Please click on the photo to view exclusive gallery

     Who says you can’t go back? The Roxy, on Sunset Blvd. was THE place to be  October 11th for a vey special event, benefitting The Painted Turtle Camp. Sponsored by Mark Nason Couture Shoes and emceed by Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, it was a Metal heads dream, check out this line up: Rock Legends: Mick Jones, Kelly Hansen,  Thom Gimbel, & Jeff Pilson of FOREIGNER; Jason Bonham of LED ZEPPLIN; Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER; George Lynch of DOKKEN; Rudy Sarzo of OZZY, QUIET RIOT, DIO, & WHITESNAKE; Slash of GUNS N’ ROSES; Slim Jim Phantom of THE STRAY CATS; Mark McGrath of SUGAR RAY and more. Check out the exclusive gallery, then please go the their web site and help out: www.thepaintedturtle.org

Photos: Pacificprodigital.com
Words: Sherman

  In celebration of releasing their first studio album in eleven years, KISS has pushed up the release of their book KISS ARMY WORLDWIDE: The Ultimate Fanzine Phenomenon to coincide with their North American tour.
 
For the first time in KISS history, KISS fans everywhere will get an inside look and visual history told through concert photos and unique fanzines chronicling the iconic band from their beginnings in the 1970s until today.  KISS ARMY WORLDWIDE: The Ultimate Fanzine Phenomenon includes never before released photos, rare fanzine covers, unique and engaging content, and other shared memorabilia from both the fans and the band.  This is the ultimate must-have for every KISS fan!
 
The book features commentary by legendary front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who provide invaluable insight on topics such as the rock and roll DIY aspect of fanzines, how these fanzines greatly contributed to the band’s evolution into one of the most epic and legendary bands in music history, as well as the band’s appreciation of their adoring fans.  In addition, it showcases interviews with members of the KISS Army from all over the world.
 
With KISS fans giddy with anticipation for the band’s first album in over a decade and their North American tour this fall, this book will become an essential item for millions of KISS fans everywhere.  Finally, here is THE ultimate book for KISS fanatics!
 
KISS is regarded as one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all time. Their career milestones are staggering. KISS holds honors as one of America’s top gold record champions, recording 37 albums over 36 years and selling over 100 million albums worldwide.
 
Over 30 years of record-breaking tours around the globe include high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the 2005 Rockin’ The Corps concert dedicated to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and most recently, the 2009 American Idol finale before 30 million viewers. In September 2009, KISS received their first nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
 
The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation, transcending age, race, and creed. The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the KISS Army to the “Hottest Band in the World” is a striking testament to the band’s unbreakable bond with its fans.
 
Among his many other accomplishments, Gene Simmons, the co-founder of KISS, is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, including SexMoneyKISS. Simmons is the founder and publisher of two magazines, president of his own record label, and the star of two reality shows: Gene Simmons Rock School on VH-1 and Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A&E.

http://www.phoenixbooksandaudio.com/books/bks_prodcuts_fall2009/kiss_army_worldwide.htm
 
In stores, October 2009.  $22.95 US/$28.95 CAN.  ISBN-13: 9781597775113.  Author, Gene Simmons.

     Let me explain: 20 years, in a galaxy far far away, the was a band called
“Say Uncle”. Hailing from Toronto, the band decided in 1989 to move to Hollywood and become Rock Stars, and unlike most others, they actually made the move.

    While chasing their dreams of Rock and Roll Excess, two of it’s members,
Mike Quaser and Matt Holder began working in the Adult Entertainment Industry. Today Mike is an established and respected Cameraman/director, shooting for Zero Tolerance, while Matt works full time for Naughty America. 17 years ago, sadly for them, but lucky for us, Say Uncle disbanded, playing their last gig at the the FM Station in December 1993, vowing never to play again.
      About a month ago, Mike started putting the band back together, with Matt being the last member to return to the fold, which brings us to Paladinos in Tarzana, California,  Tonight they return after almost 20 years, the place is packed with Porn Stars and VIP’s, including: ali foster, avy scott, charley chase,ce ce stone, bobbi starr, michelle lay,roxanne hall, julie knight, christina rose, julia ann.raylene,courtney cummz, alektra blue, pat myne, james dean, mike adams, nate, daryl hannah, magdelyne st michaels,  christina rose, chase evans, francesca lei, mark wood, sadie west, mark spiegler, reagan reese, sammi rhodes, scooby,  todd hunter, shelly, and many others. the house lights dimmer and…..
       The band rocked hard, fast and were very tight as a unit, and one thing we noticed, along with many others in attendance, the band seemed to be really having fun, enjoying the  moment, which was filmed, and just like that: it seemed like 1989 all over again, if only for a short while….

photos: Gordon

words: Sherman

please click on photo to view gallery

     Legendary Rockers Heaven and Hell, featuring Tony Iomi and Ronnie James Dio blast thru Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island in Chucago on their  “Black Bible Tour 2009″. Enjoy the pix, then go buy their album.

Photos courtesy: www.renegadephoto.com

Please click on the above image to view the gallery

             In continuance of my last blog, I got my dvd’s back from Philly – like I said, I dont give up that easily! And I got my citation from the courts – yes, I admit, it was me in the red light photo. Damn It! I can see it clearly and I had a piece of paper in my hands, obviously reading directions! I think its time to buy a GPS. Can’t believe I never had one before, considering all the hundreds of locations i’ve shot in over the years! Oh well, so now I have to go to court in a week or so. Booooooo!

The Hustler Free Speech Coalition fundraiser was great. Well, I had a great time anyway. You see, I’ve been on this crazy health kick lately, eating 4 small meals a day and 2 protein/fruit smoothies, and working out sometimes twice a day, that consists of either yoga or cardio (on the treadmill) and crunches. FYI, if you ever get the urge to do a colonic, I highly recommend it! I feel amazing. Really cleansed and healthy.

Anyway, I was excited to take my good Aussie friends out in Hollywood to a porn party, so I had a few drinks, next thing you know. I dont remember half the night. I should have eaten before I went, that was a bad move, luckily, my friend took me out of the party before I caused a ruckus! And we went to the rainbow to eat. Then back to my place! They said I was hilarious. I was doing the accent to ‘Clayton Bigsby’, if you’ve ever seen Chappelles show, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

But hey, I do that kind of funny shit when I’m sober, so I’m definately not embarrassed. I just think its a bit scary when you dont remember half of what happened the night before, and believe me, as a true blooded Aussie, I can handle my liquor! So that was a bit bizarre – they do say however, the healthier you are, the quicker you get wasted.

I haven’t gone out since. I did however, go to see the movie ‘Bruno’, and to be honest, it wasn’t very funny. Certain parts were, but it kind of dragged on a bit. I loved Borat, but not Bruno. Next time we’ll be seeing Public Enemies (mmmm Johnny Depp).

Last night was pretty funny, I did a live chat on privatecamz.com and this guy asked me to do some tummy play. Which is a first for me! Can you believe it? A fetish I haven’t heard of. Anyway, he wanted to see me with a tummy, and good news, I couldn’t do it! I have too much muscle to push out my tummy, so he’s like ‘your too fit, but thanks for trying’. Haha, what a great compliment!

Well, I’m off to the beach, taking half a day off,  and then my weekly acupuncture appointment. I hope you’ll all join me on rudetv.com tonight with Luther King, 8-10pm pst!

talk soon
mon xoxo

Please be sure to check out Monica’s web site: http://monicamayhem.com

thanks to Tony Batman for his help with this story, check out his site: www.tonybatman.com

‘BEFORE THE FROST…UNTIL THE FREEZE’ DUE IN STORES AUGUST 31st 2009

A LIMITED EDITION VINYL AVAILABLE

THE BLACK CROWES will release their new studio CD, Before the Frost… on 31st August 2009.

A second album, titled …Until The Freeze, will be given away for free exclusively through a unique download code which is included in Before The Frost… as a “thank you” to their fans for two decades of continued support.

Before the Frost…, and its corresponding free album …Until The Freeze, were recorded over a series of five nights at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY. Although both are studio albums, all the new material was performed and recorded in front of an intimate audience of the band’s fans, making them a part of The Black Crowes musical history.

The innovative technique of inviting fans into the studio to become part of the process during recording is a rare experience.

Before the Frost… features eleven new and previously unreleased Black Crowes songs including Good Morning Captain, I Ain’t Hiding, Been a Long Time (Waiting on Love), and other original songs that will serve to spotlight the bands ability to make emotional connections through their music. The free album …Until The Freeze is a nine-song collection featuring eight new original Black Crowes songs plus a cover version of the Stephen Stills classic So Many Times.

A limited edition vinyl release of Before The Frost…Until The Freeze, featuring all 20 tracks, will also be available on 31st August 2009.

Chris Robinson conceived the concept of Before the Frost…Until The Freeze. “I think we fulfilled a musical commitment to continue on the golden road of artistic independence. Approaching 20 years into our careers, we still are ambitious enough to push ourselves to create something unique that we have never done before.”

Critical acclaim and popular success has seen THE BLACK CROWES sell over 20 million albums worldwide. As they approach their upcoming 20th anniversary of the release of one of rock’s most influential records, Shake Your Money Maker, which produced such hits as Jealous Again, She Talks To Angels and Hard to Handle, they are time and again hailed as one of Rock and Roll’s best live acts.

THE BLACK CROWES are: Chris Robinson (vocals), Rich Robinson (guitar, vocals), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Adam MacDougall (keyboards) and Luther Dickinson (guitar).

Before the Frost…Until The Freeze was produced by Paul Stacey and will be released through The Black Crowes label, Silver Arrow Records and Megaforce Records.

Eric Singer posted this special message on Facebook recently…

NO BALLADS, NO SLOW SONGS, NO FILLERS!

You Wanted The Best ?

Well the wait is almost over…

I have been hearing KISS fans say for a longtime that “All’s we want is NEW KISS music” … Well, sometimes wishes do come true !

Last December Paul called me up saying he wanted to make a new KISS record. He seemed very keen and was very specific about the approach to our latest endeavors.

He basically said he wanted us to make a KISS record and music in the purest sense. Meaning No outside writers, the BAND plays on everything, and we use vintage equipment.

Guess what ?

The end result is everything I could have hoped for.

I have to say this has been the most fun and pleasure making a record I have ever been involved in. The chemistry and overall vibe really made for such a great atmosphere and the playing, sounds and songs just really capture what KISS is all about. Classic Rock & Roll.

As we were working up song ideas everyone was very in tune and conscious of our goals at all times. Gene and Paul would retrace their steps from the past and focused on paying tribute to their roots of the early styles of Classic KISS by paying close attention to the way they sang and the sounds of the instruments.

The camaraderie between everyone and especially Gene and Paul really made it easy for all to bring the best out of each other.

Paul took the reigns and headed up the project like the leader that he has been for over 35 years but, this time with a renewed, inspired and very patient style (he is a great dad after all). He really knew what he wanted from each of us individually and collectively.

We did the 11 new songs in small batches by getting into a rehearsal studio first to work up ideas. We then would move to the recording studio. The recordings would entail all of us playing “live” together in the room. As we captured each performance we would then add extra guitar parts and usually put a guide vocal on the track so we could live with it for a few days and make sure the tempos and vibe was right.

By the way we used NO click tracks on this record I am proud to say. We really went for capturing the live feel and essence of each song. And, Paul, Gene, Tommy and myself are the only musicians playing these songs. A true band effort and performance !

As for the songs ?

Well, no ballads, no slow songs, no filler…

The band really has come full circle.

Just pure straight ahead Rock and Roll that has all the elements that made you love KISS from day one.

Everyone sings lead on a song (Tommy and myself) and even trade off vocal lines and parts throughout the record.

Believe me the wait IS over and well worth it !

I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it…

More as it happens !

ERIC

For more KISS info, please go to: http://www.kissonline.com/

Please click on photo Above to View Kill Slowly Live

 Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Kill Slowly is comprised of Melissa Rose (vocals), Nita Strauss (guitar), Katt Scarlett Couture (keyboards), Sara Beth (bass) and Kirsten Schluter (drums).

Formed in Hollywood, CA in 2007, Kill Slowly felt like destiny in the making. Upon the band’s inception it was clear, from past projects they had all been a part of, that this just felt right.

Kill Slowly’s lyrics speak of their personal life experiences. Songs like “Empty Promises” and “Louder Than Words” showcase various influences, from Nita’s progressive guitar shredding to Katt’s haunting keyboard tones. On “Let Go”, Melissa’s vocals are sexy and hypnotic while Sara’s thudding bass and Kirsten’s kinetic drumming, pound into the listener’s head.

Kill Slowly is not your average rock band. They have a lot to offer in today’s industry, taking pride that they are dedicated, proficient musicians.With their brand of sexy melodic metal, they want to prove themselves; and win over everyone who says that five hot women can’t rock.

Don’t let the high heels fool you… these girls are out for blood. Consider yourself warned.  Please check out their web site: http://www.killslowly.com/

or myspace: http://www.myspace.com/officialkillslowly

words courtesy of: http://www.myspace.com/officialkillslowly

To view an exlcusive set of  shots from this video, please click below:

http://www.crossroadsedge.com/emm/kill/default.htm

visuals: An EMMREPORT EXCLUSIVE

All right, North America, you wanted the best… you got it!The hottest band in the world, KISS, will tour this fall, and they want YOU, the KISS ARMY to choose which cities they’ll play!

In the first-ever fan-routed tour, KISS will take votes straight from the KISS ARMY! The entire 2009 tour will be determined by the cities with the most votes. Watch the tour unfold in real time as voting continues and city rankings are updated!  For ALL things KISS, go to: http://www.kissonline.com/

Photos/Story courtesy of: http://www.kissonline.com/

Please click on the photo to view gallery

      Not far from the Legendary Hollywood Bowl, for one night at the El Capitan Theater Beatlemania seemedALIVE, yes it was that crazy when the Jonas Brothers premeired thier 3D World Concert novie from Disney,  directed by Bruce Hendricks, it was , well a madhouse!!!!!

     The Film opened  nation wide on February 27, 2009., and solidified the Jonas as one of the most popular acts in entertainment. While in Baltimore, a fan was dying to see the gallery, so here you go, when you are done enjoying the gallery, please go to their web site and check  out the movie:

http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/jonas-brothers-the-concert-experience.html