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Music Blog 13

Well, I made it back from the Aerosmith concert and I must say, It was INCREDIBLE! The music was insanity! The night opened up with an also awesome band that's been playing together for almost 40 years now, Cheap Trick! This band started out the night right, warming fans up and making the crowd go wild. At the concert, the seats were all filled, fans anxiously waiting for the main group of the night, Aerosmith! Cheap Trick played many famous songs of their time, bringing back memories for many of the older crowd in the audience. The band also performed many of my favorites, three of which were, "The Dream Police", "Surrender", and "I Want You To Want Me." 


But after Cheap Trick was done performing, the seemingly long intermission took place. The break really felt longer than the actual 40 minutes it was! But the lights soon went dim, and all of a sudden the crowd went wild and the stadium roared! Aerosmith had just come running out and started to play one of my fav. songs, "Love in an Elevator!" As the night went on, the band truly rocked the crowd! Steven Tyler, beginning to get older in age, was still singing and screaming throughout the stadium as if he was in his prime! The sound of his voice singing is incredible, along side with his awesome dancing! haha Aerosmith played all of my favorite songs, such as: "Love in an Elevator", "Last Child", "Livin' on the Edge", "Sweet Emotion", "Deuces are Wild", "Dream On", "What it takes", and "Back in the Saddle." In between the performance, drummer Joey Kramer rocked the crowd with a mouth dropping drum solo! As a drummer, I was truly astonished on how sick this solo was! All in all, this concert was incredible, and to anyone that is thinking about ever going to an Aerosmith concert, I say go as soon as possible! They won't be around forever so go to Aerosmith today! 

Pics from: Cheap trick & Aerosmith

musIC blOG 12

Well today I decided I would tell you a little about what's coming up for me tomorrow, in reference to the music world!



Tomorrow night, my family and I are heading to a concert at the BB&T center... Anyone who is attending tomorrow is in for a special treat... performing tomorrow night is AEROSMITH! I'm soooo excited for this concert tomorrow it's pretty crazy actually haha! Aerosmith is one of the all time greatest rock & roll bands of all time. Their music has been played all over the world, selling millions and millions of albums, reaching the top hits charts multiple times, as well as selling albums that go platinum and even double platinum! At one time though, when their music wasn't producing enough revenue, the band made a breakthrough. They mixed in an album with the famous rap group, Run DMC. 

Together, they produced one of both band's most famous songs ever recorded, "Walk this way." The incredible song was filled with a mix of rock and rap, as well as being backed by a powerful music video. But throughout the band's career, like many rock bands, they faced some devastating problems along their rise to fame. Main singer, Steven Tyler, was a drug addict for many years, causing multiple disagreements and fights to occur within the band. The relationship that struggled the most because of this addiction was between Steven Tyler and guitarist, Joe Perry. For years, the two would fight and argue with one another, but after several unsuccessful attempts to become sober, Steven finally decided enough was enough. He soon became sober, rejoining with the band and going on to tour and sell many more albums. The band has been playing together for many many years, and I believe they will continue playing for many more, selling out concerts and theaters. 

As you can tell, I'm incredibly excited with going to see this concert tomorrow night! Next weekend I will be blogging about how well this went! well I'll see you guys soon!



Pics from: Aerosmith & Run DMC

MuSic BloG 11

Ok, so this weekend I was driving down the road, and suddenly these two songs came on and I was like Wow! Those are extremely catchy! I went to all ends of the Internet to find them, and then i finally found them and bought them on iTunes! So this weekend, I took another hiatus to telling you all the background of my favorite bands, to tell you about these two amazing songs!


So, the first song that I'm here to talk a little about is a newer and alternative song called, "You Can Yell." The song was made by this band "Astronauts, Etc.", which I had never really heard of before, mainly because they've only produced one or two albums haha, but they seem to catch my attention.
The style of music is so different, and so harmonizing, but yet it's incredibly catchy. When you are listening to the song, you feel like you are being pulled by the song and just moved by it! I believe this will become one of my favorite songs, and I recommend it to any Alternative style music lovers!

Album cover for Astronauts, Etc.

The other song I feel compelled to tell you all about is another catchy song called "The Funeral", by the band, "Band of Horses." The song starts out very slowly and in a very sincere style, but then as soon as you feel you are getting used to the song, it hits you like a train! The volume and intensity gets cranked up and it immediately becomes more of a rock song, with the same sweet singing. The song is absolutely awesome! Towards the end it begins to mellow out again, then it hits you once again! With all of this combined, you're in for a great song! I recommend it to anyone who is an Alternative-Rock fan.

Band members from: Band of Horses

 Photos from: Astronauts, Etc. & Band of Horses

Blog 10

Well today, I decided that I would talk about how much I enjoy drumming, and tell you about my musical background!


I've been drumming now for about a year and a half, starting out I was inspired by many famous rock drummers, as well as my father. Being from a musically inclined family, I think I might've found my instrument to continue playing. My grandfather being a famous saxophone player, my father being a great drummer, I've had a mix with both instruments really! I used to play the alto saxophone for about three years, practicing to some truly amazing music with my fellow bandmates. My final concert that I had performed in, I was given the unique opportunity to play a solo piece "Sakura Sakura" in front of a crowd of about 300 people. At the time, I was very nervous, but without thinking too much about it during the performance, I managed to do very well. Doing a solo in front of a crowd like that to me was a great accomplishment and achievement. But, as time progressed I continued to become more and more interested in drumming. 

John Bonham

Neil Peart

Tommy Lee

Three drummers that influenced me the most when it came to drumming was John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Neil Peart of Rush, and Tommy Lee of Motley Crue. I loved playing to all the different types of music on my dad's electronic drum kit when I was in the beginning stage. But as time passed, I practiced and practiced, picking up moves and tips from various drummers in songs, concerts, and videos. Then, one night, I had decided to get the courage in me to ask my parents if I would be able to purchase a drum set. at the time, my parents immediately shot me down, but I eventually got to them! That is when my dad gave me my first drum set! He had given me one of his sets that he had not used in a while, but it was a great kit! I started out with a Gretsch Renown Cherry Red 5-piece set. I invested quite a lot of my own money into buying cymbals, equipment and lessons. I began taking lessons from my drum coach Dave, and he would work me and work me till I would get it! After a year or so had passed, my skills were beginning to develop, and my drum set was starting to expand out to what I use today. It's now a 6-piece, set with many Zildjian Avedis crashes and hi-hat, a splash, and an A custom ride. It's been about a year and a half since I started, and I still love it every single time I play! Today, I'm also playing some part time stuff on the side at my school, which is really giving me some extra strengths by now being able to play the drums in front of groups of people. Well, this is my musical journey and I hope it wasn't too boring for you! haha well see you next weekend!


Photos from:John B Neil P & Tommy L

Music Blog 8 & 9

Today, I decided that I would focus on a very famous and stylish rock group from the 1970's - Today, Blondie!


Blondie was a rock group that was founded by singer, waitress, and former playboy bunny Deborah Harris, along with guitarist Chris Stein. Blondie was one of the first diverse rock bands, formed in New York City in 1974. Lead singer, Deborah Harris, caught the public's attention with her astonishing looks and surprisingly beautiful voice. Shortly after, they hired drummer Billy O'Connor and bassist Fred Smith to help complete the band. In 1976, the band released their first album, Blondie. The debut album proved to be somewhat of a success, bringing a new style of music to the world, along with the catchy looks of having a gorgeous lead singer. Through out the next few years, Blondie began selling multiple records and albums that were proven successes. The band soon found that their fame was not only in the US, but also in the United Kingdom, reaching the #1 song multiple times in the UK during their beginning years. In 1978, Blondie expanded into a six-piece band, hiring guitarist Frank Infante and bassist Nigel Harrison.

Through the next three years, Blondie produced some of their most popular songs, such as: "Heart of Glass", "Call Me", "Rapture", "One Way or Another", and many more. It appeared that the group would never stop rocking together and producing #1 hits, until Blondie took a brief hiatus in 1981. During this time, Deborah Harry and Chris Stein, together, worked on a solo album, KooKoo, without the rest of the band. Later that year, the band got together and began touring again and selling hits, but soon Chris Stein was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, Pemphigus. Shortly after Chris' illness was announced, the band began falling apart due to drug use, financial problems, and slowing ticket sales. When all this was coming into play, the band decided to cancel the rest of its 1982 tour and a few months later, they officially split up. In 1997, Blondie finally had gotten back together and began touring once again with the help of a few new band members: Clem Burke, Leigh Foxx, and Paul Carbonara. In 2003, a few of the band members left and more were added on, but still to this day, Blondie tours venues and brings in some very loyal fans to their shows. Their legacy will live on till the end of time as one of the most famous new-wave rock bands of all time!

Info From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blondie_(band)

Photo credits: Deborah Harry Pic & Blondie

mUSIC bLOG 7

JIMI HENDRIX

Week One

Well today, I decided I would test out some of my skills on writing HTML code to create my weekly music blog. So for these next few blogs, I will be giving you the story line and history of the legendary rockstar and guitarist, Jimi Hendrix using computer programming haha!

• Birth and Childhood

Jimi Hendrix, born as "Johnny Allen Hendrix", came to life on November 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington. Jimi was born into the lives of two very young parents, his father Al being 23 and his mother Lucille being 17 at the time. As Lucille was pregnant with Jimi, Al was sent off to fight in World War II leaving Lucille to deal with the baby by herself. As Al was away, Lucille found a lot of help from grandmother Nora as well as from Lucille's sister Delores. He was the first to be born of his other four siblings, Leon, Joseph, Kathy, and Pamela. Three of children, Joseph,Kathy,and Pamela faced serious health issues. When Al returned home from war, Jimi was now three,and Al had finally met back up with Lucille. Soon though, he found that a few of the children were now in foster homes, or up for adoption. The two parents would fight and argue A LOT! Much of this fighting could've possibly been explained by the constant abuse of alcohol. Jimi had later told media that many times, he would hide in the closet and cover his eyes to keep from seeing his parents fight. He grew up in a very impoverished family, moving all around Seattle. At the age of nine, Jimi's parents had gotten a divorce, and his father Al had won custody of himself and Leon. Sadly, seven years later his mother passed away from cirrhosis of the liver. Al taught the two boys how "men" deal with their sadness, by drinking shots of whiskey.

The Teenage Years and Early Adulthood of Jimi Hendrix

At the age of 15, Jimi had purchased his first guitar from a friend family friend for five dollars! All throughout high school, Jimi would practice hours and hours on end to perfect his playing. His brother Leon has told many that Jimi would sit in his room all day and practice playing the same couple of notes for the whole time. He was very devoted towards his music, and used this to get away from all the pain and suffering he had suffered in his earlier years. Jimi would listen to many famous rock and blues musicians of the day, such as: Elvis Presley, Muddy Waters,Howlin' Wolf, and B.B. King. In his mid years of high school, Jimi had been in and out of a couple of bands that would play around in local bars. One time, Jimi's guitar had been stolen so his father Al bought him a brand new Silvertone Danelectro, painted it red, and had Jimi's first girlfriend's name "Betty Jean" put on the guitar. About a year or so before Jimi was to graduate, he was expelled from Garfield High School by racist faculty members, for holding hands in study hall with a white girl. In 1961, Jimi was given the choice to either be sentenced to two years in prison, for riding in stolen vehicles or to join the army. Jimi quickly joined the army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne. Time shortly showed that he was not cut out to be a soldier, sleeping during duty, not always being properly dressed, playing music on base, and not being a very accurate marksman. For these things, as well as protecting his guitar, he was laughed at and once beaten. Soon, two men Raymond Ross and Billy Cox befriended Jimi. Over time, Billy Cox and Jimi had formed a very tight-knit friendship and started a band The Casuals while still in the military. Soon after, private Hendrix's Captain, Captain Batchman had him discharged from the military for obviously not being cut out for the service.

Week Two

Musical Career (Brief)

In 1966, Jimi was introduced to ex-Animals bassist, Chas Chandler. Chas saw some extreme talent in Jimi that no one else at the time would take advantage of. So shortly after, he brought Jimi to London, where Chas helped form a band for Jimi, The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The band consisted of guitarist and lead singer, Jimi Hendrix, drummer Mitch Mitchell, and bassist Noel Redding. Soon after the band was formed, Jimi was given the opportunity to play on stage with one of his favorite bands, Cream. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was extremely successful in the UK, but found it tougher to top the charts in the United States. In June of 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its final show. Then, bassist Noel Redding announced to the public that he would not be playing for the band anymore, as well as drummer Mitch Mitchell taking a break from the band. Soon after, Jimi had hired bassist Billy Cox, his old army pal, and Ed Shaughnessy filled in for the two men. The band was then renamed to Gypsy Sun and the Rainbows. The next huge and upcoming event in music was Woodstock. Jimi was ready for Woodstock, but he became very nervous when he heard how many people he would be playing in front of. If he kept his spot in the middle of the show, he would be playing in front of the max crowd of 400,000 people. When he heard this, he asked that his band play at the very end of the show, only playing in front of 30-40,000 people now. Near the end of his playing time at Woodstock, Jimi created a sense of awe to those still at the show when he played "The Star-Spangled Banner" on his guitar. Being in the years surrounding the Vietnam War, many found this very patriotic and inspiring.

Drug Use and Death

Jimi Hendrix has been known throughout the years for extended use of drugs and alcohol. In his fame, it has been reported that Jimi had also slept with a large number of women. Jimi used a wide variety of drugs, ranging from Marijuana and hashish, to LSD, even to some Amphetamines. There have been many recorded times, when he had attacked and fought with people after doing drugs or becoming drunk. He would take and use all these narcotics while he was on tour. One time, in May of 1969, Jimi was going through customs in a Canadian Airport. Next thing you know, he was caught concealing small doses of hashish and heroin in his bag. He was then arrested and charged for drug possession, but he later told the press that a fan had planted the drugs in his bag without him knowing. On September 17, 1970 Jimi was out at a night of partying. At 3am he was picked up by his girlfriend and brought back to her apartment. Early the next morning, Jimi Hendrix passed away. He had been brought to the hospital late in the night, as he was unconscious and unresponsive. Later it had been found that Jimi had taken 8 of his girlfriend's sleeping pills, when the daily amount was to only be half of a pill. The police were certain that he was unaware of this amount, because of the info on the medicine being written in a different language. The reported cause of death due to the pills and alcohol, was that Jimi had asphyxiated in his own vomit. This news shocked the world and many of his loyal fans. It's a shame that such a legend and inspiration died so young, but he will forever be remembered for his incredible artistry.

RIP Jimi Hendrix

photo credits: Jimi Hendrix Bio

and

Jimi Blog