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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.
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The World According To Dutch/Tales From A Dirt Road Book Reviews
Professional wrestler/manager/booker “Dirty” Dutch Mantell has written two books, and is writing a third one.
I am reviewing his first two books here.
Dutch’s first book The World According To Dutch, was released in 2009 and his second, Tales From A Dirt Road, was released in 2010.
Both of these books are not full on autobiographies, per say, but do have many stories from throughout Dutch’s life and career.
If you are a fan of Dutch or just of wrestling in general, then you will love these books.
Tons of great stories, some funny, some serious, but all worth reading.
I should have bought these years ago, but I just had not gotten around to it until last year.
It took awhile to receive them (I bought them from Dutch personally and due to health problems, it took him awhile to send them but most importantly, he’s OK now.) but once I did, I started reading them very quickly.
Both books are great and again if you’re a fan of his or of just wrestling, you will enjoy Dutch’s storytelling and humor very much.
Thank you Dutch for these great books (and thanks for signing them for me!!!!) and I can’t wait for your third book.
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Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs Of The Mistress Of The Dark By Cassandra Peterson Book Review
I’ve been a fan of Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) for many years, and I knew she released her memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs Of The Mistress Of The Dark a few years ago (2021), but I had not gotten around to reading it yet.
I’m sorry it took me awhile to get to it, but once I did, it was hard to keep down.
I wish all books were like that. Hers definitely is.
In her memoir, Cassandra talks about growing up in Kansas and Colorado Springs, getting accidentally burned as a child, becoming a groupie for a brief period (stories about Jimi Hendrix, The Yardbirds, Tom Jones, which is not a flattering story on Tom’s part), meeting Elvis Presley (amazing story), becoming a singer/dancer and later a Las Vegas showgirl, and becoming an actress.
She talks about starting work in The Groundlings troupe, which included Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman), Phil Hartman, Edie McClurg, and others.
And she talks about becoming Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark, in which she became a household name, and many more stories.
Cassandra, like all of us, has had a lot of ups and downs. Some of it is hard to read, but it’s her story. But even throughout the bad times (and the good), her humor stands tall.
She is tough and has not only survived, but thrived.
I’m very glad that she put out this memoir and I’m even more of a fan of hers now.
Thank you for all the entertainment you have given us fans over the decades and you are always appreciated.
And everyone: Please check out this book.
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Sheldon Lettich: From Vietnam To Van Damme Book Review
Sheldon Lettich: From Vietnam To Van Damme, written by Corey Danna (in collaboration with Sheldon) was released on July 22 of 2022.
Sheldon Lettich wanted to be a cinematographer, but ultimately ended up being a photographer, then a radio operator in Vietnam, then later became a screenwriter and director, just to name a few things.
He ultimately has worked with many movie stars, particularly Jean Claude Van Damme (before he was a star and beyond and ended up being friends with him), Sylvester Stallone, Charlton Heston, and many others.
He’s written and/or directed movies such as Bloodsport, Cyborg, Rambo III, Lionheart, Double Impact, Only The Strong, Legionnaire, The Order, and many others, and even created the play Tracers.
Corey Danna is a fan of Sheldon’s (as am I) and even though Sheldon did collaborate with Corey on this book, Corey is really telling Sheldon’s story.
I think it’s a good book with lots of great stories and information.
My only complaint is there is a lot of repeat information when it’s not necessary.
Having said that, I still liked it and I recommend checking it out.
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Perpetual Conversion By Dave Hofer Book Review
Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years & Counting in the Life of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker, written by Dave Hofer, was initially released in 2016, but went out of print for many years.
However, a second printing was released on October 18 of 2024.
I ultimately got it as a Christmas present.
If you’re a fan of Metal music, you probably at least know the name Dan (or Danny) Lilker.
He is the original bass player of the Thrash Metal band Anthrax. He actually came up with the name Anthrax.
He also is the bassist of S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death), Nuclear Assault, Brutal Truth, and many other bands.
Danny is a Metal guy thru and thru and has always played heavy music.
This book tells Danny’s tale, and includes many quotes from Danny and many of his bandmates, family, and friends.
Danny has done a lot over the years, and even though he’s not a household name by any means, I think he has a cool story and I recommend reading this book if you can find it. Especially if you’re already a fan.
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Two Wolf Album Review
The band Two Wolf (featuring Blackfoot/early Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Greg T. Walker) released their first album in June of 2025.
Titled Two Wolf, what can I say other than it rocks!!
The band features Greg on bass and vocals, Lance Lopez on guitar and vocals, Chris Bell on guitar and vocals, and Rusty Valentine on drums and backing vocals.
The album features many originals and several re-recorded Blackfoot songs.
This whole album is really good and I cannot recommend it enough for any rock/hard rock/southern rock music fan.
And please go see the band live (review here).
They are just as good live as they are on album.
Keep on rocking guys and thanks Greg for signing it for me when I met you at the show!!
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I Got To See and Meet Another Member of Blackfoot!!
- Date of Concert: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Location of Concert: The Gallia County Fairgrounds in Gallipolis, OH
- Opener: Southern Mules
I knew that Blackfoot/early Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Greg T. Walker had a band called Two Wolf for the last several years, but I recently discovered they finally released a new album.
Called Two Wolf, it is a really good hard rock/southern rock album.
The whole band, consisting of Greg on bass and vocals, Lance Lopez on guitar and vocals, Chris Bell on guitar and vocals, and Rusty Valentine on drums and backing vocals, are a very tight and rocking band.
The album has lots of original songs, but also has Blackfoot songs too, which are all great re-records of the band Greg co-founded and was in for many years.
I found out Two Wolf were going to play at a charity concert (called Southern Rock Woodstock) a little more than an hour from my house.
I could not resist.
I’m not big on being outside for a festival type of show, which this was, for 12 hours, so I went much later in the day.
In fact, I didn’t get there until after 7 PM, although it was perfect timing because the sun was trying to go down, temperature wasn’t as hot, and the band that played before Two Wolf, a cover band called Southern Mules, was playing.
They did a great job playing many covers, including songs by Molly Hatchet, Styx, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and others. Even a Blackfoot classic, which Greg played with them on.
The song was Highway Song, which I consider Blackfoot’s Free Bird.
I saw Greg was walking towards a beer stand, so I followed him over, but another fan was talking to him. Soon afterwards, I was able to ask him if he would sign my Two Wolf CD, and he said he would, but to just give him a minute. I waited and then he motioned me towards the band’s merchandise tent.
I told him how much I loved the Two Wolf album and that I bought a band shirt at the show and he said “Good!”. I then asked him if he could sign the CD and he did with my sharpie.
I then asked if I could take some pictures with him, and he said yes.
I got some nice pictures of us, I must say.
I then got a fist bump from him and let him be after that.
Thank you sir for allowing me that moment of meeting you!!!!
Later, Greg and his band Two Wolf played and they really rocked.
They’re just as good live as they are on album.
They played most of the album, and some other Blackfoot songs.
Really good set and they were really loud and rocked!!
Thank you guys for the great album and show.
Keep on rocking!!
Two Wolf Set List:
- Highway Song (Southern Mules played this with Greg earlier in the night so I’m including it here.)
- Keep On Movin’
- Too Hard To Handle
- Wishing Well
- Wild Country
- Wrong Road
- Tell The Truth
- Diary Of A Working Man
- Fox Chase
- Left Turn On A Red Light
- Will I Believe
- Great Spirit
- El Paso Sugar
- Romeo
- The Blessed And The Cursed
- Train Train
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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38 Special Still Rocks!!
- Date of Concert: Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Location of Concert: New Barn Theatre at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky
- Opener: Kolby Oakley
I’ve been wanting to see the band 38 Special for a long time, but have just not gotten around to it.
I finally rectified that when I saw them in Mt. Vernon, KY at a really cool venue called New Barn Theatre at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.
38 Special still consists of lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Don Barnes (who still sings amazingly well) and the band also consists of Bobby Capps (keyboards/vocals), Gary Moffatt (drums), Barry Dunaway (bass/vocals), and Jerry Riggs (guitar).
38 Special are on their 50 Year Legacy Tour and have a new album coming out September 19th called Milestone, which I have preordered.
What can I say? They really rock live!!
Loud, but clean. You can hear everyone and all the vocals, especially from Don, are just phenomenal.
Keep on rocking guys. I can’t wait to hear the new album.
They are playing the first single from it now in concert “All I Haven’t Said”, which is a good first start to the album.
Opener Kolby Oakley and his band were solid and started the night off well.
Another great concert for me.
Next up is Two-Wolf (Blackfoot/Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Greg T. Walker’s band) on August 16.
Rock on everyone.
38 Special Set List:
- Rockin’ Into The Night
- Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
- Back Where You Belong
- The Sound Of Your Voice
- Back To Paradise
- Honky Tonk Dancer
- Rough-Housin;
- All I Haven’t Said (New Song)
- Teacher Teacher
- Somebody Like You
- Second Chance
- Like No Other Night
- Heart’s On Fire
- Radar Radar (Riggs cover song)
- If I’d Been The One
- Fantasy Girl
- Good Times (The Easybeats cover song)
- Caught Up In You
- Chain Lightnin’
- Encore: Hold On Loosely
Kolby Oakley Set List:
- Who Do You Love
- He’s A High Roller
- I’m Better Left Alone
- If That Ain’t Country
- Instrumental Medley: Welcome To The Jungle/Man In The Box/Sad But True/Fire/Immigrant Song/Crazy On You/The Boys Are Back In Town/Tom Sawyer/Bohemian Rhapsody
- Sober Side Of Me
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
