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Jackyl Rocks!!
- Date of Concert: Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Location of Concert: Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY
- Opener: Guns For Hire
The headline really says it all so I’ll say it again: Jackyl rocks!!
I saw the band Jackyl for the second time, although this time with my friend Brandon Lange at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY.
Opening band Guns For Hire got things started with some good rock music.
But as always, everyone was there to see the headliner. In this case, Jackyl.
The band, led by Jesse James Dupree (vocals, guitar, and yes a chainsaw), ripped through a bunch of songs from their rocking discography.
I would say if you mixed AC/DC and any southern rock band or really rocking country band and put them in a blender, you would have Jackyl.
I can’t say it enough: Jackyl rocks!!
The band also includes Jeff Worley on guitar, Roman Glick on bass, and Chris Worley on drums.
If you want to listen to a loud rock band, seek out Jackyl.
Yes you know what I’m going to say: Jackyl rocks!!
And this was a first. Near the end of the show, Jesse threw out his hat that he wore all night into the crowd, and I saw it going to the center of the crowd where I was. I leaned to my right and I actually caught it. There was a little bit of grabbing by other people trying to get it, but I won.
Pretty awesome!!
Thanks Jesse.
Again, Jackyl rocks!!
And thank you Brandon for the invite and ticket!!!
Jackyl Set List:
- Blast Off
- Cut The Crap
- My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine’s Ass
- Encore
- Screwdriver
- Down On Me
- Just Like A Devil
- Push Comes To Shove
- A Country Boy Can Survive (Hank Williams Jr. cover)
- Just Because I’m Drunk
- I Stand Alone
- When Will It Rain
- Dirty Little Mind/Better Than Children (w/Delta Dawn bit)/Dirty Little Mind cont.
- Redneck Punk
- Suspicious Minds (Mark James cover and Elvis Presley’s version is especially known)
- The Lumberjack
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Skipping Christmas Book Review
My girlfriend showed me the movie “Christmas With The Kranks” a few years ago (it was released in 2004) and I loved it.
Last year, I received the book the movie was adapted from.
Called “Skipping Christmas”, it was released in 2001 and written by John Grisham, known for many lawyer/crime thrillers.
Both the book and the movie are about this couple who always celebrate Christmas, but this particular year, the husband (played by Tim Allen in the movie) decides to convince his wife (played by Jamie Lee Curtis in the movie) to skip Christmas this time and go on a cruise.
This is because their daughter is working out of the country for awhile and frankly, to save money and because the husband is tired of all the traditional Christmas stuff.
The wife takes a bit of convincing, but ultimately, she agrees with her husband to do this.
Well, everyone they know (neighbors, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, police, firemen, everyone in their community) is up in irons about this couple skipping Christmas this year.
They’re all in on doing this, until their daughter calls and says she’s coming home for Christmas with her new fiance, who she barely knows.
So, after not preparing for Christmas at all (decorating, cooking, shopping, etc.) they only have a few hours to put everything together.
Both the book and the movie are very fun, entertaining stories.
I actually enjoyed it better than my girlfriend, who loves many Christmas movies/stories.
Like any book adapted into a movie, there are a few differences, but not much.
I could easily visualize the movie while reading the book.
Kind of a departure story for John Grisham, but he did a great job writing it, as usual.
Seek both the book and movie out and enjoy.
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Leonard Nimoy I Am Not Spock Book Review
I have been a Leonard Nimoy fan since I was little.
However, I had never read his book, I Am Not Spock.
I had read his I Am Spock, though, which is quite good.
But I Am Not Spock has for the most part been out of print or not as available for many years.
Luckily, I found it at a $1 book sale.
My book copy has definitely been well loved, let’s say, but it is complete and the ruggedness of it does not bother me.
Leonard released this book in 1975.
He talks about some aspects of his life and of working on various projects, including Star Trek.
Many people apparently took the book title the wrong way and thought Leonard hated the Spock character and hated Star Trek.
Quite the contrary.
Leonard loved Spock and Star Trek and the opportunities that character and show awarded him. Not only on the show, but of what he did later also.
Leonard has lots of Star Trek stories and even has some memos he wrote to Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and others in regards his thoughts and suggestions on various Star Trek episodes, and even mentions some of his favorite episodes.
This is not a very long book, but it is very good, if you can find it.
As Leonard and Spock would say, “Live long and prosper”.
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Duff McKagan How To Be A Man (and other illusions) Book Review
Duff McKagan released his second book, How To Be A Man (and other illusions) in 2015.
Duff is known as the bassist of Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver, but is also the lead singer/co-guitarist of the band Loaded, and was in the bands Neurotic Outsiders and The Walking Papers, and is a solo artist also.
But outside of being a singer/songwriter/musician, he is also a writer. And a very good one at that.
He has written for The Seattle Weekly (where he is from), Playboy.com, and ESPN.com, and released his first book/autobiography It’s So Easy (and other lies) in 2011.
Duff is very smart, well spoken, and well read.
In his second book, he talks about being a father, a husband, a musician, a writer, being sober, being a sports fan, stories of being in his bands, going back to school after getting sober, book recommendations (as I said he’s well read) and so much more.
I found this book to be an excellent follow-up to this first.
You don’t have to be a fan or even know who he is to enjoy this and his other book.
This is a very entertaining, enlightening, and even inspiring book.
Seek it out and his other book too.
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38 Special Milestone Album Review
The band 38 Special released their first album in 21 years, Milestone, on the day I type this, September 19 of 2025.
I preordered a signed copy of the CD more than a month earlier and received it on the day of release.
As of this typing, I’m already on my second listen of the album.
It’s a very good album. Lots of rock, some melodic songs, lots of catchy, hooky parts, great singing and playing, and what can I say? They still rock.
Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist/founding member Don Barnes is the one original member still in the band, but he has a solid group of guys with him. They include Jerry Riggs also on guitar/vocals, Bobby Capps on keyboards/vocals, Barry Dunaway on bass/vocals and Gary Moffatt on drums/vocals.
I’m so glad 38 Special finally released another new album.
I wish more of my favorite bands/artists still made albums.
To me, if you’re a band or solo artist, you make albums. Whether they sell or not, you make albums because again, that’s what you do. Period.
Thank you guys for another really good album and hopefully this will not be the last.
Rock on forever 38 Special!! And thank you for signing the new album too!!!!
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Slobberknocker: My Life In Wrestling By Jim Ross w/Paul O’Brien As Told To Scott E. Williams Book Review
If you are a wrestling fan, you should probably know who Jim Ross, AKA Good Ol’ JR, is.
He has been a fixture in wrestling since he started as a referee in 1974, and eventually becoming an announcer/commentator/interviewer/head of talent relations and so much more.
For many, Jim Ross is the greatest wrestling announcer/commentator of all time.
Slobberknocker: My Life In Wrestling (w/Paul O’ Brien as told to Scott E. Williams, released in 2017) chronicles his life from his early days all the way to 1999 when he returned to wrestling after a second bout of Bell’s Palsy.
Jim has two other books, but this is his first.
And if you are a fan, you will not be disappointed.
JR has a lot of stories, and I think since he has so many stories that it’s fitting he has three books up to this point.
Check out this book. No pun intended, but it is a real Slobberknocker as JR would say.
And I’m glad to say I was able to buy a signed copy!!
All the best always JR.
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Bryan Adams Roll With The Punches Album Review
The very talented Bryan Adams released his latest album, Roll With The Punches, on August 29th of 2025.
Bryan once again has made another very rocking, melodic, catchy album.
Very good songs, short and sweet, tons of melody, great lyrics, solid musicianship, and good singing as always by Bryan.
If you are a fan, you should love this album.
I’m glad Bryan is still going strong and I can’t wait to finally see him in concert November 1st.
Keep on rocking Bryan!! And thanks for signing it too, through TalkShopLive!!
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Glenn Hughes Chosen Album Review
“The Voice Of Rock” Glenn Hughes released his latest solo album, Chosen, on September 5 of 2025.
Glenn continues to sing and play sooooo well and writes great songs.
His band is solid as a rock.
If you are a Glenn fan, you should love this album.
I know I do.
Thank you Glenn for another amazing album and for signing a picture that came with it too!!
And please don’t let it be your last album either.
Rock on!!!!
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This Is Spinal Tap/Spinal Tap II The End Continues Movie Reviews
I just went to see Spinal Tap II: The End Continues today, two days after it premiered (September 12).
I’ve been really excited for this movie.
In fact, I even re-watched the first movie, This Is Spinal Tap (released on March 12 of 1984) this morning.
Not only did I want to see it again, but I wanted to watch it and the sequel back to back.
Anyway, in case you don’t know, the actors Michael McKean, Christpher Guest, and Harry Shearer, along with director/actor Rob Reiner created the story of this fictional band, Spinal Tap, in the 80s and made a movie about the band.
It was filmed like a documentary of the history of the band, and life on the road for their latest album/tour and the drama that unfolds.
This movie, for some musicians, was met with frustration or puzzlement because some thought it too close to home to what they do and some really thought it was a documentary.
But in fact, it’s just a funny look at how being in a band is.
The movie is very entertaining and if you haven’t seen it, stop what you’re doing now or ASAP and watch it. And if you have seen it, watch it again and go see the sequel.
And speaking of the sequel, it picks up 15 years after Spinal Tap did anything (They actually did release a few albums and did a handful of shows over the years.) and shows the band reuniting to do one show, which they strangely were still contracted to do.
The sequel actually has some of the people who were in the first movie, as well as some rock royalty (Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John!!) making appearances, which is awesome, as well as some other cool musician cameos also.
Like the first movie, I found the sequel to be very funny and entertaining and you must see it.
Spinal Tap Rules!!!
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What A Great Weekend at Horrorhound!!
I went to the Horrorhound convention for the second time this weekend.
Like last year when I went, it was at the Sharonville Convention Center in Cincinnati, OH.
They had a lot of great guests, including Bruce Dickinson, the singer of Iron Maiden (his first ever convention appearance), Geezer Butler, bassist/lyricist of Black Sabbath (also his first ever convention appearance), Dee Snider, singer/songwriter of Twisted Sister and actor/author/screenwriter/radio DJ/voiceovers, actors Bradley Whitford (The West Wing, Adventures In Babysitting, Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip, A Perfect World, Billy Madison, The Cabin In The Woods, The Post, and more), Tobin Bell (Saw movie franchise and so much more), P.J. Soles (Halloween, Carrie, Rock And Roll High School, Stripes, The Devil’s Rejects), Nick Castle (Michael Myers in the original Halloween and cameos in the last three Halloween movies, director of The Last Starfighter, co-writer of Escape From New York, director of Denis The Menace, writer of Hook), Dick Warlock (stunt double for Kurt Russell for 25 years, Michael Myers in Halloween II and a robot villain in Halloween III), Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter, 1923), wrestlers Matt and Jeff Hardy, Lex Luger, and Sting, Jenna Davis (Lisa Frankenstein, Megan & Megan 2.0), and several others.
I would’ve liked to have met more, but I was able to meet Bruce, Dee (for the second time) and Geezer, which was more than enough for me.
Bruce was only there on the Friday (it’s a three day event) and Dee and Geezer were showing up on Saturday and Sunday.
I bought an all weekend early entry pass so I could get in sooner on Friday and Saturday (I didn’t need to come back on Sunday and frankly I couldn’t afford anymore at that point.).
Bruce is one of my favorite singers and is still going strong with Iron Maiden and as a solo artist too.
He only could do the Friday appearance because he’s currently on a solo tour, but I’m glad he was able to fit this into his schedule.
Some people say he’s a jerk, but I thought he was just quiet, which is fine.
When I met him, I had him sign my first/favorite Maiden album called Brave New World. I told him I loved it the most, said his newest solo album (The Mandrake Project) is really good and thanked him for all the great music over the years. And Bruce said “thank you” and smiled.
Now, that may mean nothing to you readers, but it means a lot to me.
When you go to these events, come of the guests will really talk to you and others don’t. Doesn’t mean they’re jerks.
I have no complaints and I’m very glad I got to meet one of the best singers/front men in the world.
Also on Friday, I met P.J. Soles, who was very nice and was more personable.
I wanted to get a Halloween picture signed, but my favorite picture she had at her table was of her movie Carrie.
I told her that I watched it recently and that it still holds up. She told me people of all ages still love it and said she loves meeting the fans and appreciates them. And I told her that we appreciate her. Also, I got some free selfies with her too and she gave me a wink while I was waiting in line!! Thanks P.J.!! You’re awesome.
Friday night, I stayed at my friend Kevin’s house, and went back to Horrorhound Saturday to meet Dee again and Geezer for the first time.
Again, two of my biggest heroes. I cannot emphasize that enough.
I first met Dee six years ago (actually six years ago to the day as I type this, story here).
It boggles my mind that Dee knows who I am and appreciates me as a fan of him and his work.
And he actually signs my stuff for free!!!
When I met him this time, he said he adopted me!!
He told me and this is not an exact quote but it goes something like this: “How did I adopt Lucas? When he’s accumulated this much of my stuff, then you adopt Lucas.” Sorry that’s not an exact quote, but you get the picture.
I’m so not worthy, but I’m very grateful to him and his agent/friend Danny Stanton for making this happen again.
Dee told me his Teenage Survival Guide book, which he released in the 1980s and signed for me, is being released again with his modern commentary. And his book Frats, which he also signed for me, I told him should be a movie. And he said there is interest in it being adapted into a movie or a TV show. And I said it should because it’s very visual. And he said “I was going to say that. Thanks for saying it.”
I congratulated him on his band Twisted Sister’s recent reunion announcement and said I hope I can see them next year when they do some shows. And he said “I hope so too”.
And when we got selfies done, I told him I was wearing one of his official shirts, and he really appreciated that too.
Dee has actually said that I am in the top 10 of his true fans, which again I’m not worthy, but again very grateful.
If you ever read this Dee, and I know you know this because I’ve told you, but I love you and I always will.
I hope I can see you again someday, but no matter what, keep on rocking sir!!!!!
After I met Dee again, I got into Geezer’s autograph line. I had him sign the Black Sabbath CD booklets of their albums Dehumanizer and Reunion.
I told him that Dehumanizer is my favorite of the Ronnie James Dio era Sabbath albums and he was surprised to hear me say that. He said “really?!”. I figured he was surprised because that album does not get talked about as much, but it definitely should. I love all the Sabbath albums and I told him that too, but I also told him that Dehumanizer was my first of the Ronnie era albums I bought. After I told him I loved them all, he said “thanks for listening”.
And he actually even looked at both of the albums too to see what they were, which I thought was cool too.
I made him chuckle when I said something, but I don’t know what it was, but it was great seeing Geezer in a great mood and seemingly having fun.
Like I said, this was his first ever convention appearance and not everyone loves doing these, but he seemed like he was having a great time. I’m very glad of that and am very glad I got to meet literally one of the inventors of the musical genre “Heavy Metal”.
Geezer is one of my favorite bassists and he is a great lyricist too. He wrote most of the lyrics during the Ozzy Osbourne era of Sabbath.
Thank you Geezer soooooo much for all the great music and lyrics over the decades and I love you too!! In fact, when I told him I loved him, he smiled and said “cheers”.
I was so star struck seeing and talking to Geezer that I didn’t take a picture of him signing my stuff, but like with Bruce and Dee, I also got a professional picture with Geezer too. After that was done, I told him thank you and he smiled and happily said “Okay”.
I even got two professional pictures with Dee because the camera person thought there was a glare. I got both pictures and I think it was fine. And hey, I’m not complaining.
Such a great time at Horrorhound.
You have to wait in lines more than a bit, and it’s definitely a different experience than going to concerts, but it’s still a lot of fun and I love going to these events.
Thank you to everyone involved with Horrorhound for putting on such a great event.
Thanks to all the great vendors (Lots of great stuff. I especially liked the trading card collection.) and people making and serving food.
And again, thank you to Bruce, PJ, Dee (Thanks for adopting me!!!!!), Danny, and Geezer!!!!
I love you all.