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
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Smell of Beer, Sweat, and Suntan Lotion...
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!
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!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Random VH stuff...
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Concert Review - MSG
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
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I talked with ROB HALFORD!!
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
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Has it been 30 years??
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
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Win the Rockin' 80's STYX-MYX Giveaway!
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!
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
