6/17/08: Lots going on! Just had an interesting interview last night on the XM show with Sebastian Bach. We talked about his upcoming tour with Poison and the reissue of his current Angel Down CD with a bonus DVD. Of course the talk ended up coming around to Skid Row and how Bas is struggling trying to decide if he can move away from those songs now and focus on his solo music, but the demand remains more than ever for people that want to hear him sing things live 18 & Life. That led to the talk of a Skid Row reunion, which opened a very interesting and revealing can of worms to say the least! In a nutshell Bas said the decision is not up to him and that the other guys own the name. He also said possible obstacles are the fact that Rob Affuso doesn't really play rock anymore, Snake is now a manager, and Rachel Bolan is stubborn and hates him. He understands the growing demand for people to see the original Skid Row again as these songs become todays classic rock and doesn't see it happening, but did not rule it out for good. Then original Skids drummer Rob Affuso called in. He was called by people listening and heard about what Bas said. Rob made it clear he very much still plays and could fill the gig in a second. He admitted he very much wants a reunion with his old band, said he spoke with Snake about it a couple years ago, and encouraged me and everyone to beat the drum to make it happen while everyone is still alive! Then I heard from the promoter of Rocklahoma offering major money for a reunion next year! Pretty crazy series of events. Also, VERY IMPORTANT, everyone agrees this has NOTHING to do with the quality of what Bas is doing solo or what the current Skid Row with Johnny Sollinger is doing. I like both very much. But the time is right in my view as well for this great band to kick ass one more time. Skid Row was one of the best bands to come from the 80's and personally I'd love one more shot to see them original one more time. I think we might see it one day as demand grows, but I doubt any time soon. It was fun to debate though and you can hear the audio here soon and podcast it on www.xmradio.com
Also had Lauren Harris in studio. Daughter of Steve and on tour opening for Maiden. Very nice woman and her album is out now. It was cool to get the perspective of the music world and Maiden from a 23 year old female. Audio and videoi of her visit coming soon.
Speaking of Maiden caught them Saturday in NJ and Sunday at MSG. The MSG show was better, set list was the same. Stage show much bigger than last time around due to the fact they are no longer flying the gear to every gig. Bruce singing really well and Steve Harris remains one of the great all time forces in metal. Janick is a bit over the top for my tastes in a band like Maiden, but they sounded great and the set list killed. At MSG the power went out on the PA during Powerslave and the band took the opportunity to play soccer on stage for about 15 minutes. When it came back Bruce had the line of the night when he said it was the "ghost of Sharon". At the backstage after party I had a chance to chat with some of the guys. Lance Armstrong and Kate Hudson were there as well. After the Euro festivals Maiden is headed to the studio for a new CD.
My interview with Judas Priest airs tonight and tomorrow on MSG,NY on MSG Network. I'll have it on the site as well.
Huge fan of Billy Squier's first band Piper. Their two CDs are some of the best hard rock/power pop ever. 3 guitar attack, killer songs. These albums have never before been available on CD, until now. Great stuff if you want to check it out. Also excited about the reunion of Icon. I'll have some music soon. Also loving this new Richie Kotzen live CD. Great player, great vocals.
Get ready for news of my 25th Anniversary Party! Coming Friday at Midnight EST to my radio show and this site!
