4/18/08 SYMPHONY X AND EPICA @SLIMS IN SAN FRANSICO!!

You who know me know I love Prog/Power Metal but I am only Scratching the surface of music that is in this genre. Symphony X is one of my fave bands now from this art form,with the cd that came out in 07, "Paradise Lost", they are being brought out to the masses by leaps and bounds! My friend "Princess Divine sums up this kind of music with these simple words:

"I have a serious passion for heavy metal, especially ‘Power Progressive Metal’ Music that incorporates many elements: Technical genius, magnificently slick timechanges, thunderously heavy and heart melting riffs, beautifully soaring atmospherics,ultra dynamic vocal style, floods of melody and inspired lyrics.....these elements must work in complete harmony to really capture my heart and soul.I’m also drawn to the most charismatic & flamboyant musicians who are able to project this in their live performances……true showmen."
(from her myspace page)

I really wanted to see this show but I couldnt get anyone to go to L.A. to see them with me,so I talked to my friend Christian in Oakland and he invited me up to the Bay Area to see Epica and Symphony X at this venue called Slims. So I flew up to meet him and we went to San Fransico with some of his buddies from his band Element from Brazil,Al,Rafael, and Debra, and from his other band Futures End,which includes the amazing bassist Steve DiGiorgio.( He has bands like Iced Earth and Testament under his belt and the new Bas cd, Angel Down that he played on.)
Steve,Me,Michael, and Christian after pizza!!



Steve knows Michael Lepond, SX's Bassist, so we waited in the freezing cold for a bit for Michael so we could invite him for pizza. When he showed up he came with and a bunch of us went over to the pizza joint and chatted about SX and Steve and Michael caught up on musician stuff. Michael is a down to earth laid back kind of guy that thanks people all the time with grace and loves his fans. Squeak the photo-mistress showed up and told us that they messed up on the photo-passes so she got screwed out of one. I asked Michael if he could hook us rock-photogs with some passes and after dinner he went right to his tour manager,Brian and took care of us. We were stoked to say the least!!

So we walk into the venue that may hold 700 people and it was sold out and packed like sardines. We were able to sqeeeeze our way up to the side of the stage and to our delight, there was a "tiny" photo-pit in front of the barricade. We got in and got ready for the metal onslaught!! Into Eternity just got done( I dont think I missed much) and there was little room on the stage for Epica to stand on. I was only a foot away from the stage that was about chest level. It was incredible!! I was going to see one of my fave bands so close they could use my head for a beer stand!Hahahaha!

So when Epica went on one guy at a time with the atmospheric keyboards going full throttle, we realised that Simone wasnt there and some chick with immensly long blonde hair was starting to sing. Some kewl girls in the front informed us about the Simone/Amanda swap and we were like, well ok, cool.
Amanda Somerville!!

She was a big girl with a HUGE vocal range and a beautiful voice. This band was tight!! They had another guy that was a growler and as Christian so delightfully put it,he sounded like the Tasmanian Devil!!
The Growler


Lol! They were amazing and on the vein of Nightwish and After Forever, the kinds of bands that I am now getting into in a big way.
EPICA!!!!

One of the Epica shredders!!

EPICA!!!



After their set and a hundred photos later,we were informed to only take one song for SX in flash and two without...that sucked as the lighting is horrible( forgive the dark photos..)...we said ok,but can we stay in the pit and watch the entire SX show so we can see,and the manager said ok, but put the cameras away after we are done...I said DONE!!! We were so stoked!!! I mean, we were only a few feet from where the sensational singer Russell Allen would perform. We were jazzed to say the least!
Symphony X!!!





Then the intro for "Set the World on Fire" started and the crowd just surged and screamed their approval as the boys in the band, Michael Romeo - Guitar Russell Allen - Vocals, Michael Pinnella - Keyboards ,Michael LePond - Bass, Jason Rullo - Percussion, came out to a crowd starved for some sick-ass Prog metal!!!
Michael Lepond


They flew through some songs from the Paradise Lost cd like "Domination" and "Serpents Kiss" then threw in "Masqerade", then straight into my fave prog/ballad," Paradise Lost". This performance by Russell brought me to tears and gave me chills. That mans voice is just beautiful !!
The AMAZING Russell Allen!!!



While these guys are just shredding it up the guiatrist Micael Romeo is just this guitar genius that I never knew existed!!! He was unbeliveable!!
Michael Romeo!!




All while Russell is fucking with him as he is doing his solos while putting his hands over Mikes eyes and playing with his sharpie trying to put dots on his fretboard!! It was frikking hilareous!!! Russell was a card the whole show...making faces at me and Squeak, sticking out his tongue and coming over to sweat all over me and then at one point sang with me throwing horns for "Good and Evil"...I was freaking out!!

They then played "Egypt/Death", "Babylon" and "Inferno". This show had was so high energy and the band was on fire!! Michael Lepond was talented as hell and his bass lines were heavy! Before one of the songs Russell stopped cold and said "Arrgghh, fire the cannons Jason!!" Which meant start the drums off Jason!! Haha! It was so funny! Russell was just so ON this show! I dont know if he is always so humorus,but this was a treat for me! I know him mostly from the Allen /Lande projets with Jorn Lande singing songs with Russell, that a genius named Magnus Karlsson wrote. They are two AMAZINg cds called " The Battle" and "The Revenge"... these are two seriously wonderful cds that you should get!
Russell Allen the nut!


They did a couple more songs then went off the stage....the crowd was chanting Odyssey, over and over again. They really wanted to hear that song but the band came out with "Eve of Seduction" and "Of Sins and Shadows" for the encore, which didnt compare I am sure but they were happy with what they were given!!


This show was amazing and I had such an incredible time with Squeak in the pit the whole time going"that would have been a sick shot!!", when we had to put our cameras away. Lol! I enjoyed Russell Allens attention throughout the show because the guy is just funny as fuck and he blew me away with his vocal abilities!!! I had an amazing time with Christian and all his buddies and after the show we hung out by the bus for like two hours waiting to get autographs and photos with the band. It was fucking so cold outside that we were numb,so we bailed out missing Russell because we couldnt take the cold anymore. We got the rest of the guys that were grascious with their time,but Michael Le pond was out there with us the whole time and was there after we left. That is one cool-ass dude!! Thanks for everything man!!

The next nite I went on the air on Christians internet radio show which is called The Savadude show. He and all his friends from the SX show were cutting up and cracking jokes and playing some seriously killer Prog/Power tunes!! Savadude even interviewd me on-air about my Rock Report and about my photography. That was a total blast!! Check out his radio show on Saturday nite on KWTF internat radio to get caught up on music that you NEED to know about!!

judas priest

JUDAS PRIEST NEW CD AND TOUR INFO!!!

JUDAS PRIEST ROAR BACK WITH AN INSTANT EPIC, ‘NOSTRADAMUS’
Category: Music

JUDAS PRIEST ROAR BACK WITH AN INSTANT EPIC, 'NOSTRADAMUS' ON MULTIPLE CLASSIC FORMATS & A WORLD TOUR

Think 'Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album,' and some of rock's all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST will be releasing their sprawling double disc concept album, 'Nostradamus' via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records.

Long in the works, 'Nostradamus' takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.

"As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception," points out singer Rob Halford. "Nostradamus' contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man's life alive with metal was a real labour of love."

As with all new Priest releases, the group - singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis - will embark on a mammoth worldwide tour in support of 'Nostradamus.' Priest will be performing at the 2008 Download Festival - on a bill also featuring Kiss - which will serve as a 'homecoming' of sorts for the group, as they performed at the first-ever 'Monsters of Rock Festival' at Donington Park in 1980.

Since 1974, Judas Priest has been one of heavy metal's most successful bands, issuing such all-time classic albums as 1980's 'British Steel,' 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance,' and 1990's 'Painkiller,' and such arena-rocking anthems as "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'." However, Priest's influence goes far beyond their music - they were the first metal band to embrace the 'leather biker look,' a fashion that has since become synonymous with the musical genre. Additionally, Halford's powerful four-and-a-half octave vocal range and the twin guitar harmonies of Downing and Tipton have been 'studied' by countless metal bands in Priest's wake.

"The 'Nostradamus' album - above all others - is perhaps the one I'm most proud of," says Tipton. "Whilst in essence and character still very much Judas Priest, it has afforded the opportunity to explore areas of classical and operatic dimensions that the band normally wouldn't. As a guitarist and writer it has inspired me to greater heights and opened new doors to intrigue and passion. From start to finish, it will take you through a magical experience filled with light, shade, drama, melody and emotion that reflects this unique man and his life."

"For me, 'Nostradamus' has been a musical journey without comparison," adds Downing. "The intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man has expanded my perception of heavy metal to the highest plateau and enabled me to reach the outer limits of my imagination and transport unique feelings and emotions to the instrument that allows me to express myself."

In addition to the regular jewel case double CD version of the album, collectors will undoubtedly be interested in hunting down a copy of a Deluxe Double CD housed in a 48 page hardbound book package. But that's not all - a Super Deluxe Box-set version will also be available with triple vinyl, the double CD, an expanded booklet & a poster.

Most bands of this high stature would be happy to play it safe. But not Judas Priest, who continue to take chances and break new ground. No other rock band could have pulled off such a grand statement, and Judas Priest have raised the bar once more with 'Nostradamus.'

As to why they chose to make a concept album about Nostradamus, Tipton explains: "We didn't - he chose us. We feel it was meant to be!"

To get a taste of what awaits for you within 'Nostradamus,' go to livenation.com/judaspriest Monday, April 21st to download exclusive free mp3 of the album's title track, as well as view the world premiere of the album cover art.

'NOSTRADAMUS' TRACK LISTING:

Dawn of Creation
PROPHECY

Awakening
REVELATIONS

The Four Horsemen
WAR

Sands of Time
PESTILENCE AND PLAGUE

DEATH

Peace
CONQUEST

LOST LOVE

PERSECUTION

Solitude
EXILED

ALONE

Shadows In the Flame
VISIONS

Hope
NEW BEGINNINGS

Calm Before The Storm
NOSTRADAMUS

KEEL REUINITING WITH MARC FERRARI 4/12/08

Ron Keel and Marc Ferrari...

Last nite at Tailspin we got a special treat that can only happen in Vegas. Ron Keel reuniting with his old bandmate and co-writer Marc Ferrari onstage with our own talented cover band, Highwire. This show brought out a good sized crowd even though there were tons of bands playing all over town throughout the nite.


Ron Keel

New guy Johnny Douglas!!

There was so much to choose from and people still came out to see two guys that havnt been onstage together in ages. It was a great time had by all that attended. It started off with Ron and Highwire doing their normal first set together of covers and then on the second set they got Marc onstage with a Les paul in hand, to play some old KEEL faves.


Ron and Marc together again!!

They played old hits like Evil,Wicked,Mean and Nasty, Because the Night, I said the Wrong thing, Rock N Roll Outlaw, Tears of Fire and of course The right to ROCK!!!
Tears Of Fire:Live!

The Right to Rock:Live!!



The guys with Michael Christian!

It was a smoking hot set and it looked as though the guys were having some nostalgia happening and heavy metal magic was in the air as the boys of KEEL blew our asses away!!!


Ron and Johnny!!

After Marc played a killer set with the boys they took a break and then went on to play rockin covers til like 2:30am!! This band is tireless and even plays requests til the ealry morn hours! Highwire will be playing at Rocklahoma with Ron Keel in July in Oklahoma. This should be a blast and really a good oppertunity for the band to really get some recognition that they deserve!!


Me and Marc in '90!! How cute was he??


Me and the guys today!!

I got to chat with Marc for a bit before the show and brought some old Cold Sweat photos from 1990 when they played at Calamity Janes.(This was Marc's his band after KEEL) He enjoyed the photos and it was just weird seeing this guy who had some killer locks back in the day with such short hair. He was one of the hottest guys in his day, or at least I thought that!! He is still very cute and a sweet guy. Was cool to meet him again and see him perform with Ron after all these years! It was a kick-ass show and I enjoyed being there to see it and hang with all my Vegas friends too! You guys RAWK!!

I would give this show \m/\m/\m/\m/\m/ horns way up!!!

FIREWIND COMING TO VEGAS@JILLIANS,JUNE 1ST!

HANG ON TO YER ASSES FELLOW METALHEADS!!! FUCKING ONE OF THE TOP HEAVY METAL BANDS FROM GREECE,FIREWIND IS ACTAULLY HITTING VEGAS SUPPORTING THEIR NEW CD CALLED " THE PREMONITON".


THIS CD JUST CAME OUT AND I GOT A COPY TODAY!!! SO FAR FROM HEARING THREE SONGS I AM BLOWN AWAY!! I SAW THEM AT PROG/POWER IN ATLANTA LAST YEAR AND THEY WERE IN THE TOP THREE OF THE BEST BANDS OUT OF 12 WITH PRIMAL FEAR AND PAGANS MIND!! THIS BAND JUST SMOKES WITH GUITARIST GUS G BLISTERING UP THE FRETS AND APPOLLO SINGING WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL VOCALS!! I AM SO FUCKING STOKED THAT THESE GUYS ARE ACTUALLY COMING TO VEGAS!!

THIS IS THEIR NEW VIDEO FOR THE MERCENARY:


THIS IS FROM THEIR LAST CD ALLEGIANCE CALLED FALLING TO PIECES:

Firewind - Falling To Pieces


JUST REMEMBER, JUNE 1ST AT JILLIANS ......... BE THERE OR BE FOREVER LAME!!! THIS BAND JUST RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED! SEE YA THERE!