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May 2023

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Ozzy Osbourne, a seasoned musician with a career spanning over five decades, possesses a wealth of experience and has encountered countless songs throughout his journey. Perhaps due to this extensive background, the renowned “Prince of Darkness” holds little faith in modern music, considering it to be nothing more than recycled material.

In a recent interview with Tenacious D for Metal Hammer magazine, Osbourne discussed Black Sabbath’s significant role in shaping the heavy metal genre. However, he humbly dismissed the compliment, responding:

“While it’s a nice thought, we were heavily influenced by bands like The Who Led Zeppelin, and The Kinks. I vividly remember purchasing The Kinks’ ‘You Really Got Me’ single, a proto-heavy metal track from 1964, and playing it relentlessly. It had a profound impact on me.”

When reflecting on the current state of the music industry, Osbourne expressed his disillusionment, stating:

“I find it hard to connect with modern music. There’s nothing new; it’s simply a recycled version of what has already been done.”

When asked about Black Sabbath’s legacy, Osbourne remained humble, remarking:

“If people choose to believe that, then that’s great. However, I don’t go around claiming credit for inventing anything. With Black Sabbath, we were fortunate to be in a fantastic musical landscape. Tony Iommi was the true authority, the mastermind behind those demonic riffs. I’ve yet to meet a guitarist who can match his prowess.”

Earlier this year, Ozzy announced his retirement from touring, revealing that he never expected his touring days to come to an end in such a manner. His team is currently exploring alternative performance options that would allow him to entertain without the need for extensive travel.

However, despite his retirement plans, Osbourne has already confirmed his appearance at the Power Trip festival in October, marking his sole live performance of the year. Due to mobility issues stemming from a quad accident two decades ago, he now relies on a cane for assistance.

During a recent interview with Fox News, Sammy Hagar opened up about the healing of his relationship with the late Eddie Van Halen before the iconic guitarist’s passing. Hagar expressed the profound significance of their renewed connection, emphasizing the value of their conversations and the importance of expressing love for one another. Without this reconciliation, Hagar admitted he would have been filled with regret and unable to discuss their bond. He spoke about the positive impact it has had on his ability to talk about his time in Van Halen, as it signifies the burying of past grievances and a newfound sense of unity.

The passing of Eddie Van Halen in October 2020 was a result of cancer complications, as confirmed by his son. Hagar joined Van Halen as David Lee Roth’s replacement in 1985, contributing to the recording of four successful studio albums that reached the top of the charts in the United States.

Reflecting on the years of estrangement from Eddie after his departure from Van Halen, Hagar expressed a deep appreciation for their reconnection. He highlighted Eddie’s unique creativity and his ability to surprise and inspire him with his unconventional musical ideas. The restoration of their relationship allowed Hagar to cherish Eddie even more, while lamenting the missed opportunity for a Van Halen reunion that could have headlined festivals worldwide.

Hagar shared how they began reconnecting in early 2020, discussing plans to write music together and embark on a tour in 2022. Unfortunately, Eddie’s health deteriorated, and Hagar, unaware of the severity, would worry when Eddie didn’t respond to his calls or texts, only to find out later that he had been in the hospital. Despite Eddie’s health battles spanning almost two decades, he remained resilient and continued to deliver exceptional live performances, much to Hagar’s admiration.

In his autobiography, “Red: My Uncensored Life In Rock,” Hagar criticized Eddie’s appearance and behavior during their 2004 reunion tour, describing it as a challenging and unpleasant experience. Eddie questioned the accuracy of certain embellished details in the book, particularly portraying him as an angry drunk.

In November 2020, Eddie’s son Wolfgang disclosed that his father had contemplated a “kitchen-sink tour” featuring not only Michael Anthony but also vocal contributions from both Hagar and Roth. There were even discussions about bringing back Gary Cherone, who had previously recorded one album with Van Halen in 1998, titled “Van Halen III.”

Part of the pathway is opening up for the greatest bands, and undoubtedly, the Foo Fighters have secured that spot. It is truly an extraordinary honor.

In the past, back in 2013, a Mexican band called Apolo, hailing from Chihuahua, had the privilege of opening for the Foo Fighters when they visited Mexico alongside The National. While Apolo achieved the tremendous feat of sharing the stage with Grohl, the frontman of the band who will soon release their first album without Taylor Hawkins, it seems that Grohl has made his decision on which opening act deserves the title of the best, and unfortunately, it is not a Mexican band.

So, who did Grohl choose? The Struts, a band hailing from the United Kingdom.

Interestingly enough, The Struts weren’t particularly well-known in their own country, but their fortunes changed after opening for the Foo Fighters in 2017. Their career took off as they had the opportunity to open for iconic acts such as The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, and even The Who.

What makes The Struts Dave Grohl’s favorites? It undoubtedly boils down to their style. In an era where few contemporary bands maintain a passion for old-school rock, let alone its visual aesthetics, The Struts proudly embrace this genre. Their commitment to preserving the essence of classic rock gives Dave Grohl hope. In an interview with Farout, he shared that, at the time, The Struts seemed like the last and only hope for rock ‘n’ roll on the face of the earth:

“Nowadays, everyone seems to be apologetic about being a rocker. But not them. They make you feel sorry for not being one.”

Rock music has a rich history filled with feuds and conflicts among bands and musicians. One notable feud unfolded between David Coverdale, the frontman of Whitesnake, and Robert Plant, the former vocalist of Led Zeppelin. This clash originated from Coverdale’s collaboration with Jimmy Page on the album ‘Coverdale-Page,’ which left both musicians at odds with each other. Coverdale has since expressed remorse for his actions, particularly for offending Plant.

The reception of Coverdale and Page’s joint project was met with mixed reviews, but it wasn’t just the media that disapproved of their collaboration. Robert Plant, Page’s former bandmate, openly expressed his disapproval, igniting a feud that endured for years.

Plant coined the term “David Cover-version” to describe the collaboration, implying that Coverdale lacked originality and authenticity. In a 1998 interview, Plant strongly criticized Coverdale’s integrity and accused him of imitating other artists. He argued that while such emulation might be acceptable for a new band like Whitesnake, Coverdale’s lack of originality was unacceptable given his career stage.

David Coverdale, refusing to back down, retaliated against Plant’s accusations with disparaging remarks, revealing a deep-seated animosity between the two musicians. His statement that he wouldn’t even send Plant cat food if he were starving demonstrated the intensity of the feud.

However, in a 2013 interview with the Classic Rock Magazine Show on TeamRock Radio, David Coverdale extended an olive branch to Plant, expressing remorse for the negative things he had said during the feud. He genuinely wanted to make amends and conveyed his high regard for Plant as both a person and an artist.

During the same interview, Coverdale also conveyed a message to Jimmy Page, requesting him to convey his sincere apologies to Robert Plant. He acknowledged that his previous comments had been defensive and expressed disappointment in himself for engaging in ugly exchanges. Coverdale emphasized his respect for Plant and his desire to mend their relationship.

Coverdale’s statement regarding his regret is as follows:

“When I last saw Jimmy in London, I expressed my desire to buy Robert a drink. I said, ‘When you speak to him, please offer my sincere regrets for any negative things I’ve ever said, most of which were defensive.’ I hold him [Plant] in the highest esteem as both a person and an artist, and I truly would like to sit down, buy him a drink, shake hands, and say, ‘I’m truly sorry.’ Can we be friends again?”

Out of my love and respect for Jimmy, I believe he will convey that message to Robert. Robert may choose to respond negatively, but I don’t hold any animosity, only disappointment in myself for falling into the trap and engaging in hurtful exchanges. It’s not appropriate for someone I hold in such high regard.

Despite Coverdale’s sincere efforts to reconcile and extend an olive branch, news of the two rock stars reconciling has yet to make headlines. The status of their relationship remains unresolved, and the feud continues to cast a shadow over their shared history.

Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon, recently expressed his perspective on the issue of straws and humorously mentioned the one group exempt from his “war” in a series of tweets.

As an activist like his famous parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Sean actively raises awareness about climate change and environmental issues. Currently, his focus is directed toward all types of straws, making it a modern cause for him.

In his tweets, Sean emphasized the need for everyone to stop using straws, including paper ones since they have not been a necessity for centuries. While he believed that civilizations could easily adapt to drinking directly from cups, he did make an exception for a specific group: those with mustaches.

His tweets read as follows:

“Perhaps we can do away with straws altogether, instead of relying on paper ones. Humans have managed to drink from cups for a long time without straws. It may be challenging, but I’m open to learning.

Basically, if you don’t have a mustache, I kindly request that you refrain from using straws. And to drivers, please note that your sippy cup lid is perfectly suitable.”

Following these statements, a wheelchair user who identified as a fan replied, expressing the importance of straws for their survival in consuming liquids. Sean promptly revised his stance, adding individuals who require straws for survival to his list of exceptions, along with those sporting mustaches.

His response to the user in a wheelchair was as follows:

“I understand that using straws for survival is a valid reason. That, and an impressive mustache. But that’s the extent of the exceptions.”

Another fan shared their opinion with Sean, stating that the “war on straws” should not be a top priority given the numerous other pressing issues in society. Nevertheless, Sean stood by his statements without backing down.

The user stated:

“Why don’t we simply address the issue of straws? If you feel strongly, you can choose not to use them. In the grand scheme of global problems, this seems relatively insignificant.”

Sean replied:

“I acknowledge that avoiding nuclear war and other major concerns is crucial, but let’s not underestimate the significance of the great straw wars.”

Despite some users highlighting other pressing problems that pose greater threats to the planet’s well-being, Sean remained steadfast in his mission against straws. However, he did have fans who supported his tweets, making it a somewhat balanced discussion.

Ted Nugent is known for his outspoken nature and penchant for expressing his opinions, especially when it comes to fellow musicians. He often employs his unique and eccentric choice of words to describe them. However, it appears that Ted Nugent has made an exception this time when discussing Keith Richards.

Following the passing of Charlie Watts, The Rolling Stones are currently working on a new album, and they have enlisted the participation of Paul McCartney from The Beatles on one of the songs. In January, Keith Richards hinted at the possibility of a Stones tour. Recently, on an episode of his Spirit Campfire show, Ted Nugent shared his thoughts on Richards’ decision to hit the road.

Ted Nugent expressed the following about Keith Richards: “Let’s talk about my buddy, Keith Richards, who is getting ready to embark on a tour. Now, usually, everything I say makes perfect sense, except when it comes to Keith Richards. I absolutely adore this guy, but he’s about to go on tour again, and I told my friends, ‘I think he’s pickled.’ You know, when you take a wild pig’s haunch of ham, smoke it, and preserve it forever. I genuinely believe Keith Richards is pickled, chemically smoked, and preserved. But I love him nonetheless.”

Despite the opinions of Grace Slick, who argues that older rock stars like Keith Richards’ bandmate Mick Jagger should retire, Ted Nugent seems to support Richards’ enthusiasm for continuing to create music, even at his advanced age.

David Bowie is undoubtedly one of the most recognized artists of our era. Throughout his successful career spanning over 50 years, Bowie released 26 studio albums and created absolute modern classics like “Let’s Dance,” “Starman,” “Heroes,” and “Rebel, Rebel,” among many other hidden gems in his extensive catalog.

However, Bowie didn’t confine his artistic talent to himself, as he often collaborated with fellow musicians in composing and instrumentalizing his own songs. Here are three songs that you may not have known were written by the idol, David Bowie.

“Girls”- Tina Turner

“Girls” appeared on Tina Turner’s 1986 album, ‘Break Every Rule,’ and was released as a single in the same year. It became a top-20 hit in Europe with drums played by Phil Collins. Later, Bowie recorded his own version of the song for his 1987 album, ‘Never Let Me Down.’ It ended up being the B-side of his single “Time Will Crawl” that same year. The song addresses love and loneliness—what better material for rock and roll?

“Oh! You Pretty Things” – Peter Noone

Written by Bowie and featured on his December 1971 album, ‘Hunky Dory,’ “Oh! You Pretty Things” was first recorded by Peter Noone for his April 1971 album and released as a solo single. That version also includes Bowie on the piano. Although some consider the song to be Bowie’s best composition, it was Noone who recorded it first.

“I Am a Laser”- Ava Cherry and The Astronettes

Cherry, a Vogue model and artist, met Bowie in New York in the early ’70s when she worked as a waitress at the Genesis nightclub. At that time, Bowie was on tour. They worked together from 1972 to 1975, and later Cherry embarked on a solo singing career. She opened for Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan, among other projects. Throughout her singing career, Cherry released six albums, and “I Am a Laser” appeared on her album ‘People From Bad Homes.’ When listening to the song, Bowie’s influence is evident, from the guitars to the vocals.

Freddie Mercury, like countless other musicians, held an unwavering admiration for the legendary members of The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. The 1960s witnessed The Beatles revolutionizing the music industry, leaving an enduring impact that extended to artists like Freddie Mercury. In conversations about the band, Mercury made it clear that Lennon’s songwriting resonated with him more than that of the other members.

Freddie Mercury openly confessed that John Lennon held the position of his favorite artist within The Beatles

Mercury openly proclaimed John Lennon as his favored artist within The Beatles. After Lennon’s untimely passing, Mercury paid homage to his musical hero by composing a heartfelt song titled “Life is Real,” aiming to capture the essence of Lennon’s unique style.

In his own words, as documented in the book “Freddie Mercury: A Life in His Own Words,” Mercury shared his insights: “Immersed in the melodies of John Lennon’s songs, I felt compelled to create an atmosphere reminiscent of his brilliance. I strived to infuse that distinctive oriental violin sound, evoking a sense of melancholy that I wholeheartedly embraced. My intention was to convey the surreal lyrics that, to me, defined John Lennon.”

Mercury’s aspiration to emulate Lennon stemmed from his deep admiration for the iconic artist. Among The Beatles, Lennon stood out as Mercury’s preferred musician. Throughout the Beatles’ early days, Mercury regarded Lennon as a larger-than-life figure and an absolute genius. Despite being unable to pinpoint the exact reason, Mercury was captivated by Lennon’s work, acknowledging an enchanting quality that struck a chord within him.

Freddie Mercury stated that he had no intention of becoming a mere replica of John Lennon

However, while Mercury endeavored to incorporate Lennon’s style into “Life is Real,” he did not seek to mimic Lennon’s musical and public persona. In his own words, Mercury expressed his perspective: “I do not intend to change the world through our music. Our songs do not carry concealed messages, with the exception of a few penned by Brian. My songs can be likened to disposable pop—like Bic razors—crafted for the enjoyment of contemporary listeners. They can discard them as easily as used tissues and move on to the next. Unlike John Lennon or Stevie Wonder, I am not inclined to compose politically motivated songs.”

This does not imply that Mercury viewed such qualities negatively in musicians. Instead, he believed that he lacked the ability to create politically charged music. Although politics influenced his thoughts to some extent, he chose to set it aside in his role as a musician. He elaborated, saying, “I do not possess a natural inclination for politics, nor do I believe I possess the talent to craft profound messages. Music is freeing, and its essence is subjective to the individual. John Lennon excels in that realm, but it remains beyond my grasp. My songs are akin to commercially appealing love songs, and I find joy in infusing my emotional talent into that domain. I harbor no desire to change the world or advocate for peace, as I lack the necessary motivation. Politics is simply not my realm. Given the opportunity, I would likely bungle an entire nation. Can you imagine it? I would sing all my speeches!”

In this aspect, he resembled Paul McCartney more

In this context, Mercury discovered common ground with Paul McCartney. Despite his preference for Lennon’s music, there were parallels between Mercury and McCartney. Both gravitated towards songs with lighter messages, preferring not to compose overtly political music. McCartney even composed the song “Too Many People” as a critique of Lennon’s newfound identity as an activist.

Perhaps Mercury held such a profound admiration for Lennon precisely because his writing style diverged from his own.

Led Zeppelin, the iconic rock band, boasts an extensive catalogue filled with timeless rock & roll classics. However, within this impressive repertoire, there are always a few compositions that hold a special place in the hearts of the band members themselves. One such example is the renowned “Immigrant Song,” which remains a favorite among the public, even though its primary songwriter, Robert Plant, considers it the most peculiar and whimsical piece within the band’s musical inventory.

In the early 1970s, Led Zeppelin embarked on a remarkable journey, releasing a series of highly acclaimed albums that captivated both critics and audiences alike. Among these albums was the remarkable “Led Zeppelin III.” This record kickstarted its musical voyage with a forceful and fervent track known as “Immigrant Song.”

The genesis of this song can be traced back to a flight taken by the band members after a visit to Iceland. While they didn’t traverse the seas on ancient sailing vessels like true Vikings, the idea of a Viking invasion proved to be a wellspring of inspiration for Led Zeppelin.

Plant reminisced about this creative process during an interview with Bob Spitz for “Led Zeppelin: The Biography,” remarking, “It evoked imagery of Vikings and grand ships, as well as John Bonham’s unmistakable prowess… And just like that, ‘Immigrant Song’ materialized.”

Reflecting on the song’s accessibility, Plant mentioned during a 2023 interview with Vulture, “It’s a shame that ‘Immigrant Song’ isn’t particularly easy for kids to play. Nonetheless, it resonates with everyone, regardless of age. It’s a magnificent piece. Not just slightly absurd, but completely outrageous. Consider the fact that we composed it while mid-flight, coming back from Iceland—a truly inspiring concert and adventure that defies adequate description.”

Plant further elucidated his affection for the track, revealing, “For me, ‘Immigrant Song’ possesses an allure that transports me back to the Dark Ages. As I sit here in this humble building, constructed in the 15th century, I am engulfed by the weight of history. It’s not a grand edifice, merely a structure that has survived countless trials and tribulations. It predates the Civil War, predates Cromwell’s reign, and harkens back to a time when people sought shelter in secrecy. It’s a journey through time—back, back, back, beyond what we can fathom. Embracing that Viking spirit is pure exhilaration.”

Plant acknowledged the widespread appeal of the song, noting its popularity among children and its inclusion in notable movies such as “Shrek the Third” and “School of Rock.” He emphasized the significance of exposing younger generations to the music, stating, “Sharing it with children holds great importance. Let it soar, let it resonate, and keep passing it on. Immerse yourself in its essence because there are no boundaries, no limitations.”

No one dares to dictate to Noel Gallagher 😤. Recently, Matt Healy of The 1975 expressed his opinion that both he and his brother Liam should grow up and reunite Oasis. Needless to say, the elder Gallagher did not take kindly to Healy’s (and an entire generation’s) wishes, referring to the 34-year-old singer as a “loose-jawed asshole.”

During a recent interview with Spin while promoting his upcoming album ‘Council Skies’ with High Flying Birds, the topic of an Oasis reunion was brought up once again. Noel was asked about his thoughts on the comments made by the frontman of The 1975, who claimed that both Noel and Liam needed to “grow up and regroup.”

“Healy said, ‘There isn’t a single kid, not a single person, who goes to a High Flying Birds or Liam Gallagher concert who wouldn’t rather be at an Oasis concert,'” revealed the interviewer.

The comments sparked a significant online response and even garnered a reaction from Liam Gallagher, who responded, “It’s our time to waste, who made him the time boss?” Apparently, Noel was completely unaware of the conversation and only found out about the singer’s comments just now.

“Oh, that ignorant fool. What did he say?” Noel inquired when the subject was brought up.

“He claimed he could never imagine it, and he criticized his own band, suggesting they should break up.”

Noel also clarified why he has no interest in an Oasis reunion, asserting that he believes the band has already achieved everything they set out to do.

“If Oasis hadn’t fulfilled its potential, I might have a different perspective. But since Oasis accomplished everything it aimed for and more…” he explained.

“I don’t see any point in it. It was a moment in time, and if you missed it, tough luck. I missed the Sex Pistols, and I’ve moved on. So, people should do the same.”

Although the likelihood of a reunion happening anytime soon appears highly unlikely, the Brit-pop icons are preparing to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, ‘Definitely Maybe.’ In commemoration, Noel has confirmed that an anniversary edition containing previously unreleased material from that time will be published in 2024.

 

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