Dave Lepard Tribute Album on the Way

Happy Friday! I received this press alert and thought I would pass along for all the Crashdiet fans. I know a lot of Crashdiet lovers read this site and we all respect Dave Lepard's vision in creating the band.

You can now pre-order Reborn In Sleaze: A Tribute To Dave Lepard, which is to be released on the October 1st via www.streetsymphonies.com.

There will be just 200 numbered copies of the album available, 150 of which sold by Street Symphonies and the other 50 copies by Lepard Store of Uppsala, Sweden (the shop managed by Dave’s mother, Lisbeth Hellman).

Part of the earnings will be given to the “Dave Lepard Memorial Fund” to support young musicians.

Here's the track list:

01. Knokk 'Em Down - MIDNITE SUN
02. Riot In Everyone - SPEED STROKE
03. Queen Obscene / 69 Shots - SKULL DAZE
04. Breakin' The Chainz - PEEP SHOW
05. Needle In Your Eye - SUPERHORRORFUCK
06. Tikket - RAGDOLLS
07. Out Of Line - CYANIDE 4
08. It's A Miracle - DNR
09. Straight Outta Hell - HELL IN THE CLUB
10. Back On Trakk - SHINING LINE
11. Lost Horizons (bonus track) - BLACKRAIN
 

Sunset Strip Music Festival -- Live Review

The Sunset Strip Music Festival was held August 18-20 in Hollywood, Calif. Our girl Kari went to the fest and provides this special review below:

MOTLEY CRUE ROAST: This event was not open to the public. Luckily with the three-day VIP pass, I was able to attend. Best news as soon as I walked into the House of Blues was….OPEN BAR (YAY) – Ray Manzarek kicked things off with a piano/Doors tribute/Whisky a-Go-Go speech. I know this was a spin off of CRUE’S history playing the Whisky, but personally found no relevance in how Manzarek related to the CRUE, but that was just me, whatever! Dane Cook (FAIL) – cool video montage – tons of Motley Music - OPEN BAR (YAY!) Kennedy (from MTV back in the day – FAIL) and someone else presenting with her but can’t remember who – David Johannsen (FREAK and barely anyone knew what he was talking about) – OPEN BAR (YAY!) - author NEIL STRAUSS (probably the only person who literally had some merit speaking on behalf of the CRUE). Adler (the owner of Whisky, I think) – CRUE accepted an award and looked less than excited to be there. Vince was hammered (what’s new). After the event was over, some band called The Crash Kings played and I don’t know anyone that stuck around. Little disappointed in who they had speaking on behalf of the CRUE but its always a good time when the CRUE is involved!

Friday night I chose to go see BUCKCHERRY at the ROXY (instead of the Doors at the Whisky) – little problematic with our VIP passes (regular ticket holders were honored before VIP ticket holders, YES, you are reading this correctly) – so backwards and so not what we were promised when we bought our VIP passes. Taddy Porter sounded pretty cool as I waited outside, and then alas I was able to get in about 10 minutes before Buckcherry went on. Fell in love with this venue as soon as I walked in. Loved the intimacy of the place and how the stage is on an angle with the beautiful, heavy drapes. Buckcherry sounded Great! Looked Great! The band had a ton of energy and ROCKED as they always do. I think they were even happy to be there. Highlight for me was when they did a cover of "Whipping Post" at the end of the night. (Oh yeah, and being that I was standing right at the rail of the back section, something must have gone down because literally about 15 cops pranced through there like it was nobody’s business). No actual idea what went down, though.

Saturday – Day of the Street Festival

I had to be there on time because there was NO WAY I was going to miss hearing Black Veil Brides. There has been quite a buzz circulating on the 'net over this band. Well... they DID NOT DISAPPOINT! (Sidebar: being that I’m from New Orleans and we have festivals of all types, all year round, the first thing I wanted was a cold beer at 2:00 in the afternoon. I quickly learned you could only drink in the designated “beer” gardens and there was free Vitamin Water for those walking on the street. Little cooky in my world and a lot of opportunity for profitability lost, but hey, its not my rules. That VIP pass paid off later that’s for sure).

OK, back to the fest…

Black Veil Brides had a killer glam look, glam attitude and just ROCKED the S**T outta the place. I’ll be finding out more about them thanks to this festival! (Note: Sebastian Bach has gone nuts for this band and was hoping to tour with them but apparently promoters shot the idea down, per Baz). You will be hearing about this band quite a bit I think.

I watched a little of the next act on the east side stage and was unimpressed – some synthesized act that just didn’t catch my attention. Off to check out the VIP areas. I preferred VIP next to the Key Club (as opposed to the VIP area on the rooftop of the bank next to the Key Club). I didn’t bother seeing a bunch of other acts in the clubs and east stage. Escape the Fate weren’t bad, nothing that really stood out about them in my opinion and the lead singer had a bit of LSD going on. He totally freaked out because he couldn’t hear his in-ear monitors and let everyone know – whatever! Skipped a few more bands and then next up was Bush on the West Stage... I was NEVER a fan of theirs, do not own one song, CD and personally thought no one actually gave a lick about this band anymore, but let me tell you... I was DEAD WRONG! The street was insanely packed by the time they hit the stage. They came out guns-a-blazing and rocked it! I was impressed with how great hey sounded and surprised how much I enjoyed them (except "Glycerine" as I will NEVER EVER like that song no matter how well they play it). KUDOS to them!

Next up was probably the most surprising highlight for me. I was a bit fearful I wasn’t going to be able to leave my sweet spot in the VIP section to get down to the east stage for Public Enemy but after Bush, the crowd started moving so I made a mad dash. Talk about FUN, FUN, FUN... After some little technical difficulties, out comes Chuck D and Flavor Flav and they TORE IT UP! Kickin’ it back old school and the crowd ate it up (as a matter of fact, Taime Down and Riki Rachtman both stood behind me for a song or two – little ironic for me, yes, but I wasn’t paying attention to them, I was there to see how scary Flavor Flav is in person, haha). Scott Ian had announced earlier in the day that he was going to come out and jam with PE and JAM he did! The crowd went NUTS as soon as they went into the Anthrax/PE version of "Bring the Noise." I then went back to my VIP spot because I knew my travel window was closing.

CRUE finally take the stage and the crowd was READY! When I tell you the energy on that street was nothing short of insanity, let me explain: about two songs in there was a small tree on the street in front of the Key Club and I guess it was hindering some people’s view because the people standing by the tree actually managed to take it down, limbs and all. CLASSIC! Crue’s set wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, little shorter than their regular set, but yes, I think this tour has had a great energy all summer long. Watching CRUE ON the Sunset Strip underneath the evening sky was something I never thought I’d see, so it made my trip out to L.A. completely worth it!

Next up after the CRUE I had to go to the Whisky to see Motochrist and... LONDON! That’s right BBG! readers! I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed Motochrist. I have a CD that was given to me a few years back, but live they are much better than on the record (in my opinion).

I enjoyed Motochrist but honestly, I was so excited and anxious for London to take the stage because again, never in a million years did I EVER think I’d see this band perform on the Sunset Strip after all this time! The club bands were only playing 25 minute sets so it was like dangling the bait and LONDON left me wanting more, that’s for sure! Nadir D'Priest's pipes are still as strong as they were back in the day. I just closed my eyes at one point and had to take it all in. For the life of me WHY did this band just go nowhere? Sure they had success on the Strip and of course, thanks to the cult classic, Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: THE METAL YEARS, and D’Priest (formerly London) had some mild success in the early 90s but it just hit me how much I loved their music. Now they are back under the name London and I think they are better than some of the scab bands touring regularly. Anyway, it is what it is and you better believe I’ll figure out a way to see these guys play again! HELLO M3 ROCK FEST, I THINK YOU NEED TO JUMP ON THIS ONE FOR THE SIDE STAGE PRONTO!

I do prefer my festivals to include a lot of the same genre of bands, especially if I’m traveling a long way from home, however I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the Sunset Strip Music Fest. Anxious to see how they top CRUE next year and I can’t wait to return to THE SUNSET STRIP!

Fans and Friends Remember Jani Lane at Tribute at the Key Club in Hollywood

This review is provided courtesy of fabulous Bring Back Glam! reader Melissa Thompson.

Monday night family, friends, fellow musicians and hundreds of fans paid tribute to Jani Lane, late singer, songwriter and former front man of Warrant. It was an amazing night filled with emotion, laughter, memories, and most of all, great music! In attendance to honor Jani were his family, including brother Eric Oswald and sister Micky Robinson. Also there to pay tribute to their fallen friend were members of Enuff Z'Nuff, Slammin Gladys, Kingdom Come, Sweet, LA Guns, Quiet Riot and Great White. The evening was hosted by Jani's manager and friend Obi Steinman, who told stories of his years with Jani and introduced the bands there to remember him. During the entire evening, three large video screens were showing family photos of Jani, from a child growing up in Akron, Ohio, to stage performances, and moments with his daughters, Madison and Taylar.

First up was Enuff Z'Nuff. Donnie Vie and Chip Z'Nuff took the stage and performed their hit "Fly High Michelle" as well as a heartwarming cover of one of Jani's favorite songs, "Let it Be" by the Beatles.

Next were old friends, Slammin' Gladys, whose first album was produced by Jani Lane in 1992. SG members Dave Brooks, Steve Deboard and JJ Farris performed the songs "Stronger Now" and the Warrant song "Sad Theresa" (Dog Eat Dog). Between songs, singer Dave Brooks dedicated the night to Jani.

Many friends came in from touring to honor Lane in song, including James Kottak (Kingdom Come, Scorpions) who did "Time to Say Goodbye" and Sweet members Joe Retta and Stuart Smith, who did an amazing rendition of "I Saw Red."

Next to come on stage were Jani's family. Older brother Eric Oswald told some great stories about growing up with Jani and sister Micky tearfully read a poem to Jani entitled "If tomorrow starts without me." Eric and Dave Brooks, along with some of the other musicians, dedicated and emotional performance of "Blind Faith," with the entire crowd singing along.

The second half of the show started with LA Guns' Phil Lewis and Steve Riley. Lewis told a great story about how different, as bands, Warrant and LA Guns were, but that the minute he met Jani they were not only fans, but friends. LA Guns then performed "Electric Gypsy" and "The Ballad of Jayne", which for the night was re-named "The Ballad of Lane." Quiet Riot, with members Frankie Banali and Sean McNabb then took the stage to perform "Thunderbird," a song the band has long dedicated to founding member Randy Rhoads, and more recently to lead singer Kevin DuBrow, who passed away in 2007. Last night they dedicated it to their friend Jani Lane.

Last but not least was Great White. Jani toured with Great White last year when singer Jack Russell fell ill and was on the verge of having to cancel 31 dates. Lane stepped up to complete the tour for Russell and the remaining dates were a huge success. A still-recovering Russell came to the mic to remember and honor Jani Lane, then turning it over to the band, with singer Terry Ilous (XYZ) handling vocals on "Mr. Bone," "Save Your Love", and "Rock Me."

All the bands gave great performances, but what followed was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen at show. Jani's most recent touring band took the stage, with Joe Retta (Sweet) on vocals, to perform the most rockin' tribute to Jani with "Down Boys," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and "Cherry Pie." On "Uncle Tom's Cabin," Jani's brother Eric performed the guitar intro, just as he had done on the original recording. The final number was the most emotional of the evening. An empty stool and microphone stood onstage while Jani's band played "Heaven" with 350-plus people in attendance all singing, lighters held high. There was not a dry eye in the house.

The evening ended with all the musicians on stage for a jam session of some of Jani's favorite songs. All in all it was a great evening and a beautiful tribute to Jani Lane. If he didn't know before how many people loved and respected him, I'm quite sure he does now.

Orianthi Joined Alice Cooper's Band!

One of my favorite guitarists, Orianthi Panagaris, is now playing for Alice Cooper! Orianthi replaces Damon Johnson on the lead guitar duties for the Coop. If you don't know Orianthi, be sure to check her out - she's absolutely amazing.

I saw Alice Cooper live for the first time at Rock the Bayou something like four years ago. Alice's show was my favorite of the entire fest and I made it a point to see him live again as many times as possible. I can't even imagine the new energy Orianthi will bring to the band and the live show. I bet the addition of Orianthi - famous for playing in the Michael Jackson movie This Is It - will draw more people to the Cooper shows, too.

I wonder how long the Cooper-Orianthi pairing has been in the works? After all, the two shared a stage a couple years ago on American Idol.

Book Review, 'A Shot of Poison: An Insider's Tales of One of Rock's Most Outrageous Bands'

Disclosure: the ad for A Shot of Poison: An Insider's Tales of One of Rock's Most Outrageous Bands by Christopher Long at the top of this website is part of a paid campaign.

A few weeks ago, writer Christopher Long emailed. He said he'd stumbled on my site and I might be interested in his book. He arranged for a promo copy to be sent to me and I awaited the book's arrival. When all 240 pages of A Shot of Poison: An Insider's Tales of One of Rock's Most Outrageous Bands (Collector's Guide Publishing, Inc., 2010) arrived on my doorstep I honestly didn't have high expectations. I've read so many music bios that I figured I'd heard every story possible. The good news is that A Shot of Poison actually had some new stories (for me at least).

I think if you're a big Poison fan, this book is definitely for you. If you like Bobby Dall, this book is for you. Long and Dall apparently go way back and that's why there is a big focus on Dall in the book. Turns out, Bobby must be hell on tour. At one point, Long served as a tour assistant for Bobby in 2006 -- let's just say that's a job I'd never want and/or accept. (This was the tour with Cinderella. I was at that tour, were you?)

Long talks about the other members of Poison of course. It seems the author genuinely respects all the members of Poison and gives a little insight into Bret Michaels. Long says that Bret rarely interacts with the other members of Poison while the band is on tour and is pretty much quiet and all-business.

The book is broken down into traditional chapters and then each sub-section within a chapter is chopped up by a little drawing of a needle. For whatever reason, these little needles upset me. I'm still not sure if the needles are 100% in reference to "the shot of poison," Bret's diabetes or a member's possible drug use or something else. Whatever the case, I think I would have used another picture to break apart text.

Speaking of pictures, Long adds many of his personal photos to the book to help the stories come alive. These photos are sort of like looking at a friend's Facebook page - the images are just that personal.

Now, for the honesty. My favorite part of the book is the chapter that deals with Bobby Dall's keen sense of smell. I'm serious. Now you want to read the book, right? You should. It's on Amazon and maybe even at your local library.

New Band Alert: Cheap Thrill

I've got a new band for you, Glam lovers! The band is called Cheap Thrill and they are from the U.K. The band will release a six song EP next month. Cheap Thrill is definitely a mix of classic rock and 80s glam. Sure, the band is rough around the edges but they have great potential!

Check out "Faster Than a Loaded Bullet"

"Blood Shot"

In Honor of Irene: Songs About Hurricanes (and Storms)

Hurricane Irene is bearing down on the east coast this weekend and I hope all my friends are safe! While I'm in Ohio and not really impacted by Irene, I've still got hurricanes on my mind (remember, I've said before that I am a weather junkie... just like Bret Michaels). I decided to create a top 10 hurricane songs play list just for the occasion (it's a bit of dark humor, no offense here people) and these songs are in no order:

10: Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
09. Like a Hurricane - Roxy Music
08. Riders on the Storm - The Doors
07. Rainy Days and Mondays - The Carpenters (yes, I like the Carpenters. They rule actually)
06. Goodnight Irene - Lead Belly (obviously this song only works for this current hurricane)
05. Ridin' the Storm Out - REO Speedwagon
04. When The Levee Breaks – Led Zeppelin
03. Water's Rising - Lillian Axe
02. Hurricanes and Suns - Tokio Hotel
01. November Rain - Guns n' Roses

So that's my (basically) diverse play list to entertain myself for an hour while I wait for the TV networks to continually refresh and revamp their live hurricane coverage. You've got your metal, your pop, your classic rock and blues. What more do you need?