"ThePastIsOnlyTheFutureWithTheLightsOn"
Showing posts with label alice cooper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alice cooper. Show all posts

Friday, 6 November 2015

The Final Tour

So on Tuesday I checked one off the bucket list. And I'm still processing it. My dad and I flew down to Manchester to see Motley Crue. Going into the venue my dad asked me, who are the support? Obviously Alice Cooper isn't classed as a support act. And I honestly had no idea. It wasn't something I had considered, too consumed by the idea of Alice Cooper and Motley Crue.

The One Hundred

Turns out, the support band were actually really good. Well, let's be fair, they would have to be to support such legends. Throughout the set it wasn't too clear what was actually being sung, or what was being said by vocalist Jacob Field at all times, but the instrumentals sounded incredible. And you have to admire their energy. They didn't let the half empty arena deter them, Field was going from end to end of the stage, all over the place giving it laldy. I later figured out that I've saw The One Hundred before, back in March when supporting Papa Roach we caught the last couple songs and were left impressed. At least this time I'll remember their name!


Alice Cooper

If you've no idea what an Alice Cooper stage show looks like then please go YouTube it. It is phenomenal. And although Cooper was only a 'special guest,' he brought the full on stage show with him, and delivered everything you would expect to see from Alice Cooper. It's not just a musical performance you get, it's a theatre worthy stage show. And credit must be given to Cooper's band. They are incredibly talented musicians. Honestly, if you ever get the opportunity to see Alice Cooper, whether you're a fan or not do it. It's hard to put into words just how fantastic the show is. It takes a lot to follow Alice Cooper, but Motley Crue is a band worthy of this task.






Motley Crue

I still can't quite believe I actually saw Motley Crue. Motley Crue is all about the sleaze, all about the hedonism, the dirty rock 'n' roll you struggle to find these days. And their past exploits do nothing to deny this. Their set list was a homage to their 34 year career. In true Motley style they kicked the set off with the sleaziest of the sleaze, 'Girls, Girls, Girls,' and just kept it coming for the entire night.



Vince Neil was all over the stage, from side to side, everywhere he could run he did. But the lifestyle has clearly taken it's toll on him, and now he just looks tired and haggard. I'm sorry to say this, and I've never been a huge fan of him, despite his talent, Vince Neil is not anything special. 

Mick Mars is an underrated talent. I never really appreciated how much he can shred the guitar until seeing him live. His solo's during their songs were incredible, but his centre stage solo is something of legend. The passion in his performances is incredible, and something a lot of musicians can learn from.

Tommy Lee really brings it too. Seeing the Crusifly in person is something else. It takes a hell of a talent to play drums upside down, on a coaster going over the crowd. I can't put it into words just amazing it is. 

And finally Nikki Sixx. Sixx is one of my heroes, so I am completely biased while writing this. not only give an absolutely fantastic performance, with flames throwing from his bass, Sixx also delivered a speech I won't forget. Essentially it comes down to don't ever let someone keep you down. He is a true inspiration.




I really am struggling to put into words how seeing Motley Crue made me feel. I've seen some of my favourite bands before but none have ever effected me in this way. It was honestly the best experience of my life, and one that I will take to my grave.

Saturday, 31 October 2015

Halloween...

Halloween is my favourite time of the year. Screw Christmas, Halloween is where it's at. I love the gory decorations, I love dressing up, and most importantly I love that I can make playlists up of songs I love and no one can complain about it for once. No being forced to listen to R Kelly on repeat. Screw you R Kelly.

Music is what can make or break a party, or any occasion, so it's important to get it right. You need the cheese, the horror film classics, and the creepy. And what better genre for Halloween inspired music than rock. So here is my top picks for Halloween.


The Cheesy Halloween Classics

'Casue you can't just throw in the rock, you need to have a bit of the overplayed, commercial songs that everyone know.


Michael Jackson - Thriller

No Halloween party is complete with a bit of MJ. And 'Thriller' is as iconic as it gets, for both MJ and Halloween. With an award winning video full of the supernatural elements, the video propelled the song to become a cult classic. Yeah, it's cheesy as hell, but it will always be remembered. 





Monster Mash


Another iconic Halloween themed song. Monster Mash has been covered and parodied countless times. Some good, some bad. My favourite version has got to be Misfits.


Timewarp


The classic Halloween, horror dance song. Taken from the infamous Rocky Horror Picture Show, Timewarp is known by millions. And it is nearly impossible to hear it without looking like an idiot dancing along. A favourite with kids and adults alike, it is a must for Halloween. 


(Horror) Film and TV Themes

I feel like the following need no explanation. And if you're unsure about them then please remove yourself from the rock you've clearly been hiding under and go get Netflix, or go on Amazon, or just Google it!

Adams Family

Ghostbusters

Freddy Kruger (Nightmare on Elm Street)

The Exorsist

Halloween


Rock Music

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train

From the Osbourne's manical laughing, to the fact that Osbourne is bat shit crazy, you can't have a Halloween playlist with out him. And the song is a classic.




Metallica - Welcome Home (Sanitarium)

Keeping with the kinda insane theme here, next up is Metallica, 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium). From 1986's 'Master of Puppets,' arguably one of the most influential albums ever released, the song is creepy from start to finish. So perfect for Halloween. The opening riff gives me shivers down my spine every time I hear it. And with lyrics that can interpreted as someone trapped in an asylum (or their own head) it could be the theme song for a number of horrors. A winning Halloween combination. Although to be fair, just thrown on a couple of Metallica albums ans you've got yourself a pretty sound playlist as it is.



AC/DC - Highway To Hell

One of the most recognised rock songs out there, Highway to Hell is another classic. There's not much explanation required with this one either, Halloween is all about demons and shit, and I'd assume they'd be giving it shit down in hell. So what could be more appropriate than a song about the 'Highway to Hell.'






Motley Crue - Shout At The Devil

'Shout, shout, shout. Shout, shout shout. Shout at the devil.' Again, the devil is a heavily associated Halloween figure. 'Shout At The Devil' can be taken if two ways, worshipping the devil, or a fuck you to the devil. Whichever way you want to take it, it's a Halloween kinda song.








Aiden - We Sleep Forever

As with the other bands mentioned there are a lot of Aiden songs that can be used on a Halloween playlist. Goth rock is Halloween all year round. But 'We Sleep Forever' is one of my favourites and is the on the soundtrack for 2007's horror film 'Dead Silence.' And the video features the band performing in a graveyard. It is worth mentioning Aiden's haunting cover of 'Cry Little Sister,' for the 'Lost Boys' remake too. It's a bit creepy. The original is also pretty creepy. Check them both out.



Misfits - Halloween

I feel like that is self explanatory. Halloween.



Alice Cooper

Original horror rock star, Alice Cooper. Anything by the legend is Halloween appropriate. Halloween go together like bread and butter.




Check out my full Halloween playlist here:https://open.spotify.com/user/1113460294/playlist/0H2XlezhN1klcEqocJaFGi

And if you're not feeling my music (although god knows why) here are some other playlists:

http://blog.siriusxm.com/2015/10/29/halloween-playlist-13-scary-songs-according-to-science/

http://in.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/7-songs-you-must-have-on-your-halloween-playlist/65454

http://www.sacurrent.com/Blogs/archives/2014/10/20/15-songs-to-put-on-your-halloween-playlist