EDDIE TRUNK LISTS THE ELEVEN RECORDS THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE

Greg Prato for Classic Rock Magazine, asked our very own Eddie Trunk which eleven records changed his life? Here is his list:

Raspberries – Raspberries (1972):

“I’m a young kid at this point – eight or nine years old – and all I ever really knew about music was pop music that I saw on TV. The Partridge Family, cartoon music. One day, I got into the backseat of my parents’ car, and the AM radio was on. The DJ introduced a song by a band called the Raspberries, Go All the Way. The song opens with these really heavy, distorted, power chords, and then jumps into this other riff, that is just this big, grinding, heavy riff. Then it drops into this really beautiful melody. I got goosebumps. It was instantly a whole different world.”

KISS – Destroyer (1976):

“I was walking home from school, and my friend said to me, “I’m going to go into this record store and buy a record by this band called KISS. Their new album is called Rock and Roll Over.” I said, “Maybe I will check out KISS.” He said, “You should buy the one that came out before it,” which was Destroyer. I went home that day, put the record on my turntable, heard the opening of Detroit Rock City, stared at the album cover, and I was done. It was instant KISS mania for me for most of my life.”

Aerosmith – Live! Bootleg (1978):

“The great thing about live records at the time was if you didn’t have any other records by the band, you could get a good cross section of their material all on one album. I remember getting Live! Bootleg, putting the poster up on my wall, and to this day, I think it is an unbelievably underrated live record. And it is actually a true live record. It just reeks of the ‘70s – it really puts you into the space of when the songs were recorded.”

Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell (1980):

Heaven and Hell was my first Sabbath record. I got it in a way that I got a lot of records – by winning it at the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore. There would be these stands, and you would put a quarter on a number, and if the wheel landed on the number, you got to pick any record. I picked a lot of bands based on what the cover looked like, and for Black Sabbath, I saw the cover of angels smoking cigarettes, and was like, “That will piss off my mom…I’m going to take that!” I heard Neon Knights and I heard Ronnie James Dio, and said, “This is unbelievable.”

UFO – The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent (1981):

“I had a friend who was really into Cheap Trick. He was driving at the time and I was not, and he had gotten us tickets to see Cheap Trick, and the other band on the bill was UFO. They were touring on The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent. I got that record, and immediately fell in love with the band. I was just like, ‘This is amazing music. This is heavy, but it’s melodic. It’s exactly what I love.’ And then I saw them – it was a snow storm – they came out and were so loud and so great.

UFO – Strangers in the Night (1979):

Strangers in the Night definitely has to be in there, as well. I got into UFO because of The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent, but Strangers, to this day, to me, is the greatest live album of all time. And also, probably my favorite album of all time. Strangers to me is just as good as it gets in terms of performance, songs, energy – it’s the ultimate melodic hard rock. I have introduced so many people to that record in the last 15-20 years.”

Van Halen – Van Halen (1978):

“I remember getting that in a record club, where you paid ten cents and got ten albums. I checked that off the list, and I’ll never forget dropping the needle and hearing Runnin’ with the Devil, and being like, ‘OK, this is a complete game changer.’ To this day, the album still holds up remarkably well. So definitely, Van Halen I.

Metallica – Kill ‘Em All (1983):

“That album came out at a time that I was just starting to work in radio. I started doing a metal show, and Jonny Z [Jon Zazula], I was a customer of his at his record store in the flea market. One day, he came up to my radio station, and said, ‘I’ve got this band, and I can’t get anybody to play it. Can you play it on the air?’ He pulled out of the bag Kill ‘Em All. Just to get him out of there, I played a song from it, and he scribbled on the cover of the album, ‘Eddie, you were the first. Thank you, Johnny Z.’

He said, ‘If I can ever get this band to take off, I’m going to hire you to work for my record company.’ A couple of years later, Metallica blows up, and he calls me and says, ‘I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is I’m starting my record company and I’m going to hire you. The bad news is Metallica is leaving me.’ [Laughs] Kill ‘Em All was not only a game changer in terms of not only introducing a new genre of metal, but it was a personal game changer for me, because it indirectly got me into the music business.”

Ace Frehley – Frehley’s Comet (1987):

“Another one that is extremely important to me is the Ace Frehley solo album, Frehley’s Comet. It was the first artist I ever signed to a record deal and was the first album I ever worked on as a record company rep – being in the studio with the guys, helping working in an A&R capacity, and really championing the record. Jonny Z was not a KISS fan. But when I first started working for Megaforce, I said to him, ‘I think it’s great we’re putting out all this heavy music. But it would be really cool if we could get a band that could cross over and get some radio play, as well.’

There was a risk in that, because there were so many stories about Ace being a degenerate and a drunk that no one wanted to take a chance on him. He was considered damaged goods. But Jonny said, ‘Track him down and see what you can do.’ We tracked him down, had lunch with him, Jonny ended up signing him, and I ended up working on four albums with him. To this day, Ace and I are close friends.”

Buckcherry – 15 (2005):

“I was a fan of Buckcherry when the first album came out. The first album did well, the second album flopped, and they were dropped. I became friends with their guitarist, Keith Nelson, and I got an email from Keith, saying he [and singer Josh Todd] was going to reform Buckcherry with a new line-up. They had no record deal, no management, no budget. But they were going to go in the studio and bang out a record.

I told Keith I would help him out however I could, so Keith literally started sending me mp3 files of the songs. He was like, ‘If you can, just play it. Put it on the radio, just to see if we can get anybody to bite.’ The next thing I know, the record gets released in Japan, then they get an indie deal in America, then that leads to a deal with Atlantic, and the next thing you know, I’m getting a gold and platinum record sent to my house.”

White Lion: Pride:

“White Lion came to me when they first formed and only had a Japanese import available called Fight To Survive. I was one of their first radio interviews and became quick friends with the band and loved the album. As a new A&R guy for Megaforce I wanted to sign the band. But I couldn’t get the company to go for it. They thought it wasn’t a fit for the heavier style of music the label was known for.

White Lion ended up signing to Atlantic, which was our distributor. But we remained friends and they never forgot my support. When Pride came out and went Gold I went to see them at the legendary club L’Amour. I was stunned when they called me on stage and presented me with my first gold album award in front of the sold out crowd. It was a great moment and I took great pride hanging it in my office at Megaforce!”

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AEROSMITH ANNOUNCE “AERO-VEDERCI” EUROPEAN FAREWELL TOUR DATES

Aerosmith have announced a mammoth European tour for 2017. Fresh from a run of hugely successful South American shows, Aerosmith will return across the Atlantic with one of the greatest rock shows ever seen and will undoubtedly be the ultimate must see event of 2017 as the band embark upon this, their “farewell” tour, saying Aero-Vederci Baby!.

For more than 45 years, Aerosmith has been the quintessential rock & roll band, becoming one of the most influential and loved groups in the world, due to their mass appeal, unforgettable songs and groundbreaking live shows.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, selling over 100 million albums, winning countless awards (including four Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, six Billboard Awards, and 12 MTV Awards), Aerosmith are beloved worldwide. Over the past 45 years, the members of Aerosmith – Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford – have earned an incredible 95 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA for the group’s albums, singles, and videos (the biggest ever tally for a US act).

Throughout their career, Aerosmith have been at the forefront of the rock world. From early hits such as Dream On, Sweet Emotion, Toys In The Attic and Back In The Saddle, through to the genre defining Walk This Way (Aerosmith featuring Run DMC), through to massive global hits such as Janie’s Got A Gun, Cryin’, Dude Looks Like A Lady, Love In An Elevator and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing, Aerosmith are unquestionably one of the ‘must-see’ bands in the world.

Joe Perry, “It’s been 3 years since we have been on tour in Europe and I can speak for my brothers that we can’t wait to get over there and take it up a few notches. Last tour in South America we were running on all cylinders and I can see no reason to let up now.”

Steven Tyler, “Aerosmith just got done ripping through South America like true ambassadors of rock…The band is unstoppable right now and in Europe, we’re going to keep doing what we do best… Let The Music Do The Talking…Living On The Edge, and living to rock another day.”

Aerosmith have just completed a series of sold-out shows in South America, rocking to their die-hard fans in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru and Mexico. Their return to Europe is highly anticipated by fans and the band alike. As part of the Aero-Vederci Baby tour, they will also be performing at some of the biggest music festivals in the world including Sweden Rock, France’s Hellfest and the legendary Download Festival in Donington, UK.

Don’t miss this chance to see Aerosmith in Europe… It’s ‘Auf Wiedersehen’, ‘A Bientot’, ‘Hasta Pronto’… It’s Aero-Vederci Baby!

Tickets for the majority of the Aero-Vederci Tour dates will be on sale dates on November 18th. Check local media for ticket details. Stay tuned for VIP package details.

Tour dates:

May:

17 – Tel Aviv, Israel – Hayarkon Park
20 – Batumi, Georgia – Black Sea Arena
23 – Moscow, Russia – Olympiski
26 – Munich, Germany – Konigsplatz
30 – Berlin, Germany – Waldbuhne

June:

2 – Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena
5 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
8 – Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival
11 – Donington, UK – Download Festival
14 – Dublin, Ireland – 3 Arena
17 – Clisson, France – Hellfest
20 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
23 – Florence, Italy – Firenze Rocks Festival
26 – Lisbon, Portugal – Meo Arena
29 – Madrid, Spain – Rivas Auditorio Miguel Rios

July:

2 – Barcelona, Spain – Rock Fest Barcelona
5 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

additional source: bravewords.com

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ROCK CANDY RECORDS ANNOUNCES U.S LAUNCH WITH ALBUMS FROM SAMMY HAGAR, THE NYMPHS, SALTY DOG AND TYKETTO

The times they are a-changing, but luckily there remains one constant: great music will live forever and in the catalogue and reissue world that has never been more relevant.

In the land of rock, that’s hard rock, heavy rock, classic rock or, call it what you will rock, no label has won more acclaim and earned respect than Rock Candy Records. Owned and founded by former music journalist and A&R man Derek Oliver, Rock Candy has focused on breathing life into records that deserve a place in the pantheon of rock history.

Operating out of London, England for the last eight years, the label specialises in revisiting some of the most important and significant records from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

From Ted Nugent to Rick Springfield, by way of Quiet Riot, Dokken, Billy Squier, Toto, Ratt, R.E.O. Speedwagon, L.A. Guns, Ace Frehley, Hanoi Rocks, and Kansas, the label has re-activated some of the greatest records of the last forty years, buffing them up, and re-positioning them as 24 Karat diamonds. To date, Rock Candy has re-released over 300 titles in Europe.

Rock Candy has made a concerted effort to dig deep and unearth a string of lesser known acts and records ripe for reappraisal, albums that have always been hot on the collectors market but overlooked at the time of release or just slipped below the surface through no fault of their own. Records by Montrose (the band who wrote the track that inspired the company’s name), Hughes/Thrall, The Godz, Blue Murder, Smashed Gladys, Girl and Blackfoot) have all been brought back to life for a victory lap. Having conquered Europe, Rock Candy has now set up shop in North America, happily partnering with industry powerhouse RED Distribution.

It’s a match made in rock n’ roll heaven and one that will shortly see the launch of a U.S. offensive, starting with four tantalising titles on Friday, November 18th.

RED President Bob Morelli comments, “Derek Oliver’s Rock Candy imprint and RED are a perfect fit. Already a leader in unearthing the best in-demand out of print rock titles in Europe, the label joins RED like-minded music strategy in the U.S. As we outpace industry growth in vinyl Market Share, the addition of Rock Candy will help keep that trend alive and we are thrilled to have them on board.”

Keep an eye and, especially, an ear out for future offerings, but for now please raise a glass and join us for a toast to the imminent arrival of the following four solid gold classics all released on Friday, November 18th.

These forthcoming CD titles along with limited-edition select merch are available for pre-order now at the newly launched Rock Candy U.S. storefront.

Nymphs: S/T:

The Nymphs were signed to Geffen Records in the late 80s on a wave of hope and excitement. Fronted by Inger Lorre, she soon attracted a reputation for being controversial, volatile and unapologetic. She was unquestionably the real deal – and this record is a bonafide snapshot from the edge of Hollywood babylon during a time when music was being revolutionised in Los Angeles.

Sammy Hagar: All Night Long

Sammy Hagar’s early studio work was often considered rather dull compared to his work with Montrose, but his1978 live album suddenly reversed that criticism. Most live records are compromised by studio fixes but this record is pure dynamite – warts and all. Sammy’s performance is phenomenal and the energy level is through the roof.

Salty Dog: Everydog Has It’s Day

Formed in Los Angeles during the late 80s, Salty Dog honed their chops and assembled a line-up that was very different from what was happening on MTV. Indeed, the band’s style incorporated a number of influences, from the old school rock of Led Zeppelin to the contemporary cut and thrust of Guns ‘N Roses. It was a sound that paid homage to the blues; that’s the vintage gnarly influences of Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker.

Tyketto: Don’t Come Easy

The early 90’s presented a massive challenge to melodic rock bands, with the musical climate being transformed by grunge, a rush of angry young men playing stripped down rock built on angst and melancholy. For Tyketto this landscape meant that their arrival would be subjected to a chilly reception. Undaunted they were signed to industry giant Geffen Records and cut this, their powerful debut album. Inexplicably, the label sat on the completed record for over a year, but by then it was already too late.

For more information, visit merchnow.com/catalogs/rock-candy-records.

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DEF LEPPARD “AND THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME-LIVE FROM DETROIT” 2CD/DVD/BLU-RAY/DIGITAL VIDEO, OUT FEBRUARY 10TH

Legendary rockers Def Leppard excited and thrilled fans nationwide with their massive 55+ city summer 2016 North American tour. Def Leppard will now share their masterful performance on DVD and Blu-ray. On February 10th, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release their epic concert film And There Will Be A Next Time – Live From Detroit on DVD+2CD for $21.98, Blu-ray+2CD for $26.98, and Digital Video.

With two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard continues to stand tall in the music industry and deliver some of the most iconic rock melodies and memorable anthems of all time. Most recently, their 2015 self-titled album featured singles Dangerous and Let’s Go which premiered via RollingStone.com and hit #1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart.

Filmed at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI, And There Will Be A Next Time – Live From Detroit is an incredible showcase that captures the electrifying energy and power of Def Leppard live today. As the sun began to set over a frenzied Detroit crowd, Def Leppard’s legendary hooks and anthemic rock served up an audiovisual feast second to none. The audience were served hit after hit with fan favorites from across their iconic career.

Said front man Joe Elliott, “I had this idea that we should film one of the shows from the 2016 tour because apart from the Viva Hysteria shows, we hadn’t actually had a live performance filmed since 1988. With a new album out that was being so well received, it was just a case of where to do it. From the second the house lights went down, we could see the sun setting from the stage, and the energy from the crowd just seemed to intensify. It was a good choice and a great way to document Def Leppard in 2016.”

As a bonus, the DVD set will include the official music videos for Let’s Go, Dangerous, and Man Enough, and the lyric video for Let’s Go.

In anticipation of the DVD release, Def Leppard and Eagle Rock Entertainment are launching a special PledgeMusic pre-order today. Fans who participate will gain early access to a few select tracks, including Dangerous and Rock On as well as exclusive merchandise from PledgeMusic. Click here to pre-order.

And There Will Be A Next Time – Live From Detroit track listing:

Disc 1:

Let’s Go
Animal
Let It Go
Dangerous
Foolin’
Love Bites
Armaggeddon It
Rock On
Man Enough

Disc 2:

Rocket
Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
Switch 625
Medley: Hysteria / Heroes
Let’s Get Rocked
Pour Some Sugar On Me
Rock of Ages
Photograph

For more information on Def Leppard:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

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STEPHEN PEARCY TO RELEASE “SMASH” ON JANUARY 27TH

Frontiers Music Srl is thrilled to announce the January 27th, 2017 release of Stephen Pearcy’s fourth original solo album, Smash. Stephen Pearcy, best known as the original vocalist and founding member of the platinum rock band Ratt, has been working hard to complete his highly anticipated new album, while at the same time keeping busy performing shows across the U.S. The first audio offering from Smash, entitled I Can’t Take It can be heard below.

Pre-order the album on iTunes and get I Can’t Take It instantly.

Stephen will be supporting Smash with live dates in the U.S. and internationally.

“It took long enough to finish the new record Smash and it is well worth the patience taken, giving every song as much attention as the next. Erik Ferentinos (lead guitars & co-writer), Greg D’ Angelo (drums) and Matt Thorne (bass, keyboards) and myself didn’t settle on any first, second or third takes. We let some songs grow if needed, then go back and complete it. We’re very happy with the outcome, that we were able to experiment and grow with the new songs,” says Pearcy of the new album.

With over 15 million records and gold and platinum long form videos sold in the U.S. alone with Ratt, touring the world with over 20 albums to his credit with other ventures, solo projects, compilations, best of records, and other bands he created, there is no slowing Pearcy down.

Smash Track Listing:

1. I Know I’m Crazy
2. Ten Miles Wide
3. Shut Down Baby
4. Dead Roses
5. Lollipop
6. Hit Me With A Bullet
7. Rain
8. Want Too Much
9. What Do Ya Think
10. Jamie
11. I Can’t Take It (Album Version)
12. Passion Infinity
13. Summer’s End

Pearcy is an accomplished songwriter with credits on all of Ratt’s records through the years (including Out Of The Cellar, Invasion Of Your Privacy, Dancing Undercover and more). More recently, Ratt’s last studio album, Infestation was released a few years ago to rave reviews around the world. Stephen is also a producer, composer, television program creator, art director, marketing director, and owner/product creator of “Mic Knuckle” (hands free mic holder) and has also been involved in music for ESPN2 NHRA Drag Racing. Additionally, he has been involved in sponsoring several top fuel dragsters and funny cars since the mid 80’s-90’s thru the 00’s.

Stephen Pearcy online:

Official Website
Facebook
Twitter

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GUITARIST VIVIAN CAMPBELL SAYS HE WAS “FIRED” FROM DIO’S BAND

Guitarist Vivian Campbell says Dio needed a “proper” band manager – and not the singer’s ex-wife Wendy.

Campbell, who says he was fired by Wendy because he refused to accept a new contract, says the woman was not “musical” enough to understand that the group were a “creative unit” – and they weren’t just Ronnie James Dio’s “backing band.”

He tells All That Shreds, “I would like to make emphasis on the point that I was fired from the band. So many people here 30-something years later people still think that I left Dio, but it was never my intention to leave the band.

The reason I was fired from the band was that I refused to accept a contract that they offered me which was contrary to the original agreement Ronnie had made with Jimmy, Vinny and myself when the band was first formed. Wendy had different ideas for how it was going to be and for me it was a matter of principle and I refused to sign the contract and that’s why I was fired.”

Campbell has previously spoken out about Wendy – claiming she wanted Dio to be a solo act and thought each band member was replaceable.

He continues, “The original Dio band was a four-piece creative unit and Wendy never understood that. She’s not musical. So, Ronnie and I, I think would have been fine. She doesn’t know that the sign of a great band is the sum of the parts.”

Campbell also says that, despite his occasionally “awkward” relationship with Dio, he’d have worked with him again if Wendy was no longer his manager.

He says, “Hypothetically if somebody else, if Ronnie had a proper manager and not his ex-wife, I would have never been fired from the band and Ronnie and I would’ve never had an issue. We didn’t communicate very well together on a personal level, but on a musical level we worked well together.

Would I have gotten back together with Ronnie? Yes, but Wendy Dio never would have never allowed it to happen if she was involved in his career. Right up until his death she was involved in his career. I’m going to go with ‘no’ on that.”

Campbell’s Dio offshoot project Last In Line released a lyric video for their track, Already Dead, last month. They’re currently on the road in Europe in support of their debut album, Heavy Crown.

additional source: Classic Rock via teamrock.com

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