News From the Pit

By Eddy Metal

Happy Derby!!!!! What up, my Derby Loving peeps! I hope everyone is doing great, and getting out and enjoying the Derby festivities that are still intact, and I'm sure not so much enjoying this freaky ass weather we've been having. Several days it's nice out (I wore shorts and thought about unroofing the Jeep), and the next morning there's snow on the freakin' ground when I go to work! WTF.

Not too much going on around my neck o' the woods here lately, just putting thousands of dollars into my vehicles (pimping my jeep out), working my tater off, and I've been spending quite a bit of time out of town the last two months. But when I'm here in town, I'm mostly alone at home tired AF. I do go out here and there and will be going out even more now that it's warming up. I did get to check out Powerslave; The Iron Maiden Experience at Billiards, and they were amazing (see full review below), and, of course, I went to see my Cleveland buds in Theatre Of Crue; The Motley Crue Tribute. I haven't missed those guys yet. And I don't plan to either. Their shows are just like a Who's Who of Louisville party atmosphere now, that kinda reminds me of my old Rock For Kosair shows. Good stuff.

Music! There are shows coming! The Louder Than Life lineup should be released soon, I'm thinking! Cincinatti has a few shows kickin so far! Megadeth, Lamb Of God, and Cheap trick/Rod Stewart, and Primus! There's a few cool outdoor shows at Beaver Dam, Kentucky with Sebastian Bach, The Bulletboys and Lita Ford, another show featuring Hairball; the infamous 80's Tribute, and the first show of the year, there is the Louisville Crashers, who will be playing there on May 15. I gotta go check this place out ASAP. It sounds neat. I've already contacted the place's peeps. They seem cool. We shall see!

I do got some good news straight from someone big up there in Media! My media peeps have recently sent me some stuff indicating a possible return to normalcy for some indoor arena National shows by mid- to-late-summer, if things go well. This is on the inside know! This chick don't play, either. She knows her shit. Well, I'm now off to Derby Eve at Louisville Billiards where I just learned that an accident occurred earlier today in which the venues outdoor stage lighting truss collapsed in the high wind and fell onto Wyld Ryde bassist Mick Watson and guitarist Tommy Stamper. Mick suffered a broken ankle, and Tommy got a nasty gash on the head and a fractured neck. First off, thank God they were not killed! Sometimes these things happen, like in Indianapolis several years back, and people do die. I was really looking forward to seeing those guys play, too. They really are one hard working band of super nice guys! I wish those guys a speedy recovery, and I'm sure they will be back in a few months, tops with a kickass makeup show! Two Pump Chump and Philth played and the show went on, and I still had fun hangin' with good friends, and I even met a major cutie at the end of the night. Chick was very pretty and as sweet as can be. We related on many things, too. We shall see!

Things are slowly opening up more! So that's awesome. Let the darkness of covid beggone forever!

I have come a long way in the last few months, my peeps. I went from a stressed-out, depressed, heartbroken, borderline mentalcase around xmas, to the totally stress-free, confident, and happy/content single fella I am today. I am one strong Mfer when it comes to some things. My friend Amber was so right about what she said. Thanks for the support, chick. My friends always comment on my cold as ice ability to walk away from bad situations. It's true. My willpower and pride is much stronger than my heart! I'm not very tolerant these days. At all. That's a good thing though! There are a lot of very shitty folk out there with no morals or ethics, and you gotta be able to cut ties at the drop of a hat when you are finally forced to act aginst these brutal MFers. I would hate to be one of those weak people who don't have the strength to do what's right, and move on.

I admit I've always jumped into relationships a little bit too fast. Not a lightning fast/gotta have someone NOW spastic type deal, like some ridiculous people I've seen, but I do rebound quite fast. I get infatuated n' all loved up, and I blindly jump, like a foolio. Into a pool full of snakes.

Oh well, at least I'm an honest foolio, and I have morals. So many nowadays do not! It's funny, it seems most girls like bad-boys these days. If I was on meth, had 10 hoes, wore saggy drawers exposing my as/undies, and was penniless, I bet I'd have women beating down my door in a stampede! I thought about acting tough and like I'm a badboy, and pasting on some fake meth sore decals, but I'm a terrible actor and the truth always comes out. The truth that I'm a big ol' TEddy bear (a bear that will fo sho get in yo ass if provoked), and also that I'm much too fat to be a methhead. I guess it's too late to change to a bad-boy again now at my advanced age. I don't really wanna change anyways.

Jokes aside though, I've known many people that HAVE to be with someone at all times. It's really sad. Because it's always a bad ending for such rushed endeavors I've come to notice. Thank god I've never been quite thaaat bad at it. Just a little bad. Ha! So I'm taking everything slow now. I'm content being single and having the freedom to do what I please and date whoever I want. That's always been an adventure in itself. I could have already had a relationship had I really wanted one, easily. But I'm in no rush, I just want to make sure I meet someone with the same traits I value so highly in today's totally messed up, dating world: morals, trust, empathy, honesty, responsibilty, respect, and faithfulness.

Oh yeah, you gotta be cute, too!

Pix by Eddy

I don't ask for much do I? Aye aye aye.

It's all good. I have total faith that good things always come to good people.

I'm the lamest romantic cheeseball rocker ever now, who goes to bed at 8 p.m.! Such a drastic change.

I'm almost a freaking monk now! Almost.

I fully admit to being a horndog bastard in the past. But people do have the ability to change. At least some people can.

I'm living proof! I am proud of myself for this major change several years ago, and I shall abide by the ethics I have set forth. No matter what! My motto is simple really "If you wouldn't want it done to you, then don't do it to others."

Just be good to each other the best you can!

The point is- I don't f**king need anyone. I pay my own bills. Have my own place. I'm rockin this bitch! I've got more cash than I've ever had. A decent job. Great Health Insurance now. No debt. Great credit. And I got all you people. My family. My big ass, dysfunctional, twisted-AF-music family. Thanks as always for your support and love over the years. I love seeing and talking to you all. If I see you out and I don't really talk much don't take it personal, it's me. I'm just kind of shy aye aye around folks I don't know very well. It's amazing/awesome all of the people I've met over the years and now know because of music. Y'all are a trip.

So yeah, Life is good. I'm think I'm even about ready to play music again soon! I finally got a little bit of that itch again!This weekend I shall be assembling my guitar rig of power once again! I'm stoked about it. It's time I get back to doing what first made me well-known around here in the first place way back in the mid-nineties, whether it's an old band of mine, or something totally new. I'm open.

I'm just going to try to take it easy, balancing trying to; be well rested for my job, work on my cars, jam out, and spend time with my aging, ailing parents. Both of them are up there in age, and not doing so good. Not good at all. I feel in my heart that I don't have much time. So that's what's important to me right now. Being there for those who have always loved me unconditionally.

After all, you never know when your time is up, or when the last time you will ever see or speak to someone again. I learned that painful lesson exactly one year ago to this week, when my childhood friend Jodi died suddenly, before I could tell her how much I loved her. I shall not make that mistake ever again.

R.I.P chick. I love you.

Well, I'm outta here. It's now Derby Day, and I'm off to do a little Derby Partying. I live two blocks from the track. And shit is starting to pop off in this Mfer.

Until next time, take it easy and don't stress! It's not worth it. And 'Love those who love you, to the very end!'

The Metal Grapevine

Powerslave- The Iron Maiden Experience Review w/ Pics and Video by me:

Nashville Tennessee is known for country music, but not so much metal. These five guys are changing that. This tribute band is sick! I'm so glad I went to this! I was tired, I almost didn't go. I can't seem to find any info on these guy's names. They are doing the incognito thing I guess. Smart. I'll just say that the lead vocalist is a little dude in a bluejean jacket, who absolutely wails. This guy is Bruce Dickinson vocally through and through. You couldn't tell them apart! It's shocking hearing the voice that come's out of this guy. I was like ...omg. He has the vibratto and falsetto thing down pat like a seasoned pro. He rounded up a mean band of players for this Maiden Tribute that deliver with a serious punch to the throat. The bassist was awe inspiring, as he hammered and plucked his way through the technically challenging Steve Harris riffs as with ease. This bassist is off the hook, fingers going 900 m.p.h! Sounded every bit as good as Mr Harris himself. This guy was one of the better Tribute bassists I've seen, probably the best for real. The duo guitarists were real good too. They had good tone. They had fatass guitar leads that cut to the bone. No complaints. Solo's were replicated in tone, effect and note. They were pretty much nailing it. Their drummer they said was from Louisville, but I don't remember the guy's name, ever. He did not sound familiar. He was doing a good job doing the Nicko McBrain drumming. This set was a work of art to an Iron Maiden fan. There's all the good songs! So wonderfully picked and chosen. Great Set guys! I loved it. They played "Aces High," "2 Minutes To Midnight," "Wasted Years," "Where Eagles Dare," "Children Of The Damned," "Powerslave," "Revelations," "Flight Of Icarus" "Die With Your Boots On," "Fear Of The Dark," "The Trooper," "Hallowed Be Thy Name," "Iron Maiden" and an encore "Number Of The Beast," "Run To The Hills" and "Running Free."

Highlights for me, a longtime Maiden fan, was "Powerslave," with Egyptian intro, and I was concerned the guitars wouldn't be as powerful and crunchy as the original, but it definitely was on one of my faves. "Flight of Icarus," and the historic song about the battle for Britain "Aces High," "Revelations" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name."

Simply awesome. Little rocker dude on vocals was an outstanding vocal genius, and worked the crowd very well. This is another very good tribute band that has my blessings, and a big two thumbs up from me! Come back soon on the outdoor stage! The people for the opening band who left before Iron Maiden came on really missed out, because something special happened in there. Powertrain played and sounded good too. It was their first, and last show, as Vocalist Bobby Stamper is now the new vocalist for Thunderstruck.

Big News - Louisville veteran vocalists Dave Moody and Bobby Stamper both get seriously good National gigs! Congrats to both of those guys: I'll not mess with anyone's words, so let's just get it straight from the horse's mouth!

Eddy:

Dave Moody! Hey Dave, tell us what has happened in your life lately. Tell us the big news. What is this new band, and when do you have your first show with them?

Dave Moody:

W

ell, the short answer is A LOT!!!

As many of you know, I have left THUNDERSTRUCK, and I'm moving on to the nationally known band HAIRBALL.

It was an EXTREMELY TOUGH decision to make, because I had to decide between two INCREDIBLE shows, but in the end, what was best for me and my family was HAIRBALL.

It offers me a longer shelf life, because I'll only be singing 40 minutes per night, and it lighted my load in every single aspect of my life.

THUNDERSTRUCK will ALWAYS be my family, and I couldn't be MORE PROUD of everything that we accomplished. It has been an amazing ride, and I can't thank Kevin, Chris, Corey and Tyler enough for EVERYTHING!

Bobby Stamper will be taking over, and I COULDN'T be more happy for him, and proud of him. He us going to KILL it, and the band will be just as awesome as it always has been!

This opportunity TOTALLY came out of the blue, and the offer was absolutely ridiculously awesome, and it was just too good to pass up.

It's a band that does a absolutely insane production, featuring five large, curved video screens, a HUGE drum riser, smoke, bombs, authentic costumes, and a RIDICULOUS amount of PYRO!

In It's simplest explanation, it's a FULL review of the biggest characters from the 70' and 80's.

Everyone from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, to Freddie Mercury and David Lee Roth. We do Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Alice Cooper, Rob Halford and on and on and on!

It's shocking how good this band is. They have six members, three singers, three band members. A twelve man crew, a frickin' fifty-three foot semi, a full size Prevost tour bus, and they play ARENAS and SELL OUT everywhere they go.

It's absolutely incredible.

It's like sixteen great shows in one night!

It's absolutely unbelievable.

Eddy- That's great man. Congrats! So what songs will you be singing? And are you planning on moving from louisville? This has to be exciting.

Dave Moody:

Basically, I'll be doing what you'd expect: Gene Simmons, Brian Johnson, Dee Snyder, Tom Keifer, Kevin Dubrow, and voices like that.

I get to be my heroes for awhile, and I get to be 15 years old for the rest of my career.

Yes. We'll be in Louisville asap, and it'll more than likely be at The Palace Theater.

As far as relocation, my wife and I will be staying in Cincinnati, and I'll be flying.....A LOT, so it's gonna be very hectic to say the least.

It really is a very exciting time, and it is just another challenge that I've taken on. I am all about moving forward, and this is just another step in that direction.

I'd like to thank EVERYONE for all the kind words of encouragement, and love that they have shown. I'm truly blessed more than I deserve to be.

God is good in all things. Thank you.

Eddy- Now we will talk to Bobby Stamper. Bobby, Congrats on the awesome gig man! If anyone can pull this off, it's you bro! This gig is perfect for you. So, what's it like being thrust into such a prominent vocal position? It has to be a little stressful, and filling Dave's shoes is a challenging task for sure!

Bobby: I've been singing AC/DC since third grade so I am very familiar with the material.

Dave is a fantastic frontman, and coming in to fill his spot is going to be an incredible experience. I was the lead singer in the band back in the Bonfire/RIFF RAFF days, so I will be bringing my own attitude and style back... But it will be pure AC/DC.

Eddy- So what's the plan? Will you now be gone on a national tour this summer? Are you excited to be able to rock to so many new people now? Whatever happens, I wish you the best of luck man.

Bobby

:

May the 14th will be my first show with THUNDERSTRUCK in Huntsville Alabama... And from then on we're going to be pretty busy just about every weekend for the rest of this year. We'll be up North, down South, East and out West.

I am absolutely excited and motivated to be the best Rock and Roll singer that my abilities will allow. These guys have worked so hard to get where they are, and I am going to give 110% of what Ive got to keep the spirit of AC/DC alive.

Megadeth, Lamb Of God and Trivium in Cinci on July 14:

Holy cow! Megadeth at the PNC Pavilion! This is the show I need! To let out a little frustration in metal form is always good! Lamb Of God, Trivium and In Flames too? Eeeeee. Badass. I need to try to make this show! Hopefully I can get off work. I will never forget the time when I was a Radio DJ, when Black Frank and I brought out Megadeth onstage at the brewery in front of a packed house. Omg.

That is just one of many many great music memories of my life.

Styx/Collective Soul to play Waterfront Park on June 22:

Here is one show that sounds cool. No masks required! I've never seen Styx before. That's crazy! I love the singers voice too. I'll have to review this one! Plus there will be a shitload of cute babes there. Pshh, it's on!

Primus in Cinci on September 18:

Yup, tis true. Primus, Wolfmother and The Sword live at the PNC Pavilion. Sounds like a pretty good show. Maybe I'll see if I can get y'all some free tickets. We'll do another contest. It's been a long time!

Cheap Trick and Rod Stewart in Cinci on July 15:

Live at the PNC Pavilion. I love me some Cheap Trick! I'd love to see them again. I'll see if I can get you some free tickets!

Kill The Crown's new Single Debut for "Relive":

These guys wanted me to let you know that they are back! And here is a brand new single. These guys rock! Enjoy.

Steve Young's new project Dystorchestra releases New single and a Novel:

Everyone knows Steve Young of Redline fame! His band Dystorchestra has just released their debut concept album and a complete novel to go with it!

Here is the first single off the album. It's called "Burn It Down."

4th Annual Rock The Dam Lineup

Sebastain Bach, Lita Ford and The Bulletboys: July 31 at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater! It's an hour or so away! Not bad a drive! Be there. Sounds like a fun time. I may have to check this out! Ride down there in my Jeep Wrangler! I opened for the Bulletboys a few years ago, and they are amazing! Look up 'Rock the Dam' online for more info! Hairball and the Louisville Crashers are also playing there! Check out their site Beaver Dam Ampthitheater for more info!

Laynes Calling to Tour:

Louisville rockers Laynes Calling plan on a mini tour to Texas, Florida and Ohio this summer, with more dates to follow. Good luck to those guys! And here is their brand new video for "Grave Decisions."

Great Tribute Bands Returning!

Do Not Miss Them! Don't miss out seeing Black Sabbath, GNR, Def Leppard Tributes coming to town. I havent seen the Def Leppard one yet, but if they are as good as the others we are in for a treat.

Musician Of The Month, guitarist Todd Nelson of E-Flat:

Be sure to read Todd's feature this month. He has been a Louisville rock veteran for many a year!

Upcoming Shows

21rst Amendment Tavern

Thursday, May 6 – 3DR, Jim Harralson, The Devil Be My Judge.

Friday, May 7 – Skipping Stone and Taylor Road and Apod.

Saturday, May 15 – LFS Awareness Event- The Sky Below, The Les Masters Band, Skipping Stone, 3DR, Noble Road, Ashton Blake, Rachel Oldham, Apod and Slokill. Starts at Noon! Music all day!

Air Devils Inn

Saturday, May 15 – Friends and Legends.

Saturday, May 22 Faith Over Fear Fest.

Saturday, May 29 The Cody Heltsey Band.

Saturday, June 26 Slokill.

Bullitt Co Fairgrounds

Sunday, May 30 Beatersville Car Show Concert- The Nulydeedz, The Krank Daddies, Jane Rose and The Deadend Boys and Tsunami Samurai.

Joe's Older Than Dirt

Friday, May 7 – Freddy and The Cruegers.

Kahlil's

Friday, June 4 – Falls City Freeloaders

Louisville Billiards

Friday, April 30 – Derby Eve Bash! Wyld Ryde, Philth and Two Pump Chump.

Saturday, May 8 – Pretty Tied Up- The GNR Tribute w/ Problem With Polly and 3DR.

Saturday, May 15 – The Complete Black Sabbath Experience Returns!

Saturday, May 29 – The Classic Rock Experience and Graveyard Romeos.

Saturday, June 5 – Skipping Stone, City Awake and Crush.

Friday, June 16 – Supernova

Saturday, August 7 – Supernova

Malabu Pub (Lexington)

Saturday, May 22 – Graveyard Romeos.

New Direction

Saturday, May 1 Rock Station.

Nirvana

Friday, June 25 A day, Late and Skipping Stone.

Prohibition Bar

Friday, July 30 Every Mothers Nightmare w/ Native Sons.

Street Grubs N' Hops

Saturday, May 1 Rock Of Ages-A Tribute to the 80's.

Saturday, May 29 Freddy and The Cruegers.

TK's

Saturday, May 15 Rock Station.

The Thompson House (Newport KY)

Sunday, August 15 The Convalescence w/ Filth.

Louisville Music New Live

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

LMN Live- Luther:

LMN Live- Blast From The Past- Kinghorse:

LMN Live- Despite The Fallen:

LMN Live- Devil Be My Judge:

LMN Live- Hot Action Cop:

LMN Live- Granshaw:

LMN Live- Surviving Thalia:

LMN Live- Year Of The Gun:-