Big Hair, Bigger Memories

Last Saturday night at Taste of Des Plaines, we caught a live show by Hairbangers Ball—a tribute band so gloriously loud, theatrical, and committed to the era of Aquanet and eyeliner that for a minute, it felt like time cracked open.The show was free, the crowd was packed, and the music? A full-on sonic time machine. They didn’t hold back either—Def Leppard’s “Rock of Ages,” Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker,” Ozzy’s “Crazy Train,” Ratt’s “Round and Round,” Van Halen’s “Jump,” Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart,” and Lita Ford’s “Kiss Me Deadly” all made the setlist. And yes, it was exactly as epic as it sounds.

Guitars screamed. People danced. Some of us quietly wept into our lemonade slushies because this music still hits like it did when we were seventeen.

The smells were...festive. Think grilled onions, assorted beverages, and probably some decades-old cologne clinging to a leather vest. It was like stepping into a scented time capsule—if the capsule also had a fog machine and a guy in zebra-print pants.

I didn’t know how much I missed this music until it was blasting through my rib cage again. That era wasn’t subtle—it wore its heart (and heartbreak) on its sleeve, screamed its feelings through Marshall stacks, and made sure no one left a power ballad with dry eyes.

Hairbangers Ball didn’t just play the music—they channeled it. And for a little while, we got to remember who we were when this music first grabbed us by the soul and said, “We’re gonna feel something tonight, and we’re gonna feel it LOUD.”

Videos coming soon once I figure out how to make Blogger speak fluent Facebook. Stay tuned.

Favorite Movies Blog Hop

(hosted by Alex Cavanaugh)

I am not really into movies because I find it very challenging to find something that interests me. I am very picky when it comes to story lines, plots, etc. I hate special effects, rapid movement etc because I have to cover my eyes as to not go into a bout of vertigo, seizure type stuff, whatever. And, weirdly enough, going into a movie theater always gave me motion sickness, even before having health problems. However, I can't resist a blog hop or any kind of top ten, top five, top 20 lists etc. I might not even have ten top movies, but I'll give it a try (in no particular order)

Kelly's Heroes

It's a Wonderful Life

Almost Famous

The Magical Legend of the Leprechaun

Gone With the Wind

Rock Star

Star Trek The Voyage Home

Miracle on 34th Street (the original)

Milo and Otis 

Homeward Bound

How about that, that's ten. What do you like?

Z is for Zeppelin Live Australia

Zeppelin Live Australia, like the name suggests, is an Australian band that plays mostly Led Zeppelin's songs. Well, I should say it is THE Australian Led Zeppelin cover band. Oh, and it's not just any cover band. It is fronted by none other than my friend Grant Ventura, who at times reminds me more of Robert Plant than Robert himself, but is an incredibly talented, smart person outside of the band as well. The other members include two Lukes, Luke Bjazevich on bass, Luke Corio on drums and percussion; and Andrew Armstrong on electric and acoustic guitars.

The thing with cover bands is that they often become a caricature of the original musicians. Yet, the audience wants to feel like they are getting the real deal. As such, I am a very picky critic and I generally don't even like covers. Zeppelin Live Australia is different though. They straddle that fine line between giving people what they want - the full Led Zeppelin experience - while showing their extreme individual talents. Think you need a whole lotta talent to pull off Led Zeppelin songs? Very true, but I have seen those who should not attempt them, yet all the guys in Zeppelin Live Australia earned their spots, in my opinion.

Why not give them a like on Facebook?

If you can't make it Down Under to see them (and who can), they are trying to make it to the States. You can make your support known by liking the Get Zeppelin Live to the USA page.

In the meantime, here is what they sound and look like.

All of my Love

The Ocean

Y is for Yoko Ono

Alright, put down your pitchforks and torches. Although, since you are actually here reading this, you must at the very least be curious why I chose to use a post on Yoko Ono when I could have done Yes or the Yardbirds. Well, like I said with my intro post on April 1, this challenge is about the unexpected. Besides, remember when I told you back with my S entry that we would hear more from my boyfriend Tom who has met a whole bunch of musicians? Well, we are about to.

Yes, I could have told you about anyone else but Yoko, but a personal anectdde, in my opinion, always beats any technicalities. When Tom told me months ago he had met Yoko Ono, I knew I wanted his experience for this project. Being the good guy that he is, he asked me if I was sure that I wanted to risk it (the dislike of Yoko Ono with the masses is no secret). Well, what's the worst that can happen? I could drop back down to three readers, but then you would miss what I have lined up for Z!

(Spotlight, please) Tom says:

I had the pleasure of meeting Yoko at a showing of John's original Bag One Lithographs in the mid '80's. She was escorted into the gallery without any fanfare, she just strolled in you could say and held a meet and greet with the people there to see John's work. As I was waiting in the line to meet Yoko I was so nervous, After all, she is the wife of a Beatle!

When it was my turn to meet her, I went to shake hands with her and she could see me shaking and held my hand in hers and she told me "It's alright, you don't need to be nervous, I'm just a person like you are. Is there any thing you would like to ask me?"

I replied: "I would just like to look into your eyes for a moment so I can see what John did."

She said: "Well, let me take off my sunglasses for a moment then," and she removed her sunglasses and I spent about 30 seconds silently looking into her eyes. I thanked her and she said that she was very touched by my gesture and wished me peace....It is a day I will always remember and cherish.

Love her or hate her, I think it's a cool story.

My friend Glory also pointed out the following video, so I added it as well. The song title seems appropriate. Tom also informed me of another interesting tidbit: "The night that John was murdered he had a cassette of that song in his jacket pocket. They were doing overdubs on that done at the Hit Factory. It was the last song he ever recorded."

And, since I like John Lennon, let me sneak in a video here too.

X is for X, the first album released by the band "Ten"

I know some of you were wondering where X was going to go. Oh, I could have written about the punk band X or the band called XTC, but I know neither one of them and they would have been pure research articles. Since I make a living writing research articles (I call it hair-balling), I say: no thank you!

Instead, X is for X, the first album released by the band called Ten. Perhaps because it's the Roman numeral for ten? Just speculation on my part. The funny thing is, I was going to do Ten for T, then I realized I could just use their first album and kill two birds with one stone.

Ten is a new discovery for me (we are talking only a couple of months here). I found them on Facebook because a friend posted a video on his wall. Always check your friends' music, you never know what you'll find!

X is mainly the brain child of singer/songwriter Gary Hughes. Before the band Ten existed, Gary was working on his third solo album, but he ended up with too many songs. The album was supposed to be mixed in the USA with guitar tracks laid down in the UK, but somehow the collaborate effort of Vinny Burns (guitars), Mike Stone (producer) and Greg Morgan (drummer) turned into the formation of the band Ten in 1995.

X was released in May 1996 and made it big in Japan. I have always said that the Japanese know their music and when something is successful there, it's good. In my opinion, some of the best live albums have been recorded in Japan. Anyway, since X was so successful there, bassist Martin Shelton, keyboardist Ged Rylands and guitarist John Halliwell were brought on board so they could tour and support the album. Europe followed suit on the popularity meter and the rest is history--which includes the inevitable subsequent member changes, but they are still going strong with 12 studio album and one live album.

Here is the full info for X, and videos to follow. The CD is mostly heavy ballads, not my usual cup of tea, but it's still good. (They did do much faster, heavier stuff in the future) Videos are arranged in order from hard to soft.

    "The Crusades/It's All About Love" – 8:06 (Hughes/Vinny Burns)

    "After the Love Has Gone" – 5:27

    "Yesterday Lies In the Flames" – 5:06

    "The Torch" – 5:25

    "Stay With Me" – 5:52

    "Close Your Eyes and Dream" – 6:24

    "Eyes of a Child" – 5:02

    "Can't Slow Down" – 5:29

    "Lamb to the Slaughter" – 4:50

    "Soliloquy/The Loneliest Place In the World" – 10:30

    Gary Hughes – lead and backing vocals

    Vinny Burns – guitars

    Greg Morgan – drums and percussion

    Mark Harrison – bass guitar

    Lee Goulding – keyboards

    Howard Smith – keyboards

    Andy Thompson – keyboards

    Francis Cummings – first violin

    Peter Leighton-Jones – first violin

    John Wade – first violin

    Fiona Payne – second violin

    Julia Parsons – second violin

    Jean Ambrose – viola

    Anne Morrison – viola

    Anna Frazer – cello

 

W is for Winterhawk

Winterhawk is a Native American rock band founded in the 70s. While most of my music finds are from fellow Heepsters (after all, Uriah Heep fans have great taste), I found Winterhawk actually on my own a few years ago. It was one of those recommendation that pops up when you buy CDs on Amazon and eBay. The CD I bought upon recommendation was Electric Warriors/Dog Soldiers, one of those 2 on 1 deals. While I try to not judge a book by its cover, I must admit the picture of four long-haired guys dressed in an interesting mixture of Native American garb and jeans appealed to me and made me check out what's inside.

Now, my digging turned up videos, biographies and discographies by another Winterhawk, or what I presume is another band by the same name (from Chicago) because the band members are totally different. Even website info seems confusing and seems to mix up the discographies. The Native American band Winterhawk is from San Francisco and does not have an official website, or much info really, but the members were:

Nik Alexander (vocals, guitar), Frank J. Diaz de Leon (bass, vocals), Alfonso Morris Kolb (drums), Frankie Joe (guitar), Jon Gibson (drums, vocals), Doug Love (bass, vocals)

I don't have the CD anymore, but I do remember the songs and thanks to YouTube, I am able to share some from the right band, although their best stuff (Loser, Crazy, We are the People, Warrior's Road) is not on there. Too bad they lack exposure and that even with the best technology you can't always get what you want.

Winterhawk - Restaurant (Electric Warriors - 1979) 

Winterhawk - Selfish Man

Custer's Dyin'

Winterhawk - Black Whiskey

V is for Venrez

Venrez, formed by vocalist Steven Berez, is a hard rock band based in Los Angeles. The other members consist of Jason Womack (guitar/vocals), Michael Bradford (bass), Ed Davis (drums) and Alex Kane (guitar) whose long list of credentials include Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg.

Their album, "Sell the Lie," was released to rave reviews in 2012. I was hooked with the first song, aptly named "Karma." While a relatively new band, the guys are "mature" rockers, older than I am. It shows in their music style that has a classic rock influence, but with a fresh sound, especially the unique vocals. Make no mistake though, these guys can rock up on stage.

Bands and artists like Fuel and Alice Cooper agree, as Venrez was/is touring with both of them. Give then a like on Facebook  and a listen. The videos don't do them justice, but it is a start. From a personal standpoint, what is important to me are the strong lyrics and that Venrez takes pride in the song writing skills.

This first video is a cover of Mary Jane's Last Dance, with Fuel, a very recent performance. If the video makes you nauseous (it's jumpy), just listen to the music. After all, that is what matters.

The second video does not have great sound quality, but Blogger did not want to cooperate with the one I wanted to embed.

U is for Uriah Heep

You knew this was coming. Even readers who only recently got to know me figured out what Heep stands for in my name. Back in June 2007, when I decided to become a writer, choosing Heep as my pen name was just another stepping stone among the Karma of my life. Uriah Heep is more than just my favorite band. It has brought many interesting people and life-changing events into my life, yet I have never seen the band live. Why? That's another story for another day.

Should I not devote my limited words to talking more about the band itself? That's just it, this post is actually one of the hardest to write as I have so much to say about Uriah Heep that it's hard to condense. I could tell you they started out as Spice in 1969, became Uriah Heep in 1970 and that their name choice has often been criticized (Charles Dickens readers will get it).

I could also tell you they have a member (Gary Thain) in the infamous 27Club along with Janis Joplin, Jim Morison and Kurt Cobain. And I could proceed to tell you about the revolving lineups, music style changes and band member drama that surpasses that of Deep Purple and has brought forth just as many talented, if not more, individual musicians with solo careers.Yes, they are still touring. If you are still asking: Uriah Who? let the music speak for itself.

This version of the classic Lady in Black, while described as a cover by the Romanian band Iris, is actually a collaborate effort between Uriah Heep and Iris.

T is for Triumph

Canadian rock needs some credit too, and Triumph is right up there with April Wine for me, as far as Canadian bands go. Triumph is one of those rare 3-guy bands that can sound like five, even live, with all members doing double duties: Rik Emmett as vocalist/guitarist, Mike Levine as keyboardist/bass guitarist and Gil Moore as drummer/vocalist. Although Emmett left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career, the band continued on with Phil X, formerly of Aldo Nova. However, the original lineup reunited in 2007 and 2008 for select performances.

I chose the song "Lay it on the Line" as I have a personal anecdote to go along with it: It seemed that I was always playing it (unintentionally) when an ex-boyfriend of mine was coming around. He must have felt guilty about something because he asked me why I was always playing it when he came around. From then on, whenever I got in his car, it would be the first song he played and he told me once: "See, I can say the same as well." If he had hoped to offend me, it did not work, I just thought it was funny!

S is for Soul Asylum

Today is a little different as Soul Asylum is not a band I really know. Well, I know Runaway Train, a popular song most everyone has probably heard. Why would I write about them then? Well, I am not. My boyfriend, the concert-going pro, has so many cool music stories that I decided to let him have the S-stage and share one. (Or two, but you'll just have to wait til later in the alphabet.) Besides, a personal encounter is much more interesting than anything I can research.

Without further ado, here is Tom's account.

I won tickets to see them on the first night of their Silver Lining tour in Chicago in 2006. And of course I brought my camera. I struck up a conversation with the sound guy when I got there and he asked me if I was there to photograph the band. So of course I said "yes, I do free lance photos for the local music mags," and he said: "Let me hook you up with a press pass so you can get the photos you need without being interrupted by the house security."

I spent the whole show walking around the edge of the stage taking a boatload of up-close pictures of the band. After the show ended, Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy (the founding guitar players) saw me as they were walking off stage and they stopped and asked if I got some good pix. Dan asked if I was going backstage for an interview with them, but I said I only take photos I was so blown away...

Since this was the first night of their tour, so what I'm saying is so special is that I was the first person to photograph them on this tour ... It might explain why they were being so nice to me.

Cool stuff! Imagine that, getting the first pictures because of being mistaken for a photographer. I'd say we won't tell, but we just did. Well, to 4 readers at least. We looked for a video from that exact show, but could not find one, so you'll just have to bear with this one.

R is for Rory Gallagher

I have highlighted artists from a variety of countries, English speaking and otherwise, so today I am going to highland an Irishman, one who died way too young in 1995. I am always surprised that his name does not come up when music fans or magazines discuss great guitar players. Although, Rory Gallagher was far more than just a guitar player, he was an all-around artist--a mandolin player, saxophone player, vocalist and song writer too. Judging by the views on YouTube, he still seems very popular though and people recognize his abilities.

What I like about Rory is that he is one of the few who has managed to "make it" while staying true to himself. Especially if you understand the circumstances of growing up in Ireland among the unrest of Belfast. While he was famous enough outside of his homeland and could have easily avoided what was going on, he always found time to return home to the hornet's nest.

Also,  his music was always the focus, not  being hung up on stage appearance, but the latter was still appealing enough to draw someone in who perhaps was not a guitar freak. He even shunned releasing singles, much to the annoyance of his record label. Not bad for a musician who grew up without even a record player in his childhood home.

I know his videos tend to be very long, but I had to include two because they are my favorites because I identify with both of them. Those are Moonchild (the shorter of the two and my absolute favorite) and Tattoo'd Lady. If you know me, you know why I chose them. If you don't, well, get to know me!

Q is for Queensryche

Queensryche's best-known song perhaps is The Lady Wore Black, which actually dates back to their first demo tape in 1981, when the band was still called The Mob. Not surprisingly, the demo tape was rejected by record labels. Still, it was popular in the underground and received a raving review in Kerrang Magazine. On the heels of the review and with a new manager who urged the band to change its name, Queensryche released these demos on their own label. In 1983 they were signed by EMI who released the EP as an album with moderate success.

However, the band really did not put itself on the commercial map until around 1986. Perhaps its success can be attributed to the band changing its style more to glam (temporarily) and away from heavy metal. Their most commercially successful album was released in 1990 called Empire. While the grunge years took its toll on their popularity, the band still tours, writes new material and amazingly enough, retains four of its original members.

O is for Opus

My sincere apologies to those who expected Ozzy Osbourne (not). But, I will admit that Opus made the list because of one song only: Live is Life (yes it's spelled that way). Yes, the video is cheesy and perhaps the lyrics too, but to me this is a feel-good song that embodies everything about the 80s, although my 80s weren't anything to write home about. Alas, they are novel fodder, but that's another story not yet told.

I knew that Opus was from Austria (not Australia, not Germany), but that's all. Today's digging revealed that while their hit "Live is Life" came out in 1985, the band has been in existence since 1973, but did not record their first album until 1980. And yes, they are still touring in Austria and Germany.

In the beginning, like many other bands, they started out in a garage playing covers. Interestingly enough, the bands they mention on their official site of having covered are Deep Purple and Colosseum. The latter has a tie to Uriah Heep as Mark Clarke, one-time bass player for Heep, played for Colosseum. (leave it to me to find the Heep).

The website also states that "Live is Life" was written for their fans. How appropriate that it should have put them on the map then. And here is the video, in all its lovely mullet and high-waist pleated pants glory - love the stage entry of the lead singer!

N is for Nazareth

N was a difficult choice. Nazareth came to mind right away, but I did not too know much about them. I prefer to write my music posts from the heart as opposed to doing research, but I figured I'd learn something in the process too. Lo and behold, when I started my research I found out they are touring this week, with none other than Uriah Heep, in Germany. Well, that settled it of course, I can never turn down a tie in to my favorite band or homeland. Plus, they are from Scotland and that country does not get enough credit for good music, in my opinion.

My first taste of Nazareth was on a compiled tape my brother made me, back in the day. I also have a couple of Nazareth CDs (Razamanaz, Loud 'n Proud, Hair of the Dog) packed away somewhere in storage, so I know they have some great music besides the two songs they seem to be known for: Their rendition of "Love Hurts" and "Alcatraz." Their first album was released in 1971, and the last in 2011, so they are another band that's been around for a long time, but people don't seem to know that. I know I did not, and I know a lot of stuff when it comes to music.

I am not going to re-hash their biography as I am trying to keep things brief and their story is anything but. It's very interesting and you should read it sometime. If you don't know them, I'll have to warn you about the raspy vocals: you'll either love them or hate them.

"Please Don't Judas Me" is my favorite Nazareth song, and may appeal to people who can only take them in small doses, because it's a slower song and the lyrics, while simple, are deep.

The second song I chose is "Alcatraz" as a reminder for people who may have forgotten it. Back in the day, when I did not know better, I thought it sounded like Black Sabbath.

M is for McCauley/Schenker Group

I know I use this phrase a lot, but yes, everyone has a story. Sometimes you'll find the best ones when you least expect it and in the strangest places. Such is the case with today's selection, McCauley/Schenker Group (MSG). [Side note: MSG also was used for Michael Schenker Group, the name Michael used before and after Robin McCauley was part of it.]

A friend of mine posted the video "Anytime" (from their album 'Save Yourself') - see below - on Facebook and it reminded me of a cassette tape (remember those?) I used to have. The way I acquired the tape was because it had the name Schenker in it, for Michael Schenker, who used to play with the Scorpions (and other bands). As a German, the Scorpions are one of my favorite bands and I am always on the lookout for side projects of band members.

I found this group worthy of mention not only because of Michael Schenker's involvement, but because said friend who posted it has a cool story to tell.

Here is how Manfred Helwig told the background story: "December 1989, an unknown band in a small studio, set to record their first demo tape. An unknown bass player got into the rehearsal room of a drummer near the studio to warm up. The drummer came in and joined for a jam. Well, this drummer was Bodo Schopf, member of MSG back then. Most of you might know the bass player!" 

Cool story in my opinion. Imagine, getting to jam with Michael Schenker!


On a side note, pretty much anything that has to do with Michael Schenker is worth checking out, so seek people, seek!

L is for Living Loud featuring Lee Kerslake

Living Loud is a project that Lee Kerslake, long-time (ex) drummer of Uriah Heep, was part of. Did you know that Lee Kerslake also used to drum for Ozzy Osbourne? Not only that, he had a major part in two of Ozzy's famous albums "Diary of a Madmen" and "Blizzard of Oz", but was never credited nor obtained royalties, despite a lawsuit.

How does this relate? Six of those songs, "I Don't Know", "Crazy Train", "Flying High Again", "Mr. Crowley", "Tonight" and "Over the Mountain" are on the Living Loud CD. Those six songs, if you listen to the re-issued Ozzy versions, had the originals tracks erased and dubbed over after the lawsuit. The CD also features five new songs, written solely for that project.

Incidentally, Bob Daisley, ex bassist for Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep, was in the same boat (screwed out of royalties and never credited) and also part of Living Loud. This band also featured guitarist Steve Morse and vocalist Jimmy Barnes. Keyboardist Don Airey, who also was part of of the original albums and yes, you guessed it, never credited, laid down tracks for Living Loud remotely. Talk about a super group! The CD, Living Loud, was released in 2004 and a DVD, Live in Sydney, followed in 2005.

Living Loud - Last Chance



Living Loud - Every Moment a Lifetime

K is for Ken Hensley

How ironic that Ken Hensley follows on the heels of yesterday's John Sloman post, as they were both members of the same band, but did not get along, and in the end the fallout led to Ken Hensley pursuing other opportunities. Of course the band is Uriah Heep, but that particular story only interests the die-hard Heep fans.

While his best-known role in Uriah Heep was that as keyboard player, major songwriter/lyricist and occasional guitarist, Ken's journey started at age 11 with his first guitar. His first successful band was called The Gods, formed in 1965 which featured Mick Taylor (later of Rolling Stones fame). The Gods recorded two albums, and Ken joined Spice in 1969, which turned into Uriah Heep in 1970. In his 10 years with Uriah Heep, Ken was a major contributor of 13 studio albums, that is more than one per year! He also released "Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf," an impressive solo effort, in 1973, while in Uriah Heep.

After leaving Uriah Heep in 1980, Ken embarked on a solo career and released "Free Spirit" that same year. In 1982, he joined Blackfoot for three years. He semi-retired in 1985 and made occasional appearances with bands like Cinderella and W.A.S.P. Starting in 1999, he went back to making music, releasing more solo albums and participating as a session musician. He even joined Uriah Heep for select performances in the years to come.

So far (until 2012), he has been part of 51 albums. His styles range from hard to soft, from Christian music to Prog Rock, acoustic, Metal and everything in between. He has also authored a book "When Too Many Dreams Come True," his autobiography, and yes, I have read it of course.

Why do I like Ken Hensley? Well, some of his solo music does not float my boat and some say he had an ego-centric personality. However, at the height of classic Uriah Heep no one wrote music and lyrics like Ken Hensley. Prime examples would be the songs July Morning, Sunrise and Pilgrim. Also, even in his advanced age he still rocks, especially with the band Live Fire.

It was hard to narrow down the videos. I chose Candles' Getting Shorter by The Gods because Beatles fans may like it, The Wizard by Uriah Heep because Ken plays guitar and does lead vocals, When Evening Comes from Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf because it is a wonderful slower song, Sunrise version from the Live 1973 album because it's one of the best live recordings ever, and a recent song by Live Fire called Set me Free.

The Gods - Candle's Getting Shorter



When Evening Comes from Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf



Uriah Heep - The Wizard



Uriah Heep - Sunrise



Live Fire - Set Me Free

J is for John Sloman

John Sloman is my favorite musician. He is mostly known as the lead vocalist of the 1980 lineup of Uriah Heep, appearing on the "Conquest" album. Unfortunately, it's made him more infamous than anything as many fans of the bands hated that album and his vocal interpretations, especially of the classic material during live performances.

However, John Sloman is so much more than a vocalist, he is an all-around musician and song writer with a talent for playing a variety of instruments. His impressive resume did not begin, nor end, with his one year stint in Uriah Heep. In 1977, a mere 19 years old, he was a member of the much accredited band Lone Star. No, this has nothing to do with country music, this Lone Star was a Welsh rock band that featured guitarist Paul Chapman (later a member of UFO). Because of the country band by the same name, it's hard to find info on this Lone Star online.

John Sloman also played keyboards for UFO and Todd Rundgren, did vocals and keyboards for Gary Moore, played with Fast Eddie Clarke and has also pursued several solo projects in addition to doing lots of session work. Most notable efforts include his albums Dark Matter (2004), 13 Storeys, and Reclamation. The first is a hard rock album, while the latter are acoustic projects where he gets to show off all his artistic talents.

As a person, he has a brilliant biting Welsh humor and is also an excellent story writer. He is very intelligent, educated and worldly and appreciates his fans, if they bother to get to know him.

I chose three rocking videos: One with Lone Star, one with Uriah Heep, and one with Gary Moore. During the latter he had the flu, but still dragged himself up on stage to get the job done. I also chose one acoustic video (The Other Side of Love) for those who do not like rock.

Lone Star - From All of Us to All of You (Even though the description says Sloman on vocals, this does not refer to the lead. He is the one on the right who plays the guitar and does backup vocals)


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Uriah Heep (John on vocals) - Out on the Street


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Gary Moore (with John Sloman on vocals) - Rockin and Rollin.
Unfortunately, YouTube won't allow embedding on this video, so I had to use this link

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John Sloman - The Other Side of Love

I is for Iron Butterfly

Iron Butterfly is psychedelic rock at its best. While mostly known for In a Gadda da Vidda, which was supposed to mean in the garden of Eden and was part of their second album, they released seven albums between 1967 and 1975 and released their eighth in 2011. The latter is a set of two 1968 shows. While well-known, I think they are underrated because they were so much more than just one hit song. I can only hope they were given their dues back then. Alas, since I was born the year they were founded I missed out on a lot of good stuff.

Iron Butterfly is presently touring in Europe with the lineup of Ron Bushy (drums), Lee Dorman (bass), Charlie Marinkovich (vocals/lead guitar) and Martin Gerschwitz (keyboards). The first two of course are and have been the backbone of Iron Butterfly for decades. Ron did the famous drum solo on In a Gadda da Vidda and Lee was a member of Captain Beyond, along with former guitarist Rhino Rheinhardt, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

My favorite song is Fields of Sun (from their first album "Heavy"), to me it is a quintessential feel-happy hippie song. And it makes me think of sunflowers, my favorites.

H is for Heaven & Hell

Heaven and Hell is of course an incarnation of the Black Sabbath band, named after one of their albums. Just substitute Ronnie James Dio for Ozzy Osbourne. This lineup can't call itself Black Sabbath because of Ozzy owning that right (I think). I was not sure whom to post about for H at first. Oh, the usual suspects like Heart and Humble Pie came to mind, but after some deliberation I went with Heaven and Hell because it's one of the few bands I have actually managed to see.

True, it was a grueling day that started at 5 a.m. hundreds of miles away with a train ride into New York, then a car ride into New Jersey and standing outside in the pouring rain in 40 degree weather. Plus, the person I was with turned out to be less desirable in hindsight, but I got to see Ronnie James Dio before he passed away from cancer, and of course Toni Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Apice at their live best.

While there is a recording from the show I attended in Holmdel on May 19, 2007, it's of bad quality. So I chose one from Radio City Music Hall from the same tour instead. That particular concert was released on DVD.