Non-Music Post - Tyler Clementi, a tragedy

R.I.P. Tyler Clementi

Let me apologize first and foremost that this article has nothing to do with heavy metal music in the DC area. It doesn't even have anything to do with music period. But with the recent news of a Rutger's student committing suicide possibly because of an unauthorized webcast of his gay "sexual encounter", I felt compelled to write something about it.

I know this entry is probably one of a gazillion blogs regarding this topic, but I need to vent. I need to put these thoughts down, no matter how incoherent/coherent or rational/irrational they may sound.

First of all, let me start by saying this is truly a tragic event. Something that really should have never happened. I hope the Clementi family find the strength and courage to cope this travesty.

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Rockstar Uproar Festival

Avenged Sevenfold with Portnoy on drums

Wow....

Cant even explain how much kickass this concert was! Stone Sour, A7X and Disturbed...

I'll write a more comprehensive review once I get down from my personal cloud of insane blissfulness and back into reality.

Rock On!
\m/
dcvince

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Avenged Sevenfold - New Album

... "nightmare" begins in 4 days...


Rock On, DC!
\m/
DCVince

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Disturbed - Another Way to Die! Single is OUT!!!

Disturbed just released their new single "Another Way To Die" off their upcoming album Asylum. Its available via iTunes here: http://tinyurl.com/disturbedsingle

Can't wait for the album to come out!

Rock On, DC!
\m/
DCVince

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Sonisphere in Poland... The BIG FOUR

photo courtesy of blabbermouth.net

photo courtesy of blabbermouth.net

METALLICA
MEGADETH
ANTRHAX
SLAYER

it only took 25 years...\m/

WOW!.. I wish I was there.... Will try to do the next best thing.. they are airing a live feed at select theaters this coming Tuesday June 22. I'll probably be going to the one in Germantown MD.

Rock On, DC!
\m/
DCVince

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Review: Styx, Foreigner, Kansas... Oh My!

It was Saturday night, amidst severe thunderstorm warnings all over the area, we ventured to Nissan Pavillion (wait.. its Jiffy Lube Live now... sorry). With all the lightning and severe weather, and given that they didn't sell out, all the lawn people got let in the 300's section of the pavillion! AWESOME!

Show was fantastic! Arrived there just in time for "Carry on My Wayward Son", Kansas' last encore song. Picked up some beers, and got some seats and prepped for STYX. Mr. Roboto medley, a few newer songs and Lady later, it was time for their encore... and they closed out with everyone's jukebox favorite... RENEGADE! great set and performance guys!

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RockStar UPROAR - Disturbed, A7X, etc...

Yup... nuff said.. got my pre-sale tix this afternoon...

See yall punks there!

Rock 'on, DC!
\m/
DCVince

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Ronnie James Dio Memorial Service

On May 30, 2010, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall of Liberty in Glendale California, Ronnie James Dio was laid to rest. But not without thousands and thousands of fans paying tribute to one of the Metal Gods! Various rockstar legends attended the service including Geoff Tate of Queensryche, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Paul Shortino of Quiet Riot.

They provided a solemn tribute to one of the greatest metal artists of all time. With a sea of fans surrounding the park (with large jumbotrons), it must've felt like one of Dio's concerts. And that's probably how he would've wanted it. Not in a silent funeral home.. but to rock out and give it all to the fans!

You will be missed, RJD....

video courtesy of metalassaultLA

Geoff Tate's rendition of Hallelujah says it all... RIP DIO!

Rock On, DC!
\m/
DCVince

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Happy 30th Birthday, 930 Club!

photo courtesy of 930.com

The infamous 930 club is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. Yes folks, thats 30 years of intimate concert venue awesomeness. They are even throwing a 30th birthday celebration concert this coming Monday, May 31.

However, I'm not quite sure of the details of the concert other than the fact that its happening, and that there will be surprise performers! I got the invite in my email box and scored me a pair of tickets.... so I'll be going. Not sure if its by-invitation only, but certainly hope not. If I were them, I'd try to invite as many people as possible to celebrate this special event! So for those who either scored a ticket, or if its open to the public, I'll see you concert-heads out there!

Happy Birthday 930!

You've always been a rockin' place to party and headbang!

Rock On, DC!

\m/

DCVince

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New A7X single out now!!!

Wow!.. How did I miss this! Last week, Avenged Sevenfold released their first single from their upcoming album Nightmare. The title track is now available via iTunes. However, if you visit the band's official site (http://www.avengedsevenfold.com), there's a "lyric" youtube video for you to wet your appetite!

photo courtesy of avengedsevenfold.com

Did I mention the song fucking ROCKS!

The song definitely picks up from the sound of their previous self-titled album, with hints of Metallica and Guns and Roses. WOW... I'll say it again, if I haven't said it so many times in my previous posts... that its music like this that totally reminds me that music hasn't totally died just yet.

A7X ROCKS! RIP The Rev... this new album is definitely for you!

Rock On, DC!
\m/
DCVince

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R.I.P. Paul Gray

photo courtesy of wikipedia

Rest In Peace #2

Paul Gray, Slipknot's bassist and one of three original band members, passed away yesterday (May 24) at the young age of 38.

Rock on.. even in the afterlife..
\m/
DCVince

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Review: DC101 Chili Cookoff... and STP

The DC Metro trains were crowded... Cloudy gray Saturday afternoon...Cold breeze that hints rain is definitely on its way...No worries, I braved and ventured out to RFK stadium. Nothing (including rain) was stopping me from attending the "kickoff" to the DC area's summer lineup of concerts; the DC101 Chili Cook-off. To top that, the lineup was not to be missed. We have both Alice in Chains AND Stone Temple Pilots playing the same venue. Both bands are respective headliners so to have them both play at the same concert was indeed exciting!

photo courtesy of dcvincephotography.blogspot.com

The train ride to the stadium was reminiscent of good old Redskins days. RFK stadium was the Washington Redskins' home before they moved to Landover a few years ago. Even the walk from the Stadium-Armory Metro stop to the RFK main gate brings back Redskins memory of scalpers and food/merch vendors.

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Primal Fear at Jaxx Nightclub

Are you ready? No, really... are YOU? Are you ready to throw your devil's horns up in the air as you remember Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P.) reminding us that he, not Gene Simmons, came up with the iconic sign of heavy metal. Are you ready to sing along to one of the most accoladed bands of this century? Are you ready to bang your head, as dueling guitar solos, high octave vocals, and the distinct power metal sound blasts through amps and stacks of speakers with decibels surpassing deafening levels? Are you ready for pure eardrum-piercing awesomeness handed to you by the gods of metal?

Are you...... ready...... for...... Primal Fear!!!

photo courtesy of primalfear.de

As Lauryn Hill so melodically puts it.. "ready or not, here I come, you can't hide" Yes, they're are coming to Jaxx Nightclub at Springfield, VA tomorrow, May 21 2010, and there's nothing any of us can do about it. Well... there is one; show up to Jaxx and enjoy pure power metal goodness!

Primal Fear, a German metal band who has captivated a worldwide following for the past decade, will be headlining tomorrow with acts from Brutallion, A Sound of Thunder, Cypher Lock, Metal Mike and Havok graciously opening. Watch out for Havok! Their sound is Thrash metal at its roots, which is really, its finest. And with local band, A Sound of Thunder, this is definitely a must-see concert for all you metalheads out there like myself! Coincindentally, A Sound of Thunder is raising awareness and money towards the "West Memphis Three" case. Their story was actually featured on Motorhead's site. If you would like to read more and contribute, please go here. More info on the West Memphis Three, here.

At $22.00 (advance) / $25.00 (door) , this is one hell of a cheap concert! Advice.. opt for the VIP pass for $50.00, which entitles you to a pre-show meet and greet with Primal Fear. Doors will be opening at 7:30 and show starts at 8:00pm. With this concert, and Saturday's Chili-Cook-Off with Stone Temple Pilots and Alice in Chains, it's getting more and more difficult to contain myself from all the metal/rock music coming to DC!

Rock on, DC Metalheads! Rock on! Good time's a'comin' to DC!
\m/
DCVince

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2010 DC101 Chili Cook-off

photo courtesy of dc101.com

And the countdown begins for the 2010 DC101 Chili Cook-off, which will be held this Saturday, May 22, at the RFK Stadium grounds, easily accessible via the Metro Train blue line Stadium-Armory stop (lets keep our fingers crossed for minimal metro delays this weekend). The annual event usually signifies the beginning of unforgettable summer concerts in the DC Area and really isn't your typical chili cook-off cookout. Premiere bands such as Stone Temple Pilots and Alice and Chains will be headlining, with a collection of new rock acts like Anberlin, Switchfoot, and Caged Elephant gracing the stage earlier that day. I'm not a fan of these opening bands, but I guess I'll be tasting the chilis during their sets.

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Death of a Legend and the Music Industry

photo courtesy of ronniejamesdio.com

About a month ago, twenty-eight days to be exact, Keith Elam (a.k.a. Guru from Gangstarr) passed away from surgery complications caused by his battle with cancer. Then, to my surprise this morning, I heard news about another artist who also lost his battle with the same disease: Ronnie James Dio... Heaven and Hell, Holy Diver, Devil's Horns...a Heavy Metal Rock Legend.

When Michael Jackson passed away last spring, I was extremely devastated. Then, that following December, The Rev from the metal band, Avenged Sevenfold, died suddenly at a very young age of twenty-eight. I didn't take The Rev's passing very well. Let's just say that to this day, I am still mourning his death. When one of your heroes die, sometimes, the only way to hang on to them is through whatever legacy they've left behind. In this case, its through their music. However, knowing that they wont be able to create new music that can inspire a new generation, that's a hard pill to swallow.

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