Now, a word from Zander...

So, what have we exactly learned?

2009-12-30T16:13:00.009-06:00

Jimmy Sullivan. Chances are you don't know him by his name. Slim chance you would even know him by his nickname, "The Rev". Maybe, just maybe...you know his work behind the drum kit with the band Avenged Sevenfold. I did. I discovered this band some years ago. It was their musicianship and harmonies that grabbed my ear and refused to let go...the very things that seem to set them apart from all other contemporaries.

(language)

At the age of 28, Jimmy was found dead in his Huntington Beach home on, ironically, the 28th of December. Preliminary tests were performed and they were inconclusive as to the cause of his death. They are only saying "natural causes" at this point, pending further testing. That's the official word.

Unofficially, don't we think we know what happened here? I do. It's an old story. A story, in fact, at least as old as the tale of Robert Johnson at the crossroads. Death by excess. It was Robert Johnson himself that died at the end of a heroin needle. So many have indeed fallen since, and all equally tragic. This one really caught my attention. Why? First, a guy that's in that kind of shape at that age doesn't die from natural causes. And the story goes that A7x (as they are known in abbreviated form) we're not shy about talking about their "excesses". There's that word again.

I am truly saddened....for the senseless ongoing trend, and for the fact that I haven't seen a drummer of his type and skill level come around in a long, long time. In his playing perhaps the strength of John Bonham and the finesse of Neil Peart can be heard...with a bit of Tommy Aldridge flair thrown in for good measure. Rev's absence changes that A7x band forever.

Another throne now empty, another act's potential unrealized. Fans abandoned.

So, what was it that we've learned exactly from all who have gone before us and taught us these lessons? ...Huh??

I hope I'm wrong...but you and I both know I'm probably not.

~Zander

The Smell of Beer, Sweat, and Suntan Lotion...

2009-09-02T09:26:00.008-05:00

Labor Day Weekend, already? C'mon!! Those of us in the Midwest barely have even had a "summer". For all my friends in SoCal...you continue to have too much summer with the heat and all. However, regardless of where you are in the US, the Labor Day Weekend has always meant the end of summer. Technically the end of summer doesn't arrival until September 22nd, but this holiday weekend each year mark's the end of the summer attitude.

No matter what the temperature is outside, summer is over.

For this weekend, we keep summer alive with our Rockin' 80's US FEST '83 Celebration...looking back exclusively on day #2...Heavy Metal Sunday. It was a hot May 29th in Southern California, as over 350,000 concertgoers packed themselves into the majestic scenery of Glen Helen Park to catch a lineup of hard rock not to be ever experienced again. We've got the actual live performances, stage announcements, and backstage interviews that'll put you back to where it all happened on that day. No matter what the real temperature is outside where you are, summer lives on - loudly - this weekend on The Rockin' 80's!

Can't hear it on a radio near you? Go here to listen online this weekend!

Random VH stuff...

2009-08-06T18:53:00.006-05:00

Check out this video of Eddie, his new wife Jane, Wolfie, and his girlfriend (?) filmed just outside a Hollywood restaurant on Wednesday August 6th. Eddie talks about rehearsals for a new tour, new tunes they have worked out, and recovery from his recent hand surgery...

EVH VIDEO

It was also announced this week that Edward will make a cameo appearance (and yes, playing his guitar) in an episode of the CBS comedy "Two & A Half Men". Heads-up, it'll air September 21st.

And just (barely) in time for Christmas...

Guitar Hero Van Halen will finally be available!

It comes out December 21st. Here is the track lineup;

“Ain’t Talkin Bout Love”
“And The Cradle Will Rock”
“Atomic Punk”
“Beautiful Girls”
“Cathedral” (solo)
“Dance The Night Away”
“Eruption” (solo)
“Everybody Wants Some”
“Feel Your Love Tonight”
“Hang ‘Em High”
“Hear About It Later”
“Hot For Teacher”
“Ice Cream Man”
“I’m The One”
“Jamie’s Cryin”
“Jump”
“Little Guitars”
“Loss Of Control”
“Mean Street”
“Panama”
“Pretty Woman”
“Romeo Delight”
“Running With The Devil”
“So This Is Love”
“Somebody Get Me A Doctor”
“Spanish Fly” (solo)
“Unchained”
“You Really Got Me”

Nice!

Concert Review - MSG

2009-07-01T09:46:00.013-05:00

MSG = OMG!!

Ok, so I got that from my teenage daughter...but I know what it means. It applies here.

I last saw Michael Schenker with MSG during the early 2000's (foggy as to what year...old age). What I remember from that show was his appearance...slightly chubby with a long brown beard...much like he was just rescued from some lost island.

Being the first time I saw him, I thought he was ok...nothing really to measure him against except his records with UFO and MSG (and Scorpions...if you can figure out what he played on those albums!). In hindsight now, and after reading all I have about his troubles...I can see in minds eye he was going through the motions...lost at times, but getting the job done. All of this became apparent to me only after seeing MSG (complete with original lead singer Gary Barden) at the House Of Blues In Chicago this past Monday night.

I decided a few months ago this was a show I could not miss, with Gary back in the fold and all. I had also been reading about Michael and how he is now clean and sober. This plus a very accomodating Sarah (thanks!) at the H.O.B. lead me to this evening of music.

Immediately after the band took the stage, the difference in Michael was apparent...beard gone, slimmed down, and trademark blonde hair slicked back...he looked READY! The rest of the band proved to be tight, and Gary's vocal put all the early MSG material back in it's proper place. He also did a great job with UFO material like "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor, Doctor".

On this night, Micheal showed why he is in a very elite class of hard rock guitar players, that includes others IMO like Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoades just to name a few. Michael's signature riffs have always been memorable (for years I have had the "Ready To Rock" riff popping in and out of my brain without warning), and his versatility is impressive. His masterful lead work was certainly inventive on this night, to say the least...

OMG!

(here is video of a bit of his "Rock Bottom" solo from the NYC show on the tour)

It comes down to this. I thought I have seen it all over the years, but Michael showed all of us at the Chicago H.O.B. that there is indeed more to see...and hear.

~Zander
Host - The Rockin' 80's Radio Show

I talked with ROB HALFORD!!

2009-06-16T23:44:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I am supposed to be the unaffected professional that doesn't get geeked out by talking to a famous rock star...right? WRONG! While doing this as long as I have, not many guests cause a full-blown geek alert anymore...except for this guy named Rob Halford of Judas Priest. One of the few reasons I found my way to hard rock and metal in my formative years. Uncut and unedited, we went for 45 minutes...what a great guy! I heard stories, like many have, of Rob being difficult. Not true at all during my 45 minutes of his time. We talked about the birth of metal in Birmingham, the Hear n' Aid project in 1986, and all-things British Steel. We will feature much of our conversation with Rob (and KK too!) on our 4th Of July weekend Rockin' 80's special. Make sure you are locked and ready to rock then!! ~Zander

Has it been 30 years??

2009-05-24T07:31:00.004-05:00

Yes it has...been 30 years since the recording of one of the most influential metal albums of all time. As the follow-up to another great metal record "Hell Bent For Leather" from JUDAS PRIEST, British Steel was their first released of the decadent 1980's. We are working hard to get an exclusive interview with Rob, KK, and Glenn regarding the making of this record, song by song. We'll also discuss the tour they did for this release and the state of metal at the time.

We plan for this special THE ROCKIN' 80's; 30 Years of British Steel to air the weekend of July 4. Be listening for it!

Z

Win the Rockin' 80's STYX-MYX Giveaway!

2009-03-17T23:41:00.010-05:00

We are off and running with our ROCKIN' 80'S STYX-MYX giveaway!

Check out the Can't Stop Rockin' Tour 2009 itinerary below and find the info for a date and venue you can get yourself too (sorry - no transportation will be provided) and then go here to register. It's that simple! The STYX-MYX winner will win two concert tickets, and a prize pack including cd's, dvd's, Styx guitar pyx, and more!

Good luck!


05/12/09 - Amarillo, TX @ Amarillo Civic Center w/REO Speedwagon
05/13/09 - Albuquerque,NM @ Sandia Casino Amphitheatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - On-sale 3/20
05/15/09 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Dodge Theatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/9
05/16/09 - Las Vegas @ Thomas and Mack Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/30
05/17/09 - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/20
05/21/09 - Ontario, CA @ Citizen's Bank Arena w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/16
05/22/09 - Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/16
05/23/09 - Kelseyville, CA @ Konocti Harbor Resort w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/1
05/24/09 - Mountainview, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
05/27/09 - Seattle, WA @ ShoWare Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
05/30/09 - Sandy, UT @ Rio Tinto Stadium w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
05/31/09 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/13
06/02/09 - San Antonio, TX @ Municipal Auditorium w/REO Speedwagon
06/04/09 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/05/09 - Thackerville, OK @ Winstar Casino w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/06/09 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/07/09 - Houston, TX @ Woodlands Pavilion w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/18/09 - Orange Beach, AL @ The Amphitheatre @ The Wharf w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/20/09 - Simpsonville, SC @ Heritage Park w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/21/09 - Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/21
06/23/09 - Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavillion w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/24/09 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/26/09 Atlantic City, NJ @ The Borgata w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
06/27/09 - Gilford, NH @ Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/14
06/28/09 - Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 2/27
07/01/08 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
07/02/09 - Verona, NY @ Turning Stone Resort and Casino w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 3/28
07/03/09 - Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
07/04/09 - Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
07/05/09 - Wheeling WV @ Wheeling Island Hotel and Casino w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
07/09/09 - Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
07/10/09 - Chicago, IL @ Charter One Pavilion w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special - on-sale 2/28
07/11/09 - St Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special
07/12/09 - Council Bluffs, IA @ Mid America Center w/REO Speedwagon and special guest 38 Special

White Trash, Hair Metal, and The Devil You Know...

2009-03-04T07:49:00.014-06:00

Here we catch you up on a few things to know as we head into spring...

CRUEFEST 2 is scheduled for this summer. The "White Trash Circus" tour will have MOTLEY CRUE doing the whole Dr. Feelgood album from start to finish, as this year this marks the 20th anniversary of it's release!

This makes this show a must-see when it comes to your town.

You don't have to go to west to ROCKLAHOMA to get your hair metal fix this year!

In Columbia, Maryland at the Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday may 30th...the M3 Rock Festival!! Ten hours of rockin' on 2 stages featuring 16 bands...like Y&T, Kix, RATT, Twisted Sister, Dokken, Bullet Boys, LA Guns, Keel, and more. Hit the link for the official fest website.

On April 28th, Rhino Records will release the first HEAVEN & HELL studio record titled "The Devil You Know". This is the first for the band under this name, however, their last recording "Dehumanizer" was released under th ename BLACK SABBATH in 1992. For fans like me of this Sabbath/H&H lineup, this should be a good one!

I Thought He Said "No Mas"?!

2009-02-11T21:02:00.004-06:00

Am I the only one a bit surprised that the Prince Of Darkness is doing another tv show?

I guess he misses the money...er, I mean...attention?

The new show, Osbournes: Reloaded is described as "family viewing" and will feature various silly skits. For instance, Ozzy working the drive through at a fast food joint. Kind of a "new millennium" version of a variety show. Just as long as Ozzy and Sharon don't wrap up each episode with a rendition of "I Got You Babe"...it should be safe and entertaining to watch. After all, we were all hooked on their first show (c'mon, admit it!)

The first episode will air on Fox later this spring.

It's February...

2009-02-04T12:10:00.005-06:00

We are that much closer to summer concert season! Oh, wait...check the thermometer. Mine says "11 degrees". Ah never mind. Summer seems a million miles away now. Damn.

According to spinner.com, EDDIE VAN HALEN says he has a few things to do this spring...like get married to girlfriend Janie and watch his son WOLFIE graduate from high school. After that, he wants to sit down with the band (that does include DLR!) and discuss recording new music, Which he says he has "tons of". Then, if Dave is up for it, another tour!

This May 21st marks the 5th year of The Rockin' 80's nationwide! To celebrate, we have created The Rockin' 70's! Rock radio has been a passion my whole life, and career for just about twenty years now. The time is now to expand our approach to cover the "me" decade as well. They will be two separate radio programs, produced by 4C Studios, Inc., and available through Envision Radio Networks.

For those that wanna rock...we salute YOU!

~Zander

More Ramblings...

2009-01-25T11:03:00.005-06:00

That rumored tour of DEF LEPPARD and POISON is officially official. This after rumblings that it might not happen, due to some reported tensions between the bands. Maybe Bret be bringing along a recent new girlfriend he found on his VH1 show Rock Of Love Bus?? After catching this weeks episode, I can't help but thinking he can do better the old fashioned rock n' roll way...by having his crew find him hot chicks to invite back to the "love bus" after the show.!

Being hooked as I have been to VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, it's now on to Sober House on VH1. How about that Steven Adler? Is it not amazing that the former GUNS N' ROSES drummer is still alive after all the years?!! He continues to perform with his "Adler's Appetite".

I have yet to see them myself, but hear it is the closest thing to the real and original Gn'R anywhere. Hard to watch his fall on Sober House though, even with the knowledge that he must be better than that these days...right??

Check out his heart-to-heart with Dr. Drew here...

until next time...

Z!

A Few Ramblings...

2009-01-15T10:05:00.004-06:00

First, check out this video tribute to 80's metal and hair bands...(caution - some adult words!)

This week we play a Lost n' Found tune from once-Rainbow-keyboardist TONY CAREY. Forgot to mention that he, along with other past RAINBOW members, have actually reunited! Featuring JOE LYNN TURNER on vocals and J.R. BLACKMORE (yes, son of Richie)...they are calling themselves Over The Rainbow. Right now they are slated only for European shows in February...

We have had requests to post past show play lists on the website. We are working to find a solution. In the meantime, check the site starting Monday after the weekend to find out what was played on the show. If we are a little slow to get the list up, please keep checking back. As always, if you have any question as to what we've played...fill out the form on the site and we'll get right back atcha!

That's all I have for now...

Enjoy your weekend.

A Triumphant Return!

2009-01-07T00:03:00.006-06:00

If you do listen to the show each week, you might pick-up on my excitement about the TRIUMPH reunion tour this year. Although details have yet to be announced, I am told that some info is expected soon. Cannot wait! We will definitely be doing an "evolution" tribute to the trio (much like we did for VAN HALEN and RUSH) this spring.

I also found out something that you TRIUMPH music collectors should know about the song "Tunnel Power". This song has been listed in a reputable rock music chart reference book as available only the cassette release of "Never Surrender" in 1983. In my pursuit of this song through the bands management team, I found out there was never a song with this title available by the band in any form. WHAT! I have been trying to chase down this song for the past 10 years!!

Just goes to show you that you can't believe everything you read...even if it's in a book that should be trusted for it's "accurate" information. I'll never look at the dictionary the same way again!

Rockit.

Z

Another year gone by...

2008-12-28T21:38:00.002-06:00

First, another name to add to the "gone" list...Steve Isham, founding member of Autograph died of cancer on December 9th. The native of Pocatello, Idaho played keyboards on their big hit "Turn Up The Radio" in 1984. If you happen to be a big fan (like me!) of the man who has long been credited with discovering that band Autograph, David Lee Roth, here is some DLR fun to check out for yourself.

On the subject of the impending new year, why do things things just fly by as you get older?? During the 80's, it seemed the decade lasted forever...which was a good thing...and it seems (heads-up...cliche alert!) like it was just yesterday! Well, we'll always have the music. Just don't let anyone tell you, as you indulge in listening to that debut Autograph record on your Technics turntable, that you are listening to "oldies". We may soon be one more year away from the 80's, but the decades music can never be "old"...and we will never grow old...right??

Happy New Year!

-Zander

Happy Holidaze!

2008-12-20T15:37:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all our listeners a very happy holiday season. In these challenging times, family and friends are what you can really count on. We hope you have the chance to spend time with the people that matter to you most this holiday. As for the show, I had a blast playing the part of Zander-Claus again this year! I cannot believe it is our fifth annual Christmas show!! How time flies...

With all the great 80's bands with Christmas music available, it was really hard to choose two hours worth this year. Hope you enjoy what we did pick to play. We already working on getting a few ultra-rare gems for next year.

Happy Holidays and all the best to you in '09!

-Zander

a new site...again...finally!

2008-12-20T15:29:00.002-06:00

Welcome to our new site at www.therockin80s.com. We are thrilled to finally have a website that serves you, the rock music fan, with audio and visual flashbacks AND the most current rock news! Bookmark the site and check it often. Feel free to let us know what you think too...either here our via our feedback/request page.

Now you can listen to full interviews from The Rockin' Vault!

2008-05-03T08:57:00.000-05:00

In a partnership with Cellecast, you can now migrate over to http://cellecast.com/therockin80s and hear a new interview! I have talked to quite a few legendary 80's rockers over the past ten years. Most of these conversations are very in the moment...talking about a tour or a new album they are promoting. I even have somewhere a conversation with KK DOWNING of Judas Priest talking about their then new lead singer "Ripper". I have to try to find that one!

So, go there and have a listen. Thanks for visiting The Rockin' 80's online!

Z