Almost 40 years later, what's the secret sauce behind KISS?
The Wall Street Journal set out to answer this and many other questions when they sent a reporter from New York City to visit KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley's home and art studio in Beverly Hills, California. Among other things, Paul talked about the band's secrets of success, his vastly successful art career and his role as a producer on the upcoming KISS album, "Monster", scheduled for release in 2012.
Paul's interview is tentatively scheduled to run at the end of December.
In a recent interview with U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, Stanley stated about KISS' follow-up to 2009's "Sonic Boom", "'Sonic Boom' was a pivotal album in the sense that we were aware of who we were as a performing band, but we had to re-establish who we are as a recording band. That being done, this is much easier and that much more self-assured.
Added bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons: "This new record feels heavier than 'Sonic Boom'. It feels like [it's] a connection between 'Destroyer' and 'Revenge'.
Regarding some of the tracks that will appear on "Monster", Stanley said, "I'd be surprised if the album didn't start with 'Hell Or Hallelujah'. It's up-tempo, a great riff, definitive KISS. There's a track called 'Born To Be A Sinner', and Tommy [Thayer, guitar] has a song called 'Out Of This World', which is terrific. They're anthemic songs. That's the nature of how we write. There are no ballads."
Added Simmons: "'Are You Ready?' is a new track that I worked out, wrote, and brought everyone into the studio and said: 'Let's bang this out.' Another of the new songs, tentatively titled 'Wall Of Sound', we just came up with on the spot. The guts of that song were written in 40 minutes."
The Wall Street Journal set out to answer this and many other questions when they sent a reporter from New York City to visit KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley's home and art studio in Beverly Hills, California. Among other things, Paul talked about the band's secrets of success, his vastly successful art career and his role as a producer on the upcoming KISS album, "Monster", scheduled for release in 2012.
Paul's interview is tentatively scheduled to run at the end of December.
In a recent interview with U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, Stanley stated about KISS' follow-up to 2009's "Sonic Boom", "'Sonic Boom' was a pivotal album in the sense that we were aware of who we were as a performing band, but we had to re-establish who we are as a recording band. That being done, this is much easier and that much more self-assured.
Added bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons: "This new record feels heavier than 'Sonic Boom'. It feels like [it's] a connection between 'Destroyer' and 'Revenge'.
Regarding some of the tracks that will appear on "Monster", Stanley said, "I'd be surprised if the album didn't start with 'Hell Or Hallelujah'. It's up-tempo, a great riff, definitive KISS. There's a track called 'Born To Be A Sinner', and Tommy [Thayer, guitar] has a song called 'Out Of This World', which is terrific. They're anthemic songs. That's the nature of how we write. There are no ballads."
Added Simmons: "'Are You Ready?' is a new track that I worked out, wrote, and brought everyone into the studio and said: 'Let's bang this out.' Another of the new songs, tentatively titled 'Wall Of Sound', we just came up with on the spot. The guts of that song were written in 40 minutes."
Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing has posted the following year-end message on his official web site, Steel Mill:
"Wow! Where did that year go? Anyway, I think that you will agree that it was another great festival year and metal has been in full flight once again.
"Please feel free to write in to Steel Mill and tell us about your particular highlights and the band that you thought were great and why!
"It's great to hear that [the original members of BLACK] SABBATH are gearing up for something special next year, in addition, I suspect that there will be many other great things that will come to fruition in 2012. But for now, I just want to wish you the best festive season that you have ever had.
"As always, I am indebted to the loyal millworkers for all of their hard work and dedication to me and to metal. And it goes without saying that without you the loyal fans to metal, there would not be a metal world at all!
"Until we meet again, keep feeding the flames that keep the metal furnaces alive and burning. My love and respect will forever be there for you all! Where ever you may be."
Earlier this year, Downing revealed that he would be leaving JUDAS PRIEST prior to the band's "Epitaph" world tour. In October, Downing spoke to Valley Radio Online about what happened, although he declined to go into specifics.
"It was a set of circumstances that led me to not go out [on tour with PRIEST] this year," Downing said. "I was kind of geared up for it, but there was a multitude of reasons. It pretty much came down to an unsettlement on my part with working relationships.
"It's like anything else. If anybody out there is thinking it's hard to live with one woman, they should try to live with four guys and hold it together. [Laughs]"
Downing's place in the band was filled by new guitarist Richie Faulkner.
"It was a massive consideration," Downing said. "Obviously, the fans, who I love, and many of them have become very good friends. But I just hoped that they would appreciate that I couldn't continue with the way that I felt inside for reasons which I'll… I mean, certain reasons I will never, ever disclose."
"Wow! Where did that year go? Anyway, I think that you will agree that it was another great festival year and metal has been in full flight once again.
"Please feel free to write in to Steel Mill and tell us about your particular highlights and the band that you thought were great and why!
"It's great to hear that [the original members of BLACK] SABBATH are gearing up for something special next year, in addition, I suspect that there will be many other great things that will come to fruition in 2012. But for now, I just want to wish you the best festive season that you have ever had.
"As always, I am indebted to the loyal millworkers for all of their hard work and dedication to me and to metal. And it goes without saying that without you the loyal fans to metal, there would not be a metal world at all!
"Until we meet again, keep feeding the flames that keep the metal furnaces alive and burning. My love and respect will forever be there for you all! Where ever you may be."
Earlier this year, Downing revealed that he would be leaving JUDAS PRIEST prior to the band's "Epitaph" world tour. In October, Downing spoke to Valley Radio Online about what happened, although he declined to go into specifics.
"It was a set of circumstances that led me to not go out [on tour with PRIEST] this year," Downing said. "I was kind of geared up for it, but there was a multitude of reasons. It pretty much came down to an unsettlement on my part with working relationships.
"It's like anything else. If anybody out there is thinking it's hard to live with one woman, they should try to live with four guys and hold it together. [Laughs]"
Downing's place in the band was filled by new guitarist Richie Faulkner.
"It was a massive consideration," Downing said. "Obviously, the fans, who I love, and many of them have become very good friends. But I just hoped that they would appreciate that I couldn't continue with the way that I felt inside for reasons which I'll… I mean, certain reasons I will never, ever disclose."
The bass wielding baron of rock n rolla is sitting opposite Sleaze Roxx writer Eric Mackinnon and looking incredibly youthful, energetic and literally half his age. An intricately and expertly crafted cake on the dressing room table, shaped like Sixx's camera with edible Polaroid style snapshots of his band's history, reveals it is the Motley main man's 53rd birthday in two days but Sixx is burning with the excitement and passion of a rock rookie and not one of the genre's legendary four stringers and a mouthpiece for an entire generation.
Motley Crue blew like a hurricane force, literally, into Glasgow on December 9th and left their indelible musical footprint on the eardrums of their ever-faithful Scottish fans. Sixx has plenty to say on the much anticipated movie adaption of must-read biopic 'The Dirt', their forthcoming Las Vegas residency, the pretenders to the Crue throne and even the end of the legendary band - which may not be as far off as people think.
"I don't think this band was meant to last and we've lasted way longer than anyone ever expected us to," smiled Sixx, leaning back in his dressing room. "For us it's about trying to find the right time to end it (the band) correctly. We've had that talk as a band and even in the last year or so we've spoken that at some time we're going to want to wrap this up. I feel really proud of the band but we are taking steps to finish the movie and when we do we'll look at that time. When the movie comes out it'll be time to finish on a high note, on a positive, and not like we're breaking up. I think that's a good thing and will probably put us about 35-years which is a long time for a rock band which is cool. We're not sad, we're happy."
It is ten years since 'The Dirt' hit stores as a blockbuster collective autobiography which immediately saw the Hollywood studios circle the wagons but the project is now picking up speed to hit the big screen says Sixx.
"Everything is moving forward really quickly," he insists cautiously. "The best thing I feel would be to find a young, hungry bunch of actors which want to go all the way out and they will own it. People always say how great it would be to have 'so and so' in the movie but I think the actors should be unknown names instead of seeing an actor who you recognise from playing several parts and then you could see them as one of us. It won't be easy to get everything from the book into the movie and that's where we're at right now. We've met with the director and the production company and we're very excited but it's nothing I can really talk about right now but when we get the green light to talk about it we'll talk about it all day long."
One of the underlying themes from 'The Dirt' is surviving, perilously at times, a decadent and destructive lifestyle, peppered with close calls with mortality, drug and alcohol abuse and more than a few run ins with the police. But fast forward to the modern rock scene and Sixx confesses the new media driven age and renewed awareness would make it difficult for modern bands to follow their trail of hell, fire and brimstone but he has hopes that one will separate from the herd and step up to the lofty benchmark set by the Crue.
"No, I don't think bands now could do what we did and I don't think society is geared towards that anymore," he mused. "I remember saying to my girlfriend one day, we were at a pool around noon somewhere, I think we were on the road, that nobody would be sober and someone would be in the bathroom doing blow and fucking fighting and throwing up. Nobody at this party would be sane and not just the bands as society was also completely off the rails. Then came the onset of HIV, political correctness, alcoholism, death, destruction and people began to think what could happen to them. Society started to change and campaigns like don't drive and drive started as the new generation came up and then being drunk wasn't seen as fun it was seen as being stupid and it kinda changed in a healthy way and I don't think we could have gone on much longer. We have the scars and the wounds from our time and we can't take back what we did as it makes us what we are. It was a rough one (laughs)."
"There has to be another band like us sometime again," Sixx continued. "When we came up in the 80s it was all boring fucking bands and boring fucking record companies, boring radio and boring press so we had nothing to lose and thought we'd crash and burn but that worked. We're in another place right now but a lot of bands are still really fucking boring. I'm trying so hard to find new bands and bands that can play and out of all this someone is going to come up, throwing up, fighting and its going to be good for the music industry. Now we have Lady Gaga, and God bless her, as at least she is fucking different and says fuck you. It'd be great to have a rock version of her and we will."
There is one band bubbling under the radar who could pick up the baton from Motley Crue but only if they can find their anthem.
"There are a few sparkling out there," insisted Sixx. "I think BlackVeil Brides are cool but I've told them they are missing one thing and they need to write 'Schools Out' or 'Shout At The Devil.' They've got to write that anthem to unify everyone as everyone wants to like them but they just haven't proven themselves yet. BVB have good songs but they don't have THE song yet but that takes time. Some people have it but some don't."
Motley Crue are heading for Sin City next year after making more history after penning a residency deal at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a three-week series of four-night concerts a week at the off-Strip casino starting on February 3 and running through February 19. It is another milestone for a band who have conquered everything in the music world and Sixx admits to being excited to find out, and experiment, to see what they can do with a residency.
He continued, "We're going to do the Vegas residency next year which will be cool. We're building the show now and have so many ideas. Fans can come from all over the country and stay at the hotel and be interactive with the show. It's very exciting to see what we can do with a residency. I mean we barely got in here today (Glasgow) with the weather and distance. We have two big sets with Motley and Def Leppard so we finally make it but to be able to stay in one place we think 'well we don't have to tear down so what more can we do and bring in' which is where we're at just now which will be very fun."
Motley almost didn't make Glasgow after Scotland was battered by a hurricane, dubbed Hurricane Bawbag (ball bag) by the natives but it'll take more than that a blustery storm named after a hairy nut sack to deny the legendary rockers the chance to play in a country Sixx is keen to explore further - starting with the famous Necropolis graveyard in the city centre.
"We were in Nottingham last night (Thursday, December 8) and Mick (Mars) drove to Leeds and stayed there and drove to Glasgow. We were all on call if the plane wasn't going to be able to make it in so we were ready to drive up if required but we lucked out and the weather got good and we flew in. I just got here but I'm planning to go around the city a little in the morning. We're pushing back heading to Manchester tomorrow as much as possible to do that. I start with graveyards and I've been told to check out the Necropolis here which is one with so much history and I'm really looking forward to that. I want to stay here as long as I can. I have been to the UK a lot but I haven't spent a lot of time in Scotland as we're in and out all the time."
"As an artist 'Too Fast For Love' is so different to 'Shout At The Devil' and it's the same with my photography," concludes Sixx. "I've just done a fashion shoot with New York Post based on 70s British Glam Rock which was a different experience. Then taking bits of architecture too. Early in my photography I thought 'pfft, architecture' but now I find it really interesting. As an artist I like expressing myself in different ways and as a musician it's nice to have done different side projects. I was never going to do Twitter or Facebook or be as open on the radio but as I go I wanted to be as transparent as possible and let people see through me and start to realise that's what being an honest artist is really about to make people happy."
Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com
Motley Crue blew like a hurricane force, literally, into Glasgow on December 9th and left their indelible musical footprint on the eardrums of their ever-faithful Scottish fans. Sixx has plenty to say on the much anticipated movie adaption of must-read biopic 'The Dirt', their forthcoming Las Vegas residency, the pretenders to the Crue throne and even the end of the legendary band - which may not be as far off as people think.
"I don't think this band was meant to last and we've lasted way longer than anyone ever expected us to," smiled Sixx, leaning back in his dressing room. "For us it's about trying to find the right time to end it (the band) correctly. We've had that talk as a band and even in the last year or so we've spoken that at some time we're going to want to wrap this up. I feel really proud of the band but we are taking steps to finish the movie and when we do we'll look at that time. When the movie comes out it'll be time to finish on a high note, on a positive, and not like we're breaking up. I think that's a good thing and will probably put us about 35-years which is a long time for a rock band which is cool. We're not sad, we're happy."
It is ten years since 'The Dirt' hit stores as a blockbuster collective autobiography which immediately saw the Hollywood studios circle the wagons but the project is now picking up speed to hit the big screen says Sixx.
"Everything is moving forward really quickly," he insists cautiously. "The best thing I feel would be to find a young, hungry bunch of actors which want to go all the way out and they will own it. People always say how great it would be to have 'so and so' in the movie but I think the actors should be unknown names instead of seeing an actor who you recognise from playing several parts and then you could see them as one of us. It won't be easy to get everything from the book into the movie and that's where we're at right now. We've met with the director and the production company and we're very excited but it's nothing I can really talk about right now but when we get the green light to talk about it we'll talk about it all day long."
One of the underlying themes from 'The Dirt' is surviving, perilously at times, a decadent and destructive lifestyle, peppered with close calls with mortality, drug and alcohol abuse and more than a few run ins with the police. But fast forward to the modern rock scene and Sixx confesses the new media driven age and renewed awareness would make it difficult for modern bands to follow their trail of hell, fire and brimstone but he has hopes that one will separate from the herd and step up to the lofty benchmark set by the Crue.
"No, I don't think bands now could do what we did and I don't think society is geared towards that anymore," he mused. "I remember saying to my girlfriend one day, we were at a pool around noon somewhere, I think we were on the road, that nobody would be sober and someone would be in the bathroom doing blow and fucking fighting and throwing up. Nobody at this party would be sane and not just the bands as society was also completely off the rails. Then came the onset of HIV, political correctness, alcoholism, death, destruction and people began to think what could happen to them. Society started to change and campaigns like don't drive and drive started as the new generation came up and then being drunk wasn't seen as fun it was seen as being stupid and it kinda changed in a healthy way and I don't think we could have gone on much longer. We have the scars and the wounds from our time and we can't take back what we did as it makes us what we are. It was a rough one (laughs)."
"There has to be another band like us sometime again," Sixx continued. "When we came up in the 80s it was all boring fucking bands and boring fucking record companies, boring radio and boring press so we had nothing to lose and thought we'd crash and burn but that worked. We're in another place right now but a lot of bands are still really fucking boring. I'm trying so hard to find new bands and bands that can play and out of all this someone is going to come up, throwing up, fighting and its going to be good for the music industry. Now we have Lady Gaga, and God bless her, as at least she is fucking different and says fuck you. It'd be great to have a rock version of her and we will."
There is one band bubbling under the radar who could pick up the baton from Motley Crue but only if they can find their anthem.
"There are a few sparkling out there," insisted Sixx. "I think BlackVeil Brides are cool but I've told them they are missing one thing and they need to write 'Schools Out' or 'Shout At The Devil.' They've got to write that anthem to unify everyone as everyone wants to like them but they just haven't proven themselves yet. BVB have good songs but they don't have THE song yet but that takes time. Some people have it but some don't."
Motley Crue are heading for Sin City next year after making more history after penning a residency deal at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a three-week series of four-night concerts a week at the off-Strip casino starting on February 3 and running through February 19. It is another milestone for a band who have conquered everything in the music world and Sixx admits to being excited to find out, and experiment, to see what they can do with a residency.
He continued, "We're going to do the Vegas residency next year which will be cool. We're building the show now and have so many ideas. Fans can come from all over the country and stay at the hotel and be interactive with the show. It's very exciting to see what we can do with a residency. I mean we barely got in here today (Glasgow) with the weather and distance. We have two big sets with Motley and Def Leppard so we finally make it but to be able to stay in one place we think 'well we don't have to tear down so what more can we do and bring in' which is where we're at just now which will be very fun."
Motley almost didn't make Glasgow after Scotland was battered by a hurricane, dubbed Hurricane Bawbag (ball bag) by the natives but it'll take more than that a blustery storm named after a hairy nut sack to deny the legendary rockers the chance to play in a country Sixx is keen to explore further - starting with the famous Necropolis graveyard in the city centre.
"We were in Nottingham last night (Thursday, December 8) and Mick (Mars) drove to Leeds and stayed there and drove to Glasgow. We were all on call if the plane wasn't going to be able to make it in so we were ready to drive up if required but we lucked out and the weather got good and we flew in. I just got here but I'm planning to go around the city a little in the morning. We're pushing back heading to Manchester tomorrow as much as possible to do that. I start with graveyards and I've been told to check out the Necropolis here which is one with so much history and I'm really looking forward to that. I want to stay here as long as I can. I have been to the UK a lot but I haven't spent a lot of time in Scotland as we're in and out all the time."
"As an artist 'Too Fast For Love' is so different to 'Shout At The Devil' and it's the same with my photography," concludes Sixx. "I've just done a fashion shoot with New York Post based on 70s British Glam Rock which was a different experience. Then taking bits of architecture too. Early in my photography I thought 'pfft, architecture' but now I find it really interesting. As an artist I like expressing myself in different ways and as a musician it's nice to have done different side projects. I was never going to do Twitter or Facebook or be as open on the radio but as I go I wanted to be as transparent as possible and let people see through me and start to realise that's what being an honest artist is really about to make people happy."
Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com
John Corabi — who sang on MÖTLEY CRÜE's sixth and self-titled album, which was released in 1994 — says that he would not rejoin the band if asked.
Corabi originally joined CRÜE in 1992 as the replacement for the group's original singer, Vince Neil, who was fired due to personal differences. With Corabi on vocals, MÖTLEY CRÜE released one critically acclaimed full-length CD, which ended up being a commercial failure in the wake of grunge despite a Top-Ten placing on the album chart. When Neil returned to the fold in 1997, Corabi was left on his own and formed the band UNION with ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Earlier this week, Neil told the Las Vegas Sun that he is seriously contemplating a split from MÖTLEY CRÜE after their run of concerts at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel from February 3 to February 19, 2012. "It's not definite, but I am thinking seriously about it," Neil said, before adding, "This is all about me thinking about the second half of my life, thinking about my future, and that future might not include MÖTLEY CRÜE after Vegas. There are so many opportunities that are in front of me that I'm really excited about. I just don't want to look back later in life and regret that I didn't pursue them. I'm just not sure I can give these opportunities the time and effort I'll need to and continue with the band. It's been a great ride, and I've enjoyed every second of it, but being out here relaxing in this beautiful place has given me the chance to reflect on what direction I want the rest of my life to take. I'm really giving it a lot of thought."
In response to the fan reaction that followed the publication of Neil's interview with the Las Vegas Sun, Corabi wrote on his official Facebook page, "Woke up today, signed on to Facebook, and had about 50 emails asking about the [Vince Neil] interview."
He added, "I can honestly say, that barring the second coming of Christ, MÖTLEY has NO intentions of EVER asking me back, nor would I go back, if they did ask...What's done is done!!!! I love those guys, and wish them the best, but I'm looking towards the future with my new record, and band."
Corabi recently completed work on an acoustic album which he says will include "old songs, new songs and just a sample of things to come." Tentatively due in the spring, the set will contain two versions of the MÖTLEY CRÜE's song "Hooligan's Holiday" — a stripped-back acoustic version and a more elaborate but still acoustic-based band arrangement — as well as a version of the CRÜE's "Loveshine" and even a song by Corabi's first band, ANGORA, which was originally produced by Steve Vai.
Corabi originally joined CRÜE in 1992 as the replacement for the group's original singer, Vince Neil, who was fired due to personal differences. With Corabi on vocals, MÖTLEY CRÜE released one critically acclaimed full-length CD, which ended up being a commercial failure in the wake of grunge despite a Top-Ten placing on the album chart. When Neil returned to the fold in 1997, Corabi was left on his own and formed the band UNION with ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Earlier this week, Neil told the Las Vegas Sun that he is seriously contemplating a split from MÖTLEY CRÜE after their run of concerts at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel from February 3 to February 19, 2012. "It's not definite, but I am thinking seriously about it," Neil said, before adding, "This is all about me thinking about the second half of my life, thinking about my future, and that future might not include MÖTLEY CRÜE after Vegas. There are so many opportunities that are in front of me that I'm really excited about. I just don't want to look back later in life and regret that I didn't pursue them. I'm just not sure I can give these opportunities the time and effort I'll need to and continue with the band. It's been a great ride, and I've enjoyed every second of it, but being out here relaxing in this beautiful place has given me the chance to reflect on what direction I want the rest of my life to take. I'm really giving it a lot of thought."
In response to the fan reaction that followed the publication of Neil's interview with the Las Vegas Sun, Corabi wrote on his official Facebook page, "Woke up today, signed on to Facebook, and had about 50 emails asking about the [Vince Neil] interview."
He added, "I can honestly say, that barring the second coming of Christ, MÖTLEY has NO intentions of EVER asking me back, nor would I go back, if they did ask...What's done is done!!!! I love those guys, and wish them the best, but I'm looking towards the future with my new record, and band."
Corabi recently completed work on an acoustic album which he says will include "old songs, new songs and just a sample of things to come." Tentatively due in the spring, the set will contain two versions of the MÖTLEY CRÜE's song "Hooligan's Holiday" — a stripped-back acoustic version and a more elaborate but still acoustic-based band arrangement — as well as a version of the CRÜE's "Loveshine" and even a song by Corabi's first band, ANGORA, which was originally produced by Steve Vai.
Seattle's Queensrÿche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, including 6 million albums in the United States. Queensrÿche celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2011 and have toured sparingly behind their latest album, Dedicated to Chaos, which they released June 28th of 2011. Dedicated to Chaos is the follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed American Solider, which told the stories of the lives and experiences of those who have served in the United States armed forces.
Queensrÿche started as a predominantly metal band but throughout the years they've shed the label. Still, some fans hold on to hope that the band will return to their The Warning, Rage for Order or Operation: Mindcrime glory. On Dedicated to Chaos, their 12th studio effort, we find Queensrÿche throwing yet another curve ball to listeners. Dedicated to Chaos has more in common with an album released by Genesis or Yes than a classic Queensrÿche album. Dedicated to Chaos is so eclectic that it could be put side by side with Geoff Tate's 2004 self-titled album and you'd think it was the follow-up. As 2011 winds down and Queensrÿche wrap up touring behind their latest release, OMN caught up with singer Geoff Tate for an end-of-the-year report and a look at the future.
Dedicated to Chaos raised some eyebrows with critics and hardcore fans. You guys threw a curve ball with this album. Dedicated to Chaos hasn't been as well received by the some of the fan base as previous efforts that were a departure, like Hear in the Now Frontier, Promised Land and Tribe. What do you think of the feedback that the new album has received by fans and critics?
I think all of our albums have been crucified! (laughs) We've always done things different, with the exception of our first album, because you didn't have anything to compare it to. I remember when Operation: Mindcrime was released it was critically taken apart. These days with the internet being a sounding board of every disgruntled fan worldwide, everyone's opinion is clocked. In the past only we were privy to fan letters that came to our management's office. It's a different kind of thing these days. You can't judge things on the past; all the rules have changed anyway.
In hearing the album, there's a lot of diversity in there. I remember reading a review early on that mentioned that the songs sounded like they could have been the follow-up to your solo album. Is that fair to say?
I write all the songs! (laughs) Everything that I do will have a similarity about it. It will sound like something that people have heard before because I've written just about every song we've ever done, except the stuff that (former guitarist) Chris (Degarmo) wrote on his own when he was in the band years ago. There's going to be some level of continuity simply because I'm involved in it. I don't know how to answer any other way! (laughs)
Was the material on Dedicated to Chaos all freshly written or did it date back several years?
No. It was all written specifically for this album.
The American Soldier Tour was a success; you performed Rage For Order, American Soldier suites and closed things out with the Empire suite. How do you top something like that?
I don't think that you try to top it. I don't know how you can because this isn't a competition. That tour was a huge success for us. We hadn't played the stuff from Rage for Order in a long time so we thought, "Let's dig it up and relearn it and see what we can do with it." We've done that periodically with other albums in the past before. We've concentrated on particular albums and played them live; it's kind of fun to do that. I like going back to see what I was thinking at that time. We played Rage for Order in its entirety in New York City on Halloween; that was pretty fun to do. We actually played Operation: Mindcrime in its entirety on the ShipRocked cruise; the first night we did our regular set and the second night we did Operation: Mindcrime.
With Pamela Moore's absence, you had Maria Brink of In This Moment tackling the role of Suite Sister Mary on ShipRocked. How did this come about?
Maria was on the cruise already with her band. She is a good singer and she has a vocal range that can tackle the part. We asked if she wanted to do it and she agreed. She got together with us and did a quick rehearsal at sound check and it turned out incredibly well.
"Suite Sister Mary" from ShipRocked, featuring Maria Brink:
How is it for you to relearn some of that classic stuff?
For me, I've written all that stuff so it's pretty simple. I think the other guys — they have a short memory! (laughs) You can ask me right now to do a specific song and I can do it with one rehearsal.
Queensrÿche performed a string of cabaret dates a few years back. What inspired these? What was the reception since the idea was so out of the box?
That was a show that was originally designed for a two-night stand in a casino here in the Seattle area for Valentine's Day. We originally planned on doing two shows a week or two later. We started getting calls from promoters across the country. They said, "Hey, we've heard rave reviews about this cabaret show you did. Would you be interested in bringing it to my city?" We ended up doing 28-30 dates with it. It was very fun for us to do; it was a theatrical presentation. It was more than just the five of us getting up on stage and playing music. We had dancers, acrobats to jugglers to comedians to aerialists. It was really a fun show.
Is there a particular album that you'd like to perform in its entirety?
Is there a particular album that you'd like to perform in its entirety?
(long pause) God, I don't know. I honestly couldn't tell you right now. We've done the entire Promised Land album when it came out. So we've done that in its entirety. Typically, with us, when we put out a new album we try to focus on that particular album live. Although we didn't do that with this album because it was our 30th anniversary tour and we made an effort to play stuff from all of our records. It's fun to perform an entire album; for me it's a very satisfy thing for me to do. It's very challenging too; our albums cover a lot of different musical ground and I like the challenge of getting that across live. I love getting all of those subtleties and intricacies of a song across live—it's very satisfying.
Queensrÿche, like many of your contemporaries, have ventured into alternative ways to promote your albums. Queensrÿche has played fairs, rock festivals, casinos and most recently, a cruise (ShipRocked).
Like I was saying earlier, the music business has changed radically. What we used to do doesn't really apply anymore. If I had my way I'd only play casinos. They are wonderful places to play from a performer's standpoint. They treat you really well, they pay you very well, the accommodations are top-notch, the stages are fantastic and the equipment is top of the line. Often times when you go into some of these clubs their PA is blown out. It doesn't work and you spend half of the day getting it to function. The lights are not sufficient and the dressing rooms are full of disease! (laughs) Honestly, our fans are at the age that they prefer to go to a nice place; they want to go to a casino, they want to go to a place where they can see a good show, have a good dinner and have a great time. They don't want to go to a stinky club that has a bathroom full of vomit — they don't want to go there, right. We want to accommodate our audience and treat them to a good show. We want them to have a great time and want to come see us again. We don't want them to suffer through some place that should be condemned! (laughs)
You just took part in the ShipRocked cruise. It sounds like cruises are going to be the new avenue for bands to promote their music.
Oh yeah, they're really fun. You play one night or two nights on the cruise, depending on the set up, you stay on the boat and go sightseeing during the day. It's just a fantastic situation — I love being a part of those things.
You have your own line of wine. How did you get into this? You're personally involved in the process, unlike some artists who simply add their name to the label.
You have your own line of wine. How did you get into this? You're personally involved in the process, unlike some artists who simply add their name to the label.
Yeah, it's called Insania. We do red and white Bordeaux-style wines made in Washington state. It's a labor of love for me. I really enjoy wine and I'm a wine collector. I've had a lot of experience with wine from around the world. That's what got me started in this was traveling to the different countries. I really became enamored with all the different kind of wine that there are, the different varieties and what you can do with it. It didn't hurt that I just happen to live in Washington. Most people don't know this, but Washington state is the second largest wine producer in the United States next to California. Oregon is no slouch, either. Your state produces some fantastic wine, too.
After the remaining dates you have for January of 2012 you're taking a year off to concentrate on writing and recording a new album. When would you expect to have the album released?
We've just begun writing. I don't know when we'll have it done. We just start working on it and when we are done, we are done. We never really know.
We've just begun writing. I don't know when we'll have it done. We just start working on it and when we are done, we are done. We never really know.
Is there a particular direction that you'd like to explore with the new album?
Not at the moment. I say this because it's too early to tell what will happen later in the songwriting process.
Does Queensrÿche have another concept album left in the tank?
There's always a chance. What it might be, who knows?
TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon will sing the American national anthem on Monday, December 26 at the Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento, California. Hannon states, "Yep, that's right… [I'll be] singing it!! Talk about a heart-pounder!! Whew, I'm pumped up for this."
TESLA received the key to the city from Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson on December 7 at the Sacramento Rock And Radio Museum.
In his acceptance speech, Hannon stated about the honor, "I wanna thank Pat Martin at [the] 98 Rock [radio station] for encouraging us to overcome the problems we were having in the '90s and get back together. We got back together in 2000 and it's been a great ride ever since.
"Being from Sacramento has really been good for us because we've been able to keep it real and not get caught up in glam and the competition down in Hollywood and all that. We're proud to be from Sacramento; it's a hometown, heartfelt thing."
Known as the originators of the "unplugged" craze of the '90s, California rockers TESLA launched the 20th-anniversary tour last month of their legendary "Five Man Acoustical Jam" in full acoustic fashion in support of their new album, "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions".
TESLA received the key to the city from Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson on December 7 at the Sacramento Rock And Radio Museum.
In his acceptance speech, Hannon stated about the honor, "I wanna thank Pat Martin at [the] 98 Rock [radio station] for encouraging us to overcome the problems we were having in the '90s and get back together. We got back together in 2000 and it's been a great ride ever since.
"Being from Sacramento has really been good for us because we've been able to keep it real and not get caught up in glam and the competition down in Hollywood and all that. We're proud to be from Sacramento; it's a hometown, heartfelt thing."
Known as the originators of the "unplugged" craze of the '90s, California rockers TESLA launched the 20th-anniversary tour last month of their legendary "Five Man Acoustical Jam" in full acoustic fashion in support of their new album, "Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions".
A six-minute video clip in which ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian takes fans deep inside his set of Jackson guitars can be seen below.
Ian is a veritable thrash godfather who has made a living out of pummeling audiences worldwide for decades with his huge sound and formidable chops.
Jackson honored the longtime ANTHRAX axeman with the Jackson Select Series Scott Ian T-1000 Soloist model.
Designed by Ian himself and acclaimed master builder Mike Shannon, the neck-through-body guitar is based on Ian's '87 Soloist (the one with the New York Yankees logo on it). It has a super-sized mahogany Soloist body with 1/8-inch maple top and Quicksilver finish, and it comes in single and double humbucking pickup configurations.
Features include an oil-finished maple neck, compound radius ebony fingerboard (12- to 16-inch) with 24 jumbo frets and "High Boltage" lightning bolt inlays designed by Shepard Fairey, Ivoroid neck and headstock binding, Seymour Duncan Scott Ian El Diablo bridge pickup and Seymour Duncan '59 neck pickup (two-pickup model only), original Floyd Rose bridge (two-pickup model only) or TonePros Tunamatic bridge (single-pickup model only), black hardware, Schaller strap locks and G&G case.
ANTHRAX last month completed a U.S. tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL. The trek kicked off on October 14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and concluded on November 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ANTHRAX's new album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
Ian is a veritable thrash godfather who has made a living out of pummeling audiences worldwide for decades with his huge sound and formidable chops.
Jackson honored the longtime ANTHRAX axeman with the Jackson Select Series Scott Ian T-1000 Soloist model.
Designed by Ian himself and acclaimed master builder Mike Shannon, the neck-through-body guitar is based on Ian's '87 Soloist (the one with the New York Yankees logo on it). It has a super-sized mahogany Soloist body with 1/8-inch maple top and Quicksilver finish, and it comes in single and double humbucking pickup configurations.
Features include an oil-finished maple neck, compound radius ebony fingerboard (12- to 16-inch) with 24 jumbo frets and "High Boltage" lightning bolt inlays designed by Shepard Fairey, Ivoroid neck and headstock binding, Seymour Duncan Scott Ian El Diablo bridge pickup and Seymour Duncan '59 neck pickup (two-pickup model only), original Floyd Rose bridge (two-pickup model only) or TonePros Tunamatic bridge (single-pickup model only), black hardware, Schaller strap locks and G&G case.
ANTHRAX last month completed a U.S. tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL. The trek kicked off on October 14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and concluded on November 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ANTHRAX's new album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hy9QRWeRXjg
Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, DIO DISCIPLES) has contributed guest vocals to the forthcoming debut album from TOOTH AND NAIL, the new project featuring current and former members of DOKKEN — George Lynch (guitar), Jeff Pilson (bass), and Mick Brown (drums). Tentatively due in March 2012, the CD will feature new original material as well as reworked versions of around five or six DOKKEN classics. Owens is said to have recorded a killer new version of DOKKEN's "Kiss Of Death" in what is described as a Ronnie James Dio-inspired performance. Additional lead vocal duties on the CD will be handled by former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach (on DOKKEN's "Alone Again"), Doug Pinnick (KING'S X), Jeff Pilson and Mick Brown (on DOKKEN's "When Heaven Comes Down"). The drum tracks on the new, original compositions will be taken care of by Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, FOREIGNER).
Regarding how TOOTH AND NAIL came together, Pilson said in an August 2011 interview, "The DOKKEN [original lineup] reunion has been scrapped, and I take a lot of the initial responsibility for that because of my schedule and commitment to FOREIGNER. I was, however, upfront about that from Day One. We did talk, though, and I think we all thought it was going to happen somehow at some time. Then Don [Dokken, vocals] and George got in some nasty e-mail fights, which I'm not really in a position to evaluate but they did get ugly and seem to put an end to further reunion thoughts. The two of them had their own business outside of the pending reunion and something just went south. For whatever reason, it was time to move on. Then George asked me about working with him on the next LYNCH MOB record — and I jumped at the chance. He and I started writing, got into a groove and wrote an album's worth of stuff, all with the intention of Oni [Logan, LYNCH MOB singer] writing lyrics and it being their next record. Brian Tichy laid down some incredible drums at his studio (and co-wrote some music on one track) and we had an incredibly strong start. Then Oni just wasn't feeling the music as being LYNCH MOB, so it was shelved. We figured it'd be the start of another LYNCH/PILSON record some day. Then, actually, it was Brian who had the idea that Mick, George and I should do a band, similar to what HEAVEN & HELL was to BLACK SABBATH, and call it TOOTH AND NAIL. Because of everything else we have going, it'll be just a recording project at first, but sure sounds fun. We'd record the classics keeping true to the originals but make them fresh and organic. Then the idea of doing new songs came up, and it grew from there.
He added, "I have absolute belief that the music George and I make together (along with Brian Tichy in this case) is real and inspired, and that's what it's really all about. So out of a mess of a reunion attempt, I think we'll end up with a really fabulous record, and what could be better than that?"
When asked if TOOTH AND NAIL is basically DOKKEN without Don, Pilson said, "Don is, and will always be, the singer of DOKKEN and an invaluable part of the DOKKEN chemistry. No one ever wants to take that away or dispute it one iota. But the three of us do have time tested amazing chemistry, and because we were writers on these songs, I feel we have a lot to express. If anything I think this will be a show of respect for Don, not some kind of competition. I only hope people enjoy it in the spirit for which it's intended . . . Don't think of this as DOKKEN without Don... that's misleading. Think of it as a band with great chemistry coming up with new music that excites them, and also paying tribute to DOKKEN — music which the members all are heavily invested in emotionally."
TOOTH AND NAIL recently took part in a photo session with acclaimed photographer Alex Solca. Those pictures, along with an official press release announcing the project, are expected to be made available in the next couple of weeks.
For more information, visit TOOTH AND NAIL's official Facebook page.
Behind the scenes at TOOTH AND NAIL photo session with Alex Solca:
Regarding how TOOTH AND NAIL came together, Pilson said in an August 2011 interview, "The DOKKEN [original lineup] reunion has been scrapped, and I take a lot of the initial responsibility for that because of my schedule and commitment to FOREIGNER. I was, however, upfront about that from Day One. We did talk, though, and I think we all thought it was going to happen somehow at some time. Then Don [Dokken, vocals] and George got in some nasty e-mail fights, which I'm not really in a position to evaluate but they did get ugly and seem to put an end to further reunion thoughts. The two of them had their own business outside of the pending reunion and something just went south. For whatever reason, it was time to move on. Then George asked me about working with him on the next LYNCH MOB record — and I jumped at the chance. He and I started writing, got into a groove and wrote an album's worth of stuff, all with the intention of Oni [Logan, LYNCH MOB singer] writing lyrics and it being their next record. Brian Tichy laid down some incredible drums at his studio (and co-wrote some music on one track) and we had an incredibly strong start. Then Oni just wasn't feeling the music as being LYNCH MOB, so it was shelved. We figured it'd be the start of another LYNCH/PILSON record some day. Then, actually, it was Brian who had the idea that Mick, George and I should do a band, similar to what HEAVEN & HELL was to BLACK SABBATH, and call it TOOTH AND NAIL. Because of everything else we have going, it'll be just a recording project at first, but sure sounds fun. We'd record the classics keeping true to the originals but make them fresh and organic. Then the idea of doing new songs came up, and it grew from there.
He added, "I have absolute belief that the music George and I make together (along with Brian Tichy in this case) is real and inspired, and that's what it's really all about. So out of a mess of a reunion attempt, I think we'll end up with a really fabulous record, and what could be better than that?"
When asked if TOOTH AND NAIL is basically DOKKEN without Don, Pilson said, "Don is, and will always be, the singer of DOKKEN and an invaluable part of the DOKKEN chemistry. No one ever wants to take that away or dispute it one iota. But the three of us do have time tested amazing chemistry, and because we were writers on these songs, I feel we have a lot to express. If anything I think this will be a show of respect for Don, not some kind of competition. I only hope people enjoy it in the spirit for which it's intended . . . Don't think of this as DOKKEN without Don... that's misleading. Think of it as a band with great chemistry coming up with new music that excites them, and also paying tribute to DOKKEN — music which the members all are heavily invested in emotionally."
TOOTH AND NAIL recently took part in a photo session with acclaimed photographer Alex Solca. Those pictures, along with an official press release announcing the project, are expected to be made available in the next couple of weeks.
For more information, visit TOOTH AND NAIL's official Facebook page.
Behind the scenes at TOOTH AND NAIL photo session with Alex Solca:
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH frontman Ivan Moody frankly admits that his family was about as poor as possible when he was growing up. But he told The Pulse Of Radio that didn't stop someone — either his parents or a mystery person — from making sure that Moody and his siblings had a memorable Christmas one year. "I knew that my mom and dad didn't have the money to go out and get me and my brother and sister anything," he said. "That night, I woke up about three o'clock in the morning to go to the bathroom. I was like 12 or 13 and at that point, you really don't believe in Santa anymore. But I swear to you, when I walked down to that living room, there were three bicycles and like three or four boxes around each one of them, and my mom refuses to admit that she put 'em there. So I actually don't know if it was, quote, Santa, or if it was a neighbor, or somebody like that, but somebody definitely hooked me and my siblings up."
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH released its third album, "American Capitalist", earlier this fall.
"American Capitalist" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling 91,000 copies in its first week of release. Both the chart and sales numbers were career highs for the group.
The band's previous two albums, 2007's "The Way Of The Fist" and 2009's "War Is The Answer", are both certified gold for sales of more than 500,000 copies.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH just finished the "Share The Welt" tour, with ALL THAT REMAINS, HATEBREED and REV THEORY, last Sunday (December 18) in Chicago. The group has yet to announce its 2012 plans.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH released its third album, "American Capitalist", earlier this fall.
"American Capitalist" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling 91,000 copies in its first week of release. Both the chart and sales numbers were career highs for the group.
The band's previous two albums, 2007's "The Way Of The Fist" and 2009's "War Is The Answer", are both certified gold for sales of more than 500,000 copies.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH just finished the "Share The Welt" tour, with ALL THAT REMAINS, HATEBREED and REV THEORY, last Sunday (December 18) in Chicago. The group has yet to announce its 2012 plans.
Peter Hodgson of IHeartGuitarBlog.com recently conducted an interview with KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: How did the collaborations on "The Path Of Totality" happen? Did you work together in the studio? Did you send off recorded parts?
Munky: It was kind of mixed up. We started out with Skrillex and we worked in the studio with him on the first track, which was "Get Up". So we were actually working with him in person. And also with Downlink and Excision. Noisia, those guys are from the Netherlands, so we just send tracks through the air. They sent them back and Jonathan [Davis, vocals] was in communication with them. So it was kinda different with each artist and producer.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: It must have been a cool challenge to figure out exactly where the guitar would fit amongst all the other stuff going on.
Munky: I mean, on a lot of the tracks it seemed really like, "Where am I gonna put the guitar? Where is it gonna fit?" And it was challenging for me. Rhythmically, it was really kinda busy and I was trying to find the right space and the right notes. It's like a boxing match — you bob and weave to sort of get your punch in there.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: When I heard about what you were going to do with this album, I thought it'd remind me of the electronic edge to "See You On The Other Side" with regards to the electronic stuff, but instead it gives me a bit of a vibe like "Untouchables" in terms of how experimental it is.
Munky: I guess I can't really compare it to any other of our other records, except I guess "Untouchables" is the first in the sense that we were using different sounds and recording techniques and kind of trying to create more of a sonic boom on that record than anything. And I think this record has that familiarity to the rhythms, of what makes KORN "KORN."
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: It's interesting that you have such a definable sound that so many people have tried to copy but you're not afraid to really push it in another direction and mess with it.
Munky: I think our fans understand that. I hope that our fans understand that sort of creative change that we feel like we need to do, that we need to follow throughout our career.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: There were so many bands who copied you and they're all gone but you're still here.
Munky: I know! It's really mind-blowing when I think about it. But I've just got to kind of look forward and move through it, not look back. I mean, I look back for a minute and go, "Oh, look, that's cool!" but then keep moving forward to whatever your calling is.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: How did the collaborations on "The Path Of Totality" happen? Did you work together in the studio? Did you send off recorded parts?
Munky: It was kind of mixed up. We started out with Skrillex and we worked in the studio with him on the first track, which was "Get Up". So we were actually working with him in person. And also with Downlink and Excision. Noisia, those guys are from the Netherlands, so we just send tracks through the air. They sent them back and Jonathan [Davis, vocals] was in communication with them. So it was kinda different with each artist and producer.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: It must have been a cool challenge to figure out exactly where the guitar would fit amongst all the other stuff going on.
Munky: I mean, on a lot of the tracks it seemed really like, "Where am I gonna put the guitar? Where is it gonna fit?" And it was challenging for me. Rhythmically, it was really kinda busy and I was trying to find the right space and the right notes. It's like a boxing match — you bob and weave to sort of get your punch in there.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: When I heard about what you were going to do with this album, I thought it'd remind me of the electronic edge to "See You On The Other Side" with regards to the electronic stuff, but instead it gives me a bit of a vibe like "Untouchables" in terms of how experimental it is.
Munky: I guess I can't really compare it to any other of our other records, except I guess "Untouchables" is the first in the sense that we were using different sounds and recording techniques and kind of trying to create more of a sonic boom on that record than anything. And I think this record has that familiarity to the rhythms, of what makes KORN "KORN."
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: It's interesting that you have such a definable sound that so many people have tried to copy but you're not afraid to really push it in another direction and mess with it.
Munky: I think our fans understand that. I hope that our fans understand that sort of creative change that we feel like we need to do, that we need to follow throughout our career.
IHeartGuitarBlog.com: There were so many bands who copied you and they're all gone but you're still here.
Munky: I know! It's really mind-blowing when I think about it. But I've just got to kind of look forward and move through it, not look back. I mean, I look back for a minute and go, "Oh, look, that's cool!" but then keep moving forward to whatever your calling is.
Cristina Scabbia (vocals)
Dear Cristina, which of your past songs has the deepest lyrical meaning for you and why? – Kevin D.
I feel connected with all the lyrics I wrote, so it would be kinda unfair to mention one song only… but I'll give you one of them. I feel really attached to a song called "Falling" 'cause it's a very personal one with a decadent mood. It's related to the feelings you can have after a break up or in a bad moment of your life. It's an easy song to relate to 'cause I am absolutely sure everyone felt like that at least once in a lifetime.
In my opinion, you are one of the finest metal bands out there. How do you keep your sound unique and fresh and original and awesome? Being a musician myself, I know the pressures to conform to someone else's sounds. – Christopher
I think the key is to be open-minded and realize that as life proceeds, experiences are different and you change as a person. That doesn't mean refusing the past but it means to get the best out if it and to be ready to embrace the future. We never felt the pressure to enter the clichés; we actually don't really conform to any. It can be good or bad, but that's what we are and whoever loves us it's because they really love LACUNA COIL, not a genre.
How was the recording process of Dark Adrenaline? – Samira A. J.
It was full of creativity and very relaxing. We found out immediately that we loved the direction the new songs took and we went for it. We worked at Marco's house (bass player) in his studio and then we jammed a lot in our practice room. I love the songwriting period. We basically close ourselves in a room and leave the world out!
When on the road what do you miss most about home? – Mark S.
Every time we hit a bathroom in a venue! Ahaha! Besides that, it's not easy to be far from the people you love for a long time.
What is the best way to get over severe heartbreak? - Stephanie M.
There is not one way only. You have to realize that life is made up of ups and downs, that's why dealing with pain in a process of healing is absolutely normal. Everyone heals in a different way, in a different amount of time.
Most bands first start touring in a van with a trailer for their instruments. I assume LACUNA COIL did the same. What tour was the first tour you performed in where you had a full sized tour bus and what was the feeling like when you first saw it! - Eric E.
We actually had the chance to tour in a bus for the very first tour but we also toured in a van, and it's not easy. It's really tiring if the band has to take care of the driving as well. The first time you enter in it it's like "wow!!"
You are my idol. You are strong, meaningful and a hell of a model figure to look up to. How do you see yourself? Did you ever think you would be a role model to somebody like me, and who was yours? – Preeya L.
I see myself as a geeky girl who's been able to realize that it is beautiful to be unique, as everyone is. I love to play with my image and I find myself a pretty sensual person, but at the same time I am surprised when people look at me as a sex symbol. I barely wear make-up offstage and my fans know it. I am happy to be a role model to some people, 'cause I am sure that whoever looks up to me can see the "girl next door that rocks" thing.
What would you say is the single biggest influence for your song writing? – Kat
Most of all: everything that comes from the inside. It's hard to describe music; it's something inconsistent. Every song we write is a translation of what we feel, in notes and lyrics.
It's been over a decade since the beginning. Is there anything that you would like to change if you had the opportunity to go back to the past (about your music and your records)? And if yes what would it be? -Michael R.
There are things we might want to change here and there but we don't regret anything. Mistakes make you stronger and who you are.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren't involved with the band or otherwise making music? – Mike Van W. II
I would be involved with something artistic (painting, sculpture, art in general), or I'd be a cook… or who knows? Life would have decided my path.
What inspired you into making the band? Where did the name LACUNA COIL come from? – Ryban K.
There are people that love music so much that they decide to join forces and be a band. We got together and we worked for the same goals. The name came up right before we signed the deal with Century Media. We wanted to have a unique name and we combined an Italian word with an English one, so nobody could have the same name.
I've been a follower from the good old days since 2002, and one way I devoted myself to your music is tattoos. With fans getting L.C. tattoos, lyrics, signatures, portraits, logos, my question is how to you take to that? Are you impressed, scared, excited, amused? -Brittany C. J.
I feel proud, because that means that our music meant a lot from somebody. I collect pictures of the fans that are making these gifts to us and I respect them even more.
Cristiano Mozzati (drums)
Hi! I have short question…it is possible that LACUNA COIL will come to Poland? And when? – Aleksandra
We would love to…it may be possible at the end of 2012 when we'll tour Europe again!!!
In my opinion, you are the finest metal bands out there. How do you keep your sound unique and fresh and original and awesome? Being a musician myself, I know the pressures to conform to someone else's sounds. – Christopher
As a drummer, I just try to keep myself concentrated on what the song needs…and I'll do my best to make some asses move during the live shows!!!
When on the road what do you miss most about home? – Mark S.
Basically…everything, most of all my wife, my dad, my dog and my cat…. and of course Italian food…my bed, my car…. etc, etc, etc!!!
Hi, saw you at bloodstock a couple of years ago and you were awesome. Any chance of you playing it again soon or maybe Download? – Jamie B.
I really hope so, we'll be doing lots of festivals this summer…so, fingers crossed!!!
What is the best way to get over severe heartbreak? -Stephanie M.
Jägermeister!!!
Most bands first start touring in a van with a trailer for their instruments. I assume LACUNA COIL did the same. What tour was the first tour you performed in where you had a full sized tour bus and what was the feeling like when you first saw it? -Eric E.
Actually I joined the band in 1998 when we toured with THE GATHERING, and we were sharing the bus with them. I'll always remember that tour as something incredible that was starting in my life.
I always wanted to hear this from someone on the inside: What do you guys think of those, for lack of a better term, "epic chick metal" bands? Y'know, bands like NIGHTWISH, WITHIN TEMPTATION, EPICA, etc. -Doug G.
Drummers don't think…and sometimes it's better 
))
))What would you say is the single biggest influence for your songwriting? -Kat
As a drummer I will say Stewart Copeland…as a band…too many…
It's been over a decade since the beginning. Is there anything that you would like to change if you had the opportunity to go back to the past (about your music and your records)? And if yes what would it be? – Michael R.
Concerning music, there's nothing I would change. Concerning records, maybe some of the CD covers, but the only thing I would have changed before is the Italian premier.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren't involved with the band or otherwise making music? – Mike Van W. II
Websites…actually I run a web agency called Filezero as a hobby and I love it because it's something artistic and creative. Or maybe I would have been a farmer!
What are each of your band members favorite songs (meaning for each band member, what is their favorite LACUNA COIL song and their favorite song otherwise) -Sameer S.
LACUNA COIL Song: "Upside Down"
Other: too many…but one can be "The Guns of Brixton" by THE CLASH.
I've been a follower from the good old days since 2002, and one way I devoted myself to your music is tattoos. With fans getting L.C. tattoos, lyrics, signatures, portraits, logos, my question is how to you take to that? Are you impressed, scared, excited, amused? -Brittany C. J.
It's an honor to see people that really believe in something to the point to have it tattooed forever on their body…it means that LACUNA COIL as a band shared a lot of emotions with people and maybe helped someone to get the strength to face some real life problems!
Marco Coti Zelati (bass)
In my opinion, you are the finest metal bands out there. How do you keep your sound unique and fresh and original and awesome? Being a musician myself, I know the pressures to conform to someone else's sounds. -Christopher
Listening to different kinds of music all the time, not just metal and watching TV.
How was the recording process of Dark Adrenaline? – Samira A. J.
Very long, but amazing for me personally. I had to spend everyday from beginning to end in the studio. But I love it because I learn something new every time I'm in the studio. By the way, this time we were not stressed as with our previous albums because we recorded all the music except for the keyboards in our hometown, so good food every day, home with family during the night, and working with great people that like to have fun during the recording session and not thinking about work every second. And as for vocals and keyboards, we recorded those in L.A. in a very relaxing studio without pressure and no chaos at all, so I'm very happy about that!
When on the road what do you miss most about home? – Mark S.
Our food, family, and my toilet!!
Hi, saw you at Bloodstock a couple of years ago and you were awesome. Any chance of you playing it again soon or maybe Download? -Jamie B.
Yes, Download I hope.
Most bands first start touring in a van with a trailer for their instruments. I assume LACUNA COIL did the same. What tour was the first tour you performed in where you had a full sized tour bus and what was the feeling like when you first saw it! – Eric E.
Our first tour was already with a tour bus, with MOONSPELL, the only tour we did with an RV I think was our 4th tour, a German tour with LACRIMOSA. It was fun and a pain in the ass at the same time.
I always wanted to hear this from someone on the inside: What do you guys think of those, for lack of a better term, "epic chick metal" bands? Y'know, bands like NIGHTWISH, WITHIN TEMPTATION, EPICA, etc. – Doug G.
Personally I think they are good bands with good musicians, but it's not my kind of music. I'm not really a fan of a band with a female singer, especially if they sing in a lyrical way… it sounds weird, but it's the truth, I like Christina because she sings a lot of deep parts too and she sings in a rock/pop way, to me she is a male singer with a female voice.
What would you say is the single biggest influence for your song writing? -Kat
Music: PARADISE LOST, TYPE O NEGATIVE, SEPTIC FLESH.
It's been over a decade since the beginning. Is there anything that you would like to change if you had the opportunity to go back to the past (about your music and your records)? And if yes what would it be? -Michael R.
Yes, I would love to keep the Unleashed Memories and remake all the structures of the songs, make the music more simple in some parts and rerecord that album with the Dark Adrenaline sound.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren't involved with the band or otherwise making music? – Mike Van W. II
Chef in a restaurant!
What are your favorite LACUNA COIL SONGS? – Sameer S.
"A Current Obsession," from Unleashed Memories
"Virtual Envirement" from Karmacode
"My Spirit" from Dark Adrenaline, but I really enjoy a lot of the new album songs.
What inspired you into making the band? Where did the name LACUNA COIL come from? – Ryban K.
We just started to play for fun, then we did an underground compilation in our home town with other bands from Milano, and watching the comments in magazines we realized that we should try to do something more. We met Christina and started to play more seriously and we started to love the music more and more! Now here we are!
I've been a follower from the good old days since 2002, and one way I devoted myself to your music is tattoos. With fans getting L.C. tattoos, lyrics, signatures, portraits, logos, my question is how to you take to that? Are you impressed, scared, excited, amused? – Brittany C. J.
I think it's a cool thing even if it's a little weird to me…to see our faces on a leg or an arm of somebody. All about logos, I love that. DO IT!!
Cristiano Migliore (guitar)
In my opinion, you are the finest metal bands out there. How do you keep your sound unique and fresh and original and awesome? Being a musician myself, I know the pressures to conform to someone else's sounds. – Christopher
The trick is to find your own style and do something you love. We like to experiment, but we know when something will work for LC and when something won't. It takes time but I think we finally found our way.
How was the recording process of Dark Adrenaline? – Samira A. J.
It was very cool and relaxed. Don (Gilmore) is a great producer and a friend and really helped us a lot and never put any pressure on us. Also, recording in Milan, our hometown, helped because we could just go back home every night and helped maintaining a great atmosphere in the studio.
When on the road what do you miss most about home? – Mark S.
Pretty much everything! Imagine having to go and leave your home, your family, your friends for a long time and having to do this repeatedly. Luckily we love what we do, but even so, it's hard every time.
Hi, saw you at Bloodstock a couple of years ago and you were awesome. Any chance of you playing it again soon or maybe Download? – Jamie B.
We're currently working on the touring schedule for 2012 and we don't know what's gonna happen. We'll play some of the major EU festivals and I'm pretty sure we'll be coming back to the UK next summer.
Most bands first start touring in a van with a trailer for their instruments. I assume LACUNA COIL did the same. What tour was the first tour you performed in where you had a full sized tour bus and what was the feeling like when you first saw it! -Eric E.
My personal first tour ever with LC on a tour bus was in 1999 with SKYCLAD, a band from England. Needless to say that it was amazing for us to be on a tour bus, traveling across Europe! At least if you get drunk you can always crawl into your own bunk and pass out without having to worry about driving.
I always wanted to hear this from someone on the inside: What do you guys think of those, for lack of a better term, "epic chick metal" bands? Y'know, bands like NIGHTWISH, WITHIN TEMPTATION, EPICA, etc. – Doug G.
I think that it's awesome that they're so successful. If they got to be where they are today, it means they worked hard and did something right and I can totally respect that.
What would you say is the single biggest influence for your song writing? – Kat
There isn't just one single influence. Inspiration comes from many different things: it could be a movie you just watched, something you see while you drive down the road or a book you read. We try to be as open-minded as possible and sometimes stuff just hits you like that!
It's been over a decade since the beginning. Is there anything that you would like to change if you had the opportunity to go back to the past (about your music and your records)? And if yes what would it be? – Michael R.
Honestly, there isn't a single thing that we've done as a band that I would change. Our music and records were written and recorded the way we wanted it at the time and they represent what we were so I think it's actually cool to listen to them today and bring all the memories back.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren't involved with the band or otherwise making music? – Mike Van W. II
It's hard to say. I had many different jobs before LC became a real job. I think I'd just have a regular job and maybe a band that I would play with as a hobby… who knows?
What are each of your band members favorite songs (meaning for each band member, what is their favorite LACUNA COIL song and their favorite song otherwise) – Sameer S.
It's hard to pick just one song because, honestly, there are many songs that I love for different reasons. Maybe (but mostly because right now I'm in love with our new album) I would say "Upside Down." Also, one of my favorite songs ever is "Down in a Hole" by ALICE IN CHAINS.
What inspired you into making the band? Where did the name LACUNA COIL come from? – Ryban K.
I was friends with Andrea, Marco and Cristina when they were looking for new members for LC, right after the recording of the 1st EP, back in 1997, and the band split up. They simply asked me if I wanted to join and I said yes! The name is the combination of two words: Lacuna (a Latin word meaning "a lack of something") and Coil (spiral) which we had to come up with because the previous name of the band (Ethereal) was already taken by another band.
I've been a follower from the good old days since 2002, and one way I devoted myself to your music is tattoos. With fans getting L.C. tattoos, lyrics, signatures, portraits, logos, my question is how to you take to that? Are you impressed, scared, excited, amused? -Brittany C. J.
Definitely impressed and honored. It's awesome to see how our fans are so inspired by our music. I never thought this would be possible and I still am surprised about it!
Swedish heavy rockers MUSTASCH have parted ways with drummer Danne McKenzie due to personal differences. A replacement drummer has not yet been announced.
MUSTASCH has just released a new single, "The Challenger". The track comes off the band's recently completed album, "Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven", which is due on February 1, 2012 via Gain Music Entertainment. The CD was produced by guitarist/vocalist Ralf Gyllenhammar and was mixed by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN, PARADISE LOST, WITHIN TEMPTATION). The cover artwork was created by Martin Westerstrand (LILLASYSTER singer).
"Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven" track listing:
01. Speed Metal
02. The Challenger
03. It's Never Too Late
04. Cold Heart Mother Son
05. Morning Star
06. Dead Again
07. Your Father Must Be Proud Of You
08. Destroyed By Destruction
09. I Don't Hate You
10. Northern Link
In early 2011, MUSTASCH celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of "The New Sound Of The True Best", a compilation album featuring re-recorded versions of some of the band's best songs along with a new track, "Angels Share".
MUSTASCH has just released a new single, "The Challenger". The track comes off the band's recently completed album, "Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven", which is due on February 1, 2012 via Gain Music Entertainment. The CD was produced by guitarist/vocalist Ralf Gyllenhammar and was mixed by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN, PARADISE LOST, WITHIN TEMPTATION). The cover artwork was created by Martin Westerstrand (LILLASYSTER singer).
"Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven" track listing:
01. Speed Metal
02. The Challenger
03. It's Never Too Late
04. Cold Heart Mother Son
05. Morning Star
06. Dead Again
07. Your Father Must Be Proud Of You
08. Destroyed By Destruction
09. I Don't Hate You
10. Northern Link
In early 2011, MUSTASCH celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of "The New Sound Of The True Best", a compilation album featuring re-recorded versions of some of the band's best songs along with a new track, "Angels Share".
DISTURBED guitarist Dan Donegan started playing his instrument when he was a teenager, so naturally he told The Pulse Of Radio that one of the most important Christmas gifts of his life was his very first guitar. "My first electric guitar, it was like from Sears — it was a [Gibson] SG copy, and my parents just didn't really seem too supportive of it in the beginning, because they figured it's either gonna sit in the closet and collect dust, or 'he's gonna play it and it's gonna be loud and annoying,' he said. "It was kind of a difficult thing to convince them that I was gonna be serious about it, and I wanted this. And I still have it — it's in pieces, but I still have the body of it."
DISTURBED released its first-ever collection of B-sides and rarities, titled "The Lost Children", last month.
The set includes a previously unreleased song called "Mine", plus tunes that previously appeared only on soundtracks or as bonus cuts on international editions of the group's albums.
DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus earlier this fall, following the completion of the touring cycle for its 2010 album "Asylum".
DISTURBED released its first-ever collection of B-sides and rarities, titled "The Lost Children", last month.
The set includes a previously unreleased song called "Mine", plus tunes that previously appeared only on soundtracks or as bonus cuts on international editions of the group's albums.
DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus earlier this fall, following the completion of the touring cycle for its 2010 album "Asylum".
IRON SAVIOR mainman Piet Sielck has left SAVAGE CIRCUS, the multinational project featuring Jens Karlsson (vocals; PERSUADER), Emil Norberg (lead guitar; PERSUADER), and Mike Terrana (drums; AXEL RUDI PELL, RAGE, YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN, MASTERPLAN). He says in a statement, "After long and intensive thinking I came to the conclusion that I cannot uphold any further engagement for SAVAGE CIRCUS anymore and hereby officially quit.
"I am proud of what has been achieved, but I just cannot imagine myself doing songwriting and production more or less completely alone for a third time. This has drained too much energy in the past, which was needed in more important spots. I am not willing to make such a sacrifice again.
"Therefore, I put the fate of SAVAGE CIRCUS in the hands of Emil and Jens, whose decision it may also be to correct the band's completely fictional founding legend or not.
"SAVAGE CIRCUS has been absolutely challenging... but my heart beats for IRON SAVIOR. And music simply is a matter of the heart!"
SAVAGE CIRCUS's second album, "Of Doom And Death", was released in October 2009 via Dockyard 1 Records.
"Of Doom And Death" recording lineup:
Jens Carlsson (lead vocals)
Emil Norberg (guitar)
Piet Sielck (guitar, backing vocals)
Yenz Leonhardt (bass guitar, backing vocals)
Mike Terrana (drums, percussion)
SAVAGE CIRCUS fired drummer Thomen Stauch (ex-BLIND GUARDIAN) in August 2007 due to personal differences.
The band released a DVD, entitled "Live in Atlanta", through Dockyard 1. The live footage was filmed in 2006 at the ProgPower USA VII festival in Atlanta, GA.
SAVAGE CIRCUS issued its debut album, "Dreamland Manor", in North America in March 2006 via Century Media Records. The North American version of the CD, which was released in Europe in August 2005, includes the "Evil Eyes" video.
"I am proud of what has been achieved, but I just cannot imagine myself doing songwriting and production more or less completely alone for a third time. This has drained too much energy in the past, which was needed in more important spots. I am not willing to make such a sacrifice again.
"Therefore, I put the fate of SAVAGE CIRCUS in the hands of Emil and Jens, whose decision it may also be to correct the band's completely fictional founding legend or not.
"SAVAGE CIRCUS has been absolutely challenging... but my heart beats for IRON SAVIOR. And music simply is a matter of the heart!"
SAVAGE CIRCUS's second album, "Of Doom And Death", was released in October 2009 via Dockyard 1 Records.
"Of Doom And Death" recording lineup:
Jens Carlsson (lead vocals)
Emil Norberg (guitar)
Piet Sielck (guitar, backing vocals)
Yenz Leonhardt (bass guitar, backing vocals)
Mike Terrana (drums, percussion)
SAVAGE CIRCUS fired drummer Thomen Stauch (ex-BLIND GUARDIAN) in August 2007 due to personal differences.
The band released a DVD, entitled "Live in Atlanta", through Dockyard 1. The live footage was filmed in 2006 at the ProgPower USA VII festival in Atlanta, GA.
SAVAGE CIRCUS issued its debut album, "Dreamland Manor", in North America in March 2006 via Century Media Records. The North American version of the CD, which was released in Europe in August 2005, includes the "Evil Eyes" video.
ALTER BRIDGE played one of the biggest headline shows of its career on November 29 at Wembley Arena in London, England and all of it was captured for the band's forthcoming DVD, "Live At Wembley". The 2D version (complete with a live CD) will be released everywhere in late March whiule the 3D version will come out in the summer of 2012. The 2D version will also air on TV all over the world in February. Longtime ALTER BRIDGE director Daniel E Catullo III ("Live From Amsterdam", "One By One", "Isolation", webisodes, etc.) was brought in to direct "Live At Wembley" by The Dude Films, a new production and distribution company with offices in Laguna Beach, California and Maui, Hawaii headed up by "One By One" executive producer Stuart Margolis and executive producer Chris LaBabera. Lionel Pasamonte, who produced the band's last DVD, "Live From Amsterdam", is producing with Catullo.
ALTER BRIDGE's setlist for the Wembley show was as follows:
01. Slip To The Void
02. Find The Real
03. Ghost Of Days Gone By
04. Before Tomorrow Comes
05. Come To Life
06. All Hope Is Gone
07. White Knuckles
08. Brand New Start
09. Metalingus
10. Broken Wings
11. I Know It Hurts
12. One Day Remains
13. Coeur D'Alene
14. Buried Alive
15. Blackbird
16. Wonderful Life (Acoustic Version)
17. Watch Over You (Acoustic Version)
18. Ties That Bind
19. Isolation
Encore:
20. Open Your Eyes
21. Dueling Guitar Solos - Mark and Myles
22. Rise Today
ALTER BRIDGE's setlist for the Wembley show was as follows:
01. Slip To The Void
02. Find The Real
03. Ghost Of Days Gone By
04. Before Tomorrow Comes
05. Come To Life
06. All Hope Is Gone
07. White Knuckles
08. Brand New Start
09. Metalingus
10. Broken Wings
11. I Know It Hurts
12. One Day Remains
13. Coeur D'Alene
14. Buried Alive
15. Blackbird
16. Wonderful Life (Acoustic Version)
17. Watch Over You (Acoustic Version)
18. Ties That Bind
19. Isolation
Encore:
20. Open Your Eyes
21. Dueling Guitar Solos - Mark and Myles
22. Rise Today
ALTER BRIDGE drummer Scott Phillips told Stereoboard that it's unlikely fans will hear from the band again until 2013, but that they shouldn't take that as a bad sign. Phillips explained, "We'll certainly be visible next year, but it'll be on various projects and then probably 2013 will be the reunion there of ALTER BRIDGE and we'll diligently get to work on a new record and tour as soon as we can."
ALTER BRIDGE spent much of 2011 on the road behind its last album, "AB III", but 2012 will see singer Myles Kennedy return to work as the lead singer in Slash's band, while the other three members of the group will reunite with vocalist Scott Stapp for a new CREED tour and album.
Phillips said, "Each of us have our own thing. I think we've got a lot of different paths we're heading on in 2012," adding that in addition to working with CREED, guitarist Mark Tremonti is prepping his first solo album for release.
Earlier this fall, ALTER BRIDGE released a special edition of "AB III" featuring three previously unheard songs and an hour-long documentary on the group's career.
Down Boys Records, the record label that was created in 2001 by WARRANT members Erik Turner (guitar) and Jerry Dixon (bass) for the express purpose of releasing WARRANT albums, is now working with a variety of outside musicians in the rock, metal, punk, pop and hip hop genres.
The official Down Boys Internet release party will held in the New Year as Turner and Dixon "look for artists that are new and talented that write music from their heart and soul," according to a press release.
Newly released from Down Boys is "Mood Swings", a rare 1995 EP by DC4, the Los Angeles-based hard rock band featuring brothers Jeff Duncan (ARMORED SAINT, ODIN) on lead vocals and guitar, Shawn Duncan (ODIN) on drums and Matt Duncan on bass. As part of its deal with Down Boys, DC4 will also record a rock version of the Duncans' father Lanny Duncan's 1962 hit song "Let's Go" and will produce a new video and compilation release called "Fist Full Of Gems".
The official Down Boys Internet release party will held in the New Year as Turner and Dixon "look for artists that are new and talented that write music from their heart and soul," according to a press release.
Newly released from Down Boys is "Mood Swings", a rare 1995 EP by DC4, the Los Angeles-based hard rock band featuring brothers Jeff Duncan (ARMORED SAINT, ODIN) on lead vocals and guitar, Shawn Duncan (ODIN) on drums and Matt Duncan on bass. As part of its deal with Down Boys, DC4 will also record a rock version of the Duncans' father Lanny Duncan's 1962 hit song "Let's Go" and will produce a new video and compilation release called "Fist Full Of Gems".
On Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 4 p.m., former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman will make an in-depth presentation at the MIDEM music industry convention in Cannes, France, focusing on all things J-Pop (an abbreviation for Japanese pop, is a musical genre that entered the musical mainstream of Japan in the 1990s) — the musical side as well as the business side — and in particular his unique place in the current Japanese music scene. He will also take part in a question-and-answer session at the event.
Friedman began his career as a Shrapnel solo recording artist and later joined forces with Jason Becker to form the unrivaled dual-guitar unit CACOPHONY. Amassing worldwide acclaim as a guitar superstar, he came to the attention of MEGADETH. Racking up sales of over 10 million records with MEGADETH, Friedman continued to record solo records, often embarking on adventurous musical forays far removed from his work with MEGADETH.
In a bold move, he left the legendary MEGADETH to pursue new musical goals and has succeeded tremendously. Friedman's many accomplishments make him currently the only musician to be a fixture in the top class of the Japanese domestic as well as international music scene.
Now residing in Tokyo, Friedman has become a television celebrity, appearing as a regular on five major networks, where he can be seen on mainstream hit TV programs almost every day in Japan.
Friedman began his career as a Shrapnel solo recording artist and later joined forces with Jason Becker to form the unrivaled dual-guitar unit CACOPHONY. Amassing worldwide acclaim as a guitar superstar, he came to the attention of MEGADETH. Racking up sales of over 10 million records with MEGADETH, Friedman continued to record solo records, often embarking on adventurous musical forays far removed from his work with MEGADETH.
In a bold move, he left the legendary MEGADETH to pursue new musical goals and has succeeded tremendously. Friedman's many accomplishments make him currently the only musician to be a fixture in the top class of the Japanese domestic as well as international music scene.
Now residing in Tokyo, Friedman has become a television celebrity, appearing as a regular on five major networks, where he can be seen on mainstream hit TV programs almost every day in Japan.
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