Metal Allegiance Adds More Big Names For Major Concert Event In Los Angeles


Metal Allegiance, by Omar Cordy/OJC Pics

Metal Allegiance, by Omar Cordy/OJC Pics

Metal Allegiance, the all-star band of metal legends led by Mark Menghi, will take over City National Grove of Anaheim during NAMM on January 20th for a monumental tribute to our fallen musical heroes. Hosted by Jackson, Charvel & EVH, with Loudwire, and Musician’s Institute and Monster Energy joining as co-sponsors of the event. Mikkey Dee (Motorhead), Eddie Hermida (Suicide Silence), Arejay Hale (Halestorm) and Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) are now added to the line-up. Continue reading


Richard Christy Talks Charred Walls of the Damned, Duff’s Brooklyn And More!


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Charred Walls of the Damned will be releasing their killer new studio record, Creatures Watching Over the Dead, on September 23rd via Metal Blade Records. Richard Christy, Jason Suecof, Steve DiGiorgio and Tim “Ripper” Owens have once again come together to create a no nonsense metal record, and as you’ll read in our chat, they couldn’t be more happy with what they accomplished. Enjoy my exclusive interview with the one and only Richard Christy below, and be sure to pre-order your copy of Creatures Watching Over the Dead today!

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We Can Be Heroes: Mark Menghi And Metal Allegiance


Metal Allegiance, by Omar Cordy/OJC Pics

Metal Allegiance, by Omar Cordy/OJC Pics


We caught up with Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance, in the middle of hellishly busy week for him. He was rehearsing for a tribute performance to Deep Purple’s Made In Japan album at Saint Vitus Bar, in Brooklyn. We has also rehearsing for their first UK performance ever, at Bloodstock Open Air 2016. So when Mark squeezed us in for a chat, we were pleasantly supposed by his calm, humble demeanor. Mark talked a lot about the profound losses to the music world that led the band to create their new EP, Fallen Heroes (Nuclear Blast).

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Video: Full Lemmy Kilmister Memorial Event Posted Online


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The two-plus hour video of Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead‘s funeral is now available to watch online. You can watch the ceremony at this link or below:

Hundreds of mourners filled the chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and the memory of Lemmy. Motörhead manager Todd Singerman was the host with eulogies by many legendary musicians and celebrities such as drummer Mikkey Dee, Lemmy’s close friend Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Slash and Matt Sorum of Guns `N Roses fame, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Mike Inez of Alice In Chains, Slim Jim Phantom of Headcat and The Stray Cats, Scott Ian of Anthrax, members of Skew Siskin, Whitefield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe, Triple H from the WWE, and countless others. Lemmy’s son Paul Inder, his partner Sheryl and many family, friends, roadcrew and other friends also spoke. Others in attendance, but didn’t speak were Ozzy and Sharone Osborne and Gene Simmons of KISS.

Lemmy's bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral

Lemmy’s bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral


Family, Friends, And Musicians Honor Lemmy At His Funeral


lemmy tribute 1

Hundreds of mourners filled the chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and the memory of Ian Frasier “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead today. Their manager Todd Singerman was the de facto Master of Ceremonies which was fitting. A cadre of Lemmy’s family, loved ones, peers, friends and his loyal road crew reminisced and regaled all in attendance in person and online via the webcast on YouTube. Although an official number has not been released, at one point the number of viewers online topped 246,000. Lemmy’s urn was at the center of the deus, a stage adorned with red and white flowers, two huge Marshall stacks and his bass, and giant Iron Cross other tributes and a lectern as well. Many in attendance could be seen sporting Lemmy’s trademark hat. Many carried shots and drank liberally. As expected everyone spoke glowingly of Lemmy, relating their personal experiences with the man being enormously talented and famous, but remaining down to earth and even comically self-aware at times.

Lemmy's funeral

 

screenshot of lemmys funeral

Lemmy’s son Paul Inder spoke first and lovingly about his father, ultimately praising him for never quitting on the band or his fans. Next was Mikkey Dee who represented Motörhead with Phil Campbell unable to attend. Dee confessed that prior to the last few years when Lemmy’s health started to fail, the two had never talked about intimate, personal topics as friends, just band stuff.

Todd Singermann

Todd Singermann

Paul Inder Lemmy's son Eulogizes Lemmy

Paul Inder, Lemmy’s son Eulogizes Lemmy

 

Mikkey Dee

Mikkey Dee

Some other memorable quotes and moments:

It was an absolute honor playing, writing, and laughing with you.” Phil Campbell via a letter read by Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe)

“Lemmy was gravitational…” “We are mourning two deaths. Motörhead is no longer.” “Motörhead eats sunsets for breakfast”. Mike Inez of Alice In Chains

A true rock and roll maverick.” “Faith, Family, Friends, and Fans. God Bless you Lemmy.” Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Triple H Eulogizes Lemmy

Triple H Eulogizes Lemmy

He gave me the gift of his sound.” “He was a true gentleman'” – Triple H

 

“It was you who taught us how to rock You taught us how to be fucking real.” Scott Ian of Anthrax

 

Scott Ian Eulogizes Lemmy

Scott Ian Eulogizes Lemmy

 

“What a great example of Rock And Roll. We love you Lemmy!” – Slash

Slash Eulogizes Lemmy

Slash Eulogizes Lemmy

“Many people say Lemmy is God. I believe that.” Matt Sorum

Slim Jim Phantom Eulogizes Lemmy

Slim Jim Phantom Eulogizes Lemmy

“I never saw him rude to a fan or inappropriate with women.” – Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats and The HeadCat.

 

Robert Trujillo Eulogizes Lemmy

Robert Trujillo Eulogizes Lemmy

“We must always celebrate, respect and enjoy our elders.” – Robert Trujillo of Metallica

 

Lars Ulrich of Metallica eulogizes Lemmy

Lars Ulrich of Metallica eulogizes Lemmy

Lemmy was always so fucking hospitable, like the greatest host ever.” – Lars Ulrich of Metallica

I have always cited Lemmy and Motörhead as the primary source of inspiration for Metallica, and I always will.” Lars Ulrich of Metallica

 

Dave Grohl eulogizes Lemmy

Dave Grohl eulogizes Lemmy

“Lemmy had the biggest heart, because he was so kind.” – Dave Grohl

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home”

Dave Grohl reading an excerpt of the Little Richard song ‘Precious Lord, Lead Me Home’

Lemmy's bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral

Lemmy’s bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral


Remaining Motörhead Members Announce The End Of The Band


Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Following the news of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead passing, drummer Mikkey Dee has given an interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen, saying that “Motörhead is over, of course. Lemmy was Motörhead. But the band will live on in the memories of many.”

He continued to put a definitive end to the band, reflecting on the final months of their life as a band:

“We will not be doing any more tours or anything. And there will not be any more records. But the fire survives, and Lemmy lives on in the hearts of everyone.”

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Speaking of their final tour of Europe:

“He was terribly gaunt,” “He spent all his energy on stage and afterwards he was very, very tired. It’s incredible that he could even play, that he could finish the Europe tour. It was only 20 days ago. Unbelievable.”

“It feels fantastic that we were able to complete the tour with [Lemmy], “It’s heartening that we didn’t cancel because of Lemmy.

“I’m incredibly grateful over the years we’ve had, and that we had such a good time together.”

The band had toured extensively this year, promoting the August release of their latest album Bad Magic (UDR).

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Motörhead – Anthrax – Crobot: Live At The Oakdale Theater


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Mid way through their 40 year Anniversary tour, Motörhead, along with supporting tour mates Anthrax and Crobot, made the only New England appearance in Wallingford, Connecticut. I don’t very often go to shows in CT because there aren’t many shows there or at least not ones that I have an interest in. Since the now well publicized health issues of the one and only Lemmy, there wasn’t much of a chance that I was going to miss an opportunity to see the band on what could be, I hate to say, their last run.

Pennsylvania’s Crobot, opened up the evening and hit the stage at 7:30, much earlier than the venues stated start time of 8pm. Playing their brand of retro styled rock for a quick thirty minutes, they went through about half of their new album ‘Something Supernatural’ and was mostly received well.

Clockwise from Left/front: Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, Joey Belladonna, Jon Donias

Clockwise from Left/front: Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, Joey Belladonna, Jon Donias

After a relatively quick stage change, the legendary Anthrax was up next. For the most part their set hasn’t drastically changed in years and their “party time” thrash always goes over well with a crowd. The only surprise on the set list was Black Sabbath’s tune ‘Neon Nights’ which they covered on the tribute album, Ronnie James Dio – This is Your Life. Quite honestly I wasn’t sure how it would sound live but they pulled it off perfectly. Joey Belladonna sounds just as good as he did 30 years ago. Maybe he made a deal with the devil but he, and the entire band actually, sounded better than any of the times I have seen them in the last five years. After the Sabbath song, they changed out the banners which would now adorn the faces of Ronnie James Dio on one side of the stage and Dimebag Darrell on the other for ‘In the End,’ which was dedicated to them both. The banners changed back for the anthemic ‘Indians,’ which was to be the finale. Joey said they will have a new record out in 2016 so I’m sure Anthrax fans will be eager to get their hands on that.

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

After much anticipation, and maybe some trepidation, Mikkey Dee, Phil Campbell and Lemmy Kilmister walked onto the stage to screams and chants from the crowd. With the famous quote from Lemmy, “We are Motörhead and we play rock n’ roll,” they went right into ‘No Class.’ The support from the crowd was palpable as Lemmy did his damnedest to power through a set full of classics like ‘Ace of Spades,’ ‘Bomber,’ ‘Metropolis,’ and ‘Stay Clean,’ to name a few. Different from previous shows of theirs Phil Campbell was very talkative, taking to the mic between songs, and very animated during them as if he was doing everything he could to amp up the crowd. Each tune was noticeably slower and in the beginning it seemed that Lemmy was having a hard time keeping up. That was heartbreaking. His voice was clearly weak. As the set progressed things fell more closely into place though. That being said, with the health issues he is obviously fighting and the all too recent show in Austin, Texas where he had to stop playing altogether, I would have to say I was surprised how well he did. Lemmy really is a fighter and it is clear he is not slowing down. If it was anyone else I’m sure they would have given up and crawled into some hole instead of going on tour. Not Lemmy. He needs the crowd maybe as much and they need him. Maybe more. His tenacity proves he is in it for the long haul and is in it until the end. I truly hope he regains some strength back and that the end is far in the future. In any case, the crowd supported him through all of it. Motörhead fans are tenacious as well and won’t likely give up on Lemmy. They will, and should, go to their shows and support everything they do. I mean, it’s Motörhead. That’s what you do.

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

 

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY HILLARIE JASON


Motörhead – Saxon -Crobot: Live at The Shrine Auditorium


 

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40 years of the loudest rock n roll band known as Motörhead made its presence felt as despite recent rumors of frontman Lemmy Kilminster’s health dilemmas, they still powered through a somewhat up and down performance that lacked the magic of their legacy.

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Following a classic Lemmy opening greeting, they opened with ‘Damage Case’ and ‘Stay Clean,’ (both from their 1979 Overkill album), which brought out the classic Motörhead feel that fans have grown to love. While guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee were on fire and lit up the room with their larger than life performances, Kilminster’s vibrant stage personality took a back seat and was not quite as electric as usual. Regardless of the reasons, Dee still blew the crowd away with his dynamic drum solo and Campbell brought out his guitar solos that fans have grown to love.

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

The highlights of the evening included their well known tunes ‘Going to Brazil’ and ‘Ace of Spades’ to close the main part of their set list, and Kilminster’s son Paul Inder joining the band on stage for ‘Overkill,’ which Dee once again lit up the room with his lightning feet pounding away on the drums.

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

 

 Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Motörhead set list:

Damage Case
Stay Clean
We Are Motörhead
Metropolis
Over the Top
Guitar Solo
The Chase Is Better Than the Catch
Rock It
Lost Woman Blues
Doctor Rock
(With drum solo)
Just ‘Cos You Got the Power
Going to Brazil
Ace of Spades
Encore:
Overkill
(Lemmy’s son, Paul Inder, joins on guitar)

Saxon © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Saxon © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Veteran UK metallers Saxon are celebrating 35 years as a band and coming out of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, they showed the crowd despite their semi-cult status in the US, they are a force to reckon with elsewhere and still have quite a bit left in the tank. Frontman Biff Byford was on fire and belted through a strong cross section of classic tunes fans have grown to love. Favorites such as ‘This Town Rocks’ and ‘Power and the Glory’ got the crowd going, and rarely was the room quiet while they performed. Campbell joined the band during ‘Denim and Leather,’ closing out a strong set that hopefully will bring them back to US shores again in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

Saxon © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Saxon © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

 

Saxon © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Saxon © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

 

Saxon set list

Battering Ram
This Town Rocks
Sacrifice
Power and the Glory
Heavy Metal Thunder
Wheels of Steel
The Eagle Has Landed
20,000 Ft
Crusader
Princess of the Night
Denim and Leather
(with Phil Campbell)

 

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WORDS BY REI NISHIMOTO

PHOTOS BY KEVIN ESTRADA


Motörhead – Bad Magic


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“Victory or Die!” roars Lemmy Kilmister to launch the twenty-second album of Motörhead’s long, storied and legendary forty-year career. Coming into Bad Magic (UDR GmbH) on the back of one of their most successful albums of recent years, the opener is an archetypical ‘headbanger, all punked up rock n’ roll, with the Ace of Spades barking out “Who knows what the fuck it’s all about?!” in his distinctive voice.

Producer Cameron Webb has done a great job in capturing an energetic quasi-retrospective live rock sound with Mikkey Dee his usual pounding, driving self, launching ‘Shoot Out All Your Lights’ – a track with recalls the bands triumphant Bastards and Sacrifice (SPV/Steamhammer) combo of the 90’s – with a trademark thunderous fill, while Phil Campbell does indeed bring the bad magic; his frenetic bluesy lead-work squealing, his rhythm chops chunky on the beefed up blitzkrieg bop of ‘Electricity’, and his riffs bringing the dirty boogie on ‘When The Sky Comes Looking For You’.

There are only two types of Motörhead albums; good ones and great ones and there is no shame at all that this falls into the former category. A wholly enjoyable album, nonetheless it does lack strength in song-writing depth, despite the mentioned highlights, along with the years and health scares being obvious in a frailer sounding Lemmy. However, this has to be tempered with understanding, and this doesn’t mean the great man isn’t still capable of rolling back the years, as his filthy bass kicks off ‘Teach Them How To Bleed’, a track with recalls ‘Iron Fist’, and he’s at his gravel-toned best on the ‘Born To Raise Hell’-ish ‘Firestorm Hotel’.

If, as expected, Bad Magic does prove to be their parting studio shot it’ll leave the Motörheadbangers satisfied. While not their strongest outing, nonetheless it contains everything that is, and always will be, Motörhead; a selection of songs that are an undeniably distinctive speedball mix of middle-finger-up rock n’ fucking roll.

Lemmy may have switched from bourbon to vodka for his health, but the song, of course, remains resolutely and unashamedly the same.

 

6.5/10

STEVE TOVEY