Yo, DJ.....HIT ME!!

[Johann]

I don't know where that original thread went.

Here's another one.
Let's kick it off with a kick-ass track from Miss Holly Golightly, shall we?
I'm only the second one to comment on it on youtube..
Where is people's taste in music?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POcYElILhxo

[Johann]

My favorite version of "Heroes".
What a jam.
Bowie, live and classy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYjBQKIOb-w

[Johann]

My favorite track off the B-52's new album Funplex has been given a Ken Anger-inspired video.

Love it to death!
This song is the sound of the summer for me...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JcisCeVYz4

[Johann]

Nirvana.
Rockin' in Rio 1993




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3limq8huF80

[Johann]

I just read an article about Little Steven and his speech about the state of the music business "No one's buying records? It's because they suck!" and I have to agree.

It seems as though no bands today have the passion or the grit to learn to play covers or do even decent records. It was pointed out that music is considered a "throwaway" commodity nowadays and it's tremendously sad. The internet has cheapened the music in a huge way.

It was also pointed out in that article that in the old days, in order to be even halfway decent as a performer/band you had to WORK at it, you had to put your time in, hammer it out in a garage or in dingy clubs in Hamburg. What do we have today?
Nintendo generation clowns who think they're cool when they strap on a guitar and play some shitty shit they "felt" in their soul?
The Muse of what? X-Box? PS3?

The greatest example I can think of how bands should approach being "cutting edge" or "on the vanguard" is the White Stripes.
Here is a band that have raw, unvarnished passion and are not afraid to get right to it. They jam like two people on a great mission, man. Just about everything they've done has impressed me in some way. They know music history, they know why they're making the music, they PRACTICE (you can tell that from miles offshore) and they know how to deliver the goods live, which is where you really separate the men from the boys.

Henry Rollins said it: if you can't do it without a backing tape, if you can't get up there and deliver something juicy and rockin' without all kinds of technical gadgets or wizardry then you suck.
Plain and simple. You suck donkey cock if you're a "singer" and you need to lip synch. You suck HUGE on that one. I have no time for phony garbage "artists" like that. Come back to the arena when you're voice is ready to be delivered into a microphone, which will blend with sounds coming from instruments, played by musicians. It adds greatly to the idea of being taken seriously.

I could go on for pages and pages here but I'm sure you get my drift. Just think about how the Byrds or the Zombies are so real and awesome compared to Miley Cyrus...

[Johann]

The genius artist Beck, channelling his inner Jimi...

Why don't you kill me?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l3_gwIOTGI

[Johann]

A little DK's action, boys and girls?

Let's move 'em out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDehTfim014

[Johann]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIuOLU_iKLA

[Johann]

Best rap song I've ever heard (besides "Miuzi Weighs a Ton" by Public Enemy).
Biggie was a poet. A poet-rapper.
His rhymes are the deadliest I've ever heard from any man.
He was the zenith of rap even though I'm not crazy about his image. He was light years better than a million others.
This is the original version of Dead Wrong, without Eminem's vocals.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVLdM_QO3OQ

[Johann]

Another clip of the Legendary Holly GoLightly, one of the few women on this planet that I would change my life to better suit her mood...

She played in Toronto last year at the Horseshoe Tavern and I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for when she comes back. (I missed her last year and it's a damn tragedy)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjK_3mLAQlQ&feature=related

And click on the version of "gettin' high for Jesus"- it's great too!

[Johann]

The Immaculate, Immortal Bob Marley:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC_WG4nqgFE

[Johann]

Probably the most entertaining opening monologue I've ever seen:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAvpSdfYAlI

[Johann]

Fantastic cover of Horace Andy's "skylarking" by Barrington Levy:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiVs9mG8O_c

[Johann]

Since I'm in a reggae mood today, gotta listen to the greatest of the greats: the Mighty, Mighty Tenor Saw.

This is possibly the best reggae track ever laid down, better than Bob or Dennis Brown or Gregory Isaacs or Willie Williams.
(My opinion only! I'm sure everybody's got their faves)
Seriously, this is one Monster Reggae jam that just sends a fucking jolt right through me.
Makes me want to move to Negrille and smoke weed on the beach all day...haha

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRCao607WH4


Ring the Alarm
ANOTHER SOUND IS DYING

[Johann]

Here's a hilarious video by Spike Jonze, featuring the New Zealanders "Flight of the Conchords"
Laughed pretty hard at this...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wl_uQOABxg

[Johann]

And Fatboy Slim video w/ Christopher Walken:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZbckwYY9r4

[Johann]

This track was called the greatest song to ever come out of Liverpool. (according to John Lennon)

The Searchers. "Sweets for my Sweet"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HafWboPIXyE

[Johann]

A great medley from 1969: The Hollies

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAyZQHbAz6M

[Johann]

Jan and Dean.
Awesome track: "Dead Man's Curve"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=45Ts4mGIVW4

[Johann]

Honeycombs: "Have I The Right"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9C3tZwDpx4

[Johann]

The Byrds

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8gBysv5gYQ

[Johann]

Great Beatles interview from 1963- Dublin, Ireland

www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-8zWS1kpxI

[Johann]

I wish I could tune in every Sunday night to Little Steven's Underground Garage. I taped his show last night on Q107 and it was awesome (as usual- that man has the greatest taste in music).

Last night's show was all about "the Girls of Summer", songs about Mamie van Doren, Nancy Sinatra, etc.
What a great show to listen to with a few cold ones.
You're the man, Steven!
Best radio show on earth...

He even had plugs from Maria Bartaromo (with Joey Ramone song!) and Catwoman Julie Newmar.
CLASS...

[Johann]

My favorite song by the Zombies: "Tell Her No"
I love when his voice picks up on the second verse:
"I know she's the kind of girl who'll throw my love away..."
Greatness.
The Zombies were BOSS.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cYdH46HqpE& feature=related

[Johann]

Here are two rarely-listened-to-anymore tracks, 2 covers of amazing Beatles songs, one by Peter and Gordon, the other by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdvormrGHDg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-kcJVLvFSc

[Johann]

Mr. Neil Young has never won a Grammy.
But today it was annouced that in January 2010 he will be honored for his 40+ years of genius.

About fucking time.
The man is a Canadian music Legend.
I'm still in shock that he's never won a single Grammy.
Grammys don't mean much anyway.
Henry Rollins gave his away.

[Johann]

Bought a ticket to see The Cult on Sept. 14th at Massey Hall.
Can't wait. I love the Cult. Mystical rock, Man..

It will be a show right smack in the middle of TIFF.
Wild. Hearted. Son.

[Johann]

'Love' LIVE
THE CULT at Massey Hall


Greatest concert I've ever seen.
And I've seen a few, brotha.
(EDIT: THE STOOGES show at NXNE 2010 has eclipsed the Cult show for me. That's the truth.)


I've never been inside Massey Hall until last night (Sept. 14/09).
It is an amazing place, with an amazing historical vibe.
It's considered Canada's Royal Albert Hall, with a vast array of artists and bands who've claimed to play there.
If you play Massey Hall, chances are you're pretty damn good at what you do.

The show began at around 8pm, with opening local act LIONESS, a three piece, with a sultry, sexy black female singer whose name I don't know and who can wail like Grace Slick and has a beautiful afro. She was dressed in a black top with frills and black skin-tight spandex pants. She was very hot and a great, great singer.
She was accompanied by a drummer and guitarist, who came out with skull masks on. The drummer also had one of those lighted t-shirts, that blink. He could pound those drums like a warrior...
Great drumming. I'd never heard of this group, but it was powerful, psychedelic and it fit in well with the vibe of the CULT.
I can see why they approved of them to open for them.
They got loud applause and I'm sure sold a few CD's.
(I didn't buy one but maybe I should have).

The Cult made us wait in tension-filled excitement for about 45 minutes while their stage was set up. Their crew were wicked fast, but it still took 45 minutes to set it all up, complete with huge big screen to project their backdrop films, which were so awesome I can barely describe it.
9:30 they hit the stage.

[Johann]

Ian Astbury doesn't get the recognition he should.
He is one of the greatest singers/frontmen in the history of rock.
His voice can bring down the walls of Jericho, if you ask me.
Just listen to the track he did with Tony Iommi and Brian May of Queen called "FLAME ON"- it's one of my fave tracks of all time.
Just deadly-ass awesome.

They played the whole 'LOVE' album and then some.
Some tracks from 'ELECTRIC' and "BORN INTO THIS' as well.
Billy Duffy is a guitarist who even Jimi Hendrix would probably say has serious chops. No shit man, I'm telling you, he absolutely shredded up there. He blew peoples' minds. Mine included.
You just stand back in awe that he can still wield that axe the way he does...pushing 30 years since they began as "SOUTHERN DEATH CULT".
The whole band are tight as fuck. (Probably because this show was right in the middle of the tour, the only Canadian date- they are POLISHED MAN!). The drummer John T. was a workhorse. I was amazed at his skill and stamina. I kept thinking "holy shit, they are going to conquer Europe after this?! How does he fucking do it?" The first show in Europe is Portugal.

What I really loved was the presence the Cult had up there.
As soon as they came out, the whole building rose to it's feet.
They had to.
Serious fans were there, and they were in the front. They stood up immediately, and everybody else had to follow suit. I know for a fact that a lot of these soft, pudding belly peeps in the rear would've loved to have stayed sitting, sipping their beers.

But they were at a fucking rock concert and they should've gotten off their asses. Ian at one point mid-way through the set looked up at the left balcony and saw some people sitting down and said "Get the fuck out of your seats, you lazy bastards! Jesus FUCKING Christ! This is Acid Rock!" and he also laid into the fuckheads who kept taking cell phone pictures:
GET RID OF YOUR FUCKING PHONES! Fucking men with their fucking cell phone cameras....

The films shown on the backdrop were surreal, psychedelic and absolutely beautiful. Colored images and juxtapositions, flowing on and on, through the whole set. Indians...horses...clips from Kurosawa's Seven Samurai...it was incredible. The best film montage I've seen. Best film of TIFF. Period.
Fuck all those industry wankers!
Fuck 'em all!
I saw Legends.

[Johann]

Saw Metallica last night at the Air Canada Centre.
Sold out.
Holy Mother of God what a concert.
I'm too hung over to write anything decent about it except to say that I felt that I was at a battle cry of gigantic proportions.
I've never been in a crowd that large before- with so many people into it. The music was sheer power, delivered with mighty chops. I had a fairly crappy view of the stage (for a $90 ticket that sux)--- I couldn't see the faces of the band members, just their bodies.
Oh well, I was there and it seems unreal...


You've reached the end of the LINE.

[Johann]

I bought a ticket to see WEEN on July 29th at Kool Haus. Can't wait. Will post about it.
Love those guys.
I'm hoping to maybe smoke a J with Gene or Dean afterwards...here's hoping!
:)

[Johann]

My head was blown clean off my shoulders last Thursay night (July 29/2010).
I saw the Mighty WEEN do a mind-bending show at the Kool Haus.

I've never seen them live and I was told by a longtime fan after the show that that was the best show he'd ever seen them do (and he'd been to 16 of their concerts!)
No opening act.
It was all WEEN, and what they did was both EPIC and SOUL-SHAKING.

I knew Dean Ween was a great guitar player from the CD's I have but I was not prepared for the sonic onslaught he delivered that night.
Very few electric guitarists are compared to Jimi Hendrix seriously: Stevie Ray Vaughn, for one. But Dean Ween is a man who can unequivocably be compared to the Mighty Jimi.
(and Deaner was born just a couple days after Jimi died. Coincidence? Ween's manager told me that via a recent e-mail)
The psychedelic sounds he pulled from his guitar were proof positive that Dean has the Jimi-style chops. I even said to myself that Jimi himself would've nodded in approval. Dean was all over the fretboard, all over the strings- he flew it at us just like Jimi did- a fearless, courageous musician who MEANT IT.

WEEN are the best band you've never heard of.
They've been around for quite a while and have quite a fan following, but they are largely an unknown Mega Music Force to be reckoned with.
I only got into them seriously about 4 years ago, and none of my friends like them or have even heard of them.
All I gotta say is go to youtube after you've smoked a chonger or drank a six pack of 9% beer and type in the following songs:

1. Booze me up and get me high (Live in Chicago 2003)
2. Ocean Man (my fave track from their Masterpiece album "THE MOLLUSK")
3. MY OWN BARE HANDS- another fave track of mine from "LA CUCARACHA"--it's just sheer awesome power, with Dean barking the lyrics out like Lemmy from Motorhead.
4. Piss Up a Rope- the best country break-up song ever (brace yourself- it's loaded with expletives and nasty sentiments)
5. All of My Love (Zeppelin cover= Gene Ween sings close to Robert Plant- Live in Chicago 2003)

I just realized that this list could become a 700+ song screed (if you include bootlegs, and you MUST lol)

They did a cover of David Bowie's "LET'S DANCE" and for the encore did a brilliant version of "OHIO" by Neil Young.
Blew my head clean off.
It was exactly what a Live show should be- teeming with energy and power.
They had a good time up there (no wonder- those songs are so great to listen to that I imagine playing them would be NIRVANA). Some big balloons somehow got tossed around the audience and ended up on stage a few times, with Dean asking "what is this, the Flaming Lips?? what's with the balloons?"
They also did a great punk-rock type track that I'd only heard for the first time that night: "DR. ROCK"- just kick-your-ass-AWESOME.

What can I say? I was blown away by that band and I'm a die-hard WEEN fan now.
I was just a casual fan before, but now my fanboy allegiance is ironclad for the Boognish

LINK TO PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=622980066#!/album.php?aid=239737&id=622980066



BOOZE ME UP AND GET ME HIGH
(why don't you give it a try?)

[Johann]

PUBLIC ENEMY have a brand-new single out, to be included on the much-anticipated box set from these rap Legends.

It's another revolutionary anthem, with the imitable Chuck D. rhymin' as hard as usual (who I had the ultimate honor of seeing live in person last year and get his autograph- I got pics to prove it).

Song's called "SAY IT LIKE IT REALLY IS"

I'd link to it but the URL is too long. but here's youtube:

www.youtube.com.

Just type it in. And then start pumpin' your angry fist...

[Johann]

Thank you Jack and Meg White.
Somewhat sad news today.

Now that you are no longer a band, I want to thank you for your amazing music and art.
I had the priviledge to see you both Live at the 2007 Bluesfest in Ottawa Canada and will take that show to the grave.
(and your Canadian tour album & film were Incredible gifts to the world (and Canada especially).

Many many thanks from a fan.

[Johann]

The kick-off to the 2011 Ottawa Jazzfest was Incredible last night.
I had the historic honor of seeing the frontman for Led Zeppelin and his Band of Joy deliver some of the sweetest music ever made.
And I didn't pay a dime.

No, I didn't hop any fences or scale any walls to see the Golden God. I just stood on the Mackenzie King bridge, with about 200 others, looking down on the open-air stage in Confederation Park. It was Glorious.
An unknown band opened the show at 8PM, and by quarter after nine the Band of Joy began their set with a sensuous bluegrass version of Zep's Black Dog. Incredible. Everybody there was pumped up. I admit I'm not familiar with Band of Joy's songs or new album. I only knew "Angel Dance", a staple on classic rock radio these days. Angel Dance was the third song of their set. Mr. Plant spoke to the crowd after the song:
Good people of Ottawa! It's great to be back! Giant roar from the crowd.


He looked like a million bucks. Black satin shirt with intricate purple designs, long blonde locks (STILL!) and he can still sway and move like a jellyfish in the sea. I noticed some ladies getting all hot and bothered at Plant's visage. Not Bad Robert! You can still make the ladies moist. HA HA

And by Zeus, his voice is still as powerful and rich as it ever was. A guy in his sixties turned to me and said "Do you hear that voice?!!?! it's still as great as the records!" I said "I know, I know". Plant's oh-so-familiar vocals soared over the ottawa night sky, which, I must add was absolutely perfect for the show. We had the most ominous black clouds hanging in the sky to the north. Everybody was bracing for a downpour at any time. But amazingly, the clouds kept moving briskly East, and the sky broke with white clouds during the set. Thunder "thundered" and rumbled a few times, we had little flickers of lightning in the sky, with someone shouting "the opening act!!" at the weather.
And we had no rain.
Until..
the set was over, the whole band takes a bow and Plant said "Good night! A Beautiful Evening! Keep in touch!"
The crowd got REAL loud for an encore, and then they came back out to the stage.
GALLOWS POLE blew our minds. People went apeshit when that song began. It was EPIC.
And guess what happens just after the song begins?
The rain POURED like a mofo.
The old guy beside me said "I can get soaked for that man".

They only did the one song for an encore. But it was all we needed.
Robert said "That's All, GOODNIGHT!"
and the exodus of peeps heading home began.
Glad I was there to see a Rock Icon in the flesh. It was beautiful.

[Johann]

The setlist:

Black Dog (Led Zeppelin)
Down To The Sea
Angel Dance (Los Lobos cover)
What Is and What Should Never Be (Led Zeppelin)
House of Cards (Linda and Richard Thompson cover)
Somewhere Trouble Don't Go (Buddy Miller cover)
Monkey
A Satisfied Mind (Porter Wagoner cover)
Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down (Uncle Tupelo cover)
Ocean of Tears (Patti Griffin cover)
Black Country Woman
In The Mood
Please Read The Letter (Page & Plant cover)


Encore:
Gallows Pole (Led Zeppelin)

[Johann]

The 2011 Ottawa Bluesfest had serious acts/artists on the lineup, and I caught a few.
I didn't want to post anything about it until the fest was over. It was a great festival with a truly freakish accident of an end.
On the last night of the festival (Sunday) a massive storm just swept in like a tornado and the main stage just collapsed.
But there were no casualties. It could have been much worse, but everyone got out alive.
Cheap Trick had just finished their song "I Want You To Want Me" when the stage was evacuated by stagehands and power was cut.
Within seconds of everyone getting off the stage, it came down like a house of cards.
3 people got banged up, but all 3 are out of hospital. (One was the driver for Cheap Trick)

I was at Lebreton Flats for 10 of the 14 days of the festival, and I bought two day passes (one to see Buddy Guy and one for the Tea Party).
I support this festival 100%. It's something extremely positive for the city, and it really has transformed the formerly barren and apocalyptic Lebreton Flats. City Hall can actually be praised for how the Lebreton Flats redevelopment turned out. It's a nice area now.
With the Canadian War Museum and the river right there...sunsets are nice. Also nice are the pathways for biking and walking. And without naming other cities, the people on the bike paths in Ottawa are WAY more polite. Trust me. Not naming names, but some cities have rude mofos on bike/walk/rollerblade paths. Nice guys may finish last, but rude motherfuckers can go straight to hell. Where they can bask in it.
And even though this Bluesfest rocks in lots of ways, I must also give a heads up to anyone planning to visit Ottawa for the festival in the future.
There are some downsides, including RUDE people. (like I endured for the Tea Party show- will explain)

Food and drinks are too expensive. But, like multiplexes, that's how they make their money. Not on the music/merch. On the concessions.
On the alcohol. Everyone knows this, so if you want to get sloshed, bring a wallet of cash or drink a mickey at home before you head to the festival. Saves you money and you'll probably be more sloshed, Mang. LOL
It's a festival of music! Who hates them? Drink up!
As Ice Cube rapped on his Masterpiece I AM THE WEST:
DRINK RESPONSIBLY. OR DRINK CONSTANTLY. BE WHO YOU WANNA BE. IN THIS ECONOMY.

The Buddy Guy show was probably the best thing I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of amazing concerts.
The Doors (Ray & Robby), The Cult, Slayer, Van Morrison, Dylan, D.O.A., Henry Rollins, Metallica, the Stooges, Ween, Dwight Yoakam, Tragically Hip, Roger Waters, The White Stripes, Paul McCartney, etc etc.

Buddy Guy was better than all of them.

His guitar playing is fantastic for a man in his 70's.
The solos...Great God Almighty those solos..especially the one on "I'm 74 Years Young"- listen to that and tell me that that solo doesn't melt your face off.
He introduced it by saying "I'm 74 fuckin' years young!!!!
The crowd was in awe and in the palm of his hand for the whole night.
At one point Buddy said "I hate to go...I could play all night!"

[Johann]

Buddy Guy was on the Subway stage (yes, this festival is no different from any other- corporate to the MAX) and halfway through his set he introduced a 12-year old kid named Quinn Sullivan.

And would you believe that this kid can do Buddy's solos? Jimi Hendrix's solos? Eric Clapton's solos?
We all witnessed him do it.
Our jaws dropped watching this KID- a 12 year-old KID- shred like a BEAST.
Buddy jammed with him for a bit and then he gave up and tossed his hands in the air and smiled and walked away, shaking his head, as if to say
"Forget it, this kid is too much...he's from Mars..."

Between a song Buddy introduced him, saying that Quinn was 7 when he started playing guitar to Buddy's CD's.
7 years old!
Then he said "Watch this kid...when I was 12, I could barely play the radio! When Hendrix went to England, that's when he started to go for the sound effects with his guitar. That's when he was REALLY hot....now watch this kid......"

and then Quinn did the riffage for Voodoo Child (Slight Return). We all were like: "HOLY DOGSHIT....."
It was amazing. I'll see if I can find a good youtube clip..
I took some photos for each show and I'll post a link when I have 'em ready.

Another heads-up: I know festivals are festivals and many people like to "smoke up" at the shows.
But one thing that annoys the living hell out of me is seeing really young kids exposed to it in such vast quantity.
And even worse, smoking it themselves. I saw it, and I was angry at their parents. Where are they/were they?
I would never light up a J in front of a kid.
Maybe my OWN kid, but only if it's in the garage and he's 17 years old...
The Tea Party show and the Buddy Guy shows were literal smoke-fests. Weed was everywhere.
The only time I smoked AT a show was the Doors- and security was on my ass in a minute.
I would never even BRING it to a show for fear of having it taken, being charged, missing the concert I paid a lot of cash to see, etc etc.
A whole host of reasons. So yeah, I'd suggest considering this aspect of the festival circuit seriously before you go.
I saw GRANDMOTHERS wincing and choking at the Tea Party show at the amount of ganja smoke in the air.
It was embarrassing, and I wasn't even smokin' the shit. THIS WILL NOT STAND, MAN.... LOL


The Tea Party are a Canadian group that I used to despise. When they first came out (1993) I was livid that someone could rip off Jim Morrison's look and style and mannerisms so totally. But I've since become a fan. Jeff Martin can sing, he can write good songs, and yes, his stage presence is dark and "poetic" like Morrison and his guitar playing style is very similar to Jimmy Page. Jimmy Page is a friend of his- he has the man's phone number and has been to his home in Los Angeles many times- it's public record- and Mr. Page actually taught Jeff how to use the bow and how to master the double-necked electric guitar. He got personal lessons. So if having Jimmy Page as a teacher still doesn't impress you, then consider that the man can play over 40 different instruments- from around the world. Everything from a Sitar to a Sarod. Jim Morrison could barely play the maracas...
The way I came around to the Tea Party was "If they're taking cues from Zeppelin and the Doors, how fucking terrible is that? Does the music ROCK? Yes. Yes it does. Proof is in the ears..."

They broke up in 2005, and just a few short weeks ago the three members were in a room together for the first time in 6 years.
You'd never know it from the show they put on. They played hits from THE EDGES OF TWILGHT, SPLENDOR SOLIS, TRANSMISSION, and SEVEN CIRCLES, all solid albums. Well worth your time. These are professional musicians, and I wish their critics would nut up and recognize that fact.
This band has been called pretentious, fake, a total rip-off, scams, art/crap rock, etc..but none of it sticks.
3 men. One giant sound. They can bang. I saw them in 2003 at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver and they closed their set with "WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE"- a version that in my opinion blew the Gunners away. I'm actually praying for that Live track to be included on a box set sometime in the future..they've gotta have that in their vaults somewhere....


I loved the show they put on. "WE'RE BAAAAAAACK" said Jeff at one point.
The women outnumbered the men ten to one, easily. They all love that guy Jeff Martin. I'll admit the guy's got a Johnny Depp vibe going on.
But they love him so much that they become rude bitches.
I was shoved from side to side to back to front, other people had their drinks spilled on them, elbows in the ribs, all because rude BITCHES, yes, BITCHES, want to jostle to see Jeff Martin a little better or closer. Get real. If you wanted to see him so badly, you would've been front row, hours ago, when the grounds were opened at 6pm!
But no, you arrive fashionably late, half-drunk, delirious and ditzy at seeing a lead singer, and proceed to become a chick-zilla who elbows all who are in her way.
There wasn't just one. There was about 3 dozen of these "girls" whose behavior could be accepted at a Bieber concert, but not at a Rock show with Class like this.
I was hoping Jeff would stop the show and say "Hey! Stop pushing and shoving! We're all here to have a good time..." but alas, not to be. So I went to the east side of the stage until I just couldn't be in the mob anymore. I missed the last 4 songs. I loved the music tho.
Thumbs up for this years fest, even with all the crappy stuff.

[Johann]

The other major acts headlining this years' festival were
John Fogerty I heard him play, but didn't see him- I was at the Museum for the day and I heard his set- he still sounds great.
Blue Rodeo- very mellow and enchanting set from them- I saw it on the jumbotron.
Cancer Bats- screamo-shit. Says they are punk rock, but all I heard was screaming
Billy Talent- crappy kiddy rock to me. Not my style at all.

and the biggest surprise (and were probably better than the Tea Party, now that I think about it) was the group from Indiana that just preceded the Tea Party:
Reverend Peyton and his BIG DAMN BAND.
The Rev. Josh Peyton is 30 years old and he plays the best slide guitar I've heard since Daniel Lanois.
His wife Breezy played a washboard, which she proceeded to light on fire at the end of the set (a la Hendrix) and smash it to pieces on the stage (a la Who). Their sound is "unclassifiable"- a direct quote- but the Reverend said between songs that they are indeed "Country/Blues".
So there.
I'll post a link to one of his songs: "Sure Feels Like Rain". It's awesome.

Joe Satriani was due to close the festival, but due to the stage collapse and cancellation, he never got to play.

[Johann]

I went out Friday night intending to see a movie and then I heard that heavy metal Legends

ANVIL were playing for Juno Award weekend at The Great Canadian Cabin.
Had to go.
Can't miss Anvil, Man!
Fukeneh!

They went on at one in the morning and played only 40 minutes. Opening acts were Monster Truck and Doll, both solid bands.
I'd never seen Anvil Live, but I have seen the documentary on their story, which is great- BUY IT NOW!
They only did 4 songs, and METAL ON METAL was the piece de resistance.
Lots of brews in my belly by the time the band hit the stage, and I was blown away by their sonic onslaught.
Lips was off the map- all over the stage, an absolute animal.
And those drums were about as sonically perfect as an inebriated man like myself could hope for.

I bought a tee and their latest CD: JUGGERNAUT OF JUSTICE- WELL WORTH YOUR TIME KIDDIES.......
:)

[Johann]

I've also bought my ticket to see Henry Rollins speak on June 13th.

Every time I've sent him an e-mail he's replied. He's just really down-to-earth, no-bullshit. He acknowledges fans and answers any question you ask, as long as you're not someone wasting his precious time.

This tour is called THE LONG MARCH TOUR, and I'm in awe of how many shows he does in sucession- his stamina and discipline impress me to no end. He's doing a spoken word show at Dominion-Chalmers church on Cooper street in Ottawa, and if you're in the neighborhood, BE THERE to hear a Great Man tell you things that are good for your head.

[Johann]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhpVtNw7hd4


A little ANVIL for ya.

FUKENEH!

[Johann]

No offence intended, just sheer toe-tapping AWESOMENESS of psychobilly genius:


www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysNlke8VKN4

[Johann]

The Cockroaches are amazing and they're from Montreal Canada. Trying to find their self-titled CD is almost impossible. I found it for $40.
I don't know if they are still in existence or what. Their CD is out of print.
I wish YouTube had the song "Long Blonde Hair", but this'll have to do..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBGLXVzy4C8

[Johann]

A friend of mine schooled me on psychobilly music, and I'm hooked now.

You want badass music?
Listen to Mad Sin (German psychobilly band), Tiger Army (w/ Nick 13), The Brains, Guana Batz, Nekromantix (they have a COFFIN bass!), Horrorpops, The Mutilators and the Grand Daddy band of them all,

THE METEORS- the original psychobilly band. There are legions of others, but these are a great start to this bastard child of Carl Perkins.

[Johann]

DIG IT. CRANK IT.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4olhKnhhxEg

[Johann]

And here's the Legendary Wendy O. Williams, getting you up off your knees. You'll Suck. Seed.
(and check out the Plasmatics if you have a shred of cool in you)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zgdfi9dk7w

[Johann]

An announcement has been made that would, under most circumstances, make me go berzerk with Joy.
But sadly, I have to condemn it.
BLACK FLAG, the Iconic hardcore punk band are re-forming this year for one show in August.
WITHOUT Henry Rollins.

And that my friends, is an Unforgivable Sin. And I'll explain why.

Greg Ginn is the founder and Lead guitarist for Black Flag. He is a musical Genius. That much is not EVER in question.
However, he has never paid any royalties to any band member. No one.
I have exchanged e-mails with Henry last year and he replied to me that he doesn't need the money as he's very fortunate with his tours and shows and publishing company. But there are OTHER members of Black Flag who aren't doing so hot and could use some cash.
Greg Ginn has been referred to as someone who "Only plays Offence, never Defence", and Henry has said many times that Greg Ginn is "Black Flag Incorporated"- I have dropped quite a lot of money into Greg's coffers (SST Records)- I have everything Black Flag ever did- EVERYTHING. They are my second favorite band next to The Doors.
Greg must have made millions and millions since 1986.
And he's never thrown any band members a royalty bone. It's astounding.
Henry told me in an e-mail that Greg is, in legal speak, IN BREACH.

And here Greg is, resurrecting the band that he quit! He called Henry and told him HE was quitting in late '86, something Henry found very odd, as it was Greg's band. Obviously without Greg there is no Black Flag. And there hasn't been a Black Flag band since then.
They did a reunion show disaster awhile back without Henry. People wanted their money back.
Ron Reyes will be the singer for the August 2013 gig. I have no problem with Ron, but the best Flag songs (besides first frontman Kieth Morris' days) are with HENRY. That is an ironclad fact. My favorite BF songs are ones with Henry on the mic:
MY WAR
BLACK COFFEE
ANNIHILATE THIS WEEK
IN MY HEAD
and on and on...

Henry has said he doesn't want to re-tread the past, but I think that was more out of sheer frustration and embarrassment over Greg Ginn and his Chronic Habits.
Greg is an asshole.
I hate to run down one of my Heroes, as Black Flag are an INVINCIBLE band to me, but without paying a SOUL a royalty, Greg sux donkey cock.

And hey, I know the band made no money in the 80's- but since the group broke up, the sales of Black Flag swag and LP's went through the ROOF! And Henry Rollins was the one who made me buy em, just like many many other fans. So Greg is an asshole.
I wonder what the hell he is doing with this re-forming of the band. Selling more merch?

I disgusts me. The band IS Greg's- he can do whatever he wants. But his Legacy wasn't accomplished without help.
Think about that before you get jacked up about the TYRANNUSAURUS REX of HARDCORE doing a gig this year....

[Johann]

NOW I can go berzerk with Joy.


Chuck Dukowski, the original bassist for Black Flag has basically given the middle finger to Greg Ginn, by forming FLAG, with original singer Kieth Morris (the first and best Black Flag vocalist- of the Circle Jerks), Dez Cadena- another BF singer from the Glory days- and drummer Bill Stevenson.

They play Toronto on June 20th at the Opera House. Will I be there? Does the Pope think he's catholic?
They will be performing Black Flag songs.

Henry Rollins is conspicuously absent, but I understand why.
He has said he has no happy memories from his Black Flag days and that he does not want to re-tread the past.

I think my soul will explode at the FLAG gig.....I can't believe I'll be seeing 4 original members Live....

[Johann]

One thing I love about Toronto is that all the big bands play here.

The Rolling Stones play here next month (I couldn't get a ticket to save my life), Patti Smith has a "Camera Solo" exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario until July (I will not miss that- I wanted a ticket to see her perform Live at the AGO but guess what? SOLD OUT.)
The Specials play Kool Haus soon (love that group! THIS TOWN IS RUNNIN' LIKE A GHOST TOWN...), Bad Brains play June 13th, and Glenn Danzig will play at Sound Academy- gotta be there for that gig- guitarist DOYLE from the Misfits will join him.

But the show of the year for me is FLAG, with Kieth Morris, Dez Cadena, Bill Stevenson and The DUKE, Chuck Dukowski on bass playing the Immortal songs of Black Flag. I already have my ticket, and I got it a week before they went on sale. First on the stack! number 0000001!
You say you're a Black Flag fan?
Well I got the first ticket, Bitch.
You're not as big a fan as me.
Sad that there's no Henry Rollins on the mic, but I know exactly why. It's no mystery.
And Greg Ginn?
He alienated everyone in the punk world.
It's astounding.
Greg....your Genius Legend Status has taken a Massive hit.
But you probably don't care, right?

[Johann]

FLAG at NXNE


I had the incredible honor of seeing heroes of mine play immortal hardcore music at the Opera House in Toronto for NXNE.
FLAG, Chuck Dukowski's touring version of Black Flag (minus co-founder Greg Ginn) played for 1 hour and destroyed all comers.
Stephen Egerton and Bill Stevenson from the Descendents (and Bill was Black Flag's drummer for a while) joined Dez Cadena and Chuck and original frontman Keith Morris to deliver an Epic setlist of classic Flag tunes. I was in heaven, it was just sheer nirvana.

The crowd was a mixed bag, with youngsters and old "vets" who saw these guys in their prime. One 50+ guy in particular made himself look like a total jackass by telling Keith to "stop talking" the first time he spoke to the crowd. I'm surprised Keith didn't kick him in the face.
The guy was a drunk, greasy old punk. I hope he wasn't from Toronto. He made us look bad.
Keith was talking about Hermosa Beach, and how there isn't much cool to do there except surf and look at girls in bikinis when that idiot shouted "stop talking!" Keith looked at him and said "What?" The guy shouted again: "stop talking!"
Keith just said "OK, I'll just take my mic and go. I'll listen to you..." Fuck what an idiot he was.
The "fans" who stage-dived were morons. I couldn't believe they got up onstage (repeatedly) and stage-dived, bumping into Stephen as he played, no compass, drunk on their asses- one of them, he looked like a 16-year old muslim with a hand-made Black Flag tee and red headband, got up multiple times and bumped into Chuck like a total moron- at one point Keith singled him out- "HEY YOU! with the red headband! You don't have to get up here and manhandle Chuck!" What does the kid do? He climbs up onstage and hugs Chuck! Chuck just shrugged at Keith. Amazing. Chuck did some bass noodling and Keith tells him to stop: "You can do your bass solo later..."

Bill was on a riser, behind his impressive Yamaha drumkit. He was like the Rock of Gibraltar. Precision and Perfection on drums. The Ultimate Anchor Man.
Hearing those songs Live was almost too much for me. It was like I'd died and gone to heaven. No joke.
They played all the "hits", if you can call them "hits":
Revenge, Padded Cell (sung by Dez), My War, Jealous Again, Clocked In, Fix Me, Wasted, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Rise Above, Police Story (also sung by Dez, he dedicated it to "the guy at the border", American Waste, No More, Thirsty & Miserable, No Values, Six Pack, Louie Louie and for the encore they did two:
DAMAGED I- Incredible to hear that one and even more incredible to hear I LOVE YOU from the My War Lp- I was very surprised that they chose that one. Keith said before they started the encore that they intended to play those 2 songs as the crowd were filing out of the venue, but it was clear that no one was gonna leave until FLAG were off the stage for good.

I took photos (they'll be up on Facebook sometime soon) and I got my Rise Above CD sleeve signed by Chuck- he wrote "MY LIFE IS THEIR DISEASE. AIN'T NO PHASE" (Henry Rollins and THE DUKE have signed my CD sleeve!!!) and I also got a photo and chatted with Dez outside before their van took off for Montebello Quebec. He's a big NY Giants fan and loves baseball.
They played with Marilyn Manson and Alice Cooper at Montebello and Dez told me to listen to ALice's radio show- "He plays some great stuff on his show!"

If Dez Cadena tells me to listen to Alice Cooper's radio show, I will abide by that.

[oscar jubis]

I love these posts of yours, such vivid descriptions and such passion for (real good) music. I wonder, Johann, as a fan of the group as well as other bands that recorded for SST such as Descendents and Minutemen, if I would miss Greg Ginn, his guitar playing in particular, which is to my ears reminiscent of the great Johnny Thunders (RIP).

[Johann]

Thanks Oscar.

Greg Ginn wasn't even missed. It seems incredible, but Stephen Egerton played the songs exactly like Greg- I couldn't tell the difference.
He played those (iconic) riffs perfectly. (on a CLEAR see-through guitar- an Armstrong guitar like Greg's? I'm not sure...)
I met Chuck & Dez after the show- I was dying to meet Keith Morris but he just vanished after the gigs. He seemed very angry that night, so I don't know if he wanted to meet and greet anyone.

I can honestly say I saw Black Flag Live now. Without Henry and without Greg. As Keith said, these songs require people who know them, who've LIVED them, and these guys definitely LIVED them. If only Henry joined them- it would've been the icing on the cake.
I asked Chuck what inspired him to do this tour and he said "STRAUSS". I said "Johann Strauss??" He said "Yep." and his Father-in-Law, who is apparently in his 90's and dives without a snorkel or tank. I thought that was cool.
I also asked him about Henry Rollins, and how he has no happy memories from his Black Flag days.
Chuck smiled and said "THAT'S A LIE. HE HAS SOME HAPPY MEMORIES".

[Johann]

Have you heard Johnny Thunders' version of Elvis' "CRAWFISH"? I love that song.

And I also love "I was Born to Cry". There is also a film I've been looking for forever: BORN TO LOSE.

[oscar jubis]

I don't think I'd heard it before. Just did. Very cool. Who knows when BORN TO LOSE will be available for viewing. The director made another documentary on punk rock titled D.O.A. way back when, which I have seen and would be thrilled to have a chance to see again.

[Johann]

Yes- I've seen D.O.A. I think it's from 1980 or around abouts. GREAT doc.

And also at NXNE they screened a new documentary film chronicling the Descendents, called FILMAGE: The Story of the Descendents/All.
I couldn't get out to see it. It played only one night. And so did the Rolling Stones film Charlie Is My Darling, which apparently has rare footage from 1965 in Ireland and includes the first professional concert film of the band. I know you are Stones fan, so you might wanna earmark that one.
I still haven't seen WE JAM ECONO either, the doc on the Minutemen.
OR Dave Markey's MY CAREER AS A JERK- the doc on the Circle Jerks.

Dave and Mike Watt are Facebook friends of mine. An Honor to have them as FB friends.
And guess who accepted my friend request two weeks ago?
TONY FUNCHES, the personal security man for Jim Morrison! I was amazed he was on FB. He lives in Denver and always has cool things to say/post.

[Johann]

Greg Ginn has launched a lawsuit against FLAG (and Henry Rollins) for copyright infringement.
It's amazing. Truly stunning.

Greg says that there may be some "confusion" for consumers, in that FLAG is a facsimile of Black Flag, which Greg says he owns all rights to.
I have an e-mail from Henry himself telling me that Greg has been (in legal speak) "IN BREACH" for years and years for not paying anybody a single royalty on Black Flag merch or SST records sold.

I can't wait to see Greg "GREEDY" Ginn get his ass handed to him. It's been a long time coming.

[Johann]

I had the incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet John Densmore this past weekend at Sunrise Records.
He was signing copies of his new book The Doors: Unhinged (which is a sobering read on greed).

I waited almost 3 hours to get in to see him, and it was Awesome. He signed my book and my L.A. Woman CD.
I asked him what would be the first thing he'd say to Jim if he walked into the room:

John replied Look at all this chaos you caused!!

[Johann]

Awesome news: GREG GINN lost his lawsuit against Black Flag.

A judge has ruled that the registration of the Black Flag name/logo by Henry Rollins and Keith Morris was "made in good faith", as the band had neglected to nurture the property rights for almost 30 years.

Greg Ginn cannot stop members of FLAG (Keith, Dez, Chuck, Bill & Stephen) from performing Live.
I love it.
Henry Rollins testified that he never actually quit the band, (which he didn't!), and I hope Greg Ginn can take a loss for once.
He believes he IS Black Flag.
True fans know that that band is as much Chuck's & Henry's as it is Greg's.
Chuck Dukowski, if you wanna get really technical, was the heart and soul of the band.

www.nme.com/news/black-flag/73160

[Johann]

Another article on the Black Flag lawsuit:

www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-court-rules-against-greg-ginn-in-black-flag-lawsuit-20131011,0,4793900.story

[Johann]

This Black Flag saga is taking really unpleasant turns. (For me anyway, and probably most die-hard Black Flag fans).

Greg Ginn is about to release the "new" Black Flag album, named What the...?
It boasts the most asinine, childish, ridiculously awful album cover art you have ever seen.
It is seriously cringe-worthy. I'll post an image of that fucked-up cover soon enough- it's on the web now.
28 years after they released the Magnificent IN MY HEAD, comes "WHAT THE...?"

And that title is apt. WTF is Greg Ginn smoking? Drop the horrible shake Greg. Find some Northern Lights or Strawberry Kush.
Your brain is being eaten alive by bad Hermosa beach shake. Was it treated with rat poison? Get some help.


As Henry Rollins said recently:

Some of my peers just don't know when to walk away. Like a true Samurai, I sheathed my sword and walked away. I don't need to be 18 again.

[Johann]

Lou Reed died yesterday. (1942-2013)

I didn't like his ego or his assholiness, but Holy Fuck could the man play.

[Johann]

This news stuns me.
I am stunned.
And in a way I am not.

I was going to buy the "new" Black Flag album, as "Exhibit A" but it hasn't come out yet. But it is online.
Next year, maybe?
Ron Reyes.
Another betrayal by Greg Ginn. Weeding Out indeed.
This shit is truly stunning.

www.pitchfork.com/news/53155-ron-reyes-leaves-black-flag/

[oscar jubis]

Thanks Johann for taking notice of Uncle Lou's passing. I became a fan when Walk on the Wild Side was released in '72 and have followed his amazing career ever since. I am proud to say I have seen him live, with that magnificent group he put together with Bob Quine and bassist Fernando Saunders. The Dean's eulogy can be accessed here:
http://www.spin.com/articles/lou-reed-robert-christgau-toesucker-blues/

[Johann]

LOU REED
Hunter S. Thompson said "We must thank Lou Reed for "WALK ON THE WILD SIDE". He had a good day when he wrote that one." (paraphrase)

Henry Rollins wrote a moving tribute to Lou, and what he meant to him (and many around the globe).
Lou was a Genius.
But he was also an asshole. When he heard Jim Morrison died he asked "What did he die of? IN A BATHTUB??? That's greeeat!"
He also treated Mo Tucker (his drummer from the Velvets) like shit.
But the man could play like a house on fire.
Watch David Bowie (as Ziggy Stardust) do "WHITE LIGHT/WHITE HEAT" on youtube. Best V.U. cover ever laid down, Man...


And as for Greg Ginn, this guy is one vicious, nihilistic, cowardly, destructive piece of shit.
Who happens to be a musical genius.
Henry Rollins knew not to go near Greg Ginn ever again. He knew the real M.O.

Poor Ron Reyes. I now see that Greg had planned to "get him back" for publicly quitting the band way back in the day.
Ron fell for it. HOOK. LINE. SINKER.

[Johann]

I seriously don't know what to do with my Black Flag records now.
My disgust with Greg Ginn is extreme right now.
The music seems like a lie, and yet it isn't....is that fucked up or what? LOL

[Johann]

Greg Ginn said once upon a time: "Our music is a personal thing. We are not authority figures"
Don't you mean YOUR music is a personal thing Greg?
Every single person who was "in" Black Flag did your bidding until they were "vibed out".

In "SPRAY PAINT THE WALLS" by Stevie Chick (best history of the band to ever see print- yes, better than GET IN THE VAN) it is mentioned that when Chuck Dukowski was "vibed out" the whole scene was shocked, because Chuck was in the "inner-inner-inner" circle of Black Flag.
But there was no "inner circle"- there was only Greg Ginn.

Let me save you a lot of time if you are interested in Black Flag:

Buy the records. Listen to them. A Lot. (because hey, they do sound more and more awesome with each passing year- a Kubrickian quality I love). You've never heard such awesome hardcore punk carnage on tape. OK, maybe the Stooges.
Be fascinated by the "100-Megaton Blast" these dudes from the South Bay unleashed. It is unmatched.
Just know that the man with the lucite Armstrong guitar is not the center of the Universe.
The other players on the records contributed just as much if not more than Greg Ginn.
Granted, without that atonal monster riffage, it's not HEAVY, but Son, let me tell ya, when a man only uses you as a tool for his narcissism and will drop you like a bad habit out of sheer personality deficit disorder, the MAN outweighs the MUSIC. And Greg Ginn is not a man to me.
You will see that if are really paying attention.
Greg has alienated everyone in the punk world.
He's a lone wolf, a user, an abuser, who manouevers in shifty and shady ways, ways that are hard to see until it's too late.
Great that you were "against the man" Greg, but you have BECOME the man.
You always were Big Brotha, weren't you? Who defends you with anything other than "respect for his skills on guitar"?

I haven't met anyone yet. Henry Rollins dealt with Greg appropriately with his RISE ABOVE (WM3 benefit album).
That album is actually the real Black Flag.
And Greg Ginn doesn't play a note on it.

Henry, you are a quick study on dealing with Fuckery.
Love you man. THE END OF SILENCE INDEED...........

[Johann]

I have read and re-read John Densmore's powerful book THE DOORS: Unhinged and I openly wept reading it.

"He (JIM) was the Soul of the band, and I want to honor my Ancestor" is the quote that sums up the whole sordid saga described in the book.
John Densmore has an integrity that is very hard to maintain in todays world.
Read that book if you want the full skinny on corporate greed, the "greed gene" and how low some people will stoop. (RAY!)

My respect for Ray Manzarek virtually vanished when I read how he's been treating the Doors legacy.
It is stunning what he did, what he did to the Legacy of the band he helped found, and the rape of Jim Morrison he engaged in.
Oliver Stone wasn't even allowed to use the Doors logo for his movie, that's how protective John was over the logo.
He had to sue his former bandmates when they refused to alter the lettering and font of the Doors name for concerts they did as "the Doors of the 21st Century" And he won the lawsuit. Ray tried to destroy John financially, suing him for $40 million for turning down an ad for Cadillac.
Cadillac offered the Doors $15 million to use "Break on Through" to sell those Escalade battleship cars.
John vetoed it, remembering the debacle that was Buick in the sixties, offering $70,000 to use "Light My Fire" to sell the Buick Opel.


Buy that book. Be stunned. And be proud that the drummer of the Doors stood up for his own music and his "ancestor" Jim, who is implacable.
No one else did/does.

[Johann]

Something really eerie but very cool: When John Densmore signed my copy of his new book I didn't realize that he had signed it almost exactly as I sign my own name. He doesn't know this, (unless he's psychic) but the way he signed my first name is pretty much EXACTLY the way I sign it, if I use only my first name. The "J" was exactly as I do it- the same loop and flourish. And the other letters are the same too. The "N" trails off just like I do as well.
The "J" on his name has the same flourish. Weird, Man...
I was also on the CityTV news broadcast that marked John's appearance at the record store to sign his book.
It was only 1 minute, (and I taped it on VHS off the tube) but I was able to tell that John signed everybody's books differently- each person had a different size of signature or different personalization, and it seemed to stem from his impressions of the person he was signing it to.
There were a lot of non-Doors fans there, just hawkers of Doors merch who will flip it on eBay or whatever.
John knew it too.
In the CityTV clip his reaction to one signing was to "nod and smile" with a look in his eye like "I know you're not a fan...take your stuff"
I always smile when I see that part.
One guy even tried to get me to take some of his items up to John to sign: "I'm overloaded, man!"
I said "NO".
All I had was an L.A. Woman CD and John's book.
I wasn't gonna get a Legend that I respect the Holy Hell out of sign some dipshits' merchandise that he'll sell to the highest bidder....

[Johann]

Henry Rollins is starring in his first Lead Role, in a film that just wrapped shooting in Toronto: HE NEVER DIED.

It's directed by indie director Jason Krawczyk, and Henry plays a cannibal named "Jack".
I'm pretty stoked to see it. I think Henry is a better actor than most in Hollywood, yet he's only been offered bit parts, most notably to me in David Lynch's Lost Highway.

Can't wait to check it out. I hope you do too.
Support the Man. He's done more in his life than you and me combined.

[Johann]

I recommend Joey Ramone's "Merry Christmas (I Don't want To Fight)" for this time of year...

[Johann]

My favorite Christmas song.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglLJJ0Czo8

[Johann]

The Black Flag saga is still gaining more fucked up steam.

Their new bassist, a clown named Dave Klein, has left the band. Their new drummer is also a nobody that nobody has ever heard of.
Ron Reyes departure was explained by Mike Valelly, the new singer. He said Ron was becoming combative, and he and Greg wanted to prevent Ron from quitting onstage *again*. RIGHT.

I say bullshit to that. I say that Greg Ginn wanted to get Ron back for quitting publically onstage back in 1979.
Greg Ginn should just pack it in. It's Over Greg. Your Glory Days are long GONE. *pun intended*
No Black Flag fan wants to hear a "new" Black Flag record.
And that's because it isn't Black Flag. It's not even a "reasonable facsimile" of what you once were.
It's a colossal joke, and it's profoundly NOT FUNNY.

Chuck Dukowski is Black Flag to me.
Dez Cadena is Black Flag to me.
Keith Morris is Black Flag to me.
Henry Rollins is Black Flag to me.
Bill Stevenson is Black Flag to me.
Kira Roessler is Black Flag to me.

Any other "members" are not acknowledged to me now- former or current.

AND WHO THE FLYING FUCK IS MIKE VALLELY??????????

[Johann]

The drummer for THE STOOGES died last Saturday.
Scott Asheton was the PowerHouse man behind the Stooges' drumkit. He was 64.

I had the incredible Honor of seeing The Stooges play Live in Toronto in 2010. It was incredible. They shut down Yonge street- first time in the city's history that a concert shut down Yonge. I'll take that show (among others I saw in T.O.) to the grave. Iggy was amazing and the band was amazing, which included James Williamson and Mike Watt of the Minutemen.

Another Icon of Rock is gone.
Goodbye Scott. Your records tower over everyone else. True punk rock fans know that the Stooges are Invincible.
YOU SEARCHED AND DESTROYED.

[Johann]

Scott Asheton's favorite quote was from Charles Bukowski:


What matters most is how well you walk through the Fire

[Johann]

BLACK FLAG play Toronto on June 19th. I will have to make TWO trips to Toronto this year....FFS....

I gotta see WTF Greg Ginn is doing in person. I want to know who the fuck Mike Vallely is. Yeah, he's a "skater", a "tough guy"...big fucking deal.
I know the Art of War. LOL I saw the REAL Black Flag last year. Chuck Dukowski's SuperGroup named FLAG, and there isn't any way that Greg Ginn & Mike V. (ag) can top what I saw at Toronto's Opera House at NXNE. I just need to see Greg Ginn's SuperEGO in person.

Black Flag are also playing Montebello Quebec in June, with, as it happens, Henry Rollins on the same bill!
I'd go to Montebello to rock out to Cypress Hill and the Vandals and other cool groups on that massive line-up but I heard from a friend who went last year that the only way to do Montebello right is to camp out and plan for it NOW. Like, yesterday. The concert is so freaking massive that you have to plan for it months in advance. I'll skip it this time and just go see Black Flag in Toronto. (and the Stanley Kubrick exhibit at TIFF in October).

[Johann]

Re: Black Flag

The "new" Black Flag record arrived in Ottawa, and I bought it as " Exhibit A" to illustrate the evolution of my favorite band (after The Doors).
WHAT THE... (2013) is SST Records release number 391.
I've listened to it and I was a little surprised and was left asking questions. I'll elaborate soon.

I asked Facebook friend (and punk musician/filmmaker) David Markey what he makes of Black Flag's "resurgence" and Greg Ginn these days.
He replied that Black Flag nor Greg Ginn are worthy of his respect.
The reason I asked David is because he is in a certain qualified position to speak of the band and Greg. He went on tour with Black Flag and Gone, with his band Painted Willie in 1985, and documented the whole thing on Super-8.
It became the highly revered (never-before-released) doc REALITY 86'd.
David tried to release the film as a DVD release, with encouragement from Henry Rollins, who seems to be in favour of the film.
But Greg Ginn put the ki-bosh on that. He threatened to sue David over it, told him to destroy copies he had.
I think the main reason for Greg not wanting the film to be put out is it shows him and others smoking weed and it doesn't show Greg doing much lifting of equipment. From what I could see, Henry Rollins and two other guys were the main "roadies", unloading & loading & setting up the gear .
Greg just seems a little goofy and aloof in it. But I don't know what he's so upset about- his consumption of the cannabis is a modern legend/myth.
If you smoke the ganja then you smoke the ganja. The Hughes Brothers said it's an aid to creativity.
I don't judge. I smoke the shit myself. If it's part of your vida then it's part of your vida.

The music on "WHAT THE..." sounds like Black Flag. No question. It's Greg's guitar. Duh. And believe it or not, I started to really dig a couple songs on this record. Which made me wonder WTF is up with this album? Ron Reyes actually sounds good on vocals. His level of commitment is there. A friend of mine only listens to psychobilly music. He's getting Nazi about it. I played a couple punk CD's at my place the other day and he was like "Punk Sucks. It's just a cliche. It always was a cliche. It has no balls". And I was like, Hey....Punk Sucks? It's a cliche?
Whoa whoa whoa..
Black Flag is no cliche. Dead Kennedys is no cliche. Crass are no cliche. Misfits are no cliche. SO many punk groups aren't a cliche.
Green Day is a cliche. Blink 182 is a cliche. Nickleback is a cliche.
Certain groups are cliches. But certain ones aren't as well. Like Black Flag.

Which brings me back to the "Legacy" of this group that I hold in severely high esteem.
Greg Ginn said recently that the new line-up with Mike Vallely on vocals is the perfect line-up to bring Black Flag into the future.
That makes me think that Greg isn't merely doing this to piss off former members of BF.
He has a vision for the group and always has. The music has a trajectory, and it goes above the heads of every person who was in the band except Greg Ginn. He is the sole survivor, the sole member who went through everything and oversaw everything. He is the most stubborn, complex, stoned musical genius I've ever heard of. He's using a theremin on this new album and it works.

Greg Ginn has caused a lot of heartaches to a lot of people in the punk world. He's not paid royalties to bands or nurtured their catalogs on SST Records, he has not protected the "brand" of Black Flag by suing those who make knock-off merchandise. Greg has a huge ego and a huge inferiority complex. Anyone who treats people the way he does/did is nothing less than paranoid.
If Black Flag means Anarchy as you said in 1980 Greg, then how does Anarchy apply to the band as it is today?
I ask you this as a genuine fan of your music and ethos.
I'm not questioning that it is there, I just want to know how it applies to the band as it is in 2014.
You are embarking on a tour with yet another new bass player and another new drummer with Vallely on vocals.
I hope to see you in Toronto at El Mocambo. The tour is called '"The VICTIMOLOGY" tour, and I'm curious about that name.
Who's the Victims, Greg?
Black Flag?
or the fans?
or is it former bandmates?

[Johann]

I've been doing more research on the Black Flag saga, and I've learned that Ron Reyes said "Greg threatened my family" with regards to Ron's departure from the band. That's a pretty serious allegation, yet Ron doesn't or didn't elaborate on what it means.
What do you mean Greg "threatened your family", Ron?
Explain this! You should write your own book of your experiences with Black Flag Ron. You seem to have a lot of stories to tell.
Mike Vallely says Ron made it clear many times before the Australian tour that he was leaving the band after the tour.
And that Mike and Greg were merely preventing Ron from quitting onstage again. Apparently Ron said he would book a flight out of Aussie Land ASAP if tensions within the band didn't ease. They took him at his word and did a cowardly pre-emptive strike.

Henry Rollins said that toward the end, Greg told him that he was ruining the band. Henry replied "Why? Because I'm the only one who won't leave?"
And in no uncertain terms Greg said he didn't like Henry. Henry said it made playing Live interesting, knowing that you aren't liked within your own band, but that at least Greg told him to his face.
Greg Ginn's thought processes are mysterious.
I've only really been a Black Flag fan for a little less than a decade and I'm still trying to get a grip on what this band stands for/stood for.

Items like this throw me a curveball:
- Henry singing "Thirsty & Miserable" & "TV Party" on the first record: Henry wasn't a drinker and was never a partier. Yet he's singing about his brother needing" a ride to the liquor store" and "what do they know about partying? Or anything else??" Greg wrote those songs. Henry did his duty and sang 'em. For the Team. How do I place that information?

-"Your Last Affront"- Instrumental track on THE PROCESS OF WEEDING OUT. Who's last affront? Greg! Who has been affronting you so much that you needed to express it on an instrumental album with no lead singer? I think the answer is obvious.

-Raymond Pettibon. (Greg's brother)
Greg is still using the Black Flag name and 4 bars logo- on concert posters and his website and it is on the WHAT THE...(2013) album.
Raymond apparently still has severe rage and contempt for his brother using his artwork for Black Flag. The new album is obviously sporting a cover that Raymond did not create - it was created by Kill City graphics. And rumour has it that Greg is regretting using that album cover idea, as it was Ron Reyes's concept. And Ron and Greg aren't on speaking terms anymore. If Raymond and Greg are not on speaking terms, like most ex-members of Black Flag, what do their parents think about it? I've read that the whole Ginn clan are Geniuses.

I could go on and on with things that don't seem Jake with this band.
I am still fascinated by the group and always will be. Black Flag is my #2 favorite band.
"MY WAR" is the greatest song ever written, as Henry Rollins says. The album cover for their second album is also the greatest album cover art I've ever seen. A puppet head with a boxing glove holding a knife against a blue background. That is the most Incredible album cover I've ever seen. Everytime I look at it I get stoked. MY WAR. YOU SAY. THAT YOU'RE MY FRIEND. BUT YOU'RE ONE OF THEM. I think I'll get a tattoo of that image to go with my 4 bars....



I know I'm alone in the woods discussing this band, as no one here seems to know anything about the group or why they are fascinating.
Maybe someone will join who likes hardcore punk music and we can wax poetic about Black Flag and what it all means.
Maybe it means nothing.
Maybe it means everything.

[Johann]

After reading more articles on Black Flag, I don't think I will be seeing them in Toronto.
I just read that Ron Reyes told Greg to take the high road on FLAG, the "other" Black Flag, when they found out Flag were going to tour.
He told Greg not to disrespect those guys in public, that it would make them seem like bitter old men.
Greg's reply? "Fuck it. I Am Bitter".

Bitter? About what, Greg?
So if I go to Toronto for a few days (which will cost me much more than the price of your show ticket), I will be seeing a Bitter Old Man?
You just made it a hell of a lot harder to get in your corner, Genius.
Greg also said that he won't let one album give him any hang-ups, referring to his own recently released LP "WHAT THE..."
So how much importance should we place on the new Black Flag, Greg?
I mean shit, you are the Captain of that Mighty Ship. Tell us what your New World Conquering means in 2014! LOL

To make my point even clearer, look at a photo of Black Flag circa 1980- those guys look serious. (Chuck, Dez, Henry, Robo & Greg)
Then look at a current photo (you can see one on the Official Black Flag website) (Mike V, some doofus, some doofus & Greg)
Those 4 guys look like rejects that you can't take seriously. The American Idol version of Black Flag if you will, just like Queen playing with Adam Lambert on vocals- an insanely retarded puke fest of an idea.

Why am I thinking of seeing Black Flag live? I must be nuts. If I did, I think I might become an actual hardcore punk at the show and knock Mike Vallely out. Just climb right up onstage and KO the bitch. Just like 1981! Helicopters circling overhead!! Right Greg G? Suckin' on a Big D?

Thank You Thurston Moore for that one...

[Johann]

Yes, I think Greg Ginn should learn something about his fans. We're all for avant-garde punk rock. You bet your ass I want wicked-ass experimental punk rock music. That kind of music can lead me behind Lucifer into the Gates of Hell if it's got enough Zeal.
And you provided the zeal in Black Flag, Sir. I give credit where credit is due. You are the engine of the Black Flag sound.
Without you, what is Black Flag. The fans get it. But do you get that it makes zero sense to alienate everyone who ever set foot onstage with you?
It makes no sense. Even if your reasoning is "I want the music to go in another direction...you guys aren't up to par. I have to find musicians who are up to par..." that doesn't wash. Every line-up had it's strengths to me, and I'm sure a lot of Flag fans would agree that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses. When you think about it real hard, who in their right mind would "vibe out" Chuck Dukowski?
Chuck was the heart and the soul of Black Flag, and I know and many fans know that Chuck felt betrayed by Greg.
He felt his life was over when Greg kicked him out of Black Flag. Henry wanted to leave the band, maybe start a new group with Chuck.
But Chuck wanted Henry to have a career- an uncertain fate in a new venture with him might not work as well as the grind and experience of being in, making records with and touring with Black Flag. He told Henry he should stay in Black Flag. And he did. To the end. And the end was the album
In My Head. It was the true Black Flag album, and arguably their best. Such moments of sheer barbaric intensity and honesty....

It would be so awesome to see a Black Flag reunion tour with everyone who was there when the band was in their prime- and guess what kids? They are all still walking this Earth. They are all still alive and well. WTF is the problem here? It's one man. Greg Ginn. He's Bitter. But we don't know what about. He won't write a book on his life as a punk Icon, because, in his own words, "I WAS THERE. I DON'T HAVE TO READ ABOUT IT". OK Greg. Yes you were there. But are you there now? Are you at the very vanguard of music and anarchic thought/action?

Or are you just venting a little rage at people copping to your game? And Black Flag is the perfect umbrella to do it under?
You are bitter and you make your fans bitter. Bob Dylan said "Just because someone likes my music that doesn't mean I owe them anything", and I get that. You don't owe the fans anything, especially with the type of music you make. But to pay for alienation? To read about testimonies from ex-Flag members that do not shed flattering light on you make it hard. And you never address it head-on, in print, in interviews or elsewhere.
Henry Rollins said you were so high sometimes you couldn't even turn your amp on.
That he took a knockout punch from a fan that was intended for you, (onstage!) but you never saw it because you were so wrapped up in your guitar playing you didn't notice the guy from the crowd come up onstage or the punch that knocked him out! Henry said he came to with you waving at him, angrily, to start the next song in the setlist. Do you remember that? Greg?

BLACK FLAG. Kills Bugs Dead.

[Johann]

The Black Flag situation has a resolution of sorts.
The trademark infringement lawsuit that Greg Ginn filed last year has been sorted out.
Greg and SST records are the sole owners of the Black Flag name, logo and recordings. FLAG, Chuck Dukowski's touring group, are allowed to continue to tour but are not allowed to use the 4 bars logo in any way. (which is something I'm not sure I agree with).

Henry Rollins and Keith Morris gave all interest in Black Flag back to Greg Ginn, and I can see that. I don't think Henry or Keith ever had it in for Greg. I think they just wanted to light a fire under his ass. And they did. So much so that Greg resurrected Black Flag and released a new record. (With Ron Reyes on vocals!)
I'm still kind of stunned that there even IS a new Black Flag album, let alone that they are on a North American tour this year. It's kind of surreal. And it may seem blasphemous to punk rockers, but I'm actually really digging WHAT THE... as a record. (Especially the song "Down in the Dirt"). Greg says this music is the music Black Flag fans need right now, and the more I listen to it, I get what he's saying. The next album with Mike Vallely on vocals had better blow my fucking mind.
I had to buy "WHAT THE..." and listen to it to really be critical of Greg Ginn. But he's cut me off at the knees. I actually hear the old Black Flag sound on a few songs on this new record. Blasphemy?
No. It's the Truth. If the music didn't sound how Black Flag should sound to me then I would definitely rip Ginn up. But the music stops me in my tracks. He's given us enough to make him an easy target, but the fact is, the music is where the real buck stops in the Black Flag saga. And this new album isn't as bad as the bad press makes it out to be.

I've found (at least in Ottawa Canada) that Black Flag "fans" don't listen to the records. They are more fans of the "image" of Black Flag than the actual music. No one I know plays Black Flag records at home. I'm the only one it seems. On Chez 106 classic rock radio over the weekend they said that an online poll found that over 70% of vinyl record buyers buy those records to impress their friends, to show off their record collections, not to actually LISTEN TO THEM. To me that's a bunch of stupid hipster bullshit. And a waste of time and money.
I would never buy a record that I wouldn't listen to. Why would you throw your money away like that? It's retarded. It's everything that a pure music lover should be against.

[Johann]

In the aftermath of 420, I'd like to let you know that Henry Rollins is on the "legalize and decriminalize" bandwagon.

Even though Henry believes marijuana is a waste of time and doesn't smoke it himself, he says on his website that if he were to be afflicted with some illness that could only be alleviated with weed, he would like to have the option of using it. Very cool of him to support the cause. He has created a very cool new t-shirt (up for sale on his website for $25). It depicts his famous "Search and Destroy" sun logo/tattoo with some pot leaves sprouting out behind it. I laughed when I saw it. I love it. Another reason why Henry is a supremely cool motherfucker.
He also did a radio show with an all-weed theme this past week- check it out. Roll up a fatty and listen to some killer tracks he put together- a wild version of "Dopesmoker" he was given, for one, (that song was in Jim Jarmusch's Broken Flowers). He also has a rarely played track from Ween, one of my top ten favorite bands. What can I say? Henry is so cool it hurts.

Henry will be at Montebello Quebec this June, the only tour date he has this year it seems. Support the man. He's a Teacher.

[Johann]

I will be in Toronto to see Black Flag. But I am only going for historical reasons.
I e-mailed Henry Rollins a couple days ago about Black Flag, and he replied, decent man that he is, and told me he has no clue what Greg Ginn is doing with that old music. He said I guess it's up to you to find out. He ended with Caveat Emptor.
So I have the Pope's blessing. Henry is on the same bill as Black Flag in Montebello the next day. He also said he only lives in the present.

I am not going to this show on June 19 to see a great band. I'm going to see what happened to that great band. To see "what Greg Ginn is doing with that old music". I'll be sure to post here and let you know what I witnessed. I read an interview with Mike Vallely, and the knives were out over Ron Reyes. Mike said he "doomed the reformation from the start". Ron says it was never a "reformation", that the drummer sucked, Greg could barely play his own music onstage, and that the What The.. LP is merely Dale Nixon and Ron Reyes' pet project, with the bars and Black Flag logo slapped on for better sales. OUCH.

So my conclusion is Black Flag does not really exist as a band in 2014. We'll see if that show at Coda will change my opinion on this.

[Johann]

After watching a video performance of "TV Party" at the House of Blues, I decided to say "FUCK THAT!" and not go to the Black Flag show.
That performance was pedestrian. It had no juice, no aggression, no ATTACK. KEN MODE? Fuck no. HEN MODE!

I even said so on the official Black Flag Facebook page. (they deleted the comments the same hour I posted them)
And seeing all these teeny-bopper hipster kids at that show just made me recoil in disgust.
What Greg Ginn is doing is beyond any sane punk music fans comprehension. He is Black Flag, Inc. as Henry Rollins said he was. (And is illustrated on the October Faction album cover). He's a complete sellout. He sold out his own formidable legacy for wooden nickels.

The beauty of the whole Black Flag situation is that as time marched on, the truth emerged on what that band is and means.
You can look at the individual members on their own, and see how they outshone Greg Ginn even while they were being set up for a snowjob "vibing out". I bought (and still listen to often) Black Flag records mainly for Henry and Chuck. I got into the band because of Henry. I learned of Rollins Band first, then I was hit with the absolute ANVIL of AWESOME with Black Flag. That was it after I heard them. The best L.A. band since the Doors. (And no I'm not dismissing X- they killed it too).

Black Flag is no more. It WAS no more in August 1986. Greg Ginn quit the band. He left it to Henry, with one simple phone call.
28 years later Ginn is a bitter old man, making victims out of whoever he thinks deserves to be a victim. But victim how Greg? You certainly don't play with the same intensity as you did from 1978-1986. There is no fire there. It's "Sweatin' to the Oldies", with Mike "Richard Simmons" Vallely and it's beyond pathetic. It is seriously embarassing.
Did you know Keith Morris asked Greg during the prep/rehearsal for the 2003 reunion why the songs were being rehearsed way slower than the way they were always played? Greg said "Keith, we were playing these songs way too fast." Keith was like, "OH BOY, what the fuck have I gotten myself into here?" and he refused to do the reunion.

Black Flag is nothing but a piggy bank for Greg Ginn.
Buy the original records for the members who put their souls into it and got zilch. Even though they don't get a royalty. The karma will find them.

[Johann]

Well Lord Almighty, you would not believe the recent events in the Black Flag saga.
It's truly astonishing what has transpired. But it also has a very VERY happy ending.

Greg Ginn's wife has filed for divorce, citing child abuse of his 2 daughters.
Apparently Ginn denies them food, orders them around like Hitler, drinks in front of them, smokes copius amounts of weed in front of them, and the most shocking part is he's made "catcalls" at them, calling them "HOT!" and shit like that.

This truly is disturbing, and it made me burn my Black Flag records in a garbage can behind my house. I only have 2 CD's now, and only because Damaged and MY WAR have Chuck Dukowski & Henry Rollins' indelible stamp on them. Black Flag is now a pariah, and Greg Ginn is nothing less than pure scum.

The happy ending to all this?

OFF!

Keith Morris, Steven MacDonald and Dimitri Coates, with Monster drummer Mario.
The LP they put out this year (WASTED YEARS) is the answer to Greg Ginn's Colossal Fuckery and Insane Behavior.
Ginn is way more than paranoid and bitter. He's a fucking child abuser. Unforgivable.

OFF! is the perfect antidote to Black Flag- both are insect repellants, but BF no longer kills. OFF! is the only hardcore punk band that still has the ferocity of the days back in that church in Hermosa Beach. And the topper of toppers is Greg Ginn's brother Raymond Pettibon did the artwork for the Wasted Years album cover. When I bought it I let out a shriek at the image. It's obviously Greg Ginn, shirtless, with dope smoke wafting from his nostrils, "wishing all boys were like his surfer boyfriend" BAM!

As soon as I played that CD I was in heaven. Keith Morris has brought the whole thing full-circle, and it is GLORIOUS.

Greg Ginn is a dead man. LONG LIVE OFF!

[Johann]

One of the drummers for Rollins Band passed away yesterday: Jason Mackenroth.
He was a very powerful drummer, as Sim Cain is/was for Henry.
Cancer has claimed another one.
Jason was the drummer for MOTHER SUPERIOR, a stellar band, and he played on the incredibly Awesome "Rise Above" West Memphis Three benefit album- a CD that I play all the fuckin' time. Buy it. And stand back in fuckin' AWE. It's got guest vocals by Lemmy (Goodbye you Badass Motherfucker!), Tom Araya, Iggy Pop, Hank III, Chuck D., Dean Ween, Chuck Dukowski and other galactically killer people.

Rollins Band is no more, Henry said he doesn't know if he can do anything else with music. He did it all. In my humble opinion Rollins Band is the most underrated band in history. No one I know listens to them. No one I know has a single Rollins Band album.
I guess it's just way too intense. Way too HEAVY.

[Johann]

Chameleon David Bowie has died. Henry Rollins said that Bowie's albums are just about the greatest records ever made.
The man was a musical genius, one of the best performers to ever take a stage. (Some think he's THE best ever).

He did a song inspired by Stanley Kubrick: "Space Oddity", and acted in some amazing films: Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ, The Man Who Fell To Earth and The Hunger with Susan Sarandon, among others.

He leaves a huge void. The man had Legions of fans...