this one

What up my peeps! Eddy's back! Back in the saddle again. This edition of my column may be a bit deep, as I've been through some serious bullshit recently, losing two people who meant a lot to me, but nonetheless I'm here 100% to teach you mofos a most valuable life lesson. That lesson is - Life is too f**king short to let ANYONE piss on your parade! Especially those who don't appreciate you, whether it be friends, family, or lovers. Well, you guessed it, I am a single man once again. Once again in a relationship I had to reluctantly end things, right before Christmas/my birthday, too (shitty timing!), because I simply had no choice. I really did not want to end it at all. I loved her very much, but I simply had to let go to keep my piece of mind and dignity. As usual in my relationships, like a clown, I tried so hard to make things work, even after the split, trying to bring to the light and address and eliminate the substantial issues at hand, and hoping beyond hope that things would come together again 'IF' there was a newfound positive attitude and a change for the better. 'IF' is the word here! But a lot of the time in today's messed up world people simply refuse to acknowledge there is even a problem, and least of all, to change their destructive and harmful toxic ways. They can't change. No one can change them, not even themselves. To some people like that, moving on is preferable to changing themselves. My genuine heartfelt concern for her, and the love I had for the sweet, brown-eyed, freckled girl buried deep underneath those issues, made me tolerate much more than I should have. Everyone in her circle enabled her, and I was the 'only' one who was concerned enough, with the strength to bring the truth into the light. I fought those demons to the very end, to no avail. Sometimes in life you just have to let that person go to travel their own dark path, and 'love them' from a distance. It is a sad day when that time finally comes. So yeah, that just happened to me.

That's okay, though, I've never been one to beg, especially when I am definitely 'in the right' about things. I am worth more than that. Aside from the issues we had, I have to say she is still also an amazing woman whom I wish the best of luck to. I've never dated any woman who works harder, or who takes care of her family better. Such a strong independent woman. I will miss her. I just wish she would have worked harder on herself.

It's been a bit rough, but I have stayed strong (my willpower is unwavering), I am rapidly healing, and I have fully recognized my worth as a good and faithful BF and human being. The best I've ever been in my entire life. In that rare occasion when I do actually love, I love hard. I am that foolio that wears his heart on his sleeve in a cruel cruel world. I will not let this affect me in a negative way though like most people do, or ultimately affect how I treat others.

I'm not giving up. Somewhere out there is one girl that wants someone with an old-fashioned, big ol' cheeseball romantic heart like mine. I have the utmost faith and confidence in this! Life has been good to me, and god has more plans for me I'm sure! So I've been going to the gym and working out like a beast, trying to get my mind off things, and I'm seeing results bigtime! I'm feeling good! Positive! Life is good.

I have had some positive opportunities that were quite flattering recently too. I got asked out a few times, by some cuties! Made me feel oh-so-much better! A life saver, really.

One night did not go quite so well though, in one way. What you are about to read is 100% true. Aye aye ayeeee!!

THE DINNER: I went out to dinner with an attractive classy gal, and we had a hot n' spicy appetizer and a few drinks before our food came. Well, halfway through the dinner suddenly without warning I felt as though someone hit me in my stomach with a brick. A shit brick! It was instantaneous, and agonizing! I had to go #2 BAD! The spicy food had affected me in a bad, bad, way, apparently. I thought 'Please god, let me make it to the bathroom' as I politely excused myself without revealing the true trauma of the situation. I was cool, calm and collected as I got up slowly and coolly, mustering up all the suaveness I could to a woman I barely knew. But as soon as I rounded the corner to the bathroom, I clinched my butt cheeks and waddled quickly like a penguin in dire distress! I made it to the bathroom barely in time, just to find out there was only one stall, then I practically tried to rip the thing open, only to find out it was occupied! "Occupied" the voice behind the door said annoyed. OMG, panic swept over me like a tidal wave! I was in agony. I scanned the room frantically, and my mind instantly went to the infamous bathroom scene in the movie "Bridesmaids," and I thought to myself "Sweet Jesus No!" I was actually contemplating that scenario, the "Look Away" scene! It was thaaat bad! This MF'er in the stall was lollygagging bigtime, too, taking forever! So I sucked it up hunched over in pain, and endured the agony till dude came out of the stall. He had been changing his son's diaper! That's what took so long! What horrendous timing! I rushed in past him like a linebacker, almost knocking him down, closed the door, pulled down my bloomers, sat down, and exploded like Mount Saint Helen's! After, I sat there slouched over, mentally and physically drained. After the long process of cleaning, I rose from my throne and casually looked into the bowl.

OMG – the horror of it all. What the hell had I eaten? Nuclear waste? It was as if I had eaten Indi's, White Castle, and Indian food all at once! And also had taken the most explosive laxative known to mankind to boot! Needless to say, I shall never eat that spicy dish again.

I finally made it back to the table, and amazingly, I had pulled it off! No smell, no sweat, no red face, no nothing! She didn't know SHIT.

I'm a f**king warrior.

Other than that the night went awesome. What a great lady. See how much I love you mofo's? That I can be so honest with you? I know you really wanted to know this story! The moral of this story? You can't deal with a bunch of unneeded SHIT!

Levity aside, I've been back into things I love more. Reviewing shows (things are slowly opening back up more, for local events, anyways), taking pics, seeing friends, making new friends, some really good people, too! What a better way to heal yourself? I have reviewed the Motley Crue Tribute again, and got pics, the Alice In Chains/STP Tribute from South Carolina, and Thunderstruck played Street Grubs n' Hops (my buddy Ashley Murphy got pics for you mofos!) for a second time, and I had a freakin' blast that night. That place is cool AF, and they always treat me good there! That food is to die for! We grubbed on fish and pork taco's, and pretzels with an awesome beer cheese. Excellent grubs there! I also went to Cave Hill Cemetery for the first time ever, and OMG, how have I never been there before? Crazy! It's the most beautiful cemetery I've ever seen. We had a wonderful time seeing the Gothic monuments, and seeing Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders' graves. I thanked him for his wonderful chicken and splendid instant mashed potatoes n' grown gravy.

I've been keeping busy and trying to get out more. I am also currently putting together a new original music project with a fantastic Louisville veteran vocalist. Dude is badass! We are gonna go for a more soulful, melodic, dark, haunting style of music kinda in the vein of old Alice In Chains. I'm excited! I need something new and fresh, and this is it. We are still needing a drummer, so if interested hit me up on FB. Duane Eddy Burke!

Into The Future: I go into 2021 with a purpose. I shall be addressing the issues I needed to work on in my life. No, I am not perfect. I have made a few mistakes in life as well. But I am glad to say that what issues I do have 'can and will be' remedied, however slow because we are in a freakin' pandemic. I am looking forward to a much better year, and hopefully, someday, finding that rare diamond, a woman that does appreciate the person I am, and for who I am inside, not what I make, or what I can give. Some women take money and security so seriously nowadays. But to me, money 'Don't Mean Shit' if there is no special bond, trust, respect, or passion in a relationship. Money and security should never ever be a valid sole reason to be with someone.

Love is what truly matters!

Love through thick and thin, bad times and good, rich and poor, sickness and in-health. A love like that is what I truly wish to have someday. Oh yeah, and no drama!! Drama is a deal breaker to me. Good luck with finding that unicorn, right? It's possible, though! I did meet a few really nice, down-to-earth, humble gals with some pretty good hearts. It's nice to see there are other folks with morals still out there, however rare.

To all of you out there; my friends, family, ex's, fans, haters and supporters.

I love you all. Life is too short to HATE!

Whether it's bullshit politics, failed friendships or relationships gone bad. Heck, I even care for my ex's! These last few years, I have changed drastically and I continue to grow daily as a human being. It's been one long, pain-filled journey for me down the road of life as far as love goes, but the experience has molded me into who I am. I have grown. I am proud of the man I have eventually become. I am a man of moral's, pride, character and integrity, even though sometimes I still slip when pushed a bit too far. Never push a good person too far, because you will lose. I have no time for negative people and have even recently deleted beloved friends for such behavior.

I will not tolerate any people who suck the joy and happiness right out of your life. F**k that.

Even a very laid back cat like me has his breaking point. One instance of me reaching my breaking point recently has been particularly regrettable. No one is perfect after all. I do believe that everyone at least deserves a second chance. I have given too many chances in my day, that's for sure! I'm that guy. I look for the good in people, however small, and foolishly, I often overlook the bad. But it is what it is, and if forgiveness is not in the cards, so be it.

I shall forge on bravely without looking back.

All I can say is, "Be kind to others." Treat them the way you would want to be treated. If you are unhappy in a relationship, or want to be with someone else, for god's sake, break up with them rather than cheating! Nothing hurts worse, or is more disrespectful than that crap. So do what is right!

Respect other people's feelings, and try not to purposely hurt folks, because there definitely ARE "Consequences" in Life. Life Lessons are a very tough way to learn this (that sometimes live with you forever), and some people simply do not comprehend this, but nothing truer has ever been said, than 'our actions/words ultimately determine everything!'

Karma is truly a MF'er.

So calm down, and think before you act. Don't be rash. Be beautiful, on the inside. Stick to your morals! Don't let vice's control your destiny, and don't let shitty people bring you down to their level. And most importantly, 'Respect Yourself.' Know Your Worth! And do what you have to in life, no matter how bad it hurts you, to make YOU happy.'

P.S - Thank you to the awesome people in my life (you are like my own personal Army!) that have been there for me through many rough times, especially recently. Your love and support and acknowledging and making me see 'the real me' has made all the difference. I cannot thank you enough.

God Bless....

The Metal Grapevine

Theatre Of Crue Returns (pics by MJ ROXXX):

That night some shit went down right before the show, and I had to get the f**k out and cool off, so I headed up to Billiards to check out the amazing Motley Crue Tribute from Ohio. It was their second time in Louisville, and I didn't want to miss it. I love these guys! Such down to earth dudes. And they rock so good! They delivered a scorching set of all your favorite Motley Crue tunes, but my mind was not itself that evening so I kinda of drifted in and out mentally, not being able to fully concentrate on the music business at hand. I did get a few pics for you and stayed for the whole set, seeing plenty of friends and still having a decent time considering. I did meet a cute little blonde! A nice girl. It will be much better next time I'm sure, now that I'm feeling much better. Local's Hidden Foundation tore it up opening the show. Those are some good young fellas. A good band. The Crue Tribute played pretty much the same set as last time "Shout at the Devil," "Too Young To Fall In Love," "Livewire," "Home Sweet Home," "Wildside," "Kickstart My Heart" and even a few more Crue songs you'd think you would not hear, like "Louder Than Hell," "Knock Em' Dead, Kid," "Bastard," "Take Me To The Top" and "Piece Of Your Action."

The band ended the set with "All In The Name Of Rock."

These guys are most welcome in my town anytime they wanna come! And I will always be there supporting them, god willing!

Thunderstruck Returns to Street Grubs N' Hops (pics by Ashley Murphy and Me):

I had a blast this night. First off, I was starving myself because I knew this place had killer food, and, boy, did we grub! Some female friends came to visit me from out of town and we had a ball. They had never been to Louisville before, so they were in for a treat. And what better guide than a 21-year music veteran music columnist/musician? They said they had a blast. They loved Louisville.

I knew Thunderstruck was gonna draw a fat crowd, because they always do, and this was just what the doctor ordered: friends and good music. The band had a new guitarist from southern California named Tyler Melen, who nailed that shit! Dude was awesome! He was perfect. The band lit into classics like "Back In Black,"Dirty Deeds," Highway To Hell," Have A Drink On Me," For Those about To Rock" and they ended the night with "High Voltage" and "Money Talks." Someone bitched about the sound before the show even started, but I found the sound to be adequate and even pretty darn good! I don't know what dude was bitching about. Dawg needed to shut his piehole and be happy he had a place to even go to at all in this messed up -day and age we currently live in. The owner Jared always treats me well as a member of the media and I love attending his shows, and his food is outstanding. Jared does not play when it comes to food! That is a fact! He is serious as a heart attack. Speaking of heart attacks, I almost had one after all that food that night. My diet was destroyed that night.

I'd like to congratulate Thunderstruck for the awesome job they do. I've never seen a Tribute band come so close to replicating the original sound. Very few can pull it off like these guys do. Dave Moody nails those high raspy vocals better than a young Bryan Johnson himself. And the band backing him is great. That rhythm guitarist is as solid a player as I've seen! And I just found out that they are about to do the Monsters Of Rock Cruise on February 12! I always wanted to do that cruise. That should be one great time indeed! At the end of the night, we were a bit buzzed and our Uber driver pissed me off by arriving early, but we made it back to my crib okay.

, thank god! Another night, another great time. Thanks Jared, thanks Thunderstruck!

Grind Core- The Alice In Chains/STP TributeM

Review (pics and video by muah):

A few weeks back I went to see the Stone Temple Pilots/Alice In Chains Tribute from South Carolina at Street Grubs N' Hops, and it was great! Another great Tribute band. The STP set was first, and it was rockin', but the Alice In Chains stuff was sick! Off the hook! What made it even greater for me was that they played a bunch of older AIC stuff that I absolutely love. The singer Gary Allen was charismatic and had the vocal goods. You could tell he was a veteran rocker who knew his stuff! He has the perfect lower AIC vocal style, and peeps was eating it up. He even went out into the audience and was singing to a table full of girls, one of which happened to be an ex GF of mine. Talk about awkward! My condolences go out to Gary and his family over the recent loss of his father. He dedicated "Nutshell" to his pops. It was touching. Guitarist Rob Montebello was a six-string monster. He had superb tone! And you know how much of a tone snob I am! His solo's were melodic and more than worthy. He did a fine job! I didn't hear one sour note. The rhythm section was darn good too! No complaints whatsoever. The STP setlist had "Vasoline," "Plush," "Unglued," "Meatplow," "Dead And Bloated," "Wicked Garden," "Interstate Love Song," "Big Empty," "Creep" and "Sex Type Thing." The AIC set was comprised of "It Ain't Like That," "Down In A Hole," "Junkhead," "Bleed The Freak," "Sea Of Sorrow," "Dirt," "Would," "Nutshell," "Angry Chair" and, of course, the hits like "Rooster," "Them Bones," and "Man In The Box." They ended the night with "Sunshine," "Them Bones" and Damn The River." The packed crowd in attendance loved these guys, and they will be back I'm sure. I will be there 100% to support this band! Hopefully next time they will do me a favor and learn "Love Hate Love" just for me! Hint hint! C'mon guys! Who loves ya? Me!

Musician Of The Month:

This month's pick was a difficult one! You guys n' gals give me such a hard time with all these wonderful suggestions that you give me each month! But I wouldn't have it any other way! I made this feature so you people could have a say in it, too! My monthly post asking for suggestions is a popular one. Thank you for participating in it, and giving me such good options! So, this month is vocalist Josh French of the Boombox Poets! I don't know them very well, but they've always seemed like a bunch of good dudes. Talented dudes too! So this one is for you, fellas! Be sure to read Josh's feature in this Month's LMN! He is quite a character!

Billiards to OPEN again next Week:

Due to a clerical/paperwork error, Louisville Billiards has been closed for the last few weeks. But no worries, they have finally squared away those issues and will be reopening on Friday February 5. That is good news, because it has become one of the top hangouts during the covid era.

New Band Alert- The Sky Below:

This new bands features Brendan Chase on vocals and guitar, Rocky King on bass, Rich Brown on guitar and Jordan Bruce on drums. They will be recording with Jordan Haynes in March, so expect a releasae in May.

The LMN Bad Humor Report:

Native Son's Single Release: You heard it here first! Don't forget that! Check new stuff from Louisville rockers Native Sons.

Upcoming Shows:

21rst Amendment Tavern

Saturday,February 13 – Curvy Sweaters

Bourbon st (Lawrenceburg)

Saturday,February 13 – Graveyard Romeos

County Line Swinging Doors

Saturday, February 13 – Valentines day, Massacre w/ Granshaw, Devil Be My Judge, Lechuga, Slokill, Devata. 6 P.M.

Diamonds St Matthews

Saturday,February 27 – Supernova

Golden Nugget

Saturday,February 27 – Curvy Sweaters

Louisville Billiards

Friday,February 5 – Philth

Saturday,February 6 – Two Pump Chump

Saturday,February 13 – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

Saturday, February 27 – The Rumors

Friday,March 5 – Graveyard Romeos

Friday,March 12 – Jonny D & Uncovered

Saturday,March 20 – Poison Tribute Flesh & Blood

Saturday,March 27 – Scary Uncle Reunion

Mac's Hideaway

Friday,March 12 – Falls City Freelaoders

Sirens Club

Saturday, February 27 – Zeroking w/ TBA.

Street Grubs N' Hops

Friday, February 5 – Soul Circus

Saturday, February 6 – JD Shelburne

Friday, February 12 – Hidden Foundation

Saturday, February 13 – Throw back Thursday

Saturday, February 20 – Radiotronic

Friday, February 26 – Thunderstruck

Saturday, February 27 – Thunderstruck

Friday, March 12 – Native Son's CD Release Bash w/ Skipping Stone.

TK's

Saturday, February 20 – Wicked Sensation

Louisville Music New Live

Now you can see what Louisville and the surrounding region has to offer live! Get me those videos!

LMN Live- Blast From The Past, Spanky Lee:

LMN Live- Boombox Poets:

LMN Live- Untold Rellik:

LMN Live- Grind Core, The STP/Alice In Chains Tribute:

LMN Live- Scary Uncle:

LMN Live- Blast From The Past, Plan Of Man:

LMN Live- Hidden Foundation:

LMN Live-Blast From The Past, Speed Of Sound:

LMN Live- Blast From The Past- Cinci's Zebra's In Public:

LMN Live- Blast from The Past- Indy's Dent: I loved this band!