ROKFOTO

Mayhem Announcement!

2012-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINE UP

MAIN STAGE Artists include:

SLIPKNOT

SLAYER

A Very Special Guest to Be Announced on March 5, 2012

And a Rotation of:

AS I LAY DYING

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

ASKING ALEXANDRIA

ANTHRAX WILL HEADLINE THE UPGRADED JAGERMEISTER STAGE

WORLD’S LARGEST TOURING HEAVY MUSIC FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR FIFTH YEAR

I'm happy that Anthrax finally get on another major US tour. They need more exposure to the masses! I'm still bummed that there isn't a Sacramento date again this year. Baffles me since the first two years sold well in Sac.

Eric Martin returns to the Boardwalk!

2012-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Mastodon Rocks Ace of Spades Tomorrow!

2011-11-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Mastodon will be crushing their new record tomorrow at Ace of Spades and before that they will be doing a meet and greet at Dimple on Arden. Get off your ass and go to the show!

Judas Priest returns this week!

2011-10-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Metal Gods return this week. I'll be at the Vegas and Concord shows. This may be your last chance to ever see the mighty Priest! Don't miss out. Get your ass to the show!

Get your Concord tix here: Judas Priest Tickets

Ozzy Book Signing!

2011-10-22T03:34:00.000-07:00


Ozzy signing his new book at Barnes & Noble in Sacramento on Oct. 21st, 2011

Lonn Friend publishes his latest book....Sweet Demotion!

2011-10-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

I finally had the pleasure to meet Lonn Friend in person tonight at the Ozzy book signing in Sacramento. Lonn in responsible for my first nationally published picture in Rip magazine back in 1990 and also the first time I ever got paid for shooting a rock concert. I had only talked to him on the phone a couple of times. It was great to finally meet him and I got a copy of the new book while I did and he even signed it for me. I also have to acknowledge Scott Capizzano for recognizing my talent and for calling Del James from my apartment and making the connections.

Here is that first published picture of Neil Peart of Rush.

I think this is the issue it was published in.

I have yet to crack the new book open, but I would already highly recommend it. His last book, Life on Planet Rock, was a great read and was the first book I've read cover to cover in 20 years and sparked a new love of reading for me. If you have any love for 80's rock and metal and or grew up then......you will love Life on Planet Rock!

You can purchase the book here: Sweet Demotion on Amazon

Look Ma......I made the cover!

2011-09-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Can you spot me?

F1rst Class Citizen opens for Sick Puppies on October 8th at Ace of Spades!

Ace of Spades

F1rst Class Citizen website

Foo Fighters tour promo! Love me some soap!

2011-09-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

Uhh......this will be a blast!

2011-09-09T00:55:00.000-07:00

HEART & DEF LEPPARD play the Sleep Train Amp this Sunday!

2011-09-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for this show. These are two of my earliest favorite bands. Loved Heart since 1978 and saw them headline my first Day on the Green in 1981. Enjoyed them last year at Rock n Walk.....they still got it.

I remember having the first Def Leppard logo stenciled onto my freshman history book cover and first seeing them open for Blackfoot at Memorial on the High n Dry tour!

Still great tix available....go get yours! Heart & Def Leppard tickets

Had a blast at KISS. Here are my two favorites. More to come!

2011-05-30T01:54:00.000-07:00

Finally got a good shot of the Demon spitting fire!

Gene and Thommy up close and personal!

Complicated getting into the show tonight, but I got my shots. Front lights were dim since the spots were so far away and the center of the stage was right up against the barricade. It was a fun show of course and all the bands played great. More pix to come.

KISS, BIG BOSS GRAFFITI and Miles Schon perform at this years Walk N' Rock charity concert this Sunday at Raley Field!

2011-05-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite event of the year benefiting local children's charities in conjunction with the Hope Productions Foundation. Walk n Rock website Last year we had Sammy Hagar and Heart and the year before it was Journey. I'm already looking forward to next year. I have it on good authority that KISS is sparing no expense and bringing their full show....there will be even better fireworks since this is an outdoor show! The pyro in me is bursting. So get out and support and have a great time.

Big Boss Graffiti is essentially a Sacramento all star rock band. Made up of members the history of great Sac rock bands including The Mimes, Attica, The Love Symphony and House of Stone.
Jimbo- Lead Vocals, Guitar, Percussion

Doug Richwine- Lead Vocals, Guitar, Horn
Michael Sylvestre- Lead Vocal, Lead Guitar
Dave Garrity- Bass

Chris Grijalva- Drums, Percussion, Vocals
They call their music LOUD GROOVE. This band will rock you and make your hips shake with a hint of soul swagger. Check them out here: Big Boss Graffiti

Miles Schon

Miles Schon is the son of legendary Journey and Santana gutarist Niel Schon. I had the pleasure of photographing him and his band last year at the Fillmore opening for his dad's solo performance. Miles is quite the chip off the old block and will definitely make some new fans at this show.

Great Rockin' Metal coming to The Regency Ballroom in SF!

2011-04-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Some serious rockin' going on!

2011-04-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Had a blast shooting Taproot, Stepchild, F1rst Class Citizen and Terra Ferno on Friday. Hed PE and Mushroomhead last night. Looking forward to Green Audio, Murderdolls, Amon Amarth, Jack Ketch, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry and Accept in the next two weeks. Now get out and see a show! I'll have more pix up soon.

Music as a Weapon 5 featuring Korn, Disturbed, Sevendust, In this Moment and Stillwell destroyed Power Balance Pavillion on March 13th!

2011-03-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Papa Roach plays two sold out shows at Ace of Spades!

2011-03-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Saving Abel rocks Ace of Spades!

2011-03-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Sacramento native Jeff Watson returns to debut his new band Lone Ranger!

2011-03-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Jeff Watson, formerly of Night Ranger, debuted his new band Lone Ranger on March 25th at the Boardwalk. They played a mix of songs from throughout his long career including new Lone Ranger material. His band is made of up of many world class musicians including Uriah Duffy of Whitesnake fame.

Keep tabs on Jeff and the band here: Jeff Watson Website

Travie McCoy and Pete Wentz play Ace of Spades this Friday!

2011-03-29T03:50:00.000-07:00

Travie is an excellent performer I've had the pleasure to meet and photograph several times when he was out with his band Gym Class Hero's. His new album is all killer, no filler smooth jams. Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy is debuting his new project the Black Cards on this tour. Should be interesting. Pete is another one I've photographed many times and is always gracious to work with. Looking forward to this show.

Rob Zombie opens Ace of Spades!

2011-03-29T03:35:00.000-07:00

Rob Zombie opened the new Ace of Spades in a grand fashion with a sold out show. Rob did a little 5 day club tour of CA to warm up for his European dates. Ginger Fish of Marilyn Manson fame was filling the drum stool for Joey Jordison since he was on tour in Europe with one of his other bands....the Murderdolls.....who are coming to Ace of Spades very soon. No access to the photo pit this night, but I was still able to get the job done. Nothing but colored light all night. The show was stripped down and straight forward instead of the usual bombast that is a Rob Zombie show. The band tore through all his classics including the White Zombie tunes and also through in several from the latest album. Piggy D is an entertaining bass player and John 5 is one of my all time favorite performers. John tore it up as he always did with Marilyn Manson.

Piggy D

John 5

Piggy D and Ginger Fish

Saving Abel at 98 Rock

2011-03-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

98 Rock was wonderful to have me come out to shoot Saving Abel in their video lounge. The band performed three songs for 16 lucky winners and were really down to earth funny guys who love what they do. They stayed and talked to all the winners and signed autographs and took pictures with everyone.

Gretchen Menn......WOW

2011-03-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a little flabbergasted! I met Gretchen about 8 years ago during an interview at Slim's when she was doing her stint with AC/DShe. I thought she was fantastic then and when I saw her a few more times. I knew she went on to do Zepparella and finally caught them last summer....but I had no idea of everything else she was doing along the way. Check out the video and check out her site for more info. Gretchen has arrived. I can't wait to hear her new album.

www.gretchenmenn.com/

Accept at The Regency in San Francisco on Thursday, April 28!

2011-03-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

2011-03-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

EXHALE, SMIRKER, LARISA BRYSKI, THE MOTELS

	Saturday, March 26 · 7:00pm - 11:30pm

	The Boardwalk



	Doors Open : 7:00 PM Show Starts : 8:00 PM $20.00 advance/$22.00 day of show call 916 752 0720 to get tickets in advanced, they're gonna sell out quick!

Check out the new Danko Jones video featuring Frodo and The Karate Kid!

2011-03-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

2011-03-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

Loudness returns to Nor Cal!

2011-03-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

I'm excited for the return of Loudness. I was a huge fan back in the 80's even before they started releasing albums sung in English and went a little pop metal. They were a great metal band that I got to see headline the old Kabuki Theater in SF around 1985 with Keel opening. It was an incredible show back when bands really put everything they had into a show! Those were the good old days when the Metallikatz still hung out in the lobby with the rest of us common folk. I told my buddy John to go stand behind Lars and I would take a picture.....Lars figured out what was going on and grabbed him and put him in a head lock and gave me his best metal face!

I later saw Loudness open for Motley Crue at Cal Expo. Them and the Crue went down to the Oasis Ballroom after that show and closed the place down and several of my friends got to party with them all night. Those were the days and I'm glad I'm still living them.

Here is info about Loudness from their Wiki page:
Loudness (ラウドネス Raudonesu^?) is a Japan-based heavy metal band formed in 1981^[1] by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi.^[2] They were the first Japanese heavy metal act signed to a major label in the United States, releasing twenty-three studio albums (five in America) by the end of 2009 and reaching the Billboard Top 100 in their moment of maximum international popularity.^[1] Despite numerous changes in their roster, the band continued their activities during the 90s, finally reuniting the original line-up in 2000. On 30 November 2008 original drummer Munetaka Higuchi died from liver cancer at a hospital in Osaka at age 49. Loudness replaced him with Masayuki Suzuki and are still active to this day.

Their latest album is a great listen I'm glad they are playing my home club the Boardwalk and my buddies in Sucker Punch. Please get out and catch them....you won't be disappointed and I'm always happy when people buy me shots at the bar!

The Loudness Myspace page
Check it out for all tour dates in your area!

Sucker Punch's Myspace page

Their latest release!

Escape the Fate and Alesana this Sunday at Ace of Spades.

2011-03-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

Another Show I'm looking forward to photographing!

2011-03-03T02:13:00.000-08:00

Volbeat is a band from Sweden that was hand picked by Metallica to open for much of their last tour. I had the pleasure to catch them last summer at the Key Club during the Sunset Strip Music Fest. Very entertaining stage show......they look kinda like greasers and sound like later Metallica. The Damned Things are a new group comprised of the two guitar players from Anthrax, the drummer and guitarist from Fall Out Boy and the singer and bassist from Every Time I Die! This is a great combo and they are an excellent hard rock band with a lot of groove. Shot them in January at the Jagermeister tour in Reno. Tore it up! I have yet to check out Hourcast, but I'm sure they will be top notch!


Volbeat singer Michael Poulsen

The Damned Things

The Damned Things website

Volbeat website

Autumn Sky at Club Retro!

2011-03-03T01:51:00.000-08:00

I finally had the pleasure to see and photograph the wonderful Autumn Sky and her first performance with a full band. She is an absolute delightful and talented young artist with a great future in front of her. I highly suggest you check her out any chance you get. I also had the pleasure to finally see Blvd Park....a delightful americana band....another treat!

Autumn Sky on Myspace

Blvd Park info

Check out some classic metal with some actual rock stars!

2011-03-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

2011-02-28T13:16:00.001-08:00

Music as a Weapon 5 featuring Disturbed, Korn, Sevendust and In this Moment at the Power Balance Pavillion on Sunday, March 13th!

2011-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

DISTURBED

KORN

SEVENDUST

IN THIS MOMENT

Death Angel and Lazarus A.D. this Thursday at the Boardwalk.

2011-02-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

Death Angel's Mark Osegueda

Go see Autumn Sky!

2011-02-15T23:52:00.000-08:00

Rob Zombie is this Thursday at the Grand Opening of Ace of Spades in Downtown Sacramento!

2011-02-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Rob Zombie

Don't miss your chance to see the prince of heavy metal horror!!

WHERE: · Ace Of Spades
WHEN: · Thursday, February 10 @ 7:00 PM
AGE: · All Ages
PRICE: · $39.95

M3 is gonna Rock!

2011-01-31T03:16:00.000-08:00

Not quite what we were hoping for.......

2011-01-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

30 Seconds to Mars

2011-01-19T01:18:00.000-08:00

Jared Leto

Great fun finally getting to see and photograph 30 Seconds to Mars. I've been trying to catch them for 6 years....Jared cancelled due to sickness the last time I was to photograph them at Taste of Chaos. Lucky 94.7 listener Noah Thompson won a guitar and a chance to play a song on stage with the band live during the show.....and he actually knew the song....good job Noah. It was great meeting the band and shooting their meet and greet....but I was bummed I only got to shoot the beginning of the show from the sound board and the band had zero front lights all night. Kinda a bummer if you came to see the band. The above lit shot is thanks to me catching a fans flash as they took a shot up front. Still an excellent show and Sac's own Middle Class Rut rocked their opening slot. Good luck to them on the whole tour.

Tomo giving Noah a quick run through the song This is War.

Middle Class Rut

This Sunday in Reno!

2011-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

Rock on Phil Kennemore!

2011-01-12T01:30:00.001-08:00

Great Gigs to support.

2010-12-15T21:44:00.000-08:00

This Friday!

2010-11-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

GODSMACK at Arco Arena

2010-11-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

It had been about six years since I had seen Godsmack...sorry I waited so long. This band knows how to deliver a show! Even though it was sort of a last minute show without much time to promote it, Godsmack delivered a crushing show with Five Finger Death Punch and Drowning Pool. I want send out a special thanks to 98 Rock for the hook up and to Godsmack tour manager TC for inviting me to shoot the drum off between Sully and Shannon at the end of Godsmack's set. What a rush!

Five Finger Death Punch at Arco Arena

2010-11-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Sully of Godsmack at 98 Rock

2010-11-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure to meet and photograph Sully Erna from Godsmack last Tuesday at the 98 Rock video studio. Sully was of great character and was very cordial with all the fans that won the opportunity to see him perform the song "Sinners Prayer" from his new solo album "Avalon". He took the time to sign everything and pose for photographs and didn't rush anyone. Pat Martin did his best to pull some dirt out of him but he kept his composure.

Check out the video of the song here: Sully singing "Sinners Prayer"

Pat Martin and Sully talking with fans.

Sully with John Boyle and the 98 Rock staff.

Tonight! Be There!

2010-11-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

Shakira shakes up Arco!

2010-10-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

Reno Show Poster

2010-10-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

Nickelback with Special Guests Three Days Grace and Buckcherry this Saturday at Arco

2010-10-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Justin Bieber at Arco on Friday!

2010-10-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Love him or hate him, the kid has talent!

Another Great New Year's Eve

2010-10-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Live Nation shows at Arco Arena

2010-10-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Maroon 5	Fri, 10/15/10 07:30 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Barry Manilow	Date TBA	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Shakira in Concert	Tue, 10/19/10 08:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Xbox 360 Presents Justin Bieber My World Tour	Fri, 10/22/10 07:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Nickelback with Special Guests Three Days Grace and Buckcherry	Sat, 10/23/10 06:15 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster

Godsmack	Tue, 11/02/10 07:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Alan Jackson	Thu, 11/04/10 07:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
So You Think You Can Dance - Live Tour	Tue, 11/09/10 07:30 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Winter Tour 2010	Sat, 11/20/10 03:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Winter Tour 2010	Sat, 11/20/10 08:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
107.9 The End Jingle Ball 2010: Paramore, B.O.B.,Jesse McCartney,3OH!3	Fri, 12/03/10 07:00 PM	More Infoon Ticketmaster on sale:Sat, 10/16/10 10:00 AM
The Judds	Sun, 12/12/10 07:30 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster
Virgin Mobile Presents the Monster Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga	Wed, 03/23/11 08:00 PM	Find Ticketson Ticketmaster

Nam Classic

2010-10-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Randy Valdez Benefit Photos

2010-10-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to all the bands who participated. It was a great night celebrating Randy and a great walk down Sacramento metal history!

Here is a link to all the photos.

Randy Benefit photos

Bad Company at Thunder Valley

2010-10-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

Paul Rodgers

Simon Kirke

Mick Ralphs

Lynn Sorenson

Howard Leese

Larisa Bryski rocked Thunder Valley

2010-10-06T01:15:00.000-07:00

Andrew Houston

Willy Seltzer

Darrell Hale

Armored Saint Live October 16th!

2010-09-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Larisa Bryski opens for Bad Company this Friday at Thunder Valley!

2010-09-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

My friend Larisa Bryski and her band will be opening for Bad Company on Friday October 1st at Thunder Valley. Get your tix fast....they are close to selling out. Larisa is a perfect fit to open for Bad Co. Her high energy set will warm up the crowd and it will be great to see her on a big stage again where she belongs.

Bad Company still stars the three surviving members of this great English rock act of the 70's. Vocalist Paul Rogers is back fronting the band after his stint with Queen along with drummer Simon Kirke and guitarist Mick Ralphs. They are joined by original Heart lead guitarist Howard Leese and bassist Lynn Sorenson. I recently listened to their latest live album which shows they still have the chops to perform a great show. Paul still sounds great for an old man.......all the old men I've seen perform lately give me hope for my own later years.
Bad Company Website
Larisa Bryski Website

Tonight...MUSE at ARCO Arena

2010-09-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight I get to shoot MUSE and Passion Pit at Arco Arena. It's been about 5 years since I last shot Muse and they blew me away the first time. I'm looking forward to a fantastic show.

Tonight the Hit List!

2010-09-17T13:51:00.001-07:00

Randy Valdez Benefit Set Times for Sunday Sept. 12th!

2010-09-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

This will be an epic day to celebrate the life and music of Randy Valdez. Please come out and support his family. This show will be a who's who of 25 years worth of Sacramento Thrash, Heavy Metal, Punk and Hardcore. Many bands reuniting in honor of Randy and a special thanks goes out to SkinLab for headlining the show and to Matt Droze for organizing this event!

MEGADETH Photos from Arco

2010-09-08T00:59:00.000-07:00

TESTAMENT Photos from Arco Arena

2010-09-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

Randy Valdez Benefit Show is this Sunday at the Boardwalk

2010-09-07T23:50:00.001-07:00

Monster Fest 2010

2010-09-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

A little article about me.

2010-09-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Kevin Graft Rokfoto article

Click on the link!

Thanks again Eric.

Check out young talent!

2010-09-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

PEARL at the Silver Legacy on Sunday with Meat Loaf!

2010-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

This will be my third time this year seeing PEARL. She and her band are absolutely fabulous and great people to boot. They all take the time to meet everyone, talk and sign autographs. For anyone not in the know, Pearl is the daughter of Meat Loaf who I'm glad she is opening for. The band consists of Anthrax's Scott Ian, Mother Superior's Marcus Blake and Jim Wilson and drummer Eric Leiderman.

For more on PEARL http://cheersloverock.com/

SLASH RIPS UP THE WARFIELD!

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Slash and his band featuring Myles Kennedy tore the Warfield apart with a two hour long set of songs from his 25 year career. The set included new songs from the solo album, GnR favorites, Velvet Revolver gems, a Snakepit song and one stellar Alter Bridge song.Big props to Slash for playing Rise Today and absolutely schredding and not walking through the song...major class! Led Zep's Communication Breakdown made it into the encore and had everyone banging their heads and singing along! I hope they come back soon....top notch show! Enjoy the pix. More will be posted to the site once the rebuild is finished.

Meat Loaf this Sunday at Silver Legacy in Reno!

2010-09-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

Meat Loaf's current promo photo borrowed from the web

I personally can't hardly wait for this show. I have been a Meat fan since I was a little kid and loved his performance in Rocky Horror when I first saw it at age 14. As a bonus, former Anthrax guitarist Paul Crook plays lead for him......and there's the other big bonus....his daughter Pearl opens the show with her own Anthrax guitarist.....Scott Ian!

Some people think big. Some people think huge. And then there's Meat Loaf.
For the past 35 years, the man born Marvin Lee Aday has been a towering monument on the musical landscape. His legendary 1977 album Bat Out Of Hell transformed this former high school football player, nightclub bouncer and stage actor into one of the great American rock 'n' roll icons. That record, with its staggering operatic sound and impassioned vocals, has sold more than 43 million albums worldwide - still one of the biggest-selling records ever.
Meat Loaf's reputation as one of music's greatest artists was underlined by such masterpieces as Dead Ringer (1981), Bad Attitude (1984) and the Bat Out Of Hell sequels Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993) and Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006). Other artists might have tried to match his scale and copy his sound, but no one has come close.
Now, more than 30 years after he exploded onto the world stage, Meat Loaf is back with a new record, Hang Cool Teddy Bear (a title taken from a line in the classic Russ Meyer trash movie Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls). From opener "Peace On Earth" to closer "Elvis In Vegas," its 13 tracks drag the classic Meat Loaf sound kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
"I wanted it big, I wanted it dramatic, I wanted a rock record," says Meat Loaf. "Yes, it sounds like a Meat Loaf record. But it sounds different too - it sounds new, it sounds fresh. It speaks to you in a different way."
Much of this newfound energy can be put down to Meat Loaf's working relationship with his new collaborator, producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance Paramore, Fleetwood Mac). For the singer, it was a chance to work with one of the hottest producers around. For Cavallo, it was an opportunity to work with a childhood hero and a proper rock 'n' roll legend.
"Rob is the Number 1 rock producer in the world because he leaves his ego out of the equation and gives an artist his voice, making it sound better than the artist could even imagine," says Meat. "I was like a fisherman looking for a big mouthed bass. I put on the right worm. The first song I played to him, I hooked him. The second song, I nailed him."
The pair hit it off immediately, and this electrifying creative partnership immediately raised the bar several feet. Meat Loaf brought more than 40 songs to the table, which the duo whittled down to the 13 that appear on the final record, including the furious "Living On The Outside" and hilarious first single "LosAngeloser."
But there was one other piece to the jigsaw: Los Angeles-based screenwriter and director Kilian Kerwin, a long-time friend of the singer. As with every classic Meat Loaf album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear has a bigger concept. It was one of Kerwin's short stories that inspired the singer to come up with the album's striking narrative.
"It's the story of a soldier," reveals Meat Loaf. "He's been in battle and he's lying face down on the ground. He can't move, but he turns his head and starts to see blood run across the ground, and so he thinks he's going to die. They always say you see your life flash backwards you when you're about to die. But his life flashes forward - into what possibly could happen. He sees what his life could be - the good and the bad. The songs are the different scenarios he finds himself in. It's not always the same time or the same place - but it's always the same woman. But I don't want to give too much away - I want people to work it out for themselves."
To flesh out his vision, Meat Loaf enlisted a set of elite musicians to play on the album, including guitarists Tim Pierce, Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins (who co-wrote two songs for the album), Paul Crook and Randy Flowers, legendary bass players Chris Chaney and Kasim Sulton, genius keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac and the world's greatest rock drummer (just ask Rob Cavallo) John Micelli. Hang Cool Teddy Bear also features a stellar array of big-name guests, including Steve Vai (who appears on "Love is Not Real"), former Queen guitarist Brian May (who appears on "Song Of Madness" and "Love Is Not Real"), American Idol presenter Kara DioGuardi (who co-wrote and sings on "If I Can't Have You") and Hollywood star Jack Black, who duets with Meat Loaf on "Like A Rose."
But the most surprising guest is Hugh Laurie - the English actor famous for starring in Blackadder and hit US TV show House. It was while making a guest appearance on the latter that Meat Loaf met Laurie and discovered that he was a classically-trained pianist. What else could he do but ask the actor to play piano on the song "If I Can't Have You?"
"He was really nervous at first," recalls Meat Loaf. "It was strange seeing someone so confident on a TV set walk into the studio like he's a quivering mess. But he nailed it. He's talking about playing it with us if we ever go on American Idol."
"What I love about Hugh, Jack and Kara," says Meat Loaf, "is that sometimes you get people coming to the studio, and they have their manager and a bodyguard and an entourage - it's this endless stream of people. The three of them, they just drove up to the studio in their own cars, no bullsh*t no fronts, just real people. And I love real people."
But for all the star guests, Hang Cool Teddy Bear is Meat Loaf's album - his own dirty little secret. More than four decades into his career, the man - and his voice - is as big, bold and important as ever.
"How do I keep the fire burning?" he asks. "I don't know. I just do. I'd bet in advance that if I sat with somebody in a room and said to them, 'I'll give you five pounds if you don't go 'Whoah!' after the first song', they'd forget about the five pounds and they'd go 'Whoah!' You can't help it. And it's like that across all the songs. This record is spectacular!"

Reposted from Live Nation website.

Link for ticket purchase. Meat Loaf tickets

American Carnage Tour arrives!

2010-08-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Cow Palace and tomorrow at Arco Arena, Megadeth, Slayer and Testament bring the thrash back to Nor-Cal. There hasn't been a metal show of this magnitude since Metallica last year. Can't wait to get my thrash on......will my neck survive? I thought I was going to miss this due to a job....thank the thrash gods for cancellations!

Slash plays the Warfield this Sunday!

2010-08-24T02:09:00.000-07:00

TESTAMENT returns to NorCal next week!

2010-08-24T02:02:00.000-07:00


Chuck Billy

The Bay Area's Testament returns with Slayer and Megadeth on the American Carnage tour. I'm especially stoked for these shows. Their latest album, "The Formation of Damnation" is my pick for best album of 2008. Featuring the return of Alex Skolnick to the ranks, Testament upped the ante' on their career with this blazing collection of riffage!

Upcoming Dates

8/25 Magness Arena, Denver, CO
8/26 Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, NM
8/27 Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
8/29 Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA
8/30 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA
8/31 Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA

SEPTEMBER
9/01 Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
9/03 Wamu Theatre, Seattle, WA
9/04 Washington County Fairgrounds, Portland, OR

Alex Skolnick

Eric Peterson

Greg Christian

Pearl and Meat Loaf on tour!

2010-08-23T19:52:00.001-07:00

Ratt images from Raley Field

2010-08-23T16:00:00.000-07:00


Stephen Pearcy

Ratt blasted out an amazing performance when they made their return to Sacramento opening for the Scorpions at Raley Field on August 4th. Reminded me of Day on the Green 85' when they performed together with a young Metallica opening. They played all the classics including Way Cool Jr...an old favorite. The new songs went over well with the crowd and the crowd let them know it. It had been over 20 years since I last saw Ratt headline ARCO Arena with Poison opening. I'm hoping they make it back to Sac soon for a proper headlining show. Ratt'n'Roll!

Bobby Blotzer

Warren DeMartini

Exhale this Wednesday!

2010-08-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sunset Strip Music Fest Schedule for this Saturday featuring Slash and Smashing Pumpkins!

2010-08-23T00:58:00.000-07:00

For More Info on Sunset Strip Music Fest

Aug. 28 Street Fest Schedule!

West Outdoor Stage
2:00-2:30 p.m. Semi Precious Weapons
3:00-3:40 p.m. Steel Panther
4:30-5:10 p.m. Travie McCoy
6:20-7:35 p.m. Slash
8:20-9:35 p.m. The Smashing Pumpkins
East Outdoor Stage
2:30-3:10 p.m. Big B
3:40-4:15 p.m. Neon Trees
5:10-6:00 p.m. Kid Cudi
7:15-8:15 p.m. Common

Cat Club
1:00-1:20 p.m. Machine Empire
1:30-1:55 p.m. JD Bender
2:10-2:30 p.m. HDR
2:40-3:00 p.m. White Arrows
3:10-3:40 p.m. The Dollies
3:50-4:20 p.m. Rattlesnake Shake
4:30-5:00 p.m. Lady Sinatra
5:10-5:40 p.m. The Binges
5:50-6:10 p.m. No Thanks
6:20-6:50 p.m. Oh No Not Stereo
7:00-7:30 p.m. Links
7:40-8:10 p.m. HillBilly Herald
8:20-8:50 p.m. Love And A .38
9:00-9:30 p.m. Casper & The Bad Spirits
9:40-10:10 p.m. The Royal Highness
10:20-10:50 p.m. Dirty Sweet
11:00-11:30 p.m. Prohibition Rose
11:40-12:10 a.m. Diamond Lane
12:20-12:50 a.m. Cast Of Kings
1:00-close The Lonely Drunks Club Band
Key Club
1:00 p.m. 98.7FM Rockstar Finals
4:45 p.m. Blowing Up The Moon
5:20 p.m. Vanaprasta
6:05 p.m. Transfer
6:50 p.m. The Divine
7:35 p.m. Casxio
8:20 p.m. Awolnation
10:20 p.m. Dommin
11:20 p.m. Volbeat
The Roxy Theatre
1:05-1:25 p.m. Ruby Tigers
1:40-2:10 p.m. Juke Kartel
2:25-2:55 p.m. Shuvel
3:15-3:45 p.m. New Kingdom
4:00-4:30 p.m. Cisco
4:45-5:25 p.m. John West
5:40-6:20 p.m. Nikki & Rich
6:35-7:15 p.m. Andy Grammer
7:30-8:00 p.m. Wicker
8:15-8:45 p.m. Audible Mainframe
10:00-10:40 p.m. Zen Robbi
11:00-12 a.m. Tommorrows Bad Seeds

Whisky A Go-Go
1:10-1:40 p.m. Save Our Souls
1:50-2:20 p.m. Lost Patrol
2:30-3:00 p.m. Acidic
3:10-3:40 p.m. Desecrate
3:50-4:20 p.m. Yeti
4:30-5:00 p.m. Ankla
5:10-5:40 p.m. Sean Rex
5:50-6:20 p.m. Tornado Rider
6:30-7:15 p.m. Billy Boy On Poison
7:25-7:55 p.m. Forrest Day
8:05-8:35 p.m. Soma
8:45-9:15 p.m. Subliminal Trip
9:25-9:55 p.m. Reason to Rebel
10:05-10:35 p.m. Vayden
10:45-11:15 p.m. Electra
11:30-12:00 a.m. The Shrill
12:15-close Adler’s Appetite

Frank Hannon CD Release

2010-08-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Y&T melts your face this weekend!

2010-08-20T03:07:00.000-07:00

Y&T are back melting the faces off of NorCal. After last nights blazing free show in CC park in San Jose, they hit Reno's New Oasis and on Saturday they will play Sacramento's Crest Theater. Sac's own Brad Lang is filling in on bass while Phil takes care of some medical issues. Good luck Brad! Don't miss these shows!

Silent Treatment - FEAR

2010-08-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

Silent Treatment is back in Sac this Friday night celebrating their new record deal at the Fire Escape with Wings of Innocence. Another great night of rockin' debauchery.....always my favorite. Come party with us. Hit me up for discount tix.

Mike and I

2010-08-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yes.......this is me strumming Michael Schenker's guitar.......and yes.....it made an epic sound!

Michael Schenker Group with Sister Sin from Sweden, Emerald City, Bonebag and many others Tuesday night, August 17th at the Boardwalk.

2010-08-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

Michael Schenker at XFEST on August 7, 2010

Original singer Gary Barden is back on vocals and the legend Carmine Appice is bashing the drums! Going to be a kick ass show!

New Armored Saint Video

2010-08-16T19:41:00.001-07:00

Silent Treatment signing party at the Fire Escape with Wings of Innocence.

2010-08-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hand Over Fist!

2010-08-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Check out the debut album by Toronto rockers Hand Over Fist featuring longtime Sacramento promoter and guitarist Michael Ragusa. These guys seriously lay down the groove.

Hand Over Fist Website

Dave Rude Band

2010-08-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Fallin' Down" BY DAVE RUDE BAND: OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO from Dave Rude on Vimeo.

Skip's Music's Stairway to Stardom

2010-08-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Upcoming shows I recommend!

2010-08-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight.....The Realists at the Fire Escape.
MSG at Pepperbelly's in Fairfield
Shawn Peter's birthday party at the Townhouse featuring A Single Second, Another Damn Disappointment, Kill the Precedent

Sunday MSG at the Avalon
Skips music Stairway to Stardom at the Crest

Monday the 16th Green Jello! Holy Cow God! I'll be there....at On the Y!

Tuesday MSG, Emerald City, Bone Bag at the Boardwalk
Billy Idol at the Fillmore

Thursday The Swell Season at Mountain Winery
Y&T in San Jose
Killola at the Blue Lamp

Friday Y&T in Reno at New Oasis
Silent Treatment and Wings of Innocence at Fire Escape

Saturday the 21st
Y&T at the Crest
Oleander, Sleep Noise, Kalieding Design at the Boardwalk

R.I.P. Randy Valdez

2010-08-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Randy passed away Monday morning from injuries sustained in a car accident on Sunday. He was a gifted guitar player who played in many Sacramento area metal bands including Colma and Brutal Groove. I had the great pleasure to photograph many of his performances. He was of great character and always a blast to hang with. He will be sorely missed.

FUNERAL INFO:
There will be a viewing on THURSDAY, AUGUST 12th, 2010 at Klumps Chapel Of The Flowers, 2691 Riverside Blvd. between 4:00 and 8:00pm

The actual funeral will be FRIDAY, AUGUST 13th, 2010 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 660 Florin Rd. (Greenhaven) at 10am. Burial directly following the services, procession ......to St. Mary's Cemetary, 6700 21st Ave.. There will be a reception following the burial.

Deftones return to Sac!

2010-08-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

This should be another crushing show. Our hometown boys never disappoint. I remember seeing one of their early shows at the Classic Jukebox in Rocklin....I've got pictures.....LOL. I also remember when Stephen used to roadie for FMK.

XFEST Tonight!

2010-08-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

XFEST 2010
50 Bands for $20 bucks! Can't beat it in this economy. 8 Stages! This will be my first XFest....hoping it won't be my last. Can't wait to see the Michael Schenker Group again...it has been too long. I'm also excited for Montrose, The Tubes, Pepper, Irration, Coma Bloom and Stig Murder.

RUDY SAYS..........

2010-08-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

GET YOUR ASS TO THE SHOW TONIGHT......PLEASE!

SCORPIONS AND RATT AT RALEY FIELD AT 7PM!

Rudolph Schenker at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord on Sunday August 1, 2010.

I saw the Scorps on Sunday night......absolutely epic! Thanks Pawel for the hook up and all the hospitality!

Pawel

Matthias

Klaus

James

RATT Infest Nor Cal this week!

2010-08-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

Ratt return to northern California this week with two shows. The first is at the Oakland Metro on Tuesday with Sentinel Beast. The second is in Sacramento at Raley Field with the Scorpions. I saw the Scorpions last night and it is a DO NOT MISS SHOW! Having Ratt on the bill on a big stage again only makes it that much sweeter. In my opinion, the new Ratt album, Infestation is the finest album of the year and might be the best they have ever done. If you liked Ratt in the 80's, you should love this record. It equals anything they did back then and Stephen's voice is still top notch. Warren DeMartini still shreds and the band is re-invigorated with the addition of Carlos Cavazo from Quiet Riot. Do yourself a favor and get this record and get your ass to one or both of their shows this week. Ratt'n'Roll is back!

Official RATT Website

HALFORD returns!

2010-07-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

Scorpions Rock Nor Cal like a Hurricane this week!

2010-07-29T22:10:00.000-07:00

Scorpions finally bring their "Get Your Sting and Blackout" world tour to Concord on Sunday and Sacramento next Wednesday. As I've said before, the Scorpions never disappoint. I caught them three times on the last two tours and was blown away at how good they are 28 years after I first saw them. Some of the older bands still blow the doors off younger bands that stand around staring at their shoes. This is supposed to be their final world tour so don't miss these chances to witness one of the greatest rock bands ever! And do your best to get up front with me!

Cinderella opens the show in Concord and Ratt opens the show in Sacramento. I haven't seen either band since the late 80's, but I've heard nothing but glowing reviews of either band. I can tell you that the new Ratt cd is every bit as good or better than anything they did in their early days.......pure molten rock! The addition of Carlos Cavaso from Quiet Riot has only stoked their fire.

Eric Brittingham of Cinderella filling in with Poison last year.

Jack Ketch opens for OTEP at the Boardwalk on Friday

2010-07-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

If you like your metal grindy and progressive, check out Jack Ketch! These guys will melt your face!

www.jackketchkills.com

Rick Springfield rocks the State Fair

2010-07-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Say what you will, but this guy rocks! I've seen him twice since my sister is a big fan. This guy knows how to put on a show and more bands should watch him and take notes. Gets in the crowd during the show every time.....several times in fact. He's 59 and looks 39....bastard! The cougars go nuts.......and what is up with all the middle aged men rocking out to him????????...and they aren't with their wives?

Silent Treatment hits Sac on Friday!

2010-07-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

These bastards are playing two sets at the State Fair this Friday at 3PM and 430PM. They play some of the best original rock out there right now and they bring it live every time. These guys don't slack. They are from LA and they get up to Sac almost every six weeks or so. They will be at The Knitting Factory in Reno on Saturday. Check them out.

http://www.silenttreatment.net/
http://www.myspace.com/stface

They are also playing the Fire Escape on August 20th with Wings of Innocence. Get discount tix at the link below.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AESSVTSY7U532

Brad Lang helps out Y&T

2010-07-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

My buddy Brad Lang is filling in the low end for the injured Phil Kennemore of Y&T. Good luck Brad and a speedy recovery to Phil. I wish I could catch one of these shows.

Brad is currently playing bass with Planet Zero and is playing a gig with Heist on August 21st. He also just took part in the Jet Red Reunion show.