this one

Happy Holidays folks! I love Christmas time! It"s hard to believe, but on Christmas day I will turn 52 years old. Time truly flies. In my mind, I still feel like a 19 year old! Unfortunately, my body feels different, especially these last few weeks. `

I"m sorry I"m late with my column this month, and that it"s going to be short AF, but I"ve had a little hitch that I had not counted on at all. I got COVID right before Thanksgiving and was down and out for a bit. It started off feeling like a slight head cold that I didn"t worry too much about, but after the weekend, it progressed into something worse. It was pretty bad. I lost all sense of smell and taste, and was weak and feverish with hot and cold sweats. My eye even swelled up all nasty like, and looked black and bruised. At one point it felt like a very wide/tight elastic belt was wrapped around my lungs. My lungs felt like they were on fire! It was very odd. Luckily the doctor said I was strong so it wasn"t so bad as it could have been. But luckily I pulled through safely, and I am on the mend, finally cleared to go back to work. Being home in quarantine all bummed out n" shit was no fun at all, let me tell you!

I haven't done anything fun lately at all for real. Yes, there have been some shows and stuff going on, but I've seen all these bands numerous times and I'm just burnt out on seeing the same artists over and over. If I see Rob Zombie or Sevendust one more time I'm going to choke a motherf**ker! I'm 100% sure I must hold a record for most concerts seen by an individual inky, but damn, how many times can you see a band? But I'm feeling that concert itch coming back to me slowly, so I'm sure I'll be venturing out here soon once I am fully recovered from COVID and feeling fully myself once again. I'm finally feeling a lot better though, thank god! I need to get back to reviewing and reporting!

I was so sick I wasn't going to submit a column at all this month, but I made a few promises I wish to keep. I have to admit, I wasn't a 100% true believer of COVID untill I got it myself. There's nothing like seeing to believe I guess. This shit threw me for a loop!

Lesson learned. Yes, life is very strange. All of the things you go through. All of the lessons you learn along the way. And hopefully, you will LEARN from your mistakes. Lately I find that most people do not learn from what has brought them to where they are in life right now. And that is one big train wreck waiting to happen. Like my dumbass getting COVID and not protecting the people I love and myself more! I was stupid and admit it. I may not be perfect, but at least I always admit my mistakes in life.

On top of having COVID, it didn't work out with the blonde girl I have been seeing for most of the year, but for the first time in a long long time, I can honestly say that I wish an ex GF the very best of luck in the future. She is a good girl (my twin flame), and I will miss her dearly. No one screwed anyone over this time, it was just a case of things being too difficult to truly be together with the way things are in both our lives, especially with her not living in Louisville. Basically it was just unfortunate circumstances that could never change. That's how it goes for me though. I'm used to disappointment now though, and shall soldier on like I always do. It looks like I'll be having the Holidays all to myself I reckon. I was wanting to take a trip somewhere but I guess that idea is likely kaput now. You never know though, I just may decide to pack up and head out on one of my impromptu trips! My buddy did invite me to Vegas though! But Vegas doesn't do much for me in all honesty. I much prefer nature and beautiful surroundings over the crazy hustle and bustle of the big city. Maybe I'll just head down to New Orleans again for NYE, and totally pig out on cajun food like I did last new year!

We will see what happens!

I do have one holiday wish, though. I wish for all of you to have one great holiday season. I know times are rough for many of you, I see it all too much. It's not so great for me either right now, trust me on that! I'm still sick and sad AF. But take it from a tough old warhorse like me, never give up, and never count yourself out! Be strong. Have hope. The outpouring of love and support I received while being sick was absolutely wonderful( I appreciate it so much, and it showed me who truly cares for me), and it lifted my spirits from the lowest levels. I love you all. I love my city. And I love what I do for my city, and wouldn't take it back for anything. I've had one amazing life. Not many folks have had the chance to see the things I have through my eyes. I have come a long way in life, and thank God for getting me past this COVID stuff, my journey is not over yet!

Last month I talked about forgiveness, self growth, and evolving as a human. I feel I am well on this path in life. One final task is at hand, and I shall endeavor!

I shall reveal this final task in January.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

The Metal Grapevine

LMN Ticket Giveaways are back in action!

Yeah, it had been a while, so I thought it was time to reinstate our giveaways now that there is a tiny breath of life back in our community. Livenation was generous enough to give me some Sebastian Bach and Steel Panther tickets to give away, so some lucky winners surely enjoyed that! I got the new digital ticket thing underway, so that means more tickets are coming your way soon! I gotta take care of my hometown folk! Stay tuned! I'll see if I can't get you some Alice Cooper tickets next! And I'm sure Terry Harper will do some more giveaways too. It's been a few!

Alice Cooper coming to Louisville Palace on Feb. 3:

The king of shock rock is coming once again! How does this guy find the strength to tour the way he does? It's never-ending! He must really love his job. I'll see if I can get you folks some free tickets to win! Here is some footage from a few short months ago:

Tool coming again:

Yup, they are coming again. March 4, 2022 at The Yum! I think it might be sold out. I heard tickets were hundreds of dollars. F**k that! It's good that I get in free, because these prices are way too high for the ordinary person to be able to afford. While not a big Tool fan, I did go review/photograph them last time here, and it was a real good show. I had a blast and the Yum Staff was awesome! I did not agree with Maynard hiding behind a curtain for the whole show, but I guess its just that's dude's mystique. He is different though, I'll give him that! Very different, and he can sing, it's just not for me. I find him a bit whiny and nasally. But maybe I'm just weird(duh!!), because everyone else seems to love him(I'm anti-trend), so if you want to go, you better jump on it now, because if by some freak accident it hasn't sold out yet, it will soon! The guitar, bass, and sick drums are what made me like Tool. The band is sick though! Just don't try to sneak onstage like this poor fool did. Maynard apparently knows some Judo!

Cannibal Corpse coming to Mercury Ballroom on March 22:

This band is just too much for the likes of me, but I know a lot of you diehard death metal fans love them, so here you go! Check out this song called "I Cum Blood."

Steel Panther coming to Mercury Ballroom:

The bad boys return on December 8 for one night of raunchiness, the likes repulsed by women everywhere. Unless they are cool laidback rocker chicks! Just my type! Don't miss these guys, they are fun AF, and outstanding musicians! Top notch! Here is a great little SP lovesong dedictaed to women who love their man enough to swallow the seed.

Nita Strauss coming on January 18:

Alice Cooper's guitarist Nita Strauss is coming to Diamond Pub Concert Hall on Tuesday January 18. She is an amazing guitarist, and she is hot AF too, so you might want to check this show out if you get the chance! Check out her live riffage!

Hairball Coming to Louisville:

This internationally touring tribute band is supposed to be one of the best in the world, so we will finally see what all the commotion is about! They are finally coming here, and I'll be reviewing/photographing the shit. This sounds like a lot of fun. And we get to see one of Hairball's newest members, louisville native Dave Moody, in action doing some AC/DC. Congrats to Dave. What an accomplishment. I'll see all of you hair rockers there in full 80's attire! Wyld Ryde will be opening the show, so be early ya bastages! Here is some footage of Dave Moody in action singing with Hairball.

Wyld Ryde's New Video:

What can you say about these guys? Great guys, and one very hard working band! Possibly the hardest working local unsigned original band I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot. They just put out a few videos, so here is one for the holidays, and next month I'll feature the other. I really need to find someone to make a video for my band, because this is just too cool. Enjoy, and try to make it out early for their big show with Hairball at Old Foresters Paristown Hall on December 17.

Sleep Aura releases E.P:

Wow! Real good stuff here. Fresh outta the recording studio! And as usual, Jordan Haynes at Earlygrayce Studios did a great job recording them. Check out this relatively new band that kicks ass. Great guys too.

Devil Be My Judge Release E.P:

Crunchy, dark, punishing, and just good ol" fashioned dyfunctional heavy metal family fun! I don't know much about these guys, but I dig this tune called "Pig" they recently recorded. Check it out! I especially love the guitar tones of Chadwick Pryor. That cat is one of the coolest dudes in the scene.

Central Kentucky's Palewalker:

From the dark depths of Central Ky comes Palewalker. I don't know how I have missed these guys but I shall make up for it now. Good stuff! Killer creative guitar riffs from Mike Watkins sets the tone for this emotional journey through the musical void. I like the versatility of vocalist Brett Gray as well. I love actual singing. Dude has a style and sound that is all his own. Checking out this song was an enjoyable experience.

Native Sons on the Loose:

These guys are tearing it up, and representing Louisville, Kentucky well! Congrats to Native Sons for the great performance at Monsters On The Mountain in the Smoky Mountians! Here is some LIVE footage! Enjoy!

Musician Of The Month for October is Drummer Michael kidd of Wyld Ryde:

Be sure to check out his feature this month!

Stolen Prayer!!

I literally know nothing of this band too. They are pretty new I reckon. They are from Louisville. Here is a new video they just put out, sounds good! Killer guitar riffage! Good singing! These young cats got it going on.

Street Grubs And Hops Closes it's doors Forever:

This bummed me out a bit. I always had fun at this little place, and the food was outstanding. We have lost another good venue, with a good sound/atmosphere. I never got to play there either! Doody.

Upcoming Shows

21rst Amendment Tavern

Friday, December 10\n\nDevil Be My Judge, 3DR and Strange Skies.

Saturday, December 11 – Sound Machine.

Friday, December 17 – The nightmare before Xmas! Featuring the Daddy Sisters.

Saturday, December 18 – Slokill, Cody Heltsley and tba.

Art Sanctuary

Friday, December 17 – Late For Dinner, Sweet Lady, Breaker and Charlie Humble.

The Bards Town

Sunday, December 12 – Matt Jaggers, Fat Tone and Mark Fleshman.

Bush's Saloon(Glasgowky)

Friday, January 15 – Skunkfest – featuring Luther, Wolf Island Cosmonauts, and Granshaw.

Diamond Pub (St Matthews)

Friday, December 31 – Throwback Thursday, NYE Bash

Diamond Pub Concert Hall(Highlands)

Friday, December 3 – Donnie Baker and The Pork Pistols.

Monday, December 13 – The Queers, Godawfuls, Push Start and Sempervivi.

Friday, December 31 – Devils Cut, Picturesque, Lakeview, Eastwood, Next Attempt and Taken Lives.

Highlands Tap Room

Monday, January 3 – Redivider and Wretched Idol.

Louisville Billiards

Friday, December 10 – Missy and The Misfits.

Friday, December 31 – Two Pump Chump, Stolen Prayer and The Empty Arms Band.

Saturday, February 12 – Sabbath(Black Sabbath Tribute).

Mac's Hideaway

Friday, December 17 – Bleed The Freak and Thunderstruck.

Mercury Ballroom –

Wednesday, December 8 – ednSteel Panther.

Old Foresters Paristown Hall

Friday, Decemb er 17 Hairball w/ Wyld Ryde.\n

The Pizza Place

Friday, December 10 – Rear View Mirror.