A Tasty Tidbit

By now, I'm sure you've heard the rumors about a Warrant reunion. For the past month, people on several Internet message boards have posted comments, speculating that Jani Lane is rejoining the Warrant fold. Of course, I'm skeptical. Knowing the volatile relationship that is "historic" Warrant, I'm just not a hundred percent sure such a reunion would work.

A very reliable source into Bring Back Glam! reports seeing Jani Lane and the rest of Warrant (without current lead singer Jamie St. James) at the Rainbow Bar and Grill (Los Angeles) last week. Was I there? No. Do I believe the person who gave me this-oh-so-delicious-nugget? Absolutely.

Another industry insider tells me Jani is going to be back with Warrant in time for Rocklahoma 2008. It seems the original Warrant boys are also keen to keep this reconciliation hush-hush from Jamie St. James. I'm not sure that's even plausible.

Of course, there are two over-arching questions here. First, what happens to Jamie St. James and second, what happened to bring "Warrant" back together?

If Jamie St. James is out of Warrant, does this mean a Black n' Blue reunion is in the works?

A lot of bands are reuniting these days. Part of me wonders if it's just to cash in on the excitement of Rocklahoma...or the chance to play in front of a massive crowd. Of course, I tend to believe that the genre is regaining popularity. It's pretty clear there are millions of like-minded fans all over the globe. This collective mind is clamoring for a taste of the old -- and the new.

So, what do you think about Jani Lane possibly rejoining Warrant?

As you ponder that question, here's a classic clip of Warrant performing at Gazzarri's on the Sunset Strip. You'll notice members of Faster Pussycat and Poison also join the band on stage. It's a sweaty good time!

Not So Exclusive, Exclusive

Does anyone know what MTV was referring to when it slapped "Exclusive" across many of its videos?

For those too young to remember -- I'll say those 20 and under -- MTV was started as a music channel. You know, Music television. These days it's basically an amalgamation of reality programming, movie specials and the very rare video. For some unknown reason, musicians still spend big bucks on videos. Whatever the case, I was surfing YouTube last night and I came across videos that were clearly made digital from a VHS recording. To me, that's authentic. Anyway, some of these clips included the MTV logo and the giant "Exclusive" declaration across the front.

Back in, say, 1989, there really wasn't many other options for music videos. I think they played occasionally on fancy cable channels like HBO but MTV was basically the biggest - and only - game in town.

In journalism, an "exclusive" is equal to a "scoop," or the big "get." You're the one game in town baby, and everyone stops to take notice. Doesn't this mean MTV's "exclusive" is both pointless and misleading? Does the exclusive refer to a specific show...like Headbanger's Ball? Surely not since all those videos basically made it into the regular rotation in the 80s.

While we're talking about MTV, who thinks the channel created glam? I think the true roots of glam go so much deeper than MTV, but lately it seems like I've been reading a lot of articles that basically credit the network with creating my most favorite music genre.

If that's what you're selling, then I ain't buying! To make such a sweeping statement is degrading to musicians who could (can!) really play their instruments and write their own songs. While MTV served as a vehicle of promotion, it was also a matter of convenience. If MTV existed in 1978, Van Halen probably wouldn't have had to wait until the success of 1984 to have a number one single.

Saying MTV offered "exclusives" or "created stars" is like saying Fox News creates terrorism. Oh, wait...

At any rate, here's Poison's video for "Ride the Wind." It has the "exclusive" banner across the credit.

Shocking News About Metal

Did you know Metal is targeted to 16-35 year old males? Me neither. In fact, I was completely shocked when I learned this statistic. Also, many conservative groups worried that early 80s Metal was nothing more than rebellion. Again, shock I know.

A lot of media outlets capitalized on this shock, exploiting the genre while interviewing its biggest stars.

Here's a really rare news clip about the dangers of Metal featuring Motley Crue, Van Halen, Iron Maiden and more. The quality isn't great, but I still consider this a gem of ridiculous media. Remember, I can make these sweeping declarations because I'm a journalist. Ah, the distinction - or is it extinction?

A Year in the Life

Well, here we are: the one year anniversary of Bring Back Glam!

I started this website late on a Sunday night, exactly one year ago today. I was sick and tired of hearing hip hop or country on every radio station. I thought back to a time when I was most musically satisfied: my youth, when Glam Metal was king. Adult thinking - and education - kicked in and made me realize I could use the power of the pen to do my part to Bring Back Glam!

It seems I'm not the only who loves the genre, judging by your eager comments and opinions. Internet radio stations are programmed to support our type of tunes and Sweden is now a bastion of glam.

For better or worse, I've tried to talk about the most important music topics in my life -- and awaited your thoughts. I've shared with you my favorite bands, favorite concerts, favorite experiences related to music. Thanks to this website, I've made friends with people all over the world and interviewed some really famous musicians. I've stood backstage or at the barricade of some really great shows and I've gotten to share those experiences with all of you, which is the best part.

Each day I'm amazed that people stop by and actually read what I've written.  That's a gift everyday and I'm eternally grateful.

My very first post is titled "It's Time." Well, that time continues and together we can work to bring back real music, with true musicians. Let's get rocked.

A Little Holiday Cheer

Ok, I despise Christmas music. Always have, thank you very much. There's bad, there's worse...and then there's glam to the rescue. Winger dares you to have a "Silent Night." Just listen to the vocals!

Hey Gilby, Where's Izzy?

Izzy Stradlin is best known as the original rhythm guitarist for Guns n' Roses. He was also a main songwriter, giving the band that great, gritty sound we all love on Appetite for Destruction. Like all members of Guns n' Roses, Izzy dabbled in drugs.

On this day (December 2) back in 1991, Gilby Clarke replaced Izzy in the band. Izzy left to protect his sobriety and was replaced within a month because of the band's Use Your Illusion Tour. While the autobiography Slash talks about Izzy suddenly going sober, many details that led to that life-changing decision are left to the imagination.

Whatever the case, the band's sound was changed immensely after the firing of original drummer Steven Adler and departure of Stradlin.

For better or worse, Clarke was in, with little or no fanfare. I always thought this was weird that a major band could have such a dramatic change without much media scrutiny.

The band publically made light of Izzy's departure in the "Don't Cry" video, with the "Where's Izzy?" sign. I wonder if that sign made Clarke feel uncomfortable? After all, he was in and Izzy was out...I'm sure the awkward position wasn't ideal for Clarke from the beginning.

In 1994, Axl Rose decided Clarke wasn't a good songwriter, so he was out of the band.

The new Slash autobiography talks about Izzy working with Velvet Revolver during the search for a singer. Izzy jammed with the other members, and even suggested touring without a singer. I can't help but wonder if Axl Rose destroyed Izzy's drive to be in a national band. While he's continued to make several solo records, it just doesn't seem like he has the desire to be on top of the world like he was during the Appetite for Destruction hey day.

I wasn't one of the lucky ones to see Guns n' Roses on their massive Use Your Illusion tour. From everything I've read, it seems like it was a quite a show. It makes me sad that rock bands just don't put on massive stage performances these days. I'm sure such spectacles are cost prohibitive, but sure would be great fun.

Photo credit: Gilby Clarke official Myspace page.

God Gave Rock n' Roll To You

Last night, VH-1 was running a special on KISS. I stopped to watch for awhile because both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley amuse me in so many ways. I suppose it's good to sit on a musical Dynasty.

One of my favorite KISS songs is "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II." Originally recorded for the soundtrack of Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, the track is also featured on the 1992 release Revenge.

If you're not familiar, "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You" is an Argent song. In my mind, it's a classic with a great guitar riff and more mellow lyrics. For the most part, KISS kept the legendary riff, but made it a little heavier. Gene and Paul also changed up a lot of the words. I definitely prefer the KISS version, but I respect Argent. If you've never heard the original, take a listen:

Now, here's the KISS version. I'd love to hear this live.

There's something about the KISS video that I really love. It's hard to pinpoint, considering the video isn't complex. Perhaps it's the great shots of Eric Carr playing his heart out while battling cancer. Maybe it's all the water-stomping by Paul Stanley. Whatever the case, it's a personal favorite. The downside is every time I listen to "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II," it's stuck in my head for days and days.

Now that you've listened to both versions, which do you prefer? The classic rock Argent anthem, or KISS and their glam goodness?