Category: REFLECTIONS
Lemmy: Continue to raise hell on the other side……
I was sitting on Facebook scrolling through the usual buzz… at 2 am in the morning. When something caught my eye. “Is it true that Lemmy is dead?” someone asked. I shook my head with a little smile thinking that it had to be the usual rumors, of COURSE. Lemmy just turned 70 on Christmas eve, surely he was very much alive. Right?
Then it started pouring in. Eddie Trunk, Ozzy, Sharon Osbourne, Blabbermouth and then EVERYTHING and EVERYONE, it spread like wildfire. There was no doubt about it. Lemmy has left us.
We’re losing our icons one by one… and I shouldn’t be surprised. In a way we should be more surprised he survived as long as he did with the lifestyle he chose for himself. But I still react with disbelief, it takes a long time to fully UNDERSTAND it.
Lemmy is not just another musician. He’s not just another rock star. He was the most authentic symbol of true badass rock’n’roll there ever was – he LIVED it, BREATHED it, his whole persona WAS rock’n’roll! He dedicated his entire life for it and became the symbol of rock for every single person on the planet who ever loved the lovely dirtiness of rock’n’roll. Always outspoken, never afraid of anything, not even death itself.
It’s going to be all over the place now. But I still won’t be able to quite take it in. Some people are just NEVER supposed to die… They’re above all that. I couldn’t believe it when Dio passed away and I took it so personal, it hurt like I had lost a family member.
I may not have been the biggest Motorhead fan on the planet, but Lemmy was so much more than Motorhead, it’s a very sad day….
His name, music and spirit will remain immortal. It’s just his body that gave up. Continue to raise hell Lemmy, I’m pretty sure there will be no rest on the other side now. Thank you for being such a badass and inspiration to us all while you were among us. And see you soon…
In my native tongue
Facebook really gives you a window to the world in a sense. Only this morning I saw that two of my childhood “semi-idols” from Croatia and ex-Yugoslavia, were still active and on tour. One of them made it all the way to the States, the other one is coming to Sweden next year. I’m so going, never had much chance to see those artists live and I always appreciated their music. The times ARE truly changing! Those artists were STUCK in Croatia/Yugoslavia back in the day, the world is opening, music is spreading and it’s a fantastic thing. :)
My parents were from Austria (mom) and Croatia (or, it was called Yugoslavia back then. That’s where my father was from). So, I grew up listening to music from those countries when I was little. Both my parents loved music and both had good voices. My mother wasn’t even aware that she was humming everywhere, no matter what she was doing.
And I’ve always thought that that music was special and had a passion that was difficult to translate to those who didn’t understand the language. The lyrics in Croatian music are like beautiful poetry, if it has to do with the language having more nouns or just a richer way of expressing emotions and things, I don’t know. But I remember even at an early age, that I thought it was unfair that the rest of the world would never get to enjoy some of those artists and bands. No musicians ever got famous outside of Yugoslavia back in the communist days.
I had my favorites, and some songs I wanted to translate to English and perform with m band when I was a teenager, but I gave up because it just didn’t sound as good in English, the essence of the lyrics got lost in translation somehow.
What strikes me NOW, when I listen to some of those artists that I remember dad used to buy on cassette or vinyl from the only label there WAS back then, “Jugoton”, are still active, and they still have AMAZING powerful voices, that haven’t aged at ALL.
I don’t know HOW the hell they DO it, but there’s some true talent there that will never leave the country, just remain a national treasure. :)
I thought I’d share some of those. It’s not necessarily just rock/hard rock. Some of it is pop or some other genre that I’m not sure of, but good music is good music, and good musicians and vocalists should get credit, regardless the style.
Let’s go WAY back in time.
I’m just going to take the liberty of stealing some facts straight from Wikipedia:
“Bijelo Dugme (trans. White Button) was a Yugoslav rock band, based in Sarajevo. Bijelo Dugme is widely considered to have been the most popular band ever to exist in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and one of the most important acts of the Yugoslav rock scene.”
This was the song that my dad used to play at home, and probably one of their greatest hits, Tako ti je, mala moja, kad ljubi Bosanac” (“That’s How It Is, Baby, When You Kiss a Bosnian“)
And then – live years later:
I still think this is a cool song. :)
MOVING ON…….
These guys have probably never done a bad song in their entire career…! A very distinct voice that sounds like no other, full of emotion, he’s fantastic!
I used to buy their records whenever I was on vacation in Croatia, I still enjoy listening to them. Very competent band. More info, taken from Wikipedia, right here:
“Parni valjak (pronounced [pâːrniː ʋǎːʎak]; Croatian: ‘steamroller’) is a Croatian and former Yugoslav rock band. They were one of the top acts of the former Yugoslav rock scene, and currently one of the top rock-and-roll bands in Croatia.”
Okay, back in time again…. :)
This guy had one of the coolest rock voices ever. I still think the dude rocks, what a “grater” voice, just the way I like it. :)
Info taken from Wikipedia:
“Seid Memić, known by his stage name Vajta, (born 8 March 1950) is a Bosnian singer and the vocalist for the Yugoslav rock band Teška industrija [“Heavy Industy”].
From 1975 to 1976 Vajta was a vocalist for Teška industrija, who enjoyed great commercial success throughout the Balkan countries but later dissolved.”
This is old, but check out that voice. :)
I’ll just add one more, because THIS song, that follows, was the one I spent months trying to translate into English, because I really loved it. But I gave up, it just wouldn’t have done it justice, it was better to keep it as it was:
THIS guy… My dad used to be away for months to take care of his parents in Croatia, and when he came home, he always brought presents. Among those presents, there would ALWAYS be records! :D This guy, Zdravko Colic, was super popular and his popularity hasn’t decreased through the years, quite the contrary. He’ll be visiting Sweden next year, and from what I’ve heard on Youtube, eventhough he’s 64 years old now, he’s still got one HELL of a voice!
Back in 1970, he started his career playing covers of Led Zeppelin, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Creedence Clearwater Revival, but as years went by, targeting a more mainstream audience:
And the LAST dude…. Well, he was cute as a doll back in the day, my young self had a little crush on him I think. :) But an incredibly talented musician, probably one of the best in the country. He’s from Split, my dad’s home town, and my aunt knew his mom or whatever – in that city, all the older folks know eachother!
Anyhoo, when I was in Florida a while ago, the guy who made the arrangements for the TSO-interviews, Wolfgang from Germany, mentioned some guy named Gibonni, who was doing a tour of USA and Canada. Could it be the same guy?! It was. It’s 2015 and he finally made it across the pond. :D
Here he is – Gibonni, a rocker guy who turned mainstream, but can write songs like nobody else. :)
WIKIPEDIA:
“Born in a family with a strong musical tradition (his father, Ljubo Stipišić, was a well-known composer), Zlatan Stipišić, who later embraced the nickname Gibonni, began his career in the 1980s with the heavy metal band Osmi putnik. After the group disbanded, Stipišić joined Divlje jagode, recording few demo tapes before disbanding.
Gibonni started his solo career in the 1990’s with songs that combined elements of rock, modern pop and Dalmatian folk songs. He soon created a huge following, especially among Croatian youth. Gibonni’s popularity continued to grow beyond Croatia and he is currently one of the most popular and influential musicians in the territories of former Yugoslavia.”
A young Gibonni, early 90’s:
And just last month, performing in Los Angeles:
Lastly…. this band was recommended to me by a musician the last time I was in Split, Croatia – a very cool video and very original style. Check it out:
We are the last privileged generation
The IMPOSSIBLE…. turned out not to be that impossible after all. Time heals a lot – and with time comes wisdom and a different perspective on life, I guess. Maybe even the rock’n’roll legends have realized that they aren’t immortal and that life is too short for pettiness.
Ritchie Blackmore is to reunite with his old bandmates from Deep Purple and Rainbow, and give it another last go next year. I can barely believe it, it’s beyond what anyone thought would EVER happen, it feels almost unreal!
It’s a chance to relive legends in action, to turn back time!
And it hit me – we are the last, privileged generation. We are probably the last ones to see the amazing men and women who created heavy metal, the people who gave us rock”roll.
Black Sabbath – who said they would NEVER play together again, got back together, and now they’re about to embark on their last ever tour, as Tony Iommi doesn’t want to push his luck and risk his health with extensive touring. Black Sabbath invented classic heavy metal.
This is it. You get this one last chance, and they will forever hold their peace. Strange thought, isn’t it? They’ve ALWAYS been there. Like family, or your best friends in the world.
AC/DC:s Brian Johnson said just the other day that it’s time for AC/DC to retire as well. One of the best live bands of all time. We’ve seen the last of them. The time has come to say goodbye.
Lemmy is struggling with his health, it may very well be the last time he goes on tour as well, no matter how much of a fighter and a badass he is. There always comes a time when it’s time to say goodbye. Maybe that time is here now.
Some other legends are not calling it quits, but maybe they should, so that people can remember them while they were still half decent, and not as complete disasters. I’m talking about Kiss, Motley Crue, Geoff Tate… bands that used to be on the absolute top, that now are embarrassing themselves and you just wish you hadn’t had to witness their public humiliation.
I consider myself extremely lucky, because I’ve seen most of the legends. I was a teenager during the best years of their career, and I followed them through the decades. Cozy Powell, Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Dio, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, well most of the 70’s and 80’s legends. They wrote the book.
How much longer will they be around? I already see the demise of the legends. They are retiring or moving on to their rock’n’roll heaven & hell, they’ve given us a lifetime of fantastic music, memories and unforgettable concert experiences.
We are the lucky ones, the privileged ones. We were there when they said hello – we will be there when they say goodbye. Ten or twenty years from now, all the bands that we grew up with, will have retired and some of them may have said goodbye for good – in whichever shape or form…
Some may no longer be what they once were, but as long as the heart and passion is there – I will be there to show my support and gratitude, to the very end.
OZZY, I love that man, there’s passion and love in what he does (not so sure about his performances with Sabbath, but as a solo artist, there’s no doubt about it!).
DAVID COVERDALE, amazing frontman, a source of inspiration for millions of people worldwide.
ROB HALFORD, the Metal God – he’s always OWNED his crowd. Never mind the fact that his voice has had its ups and downs live, he is a legend in his own right, I’ll go see Priest for as long as they keep doing their thing!
And all those guys who are about to throw in the towel for good: THANK YOU for sharing your talent, love for music and lives with us! Now go and get that WELL DESERVED REST that you’ve EARNED after a lifetime of hard, amazing work! And smile at your accomplishments. Nobody will ever forget what you’ve created.
I can’t wait to see Blackmore and Joe Lynn Turner back together again. Blackmore and COVERDALE – are you KIDDING? I can just lie down and DIE after that!! Now – can we fast-forward to 2016 please?? :D
TONY MARTIN – kicked everybody’s ass
There is ONE singer, that has been on the absolute, untouchable number ONE position on my list of great singers for 26 years now, and that is TONY MARTIN. In my opinion the most underrated singer of all time. One day people will be asking themselves howcome his name wasn’t in neon lights just as much as his predecessors, such as Ronnie James Dio who people mostly compared him to.
Dio is a legend. He was lucky enough to be at the right place, at the right time, as was Ozzy, obviously… But it seems that in the world of metal, your level of fame and pedigree is what puts you on the map, not necessarily talent.
As much as I love and respect Dio, I can easily say that Tony Martin’s voice has SO much more to offer.
I can listen to those Black Sabbath-albums that he sang on, over and over again, at repeat, year in, year out, and I never ever grow tired of it! On the contrary, I’m so amazed by his abilities, it’s like I’m almost looking for SOME kind of imperfection, but there simply are no imperfections.
That voice is as massive and powerful as an earthquake, it’s strong as a rock, it’s crystal clear, so full of colors and variations, little details that you keep discovering and rediscovering every time you listen to him sing. I just love that VOICE.
To me, THAT is the ULTIMATE heavy metal voice. Nobody comes even close, and that includes my teenage heroes Halford, Dio, Coverdale – all those guys. They all have their strengths, no doubt about it, but looking at the whole picture, I’d say that Tony Martin kicked everbody’s ass over and over again.
I tried to get my hands on EVERYTHING he had sung on. I’m happy to own quite a lot of his work. To this day I think it’s nothing but scandalous that it’s difficult to get hold of the Black Sabbath-albums with Tony Martin on vocals. What a freaking WASTE!
I had to buy crappy Russian “bootleg”-versions on eBay a few months ago because my original CD’s and vinyls have been played so much that they are barely playable anymore. Cause you can’t find “Tyr” or “Headless Cross” in stores anymore. And those are without a DOUBT among the best albums Sabbath ever made. Every era has it’s own charm, but this is an era that I get the feeling is being swept under the carpet for whatever strange reason.
I remember that I wasn’t that interested in Black Sabbath when I first went to see them. I had heard the Ozzy stuff and it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I liked Ozzy better as a solo artist. And the Dio era wasn’t my thing either. But the newspaper I was working for back in 1989 sent me to the KB Hall in Copenhagen to review the show – and that was almost a religious experience. That VOICE absolutely blew me away!
I travelled all over the place to see Sabbath after that. Well, as long as Tony was singing. They took Ronnie back there for an album, and then (thank god) brought Tony Martin back again.
Back in those days, Internet was brand new, and I was just learning how to create webpages in html and the simple html-editors that were available at the time. So, in 1997 I created Tony Martin’s first webpage. Not too many artists HAD an “official” page back then, it was a lot less organized than it is today.
Unfortunately, the contact and professional friendship with Tony went sour, to say the least. Looking back, I admit that a lot of it was my own fault. I can be a stubborn person and at the time, I was very much “my way or the highway”. Tony was the same way, but in this case he had every right to be cause it was supposed to be HIS page. So yeah – that was almost 20 years ago and people change. I learned a lot since then but it still bugs me that it had to go so wrong, because I’ve always admired his voice.
Listening to the way he would phrase something, how he would sing even on the consonants (usually singers sing with a vibrato mainly on vowels – it’s easy to sing an “aaaaaaa” or “eeeee” with a vibrato, but Tony would do that even on consonants.
If you listen to for instance the beginning of “Feels Good To Me” – the first sentence “The chapter is opened and the pages are turned / The writings say many things but who was concerned“. He actually has a vibrato on the “nnnddd” in “opened” and the same thing on all those words in that first line. That is pretty rare. And then he goes straight to a high note, only to take it right back down again, and it’s just so smooth and so pleasing for the ears. The man is a vocal genious and I’m glad that I was lucky enough to experience his time with Sabbath. I can only hope that more people get a chance to discover this “undercover gem”. He deserves SO much more credit than he got.
Just take a listen and I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I’ve done for the past 3 decades!
A project Tony did with guitarist Mischa Calvin. Another example of his amazing voice:
Headless Cross – great song and the best lineup ever..
From his solo-alabum “Back Where I Belong” – another CD that I played over and over and over again! Brian May can be heard in the harmonies – it’s very “Queen-ish”. :D
Tony’s pre-Sabbath material, early 80’s – more melodic stuff:
Action packed month
It seems that my schedule has been a little too hectic to stop and post a blog after every concert and/or trip. But, I’m home sick today, feeling pretty crappy, so I have a second to catch my breath and recap at least a few of this month’s happenings.
November was the month where I had something planned for every weekend – but two of those plans fell through. Was supposed to go to Amsterdam to see Billy Idol. I had my flight booked and everything but I didn’t go due to jetlag after visiting Madam X in Detroit and also battling a slight flu. Something had to go.
The next weekend however, I was on a plane to Milan, Italy to see Billy Idol. I met up with my friend Ania and had a great time in Milan. Also met Daniela (nice name! ;) ) who follows this blog, it’s pretty amazing how you meet people from all over the planet that you have something in common with thanks to the internet. :)
The venue was very cool, apparently it’s mainly used for techno-dance events, stuff like that, but it was a perfect concert arena with a light show you don’t usually see elsewhere. Billy was amazing as always, and Steve Stevens is simply the coolest guitarist there is. What a perfect combo.
The weekend after that was supposed to be Metal AllStars-weekend in Leipzig and Berlin, Germany. Once again, flights, hotels and the whole works, booked and planned… but the whole thing had been postponed until 2015… At first I wasn’t sure if I should cancel my trip once again, but then I thought – I never do the “tourist thing”, why not take the opportunity to go and just enjoy not having anything planned at all, just go with the flow.
It was the right decision. I ended up going to Neues Museum and the Nefertiti-exhibition (I love anything Egyptian and if there is a museum with an Egyptian exhibition in the city I go to, I try to go). I also managed to find the Halford rock cafe. Of course, it was closed when I got there but at least I kind of visited it. :)
Spent my Sunday walking around at the Christmas fair at Alexanderplatz, which was pretty amazing with all its unique foods and drinks, the Glühweins, the smoked salmons and all kinds of “wurst”.
I finished my Sunday in the TV tower where I had reserved my VIP table with a guaranteed window-view. You can see all of Berlin from up there and it rotates, so you REALLY get to see every corner of the city from up there. The food was fantastic too. I ordered a glass of slightly more expensive red wine than usual, but I figured that since I was deprived of a good concert, I might as well comfort myself with a glass of nice wine. :)
A few days ago I was invited by my friend Maj-Louise to the Pretty Maids annual Christmas concert at Vega in Copenhagen, Denmark. That was a great gig, that band always delivers.
Another nice surprise was that they invited a guest on stage, mr Soren Andersen. That guy has played with everybody. Last time I saw him was at the Marshall 50 years of loud show in London, sharing the stage with Yngwie, Paul Gilbert, Zakk Wylde, Joe Satriani – the whole creme de la creme of guitarists. He’s played with Mike Tramp, Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa – you name it. So that was a cool surprise.
(I forgot my own camera so this is the only video clip from that show that I’ve been able to find on Youtube)
December will be a quiet month though. Then in January, I’m off to Detroit again and Madam X.
Like I mentioned in my last blog, I’m not even in the band, but I’m really happy and excited to see how well their comeback has been received. 6000 views in about a week and not as much as one “dislike”, that’s pretty rare and says a lot!
The song is great, the video rocks and we’ll see what comes next. It’s different with this compared to most bands, this is a band that gets a second chance after so many years, and it just seems that the timing is perfect because the songs are better, the musicianship is better, everything is simply better than it was before, so this will be great to follow.
IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR 