Watch Never Before Seen Outtakes of Metallica with Michael Alago from “Who The F*ck Is That Guy” Documentary


 

Michael Alago recently released his memoir I Am Michael Alago: Breathing Music. Signing Metallica. Beating Death. (BackBeat Books), written by Alago with Laura Davis-Chanin (with a foreword by Mina Caputo of Life of Agony and John Joseph of Cro-Mags) and you can read our review here. Michael is the music industry legend that signed Metallica to Electra Records and helped guide them on the path to being the biggest band of all time. He also played a role in the careers of White Zombie, Cro-mags, Metal Church, Flotsam and Jetsam, and more.  The Drew Stone documentary Who The F*ck Is That Guy: The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago (just wrapped on Netflix after an unprecedented 3 years, now on Amazon Prime and YouTube) grew awareness of him beyond music documentaries and VH1’s Metallica Behind The Music. Now you can see never before seen outtakes of Michael with Metallica after they filmed their segments for the film, posted to Drew Stone’s YouTube. Continue reading


Sick Of It All – Wake the Sleeping Dragon!


If the political and social swamp that is the United States in the year 2018 can have one positive, it is that it provides the perfect environment to create fierce extreme music or art. This isn’t lost on New York hardcore legends Sick Of It All who on Wake The Sleeping Dragon! (Century Media) tackle subjects ranging from the 1%, President Trump’s idiotic fucking wall and the institutionalized racism built into New York City’s infrastructure. One hell of a thesis.Continue reading


Tommy Vext of Bad Wolves Talks “Zombie”, Dealing With Fame, And More


Unlikely stars Bad Wolves, have a platinum record, a worldwide number 1 hit song, two YouTube videos with millions of views, and more success than they ever dreamed of when the band was formed as a side project several years back. Even though all this has happened and more accolades are on the way, frontman Tommy Vext keeps things at an even keel by staying humble. We caught up with Tommy at the headquarters of Eleven Seven Music Group to discuss the debut album Disobey, the pressures of having a “hit”, whether or not his band is a “supergroup”, practicing self-care on the road, what happened to all the old music clubs in New York, and whether or not modern hardcore bands are real tough guys or not. Also appearing, Tony the stuffed Tiger! Thanks to Tommy, Eleven Seven, and Bad Wolves for their time. Interview by Keefy with videography by Omar Cordy of OJC Photography. Live Bad Wolves photos by BunnySyn Photography for Ghost Cult.Continue reading


Michael Alago Talks Signing Metallica, White Zombie, And His Life Beyond Music


Music industry legend Michael Alago is as down to earth, forthright and humble as they come, but he doesn’t have to be. Coming from New York City in the late 1970s, in the early 80s he cut his teeth on discovering new artists and becoming a taste-maker in an emerging scene. In his quarter century as an A & R rep he helped put Metallica on the map by signing them to Elektra Records and changing the course of music history. Later he helped catapult White Zombie to fame while at Geffen Records and discovered, signed and cultivated countless scores of bands in rock, metal and other genres. In this feature interview with Ghost Cult, Michael discusses Who the Fuck is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago, a documentary by filmmaker Drew Stone (All Ages: Boston Hardcore, New York Hardcore Chronicles). The film examines Michael’s entire life up to now, from his early days in Borough Park, Brooklyn through his music career, and into his work today as a celebrated photographer. In addition to our chat about his life and times so far, Michael opened up his personal photo archive, sharing with us many rare or never before seen candid photos of him with musical royalty. Continue reading