Ahem, I’m better now. Ok, so is it too much to hope that they come to Columbus? Well, HELL YEAH IT IS. So far no mention of anything closer than Indy. And yeah, yeah Megadeth returns to Cleveland with Slayer & Testament later in the summer. But so far, Columbus is once again bent over the table without the benefit of a warm-up kiss or a bottle of cheap wine.

But I’m not bitter or anything.

Well, maybe Zakk will tour more now, y’know? Oh, and John 5 (Marilyn Manson/Rob Zombie) is rumored to be a contender as Zakk’s replacement. I hope not, personally as I LOVE John 5 and would prefer to see him stay with Zombie. But that’s my own selfish wish.

Anyhow, it’s gonna be interesting, don’t ya’ know. . .

Fark.com –

Interestingly, he shares his birthday with Daryl Hannah (48), Brendan Frasier (40) & Andy Williams (81). Time for a duet with Mr. Williams, I think. Andy would probably be able to knock out a decent rendition of ‘Mr. Crowley’ . . . or an eerily upbeat ‘Flying High Again’.

Coincidentally, this is also the anniversary of the infamous Who concert tramplings at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Coliseum (1979) as well as the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, India that killed thousands in 1984.

There’s tons of other trivia for this day that I’ll spare you, but feel free to dig some up for yourself HERE.

Meanwhile Ozzman, have a burrito on me, mmmk?

I couldn’t help but notice that Jimmy has more than a striking resemblence to another famous, and fanatically dedicated, individual.  I think the photographic evidence speaks for itself below;

A word to the wise – don’t be borrowing Jim’s “precious”, if you value your health.

That being said, I’ve pondered an off comment made by Lars in one of the 10,000 interviews floating around for the album’s release – one conducted by Stevie Chick of the UK’s The Guardian (& linked via Blabbermouth.net HERE).  To paraphrase Mr. Ulrich a bit, he maintains that the world expects Metallica to ’save metal’, to “carry the whole genre on their backs”.

Do you agree?  I usually don’t with some of Ulrich’s rants, but this time – I kinda see his point.   Granted, Lamb of God or Slayer or any of a ton of other bands would probably assert that the genre doesn’t need saving, and I would agree with that assertion as well.  SOME bands are doing quite well on their own, despite the fact that metal isn’t as popular as it was in say, the 80’s.

But what I think Lars is eluding to is there is definitely an underlying sense of anticipation with this release (as there is with Guns N’ Roses “Chinese Democracy”) that goes above & beyond what you normally see with new releases.  It’s the kind of hype that used to surround big releases in the days of vinyl, long before downloading and Itunes and the digital age leveled the playing field between fans and musicians.

I don’t know that anyone expects Metallica to ’save metal’, but I do think there IS an expectation of them leading the charge to where metal goes more mainstream again.  Where songs can be played over-the-air without resorting to them becoming a watered down shadow of their potential (cough cough Disturbed cough) and yes, commercially viable.

It was announced this week that with “Death Magnetic”, it is the first time EVER that a band has released FIVE albums that have bowed at number 1 on the Billboard 200 – that beats the Beatles, U2 & Dave Matthews.  So saved or not, metal lovers still buy the CD’s and spend the cash to support their favs.

Metallica may not have saved us, but they sure did motivate us.  Will that momentum continue, will other bands enjoy similar success now that the floodgates are open?  I guess only time will tell.  But to me, a very clear message has been sent.  

To the labels - the industry is not dead nor is the genre known as Heavy Metal.  Promote quality & you’ll be rewarded.  To the bands, if you want fan support – earn it.  It can be done.  And as fans, we’re eager to see you succeed.  Together, we can all show the world that our music has the best community & most diehard devotees – period.

And as a side note, yeah I will probably make my first Metallica purchase in a very long time.  I can only sit on the sidelines so long, before jumping back into the fray.  Just hate being too trendy.  ;>

Well, I am now holding the finished newly master WZ box set in my hands. Yes, it is done! A long time coming but it is here. I’m not sure what the release day is yet, but it shouldn’t be much longer. I’m pretty you’ll be getting under your Christmas tree.

All I can say is boy the early shit is wacked. I haven’t heard some of these songs in over twenty years. I don’t know what the hell we were thinking.

Everything is including on this set. Over 4 and 1/2 hours of music plus tons of never before seen videos. 5 discs in all.

This is most DEFINITELY on the ole’ Rev’s Christmas list, along with Dani Filth’s “Gospel of the Filth” (assuming he really is going to release it this time!) & the limited edition leatherbound “Tales of Beedle the Bard” by J.K. Rowling.

C’mon Santa – I’ve been REALLY REALLY good this year! [fingers crossed behind my back]

According to Reuters UK, Friar Bonizzi became a metalhead after getting into Metallica about 15 years ago and doesn’t use his metal pulpit to preach Christianity, preferring instead to educate the moshing masses “to try to understand life, to be able to enjoy it. Nothing more.”  He even flashes the metal horns as he prances the stage.   Although I wouldn’t exactly call him a singer, his energy & passion for the form is undeniable – more heart then art.

No word yet on how the Vatican feels about the 62 year old headbanger but based on the response the band has been getting in Italy (especially the Gods of Metal festival where they played about a month ago), it might just be time for the good father to tour.

I’m thinking Fratello Metallo should co-headline with Deicide and call it the ‘True Heaven & Hell’ tour.

In preparation, tonight we had our own Rock School where I showed about 10 videos to the twins in hopes of acquainting them a little with some of Maiden’s greater hits.  ‘Number of the Beast’, ‘Fear of the Dark’, ‘Hallowed be thy Name’ – just to name a few.  The reaction was mild interest, polite attention to my brief intros and more than one sneaky glance at a cell phone to see if a friend, ANY FRIEND, might be calling to save them.

So ok, perhaps my enthusiasm is fueled by memories of the 80’s and I don’t really see Maiden as the group of geezers they probably are in the eyes of a teenager.  Plus, the videos vintage 1983 don’t really make the impression they did back in say, 1983.  However, I think once we’re settled on the lawn, the lights go out, the amps go up and the stage extravaganza that is Iron Maiden pours forth onto the audience – I don’t think for a minute it will look dated or tired.  It will be kewl and it will be loud.  But most of all it will be true metal, which is really what it’s all about. 

I want my girls’ first concert to be something they can unashamedly talk about in 20 years, just like my own was Eric Clapton & Muddy Waters.  Was Clapton my first choice? No, and I didn’t even know who Muddy Waters was at the time, but now it’s a memory I cherish.  I can proudly say I was indoctrinated into the concert-going world in style and class, watching legends of their genres on stage at a historic venue (Cincinnati’s Riverfront Collesium – RIP).  Hopefully, I’m passing the torch to my kids the same way.  If not, screw’em – they’ve got I-pods.

Anyhow, my review will follow on Friday with (hopefully) a playlist to share.   Until then, UP THE IRONS!

This is huge recognition for the band, which they richly deserve (in my opinion) as they’re one of the few long standing metal acts that has consistently maintained a high level of quality, despite enduring line-up changes and the constant ebb & flow of musical trends. Maiden has always been Maiden – whatever incarnation you’re talking about.

And since they’re embarking on perhaps one of the most massive tours of their long careers, what better fitting time for them to get some mainstream press on this side of the pond.  The article goes on to talk about some CNN coverage the band is also getting so be sure to follow the link and read the whole post.

And go buy this issue of Billboard on May 10th so you can read THAT whole article too.  I know I will !