Interview - Hair Nation - Jim Crean

If you live in the Western New York area, and are a fan of 80's hard rock, you have most likely heard of Jim Crean, if not seen him perform live. The gifted vocalist, multi-talented musician/songwriter and Buffalo, NY native has been rocking the masses in his hometown for over 30 years now. His 80's cover band, Hair Nation, has played many high profile gigs, opening for some of the biggest bands of the 80's. And just last week, Hair Nation headlined a killer show at the notorious Whiskey A-Go-Go on the Sunset Strip to a gathering of new fans and celebrities.

In addition to Hair Nation, Crean also writes and records original material. He was even voted, "Best Original Male Vocalist" for last two years in a row in Buffalo's "Night-Life Music" awards. And last year, Crean released his 3rd solo record, entitled "Velvet Crush," on the label, Melodic Revolution Records. This CD was co-produced by Crean's partner in crime, former Talas vocalist, Phil Naro and Steve Major. "Velvet Crush" is a 12 song, epic release that showcase Crean's incredible vocals and also the outstanding songwriting skills of Crean/Naro.

The future has never looked brighter for Crean. This summer he will be performing countless shows in WNY, opening for many major artists such as Bret Michaels and Great White, just to name a few. He will be returning to Los Angeles this summer to perform at the "Sunset Strip festival" in August.

What follows is an exclusive interview with Jim Crean. Take a look, check it out and purchase his hard hitting, melodic masterpiece "Velvet Crush."

For full interview and photos, click here.

Interview- Anthrax - Charlie Benante

The recent resurgence of the thrash metal pioneers, Anthrax may be one of the greatest comebacks stories in rock history. They were one of the original bands of the thrash metal movement during the early to late 80’s, and had achieved their greatest success during this time period. They were also very influential, as many credit them with being the first band to mix hard rock with rap, when they collaborated with Public Enemy in 1991. However, in 1992 core band members Charlie Benante - drums/songwriter, Scott Ian - guitars, and Frank Bello - bass decided to fire vocalist Joey Belladonna, after signing a multi-million deal with Elektra records. They replaced Belladonna with Armored Saint vocalist John Bush. And although, they released some great records with Bush, it just wasn’t the same, and the band struggled for almost two decades.

For full article, click here.

Interview - L.A. Guns - Phil Lewis

It is said that "In life, what you really want; will never come easy," and vocalist/songwriter Phil Lewis of the Hollywood 80's glam-metal band, L.A. Guns, is living proof of this. Throughout his 30 year plus career, Lewis has faced much adversity, with a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. And while many seasoned musicians are now simply living through pass accomplishment, with little effort on creating anything fresh and new, Lewis continues feverishly working on improving his skills as a singer/songwriter. This is especially evident on L.A. Guns’ criminally ignored, but brilliant 2012 studio release, “Hollywood Forever.”

And even with the challenge of band members coming and going through the years in L.A. Guns, Lewis’ efforts, especially over the last decade, has been the reason that L.A. Guns are still a pertinent and creative force. In addition to Lewis, L.A. Guns currently consists of long time member Steve Riley (drums) with Scott Griffin (bass) and new comer Michael Grant (guitar). The band plans on touring extensively this spring and summer, with plans to hit the studio soon after.

What follows is an exclusive RockMusicStar interview with Phil Lewis. During this interview we talk about the brand new L.A. Guns DVD/CD set entitled “Live in Concert,” which hits the shelves today! We also discuss the band’s new guitarist, past history, and much more. So please read on, and afterwards make sure that you rush out and purchase the incredible “Live in Concert” DVD/CD set. Crank it up, these Hollywood vampires are back and ready to take another bite.

For full interview, click here.

Concert review - Hinder - Rapids Theatre, Niagara Falls, NY - 02/23/2013

Review/photos - Thomas S. Orwat Jr.

Niagara Falls, NY - The Oklahoma City, multi-platinum selling band, Hinder played a high energy and entertaining 90 minute set to a decent sized, "party ready" audience at the historically haunted Rapids Theatre. This was the bands second date of the second leg of their "Welcome to the Freakshow" tour. Band members, Austin Winkler (vocals), Joe Garvey (lead guitar), Mark King (rhythm guitar), Mike Rodden (bass) and Cody Hanson (drums) were in great spirits with smiles on faces and bouncing all over the stage. The main focus; however, was on Winkler, who has developed into one of rocks best front men. And while some may dismiss Hinder of being nothing more than a junior varsity version of Buckcherry, an accusation that Winkler doesn't really help deviate from with his new blonde shaggy hair and Josh Todd mannerisms, Hinder's longevity and streak of radio ready hits proves otherwise.

For full review, click here.

Music news - The Goo Goo Dolls to release "Magnetic" on May 7th.

Multi-platinum rock music stars, and darlings of Buffalo, NY , The Goo Goo Dolls will be releasing their new CD- "Magnetic" on May 7th.  Their first single "Rebel Beat," has received some very positive feedback from fans and music industry insiders. This could be a huge year for the band.  A North American tour is currently being booked.  Expect to read much more on the Goo Goo Dolls right here on RockMusicStar.

TRACKLISTING

1. Rebel Beat
2. When the World Breaks Your Heart
3. Slow it Down
4. Caught in the Storm
5. Bringing On The Light
6. Come To Me
7. More of You
8. BulletProofAngel
9. Last Hot Night
10. Happiest of Days
11. Keep the Car Running

for more, www.googoodolls.com