Tag Archives: Led Zeppelin

Dream band lineups

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One of the questions I see the most is “What would your dream band lineup alive or dead be?” I have pondered this question many times and I come up with different answers each time. So I decided to  write about it and come up with three bands. One with band members who are no longer with us, one with all living band members, and comprised with both. I will try to give reasons why and even try to give my fantasy bands an appropriate name.

From the other side,

SOPHISTICATED HOOLIGANS:

Bon Scott, AC/DC (deceased 19 February 1980) – vocals

Dimebag Darrell, Pantera/Damageplan/Rebel Meets Rebel  (deceased December 8, 2004) – guitars

Randy Castillo, Lita Ford/Ozzy/Motley Crue  (deceased  March 26, 2002) – drums

John Entwistle, The Who (deceased  27 June 2002) – bass

I can only imagine what a jam session with these guys would sound like. I hope that they are hanging out on the other side. I think the combination of these “gentlemen” would make for a unique sound. I chose the name “Sophisticated Hooligans” for them because the oxymoron just suits the attitude I imagine they would have.

Still with us,

COSMIC DESTRUCTION:

Sebastian Bach, Skid Row/Solo – vocals

Zakk Wylde, Ozzy/Pride & Glory/Black Label Society – guitars

Justin Manning, Crowned By Fire – guitars

Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath – bass

Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater/Adrenaline Mob/Flying colors – drums

I shudder to think of the destructive power this band would have, hence the name “Cosmic Destruction”. There would have to be a warning label on the CDs and at the live performances. All of these players have that explosive power that would give this band the ability to crush your chest and have you thank them for it.

 

Some still with us and some not

RETROGRADE:

Paul Rodgers, Free/Bad Company – vocals

Randy Rhoads, Quiet Riot/Ozzy (deceased  March 19, 1982) – guitars

Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers – bass

John Bonham. Led Zeppelin (deceased  25 September 1980) – drums

The mixture of Paul Rodgers beautiful voice combined with Randy Rhoads melodic playing style would compliment each other so well. Combine that with Flea holding down the bottom end and John Bonham keeping the beat and WOW! I know this lineup seems kind of weird but I think it could work. As for calling the band “Retrograde”, I think it just sounds cool.

 

There you have it those are just my thoughts, please share yours!!!

the Hellion

 

 

 

What do you mean Rock N’ Roll isn’t relevant any more?

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I was talking to someone yesterday when the subject of music came up. For some reason music ALWAYS seems to come up in my conversations. The conversation went to why Rock music takes a back seat to other styles.  Someone said that Rock wasn’t a money maker anymore. Yet everywhere you turn it’s “Rockstar” this or “Rockstar” that. If  “Rockstar” is the baseline then to me that says something. Why isn’t there the “American Rock Awards”? The Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame? uhhh no. Where is my ROCK video music channel? HMMM??? Nobody cares a bout rock music? I don’t think so. That got me thinking about the presence of Rock and how sets in record sales and tour attendance. I ‘m gonna take look and share some info with ya.

40 million copies or more:

There are 11 albums that have achieved this status. Out of those 11, 5 yes 5 fall in to the Rock category

AC/DC – BACK IN BLACK : 50 MILLION SOLD, YES 50 MILLION

PINK FLOYD – DARK SIDE OF THE MOON:  50 MILLION AS WELL!

MEATLOAF – BAT OUT OF HELL: 43 MILLION

EAGLES – THEIR GREATEST HITS (1971 – 1975): 42 MILLION

FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS: 40 MILLION

30–39 million copies

Out of the 17 albums that fall in this category  10 are Rock

LED ZEPPELIN – IV: 37 MILLION

ALANIS MORISETTE – JAGGED LITTLE PILL: 33 MILLION

THE BEATLES – SGT. PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND: 32 MILLION

THE BEATLES – 1: 31 MILLION

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – BORN IN THE U.S.A.: 30 MILLION

DIRE STRAITS – BROTHERS IN ARMS: 30 MILLION

IRON BUTTERFLY- IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA: 30 MILLION

PINK FLOYD – THE WALL: 30 MILLION

METALLICA – METALLICA: 30 MILLION

NIRVANA – NEVERMIND: 30 MILLION

WOW! it seems like Rock dominates record sales. Now let’s look at the top grossing music tours:

Out of the top 20 grossing tours 16 are Rock N’ Roll tours:

U2 – $736,421,586 :  360º Tour

The Rolling Stones – $558,255,524: A Bigger Bang Tour

AC/DC-  $441,121,000 : Black Ice World Tour

U2- $389,047,636: Vertigo Tour

THE POLICE –$358,825,665 : The Police Reunion Tour

ROGER WATERS- $349,240,698 : The Wall

THE ROLLING STONES –$336,017,048 : Bridges To Babylon Tour / No Security Tour

THE ROLLING STONES- $316,365,576 : Voodoo Lounge Tour

THE ROLLING STONES  –$299,520,230 : Licks Tour

THE EAGLES –$251,112,882 : Long Road Out Of Eden Tour

PINK FLOYD- $250,000,000 : The Division Bell Tour

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – $235,000,000 : Magic Tour

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – $221,500,000 : The Rising Tour

METALLICA – $217,245,629 : World Magnetic Tour

BON JOVI – $210,650,974 : Lost Highway Tour

BON JOVI – $201,000,000 : The Circle Tour

Seems like Rock N’ Roll music is alive and well to me.  There is nothing wrong with other genres of music, any thing that fire up the soul is ok in my book. Just don’t count Rock N’ Roll out. Love your music? SHOUT IT OUT TO THE WORLD!  ANY QUESTIONS? I’m gonna leave you with my new theme song!!!:

 

the Hellion