Loudini Rock and Roll Circus Podcast: 2018

Thursday, August 30, 2018

15 Times Led Zeppelin Went Metal Heavy Metal On Your Ass

Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to http://LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our LIVE online audience and get access to exclusive music and video!

I know what you are thinking... Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, have both denied that Led Zeppelin was heavy metal. When you mention metal in the same sentence as Zeppelin in front of Page or Plant they get this look on their faces like you just cut the rudest fart ever.

Riddle me this; If it's true that Led Zeppelin in not metal, then why is it that SO many metal bands, especially those from the 1980's not only site them as a major influence but out right were trying to BE Led Zeppelin.

So much has happened in music since Zeppelin retired in 1980. Heavy metal grew into multiple sub-genres but when most people talk about the beginings of metal there are usually 3 bands Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.

Zeppelin does seem like the odd man here. They are the most "hippie" of the three and the most overtly blues based of the three, yet they definitely had their metal moments. As much as they sang about squeezing the lemon they also sang about vikings and wizards...which is very metal and while they always seemed to keep one foot in the blues, they laid serious metal ground work with tracks like Achillies Last Stand and The Immigrant Song.

This week on The Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus we uncover Zeppelin's most metal moments. Let us know if we missed any... what are your favorite Zeppelin metal moments?

What Makes Heavy Metal and Heavy Rock ...Heavy?

What makes music actually sound HEAVY? Pounding Drums? De-tuned Guitars? Screaming Vocals? What makes something sound heavy TO YOU? Find out once and for all on this episode of The Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus! Featured Loudini Artists: Cane Hill Voodoo Six Butcher Babies

Is Ten Years Gone Led Zeppelin’s Greatest Riff?

Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to www.LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our LIVE online audience and get access to exclusive music and video!

Voted number 9 in a Rolling Stone readers poll of the best Led Zeppelin songs, "Ten Years Gone" is definitely one of the band's most epic tracks from it's most epic album, Physical Graffitti. Clocking in at 6 minutes and 55 seconds and comprised of 14 layered guitar tracks, the song was a beast for the band to play live. It required bass player and multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones to play a 3 necked guitar while covering the bass parts with bass pedals.

Jimmy Page had written the different sections of the song and put it together thinking that it would be an instrumental but Robert Plant came up thoughtful lyrics about a relationship that ended before Led Zeppelin began

From SongFacts.com:

Robert Plant wrote the lyrics about a girlfriend who made him choose between her and his music 10 years earlier. She got the boot. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine (March 13, 1975) the interviewer, Cameron Crowe, asked Robert Plant what gambles he had taken. Plant replied: "Let me tell you a little story behind the song 'Ten Years Gone' on our new album. I was working my ass off before joining Zeppelin. A lady I really dearly loved said, 'Right. It's me or your fans.' Not that I had fans, but I said, 'I can't stop, I've got to keep going.' She's quite content these days, I imagine. She's got a washing machine that works by itself and a little sports-car. We wouldn't have anything to say anymore. I could probably relate to her, but she couldn't relate to me. I'd be smiling too much. Ten years gone, I'm afraid. Anyway, there's a gamble for you."

Since it was such a chore to perform live the band dropped it from it's set list in 1977 but revisited it for the Knebworth Festival in 1979.

On this week's Wicked Riff Wednesday we pay homage to one of Led Zeppelin's most amazing compositions and fan favorite "Ten Years Gone".

Zakk Wylde Closet blues man! Bluesy Tuesday Episode 7

Zakk Wylde is a legendary hard rock and metal guitarist. From his work with Ozzy and Black Label Society to his current band, "Zakk Sabbath" he's worshiped as a metal god by many.

But did you know that Zakk is also hugely influenced by the blues. He sites Hendrix as one of his earliest influences and you can hear it in his playing. Lurking just below the high gain and high speed licks. there is a deeply soulful, blues loving guitar player behind it all.

Here's how much the blues have influenced Zakk; in 1995 he was invited to audition for one of the hardes rocking blues based bands of all time... Guns 'n Roses. Axel and company knew that Zakk had the soul of a blues man back then!

Listen closely to tracks like, "No More Tears", "Fire it Up" and "Losin' Your Mind" and you will hear some of the HEAVIEST blues playing ...EVER!

This week we dig a little deeper and discover the heart and soul of one of metal's greatest legends

What Are The Top 10 Greatest Album Covers in Rock and Metal

Album covers are as iconic as the great artists who's music they represent. In the history of rock the visual aspect has always been very important and depending on the era and genre, the visual has been even more important than the music. But that's a subject for another podcast.

A great album cover will make you feel like you are taking home your very own piece of art. In the case of cover art from 70's era Molly Hatchet, and Yes, the artwork could completely stand alone. Some covers are very simple like The Beatles "White Album" and Metallica's "Black Album". They leave a lot to the imagination and get out of the way and let the music speak. There are sexy album covers, political album covers, funny album covers and even interactive album covers. Sticky Fingers, is an interactive album cover, with a working zipper!

Some covers are so iconic that even when people don't know the artist or the music they know the cover. The Clash's London Calling and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon are examples of cover art that even kids recognize whether or not they know the music.

This week on the Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus, Lou and Keith discuss the greatest album covers of all time and do their best to pick the top ten. Featured Loudini Artists:

Dark Entries

Wicked Riff Wednesday Episode 6: Back in Black and why AC/DC ISN'T Heavy Metal

There is something infectious about AC/DC's music. Songs like You Shook Me All Night Long, Girl's Got Rhythm, T-N-T and Back in Black, make the young and the old alike want to get up and rock out. Their music is heavy enough to be confused with heavy metal but fun enough that wedding bands cover it.

While the guitars, bass, drums and vocals (and some lyrics too) are definitely heavy enough to be metal, AC/DC's swaggering rhythm's, bluesy guitar playing and penchant for "American thighs" puts them firmly in the hard rock realm. Sorry metal heads. I know that you love AC/DC too. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

In many ways AC/DC like their predecessors Black Sabbath, are a bit of a conundrum in the heavy rock world. They are embraced by music fans with allegiances too various styles, including punk and classic rock but claim no official affiliation. They simply play the music that comes naturally to them.

In 1981 they changed the rock world when they released Back in Black. It became an almost instant classic. Every track is great, and you can still hear most of them today on any classic rock station.

The title track is an homage to their fallen front man Bon Scott and is as powerful today as it was almost when it was released nearly 40 years ago!

BluesyTuesday Episode 6: Celebrating Led Zeppelin's Black Dog

In this week's episode of Bluesy Tuesday we discuss and disect Led Zeppelin's Black Dog.

The main riff was composed by Led Zeppelin Bassist John Paul Jones and is organized around a call and response pattern. The song begins with Robert Plant singing accapella followed by the band "answering" him with Jones' riff. The song got it's name from a black labradore retreiver that the band found wandering around their Headley Grange studio.

The main riff is derived directly out of the blues scale and is often mistakenly thought to be "polyrhythmic". The confusion comes in because the way that Jones phrases the riff. Instead of hard resolutions on the predicatable downbeat, Jones creates a looping feel with the phrases that circle back on themselves in less predictable places giving Black Dog it's signature feel.

Surprisingly, Black Dog wasn't always a staple of Zepplen's live show. They played it off and on through out the 1970's. By contrast, it's become a signature song of Robert Plant's solo bands and he has performed many wildly different versions of the classic over the years, including a blue grass flavored version with country singer Alison Krauss.

Ride the Bullsh*t Train with God Hates Unicorns

Josh H. Unicorn formally of Debutante and and Skull Death Gut Corpse on Lead vocals and some programming.

Jeff (the Snowman) Unicorn on Bass guitar.

Nick J Unicorn formally of Pretty and the River Rats on guitar and additional programming.

God Hates Unicorns formed in 2015..or maybe 2014. I don't remember.I got an invite from Josh to go see their show. I knew of Josh from his earlier bands Skull Death Gut Corpse and Debutante. Josh and I traded shows with each other during the Pittsburgh music scene golden age (the early 2000's when everyone was on Myspace.com the greatest tool for musicians to ever have existed).

I remember seeing their very first "performance" at the Squirrel Hill Sports bar. It was a bit cold that night maybe early Spring or late Fall. The band was a classic 3 piece. By classic 3 piece band I mean a singer, a bass player, and some one on stage only to press play on a drum machine. The tracks were created on Josh's familiar Roland 505 (the same one he used to make tracks for Debutante). The tracks sounded pretty good from where I was sitting. If you like depressing dark wave dance tracks then what's not to love here? The songs had enough thumping kick drums and melodic keyboard sounds to pass most peoples standards for a song on there own. Unfortunately, something about the sound that night was off to the band as Joshua operating as the lead singer wondered on and off the stage seeming to try to find an area of the room where he could hear the track properly. Leaving the rest of the band that remained on stage looking confused and frightened as Josh careened through the crowd and then back to the stage again screaming into a bullhorn; finally he stopped on the stage for the last time and laid down in defeat. The bands first outing did not appear to be going well. They played about 3 songs from what I recall and none of them correctly based on the displeased expressions from the band members.

After the show I jokingly asked Josh if he still wanted me to join the band (he asked a few months earlier) and he said yes. He said they could use a guitar player. I told him I didn't currently own an electric guitar only an acoustic-electric. Then he said I could use the electric guitar that a previous musician left in his basement. I asked him what kind of guitar it was and he said it was a Fender Stratcaster. That was enough to get me into the idea of joining a band even though I didn't really feel like joining a band at the time. That and Josh made it sound like we would only play paying gigs and get fucking rich! BABY!

Anyway I'm still in the band today and I'm being held against my will,come save me!

-Nick J Unicorn

Getting a job as a lawyer, leads to songwriting and music press accolades for Paulo Franco

Paulo Franco is a Richmond, Virginia based singer/ songwriter. In terms of recording, it may seem that Franco has come to the game later in life than some, but his musical journey has been a lifelong story. Born to Colombian immigrants and raised in Washington D.C., Paulo embraces his heritage as a first generation American and his songs and style reflect that. As a child, his father turned him on to the country music of the United States via the Johnny Cash Variety show and on his own he discovered a love for rock n roll through the Stones and the Beatles. At the age of nine, he picked up a classical guitar and a musician was born. After years of playing in various cover bands and honing his chops, Franco began writing his own material in earnest in 2010.

Paulo's songs are steeped in storytelling, often drawing from his own life and those around him. The sound is a seamless blend of the myriad of influences that have shaped both his everyday life and his musical tastes. Listeners will find glimpses of Robert Earl Keen's storytelling, John Prine's wit, The Stones' rock n roll heart, and the fluidity of The Grateful Dead often times infused with the rhythms of traditional Latin and Colombian music. He has recently included original Spanish songs into his songwriting, bringing a depth and a love of two cultures seldom seen during the same show or album. Paulo switches his voice from country twang, to rock anthem, to Spanish troubadour. His vocals are so authentically Spanish that it’s easy to forget you just heard him effortlessly sing a country tune in English.

In 2012, Paulo released his debut record, By The Light Of A Paper Moon regionally and began playing more and more shows around the Richmond area as well as other markets across the country. In the last few years he has the honor of sharing the stage with the likes of Robert Earl Keen, Eli Young Band, Chris Knight, Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Walter Salas Humara (The Silos), Dan Baird and Homemade Sin, Adam Carroll, Cris Jacobs, Cory Branan and many others. 2016 saw the release of Franco's latest work, The Last Card, an album No Depression calls “a phenomenal sophomore record.” No Depression's Emily Hinde listed The Last Card at No. 2 of the year's best, behind only Avett Brothers. Paste Magazine hails Franco's effort as possibly the most sincere album of the year. The Last Card, produced by Bob Rupe (The Silos, Cracker, Gutterball and Sparklehorse) and featuring a virtual who's who of Richmond musicians, shows that Paulo wears his heart on his sleeve musically and can hang with any songwriter working today.

Paulo closed out 2017 with a Tour of Colombia that included stops in Medellín, Cali, Roldanillo, Cartagena and Santa Marta.

In 2018 Paulo plans to release two brand new songs on July 14, Richmond's Just Fine and El Rey y Su Cadillac. The Freightliners plan on heading back to the studio soon to record a brand new record.

Paulo closed out 2017 with a Tour of Colombia that included stops in Medellín, Cali, Roldanillo, Cartagena and Santa Marta.

Rockin' Rant #2: Peter Frampton wants to punish you for streaming his songs

This week 70's icon Peter Frampton Tweeted that he had over 55 million downloads of his song "Baby I Love Your Way" for which he only received $1700. The tweet was part of a series of tweet where he told about testifiying to congress on the behalf of ASCAP. You can read it for yourself here:https://twitter.com/peterframpton/status/1025584924609400832 .

These older artists cannot seem to come to terms with the fact that the world has moved on. We no longer have the same music industry that we did in the 70's, 80's and 90's where a handful of acts dominated the industry because radio and MTV were really the only places to get heard by a significant number of people. The industry today is much more friendly to the indie artist. For a fraction of the money that it would take to produce and promote a band in the 80's, indie acts can produce totally professional sounding recordings and promote themselves by themselves or with the help of some very affordable outsource partners.

The industry is also much more friendly to the music fan. Heard about a great band from a friend or magzine? Just do a YouTube search and you can check them out immediately. Instead of buying albums of filler to get one or two good songs you can buy the good tracks on iTunes or listen on Spotify. For true music fans, this is nothing short of a miracle.

So... recorded music, for the most part is now free. That's the price of all of the democatization and simplication of producing and listening to music. That sucks for artists like Peter Frampton who enjoyed big royalty checks but it does not mean that people do not value music, nor does it mean that there isn't a lot of money to be made in the new music industry. There have been some great books and articles written on this subject. For a primer I would recommend "Free" by Chris Anderson. you can check that out here: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Future-Radical-Chris-Anderson/dp/1401322905

This democatization is not the end of recorded music, just like radio was not the end of live concerts and sound recording was not the end of sheet music; although many people in the industry thought that it was! These older artists want things to go back to the way that they used to be... "Let's make music great again!" is their motto. Does that sound familiar?

Sorry Peter, but this is the new music industry. It's the wild wild west and this new generation has set out to tame it in their own way. There is more music than ever in EVERY genre for fans to enjoy and it's easier for bands to connect with fans who love what they do. Wether you are a fan or an artist, this is the greatest time in history for music and potentially very profitable for those with vision.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Bluesy Tuesday Episode 5: KIX Celebrates 30 Years of Blow My Fuse

Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our LIVE online audience and get access to exclusive music and video!
In the history of blues based hard rock there is a tradition of bands playing great heavy rhythm riffs with catchy singable chorues. Bands like AC/DC and KISS come to mind but there are many others including this week's Bluesy Tuesday featured band; KIX.

Originally calling themselves Shooze and eventually changing their name to the Generators and ultimately, the hard rocking boys from Balitmore, KIX, garnered quite a reputation for themselves as one of Maryland's most exciting live bands, covering influences in the blues based hard rock format.

This year marks the thirtith aniversary of their smash album, Blow My Fuse and the band is celebrating by releasing a two disc special edition of their late eighties classic featuring a remixed and remaseterd version of the album by Beau Hill as well as an entire disc of demos that will give a fans a peek under the hood at how the songs evolved. Featured Loudini Artists: KIX

Rockin’ Rant #1: Dumbass Artists That Block Me

YouTube is the number one source for people to find music. If you want someone to hear your music, you have a better chance of catching their ear on YouTube than you do on Spotify, Soundcloud, Pandora, or Bandcamp. Those are just the facts, as of the writing of this blog post.

Since we have established this as a fact, why in the hell would an artist block a video who's sole intention was to promote their music? That sounds like madness... right? Let me tell you kids, it happens ALL THE TIME!

We actually stopped posting our podcast on YouTube for a couple of years for this reason. We would put a lot of time and effort and even financial expense into producing a great podcast, converting it to video, promoting it, only to have the artist, or their label block it. I even had labels block videos of artist that THEY had me interview for them. WTF???

And it's not just me... Rick Beato also did a great video about this. Rick is awesome and you should definitely check out his YouTube Channel. You can check out Rick's rant on "the blockers" here: https://youtu.be/nnp2VS2cBwA

This music (guitar driven rock music) isn't exactly setting the world on fire. It's really guys like me, Electric Monkey Radio, Rock Rage Radio, Metal Devastation, Loudwire and a few others that are truly passionate enough about it who are beating the drum for rock and roll. People find us on YouTube and discover new bands and younger folks (almost none of them listen to corporate radio these days) find out about great classic bands. I wanted to let you know that this was happening for you to tell your favorite bands and their labels to knock this crap off.

Offer: Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our LIVE online audience and get access to exclusive music and video!

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Wicked Riff Wednesday Episode 4: What Was The First Heavy Metal Riff

When we speak of the beginnings of heavy metal, we may mention acts like Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience or Blue Cheer and while all of these bands played heavy music for their time, there is one track by one band that predates them all.

In 1964 when everyone was trying to sound like The Beatles, frustrated Kinks guitarist Dave Davies took a razor blade to the speaker cone of his amp affectionally known as "little greeney" and changed the course of rock and roll forever.

The song "You Really Got Me" sounded nothing like anything of it's time. It was heavy and sleazy and the first track in history who's hook was based around a distorted guitar riff. This was a year before Keef Riff-hard rocked our socks off with the fuzztone riff of Satisfaction and four years before The Beatles would cut Helter Skelter.

The track was a complete stand out in it's day and has become one of the most recognized riffs in all of classic rock-dome. So this week we celebrate Dave Davies, The Kinks and the birth of heavy metal!

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

When Should Aging Rockers Retire?

Getting older... it happens to ALL of us. Someday we will be talking about how old Greta Van Fleet looks. Trust me... we will. This begs the question, is rock and roll an in veritable fountain of youth or do rockers have an expiration date?
Being a musician and getting a little older myself, I can tell you that the love of playing music for those of us who truly have it never goes away. When I strap on that Les Paul, I honestly feel pretty much the same way that I did when I was seventeen. I would imagine that it's no different for Pete Townsend, Keith Richards, Robert Plant or Bruce Dickinson. There is something about playing music that feels eternal no matter how long you have been doing it.

Still the question comes up when you hear about a Meatloaf reunion tour where, Meatloaf won't be singing. I will admit that that one is a real head scratcher for me too. It also comes into question when you go see and artist and it's obvious that they are only going through the motions with no real passion behind what they are doing. And of course it can be disheartening to hear one of your favorite rockers sound completly burnt out and singing terribly off key all night. When I see and hear things like this I am tempted to say, maybe it's time to rethink what you are doing.

But... who the hell am I to tell someone when it's time to stop playing music???

Ultimately the fans will decide when a rocker will retire. I have seen bands out there, like Whitesnake still doing it, with a grizzled and very tired sounding David Coverdale but people still turn out to the shows. Obviously, people still want to see them doing their thing. As long as fans will show up, there is no practical reason to stop touring.

People love artists for a lot of different reasons. It isn't always how well they sing or play... I will refrain from listing current bands... folks in their twenties who fall into THAT category. Sometimes its nostalgia; sometimes it's just being in the same room with a band that had a huge impact on their life, no matter how they sound now. There was something comforting knowing that Tom Petty, David Bowie, and Prince where still out there making music and very sad that they are no longer with us. It makes me feel good that the Stones put out a blues album and that Robert Plant is doing Americana. These artists, despite what they do are touch stones. These are the men and women who showed us what rock and roll is. They are our elders and while poking fun at celebrities seems to be a favorite past time of western culture, we should always have some reverence for those who laid the way for us. They should be given leway to sound as they sound, look as they look and to grow old gracefully... or not. Featured Loudini Artists: Hardcore Superstar
Offer: Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our LIVE online audience and get access to exclusive music and video!

Bluesy Tuesday Episode 4 Slash Lives

It may seem like a miracle, but you know that guy from Guns 'N Roses... Yeah.. .the one with the top hat and Les Paul slung down to his ankles? Well that sneaky so and so, found time to get together with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and record and another record. And let me you kids, if the first single is any indication, this it going to be one bad ass record. It's called Living the Dream and we are going to give you a taste on this week's Bluesy Tuesday Episode 4.

We are also going to take a closer look at one of Slash's classic riffs, Paradise City and explore it a little deeper. When it comes to blues based hard rock it was hard to pick which track to talk about from the Slash catalog. We settled on Paradise City because it's main riffs and melodic structure are practically a lesson in great blues based riffs in the tradition of bands like Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. So... it's a double shot this week... a "two for Tuesday" if you will of the grand master himself... Slash!

Offer: Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to http://LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our LIVE online audience and get access to exclusive music and video!

Wicked Riff Wednesday Episode 3: Hey Hey My My… is Neil Young a good guitar player?

What does it mean when some one says that this person or that person is a good or even great guitar player? On what merits should we judge or is it completely subjective?

On this week's episode we discuss Neil Young. While mostly thought of as a singer songwriter, Neil has a very unique approach to playing lead guitar. His style is self decribed as "less is most". The solo to Cinnamon Girl is the same note repeated on two different strings. Yet I find his guitar work very moving.

Some of his best guitaring is live. Do a YouTube search of his live electic work and you will find a guitarist who plays with blind feel. He just goes for it. While he hits his share of clunkers for sure, there is a danger and a beauty at times in his playing that simply just tugs at your heart strings.

Today I want to celebrate the heavier side of Neil Young with the classic riff "Hey Hey My My (Into The Black). Whether you're a Neil Young fan or not, you have to admit that this is one of the HEAVIEST riffs in rock's pantheon. So grab a cold beverage and crank this one up because Rust Never Sleeps!

Monday, July 23, 2018

A Stalking Fan asks to join the band, and Dan Too is Born

Dan Too is a country-rock, alt. country outfit from Santa Cruz, CA with a thinly veiled tendency towards yacht-rock. The band contains members from American Starlet, Painted Horses, Dan Juan, Grand Larson, Slow Ocean, T Sisters, Birdhouse, and Dos Osos.

Dan Too is about to become your new favorite band. Debuting with us today their latest single "Waiting around for life," we found ourselves instantly intrigued by the band.

From start to finish the track entices with strong hooks, prominent instrumentation and thoughtful lyricism. Hailing from Santa Cruz the band paves the way for new Alt-Country bands alike. It's evident that the band whispers hints of artists such as Wilco and Whiskeytown, but the music they create is on their own terms.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Birthed from the rough streets of Homestead; Neostem brings their working class punk ethos to rock and roll

Formed in early 2013 in a very cold garage, the foundation of Neostem was formed. Three musicians from different musical backgrounds came together to make the sound that is only described as Neostem! The music is fused with punk, grunge, alternative and a tad of metal, wrapped in neatly in a loud, tightly knit shell. "LIpid" is the latest EP that was recorded at Razorblade Recordings and the band are preparing for EP #2 for the Fall of 2018! Catch them live at a venue near you!

Bruce Dickinson vs Rob Halford. Which is the Greatest Metal God?

Two legendary front men and god's of metal, Brice Dickinson of Iron Maiden and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, duke it out in the ultimate clash of the metal titans for the the ages. Tune in this week to the the Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus podcast and find out who the champion will be. DO NOT MISS this podcast!

Judas Priest

Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in West Bromwich in 1969. The band have sold over 50 million copies of their albums to date. They are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative and pioneering body of work in the latter half of the 1970s, the band struggled with indifferent record production, repeated changes of drummer, and lack of major commercial success or attention until 1980, when they adopted a more simplified sound on the album British Steel, which helped shoot them to rock superstar status.

The band's membership has seen much turnover, including a revolving cast of drummers in the 1970s, and the temporary departure of singer Rob Halford in the early 1990s. The current line-up consists of Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band's best-selling album is 1982's Screaming for Vengeance with their most commercially successful line-up, featuring Halford, Tipton, Hill, guitarist K. K. Downing, and drummer Dave Holland. Tipton and Hill are the only two members of the band to appear on every album.

Halford's operatic vocal style and the twin guitar sound of Downing and Tipton have been a major influence on metal and have been adopted by many bands. Their image of leather, spikes, and other taboo articles of clothing were widely influential during the glam metal era of the 1980s. The Guardian referred to British Steel as the record that defines heavy metal. Despite a decline in exposure during the mid 1990s, the band has once again seen a resurgence, including worldwide tours, being inaugural inductees into the VH1 Rock Honors in 2006, receiving a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2010, and their songs featured in video games such as Guitar Hero and the Rock Band series.

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The band's discography has grown to thirty-eight albums, including sixteen studio albums, twelve live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations.

Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success during the early 1980s. After several line-up changes, the band went on to release a series of UK and US platinum and gold albums, including 1982's The Number of the Beast, 1983's Piece of Mind, 1984's Powerslave, 1985's live release Live After Death, 1986's Somewhere in Time and 1988's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Since the return of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith in 1999, the band have undergone a resurgence in popularity,[2] with their 2010 studio offering, The Final Frontier, peaking at No. 1 in 28 countries and receiving widespread critical acclaim. Their sixteenth studio album, The Book of Souls, was released on 4 September 2015 to similar success.

Despite little radio or television support,[3] Iron Maiden are considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, with The Sunday Times reporting in 2017 that the band have sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide.[4][5] The band won the Ivor Novello Award for international achievement in 2002. As of October 2013, the band have played over 2000 live shows throughout their career. For over 35 years the band have been supported by their famous mascot, "Eddie", who has appeared on almost all of their album and single covers, as well as in their live shows.

Reign of Z

Band Members

Zosia West-Vocals

Steven Lords-Guitar

Zach Cunningham-Guitar

Stephen Berg-Bass

Nick Kramer-Drums

Hometown

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Record Label

Unsigned

Affiliation

None

About

Reign of Z is high-octane metal from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Biography

Reign of Z is a culmination of years of experience and a drive to move forward. With all the members having extensive time put into their craft, they were able to craft a sonic identity that will ensure their place in music for years to come and make Reign of Z a household name.

Gender

Plural (mixed)

Current Location

Pittsburgh, PA

General Manager

Tim Barbour

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Wicked Riff Wednesday Episode 2 Van Halen's Runnin' With The Devil

This week Lou (Loudini) gives you a glimpse into the genius of Van Halen's break out single "Running with the Devil"... no prior musical education is required to enjoy this peek under the hood at of one rock's greatest riffs!

Offer: Do your part to keep guitar driven rock ALIVE... join Loudini LIVE! Go to LouLombardiMusic.com/InnerCircle to find out how you can be a part of our live online audience!

http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-135370/TS-1256197.mp3

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Clayton Morgan learns that you never loose your passion for music even if you're all grown up

Son of Eddie Daniels (The Four Sonics), Clayton Morgan is history in the remaking, but with a fresh new flavor for 2018. His debut single, “Taste for Love” is scheduled for June 2018 release.

Based in Dallas, Texas, but born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Clayton Morgan knew from a young age that music was in his blood. He greatly admired what his father had accomplished with The Four Sonics, and the impact that the iconic soul foursome had on the world. Growing up, Clayton often envisioned following in his father’s footsteps.

Music played a big role in Clayton Morgan’s upbringing, both at home and at school. Clayton was regularly part of school musicals, choir groups and drama clubs. Outside of school, he always looked up to his father as his mentor and was also heavily influenced by a wide range of singers, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, Madonna and Whitney Houston, to name a few. All of these ingredients combined, have no doubt, been the main contributing factor toward Clayton’s unique and authentic vocal style.

Friday, July 13, 2018

What Is The Greatest Power Trio of All Time? There Can Be Only One!

This week on The Loudini Hard Rock & Metal Circus we will answer once and for all, What is THE GREATEST Power Trio of all time? This promises to be an intense discussion. You don't want to miss this episode! Featured Loudini Artists: Neverwake 86 Bullets Silk9

Neverwake
NeverWake's music is a sinew of rock and metal which forms a pathway for dark guitar harmonies to unwind into shredding leads. Symphonic choruses and melodic vocals pull the listener into a haunting trance and awakens them with undeniable guttering of heavily distorted breakdowns. NeverWake consists of Johnny DiCarlo on lead vocals/lead guitar, Marcus Giannamore on drums/vocals, George Scott on bass guitar/vocals and Justin Sanford lead guitar/vocals.

NeverWake was chosen by the AEG Live promoters to play on the first ever ReverbNation stage at the annual hard rock and heavy metal music festival Carolina Rebellion 2015. Kicking off the weekend for 60,000 fans, NeverWake had the incredible opportunity to share the spotlight with bands such as Korn, Slipknot, Nonpoint, Periphery and many more. In April, NeverWake rocked alongside various artists from Iron Maiden, Disturbed and Twisted Sister, (The Foundry), at The Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh and had multiple shows at the SXSW Heart ofTexas Rock Fest. Earlier in 2015, the band played at The ReverbNation Stage for the Millennium Music Conference Showcase, Altar Bar in Pittsburgh and several other local and nationwide venues.

Described as “smashing 'Bullet For My Valentine' and 'Trivium' together,” NeverWake's second and most recent studio album is "SleepWalker," crafted at Innovation Studios with producer/engineer Mike Ofca and mastered under legendary engineer Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound. Their debut full-length album "Vitality" was released in August 2011 and the single "Cut You Down" on Halloween of 2012.

Become a part of the dream and walk with us.

Current Location
Pittsburgh, PA/Steubenville, OH

General Manager
John DiCarlo

Influences
We have many musical influences starting with Johnny D's father and his band. We are mainly influenced by many bands such as Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold, Triviu... See More

Press contact
Nicole DiCarlo, neverwakepr@gmail.com

Booking agent
Nicole DiCarlo, neverwakepr@gmail.com
categories

86 Bullets
Genre
Heavy Rock

Band Members
Lead Vocals
Steve "Gravy" Graybeal

Lead Guitar / Vocals
Chris "Shredder" Elliott

Bass Guitar / Vocals
Eric Dee

Drums
Jerry "Jyro" Oxendine

Hometown
Baltimore, MD

Record Label
Melodic Revolution Records, http://mrrmusic.com/

About
86 Bullets is a high energy original band from the Baltimore, MD area, who are against hatred, violence, and exploitation.

www.twitter.com/86Bullets1
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:86_Bullets?marka

Influences
Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, The Smiths, Rush, Iron Maiden, Guns & Roses, Metallica
categories

Silk9
Silk9 is a Pittsburgh PA based hard rock band that was founded in April of 2013 by Anthony
Leone and Jamie Rohr.
The" vision" of Silk9 was to "embrace" the essence of the 90’s and add an original spin
on today’s hard rock genre.
In May of 2014 the band released its first EP entitled “Exit the Pain.” Songs from the EP have
been featured on 97.7 fm located in Butler PA, Adrenaline 101 internet radio, 105.9 fm the X, in
Pittsburgh PA., 102.5 WDVE in Pittsburgh PA, The PAROCKSHOW.COM, The EAgle 107.5 and recently featured on Lou Lombardi's, Rock n' Roll Circus.
We strive to keep our standards high by working with some of the top local bands in the area and national acts such as Lynch Mob,
Adelitas Way, The Art of Dying, Hillbilly Herald, Drowning Pool, Crobot,Skid Row and on most recently Jake E Lee's Red Dragon's Cartel

Awards
Silk9's first Ep was voted,2014 Iron City Rocks Alum of the year, with an additional 5 nominations
Epica
Band members
Simone Simons – lead vocals, backing vocals
Mark Jansen – guitars, growled vocals
Isaac Delahaye – guitars, mandolin, balalaika, bouzouki, ukulele, orchestral toms, djembé, congas, bar chimes, tambourine, triangle
Coen Janssen – keyboards, synthesizer, piano, glockenspiel, xylophone, tubular bells, orchestral toms, gran casa, djembé, congas, finger cymbals, tambourine, additional samples and effects
Rob van der Loo – bass guitar
Ariën van Weesenbeek – drums, additional grunts, orchestral snare drum, orchestral toms, timbales, congas, bongos (solo), cymbal a deux

Wicked Riff Wednesday Episode 1 Smoke On The Water

What makes Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water so iconic? There is more to this classic riff than meets the eye. On this week's "Wicked Riff Wednesday" Lou will show you the magic behind this universally recognized riff.

Bluesy Tuesday Episode 1 Scorpion Child

The maiden voyage of our weekly blues rock podcast. This week's feature is the band Scorpion Child