Did Frankie Take the Wrong Approach?

Back on August 5th, Allyson published a post about Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot, and his online campaign seeking to raise funds to produce a Quiet Riot documentary. From what I can tell, his efforts were successful, as he appears to have raised $23,691, and the fund raising goal was $20,000. I kept my opinions to myself when the fund raising efforts were underway, as I did not want my personal opinion to sway anyone's decision to donate their money toward this project. However, now that the campaign has ended and Frankie has the funds he needs, I feel free to voice my dissatisfaction with this entire concept. To me, this campaign reeks of a band member taking advantage of the fans. If Frankie wants to make a biography of his life and his band, then let him go about it though the conventional methods (i.e. self-funded or get financial backing elsewhere, but not from the fans). To me, it seems to be the height of arrogance to think that you are so important that your fans - those who made you famous - should pay you to make a movie about yourself. Without the presence of the fans, no one would be interested in this documentary. These are the people who, over the years, spent money on your albums, concert tickets, merchandise, etc. They made you famous. If anything, this movie should be a way in which you say "thank you" to those that made you successful, and not as another avenue to get them to contribute funds to your band. And then, even after the movie has been produced, those fans who donated less than $50 would still have to pay to buy the film that they helped fund, as their donations did not even include a copy of the documentary. Quite honestly, I was offended that such an idea would even be suggested.

I am not saying those who donated money were wrong or that they should not have done so, and I am also not saying that I would not be interested in a Quiet Riot documentary. I am just getting so tired of the constant cash grabs that bands keep making these days. It is almost as if fans are seen by some bands as banks from which they can make withdrawals whenever a whim strikes them. Perhaps, as I get older, I just get more cynical, but it seems that all too often bands that I have always admired are constantly looking for handouts from their fans. By supporting them for so many years, I feel as though I have already given plenty and do not appreciate being asked for more.

The Wrong Path for Jetboy?

The news has been circulating for a while now, but for those that are unaware, Mickey Finn has left Jetboy. Based on online reports, Mickey was unwilling to go forward with the European tour that Jetboy is currently on, "discussions" were had between Mickey and the other founding members, Fernie Rod and Billy Rowe, which ultimately led to Mickey quitting the band and Jetboy making the decision to carry on with the tour with a replacement singer, D.K. Revelle (formerly of Beggars Ball).

This news was shocking and disappointing to me. Jetboy never achieved the level of commercial success that I always thought they were capable of, but I do admire how they continued to move forward as a band, even though the demand for new music from them was not great.

The first time I saw Jetboy, I was 16 years old (I'm 35 now), when they were a support act on the Vixen "Rev It Up" tour, along with the Electric Boys. This is one of my favorite concerts from my youth, as it was just an amazing show by all three bands. The next time I saw Jetboy was this past summer at M3, and I was front and center when they took the stage around noon. Almost 20 years later, and the band was still amazing. The classic songs sounded great, and the new material was fresh and they seemed to be getting a great crowd response (from those that were there early).

To be honest, I am not sure how to take the news of the new singer. I watched the YouTube videos of the band with the new singer, and while he sounds alright, he just is not Mickey. I think - if Jetboy came nearby - I would still go see the show, but I think this is a move that is ultimately going to drive many of the remaining fans away. This is a band that I am pulling for, but just do not see this working out well for the band. Am I way off base or do you all agree?

Check out D.K. here

Why Would Bret Michaels Lie About the Poison/Motley Tour?

I knew the Poison/Motley Crue tour wouldn't happen. I knew something was off about the whole bit...but why did Bret tell an audience one night that the tour was on...and the next admit to People magazine that it was all just "a pipe dream?" Seriously What gives?

What did Bret hope to gain by lying about his so-called dream tour? I read somewhere that Bret apparently said he was just trying "to push things along." Well, Bret's been in the business long enough to know how tour deals are made. Talking from the stage isn't exactly as efficient as back office negotiations.

To add salt to Bret's wound, Motley Crue have asked fans to vote on who they want to see go on the road with the band next summer. There's a conversation about the voting going on now in the community section of Motley's official website.

So, what do you think: was Bret just trying to push through the tour as he says or was this a pathetic attempt to grab headlines?

RATT, 'Eat Me Up Alive' -- New Video

So RATT has a new video for "Eat Me Up Alive" from Infestation. I'm surprised the band even released a new video at this point, although "Eat Me Up Alive" is a great song. The video isn't anything special per se -- it's a live clip basically -- but Warren DeMartini looks adorable and you really do get the RATT vibe. So what do you think? Come on, yep!

If you don't yet own Infestation, add it to your holiday list or give as a gift - it really is a great album!

Shiprocked 2010 Videos

Here's some fan filmed videos from Shiprocked 2010!

Cinderella "Shake Me"

Vince Neil "Live Wire"

Tesla "Love Song"

Shiprocked II Review

I've officially been Shiprocked, again!

It's weird. I'm still so tired I feel like I've been in a time warp for about a week. One second I was on a boat, the next I'm at my desk at work writing a newsletter. Shiprocked speeds up time: there's no sleep, that's for sure.

Cinderella, Tesla, Vince Neil, Drowning Pool, Sevendust, 10 Years, Black Stone Cherry, The Letter Black, Aranda, Lynam, Broken Teeth, Niki Barr Band and Pianotarium rocked the boat.

The cruise was on MSC out of Fort Lauderdale. The weather sucked but you can't control that. Because the water was choppy and wind strong, our port stop at Coco Cay was canceled and I was very bummed about this. I was very excited about the private island and I think everyone else was too. The high winds meant a couple shows were canceled/shuffled, but more on that in a minute.

For me, the best bands on the boat were Sevendust and Lynam. I also really enjoyed Tesla and Cinderella. The other bands I caught bits and pieces of their shows...and Vince is another story.

Because of weather, both Sevendust and Lynam were bumped and played one time only each (they were scheduled for two shows). So, Sevendust played up on the pool deck of the Poesia (that's the name of the ship) and it was basically awesome. The boat was literally rocking because of the rough seas and I think it was a little weird for the band, but the show wasn't affected. There was no pit -- not exactly the right crowd -- but the energy was high for everyone involved. In fact, I'd say the energy for the crowd of Sevendust was the best of any band on the boat. Everyone was jumping around! Definitely my favorite part of the trip. 

Lynam are always good. The vibe of their show was different from other times I've seen them. Still, I had a good time and I love hearing some of my favorite songs live and lead singer Jacob Bunton is always nice and smiley. 

Vince Neil was nowhere to be seen on the boat except on rare occasion when he wandered around with his blondentourage. While Vince was okay at the meet and greet, he wasn't very personable any other time. His show wasn't great either. I only watched about four songs - he did do "Tattoos and Tequila" and that surprised me. There was a mass exodus during Vince. I was standing at the door most of the show and I just watched a constant stream of people leave. Vince doesn't need to act like a diva (he was the only musician who arrived to the boat via limo)... especially when half the people in the group were there for him.

The food on the boat was basically horrible. There's no sugar coating that one. For someone with dietary restrictions like me, it was even harder to eat. 

Beyond Sevendust and Lynam, my favorite part of the cruise was seeing my friends. I also got to check in lots of the passengers and it was fun seeing how excited they were – but it was great working with Heather NirVrana. Eric got to help get bands on the boat with Johnnie NirVrana. Kari and I wore matching jammies for pajama party night and we got loads of compliments. The both of us ran into Lajon Witherspoon while wearing our pajamas. He’s such a nice guy and we chatted a bit. It’s too bad I felt – and looked – like a jackass. Our very own Metalboy! was on the boat, too except every time I went looking for him…he was missing! He must have been on a covert metal assignment. I think he watched more of Vince than I did, so he’ll fill you in I’m sure.

What else? Cinderella did a great set. It was the same set they’ve been touring behind but it was fun nonetheless. During the meet and greet, people were getting mad because the guys in the band were disinterested. I made no effort to speak with any of the band members – I was busy – but I did notice a “leave me alone” vibe. Still, it was great watching Cinder from the center balcony with Kari, Eric and Ella. As Kari said “I love this band!”

Tesla played the first night of the cruise. That slot is both a blessing and a curse I think. Everyone is so amped to finally be on vacation, but getting on a cruise ship is typically a long, drawn-out process. Some people slept through the show – but those of us who made it in had a blast! As always, “Modern Day Cowboy” was my favorite part of Tesla’s show. The band was very personable to fans, too.

I loved Drowning Pool on the pool deck stage and I’m bummed I missed their special show in the theater. The Glam Mistress had to sleep! I’m ready for another round of Shiprocked fun. I want a few more days, better food, some warmer weather and Kix next time.

Thanks to everyone that came up to me to talk music – good times!



Motley Crue and Poison to Tour Together?

So, interesting. I get off Shiprocked and I start to catch up on metal news...and Metal Underground is reporting that Motley Crue and Poison are hitting the road together this summer.

*Head scratch*

Don't get me wrong, I think Motley and Poison would be a very fun ticket, but it doesn't necessarily seem like something Nikki Sixx would be interested in...let alone Bret Michaels. And who headlines? Do they alternate? Who else is on the bill? I'm skeptical to say the least but I'm sure we'll get some concrete info in the days to come. What is your opinion?

Tomorrow, my entire Shiprocked wrap. I have stories. Lots of them.