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News From the Pit
Hey all you broken freaks and outcasts out there! It's yer mild mannered reporter from a great metropolitan newspaper, who constantly fights a never-ending battle for Truth, Badass Music and the American Way!
Hope you all have been doing well. Spring is here! Thank god. What a dark, depressing, winter! Pfff. Let the darkness be gone forevermore! It's time for some fun, finally.
I've been getting out and reviewing/getting picture's a lil' bit more and more; I reviewed the Rolling Stones Tribute and they were freaking awesome (I hope they come back ASAP), and I'm not really even a Stones fan! I reviewed The Velcro Pygmies in Southern Indiana at a venue I had never been to before. I also reviewed Falls City Freeloaders at another venue I had never been to, in Southern Indiana. And last but not least I reviewed my buddies in Scary Uncle, who just recently had another reunion show. I've been a busy bastage! I've never been much of an Indiana fan, but I have found myself over there a bit more recently. I'll be over there even more when the Drive In opens! I was going to review the Guns N' Roses and Poison Tributes but they both canceled at the last-minute so that got screwed. I was pissed. I had a great night planned. I love GNR! Not so much Poison, but I had to make an appearance at such a hair band show of that cheesiness. I love me some Eighties cheese! I was pissed I didn't take a trip to the country to see the Bulletboys, Winger and Firehouse in Corbin, Kentucky a few weeks ago. Sounds like I missed a helluva time, according to some Eastern Kentucky friends. A show like that in the country just seemed weird! Why tour to Corbin, Kentucky, and not Louisville?
I've seen a few national shows happen like that. It must be Covid. Or is it? Next time a show like that goes on there, I'm going to go and review it! Hang out with some goodly eastern Kentucky folk!
I've been alone quite a bit more recently, more than I have in a long time, now that I'm single and working so much. Overtime, too! This stress-free alone time, finally, has been therapeutic and good, though! I have thought long and hard about a lot of things recently and I have decided to take some advice that I saw on a wise person's Facebook post not long ago, 'how they were not going to post on social media about relationships anymore.' Including pics/In A relationship with, and all that jazz. I read it and was like, wow. If anyone truly knows me, they know I have not done that that much in my life at all. Only in the past 2.5 years have I finally opened up and shared my life in that way. I see now it was a mistake. All it does is cause drama. The haters and vultures and online evil ninjas are ready to pounce the moment you decide to share your happiness. I've had shit starters, random haters, jealousy, ex's threaten my new girls, my gf's ex's hating, horndog douche-bags tryin' to steal my girl, even so-called friends hitting on my chick, etc, etc. The list just goes on and on. In today's day and age of terrible online moral etiquette, it's simply just not worth the trouble. So when I read that post, it hit me pretty hard.
It's true, posting relationship shit does cause trouble and stress. Social media causes stress in relationships! Heck, it causes trouble before you even get in a relationship! It's really sad that you cannot express your happiness that way without wondering what the haters will do the moment they see. People just don't want you to be happy it seems. And sadly, some of these people you actually call friends. Well, people like that have taught me a valuable lesson. If I ever get in another relationship, I'm keeping my relationship shit mostly private from social media from now on. Oh I'm sure you'll see me out n' stuff and doing my thing. But I like to think I've learned a major lesson these past few years. Don't give the vultures a chance to swoop in! You won't ever hear a name or see a picture. I won't be giving the obsessed vultures even one opportunity.
Enough about negative horseshit! Good things! My assembly plant job that I've been at over a month now is going real well! I've had nothing but praise since my first day. I am hoping I will move up fast just like at my last job. I'm pretty darn happy as far as the new job goes. And there are tons of cute girls that work there, too! Aye aye aye. Every time I turn around, theres a hot chick with a tater so beautiful that it would make you cry. What in the world?! Crazy. It's been one good thing after another, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.
So it's work work work, and planning playtime! I'm am planning some kind of trip this summer, maybe Cabo San Lucas Mexico, or Vegas, or California again. I was recently invited to get a cabin in the mountains with a hot tub, so I'm sure I'll be partaking of that invite at some point as well! Gatlinburg or Red River Gorge! I really need the rest and hot tub time. Not having a physical job for 19 months has taken its toll on me. I'm too pooped to peep. I'm hanging in there like a champ though, and things could not be better! Thanks for all the ‘hi,' "you've lost weight" comments, too! You make an old guy feel young again.
So things aren't so bad. Being single isn't horrible by any means. There is a dignity to it.
I really think good karma is gonna come and hit me right smack dab in the face though. I've got a very good feeling.
As far as music goes, I still don't have the inspiration at this moment in time. But it will come to me. Many times I've taken little breaks and then returned. That's what this is. Not enough venues/opportunies to really put in that kinda work into it now, in my opinion. But hopefully that changes and shit opens up more! I talked to one of my in-the-know people in the music business and they said national shows will resume in June or July if all goes well. This person is pretty high up too, so they know! As far as local music goes, all I know is; for an all-original musician I've played some badass shows in my day, in numerous bands, and returning for this current scene doesn't seem very appealing at the moment. It could happen though! Our drummer has to take care of serious family health issues so he had to quit, and we lost our bassist as well, so we would have some work to do when we continue. But I'm confident, once I get my musical mojo back, we will persevere! The fact is - I have turned down numerous offers to join bands the last several years. I've kept it mostly secret out of respect. Good bands too! I was honored to even be asked, truthfully. It's just that I love writing 'my own' music. Only once in my whole life have I ever joined another band (I've always been the founder), and that only lasted a few months. So the opportunities have been there, I'm just kinda weird and picky in my music ways.
But who knows, I need a change! Maybe I would join or form a cover band, if I could find the right, patient person to work with me on learning the covers. I know its weird, but I was never much on learning other people's music. I probably suck at learning covers, but could eventually do it. An Eighties tribute band would be fun! I even thought of maybe playing bass in an Eighties tribute. Less stress and I could have a lil' more fun with it! Peeps are always asking when am I going to be playing out again?
It's only been four-and-a-half months. Chill.
?>
The point is, I'm not done. I'm simply recharging.
In the meantime, I'll just concentrate on you Mfers. I do what I do, for all these years: the radio, my column in LMN, the 20 years of promoting several hundreds of shows I did (Yes! Hundreds upon hundreds!), and all the numerous bands I've been in, all for the love of music - and for you good folks, and for the good unsigned music that comes from our region. The music that YOU create!
I want everybody to hear that shit!
I wanna always be the cat who gets it to you.
I can't even describe the looks in your faces throughout the years, at times when I gave your band a great show, or played you on the radio for the first time, or wrote about you in Louisville Music News. I saw true happiness in those many faces. Music is truly important to people. To be able to make people very happy, if even only for a short time, really means something to me, and I wouldn't take ANY of it back for the world. We've had some truly epic times.
Things are going much better for me these days (I'm in a zone!), and who knows what tricks I may have up my sleeve for the future.
You may love me, or you may hate me with a passion.
But one thing is for certain. I am honest and I am real. And no matter how long or short I am in your life, or what my role is in your life - I shall leave my mark.
You won't forget me...
The Metal Grapevine
The Music City Stones Review w/ pics by Me:
I've never been much of a Rolling Stones fan, but something was calling me out that night. It said "hey beeyotch, get off yer fat ass and get up here and check out some new blood!" So I went and I'm glad I did. This Rolling Stones Tribute from Nashville is the real deal. So soooo good. Wow! They blew me away. Such tone, such soul, such experience, such character and flamboyance! These cats got it going on! They had a few younger cats on guitar (I can't find their names anywhere! Sorry!), but they had the 60's and Seventies rock n' roll clothes thang going on, the older-looking guitars, and these two guitarists had the exact tone and sound that you would expect of the Rolling Stones. Wasn't any guessing or hoping this time, these cats replicated the tone perfectly. I should have looked at the amps they used a bit better, I regret that now. But I was a little bit preoccupied at that show (bares evillish grin). I do know they were small combo amps, One or two speakers at most, but the sheer size of the sound put forth by those minuscule amps was gigantic. The duo guitars soloed and traded riffs all night, laying down a barrage of 60's and Seventies riffs that cut to the bone. No, it wasn't heavy. No, it wasn't brutal, but there was an epic bluesy quality to the riffs these cats were throwing out. Legendary riffage. I was transported to the Seventies where I had on a flowery, blousy shirt with frills and ruffles, and bell bottom jeans that were ten-foot wide! It's a sad thing I don't do acid anymore, because this would have been a prime time to trip! Truly awesome guitarists. Seemed like nice guys, too, smiling and interacting with the very happy concertgoers up front like me. Excellent.
Vocalist Louis Le Napolitano is Mick Jagger reincarnated too soon! This guy just oozes the calm confidence of one who has mastered the world and is more than at home with that fact. Dawg sounds just like Mick, or better. He has the look, too. And the clothes. And the moves. He did good working the crowd, giving props to his bandmates, making the crowd feel like they were seeing something special, and simply just doing those songs justice as he weaved his way through the set of classics that included "Start Me Up," "It's Only Rock N' Roll," "Under My Thumb," "Paint It Black," "Dead Flowers," "Honky Tonk Woman," "Sympathy for The Devil," "You Cant Always Get What You Want," "Brown Sugar," "Satisfaction," "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Beast Of Burden." There were many more songs, but I'm not Stones expert so Excuse me for not knowing much about them! These were the best of the bunch though, and it sounded really really good. The drummer, bassist and horn section were very good as well. Yes, they had horns, and those guys were wailing on those horns! It was neat, and different. I dug it, big-time.
Overall, this was one great show. I don't see one negative thing about this whole experience. The sound from the PA at Louisville Billiards was real good this night, Owner Marc Masden did a fine job bringing in some new talent for us Louisvillians to see/hear. Kimmet even got up onstage and sang a duet with the band. I think it was "Beast Of Burden" but don't quote me on that! To me, the best songs of the night were my faves "Paint It Black" and "Sympathy For The Devil." The breakdown and guitar solos during "Sympathy" were freaking badass! I love that song, and they did it great! When they come back, I will be there in the first row again. The Music City Stones kick ass.
The Velcro Pygmies at That's The Ticket Review w/pics by Me:
These guys always draw a wild crowd, so I packed up my shit and headed up to Georgetown, Indiana, to a place called That's The Ticket. The owner was gracious enough to reserve me a table. Thank you! The Velcro Pygmies in Georgetown, Indiana? It just seemed odd to me. But I went anyways because I love Georgetown. It's one of my favorite places in Indiana. My favorite Drive In is there!
That's The Ticket is a pretty big place with a little bit of redneck charm. Bob's Country Bunker meets Expo 5! The stage is decent size and they have a nice PA. The band came on and the place went nuts. People love the Pygmies. High energy is what comes to mind first, secondly it's a helluva rock show. These guys put on an actual show. Vocalist Cameron Flener is a ball of energy, and can this guy work a crowd. They ripped into "Nothing But A Good Time" by Poison to start shit off with, then a torrent of songs such as "Sweet Child Of Mine," "I Want You To Want Me" by Cheap Trick, "Dance The Night Away" by Van Halen, a blistering cover of "Tush" by ZZ Top, "Fight" by The Beastie Boys (which everyone sang), "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey, "Play That Funky Music White Boy," "You Really Got Me," "Take It On The Run" by REO, "Welcome To The Jungle," "Freefalling" by Tom Petty, "Kickstart My Heart," "Dr Feelgood," "Crazy Train," David Allen Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name", and the last song was KISS' "Rock N' Roll All Night." The set also included a celebration of life memorial to the band's fallen brothers who were tragically killed some time back. R.I.P.
The band did their famous lollipop giveaway thing again where they make you say 'stick it in my mouth!" And they also bought a large bottle or two of Fireball to pour into the waiting mouths of their front-most fans in attendance! It was a lot of shots!! A worrywart would have criticized them for the lack of Covid awareness, but no one seemed to care much as they were having too much fun escaping the depressingly dreary-ass winter we've had. I showed pics of the crowd to a friend of mine in New Mexico and she said "What the hell! No masks?" I was like, 'nope.' We didn't get Covid, but us concertgoers got a little "Eruption" on lead guitar from guitarist Chase West, and the nice version of our national anthem as well! Dude is real good. He is a little fella, but he is of gigantic character, and he certainly can play well, and has that flamboyance that has to be present as guitarist for The Pygmies! Bassist Max War is a showman too, he knows all the tricks. You can tell he has been doing this for years. The mohawk is his thing. He isn't shy, that's for sure. He plays flashy and elegantly. He makes it fun to watch him get down on that bass! Dude has mucho confidence.
Drummer Chris Eddins is solid AF. Something tells me he has been with them a long time. Glitter was flying everywhere at the end of the night, but I didn't want that shit in my ‘fro, so I stayed back. They played a long time! I only listed about half of the songs. You get your money's worth when you buy a Pygmies ticket. One of the things I love about Cam and the boys is that they don't give a fuck! Cam always says "If you don't like us, we don't give a flying fuck!"
I suspect people give them a hard time online, sometimes. But jealous losers always give the ones who dare to be different a hard time. It's life. And The Velcro Pygmies just love to smack those bitches right up in the mouth with their high-energy rock n' roll. And roll over them just like a freight train. It was a fun night. I'm glad I went. I saw a few good friends up there! I'm looking to see more shows up there. Cool place. Cool people.
Scary Uncle at Louisville Billiards Review w/ pics by Me:
Pix by Eddy Burke
March 27 brought Scary Uncle back to Louisville Billiards. It was another fun night. I wasn't going to miss these guys, because they don't play out much at all, because drummer Danny Murphy lives in Florida. As always, they put on a good performance and had a decent crowd, to boot. Vocalist Chuck Weber was in decent form as he ripped through three sets of rock/metal classics in his Rorschach mask. That's a lot of singing. My voice would be dead! Guitarists Frank Campbell and Adam Young are just simply badass, showing plenty of emotion in seemingly every riff they play. They just got that soul, and chops for days. Adam was playing multiple guitars, while Frank favored a glittery Ibanez Iceman guitar (I was jokingly giving him shit for it, too!). Tony Z was just Tony. Smiling like crazy and having fun. Tony was always a great bassist. Drummer Danny Murphy is one hard hitting skinsman. He always was. Scary Uncle rocked out on some White Zombie, Judas Priest, STP, Faith No more, RATM, Avenged Sevenfold, Marilyn Manson,Ozzy, Megadeth, Pantera, Slipknot, Metallica, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Alice In Chains, Black Sabbath and finished the night out with....Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell." I really liked the AIC doubleheader of "We Die Young" and "Damn The River."
The Judas Priest and Billy Idol was really good too. And it was shocking that they didn't do any GNR this time. They usually do. Chuck does well with the Axel Rose stuff, too! Some songs that no vocalists will hardly touch. Together these five guys have a special bond, a bond of music and brotherhood. And it shows through their performances. It's strong. It's energetic. It's pretty heavy at times. I always liked this band, and they were always one of my favorite Louisville cover bands. It's a shame we can't see them more often. I was glad I got to see some old friends that night. It waaas kinda awkward that one of my ex-girlfriends showed up and sat down at the very table next to us. I have nothing bad to say. She looked great and I wish her all the best in life. Hurry back, Scary Uncle!
4th Annual Rock The Dam Lineup - Sebastain Bach, Lita Ford and The Bulletboys:
July 31 at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater! It's an hour or so away! Not bad a drive! Be there. Sounds like a fun time. I may have to check this out! Ride down there in my Jeep Wrangler! I opened for the Bulletboys a few years ago, and they are amazing! Look up 'Rock the Dam' online for more info!
Falls City Freeloaders at Mac's Hideaway Review w/ pics by Me:
I told the band I was going to come review them soon, after they had invited me to, so I had to keep my promise. My word is iron! I was tired. A little pissed about something. But I endured and sought new lands to conquer. Mac's Hideaway in New Albany was this new land! It's a quaint little place that has some really good fish. I was starving so I got the recommended Fish Dinner. Boy it was good! The band came on and rocked the place, melted faces, and set the place on fire and burned it to the ground. Ok, so they did at least jam! It was fun. The doorfolk were a little too uppity about masks n' such, so a few of my friends left. I endured and heard some pretty good music. They played Candlebox, STP, Ugly Kid Joe, Staind, Chevelle, GNR, Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell," "Cult Of Personality" by Living Coulour, Megadeth, and even some Ghost, Faith No More, Pearl Jam, Tool and ended the night with Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell." Jack Brizendine sounded really good at this show. It's really good to see my buddy Jack at a good point in life and having his voice sounding so good. The Chevelle and Megadeth vocals were killer! The band sounded great. I could not hear the guitarist Chris Eli's leads so good. The sound guy had him down in the mix or he wasn't up loud enough, or didn't have a good lead boost, or he didn't have adequate pickups. I let him know and we had the sound guy turn him up a bit. It was a little bit better. Chris is still working on his guitar rig, updating like a Mfer, so he will have it destroying soon I'm sure. The playing was dead on though! Bassist Dave Stevens seems like a great guy, and has not been playing long he said, but he sure learns fast! He has the groove, fo sho! I love these guys. Just good people, and good fun! Be sure to check out these guys if you get the chance. They are new, but they got the goods! And ol' jack is a legend from way back in Toy Tiger yore. A decent lil' venue, good food, decent sound, a really cute brunette bartender and worth checking out. Just chill a lil' on the masks, please!
Laynes Calling to Tour:
Louisville rockers Laynes Calling plan on a mini-tour to Texas, Florida and Ohio this summer, with more dates to follow. Good luck to those guys! And here is their brand new video for "Grave Decisions."
Psycho Soul jamming again:
You oldschoolers know of the cover band Psycho Soul. Well, those cats are jamming once again, according to guitarist Scott Holston. You might see some showdates in a few short months.
Great Tribute Bands Returning!
Do Not Miss Them! Don't miss out seeing The Motley Crue, Black Sabbath, GNR, Def Leppard Tributes coming to town. I haven't seen the Def Leppard one yet, but if they are as good as the others we are in for a treat.
Musician Of The Month, vocalist Shawn Hatchell of Graveyard Romeos:
This guy has an amazing voice. Great band. Great humans. Be sure to read this Lexington natives feature in this months Edition.
Congrats brother, you deserve it.
Upcoming Shows
21rst Amendment Tavern
Thursday, April 15 – Flaw w/ SxWxP, Laynes Calling and Shades Of Raven. 6 P.M.
Friday, April 23 – Native Sons w/ Asphalt Valentine.
Tuesday, April 27 – Contingency Plan
Air Devils Inn
Saturday, April 3 – Kissing Aphrodite and Skipping Stone.
The Barrel House (Maysville KY)
Saturday, April 24 – Graveyard Romeos.
Louisville Billiards
Friday, April 2 – Falls City Freeloaders
Saturday, April 3 – STP2 - A Stone Temple Pilots Tribute.
Saturday, April 17 – Theatre Of Crue.
Saturday, April 24 – Powertrain Debut.
Friday, April 30 – Derby Eve Bash! Wyld Ryde, Philth and Two Pump Chump.
Saturday, May 8 – Pretty Tied Up- The GNR Tribute w/ Problem With Polly.
Saturday, May 15 – The Complete Black Sabbath Experience Returns!
Saturday, May 29 – The Classic Rock Experience.
Friday, June 16 – Supernova
Saturday, August 7 – Supernova
Mac's Hideaway
Saturday, April 10 – Contingency Plan
Friday, April 23 – Two Pump Chump.
New Direction Bar and Grill
Saturday, April 3 – From Paris.
OLPH Brewery (New albany IN)
Friday, April 2 – Noble Road Band. 8 P.M.
Street Grubs N' Hops
Saturday, April 3 – Bottoms Up.
Friday, April 30 – Hidden Foundation.
Saturday, May 1 – Rock Of Ages-A Tribute to the Eighties.
Spectators Sports Bar
Friday, April 23 – Contingency Plan
Symrna Inn
Friday, April 9 – Tangled Minds and Ashton Blake.
TK's
Saturday, May 15 – Rock Station.
The Thompson House (Newport KY)
Sunday, August 15 – The Convalescence w/ Filth.
Louisville Music New Live-
Now you can see what Louisville and the surrounding region has to offer live! Get me those videos!
LMN Live- Music City Stones- Rolling Stones Tribute (Video by Me) :
LMN Live- Blast From The Past- False:
LMN Live- Wyld Ryde:
LMN Live- Blast From The Past, Evil Engine # 9:
LMN Live- Boozer:
LMN Live- Untold Rellik:
LMN Live- Theatre Of Crue:
LMN Live- The Complete Black Sabbath Experience:
LMN Live- Blast From The Past- Krosjoint:
