Feed My Frankenstein!

Happy Halloween, Glam fans! There's nothing more to write or discuss today - it's Halloween and that means Alice Cooper!

Did you dress up as a Glam star this Halloween season? If so, share with the class. I noticed some stores selling Slash costumes and for women a “Glam rock guitar.” See? Glam really is becoming mainstream again!

Gary Hoey Releases New Album

Are you a fan of guitarist Gary Hoey? He's preparing for tour now in support of his newest album called Utopia. Here's a press release and have a good Saturday.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 28, 2010) – Ax-slinger Gary Hoey has had a busy year with numerous projects and extensive touring.  Most recently, he wrapped up his latest album UTOPIA, which released on his own label Wazoo Music Group.

While Hoey is known for his signature versions of covers (Hocus Pocus, Lowrider, Misirlou, etc.) this album features 12 all new, all original songs. UTOPIA features Hoey’s widely recognized guitar skills, while showcasing his growth as a singer and songwriter. “Utopia's been a long time coming,” explains Hoey. “Utopia took over 2 years to make because I wanted time to develop my songs on tour and then bring that to the studio.  That is why I started my indie label, Wazoo Music Group, so I could have that creative control over my music and be able to give it to my fans on my own terms.”

Hoey has toured North America throughout the year opening shows for Jeff Beck, Styx, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Bret Michaels.  Additionally, he was Camp Counselor at Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp. That session was filmed and produced by Mark Burnett for a reality TV series that is currently airing on VH1 Classic.   

With a collection of 17 albums and five top 20 Billboard hits, it’s clear to see why Gary Hoey is listed in the top 100 greatest guitar players of all time. Whether Hoey plays rock, blues, surf or Christmas, Hoey’s command of each style makes his live show one of the most exciting on the circuit today.

UTOPIA is a must have for your collection, available now through www.garyhoey.com , iTunes and Amazon.com.

Here's the tour dates:

2010 HO HO HOEY ROCKIN’ HOLIDAY TOUR DATES

November      

26         Detroit, MI / City Theatre
27         Pittsburgh, PA / The Altar Bar
28         Chicago, IL / Reggie’s Rock Club

December      

1           Sellersville, PA / Sellersville Theatre
2           Norfolk, CT / Infinity Hall
3           Lincoln, RI / Twin River – Lighthouse Bar
4           Salisbury, MA / Blue Ocean Hall
9           San Luis Obispo, CA / SLO Brew
11         Redwood City, CA / Club Fox
14         Exeter, CA / Orange Blossom Junction
15         Bakersfield, CA / Majestic Fox Theatre
16         Redondo, CA / Brixton
17         San Juan Capistrano, CA / Coach House
18         San Diego, CA / House of Blues

Slash and Fergie, 'Beautiful Dangerous'

Slash and Fergie have a new video for their song "Beautiful Dangerous." The video is very Glam. I have to admit, I'm surprised at just how little clothing Fergie is wearing in this clip. Still, I read the video concept was all her idea. Watch closely - catch all the classic GnR references?

"Beautiful Dangerous" is from the album Slash.

'Back to Haunt You'

Here's a band called Naked you might like. Check it out as there is a definite Glam vibe going on here. The Finnish band has a new album coming out soon called Double Down.

Farewell, Walkman

Sony just announced plans to halt production of the Walkman in Japan. The cassette players are still available in America, but I bet they won't be around for much longer. It's a basic rule of supply vs. demand. All in all, the end of the Walkman era is sad.

The Walkman was born in 1979 just like me. Much like every good invention, there were cheaper knock-offs and I'm pretty sure every kid in my elementary school owned one. I had a few myself. The Walkman wasn't the most durable gadget ever made - and we all know tapes had both their limiting and redeeming qualities. Still, the Walkman was a huge part of Glam. I mean, the Walkman epitomized the 80s!

I made so many mix tapes back in the day. All sorts of mixes. And then I copied the tapes for my friends. Believe me when I saw I was awesome at making mix tapes. Then I put them in my Walkman and listened while in bed or wherever.

Our Glam faves shipped most of their units via cassette. Of course, vinyl was still big in the early 80s but as time marched on, plastic cassettes won out. Then came CDs and I suppose that's when music really changed, but whatever. Even after CDs became popular and common, I had a cassette player. I eventually upgraded to a CD Walkman while in high school. Mainly this was to block out my classmates on Friday night away-game bus rides because I was in the band. I hated being in marching band - especially when it was snowing - but that's another post for another day.

So, the Walkman helped me escape reality, bond with the music I love and make stronger connections with my friends. I love my iPod but it just isn't the same.

Do you have a Walkman memory?

There Is Nothing Good About Hair Metal, Period

I saw a few people Tweeting about Glam last night (via the search function). A few people kept saying "There is nothing good about hair metal, period"

That statement gave me pause.

How can someone just dismiss an entire genre of anything? Surely, these people making such sweeping statements haven't heard all that Glam has to offer. Of course, some people are elitist - and Glam is routinely mocked. Mainstream media always hated our bands back in the day - and they still do. I have no doubt that constant mockery by "critics" has perpetuated the Glam stigma. So, I got to thinking, what would I say to someone that came up at me and said "There is nothing good about hair metal, period."

I think I would tell a person about my childhood memories of Glam, all the fun I've had at shows and all the friends I've made because of this website. In fact, I think I'd talk about the friendships the most. In just about every instance, I've come across people that have become friends by meeting randomly at shows, on message boards and through fan clubs. If the music wasn't good, that wouldn't happen. Sometimes it's not all about the "image" although I still believe a man with a guitar, big hair and makeup is the best. Call me a purist.

What would you say if you heard someone say "There is nothing good about hair metal, period?"

Let's Fix HairNation

If you have satellite radio, then you should be familiar with HairNation. I've had XM for a few years. I used to really enjoy the Boneyard, but then Sirius/XM did some sort of merger-consolidation-switcharoo and some of my favorite channels were changed. Anyway, HairNation became my go-to station and it is still #1 on my presets. But, I just can't listen to HairNation anymore. It's true. I haven't listened to HairNation in probably two months. Now I only listen to CNBC or CNN. I just think all of the satellite music channels are repetitive. If I hear the same song too much I get mad and have delusions of commercial radio. You know, the same pop hit played over and over?

Anyway, all HairNation plays is Whitesnake, Kiss and Motley Crue. Now, I certainly love all three bands but I don't need to hear "Is This Love?" every time Whitesnake comes up in the rotation. Same goes for "Home Sweet Home." HairNation is also obsessed with Bon Jovi, but usually only "Runaway." On occasion I've heard Axe "Rock n' Roll Party in the Streets" but when the station plays a deep cut that like you know you're in for about 10 "typical" Glam songs in a row. By that I mean "Unskinny Bop" and "Round and Round."

I want a special live call-in show that features new and old acts alike! And interviews! And backstage fun!

There are so many great Glam bands that never got huge, so playing a choice cut from one of them once in awhile wouldn't hurt, yes? At the very least, I think we could add in some CrashDiet or Babylon Bombs or something. Let's shake it up! Yes, programming some deep cuts takes a little time and effort, but it is certainly not hard work. We're not talking about ditch digging here. At the very least we should be able to limit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" to, say, six times a day. Honestly, if it wasn't for the talk channels I'd just cancel my satellite radio.

Thoughts?