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Billy Idol Dream Into It Album Review
Billy Idol released his latest album, Dream Into It, on April 25 of this year.
If you are a fan of Billy Idol, you should like this album.
It has rock, pop, punk, melody, good lyrics (some autobiographical), good guitar playing from Billy’s longtime collaborator Steve Stevens, and just lots of catchy hooks.
The album also includes the great Joan Jett on one song.
Billy is touring this summer with Joan Jett and her band The Blackhearts so check them out if you get a chance. I’ve seen both and they are awesome.
I’m glad Billy Idol is still making music and is still working with Steve Stevens. They make a great musical pair.
Keep on rocking guys and everyone check out Billy’s new album Dream Into It.
Luckily, I was able to get it with a signed insert card. Thanks Billy!!!!
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Bands/Artists I Want To See And Haven’t (Revised)
I did a similar post as this in 2023, but since then, I’ve seen some of those bands/artists or unfortunately will never see now because they are gone.
So here is a revised version in 2025:
I have seen many bands/artists since my first concert in 1998.
However, I have not seen everyone, and unfortunately, many I’ll never see because they’re dead, they don’t come anywhere near me, or they just don’t do it at all anymore.
However, there are still some that I’m going to see and hopefully will someday see.
I wanted to show you my list of bands/artists I’m going to see soon or hope to someday see.
Here they are:
Jimmy Page-I’m including him on this list as a hopeful, but it won’t happen because he’s unofficially retired. He’s said for years that he will go back on the road and do shows, but he’s yet to do it. But hey, I can keep hoping. Especially since he performed at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2023, playing the Link Wray classic instrumental Rumble. Come on Jimmy!!
Led Zeppelin-It will NEVER happen, but I can dream. However, I’ve seen Robert Plant twice with Alison Krauss. I have Jimmy Page’s autograph and dream I’ll see him somehow someday. I’ve seen John Paul Jones 3 times, all in March of 2024. And I’ve seen the son of John Bonham, Jason, 4 times with his Zeppelin tribute band Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (was Experience) and twice with Sammy Hagar & The Circle.
David Gilmour-He’s the last member of Pink Floyd still around I have yet to see. I keep hoping.
Ritchie Blackmore (Blackmore’s Night)-I keep hoping but I doubt it because he and his wife’s band do not play anywhere near me.
Danko Jones-They seem to never play in America, but I keep hoping.
Iggy Pop-Mariah and I would love to see Iggy, but again, I don’t know because he only does so many shows now and most are nowhere near.
Jake E. Lee-Great guitar player who had not been active for many years, but became active again a few years ago. Since COVID, though, he’s been mostly quiet. So, I don’t know.
Mike + The Mechanics-I love this band and hope they play America again. If not, I’ve seen the main man of the band, Mike Rutherford, with Genesis.
Chris Holmes-Former guitarist of W.A.S.P., who is now a solo artist. He still makes albums and plays, but he has not played America in quite awhile. I keep hoping.
The Cult-They still make albums and tour, but I always miss them, somehow.
Britny Fox-One member still does occasional shows with a new lineup and I will see them on July 11 of 2025. However, I also keep hoping the classic lineup will reunite someday too.
Black Oak Arkansas-Singer Jim Dandy is still going strong with a great lineup of people. They’re only doing a few shows here and there, but I hope more will happen.
Starz-They mostly play in New Jersey or near there it seems, but I hope they’ll play near me someday. If not, I’m good.
Biohazard-They reunited in 2023 and have played a lot and have made a new album, so they may be possible.
Bryan Adams-I was supposed to see him in 2023, but unfortunately, I got pneumonia, and could not go. And 2025 looks unlikely also because frankly, tickets are too much. I still say never say never, but if not, I’m good.
Fleetwood Mac-Probably not at this point, but maybe someday, I’ll see Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham separately.
Vandenberg-I was supposed to see Adrian Vandenberg in 2023, but was not able to. However, he and his band Vandenberg are Still making great albums and maybe I’ll get another chance. If not, I’m good.
Steve Perry-It will never happen, but hey, I can hope. He’s at least making albums again.
Mike Tramp-The singer of White Lion and a solo artist. I finally saw him on October 14 of 2023. I was supposed to see him earlier in 2023, but unfortunately, I got pneumonia, so I could not. I’m also seeing him Friday, July 11, with Black N Blue and Britny Fox opening.
Metal Church-Maybe someday.
Nickelback-I would not mind seeing them, but if I don’t, I’m good.
Limp Bizkit-I would not mind seeing them, but if I don’t, I’m good.
Pantera-I hope to see the lineup of Pantera members Philip H. Anselmo (Vocals) and Rex Brown (Bass) with Zakk Wylde (Guitar) and Charlie Benante (Drums) in concert. If not, I’m good.
Loudness-I was supposed to see them earlier in 2023, but they canceled. If I don’t ever see them, I’m good.
Joe Satriani-I would not mind seeing him, but if not, I’m good.
Trans Siberian Orchestra-I’ve wanted to see them for years, but I just never have. They come around all the time, but somehow, I always miss them. Maybe someday.
CTA (California Transit Authority)-Drummer Danny Seraphine, founding member of the band Chicago, has a great band that have put out a few albums and do shows, but if I went, I’d have to travel far, so he is doubtful. But if not, I have a signed 8×10 of the band, he signed a CD and DVD for me, and signed his book for me.
Peter Cetera-Another founding member of Chicago. He’s been very quiet since COVID happened, so he may be doubtful. Either way, I’m good.
The Godz-They are back together and I hope to see them someday.
Original Misfits-I’ve seen everyone in this band separately, but not together. They’ve only done a handful of big shows in the last few years, so we’ll see.
The Sweet-There are two versions of this band. I’ve seen one of them. The other seems to tour exclusively overseas, but hey, I can hope I’ll see that version someday. Either way, I’m good.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive Featuring Randy Bachman-Maybe someday. If not, I’m good.
The Guess Who-It is rumored they will tour in 2026. Here’s hoping. If not, I’ve seen their singer, Burton Cummings, in concert.
Jefferson Starship-Maybe someday. If not, I’m good.
Toto-Maybe someday. If not, I’m good. I’ve seen their guitarist, Steve Lukather, twice.
Phish-Maybe someday, but if not, I’m good.
Martin Barre-Former guitarist of Jethro Tull. I was supposed to see him in 2023, but he canceled for some reason. And this year he played somewhat near, but I couldn’t go. Maybe someday. If not, I’m good.
Manowar-They don’t tour America now, but hopefully they will eventually.
That’s all I can think of.
Yes that’s still a lot, and hopefully, I’ll see most of them someday, but if not, I’m good.
Either way, I will always love concerts and I cannot live without music in my life.
Maybe someday I’ll revise this list again with an even shorter list because I’ve seen most or all of these listed above. Again, here’s hoping.
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I Finally Met Bret “Hitman” Hart!!!!
I’m not just a music and movie fan.
I’m also a wrestling fan.
Most especially when I was a kid, but still am.
One of my favorite wrestlers growing up was Bret “Hitman” Hart.
I became a fan of his when he was still partners with Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (his real life brother-in-law) and they were called The Hart Foundation.
They were two time WWF (yes WWF, years away from changing their name to WWE) world tag team champions.
One of my favorite tag teams. Bret and Jim worked very well together.
Bret eventually became a singles wrestler in the WWF, eventually winning the Intercontinental Championship and later World Heavyweight Championship a few times.
Known as “The Excellence of Execution” and “The Best There Is. The Best There Was. And The Best There Ever Will Be”, Bret worked with pretty much everyone during the period of time he wrestled (he wrestled in his Dad’s promotion Stampede Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment) and could usually have a great match with anyone.
He was always a favorite of mine, and even when I mostly quit watching wrestling for many years, he remained a favorite and still is.
Bret is a 3-time WWE Hall Of Famer and truly is, in my opinion, one of the greatest wrestlers ever.
I was able to meet him today, Sunday April 27 of 2025, at my local mall, The Ashland Town Center, at store called Time Warp Ashland.
It was a brief meet, like all meet and greets are, but it was so worth it for me.
I was able to shake his hand and he signed a nice picture for me.
I will forever be a Bret Hart fan and I will forever thank him, not only for meeting me and the fans who attended this meet and greet, but for all the great wrestling Bret has done over the decades.
I love you forever Bret!!
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Val Kilmer: Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman/Citizen Twain: A One-Man Play Written, Produced, Directed And Performed by Val Kilmer Book Reviews
The phenomenal Val Kilmer (1959-2025) has released a few books.
One his autobiography, a few poetry books (all in a picture below) and a book of his one man play called Citizen Twain.
This review is about one of his poetry books called Val Kilmer: Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman, as well as his book Citizen Twain: A One-Man Play Written, Produced, Directed And Performed by Val Kilmer.
As I said, Val Kilmer: Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman is a series of poems Val wrote between the 1970s all the way to 2020.
I’ve never had the greatest understanding of poems, but I think if you can write poetry, that is quite a talent.
And Val, being the extremely talented artist he was (He sadly passed away April 1 of this year, actually four days before I’m typing this.), he seems to have written poems effortlessly.
I’ve included pictures of two of his poems from the book as examples of his creativity as a poet.
If you are a fan of poetry and of course a fan of Val’s then this book is for you.
In the book Citizen Twain: A One-Man Play Written, Produced, Directed And Performed By Val Kilmer, Val takes the reader through the script of his one man play Citizen Twain, which is a fictionalized tale of Mark Twain.
Val toured this show around the United States (I wish I could’ve seen a show!!) and actually filmed it too and called it Cinema Twain. However, Cinema Twain has yet to be released, outside of screenings that Val put together.
I hope Cinema Twain will come out someday because just from reading the script and seeing pictures from the play Citizen Twain, it really shows off Val’s acting craft and creativity as a writer.
I’ve been a fan of Val’s for many years, but it never truly dawned on me until a few years how creative Val was.
The word genius or icon are used too often and is not always deserved.
However, for Val Kilmer, those words and so many more great words are deserved.
Val was and always will be one of the best at what he did.
I know he rubbed some people the wrong way and I’m sorry about that.
But he did things his way and he did it extremely well.
If you can find both of these books (I purchased both of them for my girlfriend Mariah. I actually got one of the last copies of the Citizen Twain book available on Val’s website before they sold out, and Val signed it!!) please get them.
They really showcase Val’s talent beyond just acting.
Val was and always will be a truly brilliant artist.
We will forever miss you Val!!
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Michael Monroe Concert Review
- Date of Concert: Friday, April 4, 2025
- Location of Concert: The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH
- Openers: Sweet Gypsy, Pettibone
I saw another singer for the very first time.
Michael Monroe, the singer of Hanoi Rocks!!
Hanoi started in the late 70s and broke up in the mid 80s.
After that, Michael started a solo career until Hanoi reunited for several years before returning to be a solo artist.
Michael’s band includes Steve Conte and Rich Jones on guitars, Sami Yaffa (also of Hanoi Rocks) on bass (although Todd Kerns is filling in for him on this tour), and Karl Rockfist on drums.
Michael sings, and plays harmonica and some saxophone.
Michael is the ultimate rock and roll frontman.
He still sings great, is a ball of energy, all over the stage, off the stage interacting with fans and just getting closer with the audience, and does all of this well.
He’s still making great albums and does plenty of his solo material, Hanoi Rocks songs, and some covers in concert too.
I’m glad I finally got to see Michael and his great band.
I thank my friend Kevin Montavon, who I went to the show with, for giving me a free ticket. Thank you man!!
The openers, Sweet Gypsy and Pettibone, both rocked and were good too, but make no mistake, I and everyone was there to see Michael Monroe.
He does not play in the United States much. This was the first time in 9 years he’s been here, although he said on stage at this show that he intends to come here more. So here’s hoping.
And people are coming far and wide for this tour (10 dates). I met one lady who came from Delaware to see this show, and she actually saw the other two shows before this one (this was the 3rd show so far on the tour) and she is going to another one in Las Vegas soon. Michael is her favorite artist and she’s even traveled to Finland (where Michael is from) to see him. I love that.
Anyway, another great show for the books.
Thanks Kevin for the ticket. Thanks to Sweet Gypsy and Pettibone for pumping up the crowd before Michael and his band came on (I also got Pettibone’s set list too and have posted it below). And thank you Michael Monroe for all the great music and you and your band please keep on rocking because we need you.
Oh and thanks for giving me the thumbs up and wave at the beginning and putting the microphone in front of me at one point when you were interacting with the fans. You rock!!
Michael Monroe Set List:
- Dead Jail or Rock ‘N’ Roll
- I Live Too Fast To Die Young
- Murder The Summer Of Love
- Last Train To Tokyo
- Young Drunks & Alocoholics
- Man With No Eyes
- Old King’s Road
- Trick Of The Wrist
- ’78
- Ballad Of The Lower East Side
- Don’t You Ever Leave Me
- One Man Gang
- Horns & Halos
- High School
- Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
- Motorvatin’
- Hammersmith Palais
- Malibu Beach
- Up Around The Bend (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
- Encore: Nothin’s Alright (Demolition 23 cover)
- Ain’t Nothin’ To Do (The Deadboys cover)
- I Feel Alright
Pettibone Set List:
- Rock It Hard
- Bottom Line
- Phone Call
- Take It Or Leave It
- Playing Games
- Toxic
- Firefly
- Bent But Not Broken
- Full On
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Rest In Peace Val Kilmer (1959-2025). The Man That Brought Mariah and I together.
This post will be a little different.
I will be talking about a book, but I will be talking about a lot of things here.
But mainly, all of this is a tribute to an actor I’ve admired since I was a kid.
That actor is Val Kilmer.
He’s known for such movies as Top Secret, Real Genius, Top Gun, Willow, The Doors, Tombstone, Batman Forever, The Saint, just to name a few.
But beyond that, Val Kilmer was a true artist in pretty much all walks of his life.
He started making home movies when he was a kid (many clips show up in his amazing documentary “Val” on Amazon Prime), he wrote poetry, he painted, and yes he was an actor.
He was what is called a method actor, in which he really got into his roles more than others did.
That rubbed some people the wrong way, but that was his method.
And it worked.
Look at his body of work.
He played Madmartigan in Willow, one of my favorite movies as a kid, and he’s one of the big reasons why I loved it so much then and now.
He played Doc Holliday in Tombstone (he should’ve won an Oscar for this). Maybe his most famous role and deservedly so. PHENOMENAL.
He played Jim Morrison in The Doors, and did it perfectly, as far as I’m concerned. You don’t have to be a fan of The Doors to appreciate his performance in the movie because it is stunning.
He played Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, which I love. I know some don’t like it, but many do. He did a great job.
He played Simon Templar in the movie The Saint. Based on a series of books and a TV show, this is one of my favorite Val roles.
So much so that when I met him in 2019, I had him sign a picture of himself as The Saint.
But hey I’m getting ahead of myself.
He did some really funny movies in the 1980s, like Top Secret and Real Genius. Seek these out please. You’ll laugh a lot trust me.
He was Iceman in the iconic movie Top Gun. He even reprised the role briefly in Top Gun: Maverick many years later.
He starred in Heat w/Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and a string of all-stars and carried his weight extremely well in one of my favorite longer movies.
He starred in some underrated movies in my opinion.
Movies such as Thunderheart, The Ghost And The Darkness (w/Michael Douglas), At First Sight, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (w/Robert Downey Jr., another HILARIOUS movie), Wonderland, Deja Vu (w/Denzel Washington), The Island Of Dr. Moreau (w/Marlon Brando), Red Planet, and The Prince Of Egypt (playing the voice of God and Moses), just to name a few.
He also did a lot of movies that maybe you’ve not seen or heard of. Movies such as Blind Horizon, Conspiracy, Columbus Day, Spartan, The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains, The Salton Sea, The Traveler, Twixt, Felon, The Chaos Experiment, Pay Dirt, Stateside, Deep In The Heart, and The Super. All of which are worth seeing.
He did a lot!! He truly is a movie icon.
He even wrote his autobiography, called “I’m Your Huckleberry”, which is why I put this in my Book Reviews section.
Val chronicles his life throughout the book. Talking about growing up (actually living on property that had been owned by actor Roy Rogers), being the youngest student enrolled in Julliard at the time, many of his movies, people he worked with, his relationships, being a Dad (he has two kids, Jack and Mercedes), overcoming throat cancer, and more.
My only complaint with his book is that I wanted even more stories about his work. But that’s OK. I still really enjoyed it and it’s very easy to read.
I said earlier that this post is different because I found out when I woke up this morning (April 2 of 2025 when I’m typing this) that Val passed away the day before (April Fools Day of all days) of pneumonia at the age of 65.
I’m not crying, but this is a big loss.
Not only because I love his work.
Not only because I did get to meet him at Lexington Comic And Toy Convention in 2019 (more on that here).
But especially because as I said in the title of this post, that Val Kilmer is the one that brought my girlfriend and partner in life and this website, Mariah Startzman, together.
This may sound weird, but I was on Twitter one day early on in the 2020 pandemic just browsing around when I saw this post by a Mariah Rose talking about Val Kilmer.
Curious, I responded to her about him and we started chatting about our admiration for Val’s work.
And for the most part, we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Obviously we found other things in common and to talk about and love, but it really all started with our love for Val Kilmer and his work.
I’m sorry if that sounds weird, but that’s our story and I am grateful for it.
I’m sorry that he is gone, but his body of work will live on for us to enjoy and for more people to discover and enjoy.
Thank you Val for everything.
You were a positive light in a very dark world and brought happiness to many, including myself and Mariah. We literally have you to thank for initially bringing us together.
We love you very much and we will forever thank you.
