Plug'd In Magazine Issue #60

plug’d in magazine THE HARD ROCK’N BI-WEEKLY MAGAZINE...WITH ZOMBIES!

#60

Five finger death punch We sit down and talk Trespass America with Jeremy Spencer of Five Finger Death Punch

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On Tour: Jeremy Spencer of Five Finger Death Punch Interview by Michael Demos Five Finger Death Punch…yea, you know you’ve heard of them.

How could you not? These guys have been tearing up the scene for quite some time now. Currently they’re riding high on their latest album American Capitalist which came out last October. In support of that album they’ve released two killer videos and are currently out on tour with their own headlining gig, the Trespass America Festival. This tour is a monster with it killer stage, amazing light and production, and of course a lineup that includes Killswitch Engage, Pop Evil, Trivium, Emmure, Battlecross, and God Forbid. In the middle of the rolling chaos that is 5FDP, we were able to chat with drum master Jeremy Spencer and talk all about the new video, the killer tour, and just what band that has Jeremy (and everyone else) excited about music these days. Here’s what he had to say…

M.D. PI: Jeremy, How’s the tour going?

JS: It’s going great man. We’ve done like four shows now. We’ve got everything worked out now and everyone’s getting along great.

The crowds are digging it and I’m seeing videos and pictures of it back online. It looks fantastic and I’m having a really good time.

PI: There’s definitely been a great response to it and you’re playing with some great bands too. You’ve got Trivium, Pop Evil, and Killswitch Engage who I know you’re a person fan of. Who have you been excited to see each night?

JS: Honestly, I love seeing Battlecross get up there and throw down. They go on early and they just kill it for half an hour. They’re great. They’re doing windmills and all kinds of cool stuff…I like that band a lot.

PI: The Trespass America Festival is all you guys. How does this tour stack up to other tours you’ve been on?

JS: Well by far this is the biggest production we’ve ever had. We’re rolling with four busses, four semis, and it’s massive. It’s the biggest stage we’ve ever done and it’s a great time. It’s like our vision is coming to life. We’ve wanted to throw an experience for people that when they leave their like “Wow, I was there and you have to see it!”

So I’m really thrilled and you’ve gotta come check it out.

PI: I’m gonna catch you guys in Philly next month. The last time I saw you was at Mayhem Fest last year. You had the killer drum kit that went up in the air. How does your set up this year compare?

JS: It’s really cool man. I don’t want to give it away but let’s just say I get up close and personal with the fans this time. It’s exciting and it’s my moment in the show and I live for it!

PI: Are you recording anything from the tour for a live DVD? JS: Yes, we’re recording every day for a DVD. I don’t know when it’s coming out or what it will be about or any detail, but I know we’re stacking tons of hard drives of footage every day. We’ll see how we do. As far as working on new material, we also have a portable studio out here with us and we’re documenting some ideas when we have some downtime and when we feel like getting creative for the next record…which we’re gonna tackle when we get off this tour.

PI: American Capitalist has been out for a while now and has done phenomenal. What kind of chemistry and formula will you have to put together in order to top that with the new album?

JS: Nothing really. We just do what we do and it just starts flowing. It takes a life of its own. I learned last time that putting pressure on myself is just unnecessary. The filter for our songs is pretty strict and once it (Cont’d)

gets thru that filter, and passes our test, it usually seems to work. We don’t want to add anything that causes pressure, we just want to make music that we want to listen to. Like I said, it just takes on a life of its own.

There is no direction or plan to top anything, we just want to make another record and see how it turns out. I’m sure it will be great though. (Laughs) PI: Has American Capitalist changed the 5FDP fan base at all?

JS: Not that I’ve noticed. We pretty much cover the whole gamut. We’ve got younger people, older people…if anything it’s just gotten larger. Our attendance is increasing every tour it seems. I’ve noticed a wide variety of people, but I can’t say it was American Capitalist that has done it. Whatever the reason though…we’re grateful. I think a lot of it is video exposure has helped us with awareness of the band. Releasing these past two videos has certainly helped. So, I guess you’re right then. The last two singles from American Capitalist has brought a lot more fans to the show.

PI: Speaking of the videos, Coming Down was extremely emotional and dealt with adolescent issues and teen suicide prevention. Where did the concept and treatment for the video come from?

JS: Well as far as the song, Ivan just writes about his experiences and things he’s gone through in his life. He’s actually lost a few friends to suicide, so it definitely hit home for him. As far as the treatment for the video, that was a collaboration between the director and the band. As far as the feedback for the video, it was pretty positive and overwhelming.

We’re real happy with that.

PI: Have a lot of your fans come up to you guys saying that the video has made an impact on them?

JS: Absolutely. We’re getting emails every day and people come up to us at shows and telling us it’s helped them get through a tough time. It’s really a great thing. People are learning there’s help available and you don’t have to go to such an extreme measure.

PI: Let’s go back a couple months. You won Revolver Magazines Golden God Award for Best Drummer. Did you ever imagine something like that happening in your life?

JS: No way man. Just to get nominated with those guys in that category…Wow! It was a huge honor and to win was so humbling. We were on tour so I couldn’t be at the show, so I had to do an acceptance speech video for it. I dressed up like a redneck fan, heckling myself, and I just cut it all together and it was stupid. (Laughs) It was fun to win and I’m really glad I got nominated, let alone win.

PI: For the kid who’s banging it out on his first kit, or the kid in his first band, what advice do you have for him or her?

JS: Just listen to different styles and play with different people. Don’t be locked into just one thing. Stick with it. You may run into adversity, and we all have, but I never really swayed. I just wanted to do this so much. If it feels right, it doesn’t matter what someone’s telling you that’s negative, just stick to your guns and do what you want. Don’t stop.

The cream rises to the top. They say good things come to those that wait and I agree with that to an extent, but it’s also good things come to those that work their ass off and never stop. (Laughs) PI: A lot of people complain about the record industry and say bands just aren’t selling records anymore. Obviously you guys have proved that point wrong. Why is that?

(Cont’d)

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JS: First and foremost I think it’s the songs. With a good song you’ll always find an audience. I think we’re a “whole package” band. We try to make albums with cool artwork. When we were kids we used to bust out Metallica and Iron Maiden albums and it was just an experience. We try to have the artwork, cool merchandise at the shows, an awesome live spectacle, and we just try to make songs we like to listen to and people just relate to them. We’re lucky, Ivan writes the lyrics, and a lot of people relate to them. So first and foremost we write then songs and try to be the whole package and that’s why people connect to this band and buy our records.

PI: You guys are the whole package. You guys have released some great albums. You gone through some change like breaking Chris into the band right?

JS: Absolutely. Chris is a great guy and we thrilled to have him. He’s such a positive energy, great guy, and he’s perfect to have.

PI: Through your career you played with some great bands. Who is up and coming that you’re really excited about.

JS: We haven’t really done too many headlining tours ourselves yet so when we went out we always were with established bands. We really haven’t had a chance to take out too many younger bands with us yet, but I’m always looking for new music and new ways to be stimulated. But one band I’d love to tour with is a band called Ghost. They’re a whole package band. Cool records, merch, killer live show…I’m really into that band.

PI: Jeremy, thanks so much for sitting down with us and giving us a chance to get Plug’d In. JS: Awesome man. Thanks for having me on here and hope to see you in Philly.

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Dear Dead Abby Abby was born and raised in the coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The oldest of eight, she constantly had her younger brothers and sisters asking her questions about everything from how things work to why that boy threw dirt on her. She’d try to steer them straight with her advice, though sometimes she could be a bit sarcastic.

Abby also had an uncanny ability to see the truth in people, despite what they tried to portray with their lies. Unfortunately, this led the locals to believe that she was with surrounded with dark forces. The summer before her final year of school, Abby was sentenced to death by hanging, without a proper trial, simply stating that she was a witch. Abby can’t recognize the faces of her family through death, but she answers questions, thinking it might be one of her siblings needing her guidance.

Q. Americas’ in the middle of a huge drought and now food prices are going up. Is this slick business and media, or is it really that bad? P.G. A. Think about it, in order to grow the fruits and vegetables, water is needed. Crops are suffering. Farmers need to have large wells and water reserves to water the crops, plus pesticides to prevent the bugs from eating the crops. The farmers that raise pigs, cows, chickens, etc for meat and milk, need to supply their animals with food and water in order to keep them healthy to get good meat, milk, and eggs from them. Therefore as the farmers costs go higher, the stores have to pay the farmer, and then the consumer pays the store. It’s how it works. More people are starting to grow their own fruits and vegetables at home in order to defray some of the cost at the grocery store.

Q. I’ve submitted like 5 questions and never seen any posted. What’s the deal? A.Q. A. Maybe your questions suck. Maybe they aren’t “publishing” worthy. Maybe they deem your life not worth my response. I don’t go through each and every question. The questions are scanned through, and the chosen ones are given to me to answer.

Q. My boyfriend looks at a lot of porn. It doesn’t affect our sex life right now, but I’m wondering if it’s going to be a problem.

How do I get him to lay off a little? P.B. A. Good luck. Maybe he has a bunch of “weird” fantasies that he thinks you won’t be able to fulfill. Maybe he’s a “sex addict” though I simply find that an excuse people use when they get caught cheating. Maybe he needs to watch it to learn how to perform, or perform better. It’s a ballgame that you’re playing. He could be subscribing to “Serial Killers Weekly” for all you know, and the porn is just scratching the surface. Tread carefully. Bringing the subject up could set the wee man off his rocker.

Q. Why are girls so worried about how they look? Who cares? Just be yourself. K.A. A. Be honest with yourself. How does a girl catch your attention? Her looks. Her personality keeps you around. You can’t actually sit there and honestly say that you wouldn’t care how someone looked if she had a great personality. You wouldn’t even know her personality if you didn’t talk to her in the first place, which is where the looks come into play. Girls worry about their looks because of men, plain and simple. Models and actresses fill their minds, and be real, they only make up like 2% of the population.

Q. What do you think of the whole current Chik-Fil-A situation? T.R. A. They choose to be closed one day a week for their own reasons; they can say/do what they choose. It is a free country, yet there will always be people out there who have an issue with everything, and those who want to badger the ones who have an issue. If they feel that standing for what they believe won’t affect their business, then let them. If sales fall, and they have to start closing stores, I’m sure they will recant, but in the meantime, let them say/have their piece.

abby@plugdinmagazine.com

Warped Tour 2012 In Review Review by Vikki Sin Photos by Liana Marie Starting in about January every year, I begin a grueling mental countdown till Warped Tour, the annual festival presented by Vans that brings with it the summer heat, skateboarders, and an untouchable lineup of the best of the screamers. Pop punk, metal core, post hardcore, every genre that anyone over 35 has no idea what you’re talking about. Those bands.

Skinny jean central. I love it. And I couldn’t wait till July 14th to hit the Toyota Pavilion in Scranton, PA. This year, Warped kept its promise on bringing the heat. I almost passed out twice, despite the near drowning level of hydration I had fervently sucked down. So when the torrential downpours came, I welcomed it gleefully. Also, I was under the giant tent otherwise known as the Tilly’s/ Kia Rio Stage watching Sleeping with Sirens, so I couldn’t care less.

Even when it was time for me to interview one of my favorite bands, Pierce the Veil, the press area was right there so I didn‘t get washed away. (Sidenote: One of my favorite things about Warped…they are extremely friendly to press.) Everyone remained in high spirits even during the rain, when we were all entertained by a group of about 60-75 people sliding down the mud on the hill in all their glory. When the tsunami passed, the show went on like nothing had happened. No harm, no foul, no deaths, (like they had seen in Toronto due to the scorching heat) and a happy cooler Vikki.

Thankfully most of the bands I had x’ed off on my $2 schedule were under said tent. I will point out that the schedules were $2, but the prices weren’t nearly as bad as I have seen at other festivals. Water being $3 is a lot better than $5 when you’re dying, and $42 to see around 100 acts is fine by me as well. It didn‘t stop the hordes of people from coming out and braving mother nature‘s bipolar rampage either. As usual most of the crowd was under 21, and these kids meant business. If I didn’t know any better I’d swear they were amped up on meth and candy. With a lineup that included everyone from Mayday Parade to Motionless in White to Taking Back Sunday, it’s no wonder. I caught one act on the Kia Soul stage, or the main stage. I ran like hell to catch one of my favorite bands for the first time, Falling in Reverse. If anyone was going to bring back neon zebra leggings, I thank the lords that it was Ronnie Radke, who gave his loyal screaming fans an enthusiastic performance amid hanging fan flung bras from Jackie Vincent’s bright green guitar. Good stuff. Speaking of throwing bras, the band that holds the award for most lingerie thrown on stage from 14 year old girls goes to none other than All Time Low on the Kia Rio stage. Now, I happen to be a fan, so I made my way up near the front. I almost died. I don’t know how many times I was kicked in the head whilst bobbing up and down screaming along to ‘Dear Maria Count Me In’ but that was ironically one of the craziest scenes I have ever been involved in in any show ever. Nonstop crowd surfing and endless smiles from everyone, including the baffled security guards. That was the best (Cont’d)

performance I saw that day.

Sometimes at these things, it’s hard to catch all the bands you want to see, due to conflicting times and the pilgrimage through merch row to be made to get to different area. Me and my friend started the day down at the Monster stage to catch Rise to Remain and Memphis Mayfire, who both put on amazing, energetic sets. We also got to witness a fight broken up by what turned out to be a comedian water guy who had people cracking up all day wherever he went. Simple stuff like that amuses the hell out of me at marathon shows, so kudos to that guy. Most of the day though, as I had said, was spent at the giant side by side Tilly’s/Kia Rio stages under the big top tent with the seating (thank the rock gods) where we caught a continuous 1-2 punch of Breathe Carolina, We are the In Crowd, Pierce the Veil, Senses Fail, All Time Low, Bayside, and the last performers of the day, the always brutal Miss May I. I refused to leave during this whole block of time, so the 2 bands I wanted to see but missed on other stages were Taking Back Sunday and Mayday Parade. The only casualties of an otherwise flawless plan. I have to say all of the bands performed their hearts out and really made for a fantastic day despite the mess. I was especially happy to see Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens join PTV onstage for their new song “King For A Day” with a beach ball shoved up his shirt the entire song. Never a dull moment. Another great year, and more great stories. I’ve heard a lot of people say that they didn’t like the lineup this year, but to me festivals are more than that. Go discover new music, make new friends, promote your own band, and just be a part of the music scene. Mental countdown to next year’s craziness might start a little earlier than last. Thanks for the memories, Warped!

Follow Vikki Sinn @VikkiSin666 Review and Photos by Liana Marie The Vans Warped Tour has been home to countless up-and-coming punk, ska, and metal bands as well as seasoned veterans since its initiation year in 1995. Fast-forward 17 years later, this summer tour has stayed an important date for music lovers of all ages who are willing to bear the heat. This is the one tour you will find everything from punk to metal, to hiphop, to folk/indie music all in one place.

Despite the poor weather conditions this year, thousands of people ranging in age from preteen to middle-aged adults flooded the venue to see new acts such as Matt Toka, Cherri Bomb, and T. Mills; as well as much anticipated returning veterans such as Taking Back Sunday, The Ghost Inside, and Sleeping with Sirens. Once again I was able to make it to both Scranton, Pennsylvania and Camden, New Jersey dates this year.

My day in Scranton Pennsylvania started out awfully nice and toasty. I began my journey at the Monster energy stage where I met some pretty incredible artists and individuals. I ended up meeting the front man of one of my personal favorite bands- Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. I was able to catch up with Lee Mckinney of Born of Osiris, Dan Jones from Chelsea Grin and some of the guys in The Ghost Inside. I Also had the pleasure of speaking (Cont’d)

with Beau of Bless the fall also meeting his beautiful wife, Lights. The warped tour production team, security, and a lot of the other staff were all hard workers and great company. Kevin Lyman himself is a considerate and overall incredible human being. It was a great pleasure speaking with him again.

I was only able to catch some of the bands I was hoping to see before the relentless downpour throughout the rest of the day. The rain really threw things off track, but I was able to catch Bless The Fall, Rise To Remain and Memphis May Fire. Memphis May Fire lit up the stage with “Without Walls” leading into tons of other great tracks like “Alive In the Lights” and “Vices” of their latest album “The Challenger.” I was also able to catch Sleeping With Sirens, Title Fight, The Ghost Inside, Motionless In White, Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Chelsea Grin, and For Today.

Although it down poured and my foot nearly got crushed by the barricade, it was a rather successful day under given circumstances. I finished out the night to For Today’s Devastator, screaming “THIS WAR WILL END” at the top of my lungs. That band is absolutely incredible! Their stage presence, talent, and passion behind what they stand for is extremely inspiring and like no other. To top it off they’re all genuine and heartfelt individuals. In my opinion, there’s not a band out there much more worthy of your support.

Camden weather was looking rather intimidating as well. The precipitation and lack of natural light was no fun, but I must add the breeze was rather delightful. I made sure to once again catch up with The Ghost Inside. I did some shooting from the pit then Vigil had me come on stage to take some overhead crowd shots. It was an incredible experience as it always is working with this band. The amount of energy this band had was impressive, and it truly connected the crowd to the music. The experience was powered by heartfelt lyrics and ear-shattering instrumentals – the guitars were dense, powerful, and loud.

The guys’ set consisted of an array of great songs both old and new including, “Greater Distance”, “Between The Lines”, “Faith Or Forgiveness”, “Unspoken”, in addition to some newer material off their latest album “Get What You Give” Not only were the breakdowns intense and scorching but the emotion that fueled them was amazing. This was hardcore at its best. You can find “Get What You Give” In store’s and online now! Please check it out-You will not be disappointed.

I ran into some friends from I Wrestled A Bear Once. While vocalist Krysta Cameron takes some time off due to maternity reasons, I was able (Cont’d)

to meet up with the band’s current vocalist Courtney. Courtney is a super cool chick- very down to earth and extremely talented. The guys definitely picked the right candidate for the job. Regardless of how she mentioned she was feeling earlier, she absolutely killed it.

I shot and experienced Matt Toka’s set for my first time. I can’t say enough good things about this guy. Matt Toka delivered – and so did his band. Not only were these guys’ songs fun to sing along and jump around to, but they were full of a ton of energy. Matt Toka gave his all despite the very small crowd watching. He was very interactive with the fans, running all over the place, moshing with them, and even brought some kids on stage with him to help sing. It was definitely a set worth watching. His stage presence alone was nothing short of phenomenal.

I also managed to also catch the sets of Falling In Reverse, Taking Back Sunday, T.Mills, and Breathe Carolina. T.Mills was an incredibly new experience but a lot of fun nonetheless. Each of these bands did an incredible job and really put the passion behind their instruments and stage performance.

Out of all the bands I saw there wasn’t one I could say I was disappointed with.

I Briefly met Michelle Star in addition to running into and catching up with Lee Mckinney, Levi Benton, a few of the guys in The Ghost Inside and Vanna afterwards at the BBQ. They were some of the most humble, down to earth, not to mention talented group of artists. What an incredible way to end the night. Once again, the Vans Warped Tour has left us all begging for more and highly anticipating next summer.

Liana Marie Photography

Artist Spotlight: Angel Ortiz of Oshian Interview by Michael Demos PI: Angel, where did the name Oshian come from?

AO: This is kind of funny...The name Oshian actually came from a place in India that was destroyed called Osian so we just added that extra H and what do you know Oshian was created meaning we destroy things.

PI: How did the band get its start and what role do you play in the band?

AO: The band was actually started in April of 2011, but I didn’t join the band until January 13th of 2012. I am the lead vocalist/ screamer for the band.

PI: What is the current direction of the band? Are you guys recording any material? Have you ever released any material before?

AO: We are currently trying to work our way on getting bigger and our main direction is to be different than any other band and not sound the same. We will be going into the studio very soon and releasing an EP sometime in August of this year. We do have previously recorded material on our Facebook page and you can find it on YouTube for our song "Break Down The Walls" but the vocals on that song were from before I joined and vocals were done by Rhythm guitarist Andrew Myles.

PI: You guys have quite a local buzz about you in our area. Why is that?

AO: I think honestly it's because we are very different from any other band out now. We do not do the cliché breakdowns that everyone expects and maybe that gets people to notice us more. Plus, we are playing many shows now at many different venues and people have different tastes in music and I am glad people are starting to notice us and give us a try.

PI: What are some of your personal musical influences? What bands or artists do you look up to and why?

AO: Some of my personal music influences include Bullet For My Valentine, Metallica, Killswitch Engage, Disturbed and Staind. An artist that I look up to would have had to be Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage. He has such an amazing voice and he is so good at his screams.

I wish to one day be even half as good as him.

PI: How serious is your band and the chemistry you guys have with each other? How far can you see this band going?

AO: We are very serious about our chemistry together and if it doesn't fit well or the sound is not what we like then we redo everything and start again. We are very, very strict on our sound and how we like to sound. I can see us going really far if we put all of our hard work into it but not only that can judge how far we go because we (Cont’d)

don't get anywhere without any of the fans supporting us they are the reason we are at where we are right now. WE LOVE YOU OSHIAN ARMY!!!

PI: if you had to describe Oshian to someone who has never heard you...what would you say to them?

AO: WE ARE DIFFERENT!!! We are not the same as all of the bands playing today. See us once and judge for yourself.

PI: What's wrong with music scene these days? What's right about it?

AO: I think what’s wrong with the music scene today is everyone is fighting like it's a competition and bands diss other bands. I think everyone should be united and just worry about making great music everyone will enjoy. Also, it seems like not many people come out and support local music, so I say come out to local shows guys and gals and have a very great time guaranteed. I think what is right about the music scene today is many bands are coming out with very different music that is different which keeps music awesome and keeps people paying attention.

PI: We have a very saturated local music scene. How does your band stand out? AO: Once again like I said earlier in this interview WE ARE DIFFERENT!! We don't do many breakdowns and with influences like Lamb Of God, Avenged Sevenfold and Pantera people can expect that different sound from us especially our stage presence. We are just overall different.

PI: The live performance is a very important part of any successful bands bag of tricks. How does Oshian's live show stack up?

AO: I wish I could watch our show and and play at the same time so I can honestly say what it's like, but many people come up to us after a set and tell us we are very good live and our stage presence is amazing because we are always moving from beginning to end and we move all around the stage and not just stay in one spot. We just love to have fun and to even be performing, so we play every show like it's our last day on this earth.

PI: As a band, what thing do you guys need to do or work on to become more successful?

AO: I think personally we need to tighten our sound to make even more heads turn and we most definitely need to release our music so more people can sing with us and so that people that are not from Pennsylvania can sit at their computers and listen to us on our page, cd or mp3.

PI: What upcoming shows do you guys have?

AO: We have a few shows coming up in the coming months here are just a few: July 29th at the Croc Rock in Allentown, PA with I Set My Friends On Fire, The Color Morale, Our Last Night, My Ticket Home and Fact. August 3rd in Linthicum, Maryland as we co-headline with the band To Speak Of Wolves. August 11th at The Silo in Reading, PA for The Silo Benefit Show. August 19th at the Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA for the All Stars Tour with bands like Suicide Silence, The Word Alive, I See Stars, Make Me Famous, Unearth and many more. September 2nd at The Champ in Lemoyne, PA for the BIGTADOO Festival with 29 Bands and 30 vendors.

PI: Angel, thanks for sitting down with us and giving us a chance to get Plug'd In. Thank you so much for having me I really enjoyed this.

www.oshianofficial.com

Plug’d In’s Top 10 Best Superheroes That Can kick Your Ass

By Michael Demos #10 Spawn - Al Simmons, once the U.S. government's greatest soldier and most effective assassin, was mercilessly executed by his own men. But he made a deal with a demon to return to Earth, reborn as a creature from the depths of Hell. A Hellspawn. Created by Todd McFarlane (writer/artist), Spawn is one of the longest-running and most-respected independent comics of all time. But he ain't pretty. #9 Captain America - In World War II, patriotic (but scrawny) solider Steve Rogers volunteered as a test subject for the "Super Soldier Serum" and became a living symbol of freedom. Timely Comics' most popular character during the war, he was often depicted fighting the Axis powers. After the war ended, however, Captain America's popularity waned. He was reintroduced during the Silver Age of comics, revived from suspended animation by the superhero team the Avengers. Unfortunately, like many early superheroes, Cap suffers from lame costume syndrome (he's basically a walking flag) and his only weapon is a glorified frisbee. #8 Thor - The Norse god of thunder first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962) in a story scripted by Larry Lieber and pencilled by Jack Kirby. One of several powerful ancient beings who dwell in a magical realm called Asgard, Thor boasts a relatively cool costume and a magic hammer (hey, it's better than a frisbee). A perennial member of the Avengers, Thor can summon the elements of the storm (lightning; rain; wind; snow), and after Odin's death, he inherited his father's awesome power, the Odinforce. #7 Iron Man - A wealthy industrialist, Tony Stark suffered a severe heart injury when he was kidnapped by terrorists who tried to force him to build a weapon of mass destruction. Instead, he created a powered suit of armor to save his life and escape captivity. Tony would later use the suit to protect the world as the invincible Iron Man, a modern day knight in hightech armor. Robert Downey, Jr's portrayal of Iron Man in the live action films Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010) was a huge box office success. #6 Hulk - Supervising the trial of an experimental gamma bomb he had designed for the U.S. Defense Department at a nuclear research facility in New Mexico, Bruce Banner selflessly rushed onto the testing field when he noticed a teenager who had wandered into the blast zone. After shoving young Rick Jones to safety in a nearby ditch, Bruce was irradiated by the deadly gamma energy which transformed him into the living engine of destruction known as the incredible Hulk. We might edge him a little lower on this list (after all, he's just a big green guy), but we were afraid hulk might smash us.

With a super power that increases in direct proportion to his anger, you don't want to tick this jolly green giant off! #5 Superman - Created by Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist), Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 (June 1938). He subsequently appeared in various radio serials, television programs, films, newspaper strips, and video games. With the success of his adventures, Superman helped to create the superhero genre. If he had a cooler costume, he might be #1 on this list. Still, it's hard to argue with super strength, super speed, (Cont’d)

heat vision, x-vision, ice breath, the power of flight. He's like every other superhero rolled into one. But that silly costume ...

(There's a reason the producers of Smallville kept Tom Welling out of the red and blue spandex for ten seasons.) #4 Wonder Woman - Based on the Amazons of Greek mythology, Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston as a "distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn by the hatred of men." She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 (December 1941). Wonder Woman is an inspiration to young girls everywhere (she can slug it out with any super villain), and Lynda Carter's portrayal in the 1970s TV show inspired the imaginations of young boys everywhere as well! (She can use that magic lasso on us any time!) #3 Wolverine - Well, bub, he's got claws. That's right. Claws. Everybody's favorite mutant, Wolverine has three retractable claws on each hand and a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound given sufficient time. An antihero that sometimes resorts to the use of deadly force, Wolverine brings out the rebel in all of us. He first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180 (November 1974) and later gained popularity as a member of the X-Men. He finally earned his own solo comic book in 1988 and has been portrayed by Hugh Jackman in the popular X-Men films. #2 Spider-Man - Created by the legendary Stan Lee (writer) and Steve Ditko (artist), Spiderman first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 (Aug. 1962). The bite of an irradiated spider granted high school student Peter Parker incredible powers.

Like many heroes, Spidey's origin is steeped in tragedy (the death of Uncle Ben), but rather than brooding over his loss, Peter evolved into a trickster hero who often wears his foes down with corny jokes and one-liners. When Spider-Man first appeared in the early 1960s, teenagers in superhero comic books were usually relegated to the role of sidekick to the protagonist. The Spider-Man series broke ground by featuring Peter, a teenage high school student to whose "self-obsessions with rejection, inadequacy, and loneliness" young readers could relate. Marvel's flagship character, Spider-Man has appeared in many forms of media, including several animated and live-action television shows, syndicated newspaper comic strips, a successful series of films starring actor Tobey Maguire, and even a Broadway musical. #1 Batman - Created Bob Kane (artist) and Bill Finger (writer), Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, young Bruce dedicates his life to protecting the citizens of Gotham City from criminals. Why is Batman #1? Because. Unlike most heroes, he has NO POWERS, and he still kicks butt. He's just a dude, like you and me, but he has honed his body and mind into such a powerful weapon that he strikes fear in the hearts of evil-doers everywhere. While the 1960s television show was, perhaps, a low point for the Caped Crusader, he is generally portrayed as the Dark Knight, a brooding, complex character, obsessed with the oath he has sworn to protect Gotham's citizens. A cultural icon, Batman has spawned multiple tv shows, cartoons, movies, video games, action figures, and a whole family of comic books. Even his secret identity is cool. While Clark Kent is chasing down stories for the Daily Planet, Bruce Wayne poses as a billionaire playboy, industrialist, and philantropist, lounging in jacuzzi's with scantily-clad supermodels. Can't beat that.

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1402 N. 9th Street Reading, PA 19604 Www.reverbconcerts.com Monday, July 30th: PRONG + Special guests: SPINEBELT + 20TIL8.

Tuesday, July 31st: CALL ME CRAZY and special guests….

Thursday, August 2nd: SWASHBUCKLE – The Day of the Beast – and more TBA Friday, August 3rd: MISSTALLICA (All Female Tribute To METALLICA) + more Sunday, August 5th: ATLANTIC AVENUE (Welcome home from the WARPED TOUR show + special guests….

Thursday, August 9th: STAR CITY MELTDOWN – SidAerial – more.

Friday, August 10th: NORTH END and special guests Saturday, August 11th: Scott Reynolds (formerly of ALL / The Pavers ) + Toy Cannons (featuring Pete Cortner formerly of DAG NASTY) Special guests: Big Green Limousine – Couples Only Sunday, August 12th: FORGER – Mayla – xSluggernautx – Rodent Lord – and more Friday, August 17th: FEAR FACTORY (new Shockwave make-up date!) + special guests: Ninetail and more.

Saturday, August 18th: JOHNNY ACTION FIGURE (CD Release Show for the “Solar Bear” EP) Wednesday August 22nd: GLOOMINOUS DOOM + PSYCHOSTICK and more TBA Thursday, August 23rd: FLUX CAPACITOR + CONSIDER THE SOURCE Friday, August 24th: Jus Allah (Jedi Mind Tricks), Reef the Lost Cauze (Army Of The Pharoahs)

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