Kiss: All Hell's Breaking Loose

Play the damn show!

I like Kiss as well as anybody. I saw them in concert once way back in the old days…You know, when they did not wear makeup? I saw them on the Hot in the Shade tour with Danger Danger and Slaughter opening up. But, that doesn’t make me a diehard fan. I know several diehard fans that have been to MANY Kiss concerts, own every album, and have spent thousands of dollars on merchandise. I am not knocking them at all. I’ve spent thousands on Miami Dolphins merchandise, and have been to many of their games. There is no difference here, other than one being a football team, the other being a legendary rock band.

"old school" when they didn't wear makeup

Legendary, and there is now a legendary feud going on. You would think that their induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame would be cause to celebrate right?  Kiss fans have been demanding the induction for decades, and now its happening. So, what is the feud about? Here it is in a nutshell:

The HOF is only honoring the original Kiss members, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley, so that would require Gene and Paul doing a brief reunion with Ace and Peter if they were going to play at their induction. Gene and Paul don’t want to do that, so there will be no performance. This has started all sorts of bickering between the original members of the band. Ace and Peter want to do it, (who wouldn't) and Gene and Paul will not allow it.

Simmons, Carr, Stanley, Vincent

You would think that that they would do it for their fans if for no other reason at all. You know, the fans who have made them multi millionaires? But rather than to do that, Gene Simmons would rather exclude the original members from any ceremony, and are throwing childish insults back and forth. For example, Gene recently said that Ace and Peter are no longer worthy of wearing the makeup. (Using that logic, Thayer and Singer must NOT be worthy of having their own makeup and costumes like Vinnie Vincent and Eric Carr were.) He has also criticized Ace Frehley’s guitar playing, saying that it could have been much more. That’s funny, because speaking of Vinnie Vincent, he played very simple guitar riffs, and ultra basic solos while he was a member of Kiss…But after he left, he put together a band and 2 albums that established him as a guitar god, in every sense of the term. Things that make you go hmmmm…..

Eric Singer/ Tommy Thayer

Ace and Peter have fired back with comments and opinions, as well they should.  They are part of the lineup that founded Kiss, and are part of the lineup that is being inducted. Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer are not. And while the feud is getting Simmons and Stanley free advertising, and Ace and Peter back to the spotlight, the only people who are being hurt by this are the diehard fans…The Kiss Army who love this band so much.

Sadly, this whole feud is nothing more than a slap in the face to the fans, and also a lesson in ‘Be careful what you wish for…you just might get it.’ Finally, the HOF is allowing rock bands to be inducted, which is a relatively new concept for them, and you have one of the (if not THE) most iconic rock band in history bickering back and forth like school kids. Rather than to set aside their personal feelings and just play ONE damn show with the original lineup, they are proving to the world that they are spoiled brats, who want their fans money and loyalty, and in return…more crap for the fans to buy!!!

Needs to mobilize!

I have a message for Kiss…Either do the show, or kiss my ass! If I were a diehard fan, that’s exactly what I would be saying to them. They may be one of the most iconic bands in Rock, but they got there because of the fans. The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is not just for the bands who are inducted. Its for the fans too, and Simmons/Stanley need to realize that. They may be the biggest band in the world, but they are NOT bigger than their amazing fans. If I were a diehard fan, I would refuse to spend one more dollar on them, unless they pull their heads out of their asses, and do the right thing. And, if they do, Ace and Peter need to  accept it, and do the show, and not make a spectacle of themselves.

Still, after saying all this, I can’t help but wonder whether this whole feud is nothing more than a publicity stunt that Simmons, Stanley, Frehley, and Criss are all in on.

Oh...In true Kiss fashion, let me take this opportunity to say that THIS IS MY 100'th BLOG POST!!! (actually, its about the 110'th. I lost 10 posts when the blog crashed last month) And, to do it on a post about Kiss? How fitting is that?

What if the Same Standards Were Applied to YOU?

Everybody knows the story. Michael Vick, former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons got busted for hosting a dog fighting ring. Every animal rights activist in the world, every animal lover, and every Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan was posting online and in front of every willing reporter about how much they would love to see this guy be fed to live sharks, or cut up to be used as dog feed at the local kennel. People with Vick jerseys were sending them to the local animal shelters to be used as bedding. I've read much worse than that as well.

The guy did the time he was sentenced to. He apologized to everyone, and did I mention, he did the time he was sentenced to? And by the way, he did the time he was sentenced to. A judge decided the amount of time that was necessary for the crime, and Vick served the time. He did not get into trouble while in prison. He worked out, read the bible, and was very vocal about doing the right thing to the younger inmates. In short, he learned his lesson, and cleaned up his act. Last time I checked, that is what you are supposed to do while in prison

Michael Vick now is a spokesperson AGAINST
dog fighting. No news story about that.

Now, I am in no way defending dog fighting, and I'm a dog lover So, don't go accusing me of supporting dog fighting just because I am not on the 'KILL MICHAEL VICK' bandwagon. And, I have never been a Vick fan. I always thought he was overrated, even when he had his best seasons in Atlanta. And, for the record, I am also not saying that people shouldn't dislike the guy. But, this hatred and calling for his death is stupid. I am not suggesting that everybody forget about the incident. There is a difference between saying "If that jerk harms my dogs, I'll kill him." and "Kill that dog murderer just because!!!"

Let's talk theoretically here. Let's imagine that when YOU were younger, you did something stupid. Lets say you robbed a store. Nobody was killed, but ran over a dog, as you were making your getaway. You still robbed the store, and got caught. That would land you a sentence of around 2 years, depending on the circumstances, much like Vick. YOU did the time you were sentenced to, (Just like Vick) and YOU were released from prison. Should YOU ever be allowed to work again? Should YOU have constant slander and death threats? Well? Should you?

Should you?

I'm guessing you said no. If you said no, then why not? I'm guessing that you said that you served your time, and you should be able to move on with your life. So, why isn't Vick allowed to do that? Why should Michael Vick be banned from playing in the NFL? Is it because he was involved in animal cruelty? I've seen far less outrage over countless murders where a HUMAN was killed. I saw far less outrage when Rae Carruth of the Panthers was found guilty for killing his girlfriend. I also saw far less outrage recently when Aaron Hernandez of the Patriots was arrested for the murders (of people) that he committed. I also saw FAR less outrage over Kermit Gosnell, who killed living babies outside the womb. Granted, these people aren't out of prison, and playing in the NFL, but the point is still valid. People were not posting all over the internet, and on TV that these people should also be viciously murdered.

A lesser known MLK quote. And, I have seen comments
from people saying Vick should be lynched.

Michael Vick got signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, and ultimately dropped. He was just signed to another team this week. But whenever there was a story about him on TV or the news, there were more comments advocating murder and hate than there was about whatever the story was about...like Vick making the Pro Bowl.

Ultimately, I really don't care what you think of Vick. That's all on you. I just want you to consider what would happen with YOU if you had done something stupid, and served your time. You would think that you deserved the benefit of the doubt that you had learned from your mistake, and you would hope that any prospective employer would feel the same way. And, rightfully so. The United States is supposed to be a place for second chances.

In other news,
Michael Vick, Dog Killer, animal abuser, who
was sentenced to 2 years in prison, and made the
target of countless PETA protests, and
deserves to die a gruesome, horrible death
made the Pro Bowl.

I guess it is as long as you don't hurt an animal. Humans,

okay, but don't hurt an animal!

All this being said, I now HATE Michael Vick. Why? Because he just signed with the stinking New York Jets. You want a reason to hate him? There you go. But, don't hate on the guy because of the dog fighting issue. I've said it over and over, he served the time he was sentenced to, and you wouldn't want the things that are being said about him to be said about you if you did something stupid.

Album Review, KXM: George Lynch+ dUg Pinnick+ Ray Luzier= Awesome

KXM is a power trio of George Lynch of Dokken/Lynch Mob, Ray Luzier of Korn, and dUg Pinnick of Kings X. I heard of this trio shortly after listening to and reviewing the T&N album, and specifically, the amazing version of Tooth and Nail with dUg Pinnick on vocals. As a long time Dokken/Lynch Mob and Kings X fan, I was VERY excited to hear this album. And, while the name isn't the most creative, (Korn, King's X, Lynch Mob) the music is. In fact, it is exactly what you would expect if you combined Lynch Mob and Kings X.

You have the soulful melody, with picked out guitar chord verse progressions that Kings X was known for, but you can also tell that George Lynch is playing it. His style is unmistakable, as are Pinnick's vocals. You also have the same style backup vocals that Kings X used.

Lyrically, the songs are very deep and powerful. Even political at times. For example, the song Gunfight speaks about what is likely to happen when the citizens rise up against the government after the government has shredded the constitution and made us all into slaves. The song Sleep is a very dark and descriptive song about a domestic violence. Great songs. Pinnick has always been known for his very descriptive lyrics. There is a lot of Pinnick on this album. I'd have to say that it is more him than Lynch, but that certainly is not a bad thing.

George Lynch's guitar work on this album is spectacular. I would have to say that it is one of his all time best performances. His rhythms are pure and raw power, and his leads get better with age. Everything that Lynch does is a work of art. It was this way on the Dokken and Lynch Mob albums. And, if this trend continues, which it will, I am going to be picking myself up off the floor after hearing his upcoming collaboration with Michael Sweet.

The collaboration of Pinnick/Lynch works on every level. You have one of the all time great guitarists, with one of the all time great bassists teaming up with a great drummer, in Ray Luzier. They gel very well.

This is one of the best 'supergroups' to date, and the album is up there with The Winery Dogs as far as how good it is, and the chemistry between the musicians. Plus, there are quite a few extremely memorable hooks. The first single off the album, Rescue Me has a good riff with an offbeat that messes with you at first, but after listening to it a couple times, it is awesome. All of the songs are great, and they all rock. Hard, except for the song Never Stop, which is a Kings X style ballad. Kings X with George 'Mr. Scary' Lynch on guitar.

I recommend this album to any Dokken/Lynch Mob or Kings X fan. You will love it because there are the styles of both all through this album. Musicians will love it too, but every day fans will also like it. I mentioned The Winery Dogs. I am NOT saying that the album in any way sounds like The Winery Dogs. But, one thing that reminded me of them was the fact that like their album, the KXM album while an exploration into guitar and bass wizardry also has a commercial appeal to it.

Do yourself a favor, and buy this album. You will not be disappointed. Amazon Google Play And, follow them on Facebook

Things That Annoyed or Embarassed Me on TV...

This topic could easily spawn a series, but we are going to just focus on a few things that annoyed me on TV for the moment.

Have you ever watched TV shows, and been GENUINELY embarrassed by something that was being done on the show? For example, you're watching one of YOUR shows, and a roommate comes in with his girlfriend and 2 HOT friends right as the cast of your show does something really embarrassing.

The other side of this coin is something in a show that really got under your skin for whatever reason...or something that really 'grinds your gears'. Maybe something that insults your intelligence.

Whatever the case, we are going to discuss them here, and NOW! So, sit back and remissness. These things will annoy you too.

First on my list is:

Saved by the Bell. Yes, I watched this stupid show when I was younger. But even then, I was not a fan of the show. I watched it because of the even younger bitch I was living with at the time. (I was 21, she was 19.) I have always been analytical, and this show really bugged me. (other than the REALLY bad acting.) Why? Because it took place in a high school. High schools have classes with 20+ people in them. Yet when they showed any type of class activity, it was just the 5 stars of the shows. Didn't matter where they went. It was Zack and the rest of his crew, and nobody else. You would think the show's budget would allow 10 extras just to preserve the realism? You would be wrong.

Question: Did Slater know what his girlfriend did after
graduation? She went "different places."

Going to Disney World. There was no worse waste of a TV series episode than when the cast went to Disney World. Every time I saw this, it was the same thing. The cast riding the rides at Disney World. B-O-R-I-N-G. I can't imagine why producers of shows would do this, (unless Disney paid them to do it) because those episodes every time they were done got the lowest ratings of the season. Roseanne even did it. John Goodman's character redeemed it sort of, when he finally found the World of Beer in Epcot. However, the Family Matters Disney episode was painful. It was 2 (maybe even 3) episodes of just the family riding rides, except for the scenes with Urkel. He invented a machine that turned him from a nerd to a suave stud muffin that Laura was all over. But, of course, he realized she was in love with the fake Urkel, and turned back into the nerd. All at Disney World! Does Disney World really need the publicity bad enough to inject themselves into regular TV?

Oh come on...Full House did it too!
(We'll get to Full House later)

Breaking Into Song or something similar. There was nothing worse than when your characters broke into a song for no reason. And, it was NEVER a good song. For example, in Star Trek, it happened frequently. We won't even get into the original series. It came out during the 60's, so they get a pass. Its still the best Trek series by a long shot. But, the most notable time was when Picard was in the lounge, and led the crew in a song that started off "Come Cheer Up My Lads" or something like that. It was embarrassing to watch alone, let alone when a roommate walked in at that exact moment.

Other than song, was hopscotch?? In Deep Space Nine, the crew did a hopscotch number while chanting a nursery rhyme. Luckily, I watched that one alone, and nobody walked in on me. Even though I was alone, I was still embarrassed.

Thanks To Our Great Friends!!! This has happened in lots of TV series. A band stars on a sitcom as themselves, and the cast of the show gets invited up on stage at a concert to sing with the band. Full House was probably the worst example that I've seen. The gang wins a contest to hang out with The Beach Boys. The band loved the family so much that they unexpectedly invited them up on stage to sing Barbara Ann with them. And, the children (who had likely never even heard the song before the episode was filmed) somehow knew the words to the song, even though they were not expecting to be invited on stage. This happens in so many sitcoms, and it is lame every time its done.

Let's get our great friends from that
TV Show to join us on stage!!!

Overkill! A murder was committed at 5:45 this morning. It is solved by 5:00 PM the same day. Every day. Day in, and day out. Kill someone? You're gonna get it! YEEEAAAHHHHHH!!! I'm not so much embarrassed by the CSI crew, other than the fact that murders are not solved that fast...ever. Which means that they are insulting their (dumb) viewers intelligence. A friend of mine is a cop, and a victim of a minor burglary once told him "WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME??? THEY GET IT DONE IN ONE DAY ON CSI!!! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU??

You do realize our nation is screwed, right???

Someone was killed in Miami, then taken
to Africa, where their body was split in pieces
and sent to North Korea, and Antarctica, and
the moon? Call me at 5PM!

Ambiguously Gay Duo! And, I'm not talking about the SNL skit. I'm talking about Supernatural. Sam and Dean Winchester are brothers who hunt ghosts, demons, monsters, etc. But their relationship is like an old married couple that thrives on a love/hate obsession. They bicker like an old married couple, and to some sick freaks, it looks gay.

Seriously, I love a good TV series better than any movie. However, the acting leaves a lot to be desired, especially with speaking extras. Who cares what they have to say, right?

Directors...Just lose the drama!

Goodnight! 

Japanese Teens, Babymetal: The Most Adorable Metal Band Ever

From the mouths of babes comes....BADASS METAL!!

I've always said that the United States main import from Japan was not cars or electronics. Its weird stuff. I discovered something that is weird, and awesome at the same time. No, its not a game show where people dress in outrageous costumes, and get beaten with sticks while throwing pies at each other. And, it isn't another Godzilla movie, (although that would be nice.) and its not playing cards with goofy looking monsters on them either.

If you are a regular reader of mine, you know that I am on a quest to take in as much European power/prog metal as I can. Yes, I know that Japan is not part of Europe, but this band I discovered deserves a mention. The band, Babymetal consists of some extremely talented power metal musicians that would rank up there with the badass European bands that I am hearing. But, they are fronted by 3 young teenage girls who duet back and forth and harmonize. But wait...They can also belt out the occasional guttural growl. Every now and then, I like a little bit of cookie monster. Just not throughout the songs like so many death metal bands think its necessary to do.

My first reaction to seeing their video was "WTF am I seeing??" But, as I watched it, I grew more and more amazed. The girls sing very well, and even though there is some auto tune, it is used as an effect, and not as a replacement of their voices. And it is used sparingly, so I can overlook it. The first video I watched was Gimme Chocolate. The interaction is entertaining, and the chorus is very catchy. I liked it enough to find out more, watch more about the band. First, a little bit about them.

                                                                     Gimme Chocolate!!!!

They want to be the first/only one of their kind, as in starting a new genre. Actually, this band could go on forever, like Menudo was supposed to, with the singers 'retiring' and being replaced once they reached a certain age, as long as the quality of musicians (who are top notch) stayed the same. Actually, the musicians could be interchanged too because the musicians wear skeleton costumes, including masks. I'm game! As long as they stay true to what they are currently, which is 3 young girls who are TASTEFULLY dressed, and not trying to dress like and be sluts. Plus, they dance and put on one hell of a stage show that fits the music, and gets the audience into it...but they do not grind on the male musicians in the band. Take notice, Miley.

This is from the video song, Headbangerrrrr. They put
the neck braces on BEFORE rocking out,
#safemosh

The 3 girls, between 14 and 16 years old all joined as a result of being in a band similar to something that American Idol would do, as in throwing 3 singers together and having them sing 'template songs.' They were doing electronic pop prior to Babymetal. They admit that they didn't even know what metal was prior to joining. I'd say the idea to do metal rather than pop that sounds like every other pop star was a good one. Right now, they have a top 5 album on iTunes.

Wake up, US record companies. By doing something ORIGINAL, this band is huge. And, I don't mean for them to start mass producing metal bands with teenage girls singing, although I am sure that is EXACTLY what they will do...Although, even if that happens (and it will) Would you rather hear heavy metal, or Justin Bieber all over the mainstream pop radio stations? This new trend may be enough to send Bieber to back to Canada to work at McDonalds! For that, EVERY American who likes REAL music would owe Japan a debt of gratitude.

Babymetal in concert

Their music could be considered death metal. Most of it is very heavy, but you can't help but notice how talented the band is, meaning that while heavy, its not just a group of dudes beating on instruments and screaming. There are great and blistering guitar solos, full of harmony twin axe attack, and a brutal rhythm section. There is also great keyboard work in the background of these songs.

Babymetal with their band members

Sure, this band may be a gimmick, although I don't think so. It may also just be the brainchild of a record executive in Japan. I'd rather hear this than any of the pop crap, and even corporate metal that saturates US airwaves. In closing, I don't know what they are saying, but I DIG IT!!! Its always nice to find something brand new that hasn't been done before. So, enjoy them while they are fresh, and unique. I'm sure the US record labels already have 30 clones of Babymetal assembled and practicing.

I'm going to purchase this. But, don't take my word for it. Check out this epic song! Also, their Youtube page. 

Here is their Facebook page and Twitter

Their music is a little pricy on Amazon at the moment. It must not have been released in the US just yet, but it will be soon! So, iTunes is probably your best bet at the moment. 

Movie Autopsy: Rock Star

I was talking with some friends last night, about the movie Rock Star, starring Mark Wahlberg, and several musicians that I respect as musicians. As actors? Not so much. They are Zakk Wylde, Jeff Pilson, and Jason Bonham. But, here we go. I'm calling this an autopsy because Rock Star is about as dead as it gets, and we need to figure out what caused the movie to die. Basically, the premise is this: A singer of a tribute band replaces the singer of the band that he idolizes. But, a couple of my friends did not understand why I hate that movie so much. I explained, and they understood, but I'm going to go into detail here.

This post contains spoilers. Lots of them.

Judas Priest with Rob Halford

We'll start at the beginning. That movie was originally supposed to be called 'Metal Gods.' And of course, every metalhead knows that 'Metal Gods' is the name of a Judas Priest song. The movie was supposed to be the story of Tim 'Ripper' Owens, who replaced Rob Halford in Judas Priest. Ripper was in a Judas Priest tribute band in Ohio, and he was discovered, and flown to England to audition after the band found out about him. I was excited to see that movie, UNTIL (Dum dum DUMMMM) Hollywood had to fluff the story with a sappy love story, and include things that never happened in the story. Priest told Hollywood that if they wanted to tell Ripper's story then they could do it, but if they wanted to make a sappy chick, then they could stuff it.

Judas Priest with Ripper Owens

Rather than dump an entire script, the producers made changes to it that made it into a movie that was 'loosely based' on Ripper Owens and Judas Priest. It was 'loosely' all right. About the only thing that even resembled Ripper's story was the premise that a tribute band singer becomes the singer for the band he idolizes. However, if you watch the movie, and pay attention, you will see that Rock Star is more than that. Of course, its the general premise, and of course a sappy love story, but the movie is also loaded with subtle jabs at Ripper Owens and Judas Priest. THAT is what we are going to cover in this post. We will also be separating fact from fiction.

Chris Cole in his bedroom, making sure he looks exactly
like his life sized Bobby Beers card board cutout

First of all, the way that Chris Cole (Wahlberg's charater) was portrayed is an obvious jab. He is a grown man who lives with his parents, and is so obsessed with Steel Dragon (the legendary band in the film) that he dresses just like Bobby Beers, (Dragon's singer) and emulates every single thing (well MOST every single thing) that Beers does in his personal life, even down to getting his nipple pierced just because Beers did it. The tribute band is Cole's only band, and he would never dream of playing anything other than Dragon tunes. He also doesn't know how to write original material.

In real life, Ripper Owens was in TWO bands. He had a band that played original songs, that he also helped write. The tribute band was a side project that opened for his other band from time to time, and played parties. Sure, Rob Halford is Ripper's favorite singer, but Ripper did not worship him like a little teenage fangirl.

Steel Dragon with Bobby Beers

Steel Dragon, as I mentioned before was the legendary metal band. The opening scenes show Cole and his friends getting ready to go see them in concert. When they get to the arena where the show is taking place, people are protesting them with signs that say 'Steel Dragon Is Satan' and things like that. Now, that happened to Judas Priest a lot. But, it would never happen with Steel Dragon. Why? Because Priest is a dark heavy metal band that uses dark minor chords, and scary lyrical content. Dragon is a glam band. You never saw people protesting Ratt because they sang about girls and partying. Same as Steel Dragon.  And, using Ratt as a comparison is appropriate because a Dragon member himself compared Dragon to Ratt later in the movie.

After the Dragon concert, Cole and his band members encountered ANOTHER Steel Dragon tribute band in the parking lot. They are advertising their show, and taking the flyers off cars that Cole's band had placed there. It then becomes 'ON' as the 2 bands appear to get into a rumble. However, since both bands are dressed just like the Dragon members they are mimicking, they start bickering about the embroidery, and when they start shoving, they are more concerned about tearing their costumes than winning a fight. Sure, this is another jab at Ripper and his tribute band, but TWO tribute bands in one city? Not likely.

I call this scene 'Attack of the Clones'

Next, we have Cole's tribute band concert. There is a crowd of at least 1500 (all of which were probably at the real band's concert just a few days before) people at a steel plant. Not a club. Its cool, but it would never happen. The band's guitarist starts adding his own touch to a Dragon song, and Cole flips out, and they fight on stage in front of everyone. He is in turn, kicked out of the band. He is bummed and depressed, but all of a sudden, the phone rings. Guess what?? Its none other than Curt Cuddy, Dragon's guitarist. At first, Cole doesn't believe its really him, so he screens him, asking what he called his third wife. After Cuddy passes Cole's test, Cole goes into fangirl mode, saying how sorry he was to hear about the death of his dog, and how he sent flowers and a card. Another jab at Ripper. Cuddy asks him to come out to LA because he heard a tape of him singing the Dragon tunes perfectly. He agrees, and he and his girlfriend, Emily fly out to LA. Once they arrive in LA, we find out that Cuddy got the tape from 2 groupies who had filmed Cole's concert, and then came on the road with Dragon.

How Chris Cole became Dragon's singer

In real life, Ripper's tribute band was playing a show, and Judas Priest drummer, Scott Travis was there. He was so impressed with Ripper that he spoke to the band about him, and had a member of management contact him. He was invited to London to audition for Priest. After the phone conversation, Ripper looked for the management person's name on his copy of Painkiller. Ripper went, and the audition scene in the movie is pretty much spot on accurate. They both started singing a song, and the song was stopped after a few lines. They had heard enough on the tape, (or concert in Ripper's case) and just needed to verify that it was really his voice. They were both offered the job on the spot. That's about the only accurate part of the movie, and it only lasts a matter of seconds.

Next, we find out that Bobby Beers is being kicked out of the band because he is gay, among other reasons. Cole is devastated. In reality, everybody knew about Rob Halford's sexuality, and nobody cared when he came out of the closet. Looking back, I'm not sure how anybody could have missed the fact, but regardless, Priest did not lose one fan because of it. Not to mention the fact that Halford left on his own because he wanted to release solo albums, and was already gone long before Scott Travis saw Ripper in concert. But, Hollywood wanted Halford kicked out because he was gay.

Steel Dragon with Chris Cole

The next portion of the movie is Steel Dragon touring, partying, getting laid, etc. Cole is trying to be good and faithful to his girlfriend, Emily, but when she decides to go to Seattle to start a business, and Cole is by himself on the road, he becomes a party animal. Dragon plays a show in Seattle, and his girlfriend goes to see him, but catches him wasted, and zipping up his pants. She leaves him. He gets bummed for a few minutes, but the final straw comes after the break when the band gets back together to record the next album. Cole has written a few songs, and Cuddy tells him to forget it. He doesn't even want to hear Cole's songs. So, they record the album, and Cole is demoralized. At a concert, he just walks off stage, and hands the mic to a Chris Cole clone who knows all of Cole's moves to finish the concert. Then, we see interviews with the band, and they are angry, but not worried about the future.

Next, we see Cole in Seattle. Grunge has arrived, and Cole has cut his hair, and is wearing gray sweaters. His old guitarist has moved to Seattle, and the 2 meet up again, and decide to start a grunge band, playing all original songs. They are playing a show at a small coffee house, and Emily shows up. The 2 reunite with a passionate kiss as the band plays on. <gag>

Next, as the credits roll, they take a shot at Rob Halford. They show Bobby Beers being interviewed, and he has cut his hair, and is downing heavy metal. He has now joined Riverdance, and will never go back to Steel Dragon. What did this Hollywood producer have against Rob Halford? 

In real life, Tim 'Ripper' Owens recorded TWO albums with Priest, and even co wrote one song on the second album. He did not quit and storm off the stage. The band and Halford decided to reunite, and Ripper and Priest parted ways on good terms, and are still good friends. Ripper did NOT start an emo grunge band. He became the singer of Iced Earth, and recorded two amazing albums with them, then sang with Yngwie Malmsteen, and did a tour with Dio's Disciples. He did this all while still recording with his ORIGINAL band in Ohio, and opening a club that national touring bands frequent.
2020 UPDATE: Ripper is joining KK Downing's band, KK's Priest.

So, now that you know all this, what do you think of that stupid movie now? Surely, the producer could have made a movie without all the childish jabs right? You would think so, but there are some real childish people out there. And, don't call me Shirley. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments.

When Rob Halford was on That Metal Show, he gave his own movie review. It was a nice 2 word review, reminiscent of the review of the Shark Sandwich album by Spinal Tap. They did a 'Q&A With the Metal God' segment, where the audience members were able to ask questions of him. One guy asked him what he thought of Rock Star. Rob's reply: "It sucked."

Rock Star? It sucked.

Now, there you have it. Rock Star sucked. Why?
Nevermind all the reasons I listed. It sucked because The Metal God himself said so.