E-Magazine

LYNYRD SKYNYRD
GENE ODUM
Interview by Ron Isbell

If you are a true fan of rock n roll, you know that Lynyrd Skynyrd epitomizes "Southern Rock". Classic rock stations world-wide continue to spin LS every day. Fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd are true die-hards, never letting go of the principles they were raised with. I was raised the same way. I was recently connected to Gene Odum from a true southern lady named Dianne Graham. A lot of things have entailed since that day.

Gene Odum was Ronnie Van Zant's best friend growing up in a small town, and his bodyguard during the skyrocket that launched Lynyrd Skynyrd into rock n roll history. Gene and Ronnie continued to be the same best friends through the whirlwind, as they were as little boys fishing together. This story isn't only about one of the most famous bands in rock n roll history, but one of families facing the challenges of fame.

Gene has written a book detailing the whole experience that no one else on this earth knows. The book will shortly be a movie that will finally tell us the entire real story. I can say that I am still in awe this man has trusted me with information that very few people know. I am just a dude that grew up listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd....and today, I stand to be a part of the healing process. Yea...I'm trippin'...The things Gene told me on the phone were some of the most moving things I have ever heard. After I got off the phone with him, I was pretty shaken, and it takes ALOT to shake me. Here are a few things he said. Here we go...

QUESTION: Can you remember the first album you and Ronnie listened to together?

ANSWER: Not right now. I am old school...mainly country. The one Merle Haggard made after he got out of the pen comes to mind. Ronnie listened to a lot of stuff.

QUESTION: What did you and Ronnie enjoy growing up?

ANSWER: Man, we loved fishing. We would drag a flat-bottomed boat for miles. We were one of the first I know that started liking artificial lures.

QUESTION: Who got the most women in high school?

ANSWER: Man, I never made it to high school. I had to get a job. Ronnie didn't stay in high school long. He got a girl pregnant, and had to get a job. Hell, he still gets more women even after he died.

QUESTION: What's the first thing you remember after the plane crash?

ANSWER: The first thing I remember is waking up in a hospital. No one told me during my recovery Ronnie had died. I guess they thought it wouldn't be good for me during recovery. When I was told I needed to go see Ronnie, I didn't know it would be his grave. I remember laying Ronnie down in the floor of the plane after the show. He said something about some girls giving him some sleeping pills. He could have been up all night with them, too. I don't know. I tried to wake him up before the plane crashed. I picked him up and strapped him in between Alan and Gary.

Gene told me a lot more, but I really don't know what to do with it. I will say the movie, if done correctly, should be one of a kind. I am truly honored to even be a part of the whole process. We are coordinating a book-signing tour for Gene. If you can't make it, you can get his book here http://lynyrdskynyrddixie.com  You can also make new "Friends" here ;)

Gene not only survived the plane crash, he also survived seeing families and people he knew and loved torn apart by silly legal entanglements. He is still alive, and he is my friend.

Peace - R00

Back To Top

INFINITE BUSINESS THE BAND
By Adriana Rubio
Photos: By Infinite Business

A brand new rock band emerges from Los Angeles, California: “Infinite Business”. This band was founded in 2009 by Steven Berez, a well known music producer who managed bands and produced rock albums for 15 years starting in 1990.  Although Steven succeeded managing rock acts, he needed a break from the music industry and started looking for something else. And it seems that he has been touched by a magic wand to never stop working on matters related to entertainment. He was offered the great opportunity to incur into the film business beginning with the executive production of “Angels with Angels”, a film directed by Edmund Lane starring Rodney Dangerfield and Frank Gorshin in their last movie roles together.

For four consecutive years Steven produced many outstanding film projects. However, he was still in need of doing something else… his own project, a rock band to become a rock star! How would he do it? Well, Steven always sang and dreamed about singing in a rock band, but he was too busy to take it seriously years ago. There is always a time for everything and for Steven Berez his time is now and is called “Infinite Business”.

Steven Berez is “Venrez”: Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Joe Drock: Guitar
Jason Womack: Guitar
Melvin Brannon Jr: Bass
Silver Lance: Keyboards
Tommy Johnson: Vocals
Lia Braswell: Drums
Don Teschner: Steel Pedal and Violin
Beattle: Percussion
Jack Daniels: Savior

“Infinite Business” performed at “The Viper” in November and at “The Whiskey” in December of 2009, both to a sold out crowd. The third show was on January 16th, 2010 at “The Elrey”.  And the latest performance took place at “The Joint” on February 19th.  More gigs to come in March! The band is currently working on recording sessions.                            

For more info and/or updates please feel free to visit the band’s official website at:
http://www.infinitebusinesstheband.com

Booking agent: Brian Fowler - FowBIGB@aol.com

Press contact: Jackie Tushinsky - jackie@bluethongsociety.com

Back To Top

IBOGAINE
PART 3 OF 3

“DETOX OR DIE”
By David Graham Scott

Article by Adriana Rubio
Photographs by David Gillanders

“I’d been a Methadone Ghost for many years”

David Graham Scott is a well known Scottish documentary filmmaker and appealing speaker on addiction subjects.  David graduated in Film Theory and Art History, and he is also a well known trained film archivist. He is the author of many documentaries that have been aired across the BBC networks locally and nationally. Among his films background are “Beyond the Highlands”, “Wire Burners”, “The Dirty Digger”, “Detox or Die”, “Arcadia” and “The New Ten Commandments”. The greatest of David Graham Scott documentaries by far is entitled “Detox or Die”. It deals with his own detox. 

David was a heroin addict for many years. He had tried lots of treatments and the latest healing effort he had done was a Methadone Maintenance Program which hooked him up on for several years.

“I was a long-term user of methadone. I found it impossible to deal with the hellish withdrawal symptoms experienced in trying to come off. I hoped that Ibogaine might break my habit once and for all”.

Due to David’s filmmaking career, he became a great researcher over the years, so he found what it would cure his addiction without suffering the horrible withdrawal symptoms: Ibogaine.

David studied the Ibogaine subject for weeks and decided to go ahead with the treatment in a little apartment in London under the supervision of a specialist in this field, Edward. But prior to this, he prepared himself physically and emotionally. David would drink lots of water, natural juices and eat vegetables and season fruits. As for the emotional part he went to visit his mother to tell her about his decision of quitting Methadone Maintenance with Ibogaine and that he was determined to film it. A film that, according to some articles published by newspapers in the UK before David’s treatment might have documented his own death.  

I interviewed David almost six years after his Ibogaine experience. I’d watched his “Detox or Die” documentary three times before contacting him. David was travelling and attending some film festivals so we e-mailed each other for like a month before getting on the phone and talk.

Our phone conversation was set up for a Sunday afternoon my time. I had had a complicated day and couldn’t be at home in time to call him, so I e-mailed him to say sorry and get the call arranged for another day because it was midnight his time! He wrote back saying it was okay, and it was so funny that we e-mailed each other back and forth for like 30 minutes... until he said “I’m still up. You could have called me NOW!” I laughed and called him. It was an amazing conversation. David’s voice sounded calm in every word and was very polite.

Although I was probably asking the same questions he is answering since “Detox or Die” came out in 2004, he thanked me for calling him many times during the interview which turned into a very pleasant conversation. However, I could feel the sadness coming out from his voice, the grief of a very talented human being who dealt with one of the most horrible addictions for 20 years: Heroin & Methadone Maintenance.

“I’m a very sensitive person for this crazy world”

Those words made me remember interviews I had before with other former heroin addicts who expressed the same sentiments. For some reason they all feel emotionally fragile and desperately in need of something else that can help them walk through the constant pain of life. Heroin keeps users busy every day like going to work in a different world, and they know it is a non-stop job. If they stop, they get sick... agonizingly sick.

David had quitted heroin, but he was tired of having to take Methadone to not get sick. Methadone had ruled his life for many years and wanted to stop the stigma of drug dependency. Here is how he did it, an unforgettable experience that ended 20 years of heavy opiate addiction:

“On the Thursday night (August 21st, 2003) I took a test dose of Ibogaine hydrochloride. Edward (my guide) said it was roughly 200mg. After 35-40 minutes I could feel the drug start to take effect.  It was really a very emotional experience but I was apprehensive as regards taking the full dose the next day. I felt taking 7 or 8 times this dose could kill me but, according to my body weight, that’s what it was going to take to end my methadone addiction. My withdrawal symptoms from methadone had however temporarily abated”.

“I prepared myself the next day for the experience. I was starting to get bad withdrawal from the methadone. I wore a white robe and painted myself ritualistically for the treatment. This was to be a statement of my methadone addiction; after all I’d been a ‘methadone ghost’ for so many years. As the face paint fell away over the next few hours the methadone addiction would also fade away (This was also a tribute to the Bwiti cult of Gabon who use the drug in spiritual ceremonies)”.

“I took the ibogaine at 10:20am on the Friday. I took four capsules to begin with. The fifth I’d take later. After about 40 minutes I felt a heavy emotional trauma come over me. I grew very apprehensive re the dose and feared that I may die. Edward reassured me. I lay down to let the ibogaine work. Light and sound were being affected. The yellow painted wall opposite me glowed with a burning intensity. I knew that this was going to be a strong experience. The noise of the underground trains became amplified into the sound of a thousand bombers flying over me. I felt the approach of something huge, something menacing perhaps. I called out Bwiti 3 times. The words appeared in my head in large green slimy letters”.

“The first visions that I experienced when closing my eyes were yellow grids stretching into the empty darkness of space. These stellar grids then took me into another dark and ominous landscape with a particularly eerie resonance. A strange sound permeated the atmosphere…it was like a thousand million aircraft drifting overhead. The hum or resonance permeated the whole experience and I understood this to be an essential component of existence, a binding force that was always there but the ibogaine helped me recognize it”.

“I then felt I was on board a strange spacecraft viewing the landscape before me. Small portraits drifted by of myself as a child. They stopped when I contracted a hellish skin condition at age 17. This was where my development was seriously affected and I journeyed into heavy depression and low self-esteem. Next a figure that had haunted me for years appeared. It was the Chinese torture victim from Georges Bataille’s Tears of Eros. This photograph of a young man being systematically sliced to pieces was the most disturbing image I’d ever seen. The text mentioned that a large dose of opium had been administered to the victim prior to the torture. A curiously beatified expression was on the guy’s face. In my trance state the figure flew towards me in an inset box. He was glowing silver, completely transcended from the torture he was undergoing. The beauty outweighed the horror. I realised then that I too had been a torture victim. I had been torturing myself with opiate addiction”.

“I then experienced a complete atomic breakdown. I was viewing myself at a molecular level. The molecules of my existence had information imprinted within. The information was all to do with evolution. I experienced life in the primordial swamp, viewing ancient life forms that I had once been. A cycle of death and rebirth appeared. A lizard popped out of a hole and jumped down another. Next an animal skull popped out of the first hole went down the next and the whole cycle continued with the lizard again”.

“I was a little sick and went to bed. I didn’t feel great but it wasn’t withdrawal at least. I felt I was being cured of my addiction.   It took me about 3 days to start walking properly again. I did have residual withdrawal symptoms but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. I’d say it cleared 85% of the rattling. There was no way I’d feel this good if I’d tried to come straight off methadone. I didn’t have much strength over the following 2 weeks but it’s gradually coming back.  Ibogaine has ended my addiction”.

Eight months after the Ibogaine treatment David got drug test lab results which he proudly read on camera. David Graham Scott was completely clean, no opiate residues in his system anymore. Ibogaine helped him to end Methadone Maintenance. Now, six years have passed since then and David is still drug free.

“I had been dreadfully unhappy prior to taking the treatment. I am a much happier person now. The anguish of depression has been vanquished … I am whole again!

To learn more about David or if you want to purchase his “Detox or Die” documentary please feel free to visit his website at:

http://www.davidgrahamscott.com/

Back To Top

Tawn Mastrey Foundation Christmas Celebration
By Cara Mastrey

To all the people who have donated their time and efforts to the TMF cause, I would like to thank you for your tireless efforts in helping to spread HCV awareness.

It started when Tawn fell ill with an E-coli infection on Christmas day 2006, a year before she died from Hepatitis C virus complications.

http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=5880

I attempted to notify millions of Tawn's fans and many of her Rock Star friends to spread the word and to also alert people that she was dying and needed a liver transplant desperately, due to HCV taking over the liver and its functions.

http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=5853#rants

Some of the people I would like to thank are, Robbie Robfogel, who was contacted by Rudy Sarzo. Rudy being the 1st musician I contacted. Tawn and Rudy were close friends throughout the years. Robbie is an HCV survivor and has had a liver transplant and is now Rocking the world with his new band, the Metal Knights! He and his friends put together a small fund raiser concert in Huntington Beach and raised some funds so we, Tawn's family could care for Tawn, making sure she had the best foods, warm clothes, etc. We were able to pamper her, but she never asked for anything herself for herself. Her concern was all of her friends, family and fans, until her last days, Tawn wanted to help others. This inspired me so incredibly to see my beautiful sister fade away elegantly with dignity, asking "how can I help", while she lay there helplessly dying. It made me fight harder to keep her with us. She was so self-less. I wanted that part of her spirit to remain in my heart forever by giving back to the world, something Tawn wanted to by alerting people about the disease, but became too ill to do so.

http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=5736

Tawn was unable to speak, so she quit her job at Sirius which was heart breaking for her to do so loosing contact with her fans and friends. She could no longer pay for her hospital bills and lost her home and vehicle trying to keep up. She had to sell many of her personal items to keep up with her medical bills, until she could no longer keep up. Our family cared for Tawn at our Mother's home, and we spent many hours feeding her, helping her to dress and sit by her bedside, holding her hand, forcing her medicines so she wouldn't go into a coma. Tawn wanted to live, but she was like a baby when it came to taking medicine or eating her greens. :-) She became defiant at times, as the strong woman that she was. But she was angry at herself and with the disease, not really having any pin point or source to find blame on anyone or anything, it was just circumstance after circumstance, and she felt it was a losing battle. Her biggest fear was becoming dependent on others and becoming a (in her words), "burden on anyone". Tawn only knew how to give, taking was foreign to her and felt loved by the close friends such as Slash, Tom Morello, Ronnie Montrose, Nadir D' Priest, to name a few, calling her wishing her loving and well messages in her ear. Ronnie would sing to her over the phone, and her toes would begin to wiggle again and she would smile, and shed a tear of joy. Small things like this I personally will never forget.

We finally were able to get Tawn Government Health Care assistance so she could be put on the list for a liver transplant. Tawn was too ill to do the treatment as it was too late with no insurance in the past. For her last year, my Mother and I would spend the entire year going through major physical health tests, before Tawn was confirmed a "good case", for transplantation. At this point, Tawn was in a wheel chair, unable to walk without assistance, and needed full hospital care. When she had blood transfusions, Tawn felt better and could walk a little and was herself again, but had to go into the nursing home in case her health would fail again, which it did every other day. So for months Tawn was escorted from nursing home to hospital every day or two. It was so difficult, the moving her could have killed her in itself. Tawn needed 24 hour watch and care. The toxins from the disease were taking over her brain and she was having stages of dementia, becoming confused and dis functional. I was literally running from being on the computer all night alerting the public about Tawn, planning fundraisers to pay her bills, and spreading the news about HCV, while shopping for her needs, sitting by her side making sure she was properly cared for at the hospital and nursing home, singing to her, holding her, loving her, (which I wish now I did more of just, being with her). I decorated her nursing home room with some beautiful colors, curtains, silver platters, her personal fancy things around her to make her feel at home and like a Queen, the Queen that she was. Whatever she needed, I would make sure she got through the help of the funds raised by Robbie's loving heart, but time was running out.

Tawn was promised a liver at any moment, but she got a blood transfusion and the hospital took her off the list to give someone more sick at the time to someone else instead.
The day after Tawn felt better, she swelled up like a balloon in the nursing home, and I rushed her to the hospital. They placed her back on the list hoping a liver would come soon for her. After a couple of days not hearing anything from anyone we were notified that Tawn's kidney was failing too, her liver was completely gone, and her heart was too weak to operate and they decided to terminate her possibility of receiving a liver because she might pass on the table and they didn't want to take a chance in losing a healthy liver.

Tawn was covered with machines at this point and in intensive care, something I promised her she would never find herself to be in. Since there was no chance of her living without the machines to her kidney, a heart pacer, etc,... Tawn gave me the legal rights to insist that she not be on the machines, therefore my family and I had to let her go. It was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life. Tawn died, after hours of morphine inducing, with family surrounding her telling her we loved her and she can let go.

Tawn the Legacy
http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=5883

After Tawn's death, there was an out poor of sadness and condolences from all over the world, and still today, everyday, someone an old friend,, fan or acquaintance will come to me through this wonderful technology of communications and tell me a story about their experience with Tawn and how she is loved and missed so much.
Musicians cried who knew Tawn and loved her. It was a sad day in Rock history to lose such a beautiful, talented, giving Woman who set a trend in the world of Rock and Roll.
I would like to Thank,

*Metallica
* Sammy Hagar
* Ronnie Montrose
* Slash
* Tom Morello/ Rage Against the Machine & Nightwatchman
* Rudy Sarzo/ White Snake, Quiet Riot, Ozzy
* Chuck Wright
* Nadir D Priest/ London
* Fergie Fredrickson /Singer of Toto
* Eric Bloom / Blue Oyster Cult
* Shark Island
* Ratt
* XYZ
* Billy Sheehan/ Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, etc
* L.A Guns
* Rhino Bucket
* Metal Knights
* Witch
* Dodd
*Rusty
* and more, came to her rescue like 'Metal Knight's', riding through the Storm .!

http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=6478
(In various ways, many continue to help spread awareness to their fans, and the album has not been forgotten, just put on the burner). We're creating many albums, for TMF/HCV Awareness, dedicated to Tawn.

Since the Tawn Mastrey Foundation was formed the day after she passed away, to carry out her message to "Rock Hard Live Long", many of Tawn's fans and also people who may have never heard of Tawn before have come forth and have committed themselves to the cause to spread HCV awareness.

Here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but base our contacts Internationally, primarily L.A. San Francisco and New York. We have a core group of Volunteers. Angela Albee heads up the team as Communication Manager, who also sat by Tawn's bedside bringing her smiles, gifts and love. Angela and the other "Bitch Angels", we call them Bitches because we all Bitch about HCV. They've nominated me as 'Alpha Bitch' which is a great honor.

Meet our TMF Volunteer team whom I would like to Thank personally with ALL of my heart and soul, we plan to ROCK this planet in 2010, with HCV awareness and education, so we can all "Rock Hard Live Long" in peace, harmony, good health, and enjoy great music, Art, etc.

I would like to Thank our TMF Volunteers for their love and friendship, and giving this 'life' cause, true meaning.

http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=6835

I thank all the bands that performed at the 10 hour party here in Mn. at Station 4, and to all the people who came to spread the love. It ROCKED !!!

My family (tremendous support, love, loyalty, and blessings)
Roy Van Horn , The Red Dragon Slayer ( working like a work horse for the cause, love, friendship)
Matt Erwin, Managing Director TMF (constant night and day work, love, friendship, commitment)
Remy Maxwell, Music Director TMF (Friendship, love, loyalty and commitment)
Lonn Friend, (friendship, love and contact resource).
Dawn and Hunter (for loving Tawn, friendship and loyalty)
Dodd Lowder (for loving Tawn, friendship and music)
Nancy Golden Marcus (our Angel with love and generosity)
David Helfant (friendship, legal assistance)
Wally Devlin (friendship, devotion and loyalty)
RongFoo Pros. (Help, love and support)
Damus, for allowing my tears to fall on his shoulders.
Christine Anderson (for personal donations)
Map for non profits (working with our non profit and 501c3 status)
KNAC (for loving Tawn promoting TMF, and inviting me to have as a second home).
Eric Williams, for the used computer.

Tawn's close, business friends,
Stew Herarra, Kenny Ryback, Paul Wells, Tom Maher, Tom Consolo, Greg Steele, Jaime Vendera, etc etc etc.. For the many hours of holding my hand when Tawn became ill and guiding me and counseling me to where I am with the Foundation at this point in time.

I would like to Thank these special Angels below as they give their constant valuable selfless hours of time to Tawn Mastrey Foundation, and plan to do a lot more in 2010 on an International level.

Bastard Nº 1 Robbie Robfogel
Bitch Nº 1 Angela Albee Communication Manager
Bitch Nº 2 Diane Anderson Local Event Manager, Product Assistant
Bitch Nº 3 Shannon Stang-Holets, Hostess
Bitch Nº 4 Laura Tveite, Personal Management Assistant
Bitch Nº 5 Hollie Olsen, Chef
Bitch Nº 6 Rachelle Alberts Thorpe, Chef assistant, hostess
Bitch Nº 7 Jennifer Torkelson Staff Communications
Bitch Nº 8 Sherry S. Doan, Alternative on site Healer and Product inventor
Bitch Nº 9 Adriana Rubio, publicity and promotions
Bitch Nº 10 Tara Lynn Grealish, Band hostess

TMF Security for major Events.
Big Blue, Big D, Howard Paige, Jessie Colinar
Steve Flloyd, photographer, journalist
Marc Dunham, Website builder
Noah, Website builder
Patrick Hunizker, Product Manager

Donations for Art, (silent auction coming in the New year for Tawn Mastrey Foundation HCV Awareness, Education through Music, Art, Entertainment, Media, International
see photos below !
Angela's mom, Alyce Henderson, many donated paintings!
Sylvana Lisi, Fashion Designer (French exquisite dresses for TMF, A 'Leather Nun' dress in honor of Tawn and a gorgeous cut dress for myself to wear at the 1st major TMF Event, to be auctioned...
Andrew Evans, Artist from Wales and has been so generous painting this for Tawn.
johnathan glass, Incredible Art.. I want to take him on the road with us to demonstrate his work.
Neil Zlozower, A signed photo from his collection. (Dear old friend of mine personally and loved Tawn too).
Alexandria Altman, Auction coordinator (friend and Angel
....and many more donations offered, coming from all over the world.....

Peace, love and light to you all and many Thanks forever grateful.
Tawn was and is truly loved and her spirit continues to shine on all of us.

Let's Celebrate Life together !!! TMF Headquarters December 18th 2009, 7pm to 9pm, have a cheer for our work, talk a little about the future plans, but mostly enjoying the moment of getting together and remembering Tawn. Please wear a silly Hat in honor of Tawn. She would have loved that !
Everyone is invited in the entire world, I don't know if I have enough chairs is the challenge...:-) RSVP.

Oh.. and bring a dish you would like to put in the cookbook, Tawn Mastrey's, 'Eat This' 2 (book 2) .

Thank you Warriors! Let's 'Slay this Dragon’!!

XOXO
Cara

Back To Top

IBOGAINE
PART 2 OF 3

INTERVIEW WITH
CY KOBEY
“I Used Heroin For Emotional Pain”

By Adriana Rubio

Cy Kobey was 34 when he decided to detox from heroin with Ibogaine and allowed Film Director Ben De Loenen to film his treatment in 2004 for the documentary “Rite Of Passage”.

Cy is 40 now and with clear sadness in his voice he remembers how his drug use started. My interview with Cy took about a month and a half to get it done. He was very excited at first to tell his story, but during the process I realized that he needed more time to talk about it. This is what he has to say:

“I started using heroin when I was 23 or 24 years old. I graduated University of San Diego and decided to move up to Bay Area to look for work and start a Graduate Program at San Francisco State University. I moved away from San Diego to try to hide from the pain of dealing with the death of my father a few years earlier. I used heroin for emotional pain and got physically addicted to this horrible drug. It has been a problem for me for the last 16 years. It would have been a lot easier to have dealt with my father’s death...”

Cy’s father, Mr. Monte Kobey, had a major surgery in 1984 and by 1987 the family learned that Mr. Kobey had developed AIDS from a tainted blood transfusion during that surgery three years earlier. Mr. Monte Kobey died in 1989 as a result.

Monte Kobey was a very well known business man in San Diego, CA. He graduated in Arizona State University with degrees in advertising and marketing.  He launched the San Diego Swap Meet in 1976 at the Midway Drive-In Theater. Today, the Kobey’s Swap Meet is located at the Sports Arena and is recognized as the largest outdoor market in San Diego and the third biggest one on the West Coast.

“My father was a powerful man and a wonderful person. He loved to be with people and laugh. He loved the family. I wish my father would have seen that I got married and that I have these three lovely kids”.  Cy Kobey says.

Cy lost his job before getting into treatment with Ibogaine. Even though he was still married, he found himself in a miserable situation since he was unable to handle his heroin addiction. He was tired of waking up sick every morning needing the first fix and realizing that nothing would distract him from getting his first fix every morning.

Cy didn’t know that the drug he started using for emotional pain turned into the biggest nightmare of his life. He had become physically addicted to heroin and that the so called “emotional pain” was something of the past. He was facing the reality of being a user for 11 years and was mixing “speed” to keep the balance. Cy needed to kick his heroin habit out and start a new life. But, would he be able to just stop? How?

Withdrawal symptoms are described as the worst pain in the world and may last for several hours to days. Muscle cramps, stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea among other things addicts go through. And in many cases this condition may lead the addict to death if he/she is not properly assisted. 

“When I was 23 maybe I wasn’t ready to stop, but now… thirty “fucking” four… I have to stop”. Cy told Film Director Ben De Loenen on camera.

Cy was determined to stop but without going “cold turkey”. He applied for the Ibogaine program in Mexico and qualified for treatment. It is important to know that as a way of suppressing narcotic use without going cold turkey, Ibogaine treatment is ideal. The use of Ibogaine to treat drug addiction in the United States is illegal and the entire subject is surrounded by lots of controversy. But despite the encouraging results that prove the efficacy of its use, the pharmaceutical companies and the government still show no interest and remain skeptical.

It is important to know that Ibogaine has a mortality rate of about 1 in 300. Deaths from Ibogaine have been attributed to bradycardia, fatal combinations with other narcotics, liver problems, and other serious health conditions that are mainly related to years of heavy drug use. So patients must be carefully checked by a doctor before getting into treatment and make sure that they will have medical assistance during the entire session. This treatment is not for everyone. If patient has an active disease affecting the heart, lung or liver he/she may not be a good candidate for treatment. To learn more about the tests required prior to treatment visit: http://ibogaine-therapy.net/tests.html

Cy Kobey was completely aware of the risks and decided to go ahead with the treatment. He was evaluated by a specialist doctor at “The Ibogaine Association Clinic” in Mexico.  This Clinic started treating patients in early 2000 and is one of the most experienced Ibogaine program with the greatest number of patients treated.

Cy spent five days at the facility and experienced a detoxification without withdrawal symptoms.

“The doctor advised me not to move my head because I might experience nausea, so I was careful about that. I took the dosage the doctor gave me and lay down on the bed. They hooked me up to an electrocardiograph and gave me headphones. Ibogaine started working after 30 minutes of the ingestion. I felt my spine hurt a little bit, but it wasn’t something that I couldn’t handle. But I asked if that was okay. They said that was absolutely fine. A very intense buzz in my ears was there for… I don’t know for how long, but it was so intense. I had lots of visions and memories from my childhood. Oh God, I cried a lot”.

According to well known writer Daniel Pichneck, Ibogaine can be described as “Ten Years of Therapy In One Night”. It’s not a pleasant trip. People think of Ibogaine as a hallucinogen drug. It’s not. The patient becomes aware of his condition through the most vivid visions of his life. Traditional healers (Shamans) name this procedure as a “Questions & Answers” method. The patient becomes his own visionary. Others describe it as being your own Freud.

Cy left the Clinic with a big smile on his face, but with the responsibility of taking care of himself. Ibogaine Clinics don’t provide after care but a list with instructions to follow up right after patients leave the Clinic. Relapses may occur in a few cases of long term heroin addicts or those who were on Methadone maintenance for years. They can ask for a second try with Ibogaine and even a third treatment. 

It is highly recommended that before patients decide to detox and stop using, they plan to move to a different neighborhood and be surrounded by a healthy environment so they can stay away from situations that can be difficult to handle. It is also recommended to make an appointment with an experienced therapist in the addictions field and plan an after care therapy to become stronger during the recovery process. Healthy meals, yoga, exercises and family support are very important during the healing process.

“I went through difficult times with my divorce. I found my wife with another man, but I admit it was my entire fault. Women need lots of attention and love. My addiction ruined it all”. 

Cy could be in charge of his family company in California or at least doing some sort of important work in, but unfortunately the stigma of drug addiction has put him off.

“My family has taken the approach that I am a drug addict so I’m totally cut off from the family business money. This in turn is making me into an independent person who needs no help. My rent is $900.00 month, not including all my others bills. This month I almost have it all.  It’s stressful... but I won’t give up. I still work for this grocery store called Trader Joes 4 to 5 nights a week. And on the weekends I work the Swap Meet. I have a booth and seller skateboards. So on Saturdays, I work from 6:00 am till 3:00 pm then go to Trader Joes and work from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm. On top of it three little children I try to put as my number one priority”.

Cy has two sisters and his mother. His older sister Kimberly had a double mastectomy last year and was lucky enough to not receive chemotherapy or radiation. But the other sister is currently battling an advanced stage of breast cancer which has no responded to any of the treatments as expected. They don’t see Cy and had no idea about the Ibogaine treatment he did in 2004. However, Kimberly was very open in knowing about it and thought her mother would have been aware of it. Kimberly was so surprised to learn that not even her mother was aware of Cy detoxing with Ibogaine and that he participated in a film documentary.

Families where drug addiction was present for years and especially if hard drugs were involved usually gave up hope since many treatments have failed before. It is not that they don’t care. It is a heart breaking situation when they see a beloved one walking to die and haven’t seen any positive results with previous programs. So, when another program knocks on the door, family members remain skeptical, may lose interest or won’t know about it.

I got in touch with Cy Kobey’s older sister Kimberly and it took me a while to start listening to the caring sister not the hurt one. Although she keeps on her words about not wanting to see her brother until she can see he is trusted, it is wonderful to at least be able to talk about him with love and affection.

“If I had a magic wand I would have used. My brother had a difficult youth with my parents and their problems. He found strength with pot and then needed stronger drugs for the same high. He was always seeking strength and found drugs he had confidence. He was a very quite sensitive child and more timid as he became a teenager. Then it was hard for all of us to deal with our father dying of AIDS”.

Kimberly Kobey understands drug addiction is a disease and needs to be treated as such. She’s been aware of all traditional treatments for heroin addiction for years, but didn’t know about Ibogaine. Kimberly is a very nice and polite lady. She thanked me for caring about his brother Cy and for all the information I provided her about Ibogaine. Kimberly watched the documentary “Rite Of Passage” where Cy participated and is looking forward to share it with her mother first and then with the rest of the family. It is a very good start for someone who hasn’t seen or talked to her brother for years. 

“My mother will have lunch with Cy and his kids for Thanksgiving. Then she will come to my home for the evening to be with the rest of the family.  I will have traditional Thanksgiving for 16 at my home. Sadly I haven't been able to include my brother for years since he can't be trusted with his drug abuse”.

But, now she and the rest of the family are aware of the treatment Cy did, that he has two jobs, pays the rent plus bills and that his priorities are mainly focused on his children and staying sober. And in this step by step recovery process, it will come the day Kimberly shares a wonderful meal with Cy in family.

Family support is the key to reach a successful maintenance as well as willingness to resolve the pain and anger addicts may have caused them instead of staying away and see what happens. An initial talk with a family therapist is very much recommended to open the door to a victorious family reunion. The key to open the door is in everyone’s heart. Back To Top

HONEYTRIBE
INTERVIEW WITH DEVON ALLMAN
By Ron Isbell

Honeytribe is a very well known band from St. Louis, MO. It was formed in 1999 by singer / guitarist Devon Allman. The band quickly became one of the top draws in their hometown and won the Jam Band of the Year award in the Riverfront Times Magazine Poll. They worked on some great recordings and went on a number of small successful tours.

The band took a break in late 2000. Devon needed to spend time with his newborn son, Orion. Devon Allman stayed in St. Louis during that time and played solo acoustic shows. And by 2005 Devon Allman appeared on a top 10 hit in Spain with Javier Vargas, a well known bluesman. Devon was featured on the album “Love, Union, Peace” along side several experienced classic rockers. The name of “Honeytribe” started rolling again. Devon and his band mates got back on board to rock again! Honeytribe released “Torch” in 2006 and was featured greatly on satellite radio. The band played at XM and Sirius studios and the sets were broadcast numerous times and since then “Honeytribe” toured almost 300 dates a year, 42 states and 10 countries.

During the course of 2007 and 2008 the band was featured on a big number of festivals, were on radio stations and TV shows. Well known rockers Billy Bob Thornton and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top came to a “Honeytribe” show at the Consumer Electronics Convention in Las Vegas. Billy Gibbons jammed with the band!

Devon Allman was asked to sit in with legendary Les Paul, The Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts, Keller Wiliams, Beth Hart, Billy Bob Thornton as well as being featured in a number of famous magazines such as Relix, Guitar Player,Guitar World and Guitar One.

Honeytribe in 2009 has emerged as a powerful trio with George Potsos on bass, Gabriel Strange on drums and of course Devon Allman on lead vocals and guitar. Pure energy, ass-kickin’ rock and roll the old school way. Get online, buy tickets and see it by yourself!

By the way, what do you think of when you see the name of Devon Allman? I know, I know...Greg's son, but....when you catch Devon Allman's Honeytribe live, you soon learn Devon has his own aura.

My friends and I recently caught the guys in Maryville, Tennessee at The Shed, and I was blown away. I don't say that often, either. Along with George and Gabriel, this act is one of the best-rounded and versed band I have ever witnessed. I had to choke back a tear a couple of times...no shit! Here's what Devon so unselfishly shared with me.....

2) Other artists I've really enjoyed performing with over the last decade have been Les Paul , Keller Williams , Billy Gibbons and Derek Trucks to name just a few.   Playing on stage with other musicians is such a great cram-style college course.  Soaking up vibe is essential in our biz.   Always seek the Jedi.

3) If I could play with any deceased musician it would hands down be Jimi Hendrix.  I love his approach , his depth , soul , even his laugh.  Not to mention his singing voice which I don't think gets enough love.  He is as SPACE AGE BLUES as it gets.

4)  My gear is very simple but quality.   I am a full blown Gibson endorser , my main axe being a '59 Custom Shop HIstoric Cherry Burst Les Paul , signed by Les Paul  (see my Facebook page for THAT amazing story) also a Lynhof custom Tele...I endorse Fuchs amps , a boutique company out of New Jersey.  BluesBox cabinets out of Vigo , Spain supplies me with the most rad cabinets ever.   For peripherals I use Dunlop .73mm picks , 10 gauge D'addario srings , Mogami cables , VOX wah-wah's , and a totally modified DS-1 Pedal by Doc Occ of NYC.   Oh and lots of Sugar Free Red Bull  ;)

5) Strangest gig would have to go to Valdosta ,Georgia.  We pull up and the club owner greets us by shaking his head and saying " Uhhh I guess you can load in your gear in the back...I don't care"    I'm like ...."Oh ...uh thanks for having us"    Now Valdosta for us has actually become a code word for getting screwed.   "Ohhh you got Valdosta'd on that one ! "   Very bizzaro.    That and I also played off the coast of Africa in Tenerife and in Macedonia.   Very strange but very cool.

6) My favorite venues to perform at have been Ram's Head in Annapolis , Maryland , the recently burned to the ground Georgia Theater in Athens , GA.  The Rex theater in Pittsburgh is really cool...the Fillmore in San Fransisco...Quasi Modo in Berlin, Germany was amazing.  There are tons of great venues for sure.

7) Sushi , Pineapple , Filet Mignon, Clif Bars , Eggs , Soul Food , Mex , Thai , Chinese , Italian, Jalepenos and GOOD effin burger   .......H20 , Starbucks , Sugar Free Red Bull , Pineapple juice , Green Tea , Earl Grey.

8)  Touring with several artists would be bad ass.  Buddy Guy,  The Crowes , the Stones , ZZ Top ...the list could go on and on. ...you know really anyone that is like minded.

9)  We tour almost 300 dates a year worldwide ...tough to have any hobby time..but my other passions are definitely family , friends, cooking , art museums, the water and the beach.  I am a voracious reader and run 2 miles / 5 days a week.   I love film and music times a squillion and travel is something that totally makes me feel alive.  I have been to 47 states ...3 left and knocking one out this autumn on vacation.  Gonna be spending a week in Maine !  Going white water rafting and whale watching.   SUPER excited.

10) TV shows are hard on tour also ...can't "tune in"  so I'm an iTunes or DVD guy.  I love LOST , Weeds , House, Family Guy and anything educational ...NAT GEO , Discover , anything science oriented.

11)  Favorite memories that i shared with my Dad as a child ?  I  didn't meet him until i was 16 hahaa .....I remember being in the tabloids when I was like 5 ..does that count ?   I do remember him teaching me how to make a G chord using only one finger over the phone during our first ever phone conversation ..that was really sweet.

12)  On January 2nd , I take Honeytribe through the doors of the famous Ardent studios  ( SRV , ZZ Top )  in Memphis , Tennessee for 30 days.  We will walk out of there with our sophomore record SPACE AGE BLUES.   Going for a May 2010 release :)    
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.
--Lin Yutang

http://www.myspace.com/honeytribe
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Devon-Allmans-Honeytribe/49611118939
There you go. I feel better....you? The boys will be in the studio at the end of the year, and this disc SHALL rock. "Salvation" is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard, or witnessed live. Thanks Guys! I would also like to say all three guys are super nice people, despite of being worn from the road. I feel that deep-down.

Peace,

Ron

Photos courtesy of: Ron Isbell, Tina McDaniel McGinnis, and Anita "Wolfie" Russell Wynn. Back To Top

IBOGAINE

Part 1 of 3

“RITE OF PASSAGE”
By Ben De Loenen

Article by Adriana Rubio

Ibogaine is a substance that is extracted from the root of an African plant called Iboga that grows in Gabon. This plant is originally used by the Bwiti culture during specific ceremonies related to initiations, but in the sixties the anti-addictive properties of this psychoactive substance were discovered by Howard Lotsof in the United States. Howard Lotsof realized that after ingesting Ibogaine, he could instantaneously stop his heroin addiction without having any withdrawal symptoms or going “cold turkey”. Soon after that Lotsof got more and more interested in exploring the nature of his addiction because of the psychoactive phase he had experienced.

The use of Ibogaine to treat drug addiction in the United States is illegal and the entire subject is surrounded by lots of controversy. But despite the encouraging results that prove the efficacy of its use, the pharmaceutical companies and the government still show no interest and remain skeptical.
Film Director Ben De Loenen, of the Dutch film production company LunArt Productions produced and directed the film “IBOGAINE: RITE OF PASSAGE”, in co-production with Triomf Productions.

Ben De Loenen had read an article about Ibogaine in a Dutch magazine.  At that time, he was a second year student at the Utrech School of the Arts and wanted to devote his final exam project to Ibogaine. The cultural and spiritual essence of Ibogaine and the lack of economical interest of the pharmaceutical companies caught Ben De Loenen's attention. He got support from many experienced people in the Ibogaine field and very especially from Howard Lotsof. Unsurprisingly, pharmaceutical companies as well as conservative detox and rehab clinics rejected the invitation to participate in the film alleging that they “had no comments”.

Treatment scenes for the “Ibogaine: Rite Of Passage” documentary were shot in three different places: 1) Sara’s house in Breukelen, The Netherlands, 2) Ibogaine Association in Mexico, 3) Iboga Therapy House in Vancouver. A big number of interviews were done for the film with Howard Lotsof, former heroin addicts, the father of a former addict, scientists, a psychotherapist and a Bwiti shaman.

Due to the large amount of material reached for the film, a selection of it needed to be made, and only the treatment scene filmed in Mexico on patient Cy Kobey of San Diego, CA was used along with the interviews cited above. Additionally, a live Traditional Bwiti Initiation was also used.

Cy Kobey was 34 when “Rite Of Passage” documentary came out. He had on his shoulders 11 years of heroin and speed addiction. The Ibogaine treatment reveals to him all his suppressed emotions. He is a father of three kids.
This fifty minute documentary shows the different components of Ibogaine by means of personal experiences told by former heroin addicts, treatment providers and experts in this field. This film takes the viewer right to their personal experiences and makes him/her become a witness of their treatments and knowledge. A MUST SEE!

About LunArt Productions
LunArt Productions is a film production company that was created in 2003 by Ben De Loenen and his crew. It focuses on social documentaries. With these documentaries, they do their best to inform people about significant social causes. And with the “Ibogaine: Rite Of Passage” documentary, they vividly report to people about the existence of Ibogaine and provide education on its anti-addictive properties.  They hope people can understand the message and break the stigma that surrounds drug addiction and the use of psychoactive substances for spiritual/medicinal purposes. For more information please visit: www.lunartproductions.com.

Film Director Ben De Loenen is currently working at the “International Center for Ethnobotanical, Education, Research & Service”(http://www.iceers.org/).  It is a philanthropic, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge and its practice in the interest of the intellectual, practical and spiritual advance of society. Among the ethnobotanicals this organization work on is Iboga, the potent anti-addictive tool that interrupts craving for heroin, cocaine, methadone and other drugs, while eliminating pain of narcotic withdrawal.

TO BE CONTINUED

MORE ARTICLES / INTERVIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT COMING SOON!

IBOGAINE PART 2: “TESTIMONIES”

Interview with Cy Kobey after 5 years of his Ibogaine treatment to quit 11 years of heroin addiction.

IBOGAINE PART 3: “DETOX OR DIE”

Interview with film director David Graham Scott after 5 years of his Ibogaine treatment to quit 20 years of heroin addiction and methadone maintenance.  David directed his own Ibogaine treatment. Back To Top

AUTOMATIC FIRE INTERVIEW
by
 Ron Isbell

It’s time to lock and load, kids. Today, I'm bringing' you "Automatic Fire" from the great city of Philadelphia. This group is fronted by Walt Lafty (former Silvertide vocalist), who filled in for Josey of Saliva's last tour, while Josey was recuperating. Other members completing the clan are Brian Weaver (Silvertide), Robbie Bennett (Pepper's Ghost) , and Brian Kilian. Silvertide were one of my favorite bands before they disbanded, and they keep some of that vibe in this project. Daddy likes! These guys were just with "Crue Fest", which is a very prominent and envious gig. Here's what the lads had to tell me.

QUESTION: How did you guys form, and come up with the name?

ANSWER: We've all known each other for a very long time. Walt, Brian, and Brian all went to high school together. And when Walt and Brian Weaver were with Silvertide they were good friends with Robbie's band Pepper's Ghost. Brian Kilian had moved to Nashville for a about 5 years where he was gigging a lot. Kilian came up to philly for about a week last year for a visit and we all just got together and decided to have a jam. Things felt really good and we decided to go lay down some demos. And things just kinda took off from there. As far as the name, we all liked the imagery and aggression of an automatic machine gun and decided to name the band Automatic Fire.

QUESTION: What equipment are you using now?
ANSWER: Drums: Frankenstein Drum kit. A mixture of Pearl, Yamaha, Tama, and Ludwig drums with Zilgdian cymbals Guitars: Les Pauls into Marshalls and sometimes stereo with a Fender combo amp with a lot of funny pedals in between. Bass: Fender 5 string Roscoe Beck signature Bass. And a couple Fender Jazz Basses. Ampeg SVT Classic and 8x10 Cabinet. Tech 21 sans amp and an Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff.

QUESTION: What has been the strangest gig so far for you?
ANSWER: Farmingdale, NY. Never seen so many 13 year old kids with mullets in one place before.

QUESTION: If you could play with any deceased musician, who would it be?

ANSWER: Bob Marley, John Lennon, Sam Cooke

QUESTION: What are some of your favorite venues?

ANSWER: The Ryman in Nashville, The Music Box at the Borgata in Atlantic City was pretty cool, Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, and The Machine Shop in Flint Michigan

QUESTION: What are some of your fave foods/beverages?

ANSWER: Hummus and apple juice. Sushi & craft brew beers. Especially dogfish head... 120 min IPA will make you fall in love, then fall over

QUESTION: Celebrity shovel time! If you could hit any celeb with a shovel, who would it be?

ANSWER: Glen Beck and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

QUESTION: What bands are you guys diggin' on now?

ANSWER: Re-discovering Soundgarden in amazing ways. Little Joy is the shit and just saw them play at the Khyber in Philly and killed it. On my ipod i've been wearing out Bon Iver, Richard Hawley, Jens Lekman, Jenny Lewis, Levon Helm's "Dirt Farmer", & that new Phoenix record. Muse is pretty bad ass too

QUESTION: Are there any gigs that you are really looking forward to?

ANSWER: We're doing 2 shows on CRUE FEST in Scranton, PA 9-4-09 and Darien Center, NY 9-5-09

QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like to add?

ANSWER: Check out our new single “What are you made of?” And go to all of Interwebs:

www.theautomaticfire.com
www.myspace.com/automaticfire
www.twitter.com/automaticfire

Back To Top

AMERICAN BANG
From Nash-Vegas to Rolling Stone to Bob Rock
By Ron "Roosterpuddin" Isbell

Greetings from Knoxville, Tennessee, my children! This segment features a band I fell in love with years ago, while listening at WUTK in Knoxville, Tennessee.

AMERICAN BANG, formerly “Bang Bang Bang”, have done outstanding in the few years since I first fell onto them. They have opened for “Lynard Skynard”, “3 Doors Down”, and “The Pretenders” among other major acts. They have been featured in a Verzon commercial. They have appeared this summer in ROLLING STONE magazine. They have also finished recording with "World-Famous" record producer BOB ROCK.

What is all this called? It's called credibility, and I am ALL over this! Neil Mason (drums) was so kind as to let me pick his noggin' as to their recent endeavors. Here's what he said in a friendly interview:

QUESTION: So how does it feel to appear in ROLLING STONE Magazine? That's big stuff, man!

ANSWER: It was a cool thing to get to see...We had heard that we had been selected for that piece and then went on tour and had forgotten about it for a couple of months. So one day we got home, and there were some Rolling Stone Magazines in the mail and we found our page and started high-fiving and had to go to the bar and do a shot!

QUESTION: What was it like to open for THE PRETENDERS? Any good stories to share?

ANSWER: The Pretenders tour was the best we've had so far. We were honored that Chrissie asked us to open up all those dates. The whole band and crew were so good to us. We learned so much in the six months we were out with them! Had some great late night hangs, and bus rides, and just couldn't have had a better time, to be honest.

QUESTION: What other bands are you guys digging on now?
ANSWER: The Whigs are one of our favorites. They are just a great band out of Athens, Georgia that I really think deserve a lot of attention right now.

QUESTION: What deceased musicians would you really like to jam with?

ANSWER: Well, one would have to be Michael Jackson. There are plenty of things about his life that I'll never know, but as a musician, and artist, he was very influential to all of us. We were in Maui working on our album when he passed, and we were really sad that day. We were all surprised as how much it affected us as a whole. He's the closest thing for us as far as The Beatles or Zeppelin must have had on the previous generation, and so to lose that was sad, but I'd sure as hell jam with him any day.

QUESTION: How did you guys hook up with Bob Rock to produce your latest recording?

ANSWER: We were about to go in the studio here in Nashville when we got a call from our record label saying that Bob had called, heard some of our stuff,  and was interested in meeting with us, and discuss working on the album. So Jaren and I flew out to L.A. and met with Bob. We hit it off, and decided to hold off recording until Bob finished his current project. We then went in the studio here in Nashville with him, then to his studio in Maui to finish it up.

QUESTION: Any gigs you guys are looking forward to?

ANSWER: We're playing VooDoo Fest in New Orleans on Halloween, and are really stoked about it. A bunch of great bands are playing that we can't wait to see like “Wolfmother”, “The Black Keys”, “Eagles of Death Metal”, and “KISS”!

QUESTION: What T.V. shows do y’all like right now?

ANSWER: Jaren is really into "True Blood", and I'm really into "Dexter". I think we both must have a thing for blood or something. (laughs).

QUESTION: What gear are you guys using now?

ANSWER: As far as gear, we're in the process of getting a lot of new stuff to be able to re-create what we just did in the studio. I'm still playing Ludwigs, and Kelby's still running 8x10 Ampeg bass cabs. Jaren and Ben are still in the process of sorting out all their new guitar sounds out and it kinda remains to be seen what all they have going for the next shows.

QUESTION: Anything you want to say to your fans, now?

ANSWER: More than anything, we just want to make sure anyone that digs our band knows that we can't wait to get this new album out. We want to be out on the road constantly for the next couple of years touring, and hanging out with people all over the country and the world. We're really looking forward to a great 2010, and beyond.
Thanks, Neil!

These guys could blow like “Kings of Leon” anytime, in my opinion. With Bob Rock producing this record, it's not going to be shabby at all. I want to personally thank Neil Mason for taking the time to chat with me. He has always been cool with me. You can check these Nashville boys out at http://www.myspace.com/americanbang for more info.
Until next time,

R00

Back To Top

DECAY OF THE ANGEL
A sweet story of love,
devotion and artistic creation

By Adriana Rubio

Dirty Harry and Yuki Kabuki are Decay of the Angel, a music band from Tokyo, Japan. They describe the band as a “sweet story of love, devotion and artistic creation”. They met for the first time on June 5th of 1988 in Tokyo and got married on June 17th of 1991.  
Harry and Yuki started creating music in 1999. Yuki felt immensely inspired to play guitar soon after hearing John Frusciante’s zen work on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” album. She practiced from eight to ten hours daily during one year and since then she couldn’t stop expressing herself through the art of making music.
Harry and Yuki firmly state that they are not musicians but artistic individuals who express themselves from their most inner feelings. They don’t consider themselves as entertainers of the show business. They believe God created man in his image, theoretically. Man created the sound to reproduce the sounds of nature. So, Decay Of The Angel creates the Sound of God, the sound of Angels descending from Heaven. They create art purely for personal satisfaction. However, if they find at least one individual who thinks differently than the average mass consuming human of mind numbing mediocrity, can relate to that, then they, as artists and creators have reached their goal of converting mankind.
Decay Of The Angel first piece of art was released on October 16th, 2007 on Chuck Dukowskis’ (of BLACK FLAG infamy) Nice and Friendly Records. One of Harry and Yuki experimental songs has been especially selected for the upcoming “Get Born Again” movie to honor talented artist Layne Staley. We will conduct an exclusive interview with them soon. In the meantime please visit their MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/decayoftheangel

LIAM GALLAGHER / PRETTY GREEN
&
MORE!

Liam Gallagher’ s brand new menswear company Pretty Green invites members to get a sneak preview of the New Brighton Film live! Pretty Green Official Launch will be on June 4th 2009 only for members. Subscribe at:http://www.prettygreen.com

“I’m not gonna be putting anything out, unless I’d wear it”
Liam Gallagher

By Adriana Rubio

Liam Gallagher, the lead singer and shining voice of the British band Oasis has always been and still is an ingredient for reporters to headline magazines with a number of tabloid stories. It is a common thing happening everywhere to many artists. It looks like there is nothing to write about but stupid rumors. Business! There you are to entertain us! So let’s see what else we can add to all that crap and make a difference here!

Musicians speak through their music, and every single note and melodies are an accurate portrait of the joy and grief that comes out from their souls.  Artists in general have the ability of creating amazing stuff by nature. However, it is not that easy. The making process of that creation will depend on the emotions that lead to obtain a certain type of musical composition or a singing melody. And all this together will then allow the audience to express their own inner feelings with the artist like in a conversation.
 
Undoubtedly, Liam Gallagher has a great passion for music. He is the kind of singer who doesn’t speak much to the audience but express himself on stage with a style and manner rarely seen in others. He is not a showman. He is not a performer. He is not a rock and roll screamer. He is the one who touches the crowds’ feelings with a sweet singing melody combined with that personal attitude on stage.

With a smiling tambourine in his mouth Liam salutes the crowd without a word at the beginning of the concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina on May 3rd, 2009. The microphone stands alone with thousands of screaming fans staring right at it. The crowd erupts crazily as Liam nears his microphone stand, and with his inimitable style he starts singing Rock and Roll Star. The crowd sings along and dance this “funny pogo” thing without stopping. Tears roll down the faces of some young fans accompanied by their parents. Disabled people sat on wheelchairs clap their hands and watch the band from the distance.

“Liam, Liam, Liam” yells the crowd as the first chords of Lyla can be heard. A fan next to me shakes his head and says: “I can’t believe it. You have no idea how much this means to me”. He continues singing and shouts really loud in harmony with Liam: “I waited for a thousand years for you to come and blow me up my mind!”

At some point, music seems to be a common verbal communication for everyone, no matter where you come from or which language you speak. It’s a free demonstration of emotional matters running through your body and, in
many cases the singing melodies are perceived as incredible therapeutic.Every voice has its own individual tone and this tone is increased by the quality of the voice and the way the words in a song are expressed by the singer.

Liam Gallagher singing career has always been in part and unfairly shadowed by his brother Noel since he writes the majority of the band’s songs. However, there’s something very important to emphasize in that regard. The one who writes a song is the one who feels the story as it is, no doubts about it. And the one who sings it, is the one in charge of highlighting the words through his own singing melodies in which heart and passion are involved. It doesn’t matter what Liam sings but HOW he sings.

Oasis music is being used in many therapy programs to help children fight leukemia during chemotherapy treatments. The singing style of Liam Gallagher plays an important role in these programs since his melodies lead to accomplish emotional balance and harmony during a long and hard recovery process.

Now, he has stated that clothes and music are his passion. He is the owner of a brand new menswear company called Pretty Green and that he is not here to rip anyone off because he is not doing it for the money. Clothes and music are part of his life. His new venture with Pretty Green encourages him to be more open to people. The official website of Pretty Green has a special section for fans to be in touch with him via “Ask Liam”. He responds back in a video. And, additionally you can follow Liam minute after minute on Twitter. It’s really him updating the site.

TMF/HCV BITCHES & BASTARDS!

Tawn Mastrey Foundation
1664 Lexington Parkway North
St. Paul, MN
55117
www.tawnmastreyfoundation.com
651-487-8493

TMF/HCV Core Warriors

Cara Mastrey
Chariman Executive Director, Alpha Bitch

Matt Erwin
Managing Director, Personal Assistant

Remy Maxwell
Personality, Musical Director

Angela Albee
#1 Bitch – Assistant, Secretary, Hostess

Diane Anderson
#2 Bitch – Manager, Product Management

Shannon Stang
#3 Bitch – Band Coordinator, Sexy Librarian

Laura Tveite
#4 Bitch – Memorabilia, Hostess

Hollie Olson
#5 Bitch – Sassy Chef

Rachelle Alberts Thorpe
#6 Bitch – Sassy Chef Assistant

Jennifer Torkelson
#7 Bitch – Staff Communications

Lien-Jian Hwan Do Lotus Healing
#8 Bitch – Masseuse, Healer

Pam Campbell
#9 Bitch – Consultant, Information

Tara Lynn Grealish
#10 Bitch – Band Hostess

Robbie Robfogel
#1 Bastard – HCV Survivor, Singer

ROCK HARD LIVE LONG!
Remembering Rock DJ Tawn Mastrey

Tawn Mastrey, International radio legend known for decades, became a victim of Hepatitis C, (HCV), which took her early from us, devastating her family and millions of radio fans.  Tawn and her sister Cara Mastrey, decided at that time, to create an organization that would change lives and help prevent further families from being destroyed by this insidious disease. Tawn contracted HCV accidently as a child and it remained undetected for over 30 years.  Too late.  HCV is currently at 500 million worldwide, and is scheduled to take in 1 billion more by 2015 (.gov).

Tawn's last wish: Cara and Tawn were planning a life together once Tawn received a liver transplant.  A liver never came to her.  Tawn asked that we continue to spread the word about Hepatitis C, by asking her music friends to educate people to get tested for HCV.  The deadly virus can be in incubation and not know they have it until it is too late to be treated.  She suggested we do this media project starting first through the power of her friends influence and media through    Rock genre.  The music community is now coming together to make change for the better in order to stop the spread of the disease Hepatitis C through awareness and education.

Cara started a nonprofit Foundation, “Tawn Mastrey Foundation” (TMF) and now has great support from the Entertainment business and media to join forces with people who can make change for the better through Music, Art, Entertainment and Media, Internationally.

ROCK ON! Slay The Red Dragon!

Tawn Mastrey aka “The Leather Nun” passed away on October 2nd, 2007 due to Hepatitis C. Tawn contracted the disease accidentally as a child and was undetected for over 30 years. Tawn said: “Rock Hard Live Long! Get Tested for HCV!”

TAWN MASTREY FOUNDATION

MISSION STATEMENT (TMF) By Cara Mastrey

Our team at TMF consists of many professional individuals and companies that will further the success of this foundation. We have enlisted the aid of successful fundraisers, event managers, PR and media experts and a project director that will take TMF to the top! Our desire is to create a public relations campaign that will go viral globally. Additionally, we will design and implement stellar concerts and media awareness throughout the world about this foundation. We have enlisted mega performers through relationships with Tawn Mastrey; celebrities anxious to endorse and become a part of this incredible foundation and outreach to potential sponsors. Through these efforts will come successful events, state-of-the-art research, stellar media and PR outreach and a mega-awareness campaign that will allow TMF to become a viable force in stamping out HCV.
TMF invites you to become a part of this outstanding organization and watch how we grow! There are many opportunities we would like to discuss with you or your company and custom design a plan for your financial support for The Tawn Mastrey Foundation!

The Tawn Mastrey Foundation has been established as a Minnesota nonprofit public benefit corporation. It will be exempt from federal and Minnesota taxation as a charitable organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation's tax-exempt status, when granted, will be effective as of 4/11/08, the date of incorporation.

The Foundation will also be registered with the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts shortly. The Board of Directors is looking to develop a broad base of public support     for the Foundation so it can be characterized as a public charity for income tax purposes.

This characterization will be most beneficial to donors and enable to Foundation to accept gifts of real property, closely held-business interests and other non-cash gifts, in addition to contributions of cash and publicly traded stock.

Thank you for your support! Cara Mastrey.

Cara is currently writing and recording her first solo Heavy Metal Album.  Majority of proceeds will go to Tawn Mastrey Foundation. Also, she’s been selected to play the role of Ghost Demri in the upcoming movie “Get Born Again” which is about talented “Alice In Chains” Singer Layne Staley.
To contact the Tawn Mastrey Foundation and Cara Mastrey please follow these links:

www.myspace.com/caramastrey

www.myspace.com/mastreyproductions

THE JIM MORRISON
MANUAL CASE   By Adriana Rubio

The guy who “claims” to be Jim Morrison lives in Oregon and was on probation for unlawful use of a weapon!

Get True Facts…! Stop Thoughts Control…!

Soon after the publication of the book entitled «Jim Morrison: Ceremony» I continued working on the mysterious death of James Douglas Morrison and the tale of the Oregon Cowboy. I faced very hard times during the investigation process. The complete lack of cooperation that I received from self professed «investigative journalists» in America is uncountable. Not to mention the lack of respect received by some kind of professional writers who not even listened
to some of the studies. The fingers of only one hand are enough to count the ones who at least showed some respect.

The investigation started with the tale of Gerald Pitts and «His» Jim Morrison, the one who affirms to have discovered the Lizard King in the Pacific Northwest without even knowing who The Doors are. Although Gerald Pitts did his best to cooperate for the «Ceremony» book back in 2005 with a number of interviews, he couldn’t answer much of the questions and was always more concerned in making-up stories than in providing an interview with «His» Jim Morrison. So, I listened to all the tapes minute after minute for several weeks and as if they were little pieces of a BIG puzzle, I reached out the right words I needed to get the false French
name «HIS» Morrison lives under. And, on December 14th of 2005 I got in touch for the first time and on my own with the supposed Jim Morrison and his wife. This event made Gerald Pitts very angry at me. He called my publisher and left a message saying: “You are never to call him again”!

Although in some way I was lucky of being in touch with «this» Jim Morrison and his wife for about a year, the doubts of who this man is were still present and, for a long time, I felt like in a crossroad. This turned out more difficult when his wife notified me that her husband was in a serious health condition due to a chemotherapy treatment. According to her, he was facing this treatment for the second time because of an old illness which she didn’t specify it as cancer but a «liver illness». In the meantime I received some crucial information which is provided in detail in this manual case. Things turned out even more hard when I realized that soon after contacting the Morrison Family Attorney at Law Mr. Jeffery Forer, a new book about Jim Morrison came out in French language. It is authored by Sam Bernnett, a former manager of the famous pub «Rock and Roll Circus» situated in Paris, a place where Jim Morrison used to go often during his stay there. Bernnett came out the closet 36 years later saying that Jim Morrison died of a «heroin overdose» at the pub toilet and that Jim’s body was then moved by two drug dealers to the apartment where he was found «dead» by Pamela Courson. How did Bernnett know Jim Morrison died of heroin overdose? How did he know «heroin» was present if neither autopsy was performed nor toxicology tests were done?

Many things have been said about Jim Morrison over the years and, the Oregon Cowboy is the latest crazy story we have heard. Is it really that crazy? What is it behind? It’s time to reveal the secrets, the lies and the inconsistencies that surround Morrison’s death. This manual provides the information you need to stop living in the unknown. Don’t let them believe that you are eating all the garbage they want you to eat. Show them that you have a brain and that you want them to stop the lies. Stop thoughts control!

The Mail Tribune of Southern Oregon has an Emergency Services section in which they post Felony Arrests. On December 14th of 2004 The Mail Tribune posted the following news:

«Weapons: William James Loyer, 53, of the 1400 block of Antelope Road, Eagle Point. Jackson County sheriff .s deputies Monday arrested Loyer on charges of attempting to use or carry a weapon, pointing a firearm at another person, fourth-degree assault, harassment, menacing and endangering the welfare of another person. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail, where he was being held Monday in lieu of $24,000 bail».

I contacted the Oregon Department of Corrections and this is what they sent me:

«Thank you for contacting Oregon Department of Corrections.  Below is the information you requested. On 03/22/05 subject was sentenced to three years Probation for Unlawful Use of a Weapon. His supervision in Jackson County will expire on 03/21/08.  Below is his Probation Officer’s name and number to obtain a picture and current address». 

CALLAHAL 8/10/06
Offender Public Information
Offender: 13131485 Loyer, William James 
Status: Probation
Location: JACB Jackson County Community Justice Cell
Age: 55
DOB: 12/17/1950
DNA Collected
Sex: Male
Race: White
Height: 5.08..
Hair: BROWN
Eyes: HAZEL
Weight: 150 lbs
Field admission date: 03/22/2005
Maximum custody date: 03/21/2008
Caseload 6802 LAIRD, CLINT (541)774-4902
Supervision: LTD
Court Case: 046251DV/01
County: JACKSON
WEAPON USE
PROBATION BEGINS 03/22/2005
Code: 003-000-000

I then started to analyze Loyer’s date of birth since it is not James Douglas Morrison’s date of birth. We all know Jim Morrison was born on 12/08/1943. I found particularly interesting that according to Loyer’s date of birth he is 7 years younger than Jim Morrison. It is even more interesting to know that Loyer.s date of birth indicates a mixing of numbers that may suggest the real day and month Jim
Morrison was born except for the year. But, if we think about the seven miles of The End and get them off of Loyer’s year of birth we get 1943 or if we add seven to Jim’s year of birth we get Loyer’s. Oh! Yes. I know. It’s really CRAZY!

I called Probation Officer Clint Laird and left a voice message to him. He never responded back to me. I had requested a recent picture of William James Loyer and current address since I was not totally sure that he and Marsha really live at JM Sanctuary Ranch in Eagle Point, OR. They travel a lot and use different names and they actually have another address in Huntington Beach, CA and another one in Las Vegas, NE!

I then took a deep look to a report I found on one of Jim’s arrests dated January 28th, 1968 in Las Vegas, NE. Jim Morrison was arrested at the Pussycat’s Go Go in Las Vegas for public drunkenness filed 132938. The officer in charge was Jerry Brown. The file includes Jim Morrison’s fingerprints, height, weight, hair and eyes descriptions. I compared it with the information I got for William James Loyer.

Due to age progression height and weight are not exactly the same. However, the
differences between one to another are just minimal and possible related to aging. Hair and eyes remain the same. How about doing a fingerprint comparison?

Let’s now concentrate on the report the Oregon Department of Corrections sent me. It says DNA collected. BINGO! What’s next?

INTERVIEW WITH PAUL GILBERT

Paul Gilbert, is worldwide recognized as a brilliant guitarist whether he plays in a band or as a solo artist. Paul Gilbert became known for his work withRacer X and after joining Mr. Big along with soulful singer Eric Martin, Billy Sheehan on bass and Pat Torpey on drums, he went on to a non-stop success even after Mr. Big breaks up. Gilbert worked on a number of solo projects such as King of Clubs, Flying Dog, Beehive Live, Alligator Farm and the latest one Get Out of My Yard in 2006. Paul Gilbert has toured all over the globe and has joined John Petrucci and Joe Satriani on the G3 2007 U.S Tour. Gilbert has a new record coming out in 2008 and will be a special guest of the Joe Satriani UK Tour.

QUESTION: You became a successful guitarist and have toured a lot to present most of your solo projects. What was the best show you had? Is there any funny story you can tell while touring?
ANSWER: The best show was with G3 at the House of Blues in South Carolina. My band and I played really well. Nothing crazy, just our best musical performance. Funny stories? At the end of the G3 tour, my band I and dressed in Scottish kilts and went onstage while John Petrucci was playing “Glasgow Kiss”. We did sort of a Scottish dance along to his music and it worked quite well!

QUESTION: On several occasions you have said that you grew up listening to bands with singers and that all of your guitar heroes were in bands with singers. Why did you release an instrumental album like Get Out Of My Yard? What was the bottom that inspired you to record such a great instrumental album?
ANSWER: Well, I am a guitarist and I have a lot more ability on the guitar than with my singing voice, so I thought I should try doing a guitar album as a creative challenge to myself. It turned out really well, so I just made another one.

QUESTION: Looking back to the Mr. Big years, the studio albums along with all of the shows you guys did together …How do you feel about the fact of not playing with them anymore? What did really happen in there that make you go into a solo career? Is there anything fans can do to help Mr. Big rock again?
ANSWER: I’m proud of my 8 years in Mr. Big. We made some cool music together. But I’ve done so many solo records and Racer X records since then that I don’t think of Mr. Big much these days. Sometimes I still play some Mr. Big songs in my live show. On the last tour I played Green Tinted Sixties Mind, Addicted to that Rush, and Nothing But Love.

QUESTION: You have a great audience in Japan. Why do you think the music industry in Japan is still interested in selling and promoting rock/instrumental CDs? 
ANSWER: The music fans in Japan have been very supportive of my music, and I’m very thankful for that. I don’t know why certain music to more or less popular in different parts of the world. I’m much more interested in making music and playing guitar than worrying about cultural marketing theories. I just play where there is an audience.

QUESTION: When talking about musical influences you have always cited Rush, The Beatles, Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen and The Ramones among others. Do you think your music sounds really influenced by them? Can you describe your style and what makes it completely yours?
ANSWER: Those are all big influences. Also, Todd Rundgren, Pat Travers, Robin Trower, KISS, Aerosmith, Randy Rhoads, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, The Wildhearts, The Sex Pistols, Enuff Z’Nuff, UFO, Gary Moore, Loudness, Accept, Burt Bacharach, k.d. lang, Cheap Trick, Dio, The Donnas, Ted Nugent, my uncle Jimi Kidd, AC/DC, The Partridge Family, J.S. Bach, and Saxon.
I have never had “style” as a goal. I just wanted to play guitar really well. I wanted to have enough control over the instrument where I could insert “style” in any amount that I wanted. I don’t want “style” to control me!

QUESTION: You have a new record coming out in 2008. Tell us about its contents, recording sessions, production, release date, etc.
ANSWER: I just finished it and it’s killer! It will be released in Japan in January, and the rest of the world soon after. My touring band played on it. Mike Szuter on bass. Jeff Bowders on drums, my wife Emi on keyboards, and I played lots of guitar. It’s all instrumental like “Get Out of My Yard”, but better! I’ll announce the title on my website in the coming weeks.

QUESTION: There were a number of G3 Tours and you have recently joined one this year with John Petrucci and Joe Satriani. Now, there are about eight shows confirmed in the United Kingdom to support Joe Satriani. Why do you think you will be Satriani’s special guest and what are the songs you will be playing? Are you going to play some with Joe Satriani?
ANSWER: G3 was great! I really enjoyed that tour, and I’m looking forward to play with Joe next year. Since it’s just the two bands, we can both have a longer set and play more songs. I haven’t planned setlist yet, but it will be all my best songs.

QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
ANSWER: Play an Ibanez guitar. They are the best!

Thank you Paul Gilbert for the interview! We wish you the best of luck with the new CD and the upcoming Satriani Tour! 

12/23/2007 09:01 AM

The Police In Argentina

The British band The Police performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 1st/2nd as part of the 2007 World Tour. After a 21 years break the original members of the band Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers reunited again to please fans with a number of songs that are still remembered all over the world: Message in a Bottle, Roxanne,Synchronicity, Can’t Stand Loosing You, Walking on the Moon andEvery Breath You Take, among many others. The Police had visited Argentina in 1987 at Luna Park stadium. Twenty years later they gave two incredible shows at River Plate stadium for over 50,000 fans.


12/03/2007 08:58 AM

QUIET RIOT: R.I.P KEVIN DUBROW

Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow was found dead at his Las Vegas home on Sunday, November 25. The cause of death of the 52-year-old is still unknown. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Drummer Frankie Banali wrote on his website, I can't even find words to say. Please respect my privacy as I mourn the passing and honor the memory of my dearest friend, Kevin DuBrow.
The band's biggest hit was Cum on Feel the Noize, a cover of the Slade song which they are said to have grudgingly recorded in just one take. The release of the album Metal Health in 1983 was the first metal album to top the US charts.
Kevin Dubrow recorded his first solo album in 2004, while Quiet Riot's most recent studio album was released in 2006.
R.I.P Kevin Dubrow


11/27/2007 12:31 PM

INTERVIEW WITH ERIC MARTIN

Eric Martin is best known as the former Mr. Big singer. However, Martin started his singing career at a very early age in San Francisco. He played in a rock band called Kid Courage and opened the two first acts in North America for AC/DC. He played for Stark Raving Mad and also for 415, a signed band to Elektra/Asylum records. They recorded Sucker for a pretty face, the band changed the 415 name to Eric Martin Band. The band breaks up in 1985 after a year touring with ZZ-Top . Eric continued writing songs and released two solo projects Eric Martin and I’m only fooling myself. By 1988-89 Eric Martin along with Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey formed the treasured band Mr. Big. These four guys released six studio albums, a number of incredible hit singles and six top-selling live CDs. The band breaks up and Eric goes on with a number of successful solo releases and touring worldwide to the present days.
QUESTION: Hi Eric! It has been reported that you are going to rock Italy soon. How do you prepare for that and what are the cities you will be performing in?
ANSWER: I have been on the road since March of this year playing all over the world. I feel stronger than I ever have before. I have been kickin’ out the jams in the USA, Australia, South America (twice), Norway (twice) and India. That in itself has been a huge preparation for just about anywhere. Touring in Italy as cliché as it sounds will be a dream come true for me. My wife Denise, our two sons Jake & Dylan, my mother-in-law Grace and her sister Cookie will be joining me on this new adventure. We are going to places like Rome, Como, Pisa, Cozensa etc. I have toured in Italy before with Mr. Big and also lived in Vicenza for 3 years when I was in my pre-teens; it’s going to be such a treat playing tour guide to my Italian American familia; I’m gonna have to get a couple of maps and a tour guide hat!
QUESTION: You have been in India this year performing for the first time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. How was that show arranged? Tell us about that experience: the show, the people, etc... And, by the way is there any elephant story? ( Laughs )
ANSWER: Unfortunately there were no elephants to take me around!I was invited by the King of Tripura to play in Shillong, India. He has been a long time fan of rock music from the 80’s and 90’s and of my music as well, so he contacted a friend in the music promotion business and basically threw a party for 23,000 rock fans. It was amazing!! It was the biggest concert that I have ever done on my own. The people that I met were so gracious and incredibly intellectual. I felt like I needed to go back to school and hit a few more classes to keep up. The fans were awesome and totally into the whole rock experience. I played a lot of Mr. Big songs and some EMB and TMG as well. The crowd loves the golden oldies...lol. Hey, whatever the audience wants right? I even played the Richie Kotzen tune “Shine.” I did that one for me.
QUESTION: Looking back to the first steps of your singing career where opening acts for AC/DC with Bon Scott took place. Many years have passed since then. How do you feel now? Have you ever thought you would become the famous rock star you are?
ANSWER: Hmmm not famous really. I just wanted to be popular enough to be able to make records and support my family. I know that sounds like the perfect movie script answer but the whole famous thing didn’t even dawn on me. I always thought if I were famous I would only be for a short time and then it would be over and I would have to go back and drive an ice cream truck again to make a living. Well it’s true I was famous for a minute or two and I did get lucky in the sense that I could keep my singing job and visit places that most people dream about. So, I guess everything worked out. Life has definitely been good so far.
QUESTION: You released a number of albums after Mr. Big broke up, I’m goin’ Sane in 2002, Pure and Destroy the Monsters in 2004. You are singing for the Japanese guitar star Tak Matsumoto and now touring all over the planet. Are you busy man? ( Laughs )
ANSWER: Thank God…I mean my wife for booking these tours and God for keeping me safe. I’ve got airplane ass and my throat is sore when I get home but man I’m blessed and loving that I’m busy. I have been writing for a long time for a new solo album but ever since my children came into the world (3 years ago) I have had a bad case of writers block. Those boys of mine zapped the creativity right out of my skull (yikes!!!) but their so darn cute. I haven’t been on the road this extensively since Mr. you know who? But I feel stronger than I have for years.
QUESTION: Everybody keeps asking about Mr. Big and comments on how successful those years were. How does that makes you feel? Why don’t you guys go back together? Is there any special thing the fans can do for the band to rock again?
ANSWER: Good question! Actually it’s a great question because it’s not always geared towards me to bring the guys back. I have said repeatedly in the press and for anybody who still cares about MR. Big that I would love to get back together with those guys (Richie or Paul or both for that matter). So that great question should land in the laps of Billy Sheehan and the rest of the B.I.G’s. The special thing could probably be a worldwide partition. It worked before. I remember this time that the city of Sendai (who was getting overlooked on tours that we played in Japan) submitted a partition to have us play and it was signed by everyone including the mayor of the city. Subsequently Sendai became our favourite place to play.
QUESTION: Your voice has been described as very much soulful. Do you agree with it? What is the main key that inspires you to sing the way you do?
ANSWER: I am soulful, I sing and write from the heart and I truly believe that what I do is from the lord. Now I unfortunately don’t go to church all the time but I definitely know where my gift comes from. I’m moved by vocalists like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Paul Rogers, Rod Stewart, and a host of other soulful greats. The singers that inspire me now are Gavin Degraw, John Mayer, Peter Cox (Go west), John Legend, John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes.
QUESTION: If you weren’t a rock star, how would you picture yourself?
ANSWER: An elementary music school teacher.
QUESTION: Have you ever thought in doing an ‘S3’? I mean, the best guitarists in the world such as Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, etc…use to go on a worldwide ‘G3’ Tour. How about joining a best three singers tour?

ANSWER: What a cool idea!! Let’s make this happen! Count me in. Wait a minute…..do I have to sing a solo or do spoken word? Let’s talk. (Laughs)
QUESTION: How is a day in the life of Eric Martin when not touring?
ANSWER: Writing songs with my partner Andre Pessis but for the most part. Potty training, unpacking and packing for tours, constant cleaning of my music room slash boys Thomas the train room, a once in a while late night video game, many trips to visit relatives and those exciting Thursday night trash nights.
QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like to add? Also, tell us about your upcoming studio album.

ANSWER: I have a lot of music upstairs in the brain vault but having the time to actually record it has been a hard task BUT I’m shooting for January, February and March to finish this bad boy. I need your help! Write me on my forum at ericmartin.com and give me a push will you?
Sure, we will!
Thank you Eric Martin for this interview. We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming tours and projects!


11/26/2007 04:03 AM

Personal Fest 2007

The Personal Fest 2007 features former Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell on December 8th in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Personal Fest 2007 will count with up to 20 bands performing on different stages. More details coming soon! Feel free to visit www.personalfest.com.ar 

11/21/2007 10:36 AM

New Interview coming soon!

Former Mr. Big singer Eric Martin has been interviewed byJournalist/Author Adriana Rubio. Interview will be posted on Monday, November 26th, 2007. A Must Read! Thank you Eric! 

11/21/2007 09:23 AM

NEWS...!

Sebastian Bach releases Angel Down
Original singer for Skid Row has a solo CD in stores November 20th, 2007. Three songs feature singer Axl Rose: Back in the Saddle, Love is a Bitchslap and Stuck Inside. Angel Down is released by Merovingian Music Ltd. (MRV) and Bach's Get Off My Bach Productions. Worldwide distribution through Caroline/EMI Music Group.
For more information visit www.sebastianbach.com

Metallica: Rock Band Video Game includes Enter Sandman
The Rock Band Video Game hits retail shelves for Xbox 360 video game & entertainment system from Microsoft and Play Station 3 computer entertainment system.
Fans can purchase 3-song packs from Metallica, The Police and Queens of The Stone Age.
For more information visit www.metallica.com

Pearl Jam Vs Ames Bros: 13 Years of Tour Posters
The book includes over 200 poster art images from renowned artists Ames Bros and Brad Klausen. A chronology of Pearl Jam's celebrated concert posters spanning 1995 to 2007. For more information visit www.pearljam.com

11/20/2007 09:55 AM

INTERVIEW WITH CRAIG GOLDY

E-Magazine dedicated to the memory of Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain

ARTS Publications dedicates the Get Born Again E-Magazine to Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain with the purpose of providing you a variety of subjects related to music, CD reviews, interviews with rock stars & movie celebrities along with articles of general interest and MORE...!
CRAIG GOLDY
Craig Goldy was born on November 6th, 1961 and is the guitarist for the band DIO. He first came in to public acknowledgment while in the bandGiuffria. He also was a part of an early version of the band Rough Cutt. It is known that Ronnie James Dio produced and co-wrote songs for Rough Cuttas well. Craig Goldy was featured in the Ronnie James Dio Stars project for the Hear’n Aid to raise money for famine relief in Africa along with other guitarist such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith ofIron Maiden among many other great ones of the 80s heavy metal scene.Craig Goldy suffered a hand injury while touring with DIO through Russia so he had to momentarily leave the group in 2005. Goldy was replaced by former DIO guitarist Doug Aldrich to complete the tour. He then returned back to the fold. Craig is now involved in a number of successful projects such as Hydrogen and Destiny Bridge.
QUESTION: How old were you when you started playing guitar and what was the primarily inspiration for you to do it?
ANSWER: I was 13 when I first started playing guitar. Deep Purple was the reason and even more so Ritchie Blackmore. I loved R&B, Blues, Rock, Jazz and Classical music and as I listened to the radio I would constantly change back and forth to all the different stations that played those styles. I couldn't stand to listen to a whole song from any of those styles before I needed to hear something from another one of those types of music. Then the album "Burn" from Deep Purple came out with a mixture of all those styles together and I was hooked from that day forward.
QUESTION: Have you ever imagined about succeeding in your musical career the way you actually did? Looking back, how do you see the early days of Giuffria and Rough Cutt compared to the years of joining DIO?
ANSWER: I always imagined....but never thought I'd be in a band with my favorite singer....Ronnie James Dio.
Giuffria was great because it was my first time playing in arenas and meeting the guys in Deep Purple. Rough Cutt was my first experience in a professional situation but the best was that Ronnie was our Producer and we had quite a few great moments in the recording studio together that forged our reason to be in a band together.
QUESTION: There are a lot of new unsigned musicians looking for a record deal. You have started a program to help unknown musicians get records deals called “Destiny Bridge”. When that started and what’s the project about?
ANSWER: It started way back when I first got a record deal. I decided then that if I ever made it I would help other people like myself who had no music industry contacts and still would try to head for the top. Because the music industry is so competitive....there are very few bits of information that could be helpful that is never even shared. Once someone gets a bit of useful information they huddle around it like squirrels with a few nuts for the winter. If anything is shared it automatically creates competition with the one that the information was shared with.....so...nothing gets shared. I decided to change all that.
The program starts with a book that gives 20 years of information about the music industry....this would be the equivalent as if each unknown musician operated at the top level of the music industry for that length of time...prior to their first attempt of success.
There is a chapter in the book about the 12 qualities that make a hit song and hit band a hit. There are 12 qualities that every band that has sold millions of records for 10-20 consistently each year surviving all new sounds, styles and new times.
There are also a couple of chapters on how to become unique and develop your own style. Then once the unknown musician incorporates this information correctly into their next demo...they submit it to me. I give it to high profile people in the music industry that have the power to get them a record deal. We have producers who have worked with Ozzy, received Grammy’s and Managers who manage Kiss and other big names....record company executives at Warner Bros, Epic, Sony as well as big Independent labels....all who will listen and try to help get the artist signed. It truly is an opportunity of a life time.
QUESTION: We all are very sad for what it happened to Hard Rock Radio DJ Tawn Mastrey. It is a shame that a liver never arrived on time to save her life. You have written a song about the subject along with Robbie Razor Robfogel of METAL KNIGHTS, called MIRACLE IN DISGUISE right?
ANSWER: Yes and I am quite proud of how that song turned out. In fact Robbie and I specifically used my program to begin with in order to write that song. Robbie is a perfect example of an unsigned artist that is willing to learn and when they get a hold of the proper information they begin to flourish on their own. Where he was and where he is now with his songwriting is astounding. He always had it...he just needed someone to care enough to share vital information that he could benefit from to start the ball rolling.
QUESTION: How much did Tawn Mastrey mean to you and what would you say to people about organ donations?
ANSWER: Tawn was a friend of mine. She was a good soul! She did not deserve to die like that...and all the frivolous BS in the world that is spewed out to get us to buy new and improved laundry detergent, microwavable deserts, cell phones that you can do everything but talk on and know how to operate, mini-malls and everything else that is supposed to better our lives have taken up awareness of the things that actually matter.....like saving lives. Every person who is not an organ donor can be rest assured that at least 6 people will needlessly die when they do. I've been an organ donor my whole life but I did not know the true impact it has on this planet until I met Robbie.
QUESTION: You have been recording music for a new project called “Hydrogen”. Tell us about the release date and everything that involves it?
ANSWER: That project has been put on hold for a little while. I'm not sure what is going to happen with that band. But I do know that I will try to help them get to the next level that they so richly deserve.
QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like to say about a any other up coming projects?
ANSWER: I am writing and recording with ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White and his solo project is going to be quite interesting to say the very least!
Thank you Craig Goldy for the interview!
Thank you,
Craig


11/12/2007 05:12 PM

INTERVIEW WITH ROBBIE RAZOR ROBFOGEL

E-Magazine dedicated to the memory of Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain

ARTS Publications dedicates the Get Born Again E-Magazine to Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain with the purpose of providing you a variety of subjects related to music, CD reviews, interviews with rock stars & movie celebrities along with articles of general interest and MORE...!
ROBBIE RAZOR ROBFOGEL
METAL KNIGHTS
Robbie Razor Robfogel is the Founder-President of Ocean Visual FX, a 3D animation and visual effects company based in Huntington Beach, California.Robbie has a great and respected background into the media industry. He was a news anchor at CBS NEWS affiliate KNUU in Las Vegas. Robbie has been an on-air personality in hard rock radio at Palm Springs KCLB 93.7 FM The Rock. He also hosted the heavy metal show The Hardline interviewing the greatest ones in Heavy Metal such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Kissamong many others.
Robbie Razor Robfogel is a liver recipient and helped Hard Rock Radio DJ Tawn Mastrey during her chronic liver illness. Robbie Razor Robfogelorganized benefit concerts to raise funds for Tawn’s medical needs and treatments. Although our beloved Tawn Mastrey passed away on October 2nd, 2007, Robbie continues working on the organ donation cause. He is the singer of the band METAL KNIGHTS and together with Craig Goldy of DIOwrote a song called Miracle in Disguise which is related to the nightmare of being in need of an organ donor. To contact Robbie you can visit him athttp://www.myspace.com/rockdawg1 and/orwww.metalknightsmusic.com
QUESTION: Robbie, you have a great background into the entertainment industry. Can you tell us how everything started and how easy or difficult the whole thing was over the years?
ANSWER: Well, it was not easy by any means! It all started in High School where I excelled at speech. It was my speech teacher that suggested I go into broadcasting, so after 2 years in Jr. College, I transfered to the University of Alaska at Anchorage...I had been singing in a band in LA called BATTLEAXXEalong side bands like RATT, POISON and MOTLEY CRUE, all of them got signed to deals, and we didn't...there were several factors why, one being we couldn't keep a decent bass player! Funny that I would end up working now with one of the most famous in the world. But, when my musical career did not pan out, I decided to move to Alaska and study broadcast journalism. My first job that I landed was at a CBS News affiliate KNUU, in Las Vegas, better known as K-NEWS. It was my first on-air gig and I was literally thrown to the wolves as an anchor. I expected to get a reporter job, but seems the News Director had different plans! I later then decided to leave news and pursue my true love, music. After stumbling thru several different music styles, including a dreaded stay at a Country Western Station, I landed at KCLB 93.7fm, "THE ROCK" in Palm Springs and it was there that I felt I was finally at home. It was also there that I met Tawn Mastrey.
QUESTION: You have worked for The Chandler Group on the mega hit “Batman & Robin”. What was exactly the job you did on and how did you feel while working for such a big names?
ANSWER: In about 1993 when I met Tawn, Metal was starting to decline do to the grunge movement. Tawn helped me get some great interviews, but the market was changing and it got to a point that I was not playing the music that I loved anymore, I was playing Grunge. Then the final blow for me in radio was when the beloved KNAC went Spanish, that was where I was heading to work at KNAC and then bang, it was like Metal radio died. I just couldn't take it so I left radio and pursued work in TV and Movies. I started by buying a Macintosh computer and this was at the time Quicktime was the size of a postage stamp. I made the jump at the right time! When I saw that I could create, edit and do all these great things on this computer, I dove right in and taught myself as much as I could. I was using something called a MEDIA 100 that was the competitor to the now famous AVID editing system. There was a very new and different video game coming out that was really a movie that you played in called VOYUER II. It starred Dennis Weaver and Jennifer O'Neil. When the production company, who had a MEDIA 100 called the makers of the system and asked who local in LA knew the system, I got the job. Then, before you knew it, The Chandler Group called and asked if I would do some on set pre vis compositing. I do remember that my now Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger was really nice, he gave me a cigar!
QUESTION: During your job as an anchor for CBS NEWS, do you remember what were the best and worst news you reported?
ANSWER: I remember a couple of events that happened in particular, one time, I was left at the anchor desk on air and no one else was there at the station and a report of a plane needing to make an emergency landing at McCarron Int'l Airport in Las Vegas came in, so the CBS Network news desk called and wanted me to do a national report, and I had literally just started at the station, talk about being scared! The other story that I remember was walking into a shooting scene that had just taken place and walking into get an interview, I mean it had just happened and I was driving by and had my tape recorder so I wanted to get the scoop, and I remember one of the cops telling me, "You're standing in the middle of evidence!" and I looked down and there were bullets everywhere, needless to say, I tip toed out of there and reported the story via phone back to the station.
QUESTION: Among the people working with you at Ocean Visual FX, there is one in particular that rock fans would love to know more about. He is Rudy Sarzo, a famous bassist who played for great bands such as Whitesnake,Ozzy and DIO among others. What were the factors that encouraged you to make him join your company? Tell us about the working relationship you have with him and what is precisely the job position Rudy has at Ocean Visual FX?
ANSWER: Rudy and I met just weeks after I had a liver transplant. I had my wife take me to something called SIGGRAPH which is a convention for the visual fx community. While there, and I had to go in a wheelchair due to just having surgery, my wife and I went to have lunch in the convention center. I was sitting there and Rudy Sarzo goes walking by carrying his lunch tray! I thought I was hallucinating because I couldn't figure why he would be at this event. Then he walked back the other way and I knew it was him, before I knew it he was standing next to me asking if he could sit in the chair next to me. I looked up at him with my mouth open and said. "Holy shit! Rudy Sarzo! What are you doing here?.....Yes, please sit down!" He laughed and we started talking while having lunch. I had been a huge Rudy Sarzo fan since the first time I saw him play, and I remember seeing him with Ozzy too whenRandy Rhodes was alive on the Blizzard of Oz tour and him changing my outlook on Bass players. I mean, having had bad luck in BATTLEAXXE with Bass players, seeing Rudy was refreshing, he played his instrument with such passion and enthusiasm. He was a different kind of animal on stage that I had never seen before. He immediately became a musical hero of mine. At our lunch the day we met, Rudy was so nice and understanding, I mean here was this guy that looked like he just got out of a concentration camp, that being me, and Rudy wasn't phased in the least. We talked and I found out that he too was an avid visual fx animator and was into 3D modeling, compositing, everything that I did and do for a living. We hit it off great and he gave me his card with his home phone number and email and cell phone and told me that he was leaving the next day for a tour with DIO to Russia. He told me that when he got back he would like to keep in touch and get together. About a month went by or so, and Rudy called me, I think it was from London telling me he was coming back and we needed to get together and could he come down to my new studio that I had just built. After a few months of talking and building a friendship I asked him if when he was not on the road with Ronnie James Dio if he would like to work together on some projects, and he agreed. I do not consider Rudy a worker, he is my partner, period. Then he called a few days later with a great idea for a new animated sit com that we are now in negotiations on, we have been developing it for about 2 years now and I really cannot say anymore on that right now, but Rudy and I have become more that friends and co workers, we have become family.
QUESTION: You have received a liver transplant in 2005. For how long you were ill and when did your doctors tell you that you needed a liver transplant? What was your reaction to such a diagnose and how much hard for you was to go through it while waiting for a liver?
ANSWER: Well, when I left radio in 1994 I was fine, I thought. In 1995 I went in for a routine physical and was told that I had Hepatitis C and that it was chronic. Chronic Hep C means only one thing, you either get a liver transplant or you die. I had apparently contracted it either through a blood transfusion before the blood supply was tested for it, or could have been one of my 3 tattoos. Whatever it was I wanted to get better! So, I talked with my father who was a Korean War polio victim and knew the medical field really well. He suggested that I go straight to UCLA here in Los Angeles and ask for the best in Hepatology. So that is what I did, and I luckily got Dr. Leonard Goldsteinwho kept me going with new medications for years until about 2002 when I started to decline health wise. 2003 I was in and out of the hospital like 8 or 9 times. I was dying. I had a beautiful wife who is from Cali Colombia by the name of Luz Mary and my daughter Valerie. It was getting hard to walk, eat, sleep, do anything. I was shutting down. 2004 I actually was rushed to the hospital where I had blood exploding out of me and my wife was told that was it, I was gone. She demanded that they resuscitate me, they did and I went into about a 3 week coma. When I awoke, I had seen some things that to this day shape my life and belief. I feel like I have seen the other side, and when I was there, I was told it was not my time and then I woke up. This was so powerful that I just wrote a song with Craig Goldy of DIO about it. Then I was sent home after I got a little better and in one day I was transfered to UCLA where I was next on the list and all I can remember is waking up and hearing a Doctor calling my name and telling me that I was going to be transplanted in two hours. I just looked up at the sky and said "THANK YOU".
QUESTION: Tawn Mastrey was an adoring friend of yours. How much did her illness affect you? What did you do when you got the news that she needed a liver transplant?
ANSWER: Well it was Rudy that called me to tell me the news. Cara, Tawn's loving sister had sent out an email announcing the news that Tawn was in need of a transplant. So Rudy called me, he knew that I was working with an organ donor awareness organization called ALEX BANDS DONATE LIFE ROCKS, and he knew since I had been though this hell, and that I knew Tawn from my days in radio that maybe I could help. METAL KNIGHTS had recorded a few songs that we wanted to donate the proceeds too DONATE LIFE ROCKS and Rudy had been gracious enough to play bass on one of them, so he got me in contact with Cara. From there I called Dr. Goldstein and told him about Tawn and that she was a friend and that she had NO insurance, but we were planning on doing concerts with big names like Slash and Rudy and other major rockers to raise the money and he agreed to see her. So Tawn and Cara flew out here to LA to see Dr. Goldstein. At that time I didn't even recognize Tawn she was so ill but she still had this drive in her to live and that smile. I organized a benefit concert for her called a TRIBUTE FOR TAWN that brought together 3 of the LA area's best tribute bands,METAL KNIGHTS, MASTERS OF REALITY and LIGHTS OUT. We raised thousands that night, and Craig Goldy and Simon Wright came to jam with us, Rudy was on tour with Blue Oyster Cult that day so he couldn't make it, but ALL of DIO, Including Ronnie signed a new BASS that we auctioned off to help with the funds for Tawn. Tony Montana from Great White and Terry Ilious from XYZ came too to jam, it was a great show for a great cause and it was a sell out, and Tawn was able to afford the medicines that she so desperately needed to keep healthy while waiting for her transplant. Diana Deville of KNAC.COM came to host the show. The problem was that Tawn was so sick, she didn't go out and get help when she first knew she had Hep C, and that in the end is why we lost her. She was number 1 on the list, the next organ that came in and matched would have been hers. But she went from bad to worse in the matter of about a week and a half and then she was too sick to operate on. Cara called me to tell me, I knew what was coming. That night while rehearsing with METAL KNIGHTS my cell phone rang and it was Remy Maxwell one of Tawn's Rock Jock friends and who used to be on KNAC. He delivered the news to me that Tawn had died moments ago, and we both just lost it on the phone and started crying. Remy was really close to Tawn, those two followed each other to every market they every worked in. I went inside the studio and told the band and we all just stood there with tears in our eyes, had a moment of silence and then decided to Rock a new song that I had written with Craig Goldy about organ donation, up to that point it was sounding like shit, but after Tawn passed away, we played it and it was perfect, we all felt she was there with us in the studio and that is why it sounded so good. She will be missed, but you know what? I feel that she will awaken this giant need in the Hard Rock and Metal community to get people tested for Hep C and to become an organ donor. She was not just a ROCK GODDESS, she was a ROCK ANGEL, and she is one now I know. I will miss her dearly. One of the coolest things was at the HEAVEN and HELL show here in Orange County the week Tawn passed away, Ronnie James Dio and the band dedicated their last encore song NEON KNIGHTS to the memory ofTAWN MASTREY. The place exploded and every person stood up and cheered for minutes! It was so great to see that this sold out audience still remembered our beloved "LEATHER NUN" and they all loved her. Ronnie James Dio is one of the classiest guys there is period.
QUESTION: Craig Goldy of DIO together with you wrote the â€œMiracle in Disguise” song. Tell us more about it?
ANSWER: It is a song about the fight I went through while being so sick and waiting for a transplant, and through the gift of life of an organ donor, getting better, making a comeback musically and back to work. The chorus I wrote says it all, "I'M ALIVE, I SURVIVED, IT'S A MIRACLE IN DISGUISE" Craig is really an angel here on earth! The guy is so great. I and he think we were separated at birth! Our thoughts are the same, we share the same views on life and God, and music. He is a blast to write with, he has brought so much out of me in such a short time. I am very proud to have him as a friend and writing partner, for someone who was dead once, to now be alive and haveRudy Sarzo as a business partner and friend and Craig Goldy as a friend and song-writing partner, it is a real dream come true.
QUESTION: You are the singer of METAL KNIGHTS and have been locked up into a recording studio these past months. How many songs you have recorded? Release date? Upcoming shows? Is there anything else you want to say about your career and or current events you are experiencing?
ANSWER: We have recorded 5 songs and are working on 3 more. One of them I am working on with Craig and it is called DEATH DEFIER. A very heavy song with some killer riffs, I cannot wait to get it done. I love the recording process. I am learning to produce too, something that seems to come natural to me, I think because of my work with Video and film. We just finished playing at Universal Studios HARD ROCK CAFE for ALEX BANDS DONATE LIFE ROCKS and if I do say so myself, we kicked some major ass! It was a great gig for a great cause. Right now, the bands focus is on writing the rest of the new originals. Craig is working with us through his DESTINY BRIDGEprogram where he takes unsigned acts and works with them to get them signed, management, agents, lawyers. It is a really great program andMETAL KNIGHTS are thrilled to be working with him in it. Other bands that have gone through DESTINY BRIDGE are BENEDICTUM and HYDROGEN. He has a pretty good track record, so we know we are in the best hands with Craig. As for release dates, some of out cover stuff will be available on www.metalknightsmusic.com soon. Our original stuff probably after the first of the year.
I would like to mention the other KNIGHTS, KURT KOPPEL on drums, HENRY CHAVARRIA JR. on Lead Guitars, STEVE CASTRO on Lead Guitars, WES MAHAN on Bass and MARK MUNIZ has been helping us out with keyboards which is a new addition to our line up.
Also, our cover of (DON'T FEAR) THE REAPER for the CROSSED movie Soundtrack is doing real well online and you can get it and the whole movie soundtrack for free by going to www.phibble.com
Thank you Robbie for this interview!
Thank you Adriana for taking an interest in METAL KNIGHTS and for dedicating this to the memory of Tawn!


11/12/2007 06:40 AM

RADIOHEAD

E-Magazine dedicated to the memory of Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain

ARTS Publications dedicates the Get Born Again E-Magazine to Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain with the purpose of providing you a variety of subjects related to music, CD reviews, interviews with rock stars & movie celebrities along with articles of general interest and MORE...!
In Rainbows
CD Review by Ryan Frank
It is a privilege to write about an album as amazing as the band itself, and I do hope that you take the time to turn off the computer or the television to tune yourself into an hour of musical art. An art that has been written and composed by true-to-the-self therapeutic, energetic, and experienced in the inexperienced musicians that are willing to continue to give their souls away to us. Radiohead doesn’t even want your money. A free download of the album is a gift to you.
Songs like “15 Step” and “Bodysnatchers” put such immediately positive energy into the listener that it is hard to keep still. In Rainbows is diverse enough to include songs to slow the spirit, such as “Nude”—a true means of leveling out.
A love for music, peace, energy, and curiosity are all you need to sink into an album so complete. Each song, meant to focus on the complexity of emotion, still provides a clean and minimalist attitude. I don’t suggest stopping the album halfway through; lest you find yourself in emotional withdraw.
These songs were put together for a reason. All have been performed, but never released and it has been a worthwhile wait. A boxed set of In Rainbows, including eight songs not released on the download (a whole ‘nother experience), is set for release in December. This set will be very hard to resist.
In Rainbows is the seventh studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was first released on October 10, 2007 as a digital download for which users may choose how much to pay and is scheduled to be released on or before December 3, 2007 as a "discbox" with a second CD, two vinyl records, artwork and lyric booklets. In Rainbows will most likely be released as a standard CD in January 2008.
In Rainbows received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, earning a rating of 89 out of 100 on Metacritic. The Guardian's review was especially glowing, stating "it may represent the strongest collection of songs Radiohead have assembled for a decade." The Province's review was also appreciative, claiming that In Rainbows "is Radiohead's most rapturous, touching, and human record since OK Computer." Several reviewers attributed the album's quality to the band's performance in the studio, claiming that the band sounded like they were enjoying themselves. The Hartford Courant called the songs "a skillful mix of instruments and electronic sounds, incorporating elements of all the things Radiohead has done before without sounding exactly like any of them." Many reviewers also commended the album on not being overshadowed by its marketing hype.
However, Dusted Magazine's review was particularly negative, stating "[the songs] mostly seem like the byproduct of jams" and that "jamming doesn't play to [the band's] strengths, which are Yorke's voice and their twisting chord progressions and melodies. Those things are both present on In Rainbows, but they're undercooked..." Tyler Fisher of Sputnikmusic.com also commented that the album lacked a standout track and a climax.
The album artwork for In Rainbows was designed by Stanley Donwood. For the album, Donwood experimented with a photographic etching technique, putting prints into baths with random results. Donwood had originally planned on doing an exploration on suburban life, but quickly realized it didn't fit the album's sound, "It's a sensual record and I wanted to do something more organic." During the recording of the album, Donwood regularly put up images in the studio and on the studio computer, letting the band interact directly and comment on them. Donwood also posted images daily on the band's website, though none of the images were used in the final album artwork. Donwood, describing the album cover, said "it's very colorful - I've finally embraced color! It's a rainbow but it is very toxic, it's more like the sort of one you'd see in a puddle." Just before the digital download release of the album, the band decided not to use the cover. The "discbox" release of the album includes a lyric booklet which contains additional artwork by Donwood.


11/12/2007 05:10 AM

INTERVIEW WITH THE GRAMS...!

E-Magazine dedicated to the memory of Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain

ARTS Publications dedicates the Get Born Again E-Magazine to Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain with the purpose of providing you a variety of subjects related to music, CD reviews, interviews with rock stars & movie celebrities along with articles of general interest and MORE...! 
From Brighton, United Kingdom, The Grams!
The band was formed by two brothers, Tony Porter on main vocals & guitar and Dan Porter on drums. They are followed by two friends, Ben Park on bass guitar & backing vocals and Andy Watts playing lead guitar. They have described their musical influences from bands such as Bloc Party, Editorsand The Cribs as a way to picture the band’s sound. However, there are other ingredients that The Grams have acquired from Radiohead,Kasabian and The Stone Roses to enrich their music. The Grams’ singer, Tony Porter, was interviewed by Journalist/Author Adriana Rubio for the Get Born Again E-Magazine. The Grams website can be found at http://www.myspace.com/thegramsuk
QUESTION: What was the main motivation to join a band and how old were you when the call of becoming a singer knocked on your door?
ANSWER: Well, I was a guitar player first and foremost really, and when the lads got together to form what would eventually become The Grams, we realised that we didn't have anyone who fitted the bill in the band, so I just kind of stepped up to the plate really, luckily, it turned out that it all happened to be in tune. I still split my time between guitar and singing in the band really, Andy (Watts) and I share lead guitar duties some of time. Even after our first few rehearsals, we got the idea that we had something to offer as a band.
QUESTION: How many songs do you have and when the gigs started? Tell us something about the first band’s steps and if is different now that you have recorded an EP?
ANSWER: Well to be completely honest, I'm constantly writing, we must have dumped 50+ songs to arrive at what we think is our strongest set so far. We have definitely set the quality bar insanely high for ourselves, a couple of years ago, if a song was just 'ok', we'd put is straight in the set, but now we're always looking to find ways of refining and improving our stuff, which you have to do really, if you want to have the biggest tunes on the planet 8). Having worked with a couple of top draw producers too, it definitely changes the way you write and present your tunes, you can usually tell a 'produced' band, there seems to be a lot more clarity to the structure of the songs. Jon Gray and Mark Flannery both brought different but really useful ideas to the table. We're secretly hoping to do the album with Jon, he worked on the latest Editors album and has some really strong/mad ideas about recording He had us holed up in a coal bunker with our amps turned up to maximum on 'Modern World'.
QUESTION: You have been voted as one of the best unsigned bands of the year, right? Have you ever thought about that happening? Tell us about the whole voting thing.
ANSWER: Well. we entered a competition a while back for XFM in London and kind of forgot about it to be honest, then one day I got a call at work, and it was XFM and I was live on the radio! The guy was like, 'so you're band is in the final'....to cut a long story short, when it came to the vote, something like 75% of the listeners voted for 'On A Wednesday' above all the other finalists, which was an amazing feeling, so we got to play in Hyde Park on a huge stage with the likes of Editors and Kaiser Chiefs. That was a definite high point in The Grams so far.
QUESTION: How much support do you guys have from the media industry and to what extent your music is accepted?
ANSWER: Well, we've had some great write ups from some key figures in the industry, Q Mag like us and there seems to be the feeling that the time is right for The Grams to put out a record. We're currently looking into working with some PR companies to raise our profile even higher. The myspace thing is really kicking off for us too, we're up to something mental like 20,000 friends, its pretty mad when you come into work in the morning, and your tune has been played 200 times before breakfast!)(www.myspace.com/thegramsuk)
QUESTION: What is The Grams goal and how much hard do you work to get it?
ANSWER: Well as I say, I cant seem myself stopping writing in the near future so our goal is to get a record out in the shops, we're convinced that it will be a beast of a first album, we're thinking of calling it 'A Sense of Extra Well Being'.
QUESTION: Bands like Kasabian and The Stone Roses are very respected ones in England as well as in Europe. How do you work that out at the time of writing songs, the music just comes out the way it is? Why do you feel these bands have influenced The Grams?
ANSWER: I definitely have a few key influences (Bloc Party, Editors and Radiohead among the most prominent ones), but they don't come through the music in the way you would imagine. Alot of the time I just tend to let what's in me come out, then work out the details later. Its a very organic and natural process for me really, I never sit down with a piece of paper and write lyrics down, that just doesn't work for me at all.
QUESTION: Tell us about the experience of being in a recording studio with U2 producer Mark Flannery.
ANSWER: Mark is a songs man. He lectures on the subject of songwriting, which was a little unnerving at first. He really liked the main hook on 'on a Wednesday', the song came together really fast (over about 2 days), we couldn't really put a foot wrong on that tune.
QUESTION: The Stone Roses, in particular, is a band that has inspired Oasis singer Liam Gallagher among other well known influences for him such as Johnny Rotten and John Lennon. How would you picture yourself the day The Grams can reach the position Liam is at now? How would be the fame managed by The Grams?
ANSWER: I just think its about being yourself, its immediately obvious if someone is being honest with the audience. We're getting much closer to that with our music now, both on and off stage. We're all pretty open with each other now, if we don't like a line or a part, we just say so. we try and leave our egos at the door of the rehearsal room. All the performers I admire from Jimi Hendrix to Thom Yorke, give up alot of themselves on stage, you can get a good sense of their personality through their performance I guess, I really like that, and I want that for our band. That's why I sing in my own accent and not in some pseudo American accent, just to be myself really, the audience can tell when people are pretending.
QUESTION: What are the plans for The Grams in the near future? Any other upcoming recordings and gigs?
ANSWER: Our next big gig is in a club called 'Storm' in Leicester Square on 7th December. We're all really looking forward to playing that one, we've got a coach load of friends, family and fans coming up from Brighton. Should be one to remember hopefully, its being recorded too, so im sure we'll post it up on our myspace sometime after xmas.
QUESTION: Tell us about whatever The Grams want people to know all over the world.
ANSWER: 2008 is going to be the year of The Grams, we've got a killer record up our sleeves and we look forward to playing it to all you lovely people as soon as possible, keep you're ears and eyes peeled for our debut album next year!
Thank you Tony for the interview! We wish you the best of luck in your musical career!
All the best and take care.
Tone.





11/04/2007 09:55 AM

E-Magazine dedicated to the memory of Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain

ARTS Publications dedicates this E-Magazine to Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain with the purpose of providing you a variety of subjects related to music, CD reviews, interviews with rock stars & movie celebrities along with articles of general interest and MORE...! 

Layne Staley's soul will remain alive among us while his music, his thoughts, his life and artistic legacy still symbolize a one and only musical piece of art able to break the medieval chains and be born again. The combination and elements that gave birth to the work titled "Layne Staley: Get Born Again" is, undoubtedly, the portrait of a man that expressed himself straightforwardly with his heart wide open. Journalist/Author Adriana Rubio wishes you all can remember Layne Staley & Kurt Cobain as the great artists they were without forgetting the pain they went through.

ARTS Publications also remembers our beloved Rock Radio DJ Tawn Mastrey

Veteran Rock Radio DJ Tawn Mastrey died of liver failure due to Hepatitis C October 2, 2007, at the Organ Transplant Center, University of Minnesota while waiting for a liver from a deceived donor to come to her. Tawn inspired musicians and had a very good ear as to what she liked, other people also liked. Bands such as Metallica, Alice Cooper, Megadeath, Guns & Roses, Ronnie Montrose and Sammy Hagar, Scorpions, ACDC, ...the list goes on into literally the 100's, not to forget the early 70's when she began broadcasting and choosing music to play on the turn table, Journey, Starship, The Police, even Devo and The Knack were some of the bands she was a part of promoting through repetition of air play and interviews.

Tawn Mastrey's friend Angela Albee dedicates a poem to her memory
On my mind, in my heart, always
a tribute to Tawn Mastrey
by Angela Albee

An angel among us

Dark rooms shined bright
any time you entered
a smile so sweet and true
an inspiration to those with dreams

A caring touch, a warm embrace
always helping, a heart of gold
a saucy voice, one of a kind
a true friend, hard to find

Your voice in the heavens
echoes in my ears as i write
telling me all will be alright
no more pain, no more pain

Tears fell from dark skies
the moment your breath faded
goddess of rock spread your wings
an angel watches over us today
rocking hard in the light

Angela Albee is a poetry writer with a great background in this field. Among her published titles we recommend the following books: "In The Dark" and "Wedding Bells, Tortured Souls".
"In The Dark" is a collection of dark poems. Twisted dark demons, fearful imagery and demented visions fill the pages of this illustrated book of poetry.
"Wedding Bells, Tortured Souls" takes you inside the mind of newlywed, Amber, whose horrific visions of brutal murders torment her dreams, eating away at her every thought. When the visions start to appear during her waking hours, she confides in her friend, Natalie. Natalie, coincidentally, has been trying to solve the torturous murder of a highschool classmate's murder. As the visions grow more intense and violent, Amber soon discovers a terrible secret and only in death is the truth revealed.

Purchase a signed copy of Angela Albee Poetry Books at: www.myspace.com/darkangela13

10/22/2007 02:04 PM