Steel Notes Magazine 9th Anniversary edition

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURED

p 4 The very talented Marquis Michael DesBarres

p 20 Styx Tour 2023

p 78 Larry Gatlin at the Charles Wood Theatre, Glen Falls, NY

p 98 Lisa Marie Presley Memorial

p 112 Trans-Siberian Orchestra “Ghosts of Christmas

Eve” at the PPL Center, Allentown, PA

p 120 Ringo Starr at the State Theatre, Easton, PA

MORE

p24 The Whirling World of Marlowe B West Presents

Jsus Gini

p28 Marlowe B West Presents Bruno Pacheco & HIs

Raquel Welch Memorial

p 70 Marie Currie’s Awesome Creations

p 82 Glow Park

p 104 The Greatest Classic Rock Singer of All Time Debate

p 107 Oblivea

p 110 Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends to Release Brothers in Arms

p 132 80’s Rock Band Poison Concert at Musikfest 2022

p 144 Chiller Theatre Expo, Parsippany, NJ

p152 Artist Andrea Hall’s Joan Jett Artwork

p 158 Chris & JR Peterson Showcase France & London

p188 Model Josi Kat

p 172 Miss Elizabeth Aston

p 178 Annual Indian Festival of Corn, Allentown, PA

p 190 Tara Rez & The Duel

p 218 In Memoriam of Those We Lost in 2022

THE INTERNATIONAL CORNER

p 199 Alter Bridge Pawns & Kings

P 200 Harsh & Medusa Touch

p 202 A 60’s Vignette

p 206 Trapt Pictorial by Sheri Bayne

CD REVIEWS

p 212 - 217 Jim Alford’s CD Reviews

STAFF

ADMINISTRATIVE

Alexxis Steele

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Josie Janci VP of Business Development

Kristy Jamison of Sparrow Forge Branding House Layout

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Klein

Sheri Bayne

Ron Shirey

John Millington

Gary Preis

Mike Dorn

Larry Dell

Rhonda Jean VanBuskirk

Dave Hummell

STAFF WRITERS

Marlowe B West

Josie Janci

Monique Grimme

Scott Aber

Nikki Palomino

Jennycat

Rex Maurice

Oppenheimer

Christopher Annino

Domenic Marinelli

Jim Allford

Sam Leighty

Dex Shellhammer

Rick Vanvliet

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Lisa Koza

Larry Dell

The Uber Talented MARQUIS MICHAEL DESBARRES

By Alexxis Steele

Michael got an early start at acting here in the US. Even though his first acting role was with Tony Curtis in the 1966 film “Drop Dead Darling”, he was not credited until he was a supporting cast member of the classic 1967 film “ To Sir with Love”.

Playing opposite Sydney Poitier, he portrayed an East End pupil who always wore dark sunglasses inside and out. Following this,and a few other minor roles, he decided to switch his energies to music, which I will rewind back to later in this article.

Concentrating on his acting career once again, he was cast in the 1985 film “Ghoulies”, as cult leader Malcolm Graves, and in 1987’s “Nightflyers” as a Charismatic empath.

In 1989 he worked opposite Clint Eastwood in the film Pink Cadillac. Some of his other film roles until the end of the millennium have included- Midnight Cabaret, Under Siege, Waxwork ll: Lost In Time, A Simple Twist of Fate, Poison Ivy: The New Seduction,Diary of a Sex Addict, The Man From Elysian Fields, and Sugar Town. Michael was also cast briefly in the classic film Mulholland Drive in 2001, and in 2004 for Catch That Kid.

If you are a fan of tv shows, you will recognize Michael in the original MacGyver series portraying the villain Murdoc, as well as a lead cast member of the 19911992 season of WKRP in Cincinnati.

He has an extensive list of appearances on tv series he has acted in such as- Roseanne, Seinfeld, Renegade, Alf, Ellen, Nip/Tuck, Just Shoot Me,Hart To Hart, My Sister Sam, Lois & Clark, Melrose Place, Nash Bridges, Northern Exposure, Miami Vice, Rockford Files, St Elsewhere, 21 Jump Street, Frasier, Charmed, Gilmore Girls, CSI and NCIS, to name a few!

Michael has lent his voice in animated series such as: Kano in 1992’s Batman: The animated series, as Nostromos, in 1995 as Man in The Hole, in 1996 in “Mortal Kombat: Defenders Of the Realm,and also as Jackson Wheele in Spider Man during the same year.

In October of 2013 he appeared as Rance, the narrator for the Los Angeles Philharmonics world premiere of 200 Motels: The Suites by Frank Zappa.

Scrolling back into time we delve into Michael’s musical career.

1972 saw Michael spend two years with England’s Glam Rock Band Silverhead, which was on Deep Purple’s record label Purple Records, before moving to Los Angeles.

After arriving in Los Angeles, he formed the band Detective, who was signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records label by Jimmy Page. Michael met Jimmy after a Silverhead performance in Birmingham, England that members of Led Zeppelin had attended.

In 1978 Detective disbanded,and in 1982 Michael formed Chequered Past.In 1983 he co-wrote the song “Obsession” with Holly Knight, and in 1984 the band Animotion did a cover of the song which became an international top-ten hit. I remember when the song was on MTV, which prompted my band, as well as many others to perform this catchy tune.

Michael’s band had opened for Duran Duran for a few shows during their tour that same year, and in 1985 when Robert Palmer left The Power Station, he was chosen to take his place as lead vocalist, and performed with the band at the Live Aid Concert in Philadelphia.

In 2013 Michael released a live album, Hot N Sticky Live, which was recorded at The Viper Room in LA, and in 2015 a solo album titled “Keys To The Universe”, at The Forum Music Village in Rome.

In 2018 he formed The Mistakes, a band consisting of all veteran studio and touring musicians, that have performed with the likes of Guns N Roses,Ace Frehley, Bon Jovi & Whitesnake. The band is signed to Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records and has released 4 songs- “Living in the USA”/Gotta Serve Somebody, and “Crackle and Hiss”/”Stop in the Name Of Love”. The band’s plans to tour in support of their music was canceled due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.

Michael released a documentary in 2021 titled: “Who Do You Want Me To Be”?, directed by J. Elvis Weinstein, on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, and is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray. The documentary journals his career through Rock N Roll, TV, and Movies.

Currently, he hosts “The Michael Des Barres Program”, every weekday morning from 8-11 AM EST, with a replay every weekday evening from 9-midnight PST on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Sirius XM Channel 21. Your ears will get treated to an eclectic mix of rock, soul and punk, infused with his extensive musical knowledge and his messages of positivity and longevity. With all this amazing talent from one man, I am sure you will have no trouble finding any of the work that he has done in the last 50 plus years.. So… What are you waiting for? You can also find him on his website: https://michaeldesbarres.com

If you don’t know who British actor/ musician and Sirius Radio DJ Michael Des Barres, the 26th Marquis is, you are seriously missing out! Take a closer look and you will recognize this very talented man in some of your favorite films and tv shows!

STYX TOUR 2023

Legendary and multi-Platinum rockers STYX—Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo--are rested, healthy, and back on the road, but they’ve finally got a new album to promote along the way. Their highly anticipated 17th “masterpiece” new album, CRASH OF THE CROWN, was released June 18, 2021 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, which is available as clear vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and on digital platforms. Fans can order it here and at Styxworld.com.

Shortly before CRASH OF THE CROWN came out, they released new music on THE SAME STARDUST EP as part of Record Store Day (Saturday, June 12, 2021). Available on blue 180-gram 12-inch vinyl only, featuring two brand-new songs on side one (“The Same Stardust” and “Age of Entropia”), as well as five live performances on side two of some of STYX’s classic hits previously heard during their “STYX Fix” livestreams that have been keeping fans company during the pandemic on their official YouTube page, including “Mr. Roboto,” “Man In The Wilderness,” “Miss America,” “Radio Silence,” and “Renegade.” Starting September 17, 2021, it was made available worldwide on all digital platforms.

They’re performing in Bensalem, PA on Friday, May 5 at the XCite Center at Parx Casino and in New Brunswick, NJ on Sunday, May 7 at the State Theatre New Jersey.

The album’s first song to be released, “Crash of the Crown,” breaks some brave new world ground for STYX. Actually, it’s the first cut in the band’s storied canon to feature three lead vocalists, seeing how it has James “JY” Young unleashed at the starting gate, Tommy Shaw heading up the heroic stacked-vocal middle section, and Lawrence Gowan leading the vocal charge for the final verse. “I’m always looking for the one different thing we can do and still have it be STYX,” the ever-ebullient Gowan notes, “and that’s the song I’m most proud of. The beauty of it is that it’s the culmination of all our talents crammed together into one song, ABBEY ROAD-style. I also got to use some gear I never thought I’d have the chance to play on a STYX record like Tommy’s Hammond B3 organ, my Minimoog, and my Mellotron.”

Left to Right: Lawrence Gowan, Chuck Panozzo, Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman, Will Evankovich

PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Powell

Efforts to record CRASH OF THE CROWN began in earnest at Shaw’s home studio in Nashville during the fall of 2019, with Gowan — STYX’s criminally minded showman extraordinaire and keyboardist/vocalist since 1999 — in the room together with Shaw and the album’s producer, Will Evankovich, as he conjured up the album’s first song to be recorded, with cosmetic flourishes that reign over the insistent, yearning call for togetherness, “Common Ground.” But the global pandemic that inevitably transformed the way we all wound up living in 2020 changed the course for how many of the band’s home-and-away recording sessions ultimately had to set socially distanced sail. Safety precautions took precedent for all involved STYX bandmembers and production compatriots with much diligent quarantining and testing required before any one of them could travel to Shaw’s tranquility homebase to spread the uniquely ingrained STYX stardust that’s been duly sprinkled across the album’s cosmically chosen 15 tracks.

Of all those who made the trek to Nashville, original STYX bassist Chuck Panozzo — who, along with his late twin brother, drummer John Panozzo, formed the initial nucleus of STYX when they began jamming together in their basement on the south side of Chicago in 1961 — is hands down the most effusive about the experience. “I’m constantly amazed at how Tommy’s songwriting continues to connect with the social consciousness that spans across generations,” marvels Chuck, who plays on “Our Wonderful Lives” and “Lost at Sea,” Lawrence’s all-too-brief aquatic fever dream. “Both he and Will have been able to tap into the core elements of the human condition, which is something that’s not going to change that much in 50 years — or even 500 years. That’s why STYX remains relevant after all this time, because we’re part of the human condition.”

Whether it’s the heady rush of the groundwork-laying opening track “The Fight of Our Lives,” the wistfully observational treatise of “Reveries,” the cautionary extended hand of comfort and redemption that frames “Hold Back the Darkness,” the undeniable uplift of “Our Wonderful Lives” (a beautiful sentiment further embellished by a most welcome, first-ever appearance by a banjo on a STYX album!), or the elegiac clarion call for shared grace in “To Those,” CRASH OF THE CROWN is music that is both concurrently of its time and truly timeless all at once. Although the official release date for this landmark album may be time-stamped as 2021, the omnisciently observational content of CRASH OF THE CROWN readily brings to mind an amalgamation of historical events that occurred in 1066, 1455, 1775, 1861, 1941, and even 2001 without citing any of them by name — Winston Churchill’s prescient wartime observations that permeate the pervasive pleas of “Save Us From Ourselves” notwithstanding. In essence, CRASH OF THE CROWN (or COTC, for short) is a modern-day

sonic chronograph of the endless regenerative cycle of the rise and fall — and rise again — of our shared human experience.

“We’ve never been a protest band. We’re more like a gospel caravan trying to send out positive messages wherever we go,” observes CRASH OF THE CROWN co-creator and overall visionary Tommy Shaw, who joined STYX in December 1975 as a guitarist/vocalist and instantly became one of the band’s most important songwriters. “In order to share those positive messages, you have to look at what the problems are first to figure out all the ways you can help make sure everything’s going to be alright. That’s a very important part of how we do what we do.”

CRASH OF THE CROWN is the follow-up to STYX’s 16th studio album, THE MISSION (their first in 14 years at the time, which critics called “a masterpiece”) which was released June 16, 2017 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. The highly anticipated two-disc reissue of THE MISSION was released on July 27, 2018 via Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, which includes a CD of the original album, as well as a Blu-ray of the album mixed in 5.1 surround sound accompanied by stunning visualizations for each of the album’s 14 songs based on the album artwork. It originally debuted on various Billboard charts, including: #6 Top Rock Albums, #11 Physical Albums, #11 Vinyl Albums, #13 Current Albums, #14 Billboard Top Albums, #16 Retail, #17 Mass Merch/Non-Traditional, #29 Digital Albums, and #45 Billboard 200 (includes catalog and streaming).

Most recently, STYX has teamed up with Voodoo Brewing Co. to bring fans their latest creation, Oh Mama, a Traditional Golden American Lager. Sold as a four-pack of 16 oz. cans or as 50 liter kegs, Oh Mama is currently available at Voodoo’s corporate pubs and franchised locations, online for Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C home delivery, Tavour via their app (using the code “renegade”) for other states throughout the U.S., and in the greater Erie, PA (Allegheny Beverage) and Pittsburgh, PA (Vecenie’s) areas. Folks can be on the lookout for it at their favorite watering hole or grocery store (including Giant Eagle where it’s already available) and they can request it at a bar near them.

At each tour stop, as they have been in the past years, Rock to the Rescue—spearheaded by Tommy Shaw’s daughter, Hannah and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by the band, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country—will continue to research local nonprofit organizations and pick one to see if they are interested in volunteering to help the band sell $10 tickets for a drawing to win a signed STYX guitar at the shows. They give these organizations a percentage

of the sales as their way of supporting their cause and thanking them for supporting the band’s cause.

Rock To The Rescue was founded on the principle that our communities are stronger when we work together in mutual aid. Having played thousands of shows in the last 15 years, STYX has been strongly connected with communities across the country. With local fans and community members making an effort to join in support of STYX, it is important to the band to actively participate in these communities as well. What makes Rock to the Rescue unique is that they work on a grassroots level with small groups, giving real support to real individuals who are creating positive changes in their communities. Rock to the Rescue is building initiatives in the areas of music education, health and well-being, disaster relief and aid, and animal welfare and rescue.

Rock to the Rescue originally started in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is the brainchild of STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and REO Speedwagon singer/keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Cronin. The two musicians brought together bands and artists such as Bad Company, Journey, Survivor, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others to be part of “Volunteers For America” concert events in Dallas and Atlanta that ultimately raised over $775,000 for victims of 9/11, as well as the Port Authority police department in New York City.

In 2014, Rock To The Rescue raised $10,000 for the Philadelphia Fire Department Local #22 Widows Fund at the “Soundtrack of Summer” show (with Foreigner and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder) in Camden, NJ on July 3, as a thank you to the local fire department for cooling down STYX’s burning crew bus the day before. And in 2013, Rock To The Rescue hosted a sold-out concert with STYX, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Survivor, Richard Marx and Larry The Cable Guy, in Bloomington, IL at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum that raised $450,000 for victims of the horrible storms in Illinois. Also in 2013, Rock To The Rescue presented the Boston One Fund with a check for $108,000 for victims of the Boston marathon bombings as a result of funds raised during the “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express” tour with STYX, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent.

On November 19, 2015, Rock To The Rescue donated $25,000 to The Sweet Stuff Foundation to help victims of the Paris terrorist attacks. In honor of the musicians and crew who lost their lives in the attack at The Bataclan music venue in Paris where Eagles of Death Metal were performing, from that date through December 31, 2015, Sweet Stuff dedicated all money received directly to the surviving families of those who passed away, including that of the band’s merchandise manager, Nick Alexander. The Sweet Stuff Foundation was founded by Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, who is also a key recording member of Eagles of Death Metal.

MBW: Where were you born ???

JG: I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina (of Paraguayan parents)

MBW: Tell us about your childhood ???

JG: As I have just mentioned, I was born in Argentina, but I am from Paraguayan parents. I grew up in the interior of Paraguay. I had a very happy childhood. I was overprotected by a large family (that was a matriarchy of powerful women). I was a very introverted child with a vivid imagination. I took the great and beautiful cultural vivacity of my city and its people and began to create my own magical world. The Guaraní language (pre-Hispanic, today the official language in Paraguay as well as Spanish). I was inspired and captivated by a rich accumulation of custom and tradition.

MBW: When did you come to America ???

JG: I came to the United States in the year 2002.

MBW: What do you think of America ???

JG: I believe that America is a formidable country where dreams truly come true. Its cultural diversity makes it incredible. The cities that I have known have taken my breath away, like San Francisco and Los Angeles. New York, the city where I live, has so much personality. There is nothing missing here in New York City. It has great museums, cultural activities, the opera, omg I love it here. I am happy that I chose the right city.

MBW: What was the 1st thing that sparked your interest in fashion ???

JG: I definitely must go back to my childhood to answer that question. My mother had a very varied clothing store where I started playing with this. At home she had my aunt who was a dressmaker with whom I spent a lot of time watching how she made those evening gowns. I think that the two of them influenced my interest in fashion. Aside from that my mother was a very beautiful and very elegant woman. I remember that I accompanied her to the dressmakers, and I was enthralled to see her standing on a platform trying on a dress full of pins, ha ha ha. Haute couture right in front of my eyes as a young child.

MBW: Who are your top 5 favorite designers ???

JG: 1 - John Galliano

2 - Cristobal Balenciaga

3 - Rei Kawakubo

4 - Lee Alexander McQueen

5 - Viktor & Rolf

Giving this list must be the hardest part of this interview.

MBW: What do you admire the most about your 1st favorite designer?

JG: John Galliano is a living master. He has taken our breath away in every collection he designed for Dior. I am fascinated by his historical references, his inspiring muses, his deconstructions and the respect he has for ancient and artisan sewing techniques. He is the King of Dreams from his uniquely studied pattern to his own personal “little black book” treasure trove of embellishment extraordinaire and beyond. Analyzing his current work at Maison Margiela are design classes for those who need to know where to go on the path of fashion.

I think John Galliano brings together the perfect combination of everything I like and value in fashion (theatricality, humor, and how he handles camp in many cases). All this without ever neglecting elegance.

MBW: Tell us about Madame Kusune ???

JG: Kusuné is in Guarani. Kusú: ashes - Né: fetid (Lady of the fetid ashes) a surreal thought, with humor, that’s how I see it. A reflection where there is room for criticism of both fashion and ourselves. Like all things of Life has its good side. It also has a side that lends itself to thinking (its ephemeral, capricious nature, and taking into account that fashion is not just clothes. There is all that social behavior that revolves around beauty. For example, the current obsession with botox, eyelashes, giant extensions, filters in the photos are fashion. At this point it should be noted that sometimes fashion is imposed by people, not only by designers.

My interest in creating MK was for it to be an open place for fashion criticism in every sense. Its focus point to be Avant-Garde, Fantastic Fashion. Not only from the established masters but also from new talents such as Graduates from Fashion Schools. The group is quite open in styles and to all eras. All I ask is that they don’t show boring clothes, lol.

This group has a good number of people who show how much we love fashion and of course has members ranging from just curious people to people very involved in fashion (in the fashion business) either currently or in the past. You can get a big surprise with the people you have in the group. There are several famous models from the 80’s who sometimes give their opinion on something!

MK is a group that connects me with the world of fashion. Through it I dream again of my great passion, which I left behind for many years working in other fields. I have also made valuable friends. Many Very Important People around the world. MK has also proven to be useful in the creative career of fashion design students.

This was sent to me yesterday by a design professor and I share it: “The students of the REACADEMY of make-up in Rome and Naples, Italy, are really thrilled with Madame Kusune’s Facebook group! During the costume workshop hours which I (Daniel Verola) direct, my students constantly visit this group’s page seeking inspiration for their costume designs.” I am always having this type of comment that fills me with satisfaction.

I started MK with a few friends and now it has almost 90k members, it’s amazing!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/714310715631064/ ?ref=share_group_link

MBW: Tell us about Gini Styles?

JG: Gini Styles is a Facebook page where I collect what I personally like from the collections that are appearing. At some point I have thought about the possibility of taking my design career to the level of what is fashion adviser or fashion styling. In this selection, I give priority to the wearable, which I believe has value as a contemporary piece, even if it is from past or vintage collections.

MBW: What do you think about the Met Gala ???

JG: I think the Met Gala is the biggest fashion event in the world. The most anticipated. The curation that each Met Gala show has is incredible and all within the framework of the Met Museum, which is definitely one of the most important museums in the world, since I live in New York.

MBW: Who do you consider to be the most stylish female celebrity ???

JG: Dita Von Teese is, all the way, by far, my really favorite.

MBW: Who do you consider to be the most stylish male celebrity ???

JG: I think the most stylish man I have ever met is You Marlowe. I adore your style, and everything looks fabulous on you!

And after you is Timothée Chalamet.

Note: I think that with these last two questions, Marlowe expects me to clarify how I like to see a woman and a man dressed up: An elegant woman, very well cared for in all aspects, her house, her hair, her perfume and her ways, all very significant. In men I like that he breaks the rules. I like the avant-garde man with certain (stylistic) oversights.

MBW: I honestly need to say that I am beyond flattered, Jsus ... Thank You Royally, Sir !!! ... While on the subject

and pointing out the distinction of such, and whether “...you got or you don’t ...”, might I venture to ask your highly qualified opinion of what value you give to fashion ???

JG: The role of fashion in the world is so important that there is even a Philosophy of Fashion, Psychology of Fashion and Sociology of Fashion. They study human behavior through it. Since fashion accompanies us historically, it shows part of our evolution, transformations, changes in thoughts, as well as social and economic problems are reflected in it. It is truly important. Just as we can delve into history or art history, we can also do so in the history of fashion. In the present I am encouraged to say that fashion is a system of social and personal communication and expression.

MBW: What makes a person a Fashionista ???

JG: I think I understand that a fashionista is a person obsessed with trends and brands and they make this an important part of their lifestyle. People closely linked to social networks, pop music artists, influencers and millionaires. There are many ways to approach fashion and in no way could I suggest that taking it as an obsession is the best way, much less the most intelligent.

MBW: Aside from stylish clothes what makes one celebrity more attractive than another ???

JG: I think that it happens not only among celebrities, and it is that the intellectual preparation that a person has apart from their natural elegance, manners and tastes will always make a big difference. Knowing yourself and knowing fashion and what you want to say with it is essential. For some look more attractive or interesting than others.

On the other hand, I highly value artists who take risks and, beyond looking attractive, lend themselves to some very conceptual creations. Who can forget Björk in a Swan outfit with an egg as a bag at the 2001 Oscars? Or recently the commotion caused by the outfits of Sam Smith and Doja Cat. Very interesting conceptually. In other styles I remember that Cardi B looked incredible in a vintage creation by Therry Mugler at the 2019 Grammy Award. Cher dressed by Bob Mackie at the 1986 Oscars.

Billy Porter, Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, the latter within the gender fluidity style.

MBW: Describe Couture ???

JG: COUTURE is a sacred institution of fashion. Until today that name is jealously guarded by the few designers in the world who demonstrate the highest quality standards in their collections. The Chambré Syndicale de la Haute Couture de Paris is defined as a regulatory commission that determines which fashion houses are eligible to be considered Haute Couture, manages an exclusive list of these designers and decides who has the right to use

that name Haute Couture. Some of the requirements that a firm or designer must meet is the minimum use of sewing machines, most of the garments have to be sewn by hand, a minimum of hours of work and embroidery, the high quality of the fabrics. These are unique garments where the designer shows the art of fashion through his concepts. Nowadays, museums around the world have become showcases to show these jewels that need care in their storage as well as special temperatures, generally from the collections. The most commercial collections come from the Haute Couture firms, it should be noted that the misuse of the Couture denomination by clothing manufacturers is commonly seen and you can even find catalog garments with this title to attract customers since it is definitely synonymous with Glamour.

MBW: We totally adore you and your wonderfully thriving beehive of fashion. Where do you intend to take us with this in the very near future ???

JG: I am more prepared than ever to assume responsibility, if this arises, from being able to work within a fashion company, where I can contribute with my taste. The good thing about the artistic professions is that it gives you the possibility of working all your life. A creator never stop. But if this opportunity does not present itself in the field of fashion, my plan B is no less despicable and has to do with continuing to work in art through the culture of my country of origin, with which I totally identify. Paraguay, after all I have the great honor of having been honored as cultural ambassador of my city in Paraguay called Eusebio Ayal - Barrero Grande! The City of Chipá, the most exquisite bread in the world!

MBW: I support you, wholeheartedly, in your magnificent quest. I find such joy in each and every presentation you deliver. And now, Dear Jsus, we come to my favorite question … If I could grant you three wishes, what would they be?

JG: 1 - Give me a sewing workshop with magnificent workers who make my designs come true!

2 - Give me freedom of expression to create

3 - Give me an indefinite fly tickets to continue learning about this wonderful world (hotels included please, lol) the best thing in life is the world and its people, the metaverse is interesting but nothing compares to traveling for real!

Madame Kusuné | Facebook

Madame Kusuné is a group dedicated to Fashion and everything related to it: Photography, Art, Movie, Fashion History, from past to present. (The More Unique, Artistic

and Fantastic, The Better ) Personal postings, as well as personal projects or business are not allowed. Please credit each post you show. Thank you!

Madame Kusuné es un grupo dedicado a la moda y todo lo relacionado con ella: Fotografía, Arte, Cine, Historia de la moda, de pasado a presente. (Cuanto Más Unico, Artístico y Fantástico, Mejor ) No se permiten los posteos personales, o de proyectos o negocios personales. Por favor, acredite cada post que muestre.

I wanted to take advantage of this interview not only to talk about fashion, which is a pleasure for me, but I also want to illustrate it and I have worked on two fashion collections for it through digital techniques and experimenting with technological advances.

My inspiring Muse is the fascinating as well as controversial Madame Eliza Alicia Lynch she was the Irish mistress-wife of president of Paraguay Francisco Solano López, considered a Paraguayan national hero, since she decided to accompany Mariscal López fighting in the bloody battles of the war called “The Triple Alliance” These two collections are dedicated to his memory and to his glamorous contribution of European fashions and customs to Paraguay around 1850. My recommended material to learn more about its incredible story is the book “News from Paraguay” by LILY Took.

The first is a young collection with Victorian touches in a retro-futuristic line that I call Future Lady Eliza and the second with similar references but including more romanticism I have called this collection Madame L The collections as well as more of my art can be seen on my website JGini.com

My inspiring Muse is the fascinating as well as controversial Madame Eliza Alicia Lynch

Marlowe B West Presents BRUNO PACHECO & HIS RAQUEL WELCH MEMORIAL

Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of All Ages ... My name is Marlowe B West, and I am your Ring Leader ... Many of you may already know me because I have been Star Reporter here at Steel Notes Magazine since day one and, I am proud to say, this is our Ninth Anniversary issue ... Today I am introducing you to one of my cherished Facebook friends, Bruno Pacheco ... It is to Bruno who I am very thankful for bringing this Raquel Welch Memorial into the light ... He has been a devoted longtime Raquel fan and upon her passing he shared his beautiful Raquel collection on Facebook, and I thought the whole wide world would appreciate it as much as I do.

MBW: So Bruno, what would you like to tell the world about your infatuation with Raquel Welch ???

BP: The only context I have for this memorial to Raquel Welch, aside from contributing my photo collection of her, is that the first Hollywood Stars that piqued my curiosity and passion were Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. All the others came by addition and the list is long, however limited because they have something very special to hold me. If I’m going to talk about MM I can certainly say something more. About Raquel Welch, I most probably saw her for the first time in a weekend afternoon film that was shone on the National Portuguese channel when I was young. And it must have been my mother who explained who she was to me, as usual. That first movie must have been “One Million Years B.C.” It is true that I did not forget her and years later, when I had the internet, I did several searches and, as I did with so many others, I ended up saving many photos of her (a hobby that I still keep today). Raquel was very talented, not only did she have incredible magnetism with the camera that allowed her to look so good in a movie as well as a model. She could have had better roles, that’s for sure. But the ones she had, allowed her to mark an era and her own style is still recreated today by many, in special advertising campaigns. And that’s it. I don’t have more to say about her, and I don’t even know if this helps or if it’s the least bit interesting for your article. But that’s it, here’s my sharing. Of course, I dedicated time and effort to this post I made about her, but she deserves my little tribute.

MBW: Very thoughtful and eternally beautiful, Bruno ... Thank you so much ... Even though I have been fortunate enough to have acquired some treasured memories on the subject, I wouldn’t even have ventured into making what has turned out to be such a magnificent and worthy Memorial to Raquel Welch, until I was completely taken aback by the big splash you made with your photos. I, my starstruck self, had the golden opportunity of actually meeting Raquel ... I was working in a printing shop on Brighton Way, in Beverly Hills ... The entire front of the shop was plate glass, and it gave me an exquisite daily view of this extraordinary neighborhood’s flurry of activity. The constant likes of celebrities, such as Paul Newman, Ryan O’Neal, Ginger Rogers and Dolly Parton, some of which I sought autographs, such as Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Cher, Lee Marvin, Eva Gabor, and Raquel. These were some of those Gods and Goddesses I worked amongst every day, in their natural habitat.

When I first spotted Raquel Welch, casually walking up and down Brighton Way, I instantly took sharp notice of her stunning beauty and style ... still never realizing it was her until the third time she breezed by over a period of, say, two weeks ... She was wearing a very full, but not loud, floral skirt ... it floated about her lower torso down to the calves of those legs ... on her Beverly Hills goddess feet she wore flat shiny copper color sandals with delicate thin straps ... her hair, which moved freely, in her own breeze, was also shiny & copper-colored ... Her look was topped off with a simple, white, wide, open neck blouse, like the kind a Spanish lady would wear selling roses on the street ... I thought to myself, she was without doubt the most breathtakingly beautiful lady I had ever laid eyes upon, in person, before ... There were no lights, no cameras, no make-up or camera crews or wardrobe personnel involved ... It was early summertime, and this lovely lady was naturally capturing my full attention ... but I still had not recognized her !!! Then, it happened ... there she was again ... This time she appeared materialized as the one and only Raquel Welch right before my very buggin’ eyes ... She had never, until now, resembled that ultra famous movie star we’re all familiar with. That vision was way up there on the silver screen ... I got her autograph and had it beautifully framed and gave it to my Dad. He put it on the wall behind his bar.

I also gotta add a funny Raquel story with my recently dearly departed friend in Hollywood, David Winters. He was so wonderful. Some may remember him as the one who played A-rab in the original West Side Story. He had approached me from off the side of the Whisky a go go dance floor and asked me where I got my clothes. I told him I made them myself. He loved them and asked if I would make some for him. I proceeded to make him seven pairs of my own design dancewear pants. Well, he was choreographing a Raquel Welch TV Special. At rehearsal she was following behind him, shadowing the footsteps of his dance routine. As he went step-stepstep-squat his crotch seam split wide open. He was completely embarrassed and humiliated.

MARIE CURRIE’S AWESOME CREATIONS

The amazing work of Artist Marie Currie and her creations has graced the pages of Steel Notes magazine since our 2014 Anniversary issue. During that time she has created many different types of artistry, including crosses and guitars, but most recently has added exquisite pieces of jewelry.

Marie takes special orders for her work and will create a one of a kind treasured piece, just for you! Check her out on her Marie Currie Creations page on Facebook for pricing, and place an order for a special gift, or treat yourself to something special that will last a lifetime!

Marie Michelle Currie was born an identical twin November 30, 1959. She has been a recording artist for Capitol Records, a producer, an actor, a sculptor, a poet, but most importantly, a mother. She was honored to have Dale Evans use her poem ‘Into the Light’ in the written eulogy of her late husband, the legendary Roy Rogers. She was recently portrayed by Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough in the 2010 movie ‘The Runaways’ sparked by her twin sister, Cherie Currie’s book ‘Neon Angel’. Marie, a successful mortgage banker of 14 years ultimately decided the time had come to realize her dream and publish a book she had written many years ago entitled ‘The Narrow Road of Light.’ The book was derived from a single poem she had written during a spiritually challenging time, her divorce from legendary guitarist Steve Lukather of the famed group ‘TOTO.’ Her book is available at TheNarrowRoadOfLight.com. Marie and Steve have two children from their 13 year union, Cristina Marie and Trevor Lee Lukather.

Marie is the daughter of the late Marie Harmon, an actress, known for The El Paso Kid (1946), Night Time in Nevada (1948) and Springtime in Texas (1945). Her father, Don Currie, a decorated Marine and loving father. Her siblings include her twin sister Cherie of the famed all-girl band “The Runaways who also became an actress starring in ‘Foxes’ with Jody Foster, Parasite, Wavelength and Twilight Zone: The Movie and went on to marry Robert Hays of Airplane fame. Her older sister, Sondra Currie, has too many television appearances to mention, but is best known for her recent appearances in ‘The Hangover’ movies part I, II, and III. Her younger brother Don is the president of his own successful mortgage company “HighTechLending Inc.’, in which Marie worked for many years.

Today, Marie leads a quiet life in Las Vegas NV spending time with her children, restoring old treasures, making jewelry, building crosses, guitar art, and violins.

Marie has sold over 1100 pieces of her art in the last 9 years. She is followed by thousands on Facebook and through her Etsy page... MarieCurrieCreations.com

TheNarrowRoadOfLight.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-Currie-Creations

https://www.MarieCurrieCreations.com

Contact Marie at: Marie@MarieCurrieCreations.com

LARRY GATLIN at the CHARLES WOOD THEATRE, GLEN FALLS, NY

12 April 2023

GLOW PARK

Palm Desert Living Zoo, Palm Desert California

Photos by John McMinn Patterson

Lisa Marie PRESLEY

Photos by Bob Klein

The Greatest CLASSIC ROCK SINGER OF ALL TIME DEBATE

By Rick VanVliet

I was listening to a classic rock DJ one night in my car and he asked a thought provoking question. Who is the top classic rock singer of all time? Several candidates rushed to my head. But, where to draw the line? What perimeters to go by? Late 60’s? 70’s soft rock? 80’s glam? 90’s Grunge and so on…. Let’s look at what I would consider the top 3. Let the debate begin!

Number 1: Robert Plant

One listen to the beginning of Black Dog is enough to set Robert Plant apart from the singers and frontmen of his, or any other decade. From heavy songs such as Whole Lotta Love and Heartbreaker to mellow ballads such as Thank You and of course Stairway To Heaven. Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin are a perfect match for each other. Could you imagine anyone else coming close to those tones he set so well we and we all remember?

Number 2: Freddy Mercury

What a voice! Who else possesses the combination of such power and range? As a frontman, who represented their band as proudly as Freddy? The list is long of the hits that rattle in our heads and our speakers. Such powerful songs like, Keep Yourself Alive and We Will Rock You, Mercury would have been a top 10 with just those songs but, when you throw in songs such as Another One Bites The Dust or Killer Queen, not to mention his Magnum Opus- Bohemian Rhapsody, Freddy is a top 3 classic rock singer without a doubt.

Number 3: Axl Rose

The first 2 singers on this list came to me quickly as an obvious 1 and 2. Number 3 could have been many many others. Candidates I considered were Steven Tyler, Bonn Scott, Steve Perry, Dio, Ozzy and Klause Meine of the Scorpions. But, you have to be honest with yourself, the first time you heard Guns and Roses and their Frontman Axl Rose you said to yourself, “Wow! That’s something new and different!” New with rasp? No! New with power? No! New with incredible range? No! But, that certain blend of all of them together sets him apart from most other singers. His screams during Welcome To The Jungle and when Sweet Child of Mine heats up are iconically stamped and rarely attempted by other singers. Then to bring it down to ballads like November Rain and Patience,they really do set him apart as special. Yes, it ended all too soon with conflict, attitude and ego giving us a smaller sample size of what could have been and we harbor some resentment to Axl for it but, he was once one of the best.

BRIAN TARQUIN & HEAVY FRIENDS TO RELEASE “BROTHERS IN ARMS”

Feat. featuring Joe Satriani, Members of UFO, Guns N’ Roses, Dokken, Coheed & Cambria, Armored Saint & Others!

From the producer of the acclaimed release “Guitars For Wounded Warriors” comes a brand new extraordinary album entitled “Brothers In Arms”! Multi-Emmy award winning guitarist/composer Brian Tarquin is the mastermind behind it, featuring such iconic guitarists as Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore (UFO), Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Alex De Rosso (Dokken), Travis Stever (Coheed & Cambria), Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint), Johannes Weik (Son of a Bach), Gerald Gradwohl (Tangerine Dream), Chris Haskett (Henry Rollins Band). Brian Tarquin, a one-man army, composed, produced and performed all guitar melodies, solos, bass, rhythm guitars and used session drummer Reggie Pryor. The album features exclusive songs inspired by those military soldiers who have fought for their country. Partial proceeds from the sales go to the Fisher House Foundation, http://fisherhouse.org who supplies housing to veterans’ families while they are hospitalized.

Vintage Guitar Magazine says about Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends “Brothers In Arms”: “The players here are staggeringly skilled and the tunes are new and vibrant. Each cut has something new and adventurous to add to our listening experience. Guitarists should be in heaven with this one, as it is definitely good to the last drop.”

For the past 30 years multi-Emmy award winning composer/guitarist Brian Tarquin’s music has been heard by tens of millions on a plethora of television and film scores such as: CSI, Ellen, Extra, TMZ, 60 Minutes, Sex

and the City, SNL, Godzilla, Seinfeld, Cheers, Charmed, The Watcher (Keanu Reeves), Desert Heat (Van Damme), The Sender (R. Lee Ermey) to name a few. He has won 3 Emmys for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2022 the Josie Music Awards nominated Tarquin for “Best Guitarist” & “Best Producer” of the year. In 2019 Tarquin received a Global Music Gold Award for his release Orlando In Heaven for “Best Album.” Three years in a row (2016-2019) Tarquin received “Best Album of the Year” nominations from the Independent Music Awards for his releases: “Guitars for Wounded Warriors,” “Orlando in Heaven,” and “Guitars for Veterans.” Tarquin has graced the top Billboard charts with such commercial releases as: “This is Acid Jazz, Vol. 2,” “Sweet Emotions,” and “Bossa Brava: Caliente” on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums which charted Top 10 at Smooth Jazz Radio R&R and Gavin charts with such hits as “One Arabian Knight”, “Freeway Jam”, “Darlin Darlin Baby” and Tangled Web. Tarquin has appeared on 50 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career with over 34 million streams on Spotify, Pandora & Apple.

Says Brian, “It was a great experience to record the album featuring such great musicians. I recorded and produced it entirely at my recording facility called Jungle Room Studios. It is an extensive analog/digital studio featuring a modified classic 1980’s British Trident 24 recording

console, an Otari MTR 90 2” analog tape machine, and a vintage Ampex 440c 1/4” 2 track analog tape machine. Along with classic outboard gear such as, the Neve Compressor 33609, Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor, Neve 1074, Chandler ltd Germanium Compressor, and a host of other gear including an array of microphones, guitars & amplifiers. I love working in the analog domain because it sounds just like the records I grew up with in the 60’s and 70’s, nothing sounds like drums and bass on analog tape! I even recorded final mixes down to 1/4” tape and the mastering was done by David Glasser at Airshow Studios in Boulder, Colorado from those 1/4” tapes. No copy & paste, real performances from the heart!”

“Sounds Great! I’m honored to play a solo on the track ‘Speed of Sound,’ and to be a part of the ‘Brothers in Arms’ album. Brian is a very prolific writer, cheers to him!” - Joe Satriani

“It was a lot of fun playing on ‘Kiss My Axe.’ Very cool to be on Brian’s record with so many amazing players. Loved laying down some licks over this groovy burnin’ song.” - Vinnie Moore

It’s a great honor to be part of this album, in support of our beloved veterans and their families. They deserve the very best.” - Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (Guns N’ Roses, Asia, Sons Of Apollo)

Release date February 3, 2023

To donate to Fisher House: https://connect.fisherhouse.org/campaign/BROTHERS-IN-ARMS

To purchase:

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/brothers-in-arms/1656010570

Amazon: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/ B0BNBW1L8Q?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_IXsj8R848Gk6RUNPJuADvXsD9

Stream: https://lnk.dmsmusic.co/briantarquin_brothersinarms

For more information: https://www.briantarquin.com/ https://www.bhpmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/tarquinjazz/ https://www.facebook.com/BrianTarquinheavyfriends/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069313132983

Trans-Siberian Orchestra “GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE” PPL Center, Allentown, PA

By Josie Janci

A Christmas miracle. That is a phrase used by many groups for many different things all around the globe. Christians refer to the birth of Jesus as their Christmas miracle, children refer to Santa Claus as their Christmas miracle, and we music lovers can refer to the Trans-Siberian orchestra as our Christmas miracle!

Formed in 1993 by the late Paul O’Neill, transsiberian orchestra can be described as a hard rock band with classical influences. Since 1999 they have been entertaining arena crowds with their spectacular Christmas rock opera. The combination of the rock’n’roll guitars, the effervescent vocals, the phenomenal stage show, world class laser light show

and pyrotechnics, all come together for a spectacular piece of performance art suitable for music aficionados of all ages!

The show begins with a spectacular opening of a silhouette of performers, complex stage setups, dozens of projection screens, and an explosion of laser lights. We are then introduced to the musicians who seem few compared to the depth of the music you hear. A couple guitars, a high energy electric violinist, some keyboards and a great drum kit is all that is needed to fill this arena with spectacular sound. Oh I’m sorry I forgot their counterpart – 10 of the most amazing vocalists I’ve ever heard.

The five male and five female vocalists were absolutely mesmerizing. They sang both in groups and individually; harmonizing perfectly with each other and showcasing both their range and pitch throughout the evening. The show is set up so that each person was able to either do a solo or duet in order to individually present their talents. they were flawless and I would be hard pressed to choose my favorite-rest assured it was an absolute aural sculpture.

Since TSO performs Christmas music, the window for them to have a live performance is rather small . Generally, they’ll perform in November and December. Billboard magazine has them listed as one of the top ten highest ticket selling bands and seeing that they only have stage shows a few months out of the year, makes that quite an achievement. Because they love their fans, they have 2 daily performances when possible. In fact the night that we went, we saw the

second of two shows for the day and you would never guess that just two hours before they were finishing up a 2 1/2 hour performance.

The show was filled with energy from start to finish. At any given time your senses will be stimulated by either moving catwalks, rotating platforms , high energy performers, and a laser light show that is second to none. How do you finish up a show like that? Well, you bring in the pyrotechnics of course! After introducing all the band members, vocalists, stagehands, creators, etc., TSO finished the evening with a magnificent showcase of sights and sounds complete with laser lights, synchronized effects on the 2 \dozen projection screens, Pyrotechnics that heated up the arena, two ascending catwalks, and some rotating platforms…all the grandeur reserved for a Christmas miracle.

TSO SETLIST FOR PPL CENTER

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16TH 2022

Fate

Prometheus (Instrumental)

The Lost Christmas Eve

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night

Good King Joy

Christmas Dreams

Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Savatage cover)

Christmas Canon Rock

What Child Is This?

(William Chatterton Dix cover) Play Video Music Box Blues

First Snow

Promises to Keep

This Christmas Day

Second Half Christmas Carousels / Siberian Sleigh Ride

A Mad Russian’s Christmas

For the Sake of Our Brother

Christmas in the Air Wizards in Winter

Child of the Night / A Last Illusion If I Go Away (Savatage cover) (Dedicated to Paul O’Neil)

Madness of Men

The Snow Came Down

Requiem (The Fifth)

Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Reprise) (Savatage cover)

RINGO STARR at The State Theatre in Easton Pa

Photos by John Millington

80’S ROCK BAND POISON CONCERT AT MUSIKFEST 2022

By Rick VanVliet

I was invited to do a review of 80’s rock band Poison, at Musikfest 2022, in Bethlehem Pa, on Sunday August 7th by the owner of Steel Notes Magazine. I said sure, what else was I doing? I figured that I was going to see some older musicians mailing a performance in. After all, it had been 3o years since their last song appeared on the charts, and 40 years since the seed was planted that formed Poison. Boy, was I surprised!

The show started with amazing energy and they all carried it to the end of the show. Mailing it in? Hell no! Brett Michaels was on the mic on stage to fire the crowd up. “Bethlehem Pennsylvania! It’s good to be home!” He then announced the band by each name, with the biggest smile, and bouncing as if he had springs in his shoes.

“Good to be home…..”. Poison was initially formed in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania, some 108 miles away. So yes, this was a hometown show for them! Their genuine smiles about being here,- here, In Bethlehem PA, spoke volumes about what this show meant to them. Brett Michaels said so himself. “We have been looking forward to this very night for 2 1/2 years. It feels so good to finally be here! Back Home!”

I can’t speak for the whole crowd but I, and I imagine most of us, felt this show was special after he said that, to both the fans and to Poison also . A very very nice touch.

The show opened up with “LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN” I personally was struck by the lead guitarist’s look. Was that CC DeVille or someone filling in for the tour? This lead guitarist had beautiful extremely long brown hair and a red top hat on. Well that can’t be CC I thought, but let’s give him a chance. Sad CC isn’t here. I’ve always thought very highly of his Axe work. This “new” guy didn’t have CC’s bleached blonde hair towering high off his head with enough Aqua Net to make a hole in the ozone layer all by itself. But, at one point the guitarist flashed a very familiar and unique smile. Then in the first song Brett Michael said “CC play that guitar for me!” It was him! What a new look! He looked more like he was a member of Molly Hatchet then Poison The glam was gone. No hint of it. I think we all naïvely think that people look the same as we imagined them. Well, not here. Not CC DeVille. His new look was “Rock Cool”. It played very well as a sign that they were rockers and all that glam stuff was in the past.

In between songs during the show Brett Michaels was amazing. He was talking about how his father is buried in a war memorial cemetery close to here as an American Vet, and twice during the show he took time out to honor our past and current members of the armed services. The second time allowing local members of the military on stage for a song.

Very nice touch and very classy.

You could feel that Poison sincerely enjoyed being there on that stage together. The way they interacted with one another, and by the huge smiles they had on their faces during the whole show, you could see that they were as happy to play for us as we were to watch.

Before the third song, Bret Michaels was talking about how when he was young his parents would sit together with him, and play acoustic guitar and that he learned to play the harmonica. He picked up the harmonica, and as he started playing, it was just as you would have imagined it.

All of a sudden he ramps it up and starts riffing on the harmonica as I’ve never seen anybody do. It was truly amazing! And then the band slid into “YOUR MAMA DON’T DANCE”

After the song, he was telling the crowd about the amazing day he was having here in Bethlehem. He took time to shout out to his stage crew and the local crew that helped him put the show together. All night Brett Michaels was classy and thankful.

A prime example is when he had 3 military veterans, one of which was in a wheelchair, join him on stage. It was so patriotic that the crowd started chanting,” USA! USA! USA!” He called them “The real rock stars!” Poison then broke into “SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN”, and after the song he said with honesty, “ I got choked up right then, I’m not gonna lie.” I thought Bret Michaels was a pretty boy/ reality star with a good voice, but tonight I realized that he stands for more, so much more. He has a huge heart and gets the big picture of what’s real, like our vets and what doesn’t matter so much comparatively. It was very impressive to say the least.

Poison brought the energy back up with “UNSKINNY BOP”. I couldn’t help but think back to the 1991 MTV music awards. They played this song in front of millions and it was a total disaster causing physical confrontation between Brett Michaels and CC DeVille famously after their performance. That show started the unraveling of the strings of Poison. Not tonight! They were four good friends just rocking out one of their hits! Brett and CC even play fought for a moment as an homage to that day right before CC DeVille ripped off a masterful guitar solo walking right up to the front of the stage like a guitar God.

Bret Michaels then picked up a rhythm guitar and Poison broke into “MAMA’s FALLEN ANGEL” Bass player Bobby Dall honestly seemed to be charged up even more for this song. He was walking and working the stage. He and CC delivered crisp back up vocals. Then the unexpected happened.

Poison broke out doing a great cover of “WE ARE AN AMERICAN BAND” by Grand Funk Railroad. Brett was still bouncing with exuberant energy on the stage, then their drummer’s cowbell made its 1st appearance, leading into Rikki Rocket’s drum solo.

Before the next song, Brett Michaels again made reference to playing in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. He said, or words to that effect, that this show was like a big hometown backyard barbecue with our friends from New Jersey and New York here to join us.

Rock stars are human too and not Gods. We forget that. Brett gave a shout out to Rikki Rocket for beating cancer.The response from the Bethlehem faithful was a huge cheer. This was a perfect time to go into the next song. Bret Michaels then reminded the crowd of how important this night was to him personally. He then proudly introduced the next song by saying, “This is a song that YOU made number one. I needed a night like this!” He strapped on an acoustic guitar and broke into one of their biggest commercial hits.

Encouraging the crowd to sing with him, Brett and his acoustic guitar broke into “EVERY ROSE HAS IT’S THORN” to huge applause. Bret Michaels had the stage to himself, right until the ballad played its first power cord, The rest of Poison took their post.

CC stage left ( from the audience view) Bobby Dall stage right and Rikki on the kits. But, of course, center stage Brett Michaels. The fans in Bethlehem also made their voices heard. They were singing as loud, if not louder than the band. CC DeVille has an amazing solo in the song on the studio recording. Live? He nailed it! The song ended in thunderous fashion. Long continuous strumming to its fitting end. Well done! Brett then announced the next song while pointing at CC DeVille. “TALK DIRTY TO ME!”

The song was sonically fantastic! Brett was still working the crowd to clap their hands. Still full of the same energy he walked out on stage with in the beginning of the show. I can’t stress this enough how Poison got along with each other over the years, specifically CC DeVille and Brett Michaels. 2 Alpha males looking to be the big stars. Competing with one another for the spotlight. That was undetectable tonight. They came off as brothers who hugged it out and realized the others’ talent with great

respect. Very nice to see! When it was each person‘s time to shine during that song and frankly the whole concert, you could see that they were waiting for that moment….. To pounce! To be the best for the crowd.

The stage went dark after the “TALK DIRTY TO ME” encore. I was going through the rolodex in my mind thinking about what song they hadn’t played yet. I didn’t come up with anything. You kinda knew they were gonna come out with at least one more song.

With the stage still dark all you heard was Bret Michaels voice after a short amount of time saying, “Pennsylvania! You know there’s not a chance in hell that we’re ready to go home yet! Do you wanna keep on partying?”

Again, I couldn’t put my finger on what song they hadn’t played yet. They started their Encore with a generic fast blues riff.

Brett then asked if we had, “NOTHING BUT A GOOD TIME!”? The Bethlehem PA crowd showed themselves now, they were louder vocally than Poison and very into it! especially the part in the song where it says,” Ain’t lookin for nothin….. but, a good time…. How can I resist?” The people from the Lehigh Valley were louder than Brett Michaels. Rikki Rockett was twirling his drumsticks, Bobby Dall was laying down the powerful base, CC DeVille was just waiting for the wicked guitar solo, and Brett Michaels was still bouncing as he had to start the show and work the crowd. Right before that amazing guitar solo they slowed things down, Brett was working the crowd to a feverish pitch. The two instruments you really heard were Rikki Rocket’s drums and Bobby Dall’s bass, stretching the song out, and creating anticipation for one of the most amazing guitar solos I may have ever heard on a record. It’s a top 10! Brett Michaels announced the upcoming solo correctly. “CC, give em Hell!” The best guitar I’ve ever heard live would be Ted Nugent. I’m not gonna take anything away from Ted, but, CC nailed that solo!

At the end of the concert Bret Michaels held up his mic stand that was draped in an American flag. I have no political party thought of where he stands. He also probably won’t ever say. But, at the end of the concert there was no doubt in my mind that he was a true patriot. A troop loving, thank you for our freedom, Honoring his father who was a veteran, proud to be an American man.

When this show was over I had a new respect for Poison and their talent as musicians and honestly people in general. I came from The age of AC/DC and Van Halen. And yes, for years I did not take Poison seriously. They put on an amazing show from top to bottom. I was honestly blown away! To anybody who naïvely thought that Poison was just some glam band….. I was wrong and so are you!

I highly endorse seeing them live! Great music, fantastic musicians, and they give the crowd all the energy they have every minute of their show. It was amazing to see The four original members rock out and get along with each other as well as they did on stage. It was very genuine and nothing about their show came off as fake at all!

CHILLER THEATRE EXPO PARSIPPANY, NJ Friday October 28thSunday October 30 2022

By Alexxis Steele

Every year in April and October we look forward to seeing our entertainment friends at Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany, NJ. Due to Covid, the last time we were there was in 2019, so we were eager to see everyone.

On Friday October 28th, the team went out to cover the event. Our Punk Rock friends from NJ, The Accelerators, are a sure bet every year, and it was good to see them again. This year we had the addition of meeting with The Plasmatics guitarist, Richie Stotts so I sat down with him for an interview, and we discussed how much Wendy O was missed.

I also got to see and do another interview with American idol, and Rock of Ages Vocalist, Constantine Maroulis. Last we spoke was at the 2019 event. This time I got to meet and spend a short amount of time with Lisa Loring, who is the original Wednesday from the 60s tv sitcom, The Addams Family. Lisa had to leave, so I will catch up with her after the holidays.

I was planning on doing an interview with Former Kiss guitarist, Ace Frehley, AKA The “Spaceman”, but he was tied up with fans, and our time was limited, so we are planning to set something up in the next month after his schedule slows down.. Totally unplanned, our photographer happened to run into guitarist Danny Farrow Anniello from Angel, so we snuck in some photos and an interview with him.

There were 2 more first time interviews I had the chance to do.. One with Michael Fishman AKA “DJ” of the tv show Roseanne, and the current show, The Connors. He was a very personable and sincere young man, and told about some projects he is doing, and about helping the homeless. The other was actress Cathy Moriarty, best known for the movies Raging Bull and Casper.. She was an absolute sweetheart and a joy to talk to!

While there was a decent crowd for the opening night, I definitely saw that Covid had an impact on attendance. I also think that the setup of the previous hotel was better, and more conducive to a better turnout and overall experience. We all miss “The Rock Room”, which the previous hotel had in prior years. The next Chiller experience will be in April of 2023, and we are hoping to join them as guests next time around!

Artist Andrea Hall JOAN JETT ARTWORK

Chris & JR Peterson Showcase FRANCE AND LONDON

MODEL JOSI KAT

MISS ELIZABETH ASTON

ANNUAL INDIAN FESTIVAL OF CORN

Tonight for all the youngsters, now let’s have a big hand for TARA REZ AND THE DUEL!

By Samantha Janette

Tara Rez has been through good times and bad times. The truth is she knows how tough it can get. She’s one of the few people like that who you’ll encounter who’s soft hearted and doesn’t try to do bad shit on other people. She enjoys her success and the last 20 years have been very positive and rewarding for Tara and her Band,The Duel.

I think everybody agrees Tara Rez is England’s Number 1 Punk Diva at this time.. Punk Rock didn’t go away or die out two years after The big 1977-1978 onslaught. Tara is very active in work for The Homeless and The Mentally Ill. Tara and The Duel have gigged tirelessly for these causes.

They’ve made brief visits to The USA and they are making inroads to big popularity over here. More and more people are beginning to hear of them. Tara’s childhood was a bit rough. She was born in Iran. She came to England with her family when she was 7 years old. They were very poor. She took some shit because she was an Iranian in English Schools.

Now, let’s understand that she’s no pussy even though she’s a cordial person and there is something naturally benevolent about her. When she was in her teens she listened to The Ramones, PIL and Souixie Souix, put Manic Panic on her hair and a friend gave her a leather jacket.

Tara Rez grew up in Camden Town which is part of Greater London. Presently she lives in The Resort Town of Brighton and she DJs a Fantastic Punk Rock Show on Radio Reverb. Com 97.2FM DAB (Sunday & Monday 8pm & Wednesday

11pm in The UK) which is simulcast on Xstream Radio.Net in The USA(weekdays at 6 pm PST).Com.

But it’s alright now, in fact it’s a gas. Ray Davies approached her and said hello to Tara in a London Bar. I don’t know anybody else who could add that to their resume. There has been a change or two in The Duel’s lineup in the past year(?)

Tara Rez and The Dual consist of: Tara Rez-Lead Singer,Paul Laventhol-Guitars,Chris Mcdougall-Bass,Ed Sonsine-Guitar,Seb Frey-Drums. Tara Rez and Andy Thierum are the Band’s main songwriters.

You can tell from The songs Tara has read a lot of really heavy literature and in her songs she engages both in The usual sex and love Roll and Roll songs and also offbeat life and death fantasies like Sky Saxon,Roky Erickson,Patti Smith,Jim Morrison,Grace Slick,Elvis Costello,Iggy Pop,Lou Reed,Allen Ginsburg(!). Tara describes herself as having attended “Rock and Roll High School”. There are many performers in this business who are “personalities” and “celebrities”. Ms.Rez is for real! Something got ahold of Tara when she was very young and Angela Bowie has called her “Punk Rock’s Answer To Patsy Cline”

The Duel’s new album is out now in Pink Vinyl Limited Edition at Theduelstore.bigcartel.com. Tara and The Dual have a driving,kickass sound that would easily remind you of The MC5,The Stooges,The Ramones,The Dead Boys with Janis Ian singing lead.

Musically they are definitely kick ass,full tilt Punk Rock!

Tara Rez and The Duel formed in 2001. Tara and The Duel can play hardcore Punk mean enough to make the entire production staffs and all The VJs at MTV and VH1 hide in the restroom for hours. Anyhow,Tara and her Band are on hiatus because of The Pandemic.

They haven’t been touring full time for about a year. They are getting back to it,they’re killers onstage. It doesn’t hurt that Tara has an uncanny resemblance to Marianne Faithfull and this would almost make you think She was Marianne’s younger sister In full Punk Costume.

Maybe by some parapsychological mechanism Brian Epstein or Larry Page could return from The dead. Brian Epstein,Larry Page,Joe Meek,Kit Lambert,Kenny Pitt,Simon Napier-Bell,Robert Stigwood,Tony StrattonSmith could use The same Beat Group Policy they used to make sure they sold enough Tara Rez Posters so every 14 year old guy in town had one tacked up on his bedroom wall.

This Cockney Woman can really sing Rock and Roll! So if you don’t want to spend the money on CD albums and if you don’t have time for lengthy song menus because of your train hopping schedule then at least give the “Black Snake Prophecy” EP by Tara Rez and The Duel a listen. It’s great. They are wicked when Live on stage! Tara and her band are exactly what’s needed to put Lip Synching and Drum Machines out of business! Karaoke.Tara Rez is easygoing and she treats fans well.Tara’s Punk Rock Radio Show has lots of “call-in” stuff. She will always definitely talk politics and she’s very straightforward with her ideas and opinions.

I still think it was a mistake for TOP 40 Radio circa’ 1979-1980 to pass on developing a format featuring a mixture of garage rock,the Yardbirds,The Pretty Things,Them,The Creation,The MC5,The Flamin’ Groovies and the newer Punk Rock which at that time was The Ramones,Blondie,Elvis Costello,Generation X,The Adverts,The Dictators,Jayne County,The Sex Pistols,The Cramps,Devo,Patti Smith,The New York Dolls,The Clash,Richard Hell,The Damned. Ian Dury,Souixie and The Banshees, Robert Gordon and Link Wray,Rachel Sweet,Eddie and The Hot Rods,Television,The Jam,Talking Heads,The Pretenders,Iggy Pop,The Dead Boys,Poly Styrene,PIL,The Fleshtones,Venus and The Razorblades,The Records,The Stranglers,The Vibrators,Poly Styrene,The Buzzcocks,Robert Gordon,Link Wray,Sham 69,X-Ray Spex,The Cramps,Devo. plus more back in 1977.

I say so because while all of the bigshot progressive counterculture heavy superstar groups and singers being played on The FM stations can easily deliver the goods and you get a lot for your money, I suppose,I think, that by 1972 the music of the counterculture and the related MOR playlist drivel which was introduced by Sgt.Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,The Fillmores,Isle of Wight and Woodstock had become barefaced monotonous. It all had more than enough publicity, profit, notoriety, airplay, attention. Do you really care if you ever hear

another new Elton John or The Eagles hit record or how about Michael Bolton? Van Halen? Debbie Boone. I mean, C’mon. It’s the monotony in The Programming!! And if you don’t mind I’m good and bored with all of Eric Clapton’s AM hits that he’s come up with since 1971.

And I like Cream but NOT all the time. Clapton played lead guitar on a handful of singles by the Yardbirds and John Mayall ‘circa 1963-1964. These singles sound different than 90% of the rest of his stuff. There’s a strange story that some old friends of the Clap tell. In 1963-1964 Clapton wore his nails long and trimmed.

He filed them long and pointy for fingerpicked lead guitar. It’s a high pitched sound. You can hear it on “Five Live Yardbirds”. So Clapton was getting more and more worried that he’d twang his hands out of joint. He worried he could possibly have dishpan hands. The next time he was at the beauty parlor Madge reassured him that he was soaking in Palmolive.

It’s that repetitiverepititious overplay of aproximately 5060 or more specific songs going back to like 1972. It’s true we now have the variety of SIRIUSXM and internet radio links and podcasts nowadays. A few Rock and Roll DJs have experimented with this kind of punk rock programming I’m talking about. Rodney Bingenheimer and this guy in Cleveland. Community Radio in St.Louis features Beatle Bob Matonis with a mixture of Garage,Punk,British Invasion and R&B. For those of us who grew up in The TOP 40 era(I went to bed with KXOK in St.Louis under my pillow,circa’ 1964-1970)and it’d be grand to hear someone just like Tara at number 1 on the charts. “I Live Off You” “Dying Sun” “I’m On To You”,etc.

Tara Rez and The Dual have done 9 killer compact discs since 2001. I interviewed Tara in 2018. I’ve written two articles about Tara Rez and The Duel and they both got printed. One of the articles was actually some liner notes for a Radio Reverb site. I interviewed Tara once almost 5 years ago but it was done by emailing postings and transcriptions back and forth. She was real nice about The whole thing but I was left with The feeling like I’d done something ridiculous in doing things this way. The interview went over pretty good,fortunately. There is a lack of prepaid advertising, promo stuff for Punk Rock

The people who pay out all those preparations and renumerations are stockholders,record companies,radio stations,promotional guys and record company execs and guys who probably think Punk Rock is trivial. Why hasn’t Punk Rock and groups like Tara Rez and the Dual made it really super big? Like “Meet The Beatles” and “The Rolling Stones-England’s Latest Hitmakers” kinda big? There was Punk Rock going back to “Louie Louie” and “Gloria”. And of course,Lester Bangs or Dave Marsh coined the phrase “Punk Rock” in 1970 or 1971. The term has several implications like a kind of greaser and hood meaning. A lesser known 45rpm orientation to music listening and record collecting.

A tough and determined attitude that you and your

garage band can do as good as the big shots. Even better than the big shots. And too,don’t dismiss the “punk” or seemingly flimsy and insubstantial. We all know how the Sex Pistols did a handful of killer hit singles in 1976 and 1977.

The records rate with “Open My Eyes” “I Can See For Miles” and “Jumpin’Jack Flash”. I think Punk,while it has definitely survived,has had some skeet shooting shots fired at it because The Sex Pistols said “Anachy In The UK” and “God Save The Queen”.

I was in The British Isles and France for 3 weeks in 1998. Specifically,England is a democracy. The Monarchy have a minute bit of influence and they support causes here and there and give out awards and medals,salute and smile at RAF airplane formation shows and Veterans holidays.

They aren’t bad folks I guess. A majority of British subjects like them because they represent the fact that 2000 years later Britain is still very prosperous and powerful. Americans were pissed off at King George for a while in the 1700s yet in my time people have always been very,very respectful of The Monarchy.

They don’t really run the UK as they would’ve many years ago. In England The Monarchy is never criticized at least in the mainstream media and out in the general public. Look.what the Sex Pistols did took a lot of damn straight balls and I think there were plenty of 15 year old kids in The UK who identified with their songs. Great stuff!

Tara and The Dual have been on hiatus since last year. They did some TV stuff in The UK. Tara had Covid briefly this summer. They will be doing a few gigs coming up soon!

I don’t know who else but Tara has got “new friends by the carload” except the late Cub Koda did.

Tara Rez is a street person with like 500 random friends all over London and on Facebook. More than that! She is in a relationship so be respectful. In my first attempts to contact her I was surprised at how down to earth she is. She’s been doing this since 2001 and actually since she was 13 years old.

Tara Rez and The Dual have been garnering more and more attention for their CDs and their performances for quite some time now. I think she deserves the kind of mainstream fame that came Patti Smith’s way with “Because The Night” “So You Want To Be A Rock and Roll Star” “Castles In The Sand” “People Have The Power” “Set Me Free” and “Frederick”.

As the Ramones said “We Want The Airwaves”. MTV and VH1 are enormously popular. They are bland and repetitive. They make only the skinniest allowances for new talent. Stylistically and structurally they hype “Rock Music”and NOT “Rock and Roll”. I can’t stand the Fraternity and Beach Party clowns in the MTV/VH1 Reality programming.

I own at least 300 DVDs and VHS tapes.(I lost count years ago) I have up to 15 or 20 items on one cassette or DVD. Since 1986 I’ve been collecting video and I can’t help but wonder how “Turn That Damn Thing Down”-Video Network would go over(?)-”Kick Out The Jams Mother Fuckers”!

Samantha Janette

Videos on You Tube

1.”Fight On”

youtube.com/watch?v=036wbVKokRY

2.”Shadow of Dreams”

youtube.com/watch?v=_RY15Fh6Lek

3.”Dying Sun”

youtube.com/watch?v=mJQMs-aMKlU

4.”Tara Rez on The Early UK Punk Scene

youtube.com/watch?v=5-gaPorPxBB

5.”TARA REZ LIVE FOR PUNK’S SAKE”

youtube.com/watch?v=6YJJEBODISY

ALTER BRIDGE PAWNS & KINGS

By Ross Macdonald of Rockfiend

There can’t be many bands that get this deep into their catalogue with an unchanged line-up? Alter Bridge are that rare beast though and the near two-decade long journey from ‘One Day Remains’ to this new offering is proof that change is not always for the better. Seven albums in and whilst the names Kennedy and Tremonti rightly gush from the lips and pens of reviewers worldwide the rhythm section of Marshall and Phillips are still perhaps the best kept secret in the industry. At this stage such is the connection between one’s kick drum and the others bass line I’m pretty sure they’re the new industry standard for setting all time. We can do away with GMT, Zulu, EST and all the rest and just all set our watches to the ‘Bridge’ as it never alters.

Kennedy, for me, writes with a vision and ethos that it’s better to journey in hope than simply arrive at it and that vision is played out perfectly across these ten songs. Dark and deep as Tremonti can play; and at this stage I’m now convinced he’s the ring tone for the Balrog of Khazad-dûm, there’s no darkness he can fire sonically from those six strings that Kennedy cannot bring to the light with his voice. Together they have the ability to write songs that deliver brutal truths in beautiful ways and give answers to the questions we weren’t brave enough to ask ourselves and that is the rarest of gifts.

The ten songs in question this time around are intricately carved from the very finest of musical building blocks. By now you’ll have heard the opening four-gun single salvo of Pawns & Kings, Silver Tongue, Sin After Sin and This is War. Two of them bookmark the album and this is a collection of songs that should absolutely be listened to in the intended order so leave the shuffle button alone! This is an album that you don’t just listen to, you journey with and if you let it, it will take you on a hour’s escapism of audio adventures and sonic sightseeing. Dead Among the Living is a bombastic tale of getting back up whilst ‘Stay’ sees the vocal duties passed to Tremonti for what is sure to be a feel-good fan favourite. Not quite lighters in the air material but they’ll be a lot of closed eyed swaying from the crowd if this makes the live set. ‘Holiday’ romps through a groove laden cautionary tale of there being more to life than birth, work and death. ‘Fable of the Silent Son’ has certainly gained column inches for being over eight minutes long, I’ll leave you to discover it for yourself but put simply it’s a three movement magnus opus. ‘Season of Promise’ just hits my musical

sweet spot. Harmonious and melodious in equal measure with some of my favourite ever Alter Bridge lyrics, it’ll make you feel ten feet tall. That leaves us with; ironically enough, ‘Last Man Standing’. A brooding dark account of the selling of souls. The lyric geek in me gives this one bonus points for using a word I’ve never seen in song before.

When you put all of that together Pawns & Kings really is a musical tour de force and will rightly feature in a lot of people’s album of the year lists (mine included). Most if not all of these ten new songs will go over huge in the live arena so the only real troubled water I see for the upcoming tour is what you drop from an already hit heavy set-list. I’ll be there in December to find out…you should be too.

Much Love

Ross Macdonald Rockfiend

HARSH & MEDUSA TOUCH DreadnoughtRock Bathgate, 7th October 2022

Review by Martin Goulden, Photos by Andrew West

With the working week drawing to a close, what could be more appealing to kickstart the weekend than a trip to Scotland’s longest running Rock Club for an evening of live music and a welcome return call to Bathgate by French Glamsters HARSH for a night of Big Hair, Loud Guitars and reams of solid ear bashing Rock n Roll from our Parisian visitors...along for the ride and to open up proceedings are Medusa Touch from ‘Doon The Road’ in Edinburgh, expect Crunching Riffs a plenty from these NWOBHM barons.

Supping sparingly on my alcohol free beverage and catching up with some ol’ muckers, acquaintances and fellow Fiends about passed gigs, future gigs and some general immature chat about the state of the economy, it was time for some live music with Medusa Touch kicking off on a twin guitar assault ,the ‘New Wave’ vibe boiling over the edge with some down n’ dirty, good old honest unadulterated rock, having served their NWOBHM apprenticeship back in the 80’s the band are true to that era on this outing, kicking off with ‘Twice as Nice’ & ‘Street Legal’ those Riffs had this reviewers’ toes-a-tapping, a new album is about to drop ‘Insaniteyes’ with a few being performed at the ‘Dread’ tonight, latest Single ‘Asylum’ along with ‘Dancing Angels’ & ‘When the Poison flows’ to name drop a couple, who doesn’t like a cover thrown in for good measure and a trip to the LA Metal Scene for a thumping cover of W.A.S.Ps ‘Wild Child’ before rounding off a solid show with ‘Terror Eyes’ and ‘Get Ready Baby’,what a fantastic start to the evening.

Resisting the temptation to continue with another alcohol free refreshment it was down to soft drinks for the rest of the evening, a quick turnover of all things stage related and we are ready for our headliners tonight. Having heard the HARSH guys were treated to an afternoon of Scottish hospitality - Bacon Rolls, Brown Sauce and a Beverage or two.... what more encouragement does one need to put on a stellar show.

Looking like the Grandeur Rockers of our Yester-year Hair & Glam Metal bands, for the 60 minutes these young lads packed everything and more into a well polished, energetic romp of hard n’ fast foot stompers and fist punching banging tunes, the set would be mainly stacked by tracks from their recent album ‘Out of Control’ released earlier this year, the sleaze/swagger feel of ‘The Sound She Does’ , ‘Make The Law’ and current video single ‘Never Let Go’. Some mighty fine dual guitar trickery on show this evening with both Singer Albert and Lead Guitarist Séverin exchanging six string shenanigans with each other, Séverin taking over on lead chanting for a stunning cover of ‘Born to be Wild’, further offerings from the recent release with the grit driven riff monsters of ‘Never Let Go’ and ‘Fire at Will’, the band were well in their stride by this point and a somewhat welcomed breather in ‘Believe Me I’m Alive’

would slow the pace down just a touch before pulling the trigger for a final barrage down the home stretch, the thumping vibe of ‘Tease Me’ leading nicely into that Michael Sembello classic ‘Maniac’ spawning yet another trip back to the 80’s, before long, time was being called but not before some ‘Good Lovin’ was being spread around the good folks at the Dreadnought.... where had that hour gone, a cracking show by HARSH.

With a few high profile tours coming up for HARSH over Europe, its easy to see why they have been snapped up to open for Anvil, Loudness and The New Roses for the remainder of 22 and into 2023, a youthful, well-oiled live act, with style and the ‘chops’ to match.....

A great night of Live Music, 2 bands with differing styles but the package complimented the genres on show tonight... all this for the less than the price of a couple of beers.

MG

A 60’S VIGNETTE

By Rex Maurice Oppenheimer

She was in her late 30s, he in his mid 20s, but when he had accepted her invitation to come over for tea and to read her some of his poetry, his sexual attraction to her was overwhelming.

Although their desire often meshed, it also collided, as did their egos, thoughts and points of view.

Sometimes it got rough. She once pulled a knife, and he had taken a shot at her. He said he missed on purpose. She told the police, when they came, that the gun had accidently fired.

She had never imagined herself living this way, drunk more than half the day, lost in a forest of thoughts and a graveyard of dreams, leafing through old astrology tomes, and telling anyone who would listen that she was a seer.

No one really cared now, much less believed any of it. Back in the 60s it was different.

She had gone to Mexico around 1967, first in Ajijic, where she rented a small house built around a little courtyard with a beautiful mango tree. She’d had a following back then. Flocks of hippies, that had heard of her back in California, or somewhere along the trail, would come by to have their charts read or for meditation and yoga classes. They would bring her gifts of embroidered shawls, wine and marijuana.

Krishnamurti had even visited her once when he’d come to Mexico. When word got out about that, her followers increased and her one book was published. It had become something of a best seller. She believed in the stars back then. The future held promise.

She was older than most of her flock. They were young travelers looking for more. He had been one of them, sort of. He was handsome, had long hair and dressed in that flowing peasant style favored by creative souls at that time.

He was a poet, liked to get high and talk about a reality that transcended the material world. A place of simple understanding we all could feel, and yet, seemed separate from. He spoke of joining hands and completing the lonely circle of all our souls.

There were a few coy moments. He sat some distance from her on the couch, as he pulled poems from his shoulder bag. Then he looked at her and started to recite, as though he was making it up on the spot:

If a man stands

At his window

Looking at the street below

Watching people passing by

How much about them

Can he know

He can study how they’re dressed

Observe the lines they carry

In their face

He can form a simple opinion

About their status or Their race,

But if he’d leave his window

And look into that mirror

Above his bathroom sink

He could close his eyes

And realize

So much more

About how

Those people think

He’d know that sometimes they’re lonely

Sometimes they’re without

Any love

Sometimes they’re walking down the street

And sometimes

They’re watching him

From a widow above

And now I’m sitting here

In front of you

Without a window or a mirror

As a guide

And yet I know

From what’s not said

We share that private part

Of our mind

That’s what singing is

All about

Or painting and poetry

To let our hearts

Conquer doubt And our feelings Hear and see

For a moment she didn’t say anything, feeling herself moving closer to him on the couch. Then she got up, excited and very animated. She offered to do his chart. She was honestly impressed with his work. She told him he was going to be a big star, and his words would be recited and sung around the world.

She sat back down, still closer to him, took a breath, and held his gaze in her Elizabeth Taylor eyes. He took her in his arms and kissed her. Her mouth, her neck, the tops of her tanned breasts bubbling above the low neckline of her cotton blouse. She responded passionately. But when he started to slip the blouse off her shoulders she drew back and stood up.

You’re leaving soon, she said. Heading back to Santa Barbara and your life there. As much as I want to be with you, I’m just not into that kind of short-term fling anymore.

He did everything he could to try to change her mind. He invoked the spirit of freedom she espoused, that the world was changing and free-thinking people like them were no longer bound by conventions that only served some ridiculous societal measure of morality. That their paths had crossed in the here and now and to deny the pleasure that they could give each other was very possibly a missed chance at a glimpse of something more.

She understood, but she was also adamant that as much as she wanted to give in to her physical desire there was a different path she had to take. It wasn’t society, or convention, or morality, it was a spiritual discipline.

After another cup of tea, he got up and left.

The thought of abandoning his journey home had seemed real for a moment. The apartment in Santa Barbara was in his roommate’s name, and he’d been staying there for free anyway. He had thought that maybe he could go back later to get his old Datsun and drive it back down to Mexico.

But he’d come to Mexico on a mission. His father, who was paying for the trip, had been deported for smuggling contraband, and had asked him to come down to retrieve some valued items from a secret apartment he had had in Guadalajara. An apartment unknown to his father’s wife.

His father’s wife was her friend and neighbor, and it was she who had introduced them.

He got in his rented Volkswagen and drove back to the Phoenix Hotel, then a rather luxurious establishment, in downtown Guadalajara. He’d bought a red tasseled purse, which he thought looked like something Janis Joplin would wear, as a present for Vivian, with whom he’d been having an intense if superficial romance back

in Santa Barbara. She sang rock & roll and loved Janis.

That night he had a rather lavish Mexican dinner at the hotel, and while enjoying a cigar and brandy, the waiter had come over and told him that the two ladies seated over there, he said, turning his head toward two well dressed, elderly women, their faces sparking almost as bright as their diamonds, would like to pay for his dinner and wondered if he would please join them for a drink.

He loved when life became a story, smiled and said that he’d be delighted.

As he sat down at their table they told him that they had been watching and were enthralled by how much he was enjoying himself, savoring his cigar and brandy. They said it reminded them of their father. They came from Texas, where their father had left them a ranching and oil business worth millions.

So there he sat his mind briefly ping-ponging from the woman he just left behind to memories of Vivian naked with him in the shower and then focusing on the incongruity and yet total understandability of him seated here with these two lovely old ladies, with their well-cut dresses, diamonds and pearls. He listened to stories of Texas ranch life while he sipped his cognac and lit a fresh cigar.

The duality between the hippie he was, and the aristocrat he could be, might be jarring to others, but not to him. He loved sitting there with those heiresses enjoying fine brandy and a good cigar. Yet he loved being loaded and naked on the nude beach, writing poetry and envisioning a world free of society’s constraints. For him those constraints weren’t just moral judgements, they were also the naturally imposed realities of having to earn a living. Something that had eluded him, since just going to work wasn’t an option he could abide.

It tainted the image he had of himself, of who he really felt himself to be and yet something he didn’t know how to be. The best he could do is what he’d been doing, charming his way through a life of illusions.

She was sad he’d left, and yet, not too much. She had meant what she said when she told him she wasn’t interested in a brief affair.

She had a life here in Mexico that meant a lot to her. The stars, her visions, the metaphysical world that people came and hoped she could guide them into, all gave her a sense of identity, which was more precious than anything else.

When she answered a knock on her door five years later and saw him standing there, she didn’t know what to think. When he told her that the only reason that he had come back was just to be with her, she couldn’t think. But her heart began to glow.

Of course, she had thought about him many times. There

had been moments of regret, but they didn’t last long. She told herself things were as they should be. And he wasn’t the only man that had wanted her. Still, she was now alone. Yes, by choice, but only because the men she had known hadn’t made life better.

He hadn’t become the star she had predicted that distant afternoon. He said he hadn’t had the breaks, the luck. But that was okay. Things were as they were supposed to be. That was why he was there.

That was another five years ago.

She turned at the sound of the door opening. It was just him, holding a stack of warm tortillas wrapped in paper. The rich corn smell drifting into the room.

He set the package down on the worn wooden table and headed for the open bottle of wine on the counter beside her. Filling a large water glass full of the red, he sat down and lit a Delicado cigarette as he began to roll a joint.

Licking the paper and turning it in his hands, his gaze became unfocused as thoughts and years projected in a fuzzy vision like a diaphanous hologram hovering over the old table.

But it was a silent movie. Reasons, regrets even rationalizations couldn’t be heard. He smiled and lit the marijuana cigarette.

Every day was a day. He woke, moved through space and watched. She kept predicting the future and talking about the past. Why not? Wrong or right it passed the time, and there were many moments where they laughed together, still, after all that hadn’t happened.

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TRAPT Pictorial at The Gin Mille & Grille, Northampton, PA

By Sheri Bayne

BLUE LARGO

BY JIM ALLFORD

This Southern California band has had quite a history over the years. The band is the brainchild of Eric Lieberman with waitress turned singer, Alica Aragon. The band’s main mission is to bring love and harmony back into the world. This band has quite an interesting history that is worth checking out.

The musicians on the 11 song CD are: ALICIA ARAGONVocals; ERIC LIEBERMAN-Guitar, Leader; MIKE ‘SANDLEWOOD’ JONES-Bass; EDDIE CROFT-Sax; DAVE CASEL DE ORO-Sax; TARYN ‘T-BIRD’ DONATH-Drums and various other guest. The CD was Produced by Eric Lieberman and Engineered and Mixed by Roy Sliverstein and Mastered by Garrett Haines.

A WORLD WITHOUT SOUL kicks off this CD and I love the funky, soul feel to it. The brass in the band reminds me a bit of the Average White Band which is so great to hear. Turn this one up loud.

SOUL MEETING has a feeling of a church revival with a touch of a love song entwined. Listen closely to the lyrics and you might be able to relate to it.

DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD is really quite a treat and it would make The Animals and Nina Simone proud. This is the only cover song on the album and they , definitely, make it their song. You’ll have to give it a listen.

RONNIE is a tribute song to the late Ronnie Lane and there’s quite an epic story in the song. The song is an ‘up’ song considering it’s a tribute to one of the greats in the music world.

SANTA FE BOUND brings this quite impressive CD to an end. This is a pure country song which includes a sweet steel guitar and it will have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet. You can find the band at: Facebook, You tube, Reverbnation, Amazon, Eric LiebermanWelcome to Blue Largo, Don’s Tunes, Anne Leighton, Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, Deezer, Pandora and iHeart. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

CRAZED VISIONS

BY JIM ALLFORD

The band, CRAZED VISIONS, hails from Altoona, Pa and they are far from your run of the mill bands. The Altoona area is filled with all types of music and bands and this band surely stands out on its own. I must admit, I do find the CD cover quite odd and ‘special’, because they have the name of the band on the back of the CD cover. You have to see it for yourself. In fact, they even have their own Billboard in Altoona, Pa promoting their CD.

The band members are: MATTHEW CAIN-Vocals, acoustic guitar, violin, bass and percussion; SASCHA FROST-Backing vocals, synthesizer/FX, piano, recorder; IAN WISSINGER-Backing vocals, lead guitar, synthesizer; JUSTIN CAIN-Bass guitar and GUY MAURO-Percussion and Bass.

This 12 song CD was Produced and Mastered by Sascha Frost. CIRCLE BACK AROUND kicks off this CD that has a great psychedelic sound that will, definitely, get in your head. The vocals remind me a bit of Bright Eyes as he’s getting high. You, definitely, will have to listen hard to the band.

PYROMANIACS is a hypnotic song that will surely take you to la-la land. I can picture it now, as everyone is swaying back and forth to this song with ‘stars’ in their eyes. Hang on tight, you’re in for a ride!

GET AWAY is a mellowed out acid folk song with notes repeating over and over again, getting in your head. You’ll see the stars on this one. SAMHAIN LOVE WAR is quite interesting as a story is told to you, which you have to listen closely to. The music, itself, sounds as if the band is playing loops over and over again. Look to the clouds on this song and float away with the music. US , definitely, proves the band to be a psychedelic band by all means. The song is short and sweet and you’ll most likely want to hear it again.

BACKROADS brings this CD to end which reminds me of being in some smoky cocktail bar watching the crowd mingle and singles trying to score. This song is a bit jazzy which is nice to hear. I must admit, this song is quite great. I want to give a big Thank you to SASCHA FROST for being in touch. Please check them out. You can find the band on: Facebook, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, You Tube, Pandora, Apple Music, Deezer and iHeart. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

GLASS PRISM

BY JIM ALLFORD

GLASS PRISM is a ‘60’s psychedelic band that hails from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. They have just released their double CD, Resurrection, on Debra Records. They were the very first band from the Northeast to receive a major record deal. They have released two albums, POE THROUGH THE GLASS PRISM (in 1969) and ON JOY AND SORROW (in 1970). SONY Music has recently released these two albums on all digital formats.

They also had spin-off bands called, SHENANDOAH and EL CAMINOS. I must admit, they have quite impressive Biography and Discography. The band had several personnel changes throughout the years, but only one original member always remained. From the years 1960 until the present, TOM VARANO has been the nucleus of the band. In October of 2022 they were inducted into the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame [CPMHOF] along with The Buoys/Dakota, The Jordan Brothers, Hybrid Ice, Breaking Benjamin and a few others. The induction ceremony took place in the Hershey Theater in March of 2023.

Both of their albums are highly collectible and are hard to find. I would like to mention that their album, POE THROUGH THE GLASS PRISM was engineered and produced by Les Paul. This new CD, Resurrection, features 5 newly recorded and arranged songs from the Poe Through The Glass Prism album and 9 new compositions, plus a second CD, Shenandoah Sessions ‘73, which was previously unreleased and was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in N.Y.C. in 1973.

I highly recommend checking out this amazing band and all the history they have. I can’t say enough about them, and they also will be re-releasing both of their earlier albums on vinyl only in 2023. Stay tuned, the band is far from done. I want to give a BIG SHOUT to Tom Varano for all the info and being in touch. You can find the band at: You Tube, Pandora, Spotify, Facebook, Rate Our Music, iHeart, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Deezer, My Space, Amazon, Last.fm and Discogs. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

JESSICA BELLA

BY JIM ALLFORD

JESSICA BELLA hails from Indonesia and moved to the U.S. and is living in Pittsburgh, Pa. She is an acoustic/ electric guitar player and is an original songwriter and composer. She is in the process of forming the Jessica Bella Band.

Jessica plays acoustic and electric guitar on her album titled TIME TO BE ALIVE and it is in her heart and soul. She is hoping for some world wide fame in the near future.

The 7 song CD of TIME TO BE ALIVE was mixed and mastered by Marcellinus Adhi, Enriko Singapari and Dendy Aditya.

TIME TO BE ALIVE starts off this CD and she has a very distinct voice which is quite a stand out on its own. The melody is quite catchy when you hear it.

COULD IT BE has a sweet intro that will really catch your ear. I must admit, it reminds me a bit of the Philly soul sound. The melody is once again a very strong part of this song as Jessica sings it from her heart.

ONLY YOU has a very laid back theme to it as Jessica’s voice weaves in and out of the song at the exact point where it needed to be. You’ll feel like she is singing this song to you, directly.

THANK YOU, LOVE brings this CD to end. You have to listen closely to this song as she is thanking you with all of heart. Once again, the melody is quite attractive and makes you want to listen to the song. Also, she is working on her second album which will be out in the near future. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Jessica for being in touch. You can find Jessica Bella on: You Tube, Facebook, Spotify, iTunes, Instagram, Bandmix, Tiktok, Amazon, Twitter, Tidal, YTMusic and https:// jessicabella.com ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

MASORTI

BY JIM ALLFORD

MASORTI is PHIL MASORTI is living out his dream in the music business in New York. He has surrounded himself with quite a few well known musicians on this new release. Phil’s voice has reflections of Leonard Cohen meets Mark Knopler/Warren Zevon.

The musicians are: PHIL MASORTI: Vocals, guitar; OZ NOY:Guitar; CONRAD KORSCH: Bass; STAN HARRISON: Sax and BRIAN DELANEY:Drums. This new 10 song release was Produced and mixed by Conrad Korsch and Mastered by Scott Hull.

TRUTH BE TOLD kicks off this CD with a very interesting reverb intro and slowly weaves into a sweet rhythm as Phil’s vocals stand out on their own. I really found this song quite interesting coming from Phil because he is using f-bombs. Great way to kick off a CD.

USED has another great intro that slams you in their face. Phil is singing about experiences he had in life that are both good and bad. The music really holds its own throughout the song.

THE MAN seems to have a bit of a country favor as Phil sings about the New York environment around him.He sings this song with a lot of conviction and his feelings are shown throughout the song. This is a must to hear.

MIRRORS has a great intro as the sax is screaming in your face and the guitars are pounding away at you. Phil is staring himself in the mirror and has so many questions about his well being and where to go from here. So many questions unto himself. Check this one out.

FATHER’S EYES was one of Phil’s very first releases he ever recorded. This song is pure country as Phil takes about the times with his Dad. This is one of Phil’s signature songs and it’s worth checking out. I want to give a BIG SHOUT to PHIL for being in touch. You can find MASORTI at: You Tube, Facebook, Instagram, www.masortimusic. com. Deezer, Twitter, Spotify, Cyber PR, Amazon, Discogs, Apple Music and ebay. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

MIGHTY KASEY

BY JIM ALLFORD

MIGHTY KASEY hails from Pittsburgh, Pa and is living his dream making this CD. He has a probable diagnosis of lung cancer. He decided instead of dwelling on his cancer, he’s going to make a 9 song CD with a punk reflection. The CD was Produced by Mighty Kasey, Kevin Coleman, Dan Suriano and Engineered by Dan Suriano and Kevin Coleman. There were 4 bass players used, 4 guitarists used and miscellaneous mics and amps.

I DON’T WANT TO GO OUT LIKE THIS [UKRAINE FIGHT SONG] kicks off this CD with Mighty Kasey putting himself in the middle of the war himself and being there and wondering what to do. I must admit, the song has a great reflection of The Ramones to it, which isn’t bad at all.

MARY MORGUE is quite a ghoulish Halloween song ,which he had nightmares about Wednesday Addams in his dreams. One interesting fact about this song, it seems a bass guitar was lacking in the making of this song.

MEMORIAL DAY has a bit of a U2 intro and he wrote it in a cemetery. He finds much comfort in cemeteries and has time to party and meditate when he gets a chance. He loves reading what’s on the stones and He wanted it to be a Gospel, bluegrass type song.

LICK THAT GIRL is a cool rock and roll song and is a minor tribute to the Kinks song, Lola. I really could imagine KISS doing a cover of this song. I must admit, it’s quite a treat. ALL I WANNA BE IS ME brings this CD to an end. The song is really a headbanger and reminds me a bit of P.I.L This song is about giving himself an evaluation of what’s important in life. You need to hear this song for yourself. My hats off to him for being in touch with me.You can find MIGHTY KASEY on: Facebook, Reverbnation, You Tube, Pandora, iHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music and Myspace. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

THE NEW OLD

BY JIM ALLFORD

THE NEW OLD is one very kick ass band that hails from Michigan, Detroit. This five piece band put the ‘swag’ into the true meaning of roll and soul. The bands ‘raw’ sound is great to hear as the band’s sound is upfront in your face from the very first note. Get ready to rock your socks off and crank it up loud! The band is all about groovy, old school, funky rock and rock as it should be played.

The band is: R.A. TAYLOR: Vocals; CHRISTOPHER MARTIN JAMES: Guitar; MICHELE JONES: Vocals and Percussion: PAMELA JONES; Bass and BILL HENRIKSON; Drums. This 10 CD was Mastered by Jim Kissling and Produced by Geoff Michael and Chris Jones.

The first song, BAM! BAM! is a true rock song to the core and a bit of a headbanger’s song that will grab by the throat and hold you there tight throughout the song. The vocals are as great as Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hyde and that says a lot.

MONKEYTOWN has an off beat funky beat as the lyrics will get in your head as R.A. ‘s amazing vocals will, definitely, get in your head. Check out this song for yourself. CRASH ‘’77 has quite an interesting intro and then kicks into a great funky beat. This is one of those songs that will get into your head and you won’t be able to ‘shake it off’. The melody and lyrics are a must to hear, but make sure you ‘crank it up loud’.

DARK RIVER is truly a Rolling Stones song all the way through. The beat and guitar riffs are the Stones to a “T’. This song would make the STONES proud knowing their influence on the band. A must to hear.

BLACK GOAT brings this amazing CD to an end. I’m more than quite impressed with this band and that says a lot for me. Hats off to Chris Jones for being in touch. You can find the band on Facebook, Bandcamp, You Tube, the old.bandzoogle.com/home, Instagram and Apple Music Please check them out. ROCK

ON, JIM ALLFORD

TOMMY KAELIN

BY JIM ALLFORD

Meet TOMMY KAELIN. TOMMY KAELIN is a drummer/ songwriter and singer for the well known band called, THE HATTERS. They were signed to Atlantic Records in the 1990’s and they released 3 albums and had regular airplay throughout the U.S.

He also played in a band called, GENT TREADLY which featured The Tubes/The Dead keyboard player, Vince Welnick [RIP]. There are numerous musicians that played on the 12 song CD, all of which Tommy played in bands with over the years.

A few of the musicians are: BUDDY CAGE: Pedal steel guitar; TREE ADAMS: Lead vocals, guitar; BILLY JAY STEIN: Keyboards: JON KAPLAN: Bass and TOMMY KAELIN: Drums. This CD was Produced by Tommy Kaelin, Mastered by Alex Saltz and Mixed by Jono Manson.

COLOURED RAIN kicks off this CD with a great groove with a Grateful Dead feel that will capture your heart and soul within minutes.This song is quite catchy to your ears. THE VAN SONG is laid back as Buddy Cage does the vocals to this song. The melody is quite strong as the lead guitar keeps whispering in your ear. This song will get in your head very easily.

SWEET RETURN is quite funky with a great melody that will have you grooving to it from the very first intro. This song is a real standout, so turn it up loud. SALVADOR is all drums being featured throughout this song close until the end. I must admit, this song would make Santana proud and then some. Check it out.

LAY YOURSELF DOWN has a CSN & Y feel with great harmonies and a great melody that will stay with you for a while.This song is for the ‘true hippies’ out there that will always want love, peace and happiness in the world. This song is a must to hear.

THE MARBY DUBE SONG brings this great CD to end. This a sweet, short reggae song to ‘inhale’ too and it’s bound to make you happy. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Tommy Kaelin for being in touch. You can TOMMY KAELIN at: Facebook, Deezer, iHeart, Spotify, You Tube, Pandora, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Amazon, Dreamspeak, Reverbnation, https//tommykaelin:com. Please check him out. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

TOWNHOUSE FIRE

BY JIM ALLFORD

TOWNHOUSE FIRE is a band that hails from Joplin, Missouri. This band has quite an interesting history as they started out as a three piece band and they evolved into a four piece band to enrich their instinctive sound.

The members are: ABIEL CHAVEZ: Guitar, vocals: LOGAN VOWELL: Lead guitar; CODY BRIDGEWATER:Bass, backing vocals and CHRIS CUPP:Drums. This 8 song CD has been Produced, Mixed, Mastered and Recorded by Pamu Rufio.

THE NEWS kicks off this CD with a cool sounding acoustic guitar with a cool beat and a melody that will have you scratching your head. I must admit, it’s far from your run of the mill sound.

BARK AND BARRIER has a cool beat that will have you drawn in as their reflections get into your head. You have to crank this one up and enjoy the rollercoaster ride. I find it quite thrilling

COLD SHOULDER has a great rhythm as they keep pounding and chipping away at you, wanting all of your attention and hoping you’ll sing along with them. This song shows the true heart and soul of the band.

WILD CHILD brings this CD to an end in quite an extraordinary way. This song is a must to hear and I find it quite a stand out for the band. This band is making waves all over and it’s just starting for them. Also, be on the lookout for their videos, they are great. I want to give a big shout out to the band for being so cool. You can find the band at: www.townhousefire.com., Facebook, Soundcloud, Apple Music, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify.

ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

WE CAME FROM SPACE

BY JIM ALLFORD

WE CAME FROM SPACE is a very progressive pop rock band which has many flavors with the likes of Kansas, ELO, The Moody Blues and Crack The Sky. You have to hear them for yourself, but how can you NOT like this band? Please check out their other CD releases, they are one very interesting and memorable band that will really spark your interest.

This four piece band hails from Pittsburgh, Pa and is making quite a name for themselves. The band members are: DAVE BUZARD-Guitar, vocals; DAVE HAWK-Bass, vocals; BILL HUBAUER-Keyboards, guitar, vocals and TIM MALONEDrums, percussions.

The band has Produced, Mixed and Mastered this 8 song CD by themselves, which is quite a statement in itself. This progressive pop rock band will give your laughs and thrills along the way. This is one ride you will never forget in many ways.

OVERLORDS has a great intro with the favor of ELO’s “Fire On High’ and the lyrics add a bit of humor to this song. There are quite a few epic stages to this song where members of the band take their turn doing vocals and guitar parts in the song. The guitar riffs are amazing which reminds me of STYX’S/CRACK THE SKY at times.

EMPTY SPACE has a ‘70 ballad feel with a simple beat, a catchy melody with a sweet riff. The lead guitar is very precise throughout the song. SILENT LETTERS reminds me a bit of the STRAWBS with the vocals being quite a stand out. The melody is so, so sweet and the lyrics fit this song so well. You, definitely, need to hear this song for yourself.

SEIZE THE DAY has many reflections of STYX’S , Dennis DeYoung . as the keyboards and guitar interweave throughout the song. I must admit, this song is quite a treat, as per the whole CD itself is.This CD is a MUST TO HEAR. I want to give a big THANK YOU to Dave Buzard for being in touch. You can find the band on: Facebook, Bandcamp, You Tube, Pandora, Spotify, www.wecamefromspace.net. Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer and iHeart. ROCK ON, JIM ALLFORD

IN MEMORIAM OF THOSE WE LOST IN 2022

By Rick VanVliet

Every year we read the news of some beloved actors and musicians passing away. Some make headlines, some don’t. I have compiled a list meant for reflection on who we have lost in 2022. In order of their passing, here is this year’s list.

1/6/22 Sidney Poitier

Actor best known for his role in the movie Look Who’s Coming to Dinner. He was also the first African American to win an Oscar as best actor. He was 94

1/9/22 Bob Saget

Comedian and TV star best known for his Role as Danny Tanner on Full House, and America’s Funniest Home Videos He was 65.

1/12/22 Ronnie Spector

Singer for The Ronettes, most noted for her song “Be My Baby” She was 78.

1/20/22 MeatLoaf (AKA- Michael Lee Aday)

Singer and actor best known for his debut album Bat out of Hell, and as Eddie in Rocky Horror Picture Show. He was 74.

1/21/22 Louis Anderson

Comedian and movie actor and game show host.

2/6/22 Sly Johnson

Musician, songwriter, singer, for the band Sly and the Family Stone. He was 85

3/20/22 William Hurt

Actor best known for his role in The Big Chill among many other movies. He was 71

3/25/22 Taylor Hawkins

Drummer and occasional vocalist for the Foo Fighters. He was 50.

4/12/22 Gilbert Gottfried

Comedian, actor and voice over talent. He was 67.

4/30/22 Naomi Judd

Country Music star and actress of The Judd Family. She was 76

5/26/22 Ray Liotta

Actor best known for his role in playing mobster Henry Hill, in Goodfellas,among many others. He was 67.

6/6/22 Jim Seals

Singer and songwriter for the band Seals and Croft. Best know for the song Summer Breeze among others. He was 80.

7/14/22 Ivana Trump

Clothing designer, model, author 1st wife to Donald Trump. She was 73

8/8/22 Olivia Newton John

Singer and actress. She is best known for her role as Sandy in the movie Grease and for her song from the same movie Hopelessly Devoted to You. She was 73.

8/11/22 Anne Heche

Actress with the ability to span many roles and genres. She was 53.

9/8/22 Queen Elizabeth II

Longest ruling monarch of England and its territories. She was 96

9/12/22 Ramsey Lewis

Pianist, musician for the Ramsey Lewis Trio. He was 87.

9/28/22 Coolio (aka Artis Leon Ivey Jr.)

Rapper, singer, song writer. Best known for the song Gangsters Paradise. He was 59.

10/4/22 Loretta Lynn

Country Music star and singer. She is best known for her song Coal Miner’s Daughter She was 90.

10/11/22 Angela Lansbury

Actress best known for her role on the TV show Murder She wrote. She was 96.

10/28/22 Jerry Lee Lewis

Musician, pianist, singer and one of the original rock ‘n’ roll Pioneers. He is best known for the songs Great Balls of Fire. He was 87.

11/5/22 Aaron Carter

Teen idol, singer. He was 34

11/30/22 Christine McVie

Singer, song writer, keyboard and founding member of leetwood Mac. Her lead vocals are best known for the songs Such as You Make Loving Fun and Over My Head. She was 79.

12/5/22 Kirstie Alley

Actress of both TV and Movie Fame. Best known for her role as Rebecca Howe as Sam Malone’s (Ted Danson) love Interest on Cheers and her film work in the Look Who’s Talking movies. She was 71.

BONGO BOY RECORDS