I'm grateful for even getting an update posted today. My host is having a slew of problems and every time I tried to post, I was met with a massive page error. So, this isn't the original article I had planned, but still one of my favorite subjects nonetheless.
Entertainment Weekly says "glam is back" thanks to Adam Lambert. If you're not a loyal Glambert, let me catch you up. Mr. Lambert revealed the cover of For Your Entertainment a few hours ago. I get that the whole thing is an homage to David Bowie, but I don't really care for the cover. Not that it matters. The only thing that matters is the music - and no one knows what the album sounds like yet. Apparently the first single will be released Monday, and then maybe we'll know.
So, I'll ask the original question again: is Glam back, thanks to this album cover? Tell me "yes" or "no" in the comments section.
I'm driving along, swerving orange barrels and trying to avoid stupid drivers when Hardline comes on my satellite radio. Yes, "Hot Cherie!" This made me smile. Hardline is a great band - and completely underrated. Perhaps most important, guitarist Neal Schon was an original member of Hardline, heavily contributing to the band's sound. It's no wonder Hardline is compared to Journey - Schon's playing is pretty recognizable.
Hardline hasn't released many albums, but the band did manage a new effort earlier this year. I haven't heard it and there are not many reviews online. The new album is called Leaving the End Open and is available via Frontiers. If you've heard it, leave your opinions in the comments.
Like many late bloomers to the glam scene, Hardline has changed members a bunch of times. I've never seen the band live - but I bet a lot of you have at one time or another.
So a few days ago, Guns n' Roses (or Axl Rose and friends if you prefer) announced they would finally tour behind Chinese Democracy. Awesome - except the tour is only taking place in Canada.
In the not so distant past, GnR has toured many other countries of the world...but never America.
Why?
Is this some sort of odd slap in the face to Axl's many American fans? Is Axl afraid of the American media and worries that journalists will start asking some serious questions he may not want to answer? Most likely, Axl is worried that he won't be able to sell-out American venues anymore and I suspect his fragile ego couldn't handle that.
But still. No American dates and 13 Canadian stops? I'm sure a couple strategically placed and well-promoter GnR shows would do quite well in America. A date in Los Angeles and New York City for sure. Maybe even Chicago and New Orleans. Something. Anything.
Rolling Stone is referring to the Canadian run as a "world tour" which would indicate more dates in many more places, but I don't see that happening. I'd go and see the band even if it's just Axl and DJ Ashba and some other people.
Live Nation is producing the tour. We all know that production company is massive and owns venues all over - so if Axl is game, he could ride this pony from Cincinnati to Abu Dhabi. I just don't think he cares anymore.
Here's the Canadian tour dates:
1/13 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre 1/16 - Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome 1/17 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place 1/19 - Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre 1/20 - Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre 1/24 - Hamilton, ON @ Copps Coliseum 1/25 - London, ON @ John Labatt Centre 1/27 - Montreal, PQ @ Bell Centre 1/28 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre 1/31 - Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place 2/1 - Quebec City, PQ @ Colisee Pepsi 2/3 - Moncton, NB @ Moncton Coliseum 2/4 - Halifax, NS @ Metro Centre
Bon Jovi announced a world tour a few days ago and since that time I've sort of been obsessed with the New Jersey band. By obsessed, I don't mean that I've only been listening to Jovi tunes the past few days, because I haven't any more than usual. I've just been fixated on planning a way to see one of the concerts.
Remember a long time ago when we talked about bands our "master lists?" Bon Jovi is on my list. There are not a whole lot of bands I haven't seen live at this point: Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden are basically the big ones. It's highly likely all three of those acts will hit the road in 2010, so I've got a good shot at seeing them. Of course, Bon Jovi isn't coming to Ohio, which sort of sucks. I'm now totally trying to plan an entire getaway around the Jovi show in Chicago...set for July 30. Yes, I'm seriously planning a concert weekend getaway that won't happen for nine months. Seriously. My closest friends get it, and quite frankly they expect such Type-A behavior from me at this point.
Here's what I like to do: plan which destination I prefer, select a hotel, check airfare, select other activities...then present the entire plan to my husband and others. The way I see it, I've done all the vacation research in advance and everyone else just has to buy in to my diabolical schemes.
This Bon Jovi scenario stresses me out because I'm worried all the show tickets will be sold by the time I get it together. For all my panicking, I'm sure it will all work out. I just refuse to pay a scalper, a massive overcharge on eBay or join the damn official fan club to get a good seat.
With all that said, here's my choice for the Top 5 Bon Jovi videos:
Not only is "Wanted Dear or Alive" clearly Bon Jovi's best video (and song) -- it's also one of the best Glam tracks of all time. The tune pretty much sums up the entire genre in 4 minutes...and Jon has never looked hotter. Can't ask for more than that.
I'm so glad it's the weekend. It's been a very trying week and I'm pooped. Of course, I won't get much rest today as I have a family wedding. I quite enjoy weddings but this one involves a long car ride, so that always adds to the exhaustion factor. Still, I'm sure it will be a fun day.
Earlier this week I received a press release about Jet's new video. The release also mentioned that Jet and Papa Roach are about to team up together for tour. How cool is that? I love P. Roach and I think this will be the first time the guys in that band have gotten a headline slot on tour. The tour actually starts tomorrow night in Amarillo, Texas and winds around America, ending around Thanksgiving time. Check out the complete routing at the official Papa Roach Myspace page.
Here's the new Jet video for "Black Hearts (On Fire)" from the album Shaka Rock.
Shinedown just released a new video for their song "If You Only Knew." The song is one of my favorite tracks off The Sound of Madness. The video isn't great, though. It's just sort of average - not that there's any point for bands to spend a load of cash on videos these days. MTV never plays them anyway. Watch for yourself.
Two big time CancerSucks volunteers - we'll call them the "nirVranas" - are regular Bring Back Glam! readers. They've put together a tour of sorts to raise money for their super-worthy cause. Here's the press release and if you can help in any way - such as with a corporate sponsorship - please get in touch via the official charity website.
Cancer Sucks! Head Bangers Cure Tour
Join the CancerSucks.com Cure Corps at a concert near you. We'll be rocking all over America, raising money for cancer research. Thanks to the support of the promoters, you can find us at epic events, including:
CancerSucks.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity with ATTITUDE! We raise money to find a cure for cancer. Corporate Sponsors fund all overhead expenses, allowing us to donate every penny you give to research.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 12:01AM 