Kix to Play the Sunset Strip!

I'm already traveling across the country to cover a slew of festivals this summer and that ain't cheap...but I would love to be at the House of Blues on August 27th. Why? Because Kix will mark their return to the Sunset Strip by playing a special gig at the House of Blues. If by some miracle I can scrape together money for yet another plane ticket, I'm so there. I haven't been to Los Angeles in a few years anyway, and any excuse to hang out on the Strip...

Actually, I think I'll head to Expedia right now. You read the official press release while I try to make this happen.

KIX original members Steve Whiteman (lead vocals), Ronnie Younkins (guitar), Brian Forsythe (guitar), Jimmy Chalfant (drums) along with and bassist Mark Schenker make a long overdue and hugely anticipated return to Hollywood on Friday, August 27, doors 7:30 p.m., at the House of Blues Sunset Strip after nearly 20 years.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 17, at 10 a.m., at all Ticketmaster outlets and House of Blues box offices. House of Blues Sunset Strip is located at 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Call 800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com.

Founded in 1978 in Hagerstown, Md., as The Shooze, the band changed its name to The Generators before settling on KIX. KIX signed with Atlantic Records in 1981, and released seven albums between 1981 and 1995, including the hugely popular “Midnight Dynamite” showcasing such favorites as “Cold Shower”, “Sex” and the title track “Midnight Dynamite”. KIX hit platinum success in 1988 with “Blow My Fuse,” featuring such hits as “Cold Blood” and the smash power ballad “Don’t Close Your Eyes”. With the downfall of 80’s rock in the early 90’s KIX broke up in 1995.

KIX resurfaced in 2004, and began playing a few local sold out shows, but only in the Baltimore area. Then, in the summer of 2008, KIX performed outside its home area for the first time in 13 years at two of the biggest rock festivals in the US: Rocklahoma in Pryor, Okla., and Rock the Bayou in Houston, Texas. KIX garnered “Best Performance” at both festivals, a dubious distinction considering KIX shared the stage with Sammy Hagar, Alice Cooper, Tesla, Queensryche, Ratt, Lita Ford, Warrant and more.

From 2009 to now, audiences are thrilled to see KIX performing more successful festival and sold out shows outside Baltimore.

KIX’s return to Hollywood after 20 years is predicted to be “Hollywood’s 80’s rock event of 2010” and sure to be a total sell out. KIX’s freakish popularity and cult status far outweighs that of other acts from the 80’s rock genre that sold more records and had more hits. KIX has certainly stood the test of time.



My Glam, This Dinosaur Band Rocks

In Finland, there's a group of heavy metal dinosaurs that entertain kids called Hevisaurus. I can't understand much of what is going on except I know the videos below freaking rule. Heavy metal can be great for kids and teach a lot of lessons. In fact, studies show that making learning fun means kids absorb more. 

I'd love a Finnish to English translation on the clips. Anyway, check this one out. I kept thinking "That tune sounds familiar." I finally went to YouTube to read the comments and sure enough - someone wrote "This sounds like 'Heaven's on Fire' by Kiss" and that's exactly right!

The beginning of this one reminds me of the Dokken, "Dream Warriors" video. Plus, it's a power ballad. Again, if only I could understand the words...

Barney and haters be damned! Heavy metal for kids I say!

Rockers as Politicians

I follow M. Shawn Crahan on Twitter. Some of you know him better as Clown from Slipknot. Anyway, he posted the cutest tweet last night:

"I'm only posting this because my mom & dad would like it. They forgot to include I'm a family man."

Naturally, there was a link to a story I just *had* to read. It was from Cityview, a website about Central Iowa. If you're up on your Slipknot, you know the band is from Iowa. Anyway, Clown directed all of us to a special article called "25 People Not Running for Governor But Should."

As you've probably guessed by now, the author of the article thinks Clown would be great because he knows - and loves - Iowa. This got me to thinking - what other rockers would make good politicians? Republicans are always pointing to Ted Nugent but I think he's way too partisan and we've got enough of that in government, thank you. I think Geoff Tate might be a good elected official. The man is brilliant, well spoken and can articulate ideas easily. It sounds crazy, but I think Slash might do a good job, too. Think about it this way: we all know his past and there wouldn't be any chaos over past drug use or whatever. He cleaned himself up, came out on top and does quite a lot for charities. Joe Perry is very interested in politics so he might be a good fit, too. (See? I'm picking rockers on both sides of the political aisle here. Joe is super conservative).

You know the two biggest benefits to having a rocker go into a major political role? They have their own money, so running a campaign isn't an issue and younger people would be interested. Plus, I think the media would be all over it, which would also be interesting for sure.

What do you think?

Armed and Ready - MSG at Rock n' America?

Checking out Pollstar for Rock n' America bands yields a surprising treat: Michael Schenker Group! Even better, Pollstar has MSG playing the same day as the Scorpions! Now, wouldn't it be something to see Michael with the Scorps? I can't even tell you how much that would mean to me. In fact, seeing MSG is going to make the entire trip to Oklahoma City for me, so I really hope MSG is confirmed and the Pollstar listing isn't in error.

Tickets for Rock n' America are available now. Bands confirmed other than the Scorpions include RATT, Lita Ford, Enuff Z'Nuff, Bulletboys, Warrant and tons more.

Remember This? White Trash, 'Apple Pie'

I heard White Trash, "Apple Pie" on the radio last night. Now, I have satellite radio so it wasn't that surprising, but still. Talk about digging up some obscure Glam. I always considered White Trash a sort of Glam/funk hybrid. There wasn't any other band quite like them, was there? They didn't get huge or anything but I swear I remember seeing "Apple Pie" on MTV quite a lot. So let's take roll: who owns White Trash (release year 1991)?

Apple Pie

White Trash | MySpace Music Videos

I Think Nikki Sixx is Mad at Perez Hilton; Media Discussion

Do you read Perez Hilton? I don't, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed (and jealous) with the brand and traffic he created. So anyway, I guess Perez wrote or Twittered or said something about Nikki Sixx and Kat Von D. Personally, I could care less about a musician's personal life. It's none of my business and that is why I never ask such questions in interviews. I don't want some stranger quizzing me about my marriage and so I try to keep the same level of respect. But anyway, Nikki is mad at Perez and here's what he wrote on his Myspace blog (verbatim copy and paste):

Scum-bags and Bottom feeders

I plan on addressing how much of scumbags the press can be on Monday's Sixx Sense show. My girl and Bam [Margera] are friends and God forbid they hang out together. In a world of fast reactions and hair trigger assuming, it's this level of press that always jumps the gun to try and get stories out before there competition, poisoning the system with gossip. Bottom feeders like PerezHilton.com or Allieiswired.com use it to drive traffic towards them for advertising dollars. So at the expense of other people's lives, there making the big bucks. What's your thoughts? Nikki

Well, what do you think? I think it's kind of cool that Nikki is using his radio show as a platform to discuss the topic of the paparazzi but all the comments on his Myspace blog were anti-media. That's not exactly the most educated opinion. You can't just wipe away a first amendment right...but stalking people via media badge isn't great, either. So, I'm curious to hear what Nikki has to say. I'll be tuning in to SixxSense Monday. Will you?

More Midwest Rockfest Bands Announced

If you're attending - or planning to attend - the Midwest Rockfest, take note. The fest has just announced many more bands and also added an extra day of fun. Band additions include Fuel, Nelson, Black and Blue, Jetboy, Bang Tango and XYZ.  This fest also has a lake and hot air balloon rides which sounds like a lot of fun. In the coming days, I'll bring you my chat with Midwest Rockfest promoter Tommy Shelton. Here's the official release:

Wichita, Kansas (April 08, 2010) - DEA Entertainment Group, LLC is proud to announce the addition of Fuel, Nelson, Black n' Blue, Jetboy, Bang Tango and XYZ, to its Midwest Rockfest line-up! The Festival is slated for July 22-24, 2010 at the beautiful Lake Afton, in Wichita, Kansas.

Midwest Rockfest is excited to announce the addition of a third rock n' fun filled day at the lake! The Festival will kick off Thursday night, July 22nd. Bands and special guests and events for Thursday will be announced in the coming weeks.

Midwest Rockfest fans are reminded that they can camp at the lake for the whole week, at no additional charge, with their festival camping passes. Come swim, fish and boat for the first part of the week as Lake Afton turns into the Rock N' Roll party of the summer.

One day General Admission passes will go on sale April 9th  at $45.00 including taxes., Pick your day to come out and play!! 3-day General Admission passes are on sale now for $75.00, including taxes and parking. VIP and very limited number of Platinum Passes are also available for purchase. Check the website at www.midwestrockfest.com or call the office at (877)-442-3301 for up to date information and to purchase tickets.

The Midwest Rockfest Line-up so far is as follows:

Thursday, July 22nd: Bands will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Friday, July 23rd: Fire up the boats and rock the docks as modern rock meets the father of rock!! Styx, Fuel, Nelson, Pop Evil, Texas Hippie Coalition, and more to be announced.

Saturday, July 24th: Shake & Bake at the Lake, as these 80's legends Glam up Lake Afton. Twisted Sister, Winger, KIX, Y&T, Black n' Blue, Jetboy, Bang Tango, XYZ, Toxin and Archer.

While other festivals are in open fields, amphitheaters or over-crowded theatres, Midwest Rockfest offers its fans over 300 acres to Camp and Rock n' Roll! With cool lake waters in your face, hot air balloon rides that allow you to check out the venue and concert area from 150 feet above the lake, Boats, Fishing and Foam Parties, Stay tuned and watch for more announcements. See you at the lake. Midwest Rockfest IS destination spot of the summer.