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
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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
Back in 2004, I was just starting out with METAL SHOP and one of the early shows we were allowed to shoot was Anthrax at the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood, California. As we were standing waiting outside to get our media credentials, I spotted Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister… just walking down the street! Immediately I thought, ‘I need to meet the metal icon!’ I took a deep breath and walked up to him, introduced myself and asked to take a photo. Lemmy was very cool. He took photos and signed autographs with anyone who asked.
Recently, I saw the new rock n roll documentary “49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch” on DVD. As the founding member of Motörhead, which began in the mid-1970′s, Lemmy has had a very successful career in rock and is one of the most recognized people in the industry. This documentary takes a look at Lemmy’s career and what kind of person he really is… from his collection of swords, blades and knives, to discovering he is diabetic and how much he loves his son. There are many funny moments and lots of music to go with it… in one part of the movie, Lemmy is invited to join Metallica on stage to perform ‘Damage Case.’ Lemmy also talks about when he was ‘fired’ from an earlier band called ‘Hawkwind ‘ and the other child he has that he has never seen.
If you are a fan of metal and love all that goes with it, this DVD is a must-have for your collection!
I want to thank Rhonda Saenz of Saenz Of The Times P.R. for securing passes for METAL SHOP to an L.A.-area Motorhead show a few weeks ago, but due to some last minute issues, we were not able to attend. We’ll get the next one! -Ralph
