I Tip My Hat To Geoff Tate: He Still Sounds Good

Geoff Tate performed with his solo band at Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula, California on Friday. The venue sort of makes me chuckle, but considering Geoff counts wine as one of his life's major passions, then I guess it makes sense. Anyway, all things considered, I give Geoff props: he sounds pretty good on the clip below. There isn't a ton of energy in the backup band. I'm not sure we can blame Geoff for that, though. Right?

Geoff will release Kings & Thieves on November 6. I'm sure I'll buy that album when it comes out.

A Cool Van Halen Cover

Like most Americans, I watch a lot of football on Saturday afternoon and evenings in the fall. Last night during the Notre Dame/Michigan State game, ABC used what sounded like a cover of Van Halen's "Dance The Night Away" for one of their bumps. Of course I immediately went to YouTube to try and find said cover, but I didn't have much luck. I'll be honest: I just don't know many modern pop bands and I'm sure some young band covered the VH classic. So, I didn't find exactly what I was looking for... but I did come across a video of Train and Butch Walker covering "Dance The Night Away" and I was impressed. I'm not necessarily a big Train fan, but I think the band did a great job here. Watch:

Monster Energy Launches ShipRocked VIP Trip Giveaway Today!

Monster Energy is giving away a VIP trip for two to the fourth annual ShipRocked, the ultimate rock music cruise vacation which sails from Fort Lauderdale, FL November 27 - December 1.

To enter the sweepstakes, go to www.MonsterEnergy.com from Saturday, September 15 through Monday, October 8. The grand prize winner will receive a balcony cabin and VIP passes for two onboard the MSC Poesia, roundtrip airfare from a U.S. city, and hotel accommodations the night before the ship’s departure from Fort Lauderdale.

The contest is open to anyone who lives in the U.S., holds a valid passport, and is 21 years-of-age or older.

The lineup for ShipRocked 2012--Fueled by Monster Energy includes Godsmack,Korn, and Five Finger Death Punch, along with P.O.D.,Sevendust, Filter, 10 Years, Fuel, Pop Evil, Lit, Helmet, In This Moment, Geoff Tate, The Halo Method, Dead Sara, Gilby Clarke, The Letter Black, and Andy Wood & The Amalgam.

ShipRocked embarks from and returns to Fort Lauderdale, FL, providing guests with four days and nights of music, parties, and themed events, along with a little relaxation onboard the MSC Poesia. The ship will visit Key West and Nassau, with a full day at sea before returning to Fort Lauderdale on December 1.

For full details and to purchase tickets, go to www.GetShipRocked.com.

Upcoming Movie About Jani Lane?

The last few days there has been a lot of talk regarding an upcoming film about the life of Jani Lane. Paparazzi Daily reported that Jeff Dandurand, a radio personality and comedian, will portray Jani and also direct the film. He says he want people to know how serious Lane was as a songwriter, but also how out of control he was when he used alcohol and drugs. Cherry Pie Guy is supposed to take its start when Jani arrived to Hollywood in 1985. Dandurand also says that the movie will treat our beloved era of the late 80’s and early 90’s with respect.

"Artists like Lane were treated like scum and paid a terrible price for their fame. Cherry Pie Guy will astonish those who can’t see beyond cliché hair-metal nostalgia and open their eyes to an amazing songwriter and frontman."

My own thoughts are somehow mixed at the moment. At first I got excited and thought it was a great idea, a movie I would really want to see. Then I googled a picture of Jeff Dandurand and got a bit doubtful... But I guess if you’re a good actor, it doesn’t matter whether you actually look like the person you’re trying to portray or not. And the fact that someone recognizes that the 80’s always is being ridiculed made me hopeful – maybe he is the right man to do this movie after all?

Later on I came across this piece from MetalSucks and even though I don’t agree with most of what is said, it got me thinking. There’s also a clip available on Youtube (below) where Jeff Dandurand himself talks about the film. First thing that hit me was the part where he speaks about Jani Lane’s family. It’s only been a year – is it already time to make a movie? For his nearest it could very well be way to early to even be talking about a film, which of course should be respected. I get that you could do a movie “loosely based” on Jani Lane, just to get around all the legal issues, but is that really the way to go?

Also, the title! Cherry Pie Guy, really? If you want to make a movie that’s both respectful towards Jani and shows how serious he was as a songwriter – don’t use that title!

That’s as far as I’ve come. The film is supposedly said to be done sometime next year, and regardless of what I think right now I would probably go see it – if it’s actually happening. How about you guys? What do you think of all this?

The Dokken 'Broken Bones' EPK Is Here

The other day, Frontiers Records released the electronic press kit (EPK) for Dokken's new album Broken Bones. The clip has Don Dokken explaining why he chose the phrase "broken bones" as the album's title and also features song excepts. In my opinion, this electronic press kit does the band well. Broken Bones sounds like it has great production. The album comes out September 25.

Geoff Tate Readies Solo Album and Tour

Los Angeles, CA (September 11, 2012) -- GEOFF TATE is one of the most acclaimed vocalists in the history of hard rock and heavy metal.  As the frontman of Queensryche, he has sold over 20 million records and received four Grammy nominations.  With an undeniable musical history including fourteen studio albums, GEOFF TATE will release his sophomore solo album on November 6, 2012 in North America.Appropriately titled KINGS & THIEVES, this will be TATE's first solo album in more than a decade and his debut release for InsideOut Music.

KINGS & THIEVES is a journey into the mind of one of rock's most dynamic vocalists.  "My goal with this record was to make a solid rock album," says TATE. "I wanted it to be an album that I could play live that would be both satisfying and fun, because, as a singer, you need to create a show that has a lot of dynamics to it and takes people on a ride." See below for GEOFF TATE's current tour dates, including a 7-date Canadian run with metal legend Alice Cooper. More dates are constantly being added.

Fans and press alike have fallen in love with GEOFF TATE's expertly crafted lyrics, unique progressive style and breathtaking vocals.  KINGS & THIEVES once again shows why TATE is one of the most influential forces in mainstream rock and metal. 

Tour Dates:

09/14/12 - Temecula, CA @ Wiens Family Cellar

10/17/12 - Newton, NJ @ Newton Theatre

10/18/12 - New York, NY @ B.B. King's Blues Club

10/19/12 - Rochester, NY @ The Montage Music Hall

10/20/12 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance

10/21/12 - Philadelphia, PA @ JC's Washington House

10/23/12 - Springfield, VA @ Empire

10/24/12 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theatre

10/25/12 - Teaneck, NJ @ Mexicali Live

10/26/12 - Amityville, NY @ Ollie's

10/27/12 - Chesterfield, MI @ New York New York

10/28/12 - Akron, OH @ Ripper Owen's Tap House

10/29/12 - Akron, OH @ Ripper Owen's Tap House 

10/31/12 - Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall

11/01/12 - Barrington, IL @ Penny Road Pub

11/02/12 - Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa

11/03/12 - Boilingbrook, IL @ Tailgater's Grill

11/07/12 - Calgary, AB, Canada @ Southern Jubilee Auditorium (*with Alice Cooper)

11/08/12 - Saskatoon, SK, Canada @ TCU Place (*with Alice Cooper)

11/09/12 - Moose Jaw, SK, Canada @ Mosaic Place (*with Alice Cooper)

11/11/12 - Medicine Hat, AB, Canada @ Medicine Hat Arena (*with Alice Cooper)

11/13/12 - Dawson Creek, BC, Canada @ Encana Events Centre (*with Alice Cooper)

11/14/12 - Edmonton, AB, Canada @ Northern Jubilee Auditorium (*with Alice Cooper)

11/16/12 - Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre (*with Alice Cooper)

11/21/12 - San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live

11/23/12 - Dallas, TX @ Trees

11/24/12 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

11/27/12 to 12/1/12 - Shiprocked

What Happened to Eddie Money?

Just. Wow.

Picture it: Monday Night Football. I'm watching my beloved Bengals play the Ravens when a Geico commercial comes on. Featuring Eddie Money. Singing his hit "Two Tickets to Paradise" to a very confused family. Eddie is apparently a travel agent... but he looks bad, yo. Just really bad.

Now, if you want some true, hilarious, Eddie Money action... nothing beats the time he appeared on The King of Queens.