I Don't Get It

 I Don't Get It

An impromptu essay by Aaron D. Backes

I don't get it.

Republicans plan to make banning free school lunches one of their top priorities in 2024, even though several studies show that children are more alert and do better in school when adequately fed.

I don't get it.

Republicans want to impeach Joe Biden even though they have no realistic evidence that would warrant such action.

I don't get it. 

Some Republicans want to ban books that feature members of the LGBTQ+ community, even though such works are not offensive in any way.

I don't get it. 

Many Republicans are adamantly against gun control, even though we've had more mass shootings than days in the calendar year every year this decade. Missouri legislators even recently voted to allow children to carry guns in public.

I don't get it.

Texas resident Kate Cox had to flee her home state because she was not allowed to abort her pregnancy which was no longer viable.

I don't get it.

Many Republicans are mad at Democrats for the recent ruling in Colorado that would remove Donald J. Trump from the 2024 presidential election ballots in their state, even though the case for this action was brought forth by Republicans and Independents.

I don't get it.

Many Republicans are vehemently opposed to COVID-19 vaccines, even though empirical data that's surfaced since the pandemic started clearly shows how many more COVID-19 illnesses and deaths have happened in red states than blue states.

I don't get it.

Donald J. Trump has 91 indictments, was impeached twice, and arrested four times, and yet he's still expected to be the Republican candidate for president in 2024.

I don't get it.

Trump also allegedly craps his diapers and reportedly smells terrible. (Hence, the reason why #trumpsmells has been trending lately.) Republicans still support him anyway.

I don't get it.

Many Republicans constantly complain about "cancel culture," while they are actively trying to cancel things they don't like. They also criticize companies and individuals for being "woke," which means being aware of social and political events. Maybe they'd rather stay asleep and live in their little dream worlds. 

We can definitely do better as a nation. 

Until next time, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Rock Bands You Should Know #4: Mammoth WVH

 Mammoth WVH is a relatively new band formed by Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang. I was fortunate to see them live in concert at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis last month. They're a fun live band that's well worth seeing whenever they're in your area.

Wolfgang started the band while he was still the bassist for Van Halen. He started recording his debut album in 2015 at 5150 Studios. Wolfie has thus far written, recorded, sung and performed all of the instruments on Mammoth's albums. He was also the bass guitarist for Alter Bridge/Creed lead guitarist Mark Tremonti's solo band Tremonti until being replaced by Tanner Keegan on bass and played drums on Sevendust lead guitarist's 2020 solo release God Bless The Renegades.

The first Mammoth WVH single, "Distance," was an emotional tribute to Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in December 2020 after enduring a bout with throat cancer. It was one of several songs included on their debut album, which was released in June 2021. Wolfgang revealed in interviews that he wanted to use the name Mammoth as part of his band name, as it was a moniker that his father's band initially used early on. Eddie gave his son approval to use the name as well.

Wolfgang is joined on tour by his former Tremonti bandmate Garrett Whitlock on drums, bassist Ronnie Ficarro, and guitarists Jon Jourdan and Frank Sidoris. Their second album, Mammoth II, was released in August 2023. Mammoth WVH has been on the road recently as a headliner (with Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss and her solo band as the opening act) and supporting Metallica during their stadium tour. 

I was impressed by Wolfie's talent and on-stage presence during last month's show. He's clearly learned from some of the best. His music videos also have a good tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, much like many of the Foo Fighters videos that I've seen over the years. One of these days, I'll have to spring for the VIP meet and greet. It'd be interesting to pick his brain about music and his experiences. I strongly recommend picking up their albums and catching a show or two. 

Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!

Rock Bands You Should Know #3: Lines of Loyalty

 Lines of Loyalty is a regional band that I stumbled onto after seeing them at a recent show opening for Sevendust and Static-X in Clive, Iowa. They're a three-piece band that hasn't been around for very long, but they've developed a small, loyal following. I think they're meant for great things. 

The group was originally known as Mixed Company. They've been using the Lines of Loyalty moniker since 2021. The current lineup consists of drummer/percussionist Shane Madsen, bassist/keyboardist Redo Ianni, and singer/guitarist Nubz Morrison. Morrison has been quoted as having said that the concept of loyalty is essential, after having been burned by people in the past. Lines of Loyalty calls Kenosha, Wisconsin home. 

Lines of Loyalty worked with my friend Chris Dawson (former Seasons After rhythm guitarist) in writing and recording songs for their full-length album Hurts to be Human, which was released earlier this year. The title track and singles such as "I'm Not the One" and "My Addiction" are well worth checking out. They have good onstage energy for a three-piece band and it's easy to see that they feed off of crowd interaction. I highly recommend checking them out if they're playing in your area. Maybe we'll get to see them again when the next leg of the Sevendust/Static-X tour kicks off in February.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about Wolfgang Van Halen's band Mammoth WVH, who I just saw live in concert at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis a few weeks back. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Bullies versus Nerds, or Modern American Politics

 By the time most of us have been in grade school for a few years, we're either a bully or a nerd. I was definitely never a bully. I was smart, skinny and started wearing glasses in 5th grade. I was bullied by a few kids and I had friends who were bullied. The funny thing is that some of us never really grow out of those stereotypes.

I've been watching the current state of U.S. politics lately and that last statement definitely seems true. From my viewpoint, it appears that most of the MAGA Republicans are the bully types, whereas the Democrats are the nerds. I'm not saying that's necessarily true of all current American politicians of course, but the parallels are striking. It seems like Donald J. Trump and many of his disciples think that it's okay to try to push people around to get their way, because they know that their Democratic counterparts won't make much of an effort to stand up for themselves or oppose them. 

I know that there are some strong Democrats, Independents and others who see right through the MAGA bullshit. I really don't know why anyone would continue to support a guy who lied 30,573 times during his presidential term, attempted to incite an insurrection after losing his re-election bid, was recently found liable for sexual assault and is currently in court on charges of vastly overestimating the values of multiple business properties. 

I don't hear a lot of noise from very many Democrats these days. I think that more of them should speak up and take proactive stances against the Republican rhetoric. There are some positive strides being made, such as in this week's anti-abortion wins at the polls in some states. However, there's a lot more work that needs to be done. We can't just sit idly by and let Republicans continue to give tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations, while attempting to cut Social Security and Medicare and do nothing to assist veterans, teachers, the working class and others who are simply struggling to survive in the age of high prices and corporate greed.

I don't pretend to have all the answers, but it sure would be nice if both sides would actually forgo their differences and work together to resolve many of the issues that are regular topics on the evening news. If they can't get over the bully and nerd stereotypes, it might just be time to throw them all out and start all over. No lobbying, no special interests, no nonsense. That could really make America great again.

Well, that's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!

Rock Bands You Should Know #2: Elisium

The next rock band that I think you should know about is a Midwest trio called Elisium (not to be confused with a former Polish band that also went under the same moniker). This group is comprised of bassist Corey Compton, singer/guitarist (and Corey's brother) Nate Compton, and drummer Nathan Thomas. The group originated in central Virginia but has called the Quad Cities area home for the last several years.

To date, Elisium has released 4 albums: Things They Carried in 2008, Becoming in 2012, All In a Day in 2014, and Shoreline in 2015. They are currently signed to Imagen Records. I'd say that their sound isn't quite as heavy as some of the bands that I listen to, but their more melodic tunes and inspired songwriting make them well worth checking out.

I first saw this group play live at an outdoor music festival in Iowa several years ago. I was impressed and bought a few of their CDs afterward. Since then, I've seen them a few more times and interacted with band members at Instamix events. They have released a few covers and original tunes since their last album and I wouldn't be surprised to hear news of another album or EP sometime in the near future. Sure, the guys have day jobs and other interests as well, but they always go back to making music that invokes strong emotions. 

Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Rock Bands You Should Know: #1: Alborn

 Hello everyone,

I'm kicking off a new series of blog posts today about different bands that most rock and metal fans should know about. The first article is on my friends in the Quad-Cities based group Alborn. Originally known as Alborn Theory, this quartet is a very talented group that has slowly started to make a name for themselves in the upper Midwest and beyond.

The group consists of Nate Guske (guitar/vocals), Alex Raser (drums/vocals), Justin Taylor (guitar/lead singer), and Zame Lewis (bass guitarist). They've released 2 EPs as Alborn (Impairative in 2020 and Push earlier this year). I've heard people describe the group as a younger, hungry version of Alice in Chains. I can see the similarities, but from what I've seen, this group has the potential to be even bigger and better if just given a chance.

I've gotten to know the guys in the band at different shows and songwriting events. The first time I saw them play live was opening for Sevendust at a show in Lacrosse, WI a few years ago. Sevendust's drummer Morgan Rose signed them to Imagen Records not long after that. A friend and I were fortunate enough to hear Rose and Three Years Hollow singer Jose Urquiza talk about recording songs with them at another concert. Alborn is now on the Pavement Record label.

So far, Alborn has opened for many popular rock bands, such as Sevendust, Shinedown, Gemini Syndrome and Buckcherry, to name just a few. They're usually writing new songs during their downtime, so I wouldn't be surprised to see another EP or even a full-length studio album released sometime in the next year or so. If you see them at a show, pay attention to their performance, and talk to the guys after the show. My friends in Alborn are hard-working musicians who love what they do and are very appreciative of their fan base. They tour the Quad Cities area quite regularly and are tapped to go on tour with Powerman 5000 next March.

Well, that's all for now. Haven't decided on the next groups to spotlight yet, but I'll write about other bands when I feel like it. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

2023 Minnesota Twins Year in Review

Although the Twins' season ended at home with a disappointing loss to the defending champion Houston Astros, their year definitely exceeded my expectations. I didn't think they would even make the playoffs at first, and they finally won a playoff game for the first time since 2004 and a playoff series for the first time since 2002 with a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round. It's even more impressive that they were able to get this far with 3 rookies (3B Royce Lewis, OF Matt Wallner, and 2B/DH Edouard Julien) getting regular playing time down the stretch.

I'll use this article to examine each player who donned a Minnesota Twins uniform this season in detail, starting with the offense:

Max Kepler: .260 batting average with a team-leading 24 home runs and 66 runs batted in. Kepler was much improved during the second half of the season. I'd once thought of him as trade bait. This year, he proved that he can be a valuable member of the group. We'll have to see if he's retained or moved for younger players in the outfield.

Joey Gallo: A team-low .177 BA with 21 HRs and 40 RBI. Signing Gallo to a one-year deal was a low-risk move for the Twins. He was needed in the lineup with early season injuries, but he's very reminiscent of Miguel Sano, in that he's pretty much an all-or-nothing batter at the plate. His Gold Glove-caliber defense is offset by his low batting average and high number of strikeouts (a team-leading 142 whiffs in 2023). The fact that he was left off the playoff roster and not activated from the injured list near the end of the season are good indications that he won't be back in 2024.

Michael A. Taylor: .220 BA, and a career-best 21 homers along with 51 RBI and 13 steals in 14 attempts. Taylor made some amazing plays in center field and proved his worth in center field this year. Even if Buxton returns to his customary position in the field next year, I wouldn't be surprised to see Taylor patrolling a corner outfield spot and/or being in the DH mix. 

Carlos Correa: .230 BA, 18 HRs, 65 RBI. Plantar fasciitis plagued Correa all season, but he still made some great throws from short and proved to be a team leader. His batting average was much lower than expected, but he signed a six-year extension with the Twins during the offseason and should be around for a while to anchor the infield defense and provide guidance for some of the team's younger players. 

Byron Buxton: .207 BA, 17 HRs, 42 RBI. Buxton suffered through another injury-plagued season yet again, one in which he never played a single inning in the field. It was encouraging to see him activated in time for the last game of their playoff series with Houston, but I'm starting to wonder if he'll ever play a full season in the major leagues.

Edouard Julien: .263 BA, 16 HRs, 37 RBI. Julien made quite an impact at the big-league level. He has impressive opposite-field power and has a good eye at the plate (he drew a team-leading 64 walks in only 109 games with the Twins). He's been criticized for his defense and has played a few games at first base. I expect to see him break camp with the team next spring. 

Royce Lewis: .309 BA, 15 HRs, 52 RBI. We all know about his 4 grand slams in 3 weeks and his 4 homers in 6 playoff games, but this former #1 draft pick is much more than that. He's persevered through 2 reconstructive knee surgeries and is one of the most positive people in baseball. He's basically secured a spot in the lineup as the everyday third baseman for Rocco Baldelli's team in 2024. 

Ryan Jeffers: .276 BA, 14 HRs, 43 RBI. It took a few years, but Jeffers is finally at a level that we expected him to be at. His offensive improvement kept him in all of the Twins' 6 playoff games. His defense behind the plate is improving and continues to be a work in progress.

Jorge Polanco: .255 BA, 14 HRs, 48 RBI. Julien's arrival meant that Polanco had to split time with him at second base and even make a few starts at third (where he has less experience in the major leagues). Jorge has played second, short, and third for the Twins in his career, so his versatility could make him valuable. However, if Julien has a breakout year next season, I wouldn't be surprised to see Polanco dealt as a result. 

Matt Wallner: .249 BA, 14 HRs, 41 RBI. Wallner had a cup of coffee with the team last year and was a nice complement to the Twins' outfield this year. He still has to learn better plate discipline, but he fits in at left or right field rather nicely.

Kyle Farmer: .256 BA, 11 HRs, 46 RBI. Farmer was going to be the Twins' regular shortstop until Correa re-signed with the team. He was a nice addition and proved that he could also play at second and third base as needed. He's a good bench player who can definitely help the Twins in the clutch.

Alex Kiriloff: .270 BA, 11 HRs, 41 RBI. Another injury ended Alex's season, but he still showed promise. Used almost exclusively at first base this year, he has improved both on defense and at the plate. If he could play a full season without landing on the IL, he could be a good middle-of-the-order regular for the Twins.

Willi Castro: .257 BA, 9 HRs, 34 RBI, and a team-best 33 steals in 38 tries. This former Detroit Tigers utility man proved to be the team's MVP. He can play almost anywhere in the infield and outfield (and even pitch if necessary). His speed on the basepaths kept the Twins in many games. This journeyman seems to have found a home for a while, anyway. 

Trevor Larnach: .213 8 HRs, 40 RBI. This once-rising star spent more time on the St. Paul Saints' roster in AAA than with the big league club. Injuries and a low batting average are primarily to blame. He wasn't on the playoff roster, which leads me to believe that he doesn't really factor in the Twins' plans next year.

Christian Vasquez: .223 BA, 6 HRs, 32 RBI. This former World Series champ was great behind the plate, but his surprisingly low batting numbers are probably why Baldelli didn't play him at all in the playoffs. He signed a 3-year deal with the Twins, so he'll be around for at least another year or so, provided that his offensive game turns around. 

Donovan Solano: .282 BA, 5 HRs, 38 RBI. This veteran proved that he can play first, second, and third base and provide some clutch hits. In one of the games I attended at Target Field this year, Solano doubled in 3 consecutive at-bats. He's not a power threat, but he's a good bench player who will hopefully remain with the Twins in 2024.

Jose Miranda: .211 BA, 3 HRs, 13 RBI. Miranda suffered through a sophomore slump during 40 games at the big league level. He started the year at the hot corner, but never really seemed to find his groove. He was demoted to St. Paul and went on the IL for a large portion of the year. If he does return with the organization next year, it'll probably be with the Saints.

Kyle Garlick: .179 BA, 2 HRs, 4 RBI. Garlick signed a minor league deal with the Twins this year and only appeared in 14 games with the Twins. He spent most of the year playing outfield and first base with the Saints. He hits left-handers well, but the Twins have a logjam of players at the positions he plays. I would be very surprised if he's in the organization again in 2024. 

Nick Gordon: .176 BA, 2 HRs, 7 RBI. A fractured shin kept Gordon on the injured list for most of this year. He proved in 2022 that he can play both the infield and outfield, but the Twins already have utility men on the roster in Farmer and Castro. It remains to be seen when Gordon will be activated and where he'll end up when that happens.

Jordan Luplow: .206 BA, 2 HRs, 4 RBI. Luplow was a nice late-season pickup. He was a good bench option at 1B/OF/DH, but he spent most of the year in AAA, and I can't see him making the Twins' big league roster at this point. 

Andrew Stevenson: .189 BA with 1 RBI in 37 at-bats. Stevenson was a late-season call-up from St. Paul and was primarily used as a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch runner. He has a history of stealing a fair amount of bases with the Washington Nationals, but if Buxton is healthy next year, I don't expect to see Stevenson anywhere near the Twins' big-league roster. 

Now, let's take a look at the Twins' pitchers:

Pablo Lopez: 11 wins, 8 losses with a 3.66 Earned Run Average. The Twins gambled on Lopez, trading AL batting champ Luis Arraez to the Miami Marlins to acquire him. The trade worked off quite well for both teams. Arraez hit .354 for Miami and won another batting title for his team that made the playoffs. Lopez was the ace of the Twins' staff. He also started the "Land of 10,000 Rakes" vest that Twins' hitters wore after hitting a home run this season. 

Sonny Gray: 8-8, 2.79 ERA. Gray is more of a control pitcher. He can be very good and he can be mediocre. He pitched more innings than in 2022 and proved that he can be a valuable member of this team's starting pitcher rotation. 

Joe Ryan: 11-10, 4.51 ERA. Ryan had another solid year. If he can cut down on giving up the home run ball (he allowed a team-high 32 dingers in 161 2/3 innings this season), he'll be another lock in the rotation in 2024.

Kenta Maeda: 6-8, 4.23 ERA. This was Maeda's bounce-back year after Tommy John surgery. He was much better in the second half of the year and was a proven bullpen option in the playoffs.

Bailey Ober: 8-6, 3.43 ERA. Ober didn't start the year with the big league team but eventually showed his worth over 26 starts with the Twins. He made a solid case for being a back-end member of their 2024 pitching rotation.

Louie Varland: 4-3, 4.63 ERA. Varland's second time with the big-league team was much better than his debut in 2022. Rocco can count on him as a starter and reliever, which gives him more options than before.

Chris Paddack: 1-0, 5.40 ERA. Paddack worked hard to return from Tommy John surgery and pitch for the Twins out of the pen late in the year and into the playoffs. If he continues to work hard, I would be shocked if he isn't a starter or middle-inning reliever for the team next year.

Cole Sands: 0-0, 3.74 ERA. Sands made 15 relief appearances with the Twins and rode the Minneapolis-St. Paul shuttle regularly throughout the season. I'm not sure why Baldelli didn't use him more, but we'll see where he ends up next year. 

Josh Winder: 2-1, 4.15 ERA. Winder made 19 relief appearances for the team in 2023 and could be a good spot starter or a guy who can pitch multiple innings out of the pen in 2024.

Dallas Keuchel: 2-1, 4.97 ERA. Dallas was a late AAA signing and got into 10 games (6 starts) with the Twins. An injury kept him out of the playoffs, but he's another option worth considering next year.

Griffin Jax: 6-10, 3.86 ERA and 4 saves. Jax defined his role as the 8th inning guy. He's much improved and much more confident as a reliever than as a starter. He finally seems to have found his niche. 

Caleb Thielbar: 3-1, 3.23 ERA. Thielbar was the team's only veteran left-handed arm in the bullpen. He usually doesn't give up many home runs and is a good situational reliever.

Emilio Pagan: 5-2, 2.99 ERA. Last year, I pleaded for the Twins to release Pagan. This year, he was a much improved player. He struck out 65 batters in 66 innings and proved to be a reliable option for the 6th or 7th inning. 

Jhoan Duran: 3-6, 2.45 ERA, 27 saves. Baldelli finally gave Duran the closer's role this year, and he took advantage of it. He did give up a few runs for consecutive games during the summer, but his triple-digit stuff and 84 strikeouts in only 59 innings proved why he's someone most big league hitters don't want to face in the 9th inning.

Brock Stewart: 2-0, 0.65 ERA. Stewart came from out of nowhere to become a dominant reliever for the Twins this season. He only gave up 2 earned runs in 27 2/3 innings during the regular season (with 39 K's). I don't expect him to be nearly that outstanding in 2024, but if he's healthy, he can be a reliable resource for Rocco in 2024.

Brent Headrick: 3-0, 6.31 ERA. Injuries and ineffectiveness marred Headrick's season. If healthy, he could be another bullpen asset next season.

Kody Funderburk: 2-0, 0.75 ERA. Funderburk spent most of 2023 pitching for the Saints. He only gave up 1 run in 12 innings for the Twins, and can be a good left-handed bullpen option in 2024. 

Jordan Balazovic: 1-0, 4.44 ERA. Inconsistency late in the year kept this reliever in St. Paul for most of the 2nd half. If he can work out his issues, he may be back in the Twins' pen again next season.

Jorge Lopez: 4-2, 5.09 ERA, 3 saves. Lopez was acquired last year in a trade but was much better for the Twins in 2023. He was sent to the Marlins for Dylan Floro before this season's trade deadline and ended up with the Orioles yet again before being released.

Dylan Floro: 2-1, 5.29 ERA. I wasn't impressed with most of Floro's outings for the Twins. It's a 50-50 shot as to whether he'll return next year. 

Jorge Alcala: 0-1, 6.23 ERA. Another promising reliever whose season was interrupted by injury again this year. If he can stay healthy and figure things out, he may return to the big league club sooner rather than later.

Tyler Mahle: 1-2, 3.16 ERA. Mahle was acquired from the Reds in a trade last year and has only made a handful of starts for the Twins because of injuries. It's doubtful that he'll return from Tommy John surgery in time to pitch for the Twins at any level in 2024.

Oliver Ortega: 0-1, 4.30 ERA. Another inconsistent right-handed reliever. Ortega will probably pitch for AAA St. Paul at the start of next season.

Jovani Moran: 2-2, 5.32 ERA. Rocco sure seems to use Moran often out of the pen, but he seemed to get worse as the season went on. He went on the 60-day injured list with a left forearm strain in August and will likely need to pitch a few minor league games before he'll be reinstated with the big league club. 

Jose De Leon: 0-1, 4.67 ERA. Except for a spot start, De Leon was a reliever for the Twins before injuries derailed his season. I don't think he'll return to the Twins next year. 

Dereck Rodriguez: 0-0, 13.49 ERA. The son of a Hall of Famer (catcher Ivan "Pudge' Rodriguez), Dereck, only pitched in 1 game for the Twins. He was claimed off of waivers by the Atlanta Braves in May. 

Simeon Woods-Richardson: 0-0, 9.64 ERA. This former prospect only pitched in one game for the Twins and proved that he isn't quite ready to face big-league hitters. More seasoning in the minors appears imminent for him. 

Note: I'm not going to add the pitching stats for Castro or Luplow, because I'd rather focus on their primary responsibilities.

This team was the only one in the American League Central with a winning record. Detroit seems to have improved, while Cleveland, Chicago and Kansas City all regressed. We'll see how the Twins fare in 2024, but if their core players stay healthy and the pitching staff remains reliable, I'm confident that they will have a much more productive playoff run next year.

That's all for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!

I'm Tired

 I'm Tired

An impromptu poem 

by Aaron D. Backes

I'm tired

I'm tired of bad things happening to good people

I'm tired of stupid people being put in positions of power

I'm tired of greed

I'm tired of people who refuse to listen to doctors and educators in favor of politicians and political pundits

I'm tired of the MAGA movement

I'm tired of political fights 

I'm tired of politicians who would rather argue with people in the opposite party instead of doing the job that they were actually elected to do

I'm tired of people who are far different on social media than they are in real life

I'm tired of people who try to push their viewpoints on others

I'm tired of how overly complicated job searches and applying for positions can be

I'm tired of companies whose executives are paid hundreds of times more than their average employees

I'm tired of businesses offering low pay and unappealing benefits, only to complain that "no one wants to work anymore"

I'm tired of not having enough time to pursue more creating writing and drawing

I'm tired of how expensive life can be

I'm tired of people who complain about every little insignificant thing

I'm tired of individuals who always have to be right

I'm tired of policies that simply don't make any sense

I'm tired of programs that were designed by people who aren't the end users

I'm tired of cruelty and hate in the world

I'm tired of the increasing lack of civility

I'm tired of people being shitty to one another for no good reason

I'm tired of the "us versus them" that I've noticed in many different aspects lately

I'm tired of hypocrisy

Hell, I'm just plain tired

That's all for me for now. Had the base concepts for this piece ruminating in my head for a while. Hope you enjoy it. Until next time, have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Real is Rare

 Personal relationships were a lot easier when I was little. I had parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends I could trust and count on. I was raised to follow the golden rule and treat everyone with whom I came into contact with courtesy, dignity, and respect. It's something that I still adhere to today.

Maintaining personal relationships can be difficult, even in this age of the Internet and social media. We have so many things trying to get our attention. Some are more important than others, but the people who care for you will show you that they care over time. 

I'm very thankful for the people that I can rely on. Some of them are closer to me than actual blood relatives. I've learned to differentiate between those who are blessings and others who are nothing more than burdens. 

Whenever I meet someone new, I try to keep an open mind. I've met some truly amazing individuals. I've also met some people who are quite attractive on the outside but turn out to be very ugly human beings on the inside. 

I've definitely been burned by some people in the past. As much as I dislike what happened, those experiences have shaped me into the adult that I am now. I learned my limits and what I'm willing to accept and reject.

I'll always be true to those who matter to me, but I'm not going to bend over backward for people all the time. I'm not going to make an effort for those who don't and I certainly won't keep giving for those who consistently take far more than they ever give. 

I know that there are people who will never reciprocate or show me the same kindness and courtesy that I've shown them. I'm okay with that. I'll just focus on those who treat me how I want to be treated and make myself more of a priority in my own life. I can't let others take advantage of me, ignore me, or take me for granted anymore. Life's too short to allow shallow, narcissistic people like that to get into my head and make life miserable. 

There are some great genuine people in my circle, who I treasure each and every day. They make me remember why life is worth living. Real people like that have been increasingly rare nowadays. It's rather amazing how social media has brought forth so many profiles of people who are nothing like their online personas. 

Just had to get that off my chest. I've been removing people that I don't connect with from my life, and I guess it's something that I need to do more of. After all, it's the quality, not the quantity of the individuals in your circle that really matters.

Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Thank God for Rock and Roll!

 Not gonna lie, I've been under a lot of stress lately. Work, Covid and a few other things were stressing me out over the last few weeks. I was unhappy and more importantly, I wasn't my usual self.

I took a much-needed break on Tuesday to attend my 41st Sevendust family reunion. The show was at the Fillmore, a new venue in Minneapolis near Target Field that's only been open for 3 years. It's a smaller club that provided for more intimate performances by MJT, Sevendust and Alter Bridge. 

The concert was just what I needed. It was my first show since late May. I got to catch up with an old friend who was visiting from out of state, along with a few MN locals and my buddy who also happens to be the guy in charge of Sevendust's merch sales.

I hadn't seen my friends in Sevendust in almost a year, and it was another great family reunion. The band sounded just as great as ever and I found myself smiling regularly for the first time in months. I'm so thankful that there are great rock and roll bands to listen to and see in concert. They took my mind off of my stressors for a while and let me appreciate living in the moment. 

Still on a concert high, but that'll probably last until the next show. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#37: Creed

 Creed was a popular rock band from Tallahassee, Florida. They recorded 4 studio albums before dissolving for what we assumed was for good in 2013. However, fans were overjoyed last month to hear that the group will be reuniting next year for the Summer of '99 cruise. 

The band was created by guitarist Mark Tremonti and singer Scott Stapp in 1994. The two were school classmates and had some of the same music tastes. The original lineup was a quintet, including rhythm guitarist Brian Brasher, drummer Scott Phillips, and bass guitarist Brian Marshall. They performed their first gig under the moniker Naked Toddler.  came up with the group name Creed, which stuck. Brasher departed a year later and Creed continued on as a quartet. 

Their first album, My Own Prison, was self-produced in 1997 with an initial run of 6,000 copies through Blue Collar Records. It soon got the attention of Wind-Up Records executive Diana Meltzer. She and a few of her co-workers flew to Florida to see the group perform before deciding to offer them a recording contract. Wind-Up re-released their debut effort that August, which became a big hit. 

Creed used the proceeds from that album to craft their sophomore album, Human Clay. It would go on to sell more than 10 million copies. Marshall's alcohol issues led to his temporary dismissal from the group in 2000. Brett Hestla would take his place on bass guitar. Hestla would tour with Creed, but Tremonti played bass on their third album, Weathered. 

The band continued to tour until Stapp needed to take some time off in 2002 because of injuries that he sustained in a car crash. Stapp's pain medication and addiction issues also contributed to Creed's first breakup. 4 concertgoers filed a lawsuit against the band that year, stating that Stapp was unable to complete the lyrics to a Creed song in concert because of chemical influence. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and the band issued a public apology, but the damage to their reputation had already been done. 

Their first disbandment was in June 2004. Tremonti and Phillips joined forces with Marshall and former Mayfield Four frontman Myles Kennedy to form the band Alter Bridge, while Stapp pursued a solo career. Wind-Up issued a Creed greatest hits album in November 2004 and no new Creed tunes would be heard for another 5 years.

The classic Creed lineup (Stapp, Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips) returned in June 2009, and their fourth studio album, Full Circle, was released that October. Eric Friedman joined the group as a touring guitarist and they toured regularly from 2009 through 2012, even though their shows weren't all as well attended this time around as they were when the band was supporting their first three albums. 

Creed has been inactive since 2013. Stapp still continues to perform as a solo act and was involved in the group Art of Anarchy. Tremonti has been busy with both Alter Bridge and his solo group. Phillips has been involved in Alter Bridge and Projected, a group that also includes Friedman and Sevendust rhythm guitarist John Connolly and bassist Vince Hornsby. 

The group announced on July 19th of this year that they would be part of the April 2024 Summer of '99 Cruise. The cruise sold out in a matter of hours. It remains to be seen whether or not they will add more tour dates. In all likelihood, any tour dates would probably be in 2024, because both Stapp and Alter Bridge are currently touring as separate acts. 

I haven't seen Creed play live in concert yet, but this latest reunion has definitely intrigued me. I've seen Stapp and Tremonti's solo acts along with Alter Bridge. In fact, I'm going to see Alter Bridge with Sevendust again on Tuesday. Based on how well the cruise performance announcement was received by loyal fans, I'm fairly confident that any future Creed concerts will be well attended. 

Well, that's all for now. This is the last article in this series that I'll be writing for now. Future blog posts will be on different topics. I may resume this series sometime in the future. If there are certain rock bands that you'd like to see covered, please let me know. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#36: 9Electric

 9Electric was a fun rock band that I saw open for Gemini Syndrome at the Fine Line in Minneapolis a few years ago. I still have the signed poster, CDs, and guitar pick from that show. Unfortunately, they broke up a few years ago but their music still lives on.

The band consisted of drummer Nick Ramirez, guitarist Mikey Lopez, bass guitarist Ginny Eck, and singer Ron Underwood. They were active for about 10 years, beginning in 2010. Control, Megalith, Omegalith, and The Damaged Ones were their studio albums.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of current information about this group. There aren't any posts newer than 2020, so I have to assume that they're no longer active. That's a shame because I really did enjoy their live set. I hope that the band members enjoyed their run and are successful in their current ventures. 

Well, I guess that's all that I can write about 9Electric. Next time, I'll talk about Creed, a popular rock band that's making a bit of a resurgence next year. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#35: Slash's Snakepit

 Slash's Snakepit was a side project that recorded a couple of albums. With all of the past band members currently busy with various projects, it's doubtful we'll ever see a third album from them. However, they were definitely fun while they lasted.

Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash (real name: Saul Hudson) recorded a few demos at his Snakepit home studio shortly after finishing the Use Your Illusion albums tour. His bandmates Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, and Gilby Clarke contributed to the new material, along with Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez. Slash presented the tunes to Axl Rose, who eventually turned them down. Inez, Slash, Clarke, and Sorum decided to record the demos, and Eric Dover was brought in to sing on the songs. 

Dover and Slash co-wrote the lyrics for each track on the record titled It's Five O'Clock Somewhere. The album was issued via Geffen Records, whose management wanted it to be listed under the group name Slash's Snakepit instead of just Snakeput as Slash had initially wanted. Slash's brother Ash created the cover artwork which also included efforts by Brazilian percussionist Paulinho da Costa, harmonica by Teddy Andreadis, and keys from Dizzy Reed. 

The bluesy rock album that debuted during a GNR hiatus was well-received by peers and the general public. The group even went on tour for a while, with drummer Brian Tichy taking over for Sorum and James LoMenzo holding down the bass guitar spot in the band. Soon after Axl announced that he was ready to resume work on another Guns N' Roses record, Geffen dropped their support of Slash's Snakepit, and the side project bit the dust not long afterward. 

Slash left Guns N' Roses in 1996 after tensions with Rose began to boil over. He occupied his time by playing in Japan with Chic, an American disco group, and performing with drummer Alvino Bennett, bass guitarist Johnny Griparic, saxophone player Dave McClarem, Andreadis, and guitarist Bobby Schneck in a blues cover band that would later be called Slash's Blues Ball. The blues group played and toured until 1998.

At one point while Slash was playing in the blues group in 1997, he talked to Griparic about possibly resurrecting the Snakepit project. Hundreds of singers auditioned for the revival before Rod Jackson was selected. Drummer Matt Laug and guitarist Ryan Roxie rounded out the lineup. The group worked on new music and had to search for a new label before settling on Koch Records. By then, Roxie had been replaced by Keri Kelli.

Their sophomore effort, Ain't Life Grand, was released in October 2000. Unfortunately, it didn't fare as well as its predecessor. Complaints about Slash's new band members, the tunes, and the songwriting on the album were made. Those and other criticisms made the news that Koch dropped the group from their label a couple of months later hardly surprising.

The revised lineup still went on tour with AC/DC to support the release. Slash developed cardiac myopathy because of repeated drug and alcohol abuse, which caused him to miss several tour dates. Slash's Snakepit returned to the road the following summer, but the writing was already on the wall. Another clash with a singer, this time Rod Jackson, was listed as one of the main reasons for the group's second (and thus far final) breakup in the first half of 2002. 

Slash has since returned to Guns N' Roses and also started his own solo band in 2010, with Alter Bridge singer Myles Kennedy on lead vocals. Myles was one of several guests on Slash's first solo record, before becoming the permanent lead singer for their tours and subsequent releases. This new group debuted six years after another side project, Velvet Revolver was formed. That group included Sorum, McKagan, Dave Kushner on guitar, and Stone Temple Pilots frontman on lead vocals. Velvet Revolver recorded a pair of studio albums before calling it quits. 

Because it's been over 2 decades since the last Snakepit album and Slash's busy schedule, I really don't think it's realistic to expect a third record by that particular group. I enjoyed their albums but didn't get to see them in concert. I have seen Slash's solo group play live twice so far, and have to say that they are quite entertaining. There are plans for them to record again next year after Alter Bridge's current tour comes to an end. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll do a quick write-up on 9Electric, a fun group that I was fortunate enough to see with Gemini Syndrome a few years ago. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone! 

Whatever Happened To...#34: Type O Negative

 Type O Negative was a great heavy metal band I've admired for years. Unfortunately, I never got to see them live in concert. Lead singer and bass guitarist Peter Steele passed away in 2010, so it's unlikely they'll reform, but they made memorable music while on the rock scene.

The group was created by keyboardist Josh Silver, Steele, drummer/percussionist Sal Abruscato, and co-lead singer/guitarist Kenny Hickey in the late 1980s. They originally called themselves Repulsion and later went by the moniker Sub-Zero before settling on Type O Negative as a band name. Roadrunner Records signed them to a recording contract in 1991, since Steele was technically still linked with them because of the agreement that had been in place with Carnivore, his previous group. Their debut album, Slow, Deep and Hard debuted in 1991.

Type O Negative's first record was soon followed by The Origin of the Feces in 1992. This recording included previously unreleased songs and songs that were not really recorded live from their first record. 1993's Bloody Kisses was the group's first gold-charting album. It put them on the map and they started touring in support of the record. By then, Johnny Kelly had replaced Abruscato on drums. Their fourth effort, October Rust in 1996, was well-liked by critics and fans alike. 

Their fifth record, World Coming Down, was written and recorded in 1999. It was a darker, moodier album, influenced by a few losses in Steele's personal life. Type O Negative's first compilation disc, The Worst of Type O Negative, was released in 2000. It had several hits along with B-sides and covers of classic rock tracks. 2003's Life is Waiting took a more melodic approach and was a return to form for the band. Type O Negative signed with SPV Records' Steamhammer imprint in 2004. Their only studio recording for that label, Dead Again, was released in 2007.

Steele died on April 14, 2010. The official cause was listed as sepsis due to diverticulitis. Kelly and Hickey confirmed rumors of the band's demise that November. In 2011, Roadrunner Records issued a Black Friday set of all of Type O Negative's records (Dead Again was excluded from this release). The group had been working on new music before Steele's demise, but the surviving members are currently busy with other projects, so we may never hear those songs. 

I liked Type O Negative because they defied classification. They never really fit in any one specific genre of music. They could be dark and heavy and soft and melodic in different songs on the same album. Type O Negative also recorded some unique covers. I can't hear the Neil Young classic "Cinnamon Girl" without thinking of Type O Negative's version. Thankfully they left behind some great albums and soundtrack songs for us to enjoy.

Well, that's all for now. Next week, I'll write about Slash's Snakepit. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#33: Van Halen

Hi, everyone! This time, I'm writing about Van Halen, one of the biggest rock groups that I saw live in concert during their last tour stop in Minnesota. Eddie, Alex, and Wolfgang Van Halen along with David Lee Roth performed about two dozen old and new songs at the Xcel Energy Center in 2012. I was glad that I attended the show, which was just a few miles away from where some of my relatives lived at the time. I didn't know then that we wouldn't see them in our neck of the woods ever again, but I now realize that after Eddie's death, we probably won't see them tour in all likelihood.

Van Halen was formed in Pasadena, California in 1973. The group formerly went by the names Trojan Rubber Co., Genesis, and Mammoth. Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen were founding members along with bassist Mark Stone. The group had started renting Roth's sound system for $10 per night before recruiting him as a singer. They had been playing gigs in and around their hometown before branching out to venues in Hollywood and Los Angeles.

Stone was replaced in 1974 by Michael Anthony Sobolewski. A successful concert at Gazzarri's on the Sunset Strip that year led to more regular shows and a demo tape that was produced at Northridge, CA's Cherokee Studios. In 1976, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons produced a 29-song Van Halen demo tape at Los Angeles' Village Recorder studios. Gene suggested that the group change their band name to Daddy Longlegs, to no avail.

Van Morrison guitarist Doug Messenger reached out to record producer Ted Templeman, suggesting that he check this new group called Van Halen out. He apparently liked what he heard, as the band was soon signed to a two-album deal with Warner Records (although the initial contract heavily favored the record label). Van Halen's debut album was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders studio that fall. The album was an instant hit and was well-loved by rock and metal fans alike.

The group went on the road supporting Black Sabbath and their new album before taking some time to record the follow-up, Van Halen II, in 1979. Van Halen toured heavily for years after that, only taking breaks of a week or two at the most to record albums. Women and Children followed in 1980, as did Fair Warning in 1981 and Diver Down in 1982.

By then, fans were used to Van Halen's clever original songs and crafty cover tunes. Their sixth studio effort, 1984, debuted on January 9th 1984 and went quintuple platinum after less than a year.  It also yielded their first (and thus far, only) #1 song, "Jump." Shortly after the 1984 tour ended, Roth expressed his desire to leave the band to create his own group. David Lee Roth soon developed a 4 song EP called Crazy From The Heat, which contained a pair of covers along with a pair of original songs, before writing and recording full-length solo albums.

Eddie Van Halen asked Scandal singer Patty Smyth to join his band. However, she turned the offer down. Hall and Oates singer Daryl Hall was also approached about singing for the group but also declined. Former Montrose singer Sammy Hagar (who was also a solo artist at the time) made Eddie's acquaintance in 1985. Hagar later agreed to join Van Halen on guitar and lead vocals. Their first album with Sammy, 5150 in 1986, became the group's first full-length record to reach the top spot on the Billboard album charts. It was the first of 4 consecutive #1 albums. This includes 1988's OU812, and 1991's For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and Balance in 1995. 

Problems started to surface between Sammy, Eddie, and Alex as tunes were being recorded for the Twister movie soundtrack in 1996. Eddie wasn't satisfied with Sammy's lyrics on the song "Humans Being," so he chose to change the melody and song title, much to Hagar's chagrin. Sammy left the band on Father's Day in 1996. Eddie would go on to say that Sammy chose to leave voluntarily, while Hagar would later say that he was fired from the group.

In addition to the movie soundtrack, the Van Halen brothers were also working on their first-ever compilation album, Best Of-Volume I. This led to a temporary reunion with David Lee Roth to record two new songs for the record. When the Van Halen brothers appeared on stage with Anthony and Roth at the 1996 Video Music Awards on MTV, rumors of a Roth reunion ran rampant. Unfortunately, Roth was no longer in the group's radar after only a few weeks. 

Extreme frontman Gary Cherone would be Van Halen's third singer. He recorded Van Halen III with them in 1998. The album was eventually certified as gold, but fans didn't take to it as well as previous efforts with Roth or Hagar behind the mike stand. More songs were recorded for another album with Cherone in 1999, but they have yet to be released in any official capacity. Gary departed Van Halen in November of that year and is now back with Extreme.

Van Halen worked on a few new tracks with Roth again in 2000, some of which would be further fleshed out for A Different Kind of Truth in 2012. Hagar and Roth went on the road together for a co-headlining tour in 2002. A new compilation record, The Best of Both Worlds, had a disc with Roth classics and another with Roth hits, with 3 songs that were newly recorded with Sammy. Hagar embarked on a tour with Van Halen that summer. Anthony didn't play bass guitar on the new songs (he only sang backing vocals) and was only on the tour after Hagar insisted on his inclusion. 

Michael was officially replaced on bass guitar in Van Halen by Eddie's son Wolfgang in 2006. By then, Anthony was regularly playing gigs with Sammy's solo band and related side projects. Eddie, Alex, David and Michael were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 2007 but none of them attended the ceremony. 

A rumored new best-of recording featuring Roth hits that spring didn't come to pass. A world tour with Roth began in the fall of 2007 and was extended into the following year. Van Halen entered the Henson Studio C in Los Angeles in January 2011 to produce their first new album with Roth in decades. Small gigs were performed and a few other musicians were allowed to hear the new tunes before its official release in 2012. Another tour soon followed, which did quite well financially. 

Another tour was announced in 2015, with plans to record another studio album with Roth. Eddie Van Halen's passing was announced by Wolfgang via social media on October 6, 2020 from cancer, just 10 days after original bassist Stone's passing from the same ailment. Wolfie confirmed the band's end in a Howard Stern interview the next month. Several tribute concert lineups were rumored to be in the works, but as of this writing, none of them have been formalized.

Eddie Van Halen was a unique talent. He was one of the best guitarists in history, and definitely one of the top 5 guitarists that I've ever seen play live. Eddie is greatly missed, and I can understand why Van Halen won't go on, It just wouldn't be the same without him. 

Well, that's all for now. Writing this a day early as I have plans to attend my hometown's summer festival tomorrow. Next up will be Type O Negative, a brilliant metal band that I never got to see in concert. Until then, have a great week!

Whatever Happened To...#32: Soundgarden

 Soundgarden was one of the giants from the Seattle metal scene. I always respected the band, but I never saw them perform as a group. However, I did see frontman Chris Cornell perform in Minneapolis not long before he passed away. Without him, they can't ever re-form.

The band was created in 1984 by bass guitarist Hiro Yamamoto, lead guitarist Kim Thayil and singer/drummer Cornell. A year later, Chris moved over to rhythm guitar and was replaced behind the kit by Scott Sundquist who later gave way to Matt Cameron. Yamamoto left the group in 1990, and Jason Everman took over on bass for a while until Ben Shepherd stepped in. Their initial label was SubPop, which released their debut EPs Screaming Life and Fopp in 1987 and 1988, respectively. Soundgarden's first full-length album, Ultramega OK, was issued on SST Records in 1988.

Their first record with a major label was Louder Than Love, which was released via A&M Records in 1989. It helped Soundgarden find new fans, while some loyal followers gave up on the group that they thought had lost its punk roots. A video compilation entitled Louder Than Live and another EP, Loudest Love, was issued in 1990.

1991's Badmotorfinger was the first Soundgarden album recorded by the band's now classic lineup. It garnered considerable praise and in part helped them tour with rock contemporaries such as Skid Row and Guns N' Roses. Album singles "Rusty Cage" and "Outshined" were in heavy rotation on MTV, although the video for the song "Jesus Christ Pose" was eventually banned from the channel due to fears of it being anti-Christian.

Their fourth release, Superunknown, catapulted Soundgarden to the top of the rock charts. Songs like "Black Hole Sun," "The Day I Tried To Live," "Spoonman" and "4th of July" established their signature sound. A CD-ROM called Alive in the Superunknown and an EP, Songs from the Superunknown, would follow in 1995. 

Soundgarden's fifth album, Down on the Upside, was different from any of their previous efforts. It wasn't quite as heavy as the songs from earlier albums that their diehard followers had come to expect. The group appeared on Lollapalooza with Metallica and toured worldwide to support what would be their last record of the 20th century. 

The group officially announced their breakup in April 1997. A greatest hits compilation, A-Sides, was released that November. Chris Cornell went on to record solo works and join the musicians in Rage Against The Machine in forming the supergroup Audioslave, which released three albums before breaking up. Cameron and Shepherd worked on songs for their side project Hater and Cameron drummed for the Smashing Pumpkins for a while before joining Pearl Jam. Thayil also worked on other live and studio projects. 

Fans were excited to hear rumors of a possible Soundgarden reunion, which proved to be true in 2010. Previously unreleased recordings were issued on Record Store Day in April, and the band played Lollapalooza once more before another hits album, Telephantasm: A Retrospective debuted in September. Soundgarden started work on another studio record in 2011, which became King Animal. The disc was issued in November. 

Soundgarden continued to tour in 2014, but with Matt Chamberlain behind the drum kit, as Cameron had prior commitments with Pearl Jam. A 3-disc box set, Echo of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path, with live tracks and rare tunes, was released that year. The group had recorded several new songs for another studio album before Cornell was found dead in his hotel room in May 2017. The official cause of death was listed as suicide by hanging. Cornell's widow Vicky was embroiled in a legal battle with the surviving members of the band over those recordings for several years afterward. Cameron, Shepherd, and Thayil had decided in September 2017 to not continue as Soundgarden.

In April of this year, the legal battle was concluded, and it appears that the 7 songs that Chris Cornell worked on with his band may finally see the light of day. I'll be interested to hear them. I regret not having ever seen them live in concert, but their songs have been and will continue to be loved for decades.

Well, that's all for now. I'm off soon to enjoy live baseball later today. Next up, I'll try to do the legendary band Van Halen justice. I'll probably write that article on Friday, as I have a volunteer commitment next Saturday. Until then, take care and have a great week, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#31: Hole

 Hole was an alternative rock/punk-inspired band best known for its lead vocalist and former wife of Kurt Cobain Courtney Love. I was never a big fan of this group, but I respected the music that they put out. They haven't been active in years, but you never know what Love and crew will do next.

Courtney put an ad expressing her interest in forming a rock band in Recycler magazine in 1989. It caught Eric Erlandson's attention, leading to the group's formation. Lisa Robertson was later recruited to play bass guitar and Caroline Rue later became their first drummer. Mike Geisbreicht joined as the third guitarist before the band's first gig in October 1989 in Hollywood, CA. Roberts was replaced by Jill Emery and Geisbreicht departed before the group released their first single, "Retard Girl," in 1990. The song was followed by the track "Dicknail" a year later.

Hole signed with Caroline Records in 1991 and went to work with Sonic Youth member Kim Gordon on developing their debut album. Pretty on the Inside was issued in September of that year, and the songs "Garbadge Man" and "Teenage Whore" helped generate interest in the new band. Hole went on the road in the UK and the U.S. that summer and fall to support their new music.

Erlandson and Love started writing songs for their next record in 1992. By then, several major labels had shown interest in their band. Hole would eventually sign with DGC, a Geffen offshoot, for an 8 album deal later that year. Emery had left the group by then, citing Love's interest in making their songs more radio-friendly as a reason for his departure. Love and Jack Endino filled in on bass guitar during some of their recording sessions. Kristen Pfaff played bass for Hole when they toured the UK in 1993. Their major label debut album, Live Through This, was recorded in Marietta, GA at Triclops Studios that October and was released the following April. 

The new record surfaced just a week after Cobain's death. The album tracks "Miss World," "Violet" and "Doll Parts" went multi-platinum and garnered more interest in the group worldwide. Love later acknowledged that her late husband contributed backing vocals to the songs "Softer, Softest" and "Asking for It." Hole continued to perform until June 1994, when Pfaff, who had previously taken time off for drug treatment, was found dead from a heroin overdose. 

The group returned to the road in August after enlisting the services of Melissa Auf der Maur on bass. They also made several national TV appearances during that time. An EP entitled Ask for It was released in September 1995, which included a few cover tunes and songs that were left over from their Peel recording sessions.

A pair of retrospective albums, another EP (The First Session), and a compilation record (My Body, The Hand Grenade) soon followed. Hole began work on their third studio album at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood in 1997. Love was having some difficulty at times creating new material, so Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan was brought in to help. Celebrity Skin was issued in 1998 and the songs "Awful," "Malibu" and the title track helped to ensure the album's success. 

Hole continued to tour supporting their newest record in 1998 and 1999. They even joined Marilyn Manson's tour for a few dates in 1998, but public squabbles, disagreements over their payouts from each concert and the fact that many fans were at those shows for Manson instead of Hole led to Love's group backing out of the tour. By then, drummer Patty Schemel (who had joined the group in 1992) was out of the band. She was credited as the drummer on Celebrity Skin, even though her parts had been recorded by Deen Castronovo in the studio. Samantha Maloney was hired to play drums on tour and appear in the group's music videos. 

Love made a habit of asking fans to join her onstage to help sing the last song of their sets. Hole's last concert of 1999 was at Vancouver's Thunderbird Stadium on July 14, a month after one of their fans was killed at one of their shows in Sweden after she was crushed behind the mixing board by a surge of fans from the mosh pit at the concert. Auf der Maur left Hole to join the Smashing Pumpkins that October and Maloney left a few months after that.

Although Love had professed that more music had been written, she and Erlandson posted on the group's website that Hole had called it quits. Auf der Maur and Love went on to solo careers, while Erlandson resumed work as a studio musician and music producer.

Love announced in 2009 that Hole had been reformed. Auf der Maur was puzzled because Courtney stated that she wasn't aware of any such reunion. Erlandson also protested Love's news, stating that he had to be involved in any such group re-formation because of their existing contract. The band launched a new website in January 2010 and their first new song in years, "Skinny Little Bitch" was released 2 months later.  The song was the first single from Hole's 4th album, Nobody's Daughter, which debuted that April via Mercury Records. The album received lukewarm reviews and never lived up to the popularity of prior efforts. The group embarked on another national and international tour from 2010 to 2012 to support the record.

Auf der Maur, Love, Schemel and Erlandson appeared in public together for the first time in over a decade on March 28th, 2011 for the New York Museum of Modern Art's premiere of Schemel's documentary film Hit So Hard: The Life and Near Death Story of Patty Schemel. At the event, Schemel stated that she would like to record with the band again, but nothing materialized beyond that. Stu Fisher was in the group by then, but he was replaced by Scott Lipps in September 2011. Love booked solo gigs in 2012 and teased possible new music in 2013 and a reunion of group members in 2014. However, nothing came out of those posts. 

No new music has been released by Hole since their 4th album in 2010. The group rehearsed in 2019 for the Hollywood Walk of Fame but did not perform. Auf der Maur and Love intended to play at the "Bans Off My Body" event in 2010, which was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Love now lives in the UK, and her former bandmates are now involved in other ventures, so it's unlikely that Hole will reunite once more any time soon. 

Even though I didn't really get into the band until their second album, I did like some of the music that they made. It's no surprise that Love's sometimes caustic personality got in the way of the group becoming superstars of the rock world. I don't know if Hole will resurface, but anything's possible. After all, there are rumors of Creed getting back together, so who knows? 

Well, that's all for now. Finished this article a day in advance so that I can relax and enjoy my birthday tomorrow. Next weekend, I'll be back to write about Soundgarden. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#30: Hurt

 Hurt was a band that my brother got me interested in. I listened to his copies of their Vol. I and Vol. II albums before picking up copies for myself. Unfortunately, I never saw them live in concert before they disbanded. 

The group was created by drummer Wil Quaintance and guitarist/singer J. Loren Wince. Bass guitarist Steve Fletcher before the trio settled on the name Hurt. Around 1,200 copies of their self-titled debut were developed in 2000. Their sophomore effort, The Consumation, was issued in 2003 with Quaintance, Wince, and bassist Shawn Sawyer performing on the album. 

Hurt caught the attention of former Universal Records artists and repertoire employee Tom Lewis in 2005. They soon started working on a demo and later performed at a showcase to multiple record labels. Capitol Records eventually signed Hurt to a contract. 

Work soon began on Vol. I and Vol. II. The band initially wanted to produce a double album, but their label quickly nixed that plan. Vol. I debuted in March 2006 and featured the singles "Danse Russe," "Falls Apart" and "Rapture." Vol. II followed the next year which included the popular track "Ten Ton Brick." In 2008, Hurt re-issued their independent Consumation album (titled the Re-Consumation) to make those songs more readily available for their growing fan base. 

Unfortunately, the two records weren't as popular as Capitol Records had hoped, which led them to drop Hurt from their label. Undeterred, the band released their next album, Goodbye to the Machine on Amusement Records in 2009. Hurt later signed with Carved Records in 2010 and continued recording new music. Their final album, The Crux, debuted in May 2012. It reached a top spot of #75 on Billboard's top 200 chart, which would be the band's highest ranking ever.

Reports surfaced in 2014 from Amusement Management about re-releasing Hurt's original debut album. The record was reissued in a limited quantity of 2000 copies and included the original version of "Talking to God" and a previously unreleased song called "Cellophane." That was the last that most of us have heard about the band. I used to see J. Loren post on social media every once in a while, but  I haven't seen any of his posts in years. 

Hurt wasn't one of my favorite rock bands, but tunes like "Rapture," "Falls Apart," "House Carpenter" and "World Ain't Right" (featuring Shaun Morgan from Seether on vocals) are ones that still get stuck in my head from time to time. Maybe we'll see more new or previously unheard songs from the band at some point. Until then, I guess we have the albums to remind us how good this group really was. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about Courtney Love's former band Hole. I'll probably write that article on Friday, as I'm planning on taking next weekend off for my birthday. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Whatever Happened To...#29: Velvet Revolver

 Velvet Revolver was another supergroup that I admired but never got to see live (although my brother saw attended two of their concerts). They had a very talented lineup and released a pair of albums that were very well-received. However, the death of lead singer Scott Weiland in 2015 made it virtually impossible for this band to ever reform again. 

The group began in 2002, a year after Slash's Snakepit ended for the second time. Slash and his former Guns N' Roses bandmates Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum performed at a benefit concert for the late drummer Randy Castillo that year and later started rehearsing with session guitarist Dave Kushner and Buckcherry frontman Josh Todd. Izzy Stradlin, another Guns N' Roses alumni, briefly joined the new group but left after only 2 weeks.

Todd wasn't a permanent singer for the new group and vocalist auditions were held. The band finally selected Weiland, whose original group Stone Temple Pilots called it quits in 2003. Scott was then available to join the group who would eventually be named Velvet Revolver. Their first studio album, Contraband, was released in June 2004.

"Slither," ""Fall to Pieces" and "Set Me Free" were some of the album tracks that helped the new group gain popularity. They toured around the world for 19 months to support their debut record. Their second disc, Libertad, was issued in July 2007. Velvet Revolver toured off and on for that album as well, sandwiched around rehabs and Weiland's legal issues related to his addiction issues. It was also around that time that tensions within the group started to surface.

Scott left Velvet Revolver in April 2008 and later rejoined STP, where he would stay before being kicked out of that band in 2013. Velvet Revolver looked for new singers for a while but wouldn't record any more new music. They briefly reunited with Weiland for a concert that honored John O'Brien in January 2012. Afterward, Scott expressed interest in returning to Velvet Revolver, but Slash soon denied stories that Weiland had in fact rejoined and that new music and a new tour were in the works with him. 

Scott Weiland was found dead in his tour bus on December 3, 2015 of a suspected drug overdose. He was scheduled to perform with his group the Wildabouts in MN the next night. McKagan and Slash would later go on to rejoin Guns N' Roses. Sorum performed on the Hollywood Vampires' first album in 2015 and Kushner continued to perform on soundtracks and working with other artists. 

I've heard a few VR songs sung by Myles Kennedy at a few of Slash's solo band's concerts, but it's not the same. Velvet Revolver was fun while they lasted, but I know we probably won't see them again. Maybe the kids of these musicians might revive those songs and their legacies at some point. One can only imagine how those shows would be!

Well, that's all for now. Next week, I'll write about the band Hurt. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To:...#28: Audioslave

 Audioslave was a very popular "supergroup" consisting of Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford, and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell. The group released three albums and had a steady international following. They were only around for less than a decade, but Audioslave made their mark on the hard rock and metal scenes.

After singer Zack de la Rocha left Rage Against the Machine in 2000, the other members of the group decided to continue recording and performing together. Producer Rick Rubin suggested Cornell, who was without a primary band following Soundgarden's breakup several years earlier. The four artists got along very well and recorded songs in 2001 with Rubin acting as producer.

Chris Cornell briefly left the group before their first concert or tour. Difficulties with management were cited for the departure. The band, Audioslave, was finally revealed in September 2002 and their self-titled debut album was released 2 months later. It was their most successful release, selling more than 6 million copies in just 4 years. Their first live performance was on the roof of New York's Ed Sullivan Theater for the David Letterman show that November.

"Cochise," "Like A Stone" and "Show Me How To Live" were the first three Audioslave singles. The group toured heavily in 2003 and was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards in 2004. The band spent most of that year working on new music and generally taking a break from performing. "Be Yourself" and "Your Time Has Come" were issued as singles before their sophomore effort, Out of Exile, debuted in May 2005. Audioslave embarked on a club tour that year and performed many more shows nationally and internationally, including a memorable concert in Havana Cuba that was recorded for a DVD release.

The group returned to the studio in the summer of 2005, with the goal of releasing their third album in June 2006. Cornell dismissed rumors that he was leaving Audioslave again but did admit that he was working on a solo record. Revelations wasn't issued until September 2006, and it was the band's least successful studio recording. Chris wanted to focus on his solo album and give the public more time to listen to Audioslave's new disc, which explains why the band didn't resume touring until 2007.

Rage Against the Machine had a one-time reunion concert in January 2007. A month later, Cornell announced his final exit from Audioslave. Tom Morello speculated a few years later that unreleased Audioslave material could surface at some point. However, no new songs have been issued since their last studio album. In January 2017, Audioslave reunited for the last time to protest Donald J. Trump's presidential inauguration. The death of Cornell 4 months later made any future reunions highly unlikely.

I don't know if any previously released Audioslave tracks will ever see the light of day, but it might just be possible on an anniversary of the group's formation or maybe on an anniversary of their first record release. Until then, I guess I'll just have to be content with the songs and the memories that I've associated with them.

That's all for this week. Next time, I'll write about the supergroup Velvet Revolver. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#27: Greenwheel

Greenwheel was a one-hit-wonder. I was surprised several years ago when I walked into the local JCPenney's department store and heard their hit "Breathe" covered by Melissa Etheridge playing over the speakers. They didn't last long, but they're still one of those groups I wish I had seen live in concert before they called it quits. 

The group was formed by St. Charles Missouri high schoolers Doug Randall (drummer), bassist Brandon Armstrong, Ryan Jordan (guitarist/vocalist), and guitarists Andrew Dwiggins and Marc Wanniger.  They went by Hindsight and Soma Holiday before settling on Greenwheel.

Greenwheel soon signed a deal with Island Records and released their only full-length album, Soma Holiday, in 2002. The Hello and Bridges for Burning EPs were issued in 2000 and 2006, respectively. Their song "Shelter" was included in the soundtrack for the first Spider-Man movie. 

The band toured with Rubyhorse, Default, Our Lady Peace, Hoobastank, Injected, and other contemporaries in 2001 and 2002 to support their recordings. Greenwheel ended their association with Island in 2004, not long after recording new music. The terms of their separation forbade them from releasing those songs on another label, but they were able to distribute them to their fans on their website and burn copies of those tracks which were made available at their concerts for no charge.

Wanniger and Randall left the group in 2005, and Drew Bailey soon took over behind the kit. A new band named Go Van Gogh subsisting of all of Greenwheel's members surfaced in 2007. They released an album entitled Ruby and the Starlight Ballroom that year and even performed with Greenwheel the following year. However, nothing has been heard from Greenwheel for more than a decade.

I had a copy of their Soma Holiday album somewhere, but I haven't seen it in years. I assumed that I lost or misplaced it, so I'll have to get another copy sometime. They were a unique group that we probably won't see again anytime soon.

Well, that's all for now. Next, I'll start a small series on former supergroups. I'll kick that micro series off with Audioslave. Until then, have a great week, everyone. 

Whatever Happened To...#26: Dark New Day

 Dark New Day was one of a few supergroups that debuted during the first decade of the 21st century. They released a few albums and played a few shows. However, other commitments kept them from becoming a band that would survive on its own for an extended period of time.

The group was formed by Will Hunt, Corey and Clint Lowery, Brett Hestla, and Troy McLawhorn. They were initially known as Dark Blue. Their debut album Twelve Year Silence was released under the Dark New Day moniker in 2005. 

Dark New Days performed at several shows in support of Chevelle before Hunt filled in for Tommy Lee at a few Motley Crue concerts. The group's first EP, Black Porch (Acoustic Sessions), was released in 2006. They continued on, even as Hunt went on the road with Vince Neil and his solo band and Clint Lowery became a touring guitarist for Korn in 2007. Both and Hunt would eventually be recruited to fill openings in the band Evanescence. 

Clint returned to Sevendust permanently in 2008, shortly after their Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow album was released. Dark New Days put three new tracks on their MySpace page that summer and B.C. Kochmit joined their group following Clint and McLawhorn's departure. Kochmit and Corey Lowery went on to form a new band called Violent Plan in 2009. They would soon move from that short-lived band to create Eye Empire (which proved to be another group with a brief lifespan). Hunt moved on to play drums for Black Label Society and Crossfade.

An album called New Tradition debuted in 2012. It also contained tracks first heard on the Hail Mary album, issued on CD the following year. Hail Mary had been recorded several years prior, but both albums were still well-received by their loyal fans. 

Even though most of their music was released well after many of the band members had already gone their separate ways, I have to applaud Dark New Day for daring to try something new and go outside the scope of the members' previous efforts with other bands. It's very unlikely that we'll hear new music from them or see them reunite any time soon, but I've learned to never say never. 

Well, that's all for now. Next up is Greenwheel, one of those "if you blinked, you probably missed them" type of groups. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#25: Drain STH

 Drain STH was an all female Swedish metal band. I never got to see them live in concert, but I got to know them from some of their radio singles, like "Simon Says" which was issued on a compilation CD that was a free bonus with another album I bought several years ago. Their lifespan was short, but they put out memorable music during their lifespan.

The group began in 1993 and simply went by Drain at the time. They signed a contract in 1994 with MVG Records. American concert-goers made The band known as Drain STH (STH standing for Stockholm). They released an EP entitled Serve the Shame in 1995 and the full-length albums Horror Wrestling and Freaks of Nature in 1996 and 1999, respectively. Drain STH made an international name for themselves by appearing at the 1997 and 1999 Ozzfests and touring with metal contemporaries including Godsmack, Megadeth, Type O Negative, and many others. 

Unfortunately, the group disbanded in 2000. Drummer Martina Axen, bassist Anna Kjellberg, singer (and current wife of Black Sabbath guitarist Tommy Iommi) Maria Sjoholm, and guitarist Flavia Canel have since moved on to other musical projects. It seems rather unlikely that Drain STH will ever re-form, but it's nice to think about possible reunions and enjoy their music in the meantime. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about Dark New Day, a supergroup that consisted of members of Sevendust, Stereomud, Creed and other groups. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#24: Scarlet Canary

 Scarlet Canary was a Denver-based rock quartet. I was fortunate enough to see this band play a few times in the Upper Midwest and became friends with the band members. The group ended a few years ago, but they were definitely fun while they lasted. 

The band formed in 2011. Its most recent lineup consisted of husband and wife Allen and Hannah Maddox on guitar and lead vocals, drummer Marcus McGowan and Marcos Gonzales on bass. They released four EPs (Distorted Reality in 2012, To the Heart in 2014, Arise in 2015 and Perspective in 2017) and weren't afraid to drive hundreds of miles for a show. I was impressed when they traveled 12 hours from CO to MN for a sword metal festival. Even though it wasn't exactly their genre, they put on a great set and thoroughly entertained the attendees.

Scarlet Canary called it quits in 2018 as the members pursued other ventures. Hannah and Allen are now fronting a new group named Heartsick Heroine. They are leaving the Denver area but promise to keep their current group afloat. I wish all of the band members well and look forward to welcoming the couple to my home state. 

Well, that's all I have for now. Next time, I'll write about Drain STH, a great European group that I never got to see live. Until then, have a great holiday weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#23: Slip Twister

 Slip Twister were fixtures at the Red Carpet Nightclub in downtown St. Cloud, MN for years. I caught quite a few of their shows in the mid-90s to early 2000s. The group is still around but they haven't been nearly as active as they used to be.

The trio consists of Jay O'Donnel on drums, bassist Mike Zeleny, and guitarist Paul "Stretch" Diethelm. Their full-length album Dog Food was released in 1994. Memorable tracks like "Wheels Beneath My Rig," "Fish Me A Line" and "Mall of America" were played regularly during their heyday. I still remember most of those songs fondly. It wasn't uncommon for the band members to switch instruments during their sets. Each person contributes to vocals during their performances as well. Diethelm was in Jonny Lang's touring band for several years and was a performer and songwriter on his Wander This World album. 

All three of the guys in Slip Twister are also in the Fabulous Armadillos, a larger group that plays songs made famous by Pink Floyd, the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers, and many other rock groups from the 1960s and 1970s. Those commitments would probably explain why Slip Twister doesn't book as many gigs anymore, although you might see them at a local fundraiser or private performance every once in a while. 

This is the only article I'm writing this week. I'll be taking a much-needed break this weekend. By the time I resume this series, I'll have attended my first concert of 2023 (Cold at First Avenue's 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis). Next time, I'll discuss Scarlet Canary, a Denver-based band that is no more, but the band members are still very much involved in making and performing live music. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#22: Red Sun Rising

 Red Sun Rising was an up-and-coming group that had a few trendy radio songs over the last 15 years or so. I was impressed by a bit of their set at Northern Invasion in WI a few summers ago. I didn't get to see them play again, and with their band members now split into other groups, I might not get the chance to hear them in concert again. 

The group began in 2006. Guitarist Ryan Williams and lead singer Mike Priotich were high school classmates and happened to strike up a conversation about music one day. A year later, Red Sun Rising was born and the band started playing concerts in and around Akron, OH. Second guitarist Tyler Valendza joined the group in 2011.

Red Sun Rising released a self-titled album in 2010 and a follow-up, Making of Kings, in 2011 independently. Self-issued EPs The Fix and Into Forever would follow in 2012 and 2013, respectively. They signed with Razor & Tie Records in 2014 and their first major label release, Polyester Zeal, debuted in August 2015. By then, Dave McGarry had replaced Valendza. Ricky Miller had also joined the group as a bass guitarist and Pat Gerasia was now the group's drummer. Songs such as "Amnesia," "The Otherside" and "Emotionless" were top ten radio hits that propelled them to the national rock forefront. 

A second major label effort, Thread, was released in 2018, along with an EP entitled Peel in 2019. In December 2020, Red Sun Rising announced that they would be taking an indefinite hiatus. Since then, Gerasia, McGarry, and Priotich launched a new group called The Violent. They are releasing new music under that moniker and touring on a somewhat regular basis. Williams is involved in his new band, New Monarch, which has also been recording songs. 

With the side projects taking off, it seems unlikely that Red Sun Rising will return to prominence any time soon. I wish all of the group members the very best, whether the band that started it all for them resumes or not. I'm thankful that I was along for the ride, at least for a little while anyway.

Well, that's all for this weekend. Next time, I'll discuss Slip Twister, a great local band that doesn't play very much anymore. Until then, have a very happy and safe holiday weekend!

Whatever Happened To...#21: Cinderella

Cinderella was one of the most popular hair metal bands from the Eighties. I'm glad I could see them play live at Halfway Jam, a now-defunct music festival that was only about an hour from my home. After their set, frontman Tom Kiefer looked thoroughly exhausted but happy by the reactions from the crowd. Unfortunately, that would be the only time I'd ever see them live in concert.

Bass guitarist Eric Brittingham and Kiefer formed the group in 1983 in Clifton Heights, PA. Drummer Tony Destra and guitarist Michael Shermick rounded out the original roster. Two years later, they had a recording contract with Mercury/Polygram Records and two new band members, drummer Jim Drnec and guitarist Jeff LaBar. Shermick and Destra had already departed to become founding members of the band Britny Fox.

Cinderella's first studio album, Night Songs, debuted in June 1986 and quickly went triple platinum. They soon toured with fellow hair metallers Poison and opened for Bon Jovi and David Lee Roth. They took on more of a bluesier sound with their sophomore effort, Long Cold Winter, in 1988. They went on to tour in support of that record, sharing stages with acts including Skid Row, the Scorpions, Motley Crue, and Ozzy Osbourne. 

The band continued their blues rock recording with their third album Heartbreak Station which debuted in 1990. Fans would have to wait 4 more years until their fourth album Still Climbing would be released, The delay was partially due to Kiefer's hemorrhage and vocal cyst surgeries. The album was Cinderella's first recording with drummer Kenny Aronoff. Still Climbing didn't chart nearly as well as their previous three albums, and the group was later cut loose by Mercury Records.

Cinderella took a break until 1996. A greatest hits compilation, Once Upon A..., was issued by Mercury Records in 1997, followed by the group's first live record, Live At the Key Club which debuted on Cleopatra Records in 1999. They toured sporadically after their hiatus for the next five years and were even signed by Sony Records at one point. Cinderella never got to record for that label and was embroiled in a legal battle with them for 3 years. 

The band continued to tour with contemporaries such as Quiet Riot and Firehouse until Kiefer needed another surgery in 2008, this time to repair a hemorrhaged vocal cord. By then, Brittingham and Labar were already busy with side projects, so Cinderella didn't resume touring again until 2010.

Cinderella had a heavy national and international touring schedule in the years that followed. They embarked on festival and headlining tours, along with the Monsters of Rock cruise. In 2017, Kiefer announced that problems within the band would likely prevent Cinderella from ever reforming, recording or touring together again. In July 2021, LaBar passed away at the age of 58.

It's too bad that we won't get to see the members of Cinderella rock crowds again. However, Kiefer's solo band is still going strong. I may have to make an effort to see them play sometime. I've heard that their sets are chock full of original compositions and many of the Cinderella classics that I've grown to love. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about Red Sun Rising, a great band that has since splintered off into a few new acts. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#20: Letters from the Fire

 Letters from the Fire was a band that I saw live in concert twice, each time fronted by a different singer. I saw them open for Nonpoint at the Fine Line in Minneapolis and as an opening act for Seether at the Myth in Maplewood MN a few years later. I still have the photos and CDs from both shows.

The group originated in 2012 in San Francisco, CA. They released an EP called Rebirth in 2012 and a self-titled EP 2 years later. Their original lineup consisted of singer Carley Coma, guitarists Cameron Stucky and Mike Keller, and drummer Brian Sumwalt. Coma left the band after only a year and was replaced by Elliot Weber. 

Their first full-length album, Worth the Pain, debuted in 2016. The title cut was the band's first hit single and they toured with Black Stone Cherry, Lacey Sturm, and Adelitas Way. The album was their first recording with vocalist Alexa Kabazie. Music videos were produced for the album tracks "Control" and "Worth the Pain."

Nina Bergman joined Letters from the Fire as the group's fourth singer in 2017, shortly after they made plans to record their second album. Drummer Seth Hostetter had also joined the band by then after Sumwalt departed. The disc was self-titled and debuted in June 2018. The song "Comfort You" was issued as a single and Letters from the Fire toured with Palisades, but they didn't last much longer. Letters from the Fire was dissolved by at least the end of 2019.

Despite the lineup changes, I still thought they were a very enjoyable band. They didn't make it big, but Letters from the Fire had a good stage presence and interacted with their fans and followers regularly. Some members have moved on to other music ventures while others have dropped out of the spotlight completely. I still dig out the discs I bought at their shows when I want to reminisce about those concerts.

Well, that's a wrap for Letters from the Fire. Next time, I'll write about legendary hair metal rockers Cinderella. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Whatever Happened To...#19: Crash Kings

 Crash Kings was an unusual band that I saw perform once at the Myth in Maplewood, MN. They opened for Stone Temple Pilots during their 20th-anniversary tour for their first album, Core. I noticed that this group was the only one I'd seen to date that didn't have at least one band member play an electric or acoustic guitar during their set. They were good, but I don't think they've been very active at all for about a decade.

Bassist Mike Beliveau and his older brother Tony, a singer/keyboardist, were both interested in music at early ages. They grew up in the Boston, MA suburb of Andover. Both brothers would go on to study at the Berklee College of Music. The brothers would eventually relocate to Los Angeles, CA before forming Crash Kings.

Percussionist/drummer Tom Roslak rounded out the trio. Musician and songwriter signed Crash Kings to Custard Records not long after the group began. Their self-titled debut album was released in May 2009. A second disc, entitled Dark of the Daylight, debuted in 2013 after the band had raised enough funds through their Kickstarter campaign to issue the record. 

Not much has been published about Crash Kings since their sophomore album debuted, so I'm led to believe that they're either inactive or have since disbanded. They were unusual but fun to see on stage. Maybe they'll be back on stages again, or not. Time will tell.

Well, that's all for this article. Next up is Letters from the Fire. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#18: American Fangs

 I only saw American Fangs perform once in concert. They were one of the opening acts for Sevendust at a show at the Myth in Maplewood, MN a few years back. I remember that they had a lot of energy onstage. I also noticed one of their rather beat-up amps and realized that not everyone can make a comfortable living in the music industry.

The group called Houston, Texas home when they began in 2008. They released a self-titled EP in 2009, to be followed by the Pomona EP in 2013. A full-length self-titled disc in 2013 and their second album, Dirty Legs, would be issued in 2015. Their lineup was made of Kenyon Punteney and Chris Goodwin on guitars, Kyle Shimek on bass guitar, drummer Micah Miller and lead singer Gabriel Cavasos. 

American Fangs toured with Sevendust, Papa Roach, Fall Out Boy, Hollywood Undead, and others. It wasn't uncommon to see them performing at festivals such as Carolina Rebellion, SXSW, Rock on the Range, ShipRocked, Rocklahoma, and several more before their breakup in 2016. The song "Pomona" was probably their best-known tune. In 2013, the group garnered some notoriety after it was reported that a crazed fan who claimed to be a vampire put a barricade through American Fangs' tour bus window and assaulted one of the group's members during a show at the La Crosse Center in Wisconsin. 

Even though I didn't know much about this band, I was surprised to learn that they weren't around anymore. They had a brief but entertaining history. I don't know what the band members are doing right now, but it wouldn't surprise me if they're busy following their dreams, whether they're making music or pursuing other ventures. 

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll cover Crash Kings-the only rock group that I've seen to date that didn't have a guitarist in their lineup. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Whatever Happened To...#17: American Head Charge

 American Head Charge was a Minnesota staple. I admired this group for years before I got to see them live in concert. I even wrote about them in one of my first fiction efforts almost two decades ago. I was fortunate enough to see them a few times in MN and WI, and that doesn't include seeing founding member Chad Hanks guest for a friend's band in St. Cloud a few years before his passing. 

The group went by names such as Warsaw Ghetto Pussy, Gestapo Pussy Ranch, and Flux during their formative years in the late 1990s. They finally agreed on the name American Head Charge, not knowing that there was another band that existed with the similar sounding name African Head Charge. AHC released their debut album Trepanation in 1999. At that time, the lineup consisted of singer Cameron Heacock, guitarist/bassist Chad Hanks, drummer Peter Harmon, guitarist David Rogers, and keyboardist Chris Emery. 

American Head Charge underwent a few lineup changes that year as Harmon soon left the group. Emery slid over to drums as Justin Fowler joined them on keyboards along with sampler Aaron Zilch and guitarist Wayne Kile. The group signed a deal with the Columbia Records imprint American Recordings in 2000 after System of a Down bass guitarist Shavo Odadjian recommended them to Rick Rubin.

Their first American Recordings effort, The War of Art, was released in August 2001. It did well until the events of 9/11/2001. AHC were regulars on the third stage of Ozzfest that year. They went on to tour with Coal Chamber, Otep, Static-X, Mudvayne, Hatebreed, and others before Kile left the band in 2002. He would eventually be replaced by former Black Flood Diesel guitarist Bryan Ottoson.

Drug addiction took over the lives of several band members in the first few years of the 21st Century. American Head Charge signed with DRT Entertainment in 2004 after being granted a release from their American Recordings contract by Rubin. Their third full-length disc, The Feeding, was released in February 2005. Album tracks "Cowards" and "Loyalty" were soon issued as singles.

An accidental prescription drug overdose took the life of Ottoson on April 19, 2005. The guitarist was found dead on a bunk of the group's tour bus shortly before they were scheduled to perform on one of their tour dates with Mudvayne. They soldiered on for a couple more years and issued their first-ever DVD, Can't Stop the Machine on the Nitrus Records label in 2007. AHC would go on hiatus soon thereafter. 

A press release saying that American Head Charge had broken up was released in August 2009. The statement cited Heacock's inability to keep writing and making music as the reason for the group's demise. AHC received hundreds of submissions from potential replacement singers, but none of them were deemed to be up to their standards. In January 2011, their MySpace page added new content for the first time in years. A few months later, Hanks announced on Twitter, that AHC was back together. He, Fowler, Heacock, Emery, and guitarist Karma Cheema were the quartet that made up their updated lineup.

A five-song EP entitled Shoot debuted in July 2013. AHC released the EP themselves without a record label and had already toured with Dead Horse Trauma, Gabriel and the Apocalypse, and other groups before its release. Sin Quinn had joined American Head Charge as a second guitarist during their smaller tours before the EP release.

In 2014, AHC introduced an Indiegogo fundraiser for their fourth full-length album. VIP access to American Head Charge concerts, being on the band's guest list for life, having contributors' names appear in the record's liner notes, and performing with the group were some of the perks that were offered as part of the campaign. They far exceeded their initial goal, and the group went on to tour with Powerman 5000, Hed PE, Combichrist, Coal Chamber, and others before Tango Umbrella was issued in March 2016 on the Napalm Records label. 

Chad Hanks passed away on November 12, 2017, at 46 years of age after a lengthy undisclosed illness. Two weeks later to the day, a memorial concert was held for him at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Many current and former bandmates and friends from the local music scene attended and performed to honor their fallen friend. In April 2018, Heacock was arrested in Costa Mesa, CA for driving a stolen van that contained stolen merchandise, including multiple guitars. The group had scheduled several shows in 2020 with a revamped lineup, but those concerts were later canceled as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted almost everything around the globe.

I attended AHC's last Minnesota show at the Skyway Theater in downtown Minneapolis before Hanks' death. I remember being so close to the guys at a show in a small venue in WI once that I almost fell forward onto one of the guitarists when the crowd behind me surged forward. I still have a few of their guitar picks, and I'll be sure to look for their star on the outside of First Avenue when I visit the building again in a few weeks. AHC may or may not reform once more, but if they do, it won't be the same. That's okay because I still have the memories of several great shows to keep me happy. 

Well, that's all for this article. Next up is the group American Fangs. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!