Donington 1988: Triumph and Tragedy

As per normal, through each year of the golden decade of heavy metal, (which is closer to the end than the beginning), I reflect on the triumphs and tragedies which occurred during that year. There have been great concert memories and artists whose lives were tragically shortened. In 1988, the triumph and tragedy occurred on the same day, at the Donington Festival.

You only need to look at the poster above as see that with the lineup, the day was going to be a complete triumph. Iron Maiden, KISS, David Lee Roth, Megadeth, Guns N Roses and Helloween made for what history will recall a great day for metal. Personally, I can’t speak for Helloween and Guns N Roses but I will get to that in a moment but the other four bands totally kicked ass!

Tragedy struck on the day during Guns N Roses’ set. A crowd collapse involving fifty people fifteen yards from the stage happened causing Guns N Roses to stop playing while concert security went in to attend to the injured. By the time they were fished out, two people, Alan Dick aged 18 and Landon Siggers, 20 were found laying down in four inches of mud. They were taken to hospital and pronounced dead. It was a tragic event which put a dark shadow on what was a glorious day for metal.

Of course, the metal hating newspaper, The Sun, spent more time focusing on the so called rowdy behaviour of the concert goers, making it out that somehow heavy metal caused the tragedy. Yes, it’s a load of BS.

On personal reflection, the reason I missed Helloween and Guns N Roses and half of Megadeth was because of a three hour plus traffic cue to get into the venue. It caused a lot of tension within the car although I can now see why my then wife would get a bit annoyed at me constantly saying, “I bet if it was a Madonna Festival, the roads wouldn’t have been so backed up.” The thing was the way metalheads were sometimes treated back in the 80s, it wouldn’t have been too far from the truth. Anyway, here are performances and a pre festival interview with Dave for you all to enjoy.

Next post: Scandals of 1988

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Is There Something I Can Do?

I did something stupid yesterday. I had CD1 of the above three CD compilation album in my car, listening to it on my way to and from work. When I got home, I put it into my back pocket to put away but guess what? Yes, sh*t for brains here forgot to take the CD out of his pocket. I only noticed it last night when I took Mrs. 80smetalman out for dinner and went to pay. When I reached for the wallet, I also found the CD and when I took it out, it was broken beyond hope. Yep, I acknowledge it was stupid.

Here’s my question: Is there any way I could just get CD1? I don’t want to buy it again when the CD’s two and three are working fine. Besides, the album was a birthday present from my daughter five years ago, therefore, it has sentimental value. If not, some great songs like Dokken’s “Alone Again,” the famous “Beth” by KISS, “Silent Lucidity” from Queensryche will be lost. Plus, there are songs from Damn Yankees, Free and a rather predictable one from Foreigner.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Great Rock Albums of 1988: Night Ranger- Man in Motion

At least the 80smetalman curse can’t be blamed for the lack of success of Night Ranger’s “Man in Motion” album. For those who don’t know, the 80smetalman curse is that if I really like a band or a record it seems to be doomed not to be big. Examples, take three bands I have plugged on here. Black Emerald have broken up, Slave to Sirens are on a hiatus and are looking for a new singer and drummer and though Greywinds are still going, they haven’t gained that much attraction. However, back in 1988, I didn’t even know that Night Ranger had put this album out because in the UK, they were and probably always be known for two big songs, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “Sister Christian.” The thing is that now I have listened to “Man In Motion,” I think it’s now my favourite Night Ranger album.

When I heard this album, I was blown away how much it rocked! The power chords come in straight away on the opening title cut. The heavy keyboards from their previous two albums were toned down and the guitars turned up. Now, this could have been down to the departure of keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald, which in one sense was a shame because he was good but on the other hand, it did open the door for guitarists Jeff Watson and Brad Gillis to show what a great guitar duo they were.

Jeff Watson and Brad Gillis leading the way for Night Ranger

Here’s another paradox which confronts me in regards to the album. Normally, the hit single is not my favourite track on most albums but in this case, it is. “Reason to Be” is a cooker of a song which wouldn’t be out of place on many metal albums. After an ear catching acoustic intro, the song kicks into full gear and just simply rocks out and has a cool guitar solo. It was released as a single and was the highest charter making it to #’48. Logic dictates that I shouldn’t like it but I really do.

The second best track, I guess I can call this one the hidden gem, comes right after. “Don’t Start Thinking (I’m Alone Tonight)” takes me back to Night Ranger’s first two albums, “Midnight Madness” and “Dawn Patrol.” When I listen to this track, I keep thinking that they should have kept this sound all along. And the party doesn’t end there. A heavy metal intro brings in “Love Shot Me Down” and that metal sound continues all through the song. Man, I do love the guitar solo but unfortunately, Wikipedia isn’t letting onto which guitar virtuoso plays the solo on it.

Flashbacks of “Sister Christian” come through when I hear “Restless Kind.” I think they were definitely trying to recapture that former glory with this one and I do say that it comes pretty close but let’s be honest here, there is only one “Sister Christian.” Still, as far as power ballads go, it’s a good one. They go in a KISS direction on “Halfway to the Sun” as it does sound comparable to 80s KISS. It’s still a good song.

“Here She Comes Again” is more 80s pop rock and maybe should have been released as a single. It’s not a bad song but definitely not my favourite on the album but the fickle record buying trendy public might have bought it. More KISS vibes come through on “Right On You.” If fact, this one sounds more KISS than the previously mentioned KISS sounding song. It’s a great fun song to rock out to and things keep on rocking with “Kiss Me Where It Hurts.” It has the classic Watson/Gillis guitar solo tradeoff which is something I have always liked about Night Ranger.

The album closes with two decent but unspectacular tracks, “I Did It For Love” and “Woman in Love.” The former was released as a single abut only got to #75. Listening to it, I thought it might have done better but there’s better tracks on the album. “Woman in Love” does bring the album to a rocking close and it’s a good way to end things because I have difficulty picturing it being anywhere else on the album.

Track Listing:

1. Man in Motion
2. Reason to Be
3. Don’t Start Thinking (I’m Along Tonight)
4. Love Shot Me Down
5. Restless Kind
6. Halfway to the Sun
7. Here She Comes Again
8. Right On You
9. Kiss Me Where it Hurts
10. I Did It for Love
11. Woman in Love

Night Ranger (1988)

Jack Blades- bass, lead and backing vocals

Brad Gillis- guitar, backing vocals

Jeff Watson- guitar

Kelly Keagy- drums, lead and backing vocals, percussion

Jesse Bradman- keyboards, backing vocals

Additional Musicians:

Alan Pasquale, Claude Gaudette, Eric Persing, Joyce Imbesi, John Purdell- additional keyboards

John Purdell, Kevin Chalfant- additional backing vocals

It was great that on “Man in Motion,” Night Ranger went back to a more hard rocking sound and without sounding like Rick Springfield. This is a cracker of an album which was why it didn’t have the commercial success it should have.

Next post: 38 Special- Rock and Roll Strategy

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Great Rock Albums of 1988: The Bangles- Everything

The Bangles have always been somewhat a paradox for me. They were known for soppy love songs and the track, “Eternal Flame,” is one of their best known. A little story here: I read an account that while on tour for this album, “Everything,” the band was accosted in the Netherlands by a female contingent of the LBGQT brigade because they wore short skirts and sang such love songs. The thing is and the album proves it, The Bangles could produce some cool new wave sounding rock. Take the opening track, “In Your Room,” for instance, it is a trippy new wave sounding song and here’s the big thing, it got into the top ten in the singles charts in several countries! Unfortunately, the song will forever be overshadowed, (not by me), by “Eternal Flame.”

Here’s another interesting point about the Bangles, while Susanna Hoffs sings lead vocals on the majority of the band’s singles, the lead vocals on the album are almost equally shared by all of the band. Bloggers have sung the praises of the likes of KISS and The Eagles for the all members of the band being able to sing lead vocals but surely, the Bangles should be included there as all four members have great voices.

One song which is totally different on the album is “Bell Jar.” Lead guitarist Vicki Peterson sings lead vocals on it and makes it her own. It has a new wave sound which reminds me of my all time favourite Bangles song, “The Hero Takes a Fall” from their first album. Vicki also plays mandolin on the song and it does go way out in some parts. Is it the hidden gem? Well almost, that honour goes to “Watching the Sky” which oddly enough, Vicki sings lead on that. This particular track is the closest they go to a total rock out.

Another track which showcases just how talented this band was is “Something to Believe In.” It is a near haunting ballad with some rather trippy piano work on it. Bassist Michelle Steele sings lead and her vocals bring a different but cool element to the song. “The Glitter Years” rocks pretty good and Vicki plays probably her best guitar solo on it. The closer, “Crash and Burn” is another interesting song and is definitely the song to end the album on a good note.

Track Listing:

1. In Your Room
2. Complicated Room
3. Bell Jar
4. Something to Believe In
5. Eternal Flame
6. Be With You
7. Glitter Years
8. I’ll Set You Free
9. Watching the Sky
10. Some Dreams Come True
11. Make a Play for Her Now
12. Waiting for You
13. Crash and Burn

The Bangles

Susanna Hoffs- guitar, lead and backing vocals, perucussion

Vicki Peterson- lead guitar, lead and backing vocals, mandolin

Michelle Steele- bass, lead and backing vocals, percussion

Debbie Peterson- drums, percussion, lead and backing vocals

Additional Musicians:

Darryl Citizen- noise

Paulinho Da Costa- percussion

Bobby Donati- guitar on “Some Dreams Come True”

Vinnie Vincent- 12 string guitar on “Make a Play for Her Now”

Tommy Morgan- harmonica

Jim Snodgras- tabla

David Lindley- classical guitar, bouzouki, saz, dobro

John Phillip Shenale- keyboards

Walker Ingleheart- keyboards

David White- keyboards

“Everything” further strengthens my argument about not judging an album by one or a couple of songs. Back in 1988, the Bangles had a reputation for making soppy love songs because of “Eternal Flame,” which if I was to rate the songs from best to worst, would be very close to the bottom. This is a great album of some cool new wave rock and should be listened to as a whole.

Next post: Fairground Attraction- First of a Million Kisses

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Great Rock Albums of 1988: The Proclaimers- Sunshine on Leith

Technically, I’m a year late with The Proclaimers. They first came to the attention of Great Britain and mine in 1987 with their first single, “Letter From America.” When I heard it, I thought the song was quite amusing and better than the manufactured synth pop around at the time. However, KISS’s “Crazy, Crazy Nights” was also in the top ten at the time, therefore, that song didn’t get the attention from me as it should have.

One year can make a hell of a difference and when The Proclaimers again hit the charts with what is probably their biggest song, “”I’m Gonna Be (500 miles),” I was ready. I liked the thumping guitar intro to it. Plus, there is no question as to their Scottish nationality when these two twins sing. They say that twins have a bond and this is true in the case of Charlie and Craig Reid. Especially the way they sing the “den, den, den lendas” on it. It’s one of those songs which is still fondly remembered today.

What about the rest of the album? Well, I can safely say that The Proclaimers carry on their own version of Scottish folk rock throughout the album. On the second track, “Cap in Hand,” there is a “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” vibe on it. Yes, I’m talking about the Queen classic. Only two songs into the album and we already have the hit single and the hidden gem. “Cap in Hand” was used as a rallying song during the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum. That takes nothing away from “Then I Met You” which is has some good guitar hooks and an acoustic guitar solo to accompany the unique vocals provided by the twins.

“My Old Friend the Blues” proves that The Proclaimers were just as capable of turning about a ballad or two. What I didn’t know was that the song was written by Steve Earle, who will be getting a post on here in the not too distant future. They go from ballad to mid-tempo rock song on “Sean.” The guitar in the background makes the song and while I have already praised the vocals of the Reid twins, I think the guitar talents of Jerry Donahue need praising as well. He does deliver the goods on the album.

The title track closes out the first half of the album and it’s a mellow ballad. It seems to lament about a broken heart or possibly the depressing life many people in Scotland felt at the time. It’s definitely a melancholy ballad but it’s effective.

Maybe it’s probably best to listen to this album on vinyl or cassette. This way you get to prepare for the jump from melancholy ballad to the more upbeat “Come on Nature.” This would be a good sing-a-long track if you and friends were sitting around drinking beers, either in a pub or someone’s living room. Following that is the second single, “I’m On My Way,” which wasn’t nearly as successful as the first one but I really like it. Probably why it didn’t do as well. I love the tempo to this track and how the Craig and Charles bounce the “Uh huh’s” back and forth.

“What Do You Do” is another melancholy ballad but with a difference. The brothers Reid make their political feelings quite clear. My hypothesis is that the song was a reaction to the 1987 UK general election where the Labour Party basically swept Scotland but because the Conservative Party won big in England, especially in the South East, a Conservative government was elected. Furthermore, there was the North-South divide where the South of the UK seemed to be getting richer while the North was getting poorer. “It’s Saturday Night” is a tribute to those who go out and get drunk every Saturday night because that’s all there is to do. I do love the line “The drink that I had three hours ago has been joined by 14 others in a steady flow.”

“Teardrops” is an amusing acoustic number in which the twins have a lot of fun singing and I can say similar for the closer “Oh Jean.” It’s not acoustic but the song has a party feel but then maybe one of the brothers had a pleasurable experience from whoever Jean is. It ends the album very well.

Track Listing:

1. I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)
2. Cap in Hand
3. Then I Met You
4. My Old Friend the Blues
5. Sean
6. Sunshine on Leith
7. Come on Nature
8. I’m On My Way
9. What Do You Do
10. Saturday Night
11. Teardrops
12. Oh Jean

The Proclaimers

Craig Reid- vocals, percussion

Charles Reid- vocals, acoustic guitar

Additional Musicians:

Jerry Donahue- electric and acoustic guitars

Gary Hogan- steel guitar

Dave Whetstone- melodeon

Phil Cranham- bass

David Mattacks- drums, percussion

Paul Robinson- drums, percussion

What I realize now that I didn’t realize back in 1988 was how many decent non-metal rock acts there were. The Proclaimers definitely brought a unique sound to the music of the year as the album “Sunshine on Leith” shows.

Next post: Kansas- In the Spirit of Things

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

To sign the petition for a knighthood for Bruce Dickinson, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson

On a side note, a women’s wrestling match, Autumn Rose vs. Lady Lolita, which I contributed on the script to is available to buy and download here: https://promixedwrestling.com/downloads/

Great Rock Albums of 1988: Bonnie Tyler- Hide Your Heart

That distracting thing called life has a terrible way of disrupting things, which is why I only posted once last week. What was worse is that I am still not finished my chapter for Mike Ladano’s “Adventures of Tee-Bone Man and Superdekes.” However, my load will be getting lighter over the next few weeks with the service user at work who requires 95% of one’s attention going on a home visit and the UK school year coming to an end next week. So, I hope to be back in full by then. In the meantime, I did get to listen to Bonnie Tyler’s “Hide Your Heart” album a few times and can write about it.

I have been wondering why the album escaped my attention back then. I have to thank Damien for another great save, but I would think that living in England, it would have come to my notice somehow. Thankfully, I have discovered the reason. It seems “Hide Your Heart” fared much better in Europe than it did in the UK or US. Charting at number 2 in Norway, 13 in Switzerland, 24 in Sweden but only making it to 78 in the UK and 91 in Canada. Another reason could be that Bonnie and my ex wife came from the same town, Swansea, and my ex wasn’t too keen on Bonnie.

Anyway, on to the album. Actually, the best way to describe most of it is commercial rock. Good commercial rock but the commercial sticks out. With most of the songs, there is that 1980s pop rock feel to them. You know, a little bit of guitar with a heavy saturation of keyboards. “Don’t Turn Around” is a great example. But the songs aren’t bad, after all, Bonnie had some great people writing songs for her. Desmond Child, Holly Knight, Michael Bolton, and one Paul Stanley, which I will get to in a minute.

Usually, I learn something new whenever I write about an album and this one is no exception. When l discovered that Bonnie sang the Tina Turner classic, “The Best” on the album, I assumed Bonnie was covering Tina when it was actually the other way around. However, in the long run it doesn’t make much difference because I still much prefer the Tina version. I get the impression that everyone else probably believes the same so an “Original vs. Cover” post would not be worth it here. However, there is a cover which could be worthy of such a post. It comes in the form of the album closer where Bonnie sings a cover of the Janis Joplin song, “Turtle Blues.” I haven’t heard Janis’s version in ages but Bonnie does put a lot of pizazz into this song, so such a post could be in the cards somewhere down the line.

Oh yes, Paul Stanley. He, along with Desmond and Holly, wrote the title track of the album. This is the rockingest track on the album, hands down. If Bonnie had more metal leaning songs like this one, I would have taken notice of the album. Which brings me to my next point. Bonnie’s voice is as good as it always is but the title track reinforces the true hero on the album, guitarist John McCurry. He nails some great solos. The title track is a given but he nails another great solo the “To Love Somebody” and has some great hooks along with a cool solo on “Take Another Look at Your Heart.” It’s his guitar work which really holds my interest on the album. Credit where due though, on “To Love Somebody” there is also a really cool sax solo.

Track Listing:

1. Notes From America
2. Hide Your Heart
3. Don’t Turn Around
4. Save Up All Your Tears
5. To Love Somebody
6. Take Another Look at Your Heart
7. The Best
8. Shy With You
9. Streets of Little Italy
10. Turtle Blues

Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler- vocals

Louis Cortelezzi, Lawrence Feldman- saxophone

Ronnie Cuber- baritone saxophone

Keith O’Quinn- trombone

Ralph Shuckett- conductor, horns arrangement

Chuck Kentis- organ, synthesizer

Holly Knight- keyboards

Greg Mangiafico, Bette Sussman- piano

Tony Levin, John Regan, John McCurry, Seth Glassman- bass

John McCurry- guitar

Seth Glassman- rhythm guitar

Jerry Marotta- drums, percussion

Elaine Caswell, Desmond Child, Diana Grasselli, Jerry Marotta, Lewis Merlino, Steve Savitt, Joe Lynn Turner, Myriam Naomi Vale- choir, chorus

Patricia Darcy, Patty D’Arcy, Jayne Payson, Al Scotti, Bernie Shanahan, Bernie Williams, Melanie Williams- other vocals

Joe Shepley, Joseph J. Shepley- trumpet

I always thought that Bonnie had the pipes to be a good rock singer and with the great song writers she had on this album, “Hide Your Heart” is a fine album.

Next post: The Proclaimers- Sunshine on Leith

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Great Metal Albums of 1987: KISS- Crazy Nights

According to most KISS fans and fanatics I know, “Crazy Nights” is not the best KISS album. In fact, many put it near the bottom when rating KISS albums. However, to the world, it was one of the highest charting albums KISS had made in a number of years charting in at least eleven countries and even hitting the number four spot in both the UK and Finland. So it begs the question, why was such a successful album not held in the same esteem by so many metalheads and KISS fans? The truth is out there.

One thought could be the fact that the first single “Crazy, Crazy Nights” went all the way to number four in the UK singles charts. While universally agreed by British metalheads that it’s not KISS’s greatest song, it was always great to see a metal song do well in the charts during a time it was dominated by bubble synth pop from the likes of Stock, Aiken and Waterman. We saw it as sticking it to the trendies. On a personal note, the lyrics of the song has always had meaning for me. In a world that had it in for heavy metal, it reminded us that metalheads were a force to be reckoned with and not to give a crap as to what the rest of the world thinks of us. I even quote the lyrics towards the end of “Rock and Roll Children.”

They try to tell us that we don’t belong

That’s all right, we’re millions strong

This is my music, it makes me proud

These are my people and this is my crowd.

Three singles were released from the album and “Crazy, Crazy Nights” is the only one of those which doesn’t have keyboards. When KISS went to record the album, they were looking for something which would bring them back to their glory days. They brought in producer Ron Nevison to help and he shaped the sound of the album. Another point of KISStory here is that Gene Simmons was off doing other things so his contributions on “Crazy Nights” were minimal. Bruce Kullick stepped in and got four song writing credits and Eric Carr had one. They also had assistance from outside writers such as Desmond Child.

As for the album itself, after the biggest charting single opens it, things continue for the next three tracks. Each of those tracks reminds me of the KISS I had grown up with over the years. “I Fight Hell to Hold You” is the hidden gem on the album as it’s hard and heavy. I can say the same for “Bang Bang You” even if the lyrics would be considered not woke these days. They do make reference to ancient times when Paul sings that he’s going to shoot his love gun.

Let me be blunt here, in my opinion and that’s just what it is, I think that Bruce is the star of this album. His shredding on the majority of the songs is what makes them. If not his shredding some of his opening riffs like “No, No, No” for example. “When Your Walls Come Down” is another great example of Bruce’s brilliance. The two tracks before it are okay but don’t make me want to get up and headbang away to them. “When the Walls Come Down” injects new life into the album and save it from descending into mediocrity. Furthermore, it’s his guitar solo on the single, “Reason to Live” that I would show any interest in it. Otherwise, it would have been just another power ballad.

Bruce Kullick

Talking about Gene, while he only writes on four of the eleven songs on the album, three of them are very good. One of them I already mentioned. He writes with Bruce on “No, No, No” and that’s probably why it’s good. Gene lets Bruce do his thing on that one. “Good Girl Gone Bad,” which reminds me of the single “Tears are Falling” from their previous album and the closer “Thief in the Night” are both strong tracks. The closer is definitely more old school KISS. So I can theorize here that while Paul was looking for commercial viability, Gene, when he was around, kept KISS truer to its more metal roots.

Track Listing:

1. Crazy, Crazy Nights
2. I’ll Fight Hell to Hold You
3. Bang, Bang You
4. No, No, No
5. Hell or High Water
6. My Way
7. When the Walls Come Down
8. Reason to Live
9. Good Girl Gone Bad
10. Turn On the Night
11. Thief in the Night

KISS

Paul Stanley- rhythm guitar, lead vocals, keyboards

Gene Simmons- bass, lead vocals

Eric Carr- drums, backing vocals

Bruce Kullick- lead guitar

I’ll be blunt again, there are better KISS albums than “Crazy Nights” but I do like the fact that it and the singles stuck it to the trendies in 1987. My main takeaway from listening to it again after a long time is that Bruce Kullick needs more credit than what he’s actually given.

Next post: Twisted Sister- Love is for Suckers

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

To sign the petition for a knighthood for Bruce Dickinson, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson

Great Metal Albums of 1987: Tigertailz- Young and Crazy

Making their way around the British metal scene in 1987 was Welsh glam metal band Tigertailz. While I never got the chance to see them live, I do know they played great London rock clubs such as The Marquee and the Royal Standard. Looking at this album cover, your initial reaction is probably similar to mine back then, they could rival Poison in the ‘rock dudes who look like chicks’ sweepstakes.

The funny thing is that their debut album, “Young and Crazy,” is similar to the Poison sound. I do hear the similarities between the two bands. However, I also note a KISS influence in some of their songs, the opener, “Star Crazy” and “Shameless.” Paul or Gene would both be comfortable singing either of those songs.

There is no doubt in my mind that Tigertailz were a competent band and there are some really good songs on it. The standout song for me is definitely “Livin’ Without You.” Crunching guitars and a pumping bass dominate the song but without losing any of the catchy melody. It is probably Steevi Jaimz best vocal effort and the crunching rhythm in the middle stamps its authority. Additional, there is a great drumroll from Ace Finchum and Jay Pepper lays down his best guitar solo. Definitely, my choice for best song.

The other thing is that because they look and sound similar to Poison, I want to compare and contrast them with Poison. What would be cool if Brett Michaels came and sang for Tigertailz as he is better than Steevi Jaimz while Jay Pepper is a better guitarist than CC DeVille. Just my opinion and of course, you are all free to offer yours. The teacher in me always welcomes debate.

Oh, another thing about the track, “Shameless,” is that while KISS influenced, in the middle of the song, Steevi does a David Lee Roth style spoken part. Is it as good as Dave? Well, not many singers can talk their way through songs like DLR but I will give Steevi and ‘A’ for effort. Where Tigertailz go original is the track, “City Kidz.” There is a blues like swagger to this song and a real cool rhythm guitar riff before a cool guitar solo. Okay, it gets the number two spot in the best song on the album category.

“Shoot to Kill” isn’t a bad track but it’s more filler with all the cliche heavy metal elements to it. On the other hand, “Turn Me On” is definitely the song for the rhythm section. It begins with Jaimz saying, “Come on Ace” and Ace responds with a cool drum fill. His drums take command but there is a good bass solo from Pepsi Tate in the middle. Less fortunately, it’s sandwiched between the two filler tracks. The former already mentioned track and “She’z Too Hot” has the same heavy metal cliches. Still, it’s not that bad. The title track is a more lively penultimate track where Jay is once again let off the leash on the six string. However, the album ends with a decent power ballad in the form of “Fall in Love Again.” At first it seems out of place but that thought is quickly erased and guitar and bass make it okay.

Track Listing:

1. Star Attraction
2. Hollywood Killer
3. Ballerina (Instrumental)
4. Livin’ Without You
5. Shameless
6. City Kidz
7. Shoot to Kill
8. Turn Me On
9. She’z Too Hot
10. Young and Crazy
11. Fall in Love Again

Tigertailz

Steevi Jaimz- vocals

Jay Pepper- guitar

Pepsi Tate- bass

Ace Finchum- drums

In respect to what I said about the Brett vs Steevi aspect. Steevi isn’t a bad singer but he wasn’t that good. It’s probably why Tigertailz got a new singer after this album. There is even a re-recorded version of my favourite track sung by the new singer. Anyway, this is a good effort from a band looking to make it. If the production had been better, then I think it would have been phenomenal.

Next post: Anvil- Strength of Steel

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To sign the petition for a knighthood for Bruce Dickinson, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson

London’s Aladdin’s Cave of Heavy Metal

Now that I am back from my weekend of playing Santa Clause to my step-grandchildren in Cleethorpes, I can return to posting about the golden age of heavy metal. However, this post isn’t for an album or event which happened in 1987. Instead it’s about a record store in London called Shade’s. A few years back, fellow blogger Every Record Tells a Story wrote a post about the store and now that it has been several years, I thought I’d put my own spin on it.

The best way I can describe Shade’s is using the words I used in “Rock and Roll Children,” an Aladdin’s cave of heavy metal. Although in the book, I changed the name to “Snakes” so I wouldn’t infringe any laws. It was down an narrow lane, so you had to actually be looking for it in order to find it and once inside the door, the staircase leading down to the main room added to the cave effect. Actually, I think I described it better here than I did when I wrote “Rock and Roll Children.”

Inside Shade’s

Shade’s had everything a metalhead could possibly hope for. Records, tapes, t-shirts and all other types of metal paraphernalia was on sale. I thought it particularly cool when I say a t-shirt of Kreator’s “Pleasure to Kill” album cover. However, I procrastinated and when I tried to buy it a few months later, it was no longer available. The attitude of the sales attendant when I inquired confirmed the belief that Londoners didn’t do customer service very well. They also sold concert tickets as it was there that I bought my ticket to see Possessed, Voi Vod and the English Dogs. Furthermore, while they had the classics, they also seemed to get the albums from the US when they first came out. That’s how I learned of new releases from the likes of KISS, Whitesnake, Billy Squier and the Killer Dwarfs. My one regret is that I wasn’t able to attend when Poison showed up for an autograph signing.

Unfortunately, Shade’s is no more. I heard it had become an internet cafe but I can’t be sure. I also wonder if they had been around in 2010, if they would have sold copies of “Rock And Roll Children.” I hope they would have. Still, I have fond memories of this great store.

Next post: Lee Aaron

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

My Experience of Desmond Child

Desmond Child, 2019

Reading many of your blogs out there, Mike Ledano and 2Loud’s especially, I have learned a lot about one Desmond Child. I never knew that he wrote songs, many of them hits, or produced albums for the likes of KISS, Aerosmith, Cher, Bon Jovi, Bonnie Tyler and many many more. My association with Desmond came about through a totally different manner. Not through his producing, my introduction to him came via the soundtrack of my all time favourite film, “The Warriors.” FFI- I’ve included my post on said soundtrack should you wish to read it.

Great Rock Albums of 1979: The Warriors Soundtrack

Desmond not only writes my favourite track on the soundtrack, the closer, “Last of an Ancient Breed,” he sings it as well and I must say that Desmond is a decent singer and could have made it as one if he had gotten the breaks. Note: There were a couple of other talented singers on the soundtrack who vanished after. So, enough of me prattling on, here’s the song.

Yes, they do use excerpts from the 1983 film, “The Outsiders” in this video as well.

Hope you enjoyed!

Next post: Malice- License to Kill

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com