Posted July 31, 2011 at 1:07 pm | No comments
There is only one national anthem of rock ‘n’ roll, and that is KISS’s “Rock and Roll All Nite”. The make-upped rockers have had plenty of hits, but none as enduring as this anthem. The rock veterans usually close their explosive stage shows with this song, getting entire cities worth of people singing along with the chorus. “Rock and Roll All Nite” was written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, inspired by “Cum on Feel the Noize” by Slade. It appeared on their 1975 album Dressed to Kill.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 30, 2011 at 1:07 am | No comments
The Killers’ “When You Were Young” marked the bands departure from the more electronic and dance-oriented nature of their debut. Reportedly influenced by Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” and “Thunder Road,” “When You Were Young” has a distinctly heartland rock sound to it. Peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard 100, the song is one of the Killers’ most successful songs. It was also nominated for the Grammy for “Best Rock Song” in 2007.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 29, 2011 at 8:07 am | No comments
Along with “Carry On My Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind” is one of Kansas’s best-known and most beloved songs. It is the band’s only single to break into the Billboard 100’s top ten, and has been certified Gold for selling one million units. It was also certified Gold for digital downloads in 2008. “Dust in the Wind” was one of Kansas’s first acoustic songs, its melancholy guitar chords and melody differing greatly from the bombastic nature of many of their previous hits. The chimey guitar sound comes from two guitars, one in standard tuning and one in Nashville tuning, playing the same part.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 29, 2011 at 6:40 am | 3 comments
From the stage at the Mayo Center in Morristown NJ, Wildman Ted Nugent yelled down to the audience “Do I know how to piss people off well?” The crowd answered with a thunderous applause, with a resounding “yes.” Though that statement rings true with regard to Ted’s irreverent political rhetoric and unbridled candor, he’s also known in the Rock n Roll community as an icon and guitar god.
Posted in: Concert Reviews, Reviews
Posted July 28, 2011 at 8:07 am | No comments
“Electric Eye,” a heavy metal song by legends Judas Priest, appeared on their 1982 album Screaming For Vengeance. The song is the second track on that album after the intro song “The Hellion,” and when played live, Priest usually play “The Hellion” and go right into “Electric Eye.” The subject matter of the song is derived from George Orwell’s dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, with the idea of an “electric eye” coming from the name of the surveillance satellite in the book. Good luck playing Glenn Tipton’s guitar solo on this one!
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 27, 2011 at 8:07 am | One comment
Journey’s inspirational “Don’t Stop Believin’” is one of their most famous tunes. Appearing on their 1981 album Escape, it has retained incredible popularity and success long after its initial release, almost reaching 4.5 million digital downloads as of earlier this year. “Don’t Stop Believin’” begins with an instantly-recognizable keyboard riff of an intro, and singer Steve Perry soon starts in with his crystal clear falsetto, telling of young people wandering without a path. Neal Schon’s guitar solo comes in later in the song with a relatively simple melody played very expressively, doing some great note bending work. Try and not let this one brighten your mood!
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 27, 2011 at 12:39 am | One comment
You may not have heard of Bob Boykin, but it’s a near certainty that you have heard him play. It’s always inspiring and equally uncanny how some guitarists have the creative juice to produce work that can fit into a broad spectrum of the performing arts. Bob Boykin has been a “go to” session player in Los Angeles and Nashville and a performing artist with some of the country’s top acts. He has also written an impressive body of music that regularly finds its way into top television programs and commercials as well as major motion pictures.
Posted in: Blues Interviews, Country Interviews, Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted July 26, 2011 at 9:37 am | 2 comments
The iconic comic superhero and freedom fighter, whose 1941 debut initially served as an inspiring symbol to rally America’s patriotism during World War II, celebrates his 70th birthday by finally getting his due in this evocative, rousing silver screen adaptation.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Reviews
Posted July 26, 2011 at 8:07 am | No comments
“Any Way You Want It” is the opening track from Journey’s album Departure. The uplifting anthem was written by vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, and they have said that it was inspired by Thin Lizzy, with whom they toured with. Journey often play “Any Way You Want It” to close out concerts, and consequently, it is featured on every single one of their live albums. The song has also appeared in many TV advertisements, including some for McDonald’s, Heinz ketchup, and Samsung.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 26, 2011 at 5:10 am | 5 comments
“We are Black Veil Brides and we’ve come to kick your asses” shouted Andy Biersack from the stage at the Vans Warp Tour when the traveling carnival came to Oceanport NJ.
Posted in: '80s Rock, Concert Reviews, Reviews
