Greetings from Los Angeles. Been a BUSY stretch here which explains my lack of posts in this space. Hope you follow on Twitter @EddieTrunk as I have posted a ton of news and photos from the set. 4 episodes of the new season of TMS are now done. As you will soon see we have many new features in the coming run of shows including TMS International, Put It On The Table, Metal Modem, The Rant and more. There will be 2 Top 5s in the next 8 shows and Stump The Trunk is alive and well in all. We also have a brand new set and graphics. Sadly and amazingly VH1C is not an HD channel in the US, which really bums me out since these shows would look amazing. But that is 100% out of my control. So far we had Neil Fallon from Clutch, Ricky Warwick & Scott Gorham of Black Star Riders, Buck Dharma of BOC, Brian & Steve from Kix, Rick Allen,Jake E Lee, Rex Brown, Sebastian Bach and cameos from Joe Satriani, Danko Jones and Ben from Dillinger Escape Plan. The evolution of TMS continues and hope you like the new stuff and wide music variety to come. Also had Vinnie Appice and Jake E Lee play in 2 shows each. Everyone was really excited to see and hear Jake again, and I am so thrilled we could help him get back into the spotlight and on his way to rock again. I’ve been helping the Jake camp behind the scenes for a while and his new band Red Dragon Cartel should be killer. He seems to really be on the verge of a comeback and it’s great to see and be a part of. I’ll give you a little teaser from the interview; when asked if he would ever work with Ozzy again he said only if he gets credit (not money) for his writing on Bark At The Moon. Much more when the new episodes start to air June 1 on VH1 Classic.

 

Tape more new shows tomorrow and Wednesday here in LA. Then hit the Golden Gods awards Thursday night. Then way too early Friday I fly direct to Baltimore to host M3 Friday night and Saturday. Hope to see you and hang at M3 if going and congrats to my ticket winners. Also going to catch a few more shows here in LA before going back East, including Cheap Trick at the El Ray tomorrow, a private Queensryche (Tate-less version) release party show Wed, and Jason Newsted at The Roxy Wed. So MUCH going on. Be sure to keep an eye on Twitter and more info here when I have time. Thanks!

Greeting from Los Angeles. Got out here Tuesday night and headed straight to the Rainbow for some food and drinks with my bud Tom Morello. Tom is such a crazy metal head and when we get together it gets pretty stupid talking about ALL kinds of rock stuff. The guy has a varied history of music and interests but when we hang it’s just non stop rock stories. Always a fun hang and hope to do it again while out here. I also caught U.D.O. at the final US show at The Whiskey. Venue was full and band sounded great. Most of the set was U.D.O. material but maybe 5-6 Accept classics were in there as well. I had not heard him sing in a long time live and his voice was spot on. Really amazing at his age how well he can still deliver his music and Accept. As you know I truly love what Accept does now, and to hear Udo still this strong it seems like they are both doing well.

 

Full day of meetings in prep for the new season of That Metal Show yesterday. We have many new features we are going to try and a new set I will see for the first time later today (I’ll tweet photos). Headed to the studio at around 3P Pacific time and have some rehearsals so will know more then. First shows are shot this Saturday and Sunday. More details and updates as I get time and keep an eye on Twitter for all the info up to the second. @EddieTrunk

 

Also brand new radio show on Q104.3 tomorrow at 11P ET featuring a new interview with Rob Zombie. Listen live in NYC on 104.3 FM or free stream using free iheartradio app or at www.q1043.com

Want to congratulate my parents Ray & Rose who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary today with the family. Their belief and support over the decades is a big reason I have been able to do what I do. Great day today with family and friends celebrating.

 

Last live show on SiriusXM tomorrow before leaving for LA for TMS on Tuesday. Will get a lot of music and calls in. So many guests lately we haven’t played much music or done one on one calls. Will get it all in between 6-10P ET on channel 39 (Hair Nation). Markey Ramone will also drop by for a bit.

 

The new Sabbath song has grown on me after a few listens. Look forward to hearing the full album but a cool and ballsy move to release a 9 minute first single.

 

Heard the VH & Aerosmith date was great in Australia over the weekend. My sources there tell me the vibes backstage were great with both bands and all were happy and healthy and really kicked ass. Let’s hope these two all time greats can maybe connect for some US dates! Had Joey Kramer on the radio show last week and he said they hoped that could indeed happen. Right now only one VH date in the US in WI.

 

I will be at M3 this year. Flying in direct from LA on 5/3. Congrats to all our ticket winners and see you there.

 

TMS tapings start this Saturday. If you won tickets to be in the audience see you in LA. About to kick off a super busy stretch. I’ll update here as much as I can but follow on Twitter @EddieTrunk for up to the second news, photos and more!

 

If you would like to advertise with us here on the site please contact erik@eslmusicgroup.com Great way to get the word out about your band or rock related products. Thanks for your support. More soon!

So with a new season of TMS upon us I get a TON of questions and comments and just not enough time to respond to every single one. And then if I do and it’s brief people think I’m rude. Some times you can not win LOL. Many times it is the same questions over and over, or guest requests when people just don’t get the process. I thank you all for watching and your support. So once again here are answers to frequently asked questions, hope this helps:

 

Why is the show shot in LA?

 

That is where 95% of the music world lives, easier to get guests.

 

Why doesn’t the show go on the road?

 

Costs money we don’t have. The show is on VH1 CLASSIC, not VH1. HUGE difference in budgets!

 

Why are there no band performances?

 

See above. Music costs money.

 

Why isn’t this band on TMS?

 

Probably the most non stop thing I see on this site and the comments area and on Twitter is on guests and guest requests. I appreciate the passion but so many have no clue of the process, that VH1 has ultimate say, and that the show is mostly a classic based program, although we certainly mix in newer bands when we can. What blows my mind is when people write to say “have Eddie Van Halen on”. You think it’s that easy? You think we haven’t tried EVERY season! Some guys are just reclusive and will not do interviews, especially on a show that REALLY knows their history. Most would rather go somewhere to plug something quick from a host or news anchor that only knows whats on the latest bio sheet. We ask EVH EVERY season, as do we ask EVERY major artist that has not been on. They have to want to do the show! You guys bug them for us if you want. Another obstacle; bands tour! We shoot 8 shows in 4 days coming up. Bands are on tour more than ever. They aren’t going to cancel dates to do a TV show. Also an amazing amount of requests for bands that have been on. I generally don’t acknowledge guest requests because it’s so endless and crazy and I do NOT 100% control it, although I have a say. I appreciate all the passion and we have had a TON of major guests on, but it’s not as easy as saying; “have _____ on”.

 

Why are some guests repeated?

 

Name a talk show on radio or TV that doesn’t welcome guests back on? Especially one that has as few new shows a year as us. By the way, the new season is over 50% first time guests.

 

Why don’t you do more new shows than 8?

 

I’d do it every day! The network has the budgets. All comes down to $$$.

 

Why isn’t VH1 Classic in HD?

 

I wish it was! Can not answer that. Up to the network.

 

Will the show come out on DVD?

 

Again, VH1 owns the show, up to them, but there are some talks now.

 

Why isn’t the show available online or seen in my country?

 

Wish it was EVERYWHERE. Have no control over distribution, all up to where VH1 has deals and internet laws.

 

How can I be in the audience?

 

Our audience space is very limited. Tickets are handled by a casting agency. I have nothing to do with it and no knowledge of how it works. But hope to see you if you got in.

 

I’m sure I missed stuff but that’s it for now and hope that answers some questions. Appreciate all the support and thanks for watching. Season 12 premieres June 1st on VH1 Classic. Spread the word, your support keeps this alive!

Busy day yesterday in NYC for a final big meeting on the new season of TMS before heading to LA on Tues. Taping begins next Saturday. Going to be jam packed shows with all kinds of stuff going on!

 

I’ll be live tonight on Q104.3 NYC from 11P-2A. Listen outside NYC via the live free stream at www.q1043.com or with free iheartradio app. Geoff Tate checks in live and will play his new Queensryche and also the new Sabbath and more. The new Sabbath is okay, still warming up to it. Surprising choice for a first single for sure.

 

Really jammed with TMS prep, more soon. Live on Monday on the radio shows as well. Have a good weekend and Happy 50th wedding anniversary to my parent Ray & Rose. Big party this weekend!

Congrats to Heart & Rush on the Hall induction. About friggin time!!

 

New TMS premieres June 1, spread the word!

Really excited to announce to all finally the return of NEW episodes of THAT METAL SHOW! We start taping in L.A. 4/27 for eight all new shows that will begin premiering on VH1 Classic June 1st at 11PM ET. As usual we have a mix of hard rock and metal artists, first time and returning guests. Thank you all so much for your support both here in the US and around the world for TMS! Feels great to finally have new shows coming your way soon. Here is the guest list for Season 12. As usual subject to change. Hope you like what’s coming. Specific dates each of these shows will air TBA, but new ones start to premiere 6/1:

 

Jake E Lee / Rick Allen (Def Leppard)

 

Rex Brown (Pantera) / Sebastian Bach

 

Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) & Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders) / Neil Fallon (Clutch)

 

Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser (Blue Oyster Cult) / Steve Whiteman & Brian Forsythe (Kix)

 

Jason Newsted / Lemmy (Motorhead)

 

Scott Rockenfield & Todd LaTorre (Queensryche) / Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

 

Tom Keifer (Cinderella) / Rob Zombie & John 5

 

Joe Satriani / Corey Taylor & Josh Rand (Slipknot / Stone Sour)

 

Guest musicians will be Carmine Appice, Vinnie Appice, Jake E Lee, Richie Kotzen (2 shows each)

 

THAT METAL SHOW IS BACK! ALL KICKS OFF JUNE 1 11PM ET ON VH1 CLASSIC.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND THANKS TO ALL THE ABOVE ARTISTS FOR JOINING US!

Had a great night in NYC last night. Started off at The Hard Rock for a private party for Eric Clapton’s Crossroads benefit. Clapton wasn’t there but I did meet Dan Akroyd and also caught up with all the guys from Styx who were the main band playing (tweeted a photo). Always good to see the Styx guys and they were telling me they had a bunch of positive response to their TMS appearance, even from metal artists like Kerry King who is a fan. Really cool to hear as I love presenting hard rock AND metal bands and love seeing the common respect and who the big fans are. If you recall Vinnie Paul was also in the Styx TMS and is a fan also. Love that wide range of rock and bringing the worlds together. Couldn’t stay for Styx because I had to split to host Saigon Kick in their first NYC show in 20 years. The studio at Webster Hall was packed, hot and sweaty to see these guys in action. Much like Extreme, Saigon Kick’s big hit is a ballad, which really is not at all what the band is truly about. I always felt their music was a step ahead of the curve. A mesh of the 80′s and what was to come in the 90′s. Great harmonies, songs and playing. The band only performed music from the first two albums and the crowd sang every word. Was really great to see and hear again. What they do next is anyones guess. This was the last of 5 reunion shows and it seems they will continue in some way, however they are not planning to make the same mistake I see often of over playing. The gigs when they happen will be special and somewhat rare. At least that is their plan for now. Hope they continue and hope some new music comes out. Nothing was played from the second two (and really good!) albums since singer Matt Kramer was not in the band then. But who knows where this goes down the line.

 

Live radio show tonight on Q104.3 FM. Listen live 11P-2A ET on 104.3 FM in NYC area, or free live stream at www.q1043.com or with free iheartradio app. Free M3 tickets and a ton of new and classic rock.

 

Live show this Monday on SiriusXM 39 from 6-10P ET. Black Star Riders (formerly Thin Lizzy) will be live in studio.

 

I should be able to announce the full new TMS guest roster by early next week at the latest. Shows start airing early June on VH1 Classic.

Tons of really cool exclusive audio now posted on this site for members. Become an AA Member for a very small yearly fee (which helps offset our operating costs on the site) and get all kinds of great interviews and my FM radio show On Demand. Just hit the members banner for details and thanks to all our members currently.

Ah tax time! Knee deep in getting my taxes done and paying out the dollars. Never usually wait this long but my schedule has been nuts and time got away from me. Hope you guys are done with yours.

 

Really close to announcing all the TMS guests. Have one last slot I am waiting on confirmation on and we are set. Trust me when I say booking the show is NOT as easy as just saying “I want this band”. SO much more involved; schedules, timing, bands touring, new vs repeat guests, who wants to do the show, who doesn’t, what does the network want. Lot’s of work but always comes out great. Very important you guys realize though that not every band wants to do the show and not every band is around when we need them. We shoot 8 shows in 4 days and bands more active on tour than ever. We do have a TON of new features and this next run of shows will very much be a new coat of paint on all things TMS. We are still learning new things every day as far as what VH1 Classic is looking to do. Should be able to reveal all guests by the weekend and the ticket info is in the news section and on my twitter. I leave for LA 4/23, we tape starting 4/27, shows premiere early June. Also to our international viewers I have NOTHING to do with if and when the show can be accessed in your area. Sorry. More soon. We actually shot a quick segment for TMS in NYC yesterday with guest spots from Dee Snider, Bobby Blitz and Bumblefoot. You will see that in the new season.

 

Excited to see Saigon Kick in NYC tomorrow night. Always thought they were way ahead of their time. Much more a bridge from the 80′s hard rock to the 90′s sound. An important mix of both with huge guitars and harmonies. Loved the debut when it came out in 1990 and this is one of their first gigs in about 20 years. See you at Webster Hall in NYC if going. They start 9:30.

Huge thanks to Udo, Jason from Saigon Kick, Stacey Blades and Michael Anthony for 4 truly great hours of live radio last night on SiriusXM. Stacey and Michael gave some great insights on the late Andy Johns. Never met Udo before, cool guy, his tour starts on LI tonight, I’ll see him in LA. Michael is just one of the best guys you could ever meet. Such a cool down to earth dude. For the record he said he heard about Roth’s recent comments and said he never heard him talk like that about him when he was in Van Halen (with a laugh). Said his phone hasn’t rung at all and seemed to get a kick out of it all.

 

Gotta run, more soon. Off to NYC to shoot a segment for new TMS with Don, Jim, Bobby Blitz, Dee Snider and Bumblefoot.You will see this when new shows start in June. Days away from announcing the full artist lineup for the episodes being taped in LA in a couple weeks. Audience ticket info in the new section.

Was sad to hear of the passing of record producer Andy Johns. I first heard the news late last night via a text from former LA Guns guitarist Stacy Blades. Andy had produced the last few LA Guns albums and was working with Stacy on his next band at the time of his death. I did not know Andy personally but was a huge fan of his work. His early days of engineering were on all time classic albums by Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones. Perhaps some of his best known 80′s work was with Cinderella (That’s him in the “Somebody Save Me” video behind the board). Andy also produced Van Halen’s F U C K album and more recently the debut from Chickenfoot. He was known for great drum sounds and really rich punchy sounding albums and I loved his work. I did not know Andy personally. Years ago in the 80′s he was working on something with House Of Lords and I somehow ended up at the studio and did a gang vocal on the album. Outside of a that very brief meeting I never knew him, but his track record speaks for itself. By many accounts Andy worked with rock stars and also partied like one! A true legend of the business gone at just 62. RIP Andy and thanks for the great sounding rock. More on this tonight on SiriusXM Eddie Trunk LIVE show starting 6P ET on channel 39.