Opening Act: 
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts passes at 80
Black Sabbath re-releasing Technical Ecstasy Oct 1
Iron Maiden’s Senjutsu coming Sept 3rd
Details and new single from upcoming black Label Society album
Lucifer release Carrie-inspired video
Gus G. releases single from upcoming album

Ear Candy: 
John Mayer: Sob Rock (2021)
Spirit Adrift: Forge Your Future (2021) https://www.spiritadrift.com/

Rockversation: Lawrence Gowan 
Matt recently spoke with the singer and keyboardist of Styx about his history with the band, as well as the new album, Crash of the Crown.

Bonus Track: Chokehold - PJ Farley
From the album Accent the Change, available now. Follow PJ on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pjfarley.  

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

/us
by Matman

LIVE MUSIC IS BACK, PEOPLE!!! We have been crying and complaining about how much we missed going to concerts and experiencing life again... well, last night was an incredible night of music, fun and friends with Eric Martin and Trixter's Steve Brown and PJ Farley plus Joey Cassata.

With a setlist pulled from the music of Mr. Big, Trixter and P.J. Farley's solo career (more on that in a bit), you would think it would be all about the music, and it was. BUT, to me it was more about the atmosphere the four musicians created, four friends just rocking, having a great time together and oh yeah, there were people watching and enjoying themselves.

From Eric we of course got "To Be With You", "Wild World" and "Just Take My Heart" and from the Trixter boys there was "One In A Million" and "Give It To Me Good". BUT, it was the other songs dropped in the set, like the greatest Trixter song ever, "Tattoos & Misery" (sung by P.J.) and two of my favorites from the world of Mr. Big, "Take Cover" and "Shine" that were not only great to see and hear live, but each had a different spark and feel. There was something (and I'm gonna use the word again) FUN about these songs played with this complement of players. If you follow Mr. Big and Trixter you know there can be (and is) a bit of tension in their history, but here the songs that we all know and love are being played by four guys who just like to 

My only disappointment was they didn't give Joey a spotlight to perform a Z Brothers classic or two. I've been a huge fan since the Bronstein party, maybe "Wheels On The Bus or the "Chicken Song"?" It would fit guys, trust me...

​People know me and listen to my shows already know what a huge fan I am of Eric Martin's career and my love and support of Steve Brown's Tokyo Motor Fist. Old listeners of The Secret Identity Podcast remember my weekly reviews of Z Rock (starring Joey Cassata), but (yes, another but) I have become a huge fan of P.J. Farley from just one song, "Chokehold", a track from his latest solo album, ACCENT THE CHANGE. Hearing that one song make me dive into his solo work, enough where I just bought the album. Full review coming soon...

On stage, the band really had a great time, joking with each other, making comments all over the place to what was going on. This didn't make the show sloppy or unprofessional, it made the entire event spontaneous and, well, fun! During the songs Eric wasn't singing he would sing back-up in support or would wander into the audience, freaking people out, dancing with them or in my case, came up to my table, sat down and told me how much he loved P.J.'s song, "Chokehold", that was being performed at that minute. A-Mazing stuff!!

I also need to give a major shout out to the Vault's staff working the kitchen. This time I had the Bat Burger, a delicious feast for the mouth... an 8 oz. burger, bacon, arugula, fresh mozzarella and something stick sweet called tomato jam! See picture below to and let your mouth begin to water!!!! 

Again, I cannot stress enough what an enjoyable show this was. No pressure to be Mr. Big and not trying to be Trixter, just four dudes playing great music and again... having fun doing so. Thanks guys for letting me/us be a part of it!

               

  

Opening Act: 
Metal church singer Mike Howe dies at 55
Gibson Records releasing new Slash album
ZZ Top bassist Billy Duffy dies at 72
Upcoming concerts at the Big E

Ear Candy: 
Twister Sister: Love is for Suckers (1987)
Dee Snider: Leave a Scar (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Rockerversation: Michael Abdow
Matt recently spoke to the Fates Warning and Aquanet guitarist at a live show. Keep up with Michael at michaelabdow.com.

Bonus Track: Night Ranger - Tomorrow
From the new album ATBPO, out now on Frontiers Music srl. 

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

How awesome was it to get live music again back at The Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT? How amazing was it to see my dear friend Jimi Bell performing on a big stage? The answer is yes and YES... but add to that, watching a group from the 80's that has reinvented themselves into a band that doesn't have to live on the past, but embrace it and give the fans something way more than just play it by numbers! 

I saw Autograph way back in 1984 (March 29 to be exact) in the Hartford Civic Center when the then unknown band opened for the might Van Halen on their mammoth tour to support 1984. Never easy, Autograph fought and won over the crowd, including me, with their high energy show and catchy tunes that made me a fan. Today, almost 40 years later (uggggg), Autograph has changed a bit and adapted to the times, BUT still deliver an incredibly energetic and exciting show!

Autograph (2021) features founding member, bassist Randy Rand, vocalist/guitarist Simon Daniels, drummer Marc Weiland and guitarist Jimi Bell and the band really know how to deliver. Gone are the keyboards that were a huge part of their signature sound, but in its place is a harder sound that really seems to give their classics like Turn Up The Radio, Deep End and one of my favorites of the entire era, Send Her To Me a serious kick! Autograph's 14 song set (not including a serious solo by Mr. Bell) mixed the classics plus newer songs like the timely Every Generation, Get Off Your Ass and their latest, Souls On Fire all blend together so well with not a lot of moments to catch your breath. 

My only complaint.... NO MERCH!!! I need a new Autograph shirt since mine stopped fitting me in 1988. For a new shirt and all your Autograph needs, http://autographband.com/index.htm

It was such a pleasure to be back at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun, seeing so many old friends and being in the venue that I have always considered the best place to see and hear a show! Never a bad seat, the sound is always perfect, wherever you are is the place to be and please check the schedule and come see some live and FREE music!  mohegansun.com/poi/venues/wolf-den.html

And a bit of trivia! The last time I saw Autograph was in 2019 at the Wolf Den and who was I watching the show with? Jimi Bell! 

Opening Act: 
New Anthrax album due in 2022
Glenn Tipton contributing to new Judas priest album
New episodes of Behind the Music announced
Nikki Sixx celebrates 20 years of sobriety
Alex Lifeson says RUSH is not coming back
Foghat celebrating 50th anniversary

Ear Candy: 
Def Leppard: Adrenalize (1992)
Styx: Crash of the Crown (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Rockerversation: Steven Nathan
Matt spoke with the singer and guitar player of Don’t Believe in Ghosts about their new album Solutions, which is out now. Follow the band at dontbelieveinghosts.com.

Bonus Track: Rian--In the Dark
From the album 23, which is arriving July 16th on Frontiers Music SRL. Find out more at rianrocks.com.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

For me, Styx is one of those bands that when they struck that balance between rockers and slower songs, interwoven with three very distinct voices... no one could touch them. The benchmark for me was 1981’s PARADISE THEATRE that was, and still is, one of my favorite albums of all time. I admit that their last release, THE MISSION didn’t quite resonate with me like I had hoped and I thought, “was this the end?” Well, Styx answered that question for me with their latest release, CRASH OF THE CROWN by saying "YES, we are not just a nostalgia act, we are as relevant now as ever!"

The songs presented (15 in all) are all brilliant and oozing with what I love(d) about the band with the Tommy Shaw led Save Us From Ourselves and Our Wonderful Lives and the slower Reveries (sung by Lawrence Gowan) really catching my ear. As good as the songs are, the strength here is with the complete listen, not just the individual songs! This is the way the great albums of the day were put together. I noticed so many different sounds and feels coming from each track, from classic Styx to Pink Floyd to Queen and even a Beatles moment or too... this is a perfect listening experience.

The best thing I can say about CRASH OF THE CROWN is that it is 'classic Styx' without sounding outdated or a rehashing of (fill in your favorite Styx album). If the members of Styx just said “let’s make an album of great songs and really enjoy everything about it”, this is exactly what they did. Give it a listen... I’m sure you will feel the magic, too.

MATMAN RANKING - 5 out of 5 Crashed Crowns! 

Listen for Matman's Full Review in the next episode of the Power Chords Podcast! 

James "JY" Young (lead vocals, guitars)
Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars)
Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals)
Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion)
Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards)
Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals)

CRASH OF THE CROWN was released on June 18 and is available on clear and black vinyl, CD, and on digital platforms. You can order the album here and at Styxworld.com.

Catch Styx on tour at a venue near YOU!!!!

Opening Act: 
Exodus’ Tom Hunting doing well
The Linda Lindas library concert
New Yngwie Malmsteen song—Relentless Fury
New Alcatraz lineup
Dennis DeYoung solo album
Black Sabbath The Vinyl Testament now on IndieGoGo

Ear Candy: 
Weezer: Van Weezer (2021)
Flotsam and Jetsam: Blood in the Water (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.
​
Rockerversation: Todd Michael Hall
The singer from Riot 5 spoke with Matt about his new solo album, Sonic Healing. You can preorder the album now on toddmichaelhall.com. 

Bonus Track:  Fiction Syxx—Innocence
From the album Ghost of My Father’s Past, coming in 2021. Keep up with Fiction Syxx at www.fictionsyxxrocks.com. 


Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Opening Act: 
Rock Candy Magazine
LA Guns lawsuit ends
KISS off the soundboard series
Saxon done recording new album 
Weezer’s new album coming in May 

Ear Candy: 
FM: Tough It Out (1989)
Chevelle: Niratias (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Bonus Track: Flotsam & Jetsam
Burn the Sky, from the new album Blood in the Water, coming out June 4 from AFM.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Opening Act:
Marty Friedman releases song from upcoming Tokyo Jukebox 3
Vinny Appice talks HoF and Black Sabbath
Lemmy’s gift to his closest friends
Oz Fox update
Walmart “Many Faces Of” collections

Ear Candy: 
Genesis: Invisible Touch (1986)
Evanescence: The Bitter Truth (2021)

Bonus Track: Robin McAuley
“Standing on the Edge,” from the new solo album of the same name coming in May on Frontiers.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Opening Act: 
Dave Mustaine partners with Gibson Guitars
Sunbomb debut album coming in May
Former Uriah Heep members solo albums released posthumously
Oz Fox fundraising shirts at stryper.com

Ear Candy: 
Accept: Too Mean to Die (2021)
Durbin: The Beast Awakens (2021)

Rockversation: Robert Berry
Matt spoke with the bass player and lead singer of 3.2 about the origins of the band, and their latest album. You can keep up with Robert’s projects at robertberry.com.

Bonus Track: Sunbomb
From the album No Tomorrows, coming this May from Frontiers Music srl.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.