“Tap Into America……”

Check this out.  We need to start a campaign to get this to occur on the East Coast.  Who doesn’t want to pay to see exploding drummers and a Stonehenge monument on stage to raise money for kids?!!!!…………

 

Celebrate the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and the musicians of its future with a benefit event that “goes to 11.” On October 16, the movie that does for rock what “The Sound Of Music” did for hills will thrill fans and first-timers alike as “This Is Spinal Tap” hits the big screen at The Majestic Crest Theater in Westwood, California. This special event is a fundraiser for the Hollywood Rock Academy Foundation which provides “rock school” classes and musical instruments to underprivileged kids in the Los Angeles area.

A true celebration of all things rock, the event will also feature a live performance by TAPPED OUT, a SPINAL TAP tribute band made up of Hollywood Rock Academy students (ages 13-15 ) that will include exploding drummers and a Stonehenge monument (…not to scale), as well as special guests still to be announced.

All proceeds benefit the Hollywood Rock Academy Foundation and go directly to scholarships in the Hollywood Rock Academy’s mobile program, which brings music instruction — and instruments — free of charge to Los Angeles-area kids in need.

Little Britain USA

For those of you with HBO, make sure you check out this new series, it’s been massive in the UK for ages.  I mentioned on air that most people in England aren’t actually like the characters in this show – rememer it’s not a documentary!  However, in this case, they got it pretty spot on!  I’m always moaning that people are rude and there’s no service in England, this sketch happens in London for real every day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed2Jmh0LcRg

The Best AC/DC Tribute Band?

So the real thing is going on the road again in November, but till then, check out this guy.  A one man band version of AC/DC!

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=691_1222201398

These Are Pretty Cool………..

They are Skull Candy Metallica headphones.  A lot of people are saying the mastered sound on the CD version of Death Magnetic isn’t as good as the sound on the Guitar Hero version of the album.  Maybe using these Metallica cans is the way to listen to the new album.

I still don’t think as the ultimate band merch they beat my Iron Maiden lunchbox though.  Although they’re clearly better than the Death Magnetic beach balls Metallica have been giving away during their shows.

Rock N Roll Dedication

Check out the news paper article on the guy who grew a beard for the entire five years between Saint Anger and Death Magnetic.  He got James Hetfield to shave it off upon Metallica releasing their new album…..

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1702764.ece

That’s quite some dedication to Metallica.  This afternoon I wanna hear about stories of Rock N Roll dedication.  How far have you or someone you know gone in support of your favorite band?  Text me with the details after 3pm at NY923.  Thanks.

Ian

My Lunchbox

The Cult

Just wanted to write something about The Cult show at the Fillmore last night.  I was saying on air last week if you were disappointed Oasis didn’t play Terminal 5 you should get your Brit Rock fix from The Cult, and if you were at the show you’ll know I wasn’t wrong.

What a gig.  The Cult have the catelogue to make sure their live show is always good, but they sounded great last night and Ian’s voice was probably the strongest I’ve ever heard him.  If you were unfamiliar with the newer songs go check out Born Into This (their album from last year), the four songs from that merged seamlessly with She Sells Sanctuary, Fire Woman, Sweet Soul Sister etc.

I always admired The Cult, cos being a Brit who desperately wanted to move to America I liked the way they had some hits over here, moved to the States and never looked back – cos if you’re English and you like Rock it IS better here!  The fact they’re still as electric (sorry, couldn’t resist that) in their adopted home 20 years is testament to the fact if you’ve got the songs you’ve got the longevety.

Oasis & AC/DC

So today was pretty disappointing at K-Rock.  We had been expecting a visit from Noel Gallgher earlier in the week.  That plan changed after some stupid Canadian (whose address I believe is now on some Oasis fan sites) attacked him at the V Festival.  Liam was then scheduled to do the interview, but all Oasis promo was cancelled at the last minute today, shortly followed by the announcement they also wouldn’t be turning up to Terminal 5 tomorrow.

So we’ll have to wait for Oasis till the MSG show in Dec.  Has that been announced yet?!!!!

I can tell you however that I heard the new Oasis album this week.  It’s very psychedelic.  I thought the track that was leaked (Falling Down) was really good and that’s the tone for much of the album.  The familiar Oasis drum stomp is still present, but there are organs and strings used to almost proggy effect on a number of songs.

Liam’s songs are by far the best work of his career.  The Lennon inspired I’m Outta Time demonstrates how his writing has improved and album closer Soldier On is a highlight.

This week I also had the fortune to check out Black Ice, the new AC/DC album.  What a return to form.  I was a fan of Stiff Upper Lip and Ballbreaker, but there was an element of filler, particularly to Ballbreaker.  Black Ice will rock your world, these are the best riffs and strongest hooks AC/DC has created in years.  Big Jack and Spoilin’ For A Fight possess that classic ‘DC chant, the title cut has a great groove, and just when you thought you knew what you were gonna get with AC/DC there’s a first – Angus plays slide guitaron Stormy May Day.

Black Ice sounds musically more vibrant than AC/DC have done in years and Brian Johnson (at 61 years of ages) has delivered one of his best vocal performances.

Both Black Ice and Dig Out Your Soul are worthy of your attention when they’re released next month.  Or as soon as someone leaks them online.

Metal Christmas

OK, I know I’m talking about Xmas before even Starbucks have brought out their red cups (does that happen in the States, or is it just an English thing – I’m gonna be able to get an eggnog latte here in Dec, right???)

Anyway, I’m not a big fan of Christmas, but I am a big fan of Metal Christmas.  Put it on your presents wish list now!  We were listening to Run Run Ruldolph n the office last week.  A Chuck Berry / Keith Richards cover, performed by Lemmy, Dave Ghrol and a Foo Fighter – what’s not to like???

New Metallica

So The Day That Never Comes video is on AOL in full.  Check it out, I think it’s great.  Not as great as One (which may be the best video ever), but it’s really good.  I think this is another good sign as to the standard of the new album.

Some people have been raving about My Apocalypse.  I think it’s good, but I’d also say it’s similar to the stuff on St Anger.  Now, as an album I never felt St Anger was a masterpiece, but I think there are some songs on there like Dirty Window and Frantic which were good.  I wonder how many people raving about My Apocalypse are ignoring the fact it wouldn’t have been out of place on St Anger???!!!!

Anyway, go check out the new video.  I can’t be doing with the ten second samples of all the new songs which are on line, how are you meant to work out if the album is any good from those?  I’m taking the three new songs that have been heard (including the track they’ve been playing live) and this video and I think that evidence points to a strong album.

Oh and my mate Scott who writes for The Sun news paper in England has heard the whole album and hasn’t stopped emailing me about how great it is since, and he knows what he’s talking about!