3/16: TMS RECAP & UPDATE, KISS/DEF LEP, SOUNDGARDEN/NIN, MORE

Thanks to all who watched this weeks new That Metal Show last night. The show will repeat all week as usual on VH1 Classic. Dee is always a great guest. Always outspoken and never one to pull punches, which makes for great guests always in my opinion, regardless if you agree or disagree. At 59 he remains an incredibly strong singer and frontman and TS is an example of a band that has benefited greatly from not over touring. Ever since they first reunited for my NY Steel 9/11 benefit in 2001 they have only played an average of 10 shows a year, making it more special to see them, making them more money per show, and giving them higher billing than a band of their status would usually have on a festival. Interesting look at another approach compared to the many bands that tour constantly and also have members with many side bands. I am not judging either way, everyone needs to pay the bills, just interesting approach. Was also great to have Chris Caffery on. I am often asked about Savatage by radio listeners. The simple truth is TSO is way too big for the guys to focus on Savatage these days. But they do give a nod to that band often in the TSO shows. Chris played his Ace Frehley model Les Paul (Ace’s face on the head) and sounded great. Also nice to have Glenn Hughes check in. Stunning how great Glenn still sounds now in his mid 60’s! His new band California Breed and their debut album is an early contender for album of 2014 for me. It’s out in May.

This Tuesday we tape this Saturday’s new episode. Peter Criss will join us on set! Peter has not been on with us since the very early half hour days of TMS. Needless to say much to cover with him and we will do the full hour with the Catman. Ace Frehley may or may not join us for this show via Skype. Ace is in the middle of deadlines to finish his new album on the W Coast and likely won’t be able to get to NYC for our taping. But we hope to include him via Skype if our schedules match up. Either way should be a great show and our guest musician on drums with be Richard Christy. Most know Richard from the Howard Stern show but he is also a killer drummer who has played in several bands. 3 more new shows to come in our current new season of TMS. Final two episodes will feature Joe Satriani, Vinnie Paul, The Winery Dogs, Volbeat, Artie Lange and Jim Breuer. This has been our most diverse guest season yet and thank you all for the amazing response! Once we tape our last two shows 3/25 I’ll be hitting the road extensively, so please see the home page with my appearances and events and come say hello. More to be added!

The Kiss/Def Leppard tour officially announced tomorrow. Looks like Soundgarden & NIN are also teaming up. As discussed in the last Trunk Report bands co-headlining is becoming a huge trend more than ever to compete for the concert dollar and justify what are becoming very expensive events even beyond the cost of the tickets. It is far and few now of rock bands that can actually truly headline shows in the US with no name support playing large venues. Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi, U2, Stones, McCartney, VH, Rush, AC/DC ones that come to mind. I get the co-headline is needed for business, but it does hurt in that young bands no longer have these chances for exposure. I know some bills put an unknown on 3rd billed, but the truth is these acts sometimes go on before 7P and off by 7:30 and few actually are in to see them. SO much great new music out there these days and it’s just another reason it is getting harder to expose.

Live on SiriusXM 39 TRUNKNation tomorrow 6-10P ET on channel 39. Join me for live music and talk that rocks!