Slideshow from Adler’s Appetite – Steven Adler must be the happiest man I have ever met in my life!

If you think the life of a rock star is glamorous, you’re likely thinking of luxurious tour buses, five star hotels and all the booze and groupies you can consume. While it may be like that at the top, the reality for most bands is entirely different. Think crowded vans, sleeping on floors, and hoping you sell enough merchandise to make it to the next stop and have enough left over to eat or buy a drink or two.

Now imagine living like that for the better part of four years, like the Koffin Kats, a psychobilly/punk trio hailing from Detroit, and perhaps the hardest working band on the planet. For Vic Victor, Eric, “E-Ball” Walls, and new guitarist, “EZ” Ian Jarrell, home is the road, and a small revamped wheelchair bus, now equipped with Ikea bunk beds.

Right now you may be asking yourself, what, exactly, is psychobilly?

Psychobilly, the cheeky bastard child of rockabilly and punk, has long been an underground phenomena known to only a few, and considered fringe even by rock music standards – it’s the outsider amongst outsiders, and has never considered itself as having a snowball’s chance in hell of widespread popularity. Which has always suited this scene just fine – it’s more of a tight-knit family atmosphere where there are no backstage passes. Bands hang with fans as equals and the green room is nothing more than gear storage.

But things seem to be changing amongst the psychobilly set. Rob Zombie tapped the Nekromantix to open for him on his most recent tour, and featured some psychobilly music in Halloween 2; Tim Armstrong of Rancid not only signs psychobilly bands to his label, but did some guest vocals on band mate Matt Freeman’s psychobilly side project, The Devils Brigade. And rumor has it that James Hetfield himself recently told a radio interviewer that if he did a side project, it would likely be psychobilly. And the Kats will be opening for southern rockers Nashville Pussy in June on several dates in the confederate states.

Are we seeing the signs that hell is about to officially freeze over for the psychos?

For bands long associated with the genre, like the Kats, it’s clearly a step in the right direction, although don‘t expect it to start turning up in car commercials anytime soon.

“It’s not for everyone,” says Victor, vocalist and bassist of the band. “There are elements of it that are just too extreme for the general public’s taste of music. Psychobilly will always be around and it is more widespread then it used to be. But it will always be small compared to your pop and hip hop markets.”

Drummer Walls maintains the band really isn’t psychobilly, despite the upright bass associated with it and rockabilly.

“I never thought of the Koffin Kats as a psychobilly band,” he says. “Me and Vic grew up on punk rock and I can’t help but see it in our music. I think the sound is always evolving usually due to what we are exposed to on tour.“

“I’ve always considered this band open to whatever style I want to play and never wanted Koffin Kats to be considered a one genre band,” says Victor. “I just write what comes to me. Whether its punk, psycho, or whatever the hell some of the stuff we put out can be considered.”

But inevitably, when you mix the upright bass and punk, the psycho kids will latch on…and hang on. Having said that, despite the scene’s relatively small (but fiercely loyal) fan base, the Koffin Kats have built up a following that extends beyond “psychobilly” through a string of hard-hitting releases, a relentless touring schedule, and a three ring circus of non stop shenanigans throughout their set. Do not expect idle chatter when they are on stage – expect plenty of blood, sweat and beers.

Note, when I say blood, I mean it. And not the fake variety.

Victor has been known to bash his head into his bass or PBR cans or other assorted objects to the point of making himself bleed. There is no other speed but full throttle with this band (or many other bands in the genre). If you are going to do it, then do it all the way. Whether they are playing for one fan or a thousand – the set’s intensity is always the same.

Although the Kats rarely play for only a handful of fans these days – they have toured almost nonstop for the last four years, only taking some slightly longer breaks of a few weeks at a time in the last year, mostly to try to accommodate original guitarist and co-founder Tommy Koffin’s growing needs to be closer to home. Despite the increased downtime, Victor knew the inevitable was coming.

“Our tour schedule wasn’t going to get any lighter. Tommy wanted to be home more and I said that wasn’t going to work. He’s one of my best friends and he knew that this band was not going to slow down for anything,” says Victor.

So after their 2009 tour ended, Koffin made the official announcement he was leaving the band, and of course, the show went on.

Immediately.

The Koffin Kats tapped Ends in Tragedy guitarist Jarrell to fill the void, and as he put it, “Tommy left me some huge smelly shoes to fill.” He debuted with the band after a couple of weeks of basement rehearsals at Walls’ house, as Jarrell is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Despite the pressure of replacing a founding member and pulling together the new lineup quickly, Victor wasn’t particularly phased. “We’re not the first band to have had new members. I had no worries. Ian was Tommy’s suggestion and he could not have been more right.”

Walls agrees. “It was a weird feeling at first but I think the band has done good things with Ian. He’s a great guitar player and I’m happy to have him in.”

Of course, being the new kid on the block and low man on the totem pole can be a bit like pledging a fraternity. The band seemed to take a perverse pleasure in tormenting Jarrell on his first tour with their own form of hazing – underwear removal via wedgie. But, true to his “EZ” moniker, Jarrell took it all in stride.

“I lost at least four pairs last tour including my Homer Simpson boxers which I still need to kick someone in the nuts for tearing,” he laughs. And he was happy to get a chance to give them a little hell back – when asked if the joining the band had met his expectations, he responded, “I would say that all my expectations turned out to be true… lots of sack taps, odors and having to keep Vic from peeing on things unknowingly.”

The Kats just released a split cd with 12 Step Rebels, which was their first recording with Jarrell on guitar. Both he and Victor brought songs to the studio and worked on them together. Did Jarrell feel pressure to try to mimic Koffin’s style?

“Tommy is such a definable musician I couldn’t bite on him if I tried. The new stuff is going to be an evolution but the Kats have always done that from each album to the next and I think everyone is going to like it.”

“Ian has his own sound most definitely but I don’t think its so drastically different that its gonna make us sound like a different band,” adds Victor. “He’s a solid player and actually contributed to a lot of the new material. Some of our new songs were actually old songs of his.”

The Koffin Kats keep rolling on, touring in their new mini bus (an upgrade from sleeping on floors as they have done the last three years.) They put in long hours, embracing the DIY work ethic, and often coming home broke to work their day jobs – cook, postal worker, carpet cleaner. Victor has said that literally signing autographs one day – and cleaning toilets the next – keeps him grounded. And despite the toll on personal lives, he still loves the road and is happy with what the band has achieved.

“I had no idea we would be as far as we are now. In the grand scheme of the music business we’re still minor leagues. This band could stop tomorrow and I’d be proud of what we have accomplished and have a lifetime of stories. Having a semi successful band and keeping it together is like trying to win the lottery. Somehow things lined up and it all came together. This was the goal back then and hopefully we can continue for more years to come.”

As far as the glamorous side of rock and roll, it pretty much begins, and ends, with the time on stage. The rest is getting from point A to B.

“A typical day is usually getting up at a certain time to make sure we make the drive to the next city,” says Walls. “Then maybe finding a Wal-Mart or a post office. Play show, then repeat.”

Having said that, Walls still says that being on the road is his favorite thing about being in the band – when he‘s not on the road, he feels like he‘s missing something.

“Every tour gets better,” adds Victor. “I see new faces at the shows and we get to travel the world these days. I have no problem being a DIY band. I never started this band thinking someone was gonna ever write me a big check and make me famous. I still don’t expect it to happen.”

Yet, they aren’t one of those bands who tell anyone who listen how they don’t care if they find mainstream success, or even play it off as being something to avoid.

“I’ve never tried to keep this band on a underground or mainstream level,” says Walls. “I always just try to do what I think is best for us at the moment. Its hard to tell what will happen with the music or if we will be accepted in the future. I just keep doing what we know how.”

Which is touring, recording, and kicking ass on stage. Then hanging with fans without playing into the whole “rock star” ego trip. The plans for 2011 are pretty much the same plans they had this year, and the year before, and the year before that…

“Tour the world. Or at least any place that will have us,” says Victor. “We’re planning another full length release for the fall of ’11.”

The Koffin Kats are currently on tour across the US, and will be opening for Nashville Pussy for several dates in June. For more info, www.koffinkatsrock.com.

I have moved on to greener pastures…well, not really greener, unless you count all the money flowing around here. But I have moved from Denver to Sin City, and am thrilled to be out west again and back to the desert!

And the fact that I am currently working my poker game doesn’t hurt, either. I am quite serious and hoping to at least go semi-pro by the end of 2011. Which would leave a lot more time for rock and roll, and horror, and all things that make life worth living.

I’m still looking for high quality media outlets to contribute to as well as Mayhem Media, so please inquire if interested. Also, if you are a band coming through the Las Vegas area and think you might fit this site (metal, punk, psychobilly etc) drop me a line. I’m actually pretty much open to almost anything, but rap and screamo. (Actually, Eminem, you can call me if you are in town.)

I could set up a special email address for media requests, but then I’d never see it, so just send to my primary dianaprice 00 (at) aol. That’s 2 zeroes after my name, take out the space.

Here’s a little sample of what I am working on, after being on hiatus – photos of Horrorpops and an interview with the lovely Miss Patricia Day.

Vinnie Paul is such a rock star he has his own tour bus…and it’s not his home away from home, but his bar away from home. Talk about partying like a rock star…

Click here to see live photos of Vinnie and Hellyeah!

Yes, I am really this far behind, as real life has intruded on updating this site as much as I want, but here is a set from Fangs on Fur when they opened for the fabulous Horrorpops in Denver last October. I was having serious dark 80′s flashbacks, both during the set and while going through these photos. And that, my friends, is a good thing.

Fangs on Fur – Images by Diana Price

Have been on a bit of hiatus lately covering live shows, but hopefully that will end soon once I get settled in to my new city (heading for Vegas, babies!) but till then, have been digging through youtube discovering some gems there.

And this was one of the most surprising – Gretchen Wilson and Alice in Chains covering “Barracuda” by Heart. (With a cameo by Nancy Wilson.) I’ve never really been a fan of Gretchen’s although I like “Redneck Woman,” but this and the other acoustic cover below have made believer out of me, and a fan.

God, I would have liked to see the Gretchen/AIC mashup live – I can only imagine the power of AIC doing this song live.

Lighting on this one was tough – very low and super saturated color. Of course, that makes it tougher, but more…atmospheric, right? At least that’s how I console myself with tough lighting conditions.

I’m especially fond of this one for some reason – I like the highlight in the glasses, and the flag reflection with the stripes in his jacket. Plus it’s dark and moody compared to some of the super bright shots I get of bands.

The Hard Rock & Metal Tour Event of the Summer Kicks Off on July 9^th with Pre-Sale Tickets Slotted for Friday April 8^th

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, the heralded hard rock and metal event of the summer, is swiftly becoming the heavy music fans’ summertime rite of passage. Today, the 4th annual summertime juggernaut announces the 2011 line-up with DISTURBED, GODSMACK and MEGADETH, joined by MACHINE HEAD, IN FLAMES, TRIVIUM, and many more of today’s most electrifying artists. The tour will make a 26 date trek across the country beginning on July 9th at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. Tune in to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com and www.livenation.com for up-to-date ticketing information.

This summer’s mainstage artists, DISTURBED, GODSMACK, and MEGADETH, will be joined by a ferocious mix of the best hard rock and metal artists of today.  For the first time in festival history, through their success, IN FLAMES, MACHINE HEAD and TRIVIUM have grown through the ranks to now perform on the mainstage in rotating slots throughout the tour.

The JAGERMEISTER stage will feature UNEARTH, KINGDOM OF SORROW, RED FANG, and the winners of JAGERMEISTER Battle of the Bands. The Extreme Stage will spotlight SUICIDE SILENCE, ALL SHALL PERISH and STRAIGHT LINE STITCH.

Mainstage guitarist Dan Donnegan of DISTURBED emotes, “DISTURBED is looking forward to being part of the biggest summer tour in the U.S. this year.  It’s been years since we shared the stage with GODSMACK and we’ve been wanting to team up with them and join forces for a longtime.  MEGADETH has been a big inspiration to us and we are looking forward to the other bands rounding out what seems to be a solid bill.”

Also, mainstage performer MEGADETH’s lead guitarist and frontman Dave Mustaine adds, “This is going to be a helluva hot summer, and you can get ready for true Mayhem this year.”

“ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL 2011 is a true mix of molten veterans and smoldering up-and-comers, who are bringing their A games and giving the fans nothing less of an amazing day,” adds tour producer  Kevin Lyman.

Live Nation is co-producer of the tour and will promote the festival nationally. Perry Lavoisne, SVP North American Touring for Live Nation, states, “The Mayhem team has delivered the best live metal line-up possible for four years in row, while creating a highly visible brand and value for fans of metal and hard rock. We anticipate another stellar run with DISTURBED, GODSMACK, MEGADETH and all the other bands uniting metal fans at every tour stop.”

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL TOUR DATES:

7/9 – San Manuel Amphitheater – San Bernardino, CA (Los Angeles, CA)

7/10 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA (San Francisco, CA)

7/12 – White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA (Seattle, WA)

7/13 – Idaho Center Amphitheater – Nampa, ID (Boise, ID)

7/15 – Desert Sky Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ

7/16 – Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion – Albuquerque, NM

7/17 – Comfort Dental Amphitheater – Englewood, CO (Denver, CO)

7/19 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Maryland Heights, MO (St. Louis, MO)

7/20 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

7/22 – Comcast Center – Mansfield, MA (Boston, MA)

7/23 – Parc Jean-Drapeau – (Heavy MTL) - Montreal, QC /www.heavymtl.com

7/24 – Comcast Theater – Hartford, CT

7/27 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ

7/29 – First Niagara Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh, PA)

7/30 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA (Washington DC)

7/31 – Susquehanna Bank Center – Camden, NJ

8/2 – Virginia Beach Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA

8/3 – Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC

8/5 – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL (Chicago IL)

8/6 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI (Detroit, MI)

8/7 – Verizon Wireless Music Center – Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis, IN)

8/9 – Zoo Amphitheatre – Oklahoma City, OK

8/10 – Gexa Energy Pavilion – Dallas, TX

8/12 – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood – Atlanta, GA

8/13 – 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre – Tampa, FL

8/14 – Cruzan Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL

The Uproar Fest metal crowd – used to dramatic entrances – almost doesn’t notice when Lzzy Hale quietly walks on stage to start the Halestorm set a cappella. As soon as she steps on stage, it’s hard not to think of Pat Benatar, with her shag cut and physical resemblance.

And when she starts to sing, it’s impossible not to think of Benatar. This lady’s got the pipes.

Halestorm opened the main stage for this years Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Fest, which is a pretty amazing feat, given the band only recorded their first full length album back in 2008. Of course, the road to that first studio record was a bit longer – Lzzy formed the band back in 1998 with her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, when they were in middle school. They paid their dues on their local Pennsylvania circuit, honing their sound and lineup before getting serious about hitting the studios looking for a deal.

Their work paid off – they signed with heavy hitter Atlantic Records and released an EP with them in 2005, and went on the road with Shinedown, Seether, Flyleaf, and Trapt. Their self-titled debut album features the first single, the provocatively titled, “I Get Off.” According to the band’s official website, “On that song,” says Lzzy, “I reach outside of myself and explore sexuality. It also has this crazy metaphor of me getting off on the crowd getting off on me.”

Halestorm – Images by Diana Price

And the crowd most certainly did, proving why this band is rising fast on the charts. Not mention one of the best vocalists on the metal scene today.

Setlist:

* “It’s Not You”

* “What Were You Expecting”

* “Dirty Work”

* “Familiar Taste of Poison”

* “Nothing To Do With Love”

* “I Get Off”