Live Review – RATT, Warrant, FireHouse & Kix at Tag’s Summer Stage

Big Flats, NY-Its mid-September, a few weeks after Labor Day, kids are in school and the leaves are changing colors. Fall is in the air but summer is not over at the annual Tag’s Summer Stage in Big Flats, NY. This year’s event featured a bill of the top bands from the 1980’s – Ratt, Warrant, Kix band and Firehouse. The sold out crowd was hot and ready for the evening, and not just because of the unseasonably warm 86 degree weather outside. With an evening containing over a combined 50 top 40 hits and tens of millions of albums sold, summer was clearly not over just yet.

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Opening up the evening, but hardly an opening band, Kix the band played all their hits. The Boys from Baltimore came out in full force with lead singer Steve Whiteman strutting and performing with the same energy and enthusiasm he has since the beginning of the band. The crowd sang enthusiastically, knowing all the lyrics to their hits from their platinum selling Blow My Fuse album and their successful follow up, Hot Wire. Kix concluded their 45 minute set to applause as they thanked the people for supporting them over the years .

20190921_190116The next act was American Music Award Winning band from Virginia, Firehouse. The band reached stardom during the early 1990s with hit singles like “Reach for the Sky”, “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and “All She Wrote”, as well as their signature power ballad “Love of a Lifetime”, which had fans slow dancing on stage during the performance. Firehouse, who still tour extensively overseas, played a seamless set befitting a band who has been together for over 20 years.

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As the sun began to set, Warrant came in to light up the night. The Down Boys from California tore into the crowd, playing all their rocking hits and ballads from their platinum selling albums D.R.F.S.R. and Cherry Pie. Front man Robert Mason has cemented himself as Warrant’s lead singer since the unfortunate passing of Jani Lane and he also sung the title song of their 2017 album “Louder, Harder, Faster” which had the crowd singing aloud. He performed with an energy and style that has epitomized Warrant since the days of the sunset strip and is part of why Warrant is still touring extensively.
Closing the evening were one of the creators of the 80’s hair rock bands sound, RATT. Party arena rock anthems were their trademark and lead singer Stephen Pearcy showed the crowd why by playing in a traditional 80’s sequined outfit, arousing cheers from the women in the crowd. Original member Juan Croucier led the band, consisting of new members Jordan Ziff, Chris Sanders and Pete Holmes as the group performed classic RATT choreographed performances complete with twirls and leg kicks. The set concluded, naturally, with their biggest hit, Round and Round which had the crowd dancing until the end of the show. Pearcy thanked everyone for the party RATT has enjoyed over the years and here is hoping there are a few more parties to come.

DARK BLACK AND BLUE: THE SOUNDGARDEN STORY

Finally, Soundgarden’s legion of fans worldwide now have a book that tells the entire story – Dark Black and Blue.

NEW BOOK CHRONICLES CAREER OF GRUNGE GREATS, ‘DARK BLACK AND BLUE: THE SOUNDGARDEN STORY’

There have been countless books penned about the leading grunge bands – namely, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Surprisingly, few have been assembled about the mighty Soundgarden. But this is about to change, with the arrival of Dark Black and Blue: The Soundgarden Story.

Written by author/journalist (and longtime Soundgarden fan) Greg Prato, the book tells the Seattle band’s complete story – beginning with its members’ pre-SG days, all the way to today. Also featured are all-new interviews for the book, including chats with Matt Pinfield, Phil Anselmo, and Marky Ramone, among others, as well as rarely seen photos from throughout the band’s history.

In addition to dissecting and analyzing all of their albums (including such classics as 1991’s Badmotorfinger, 1994’s Superunknown, 1996’s Down on the Upside, etc.), readers will learn about the stories behind many of their classic songs (“Black Hole Sun,” “Jesus Christ Pose,” “Outshined,” “Hands All Over,” “Flower,” etc.), as well as recollections of tours (Lollapalooza, Guns N’ Roses, Neil Young, Faith No More, Blind Melon, Nine Inch Nails, etc.), goings on behind the scenes, and singer Chris Cornell’s surprising and tragic death in 2017.

The 453 page paperback book is priced at $19.99 and the Kindle digital version is $9.99, and either can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1691086134/. The book is also available as a Nook version for $9.99 at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-black-and-blue-greg-prato/1133636710.

Additionally, two excerpts from the book can be viewed via these links:

https://www.alternativenation.net/excerpts-from-new-soundgarden-book/

https://www.songfacts.com/blog/writing/dark-black-and-blue-soundgarden-story-book-excerpt

Greg Prato is a writer and journalist from Long Island, New York, whose writing has appeared in such renowned publications as Rolling Stone, Classic Rock, and Vintage Guitar. He is also the author of several popular books, including Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music, A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon, and Too High to Die: Meet the Meat Puppets. And you may even have heard him on one of his many radio or TV appearances, which have included interviews on The Howard Stern Wrap-Up Show, Eddie Trunk Live, and The Ron & Fez Show.

Finally, Soundgarden’s legion of fans worldwide now have a book that tells the entire story – Dark Black and Blue.

POP Evil review – Watertown NY – Sept 15, 2019

Watertown , NY-The air was thick with anticipation and heat from a summerlike day in Watertown, NY as a packed house at the Exhibition Hall was ready for an intimate early evening Sunday rock show headlined by POP Evil.  And the boys from Muskegon, Michigan (and lady from London) did not disappoint as they rocked a full 2 hour set with an energy that POP Evil have made a trademark of all their performances.

Pop Evil live on stage
Pop Evil live on stage

POP Evil played their full setlist of hits spanning over the last two decades and included a few special fan requests such as PURPLE from their War of Angels album and When We Were Young from their latest self-titled album.  Frontman Leigh Kakaty’s vocals were in full effect with Matt DiRito and Hayley Cramer’s pounding percussions keeping fists in the air.  Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling rhythms kept the rock hungry crowd going.  Breaks between the songs were short and showcased the humility and gratitude that has earned POP Evil respect worldwide by thanking everyone for coming out and supporting Rock acknowledging that it’s music for the people and appreciating everyone for coming out.

Pop Evil on Stage
Pop Evil on Stage
Pop Evil on Stage
Pop Evil on Stage

Opening act Royal Tusk were perfect in setting the tone for the evening.  Riding high on the rock radio success of their first single AFTERMATH off their Royal Tusk II album, the band from Edmonton, Alberta Canada showed why they are considered one of today’s up-and-coming groups.  This was the second time they have toured with POP Evil, the first one being part of the Canadian leg of POP Evil’s tour in 2018.  With this exposure in the United States, Royal Tusk is a band sure to be heard by everyone soon enough.

Warming up the evening was BRKN Love, a young band from Toronto, Canada who have just released their first single Shot Down on Spotify.  With a sound blending classic 90’s alternative rock with modern day heavy riffs, this is a band soon to be heard on rock radio.

STYX returning to Northfield, OH 10/10

A band that must be experienced live !

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—kicked off their 2019 headlining tour January 11 in Phoenix, AZ.

They’re performing in Northfield, OH on Thursday, October 10 at MGM Northfield .

After 14 years, STYX’s sonically sweet 16th studio album and its most ambitious, most challenging, and most rewarding album to date, THE MISSION, was finally released June 16, 2017 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. It 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). A video for the first single, “Gone Gone Gone,” and can be seen on the band’s official YouTube/Vevo page

“The planets truly aligned for THE MISSION, and I couldn’t be prouder,” says vocalist/guitarist Tommy Shaw, who co-wrote the album’s storyline with longtime collaborator Will Evankovich (Shaw/Blades, The Guess Who). “It’s our boldest, most emblematic album since PIECES OF EIGHT.” As founding guitarist James “JY” Young continues, “In the 40th anniversary year of our release of our biggest selling album of all time, GRAND ILLUSION, it just seemed truly appropriate to save our new studio album until this year. Needless to say, I’m very excited.”

 

The highly anticipated reissue of THE MISSION was released on July 27, 2018 via Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. The two-disc package includes a CD of the original album, as well as a Blu-ray of THE MISSION mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound by singer/guitarist TOMMY SHAW and producer Will Evankovich accompanied by stunning visualizations for each of the album’s 14 songs based on the album artwork. Other extras on the Blu-ray include: “The Making of The Mission Documentary” of exclusive interviews of SHAW and Evankovich, four music videos—“Gone Gone Gone” (official video), “Gone Gone Gone” (video created by NASA), “Radio Silence” (lyric video) and “Radio Silence” (live video from Syracuse, NY)—and three hi-res audio playback modes.

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At each tour stop, 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–researches local nonprofit organizations and picks 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.

Make sure you head out to MGM Northfield on Oct 10 to see one of the greatest shows on earth .

Live Review -Adam Ant -Friend or Foe Tour 2019

A Show Not To Be Missed

Cleveland, Ohio – The dandy highwayman known as Adam Ant  made a return stop to the North Coast this weekend and the ant fans could not have been happier . The tour marks the only time that the seminal 1982 album ” Friend or Foe ” was played in its entirety and it was sight and sound to behold  and the Cleveland Masonic Hall was the perfect venue for it .

To be honest this album was my first exposure to Adam as an adolescent and I have been hooked since . Adams fans are die hard . I was speaking to Allison K of Columbus Ohio and she said it was her 23rd show of Adams .That is a true fan

One of the highlights was  hearing songs such as ” Hello I Love You ” and ” Man Called Marco ” which usually do not get played .I did miss him not playing ” Wonderful ” but it understandable  as you cannot include every song in a set . Another highlight was ” Xerox” and ” Strip ” . I forgot how good Adam can play the guitar as well that as that was a treat also . Adam’s backup band or ant warriors as we like to call them  did an outstanding job as usual and they have been with him for quite a while so that is not a surprise .

They include

Andy Woodard, Drums

Will Crewdson, Lead guitar

Jola, Drums

Joe Holweger, Bass guitar

A.P. Leach, Rhythm guitar

Opening slot was none other then the Glam Skanks who  did a great job and I will be  doing a separate review for as well . The only negative of the night was the over use of the fog machine . It was it very difficult  to see and a few people in the front row said they had issues with coughing from it . So from one Ant fan to the next make sure you check out Adam And if he comes to a city near you .

Eddie Money – My Memories of the Man ! RIP Eddie

When it was announced early today of the passing of Eddie Money it stopped me cold in my tracts . The recent release  of his battle with cancer affected me  so this news was just overwhelming . You see , I place all 80’s icons on a sort of pedestal as when they were on the top of the charts I was just a kid , loving life and being carefree until the responsibilities of age and maturity set ,so with Eddie I thought of my youth .

I didn’t know any well, in fact I only worked with the man twice . Once just covering a show and the second time a very long night about 8 hours , so I got to know the real man albiet if it was only for one long night .

I was working the Money for Animals event( a charity to help animals ) put on by Howard Perl Productions and I photographed the VIP meet and greet before the show and then the show . Well Eddie in his performance invited the entire audience  to meet him back stage for a picture and guess who took them all, yep me , let me add that Eddie wanted to speak and talk to everyone in line so it was not an instant photo and good by each person was there 5 to 10 minutes so it was a long night for all but a fun one as Eddie was very generous with his time .

I wanted to say goodbye to this wonderful gentleman and I know you will be Shakin’ up in heaven , Goodbye Eddie Rest In Peace

ADAM ANT plays his Friend Of Foe album, live, for the first time in its entirety,on tour now !

Adam Ant is launching his 2019 ‘Friend or Foe’ USA tour in which he’ll be playing the landmark album live in its entirety for the first time, including his “Goody Two Shoes” hit that made him a household name, plus classic hits and personal favorites. Adam is coming to your city with special guest Glam Skanks, as seen with The Adicts, Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Alice Cooper and jamming with Steven Tyler (Scroll for all cities).

Adam Ant “Friend or Foe” USA tour 2019

Wednesday, September 4, Milwaukee, WI, Pabst Theatre

Friday, September 6, St. Louis MO, The Pageant

Saturday, September 7, Chicago, IL, Vic Theatre

Sunday, September 8, Minneapolis, MN, Pantages Theatre

Wednesday, September 11, Cincinnati, OH, Taft Theatre

Friday, September 13, Detroit, Royal Oak Music Theatre

Saturday, September 14, Cleveland, OH, Masonic Auditorium

Sunday, September 15, Toronto, ON, The Danforth Music Hall

Tuesday, September 17, Boston, MA, Boch Center Shubert Theatre

Thursday, September 19, New York NY, Beacon Theatre

Friday, September 20, Philadelphia, PA, Merriam Theater

Saturday, September 21, Mashantucket, CT, Fox Theatre

Monday, September 23, Washington, DC, Lincoln Theatre

Wednesday, September 25, Greensboro, NC, Carolina Theatre

Friday, September 27, Atlanta, GA, Symphony Hall

Saturday, September 28, Clearwater, FL, Capitol Theatre

Sunday, September 29, Orlando, FL, Hard Rock

Tuesday, October 1, Miami, FL, The Fillmore

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Stoner-Prog Trio APE SHIFTER Announces First-Ever North American Tour Featuring Bass Legend Stu Hamm

German-based progressive-stoner rock trio APE SHIFTER will debut on North American shores this fall, featuring the extraordinary lineup of APE SHIFTER leader/guitarist Jeff Aug, legendary bassist Stu Hamm and drummer Jeremy Colson.
Stu Hamm, whose resume includes performing with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Caifanes, says, “I have known Jeff and his music for years, and Jeremy and I are going to KICK THE SHIT out of this music on the APE SHIFTER tour!”
APE SHIFTER‘s second album, Ape Shifter II, was released earlier this year to critical acclaim. Fusing a classic heavy rock sound that arcs in the stoner rock direction with technical musical prowess, APE SHIFTER is dissimilar from any other progressive instrumental band.
“It is instrumental music without sounding like nerd rock,” says Jeremy Colson, who also currently drums for Steve Vai and has worked with Billy Idol and Marty Friedman. “It is punk rock mentality with heavy grooves!!!”
Since releasing their self-titled debut in March 2017, APE SHIFTER has completed several European club tours and has shared bills with Loudness and The Skull, among others. Festival performances have included the main stage at Zytanien, Burg Herzberg Festival, OBOA, Free n Easy, Festival Kult!, and others.
Say Jeff Aug, “…Atomic Bitchwax comes close, but there is no one on the planet doing what APE SHIFTER does.”
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in nearby Laurel, MD, Jeff Aug relocated to the foothills of the Alps in Southern Germany over 20 years ago. Since then, he has toured with notable musicians such as Allan Holdsworth, Soft Machine, Greg Howe, Alex Skolnick, Carl Verheyen, Johnny A., Albert Lee, and has performed shows with an eclectic mix of artists including Jawbox, Shudder To Think, Joan Jett, Thee Hypnotics, Scorpions, Alice Cooper and Body Count with a previous band. He’s worked with John Stabb from Government Issue, has been touring and recording with Anne Clark for the last 15 years and has been touring as a solo guitarist for more than 25 years.  Aug can also be heard on the Atari Teenage Riot album Is This Hyperreal?.  Not surprisingly, Aug set the world record for the “most concerts performed in different countries in 24 hours,” not once but twice in 2009 and 2012). He´s been featured on NPR´s show Morning Edition and has had a #1 selling album on iTunes Acoustic Music Charts in the U.S.
For a sample of APE SHIFTER, please click on the links below:
“Haskett” – https://youtu.be/B1HuM1bw_2U
“7 Years Fat, 7 Years Lean” – https://youtu.be/ohccQmEgXhE
Stream APE SHIFTER‘s album here:
“…with a touch of 70s rock here, a dash of Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen stylings there, while a couple of tracks, ‘Die Rausschmeiber’ and ‘Fu Manchu,’ wouldn’t be a million miles out of place if Vince Neil howled, wailed and hollered over the top of them! – Sea of Tranquility
APE SHIFTER Tour Dates:
10/5 – Brooklyn, NY @ Sunnyvale
10/6 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
10/7 – Quebec City, QC @ L’Anti
10/8 – Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
10/9 – Toronto, ON @ Hard Luck
10/10 – Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary
10/11 – Youngstown, OH @ Westside Bowl
10/12 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies
10/13 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
10/14 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
10/16 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
10/18 – Vancouver, BC @ Astoria
10/19 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
10/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
10/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Resident
10/26 – Tempe, AZ @ Yucca Tap Room
10/27 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
10/28 – Ft. Worth, TX @ Lola’s
10/29 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
11/02 – Frederick, MD @ Cafe 611 (w/ Spiral Grave and Almost Honest – presented by Maryland Doom Fest)
APE SHIFTER Online: