Concert Season is Over - How Did You Do?

It's the last day of August, which makes me so sad. The end of August basically means the end of concert season. Sure, I have a few shows in September (American Idols Live, Pop Evil, UFO, Kix) and Shiprocked in November, but the majority of my 2009 concert calendar is behind me.

I don't know about you, but I think I had a pretty strong 2009 season. Sure there were festivals (Rocklahoma, Rock on the Range, M3), one-off shows by bands I've wanted to see for more than a decade (Whitesnake) and a big 'ol flop (Aerosmith).

What was my best festival? That's a tie for Rock on the Range and M3. Two different genres, two different groups of friends! Both blasts and I'm going to each again in 2010.

What was my best "solo" stop show? Probably Britney Spears. Don't hate: Circus is an over-the-top tour. That show officially kicked off concert season for me - no indoor show this year has been able to beat it in my mind.

My biggest bummer? Aerosmtih's tour falling apart, of course. I'm also sad KISS isn't coming anywhere near me. I've never seen them and thought for sure this would be the year - but I don't have money for another concert trip, so I guess it's a no go.

What am I most looking forward to? Shiprocked, of course. The Caribbean when it's cold in Ohio is uber awesome.

So, how did you do, concert-season wise? What was your best show? Your biggest disappointment?

The Rock Life?

I'm doing a little informal research for another article I'm writing and I thought perhaps all of you could help. Tell me, what does it mean to "live the rock life?"

Does it mean dressing a certain way, living in a certain manner, believing certain things? All answers are correct and I suspect we'll get an interesting cross current of information here. Please, feel free to write as much or as little in the comments section. I do thank you for the help.

'10C Billionaire' Is a Great Album!

The Bulletboys just released 10c Billionaire (Chavis). The album is packed with really strong tracks. Gotta admit, I was skeptical that the new album would be this strong - but seriously, you should check it out. The Bulletboys put out a press release earlier this week claiming 10c Billionaire was #6 on the Billboard "Top Internet" chart. I personally can't find the Billboard chart history for this album, but hey, what would it prove for the Bulletboys or Chavis Records to lie? Click here to see the Billboard pop out. Is it a Photoshop job?

Check out one of the album's tracks below. "Girls Kissin' Girls."

Nothin' to Lose

I haven't mentioned Arcade since January of 2007. Last night, one of my Facebook friends posted an Arcade clip on my wall. This friend is sort of obsessed with Stephen Pearcy. (Yes, that Pearcy!) For what it's worth, Arcade is an awesome band and the song "Nothin' to Lose" rules.

As you probably already know, Pearcy formed Arcade after he left RATT in the early nineties. (The band also featured Cinderella drummer Fred Coury). Now, I'm glad Pearcy got back with RATT and I'm excited for the new album, too! Still, Pearcy's time with Arcade shouldn't be completely ignored. These are good tunes and the band did a few albums. You can buy some of the songs on iTunes and I'd imagine original run CDs go for a bomb on eBay.

Arcade's official fourth album was actually released in 2006 and titled Calm After the Storm.

Are there any Arcade fans in the house? Did you ever catch the band live?

'Meet the Meatbats:' Win a Copy Before the Official Release!

Chad Smith is a famous drummer, slamming the kit for both the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Chickenfoot. Now, he's ready to release Meet the Meatbats, the debut from his solo project Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats. No, these Meatbats are not Glam - they are more a jazz/funk/rock fusion sort of project - but they rock nonetheless! You can preview some of the smooth sounds by clicking the band's official Myspace.

Meet the Meatbats hits stores September 15, but you can win a copy before the official release date! Just send an email to allyson@bringbackglam.com and write "Meatbat" in the subject line. Please provide your legal name and mailing address so I can send your prize in the event your name is drawn at random. Enter by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, August 28, 2009. Entries received after this time will be discarded. Three readers will win a copy of the debut disc. Good luck.

Here's the official release on the band:

Bombastic, funky, sexy and loud, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers & Chickenfoot) is breaking out on his own with guitar star Jeff Kollman, multi-faceted keyboardist Ed Roth, and Motor City bass ace Kevin Chown. Together, they comprise what is easily one of the most interesting and unpredictable instrumental bands to come along in years; Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats. Their sound creates a new sonic experience with a cutting edge and a plethora of influences, fusing together styles as diverse as classic rock, old school funk, punk, and 70's R&B.

Look for Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats to inspire a new generation of instrumental music fans. Pick up their debut CD, "Meet the Meatbats" released by Warrior Records via Universal Music Group Distribution.

"Oh! I Spilled My Beer"

ShipRocked Alert!

Did you buy tickets to Rock Gone Wild only to be left holding the bag? The crew behind ShipRocked wants to help get your festival experience back on track. ShipRocked is a five day floating festival that departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on November 15, 2009, and features onboard performances by Queensryche, Tesla, Ratt, Skid Row, Broken Teeth, EndeverafteR, Lynam, Niki Barr Band, Stereoside and StoneRider.

For a limited time, you can save $100 on your cabin when making a new reservation, just by emailing proof of your Rock Gone Wild ticket purchase to rgw@getshiprocked.com, or by faxing it to 615-250-7983. If you're already booked on Shiprocked but have a worthless Rock Gone Wild ticket, no worries! Simply send an email or fax and you'll receive a $100 onboard credit, to spend as you wish during the cruise. A very generous, yet jilted Rock Gone Wild ticket holder (who wishes to remain anonymous), is sponsoring the cost of this special promotion as a way to "spread the rock" to fellow frustrated fans!

This offer is only valid through September 30th, so don't wait! Cash in your discount today and get booked on the ultimate rock and roll vacation with a backstage pass, featuring intimate concerts, exclusive meet and greets with all artists, heavy metal karaoke, guitar hero competitions, theme nights, contests, charity auctions and so much more!

ShipRocked sails November 15 -20, 2009 on the beautiful MSC Poesia. The Poesia is the third vessel in the MSC Cruise Line's "Musica" family of ships. This ship features MSC Cruise Line's signature Italian inspired decor, impeccable service, sumptuous cuisine in multiple restaurants, beautiful swimming pools, hot tubs plus a full-service spa and fitness center. Nearly two-thirds of the ship's staterooms include private balconies! Pricing varies by cabin and is subject to availability * and very cabins few remain * but starts at only $799 (per person, double occupancy) for an interior stateroom. The price include your cruise (room and board), all the concerts, meet and greets and other exclusive events during the trip. For booking and more information, call 877-855-5502.

JET Release 'Shaka Rock' - Today!

Do you like Jet? I definitely think they are one of the better modern rock outfits on the current scene and today they release Shaka Rock (Five Seven).

Ok, Jet are definitely hipster, but I think if we all hug it out, we can learn to embrace the cheeky Aussies. 

Shaka Rock is filled with lots of tasty niblets, especially the single "K.I.A. (Killed in Action)." Yeah, it's poppy but the chorus is damn catchy and you might as well accept it: the song is going to be huge. There's more depth here than in past Jet releases, and that's great for us! The lyrics more meaningful, guitar breakdowns more soulful. In short, Shaka really does rock.

"She's a Genius" is another single from Shaka Rock - already rockin' the bands Myspace. In a lot of ways, I like this track better than K.I.A. It's definitely darker - when it comes to guitar tone. No matter the tune or subject matter, Jet definitely have a "head boppy pop" sound. It's just the way it is.

Preview Shaka Rock now on Myspace. You can also buy the disc for well under ten bucks right now on Amazon. I say buy the disc, diversify.

Maybe I'll get to interview the band in person someday. Then, I can have my photo made with the four guys and I'll look totally uncool next to their uber hipness. Le sigh.