3/24/08: Lot's of response to the Bruce Dickinson interview that I aired this past weekend. Bruce is outspoken about how he feels about the bands position in the US and how strongly he does not want Maiden to be ever viewed as nostalgia. His interview didn't sit right with everyone who heard it, but my job is to give these artists an open forum, and Bruce does not pull punches. As always, do your homework and find out who is in these bands and what they are doing before you buy tickets. Like I always say, you vote with your wallets and clearly MANY have voted YES to the the Maiden Somewhere Back in Time tour! Also, the TV interview I did with Bruce has aired on MSG Network. It will be available online at www.msg.com. Click on "programs" and "MSG,NY". The Garden show for Maiden and the PNC date went on sale this past weekend and are both very well sold already.
The response to my Kiss post in my last blog, and the feedback from Kiss fans around the world about Tommy Thayer singing "Shock Me" has been incredible. Why everyone is asking me about it I do not know? I made my comments clear in my last blog and in many previous posts on Kiss. If you don't agree that's fine. That is what it's all about, everyone is entitled to their OPINION! None of this has anything to do with my recent issue with Paul Stanley or my long time friendship with Ace. Let's not forget throughout the entire 80's I was pretty much the only one that actually played this bands music and supported ALL lineups and eras. That support continues every week on my radio shows to this day, but that doesn't mean I can't have an honest opinion when asked! I have made my reputation in 25 years of radio for being honest and real in my thoughts and opinions, no plans on stopping that. Kiss (Gene & Paul) should absolutely do whatever the hell they want with the band. In my last post I stated that. My feelings also have nothing to do with wanting Ace and Peter back in the group. I fully understand why they are not in. I was a Kiss fan LONG before I knew anyone in the band personally, and as a fan I have my feelings and opinions just like you. And for the last time, what bothers me as a fan, is that they dress other people as Ace and Peter! I stated this when it happened and that's still how I feel. End of story, my opinion, your entitled to yours!
Had a great interview with drummer Vinny Appice last week. Vin talked Sabbath and also about his current side band Big Noize, who I am hosting a show with Saturday in NJ at Dexters. I'll post it soon, along with many more interviews once the new site is complete.
Looks like Velvet Revolver, or at least Weiland singing in the band, is on life support. If it is over I look forward to the STP reunion and the next move by Slash. I actually think VR never reached full potential in the studio but was killer live. I prefer the Snakepit albums actually better than either VR CD. If you didn't read the Slash book check it out, great stuff.
Two sad passings this week. In addition to Daniel McMaster passing just found out that John Fowler the original drummer in Steelheart has passed away. Thoughts and prayers to John and Daniel's family, fans and friends.
Lita Ford is back. She will play Rocklahoma this year making it her first gig in over 15 years. Not sure how much more Lita will do beyond Rocklahoma, but I hear maybe some dates around the US in 2009.
ET
