Rock Band Entertainment Blog

Nasty News 10/20/08

 Okay, folks; it's that time of year again:  football is in full swing, the baseball playoffs are hot and heavy, basketball is about to begin and, of course, THE NHL is back!  Let's try to forget our woes in spite of our 401K's turning to 10K's and our houses' continual depreciation...it WILL get better.  Let's fill you in on some rock and roll news.

First off, with Metallica and AC/DC tours getting ready to hit the road this month, it is no surprise that radio stations across the country are playing more new and old classics from these behemoth rockers. Add new music from Guns N' Roses to that mix with anticipation of the release of "Chinese Democracy" (Vegas odds makers still have a close eye on this!) and you have powerful rock and roll sounds gracing the airwaves. 

With that great tradition in mind, young rockers from Coweta, Oklahoma, Crooked X are going to be impressing rock fans of all ages with their power rock that has obvious influences from these masters.  With the anthemic  "Rock N Roll Dream" hitting radio now and an amazing digital EP available on iTunes, Crooked X is primed for success.   Get familiar with Crooked X as this will be a household name very soon.  While still on the subject,  a big Nastyman hello to all of the band members' parents, who were all weaned on the Nasty News and our old show Powercuts that they used to listen to on KMOD!!!!

Mark down the dates June 26-28, as that is when the great city of West Hollywood, California, will stage year number two of the Sunset Strip Music Festival on the legendary Sunset Strip.  Year one this past June was a huge hit, garnering rave reviews from press outlets all over the world, so it  seems obvious year two should create quite a stir -- especially since this year the city has agreed to close down The Strip on the Saturday of the event from San Vicente Blvd. to Doheny Drive.  We have been hearing some hot rumors on just what band (or bands) will headline that massive street scene.  You know we will keep you posted.

As usual, the legendary Canyon Club has been going above and beyond with an amazing array of talent that has played to packed houses there over the past few weeks.   Stand-out performances from the likes of Toad The Wet Sprocket, Johnny Lang, Johnny Winter and more.  A special kudos to the one and only Pat Benatar and, of course, her hubby, guitar master Neil Giraldo, whose recent CC gig had the sold-out crowd in a frenzy! Pat's powerful and emotional voice was in top form as she and Neil took the fans though an amazing journey through their repertoire of hits. 

But wait, there is more you hockey pucks! I had to make sure to tell you about the sensational night of comedy at The Canyon provided by living legend Don Rickles.  After stealing the show at the recent Emmy Awards as a presenter, Don had the SRO audience in hysterical laughter.  And of course, all were impressed by the orchestra that backed "Mr. Sincerity," but even more so by the fact that the evening could have been a paparazzi's dream night with the who's who of celebrities that graced the VIP section.

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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!!!!


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