The OTHER Hair Metal Blog

Music news: Tesla still rockin' and rollin' with Forever More

From Desert News.com:

The five-man, hard-rock band Tesla has been on a roll. Over the past year, the band, based in Sacramento, Calif., has been busier than it had been in its previous 10 years combined. Tesla has released three albums of covers, returned to Europe for its first tour there in 15 years, released a DVD ("Comin' Atcha Live! 2008") and now is preparing to release a new album of original material, "Forever More," which promises to be as good as anything the band has ever released over its 20+ year career.

"We're working constantly," bassist Brian Wheat recently told the Deseret News during a phone interview from Sacramento.

Wheat compared the current state of Tesla to going to the gym every day. Once it regained its form, the band was encouraged to keep working to remain in top shape. He said there has been a very positive attitude in the band over the past year or so.

The new album reunites Tesla with Terry Thomas, who produced 1994's "Bust A Nut," a very good album that came during a very bad time for the band.

"A lot of fans really like ("Bust A Nut.") I don't know how much of it we remember," Wheat said.

If making a record today is like going to the gym, then the time "Bust A Nut" was made might be compared to going on a diet of junk food.

Read more about Tesla's new album...

Music news: New album from Honeymoon Suite

Honeymoon Suite's new album - Clifton Hill - comes out in October. Listen to sound samples at MelodicRock.com.

About the band:

Johnnie Dee and Derry Grehan, the principal and founding members of Honeymoon Suite, met when introduced by manager Stephen Prendergast in 1982. Deciding to work together, they re-formed the band's first line-up and added Grehan's former band mate Dave Betts on drums, along with Toronto bred keyboardist Ray Coburn and ex- Toronto bassist Gary Lalonde.

In 1983 the band won a contest promoted by Toronto's Q107-FM radio station with the song “New Girl Now”. WEA Canada was so impressed with the response to the song that immediately signed the band. Originally scheduled for release on Valentine's day the milestone first album was released in June of 1984 headlining tour dates in clubs and performing in support of Billy Idol, Jethro Tull and Bryan Adams among others. A significant highlight was their achievement of a Juno award in 1985, propelled by the first album's platinum sales status. Almost 22 years after its initial release, the album has sold over 400,000 units in Canada alone.

Honeymoon Suite's second album was released on Valentine's Day in 1986. “The Big Prize” featured a rare appearance by Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and achieved platinum status in Canada almost immediately, with steady sales in the US. The band's American tour that year included opening stints for Heart, .38 Special, ZZ Top, Journey, Starship, and Saga and for the following album the band travelled to Los Angeles in 1987 to record with Ted Templeman (Van Halen, Aerosmith, Doobie Brothers). “Racing After Midnight” was a slightly harder-edged, guitar-oriented album that spawned a European tour with Status Quo and a headlining tour throughout Canada.

Keyboardist Ray Coburn then returned to the band in time for WEA to release a “Best Of” compilation in 1989. When Betts and Lalonde took leave shortly thereafter, Coburn, Dee and Grehan began writing together again giving birth to “Monsters Under The Bed” in 1990. Honeymoon Suite kept on playing with different incarnations during the years and released in Europe the “Dreamland” album on Frontiers Records, which brought them to play in the UK at the GODS Festival in 2002 with the subsequent release of a live cd / dvd package. Honeymoon Suite's original line-up reformed in 2007 and after a very successful year of touring, is now on the road again for the summer of 2008. Honeymoon Suite will continue their non-stop touring schedule with summer shows alongside Loverboy, April Wine, Kim Mitchell and other classic rock acts.

A brand new studio album produced by Tom Treumuth (who produced the debut album) is now complete and will receive a worldwide release in October 2008.

The album is titled “Clifton Hill,” named after the Niagara Falls, ON location where the band was formed 25 years ago. To celebrate this significant milestone and the album's release, the City of Niagara Falls is hosting an outdoor music festival, “RockintheFalls”. Honeymoon Suite will headline the bash, taking place on September 1st in Victoria Park (right across from the Falls) with plans to hit the European territory in the fall/winter.

Pepsi Tate Tribute Song on iTunes Today!

From HardRockHideout.com:

Bryn Terfel, Shan Cothi and Tigertailz release a a new single today Monday 22nd September available from iTunes as a digital download only.

This is being used to launch a cancer charity in memory of Tigertailz bass player Pepsi Tate (Justin Smith) who tragically died from pancreatic cancer last year.

Read more of "Pepsi Tate Tribute Song on iTunes Today!"...

Robert Mason is the new "Down Boy" in Warrant

Where do the "Down Boys" go? Well, wherever it is, it's now with Robert Mason. A new live fan video was posted on YouTube.com featuring Warrant with new vocalist Robert Mason performing "Down Boys" at the Myth night club in Minnesota. The video starts off dark for the first two minutes, before Warrant starts. However, it does show the strength of Robert Mason's vocals. A good fit for the band. But can they do anything with it? Hope so. We'll see. Maybe these guys can tour with Tracii Guns' version of LA Guns?

Music news: Def Leppard headlines NHL Face-Off Rocks

From DefLeppard.com (as seen on the Metal Sludge Message Board):

NEW YORK (September 19, 2008) - The National Hockey League (NHL) will launch the 2008-09 season with NHL Face-Off Rocks 2008, an opening day spectacular headlined by the world's greatest arena rock band, Def Leppard, on Thursday, Oct. 9. The multi-platinum selling rock band will open the night with a special performance of their arena-inspired hit single, "C'MON C'MON" from Fox Theatre in Detroit, followed by the raising of the Detroit Red Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup Championship banner prior to the start of their sold-out home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Joe Louis Arena. VERSUS and CBC will air portions of the performance as part of their broadcasts of the Red Wings game in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. NHL.com and CBCSports.ca will provide live streaming coverage of the concert, giving fans around the world the chance to take part in the season-opening festivities.

Starting Monday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. E.T., tickets to NHL Face-Off Rocks 2008 at Fox Theatre headlined by Def Leppard on Thursday, Oct. 9 will be available for purchase for $35 and $45 on-line at Ticketmaster.com and OlympiaEntertainment.com, at all Ticketmaster locations and at the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 248-433-1515. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show.

Fans in attendance at Fox Theatre will be treated to a broadcast of the Red Wings game, including the championship banner-raising ceremony, an exclusive arena rock show performance from Def Leppard of the band's smash hits and songs from their latest album, "SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE," and a performance from a soon-to-be-announced special guest. A deejay will entertain the audience throughout the event.

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard--Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums) -- continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the sound for generations of music fans and artists. Renowned as Great Britain's premiere arena rock band, the group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, have become synonymous with their name and they are an institution in the touring industry as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide.

"When Sav first played me "C'MON C'MON," I remember saying to him 'I can hear this being played in every hockey arena all over the United States and Canada'," said Def Leppard frontman, Joe Elliott. "Once we recorded it, I was even more convinced."

The band's latest album, "SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE" (Bludgeon Riffola/Island/UMe), debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200, earning Def Leppard their highest-charting debut since 1992. "SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE" contains 11 new songs including the hit single "NINE LIVES," featuring a groundbreaking collaboration with country music superstar Tim McGraw.

Music news: HINDER will headline this fall's Jägermeister Music Tour

From Blabbermouth.net.

HINDER will headline this fall's Jägermeister Music Tour with support from TRAPT and REV THEORY. The trek will kick off on October 28 in San Diego. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

"Use Me"is  the new rock video from HINDER. The clip was directed by Wayne Isham, who has a long video history working with METALLICA, QUEENSRŸCHE, JUDAS PRIEST, OZZY OSBOURNE, MÖTLEY CRÜE, BON JOVI, and DOKKEN, among others.

HINDER has unveiled a new widget that will be featuring a new video interview each week until the release of the band's new album, "Take It to the Limit", on November 4.

"Take It to the Limit" is the follow-up to HINDER's three-times-platinum smash "Extreme Behavior".

Read more of "Hinder Hits The Road For This Fall's Jägermeister Music Tour"...

Rock critic thinks that Warrant/Jani Lane just do not get it

UPDATE - Breaking news: Good bye Jani Lane! Rock singer found dead

From DelcoTimes.com:

Earlier this year it was revealed that one of glam metal's most notorious acts, Warrant, would be reuniting with singer Jani Lane and its original line-up would be in place for the first time in almost 15 years. Now, after just a handful of summer tour dates in secondary markets that by all accounts varied between mediocre and horrible, the band has announced it has parted ways with the troubled frontman once again.

"It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce that Jani Lane will no longer be performing with Warrant," read a statement. "From the beginning of our reunion talks to the last note of our last show together in Houston this past weekend we have had nothing but good intentions of bringing a quality original Warrant show to our fans and friends. We wish Jani nothing but the best and remain friends."

"We are very excited that we have found an unbelievable voice in Robert Mason, an old friend of the band. We have three dates confirmed, come out and judge for yourself ... we don't think you will be disappointed!"

The thing is, disappointment is not only inevitable, but likely already in place. It's still unclear what exactly happened, as beyond the press release from Warrant, no other information has been forthcoming from either side. Rumors are that Lane quit, or was asked to leave, in the wake of some less than stellar shows.

A gig in Nevada in early July had the singer unable to complete songs or remember lyrics, and many in the audience walked out. Those who didn't heckled Lane and booed in disapproval. The rest of the group was visibly uncomfortable, playing through gritted teeth.

The final straw was the Rock the Bayou festival Aug. 31 in Houston, where again Lane forgot lyrics and at one point tried to start a song the band already played a few numbers before.

Lane's well-documented history of self-sabotage was put on prime time display a few years back on the VH1 reality show Celebrity Fit Club.

Back in May, just days before the Warrant reunion tour kicked off, a clean and friendly Lane sat down to talk with Rock Music Menu.

"It was like 14 years erased, everybody was on the same page, and it's been comfortable ever since," he said of initial rehearsals, predicting a summer full of writing and heading into the studio in the fall to record a new album with the band.

Now, Warrant is just one more band that can't keep it together, which is sad because since the late 80s heyday of the genre, there hasn't been a better time for the so called "Aqua Netal" acts to be back together. Look at the success of "Rock of Love," featuring Poison on frontman Bret Michaels, and the current crop of new artists like Hinder, who openly embrace the good time party atmosphere in music, lifestyle and image.

Even Mötley Crüe, who've long distanced themselves from the hairspray and spandex, have somewhat embraced the era by referring to themselves as pop metal in recent interviews to promote its inaugural summer package tour, Crüe Fest.

Read more of "Warrant 'retooled' doesn't get it"...

Rock Goddess - Betsy Bitch!

Rock personalities don't always grow old gracefully. In fact, it can sometime be quite painful watching your rock heroes creep into middle age. Or old age. No wonder KISS still keeps the make-up (and wigs) on! And what's really behind Bret Michaels’ bandanna?

Well – here’s the exception to the growing old rule. Betsy Bitch.

This gal is no spring chicken, but the Heavy Metal lifestyle does her body good!!

Blog post: Another Look at Enuff Z' Nuff

A blogger rethinks her opinion of Enuff Z'Nuff.

From BringBackGlam.com:

I've never been a giant Enuff Z' Nuff fan. My friends and regular readers can and will attest to this fact. Still, I found myself duly impressed with the band's performance this past weekend at Rock the Bayou.

For some reason, I always cringed at the song "Fly High Michelle." This time around I stood and really listened to the music. Last night I found myself looking up Enuff Z' Nuff videos on YouTube. You know what? "Fly High Michelle" is actually a pretty great song!

Musicianship aside, Chip Z' Nuff seems like an alright guy. He's been at both Rocklahoma festivals as well as Rock the Bayou. In each instance, he always seemed happy to hop on a golf cart, ride out into the crowd and chat with fans. I love when musicians are not afraid to mingle with their bread and butter.

I really enjoyed the Enuff Z' Nuff's set - the band sounded great! Donnie Vie is always amusing on stage and this was true at Rock the Bayou. I don't know if it was planned or fake, but the band did seem to be "winging it" a little. Donnie kept asking "What is next?" This didn't seem to hurt the show any. All songs were tight.

Read more of "Another Look at Enuff Z' Nuff"...

Music news: Kix to release new live album and DVD

From BringBackGlam.com:

Kix are getting ready to release a new album and DVD! The new CD will feature live cuts from a 2007 XM Radio special and performance at Rams Head Live. The album will feature the most famous Kix songs like “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” and “Blow My Fuse”…and the ones not on the 1993 Live release. That means “Cold Shower” will finally get the official live treatment!

The DVD is from the 2007 Rams Head Live performance. I'm told there also might be some “vintage video” of the Hot Wire recording sessions. This new live package will be the first  Kix album since the 2002 Essentials release. The album should be out by Christmas.

Read more hair metal news at BringBackGlam.com....

Music news: Bon Jovi's Bryan gets lyrical for 'Toxic Avenger'

From NJ.com:

A quarter of a penny an hour.

That's how much David Bryan estimates he's made from his adventures in musical theater -- including his current stint as composer and co-lyricist of "The Toxic Avenger." The show, based on the 1985 cult film about a weakling-turned-superhero, will have its world premiere at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick starting Sept. 30.

"I've worked a billion hours and made close to negative money," Bryan says. "Thank God for my day job."

That job is playing keyboards for Bon Jovi, the band he helped found 25 years ago. No question that the group's 120 million in album sales has helped Bryan pay for his home in Colts Neck and support his three children.

Still, Bryan was intrigued two years ago when Joe DiPietro -- who wrote the book and lyrics of the successful off-Broadway show "I Love You! You're Perfect! Now Change!" -- said he was writing a musical version of "The Toxic Avenger."

"I hadn't seen the film," Bryan says. "I just kind of remembered the title and how many people I knew liked it. So we sat down in Joe's apartment in New York and watched it."

"The Toxic Avenger," which spawned several movie sequels, a TV cartoon and a Marvel comic book series, is the story of Melvin, a 90-pound resident of fictitious Tromaville, N.J., who is bullied and humiliated by all -- until he falls into a vat of toxic waste. Melvin becomes a superhero who starts dispensing justice -- to Bryan, not exactly an exciting premise.

"I was more intrigued when I read Joe's draft," he says. "It was funny like the movie, but it had heart, too. Joe's grounded it in a love story. The greatest thing about Joe's writing is that he creates a character that makes you care."

Bryan wrote the music and DiPietro the book, but they collaborated on lyrics. The director is John Rando, who staged "The Wedding Singer" and "Urinetown" on Broadway, and the title role is played by Canadian newcomer Nick Cordero.

Read more of "Bon Jovi's Bryan gets lyrical for 'Toxic Avenger' "...

Music news: Butch Walker's new song now available on iTunes

Butch Walker brings great hooks and melodies to the rock n roll table. A former member of Southgang, Butch has done well for himself with producing, but commercial success for his own music has been elusive. His new single sounds a little like Tom Petty, but it's still one of the best singles of 2008.

From Rock-Music-Blog-Online:

“The Weight of Her” is the brand new single from Butch Walker. It is available on iTunes, and another new song can be listened to at http://www.myspace.com/butchwalker. Very rootsy. Very good. Almost like music from the heartland – but Butch Walker style! His new album will be available in November 2008.

This is brought to you by http://www.rock-music-blog-online.com/.

God dammit Butch – it’s time to get the word out!

Music news: Jizzy Pearl to be a guest on UK's "Hair Metal Haven"

From Blabbermouth.net:

Vocalist Jizzy Pearl of the reactivated California rockers LOVE/HATE will be interviewed by Chris Nelson on next weekend's edition of "Hair Metal Haven" on Rock 247 Online. The show will be broadcast on Saturday, September 20.

LOVE/HATE's debut album, "Blackout in the Red Room", reached No. 154 on The Billboard 200 in 1990. The video for the single "Why Do You Think They Call It Dope?" was in rotation on MTV, chiefly on "Headbanger's Ball".

In 1992 when they released a second album "Wasted in America", Jizzy Pearl used himself in a legendary publicity stunt to help album sales. This stunt, with the help of a few others, included Jizzy successfully erecting a cross on the Hollywood sign and positioned himself on it. There are two incarnations of LOVE/HATE, before Jizzy Pearl left for L.A. GUNS and after he returned to restart LOVE/HATE. The second incarnation ended quickly as Jizzy Pearl left again to join RATT.

Music news: Hair metal vets join forces in Dirty Rats

From Melodicrock.com:

Los Angeles - Juan Croucier of Ratt fame has updated the lineup of his band. Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) will now take over lead guitar duties in Juan Croucier's Dirty Rats. The band also includes John Medina on Drums (formerly of Bret Michaels' solo band).

Juan Croucier: "I am extremely pleased to introduce Jeff LaBar as the new lead guitar player for the band! I have always greatly admired Jeff's guitar playing, as well as his exceptional stage presence. Clearly, he's a world-class guitarist. We're both known for our live performances, so I can't wait to hit the stage with Jeff! This band is truly going to kick serious ass!"

The Dirty Rats will begin playing fly-in shows throughout the United States before the end of the year and also plan on touring the US with a multi band package, early next year. There are also plans to begin recording a new record early next year, for release next summer. The bands set list currently includes most of Ratt's major hits, as well as other surprises.

You can visit www.juancroucier.com or www.thedirtyrats.com for tour dates.

Music news: Main Man Records releases hair metal tribute CD

From Melodicrock.com:

South Belmar, NJ, September 15, 2008 - Main Man Records announced today that it will release Hair Apparent: The Main Man Records Tribute To Hair Bands on October 7th. Hair Apparent will be available for purchase at www.mainmanrecords.com and Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ, and will be coming to iTunes and other digital outlets in November.

Nearly a quarter of a century after they dominated the charts, bands like Motley Crue, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake still have a loyal audience,” says Hair Apparent executive producer Kim Mulligan. “Whether the critics want to acknowledge it or not, it's obvious the enduring popularity of these bands must have a little something to do with the quality of their songs. It's not easy to strike a common chord with millions of people worldwide or else everyone would have done it, right?”

The concept behind Hair Apparent was to present the songs in a variety of musical genres and let them stand on their own. The musicians on Hair Apparent are not covering these songs; they are re-interpreting them. “Stripped of the hairspray, the spandex, the videos and the excessive behavior, these are really solid songs and well worth repeated listening,” Mulligan adds. The line-up features artists as diverse as Bob “Derwood” Andrews (former member of the punk band Generation X) with a version of the Slade/Quiet Riot classic “Cum On Feel The Noize,” and guitarist Sean Eden (formerly of Luna; currently with Elk City), lending his considerable talent to Helix's “Heavy Metal Love”, re-imagined by LaBooze. Dennis Dunaway, who co-wrote the Alice Cooper classics “Schools Out” and “I'm Eighteen” is also on Hair Apparent with his version of Spinal Tap's “Big Bottom”.

“These artists turned these songs upside down and inside out. They're really nothing like the original versions,” says Keith Roth, who is also one of Hair Apparent's executive producers. “Hair Apparent puts a whole new spin on these 80s classics,” Roth explains. Keith's band Frankenstein 3000 tackled Cheap Trick's “She's Tight.” “I'm really honored to be a part of this tribute,” Roth adds. “This is one for the ages.”

The track listing:

1. Labooze - Heavy Metal Love (originally recorded by Helix) 2. Bob “Derwood” Andrews - Cum On Feel The Noize (originally recorded by Slade... and then Quiet Riot) 3. Mutant Monster Beach Party - Malibu Beach Nightmare (originally recorded by Hanoi Rocks) 4. Frankenstein 3000 - She's Tight (originally recorded by Cheap Trick) 5. Christian Beach - I Wanna Rock (originally recorded by Twisted Sister) 6. The Wynntown Marshals - Ballad Of Jayne (originally recorded by L.A. Guns) 7. K Roth - Chatterbox (originally recorded by The New York Dolls) 8. The Dennis Dunaway Project - Big Bottom (originally recorded by Spinal Tap) 9. Bad Biscut - Babylon (originally recorded by Faster Pussycat) 10. Pillow Theory - It's So Easy (originally recorded by Guns 'N' Roses) 11. fouryearbeard - Another Piece Of Meat (originally recorded by Scorpions) 12. AB - Shoot 'Em Down (originally recorded by Twisted Sister) 13. Mars Needs Women - Public Enemy #1 (originally recorded by Motley Crue) 14. Johny Dey - 18 And Life (originally recorded by Skid Row) 15. AB - Little Fighter (originally recorded by White Lion) 16. Killing Phantoms - The Final Countdown (originally recorded by Europe) 17. Days Before Tomorrow - After The Rain (originally recorded by Nelson) 18. Frankenstein 3000 - Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You, Tonight (originally recorded by Spinal Tap) 19. Dan Maxwell & His Band - Here I Go Again (originally recorded by Whitesnake) 20. Early Times - Wanted Dead Or Alive (originally recorded by Bon Jovi)

Since 1998, Main Man Records has been the home of cutting edge compilations around the New York/New Jersey area. Our releases have become the standard by which all local artist compilations are judged. Main Man Records strives to make each collection a unique and exciting listening experience, whether it be one of our legendary tribute CDs like 2003's Kiss This or a mix of artist's originals like 2005's Happy Meal. Our CDs have featured exclusive tracks from such established artists as The Donnas, Cherie Currie from The Runaways, Sylvain Sylvain and Steve Conte from The New York Dolls, The Alarm and The Atomic Bitchwax as well as rare recordings by members of David Bowie's band, Alice Cooper, Blue Öyster Cult, Skid Row and Redd Kross... a Main Man release is always full of surprises.

WebLinks: www.mainmanrecords.com

Music news: Hair metal cruise with Trixter and more!

Are you sea sick resistant? And love hair metal? Well, then this cruise is for you! Trixter, LA Guns, Skid Row and Firehouse will all be featured in one 7 day cruise departing Florida March 2009. Seven days might be a little too much, but you can actually go scuba diving with members of Firehouse. I guess Enuff Z' Nuff was busy that week for a shuffleboard tournament!

Visit Best Music Cruises for more information.

Music news: TWISTED SISTER Joined By EXTREME During ROCK OF AGES Performance; Video, Photos Available

From Blabbermouth.net:

Italian news blog Musica Metal has uploaded photos from the first edition of the Rock Of Ages festival, which was held yesterday (Saturday, September 13) in Milan, Italy.

Pictures of TWISTED SISTER, EXTREME, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED and THE QUIREBOYS can be viewed at this location.

According to Musica Metal, during the final song of TWISTED SISTER's set, "I Wanna Rock", the band was joined onstage by co-headliners EXTREME, who "bowed at the feet of Dee Snider and helped out with the choruses."

Fan-filmed video footage of the "I Wanna Rock" performance can be viewed on Blabbermouth.net (video shot and uploaded by Elia Alovisi, a.k.a. "NergalBehemoth").

Read more of "TWISTED SISTER Joined By EXTREME During ROCK OF AGES Performance; Video, Photos Available "...

Music news: Z Records sends free music to your e-mail!

Free rock MP3s? Who can say "no" to free rock MP3s? Z Records, one of Europe’s premiere hard and melodic rock record labels, is giving away free MP3s that will be sent directly to your e-mail address. You can get new rock music without lifting a finger. It’s much easier than saying “I want my MTV!” And unlike almost everything associated with MTV these days – you get to hear some new and possibly undiscovered music. Hear new music without having to turn on the radio, or search all over The Internet. The hard rock underground awaits!

Here's the announcement from the label:
"No your not dreaming, Z Records are giving away free music! What's the catch? There isnt one! We have decided to make one full track available per release via a special service to anyone who would like to sample our products. Simply send a email to zrockagency@zrecords.net with "I want free music from Z" in the subject line and we will send you free mp3's to delight your ears over the forthcoming winter. Lets face it, its an offer you simply cannot refuse so get emailing."

Music news: Warrant debuts new singer Robert Mason

Here's a review of singer Robert Mason's recent gig with Warrant. For those who don't know, singer Jani Lane is out of the band. Again. This is a pretty in-depth account of the concert. But be warned - it's sugar coated and kinda slanted.

From Metal Sludge Message Board:

WARRANT AND ALICE COOPER - PYSCHO DRAMA TOUR

Show Date: September 9, 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.
Venue: Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater
Reviewer: Randy James
Band Website: www.warrantweb.net - www.alicecooper.com

Well, where do I start? A lot has been said, written, filmed, etc about Warrant in the last couple of months (check the stories and reviews right here on Sleaze Roxx for example, and of course youtube). So, now knowing what we have heard, seen, and/or read...lets go back in time exactly 4 (not 40) days to be exact. Here is a quote on Sleaze Roxx from Warrant guitarist Erik Turner, "We are very excited that we have found an unbelievable voice in Robert Mason (Lynch Mob), an old friend of the band. We have three dates confirmed, come out and judge for yourself...we don't think you will be disappointed." I will get back to Erik's statement shortly, now, onto the review.

Summertime in Tucson is obviously very hot, we are in the desert after all, but it wasn't too bad this night (mid 80's at show time). I got to the venue around 7pm (if you're ever in Tucson and can see a show at Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater, I highly recommend it. It is a beautiful venue with great sound) and grabbed a soda and nachos and was prepared for the show. I never had the chance, be that good or bad, to see Warrant live before. So, on with the show! The house lights go black and a cool mix of Kid Rock's "Bawitdaba" and War's "Lowrider" prepares us for Warrant.

The band came out looking lean, fit and ready to kick some Arizona ass. The whole band looked really good (like they are in there mid 20's, but I am guessing they have to be in late 30's) as they started "Down Boys". I notice only four band members at first, but not for long as busting through the side curtain came new lead singer Robert Mason, looking young, energetic, confident and ready. The band kicks off the set and Robert begins to sing and I am thinking what the hell is going on here? This guy is singing strong and he is actually singing! Notes were in key and held longer and stronger than on album (I came home and plugged in my Warrant CD's to make sure) and by the end of "Down Boys" he already owned the crowd.

Next up was D.R.F.S.R. Going far left, then coming all the way right, using the stage like a personal playground, Robert's confidence was contagious. The front row was screaming and reaching out to him as he controlled the stage and once again his voice was dead on. Following D.R.F.S.R. was "So Damn Pretty", and I am getting redundant here but this guy has a gift! Geez, three songs into the show and I was thinking, why is the band smiling so much? Mason was working the whole stage and then came something new. He threw his microphone stand 15-20 feet in the air and 30 feet away to be caught by a roadie, amazing. The song ended and the Warrant boys looked happy as smiles filled up the stage (I didn't think I would see that after all I had read about the band lately).

Robert addressed the crowd with a 'glad to be in Tucson, thank you for coming out' and even said thank you to the 'lawn folk' as he called them, the fans seated way up in the lawn section, which was a very nice touch. Next up was "Heaven" which included incredible vocals by the whole band with Mason leading the way once again with his strong pipes. As "Heaven" ended, out of nowhere the mic stand came flying back to Warrant's new frontman, he caught it and made a cool spin to the front row without missing a beat. The band was flowing and tight for "32 Pennies" and everybody was working the stage. You would never have guessed that this was Warrant's first show with a new singer...errr, frontman.

During "Hole In My Wall" Mason got the crowd going as they pumped their fists with hair flying and began bouncing around just like him and the rest of the band. Up next was "I Saw Red", and ladies and gentlemen who are reading this, I truly wish you could have seen this. Mason was once again nailing every high note...just imagine sitting at home with headphones on, I was simply awestruck. He then asked the crowd to sing along and of course they followed his lead. Picking up the pace with "Sure Feels Good", again I swear, if I closed my eyes I would have thought I was listening to the CD at home.

The microphone stand went flying again and Robert was working every inch of the rather large stage along with his co-horts. Then it was onto my personal favorite, "Mr. Rainmaker". I am not a singer, but have heard enough albums and been to hundreds of shows, and I was thinking to myself that there was no way Mason could tag the high notes on this song. Wrong! He nailed them all, except with more sustain and substance, as it was absolutely amazing stuff.

Warrant's set ended with "Uncle Tom's Cabin". At this point I was noticing two very distinctive things about Warrant. That they did look happy and that Robert Mason is the best singer I have ever, and I mean EVER, seen live. He has great stage presence and is an awesome showman, a true frontman if there ever was one. Anyway, Mason got the whole crowd singing "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (me included) and the song ended with him once again heaving his mic stand into the air and across the stage. The show ended and the band walked off stage smiling and exchanging high fives.

We all knew Warrant couldn't leave Tucson without some "Cherry Pie", so as the chants of 'WARRANT, WARRANT, WARRANT' rang through the amphitheater the band came out to huge applause. Robert grabbed the mic and thanked everyone for coming out on a hot Tuesday night. He thanked everyone from the front row to the people all the way in the back, a very nice and what seemed a real heartfelt appreciation for the fans Warrant finished up the set and I saw Jerry Dixon lean over to Erik Turner and say, "Robert is fucking amazing!!" And I must say Jerry that you are absolutely correct, you have got yourself one helluva showman, entertainer, frontman and a singer who sings better live than on albums. As I said before I have been to hundreds of concerts and have never seen any singer sound stronger live than on an album. Well, after witnessing Robert Mason in Warrant I can now say that I have.

So, in closing, Mr. Erik Turner, your quote of "we don't think you will be disappointed" is 100% correct. I came out, judged for myself, and concluded that Robert Mason is an absolutely great singer and I was not disappointed in the slightest. The new Warrant is a lean, mean, rock'n'roll machine, and I strongly urge you to see them when they come to your town. I think I might even spend the $500 or so dollars and see them in Maplewood, Minnesota, just so I can them as the headliner, doing a full set with their new singer...an absolutely phenomenal singer who also is an outstanding showman/frontman.

Read more of this review on Metal Sludge Message Board...

Music news: Jani Lane out of Warrant - AGAIN!

UPDATE - Breaking news: Good bye Jani Lane! Rock singer found dead

From BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

BLABBERMOUTH.NET has received the following statement from long-running California rockers WARRANT:

"It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce that Jani Lane will no longer be performing with WARRANT.

"From the beginning of our reunion talks to the last note of our last show together in Houston this past weekend [on August 31 at the Rock The Bayou festival], we have had nothing but good intentions of bringing a quality original WARRANT show to our fans and friends.

"We wish Jani nothing but the best and remain friends.

"We are very excited that we have found an unbelievable voice in Robert Mason [LYNCH MOB], an old friend of the band. We have three dates confirmed, come out and judge for yourself… We don't think you will be disappointed!"

Upcoming WARRANT shows:

Sep. 09 - Tucson, AZ - Casino Del Sol (w/ ALICE COOPER)
Sep. 19 - Maplewood, MN - The Myth (w/ TRIXTER)
Oct. 17 - Tyler, TX - The Oil Palace (w/ QUEENSRŸCHE, KIP WINGER)

Blog post: Big Cock needs your help!

And it's not every day that someone can say that!

From BringBackGlam.com.

"For whatever reason, I had no idea that my friend David Henzerling and his band Big Cock had entered the Make Rock History contest. That contest - sponsored by Guitar Center and Gibson - is basically giving away fame. You see, the wining band gets to tour with Motley Crue next summer. Think about it: Big Cock obviously fits with Motley Crue. I can just imagine that show now."

"Big Cock have a few songs and videos uploaded to their MakeRockHistory.com profile. Just click here to vote. If I understand correctly, you can vote once a day for your favorite band."

Read more about Big Cock at BringBackGlam.com.

Music News: The Other Hair Metal Blog turns 100

100 posts - that is.

Whether you were screwed, blued or just part of a motley crew, love for the hard rock bands from the 80's remains today. Visit The Other Hair Metal Blog for some of the latest (but not so greatest) news from around this great big thing that we call "The 'Net."

So far, we've linked to articles about LA Guns, Queen, Kiss with Vinnie Vincent, Enuff Z'nuff, and dozens more hair metal, classic rock and hard rock bands from both yesterday and today. Stay tuned for additional content - original interviews, videos and unusual stories.

Where else can you read story about my cat Booger?

Music news: Slash fumes over leaked Guns n Roses songs

Feminists worldwide seem to be concerned about their Guns n Roses-related music news. Maybe they think Slash is really in touch with his feminine side? Or is "Nightrain" really inspired by Gloria Steinem? Hmmmmmmmmmm.

From FemaleFirst.co.uk. That right - "Female First."

Guns N' Roses star Slash hopes the man who allegedly streamed the band's new album on the internet "rots in jail".

Kevin Cogill has been arrested on suspicion of violating federal copyright laws by leaking the band's much-anticipated new album Chinese Democracy on his website.

Authorities claim he posted nine unreleased Guns N' Roses songs on Antiquiet.com in June (2008). The songs spread quickly across the Internet before Cogill removed them from his site.

And the band's former guitarist Slash is fuming.

Read more of Slash blasts album thief...

Why is he fuming? Because of Guns n Roses songs that have been leaked to the Internet? A band that he was practically forced out of?  Guess he doesn't hold a grudge against Axl! Here's the story about the savage "leaker"as posted on Metal Sludge.

FBI arrests man over leak of Guns N' Roses songs
LOS ANGELES - Aug. 27, 2008 (AP) -- Federal authorities say they have arrested a blogger suspected of streaming songs from Guns n' Roses unreleased album, "Chinese Democracy," on his Web site.

FBI agents arrested 27-year-old Kevin Cogill on Wednesday morning on suspicion of violating federal copyright laws. Federal authorities say Cogill posted nine unreleased Guns N' Roses songs on his Web site in June.

The songs were later removed.

According to an arrest affidavit, Cogill admitted to agents that he posted the songs on his Web site.

"Chinese Democracy" is a much anticipated — and repeatedly delayed — new album by Guns N' Roses that is more than 10 years in the making. When it comes out - I'll believe that it actually exists.

Read more of Metal Sludge's FBI arrests man over leak...

Music news: Queen + Paul Rodgers - The Cosmos Rocks

I imagine there will be a lot of discussion among Queen fans, Paul Rodgers fans and just about any serious music fan in general about the new offering from Queen + Paul Rodgers - The Cosmos Rocks. Let the debates begin. Coming to your favorite message/discussion board near you!

From Metal Sludge Message Board.

The Cosmos Rocks – what's it like? 

Here's the Clog's quickfire preview of the new Queen + Paul Rodgers album:

The Cosmos Rocks, while characterised by having Rodgers’s raw blues in place of Freddie’s flamboyance, is undisputedly the work of Queen.

Not only can The Cosmos Rocks sit proudly in the Queen canon, it can also do the same alongside Rodgers’s work with Free and Bad Company.

The intro to opening track Cosmos Rockin’ is a call to arms reminiscent of Brighton Rock, with chugging riffs that welcome you into a raucous, typically Queen rocker.

As the album unfolds it rapidly becomes clear that all the components of classic Queen are here.

It’s a work of extraordinary confidence, taking the band’s familiar blueprint and casually expanding it to encompass the organic blues and visceral soul of Paul Rodgers.

Overall The Cosmos Rocks has more than enough power to take your breath away. Freddie’s legacy is in safe hands.

* Read a full review of Queen’s The Cosmos Rocks in Classic Rock’s October issue (No.124), on sale Wednesday, September 17. The album is released two days before, on September 15.

and, according to Billboard.com.........

"Queen + Paul Rodgers have set an Oct. 28 U.S. release date for "The Cosmos Rocks," the band's first new album since 1995 and its first since Rodgers stepped in for the late Freddie Mercury in 2004.

The group has already debuted several of the new songs at shows and on TV, including first single "C-lebrity," which features vocals from Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, and "Say It's Not True," written in honor of Nelson Mandela's 46664 AIDS initiative.

The 14-track "The Cosmos Rocks" will also feature "Cosmos Rockin'," "Time To Shine," "Still Burnin'," "Small," "Warboys," "We Believe," "Call Me," "Voodoo," "Some Things That Glitter," "Through the Night" and "Surf's Up ... School's Out!"

"I think it touches a lot of emotions," Rodgers told Billboard.com recently of the album. "Every song is different from every other song, but I do think there is a very powerful emotional content in every song. I'm a great believer in variety in music, and so are the other guys."

After a pitch-modulated voice exclaims, "What planet is this?" opener "Cosmos Rockin'" blasts in with a handclap-bolstered beat and a peppy blues riff from guitarist Brian May. "Time To Shine" is an atmospheric rocker with an inspirational vocal ("Raise up your mind / It's time to shine"), while "Still Burning" is a swaggering rocker that nods to Rogers' tenure in Bad Company and Free.

Read more about The Cosmos Rocks on Metal Sludge...

Blog post: Flashback - Hair Metal

Just a "chardonnay swingin' beta mom" sharing her thoughts and memories about the hunks of hair metal. Has she seen them lately?

"Oh. My. God. I ain't even gonna front: Back in the day, I was all about the hair band dudes. The spandex. The bandanas. The fingerless gloves. The eyeliner. THE POWER BALLADS."

Read more of "Flashback - Hair Metal" on the Happy Meals and Happy Hour blog...

Music news: Tesla guitarist Dave Rude to appear on "Hair Metal Haven"

From SleazeRoxx.com.

(August 31, 2008 ) On this week's edition of Hair Metal Haven, Chris Nelson will be chatting to Tesla Guitarist Dave Rude about his current solo release as well as Tesla's plans for the future.

So with all the brand new Melodic Rock & AOR album releases around at the moment, join Chris at the new time of 16.00-18.00 GMT/17.00-19.00 CET, Saturday 6th Sept only on www.rock247online.co.uk.

Tesla's brand new song, "I Wanna Live", from their upcoming CD Forever More can be heard at www.myspace.com/teslatheband.

Read more about Tesla on SleazeRoxx.com...

 

Music news: Gunfire at LA Guns concert

Guess the rock fans in Nebraska took the "guns" in L.A. Guns seriously. Thank goodness the band didn't name themselves "L.A. Bazookas."

From Sleazeroxx.com.

(September 1, 2008 ) Sleaze Roxx received the following short email tonight regarding L.A. Guns' latest live show: "Zach here from Omaha, Nebraska. I just got home from seeing L.A. Guns play and thought it might make an interesting story for you. Quite the night. The band was sounding great of course, when apparently a shooting broke out that pretty much forced the band to call it a night after playing probably only 5 or so songs."

L.A. Guns vocalist Phil Lewis posted the following blog about what happened at the show:

"Back at the hotel early tonight on account of our show getting abruptly shut down because of a gun fight erupting adjacent to the stage. Up until that point the day was peachy, county fair kind of thing. Kiddy rides, funnel cakes, etc in the parking lot of the Quest Center in Omaha, NB.

"We hit the stage at 10 pm and the place was rocking. All age gig, tons of kids up front, lots of fans that always show up whenever we play, great stage sound and lights. Perfect. Until I noticed during 'Over the edge', three songs in to our set, a stampede of at least a hundred people running through the crowd from right to left at full panic speed, closely followed by cops and security giving the cut throat stop the show signal. That took a moment to sink in before we quit playing and within seconds several cops with guns drawn formed a blanket around us and whisked us back to the dressing room."

Read more about gunfire at the LA Guns concert...