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Deep Water Movie Review
I went to see the movie Deep Water the day after it was released, May 2nd of 2026.
Starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley and directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, A Nightmare On Elm Street 4, Deep Blue Sea, Prison, Driven, The Strangers 1 and 2), the movie is about a plane crashing in the Pacific Ocean, and how the survivors try to stay alive on what is left of the plane, amongst the open ocean and sharks.
Deep Water is a classic disaster movie, in the vein of the Airport franchise, The Towering Inferno, The Poseidon Adventure, Earthquake, Starflight One, you name it. It has everything that makes a disaster movie. Some characters you care about, some you don’t. But it is a thrill ride and I recommend seeing it.
Thank you to Gene Simmons (KISS), one of the producers of the movie, for putting the word out about it.
Again, Deep Water is a very good disaster movie. Check it out.
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Uli Jon Roth Concert Review
I finally saw another member of the band Scorpions.
Former lead guitarist/singer on a few songs Uli Jon Roth.
I saw him at The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH on Friday, May 1st, of 2026.
There were no opening acts.
Uli did two sets. One on his own, in which he played a bunch of instrumentals he has written and covered over the decades. He also told stories about the songs, talked about his history as an oil painter (some of his artwork was on stage and on the screens), talked about being a professor, talked about his book (showed some of it on the screens also), and overall, I can say this set was very interactive.
The second set included his band (Niklas Turmann on Vocals/Guitar, David Klosinski on Guitar, Barry Sparks on Bass, Jamie Little on Drums, and Gwen Antti-Adams on Vocals), in which they played the entire Scorpions album Virgin Killer, my favorite of the Uli era, although they’re all great, and some other Uli era Scorps songs.
If you are an Uli or early Scorps fan, this was the show for you.
Uli is a phenomenal artist, literally, and his band is very good. I was especially glad to see Barry Sparks too because he played bass on a lot of later Dokken albums and some Michael Schenker albums too, just to name a few.
This was the last show of the tour, and thanks to my friend Kevin Montavon and a friend of his, I was able to see this show for free. Thanks guys!!!
Another great show in the books.
More to come.
Rock on everyone.
Set Lists:
Set 1:
- Amadeus
- Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart cover)
- Queen Of The Night (Mozart cover)
- The Cry
- Sky Overture
- Uli Discussing his Paintings and his Book “In Search of the Alpha Law”
- Spirit Of The Heart
- The Sails Of Charon (Scorpions song-He did it in this set too because he said the song got expanded on the more he played it over the years, including with orchestras)
Set 2:
- Scorpions Virgin Killer Album (Tracks 1-9)-Pictured Life
- Catch Your Train
- In Your Park
- Backstage Queen
- Virgin Killer
- Hell-Cat
- Crying Days
- Polar Nights
- Yellow Raven
- Sun In My Hand
- We’ll Burn The Sky
- In Trance
- The Sails Of Charon
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Kip Winger Symphony Of The Returning Light Album Review
The second classical album written by Kip Winger (Winger, solo artist), Symphony Of The Returning Light Violin Concerto “In The Language Of Flowers” was released on April 10th of 2026.
The follow up to his 2016 classical album Conversations With Nijinsky, Kip continues to show his talents as a classical music composer.
If you are a fan of classical music, there is no reason why you should not love this album.
One of the pieces, “Ambrosia”, brought me to tears. Very beautiful piece of music.
Great stuff!!!
Seek it out.
And thanks Kip for answering my question on a Facebook Live you did recently. I included that video here too.
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Mariah And I Visited The Toledo Zoo
Mariah and I visited her favorite place, The Toledo Zoo, in Toledo, OH on Saturday, April 25th.
I personally had not been to a zoo since the late 80s when my family went to a zoo in Cincinnati, OH.
We had a good time. Saw lots of different types of animals. I took lots of pictures. I would have taken more pictures, but my phone battery was running out of power.
Regardless, it was a good day and it was great seeing all the different animals.
Favorites of mine include The Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Tiger (although it was asleep), Flamingos, Giraffes, Hippos. All were great, though.
I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking.
Enjoy and I recommend checking out The Toledo Zoo if you are ever in that area.
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I Finally Met Peter Criss of KISS!!
A few months ago, it was announced that Peter Criss (original drummer/co-singer of my favorite band KISS, as well as a solo artist) was going to do a few signings/photo op appearances to promote his latest solo album “Peter Criss”.
One of the appearances was going to be in the Detroit, MI area. Livonia, MI to be exact.
Originally, I was going to pass on it because I didn’t think I could afford it, but after Mariah mentioned it to me again, I then decided to do it, and it wasn’t extremely expensive. Thank you babe for mentioning it to me again.
Anyway, I went to the first day of it (Peter did two days of this appearance) at The Rock City Music Company, a very nice music/musical instrument store.
While waiting in line, I was able to speak to some fellow KISS fans and hear and tell some stories, which are always fun. Two of them first saw KISS on the Destroyer tour in 1976. One of which told me he and his friends went to their hotel, asked for Peter’s room number, got on the phone with Peter, and Peter invited them up to his room. One fan had come from Australia for this event and for the KISS Indy Expo in Indiana. Another fan caught Eric Carr (KISS drummer from 1980-1991, RIP) drum sticks once on a tour. I love all of these stories.
Peter did the appearances in a series of roughly hour increments (5 PM signing, 6 PM signing, 7 PM photo ops, 8 PM signing).
I met Peter in the 5 PM signing. His wife Gigi was with him. Both were very nice.
I had Peter sign my copy of his latest CD. When I told him I thought it is my favorite of his solo albums, he told me he thought so too and laughed.
I showed Peter my original KISS concert tickets from 1998 and 2000. He asked me how much the tickets cost and when I told him, he told me he wished that tickets were not so expensive now (they were cheaper then) and that bands should be grateful that their fans are still showing up to see them.
Peter said he was grateful for his fans and was grateful I was there.
I told him I loved him and thanked him for everything, that KISS is my favorite band, and he said “I love you too”, said God Bless You, and wished me good health.
Later on, when I was waiting in line to get my picture taken with him, I could hear him playing his drum kit (he sits behind a drum kit while the fans stand in front of it for the picture), and as I already knew, he still plays great.
Very cool experience for me. As I said, KISS is my favorite band (all albums, all lineups) and Peter was the last original member I had not met.
I had met Ace Frehley (lead guitar/vocals, RIP) in 2016, Gene Simmons (bass/vocals) and Paul Stanley (guitar/vocals) in 2019, and now Peter Criss (drums/vocals) on April 24th of 2026.
Thank you Peter and Gigi. Thank you to The Rock City Music Company. Thank you to the cool fans who I spoke with. Thank you KISS!!!! And thank you Mariah once again for mentioning this event to me again. If you would not have mentioned it to me, I would not have gone. I love you babe.
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Black Label Society Engines Of Demolition Album Review
Black Label Society’s new album, Engines Of Demolition, was released on March 27 of 2026.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist/leader Zakk Wylde and co. have made another great album.
I think all BLS albums are quite good or great, but This is definitely one of my favorite BLS albums.
Lots of variety on it. Tons of heavy rockers, but also some really ballads and mellower songs too.
Wow what an album.
Get it!!!
And thanks guys for signing it too!!!
Rock on!!
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Ringmaster: Vince McMahon And The Unmaking Of America By Abraham Josephine Riesman Book Review
Ringmaster: Vince McMahon And The Unmaking Of America was first released in 2023 (revised in 2024, I have the 2023 version) by Abraham (now Josephine) Riesman.
Ringmaster is a unauthorized biography of wrestling promoter Vince McMahon.
I personally think this may be as close as we will get to an official biography about Mr. McMahon, but who knows.
Either way, it is a very well done book, talking about Mr. McMahon’s early history, which many do not know about. Talks about how he ultimately bought his Dad’s company and made it into the biggest wrestling/sports entertainment company we will ever see. Talks about various wrestlers that worked for and with Mr. McMahon, his relationship with his family, various wrestling story line angles, and his relationship with President Donald Trump and many comparisons there.
This book is quite detailed, and I really need to check out the updated version too.
The author Abraham (now Josephine) Riesman did a great job with it.
If you are a wrestling fan, then this is a must read. Some stuff is already quite known by fans, and a lot is not.
Either way, I recommend reading this book.
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Lay It On The Line: A Backstage Pass To Rock Star Adventure, Conflict And Triumph By Rik Emmett Book Review
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Rik Emmett (Triumph/solo artist) released his autobiography Lay It On The Line: A Backstage Pass To Rock Star Adventure, Conflict And Triumph on October 10th of 2023.
Rik has a lot to say in this book.
He talks about growing up, early bands he was in, some Triumph talk, a lot of talk about his solo career and solo albums, family life, family tragedy, philosophies, you name it.
I wish he would have spoken more about Triumph, and clearly, he was in a different place in his life when he wrote this book.
I say that because when he wrote this book, he was retired from touring, and as I type this in April of 2026, he is back on tour with Triumph for their first tour in over 30 years, which is great.
It is a good book, but again, I wish there was more Triumph talk, even though he did cover a lot about them, and I wish the book was being released now or next year in 2027 because he would have even more to say.
Maybe there will be a revised version or follow-up. Who knows.
Either way, it’s worth reading if you are a fan of this tremendously talented guy.
Rock on Rik!! See you May 30th.
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Fun Triple Bill: GWAR/Soulfly/King Parrot
- Date of Concert: Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Location of Concert: Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH
I never thought I would be a fan of GWAR.
I used to think they were just a goofy gimmick.
I’m sorry I felt that way.
Luckily, I came around to them and found that they’re basically a Thrash Metal/Punk Rock band with yes some fun and goofy outfits and characters.
Very unfiltered, nothing is off limits, but it’s all in good fun.
And they’ve been doing this for a long time now. About 40 years.
They really rock and they put on a fun, entertaining show.
I’m glad I and my cousin Zachary (a HUGE GWAR fan) were able to see them.
And it was great seeing Soulfly (Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Cavalera Conspiracy/Cavalera), who have been around almost 30 years now.
And the main opener King Parrot, an Australian band, were pretty good too.
Rock on everyone!!
GWAR Band Members:
- Michael Bishop (Blothar The Berserker, used to be Beefcake The Mighty)-Lead Vocals (used to be the Bassist and sometimes Lead Vocalist)
- Tommy Meehan (Grodius Maximus)-Lead Guitarist, Backing Vocals
- Mike Derks (Balsac The Jaws Of Death)-Rhythm Guitarist
- Casey Orr (Beefcake The Almighty)-Bass, Backing Vocals
- Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha)-Drums
- Bob Gorman (Bonesnapper)-Additional Vocals, Bodyguard
- Matt Maguire (Sawborg Destructo)-Additional Vocals, Nemesis
Soulfly Band Members:
- Max Cavalera-Vocals, Guitar
- Mike De Leon-Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Zion Cavalera (Max's Son)-Drums/Percussion
- Chase Bryant-Bass
King Parrot Band Members:
- Matthew "Youngy" Young-Lead Vocals
- Ari "Mr. White" White-Lead Guitar
- Andrew "Squiz" Livingstone-Squires-Rhythm Guitar (Not at the show.)
- Wayne "Auntie Slats" Slattery-Bass, Backing Vocals
- Max Dangerfield-Drums
GWAR Set List:
- Fuck This Place
- Crack In The Egg
- Eighth Lock
- Have You Seen Me?
- Tormentor
- Hate Love Songs
- Lot Lizard
- Saddam A Go-Go
- I’m In Love (With A Dead) Dog
- Metal Metal Land
- El Presidente
- Tyrant King
- Hail, Genocide!
- Gor-Gor
- Encore: Mother Fucking Liar
- Pink Pony Club (Chappell Roan Cover)
- Sick Of You
Soulfly Set List:
- No Hope=No Fear
- Seek ‘N’ Strike
- Favela/Dystopia
- Prophecy
- Tribe
- Fire
- Execution Style
- L.O.T.M.
- Back To The Primitive
- Jumpdafuckup
- Eye For An Eye
King Parrot Set List:
- Bozo
- Disgrace Yourself
- It’s A Rort
- Target Pig Elite
- Psychotherapy And Valium
- Shit On The Liver
- Hell Comes Your Way
- Home Is Where The Gutter Is
- Fuck You And The Horse You Rode In On
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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GWAR Album Rankings
I must say, I was super late to the band GWAR.
I used to think they were just a joke and a gimmick.
Well, I’m sorry I felt that way.
Yes they have a wild gimmick and are goofy, but that’s the point.
They’re supposed to just be fun, and they are.
Their style of music is mostly Thrash Metal, but also some Punk Rock also. And the lyrics, imagery, and videos are wild, but not meant to be taken seriously.
It’s all in good fun.
Everyone involved in GWAR, past and present (rest in peace Dave Brockie), are/were very good at what they do.
All great talents.
I’m glad I finally got into their music.
Like all these rankings, it’s tough because their discography is very solid and I could change my mind at any time, but here it goes:
- Lust In Space
- Hell-O
- Ragnarok
- Beyond Hell
- War Party
- Violence Has Arrived
- We Kill Everything
- The Blood Of Gods
- Bloody Pit Of Horror
- Battle Maximus
- Carnival Of Chaos
- The Disc With No Name (EP)
- The Return Of Gor Gor (EP)
- This Toilet Earth
- America Must Be Destroyed
- Scumdogs Of The Universe
- Live From Mt. Fiji (Live Album)
- You’re All Worthless And Weak (Live Album)
- The New Dark Ages
- The Road Behind (EP)
What can I say? Better late than never. GWAR ROCKS!!!!!!
