Hi friends, wow has it been a long time since I tried inking this column! To give you a quick refresher course, the Nasty Newz first came into reality when I was a weekly part of the syndicated radio show we produced out of Album Network and Global Satellite…Power Cuts! Over the years I have had it penned with me and for me by several, but the two who always come to mind first are Ben Plotkin and Tom Maguire. Anyhow, now it’s just me.
The Nasty Newz was a weekly staple on radio stations across America during the 80s and 90s, and was also a key source of news and gossip as the weekly column ran in Album Network for most of the 20 years I was a part of it. Well guess what, Nasty Newz is back, this time as a part of Rock Band Entertainment, and we are damn glad about it. I am going to dig up some great dirt, gossip, innuendo, and maybe even some factual stuff about the many bands of the past and present, and perhaps we’ll be able to mold a little future here too!
First off, kudos to my dear buddies north of the border in Triumph, who most recently knocked the house down in Oklahoma at this year’s Rocklahoma festival. From what I heard and saw footage of, Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and my long time crony Mike Levine didn’t miss a beat and, most importantly, haven’t lost a step in their triumphant return. For years Triumph combined smart lyrics, top-notch musicianship and a most amazing utilization of cutting edge light shows and pyro to ride the top of the rock charts. Touring was a great specialty for Triumph, and I have a strong feeling that 2009 will be a most successful year for the trio as they formulate plans for their long awaited world tour. Judging from all the positive response to the select festivals they have been a part of, concert promoters will be clamoring to get Triumph back out in front of their fans.
I had the chance to catch up with another great pal of the Nastyman on the phone last week and that is the one and only Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister. Jay Jay is another rock legend who not only is a helluva player but an amazing businessman as well, having managed the likes of Sevendust and being a key part of the business side of Twisted’s continued success. You can count on some more appearances from the band, and one thing that is awesome here is that Twisted Sister still boasts having all its original members in tact…Dee Snider (another multi media star), Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, and A.J. Pero along with Jay Jay. That’s quite an accomplishment for these rock and roll veterans, as most times nowadays you need a score card to keep up with which original members are in what bands. Look for TS to make major waves in the music world for Xmases to come as some big plans will be announced in the not too distant future. This new touring idea will have a huge impact that will rival the annual Rockette’s extravaganza each holiday year. Add the fact that next year marks the 25th anniversary of their smash Stay Hungry and you’ve got a Twisted 2009 upcoming.
Let me shift back to Canada for a second as some of my favorite acts that I have had the pleasure to work with hails from there. Let’s talk about Rush and let me editorialize for a moment. Year after year, Geddy, Alex and Neil continue to amaze their fans and their peers and this summer’s tour is no exception. I can honestly say these are three of the most amazing and creative musicians who have ever played an instrument or sung a note. They continue to make new music that does something novel that most heritage bands would love and that is SELL!!! Rush still sells out venue after venue night after night with no letdown in sight, and they continue to give their all to their many rabid fans.
Where am I going with this? To the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that’s where! I know that everyone has their opinion of who belongs in and who doesn’t and that will forever be a bone of contention among music fans, critics and industry types. I say that Rush is as deserving, if not more so, than ANY acts you can name not currently in, and they should be on the next ballot without a doubt (said in a Canadian accent). Also in their corner, Rush has had one of the best managers out there at the helm for them as long as the band has been famous, Ray Danniels adds to the mix of the inner circle and family that is Rush. They have all had many ups and downs and for decades have been absolute and total winners…..three cheers for Rush!
Shows I have seen that have really impressed me at our home base at the Canyon Club recently include Foreigner, Bo Bice, Sweet, Foghat, and of course, the “Michigan Madman” Ted Nugent, who rocked the hell out of this place. C’mon “Uncle Teddy,” you gotta keep “Journey to the Center of the Mind” in the set!!!!
That’s your Nasty Newz for now….see ya!!!!
If you have Nasty Newz, email the Nastyman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The Nasty Newz was a weekly staple on radio stations across America during the 80s and 90s, and was also a key source of news and gossip as the weekly column ran in Album Network for most of the 20 years I was a part of it. Well guess what, Nasty Newz is back, this time as a part of Rock Band Entertainment, and we are damn glad about it. I am going to dig up some great dirt, gossip, innuendo, and maybe even some factual stuff about the many bands of the past and present, and perhaps we’ll be able to mold a little future here too!
First off, kudos to my dear buddies north of the border in Triumph, who most recently knocked the house down in Oklahoma at this year’s Rocklahoma festival. From what I heard and saw footage of, Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and my long time crony Mike Levine didn’t miss a beat and, most importantly, haven’t lost a step in their triumphant return. For years Triumph combined smart lyrics, top-notch musicianship and a most amazing utilization of cutting edge light shows and pyro to ride the top of the rock charts. Touring was a great specialty for Triumph, and I have a strong feeling that 2009 will be a most successful year for the trio as they formulate plans for their long awaited world tour. Judging from all the positive response to the select festivals they have been a part of, concert promoters will be clamoring to get Triumph back out in front of their fans.
I had the chance to catch up with another great pal of the Nastyman on the phone last week and that is the one and only Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister. Jay Jay is another rock legend who not only is a helluva player but an amazing businessman as well, having managed the likes of Sevendust and being a key part of the business side of Twisted’s continued success. You can count on some more appearances from the band, and one thing that is awesome here is that Twisted Sister still boasts having all its original members in tact…Dee Snider (another multi media star), Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, and A.J. Pero along with Jay Jay. That’s quite an accomplishment for these rock and roll veterans, as most times nowadays you need a score card to keep up with which original members are in what bands. Look for TS to make major waves in the music world for Xmases to come as some big plans will be announced in the not too distant future. This new touring idea will have a huge impact that will rival the annual Rockette’s extravaganza each holiday year. Add the fact that next year marks the 25th anniversary of their smash Stay Hungry and you’ve got a Twisted 2009 upcoming.
Let me shift back to Canada for a second as some of my favorite acts that I have had the pleasure to work with hails from there. Let’s talk about Rush and let me editorialize for a moment. Year after year, Geddy, Alex and Neil continue to amaze their fans and their peers and this summer’s tour is no exception. I can honestly say these are three of the most amazing and creative musicians who have ever played an instrument or sung a note. They continue to make new music that does something novel that most heritage bands would love and that is SELL!!! Rush still sells out venue after venue night after night with no letdown in sight, and they continue to give their all to their many rabid fans.
Where am I going with this? To the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that’s where! I know that everyone has their opinion of who belongs in and who doesn’t and that will forever be a bone of contention among music fans, critics and industry types. I say that Rush is as deserving, if not more so, than ANY acts you can name not currently in, and they should be on the next ballot without a doubt (said in a Canadian accent). Also in their corner, Rush has had one of the best managers out there at the helm for them as long as the band has been famous, Ray Danniels adds to the mix of the inner circle and family that is Rush. They have all had many ups and downs and for decades have been absolute and total winners…..three cheers for Rush!
Shows I have seen that have really impressed me at our home base at the Canyon Club recently include Foreigner, Bo Bice, Sweet, Foghat, and of course, the “Michigan Madman” Ted Nugent, who rocked the hell out of this place. C’mon “Uncle Teddy,” you gotta keep “Journey to the Center of the Mind” in the set!!!!
That’s your Nasty Newz for now….see ya!!!!
If you have Nasty Newz, email the Nastyman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
