this one

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a nice Christmas and partying New Year! OMG, I just turned 50 on Christmas! I'm ancient. I'm doing pretty good for a man half-a-century old, though! I still got my teeth, awesome patented hair style, and my peter still performs like a Gold Medal Olympian! I see folks I grew up with that are my age, and they look freaking 65! I lucked out somehow! I guess the no drugs/no booze lifestyle has been a very wise choice for me. Usually every December, it's kinda slow for me, musicwise, plus I was sick with a cold for two weeks in early December, so it will be a short column this month.

I like to take a small holiday break from band prac/attending shows n' such. I've mostly just been chillin' with my girl and family. I did get out to see Joshua Sky, the Louisville U2 Tribute at Headliners Music Hall (See Review complete with video and pics below). I simply don't like to play out as much these days (my gear is sooo damned heavy. The good rock n' roll gear is always HEAVY, remember that! That’s how you know it's good stuff.). I was going to play a show in December, but my band wanted the very outrageously high sum of $100 to perform (ha, ha), so the local music promoter in charge opted to get other bands who play for free, for the event.

This has gone on a while now, and needs to be addressed, so here it goes! Bands who constantly play for free have ruined it for other bands actually worth booking. Remember this promoters; you get what you pay for! What a sad state of affairs the scene has become. Then there is a local promoter that I have to bring up, who bugs and hounds you as to how many people you have coming to see your band, even wanting/demanding a list of people coming, before the show even begins! WTF? Several people have complained to me about this stuff. In all my years in this scene promoting, radio DJ, my column in LMN, and playing out a lot, I have never seen this type of promoting before. Sure things have changed. Times change. But when garage bands with $150 guitars and $200 amps start getting the few gigs available around, because they play for free, shit needs to change. It has gotten increasingly difficult for original bands to get decent gigs recently, unless you like playing shitholes. Venues have dried up, closed, or don't do local stuff that often. I understand that cover bands are what’s hot now. I get it. I know plenty of cover band dudes that are awesome people/excellent musicians and deserve all the respect they get. But we should NEVER ever forget our original brothers and sister musicians, who pour out their hearts and souls, and conjure music up out of the thin air! That shit isn't easy, to come up with something new and fresh.

I just saw on local TV News a story about a guy from Northern Kentucky named Greg Mebs, who promotes local original artists to raise money for people in need (kinda like my Rock For Kosair benefit), all the while supporting original music. His wise and honest words were great, uplifting, and watching him explain this same situation that is apparently going on up north, too, kinda got to me. We aren't alone in Louisville apparently. His words pretty much made me want to write what I am writing right now! He said that he likes cover bands just fine, as I do, but that support for originals has dropped bigtime, and the fact that >we original musicians. getting up there and doing your own original music (and not copying a famous artists songs) and even more, hoping people will like your stuff, is a difficult task at best, that deserve equal respect as cover bands. I couldn't agree with this man more. After he went off the TV, I contacted him. He is dead-on accurate. The respect for original musicians seems to have dropped off quite a bit in recent years since the closing of the Phoenix Hill Tavern. Cover bands have taken over, and the support and appreciation for original music is dwindling and dwindling, and appears to be circling the drain, as I sit here writing this. I cannot let this happen, and will do what I can to halt it. I have never played in a cover band, by choice. Yet I have played some of the best local music venues this city has ever had. Back in the day Louisville original bands played fat shows at nice venues all the time, that would accommodate hundreds upon hundreds of people! It was normal. We got used to it. That is the way it WAS. So to see it come to this, is MF'ing SAD. To keep all the money from the door, to not pay bands, and to opt to use inferior bands who play for free, and to bug bands for how many people will show up before the damn gig, is WRONG. These bands are not here to pay all of your motherf**king rent! We play music because we love it. But there are expenses for us original bands just as there are expenses for popular cover bands! We need guitar strings, too, we need drumsticks too, we need gas to get to the shows too, we need fuses and tubes for our amps, too! It is equal. When I booked at PHT 'all the money' went to radio advertisements to push the names of the bands, and so that people could hear their band’s music on the radio. I didn't keep >any of the money! Hell, maybe I was just stupid by feeling I should not keep any money. But that’s how I felt. I still feel that way. Something has to give, and I hope we can see some light at the end of this dark, shitty tunnel. I would once again like to see original bands get more respect in this city that once was hailed as the USA's new hot original music mecca. I just may have to resurrect Eddy Metal Productions for a few shows, IF I can find a decent venue or two, so there can be other options than the fore-mentioned few. Fuck that shit. Louisville deserves better. You music fans deserve better! The music is what counts with me! Look at the ultra long list of rockin' bands that played or started out at my Eddy Metal Productions events. It was the longest running original rock showcase in Louisville history, and no one can take that from me. Those were some historic Louisville events, and amazing parties! And they were experienced bands with good gear (you wouldn't believe the shit gear some of these bands use these days! It seems any fool with a Walmart First Act guitar can get a gig these days. Hilarious), a good sound, professionalism, decent songs. And with my track record booking hundreds (yes, hundreds!!) of shows at Phoenix Hill Tavern from 2000 to 2015, and The Toy Tiger from 95-99, I'd say I have a good chance in making something happen if I find the right place. I shall look into it, and see what I can find out. I can't make no promises, but I will surely at least try to make something happen in 2020. Life is too short to deal with bullshit, so if I gotta take matters into my own hands, so be it.

All I know, is that you Original Bands are worth it.

The Metal Grapevine

Joshua Sky- The U2 Tribute Review at Headliners Music Hall (Live Video and pictures by me!) :

Wow. These guys are talented AF. These Louisville natives got it going on, and need to take this show nationwide. The lights, the video that accompanies the music, the sounds, are all on point. This is the second time I have seen them live, and I love it. As usual, guitarist Allan Needham was killing it on The Edge sound, which is no easy task for any guitarist. The Edge has a distinct tone that I would think would be very hard to reproduce live. But he somehow pulls it off well. The band backing Allan are all awesome dudes. Vocalist Aaron Crane sounds so much like Bono, it's crazy. He's the perfect fit. He is a little dude that packs a pretty big punch, vocally. Keyboardist Steve Katsikas more than does his part on the keyboards and backing vocals. Great voice! He has some good gear, too, nailing it! Bassist Frank Partipilo laid down some super sweet bass lines on that Fender Jazz bass as well. I don't think he missed a note. Jordan Smith did great on drums, no complaints here! All in all, these five guys have a chemistry that needs to go nationwide. But easier said than done I guess. People have jobs, families, and responsibilities, and can't just up and go without proper planning and stuff. That being said, these guys could easily do the nationwide tour thing IF these things could be worked out. The talent and musicianship is there 110%, and all it would take is taking care of the home life stuff to make this all happen. These guys could pull it off with no problem. The lights and cool video production that accompanies the music would no doubt go over well with any and all U2 fans across the planet. I sure would like to see them broaden their horizons on some bigger stuff down the road. Cincinnati, Chicago, St Louis, etc. It's time. It was nice being at Headliners once again. I wish they would have more local music shows there again. I miss that place.

Joshua Sky played "Even Better Than The Real Thing," "I Will Follow," "Sunday Bloody Sunday/New Years Day," "Bad," "Mysterious Ways," "Desire," "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "Wild Horses," (I love this song!), "Helter Skelter," "Beautiful Day," and an encore of "Vertigo."

I was sick with a bad cold, but I toughed it out and made it up there anyways. I felt like total doody, but I wanted to see them again. Here is a video I took that night. Enjoy!

Shinedown coming to Louisville Palace on April 28:

This will sell out, so get those tickets ASAP!

King Diamond "Live" in Louisville KY:

I found this online and thought I would share. How can he sing like this at age 63? Mind boggling!

In This Moment Returns to Louisville Palace on April 13:

One of the hottest chicks in metal returns on monday April 13 at Louisville Palace. This band rocks! I'll prob be there. Opening is Black Veil Brides, DED and Raven Black, although I do like a some of their songs.

Soul Asylum Coming to the Merc on Wednesday February 26:

Soul Asylum is a name you probably haven't heard in a while. While I didn't care for most 90's music, especially Nirvana, but this band had a few good catchy songs. See them while you can! The singer has a great voice.

Nighttrain- The Guns N' Roses Tribute Returns to the Merc on Jan 3:

I've already reviewed/photographed these cats and I like them! I recommend you get out to see these guys. They jam pretty >well. And that singer can pull off some Axl Rose fairly well. And that is no easy task, lemmie tell you. Good Tribute band! Checkem out!

The LMN Bad Humor Report:

A recent true story! I was recently at a Dollar General store in line with my GF, when in walks a homeless dude with a human armbone in one hand and a guitar in the other! The meat was gone from the bone, but there was no mistaking that this was a real human armbone. He then starts explaining to the terrified folk in line that he needs to carry around this piece of human appendage so he don't hurt anyone. Dude is just babbling on and on to no one in particular, nuttier than Chinese fruitcake, about the armbone and his guitar. This Mfer was right in line behind us! Aye aye ayeeee! I though we were gonna get stabbed or something. It made me nervous that some nut had an armbone in his hand right behind us! But in my neighborhood this is kinda normal. Not long ago, I saw in my home secutity cameras some woman outside my house pulling up my security camera warning sign in my front yard! I was like, WTF, so I ran outside and start chasing this bitch down the street trying to retrieve my sign back. She runs up to a dumpster and throws it in. There was so much garbage and no way to get it, so it was a total loss. Now why would that homeless woman need my security warning sign? Crazy. I found out that day that she sometimes walks up and down the street completely naked. I think the city needs to do something about these mentally ill folks walking our streets. Someone is going to get hurt soon.

Aaron Lewis coming to Louisville Palace on June 26:

You don't want to miss this guy! He stole the show at Louder than Life last year, and made other singers look foolish. He was amazing live! Very very good! This will prob sell out too, so get those tickets if you really wanna go.

Cash Unchained- The Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute:

Fans of Johnny may not want to miss this Tribute to the man named Cash. It's Friday, January 17 at Mercury Ballroom.

Led Zeppelin 2 play's III- A 50^th Anniversary Celebration:

Saturday, January 18 at the Merc. I have not seen this band before, and may have to attend! I have never been very much of a Zeppelin fan though, although I do like a some of their songs.

Slippery When Wet- The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute:

I've never seen this Tribute band, either, but they will be here on Friday, January 31 at the Merc.

Louisville Billiards Steps UP, Needs Local Music History Memorabilia:

Since so many venues are closing and Louisville Billiards seems to be stepping things up nicely, having more Louisville original music, and those guys are now currently trying to renovate the venue with historic oldschool memorabilia when our scene was outstanding! So they need old posters, gear, an old backdrop, signs, banners, mirrors, instruments, etc, to put up on display at the club. You will get your stuff back after an allotted period of time no doubt. They are trying to revamp it into a hard rock cafe type venue, all about the local music scene throughout the years! So if you have some cool stuff you can donate, let Mark know at 502-387-7665. I would like to thank those guys for making Louisville Billiards a place for everyone now. Cover bands and original bands all coming together to make music and have a good time. Many venues used to only do cover bands, but good things happen to those with an open mind! I remember when the Phoenix hill did nothing but covers, until I talked them into letting me have an original music showcase in January of 2000. Then it skyrocketed and became the longest running most popular original music showcases in Louisville history. It's a fact! Every month was packed! So hopefully more and more original bands will get the opportunity to play Billiards in the future. Both of my original bands have played there and we had fun each time, especially this last time with my old friends, Crazy Train. So thanks Louisville Billiards and Marc Masden, for keeping the scene alive. We need it!

Cinderella's Tom Kiefer is coming to The Merc:

Wednesday, February 12 Tom Kiefer makes a stop in Louisville . Check him out! I saw him a few years back in Lexington and it was very good!

Machinehead Returns to The Merc:

Be sure to check out this metal show on Wednesday February 12. These guys kill.

Geoff Tate to Debut at the Merc:

Former Queensryche singer Geoff Tate returns to Louisville at a new venue on March 11. I got to open for them the last time he was here at Headliners. What a great band!

Snoop Dogg coming to the Palace:

Yup, ole Snoopster will be making a stop in Louisville on Saturday, January 25 on his tour. This is a first I'm thinking? I've never been to a real rap show before, maybe I will attend and get a contact buzz from people in the crowd. You just know there will be smoking no matter the rules up in that mofo.You think he'll bring the guy with the green hat? Ha!

The Iron Maidens Return:

Those badass Maiden chicks are coming back on Saturday February 1 at the Merc, so don't miss their return performance. They ripped it up last time. Opening will be Mad Alice. Here they are ripping it up at Bogarts several months back.

Zeroking's Brand New Music:

West Virginia's Zeroking has a few new tunes to checkout. These guys are always driving here to jam out for us. No egos or shitty attitudes. Just good ole fashioned humble rock n' roll. Enjoy!

Overthrone covering AIC's "Them Bones":

Good stuff from the talented Overthrone founder and Louisville native Ryan Preston.

Dweezil Zappa is Coming in March:

On March 5 at The Kentucky Center For The Performing Arts, guitarist Dweezil Zappa will be appearing! Dude is a monster guitarist so you might not want to miss this. Dude is sooo weird, you don't know what he will have up his sleeve.

This Months Musician Of The Month:

Is vocalist Michael Duncan of Wicked Sinsation, the 80's cover band. This guy is one of the best singers in the state. I've known him since the mid ninties and he is a helluva dude as well. Don't miss this feature!

Louisville Music News Live

Yeah, I've made this up to feature you mofo's in all your onstage glory! So let's see some videos from you musicians, old or new! If it's good, it might be featured! Send to Eddymetal1@aol.com. But it must be on youtube!

LMN Live- Blast From The Past, Heaven Hill:

LMN Live- Blast From The Past, Bonejinn:

LMN Live- Savage Master:

LMN Live- Boombox Poets:

LMN Live- Palewalker:

LMN Live- Slokill:

LMN Live- The Big Rock Show:

LMN Live- Stormtoker:

LMN Live- Banshee Child:

LMN Live- Call Me Monster:

LMN Live- Year Of The Gun:

LMN Live- Wyld Ryde:

LMN Live- Doppelganger:

Upcoming Shows

21rst Amendment Tavern

Saturday, January 11 — Mantra Of Morta, We'd Be and SWP.

Bluegrass Tavern

Saturday, February 22 — Shovelhead

Brewskee's

Saturday, January 18 — Lethean EP Release w/ That's what she Said, Luie Brangers, Chaos N Reason and Untold Rellik.

Brown Theater

Saturday, February 22 — The Dark Side Of The Wall presents "Pink Floyd;Epics"

Diamond Pub Concert Hall

Saturday, January 11 — Torn Confidence CD Release

Friday, January 17 — Brojob, HuntTheDinosaur, Left To suffer, UTDW and The Incision.

Saturday, january 18 — Shadow Of Intent, Signs Of The Swarm, Inferi and BOS and SOH.

Saturday, May 16 — Psychosoul, Scary Uncle and Year Of The Gun.

Griff's Music Room

Saturday, January 18 — Enemy Of None. 8 P.M.

Highlands Tap Room

Tuesday, January 7 Salvation, Waxeater and Work Shirt.

Monday, January 27 — Look what I Did.

Kaiju

Friday, January 3 — Phourist and The Photons, and Kiana And The Sun Kings.

Thursday, January 9 — Dub Peveau, Lavender Ray and Blosson Hall.

Kingpin Lanes

Saturday, January 4 — Bag Of Hammers.

The Levee

Sunday’, January 26 — Hero's For the Homeless w/ Enemy Of None. 8 P.M.

Louisville Billiards

Saturday, January 11 — Mad Alice.

Friday, January 17 — Black Ash Roads.

Friday, January 31 — Amatuer Fargo Limited.

Magbar

Sunday, January 5 — Near Existence w/ Stormtoker, Priestess and Wicked Willow.

Wednesday, January 8 — Vinyl Riot.

Sunday, January 12 — Olivia Frances, Cash O' Rielly and TBA.

Friday, January 24 — Highway Natives, Whiskey Riders and Don't Lie.

Saturday, March 21 — The Ghost And The Human Hoax.

Mercury Ballroom

Wednesday, January 15 — The Dead South.

Saturday, January 18 — Led Zeppelin 2

Saturday, February 1 — The Iron Maidens w/ Mad Alice.

Wednesday, February 12 — Machine Head.

Wednesday, February 19 — Cinderella's Tom Kiefer.

Wednesday, February 26 — Soul Asylum.

Saturday, March 7 — The Prince Experience.

Wednesday, March 11 Geoff Tate.

Micks Lounge

Saturday, January 25 — The Mad Taxpayers

Nirvana

Sunday, January 19 — Nine Shines, A Rumor Of War, Softspooken and Refractions.

Friday, January 24v Radkey, Taco Mouth and TBA.

Friday, January 31 — Jasmine Cain Rocks

Odeon

Saturday, January 25 — Brothers Of A Feather and The Allmanacs.

Open Community Arts Center

Thursday, January 30 Kai Orion, Grackle, Tender Mercy.

Prohibition

Thursday, January 16 — Justin Biltonen (of 3 doors Down) w/ Bryan Fox.

Spectators

Friday, January 24 — Tameless.

Third Street Dive

Saturday, January 4 — Grumpy Old Men Mini Tour.

Saturday, January 11 — Trent Moss, Doug Dillman and Trevor Delk.

Friday, January 31 — Julius, Kissing aphrodite and Mollys Midnight Villians.

Wicks Pizza (Baxter)

Saturday, January 4 — Haley And The Comets.

Zanzabar

Friday, January 3 — Batwizard, Luther and The Hell You Say.

Friday, January 10 — Vintage Pistol.

Saturday, January 11 — DLO3.

Friday, January 17 — The Unlikely Candidates and Welshly Arms.

Saturday, January 18 — The Wooks and Henhouse Prowlers.