I'll Be Listening to Hanoi Rocks Today...

I have a massive chore list for today which involves cleaning, organizing and writing. It dawned on me the other day that I haven't listened to Hanoi Rocks in a long, long time. I decided to make a Hanoi play list to use during my work. Here's a few of the songs I'll be rocking out to while clearing out my junk room.

"Tragedy"

"Fashion"

"Up Around the Bend"

So Hell Froze Over

Before we talk Glam, I need to spend 12 seconds talking about the Balloon Boy. Seriously? Did you all watch the news yesterday? A six year old supposedly floating away over Colorado in his father's homemade UFO-like flying machine. The kid was never in the balloon and was found safe in his garage. Of course, he wasn't found until after the damn police and military were mobilized. Watching the flying UFO "carrying the boy" was the craziest news footage I've seen in a long, long time.

Now, the Glam and the hell freezing over part: Dokken and Lynch Mob will play a show together. Seriously. The two bands will share a stage at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. The show is scheduled for November 29 - Thanksgiving weekend. Tickets are on sale now.

Would it be wrong to take bets on how long the show lasts? Three songs? I'm a little skeptical it will even come off, but sometimes a binding contract helps push things along. I'm not seeing a full fledged tour off this, but I bet both bands could make some decent coin traveling around together and we are in a recession...and everyone needs some extra cash these days.

So, what do we think? Will the Dokken/Lynch Mob show be a success or failure of epic proportions? If I had the money and time, I'd fly to California just to witness this event. I feel it's going to be something to see.

SHIPROCKED NEARLY SOLD OUT: DON'T MISS THE BOAT!

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (October 15, 2009) - Been thinking about a vacation? Love rock n' roll? Want to try a cruise? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then ShipRocked is for you - but act fast because cabins are nearly sold out! ShipRocked is the hardest rocking floating festival of 2009 featuring Queensryche, Tesla, RATT, Skid Row, Lynam, Endeverafter, Broken Teeth, Stereoside, Stonerider and the Niki Barr Band. The cruise sets sail from Ft. Lauderdale on November 15 and returns you to reality five days later. Along the way, ShipRocked ports in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. For more information, visit http://www.getshiprocked.com/

Worried about the economy? Who isn't?! If you book now, you'll get in on special pricing for the last few remaining cabins.  From now until they are gone, cabins will be sold on a "guarantee basis" which means you are guaranteed an interior, ocean view or balcony stateroom with a chance of an upgrade - without the extra cost! All cabins are subject to availability, and start at only $749 (per person, double occupancy). The prices include your cruise (room and board), all the concerts, meet and greets and other exclusive events during the trip.  For booking and more information, please visit www.getshiprocked.com, or call 877-855-5502. Remember - once all cabins are booked no more can be added, so don't delay. You don't want to miss the boat on the year's biggest music event.

During ShipRocked, you'll be entertained by Queensryche, Tesla, RATT, Skid Row, Lynam, Endeverafter, Broken Teeth, Stereoside, Stonerider and the Niki Barr Band. You'll also have time to relax on the beach while in port, rock out in clubs around the ship, express yourself during heavy metal karaoke and dress up like it's 1989 during the 80s Prom Night!

ShipRocked sails November 15 -20, 2009 on the beautiful MSC Poesia. The Poesia is the third vessel in the MSC Cruise Line's "Musica" family of ships. This ship features MSC Cruise Line's signature Italian inspired decor, impeccable service, sumptuous cuisine in multiple restaurants, beautiful swimming pools, hot tubs plus a full-service spa and fitness center.

ShipRocked will truly be the ultimate rock and roll vacation and backstage pass!

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A Frank Discussion About the New KISS CD

I've wanted to review Sonic Boom for over a week now. Here's the problem: I can't get the CD to play! I bought the disc, popped it in my car and it got jammed in the player for four days. Sunday, the disc just decided to pop out, so I grabbed it and inserted the KISS Klassics CD that comes along with Sonic Boom - and this disc just skips around. We're not talking about a normal "skip" here: this is a massive, sound dropping mess. The problem isn't my car stereo, either. I tried a few different CDS, all of them played wonderfully.

Am I the only one having such KISS problems?

I swear I read on Metal Sludge that someone else was having issues with the CD quality of Sonic Boom, but now I can't find that thread. I can't return the disc because I threw away the receipt when I walked out of the evil empire, er,  store. I've never had a problem with a newly purchased CD - ever. I'm afraid to put any of the KISS related Sonic Boom discs in my laptop because I don't want one of them to become jammed, or worse. At this point, I'm even afraid of trying to play the live DVD.

Could it be that KISS sunk so low with their Wal-Mart deal that they sacrificed basic quality standards? Maybe I just got a dud -- it happens. One thing is for sure, I won't be spending another 12 bucks on a new copy of Sonic Boom. 

Anyone else have such problems?

Heavy Pettin'

Who here likes the band Heavy Pettin'? I don't recall us talking about them much, but they have some decent melodic tunes. My favorite is "Rock Ain't Dead." Maybe I just like the video - but it's good stuff. Hamie, the lead singer, sure as hell has a high voice. Seriously. High. The first time I heard this band, I sort of jumped a little.

Here's the clip for "Rock Ain't Dead:"

Here's "Victim's of Night:"

UFO - Live, Tonight!

Instead of a boring Tuesday night on my couch, I've decided to actually brush my hair, put on some eye liner and head out to see UFO live, right here in Dayton, Ohio. The band is playing at McGuffy's, our little dive rock bar that hosts some pretty decent acts. Tons of Glam and hard rock bands have played McGuffys in the past and the venue continues to book solidly into the future. With newer clubs closing all the time, it's good to see a business doing well in this down economy.

The last time I saw UFO live was at Rocklahoma 2008. Phil Mogg was a jolly character with boundless energy - he acted half his age! We'll see how he does tonight. Hopefully, my friends and I will hear "Doctor, Doctor."

KISS on Oprah Back in 1987

Someone on Metal Sludge posted these awesome clips of KISS' Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on Oprah back in 1987. I've never seen this episode until now. It's good stuff: Gene and Paul are over-the-top ridiculous as usual.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4