Tag Archives: Hooligans

BEARD – RELEASES BLACK UNICORN, IS #1 IN CASSETTE SALES!

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ALBUQUERQUE NM – 10/26/2012, HOOLIGANS NIGHTCLUB 11:00 pm

BEARD took the stage to celebrate the release of their highly anticipated debut cassette (yes I said cassette) Black unicorn. After a brief introduction by Steve Beneath, it was on. The place was packed to the brim with friends, fans, and family all in a festive mood and ready to rock!

There are two things about BEARD that impress me, the fact that they don’t take themselves seriously, and that they DO take their music serious. They have FUN on stage and in turn, that fun is infectious to the crowd. Bringing their form of straight up Rock N’ Roll, BEARD takes me back to the days when life was still fun, and we were ten feet tall and still bulletproof.

BEARD doesn’t act like rockstars, or claim to be rockstars, yet they are. I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting and talking with the band several times and they are not only fantastic performers, they are great people.  Let me introduce you:

M. BEARD – lead guitar/ lead vocals

D. BEARD – lead bass

K. BEARD – lead guitar/ lead vocals

K. BEARD – lead drums

The show came off in true Rock N’ Roll style, gritty, loud, in your face, spot on. The crowd sang along to their favorite songs, the band called out to friends and family in the crowd, brought up guests to sing with them, a true Rock show.

The Mighty “Beard Beneath” guest vocalist on “Larry” 

The nights revelry culminated by an all out silly string assault on the band by friends and family. It was a virtual jungle of silly string, it was everywhere and it was wonderful.

BEARD is a band that truly deserves a shot in the world. The new “cassette” (the release is actually in digital download format) is utterly amazing (an in-depth review will be posted here very very soon) and the live show holds par with some of the national acts I have seen.

Thank you BEARD, thank you very much for helping modern Rock N’ Roll music keep its validity. Be sure and check them out at http://www.facebook.com/beardisbullshit?fref=ts and like their page.

the Hellion

THE WORLD IS FULL OF MONSTERS

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The world is full of monsters. As a parent I am aware of this everyday. My children are now grown and young adults out in the world. I was often told as they were growing up that I was to overprotective and that nothing would happen. I tried and we were lucky so far, and I hope to remain so. My Friends in NJ were not so lucky as to the  recent events that have befallen them. The loss of their daughter Autumn has touched me deeply, the callousness in the way the alleged perpetrators treated   her sickens me. Now the blame game will begin, “I was mistreated as a child”, “My father wasn’t around”, etc. etc., well I got news for you, I WAS mistreated as a child, and my parents were at times neglectful. But you know what? I CHOSE NOT TO CARRY ON THAT CYCLE. YES,  YOU HEARD ME, I MADE THE DECISION.  All of your actions are chosen by you. Own them they’re yours. Now, take the time and talk to your loved ones and be a part of their life.

 

Rest In Piece Autumn Pasquale, the world dimmed a bit with your loss. If you want to donate to Autumn’s family and make sure that your donations
go to Autumn’s family, Please Contact only Joe Fortino, John Higginbottom, Ken Mondillo or Greg Tripp members of The Electric Boa
Or
Autumn Pasquale Memorial Fund
C/O Fulton Bank of New Jersey
35 N Delsea Dr
Clayton, NJ 08312
Donations can be made via mail or walked in to the location
This is the official fund…watch the scams..this is the official one..Help is still needed.

 

with repsect,

the Hellion

MUSIC CAN SAVE YOU

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I have been thinking about a conversation I recently had with a friend about growing old. I recently turned 48 years old and I still find excitement and joy in Rock N’ Roll. I’m not your typical 48 year old, I have long hair, earrings, numerous tattoos, I write a music blog, co-host an internet radio show, and created an internet video music show. I am twice the age of a lot of my friends. And yet, we have meaningful conversations, I give them advice, and we discuss pertinent world issues.

I feel that music knows no age, it is timeless. Through my entire life it has been a constant friend to me, always there, always comforting, never questioning me, never belittling me, always my companion.

My mom always had music on when I was growing up. When my first step-dad wasn’t home it was Rock N’ Roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jackson 5, Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Temptations, The Who, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, Isley Brothers, David Bowie, MC5 were but a few of the many bands my mom introduced me to. My step-dad however, only listened to country music. Johnny Cash, Jack Greene, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sonny James, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Bill Anderson, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, and Conway Twitty were some of his staples. I was five in 1969 and all of this music had me hooked, I was in love with music. I enjoyed the Rock N’ Roll more than the country (As an adult I would later come to respect the country music). Music became my anchor in the storm of my turbulent and dark childhood.

I was ten when my mom married my second step-dad and saved me (or so I thought) from the monster we had lived with. My new step-dad was a more   of a free-spirit. Johnny Mathis,Cher,Terry Jacks,Redbone, Grand Funk Railroad, Elton John, Blue Swede, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Wings, Three Dog Night, The Steve Miller Band, and Steely Dan filled my ears with glorious sounds. However, it soon became apparent that music would become my only friend. My mom and my new step-dad soon had no time for me and my newborn brother. They had lives to live and we were and interruption. Again it was a dark time for me. It was 1974.

1974 -1985 Many many things happened in those years, most I choose to put away and not reflect upon. A lot of music came and went of varying styles and trends. I was lost and wandering, but music was still there. Hard Rock and Heavy Metal became my music of choice ( I made some questionable choices in music during this period as well).

1985 I was reborn. I met my future wife and The Cult, AC/DC, Dio, Dokken, Kiss, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Ratt, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and David Lee Roth were on the scene. My life became worth living and truly became joyful to me.

1990 I became a father and vowed to be there for my new son and treat him as I wish I had been treated as a child. We filled him with love, companionship, and music. Megadeth, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Pantera, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Warrant, Queensryche, Poison, and many others were often heard on radios and cassette players (yes cassette) in our home.

1993 My daughter was born furthering my joy in life. She was full of life and energy and completed my dream family. The music from that time carried on the “Metal Scene” was prevalent in our home in this period.

  

 

Present- I am 48! Oh shit! When did this happen? My kids are now young adults, I am still as much in love with my wife as I have ever been. and music is still a huge part of my life. I now write about, interview, and talk with people about music on a daily basis. I share my experiences, give advice, and share music both new, and old with many others. Music, yeah it can save you, it saved me.

 

the Hellion

http://www.bleachbangs.com/

http://rockunight.com/

https://thehellionrocks.wordpress.com/

 

 

BEARD, A BAND, AN INTERVIEW, AN EXPERIENCE, AND A BLACK UNICORN

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http://www.facebook.com/beardisbullshit?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://www.reverbnation.com/beardisbullshit

It was a Sunday afternoon, that being said, I was feeling a bit “Beardish” and it seemed like a great day to interview them. I pulled into the parking lot of Charley’s Records and Tapes (yes tapes) and saw the Bearded ones awaiting my arrival. We snapped a few shots while we waited for my beautiful camera woman to show up and shoot the interview. When she arrived in all her  glory we retired to the inner sanctum of Charley’s to get into the heads of Beard. We talked, held hands, and sang “Kumbaya”. When we were done we had all reached spiritual nirvana,  a Black Unicorn appeared, and I finally was able to comprehend the band that was Beard. If you want to see the interview check it out at: http://rockunight.com/

 

 

 

Their CD: Black Unicorn will be released on 10/26/12 at Hooligan’s nightclub. This will be an event not to be missed. You want more? Here is the video for “Amp Whore”:

 

Now that I have seen the Black Unicorn I have achieved a new plane of existence and shall now be known as H. Beard…….

 

the Hellion (a.k.a. H. Beard)

 

HATE, DISCONTENT, AND JEALOUSY

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There’s been FAR TOO MUCH of those things lately. I know I’ve discussed it before, but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?  I mean the Rock N’ Roll community needs to get behind each other and lift each other up, not tear each other apart. I often times reflect to the day when Rock fans would gather in the parking lots of shows,outside of record stores, at parties, AND HAVE A GOOD TIME! Sure there were discussions about how one thought this band was better than another, and there was the occasional fisticuffs, but for the most part we were there to celebrate Rock N’ Roll  music. I see far too many people these days dragging down someone for their successes and trash talking them instead of congratulating them, and giving them advice or support. I support each and every artist who makes the effort to step up and share their art. Won’t you? Will YOU help to tighten back up the GLOBAL Rock N’ Roll community? Bands: send me your info to  janaya64@msn.com  LET’S DO THIS!!!!

the Hellion

MIKE “GUTTER” GARCIA – GET TO KNOW HIM!

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One of the most “colorful” local performers I know is Gutter. He’s a hard-working, fun-loving musician that doesn’t EVER slow down. Let’s see what he has to say:

Tell me about how you were introduced to music.

     Gutter: When I was just a little kid my Dad played guitar and harmonica plus my Grandfather played classical guitar. I used to sit around and thought it was so cool just to listen to them play.

My mom, may she rest in peace,  was one of my greatest music mentors. To whom do you attribute your love of music to?
Gutter: As a young tyke I used to listen to American top 40… he-he. Plus I hung around the older kids in the neighborhood and they turned me on to Deep Purple, Montrose, Robin Trower, Sabbath and I was hooked early on to some killer rock n roll!

What was the catalyst that  lead you to decide to become a musician?
     Gutter: While listening to my Grandfather play and saw how it mesmerized people, I said that want to learn to do that.

Did you have any formal musical training or did you just wing it?
     Gutter:  yes, I took a few lessons from my Gramps then took guitar lessons at Luchetti’s music store back in the day and learned the basics and pretty much winged it from there.

I know you as primarily a bassist, was that your first choice? Do you play other instruments?
Gutter: I was originally a guitarist. I played guitar in my first two bands but there were no bass players so I bought a Rickenbacker and started becoming a bass player. I still write my originals on guitar and have to figure out bass parts later.

What are some lessons from previous bands that you carry with you through today?
Gutter:  Just be true to yourself and play what you feel and what makes you happy. Playing music is supposed to be great fun and never a chore.

Tell me about the “Gutter” moniker?
Gutter:  Well, back when I was in a band in Hollyweird my only transportation was my motorcycle so my singer & guitarist would pick me and my bass up for band rehearsals and they would always be late. So there I’d be sitting on the curb waiting for them with my bass and they would say, “There’s the Gutter Dweller” and that became my nickname…Gutter Dweller, which was quickly shortened to “Gutter”…hah! and people still call me that to this day.

What are some of the many projects your working on these days?
Gutter:  Well, I’m currently playing in three bands. I’m in an original rock band called “Rusty Tramp” which plays awesome party rock. I also have another darker sounding rock band called “Darken the Day” and we are actually playing our debut gig opening for my other band Rusty Tramp’s CD release party coming up soon. Plus, I have an awesome classic rock cover band called “LocoMofo”

http://www.facebook.com/RustyTramp

 

http://www.facebook.com/DarkenTheDay

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/locomofo.nm

 

People are sometimes surprised at what they find in each others music collections. Are there any surprises in your collection?
Gutter: Oh man, I have a very extensive music collection. There are many surprises from Al Di Meola to Zeke.I have all kinds of styles in there but mostly metal, punk, prog and a lot of obscure stuff that a lot of people have never even heard of.

Speak your mind freely, the floor is yours:
     Gutter:  Well, like I said before, be true to yourself and your music and everybody has to support your fellow musicians and the music scene to keep it alive and well!! Cheers.

Here’s a taste of LOCOMOFO:

 

My man Gutter, thanks!

the Hellion

WANT TO SEE SOME COOL INTERVIEWS?

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     We were fortunate to attend the 2012 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK UPROAR FESTIVAL in Albuquerque NM on 09/30/12 as media guests.

We were able to do some interviews and take photos with some of the appearing bands. Be sure to go to our website: http://rockunight.com/ for the FULL interviews!!!

SKULLDRON promo

P.O.D. “Wuv” promo

     Also make sure and check out other interviews with bands from all over the planet at our internet radio show at: http://www.bleachbangs.com/

see ya there!

the Hellion

MY 100TH POST! ON MY BIRTHDAY, MOVING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE!

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As I sit here pondering my 100th post it comes to me. Why I do what I do. There are some extremely wonderful bands out there that really have no outlet to be heard. Why is this? What can be done? How can they be heard? By us the bloggers and internet radio hosts, the internet video shows. We can can herald their cause. By us telling our peers, sharing their music on our sites, telling our friends, going to their live shows, posting their videos, and taking the time to interview them and hear what THEY have to say. I come to know a lot of these bands and they are hard working, genuine people. They usually are barely scraping by by selling their merch. I try to buy their stuff at every turn. Corporate radio and TV might not support them but WE will.

One other thing I am passionate about is not losing touch with music of the past. As with newer bands, there is really no outlet for a lot of bands from the past. So much great music has been made already. But when their marketability starts to lack they are cast away for the next big thing. By listening to these bands we keep them alive. As with the younger bands we need to support them in the same way and NOT LET THEM GET LOST!

I will leave you with this and go now to enjoy my birthday evening. ROCK N’ ROLL WILL SURVIVE!!!

the Hellion

GET ANOTHER 10 BANDS IN YOUR EARS!!

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1. DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Alley-Motor-Cult/276917487784

http://www.deathalleymotorcult.com

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”:

 

2. THE ELECTRIC BOA

http://www.facebook.com/TheElectricBoaOfficial

http://www.electricboa.com

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:

 

3. GHOST

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-the-band/145511608861548

http://ghost-official.com/

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:

 

4. RIVAL SONS

 

http://www.facebook.com/rivalsons

http://www.rivalsons.com/

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”:

5. THE GATES OF SLUMBER

 

http://www.facebook.com/thegatesofslumber

http://www.slumberingsouls.com

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!:

6. ABIOTIC

http://www.facebook.com/Abioticfl

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”:

7. MURDER FM

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder-FM-Official/339855065055

http://www.MURDERFMmusic.com

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”  : 

8. BLACK SPIDERS

http://www.facebook.com/theblackspiders

http://www.theblackspiders.com

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” :

9. BLACKBERRY SMOKE

 

http://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke

http://blackberrysmoke.com/

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” :

10. BLACK WATER RISING

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Water-Rising/14816181590

http://www.blackwaterrising.com

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”:

THE “IRISH THUNDER” – JAKE DELLING LE BAS FROM SCATTERED HAMLET

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Where does Jake Delling Le Bas come from? I heard you were from Ireland?
Jake: Well I was born here in the U.S.A and lived here until I was 8 years old. But after that my family moved over to Ireland and that’s where I spent some very important years of my life almost 14 years in total. So I grew up in the west of Ireland and that’s where I really feel like I come from. But it is nice to be back living here in the states again.

Who was it that  introduced you to music?
Jake: That one for me is a really tough question I don’t really have a single person who one day showed me some music and it changed my life forever. I just have memories of very pivotal moments over the years when different people have shown me different things that really changed my music listening. Between my Mother, friends in school, some friends of my Dad and who knows who else a lot of people have helped me through the years.

What kind of music was your earliest memories?
Jake: But if your asking what kind of music it was I do have a very early memory of my Mother giving me the Pearl Jam album Ten when I was around 11 or 12. I don’t even think she listened to Pearl Jam I think she just found it one day and gave it to me. But that was a pretty big deal that got me started more than anything I ever listened too before that.

Were you interested in other instruments? How did you find your way to the drum kit?
Jake: I always wanted to play an instrument since I can remember. We always had guitars and things around the house because my Dad plays a little bit. I even got given a bright white electric guitar of some random make when I was really young that sat around for years. I tried learning it a little bit as I grew up but the guitar never really drew me in. And then in school I had some friends that wanted to start a band but they had no drummer. And I will never forget my friend Owen said to me one day ” Man if you started playing drums it would really help me out” I always liked the drums and that was the reason to just go and do it. So I was 13 or 14 when I got my first kit and never looked back after that. It was a great decision as far as I’m concerned!!

I have seen some drummers out there playing some massive kits. Some of them are so big you lose the drummer in them.  One of the things I love about you is the fact you play a small kit. Why do you do so?


Jake: A philosophy I have always loved in that simple is better. And that same thing applies to my drums. Growing up I was a huge punk fan and I still am but one of the things about punk is simplicity and no bullshit. That’s what I do with my drums I don’t see any reason to have 50 drums and 80 cymbals. For some guys a giant kit works and some guys make it work. But at the same time some don’t! I just figure if you can’t do what you need to with a very minimal set up then you have no business using a complicated set up. So I just like to keep it simple and make the most out of a small set up.

I have to ask you about this.  Who gave you the nickname “Irish Thunder”?
Jake: Well that one came from a man you know, Mr. Adam Joad or the Appalachian Apostle as he is known. Adam is quite the man for nick names I think he loves giving them out. I was barely in the band before he slapped the nick name Irish Thunder on me. It’s a good one though I’ll take that all day long.

I love sharing new music with friends that I know will appreciate it. One of those bands is “Ghost”,  I know you enjoy the band  how come?
Jake: So many reasons!! I have you to thank for giving me that CD that one was in my ears everyday for a few months after I got that. But what they do is so awesome to me. They want to sing about the devil but do it in the catchiest way possible with awesome riffs, you can’t beat that. And the whole hiding the identity thing is a nice touch. They are just a great band doing something different, its awesome.

Besides “Ghost”, what other new music are you listening to?
 Jake: I go through a kinds of different phases of different music. Lately its been a lot of bluegrass a band called Split Lip Rayfield I’ve been listening to a lot lately. My boys in Gypsyhawk just released their new album so I’ve been rocking that one, those dudes rule. I just came across a band recently called Larry and His Flask its some pretty cool stuff worth checking out.

Your fan base are called  “Hell Riders”  what does that mean to you?
 Jake: The Hell Riders are why we do what we do. When we first started going out there and touring and really showing people who Scattered Hamlet are the response we got from people meant everything to us. And then Hell Rider chapters starting popping up around the country it was amazing for us and now we meet people who are proud to call themselves Hell Riders. And that for me is incredible. To have people who connect with your music that much and take pride in being a part of it I can’t ask for anything more. Hell Riders for me make me want to go out on the road as often as I can to meet every one of them. Hell Riders!!!!

If you were asked to contribute to a book on the music industry, what advice would you give to a new musician?
Jake: PRACTICE! That’s the biggest thing you have to practice your instrument if you ever want to do anything. Practice often and practice hard. Also go out and play with people don’t sit in you garage and be too afraid to go out and play with people you learn more playing with other people than you ever will sitting at home alone. And lastly if you think this is something you really want to do then prepare yourself for sacrifice it takes a lot of sacrifice. But also prepare yourself for fun I wouldn’t trade this for anything else.

I have heard some “interesting” music coming from the “Hell Rider” van, what’s other  surprises  would I hear if I looked through your musical selection?
 Jake: Haha that’s a scary question probably lots of things! As music fans we all love a lot of things, things we wouldn’t expect. Me I have no problem bustin out Lionel Ritchie’s greatest hits anyone who disagrees can suck it. Hulk Hogan and his Wrestling Boot Band is another favourite to listen to on the road. I even have some good old Limp Bizkit on there but that’s mostly there because myself and Adam like to listen to it on the road and break down how lyrically retarded Fred Durst really is. If you didn’t know he is very retarded. It helps pass the time while we drive.

Given the current state of flux it’s in what do you think of the music industry these day?
Jake: That’s the big Question for a lot of people these days. It’s a tough place out there for a band a REAL band that is, it’s an extremely tough place. I was at a music festival last weekend and there were many different kinds of music there but one thing that drove me crazy is that on a huge stage in front of thousands of people there were 2 guys up there one using a DJ setup and another barely playing drums. It was horrible, the dude was just singing using autotune. But people were loving it!!! Going crazy for it! Even though there was not much real talent being used up there. So that’s what REAL bands have to compete with now and its a sad state of affairs. Technology is replacing talent its disgraceful. But the thing I always remember is that if I still love real music and REAL bands then there are others out there too. People like Hell Riders and all real music fans as long as these people are out there the REAL bands will always have a chance it just takes some damn hard work. Oh and talent although for some people the talent part isn’t necessary if you have autotune haha!

Check out the talented Jake Delling Le Bas in the band Scattered Hamlet!

http://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet

“Skeleton Dixie”

Happy Birthday Jake! 09/15/12

the Hellion