By Ian Liberman
HALL OF HEAVY METAL HISTORY
A new organization (created by artists and music executives who work in the hard rock and metal industry) held a new award show. I have, in the past, given many dissertations regarding the lack of legitimate acknowledgement by the traditional music industry to the various genres of rock (even though these genres provide most of the sales for the music industry). However, in this case, the new institution is relevant.
I do not want to rehash the reasoning why rock is an outcast in this forum, but if you are interested in discovering the explanation, you can check out the Inferno Of Rock Report from January.
The new organization is called the Hall of Heavy Metal History. They are a non-profit organization working under the umbrella of another group called DAD, which provides support for hospitals and medical groups that deliver programs for adults and children with mental and physical disabilities. The presentation took place the Anaheim Expo Center on January 18th. It featured live music and an induction ceremony.
“The Hall of Heavy Metal History is dedicated to preserving the legacy of those legendary metal musicians who are often forgotten,” commented Hall of Heavy Metal History President / CEO Pat Gesualdo. (Loudwire)
The inductees included: Randy Rhodes, Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmister, Vinny Appice and the Scorpions. It was hosted by Eddie Trunk of Trunk Nation on SiriusXm. [Click here to watch the event on YouTube]
Hopefully, this is the start of the rock industry being responsible for their own members by offering relevant awards.
SATELLITE ROCKS
If you are still on the fence about buying a subscription to SiriusXM, this part of the column is for you. SiriusXM offers a variety of rock stations that outnumber every other music genre on their eclectic and esoteric stations.
Many of the channels are era-driven, providing you with rock music from the ‘70s through today.
For hard rock and metal fans looking to discover new music, I recommend Octane. In addition to regular programming, the channel features special programs such as the weekly Big ‘Uns Countdown and Test Drive. The channel also features (on occasion) a segment called Octane Unleaded (acoustic in-studio performances).
Ozzy’s Boneyard provides a diverse collection of hard rock classics.
Liquid Metal offers the hardest metal from all all around the world.
Some of the era related channels include: Classic Rewind, Classic Vinyl, Pearl Jam, First Wave (alternative punk) and Lithium (grunge). There are also specialty channels that provide 24/7 music connected to particular rock artists (like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen).
In total, you will have the potential of experiencing over 30 rock-oriented stations. I highly recommend Trunk Nation a weekly show on Volume (the new music talk station). It is hosted by Eddie Trunk (creator of That Metal Show). Trunk shares his considerable knowledge and does some outstanding interviews with rock stars. Trunk also hosts a show on Hair Nation (a channel dedicated to hard rock and metal from the ‘80s).
Overall, SiriusXM is worth the monthly fee if you are a rock and roll junkie like me.
SHORT CUTS
METALLICA AND THE GRAMMYS
If you follow this column, then you are aware of the treatment that rock and metal usually get from mainstream music awards shows. In the last 25 years, no artist in the history of music has sold as many copies as Metallica with their “black album.” On Sunday, February 12, Metallica is going to be featured on the 59th Grammy Awards, performing and participating as part of a special musical interlude, giving rock fans a reason to finally tune in.
SWEET CHILD OF MINE
Deanna Adler (mother of Guns N’ Roses’ original drummer, Steven Adler) released a tell-all book giving us an inside biographical perspective on the behind the scenes of GNR. The book is called Sweet Child of Mine. It’s a great read.
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL DOCUMENTARY
The documentary Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends) premieres on February 13th on HBO. Eagles of Death Metal were performing at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris, in November of 2015, when terrorists attacked the musical venue that left 89 people dead, and the band in shock. They lost one of their promotion people in the attack. This documentary discusses and examines the ramifications from an emotional and business perspective, while following the band`s return to play another concert at the venue in February of 2016.
INFERNO OF ROCK TRIVIA QUESTIONS:
If trivia is up your alley, make sure to check out the Inferno of Rock Trivia Card Game available on Amazon or worldwide from Rock From Hell.
JANUARY 2017 TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERS
[1] Which Metallica album helped to inspire the band’s latest release – Hardwired To Self Destruct? Kirk Hammett stated in an interview…”I think the idea was to make an album that was similar in approach to Kill ‘Em All.”
[2] What do Skillet and DevilDriver have in common? Both bands are Christian rock acts.
FEBRUARY 2017 TRIVIA QUESTIONS
[1] Carmine Appice is bringing back a classic ’70s hard rock band. What band is it?
[2] Lamb of God`s “The Duke” is now one of the top rotated tracks on rock radio. What was their name of the band before they became so successful?
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