping for joy at the fact that someone remembered the band Mother Superior)

I recently learned that Scott Ian gave himself a birthday present that in reality gave back to all of us.

     For his fiftieth birthday, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian wanted one present more than any other – the reunion of one of his favorite unsung heroes, Mother Superior – only he wanted to be a part of the lineup.

“They’re a great, classic band that hit me in the same spot as all my favorite ’70s bands, whether it’s UFO, Ted Nugent, Cheap Trick or KISS,” Ian explains. “I knew getting to play with them would be like joining KISS and getting to record all my favorite KISS songs with Gene and Paul.”

Thanks to Scott’s wife Pearl Aday, who has been working on her solo career with Mother Superior front man Jim Wilson for years, all it took was a quick phone call and the stage was literally set for Scott’s dream gig. “I wanted to cherry-pick a set list of my favorite Mother Superior songs and get these guys together and have the concert at my house,” Ian says of the event that eventually led to an album.

“[Mother Superior] frontman] Jim [Wilson] was totally into the idea. Pearl was a huge Mother Superior fan from way back and was in. I asked my good friends Joey Vera (Fates Warning/Armored Saint) and John Tempesta (White Zombie, The Cult) to be a part of it because I knew they were both big fans as well and with no hesitation they said, ‘We’re in.'”

Wilson, too, was stoked by the opportunity to dust off some songs he hadn’t played since his LA rock trio broke up in the early 2000’s after releasing eight albums and playing as Henry Rollins’ backing band.  “I definitely didn’t need any arm-twisting,” he says. “I was totally flattered and thought it was a great idea. I figured it would be fun and it was a great opportunity for a new chapter to be established in order to move forward.”

The band called itself Motor Sister after the Mother Superior song “Little Motor Sister” and got together the day before the party to rehearse in Ian’s jam room. For the party, they invited about 25 friends who were already Mother Superior fans and appreciated the significance of Wilson re-opening the vault.

“The energy in the room was amazing and we were great as a band playing those songs,” Ian says. “It felt awesome. We had no intention of doing anything after that. It was just something we did for fun and to celebrate my birthday.”

The crowd for the show may have been small, but it included several industry veterans who couldn’t stop raving about the performance. In no time, word got back to Metal Blade A&R man Mike Faley, who immediately realized the potential to capture the lightning in a bottle vibe the band exhibited that night and put it out on a record.

“He called me up and asked if I had any intention of doing anything more than that one show,” recalls Ian. “And I said, ‘It’s funny you should mention that because I was sitting in the kitchen talking to Pearl and I just said to her, ‘Imagine if we could make a record.’ And they said if I was serious Metal Blade would be happy to put it out.”

After the original Mother Superior broke up, Wilson recorded a solo album and played with Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris and Pearl. As rewarding as those projects have been, he was excited to return to the pedal-to-the-floor groove-rock he pursued for almost 18 years with Mother Superior.

“The minute I started to play with Scott, Joey and John the chemistry was amazing,” Wilson says. ” We sounded like a band that had been together forever. It was fresh, it was powerful. The original band had moments, but it was a power trio and it just never got its due. We were either a little ahead of our time or a little behind our time. When Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were taking over, we were rock and roll fans. We were being driven by classics like Humble Pie, Cream and KISS. Scott, John and Joey all come from that same place, too, so when we got together to play these songs that Scott had chosen it was like we were putting a fresh coat of paint on these old songs that still held up.”

Enthralled at the idea of making a record of his favorite Mother Superior songs, Ian emailed  producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) and asked if he thought it was possible to recapture the same spontaneous energy Motor Sister generated at their makeshift gig, and if an album could be recorded quickly. “He said, ‘Yeah, we can make the record in two days and we can make it sound really good.’ So that’s what we did,” Ian says. “A week and a half later, we made the record in LA over a two day period. We recorded the whole thing live in the studio and the set-up was just like it was at my house.”

For Wilson, revisiting Mother Superior classics with a second guitarist leant a new urgency to songs like “Devil Wind,” “Beg, Borrow, Steal” and “Dog House.” “I was always the sole guitar player of the original band. I overdubbed rhythm guitar in the studio, but it was all me,” Wilson says. “Now, there’s definitely a metal edge to these songs. It’s still blues-soaked rock and roll influenced by Zeppelin and the Stones. But it’s so great having Scott’s guitar in the mix. He’s playing on the left side and I’m on the right. Sometimes I jump in the center for a solo. But when you listen to the album it’s so cool to hear the two guitars and know who’s doing what. So if I’m doing a bluesy solo, you hear Scott on the left side adding his touch to the rhythms. And it sounds like him. I’ve never heard these songs sound more exciting.”

Ian, too, couldn’t be prouder of the album and insists he favorite tracks change almost every day. “I always go back to ‘Devil Wind’ because there’s something so epic about it,” he says. “If they ever finally make ‘The Dark Tower’ by Stephen King into a movie or TV series, ‘Devil Wind’ sound be the theme song.”

While everyone in Motor Sister is busy with their day jobs, they are all interested in playing live as much as possible. “We are a great live band” Ian says. “We proved it to ourselves in my jam room. It was our ability to play live together that made this happen and I can see us getting onstage and  playing this shit back-to-back, Ramones-style, and just blowing people’s minds with the power of these songs. And the door is always open to write more material because Pearl and Jim are always working together and I’m always with them. So we’ll see what happens in the future.”

“It would be great to keep this thing going,” Wilson concluded. “I enjoyed playing these songs with Motor Sister more than I’ve ever enjoyed them before. Scott’s like a brother, John Tempesta is such a monster drummer, Joey [Vera] is incredible and Pearl’s harmonies and background vocals are amazing. This feels like a continuation of trip I started long ago and it’s a real blessing.”

PromoImage (1)
     To top it all off I had the chance to speak with Joey Vera about the whole thing:
      it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!
     -the Hellion

Speaking on the Grammys

rant

I was doing my best to stay out of the “Grammy bashing” posts, but alas, I find myself jumping in. If we as music lovers and consumers are unhappy with the situation we need to speak up. If everyone who has made a statement would take the time to make their thoughts known to the right people we might make a difference. By flooding the radio stations with emails, phone calls we might make a difference. By writing and emailing the Grammys and telling them your thoughts we might make a difference. Lastly, by PURCHASING the music you love and telling others about it, and going to shows and supporting the music you love we WILL make a difference. – the Hellion

Talking about Strange Days with Chip Z’Nuff

 

 

 

CHIP Z’NUFF RELEASES FIRST SOLO RECORD, STRANGE TIME, ON FEBRUARY 3
Features Robin Zander, Steven Adler, Dale Bozzio

clip_image002

I had the chance to speak with Chip Z’Nuff on the phone today about his upcoming solo release. Check out the interview here:

     Be sure and check Chip Z’Nuff out online:

https://www.facebook.com/Enuff.Znuff.Official

http://www.enuffznuff.com/

http://cleorecs.com/store/?s=Enuff+Z%E2%80%99nuff&post_type=product

     Thanks Chip for the great conversation and a great new record

     -the Hellion

introducing CONVICT

10933967_1612763205612228_2508274514294507533_n

It is a proud moment when your son is part of something cool. Convict is that something. I have known several of the members for several years and am proud of the musicians  they have become.  Convict is a metalcore band from Edgewood New Mexico. Formed in 2014 Convict has recorded an album set to release in 2015. Get ready for something new! Convict consists of the following members:

Daniel Leseberg-Lead Vocals

Daniel Cumiford-Guitar/Backing vocals

Daniel Anaya-Guitar

Chris Giovenco-Bass

     Here are their online links:

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/22767099?utm_campaign=a_public_songs&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=page_object_news_item

https://www.facebook.com/convictsandkings

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CONVICT!!!

     -the Hellion

Talkin’ about Star Treatments with Matt DiRito from Pop Evil

10888757_1512488459018372_7181350326758140318_n

 

10246438_766909183349789_6853285966469839270_n

Matt DiRito called me up and we were able to have a discussion about the Star Treatments organization.  We were able to talk about how it all came together and what you can do to help this great cause. Thanks for listening. Here’s the link:

     Thank you Matt, you are an honorable man. Here are the page links:

http://startreatments.org/

https://www.facebook.com/StarTreatmentsOrg

     by giving, we receive the greatest gifts of all

     -the Hellion

 

Nothing More in Albuquerque NM

1175749_10151797011344287_1273624219_n

Albuquerque was fortunate to have Nothing More hit the town. Mike Araiza and the Hellion himself were out in full force covering the show. We managed to get an interview with bassist Daniel Oliver and got some killer shots of the band enjoy!

DSC08589 DSC08613 DSC08620 DSC08630 DSC08643 DSC08703

DSC09600 DSC09612 DSC09619 DSC09623 DSC09626 DSC09634 DSC09638 DSC09640 DSC09642 DSC09656 DSC09662 DSC09666 DSC09670 DSC09677 DSC09678 DSC09682 DSC09697 DSC09702 DSC09714 DSC09726 DSC09732 DSC09750 DSC09787 DSC09873 DSC09883 DSC09889 DSC09893

      Nothing More shows us that a great Rock N’ Roll show still exists. Don;t miss out! Check them out online at:

     http://www.nothingmore.net/

https://www.facebook.com/nothingmore

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

     -the Hellion

Matt DiRito from Pop Evil making a difference

10888757_1512488459018372_7181350326758140318_n

10888827_1512482889018929_1787176398644328115_n

 

Here at the Hellion Rocks we are all about taking care of each other and helping those in need of help. Our friend Matt DiRito from Pop Evil has stepped up and is giving back in a big way. We are proud to share this uplifting plan with all of you – the Hellion 

For those who don’t know me, my name is Matt DiRito. I play bass guitar in a rock band called Pop Evil. I’ve grown up seeing a lot of rock and roll bands using their names for less than admirable things. For example, you may hear stories of people pushing their weight to get free drinks or admission to an event by using the line, “Don’t you know who I am?” I believe in breaking these cliches. I am trying to deflect that attention we receive and focus it on people who need it. It has become clear what I want to do and how to use that “power” of my name, and I encourage other public figures to do the same.

I have always wanted to work with kids. Children have no control over the circumstances they grow up in. They ALL deserve to be healthy and happy. In recent years of touring I have met an amazing family with a little girl who overcame cancer. Even more incredible than her triumph over cancer, was watching the way her family handled her recovery. They put an emphasis on having fun and lifting her spirits. Part of her recovery process was to FEEL good. Once she had the right mindset, her body seemed to follow. They often brought her and her sister to our concerts where I would play outside with them for hours. We’d doing things like skip hopscotch, blow bubbles, draw with sidewalk chalk and just act goofy. Being a part of this process made me want to reach out and help more kids in her position…. I started brainstorming ways that I could help families like hers and incorporate what I do for a living.

I started thinking about all of the out-of-pocket expenses they had on a regular basis. Families will often times throw fundraisers to help offset the cost of their large medical bills, but what about the smaller ones? All of the out-of-pocket expenses from day to day could potentially drown a family already struggling to get by. What happens when the nearest Children’s Cancer treatment center is 400 miles away? Things such as the cost of gas back and forth, a car breaking down, or even taking time off from work could make things very difficult. The last thing anyone should worry about is being able to get their child safely to the care they deserve.

Along comes “Star Treatments.” This idea, in its most basic form, is designed to take care of transportation needs to and from these facilities. Additionally- the child would receive the “Star Treatment” on the way to their chemo treatments. A family will have a tour bus pick them up at their front door, take them to the hospital and then back home… Simple right? Keep in mind that these tour buses are very accommodating. If the child is feeling sick after their treatment they can use the restroom on board or lay down in one of the beds. Without being restricted to the drivers seat, the parents are free to tend to their child during the lengthy trip.

In addition to comfort, we want to keep the element of fun too! The inside of the buses will have things such as kids movies, video games, coloring books, various toys and healthy snacks. Part of the “Star Treatment” means that the children will get care packages from different bands. Each time the the child gets picked up they can look forward to t-shirts, posters, CDs, or maybe a signed teddy bear from a different band. Even a 10 second video of the band saying something like, “Stay strong! You can get through this! We believe in you!” Anything fun or creative that these artists can think of. There will always be something for them to look forward to as they experience this very special way to travel. The idea is to have the children get to the hospital with a happy heart, instead of being overcome with nerves and anxiety.

With this transportation in place (and driver included), it is possible for other people to chaparone trips. If it lands within the work week, the child’s grandparents can opt to ride along. Having options like this could help these families retain a sense of normality or keep the parents from having to take too much time off from work. There is enough room on the bus (typically 12 bunk beds) that the child could have a few schoolmates ride along for support and company. This could be fun over summer break! Each trip could be something a little different.

I am starting by finding bus companies to work with. If they own 12 buses and only have 10 leased out, I can offer them a tax write off for a bus that would otherwise be sitting. Most drivers (in their downtime) are very willing to write off a few drives. My goal however, is to own a bus that has only ONE purpose, and is always stocked up and ready. Then, a fleet of buses, all in different regions of the U.S. to continually pick up and drop off these families. They could use the hospitals as hubs and make multiple runs each day. I can already see a bus pulling up with the words “StarTreatments.org” written down the side of it! I want to get bands, artists, athletes and even celebrities involved. I think it’s a fantastic way to take the spotlight that’s on them and divert it in the direction of someone who really deserves it. Giving them the star treatment, helping their families financially and keeping their attitudes positive will all greatly impact the healing process. I encourage all of you to share this with your friends, families, communities, celebrities, or anyone you feel could help! Thank you for taking the time to read this.

~Matt DiRito- Founder

There you have it, you can find out more online at:

https://www.facebook.com/StarTreatmentsOrg/timeline

http://startreatments.org/

thank you Matt for caring enough to make a difference

-the Hellion