Tag: 2005

Steve Vai goes weedley-eedley-eedley at the Commodore

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 28, 2005 By Steve Newton When you go to a Steve Vai concert these days, you definitely get your money's worth, musicianwise. Not only is Vai one of the most gifted rock guitarists alive, his bandmates hold some serious credentials as well. Rhythm guitarist Dave Weiner is still in his 20s, … Continue reading Steve Vai goes weedley-eedley-eedley at the Commodore

Zakk Wylde says that Dimebag Darrell is keeping the beer on ice up in God’s tavern

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 28, 2005 By Steve Newton My earliest memory of drinkin' beer goes back to when I was about seven or eight. Don't panic, I wasn't wasted. I just recall sampling the warm dregs of my dad's Black Label stubby while watching an Original Six NHL game on the tube. It was … Continue reading Zakk Wylde says that Dimebag Darrell is keeping the beer on ice up in God’s tavern

Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinninger thinks the jam-band movement is the new rock ‘n’ roll

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 5, 2005 By Steve Newton The annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is the type of event where jam-happy bands from across the States converge to spread the gospel of anything-goes improv. Umphrey's McGee makes its fourth appearance at the three-day Tennessee fest this June, joining the likes of the Allman … Continue reading Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinninger thinks the jam-band movement is the new rock ‘n’ roll

Hotshots and hillbillies collide on Jimmy Thackery’s Healin’ Ground

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 2, 2005 By Steve Newton When Jimmy Thackery was a kid, his father took him and his brother to see the 1964 Peter Sellers comedy A Shot in the Dark. They all loved it; the boys would repeat Inspector Clouseau's lines endlessly at home, bent over in hysterics in front of … Continue reading Hotshots and hillbillies collide on Jimmy Thackery’s Healin’ Ground

Edgar Winter strives to break down senseless musical barriers

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 28, 2005 By Steve Newton Most rock bands from the '70s aren't making waves on the sales charts these days, but not every musician who thrived 30 years ago has been barred from Billboard in recent years. Edgar Winter had the chorus from his 1971 song "Dying to Live" used in … Continue reading Edgar Winter strives to break down senseless musical barriers

Spirit of Keef surfaces on top-notch Matt Mays & El Torpedo

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 27, 2005 By Steve Newton There's a foldout poster that comes with the self-titled Matt Mays & El Torpedo CD, but it's not your typical rockers-posing shot, suitable for taping on any starstruck fan's wall. It's more like what veteran Vancouver music scribe Alexander Varty describes as "guitar porn": a photo … Continue reading Spirit of Keef surfaces on top-notch Matt Mays & El Torpedo

Philly’s Silvertide revels in the sweet sounds of the ’70s

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, JULY 28, 2005 By Steve Newton There's no doubt that Motley Crue will be the main attraction when L.A.'s kings of sleaze-rock headline the sold-out Pacific Coliseum on Friday (July 29). Having Canadian punk rock sensations Sum 41 on the bill hasn't hurt ticket sales, either. But you gotta wonder why … Continue reading Philly’s Silvertide revels in the sweet sounds of the ’70s

The New York Dolls’ David Johansen says that the Harlots of 42nd Street were his favourite band

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 25, 2005 By Steve Newton Looking back, 1973 was a wicked fuckin' year for American guitar-rock albums. It saw the release of Alice Cooper's Billion Dollar Babies, Blue Oyster Cult's Tyranny and Mutation, Johnny Winter's Still Alive and Well, and the debuts by Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montrose, and the New York Dolls. … Continue reading The New York Dolls’ David Johansen says that the Harlots of 42nd Street were his favourite band

Frank Bello claims that the death of Dimebag Darrell propelled Anthrax back into action

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 8, 2005 By Steve Newton In the mid-'80s, Anthrax was one of the most popular thrash-metal bands around. Vocalist Joey Belladonna, guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Spitz, bassist Frank Bello, and drummer Charlie Benante won the hearts of headbangers far and wide with ear-busting albums like Spreading the Disease and Among … Continue reading Frank Bello claims that the death of Dimebag Darrell propelled Anthrax back into action