February 28, 2004
Rock n Roll is a 24-Hour Job
Very interesting (and busy) weekend it's shaping up to be.
Very interesting weekend it's shaping up to be. In the last 24 hours I've been asked to set up Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society release party for "Hangover Music Vol. VI", with giveaways that include an autographed Epiphone guitar, autographed CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, and posters. And also I got a call from Tairrie B of MY RUIN who are playing a sold out show with SOiL at Metro on March 22. We will be doing an evening with MY RUIN most likely at the Bottom Lounge on Tuesday the 23rd which is also their drummers Yaels birthday. This is a huge compliment for me and I've already been on the hunt for a local metal band to open and have been taking calls from label heads, managers, agents and the like. All coming onto my lap during a weekend that I thought I'd just be chilling out at home.
MY RUIN's new record is doing really well opening slot with SOiL will be great for them. Ironically she knew nothing abut me working on some shows for Prong and SOiL to play together.
So this will be an all ages show with one lucky local band to open, the band I've not decided on yet, and MY RUIN after playing will DJ and spend the remainder of the evening signing autographs, meeting fans, and taking photos.
Not bad for some gay groupie hick loser who is out of the scene.
While I'm on here let me warn everyone not to waste their time or money on that movie PARTY MONSTER. This has to be the worst film I have ever had the misfortune of renting and I've seen a lot of bad movies. Not only was the acting the worst considering Seth Green and Mac Culkin are seasoned pros, but if Marilyn Manson fans hope to catch Mr. Manson is a staring role will be sorely disappointed. Granted Manson is about a great as an actor as he is an artist, but he played nothing more than a sad wimpish version of himself as a striving unknown drag queen on acid. I have know idea who bankrolled this film, but I'm going to go out and get the documentary to follow up on the stories I've read in magazines over the years on these club kiddies. I assume the budget was spent before shooting began. The films score did not coincide with the years and the fashion was no chronoligally correct as it followed the 3 stars in their heyday.
DON'T RENT THIS MOVIE. As much as Thirteen disgusted me at least there was enough execution to do so. Party Monster will be the death blow for Caulking and possibly Seth green unless there is another Austin Powers flick. So there is my good deed of community service for the day. - AZ
February 27, 2004
Sliders
I love a great home cooked breakfast served with a huge side of salsa as much as every other cold blooded American male. But when you finally get through the drive thru at White Castle at approx. 8:55 AM and are munching on a steaming hot breakfast gut bomb you somehow harbor confidence that it's going to be the best weekend of the new year. If all goes well nobody will have anything to read on this diary till Monday. - AZ
February 25, 2004
Strange Daze
The weird get weirder and the weirdest get pro. Had amazingly awesome dreams last night. All about camping and outdoor activities that I consider sacred. Then I woke up and it was coffee as usual.
After dropping MB at work I dropped by Kevin and Sam's. Sam who is the K -Mans wife had her appendix burst last week and I only found out a day ago. So I took over some goodies and things to ease her suffering.
Got some mail together and picked up my mail and there were some awesome surprise especially the double DVD of Doro. There is a lot of material on this thing and I love it. A Man O War DVD came too. Makes me think of Dale the DJ Alien Icon wherever he may be.
I have to scan this 2 DVD set to see if Bob and I are on there from when we hung w/ Doro a few years ago. I've never ever seen such an extensive amount of product on a DVD...ever.
Of course the normal shipment of CD's and porn arrived but nothing was waiting for and no check from a particular record label I wish not to mention.
Then this afternoon as I was dealing with my DSL shit which finally arrived and DePaul University Intern Recruiting people, my phone rang it was no other than porn legend Seka. It was a strange conversation that I could not help her find what she was looking for because I still have a dial up connection. So I did some research and sent her the info. That woman is a class act and she finally has her own official website www.officialseka.com.
Emailed Tommy Victor and some other music folk and Ron came over to fix the virus's hiding in my PC and now here it is night again, MB is still at work and I'm wired on caffeine. It's either that or beer and I figure java is a better vice right now.
Any good movies out there on DVD new this week?
Tomorrow the dentist. Yeee Haw.
Doro is the hottest chick in rock hands sown. She's the rock star that can take your breath away with her kindness. And the hair, the leather, the pale skin and blue eyes, and that unforgettable vocal.
February 24, 2004
The Cold Mold On The Horizon
Well Sunday I did see The Romantics and they were great. It has been a really long time since I'd seen them and it was worth the wait though I'd prefer not to wait over a decade to see them again. Brigette and I got there a little before 9 and ran into my boys from I LOVE RICH. They are huge Romantics fans as well.
I caught up with a few other friends there before going downstairs to hang out with the band. We made our introductions in the dressing room and hung out with the band all night. I also met Cynthia Plaster Caster and we exchanged phone numbers. There could possibly be a Zander cast in the near future. I told Rich he should get one for the new ILR album and he said it would have to be a 3 - page gatefold CD ad would be too expensive. Always the rock star that guy.
Turns out I LOVE RICH will be opening for Hanoi Rocks when they come to town. That is going to be a helluva rock show.
Anyway Cynthia is great and she made no secret of her distaste for Gene Simmons. He wrote that song and the two never met. Luckily I'm not a big KISS fan like I was before the reunion. She will be at this years rock star and porn star bar B Q
As fun as the show was and the band were the night went progressively downhill when we went to the Liars Club. I guess the lack of sleep and my lil motor booty's work schedule overload is wearing and tearing at us. She's been putting in 73-80 hours a week at work and she hasn't had a chacne to enjoy life let alone her new palace. Thanks to my boys at Liars Club for all the drinks. Thanks Herb!
On a lighternote I have to say hi to Laura wherever she may be. Hope we can fuckin chat soon.
Next weekend two important shows. All Systems Halt are doing a showcase for Sony Records on Saturday and Alluring Eve are playing with the Fashion Bombs at the Bottom Lounge, (with 48 Sin) on Sunday.
New Prong is out today. Everyone please go buy this thing. It is awesome and is what all heavy music should sound like these days.
Piece - AZ
February 20, 2004
Not So Rude Awakening
When the alarm went off at 730 AM the commercial that was playing loudly over the speaker was a concert announcement for my favorite band The Doors coming back to Chicago. I wasted no time at all in emailing Grego and searching out the bands manager.
After that I got on the ball contacting my friends in Prong and Chicago's SOiL. Tommy Victor emailed me last month looking for ideas of bands they could tour with. The new Prong CD which comes out next week here in America titled Scorpio Rising is addictive and I play it a lot.
I've known Shaun for several years since he used to come hear me spin at LIARS CLUB. I recently was sent an advance of their forthcoming CD and have been playing it in the car. As much success as the band found last time out and they opened for Zombie and Ozzy for Christmas! I believe this album is even stronger.
Brigette suggested on the way home last night that SOiL and Prong should tour together.
So as far as I know Shaun has forwarded the idea to their management.
Wouldn't it be suiting if Brigette had an idea that went down in heavy metal history!
I knew we were going to be a power couple. -AZ
May the power of the chord compel you, May the power of the chord compel you!
February 19, 2004
Feeling Romantic....
Does anyone think that Meg Ryan after her plastic surgery, and especially in that "Against the Ropes" trailer looks like Avril Lavigne now.
And what about all those people who think Avril is "punk" because she wore a spiked wristband. That brings me to my latest rant.
I have varied tastes in music. I believe it's a healthy thing and crucial to be considered a critic, DJ, promoter and whatever it is called that I do. I get a lot of shit about it but I don't care. I own an eclectic music collection featuring an extensive variety on CD and vinyl. Despite that 3 years ago at this time some people tried and a couple succeeded to steal a lot of that away from me. I have worked more that 3/4 of my life collecting music and related artifacts.
There are some musicians, or performers who think it's not cool to admit that they like music that isn't within the realm of what they portray or adhere to. It's a shame. It only shows a hint of intelligence that one is more open to more that one certain style or genre of anything.
I saw an episode of South Park that really nailed down the goth stereotype last night and it was right on the money. 5 little goth kids, and the renditions were perfect, were preaching about not conforming and what it means to be Goth and not conform. When Stan asked what he had to do to join the "goths", they told him he had to dress just like them and listen to the same music as them.
I often wonder why so many people have insisted on pigeonholing MK ULTRA and now MK Magazine, and myself as being goth. So what I like a lot of goth music. I liked it more 7 years ago when it was better, but I happen to like it. I also like hard rock, cock rock, classic rock, country music, the blues, metal, glam rock and a little bit of everything. In fact it was in the interview that I did with AVN that I said We were too aggressive and loud for the goths and too dark and emotional for the metal crowd. And what makes me so goth anyway that I wear black? And I wear leather? I'm abouot as goth as Jim Morrison, and Danzig and being they are pegged gothic from time to time confuses me. John Travolta and Johnny Cash, and priests and nuns must be goth as well.
Case in point is that two of the upcoming concerts I'm most looking forward to coming up are Kid Rock and even closer than that are The Romantics. Kid Rocks new album is a mix of musical flavors I have not heard on one platter in ages. And it's a good thing. And it's rowdy and the people who have managed to ride the MK coattails won't give it the time of day. I almost didn't and then I read the liner notes. Hank Jr., David Allen Coe, Billy Gibbons to name a few. I knew it was going to be a hellraiser.
Remember a few years ago when it was suddenly cool to like Johnny Cash? Every Toadie, Gobie, Paste Eater and armchair music critic was talking about it. I have no idea where that fits in here I just had to drop it in, this is a diary not a fucking editorial.
Today after going a final round with SBC, saying NO when they asked if I'd I would let them put me on hold, and using the words Class Action Lawsuit it looks like may have worked for me, I spoke for the first time in my life with Wally Palmar. He is the singer and guitar player for The Romantics.
Whenever anyone thinks of me when they see KISS is pretty far off track. I admitted to Wally that when I was in radio school at 16 I permanently borrowed their debut album from the station library. What I didn't tell him was that I bought a red leather jackets and permed my hair so that I could make it as high as theirs when they wore it that way. I sang or at least tried to sing for a band that covered Romantics tunes and have every version of everything they put out on vinyl. I wrote a review of their live show back in 1989 and it got me my first professional writing position for an entertainment newspaper. back then they had the drummer from Blondie Clem Burke who just played on their new CD drumming for them. The article was printed and I was a staff writer. A month later I went to see a band called The Motor City Rockers and little did I know that their singer was no other than Jimmy Marinos who was the original drummer for The Romantics. He treated me like royalty and we parties and his band took me and my date back to their hotel and we partied till about 6 AM. That was my first aftershow experience, and we all know what happened after that. It was a place I belonged even back then. But after being starstruck for about 15 minutes Jimmy taught me what it was like to be treated and equal and that's the attitude I've had ever since. And aftershow or backstage is where I feel the most at home when I am Alex Zander.
So it was like coming full circle talking to their singer today for an hour. So Sunday after the concert here in Chicago I'm taking the band out after the show. Man have things changed in the last 15 years.
And how could I hold a conversation with this people if I listened to one kind of music. And back in the days of white Zombie when the band was looking for something to do when they came to town they called me and we all went out. And that's how it's been ever since. What do you think Zombie wanted to listen to? You'd never guess, but it was far from metal, or even hard rock. We played Motown, Harry Nilsson, Stealers Wheel and Blue Swede. And Tom Savini was with us as well.
It helps to spread yourself out. And I'm psyched about seeing the Romantics play this weekend. Unfortunately I know the crowd will be full of people who are going to go ape when their 3 HUGE hits are played. But when their done I'll be rocking out to every other song that wasn't on the greatest hits. But the sold out crowd who are going to do the stupid white dance to those songs are the bands bread and butter and I am going to be their friend.
So when people ask what kind of music I listen to I say good music. And good music is not necessarily popular music. But it is timeless. And that doesn't make me goth. Not in any way, shape or form.
February 18, 2004
Another day.... another delay
Blah blah blah blah. I wouldn't even be writing today except for the fact that our friends in MARAZENE have emailed us about a contest they are in. I urge all of my readers to take a minute and vote for these guys. They are old friends and deserve a shot. They've been at the game for a long time now and I'd really like to see them do something.
Please vote at www.chicagogigs.com/meca
FYI the bands official website is www.Marazene.us
Other than that I'm still waiting on SBC to get the damn DSL installed. Hilarious I keep seeing their new ad campaign bragging about how they provide the most DSL than anyone else and how DSL was their vision 25 years ago. If there were another option I'd take it and gladly have RCN again if they serviced my area.
Why do I have the sickest feeling that once I get the gear that the SBC/DSL signal won't be strong enough for me to have their service at all.
Been out promoting the Sunwheel Psychedelic party Look for Grego and Jymbo in a fine drinking establishment near you.
Das ist es bis zum nächsten Mal Weibchen!
February 16, 2004
It's so quiet
Another Government Helliday dammit. Today there is no mail service and that eliminates a lot from my daily routine.
Found a neighborhood Latino bar Saturday afternoon when Marcos dropped by and the beer was only $1 and not for crap the likes of PBR etc. The place was pretty cool. Afterwards Tom Tretter stopped by with the posters for Greg's record release party and then we all had to go to a going away party at the Rainbow club for Maria who is moving back to Chile. Finally somebody got it right and there was an open bar which was really nice. It's pretty rude when someone invite you to a party and you have to buy your own drinks. And I wasn't expecting it and was pleasantly surprised. I had my share of Amstels Light. Met some really cool people and one guy happened to work for Playboy, and I hinted an idea I've been wanting to sell the magazine on.
Ate lunch at Arturo's yesterday and it was good and cheap and YES real Mexican food. And I loved it but since there are so many places in the area like this I have enough to last a lifetime.
It's is eerily quiet over here today. Greg came by to pick up the posters for his event at LIARS CLUB on March 18. And as he was here and after there is little traffic outside and no foot traffic. It is hard to imagine what summer will be like but it's got to be a lot more peaceful than Lincoln Park. I need the quiet and I want it for the first time in my life.
My calendar is filling up after a cold winter break. I was actually enjoying the lack of shows I was required to appear at. Tomorrow I see Dez Fafara for the first time in two years. His new band is DevilDriver. I was such good friends with Coal Chamber it's going to be weird. I was always closest with Dez and he used to call me "The Devil On His Back." Whatever that meant.
So the noize is about to return and I'll enjoy another night of peace and quiet. I hope. - AZ
February 14, 2004
Living VS Existing
6AM I'm up too early to my liking awakened by the unappealling sound of one of our four cats yakking somewhere in the dark. walking with barefeet to the bathroom was like trying not to step on a landmine in the desert.
I prepared myself yesterday morning to go out to Lisa wake. Losing a friend is always hard. Last year was a tough one but truth be told, some of the friends I lost lived extreme and lives on the edge and though it was unexpected it is one of the dangers you face everyday you entertain that lifestyle. Lisa was different and I think you all know that by what you've read over the last few months.
Brigette lost four relatives recently as well and 3 of them were young and due to accidents, so for both of us to experience these occurrences really gives me and I can only speak for myself a new appreciation for life and loved ones and a new perspective on lifestyle. The last week has been a real awakening for me that is a continuation of a recent revaluation I came upon alone.
I picked up Marc Osorno downtown shortly after 2. (Marc was in a band with Paul called Monkeys with Handguns, and he and his ex wife were friends with Paul and Lisa) And as I suspected I - 55 going toward Joliet no matter what time of what year you travel it whether you're going out of or into town is one long parking lot. In a way it was good in that we turned off the music of Hanoi Rocks and KISS and had time to talk and reflect and laugh about good times.
We finally arrived at the funeral home where Lisa and Paul's family had the most beautiful memorial I have ever seen. 2 video screens displayed images of Lisa's vivacious life and her long term relationship with Paul. And if anything it made you realize that their time together was a lifetime in comparison to the institution of modern day marriage. And this wake celebrated life as it should. You couldn't help but smile watching the thee beautiful display of a person smiling and experiencing and living and most of all contributing to life.
And when we said our farewells to our friend Paul it wasn't with the sadness I had anticipated, but I realized this: Paul and Lisa had the chance and got to experience a thing that most people either take for granted or never have the chance to know. And for my feeling is that the two of them shared a lifetime of love, and experiences. And from what I know they never wasted time or took life or each other for granted. They lived, loved, worked, created and went through a lifetime together. And there is nothing sad about that.
Death and funerals are a harsh reality for me and part of what we occasionally go through in lving. It is still hard on me and makes me uncomfortable. I never know what to say and never feel quite right. But I came away yesterday afternoon with one conviction.
In a world so wonderful with so many possibilities to, feel, do and experience. It's a shame some people choose to simply exist rather than to live.
So as Marc and I drove into the city against rush hour traffic a 98 mile round trip took me over four hours due to traffic we discussed the music biz and importance of publicity. I talked about Greg's success with the promotion of his new album Sunwheel Psychedelic and how he is getting some good worldwide press because of it. I was a little surprised that Fashion Bomb hadn't been seeking PR. Being that after forming a band and establishing and image and creating a sound (or vice versa) it is the second and most important step. Perhaps being in the media for almost 15 years it is a no-brainer for me. Greg retained my services to find PR/Media Relations for him. In turn, it worked out for him. There is no way to collect a stack of live and recording reviews other than to hire a publicist to send your product out to the worlds press to listen to and to come and see your band. The press isn't going to come out of curiosity. They need to be prompted that there is a story there. Those are the people who over the years send me to over 100 concerts a year and send me thousands of CD's and videos in the mail. The music business simply cannot function nor can the bands find success without PR. So hopfully he walked away from our drive together with that information.
I certainly have never just stumbled across a band. It all begins every when a publicists sends me a CD, calls me to insure I listen to it and sends me off to interview the subject. If I or any other member of the press likes the band then the band gets in the magazine or if their so lucky on the cover.
All of you aspiring rock stars should take note of this unless you want to keep playing in the same bars week after week. It's easy to be a big fish in a small pond. In time even that gets old.
After dropping of rock star Marc in Little Mexico I went downtown to get my overworked doll and we went to the Streetside Cafe where we met Yvette Lera for a drink and I had the best burger I've had in ages. Yvette just returned from LA where she met up with some old friends who happen to be pretty famous in the rock n roll world. She is trying hard to get her band Razor baby rolling but is having the same problems Greg is having when it comes to recruiting band members. Nobody seems to want to follow the leader. And that is a whole different story.
But I will say this. Yvette Lera and Greg Miner have each attained some sort of success in the entertainment world. Yvette has appeared in a handful of movies, videos and commercials as well as formed one of the Hollywood Strips most in your face bands, Cuntagious that once featured Megan of MY RUIN and Jessica of Jack Of Jill. Grego was part of a band who had a pretty good selling album, as far as Industrial bands go, composed and appeared on a MINISTRY tribute album and toured the country opening for bands like Type O Negative and The Genitorturers in decent sized venues, and headlined a lot of other shows with his former band. For people to not want to join ranks with either because they feel they have a better artistic vision insults me. Why not become PART of something that has a proven track record and has a foot in the door and a better shot at a future than a pipe dream. I just do not understand it. Be realistic and look at how trends develop and fade. This Nu Metal fad won't be around much longer. If you are up and coming now, by the time you are established it will be over. Sad but it's true. The secret is to find how to maintain longevity. And rock n roll and sex will never fade away, and there will always be a market for it.
If anyone reading this is an or knows an aspiring musician who wants to cut out the bullshit and take a chance with an established unit should contact me in order to get in touch with either Yvette or Grego. Both projects are in immediate need of a bass player and drummer.
Live long and strong! - AZ
February 12, 2004
SBC, AVN, MINISTRY AND VD
Still waiting on SBC to get my goddamn DSL installed. This is deja vu all over again as it was exactly 2 years ago I went through the same bullshit with them. Unfortunately RCN doesn't service my area or this would not be an issue right now. I stress to all of you reading this, if you can avoid getting SBC to be your internet provider PLEASE DO SO AT ALL COSTS!
It is not worth the time and frustration of signing up for their service. It has been almost a month since signing up and we still do not have it and they keep having errors. Two years ago it was another song and dance but still the same ol soft shoe. And I was billed 3 months for service I NEVER received one day of and it took them longer than that to finally remove it from their records.
And as a rep told me a month ago 99% of all their customers get the service installed in time. Somehow me and everyone I've talked to about it are the 1% because NOBODY I KNOW HAS EVER GOTTEN THE SERVICE THE HAVE BEEN PROMISED FROM SBC!!!!
On a positive note, AVN contacted me this morning for an upcoming cover story on Rock and Porn and interviewed me about my views on it. There were abut a dozen question each to which I gave very detailed answers to.
I'm also working on another JBTV appearance to promote an upcoming MK sponsored event.
Tomorrow is Lisa's wake. I'll be going to show my respects. I've been thinking a lot about her and Paul this week. I remember the first time I met them they came over to drop off an ad and a check for MK ULTRA and ended up staying for about 4-5 hours drinking and shooting the bullshit. They skipped going to a movie and dinner that night. Makes me laugh thinking back to those times. The Fridays MWHG and their wives would come over to the ol MK office on Fridays after rehearsal and hang out and watch really weird videos. I really miss those days.
I saw some pathetic ramblings about Fashion Bomb on the Hungry Whale site yesterday thanks to my good friend Bob. I tried to email the people posting but as I guessed they weren't brave enough to post their real names. COWARDS. Now the thread is gone so I suppose the webmaster had the good sense to remove it. Rolling Stone called KISS' music buffalo farts in the 70's.
Speaking of Bob, he let me know Rob Halford and Judas Priest are playing Oz Fest this year, and Blabbermouth posted that the Darkness are also on the bill. I take Bob's word about Priest but Blabbermouth has the bad habit of posting hearsay, rumors and false news on their site.
And speaking of fashion Bomb, got an email from Dreg again and it sounds like he's laid up with some groupies somewhere. TENT. I wonder if ....... I'd better shut up.
There are some really cool pictures of Afra hanging out with MINISTRY at www.prongs.org/elpaso in El Paso as they are recording the new platter and they are pretty cool.
Happy VD weekend everyone if you don't hear from me. Or as the brothas would say, Happy Valentimes ! -AZ
February 10, 2004
You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory
Paul, Lisa AZ and Fred at The Double Door
I woke up this morning to the most horrible of news. My friend Lisa who I have been writing about these last few month and whose banner I have on this site passed away. Her husband Paul wrote to me with the word.
A lot of us have been going to her site weekly to read of how she has been recovering, and like you really thought she'd win this thing. I've always told about how athletic she was, how she drank filtered water, didn't smoke and ate good food. She never messed around with any drugs and her and Paul were the best couple I'd ever met. I always thought if I could half of what they'd achieved in their relationship I'd be happy for life.
I used to spend a lot of time with them and they were always there for me. For many reasons we didn't see each other that much over the last 18 month. was going through a period of change and by the time I caught up with Paul, Lisa was already in the hospital. Nevertheless, she was always in my thoughts and I really thought if anyone could beat cancer it'd be her.
Badzmeg Alex, Lisa and AZ at The Double Door
These last few months have been tough on Brigette and me when it comes to losing people we love and care about. I have stopped writing about my relationship because there are people out there who do not want to read about my happiness and sew bits and pieces about what I write about in order to concoct their own twisted versions of what they think we're about. But she has lost several relatives over the last few months and I'm wondering when this will ever end. My friends are my family, and the only family I know, and when I lose one I feel like I've lost a brother or a sister. And Lisa was a sister who never judged me although I know she didn't agree with everything I did, said or participated in.
I was hoping that we'd be able to all hang together again or ride our bikes wildly through traffic on our way to and from Lake Shore Drive. As it is I have the memories of a good friend and someone who I cared about and will miss greatly. I know a lot of other peope who feel the same way.
see www.helplisafightcancer.com
February 07, 2004
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Interiewed Joel a guy from Kenosha who may very well be our newest intern today.
Kevin came over to work on the computer, and got nowhere.
Been playing KISS THE GOAT by Electric Hellfire Club a lot. I forgot how much I love that record.
Tonight the BOMB will be dropped on the masses at the Metro. See all you MK and FB fans there! Sure to be a kick ass rocking show! Call The Zone aqnd request SKIN.
For now it's just me and four cats, and bad TV. - AZ
February 05, 2004
Moves, Movies and Romantics
It's been a cold and snowy year so far in Chicagoland. The cold is much
worse than any of the other elements. And in these conditions I have moved
out of the park populated by Trixies and for the first time since landing in
Chicago now have a yard and parking and a large place to call home. It's
quite here and the homes are spaced apart and the streets are wide. It's
clean and warm and for the first time most everything I right. And yes I am
still in the city though it sounds like I am in the burbs. For the first
time in nearly 3 years the first thing I see when I walk in my home is not my
office.
2004 will be the year for MK. We kicked off with our porn/rock connection at
AVN and we are collaborating with some new labels on some really awesome
shows that will bring people together from all over the country.
This morning I confirmed that @ntiFEST II will happen in Chicago this year.
I had planned to attend last years event in Nashville TN but a mistake on
the
site noted that it would be in California but that was out of the question.
Turns out it was in Nashville afterall. www.antidoterecords.net/antifest is
the website where you will find information in the next few months as well
as pictures from last year.
Antidote Records is a great label that boasts a roster of horror rock bands.
If it's your thing check them out and buy some of the killer music.
Saturday is the American Motherload and Fashion Bomb show at Metro. Got to
get there prior to 9 and being that it's all ages there is sure to be an
abundance of jailbait FB fans. Unfortunately there are 4 bands on the bill
and I HATE that when I don't care for 1/2 the bands performing. I read on
the FB site that someone has been scratching their names off the tickets for
some reason. I tried to post something on their guestbook but it would not
let me for what ever reason. I hope to be able to hang in there long enough
to see the headline. I've been asleep before 11PM everynight for the last
few months except for a couple of occasions that require my pushing it.
SOIL's new stuff is rocking. They've been the choice nightly on 94.7 The
Zone every night on Fight Club. Odd I listen to that station for 1/2 hour on
my nightly commute from downtown. Other than that if it's not Stern I listen
to NPR. Not because I'm older but because the radio in Chicago is the most
horrible of all the markets. It's simply unbearable. It's stale and there is
no variety whatsoever. I just can't bring myself to listen to local rock
radio for anything.But it has helped me gain an appreciation for some country music. (I SAID
SOME)
I'm pretty psyched about the Romantics playing Double Door in a few weeks. I
loved that band for years and even wore a red leather biker jacket in my new
wave phase as my personal ode to the rockers. They were also the first band
I ever reviewed that was published by a big city paper which led to me
getting into this business. People who do the stupid suburban dance 80's
dance to "What I Like About You" don't give the band their due or the credit
they deserve. They began as a punk band in the 70's and to this day remain
true to their punk roots without being political or negative. More in tune
with the Ramones than the Pistols. Clem Burke from Blondie is drumming for
them again. Clem also drummed for the Ramones, Chequered Past ( had a great
single called, "How Much Is Too Much") as well as Blondie.
I saw him play with The Romantics the night I reviewed them for my
virgin critique.When I met Clem back in 99 when I brought the Blondie
Reunion signing and debut to Chicago he signed his photo to me as Clem Ramone at my request of
course.
I haven't seen the Romantics in over a decade and am pumped for the show.
In the 80's Jimmy Marionos the original drummer for the Romantics was my
favorite drummer for years. (sorry Dreg).
I was lucky enough to see his solo band Motor City Rockers play and they
were the very first band I ever hung out
with at the hotel after the show. I still have the autographed poster in my
collection.
So in a weird way I've come full circle.
I've also been talking to the writer, director and producer of It Came From
Trafalgar a horror film which wraps shooting in central Indiana this summer.
I've managed to get myself involved and some old associations of mine such
as Brinke Stevens, Linnea Quigley and Conrad Brooks have already shot scenes
for it. Hank Williams III has shot and will shoot a few more scenes for it.
I'm trying to talk them into casting Tom Savini or Kim Fowley in the lead.
It's a horror flick with a 1940's - 50's feel to it. See
www.itcamefromtrafalgar.com
So, as I wait for this afternoons big snow to hammer us I'll close with this:
"Jason you better tell the authorities where that 11-year old girl from Florida is!"
February 03, 2004
Updates Scmupdates
Hells Bells etc. No news unless you expect us to be like all of the other media in the world and talk about Janet Jackson tit which had a nipple covered by a pastie forget it. There is no news worthwhile to report, though it makes me sick that CNN , Fox, CNBC and all the other media fell for the PR stunt and are hyping it up.
Gee some coincidence that JJ has a new album coming out next month. Though I'm not surprised that the same media that was obsessed and is in turn obsessed the world with the Britney, (Christina) and Madonna kiss is focus on sex instead of the current Amber Alert and 500 plus American Soldiers killed in Iraq since the war "ended", and the 30 plus American soldiers who have committed suicide over seas during our "war on terror". To quote Mojo Nixon, there should be a war on war motherfuckers. And everyone else who keep downloading and rewinding the Janet boobie plop and Madonna faux lesbo kiss, you all need to rent some good porn.
The really sad thing is many may not have even noticed if it wasn't for the hype.
And the same irresponsible journalism is responsible for a passionate speech by our candidate Howard Dean which they dubbed and turned into a meltdown thus the result the main man who could take on Bush is slipping in the poles. But Americans believe and live by the media and media gossip. Cable shows such as Celebrities Uncensored ratings are high and pathetic reality shows make up for the lack of any original writers in Hollywood. The onslaught of remakes of movies is proof of that. Like we needed any.
The Grammy Awards which I never really enjoyed at anytime of my life lacks any citation or celebration of singer songwriters and have given way to dancers and pretty faces and bodies. "Performers" is what they are called and they are hailed for lip synching and recording other people material. When Bruce Springsteen and the like (even Metallica and Jethro Tull) were winning shelves of Grammy's I at least had to admit they wrote and recorded their own material and as far as a performance it was their relentless sweat and energy onstage which in turn produced years of sell out converts that put them on the map. If the academy actually want to reward performers it's time for KISS, GWAR, Pink Floyd and Zombie to receive their due.
So what it al boils down to is I'm fed up with the mainstream media and am more happy than ever that over a decade ago I decided to go out on my own and join the alternative media. We may not have the numbers but at least we have our dignity.