Rnr ind mag 11

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Bonzo Bash

Randy Rhoads Remembered


ROB ZOMBIE'S FIRST CONCERT FILM A blistering set of 16 Rob Zombie classics

Dragula, Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown, Living Dead Girl, & More Human Than Human.

Including

WARNING: Not for the Faint of Heart

z 2 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

ROBZOMBIE.COM

OUT 5/19

AVAILABLE AT


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Features

Bonzo Bash

Randy Rhoads Remembered

Interviews 10 12 12 14 16 18 22 22 24 26 27 28 29 33 43 51 56

Ronnie King Saliva The Chimpz Lords of Ruin Less than Jake Trippy the Clowns “Metal Madness with Zloz AEF Killing Yourself for Profit Kantation The Stillwinter Nothing More Jordan Antidote Brian Tichy Brent Woods Lvictoria Inertia Nick Bowcott

Industry

31 Cover Story - Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered issue11 parts 10.indd 1

Write ups 14 16 24 25 28 31 33 36 36 39 39 40 40 44

Rainbow 42nd anniversary Musink SkinMask The Garcia Brothers Rockers Against Trafficking Bonzo Bash Randy Rhoads Remembered XNO, Rock N Bowl, Tsunami Namm Parties Lizzy Borden Sevendust Andrew W.K. The Ox & the Loon Cage 9 An Evening with Zakk Wylde

44 45 46 48 48 49 52 52 53 54 54 56 58 58

7/1/2014 10:57:08 PM

60 Music City 62 How to be a Rock Star in a Bar 62 Fan Favorite -HellDorado 64 Intense Guitar 65 Know Your Tone 66 Mastering with Legends 66 Battle for Ride for Dime 67 The Art of Songwriting 68 Know Your Gear 70 NAMM 74 Metal Mellisha 76 Music with Michael G 76 Best Gear: Effects 77 Q&A with Jason of Flying Ninja 78 Reviews

DayZero Mud N Music Children of Bodom Ronnie James Dio Queensryche & Hurricane Metal Masters Gooding Epiphone Golden Gods Afterparty Metallica Use the FREE Microsoft Michael Schenker Tag reader app for your smart phone to Scan Dream Theater “Tags” pictured here to Rock Against MS get extra content throughout the magazine! Warped Tour Kickoff Hottest Chicks Tour Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 5


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Editor’s Words EDITOR IN CHIEF Mike Smothers

mike@rocknrollindustries.com

SENIOR EDITOR Angelica Ulloa angelica@rocknrollindustries.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jessica Johnson Andrea Granillo, jess@rocknrollindustries.com Winnie Flugger CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Gemino Smothers, Keith Stixx, Steev Moreno, Mercedes Keveson Steiner Tony ILLUSTRATOR Steev Moreno Pets and their Rockstars Simi Friedman

There’s no other experience like

Mike Smothers Editor in Chief Follow us Facebook.com/rocknrollindustriesmag Twitter @RockNRollind Instagram @rocknrollindustriesmag

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the experience you get from a magazine, it simply makes you feel like a rock and roll rebel! In this industry one of the greatest things we can accomplish is being able to bring the reader around the world with us from inside the studio, to the live stage, back stage, to on stage with inside interviews from the stars to the road crew. What makes everything happen, who’s involved and what brings us a piece of happiness, It takes a lot of work before the final step is completed and turned into a finished product that people well read! Enjoy this issue, not just another issue, but another dedicated evolved issue with the help of every single person that helps put this together, and with the greatest help of all the readers and supporters of Rock N Roll and the Industry around it.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Neil Zlozower, Igor Vidyashev, Chad Lee, Leah Burlington*, Alex Kluft*, Jazmin Monet Estopin, Simi Friedman*, Gonzo Sandoval*, Enrique Nuñez*, Cyndi Johnson, Lan Nguyen*, Doug Gouge, Larry Dimazio, Matt Upton, Graham Denzler, Craig Morse, Scott Dworkin*, Neil Lim Sang, Ramon C Ward Jr. * Photojournalists

Advertising/ Intern Inquires sales@rocknrollindustries.com Tel: 909 289 8872 www.rocknrollindustries.com SUBSCRIPTIONS To order by phone: 909 289 8872 To order online: www.rocknrollindustries.com Check, money order, Credit and PayPal accepted. Subscribers: Please alert us of any changes of address 6-8 weeks before the date of your move. Rock N Roll Industries is not responsible or obligated to re-ship issues missed because of a move we were not informed of. Rock N Roll Industries (ISSN 2164-9863 print ISSN 2164-9871 online) is published bi monthly, 34955 Cella Ln Yucaipa Ca 92399. Annual Subscription cost is $12.95. Submission of manuscripts, illustrations, media kits and/or photographs will not be returned. The publisher assumes no responsibly for unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Ramon C Ward Jr.

Shows, Shows and more shows In this issue of Rock N Roll Industries we take a look at an awesome line up that includes the Randy Rhoads Remembered and Bonzo Bash featured on the cover of this issue. One of my highlights had to be the DayZero Motor Cross with death defining jumps over the band as they performed live in the streets of the Long Beach Grand Prix. We also had an epic night co-hosting a show with Epiphone at the Namm after party with Lizzy Borden, followed by another great night at the Golden Gods after party featuring Archer and Delta Rose. We have been busy co-hosting Battle Of The Bands with Guitar Center covering everything from metal to folk musicread the interview with the last winner the Stillwinter on page 26.

WRITERS: Raquel Figlo, Stacey Shaw, Manny Rivas II, Michael G Clark, Peggy Murphy, Julian Douglas, WINJOW, Rob Gainey, Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen, Roger Stoddard, Nicole DeMarco, Taylor Hicks, Laura Chen, Sarah Roberts, Scott Schoenkopt, Toshi Iseda, Sandy Martin, Monni McCleary, Tim Phoenix, Ray Laracuente, Raya Morrison, Justin Ingold, Evlin Lake, Billy Zee, Parker Minor, Wolf Navarro, Daniel Hicks


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Ronnie King

“It’s all about the music” Ronnie King created his own sound with a Moog synthesizer and a Hammond organ that made him in high demand within the genres of hip hop and popular music. Best known for his multi-platinum collaboration with the late Tupac Shakur, his work with the pioneer producer, Johnny J., laid the groundwork for the rise of one of hip hop music’s greatest stars as well as establishing a sound that was uniquely Ronnie King’s. My interview with Ronnie was one of my longest and most entertaining ever. I sat down with him in his new spot at 17th Street Recording Studios. It has a great view of Costa Mesa and Ronnie was ready to unleash his story-telling magic. Laid back and with shoes off, Ronnie has lived a musician’s dream. From playing in a band at the age of 17 to playing keyboard along with famous artists on Death Row, Ronnie came out the other side still relevant and making hit after hit through his current run with The Offspring. What keeps Ronnie going? A true inspiration, a love of music and an ear for the next best thing! To keep it simple, “It’s all about the music!”

When I played with The Joy Killer (a punk rock super-group from Huntington Beach, California), I was the key board player for punk rock music. I enjoyed all the genres. I would go from a Tupac recording session to an Offspring session and then play for Rancid at the end of the day. I would just do it. I didn’t have to think about it. At the end of the day those songs went on to be classics. What is the most challenging part about developing a group? The challenge is the advent of technology. People think, “I can make good music in my living room,” but they don’t get that there is a lot that goes on after that. There is a business side to music and that is getting your work to the right people. That’s the biggest obstacle.

Tell me a crazy back stage story during your punk days? The craziest backstage story? (Ronnie bursts in laughter) This was during my days with The JoyKiller, an all-star punk band with the lead singer of TSOL, Jack Grisham. I really love that one night we were in Cincinnati and we didn’t even need to play the show because the crowd was too crazy. We got paid first (which does What got you started in a lifelong not happen too often) then the cops career in music? showed up and we got quarantined in I come from a family of musicians; my whole life has been about music. our bus because the crowd decided to get violent. The energy was so I don’t know any thing else. When I decided to go into the music business hyped up about the show that the audience started fighting. I don’t even I was about 16. I started playing in know why they started fighting in the night clubs when I was still in high first place! school. I played with my brother, John, and figured out I can make You have referred to the music music and money at the same time. I industry being a lot like high found the piano to be perfect for me school. What do you mean by this? because I was into the melodic more So, bands that are starting out in than rhythm. The Berklee Theory of the music industry are obviously Music came to my school when I was the freshman. Seniors in the music 17 years old so by the time I was 19, I industry can tell freshman, “I am had a college education in music from going to give you a shot on my Berklee Theory. show.” We have seen this a million times where we have been, “Who With whom have you toured and the hell is this guy and why is he what was it like? I play and live in the Coachella Valley. opening up for Cypress Hill?” There My first tour was Frankie Ford whose is always someone bigger. In the music business that’s the way it is, hit song was “Sea Cruise”. Frankie said to me, “Hey, want to go on tour?” just realize where you are. If you do a show and can’t draw 100 people you I said, “I am still in high school.” He are a freshman. You need to figure said, “When you graduate, come out how to get 200. It is the reality of on tour with me.” After I came back from touring with him I moved to Los the music industry. Thank God we can be popular in America and around Angeles and met Richie Rich who the world. was from the “LA Dream Team.” He introduced me to Jerry Heller who What are some of the great up-andwas the manager of NWA. From coming bands are you working that, Jerry said he thought I would be with? great in the studio because I was very Core 10 from Orange County. I love proficient. I played the key boards these guys. OC is known for punk for bands like Mellow Man Ace and rock, reggae, beach style music. I Cypress Hill. think these guys are the first group that is going to come out of that From hip hop to punk/rock to metal, what’s your favorite genre? genre and really make a name for 10 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

What sets Ronnie King apart from other producers is that what you see is what you get…He is a very friendly, genuine person, and with all the things he has accomplished he is also very humble…He can tell you amazing stories about the things he has done and been a part of, but it is never bragging. He really doesn’t have to talk himself up; the gold records are on his wall…he lets them speak for themselves – Duncan Nibset lead singer of Core 10 themselves in the metal business. come to America. My passion is to be There is a new rock/metal scene the conduit between Latin America coming out of Orange County that is and the United States. I want to be yet to be discovered and I think we the ambassador. We have done very are all excited about that. There is well, but not in America. We do it th something coming. Here at 17 Street big in Mexico, Central America and Recording Studio we have produced South America. I want to be the guy that brings the best rock music from albums with the Dirty Heads, Sugar Ray and I have worked with every OC Central America to the United States. band in some aspect. Lewis Richards, What are the key components that producer at 17th Street Recording bands need to have in order to be Studio has played with everyone from successful? Sublime and the Dirty Heads. I think Bands need to be realistic about all of us will create something new who they are. Rock music is always for OC. We are a hub, every town universal. The bands that I work with needs a hub for music. I am very don’t deal with America because rock excited about the metal scene. I see is more appreciated internationally a bright future with the bands that from Japan, Spain, and Italy. They I am working with like Core 10 and love American rock music, but Beach City Cowboys. I see a very American rock music is not really important movement with metal music appreciated that much in America. in OC. 17th Street Recording Studio It is my dream to start creating an is going to be the place to go to get awareness that there is great metal your music done for all music: metal, music coming from other countries rock and punk rock, EVERYTHING! and get them to come to America. When I was younger and doing this in We have a company in Costa Rica Hollywood we had Beach Recorders and we are doing concerts over there that was owned by Epitaph Records. and concerts in Mexico and South Everybody went there. And with America and that is our driving force. Death Row we had Can AM and that We can sell records there but I really is where everything was recorded. So want Americans to start embracing th I want to make 17 Street Recording music from other countries. Bands are Studio the place that everyone comes more successful in other countries, to record. even bands from America. For example, Megadeth is really big in How has your relationship grown other countries besides America. with Sullen Musik since first consulting with them? What can you tell inspiring bands? I love Sullen. I love Sullen Clothing What are three lessons that bands and Sullen Musik which we started should live by to make it in the about two years ago. It’s just a great music industry? company and we are doing great For new bands, the first life lesson is things. I am excited to be working to be realistic with who you are. If you with them and 17th Street Recording can’t get 50 people to your show, then Studios and being able to record with you are probably not so good. Second them and really develop the artist rule, if you have 50 people show up here. That is why I think Sullen and at your show, figure out how can you 17th Street Recording Studio will be make it 100? It takes a village to a perfect fit. It is already happening. make large movements. Just like we Johnny Gillespy has already recorded did with Epitaph, just like we did with here and he has become a staple Death Row. Stay regional with who here. We already started with that you are and be able to draw a crowd. idea. We are not only going to make Tell me one thing nobody knows music here but we are also going to about Ronnie King? have that Sullen entity. I love jazz. I am a jazz virtuoso. Most What keeps Ronnie King current? musicians love jazz but I put the I am blessed to have an international musical knowledge into contemporary presence. I still work with Grenada, music in my hip hop and rock career. Los Fabuloso Cadillac’s and Infierno Raquel Figlo 18. The secret is having these bands


www.coldcockwhiskey.com A truly meaningful song will always stand the test of time. It won’t ever age, and its impact will only grow stronger as the years go by. Moreover, its melody will spark the same kind of emotion regardless of the era. That sentiment holds true for Sevendust’s tenth offering, Time Travelers & Bonfires [7Bros. Records/ADA Label Services]. For the album, the gold-selling hard rock stalwarts re-recorded six classic tracks

acoustically and cut another six new acoustic numbers. Despite inception at different moments over nearly two decades, all twelve tracks converge upon one distinct journey. It’s a ride that the Atlanta outfit—Lajon Witherspoon [lead vocals], Clint lowery [lead guitar, backing vocals], John Connolly [rhythm guitar, backing vocals], Vince Hornsby [bass], and Morgan Rose [drums]—invited fans along for as well. www.sevendust.com

Voted #1 Rock Band in Indiana in NUVO’s 2013 “Best of Indy People’s Choice Award”. RECOIL is high energy, melodic hard rock at its finest. The members of this rock n’ roll family bring years of regional and national touring experience from other projects, as well as diverse musical backgrounds. That’s translated into one of the Mid-West’s premiere rock bands. “ROCK N’ ROLL SAVES LIVES”! www.recoilkick.com

Formed in 2007 out of Belleville, NJ - Empire Fallen is a 5 piece modern rock band with a heavy edge. Each member brings their own style and method into every song they produce, bringing the rhythm of a down tuned guitar to a heavy drum groove together in one complex element of sound. Never misheard or mistaken, the lyrics spit into the microphone are the glue that binds each element together, creating a perfect combination of chaos and clarity. You can hear different influences from each members background, including heavier, thrashier riffs mixed with fast solos and memorable technique which are nicely complimented by the chest pounding bass. Hip hop infused drum beats flow between mid-tempo and fast tempo that resonate through your ears. Empire Fallen is comprised of seasoned musicians: Bobby “Z” (vocals), Denis “Turk” Alas (guitar), Jay “Archie” (guitar), Rob Mott (bass) & Hansel Rajo (drums). No strangers to local bars and well known venues, EF can be heard all over the Tri-State area bringing a ton of energy and presence you won’t soon forget. EF is currently working on a 5 song EP which will be available summer 2014. www.facebook.com/Empirefallen

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What is the main song you’re going to leak off your new album? Saliva is back with a brand new CD titled “Rise Up,” It is their 8th studio album, and the first one with Bobby Amaru on vocals, who replaced original vocalist Josey Scott in 2012. Saliva released the first single and video of the same name and embarked on an extensive US tour covering over fifty cities. I had the chance to talk with Bobby before their April 16th show at The Whisky in Hollywood, CA. Are you excited to be in Los Angeles? Bobby Amaru: I’m very excited to be here in L.A. and to be at The Whisky A Go Go. It’s definitely one of those bucket list places to play. Is this your first time playing The Whisky? I’ve been here, but first time playing it for sure. We’re very excited. There should be a good energy in the room tonight. You’ve been on the road for almost a month. How’s the tour going so far? Actually it’s six weeks. Six weeks, or more… And it’s never ending. We’re on the road for the next 27 years. (Laughs.) This run ends May 11th. Then we take a break and go back out again.

band? I got a text message from the drummer, Paul Crosby, we have mutual friends. A friend of mine in Florida sent out a text saying they were looking for a singer and I was the guy that he recommended. He said, “You gotta try this guy out. This guy’s really good.” That was it. They heard some of my music that I had done. No auditions. Just, “You wanna be in the band? We like your stuff.” How do you think the overall sound and style of the band has changed since you have been onboard? It’s definitely like a new spark; a new energy in the songs. A couple of their previous records, they’ll even say, “It was like “sh*tting a record out” because they had to because of their contract. It wasn’t really that fun. It was probably stale. We had fun making it. We all put our heads together to do what we had to do and knew what it was gonna take. We just dug deep into the songwriting and tried some different things. We feel like we made a strong record.

Let’s talk about your upcoming release “Rise Up.” You’ve released the first single with the same title so far. What is the message behind that song? It’s basically about overcoming chalSpeaking of being on the road all the time, is it hard to be away from lenges in life. We feel like we can your family and friends for so long? relate to the ‘Rise Up’ statement. Don’t Yes, of course. It always is, you know. take anything for granted. The lyric says, “Tomorrow could be the end, You miss things. You miss kid’s socso we have to rise up.” That’s pretty cer games, kid’s growing up, your much it. friends… You miss all that. But this is what we do. We signed up for it. How does “Rise Up” differ from It comes with the territory. I wouldn’t your 2013 release “In It to Win It?” trade it for anything. That was a fan release online only. You snooze you lose! The new CD will be Very cool. You’ve been the new singer for over two years now. How in stores everywhere. Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sears, whoever sells CDs. has the reaction from fans been? Ralph’s… (Laughs.) It’s actually been great man. Surprisingly, even better than that. People Anything else you would like to add have been really receptive, the shows or say to your fans? have been great, and attendance has The record comes out April 29th. We’re been really good. People seem to be very excited. Thank you Rock N Roll digging it. Industries for having me. -Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen How did you end up singing for the 12 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

The main song we’re going to leak is “California”. We are already pushing “War Machine” for the past couple of months which you can get free on chimpz.com, but the next single will be “California,” which is what we played tonight. And then you guys are doing a tour that you were telling me about earlier. Um, yes, this is our second time on Rocklahoma and we do the Southwest tour every summer: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, that’s our circuit. We got love in Oklahoma, big ups to KMOD! What are the names of the songs off the new AP? War Machine, Save our City, California, In A Box, In My Head and Hit It And Quit It. Make sure you check it out on the chimpz.com How long have you guys been together? We’ve been a band for 10 years but we’ve been serious for 3 years. Who are the original members? Cappy: Art and I, it really doesn’t matter though. Chuck P was on the first album, then things blossomed after that. For three years it’s been the solid lineup that we have right now. And no one is going nowhere! What are your influences that brought you to this? Pantera, Faith No More, Snot, Rage Against The Machine, Ice Cube, KRS1, Led Zeppelin, Brittany Spears (laughter) Last words? We are a Jaeger band and a Schecter band, Sabien Cymbals, Sullen, Bogner Amps, Outlaw Threads and Audio 2000. Thank you Rock N Roll Industries for having us, we love you. You guys have been supporting Chimpz Nation for a long time, we really appreciate it and we love you! By: Emerald Mardis


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of those bands was called Raven, an old thrash band that I loved as a kid. I was so excited to see them that I cut an interview short so I wouldn’t miss their set. They killed it as always. When I went backstage to tell them how great they were and how much I loved them as a kid, their singer John Gallagher hit me up about my band and told me he really liked our sound. It blew my mind! One of my heroes recognized me; it was a magical moment for sure. Which bands or artists are you listening to right now? Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of The Hold Steady, Against Me, The Gaslight Anthem, Bruce Springsteen and the new Behemoth album “The Satanist.” I’m a music fanatic; I’m all over the place. What’s next for Lords of Ruin? We just moved into a lockout space in Orange, Calif. and the goal is to start hammering out new ideas for our next full-length album. I’m very excited to see where things go; this band just keeps evolving. Since the release of our last EP “Life is a War,” we have already put out two new singles. ords of Ruin was founded around vocalist Rock N’ Roll Industries magazine caught up with “Ghost of Finneran” is a song about an old friend Lauren Boquette’s idea that “the most intense Boquette to get his insight on metal, his love of of mine - songwriter Gary Finneran – and seeing war we must fight in life is the one going on rock n’ roll and what’s in store for the future of his ghost in a bar in Huntington Beach, Calif. inside our heads.” Similar to the principles that Lords of Ruin. Sadly, he killed himself a few years ago and seefounded the band, Lords of Ruin continue to “bat- Who do you consider a legend and why? ing his ghost affected me deeply. We also put out tle between instinct and education” with their lat- Lauren: When it comes to metal, it’s Rona single called “The Darker Side of Life” which est five-track EP release “Life is a War.” The EP is about coming from a very dark place only to nie James Dio. He was the man who was the explores topics ranging from inner strength and absolute best and most powerful vocalist in metal. discover that life really is a beautiful thing. self-reliance, to addiction and disillusionment. In He never followed trends, never gave anything Lords of Ruin are proudly sponsored by Sullen, the summer of 2010, vocalist Lauren Boquette less than 100 percent in his performances and Coldcock whiskey, Rustic Dime, & Pabst Blue (former front man for Drown, Famous and Six) was the best vocalist in Black Sabbath. I will put Ribbon. For more information on Lords of Ruin, gave birth to the Orange County, Calif. band with “Heaven & Hell” and “The Mob Rules” albums visit www.lordsofruin.com those principles in mind and one simple mission - over anything Ozzy ever did. When it comes to All Lords of Ruin music is available on Itunes. to bring back honest and hard-hitting rock n’ roll. Sabbath, Ozzy gets all the glory but for me, Dio -Raquel Figlo After almost 20 years recording, performing and was the man. I had the honor of meeting him touring, Boquette’s passion with making music is one time and I told him that. He very humble and evident in Lords of Ruin. said, “Well Oz does his thing and I do mine, we The five-piece band is rounded out with Jimmy are two different vocalists.” I said if it were up to Craig (lead guitar), Travis Dunn (rhythm guitar), me, it would be Dio-Fest! He laughed. He was a Chico Tovar (bass) and Lagarto Marley (drums). sweetheart of a guy. The metal community lost a The band put out their self-titled debut album master when he passed. in 2010 on Boquette’s own 1605 Records, just In rock music, it’s all about Freddy Mercury in time for their first ever live show supporting (Queen) - the greatest front man of all time. No Korn. “That was one hell of a way to launch a one had the charisma, stage presence or vocal new band,” Boquette said. “Performing a sold ability like he did. He was a one of a kind artist! out arena show with Korn in their hometown of As for a living legend, I choose Prince. He is Bakersfield Calif. was when I knew we were onto the greatest artist of all time. No one has done something strong.” A year later, the band put out or will ever do what he has as a musician, proan EP titled “Beehive” and continued doing live ducer, songwriter, performer and trendsetter. shows. Joining forces with new startup label SulWhat is your favorite backstage memory? len Musik in 2012, the band has since released One of my favorite memories took place years “Life is a War” and toured alongside bands such ago. My old band Drown played a music festival/ as Sepultura, Korn and Death Angel. convention with a bunch of other bands. One RAINBOW 42nd Anniversary Party

The Rainbow Bar & Grill first opened its doors on April 16th, 1972 and was founded by Elmer Valentine, Lou Adler, and Mario Maglieri (among others). Sunday, April 13th marked the 42nd Anniversary Party of the Rainbow. The Event took place in the parking lot from 2pm to 10pm with Eyes Set To Kill, Heretic, Philm, Bitch, The Going Ballistics, BulletBoys, and Great White playing on a stage set up in the back right. Anyone who arrived early got a real treat, as Snakemann was set up to snap photos of guests with Mario.

Written by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen

DC, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith. They had such great chemistry onstage and kept joking about the band members being ‘him, and him, and me.’ BulletBoys and Great White both put on awesome sets, filled with hits and songs from their catalogs. Of course, we all were anxious to hear Great White do ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy,’ which they closed out their set with. If you weren’t actually looking at the stage, you would swear that was Jack Russell on vocals.

Overall, the Party was a success, and The Going Ballistics (which is Brian Tichy, once the bands were done and the parkTracii Guns, and Michael Devin) play a ing lot closed, guests packed inside the set of cover songs from Van Halen, AC/ Rainbow until the wee hours of the night. 14 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Photos: Jovan Boquette

Q & A with Vocalist Lauren Boquette


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What do you like about being on an indie label like Phat Wreck Chords compared to being on a major label? The whole record For Warped tour LTJ has played every decade industry is different of it. than it used to be. Yes, that’s true. We’ve played Warped Tour more Being on a major than any band. That’s the joke, we’ve played there label back in the more times than more shows. We’ve done nine day, there was a lot or ten years of Warped Tour. of “red tape” to get things done. You were working with more people. With an indie label there’s less people to go through. That’s the real difference. Do you have any goals for the future? Like a 25th anniversary tour. No, I don’t want to say I don’t have goals personally for the future, but as a band we’ve achieved everything that we’ve wanted to set out to do. So at this point any years we still have left doing it if we’re still having fun, it’s going to be great.

And it all started in school in Gainesville, FL? What was the music scene like there? Ya, Gainesville, FL. Gainesville is a little “college hippie” town. There were lots of jam bands and the 80’s thing was kind of lingering still. People didn’t know if they wanted to do metal or grunge. You had all these bands popping up that sounded like Nirvana or Pearl Jam. Then there was the punk scene. Where we would hang out and go see shows at some of the punk clubs. It was great. Lots of touring bands would come through and we got to see everybody who was anybody that made it before they got big. I saw bands like the Bosstones, Greenday and Who Bad Religion. are What has changed for you guys in 20 + years? some of We’ve gotten older and we’ve gotten fatter [Laughs]. your early influences? Less has changed to what has stayed the same. Screeching Weasel, Operation Ivy, Snuff, Bad You still pack a suitcase, you’re still away from Religion… home, and you still bring new music to the fans that Was the response to “See The Light” what you come to see you play. expected? It’s exactly what I expected it to get. It’s been good. When I say it’s what I expected I mean I knew people that like LTJ were going to like this album.

Who did most of the writing on “See The Light?” To be honest, we all kind of wrote it together in a room. We had guitars out and lyric pads. We just wrote the chords and melody as the basis for the songs. It wasn’t until we got in the recording studio that we actually started playing them as a band and figuring out the parts. Pretty much the writing comes from Roger [Manganelli, Bass] and I. The sax player Peter Wasilewski wrote two songs on it, and our drummer Vinnie Fiorello writes most of the lyrics. It all comes together and we fill in the gaps.

What kind of crowd do you see at the LTJ shows? Last night we saw small children whose parents were young adults back in the day, and now have kids. You see all ages. Even guys in their 50’s and 60’s, old punk rockers that discovered us when they were 33 and are still coming to see us at 53 years old. Are there any countries you haven’t played yet that you would like to? I’d like to get over to Russia. We had a couple of shows booked there, but things fell through with the promoter. Some of the Eastern European countries. We just played Croatia for the first time in 2012. We’d like to play China at some point. How long of a set do you typically you do? We do an hour 15 to and hour 20. Anything more than that with punk rock is too much. I’d rather play an hour and go, but people would feel cheated when you’re the headlining band. Do you change the setlist each night? 80-85% is the same songs, than we fill in the rest with different songs. One reason is so we don’t get burnt out or bored. Also, when we get to certain areas like Southern California, fans come out to multiple shows so they want to be able to hear different songs. -Alex Kluft

Musink Tattoo & Music Festival This year’s Musink Tattoo & Music Festival was out of control with the help of Blink182’s Travis Barker who curate the 3 day festival. The event took place at the OC Fair & Event Center! This year’s lineup included The Descendents, Tech N9ne, Transplants, Love Canal, Strife, Judge, Gorilla Biscuits, and H20. In addition to the music mayhem there were over 300 renowned tattoo artists on deck tattooing all parts of the body. If there was skin there, it was soon to be inked up and photographed! Some of the pro’s included Dan Smith, Tokyo Hiro, the infamous Jack Rudy, Small Paul, and Oliver Peck among much, much more. I was excited to see the Descendents on night one. They pretty much killed it, the crowd was wild; all trapped in the huge auditorium. It was hot and sweaty in there! What made this year all the difference is this time around Musink included topacts from punk rock legends like the Descendents, to rap, to punk like the Transplants and hardcore leaders like Gorilla Biscuit! I am a huge fan of Travis Barker and it was cool to see him be involved in the festivities and you could walk up and meet him at the Famous Star’s and Straps booth where you could fiind him hanging out from time to time. Raquel Figlo

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Alex Kluft

I

n 2012, LTJ celebrated its 20th anniversary. What is it that kept all of you together all these years? Chris DeMakes: We fight every single day, it’s a dysfunctional marriage [jokingly], but somehow we make it work. We all just have a mutual love for the music and playing shows. That and it’s our career or livelihood, whatever you want to call it, but we still genuinely enjoy doing it. That’ll take you a long way in what you do in life.


Steev Moreno Original Art • Paintings • Prints • More

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I’m “TRIPPY THE CLOWN” a.k.a. “DA METAL GOD” here with Legendary Rock Photographer, NEIL ZLOZOWER; hangin at his world famous studio in Hollywood, California. If you don’t know who “ZLOZ” is then grow a fuckin brain people. Look at any cool music magazine in the past 40 years, and I bet you will see a photo credited to my good pal Zloz. In every issue of this bad ass magazine, I dig deep into Zloz’s archives and choose my ‘TOP 5’ favorite metal shots that Zloz has taken over the years, and Zloz gives you a play by play on WTF went down during the shoot. Let the metal madness begin! Let’s go! TRIPPY - Holy shit Zloz ! This is one bad ass original shot of “JUDAS PRIEST”, one of da most original bands of all time sellin over 50 million records worldwide. Check out the S & M leather and studs. Tell us everything about this shoot and WTF went down Zloz. ZLOZ – Trippy that photo was shot at the Pacific Design Center on Melrose and San Vicente Boulevard in 1979. Remember, Judas Priest was just starting to break in the United States. I knew about them for a few years, probably since about 1976, and that was the second shoot I did with them. I showed up at the Pacific Design Center, and Rob got there first. Rob showed up all decked out and full of S & M, whatever you want to call it, regalia. As soon as he got there, I said, “Hey Rob thanks for dressing up for me”. He goes, “Neil, I always dress like that”. He was great. I did some shots with Rob and he’s a true professional in every sense of the word. He always did whatever is needed of him, and he’s always a pleasure to work with. So we shot him,

and then the rest of the band showed up. K.K. 18 18 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

and Glenn, and the bass player and drummer. I forget the drummer’s name cuz he wasn’t in the band much longer after that shoot.. I don’t know, they were all sorta, at least Glenn and K. K. were all sorta grumpy and miserable. It was bright and sunny, and they didn’t have their sunglasses, and you can see they were just sorta in more or less photography hell that day. TRIPPY - Probably cuz dey were hung over Zloz. What do you want from them! Fuck! ZLOZ – That’s a really good possibility knowing those guys Trippy. Anyway, I remember we did one set up and then I remember saying, “ Okay guys we’re gonna do one more set up over here, come on this way”. So, I’m walking towards where I wanted to do the next set-up and then all of the sudden I look back towards them and they’re walking the other way. I can hear them mumbling to themselves “Yeah, that was a great photo shoot” as their walking the other way. Anyway, that was one of my stories with

Judas Priest. They were fun though. I like Glenn and K.K. They were always fun to work with. TRIPPY – Zloz, I think you should sport some S & M wear. That would be fuckin funny. ZLOZ - (laughs) I bet you would Trippy cuz you’re a little fag. TRIPPY - Fuck you Zloz. Go blow yourself! Okay on to my next favorite metal shot of VINNIE PAUL. All hail PANTERA. Fuck I miss that band and DIME. Good to know Vinnie’s doing his thing in the band “HELLYEAH”. Dis shot is brutal Zloz. Tell us about it. ZLOZ – Vinnie came into my studio. He just flew in from Texas. I was supposed to shoot him for the cover of Drum Magazine, and he got there late. We had to do it that night cuz I remember he couldn’t wait to get out of there to go to the Rainbow. Vinnie’s a good ole Texas boy. He likes to

drink and so on and so forth.


Jag started, I can’t get the Jaguar started”. I go out there, and I get it started in about 30 seconds, and Carmine didn’t live too close. I wasn’t too happy about that. TRIPPY – Ha Ha Ha. Carmines fuckin funny. Okay check out SULLY in this next bad ass metal shot of madness. “GODSMACK”, one of my all- time favorite metal bands in da world, and they put on one hell of a live show. WTF went down Zloz? ZLOZ – That was a show out in Phoenix in 2006. I remember it was “SHINEDOWN”, and one of your favorite bands in the whole world Trippy, “ROB ZOMBIE”, with my good buddy JOHN 5, and headlining was Godsmack. I can’t remember exactly why I was there or who I was shooting.

TRIPPY – I’m drunk right now. What year was this photo taken? ZLOZ – 2007 I believe, maybe 2008. So we did the shoot, and he had a few people there. Alex Van Halen’s drum tech, John Douglas, was there. There were a few people hanging with him cuz he just flew in. He had his drum kit there, and Drum Magazine likes the drummers to bash the shit out of the drums and everything like that. So we shot him and ended up doing some drinking. We probably got done around 10:30, and the first thing out of his mouth was “Okay, let’s get to the Rainbow”. He just couldn’t wait to get to the Rainbow.

Vinny now plays in “ KILL DEVIL HILL”, and that’s one hell of a band. Carmine and Vinny are two cool fuckers. Any good stories? ZLOZ - I can tell you how Carmine used to call me up to come work on his Mark 9 Jaguar whenever it wouldn’t start. One time he called me up to come out there “Neil, I can’t get the

TRIPPY - Were you in the photo pit Zloz? I hope people spit on you. ZLOZ – Of course I was in the pit. Where do you think I was, in the audience? Nobody spit on me at that show Trippy. That show wasn’t as bad as some other shows I’ve been to in my life. It was a good show, and there must have been 15,000 people there. Shinedown was just in its infancy back then, and I think they had a couple band members back then that aren’t in the band now. You know, I love Godsmack. Out of that

Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com

TRIPPY – Can you blame him Zloz? The Rainbow’s da place to be man. Okay next shot. Check out my good pal CARMINE APPICE with his brother VINNY APPICE; two of the best drummers on da planet. Dis is one hell of a rare shot Zloz. Give us da metal scoop. ZLOZ – The shoot was at my studio, and if I remember correctly, back then I was at a location off Hollywood Blvd so the shoot must have been 1977-78, maybe even 76. Even myself and Carmine can’t figure it out. It’s way before Vinny was ever in “DIO”. You can see how young both of them look. I think I was doing the shoot with Carmine, and Vinny just came in cuz they’re brothers, and they wanted to give each other some brotherly love and we started clownen around. The shot you picked Trippy is a really serious one but we were all goofin off and everything like that. That’s a long time ago. You’re asking me to get rid of a lot of spider webs and cob webs in my brain to figure out what it was. TRIPPY – Zloz, you have no brain! So Zloz, Carmine and Vinny are both fuckin heavy hitting bombastic drummers. If you showed up to their “DRUM WARS” and had to bet on one of them, who would you pick to win the war? ZLOZ – That’s a good question Trippy. I don’t know. Vinny is a little younger than Carmine, but they’re both great drummers. They both got a lot of history. Carmine has played with some of the best Rock bands in the world. One of my all-time favorite bands, which most of you readers reading this probably never heard of, is a band called “CACTUS”, and that band is just out of control. TRIPPY – Ya, They both played with the best of da best, and both are heavy fuckin hitters. Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 19


genre of music, every time a Godsmack song comes on I just go, this is great! As a matter a fact, you have all their CD’s Trippy. I gotta borrow some so I can burn them on iTunes.

TRIPPY – Haaaaaa.. Dats a good story Zloz. Onto the next metal shot of SERJ from “SYSTEM OF A DOWN”. Awesome shot of Serj brotha. Give us the metal scoop! ZLOZ – I went to his house. He lives up in Malibu Canyon, which is funny Trippy cuz I’m into motorcycles and cars and stuff, and he lives basically right off a road that I go to almost every other weekend and ride one of my motorcycles up there. He lives way out in the sticks, pretty close to the beach actually. Really nice place out of the city. I think this shot was for a Guitar World photo shoot. Now this was already after I guess System of a Down sorta imploded and really weren’t happening anymore. So I went to his house, and I think he was working on a solo project. Serj was so nice, and he was so soft spoken, and you know me, besides being into motorcycles, I’m into cars. The drummer from that band, I guess he’s gotta Ford GT40 (re-creation). You know they made a lot of money in their days so I figured Serj had something like that. He was like “Oh no, I have a Prius”. I’m like “A Prius”? I figured he’s got some Ferrari or Lambo or something like that. He’s a big sorta conservationist, and like me he likes to treat the earth with respect. He likes those energy efficient cars that don’t pollute the universe and everything like that. He was just a really nice sweet guy. It’s hard to think someone like that could sing some of the most brutalist, nastiest music that ever came upon this earth but great guy. I liked him a lot. TRIPPY – Okay fuckers so there you have it. This issues TOP FUCKIN five. I’m headen to the Rainbow to get drunker. Maybe Vinnie and Lemmy will be there to buy me drinks. Wanna go Zloz? ZLOZ – No, I gotta go home and clean up dog piss and dog shit. Say hi to The Lemster for me. TRIPPY – I’m otta here. DONE ZLOZ – Double done.

Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com

TRIPPY – Fuck ya Zloz. Remember last year when we listened to Godsmack for five hours straight and got wasted? Good fuckin time man! ZLOZ – (sings) “I’m doin the best I ever did, I’m doin the best I can, Go away”! I told ya, I used to sing that to my X wife. I probably sang it to her when we were married. I guess she listened to me cuz she went away.

To check out or to purchase Neil Zlozower’s photos go to: www.AtlasIcons.com By: Sandy Plute Martin & Tim Phoenix

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Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com

To see more of Trippy The Clown, go to: www.TrippyTV.com


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the ordinary for a rock band to feature a hip hop artist. We did some cross over stuff that we had been planning for a while and we’re just gonna keep going that way.

Definitely, we write a song and, pretty much, we’re a band of eager beavers. As soon as it’s possible that we can play it live, we play it live. There is no hesitation as far as that goes. That actually helps for the recording, cuz by What can we expect from you guys the time you get into the studio, you this year? are so comfortable with the song you We are actually going to be hitting could play it blindfolded. Tell me about the new album you the road, we got a lot of shows out of have out. California that are coming up. So we Tell me what it’s been like to sign It is self titled, self recorded, and we are very excited about that and we are with Sullen Musik. are pushing it out digitally, but we also actually in the studio right now, or in It’s been awesome. We’ve had a have physical copies. As of now the the writing process of the new album. relationship with them for a while and album is getting good response, so The way we see it is you have to keep we’ve seen the company grow and that’s pretty cool. writing music and recording music they’ve seen us grow. We recently (2 and putting out music to stay relevant years ago) we started up our friendAnything special about the record- with how fast the times are changing. ship with Sullen again. We took a hiaing process that you guys do? Everything is so fast paced that we tus, started writing the new album and Everything was special about this feel that we have to keep creating and when we came back it was like one of album. We actually recorded “Worth- we have so many ideas and it’s not those close friends that you haven’t less” completely in the dark, the entire very difficult for us to create music. seen for a long time and it feels like track. And we’re not talking about you just saw them yesterday. We’ve lights either. Do we get to hear any of your new actually started with AEF Productions Then we had a cool collaboration with songs out at your concerts before which has been throwing shows with Crazy Race and that’s kind of out of the new CD? Sullen Musik so thats a collaboration

that Sullen and AEF have been doing since the beginning of the beginning. AEF Productions has grown to be its own entity and it’s taking off, AEF the band is taking off. We’ve met a lot of underground hip hop artists and so you can look for collaborations with underground hip hop artists that are pretty big in that scene, on our next album. The hip hop versus rock show that we throw, from the first one to the most recent one, which was the third one, it’s just been growing little by little. Any last comments to all your fans? Thank you for supporting us, thank you for being there at the shows, thank you for buying the album, and thank you for listening to our music. It feels good to know that people are out there listening to what we pour our heart and soul into. Thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our next show.

Killing Yourself For Profit music is aggressive.

there is obviously a market for it.

Growing up what were some of your biggest influences? Growing up my influences was anything that had a guitar in it. It started with Hendrix, S.R.V. Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits and then got progressively heavier when I discovered Pantera. Then with the discovery came all the cliché classic bands kids listen to: Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth etc.

What’s the inspiration behind your writing? The inspiration behind my lyric writing is what I see in the world and from life. It can be anything from seeing somebody having a really shitty day, to a war stricken country somewhere. Inspiration isn’t usually hard to find, I also think that there is way too many serious bands in the world too. People also want to go out and have a good time, no harm comes from simply writing a song that is just fun to shake your head too and think “this song is totally taking the piss” but who cares it’s fun and you probably enjoyed not hearing about how hard the world is for at least one song, music is supposed to be entertainment after all right?

How much has music been hat’s the hardcore/metal scene like in New part of your lives? A big part haha, I cant really imagine life without Zealand? some sort of music, although l do occasionally Karl: The hardcore/metal scene is a hard road, for enjoy silence {when lm sleeping preferably} I most of us, it’s all we know- so its hard to say this have different types of music for weather, I have a genre is any harder or any easier than any other sunny day playlist a winter playlist. Songs that get genre, but sometimes it definitely does feel like me pumped up, albums that l work to, artists that the world is against you, but that’s what makes it inspire me to write more songs. I’ve been making awesome, the more you want something and the some sort of audible music since l was 13 so, l harder it is to get it, makes you appreciate what guess music has had a huge part of my life, it’s not you do eventually earn. something l am ever going to get sick of. For anyone that doesn’t know you, how would Do you think you guys will come out to the you describe your music? states in the near future? If I was to describe my music I would say it’s hard Definitely love to tour the state! Would be a dream hitting straight to the point hardcore/metal, high encome true, l think it’s every little boys dream to be ergy, we literally put everything we have physically in a band that has a bus that drives town to town into our shows, records, music videos etc. I think playing kick ass shows. I know of people that don’t you’re ripping of your audience if you don’t. From even play music that dream of that HaHa, it’s a an outsiders point of view l guess we probably universal dream, yeah for sure. So much awesome look a lot more aggressive and because our music metal/hardcore gets pumped out of the states so is overly aggressive and the way we portray our

W

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Who has been the biggest band you have opened for? And how did it make you feel? The biggest band we have opened for would be to be Sinate, another Kiwi band that growing up as a teenager I would listen to on the bus on the way to school on my Discman (yeah that’s right Discman… showing my age a bit there) pretty honoured to share the stage with a band I looked up to, hope to do that more too. Killing Yourself For Profit is a quintet Metal/ Hardcore band from Auckland, New Zealand. Combining the efforts from former local juggernauts Burn The Scripture, Fuelset and Upraw. KYFP brandishes a heavier dose of metal for New Zealand metalheads. With an emphasis on delivery, KYFP guarantees a brutal display of fast paced and heavy mayhem! The band is inspired by the likes of Lamb of God, Parkway Drive and Devil Driver! By Kelly Koolstra-Aplin- Maiden Ink Tattoos

Richard Rage Ruan.

What got you guys started together? Vic: Me and Richard used to be friends in high school and we would just jam after high school and it evolved from there. Then Tony can along and then Matt came along and then AEF was born.


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How do you know when a song is finished? Nano Lugo: My approach has always been to ask myself if the particular song needs anything else. In other words am I completely satisfied with the structure, melody and ebb and flow of the song. If I am then it’s a wrap. If there are two things you would hope every listener or audience member would take away from your music or performance, what would those two things be? Martin DeBourge: For me, I would hope that we deliver what I myself look for in the music I listen to. An escape, and a rousing of emotion. Music is whatever moves you, and if it also provides a get away for a short time while you’re listening, then that’s a great thing. Nano Lugo: For me the most important thing I want the listeners to know is that this music is REAL. There is nothing contrived about our music or what we do. I believe there is too much fake music out there. If your listeners know and feel what your doing is genuine that will go a long way. Vinny Galore: How bad ass the song is & how much everybody else is digging it & the time that goes into being a great performer and how exhausting it can be... but still fun Jeremy Jimison: I hope they see that we enjoy the fun we’re having on stage together in our performances and take home at at least some of that joy. Because really, if they’re giving us that energy we’re always going to give it right back. Brian Khairullah: Each listener creates their own meaning to a song, but the song is also an extension of us as performers. What I hope the audience gains is a connection to the band through the music; and I think we see that when audience members sing the songs while we perform. It becomes real to them. What’s on the horizon for Kantation? Martin DeBourge: We just signed with Eddie’s Mates management, they’ll be helping us with some over seas shows in 2015. But first up is recording the second album. Nano Lugo: The second album is definitely coming and will be released in January of 2015. I’m a firm believer in never deviating from your true sound too much. So like the first one it will be hard, heavy, and melodic as hell. Lastly, where can we find Kantation? Kantation.com is the best way. The website is updated daily. And of course we’re on all the social networks. Thanks for the time Rock N Roll Industries! See you at NAMM 2015!!! Andrea Granillo

Ramon C Ward Jr.

to replace the “C” and we were on our way. Nano Lugo: This band started in rather unique way. It is one thing to label backgrounds in a biography, but it’s different to see how that experience A long time friend passed away last January and we held a benefit concert to raise money for his serpays off. Where do you find musical strengths vices. I met Martin there and after playing a couple within your band mates? How do your varying pasts meld together when it comes time to write songs together we got together started recording. One song led to another and we agreed to make and record? Martin DeBourge: Well to answer the last question this a band, and as they say the rest, is history. first, I really feel the varying influences pay off not Describe what it was like recording your album only when it comes time to record, but live too. I Discovery. Is the name of the album reminiscent know for a fact I can’t stand the stuff Vinny likes ha of self-discovery and developing greater ambiha ha, but there’s no denying things come together tions for future albums and subsequent shows? when we play. As far as my influences, I grew up Martin DeBourge: I really enjoyed the recording of with who I think are great; Lou Gramm, Ronnie Discovery. In an effort to maintain a fresh and raw James Dio, Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson. sound to the album, I tracked the vocals the same Nano Lugo: The varying influences help us beday I was shown the parts by Nano. It was a new cause of the fact that we are so different. So when experience for me in that regard, and I’m pleased you put all of our differences into this melting pot it with the outcome. uniquely becomes Kantation. My influences range Nano Lugo: The title does mean several different from Sabbath to Dream Theater. things. It does deal with discovering new things in Vinny Galore: I like Buddy Rich, John Bonham, all aspects of life. There is also a reference to the Tommy Aldridge, Charlie Benante, Vinny Appice, album cover. A beautiful Mayan girl standing on the Vinny Paul, Tommy Lee... double & single kick precipice of a cliff discovering the grand temples in drummers that are great in their own genre’s. front of her. In the end yes there are several differJeremy Jimison: I find my role in this band as ent meanings. someone who gets to color in and harmonizes to blend in with the guys. My influences prepared me You’re hosts of the Throwback Metal Fest. How did that come about? well for this. I love the Beatles King’s X galactic Martin DeBourge: It practically fell in our lap. Cowboys guys like Fates Warning, The Beach Boys, all wet strong vocal harmonies in their music We’re a group of guys that have always been about and I love bringing my ideas to my playing a guitar our local community. The High Desert, which comprises of Hesperia, Victorville & Apple Valley, where as well Brian Khairullah: My influences are not limited to the fest will be held. It’s kind of a dry area not just bass players, but singers and guitarists as well; Led in climate, but in a music scene. We strongly felt we Zeppelin, Elton John, David Bowie, Rolling Stones, needed to bring something to the area. It started as a show with Kantation, Ruthless and Heretic. But Judas Priest, Metallica, and lots more. quickly it started to take on a life of it’s own. ALL Kantation is an interesting name. Where did the the bands have really just embraced the idea of an idea for Kantation blossom? old school metal fest being brought to the Southern Martin DeBourge: I presented the name to Nano California area. As a result, they’ve worked with when we recorded our first song and realized that us to provide an affordable ticket price. $15 for this project, and soon to be band, was going to a two-day fest and over a dozen bands is pretty need a name. I’m a bit of a music history buff, and cool. I’m already working on the next two fests. Of was reading an article about the word “cantata” and course after your magazine hits the news stands, it’s root forms - ha ha ha, yes I do this sort of thing we’ll probably sell out of the remaining tickets - but for fun - and I ran across “Cantation” as it’s defined your readers do still have a chance to grab them at to mean “A singing”. And THAT had me researching kantation.com the similarity to “incantation”. We slapped a K on it

It was a Wednesday night and I was heading off to Skinnies in North Hollywood to see my new favorite band, SkinMask. My first encounter with them was at the 2014 NAMM show while working at the Rock N Roll Industries booth. It was there that I received their newest demo. After hearing it, I was looking forward to seeing a live performance by them. By no surprise,the band was just as good live as I had expected. They showed incredible energy and a strong love and passion for performing. SkinMask also has an unforgettable image that does nothing other than enhance their outstanding music even more. Let’s face it; they definitely stand out in a crowd. I’m excited to see how they will progress and cannot wait till I can watch them perform in larger venues! Emerald Mardis

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Emerald Mardis

“they definitely stand out in a crowd”


The Garcia Brothers Creative is saddened by the passing of Garcia Brothers band member Rudy “Skinny” Garcia, who passed away on Monday June 2, 2014 in Whittier, CA. Rudy, along with brother Robert Garcia, were due to record in the upcoming months at Civil Defense Music, Santa Monica, CA their last and long awaited Latin/ Jazz/R&R album, which had disappeared upon the passing of late A&M producer Bill Lazurus over a decade ago, and shortly after the death of Skinny’s brother /band manager, Raul Jr. Garcia. Creative Defense, along with industry veterans, Ed Goodreau, Paul Sloman, Mick Wainman, and the support of many others, plan and will release The Very Best Of (Garcia Brothers), on digital in 2014/2015, for the fans that continue to support the integrity of the writings and dedication of these internationally recognized artists (twins Raul Jr. & Rudy Garcia), and brother Robert Garcia, who will continue moving forward in their name. The Garcia Family wish to thank Rock N Roll Industries Magazine, Creative and Civil Defense Music, Digital Music Marketing, Sabre Imagery, manager Laurie Shleffer-Atencio and Adria Hight (John Force Racing), for bringing this trio back into the spotlight once again, and now so ever with a vengeance!! Be warned, this to be their immaculate conception.

Creative Defense Music is an Artist Promotion Company, utilizing paths and connections to help artists by exposing and promoting their creations – whether its music, arts, literary work, or designs.

Find out more and Submit Your Music at www.creativedefensemusic.com Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 25


First of all, congrats on winning our Inland Empire Strikes Back competition, tell us about how it felt to win? Kelle: It was exciting; it’s always exciting to win something! When we ended up winning I was ecstatic but if felt like a dream (a little back story Kelle works mornings and had been up since 5 am that day so when the winners were being announce a little after midnight he was beyond ready for bed) Dave: (jokingly) Did I actually fall asleep at the bar and dream this or did I really win? Kelle: I have been working the morning shift lately So evening show are really fun then… Kelle: Oh no, all the shows are fun and we have been playing plenty of them where I have to work the next morning. I just get really tired. I caught you guys at Guitar Center picking up your gift card (one of the prizes ) did you figure out what you are getting? Richie: I was going to but everyone was busy so we just left. Kelle: We just pocketed the card and will go back to all get our stuff. Richie: I know how Dave is going to use his portion… on wireless… Dave: Oh I should, wireless would be cool, I should get some wireless stuff Kelle: You should just get a wireless headset like a Backstreet Boy Dave: I have thought about that, get a wireless for my guitar and one of those headset microphones, I could run around all over the place! You guys just released your new full length EP, how does it feel to have that new album out and where can the readers go to find it? Richie: It feels great to have it finally done! After so damn long of, oh it will be done in two weeks, ok another month, it will be done in June. Dave: It feels like a lot of hard work finally paid off and we have something to show people! Kelle: It feels better to show it because before when it was more of like a demo style “these are what they’re 26 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

gonna kinda sound like” they were almost there, now they really do sound like what we wanted. Richie: Its good to say that there’s no more editing to be done. Dave: They can pick that up on the website thestillwinter.com and iTunes Richie: Come to the show and buy it Kelle: You can get it on a ton of different sites Dee: Reverbnation Kelle: You can get it through there, Rhapsody, because they do it through streaming, and Napster and all that other stuff. Some is on Pandora as well.

and tons of genres inside of the music. With the release of our next album, we can go any style that we want and people will go “it was already on the last album”.

So you are already planning the next album? Kelle: You always have to be planning the next one. This one was 21 songs, 20 songs and 1 secret track. Dee: When they started, these guys were already doing their thing and there was no keyboardist and synth player. Actually, Dave and I were playing together and then that kinda faded off. We started writing stuff on our own and then he got involved with Your music has evolved over the past three years tell us a little about The Stillwinter. I was playing bass with the old band and transitioned into how this line up came togethdrums, then came over to er and how it has changed Stillwinter because their since the beginning. drummer had just left. Dave: Kelle’s the We had written all the only one that has music with a synth been around player but he was since the very young and didn’t beginning really want to do Kelle: It’s kinda it anymore so we difficult to say, started playing with started in a samples. bedroom at my dad’s, it was me You guys played messing around Warped Tour last with some recording year, tell us a little stuff and then I had about that experience? my buddy come in and Kelle: That was actually way record some drums. It different than what I was was just like old school expecting! They had us punk rock stuff back show up really early in then and with each the morning, which was member it actually became kinda fine. That is when we set up our merch lighter. When we had Andrew in the booth. We had a Tiki booth we set up band it became much more rock, and we got 1500 bottles of water and slower, still had that pop punk feel to we put up a sign “FREE water with a it. After Andrew left and we got these listen” and we had a bunch of headtwo in, with all the synths and piano sets and all they had to do was listen and stuff, we definitely threw out more to one full song and they got a free imagination, more nowadays music water bottle. Which worked out really than what was going on in the 90’s well because someone was there the and early 2000s. Now its more along entire time, all day, and we had really the lines of everything that was, mixed good merch sales that day. in with everything that’s going on now Richie: We went through 600 CDs that minus screaming all the time, but day. there’s still some of that too. With this Kelle: But the weird part was that lineup we’ve mixed almost every kind nobody knew what time they were of genre except country. We have tons

going to play, not even the big bands. They put all the names inside of a hat and pulled it and that gave you your time slot. Any last words or thanks? Dave: Thanks to: everyone who helps the shows and helps support us. The friends, the family, the fans. Thanks to my other bands for being so understanding. The girlfriends… the girlfriends help a lot actually. Thanks to the rest of the guys in the band for all of their hard work. When it comes to all of the online stuff, Richie and Kelle are pretty much non stop. And thanks to RNR mag and Guitar Center and Bellakay and Steve Wilson. Kelle:I want to thank anyone that has a project that doesn’t take a day or a two days or two weeks or two months but takes years and years and they know that the project will go on for the longest time that they could possibly know. They never give up on the project, whether it’s building a house or it’s playing music. I think I want to thank those people that never give up. I want to thank other musicians for never giving up and making me want to be a musician. I want to thank trees because trees start as a little seed in the ground. We are all seeds in the ground and when we’re born the seeds sprouts and then the tree grows straight up. Like the first 10 years of your life, you’re just like a tree growing straight up, but then you make choices and with each choice you make a branch that branches out inside of your tree. We all keep growing up till the tree ends when you die, but every one of the leaves that sprout out is a choice that you made. That’s the symbol for the tree, the Stillwinter tree, that’s what it’s all about… growing and taking different directions and making choices. And some choices end and other choices lead further up your little tree. And everyone’s tree is like a timeline, except timelines are three dimensional. Thanks to Brain Fuse Records for radio interviews and putting us on the radio in Australia.


By: Scott Dworkin

How did you guys get started? Johnny: I met Mark in middle school so we’ve been together forever, really. I met Dan about the same time period so we kinda grew up playing together. Paul, our drummer, we just got him in the band about 2 years ago. He’s from New Orleans, so he’s got all that red beans and rice voodoo power when he plays. We’re like brothers, we fight like brothers and we travel like brothers. That’s kinda what are band is, we just been playing together forever. Daniel: The band started a long time ago. Johnny and Mark are the only 2 original members and it started way back when they were in early high school. I joined when I was 21, I’m a couple of years older than those two but we’ve been hard at it ever since. Just crafting our sound, learning how to tour, just becoming a real band. And what is that sound? How would you describe it for those that don’t know you? Daniel: Its like if there is a dude with a four inch hard on and he runs straight into a wall. It’s an inside joke (laughter)

Scott Dworkin

What does Nothing More represent? What is the music all about? Johnny: We write most of our music from a personal point of view, things that we have been through. So we try our best in the writing and creating stage of everything to always ask ourselves the question, “What does this mean to somebody else? How is this a bridge to someone else’s experiences, heart and emotions”. I think at the end of the day we’d like to leave people in the world in a better place or at least a more understood place . We’d like to just bring some form of enlightenment to others, as many of the bands that we aspire after have done to us. Thrice is a big influence. Daniel: Tool also. We also kinda feel that there are 2 parts to the band, there is our writing and what we do on record, then we try to bring a whole new element to the live shows. The record is the big produced thing, exactly how we want it and we can get things as massive as we want. The live show is that singular moment, passing through time, and we really do a lot of things to

try to capture all of the essence very interesting. You’ve been to LA twice and of what we feel music is, into to the Aftershock Festival. Maybe you want the performance. to talk about the Aftershock experience and how that was. Almost everybody that has Johnny: We’ve been doing music for a very seen your show is blown long time and a lot of people are out there who away. Is that something aren’t musicians and don’t know what the whole that you guys are evolving? dream is that people chase after. It’s signing the Or is it something that you big record deal and having the overnight sucstarted out saying this is cess. We found out the hard way that it’s a really what we are doing? long road, theres that old song “it’s a long way Daniel: It’s something that to the top if you want to rock and roll” and that is we started out doing. Back the absolute truth. It takes a lot of time and winwhen we were younger, we ning people over and playing, over and over, in knew that we were not just different markets. So we’ve never really experientering music business but enced an overnight success type thing up until a the entertainment industry few weeks ago, when we played the Aftershock as a whole. And coming festival in Sacramento with Avenge Sevenfold, from a more technical playing Korn, Megadeth and all those bands. But basibackground, it was always cally we played the first night on the Ernie Ball just a lot of fun to write these stage, which was not the headlining stage. The cool instrumentals and try to be as people who ran the whole festival saw that set, entertaining as we can be on stage. Over the we had an amazing reaction from all the people years it has evolved and where we’re at now, we that were out there, and they busted into an are super proud of and we plan on just taking it interview that we were doing later that day and to the next level . said that we were going to play the main stage the following day. They told us that had never With the songwriting on the album, is there a happened with any artist before so we were alparticular theme throughout the album or is ready blushing and happy and ecstatic. The next each song individually from experiences? day we played the main stage and there were Johnny: There is kind of a subliminal theme all these industry people, all lined up stage right throughout the latest record, we have kind of a and stage left. There was about 10,000, give or water to fire transition. There is an old religious take a few 1,000, and just a sea of people, it was tradition, in the west, of baptism. There was the a little nerve wracking. It was the biggest show baptism by water and the baptism by fire and, in we had played up to date. Literally overnight we a way, it’s an older ritualistic way of initiating dif- were getting phone calls from people throughout ferent levels of life or understanding. This record the industry and so thats why we’re back in LA for us, in a lot of ways, was those two processes now, two weeks later, just shaking hands, havof initiation. We went thru a lot of loss and death ing meetings, basically having a showcase two and that was kinda the water phase of our lives, nights in a row. So, fingers crossed. where things were just kinda like what a flood really would do to anything. And the fire was the Johnny: It’s awesome. I thought it was funny years following those loses that we experienced because we were literally the second band and the rubber, meaning the road kind of thing. playing the Aftershock Festival, period, because Proving ourselves, taking that experience and we were on the first day. It’s kinda cool to have deciding who we’re going to be from it. Are a real litmus test like that, to kinda watch you we going to be worse or are we going to be progress over the years. Like if we become a stronger? And answer those kind of questions. headlining artist, to say I remember when we And so we decided to turn that into a concept on were the second band that played. And in one the record and that’s why when you see the last day, we went from the second band on the small song is Pyre, that word means like a funeral fire stage the first day to like the fourth band on the where they burn a lot of the remnants of an indi- main stage the second day. It really was a dream vidual passed away or something to that extent, come true. and at the beginning of the record there is the ocean floor and gyre, which is like a swirling in So after LA, you’re going on a headlining the ocean. There are definitely subliminal things tour of your own in your neck of the woods? throughout it and we have all the symbols as Daniel: Yes, as soon as we get home from this, well, that are mathematical but they actually say we are going to play a show in Houston and words. And we are waiting for someone to figure just tour our region. Our home region is Texas, it out and post it on youtube. There is a meaning Louisiana and Oklahoma. Thats kinda our home and there is a message. base. After that we are working on a few different tour opportunities and ideas. We have some Daniel: And I think one really cool thing about dates with Ten Years and a few dates with Filter this record is that it is a genuinely true reflection and we trying to hop on a tour with a band for a of what we were going through while we were full stint. writing it. I think a lot of people would look at this record, the lyrical content and the message Johnny: And even thats kinda cool, going back behind it and say that it is vastly different than home. Its always really cool going back home anything we’ve ever written. And it is and it’s and headlining. But this time, going back to our purely because thats where we were. region, a lot of those states are intertwined with national stuff. It’s really an exciting point in the Let’s talk about your last month, it has been bands career. Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 27


Antidote Jordan A force to be reckoned with!

Jordan Antidote rocked our socks off in her previous interview during our “Women Who Rock” issue where she shared with us the motivation behind picking up the drum sticks. Jordan is a go-to drummer chick and nothing is stopping her from taking over the world! We talked to her about just how ready she is, and what she has in store for 2014! She is more than just some pretty ink, she knows what it takes to make it in an industry that is predominately dominated by males. Give her the drum sticks and she is in her zone, giving you a beat for your feet! What were you like in high school? I was that kid wearing Vans off the wall. I was really that kid who was grungy, wearing Dickies; I was a total tomboy. I was always trying to go somewhere to play music. Did you play in a high school band? I was in a ska punk band. I didn’t join the high school band. I was the 14 year old kid that hung out with the sophomores and juniors who were looking for a drummer for their band. I was like “I am your chick! I will rock it!” Who inspired you in your 20’s? I love the all female band, The Runaways! Sandy West is, and will always be, my inspiration. I like to part my hair in the middle like her. I once had a fan send in a picture of both Sandy West and myself in front of our drums and we look somewhat alike. That meant a lot to me, being a female musician. What was unique was that they were all girls in a band. Joan Jett was an inspiration too. She made me feel like I could do anything. All musicians hustle, but the fact that she is a woman made it unique, and something to look up to, Joan Jett had talent. I try to be inspiring to my followers as well. I tell my followers to not give up, but live it up! As a woman how are you breaking the stereotype that it’s a “man’s world” in the music industry? Jordan: I bring it! Believe it or not I am shy; but when it is time to drum, I bring it! I play hard and that is all people want to see and hear! It is all about being a professional and 28 28 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

Rockers Against Trafficking

not what is between your legs! Tell me about your drum kit? Why did you choose the drums you play? My drums are from Orange County Drum Percussions. The drummer of No Doubt plays these. It has a poppy sound that I like and Travis Barker plays with that same sound. I also like the sound of the snare. The kicker heads are designed by my good friend “SteevCreeper” Moreno of Black Flys, also a sponsor of mine! Where do you see yourself going with your drumming? I am open to anything. What I think is catchy right now is what I got going on with my DJ. We are the all-female duo DJ and drummer. My girl Von Kiss and I are killing it at clubs right now! Von Kiss is DJ/ Producer based out of Southern California who has played big festivals all over the nation! But like I said, I am open to anything. This is my life. If you want me to rock it, I will rock it! If you want me to drop a beat, I will Photo: Westley Anderson drop it! I am down and ready for anything! Tell me about your recent gig with Urban Street Jam? That show was great! I played drums for West Republic on March 15, 2014. That was a 10,000 person venue. The guys in my band were Greg Sykes on Guitar and Young Fatal and Riddlez on the mics! It was great playing with them. We had an awesome vibe and the crowd loved us! What is next for Drummer Chick Jordan Antidote? Well you will be seeing a lot more of me on YouTube since I just opened a channel. Go to YouTube and search Drummerchick Jordan Antidote. I have a GoPro camera and I am recording all my sessions and it is going great! Last, but not least you will not want to miss Von Kiss and I hitting up venues all over Southern California and Las Vegas! It will be epic! Raquel Figlo

April 11, 2014 Paladino’s was a packed house of true rock and metal fans all waiting to bid on killer raffle prizes that raised money for “Rockers Against Trafficking” organization and event created by long time veteran photographer Kevin Estrada. The event was sponsored by Monster Energy. Performances included an all star set by Chris Broderick (Megadeth), Dave Lombardo (Slayer/Philm), Robert DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots), and Keith St. John (Montrose). Another highlight of the night was a stellar performance by Helmet! Acoustic sets by Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory and another one by Gonzo and Phil Sandoval of Armored Saint added a little calmness to the night, but still HEAVY! Over $10,000 was raised by the event because of the amazing prizes people bid on. There was a Schecter guitar signed by all the musicians, and Dave Lambardo signed his drum sticks he just used to be auctioned off! The crowd loved it! I had a moment to ask Kevin Estrada his thoughts of the evening and this is what he said, “I am so thankful to all the artists that donated their time and talents. The event was a huge success, I am very happy with the outcome. We have so many great supporters behind us and we gained many more that evening. Rockers Against Trafficking is here to stay.” “Besides being a photographer, I am a dad – that is my top priority in life. I have two young daughters that I care about and love very much. For the past few years, human trafficking has been on my radar as we see and hear more and more about this spreading sickness. Young girls, like my daughters, fall victim to this travesty every day – and that worries me. If we can help to save one young girl, then it is all worth it.” Raquel Figlo


BRIAN TICHY: A STUDY IN PERSISTENCE his partner, Joe Sutton, two of the most classic rock shows on the planet, and the world rocks harder because of the man who has become (nothing less than) a musical mastermind. Let’s go back to the basement, in New Jersey, where it all started. I believe you were eight when you first started banging on the drums. Who, or what, inspired that passion? BRIAN - The basement was killer, and the passion was already built in. It was drums on the radio, a picture of a drum set in a magazine, whatever. Anybody who was playing drums was cooler, to me, than anybody else that wasn’t playing drums. It didn’t matter what else was going on; if drums were involved, they ruled. That’s not something you could force onto a five-year old kid. Before I was even around a set of drums, I was already playing in my head, and tapping on tables, and keeping time with the radio. Soon after that, I got a kit from Sears called, “The Dynamite Drum Set.” It had fire all over it, but I broke the heads, after a while. In fourth grade, I took private lessons, and my parents got me a real kit, but I was already playing in my head, at five-years old, obsessed with drums.

Igor Vidyashev

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n the world of a musician, the struggle to succeed can be difficult and brutal, but that never deterred Brian Tichy from pounding his way to the top and making quite the name for himself. With drums being his first love, Tichy grew up playing along to his favorite bands, and years later his bombastic drumming skills landed him on stage with those very same bands. His obsession with music led him towards learning the guitar, which created a ripple effect into songwriting, recording projects, front man, and the list goes on. Tichy has become quite the innovator with a maniacal mind that never stops spinning. His creative concepts landed him and

me being out there playing. You’re an amazing drummer who also loves the guitar. Is there one instrument that you’re more passionate about? For me, it’s all passion. I was a natural drummer and whatever was challenging, was fun. Guitar was a bit harder. My dad played guitar, and showed me the riff to “Day Tripper”, by the Beatles. Somewhere after that, I was just like, “Man, guitar rules!” and I became obsessed. I have a similar feeling for guitar, like I do the drums, so I always say, “I’m a drummer who plays the guitar. “ Your writing partnership, with Billy Idol, sparked the recording of “Idol’s” comeback record, “Devil’s Playground.” How did this partnership begin, and tell us about “Idol’s” first single, “SCREAM”?

In 2001, and six months into Billy’s band, I was like, “Oh they’re working on new Billy Idol music;” so I started messing around on the guitar and thought, “Oh, this could kinda be like, a “Rebel Yell” type of song.” So, Billy heard this really crappy sounding demo, and after the third listen, he was standing up screaming along to it. It ends up, this particular song (more or less), didn’t work out. I think they agreed, “Oh, maybe the lyrics are too much like “Rebel Yell,” and At what point did you decide to shoot for the I’m kinda goin, “What’s the difference? AC/DC stars and pursue a career as a drummer? doesn’t mind writing another song that sounds like an older hit!” In 2003, we do another tour. With drums, it’s like, “this is what I do”. For example, your parents go, “Oh hey, we’re going We come off the road, and that’s when he and I started writing a bunch of songs together, and hit away to the shore for a week.” I’m like, “But it off. Somewhere in the middle, he goes, “Hey, there are no drums there, so this sucks!” I don’t care where you’re taking me; if there’s no drums what was that song from a couple years ago?” I there all week long and I’m nine years old, you’re go, “SCREAM?” He goes, “Let’s work that thing basically punishing me, and that’s how I still feel. up!” So, we demoed it. And then, when we were That’s not a career; that’s the passion and love. rehearsing for the record, “SCREAM” was the song that clearly stood out, and we recorded it for You’re not bringing me anywhere on this planet the record. So, the first song I ever wrote for Billy that’s cooler than wherever the drums are. As far as a career, you’re sitting there looking at the (four years ago) ends up being the single and video of his comeback record, in 2005. rock stars in the magazines, and you’re going, “I have no idea how to get there, but every time What was it like, working with Billy Idol, in the I play along with records and hear the music, all studio and on the road? I’m dreaming about is doing it.” Everything ruled, he is a great person, he is a You graduated from Berklee College of Music. fair person, he’s flexible and understanding. He’s Was this a huge stepping-stone as far as your funny and serious. He means business. He has musical progress? worked his ass off for decades, and he’s one of the best at what he does. So, to be able to sit Absolutely! Berklee was based around music there in a room alone with him, work on music, where you’re just sitting there, with other kids from around the world, all obsessed with playing and have it like a mellow, comfortable vibe, was awesome. He has this amazing ability to just be music. When I was there, I pushed myself hard to get better and faster, and I did because I was what he is, and that attracts people. aware of what I learned, so far. You decided to leave Whitesnake in, 2013, on very amicable terms. Was this decision made The music business can be tough. Was in order to focus on your own rock band there ever a point where the fear took S.U.N.? over in the career choice that you made? Hell no! Never has it crossed my mind. It’s not a Whitesnake was awesome, and yeah, it was all matter of stopping; it’s just a matter of how you’re amicable, because there’s no other way to do it. I left Whitesnake, not only because I gotta pursue gonna get ahead. S.U.N., but also, because I needed to have time You went on to play drums with many of the open. When you’re committed to Whitesnake, greats: Ozzy, Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Zakk you’re giving 100 % all year. So, how do you Wylde, Slash, Foreigner, and many more. work time in for your original band? You don’t. How did you first get your foot in the door? When you believe in something, you have to allow some sort of space open to see if it could Get out, and be seen, and get heard. It doesn’t happen; but at the same time, I gotta work to pay matter where you are; it’s that when you’re playing you gotta play 100 % because you don’t bills. So, it can’t just be me, just doing S.U.N.. I’m still a drummer, and every day I wake up jumping know what’s gonna happen that night. There’s no one correct path, but every single story that I into other situations as a drummer. Leaving could tell you about what I’ve done is simply from Whitesnake forces me to make shit happen! But

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 29


yeah, S.U.N. was a reason. I gotta do my own thing and prove (to myself) that I can be more than what I am. At least, I gotta try.

affect your playing in any way?

Kelle and Kathy said their brother, Randy, was there and I agreed. You have to remember, there’s so much going on (for me), that every Tell us about your band, S.U.N.? second matters. I have to play drums 100 %, I’m on guitar with Tommy Stewart on drums. and remember all the songs, on top of running Sass Jordan’s a killer singer, and the record the entire show. The drummer is the backbone of sounds great. It’s a cool, seventy’s, powerful the band for the musicians in front of you. Plus, rock, kind of thing. I recorded/performed the it’s five months of my life that I put into this show. drums on the record cause I love going for drum Somewhere around all that, yeah, I’m beyond sounds in the studio, I knew the sound I wanted psyched to see everyone’s smiles, because I to get, and it came out great. Tommy came in believe in it. Everything was a big build up, and after Sass and I had written (and recorded) most this was the release. of the record together. Michael Devin kills on Can you touch upon the record that you bass and gave the record way more balls. and Brent Woods are producing, which was Let’s talk BONZO BASH, a tribute show to inspired by RRR? John Bonham, with you and Joe Sutton as BRIAN - It’s called, RRR Volume 1: THANK the founders. You call BONZO BASH “a YOU. There were so many great performances drummer’s playground.” What inspired this at the Randy celebration that we decided to event, which has been successful now, for make it into two records to thank everyone over three years? involved, and of course, to thank the legend, ZEPPELIN’s my favorite band, and John Randy, himself. The record will feature Bonham’s my favorite drummer. He’s the one performers from the show and other special drummer’s I’ve never stopped listening to and guests. Its well on its way, and it sounds killer. I’m still inspired by. So, I thought it would be cool We want this out by June, and we’re gonna take if I got a bunch of drummer buddies together in a “RRR” on tour for the world to see. rehearsal room, each pick our favorite Zeppelin You have been playing live now for over 20 song, play them with our other buddies as the years. Is there a memorable moment, on house band, and make a party of it. Then, I thought it would be cool to put it on a stage and stage or off, that sticks out more than the rest? let everybody see this happen. So, I talked this idea over with my buddy, Joe Sutton, a local There are many. For me, personally, to pick up a promoter in Hollywood, and he said, “I think it’s phone and it’s Steven Tyler, asking me to play a great!” I started calling my drummer buddies, full set of Aerosmith songs for a benefit concert, and asked if they wanted to do this and to pick a was HUGE! I was a ten-year old kid learning song. We ended up with nearly 20 of the world’s how to play drums because of this band. So, I best drummers. There’s a lot of camaraderie and know those records, inside and out. It was a total passion that goes on when you get all of us in a honor. room together to celebrate John Bonham’s life. You have become quite the Speed Bag Anyone that heard about the show wanted to see it, and the drummers wanted to play it again. enthusiast. Is this a hobby, or a technique, NAMM 2014 was the longest show ever, with the that you use for your drumming skills? most drummers ever, and everybody said it was BRIAN – Drumming is merely an extension great and had a good time. It was killer! of my speed bagging skills… (Kidding!) I was BONZO BASH led you to another successful on tour, with Billy Idol, and Googled, “Speed Bagging”. I watched these guys, who are now night during the 2014 NAMM Convention: my buddies, and I just had to learn it. When I “RANDY RHOADS REMEMBERED: A got back home, I got a Speed Bag, and became CELEBRATION OF A LEGEND.” The show obsessed with it. I brought it out on the road sold out, and many gathered to celebrate with Whitesnake, Lynch Mob, and Foreigner. I the life and music of guitar legend, Randy just screwed it into their equipment trucks, and Rhoads. How did you and Joe Sutton pull it was cool cause my Speed Bag friends would this off, once again? show up, and we’d go nuts. Speed Bagging is a The celebration was another idea that Joe great tool for musicians to use, for rhythm and Sutton and I had while doing the Bonzo Bash, coordination. somewhere in there, one of us said, “If we did With all your experience along the way, what this for a guitar player, then Randy Rhoads advice can you give to artists who are just would be the one.” Joe and I are both huge Randy Rhoads fans, and there could be so many starting out in the music business? great guitar players involved. The goal with It’s real simple. Get out, be seen, and get heard. RRR, was to have every song from “Blizzard of Any last thoughts, or new projects on the Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman” performed, with horizons? a different guitarist on every song. We had a meeting with Randy’s brother Kelle; and after BRIAN – S.U.N. needs the most support sharing our idea, he gave us his blessing. So, because it’s a new thing, and it’s an uphill with me on drums, and my buddy Rudy Sarzo battle. To check us out go to YouTube and type on bass, and with the Rhoads family’s blessing, S.U.N. - “I’m The One”, which is our first single I thought, “This is nuts, we could do this,” and and video. I’m also filling in on drums for Geoff we did. Tate’s Queensryche at the end of March for a I noticed Randy’s brother and sister on stage few weeks, and our band, S.U.N., is opening up the show. watching the show. There seemed to be a By: Sandy Plute Martin lot of emotion in the room. Was there an emotional moment for you; and if so, did it 30 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine


Bonzo Bash B

and then spoke fondly of Bonham, reminiscing of the earlier days. “I just want to share a couple of things for you about the master. The first thing I noticed was his feet. And he played funny drums...” Ward went on to explain in detail how outstanding John Henry Bonham truly was, sharing stories that had the audience laughing and cheering. “If anybody wants to learn to play drums, I would recommend to them, listen to John Bonham. Listen to these guys as well, but listen to John Bonham, it’s where it’s at. He kind of led the way. He was a classic blues player, guys. I’m just proud, and very, very grateful to be up here tonight to be able to Those lucky enough to have attended the massive Zeppathon were say a few words about the man.” Ward ended on tips, advice... emotional treated to an all-star drummer lineup, each playing a song with Brian and inspirational moving words to all young drummers. Lastly, “I stand for Tichy’s Led Zeppelin tribute band, The Moby Dicks. All drummers shared you, and I love you very much. Thank you, everybody.” the same drum kit (few adjustments here and there to suit drummers needs) The set list flowed along well, keeping the audience captivated to Rock N Roll Gods played and captivated for over 5 hours to a full house... Bonzo Bash 2014, drummers, vocalists, guitarists, and bass their mastery. An intense reunion of killer performances, legend guitarplayers celebration of John Henry Bonham and Led Zeppelin music was ists, bassists and vocalists supplemented the feast. James Lomenzo, bigger than ever, a historical experience never to be forgotten. Nearing John Fogerty, Tracii Guns, Billy Sheehan, John Hummel, Jeff Young, 2:am, die hard Zeppelin fans finished off the successful bash to ‘Stairway Robert Mason, Bernard Fowler, Matt Starr, A.J. Pero, Brian Tichy, and many more. Dave Lombardo, and Charlie Benante, changed it up, play- To Heaven’ with Cortney DeAugustine, Devin, LeBlanc, Tichy, and Tracii Guns. Whew... What a night! ing less heavier songs than usual.

Igor Vidyashev

onzo Bash 2014 - The Ultimate Celebration to the Ultimate Drummer John Henry Bonham of Led Zeppelin, presented by Natal Drums and Marshall Amplification, coinciding with NAMM, took place at the Observatory in Santa Ana on Thursday, January 23rd. Powered by Jagermeister and Monster Energy Drink. A Tichy/ Sutton Production. Creator and host of the annual event, Brian Tichy, along with co-hosts Joe Sutton, and Mike Portnoy took turns introducing legendary drummers to the stage.

Tichy, Sutton, Portnoy, and guest speakers spoke kindly of Bonham, sharing stories.

Thank you to Brian Tichy for assembling an outstanding ensemble of musicians who participated in the ultimate tribute show, honoring our dearly departed icon, John Henry Bonham.

Legendary drummer Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, 65, playing drums since Sunday, January 26 2014, Led Zeppelin won best rock album for “Celhe was five, was cheered on stage and handed the Bonzo Bash Legends award. Ward gave a wonderful speech to the enamored audience. ebration Day’ at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. “First of all, I just want to say that, I love you.” Ward gave many thanks, -Evlin Lake Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 31


Photos: Igor Vidyashev (Chad Smith by Matt Upton) 32 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 32 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine


Randy Rhoads Remembered A

few days after the celebration I had the opportunity to sit down with my dear friend, Brent Woods, to share some of his personal feelings on Randy, as well as, that special night on January 25th. Brent lived 4 blocks away from Randy in Burbank, California and took guitar lessons from him when he was a kid.

the Rhoads family gave me Gibson’s replica of Randy’s Les Paul. That guitar is very special to me, and Gibson only manufactured 100 of them. I showed Phil X the guitar at rehearsals and he really wanted to play it. I wanted it in the show that night so, I let him use it. He kicked the shit out of “Steal Away The Night” so, I was happy. He was the only guitarist that got to play it.

How did this celebration get off the ground?

How was playing on the V instead of your usual Les Paul, on such an important night?

Brent - It all came together from Brian Tichy and Joe Sutton’s “Bonzo Bash” that was conceived over 3 years ago. Brian and Joe always wanted to do a Randy Rhoads Tribute. Brian knew I was friends with the Rhoads family and wanted to get their blessing. I mentioned it to Kelle and Kathy, then set up a meeting with Kelle. Brian discussed his ideas, Kelle & the family gave it their blessing! That’s how it all came about. His first call was to Rudy Sarzo. He wanted Rudy involved because of his relationship and history with Randy. Rudy was really excited about the idea and agreed to be a part of it. Brian then started calling and emailing guitar players like he did with drummers for the “Bonzo Bash”. It’s a lot of work for Brian. He has to organize each guitar player with the song of their choice. When the song list gets shorter, it gets a little harder. It’s like putting together a puzzle, It’s crazy. I think the Bonzo Bash’s were great training for this.

Igor Vidyashev

You started off the show with Randy’s polka dot V instead of your usual Gibson Les Paul. Is that your guitar or one of Randy’s? Neither of ours. The V guitar, along with all of the Marshall amps, were lent to us by Chris Watts. He’s a huge fan of Randy’s and wanted to contribute to the celebration in any way he could. The Guitar is an exact replica to Randy’s original V, built by the same guy, Karl Sandoval. Everything is exact, even the pots, original pickup and wiring. Normally, I’d be on stage with my Les Paul, but Brian and I felt that using Randy’s signature guitar would be a great way for me to open the show. A couple years ago,

It wasn’t as easy as playing on one of my own, but if you play any guitar for a bit, you get a feel for it. It was just fun playing it. In saying that, I haven’t been that nervous for a show since I was 14 years old. I mean, what that night meant, the family’s presence, all the other guitarists watching, combined with the adrenaline of opening the show and nerves… Wow!!! Once the set list was solid how much time was put into rehearsals? Two days of rehearsal before the NAMM show. That’s it. A couple guys didn’t even rehearse. Bumble came out cold, no rehearsal, and killed “Mr. Crowley”. He had an awesome band backing him, as well. What about the musicians who were flying in (for NAMM weekend) to do the celebration show? How much time did they have time to prepare? Bumble was one of those guitarists. You just learn the song on your own and play it. It’s kind of nerve racking when you go on stage, with no sound check, and you’re not acclimated to the stage or the sound of the rig. You just have to go out there and play. There’s not a lot of preparation. Everybody’s professional, and everybody just lays it down. If the energy and passion are there, then that’s what it’s all about. What was your favorite moment of the night as far as performance goes? Every performance and every player was amaz-

ing. It was cool to see Brad Gillis playing with Rudy again. Nuno was amazing. It all felt great!!! Obviously, the end of the show with the performance of DEE’ with all the guitarists… For me, that was the most emotional. Seeing the Rhoads family sitting behind us on the drum riser and watching us play... It was surreal. Let’s talk about the end of the show and “The Dee Orchestra.” All the guitar players played Dee on acoustic and we called it the Dee Orchestra. We never rehearsed it. The performance was the rehearsal. We didn’t know how it was gonna sound, but it all came together. How were your feelings directly after the show as far as the success of the evening? It was a success because the Rhoads family had so much fun and felt the passion of everyone playing. They said that they haven’t felt that way since they saw Randy play those songs live. If Randy was here with us today, what type of music do you think he would be doing? I don’t know, but it would definitely be something different and completely original. I’m sure it would be classically influenced. When I think about this amazing celebration, Bob Daisley pops into my head because of the huge part he played in making two of the best classic rock albums ever made. Did he cross your mind at any time during the process? I spoke with Bob on the phone, prior to the show, and he wanted to be a part of it, but couldn’t because of another engagement. Bob is such a huge part of those records, more than most people know. He’s one of my favorite Bass players and I’ve had the opportunity to play with him. I wish he could have been a part of it, but in a way he was. We performed all of his material. Any chance of the celebration relived at NAMM 2015, or at any other time? Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 33


and Sutton, in conjunction with Randy Rhoads brother, Kelle Rhoads, the Rhoads family, Bonzo Bash guitarist/former student of Randy’s, Last thoughts? Brent Woods, and rock bass legend, Rudy It was a huge honor to play. Every guitar player, Sarzo, all came together to put on the ultimate the band, and special guests were amazing. tribute celebration in honor of Randy Rhoads, Every performance was stellar and was heartfelt one of the most inspiring and highly regarded by everyone in attendance. guitarists of all time. The celebration included an ensemble of some of the world’s greatest rock Thank you Brent. You rock! guitarists and special guests who came together - SANDY PLUTE MARTIN to honor the man they all admire, respect, and love. These top notch guitarist chose their favorIT ISN’T OFTEN, WHEN THE PLANETS ite Rhoads song and played through a replica ALIGN SO PERFECTLY, THAT A GROUP OF Rhoads rig with the house band; “The Madmen.” PEOPLE COME TOGETHER AND CREATE Some of the lineup included: Nuno Bettencourt, SOMETHING SO MAGICAL THAT IT LIVES ON Brad Gillis, Brent Woods, Kiko Loureiro, Brian FOREVER....IT HAPPENED. Tichy, Rudy Sarzo, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Tracii Guns, Gus G and many, many, more. It was a huge success, and I think everyone would want this to happen again.

“R

ANDY RHOADS REMEMBERED: A CELEBRATION OF A LEGEND” was certainly a night to remember on Saturday, January 25th, 2014, at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California. Organized for the 2014 NAMM weekend, many gathered to celebrate the life and music of guitar legend, Randy Rhoads, for a sensational, historical evening that will never be forgotten. With the show sold out, what could possibly go wrong? Not a damn thing! The show was absolutely incredible, and a complete success. With Brian Tichy and Joe Sutton, creators of the “Bonzo Bash” conceptualizing the event, you can guarantee it was one hell of a night! Tichy

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The show opened with the song S.A.T.O., and the crowd was more than ready to rock when Brent Woods forged in like a machine playing on Randy’s signature Flying V and turned the house into an uproar! Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal was a force to be reckoned with, playing MR CROWLEY on his badass Signature double neck guitar. The crowd went nuts with the first few notes of SUICIDE SOLUTION and seeing Brad Gillis and Rudy Sarzo share the stage once again after 30 + years. Gillis blazed through his solo, like he did back in 1982 on the Speak Of The Devil DVD, as Brian Tichy pounded relentless on the drums. Tichy’s omnipotent drumming was of course magical the entire evening, sending shock

waves through the crowd, and his drum solo was truly bombastic. Nuno Bettencourt displays his incredible talent on an emotional rendition of DIARY OF A MADMAN. Each performer was playing from the heart, and every performance was screaming with passion, for a man they all have connected with in their very own way. The magical moments onstage were endless. Randy’s brother, Kelle, and sister Kathy, graced the stage to honor the musicians, the fans, and their beloved brother... and yet, they saved the best for last: “THE DEE ORCHESTRA.” Every guitarist involved sat at the edge of the stage, side by side, and played “DEE.” DEE is an instrumental that Randy wrote for his beloved mother, Delores. The audience grew silent and emotions ran rampant as the guitarists began playing acoustically. There was a special feeling in the air with an audience completely captivated by these consummate artists who were playing with the purest of passion. As I looked around the venue, I saw jaws dropping as each person gazed towards the stage in awe. Randy’s presence was felt by everyone who was there this special night. Randy’s amazing technique, and approach in fusing his classical music roots with heavy metal, brought professionalism to the rock genre and that is exactly what we witnessed on this special evening. This celebration will go down in history with an extraordinary ensemble that made it happen... and they all should be proud! - SANDY PLUTE MARTIN


Igor Vidyashev

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XNO & Gutterboys Rock Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub HB

The next band up was Gutterboys. This band did both originals and covers and had the crowd moving to their tunes in no time. The excellent guitar playing by Brian Abretske was accompanied by great bass lines from Robert. Greg Mayfield kept the beat on drums and the front man, Steven Talbott started the set with just a microphone, but later in the set somehow had a guitar in his hands while he sang! He even paused to hand out bouquets of yellow roses as ‘friendship flowers’. This girl grabbed the first one (well no one else was moving. Someone had to get things rolling). These two bands, although different, were each awesome in their own ways. It was a fun night. This NAMM after-party was sponsored by Spider Energy Drink & Rock N Roll Industries Magazine. - Peggy Murphy

Dave Starbuck

XNO set was great, it was the very first public performance with their newest singer, James Ojeda. James sang with this band like he’d been doing it all his life. In fact, when the next band came up to play, they asked if Ojeda would sing one song with them. While XNO was on stage the antics of their bassist, ‘GBRodzz’, kept things lively while ‘Frost’, the drummer wildly kept beat in the back. ‘Sphynx’ came down off the stage to play his guitar for the audience up close and ‘D Xno Guitars’ wailed on his guitar while staying on stage.

The first annual “Rock N Bowl”

Each year many different concert organizers put a few bands together that range from up-and-coming artists to the icons of the music industry in order to entertain the masses. Venues in Anaheim and its surrounding areas house these shows. On Friday, one such gathering of musicians was the celebration of the second annual Tsunami Cables Family Reunion at Good Ol Boys Saloon with Tsunami Cables artists including While She Waits & Throw Logic from Arizona, Attackhead, Monolith, Dave DuPonte, The Dread Lullabies, Marco Wriedt from Europe, Leona X and Michael G and Mr. Tsunami himself, Keith Stixx.

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Photos by Enrique Nunez

Matt Upton

kicked off this year with artist Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) and Jason Freese (Green Day) hitting the lanes as well as many others! You may be wondering ,did everyone come together just to bowl? Of course not, there was also a fashion show, silent auction, root beer floats and Coldcock whiskey drink specials. Most importantly all of the proceeds went to a great cause as this event was put together to raise money for the troops!


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Shock Rockers Lizzy Borden played the Epiphone Party at the Tiki Bar on NAMM Saturday, along with Santa Cruz based hard rock/metal trio Archer. There is always so much going on during The NAMM Show that is hard to choose what to do. However, this was a really easy decision for me. I am a die-hard Lizzy Borden fan, this was their first show in five years with previous guitarist Ira Black, so I was really excited to see that! I briefly interviewed Archer’s vocalist/guitarist Dylan Rose at the Rock N Roll Industries Booth during NAMM 2013, but had never seen Archer perform live. In addition, everyone attending the show received a raffle ticket and a chance to win an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO guitar.

Lizzy Borden put on an amazing, interactive, and theatrical performance. Lizzy showcased a brand new mask for the first song “Abnormal,” that he literally got right before the show. Special makeup effects artist Ralis Kahn had taken a custom mold of Lizzy’s face and created a mask that made it look like Lizzy had three faces. It was really creepy, and sometimes it was hard to figure out which face was Lizzy’s and which faces were the mask! Since former guitarist Dario Lorina was recently recruited by Black Label Society, Ira Black filled in on guitar. It was awesome to see Ira back onstage with Lizzy Borden again. The last time they shared a stage was when they toured Europe together five years ago!

Leah Burlington

Dive Bomber played first, and their set consisted of seven songs, including a song that they tailored to the NAMM audience by calling it “BAMM NAMM.” Kitty from Hear Kitty Kitty joined the three-piece onstage to sing a sexy and sultry rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” For anyone not familiar with Dive Bomber, vocalist Nomad is known for covering himself with brightly colored body paint in intricate designs, completely unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. He definitely stands out and makes a lasting impression on anyone within eyesight. Archer, who is also a three-piece, took the stage next. I could hear a lot of Guns n’ Roses, Van Halen, and Ozzy influence in their songs. Ironically, they had also planned to play a Black Sabbath song… The more obscure “Dirty Women” from Black Sabbath’s seventh album ‘Technical Ecstasy.’ After Archer’s set, it was time for the big giveaway. I was only one number away from winning the guitar; but was happy to see the winner was also celebrating his birthday that night. I am sure winning the guitar made this one of his best birthdays ever!

Lizzy wore blood-splattered clothing the entire time, and changed his masks and props throughout their fourteen-song set. Marten Andersson, Joey Scott, and Ira Black all had a chance to shine during bass, drum, and guitar solos. The first sign of blood (literally) was when Lizzy slit his wrist during “Under Your Skin” and asked us if we wanted blood. During the next song, “There Will Be Blood Tonight,” Lizzy touched the faces of willing audience members with a blood filled-hand. Lizzy Borden closed out the set to a sticky and bloody audience with Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to be Wild.”

Set List Abnormal, Master of Disguise, Notorious, Live Forever, Rod of Iron, The World is Mine, Tomorrow Never Comes, Under Your Skin, There Will Be Blood Tonight, Me Against the World, American Metal, Red Rum

Encore (We Are) The Only Ones, Born to be Wild

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House of Blues – Los Angeles By: Scott Dworkin hen Sevendust took to the stage of would be at any other Sevendust show which been in question, but his vocals, both backing the House of Blues for a night billed is a tribute to the fans respect of the lyrics and up Lajon, as well as singing lead on a couple as “An Evening with Sevendust” When music, not just the volume. The oddest part of songs were absolutely incredible, most notably you are unplugging a band known for its super the whole show was NOT seeing the guys who on the stellar new track The Wait. It’s no secret intense live concerts, a show that leaves their usually jump around onstage, just sitting on bar that Clint has always backed LJ on many of the fans pummeled and beaten down (in a good stools and playing music, although Lajon did band’s songs, but in this acoustic setting it really way) who knows how the crowd is going to react. move around a bit! brought him to another level. The band really Would Sevendust be able to carry the power and seemed to feed off the crowd and grew stronger Speaking of Lajon, his singing the whole evening intensity of its music through to its fans in this throughout the show. I think even they weren’t was superb, and it is apparent that this type of format? Univocally I can answer YES! Sevendust sure how the audiences would react to seeing stripped down show really showcases his vocal is one band that seems to be able to turn the them play like this, Lajon spoke to this a few talent, especially when hearing him reinterpret volume down while ratcheting the intensity up! times during the breaks between songs. Overall the older songs in this fashion. John and Morgan The band was on point from the opening chords this “Evening with Sevendust” accomplished also contributed backing vocals on certain of Trust through their first set ending with Gone. what I believe that they set out to do. Perform a songs along with their usual solid foundation of After a short intermission, the guys returned with big chunk of the new songs to the audience as guitar and drums respectively. Vinnie typical of a final set of six songs, Karma, Come Down, the a primer to their latest release, Time Travelhis work on all of the Sevendust albums was a Nine in Nails classic Hurt were highlights before ers and Bonfires and reintroduce some classic stalwart presence on bass, but the real revelawrapping up with a blast of their legendary song Sevendust songs in a light that most fans are not tion of the evening was Clint. Of course his Black. The crowd, while not slamming in the pit, accustomed to hearing them, and in both cases guitar skills were on display as those have never was still as into the music acoustically as they the band succeeded wildly.

Scott Dworkin

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Andrew W.K. Torry Pendergrass

I

t isn’t often that you get invited to a private event to see Andrew W.K. So when the chance came up, we were happy to attend. It was a nice, formal event for Music Saves Lives and Hint Water. That is until Andrew hit the stage and all of a sudden a moshing crowd had formed at the front of the little one foot riser stage! At times the crowd even joined the duo on stage. Andrew performed his hit “Party Hard” as the audience sang along. After Andrew’s set had finished, the crowd went back into a calm and relaxed mood as Oh, Be Clever set up on stage and played an awesome set. The same set that the president of Music Saves Lives had heard them play at SXSW and prompted the invite for them to play this event.

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and Blow), and Veronica Bellino (Jeff Beck). The bassists were Robert Trujillo (Metallica), James LoMenzo (John Fogerty, Ex- Megadeth), Pancho Tomaselli (War. Philm), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai, Winery Dogs), dUg Pinnick (King’s X), Chris Wyse (The Cult), Phil Chen (Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart), Michael Devin (Whitesnake), Sean McNabb (Dokken), Phil Soussan (Ex-Ozzy) and Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, Ex-Dokken). The vocalists were Chas West (Moby Dicks, Big Knobs), Tom Gimbel (Foreigner), Joe Retta (Heaven and Earth), Oni Logan (SUN, Ex-Lynch Mob), Dug Pinnick, and Michael Devin. On guitar was Ace Frehley (Ex-Kiss), Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), Rowan Robertson (Ex-DIO, DC4), Brian Tichy, Brent Woods (Moby Dicks, Vince Neil), and Jody Porter (Fountains Of Wayne). Some of The Who classics included “Kids Are Alright,” “My Generation,” “Pinball Wizard,” I Can See For Miles,” ” Who Are You,” “Baba O’ Reilly,” and a finale of “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Each drummer

played on a replica Spirit Of Lily drumset. There was an award given to Lemmy, although he did not play and another to Kenny Aronoff. For the finale each member came out and each bassist and drummer played a solo. To be extra authentic there was a clear floor tom with water in it and electronic goldfish (Keith Moon used real ones). At the end Chad Smith splashed audience members and threw the goldfish into the crowd. All together the show lasted 5 hours including changeovers. Alex Kluft

Alex Kluft

F

rom the creators of Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered comes a new a tribute: The Ox And The Loon which pays tribute to two of the greatest musicians to walk the face of the earth, John Entwistle (The Ox) and Keith Moon (The Loon) from the Who. Similar to Bonzo Bash, there were a number of rotating drums, but rather than sitting in for song each group of musicians played 3 or 4. Opening the show was Brian Tichy (drums), Phil Chen (bass), Joe Retta (vocals), Rowan Robertson (guitar), Brent Woods (guitar), Stephen LeBlanc (keys) and James LoMenzo (backing vocals) on Can’t Explain. The show included 25 songs. The drummers were Brian Tichy (Ex-Whitesnake, SUN) Dave Lombardo (Ex-Slayer, Philm), Rikki Rockett (Poison), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty, Studio legend), Mike Portnoy (Ex-Dream Theater, Winery Dogs), Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Hookers

A

Visual Harassment Production, and Angelica of Rock N Roll Industries Magazine presented a Cage 9 video premiere party for “A Million Miles Below the Earth” at the hottest bar/intimate venue- Loaded in Hollywood. Angry Arcade and Slant opened up for the party, blowing people’s minds, from their performance to Angry Arcades amusing spaceman suit. When it came to releasing the music video, the crowd gathered up to what became a very, very full house cheering them on. Compliments were made on the special effects, editing, and the quality of the bands

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overall song. Cage9 went on to performing a set of their fans fave songs as well as new ones. The crowd could be seen jumping, laughing, tumbling with drinks in hands and simply having what was one hell of a great night. Cage 9 will be in Panama playing with Bad Religion in July 19 and then hitting a U.S summer tour until August, now is your chance to catch them along with Straight Line Stitch.

Top Left Lan Nguyen, rest Matt Upton

A Million Miles Below the earth Cage 9 video Premiere


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Laura Victoria is ready to take on the world and ready to mesmerize our senses not only with her beauty, but with her talent above all else. Taking a break from her band “LA Velvet” and venturing into releasing a solo album may be risky business, but she believes in the project and everything that comes from “El Corazon” (From the heart). During a quick meet up with her friend at NAMM 2014 in Anaheim, we exchanged a few words before we both had to run to different appointments and interviews Laurita, tell us about little bit about you, your projects and what you are up to these days? I am recording a couple of albums at the moment, teaming up with Thom Russo and Lester Mendez who have worked with amazing artists such as Shakira and Juanes. I am also doing a rock blues album, kind of “underground,” a little bit of both. I’m keeping busy producing a lot of material and doing some shows. I’m taking a break from my band “LA Velvet” and going solo to give it a try and see how that goes. What can we expect from LV? What would you define your sound as?

LV- Well the two albums are different, one is more like “Electro Pop” and the other one is more “underground” more Rock Blues, so don’t expect anything, expect the unexpected. Are there any collaborations that you are proud of? People you have worked with? We are in the process and talks to bring along Tom Morello, Dave Navarro and Jar Gordon, a great friend of mine, he’s awesome. We are just trying to mix it up. I consider I am one of the “Hybrid musicians” we mix it up and just make it happen naturally combining styles and making new things happen, from the heart… “Del Corazon”. What are some of your musical influences growing up? From Deep Purple to Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin to reggae, latin music, etc. A good song, no matter the genre is always a good song. After that, we headed to DBZ guitars and Diamond amplifiers booth and explained to us the versatility that she likes about the products and how proud she is to be endorsed by them. As of early April 2014, we learned that the album’s name is named “Series Of Miracles”(Produced by Thom Russo, Lester Mendez, LVictoria). Dates for the “World Tour” through the US, Europe and South America are being scheduled and confirmed to support the release of the album. One show that we would like to share was on Saturday june 22nd, LV joined the stage with Lita Ford and Quiet Riot in Green Bay, WI. Fore more info on Laura Victoria’s projects follow her on FB, Instagram and Twitter under the handle lvictoriarocks or her official website LVictoria. com -Enrique Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 43


An Evening With ZAKK WYLDE Tour Almighty and wildly talented Zakk Wylde called congregation to The Toronto Chapter of The Black Label Society. Danforth Music Hall was under polar vortex and nearly became an open air fest, brimming with worshipers. Instantly warming the hearts of those who paid homage with our National Anthem, “O Canada” followed by a stirring “When The Levee Breaks”. Full respect and audience participation, the packed house rose to their feet immediately and often throughout the show.

may not have included the dual acoustic shred-out in «Blessed Hell Ride» and «Queen Of Sorrow» peaking with acoustic solos that should have left splinters and metal fragments on and around their boots. Boogieing right through «Lovin› Woman» and then «Machine Gun Man» rips through the skins of eardrums throughout.

Igor Vidyashev

Piano changes the pace for a few starting with «Spoke In The Wheel». A homage to classic rockers is evident as “Road Back Home” ends much like “Layla» does and segues into the cool“An Evening With Zakk Wylde” presented by est cover of «Heart Of Gold» that any Neil Young Inertia-Entertainment was so called based on its fan would fall for. Meanwhile mentioning that this intimate and acoustic nature accelerating into a righteous metal show. Childlike enthusiasm and is Neil›s contribution to black metal. «Throwing It All Away» and «Speedball» on the trademark supreme shredding combined with his charming grit and sweet, sexy piano parts create the illusion paint-job ‹target› guitar with overtones of «Purple Haze». “I Thank You” seats Zakk back on piano that the audience is in his room. as he begins to stir something deep and from this Zakk has knighted Dario Lorina to the highest abyss comes “Song For You” dedicated to “Dimeorder of the society as stage partner and acoustic bag Darrell». A contemplative crowd erupts again guitar accompaniment. Dario started 2014 as and again for «Ain›t No Sunshine». Perhaps freaZakk’s right hand man. He has an illustrious kin› out is a better description of the crowd for this career considering his years. Nick Catanese was Top Twenty US hit. It was a special thank you! formerly Zakk’s “Evil Twin” since the Book Of Black Label Society is expecting a new studio reShadows tour. Nick and Zakk amicably parted lease this April 2014. It›s highly anticipated as the ways in December 2013 and 30 days later Black Label Society announced his replacement, last studio album was ‘Order of the Black’ back in 2010. The Canadian chapter demonstrated apDario Lorina of the band Lizzy Borden. preciation for the 2013 «Unblackened» by the sold The only other person on the stage was our out attendance to this intimate show and there›s photographer who was given exclusive access no gloom around here for The Doom Crew. Bring as you can see by some of these outstanding the Wylde sunshine back soon. shots. As an intimate metal show, expectations Billy Zee

Dayzero at the Long Beach Thunder Thursday on Pine

What goes better than music and cars? Music, motorcycles, girls and cars!! That is exactly what the fans got at the Thunder Thursday on Pine- the official kick off of the Toyota Gran Prix. We were there to rock out with Dayzero; a Southern California band that is not to be missed, they pulled in a diverse crowd cheering and head banging to their tunes. By the end of the night everyone was asking to buy their cd and other merch. Freestyle MX motorcyclist’s jumped high in the sky as Dayzero ramped up the crowd to the packed street of race fans that also got to enjoy street bike stunts, pit crew races and the Miss Toyota Grand Prix pageant.

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Mud N Music W

ith steadily growing attendees Dirty D (Daryl James) solidified an annual event with Mud N Music 3. Taking place at Stinger’s of San Bernardino, California Mud N Music 3 displayed seven bands (Divide the Day, The Chimpz, Inside Riot, Inhale, Heroes & Thieves, Lost Cause, H.I.T.M) before the mud/ jello wrestling competition. Both, music and especially the mud wrestling - was packed with Stingers filled attendees. The bands brought the party, but the main event was the mud/jello wrestling. Like the two events prier, everyone crowds around the ring, people waiting for hours making sure they have a good seat or something to stand on. The veterans of the event, brought blankets as splash guards to cover themselves. Everyone that joined in the wrestling came to have fun with some stripping and groping included. With no surprise from Dirty D or the fans it came down to Rachael Hughes and Shannon Reeder in the end. Both Shannon and Rachael being victors of the first two Mud N Music, Shannon the champion of the first and Rachael the champion of the second. When it came to it, it was Rachael who stood victorious. Photos & Written by Matt Upton

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Hailing from Espoo, Finland, Children of Bodom have become a relic of extreme metal across the globe with their off brand fusion of neoclassical, thrash, and melodic death metal. With eight studio albums to their name, their most recent being 2013’s Halo of Blood, the group shows no sign of slowing down. The first of two SoCal shows was at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. Even before doors opened at 7pm, a line of hundreds of dedicated fans had already looped their way around the venue. All were gearing to get a taste of Bodom, as well as opening bands Týr and Death Angel. Both openers put on strong performances; especially Bay-area thrashers Death Angel who showed the sold-out crowd of 2,000 why thrash became so popular in the 80’s and still continues to sell today. As the road crew for Children of Bodom began setting up, radio show host Full Metal Jackie appeared on stage. She gave a rousing speech to the audience, egging them on to mosh and show Children of Bodom why Hollywood has the best crowds in the world. Lights dimmed at 10pm and the crowd went wild as Children of Bodom took the stage. It was immediately evident that the audience was in for an aggressive night as the band quickly plowed through earlier hits like “Sixpounder,” “Living Dead Beat,” and “Bodom Beach Terror.” Guitar legend and lead vocalist Alexi Laiho appeared in full form, donning his classic ESP guitars throughout the show. On numerous occasions, his guitar flew through the air, only to end up back in his grip again before he began shredding away on classics such as “Lake Bodom,” “Are You Dead Yet?,” and “Hate Me!.” Each band member was in top shape with drummer Jaska Raatikainen proving that his back problems on the European leg of the tour were a thing of the past.

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The band closed the night on a heavy note with their 2005 hit “In Your Face.” The song promoted the audience to raise their middle fingers in the air and chant along with the famous chorus. Overall, this proved to be Children of Bodom’s strongest performance in Hollywood to date. The following night- saw the band in front of a smaller crowd at The Observatory in Santa Ana. Despite the smaller capacity and some sound problems, Children of Bodom still delivered smashing solo’s, pounding riffs, and electric hits. One of the great things about seeing the band on two different dates was that the atmospheres were completely different. The OC crowed was little more subdued during the opening bands, but once Children of Bodom hit the stage, their energy flew through the roof, and their voices on songs like “Hate Crew Deathroll” and “Blooddrunk” proved to be superior to the chants of the Hollywood crowd. Night two also saw a change in the set. Instead of playing “Kissing the Shadows” and “Everytime I Die,” the band switched it up with classics like “Follow the Reaper,” and the mid-tempo “Angels Don’t Kill.” Towards the end of the show, Alexi got caught up in the crowd’s excitement and forgot to switch his guitar when the band began to play “Towards Dead End.” This prompted keyboardist Janne Wirman to harass Alexi before the band closed their main set with “Downfall” from their breakthrough album Hatebreeder. Alexi and Janne always provide the crowd with amusement, whether it is through their precise and uniform solos, or their constant harassment of each other. Janne brought laughs from the crowd both nights with the Taco shirt that that was stylized like ACDC’s lightning bolt logo. Although Children of Bodom have left Southern California, their presence is still felt due to their two superlative shows they put on in Hollywood and Santa Ana. Both shows demonstrated the band’s versatile playing skills, as well as the good nature and humor that they bring to their work. Fans are surely hoping that the guys return soon to bring another round of Finnish metal to the crazy audiences that greeted them on both nights.

Neil Lim Sang

Even though heavy rain and cold weather plagued the first weekend in March, it did not deter fans of Finnish metallers Children of Bodom from showing up in masses for the quintets descent on Southern California.


Chapters: Dallas, Ft Worth, Philadelphia, Chicago, Florida, Nashville and the UK www.ridefordime.org Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 47


Ronnie James Dio “What can we do for other people?” were the words of Ronnie James Dio to his doctor- Sandeep Kapoor, just after hearing his gastric cancer diagnose. It has been almost 4 years now (May 16th 2010) since the legendary RJD stepped off the stages of earth. In his memory, the “Stand Up And Shout” cancer foundation is now reaching out to the world to raise awareness and invite people to get screened before it’s too late.

award and Tim Carhart (Artist relations Mgr, ESP Guitars) “King Of Rock and Roll Award”.

Geoff Tate’s Queensryche hit NYC with Hurricane as their opener. Both bands put on high energy sets greatly pleasing their fans. It was a shame Hurricane’s set was so short, as these guys always put on an explosive tight show, leaving you wanting more. Dynamic new frontman, Jason Ames, easily filled the shoes of those before him belting out the classics with ease. Queensryche -Ignore the mumbles/rumbles swilling about , because

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Geoff Tate was in full form and sounded great . Always the showman, Geoff greatly pleased his audience as he growled, screamed and crooned through many Queensyche favorites. At his side performing magnificently
was the infamous bass-man Rudy Sarzo, whirling across the stage, the duo Robert Sarzo and Kelly Grey, brandishing their guitars and one of my favorite drummers rounding out the gang Simon Wright (his drum solo, as usual, had everyone in the 
venue mesmerized).

-Simi Friedman

Leah Burlington Enrique Nunez

As I was taking part of the event, I noticed a genuine environment of support and friendship, but what touched me the most is the love and gratitude towards RJD from all attendees and fans on the balcony seats, I would look up and see the excitement to witness other bands and artists paying tribute to the “Pavarotti of metal” as Dio has been referred The 3rd annual awards gala and listening party for to. The songs performed that evening were “I” (Oni Logan, Rowan Robertson, Mike Orlando, Jimmy “This is your life” CD benefiting the RJD cancer fund took place on March 17th 2013 at The Avalon Bain and Brian Tichy), “Straight through the heart” in Hollywood, Ca. Numerous celebrities and recog- (Halestorm), “Stargazer” ( Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Oni Logan, Craig Goldy, Mike Orlando, Bjorn Englen, nized names in the rock and rock scene showed Somin Wright and Scott Warren), “Neon Nights” up to support, perform or receive an award. After the red carpet and dinner was served, Dr. Sandeep ( Corey Taylor, Christian Martucci, Scott Ian, Duff McKagan and Roy Mayorga) and last, but not least, Kapoor gave a welcome speech with a different the legendary “Rainbow in the dark” (Corey Taylor, perspective of the legend RJD as a human, who had a tough battle ahead of him after his diagnose. Christian Martucci, Scott Ian, Jason Christopher and Roy Mayorga) and finishing the event, “Stand At the end of the show I had a chance to exchange It was followed by live auctions with prizes such as VIP ocean-view cabin for the Monsters of Rock up and shout” (All star Jam). a couple of words with Wendy Dio and shared with cruise, a one-of-a-kind custom ESP EX model her that my family (I’m sure like many of yours The album saw the light of day on April 1st (no a featuring the album’s artwork (created by Marc joke) and will be definitely a star-packed tribute and have) has also been impacted by cancer and if all Sasso). The MC for the night was Danny Zelisko this effort helps some of the big tough metal-heads it includes contributions by Metallica, Motorhead, and the recipients were Kevin Gore (President & get screened and checked, I was sure that the misScorpions, Anthrax, Halestorm, Corey Taylor, CEO, Rhino Entertainment) with the “Stand up sion was accomplished. “Ronnie was such a giving Rob Halford and many more! I specially, enjoyed and shout” award, Rob Halford “Man on the silver and caring sould and I’m sure this is what he would the Dio medley by Metallica (kinda long, but hey, mountain” award, Greg Fieldman (Producer) “MasAren’t we used to that from ‘Tallica?). It consists of continue doing to help others if he were still alive” ter of the moon” award, Larry Morand (Producer, were Wendy’s words… Horns up Ronnie James Di 13 tracks and physical and digital versions will be Monsters Of Rock Cruise) “Rainbow in the dark” o! -Enrique Nunez available!


Metal Master’s: Hallowed be their Names The ultimate metal lover’s dream is a Metal Master’s event! I was lucky enough to be one of the metal-heads at this year’s Metal Masters Five, held at the House of Blues (HOB), in Anaheim, CA. It was during the week of the National American Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show that is held (every year) at the Anaheim Convention Center. HOB was over capacity and there was a line wrapped around the building. One of my highlights was seeing Kerry King of Slayer ripping it up to Iron Maiden songs while Chuck Billy, lead singer of Testament, belted out vocals that Bruce Dickenson would be proud of! For one night, all my metal gods that I have been listening to since I was in braces, were right in front of me doing what they do best, playing metal! Mark Menghi is the fan behind Metal Master’s and also the director of marketing for Samson Technologies Corp. Mark shared with me how it all began at a Sam Ash store in Cerritos, CA., and how it naturally grew into what it is now… an influential part of metal history. RNR: The first Metal Masters was held at a clinic in Cerritos, California. How did that pinnacle moment in Metal history come about? Mark: That stemmed from a bass clinic I did with David Ellefson, of Megadeth, and Frank Bello, of

What makes your clinic different from any other clinic?

do I get involved?” I said, “I thought you don’t do clinics anymore?” He replied, “What you are doing is not a traditional clinic.” And that’s when it hit me. Then, right there on the phone, I asked Charlie, “Do you want to do a clinic with Mike Portnoy, David Ellefson and Frank Bello?” That’s what sparked Metal Masters. I came up with the concept of two drummers and two bass players and that’s where it all stemmed from. Even still, at that point, I had no idea what it would be or what it would become. How do you think the fans heard about the first Metal Masters event? Timing is everything. I planned the first Metal Masters a day after the Golden Gods Awards and a day before the Indio Big 4 Show (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax). So people were amped up in Southern California. It was all about metal that week and a lot was going on. I did not capitalize off it. There was no money to be made. It was just a clinic in a music store, but I knew people would be into it. I was not expecting it to be as big as it was. It was pure timing and luck. Photo: Paris Visone

like?

What was the crowd

It was insane! We were driving from Hollywood to Cerritos, and once we got to the Cerritos area, we saw helicopters circling around with state troopers on the ground. Not thinking anything, we pulled into the parking lot of Sam Ash and there had to between 600 and 800 kids in the parking lot. I was like “what’s going on

Clinics are educational workshops in a music store. I love them, but as a fan of the music I wanted something more. It is my passion and I wanted to do something different. More importantly, I wanted to see something different. I looked at it from a fan’s perspective. What would I want to see from these musicians? As a bass player, I wanted to see bass and drums… and that is how it started. What qualifies a Metal Master? That is a good question (laughs). It depends on whom you ask (more laughs). I book all the musicians. Pretty much, they are all my friends. Up until Metal Masters 5, I single handedly picked and asked each Metal Master. It was simply who I thought would fit in nicely. There are many “Metal Masters” in this genre, but I pick musicians who fit into what we do, get what we do, and who want to inspire kids to pick up musical instruments. I pick artists who I know will put their egos aside, get on stage, play some tunes, give away things, and inspire kids to play music. How do you choose the set list for each Metal Master event? It is, actually, quite complicated. For example, with Metal Masters One, we had two bass players and two drummers. There is not a lot you can do so we had them playing off of tracks. David Ellefson would put on his iPod and crank “Holy Wars” through the PA and just play along. Mosh pits would break out in the store and that is when I started thinking, “Let’s get some other musicians out here.” We did Metal Masters Two in New York City in conjunction with Anthrax’s “Worship Music” record release. So Anthrax played that night under a fake name called Satan’s Lounge Band. That’s when we brought in Kerry King and Philip Anselmo. At that time, Philip was a special guest. No one had any idea he was showing up. That night we played two Pantera songs (A New Level and F***ing Hostile) and it was his first time playing those songs, since Pantera. So it was kind of a monumental thing. Now, people expect it. During Metal Masters Two, that was something that has not been done in ten years. Pantera had broken up in 2001. It kind of evolved after that. Each Metal Masters has a completely different story, a completely different set list, and a completely different mindset. Metal Master Musicians play so well together. What keeps the bond so strong? Friendship and inspiring younger musicians and kids to play music. I started Metal Masters because, at that time, Guitar Hero / Rock Band

Photo: Byran Beasley

Anthrax, in New York City in February of 2011. After that clinic, we were driving up to Boston together for another clinic, just talking how cool it would be to do more of these types of things. After the Boston clinic the following week, I was on the phone with Charlie Benante, of Anthrax. While we were talking, Mike Portnoy emailed me a video link of the Ellefson/Bello NYC clinic. Mike said, “Hey man, these are awesome. How

Photo: Scott Diussa

here?” “No way all these kids are here for this” and they were! We snuck in through the store’s warehouse entrance and the store was packed with a few hundred more kids. It was surreal.

Photo: Tracey Ketcher

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Tell me one of your favorite Metal Master memories?

(video games) were at their peak and no one was playing real musical instruments. I wanted to find a way to shift away from that and have kids and musicians (of all ages) put down a video game controller and pick up the guitar. Sing or play whatever instrument it may be, but play a real instrument. In the beginning of Metal Masters, was it hard to convince these “Metal Gods” to join? How did the conversation go with Phil Anselmo? The core four was easy (Portnoy, Ellefson, Bello and Benante), we are friends, we are like a family, and they are the nucleus. It wasn’t as easy to convince others, but the core four comes from brand name bands. We knew we needed a guitar player and at Metal Masters Two, we had Anthrax playing as we incorporated the record release of “Worship Music” and their surprise performance as part of Metal Masters Two. With that, came Scott Ian. We needed other players as well (from the metal genre) and once again, timing was on my side, as Metal Masters Two was only a few days before the Yankee Stadium Big 4 show in New York City. So, I called Kerry King, guitarist of Slayer. King was hesitant at first, because he had never done anything like this before. It was completely out of the Slayer regiment, for him. It took a little convincing but he, eventually, agreed. He said, “If we are going to play Slayer, we are going to need a singer. What kind of singer is a Metal Master that can sing Slayer tunes?” Someone suggested Philip Anselmo, and I said, “There is no friggin’ way in hell Philip would ever consider doing this.” But I knew Pantera’s manager and I just put it out there, jokingly. Philip was on tour with DOWN and he, coincidently, had an off day on the same day we did Metal Master Two. He said he would do it if I flew him, from Oklahoma, to New York and back. I said,

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“DONE!” What do you think Metal Masters brings to the metal community? Metal Masters brings brotherhood. Every one of us: Myself, the crew-members, the musicians, and the people behind the scenes, are all close. I have seen more kids in the crowd, now (at shows), and that is the whole point of this. For example, at Metal Master Five I had a few custom Metal Master Guitars made and had them signed by all the musicians of Metal Masters Five. I gave them away to kids in the crowd. I brought them on stage and handed them a guitar. Seeing the younger generation there, with their dads or their older brothers, uncle’s or whoever they may be, makes it all worthwhile. How did Jose Mangin and Sirius XM Liquid Metal get involved with this year’s Metal Masters Five at the House of Blues in Anaheim? Jose is from New York, as am I. We have known each other for a long time. Jose was involved with Metal Masters Four, not as an MC but as a fan. For Metal Master Five he really wanted to get involved with it. He said he could get Sirius/XM’s Liquid Metal station to broadcast the event live to all 26 million subscribers in North America. That is how he got involved, on a professional standpoint.

Getting Philip Anselmo to be a part of the Metal Masters family and hearing him sing those Pantera songs again. The world needs Pantera, and the world needs Philip Anselmo, singing Pantera. Seeing him do that is always a highlight. To know that I had some part in bringing Pantera songs, live, back into the world (with Philip signing), is a pretty good feeling. Number two? Playing Killers on stage at MM5. What is next for MM? Are you going to take it on the road? I do know number 6 is being planned as we speak. But I cannot tell you more than that. My goal is to bring Metal Masters outside of the United States. I would love to bring it to South America and to Europe. It is just scheduling. We are talking about it, and it is possible, but we will see.

-Raquel Figlo

Masters is more than an annual MMetal concert.

It is a reunion performance between bands, brothers and legends to inspire young musicians to pick up an instrument and PLAY LOUD! Here’s what Pantera’s Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo, Anthrax’s Charlie Benante, Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy and Exodus’ Gary Holt have to say about what Metal Masters means to them and who they consider a legend themselves.

Why did you choose Iron Maiden songs for Metal Master Five? Steve Harris was my guy. He was the guy I saw, in magazines and videos, that inspired me. I am a bass player and I remember, as a kid, I would run home and try to learn every note of his. Those were the songs I wanted to hear. Chuck Billy was also singing at MM5 and the Di’Anno tunes Photo: Neil Zlozower (original Iron Maiden singer) were in his range. The song Killers is my favorite Maiden song of all time. They also

Photo: Neil Zlozower

Photo: Neil Zlozower

did Ides of March, which is an instrumental right into Wrathchild (just like the record). The guys had me play Killers with them on stage, during Metal Masters Five, which is still crazy to think about. To play one of my all-time favorite songs with Kerry King, Gary Holt, Chuck Billy, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, and Mike Portnoy, is just surreal. That is a career highlight of mine. Another cool thing about that night, Gary Holt and his wife, Lisa, gave me Steve Harris’ wristbands. Steve Harris gave those to Gary and Lisa after a Maiden gig. Gary Holt said, “If you are playing Maiden, you have to wear these.” It is all pretty special how it came together.


Photo: Tracey Ketcher

RNR: What does being a part of Metal Masters mean to you? Phil: It means getting to jam with some of my favorite friends in the music world who I’ve looked up to for a very long time. Mike Portnoy: On a personal level, it’s just great fun to jam and have a good time with some of my best friends in the business and for me on a musical level, it gives me a chance to spread my “metal wings.” I am one of the only Metal Masters that isn’t in a metal/thrash band as my main gig, but I am a metal fan through & through. It’s such a huge part of my background and in my blood.

Rex: Being a part of this special members-only club – Metal Masters – is a great feeling. I get to go up on stage with friends in bands I’ve toured with over the years and play some of the coolest riffs ever written. I can turn fans on with some of the best songs from our individual careers. Charlie: It means I’m a metal master! It’s a bit like being a Kung Fu master, but this is much more musically challenging. The best part is that we get to play with other musicians and friends while challenging ourselves. I enjoy doing something that is fun and also rewarding for the fans that attend. Gary: It means I get to jam with a lot of old friends who I don’t see often, as well as jam with legends like Billy Sheehan. You don’t really label him as a thrash kind of guy, but he just kills it with everything he does. He’s way too good! RNR: Who do you consider a legend in metal

and why? Phil: I consider any musician out there that has helped innovate heavy metal music a legend. I’d be a fool not to list Judas Priest and Black Sabbath, but they had their influences as well. The list of legends is damn near infinite! Mike Portnoy: Lemmy of course! He’s the ultimate whisky-drinking, groupie-shagging, crank-it-up-to-11 rock star there is! Rex: A legend is someone like Geezer Butler who helped define metal, as we know it. Without him, or others that came before us, the word metal would not be in our music vocabulary. It’s someone that has left an undeniable stamp of originality and presence from generation to generation. It means keeping metal alive and kicking ass! Charlie: Stevie Wonder is a musical genius, but he’s not a legend in metal. I would have to say Steve Harris is one with what he achieved in Iron Maiden. -Raquel Figlo

Inertia tions and vices in life from which we know we should break free, but can’t seem to gather enough force to overcome the inevitable path. A lot of our music speaks to those things and their hold over us.

Matt Upton

How did each of you begin playing your instruments, and what were your influences? Alex D. “growing up in

rate that motivation with inspirations from Guns ‘n Roses’ Appetite for Destruction, and devoted myself to aspiring to the highest level of craftsmanship possible. Some of my many influences are Jimmy Page, Slash, and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.” Paul S. “Growing up, I was immersed in a diverse environment of musical genres including Santana, Led Zepplin, the Supremes, the Bee Gees, and anything Motown. This variety, coupled with my grandfather’s prowess on bass and drums fostered an appreciation for a wide variety of textures and tones. My influences include Flea, Jaco Pastorius, and Les Claypool.”

Melody often manifests itself first, followed by progression, which in turn, informs the lyrics. It’s just what makes sense to us and perpetuates our understanding of what each of us bring to the table. What do you think of while crafting a song? You begin with what innately presents itself to you. Then, you mold what the musicality dictates, while taking into consideration the accessibility of what the fans would be moved by. Their (fans) input is ultimately a viably influential factor.

What can you say of yourselves now that you look back since this band first formed in 2012? Daniel D. “I was familiarized by my Satisfied with and grateful for the friends and family with whom I’d progress we’ve made, specifically with entrusted my formative efforts. I’ve Where did the four of you meet? gaining a drummer who has completed had no aspirations to be a musician, Paul Salazar (bass) - “Daniel Dunn however, they encouraged me to hone our vision. (vocalist, rhythm guitar) and I have my craft, and I found my place among What is the pinnacle of your expericollaborated since 2006, beginning those who’ve inspired me. I’ve found ence as an Inertia member thus far? with Silence the Radio. Our creative vocal inspiration in, among others, Jeff Witnessing the expansion of our fan partnership ultimately culminated Buckley, Bono, and Jimmy Gnecco.” base and experiencing our growth as a in the Inertia project in 2012. Since band that has genuinely impacted our Is a song idealized by one person, then, co-conspirators have come and a house of professional musicians, I experience as musicians and the lives gone, but the band has stayed true to was always encouraged to explore my or is it a group effort from the get of others. our original vision. With the addition of chosen endeavor. I quickly realized my go? penchant for percussion, and perused Daniel presents us with strong proNathan Gatewood (Lead guitar) and What can you hope to say when you gressions and lyrics. The final product Alex Daughenbaugh(Drums), the band that ambition. I found inspiration in look back on this point in time? Mark Portnoy of Dream Theater, Incu- is negotiated as collaborative effort. has come to realize and solidify our We can appreciate the fact that we’ve bus, and Teddy Campbell. purpose and message.” had the opportunity to express what Do you hear music, or lyrics first? truly drives us, and that others have How do you think this affects the Nate G. “having always admired my The band name Inertia? shared in this experience with us. Inertia to us, represents those tempta- brother’s dedication to guitar, I incorpo- final product?

Andrea Granillo

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Gooding We Are the Dark Stars Scott Dworkin

rhythm but this comes as no surprise, this is typical of all of their work. At the end of the day it is Gooding himself, who with his guitar playing alone, elevates every song to a whole new level. This man is virtuoso on the guitar by anyone’s measure and a master of his craft. What is truly amazing about his playing is that he is able to let loose and really wail, yet still stay true to the songs. He’s not playing any wasted notes just for the sake of showing off, although he very well could. It would be hard pressed for me to pick any one song that stands out any more than the rest on this album, they are all that solid, a testament to the high standard the band has for its music and it’s ever growing fan base. If there was one negative thing I can say about the album and of Gooding at all, is that while the album is fantastic, it still isn’t the same as seeing this band live. You absolutely must make a point of seeking them out while they are on the road (after buying the album of course) to truly appreciate what this band is really about. It shouldn’t be that difficult, the band tours relentlessly and the chances of finding them in a town near you should be pretty good in the next year. Do yourself a favor, pick up We Are the Dark Stars then get a group of your friends and go see a live Gooding show. I truly feel that you will end up feeling exactly like I did the first time I ever heard their music years ago, and still do today.

Scott Dworkin

G

ooding is one of those rare gems in music that if you are you are very lucky you will stumble on once or twice in your life. I happen to have been lucky enough to be one of those who were turned onto their music a few years ago and I’ve never looked back. Not only was I introduced to this amazing band and their music but had the opportunity to meet the man himself, and see them play many times. Gooding, the person is a true class act and a true talent that doesn’t come along very often. The band is made up of three lifelong friends, hailing from the Midwest, Gooding himself the lead singer and guitarist (more on the guitar later), Billy Driver on bass, and Jessie Rich on drums. IN late 2013 the band added its fourth and newest member, Jenny Wood who sings beautifully and as a bonus plays a mean guitar! The released its newest album, We Are the Dark Stars on May 13th. Their last album Buffalo was such a powerful showcase, not only of great songwriting, but amazing musicianship by all three members of the band, that some would think that it would be hard to ever top. Thankfully on We Are the Dark Stars the band has built on all that was great and only improved on it! First and foremost the addition of Jenny as the 4th member brings the music to another level. Her vocals, backing Gooding add another layer that feels completely natural adds nicely to the trio. Billy and Jessie are top notch and tight on the bottom end

T

he night after the Golden Gods Award Show, Epiphone was off to the After Party at Loaded in Hollywood in the Gibson bus. A line up of awesome bands was brought together to entertain the crowd.

First up was Filthy Nickels (aka Diamond Lane) followed by Delta Rose, who’s performance was accentuated by their high energy and, of course, their Tower of Shred with a double neck, 12 string guitar! What a sight to see and hear! Archer was up next and wowed the crowd with a debut of songs from their new album. One Hundred Proof hit the stage next followed by Behind the Fallen, both of which got the crowd jumping and dancing. During the set changes Epiphone would do a trivia game and the winners would receive cool Epiphone gear with the grand prize being a Epiphone Les Paul Zakk Wylde guitar that Jim Rosenberg of Epiphone donated and gave away to one lucky raffle winner. It was an awesome night and thanks to all of you that came out for it!

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Ramon C Ward Jr. & Enrique Nunez

metal riffs made you crazy at the moment. This band played for 45 minutes, after that we waited almost 45 more minutes for Metallica. When the show started the people got wild, some of them were crying; singing saying “I waited 31 years of my life to see this band in my country,” you could see kids, grandpas, young people singing all the songs. When they played Master of Puppets - you heard 35,000 souls singing and moshing, for me it was difficult to take pictures, you couldn’t even move. James Hetfield took the microphone and talked to the public saying: “Thank you for waiting almost 31 years, but for us Ecuador is our family now.” Although the members of Metallica have almost 50 yearsThe show started early they have a lot of energy, and in the concert 7:30 pm. The opening band was Madbrain they indicate to the people- that no matter from Ecuador. At 8:30 De la Tierra was your age, if you are good and you love what playing, the vocals of de la Tierra is: Andres you do go for it!!!! The sound was perfect, the Gimenez, one of my favorite artists from stage was small compared to the shows that Argentina, this band is so particular because I’ve seen, but the lights and fireworks were all the band is from Latin America, but differ- amazing; same like the shows in the states. ent countries like BRASIL, Argentina, Mexico. The voice of , James Hetfield, the strings of They play in a different style- when the show Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, besides started this band was terrific- amazing, the the drums of Lars Ulrich, sounded so intact,

exactly like in their album. The special moment that I lived was with the song Orion, from the album Master of Puppets it was the moment I remember the first bassist of the band Cliff Burton- who died in a car crash in 1986. In that moment all the public showed black balloons printed with the face of Burton. At the end of the song Hetfield put his fist at the sky and said his name. The concert was over with Seek and Destroy, and all the fans were so happy and comfortable with the show. Photos & Story By: Steph

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Michael Schenker

set, that started with “Armed and Ready” and segued into a stingy Scorps set with “Into the Arena”. The Scorpions tunes “Love Drive” and “Another Piece of Meat” were greedily gobbled by the Gila Monster crowd.

Temple of Rock resumed with “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” and “Horizons” and just like that, it’s area 51 filled with UFO’s tunes. The 59 year and 9 day old Schenker still has fun as he screams out, “Rock Me Rock Me!” The Temple nowhere near his microphone. of Rock Who needs a mic when you have band was a chrome Flying V? He got into comprised of it during the encore too. “Rock Doogie White on vox. His Bottom” took the Toronto crowd crooner charisma kills crowds, Rev Jones is a player. He moves right to the top and leaves ‘em hanging. Until the next time! This with the bass and hammers it show blasts off like a rocket and in so many positions the Kama leaves ears ringing. So for the Sutra would be proud! Wayne Findlay’s wielded axe - his seven finale they call for “Doctor Doctor”. string Trident guitar. Finally, Pete Exquisite Schenker show! Finally, Holmes kicking it on kit. Michael’s the bands leave the building, board their craft… and the band was joined by tour-mates, aliens abducted our soundman! the bands, Gundriver and Ethan Brosh. Take note of these up-and- Incidentally, Jake agrees that one of the show’s many highlights was coming shredders. the bluesy breakdown/guitar solo Then Schenker’s band kick all in “Rock Bottom“. ass with the seven song MSG b!||yzee

Igor Vidyashev

Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock opens the show with “Neptune Rising” to screaming Rockpile East and West fans, then “Where The Wild Wind Blows.” Michael hits the stage with sizzling solos and smiling with a few Flying Vs; a few tattoos; and a few straggles of blonde sneaking out from under the toque. Hey! It’s a Polar Vortex.

Igor Vidyashev

Great band and great show, everyone killed it on stage! The newest member Mike Mangini who plays the drums with a big smile the whole show is infectious, Jordan Rudess, has a huge grin the whole time as he is making complex keyboard parts seem casual and plays off Mike’s killer drumming, James LaBrie’s vocals started strong and just got stronger as the night went on. He was impressive and nailed it, and I have to say that John Myung and John Petrucci are in a class that us mortals can only hope to be a witness to. How they can remember all those notes to all those songs and tear it up at such a furious pace is amazing to witness. As a guitar owner I feel humbled to see this display of musical prowess which is awesome and soul pleasing. Fox Theater brought the prog to Riverside and I hope they bring some other bands of this caliber to the venue. Note to self ‘bring ear protection next time, my ears rang for 2 days, but the memory of the show is still very strong... By: Steve Sowder

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stars in the audience,” Michelle said. “It touched everyone when she came out in a wheelchair.” The music commenced after her acknowledgement, including the legendary Robby Kreiger closing the show with a set of The Doors.

absolute blast. It was wonderful to play a small part in raising money for such a great cause.

The level of talent, both on and off stage, that gladly gave their time, energy and passion was quite humbling. To see Lita Ford get the “Legend” award from Guitar Player Magazine The benefit concert aimed to spread awareness about multiple sclerosis and to support long time Nick Bowcott, original guitarist for Grim Reaper, was a definite highlight. Like all involved, I will be happy to help Nancy and her praiseworthy also played on stage that night. He has been a friend and publicist, Nancy B. Sayle, who was long time friend of Nancy B. Sayle. He answered efforts in the future. Here’s to more “Rock diagnosed with primary progressive multiple Against MS” shows all over the country and in a couple questions about his experience on sclerosis in 2009. much bigger venues. All hail Nancy B. Sayle. stage and his relationship to the publicist. Guitar Player Magazine presented Lita Ford Nancy is truly loved by her peers. She has been their top award, inspired by Chet Atkins’ phrase, How do you know Nancy B. Sayle? in the music industry for over 30 years and Nick: I first got to know Nancy over 10 years “Certified Guitar Player.” Lita and Cherie Curry continues to follow her passion for the music ago due to her stellar work as a publicist. I was followed with a song, from their founding band industry. writing for a few publications, including Guitar The Runaways’, “Cherry Bomb” - with Mitch World, and she was working with a lot of the Perry, Marty O’Brien and Bobby Rock. Lita is Now, she is working hard to educate and spread artists I was covering. an excellent songwriter and shredder on the awareness of MS, a disease which interferes guitar. She is an inspiration for girls and now a Our paths would also frequently cross at shows with every-day life tasks. The ROCK AGAINST “certified” legend. MS FOUNDATION will provide services from and the NAMM show, and we quickly became a three (3) grant resource system, which will Appearances also included Kenny Aronoff, Gilby good friends. I was devastated when I learned provide daily care, quality of life needs and she’d been diagnosed with MS. But being the Clarke, James Lomenzo, Phil Buckman, Brian tenacious lady she is, it didn’t slow her down one emergency funding, while assisting people with Tichy and many more. multiple sclerosis (MS) to live independent and iota. Michelle Renee, a co-chair of the full lives. Additionally, a brick and mortar facility My respect for her was already paramount. Her foundation, said, “The benefit isn’t solely for which will be call THE ROCK HOUSE is in the relentless work to bring attention to this dreadful raising awareness about MS. It’s also to help planning stages, and will provide free of charge, and debilitating disease has raised my respect give those living with the disease a great event multiple programs and opportunities designed for her to whole new level. God bless her and all to enjoy and hope that they can live a better to heal the mind, body and spirit of all of those she does. quality of life with the help of this foundation whose lives have been affected by MS. through grant systems that are being developed How does it feel to perform for a fundraiser When I asked Nancy B. Sayle what her favorite for this purpose.” like “Rock Against MS?” part of the night was, she said it was when Nick: What can I say? It was both an honor and The foundation’s cause is of personal interest someone hit the stage. Her best time was a privilege to not only be able to perform my to Michelle since her daughter has also been during rehearsal because she could be up front abridged tribute to Dimebag Darrell, but also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. listening to all the rock stars jam out and have a play three songs with players Bruce Kulick, good time together. “The best part of the night for me was when James Lomenzo and Kenny Aronoff. I had an Raquel Figlo Nancy got on stage and thanked the rock 56 56 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

Chad Lee

At the world famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA, a slew of top musicians came together for an epic night of performances and appearances to support the second annual “Rock Against MS” benefit show.


Built to Last & Made to

BLAST !

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- Enrique Nunez The Anaheim (Downtown Disney) House Of Blues welcomed Sick Puppies, Lacuna Coil, Eyes Set To Kill and Cilver for one last show on this tour. It was quite a surprise to see people lined up outside the venue past noon, maybe earlier. Meet and greet took place at 4:30 pm, VIP fans were able to get their memorabilia signed by all four bands and then a picture with only the lady members of such. I have always been an admirer of bands that take the time to “meet and greet” their fans. Sometimes it is a “must” because the fans pay (upgrade) for such privilege, but genuinely, I saw these ladies enjoy spending the limited time they had with their fans and pose for a picture, giving each and every deserving admirer an honest smile for that picture they will forever cherish. I mean c’mon, with all that beauty and talent and you in the middle of that picture, you cannot be, but be nervous to have them gather around you for a pic! The main attraction were Sick Puppies’ Emma Anzai (bass), Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia (co-singer), Eyes Set to Kill’s sister duo Alexia Rodriguez (vocals/guitar) and Anissa Rodriguez (bass) along with Cilver’s Uliana (vocals) who made sure they delivered an entertaining evening for all those fans that came to see them. I did notice and overheard a few comments on how diverse this lineup was. If you tour (which is a hard life after all) and still give it all onstage and then give your fans time, that is very respectable no matter what type of music you perform. 58 58 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

kind words, including how he knows the band will take off even further than they have, and it’s going to be a band that the fans in attendance will be able to look back and say “I saw them up close and personal at the Kickoff Party.” The crowd was going absolutely wild, moshing, and even crowd surfing, much to security’s dismay. They played a couple of old songs, including “Somewhere in Hiding” and many off of Fragile Figures¸ their latest release. Watsky was quite an interesting listen, from the full stage of musicians, to the “MC style” of singing, to the lyrics. Warped Tour likes to mix it up and have artists from this genre on the roster. Many of his lyrics and songs seemed to revolve around the subject of marijuana. At one point, he compared having a seizure to smoking weed. Another winning line was “I won’t wine or dine her unless she likes two buck chuck and Oscar Meyer.” By the end, the girls on stage were chanting, “Watsky doesn’t need an MC name,” over and over. One Ok Rock is probably one of those bands that’s a joy to photograph, because they certainly don’t stand still on stage. With a lot of jumping, high energy vocals, catchy lyrics, and an overall loud, but not overwhelming sound, it’s clear that they’re going to get quite the audiences this summer. Bad Rabbits seemed to have the most fans in the audience of the night’s performers. The crowd absolutely loved them, dancing the whole time, singing loudly, and getting really into the songs. With the soulful, sensual way Dua sings -charming lyrics, synchronized dancing, and an almost romantic vibe, and you have yourself quite the night with Bad Rabbits.

Lan Nguyen

The Vans Warped Tour Kickoff has two parts. It’s a combination of a press conference, the opportunity for Kevin Lyman to update everyone on news, sponsors, take questions, etc. and the party, where several bands on Warped Tour are chosen to showcase a variety of the music that you’ll get to hear if you come to any of the summer dates. The venue is full of artists, their friends and family, press of all kinds, and of course, fans who have bought tickets to the special event months before Warped Tour actually hits the road. This year, besides the featured bands playing, there were many 2014 Warped Tour artists in attendance of the press conference, including Austin Carlile from Of Mice & Men, Telle (Tyler) Smith from The Word Alive, Beebs & Her Money Makers, Jeff from Divided Heaven, Brian from The Summer Set (who also was on Warped Tour last year), Brian Marquis (musician and founder of the Acoustic Basement), and Ghost Town. In addition, there were many other members of bands on this year’s tour weaving the crowd during the performances. This Wild Life opened the show with an acoustic set. Singer Kevin is incredibly gentle, which you might not expect from his appearance. Their specialty is soft and melodic songs that seem to touch your heart, even with a touch of sadness. At one point he made a joke, saying that the next song was for his favorite member of the family, going on to describe a dog, which was of course, the premise for their track called “Puppy Love.” They’ve just recently signed to Epitaph Records, so they certainly had a good week all around. SECRETS is a band that was in attendance of the Kickoff Party last year, who I got the chance to befriend at that time. They’ve always had fans, but this year’s performance was proof that they have certainly gained popularity in the year since. Kevin Lyman actually got on stage before the band started to say a few


Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 59


Music City MUSIC CITY

What’s happenin’ readers? It’s -pArker back with you again from Nashville, TN! Thanks for tuning into another edition of Rock N Roll Industries Magazine’s ‘Music City’ column for your latest on what’s happening in the Music Capitol of the World! A lot is happening in Nashville, in the music & radio world, such as Nashville’s Funniest Morning Rock Radio Show “Free Beer & Hot Wings,” “Revolver Underground” Indie Music To Die For, upcoming featured artist “The Cavalry,” and more! Although this may be Nashville’s Funniest Rock Radio Morning Show on 102.9 the Buzz, you can find these guys ALL over the country, (based out of Grand Rapids at their Home Station WGRD), and in other markets, entertaining and making people LTFAO! Syndicated in over 40 markets throughout America, the morning show is, by far, the greatest comedic source in the latest news and happening stories. The show (no music, just entertainment) is hosted by Gregg “Free Beer” Daniels, Chris “Hot Wings” Michaels, Eric Zane, Producer Joe (most known for his ‘Joe Stunts’), and Producer Steve. I have, unfortunately, personally gotten to know these guys over the years and yes, they are the coolest idiots in radio today. All joking aside though, much respect to these guys, as we have a love-hate relationship, therefore I have to give them hell every once in a while myself (hehe). You can check out their show by tuning in many different ways, all info that you can find at their website, www.freebeerandhotwings.com . WHERE DID THE NAME COME FROM? Instead of calling the show, The Gregg & Chris Show, which by all estimations would have been the most boring sounding radio show in the world, the decision was made to call it “The Free Beer & Hot Wings Show,» which seemed far more attention grabbing. It was admittedly nothing more than a cheap ploy to get people to listen under the false pretense that they may actually have a chance to win beer and/or hot wings. However, it was not intended that those two things would become permanently synonymous and attached to Gregg and Chris as nicknames. But that›s what happened and now they have to live with the consequences of their BS forever. Also, the reason Zane wasn›t given a food name is that, when he joined the show, he was already a well-known personality and frankly, another food name would have just been an overkill of stupidity. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FREE BEER & HOT WINGS SHOW: The Free Beer & Hot Wings Show began as an afternoon show in Omaha, NE at non-commercial radio station KIWR in March of 1997. The Show was comprised of two former Central Michigan University roommates who eventually moved to mornings several months later where they remained until the summer of 2000 when they moved to WBON in Knoxville, TN. It was there that they met the show’s eventual 3rd member and other CMU grad, Eric Zane, who was, at the time, their direct competitor at WIMZ. When Zane was fired, he immediately drove across town and joined The Free Beer & Hot Wings Show. In June of 2002, The Show

reputation is a competitive, talented atmosphere and musical environment that is recognized all around by the music entertainment world. With saying that, that’s why I want to introduce to you this month’s Music City Featured Artist, “The Cavalry”. “The Cavalry” is an Alternative / Southern PopRock, one of a kind band based originally out of Los Angeles, California and now currently in Nashville, TN. In the beginning, the band got its start as a straight forward rock act out of L.A. They bring a special blend of energy & soul into their explosive stage performances. While in L.A., the band cut their teeth in the heartland of Modern Rock n› Roll, on the legendary stages of the Sunset Strip. Regularly headlining venues such as: The Roxy, House of Blues, Key Club, The Whisky, The Cabana Club, & many others from across the country, the band impresses fans and venues with their professionalism, high-energy REVOLVER UNDERGROUND shows, and great draw. The sound guy at their A new addition to Music City has arrived! very first show said it best when he closed their Revolver Underground - Indie Music To Die set with: When you want to rock, who’re you going For. EROCK, one of Nashville’s very own, is to call? Call in “The Cavalry!” host of Revolver Underground, a 1-hour, weekly, Outside of being a marketable band, “The syndicated music show featuring the very best Cavalry” in its first year won L.A.’s “Best New Indie Music from around the globe! Revolver Band of the Year” Award. The band has also Underground was a concept thought up by Eric been blessed to have been endorsed by many of Black (EROCK) in early 2008, and was brought the industry’s leading companies in fashion and into existence as a music show for terrestrial entertainment. Now, “The Cavalry” calls Nashville, and internet radio stations featuring the very TN home and is positioning newer and stronger best Independent music from around the world. members. Current members include: Tristan February of this year, 2014, marked the shows 6th Jackson – Vocals, Taylor Wade – Drums, John year! Provost – Guitar, and Seth Teegarden – Bass, Interviews have become a big part of what under the Record Label - 7dc Records. A lot of Revolver Underground is. EROCK has had the work has been dedicated into this talented band opportunity to interview a lot of amazing inde- with other recognition such as Josh Romine – pendent artists as well as many mainstream Manager, Cory B. Clay – Production / Jukebox artists such as: Ginger Fish and Piggy D - Rob Romeos, and special thanks to the many others Zombie, Jeremy - Five Finger Death Punch, whom have supported “The Cavalry” along the Singer/Songwriter Colby Caillat, Bobby Amaru way! With the band successfully writing hit songs - Saliva, Jonny Hetherington - Art Of Dying, such as single ‘Hold On Tight’ and ‘Whiskey Shot’ Bret Michaels - Poison, Shifty Shellshock – which have been spinning currently in Music City CrazyTown, Rhythm & Blues/Gospel Singer on Nashville’s biggest Rock Station, 102.9 the Mavis Staples, Guitarist Steve Vai, Guitarist Buzz, “The Cavalry” was asked to go on tour with Johnny Lang, and Grammy Award winner the well-known active rock band “FUEL” and they Omar Akram. EROCK has also had the opare currently touring with the band. Special shoutportunity and privilege of interviewing some out & thanks to “FUEL” members, Brett Scalof entertainments biggest celebrities such as lions – Vocals, Brad Stewart – Bass, Shannon socialite Paris Hilton, Actress Tess BrousBoone – Drums, Andy Andersson – Guitar, for sard - Comedy Central’s Nick Kroll Show, and their continued support! Go check “The Cavalry” Reality TV Star Daniel James III out! Animal Planet’s Hillbilly Hand Fishin’. “I appreciate your interest in Revolver Underground and taking the time to listen. Find the show on WSDI Chicago, KROCKS Radio, WROM Radio, Butterflies Radio, Slip Stream Radio UK and more! If you’re not around a computer, feel free to download the Stitcher. com app for your smartphone or car-dashboard systems for GM, Ford, Mini and BMW! You can also hear the show on iTunes Podcasts.” For info or contact, find me at www. revolverunderground.com -EROCK moved to New Jersey, where they were simulcast on WTHK in Trenton and WCHR on The Jersey Shore. The Free Beer & Hot Wings Show began full syndication in 2004 with the addition of WGRD in Grand Rapids, MI and is now heard on radio stations in 25 different states. Go check them out! www.freebeerandhotwings. com . Be sure to LIKE them on Facebook, FOLLOW them on Twitter, TAG them on Instagram… You know… All of that girly socially media stuff kids do now days. MAKE IT HAPPEN and tune in to “The Free Beer & Hot Wings Morning Show”…you won’t regret it.

FEATURED ARTIST

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“The Cavalry” As many know, Nashville is known worldwide as the Music Capitol of the World. The city’s


Photo: Neil Zlozower/ Atlasicons

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 61


Fan Favorite

After the first couple of nights of chaos I had a conversation with one of my co-bartenders about the expectations bar patrons have in these situations. A person walks into the post office and sees a line of 15 people and 2 postal workers, they expect a substantial wait. Same with a bank line and only 2 tellers, a grocery line and only 2 cashiers, I can go on and on. Why is it that people walk into a bar, see 200 people and 2 bartenders and expect immediate attention? In addition, when they don’t get instant service they lash out at the bartender. This is something I will never understand. Being unkind is not going to get you a drink any quicker. In fact, it may prevent you from getting a drink at all. Why would I get to you before the people that are being kind and patient? What makes you so much more deserving of service than all the people that were there before you? Now, if you are anticipating huge crowds at a bar you plan on patronizing, let me offer up some tips. First off, be observant and patient. Watch the bartenders, see what they are up against and adjust your expectations. When they do approach, be kind and keep it short, no time for chit chat, just place your order. The nicer you are and the easier you make the transaction will most likely help you with future drink orders. Bring cash! Cash transactions are way faster than using a card. If you insist on using a card, please do not run it for every round. If you plan on having more than one round, just keep it open. Have your entire order ready, don’t keep adding on, and DO NOT take other orders for the people around you. They will get their turn. Every second is crucial to the slammed bartender and making them take so many extra steps just puts them further behind. All you’re doing is make other people wait even longer and they become more frustrated with the bartender that was delayed because of you. Your actions not only affect the bartender, but other customers. The point in going to these events is to have a good time. There are so many people working very hard so that you can enjoy the occasion. Be realistic, patient and friendly and your experience will only be better for it. As always, have fun and drink safe.

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Helldorado is Dust (Drill) RichardsonVocals, Sam(FNG) Perez -Rhythm Guitar, Gabe(The Kidd) Miller- Lead Guitar, Dave(Big Wave) BridgesBass, Tommy(Gunn) Scherer-Drums. Helldorado began as a vision between Tommy and Dustin a little over a year ago. The vision was to bring back the rock n roll show to matched with songs you could sing, the riffs you could rock to, the grooves you could shake your ass to. “We recently recorded our first full length album, entitled “Alcohol Fueled Adrenaline” with James Hill at Amplified Wax Recording Studios in Spokane, WA, and just prior to entering the studio, we lost our lead guitarist. But “the Kidd” steeped up like a man, and not only recorded all the rhythm tracks, but rose like a champ and played ALL the lead parts. As stressful as this time was, it helped us grow even tighter, and even hungrier! From start to finish, our album hit you like a fist to the face. It’s high octane rock that never lets up infused with southern groove tendencies. We are beyond pleased with the album, with big thanks, again, to Mr. Hill for his patience, guidance, and input in helping us fully realize the potential in our songs. In our short time together

as a band, we have been fortunate enough to play with bands and artists like Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Motionless In White, Mastadon, Butcher Babies, All That Remains, Baroness, Mindset Evolution, Amon Amarth, Machine Head, bands that we look up to for the contributions they have made to music, and we feel extremely blessed to be able to not only play with artists of this caliber, but learn from, and hopefully kick their asses each night with the very tricks they taught us. When you want to be the best, you learn from the best. I would say that if this last year is indication, we are on the right path. Having recently become a part of the PIAA music group, we will be having the opportunity to tour with bands like Aghori, Toy Called God, Element a440 this fall we are very excited for this. Last years broadcasts averaged over 300,000 viewers a night. What an incredible opportunity Jeff Totten and Moni Parra have given to unsigned bands again this year. We are excited to be a part of it again this year. We want to give a big thanks to Sure Fuck Cologne for keeping us smelling so good, and Fireball Whiskey for all the good times and inspirations.

Mr. Warren Stowell

Every year a historical parade and major sporting event bring hundreds of thousands of people to the town I work in resulting in 2 days of insanity at the bar. This year, the addition of a second major sporting event resulted in 5 more days of a packed bar. Although lucrative, it is very physically and mentally draining. It’s also rather mind blowing how completely oblivious patrons are to the pressure facing the bartenders. Believe me; the stress involved in getting drinks out to customers five deep far surpasses the frustration of waiting a few extra minutes to get a drink. It doesn’t help that this is when people tend take things out on the bartenders that are working their asses off under very exhausting circumstances.


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--------------------------------------Intervallic Sequences! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to another installment of ‘Intense Guitar’, peeps!!! This month’s question comes from Aidan Murphy from Charleston, North Carolina. Who asked, “I loved your column on the ‘Sixteenth Note Picking Exercise’. Can you suggest anything to get more intervals in my playing? Something a little more out of the normal scale sound.” Yes, I can! So, this month we’re gonna look at some pretty neat Intervallic Sequences played in three octave patterns! Before I go any further. Anyone wishing me to address or talk about a particular topic, please feel free to reach out to me at toshi@rocknrollindustries.com. You can always drop me a message on my Facebook Music page, too! facebook.com/ToshiIsedaFanPage, as always, I love hearing feedback from you. This kind of approach in your playing will make for a much more interesting listening experience and will break you out of “predictable scalar playing”. Some examples of this kind of intervallic playing can be heard in the works of Carl Verheyen, Al Di Meola, Steve Morse, Allan Holdsworth, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Joe Diorio, and George Lynch, to name a few. Our sequence pattern will be that of taking the 1, 3, 5, and 6 notes from each diatonic mode. These modes would be: The Ionian (Major scale), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (Natural minor), and Locrian modes. When first approaching these patterns, take them slow. They can be rather finger-twisting if you’re not used to playing in this sort of fashion. But trust me. It’ll be well worth it!! Keep in mind these are, essentially, arpeggios. For example: If you look at the first pattern, in the Ionian mode, it’s a Major 6th arpeggio. When you apply the pattern to the Aeolian mode, it’s a Minor 6th arpeggio. The cool thing about this is that they can be utilized when playing over chord changes. Kinda boring playing the arpeggiated chord over the actual chord, so I’d suggest substituting.These can be REALLY interesting when combing them with other intervallic patterns. Joe Diorio also has a wonderful book called ‘Intervallic Designs’. I’m not sure if it’s still available but it’s definitely worth checking out! For the fingerings, I’ve chosen fingerings that are logical to me. Feel free to experiment with alternate or more comfortable fingerings. To each his own, so to speak. An example of this would be fingering # 2. Where as I use the finger patterns of 1, 3, 2, 4. Some of my students prefer the finger pattern of 1, 4, 3, 4. Keep in mind, again. The reason to look at this approach to playing is to get you out of “typical” and “predictable” box playing. Take a look at examples # 8 and 9. I’m actually combing a few different intervallic approaches. It’s a 4 part arpeggio sequence. I’m incorporating this month’s topic with 3 different other one’s. On the ascending part, I’m using 2 different arpeggios. And on the descending part, I’m also using 2 different arpeggios. Can you guess what the other patterns are for the remaining three arpeggio patterns? Like I’ve said. Experiment with other fingerings that may be more comfortable for you to execute these patterns. That about wraps it up for this month. The key here is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to combine intervals of your own to make for a more interesting sound and listen. It’s all about getting your own sound and voice on the instrument. Listen to some of the players I mentioned for some inspiration as to what can be done! With enough diligence and hard work, you’ll eventually adapt your own style and sound. On that note. ‘Who Dares Wins’. I’ll see you in the next issue of ‘Rock N Roll Industries’ magazine!!! Kampai!!! (c) 2014 Toshi Iseda 64 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine


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rs in Wa

Ga 1 The

How much is too much? In the ever-mutating quest for the ultimate tone, Guitarists can be a competitive bunch. We had limited offerings back in the day to achieve the sound we wanted. Mostly clean tones from the typical amplifiers and guitars available at the time, problem was; it was dull and boring- everyone sounding the same. Then came the Mighty Overdrive! Back in England a young music store owner named JIM MARSHALL had trouble importing Fender amps for his customers so he decided to make them in the rear of his music store. HE REVERSE ENGINEERED the Fender amplifiers and started his own brand called Marshall, which is widely popular today from the young guitarists flooding his shop including: Clapton, Hendrix & Page to name a few, who went on to become Legends! What Jim did, was discover the Sound of Rock by accident. He didn’t have access to the same Transformers that Fender used, so he bought military surplus units. Some people didn’t like the new amplifiers he made stating that Fender was better because their amps would stay clean at higher volume -no overdrive. At the time overdrive was a bad sign usually frowned upon & a sign of inferior equipment, but the younger guys who bought the amps found a new sound. By turning their amp up, the sound wasn’t the nasty distortion you hear when you turn a cheap radio up, it was something special. What was the Iconic Sound Of a Pissed OFF TUBE AMP ON 10! A sign of inferiority became the Mighty OVERDRIVE you’ve heard on countless Rock n Roll recordings from the 60’S on up to today’s music. Fastforward- to the 80’s. Guitarists were looking for a HARDER SOUND! Just like with Cars and Motorcycles we are never satisfied, and hungry for more POWER! So a young Guitarist hit the scene by the name of Eddie Van Halen. HIS SOUND WAS WAY MORE OVERDRIVEN & hotter than your average everyday guitarist. He told the press he had his amplifier HOTRODDED to achieve that great distorted guitar tone. What happened after that was, there was a huge movement to achieve the HOTTEST & therefore BEST Guitar Sound. Amp Gurus sprang up faster than weeds operating on many Marshall amplifiers to give their client the hottest sound possible. What they failed to realize is there is limitations and too much of anything is a bad idea. Out of these Amp Gurus, some went on to form their own versions of their ideal Kick ASS AMP. What happened is the competition thing spoiled the restraint and taste that you can hear on some albums from that era. Everybody would visit the shop and say hey “what did you do for that guy? Well make mine HOTTER THAN HIS!” AND THERE BEGAN THE DOWNWARD spiral. Guitarist and builders requested so much gain it became a contest. A RACE! Studios and soundmen found it difficult to get a great sound when micing these Beasts. The sound was over saturated and translated into a cold BUZZY SOUND OFTEN REFERED TO AS THE DREADED “BEES IN A TIN CAN” sound. There were an abundance of guitarists with hot-rodded amplifiers that were constantly being told turn down the gain. This trend has rolled over into modern times where gear is sold touting “highest gain”. As a recording or gigging Professional you need Quality over Quantity. There’s a threshold or “cap” to gain to achieve a quality tone. If you own a Super saturated high gain amplifier you might have been told to turn the gain down. There is a level that when passed, transfers into a THIN, COLD BUzzzzzY SOUND that doesn’t sound very appealing. The race for High gain brought us new heights, but going past the certain level will do more harm to your sound than good. Lesson is “less is more.” You want a big tone buy an amp tailored for this in mind or simply turn down the gain. You’ll sound bigger and your ears won’t jump off your head and run for the hills! Looking forward to delving deeper in our quest for the Ultimate guitar tone! Stay tuned for future articles where we will touch on many interesting subjects to help you MASTER YOUR TONE! -BILLY BLADES

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hat is it like Mastering for a Legend? To work with a legend or someone you look up to is always a challenge. On one hand you want to give them a great surprise that they like and expect but at the same time you have to be cautious not to overdo it or take it to the wrong place. In some cases you only have one opportunity to show your skills. In some cases there is more flexibility and you have the option of making changes to their liking. You never know and that’s the mystery and what makes it a challenge, how to get it right on the first time or at least show the potential so they can respond to it with an interest. When this happens and they like it very much - You immediately feel very satisfied and it makes you happy - like winning a game or a bet, or going on an adventure and coming back feeling enlightened. I grew up listening to so many music styles from all over the world. There are a lot of legends in my book or at least people I look up to as a music fan and people who work in the audio side of music ( the actual sound of the recordings) Sometimes it’s very hard to express the feeling of working with legends after the fact - the excitement and tension is when its in the making and that can be a short or a long time. After that you just relax and feel thankful for the opportunity and the results. I see it like a mountain you had just climbed to the top and gotten home safely - you were there but you can exactly explain the feeling other than feeling accomplished and happy. Tell us some examples of Legends you have worked with? Sylvia Massy - A very well known female pro-

ducer worked with Tool, System Of A Down, Green Jello, Johnny Cash and lots more. She is a great producer - We have worked on so many albums together - a very unique person to work with - it’s all about capturing the moment and bringing the vibe in it David Ellefson and F5 - I got to work with David Ellefson on mastering “The Reckoning “ album of his band F5 - this was the second album. This was very exciting for me as I am a bass player and am a fan of some of the Megadeth albums he had played on - huge Megalith fan I was. Roy Z - A well known producer and guitar player who worked with Bruce Dickenson, Rob Halford, Judas Priest, Helloween, Downset and lots more. The guy is a a great producer - We have worked on so many albums together - a very inspiring person to work with - He connects to the music on a personal level and makes you bring the best of you to it. Rob Halford - I got to work on mastering and remastering some of Rob’s studio albums, live CDs, DVD and Blue Ray : Winter Songs, Made Of Metal, Live In Anaheim, Rock in Rio, Live a Saitama Super Arena and a few bonus tracks of other releases including Fight remasters of A Small Deadly Space. This was so exciting and very rewarding til today as it’s part of my discography. To me, Rob is one of the best vocalists in metal and rock , he has inspired so many musicians and music fans from way back in the 70’s til today and I am sure that it will be so in the future as well. Yngwie Malmsteen - I got to work on mastering his album, Perpetual Flame. This was very exciting for me as I am a fan of a lot of the older albums

and this one had that style of writing and playing. On this album the singer is Tim “ripper” Owens - A legend by himself - the guy who replaced Rob Halford in Judas Priest for a few albums and sang with other well known bands as well and very rewarding til today as it’s part of my discography. To me, Yngwie is one of the worlds guitars icons , he has inspired so many guitar players and musicians all over the world - his unique style became a staple in metal and shredding guitar playing. Sepultura - I got to work on mastering the Kairos album. They are the legends of metal in South America and still one of the most known metal bands in the world. They bring a unique blend of aggression and influences from South American culture and music and they blend it so good that it’s a style of its own Cynic - I got to work on mastering 3 releases: “ Re-Traced” , “Carbon-Based Anatomy “ and “Kindly Bent To Free Us “. They are the legends in their own style. They bring a unique blend of technical skills and influences from jazz, fusion, alternative and progressive rock and metal as well. Such a talented band Fates Warning - I got to work on mastering “ Darkness in a different light “ They are the legends in the prog-metal scene awesome players and musicians

Battle for Ride for Dime

by Arthur Gonzales

have established their own “Ride for Dime Scholarship Fund.” This is dedicated to furthering music education through America’s youth. This event has grown into six nationwide chapters including: Texas (Mother Chap**Stage Group Shot Left to Right** ter), Philadelphia, Robert “Bobzilla” Kakaha (Hell Yeah), Debbie Sexton (National Radio Personality), Jesse Herringer (Volume Dealer), *Obstructed view* Mike Chicago, Florida, Wisconsin, MinneLuce (Drowning Pool) (You can see his arm), Arthur Gonzales (Mr sota and Nashville. Creepy), *Obstructed view* Jim Crye (Volume Dealer) Recently it has also A lot of tributes have come and gone gone international and is now officially in the UK. since the passing of the legendary, This year marks the 10th year of the Darrell Lance Abbott or, as he became known to the world, “Dimebag world’s loss of the iconic guitarist. The Darrell.” One organization took a leap stakes have gone up tremendously over the years to be a part of the forward in front of all of the others. event. The Dallas/Fort Worth area It has the blessings from Dimebag’s supports the mother chapter and has family members, friends and former bandmates. It has become known as now grown into a three day event. the mighty “Ride for Dime” and it is a With this in mind, not just any artist or act can just walk on. Artists such as celebration of the lives of Dimebag, Ace Frehley, Pumpjack, Texas Hippie Jeff Thompson, Nathan Bray, and Erin Halk and the amazing memories Coalition and, of American Idol fame, Nikki McKibbin have all performed in everybody has with them. Dimebag’s honor, to name just a few. Ride For Dime is a Non-Profit There are plenty of other bands that organization that proudly donates are willing to throw down and put it to charities that were of interest to all up against one another to be part Dimebag, such as: Little Kids Rock, of the big show. This is how “The Toys For Tots, IAVA. Over time they Battle for The Ride for Dime” became 66 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

a reality. This year provided celebrity judges, Robert ‘Bobzilla’ Kakaha of Hellyeah, Mike Loce of Drowning Pool and national radio personality, Debbie Sexton. If being judged by celebs wasn’t enough, I can only say that I wanted it to be pushed a notch higher by donating one of my personal guitars. I am most well known for being the founder of Mr Creepy. The band consists of an all star lineup of very well known and respected musicians. But donating the guitar just wasn’t enough, I wanted it to be custom painted. Demented stepped up and knocked it out of the park. They are known for working with many celebs in creating custom shop cars, trucks & now guitars. The bands that gave it their all: Shotgun Rebellion Creeper Los Traques 100 Proof Hatred Volume Dealer This year’s winner, Volume Dealer, had an interesting twist to their tale. Two of the band members played in two gigs with their other bands, right across the street at another venue, before playing with Volume Dealer,. The other two band members played a different gig with their other band before joining the rest of the band across the street. They finished that gig and rushed over to re-set as they

were the last on the bill to play. They were on fire from their first song to their last song! Volume Dealer Vocals - Jesse Herringer Guitar - Jim Crye Bass - PD Mayhall Drums - Jeff Gerhardt Vinnie Paul Abbott, Dimebag’s brother (and former bandmate) has been quoted in the past praising RFD. “The event has been very, very cool for a long time. The guys who have put it together really have their hearts in the right place.” - Dallas Observer There is never certainty in placing in any formal battle, but there is a certainty within belief in yourself, the people standing next to you on stage and the talents that will help you rise above to claim victory within your chosen craft. Congratulations to Volume Dealer on their win and a very big thank you to all that participated in The Battle for Ride for Dime 2014. Thank you to EZ Dude BBQ, for feeding all of the musicians and production staff! I can’t help but love their fitting slogan, “Getcha Pull Off My Pit!!” Rock N Roll Industries Magazine has become the official publication for all Ride for Dime events world wide and will keep everybody up to date on the lineups as well as anything going on within the organization.

Danny Dagan

Maor Appelbaum


By Skye Delamey Musician & Songstress! Our world consists of so many amazing songs, but as musicians, ever stop to wonder what the songwriting process entails? What I like to do before adding chords, tempo, or even coming up with a key signature, is ask: what is the emotional message, or story of the song? The answer to that will determine what key, what tempo, and what mood you as the songwriter would like to convey. Songwriting is in essence, the same as story telling. If your song is moody, or has a darker tone, you may want consider minor keys. For more upbeat, happy music, major keys. In addition, be aware of your tempo/your key signature, as well as your structure. It is so limiting when some musicians assume all songs have to have a chorus and verse only, and there you go. While some songs are amazing songs that are written in that context, it’s important to note that there is a variety to song writing structure. You may have only verses, and one, or two amazing bridges. Or, incorporate the chorus-verse-bridge structure. You can even begin with a chorus. And, you do not necessarily need to have the title of the song in the actual song, though it is common to. In music, you can even have changes in both key, and time signatures, meaning chords changes too. What I like to get across as a songwriter, and musician to other prospective songwriters is: Don’t be afraid to delve deeper, explore, and even tap into unknown songwriting territory. Some of my most favorite rock or metal songs that I love are because of the songwriting rules being bent, exaggerated, or simply broken. Some of these songs are way longer than the standard 3 or 4 minutes, and the solos, and bridges appear unexpectedly, which makes it all that much more interesting!

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When I learned that I would be going with Rock N Roll Industries to the 2014 NAMM at the Anaheim Convention Center, I was thrilled that I would be privy to a trade show that was closed to the general public. For those of you who haven’t been to NAMM, let me clue you in. It’s enormous. Several levels of open space that gets filled with the product of over 7,000 vendors and foot traffic that raises hell with five digits. Escalators, elevators, mechanical lifts, and several parking lots- the sheer number of which are incapable of serving the populace when the convention comes each January. Carpooling barely makes a dent.

Mike and some of the MI crew were on hand to show you the way to the stars!

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Set Up/Press Day A lot of traffic and settling in. That’s about the gist of it. If you’re not carrying in your own product to set up, then you’re checking out your neighbors. If you’re like me, then you check out the other booths so you can map out a path of interest for when the show gets on the road. Day 1 is like the first and second day of school. The first impression is everything, so everyone is dressed to the nines to make business deals. Suits, ties, heels, up-dos XW-J1 is an all-in-one VJ / DJ controller and make up galore. There’s a lot of hand shaking, so for mixing music and videos I hope you brought your Purell. In comparison to days two and three of the convention, day one is relatively slow. The lines for liquor are short and fast. It’s a nice build-up to the next three days, but it’s also a tease because the ease of moving in the aisles and getting food and beverage becomes a memory. Day 2 is when the signings really get going. Booths become a source of utmost interest when someone is there signing, taking photos, or making a mere appearance. Imagine the frenzy after an amazing concert where (insert your favorite band) comes out to greet you and the other fans. If you’ve got that image, then you have the basic idea. Add in the lookie-lous who are mindlessly wandering and happen upon this clusterfuck of ravaged convention-goers, and you can see how any means of manuvering NAMM grounds can get stitchy at times.

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Day 3 was a highlight for myself in particular. Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (ex-Misfits) not only made an appearance at the Rock N Roll Industries booth, but throughout the convention as a whole. I had the great fortune to photograph him with the plethora of fans that lined up for a moment of the punk-rocker’s time. Our other featured signings were spotlighted by Sullen Music’s artsist including Assuming We Survive, Fishbone, and Megadeth’s David Ellefson. Each of these men were a joy to have at our booth. In a wider scope, I don’t believe I would be wrong in saying that day three is the busiest day, so luck to you on making it a few feet without having to redirect your path!

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Day 4 still maintains the rush and exhilaration that day three has, minus the luxury of time. Everything seems to move faster when the last day is upon you and the dreaded tear-down/pack-up is looming at the end of the day. The convention, as an active body, shuts down at 5pm, and after that everybody hits the ground running to clear out.

1 Jason showing off one of his works of arts!

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NAMM is an experience, through and through. I had my expectations for it, and they were surpassed by miles. The people I had the pleasure of meeting, the artists that I was able to converse with freely, the business men and women who spoke with such authority and interest- truly astounding. I hope I have the same chance to attend in 2015. And if you have a means of getting in, do because you will not regret it. By Andrea Granillo

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This year at NAMM Peavey had its new Star Wars graphic guitars on display as well has many artist playing live shows in the booth (Ginny Luke rocking the stage)

Schecter guitars never disappoints at NAMM with new guitars, artist signings, demos and even shows if you can score yourself a pass.

Upcycling at its finest, Bohemian Guitars came up with this creative guitar design that really has you playing metal!

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 71


N Epiphone’s President Mr. Rosenburg showing off the limited Edition “Union Jack” Sheraton and Professor Epiphone aka Dr. Will Jones showing us the E-Tune that can be added to almost any guitar and tune the guitar for you and the 50th Anniversary “1964” Caballero.

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Kevin over at Kramer guitars showing us The ‘84 Diver Down

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Ogre pedals including their Overdrive “Tubeholic” and the “Thunderclap” Distortion

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A company known for their stage designs shows us some of the work at their NAMM booth.


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Metal Mellisha Welcome back everyone! After covering a few basic concepts such as the G Major Scale, I thought I’d take you guys to the next level by introducing you to both 3 and 5 string sweeping patterns. This month, I decided to choose the A minor chord (A C E) [1 b3 5] and take you through some of my favorite positions to play it in. For the first pattern let’s start by placing our middle finger on the 2nd fret g and plucking in a downward motion with our right hand to land our index finger on the 1st fret b. Continuing with a downward rake, play the high e open and land your ring finger on the 5th fret of the same e string and reverse your picking pattern to an upstroke. Keep in mind that the high e is the closest one to the floor, not the closest one to the ceiling. While your ring finger is on the 5th fret, pull off downwards in a flicking motion to get the high e to ring out open again before coming back to the 1st fret b with a final upstroke. Do your best to let each note ring out individually without letting the notes ring out simultaneously. The next pattern we’ll call the 5th position Am sweep. Using the same notes, A C and E we’ll start this one in what’s known as a 1st inversion or C in this case also known as the b3rd. Moving in a continuous downward motion, roll your index down from the 5th fret g to the 5th fret b and 5th fret high e. Keeping the bleeding minimal use your pinkie to grab the C or 8th fret of the high e with an upstroke and pull it off back to the 5th fret of the same string. Follow through with an upstroke for the next two notes. For the 8th position pattern in Am I suggest thinking about the shape of a Dm chord in open position. The notes have nothing to do with Am, but if you assume all the shapes I’m giving you are the exact same shape you’ll kick yourself later. Right now I’m just trying to get you to recognize the correct shape. Use your middle finger to start our 3rd exercise also known as Am 2nd inversion on the 9th fret of the g string. With a downward motion, fret the ring finger on the 10th fret of the b string and continue on to the 8th fret of the high e like a continuous “rake�. With your pinkie, grab the e on the 12th fret of the 1st string with an upstroke and pull it off back to the 8th fret of the same string. With an upward rake climb back up the pattern and repeat the rest of the measure. Build speed on this until it becomes fluent and natural. The final pattern resembles the 1st pattern only we’re now one octave higher. This one may actually be the most familiar and easiest to play. Coming down A on the g string with your ring finger, C 13th fret b with your middle, then E 12th fret 1st string all with a downward rake, grab the A 17th 74 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

fret string 1 pull off back to 12 and return back up C and A with a steady upstroke and repeat. The 5-string sweeping patterns are still in A minor and use the exact same 3 notes, A C and E. The positions are all the same we’re simply adding 2 strings into the mix. For the first 5-string sweep we’ll start by using a hammer on from the open A to the 3rd fret of the same string with our ring finger. The next note will be the E on the 2nd fret D with our middle finger. From this point we’ll roll the middle finger downward to the 2nd fret g index takes the first fret b and the rest of the pattern resembles the first exercise back up to your original starting point before repeating. The 2nd pattern starts on the 3rd fret A using a wide stretch hammer-on from your index to your ring finger on the 7th fret using a rolling motion downward to land the 7th fret of the D picking downward for both. The remainder of the pattern is just like the first 2nd inversion exercise we use with the 3-string sweep. This next one has to be my favorite. I first discovered it while learning the famous “Crossroads Duel� between Ralph Macchio and Steve Vai in the non- Brittany Spears version of Crossroads. It starts on the 7th fret of the A using your index to hammer-on to your pinkie on the 12th fret. Use your ring finger to come down to the 10th fret D and your middle to play the 9the fret g bringing your ring finger down again to grab the 10th fret of the b and then plant your index on the 8th fret high e all with one big sweeping downward motion bringing your pinkie to the 12th fret high e with an upstroke pull-off back to the 8th fret. The rest of the exercise is the same thing in reverse with an upward sweep 10th fret g, 9th fret D, pinkie 12th fret A. This one can be challenging, but is worth getting up to speed cause it sounds so cool. I’ll finish off this month with the 12th position sweeping pattern. Hammeron from the 12th to 15th fret A string using your pinkie for the 15th fret A. Using the ring finger, play the 14th fret D and roll it down to the 14th fret g. Your middle should take the 13th fret of the b and the index will take the 12th fret of the high e. Bring the pinkie out to the 17th fret of the e and pull it back off to the 12th fret with an upstroke. Continue upstrokes for the rest of the pattern grabbing the 13th fret b with your middle. Now barre strings 3 and 4 on the 14th fret and roll your finger with your upstroke. Finish off with the pinkie on the 15th fret and repeat until you have it built of to speed. Alright, there you have it. Tons of clean sweeping patterns to get you by until next time! Keep up the hard work and until then. See ya! Jason Martin

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“ I use tsunami cables because they allow a very trasparent signal and allow my bass to speak clearly without any unwanted coloring of tone!!!!!! They are the best!!!” Jacob Ekelman

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“I love my Tsunami cable! It’s tough as nails, sounds terrific and never gets tangled up. I’ve been using it on all my gigs and recordings.” Michael Manring

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“Tone and they are built like a tank! What more do you want?” G.B. Rodzz “It’s all about tone, Tsunami delivers!” Eddie Munster Attackhead

“I chose Tsunami Cables as my main cables, for their rich and vibrant sound. My bass never sounded better! “ Rudy R. Rallis

“Killer tone, rugged construction and amazing looks, Tsunami Cables are simply the best.” Wade Craver Forever We Are

www.TsunamiCables.com ~ www.facebook.com/tsunamicables ~ www.twitter.com/tsunamicables Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 75


Best Gear: Effects By - Wolf Navarro Hello there again, my fellow tone freaks and pedal geeks! This issue I will discuss one of my favorite pieces of gear ever- The Fractal audio Axe Effects II. When I first heard about the Fractal Axe Effects I was at the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. My guitar teacher ran up to me to tell me he had just hung out with Steve Vai’s guitar tech and he showed him this incredible device that was a rack, BUT sounded, felt and responded like a real tube amp! After 25+ years of using effects and different amps to try to achieve the tones I want, I got tired of lugging a ton of gear around to get my tones, example: two amps Maven Peal Zeeta .5-50 & Mesa Boogie Reverb Rocket, GR33, TC Electronic G-System, a rack, and a pedal board loaded with goodies. So, I began the quest for an amp or rack that would possibly do everything I want. First I looked at the Johnson Millenium Aps that Adrian Belew used to use, great amp, but way too much programming for my tastes. Next were a host of floor processors like the Boss GT-6, ME-50, Digitech RP-1000 and the POD by Line 6. All of these items just kinda left me wanting my Ola amps back again. Finally, I got my hands on a Fractal, I was amazed; I could not believe what I was hearing?! How could this be? It was like having a real ‘65 Plexi right there in front of me. Ok, this one patch sounds good, but how are the rest of the amps and effects etc? Well, shut my mouth! This unit stood up strong against its competition and in some cases sounded better than the actual amps it was modeling. The Axe-Fx II is the world’s most powerful allin-one guitar processor, with two state-of-the-art Analog Devices using TigerSHARC Digital Signal Processors working in tandem (many times the

power of the nearest competitor.) One is devoted solely to amp modeling while the other handles effects and other processing. This allows each of the units processors to function solely on the task at hand rather than bogging down their entire system with too many at once. This unit has everything any player could ever need all in one lightweight unit, that sounds incredible right out of the box! With over 100 amps, every type of modulation and delay available, MIDI capabilities, USB and a foot controller almost as functional as any Bradshaw switching unit, this machine delivers the goods! The Axe-Fx is known for its extremely-realistic recreations of various classic stomp boxes and rack processor effects. Effect models can be dialed in with a single knob to make all required settings for great sound in seconds, or tweaked at the deepest levels with extended parameter options and a completely modular approach to virtual rig design. Effects include tape, analog “bucket brigade” and vintage digital delays, script” and “block” logo phasers, ‘vibe, distortion and overdrive effects, everything is perfect. The best part of this unit is many varieties of reverbs, mono synths, parametthe ongoing community of players who can share ric equalizers, gates, compressors, tremeloes, programs and help each other out online. Their looping capabilities and full MIDI control. website and forum are great! Along with some of The Axe-Fx II has a host of USB connectivity fea- the best customer service I’ve ever gotten from a tures. Connected to your Mac or PC, it becomes a company, they are simply pushing the boundaries 2x4 Audio Interface with 1x1 high speed MIDI. This of new technology for musicians who enjoy the allows you to record the main processed outfeatures of a modern rig with old school tones. All puts and simultaneously capture a “dry” track for in all as a guitarist or a studio producer this re-amping later. You can also monitor or process unit is, simply put, a MUST HAVE!! I use my computer audio tracks with the Axe-Fx II. 1x1 high Fractal at a host of different gigs from high gain speed MIDI-over-USB eliminates the need for a metal to jazz, it covers every base I ever needed separate MIDI interface and makes editing with in one lightweight package! You can’t get this item Axe-Edit. This program allows you to edit your unit at Guitar Center or Sam Ash, you must buy directon a computer rather than sit and turn knobs till they don’t NEED any other retailers because their product sells itself. Word of mouth and the folks who use these professionally ought to tell you that these guys are not messing around when it comes to tone! In the new upgrade you can even change the tubes virtually in your amps. All in all, this baby gets 5 stars out of 5 from me! Matt and Fractal audio, I thank you for a wonderful product and for helping us get the tone we strive for! Cheers til next time!

What’s up fellow guitar players? Welcome to another installment! The past few months have been filled with music and I hope you all have been practicing!

In today’s lesson we are going to touch on some things that you have to know before playing clubs, bars, or even bar mitzvahs! First and foremost, know your gear! Your equipment is your equipment.

will change tuning when another string breaks, especially if your using a floating tremolo like a Floyd Rose.

3. Pedals: Be willing to play without them if need be. Have extra batteries and cables. Short cables 1. Guitars and basses: Always stretch your strings are favorable since you don’t lose as much signal. Most are called patch cables –get some – but be before you play. The lights produce heat that can make your guitar fall out of tune. Have at least one ready to play without them. Know your settings backup guitar on hand in case you break a string. and be able to only use your amp if worse comes to worst. A simple a+b switch works most amps You can switch guitars and easily carry on the from clean to dirty, or dirty to dirty depending on song without too much of a hassle. Don’t panic. what you’re playing. Just put your amp on standby and switch the cords. If you do not have a standby on your amp, 4. If you’re not using a wireless system, run your be very careful. Pulling the instrument out while cable through your strap. This simple trick can stop the amp is full of juice can blow up your amp. Turn your singer, or anyone else, from unplugging your it off for a second if you don’t have a standby. guitar unexpectedly. 2. Strings: Always keep extra strings. You never 5. If you have CD’s or merch from your band to sell know when one might break, and nothing can – i.e. shirts, hats, etc. – have someone handle it ruin a gig more than a guitar player trying to get or at least watch it while you’re playing. For some by without strings. Not to mention, your guitar gigs, that will be where a substantial amount of 76 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 76 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

money will come from. Don’t expect people to buy it, but be grateful when they do! 6. Don’t drink away your profit. A lot of club owners don’t mind paying $500 to $1,000 a night because the band usually drinks that much, but that’s not a good move financially...or for your liver. The time to party is after the gig. If you open a tab right away, it is amazing how fast drinks add up, and you go home with nothing but a hangover. Enjoy yourself! If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. Music is about expressing yourself. In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to keep up the practice and to keep writing in! We love to hear from you at Rock N Roll Industries. Remember: In rock you’re playing three chords for 30,000 people. In Jazz your playing 30,000 chords for three people! Hit us up on Facebook and keep the questions coming. Until next time, keep your strings clean and your riffs mean! Michael G.


Q and A with Jason of Flying Ninja What got you started in video production? I’ve been a musician all my life, I grew up in Orange County playing in punk rock and metal bands. Being a musician I found myself going to audio engineering school to help further my music career. After graduating, I began working in the audio world and eventually I began working for a post production rental company out of Burbank. Not only did they have an audio department but also a video department. From there I learned cinematography, editing and graphic design. My background in audio made it a seamless transition to video editing and production. In 2003 I opened B-13 Recording and Rehearsal Studios in Anaheim. During this time I began to produce and edit low budget music videos for the bands from the studio. I was also learning how to shoot and produce short films. In the summer of 2005 I had to close B-13 studios, at that point I moved to LA and have been film making ever since. Who are your clients? (Do you focus mostly on the music industry?) My clients vary quite a bit. Currently I do a variety of editing and motion graphics for Schecter Guitars.

I started working with Schecter in 2012. Over the last year I have produced over 50 videos for Schecter alone. I have also produced videos for Esp Guitars, MicroSoft, Apple, E-3, X-Box, Sony PSP, Sonic Burger, Pepe Aguilar and Kelli Williams. Some bands I’ve worked with would be Avenged Sevenfold, NIkki Sixx, Motley Crue, Anthrax, Slayer, Morris Day, Bullet For My Valentine, Bless The Fall, BLS, Prong, Megadeth, Exodus, Jes, Black Veil Brides, Helmet, Fear Factory, Behemoth, Black Dahlia Murder, to name a few....... Who are your influences? I’m influenced by quite a lot on a daily basis and it changes constantly. I think having influences and inspiration is something we need to actively seek out. That being said, my musical influences are all over the map: from Bach and Mozart to Metallica and Queen; from The Exploited and Agent Orange to Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash; from AFI and Rise Against to Public Enemy and NWA. I like all kinds of shit.... As far as film I am influenced by Akira Kurosawa, Tarantino, Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Scorsese, Aronofsky, Robert Rodriguez, John

Carpenter and many others. What services do you offer? Currently I provide full video production including but not limited to: Music Video Production, Commercial and Product Demos, Artist Interviews, Motion Graphic and Visual Effects, Title Design, Film Production, Color Correction, Music Production and Mixing. What do you do when you are not working? As I mentioned, I am in a local SoCal band called Celebrity Stalker. When I am not on a production, I am playing out with the band as much as possible. Friday, June 27th I will be at The DragonFly in Hollywood. Also, I spend time in front of the camera as an actor. I try to stay involved in as much production as I can, be it acting, directing, shooting or editing. You can always learn something on set that you can use in your next production. Too many people look at a small indie production as a waste of time and effort. But you can always gain knowledge from every gig you do. Jason Young Film Maker-Editor-Musician-Actor-Video Ninja www.flyingninja.tv info@flyingninja.com

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Mick James Score 9 of 10

CD Reviews

Mick James is Dead

by: Daisy Marietta

Mick James is well known for having been involved in writing the Criss Angel “Mind Freak” theme song, as well as having contributed to many other shows like MTV Cribs, Catfish, Dirty Money, Parenthood, The Tyra Banks Show, March Madness NCAA, WWE, and The American Country Awards. His new album, Mick James is Dead, is a perfect example of a genre, which contrary to the title, is not dead. Using a combination of talent via instrumental showcasing, raw vocals, and even some voice acting skills, the rockstar shows that he’s still alive and

definitely still “got it.”

Band Members:

With an impressively long track list, fifteen Mick James songs total, it’s easy to say he’s been busy. And he’s had many guest stars, like Bobby Rondinelli, Dave Sabo, and Ron Thal. He’s certainly not looking out to be careful of anyone’s delicate feelings either, with track titles like “Piss on My Grave”, “Die Mother Fucker Die”, and “911 Guess What You’re Dead” The kind of music that you would hear on the radio, hear in bars, hear anywhere you can think of - you definitely wouldn’t forget who he was.

Lacuna Coil

Genre (s): Hard Rock

Genre (s): Rock

Broken Crown Halo

by: Daniel Hicks

Score 8.7 of 10 Band Members: Cristina Scabbia - Vocals Andrea Ferro - Vocals Marco Coti Zelati - Bass Marco ‘Maus’ Biazzi - Guitars Label – Century Media

Mr. Creepy Score 8.75 of 10

As we ride the pop metal roller coaster, this time we go up, down, and all around. Wait, I hear a guitar solo in the second song, gaining respect. Uplifting vocals. These guys and gals can sing their butts off. The music takes you down a dark windy ride through tunnels and unexpected turns on this ride. The produc-

The Demo

Band Members: Gus G

by:Peggy Murphy

When seasoned musicians get together to write and record new music, whether they are a newly formed or long time standing group, the result, for the most part, is quite good and the music awesome. Such is the case with Mr. Creepy’s self-titled, four track demo cd which contains three original songs and one cover tune. Despite the small number of tunes on this demo, it displays the band’s diversity quite nicely. As the band states on their Facebook page, “Mr. Creepy is musical driving force that ranges from smooth, sleek sounds to ripping your guts out

Gus G

Genre (s) Metal

Spinning retrograde out of control, too fast to stop, I suddenly slam into retro mode, relatively speaking that is. Pleasantly pleased, I flash back to the fantastic era of the Guitar Gods, way cool! The lead guitars on this record are to the likes of one of my favorites, Michael Schenker, outstanding! Backed by a classic melodic array of acoustic arpeggios, picking away in all their glory to create the perfect ballad. Then, BAM… You’re thrown into a whirlwind

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tion of this record is exceptional, really great work. Overall, I’ve enjoyed this ride Lacuna Coil (what does that mean?) two thumbs up for me!

without warning.” Mr. Creepy is a project band started by Arthur Gonzales. The group includes former members of Korn and Black Label Society. I am looking forward to hearing more music from this group in the near future!

Genre (s): Rock N Roll Band Members:

Arthur Gonzales - Guitars & Vocals Michael G - Guitars Shane Gibson (Former KoRn) Guitars Jasmine Cain - Bass Mr. Creepy’s “Strap You Down”, the first track Mike Froedge (Former Black Label on this cd, is featured in the film, “Missing”, Society) Drums by Joey Medina. Label: Indy All the tracks on this demo are available for download from: iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play, Amazon, Beats Music, & Rdio

I Am The Fire Review heading straight down to this progressive rock mode that’s very powerful and very good. Now I have to talk about the vocals on this record, hmmm... They are strong, powerful and meaningful, but I feel at times the guitars outshine them. That’s not a bad thing if you are a guitar freak like me! Over all, guys, I enjoyed listening to this album. What’s up with Gus G? Really nice work, that’s what!

by: Daniel Hicks

Score 8.5 of 10


Sevendust Score 8.8 of 10

Time Travelers and Bonfires Quickly following up on the success of their ninth studio album, 2013’s Black Out the Sun, (do these guys ever rest?) Sevendust’s latest album the acoustic Time Travelers and Bonfires loses absolutely none of the intensity of any of any their previous releases. This is the second acoustic album Sevendust has released (2004’s Southside Double Widebeing the first) Obviously the fans wanted another acoustic album and truly helped make Time Travelers and Bonfires happen. When the band announced that they had partnered with PledgeMusic for a 130 day direct-to-fan campaign to help fund the creation of the album they were able to raise over 235% of their needed goal in only one short weekend! With the album’s release fans will not be disappointed with their “investment”. Time Travelers and Bonfires features six previously-released songs re-recorded in acoustic format from various albums in the Sevendust catalog, plus six brand new songs, which are really the meat and potatoes of this album. Lajon Witherspoon’s voice has never

by: Scott Dworkin sounded better. His vocals really shine in this format. Clint Lowery’s backing and harmony vocals are a revelation on this album. His voice blends flawlessly with Lajon’s, while at other times it soars to heights never heard before on any previous album, The Wait one of the new tracks being a perfect case in point. Sevendust has always been the sum of its parts, and in the case of Time Travelers those parts, Vinnie Hornsby on bass, Morgan Rose on drums, and John Connolly on guitar, along with the aforementioned Lajon Witherspoon and Clint Lowery combine to create an album, that while it may be technically unplugged combine together to creating a sound just as impactful and inspiring as when they are playing at full volume. Time Travelers and Bonfires proves yet again that Sevendust, 20 years into their career are still able to remain true to their sound, give their loyal fans what they want, and yet still expand their sonic envelope, despite the ever changing trends in the music business.

Genre (s): Rock / Hardcore / Metal Band Members: Lajon Witherspoon (lead vocals) Clint Lowery (guitar, vocals) Morgan Rose (drums, vocals) John Connolly (guitar, vocals) Vince Hornsby (bass) Label: 7 Bros / Asylum

Want to see your band here? Submit your digital press kit to review@rocknrollindustries.com or mail one to the main office.

W

hile a definite must-see for fans of Lamb of God, “As the Palaces Burn” is a film that even someone who is not a fan of metal can come to appreciate. One would be hard pressed to not only appreciate behind-the-scenes glimpses of a successful touring band and the overcoming of their trials, but also the members of Lamb of God for the human beings that they are, particularly singer Randy Blythe. He is indeed “the dude living life as best as he can”. It starts off by bringing us to Richmond Virginia as Blythe provides a candid introduction to his hometown, and of humble beginnings. Throughout the documentary, viewers

(not all media will get reviewed)

will see the power behind shared passions with a poignant spotlight on the fans. We go from Columbia, India, up to that fateful day in Prague in 2012, Blythe’s homecoming before his return to the Czech Republic to stand trial, the trial, and then its subsequent outcome. All in all, even with the unexpected turn of events stemming from the tragedy of Daniel Nosek’s death, director Don Argott does a real swell job in bringing everything together into a cohesive piece that is easy to take in, and not-so easy to forget. By Lan Nguyen

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 79


Exit North STARVING DEAN

Trippy the Clown FUKERS of FAME Featured Video

SOCIETY 1 - IT’S YOURS NOW

Kantation Make Your Mark

Garret Rein HEAVEN AND HELL

Society 1 Lord Zane - Vocals DV Karloff - Bass Sin Quirin - Guitar Iorden Mitev - Drums Beau Ashely - Guitar Models

The Stillwinter A Constant Will to Be

Angelica Ulloa Amber Cobelle Jane Burthe Suzey Johnson Christy Reina Akayuki Suzy Q. Williams Alyssa Yvkio Farra Dianne Weiss Chelsea Bush Alexa Arenz Additional Camera - Suzy Q Williams Additional Set Assistance -Pamela Clausen Special Thanks - www.schecterguitars.com Special Thanks Desiree D. Miller Custom Jewelry Song Produced By - Alex Cresioni

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