Monthly Archives: July 2010

ZO2 Interview with Paulie & David Z

Posted by Dante on
RN: When was Season Two of Z-ROCK released?
Paulie Z: It was released on June 8th and has a bunch of deleted scenes and bloopers. We had no idea what was going to be on it. Now that we have it and we are very happy with it.

RN: My favorite scene was during the first season, Joan Rivers was coming out of David Lee Roth’s dressing room.

David Z: You know what’s funny about that episode is that David was supposed to make a cameo. Van Halen was playing that night and the timing was cut way to short so we had to use the star on his door.

RN: Is there going to be a third season of Z-ROCK?

David Z: Right now if there is going to be one it will not be with I.F.C. We parted ways with that network. We are currently looking for a new home for it. But in the mean time we are not sitting around waiting. That’s one of the things that I am proud of with ZO2. We don’t wait for shit to happen to us. We just keep moving as if nothing is going to happen and if it does it’s just icing on the cake. So in the mean time we are putting up our own webisodes on you tube right now. Its two to five minute clips of us out on the road. So people can see the real live events of us out on the road. And people can watch on youtube it’s been getting pretty good feed back because it’s real and because Z-ROCK was based on our real events anyway. You are getting Z-ROCK literally unscripted.

RN: When bands open for Kiss they expect to blow up. ZO2 did not. Did you guys expect too and if so what was the mind set when you didn’t?

David Z: The problem was we did not have the foundation to build off of that. When we got that Kiss tour we had only played eight live shows. And we had just released the first CD. It was self released. There was no label behind us there was no backing. We went on the tour and it was amazing. Of course we all thought we would get back and there would be offers on our door step. But there was no foundation. We didn’t have a following out side of that tour. We only had that tour to go off of. It was a nice little spring board, but in a way it was sort of counter productive, because something like that really is best suited when you already have something established. We really went backwards in a way. We started on this big tour and had to build our way back up to that point.

RN: Being Kiss Fans your selves, what was it like to tour with them?

Paulie Z: It was one of the greatest things. Being Kiss Fans it was an incredible experience. We were not just playing on stage. We got to hang out with them during dinner. We played wiffle ball. Just fun stuff like that. More that anything it was a personal triumph for us. But to add to what David said, I think it was a little weird to have started there. But the truth is it opened a lot of doors for us as well.

RN: Will there be a live DVD/CD?

David Z: It’s funny that you ask that. We just talked about that. The first thing we want to try and do is to figure out away to do a live stream so fans that are to far away to come see us, can see the shows as they happen live. Outside of that we are looking to do a live DVD. The problem with that is we need to find the right venue, the right sound people, and the right video production team to do it. Even more than that, you want to have more than just the live show. You want to pack it with extras. It is some thing that is on our minds. It has been for awhile. If it comes out it will definitely be packed with extras.

RN: I was checking out your tour dates and I see only a hand full of shows. Are there any plans for a tour?

David Z: We would love to tour the country, but again with any the problem is money. For instance Texas was such a good place for us to play when we did the Kiss tour but we have not been able to get back there because it’s not cost effective. It would cost so much money. We would be able to do it once and then never again. So we really try to focus mainly on our area and concentrate on those markets. To try and get on an extended tour once again, a lot of it is pay to play. So a lot of these bands when they get these spots they are actually paying to get the gig. And with out a label behind us that money it is hard to find. Our label has always been American Express. So we are doing as much as we can to make it possible in the future. We are working with different agency groups to get that in the works.

For More Info Check Out These ZO2 Sites

For The ZO2 Webisodes www.youtube.com/zo2videos

For ZO2′S New CD-Casino Logic & Z-ROCK DVD’s www.zo2.com

 
 

 

Jetboy’s Billy Rowe Interviewed

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RN: What kind of reaction has your new CD “Off Your Rocker” been getting?

Billy Rowe: The big thing for me was after we played M3 most people I talked to kept telling me they really liked the new songs. I knew what we could do before we wrote these songs. And getting back together I was very curious about the reaction from people that know the band, did know the band and the people who are just got introduced to us. So the reaction has been great. There has been a lot of positive feedback.

RN: Are you moving a good amount of CD’s?

Billy Rowe: Well, we are doing it our selves. We have no label. So we have been selling it online strictly. We have been selling on our website and downloads have been good too.

RN: So the internet helps?

Billy Rowe: I think the internet is important. That’s just the way to go. That’s just where it’s all headed. I think someday music is going to be free. There is just no control. The market is changing. You can see things shifting. I think what you have to do is to build your fan base and you have to gives your fans some thing special. You have to give away a song or an album. And keep building and building. You have to get people out to the shows. I think that’s the key part.

RN: Is there any tour plans?

Billy Rowe: We are going to be doing 3 weeks to a month in Europe starting in November. It’s going to be a club heading tour.

RN: Any idea when you’re going to be putting out a full length CD?

Billy Rowe: We have a label out of France that plan on re-releasing Damned Nation with bonus tracks. In October the plan is to release a new full length. November and December tour to support it and build up a following through Europe. I think there is a big market over there that loves straight up Rock N Roll. Some of my favorite current bands are from those areas. Like The Wild Hearts, Back Yard Babies, The Helicopters and stuff like that.

RN: So you guys are writing for a new full length now?

Billy Rowe: Yes. What will be released in Europe will put it together and released here as well. With some bonus stuff online.

RN: So Damned Nation is going to be re-released first?

Billy Rowe: The owner of the label is a big fan of the band. And wants to re-release Damned Nation first, to introduce to the band to the market and then come at them with a new record.

RN: How many songs do you have for the new recorded?

Billy Rowe: About six, some song tittles are Eddie’s Revenge, Beating The Odds, Shake Your Shack

RN: Who is producing it?

Billy Rowe: We did the last one our selves so that’s the idea this time around too.

RN: Ok Jetboy was one of the first of the 80’s glam metal bands. One of the first with a record deal. You guys got lost between two labels with a full album. And all the other bands blew passed you. Did you guys ever think about writing a book or putting out a documentary to tell your story?

Billy Rowe: My idea is to put out a documentary like Anvil did. Our original bass player O.D. with Slash. I was in car accident and got pretty fucked up before one of our big gigs with Motley Crue. We have some good stories we could lay out on the table. I think it would be a great documentary.

RN: Do you have anything going on outside of Jetboy?Billy Rowe: I have my guitar business “Rock N Roll Relics“. It’s going pretty good. I do it online I build from scratch. Tele’s and Strats. I also refinish Les Pauls as well. Make them look old. It’s all to get to those vintage specs. To make them look like their from the 50s and 60s. It’s going good. There is a big market for it out there. I also have a cover band called The Butlers. We gig around town a so many times a year. It’s really just a bunch of friends that get together that rock out to our favorite songs.

 

 

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT:

http://www.myspace.com/jetboyrocks

http://www.jetboyrocks.com/

http://www.rocknrollrelics.net/

Big thanks to Billy for taking the time and talking to us.

Lynam Show Review: Philadelphia & Jim Thorpe PA

Posted by Dante on

Two Nights With Lynam

After seeing the band Lynam in Philadelphia, back in March, I was not surprised to see ‘The White Trash Superstars’ from Birmingham, Alabama rock the Eastern half of Pennsylvania twice in one week.

Show Review #1:

Saturday July 10th, The Blockley – Located at 38th and Chestnut St. Philadelphia PA (site of the old Chestnut Cabaret). After spending their time enjoying the other bands they then took the stage at 11:15 pm and played for almost two hours and rocked the place. It was a casual fun rock & roll show. They played a variety of songs from their latest CD ‘Tragic City Symphony‘, also songs from their four previous releases.

 

Show Review #2:

 

Tuesday July 13th, Penn’s Peak – Jim Thorpe PA. Lynam opened for Cinderella and I must say they nailed it and stole the show. Cinderella was the band everyone was talking about going into the show. Lynam was the band everyone was talking about on their way home. After their set they took the time meeting fans and signing autographs, as well as pictures for all. Through Cinderella’s set and up until the building started shutting down the lights. Hundreds of people lined up and they took their time not rushing any one away. Taking pictures and just hanging out talking. The reason I’m stressing this point is because a lot of bands seem rushed at meet-n-greets trying to be nice but at the same time trying to get through the people so they can leave. It seemed like Lynam didn’t want to leave. It was apparent that they genuinely liked talking and hanging out meeting new people and making new fans and friends, and that’s rare. For any one who has not had the chance to see Lynam live or to listen to any of their music I urge you to do so. These guys are the real deal. They have five CD’s to choose from and a live show that would put most veteran rock bands to shame.

 FOR MORE INFO: CHECK OUT www.lynamsucks.com

Joe Lest’e / Alex Grossi Of Bang Tango Interviewed @ M3

Posted by Dante on
The M3 Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 19th was a great show. The bands that I was able to see rocked and it was a fun day. I was able to interview Singer  Joe Lest’e and Guitarist  Alex Grossi from Bang Tango about an hour before their set time. It’s always fun hanging out with these guys and I have to throw a thank you their way for doing the interview. 
 
RN: What are your thoughts on your former band mates getting back together and calling the band Bang Tango? 
Joe Lest’e: It’s kind of like building a car. That’s your car. That’s what you do. It’s your version of the car. It’s what you sell. I have been in Bang Tango from the beginning. I named the band. It’s been my band. Those guys quit in 1992. These guys have been in the band longer than any of those guys. I love this band. I love it to death. I don’t want any one to get confused about this situation. I have nothing bad to say about those guys. I love them all and wish them luck. I just don’t understand why they can’t call it something different. 

RN: What’s going on with the new CD? 

Joe Lest’e: We have seven songs finished. We recorded ten and we are going back to finish the rest soon. 

RN: What kind of reaction have you been getting with your new song “Suck It Up” since you have been playing it at your shows? 

Joe Lest’e: We are getting a lot of attention from the single “Suck It Up“. Since that, we decided to go back and rewrite some of the songs. 

RN: How is the tour going ? 

Joe Lest’e: It’s going good. Alex has the Adler’s Appetite tour. He will be leaving for a couple months. We are going to get a guy to fill in for him. And when he gets back we are going to Europe. 

Alex Grossi: They will be opening for the band Dope and we have the Mid West Rock Fest coming up in Wichita KS, with Twisted Sister, Styx and Fuel. 

Joe Lest’e: We are trying to be more professional now and bring it to another level. We slowed down on our drinking. No more getting drunk before shows. We have a new agent, Sullivan Bigg. And he’s been great. And we are doing our thing. 

Alex Grossi: All four of us got our shit together. With our tour schedule, we’re lucky to be out doing this. I’d rather remember a day like today than wake up tomorrow and be like what I did I do last night. 

RN: Will there be another Beautiful Creatures CD? 

Joe Lest’e: Yes there will be. But it has to be the right time. Timing is everything. 

Alex Grossi: One thing at a time. 

RN: Joe there has been some rumors about your health. I heard you had a stomach ulcer that caused you to go to the hospital. How much of that is true? And are you in good health now? 

Joe Lest’e: I got to the hospital and I lost a lot of blood. I was on the road and had no idea. The blood was filling up my stomach. I thought I was getting a beer gut. But it was blood. It was a scary moment for me but I’m fine now. I do every thing I’m supposed to. The Dr. said I should start smoking weed because I’m going to need it for my stomach. So after 22 years of not doing that I started smoking again. And I lost weight. I have a few beers now and then. I have band members that look at me and say “did you take your medicine today”. 

Alex Grossi: We care. 

Joe Lest’e: They acutely do care. They are more my friends than they are band members. 

RN: Do you have any thing else to add before we finish up? 

Joe Lest’e: This band has a great chemistry. We have a great drummer Trent (Trent Anderson). He has been booking our gigs and getting us on the right track. And that we really appreciate. And Alex is playing like never before. And Lace (Lance Eric) is great. These guys really support me and believe in what I’m doing and they have made me change a lot. Now I drink a few beers here and there. We are doing real well. You will see it in the show. You will notice a big difference. No more joking around. We want show people, we are Bang Tango.

For More Info And Tour Dates Check Out : www.myspace.com/bangtango