6y Matman

​There is a real divide and some hostility among ASIA fans about John Payne's decade long run as the bassist/vocalist of the band.  Around 1990, John Wetton left the band to begin a solo career, Carl Palmer went back to ELP and Steve Howe returned to YES leaving Geoffrey Downes to either fold the band or continue. Choosing to keep ASIA going, he enlisted John Payne and in 1992 ASIA released the amazing AQUA album.  Payne and Downes (with a succession of musicians) would release 6 albums of new material before the original band would reform in 2007.  As part of a legal settlement, Payne would continue as ASIA featuring John Payne and be able to tour and record.  Last Friday night I finally got to see and hear ASIA featuring John Payne live and well.... I was so impressed!

Playing at the Atrium Bar and Lounge at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut, ASIA featuring John Payne played an incredible 14 song set mixing classic ASIA with some of the best songs from his run.  Obviously the casual ASIA fan wants to hear Heat Of The Moment, Go, Don't Cry and Only Time Will Tell, and we got those.  But, many of us die hard followers were hoping to hear Payne classics like Military Man, Long Way From Home, Who Will Stop The Rain and Silent Nation and the band didn't disappoint. A solid set list that really gave everyone what they wanted.

Joining Payne was longtime guitarist Moni Scaria who was so smooth and fluid with his playing, he made it look so effortlessly.  The two new guys, (Springfield, MA's own) keyboardist Jamie Hosmer and drummer Johnny Fedevich both had some big shoes to fill and musically and pulled everything off with style and power.  As for the man himself, Payne displayed his skills around the bass and vocally put on display his never aging powerful voice. 

As I document in my upcoming book, ASIA - TIME AND TIME AGAIN, if you only know the John Wetton led version of the band, than you are missing half the history of ASIA. Payne's run gave the band a bit of heaviness and progression and I am so thankful I not only got to see the band (and the sound check) but I got to spend some time with John and Moni which made the show even that much more special. 

ASIA featuring John Payne is currently on tour with Lou Gramm. 

                   

by Matman

How far will I travel for a great concert in a cool venue? 3 hours to Madison Square Garden to see Electric Light Orchestra... 90 minutes for a zillion shows at the Wolf Den... 2 hours to Poughkeepsie, NY for Stryper or Last In Line?  How about 15 minutes for Dokken/Last In Line? SOLD!!!!

Kicking off a new venue and a new summer event at the MGM called MGM Live On The Plaza were two of my favorite bands, Last In Line and Dokken. It was exciting to see a major venue start their inaugural run with bands that mean a lot to me and judging by the attendance, so many other people, too. As someone who has waved the flag most of his life for hard rock and heavy metal, it's refreshing that MGM look at these bands as legitimate and viable enough to start it all!!!!

First off the bands!!!! To read what I thought about Last In Line, just read the story below from last week because nothing has changed... except i'm an even bigger fan now!!!! They had an abbreviated set and took full advantage of every second... winning the crowd over and giving them a show featuring some of the best players in the business. Thank you Andrew, Vivian, Phil and Vinnie!!!! 

Having not seen Dokken since 1986, I was excited to not only see and hear some of my favorite music ever, but see a few friends (Chris McCarvill (bass) and BJ Zampa (drums) joining longtime guitarist Jon Levin and the legendary Don Dokken! Despite the fact that Don can't hit the notes like he used to, the show was an awesome collection of timeless songs presented with a lot of energy and power. The most important takeaway was that the fans really enjoyed the set and so did the band. And, Don Dokken is pure attitude!!!! 

So lets talk about the venue. On The Plaza has an amazing look to it, with brick everywhere and "the Castle" at one end, giving it such a distinct appearance and feel.  The outdoor venue has a large cover over it, giving it a real intimate feel (and keeping you cool and or dry) but allows air to circulate and of course, no crazy hot or stale standing room only pit... just comfortable. 

But, what I was worried about was the sound. How would the acoustics be? How would the sound play off all the brick and no real walls? From every part of the area, all the way to the far back, the sides, the concourse, behind the stage and even in the photo pit (I know sad me, eh), the sound was not only perfectly balanced, but clear and clean. And just so you know... I legitimately walked the entire area trying to find a spot where the music didn't carry well... and I couldn't, except the bathroom, but that is to be expected. 

AND.... how can I forget some real cool restaurants and free easy in and out parking!!!!!! WIN-WIN!

A full calendar of events including more of my favorites (Village People, Firehouse and Warrant)  can be seen by clicking here . 

So congrats to everyone at MGM Springfield for their first concert On The Plaza being a huge success with the bands, the fans and with me. With so many boxes to check when it comes to creating a solid and memorable live event these days, you guys did it all... and a little more.  

by Matman

In 2012, Last In Line was formed by the musicians who made the music from the first three DIO albums; HOLY DIVER, LAST IN LINE and SACRED HEART.  Wanting to play the music they were so much a part of, Vivian Campbell (guitar), Jimmy Bain (bass) and Vinnie Appice (drums) teamed up with vocalist Andrew Freeman to perform live and ultimately release their debut album, HEAVY CROWN. Sadly in 2016 Jimmy Pain passed away and brought in was bassist Philip Soussan who would join the band on their latest album II and the current tour they are on in support.  And that brings us up to date...

On Saturday night I took a pilgrimage to The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY to see the Last In Line, meet the guys and see some amazing players I have never seen before live, any of them! What I got for almost 90 minutes was a high energy show, with some amazing music, fantastic playing and four guys who really enjoy what they are doing and making music together. 

The band's set was a mix of classic DIO and tracks from the bands two albums and it just flowed perfectly.  New songs like Landslide, Year of The Gun and Give Up The Ghost fit in perfectly with the old like Straight Through The Heart, We Rock and Evil Eyes.  As brilliant as they played the thing that I took away from their performance was the fun they were having and how they all just enjoyed what they were doing.  There were some hysterical moments like this huge build-up to Rainbow In The Dark that ended with Vivian Campbell instead tuning his guitar and there was the emotional intro from Phil Soussan for the song Starmaker dedicated to Jimmy Bain. 

Musically you got what you would expect from such talented and well rounded musicians!!! Vinnie Appice plays with such thunder on a very small kit, Soussan is one of the best bass players I have ever seen or heard live and Campbell was able to play the songs he helped create and be the guitar hero!

For me, all eyes and ears were on Andrew Freeman. How would he sound doing the very demanding Dio material and how would he play it on stage? Vocally Freeman has it all, an incredible range for the high notes and is an excellent front man, playing with the zealous crowd and his band mates on stage. It isn't easy singing songs with the legacy of Ronnie James Dio but Freeman not only delivered, but made them his own.

With the band still on the road, I encourage you... no BEG you to check them out then they come to your town. Last In Line are performing this Saturday with Dokken at the MGM Springfield, MA and I will be there along with anyone I can drag to check out... dare I say it... one of the best bands I have ever seen live... and that says a lot because I have seen them all. But, this time i'll remember to get a shirt!!!!

Last In Line -  http://www.lastinlineofficial.com/     

Also, a big shout out to Shaggy and Vinnie for keeping the ship afloat. 

by Matman

Today is like Christmas with some incredible new releases for those who like it classic, melodic and even blistering!!!!! Here is a look at three of them...
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SUMMON THE HORDES - Protector (High Roller Records) - As someone is very selective about their thrash music, I decided to give the latest disc from Sweden's Protector an 'open minded' listen and was quite surprised at what I found. Musically the band is on fire, featuring Michael Carlsson (guitar), Mathias Johansson (bass) and Carl-Gustav Karlsson (drums).  The songs are heavy and I mean heavy, reminding me of Megadeth's KILLING IS MY BUSINESS heavy, but with more growl and snarl in the vocals by Martin Missy. Tracks like Realm Of Crime, Steel Caravan and Summon The Hordes have what you would want and expect, but there are a lot of time changes, adjustments and style that make these guys more than just a thrash band.  AND the cover... holy crappers!!!!!!  This is an album that will appeal to listeners of the Thrash It Out Podcast!!!!!  


THE SECRET - Alan Parsons (Frontiers Music) - Alan Parsons is a musical legend!  From his production and engineering work with the Beatles and Pink Floyd to his own Alan Parson's Project, the man knows his way around amazing songs and working with talent.  On THE SECRET, Parsons has brought in some incredibly talented folks like Lou Gramm, Steve Hackett and on the first single Magic, Jason Mraz.  Amid the heavy rock I tend to gravitate too, this album is pure pleasure to listen to and is another one that will be fighting for a spot in my top 20 of 2019. If radio played good music and someone played videos, I Can''t Get There From Here would be a huge hit because of its arrangement, vocal performance and heartfelt playing. Welcome back Mr. Parsons... we have missed you and your talent.          


THE GOD MACHINE - Steel Prophet (Rock Of Angels Records) - A band with a deep history, Steel Prophet hits the bulls-eye with their latest, THE GOD MACHINE.  Containing ten songs that will not give you a chance to catch your breath, R.D. Liapakis (vocals), Steve Kachinsky (guitar/keyboards), Jon Paget (guitar), rVince Dennis (bass) and John ‘JT’ Tarascio (drums) have crafted a full listening experience. The title track, Crucify and Soulbunter are some of the best songs the band has ever recorded and flow perfectly together.  Musically, there is an Iron Maiden feel to the songs meaning there is some epic playing on some very challenging songs.  As heavy as this album is, the stand-out track for me is the slower, but quite powerful Buried And Broken. An easy album of the year candidate!!!!      

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by Matman

When I got the word that Paul Raymond passed away, I was absolutely gutted and at a complete loss for words! I did send UFO bassist Rob DeLuca a message expressing my sadness and support for everyone, but in times like this... I feel like I should do more, I just don't know what.

Paul Raymond began his music career moving from one band to another until he found some stability with Savoy Brown in 1974 and stayed until 1976 when he joined UFO for their landmark album, LIGHTS OUT. Raymond added a new element and depth to UFO's music being able to shift from keyboards to guitar when needed.  He played on UFO's next three albums; OBSESSION, STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT and NO PLACE TO RUN before leaving in 1980 to join the Michael Schenker Group. Raymond stayed for one studio album, MSG and the live ONE NIGHT AT BUDOKAN and left to join another ex-UFO member, Pete Way in his band Waysted.  Raymond would rejoin UFO in 1985, come back in 1995, left and returned in 2004 and would remain with the band until his passing.

UFO are currently on their final tour called LAST ORDERS 50th Anniversary.

As our heroes all get older, we still are shocked when they leave us and Paul Raymond left us with a long life (73 years old) and so many great musical memories. It isn't known how this will effect the US dates of their farewell tour, but as someone who was excited to be at their last show possibly ever in November, I wouldn't fault them for just calling it a day right now. 

To his family, friends, band mates and his many fans... it is a sad day.     

Opening Act: 
Ozzy postpones tour after fall
Def Leppard inducted into Rock ‘n’ Roll  Hall of Fame
Ghost announces fall tour (10/21 at DCU in Worcester)
Rammstein debuts new song Deutschland (https://youtu.be/NeQM1c-XCDc) 
Asia tour details

Ear Candy: 
L.A. Guns--The Devil You Know (2019)
Megadeth--Peace Sells (1986)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Music Matinee:
The Dirt

Rockversation: Phil Lewis
Matt spoke with the frontman of L.A. Guns about the band’s new new album The Devil You Know, which is out now! You can also catch L.A. Guns on tour right now.

Bonus Track: Jim Peterik & World Stage--Without a Bullet Being Fired
From the new album Winds of Change, our April 26th 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.

by Matman

As the co-writer of some of the biggest hits of the 1980's Survivor's Jim Peterik knows how to write uplifting, melodic rock.  WINDS OF CHANGE is the second release from Jim Peterik & World Stage,  Peterik has surrounded himself with some of the best and most recognizable voices in rock history to create an album that sounds current as it takes us down memory lane. But don't think the trip is all just 80's radio style hits, there are some nice nods to other eras and styles including the Beatles. 

WINDS OF CHANGE contains 12 songs that musically and structurally have all the Survivor/AOR trademarks you would hope for but each vocalist makes the song their own.  The album kicks off with the title track featuring Dan Chauncey and Don Barnes of .38 Special and sets the tone and pace for the magic inside. Proof Of Heaven features Dennis DeYoung and is a musical love letter to the radio heyday and pageantry of Styx. The albums first single, Without A Shot Being Fired features Loverboy's Mike Reno and after listening, made me go back and revisit the Canadian band's vast musical catalog.  Just For You is a tender song featuring the smooth and silk voice of REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin and wow... amazing.  The albums coolest track features one of my favorites, Danny Vaughn (Tyketto) on The Hand I Was Dealt and is just amazing!!!!  But wait... I Will What I Want (Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger), You're All I Want (Jason Scheff formerly of Chicago), Avalanche (with Gunnar and Matthew Nelson).... enough, let me please catch my breath! 

The album ends with the emotional, Love You All Over The World features the voice of the late Jimi Jamison, a previously unreleased song that gives us one last listen to the great Survivor vocalist.    

But the album isn't just amazing because of the 'big name' vocalists!  Sometimes You Just Want More (Kevin Chalfant), Home Fires (Toby Hitchcock) and Where Eagles Dare (Lars Safsund and Robert Sall) are just more of the same... well crafted songs that are well produced, superbly performed and just make you feel good. 

If you are not a fan of 80's rock, you may not like this album and frankly have no taste in music. When I listen to WINDS OF CHANGE (which has been non stop since it was sent to me), the air smells fresher, the world seems a lot safer and my music lovin' brain is so much happier.

Matman Rating - 5 out of 5       

WINDS OF CHANGE by Jim Peterik and World Stage will be released on April 26th from our friends at Frontiers Music s.r.l

by Matman

Devin Townsend - EMPATH (InsideOut/Sony Music)

Devin Townsend is a very unique talent. As someone who needs melody, vocals and structure in the music they listen to, there is no surprise that I never quite warmed to Devin Townsend... until now.  His latest album EMPATH is an absolute stunner of a disc that really made me open my ears and mind to his brand of music and art. 

Maybe because I've been doing so much book research into the world of King Crimson, but I hear Townsend in a much different light.  In the past all I have heard was noise and scream-o vocals, but now, on EMPATH, I hear nods to Crimson (1980's version with Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Bill Bruford), Peter Gabriel led Genesis and even some Electric Light Orchestra. 

Songs like When Spirits Collide and Evermore are a mix of modern music mixed with operatic vocals, emotional rhythms and the occasional Frank Zappa freak out... and it all works perfectly.  The most unique song on the album, Sprite has everything; nursery rhyme style intro into a nice pace with tasty guitars and schizophrenic time changes.  The albums closer and epic track, Singularity, is almost a half hour song that somehow... never gets boring.  Townsend's guitar playing and vocals are so calming and peaceful until it's time not to be.  My favorite song on the album is Boarderlands, a song that starts out like Paul McCartney singing reggae, then has some heavy moments, a baby crying and then... Pink Floyd happens. 

I'm curious how Townsend's fans will react to EMPATH?  I know he has a ravenous and very loyal fan base who love his eclectic sounds, but since I love this i'm wondering... did he go too soft or is change what his fans expect?

MATMAN RATING - 4 OUT OF 5        

Opening Act: 
Bon Jovi working on 14th album 
Gene Simmons--Vinnie Vincent not joining KISS on ‘End of the Road World Tour’ 
Sebastian Bach’s new solo album 
John Anderson open to YES reunion 
Passing of Bernie Torme

Ear Candy: 
Whitesnake--Slide it In (2019)
Tesla--Shock (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Liner Notes:
Facebook comments on our Motley Crue/Dream Theater episode

Rockversation: James Christian 
Matt recently spoke with the House of Lords singer at one of their shows. You can follow House of Lords on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HouseOfLordsB.

Bonus Track: Crucify by Steel Prophet
From the upcoming album THE GOD MACHINE, out April 26th on Rock of Angels Records.

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

In 1984 Whitesnake not only released my favorite album of theirs, SLIDE IT IN, but one of my desert island discs.  For me to talk about SLIDE IT IN is me talking about near musical perfection... 10 amazing songs, two very distinct versions featuring different line-ups. 

The story is this... Whitesnake were on the verge of breaking up.  Despite being one of Europe's biggest acts, vocalist David Coverdale was struggling to keep things afloat with virtually no success in the US.  Recently signed to Geffen Records for American releases, Whitesnake recorded SLIDE IT IN with the line-up of Coverdale, drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Colin Hodgkinson, keyboardist John Lord and guitarists Mel Galley and Micky Moody.  The album was released in Europe that January, but before it was released in the US a few months later, Geffen wanted it remixed and 'jazzed' up.  As the band were on tour, Galley and Moody were soon gone being replaced by John Sykes, Lord returned to Deep Purple and Hodgkinson was replaced by a returning Neil Murray.  Both Murray and Sykes added their styles to the album and the US version was a bit more flashy and very radio friendly.    

Both versions of SLIDE IT IN are amazing in their own way and for their own special reasons.  They feature the same songs with a different running order (I prefer the UK version) and each have their own personality... and both are awesome. 

To celebrate this fantastic album, Rhino Records have released SLIDE IT IN - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION, a deluxe 6 CD/1 DVD collection with everything you would want; both versions of the album remastered, outtakes, live versions, demos and my favorite, a remixed 35 year edition.  Some people have been complaining about the remixed 2019 version and although the songs sound a bit different, it is just another amazing new take on 10 classic songs!!! Books... posters... memories!!!!!!

Another pure bonus in the collection is the Monitor Mix versions.  What you are hearing here is the songs being fleshed out with some different lyrics, sometimes no lyrics and a few different arrangements. This is another amazing bonus that just adds to the magic of this amazing album. 

WOW!!!! If you only began your Whitesnake career with WHITESNAKE 1987, you owe it to yourself to discover for me where it all began.  Then discover the rest of the pre-1987 catalog... amazing music and amazing memories!!!!