There has been a lot going on with the band Black Sabbath, involving both past and present members. Some of the news has been good, some has been quite unfortunate.
Cancer has hit founding member, guitarist Tony Iommi. Reunion tour dates for 2012 have been cancelled or changed to "Ozzy and Friends" events. There was a contractual disagreement between band and founding member, drummer Bill Ward.
On to the good news. Deluxe album reissues (import only for North America) are coming on March 19th from the band Dio, which featured former Sabbath lead vocalist, the late Ronnie James Dio. Former lead singer Tony Martin has apparently got his Tony Martin era Black Sabbath music playing band, Tony Martin’s Headless Cross, gearing up to tour.
To get all the details on these happenings and more, you should visit the fan site run by Joe Siegler. It's called Black Sabbath Online, and I post links to his updates on a fairly regular basis, because he makes sure he gets the story straight. If you want unbiased, factual and accurate information on Black Sabbath, and the group's family tree, you go to Joe.
Performing in Montreux, Switzerland, on July 7, 2007. Photo by Sandro Campardo - AP Photo / Keystone.
One year ago today, singer and song writer Ronnie James Dio passed away (67 years old), by the hands of stomach cancer. Naturally, Ronnie has been on my mind, and remembered by millions and millions of other fans as well. Therefore, this 'Today's Tune' combo was selected to honor and remember that great man.
He was lead singer for some great bands in his time - Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. Both of these tracks are originally from the first two Black Sabbath albums that Mr. Dio recorded with the band. I was fortunate enough to see Sabbath on both of the subsequent tours that followed. I remember those times fondly, to say the least.
The following video is from a live Heaven & Hell concert. A taste of "Country Girl", from 'Mob Rules' (1981), starts it off. Then, "Neon Knights" (1980), which was a single from the album 'Heaven And Hell', goes into full flight.
Happy Birthday to Jonathan Firth! Jonathan, younger brother of much more well known Colin Firth (Pride And Prejudice, 'Love Actually', 'The King's Speech'), is also a fine English film and television actor. Since he has a strong resemblance to his older brother Colin, it might take a few minutes to realize that you are actually watching a quality performance by Jon. Not as well known in the US, most of his work can be found in British productions, and that's fine with me.
Keeping that mystery theme in mind, I've picked Dio's 1984 single "Mystery" for this 'Today's Tune'. It's probably my least favorite song by the group. If you want to see the studio video for this track, follow this link. It's so odd that it's hard to watch, and I couldn't bring myself to include it. A live performance is much more enjoyable, so that you can find below.
Junior's 'Reading And Viewing List' for September 26 through September 30, 2010 contains title links with article snippets from items that hit the web during the final days of the September 2010.
A couple 2010 WRC Rally France Preview posts made it into this list. You'll also find two (each) Washington Capitals NHL Preseason game previews and reviews.
Rock Radio UK is reporting that Who singer Roger Daltrey worries that new technology means younger generations aren’t taking time to stop and think – meaning they’ll be too easily controlled by the powers that be.
He fears the angry sentiments of classic track My Generation might not be echoed by future kids, because they’re too busy interacting with the virtual world to think about the real world around them...
It might be easy to look at Brooks Laich’s style of hockey and pigeon-hole him as a grinding, third-liner sort of player, one who applies a certain amount of grit and tenacity to his effort, mixing in the odd goal here and there. But look a bit deeper...
BraveWords.com spoke with original Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith about the band's long-overdue nomination into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011. Watch for the feature to go online at BraveWords.com this week. In the meantime, Smith told scribe Mitch Lafon that Alice Cooper and original band members Michael Bruce (guitar/keyboards), Dennis Dunaway (bass) and he have been in the studio and have already recorded "more than one track" for Alice's upcoming Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, KISS) produced album...
Home of Metal is delighted to announce details of the Heavy Metal and Place conference at The University of Wolverhampton in September 2011. The details reproduced below have been posted on numerous academic websites where scholars are invited to submit ideas for the contributions they would like to make. Here on Home of Metal dot com we’ve used the facilities offered by our website to bring you an audio and visual element to this announcement. Read, listen and look on...
Ford reveals Fiesta RS WRC Posted at WRC.com Ford has revealed its new Fiesta RS World Rally Car at the Paris Motor Show. The eagerly-anticipated new challenger will be used by the manufacturer from the 2011 season onwards, under the latest 1.6 turbo regulations. The Fiesta WRC will make its competition debut at Rally Sweden in February 2011...
...Starting out in 1977, under the name Lucifer, by the time I first saw the South Londoners they were already calling themselves Angel Witch (a sort of Heaven & Hell name, eh), and had the classic line-up of Kevin Heybourne (guitar/vocals), Kevin Riddles (bass/vocals) and Dave Hogg (drums). They played regularly at the good old Music Machine in London, a slightly run down venue, with catacombs instead of corridors. Located right next to Mornington Crescent tube station on the Northern Line (and now the altogether more plush Koko), this is where Soundhouse guru Neal Kay held regular, and famed, nights, showcasing both established talents and also young hopefuls.
Occasionally playing on the same bill at The Music Machine were Angel Witch, Iron Maiden and Samson. Each took it in turns to open and to headline. Yet, despite what history might tell you, at the time Angel Witch were possibly the most popular of the three. So much so that, according to legend, when EMI Records initially expressed an interest in getting ‘One of these NWOBHM bands’ under contract, it was Angel Witch to whom they first turned...
Speed Kills – Washington ran its pre-season record to a perfect 4-0 with a 4-1 win over the Bruins in Boston on Wednesday night. Even with a dozen of its skaters playing their second game in as many nights – and with many of the team’s top stars staying back in the District and getting the night off – the Capitals had more jump than the home team from the get-go...
This week, September 28th, Eagle Rock Entertainment released Rush: 2112 & Moving Pictures Classic Albums simultaneously released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
The epic program carries the viewer through the creation of the progressive rock milestones via brand new interviews, demonstrations, archive videos, and use of the original multi-track tapes. Besides new interviews with Rush’s bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart, original producer Terry Brown, is also featured...
Despite a minor off while testing his Ford Focus WRC prior to the Rallye de France, American Gymkhana sensation Ken Block is feeling upbeat in the build-up to the French event, run for the first time in the Alsace region...
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, reigning constructor's champions Brawn GP, technical whizz Ross Brawn and the might of German car giant Mercedes-Benz. The ingredients for a stunning 2010 season were all present and correct when Mercedes GP launched in Stuttgart back in January...
Washington travels to Boston on Wednesday for the back half of a home-and-home pre-season set with the Bruins. The Caps edged the B’s 3-2 at Verizon Center on Tuesday night in the opener.
The Caps will put a perfect 3-0 pre-season mark on the line against the Bruins on Wednesday...
...Let me make one thing clear: I'm a moderate and don't think the Democrats have the answers. But, the majority of the problems we currently face were created within the last administration. The huge tax cuts for the wealthy and the out-of-control spending on the Iraq War combined with the lax economic policies and deregulation of the financial sectors by Bush and his cronies has led us squarely to where we are right now...
...So, if the Tea Party folks get their way they'll help elect a candidate that doesn't really speak for them and whose hypocrisy will come back and bite them all in their collective asses...
*Dan, Jr. / Junior's Eyes Note: Amen Brian, Amen! There's a whole lotta truth written in this great post by Brian Lumley.
Middle Men – Everyone knows that Nicklas Backstrom is entrenched as the Caps’ No. 1 center. Backstrom, who signed a 10-year contract extension last May, spent most of last season centering for Alex Ovechkin and Mike Knuble and figures to start this season skating between the same wingers.
In Tuesday’s home preseason opener, Caps fans got a glimpse of their team’s future up the middle...
The late Ronnie James Dio was one of the greatest rock singers of all time, most notably with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his own band Dio. It was at London's Astoria Theatre on October 22nd 2005 that Dio took to the stage to deliver one of the most memorable performances of their career...
In this day of press releases, comes a release that's more "modern" and isn't a re-release of something. It's a live CD & DVD from Heaven & Hell, and is the last professionally recorded appearance of Ronnie James Dio...
Also, in a bit of a surprise came a press release with pictures of a new box set announced today by Sanctuary Records. It's called "The Ozzy years - Complete Albums Box Set (Limited Collector's Edition)"...
The pile of release announcements continues with some other releases from the past. As with the Seventh Star & Eternal Idol announcement, I'm here to announce that available now are Deluxe Edition versions of the "Live at Last" album, as well as "Past Lives". These are available now (they were technically released yesterday)...
A couple of weeks ago, I broke the news that the Ray Gillen version of the Eternal Idol was to be released. Back then I didn't have a formal press release, but I have that today. Below is the full press release for the two releases. One slightly different bit in the press release, however. The previously accepted date of October 25, 2010 has been changed - the formal press release now says one week later, November 1, 2010. I've confirmed with Sanctuary records that November 1st is the proper release date...
Classic Rock has today announced that Rush will be honoured with the ‘Living Legend’ award at this year’s Marshall Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards in association with Currencies.co.uk.
Rush will fly in to London to collect the award on November 10, with Alice Cooper hosting the event at London’s Roundhouse venue...
Heaven & Hell are to release a live CD/DVD in November on the Eagle Records label.
It’s called Neon Knights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell, and was filmed/recorded at the Wacken Festival in Germany on July 30, 2009. Here’s the full track listing:...
Stobart Ford World Rally Team driver Matthew Wilson says the recce for this week’s Rallye de France will be more important than ever as the event switches from its traditional base on the island of Corsica and moves onto the mainland region of Alsace...
He was born in Italy but lives in Switzerland; he's been wowing the paddock on and off for the last six seasons with his colourful dress sense; and from his 57 Grand Prix entries he's claimed 18 world championship points and a career-best finish of sixth place at the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix. But delve a little deeper, and there's plenty more to discover about Liuzzi...
After taking two road tilts to start off their six-game slate of exhibition games, the Caps host the Boston Bruins on Tuesday at Verizon Center in the first of their three home contests during the pre-season...
An HBO film crew is at Kettler Capitals Iceplex today working on a few promotional shots before they begin formal shooting for "24/7 Penguins/Capitals: Road to the Winter Classic" on Dec. 5. Capitals officials have said this is a much larger crew than the one that will be filming regularly, but the sheer number of cameras, crew members and producers hasn't gone unnoticed...
If "The Dark Knight" shattered preconceived notions that comic book movies are inherently lighthearted, then "The Flash" could help push those expectations even further...
BP Ford Abu Dhabi driver Mikko Hirvonen has said he will run a compromise set-up on his Focus RS World Rally Car on Rallye de France, which gets underway with the first of 20 special stages on Friday morning (October 1)...
As expected, Pirelli have confirmed Pedro de la Rosa as their new official Formula One test driver. De la Rosa takes over from Nick Heidfeld - to whom he recently lost his 2010 race drive with BMW Sauber - as the Italian firm gears up for its F1 return in 2011...
Mulligan was a hilarious character actor. He appeared in some great television situation comedy series during his career, such as Soap (as Burt Campbell) and Empty Nest (as Dr. Harry Weston). Memorable movies he worked in include 'S.O.B.' (as Felix Farmer) and 'The Big Bus' (as Claude Crane).
In the following Soap video clip, Burt Campbell deals with his alien double.
Ronnie James Dio, one of the most extraordinary singers, songwriters and entertainers of all time, passed away early Sunday morning - May 16, 2010. He was a brave and determined man, but stomach cancer won the battle anyway.
Forgive me for not posting something sooner, but besides being busy with the ever crumbling world that is my personal life, I have spent much of the free time that I do have grieving over the loss of Ronnie.
Not too long after Sunrise on Sunday morning, I signed off the internet. The last thing I had read was that Ronnie James Dio was still alive, and that reports of his death were merely rumors. The first thing I saw when I got back on the internet on Monday, was confirmation that he did pass away. It was just a little later on, while I was taking my dog for a short walk.
He had lived a lot and given a lot during his time on this Earth, but 67 years isn't all that old, and I know he had a lot more to give. The force that was Ronnie James Dio lives on in the people who loved and respected him. His influence can be heard in many a rock singer's vocal style.
I'm sure fans new and old are pulling out their Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell records, CD's and DVD's, emersing themselves as I have done, and playing RJD recordings over and over again.
It's been a while, but I had the pleasure of going to five or so Black Sabbath and Dio concerts with Ronnie as lead singer. They were all good and satisfying times. Memories I shall cherish until my own demise. Thank you, Ronnie!
In remembrance of Ronnie James Dio, I've chosen to include a few videos of him singing what I know was one of his favorite songs to sing. From the very first Rainbow album, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975), I offer "Catch The Rainbow". I just can't seem to get enough of this tune right now, and I don't feel like picking only one video. Each of the following includes different pictures and live action. My favorite is the last one, apparently a small intimate show, where Ronnie is obviously very happy. It's not the whole (long version of the) song and recorded somewhat poorly from one side of the small stage, but I love watching him enjoying life. I wish he could be doing so right now.
Public Memorial Service For Ronnie James Dio 5/19/2010 2:21:32 PM
There will be a Public Memorial Service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.
This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.
For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information!
The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund 5/19/2010 11:59:40 AM
Wendy Dio has requested in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND". Please send your donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. From all of us at Niji Entertainment Group, we thank you! For those that want to use Paypal, a link will be set up at RonnieJamesDio.com .
...Everything was heavenly but then came the ‘hell’ part of the equation. Last November Iommi was forced to take a break for an operation on his hand so 67-year-old Ronnie James Dio arranged a tour with his band, Dio. However, it was suddenly cancelled when the singer was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Meanwhile, Vinny Appice was forced to have surgery on his shoulder, injured while touring, putting him out of action for five months.
‘‘It sounds like Emergency Ward 10,’’ says Aston-born Tony, who now lives in Lapworth. ‘‘Geezer is the only healthy one at the moment.’’
He has good news on all three casualties, however...
Later on, they got around to Tony himself ...
Tony’s hand is also healing well. The operation, involving stem-cell treatment, was something he’d put off for some time.
‘‘The cartilage between the thumb joints of my right hand, my fret hand, was rubbing, bone to bone. They’ve cured that but the bone’s been pushed back and I’ve been told I may need another operation to pull the bone up. I don’t particularly want to go there because I have a friend, also a guitar player, who had that operation and it all went pear shaped which put me off a bit.’’...
It was reported in late November of 2009 that Ronnie had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, after having taken ill earlier that month. Fans were advised to send get well cards and letters to the fan club. Wendy then wrote about the beginning of his treatment in last update I posted here. Here we go now, with one from Ronnie just before Christmas, and the last one from Wendy came this past Wednesday.
Holiday message from Ronnie 12/21/2009 at 1:46:54 PM
Happy holidays everyone,
I'd like to take the time to thank everyone for the most wonderful gifts I have ever received. The list includes your good wishes, your prayers, your support, your tears and laughter, your anger and rejoicing, and most of all the unwavering love you've bestowed upon me. I guess I've always felt that we were one person and that you've allowed me to be our spokesman, but until this time of my greatest peril the truth was perhaps slightly hidden. It is hidden no more. Together we' shall face the foe and live on to climb higher mountains and explore greater magic. Together we cannot fail. Please accept my never ending love and dedication to you all. So it is written, and so it shall be.
MAGIC, FROM RONNIE JAMES DIO
An Update on Ronnie from Wendy 01/13/2010 at 6:57:50 PM
After a few hiccups between Christmas and New Year’s, such as a blood clot, a trip to the emergency room, and a three day stay at the hospital, we had a quiet holiday spent with family and close friends. Ronnie and I just returned from Houston, where Ronnie had his third chemo treatment, and all seems to be going well. Ronnie and Simon Wright went to see Avatar, which he thought was amazing! He has also been writing more chapters for his book.
While at M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre on his second trip, he met a DIO fan named Carmen who has been having treatment every other day for a year, and is eagerly awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Ronnie and Carmen have become fast friends. Carmen is a very positive happy person whose existence, like Ronnie’s, depends heavily on music and sports. On the third trip, we also met his mom and sister, whose total support is so important to all cancer patients. They have become part of our family as well.
The support we get from all of our friends and fans is such a blessing to Ronnie and I.
Ronnie, Geezer [Butler], Tony [Iommi] and Vinny [Appice] will be doing some interviews in the upcoming weeks to be included in the new 30th anniversary Heaven and Hell DVD due out sometime this year.
We would like to thank Simon Wright, who has been such a help with everything and a good, good friend, of course our doctor at MD Anderson, Dr. Ajani, and especially our family doctor, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, without whose quick diagnosis and help with all the nurses and hospitals, we would be lost. His care and compassion is unwavering.
Thanks again to all of Ronnie’s friends and fans, and --- by the way ---- Ronnie has not lost any hair yet!
Latest Update - Ronnie Aces 1st Chemo Treatment with Flying Colors 12/10/2009 5:19:51 PM
Here is an update from Wendy Dio on Ronnie's battle with stomach cancer:
Well, it has been a very exhausting month – after all the neverending tests in Los Angeles, we flew to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and as soon as we arrived, we got a call from the MD Anderson Hospital that they had an appointment for us with the doctor we originally wanted, so we then flew to Houston to the clinic, and of course MORE tests, but Ronnie finished receiving his first chemo treatment on Wednesday, and all is going very well.
I would like to thank Tony Martell from the T.J. Martell Foundation, Dr. Stuart Aaronson from Mount Sinai, Lindsay Brown and Mike Carden from Eagle Records, and our very own Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, for all your help in getting us into MD Anderson, and also our friends Geezer and Gloria Butler, who flew to Houston to be with Ronnie while he had his chemo.
Ronnie and I are totally overwhelmed by the amount of well wishes that we have received from friends and fans - we are reading them all. Some make us laugh, some make us cry, but all of them are so filled with love that it gives us so much support and makes Ronnie even more determined to fight this battle and win. Thank you all for the positive energy and prayers.
The heavy metal band Dio recently cancelled the remainder of their 2009 European tour, as lead singer Ronnie James Dio was taken ill. The following post by Ronnie's wife Wendy is the most recent update to appear on the official web site - RonnieJamesDio.com.
Here is the latest update from Wendy Dio:
"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.
Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.
Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio"
Get well cards and letters can be sent to the fan club.
Dio Fan Club 12400 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 624 Studio City, CA 91604
Joe Siegler of Black Sabbath Online is also collecting E-Mails at GetWellRonnie@Black-Sabbath.com, and will forward them to Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie, you should remember, formerly sang for Black Sabbath and their recent sequel band Heaven & Hell. "Please note - if you're talking about making some digital card or something in Photoshop, please print that and mail it yourself."
In memory of that last Apollo mission, I've chosen "The Last In Line" (1984 single) by the heavy metal band Dio for our 'Today's Tune'. The video posted is the most recent touring lineup, except for the bass player, with singer Ronnie James Dio acknowledging his fellow musicians at the end.
'The Devil You Know' is the first studio album by Heaven & Hell and was released last month. The band started touring South America on May 5th, and are currently back in the USA for a short break. They'll hit the road again starting in Moscow, Russia this coming weekend, followed by a trek across Europe that lasts through July. The North American leg starts in Vancouver, Canada on August 7th. Tickets for all the dates scheduled through August 2009 are currently on sale, except for the Merriweather Post Pavilion show in Columbia, MD, which go on sale Friday, June 5th.
Venue and ticket information links for all concerts remaining on the schedule can be found on Heaven & Hell's tour page. For fan submitted concert reviews and pictures, head over to the 2009 Tour Date Page at Joe Siegler's Black Sabbath Online. Reviews and photos from the April 26th Van Nuys, CA rehearsal gig are also available there.
There was a lot of stupid unnecessary drama and shameful actions (and sometimes lack of action) by the opponent, referees and league officials going on during the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the Washington Capitals were playing against the New York Rangers. Now that the Capitals are up against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round, they are facing the same old tricks, complaining and injustices again.
Shame on the Penguins for making false accusations about faceoff cheating, illeagle pics and sticks just to wrongfully sway the thoughts of on ice officials.
Shame on the refs for being swayed by all the Penguins B.S.
Shame on the Penguins for complaining about officiating, when it's the Capitals who are the ones that have a right to complain.
Shame on CBC for broadcasting the Capitals coaching staff's game plan board with their keys to victory for Wednesday's Game 3 against the Penguins.
There's been a lot of talk lately about drummer Bill Ward and his desire for another reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup. Much has been made of his recent comments, like those at the end of an interview that appeared in The Shropshire Star, perhaps too much.
Personally, I would love to see it happen. With the success of Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath / Dio fusion) though, I don't see it happening in the next couple years anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if former singer Ozzy Osbourne was up for it, but he's also doing fine with his band and TVshows as well.
In the following recent Kerrang! video podcast, Bill talks about early Black Sabbath album rereleases and his feelings on a possible Black Sabbath reunion. He also answers questions about the past, present and future, in relation to Black Sabbath, Ozzy, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler.
It's been a long time since I've posted any news about the metal band Heaven And Hell (half Black Sabbath and half Dio), so I wanted to pass along the following update. The article below is the latest from Classic Rock Magazine.
Classic Rock has heard three unfinished tracks from Heaven And Hell’s debut album. In a world-exclusive we visited vocalist Ronnie James Dio, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Vinny Appice on the final day of tracking at Rockfield Studios in Wales.
Some final touches were still to be added; for example Iommi wanted to add guitar solos at his home studio, and the material was in an unmixed state.
Due to be released in late April, the album’s 10 tracks were co-produced by the group and engineer Mike Exeter.
The songs we heard were a moody, thuddingly malevolent number called Rock ’N’ Roll Jesus, the pacier and more anthemic Neverwhere, and a slice of sloth-like majesty that’s likely to be titled Breaking Into Heaven.
Other tracks expected to appear include Bible Black, Double Pain and Atom + Evil.
With the band having recorded three tracks for the Black Sabbath: The Dio Years anthology and played around 100 shows as Heaven And Hell, writing began at Iommi and Dio’s houses in England and California respectively, either side of the Metal Masters tour of America with Motörhead, Judas Priest and Testament.
“Each of us submitted a CD of our ideas, and we narrowed it down from there,” explains Iommi. “In some ways it was like picking up where we’d left off with Dehumanizer [Sabbath’s 1992 album], which was also done at Rockfield.”
“I never thought this band would get back together, but here we are,” marvels Appice. “Everyone’s more mature, and when we play together it’s just a monster.”
Touring plans are currently being finalised, with appearances at the Sweden Rock Festival, France’s Hellfest and Waldrock in Holland already confirmed.
*See exclusive photos of Heaven And Hell at Rockfield Studios in the February edition of Classic Rock, on sale Wednesday, January 7.
Tony Iommi in Camden, NJ on August 6, 2008 - Photo by Damian Muziani
The 'Metal Masters Tour 2008' started in Camden, NJ this Wednesday, August 6th. This tour features four great metal bands, including Heaven And Hell (Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice), Judas Priest, Motorhead and Testament. Fans started posting their pictures and personal reviews at Joe Siegler's Black Sabbath Online web site Wednesday night. Fans are able to submit pictures to be archived into the photo gallery via E-Mail. Reviews are submitted directly through the specific tour's interactive tour page and are available for reading (after Joe's approval) via the same individual tour page. Just click on Concert Reviews in the Notes column beside each concert within the tour chart. I'm anxious to see what people who went to the concert at Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA last night have to say. I wish I could've been there.
Judas Priest in Camden, NJ on August 6, 2008 - Photo by Damian Muziani
At Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD tonight, Metallica wannabes and an embarrassment to all of us with even partial Welsh heritage, Bullet For My Valentine were scheduled to play. Opening for them was Cancer Bats, who could be a halfway decent band if they had a singer fronting the band instead of whatever you would call Liam Cormier. One upcoming concert that does get me excited, and for the right reasons, is Peter Frampton. He'll be playing real Rock and Roll music at Rams Head on Friday, August 15th. Ted Nugent may be a total whack job, but he sure can play guitar. You can "Wango Tango" with him on the 26th.
There are many reasons to visit Baltimore's Pier Six Pavilion this month. They'll have a wide range of musical styles in the entertainers headlining the venue. I'll just mention the most interesting. Classic Rock takes the stage on August 13th, when both Boston and Styx play there. Eight time Grammy Award winner Anita Baker follows with her beautiful voice two nights later, on the 15th. We change gears again on the 19th, with a harder edged style of blues in the forms of George Thorogood And The Destroyers and Buddy Guy. Performing their own hits, as well as 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' in it's entirety on August 21st, is an odd mix of musicians if you ask me (nobody's asking me). The list for the 'Sgt. Peppers' Tribute includes the great talents Todd Rundgren (He's gone metal with his latest album, you know), Lou Gramm (of Foreigner) and Denny Laine (of The Moody Blues, Wings), along with the less popular Christopher Cross and Bo Bice (former American Idol contestant). Speaking of Idols, Billy Idol will be at Pier Six on the 22nd. The wonderful blues artist Robert Cray will share the bill with Keb' Mo' on Saturday, August 23rd during the "Bringin' It Back Home Tour".
There's a few really good concerts at 