Michael Angelo Batio Plans Guitar Extravaganza

I know a lot you live in the Midwest like me and I thought you might be interested in this string of shows. Guitar fanatics will be especially interested. These special shows usually only happen in L.A. or Vegas, so it's interesting that the middle of the country is getting something this unique. Here's the release: 

HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 23, 2013) - Legendary shredder Michael Angelo Batio will embark in a three-day string of exclusive shows of his multimedia extravaganza featuring the music of some of the greatest rock guitarists of the past 50 years. Batio will also be giving away an autographed MAB 3 guitar the night of the Mississippi Moon Bar performance sponsored by Eagle 102 KXGE – detail coming!

Guitar legend and virtuoso, Michael Angelo Batio, takes you on his 90 minute aural/visual journey to the different eras of rock music while playing guitars with incredible speed and musical precision. The “Tribute to The Legends Of Rock Guitar" show entails an awesome display of guitar wizardry accompanied by an equally talented band. This chronological tribute features Batio’s incredible arrangements and medley’s from the different eras of rock beginning with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, then moving on to Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Metallica and more.

The brilliant, fast paced multimedia experience is completed with multiple video screens, incredible lighting, on stage theatrics and of course the amazing guitar work of the “#1 Shredder of all time” (Guitar One Magazine), Michael Angelo Batio. You will be introduced to Batio’s “MAB Over – Under” neck technique along with his famous Double-Guitar. Michael’s Dean “Jet” Double-Guitar was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in February 2012. Michael invented the Double-Guitar and is credited with being the first person to play both left and right handed at the same time.

Here's the show info: 

Thursday, November 14

Hard Rock Café

63 West Ontario

Chicago, IL  60654

Doors – 8:00 pm

$10 – ALL AGES

Friday, November 15

Diamond Jo Casino

The Mississippi Moon Bar

301 Bell Street

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

Doors – 8:00 pm

NO COVER – 21+

Saturday, November 16

The Token Lounge

28949 Joy Road

Westland, MI

www.thetokenlounge.com – to purchase in advance

Advance Tix $10 - $15 at the door

Doors 8pm

The excitement of the show stays with you long after the performance. Michael Angelo Batio has been an extraordinary inspiration to countless musicians around the world, playing a major role in the evolution of modern rock guitar. He embodies the spirit of a true artist who has ceaselessly pursued his own creative vision, while mentoring and cultivating the next generation of emerging musicians. Come see what all the talk is about of this true shred guitar legend!

KIX - Bonus Footage

Want a little extra KIX in your life? Check out this bonus footage from Kix: Live In Baltimore. The CD/DVD combo came out in 2012.

Vince Neil Headed Back To Television?

Vince Neil is apparently in talks to join the cast of the Celebrity Apprentice. The show airs on NBC (and CNBC) and is hosted by Donald Trump.

Contestants on the celeb version of the show play for charities. I'm going to assume Vince will play for his charity, the Skylar Neil Foundation. If so, I hope he rakes in a ton of cash. The Skylar Neil Foundation raises money for kids with serious illnesses like cancer. 

The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting the story as a done deal and apparently Vince is telling friends that he'll be on the show. 

No word when Celebrity Apprentice will return to the NBC lineup.

 

The Last Vegas, 'Come With Me' -- New Video

The Last Vegas, one of our favorite modern Glam bands, has just released a video for the song "Come With Me." The song is on the upcoming album Sweet Salvation, due out in the spring.

Jagged Edge - You Decide

Two bands. One name: Jagged Edge. Which do you prefer?

(P.S. I love them both!)

Dave Mustaine To Perform With San Diego Symphony

This is cool: in April, Dave Mustaine will be the featured guest performer with the San Diego Symphony. The Megadeth frontman will play guitar with the symphony.

With the symphony, Mustaine will perform works by Wagner, Vivaldi and Dvorak. This strikes a chord with me because I did PR for an orchestra a long time ago. I think this is a great example of how orchestras can expand audiences and reach out more to the average music fan. Orchestral music can be intimidating but by inviting a musician like Mustaine to do a guest performance, I guarantee the San Diego Symphony will pick up a few new fans.

I wish I lived near San Diego. I'd definitely attend this show. If you will be in San Diego on April 12, 2014 you might consider getting tickets.

Here's Mustaine talking about how he got hooked up with the San Diego Symphony. He mentions violinist Itzhak Perlman. I met him once, holla!

KISS Are Huge In Japan

KISS walked down the street in Tokyo -- in full regalia, natch -- and caused a bit of a scene. I mean, that's what they were going for of course and I admit I'd be part of the crowd too if I saw KISS randomly roaming around. KISS taped a TV appearance for a Japanese TV show recently and the band played a big sold-out show in Tokyo yesterday. Here's the band making their random street appearance. I must say Tokyo looks awesome. I want to visit that city someday.

Here's some of the sold out concert in Tokyo:

You have to hand it to KISS: they were never the most musically talented, but they were always (and remain) the best at marketing and are superior at creating a great stage spectacle. They deserve to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Maybe this will finally be their year. Vote for KISS in the Rock Hall fan poll!