Well, NOW It's News...

Despite the fact that I've been reporting this for well over two weeks now, Swedish rockers Vains of Jenna finally issued a formal press release about their spot on the upcoming Poison/RATT summer tour. VOJ may need a new publicist. I'm sure Stevie Rachelle worked hard to get these boys on the tour. Still, you need to strike while the iron is hot! Official release follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2007


HOLLYWOOD, CA-Who said Internet rumors always prove to be false? Paris Hilton is spending her summer vacation in jail while her good friend Lindsey Lohan finishes up her second stint in rehab and, yes, Swedish rockers VAINS OF JENNA are also foregoing the glitz and glamour of their adopted home of Hollywood to support POISON and RATT on a summer-long amphitheater tour.

"Rock n' Roll is back when VAINS OF JENNA takes the stage. Seeing is believing, and I believe!" Bobby Dall / Poison Bassist

After weeks of online speculation as to who exactly would be the support act for Poison's annual cross-country trek it was announced today that VAINS OF JENNA have in fact been added to 45 shows beginning Sun., June 17 in Charlotte, NC and concluding Sat., September 1 in West Palm Beach, FL.

"This is what the American dream is all about," said frontman Lizzy DeVine.

Since arriving stateside 13 months ago the members of VAINS OF JENNA - Nicki Kin (guitar), JP White (bass), Jacki Stone (drums) and Lizzy - have already played upwards of 200 shows and logged nearly 45,000 miles in a van all on their own-without the help of any road crew.

Barely two years removed from high school and finding their way around a foreign country they also happened to find a loyal supporter and friend in MTV pop culture icon BAM MARGERA (VIVA LA BAM, JACKASS), who immediately formed his own record company - FILTHY NOTE - in order to offer the then teenagers a record deal.

"These guys were so damn good when I first saw them that I decided right there on the spot to start my own record company," said BAM, of his eagerness to work the band. "They're that good."

Their debut LIT UP/LET DOWN was released last October along with their first video/single NOONE'S GONNA DO IT FOR YOU (directed by BAM). Album track DON'T GIVE A DAMN was also used as the theme song for the MTV series BAM'S UNHOLY UNION, a series in which they also made an appearance when they performed at BAM'S bachelor party in Las Vegas.

"We love to play the dumps and dives that reek of day old beer and stale cigarettes, but can't wait to experience thousands of rock n' roll fans on these big stages." Adds Bassist JP White

This summer VAINS OF JENNA will hit up radio with their second single HARD TO BE VAIN.

Because Bam Said So, That's Why!

"Train Kept A Rollin,' all night long..."

Here's yet another innovative marketing ploy pushing Poison, their new album and upcoming tour. I have no idea where this is actually posted because it's not on www.poisonweb.com or the official Myspace page.

 Still, a cheap and quick commercial featuring a celebrity can push a lot of units.

The track playing in the background is brand new work from Vains of Jenna. Remember, VOJ are on Bam Margera's Filthy Note label.

Update on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 08:13PM by Allyson B. Crawford

Sorry guys, the video is gone and I can't find it again.

Fishnet Luxury

There just isn't a lot of great live music opportunities in Dayton, Ohio. National club acts go to Cincinnati or Columbus, and the local rock scene in the Gem City isn't too hot, either.

Last night, however, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dull city.

Baltimore's the Fishnet Stalkers opened for local gents the Luxury Pushers at the new Walnut Hills.

We'll classify the entire night as glam-punk.

First, let me say that the new Walnut Hills is a beautiful club, albeit small. I guess that's good considering only about 50 people showed up all night (yet another problem with Dayton area shows).

The Fishnet Stalkers are a high energy group made up of vocalist Stevie Diamond, guitarists Matt Gabs and Conor Behrle, bassist Chris Calabrese and drummer Eric Fauver. These people look like the original Faster Pussycat on stage and Chris likes to jump around a lot, which is fun! There was a drawback: the band's sound was so over-modulated - so distorted - that it was near impossible to understand the singer. Without the ability to really hear the vocals of an up-and-coming originals garage band, it's hard to peg their ability. Judging by technical skill, I would say The Fishnet Stalkers have a lot to offer, and were just having an off night at the hands of an un-trained sound man. According to concert partner Heather "the Fishnet Stalkers  are definitely great performers. A ton of energy and good stage presence." She crowned Chris the "Glam Rock God." I agree with this moniker.The band has a debut album out on Indie label Reptilian Records. The Fishnet Stalkers are on a nationwide tour this summer, and will play dates at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood and a show with Vains of Jenna! Hear their music at www.myspace.com/fishnetstalkers. 

After the Fishnet Stalkers departed the stage, it was time for the main event and the Luxury Pushers. This Dayton band has been around for awhile, and features Jamy Holliday and C. Wright on guitars and vocals. Bassist Eric Purtle also sings and drummer Bryan LaBonte keeps the (very) fast pace. LXP doesn't like to be pigeon-holed into one category and doesn't like references to punk heroes, so I'll leave that out of this review. I will say that The Luxury Pushers have a pretty great sound, thanks in part to the Fishnet Stalkers making sure the audio guy actually twiddled the nobs during their performance.

The small, but boisterous crowd seemed to really get into the moment and enjoy the music. I would say the band has a fairly large local following, but the size of the crowd was a bit depressing and embarrassing. There was even a post-modern moment when Jamy invited his wife on stage and presented her with a Cold Stone ice cream cake for her birthday. There were a few amused looks around the bar, but I thought it was cute. After the cake, it was back to the rock for several more ultra-fast originals. Toward the end of the set, the band walked amongst the crowd with their instruments, which I think is probably anti-punk, but really glam, so good for them!

The Luxury Pushers have an E.P. called Eat It! Hear their music at www.myspace.com/luxurypushers.

Band Alert: Psycho Gypsy

It's finally Saturday, glam fans.

To celebrate, I'd like to introduce you to some new (old) music.

Psycho Gypsy isn't really a new band, they've been around since 1992. The band was formed in Phoenix, and later relocated to the Sunset Strip. They opened for major bands like Cinderella, Poison, Warrant...and even Tuff! They sound like a mix of Faster Pussycat and Pretty Boy Floyd and look just as great.

The band broke-up in 2000, but is back with an all-new line-up featuring singer and guitarists Eddie Electra and Timmy Tantrum plus bassist Josh J. The newest incarnation of the glam band is still looking for a drummer.

If the name Eddie Electra sounds familiar, that's because he was once involved with the Peppermint Creeps.

Occasionally, Metal Express Radio plays a Psycho Gypsy tune. It's through Metal Express that I learned of this unique bunch of musicians. I've put in an interview request, so hopefully we can learn a little more about the future plans of Psycho Gypsy.

Hear Psycho Gypsy at http://www.myspace.com/psychogypsy.

   

(Marketing) Train Kept A Rollin'

So, the crack marketing staff pushing Poison's latest release Poison'd have simply outdone themselves this time. If you can play air guitar, you can win an autographed axe signed by every member of the band.

Poison is relying heavily on Myspace.com, and this ad posted just about five minutes ago:

I think Poison deserve a lot of respect for their inventive sales tactics. They tour just about every summer, so they have to keep fans interested. While Poison'd is a new release, it's all old songs (read: covers). In the last four days, the boys have participated in several television appearances and hosted a live online-only concert. Lead singer Bret Michaels has done  radio and guitarist C.C. DeVille is pushing the album on the club circuit. White Lion dropping out of the Poison/RATT summer tour only helped the buzz.

Also, the band is offering several deals for fans who purchase Poison'd, including free concert tickets and free t-shirts.

Target marketing really pays.

Update on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 11:20PM by Allyson B. Crawford

Speaking of marketing genius, www.blabbermouth.net posted an excerpt of an article on Bret Michaels and his diabetes. Bret learned he had Type 1 diabetes when he was just six years old. I don't know much about disease, but the Diabetes Health article is highly informative and very well written. Read the entire article at  DiabetesHealth.com.

Hair Metal Lawyer

Until I can post a real article, watch this video: Hair Metal Lawyer.
I expect comments.

Support Local Music: DSV

Remember when I reviewed the C.C. DeVille show with local support Drugstore Valentine? (Please see "Backstage Bombshells") I also interviewed DSV lead singer Kenny Ozz (please see "Welcome to the Show"). Now, a loyal fan has posted a video of Drugstore Valentine performing their signature tune "Backstage Bombshells." The clip is a little audio poor, but that's not really the point. The main issue is how much fun DSV are having on stage.

Support local music and watch this video: