Finally received my copy of the new Alternative Press featuring 30 Seconds to Mars. Their feature story was really well written and encompassed their entire history.
What was particularly poigiant and made me admire this band even more (if that is even possible) was this bit:
"[Miličević] finds it laughable that anyone thinks anyone in the band is rich. "It's not like because Jared Leto is the singer of the band that we're all flying first-class, eating sushi and staying in five-star hotels. We don't stay in hotels. We sleep on the bus-Jared included. I have friends who are like, "Dude, you're in fuckin' 30 Seconds to Mars. You gotta have money now." But that's not the case. Me and Shannon are the same, and yeah, Jared is doing okay, but it's not like he lives in some mansion. We play these big shows, and I go home to my 200-square-foot studio apartment that I share with my girlfriend and brother and eat ramen noodles."
Some may find this surprising. I think a lot of people assume that with the kind of success that bands like 30 Seconds to Mars have accomplished that they are suddenly sitting pretty in life when nothing could be further from the truth. It makes one appreciate what these guys are willing to sacrifice all to be able to create and share their music with the masses.
Alternative Press has additional content to share from this interview exclusively on their website. You can read more here - LINK. [Image via Alternative Press Magazine]
REVIEW: 1-26-10 - Three Days Grace/Breaking Bejamin/Flyleaf in Grand Island
I had been looking forward to the Three Days Grace/Breaking Benjamin/Flyleaf concert for weeks. When Tuesday finally arrived, I was more than ready to treat my ears to the music of these bands.
The buzz surrounding this concert was everywhere. It seemed everyone I crossed paths with were planning on attending. Living in Grand Island, Nebraska, this caliber of rock show doesn’t happen very often, so when it does you can bet that there will be a huge turn out. This makes me happy because the more response a show gets is generally indicative of having more shows of its kind come Grand Island’s way in the future. Always a plus for a rock loving chick.
Upon arriving at the venue, my friends and I spent a lot of time saying hello to the vast amount of our friends and acquaintances that were in attendance. We scoped out the floor for the prime spot to listen to the music goodness unfold and waited for the first band to hit the stage.
Flyleaf opened the show. This was around my sixth time seeing this Texas band and I knew they would nail their set as they always do. The front woman, Lacey, is TNT in a tiny package. You can’t let her size fool you because when she opens her mouth to let those lyrics out it is an amazingly powerful sound. She has the ability to sweetly serenade you and then deliver the most guttural screams to put an exclamation point on the emotion she wants to express. She has always been impressive to me since first seeing her and the band open for 30 Seconds to Mars when they were vastly unknown amongst most of the world. The whole band was teeming with energy and were so tight throughout their time on stage. I always enjoy watching Pat play bass because the man is an animal up there. How he can exude such crazy amounts of energy running around and jumping off any inanimate object in sight and still play some sick bass lines is beyond me, but truly entertaining. Their set contained a good number of their older tracks such as “All Around Me”, “Cassie” and “I’m So Sick”, but more prominent were new songs from their recently released album “Memento Mori”. They, of course, played the latest single “Again” which is blowing up the radio air waves at present. I have a special love for Flyleaf because their lyrics and music just affect me so intensely on an emotional level. I feel every chord, every drum beat, every word. It’s awesome to connect like that with music. They were the perfect band to have warm up the crowd.
Next up was a band I adore -- Breaking Benjamin. The last time I saw these blokes was, ironically, at the Heartland Event Center’s very first rock concert back in August of 2006. Prior to this night I went on You Tube to check out the videos fans were posting of this tour. I was excited to see that Breaking Benjamin had invested in a stage set-up that I knew would add an incredible element to their set in the form of kick ass, choreographed lighting and three huge video screens. The band exploded onto stage and rocked their opening number, their latest single “I Will Not Bow”. From that moment on the energy with which they played never wavered. I had heard that Ben Burley was ill and you never once could tell. He gave it his all and sounded awesome. They played a first-class set that included all the greats like “So Cold”, “Polyamorous”, “Sooner or Later”, “Diary of Jane” and my favorite “Breath” amongst others. The most stellar part of the set had to be when Ben and guitarist Aaron Fink sat down to cover Aerosmith’s “Dream On”. They paid tribute to fallen musicians such as Buddy Holly, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Layne Staley, Curt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Dimebag Darrell by showing their pictures on the three huge screens. It was brilliant and a moment I won‘t soon forget.
Three Days Grace was the headliner. I hadn’t seen this band perform since I took in their show in 2004 at the legendary, and now non-existent, venue The Ranch Bowl in Omaha, Ne. They jumped into their set by playing their new single “Break”. I have to admit that this wasn’t the band I was most excited to see on the bill. I have always liked their music, but they never really clicked hard core with me. After perfectly nailing the performance of their various hits “Just Like You”, “Home”, “It’s Never Too Late”, “I Hate Everything About You” and “Riot” I discovered a new found adoration for the band. Adam Gontier’s voice is one of the best I have heard live. The drum solo that Neil Sanderson delivered mid-set was simply bad ass. I was particularly thrilled that upon the completion of the drum solo that Adam appeared on a platform in the sound booth to perform the song “I Don’t Care” which he lent his voice to for the band Apocalyptica. It’s a song I completely adore and have in permanent rotation in my music library. The only thing I could wish to be different was for them to play my favorite song of theirs “Let You Down”. That said, assessing everything, I think I can live with that.
The trifecta of bands that performed on this night resulted in one fan-freakin-tastic rock show. I am grateful I was able to experience it and from the conversations I have read online I know I am not the only one that came away with those same sentiments. I would like to once again to thank Jive Records for so generously extending me a ticket to the show. You made my month!
I am including some pictures that my friend and talented photographer Jessa Cameron snapped during the performances for your viewing pleasure.
Here are some videos (not from Tuesday) that I found on YouTube of Sanderson’s drum solo, Breaking Benjamin’s “Dream On” cover, Flyleaf’s “All Around Me”, and Three Days Grace’s “I Don't Care” to give you a taste of the experience. Catch this show when it comes your way if you are able.
Josh Freese Drumming with Nine Inch Nails - Posted January 18, 2010 By Josh
Figured it's about time to finally post something that related to drums and music seeing that everything I've ever posted is just a bunch of craziness really. I loved playing with NIN and the last month I was on tour with them decided to throw up a couple of FLIP cameras, get a live mix from the board that night of a few songs (thanks Pete) and one day I'd get around to messing around with them on my lap-top. Well, the Lights In The Sky fan video that just came out was great and inspired me to put this one up for the drummers that have ever asked me to post drum-related stuff (and anyone else interested.) Try and get through the first half because the 2nd half is pretty kick ass! I'm proud of my involvement with NIN and to stay I enjoyed doing this every night would be an understatement. -Josh
Canceled: 3 Days Grace Concert After Party w/ Nathan Down @ Bonzai in Grand Island - Jan. 26th
Unfortunately the after party featuring Nathan Down had to be canceled. There were US border issues with performance visas that couldn't be resolved. Nathan sends his apologies and hopes to make the date up in the near future.
I received an email a few weeks ago from Jive Records asking if I would be interested in covering the Three Days Grace (Jive Records artist), Breaking Benjamin, Flyleaf concert occurring January 26th on my blog.
I wrote back with a definite YES, of course!
I am not sure how they found me, but I am beyond stoked. And may I just say that the internet is such a grand instrument. Without it I would not be given this opportunity. Not to mention that being able to have the perk of seeing three of my favorite bands for free puts me into "dance a happy dance" mode. I am also pretty excited about being able to give one of my best friends the opportunity to use her amazing photography skills to shoot the concert. It's a win/win for everyone.
Tuesday evening will be quite busy. After the concert is over I will be making my way to Wave Pizza/Bonzai Beach Club to take in the after party with Nathan Down performing. Everyone is invited, so take some time to come have some fun and listen to some great music. (Details on the after party ::HERE::)
Afterwards, keep your eyes on this blog for my full review of the night.
Coheed and Cambria Route Intimate Spring Tour (via Alternative Press) - LINK
Bullet For My Valentine talk new album (via rocksound.tv) - LINK
Lamb Of God To Record Documentary (via Metal Hammer) - LINK
Sevendust: New Album Title Revealed (via Blabbermouth) - LINK
Sevendust also announced a show with Drowning Pool in Wichita, Kansas at The Cotillion for Saturday, February 27th. Details here: LINK
Rockstar Mayhem Tour 2010 Line-Up Revealed: Korn, Rob Zombie, Lamb Of God, Five Finger Death Punch, Atreyu, Norma Jean, In This Moment, 3 Inches Of Blood, Hatebreed, Chimaira, Shadows Fall and Winds Of Plague (via Metal Hammer) - LINK
What is Soundexchange and why you should care (via musiciancoaching.com) - LINK
This day in rock history: 1982 – B.B. King donates his collection of 20,000 records to the University of Mississippi. 1973 – Born on this day, Chris Kilmore, Incubus.
30 SECONDS TO MARS - What would you call a band whose motives are constantly scrutinized, yet remain earnest enough to enlist the world to supply gang vocals for their latest album? When Jared Leto tells you his band are here to stay, you’d be foolish not to believe him.
Details on how to subscribe or where to find a copy of AP here - LINK
LOS ANGELES and DALLAS, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles and Dallas based Entertainment 3Sixty announces its official launch today. The company's primary focus is developing innovative brand partnership programs by aligning with live music properties including: artists, venues, tours and festivals that touch consumers at a true passion point. Entertainment 3Sixty's ability to navigate the entertainment world comes from its founders' 25 years of established relationships throughout the industry. The company's current client base consists of a star studded line-up of artists, record labels, concert promoters, management companies and tours and festivals including: John Mayer, George Strait, Atlantic Records, Roadrunner Records and Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival, among others.
Grand Island businessman Jay Vavricek has started a new business called GI Family Radio Entertainment.
"I'm the manager of the new LLC," Vavricek said last week.
The limited liability corporation is being created this month as an offshoot of concert and promotion work Vavricek's GI Family Radio and Hometown Family Radio have conducted in the past 18 months.
Ramon Sampson Named America's Best Undiscovered Drummer in World's Largest Drum Competition
Via Guitar Center: January 11th, 2010 — Ramon Sampson Named America's Best Undiscovered Drummer in World's Largest Drum Competition READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
Check out Danny Carey(Tool) and Brann Dailor (Mastadon) playing together at the ‘Drum-off’ finals at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles January 8th.
Today in music history: 1935 - Elvis Presley was born, 1947 - David Bowie was born, 1955 – Loverboy vocalist Mike Reno was born, 1974 – Kiss is signed to its first recording contract.
Recording Industry In 2009: Albums Down 12.7 Percent, Digital Still Gaining (via paidcontent.org) - READ ARTICLE HERE
Nielsen reveals 2009 rise in US music purchases (via musically.com) - READ ARTICLE HERE
30 Seconds To Mars fans have been trading copies of new album 'This Is War' as bloggers criticize US sales of the band's latest album. (via rocksound.tv) - READ ARTICLE HERE
2010 Album Preview: Lostprophets – The Betrayed (via thrashhits.com) - READ ARTICLE HERE
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Signs U.S. Deal With E1 MUSIC (via blabbermouth.net) - READ ARTICLE HERE
Cool Merch Idea - Magnets (via musformation.com) - READ ARTICLE HERE
Band Tips: Write A Tour Diary (via musformation.com) -
"Year ago, when I discovered Get In The Van I don't think I slept for two nights straight. I must have read that book front to cover twice in a row. Henry Rollins' book is an amazing account of triumphs and failures from a real band on the road and it solidified my dream of playing in a band and touring as much as possible."
And then maybe we might share in something great But won't you look at where we've grown Won't you look at where we've gone But then someday comes Tomorrow holds a sense of what I feel for you in my mind As you trip the final line And that cold day when you lost control A shame you left my life so soon you should have told me But you left me far behind
Now maybe I didn't mean to treat you oh so bad But I did it anyway Now maybe some would say you're left with what you had But you couldn't share the pain
Chevelle Show in Grand Island to Feature Sick Puppies, Janus and Puddle of Mudd
UPDATE: Chevelle will have the bands Sick Puppies, Janus and Puddle of Mudd opening for them on Saturday, February 27th at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. No link for tickets yet, but I will post that when it becomes available.
Chevelle MySpace: LINK Sick Puppies MySpace: LINK Janus MySpace: LINK Puddle of Mudd MySpace: LINK
3 Days Grace Concert After Party w/ Nathan Down @ Bonzai in Grand Island - Jan. 26th
Come to Bonzai/The Wave Pizza Co. for the REAL 3 Days Grace concert after-party on Jan. 26, 2010!
Friend of 3 Days Grace, Nathan Down, will be performing a 45 minute rock acoustic set in support of the Spring 2010 release of his debut album, "Never Forget". (myspace.com/nathandown)
Wherever Nathan is performing on this US tour, you're very likely to catch the boys from 3DG out showing their support, so, come out after the concert on Jan 26th for a great party!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 11:00pm Location: Bonzai/The Wave Pizza Co. Street: 107 North Walnut St City/Town: Grand Island, NE
Chevelle Announce Tour Date Stop in Grand Island, Nebraska!
I'm very excited to announce that Chevelle will be making a stop in Grand Island, Nebraska on their next tour at the Heartland Event Center on Saturday, February 27th! I will post more information on who else is performing and where to purchase tickets when it becomes available.
Not Exactly Good News Folks: Live Nation and Ticketmaster Set to Merge
Via crawdaddy.com:
If you thought that the price of tickets was already out of control, be prepared that things could get much worse if the world’s largest concert promoter Live Nation merges with ticketing evil empire Ticketmaster.
As described by Senator Herb Kohl (WI) in the Senate Antitrust hearing:
“This merger will not only expand Ticketmaster’s control of the ticketing market by eliminating a competitor, but it is also creating an entity that will control the entire chain of the concert business, from artist management to concert promotion and production to ticketing and ticket resale.”
Luckily, some of the country’s leading independent concert promoters are taking a stand, including Jam Productions, Metropolitan, and Another Planet, who have signed a joint letter to the Department of Justice opposing the proposed merger.
Thrice recently sat down to do a Q&A with Magnet Magazine and are also guest editors for the magazine all week. You can read the first part of the interview here: LINK
Thrice also recently stopped by Daytrotter HQ during their headlining tour to sit down and do a quick session. Listen to it now LINK
What the Music Industry Did On It's Winter Vacation (via musformation.com) - LINK
Suddenly, Google Focusing Music Results On MySpace (via digitalmusicnews.com) - LINK FREE music lessons on Music Business & Careers (via berkleeshares.com) - LINK Money Expert: Industry Should Compete With Music Piracy (via torrentfreak.com) - LINK
10 Strategies for Success from Music Power Network (via futureofmusicbook.com) - LINK
Roadrunner artists Corey Taylor, Max Cavalera and members of Trivium, Dragonforce and Killswitch Engage pick their favourite albums of the past 10 years. (via Metal Hammer) - LINK
William DuVall of Alice In Chains, God Forbid, Architects, Paradise Lost and more tell you what albums they are looking forward to in 2010! (via Metal Hammer) - LINK
In other news, Remy Zero Drummer Gregory Slay has died. - He passed away New Year's Day following a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. He was 40. The Lostprophets release a new single 'Where We Belong'. A possible new Michael Jackson/Lenny Kravitz duet has leaked (LINK)
This Day in Rock History: 1956 – Joy Division guitarist Bernard Sumner, who moved to vocals for the band’s second coming as New Order, is born in Manchester, England. 1960 – Michael Stipe of R.E.M. is born. 1965 – Leo Fender sells the Fender Guitars business for $13 million.
