DETROIT DETROIT
LIVE Sept. 2013
UNDERLAND CARNIVAL OF MADNESS / BRION DODSON / DEAD IN 5 / SPONGE KID ROCK / BASS LEGEND-MICHAEL ANTHONY / UPROAR / RISE OF THE TRIBUTE BANDS
EXPORTING THE DETROIT MUSIC SCENE TO THE WORLD
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SEPTEMBER 13TH RAY STREET PARK
MASON DIXON
PISTOL DAY PARADE 9/21
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This Month In Dl 6. SPONGE 8. TRIBUTE PREVIEW: RISE OF THE TRIBUTES 9. BASS LEGEND MICHAEL ANTHONY TALKS VH & CHICKENFOOT WITH DETROIT LIVE’S DARIAN COUNTS 10. BENNY & THE JETS 14. UNDERLAND - COVER STORY 14. THE RIKKI ROXX EFFECT 15. ZOMBIES WRESTLERS & DEAD IN 5 18. UPROAR 22. MICHIGAN FILM MAKER - BRION DODSON 21. JOHN MAYER 24. CHOICE CUTS - ERIC HARABADIAN 25. CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 25. DETROIT LIVE PRESENTS: FAMILY GETAWAYS THIS MONTH : CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT. THOMPSONVILLE MI 27. KID ROCK - IMHO - D.COUNTS 30. HOROSCOPE - ALUNA MICHAELS Contributors: Benny Jet, Eric Harabadian, Jonny Reinhart, Darian Counts, Aluna Michaels, Marc Nader, Sabrina Deville, Rikki Roxx, Jonny Reinhardt, Mark Petty, Matthew Spehar Graphic Design:: Granger Graphics Story Editing: Elizabeth Sinclair Photgraphers: Marc Nader(Cover), Scott Legato, Aaron Gripe (2Eighteen Designs), T Mac Imaging, Christopher Bjornberg Publisher: Granger Publishing Inc. LLC Editor: Darian Counts Cover Photo by Marc Nader
WWW.DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM For advertising information call 734-775-9991 email darian@detroitlivemagazine or buy online at detroitlivemagazine.com
Join us Oct 19th @ Rocky’s Pubforin Riverview the Detroit Live 5 Yr B-Day Bash Discount advanced tickets only $10
For the past 5 years Detroit live magazine has been the Motor city’s ONLY print resource for live local entertainment. Prior to that if you wanted to read about local musicians you had to pick up a real scan for discount tix Detroit or Metro Times and flip through page after page of advertising, escort service ads and political commentary to find a small paragraph and a stamp sized photo of local bands. In 2008 we established Detroit Live Magazine to bring attention to the world’s greatest music scene. Since that time we’ve been the first people to bring you talented artists like Christina Chriss, Ty Stone, JTX, Pistol Day Parade, Ray Street Park, Superlast and many many more. From our Kickoff show in Oct. 2008 until today it’s been an exhilarating battle. Competing against multi million dollar organizations like MT & RD is no small task, but thankfully we’ve had the support of the musicians and fans of the Detroit Music scene which has help us survive and prosper. This Oct 19th we will celebrate 5 years. We hope you will join us at Rocky’s Pub in Riverview with Superlast, the Ruiners & Ray Street Park (more bands TBA) to help us celebrate Detroit’s only live music magazine. Tickets available at Detroit Live issue 1 www.detroitlivemagazine.com
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photo credit Chris Betea.
SPONGE’S SUMMER TOUR “STOPS THE BLEEDING”
In the late 90’s Detroit’s Sponge ruled MTV and commercial rock radio with consecutive hits “Plowed,” “Molly/16 Candles,” “Have You Seen Mary,” and “Wax Ecstatic” in heavy rotation.
Since those heady times, Sponge has weathered the ups and downs of the everevolving music business and the nation’s struggling economy. From major label releases on Columbia and Sony, then downsizing to indie labels, and finally releasing discs on their own Three One Three Records, Sponge pushed on as many of their contemporaries called it quits. Fueled by a large and loyal fan base, and a desire to continue to create music that meant something, Sponge never stopped rocking.
Andy: The last show was the pinnacle. We had the best turn out, and the bands all killed it. Being the final show on the tour it turned into a love fest -‘goodbye see ya soon ROCK ON kind of night.’ Plus tour-ending hijinks and hilarity ensued! DL: Did you have any surreal - pinch me I must be dreaming moments during the tour? Andy: The whole tour was like a dream -a whiskey induced “party till you drop” kind of dream!
DL: What was the hardest show on the tour? I remember it was pretty hot when you played a free show at the Freemont Street Experience in This past summer– Sponge’s hard work and dedication paid off, first with Everclear front-man Las Vegas? Art Alexakis hand-picking the band to join him on the Summerland tour featuring Live and Filter in Andy: Yes, Vegas set the record for heat that day. addition to Everclear. The tour played to packed 124 I believe, and it was 114 degrees during our audiences in 40 venues across the country in set. But none of the shows were “hard” for me. June and July. Towards the end of the tour, the See question #2 good news continued when Brooklyn-based The End Records (home to Danzig and H.I.M.) DL: What was the most unusual item a member offered Sponge a recording contract. of Sponge brought on tour?
by Sabrina Deville.
when you weren’t rocking on stage during the tour? Andy: Sight seeing and bar hunting. We never missed an opportunity to take our lighting guy’s advice on where to go for grub. He has been around and is currently on tour with The Cult. DL: Now about the new CD “Stop the Bleeding.” Have you or Tim ever had to “stop the bleeding” in real life? Andy: I’ve seen a lot of bleeding - gun shot wounds, car accidents, farm accidents, but I differ to the experts to do actual first aid. Although when Tim (Patalan) fell out of a tree and broke his collarbone as a kid, I refused to get help because he pissed me off. Brothers ya know! DL: What is your favorite track on the new CD and why? Andy: I love “Dance Floor.” It’s very different for Sponge. I love a good wrench thrown in from time to time.
Now with the release of the band’s seventh fulllength studio album “Stop the Bleeding” (The End Records), due out September 17, Detroit Live Magazine sat down with Sponge’s guitarist, Andy Patalan. The Gold-certified rock group also includes vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, Tim Patalan on bass, Kyle Nelly on guitar and Billy Adams on drums.
Andy: Probably a leg brace for torn ligaments or See Sponge live on Friday September 13 mixers to make Manhattan’s on the bus. at Diesel Concert Lounge in Chesterfield, Michigan. Doors are at 7 pm and all ages are DL: What was the thing - other than your guitar welcome. Advance copies of “Stop the Bleeding” and photos of your family - that you couldn’t leave will be available at the show. home without when going on tour?
DL: What was the highlight of the Summerland Tour? 6 LIVE - DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
DL: What was your favorite down time activity
Andy: A sense of humor.
For more information on Sponge, please visit spongetheband.com and facebook.com/ spongerocks
and dripping with Blood show that will have you asking yourself. “Is this the real Kiss or a tribute band?” Granted it’s on a smaller scale but I have to imagine that this is what it must have been to see Kiss in their early days, the days when you could get up close and personal with the band. If you were lucky enough to be able to attend an actual Kiss show today, odds are you’d be in seats that would require a pocket sized Hubble telescope to see the band and a second mortgage on your home to purchase the tickets. What Alive Rock City brings is all the music, fire and Brimstone of a Kiss Concert without the high cost of the tickets and the drive to some far off arena. Says Gene Simmons impersonator, Raj Mangipudi “We want to give the crowd what they want; we’ve worked hard to create a show any Kiss fan would love. Our goal to make you forget your seeing a tribute band and give you the feel of the real thing.”
Experience the legends of Metal
tribute bands w/s/g/
THUNDERKISS undead tribute to
Rob Zombie Oct. 5th Rocky’s Pub
Join Alive Rock City, Sins of a Madman and The Holy Divers on Oct 5th at Rockys Pub in Riverview By D. Counts for a night with Kiss, Ozzy Osborne, I’ve noticed over the past few years an increase Ronnie James Dio and our special guests “THUNDERKISS” an undead Tribute to Rob in the amount of tribute bands around Detroit. Zombie. Advanced Tickets are only $10 and I’m not sure exactly why. It may have to do available online at Detroitlivemagazine.com or with the economy. Perhaps many people feel they can’t afford the real thing OR perhaps the at Rocky’s Pub. economy has made things tough on musicians so they‘ve decided to do something that they SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR ADVANCED DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR ONLY $10 each know is in demand. Either way it’s a big win Tix also available at the venue, for the average music fan. One of the newest Limited seating purchase yur tickets TODAY!! Tributes to hit the Detroit area is the Kiss Tribute “Alive Rock City”. Composed of some of Detroit’s most talented musicians, “Alive Rock City” brings all the fire, blood and over the top Sins of a Madman - Ozzy tribute Oct. 5th Rocky’s Pub theatrics that is a Kiss concert and brings it to your local bar. Experienced Musicians Raj “The Demon” Mangipudi as Gene Simmons, Johnny “The Catman” as Peter Criss, John “Spaceman” Dajos as Ace Frehley and Ray “Starchild” Edward as Paul Stanley are no strangers to giving a crowd a show to remember, they’ve been playing the local scene for years and have no trouble reproducing the Kiss Experience.
THE RISE OF THE TRIBUTES!!
www.detroitlivemagazine.com
But getting the make up and stage show right is another story. Months of preparation went into the make up and stage show. Says drummer, Catman “people have certain expectations when it comes to Kiss, just sounding like the band isn’t enough. You have to give them the whole experience and that’s what we try to do.” From Gene Simmons spitting blood to the energy of the entire Kiss show, Alive Rock City gives the crowd what they want, a loud, in your face, partially ablaze
Photo By Marc Nader DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM - LIVE 7
MUSICIAN TO MUSICIAN
Photo By Marc Nader
BASS LEGEND MICHAEL ANTHONY On a fall day in 1980 my best friend’s mom pulled up in front of Cobo Arena in her 1977 Ford Grenada, and dropped him and me off to attend our first concert. It was Van Halen. As we traversed the mountain of stairs that was the climb to our “Tier C” seats we had no idea what to expect. The warm up band took the stage and I was unimpressed. To me they were obstacles to the main attraction and a nuisance. Their name I believe was “The Fools” and without even listening to them I assumed it fitting. They finished their set and the house lights came on shedding light on an army of roadies scurrying to layout Van Halen’s equipment. The arena had the vibe of a Carnival. People were awash in beer, beach balls and *Oly Balls were flying thru the air and the smoke was so think you could cut it. Then darkness. The lights went out. The void was immediately speckled with warm micro glow of thousands of cigarette lighters and just as I begin to absorb the awe of the room, it happened. Boom the bass. First of Michael Anthony’s bass guitar but soon there after of Alex Van Halen’s bottom heavy double (and later on Quadruple) bass
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TALKS WITH DETROIT LIVE’S DARIAN COUNTS
drum kit. Almost simultaneously the whole stage erupts as David Lee Roth comes flying thru the air and Eddie Van Halen saunters out doing things to a guitar we’d never heard before. THE SHOW WAS ON! This was a Van Halen Show. I was addicted. As time went on I attended many VH shows. All of them a pseudospiritual experience. So when the opportunity to talk with Michael Anthony arose I was truly speechless for a second...1 second. Aside from being the bassist for one of the greatest show bands of the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s... (And some 2000’s) He was part of something that changed music. Van Halen changed the way guitar was viewed. Granted a lot of that was due to Eddie’s style, talent and hard work. But to me I couldn’t help but noticed that while Eddie and Dave were always the main attraction. What really made the show flow was the precision of Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen. Both of whom I rarely have even heard speak. Michael Anthony is a fantastic bassist, its true. Buts it’s his bass chops plus his signature background vocals that give
every Van Halen song its Depth. From “Running with the Devil” to “Romeo’s Delight” “to “Finish what we Started” . It was always Michael Anthony’s vocals that set Van Halen apart from the throngs of imitators who followed, bringing us the glam hairball bands of the 80’s. For years as a fellow musician and band member I always had appreciation for Michael Anthony’s talent and professionalism while having to support band mates who can be, and how can I put this…heavy on the pre-madonna and light in the production. Granted he was in a fantastic position to be able to contribute to and enjoy all of what rock and roll has to offer and he seemed to be fully aware of that fact. Then in 2004 I heard that Van Halen and Sammy Hagar were parting ways I wasn’t totally surprised. I had been a Sammy fan since before way before VH and knew Sammy would be fine on his own. But when I heard that Michael Anthony was leaving Van Halen with Sammy. I knew there was a shift in the space time continuum. So
do it now. When I saw that I was like “Right the fuck on Dave!” At this point digress into a conversation about Dave Grohl’s awesomeness that you can hear www. detroitlivemagazine.com MA: So for the next Chickenfoot record I brought like four amps one of them custom made, and a bunch of guitars but after checking them all out, I ended up using that same bass amp that I used on the first record. Just because for some reason it sounded great with Chad’s drums. when the opportunity arose to talk with Michael this DC: I was watching ad old summer I took advantage of my magazine credentials video of Van Halen with Dave and it was about 1983 to satisfy my base musical urge to shoot the breeze, and during the opening song he couldn’t remember musician to musician with bass legend Michael Anthony. the words. I thought to myself, as a musician; wow that would be frustrating. To be playing some of the biggest Having a huge list of questions and only about a half shows of your life and the lead singer can’t be bothered hour to talk to him I opted to just have a conversation to to either know the words or at least let someone know get a sense of his personality rather than peppering him he doesn’t know them and to pick a new opening song. with questions. Especially since you and Alex are pretty spot on with all of your parts. I can’t remember what concert it was... DC: So you know one of our hometown boys, Chad Smith…? MA: Dude. It was like every single show. Well now know you know how it was when Dave left the band. MA: Oh Yes I do. (He says laughing) It was frustrating DC: What’s happening with Chickenfoot?
DC: And you and Alex were so deep in the pocket… always.
back and let Dave do all the talking. DC: So Wolfgang is playing your stuff with VH now. How do you feel about that? MA: It’s all good. Wolfgang is a talented musician, he can play bass, drums guitar, he’s great and I’m sure they’re a great band. DC: Yes, but they’re not Van Halen. At least not the one I want to see. Last time they came to Detroit with Dave I was excited to see them, until I found out you weren’t playing bass and that they weren’t really playing Sammy VH songs. MA: One of the cool things is that when you come a Sammy show with me you’re going to hear some of those cool “Sammy VH” songs that “Dave VH” just won’t play. Not because they’re not good songs but because Dave just can’t sing them. And as for the songs that we play; this is the only time you’re going to hear them played live by half of the actual band. Because I know they’ll (Dave VH) never play them. DC: What songs? MA: Like, “When its love, Poundcake, Why can’t this be love Finish what you started” stuff like that. We can’t play too many om this tour because Sammy just has so much material of his own. DC: So you guys are doing the 4 decades of rock tour. How are you feeling after all these years. MA: Were doing fantastic, having a great time and putting on some incredible shows. I mean Sammy is 65 years old; I think he’ll be 66 soon. I mean the guy is a machine. And he shows no signs of stopping.
MA: Chickenfoot is on hold because of Chad and the Chili peppers are out doing there thing. But I was talking MA: We had to be man! I mean Ed was so unorthodox DC: Really??? Sammy’s that old. Holy cow. That’s incredible. to Joe (Satriani) about getting together in the studio with the way he played and Dave was…we’ll he was just around hopefully around December. Dave. Alex and I had to be on. MA: I’m not far behind. I’m going on 60. DC: Are you writing material now or do you guys get together in the studio and write there?
DC: What’s Alex Van Halen like. I don’t hear much from him publicly.
MA: Joe is always writing, were hoping to start pooling ideas around the end of this year then hopefully early next year well all get together in the studio.
MA: He’s a great guy. I’ve always got along Great with Alex. He and I trashed a lot of hotels and dressing rooms. He’s definitely an opinionated guy, but publicly he tends to stay in the background. But you have to remember that with VH Dave he wanted to be the mouthpiece for the band. So for a while all just stepped
DC: Where is “the Studio”? MA: We get together at Sammy’s Studio in the Bay area. This is where we recorded the previous chicken foot records. It’s great over there. It’s very comfortable, plus we get to drive around in one of Sammy’s cars. (Laughs).
DC: WHAAAT. The hell you say! Then you must have sold your soul to the devil. MA: Well I don’t drink the Jack like I used to. Although Sammy’s always trying to get me to drink his Tequila and Rum. DC: Do you have side businesses like Sammy and his Tequila? Cont on 27
DC: is there a big difference in the writing and recording with Chickenfoot as opposed to Van Halen? MA: Well, prior to Chickenfoot I had never recorded out of the L.A. area. With Van Halen we were always in L.A. Then in 1984 we started recording at Ed’s place. So I’d never recorded out of the L.A. area. Then the first time Chickenfoot got together in just picked up a little bass amp, an Ampeg B15 and a couple guitars went up there to jam. Before that, at Ed’s place I’d have 10 bass amps and 30 guitars ‘because Ed could get pretty particular about the sound. But with Chickenfoot I showed up with that little amp and it just sounded great with the kit Chad was playing. So we did the album live in the studio… which very few people do any more. Unless your under Dave Grohl’s influence, he’s one of the few guys that really knows how to record. DC: You’re a Dave Grohl Fan? MA: Oh Yeh, from the movie he did and sound city studios. And then I saw him on an award show talking about how to really build a band and the way things should be recorded as opposed to how people try and
Photo Marc Nader DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM - LIVE 9
Benny &
The Jets The Column
By Benny Jet
The band, the song, the movie, the man, the beard, the van, the radio show, the Pawn Star TV guy, the book, or in this case let’s call it the column! Right off the bat, let’s start off with the book! Yes yours truly is mentioned in a new, FIVE STAR RATED book, called The Handoff; by sports radio host JT the Brick.
Big Hoss, Chummly, and the Old Man. As in Rick’s father not ME. But you may have seen me, long white hair and beard, on the first segment of the first show, of the new season. We did a segment about Jesse James’ gun. The show can be seen on cable via on demand and will rerun in reruns all year. (The clip is also on the Benny and the Jets facebook page) The famous gun came from a legendary Detroit night club called the Military Inn that my father owned. I inherited the 1873 Colt 45 that clamed to be the gun that killed Jesse James. I took it to Pawn Stars. They loved it, loved the story and the controversy around it, wanted to see it, hold it, touch it, but they didn’t want to write a check for it, LOL! There is a difference between being interested and writing checks.
a slot on the Rock Star Roar Festival at DTE. The Free Beer Band, found a new place to play in Ann Arbor, called World of Beer. So that is Free Beer at World of Beer find more info at freebeernet. com.
I heard from Tommy C., who’s son Tommy Clufetos plays drums for Ozzy, and now Black Sabbath. KALEIDO They where back stage at the Palace concert and It is a book about life, death, read the column and sent us a PHOTO! We talked friendship, giving back, about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tommy and paying it forward. works with Chubby Checker and Chubby is not It mentions sports, and happy that he is NOT in the Rock Hall of Fame. It radio, even Benny and the does seem odd that Chubby’s song the Twist was Jets band, but it is about, picked by Billboard Magazine as the number one success, living life the right rock record of all time, and he is NOT in? There way, passion, energy, and OK, this is the part of the column where we mention may be some kind of conspiracy ... Chubby is not doing the right thing. Find lots of area musicians and see how many you in, Monkees, Paul Revere and the Raiders, KISS, JT’s book THE NOT in the Hall of Fame, but Patti Smith is ???? know, and how many you can tell, you read about HANDOFF also available in Please someone sent this to them! them in the column. audio book form at amazon.com. MATTO, Mike Carry, Howling Diablos. Infatuations, Hear Benny and the Jets Wednesdays 5pm on I can’t recommend this book highly enough! Every Killer Flamingos, Fall Prey, Pistol Day Parade, WCXI 1160 am or via the FREE tunein phone app. student, father, doctor, nurse, waitress, entertainer, Daniel Harrison, Chain Reaction, Eddie Cooper, Thursdays acoustic open mic at the Redford Moose preacher, teacher, politician, people who aspire, Sweet Crystal, Halloween, Cruizin Jupiter, Jennifer on 5 mile west of Telegraph. Fridays 5pm dinner or who you would like to see aspire to greatness, with the Jet at Greek Island Bar and Grill on 11 Westwood, 34 Bliss, Critical Bill, Bristol Street, needs to see this book. mile just west of Halstad. Saturdays at Do Hickey’s Kaleido, 50 Amp Fuse, Joe Lagraci Band with downtown Wyandotte. Find Benny and the Jets James Cloyd and Curtis Sumpter, Jackstand, 3 How about Pawn Star TV? Yours truly has done a Whisker Betty, Jeremiah Ferguson, Ray Street on FACEBOOK and sent stuff for the column lot of things over the years but maybe none bigger Park, DJ Prezident, DJ Lee, Remedy, Nightmare, to benejets@aol.com. then the Pawn Star TV show. Pawn Stars, based Spittin Whiskey, Ty Stone, and D Counts and the out of Las Vegas, is said to be the highest rated Billionaires. cable show on TV. It stars Rick Harrison, his son Bulletproof Snow won the Ernie Ball Battle and got
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UNDERLAND Photos by Marc Nader
Story by Jeff Marzolf
HATEWATER
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Underland Releases “Hatewater”
By Jeff Marzolf
underland In an area where the practice of outsourcing work to other places has become commonplace, the three members of the hard rock band Underland made it a point to keep things in house when it came to its new CD—“Hatewater.” “There won’t be too many other credits on the album other than the three of us and our families,” explained Bassist Chris Lucas, acknowledging his other band members Guitarist Lou Abraham and Drummer Lawrence Wilson. The three musicians from Downriver can take credit for all the music on the 11 tracks on the CD, in addition to the recording, producing and mastering of it. It’s been 1 ½ years in the making, but the end result is as heavy of a sound as you’ll hear. The CD may have been recorded in a small backroom of the band’s rehearsal studio, but the sound is large. “You’d never know by the sound that we’re not in a high end studio,” said Abraham, who learned a lot about recording through many long hours. His fellow band mates joke that it was about 1,400 in all. It was exhausting at times admits Abraham. There was problem with the computer at one point and Abraham thought that all their hard work was gone. “It was nerve racking for awhile thinking that we’d lost everything,” he admits. Wilson was apprehensive at first about not recording in a studio, but he was blown away by the sound of his drum kit when he heard the final result. “If we didn’t get the sound that we wanted, then would have been back to the drawing board. But I feel that we nailed it. Now it’s up to the listening public to decide how it sounds,” he said. When asked about the ambient sound of the room used, Lucas replied, holding the CD, “The proof is in the pudding, man.” Lucas and Wilson hold down the rhythm section, while Abraham plays lead guitar. Their many years of playing together have paid off. They’re all on the same page when playing and it comes through on the CD and especially when the band performs live. The band is hesitant to call “Hatewater” a concept album, but in reality it is. It didn’t start out that way
according to Abraham, but once they started exploring the concept of “hate water,” which was a phrase that Lucas’s son use while crossing a water bridge in Riverview, they felt that they were on to something. “Hatewater” is not about a particular city. But it’s about many cities, many of which are bordered by water in what is considered the Rust Belt of America. The songs on “Hatewater” are woven together to tell the story of a man who does not fair so well in the end. It tells the tale of the man who eventually meets his demise as a direct and indirect their actual songwriting process during these sessions result of the economic failures of the region. too. For “Hatewater,” they’d all work on riffs and from those they’d have the music foundation for song. Despite the grim theme of the record, Abraham is quick Lucas said the music comes first because they’re all to point out that, “We’re not another pissed off metal musicians, which means that all band members are band. We’re not trying to exploit Detroit and its tough able to play different instruments. times,” he added. The band and “Hatewater” is more of a reflection of what has happened to this area over the The concept and the lyrics for a song take shape past 20 years. through a visual in a notebook that the band keeps on hand. It looks like a wheel, where the hub is the main There are a number of people that the guys know who idea of the song and the words make up the spokes couldn’t hack it after they lost their jobs in the auto of the wheel. Lawrence pointed out that when it’s industry or as a supplier. These are people who did completed, the drawing looks a lot like the layout of not prepare themselves for the future. They weren’t the City of Detroit, where all roads lead to the center prepared for when the bottom fell out according to the of the city. three men. Many of these people ended up addicted to booze and pills like the character depicted in the songs The band intends to branch out and start touring on “Hatewater.” outside of Detroit to help support “Hatewater.” “We’ve got the gear and we’ve got the van and The band is determined to learn from the past. It we’re ready to go,” according to Lucas. The band is believes in hard work and takes a blue collar approach looking for management to help them break outside to their jobs as musicians. They practice without fail of Detroit. “But usually that doesn’t happen until we every Tuesday and Thursday. Setting up and playing get a record deal,” Wilson pointed out. The release of together has become a sort of Rock n’ Roll ritual for “Hatewater” should help their cause. them over the years. They setup all their gear every time that they practice. “We enjoy the setup process because The music is available online outlets including, we’re all gear heads,” admits Abraham. ITunes, Amazon and Spotify starting August 28. The official CD Release party is at Rocky’s Pub in Tuesdays are dedicated for what Wilson describes as, Riverview, Saturday, Sept. 21. “Drilling and Tapping,” where the three do nothing but jam. Thursdays are for “‘Refining” the product that they’ve worked on from Tuesday. These sessions are kept to the three of them for the most part. “If there’s even one non band member in the room, we feel like it’s a performance. We like to save that for the stage,” according to Lucas.
JOIN
Underland
They’ve honed
for the “Hatewater” CD release party at Rockys pub Sept. 21st
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The Rikki PerfectRoxx PitcherEffect Aug 10th By : Rikki Roxx
front of 2 people, I have played in front of 2,000 people.
Both of those statements are completely false, it’s not too expensive, that is how much quality costs. Sure, you can get it cheaper, but it won’t sound The first thing that I would encourage ANY new like what it needs to sound like to be taken seriband to do, first and foremost, which is a lesson ously. Also, you CAN afford it, it might take your that I have just recently learned, from the drum- band awhile to get the money together, but if mer of a band in Detroit that is doing phenomyou still say you can’t afford it, then obviously the enal things with his group. This too is a very obvi- song isn’t good enough, and you should keep writous nugget of wisdom, but again, one that very ing until you are willing to put that money down. few bands take into practice. Write a great song. Read that phrase again, engrain it in your minds, If you have read to this point, and you are a little write a GREAT song, not a cool song, not a fun overwhelmed, then good, this is the reality of this song, not a cool jam with a shredding guitar solo, business, not only in Detroit, but everywhere. It is write a great song. the bands and artists that try to ‘cheap’ their way through that are going to be the ones playing the Now, what does that mean? Write a song that same bars week in and week out. You, after all, Having spent the better half of my life in and people will listen to, it needs the whole package, are trying to go somewhere, to make something out of bands in this Detroit music scene, I have great vocals, great dynamics, great songwriting, of yourselves. learned a lot. I learned most without having a great everything. Write your best song, before mentor or an instruction manual of sorts on how exactly to start a band off in the right direc- you play a show, before you take those awesome If you are reading this and are actually learning publicity shots, get that first song, your hit, and something, or getting anything out of it, then I tion, and to stay on track. write it. It is easier said than done, I have yet to have done my job, which is to give you all the have written that song, and hopefully 90% of the best advice I can give. With that, I will give you all Having lost track many moons ago as to how bands I see haven’t written that song yet. a month or two to take all this in and implement many bands I have been in and out of, I have it. Maybe next month I will throw another tip or learned a lot of ‘what to do’ and ‘what not to two at you. I am here to help YOU succeed. Take do’ pointers along the way. The purpose of this Okay, now you have what you think is your hit, the song that people will flock over, that will be everything I say and do what you like with it. article, and several other articles that will be coming in the future, is to pass the knowledge I spun on FM radio, internet radio, college radio, If you want to harass me, comment, or anything have gained to those out there who are clueless AM radio, anywhere, people will dig the song. like that, drop me an email at rikki@rikkiroxxefas to what to do. This goes out to the people sit- Now you think you are ready to play that first show to unleash the fury that is your new hit onto fect.com. Or if you would rather talk to me, tune ting in their garage who ‘just want to rock out.’ the world? into RawRadioX.com on Sunday nights from 7-10pm and give me a call, and give me a piece of To those people, this is the biggest tip, the Not so fast, at this point in the game, this is where your mind. Until next time, keep it real kids. wisest thing I have ever learned, it will seem completely obvious, but you would be surprised I find a lot of bands jump the how many musicians and bands never take this gun. Everyone wants to go ‘rock out’ and ‘tear the roof to heart. This is a business, this isn’t a reason off.’ But there is still work to to jam with your buddies and get some drinks. be done, this is where the If that is how you are approaching being in a band, learn some covers, get good at them, and business of being in a band comes into play. Now it is play the one of the many cover bars around town. This article is not for you, this goes out to time to actually go in and the people who want to attempt to make some- record this song, so what do you do? Go buy a little rething of their band, to take it to the proverbial corder, hit the red button and ‘next step.’ record your song? Go to the Now, at this point, I feel I should give you all my cheapest studio you can find and lay it down? Unfortunate‘credentials,’ for those of you who don’t know ly, no, it’s not that easy. me personally, or professionally, just to make this whole thing sound more, legitimate. The saying is true; mostly in this case, you get what you I joined my first band at the age of 14, when I pay for. Go find out where played guitar and sang (very badly, albeit), but that’s when I learned my first lesson, and a very your favorite bands went and recorded, and talk to the important one. No matter how good you think studio owners about rates, you are, there is always someone better. get the pricing down. You are going to be vastly surprised Since that very first band (I won’t bother you when they tell you some of with the name, I don’t need you all hopping those insane numbers, numon YouTube or something and finding video), bers at the point where you I have been in upwards of 25 bands in those could almost buy a nice used 15 years. Some of those bands only lasting a car for that amount. I know couple weeks, or even a couple shows, some what you are thinking at this bands lasting upwards of 6 years, and the rest point, it’s too expensive, and is everything in between. I have done the touryou can’t afford it. ing, I have done the recording. I have played in 14 LIVE - DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
ZOMBIES,
WRESTLERS AND DEAD IN 5 By Sabrina Deville
Dana: Dana Deadly – I’d kill ‘em with my bass moves and my tall leather boots! Peder: My stage name is “The Terminator” – I pretty much play my guitar like a hatchet on stage…WWE look out! DL: Favorite or most brutal movie death scene and why Robert: My favorite movie death scene would have to be in “Silence of the Lambs” when Hannibal Lechter is in the holding cage and then he massacres the two police officers. He cannibalizes one and cuts the face off the other -wearing it as a mask to escape from the authorities; It’s very graphic and terrifying because it’s so real.
Photo Chris Betea. Detroit-based hard rockers Dead in 5 have had a meteoritic rise since debuting in January 2013. Born from the ashes of acclaimed acts 60 Second Crush and Mansfield Park, Dead in 5 had their first live show inside The Vigilantes M/C and have been going full speed ahead ever since. Catching the ear of horror movie director Cody Knotts (cousin to legendary comedian Don Knotts), Dead in 5 is slated to have 7 songs featured in “Pro-Wrestlers Vs. Zombies” (Troma films) slated for worldwide release this October. The movie stars WWE legends Rowdy Roddy Piper and Kurt Angle. Detroit Live Magazine sat down with the members of Dead in 5 including Ryan “Schimdog” Schimming on drums, Dana “Deadly” Forrester on bass, Peder “The Terminator” Seglund on guitar, Brent “Lucky 7” Hall also on guitar and Robert Libres on vocals - to discuss all things wrestling, zombies and horror. DL: What is your favorite Zombie Movie? Robert: My favorite zombie movie is “Zombieland” with Woody Harrelson. It’s a hilarious look at the Zombie Apocalypse. Brent: Mine is also “Zombieland” – it’s all about the double tap – or in my house the double jack! Dana: I love “Planet Terror.” It doesn’t get more badass – or hot – than Rose McGowan wielding a machine gun leg! Schim: I’m a huge “Walking Dead” fan. I love the complex twists and the show isn’t afraid to kill off main characters – no one is safe!
Peder: “Zombie Strippers” – a B movie that came out in 2008. Yeah it’s pretty awful but you gotta give ‘em points for having Jenna Jameson and Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) starring in it! DL: Who’s your favorite WRESTLER and why?
Schim: The most disturbing death scene was in “Reservoir Dogs.” Michael Madson (Mr. Blonde) ties up a cop and cuts his ear off, and then he pours gas on him and burns him alive. I still have nightmares about that scene. Brent: When Jason Bourne beat that dude to death in the apartment with his bare hands. Nothing says I’ll kick your ass quite like that scene! Peder: When android Rutger Hauer kills his creator in “Blade Runner.” Brutal – it’s like murdering God.
Dana: – I’m obsessed with the movie Robert: Stone Cold Steve Austin – he’s a beer drinking bad ass who got by on attitude “Machete” - so it has to be when Michelle Rodriguez uses her Stiletto as a murder with minimal physical talent! weapon! Fashion KILLS – literally! Schim: My favorite was Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. I enjoyed watching him jump off the top ropes as a kid.
Dead in 5’s debut CD is now available on Itunes and Amazon.
See Dead in 5 live on Friday September 20 Dana: The Undertaker – that’s a no- Zombie- at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan. brainer! The band is hosting a “Hard Rock Freak Show” with special guests Doppelganger Brent: The Iron Sheik. This kid used to Sideshow Circus, A.S.S., Bullet for Breakfast, tease me down the street. I put him in this Grand Circus, Shetan Noir and other Sheik move- I can’t believe his spine did not surprises. snap in two. Long story short …I was never teased again... For more on Dead in 5 please visit facebook. com/deadinfive and twitter@deadin5 Peder: Chris Jericho. He has beaten all the greats including The Undertaker, Steve Austin, and The Rock. Plus his band Fozzy is pretty cool. DL: If you were a Wrestler what would your name be and why? Robert: My wrestling name would be Super Bob “The Flying Pilipino” lol Schim: I was a wrestler in college and I went by the name Ryan O’Brien. Now they call me “Ray the Intruder” for other skills that I can’t mention here! DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM - LIVE 15
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UPRO FINALLY! I am seeing my favorite rock band for the first time in my life. Alice in Chains headlined Rockstar Energy’s Uproar Festival this year and I could not have been happier with the evening of bands from veteran Guns n Roses bassman Duff McKagan and his new project moving onto two bands that I consider being frontrunners of what I call the “New Wave of Progressive Pop Rock”. That, along with Dave Navarro shirtless, (big surprise) eventually led up to the biggest shocker of the night. I’ll get to that in a minute. The Walking Papers is totally not what I thought it might have been. I heard Duff had put a new band together, so naturally I thought of some straight forward bass heavy rock. Why not? If anyone can do it, it’s him. Boy was I surprised to see an Electric Organ brought out onstage to accompany Duff and his new singer and longtime friend, Jeff Angell. The man on the keys started a bluesy riff that led to the almost chilling display of soulful blues grittier than any campfire skillet. At
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OAR
first, like me, the crowd was almost just standing there almost motionless! We were taking it in. We’d never heard these songs before and we were in love with this new, true, and blue smack-you-where-you-needit sound that McKagan has brought us with his new quintet. Definitely check out Walking Papers! This will not be the last we see of them! The Hill “Lawn” was full of youth. When I say youth I mean ages 13-late 20’s. And they were there for a stunning set of bands that make up what I’m calling my “N.W.O.P.P.R”. Circa Survive was first. I remember my indie friends in high school talking about them opening for Billy Talent, but I had never listened to them. After hearing recently that they were still around, and main-stage at a HUGE rock festival told me that they were doing something special. Since ’05 they’ve shared the stage with Thursday, 30 Seconds to Mars, Linkin Park and even Cannibal Corpse among others seeming to be a “Fit in anywhere” rock band. That’s exactly what they are. Edgy and wickedly timed beats with two virtuosic guitarists both leading back and forth making some great and upbeat “poppy” progressive rock that everyone can move their heads back and forth cont. on 21 Article by Jonny Reinhardt Photos by Marc Nader
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Photo by Steve Galli
Uproar cont.
to. The uniqueness of ‘Circa’ definitely lies in the vocalist, a finely tuned almost falsetto like arrangement of lyrics were well placed and being chanted by all of the die-hard’s in the pavilion near me. They knew every damn word and couldn’t sing as well. Ha. Coheed and Cambria. Truly, I’ve never been a fan and after this performance, I am still not a fan. They are super talented and well-rehearsed. They had a great following as well, and I fully respect that aspect. They are ‘doing work’ most definitely in the music biz. I personally have a few friends that couldn’t make it to see them and were really upset about it. The performance was solid and from what I could tell, not a note was missed. As the stage crew changed sets for Jane’s Addiction, I made my way back to the hill to hang among my people. The Coheed and Cambria fans thinned and made room for us 70’s and 80’s children waiting to see Perry Farrell come on out and be as sexually charged as any frontman has been since David Lee Roth.
John Mayer in Detroit John Mayer performing on his Born & Raised Tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre wowed the crowd with what John Does best; Making his guitar sing. Playing in front of an almost capacity crowd, Mayer brought the house down with his first solo tour in almost three years. JM takes rock and infuses it into the blues, pop, country and folk. John’s 40 city tour is well on its way and well run until October. This is a must see show for all music lovers.
The dude is fifty four freaking years old and was jumping around that stage like he just won the lottery busting out all the classics we came to see. It was pure throwback mode at DTE since the moment Navarro came out to greet the audience. Accompanied with two barely dressed and fully sexy acrobat/dancers that also kept us entertained during some of the most killer solos I’ve ever heard live. Honestly! I never thought they’d come from Dave Navarro. I was floored. Alice in Chains was next. The slowly bended guitar riff that begins “Check my Brain” sounded and I went nuts along with the packed amphitheater. William Duvall is truly a class act musician and vocalist and I think he does the lineup great justice. At first I was upset that Layne Staley had been replaced within 3 years. But I quickly got over that after hearing Black Gives Way to Blue in its entirety. Tonight they only played a few new but mostly old 90’s favorites. They started the classics with “Again” and I literally shed a tear for a minute as I was overwhelmed by the absence of Layne. Duvall gave his rendition of “Them Bones” that was explosive in attack and almost had me moshing. Oh yeah, and that ‘Big shocker’… Jerry Cantrell has CUT HIS HAIR!!! And there was NO ENCORE! Regardless of an encore, I had finally seen as much Alice in Chains as I could get and was very satisfied with my rocking evening of young and old(ish)! DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM - LIVE 21
Director Brion Dodson
DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE:
By Mark Petty
Making a micro-budget feature film without a single zombie in sight I just spent a day on the street I wish I’d grown up on. It was a block party with cotton candy, sno-cones, sack races; you name it, all leading up to the big neighborhood parent/kid team bike race. Only it wasn’t real. It was a film set. I was invited by filmmaker Brion Dodson to the last day of shooting for his film, “The Route.” Brion, who grew up in Lincoln Park and lives with his wife and family in Wyandotte, has had this idea since high school. Well, actually before that, he and his brothers Eric and Shawn had been fascinated with film since they were kids. Brion worked for 15 years at a local steel mill and then, a few years ago, he was laid off. All too common around these parts. But, instead of despair, he saw this as an opportunity. With the unwavering, undying support of his wife, Kelly, he decided to jump into his lifelong dream with both feet. He attended the Lifton Institute for Media Skills in the Art Department track where he met a number of wonderful people that would come to form the core of his production team. He worked on several projects with his friends and family (a theme which will become all too clear), won the audience choice award at two, 48-hour film challenges, and then set his mind and his pen to the story that had captivated him since his days at Lincoln Park High. “The Route” follows a most exceptional day in the life of young Charlie Crabtree. Charlie is the imaginative sort and doesn’t understand the adult work-a-day world. More specifically, he wonders why his dad doesn’t have time to play with him. Inspired by some old photographs and trying to surprise and impress his dad, he decides to customize his bike to make it look just like his father’s, all done up for the big race so many years ago. To raise the money for this endeavor, Charlie agrees to take over his buddy Sam’s paper route for a day. Along the way, he is forced to deal with a cast of wacky customers and strange events. At the end of this grueling day, in a twist of fate, he leaves his dad waiting for him at the starting line. Charlie has missed the race. Speaking candidly, Brion said that this father/son role reversal very much mirrors his life right now. He aptly describes the film as a coming of age story but really, he said, “It’s about me doing what I’m doing right now. I’m going to do what I want to do and be the person I want to be. I’m not going to have a regular job. I’m going to
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make movies.” I wonder how many of us have that kind of courage of our convictions. Brion would be the first to tell you that none of this could’ve been done without the love and support of his family, for this is truly a family business. His brothers Eric and Shawn are intimately involved in the production, as they have been for so many years, Eric as Director of Photography and Shawn as Grip and Gaffer. On set, one can easily see that they’ve done this before. They share the telepathy of both colleagues and siblings. A look and a nod and it’s onto the next setup. “My wife,” he said, with a smile filled with love, admiration and respect, “she’s the one that makes everything run.” Kelly is a dynamo, keeping all the moving parts pointed in the right direction. She handles much of the production end of the business and, on set, she is Brion’s eyes, ears and hands, getting every one and every thing in its proper place.
Via Indiegogo, fundraisers and contributions from family and friends, Brion raised in the neighborhood of $16,000 to produce his film. This certainly qualifies as low budget. Also with what he described as a “simple enough storyline,” he constructed the script to lend itself to the low budget filmmaking process. Retrospectively he said, “I guess in a way, it is my little low budget horror movie.” One that he, his family and Brion’s stepson Kyle is the star of the show, portraying his friends could be proud of. Charlie Crabtree. Brion wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Kyle, seeing as he’s had no formal While the budget is modest at best, the productions training. Of one thing he was sure: Kyle could value is very high. The primary camera is the state of the memorize lines. In the third grade play, Kyle played art Red Scarlet. A number of high-end Canon DSLR’s are Chief Pontiac. Brion said, with hands aloft, “He was also being used, as well as a Swan Freestyle, the type of up there, summoning his tribes for battle. Fearless.” camera that is mounted on BMX bike racer’s helmets. While the other kids came on stage and read their Add to that Curtis Vest’s crane and mobile rig and you lines off of sheets of paper, Kyle knew the entire play have a film that will give Hollywood a run for its money. verbatim. Another concern Brion had was the grueling This is no amateur, weekend camcorder movie. schedule. Kyle was a trooper throughout the shoot, giving an inspired, emotional performance on every Shortly after I arrived on set, I was conscripted by 1st AD take. Melanie Lear to be an extra and portray a father in the big bike race scene. It took some coaxing but soon she Brion’s troupe of friends, or extended family as assuaged my fears of falling off of the bike and looking he calls them, round out the crew. Melanie Lear, like a fool. I happily drank the Kool-Aid. No pretense of Producer and 1st Assistant Director, has been with journalistic objectivity here. I learned firsthand why so him through the 48-hour film challenges and other many professionals in the area are eager to work with projects. Amy Gibson, Script Supervisor, is his “right Dodson and his company, Captive8 Productions. Brion’s hand man,” and also brother Shawn’s girlfriend. primary requirement for gathering his team is, “be a Curtis Vest is a bit of a magician as Grip and Gaffer. cool person.” He feels that this will lead to a better film. He constructed a film crane out of bed rails and old This is evidenced by the fact that, on set, everybody car window motors. He even converted his old pickup does everything. No one simply does his or her job. truck into a filming rig made out of discarded railings from Jeeper’s , an indoor animated theme park. They Donna Terwilliger, Effects Makeup Artist and unofficial are all as appreciative of him as he is of them. “Zombie Queen of Michigan,” said that it was an honor to work with Brion and his crew. I could see why. Many independent filmmakers get their start making Everyone I spoke with kept telling me how they were horror films. They can be made with very small happy to be involved and that the team was more like budgets, shot quickly and have the ability to turn a a family than a film crew. High praise for a filmmaker. modest investment into Perhaps Laura Bailey who portrays Wanda Crabtree, a large profit. Often the Charlie’s mom in the film, stated it best. “This was premise is simple: Get the kind of production that makes one not only want six teenagers into a room to be a better actor, but a better person.” This is not and kill them. Add fake overreaching. Brion and his band of, as he describes blood and some butcher them, “Warrior poets,” are doing it the right way, the shop leftovers and you’ve hard way, and for the right reasons. While apprehensive launched a career. Brion to look too far into the future, Dodson did say that he’d said that, while he does like “The Route” to be profitable so that he could give like the thriller variety of his cast and crew, “…more of what they deserve and horror, the blood and guts have earned.” In this starry-eyed, cutthroat, win-at-alltype has never appealed costs business, it is indeed rare and refreshing to see to him. “I’ve never cared such a generous attitude. Now all they need is a little for horror movies. The cooperation to make the impossible possible. Keep an slasher-gore kind of crap. eye out for Captive8 Productions’ “The Route.” You can Gratuitous violence. No find information about the film on Facebook. Simply good storyline.” It just type in “The Route” in the search bar at the top of the isn’t in him to make that page. Tell your friends to do the same. Then, when the kind of film. film is released, go see it. And don’t forget to bring the kids.
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Eric Harbadians
Going Underground: Paul McCartney, The Beatles and the UK Counter-Culture (DVD, Pride PGDVD161): Choice Cuts September 2013 This British Bus Stop Poets, Self-Titled CD (www.facebook.com/busstoppoets ): produced documentary The sunny and celebratory track that spotlights a period in early opens this eight song disc is aptly titled “(It’s ‘60s art, literature and music a) Beautiful Day.” From the lean guitar crunch that paved the way for coupled with perky synthesizer hooks and sweet the underground cultural harmonies—you’ll be entranced instantly. Perhaps movement that was sweeping that’s what happened with the Chevrolet ad execs through London at the time. that decided to use the song in their latest Traverse American beat poets like television campaign. But there’s certainly more Allen Ginsberg and William here, with the clever wordplay and frantic beat Burroughs were mixing with of “Hey Neophyte.” Tunes like “Compromise” and avant garde visual artists and “Supplemental Flair” show various sides of rootsy musicians like John Cage and Americana to neo-rockabilly. And “Gravity Blues” Karlheinz Stockhausen. As even gets a little funky. It’s all wrapped in a nice the mid-‘60s evolved many of bow of stellar and crisp production that rivals the first wave of British rock anything on the radio today. These Detroit “poets” surely will be moving soon musicians like The Who, The from the “bus stop” to the major concert stage! Kinks, The Animals, Pink Floyd, etc. had also been influenced by and integrated a lot of this alternative thinking into their creative milieu. One of the musical leaders Roosevelt Sykes, The Original Honeydripper of this was Paul McCartney and The Beatles. Commentators like McCartney’s (Blind Pig Records BPCD 5155): official biographer Barry Miles and musicologist Chris Ingham cite various Recorded at the original Blind examples of how The Beatles employed many electronic, ethnic and obscure Pig Café in Ann Arbor in April, 1977, this is touchstones, culled from non-commercial sources, to break away from their initial a classic live document that came out on pop sound and created something totally new. Vintage and rare performance clips vinyl back in the day. It captures one of the from the Fab Four as well as Pink Floyd, Soft Machine and others are sprinkled founders of contemporary blues piano in his throughout. natural habitat. This was one hot night, with In Heaven There is No Beer (DVD, MVD Visual MVD5932D): the 70-something year old Sykes at the top of In the early 2000s the L.A. rock scene was becoming more commercial, his game. This current re-release on CD is reexclusive and centered too much on “pay to play.” This film by musician Dave mastered to perfection and brings out all the Palamaro chronicles the “Kiss or Kill” music scene (2002-2007) which eschewed crisp nuances of his booming voice and artful the trendy Sunset Strip “too cool for school” approach of established clubs and keyboard technique. Classics like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “St. James Infirmary” and bands in favor of a scene “What’d I Say” never sounded so good in such an open and solo setting. From created by outsiders, boogie woogie to stride and rag-time, the cigar chomping and derby wearing truly alternative bands bluesman could really run the table and captivate a crowd. Pick up a copy and and a D.I.Y. attitude of witness a master entertainer at work. local gig promotion based on great music, Jackie Stahl and the White Russians, Jackie Does cheap booze, low Love (jackiestahlandthewhiterussians@gmail. cover charges and com ): (as the liner notes This is a Motor City project that on the DVD case features some well known names around town note) “a mid-western like Paul Randolph on bass and Todd Glass on sense of community drums. It’s kind of got a retro vibe to it, with its and friendship.” liberal splashes of vintage soul and rock. Stahl For a few years this delivers a full album’s worth of original songs, music-fueled social with an earthy Tom Waits meets Wilson Pickett experiment endured aesthetic. The band’s demeanor is laid back and but eventually, like a the vocals are slightly off key, but that fragility or lot of things in life, the perceived pathos adds to the authenticity of the concept ran out of gas. material. Select tracks like “Girlfriend” and “Refrain” make a strong impression, with Although it focuses their indelible hooks and insistent rhythms. There’s even a shred of New Orleans on the Los Angeles style Dr. John at work via Stahl’s piano and organ combo. Well worth a listen for indie music scene those that like their tunes with a little bit of grit. and its surrounding communities, a lot General Bastard, Revolution Rock (SeG Media, of parallels could be (www.generalbastard.com ) : made to our own The pride of southeast Michigan; backyard. As you can singer-songwriter/guitarist General Bastard is imagine there are currently on a national tour spreading the gospel many bands that are of his non-PC approach to rock ‘n roll for the featured in this fine faithful. This just-released studio record is a film such as Bang Sugar collection of unapologetic anthems done with a Bang, The Dollyrots, take-no-prisoners old school attitude. And that’s The Letter Openers, “old school” as in vintage metal and punk. The The Randies and many General’s vibe is a cross between Steve Vai, Social more. Eye opening Distortion, Black Flag and Los Straitjackets all rolled up in one. Some highlights stuff! include the Detroit anthem “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” the twangy guitar instrumental “Surf Nacho Libre,” the scorching slide axe-driven “Jesus Ain’t Gonna Save You” and the Dead Kennedys-like “Fuck Kim Kardashian.” Like I said folks…. strictly non PC. Good stuff!!! 24 LIVE - DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
CARNIVAL OF MADNESS
By Matthew Spehar
Yet another great concert put into the history books at DTE Energy Music Theatre last night, as the “Carnival of Madness” tour rolled through town. Quite a fitting venue as well, since energy seemed to be the common theme amongst the performers. We As Human, and In This Moment got things jump started early with their gritty and intense musical stylings, and that set the tone for the rest of the night. The weather became a factor, as it was a soaker for most of the evening, but the crowd didn’t seem to mind. Instead, they just did what they always do, turned the hill into a slip-n-slide, and partied like true rock stars. By the time that Skillet took the stage, the rain was pouring down, and the stage was already set for this night to be a memorable one. Skillet is a great young band, full of promise, potential, and plenty of stage presence. Then there was Papa Roach! With their piercing lyrics, and hardcore riffs that we’ve all come to know and love, Papa Roach always brings it hard. The seasoned band of twenty years leaves nothing in the tank, and everything on the stage when they exit. True artists and performers, PR is always great at hyping and involving the crowd, and Last Resort still brings the house down every time. At this point, the crowd of dripping wet, and muddy individuals that remained in the place,(which was most of them) were worked into a frenzy, awaiting, and anticipating Shinedown to take the stage and bless the mic. Lead singer Brent Smith is in my opinion, one of the best frontmen in the business. He’s very charismatic, and works the crowd very well when on stage. With their perfect blend of poetry and pyrotechnics, Shinedown is a band that will never disappoint. From the light show, to the onstage antics,
Photos Marc Nader
and everything in between, Shinedown is a true rock band, and I would recommend to anyone that hasn’t seen them...go see them live! All in all, it was a great night, I am sure I am not alone, when I say that I am already waiting for the next opportunity to see any, or all of these bands again.
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Token Lounge Aug 17th
Some of Detroits best bands perform at
DETROIT LIVE EVENTS
BROKEN DAY MACHINE
FASTERTAXI
BLIND SEASON CRASHDOLLZ
JEREMIAH FERGUSON
JACKSTAND
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BRISTOL STREET
IMHO
Showcase Aug 2013 Last month Detroit Live Magazine held showcase shows at the Token Lounge in Westland and the Perfect Pitcher Music Venue in Taylor. At the perfect pitcher the bands Broken Day machine, Crash Dollz and Jeremiah Ferguson each put on spectacular performances. Jeremiah Ferguson opened the show fresh from his My TV 20 appearance playing acoustic originals. Broken Day machine threw down an incredible hi energy set of originals and covers and Crashdollz closed the show with a jaw dropping in your face block of some of Detroit’s best punk. On Aug. 17th at the Token Lounge a great time was had by all as Bristol Street, Jackstand, Fastertaxi and Blind Season put on a fantastic show. Fastertaxi a two piece drums & guitar (ala the White Stripes) started the show off by filling the room with their ambient dynamic sound followed by Bristol Street. Bristol Street lead vocalist George Aneed opened the show with an impressive acoustic set then moved into Bristol Streets heavier signature sound. Up next it was Jackstand, these experienced musicians put on an arena style show , great vocals, excellent melody’s and a stage show that would rival any national band. Closing the night was the band Blind Season. These young guys are impressive! Their stage performance, dedication and song writing seem to indicate that these guys are a force to be reckoned with on the Detroit music scene.
D. Counts
This summer Kid Rock invaded Detroit with a series of concerts that rivaled the hey day of arena rock. The days when bob Seger or J .Geils would come to town and do 6 shows at Cobo or Joe Louis. These days very few bands can do that. Many of the bands that used to sell out 6 shows at Cobo can’t even pack the Fillmore these days. It’s not because of the bands, talent it’s just that the market has changed. The amount of artists that are available to people has increased dramatically. Couple that with a tough economy and the result is people tend to stay home more than they did 2 or 3 decades ago; with the exception of Kid Rock and his army of fans. Kid rock has succeeded at uniting rock, rap & country fans into a force no artist can compete with. Granted he did a concert in his home town with ticket prices reminiscent of 2 or 3 decades ago. I have to admit that as a musician, rapper, photo Marc Nader vocalist Kid Rock is good. But as a business person and as a rock and anyone Motown has to offer up. But if he keeps up his current pace, including is ever expanding perception star, Kid Rock will go down in rock and roll history as one of of the wants and needs of the music culture in Detroit the best. Today he stands toe to and around the world he just may eclipse all his (and our) toe with Bob Seger, Ted Nugent childhood idols. Rock on Kid
MICHAEL ANTHONY
For more images from Kid Rocks show(s) go to www.seethemuzic.com
DC: Well that’s probably why you look so young at almost 60. You’ve been doing what you love you’re whole life.
ever happens. And we had a great time on the tour until we had to pull the plug after 80 shows. I mean MA: Yeh. I do my hot sauce. But it doesn’t take too we should have done 580 shows and went around the much of my time. There is a company in southern world a few times. I think as far as we got was Canada California that makes it for me. The best part is MA: Well I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t have been the and maybe Puerto Rico… I didn’t just slap my name on a label. I was all in case had I stayed with Van Halen. I mean that last tour from the ground level, in determining the taste and in 2004 was rough. I mean I was always excited to DC: I know our time is winding down and you have marketing. We sell it on the manufacturer’s website, go on tour, I’d get all worked up and just really enjoy to take the stage. Real quick: Why did you leave Van on madanthonycafe.com and at boutique type stores. it. But this last one it seemed Ed wanted me to do it Halen and go with Sammy? I also have a company called Bonspeed which makes for practically nothing. I took a huge pay cut, gave up custom wheels. So I get to do what I love. You know, rights to the logo an all kinds of stuff because I just Contemplative Pause at this point in my life I want to do what makes me wanted to jam. I thought it could be the last time it happy. MA: I like to be a happy positive person… and hanging CHICKENFOOT - Joe Satriani, Chad Smith, Michael Anthony And Sammy Hagar around with Sammy there’s no way you can’t be. It’s like it was in the beginning. I mean we come out, have fun on the road and put on great show. I don’t want it to be work, not now…we’ve done all our work. Its time to enjoy ourselves and what we’ve built. D.C.: Well it shows. It looks like you guys are having fun and doing it for the right reasons. MA. Absolutely. And that’s why Chickenfoot got together. I mean we didn’t even plan to do a record. Much less go on tour. We just got together and it felt good. Sammy said come on out to Vegas… do a couple of songs... We had so much fun that we started Chickenfoot. And when it’s not fun we won’t do it. We don’t do it for the money or the ego boost anything like that. We aren’t trying to do the “Supergroup” thing. We’re really like a small cult type band having the time of our lives... And that’s what rock and roll is all about!
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SPONSOR DETROIT LIVE EVENTS ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS / MARKETING MANAGERS This winter Detroit Live Magazine will be conducting some of the biggest & most dynamic live events in southeast Michigan. Starting October 1st we will be making available sponsorship information to local business who are interested in supporting the local music community by sponsoring events. Generally, sponsorships are not available for long the are quickly bought up by businesses who have worked with Detroit Live in the past and have experienced the financial benefit of event sponsorship. This year we’d like to make sponsorship opportunities available to a wide variety of businesses. If you would like information on how your business can profit from a Detroit Live magazine partnership / sponsorship then e-mail Detroit Live Magazine’s General Manager Darian Counts at Darian@ detroitlivemagazine.com to schedule a personal meeting to discuss how sponsoring Detroit Live Magazines Events can put your companies name in front of thousands of consumers.
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Review By Darian Counts
This months Family Get Away review takes us to Crystal Mountain resort in Northern Michigan. For this adventure I knew there were many attractions to check out so I took to my 12 year old son Connor and 14 Nephew Caleb (two highly trained professionals) to inspect the more adolescent amenities. While I “inspected” the golf, spa and relaxing atmosphere.
While Golfing is a big attractions for adults there are plenty of activities for the kids. From the many pools to the rock climbing wall to the Alpine slide there are an unending supply of activities for kids of all ages. After a day on the golf course one may wish to relax and unwind at the Crystal Spa. From Swedish massage, aromatherapy baths and body wraps, to facials, manicures and pedicures, Crystal Spa offers a wide range of treatments that relax and rejuvenate. After a ultra satisfying day of golfing, swimming and sever relaxation at the Crystal Spa the only thing left to do was visit some of the fantastic restaurants the resort has to offer. A short walk from our room was the “Wild Tomato restaurant and Grill”. The service at the Tomato was fantastic and it provided the perfect meal to top off a day to be remembered. All in all I couldn’t recommend the Crystal Mountain resort more. It was the perfect place for the whole family to experience all the beauty that Michigan summer has to offer. The facility was breathtaking, the service and hospitality was wonderful and the amenities an activities were more than one could partake in the time we were there. We are happy to sing the praises of this oasis of beauty and relaxation in the desert of the high stress modern world. We look forward to returning this winter to experience the frozen majesty of the Crystal Mountain resort. Hope to see you there!
From the Detroit area Crystal Mountain is about a 3.5-4hr drive. This being my first time at the resort, I had no expectations whatsoever. I was completely open minded. I had heard great thing from friends and family members who have spent time there. Upon arrival I was Reservations: shocked to see how huge this resort truly is. It’s more like its own city. Complete with houses, cottages and log cabins available for (800) 968-4676 rent. We stayed in the hotel in a very clean and gorgeous suite 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Thompsonville, Michigan 49683 complete with flat screen TV’s kitchen area and a beautiful balcony overlooking Crystal Mountain. Being summer, one of the biggest attractions is the golf courses. Crystal Mountain boasts two distinctively different, yet equally mesmerizing golf courses. Both the Mountain Ridge and Betsie Valley golf courses have received a prestigious 4-Star rating from Golf Digest magazine and will challenge your skills at every turn. The panoramic views tree lined fairways will allow any golfer to succumb to the beauty of the scenery.
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SPIRITUAL HOROSCOPE
Let your mind be fresh and open. Now you can move into a new consciousness, and feel new levels of joy unhindered by history or subconscious sabotage!
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – Being a Pisces is all about exploring spiritual possibilities. It’s crucial to find like-minded pals who are as adventurous as you. Dare to Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – Happy birthday Virgo! Give yourself a gift by clearing speak about your interests. Try new churches, out anger and disappointments from the past. different yoga classes, attend metaphysical lectures. Maybe start a meditation group with Mars (empowerment) is sweeping through friends. Meditation doesn’t have to be intense your subconscious, so you can heal from ways you sabotage joy. Also practice speaking or complex -- just a simple willingness to connect with your soul. Also, financial issues clearly about your needs, so people know will heal in surprising ways! exactly what you want and call fulfill your desires! Aries (March 21 – April 19) – An exciting new relationship could be starting! Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Put effort Or a current connection can feel new, since toward making new friends and starting new you’ll resolve problems in an exciting and activities. As a Libra, you can focus solely on your relationship (or trying to have one), and unusual way. Like Aquarius friends, let the become dependent and isolated. Sharing time past slip away and allow the present to bring a harmonious future not tainted by “issues”. with others will revitalize your partnership, Work difficulties can also resolve. Confide in since you’ll bring new energy back to it. If a superior who you trust and they can “pull single, you could meet a new love through some strings” for you – and you’ll also build a these changes! Also, maybe have a yard sale, deeper bond with that person. since you have more money sitting around that you realize in unused stuff! Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Relationships will vastly improve if you Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – There’s meditate and see problems floating into the lots of career excitement as Mars heats up past. Release the anger and hurt. Ask the your work life! Keep visualizing changes and Universe for solutions and insights so issues even more will manifest. Even if you’re quiet do not re-occur. If you can do this process and “background-ish”, superiors are noticing together, that’s your commitment and talent. You’ll also awesome, but it be able to heal old misunderstandings or will also work if you challenges with friends or siblings. You might visualize alone. You even have imagined issues that weren’t even might even glimpse there! a past life that is Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – If your the root of your spiritual life is stale, find a way to invigorate it. challenges. Then Try a new yoga class; read different type of life you’ll have keys to philosophy books; visit a new church; explore unlock the “stuck” new ways of mediating. Once you get excited energy! about somethng, try to stick with it for at least Gemini (May three months to get the deeper messages. If partnered, get him/her involved. If single, you 21 – June 20) – Many issues of trust are can meet someone new who is like-minded! healing! You’ll feel able to be closer to Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – others, but mostly Powerful Pluto is moving direct in your sign, you’ll be able to helping you intuitively find solutions and trust yourself! bravely take actions to heal your problems. Praise yourself for The first step, however, is to meditate and changes in how you send loving thoughts to yourself – be free handle emotional from self-criticism and judgment. Also, visualize love surrounding other people you’re challenges – and also how you can now frustrated with, as well as visualizing light around challenging situations. When answers trust yourself with money! Meditate come, things will smoothly mend! to release shame about finances, Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – Relationships are getting better! If single, you sexuality and intimacy can start a new connection. If partnered, s/he (they’re connected astrologically!). Then will be eager to cooperate and make positive changes together. Like Capricorn pals, it’s vital you can receive all sorts of abundance to meditate before healing happens. Forgive everything about a situation. Clear your heart when the Universe of all negative expectations based on the past. pours it on you!
September 2013 by Aluna Michaels, M.A.
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Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Relationships are healing so that you feel like a powerful unit moving ahead together, rather than two forces clashing against each other. If single, you can meet someone who’s cooperative and “on your page”. At work, there can be a new colleague or a healing with current one that helps you move ahead for great success on a new project! Finances will be strong, so enjoy your prosperity! Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – Energetic and optimistic Mars is in your sign! It’s a great time to make health changes. Implement ideas that you’re able to live with (Mars can veer toward extremes). Meditate on the most meaningful changes and why they are goals. For instance, not wanting to eat junk food because you don’t want to support big food corporations – rather than you just want to be thin. Respect your body so it can help you do the spiritual work you’re here to do! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version. Ms. Michaels is available for appointments in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit www.alunamichaels.com
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