March 31, 2004
Blah Blah Blah
For only being 830AM a lot has already developed. Woke up to find that Meghan has quit MY RUIN and the band is moving on auditioning new bass players. She was a solid part of that band and really sweet the last time we hung out which was last Monday and Tuesday.
I've been talking to Brian Perry on the phone. He works for Metal Blade but you know him as former Prong bass player. I told him about the Disturbed open auditions in LA and he tried out last week and called me last night to tell me about it. So I emailed him this morning about MY RUIN so we'll see. They have something in command being a former manager of Prong and My ruin had both acts at the same time.
I didn't mentioned and I am not going into detail about who at this time, but Kim Fowley called me on Monday. A major film star is in town till June and he and the production crew have been pretty bored in Chi Town so they asked Kim who to call for fun etc. Kim hooked me up with them and I spoke with the people 2 nights ago. I guess they don't know anyone here and go out everynight and are looking for rock n roll and metal. So when you see the photos here you'll know who it is. I'm hoping it will help me get a casting call for the new Batman which begins filming here in July for 6 weeks. THE PEOPLE I SPEAK OF ARE NOT WORKING ON OR WILL HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH BATMAN. It is one of my favorite actors next to Depp, Billy Bob Thornton and Gabe Byrne.
Hard to believe it's already Wednesday. New South Park tonight where Kyle sees the Passion Of The Christ and finds out Cartmen was right..
Busy day- AZ
March 30, 2004
Vera Blue and The Girls with Mirrored Sunglasses and Too Much Make Up (Wake Up!)
Just spoke with the great Jared Louche from Chemlab for the better part of an hour. Their long over due new album is out and the Acumen Nation guys played the parts on it. If you don't have it pick it up, it's called Oxidizer and it's on Cracknation/Invisible/Underground Inc Records. OUT NOW! Chemlabs site www.hydrogenbar.com
Strange, we've run several interviews with him in MK over the years and I didn't conduct one of them, and over the years through this little genre that has been pegged "industrial" we've come to know each other. I'm not going to give too much away, but I do have to acknowledge his honesty.
Jared has been 5 years clean of drugs and drink now. Those within the scene know he's legendary, not like Al, but in his own right. Jared has done his fair share and then some. And in his continuing sobriety he did the ONE thing I wish all those clean would do and he is a man and didn't have to be prompted.
There is NOTHING worse than a straight edged person who imposes their beliefs and lifestyle on you or anyone else. (This goes for Vegans and PETA hippies too) . What you chose to do in life is your own business. If a person wants to numb themselves or kill themselves as long as they are not doing it to someone else or hurting any one else to each their own. Personally I don't smoke pot. I've tried it and many years ago decided it wasn't for me. I think it's a filthy habit. H.A.B.I.T. ! For me it's a turn off. I don't like being around people when they do it and that is my choice. It's smoking and I don't like and have become allergic to smoke. I am not for smoking bans but I am for banning it in some public spaces. Second hand smoke and contact buzz are two things I'm not into. But SMOKE UP all you want, kill yourself. It's not my job to tell you not to.
And recovering alcoholics and rehabilitated drug abusers and addicts. I'm happy for you. You obviously realized it wasn't working for you whatever the reason is that you were no longer able to function as an individual or in your employment I think getting straight was the right thing.
There are those who can function in that state of mind : Keith Richards (pickled liver) and Hunter S Thompson ( on his third liver I believe, which grew naturallyaccording to the book Hunter by E. Jean Carroll) and there are those who cannot. But don't preach beak! Just because it didn't work for you and you fucked up doesn't mean everyone else will.
And my apologies to myself for being sloppy intoxie and making a fool of myself in public at one time or another. And to anyone I embarrassed in the process. But getting drunk and celebrating and becoming sloppy and using drugs or alcohol as a crutch to which one is dependant on are two different things. Alcohol use is a privilege and those who even consider driving under the influence of anything that impairs judgment or motor skills eventually pays the price.
So Jared said it like a man, a real man with a great mind. He quit and is staying clean and I'm ecstatic for him. But he added he's not going to go out and tell everyone else to clean up just because he did. But there maybe some underlying messages to a few friends in a few of his new songs. Decent man for not saying who and it wasn't my business to ask. My name is not Mike Walker.
While I ponder in that vein. I must explain that I love Henry Rollins, but the reason I've not met him face to face all the times I've had the chance is because he does the exact opposite of what Jared did. Hank is in your face about it. And there was a time ( Richard Kern era maybe) that he dabbled a bit as well. His books are my favorites and he's the best on the circuit as a spoken word artist, but his preaching about drugs and alcohol kind of, well for the lack of a batter phrase, is a buzz kill.
All in all I really enjoyed talking to Jared today. He has a lot to say and unfortunately not enough of the media exposes what he's about. But that's always been our mission hasn't it?
On a much lighter note, I loved the remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD and yesterday wrote a very long diary piece about my history with the original trilogy and how close I worked with a lot of those people and what it has meant to me and how it affected my life. However, due to a computer glitch it all disspapreard after I posted it on this site. Unfortnealty I do not have enough time to recreate the whole rant as it took me about 90 minutes and sums up about 30 years of my life. But by all ,means this is one to see in the theatres. Don't wait for the video. SEE IT. I waited for House Of A 1000 Corpses for what seemed to be an eternity and was disappointed, but this is one worth seeing up close. And I was soooo against the making of it. It's the most fun movie I've seen since Pirates.
Make sure you see the original 3 and the remake Tom Savini and George Romero did of NOTLD. It does the new version or yourselves no justice if you are not familiar with Night OF The Living Dead, Dawn Of The Dead and Day Of The Dead.
I really wish the original posting was still there for you to read.
- AZ thawing out in Chicago
March 25, 2004
RUINED FOR LIFE
TAKEN FROM THE HEART OF THIS RATHER LONG RANT/REVIEW -
"First and foremost it should be noted that she should be the inspiration of all girls young and old big and small. Her message is mostly for them and she's not slurring on Letterman, playing a fool being four hours too late for court. She isn't flashing her nipple in any attempt to generate publicity. Tairrie B does not need to go on television and play bi sexual superstar and kiss to pop princess's. She's not posing for Playboy in the Girls Of Rock issue. (or 1/2 nude in Blender) Instead Tairrie B sets a good example of what a woman in rock should be about. Rocking your fucking world. I've said it before and I'll say it again. She rocks harder than the guys out there. If you can't accept it, then fuck off, you don't know diddly when it comes to rocking out, and performing it.
Actually I need to re-state the fact I mentioned in the last paragraph. Tairrie B sets a perfect example of what ANYONE in rock should be about. PERIOD."
Sunday 3/20 was the haus warming party for our new place. We had been planning it for awhile and it has taken this long for us to pack away all we're not using and a whole room packed with boxes of stuff we'll be selling at a yard sale we're having as soon as the weather permits. On Saturday we hit 10 stores on buying food and beverages for our event. It took just under six hours and we figured and had planed on three. So since most of the day was spent doing that the remainder was spent preparing. And by the time we were finished we were beat and didn't even make it up long enough to catch SNL. Yeah, real rock n roll of me/us.
Sunday we were up with the sun and yours truly finished cleaning and motor booty spent hours making her famous salsa. And believe you me she finished just in time for our guests who began showing up. The award for the longest drive goes to Jim, Dez and Kelsey. The shortest stay is for Dolph and Shannon. The longest Kevin and Sam. Laura wins for best desert. Kevin again for best tequila. We all mixed and had fun. I was surprised that Terry Mac the great photographer came with 2 Ultra ViXXXens, he is always a great guest and friend. I Love Rich win for sexiest. By Chicago standards this place is pretty big and though there is lots of space, we have lots of "stuff". Each of the rooms in this place has a unique theme, in our ultimate wisdom we planned it that way and it has become quite interesting, especially for guests. All in all there was lots and lots of food and lots of beer and wine. And I had a wicked wicked hangover on Monday which wasn't good since the SOiL and MY RUIN show was that night and doors were at 6.
MONDAY 3/22 So as I spent Monday pulling my head together and my heart from the floor I knew the closer it got to 6 the better I was going to feel. If not deafer as well.
John and Marcos gave me a lift to Metro and Motor Booty met me there. I hammered the line with fliers for the Tuesday show. Promotion had been very thin being we only had 3 weeks to put it al together and get bands to support etc. So armed with about 500-600 fliers I hit the line and once inside anyone unfortunate enough to run into me. The security were seriously out of control this night. We had VIP passes and they would not let us see the band so I found someone who knew me to at least get Tairrie for me. She came out said hello and hugged and let us know the Metro would not allow them as openers to have any guests backstage. That was fine with me as I knew I'd see them all the next day, and I mostly wanted her to see the fliers and let he know I was there working it. So we went upstairs and had a couple drinks and enjoyed the show from the vantage of what is left of the VIP section of the Metro after the E2 Club shit and Great White fire.
The reaction to MY RUIN was amazing. I looked around and checked for approval for all the hype I've worked up for this band over the last few years. Just to see this band play the Metro in a set longer than the one I saw over a year ago at The House Of Blues was a true luxury. You can tell they truly love to perform and they put (literally) blood sweat and tears into every performance. Yael just smiles away as shit pound the be out of the drums which is set up in the manner very similar to Jimmy Marinos and more recently Johnny Kelly. Mick is just totally rocked the fuck out. I love to watch that mofo play. He has a gift for his way over and about a guitars neck and as it has been said he is truly the best kept secret in rock n roll music. His manner and style as far as a player is now my favorite just passing Mr. Kenny Hickey of Type O. Mick is just pure rocker 100% and there will never be an imitator. I've NEVER seen a person play like this guy. Meghan also owns a style of her own. She's so quiet in person and onstage an animal is let loose. And their front person. What can I say that I haven't about Miss B?
First and foremost it should be noted that she should be the inspiration of all girls young and old big and small. Her message is mostly for them and she's not slurring on Letterman, playing a fool being four hours too late for court. She isn't flashing her nipple in any attempt to generate publicity. Tairrie B does not need to go on television and play bi sexual superstar and kiss to pop princess's. She's not posing for Playboy in the Girls Of Rock issue. (or 1/2 nude in Blender) Instead Tairrie B sets a good example of what a woman in rock should be about. Rocking your fucking world. I've said it before and I'll say it again. She rocks harder than the guys out there. If you can't accept it, then fuck off, you don't know diddly when it comes to rocking out, and performing it.
Actually I need to re-state the fact I mentioned in the last paragraph. Tairrie B sets a perfect example of what ANYONE in rock should be about. PERIOD.
One of the things I admire about her the most is her unapologetic honesty and telling it like it is. Some people don't like that. Fuck it all the cowards who were afraid to vote for Howard Dean were afraid of him because he told the truth and says it how he sees it. Tairrie is all about that. And it's too bad is scares some people because it makes you blind when you're afraid to open your eyes.
Onstage she does just that, through her lyrics and thorough the message she delivers between numbers. And to see this woman onstage is just exhausting. How anybody could write around the floor like that, putting sheer energy and passion and raw emotion into her performance simply astounds me. Bruised and bloody she leaves the stage, tends to her make up and injuries and comes out to join her friends.
After they played we said hello to Meghan and hung out and walked around with Yael for awhile. We checked out SOiL play to their core audience in their hometown to a show that sold out over a month ago and YES they deserve the fame they are developing.
The funniest moment of the night had to be when we walked back stage with Yael through the upstairs VIP door down the steps and came out past the very large man who gave us the most shit and problem trying to touch base with MY RUIN. Now, I don't look for trouble, it normally finds me, however though it wasn't funny till we thought about it the next day, the look on his face and the look of death he gave us when we walked out of the back stage with Yael was pretty fucking hilarious in hindsight.
We were told to go next door to the Ginger Man to hang out with the band. And since Fuel closed this is where people go, however, I LOATHE this fucking place, and being it was for MY RUIN I went anyway. We hung out with Rodney, Doug, Steve, Scott Davidson and Jamie Duffy for a little bit and then after two beers and all that cigarette smoke and the crowd making the room smaller I had to go home. I was already sleep deprived and extremely tired not to mention I hadn't really had a good meal in several days, I was completely exhausted. So we made our exit after saying goodbyes and missed the band who came in right after we left.
Tuesday 3/23 I was up at 4AM the next morning MY RUIN were scheduled to do JBTV and call me for arrangements to arrive at the studio. However being they were staying all the way out by the airport and they had a long night I imagined when they hadn't phoned that they needed what rest they could get. I didn't want to call ad wake them in the event they were resting or if they were lucky still sleeping. (sleep or at the least rest is another luxury when your a hard touring band) And I figured I'd just catch up with them during load in at the Bottom Lounge.
Once again, I was awake a lot earlier than I would have liked. Part of this being that the new curtains in the bedroom are a much lighter in shade than the heavy black drapes I have become accustomed to. The other was my stomach was a wreck. My blood sugar was so low it was causing me to shake. So I took my medicine and vitamins and avoided coffee and waited the day out. By noon being I hadn't heard from the band I contacted JBTV and Jerry was very understanding and informed me of new FCC guidelines regarding the show now in the age of the JJ nip slip. (Oh sorry, wardrobe malfunction) Brigette and I went out to run some errands and have some wonderful Thai food at Duck Walk just around the corner from the Bottom Lounge. After eating I went over and caught Mick and shook hands and gave him my list prosing to be back around 6 for the doors to open for the MY RUIN show. (with guests American Heritage, Smoke and Ditchwater).
After changing we got a pretty good parking space and carried the magazines in to give to those attending the show. We ran a tab at the bar and began mixing with old friends, meeting MY RUIN fanatics (Ruiners) and making a few new acquaintances (Jander K). The band circulated throughout the club and we hung out a lot with them and friends who stopped in. Messy had been wanting to meet Tairrie for a long time. We took a lot of HILARIOUS photos and thanks to Dan Locke who shot somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 photos of MY RUIN live.
For whatever reason the club decided to book 4 bands, 3 of which were local. Now if this would have been in my control I would have had 1 local band with a strong following and a $5 door. However, after I set the show in motion it was out of my hands and it was a $10 and 3 bands 2 of who I had never heard of. And being a lot of people saw the show the night before with a 94 cent door, the 10 buck charge was a little ludicrous, but what would I know!
I tell you this for the small crowd that showed MY RUIN played with as much gusto and energy if not more because the fans could get closer, than they did the night before. And that fact is highly admirable. Most bands especially who have the stature of MY RUIN would be pissed and reflect that if the room was not completely full. This is a band who loves their fans, and the girls in the room were up against the stage singing with Tairrie, as they held her up and she did most of the songs with them allowing them to sing the verses into her mic. One particular girl if not others cried as she sang along. To justify what I wrote earlier, this is a band who speak directly to their crowd through their lyrics to deliver their message, and it is a heartfelt one.
So at 10 the show was over and the band went outside to meet anyone not 21 and over since anyone under were forced to leave the property. Again, most bands wouldn't take the time or effort to meet every fan, sign anything and get a photo with everyone and anyone who wanted one. As many times as I've heard Gene Simmons speak for KISS about how if you pay $100 or $500 they won't leave till everyone gets to meet the band, I know it's bullshit and that (for the lack of a suitable word) SUCKS. MY RUIN did. For the record Glen Danzig does, but he doesn't make his fans feel the way Miss B does. And as a male who feels her music I am speaking from experience.
When they finished Mick came in and began to DJ. He kicked off with the Alive I version of Deuce by KISS and followed with Danzig. He was playing the music WE love. Sometime after the witching hour I couldn't hang anymore. What happened to the day when I used to go all night? Anyway, we said our long goodbyes, and see you next time arounds, and headed home.
WED. 3/24 And I got my just deserts the next day, Brigette, my Lil' Miss Motor Booty was hungover. HUNGOVER! But that meant we got to lunch at Luna Mexicana, home of her favorite nacho chips and some fucking AMAZING cerviche. (and $21 pitchers of tasty margaritas). And with the fatigue, sleep depravation and bar tabs, not to mention loss of constructive/productive work hours I must ask myself, was it fucking worth it? HELL YEAH for MY RUIN anytime and any place.
Many many thanks to everyone who came to the last MY RUIN show of two, to everyone who loves this band, to all the friends and supporters who came just to support something I believe in and finally the bands who took the time to open the show on such a short notice. I really love you guys (in an Eric Cartman tone).
And my eternal love, devotion and dedication to one rocked out rock n roll band, thanks for rocking Chicago. Hope to see you soon.
Ruined For Life- Alex
You Must Remember This A KISS is..." ?
FOR THE RECORD! I am not making this up. This is not like my Bette Midler Van Halen concoction.
I got an email from a reliable source who shall remain unnamed at this point in time. However he works very closely to the KISS Kamp. What he hinted at is. what I consider to be, the most undignified and ridiculous plot yet encompassed by Gene and Paul since the KISS Koffin.
Looks like after this tour with Eric Singer as fake Peter and Tommy Thayer as fake Ace Gene and Paul will fade out and find four younger replacements will wear the make up and perform this KISS show into the future.
Much to much in common to me as Batman Beyond or the Mask Of Zorro. Surley not an origal idea but a very weak concept and really sickening to me as a former and stress former KISS enthusiast, fan and supporter. The legacy at this point has failed me.
And isn't it just a really big budgeted tribute act? Maybe call it KISS-mania, or The mask of KISS, or even better, KISS Beyond.
As I promised when I have 2 hours to compose it my wrap up of the MY RUIN show and other events will be posted. - AZ
March 24, 2004
No Rest For The Wicked
The stretch of stress and sleep depravation is behind me. MY RUIN played 2 killer sets in two nights and people were simply blown away. Raw power sheer energy and unlimited passion is what they put into every show they bless their adoring audience with.
There is so much to write, so many details over the last week I will catch up on later. Right now I have to catch up on rest. Brigette and I are both wiped out. There is a lot of wear and tear on both of us from Gregos party through our haus warming bash on Sunday and two MY RUIN shows. I really want a normal life but it looks like it's going to be awhile. - More to come.
Thanks to all you rocking kids who came out last night. It was great meeting you.
Oh and special thanks to the great Dan Locke!
March 21, 2004
March 20, 2004
If you didn't show up you missed a rocking party!!!
Well I was right. Gregos party was a wild ride and we gave away many beers, many copies of OUI, porn DVD's and lots of music and MK's. And yes, Friday I felt like death and why did I feel so crappy? I didn't take any Chaser. There wasn't anytime to pick it up.
I saw lots of people I haven't seen in a long time. Rich Frost formerly of Hellfire Club the band Greg once played for. Laura who I last saw on my birthday 2002, and even Greg's girl Michelle and Margaret showed up. Again, I hadn't seen them in years. And man alive did the beer flow feely.
Many thanks to the sponsors and to all who showed up.
I got home around 3 AM and didn't get out of bed till noon. I had to eat 2 greasy pepper filled tacos to even feel life.
Today we went to 10 stores very early and got back midafternoon. We picked up supplies for out Haus Warming party and it took hours. Got some cool mail today, the usual porn shipment and music but finally form Corey Parks ex Nashville Pussy her new band Die Hunns. Got some fan mail from prisons where for some reason MK recently got popular. I wonder what they use to stick up the centerfolds with.
But the best news of the day is the new issue of AVN Online the trade publication of AVN's website another online sites. We got a full color 1/4 page review, A GREAT REVIEW, and the ran 2 photos from the site. Next week or so the new issue of AVN hits the stands and they are running a cover story which I was quoted in several times and they are running a photo of me. I nee to remind myself to stop making goofy photos when someone shots my pic.
Ohhhh Eeeeeee! - AZ
March 18, 2004
Final Thoughts Prior To First MK sponsored Event of 2004
I have spent almost every hour of daylight for the last week somehow involved in tonight event at Liars Club. From what I can tell it's going to be a major success. I've never put this much effort into anything I've promoted for myself. I have posted on every bulletin board that is relevant to the point of which I can't believe nobody has told me to fuck off yet. Those who I've supported in one way or another promise to be there or have a valid reason for not making it. There are a few others who won't be attending because they don't want to be in the company of someone else who will be there which I think is a weak excuse, however, it's their loss.
The time I haven't spent working on the Sunwheel Psychedelic party I've spent pushing the My Ruin show for next Tuesday. That I'm not so optimistic about. Sure MK Presents An Evening With My Ruin, but the Bottom Lounge took it over a few weeks ago, slapped a $10 cover on it and chose a band I am completely oblivious to. Neither I or the band would have done it this way. The only stipulation I was offered by the singer of My Ruin was who not to put on the show and only one person in particular who is not to be anywhere near the venue. promotion on this gig has been limited mostly to the limited amount of time to put it together, and the other being that I have been doing all the footwork on getting the word out. There wasn't anytime for ads and the label were slow on getting poster to us, referring to me and the club. Again, think a $10 door is too much for kids but for anyone who wants to see a killer pure rock show that bursts with raw energy, ten bucks is an investment. Shit, some people spend that much on a Red Bull and vodka with tip. Most My Ruin fans are girls, I'd say at least 75 percent because girls look up to girls who rock as hard as Tairrie B. She isn't Joan Jett or Courtney Hole or even Madonna, she is a cool chick with balls who can out rock most men in the biz which is one reason I'm a fan. The other is I'm still really into the emotion of the "Speak and Destroy" album they did. The other thing is in this age of really heavy metal with no guitar solos, My Ruin are the exception PURE and SIMPLE. They are as heavy if not heavier than all of the other angry hard rocking bands only right in the middle of the tune Mr. Mick Murphy lays don a mean fret attack so precise and sizzling that music lovers and aficionados alike are sucked in. You just can't help it.
So if the place does fill up I can already foresee it'll be a sea of chicks with jet black hair, cool tattoos and attitude. And the guys I know coming are mostly musicians who really enjoy the energy and talents of my favorite Hollyweird Export.
I saw the new South Park last night which was pretty fucking funny, but not as funny as the one they played prior to it which I had never seen before. I can't believe they had Mr. Garrison and the Kindergarten kids saying, Hot Carl, Filthy Sanchez, Donkey Punch, Chili Dog etc. I've got to get this on tape for Grego.
So this is the end of this weeks entries I imagine. Depending on fatigue and impairment I may not be in the mood for logging into this site and posting what the hell happened tonight. I do know, it'll be one for the books.
- AZ
Special thanks to the Brue Crue 2003" Grego, Zoran, Marcos and sometimes Jerimiah! Lets do it one more time!
March 17, 2004
Social Sobriety
Well I'm still recovering from yesterday when my friend Anand Bhatt sent me some images from a porn film he recently starred in. the images are imbedded in my head. The gal was a young strarlett he brought to last summers "MK Rock Star / Porn Star BBQ and Beer Bash"
JSIN actually went to the NAMBLA site. He didn't know what it was and 200 miles away from the freak I was here laughing. What a freak.
I just got back from doing my laundry and while sitting there started hearing two girls cursing in heated spanglish. Yup, it was a good old Puerto Rican catfight. It was my first, and quite humorous. "You fucking Beech!" Brawlin Broads at their beast for sure!
Tomorrow is the long awaited Sunwheel Psychedelic release party for "Burning Doves", with all the free booze and swag we've arranged for the turnout should be pretty nice. I must remember to pick up a bottle of Chaser, I don't want to feel too much like shit on Friday. There is so much to do over the next few days in order to prepare for MY RUIN's visit here. But Gregos party is first and just a day away.
I'm sitting this St Patricks Day out. What's the point. My experemnt in social sobriety isn't a bad one, besides I'll more than catch up to the world tomorrow night.
Hope to see all of you there!
March 15, 2004
puSSy
Forgot to mention, I was requested by editors at AVN (Adult Video News) to submit a photo for their cover story on the rock and porn connection, which I was interviewed for. I guess they're taking my involvement pretty seriously. I assume it hits shelves next month.
Does anyone else think last nights episode of Sopranos was weak? Or is it just me?
I like tacos and burritos.
My Own March Maddness
In like a lion eh? Let the Cartoon.....Begin:
We'll be giving away a pair of tickets for MY RUIN for next Tuesdays show at the Bottom Lounge. The prize also includes a free enhanced CD of MY RUIN "The Shape Of Things To Come"Our friend Brian aka The Maniac hosts the weekly all metal show.
Listen to the Maniac tonight and EVERY MONDAY NIGHT FROM 9PM TO 12 AM CENTRAL TIME. YOU CAN LISTEN ON 88.1 FM WCRX IN CHICAGO IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE CITY YOU CAN LISTEN LIVE FROM ANY WERE AROUND THE WORLD VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.WCRX.NET Request line is 312-663-3512
Thanks to Heather at Century Media for that one. (Moe gets it)
I can't believe just now two door to door ministers rang my doorbell to talk to me about the death of Jesus Christ. Bad enough I gotta hear about that movie now they want to talk to me in the cold about it. After seeing me I bet they are glad I politely said "no thanks and have a nice day."
Back to biz.
This week is Greg's record release party for his band Sunwheel Psychedelic. Thursday nigh at Liars Club and the booze is free. So got a feeling I'll be crashing at his place that night. I already made arrangements with Motor Booty to expect me to be out late, I guess it's better if I just stay out so I don't have to use my last Get Out Of Jail Free Card. Amway there will be more than just free booze on hand. Free porn, free swag, cd's etc.
Tom Tretter is going to be there so I expect to feel like hell on Friday. Time to pick up some Chaser.
Then we're having an intimate affair at the haus over the weekend and Monday and Tuesday are MY RUIN who are opening with our friends SOiL at Metro Monday night. Monday we're going to flier the bejesus out of Metro and then Tuesday I'm taking the band down to JBTV and prepping for the big all ages show at The Bottom Lounge on Tuesday. I'm so psyched about it and happy to see this intense band again. It's even cooler that both Tairrie and Mick will be DJing after the show till 2 AM!!!!
Speaking of TV Greg got back from Palm Springs and went right over to Ch. 19 to tape his segment of Expose'. I can't wait to hear how that went.
Speaking of bands I'm rehearsing with an up and coming Chicago band this evening. Os brought back my Black Beauty bass guitar and it's in the mood to thump. We're also learning songs from my collection called "Snake Head Fish". I've been writing it for almost 10 years and it used to be called "Leave my Boots Alone". I can't wait to perform with these guys and help them get to the next level, which they've done pretty well on their own. I just made a deal that we wouldn't wear masks when performing cause people will think we ripped off another local band. I don't think it's a good idea at all so we won't be wearing them, period.
Well that's abut it for now. Time to catch up on things. - AZ
March 13, 2004
White Trash Woodstock
No it wasn't the Indy 500.
I have to say as much as I really enjoy the new KID ROCK album and think the band has a phenomenal stage show, the demographic his music caters to sure leaves a lot to be desired.
Getting to tithe show was 1/2 the battle but once there I was greeted to an array of picketers protesting the fact that KID ROCK wore an American flag at a recent awards show. There is a lot more going on in this country to protest than KID ROCK fashioning a flag to boast his American pride. So after trading verbal punches with these poor mislead people I walked into hillbilly hell. Why I though any different is beyond me. I have not been in a midst of such middle America ignorance in a very long time.
Lets see: Monster trucks, turkey fryers, strippers dancing onstage and red white and blue. Oh shit I'm lucky I wasn't lynched. The guy does glamorize White trash afterall.
I handed out hundreds of fliers for Greg release party next week at Liars Club and nobody could fathom the idea free beer. I guess they don't get into the city much.Nobody believed me and all thought there was a catch. I said the only catch is to listen to the album.I was actually harasses by security for soliciting, and I said it's not soliciting if it's FREE. And they said, "Two words, Clear Channel." So I was a little more discreet about it.
So KID ROCK in conccert awesome. An arena full of his fans: never again.
Should have went to see Fashion Bomb.
March 12, 2004
Business as usual
Somebody loves me. I found wings in the fridge and am having them for brunch. I miss the Weekly Thursday night wing feast that goes all the way back to my days in Pittsburgh at The Pleasure Bar a mob run place I used to frequent on Liberty Avenue. The place I usually pigged out on the hot nuggets of the bird was the Birds Next. Went there a lot with Os and Dreg and even Laura. And Friday mornings I'd sit on the floor with a huge glass of milk and polish off whatever was left of the plate of 75 hot wings I ordered the night before.
Saw some horribly depressing films this week. "Monsters Ball", White Oleander" and "Prey For Rock n Roll". I'm about due for a laugh. Though the Daily Show and South Park are hilarious as ever, and being that M2 is finally running old Beavis and Butthead episodes there is at least something to laugh about.
Tell you who is no longer funny, and that's Dennis Miller. What happened to that guy? The thing that really throws me about that guy is how he could go from as far left as he was to the extreme right. I know it's not just me but conservative humor is not funny. And these assholes either are completely blind or truly believe third own lies. How can anyone actually look right in the camera or look a person dead in the eye and say that we as Americans collectively as a country are better off than we were in the Clinton era. BIG DEAL the guy got some head. A lot more decadent sexual activity went down in the White House in the past. Kennedy is a hero and we hail him and his legacy and shirt tenure constantly. ..nuff o dat. At least there is Jon Stewart and Bill Maher. Dennis Miller is on my shit list. And he's not funny, not fun.
Gene Simmons was on that show, which is why I watched it and surprisingly he didn't start pitching sales.
I managed to help Ron Marks get a Marshall endorsement this week and we are working on a star for marketing his new Subsonic album. Talked to a couple video guys yesterday and we're going to put out an enhanced CD with a video clip at the end of it the way MY RUIN did with "The Shape Of Things To Come". So anyway, Ron is up there w/ Hendrix and company and has a new deal with Marshall and Korg!
This weekend I should be getting my hopefully repaired electric bass named "Black Beauty". I begin recording with the band I'm joining an album called Snakehead Fish. We don't have a deal but are recording in a studio that far exceeds anything money can buy. The name of the producer/engineer is at this time remaining unannounced, but should come to those close to me as no surprise. Lets just say a "seasoned veteran".
I should be picking up my friend in about 2 hours and we're going to see KID ROCK tonight. A mullet fest for sure. But the show will be great and the songs from the new album fucking rocks. I bet there are a lot of wanna be sPam's there like there were at the Tommy Lee show thinking they might get some rock star action. I wonder if Kid ever picked up her tainted blood disease. She's a fucking disease.
Speaking of fucking rocks, Doro Pesch called me yesterday and we rapped about her new DVD. A couple of years ago BH and I met her and hung out backstage before and after the show w/ her and her band. I was taken in by her killer attitude and natural beauty. The DVD is packed and went on sale Tuesday. I've had it for weeks and still haven't gotten all the way through it. The whole cave concert is on there and all of her videos. A symphony performace and a documentar and toms of more stuff including bootleg shit. In all teh years colelcting musci and concert footage I've never seen such a extensive and complete package. Fans will be ecstatic ove rthis thing.
Doro is doing one US appearance this year and it's in Cleveland this June. She invited me to hang out. It'd be great to get a photo of her and Brigette. The similarities are astounding.
A really fucked up thing about the way our countries music industry delivers talent to us is so watered down. In Europe she has won best female vocalist of the year 13 times. She hardly put a dent in the US scene though when she does play the loyalty is extremely evident. in fact the mainstream has no idea she even exists. She had 5 albums released by Warner Brothers Records in the 90's and none of them were domestic they all went to Europe. Her last release before Call Of The Wild in 2000 was the self titled Doro her first solo album in 1990.
The same can be said of my friends in MY RUIN only as opposed to being German as Doro is they are from Los Angeles. I guess the suits don't want us to know woman can rock.
But we'll get to see MY RUIN rock for a second and thirds time here in Chicago in a matter of days. And them some.
Well gotta run. Kid Rock and Dennis equals D day. - AZ
March 08, 2004
COPY CATS Continue To Repulse Me
A side note on All Systems Halt; according to the Emergenza website, A.S.H. has had the best turnout of any band in Chicago participating in the fest so far with 102 votes. Only one other band has come close, with 96 votes and the average being around 40 votes.
A side note on All Systems Halt; according to the Emergenza website, A.S.H. has had the best turnout of any band in Chicago participating in the fest so far with 102 votes. Only one other band has come close, with 96 votes and the average being around 40 votes.
Again Kudos guys. Glad I could help. If you're not familiar with their music write to us for a free limited edition CD. We'll have the band ship one out to you ASAP. If you own or work at a club and would like to have the band perform you can contact the band through us here.
Alas, originality is recognized.
Not original is the fact that they even remade the Walking Tall movie a true story of a southern, white bread Sheriff named Buford Pusser who is now being portrayed by The Rock. How humiliating this is to the Pusser legacy, let alone the films that were so big in the 70's. And I also read where they are now re-making Logan's Run.WTF. All that is being cranked out of Hollywood are sequels and really bad re-makes. It's sad that this is all the big studios will bank on and is proof that originality is dead, or at least recognizing originality is. Sad for good writers and the writers who are penning and the directors doing these hatchet jobs are looking for the quick buck and not realizing teh insult. No self respecting writer could even fathom prostituting their talents in such a way.
While sitting in the rush hour bumper hump this morning, I recalled how much I used to love going to movies, and now there is nothing coming out that I would want to pay the price of a ticket to see. It's sad that I can count on one hand how many times I've been to the movie theatre in Chicago after 6 years.
And I feel the same way about the most popular bands on the circuit, which is why there are none that I really support, and why should I? Not when everyone feels the need to ride on a trend.
But why should anyone care about what I have to say when the masses are obviously comfortable with things they are familar with.
All Systems Halt are at least original, and the fact that the response to them last weekend was so overwhelming, is all the proof anyone should need. Keep On Rockin'!
March 07, 2004
A.S.H.
This is dedication to some hard working rockers. We arrived at the Bottom Lounge last night which was a room of tobacco smoke and packed full of Toadies. You know what a Toadie is right?
It's one of those people who think they are hipsters and usually wear thick rimmed, what we used to call nerd glasses, and wear sneakers with gas station/mechanic jackets and are usually seen drinking PBR or sipping coffee for hours. They shop at thrift stores because they think it's anti-trendy and an old Schwinn bike is usually their mode of transportation. The men never heard of combs and the chicks lop their hair off short and pin it back with those hideous plastic berets that little girls use. They ponder for hours over the worst music and dissect it like one would Plato's "Republic". We saw the king Toadie who was also the MC of this event, called Emergenza, which--no matter who tells me otherwise--is organized by Sony. We were there to support All Systems Halt, but were miserable when this Toadie who obviously was more concerned with his pointless banter onstage than he was to check the levels or sound of his annoying screech over the PA. The high pitches were unbearable and made us both cringe. A really terrible band went on that looked like a bunch of computer dorks who know kinda how to play guitars. They (and WE) would be better off if they stayed in their basement playing too loudly and dressing too sloppily to be on a stage anywhere. Casual Friday does not translate well to the rock stage! I don't care how good or even how bad you are, but if you're coming out to play for an audience in Chicago on a Saturday night you should at least have the decency to dress a bit like you belong onstage--give the audience a SHOW. These guys had the audacity to call their band PSYCHIC LUV CHAIN. So we stood to the side and in walked our friends from All Systems Halt and they looked like rock stars and were really fucking nice and appreciated the people who showed up to support them. We said hello and shook hands and then fucking Abberant came on and we stood in the back till A.S.H. took the stage. Now being there was obviously not much of a sound check before the doors opened, All Systems at least looked the part and sounded better than the other contenders we saw. They rocked like a rock band should! When the band walked off the stage we, made a quick exit from the bad smoke, Toadie central and lame Trixies in their matching overpriced VonDutch caps. (Do they even fucking know who VonDutch IS?!?! Highly doubt it.) Overall it was less than enjoyable as an experience and we were more amused by the homeless minorities handing out full color glossy Acumen Nation fliers than we were they horrible stench and display in the note this particular Saturday night. And if not for the short set of All Systems Halt you'd likely find us both lifeless in a bathtub full of blood this morning.
I have no idea who went to what level after A.S.H. but hopfully they shall move onward and I can look forward listening to the more successful of the Toadies one day on NPR.
March 06, 2004
What Hath Hanoi Wroght:
I woke up one hour before calling Michael Monroe in Turku Finland. I've been waiting 20 years to talk to the guy and equally as long to see Hanoi Rocks play live which will become a reality in about 60 days or less. And opening for them my favorite Chicago area live band, I Love Rich. It was great talking to someone who carries such a distaste for both Motley Crue and the tribute band currently calling themselves Guns N Roses. Overall it was one of the easiest interviews I've ever done because he had so many great stories and things to talk about. I barely got a word in.
Those who know me know very well that I am not a fan of hair bands or that whole onslaught of 80's bands that "borrowed" (I use that word extremely loosely) the look and image and even some licks from a band who wrote the book on what would follow. Hanoi Rocks were and are in every sense what real rock n roll stands for. As a mater of fact it was because of the overkill of carbon copy bands that dominated every aspect of the music media after Hanoi that pushed me to discover Iggy and even deeper and darker bands who were defined by the media as "gothic", though they were just punk bands as far as I was concerned.
I discovered Hanoi Rocks back in 1983 when a Finnish exchange student I was dating named Minna Poyhonnen, also from Turku, turned me onto them. At the time their new album was an import album "Back To Mystery City" and I bought it and fell in love with the songs "Ice Cream Summer" and "Lick Summer Love". After that I bought BANGKOK SHOCKS, SAIGON SHAKES, HANOI ROCKS , ORIENTAL BEAT , and SELF DESTRUCTION BLUES. Then in 1984 their first USA release Two Steps From The Move was released.
In between the time that I had bought the imports and the domestic debut platter Minna went back to Finland, and we stayed in touch. Sometime around my birthday in 1984 she called me and told me that the singer for Motley Crue killed Razzle, the drummer for Hanoi Rocks in a drunk driving accident. This helped to permanently seal how I would feel about Crue till this day. Granted they have done very little as decent or responsible human beings to change those feelings. And ever more they have contributed nothing significant as artists as far as I am concerned. (see MK ULTRA Winter 1998 Motley Crue A Decade Of Denial)
Sometime in 1985 I picked up a 2-record compilation called Dead By Christmas that I played enough to make all of my neighbors sick for many years. And a few years later on the success of their newfound fame Guns n Roses re-released the entire Hanoi Rocks catalogue on their Uzi Suicide imprint, helping establish a volume of the Hanoi Rocks work to a bunch of music lover who would have otherwise never heard of them. I still had the bragging rights, and rightfully so, of having the entire volume of the bands recordings history in my collection years prior to the Uzi releases. As a matter of fact part of the reason I was into GnR in the early stages of their career was the haunting resemblance to the bands image and some of the lyrical stylings.
Over the years Michael Monroe put out a couple of solo records the first of which was a Headbangers Ball classic Not Faking It. The other guys went onto do projects like Cherry Bombz and Shooting Gallery. I caught HR guitarist playing for Iggy Pop on the Instinct tour and that till now has been the closest I've gotten to one of what I consider my most inspirational bands. There were also appearances with The Backyard Babies,and Alice Cooper and a ill fated project called Demolition 23.
So last year when I heard the band was experiencing a RE-BIRTH (not to be confused with a reunion) I was ecstatic. Finally I received an advance of 12 Shots On The Rocks and it later got stolen when our car was broken into, and a month or so ago I got teh entire packaging of 12 Shots which I am playing regularly along with a comp called Decadent Damaged Delicious. To make it even more exciting after talking for over an hour with "the most rocked out mutha in rock n roll" about their forthcoming return to the states as a band, I know that the worthy rockers I LOVE RICH are poised to open the show here in Chicago. I simply and literally cannot wait. And being that a lot of kids are going to get turned onto the the band Hanoi Rocks for the first time, I feel for the first time in eons that there is hope for rock n roll again. It feels great to be excited abut music again. Thanks Hanoi Rocks!
March 05, 2004
Something RUINED This Way Comes
It took just under a week to make a reality but I managed to make the MY RUIN second show a reality the day after the Metro gig. I was on the phone and net for hours wheeling and dealing and the hardest part of this whole damned thing is getting other people to work with you and return calls and emails. Not only is it a courtesy but it's professional. I also learned this week how catty local bands can be and the bands I refer to are composed of dudes acting like little baby bitches. I've never heard such behind the back talk and bullshit from members, managers, and wanna-be's who are rude and lie and go as far as to insult bands and media folk through blind anonymous emails.
NO WONDER I DRINK!
I would expect so much more in a city the size of Chicago, but I learned pretty quick after moving here in '98 that it's just the way it is no matter what scene you are talking about. I've always dealt with things on a larger scale. No matter what perimeters have been set up, or boundaries there are I never worked on a regional scale at any point of my life as a person in the entertainment industry. Even when I started as a club DJ I was rated in an international trade publication. When I started MK I made sure even when it was a free zine that it was something available nationwide. When I went on the radio within months the show was syndicated nationwide and in other countries. When MK got distribution I made sure it was international and though I have attempted to support a handful of local bands, there are those who seem to have a problem with the way I do business. What do I get for my trouble: grief and bullshit. Fuck the insults and screw the negative banter. I have bigger things to do with my limited amount of time than to deal with organizations and groups of people who are not willing to contribute to teamwork or to do what it takes to get to the next level.
One of the first things I did upon moving here was coordinate the BLONDIE reunion album release party and subquesant in person appearance at TOWER RECORDS. And some of the other people in a so-called scene were saying I was moving in too fast. What the fuck was I supposed to do? Sit and watch the world go by? That's not and has never been my way. XRT had no problem working with me, neither did LIARS CLUB or Tower. The people who complained aren't the kind of people who like to share in anykind of glory. They want the spotlight. Unfortunately an event of that stature cannot be done on a smaller level, and it takes teamwork. They weren't willing to work on it so I jumped at the opportunity.
And that single event was a major stepping stone for the way we do things now.
So my next two events are dealing with something on a bigger scale as well. My good friend Greg Miners new project SUNWHEEL PSYCHEDELIC sought my direction for media relations and promotion and it is rolling. FLY PR picked it up and he now how 2 dozen national reviews to launch the debut recording "Burning Doves" into the national spotlight. And it only took 90-days. To celebrate we are having a listening party at LIARS CLUB on Thursday March 18th at 9PM. There is no cover and the beer is complimentary. A few sponsors have jumped on including Roadrunner Records and Chain Whipped and even Qui Magazine who will be publishing photos of the event in one of this springs issues. So what OUI is a long running porn magazine but it's press nonetheless and smut didn't hurt Type O Negative, in fact it helped Bloody Kisses reach gold status.
And as I've been plugging along all week a band I'm very fond of and 4 people who have been very supportive of MK over the last year, MY RUIN will play a second show in Chicago on March 23rd. And they will DJ the afterparty as well. MY RUIN have only played Chicago one other tine and it was a very short set opening for Kittie at the House Of Blues. Now they've been picked up on the SOiL tour.
MY RUIN is Tairrie B on vocals who was a rapper in the golden age of the art form, and then lead a band called Manhole who toured with Type O Negative in the early stages of their October Rust Tour along with Life Of Agony. Manhole later became Tura Satana and shortly after Miss B formed MY RUIN.
On guitar is Tairries other half Mick Murphy a southern boy who plays guitar the way the instrument is made to be played. The music may be competitive with the other metal so popular among today's youth, but he plays down a mean lead over each and every song. Mick has a side project called Neanderthal which is all instrumentals and also a project with Tairrie called The LVRS which is spoken word stuff.
On bass is the one and only Meghan Mattox who commands her side of the stage and keeps up with the other half of teh rhythm section pounded down by the tiny but powerful Yael on the drums. And the show they are doing here for MK is also Yaels birthday so everyone coming be sure to give her your best.
And above all I have to give MY RUIN huge props for being a band who really make their fans feel good. They know they wouldn't have an audience if it weren't for their fan base and theirs is a loyal and devoted as well as tight knit group. MY RUIN take the time to meet them all and talk to all, and that is the biggest reason they want to do this second show. Many other bands would take advantage of a day off and relax and enjoy a different city . But not MY RUIN, they are here for their fans. You have to respect that whether or not they are your cup of tea. They do not have snotty rock star attitudes.
We will also be taking the band down to JBTV to host a show with Jerry Bryant. And I'm sure that will also be a one of a kind show.
So to you naysayers, I say keep coming to this site and reading my thoughts everyday. I'm not going anywhere and I will continue to deliver and I will keep bringing it on and doing my thing. Those of you who support then we're all going to the big party, and everyone else who just want to talk shit will just have to watch from the outside. I have too many positive things to work on. And I want to share it with those who want to share in it and contribute to the welfare of the art form.
Just ask my long term friends who are still there, and have been for all these YEARS. I've never left them out or not informed of anything we're involved in. And those who for whatever reason feel the need to backstab and shoot additude wonder why they are no longer in the circle. It's a BIG circle and everyone in it are tight. And neither miles or time have ever been an obstacle. It's been an open invite since day #1, And that's a result of teamwork. - AZ