2024 M3 ROCK FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MAY 4 & SUNDAY, MAY 5

 2-Day and VIP Packages on sale through ticketmaster.com

M3 Rock Festival is about to celebrate  the announcement of its 15th year at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Fifteen years of rock n’ roll; 15 years of fellowship and fandom, and 15 years of unforgettable performances. It’s time to ‘Take Hold Of The Flame’ with another jam-packed weekend of internationally-renowned hard rock and heavy metal on May 4th and May 5th, 2024.  Tickets are on sale Friday, Dec. 15 at 10 am EST through ticketmaster.com.

M3 Rock Festival 2024 kicks off Saturday, May 4th with performances from Queensrÿche, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Last In Line, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Doro, Aldo Nova, Child’s Play, Fan Halen, and more.

The two day festival continues on Sunday, May 5th, featuring performances by Night Ranger, Stryper, Y&T, Faster Pussycat, Cold Sweat, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Sun Dogs before closing out the night with a full headlining set by Bret Michaels and special guest Dee Snider with a once-in-a-lifetime M3 exclusive encore jam session featuring anyone and everyone from this year’s lineup.

“I’m truly excited to be back at M3,” said Bret Michaels, Sunday’s headliner. “It’s a great rock festival, and I promise you I’m bringing all killer hits, no filler, and a big show! I want the fans to unleash their inner Rockstar.”

Over the past 15 years, M3 has become more than a festival; it’s an ‘80s arena rock experience. Drawing diehard fans from six continents, 30 countries, and every state, M3 has evolved into an annual pilgrimage for those who grew up with ‘80s rock (a genre of music now referred to as the “new classic rock”) as well as for younger fans who embrace the fun and excitement of the glam metal era.

Each year, VIP and Pavilion seats sell out quickly. Two-day and VIP packages are on sale through ticketmaster.com. If available, single-day tickets will go on sale in the coming months.

Tickets can also be purchased at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 9:30 Club, The Anthem, and Lincoln Theatre during normal box office hours. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or M3RockFest.com.

2024 M3 Rock Festival May 4 & 5 in Columbia, Maryland first appeared on Game On Media.

Queensrÿche kicked off their 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour in Orlando, Florida on March 3, 2023 at The Plaza Live. Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Todd La Torre, Mike Stone and Casey Grillo are on top of their songwriting and performance games. Seeing them live is still as incredible and inspiring as it has ever been. Their stage banners resembled stained glass windows, featuring their best albums – “Queensrÿche”, “The Warning”, “Rage For Order”, “Operation:Mindcrime”, “Empire”, “Promised Land”, “The Verdict”, and “Digital Noise Alliance”.

Guitarist Marty Friedman and his band were direct support, with Bay Area thrashers Trauma opening the show. Fans of the guitar were in heaven, with a full night of wizardry on display. Trauma got things heated up with their early-80’s thrashers, setting things up for a heavy evening. Marty Friedman was up next to electrify the crowd. The ex-Megadeth guitarist has been living in Japan for 20 years and his band of Japanese musicians is talented and entertaining. Their instrumental metal is beautiful and heavy.

Queensrÿche opened for Judas Priest last fall, and their set list then was full of classic hits, which was the right choice for that kind of tour. Now that they are headlining in support of their outstanding new album, “Digital Noise Alliance”, the song choices are vastly different. Spoiler Alert: Full set list below photo album.

The new album is the best album of the Todd La Torre era, and the most impressive work from the band since “Promised Land”. Check out where it landed on our Five Fave: 2022 Classic Rock Albums. Five new songs were played this night, and they all sounded incredible. “Forest” in particular stood out, especially after La Torre explained that it was dedicated to anyone who had lost a parent.

“Empire” and “Operation:Mindcrime” were also featured, and tracks from those all-time classics always bring the loudest singing from the crowd. But the greatest gift of all was the steady supply of bangers from the first full-length album, “The Warning”. The 18 song set ended majestically with the 10 minute epic “Roads To Madness”. It was a glorious end to a tremendous night of hard rock magic.

Get tour tickets and information at http://www.queensrycheofficial.com/tour-dates/

QUEENSRŸCHE – 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour

with special guests Marty Friedman + Trauma

3/3/2023 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live

3/4/2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room

3/5/2023 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre

3/7/2023 – Destin, FL @ Club LA

3/9/2023 – San Antonio, TX @ The Vibes Event Center

3/10/2023 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

3/11/2023 – Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues

3/12/2023 – Midland, TX @ La Hacienda Event Center

3/14/2023 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre

3/16/2023 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades

3/17/2023 – El Cajon, CA @ House Of Blues

3/21/2023 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

3/22/2023 – Seattle, WA @ The Neptune Theatre

3/24/2023 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre

3/25/2023 – Kansas City, KS @ Knuckleheads Saloon

3/26/2023 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall

3/28/2023 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

3/29/2023 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Clyde Theatre

3/31/2023 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall

4/1/2023 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection

4/2/2023 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall

4/4/2023 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall

4/5/2023 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theater

4/7/2023 – Boston, MA @ The Palladium

4/8/2023 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount

4/10/2023 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

4/11/2023 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage

4/12/2023 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

4/14/2023 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

4/15/2023 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)

4/16/2023 – St. Petersberg, FL @ Jannus Live

Queensryche Orlando 2023

33 photos

Queensrÿche Orlando Set List

In Extremis

Lost In Sorrow

Spreading The Disease

Child Of Fire

En Force

Don’t Look Back

Light Years

Sicdeth

Forest

Jet City Woman

Inner Unrest

Empire

Behind The Walls

Queen Of The Reich

Empty Room

Eyes Of A Stranger

Deliverance

Roads To Madness

QUEENSRŸCHE Kick Off 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour in Orlando first appeared on Game On Media.

2022 saw the return to full time touring and consistent album release cycles. With many artists forced off the road for 2 years, creativity flourished and a ton of great music was released in 2022. Some of our all time favorite acts came back with stellar material. Kudos to any artist who isn’t satisfied playing only the old hits and keeps creating. Here are our Five Fave: 2022 Classic Rock Albums.

#5 – Skid Row – The Gang’s All Here

Skid Row has been searching for a suitable replacement for Sebastian Bach since 1996. They have finally found their lead singer in Erik Grönwall, who spent the last decade fronting Swedish glam band H.E.A.T, after winning Swedish Idol in 2009. His vocal range and showmanship are the perfect complement to the riffs and pop rock beats of Dave ‘The Snake” Sabo, Rachel Bolan, Scotti Hill and Rob Hammersmith. “The Gang’s All Here” is a catchy, fun ride reminiscent of the band’s mega-hit debut album.

Standout Tracks: Time Bomb, Not Dead Yet, Tear It Down

#4 – Sammy Hagar & The Circle – Crazy Times

Sammy Hagar never slows down. He just keeps on starting businesses, writing music and performing live. This time around, his bandmates are known as “The Circle”, with his old buddy Michael Anthony on bass, Jason Bonham on drums and Vic Johnson on lead guitar. This is their second album of mostly new material, born out of their lockdown sessions. Some feature Sammy on acoustic guitar, while others are full band productions.

Standout Tracks: Be Still, Crazy Times, Father Time

#3 – Ann Wilson – Fierce Bliss

Ann Wilson, legendary voice of Heart, released her first solo album with original material, “Fierce Bliss”. It shows that her incredible vocal range and passionate performance has not dropped off a bit after 5 decades on the stage. There are a few covers sprinkled in, and few can cover a song the way Ann Wilson can. The originals are heartfelt and well done.

Standout Tracks: Greed, Black Wing, A Moment In Heaven

#2 – Journey – Freedom

“Freedom” is the 15th studio album from Journey and the first in over a decade. Arnel Pineda delivers outstanding vocals on his third effort with the legendary band. Randy Jackson returned to slap the bass (yes, that Randy Jackson dawg) but has since left the group. Drummer and producer Narada Michael Walden helped write most of the album, along with mainstays Neil Schon and Jonathan Cain, and has also departed. The album itself is long and full of songs similar to ones from throughout their entire career. The emotions run deep and that is why we all love Journey.

Standout Tracks: You Got The Best Of Me, Still Believe In Love, United We Stand

#1 – Queensrÿche – Digital Noise Alliance

Queensrÿche version 2.0 is a band that has earned its continued relevance and demands your attention. Despite the lineup changes and retirements, they continue to press on, through sheer effort and talent, by playing shows and writing songs. Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson are the heart and soul of this band, and they are the thread that lets you know which band you are listening to. Todd LaTorre excels on vocals, Casey Grillo is dynamic on drums and Mike Stone returns to add soulful guitar to the mix. “Digital Noise Alliance” is the most complete album of Queensrÿche’s modern era. Each song brings a different vibe and every experiment works.

Standout Tracks: In Extremis, Hold On, Behind The Walls

Five Fave: 2022 Classic Rock Albums first appeared on Game On Media.

QUEENSRŸCHE at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York on October 18, 2022.

Judas Priest is celebrating 50 Metal Years, and they invited their friends in Queensryche to join the party. Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Todd LaTorre, Mike Stone and Casey Grillo kicked off the night with a shot of adrenaline straight into the crowd’s collective cerebral cortex.

Long time fans were treated to an opening barrage of early bangers – “Queen of the Reich”, “Warning” and “En Force”. The current lineup brings a renewed sense of energy and power to these killer tunes.

Queensryche is far from a nostalgia act. To support the release of their outstanding new studio album, ‘Digital Noise Alliance’, QUEENSRŸCHE have dropped an epic video clip for “Behind The Walls”:

This was the only new song played at the show, which is unfortunate only in the sense that it would have been great to hear more of the new material along with the classics. Todd LaTorre breathes life into a back catalog which had been previously missing from shows, and his contributions to 4 recent albums of material has been crucial in reviving a legendary act.

The set continued with a fan favorite deep cut “Screaming in Digital” and the all-time hits “Empire”, “Operation: Mindcrime” and “Eyes of a Stranger”. The only problem with the set was being over far too soon.

Guitarist Michael Wilton continues to express joy as he pushes boundaries of the Queensryche sound. This incarnation continues to grow as songwriters and soar beyond any past formulas for success, and ‘Digital Noise Alliance’ is their best album yet. “Whip” was the creator of most of the best songs of the early days, and here he bangs out riffs and solos that elevate the soul.

Bassist and backing vocalist Eddie Jackson is the DNA of Queensryche, and his consistent excellence on the bass and microphone provides the common thread that has drawn in and held a passionate fanbase for 4 decades.

Drummer Casey Grillo has been touring with the band for 5 years, and this is his first appearance on an album. He brings a fresh style to the mix, continuing the stellar legacy created by Scott Rockenfield.

Guitarist Mike Stone rejoins the fold this time around, showcasing his creativity and freedom of expression, breaking the mold established by Chris DeGarmo and embarking on new sonic landscapes.

These metal masters are on tour now with Judas Priest. Get your tickets on the official QR website.

Queensryche LI22

34 photos

QUEENSRŸCHE

opening for Judas Priest

Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale

Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena

Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway

Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans

Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center

Oct. 22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre

Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater

Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline

Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center

Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center

Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument

Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center

Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena

Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center

Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena

Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena

Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena

Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center

Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center

Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum

Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street

Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena

Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

QUEENSRŸCHE Rocks Long Island On Fall 2022 Tour With Judas Priest first appeared on Game On Media.

Judas Priest is celebrating over 50 Heavy Metal Years on their fall 2022 tour, with Queensrÿche in support. The metal gods stopped at an old favorite venue,  Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on October 18, 2022.

The crowd spanned many generations, and the set list was designed to please all of them. With an extensive catalog to choose from, the only issue would be which songs to leave out.

They chose songs from 2018’s excellent “Firepower”, 2014’s “Redeemer of Souls” featuring the debut of lead guitarist Richie Faulkner, 2005’s “Angel of Retribution”, sadly only one track from 1990 masterpiece “Painkiller”, 1984’s “Defenders of the Faith”, half of 1982’s legendary smash “Screaming for Vengeance”, 1981’s “Point of Entry”, and 1980’s breakthrough classic “British Steel”.

They also dug deep to please the long-time fans, going into their 1970’s catalog, pulling from “Sad Wings of Destiny”, “Stained Class” and “Killing Machine”. All of the selections sounded amazing, with the band as tight as can be, and Rob Halford hitting all of the notes with power and class.

In addition to Mr. Halford, original bassist Ian Hill is still kicking arse and taking names. Long time (30+ years) drummer Scott Travis pounds it out with powerful flair. New guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap carry on the immortal legacy of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, delivering the goods with reverence.

Judas Priest LI22

47 photos

Go see this tour while you can. Tickets available now at https://judaspriest.com/

JUDAS PRIEST 2022 Fall Tour Dates with QUEENSRŸCHE

Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale

Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena

Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway

Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans

Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center

Oct. 22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre

Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater

Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline

Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center

Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center

Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument

Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center

Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena

Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center

Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena

Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena

Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena

Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center

Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center

Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum

Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street

Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena

Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

Judas Priest Celebrates 50 Years Of Metal on Long Island first appeared on Game On Media.

#SDCC: Z2 COMICS AND HEAVY METAL ICONS JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE THE 
SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Inspired by the Band’s Best-Selling Album of All-Time,
An Original Science Fiction Epic Released in Time
For the Album’s 40TH Anniversary and the Return of Comic
Con International in 2022, Available to Order Now

Z2 Comics proudly announces that one of the biggest acts in the history of heavy music will team with the rapidly growing entertainment brand for an original graphic novel to be released in 2022, in time for the anniversary of their highest selling album of all time, the indisputable classic: Screaming for Vengeance.

Teaming with writers Rantz Hoseley (Comic Book Tattoo, the Heroin Diaries) and Neil Kleid (Savor), and artist Christopher Mitten (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.), the multi-platinum selling Metal Gods bestow upon their generations of fans their first-ever graphic novel!

500 years from now, a ring of cities orbit high above the surface of a dead world, controlled by a ruling elite that maintains power through manipulation and brutality. When a naïve engineer inadvertently threatens the status quo with his vital scientific discovery… A BLOODSTONE… he is betrayed by those he trusted and cast out to the broken planet below.  In the wreckage and desolation of a broken world where every day is a battle for survival, he must choose between accepting his new life in exile…or SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE.

“I cannot overstate what an inspiration Judas Priest has been to me, personally.” said Hoseley. “I was already a fan of the band, when Screaming for Vengeance was released, but no one was ready for the impact it had. That incredible cover art? Those songs? That album became my daily soundtrack and creative fuel, to the point where I wore the cassette out in my car. To be able to contribute to a project inspired by these songs that mean so much to me? Well, that is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously.”

To further celebrate the creative legacy of this monumental album and landmark anniversary, the graphic novel includes an extensive interview with original cover artist Doug Johnson in which he discusses the process of creating the award-winning album cover design, and the origin of the metallic bird of prey, now known as “The Hellion.” Additionally, as part of the expansion of Z2’s product offerings, newly appointed Z2 Vice President of Collectibles and Aggronautix founder Clint Weiler has designed a detailed Hellion statue, with working “electric eyes” in celebration of both the original album design, and the dramatic conclusion of the story in the SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE graphic novel”

Certified double platinum in the United States, Screaming for Vengeance was released in July of 1982, and marked the beginning of the band’s success in North America, transcending the “new wave of British heavy metal” sound they had come to define, and moving them into the mainstream despite a heavier-than-ever sound. The album’s first single “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” would prove to be one of the biggest hard rock hits in history and continues to inspire fists in the air around the world to this day. The album was ranked #3 on Rolling Stone’s 2017 list of “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time,” and is celebrated throughout the world as one of the genre’s most defining moments, ushering in the success of heavy music in the 1980s up through today.

Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance will be released in both softcover and hardcover formats in finer bookstores, comic shops and record stores everywhere in July 2022, with special limited deluxe and super deluxe versions featuring an exclusive anniversary vinyl LP, prints and more available to order now through the Z2 website.

About Judas Priest
There are few heavy metal bands that have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest have during their 50-year career. Their presence and influence remains at an all-time high as evidenced by 2018’s ‘Firepower’ being the highest charting album of their career, a 2010 Grammy Award win for ‘Best Metal Performance’, plus being a 2006 VH1 Rock Honors recipient. Poised now to celebrate that illustrious career as they enter their 50th year in the industry – 2020 will see the band embark on an epic 50thanniversary tour in celebration. Judas Priest originally formed in 1969 in Birmingham, England (an area that many feel birthed heavy metal). Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing and Ian Hill would be the nucleus of musicians (along with several different drummers over the years) that would go on to change the face of heavy metal. The current line up which changed in 2011 consists of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner and Scott Travis – Priest also received a second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination in 2019, with 2020 serving as the 40th anniversary of ‘British Steel’ and the 30th anniversary of ‘Painkiller.’ But most importantly, 2020 was the band’s 50th anniversary and they are finally on a major tour for the world to celebrate this remarkable band’s 50 YEARS OF HEAVY METAL!!

About Z2:
Recently dubbed the “hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, Z2 has produced 50+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Balmain, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker and Charlie “Bird” Parker. 

Learn more at Z2comics.com

JUDAS PRIEST 2022 Fall Tour Dates with QUEENSRŸCHE

Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale

Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena

Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway

Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans

Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center

Oct. 22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre

Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater

Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline

Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center

Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center

Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument

Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center

Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena

Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center

Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena

Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena

Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena

Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center

Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center

Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum

Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street

Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena

Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

Judas Priest “Screaming For Vengeance” Comic and Fall 2022 Tour Dates first appeared on Game On Media.

New QUEENSRŸCHE Album

“Digital Noise Alliance”

Out Now!

Upon the release of their outstanding new studio album, ‘Digital Noise Alliance’, QUEENSRŸCHE have released a video clip for the song “Hold On”:

This is the 4th album of the Todd La Torre era, and the band’s 16th overall. He really stretches himself this time around, no longer imitating the sounds of early Geoff Tate, he simply sings his heart out on all levels.

Guitarist Michael Wilton continues to express joy as he pushes boundaries of the Queensryche sound. This incarnation continues to grow as songwriters and soar beyond any past formulas for success, and ‘Digital Noise Alliance’ is their best album yet. “Whip” was the creator of most of the best songs of the early days, and here he bangs out riffs and solos that elevate the soul.

Bassist and backing vocalist Eddie Jackson is the DNA of Queensryche, and his consistent excellence on the bass and microphone provides the common thread that has drawn in and held a passionate fanbase for 4 decades.

Drummer Casey Grillo has been touring with the band for 5 years, and this is his first appearance on an album. He brings a fresh style to the mix, continuing the stellar legacy created by Scott Rockenfield.

Guitarist Mike Stone rejoins the fold this time around, showcasing his creativity and freedom of expression, breaking the mold established by Chris DeGarmo and embarking on new sonic landscapes.

This week the metal masters will embark on another US tour with Judas Priest. Get your tickets on the official QR website.

QUEENSRŸCHE

opening for Judas Priest

Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale

Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena

Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway

Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans

Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center

Oct. 22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre

Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater

Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline

Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center

Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center

Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument

Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center

Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena

Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center

Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena

Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena

Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena

Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center

Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center

Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum

Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street

Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena

Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

QUEENSRŸCHE Continue To Evolve With “Digital Noise Alliance” Album and 2022 Fall Tour Dates first appeared on Game On Media.

The 5^th annual Blue Ridge Rock Festival took place in Alton, Virginia on September 8 – 11, 2022. Day 3 was a wet one, with a slow and steady rain throughout most of the day and into the night. Thankfully there were no lightning storms forcing evacuations, which has seemed to plague so many outdoor rock festivals.

Once again, there were too many bands playing too many stages, and the concert you missed was probably as good as the concert you saw.

Between dodging raindrops and hiding under stages protecting my camera equipment, I was able to capture Butcher Babies, Adelitas Way, Powerman 5000, Mushroomhead, Starset (both acoustic and electric headliner set, complete with pyro and fireworks), Motionless In White, Skillet and Tenacious D featuring Kyle Gass and Jack Black.

The show I didn’t see included The Dead Daisies, Crowbar, Upon A Burning Body, The Word Alive, Apocalyptica, Black Veil Brides, Ice Nine Kills, Queensryche, From Ashes To New, God Forbid, Thrice, Pierce The Veil, Gwar, Pennywise, I Prevail and Slipknot.

Sion (featuring Howard Jones) and Lacuna Coil (featuring Cristina Scabbia) were late scratches, and unfortunately did not perform.

Despite days of exhaustion, muddy grounds and soaked clothing, the crowd never let up on their passion and physicality.

Tickets and campsites are already selling well for next year, proving that die hard metal fans will endure anything to experience the power of live music, and the feeling of connecting with other people who are just as mental about metal as they are. Go to https://blueridgerockfest.com/ to get yours.

BRRF22 Day 3

12 photos

Starset, Tenacious D, Motionless In White and Skillet Power Through Day 3 of Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 first appeared on Game On Media.

QUEENSRŸCHE RELEASES NEW TRACK AND VIDEO FOR
“BEHIND THE WALLS”
PRE-ORDER DIGITAL NOISE ALLIANCE HERE

QUEENSRŸCHE releases their new track and music video for “Behind The Walls” today via Century Media Records. Purchase and stream the track on all digital platforms now and check out the video premiere HERE.

“It is a story about those in crisis dealing with various forms of abuse. The protagonist is faced with the dichotomy of reconciling a lifetime of devout faith, while suffering immense abuse with no intervention,” states QUEENSRŸCHE about “Behind The Walls”.

“Behind The Walls” follows QUEENSRŸCHE’s two previously released singles, “In Extremis” and “Forest”, which are off the band’s forthcoming album Digital Noise Alliance out on October 7^th.

Pre-order Digital Noise Alliance, HERE.

Following the release of Digital Noise Alliance, the band will embark on another tour opening for the mighty Judas Priest on their “50 Heavy Metal Years” tour. See below for the full list of tour dates.

QUEENSRYCHE Tour Dates:

With a career that not only spans, but has charted the course of multiple genres, QUEENSRŸCHE remains a force in their own right. Digital Noise Alliance, QUEENSRŸCHE’s 16^th studio album continues their ever-evolving legacy.

Once again teaming up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), Digital Noise Alliance not only refracts QUEENSRŸCHE’s past accomplishments but also pushes into the band’s future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking. Quintessentially QUEENSRŸCHE.

Photo by Silly Robot Studios

QUEENSRŸCHE line-up is Eddie Jackson (bass), Michael Wilton (guitar), Todd La Torre (vocals), Casey Grillo (drums) and Mike Stone (guitar).

Watch “In Extremis (Official Video)”:
YouTube

Watch “Forest (Official Video)”:
YouTube

Follow QUEENSRŸCHE

QUEENSRŸCHE Releases New Track And Video “Behind The Walls” first appeared on Game On Media.

Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 has announced their full lineup and daily schedules, and we cannot wait for this event to start its engines. With the world-class lineup in place, plans for the new venue at Virginia International Raceway are taking shape. Ghost, Mudvayne, Slipknot and Disturbed are the main headliners on Thursday through Sunday, September 8-11, 2022, with a bonus Wednesday night event featuring Puddle Of Mudd. This time around, you won’t have to worry about miles of walking and figuring out which artists you will miss. There will be two main stages, side by side, without overlapping of major bands.

Wednesday’s warmup lineup is Puddle Of Mudd, Alient Ant Farm, Cold, Crazytown, Burden Of The Sky, Kings County, Last Nights Villain.

Thursday kicks it off proper with Ghost, Ice Cube, Falling In Reverse, Stone Temple Pilots, Anthrax, In This Moment, Daughtry, Jelly Roll, Nothing More, Pop Evil, Sleeping With Sirens, Spiritbox, We Came As Romans, Bad Wolves, Kittie, Shadows Fall, Hinder, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Attila, Hawthorne Heights, The Union Underground, Red, Counterparts, A Skylit Drive, Comeback Kid, Fire From The Gods, Unearth, Norma Jean, Smile Empty Soul, Palisades and more.

Friday gives you Mudvayne, A Day To Remember, Halestorm, Alice Cooper, Gojira, Underoath, Down, Theory Of A Deadman, Sevendust, Badflower, Candlebox, Insane Clown Posse, In Flames, Hatebreed, All That Remains, 3OH!3, Buckcherry, Electric Callboy, Bad Omens, Memphis May Fire, Whitechapel, Zero 9:36, Slaughter To Prevail, Saving Abel, Dayseeker, Bleeding Through, Fit For An Autopsy, Nita Strauss, Emo Night Brooklyn, Blacktop Mojo, He Is Legend, Silvertung and more.

Saturday is just insane, with Slipknot, Tenacious D (Jack Black & Kyle Gass), I Prevail, Pennywise, Skillet, Pierce The Veil, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills, Nelly, Starset, Black Veil Brides, Thrice, GWAR, God Forbid, Apocalyptica, Queensryche, Fit For A King, Adelitas Way, Lacuna Coil, From Ashes To New, Chelsea Grin, Mushroomhead, Powerman 5000, The Plot In You, Stick To Your Guns, Sion, The Acacia Strain, Municipal Waste, Butcher Babies, Terror, Upon A Burning Body, The Word Alive, Crowbar, Kublai Khan, Redlight King, Hollow Front, The Dead Daisies and more.

You had better save something for Sunday, because it is relentless – Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Lamb Of God, Seether, New Found Glory, Killswitch Engage, Hollywood Undead, Saliva, Wage War, Knocked Loose, Grandson, Fever 333, The Amity Affliction, Silverstein, Story Of The Year, Baroness, Hoobastank, The Devil Wears Prada, Enter Shikari, Suicide Silence, Demon Hunter, Nonpoint, John 5, Lacey Sturm, Texas In July, Erra, Stray From The Path, Tetrarch, Attack Attack!, Silent Planet, Otherwise, Twiztid, Jeris Johnson, Project 86, Icon For Hire, Hed P.E. and more.

Go get your tickets and your campsites or hotel reservations. All the info you need is available at https://blueridgerockfest.com/. See you there!

Here are some examples of last years epic performances at Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2021:

BRRF21 Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2021

23 photos

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Ghost, Mudvayne, Slipknot and Disturbed to Headline Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 first appeared on Game On Media.

The Fan Driven Lineup for Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 has not even revealed 3 of the top 6 artists, but it is already set to be the American rock music festival of the year.

This year’s event has moved to a real facility, the Virginia International Raceway. It will rock your world with: 4 Full Days. 5 Stages. 1 Epic Pre-Party. 3 Electrifying Club Experiences. 171 Total Artists.

Uniquely Powered by a Record-Setting 285,000+ Fan Votes, the lineup features returning favorites and unique shows.

There is an almost impossible amount of special shows planned for Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022. These include Anthrax 40th Anniversary, Saliva Exclusive Reunion with Josey Scott, Sevendust performing “Animosity” in its entirety, Starset returning for a special full production nighttime set, God Forbid reunion show, Shadows Fall reunion show, All That Remains performing “The Fall Of Ideals” in its entirety, Electric Callboy exclusive U.S. festival appearance, The Devil Wears Prada performing “Zombie” in its entirety, Fear Factory reunion show, Demon Hunter playing in Virginia for the first time in a decade, Saving Abel featuring the return of original vocalist Jared Weeks, The Union Underground reunion show, Mushroomhead rare 2022 appearance
Texas In July reunion show, A Skylit Drive original lineup reunion, Siamese U.S. debut, Close Your Eyes reunion show, and the global debut of Sion featuring Howard Jones & Jared Dines.

Despite several high-profile acts yet to be announced, the lineup for Blue Ridge Rock Festival already features a Who’s Who of the rock world: Slipknot, Disturbed, Ghost, 3 Doors Down, A Day To Remember, Lamb Of God, Alice Cooper, Tenacious D, Falling In Reverse, I Prevail, Stone Temple Pilots, Seether, Gojira, Skillet, Pierce The Veil, Killswitch Engage, Hollywood Undead, In This Moment, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills, Jelly Roll, Down, Nelly, Nothing More, Theory Of A Deadman, Wage War, Pop Evil, Badflower, Knocked Loose, Candlebox, Starset, Black Veil Brides, Thrice, Sleeping With Sirens, In Flames, Jinjer, Gwar, Apocalyptica, Grandson, Spiritbox, Puddle Of Mudd, The Amity Affliction, We Came As Romans, Bad Wolves, Hatebreed, Silverstein, Kittie, Queensryche, Insane Clown Posse, Story Of The Year, 3Oh!3, Hoobastank, Hinder, Zero 9:36, Bad Omens, Fire From The Gods, Butcher Babies, Adelitas Way, Attila, Nonpoint, Lacuna Coil, Lacey Sturm, Powerman 5000, Alien Ant Farm, Nita Strauss, Blacktop Mojo, Otherwise, Islander, and so many more.

Do not miss your chance to be at the premier American rock music festival of 2022. This has sold out before, and it will sell out again. 100 days from now, you will be thanking me.  https://blueridgerockfest.com/festival-passes/

Photos from Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2021:

BRRF21 Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2021

23 photos

In 100 Days, Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 Will Blow Your Mind first appeared on Game On Media.

Prologue

1. The Music Of My Life

Music means everything to me. It has for as long as I can remember. Each night I fall asleep listening to music. Every morning I wake up listening to music. I play music in the shower. I play music in the car. I play music at the gym. If I am not actively listening to music, I hear songs in my head. When somebody is talking to me, I hear lyrics in their words, and start singing to myself. While I have never completely written or recorded anything original, I have made mix-tapes and play-lists since the Seventies.

I have spent almost all of my free time and “disposable” income on music and music-related experiences. My first job was delivering The Daily News to a six block radius around my house on Long Island, New York. I took the job because they offered a free cassette tape of my choosing if I signed up 3 new subscriptions on my route. I took care of that task quickly, and scored what may be my most favorite album of all time – the self-titled debut from the Long Island based band named Zebra. I continued to find bargains and build my catalog thanks to the marketing efforts of BMG and Columbia House music mail order services. Eventually, I bought cheap guitars and amps, and later more expensive guitars. I have too many guitars.

Once the concert floodgates opened for me when I went to the University of Virginia, I started going to as many shows as I could, no matter where they were located. Music festivals began, locally and small at first, then larger ones able to draw a national audience of freaks like me who were willing to drive or fly all over the country, sleeping in any hotel, motel, Holiday Inn, tent, RV or Air B’n’B I could find. Woodstock ‘99, Rocklahoma, Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion, Welcome To Rockville, Aftershock, Earthday Birthday, Vans Warped Tour, Coachella, Voodoo Festival, Once Upon A Time in the LBC, Rock USA and KAABOO Del Mar – these are a few of my favorite things. Then the rock cruises came along, which I have enjoyed as a customer, staff member, charity worker, journalist and photographer – ShipRocked, Motörhead’s MotörBoat, MegaCruise, and Monsters Of Rock Cruise.

From 2010 to 2020, I was able to get up close and personal with the music, the musicians and the fans. I have been a photojournalist for several print magazines and online websites. I have previewed and reviewed concerts, albums and livestreams. I have interviewed artists backstage and on tour buses. I have photographed shows of every kind, from the smallest and darkest of clubs, to the largest of outdoor festivals. I have captured local artists, new acts, living legends and lifelong loves, from Aerosmith to ZZ Top.

During this mostly silent year, I decided to take a look back, to appreciate the journey so far, and perhaps to make some sense of my decisions and choices along the way. This isn’t exactly a memoir or biography, as I don’t believe that I have done anything of such consequence to merit such documentation. I won’t know if there are any lessons to be learned, or advice to carry with me on my second half, until I write it all down. The songs have been chosen, the memories have come rushing back. We will see where this experience takes me.

With 52 years of special songs to revisit, I also plan to really focus on learning to play complete songs on guitar. That gives me 2 songs to learn per week. That should hold me to a good working cadence. Is everybody in? Drop the needle on the record.

2. The Way I Chose The Songs

Choosing only 2 songs from an entire year was quite an ordeal. Some years had many releases that had a major impact at the time, others not as many. I chose songs based on the year that the album they came from was released. This means that the song itself may not have even been released as a single that year. Sometimes a song hits you right away, sometimes it builds slowly, and other times you discover it well after it was released. In many cases, it takes some new experience to bring the importance of the song into focus.

I suppose it generally takes some passage of time for the songs that mean the most to you to bubble to the surface. Only time will tell which ones continue to swim around in your brain, forming the soundtrack to your life’s story.

I chose the songs that have had the most lasting impression on my life, the ones that instantly take me back to a time, or a place, or a person, or an experience, or all of the above. The names will be changed to protect the innocent and guilty alike. These are the songs that mean the most to me, and nobody knows me better than I know myself, so I can’t really say if others share the same memories in the same ways.

Looking at the final list, there are sooo many songs that I love that did not make the cut. There are lots of artists that I cannot believe are not represented. I guess this should not be too surprising. Think about how hard it is to make a top 5 list in any given year. There are just so many artists and songs that I love, it is no wonder that I am almost always listening to, writing about, or photographing music. Out of the 104 songs chosen, 8 are from bands that appear twice. Those are obviously among my all-time favorites, and they are among the ones who have meant the most to me throughout my life. They are Alice In Chains, Candlebox, Creed, Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Rush and Shinedown.

For more chapters of My Life In Music:

My Life In Music, Part 1, 1969-1974

My Life In Music, Part 1, 1975-1979

My Life In Music, Part 2, 1985-1989

Part II

26. The 1980’s – The Cassette Era

Welcome to the 1980’s, the greatest decade in musical history. A lot of people will tell you that music was better in the Seventies – more “real”, more “honest”, more “emotional”, more “acoustic”. These are the same people who will tell you that music just sounds better on a record album than on any other format. You need to know two things about these people. #1. They are hippies. #2. They are, as in all things, half right and half wrong. Yes, a record played on a good stereo system, with good speakers, still does sound better than any other way of listening to music. I am listening to “Signals” by Rush on an average record player with poor speakers as I write this, and it still sounds richer and fuller than any digital copy. But just because a record sounds better does not mean that the songs themselves are inherently better written or performed.

Cassette tapes are absolutely terrible as far as quality goes, but essential in the evolution of musical enjoyment. The tape itself is exposed to the elements, it gets unraveled, it gets twisted, it gets stuck. The speed at which it plays back varies. It wears out with every play, fast-forward and rewind. I actually made it a point to never rewind a tape. Instead, I would stop it, eject it, turn it over and fast forward it. To this day I have no scientific basis for such ridiculous precautions, but I faithfully executed those procedures nonetheless. Bottom line, the defense stipulates that cassettes are inherently terrible in sound quality and only get worse over time. On the other hand, your basement stereo setup is great and all, but can you take it on the road with you? Can you take it out for a “jog”, or a walk, man? Can you pop it into your pocket and have it inspire you at the gym? Of course not. Cassettes gave us musical freedom and artistic control. You could make your own “albums” with any combination of songs that you wanted. Note: when I was a kid, we called records “albums” as compared to cassettes which we called “tapes”. Technically, an album is a collection, and it does not even have to be music, so a more accurate term would be “LP”, which turns out to be short for “Long Play” 33-1/3 RPM vinyl record. You get why we just called them albums, right? It was just easier to ask your friends if they got the new Rush album or tape. You can also see why the “mixtape” was part of the plot of every teen movie from the decade.

Back to the music. Sure, rock and roll was epic in the 1970’s, some may even say “classic”, and I take nothing away from that by saying that I like the rock and roll of the 1980’s more. That “classic” sound endures and probably always will. However, rock and roll truly evolved in the Eighties. Not everyone may like or appreciate every style and sound that emerged, but none can deny that music went in so many directions that genres and sub-genres had to be created, if only to provide fodder for the message boards of the Nineties. Punk, thrash, glam/hair, new wave, emo/goth, college/alternative, pop and hip-hop all took off in the 1980’s. There is no single sound that represents music in the 80’s, no single image, no single path to stardom or infamy. Everything was thrown against the wall, and most of it stuck. Just look at the variety of artistic excellence represented in my selections, which were extremely difficult to make from this era. Consider who did not even make the cut. U2, The Police, Scorpions, LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Duran Duran, Quiet Riot, Queensrÿche and Whitesnake all spent time as my favorite band in the whole wide world, yet could not make the final list. Prince, Michael Jackson, Pat Benatar and Journey were left off. I could do a whole other set of songs that are just as good as these.

If anyone ever asks, I say that I “grew up” in the 1980’s. I was 10 years old when they started and 20 when they ended. I made it through junior high, high school, and most of college during this musical explosion. Growing up on Long Island, I did focus most of my attention on artists from New York. People sometimes wonder why New Yorkers are arrogant, and we are, but we come to it naturally. We just take credit for everything anyone of us creates while we just so happened to be in the general vicinity. I consider 2 of New York’s 5 boroughs to be part of Long Island. They are physically connected to the same land mass as Nassau and Suffolk Counties. So even if they are logically different, the same could be said about Montauk and the Hamptons. In my mind, I credit the entire Island as the foundation of my history and personality.

I was born in Hollis, Queens, so naturally I take pride in the fact that hip-hop took off based largely on the talents and rhymes of Run-D.M.C., The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. Run (Joseph Ward Simmons) was born and raised in Hollis, Queens. D.M.C. (Darryl Matthews McDaniels) was born in Harlem and grew up in Hollis. LL (James Todd Smith) was born in Bay Shore on Long Island just a year before me, literally the next town over from where I grew up. He grew up in (and famously “represented”) Queens, where I spent the first 3 years of my life. The Beasties were also NYC through and through. I also followed Long Island rockers especially closely. Anthrax, Blue Öyster Cult, Zebra, Twisted Sister, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Squier, even that other Billy who played piano. When taking credit for things, New Yorkers will even put claims on their neighbor across the river, New Jersey. Personally, I love New Jersey. I have always had family there and spent a large part of my life there. That gave me an affinity for Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi that was earned as honestly as the stories they continue to write to this day.

Enough preamble. Rip your acid-washed jeans a little more, tease up your hair, pierce your ear, and cut up those band t-shirts. Bring your #2 pencil, tighten up those cassette tapes, grab your bucket of D batteries, and turn that boom box all the way up. This is the 80’s!

27. 1980 – I Don’t Know – Ozzy Osbourne

I am not sure how many people know the precise moment that they became a metal head. That moment was instantly burned in my brain and is as clear a memory as any that I have.

My parents grew up in Flushing, Queens, and like much of their family and friends, had moved out to a house on Long Island in the early 1970’s. Other family members moved to suburban New Jersey or even up and coming South Carolina. Some of my parents childhood friends ended up moving a couple of miles away from us, so naturally they hung out all the time, and my sister and I were forced to become friends with their kids. Which turned out to be fine, because these were cool kids. The boy and I were early software pirates, trading hacked Atari cartridges and using the Pirate’s Toolkit to bootleg and modify computer games on our Commodore 64’s. Who knew that I was actually training for my career in software development? Before all that, we would just hang out and listen to music. The adults would drink and play cards upstairs, and the kids went down in the basement to make noise.

One particular fall day, we headed over to their house and he had just started playing something new. It was LOUD and the guitar playing was insane. We were both freaking out over how cool it was. I screamed at him “What is this?!?!” He yelled back “I don’t know!!” I countered with “Look at the cover!!!” He responded with “I don’t know!!!!” I tried to ask again as he shoved the album cover in my face and said “It’s called. I. DON’T. KNOW!!!” Then we fell out laughing. Then Ozzy started laughing as “Crazy Train” kicked in. My metal horns went up that evening, and they are never coming back down.

My favorite lyric:

Don’t ask me. I don’t know!

This song is full of brilliant lines about self reliance and independent thought. With the spectacle and drama that has always surrounded Ozzy, his deep lyrical content is often overlooked. Even “Crazy Train” is really a call to stop senseless violence and conflict, but who stops to ponder such things while enjoying the spectacle? All that said, nothing tops the simple exclamation that had two 11 year old kids rolling on the floor laughing in a Long Island basement.

I Don’t Know

Written by Randy Rhoads & Ozzy Osbourne

Performed by Ozzy Osbourne

People look to me and say
Is the end near, when is the final day
What’s the future of mankind
How do I know, I got left behind

Everyone goes through changes
Looking to find the truth
Don’t look to me for answers
Don’t ask me, I don’t know (know…)

How am I supposed to know
Hidden meanings that will never show
Fools and prophets from the past
Life’s a stage and we’re all in the cast

Ya gotta believe in someone
Asking me who is right
Asking me who to follow
Don’t ask me, I don’t know (know)
I don’t know, I don’t know (know), I don’t know

Nobody ever told me I found out for myself
Ya gotta believe in foolish miracles
It’s not how you play the game
It’s if you win or lose you can choose
Don’t confuse win or lose, it’s up to you
It’s up to you, it’s up to you, it’s up to you
Go, go, go

People look to me and say
Is the end near, when is the final day
What’s the future of mankind
How do I know, I got left behind, I’m lost

Everyone goes through changes
Looking to find the truth
Don’t look to me for answers
Don’t ask me, I don’t know!

28. 1980 – Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon

Couple skate!

Were two sweeter words ever heard by pre-pubescent ears? Roller skating was all the rage in 1980. Everybody would go. There was loud music, disco lights, soda on tap, and bodies flying by in every direction. For a bunch of not-yet-teens, we felt like we were in Studio 54. When the ballads were played, the DJ yelled “couple skate!”, and shy boys had an excuse to ask a girl to hold hands with him for 3 dizzying minutes. I didn’t care what REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Journey, Styx or Pat Benatar was singing about (it was still way over my head). I just knew that when those soft piano and guitar intros played, Johnnie was gonna get … a chance to skate with a girl he liked, maybe even one he had been waiting for.

My favorite lyric:

You should’ve known by the tone of my voice, maybe
But you didn’t listen

I have always had a few issues with communication and misunderstanding, especially after leaving New York. The first thing was the accent and speed at which New Yorkers speak to each other. We are quick and blunt, and sometimes loud. No disrespect, but part of living in a crowded place is standing up for yourself and trying to get your point in as quickly as possible. People from other parts of the country consider this to be rude. My other issue is my dry, sarcastic sense of humor. This leads to a tone of voice that is not always appreciated. What are ya gonna do? You didn’t listen.

Keep On Loving You

Written by Kevin Cronin

Performed by REO Speedwagon

You should’ve seen by the look in my eyes, baby
There was something missing
You should’ve known by the tone of my voice, maybe
But you didn’t listen
You played dead
But you never bled
Instead you lay still in the grass
All coiled up and hissing

And though I know all about those men
Still I don’t remember
‘Cause it was us, baby, way before them
And we’re still together

And I meant, every word I said
When I said that I love you
I meant that I love you forever

And I’m gonna keep on loving you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do
I don’t wanna sleep
I just wanna keep on loving you

And I meant, every word I said
When I said that I love you
I meant that I love you forever

And I’m gonna keep on loving you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do
I don’t wanna sleep
I just wanna keep on loving you
And I’m gonna keep on loving you
‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do
I don’t wanna sleep
I just wanna keep on loving you

29. 1981 – Rapture – Blondie

“Rapture” from Debbie Harry and Blondie is the first “rap” I ever heard. It was also the first rap video played on MTV when they debuted on 8/1/81. Debbie herself seemed like some kind of alien, drifting effortlessly and carelessly across the Earth, dropping dreamy hit after hit.

My first video game design was based on this song. I had written a plot and made some sketches based on the Man From Mars and his alleged adventures on earth, eating things. On each level, you would control the hungry, hungry Martian, eating one of the things mentioned in the song. Sadly, I did not have any mad programming skills yet, so it just went into the cool idea pile. I kept myself busy dropping quarters into the arcade machines at the local pizza parlors and stationery stores. Space Invaders, Missile Command, Super Cobra and Galaga ate a ton of coinage, while slaking my alien blasting thirst.

My favorite lyric:

‘Cause the man from Mars stopped eatin’ cars
And eatin’ bars and now he only eats guitars, get up

As ridiculous as the entire premise of this song is, the absurdity reaches its apex with this rapidly rhymed narrative. By now, you know the whole thing is a goof and this just sounds wicked cool.

Rapture

Written by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein

Performed by Blondie

Toe to toe, dancing very close
Barely breathing, almost comatose
Wall to wall, people hypnotized
And they’re stepping lightly
Hang each night in rapture

Back to back, sacroiliac
Spineless movement and a wild attack
Face to face, sightless solitude
And it’s finger popping
24-hour shopping in rapture

Man to man, body muscular
Seismic decibel, bite the jugular
Wall to wall, tea time technology
And a digital ladder
No sign of bad luck in rapture

30. 1981 – Too Much Time On My Hands – Styx

“Paradise Theatre” was a sprawling conceptual piece by Styx that was a bit all over the place. Like many bands that began in the 1970’s, they struggled to balance the rockers and the ballads. Pianist / vocalist Dennis DeYoung had some good ballads, and I do thank him for “The Best Of Times” at the skating rink. However, I prefer the guitar and the rock and roll stylings of guitarist / vocalist Tommy Shaw. That lead me to choose “Too Much Time On My Hands” to represent this year.

Night Ranger is another band with 2 singers and 2 styles. Bassist / vocalist Jack Blades is the rocker, and he and Tommy Shaw joined up with Ted Nugent to form Damn Yankees in 1990. I got to meet them after a show, and I told Jack that I loved his and Tommy’s songs the best in Night Ranger and Styx, so this was a perfect project for them.

The song also reminds me of all the high school lunch times I spent trying to beat Time Pilot at the local pizza place next to DPHS. I was so obsessed with beating that game, and making it through all 5 levels of aircraft dogfighting. You started in 1910 fighting bi-planes. Next was 1940 with prop planes and bombers. Then 1970 versing helicopters. The “present day” at the time, was 1982, dueling jets. Finally, you traveled to the future, 2001, when UFO’s were invading. Beating all of this with a single quarter was a monumental task. I always made my friends stand far behind me, quietly, or else I could blame them for my failures. One day I was locked in, and they had all headed back to class. I managed to beat the future level alien scum and wondered what could possibly be next up. It was Level 1 again – lame – but I had done it! I arrived late for class (which I NEVER did) and was questioned. My response was “I don’t even care! I finally beat Time Pilot!!” I bought a multi-game home arcade machine when the pandemic started, created a Rocker’s Dozen playlist with 13 songs about time, and it took me months to once again complete all 5 levels.

When I lived in Maryland, and had just started photographing concerts for Shockwave Magazine, Styx played a theater in Baltimore, and I was granted a photo pass. Paradise! Sometimes when you get your photo pass, you also get 1 or more tickets to watch the entire concert and write a review about it. At this show, I was handed 2 tickets in the 5th row center. As I was getting sorted, a father and son were at the ticket window next to me, and I overheard the fact that only 1 seat was left in the entire theater. Realizing I was about to let a great second seat go to waste, I told him to buy the one ticket and I would trade him my 2 prime seats so he and his son could enjoy the show together. I felt good as I walked up to the front of the stage, only to have the bouncer inform me that there is no photo pit in a theater, and I certainly could not stand in front of the people who had paid the most money to be front row. I was instructed to shoot from my seat. That’s when I realized that I had traded my photography tickets for a balcony seat against the side wall. I didn’t even have a zoom lens at the time. Well, all of my shots were of the entire stage and lower level, from a side angle. Oh well, the performance was outstanding, so I focused on my writing.

My favorite lyric:

And I’ve given up hope for the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew

This line hits me on a few levels. Growing up (and to this very day) my Mom watched General Hospital, an ABC afternoon soap, religiously. My sister and I would watch with her at 3:00 every day, whenever we were not in school, such as the summer of Luke & Laura, when they were away from Port Charles, on the run from Hutch the bounty hunter. In high school, I would walk home between class and soccer practice and watch The Young & The Restless. As for the bottle of cold brew, I have always felt that drinking a beer signaled your giving up on the day, as far as productivity is concerned. Perhaps it was this lyric imprinted on my young brain that has guided me along.

Too Much Time On My Hands

Written by Tommy Shaw

Performed by Styx

Yeah, I’m sitting on this barstool, talking like a damn fool
Got the twelve o’clock news blues
And I’ve given up hope for the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew

Is it any wonder I’m not crazy?
Is it any wonder I’m sane at all?

Well, I’m so tired of losing, I got nothing to do
And all day to do it
Well, I’d go out cruisin’, but I’ve no place to go
And all night to get there

Is it any wonder I’m not a criminal?
Is it any wonder I’m not in jail?

Is it any wonder I’ve got too much time on my hands?
It’s ticking away with my sanity
I’ve got too much time on my hands
It’s hard to believe such a calamity
I’ve got too much time on my hands
And it’s ticking away, ticking away from me

Too much time on my hands
(It’s t-t-t-t-ticking away)
Too much time on my hands
(And I don’t know what to do with myself)
Too much time on my hands

Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands

Now, I’m a jet fuel genius – I can solve the world’s problems
Without even trying
I got dozens of friends, and the fun never ends
That is, as long as I’m buying

Is it any wonder I’m not the president?
Is it any wonder I’m null and void?

Is it any wonder I’ve got too much time on my hands?
It’s ticking away with my sanity
I’ve got too much time on my hands
It’s hard to believe such a calamity
I got too much time on my hands
And it’s ticking away, ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands
(T-t-t-t-ticking away)
Too much time on my hands
(And I don’t know what to do with myself)
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
(T-t-t-t-ticking away)
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
(Too much time on my hands)
(Too much time on my)

31. 1982 – Heat Of The Moment – Asia

When Asia burst on the scene, it was the first time I remember having a Favorite Band. I believe they were the first “Supergroup”. They took members of 4 successful bands and made something even better. Steve Howe played guitar for Yes. John Wetton sang and played bass for King Crimson. Geoff Downes played keyboards for The Buggles. Carl Palmer was the drummer for Emerson, Lake & Palmer. “Heat Of The Moment” was the first single, a classic that everyone knows and loves to this day. The rest of the album contains magical musical performances and cutting lyrics. Every note of every song is perfection.

I was all in on Asia merch. I had an Asia trucker hat, wristbands, a baseball sleeve shirt, and a sweatshirt (which I later cut off to wear bouldering). I drew variations of their logo on every textbook cover (hand made from brown grocery bags) and notebook that I owned. Needless to say, this did not make me the “cool kid”. Asia was no Iron Maiden or Judas Priest, but I was forced to like those bands in secret, due to their bad reputations.

I had tickets to see the original band on their first reunion tour, with my friend from Brick in the Wall infamy, but he tragically died and I could not bring myself to go to the show without him, so I gave the tickets to some other friends.

I did get to see the final tour with all 4 original members with my uncle and his friends, in New Jersey. They played all of their classics, some great new songs, and a song each from their previous bands. Quite a moment.

My favorite lyric:

And when your looks are gone and you’re alone
How many nights you sit beside the phone
What were the things you wanted for yourself?
Teenage ambitions you remember well

I stole this, verbatim, for an English class poetry assignment, which I had forgotten to do. I quickly scribbled this out as the teacher was collecting the assignments, one of the few times having a last name starting with a “V” came in handy. I got an “A”. I also found a creative writing assignment from 1984, which I called “The Modern Cowboys” (a title Tesla later stole from me!), where the final sentence was “We live to fight another day.”, taken from Asia’s second album “Alpha”.

Heat Of The Moment

Written by Geoff Downes & John Wetton

Performed by Asia

I never meant to be so bad to you
One thing I said that I would never do
A look from you and I would fall from grace
And that would wipe the smile right from my face

Do you remember when we used to dance?
And incidents arose from circumstance
One thing led to another, we were young
And we would scream together songs unsung

It was the heat of the moment
Telling me what my heart meant
The heat of the moment showed in your eyes

And now you find yourself in Eighty Two
The disco hot spots hold no charm for you
You can concern yourself with bigger things
You catch a pearl and ride the dragon’s wings

‘Cause it’s the heat of the moment
Heat of the moment
The heat of the moment showed in your eyes

And when your looks are gone and you’re alone
How many nights you sit beside the phone
What were the things you wanted for yourself?
Teenage ambitions you remember well

It was the heat of the moment
Telling me what your heart meant
The heat of the moment showed in your eyes

It was the heat of the moment
Heat of the moment
Heat of the moment showed in your eyes

Heat of the moment
Heat of the moment
Heat of the moment
Heat of the moment

32. 1982 – Subdivisions – Rush

Rush is my favorite band of all time, but it took time to get there. “Subdivisions” was the song that started their ascension for me. Combined with “The Analog Kid” which immediately follows it on the “Signals” album, I heard my teenage life perfectly described. These songs expressed sympathy for the plight of youth, living in the relative comfort and safety of the suburbs, imbued with a fear of missing out. Suburban life is seen as an improvement from city life, but the sprawl and isolation actually limits your opportunities. When you are young, you can only go as far as you can walk, so your social circle is limited to your school friends. I was fortunate to have some amazing friends, some of which I keep in contact with (primarily through our common love of Rush). Then you get a bike, and your world opens up a little more, at least as far as you are willing to pedal. Finally, if you are lucky enough to have access to a car, you can do even more.

By the time I was a senior, I was still biking and walking. I found a job at a frozen yogurt / pita shop (a health food option decades ahead of its time) in a futile attempt to earn enough money to buy my own ride. Some of my friends were planning to put together a band for the annual school High School talent show. I spent months rehearsing alone in my room for months, primarily working on “Tom Sawyer” and “Subdivisions”. For the second of 3 times in my life, I had a serious asthma attack in December of my senior year, while frantically approaching the deadline to apply for Ivy League colleges, which I didn’t even want to attend. After that, I could never hold my breath long enough to sing this song right.

In 2010, I caught up with my oldest friends from the neighborhood to see Rush: Time Machine at Jones Beach Theater. That started an all too brief yearly tradition. The last show we saw together was in the summer of 2015 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, during their final tour, R:40. Drummer Neil Peart retired after that tour, and got brain cancer soon after, eventually passing away in January of 2020.

Somehow, I was approved to take pictures of Rush while seeing them in Northern Virginia with the drummer who had encouraged me to learn to sing Rush songs for that talent show. That band ended up being called “The Misfits”, which I never even got to join, because I had work the night they finally got together to rehearse. ”Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone.“ I had just gotten my first real camera, and barely begun photographing shows. I was shocked that I even got a photo pass. When Geddy Lee looked straight down into my lens as I was shooting, I felt like Wayne and Garth – “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”. That will always stand as my most surreal concert experience.

See my article about what Neil Peart and Rush mean to me: What Neil Peart and Rush Mean To Me

See my article on my High School English analysis of this song as a poem by Neil Peart: My High School English Paper on Subdivisions by Neil Peart

My favorite lyric:

Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided

Oh, the irony of giving yourself an asthma attack while stressing out over a pre-decided future that you had no interest in, destroying your ability to sing, which then shatters whatever confidence you had scraped together thinking you could actually be a rock star, if only for a brief instant. “Be cool or be cast out.”

Subdivisions

Written by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson & Neil Peart

Performed by Rush

Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown

Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone

(Subdivisions) —
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions) —
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out

Any escape might help to smooth
The unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe
The restless dreams of youth

Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night

Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory
Of lighted streets on quiet nights

(Subdivisions) —
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions) —
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out

Any escape might help to smooth
The unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe
The restless dreams of youth

33. 1983 – Who’s Behind The Door? – Zebra

Zebra is the band who led me to that paper route job, where I quickly earned enough points to nab their self-titled debut album. An album that still rates in my all-time top ten, deserted island list. Zebra was the only band I managed to see live during my high school years, and I saw them many times. I continued to see them as often as I could. My parents never had cable, so I could only see cool things like HBO and MTV when I went to my best friend’s house, which was quite often. He had a basement and an in-ground pool with a diving board and slide. He also had an older sister with many cute friends, but I digress. His Dad was the O.G. “dad joke” teller. One time when I arrived, my friend excitedly told me that had seen “Who’s Behind The Door?” 4 times that day. His Dad, cocktail in hand, deadpanned “Well, who was it? You saw him 4 times!”.

Until I got to college, Zebra was actually the only band I had seen live. I have often wondered how a high school kid saw a rock band play at bars across Long Island. My Mom was gracious enough to drop me off sometimes. My little sister was infatuated with singer / guitarist Randy Jackson and even had his poster on her wall. After one show, she went with my Mom to pick me up. When I reluctantly went outside at the pre-planned time, I quickly told my Mom that they weren’t done yet, and hadn’t even played “Who’s Behind The Door?” yet. She agreed to let me go back in as my sister begged to go with me. Shockingly, she agreed. Even more shockingly, the bouncer let me back in, with my kid sister in tow! We rushed right up to the front of the stage as they began their encore of “Who’s Behind The Door?” and a brilliant cover of “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin. I used to wear a bandana tied to my leg, just like Chachi from “Happy Days”. I had gotten a special zebra striped one to wear to the concert. My sis was so overcome, she pulled it off my leg and threw it on stage, yelling “I love you Randy!!”.

Bob Buchmann was the morning DJ on WBAB 102.3, and every winter, he did a 102 hour “Charity Begins at Home” marathon to raise money for Long Island charities. Bands and celebrities would drop by to speak on the air and help in raising money. When Zebra released their 3rd album “3.V“ and was set to appear with Bob, my friends and I went down to the hotel where he broadcast the event from. We got our cassettes signed, hung out near our favorite DJ and favorite band, and had a blast. When they left, for some reason unexplained to this day, we followed them out. Bassist / keyboardist Felix Hanemann got into his Mercedes, and we got into a Toyota Tercel and proceeded to tail him. He quickly lost us on the Southern State Parkway. To this day, we have no idea why we followed him and what we planned to do if we had somehow kept up with him. In 2018, after seeing them play in Orange County, CA I told Felix this story and he had a huge laugh about it.

I finally had the chance to photograph them when they made a surprise West Coast tour to commemorate the 35th anniversary of this classic debut album. Of all places, I was extremely fortunate to catch them at none other than the world famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California. Talk about checking off some boxes! Zebra still plays a few times a year, with Guy Gelso as always on the drums, mainly in their hometown of New Orleans and their adopted home on Long Island. Randy Jackson performs marathon solo acoustic shows quite often, and he has kept that going online throughout the pandemic, bringing some joy and light into the darkness.

My favorite lyric:

Life is a waiting room
I hope they don’t call me soon

To me, this sums up a lot of what religions teach us. That we are merely passing through Earth, on our way to an eternal destination. If so, I am in no hurry to have my number called. I have no idea who or what is behind the door, and I have way too much to explore and experience here to even think about it.

Who’s Behind The Door?

Written by Randy Jackson

Performed by Zebra

We sailed away
We walked two thousand miles and then we slipped away
We looked so hard
But couldn’t seem to find just what the world was for
Now we know
Just what the journey’s for

Looking out to the stars
Think about what you are
What do they think of you?
Animals in their zoo
They haven’t got the time
Landing is not on their minds
How do they have the nerve
We’re animals in preserve

They watch us all
They’re only making sure that we don’t trip and fall
They looked so hard
But they can’t tell us why they’re here and just what for
Because they don’t know
Who opened up the door

How can we find out more?
Who owns the keyless door?
Where does the circle end?
Who are the unwatched men?
Where do we go from here?
Faith is a fading fear
Life is a waiting room
I hope they don’t call me soon

How much more do you really think you know than a flower does about who’s behind the door?

34. 1983 – Photograph – Def Leppard

The “Pyromania” album by Def Leppard is another all-time classic, along with Asia’s and Zebra’s self-titled debuts, which has a hard time getting shaken from any personal favorite lists. The first song, the one that blew us all away, was “Photograph”.

In Junior High, we would take class trips to explore the history of America. Our 7th grade trip was to Washington, D.C., 8th grade was Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania, and 9th grade was Boston. Apparently, the level of alcohol, drug and sexual related activity observed in the Boston hotel passed the acceptability threshold, and all future school wide “educational” trips were permanently canceled. Being a good Catholic kid, I was not party to any of these misadventures. Which brings us back to the 8th grade trip.

I always brought a boom box on bus trips, whether it was to visit my cousins in Massachusetts, traveling to another school for a tennis match or soccer game, or on an educational adventure. I did not own many cassettes in the spring of 1983, so we were listening to Philadelphia’s rock station, 93.3 WMMR when we first heard “Photograph”. Conveniently, we soon stopped at a shopping mall, for a healthy meal in the food court. I sprinted to the mall’s record store and purchased the “Pyromania” cassette, which we proceeded to listen to nonstop on the bus for the rest of the trip (except for Amish country – they are not supposed to know about such things as electricity and rock and roll). The store also gave me a WMMR sticker which I slapped on my boom box.

I probably listened to that cassette every day for a year, singing along, playing air guitar and air drums (possibly some air bass?). I wish I had somehow gotten hold of a guitar and learned to play it. If you add up the number of hours I spent imaging myself playing along, and applied that to actually practicing on an instrument, I bet I would not be half bad by now.

My favorite lyric:

I wanna touch you!

Let’s revisit that 8th grade bus trip, and appropriate levels of sexual activity. Imagine a bunch of 13 and 14 year old boys, away from home, sleeping in hotels, listening to some raunchy new music from British glam gods. It put some ideas in our heads. Something we thought would be hilarious to do is queue up “Photograph” on my boom box to just the right part of the song, and then go up to a girl we liked, and ask her if she wanted to hear this great new band we had just discovered. We would then press play and Joe Elliott would exclaim ‘I wanna touch you!’. Then we would run away and giggle. Super inappropriate, and highly ineffective as well.

Photograph

Written by Rick Savage, Pete Willis, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Joe Elliott & Steve Clark

Performed by Def Leppard

I’m outta luck, outta love
Gotta photograph, picture of
Passion killer, you’re too much
You’re the only one I wanna touch

I see your face every time I dream
On every page, every magazine
So wild and free, so far from me
You’re all I want, my fantasy

Oh, look what you’ve done to this rock ‘n’ roll clown
Oh Oh, look what you’ve done

Photograph
I don’t want your photograph
I don’t need your photograph
All I’ve got is a photograph
But it’s not enough

I’d be your lover, if you were there
Put your hurt on me, if you dare
Such a woman, you got style
You make every man feel like a child

You got some kinda hold on me
You’re all wrapped up in mystery
So wild and free, so far from me
You’re all I want, my fantasy

Oh, Look what you’ve done to this rock ‘n’ roll clown
Oh Oh, Look what you’ve done

Photograph
I don’t want your photograph
I don’t need your photograph
All I’ve got is a photograph

You’ve gone straight to my head

Look what you’ve done to this rock ‘n’ roll clown
Look what you’ve done

I gotta have you

Photograph
I don’t want your photograph
I don’t need your photograph
All I’ve got is a photograph

I wanna touch you!

Photograph
Photograph
Your photograph
Photograph
Photograph
I need more than your photograph
I’m outta love
Photograph
I’m outta love
Photograph
You’re the only one
Photograph
I wanna touch

35. 1984 – Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is the one classic rock artist from the 1970’s who managed to become even bigger in the 1980’s. The “Born in the U.S.A.” album produced an insane 7 Top 10 singles. “Dancing In The Dark” was actually written in one spiteful night, 2 years after most of the album had already been recorded, yet another example of either divine intervention or musical magic. I actually have written a lot of good software code out of spite, so whatever motivates you is good to use for creative fuel.

The live performance video is also a classic, most notable for the moment when Bruce pulls a young fan out of the crowd to dance with him on stage. That young fan was an unknown by the name of Courteney Cox. This was years before I fell in love with her as Alex P. Keaton’s girlfriend on “Family Ties”, and way before “Friends” and “Scream”.

I played this cassette so much over the next two years, that I had to buy another copy. Then I dug deep into the back catalog, which my aunts and uncle were more than happy to help me with. One of my best memories is seeing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band play for hours on end at Giants Stadium, somewhere in the swamps of Jersey, with my uncle and aunt. I collected bootleg concert tapes and became obsessed.

When I started my own software consulting company in the 2000’s, I had an NFL credit card. If you collected 200,000 points (by charging $200,000), then you could get 2 Super Bowl tickets! I put every business and personal expense on that card for years. When I finally hit the magic number, they told me that they had changed it to 300,000 points!! What?!??!? Now I was scrambling to charge anything I could, even stuff for my family, just to get to the new level. I really wanted to see the Super Bowl in Tampa, where I had lived for 6 months in the 90’s, and had seen several Buccaneers games over the years. I made it late that fall, and I was able to pay back my Dad for all that he done for me by taking him on an all expenses paid trip to the Super Bowl. I had airline miles, hotel points and 2 tickets to the big game. This was Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Turned out to be the most dramatic and exciting game of them all, where the Pittsburgh Steelers took a halftime lead on a 99 yard INT return. Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald led the Arizona Cardinals back to take a late lead, only to have Big Ben pull off a 90 yard last second drive where Santonio Holmes allegedly got 2 feet down, even though I have never seen that second foot touch grass. We had already had a great week, eating dinner next to ESPN hosts, spending time playing games at the NFL Experience, and seeing concerts by 3 Doors Down and Journey. We told each other that no matter what happens at the game, it was all worth it. Besides, the halftime show was Bruce Springsteen. Not only did we get one of the best games ever, we got one of the best halftime shows ever.

My favorite lyric:

I check my look in the mirror
I wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face

Anyone who does not feel this way from time to time must be a model or actor. I could have picked any line from here s my favorite. They are all perfect in their own way. This song only enhanced for me what Rush had started. I knew that there was a whole wide world out there somewhere, and I had to figure out a way to get there.

Dancing In The Dark

Written by Bruce Springsteen

Performed by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

I get up in the evening
And I ain’t got nothing to say
I come home in the morning
I go to bed feeling the same way
I ain’t nothing but tired
Man, I’m just tired and bored with myself
Hey there baby, I could use just a little help

You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark

Message keeps getting clearer
Radio’s on and I’m moving ’round the place
I check my look in the mirror
I wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face
Man, I ain’t getting nowhere
I’m just living in a dump like this
There’s something happening somewhere
Baby, I just know that there is

You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark

You sit around getting older
There’s a joke here somewhere and it’s on me
I’ll shake this world off my shoulders
Come on, baby, the laugh’s on me

Stay on the streets of this town
And they’ll be carving you up all right
They say you gotta stay hungry
Hey, baby, I’m just about starving tonight
I’m dying for some action
I’m sick of sitting ’round here trying to write this book
I need a love reaction
Come on now, baby, gimme just one look

You can’t start a fire
Sitting ’round crying over a broken heart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark
You can’t start a fire
Worrying about your little world falling apart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark

Even if we’re just dancing in the dark
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark
Hey, baby

36. 1984 – The Warrior – Scandal featuring Patty Smyth

“The Warrior” by Scandal is forever linked in my mind to Victory Soccer Camp. For two summers in a row, I got to spend a week in the Connecticut country side, with my closest friends and family, doing nothing but play soccer. Naturally, I had by boom box, and the 2 most played albums that first summer at camp were from The Cars and Scandal. That first trip to Victory Soccer Camp is my favorite week ever. My sister was there. My best friends were there. My cousins who lived in Massachusetts were there, and I never got to see them enough. Plus it was soccer, soccer everywhere. Soccer drills, soccer skills, soccer matches, soccer patches. Somehow it got even better. I met a girl named Amy who was perfection. She had the athletic soccer body. She had long dark hair. She loved rock and roll. We fell in love that week, that perfect teenage love that they make movies about.

On the last night of camp, some of the parents came to collect their kids. Sadly, she was one of them leaving early. My parents planned to arrive the next morning. After I kissed her goodbye and watched her drive away, I was floating. A bunch of my friends were scheming to sneak into the girls dorm. I had no reason to do so, after all, my true love had just left. I followed along anyway, we got spotted, and ran in every direction. I made it back to the boys dorm and dove under the covers. Bad move, as the counselors went in each room, and my Catholic guilt over “almost” doing something wrong must have showed on my face. They hauled me off to the office, called my parents and demanded that they come get me immediately. My parents laughed them off and told them they would be making the 3 hour drive in the morning. Once again, I was the only one to get caught. Everyone who was hiding in the woods had snuck back into the dorm while I was being held in detention. The whole time, I just kept thinking about Amy, and didn’t really care about getting in trouble. My heart had followed her down that dusty road.

My favorite lyric:

I’ll hold you close in Victory

Victory soccer camp. My first love. My first soccer chick / rocker chick. I have been “chasing Amy” for the rest of my life.

The Warrior

Written by Holly Knight & Nick Gilder

Performed by Scandal featuring Patty Smyth

Ohhh, oh, oh, ohhh, oh, oh, oh, oh

You run, run, run away
It’s your heart that you betray
Feeding on your hungry eyes
I bet you’re not so civilized
Well, isn’t love primitive
A wild gift that you want to give
Break out of captivity
And follow me, stereo jungle child
Love is the kill. Your heart’s still wild

Shooting at the walls of heartache
Bang bang
I am the warrior
Well, I am the warrior
And heart to heart you’ll win if you survive
The warrior. The warrior

You talk, talk, talk to me
Your eyes touch me physically
Stay with me, we’ll take the night
As passion takes another bite

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Who’s the hunter, who’s the game
I feel the beat call your name
I’ll hold you close in victory
I don’t want to tame your animal style
You won’t be caged in the call of the wild

Shooting at the walls of heartache
Bang bang
I am the warrior
Well, I am the warrior
And heart to heart to win if you survive
The warrior. The warrior
I am the warrior

Shooting at the walls of heartache
(Shooting at the walls of heartache.) The warrior
I am the warrior and heart to heart you’ll win
Heart to heart you’ll win if you survive
The warrior. The warrior

Shooting at the walls of heartache
Bang bang
I am the warrior
Yes, I am the warrior and victory is mine
(Shooting at the walls of heartache.) The warrior
I am the warrior
Shooting at the walls of heartache

My Life In Music, Part 3, 1980 – 1984 first appeared on Game On Media.

Metal Hall of Fame All-Star Jam

L-R: Joe Satriani, Pat Gesualdo, Geoff Tate, Steve Vai, Chris Poland

Photo: Ron Lyon

2020 Metal Hall of Fame

40 photos

Metal Hall Of Fame 2020 Induction

16 photos

Metal Hall of Fame Gala Now Available on Amazon Prime Television first appeared on Game On Media.

THE INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED M3 ROCK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION FOR ANOTHER FULL WEEKEND OF THE BEST ‘80s ARENA ROCK ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
FEATURING THE NEW SKYLAWN VIEWING AREA

OFFICIAL M3 KIX-OFF PARTY & CONCERT FRIDAY, MAY 1
2020 M3 ROCK FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MAY 2 & SUNDAY, MAY 3
MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

3-Day and VIP Packages on sale through ticketmaster.com

M3 Rock Festival is celebrating a dirty dozen – the 12th edition of Merriweather Post Pavilion’s internationally-renowned ‘80s metal festival promises three days of excitement with festivities beginning Friday, May 1st with the annual Kix-off party, followed by a full weekend of performances Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd.

M3 Rock Festival’s Official M3 Kix-Off Party Friday, May 1st features hometown heroes KIX with special guests Heaven’s Edge, Slaughter and Mike Tramp from White Lion. The full-blown 2020 M3 Rock Festival begins Saturday, May 2nd and includes multiplatinum-selling internationally known ‘80s artists: Tesla, Queensryche, Accept, Y&T, Doro, Faster Pussycat, LA Guns, Killer Dwarfs and more. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! Stick around for Sunday, May 3rd featuring RATT, Night Ranger, Stryper, Stephen Adler of Guns and Roses, Steelheart, Bang Tango (with the original lineup), Dangerous Toys, Tyketto and Little Ceasar.

Take to the skies this year with Merriweather Post Pavilion’s new SkyLawn – keeping your feet on the grassy ground while soaring 43 feet above the pavilion. It’s like walking on air, with the views to match!

Over the past decade, M3 has become more than a festival – it’s an ‘80s arena rock experience. Drawing diehard fans from six continents, 20 countries, and every state, M3 has evolved into an annual pilgrimage for those who grew up with ‘80s rock (a genre of music now referred to as the “new classic rock”) as well as for younger fans who embrace the fun and excitement of the glam metal era.

Each year, VIP and Pavilion seats sell out quickly. Three-day and VIP packages available through ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 9:30 Club, The Anthem and Lincoln Theatre during normal box office hours. If available, single-day tickets will go on sale. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or M3rockfest.com.

12th Annual M3 Rock Festival Features Kix, Tesla, Queensryche, Ratt, Night Ranger first appeared on Game On Media.

Seattle-based hard rock legend Queensrÿche returned to San Diego, California, playing the Music Box on January 29, 2020. On this leg of the hugely successful tour supporting “The Verdict”, they are joined by guitar wizard John 5 (Rob Zombie) and Eve To Adam.

The San Diego show was extra special as the band took time to lead the crowd in serenading bassist Eddie Jackson on his birthday. The house was packed, and singing in full volume all night, which made for a rocking good time on a Wednesday night.

Queensrÿche played a full 90 minute set, giving them time to expand on their set list. They brilliantly blended their biggest hits, rarely performed deep cuts, and new songs from their latest album. The show was powerful and intense, with the guys firing on all cylinders. Guitarist Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren traded solos and smiles, and also set the mood by laying back for Jackson and drummer Casey Grillo to take center stage at times. Vocalist Todd La Torre completely crushed every song, from the lowest growls to the highest screams, nailing every emotion that Queensrÿche brings to a song. This band shines when each member gets their moments, particularly when playing their newest songs.

The incredible set list for San Diego:

Prophecy
Operation: Mindcrime
Walk In The Shadows
Resistance
Man The Machine
Take Hold Of The Flame
No Sanctuary
Bent
Dark Reverie
Breaking The Silence
Silent Lucidity
Jet City Woman
Screaming In Digital
Queen Of The Reich
———————
Happy Birthday to Eddie Jackson
Light-Years
Empire
Eyes Of A Stranger

Queensrÿche SD20

16 photos

Queensrÿche at Music Box in San Diego first appeared on Game On Media.

For more information, please visit: www.metalhalloffame.org, www.dadprogram.org or call 973-725-5150.

2020 Metal Hall of Fame

40 photos

Metal Hall of Fame 2020 Induction Ceremony and Charity Gala first appeared on Game On Media.

QUEENSRŸCHE ANNOUNCES U.S. HEADLINE TOUR WITH SUPPORT FROM JOHN 5 AND EVE TO ADAM

Rock icons Queensrÿche are proud to announce “The Verdict” 2020 Headline Tour! The band will be joined by special guests John 5 and Eve To Adam starting on January 17th in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and wrapping up on February 27th in Orlando, Florida. For more information on upcoming tour dates and to purchase tickets, or VIP packages, please visit Queensrÿche’s website: HERE.

“Hey Rychers, we are hitting the road in January 2020 with John 5 and Eve to Adam! Come see this entertaining extravaganza in your city!” states Michael “Whip” Wilton about their upcoming U.S. tour.

The band has been touring nonstop in support of THE VERDICT, which was released in the spring of 2019 via Century Media and debuted in the top 10 around the world, such as:

#6 on Germany’s Album Chart, #4 on the UK’s Rock Chart, #8 on Sweden’s Physical Album Charts,

#9 on France’s Physical Album Chart, #4 on USA’s Hard Music Chart, #8 on USA’s Rock Chart,

#14 on USA’s Top Current Chart and #16 on USA’s Billboard Top Albums.

All upcoming tour dates are listed below.

Purchase and stream THE VERDICT HERE

QUEENSRŸCHE “THE VERDICT TOUR”

w/John 5

January 17 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

January 18 – St Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live

January 19 – Jacksonville,  FL – Florida Theatre

January 23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

January 24 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater

January 25 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

January 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee

January 29 – San Diego, CA – Music Box

January 30 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

January 31 – San Francisco, CA – Slims

February 4 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

February 5 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

February 7 – Denver, CO – Ogden

February 8 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads*

February 9 – St Louis, MO – Delmar*

February 12 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe

February 13 – Detroit, MI – St Andrew’s Hall*

February 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre

February 15 – Sayerville, NJ – Starland Ballroom

February 16 – Boston, MA – Big Night

February 19 – Glensdale, PA – Keswick Theatre

February 20 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Sound Stage*

February 21 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues

February 22 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground*

February 26 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater*

February 27 – Orlando. FL – Plaza Live

*without John 5

Watch “Bent”:

Watch “Dark Reverie”:

Watch “Man The Machine”:

Watch “Blood Of The Levant”:

Watch “Light-years”:

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Queensrÿche Winter Tour With John 5 And Eve To Adam first appeared on Game On Media.

These are our Five Fave Rock Albums of 2019, where Legends Rise. We have a band completely gelling with a new singer and guitarist, finally matching their historic heights. We have guitar heroes continuing their ascent while expanding their horizons. We have a supergroup’s sophomore effort solidifying their signature sound. We have an album years in the making that can no longer be a punchline. We have an 80’s band that never wore spandex, never stopped touring, and never stopped making quality albums.

#5 – Tesla – Shock

#4 – Tool – Fear Inoculum

#3 – Saint Asonia – Flawed Design

#2 – Alter Bridge – Walk The Sky

#1 – Queensrÿche – The Verdict

Five Fave: 2019 Rock Albums – Legends Rise first appeared on Game On Media.

Queensrÿche played two intense pool deck shows on the MegaCruise in October 2019. New drummer Casey Grillo is a great fit, whether playing songs from the recent outstanding Todd LaTorre-fronted albums or classics from the band’s first decade. LaTorre was the MegaCruise MVP, tearing through Queensrÿche sets, drumming with Frank Bello and David Ellefson, and guest singing with other bands. Bassist Eddie Jackson is a stud musically and vocally. Guitarist Michael “Whip” Wilton and Parker Lundgren are shredding machines.

One of their sets was an opportunity to learn that when the ship’s Captain is making announcements, the band’s PA system is cut off. Three times the sound cut out for 30 seconds, which turned out to be the crew looking for Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, who was being delayed by Mexican customs (he later apologized during his set). The band played on, with the crowd screaming out the vocals until the sound kicked back in. It was certainly a show to remember.

MegaCruise Queensrÿche

14 photos

Queensrÿche on MegaCruise 2019 first appeared on Game On Media.

The Metal Hall of Fame has announced that the 2020 Annual Metal Hall of Fame Celebrity Charity Gala will be filmed live and will air on Amazon Prime. Hard rock and heavy metal fans in attendance will be featured in the filming, which will take place on January 15 at the Marriott Delta Garden Grove in Anaheim, CA. The world premiere of the film will air in early 2020, reaching more than 100 million subscribers. Metal Hall of Fame President/CEO Pat Gesualdo says, “Having the World Premier for the 2020 Metal Hall of Fame Gala on Amazon Prime is a great honor. We are excited to share the most important night in metal with music fans everywhere, and to let so many people take part in our charity event.” 2020 Metal Hall of Fame inductees include Steve Vai, Geoff Tate (Queensryche), Don Dokken (Dokken), Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz), Joe Satriani, legendary metal promoter Stone City Attractions, Metal Church, Prong, and former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. The gala will feature various bands and inductees performing throughout the night. Additional inductees and performers will be announced over the next few weeks, along with the lineup for an all-star jam band. The event will be hosted by noted television and radio personality Eddie Trunk, and co-hosted by Whiskey A Go-Go Ultimate Jam Night /Almost Fama Show host Jes Fama. Proceeds from the event will benefit disabled children in various hospitals and community centers throughout the United States through free music programs and therapy services. Previous beneficiaries have included NYU Medical Center, NYC JCC, West Orange JCC, United States Department of Defense Military base in Virginia for disabled veterans and United States Department of State – West Bank region of Israel for special needs children. Tickets for the 2020 Annual Metal Hall of Fame Celebrity Charity Gala are $35-$45 and may be pre-ordered at www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org. About The Metal Hall of Fame: The Metal Hall of Fame holds the Annual Hall Metal Hall of Fame Gala. It is dedicated to forever enshrining the iconic musicians and music industry executives responsible for making hard rock and heavy metal music what it is today. Through their contribution to the genre is invaluable, these inductees continue to inspire fans throughout the world from generation to generation. It is part of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities), which provides free therapy services for disabled children and their families in hospitals and community centers throughout the United States. For more information, please visit: www.metalhalloffame.org, www.dadprogram.org or call 973-725-5150.

2020 Metal Hall of Fame Gala Featuring Vai, Satriani, Tate, Pearcy, Dokken to be Filmed for Amazon Prime first appeared on Game On Media.

Queensrÿche and Fates Warning put on an epic show at The Observatory North Park in San Diego, California on March 27, 2019. Both bands have been leading the charge for progressive metal for 4 decades. Fates Warning displayed their technical skill and songwriting talent throughout their hour long set. Vocalist Ray Alder, guitarists Jim Matheos and Michael Abdow, bassist Joey Vera and drummer Bobby Jarzombek are incredible musicians who must be experienced live.

Queensrÿche is touring behind their critically acclaimed new album “The Verdict”, which is the third release with the current lineup. Vocalist Todd La Torre is out of this world, hitting every note, high and low. He even adds percussion to the mix, spicing things up for touring drummer Casey Grillo, formerly of Kamelot. Guitarist Parker Lundgren has been with the band for a decade and he plays the older songs as well as he does the newer ones. The band played several songs off of the stellar new album, and could have played many more. They threw in one from each of the previous 2 releases, and plenty more from the EP and first 5 classic albums.

Founding guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson are still 2 of the coolest dudes in metal, and can shred and sing with the best of them. 40 years into their career, they continue to sound and look amazing. The only complaint these days about a Queensrÿche show is that 90 minutes isn’t nearly long enough to play everything that the fans would want to hear. This tour is a resurgence for the band, and the energy on and off the stage is palpable. Queensrÿche continues to leave you breathless, and wanting more, the signs of true entertainers at the top of their game.

Photo gallery of Queensrÿche at The Observatory North Park on March 27, 2019:

Queensrÿche SD19

37 photos

Photo gallery of Fates Warning at The Observatory North Park on March 27, 2019:

Fates Warning SD19

16 photos

Queensrÿche at The Observatory North Park first appeared on Game On Media.

Queensrÿche has delivered “The Verdict”, their 14th studio album, and 3rd in their current incarnation. Vocalist Todd La Torre and guitarist Parker Lundgren are firmly ensconced in the band’s creative process, and the result is nothing less than extraordinary. The band wrote as a team, fleshing out each member’s ideas into a work of art that demands to be in the conversation about their top 5 albums overall. The mood and intensity closely resembles “The Warning” and “Rage For Order”, while sounding completely current. “The Verdict” is something you can bang your head to and (attempt to) sing along with. As with all Queensrÿche albums, you can also dive deeper into the lyrical content and find brain candy to chew on, ranging from geopolitical conflict to the inner workings of the mind. Founding members Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson sound revitalized, and the years of touring with La Torre and Lundgren have clearly sparked something from deep inside. Founding drummer Scott Rockenfield remains on extended paternity leave, so La Torre even contributed drums to the effort, channeling the classic Queensrÿche sound. This is a band that is still hungry, still has something to say, and they have unleashed their most complete work since 1994’s “Promised Land”. “The Verdict” will be your first obsession album of 2019.

Go see the band live to feel the energy of this new album in person.  http://www.queensrycheofficial.com/tour-dates/

Queensrÿche “The Verdict” Album Review first appeared on Game On Media.

Rough Riot played their second live show at the Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, California on January 5, 2019. The band consists of former members of Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot, who have recorded and performed live in many other bands, including Ratt, Dokken, Lynch Mob, Queensryche, House of Lords, Montrose, King Kobra and Burning Rain.

Rough Riot is Paul Shortino: Lead Vocals, Carlos Cavaso: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Chris Hager: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Sean McNabb: Bass, (Rockin’) Dave Alford: Drums & Percussion.

The band sounds great, as you would expect from seasoned hard rock veterans.  They really gel together, whether it’s McNabb and Alford supplying backing vocals, or Cavaso and Hager trading guitar solos. Shortino’s vocals are top notch, and he could probably sing any song. They play a mix of Rough Cutt tunes and songs from throughout the entire Quiet Riot catalog. They have plans to write and record new music, which will be a welcome addition to the set list. This is definitely a band to keep an eye on, if you like your 80’s hair metal with a modern twist.

Keep up with the latest news on new music and tour dates at https://www.roughriot.com/

Rough Riot photos at Ramona Mainstage:

Rough Riot Ramona 2019

38 photos

Rough Riot Rocks Ramona Mainstage first appeared on Game On Media.