Tribute

TRIBUTE: ACE FREHLEY

There are some people in the world that leave such a lasting impact on many and that legacy will hold on forever. When you look back at rock n’ roll history the band KISS, is without a doubt, one of the biggest inspirations to so many that have picked up an instrument or started a band. Yes, KISS had the makeup and schtick to really make it something else but the real deal was the music and the songs. I can’t help but think about the very first KISS album and how that really changed everything. The album cover with all four faces of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter in their respective makeup. I can only imagine being a kid when that came out, going to the record store and buying it solely based on the cover art. Then you get it home and drop the needle down and track one is “Strutter?!” I mean how perfect does it get? As you listen through the first album, you hear banger song after another. From “Deuce,” “Cold Gin,” “Nothin’ To Lose,” “Let Me Know,” “100,000 Years,” and one of my all time favorite KISS songs, “Black Diamond.” When you speak of the best debut albums, this first KISS album has to be on the list and high up. The songs are there but, Ace Frehley really put his stamp on this album as well as all he played on. His guitar work is otherworldly. After all he is the “Spaceman.” The style he played with had such a swagger and looseness that really complemented Paul’s playing and the balance of rhythm between Gene and Peter. That Les Paul Ace had too, with the smoke coming out of it is so iconic. And how can you forget about his solos! While not “flashy” Ace played with a grace and freeness that only so many can. I had the great chance in 1998 on October 31st, to see KISS live at Dodger Stadium on their Reunion tour and for the Psycho Circus album. It was one of those shows I will always remember. A spectacle for damn sure but, KISS had a way a lot of the bands they inspired, to make you feel like you are right in front of the stage. I distinctly remember watching Ace that night and being in awe of the way he played and made it look so easy. Thank you Ace for all the years of great music, candidness and inspiring so many to pick up that instrument and start playing. Your impact and legacy is intact forever!

R.I.P. Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley (April 27, 1951- October 16, 2025)!

Kiss:

Hotter Than Hell:

Dressed To Kill:

Rock And Roll Over:

Destroyer:

Love Gun:

Psycho Circus:

ALIVE:

ALIVE II:

ACE 1978 SOLO ALBUM:

TRIBUTE: OZZY OSBOURNE

These are never easy to write. Especially when it’s someone that has played a huge role in your musical upbringing. Ever since I was a little kid, Ozzy has been a staple in my musical life. From the first time I heard his solo work, well first I saw videos on MTV, it got me rather interested in his music. Then I heard about Black Sabbath when I was about 5 or 6 and that changed it all. Black Sabbath with Ozzy had this dark, menacing sound that was unlike anything else. From their debut through Sabotage, you really can’t go wrong with the Ozzy catalog of Sabbath. Even his solo work be it with Randy Rhodes, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, or others took heavy music to other levels. Ozzy was more than just a singer he was the epitome of what being a “frontman” is all about in a band. The way Ozzy could get the crowd really going was a sight to see all on its own. When you saw and Ozzy show or even Sabbath, you knew you were getting not only a show but a night that would be remembered forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Ozzy a couple times in my life and he was nothing but, genuine, nice and personable. It’s a huge loss for his family and fans across the world. There will never be another Ozzy and that’s how it should be. He was one of one! An inspiration and influence on so many and a legend that will never die! The fact that Ozzy got to perform one last time and go out on his own terms is quite the way to go! My condolences go out to the entire Osbourne family and all the bandmates, and fans everywhere.

See You On The Other Side Ozzy!

Memorable Live Performances: Alice In Chains at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996

Today is April 5, 2021. 19 years ago today, Layne Staley died. Though, it wouldn’t be for another 2 weeks until his body was found in his home. It’s still a very sad thought in my mind. I even remember being a senior in high school when I heard about it, and I was devastated. Thankfully though, we still have all the great music Layne created and was a part of. In remembrance of what a talent Layne was, let’s celebrate him by doing something a tad bittersweet. What you have here is the very last concert (I’m not counting the unplugged show) Alice In Chains played with Layne in 1996. This show in particular was when Alice was asked to open up for KISS. Also, this is a fun note, the picture at the top is me in front of Layne’s house (his was the very top floor). Enjoy this show!!


Alice In Chains: Live at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996:


Tribute: Riley Gale of Power Trip

Tributes Pour in for Power Trip's Riley Gale

2020 sure has been a rough year. It’s like we are living in a really crazy episode of The Twilight Zone mixed with Idiocracy. Yesterday, it was announced that Riley Gale the singer of the band Power Trip had passed away (no cause of death has been mentioned as of yet). It’s incredibly sad and unsettling. Over the past few months, I had really started to get into his band Power Trip. The bands album, Nightmare Logic has been in constant rotation while I work from home. They had a real knack for making great thrash metal with the right amount of groove to it. And from all the live videos I’ve watched, they put on one hell of a show. Riley was on his way to being one of the best frontmen as well. His presence on stage and energy was undeniable. It’s truly a shame that he has passed. It kind of hits home a bit since he was so close to my age, which is a major bummer. Hopefully, if he was in any sort of pain, he can find peace now. I know I’ll be blasting his bands albums for a couple days!

 

Power Trip- Nightmare Logic:

 

Power Trip Live:

At House Of Strombo:

 

 

 

At The Electric Factory 2016:

 

 

At The Regent Theater 2019:

Live Show Recap: Caleb Scofield Memorial Show

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This is not a review, rather this is a recap of this magical show. Back in March of this year, Cave In bassist Caleb Scofield was tragically killed in a car accident. Since his passing, his peers have come together to raise funds for his family as well as celebrate Caleb’s legacy. This past evening at The Wiltern, the second tribute show to celebrate Caleb happened and it was something special.

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Tribute: Caleb Scofield of Cave In

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On March 28 the music world lost one of the most talented musicians. Caleb Scofield, the bassist for the underrated band Cave In as well as Old Man Gloom and his own project Zozobra, tragically passed away at age 39, in a devastating car accident in New Hampshire, when his truck burst into flames after crashing at high speed into a toll plaza. According to the report, police stated the truck was traveling north on the F.E. Everett Turnpike shortly after 1PM when he attempted to change lanes before entering the toll plaza and ended up crashing into the barrier.

Caleb was a tremendous player and will be greatly missed. His work in Cave In especially influenced and inspired countless bass players over the years. Personally, I borrowed many things from Caleb including his bass tone and that guttural scream of his. I’m glad I was able to see Cave In and Old Man Gloom. This is a great loss for those of us that are fans as well as his family and friends. There is a donation page up to help offset the funeral costs and for his wife and 2 kids. Condolences to his family and friends.

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Tribute: Chester Bennington

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This piece has taken me a while to write. Not because I was extremely influenced or inspired by Chester but rather, because I’ve never looked at Linkin Park other than a great marketed band. Throughout the past couple days since the news broke of Chester’s suicide, I took some time to really delve into Linkin Park and see if there was something I missed. That’s not what this piece is about though. Chester was a guy who put himself out there and that alone stands for something. There are so many people out there that shit on him and the band but, those are the people that never put themselves out there and tried.

Chester was a guy like many of us out there that has struggled with depression, addiction and other demons. Sure he was a celebrity but, that doesn’t change the fact that he was a person just like the rest of us. He suffered for many years with many ups and downs. He laid it all out there with his words and voice. Listening to their songs, you can really hear it in his performance. His desperation and suffering really showed through as the band continued on their journey. Not everyone is going to like the next thing a band does but, sometimes that doesn’t really matter. It’s about where you are in life and how you can continue to better yourself. Recently, Chester took a lot of the criticism of his bands new album One More Light very personally. The comments sections on the internet were full of disgusting negativity about the direction of the album. Chester directly addressed a lot of these critiques and it really got to him. Chester and Chris Cornell were also very good friends, so I’m sure he was struggling to come to terms with Chris’s death as well. It doesn’t matter how deep you try to bury the feelings you don’t want to feel, they tend to always come back and pick at you little by little in some way.

I’ve been deeply affected by other deaths in my life and this one has slowly crept in there. My wife was a big Linkin Park fan way back when, and I’ve seen her take this pretty hard. It’s never easy to lose someone that you are connected to on a specific wavelength. The power of music really does help save lives.

You don’t have to be a fan to feel the pain and anguish others are going through. I truly hope that those out there that are suffering and in need of help, can get it. Mental health isn’t a subject that should be brushed over. People need to really pay attention to what is happening. Take the time to show you care, and that you are there for those that you know are having a hard time.

 

A Place For My Head:

 

Faint (I’ve always thought this video was awesome):

 

From The Inside:

 

Leave Out All The Rest:

Cover Songs: Chris Cornell Tributes

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Since Chris Cornell’s unexpected passing last week, there has been a slew of bands paying tribute to him during their shows. I personally am still in shock over it and have been listening to Chris’s bands non stop.

Check out some of these tributes:

 
Living Colour- Blow Up The Outside World:

 

Live- I Am The Highway:

 

Stone Sour- Outshined:

 

The Pretty Reckless- Like A Stone:

Tribute: Chris Cornell

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I’m in absolute shock over the news of Chris Cornell. It’s mind boggling to think that he is gone. Chris had such a profound impact on rock music with his voice, lyrics, and songwriting. I would even put Chris on the list of greatest singers ever. I remember the first time I heard Soundgarden way back when I was a little kid around 7 or 8 and “Outshined” came on. I was mesmerized by it. My mom was really into it and she’s the one that went out and bought Bad Motor Finger. From that point, I was hooked on Soundgarden. I spent many a night when I was young listening to music and studying the lyrics of my favorites. Chris Cornell had such a poetic touch to his words. My personal favorite Soundgarden album is Down On The Upside. There is something about that album that really hits home. I can’t tell you what, but, there is something really magical about that record.

When I heard that Chris had joined forces with the remaining members of Rage Against The Machine, I was beyond excited. Then I heard “Cochise” and was instantly sold. Audioslave became such a great vehicle for Chris to expand his already poetic sensibilities, and share a different side of himself. It wasn’t until the bands last album Revelations, that Audioslave truly found their sound but, Chris really went for it lyrically and vocally on that album. Check out the songs “Wide Awake” and “Moth” and you’ll hear what I mean.

I feel lucky to have seen Chris perform 4 times over the years. Twice with Audioslave, once solo, and once with Soundgarden when they toured with Nine Inch Nails a few years ago. Chris was always great live. His presence on stage was gripping and captivating. I’ve had this thought for a while that, if Robert Plant really didn’t want to be a part of doing shows with Led Zeppelin that, they should get Chris Cornell to fill the spot. If you think about it, you know that would be something great and amazing.

Here’s to all the great music and words Chris left us. His legacy is intact with great songs and performances. I feel for his children. I hope at some point they can come to terms with this loss.

 

Here are a few of my favorite songs Chris has been a part of.

Soundgarden-

Burden In My Hand:

 

Fell On Black Days:

 

4th Of July:

 

Outshined:

 

Audioslave-

Cochise:

 

Wide Awake:

 

Moth:

 

Chris Solo-

 

Temple Of The Dog-

Say Hello To Heaven:

Happy Birthday Kurt Cobain

 

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Today is February 20, 2017, also what would have have been Kurt Cobain’s 50th birthday. I thought today would be a good day to pay tribute to him. Over the course of his short yet very influential career, Kurt’s music took on a different life. Listening back to Bleach, there was a healthy dose of pop sensibilities in that album. Kurt’s love of The Beatles, especially John Lennon really resonated with that album. By the time In Utero came out, his attitude towards what was happening in his life was a complete 180. The sharp and abrasive In Utero was logical and made the most sense in his mind. Rather than repeat the same things they did on Nevermind, Nirvana opted for raw and uncompromising  songs and production. I still think to this day that In Utero is Nirvana’s best studio album. One of the most poignant things Nirvana did in their career was the MTV Unplugged. Hearing those songs stripped down to the core, brought out a different side of Kurt and the band. If Kurt were still alive, I could see him doing acoustic tours and albums. Today is a day to look back and remember the music that helped to connect a generation and inspire so many.

Happy Birthday Kurt!

 

Here are my 10 favorite Nirvana songs (In No Particular Order):

 
01) Aneurysm:

 

02) Breed:

 

03) All Apologies:

 

04) The Man Who Sold The World (David Bowie Cover):

 

05) Pennyroyal Tea:

 

06) Heart Shaped Box:

 

07) You Know You’re Right:

 

08) Scentless Apprentice:

 

09) Drain You:

 

10) Something In The Way: