this one

It has been one long dreary depressing-ass winter, but hold on to your bloomers, because spring is almost here! Hopefully, a time of new beginnings. A time of hope! I have moved on from all negative stuff once again, and have totally embraced the single, stress-free life. I'm flying higher than a kite! And no, I don't mean I'm stoned! Ha! Anything negative or unworthy gets expelled quickly. Shitty negative-ass people get expelled quickly. So yeah, I'm basically alone.

I'm just kidding. I havent been thaaaat alone. Something always seems to fall into my lap at the craziest, most opportune times, it seems! My close friends have often said I could be stranded in the vast frozen tundra of Siberia, surrounded by hundreds of miles of wilderness, and I would still miraculously come across some cute girl standing there going "Hi aye aye.'

I have been hanging out with a new girl a little bit though, quite a few times now, and she is a real sweetheart with a big heart. No commitment though.

I am in no rush to jump into anything at the moment. But I do enjoy spending time with her. I may be getting addicted to her. It's a peaceful time in my life for sure. A spiritual awakening! I love the fact that I am one strong individual who has overcome many obstacles, and I am now doing better than ever!

It's been a long hard road, but if you don't live and experience, then you don't learn, grow and prosper.

I just passed my one year mark at work, and just got promoted up a level,and also got my annual raise, so that's good. I am progressing nicely for one year in!

Musically, I'll probably be going into the studio to record in a few months, and I just played a gig with some awesome bands that went really well.

I was shocked at the turnout honestly. It was more crowded than most cover band shows! And in this town, which I consider a cover band town, that is pretty rare! I had a blast. The venue we played at usually does not have original bands that often. Hopefully this show will change that for the future, and more original music will be featured there (hint hint.) It's a start!

One thing that wasn't so cool, was that I had an incident at that gig that was a bit stressful. With all the extra weight that I have lost after having covid, I went out and splurged and got some cool looking rock ‘n' roll pants. Pants that I never would've been able to wear not too long ago. Well, apparently the pants were still a bit too tight, because they ripped right before we were to go onstage! They were the kind of pants with rips all the way up the leg, and the highest cut nearest my family jewels, ripped! And I did not have on undies!

I panicked and hastily tried to repair the damage with ducttape that I got from the nice doorgirl, but it didn't work so I had to go onstage like this. And there were mfers in the crowd filming us live! Aye aye ayeeee!

This isn't the first time this has happened either. So from now on, I'm sporting undies! I don't want to run off the audience more than I already do!

I swear, the times and memories I've experienced are pretty amazing, and many times, extremely funny! Boy, do I got some epic stories! I could literally write all night long about my adventures and not even be near ly done.

Luckily nothing bad happened with my ripped bloomers in the crotch that night at my show, and I didn't accidentally "Free Willy" onto an unsuspecting audience. Thank god!

Yeah. Life has been very good to me lately, even if I've had several bumps in the road. I am a happy camper! But in the last week since I started this column, a very ominous dark cloud has descended upon humanity and the world.

WAR: So, we are on the verge of something potentially life changing. As of a few days ago, war has started in Europe. I read/research a lot, and am a bit of a war historian, and all I can say is the aggressor in this is one ruthless, smart and very experienced individual, with the worlds greatest arsenal at his disposal. Dude seems to have become mentally and morally unhinged recently. This is a man who will not go down like Hitler did. This ruthless military mafioso type would take everybody out with him, for sure! We are in a whole new ball game now my good people.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this does not look good, in my opinion. It's the scariest situation since WW2. The vice is tightening on us. It has begun. A new modern day Axis Of Evil is here. Our enemies confer. So take my advice, cherish and spend time with those you love NOW! Let them know how you feel. End all grievances. Make up before its too late. Stockpile food and supplies if you can. Because the shit will more than likely hit the fan! And being the War historian that I am, I know what horrors could lie before us.

It is a bad time in history and I feel it will get much worse before long. If it does, then music really won't matter much anymore, and my time serving you good folk will be done.

If we all die tomorrow – I will die a happy man. Just know that I had a great life, a great family, and it was a great pleasure and honor serving all of you rockers, and getting to jam/and hang out with all you crazy mferz like I did.

You taught me a lot. And I like to think I taught you a lot as well.

Honesty. How to help others. How to come together as a scene. How to have pride and courage to stand up to shitty human beings. How to grow and better yourself. And lastly, that we have some pretty awesome musicians, fans, and music folk in this region. I did my best.

You people put smile after smile upon this dudes face, year after year, and I wouldn't take back all those memories for nothing. Thank you.

Hopefully all of this will de-escalate and full-on war will be avoided.

Take care my peeps. I love you mofo's.

God watch over us all.

The Metal Grapevine

Alice Cooper Cancelled at Louisville Palacez:

No r escheduled d ate as of yet. Don't worry, I'll keep you bastages informed when I hear something. I know y'all are probably pissed. I feel bad for my ticket winners that won tickets! Don't worry, guys, I'll make sure you get your free tickets when the rescheduled date comes in! Stay tuned!

The Hu coming to The Merc!

Mongolian metal is coming to The Merc! Traditional Chinese instruments mixed with metal, and Mongolian throat singing! Crazy stuff. And cool! I saw them at Louder Than Life and it was badass! I already knew what Throat Singing was, though. I used to piss off my ex singing it, just to annoy her! I'm pretty good at it forreal! It's on Wednesday, May 11 at Mercury Ballroom. Get your tickets and witness The Hu!

Obituary coming to Headliners:

On Friday, April 8, Florida death metal demons Obituary are coming! This sounds just like what the Doctor ordered. I might need to go to this and pummel somebody. Ha! Just kidding! Let out some steam in the pit fo sho, though. I haven't been to a brutal concert in a while. It's time to show these young thrasher kids what's up! Ha!

Exit Diamond Pub, Enter The Fox Den:

Diamond Pub in Saint Matthews is being taken over by Jared Fox Matthews, and it's now called The Fox Den. This is great news because dude knows his shit! Rest easy that this will become a good thing. I hope he brings food from Street Grubs N' Hops to The Fox Den! That shit was fire! More news about all this coming soon, as soon as I get it! Stay tuned!

Black Stone Cherry coming to Manchester Music Hall on March 12:

I haven't seen these guys in a few years, and they always put on a good show. I might hafta go check this out. Maybe I'll meet a cute Lexington chick! Gravel Switch is opening the show, so be early!

Cold coming to Manchester Music Hall on May 6:

This should be another fun night! Don't laugh, but I like that song "Stupid Girl.'

Tantric coming to Louisville Billiards on March 4:

Another band I haven't seen in forever. I might hafta go check this one out too.

Skipping Stone's New EP Debut:

This is another very hard working band! If only my guys in my band tried half as hard as these cats at promoting. I recently had the pleasure of jamming with these guys, and it was a great experience. Great guys, great band. They just put out an EP that is out on all music platforms, so be sure to check out Skipping Stone. Melody and groove are what these cats are about! Here are two songs off their new EP! Enjoy!

Kid Rock and Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience is coming to The KFC Yum Center:

Friday May 20! I met Kid Rock before he was famous, and he was one very nice guy! I may have to review this show! God knows there will be plenty of cute women at this show, that's for sure! I'll try to get you people some FREE tickets to Win! Wish me luck!

Steve Vai Coming to Old Foresters Paristown Hall!!

Mark this one on your calendars! Friday, March 11. Especially if you like guitar playing! Because this guy isn't human. He is an entity all in his own! I had the pleasure of reviewing him and his unreal band at the House Of Blues in Myrtle Beach in 2012 and it was out of this world. I gotta see this! YOU gotta see this! Trust me, get your tickets now! Plus you get to see the kickass new venue! Psh — it's a no brainer.

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 tha'ts dudes 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.'

Seize The Day Returns:

One really good cover band is back in action after a ten- year breakup, and I'm happy for them. This was one very good cover band! Super impressive! And I'm not really into cover bands very much. Vocalist Pat Michaels has always been a top favorite local singer of mine! It will be so good to hear him sing once again! Great guys too. It will feature the same lineup of talented veteran L ouisville musicians- Erin Flaherty and Kevin Hart on guitar, Tony Lee on bass, and Robbie Hall on drums. Seize The Day does everything from 70's, 80's to 90's rock, from Kansas, to Queensryche, to Soundgarden, they don't mess around! I will be at their first show back, at Louisville Billiards on Saturday March 19. Come on out and see some incredible talent!

Local Overload

Be sure to tune in to Harold and Angela Garland's new local music r adio s how! You people heard me talk about Harold Garland and his wife Angela's love for local music. I don't give props of the month to a non musician very often, but Harold and his wife got that honor not too long ago! Well, Harold and Angela now have a radio show that features local unsigned talent. It's called "Local Overload,' and its on Crossfire Radio and also Sonos Radio, so look them up and check it out! It's on T hursdays from 6 pm. to 9 p.m. ! You can also listen to it on 365 app, and you can hear the replay on soundcloud and Alexa, too. They interview bands, play music and have a good ole time. Harold and Angela are damn good people, so show them some love for helping us unsigned bands out. Good job you two!

Native Sons Video/Single Release Show:

April 2 at Headliners will feature Native Sons video/single release bash w/ guests Anemic Royalty and Hardrada. Native Sons sure work hard, let me tell you. Those guys deserve good things for putting so much into what they do. So be sure to support those guys on their big night at Headliners! Should be a fun time! It's 7pm to Midnight, so be early!

Guitarist Michael Konstantinos of Theatre Of Crue (The Motley Crue Tribute): Be sure to check out his feature this month!

Boombox Poets Return:

I played a show with these cats recently and they really impressed me with a tight entertaining set. I don't even like rap much at all, but it was still very good. I like the rapping mixed with the actual singing. It works well. Here is some footage of that same set at Louisville Billiards. Great band, great guys! Check them out! This was the first show they've played in awhile, hopefully there will be more soon.

Goodnight Carnage:
This 4 piece is out of Queensville Indiana, and rocks out, from what I've heard! The guitarist Scott Smith is one bad mofo, I know that much! They just got a new drummer so they should be ready in about two months or less! Here is some Goodnight Carnage to chew on until then!

Maxwell's House Of Music to have more shows:

The Maxwell brothers have stepped up since venues have all but mostly disappeared. Their music store in Jeffersonville is now having shows! There are three nationals booked there right now, with locals opening the shows! Well done! I like that!

See show info below in Showdates! Support these shows and who knows what could come next! And behave yourselves there! Ha! We need this venue! I saw George Lynch do a guitar seminar there! It was sweet.

MG's Primetime Cafe??? Where You At? So, for awhile there I was hearing about all the dough and effort that was being put into MG's Primetime Cafe. I was glad! We need all the help we can get with this scene nowadays. But, what happened? I haven't heard hardly anything about the place in months!?! We need you to step up MG's! Maybe you need someone else in charge of booking up there. After all, poor choices can make or break you! And it seems after spending all that cash to upgrade, you need to recoup some of that lettuce ASAP! Holler at me if interested in a sitdown. Eddymetal1@aol.com

Upcoming Shows

21rst Amendment Tavern

Tuesday, March 1 – Sara And The Safeword, V Is For Villians, Next Attempt and Skipping Stone.

Saturday, March 5 – Five Below.

Sunday, March 6 – Fathom, I Am Heir, Eulogy In Blood and The Pine.

Thursday, March 10 – My Own Will, The Green Leaves, Taken Lives and Wake Up In Tsunami.

Friday, March 11 – Deadline.

Saturday, March 12 – – Hopewell Fault, Sleep Aura, The Technicolor Nightmare and Indigo Storm.

Saturday, March 19 – Eyes Of Malice, Jim Harrelson and Devil Be My Judge.

Sunday, March 27 – Convictions, Earth Groans, Hollow Valley, Wave Painter Dreaded Dale.

Thursday, April 7 – Left To Suffer, Autumn Lies Buried, Until The Dead Walk, My Own Will and Serotonin.

The Art Sanctuary

Saturday, April 30 – Lorna Shore, Signs Of The Swarm and Distant.

Thursday, May 26 – Hellzapoppin Sideshow Review

The Barrel House (Maysville, KY)

Saturday, March 5 – Thunderstruck and Graveyard Romeos.

Saturday, May 14 – The Crashers.

Sunday, May 8 – Cold w/ University Drive and Black Satellite.

Saturday, May 28 – – Hellzapoppin Sideshow Review.

Saturday, April 9 – AftB, Bastard Sons Of A Judas Goat and TBA

Saturday, March 19 – Supernova.

Headliners

Saturday, March 19 – Captured- The Journey Tribute.

Thursday, March 24 – Hawthorne Heights.

Friday, April 8 – Obituary w/ Gruesome and 200 Stab Wounds.

Wednesday, April 13 – Henry Rollins.

Wednesday, November 2 – Eskimo Callboy and Attack Attack.

Friday, March 18 – American Bombshell and Rok Hollywood.

Highlands Tap Room

Monday, March 7 – Black Knife and Butchers Dog.

Monday, March 14 – E-Flat and Eulogy In Blood.

Khalil's

Friday, April 22 – Empty Arms Band.

Friday, March 4 – Tantric.

Saturday, March 5 – Empty Arms Band.

Friday, March 11 – Hero Jr.

Sunday, March 13 – RITTZ, Grieves, Trizz, J Mason, Jus Dave.

Friday, March 18 – Redline.

Saturday, March 19 – Seize The day,, Empty Arms Band, Psycho Soul, Kev and Dev.

Friday, March 25 – Mooseknuckle.

Saturday, March 26 – Music City Stones.

Sunday, March 27 – Cancer Sucks Benefit for Eric "Wingman' Smith- w/ Naked Garden, Empty Arms Band, Shovelhead, 3 Strange day,s, Flaming Yawns, Jack and Lindsay, Pax, Judah and Sarah.

Wednesday, May 11 – The Quireboys.

Friday, May 27 – Burning Witches.

Maxwell's House Of Music

Friday, March 25 – Blacktop Mojo w/ Hidden Foundation, Further From The End and Untold Rellik.

Sunday, April 3 – Koo Koo Kanga Roo.

Tuesday, May 3 – Smile Empty Soul w/ Autumn Academy, The Stone Eye and Skipping Stone.

Wednesday, May 4 – The Veer Union w/ Late Night Savior and Heartsick.

Magbar

Friday, March 4 – Bon Air, The Cancellations, Freedive and Galactic Spectre.

Friday, March 11 – Mothrog, Devil Be My Judge, Artwork for the Blind.

Tuesday, March 15 – Defeated sanity, Skeletal remains, Vitriol and Splattered.

Saturday, March 26 – Maharahja, Shi and The Cryptics.

Tuesday, April 19 – Fate Destroyed, Living Dead Girl and Devil Be My Judge.

Manchester Music Hall

Saturday, March 12 – Black Stone Cherry w/ Gravel Switch.

Friday, May 6 – – Cold w/ University Drive and Black Satellite.

Friday, May 27 – Hellzapoppin Sideshow Review.

Tuesday, March 22 – Cannibal Corpse

Friday, April 29 – Sixteen Candles- The Ultimate 80's Tribute.

Wednesday, May 11 – The Hu.

Friday, April 15 – Empty Arms Band.

New Direction Bar and Grill

Saturday, March 12 – Hairbangers Ball.

Nirvana

Friday, March 25 – Call Me Monster and Devil Be My Judge.

Friday, March 11 – Steve Vai

Friday, March 25 – Trampled By Turtles

Thursday, March 31 – Bright Eyes

Tuesday, May 3 – Beartooth w/ Silverstein.

OLPH Brewery

Saturday, April 9 – Thunderstruck.

The Shop

Saturday, March 5 – Wicked Sensation.

Spectators Sports Bar

Friday, March 4 – The Redstone Band.

Friday, April 15 – The Redstone Band.

Symrna Inn

Wednesday, March 23 – Empty Arms Band.

The Thirsty Hound

Saturday, March 12 – Sound Machine

Zanzabar

Monday, March 7 – Obscura w/ Vale Of Pnath, Interloper and The Human tragedy.

T hursday, March 31 – Night Club, Holy Wars, Vanilla Sugar and Christ McConnell.

Sunday, April 10 – September Mourning w/ The Lonely Ones, Devil Be My Judge and Guerrilla Red.

Friday, May 13 – The chats, Mean Jeans and Thick.

Saturday, May 21 – The Red Clay Strays.

Saturday, June 18 – Suffocation w/ Athiest, Soreption and Contrarian.