6/29: PRIEST, DICKINSON, METALLICA, PANTHER, MUCH MORE.
Two big stories this week swirling around the metal scene and they both revolve around Judas Priest. First the item on Bruce Dickinson and his comments on Halford and Metallica (see the story in the news section on this site). I don’t agree with Bruce and his criticism of Halford for using a prompter if indeed he does. Honestly who cares? If it doesn’t impact the show what’s the difference? Most artists that use prompters (and many do), rarely use them. They are there as a safety in case they lose their place in the song. Axl, Steven Tyler and many others use them. But I have stood on stage while both of these guys perform and they run all over the place and rarely look at it unless they forget where they are for a second. Not a huge deal. As for Bruce’s feeling that Maiden is better than Metallica that is simply opinion, and what would you expect him to say about his own band? Of course he will think that! But this all speaks to a bigger issue that is a huge problem I think in today’s world. You see Bruce has always been an outspoken guy. In this super PC hyper sensitive world we are in where everyone is looking to pounce over an opinion or wrong choice of words I like people that speak their mind even if I don’t agree with it. I am a fan of Bill O’Reily and Bill Maher. Don’t agree with all that they both say but damn it is nice these days to have at least some people that aren’t afraid to say what they feel and not give answers from some pre prepped PR rep one sheet! It always amazes me when people hammer me non stop for my opinion on an album or band on Twitter and then when I give it honestly they start the hate campaign because it’s not the answer they wanted. Almost impossible to win these days. But honest opinions when asked are refreshing to me, even if I don’t agree with them. Doesn’t mean you hate the person or band or subject. It is just your opinion and if given in a respectful way everyone should be entitled to that. So as a result when anyone says anything remotely opinionated it gets blown up and becomes news, and I think that sucks. It will continue to discourage open dialogue and debate and make the media world we are in even more boring and predictable.
Along these same lines much debate about the announcement that Steel Panther will be opening act for Priest. Contrary to what many think I have no hate for Panther. I know the guys, nice people, talented, good at what they do. But what they do is parody. That can not be argued. Want proof? The bands albums chart on the comedy charts! It is an act that is a spoof on 80’s hard rock. It is stunning to me how many people don’t see that! They have had amazing success, especially in the UK and Europe. Good for them. They have worked hard to build this from their roots as a cover band playing weekly gigs in LA. But I will admit for me I would have much rather seen Priest take a “traditional” metal band. A new or old band with the same real core commitment and values to metal they have had. Think of how many bands are out there that could use the help? Last tour Priest had BLS and Thin Lizzy. When so many bands are out there looking to package up it feels like a bit of a lost opportunity to give an hour slot to a band that for the most part goofs on a scene that Priest was not really a part of, but had a huge amount of success during. I’m going to see Priest regardless of who is opening, and I wish both bands well on the tour, but I do feel that there were so many bands that would have been a better fit and compliment to the metal Gods. It just feels like a disconnect for me to see icons like Priest taking what is basically the modern day Spinal Tap on tour. I mean who knows how many tours they have left in them at this stage of the game? The up side? Maybe Halford comes out and jams a Fight song with Russ AKA Satchel during the Panther set!? “Nailed To The Gun” anyone?
More on this plus Blitz from Overkill and members of Night Ranger in studio tomorrow live on SiriusXM 39 6-10P ET. TrunkNation!
My problem with Dickinson’s comments aren’t that they are his opinion, it is the way he came out with them. Especially about Metallica. They were more unwarranted verbal attacks than just stating opinion. No one in Metallica has said a cross word about Maiden, why slam Metallica? Even when asked about it, Lars said, well if that is his opinion, he is entitled to it, and went on to praise Maiden. I think that shows who is the classier act. And now Bruce wants to strike out at Halford? Why? When has Halford ever been anything but supportive of other bands? I used to be a huge Maiden fan, but the more Bruce talks, the less I want to listen.
Weak argument, Ed. Steel Panther certainly has “core commitment and values to metal.” They are a real heavy metal band with real instruments and play through real amps – just like Judas Priest. And they write their own songs like “Death To All But Metal.” Just because they have a sense of humor doesn’t mean they aren’t 1,000% more metal than a lot of other “traditional” bands out there.
The wigs and characters they play are what makes them different from every other band out there. Doesn’t mean they aren’t dead serious about being entertaining and playing their asses off.
When Priest toured the last time, Lady Gaga’s collaborator DJ Lady Starlight opened for them on the European leg.
I think Steel Panther has some of the best music out there right now. The music is no parody. Just the lyrics which I think are genius. Satchel is one hell of a guitar player. I just saqw them at a sold out show in Cleveland and it was one of the best shows I have seen in awhile. I think Steel Panther will bring some younger people to the shows.
Political correctness is one of the major downfalls in the USA today. Tim Tebow can’t get a job as a third string qb in the nfl because he’s religious and thanks God openly by kneeling down after a score. Yet someone else who kneels down because he decided to tell everyone his personal bedroom business suddenly is glorified as a hero because he is gay. REALLY?!???!?? Personally I don’t agree with homosexuality but I do not discriminate either. Priest & King’s X are two of my favorite all time bands both of which are fronted by gay men (and one is black!!!!!).
If we were blessed enough to have Ted Nugent elected as president the country would be a much better place! Oh I guess I better go to “sensitivity” training now. LMAO
Not to get to far off point but Tim Tebow can’t get a job because he’s a crappy professional QB. Trust me, if could put stats like Brady or Manning nobody would care if he was selling Bibles at halftime.