FREE
Dec 2010
MAGAZINE
DETROIT LIVE
WWW.DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
MAGAZINE
VINNIE PAUL GATES OF BABYLON AS THEY SLEEP SWEET CRYSTAL TILES
GATES OF BABYLON
DETROIT’S BABES OF METAL
THE CULT FITZ STRATOPHEERIUS
Detroit’s Favorite LIVE MUSIC Monthly Photo by Mike Roelandt
Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it! 3
CONTENTS
Welcome Sarah
6. ROCK THE RUNWAY - SARAH MYRAND
8. BLONDE REDHEAD - SARAH STONBRAKER 11. UFC ROCKS DETROIT - MATHEW KULACKI 12. REVOLUTION OF ROCK - TINY TIM COOK 13. TAKE THIS JOB AND LOVE IT! - KARIN ELIZABETH 14. BENNY AND BOB - BENNY JET & BOB HARRIS 17. VINNIE PAUL - RYAN LAPOINTE 18. COVER - GATES OF BABYLON - DARIAN COUNTS 19. AS THEY SLEEP - STEVE wALLAG 22. HOW TO GET YOUR BAND INTO DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE - DARIAN COUNTS 23. SWEET CRYSTAL - DARIAN COUNTS 24. CULT REVIEW - M.G. NADER 29. FITZ, TILES AND STRATOSPHEERIUS - ERIC HARABADIAN 30. HOROSCOPE - EDDIE COOPER 32. MERRY CANNABISMUS - JIM CRAEMER
Sarah Myrand Detroit Rock Girl
Detroit Live Magazine welcomes Sarah Myrand to our family of rock and roll promoters. If Sarah looks familiar that’s because in 2009 she was crowned WRIF rock girl. She served her term with distinction and now, has teamed up with Detroit Live Magazine. If you are interested in talking to Sarah about Detroit Live advertising or a promotional appearance, see her contact info below. “I’m very excited to partner with Detroit Live Magazine. Detroit has the greatest rock and roll scene in the world and I’m honored to be a part of it. My time as WRIF rock girl was an incredible experience and the people I met there were wonderful. I’m looking forward to working with Detroit Live Magazine in 2011. So call me to talk about advertising and promotional events” sarahrockgirl@detroitlivemagazine.com
CALL RYAN OR SARAH FOR GREAT DEALS ON ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL EVENTS
A FULL PAGE, ONE MONTH AD.
$100.00 OFF
*ad must be received and paid by Dec. 15TH 2010
CONGRATS TO RYAN LAPOINTE
ryanlapointe@detroitlivemagazine.com
Editor-In-Chief: Darian Counts Sales: Darian Counts, Ryan Lapointe Contributors: Benny Jet, Bob Harris, Ryan Lapointe, Karin Elizabeth, Eric Harabadian, M.G. Nader,Steve Wallag, Jim Craemer, Sarah Stonbraker, Mathew Kulacki, Eddie Cooper, sarah Myrand. Cover photo: Mike Roelandt / edited by M.G. Nader Graphic Design: Darian Counts, Sean Giles, Olin Ezra Editing: Donna James Photgraphers: M.G. Nader, Steve Sexton, Dante Desaro, Mike Roelandt, John Tavernier Jr., Shane Glenn
Congratulations to Ryan Lapointe for being Detroit Lives’ #1 Advertising Account rep for 2010! Ryan Lapointe has been with Detroit Live since its inception. Since becoming a full time account exec. Ryan has been our top sales person. Ryan is also very active in celebrity relations and event planning. He’s been in the magazine business for almost a decade and works hard for all his clients. Contact Ryan Lapointe today for all your advertising needs.
LOG ONTO WWW.DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM FOR DETAILED RATE INFO
WWW.DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
4 Detroit Live Magazine - Covering the worlds Greatest Music Scene
Granger Publications 2010
GREAT DEALS NEW AND USED EQUIPMENT GUITARS AMPS DRUMS SHEET MUSIC LESSONS KEYBOARDS
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM
DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE
MIKE CAREY MUSIC
.. SHITZEN GIGGLES MUSIC EMPORIUM
1673 FORT STREET WYANDOTTE MI 48192 734-283-4550
BUY-SELL-TRADE
GUITARS, DRUMS, BAND INSTRUMENTS, AMPS & MORE We pay more than anyone downriver for your used gear! Any age - any condition
Contact Sarah for great deals on Detroit Live advertising, events and promotions
sarahrockgirl@detroitlivemagazine.com
CONSIGNMENT WELCOME
Complete Guitar Repairs And Set-ups Available Custom Drum Kit Vinyl Wraps Starting At $99 Custom Bass Drum Heads Starting At $29 Custom Guitar Graphics Starting At $29
SAVE 10%
ON ANY PURCHASE OVER $100
WE HAVE WE ALSO MAKE CUSTOM T-SHIRTS, WE HAVE LAY AWAY BANNERS, CUSTOM DRUM HEADS LAY AWAY AND CAR DECALS. OPEN WED - SUN OPEN WED - SUN 10AM-6PM 10AM-6PM 22525 ECORSE RD TAYLOR MI 48180 FRI & SAT 10AM-8PM FRI & SAT 10AM-8PM INSIDE TAYLOR TOWN TRADE CENTER
Detroit Rock Girl Sarah Myrand Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it! 5
By Darian Counts
34 BLISS Photo by Dante Desaro
Rock the Runway 2010 I have to be honest; November isn’t exactly my favorite month of the year. There’s not much to look forward to besides cold weather, the Lions losing, and of course every health conscious persons nightmare…Thanksgiving! Thankfully we have the Detroit Red Wings and the many amazing people of Metro Detroit to make November spectacular! Rock the Runway 2010
6 Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it!
By Sarah Myrand
invited me to participate as one on the models in the show, and of course I said yes! They totally spoiled me too! When I got to the Emerald I was driven to Salon Dion where they spent two hours doing my makeup and giving me a rockin updo. They also hooked me up with drinks and great seats for my friends, which is always awesome ;) The place was packed, photographers everywhere, and I was able to rock the runway About the Event: Last month three different times sporting Empire on November 13th was the third Seven’s clothing. Ticket prices were annual Rock the Runway fashion decent too; they were $10 online and show at the Emerald Theatre in $15 at the door. They had a great Mt. Clemens presented by Dynamic line up of bands, Hatch and Richy Powersports. The show combines Nixx rocked it. 34 Bliss was amazing, local fashion and music to create a and if you’ve never seen them before very entertaining and stand out event. their lead singer Rocquel, she’s an Rock the Runway had 160 models awesome vocalist and totally hot too! and showcased the clothing of Empire The Definition was really cool, they‘re Seven, Broke, Dirty Money, Detroit a combination of rock, hip hop, and Swag, Detroit Remedy, Crimeshit, blues which made a very unique 7.15.4, Malvagio, Justus, and 420 entertaining performance. Basically Clothing. Performances were made by it was a super fun night, it was really Richy Nixx, The Definition, 34 Bliss, great to see all the local companies Hatch, and DJ Dirty White. and musicians come together and put on a great show! Special thanks to Empire Seven, Dynamic Powersports, My Experience at the Show: First Salon Dion, and everyone who of all, if you weren’t one of the 1500 attended and participated. people at the show then you sadly Have a rock and Roll Christmas… see missed out and lucky for you there’s ya next month!!!! always next year. Empire Seven Sarah Clothing and Dynamic Powersports
photo by Shane Glenn
FLAT ROck TIRE GREAT DEALS ON NEW and USED TIRES!!
734-783-0100
Manager Brandon Ratcliff
Downrivers #1 TIRE CENTER Tires Starting at $30.00 and up
NAME THAT TUNE
Monday-Saturday 9-6
WEDNESDAY DEC 1 J.P. McGUIRES - TAYLOR THURSDAY DEC 2 BENCH PUB - LIVONIA WEDNESDAY DEC 8 TIMBER WOLF TAVERN - REDFORD SATURDAY DEC 11 CECIL'S BAR - TAYLOR WEDNESDAY DEC 15 J.P. McGUIRES - TAYLOR THURSDAY DEC 16 BENCH PUB - LIVONIA SATURDAY DEC 18 CECIL'S BAR - TAYLOR WEDNESDAY DEC 22 TIMBER WOLF TAVERN - REDFORD
WIN GREAT PRIZES
BOOKING: 248-640-8490
www. facebook.com/nttdownriver
24599 Gibraltar Rd, Flat Rock, MI 48134 cont on pg. 11
WEDNESDAY DEC 29 J.P. McGUIRES - TAYLOR THURSDAY DEC 30 BENCH PUB - LIVONIA
24 hr TANNING
· · · · · · ·
BLOND REDHEAD
On October 18th, the band “Blonde Redhead” played an outstanding ambient show filled with fog and bright lights, followed with the flickering of light bulbs made to look as if the stage were lit with candles. The crowd all danced and swayed to the serenity of the music. It was Sarah Stonebraker by far one of the most emotionally responsive shows I have ever been to and I will see them every time they come to Detroit. The Magic Stick is not usually my favorite venue, but everything about this show was perfect and the Magic Stick did a great job. Opening for “Blonde Redhead” was artist “Panthu du Prince” who played more of an electro-house sound that set the environment for the crowd. Visit “Blonde Redhead” on their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blonderedhead and be sure to purchase their new album called “Penny Sparkle”.
8 Detroit Live Magazine - Support your local musician!
CO- ED 24 HR CLUB ACCESS SECURE & CLEAN ENVIRONMENT ALL CARDIO WITH PERSONAL TV’S STATE-OF-THE- ART EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING: LIFE FITNESS & HAMMER STRENGTH) PERSONAL TRAINING 23796 WEST RD BROWNSTOWN MI 48183 734-675-24HR
Mr. Positive 734-320-5790 gregbalteff@yahoo.com
RACK AND ROLL
CONCERTS & GOOD TIMES DOWNRIVERS FAVORITE CONCERT HALL
R&R NYE BLOWOUT
DECEMBER FRI 3RD BIZARRE (OF D12), IKKURRUZ, MYKE MURDER, SOUTHSIDE, SPOT WORKAZ, B.O. DUB CAMP, HADDONFIELD PROJECT
NEW YEARS EVE WITH FOREST WADE, COVERBAND KILLERS & DIRTY DEEDS
9/18
SAT 4TH 'BENEFIT FOR SAMANTHA KELLY' - COVER BAND KILLERS, HIGHWATER, FALL PREY, DEAR MAYBE, EVADE, PAUL SAMOTIS, DINNER DATE, DJ E-ROCK, LOST REALITY, CURTICE MARKLEY FRI 10TH MNSTRS, ACT AS ONE & MORE
Dec 18th RAY STREET PARK
SAT 11TH PPPRM RALLY FRI 17TH BAT ON FIRE, WILSON, THE MALCONTENT, THE UNBECOMING SAT 18TH - RAY STREET PARK, CHAOS THEORY (TERRY MARTIN'S LAST SHOW WITH RSP)
DEC 4TH PAUL SAMOTIS
THU 23RD THE SCENERY, CRACKJAW, TROPHY BOYS, MYKE MURDER, LIVING LIKE GHOSTS
Dec 23rd LIVING LIKE GHOSTS
Dec 4th HIGHWATER
FRI 31ST FOREST WADE, COVER BAND KILLERS, DIRTY DEEDS
Dec 4th Fall Prey
SHOOT YOUR BANDS DEMO VIDEO AT RACK AND ROLL. CALL STEVE FOR INFO 313-207-8749 Monday $8 Buckets
Wednesday BAND COMBAT
THURS. Denali Booking
Booking - Call Tiny 734-363-9737
Sunday The Sunday night fights
13634 Sibley Rd. (Sibley and Fort St.)Riverview MI Detroit Live Magazine - 9
WEDNESDAYS ROCK AND DANCE
CELEBRATE NEW YEARS EVE AT MARLOWS $35.00 PER PERSON INCLUDES ALL YOU CAN DRINK DOMESTIC BEERS AND WELL DRINKS
Wed $1 BEERS $1 BURGERS All Day All Night CHAMPAGNE TOAST AND
Win a 24 inch plasma T V!!
OR CHICKEN & RIBS
GREAT STAFF, DELICIOUS FOOD, LIVE MUSIC
23301 TELEGRAPH RD BROWNSTOWN 10 Detroit Live Magazine - Someones Gotta Rock...Why not you?
734-362-0988
THE UFC ROCKS THE D!
The town was electric as fight fans everywhere gathered for the long awaited return of the Ultimate Fighting Championship to the city of Detroit. After a fourteen year hiatus, Dana White and the UFC decided it was time to bring the fastest growing sport of mixed martial Matthew Kulacki, Matt Hughes and Ryan Lapointe arts back to the Motor returning to the “D”, UFC responded City. Between the with nothing but praise to our city, our media conference, and official weigh establishments, and our fans. “It was ins that were open to the general a great and very successful event and public, the city was full of rowdy we will be back again soon”. Perhaps fans waiting to hear Bruce Buffer say “Ladies and gentleman, IIIttt’ssss though, the quote of the evening came from Dana White. When asked by our time!” The Palace erupted in such magnitude, that it had rivaled even the own Ryan Lapointe if he had anything that stood out about the city of Detroit biggest of celebrations. in the few day stay they had here, Dana exclaimed “This town is freakin’ rockin! The card was stacked and we the people got everything from knockouts, People are out spending money, malls and restaurants are packed, compared to submissions, decisions, and flat out wars. The double main event featured Vegas, Detroit is rockin”. a rubber-match between former lightweight champions “The Prodigy” So to Dana White, Zuffa, the UFC BJ Penn and Matt Hughes and former fighters, publicists Joe and Jennifer, and everyone who made this event possible, middle-weight champions Lyoto thank you. I think I can speak for all “The Dragon” Machida and Quinton of us when I say that we will anxiously “Rampage” Jackson. It was clear cut be awaiting your return and we will see who the fan favorites were as the fighters approached the ring and like I you next time back in the octagon. said, they did not break expectations. With BJ scoring a decisive 21 second -Matthew Kulacki knockout of rival Matt Hughes Rampage Jackson and Ryan Lapointe and thus earning “Knockout of the Night” it’s clear that the Prodigy is back and better then ever. Rampage and the Dragon’s fight was not so clear cut. Left to the judges the fight was a split decision in Jackson’s favor giving him the victory 2 rounds to 1. Other victories throughout the night went to Phil Davis, Mark Munoz, George Sotiropoulos, Miguel Falcao, and Brian Foster. With all the excitement the entire week, the biggest news of the night came during the after fight press conference. When asked if the UFC would be planning on Detroit Live Magazine - Detroit Rock City!!! 11
REVOLUTION
OF ROCK By Tiny Tim Cook
Terry - Ray Street park
The Revolution of Rock This month I want to celebrate the end of an era. As many of you know “The Original Bass Pimp” Terry Alan Martin; bassist for Detroit powerhouse Ray Street Park; has announced he is leaving the band. For over 25 years Tizzle has been a mainstay in the Detroit music scene. Terry’s resume includes his time in Glass Alley, Ala Drama, Indecent, Hooves, Vinyl, Ray Street Park & Lordz of Shacktown plus his fill-in work with Koyl, Mindcandy, The Unheard and Sean Baker Orchestra. As my best friend and unofficial older brother I can tell you that he will be missed by all. Not many bassists can own a stage or crowd like Terry can. He definitely did his heroes Steve Harris and Billy Sheehan proud. Terry and the lovely Jacie will be spending time with their kick-ass puppies Scout, Domino and Paz in addition to continue checking out the local Detroit rock scene. Terry will be keeping busy as well with a new venture. Terry and I will be starting a balls-out everything goes sports talk show called ‘S.O.S. Slapdicks On Sports’ on The Olin Ezra Radio Network. Starting in December
12 Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it!
Tiny Tim Cook
Dec 4th
RELENTLESS CD Release Party
Friday Dec. 17th
SWEET CRYSTAL CD Release Party
Dec. 11th SEDUCE
on tapdetroit.com on Wednesday nights. Check with Terry and I on Facebook for our official start. Terry’s last show with Ray Street Park is Saturday, December 18th at Rack ‘n’ Roll Nightclub in Riverview for RSP’s Christmas Bash with special guests Chaos Theory. The Jagermeister will be flowing, so come out and celebrate. A band I’m very happy to see back full steam ahead and revitalized is Fall Prey. I have seen them play 3 times in the last couple of months and each time it gets a little more intense. Amanda, George, Mike, Rob and Eric stole the show at Where’s Gerald 10, Crackjaw’s annual Halloween blowout. To say they stole the show that featured Forest Wade, Crackjaw, The Handme Downs, Myke Murder and Trophy Boys is extremely impressive. Here’s hoping that this momentum keeps going for this amazing band as their potential is limitless. Drop me a line at tinytimrocks@yahoo.com or find me on Facebook at facebook.com/ tinytimrocks. Well, until next month always remember Earth, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Life Rules! -Tiny By Tiny Tim Cook
Saturday Dec. 18th 2010
MITCH RYDER
Thurs Dec 23rd
KOFFIN KATS Coming Jan 28th LYNCH MOB www.tokenlounge.com
WE BEAT ALL DEALS
Booking 248-797-6931 (734) 513-5030 28949 Joy Rd, Westland, MI
Adventures of a Cover Band, Part 7 Take This Job and Love It! By Karin Elizabeth lost his job as an engineer in the auto husband industry six months after I left my job as a music teacher. For years we had both dreamed of starting a cover band, and how fun it would be. We had a band going part-time as a hobby while we were still working our jobs. Now it would be our main source of income. If anyone had told me how much work it would be, I would have given up long ago. Now I constantly think about how thankful I am that I didn’t. It’s hard to make the leap from having a “legitimate” and noble career (a teacher, for example, which is what I used to be) to having your hobby suddenly become your job. People say all kinds of things about it. “Can’t you guys get a real job?” “Why aren’t you working?” What most people don’t realize is that essentially you are running your own business and most of your time is spent advertising, organizing, and keeping books. By Karin Elizabeth In the case of being a musician, there is also practice and rehearsal time. There is booking, With the holidays coming up, I’d like to which a lot of time is spent on. Why practice take a moment and discuss something that is when there are no gigs to pay? There is also most likely on everyone’s mind right now: overhead cost: equipment, press materials, and money. When choosing a career, many folks maintaining a web presence. There is a definite consider how much money you are making to time commitment. There is also the fun part: be the most important thing, not whether or keeping up with your crowd. But it’s allnot you enjoy the job. This is no one’s fault; consuming and requires big sacrifices. That’s it’s just survival instinct kicking in. We are a the hard part though. There definitely are fun hard-working people with a killer work ethic: parts of all this work, and the best part is you Business first, then pleasure. get to reconcile who you are with what you do to make a living. Very seldom does someone find something they love to do, and are able to actually make People say to us, “Oh it must be so fun to a living at it. A lucky few are able to do this. be in a band and play music for a living!” I Most people go to school and/or get work have sacrificed so many things to get here: my experience in a field that is practical, where career, time with my family, money, and so the odds of making good money are higher. many other things I can’t even describe. But In Michigan, it’s usually something technical the entire time I had all of those things in involving the auto industry. However, as we abundance, all I did was wish for this to be my have so painfully learned in the last decade only career. To sit here and complain about when the economy started making a turn for all of the hard work that goes along with it is the worse, you can’t put all of your eggs in one just stupid. If I can’t be happy now that what I basket. Now as Michigan slowly climbs out of want is here, I will never be happy…so screw its hole, you see people rising from the ashes that! I’m going to enjoy this. I’ll sleep when in different forms, making themselves new by I’m dead. choosing a career based on what they enjoy doing. That’s one thing I love about Detroit. I always try to look at the positive in any There is constant renewal among the ruins. situation. With people losing their jobs and businesses going under left and right, it’s hard You never know…let’s say just for not to wallow in the negativity when everyone conversation’s sake, that you do have a really else around you seems to be doing it. What great job. Your boss loves you and you and I really like to see is brave individuals who your family never lack for money. Just for fun, are making careers out of hobbies because you do something artistic on the side, maybe they have been forced to do so by economics. make a little money here and there. All of a Things are uncertain and uncomfortable, yet sudden, boom! The company you work for we may still be forced to take risks, financial has a huge lawsuit and is forced to make big and otherwise. If you’re apprehensive about changes, meaning your job is obsolete. What taking the leap from a job to starting your own are you going to do? You’re going to make business, whether you hate your job or you your hobby into your business. don’t have one any more, I have three words of advice for you: For some this is a dream come true, and a relief. For others, it’s a nightmare. For me, it JUST DO IT! was a little bit of both. Three years ago, my
Detroit Live Magazine - 13
Bob Harris
Bob & Benny By Benny Jet & Bob Harris
Dashing through the snow. In a one horse open sleigh. Over the fields we go. Laughing all the way. Geez can it really be that time of year again, already? Writing a column is a lot like writing a song. You have to hit people right out of the gate. Hook them so they will listen to the rest of the song or in our case read the rest of the column. I am pleasantly surprised how many people do read this column. Both in print via Detroit Live Magazine and on line via www. detroitlivemagazine.com on my band web site www.bennyandthejets.com and on several others who reprint, repost, Facebook, Twitter and forward it around the world. Thank you, Thank you! Guitarist Eddy Layton reads the column online. He is in Orlando with Thunder Audio and promoting his new video “Brick by Brick.” Bobbi Scheffer of the Eleventh Hour band says she and a lot of people get Detroit Live at the Guitar Center in Allen Park. Guitarist Paul Warren who plays for Rod Stewart gets his Detroit Live at MR. G’s. I hear Lora Podell from ch4 TV gets her copy at the All Around bar. Sax man Tommy C whose son Tommy Jr now plays in OZZY’S band gets his copy at Noir Leather in Royal Oak! It looks like my partner Bob Harris really hit a home run with his Legends Rock concert last month at the Gibraltar Trade Center. Jose Riojas (hall of fame guitarist) opened the show. Then the Shades of Blue (60s hit “Oh How Happy”) with guitarist
Ray Goodman and Marshall Block. The Contours (10 million copies of “Do You Love Me?”) came on next. The Contours who made a huge comeback in the Dirty Dancing movie, were HOT! This band could play anywhere from DTE to VEGAS and not disappoint. Yours truly went on next and somehow people must have confused me with someone famous, let’s just say they were very nice to me. I do a song called Edgewater Park, which is kind of a spinoff of Freddy Boom Boom Cannon’s Palisades Park. In the song I talk about Edgewater which was a small amusement park that used to be in the Telegraph and 7 Mile area. It always surprises me how many people remember that little park. Yes, Bob-lo Island and Walled Lake Casino too. Question Mark and the Mysterians closed the show with a standing ovation for their 1960s hit 96 TEARS. Question Mark who has
Slyvester Potts The Countors
Steve King 14 Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it!
his original band just rocks. Bobby, the Mysterians guitar player, is one of the greatest. Little Ray the drummer, is second to none and iconic organ player Little Frank, well lets just say, standing ovation. I have written before about the comparisons of Question Mark and the Rolling Stones. I believe on the same stage with the same equipment Question Mark would win! This concert really had the feel of a music convention or class reunion. I can’t begin to list all the musicians, bands and entertainers that attended. I was very happy to see Jack Rainwater. Jack had a few records back in the day and played with a who’s who of Detroit musicians. George Young was there. George performed for many years at the Pier 500; he also hosted the Swingin Time TV show after Robin Seymour. Gino Washington was there with Spider Turner. Gino’s record “Gino is a Coward” and Spiders “Under the Boardwalk” are big at all the record collector shows. Mike Quatro, Bonnie and Working Girls, Chain Reaction, Steve King and the Dittlies, Lemon James, Elvis Dave, Scott Morgan, guys from SRC, MC5, Mitch Ryder, Rare Earth, Flaming Embers, and Frigid Pink where there. Even Stanley the Mad Hatter who used to MC all the big concerts signed autographs, took photos, and had a great time. In the sad news department: I heard from Dave of the Blues Airmen band and Blues Airmen music store on Ford Road in Garden City. Dave was sad to report the passing of musician Bob Adamski. Bob played in the Invictas, a well known Detroit 60s band. Mr.
Adamski’s daughter Rachal now plays in the band Browdzilla. There is a photo of Mr. Adamski in Motor City Rock and Roll of the 60s and 70s. I think at one point Bob Harris managed the Invictas band. Mr. Harris says the book is now included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Which means the Invictas and Bob Adamski will always be in our Hall of Fame. For more information or to contact Bob Harris call 313-339-8285 to contact Benny or Benny and the Jets band call 313-7301627 or e mail Benejets@aol.com or see the web site www.myspace.com/ bennyandthejets. See the band Tuesday at the Wayne Road Pub in Westland. Thursday and Friday at the Redford Moose on 5 Mile. Sundays at the Fiddle BIKINI bar in Wayne. New Years Eve at the Northville Moose.
Lemon James
WWW.BENNYANDTHEJETS.COM
Detroit’s Rock and Roll addiction
15 Detroit Live Magazine - Someones Gotta Rock...Why not you?
J. DUB’S
12850 Sibley Rd, Riverview MI
NIGHT CLUB 734-285-3306
POWER HOUR LARGE R FLOO DANCE
THURS, FRI, SAT NIGHTS 10:30 -11:30pm
KA TUES RAOKE $1.25 WELL DRINKS AND THU RS N $1.25 BOTTLE BEERS IGHTS .
16 OZ DRAFTS $1.00 JAGERBOMBS $3.50 CHERRY AND RASPBERRY BOMBS $2.00 $1 SHOT BAR
ALL NIGHT
LIVE BANDS FRI AND SAT NIGHTS SHUFFLE BOARD, DARTS, POOL TABLES
16 Detroit Live Magazine
Vinnie Paul By Ryan Lapointe
After one of the worst tragedies in music history, Damageplan and former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul wasn’t sure if he wanted to return to music. Thanks to constant persuasion, and what would have to be described as a true love for his art, Vinnie joined forces with Chad Gray (vocals) and Greg Tribbett (guitars) from Mudvayne, as well as Tom Maxwell (guitars) from Nothingface to form the supergroup Hellyeah. (Bassist Bob Zilla from Damageplan rounds out the band, replacing the original bassist in 2007) In what could be described as the merger of hard driven Southern rhythm with melodic and dark Midwestern metal, Hellyeah is a supergroup that actually sounds like they belong together! Detroit Live had the chance to talk with Vinnie Paul while he was in Europe in support of their newest album Stampede.
and-roll. We’ve all come from successful metal bands and when we got together we noticed a lot of doom and gloom in hard rock and we said we wanted to put it back on fun. It’s all about beer drinking, kicking ass, and having a great time with your friends. That kind of encapsulates what Hellyeah is about! In a nutshell it’s for the working class dude, who can’t wait to get to Friday night, pop a top off a beer, let his hair down, forget about his problems, and have a good time. DL: How did Hellyeah come about?
VP: 10 years ago when Mudvayne and Nothingface were touring together, Chad and Tom talked about putting a band together outside of their perspective bands but they never had the time or weren’t too serious about it. In 2007 they had that window and of course brought Greg on DL: Hey Vinnie, how ya doing? board and they started talking about drummers VP: Doing good, trying to stay warm over here in and my name popped up. They started calling me and after what happened with my brother, I didn’t Oslo, Norway and its freezing. We just wrapped up the UK tour with Avenged Sevenfold but we’re know if I was ready to get back into playing music again. They were very persistent, kept calling, and still out with Stone Sour over here. it ended up being the right thing to do. From the minute we wrote our first song, I felt like this is DL: Hellyeah is playing the Machine Shop next what I needed to be doing. I have a torch to carry month, for people who know who you are and maybe know who Mudvayne is, how can you can on, so Hellyeah was born, and I’m really happy about it. you explain the band? VP: It’s called putting the fun back into rock-
DL: You guys played the Uproar Festival, as well as the Download Festival in the UK, and are now
finishing up in Europe. How was hitting the road with Avenged Sevenfold and Stone Sour? VP: It was really great, we did 3 solid months in the US and A7X is really blowing up. All those bands including Disturbed and us all had new albums come out and the fans were really excited about it. With the 1st record we really never got to tour Europe and it’s been quite an honor to play with those guys, but we’re looking forward to coming back. DL: Tell us a little about Stampede which was released in July. VP: It’s a very diverse record that’s as heavy as anything we’ve done with our previous bands to a much more rock-and-roll bluesy southern side and even a deeper emotional side for Chad to express a few things. It’s a record we’re really proud of and are happy to be touring for. DL: You guys were in Detroit in May, but Uproar and the current leg we got missed. Now the Machine Shop isn’t too far, but when are you guys coming back to Detroit? VP: I’ve been surprised Detroit hasn’t popped up yet. It’s all scheduling and being in the right place at right time. We get a lot of support from the radio stations and the fans there, some of the best in the world without a doubt. We highly advise you to come to Flint, the place holds 700-800 people so let’s pack the place up, but if you can’t make it definitely keep your eyes open cause we’ll be hitting Motown before it’s over. DL: I understand you own a Gentleman’s Club in Dallas…. VP: I own several! DL: Several?! What made you want to do that?
12/1/10 1/1/11
VP: Man, I figured I spent enough money in titty bars over the years and the only way to get it back was owning my own. It all started on the golf course one day and some friends and I were saying how cool it would be to own a golf course and at the end of the course we’d have the 19th hole which would be called “The Clubhouse.” All these dudes could tell their wives they were going golfing but were really going to the titty bar, how cool would that be? Upon investigating that a golf course cost well over a million dollars per hole and none of us had that kind of money, so we said let’s forget about the golf course and go ahead and start with the clubhouse and see how that goes. It’s been really successful so far. I own a string of Latina strip bars called Chicas Bonitas that are located in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Austin and we’re working on Tucson and Phoenix now. It’s a lot of fun; they like to come in, drink
Coronas, and watch soccer. Makes a lot of people feel like home. DL: Back in the days with Pantera, you guys used a pot leaf in a lot of your promo items. Michigan is a medical marijuana state, unlike Texas where you live. What’s Vinnie Paul’s opinion on the subject? VP: (Laughing) It’s no more impairing than alcohol. If people can drink until they can’t stand up then take off and become violent and kill people in car crashes, most people that smoke weed are chilled out and usually are doing it at home. I think it should be more legal than alcohol. It’s nice to know that some places are recognizing that and it’s pretty harmless. It’s like any drug or alcohol, if you do too much of it and abuse it, of course it’s going to hinder you and fuck you up. If you’re using it just to chill out and get your mind off of things, there’s nothing wrong with that man. DL: Any stories from your many trips to Detroit? VP: We always had a nickname for Pine Knob: “Natures Penis.” (Laughing) Get it, “Pine Knob.” We always had some great shows there and now it’s called something energy. Every show we ever had there was awesome, and the Palace of Auburn Hills was always amazing. The fans there are so rabid; something about the Midwest, something in the water that drives those people crazy and you always have the best shows in the world there. It’s a great place, lots of good memories, and we’re looking forward to coming back. DL: Thanks a lot for your time, it’s was an honor speaking with you, I’ve been a big fan for a long time. Last thing, anything you want to say to your fans? VP: It’s always been about the band, the fans, the music, and the circle of energy we create within each other. We look forward to seeing you guys, doing a lot of drinking, raising some hell, and I don’t care if there’s six feet of snow on the ground, I expect you to be there, let’s have some fun, come on out, and raise some HELLLYEEAHH!! Make sure you check out Vinnie Paul and Hellyeah @ the Machine Shop in Flint on Dec 15th. For more info go to www.hellyeahband.com
Detroit Live Magazine - 17
Earlier this year Detroit Live introduced the world to the all female metal band, Gates of Babylon. Well, since their feature story last May things have taken off for the band. In June they made their first appearance at a Detroit Live show. It was the Detroit Live Magazine annual Dirty Dozen Midsummer Rockfest with twelve of Detroit’s most powerful bands. Gates of Babylon was able to share the stage with motor city powerhouses like Forest Wade, Pistol Day Parade and Ray Street Park. In addition to playing the show they were able to secure a fantastic time slot and impressed the over capacity crowd with their babylonian brand of metal.
it’s good to have you back in.
DLM: How did the feature story in Revolver Magazine come about? Kristen: Well our promotions people are always sending out press kits and promo material and somehow one got into the hands of Alana Zinn at Revolver Magazine and she contacted us and said “ I think you guys are perfect for our Hottest Women of Hard Rock piece we are Since then they have begun to pick up speed. Shortly after their appearance at the doing”. Dirty Dozen, original drummer “Nikki” DLM: Did you have to fly decided to reunite with the band. Nikki to Ney York or L.A. for is the actual drummer on their 2010 EP. the interview and photo One of the most prevalent things on the recording is the drumming. Nikki’s style is shoot? Kristen: Actually unmistakable. Her double bass is flawless no. They had a local and her drumming instincts are obvious with every beat. I had a chance to talk with photographer and we Nikki as well as the entire Gates of Babylon worked with him for the band regarding their explosive success this photo shoot and since time was so short the rest year. Here is a bit of our conversation. was done via email. DLM: I’m sure many GAB fans are excited to have you back in the band. Can you tell DLM: What has been the result of the multiple me what inspired you to return? magazine write ups and publicity? Have Nikki: Well, in reality I never left because I was never officially in the band. I just did you had any offers? Kristen: Oh yeh. Well the first thing that the recordings. happened was our online CD sales went thru the roof. Also, we were recently DLM: Was that your choice? Nikki: Yeh, at the time I had a lot of things contacted by ESPN’s music department about using some of our stuff for some of going on and I just wasn’t able to commit their programs so we’re very excited about time-wise. But I really wanted to help my girls get a good demo. So I had about three that. weeks to learn/write the drums and you DLM: So should we be listening to hear hear the results. Gates of Babylon on Sport Center anytime soon? DLM: Well the results are incredible. Kristen: Not anytime soon, we are working Nikki: Thank you. on finishing our new CD. After that we will send them the tracks and if they want to DLM: Even though you were never “out” use them cool. If not that’s fine too. Photo M.G. Nader
18 Detroit Live Magazine - Detroits only live music monthly!
Kristen-guitar, Suzie-guitar, Nikki -drums, Sarah-Bass, Jessi - vocals DLM: So how does the new stuff differ DLM: Do you find that people tend to from your last EP? discount you because you’re all female? Jessi: Some songs are more aggressive, Kristen: Yeh, sometimes they do. Once I some are less. was refused entry backstage to my own Kristen: Yeh, we are definitely trying to show. The door guy says “only girlfriends of branch out and expand our base. Some of the band are allowed are you the girlfriend the songs have less screaming and more of one of the bands?” singing in them. But at the same time we I was like “NO I am in the band“. Luckily are writing some heavier stuff as well. someone from the venue recognized me so Metal is our roots and we definitely enjoy they let me in. writing songs that are more in your face. Suzie: It’s important to us that we show Suzie: But that all ends once they see us people we can be diverse in our writing. We play and realize that we are just as good as want to do more middle of the road stuff any guy band. Actually… better than most” but we always want people to know we can get as aggressive as any band. DLM: So what’s on the agenda for Gates of Babylon for the winter of 2011? Jessi: Right now we are focused on writing DLM: Are you guys still using the online and recording our next release. We feel practice method? this next EP will be very strong and have Suzie: Yeh I still live in Ohio and so does crossover radio appeal and we’re excited Nikki but we do what we can online with for people to hear it. And we hope that the band. Then every couple of weeks we everyone will come out and see what we’re get together at the loft and hash out the all about. We are excited to do another songs. It’s very difficult to work that way Detroit Live show. but it’s what we have to do for now. The girls in Gates are currently recording DLM: So you guys have been bouncing new material but their last CD, released in back and forth between Cleveland and the spring of 2010 is still doing incredibly Detroit markets. What are some of your well. I can promise you if you are a fan of biggest shows? metal you will be astounded by the quality Suzie: Well we played at Peabody’s in of their 2010 release. And now that original Cleveland recently and it was an incredible drummer Nikki is back in the picture, their show. It was all metal bands and we were live performances are awe inspiring. Check really received well. We’ve never sold as out Gates of Babylon at an upcoming many CD’s as we did at that show. The Detroit live Magazine show this winter . crowd reaction was unbelievable. www.myspace.com/gatesofbabylonband
by Steve Wallag
What makes a band successful and leaves an impression on anyone that listens to their music? Is it the singing, musical arrangement, song messages, or plain old luck? All these qualities and more can be said for the death metal/ thrash metal band As They Sleep. Hailing from Michigan, lead singer Aaron Bridgewater, guitarists Nick Morris and Barry Gomez, bassist Derek Kosiba, and drummer Tony Lukitsh are making a lot of noise as they embark on a national tour with a new CD and have signed to a major label. On November 26th 2010, As They Sleep made a statement at their CD release party for the new album Dynasty… they are here to stay! Signed to Solid State Records in March of this year, As They Sleep will be touring to back the new CD Dynasty...a concept album that brings much more to the table than just a death metal sound. The band sends a responsible message with each song while still keeping to the hard core roots that define them. Detroit Live had the pleasure to talk with lead singer Aaron Bridgewater to discuss what makes As They Sleep different from many other bands:
consider yourself a Christian band? Do you feel a responsibility of creating the right type of music? in the past. We won “The Search for the AB: That’s been the most famous Next Great Metal Band” put on by Metal unanswered question people have been Blade records, but we got lucky in that trying to get out of us! The best way I getting signed happened backward which can answer that is that I have grown up was really cool. Usually the labels want with Christian roots and I have Christian to know everything about you and make faith and it does reflect lyrically in the sure you are who they want you to be. music. You will never hear profanity in our songs. To answer the question, DLM: With the new album, do you guys we kind of teeter totter on the line. We feel more polished and mature? don’t want to label ourselves so that we AB: I think our first CD “Blacken the are huge only on the Christian music Sun”, we were really proud of that album, side and not on the secular side and vice we got to write that album over a larger versa. We all have our degrees of faith. period of time. You will hear songs we Mine probably happens to be the most made five years ago meshed in with songs and I am the lead singer so it shows in that were written the year the album was the lyrics. I am not going to shy away put out. You can hear the maturity change from anyone who considers us Christian in a few of the album tracks. On the new but I wouldn’t say otherwise if someone album Dynasty, we wrote and recorded considers us positive secular. That is why within a year. Everything seems to be just we have a great relationship with Solid as matured and polished as the next song. State (whose bands are mostly Christian). I just like to let the listener listen and read DLM: The new album was a concept the music and interpret it for themselves. album inspired by the rise and fall of They can take it and use it in their lives nations. What inspirations specifically their own way. We try to stay positive and helped write the album? send a good message. Nothing will ever AB: The core reason why we did Dynasty be satanic or secular in our music. I have was because the US is repeating a lot of no problem that people mesh us in with the same mistakes of other past nations, other secular bands as long as we don’t governments, and empires when they were get labeled satanic or anything like that. on the brink of collapse. The economy That is definitely not us. We don’t shove was the first thing to go when it comes to anything down anyone’s throat. We let things like that. We thought about doing a people take it the way they see it. The type concept album about the fall of Rome and that’s where it all started. We then thought to spawn it off Rome and cover Egypt, the Myans, and Mythology; basically cover everything with the album.
DLM: So you guys are all from the Detroit area? AB: Yeah, I am from Clarkston, Derek is from Lake Orion, and everyone else is from the Downriver area. We practiced in Detroit for 3 years before moving to other locations to practice. That’s why we DLM: What’s the reception to consider ourselves a Detroit based band. the new songs? AB: We have had the chance DLM: With the type of music you guys to play a few of the new are playing, did you find it (in your songs and it was cool minds) surprising to get signed with a because there were a lot major label, or did you always know of people just starting would get signed? to figure out who we are AB: For us, getting signed happened the and there are a few kids old fashioned way. These days’ people asking to hear certain find your music through MySpace or songs. It’s very cool Facebook and listen to your music and because when you are far know everything about you before seeing from home and hoping a show, whereas in the old days there was things go over well, it’s a scout that would find you and discover cool that people know you. We played a show in Lake Orion at who you are and want to a place called “The District”. A rep from hear certain songs. We’ve Solid State came to see one of the other also been getting great bands playing and happened to catch responses and reviews. our set and loved us and the rest was history. We came close with other labels DLM: Do you guys
of music we play certainly throws people for a loop. People are so programmed to think certain music sounds a certain way. We are able to play places that are all age’s shows, so it’s cool that we have an influence on people at a very moldable age. As They Sleep is a band definitely worth checking out. The new album “Dynasty” will blow you away from start to finish. The technicality of the playing to the raw power of each song will certainly amaze. Aaron’s vocals will draw you into each song. Dynasty (and their first album “Blacken The Sun”) shows the talent of this band and leaves you wanting to hear another new album tomorrow! Give the new album a shot and check out the band on the “Very Metal Christmas Tour” which started November 30th 2010. We want to thank Aaron and the rest of the band and we wish them all the best! For more info check out www. astheysleep.com
Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it! 19
20 Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it!
UNDER NEW MANAG EMENT
SPORTS PUB
LIGHT 600 COMBO WATT PACkAGE
SEE GREAT BANDS LIKE RAY STREET PARK- COVERBAND KILLERS - NO JUSTUS - 3RD WORLD RISING
• Xtra Sun HOOD • LuMatEK DIGItaL BaLLaSt • 600 Watt HOrtILuX BuLB rEG $469.95
* Photo by M.G. Nader
Photo by M.G. Nader
FRIDAYS
"AFTER WORK PARTIES" 6PM-9PM WITH JEFF LENNON (THE ONE MAN BAND) $1.50 DOMESTICS & $.50 OFF ALL OTHER BEERS DRINKS/& SHOTS...
CHECK OUT OUR NEW SOUND SYSTEM PROVIDED BY SOUNDMAN STEVE Monday KARAOKE w/Mark $.50 Drafts 9pm-2am $10Buckets 9-2/ $10 Unlimited Drafts 10-12 Tuesday & Wed $10 Buckets $1 Ladies & $2 Guys Drinks $3 Long Islands $4 Bombs 9-2
Dec. 4th
SYKOFISH
SALE PRICE $399.95
LIGHT 1000 COMBO WATT PACkAGE • Xtra Sun HOOD • Xtra Sun MaGnEtIc BaLLaSt • 1,000 Watt HOrtILuX BuLB rEG $440
SALE PRICE $359.99
*MuSt BE PurcHaSED aS cOMBO SEE StOrE FOr MOrE DEtaILS
Thursday's 3rd World Rising $2 Beers drinks/& shots 9-2 Friday's & Saturday's Live Music Saturday's
(during games)
$1.50 Domestics $.50 off all other Beers, Drinks, & Shots
(except during Special Events)
FOX FARM OCEAn FOREST
$14.95
MMJ CARD HOLDERS
10% OFF LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER
WE WILL BEAT AnY COMPETITORS PRICE! Mon-Fri 10-7 19363 Eureka Rd. 14455 Ford Rd. Southgate Sat 10-7 Dearborn 734.281.8888 Sun 12-5 313.216.8888
OPEnInG SOOn
8 MILE & LAHSER LOCATIOn 12900 BEECH DALY TAYLOR MI 48180 734-947-9707 Detroit Live Magazine -Detroits only live music monthly! 21
by Darian Counts.
not corporate big wigs out of New York with a staff of hundreds and a bottomless pit of cash. So in hopes of helping anyone who may want publicity, I’d like to share some info.
Take the initiative and place an ad:
On occasion I get phone calls that go something like this: “WTF do we have to do to get in Detroit Live Magazine? We’ve been playing all over yet you ignore the awesomeness of our band” There are upwards of 10,000 bands in Metro Detroit. We do our best to see as many as possible. Yet inevitably we miss a lot. It’s not intentional, it’s just the way it is. Detroit Live is a group of local musicians who do everything they can to catch as many shows as possible. We are
Detroit Live Magazine was founded to offer publicity to the musicians of Detroit at an extreme discount. Call Metro Times and ask them how much to run a ¼ page ad for the month of January. According to their price list it’s about $2500.00 then call us and ask how much for a ¼ page ad in Detroit Live for one month… Wait… don’t bother calling us because I’m about to tell you… It’s $150.00. If you think that Detroit Live is too expensive or too hard to get into then you should try Metro Times, Real Detroit or Ferndale Friends for that matter. Here at Detroit Live we work day and night to do our best to help the musicians of Detroit get publicity. But if some bands aren’t willing to invest in and publicize themselves and their music, then why should a magazine or a record label? If most bands took half the money they spend on beer and weed and funneled it into advertising, their shows would be
22 Detroit Live Magazine - Support your local musician!
bigger and more importantly when they go to book a gig the bar owner would say “I saw you in Detroit Live Magazine” instead of.. “Never heard of you … Can you send a press kit? A great example of this is the band Sweet Crystal? I had never heard of them until a few months ago when they called and said “Hey we’d like to place an ad to promote our upcoming CD release part on Dec 17th at the Token Lounge.” Now…two weeks before their show they have a full page article written about them…coincidence…? I think not. The reality is, a lot of bands are awesome and a lot of bands rock, but unless you’re going to do something to make your band stand out from the crowd, then you’re just one of the masses. National record labels scour local publications to see which bands are hot locally. When an AR exec from Big Bux records reads Detroit Live Magazine do they see your band? Success is about initative. The days of playing at a local club and having a fat cat smoking a big cigar coming up to you after your set and saying “I’m gonna make you guys stars... Here’s a bucket O’ money and a
few supermodels” are long gone. Today record labels are looking for talented musicians who understand the game. And the game of music business IS business. If you’re not willing to promote your band then neither are they. And if you’re sitting in your basement, smoking blunts and pounding buds waiting for someone to make you famous, you might be waiting a while. There are many bands around Detroit who already know this. Bands like the Pilz, Ray Street Park, Sweet Crystal, Tiles, Bat on Fire, Pistol Day Parade, Christina Chriss, and Justine Blazer just to name a few. Many of them call us up and place ads or ask if they can get on a Detroit Live show. To those bands we offer sincere thanks. But many more sit and wait for someone to call. If you are looking to make 2011 a big year for your band then this is the year to “break out”. Stop waiting, take control, publicize and advertise.
Let’s make 2011 the year of YOUR band! dariancounts@detroitlivemagazine.com
Mark Speq
If patience is a virtue then the guys from Sweet Crystal are due for Sainthood. In 1971, these three high school kids united to form the band Sweet Crystal. With influences springing from British prog rock bands like Uriah Heap, ELO, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd, their main goal was like most bands, to create great music and eventually get signed to a label. As the 70’s rolled on Mark Speq (keys), Bill Blatter (Guitars) and Steve Weiser (drums) worked hard to create the epic 7-11 minute songs that were all the rage on the prog rock scene. It wasn’t until meeting producer Ollie McLaughlin that their writing began to evolve into something a bit more marketable. “Until I met Ollie I was into writing these epic songs, Ollie showed us how to “get to it”. He really helped us learn to tell the story more efficiently while staying true to the artistry of the song”, he influenced our writing style. Ollie has since passed but his expertise and legacy live on in us” says Speq.
Bill Blatter
Diligently working the late 70’s and early 80’s Detroit music scene, Sweet Crystal rocked clubs like The Silver Bird and the Ritz (10&1/2 Frazho), sharing the stage with bands like Toby Redd and the Almighty Strutt. Culminating at a performance in 1980 during the Republican National Convention at Harpos where the son of President Gerald Ford actually got on stage to rock out with the band. “The Detroit music scene in those days was a force to be reckoned with.” says Speq, “There were so many great bands as well as venues to play.” Throughout the 80s Sweet Crystal continued to perform and record. With members coming and going the three main members stayed constant. By the 90’s the band was still together, yet doing more writing for TV shows and commercials. Playing live had all but stopped. And while the band continued to write and record, things had slowed a bit. Then around the turn of the century they began to feel the urge to perform again. In 2003 they released “Still Standing”. “The release of that album pushed us to perform again. One thing led to another where we found ourselves playing in Nashville, Tennessee for the CIS (Christian Music Organization). And to our surprise at the end of the show we were awarded a lifetime music award. It’s the biggest award we’ve ever received and we were honored beyond words to receive it. About a month later we were contacted by Tate Records. They said they loved our music and were very impressed by our longevity and
they signed us. We couldn’t believe it, that after almost 40 years we were now a signed band. Tate records came in, signed us and helped us record our 3rd album. Fittingly entitled “3“. It’s by far, our best yet.” says Speq. So there ya go boys and girls. To all of you who have been doing this a whole year and are feeling impatient about not being “discovered yet” this should serve as a lesson. Don’t be in a rush. It will happen or it won’t. But as long as you stay true to you dreams whether it takes 4 months, 4 years or 40 years, if and when it does you’ll be able to say you did it your way.
Congrats to Sweet Crystal. Be at their Charity CD Release Party on Dec 17th at the Token Lounge. $10 cover at door gets you the new Sweet Crystal CD and $3 goes to the Detroit Rescue Mission.
Steve Weiser
Detroit Live Magazine - 23
The Cult By Mg Nader
Since The Early 80’s The Cult has been a band like none other. Their mixture of Rock, Punk and Goth has made The Cult a legendary icon in the music industry. From 1984 to 2007 the band had recorded 8 albums and had a few break ups and hiatuses due to off stage behavior. But like all great bands the need to perform live flows through their veins and in 2009 The Cult started the Love Live Tour and has continued it through 2010. On Friday Nov. 19th The Cult hit the stage at The Fillmore Detroit for yet another legendary show, Ian Astbury (Lead Vocals) and Billy Duffy (Lead Guitarist) put on a great rock show in front of a packed house with performing all the Cult classics like She Sells Sanctuary, Sweet Soul Sister, Fire Woman and as the encore one of their first hits, Love Removal
Machine. Despite Astbury’s and Duffy’s differences in the past The Cult is proving in each one of their shows that no matter what happens off stage does not mean a thing on stage and because of their Love to play Live Detroit Fans got to witness yet another Cult Classic! MG NADER MONDAY NIGHTS
Dec 3rd Shotmakers
BETWEEN 7:30-8:00 PM ON CHANNEL 955 WITH BUDA
Dec 4th Perfect Pitcher
Positive Warriors- Please stop the bullying. Remember- you push me, I push you. A whole world of anger explodes for us two. Fists of intimidation, words that scald, making me wish, I was not here at all. Reach out to a loved one, stand by a friend, together you won’t face those demons again. Confide what your feeling and the light will shine in, soon all those wounds begin to mend on channel 955 with the voice ofwww.sykofish.com Detroit, BUDA.
S Y K O F I S H
24 Detroit Live Magazine - Covering the worlds greatest music scene!
Dec 11th Moose MacGregors 80’s Party bring your spandex Dec 18th Joes Prime Time
New Years Eve Moose MacGregors Brownstown
S Y K O F I S H
Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it! 25
When An Occasion Demands The Best... Call For The Best... * NEW VEHICLES * PACKAGE DISCOUNTS * EXPERIENCED & COURTEOUS CHAUFFEURS * FULL INSURED AND LICENSED BY MDOT * CORPORATE ACCOUNTS * NIGHT OUT - CONCERT PAKAGES *CASINO TRIPS - BAR HOPPING * PROMS - WEDDING PACKAGES * BACHELOR - BACHELORETTE LIMOUSINES 313-277-5000
26 Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it!
WE BUY/SELL TICKETS FOR ANY EVENT!!! CONCERT - SPORTS - THEATER
WWW.EE-MI.COM
EVENT TICKETS 313-277-6666
an
We C
! Ship
HPS 600w Bulb, 6 inch air cooled hood w/ HINGED glass, 600w digital ballast HPS 1000w Bulb, 6 inch air cooled hood w/ HINGED glass, 1000w digital ballast
Now carrying
Detroit Live Magazine -27
LIFETIME HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY FROM
CAREGIVER CERTIFICATIONS PATIENT CERTIFICATIONS DOCTOR VISITS $150 ALL MICHIGAN MEDICAL MARIJUANA NEEDS
CALL US NOW!
313-766-5030 H2 Hyrdo
Growing Media Hydroponic Systems Climate Controllers
Nutrients Grow Lights Co2 Machines
Coolidge
West 8 Mile
Schaefer
Tracey St.
(313) 861-0333 • Fax (313) 861-0338 E-mail: hydroheaven@ymail.com www.hydro-heaven.com 13641 W. 8 Mile • Detroit, MI 48235
By Eric Harabadian
Q: Dave, let me start with you. Can you tell me about the early days coming up as a kid and eventually working with Greg in various clubs as a full-time musician? Dave: Growing up with Greg and watching him practice was very inspirational to me. I lived with Greg for the first five years of my life and then my whole family moved from Toronto to Newfoundland. I was separated from him then because he was rockin’ and rollin’ and the whole family moved back to look after my grandparents. When he would come home at Christmas from a tour I would brag about my big brother being a rock star to all the kids at school. But the others wouldn’t believe me and threw stones because, back then, nobody in Newfoundland on our island were even making records, let alone were a star! Q: But eventually they knew! I know you were family but how did you and Greg form a “musical” partnership?
Fitz—Beyond the Beginning Bay Roberts, Newfoundland Canada is a picturesque and tight-knit harbor town along the Atlantic Ocean. The Northeastern Canadian locale is the placid and serene base of operations for the band “FitZ,” which is a six-piece outfit led by the singer-songwriter performing and production team of Greg and David Fitzpatrick. The Fitzpatrick brothers are not only local heroes among the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador but honest-togoodness living legends in their own right. Although there is a fifteen year age difference between them, they basically came up through their individual and collective musical ranks influenced by a lot of the same musicians and garnering a myriad of industry recognition and awards. Older brother Greg first enjoyed success in the late ‘60s as a teenager in a Toronto band called “The Lords of London.” He wrote their chart topper “Cornflakes and Ice Cream” which went number one in Canada. Maturity and a major stylistic change found Greg and that group evolved into the influential and progressive rock of “Nucleus.” Their first self-titled album went Gold and further established the elder Fitzpatrick as a major songwriting force on the Canadian rock and pop scene. Younger brother Dave began playing bars at age twelve and quickly gained notice for his prodigious multi-instrumental acumen on drums, harmonica, guitar, piano and bass as well as vocals. In addition to tenure with his brother, Dave’s esteemed resume includes stints with Canadian Celtic legends “Figgy Duff” and extensive touring and chart success with “The Fables.” “FitZ” released their first official full-length disc Out of the Blue in 2007 to rave reviews that featured the socially wry and relevant single “Cardboard Condo.” Their newest release is entitled From the Beginning and features another timely and infectious track called “Internet Radio.” Recently we sat down to talk with Greg and Dave about their adventures as lifelong musical troubadours and the direction this inventive duo is taking their rock/pop/country sound into the present and future.
Dave: When I was fifteen I dropped out of school and told my mom “I just wanna be with Greg.” And I moved to Toronto and got a Grade A education. He took me under his wing and became my brother, my father, my employer and my landlord all at the same time (laughs). And it was good. We worked bars in Toronto—many weeks five to seven nights a week for many years! And, as I said, it was a Grade A education. Greg’s a pretty crafty guy and, as a songwriter, I couldn’t be around anybody better, really! Q: And Greg can you tell me about your musical influences and growing up as a budding musician in those heady times on the late’60s/early ‘70s Toronto music scene? Greg: It started with family with me as well. My mother and her family are from Nova Scotia and are unbelievable fiddle players. They’ve played with many musicians that have come through Canada and are the best in the world at what they do. There were obviously family parties as a kid and everybody played. And that showed me there was a real power in the music and it keeps the family together and you could do it! And then when I started playing the Beatles were big influences on us as kids. Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, Phil Spector and Hank Williams got me going too. I grew up in Yorkville Village in Toronto and went there when I was fifteen. Within two years The Lords of London had a Number One record. The first night I was playing down in Yorkville there were 12-15 bands playing down two or three streets. And the first band I went to see playing in the front room of this coffeehouse was Johnny Kay and the Sparrows, which became Steppenwolf! And then Neil Young was playing down the street with the Mynah Birds and had Rick James on vocals, Bruce Palmer on bass and they were playing Rolling Stones songs. Down the street from that Gordy Lightfoot was playing and so was Joni Mitchell. Dylan, Phil Ochs and people like that came through too. And my band started travelling all over Canada and away we went. We were in the game! Yorkville Village was my university—it was unbelievable!
read the rest of this article at www.detroitlivemagazine.com
TILES AND STRATOSPHEERIUS THE OLD MIAMI 11-20-10 The Old Miami in Detroit’s Cass Corridor is truly one of the Motor City’s downtown venues that have stood the test of time. It’s been there through the good and the bad and the years have done nothing to erode any of this rugged institution’s charm or character. I’ve heard it likened to the longlamented New York City alt/punk club CBGBs and there may be something to that. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that ground breaking NYC violinist/vocalist Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius has been back a number of times and been embraced by the local hipsters and the cultural cognoscenti with open arms. Electric violinist and lead vocalist Deninzon made no haste kicking their animated and adventuresome set full throttle with a tune off their Headspace album called “Long Road.” It was an energetic rocker, with the mad fiddler front and center leading the charge as if his life depended on it. Another strong track off that same album, “Old Ghosts” brought in a bit of funk laced with a tuneful chorus and a jazzy lilt. “Today is Tomorrow” highlighted drummer Lucianna Padmore’s tabla-like flourishes and asymmetrical rhythms that gave the tune an exotic Middle Eastern feel. Another song called “Gods” showcased, yet, another aspect of the band’s sound where Deninzon played his electric fiddle “bowless” in a pizzicato fashion like a guitar. “The House Always Wins” found Deninzon switching to mandolin for a gypsy blues taste, with stellar accompaniment by French guitarist Aurelian Budynek. It seemed like Stratospheerius covered just about every kind of musical genre imaginable and the snappy ska-like “Tech Support” further displayed that notion. Bassist Jamie Bishop really propelled this one into overdrive, with some wacky and truly inspired soloing by Deninzon on violin. As the set wound down they dedicated one of their more “prog rock” numbers “Mental Floss” to their much-anticipated gig mates Tiles. Guitarist Budynek stepped out with some ripping leads joined by cool and avant garde sound effects manipulation by Deninzon and an exceptional drum break by Padmore. After the crowd was pleasantly and sonically obliterated Detroit hometown progsters Tiles kept the energy to a fever pitch. Breaking into material from their early catalog they
By Eric Harabadian began with a song called “Safe Procedures.” Lead vocalist Paul Rarick commanded the moment from the get go as guitarist Chris Herin added tasteful leads, with a festive violin-like resonance to his tone. A tad down the list another Tiles classic “Modification” further evidenced this Motor City ensemble’s world class sound, with complex rhythms and precise execution. That was followed by the video single off their latest album Fly Paper called “Sacred and Mundane.” This had a mix of metal and grunge in its guitar delivery, with bassist Jeff Whittle and drummer Mark Evans laying down a simmering mix of viscera and finesse. “Hide in My Shadow” was another newer composition that had some interesting and challenging twists and turns but maintained a tuneful and memorable chorus and hook as well. Two mid-‘90s period Tiles burners “Token Pledge” and the fiery instrumental “Dress Rehearsal” brought the goods on all fronts. And this point opened the floodgates for a series of cover tunes that totally took this reviewer by surprise! Spot on versions of Toto’s “Hold the Line” and Rush’s “Free Will” and “Spirit of Radio” seemed to blend remarkably well with their own amazing oeuvre. They concluded their set with the first part of a developing song cycle taking the Tiles sound into new territory blending elements of techno with high energy rock. For more info on these two fascinating and exemplary bands on the progressive and jam scene check out www.tiles-music.com and www. stratospheerius.com . --Eric Harabadian ###
Detroit Live Magazine - 29
HOROSCOPE By Eddie Cooper
ARIES. Change is on the agenda for our deadlines and making ends meet. Now is a ram friends in December, out with the old good time to get away for a few days before and in with the new. Your ideas may not be the rush of the holidays. Find someone paying off as well as you would like them to love and take off for a few days. Good to. The stars say thinking big is your key to Luck!! And Merry Christmas!! success this month. Go for the gusto!! Plan a big party and invite all your friends and SCORPIO. Merry Christmas and Happy comrades. Do this and you will have a great New Year to our friends the Scorpio. Last Christmas…Rock On!! month was ok, but you did expect more TAURUS. Our friends the bulls should be riding on top of the world this month. Looks like new friendships are highlighted for December; extra money comes to you just in time for the holidays. The stars say old time connections are featured and you reacquaint with someone from your past. Good Luck!! And Merry Christmas!!
as far as cash goes. Well, in December the internet becomes your cash cow. Money flows in time to make payments and it looks like you will have cash on hand to help out family members and friends. Now that’s a good Christmas!! You Rock!!
SAGITTARIUS. First, Happy Birthday and Happy Holidays to our friends the archer. The past few months everything has been GEMINI . Our twin friends are always good for most Sagittarians, but this month looking for the best deals and it looks like could be one of disappointments and delays. you’re in the right place at the right time to Know this now, so you can plan ahead. get a bargain on Christmas gifts. Don’t be Double check paperwork, have extra cash surprised when you’re asked to pool your on hand, and get ready to start new group money to get super deals on luxury items. activities, Good Luck!! Go For it!! And Merry Christmas!! CAPRICORN. Now is a good time for CANCER. Our cancer friends have been our goat friends to reflect on the past few talking about taking a little vacation from months. Are you where you want to be? Are the same old grind, and the stars say now you doing what you want to do? Or are you is a great time to take a break. At work stuck in a situation that makes no sense. things are a little slow and at home it’s a Now is a great time to let others know how little boring. Pack up and hit the road take a you think and feel about what’s going on week or two and do your thing. Hunt, fish, in your life. The stars say be gentle but camp, do it!! Just get back before Christmas firm with those with authority and they will OK!! Good Luck!! understand your truefulness. God Bless and
Merry Christmas!! LEO. Our lion friends may be traveling a bit in December. The stars say music AQUARIUS. With the holidays coming is featured and so are new business this is no time to be alone or unhappy and adventures. Others talk the talk, but this the stars say for you to open your heart month you show them how to walk the and let the sun shine in. I know it sounds walk. Your key to success this month is just a little corny but it’s true. A lot of our being yourself and try not to show off too Aquarian friends have been so busy with much! Good Luck!! And Merry Christmas!! everyday life they may have forgotten about themselves and the holidays coming up. So VIRGO. This looks like a good month get out more in December meet that special financially for our Virgo friends. You have person and have a Merry Christmas and a geared up for the holidays and it looks like Happy New Year!!! the planets have aligned to create a windfall of profits, financially and personally. PISCES. Family is featured for our Pisces Your key to real success in December is friends in December. Don’t be surprised advertising and getting the word out about when unexpected guests arrive for the your product or merchandise. Go for it!! holidays, and you become the” host with And Merry Christmas!! the most”! Nobody throws a party like a LIBRA. Just like our cancer friends the stars say our friends the scales need to take a small break from the everyday grind. You’ve been working hard to make
Pisces, and this holiday season you prove this to the rest of the zodiac. So party hearty and get someone else to clean up the mess! You Rock!! And Merry Christmas!!
30 Detroit Live Magazine - Someones Gotta Rock...Why not you?
SOLO RECORDS & TAPES 30118 Woodward Avenue - Royal Oak, MI
Just N of 12 ½ Mile (Webster)
248.549.0581 solorecordsandcds@yahoo.com
We have a nice selection of
LP's, CD's, Cassettes, VHS and DVD movies and musicals and some nice used equipment
We also have a good selection of Holiday Music this year
20% OFF all CD's From our family to yours
HAPPY HOLIDAYS Coupon expires 12.31.10 Coupon enters you in our Holiday Prize Drawing
As always - we'll be trading a lot in December
MARIJUANA & CAREGIVERS FOR LIFE FOUNDATION
CANNABIS EDUCATION & MEDICATION SERVICES START YOUR OWN BUSINESS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Be a part of one of the most profitable start up businesses! Ground Floor Opportunities Available Potential earnings:
/Per Year! $48K$ 200k STARTING JANUARY 17TH CALL AND INQUIRE ABOUT CANNABIS UNIVERSITY
1-855-U-CAN-GROW
GREAT DOWNRIVERContact LOCATION:William 2355 FORTRunco STREET • LINCOLN PARK
1-877-887-6353 / 1-313-278-8600 • williamrunco@live.com • www.mflcc.com • www.painfreemichigan.com
420 Farmers 4 Life Specializing in Custom Grow Rooms,
Supplies, Room Evaluations & Professional Climate Control Facilities. For a professional evaluation call: 248.796.8250 O
N
L
Y
O
N
THE NEW 107.5 WGPR
Every Sunday 9pm-10pm Educating all of Michigan on the new law and all MMJ issues | Special weekly guests!
$75 EVALUATION!
WITH VALID MEDICAL RECORDS OFFER AVAILABLE THROUGH 12/25/2010 ORIGINAL AD ONLY - NO PHOTOCOPIES Detroit Live Magazine - 31
PATIENTS GET YOUR MEDICINE
from $299.00 sc.
FREE TRIAL PACKS FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS CALL NOW!
866-320-6616
32 Detroit Live Magazine - Covering the worlds greatest music scene!
CALL NOW!
The holiday season is here. What do you have for that special someone in your life? You know, the person you can never find the right gift for, or the one who has everything? How about getting them the gift that keeps giving? A new vaporizer, a hand blown glass blown pipe, or any other toys of the trade. These items can be found at many fine boutiques where they have more then just medical needs. You’ll find a vast assortment of pipes, accessories, body jewelry, hookahs, flavored tobacco, incense, oils, posters and anything else that you could imagine. On the top of my Christmas list is a new vaporizer! A vaporizer is a device commonly used to release medicinal and/ or psychoactive compounds from plant material. Probably the most commonly used herb is cannabis. For medical cannabis users, vaporizing is great alternative to smoking. Rather than burning the cannabis, a vaporizer heats the plant to typically around 370 degrees. So instead of smoke, you inhale a vapor mist, which is much less harmful to the lungs (and more potent!) There’s always a great selection of
By Jim Craemer
hand blown glass pipes that vary in size and bubbler’s prices from $10 to easily over $200. It’s time to throw dad’s old metal bowl (that he made at Ford with some steel-pieces laying around, and taste like an assembly line) away and get with the newest and cleanest ways of self medication. Check out: Puff Danny’s Glass Boutique 19 N Hamilton in Ypsilanti 734-480-1422
We have helped over 100,000 patients find relief with medical cannabis. We can help you too.
*$99 CERTIFICATIONS FOR QUALIFIED PATIENTS
Detroit Live Magazine - 33
15% off for all card holders
OPEN SUNDAY
LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS
HYDROPONICS
PICK UP DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE HERE
9300 Telegraph Rd. Redford, MI 48239
34 Detroit Live Magazine - Someones Gotta Rock...Why not you?
2ND LARGEST SHOW ROOM IN MICHIGAN OVER 4000 SQ. FT.
PICK UP DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE HERE
313-53-HYDRO
WED-SUN NOON - 2AM
MON-TUES 3- 2AM
PIZZERIA
PIZZERIA
Good friends, great pizza AND Cold Beer
FIDAY Dj O’cuts 9-2am $2.00 Well Drinks For Ladies $2.00 Wine For Ladies $3.00 Bombs (For Everyone)
TUES 1/2 OFF PIZZA ALL DAY
excluding specialty & 30 slice drink purchase required
SATURDAYS
DEC 4TH REMEDY DEC 11TH BUSTER STRANGE DEC 18TH DR5 NYE DANCING DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT LONG BEER TOAST AT MIDNIGHT PIZZA TILL 4 AM!!
Thurs Dec 23rd
Vito’s Christmas party Come celebrate the holidays with Vito’s!!
HAPPY HOUR M-F 3-6 1/2 OFF APPETIZERS (VOID ON TUES)
1.50 DOMESTICS 2.00 WELL DRINKS MED 1 TOPPING PIZZA $6.50
3962 Fort St. Lincoln Park, MI (313) 383-1960
Detroit Live Magazine - 35
www.solidstaterecords.com