3/19/08: Sad news to hear of the passing of former Bonham singer Daniel McMaster this past Monday. Daniel was a Canadian singer who was on the best known Bonham song and video "Wait For You". I remember seeing that clip and thinking what a find Jason Bonham had at the time. Great looking kid that sang well and clearly was influenced by Robert Plant, a perfect fit for Bonham the band. Never knew him personally but still wanted to acknowledge his passing. His death is no less important to his family, friends, and fans just because he wasn't a well known mainstream artist and I will play a tune in his memory this weekend. Was always surprised he never surfaced with a bigger band later on given all his ability and talent. RIP.
Many emails coming in about video that surfaced on YouTube of Tommy Thayer with Kiss in the Ace costume singing "Shock Me" live in Australia. Many fans were outraged and wanted my take on it. All I ask is are you surprised? If you are, why?? Clearly NOTHING is sacred in the world of Simmons and Stanley and they proved many years ago that for better or worse they will do what they want with the legacy of the band. Let's not forget that years ago "Beth" was re-recorded with Eric Carr vocals, but even then that was kind of done as a bonus track on a hits CD and was never done live, not to mention Eric was dressed as well....Eric! Look, to be honest, I am pretty much over the whole Kiss world of insanity. I will always love and support the music, but that special aura the band had for me went away many years ago. They will always be the band that really started it all for me as a rock fan but I just can't take seriously what they have become. Eric Singer is a good friend and great drummer, and I have known Tommy many years since his days in Black & Blue. These guys are hired guns doing the job they are asked to do and doing it well, so be careful where your anger for all this is directed. Of course there are many Kiss fans angry and who checked out a while ago, there are those that say they are angry but will still go to shows and buy the endless merch that comes out, and there are those that don't care what the band does or becomes and have a blind worship. No matter where you stand it's all good. You have a right to your decision and you vote with your wallets, and as long as enough wallets keep opting to accept whatever Simmons and Stanley do, they will keep doing it. Peter Criss has voiced his great displeasure of the state of Kiss many times in the past. Interesting to note that Ace, who has taken the high road often lately when asked in interviews about Kiss, is now starting to also show he is not happy about what his former band is doing in some recent interviews from his current tour. Can the smoking guitar be far off from Tommy Thayer? I think not! I have said so many times that Gene and Paul have the right to do whatever they want with the Kiss legacy. They own it, they kept it alive through tough times and various lineups, but for me the line was crossed when they dressed others as Ace and Peter. I have said that many times and I still feel that way. It is just plain weird, awkward, and deceptive. I would be much more interested in a Tommy and Eric, or any replacement members, that were their own identity like Vinnie was when he joined or of course the late great Eric Carr.
So much response to the Maiden show in NJ. Thanks to all who wrote about my stage intro that night. What a rush to intro the band in front of 20,000 in my home state! Also lot's of response to my Maiden TV interview which aired on MSG. That will be available online also. I have a new interview with Bruce Dickinson on this weekends FM and XM show, and will have chances to win tickets to Maiden at MSG.
Glad to see VH is not done and that postponed dates are being rescheduled, however my sources tell me that it's still possible there could be further postponements and Eddie VH is still not well. Let's hope he recovers soon and gets the help he needs. The guy is a legend in every sense of the word, but we need him healthy and sober above all.
Speaking of sober, Ace Frehley is doing well on the road and I will be hosting his NYC date and might also head to his show in AC.
Happy to be working with a new club in NJ called Dexters. I'll be there for Big Noize and also have promotions and ticket giveaways for other events. Keep an ear on the show and eye on the site. I hear it's a great room and I look forward to working with them and checking it out.
Michael Sweet of Stryper is a member of the new lineup of Boston.
I'm hearing Judas Priest/Heaven & Hell/Motorhead will tour later this year here in the US. WHAT A SHOW if it's true!
UFO dates getting closer. I'll be in NJ, NYC and Chicago for the dates there. MUST get some Chapman era stuff this time around!
New Whitesnake sounds great. Coverdale and Aldrich will be in NYC next month and I'll be doing some radio and TV with them at a special listening party. Details soon.
Finally, many have asked about my good friend Mike Piazza. Looks like Mike is done playing baseball although nothing is official just yet. He and his family are living in FL and when he has time he will be back on the show. I speak to him often and when he gets back to NYC he will hang on the shows. If he is done for good with baseball as a player, what an amazing career and next stop Cooperstown in a few years! Maybe we'll have to do a remote....
ET
