Showing posts with label John 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John 5. Show all posts

CD Review: Ace Frehley – Origins Vol. 1

CD Review: Ace Frehley – Origins Vol. 1
eOne Music
All Access Rating: A-

Ace Frehley - Origins Vol. 1 2016
Seeing the Who and Cream open up for Mitch Ryder at the RKO theater at his first-ever rock concert was a life-changing experience for a young and impressionable Ace Frehley. That, perhaps more than anything else, convinced him that his calling was to conjure rock 'n' roll hellfire for the masses, who would worship him like a god.

On Origins Vol. 1, with its big, beefed-up production and pristine, powerful crunch, the revered former KISS guitarist pays tribute to the artists who influenced his career, performing a clutch of cover songs and old KISS tracks with immaculate precision, blazing energy and a whole lot of muscle.

In fact, the old Rolling Stones classic "Street Fighting Man" has never sounded so polished and heavy, becoming an arena-rock dynamo in Frehley's capable hands. Trading searing guitar licks with Slash on Thin Lizzy's "Emerald," Frehley seems born again, clearly enjoying the competition and beautifully sculpted twin leads.

While the world doesn't need another version of "Wild Thing," this savory remake by Frehley and Lita Ford captures the raw vitality and untamed spirit of the original, and the furious, groove-mongering locomotion and stop-on-a-dime direction changes of Led Zeppelin's "Bring It On Home" bursts forth with bluesy urges, proving that Frehley has lost none of his chops. Packing an even greater wallop is a rugged, gutsy version of Free's "Fire and Water," which finds Frehley and Paul Stanley – putting forth a commanding vocal performance here – of KISS mending fences.

Working alongside acolytes John 5 and Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, Frehley injects some modern sonic testosterone into KISS favorites "Cold Gin" and "Parasite," reveling in their darker qualities and punching them around some. Origins Vol. 1 isn't essential, and sometimes, Frehley is too faithful to the source material. Nevertheless, Origins Vol. 1 is a fun, nostalgic trip with an array of stinging riffs and piercing solos that attempts to explain how Ace became Ace. And because of all that, it's not a bad placeholder for the next Frehley solo record.
– Peter Lindblad

Origins of Ace Frehley

Ex-Kiss guitarist reunites with Paul Stanley on new album, leaks version of Cream's "White Room"
By Peter Lindblad

Ace Frehley - Origins Vol. 1 2016
Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley have KISS'd and made up, or so it seems. Not that there ever was much of a feud, at least according to Frehley.

"We've always been friends," said Frehley, in talking to Rolling Stone magazine about recording with Stanley again, as they did on Frehley's upcoming album of cover songs Origins Vol. 1, slated for an April 15 release. "The press seems to amplify negativity. I guess it makes good copy."

Some, if not all, of the rancor that sullied the band's 2014 induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame must have subsided somewhat, as the two joined forces to remake Free's hit "Fire and Water," marking the first time they've collaborated since the KISS 1998 reunion album Psycho Circus. Frehley has announced a release date and track listing for Origins Vol. 1, featuring re-imagined versions of 12 classic songs that influenced the legendary former KISS guitarist. It's the follow-up to 2014's Space Invader, which at the time had been his first album in five years. The record debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, making it the highest charting KISS-related solo project ever, propelling Frehley back to the Top 10, a place he hadn't visited since Psycho Circus.

Today, Rolling Stone magazine debuted Frehley's new version of Cream's "White Room," which can be heard here: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ace-frehley-announces-new-lp-white-room-cover-paul-stanley-reunion-20160210. Faithful to the original, Frehley's take on "White Room" flashes an orgy of wah-wah guitar effects behind strong, clearly articulated vocals and powerful drumming. Capturing the psychedelic whirl of the original, Frehley brings the song out of its late-'60s haze and reintroduces it to a more contemporary audience, enhancing its melodic character.

Stanley is just one of the big-name guests appearing on Origins Vol. 1. Slash and Frehley trade leads on Thin Lizzy's classic "Emerald," while Lita Ford sings and playing lead on The Troggs' staple "Wild Thing," and Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 plays guitar alongside Ace as he sings his classic KISS composition "Parasite" for the very first time. The two also give their rendering of Jimi Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic," with Frehley finally doing his KISS Alive I mainstay "Cold Gin" with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready also on guitar as Ace as sings. 

"White Room" is also an iTunes instant gratification track, meaning fans who pre order the LP on iTunes will receive the Cream cover song instantly. Pre-orders for physical versions can be made here:  http://www.amazon.com/Origins-Vol-1-Ace-Frehley/dp/B01BMS3MS0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455188080&sr=8-1&keywords=ace+frehley+origins+vol.+1. Go here for digital versions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/origins-vol.-1/id1083108066

The track listing for Origins Vol. 1 can be found below:

1. White Room (Cream)
2. Street Fighting Man (Rolling Stones)
3. Spanish Castle Magic (Jimi Hendrix) *John 5
4. Fire and Water (Free) *Paul Stanley
5. Emerald (Thin Lizzy) *Slash
6. Bring It On Home (Led Zeppelin)
7. Wild Thing (The Troggs) *Lita Ford
8. Parasite *John 5 (KISS)
9. Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf) 
10. Cold Gin *Mike McCready (KISS)
11. Till The End Of The Day (Kinks)
12. Rock and Roll Hell (KISS)

Ace and crew will be active on the road in 2016. Three weeks worth of tour dates in the U.S. have been announced, including two nights at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York City. His band features Richie Scarlet (rhythm guitar and vocals), Chris Wyse (The Cult) on bass and vocals, and Scott Coogan (Nikki Sixx's Brides of Destruction) on drums.

Tour dates are below:

2/26 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
2/27 - San Antonio, TX - Fitzgerald's
2/28 - Dallas, TX - The Bomb Factory 
3/2 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre
3/4 - San Miguel, CA - The Ranch
3/5 - Beverly Hills, CA - Saban Theatre
3/6 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl - Las Vegas
4/1 - Ponte Vedra, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
4/2 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theatre
4/3 - Sunrise, FL - Markham Park - Rockfest 80's
4/5 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
4/7 - Danville, VA - Carrington Pavilion
4/9 - New Hope, PA - Havana New Hope
4/11 - New York, NY - BB King's Blues Club
4/12 - New York, NY - BB King's Blues Club
4/13 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount
4/15 - Wilkes Barre, PA - The F.M. Kirby Center
4/16 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance



John 5 and his monster's ball

Rob Zombie guitarist ready to hit the road with The Creatures, Doyle
By Peter Lindblad
John 5

John 5 has always had a thing for monsters.

His youthful infatuation with old horror movies continues unabated to this day, and the kid in him still worships at the clawed, platform-soled feet of KISS, whose Kabuki-inspired make-up and carnivalesque stage theatrics never fail to amaze and delight the ex-Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie guitarist, known for creating his own creepy facial masks.

In a matter of days, John 5 and his band The Creatures – with Rodger Carter and Ian Ross – will kick off the "Mad Monster Tour" with a special show in Ramona, Calif., on Nov. 4. To get tickets, go to www.john-5.com. Some of the dates will be supported by Doyle, the band led by former Misfits member Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein.

Remarkably versatile, with audacious fluency in a variety of genres – having recorded everything from bluegrass and country to Flamenco music and metal, rock and pop – John 5 is a demon on guitar, an incredibly smooth player whose speed is almost supernatural. Along with scoring the Rob Zombie film "The Lords of Salem," John 5 has collaborated with a wide range of artists, working alongside everyone from Ricky Martin to Rod Stewart, David Lee Roth and Lynyrd Skynyrd, in addition to his more well-known gigs with Manson and Zombie.

Since 2004, John 5's burgeoning solo career has yielded eight diverse studio albums spotlighting his virtuoso skill. On "The Mad Monster Tour," John 5 and company will be promoting an upcoming greatest hits album, paired with a live DVD of John in concert. Three brand-new singles will be released, a series that began this month. Recently, John 5 took time out to talk about the tour, how the new Rob Zombie material is coming along and a career that has taken him further than he ever thought possible. (Tour dates follow the Q&A).

How did the tour with Doyle and his band come about and what are you looking forward to most about it?
J5: Well, I always thought Doyle was like a real-life superhero, and I just really think he’s amazing. He looks like a real-life superhero, like he could fly over a building and knock it down. You know, he’s got the guitar and he grabs it, and he’s a great, great musician. So, I always wanted to do something with him; he was my first choice for someone I wanted to do a tour with. And I just said, “Hey, are you available around this time?” And he said, “Yes,” so it came together pretty easy and we start the fourth in Ramona, Calif., which is the San Diego area. And then it’s the Whisky in L.A. So it’s going to be a blast running through these shows, because it’s all my crazy instrumental stuff and it’s crazy and it’s fun, and we’ll just go nuts.  

Mad Monster Tour poster
When were you introduced to the Misfits and what were your initial impressions?
J5: Well, it was, like for everybody, just a natural thing. Everybody loves the Misfits and punk rock. Everybody was just into them. It was just the thing. It was just how it was. And I loved the horror-rock thing. I’m so into that as well. So it’s just the perfect fit and yeah, with Alice Cooper and The Misfits and Ozzy, I love that stuff. It’s fun. It’s a blast. And KISS, of course. KISS, yeah. It was like monsters with guitars, and when I was 7 years old, I was just blown away. This was just the greatest thing ever.

Reading your bio, you talked about where you grew up and being the lone rock kid, but did you have friends who felt the same way?
J5: Oh sure. I was always the one that had the stuff. Like, I had the first Van Halen when it came out, KISS Love Gun … I was that kid that had the stuff. So I think I showed it to a lot of people, but I remember someone bringing over Kill ‘Em All by Metallica. I listened to that, and I go, “Oh, wow!” I remember having times in my life where friends brought over music, and I remember it. I remember it so vividly, because it made such an impression on me.

Was there one that made the biggest impression?
J5: Well, obviously, KISS and Van Halen, because I remember I got the KISS album in the early years when I was super young. I think Love Gun had just come out. And I was shocked because I loved that Monsters of Filmland magazine. And then I loved The Monkees and “Hee Haw,” but when I saw the monsters of guitars in KISS, I was blown away. I was just like, “Oh my God. Here we go.” So it just changed my life, and then I remember my guitar teacher brought over Van Halen I, and it was just another epiphany. It just changed my life completely.

Kirk Hammett I know has a massive horror collection. Do you collect horror movie memorabilia?
J5: No, mostly I just collect guitars … Telecasters. I’m really into that kind of thing, really into loving my “Teles,” but there’s so much. I mean I have a lot of horror stuff, but it’s mostly stuff people have given me. And I like that stuff from the early- and mid-‘60s and ‘70s, when the monster boom really, really happened. So I like a lot of that stuff. And you know fans give me stuff, so I have quite a collection, but nothing, nothing, nothing in the world of Kirk Hammett, of course.

Have you ever seen his collection?
J5: I haven’t, but me and Kirk talk, and he’ll tell me stuff, and I’m like, “Jesus,” you know? And he always says, “You’ve got to stop over and check it,” and all that stuff. Hopefully, one day I’ll get there.     


I wanted to talk about other stuff going on with you, and you have a greatest hits album coming out. Did you ever think you’d have a greatest hits album and what goes into making one? Is there more to it than people think?
J5: Well, yeah. What it is really is just a collection of my favorite songs. Not one of them was a hit, but it’s a collection of my favorite songs that I’ve recorded over my catalog of doing instrumental stuff and the fans’ favorite songs. So I put them all together, and then I put a DVD with it, which is so cool. The DVD’s really great, and I’m going to be selling that at the shows, so people at the shows will be able to get the CD and DVD. And then after the tour you’ll be able to buy it on my website, and also it’ll be on iTunes, but you won’t be able to get the DVD, obviously.
  
So much has happened over the span of your life to bring you to this point, but I wanted to ask you, where does the open-mindedness with music come from? Because you do country, you do all kinds of things. Does that come from your family?
J5: You know, for some reason, I’ve always appreciated someone who does something really, really well. And it could be someone that rides a bike and is a bike expert, or juggles or … I just always appreciate someone who does something so well, because I know how much dedication and practice it takes. So when I hear some Western swing music or bluegrass music or great, great, great, great horns, I’m like, “Wow! That’s amazing.” So I appreciate all of that stuff. I’m so inspired by anyone who does something really, really well and who is an expert and at the pinnacle of what they do. And I totally, totally appreciate that. So that’s where I think a lot of that interest comes from, that they can actually … you know, the greats. I just am really influenced by people like that.

Is there a style of music you haven’t worked with yet that maybe you’d like to?
J5: You know, jazz is such a huge thing, but I’ve never really studied, studied, studied jazz. I don’t know why. It just hasn’t bitten me yet, but it will. I will get into it. I think I really love the really super, super fast, aggressive stuff. Like the bluegrass stuff is so fast, you know. It’s like Slayer with no distortion. It’s crazy with bluegrass. And then the same thing with flamenco music, it’s a Spanish style of music. It’s so fast, you know? It’s like Slayer on acoustic. It’s that kind of thing, and I really enjoy that stuff, but also I’d like to get into jazz at some point, I believe.

Could you do a bluegrass version of “Welcome to the Violence”?
J5: Well, that might be tough (laughs). Yeah, that’s possible.

What impresses you most in a guitarist or a live performer?
J5: Someone that is fluid and clean and no effort. It’s just like drinking a bottle of water. It’s effortless, and there’s a small amount that are really effortless. If you ever see a classical violinist or piano player, it’s just effortless, you know? I appreciate that, but I also appreciate any guitar player also getting up there on the stage and doing a great job, because it’s a lot of work and a lot of stress and a lot goes into it.

What goes into your live performances? You’ve got the makeup and everything going on. What’s the day of a performance like for you?
J5: Well, the whole day is about the performance. The whole thing is prepping. It’s getting your fingers warmed up, it’s doing meet-and-greets and meeting people, and making sure everything is right. Sound checks … the day all leads up to the show. It’s very important. I just want to give fans the best show we can, so it’s just playing, warming up, making sure the playing is right, getting ready and giving the best show we can. It’s very important to us with Rob just getting just a great show together, and then we always talk about the show after the show – make sure this is right, that is right, how we could make it better. So, it’s great. It’s a great life. I cannot complain. 

I was reading about your history and you were robbed in L.A. when you first moved there. Did you ever come close to giving it up?
J5: No, no … never did. I was so determined and I was so driven and determined. Just imagine, you get to L.A. when you’re young. I was so young. I didn’t know anything, and then the first night I got all my money stolen. I didn’t know what to do. I was lucky I knew one other person, and anybody else; most people would have just gone home and said, “Let me try this in another couple of years.” But no, I was so driven.  

By the same token, was there a moment when you felt, “I’ve finally made it”? Or were there many moments like that?
J5: I mean, yeah. You know, I’m just happy to be playing guitar and making a living, but I never wished to be a known guitar player. I just wanted to be a session musician, and this is all just an incredible, incredible gift, because it was too far away. I never really thought I’d be able to do this, because it was just so like wishing you were Superman or something. It just seemed so unbelievable. So I really appreciate it and love it, because it just happened. I’m so happy it happened, because it was never my goal, it was never my thing to become a famous rock guitar player.

What influenced you most as far as stage shows and how you make up your face? Was it a love of KISS or was it more than that?
J5: I use myself as the audience and what the audience would like to see. I think the audience wants to see a show, they want to see a … it’s called entertainment. So they want to be entertained, and it’s just if you put on a show like that – meaning you’re not going to walk around the streets like that, but if you’re onstage, you’ve got to give them something to look at. And when we go into our dressing rooms, we’re in our normal clothes, there’s a couple of camera flashes and stuff like that, but when we come out of our dressing rooms, when we’re all made up, you can hardly see where you’re walking because there are so many flashes, because we’re all made up. Would you want a picture with Ace Frehley with his make-up off or in his whole get-up? You’d want it in his whole get-up. So that’s why. It’s just a couple things I think about to say, “Okay. This is what make sense,” because some people take a different course about it.

Why does it work so well between you and Rob?
J5: I don’t know. It’s hard to explain. I really look up to him a lot, because he does so much. Now a lot of people can do a lot of things, but to finish them and to make them really great, that’s the hard thing. And that’s what he does. Whatever he starts, he finishes, and I really like that. He’ll start something and then he’ll finish it. And that’s what I really like. He’s always finished it, and I really respect that. We really enjoy the same things. We love the Universal Monsters. We have such a love for those Universal Monsters, those monster movies, so that’s a great thing. We both have the same hobbies. We love music and movies, so it’s just like being in a band with your best friend. It’s amazing.   


In what ways were your experiences with Marilyn Manson and Rob similar?
J5: Well, they’re both two different animals, of course. With Manson, it’s different every day and every night, so you never really know what’s going to happen. With Rob, everything is scheduled – we’re going to meet here, we’re going to do this and we’re going to do that, and we’re going to be on the bus and here we go. So, with Manson, you don’t know if we’re going to be backstage until three in the morning and if we’ll make it in time for the next show. It was that kind of thing. You know, both are amazing artists, both are amazing performers, so that’s how they’re similar.

Did that chaos with Marilyn translate to the live show and make that a different experience?
J5: Absolutely. Sometimes, we’d play only three songs and we’d be done. Sometimes you wondered how long you were going to play. 

What was your greatest moment with Marilyn and then with Rob?
J5: Well, that’s really, really tough. You know, the greatest moment between those two, there’s some many, great, great, great moments that have happened with both bands. Getting a No. 1 record with Manson, that was a great moment. Doing the "MTV Video Music Awards," that was a great moment. That was my very first gig with Manson. Getting awards and getting to play all these great places, and then having your friends at these great moments, and getting to travel the world and playing the greatest venues, having great records that come out and having these great friendships that will last forever. There are so many great moments, you can’t just limit it to one, because there are so many and I’m lucky for that. 

Of all the projects you’ve done, was there ever one you went into thinking, “I don’t know about this,” and then it turned out to be a better experience than you thought?
J5: Well, no, because I tend to be pretty careful about what I take on. You know, I’m very, very careful about the reputation of my name, so it’s not like I’ve ever gotten into a situation where I'm like, ”How am I going to get out this?” No, I’ve never done that. 

I know so many people have helped you along the way. Rudy Sarzo played a big role in helping your career. What do you remember most about meeting him that first night?
J5: Well, meeting Rudy helped me tremendously. He introduced me to Irving Azoff, who is a master in the music business, and a manager of record people and taught me this, that and the other thing about the business ... He let me into his home. He helped me out, and he’s a wonderful, wonderful talent, and taught me a lot of things. So I owe a lot to Rudy Sarzo.

And you’ve stuck with people and worked with them over your entire career, like your producer Bob Marlette.
J5 : Yes. You know, it’s funny. Everybody I’ve worked with I’m pretty much still in contact with. Everyone … because they’re good people, and I never leave anything on a bad note, where it’s like, “Screw you!” So it’s good, because you see everybody because it’s such a small, small world, and you don’t think you being in this world of, “Oh, I’ve seen this person. I’ve seen this person. I’ve seen this person.” It’s wonderful, and I’m so happy that I don’t have any bad blood.

You’ve worked with some amazing guitar players, too, including Lita Ford. That must have been a blast for you.
J5: Yeah, it was a blast. I see her every once in a while and she’s such a great, great, great talent. And she’s a great songwriter, great performer and singer … luckily, I had the privilege to play with her and play some songs with her. I really respect her. She’s great.

Probably underrated as an artist …
J5: Oh sure, she’s great. And she’s been doing this forever. I mean, The Runaways? Come on … just awesome. She’s so great. And then all of her solo stuff – what a career.

How did you get this band The Creatures together?
J5: Well, I was recording my instrumental stuff. I had recorded so many records, but I never played live shows. The drummer that I use said, “You should do some live shows.” And I said, “Well, it’s tough. The Zombie schedule is so busy,” but I said, “I’d love to do it. We’re going to have to get somebody. Let’s do it. Let’s do some shows.” I was really nervous because I’ve never done these kinds of shows. I didn’t know if people would show up, I didn’t know if people were going to care, I didn’t know anything about it. But we went out there, and it was such a huge success, and I was so happy. It just really changed my life, and we just said, “All right. Let’s do this.” And it’s so much fun. I’m so happy that the drummer, Rodger Carter, kind of pushed me to do this. And it was wonderful. It really changed my life.

Does it continue to evolve, this project you’ve got?
J5: Yeah, absolutely. We’re doing another tour starting in November … we’re just going to keep doing it, keep doing it, and whenever I have time away from Zombie, I’ll be able to do this.

What did you enjoy most about working on the last record working with Rob? Was it different from any other records you worked on with Rob? Or did you like the songs better and do you think he’s underrated as a songwriter?
J5:  Well, the record we have coming out with Zombie now, that will come out next year, it is so good. We went up to his place, and it is very secluded, and there’s nothing out there. There are no distractions – really, really a great place to make great music, and you really have the time to live with it. And that’s what I think is very important, because you have the time to say, “Oh, let’s change this or make this better, or I can play it like this.” And I think that’s important, because a lot of bands they do these records and they have to deliver them at a certain time. We took our time and this record that’s going to be coming out … I mean, the songs are amazing. It’s great, it’s heavy and it’s just … you know, I was a Zombie fan before being in the band and this one’s going to be great that’s coming out.

Do you remember hearing White Zombie for the first time? What did you think of them?
J5: Well, yeah, it was seeing the video of “Thunder Kiss ’65” … yeah, that was rad. It was the look, it was the sound and it was just cool. It was just something that you saw that made you say, “That’s got something special to it.” So, yeah, it was just a great, great, great thing.

"The Mad Monster Tour" dates:
Nov. 4 – Ramona, CA @ Ramona Mainstage
Nov. 5 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whiskey A Go Go**
Nov. 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Count's Vamp'd**
Nov. 7 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theater**
Nov. 8 – Ventura, CA @ Discovery**
Nov. 10 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge**
Nov. 12 – Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk**
Nov. 13 – Fresno, CA @ TBD
Nov. 18 – San Antonio, TX @ Sam's Burger Joint
Nov. 19 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
Nov. 20 – Tyler, TX @ Click's
Nov. 21 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

** Dates with Doyle

CD Review: Sebastian Bach – Give 'Em Hell

CD Review: Sebastian Bach – Give 'Em Hell
Frontiers Records
All Access Rating: A-

Sebastian Bach - Give 'Em Hell 2014
Sebastian Bach just can't help himself, especially when it comes to the lovely Minnie Gupta. A slave to his appetites, and not just ... The Grind, the former Skid Row screamer, now sober, reveals how susceptible he is to "Temptation" on the irresistibly wicked, melodically heavy tour de force Give 'Em Hell, his upcoming solo album on Frontiers Records.

Never apologetic for his advocacy of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll as a lifestyle choice, the roguish Bach carries on with a wink and a smile. The steamy video for his new song "Temptation" features Gupta, Bach's off-and-on love interest, in all sorts of seductive poses, with Bach trying not very hard to resist her not-so-subtle charms. Giving in to the ocean-wide melodies, swarming guitars, thick metal grooves and luxurious modern sound, enhanced by revered hard-rock producer Bob Marlette, of Give 'Em Hell feels just as sinful.

Mighty, churning riff machinery operated by guitarists John 5, Devin Bronson and Steve Stevens – given added heft from Duff McKagen's hydraulic bass lines and the powerhouse drumming of Bobby Jarzombek  – drive movable walls of sound like "Hell Inside My Head," "All My Friends are Dead" and "Harmony," as well as the aforementioned "Temptation," before giving way to lush, spacious choruses that take advantage of Bach's expansive vocal range. Thinking outside the box and shredding with feverish dexterity and diabolical imagination, Stevens, Bronson and John 5 unleash torrential solos throughout Give 'Em Hell, getting their aggression out in the sexually charged "Dominator."

While Bach does, indeed, Give 'Em Hell here, especially when his singing turns raw and confrontational in the angry, complex maze of riffs that is "Gun to a Knife Fight," there is a gentle weariness to his phrasing on the alluring power ballad "Had Enough" and he expresses a healthy combination of music-business cynicism and heartfelt empathy for screwed-over artists that's all caught up in the rolling piano and acoustic ramble of "Rock 'N' Roll is a Vicious Game." Still wild and untamed, though less assertive than on past efforts, Bach is playing it pretty well these days.
– Peter Lindblad

CD Review: Rob Zombie – Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor


Rob Zombie – Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor
Zodiac Swan Records/T-Boy Productions/UMe
All Access Rating: A-

Rob Zombie - Venomous Rat
Regeneration Vendor 2013
Translated from some weird lost language that only Rob Zombie understands, “Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga” probably has some fiendishly obscene meaning, especially considering that in the pummeling chaos of the track – off his latest album, the awesomely titled Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor – he’s heard exhorting anyone within earshot to “rally round the girl with the skull on her ass.” Either that or Zombie has suddenly begun speaking in tongues.

Another seething, all-consuming cauldron of mind-bending heavy metal riffage, dizzying dance beats, industrial brutality, electronic unease and Zombie’s demented fantasies all mashed together, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor might be his most visceral and entertaining album to date. Amplified by massive, full-throated production values, it’s an aural carnival of cartoonish horror and rip-roaring debauchery, with mean, explosive rock ’n’ roll freak shows like “Behold, the Pretty Filthy Creatures!,” “White Trash Freaks,” “Lucifer Rising”  and “Trade in Your Guns for a Coffin” getting right up in your face and spitting in it. They roar out of the speakers like runaway freight trains. At the controls, Zombie is the mad conductor, but it’s his equally demented assistant, that clever boy John 5, who churns out riff after heady riff, each one more insanely dynamic and unexpectedly potent than the last and seemingly packed with enough dynamite to blow a mile-wide hole in a mountain of rock.

While Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor is capable of generating awesome power, Zombie and his evil henchmen aren't satisfied with simply throwing their impressive weight around, even though the stomping opener “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy” is one of the heaviest tracks ever committed to a Zombie record. Updating The Doors’ “The Wasp (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)” for the new millennium, the swinging “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown” – thrown around by swirling organ and crushed under the heel of Five’s grinding guitars – swaggers like a drunken cad, spilling his drink and eyeing up easy girls. And then there’s something insidiously infectious sweeping through “Rock and Roll (in a Black Hole)” like a full-on pandemic, the spare electronic beats giving way to a raging, head-spinning cyclone of raucous metal energy.

Again, Zombie loves to draw the most ludicrously evil images with words, including this little nugget of wisdom from “White Trash Freaks”: “She’s a Warhol painting heading west/I love Ringo across her breast/covering a nasty pitbull scar/life ain’t shit/if you ain’t a star.” And he relishes taking on absurd new identities, like “dirty pig alley Dan” and “King Kong raisin bran” in “Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga.” A literary Salvador Dali, Zombie’s writings often sound as if they are the product of terrifying acid trips. He does come down to sleepwalk his way through a rather nondescript and tepid reading of Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re an American Band,” but the rest of Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor is a delicious descent into madness, a hell ride of crazed, breathtaking intensity and almost manic mood swings. Buy a ticket to the show. You won’t ask for a refund. (universalmusicenterprises.com)
– Peter Lindblad

Riff This! Rock Gods' Guitars Hit Auction Block

KIP WINGER PERSONAL CONCERT USED WARWICK BASS GUITAR

Kip Winger Warwick Bass
The bass guitar that Kip offered up - an authentic Warwick Corvette ProLine - left us speechless.......and we're sure it will make your head spin as well. Ever since the start of the 2002 Summer tour with Poison, Kip has played this very guitar extensively. For eight years, it has been his most trusted sidekick, as is easily evidenced by the countless photos and videos. Better yet, Kip walked off stage with it after the most recent Blackwood Creek show in Denver.

To quote Kip; "Man, this really has been one of my all-time favorites. Originally, it had a green finish but I painted it black right after the tour with Poison. It's been with me ever since and anyone who's been to a Winger show in the last 8 years, here or overseas, has seen me playing it. During the last show, the front pick-up crapped out on me and I intended to have it repaired. But now that it's going in the auction, I'll let the future owner decide what he or she wants to do."

The bass does indeed show the type of wear one would expect from extensive use. There's the usual (minor) dents, scratches and even some missing paint chips but in all fairness, the guitar wouldn't have character without it. And speaking of this particular model - which ranks among the elite in the vast line of Warwick bass guitars - this rather pricey instrument trademarks are its well-balanced attack and starting transient, with a consistently clear deep bass register, a warm gently growling mid-range and pleasant soft highs. The Corvette ProLine's body consists of two pieces of hard, Flamed Maple. A Wenge fingerboard is glued to the five-piece Ovangkol neck, which slots neatly into the body and is secured by four bolts in individual recessed metal bushes. Kip replaced the standard MEC pick-ups with two EMG pick-ups. It has gorgeous gold hardware and comes in the original "Rockbag" soft travel case, which has some light damage across the bottom but is overall in excellent condition.

Warwick basses has endorsed the greatest bass players over the years such as Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Adam Clayton, Bootsy Collins and Robert Trujullio. It is no surprise to see Kip playing this majestic and exquisite instrument. Kip signed the bass on the back, which makes this without question the single most exclusive and desirable Kip Winger collectibles one could ever own.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Kip Winger.

Auction Link: Lot 1189

MINISTRY AL JOURGENSEN FAMOUS 'BUCK SATAN #1" GUITAR

Al Jourgensen Buck Satan # 1
Each auction has it's 'crown jewels' and as far as the Al Jourgensen collection goes, this very one might just be it. Offered here is Al's infamous "Buck Satan # 1" Ibanez custom made guitar, which he used extensively for touring and recording between 1996 and 2006. This guitar can be seen in many concert photos, as well as in the 'Lay Lady Lay' video.

Equally impressive is the fact that this prototype guitar is only of ONLY two ever made by Ibanez, exclusively for Al Jourgensen. The second one, aptly titled Buck Satan # 2, is also offered in the auction.

The guitar features mother-of-pearl inlay around the entire side of the body, silver hardware, 2 Humbucker pick-ups and 2 tone/ volume knobs.

The E-string is broken but is included in the original guitar case, which further contains a pack of D'Addario string and the original guitar strap. The guitar shows moderate surface wear but is overall in excellent condition.

Not only is this an amazing collectible for guitar collectors - after all, no other Ibanez of this kind is in circulation - but this is also the very first time that Al has offered a guitar from his private collection in public.

You wanted a 'Holy Grail' item.....well, this is it!

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Al Jourgensen of Ministry.

Auction Link:  Lot 1026

MINISTRY AL JOURGENSEN RARE 'BUCK SATAN # 2" GUITAR

Al Jourgensen Buck Satan # 2
Equally rare as its bigger brother - the Buck Satan # 1 - is this amazingly stunning and flat-out super-cool 'Buck Satan # 2' guitar, which was exclusively designed as a prototype for Al Jourgensen by Ibanez.

Al passionately loved this guitar and used it extensively on the road. It was used between 1996 and 2006 on tours such as 'Sphinc Tour' (1996), 'Clitour-US' (1999), 'Evil Doer Tour' (2004) and the 'Masterba-Tour' (2006).

The guitar features mother-of-pearl inlay around the entire side of the body, silver hardware, 2 Humbucker pick-ups and 2 tone/ volume knobs. It comes in the original case and shows moderate surface wear from stage and studio use. Overall however, this true museum piece is in excellent condition.

Not only is this an amazing collectible for guitar collectors - after all, no other Ibanez of this kind is in circulation - but this is also the very first time that Al has offered a guitar from his private collection in public. Will you be one of the very, very lucky few?

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Al Jourgensen of Ministry.

Item Link: Lot 1027

ANDY LAROCQUE KING DIAMOND ALBUM USED GUITAR

Andy Larocque Guitar
Known for his signature guitar style of incorporating neoclassical elements into his playing, Andy LaRocque career began in the early days of the N.W.O.B.H.M. as the lead guitarist for metal horror band King Diamond, with whom he has been a member since 1985.

In addition to over two decades of touring and sharing stages around the world with Metal's most outstanding musicians, Andy has produced and engineered top metal bands like Falconer and Evergrey. Bands like Death, At The Gates, In Flames and Dimmu Borgir have called upon Andy as a guest musician to deliver a dose of fierce, lightning fast, heavy guitar. His peerless and influential playing style is admired by so many and without a doubt has earned him a place in the immortal ranks of heavy metal's finest!

Andy is also a Grammy nominated artist for the song "Never Ending Hill" from the King Diamond album "Give me Your Soul...Please" (2007).

Featured here is a most remarkable guitar that will appeal to King Diamond fans, as well as guitar aficionados; Andy's very own Caparison TAT II, which was used during the recording of "Give Me Your Soul....Please".

Caparison Guitars is a Japan-based manufacturer of high-end custom shop electric guitars and endorses a growing numbers of top guitarists and "shredders". The TAT II is an arch top 'Soloist' type guitar that features neck-thru maple construction, 24-fret ebony fingerboard with abalone inlays, alder body wings, Schaller bridge, bound neck & headstock, and a unique one-of-a-kind ' Eastern Red Sunset' finish. The TAT II has a custom made Humbucker (Caparison) and 2 single coil pick-ups with a push/push coil tap switch. This along with the 3-way toggle gives you six distinct tones. Even unplugged, the guitar sounds very loud!

Andy received this guitar from the owner of Caparison in 2002 and will include the personal letter and original documents. Most recently, Andy used the guitar for composing some of the upcoming King Diamond material.

In all, this is a top-tier instrument with great history and provenance. The guitar will be shipped directly from Andy's recording studio in Sweden.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Andy LaRocque.

Auction Link: Lot 1234

JOHN 5 CONCERT USED & SIGNED BROKEN GUITAR WITH CAST

John 5 Fender Telecaster & Foot Cast
Pete Townsend started it, Paul Stanley perfected it and John 5 has taken it to a new level! Yup, we're talking about the art of smashing guitars. Where Townshend's were unpredictable and spontaneous, Stanley's were highly choreographed and intended as a fan souvenir. Our man John 5 however doesn't simply smash his guitar....he beats the living daylight out of it with the same aggression, passion and madness he bends his strings and shreds his way through the night.

During several shows on the summer 2010 tour, Rob Zombie would challenge John 5 to a bet, with the livelihood of his guitar at stake. John would lose the bet and consequently smash it, much to the joy of the audience (and Rob). Now, before y'all get carried away, John wouldn't smash his own J5 Fender Telecaster but would instead reach for the more economically priced Squier model.

Since pitching a broken guitar (or parts thereof) into the audience has because a bit hazardous (people do get injured in the fights that break out over getting a piece of it), John would instead toss the scraps to his tech and that was pretty much the end of it. On rare occasions the body or neck would stay somewhat intact and the few that survived were offered by John to his fans.

However, he saved a special one for a special event and that's what we have up for grabs in this fantastic lot. On the eve of the August 3, 2010 show in Raleigh, North Carolina, John broke his foot and initially feared that he wouldn't be able to do the show. A quick trip to the hospital and a cast later, John was good to go. For John 5 fans you know that "taking it easy on stage" would prove to be a challenge, but he managed to do the full show, including the "smashing of the guitar", which is the one featured here. The guitar is broken in several places but is complete and was signed by John on the chrome pick guard.

Agreed, this by itself would be a prestigious memento for any collector. After all, John 5 is one of today's absolute premier guitar players; period! Owning one of his very few 'battle axes' is plenty reason to draw envy and admiration but why stop here? To make this lot unparalleled, John has added the cast for his broken foot that he got prior to the Raleigh show and supported him for the remainder of the tour. The cast too has been signed.

Whether you're a John 5 admirer or a guitar aficionado, you're not going to find anything like this ever again. Talk 'bout a true one-of-a-kind item....it doesn't get any more authentic than this!

Auction Link:  Lot 1241

PANTERA FULLY SIGNED DIMEBAG WASHBURN GUITAR

Pantera Fully Signed Guitar
If there ever was a 'Holy Grail' Pantera collectible, then it is this amazing, fully-signed Washburn 'Dime Slime' guitar! Out of appreciation for all the years of hard work, support and tremendous successes, all four Pantera band members signed this killer Dimebag signature model Washburn guitar for their manager Walter O'Brien back in 1998.

The signatures read;

* Dimebag; "To Waltino O.B.! Light It Up, Watch It Go, But Don't Make Me Hot. Ya' Boy, Dimebag, CFH '98"
* Rex: "Walt - Here's To Good Times, Love Bro - Rex"
* Phil: "Walt, May We All Die In The South (O.K., Not Really!) P.'98"
* Vinnie: "Thanks For Everything!! Vinnie Paul 1998 X"

The guitar (serial # S97117040) is in absolute mint condition and comes complete with a Dimebag guitar pick, a Dimebag signature guitar strap, a sealed pack of 12 Dimebag signature guitar picks in the original packaging and a brand new 'Dime Cry Baby From Hell" wah pedal (in the original box, complete with inserts).

Also included is a clear display case (with black backing), which measures 50 x 20 x 7 inches. The case is optional as its significant weight will ass substantially to the cost of shipping.

All together, you'll be hard pressed to find a more prestigious Pantera collectible than this!!

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by former Pantera manager Walter O'Brien.

Auction Link: Lot 1140

MINISTRY AL JOURGENSEN CUSTOM 'COFFIN' SCHECHTER GUITAR

Al Jourgensen Coffin Guitar 
Designed by Al Jourgensen himself, Schechter guitars made a half-dozen 'Coffin' guitars exclusively for the 2008 Final World Tour (also known as the C-U-LaTour). The guitars were made in three colors; black (of course), white and cherry red.

Al took the black and red guitars on the road with him, leaving the red one back in El Paso for studio work. The cherry red guitar as featured in this lot was used by Al for recordings over the past 2 years. Judging from the height of the bridge - which is slightly elevated - Al most recently used it for "slide" work.

The guitar, which is also signed by Al on the back, has gold hardware, mother-of-pearl inlays and Gibson 500T Humbucker pick-ups. It comes in the original case and is in pristine condition.

Al's gracious decision to offer one of his only six in existence beloved 'Coffins' to the public, which makes this one of the most prestigious Ministry collectibles to own. Naturally, for guitar aficionados this guitar is equally thrilling, knowing that you will own this high-end piece of art, of which only two in this color were ever made....and only one will ever belong to anyone else than Al Jourgensen.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Al Jourgensen of Ministry.

Auction Link: Lot 1029

The Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction also features additional instruments and gear, including artist used keyboards, speakers, mic stands, drums and complete drum kits, percussion items, flight cases and more. Check out the complete collection of auction items in the Instruments & Equipment category at Backstage Auctions.

Auction ends on Sunday, November 7th. Rock on Over to the Auction Tab and register for your VIP All Access Pass. 

Nothing Keeps John 5 of Rob Zombie Down; The Show Must Always Go On!

On the eve of a Rob Zombie show this past summer, John 5 broke his foot and initially feared that he wouldn't be able to do the show. A quick trip to the hospital and a cast later, John was good to go. For John 5 fans you know that "taking it easy on stage" would prove to be a challenge, but he managed to do the full show, including the "smashing of the guitar", which is the one featured here. The guitar is broken in several places but is complete and was signed by John on the chrome pick guard.

Agreed, this by itself would be a prestigious memento for any collector. After all, John 5 is one of today's absolute premier guitar players; period! Owning one of his very few 'battle axes' is plenty reason to draw envy and admiration but why stop here? To make this lot unparalleled, John has added the cast for his broken foot that he got prior to the Raleigh show and supported him for the remainder of the tour. The cast too has been signed.

John 5 Smashed Fender and Cast for his broken foot.
Whether you're a John 5 admirer or a guitar aficionado, you're not going to find anything like this ever again. Talk 'bout a true one-of-a-kind item....it doesn't get any more authentic than this!

And speaking of Zombie, the Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction is also featuring the private collection of former White Zombie manager Walter O'Brien. There are over a dozen White Zombie pieces including RIAA records awards, passes, posters and super cool limited edition Super-Charger Heaven colored 7 inch single.

White Zombie
La Sexorcisto: Devil Music
RIAA Gold
Walter O'Brien Collection
The auction, which is scheduled to go live on Halloween, features amazing pieces direct from the private collections of Al Jourgensen, Rudy Sarzo, Graham Bonnet, Scott Rockenfield, Kip Winger, Bobby Rondinelli, Bob Nalbandian and Walter O'Brien, just to name a few. "When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal," says Jacques van Gool, Backstage Auctions founder. The auction catalog features over 50 Gold and Platinum records awards, guitars, stage props, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters and the list goes on and on.

"While this is a stellar line-up of artists, we are still adding headliners to the event, which is exciting.  It will be interesting to see who makes the final auction catalog" says van Gool. 

From Walter O'Brien's
Personal Collection
The event, aptly titled the “The 2010 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction”, is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history.

 The auction, which will be held on-line at www.backstageauctions.com starts on October 31, 2010 and will run through November 7, 2010. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24.


Who Want's A Piece of Buck Satan?

Ministry's Frontman Al Jourgensen Headlines The 2010 Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction with Personal Rock Relics







Al Jourgensen
Backstage Auctions trusts the immense popularity of heavy metal music and memorabilia among fans and collectors around the world, to successfully pull off a rare and historical hard rock and heavy metal auction. Headlining the auction is the personal collection of Ministry's frontman Al Jourgensen.  "Jourgensen's collection is by far one of the most defining collections we have had come through our doors and can be easily described with one word, EPIC," says Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.

After 30 years of making records and touring in support of those records, Jourgensen felt the time was right to open up "Buck Satan's" vault and share his personal relics with the legions of loyal fans around world. "I have one more album in me - my Buck Satan project, which I am working on now with Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Tony Campos (Static X), Mike Scaccia (Rigor Mortis) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and then I want to take a long break and rest for a while," explained Jourgensen to van Gool at Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Compound in El Paso.

Skull and Bones Microphone Stand
Among the many highlights is an amazing offering of gear and equipment, including 4 of Al’s personal guitars which are all concert and studio used. Additionally, there are Marshall and Crate amps, road cases, Roland keyboards, Ministry and Revco stage backdrops and even two ‘Skull & Bones’ microphone stands which have been extensively used over the years and are true works of art in their own right, created by legendary “bone sculptor” Turner Van Blarcum, notorious for the Ministry LaLaPoLooza bone set designs.

For the collector who is looking to get a piece of Jourgensen, the auction will certainly have a wild selection of "iconic memorabilia".   The auction features Jourgensen’s personal leather jackets, coats, pants, vests, boots and even kilts which were all used on stage, in videos and photo sessions," says van Gool. There is also an impressive variety of accessories such as sun glasses, goggles, skull caps, gauntlets, boot straps and a half dozen custom designed rings.

Al Jourgensen's Skull Vest
For Ministry aficionados', the auction will feature a selection of rare and one-of-a-kind mementos such as several handwritten lyrics, original 2-inch master recording reels for Ministry classics such as “N.W.O.”, tour itineraries, a cool megaphone, band signed drumhead, vinyl, a large signed CD collection and a most stunning collection of signed concert posters from around the world, including the most desirable Dublin 2008 concert poster, which happened to be for the last ever Ministry concert.

Rarely does a high-profile artist offer such a comprehensive, historic and personal collection like this. This exciting accumulation of mementos is nothing short of breath-taking and a sure dream coming true for the dedicated and loyal Ministry following around the globe.

The event, aptly titled the “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction”, also features the personal collections Walter O'Brien (Concrete Management, Co-Founder), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Whitesnake, Dio), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri), Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche), Kip Winger (Winger), Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Aerosmith) and John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), just to name a few. "When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal," says Jacques.

The auction will showcase over 400 exceptionally rare pieces of rock memorabilia,  including over 50 gold and platinum records awards, an awesome selection of artist used guitars, stage props, drums, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters and original photos, promo vinyl and loads more!

The auction, which will be held on-line at www.backstageauctions.com starts on October 31, 2010 and will run through November 7, 2010. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24.


Auction Highlights...well just a few! 



































































Backstage Auctions Announces All Star Line Up for the Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

The auction will showcase over 400 exceptionally  rare  pieces of rock memorabilia, featuring members of such legendary groups as Pantera, Ministry, Quiet Riot, Dio, White Zombie, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz, Queensryche, Ozzy and more, direct from the private collections of notable rock and metal icons from the past 3 decades.

Houston, TX - October 5, 2010 – Backstage Auctions is proud to present the "Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction", an unprecedented hard rock and heavy metal online auction event. "Almost every item being offered in the auction is "iconic memorabilia" and is easily identifiable to a specific artist or band," explains Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.
Fully Signed by Pantera Members
Dimebag Darrell Washburn

The auction, which is scheduled to go live on Halloween, features amazing pieces direct from the private collections of Al Jourgensen, Rudy Sarzo, Graham Bonnet, Scott Rockenfield, Kip Winger and John 5, just to name a few. "When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal," says Jacques. The auction catalog features over 50 Gold and Platinum records awards, guitars, stage props, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters, original artwork, photos and the list goes on and on.

"It's not an every day event that you can stand behind and grab on to Al Jourgensen's infamous "skull and bones" microphone stand which he used extensively on many Ministry shows and rehearsals. The historical relevance of that one piece in the rock community is well documented," says Jacques.

Equally impressive is the private collection of Concrete Management co-founder, Walter O'Brien which features a jaw dropping collection of RIAA record awards presented to him while managing Pantera and White Zombie. On a more personal level, Sarzo and Bonnet have both offered up vintage "rocker apparel" that they wore on stage, during photo shoots and really cool music videos.

Ministry's Marshall Amp & Case
C-U-LATOUR 2008
The auction wouldn't be complete without a few guitars, drum kits, stage props and handwritten lyrics. Amazing pieces that Scott Rockenfield of Queensryche, John 5 of Rob Zombie and Kip Winger have pulled out of their personal collections are sure to get quite a bit of activity during the auction.

"While this is a stellar line-up of artists, we are still adding headliners to the event, which is exciting.  It will be interesting to see who makes the final cut," says van Gool.  

The event, aptly titled the “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction”, is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history. 

The auction, which will be held on-line at www.backstageauctions.com starts on October 31, 2010 and will run through November 7, 2010. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24

Auction Registration: VIP All Access


Additional Photos: 
Walter O'Brien: Pantera Records Awards
Scott Rockenfield / Queensryche: Drum Kit

For additional information: Backstage Press & Media

Metal the next big thing in rock auctions


Goldmine Magazine
By Susan Sliwicki


Al Jourgensen's Buck Satan
Backstage Auctions is betting on the universal appeal of metal music and memorabilia among fans worldwide for its next auction. The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction preview runs Oct. 24-30; the auction runs Oct. 31 to Nov. 6. 

“Heavy metal is a lifestyle, and it shows in everything; it shows in the clothes you wear, the car you drive, the haircut you have, the concerts you go to, the music you listen to, the friends that you have,” Jacques van Gool of Backstage Auctions said. 

When it comes to business, make no mistake. Van Gool has done his homework. Just because metal music has never really seen the light of day in the mainstream media doesn’t mean it lacks a following. Van Gool cited the massive number of Web sites and magazines dedicated to heavy metal worldwide, as well as a plethora of heavy-metal festivals and legions of incredibly loyal fans who follow their favorite acts on social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. 

“You have to go a little bit underground for this. I don’t see Fox News or CNN wasting their time saying Al Jourgensen of Ministry is going to put 100 items in a heavy metal auction, because they wouldn’t know what to do with that kind of news. But at the same time, the official Ministry database has 250,000 registered users, so, I’m going to forget about the Foxes and CNNs of the world. All that matters is that 250,000 Ministry fans know about it.” 

The market for heavy metal memorabilia is probably healthier than that of any other musical genre, he added. 

“Metal just doesn’t go away. It doesn’t die. Fans won’t allow it,” van Gool said. “The market for memorabilia from bands that are considered part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Motorhead, remains strong worldwide, van Gool said. 

In the past five years, van Gool has noticed younger metal fans expressing interest in the second- and third-tier bands of the NWOBHM that may sound obscure to non-metal fans. 
“From a collectible point of view, the original vinyl of these bands demands incredible, incredible amounts of dollars,” van Gool said. 

He cited original 7-inch records from Neat Records as being particularly hot with collectors. Records issued on Shrapnel or the original Metal Blade label also are popular in the U.S. 

“The very first Shrapnel album was called Metal Massacre, and Metallica is on that album, which was their first vinyl appearance before they got a record deal,” van Gool said. “In the early years, the Metal Massacre albums featured bands that were on their way to the next big thing, and everybody wants to have that.” 

The uniquely American hair metal phenomenon, which included acts like Cinderella, Poison, Motley Crue, Winger and Ratt, dominated mainstream music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and those acts still have a strong fanbase here. However, overseas, hair metal isn’t as big of a draw as speed or thrash metal, which boasts bands like Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Exodus and Megadeth, van Gool said. 

One of the biggest “holy grail” items that collectors seek is Iron Maiden’s first 7-inch record a three-song EP called “The Soundhouse Tapes.” 

“That little 7-inch single can sell for $600, $700, which is an amazing amount of money for a single for a band that made it 30 years ago,” van Gool said. 

Autographs are another great collectible, although they are not always extremely valuable, van Gool said. 

“The great thing about most heavy metal bands is that they are, in my opinion, more approachable than most other artists you can think of,” van Gool said. “The moment you start to act like a superstar, you’re gonna lose fans. Your fans need to feel like they can associate themselves with you.” 

That means the desire to bootleg signatures isn’t as high in the metal realm as in other genres of music, he said. 

When it comes to stage-worn clothing, pristine isn’t always the most desirable state, he added. 

“The more an item shows wear and tear, the better, because the more use a piece of attire has, the more it will tell you that the artist really enjoyed wearing that piece,” van Gool said. “When you get something that has makeup on it or smudges on it or hairspray on it, or, even better, bloodstains on it, that, in my opinion, definitely adds value.” 


The focus of The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction is near and dear to van Gool, who grew up listening to and collecting memorabilia from bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon. 

The sense of history associated with the memorabilia featured in this auction is staggering, Van Gool said. 

“You have to look at an individual piece, and you’ve gotta think about on how many stages this microphone stand has been, or what songs were recorded through this particular guitar, or how many photos have been made of this individual wearing this shirt or boots or whatever,” van Gool said. “It’s not just a shirt that’s on a mannequin that you photograph. There’s a little bit of history in front of you.” 

The auction lots are continuing to evolve, as many of the bands are first getting off the road from the hectic summer touring season. Confirmed headliners including the Al Jourgensen collection, which features everything from amps and road cases for guitars to microphone stands, pins, jackets, rings, sunglasses, gloves, hats and boots from the early 1980s until 2008. 

“You name it, it’s in there. He even included original master recordings from the early Ministry days,” van Gool said. 

When Ministry officially retired in 2008, it played its final farewell show in Ireland. A concert poster from that last show, signed by Jourgensen, also is in the auction. 

Whether you dig autographed records, signed posters or stage-worn attire from your favorite artists, the one thing that really matters at the end of the day is a piece’s provenance, van Gool said. 

Pantera, White Zombie, Metal Church, Exodus, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Whitesnake, Dio, Quiet Riot, Mr. Big, Winger, Nelson, Queensryche, Alice Cooper and Rainbow also are represented, he said. 

The final auction lineup will boast about 400 lots that range from concert photos sold with negatives and full rights, to vinyl, stage-worn clothing, backstage passes, concert posters and instruments.




For more details on The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction visit Backstage Auctions. The auction goes live on Halloween.