Metal Masters Clinic #3 was held on April 12, 2012 at The Key Club in West Hollywood, California. Let me tell you it was one of the best shows I have EVER attended and I have been to over 500 rock and metal concerts since the 80′s.

The guests for this show were Kerry King and Dave Lombardo from SLAYER!!! David Ellfeson and Chris Broderick from Megadeth!!! Mike Portnoy from Adrenalin Mob!!! Phil Anselmo from Pantera!! And Frank Bello and Charlie Benante Anthrax!!!

When we arrived Frank Bello (Anthrax) was giving out a few pointers about playing bass as did David Ellefson (Megadeth). Dave Lombardo (SLAYER) was next and he did a few SLAYER songs on the drums. Charlie Benante (Anthrax) also came out and showed off a few drum techniques before Mike Portnoy joined Dave and Charlie on stage and all three drummers jammed together!!!

It was time for some kick ass music that was led by Kerry King and Phil Anselmo… the rest of the guys came out on stage to play ‘Reign In Blood’ and ‘Angel of Death’… two SLAYER songs that just got the crowd warmed up.

I am still in amazement of the intensity Phil Anselmo displayed… he still has it as a singer!!! It had me wanting to fuck shit up. If that wasn’t enough, they played five Pantera songs that included ‘Walk’, ‘This Love’ and ‘Fucking Hostile’.

The show highlight was when Geezer Butler made a special appearance and jammed to ‘Hole in The Sky’!!!!! This show ranks in my top 3 best of all time!!! Too bad its not a tour, so it could happen more often!!!! Special thanks to Kevin Chiaramonte at PFA (Paul Freundlich Associates).

Here are a few photos of the gig… Enjoy. -Ralph

The Grammy Museum Opened the ‘History of Heavy Metal’ exhibit on April 11, 2012 to the press and METAL SHOP Rocks was invited for a preview.

Some of the memorabilia on display include hand-written songs by Ronnie James Dio and Randy Rhoads’ signature guitar. Many other instruments, wardrobe and music can be enjoyed by metal heads at this exhibit open now through February, 2013 n Los Angeles, California.

Here are a few photos… Enjoy. -Ralph

Sepultura Kicked off their North American tour on April 10, 2012 at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana, California with special guests Death Angel, Havok, Krisiun and Lords of Ruin.  Upon arriving, METAL SHOP Rocks caught kick ass sets by Havok from Denver, followed by Krisiun, a death metal band out of Brazil.

With about 1,100 crazed metal heads in attendance, Death Angel then took the stage and they were firing on all cylinders as all bandmember’s where on point on every song… it was a solid show!!!

Now it was time for Sepultura!  Having seen the original member’s back in the 80′s and early 90′s with Brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, seeing them in 2012 was very strange because the older songs were performed without the twin guitars! Don’t get me wrong, Andreas Kisser is a great guitar player and can handle his own, but without a second guitar, the music sounded like it was missing that extra crunch.

Sepultura played a 20-song set and the mosh pits were insane the whole time!!! It was cool to see a few Brazil Soccer shirts in the crowd that even Kisser noticed and pointed it out. In all, it was a great time, but Death Angel stole the show… shhh!!! – don’t tell anyone I said that

Thanks go out to Art at the Yost Theater and the Sepultura tour manager for making this happen for us because it almost didn’t happen. Here are a few photos and videos from the show… Enjoy. -Ralph

IRON MAIDEN: En Vivo! – Live at Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile [Blu-ray] was released worldwide on March 26, 2012. Thanks to Todd Nakamine at Phantom Music Management, METAL SHOP Rocks received an advanced copy.

The video contains two discs. The first disc features a complete live kick ass concert from Iron Maiden in Santiago, Chlie with great multiple/split-screen camera shots. The second disc contains an 88 minute documentary about the people who put an Iron Maiden show together… from the road crew to behind the scenes logistics… a great opportunity to see what it is like to be in the Maiden Family!

This Video is a must have for all Iron Maiden fans. UP THE IRONS!!!!

Disc 1 Track list (Live Show)

1. Satellite 15
2. The Final Frontier
3. El Dorado
4. 2 Minutes To Midnight
5. The Talisman
6. Coming Home
7. Dance Of Death
8. The Trooper
9. The Wicker Man
10. Blood Brothers
11. When The Wild Wind Blows
12. The Evil That Men Do
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden
15. The Number Of The Beast
16. Hallowed Be Thy Name
17. Running Free

Disc 2

1. Documentary
2. Final Frontier Promo Video
3. The Making of Satellite 15
4. Final Frontier World Tour Show Intro

NASCAR invaded the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California on Sunday, March 25, 2012. As a huge fan, I try not to miss a race in my own back yard.

Every year before the race, the speedway always has a concert and this year it was Night Ranger. As we walked around the speedway track and infield, we made our way to the main stage where Night Ranger was already rockin’ the huge crowd. ‘Sister Christian’ was the song that was playing as we arrived.

The NASCAR fans were really into the performance singing along to the songs. The show ended with ‘You Can Still (Rock in America)’. In all, the band sounded great and they had lots of energy. They also sang the National Anthem before the race. Here a few photos of the show. -Ralph

KISS and Mötley Crüe held a press conference on March 20, 2012 to announce a co-headliner tour that will take them across the America this summer. Both bands took the stage at the Roosevelt Hotel Ballroom in Hollywood, California with KISS coming out in full gear. Mötley Crüe and KISS will each play full sets (about 90 minutes) and bring a full stage show.

Comedian George Lopez was a special guest who introduced the bands and said he will NOT miss the tour and plans to get, as he put it WASTED with legal and Illegal substances. Tickets for this tour go on sale Friday, March 23rd to the genral public. For more information, log on to kissonline.com or motleycrue.com. Special thanks to Liz and Greg at Live Nation and the staff at 10th Street Entertainment. Here are a few photos of the event… Enjoy. -Ralph

• Jul. 20 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
• Jul. 21 – Farm Bureau Live – Virginia Beach, VA
• Jul. 22 – Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion – Raleigh, NC
• Jul. 24 – Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood – Atlanta, GA
• Jul. 25 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC
• Jul. 27 – Cruzan Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
• Jul. 28 – 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater – Tampa, FL
• Jul. 31 – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre – Pelham, A\L
• Aug. 03 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Woodlands, TX
• Aug. 04 – Gexa Energy Paviliion – Dallas, TX
• Aug. 07 – Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion – Albuquerque, NM
• Aug. 08 – Comfort Dental Amphitheater – Englewood, CO
• Aug. 10 – Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
• Aug. 11 – Mandalay Bay Arena – Las Vegas, NV
• Aug. 12 – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre – Chula Vista, CA
• Aug. 14 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Irvine, CA
• Aug. 16 – Sleep Train Pavilion – Concord, MA
• Aug. 18 – White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA
• Aug. 19 – Sleep Country Amphitheater – Ridgefield, CT
• Aug. 24 – Rock Jam – Grand Junction, CO
• Aug. 26 – BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
• Aug. 27 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – Maryland Heights, MO
• Aug. 29 – Minnesota State Fair – Minneapolis, MN
• Aug. 31 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
• Sep. 01 – Klipsch Music Center – Noblesville, IN
• Sep. 02 – First Niagara Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA
• Sep. 04 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
• Sep. 05 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI
• Sep. 07 – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL
• Sep. 08 – Alpine Valley Music Theater – East Troy, MI
• Sep. 11 – Allegan County Fair – Allegan, MI
• Sep. 12 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH
• Sep. 13 – Molson Amphitheatre – Toronto, ON
• Sep. 15 – Darien Lake PAC – Darien Lake, NY
• Sep. 16 – Comcast Center – Mansfield, MA
• Sep. 18 – Toyota Pavilion – Scranton, PA
• Sep. 19 – Susquehanna Bank Center – Camden, NJ
• Sep. 21 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
• Sep. 22 – Nikon at Jones Beach – Wantagh, NY
• Sep. 23 – Comcast Theater – Hartford, CT

“Welcome to the Jungle” should have been the theme song for the House of Blues this past Monday Night for the Guns N’ Roses show.

GNR packed the house! Tons of hot women and old looking rocker dudes! All out to be seen at the last private show of three for GNR. I was told by an inside source not to show up before 10:30pm. Right then I knew it was going to be a long night! and I was ready!

I did what I was told. Showed up a little after 10:30pm and so did Axle Rose right behind me! HA! I went straight to the Foundation room which you could literally not move an inch. I have never seen it so packed! Ran into the crew of VH-1 That Metal Show which was awesome being that I was just at their taping the day before! Made my way to the bar to throw back some Jack & Cokes. Now I am feeling great and the fact that Axl didn’t hit the stage till midnight, didn’t really bother me! It was well worth the wait because Axl Rose killed it!

The play list was pretty much the same as they played at the Forum back in December. I love that they play the song “Estranged.” That is one of my favorite songs on “Use your Illusions II.” Highlight of the night is when Axl Rose busted out a white baby grand piano to play November Rain. Everyone in the House of Blues sang along. Definitely a moment to remember. The band was still going strong well past 3am till they decided that was enough for the night. What a great show!

Only a Guns N’ Roses show could bring together Corey Feldman, The Olsen brothers, Sebastian Bach, and Lisa Marie Presley under one house! Crazy mix, good times and lots of leather and denim! For what I remember of the night it was an amazing show and a great vibe! Axl Rose is an excellent performer and sounded on top of his game! He was really into it and it shows! Thanks Axl, you ROCK!

METAL SHOP Rocks was once again invited to the taping of ‘That Metal Show’ Season 10, premiering on VH1 classic, March 31st with special guests Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Robb Flynn (Machine Head) and Mike Portnoy (Adrenaline Mob, Dream Theater). For this taping though, METAL SHOP witnessed guitar great from Iron Maiden, Adrian Smith on set for an hour session with Eddie, Jim and Don. For the second hour we had Lemmy (Motorhead) along with 2 members of Warrant, Jerry Dixon and singer Robert Mason. Jason Newsted (Ex-Metallica) was a scheduled guest as well but had to cancel at the last minute due to a family issue. Special guest guitarist was none other than UFO legend Michael Schenker.

Adrian Smith and the guys from That Metal Show discussed many topics regarding Iron Maiden and Adrian’s Side project Primal Rock Rebellion. When asked if he would tour with his new band, Smith said ‘no’… he does enough touring with Maiden. As for Iron Maiden, Smith said after this U.S. tour, they might hit the studio to do a new album. Make sure you check out the hour long interview, scheduled for April 21st on VH1 Classic.

Lemmy was the second guest of the show and The Metal Show hosts made him feel right at home with a nice Jack and Coke… “CHEERS FUCKERS” Lemmy talked about Gigantour and how he lost his voice for a few days, but we are glad to report he is doing great and looking forward to Mayhem Fest this summer. Jerry and Robert from Warrant talked a few minutes with the guys about the passing of Jani Lane and what Warrant is up too these days. Air date for this episode will be April 28th.

I want to give out a special THANK YOU to all the staff at VH1, especially Jay, Rafe, Mike, DJ Will, and everyone who work hard at the tapings for us metal heads to enjoy!!! Thanks for keeping Metal Alive! YOU ROCK! Here are a few photos of the show. Enjoy -Ralph Cartel

Gigantour 2012 made its way to Southern California on February 24, 2012. The Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City was monster rockin’ with Lacuna Coil, Volbeat opening for MOTORHEAD and the headliner MEGADETH.

Lucuna Coil from Italy got it going with a great set highlighted by lead singer Cristina Scabbia’s awesome voice. Next on the bill was Volbeat a band that has combined Rock n Roll with some good speed metal riffs. They sounded really good and looked like they were having a great time on stage. I was really impressed and looking forward to picking up some Volbeat music.

What can I say about MOTORHEAD? I mean its LEMMY! with his black ensemble and Marlboro Red Pack cigarette voice. They played a kick ass 45 minute set to a packed house that included ‘Damaged Case’ and ‘Ace of Spades.’

Main event MEGADETH opened their set with ‘Trust’ followed by ‘Foreclosure of a Dream.’ I dont know if it was me or the sound at the Gibson, but for some reason the volume was very low (not good at a Metal show) and I could not hear Dave Mustaine’s voice most of the night It even seemed like Dave was a little out of it… he was walking around the stage really slow, almost like he was in pain or had a few cocktails before the show.

Overall the entire concert was a great time and I would like to thank Mark Abramson at Roadrunner Carise Yatter, hired gun media Steve Karas, SKH Music and Angelia at MSOPR for making this happen for METAL SHOP Rocks. Here are a few photos of the show…….Enjoy Ralph

METAL SHOP Rocks was once again in attendance for the announcement of the 2012 Revolver Golden Gods Awards at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California. This will be the fourth year of the award show and it will take place on April 11, 2012 at Club Nokia.

The Golden Gods will be broadcast live for the first time on X Box Live and will also be streaming live on Revolver Magazine’s Facebook page. Marilyn Manson, Slash, Black Veil Brides, Evanescence and Sixx AM featuring Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx will be preforming live and Gene Simmons of Kiss will receive this year’s Golden God Award.

Today’s press conference also announced that the Grammy museum will have The History of Heavy Metal Exhibit and Wendy Dio, wife of the late, great Ronnie James Dio presented the museum with the original handwritten lyrics of Holy Diver. Let’s just hope they get it right. We all know what the Grammy Awards have done to metal music in the past (Jethro Tull).

Special guest list for today was:

Alice Cooper Zakk Wylde (Ozzy and BLS) Vinny Paul ( Pantera) Vinny Appice (Dio and H&H) James Micheal (SIXX AM) Chris Jericho (Fozzy) Wendy Dio Mike Portnoy (Ex Dream Theater)

Looking forward to the actual award show in April… in the meantime Click Here for the nominees an cast your vote. Below are a few photos of the presser. Special thanks to Joe at Rogers and Cowan for making this happen! Enjoy. -Ralph.