Well, it’s that time of year AGAIN. Time to give a bunch of old record player statues to a lot of the same artists who are nominated every single stinking year. Don’t get me wrong, as an artist (author) and creator myself, I love receiving the recognition for my work.
Since the days of Ozzfest, metal festivals in some parts of the US are a rarity. We can’t really count Lollapalooza or Riot Fest since it encompasses every genre. There is still Maryland Death Fest, but that’s on the east coast. In fact, I’ve noticed many of the fests either happen on the East or West coasts, leaving fans here in the Midwest with very little. For years I’ve wondered why, because the local metal community would definitely support a show completely dedicated to heavy music. Could it be the money it takes to produce such a show, the issues it presents like security, the venue, and what it would take to get enough heavy hitters on the bill to make such a festival a draw for loyal metal fans? All these are valid points, but I believe given more thought, a major fest would be successful here. Thankfully someone had the forethought to give it a try and create Open Air. Continue reading Are Metal Festivals Making a Comeback?
It was February 6th 2011 at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago. Hangin’ with the usual suspects. Good times were afoot. Libations were had. Getting ready to sway to whatever DevilDriver was about to spew forth. We take our spot, stage right, next to the speakers. It begins…
“Um, where the fuck is Miller?”
Jonathan Miller, the bassist. The dude we meet on DD’s first tour in the early 2ks. That dude who helped lay down that rhythmic foundation since the beginning of their conception. That full steam ahead, 5-ton truck, ready to assault your ear cavity. The one who didn’t treat us women in the industry like a piece of ass in shoes?! Yeah, that dude. He was gone.
After commenting on the article featuring Gene Simmons about rock being dead, I had to think about the genre we’ve been covering since 2003.
Metal. Now, over the years we’ve evolved as people. All 3 of us live our own lives, we’ve done different things, and taken different paths to sustain ourselves. E still does photography, Karma is still editing, and I’m still editing and writing articles as well as fiction, however, metal is no longer the main focus. Why you ask? Well, because my friends, metal is clearly on life support.
Recently, Gene Simmons from the iconic rock band KISS had these thoughts about the state of rock and roll. ROCK IS DEAD. You can read the full article he did with his own son in this link.
In this interview, he stated that file sharing is one of the main reasons rock isn’t popular anymore. He also states there aren’t many acts or performers who stand the test of time because of greedy men in white suits making and shaping bands along with teenagers who think they are entitled to get their music for free. Gene has a point however I don’t think rock is entirely gone.
Continue reading Gene Simmons Claims Rock is Dead – My Take? Not Really
Should this matter to metal fans if she rocks Judas, Krokus, and Motley and doesn’t listen to their music? I actually saw this conversation unfold virally in a Facebook group I’m no longer in. I couldn’t take the hypocrisy, but that’s a story for another day.
Let’s move on.
FourteenG 