GWAR Announces Scumdogs 30th Anniversary Tour!!!

Human Scum, have you received your 5G chip implan-…we mean ‘vaccine’ yet? Now that you’ve gotten your shot in the arm, GWAR will give you a shot in the mouth (of spew) this fall as they return to the road in North America. The first part of the “Scumdogs 30th Anniversary Tour” will kick off September 16th with a show in the band’s adopted hometown of Richmond, VA and will run through September 19th in Pittsburgh, PA and also includes a stop at RiotFest. This tour will see GWAR playing the “Scumdogs of the Universe” record in its entirety. Support on the headline shows will come from Madball and Eyehategod. The band then returns to the road October 28th in Norfolk, VA and will criss-cross this mudball planet through December 13th in Washington, DC. Support will come from the legendary Napalm Death and again EyehategodGWAR will also make an appearance at this year’s “Welcome to Rockville” festival. A complete list of tour dates can be found below. Pre-sales start tomorrow June 17th and the general on-sale is this Friday June 18th.

We’ve been saving it up, and we are ready to explode all over the face of this nation with a dazzling flood of chaotic shock rock load. But don’t even try to come to a show on this tour unless you are unvaccinated, covid positive and willing to submit to an enthusiastic rectal temperature check at the hands of our degenerate road crew,” says lead throat thing The Berserker Blóthar

GWAR’s latest release “The Disc With No Name” EP is completely sold out, so you’re fucked, but don’t fret, you can still hear it online HERE.

Don’t forget to drink GWAR’s Ragnarök Rye and smoke “The Bud of Gods” CBD Line

Tour Dates:

$ – with Madball / Eyehategod supporting

x – with Napalm Death / Eyehategod supporting

# – Festival

9/16/21 – Richmond, VA – The National $

9/17/21 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall $

9/18/21 – Chicago, IL – RiotFest @ Douglas Park #

9/19/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls $

10/28/21 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa x

10/29/21 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium x

10/30/21 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall x

10/31/21 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza x

11/1/21 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage x

11/2/21 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom x    

11/4/21 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave x

11/5/21 – Detroit, MI – Crofoot Ballroom x

11/6/21 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue x

11/7/21 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues x

11/8/21 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House x

11/10/21 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel x

11/11/21 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts x

11/12/21 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade x

11/13/21 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville #    

11/15/21 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live x

11/16/21 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Bar & Grill x

11/18/21 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater x

11/19/21 – Tuscon, AZ – The Rialto x

11/20/21 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues x

11/21/21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco Theater x

11/22/21 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom x

11/23/21 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater x

11/24/21 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory x

11/26/21 – Reno, NV – Virginia Street Brewhouse x

11/27/21 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory x

11/28/21 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom x

11/30/21 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO x

12/1/21 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom x

12/3/21 – Calgary, AB – MacEwan Hall x

12/4/21 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Bar x

12/6/21 – Billings, MT – Pub Station x   

12/7/21 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater x

12/8/21 – Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater x

12/9/21 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue x

12/10/21 – Lincoln, NE – The Bourbon Theatre x

12/11/21 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s x   

12/13/21 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club x

Rocklahoma 2021: Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, and Many More

This Year To Celebrate America’s Biggest Labor Day Weekend Party

Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4 & Sunday, September 5

At Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma

Hosted By Eddie Trunk

Early Bird Passes On Sale Friday, June 11 at 10:00 AM CT

Rocklahoma will make its highly anticipated return this year – taking place on Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5 at Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma, just outside of Tulsa. Previously taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, Rocklahoma will celebrate America’s biggest Labor Day Weekend Party in 2021. Now in its 15th year, the three-day camping festival features some of today’s top rock artists, including Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, Falling in Reverse, and many more.

Produced by AEG PresentsRocklahoma showcases the best new rock acts and classic artists performing on three stages. With onsite camping amenities and unparalleled VIP packages, Rocklahoma lives up to its motto of “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Rock.”

The music lineup for Rocklahoma 2021 is as follows (subject to change):  Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, Falling in Reverse, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals Perform A Vulgar Display Of Pantera, Sevendust, The Hu, Motionless In White, Pop Evil, Badflower, Grandson, Jelly Roll, Candlebox, Puddle Of Mudd, Stephen Pearcy The Voice Of Ratt, Andrew W.K., Knocked Loose, From Ashes To New, Tremonti, John 5 And The Creatures, Ayron Jones, All Good Things, Light The Torch, Zero 9:36, Bones UK, Butcher Babies, George Lynch & The Electric Freedom, Diamante, Austin Meade, Cory Marks, Jeris Johnson, BulletBoys, Liliac, Another Day Dawns, Dead Metal Society, Color Of Chaos, East Side Gamblers, Budderside, Paralandra, Fist Of Rage, Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls, Outlaw Devils, 90LB Wrench, Severmind, Love Sick Radio, Mind Of Fury, Jessikill, Straight Six, The Rumours, and Chaotic Resemblance.

Slipknot’s M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan says, “Cannot wait until we play Labor Day Weekend in Pryor, Oklahoma. Our first time at a festival is always very special. We all know that this will be one of those days. See you all soon. Stay (sic).”

Passes go on sale at early bird pricing on Friday, June 11 at 10:00 AM CT at www.Rocklahoma.com, and will increase to phase 2 pricing on Friday, June 18 at 5:00 PM CT. Payment plan options are also available, allowing purchasers to split the cost into monthly payments. Fans are encouraged to buy early and save.

Limited quantities of Groupie, Roadie, and Rockstar VIP Packages are also available.

Please visit https://rocklahoma.com/passes.html for details.

Current pass pricing is as follows, while supplies last:

Weekend Admission Passes:

Weekend GA: $144 plus fees

Weekend Military GA: $120 plus fees

Weekend GA 4-Pack: $516 plus fees

Weekend Reserved Admission (comes with food & soft drinks): $399 plus fees

VIP Packages:

Groupie Package: $700 per person for pit / $800 per person for reserved plus fees

Roadie Package: $1,125 per person plus fees

Rockstar Package $2,650 per pair for camping / $3,350 per pair for Hotel plus fees

Note: All Weekend tickets are for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

New for 2021, Rocklahoma will offer two new packages to get away from the crowds:

Big Shot Boxes: $3,400 plus fees

Private, shaded, elevated boxes located at the main stage for you and three friends north of the reserved seats. Couches, chairs, and beverage service plus access to the VIP Tent and Stage 2 VIP lounge.

The Garage package: $4,500 plus fees

Private, shaded 10×20 tent near the main stage for up to six people. Couches, chairs, and beverage service for you and your guests.

The campgrounds are a unique part of the Rocklahoma experience, and will be open from Sunday, August 29 at Noon CT through Tuesday, September 7 at Noon CT. New in the campgrounds, Rocklahoma will offer two high end glamping packages. General Admission and VIP camping are available at checkout and are only available with weekend ticket purchases. Information on camping add-ons can be found at https://rocklahoma.com/camping.html.

Fans are invited to kick off the party early at The Roadhouse where local Oklahoma favorites, top tribute acts, and national legends will headline the D&B Concerts Stage each day. The Roadhouse will also feature food trucks, a full-service bar, and a great place to hang with your friends throughout Rocklahoma.

Festival doors open at 2:00 PM daily, and doors for The Roadhouse open at 11:00 AM daily.

Rocklahoma is located just 45 minutes northeast of Tulsa, in Pryor, OK. The Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds is a premier destination for a multi-day festival and includes onsite camping with access to restrooms and shower house, a general store for campers, VIP reserved seating, hospitality areas and much more.

For more information on Rocklahoma, visit: Website: www.Rocklahoma.com

JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE RESCHEDULED 50 HEAVY METAL YEARS TOUR

Tickets Go On Sale Starting Friday, June 11 at 10am Local Time at http://Ticketmaster.com

One of heavy metal’s all-time greats, Judas Priest, will finally get the opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary this year with the launch of a North American tour this fall. The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will also feature Sabaton as openers and is being fueled by the highest charting album of Priest’s career, ‘Firepower,’ which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200.

Produced by Live Nation, the North American tour – which will run throughout September (kicking off on September 8th in Reading, PA) and November (concluding on November 5th in Hamilton, Ontario), will feature a variety of special effects, which will undoubtedly enhance the might of Priest’s metal. 

Tickets for the newly announced dates will go on sale beginning this Friday, June 11th at 10am local time at http://Ticketmaster.com

Tickets for the previously announced tour dates are available now.

“Defending the heavy metal faith for fifty years, the Priest is back!” – Rob Halford

“Time to don the leather and studs and roll out the Priest Machine – celebrating our 50 Heavy Metal Years!!” – Glenn Tipton

“After the horrific year of restrictions we’ve all had to endure, what better place to break free, than the land of the free – the USA!” – Ian Hill

Judas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England (an area that many feel birthed heavy metal). The original nucleus of musicians would go on to change the face of heavy metal. Throughout the 70’s Priest were responsible for helping trail blaze metal with such classic offerings as ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (1976) ‘Sin After Sin’ (1977) and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ (1978) as well as one of the genre’s top live recordings ‘Unleashed in the East’ (1979) among others.

It was during the 80’s that Priest conquered the world, becoming a global arena headliner on the strength of such all-time classics as ‘British Steel’ (1980) and ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ (1982), as well as being one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-burgeoning MTV, plus performing at some of the decades biggest concerts (1980’s Monsters of Rock, 1983’s US Festival, and 1985’s Live Aid) and being the first to exclusively wear leather and studs – a look that began during this era and would eventually be embraced by metal heads throughout the world. Priest’s success continued throughout the 90’s and beyond with the addition of drummer Scott Travis, as evidenced by such additional stellar offerings as ‘Painkiller’ (1990) ‘Angel of Retribution’ (2005) and ‘A Touch of Evil: Live’ (2009) the latter of which saw Priest win a Grammy Award for a killer rendition of the classic ‘Dissident Aggressor’.

In 2011 new guitarist Richie Faulkner came in to replace the previous guitarist who had left in 2010 – the move seemed to have reinvigorated the band, as evidenced by a show-stealing performance on the ‘American Idol’ TV program that also served as Faulkner’s debut performance with the band (also in 2011 was the release of a new compilation ‘The Chosen Few’ which included Priest classics selected by some of metal’s biggest names) and the ‘Epitaph’ concert DVD in 2013. 

Priest’s next studio effort would arrive in 2014 ‘Redeemer of Souls’ which was supported by another strong tour. In 2017 (and again in 2019) Judas Priest received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and got ready to unleash their latest studio album ‘Firepower’ (produced by Andy Sneap and Tom Allom) which received global success and critical acclaim. In 2020, a fully official and authorized photographic book, ‘Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years,’ was issued. 

Few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest. Having been forced off the road for over a year, Priest will soon make a most-welcomed return to metalheads coast to coast, with the 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour. 

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES: 

9/8/2021 Reading  PA                      Santander Arena* 
9/9/2021 Virginia Beach VA             Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*+ 
9/11/2021 Orlando FL                      Central Florida Fairgrounds^# 
9/13/2021 Charlotte NC                   PNC Music Pavilion 
9/14/2021 Raleigh NC                      Red Hat Amphitheater* 
9/16/2021 Grand Rapids MI             Van Andel Arena* 
9/17/2021 Youngstown OH              Covelli Centre^ 
9/19/2021 Detroit MI                         Fox Theatre* 
9/20/2021 Rosemont IL                    Rosemont Theatre* 
9/22/2021 Milwaukee WI                  Miller High Life Theatre^ 
9/23/2021 Minneapolis MN              The Armory* 
9/25/2021 Maryland Heights MO     Saint Louis Music Park 
9/26/2021 Louisville KY                    Louder Than Life Festival^# 
9/29/2021 Denver CO                      The Mission Ballroom^ 
9/30/2021 West Valley City UT         Maverik Center* 
10/2/2021 Everett WA                       Angel Of The Winds Arena* 
10/3/2021 Portland OR                     Moda Center* 
10/5/2021 Oakland CA                      Fox Theater^ 
10/6/2021 Los Angeles CA                Microsoft Theater^ 
10/8/2021 Las Vegas NV                   Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood 
10/9/2021 Phoenix AZ                       Arizona Federal Theatre 
10/12/2021 San Antonio TX              Freeman Coliseum^ 
10/13/2021 Cedar Park TX                HEB Center Cedar Park^ 
10/15/2021 Irving TX                         The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 
10/16/2021 Oklahoma City OK          The Zoo Amphitheatre^ 
10/19/2021 Independence MO          Cable Dahmer Arena* 
10/21/2021 Nashville TN                    Nashville Municipal Auditorium* 
10/22/2021 Alpharetta GA                  Ameris Bank Amphitheatre* 
10/24/2021 Charleston WV                Charleston Civic Center Coliseum* 
10/25/2021 Philadelphia PA               The Met* 
10/27/2021 Newark NJ                       Prudential Center* 
10/28/2021 Oxon Hill MD                   The Theater at MGM National Harbor 
10/30/2021 Mashantucket CT            Foxwoods Resort Casino – Grand Theater^ 
10/31/2021 Lowell MA                       Tsongas Center At UMass Lowell* 
11/2/2021 Halifax NS                         Scotiabank Centre* 
11/4/2021 Laval , QC                         Place Bell* 
11/5/2021 Hamilton ONT                   First Ontario Centre*

* new show
^ not a Live Nation event
# festival date
+ Sabaton not support on this date; support is TBD

Concert Review: Bad Religion “Decades Season 2 1980’s”

“Decades Season 2- 1980s”

Bad Religion

Saturday, June 5th, 2021

The Roxy, Hollywood, California/NoCapshows.com

Our score 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bad Religion kicked off Season 2 of their “Decades” series on June 5th from the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood. Broadcast exclusively via NoCapshows.com its the first of four episodes which will feature deep cuts and rarely performed songs. Like season 1 each episode of season 2 will focus on a specific era of the bands 40+ year career. Up first was the 1980’s which pulled songs from four different releases (“How Could Hell Be Any Worse?”, “Into the Unknown”, “Suffer” and “No Control”) some of which have not been performed live in over 30 years.

Capitalizing on the success of the first four “Decades” live streams veteran punk purveyors Bad Religion are back with a brand-new set of shows which take fans deeper down the BR rabbit hole. Though the format and look of “Decades Season 2” is very similar to that of season 1 the setlists could not be any more different. Over the course of 60 minutes Vocalist Greg Graffin and company took viewers deep into the group’s massive song archives to revisit some of the bands lesser performed tracks from the groups first four studio releases. Prior to the show starting I was skeptical as to how the set was going to go as it was being touted as having completely different songs with no repeats from the subsequent performances. How were we going to watch a Bad Religion show and not hear songs like “Infected”, “Sorrow” and “21st Century Digital Boy”? Could the rarities fill in for these long-time staples which have had fans coming out on droves since their release? Well, right off the bat any fears I had about the set not living up to the standard Bad Religion always puts forth were quickly put to bed as the band ripped through tracks like “Voice of God is Government”, “Doing Time” and, “Damned to Be Free” all of which have been absent from live performances since 2008. The band even dipped in to “Against the Grain” (yes, it was technically released in 1990) to perform the Brett Gurewitz penned track “Walk Away” for its first time ever! Pretty cool from a fan’s perspective for sure. Easily my favorite performances of the night were two songs pulled from the widely panned 1983 release “Into the Unknown”. The somber “…You Give Up” set the stage nicely for the keyboard fueled “It’s Only Over When..” which came complete with a key slide that would bring Rick Wakeman to his knees and one that had me cracking up for the next few seconds. This combined with some comedic interview Segway’s really made for a good watch.

Clocking in at around 60 minutes Bad Religion’s “Decades” gives you what you want as a fan and then lets you get back to your day. With lives shows slowly starting to happen across the country and around the world there is undoubtably still some skepticism around if things will be safe. The latest virtual offering from Bad Religion alleviates those worries and offers a fun, enjoyable concert performance which you can watch any time and, from wherever you are comfortable. With three more shows coming in season 2 and the option to be able to go back and re-watch season 1 Greg, Mike, Brian, Jamie and Jay have you covered until you are ready to get back out there and see them face to face.

Set List:

1.) Voice of God is Government

2.) Politics

3.) Yesterday

4.) Delirium of Disorder

5.) Billy

6.) Sometimes It Feels Like…

7.) …You Give Up

8.) It’s Only Over When

9.) What Can You Do?

10.) Part II (The Numbers Game)

11.) Part III

12.) Part IV (The Index Fossil)

13.) Land of Competition

14.) Doing Time

15.) Damned to Be Free

16.) I Want Something More

17.) Turn on the Light

18.) When?

19.) Walk Away

20.) Sanity

21.) Faith in God

22.) Pessimistic Lines

23.) Progress

To watch Season 1 and 2 of Bad Religion “Decades” visit Nocapshows.com here

Toy Review: Playmobil “Back to the Future” Marty’s Truck & Hoverboard Chase Set

“Back to the Future”

Marty’s Pick-up Truck/Back to the Future II Hoverboard Chase

Playmobil

Our Score 4 out of 5 stars

Playmobil expand on their “Back to the Future” line with the addition of two brand new pieces. “Marty’s Pick-up Truck” and the “Hoverboard Chase” playset are the latest elements from the film franchise to receive the Playmobil treatment allowing both toy and film fans to further recreate classic scenes from the iconic movie franchise right in their very own home.

First up is “Marty’s Pick-up Truck”. If you remember this was the truck featured briefly at the end of Part I that Marty receives from his parents after returned to 1985 thanks to the help of Doc and the lighting strike which struck the Hill Valley Clock in 1955. Included with the all black pick-up truck which features four rubber, oversized tires, light bar and tow hitch are three new figures which coincide with the film scene. You get Marty, Jennifer Parker outfitted as they are in the final scene of the first film along with Biff Tannen who is dressed in a green track suite and comes complete with window spray and a buffing towel. This figure really made us laugh and was certainly a favorite. Just like the previously released DeLorean and Clocktower Advent Calendar pieces no details were spared as Marty’s truck features its own “McFly85” vanity plates and all three figures feature detailed, screen accurate costuming which from a collector standpoint is really nice to see.

Next up we checked out the first entry from the futuristic “Back to the Future Part II”. The “Hoverboard Chase” playset features one of the films most popular scenes as we see Marty get a custom to what skateboarding is like in 2015 when he is chased by Griff Tannen through a futuristic Hill Valley. Included in the set are four screen accurate figures (Marty, Griff, Dr. Brown and Police Officer) along with two hover boards and a police motorcycle which transforms to a hover cycle. Also included is the pond/town square area where this epic scene takes place. Again, no detail was missed as the pond and walk area feature multicolored flowers, signage featuring Mayor Goldie Wilson and the comedic “Jaws 19” movie sign. Playmobil doesn’t stop there! For those who purchased the previously DeLorean you get a couple upgrades in the way of the Mr. Fusion attachment and a replacement cover for the hook holder. My son really enjoyed these additions as not only did it put a fresh spin on an older toy, but it now looked just like the one in the film and, best of all he didn’t have to worry about how he was going his next batch of plutonium.

Playmobil continues to make great products that are enjoyable for children and adults of all ages and these two additions to the “Back to the Future” line is no exception. Both products offer tons of features and details which translate into hours of imagination and play. Though the updated Marty and Doc figures are great, we have already seen a couple versions of these characters be released. I think it would have been better to have provided the updated wardrobe to use on characters you may already own allowing for the inclusion of other figures from the film like Marty’s parents, Mayor Goldie or Principal Strickland however that aside we still had lots of fun with these toys and we can’t wait to see what Playmobil has lined up for “Back to the Future III”.

GUNS N’ ROSES ANNOUNCE UPDATES FOR 2021 TOUR, ADD MAMMOTH WVH AS SPECIAL GUEST

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2021 US TOUR

Don’t miss your chance to see the band live in North America in your city!

Get on the Nightrain for first shot at tickets beginning June 1 at Noon local time.

Nightrain presales available for these shows:

  • July 31, 2021 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
  • August 22, 2021 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
  • August 25, 2021 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center at San Jose
  • August 27, 2021 – Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
  • August 30, 2021 – Phoenix, AZ @ Phoenix Suns Arena
  • September 1, 2021 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
  • September 11, 2021 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (casino)
  • September 12, 2021 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (casino)
  • September 21, 2021 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
  • September 23, 2021 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center 
  • September 26, 2021 – Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
  • September 29, 2021 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
  • October 2, 2021 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Arena 
  • October 3, 2021 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Arena 

Active NIGHTRAIN members will see their UNIQUE presale code displayed on the TOUR page after logging in.

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning June 4 at Noon local time.

If you are not currently a member of Nightrain, 

CHECK OUT  THE NEW NIGHTRAIN PACKAGES!

GWAR’s “Disc With No Name” Out Today!

Unfiltered, uncouth and now unplugged, GWAR almost have us convinced with this acoustic EP that behind that four-dong udder there may just be a heart somewhere-Loudwire-

It’s so GWAR to have some beautiful harmonies meshed with horrendously vile lyrics -Metal Insider-

GWAR’s latest opus “Disc With No Name,” is out today on Pit Records. The band worked tirelessly on this acoustic masterpiece during last year’s “GWARantine,” and it is finally available for puny pathetic human ears. 

Blóthar the Berserker says “When Sleazy P. Martini suggested we do something “unplugged” I was confused. It took me forever to get it plugged in the first place. Turns out he wanted us to record a few GWAR tunes, stripped down to chords, harmony and emotion. Now that I understand what’s going on, I’m thrilled with the project. I was finally able to release my inner Joni Mitchell. I swallowed her years ago, and she’s been living in my belly ever since.”

More breaking GWAR news; the band’s new Ragnarök Rye is available in stores today.  

Stay tuned for more info from GWAR including updates on new music and fall touring plans.

“The Disc With No Name” Tracklisting:
Side A:

1.Fuck This Place (Acoustic)

2.Gonna Kill You (Acoustic)

Side B:

1.I’ll Be Your Monster (Acoustic)

2.The Road Behind (Acoustic)

GWAR Live:

9/18: Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest

11/13: Daytona, FL @ Welcome to Rockville 

FOZZY DROP UNPRECEDENTED NEW VIDEO FOR “SANE”

Powerhouse rockers FOZZY drop their breathtaking, unprecedented music video for “SANE”, filmed on the longest wooden rollercoaster on the planet today!! Get a first-hand view of the madness as the band literally defies gravity, by reaching top speeds of 70 mph and terrifying drops of 154 feet! It’s an edgy, heart-stopping thrill ride that represents both the power and physicality of FOZZY’s music, along with the bombastic nature and “who gives a shit” attitude of their live show. Watch the music video for “SANE” HERE and purchase/stream the track HERE.

“’SANE’ is the perfect first single for FOZZY to unleash on the world, as it’s heavy, hooky, catchy and RIFF-TASTIC!! I can’t think of a better way to remind everybody of the feeling you get when u hear a great rock n roll tune, one that makes u wanna put the top down on your car and put your foot down on the gas….and ‘SANE’ is that tune! It’s been such a tough year in so many ways, but now as the world is slowly getting better, FOZZY is here to vaccinate you with a proverbial phonograph needle and make you wanna ROCK again,” states FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho about “SANE”.

Rich Ward, FOZZY’s guitarist, adds, After the first few songs started to develop in the early stages of writing material for FOZZY’s new record, we knew we were onto something special. We were inspired, creating music that had the potential to be the best we’d ever recorded. The only thing we were missing was a riff worthy of opening the record. The next day, I came to the studio with ‘SANE’!”

After touring the world with the likes of Metallica, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold, Shinedown and building a loyal fanbase for the better part of twenty years, FOZZY is the epitome of what a great rock n roll band should be: catchy, groovy, hooky, sweaty and most importantly, an AWESOME F**KIN TIME! With five consecutive TOP 30 singles, FOZZY is steadily becoming one of the most successful bands on Modern Rock Radio. It was the band’s 2012 release Sin And Bones, which featured the hit single “Sandpaper” (over 4.5 millionviews on YouTube), that found the band reaching a level of legitimacy that drew a mass audience to drink in their trademark heavy melodic groove. The album eventually reached #143 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, but it was their next album, Do You Wanna Start A War (produced by Ward), released in the summer of 2014, that really blew the door open, debuting at #54 on Billboard and giving the band their first top 30 radio single in “Lights Go Out”, which was blared in sports arenas nationwide. Then, in May 2017, came the band’s breakthrough massive smash song “Judas”, expected to achieve Gold Record status by the end of 2021. The aforementioned title track spent 5 weeks at #1 on the highly influential ‘Big Uns Countdown‘ on Sirius/XM’s Octane channel, amassed over 47 million views for its video on YouTube, cracked the Top 5 on the US Rock Radio Chart and is still heard by millions of fans worldwide weekly on the TNT Network’s hugely popular “AEW Dynamite” program. The follow up single “Painless” hit number 9 on the charts (almost 10 million views on YouTube) with “Burn Me Out” peaking at number 18 and “Nowhere To Run” becoming FOZZY’s thirdTop Ten hit in 2020.

Rich Ward leads the band and is one of the most versatile, talented riff machines & songwriters in rock n roll today. Chris Jericho’s skills as a frontman are second to none and his vocal style & range are both unique and instantly recognizable. The powerhouse drumming of Frank Fontsere is the cornerstone of FOZZY’s sound, along with the blazing solos of Billy Grey and the rock star energy of new bass player, PJ Farley. These are five legit rock stars, whose energy and charisma light up every stage they play on and every crowd they perform for. As a result, it’s no surprise that FOZZY has skyrocketed into one of the hottest rock acts in years. FOZZY is Chris Jericho (vocals), Rich Ward (guitars, vocals), Frank Fontsere (drums), Billy Grey (guitars) and PJ Farley (bass).

FOZZY Tour Dates:

July 14 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood 

July 15 – Cadott, WI – Rockfest*

July 17 – Jacksonville, FL – Taco Festival*

August 7 – Sheboygan, WI – Brat Days *

September 2 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall 

September 3 – Joliet, IL – Apollo Theater 

September 4 – Belvidere, IL – Apollo Theater

September 6 – Kansasville, WI – 1175 

September 9 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC 

September 10 – Appomattox, VA – Blue Ridge Rockfest *

September 11 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage 

September 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergel’s 

September 13 – Buffalo, NY – Iron Works 

September 16 – Angola, IN – Eclectic Room 

September 17 – Elevation – The Intersection 

September 18 – Flint. MI – Machine Shop 

September 19 – Cleveland, OH – The Winchester 

September 26 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life*

September 27 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi Fi 

September 28 – Harrison, OH – Blue Note 

September 30 – Nashville, TN – Basement East 

October 1 – Canton, GA – Action Building 

October 2 – Tampa, FL – 98ROCKFEST*

October 3 – Charlotte, NC – Underground 

October 4 – Jacksonville, NC – Hooligans 

October 7 – Johnson City, TN – Capone’s 

October 8 – Savannah, GA – Victory North

October 9 – Orlando, FL – WJRR’s Earthday Birthday*

October 21-October 25 – Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea

October 29 – November 3 – The KISS Kruise X*festival date

Watch “SANE” Music Video:YouTube

Purchase/Stream “SANE”:Pivot

RAMMSTEIN IN AMERIKA, FIRST EVER NORTH AMERICAN STADIUM TOUR RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 21 THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2022

SECOND LOS ANGELES AND THIRD MEXICO CITY DATES ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
 
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 28 AT 10AM LOCAL TIME AT RAMMSTEIN.COM

 

“If we define fun as the unknowing acceleration of time, then Rammstein’s particular brand of self-obliteration, in which time collapses entirely, is a guaranteed good time” —THE NEW YORKER
 
“The commitment to excessive pyromania was epic stagecraft on a Wagnerian scale, several notches up from most arena rock. More important was that the six-piece band… wasn’t dependent on those fireworks but could have easily punished and soothed the senses to nearly the same effect with music alone.” —THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
 
“One of heavy music’s biggest and most dynamic live acts” —CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND
 
The North American debut of the most extreme spectacle in live music will finally take place in fall 2022, when RAMMSTEIN brings its full-scale stadium production to this continent for the first time ever. Rock n roll’s most ambitious pyro-theatrical experience will be on display for a series of 12 open-air dates beginning August 21, 2022 at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal and setting seven U.S. stadiums ablaze before concluding at Foro Sol in Mexico City on October 4, 2022. The tour is produced by AEG Presents.
 
Due to overwhelming popular demand, the tour has added a second date at the L.A. Coliseum on Saturday, September 24, 2022 and a third show at Foro Sol in Mexico City on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
 
    ***Tickets for the new shows will go on sale to the public 10am local time Friday, May 28. Tickets for the original shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates.  To purchase tickets or for further information, go to rammstein.com.
 
The full itinerary for the tour, RAMMSTEIN’s most extensive series of N.A. shows in 10 years, is as follows:
 
Sunday, August 21, 2022 – Montreal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau
Saturday, August 27, 2022 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
Saturday, September 3, 2022 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
Friday, September 9, 2022 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
Saturday, September 17, 2022 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome
Friday, September 23, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Saturday, September 24, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum***
Saturday, October 1, 2022 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol
Sunday, October 2, 2022 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol***
 
RAMMSTEIN’s six-man lineup CHRISTOPH SCHNEIDER, FLAKE LORENZ, OLIVER RIEDEL, PAUL LANDERS, RICHARD Z. KRUSPE, and TILL LINDEMANN, has remained unchanged since the band’s 1994 formation and 1995 release of its debut album, HERZELEID.  RAMMSTEIN’s second album, SEHNSUCHT, released in 1997, propelled the band to international fame and featured the GRAMMY-nominated single “DU HAST.” MUTTER, the third RAMMSTEIN album, was released in 2001 and was supported by what would be the band’s final U.S. tour for nearly a decade. REISE, REISE, the band’s fourth studio album, was released in 2004, preceded by the GRAMMY-nominated single “MEIN TEIL” and followed by fifth album ROSENROT in 2005. LIEBE IST FÜR ALLE DA, the sixth RAMMSTEIN studio album, was released in 2009 and reached #13 on the Billboard 200, making it RAMMSTEIN’s highest-charting album in the U.S. up to that point. LIFAD would be the first RAMMSTEIN album since 2001’s MUTTER to be supported by North American touring: On December 11, 2010, RAMMSTEIN played its first U.S. date in 10 years, a one-off headline at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The MSG show sold out in less than 20 minutes and was followed by extensive North American Tours in 2011 and 2012, which would sell out venues including the Forum in Los Angeles, Chicago’s Allstate Arena, the Bell Centre in Montreal and more. RAMMSTEIN made its debut on U.S. network television during the 2011 tour, performing “DU HAST” and “FEUER FREI!” on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!
 
RAMMSTEIN broke into the U.S. Top 10 for the first time with the May 17, 2019 release of its seventh and most recent album, which entered at #9 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Olsen Involtini with RAMMSTEIN, the untitled record is comprised of 11 new RAMMSTEIN tracks including singles “AUSLANDER,” “RADIO” and “DEUTSCHLAND.” The release of the album was followed by the sold-out Europe Stadium Tour 2019, which ran May 17 through August 23, 2019.

BAD RELIGION TO RELEASE A SECOND SEASON OF DECADES A FOUR-PART STREAMING SERIES

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 18, 2021 12 PM (PST)

FIRST EPISODE, THE 80’S, TO PREMIERE JUNE 5, 2021 2 PM (PST)

VIA NO CAP SHOWS

Bad Religion is releasing the second season of their wildly popular streaming event, Decades.  Bad Religion singer Greg Graffin says, “We were blown away by the enthusiasm of our fans surrounding our first streaming event last year. We realized that we had only touched on a couple of songs from each album during Decades: Season One. We wondered if we could dig a bit deeper into our catalog and do it again. Many of these songs have never been performed on stage. Some of them are timeless fan favorites. A few, we may never attempt to play ever again! But all of them show the diverse and even experimental nature of Bad Religion‘s repertoire over the years”.  All four episodes of Decades: Season Two will include a live performance set filmed at The Roxy in Hollywood, California, candid interviews with all current band members, and behind-the-scenes footage of the band as they rehearsed. Bad Religion will participate in an accompanying live chat during the premiere of each episode. Tickets and merchandise are available for sale on the Decades: Season  NoCap Shows page.

The ’80s Bad Religion performs songs from their albums How Could Hell Be Any Worse, Into The Unknown, Suffer, No Control and Against The Grain (yes, it was released in 1990 but, fuck it, we do what we want). Expanded exclusive interviews with band members and crew. Even more and fly on the wall rehearsal footage and behind the curtain shenanigans.

The ’90’sBad Religion performs songs from Generator, Recipe For Hate, Stranger Than Fiction, The Gray Race, and No Substance. Exclusive interviews with band members and crew. 

The ’00sBad Religion performs songs from The New America, The Process of Belief, The Empire Strikes First, and New Maps of Hell. The band discusses the evolution of their sound. 

The ’10sBad Religion performs songs from The Dissent of Man, True North, and Age Of Unreason. The Covid-19 pandemic cut short their plans to tour in support of The Age Of Unreason. Many of the songs included are being performed outside of the studio for the first and possibly last time.  

No Cap Shows will host Decades: Season Two; a four-episode package will sell for $40, individual episodes are available for $15. Tickets for Decades: Season Two will go on sale Tuesday, May 18, at noon PST. Episodes will remain up for sale and viewing till July 31st at midnight PST.  

Decades: Season 2 episodes will premiere at 2:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

June 5th: Bad Religion, the ’80s

June 12th: Bad Religion, the ’90s

June 19th: Bad Religion, the ’00s

June 26th: Bad Religion, the ’10s 

4 Decades 4 Episodes $40 bucks

BULB (PERIPHERY’S MISHA MANSOOR) SETS JULY 16 RELEASE DATE FOR DEBUT SOLO ALBUM

MODERATELY FAST, ADEQUATELY FURIOUS (3DOT RECORDINGS)

https://lnk.to/bulb-moderatelyfast-adequatelyfurious

WATCH THE “PARABOLICA” VIDEO NOW

Misha Mansoor, the highly-innovative musician renowned for his acclaimed guitar acrobatics, is set to release his first proper solo album using the longtime Bulb moniker that earned him internet fame in his pre-Periphery days. The album, Moderately Fast, Adequately Furious, arrives on July 16 via 3DOT Recordings.

An introduction to the 11-song album arrives via the newly released “Parabolica” video (https://youtu.be/K1TGQ9LUBKY).

“I can’t tell you guys how excited I am and how cathartic it feels to finally be able to put out my first solo album. Moderately Fast, Adequately Furious has technically been about 15 years in the making, so your patience has been appreciated,” explains Mansoor. “It was important that I felt genuinely happy with this Bulb debut, but I can say that I finally put together something that I am proud of. This album represents something important to me, and that was both the impetus and the goal in its creation and completion. With that said, I do hope that you enjoy it too!”

Bulb is known within guitar circles as the online moniker Mansoor used as he shared demos and playthroughs via fan forums, eventually coming to international attention for his groundbreaking guitar playing via his GRAMMY-nominated and highly influential band Periphery. In the years since, Bulb has become both an enduring nickname as well as a reference to Mansoor’s solo work. Over the latter half of 2020, Mansoor released ten archival Bulb albums featuring 110 tracks from those early aughts explorations.

Albums pre-orders, including the first ever Bulb vinyl (limited to 300 pieces), can be found now via the 3DOT Recordings’ webstore (https://store.3dotrecordings.com/) as well as the standard digital service providers (https://lnk.to/bulb-moderatelyfast-adequatelyfurious).
 
 
Moderately Fast, Adequately Furious tracklist:
1. Unleash The Pwnies Redux
2. Echo Teuffel
3.Breeze Redux
4. Parabolica
5. Two Brothers
6. Far Too High (feat. Axel Mansoor)
7. Füf Redux
8. Press Enter Redux
9. Upload Apathy
10. Download Happiness
11. And Yet, This Man Will Soar
 

Drummer Tommy Clufetos Talks About His Debut Solo Project “Tommy’s RockTrip”

Tom Clufetos has been behind the drum kit for some of rocks biggest acts including Rob Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne, Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper. Tommy’s newest project is a solo effort titled Tommy’s Rocktrip. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Tommy about the debut solo album “Beat Up By Rock N’ Roll”, what it was like starting his first solo project and his plans once Covid-19 restrictions are finally lifted.

Adam Lawton: Where did the desire to do a solo project originate from?

Tommy Clufetos: Because of so much being closed due to the pandemic there really has been nothing to do. Especially on the music front and for the first time in my life I had sort of a break. I got an offer to do a record and thought “why not”. It was something I had never done before I wanted to give it a shot and see if I could actually do it. I have always loved playing for other people and helping them be the best they have ever been. I am one hundred and ten percent fulfilled by doing that but this open block of time came up and decided to experiment. I decided on trying to make a cool rock record of things I liked and hope other people will like as well. That was the basis. There was no master plan or anything like that. (Laughs)

AL: Was doing a solo album something you had ever thought of doing before?

TC: No. I had never thought about doing a solo record. I had never written music or produced prior to this. I always just played drums for other people. That’s why I saw it was an “experiment”. I guess you can call me a crazy, middle aged rocker. What you hear on this album is exactly that.

AL: How did you go about putting the band together?

TC: I have known our singer Eric Dover since we worked together in Alice Cooper maybe 15 years ago or more. I knew he would be an excellent singer as he has a very versatile voice. Most of the material on the record is straight ahead rock and roll. Eric knows how to go on the wild side which is how I like my music to be played. I didn’t want this to be a bunch of people from other bands as I was shooting for  more of a group effort. I was looking for younger guys who I could sort of shape them into the way I wanted the music played. Sometimes when you are playing with guys from other bands, they may not be completely into what you are doing, or it may be a little more difficult to get out of them what you are looking for. I wanted more of a unified band sound and I think I was successful in doing that.

AL: Did you have a preconceived sound you were going for prior to putting the group together or did the style we hear on the record happen organically once you all started working together?

TC: When I decide something I definitely know where I am going. Even though it may look like I am loose with things once I know where I am going, I turn on that switch and go into hyper mode. I knew exactly what I wanted and was very hands on with this. It is my material so no one was going to tell me how to play my music. It is not that I am not open to suggestion but there was a certain style and attack I was going for. I need both precision and looseness so this thing would rock. Another thing I wanted was this to recorded totally live. We recorded in a barn, set up facing each other with no headphones. All of my favorite albums were recorded that way and they have a certain feel. It can certainly be a lot more work doing things that way but that was the approach and I stuck with it.

AL: Did you have help with the writing of the record or was that all you?

TC: I had never written a song in my life and, then I had to write twelve! I did not know what was going to happen but once I turned that switch, I went the only way I knew. I do not play a lot of instruments so at times I was yapping licks to the guitar player or giving them instructions to try and get out what I was hearing in my head. There was a lot of arduous work but I grinded it out. I did not do demos or anything like because I didn’t want to go too deep into things. I wanted to keep things fresh and on the fly. I had a very strong idea of I wanted everything to be.

AL: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make being you were responsible for more than just drums on this record?

TC: I don’t really think about that. I just tend to go. You have to come up with parts which then need to be recorded so for me I go in there and work things out. There is a lot more grunt work when you do a project like this but there are always elements of grunt work which comes with every album. One thing I have learned from playing with people is that when they are really good you don’t have to say much. When I am playing the drums, I think about the vibe of the music and what people will want to hear and I try to go there and give it to them. Usually that works out for me.

AL: As things start to reopen have you started planning to tour behind the release?

TC: I wouldn’t say there are plans but I also wouldn’t say there are not plans. I am open to whatever present itself. Even though things are starting to open up I think its still to early to think about getting back out there. I am not going to say we won’t tour as this music lends itself to being played live but, we will just have to wait and see.

AL: Do you have anything coming up with any other projects you are involved with?

TC: I just started working with The Dead Daisy’s again and we have a few gigs scheduled for mid-July. I am really looking forward to getting back on some stages and playing loud. I had played with these guys back in 2015 for a couple gigs and they must have liked me because they called me back when they were in of a drummer. I am super happy and looking forward to playing.

For more info on Tommy’s Rocktrip and their album “Beat Up By Rock N’ Roll” click here

Party Icon ANDREW W.K. Announces Upcoming Fifth Full-Length Rock Album

“God Is Partying” out September 10, 2021, via Napalm Records

Watch the New Music Video for ANDREW W.K.’s Most Intense Single Yet,
“I’m In Heaven”HERE

Pre-Order God Is Partying HERE
 
North American Tour Dates Announced – Learn More HERE

Hark, disciples of partying – the long wait is finally over! Napalm Records and ANDREW W.K. are thrilled to announce the impending release of the iconic Party God’s fifth full-length studio rock album, God Is Partying. The long-awaited nine track opus of maximalist rock grandeur is set for release on September 10, 2021.
 
Hovering in the fluorescent spotlight of his legendary party power, God Is Partying sees ANDREW W.K. ransack the corners of the human psyche, reaching a triumphant apex in his catalog, 20 years after the release of his chart-topping 2001 full-length debut, I Get Wet. Emotive yet steadfast, ominous yet invigorating, God Is Partying embraces both the break-ups and break-downs of life, and ANDREW W.K. once again provides his audience with the perfect soundtrack to celebrate life in all its perplexing and euphoric intensity.
 
Today, audiences can experience another early serving from the album, in the form of ANDREW W.K.’s latest single, the structurally unconventional and atmospherically unnerving, “I’m In Heaven”, alongside an equally idiosyncratic new music video. As the follow up to the colossal sonic success of the recently released “Babalon”“I’m In Heaven” offers a refreshingly dissonant and weighty dose of what’s to come on God Is Partying.
 
Phem C. Palmer, the director of “I’m In Heaven”, discusses how they constructed the video’s visual language:
“A secret is no longer a secret if it isn’t being kept, and this is how we approached the spirit of meaning as it applies to the non-diegetic sound images in the ‘I’m In Heaven’ video.”
Watch the official music video for “I’m In Heaven” HERE

Showcasing his indisputable musicality, God Is Partying features ANDREW W.K. performing all the album’s instruments, in addition to co-producing the album with his long-time recording partner, Grammy Award-winning engineer, Ted Young.
 
Channeling the manic euphoria that has compelled ANDREW W.K.’s auditory insignia for decades, God Is Partying is soaked with a flood of epic energy – often traversing seemingly impenetrable lyrical themes while remaining refreshingly relatable, inspiring, and vital for survival. From sinister metallic bastions like the buzzing single “Babalon”, to the timeless story telling of “Remember Your Oath”, the album will have fans embracing their own party power and reveling in the depths of musical euphoria. God Is Partying opens triumphantly with ANDREW W.K.’s hyper-melodic keyboard stylings introducing the menacing and magical music of “Everybody Sins”, perfectly setting the scene for the dramatic immensity to follow. Tracks like the poetic, “No One To Know”, and the soaring tension of “Stay True To Your Heart”, transport the listener to the precipice of a paradoxically infinite sonic horizon – rising into synthesizer-infused epics of mega-jumbo rock music, each track showcasing another example of ANDREW W.K.’s expanding abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. Only halfway through the album is the listener driven directly into fiery depths with the massive track, “I’m In Heaven”, before ascending back up and into the sonic stratosphere with the tracks “My Tower” and the album’s gargantuan closer, “And Then We Blew Apart”God Is Partying is a true ode to the quiddity of ANDREW W.K.

Pre-Order God Is Partying HERE

God Is Partying tracklisting:*
1) Everybody Sins
2) Babalon
3) No One To Know
4) Stay True To Your Heart
5) Goddess Partying
6) I’m In Heaven
7) Remember Your Oath
8) My Tower
9) And Then We Blew Apart
 
*Various formats will include additional bonus tracks “I Made It” and “Not Anymore”.
 
God Is Partying will be available in North America in the following formats:
-1CD Jewelcase
-1LP Gatefold White + Poster
-1LP Gatefold Turquoise Transparent + Poster
-1LP Gatefold Marbled Transparent / Dark Green + Poster (Napalm Worldwide Mailorder only – limited to 800)
– 1LP Gatefold Marbled Red Transparent / Black + Poster (ANDREW W.K. store only)
-Digital Album

his just in – ANDREW W.K. will bring his party of positivity on the road this fall! Beginning on Friday, September 10 in Los Angeles, CA, the tour will traverse several major cities before ending on the east coast on Friday, September 24 in Philadelphia, PA. See below for all confirmed tour dates and visit https://andrewwk.com/tour for more information.

ANDREW W.K. 2021 US Tour Dates:
9/10 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
9/11 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365
9/13 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
9/14 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
9/19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Spirit Hall
9/21 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
9/22 – Boston, MA – Royale
9/23 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
9/24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Theatre Of The Living Arts
9/26 – Birmingham, AL – Furnace Fest (**festival date)

CD Review: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones “When God Was Great”

“When God Was Great”

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Hellcat Records

Producers: Ted Hutt/Tim Armstrong

Tracks: 15

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ska-punk pioneers The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are set to release their 11th studio record on May 7th. The album titled “When God Was Great” is being released via Hellcat Records and features 15 tracks Co-produced by longtime collaborator Ted Hutt and Rancid front-man Tim Armstrong. “When God Was Great” has the band bringing back friends, tour-mates, and bandmates from the past for a sonic celebration that stresses the power of perseverance and human connection during tumultuous times.

The patron saints of plaid are back and doing what they do best, bringing upbeat, relatable music to anyone willing to listen. Over the course of the fifteen tracks which make up “When God Was Great” listeners are treated to a wide musical landscape that blends almost seamlessly with the signature raspy delivery of vocalist Dicky Barret. Tracks like the catchy “I Don’t Believe In Anything”, “The Killing of Georgie (Part III) and “You Had To Be There” are classic Bosstones through and through as each song offers an upbeat feel with bright instrumentation and resonating lyricism which will surely align with issues many people are facing each and every day. As little more than midway through the album listeners are treated to a unique rendition of the John Fogerty song “Long As I Can See The Light”. The band does a great job of capturing the original versions soulfulness while at the same time breathing in a breath of freshness and style. Other tracks worth mentioning are “The Truth Hurts” which features the return of original guitarist Nate Albert who left band in 2000 and “The Final Parade” which features guest spots by Angelo Moore, Tim Timebomb, Aimee Interrupter among others as they take turns belting out verses for the albums closing number.

“When God Was Great” is a fitting follow up to the bands 2018 release “While We’re at It” as it follows the more mature sound of later Bosstones records featuring more laid-back traditional ska sounds as opposed to the distorted, punk driven sounds found on earlier records such as “Devil’s Night Out” and “Don’t Know How to Party”. Sure, it would have been nice to hear some of the sounds that first got me into the band however it is a completely different time and place. People change, bands change, musical tastes change. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have embraced these changes and because of this we are treated to albums like “When God Was Great” which will provide an enjoyable listening experience time and time again.   

Track List:

1.) Decide

2.) M O V E

3.) I Don’t Believe In Anything

4.) Certain Things

5.) Bruised

6.) Lonely Boy

7.) The Killing of Georgie (Part III)

8.) You Had to Be There

9.) When God Was Great

10.) What It Takes

11.) Long As I Can See the Light

12.) The Truth Hurts

13.) It Went Well

14.) I Don’t Want to Be You

15.) The Final Parade

Staind Guitarist Mike Mushok Discusses New Live Album “Live: It’s Been Awhile”

The rock group Staind is back on May 7th with their first release in nine years titled “Live: It’s Been Awhile”. Accompanying the album’s release is a two-night streaming event titled “The Return Of Staind: A Two Part Global Streaming Series”. Media Mikes had the chance recently to talk with Staind guitarist Mike Mushok about the release, the set of streaming performances and the bands plans for going forward.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the decision to release the bands new album now amidst the ongoing pandemic?

Mike Mushok: If this were a record with new material, we would be holding on to it like a lot of other bands are. This was a chance for us to get some material out there as we were trying to put a couple things together at one time. We had filmed the show where we got back together in 2019 at the Foxwoods Casino. We put a lot more than normal into that show and we wanted to capture all of that. Starting May 1st fans can stream that show. The album will come out May 7th and then on May 8th we will be doing another stream celebrating the 20-year anniversary of “Break the Cycle”.

AL: What was it like putting together the “Break the Cycle” show

MM: It is definitely different going out there and performing with no audience. It is almost like a rehearsal that is being filmed. It’s different but, you just get into what you are doing and do the best you can. I thought the venue we chose to film at was great and the lighting looked great as well. I don’t remember how many different cameras were being used but some of what I have seen is really exciting. To go along with the performance is a short documentary which takes fans back to where we were when the album initially was released. I also went back and found a ton of old footage from around that time is well. When I was going through all this stuff, I actually found the footage from our first gig ever in 1995.The cool thing about that was it was filmed about three blocks from where we shot this new performance There’s a lot of other things that fans will get to see besides us performing the record.

AL: How was it as a band revisiting this material?

MM: It was great to be able to go back and revisit such a good time in our career. This was our most successful record and it really changed everything for us. It was cool going back listening to things and relearning that material. There are a few songs that we had never played lived from this record so that was another that was really cool.

AL: The band had plans to go out and tour in 2020 but due to the pandemic those shows were unable to happen. Have there been any talks about trying to reschedule?

MM: We are trying to figure that all out right now. We had originally planned to go out with Disturbed as part of their 20-year celebration of “The Sickness”. That tour was recently cancelled but we are looking at some festival shows in July that we are booked for as well as some shows later in the summer. We are still waiting on confirmation of those so there is still a chance that we will be out there later this year. I think everyone is still just trying to figure stuff out as every place is different which makes things challenging.

AL: How much of an effect did the Pandemic have on the band personally being that you had just gotten back together after some time?  

MM: We had a great plan in place, and it was disappointing. I was definitely looking forward to getting back out there. I can’t complain though as other people have gone and continue to go through way worse things. During that first part of things when I was home, and you couldn’t go anywhere it was nice to be able to be with my family and not have to worry about other obligations. It was great to just be together and now things are starting to get back to the way they were and that is nice also. For the band we are looking to regroup and get things back on track. 2021 seems like it is going to be this feeling out period as more and more things change and open.

AL: Your involved with a couple other projects can you give us an update on those?

MM: I have the band Saint Asonia with Adam Gontier who used to be in Three Days Grace. We are working on some new music and hope to have an EP out sometime soon. Staind is also working on some new material as well. Aaron is finishing up a country record at the moment and once that is done, we can start digging through some of the material we have. I am part owner of the Six String Grill and Stage in Foxboro; Massachusetts and we are starting to look at being able to book shows there again later this year. Combine all of that with being a dad and a husband I am pretty busy (Laughs).

For more info and updates on Staind be sure to visit www.staindofficial.com