UFO - Live, Tonight!

Instead of a boring Tuesday night on my couch, I've decided to actually brush my hair, put on some eye liner and head out to see UFO live, right here in Dayton, Ohio. The band is playing at McGuffy's, our little dive rock bar that hosts some pretty decent acts. Tons of Glam and hard rock bands have played McGuffys in the past and the venue continues to book solidly into the future. With newer clubs closing all the time, it's good to see a business doing well in this down economy.

The last time I saw UFO live was at Rocklahoma 2008. Phil Mogg was a jolly character with boundless energy - he acted half his age! We'll see how he does tonight. Hopefully, my friends and I will hear "Doctor, Doctor."

KISS on Oprah Back in 1987

Someone on Metal Sludge posted these awesome clips of KISS' Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on Oprah back in 1987. I've never seen this episode until now. It's good stuff: Gene and Paul are over-the-top ridiculous as usual.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

'My Dinner with Anthrax'

Married...With Children is easily the most Glam television sitcom of all time. After all, the show debuted in 1987 - right as heavy metal was at its most mainstream, and therefore, famous.

If you've never seen a single episode of Married...with Children, I'm sorry. Seriously, go to YouTube right now and watch any episode. I spent a lot of time with the Bundy family during my youth. The show was on Fox on Sunday evenings and I always watched.

Kelly Bundy (played by Christina Applegate) is portrayed as a heavy metal hottie. She lives for the Glam and tons of the jokes center around Metal acts, both real and fictional.

In Season six, Anthrax joins in the fun. I stumbled across "My Dinner with Anthrax" last night thanks to YouTube. You can watch the entire clip here.

Basically, Kelly and her brother Bud win a party with Anthrax...and hilarity ensues. I definitely remember watching this episode way back in 1992.  I was sitting in my bedroom, watching my small T.V. because my parents didn't like Married...With Children. (Check out Kelly's top. I totally had a black dress around this time with the exact same sleeves. Also, be on the lookout for a long-sleeved Rip magazine magazine T-shirt. Seriously).

Here's just the Anthrax performance part.

If you click the link above and watch the whole show (and I hope you do) be sure to watch until the very end. Trust me.

If you enjoyed the Anthrax episode...you'll probably like "Rock and Roll Girl," too! The episode features Kelly as a "video babe" for The Guttercats.

Joe Perry Sure Looked Cool on 'Ellen'

I don't watch the Ellen show and for the record, I don't like the idea of Ellen DeGeneres being Paula Abdul's replacement on American Idol. I just can't imagine Idol without Paula, but I digress.

I'm a subscriber to Joe Perry's online newsletter. Last night, the owner of the website blasted out Joe's appearance earlier this week on Ellen. As much as I wanted to hate it, I couldn't. Joe is just too cool for school. Watch for yourself (the Joe part starts around the two minute mark).

Awesome Cover of "Day Tripper"

Check this Whitesnake cover of the Beatles "Day Tripper." Awesomeness on a Friday.

'The Art of Telling Lies' by Vains of Jenna: The Bring Back Glam! Review

When Vains of Jenna released The Art of Telling Lies (RLS/Raw Noize) last month, I was cautiously optimistic. I'm a big fan of the band and their debut Lit Up/Let Down. Would The Art of Telling Lies measure up? Yeah. It's amazing. Actually, it's my favorite album of the year so far.

Here's the track list:

Everybody Loves You When You're Dead
Mind Pollution
Refugee
I Belong To Yesterday
Paper Heart
Get It On
Enemy In Me
Better Off Alone
I Don't Care
The Art of Telling Lies

Basically, I dig all the tracks - but there are a few I like more than others. I love the title track, the cover of "Refugee" and "Enemy in Me." In all instances, the band displays real growth: it's clear Vains of Jenna didn't just waste their time in the U.S. on the last 'go round. Sure, the band toured non-stop and then went home to Sweden, but there was clearly some active songwriting going on. The quality of The Art of Telling Lies is so far above Lit Up/Let Down it's almost breathtaking - in short, the new album is rock solid.

Why would VOJ cover Tom Petty's "Refugee?" I guess to pay homage to a classic rock master. No matter, it's fantastic: dare I say better than the original? There's something both strong and melancholy about Nicki Kin's guitar tone on this track that makes it memorable. I found myself repeating "Refugee" over and over while listening on my iPod.

Vains of Jenna are playing shows all over the U.S. through the end of the year. Go see them and buy the new album. If you're a true Glam fan, this is what you want: infectious hooks, great guitar solos and awesome lyrics courtesy of Lizzy DeVine.

ANNOUNCING THUNDER MOUNTAIN ROCKFEST: MULTI-DAY FESTIVAL, JULY 2010

MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA (October 7, 2009) - The Thunder is coming! Thunder Mountain Rockfest will host bands from the 70s, 80, 90s and today for three days of rock n' roll hysteria in North Dakota - and you're invited to the party! Thunder Mountain Rockfest will take place July 8,9,10 just 14 miles southwest of Minot, North Dakota off Highway 52 at the Rock Dakota Ranch. Visit www.tmrockfest.com for more information.

Thunder Mountain Rockfest is special because acts will be grouped together by decade. The fest opens on Thursday, July 8 with 70s day, featuring Foghat, Blood Sweat & Tears, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, The Guess Who and another band still to be announced! On Friday, July 9, bands from the 80s will hit the main stage, including Kix and Night Ranger. In total, 12 acts will play the main stage over the course of the festival. Twenty national acts will play a second stage. On Wednesday, July 7, promoters will host a special pre-party featuring bands on the second stage plus other special activities. Visit www.tmrockfest.com often for new band announcements!

Tickets are available now for Thunder Mountain Rockfest! Simply visit www.tmrockfest.com to purchase your pass to the ultimate summer rock n' roll bash! It's easy to charge by phone! Just dial 701-757-7625. Three day passes are available at the recession-friendly price of $120 + plus tax and handling. Camping passes also available now. Pass prices vary on site selected. All campers must possess a multi-day ticket to enjoy the 24 hour fun.

Thunder Mountain Rockfest is proud to honor mother earth. Promoters encourage festival attendees to go green and limit waste. One effective way is to purchase a "TMRF Green Team Membership." For just $50, attendees receive a T-shirt, reusable mug and special discount card for use at concession stands during the run of the festival.  Most important, Green Team members help the environment by allowing the fest to utilize recycling bins, recycled products and green cleaning supplies.

Thunder Mountain Rockfest will take place at the Rock Dakota Ranch located at 13101 153^rd Street in Sawyer, North Dakota. All tickets and camping passes are non-refundable. Thunder Mountain Rockfest is a rain or shine event. Event is open air. Festival and camping passes sold prior to this announcement for Bottineau, North Dakota event honored at gates.

Visit www.tmrockfest.com often for new band announcements, contests and other exciting news bulletins!

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