Tag Archives: hard rock

ROCKIN' FEATURE STORIES

ROCK’S DEEPEST CUTS

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From R.E.M.’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ to GN’R’s ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and Zep’s ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ these aren’t just ballads—they’re emotional gut punches wrapped in melody and distortion.

Sunset & Clark rounds up 20 slow-burning anthems that hit as hard as any riff in your metal playlist. Because sometimes, the heaviest thing in rock isn’t the volume, it’s the vulnerability.

#1: ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ – Guns N’ Roses

From the opening riff—Slash’s accidental warmup turned iconic melody—to Axl’s soaring vocals, this song is a thunderous love letter. Written for then-girlfriend Erin Everly (daughter of rock legend Don Everly), the relationship didn’t survive—but the song did. It’s a bulletproof ballad that turns sentiment into something seismic. Decades later, “Sweet Child” remains an anthem that proves even the sleaziest L.A. rockers had a soft spot, buried under layers of leather.

#2: ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – Led Zeppelin

Equal parts mythology and heartbreak, “Stairway to Heaven” is a slow climb into something transcendent. Robert Plant’s abstract storytelling meshes beautifully with Jimmy Page’s ascending arrangement—culminating in a solo that feels like a soul exiting the body. It’s spiritual, but not preachy. It’s heavy, but not weighed down.

#3: ‘Right Now’ – Van Halen

Often overshadowed by the band’s party-hard image, “Right Now” is a bold, piano-driven anthem that trades booze and bravado for reflection and social urgency. Sammy Hagar called it “the most serious lyric I ever wrote”—and it shows. This track implores listeners to stop waiting and take action, set against one of Eddie Van Halen’s most emotional compositions. More than a song, it’s a call to live.

#4 & #5: ‘Everybody Hurts’ & ‘Nightswimming’ – R.E.M.

The searing “Everybody Hurts” is the ultimate comfort song for the quietly broken. Strings, restraint, and sheer humanity combine to create one of the most universally healing rock ballads ever recorded–and sung by what is unarguably one of our generation’s greatest and most emotive singers (Sorry, Axl.). Though often associated with singer-songwriter Michael Stipe’s own vulnerability, the lyrics were actually written by multi-talented drummer Bill Berry.

Stipe later admitted to subtly tweaking the phrasing so fans wouldn’t assume the pain was autobiographical—highlighting how deeply he cared about the song’s message reaching listeners, not circling back to him. It’s one of two heartbreakingly tender tracks Stipe helped shape on Automatic for the People—the other being “Nightswimming,” which he did write himself. Equally moving, “Nightswimming” trades direct sorrow for nostalgic ache, and together, the two songs form the emotional core of R.E.M.’s most soul-baring album.

#6: ‘Wasted Years’ – Iron Maiden

Yes, Maiden. Known for epic gallops and fantastic fantasy tales dipped in equal parts evil and energizing, but “Wasted Years” hits different. A rare Adrian Smith–penned introspective cut that reflects on time lost and life on the road. The song’s yearning chorus, Bruce Dickinson‘s raspy and powerful vocals, and twin-guitar harmonies remind us all to stop chasing time and enjoy the moment—metal with a message that even Eddie the Head would support.

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LIVE SHOWS

CANT STOP ROCK N’ ROLL

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A wild night of L.A. rock anthems proves the City of Angels’ music legacy is alive and louder than ever.

The Whisky A Go-Go once again turned back the clock for its long-running Ultimate Jam Night, delivering a high-voltage tribute to the music of L.A. bands on March 18. The night was a celebration of the city’s hard rock royalty—Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Buckcherry, Guns N’ Roses—blasting through a two-hour setlist that turned the iconic venue into a time machine straight to the Sunset Strip’s golden era.

Tuesday’s lineup was stacked, featuring go-go dancers, rock trivia, giveaways, guest appearances from Sunset Strip legends Femme Fatale, and fresh blood like arena rockers Classless Act, who surprised the crowd with new material that fit seamlessly alongside the night’s legendary setlist.

Adding to the night’s epic moments were two unexpected Ozzy Osbourne covers—an unofficial nod to the late, great Randy Rhoads, who was born in Santa Monica. With the 43rd anniversary of Rhoads’ passing the next day, the tribute hit extra hard and was one of the most memorable moments of the evening, with BulletBoys guitarist Ira Black effortlessly delivering faithful renditions of Rhoads’ legendary solos. 

The show kicked off with Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health,” a fist-pumping, headbanging classic that immediately had the crowd pumping their fists. The Ultimate Jam Night house band delivered a razor-sharp rendition of the metal anthem, setting the tone for a night that felt like a rowdy reunion of rock’s wildest anthems. Host Hal Sparks respectfully gave proper dues to Quiet Riot for igniting the ’80s metal explosion with their genre-defining album, Metal Health.

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ROCKIN' FEATURE STORIES

RAD MEDICINE

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Feeling like you’re going off the rails on a crazy train? Heavy metal anthems have been scientifically proven to do more than just make you wanna pump a fist in the air, they also elevate your well-being.

By Mac Davis Fleetwood 

In the neon glow of the 1980s, Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip was the epicenter of a musical revolution. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt transformed the boulevard into a haven for heavy metal fans, delivering electrifying performances that celebrated excess, rebellion, and unbridled joy. Decades later, the feel-good anthems of these Sunset Strip bands and other iconic hard rockers continue to resonate, not just as nostalgic relics but as catalysts for happiness, health, and a positive outlook on life.

The Cathartic Power of Heavy Metal

Contrary to the stereotype of heavy metal as dark and aggressive, research indicates that the hard-rockin’ genre offers significant psychological benefits. A 2015 study titled “Extreme Metal Music and Anger Processing” revealed that listening to extreme metal can serve as a healthy way to process anger, providing listeners with a form of emotional release and catharsis. This aligns with the experiences of many fans who find empowerment in the music’s intensity.

Moreover, heavy metal’s thematic exploration of real-world challenges—such as disillusionment, isolation, and political and societal corruption—allows listeners to confront their own struggles and learn how to process complex emotions, leading to improved mental health. Playing or listening to music activates the brain’s cortex and cerebellum and, according to a 2008 report, also enhances cerebral plasticity in the brain, helping regenerate any damaged neurons. 

Feel-Good Anthems and Positive Psychology

The anthems of Sunset Strip bands are particularly noteworthy for their upbeat tempos and celebratory lyrics, which often revolve around themes of freedom, overcoming challenges, and living life to the fullest. These elements contribute to the listener’s elevated mood and increased energy. Songs like Poison’s “Nothin’ But a Good Time” encapsulate this energy, encouraging a carefree attitude that can alleviate stress and promote happiness.

Psychologically, engaging with music that embodies positivity and rebellion against societal constraints can inspire listeners to adopt a more optimistic and liberated outlook. This phenomenon is supported by studies showing that music with uplifting messages can enhance mood and encourage a more positive perspective on life.

We Built this City on Rock ‘n Roll

Heavy metal music is more than just a genre—it’s a deeply rooted subculture that offers significant psychological benefits. While its thunderous riffs and aggressive rhythms may seem intimidating to outsiders, many fans describe the heavy metal community as a welcoming and supportive family, united by shared musical tastes.

The heavy metal scene fosters a unique culture where shared values, rituals, and experiences—like attending concerts, collecting albums, or engaging in online forums—create powerful social bonds. This communal connection is more than casual friendship; it’s a network that provides emotional support and combats loneliness, both of which are essential for mental well-being.

Interestingly, research highlights that these communal experiences can have significant psychological benefits. For instance, a 2011 study published in the Journals of Youth and Adolescence found that participation in music subcultures, like heavy metal, can enhance social connectedness and provide a buffer against feelings of isolation. Similarly, findings from the Australian Psychological Society suggest that listening to heavy metal can help listeners process emotions like anger and sadness in healthy ways, reducing stress and promoting emotional release.

Moreover, heavy metal culture is known for its inclusivity—welcoming anyone who embraces the genre’s codes of authenticity and shared identity. This fosters a space where individuals can express themselves freely, forging deep and lasting interpersonal connections.

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ROCKIN’ EVENTS

SUNSET SALUTES ROCK HISTORY

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Faster Pussycat, Michael Monroe to help welcome in spring at Rainbow’s 53rd annual ‘Parking Lot’ party.

On April 13, the Sunset Strip will reverberate with an intensity unmatched by any other night when the iconic Rainbow Bar and Grill kicks off its 53rd Annual Party in the Parking Lot. A mainstay of Southern California’s rock ‘n’ roll culture, this legendary event is a haven for diehard metal enthusiasts who crave their music blistering and their beers ice-cold.

The party will once again feature an all-star roster of Sunset Strip stalwarts, with the notorious Faster Pussycat leading the charge. Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe will also take the stage after kicking off his first tour in nine years on April 2. The glam-rock icon shares the bill at the 53rd Annual Party in the Parking Lot with powerhouse support acts such as enduring Hollywood hard rockers Odin, legendary Southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas, which is on a special West Coast mini-tour, and red-hot L.A. rockers Blaze Francisco.

The excitement begins early, as throngs of metalheads, clad in vintage band tees and studded leather, begin to gather before the first note is struck. Expect a line stretching down the Sunset Strip, from the Rainbow all the way to the Whisky A Go-Go, long before the event officially kicks off at 1 p.m. But trust us, it’s worth the wait. Inside the event, which spills into the Rainbow and Roxy’s back parking lots, you’ll be transported back to 1985, when big hair and denim ruled the day. Amid the haze of ever-present smoke, expect to see rockers rocking their tightest Poison t-shirts, looking as if they’d just walked off the set of The Decline of Western Civilization, and others whose leather-clad looks scream Shout at the Devil-era Motley Crue.

The event is a veritable who’s who of both local rockers and rock legends, alongside the ever-present faces you’ve seen at Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood or packed into the Whisky’s raucous crowds. It’s a celebration not only of music but of community, a gathering of like-minded souls united by a love for the loud, the fast, and the unapologetically rebellious.

The atmosphere at Rainbow’s Party in the Parking Lot is always electric — yet remarkably welcoming. It’s a chance to revel in the camaraderie of the metal community, to relive the glory days of ’80s rock, even if just for a single afternoon. No need for a hot tub time machine to experience it; all you need is the right attitude and a thirst for chaos.

Admission to the event is free, but guests must prepay for two drinks upon entry. Trust us, the party’s about to get LOUD!

ROCKIN' NEWS

MAKING ROCK HISTORY

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WeHo prepares to give the Roxy and Rainbow Bar & Grill the iconic status these rock institutions deserve.

The City of West Hollywood’s Historic Preservation Commission will recommend that the City Council approve a Mills Act Contract for two of the city’s most rockin’ cultural icons: the Roxy Theatre and the Rainbow Bar & Grill, both located on the world-famous Sunset Strip’s “Rock Row,” at 9009 and 9015 Sunset Boulevard, respectively.

The Historic Preservation Commission is dedicated to preserving historic structures that represent WeHo’s unique cultural and social heritage. “Protecting these landmarks helps deepen public understanding of the city’s past and ensures that future generations can appreciate its rich history,” says the Commission on its website.

Rock Venues Land a Mills Act Contract

A Mills Act Contract is a legal agreement between the owner of a historic property and the municipality. It allows for lower property tax rates in exchange for the owner’s commitment to undertake specific rehabilitation, restoration, and maintenance work. To qualify, a property must be listed in a historic national, state, county, or city register, be privately owned, and not be tax-exempt.

The Roxy Theatre and the Rainbow Bar & Grill meet these criteria, being listed in West Hollywood’s Register of Cultural Resources and privately owned.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

BACH TO ROCK RAINBOW

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Skid Row Legend Sebastian Bach Tapped to Headline a Night of Heavy Metal Hits at April’s ‘Parking Lot’ Party.

Get ready to rock as the iconic Sebastian Bach takes center stage at the Rainbow Bar & Grill‘s epic “Party in the Parking Lot” event on April 14! Located on the legendary Sunset Strip, this annual extravaganza promises a night of pure heavy metal magic.

The Rainbow’s semiannual multi-band concerts, hosted in both spring and fall, showcase renowned heavy metal acts and artists. Past lineups have boasted luminaries such as original Guns N’ Roses drummer, Steven Adler, Geoff Tate from Queensryche, the legendary Stephen Pearcy from Ratt, and various other rock icons.

Armed with an arsenal of fist-pumping hard rock anthems, Sebastian Bach is sure to rock the Sunset Strip like never before. Former choir boy Bach’s musical journey eventually led him to front the legendary metal band Skid Row as well as embark on a diverse career starring in Broadway musicals like Jekyll and Hyde and the touring company of Jesus Christ Superstar.

However, it is the hard-rockin’, ass-kickin’ musical assault of Skid Row that put Bach on the music map. Skid Row’s self-titled 1989 debut album is a defining gem in late-Eighties hard rock history, just before the grunge wave reshaped the musical landscape.

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ROCKIN' NEWS

WHISKY TO GET A FACELIFT

Whisky A Go-Go is getting a new look, and the Sunset Strip is welcoming a ‘Rock Walk of Fame.’

Since the Whisky A Go-Go set up business at the corner of Sunset and Clark back in 1064, the two-story club has famously sported a number of shades and exterior looks, from the groovy purple and yellow scheme in the ‘70s to the more recent red and black design.

And of course, the billboard above the club has been advertising new album releases since the 60s. At one time or another everyone from Alice Cooper to Motley Crue has been featured on billboards above the club.

MODERN ROCK; Whisky A Go-Go, November 2022.

Now, the world-famous club and the Sunset Strip are about to get a modern makeover.

Earlier this week, the West Hollywood City Council approved the conversion of the club’s static billboard into a double-sided digital billboard.

CLASSIC ROCK: Whisky A Go-Go, April 1972.

The mammoth billboard’s origami-inspired 500- and 1,000-square-foot screens are designed to evolve as motorists and pedestrians pass the billboard. Either way, it’s certainly going to get the attention of crosstown traffic at Sunset and San Vicente.

Motley Crue above the Whisky - 2010
DOWN AT THE WHISKY: Motley Crue overlooking Sunset, summer 2005.

The billboard is part of a new agreement between the Whisky and the city, which expects the digital billboard to bring in over $60 million in revenue over the next 30 years.

Whisky A Go-Go
Green Day and Riverdale cover the Whisky, fall 2017.

The best part is that the billboard is going to lead to a rock ‘n’ roll tribute on the Sunset Strip. The contract stipulates that the city will use nearly $350,000 to add a commemorative “Rock Walk” honoring the music legacy of the Sunset Strip.

COOL STUFF

HOLLYWOOD ROCKS

Step aside, Batman! The Who, Pink Floyd, Elvis, and other music icons have rocked their way into W/B’s legendary Hollywood history.

Living in SoCal, it’s easy to get jaded when it comes to being starstruck. After all, when you randomly spot Smokey Robinson at the supermarket and Steven Tyler at Coffee Bean—which I have—you tend to get used to seeing superstars as much as you get used to smog and palm trees.

However, a recent tour of Warner Bros. studios had us feeling excited about the magic of Hollywood once again. And that reinvigorated awe had everything to do with the rock and roll history that lies within the eclectic tour that covers every iconic entertainment offering from Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden to Friends and the DC universe’s current crop of superhero hits like Batman and Wonder Woman.

Along with all of the movie history, the studio’s backlot has a rich music history, too, including as the location of the iconic cover photo of Pink Floyd‘s 1975 album, Wish You Were Here.

Equally cool was spotting one of the rockin’ motor scooters from The Who’s 1979 classic film Quadraphonia.

The Lambretta and Vespa Italian motor scooters make a memorable appearance in the British drama as the ride of choice for Sting and his Mods as well as their rivals the Rockers.

Many classic Hollywood musicals and music-oriented movies have also been filmed on the lot, from The Music Man and A Star Is Born (two of them, the 1976 and 2018 versions) to Elvis and Selena.

The other king, the King of Pop also has an unforgettable attachment to W/B’s history. Michael Jackson and The Jacksons filmed one of their famous Eighties-era Pepsi commercials on the Warner Bros. backlot. This one was filmed on the backlot’s all-American “Hennessy Street” and co-starred a very young Alfonso Ribeiro.

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s guitar picks and guitar strap are on display alongside costumes and rock paraphernalia from 2018’s A Star Is Born.

Some of the other rockin’ relics that we came across include the original piano from the 1943 classic film Casablanca. The piano is the one Humphrey Bogart was referring to when he famously said, “Play it again, Sam.”

The studio’s rock and roll holy grail may be the old jukebox used in the 1957 Elvis Presley film Loving You, which featured The King using this jukebox to supply the music as he sang “Loving You” in the technicolor movie musical.

Phoebe Buffay’s (Lisa Kudrow) acoustic Gibson guitar has a place amongst pop culture and entertainment history, too, and is behind glass as part of the W/B tour. It’s virtually impossible to walk past the six-string without “Smelly Cat” popping into your cabeza.

Another, ahem, thrilling moment was seeing legendary record producer Quincy Jones represented for his work with Steven Spielberg on the two-time Oscar nominated soundtrack to the 1975 film The Color Purple.

Warner Bros. Studios’ Props Department houses enough cool music instruments to rival any branch of Guitar Center.

Random acoustic and electric guitars, violins, cellos, bajos, congas, and dozens of other instruments line the walls of the airplane hanger-sized prop room.

The instruments have been used and reused in countless W/B movies and TV shows.

Let’s see, Pink Floyd…Elvis Presley…The Who…Michael Jackson…James Dean…when a studio’s history includes this much badass talent, we can almost forgive the W/B for The Gilmore Girls.

ROCKIN’ EVENTS

RAINBOW IN THE DARK

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Sunset Strip rock landmarks Rainbow and Whisky set to pay tribute to metal legend Ronnie James Dio, July 7 and July 19.

The immortal Ronnie James Dio would have hit the big 8-0 on July 10, and to celebrate, the Rainbow Bar and Grill is celebrating with a rockin’ party dedicated to the late, great singer-songwriter, who once famously fronted a band named after this very restaurant.

On July 7, the Rainbow is hosting “Dio at the Rainbow in the Dark,” a record release celebration in honor of Rhino Records’ 40th anniversary remixed and remastered edition of Dio’s spectacular 1983 solo debut, Holy Diver. The classic rock masterpiece is being released on three formats: digital, vinyl, and as a two- and four-disc CD set.

Ubiquitous Sunset Strip headbanger and radio personality Eddie Trunk is emceeing the event, which is happening from 7-9 p.m. in the upstairs bar, where the evening is sure to be dominated by the glorious sounds of Dio’s timeless classics rockin’ the roof off of the Rainbow.

The Rainbow Bar and Grill is located at 9015 Sunset Boulevard. The “Dio at the Rainbow in the Dark” event is free.

One week after the Rainbow’s Dio celebration, the Whisky A Go-Go is hosting a night honoring the heavy metal legend on July 19, with the club’s biweekly Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood event set to crank out career-defining classics spanning Ronnie James Dio’s career, from Holy Diver to 2004’s Masters of the Moon as well as scorchers like “Man On the Silver Mountain,” “Gambler, Gambler,” and “Rock ‘n Roll Children” from his time in Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Elf, and Heaven and Hell.

The Whisky is located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard at Clark Street in West Hollywood. Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood’s Dio tribute will kick off at 10 p.m. and is free to those 21 and over, and $10 for those under.

ROCKIN' NEWS

RHOADS WARRIORS

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Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood’s Randy Rhoads tribute concert was a family affair at Whisky A Go-Go, with special guests Kelle and Kathy Rhoads making a guest appearance.

The Whisky’s long-running Tuesday night showcase Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood, which has hosted tribute nights dedicated to everyone from Metallica to Motley Crue, set it sites on the iconic music of Randy Rhoads on March 15.

The evening paid tribute to Rhoads’ influential guitar work as well as the songs he had co-written while a member of Ozzy Osbourne‘s band and Quiet Riot.

The show featured Ozzy’s greatest hits performed by amazing tribute performers and rockin’ guest artists covering two hours of the greatest heavy metal classics ever written.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN' NEWS

SUNSET STRIP’S BEST ROCK SHOWS OF 2021

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BulletBoys frontman Marq Torien rocked an acoustic show, Wolfgang Van Halen sold out the venue, and Dokken was back for the attack at Whisky A Go-Go throughout 2021, providing the Sunset Strip with some of last year’s best shows.

There was a good variety of decent rock shows to check out in 2021 that gave Angelenos something to take their minds off of the pandemic. And while legends like the Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Slipknot rocked Inglewood’s newly-opened SoFi Stadium last year, some of the best intimate shows were happening in WeHo, where rock superstars like Wolfgang Van Halen, Don Dokken, George Lynch, Vivian Campbell, Vinnie Appice, and BulletBoys’ Marq Torien kept the Sunset Strip shakin’ with memorable sold-out shows and timeless stories at the Whisky A Go-Go.

BulletBoys’ Reunion Show Unexpectedly Turned into an Unplugged Solo Set with Frontman Marq Torien Sounding as Smooth as Ever

The hotly-anticipated BulletBoys reunion show at the Whisky A Go-Go in December had been advertised for months. But at the last minute, plans unexpectedly changed on show night, explained frontman Mark Torien from the Whisky’s stage, where he delivered a scorching mostly-unplugged solo set. He didn’t explain why the reunion was cancelled, and instead he invited Whisky fave Ira Black to help out on timeless BulletBoys hits like “Smooth Up in Ya,” “Hell On My Heels,” and “Shoot the Preacher Down.”

Black’s scorching guitar contribution and Torien’s soulful metal pipes immediately had the crowd forgetting all about the reunion as they rocked along. Throughout the 90-minute show, Torien covered most of the best tracks on the L.A. band’s first two albums, BulletBoys and Freakshow. The Whisky crowd seemed won over by the impromptu solo show, especially when he got to the unplugged renditions of “Hard as a Rock” and the BulletBoys’ cover of The O’Jays’ “Money.”

Just as memorable as Torien’s set were the awesome stories he told between songs, about his glory days creating heavy metal history on the Sunset Strip, and getting props from David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen when performing at WeHo’s Troubadour when he was 16.

Then again, hearing these first-person stories is what makes seeing a show at the Whisky so special. Throughout 2021, other Sunset Strip legends would also share fascinating personal anecdotes about their connection to the Whisky and the Sunset Strip.

Wolfgang Van Halen Marked a Milestone with Mammoth’s Historic Headlining Show at Whisky

When Wolfgang Van Halen’s band Mammoth headlined the Whisky shortly after their North American jaunt opening for Guns N’ Roses, the frontman looked around the room in awe from center stage and reminded the sold-out crowd, “So, this is where it all started…”

He seemed as in awe of the venue and its history as we were, and we all knew what “it” meant, of course. The Whisky’s stage is where his father and uncle’s iconic band launched a career that would make music history over and over again while inspiring countless young musicians whose first taste of world-class hard rock was hearing Van Halen’s self-titled 1978 debut.

Wolfgang seemed to know he had an important family history to uphold, and the former Van Halen bassist then spent the next hour and a half proving that he doesn’t necessarily need his Van Halen cohorts to effortlessly deliver a commanding, amp-shaking performance before a fist-pumping packed house at one of the world’s most iconic—and intimidating—rock n’ roll venues.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN' NEWS

ROCK THE HOUSE

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Just Like Priest

OzzMania, Just Like Priest, Motorbreath & More are Bringing Heavy Metal Hits to House of Blues Sunset, Jan. 21

OzzManiaGoing through Ozzfest withdrawl? Relax — there is a rock and roll reprise of sorts on the horizon.

West Hollywood hot spot House of Blues Sunset is hosting the closest thing you’re ever gonna find to Ozzfest on January 21, when OzzMania (right) brings to the Strip an arsenal of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath hits, along with four other metal-loving tribute bands!

motorbreathSoCal cover band OzzMania proves you can’t kill rock and roll with a headlining night of non-stop metal that will be shaking up Sunset alongside Slayer-worshipping rockers Slaytanic; masters of Metallica, Motorbreath (right); spot-on Judas Priest imitators Just Like Priest (main photo, top); and Du Hast, which will rock out some Rammstein.

House of Blues Sunset is at located at 8430 Sunset. Get tickets and show times here.

ROCKIN' NEWS

METAL MOOD SETTERS

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Sunset and Clark

‘WHEN THE WORLD GETS IN YOUR FACE, I SAY,’ “HAVE A NICE DAY,”‘ DECLARES BON JOVI IN SUNSET & CLARK’S TOP FIVE FEEL-GOOD HEAVY METAL TRACKS TO TACKLE ANY DISTRESS

KISS AliveEver since the first time I heard the incredible, amp-shaking, adrenalin-pumping sounds of heavy metal–courtesy of a neighbor introducing me to KISS Alive in fifth grade–I have relied on metal music as a mood adjuster.

I crank up good ol’ hard rock to try to block out the world at times when it’s just not making sense, like when the daily headlines are over-crowded with news about riots, the recession, natural disasters and Miley Cyrus.

Miley CyrusOver the years I have maintained a mental list of deeply therapeutic heavy metal mood setters that have always helped to make things feel a whole lot better when they just weren’t feeling right with the state of the  modern world.

Here’s a list of Sunset & Clark’s five all-time greatest hard and heavy classics for dealing with any challenging situation.


“When the world keeps trying to drag me down,
I’ve gotta raise my hands, gonna stand my ground.”

When it comes to perfectly crafted feel-good anthems, Jon Bon Jovi is the grand messiah of mainstream metal. And while kick-ass classics like “It’s My Life,” “Everyday” and “Keep the Faith” are stellar and inspiring tracks that always provide an intrinsic kick, Bon Jovi‘s title track to 2005’s Have a Nice Day is hands down one of the best and most bad ass songs in the band’s expansive catalog.

Make this track the ringer for your cell’s alarm clock app and you’re virtually guaranteed to wake up empowered and ready to face the day.

 


“Never cared for what they say.
Never cared for games they play.
Never cared for what they do.
Never cared for what they know.
And I know.”

In HBO’s Paradise Lost doc on the West Memphis Three, the mom of Jessie Misskelley, Jr., one of the accused teens, was asked how she held on to her sanity when her innocent son was being held in jail for three child murders. She revealed that she and Jessie sang Metallica‘s “Nothing Else Matters” to one another during jail visits.

Metallica’s 1991 track from The Black Album also works well in buffering bad moods during those times when you’re forced to deal with your own less dramatic drama.

 


“Express yourself in the face of change.
Repress yourself, you surely seal your fate.
You got to look inside; the answer lies in wait.
Resurrect before it’s too late.”

Like Bon Jovi, the guys in Poison are also metal masters at crafting empowering anthems that inspire equal parts self-reflection and some serious fist pumping, like “Something to Believe In” and “Cry Tough.”

Should you ever find your personal integrity challenged, however, it’s the Sunset Strip-launched band’s timeless track “Stand,” from 1993’s Native Tongue, that will super-charge your confidence and make you wanna unskinny bop all night long!

 


“Don’t need to wait for an invitation;
You gotta live like you’re on vacation.”

Ever have a bad day that seemed to last a week? Overwhelmed by the daily grind? Fortunately, when times get tough there’s always KISS to remind us all that “it ain’t a crime to be good to yourself” in the killer KISS classic “Lick It Up.”

Vinnie Vincent‘s scorching guitar attack, Eric Carr‘s full-throttle percussion and KISS’ early ’80s harder edged sound effortlessly power up a universal ode about learning to appreciate and enjoy the here and now.

The 1983 track from KISS’ eleventh album of the same name is not only one of the most powerful feel-good gems in the band’s catalog, it’s also one of the greatest classics in the history of heavy metal.

 


“There’s somethin’ wrong with the world today.
The light bulb’s gettin dim.
There’s meltdown in the sky…”

Rock legend Steven Tyler penned 1993’s “Living on the Edge” in response to the ’92 L.A. Riots, and over 20 years later, the Aerosmith classic still holds up as a reliable and rockin’ reminder that you’re not the only who sometimes feels like you just can’t stop yourself from falling. And through it all, Tyler stands tough and declares: “We can tell ’em no or we could let it go, but I would rather be a hanging on.” Guess there’s still reason to dream on.

 

LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN' NEWS

HEAVY MENTAL

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Robert Trujillo

ROBERT TRUJILLO TO REUNITE WITH MASS MENTAL AUG. 26 

mass-mental-whiskyMetallica bassist Robert Trujillo is keeping good on a promise made earlier this summer and is heading back to the Sunset Strip to rock the Whisky A Go Go with a reunited Mass Mental on August 26.

The all-ages show will feature Trujillo once again jamming with his funky, pre-Metallica, art-rock bandmates: vocalist Benji Webbe, bassist Armand Sabal-Lecco and drummer Ken Schalk.

Making the historic heavy metal experience even more cool is the addition of guest vocalist Whitfield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe.

The L.A. show is a warm-up gig for Mass Mental’s September 6 slot at Germany’s Warwick Open Day music fest.

Get tickets for the Whisky show here.

ROCKIN' NEWS

YOU CAN’T KILL ROCK & ROLL

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SUNSET & CLARK’S TOP 12 GREATEST ENDURING HEAVY METAL BANDS 

ozzy-osbourne-sabbathWhen Ozzy Osbourne proclaimed in 1982 that “you can’t kill rock and roll,” he and fellow enduring metal icons like Metallica, Motley Crue and KISS have gone on to prove that notion over and over again by keeping arenas packed and the charts rocking decades after first plugging in their amps.

Guns-N-Roses-Axl-RoseRockin’ and rollin’ all night and partying every day are only a few of the enviable rewards of rock superstardom, which for some bands, ahem, Quiet Riot, often ends as quickly as it begins. Or, once-iconic groups continue to carry the torch, but in name only, such as the current incarnation of Axl Rose‘s Guns N’ Roses and the Sebastian Bach-less Skid Row.

But that’s not the case with the monsters of metal below that are as relevant today as they were back when your favorite guitarists wore mascara and had big, poofy hair.

1. METALLICA
metallicaLaunched in Hollywood, California in 1981, Metallica has survived the death of original bassist Cliff Burton, image controversy and an infamous battle with Napster only to come out on top over 30 years later as the reigning kings of metal.

James Hetfield and the band have revealed that Metallica is working on a new album for a possible 2015 release. Lars Ulrich recently confirmed to Rolling Stone that the project is in the “fourth inning.”

2. MOTLEY CRUE
motley_crueIn the Motley Crue classic “Kickstart My Heart,” when frontman Vince Neil sang, “When we started this band all we needed, needed was a laugh. Years gone by, I’d say we’ve kicked some ass,” he wasn’t kidding! Since forming in 1981, the Bad Boys of Hollywood have become one of the biggest-selling American rock bands in history, selling over 80 million albums worldwide. Crue is currently rocking the planet on its farewell tour that makes a stop at Hollywood Bowl on July 21.

3. VAN HALEN
Van_HalenSurviving three incarnations of the band and years of behind-the-scenes boozy brawls, health scares, rocky on/off reunions and personality clashes, the near-original lineup of Van Halen, fronted by David Lee Roth, continues to rock arenas and the charts — minus bassist Michael Anthony, who has been replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen. In April 2014, on his podcast The Roth Show, the singer teased about currently “working on a great Van Halen project.”

4. KISS
KISS perform live at Allphones ArenaIn 1973, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss put on makeup, plugged in their gear and changed rock ‘n’ roll forever, becoming the most iconic and recognizable band in the world. Since then, KISS has endured lineup changes and short-lived reunions to become a certified pop culture institution. The ever-touring rockers recently launched an arena football team, L.A. KISS, and are currently moonlighting as models for fashion designer John Varvatos.

5. IRON MAIDEN
iron maiden denmarkFormed in the mid-Seventies, British metal masters Iron Maiden had almost as many different band members as Spinal Tap had exploding drummers. But when Bruce Dickinson joined in 1981, the band released one future classic after another, with “Number of the Beast” and “Run to the Hills” becoming Maiden’s signature songs. Still packing arenas on its 2012-2014 Maiden England World Tour, Dickinson and crew also recently headlined Europe’s Monsters of Rock fest at Castle Donington for a fifth time.

6. JUDAS PRIEST
Judas-PriestSure, Britain’s Judas Priest had other frontmen throughout its career, but only Rob Halford really matters.

The on-again/off-again singer has been back with Priest since the early 2000s, and band tells Rolling Stone that their Summer 2014 release, Redeemer of Souls, is going to be a “very heavy record.”

7. BLACK SABBATH
sabbathBlack Sabbath, which formed in England in 1968 and has had various famous lead singers, has regrouped again with original frontman Ozzy Osbourne in 2011. Since then, Sabbath has been rocking the world on a global tour, and the charts with the band’s latest album, 13.

8. BON JOVI
bon-joviSure, Richie Sambora may be M.I.A., but with Jon Bon Jovi at the mic, Bon Jovi will undoubtedly continue to rock a million faces with sold-out arena shows. Rumors are swirling that Sambora is looking to step back into the band soon, and that’s awesome news, but his sudden departure didn’t damper the success of Bon Jovi’s 2013 Because We Can: The Tour, which proves the iconic band’s superstar success has come near to piquing just yet, not even after 30 years as the best American rock band on the planet.

9. DEF LEPPARD
Def-LeppardPowerhouse arena rockers Def Leppard lit the world on fire in 1983 with the British band’s third album, Pyromania. Instant rock classics like “Foolin’,” “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages” remain among Leppard’s concert staples, including on the band’s 2014 summer tour with KISS.

10. MEGADETH
Megadeth-2014Legendary Hollywood thrash band Megadeth was launched in 1983 after frontman Dave Mustaine had a falling out with his former band, Metallica. Mustaine has since ended his feud and continues to keep Megadeth on the charts and selling out arenas alongside ’Tallica. Megadeth is currently in the studio working on the follow up to 2013’s Super Collider, which hit No. 6 the Billboard 200 albums chart.

11. SLAYER
Slayer-2013Southern California rockers Slayer have been bringing their brash brand of thrash metal to the masses since 1981, and the band shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In Spring 2014, Slayer debuted a new single, “Implode,” and announced that a new album is due in 2015.

12. ANTHRAX
anthraxAnthrax put NYC’s thrash metal scene on the map in 1981 and went on to release countless hard rock hits, including “Bring the Noise,” “Indians,” “Antisocial” and, from 2011’s Worship Music, the 2012 single “I’m Alive.” Anthrax is currently touring and working on a new album to be released in Summer 2014.