Kiss are not attending the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony- A Reaction Post

This weekend has been pretty busy for Kiss fans. On Friday, Ace Frehley announced that he and Peter Criss would not reunite with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for the band's induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame- saying that Gene and Paul simply want to play with the current line-up. Today, Kiss have announced that will not be performing or attending at the Hall Induction Ceremony, citing that they wanted all of Kiss to be represented.

I stand in the middle of all this, not surprised but still disappointed. Still, part of me is happy that band will not be attending the induction ceremony. Don't get me wrong: I'm elated that Kiss are getting inducted after all these years. I feel that being a fan since 2002, I had a part in this happening. I would love to see the original line-up reunite for a one-off performance.

Now as to which side I support, I support both sides. From what Ace tells us, it does sound like typical Gene and Paul in them not wanting to reunite with the original line-up. Still, Gene and Paul seem like the kind of guys who would want a full-blown Kiss celebration in honor of this induction as well as the band's 40th anniversary.

Some could see Gene and Paul's choice as not giving the fans what they want. You know the band's slogan: "You Wanted the Best, You Got The Best!" People have accused Kiss for selling out years and years, selling out meaning times like this, the merchandising and having Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer wear the make-ups of Ace and Peter.

Let's get one thing straight: the reason why Kiss are being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is because of their music. Critics might have not liked it but the public loved every minute of it. As we all know, Gene and Paul are the only stable members of Kiss. Aside from the original members, six other people have been in Kiss. With this being both the band's 40th anniversary and their induction into the Hall, I would think all ten members of Kiss should be inducted...but no. The Hall is picky about which members go in and which members don't. The originals might have started the band but the replacement members also had a part in this amazing band's 40 year career.

Eric Carr (1951-1991), who replace Peter Criss in 1980, was an amazing drummer. Although his first album with Kiss was a softy (The Elder), Eric poured his soul into the music and you can hear that in his drumming. With Eric, the band were able to enter heavier territory like Creatures of the Night. He did this until his death in 1991. Guitarist Vinnie Vincent might have been in the band for only two years but his co-writing credits on 1983's Lick It Up gave Kiss a much needed kick-in-the-pants that started the "non make-up era" and their comeback. Vinnie's replacement- the late Mark St. John (1956-2007)- might've been in the band for only eight months but his bumblebee-like guitar work on Animalize continued the band's 1980s comeback.

Mark's replacement, Bruce Kulick was in the band for a good 11 years- longer than any replacement member before him. That alone is worthy of an induction. As for Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, they help Gene and Paul keep the band going. Eric joined to replace the late Eric Carr then returned in the Catman make up in 2001 and then again in 2004 when Peter briefly rejoined the band. Tommy has been in the since 2002. Even before then, Tommy has been part of the Kiss family, being Gene's friend for years and helping put together the MTV Unplugged show.

I will admit that Kiss' popularity did start to decline before the 1980s, so this is most likely the reason why the original members are getting the induction and not all ten members. While I understand where Gene and Paul are coming from, two things stuck out when I read their statement. Their statement read that the band has never refused any offer to reunite with Ace and Peter. This is, of course, a lie. Behind the scenes and even in interviews, the guys have said before that they don't want to play with Ace and/or Peter again. Another thing is the members they listed off- Vinnie Vincent and Mark St. John were not mentioned. C'mon guys. Vinnie and Mark might have the two shortest tenures of any Kiss member but like I said, they both played important parts in KISStory.

So overall, I can accept Kiss' decision to not perform at the induction ceremony. I'm still happy that the band are getting inducted. From what I hear, a majority of the voting committee is not happy with the fact that Kiss are getting in. Guess what? I know how they feel. How so? Well, every time the Hall decides to induct wonderful rock bands such as Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy instead of Deep Purple, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Yes, MC5, New York Dolls and many others- a part of me dies a little.

No matter what, the Kiss Army came out of this one victorious. As for any Kiss haters- no offense but you can fittingly KISS MY ASS!

Motley Crue announce farewell tour

As speculated for months, Motley Crue announced yesterday that they will embark on what will be their final tour. The band held a press conference yesterday, in which the band all came out sitting on a casket- with grave markers underneath each member. According to the band, the final tour will be in support of a new studio album- which will be released sometime in the spring. The band will also have Alice Cooper touring with them as their "special guest". 

It's no surprise that the band are calling it a day. When I first heard the rumors, I believed it. I think the Crue have had a great run and a wonderful career. They should end it on a high note. I'm one of the many that think the band are only calling it a day due to the health of Mick Mars, which Mick himself has denied. I will look forward to this new album- though I will admit I'm short on Crue albums (Only have Too Fast For Love, Shout At The Devil, Dr. Feelgood and Saints of Los Angeles). I did see the band during the reunion tour in 2005. If I can, I will try and see them one last time.

7/2/2014: Grand Rapids, MI: Van Andel Arena
7/4/2014: Milwaukee, WI: Summerfest
7/5/2014: Noblesville, IN: Klipsch Music Center
7/6/2014: Cincinnati, OH: Riverbend Music Center
7/8/2014: Columbus, OH: Schottenstein Center
7/9/2014: St. Louis, MO: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/11/2014: Des Moines, IA:  Wells Fargo Arena
7/12/2014: Wichita, KS: INTRUST Bank Arena
7/13/2014: Tulsa, OK: BOK Center
7/15/2014: Cedar Park, TX: Cedar Park Center
7/16/2014: Dallas, TX: Gexa Energy Pavilion
7/18/2014: Albuquerque, NM: Isleta Amphitheater"
7/19/2014: Phoenix, AZ: Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/21/2014: Los Angeles, CA: Hollywood Bowl
7/22/2014: Irvine, CA: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/23/2014: Mountain View, CA: Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/25/2014: Reno, NV: Reno Events Center
7/26/2014: Ridgefield, WA: Sleep County Amphitheatre
7/27/2014: Auburn, WA: White River Amphitheatre
7/29/2014: Wheatland, CA: Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/30/2014: Chula Vista, CA: Sleep Train Amphitheatre
8/1/2014: Salt Lake City, UT: USANA Amphitheatre
8/2/2014: Denver, CO: Pepsi Center"
8/3/2014: Kansas City, MO: Sprint Center
8/5/2014: Sturgis, SD: Sturgis Buffalo Chip
8/6/2014: Sioux City, IA: Tyson Events Center
8/8/2014: Tinley Park, IL: First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/9/2014: Clarkston, MI: DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/10/2014: Toronto, ON: Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/12/2014: Cuyahoga Falls, OH: Blossom Music Center
8/13/2014: Burgettstown, PA: First Niagara Pavilion
8/15/2014: Pelham, AL: Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
8/16/2014: Alpharetta, GA: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
8/17/2014: Tampa, FL: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/19/2014: Charlotte, NC: PNC Music Pavilion
8/20/2014: Virginia Beach, VA: Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
8/22/2014: Bristow, VA: Jiffy Lube Live
8/23/2014: Camden, NJ: Susquehanna Bank Center
8/24/2014: Mansfield, MA: Xfinity Center
8/26/2014: Saratoga Springs, NY: Saratoga Perf. Arts Center
8/27/2014: Allentown, PA: Great Allentown Fair
8/29/2014: Wantagh, NY: Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/30/2014: Holmdel, NJ: PNC Bank Arts Center
8/31/2014: Darien Center, NY: Darien Lake Perf. Arts Center
10/10/2014: Oklahoma City, OK: Chesapeake Arena
10/11/2014: The Woodlands, TX: Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion
10/12/2014: Bossier City, LA: CenturyLink Center
10/14/2014: Louisville, KY: KFC Yum! Center
10/15/2014: Nashville, TN: Bridgestone Arena
10/17/2014: Hollywood, FL: Seminole Hard Rock Live
10/19/2014: Jacksonville, FL: Veterans Memorial Arena
10/21/2014: Greenville, SC: Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/22/2014: Greensboro, NC: Greensboro Coliseum
10/25/2014: Atlantic City, NJ: Borgata Event Center
10/26/2014: Montville, CT: Mohegan Sun Arena
10/29/2014: Syracuse, NY: The OnCenter Complex
11/5/2014: Biloxi, MS: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
11/6/2014: Southaven, MS: Landers Center
11/9/2014: Moline, IL: iWireless Center
11/11/2014: Green Bay, WI: Resch Center
11/12/2014: Madison, WI: Alliant Energy Center
11/13/2014: Omaha, NE: CenturyLink Center
11/15/2014: St. Paul, MN: Xcel Energy Center
11/16/2014: Fargo, ND: FargoDome
11/18/2014: Edmonton, AB: Rexall Place
11/19/2014: Calgary, AB: Scotiabank Saddledome

11/21/2014: Vancouver, BC: Rogers Arena 

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2014

Note (1/1/14): Okay this is a VERY late post. I still want to get this out there but just a reminder- I know this news is old. I still want it posted. Everything after Linda Rondstadt was written on this date.

The inductees for the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame have been announced today. There are six artists being inducted, as well as several other figures in music. I have to say that this is a pretty nice list of inductees but still, I have my problems with the choices. So like last year, this will be a rant of some sort. I'll go into each band and say stuff, that being their history or just statistics in general.


Performers

Kiss- After nearly 15 years of being snubbed, the hottest band in the world is FINALLY in the Hall. Praise Jesus! Even if you don't like them, you have to admit Kiss were long overdue. Formed in 1973 in New York, Kiss quickly became one of the biggest rock bands in the world in the 1970s. Though the band went through several line-up changes, founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have kept the band going on for an impressive four decades. The Hall is inducting the original line-up only, which includes Simmons, Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. I'm not surprised by this but I think the late Eric Carr is worthy of recognition as is Bruce Kulick. As for any chance of a reunion performance, don't hold your breath.

Update (1/1/14): It turns out the original line-up might reunite for one night! I'm quite surprised.We'll see what happens here.

Cat Stevens- This singer/songwriter should've been in the Hall eons ago. I wouldn't say I'm not the biggest fan of his but I really do like his music. With Harold and Maude being one of my all time favorite movies, I am very familiar with the soundtrack.

Linda Ronstadt- Again, like Cat Stevens, it's criminal to not have this woman in the Hall by now. I can't say I'm a fan of her's either though she does have a great voice.

Peter Gabriel- I'm happy to see an actual rock act get into the Hall. However, I think it's a little too soon to have him in. Genesis were inducted in 2010. Still, he deserves it.

Nirvana- Whatever. They were already inducted when 2013 existed.

Hall & Oates- Why?

The Hall are also inducting the E Street Band as sidemen (I guess they're really upset Kiss is in). Brian Epstein and Andrew Loog Oldham are also getting in when they should've been in a long long time ago.

I'm still surprised that Deep Purple has once again been snubbed. Yes too. The good thing is that no rap artists were inducted, which has been the case for the last two ceremonies.

Still the Hall continues to ignore...

T. Rex
Jethro Tull
Thin Lizzy
Judas Priest
Iron Maiden
New York Dolls
MC5
Captain Beefheart
Ronnie James Dio
Motorhead
The Monkees
Love
Television
Big Star
Cheap Trick

There are countless others but that's all I can think of for now...

2013: Year in Review

While not as massive as last year, 2013 has turned out to be a pretty good year in the world of classic rock and heavy metal. It’s true: we did lose some good people but we also received some good albums and reissues. As I always do, I will split these all into separate categories. I’ll also throw in movies as there’s been a number of them this year (I didn’t include them last year but earlier this year I did see Searching for Sugar Man- great documentary).

New albums

  

David Bowie

The Next Day

Rating: ****

FAVORITE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

            Well this is a first: the first album I get this year turns out to be my favorite of the entire year. I’m not picking this as my favorite just because this is Bowie’s first studio album in ten years. I truly believe this is a great album. Sure, I was bummed to hear “Where Are We Now?” as the first single but overtime, I’ve come to like that song along with many others. Bowie is indeed back, with an album he apparently had been working on since 2010 (which is a surprise given these “TMZ days”). Bowie is in fine form with songs such as the catchy “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”, the surprisingly glam “Valentine’s Day”, the Krautrock sounds of “How Does the Grass Grow”, the rocking “(You Will) Set The World On Fire” and the dark “Heat”. While the album cover might not the best cover ever (borrowing from 1977’s Heroes), there really is a great variety of songs. With long time producer Tony Visconti at the helm, The Next Day is a real treat for Bowie fans.

  

The Stooges

Ready to Die

Rating: *** 1/2 or ****

            After their disappointing reunion album The Weirdness in 2007, people didn’t know what to expect from Iggy and the Stooges. Sadly, we did lose Ron Asheton in 2009 and Iggy decided to make one or two French albums. Now with James Williamson taking Asheton’s place, the Stooges have released a new album. The result: a surprisingly solid rocking album. “Burn” is a great rocker while the somewhat comedic “Job” just shows that Iggy’s still got it in him. All of the songs are great and to think this is what the Stooges come out with four decades (!) after the release of the legendary Raw Power is amazing.

  

Black Star Riders

All Hell Breaks Loose

Rating: ****

            Before recording a new studio album, the reunited Thin Lizzy did the right thing and changed their name. Although guitarist Scott Gorham is the only member of this new band to be in the Phil Lynott-led Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders are a band very much dedicated to the music and spirit of Thin Lizzy. All Hell Breaks Loose is an album that celebrates this. “Bound For Glory” could easily have been a song made by Thin Lizzy back in the day while “Kingdom of the Lost” harkens back to the Irish roots of the band. While sounding like a Thin Lizzy album, Black Star Riders have managed to become their own band. Something tells me that Phil would’ve been proud.

  

Black Sabbath

13

Rating: ****

            It’s hard to believe: Black Sabbath are back. Well to be fair, three of the four original members (Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler) are back together for a new album and tour to support it. Even without original drummer Bill Ward, 13 still manages to deliver the goods. It’s also the first Sabbath album to feature Osbourne on lead vocals since 1978’s Never Say Die. While the songs might not be up there with their influential classics, this doesn’t mean the album is bad. “God Is Dead?” is a wonderful song while songs such as “Loner” and “Dear Father” just go to show that the band can indeed still write good material. While it is weak in the production side from Rick Rubin, 13 is still worth a listen.

  

Queensryche

Queensryche

Rating: ****

            After last year’s nasty public feud with original lead singer Geoff Tate, Queensryche have decided to continue on with their new front man Todd LaTorre. The new album, simply titled Queensryche, sees the band going back to their progressive metal sound. While I have not bothered listening to the post Chris DeGarmo albums, this new album sounds something leaning more towards Rage for Order or Operation: Mindcrime. La Torre’s vocals are frightening similar to Tate’s old voice (sorry, Geoff. You’re voice just ain’t the same). “Redemption” is a brilliant lead single while the other songs show the band back in form.

  

Anvil

Hope In Hell

Rating: *** ½

            Canadian metal band Anvil are back with a new studio album. Hope In Hell, their first since 2011’s Juggernaut of Justice, is another solid album from the band.  The self titled track and several others are all good but unfortunately, the album has its weak spots. The band, who was the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary, are still going strong. I guess you have to give these guys some credit.  

  

Yoko Ono

Take Me To The Land of Hell

Rating: ****

            Go ahead and laugh all you want: at 80 years old, Yoko Ono’s still got it. While others have made her out to be this villain, I am among a minority who thinks Yoko’s music is relevant. As the follow up to 2009’s Between My Head and the Sky, Take Me To the Land of Hell sees Yoko at it again with an album filled with eclectic tunes. “Chesire Cat” is good psychedelic fun while “Tabetai” sees Yoko dabbling in the music of today.  Even her collaboration with the Beastie Boys “Bad Dancer” is good!

  

Paul McCartney

New

Rating: ****

            Just one year after the release of Kisses on the Bottom, Paul McCartney has released a brand new studio album. The album, simply titled New, might be McCartney’s first solid release since 2005’s Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. For this album, McCartney did something different with having four different producers on the album. The title track is a brilliant pop tune and the same can be said for the bouncy “Queenie Eye”. Personal favorites include the fuzz rocker “Save Us”, the whimsical “Alligator” and the ridiculously catchy “I Can Bet”.

Rankings (and please keep in mind- I liked all of the new albums I got this year)

1.      David Bowie- The Next Day

2.      Paul McCartney- New

3.      Black Star Riders- All Hell Breaks Loose

4.      Black Sabbath- 13

5.      The Stooges- Ready to Die

6.      Queensryche- Queensryche

7.      Yoko Ono- Take Me to the Land of Hell

8.      Anvil- Hope in Hell

Reissues/Archival Releases

 

Paul McCartney & Wings

Wings Over America and Rockshow (DVD)

Rating (for both): ****

            In 1976, Paul McCartney were at the peak of their career. They decided to tour the US that year and as a result, a triple live album came out of it. Several years later in 1981, a concert film of that tour was released. Before this reissue, Wings Over America was barely in print while Rockshow had been bootlegged for years on VHS and DVD as it was only released on Betamax and LaserDisc back in the day. Luckily, both are now easy to get as they have now been reissued.

            Wings Over America is an outstanding live album. Sure, the recording and/or mixing isn’t the best but it is indeed an enjoyable album to listen to. Macca really knew how to put on a show back then. As for Rockshow, the remastered picture looks fabulous…for at least the first few numbers. I have to be honest here but from what my eyes can see, the film starts to show some wear a few songs in. Still, you got to give MPL the credit they deserve: the film wasn’t well protected to begin with so this is the best we’re going to get.

  

Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band

Trout Mask Replica

Rating: **** ½

            Yes you read this right: Trout Mask Replica was reissued on CD this year. Much like last year’s release of the original Bat Chain Puller, this new remaster of Trout was sold only through the Frank Zappa webshop, Barfko Swill. According to Zappa’s people at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen found that the master tape used for the now out-of-print 1990 CD issue had seen some damage. In other words, the original CD version of Trout was not properly remastered. While I can admit the CD sounds fine, I was all for getting this new remaster. The verdict: it’s worth it. Doing side-by-side comparisons to the original, Bob Ludwig’s new remaster of Trout Mask Replica sounds much richer and cleaner than the 1990 CD. The 1990 CD isn’t terrible. If you still have your CD copy and think $27 is too much, I wouldn’t worry too much. If you’re a big Beefheart fan like I am, you’ll want to get this soon.

  

Fleetwood Mac

Then Play On

Rating: ****

            After years and years of waiting, Reprise have finally issued a proper version of Fleetwood Mac’s 1969 lost gem Then Play On. This is an album that has been messed around with for several years, including different tracking lists and editing segues into other songs. The 1990 CD issue is an absolute disaster for diehards of Peter Green’s version of the Mac: the analog to digital transfer had a little too much reverb and did not have the original UK tracking list, which meant the other songs were scattered on other compilations. This is the first time the UK version has seen a CD release. While it may not sound remastered to some people, I can safely say that this is the best version of the album I’ve heard. There are also bonus tracks, including both parts of “Oh, Well”, “The Green Manalishi” and “World in Harmony”.

Movies

A Band Called Death

Rating: ****

            The rock documentary renaissance of underground heroes continues with this film about a band that never made until decades after their formation. This proto-punk trio of black brothers were determined that they would make it but they didn’t- reasons varying from their race and to their name. The film gives audiences a biography on the band as well as showing how the band resurfaced in the 2000’s.

Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me

Rating: ****

            This fan-funded documentary gives audiences a great overview of the on the Nashville power pop band Big Star. The movie feels complete, giving us insight and information on all four of the original members of Big Star. It’s impressive as to how much interview footage they had of Alex Chilton and Andy Hummel, given they both passed in 2010. The only negative to this movie is that is feels it runs longer than it should. Still, this is a minor flaw that shouldn’t keep anyone from watching it.

Metallica: Through the Never

Rating: ****

            Were you unhappy with Metallica’s collaboration with the late Lou Reed? This concert movie should make up for it. Filmed during one of Metallica’s reasonably recent concerts, Through The Never not only gives us a brilliant performance from the thrash metal band but also impressive visuals. The film is present in a way similar to Led Zeppelin’s cult classic concert movie, The Song Remains the Same- a movie that combines concert footage with fantasy sequences. While Metallica perform a show, audiences will also follow the surreal journey of Metallica roadie Trip (played by Dane DeHann). The movie is also presented in 3D, which is actually quite impressive. In general, I really don’t care for movies being converted to 3D in recent years. Through the Never is an exception- this is brilliant. I don’t know if home video viewers will be able to get the same experience (though there is a Blu-ray 3D version slated for release- I’m not sure if it will be like seeing it in theaters).

Other (things I heard or have seen this year- but not released this year)

Searching for Sugar Man

Rating: ****

            This documentary won the Oscar for Best Documentary of last year and for good reasons: it’s just really good. Searching For Sugar Man is a documentary that might be harder for people to watch blindly given all the publicity its subject, Sixto Rodriguez, has been getting recently. The documentary tells the story of cult hero Rodriguez, a man who released just two albums before disappearing completely. While his albums did not sell in the US, they had a major impact on the citizens of South Africa. It came to the point where several devoted fans decided to try and find him. While there are some facts missing, Searching for Sugar Man is a movie well worth checking out.

Julian Lennon

Everything Changes

Rating: *** ½

            For years, Julian Lennon has tried to explore other ventures to express himself other than making music. It hasn’t been easy for Lennon: with being the son of John Lennon, the critics were expecting a little too much from him. His latest album, Everything Changes, was actually released in late 2011 but only in the UK. This year, the album was finally released though with an altered tracking list- including two new songs. I listened to the album with the original tracking list. Everything Changes is just a good album from Jules. I only have his debut Valotte on CD (along with a cassette copy of The Secret Value of Daydreaming), which I think is a great album. Everything Changes isn’t too memorable but that doesn’t stop it from being an enjoyable listen.

In Memoriam

Alvin Lee- guitarist and singer of Ten Years After

Peter Banks- guitarist for Yes

Clive Burr- drummer for Iron Maiden

Ray Manzarek – keyboards for the Doors

Trevor Bolder- bassist for Uriah Heep

George Duke- keyboardist for Frank Zappa

Lou Reed- singer/songwriter, member of the Velvet Underground

Riot announce Todd Michael Hall as new lead singer, band set to tour

It has been announced today that singer Todd Michael Hall is the new front man for New York hard rockers, Riot. The band previously announced that they would continue without founding member and sole original member Mark Reale, who passed in January 2012 after a lifelong battle with Crohn's Disease. Riot, now being billed as Riot V, have also announced tour dates.

Feb. 7, 2014 Brescia, Italy
Feb. 8, 2014 Wurzburg, Germany / Metal Assault Festival
Feb. 9, 2014 Athens, Greece

The band have also announced they have an album coming soon, planned for a summer 2014 release.The band now consists of...

Todd Michael Hall- vocals
Mike Flyntz- guitar
Donnie Van Stavern- bass
Bobby Jarzombek- drums

I'm very happy to hear that Riot will continue. I am, however, a little confused by the Riot V name. I did read on the band's Facebook page that the "V" marks their fifth phase in terms of lead singers. The first being Guy Speranza, second being Rhett Forrester, third being Tony Moore, and fourth being Mike DiMeo. I would think Mike Tirelli is "phase 5" but whatever: Riot are back!

Lou Reed dead at 71: A Look Back at His Life and Career

Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed

March 2, 1942- October 27, 2013

Photo credit: http://flickr.com/photos/dannynorton/186795352/

Singer/songwriter Lou Reed, one of the founding members of rock legends Velvet Underground, has passed away today. The cause of death has not been confirmed though it has been reported Reed did have a liver transplant earlier this year. Reed was 71.

Born in New York, Reed started his career in 1964 with a minor hit single called "The Ostrich".  It was around this time that Reed met a Welsh multi-instrumentalist named John Cale. With Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison and drummer Angus MacLise- the Velvet Underground were formed in 1965. Before they played their first show, MacLise left the band. Replacing MacLise was drummer/percussionist Maureen "Moe" Tucker. Tucker was different from other drummers, as she chose to stand while playing the drums. 

With Tucker, the band played around New York until they caught the eye of artist Andy Warhol. Warhol offered to be the band's manager and managed to get them signed to Verve/MGM Records. Warhol also insisted they add German model/singer Nico to the band as their lead singer. The band were against this idea but Reed managed to write three songs for Nico to sing on the band's debut album, The Velvet Underground and Nico. The album was released in 1967 to mixed reviews and as a result, the album fell out of the Billboard charts. Tensions between the band and Warhol led to Warhol's departure, taking Nico with him.

The Velvet Underground continued as a four-piece band, releasing the aggressive White Light/White Heat in early 1968. Cale left shortly after due to tensions between he and Reed. Doug Yule replaced him for the band's  1969 self-titled album, which was more acoustic and tame compared to the loudness of the band's first two albums. Before the release of 1970's Loaded, Reed left the band. In fact, Reed had gone missing for a period of time. He decided he would stay home with his parents and find a "real" job.

Reed eventually came back with a self-titled album in 1971, which did close to nothing. This was when David Bowie came to the rescue. Bowie, an avid Velvet Underground fan, decided he would produce Reed's next album. That album, 1972's Transformer, would become the most successful album of Reed's career. It even earned Reed an unexpected hit single with "Walk on the Wild Side", a song that paid tribute to Warhol's Factory. 

Transformer  was followed with the ambitious Berlin in 1973. While not well received by the critics at the time of its release, it is regarded as a classic today. The rest of Reed's solo career could be best described as "hit or miss": when he made a good album, it was good (The Blue Mask, New York and Magic and Loss are examples). When he made a bad album, it was BAD. Take 1975's Metal Machine Music: although the album served as the perfect "f*ck you" to the record label, it alienated fans as the double-album was filled with nothing but endless guitar feedback. 

Reed would reunite with his Velvet Underground band mates in the early 1990's. In 1990, he and John Cale release a studio album entitled Songs For Drella, a heartfelt tribute to the recently deceased Andy Warhol. The Velvet Underground briefly reunited in 1992-1993 for a European tour with Reed, Cale, Morrison and Tucker in tact. 

 Before his death, Reed kept recording and performing. His last album was 2011's ill-fated Lulu, a collaboration with Metallica. The album was universally panned by critics and fans. Metallica fans even went as far to sending death threats to both Reed and Metallica. This did not bother Reed, citing that he thought he lost all his fans after Metal Machine Music. 

Reed is survived by wife and performance artist, Laurie Anderson. 

As you can tell by my post, I'm deeply saddened by Lou Reed's passing. He's truly one of the greatest rock musicians ever. As a singer/songwriter, the man was amazing. I also have to give credit to the Velvet Underground for expanding my music tastes when it comes to both experimental music and alternative rock. 

Goodbye, Lou. 

Say hello to Nico, Andy and Sterling for us. 

Alice Cooper Raises the Dead in Wilkes Barre

In this era of music, it seems that some of these newer bands lack a great stage show. If an artist is going to perform live, they got to give their fans a show. This is something that Alice Cooper would muss about. The godfather of shock rock, now 65, gave his fans in Wilkes Barre, PA a show on October 18, 2013 in a sold-out concert at the FM Kirby Center.

            The show began a little after 8 pm to the sounds of screaming fans. The lights went out and the curtain dropped, ushering in a mushroom of smoke. Out the smoke came the one and only, Alice Cooper. The audiences roared with applause as Alice and his band went into “Hello Hooray”, a perfect song to open the show as it opened the Billion Dollar Babies album 40 years ago.  Next came “House of Fire” from 1989’s Trash and then came the hits- “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Under My Wheels”. During the former, Alice led the crowd in singing the chorus- conducting the high notes with the lift of his cane.

            Props came out during songs such as “Billion Dollar Babies” and “Caffeine”, in which Alice came out with a sword stuffed with big dollar bills and a large white mug respectively.  One thing to note about Alice Cooper is that when he is on stage, he is in character (that is also named Alice Cooper). Some might note that Alice doesn’t talk in between songs. His is because he’s in character. This show was no different: during “Dirty Diamonds” in which Alice threw out necklaces into the crowd, he made eye contact with one of the audience members as if he was going to give this person one. But no: Alice gleefully threw the necklace elsewhere.

            The band Alice had with him was great throughout the show. Of the people in Alice’s band, Australian guitarist Orianthi stands out the most. She might sound familiar as she was the guitarist for Michael Jackson for his ill-fated This Is It concerts in 2009. She won the crowd over with her impressive guitar solos. She was dressed in a black coat and hat, as if she were a female Ritchie Blackmore.

            Fan favorites such as “Welcome to My Nightmare”, “Go to Hell” and “Feed My Frankenstein” came next. Much to my surprise, Alice and the band played “He’s Back”- the song he made for Friday the 13^th Part VI. One of Alice’s actors came out as Jason Voorhees during the song. More theatrics came into play during “Feed My Frankenstein”, in which Alice was put into a contraption to disappear and turn into a tall Frankenstein looking monster that took up nearly the entire stage! Alice came back, decked out in a straitjacket for “Ballad of Dwight Fry” which was followed by Alice’s traditional death by guillotine.

            After the beheading, Alice was rolled back in on a hospital stretcher for the next part of his show: cover tunes. While many may roll their eyes at this, I actually found the concept for this part of the show to be clever. When Alice came back on stage, a voiceover explained how Alice has cheated death and has now joined his dead rock star friends- the Hollywood Vampires. Alice then covered “Break On Through” (for Jim Morrison), “Revolution” (for John Lennon), “Foxy Lady” (for Jimi Hendrix) and “My Generation” (for Keith Moon). The covers were all pretty good and fun to hear. Alice is actually planning for his next album to be all covers. I wasn’t crazy about the idea when I first heard it but after seeing this, I’ll be interested in what Alice comes up with.

            The covers were followed by “I’m Eighteen” and “Poison”, both of which were crowd pleasers and had the audience singing along. For the encore, the band went into “School’s Out”. A bubble machine was on during the performance, much like the original Alice Cooper band had when they were on Top of the Pops performing the song. Alice led the audience in singing the song’s famous chorus before yelling “It’s party time!” Alice was not kidding: confetti and streamers went off and fell onto the audience while big balloons were thrown into the audience, which Alice popped with his cane. Alice then introduced his band before saying,

“Thank you, Wilkes Barre! Happy Halloween!”

            Seeing Alice Cooper in concert was amazing. Even at his age, he still knows how to put on a show. This was my second time seeing him, the first time being in 2006. I think I preferred this show because of the setlist and location. With this being my senior year at King’s College, I’m glad I was able to see at least one of my favorite artists while here in Wilkes Barre. I guess I am worthy. Thanks, Alice!

           

Setlist

1.      Hello Hooray

2.      House of Fire

3.      No More Mr. Nice Guy

4.      Under My Wheels

5.      I’ll Bite Your Face Off

6.      Billion Dollar Babies

7.      Caffeine

8.      Department of Youth

9.      Hey Stoopid

10.  Dirty Diamonds (with drum and guitar solo)

11.  Welcome to My Nightmare

12.  Go To Hell

13.  He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)

14.  Feed My Frankenstein

15.  Ballad of Dwight Fry (with excerpt of Killer)

16.  I Love The Dead

17.  Break On Through

18.  Revolution

19.  Foxy Lady

20.  My Generation

21.  I’m Eighteen

22.  Poison

Encore

23.  School’s Out (with Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2)