I must say that when I first heard news that actor Tom Cruise, of all people, was being cast as fictional rocker, singer, guitarist, Stacee Jaxx of the fictional glam ’80s rock band, Arsenal, for the 2012 motion picture adaptation of the Broadway comedy stage musical, “Rock Of Ages”, I was more than skeptical.
Thirty three years after the first “Alien” burst out of actor John Hurt’s character and onto the silver screen, burrowing like the intergalactic monster into our collective consciousness, Director Ridley Scott reboots his science fiction thriller with this breathtaking, emotional roller-coaster ride prequel, set among the stars’ far reaches of deep space.
The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia has long been considered one of the nation’s legendary music halls. On this spring evening, one legend would play host to another as The Birchmere welcomed Tommy Emmanuel for the second of two sold out shows.
The Texas Guitar Quartet has recently released their debut CD Red. This recording marks a tremendous accomplishment for the classical guitar as the TxGQ tackles some larger and more challenging works not often heard in recital or on recordings, such as J.S. Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto” (BWV 1048) as well as Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture.”
All the Chicago hipsters were in attendance at the Congress Theater this past Friday night to see The Cult who are out in support of their long awaited new CD, Choice of Weapon. It’s been five years since we heard new music from the band and this CD is truly worth the wait.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect upon and revere the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their fellow countrymen, allowing us all to continue to live our lives in freedom.
“This band is on fire tonight!” yelled Sammy Hagar to the packed crowd and he wasn’t kidding! The band tore into a blistering 90+ minute set with nothing but killer songs and wise cracking jokes at the legendary Beacon Theater in New York City on May 21st.
The show had been advertised on local classic rock radio for months and die hard fans were at the venue hours before hand, awaiting the entrance gates to swing open.
Having been postponed from two previous dates going back to the Fall of 2011, to say that Willie Nelson’s performance at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC was eagerly anticipated by the sold out crowd in attendance would be the understatement of the year.
The MXR Custom Badass ‘78 Distortion pedal is the first in a line from MXR that is designed to roar like a huge stack as well as sound like a worn-in vintage tube amp. MXR claim to have hot-rodded this distortion pedal for over-the-top soaring leads and rich saturated rhythms. I think they succeed. This pedal packs quite a punch!
