Seriously… why couldn’t they have sold these when I was 17? I would have worn them daily… with the matching overalls of course. Oh who am I kidding, I may still. They’d fit quite nicely along side my Union Jack sleeveless t-shirt, rising sun bandannas, and collection of spandex.

Sad But True

Last night was Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Among this year’s class was Metallica. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think Metallica is totally deserving of the honor… like 10 years from now. But there are far too many artists from the worlds of hard rock and heavy metal that should have been considered long before them. Thankfully, already inducted are Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, and Van Halen. But how much more important and influential artists like KISS, Rush, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ozzy and Alice Cooper are passed over is beyond me.

Aces High

Heavy Metal movies reign supreme in the month of April. I’m most eager to see Iron Maiden’s Flight 666, chronicling their recent Somewhere Back In Time Tour. Sadly I didn’t get to see a show on this tour (or fly on-board Ed Force One, like my punk-ass friend Todd – LUCKY!), or the original Powerslave tour. But I did used to have a wall sized poster of the album cover! Anyway, check out some great clips of the movie on the YouTube.

Also coming out this month is Anvil: The Story Of Anvil. Like everyone else, I’d completely forgotten about them. But it’s a good thing we all did, or we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy what appears to be some brilliant, Oscar winning documentary filmmaking. And given Lars’ emphatic endorsement, it seems to me that Anvil should have probably been inducted before Metallica, don’tcha think?

BROKEN TEETH

With the release of the skull-scorching new album, Electric, (Textone Records) Austin, Texas-based rockers Broken Teeth keep the watts burning and all the heads turning with another lightning-bolt blast of hard rock, high voltage.

A hotwired merger of AC/DC meets Danko Jones, Electric crackles with all the warhorse riffage of Motorhead and Rose Tattoo fused to the underground, lights-out sounds of such circuit-breaking head knockers as Rhino Bucket, Airbourne and Hellacopters. Call it crude and classic, but don’t dare call it dated.

“It’s a cross between Screaming for Vengeance turning into Highway to Hell,” says singer Jason McMaster. “It’s timeless, screamin’ demon, barroom rock-n-roll for the denim-and-leather diehards who know that classic riffs don’t die, they just pick up steam and spit more venom every time they attack.”

Amped with 12 jolts of Broken Teeth, Electric was self-produced by guitarist Jared Tuten. Without losing a single bead of onstage sweat and snarl, Electric finds Broken Teeth finally capturing such live fan favorites as “Bonfire,” “Hell For Sale,” “Roll Over” and “Burns Like Love,” along with the chanting title track and the motormouth, airwave raid of “Blood on the Radio.”

“Broken Teeth destroys, pummels, demolishes, obliterates, slaughters and snuffs out all rock in its way,” raves Canadian torchbearer Danko Jones. “Fuckin’ Hell!”

Described as “AC/DC, but pissed!” by Wildhearts frontman Ginger and called a “force to be reckoned with” by Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs frontman, Frank Meyer, Broken Teeth brings added firepower to Electric by turbocharging familiar versions of such jagged gems as “Undertaker,” “Devil Money,” “She’s Gonna Blow” and “Hangin’ by the Skin.”

“These songs have been tightened to the breaking point after 150 shows a year on the road,” says McMaster, noting that Electric also features the sick and twisted, sly “love” song “Stick it In” and the chaotic screaming scat of “El Diablo.” “They’re road-tested, fan favorites and we want them be heard by the widest possible audience.”

Plug it in hard, flick the switch and get ready to ride the lightning, because in the fiery hands of Broken Teeth, rock-n-roll just got a hell of a lot more Electric.

STEREOSIDE

In early 2006, STEREOSIDE’S founding members, Chris York (Drums), Ben Foster (Guitar-Vocals) and David Oliver (Bass) added Jeff Shields (Vocals). Instead of pursuing a career in Country music, Jeff rejected many major label offers to become the front man for STEREOSIDE. With Jeff’s unique and powerful vocals, a tight rhythm section, and driving guitars, STEREOSIDE was bound to be a rock powerhouse.

In March 2007, STEREOSIDE signed with fast-growing, indie label Bieler Bros. Records and without hesitation, entered the Bieler Bros. studio to record their debut album, “So Long”. “We made the record we wanted to make. We feel as though the record shines with our tribute to rock influences along with our own style, therefore, creating timeless rock songs.” Quotes STEREOSIDE.

By summer, STEREOSIDE had finished production on their album, “So Long”, and it was released later that fall. The first single from the effort, “Sinner” impacted active and alternative rock radio and received overwhelming feedback from program directors across the country who deemed the track “a huge hit”.

As the single was released, there was a great response of support for the band. STEREOSIDE was invited by rock station WJBX to play alongside Buckcherry, Sevendust, and fellow label-mates Nonpoint. They have shared stages with the likes of Southern California Rockers and label-mates, Smile Empty Soul, plus Socialburn, The Exies, 10 Years, Kittie, 12 Stones, Buckcherry, Hinder, Papa Roach, Revelation Theory, Black Stone Cherry, Alterbridge, Saliva, Shinedown, POD, Filter. As a result of their powerful stage presence, STEREOSIDE has created a frenzy of fans nationwide.

ShipRocked is looking for the best new rock, classic rock and metal bands to join its lineup.  At least one artist will be selected via Sonicbids.  Artists selected to perform will be provided with on-board accommodations, sound and lights, basic festival backline, as well as food and beverages throughout the cruise (minus the booze).  The deadline to submit is April 23, 2009, and performer confirmations are subject to final negotiation.  

Those bands who are interested in submitting their EPKs can do so via ShipRocked’s event page at http://www.sonicbids.com/shiprocked.

ShipRocked is an unparalleled five-day rock and roll music cruise on the MSC Poesia that will be departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 15, 2009 and sail to such exotic locations as Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, before returning on November 20, 2009.  Artists confirmed to perform on-board include Queensryche, Tesla, Skid Row, EndeverafteR, Lynam and StoneRider, with more being added soon.

Sonicbids is a Web site that helps bands get gigs, and promoters book the right bands.  Their community includes over 150,000 bands, singers, songwriters, and performers of all kinds, and 14,000-plus music buyers of all kinds, including promoters, licensors, festival programmers, and much more. 

For media inquiries, contact Jeff Albright at The Albright Entertainment Group at RockStarPR@aol.com.

For sponsorship information, contact sponsor@getshiprocked.com.

ShipRocked is produced by ASK4 Entertainment, LLC., info@ask4entertainment.com

“TESLA is very excited to be a part of ShipRocked,” comments drummer Troy Luccketta. “It’s going to be the party of 2009… great bands, great music and great fun! Be there!”

TESLA — Jeff Keith, Troy Luccketta, Frank Hannon, Brian Wheat and Dave Rude — recently reunited with producer Terry Thomas (who was behind the boards for the band’s 1994 Gold-certified Bust A Nut album) for their new album Forever More.

Next year marks TESLA’s 25th anniversary and what better way to celebrate…

“ShipRocked” is an unparalleled five-day rock and roll music cruise on the MSC Poesia that will be departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 15, 2009 and sail to such exotic locations as Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, before returning on November 20, 2009.

In addition to Queensryche, Tesla and Skid Row, ShipRocked will feature live performances on multiple stages by EndeverafteR, Lynam and StoneRider.

Throughout the cruise, ShipRocked passengers will be treated to an array of on-board events and activities, including meet and greets with the artists, theme nights, heavy metal karaoke, contests, charity auctions, and maybe even a few all-star jam sessions!

Everyone on-board will feel like a rock star, as they bask in both sun and luxury on MSC’s Poesia. The Poesia is the third spectacular vessel in the MSC Cruise Line’s “Musica” family of ships. This amazing super-liner features MSC Cruise Line’s signature Italian inspired decor, impeccable service, sumptuous cuisine in multiple restaurants, beautiful swimming pools, hot tubs, a full-service spa and fitness center. Nearly two-thirds of the ship’s staterooms include private balconies!

ShipRocked will truly be the ultimate rock and roll vacation and backstage pass!

Pricing for ShipRocked begins at only $599 per passenger, with early booking discounts and exclusive passenger packages available.

Tickets are on sale now.  For reservations or additional information, visit www.getshiprocked.com.

For media inquiries, contact Jeff Albright at The Albright Entertainment Group at RockStarPR@aol.com.

For sponsorship information, contact sponsor@getshiprocked.com.

ShipRocked is produced by ASK4 Entertainment, LLC., info@ask4entertainment.com

Twisted Sister frontman and legendary hard rock icon Dee Snider, and his weekly radio show, The House Of Hair, have teamed up with ShipRocked to give away an all expenses paid trip for two, to hang-out on the high-seas with Queensryche, Skid Row, EndeverafteR, Lynam, StoneRider and more!  Listen to Dee and House of Hair throughout the month of December for all the contest details on how you and a friend can win your flights, hotel, an oceanview balcony stateroom, and even a couple VIP passes for this amazing floating music festival in November 2009!  

House Of Hair is a two-hour weekly ride into headbangin’ heaven!  Bang your head with fellow metalheads on 200 stations nationwide.  Check out all your favorites – from AC/DC to Zebra, with the Scorpions, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Poison and Ozzy Osbourne thrown in too!  Take a look at the show’s playlist and you’ll see what they mean! 

ShipRocked is an unparalleled five-day rock and roll music cruise, with on-board performances by Queensryche, Skid Row, EndeverafteR, Lynam, StoneRider, and even more major artists being announced soon! Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 15, 2009, ShipRocked will sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, before returning on November 20th.

Pricing for ShipRocked begins at only $599 per passenger, with early booking discounts and exclusive VIP packages available. Tickets to the general public go on-sale Monday, November 17, 2008, at 12p-Noon Eastern, via the cruise website atwww.getshiprocked.com, or by calling (877) 855-5502!

ShipRocked is truly the ultimate rock and roll vacation and backstage pass!