Predictability is underrated. Eighth album in, eighth time that Canadian power-trio Danko Jones have pulled out of the bag (sic) a selection of energetic garage-tinged Hard Rocking songs with swagger and enthusiasm. This time around it is a Wild Cat (AFM) that has been let out, and while there are no surprises, hell, (this) ain’t a bad place to be.Continue reading
Def Leppard have just announced that they will return to the road this Spring for a three month run across North America with Poison and Tesla. Continue reading
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for the release of a memoire, Appetite For Dysfunction: A memoir from a Rock N Roll manager, written by Vicky Hamilton, best known for managing the early careers of Guns N Roses and Poison, and serving as management consultant for Motley Crue.
According to the description on the crowdfunding page:
I have been writing this book for seven years. While I was living it, I was as high as the bands I was working with. So in recounting the stories and going through the pictures I really thought about what I was saying and feeling about these experiences and was really wanting to bring my true story of the 80’s music scene to the page. I feel I have accomplished my goal.
Though I have had a very rich rock experience, I didn’t make the money I would have liked, so I have chosen PubSlush to help me raise the money needed to put the finishing touches on the book.
I have finished writing the book, but it needs a professional edit, the book needs to be laid out by a professional. I need to pick the pictures, pay photographers for thier usage and make sure everything is nice and legal. I want to pay artist Maxine Miller to do a painting for the cover art. Once the package is complete, then I need to print the books.
Once the book is in print and ready for sale as an ebook, I want to promote the book through social media channels and hire a PR firm. I would love to do book signings and readings around the world.
So that’s my plan… I hope you will consider helping me and I THANK YOU in advance for your support. I hope you enjoy my book!
Vicky Hamilton on Facebook
Vicky Hamilton on Twitter
The Decline of Western Civilization will be receiving a deluxe box set on June 30, 2015 from “Shout!” Factory, supervised by director and series creator Penelope Spheeris. The four disc set will be available in both Blu-Ray and DVD formats, and will include Spheeris’ The Decline Of Western Civilization (1980), The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988) and The Decline Of Western Civilization Part III (1998), a 40-page book containing an essay written by rock historian Domenic Priore (Riot On Sunset Strip: Rock ‘N’ Roll’s Last Stand In Hollywood), rare stills, and bonus features, including extended interviews, a commentary recorded by Dave Grohl in February 2015, and more. The set is available on Amazon.com and ShoutFactory.com.
The second in Spheeris’ music documentary trilogy, The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988) takes a fast-paced look at the outrageous heavy metal scene of the late ’80s. Set in Los Angeles, the film explores fascinating portraits of struggling musicians, fans and star-struck groupies. Featuring Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Poison, Motorhead, and performances by Megadeth, Faster Pussycat, Lizzy Borden, London, Odin and Seduce, this raucous and uproarious chapter also chronicles the lonely naiveté of the striving bands, and the endless flow of alcohol and drugs.
Legendary moments from the film include Ozzy Osbourne’s straight talk about the pitfalls of the industry while he struggles to pour orange juice into a glass, an outspoken Chris Holmes of W.A.S.P. lounges in a pool and pours bottles of vodka on his head, a comparison of outlandish groupie stories, and London setting a soviet flag on fire, all contrasted by a down-to-earth Lemmy offering some sage insight into the decadent rock lifestyle.
Spheeris credits her daughter, Anna Fox, for not only encouraging her to get the movies out there for the fans, but also for doing most of the incredibly complex expanse of work that was required. For this, she is eternally grateful to Anna.
Special features:
* New 2K scan of each film supervised by director Penelope Spheeris
* Commentary by Dave Grohl
* Tawn Mastrey of KNAC interviews Penelope Spheeris
* Never-before-seen original footage, performances and interviews
* Mark Toscano of the Academy Film Archive interviews Penelope Spheeris
* Theatrical trailers
* 40-page booklet featuring rare stills and text by Domenic Priore
