Aug 2, 2015

I preface this post as a lifelong Motley Crue fan, having seen the band multiple times with my first being at the US Festival in 1983, when the band was on absolute fire. I am and have been a Crue fanatic, with the band bringing so many memorable moments to my life and musical passion.

But on July 25th, Motley Crue had a show at the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles, CA. that became a nightmare for the crowd (and I'm sure for the band as well). No pyro, no stage set, no vocals (Vince just can't really do it anymore) and no great memory for a time stamp of what will probably be the last time seeing the Crue for a majority of the crowd in attendance.

While I understand the complexities of a Motley money grab to play as many shows as possible before the end of the Crue entity, when you schedule three shows in three different states on consecutive nights (regardless of proximity) and something goes wrong, somebody gets screwed, and this audience sure did.

The story was that while ready to take off from the Tacoma airport in route to San Luis Obispo Airport, a small hole was discovered in their plane, causing concern that the aircraft would not properly depressurize. The decision was made to deboard and unload, with another plane to be chartered flying in from Phoenix. This caused a delay of the show, which originally was slated to start with Alice Cooper's set at 7:30pm. The doors didn't end up opening until 8:30, with the start time announced to be 10pm.

The show eventually started at about 10:30pm, with the total pro Alice and his band ripping through a well received (but short) set of hits. Motley however, hit the stage at about 11pm and played a "stripped" down run through of tracks that lasted until midnight. The band seemed lethargic, possibly due to the day they had already dealt with, but there was no explanation on stage about exactly what happened, no apology, and no connection to their fans to appease the disgruntled rockers in the crowd. That was B.S., as was their set.

We already knew Vince can't hit notes and half sings now, but this really took it to a new level. Not having the pyro and dynamic stage set up brought more attention to the band's deficiencies and there were many that night.

The band made it to Billings, Montana for a show the next night, but had another incident just nights later in Salt Lake City.

As far as the "explanation" Nikki Sixx gave on his 'Sixx Sense' radio show some nights later about the Mid State Fair show, I don't believe a 747 can fly into the small San Luis Obispo airport, but that is the spin they are going with on this debacle. Listen to the explanation here: www.sixxsense.com.  Here's a photo posted on Nikki's Twitter showing the plane landing in San Luis Obispo. I can't even tell if that is SLO Airport, and if that plane is a 747, it is the largest plane that has ever landed at that airport. I have found no record of that happening anywhere online, but I could be wrong.

This all being said, I am still glad Motley decided to play the show even though it sucked. But that is coming from someone that didn't have to lay down over a $100 bucks for a ticket. Motley have announced another Central California show in Fresno this December at the Save Mart Center, but I haven't decided if I will be going or not. To eliminate this last Motley memory for me, I just may have to.

Sep 4, 2014

'The Life, Blood And Rhythm Of Randy Castillo,' a rock documentary produced by Cinema 1 Film & FX and 18 Lights Pictures has been selected to open the Red Nation Film Festival in Beverly Hills, CA. on November 4th.

'The Life, Blood And Rhythm Of Randy Castillo' is the story of the late, legendary drummer who played with Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, Lita Ford, and other rock and roll icons of the 1980s and 1990s. The film features superstar interviews, concert footage, home movies and behind-the-scenes video of this bigger-than-life Apache musician whose unshakable passion carried him from the wrong side of the tracks to the top of the charts—only to be taken by cancer at the height of his career. The film is narrated by Queen of Metal, Lita Ford.

“It’s been a magical journey,” said Director Wynn Ponder, “working with Lita and interviewing Randy’s band mates, family and friends, but the real story is about how Randy’s generous spirit never changed, even when his formidable musical talent made him the first internationally famous Apache rock and roll drummer.”

Ponder said, “Randy Castillo was that rare creature known as a ‘good man,’ a confidante and close friend to many ... compassionate and caring with everyone he met. Some interviewees tell stories of Randy’s supernatural powers, which they attribute to his Native American spirituality.”

Part musical legend, part personal journey and part shamanic mythos, The Life, Blood And Rhythm Of Randy Castillo ultimately reveals a seldom-seen layer of humanity behind the glittered walls of the rock industry. For more go to: www.randycastillomovie.com

The documentary features interviews with:
Lita Ford
Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society)
Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue)
Vince Neil (Motley Crue)
Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne)
Mike Inez (Alice In Chains, Ozzy Osbourne)
Slash (Guns N' Roses)
Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses)
Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses)
Lemmy (Motorhead)
Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
Kip Winger (Winger)
John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson)
Billy Sheehan (Talas, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, The Winery Dogs)
Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains)
Tico Torres (Bon Jovi)
Mitch Perry
Stevie Salas
Carmine Rojas
Martha Davis

Jun 10, 2014

Motley Records, Eleven Seven Music and Big Machine Records are all collaborating to release the upcoming country album 'Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Mötley Crüe' on July 9th. The full track listing is below, but some of the covers include: Rascal Flatts doing 'Kickstart My Heart,' Gretchen Wilson on ‘Wild Side’, Big & Rich rocking 'S.O.S.', Leann Rimes covering the cover 'Smokin’ In The Boys Room,' The Mavericks bringing 'Dr. Feelgood' and Brantley Gilbert on ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’.

“We did not make this record for Motley Crue fans, but for country fans who are also rock fans,” said bassist Nikki Sixx in a statement. “I believe that there’s going to be a lot of synergy and excitement for Motley Crue fans hearing different artists covering their favorite songs. People will be surprised how these artists made the songs their own and we couldn’t be happier with how the album turned out.

‘Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Motley Crue’ Track Listing:
1. Rascal Flatts – ‘Kickstart My Heart’
2. Florida Georgia Line – ‘If I Die Tomorrow’
3. Leann Rimes – ‘Smokin’ in the Boys Room’
4. Justin Moore – ‘Home Sweet Home’
5. Cassadee Pope with Robin Zander – ‘The Animal in Me’
6. Aaron Lewis – ‘Afraid’
7. Big & Rich – ‘S.O.S’
8. Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen – ‘Without You’
9. Eli Young Band – ‘Don’t Go Away Mad’
10. Lauren Jenkins – ‘Looks That Kill’
11. The Cadillac Three – ‘Live Wire’
12. The Mavericks – ‘Dr. Feelgood’
13. Brantley Gilbert – ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’
14. Gretchen Wilson – ‘Wild Side’
15. Darius Rucker – ‘Time for Change’

Aug 17, 2012

A few rockers have now weighed on on the recent statements made in Singapore on August 7th by Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue/Sixx A.M., Craig Locicero of Forbidden, former RIP magazine editor Lonn Friend, Testament's Chuck Billy and more have shared their feelings in regards to Mustaine telling the concert audience "Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban. So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast And Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple." Then adding "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."

Nikki Sixx posted a link on his Facebook page to a Los Angeles Times article about Mustaine's coments and added these comments: "Dave Mustaine is a fucking asshole. I can't even imagine how deep this cuts the victims' families of these shootings. He owes every family an apology as well as our great country. Hey, Dave, if you think America is turning into 'Nazi America,' as you are quoted saying... Then move the fuck out..."

Craig Locicero of San Francisco Bay Area band Forbidden posted this on his Facebook page, which takes a different angle on the comments:

"So everyone wants to pile on [Megadeth mainman] Dave [Mustaine], who definitely has douchy tendencies.

"I don't know of anyone that has all of their facts straight on [James] Holmes [the alleged shooter in Aurora, Colorado movie theater massacre], but I STRONGLY believe there is the possibility that he was a patsy. But not summoned by Obama himself. That is where I think Mustaine was ignorant and gives him too much credit/blame. But used by those who control the ebbs and flows of society.

"Take a long view of this upcoming dog-and-pony show called our 'free' election. If you do, you can see where the lines of division on race, sexuality, religion, freedom of speech and our rights to assemble are being drawn.

"Things are uglier than they have been in any recent history.

"Whichever side wins the fake election in November, there will be a backlash from the polarized extremists on the other side. This government and military are fully anticipating it as a certainty.

"So what does that mean in this very subject?

"These shootings are a possible catalyst to eradicate the right to bear arms in this country. It makes most people say, 'Hey, enough is enough. Let's make guns illegal here!' That sounds dandy to some folks, but it's beautiful music to the ears for those who crave division amongst our citizens.

"Take away the guns from all of the radicals and eradication becomes much easier. But nowhere near everyone with a gun is a radical.

"So while Dave supposedly shoved his feet into his mouth once again, I say he's close to the truth. A lot closer then most people want to accept.

"One thing is certain. People suck.

"Watch these videos for a little more [insight] and go ahead and hate the messenger if you wish."

Testament vocalist Chuck Billy told the New York Daily News, "I think he must be back on drugs to even think what he is saying makes any sense. There is freedom of speech and there just putting your foot in your mouth." Testament has toured many times in the past with Megadeth.

Broken Hope guitarist Jeremy Wagner said, "I'd like to see Mustaine face any of the victims from either tragedy and tell them that Obama did this to them. In fact, Mustaine, tell that to Ashley Moser who had a bullet lodged in her throat, a gunshot wound to her abdomen, and lost her 6-year-old daughter Veronica Moser-Sullivan when James Holmes fired upon them.

"I'm one of thousands who wish Mustaine would just keep his volatile mouth shut," added Wagner.

"I find it hard to accept this diatribe at face value," former RIP magazine editor Lonn M. Friend told the Daily News. "I go back 25 years with Mustaine and have long found him to be both a creative and conscious artist, a spiritual man who has battled and survived some pretty savage demons. These accusations are lunacy and just don't sound like the evolved rocker I know. Maybe he broke a string."

“ To speak in such a way is to take focus off of the true face of this problem - the victims,” says Eye Empire’s Donald Carpenter. “It is ignorant, irresponsible and a part of the problem.”

Mustaine, who once wrote the lyrics to the anti-George H.W. Bush administration song "Foreclosure of a Dream," has swung sharply to the right since he ditched alcohol and drugs and became a born-again Christian.

"This is why people should never get sober,” deadpanned Metalocalypse’s Brendon Small.

Aug 12, 2012

Baltimore, Maryland's Charm City Devils just released their rockin' new album 'Sins' featuring the Top 20 rock track 'Man of Constant Sorrow,' last Tuesday. The band has been opening shows for Theory of a Deadman of late, but made a headlining stop in San Luis Obispo, California, where I sat down with him to talk about the new album and much more. Check out the full interview below.

John talks about his transition from drumming in previous bands to fronting Charm City Devils, his connection and admiration for fellow Baltimore band KIX, the place Nikki Sixx has in the band's history, the decision to cover the great track 'Man Of Constant Sorrow,' recording with Skidd Mills in Nashville, the kick ass new album and next single, the best and worst part of touring, what inspired him to rock, upcoming touring plans and even some Baltimore sports talk. John is an engaging and articulate interview and I appreciate him taking the time. The band put on a great show that night, and you will be seeing and hearing much more from them in the future. Get the band's amazing new album 'Sins,' wherever you buy your rock or hit up their website: www.charmcitydevils.com

Thanks to Bill Meis at eOne Music

Upcoming Charm City Devils tour dates:
Aug. 13 - In the Venue - Salt Lake City, UT (w/Theory of a Deadman)
Aug. 14 - Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO (w/Theory of a Deadman)
Sep. 1 - Rock Allegiance 2012 - Hershey, PA (w/Stone Temple Pilots Three Days Grace, Seether, Buckcherry, Fuel, Puddle of Mudd, Redlight King, Black Stone Cherry, Foxy Shazam, Otherwise, Daughtry)
Sep. 15 - Hagerstown, MD
Sep. 22 - Pier Six Pavilion - Baltimore, MD (w/Seether, Kyng, Sick Puppies & Young Guns)
Oct. 13 - Island Bay Day Festival - Centreville, MD (w/L.A. Guns, Days of the New, Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg & Laughing Colors)
w/Thory of a Deadman & Adelita's Way:
Oct. 29 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
Oct. 31 - Piere's - Fort Wayne, IN
Nov. 3 - Newport Music Hall - Columbus, OH
Nov. 4 - Sherman Theater - Stroudsburg, PA
Nov. 9 - The National - Richmond, VA
Nov. 14 - Water Street Music Hall - Rochester, NY

Soundcheck photo: