For episode 15 I had the pleasure of interviewing current GNR guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal. During this episode we discuss the differences between recording and touring with GNR as opposed to his solo work, being compared to past members of the band, the re-release of The Adventures Of Bumblefoot , and his work with MS Research among other things.

Items touched upon include:

Guns N Roses, D.J. Ashba, Robin Finck, Izzy Stradlin, Chinese Democracy, The Adventures Of Bumblefoot, Shrapnel, MS Research, Rock Band, Guitars Suck, Normal, Abnormal, Guitars Still Suck, UFC, Exodus, Anthrax, Dream Theater, Zakk Wylde, In This Moment, Talking Meal On Fuse, John Ostronomy, Mark Strigl, Judas Priest, Evan Seinfeld and the Spyderz, Paul McCartney, Mike Patton, Axl Rose, L&B Spumoni Gardens, Blair’s Hot Sauce, Tommy Stinson, Frank Ferrer, Thin Lizzy, Gary Cherone, Van Halen, Eddie Trunk, Kiss, Beatles, Led Zepplin, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dizzy Reed.

Podcast: Download

During this episode we have two interviews, one with Dan Lorenzo from Hades, The Cursed, and Non-Fiction. With Dan we discuss his entire musical career, covering all of the bands listed above, his solo work, and his involvement in Screaming Metal. We also discuss his love for basketball, various festivals, musical influences, etc.

The other interview included in this episode is conducted with brothers Joe and John from the band Misery. This interview with was conducted as a way to prepare for the release of their debut album. This interview goes over all of the basic information surrounding the band, touching on how the band got together, how they transitioned to be the band they are today, what is was like working with Joey Z, among other things. We’re planning on doing a follow up once the album has been released.

Tracks heard during this interview include:

Keep It Together – Dan Lorenzo
Save You – Misery
Take The Power Back – Misery
A Flower Without Sun – The Greatest Fear
In The Know – Non-Fiction
Absorbed – Hades
Evil In The Bag – The Cursed

Topics covered during both interviews include:

Misery, Visions Of Disorder, Metallica, Guns N Roses, Korn, Joey Z, Life Of Agony, Pantera, Super Metal Records, Method Of Groove Studios, System Two Studios, Metal Army America, Type O Negative, Devil Driver, Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Free Reign, Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Aerosmith, Heaven & Hell, Dio, Steppin Out Magazine, Mark Strigl, TMetal.com, The Cursed, Tim McGillis, Big Blue Meanie, Non-Fiction, In The Know, Room Full Of Sinners, Overkill, Savatage, Pete Steele, Tom Coughlin, Hades, Bang Your Head Festival, Twisted Sister, Jimmy Shulmann, Scott LePage, Kevin Bolembach, Infernophonic, Keep It True, Alan Tecchio, Watchtower, Rick Colaluca, Ron Jarzombek, Doug Keyser, Zakk Wylde, Gary Howe, Dimbag Darrell, ZZ Top, Waken Festival, Metal Blade Records, JJ French, Lamour, Dave Mustain, Cassius King, Draw The Line, Talking Metal on Fuse, Screaming Metal, John Ostronomy, Ron Lipnicki, Metal Mike, Halford, Rob Dukes, Exodus, John Kosco, St. Caine, Drop Box, Steve Zing, Danzig, Mark Tornillo, T.T. Quick, Accept, Ace Frehley, Anomaly, C.C. Banana, Merciful Hate, Riot, Swords And Tequila, Judas Priest, Testament, Megadeth, Priest Feast, Cory Proctor, Mark Colombo, Scott Stapp, P.O.D., Don Jamison, Jim Florentine

Podcast: Download

This episode is a special joint release between Mars Attacks and Talking Metal. I touch upon this during the episode mentioning that it was put together as a tribute to Pete Steele. We deliberated at great length regarding this as it wasn’t the original intention. If you listen to Episode 306 of Talking Metal you will find part of the Mars Attacks live show I did with John and Mark last month while in the states. That episode contains an interview we conducted with Anthony Esposito from Ace Frehley, Lynch Mob fame. The next episode of Talking Metal, and Mars Attacks for that matter, was supposed to contain the first half of the live show. During this segment Mark and I interview Joey Z from Life of Agony, Stereomud, and Carnivore.

Joey was nice enough to come down to the studio, and sit in with us. He came in early, and sat on the couch while Mark, John and I did our opening monologue if you will. During the podcast you’ll hear me reference a few songs, one by Warrior Soul, and another by Slash. We spoke to Joey off mic while these songs where playing, immediately he started talking about Pete Steele. He mentioned what an honor it was to be asked to play with Carnivore, and he also spoke about how funny, and quick witted Pete was. He said Pete could come up with things right on the spot, and could roll with the punches during any given situation. I mentioned this during the Dan Lorenzo segment. He also started talking about what good man Pete was, which seems to be a common theme with all of the comments that are being posted on the web. Unfortunately this was off mic, and we had so many things to talk about (we spoke almost twice as long as we originally intended), we never really got into Pete or Carnivore on mic, except for a quick mention by Joey. Due to this, I have included part of his previous interview where he talks exclusively about Carnivore.

Joey is a great guy, who will always have an open door on any of my shows. I a big fan of his music, and have come to learn what a genuine, and nice person he truly is. He was the first person I turned to when I heard the rumor of Pete’s passing. He spoke so genuinely about Pete; it was hard not to think of him when I started reading the posts on the web. During the episode I read an excerpt of the response he sent me.

The reason I included Dan was because I read his comments on Blabbermouth.net. I reached out to a bunch of different people from the NY/NJ music scene to see if anyone might be interested in providing me with a statement regarding Pete. People treat death in different manners, I know for a lot of people this has to be a difficult situation. As a result, it would be foolish for me to be upset over people not wanting to partake. Maybe the situation is difficult for them, other are on tour, and couldn’t come on with such short notice, etc. In any event, Dan immediately came forward to share stories, and help celebrate the memory of Pete.

There are no ulterior motives here, like so many others out there we just want to celebrate the life of Pete Steele. By putting this episode together, I feel that we are doing our part to pay homage to the man, and his music. I’m sure some will say that we’re doing this to ride the publicity surrounding his untimely death, but it can’t be farther from the truth. Mark and I spoke at great lengths yesterday deliberating over whether we should release this episode now, or wait a few months. I personally think that we’re doing the right thing by releasing the interview in the format we have chosen. As a fan, I don’t want someone’s memory or music to ever die. I truly believe that both Joey and Dan have helped us to do this by sharing their thoughts, and experience with Pete.

Over the course of the next few weeks/months we’ll start to hear about Pete, hopefully all good things, but I’m sure some bad will come out as well. All I can say is remember him for what he meant to you, and don’t let others sway your judgment.

I’ll close this in the same fashion that I closed the podcast, long live the memory and music of Pete Steele.

Podcast: Download

First and foremost I’d like to send my condolences out to Pete Steele, his family, bandmates, fans, etc. Although I can’t say that I was the biggest Type O Negative or Carnivore fan, I have almost everything the man has released. And no I do not own the Playgirl issue. I enjoyed every album, ever since I heard “We Hate Everyone” on WSOU for the first time. Over the last few years I’ve revisited the band on a few occasions, namely because of the Seventh Void album, and my brother suddenly becoming very interested in them.

Pete had a one of a kind voice, over the years he and Type O have backed up Ozzy for the Private Parts soundtrack, he also sang “Descent” with Doro Pesch a track that was featured on her Fight album. Although he struggled with addiction, it seemed as if he had finally started setting things straight in his life by the time the band’s last album Dead Again came out. Interestingly enough a lot of people thought it was a hoax, due to the fact that back in 2005 a rumor was spread eluding to the fact that he had passed away.

In recent years he had put Carnivore back together, and my good buddy Joey Z from Life Of Agony talked to me about Pete on several occasions. While off air during last month’s Mars Attacks Live show he discussed how Pete was so quick witted, and remarked about how funny he was. He stated that Pete could come up with almost any remark on the spot. He also mentioned how much fun it was playing with Carnivore, and how honored he was when asked to join the band. His ties to Type O Negative go back before Life Of Agony even recorded their first album. Their drummer Sal came from Type O, and Josh Silver produced River Runs Red.

The original plan was to use the aforementioned live show tomorrow. In light of today’s events, I may actually switch things up. I discussed this with Mark Strigl earlier today. I’m sure if the episode is released the token hater will mention that we’re doing this to take advantage of the situation. Which is far from what Mark & John or I am all about. If you’ve ever listened to any of the shows we do, we’re fans of the music first and foremost.

My reason for releasing the show would be to share how others feel about Pete. As a result, I’ve asked people that I’ve interviewed from the NY/NJ area to send me their thoughts of Pete to have them included during the opening piece of the episode. If any fans are interested in sending their stories along regarding Pete Steele, please drop me a line at marsariesattacks @ live.com (all together, just trying to avoid spam). I can’t promise that I’ll use everything, but will do my best.

Condolences also go out to Vinnie Chas’ family and friends, the ex-Pretty Boy Floyd guitarist recently passed away as well.

On a side note, tonight’s episode of Mars Attacks will focus on newer tracks that have been released recently and have caught my attention. You’ll hear Ratt, Slash, Godsmack, Non-Point, Wildestarr, among other things. Show airs at 8PM EST / 5PM PST MarkStriglRadio.com.

Here is a recap of yesterday’s show, it will repeat tonight and over the weekend, as well as during the course of the next few weeks. Check the show times at the top right hand side of the home page for more details.

Testament – Hail Mary
Overkill – Necroshine
Megadeth – Ashes In Your Mouth
MD .45 – Hell’s Motel
Metallica – Of Wolf And Man
Anthrax – Catharsis
Fight – War Of Words
Judas Priest – Hell Patrol
Life Of Agony – I Regret
Machine Head – The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears
Pantera – Fucking Hostile
Dio – Strange Highways
Black Sabbath – After All The Dead
Black Sabbath – Cross Of Thorns
Ozzy Osbourne – Thunder Underground
Motley Crue – Let Us Pray
Prong – Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck
Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar
Killing Joke – Millennium
Faith No More – Mouth To Mouth
System Of A Down – Sugar
Rage Against The Machine – Know Your Enemy
Sevendust – Denial
Godsmack – Whatever
Alice In Chains – We Die Young

As mentioned in my previous post, we also discuss the following:

Ozzmosis, Lee Ving, Fear, Joey Belladonna, John Bush, Painkiller, Tony Martin, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Vinnie Appice, Ronnie James Dio, Dehumanizer, Cross Purposes

Mars Attacks first ever live show will take place tonight. Guests on the show will be Joey Z from Life of Agony, Anthony Esposito from Lynch Mob/Ace Frehley, and Mark & John from Talking Metal.

The show will air at a special time 7PM EST / 4PM PST / 1PM PST exclusively on MarkStriglRadio.com

Had the pleasure of interviewing Ivy and Tara from Kittie last night at BB Kings in NYC. I had interviewed Mercedes from the band right at the end of last year. I have to say that her interview was one of my favorites, as we talked for close to an hour, although about half of that was edited out. Although this interview originally aired back in January, I do intend on releasing both of the interviews together as a podcast during the course of the next few weeks. This was the first time I have caught the band, and they did not disappoint. They played fifteen songs total, you can tell that they are extremely happy with their last album In The Black, as they played six songs off of the album. During the interview Ivy and Tara confirmed that Kittie will indeed be touring with Insane Clown Posse.

Opening for the band was God Forbid, this was my second time seeing them, as I had seen them at the Kobetasonik festival in Spain last June. For those of you keeping score I interviewed guitarist Doc Coyle back in November. At the time things were somewhat in limbo with the band, they were looking for new management, a new label, and working a new guitarist into the fold (Matt Wicklund, who I saw back stage). Byron announced during the show that they were recording a new album which should be out at some point during this year. The set list focused on Earthsblood and IV: Constitution of Treason. Aside from songs off of their previous two releases, they played Pantera’s Mouth For War during their set. After their show I had Doc right behind me sporting a Metal Sucks t-shirt, he was watching Kittie’s show and had someone with him at the time. I didn’t see it prudent to walk up to him and bug him, in any event, will be posting his interview shortly as well.

Opening act was Gwen Stacy, unfortunately, didn’t get to catch much of their show, although they did sound great as well.

Thanks to Bill from E1 for making everything happen.

Tomorrow night’s Mars Attacks will go live, I will have interviews with Joey Z from Life Of Agony/Steromud/Carnivore, Anthony Esposito from Ace Frehley/Lynch Mob, and Mark & John from Talking Metal. This is my second go round with Joey; the last time we spoke was right before L.O.A. went out and did the shows in Jersey and NYC commemorating the twenty year anniversary of the band. The podcast version of the interview is available here:

http://marsattacksradio.com/2010/03/audio/podcast-episode-2-life-of-agonys-joey-z/

The show starts at 7PM EST / 4PM PST exclusively on MarkStriglRadio.com

For episode 19 of Mars Attacks we have the legendary Chuck Billy of Testament and Dublin Death Patrol. Items discussed during this interview are the Rust In Peace Tour, the recording of new albums by Testament and Dublin Death Patrol as well as the expanded rerelease of DDP´s debut album. He also dispels any rumors regarding Alex Skolnik´s original parting with the band, discusses how cancer has changed his life, and gives his opinion on the term “The Big Four”.

During the episode you’ll hear the following tracks by Testament or Dublin Death Patrol:

More Than Meats The Eye
Over The Walls
Hail Mary
Lights Out – DDP
Draw The Line
Sewn Shut Eyes
F.E.A.R.

Behind My Banter You’ll Hear The Following Testament Tracks:

Souls Of Black
The Evil Has Landed
Into The Pit
Electric Crown
Distorted Lives

Items touched upon are as follows:

Testament, Megadeth, Exodus, The Legacy, The New Order, Rust In Peace, Bonded By Blood, Steve Souza, Alex Skolnik, Billy Milano, Eric Peterson, Megaforce, Metallica, Cliff Burton, Anthrax, Johnny Z, Maria Ferrero, Louie Clemente, The Ritual, Formation Of Damnation, First Strike Still Deadly, The Gathering, Steve DiGiorgio, Dynamo Festival, Eddie Trunk, Death Angel, Forbidden, Judas Priest, Del James, RIP Magazine, Dave Lombardo, Slayer, The Gathering, Dublin Death Patrol, Mascot Records, Bobby Blitz, Overkill, James Hetfield, Low, Mike Tempesta, Jon Dette, Paul Bostaph, Mark Strigl, John Ostronomy

During this episode we interview legendary Thrash Icon Bobby Blitz from Overkill. Among the items discussed during this interview are Overkill’s new album Ironbound, and subsequent tour, the early days of Megaforce Records, the “Big Four”, his 30 year musical partnership with DD Verni, Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, the NY Steel Benefit Show, the project he did with Dan Lorenzo called The Cursed, Hail! and his involvement in Turtlehead!

Here is a full rundown of topics covered:

Bobby Blitz, Overkill, Ironbound, DD Verni, Immortalis, Dave Linsk, New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Iron Maiden, Feel The Fire, Killers, Punk Rock, Warbringer, Hardcore, Pop, Green And Black Army, Exodus, NY Steel, In Union We Stand, 9/11, Sid Falk, Sebastian Marino, Merritt Gant, Rob Cannavino, Bobby Gustafson, Tim Mallare, Rat Skates, Joe Comeau, Megaforce, Metallica, Anthrax, Testament, Alex Parialas, Terry Date, Chris Tsangarides, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Anvil, Colin Richardson, Pete Townsend, Peter Tagtgren, Death Angel, Megadeth, Slayer, Kreator, Destruction, Randy Blythe, Lamb Of God, Gigantour, Dave Mustaine, Willie Adler, Chris Adler, Jamey Jasta, Dan Lorenzo, Hades, Non-Fiction, The Cursed, Black Sabbath, Turtlehead, John Ostronomy, Fuse, Motorhead, Mike Portnoy, Frank Bello, Hail!, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Andreas Kisser, Dave Ellefson

During the episode you’ll hear the following Overkill tracks:

Ironbound
Bring Me The Night
Skull & Bones
In Union We Stand

Behind my banter you’ll hear The Green And The Black