Farewell James Kottak

Drummer James Kottak has died at 61. He was best known as a drummer for the Scorpions and Kingdom Come. So far no cause of death has been revealed but it is known that James had his demons and fought alcoholism. It's just a damn shame and I don't know what to say beyond that at this point.

Judas Priest, 'Panic Attack' -- New Video

New Judas Priest music and video today! The legendary band just dropped a clip for the song "Panic Attack from the upcoming album Invincible Shield. The new album is due in March and you can download "Panic Attack" now.

'Love You 'Till It Hurts'

Here's an obscure piece of Glam for your Monday enjoyment: Chrissy Steele, "Love You 'Till It Hurts." The song is on the 1991 Magnet to Steele. Steele's real name is Christina Southern and she posts some throwback photos on her Facebook page. She is also releasing new music too.

Lita Ford Announces Some Tour Dates

My Bengals ended their cursed season on a high note today, winning against the Browns and finishing with a winning record. That means all the AFC North teams have a winning record. That's something that hasn't happened since 1935.

This is a crazy stat. The AFC North is the first division with every team to finish with a winning record since 1935. #NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/a6qxzPWIqJ

— Vince Comunale (@PGHVC) January 7, 2024

Now that 2024 is officially here and in full swing, artists are announcing more tour dates for the year. Guitarist/Singer Lita Ford has announced a smattering of shows starting later this month and all the way into June. She is playing in the south, midwest, west. There are no dates by me (yet!) but more are supposed to be coming soon.

Lita is supposedly killing it live these days and I would like to see her again. It has been awhile for me. Years, actually.

Discovering Nevertel

I was listening to Sirius XM Octane coming home from work the other day and one of the station's "Test Drive" songs came up. "Test Drive" is an Octane segment of new - sometimes unsigned bands - getting airplay. Folks call in and if a band gets enough votes, the featured songs makes it into the permanent rotation. It's all very throwback and I like it. Anyway, the band featured was Nevertel and the song "Everything In My Mind."

I liked the track a lot and wasn't surprised to hear the announcer say the song was already added to the permanent rotation. Nevertel is unsigned and it was sort of implied that they are a new band. Apparently that isn't the case because the song "Everything In Mind" has been out for years and there is even an official video (see below). Turns out the band started back in 2014 (!) and is just slogging it out old-school style. I guess they are getting a following on Tik Tok (a platform I don't use) and that is probably how they started getting a bigger following. Hopefully ending up on Octane helps the band too! They've already released lots of songs and albums so I think the future is bright for this group.

I mention the non-Glam Nevertel for those who think all new music is dead or that bands give up too easily these days. Working at it for a decade proves Nevertel are in it for the long haul.

51 Years Of 'Aerosmith'

My beloved self-titled Aerosmith debut is 51 today. I was supposed to see Aerosmith live last night, but we all know the tour is on hold. It is hard to convey how important this album is to me, but I've loved it since I discovered it so many years ago. I was probably in 7th grade at the time and the band just spoke to me - and that has never changed. "Dream On" is perfection, after all.

Tesla Announces 2024 Tour Dates

Tesla just announced the 2024 "Keepin' It Real" tour. There are more shows to be added, too. I saw Tesla live last summer and I would see them again if they come near me, too. So far, no southern Ohio dates - but here's hoping!