A while back I had read on Blabbermouth how Ozzy would be rereleasing Blizzard Of Oz and Diary Of A Madman, and my first thought was here we go again! Would this rerelease contain Trujillo and Borden? Or Daisley and Kerslake? The other thing to come to mind was an old VH1 special where Ozzy bashes Kiss and Gene Simmons, when they’ve had the dignity to only rerelease their albums once, while this is the fourth release on CD of these two albums.

I’m happy to say that Ozzy and his team have gone out of their way to make this release special. I purchased the 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition, it contains the following items:

Blizzard Of Ozz (expanded edition)
Diary Of A Madman (2 CD- Legacy Edition)
Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman (Vinyl Edition)
DVD – Thirty Years After The Blizzard
100 Page Coffee Book
Poster and replica of Ozzy’s cross

The tracks are remastered with Daisley and Kerslake being featured on both studio albums. This boxed set also features the first vinyl I’ve purchased in twenty years. The vinyl looks exactly like the original vinyls that came out in the 80s on Jet Records. The Diary Of A Madman CD is exactly the same as the original album, while Blizzard of Ozz contains the tracks “You Looking At Me, Looking At You”, and a 2010 remix of “Goodbye To Romance” which only features Ozzy and RANDY RHOADS. The one thing that is confusing is the live CD, it is listed as Ozzy Live on the back of the boxed set, and when I pop it into my system, iTunes detects it as Diary Of A Madman CD 2.

That aside, the real gems here are the live CD and DVD. Listening and watching both of these brought me right back to when I bought the Tribute album on vinyl as a kid. I remember getting home, going over to my neighbor’s house and reading him the notes, and checking out the pictures with him. Playing the album was mind blowing. I was too young to see Randy live (I was 9 when he died), and hearing him play so many classic songs live was just amazing.

RUDY SARZO’s book Off The Rails makes reference to the show that was used on the Tribute album, and alludes to the fact that one other show was recorded for WESTWOOD ONE. I am assuming that this is the show included in the boxed set. On a side note the track “No Bone Movies” that appears on Tribute actually comes from this other show. Randy’s playing is just amazing on the new CD. Although some of the licks are the same on these tracks, most are not. How many bands do you see nowadays that do this? Normally they’re playing everything identically the same no matter when you see them on tour. If you’re not familiar with his playing, he doesn’t get to the point where his playing is over the top, he’s tastefully accenting the songs.

What really blew me away was the DVD. It is great to see people like LEMMY talk about Randy and OZZY, ROB HALFORD. But what about STEVE VAI who mention something to the effect of Blizzard Of Ozz being the first album in a long time to offer something new guitarwise. The live footage is what makes this all worth wild, seeing Randy play live makes it all worth wild. Of course we’ve all seen bits and pieces of the band on AFTERHOURS. This footage is on YouTube and was heavily featured in the “Crazy Train” video that came out along with the Tribute album. Seeing him live at the Palladium in New York, in San Antonio during the Diary Of A Madman Tour is just way beyond cool. He shreds so effortlessly, and conveys emotion through his playing in a way that we haven’t felt and heard before on the studio albums, or in countless pictures that we’ve seen over the years. It almost makes his loss even greater.

Rounding out the live band is the aforementioned SARZO on bass and ever so influential TOMMY ALDRIDGE. All you have to do is compare his playing on the live tracks to KERSLAKE’s on the studio albums to see what I’m referring to (can you say double bass).

I would recommend this boxed set to any die hard OZZY or RANDY RHOADS fans. The live components alone make this boxed set worth its wild. Throw in the coffee book which features a lot of obscure pictures from that era, the poster, the cross (will anyone actually wear this?), and some classic vinyls and CDs, and you’ve got one of the best boxed sets that has been released in the past few years.

Grade: A+

This week’s episode of Mars Attacks features an interview with Greg Prato author of The Eric Carr Story and When MTV Ruled the World (among others). The interview is split between both of these books, as both where released around the same time. During the interview he details what it was like to put both books together, what hard rock and metal musicians where interviewed for both (including members of Kiss, Judas Priest, Carmine Appice, Twisted Sister, Anthrax, etc.) and how difficult it was to get them involved in his projects. Some of the other items discussed with Greg are which testimonials (if any) surprised him, why he decided to release both books, and his two upcoming releases, an autobiography of Carmine Appice which he is currently writing alongside the legendary drummer, and Sack Exchange his first non-music related book which is centered around the New York Jets of the 1980s.

Go here to purchase Greg’s Books:

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During this episode we have interview with Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, and James Luna, lead singer of Holy Grail, and former lead singer of White Wizzard. Holy Grail have just released a great new album called Crisis In Utopia. During Luna’s portion of the interview we discuss the making of said album, his influences, playing Waken, and his time in White Wizzard, where he goes into detail to discuss the issues he and former member of the band (James LaRue, and Tyler Meahl both in Holy Grail) had with Jon Leon. Now before anyone jumps to conclusions I did try and contact Jon to get his side of things so that people can determine for themselves what really happened. One of the things that I love about doing interviews for my podcast is that listeners can directly from an artist. It isn’t like playing telephone where things are sensationalized just to put another notch in someone’s proverbial gun. Had I of been able to interview Jon people would have been able to (again) choose for themselves whether what all of these former members are saying is true, or not. Maybe Jon has a good reason that isn’t coming across? Or maybe things are cut and dry, exactly like all of the former members are saying, and is why the label, and Jon himself has decided to not come on the show.

Ripper’s interview was conducted late last year, it is one of a handful of interviews that were conducted for MarkStrigleRadio.com and has yet to be released as a podcast. During this episode we discuss Hail!, his solo album Play My Game, Yngwie Malmsteen, Beyond Fear, Charred Walls Of The Damned, and the abrupt end to his tenure in Iced Earth. Tim is very forth coming, and honest when talking about John Schaffer, and what was promised to him when joining IE, and how it differs to how Judas Priest and Yngwie Malmsteen approached him.

I recommend both interviews to anyone that has been following the dysfunctional history of Iced Earth or White Wizzard, or are fans of either one of these two great lead singers.

During the episode you’ll hear the following tracks:

Holy Grail – Nocturne in D Minor
White Wizzard Shooting Star
Holy Grail – My Last Attack
Holy Grail – Requiem
Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens – Death Race
Beyond Fear – Save Me
Judas Priest – Blood Suckers

Overall we touch on the following topics:

Hail!, David Ellefson, NAMM, Samson Wireless, Andreas Kisser, Jimmy Degrasso, Mike Portnoy, Paul Bostaph, Ray Mayorga, Soulfly, Stone Sour, Spinal Tap, Sepultura, Alice Cooper, Testament, Simon Wright, Motorhead, Pantera, Judas Priest, Accept, Wendy Dio, Bob Kulick, Chris Caffery, John Comprix, Steve Stevens, Jeff Loomis, Michael Wilton, George Lynch, John 5, Scott Ian, Vinnie Paul, Rudy Sarzo, Billy Sheehan, Bobby Jarzombek, Road Runner Records, Road Runner United, Jeff Waters, Cory Taylor, The Grammys, Beyond Fear, SPV Records, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Schaffer, Matt Barlow, Judas Priest, Ian Hill, K.K. Downing, Rob Halford, Charred Walls Of The Damned, Richard Christy, Play My Game, Heaven & Hell, Hannah Montana, Pink,Amon Amarth, Exodus, Mahevilant Creation, Deep Purple, Klaus Meine, Scorpions, Manowar, Merciful Fate, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Slayer, Witchfinder General, Racer X, Testament, Lamb Of God, Jeff Loomis, Nevermore, Danny Lohner, Nine Inch Nails, Metal Blade Records, Angkor Wat, Waken Festival, Matt Hyde, Steve Evetts, Nuclear Blast, Side One Dummy, Prosthetic Records, Exodus, Kiss, Erik Kluibert, Jon Leon, Sleaze Roxx, Metal Sucks, Metal Sludge

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Did a Q&A Interview for Metal Army America with Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali. You can read the interview here.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of talking to Frankie Banali from Quiet Riot. This band has always been one of my favorites and instantly caught my eye the second I saw their videos on MTV. What wasn’t there to love the mask, the straight jacket, the larger than life camera angles, and the black and white stripes which seemed to be everywhere! I have to confess that I immediately took two roles of electrical tape from my father, one black, the other white and proceeded to tape up my drum sticks to emulate the patterns they had everywhere in their videos. The cool thing about the band is no matter what fads were taking place, whether they were being cheered or jeered in the media, they always managed put out great music. Most will know them from obvious hit albums like Metal Health and Condition Critical. Some may also remember QRIII and the video for The Wild and The Young, but the band has always been so much more than that. Great albums like Terrified, Down To The Bone, and Guilty Pleasures for some reason have always fallen under the radar. All of their albums ranged from good to great in my opinion.

I had the pleasure of seeing the band live back in 2001 with Enuff Z Nuff, Warrant & Poison. No doubt in my mind what group I was going to see. They easily stole the show, hands down the best band to hit the stage, it wasn’t even close.

In any event, I had great fun doing the interview with Frankie; hope you guys enjoy it as well. The reason Frankie came on was to promote the new Quiet Riot documentary he’s trying to put together. During the interview you’ll hear him discuss all of the work he’s already put into the film, and why he’s pared up with Kickstarter.com to attempt to raise money and make the documentary come to life. But he isn’t just asking for you to fork over some cash, he’s offering plenty of cool items in return for your backing of the project. You can gohere to find out about all of the items you will receive in return for becoming a backer of the documentary. Items include gold album awards (the real ones with the RIAA certificate of authenticity), dinner with Frankie or a two hour drum lesson with him. Check the link out for more details.

If you’ve listened to my podcast enough you’ve heard me say support the bands you love, buy their music, etc. Quiet Riot is a band I love, help me support Frankie and get this documentary made! Go to the Kickstarter.com link I have posted above, or go to their site and search for Quiet Riot or Frankie Banali. Let’s make the Quiet Riot documentary happen!

Tracks heard during the episode are as follows:

The Ritual
Down To The Bone
Shadow Of Love
Run For Cover
Terrified

During the episode we discuss the following:

Quite Riot, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Randy Rhoads, Kevin Dubrow, Paul Shortino, Rudy Sarzo, Carlos Cavazo, Frankie Banali, Marilyn Manson, Metal Health, Condition Critical, Rainbow Bar and Grill, Bob Turner, Tony Cavazo, Chuck Wright, QRIII, Sean McNabb, Kenny Hillery, Down To The Bown, Alive & Well, Guilty Pleasures, Alex Grossi, Rehab, Tony Franklin, Neil Citron, Bobby Rondinelli, Terrified, Marilyn Manson, Santa Monica Civic Center, Footloose, New York Yankees, A-Rod, Ratt, Motley Crue, The Dirt, Chipster PR

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During this episode I’m joined by former Vinnie Vincent Invasion drummer Bobby Rock. Items discussed during this interview are why the Invasion broke up, various Vinnie Vincent rumors, why Robert Fleischman left the band, and if he would ever play with Vinnie again. Other items discussed include recording with Nitro, Nelson and all things fitness as well as authoring several books.

To read more about this interview check out the Talking Metal Wire www.talkingmetal.com

Items discussed include:

Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent, Robert Fleischman, Vinnie Vincent’s Invasion, Sweet Savage, Dana Strum, Joey Jones, Rare Earth, Def Leppard, Mutt Lange, Myron Grambacher, Pat Benatar, Chet Akins, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Godsmack, W.A.S.P., Stet Howland, Gary Hoey, Fred Coury, Cinderella, Warrant, Whitesnake, Rock Never Stops, Slaughter, Rudy Sarzo, Bruce Kulick, John Corabi, Tony Montana, Dee Snider, Mark Slaughter, Blas Elias, Slaughter, All Systems Go, Nitro, Michael Angelo Batio, Nelson, Monster Circus, Carnival Of Souls, Zentoria, Chrysilis Records, Enigma Records, Hypothetical Erotica, Zentoria, Poison, Aerosmith, Great White, Twisted Sister

The following Vinnie Vincent Invasion tracks are played during the episode:

Boyz Are Gonna Rock
Ashes To Ashes
Twisted

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During this episode I’m joined by former Vinnie Vincent Invasion drummer Bobby Rock. Items discussed during this interview are why the Invasion broke up, various Vinnie Vincent rumors, why Robert Fleischman left the band, and if he would ever play with Vinnie again. Other items discussed include recording with Nitro, Nelson and all things fitness as well as authoring several books.

To read more about this interview check out the Talking Metal Wire www.talkingmetal.com

Items discussed include:

Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent, Robert Fleischman, Vinnie Vincent’s Invasion, Sweet Savage, Dana Strum, Joey Jones, Rare Earth, Def Leppard, Mutt Lange, Myron Grambacher, Pat Benatar, Chet Akins, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Godsmack, W.A.S.P., Stet Howland, Gary Hoey, Fred Coury, Cinderella, Warrant, Whitesnake, Rock Never Stops, Slaughter, Rudy Sarzo, Bruce Kulick, John Corabi, Tony Montana, Dee Snider, Mark Slaughter, Blas Elias, Slaughter, All Systems Go, Nitro, Michael Angelo Batio, Nelson, Monster Circus, Carnival Of Souls, Zentoria, Chrysilis Records, Enigma Records, Hypothetical Erotica, Zentoria, Poison, Aerosmith, Great White, Twisted Sister

The following Vinnie Vincent Invasion tracks are played during the episode:

Boyz Are Gonna Rock
Burn
Twisted

During this episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Ripper Owens, former lead singer of Judas Priest and Iced Earth, the current lead singer for Yngwie Malmsteen, Beyond Fear, Charred Walls Of The Damned, the super group Hail! and his own solo band. During his interview we discussed the following:

Hail!, David Ellefson, NAMM, Samson Wireless, Andreas Kisser, Jimmy Degrasso, Mike Portnoy, Paul Bostaph, Ray Mayorga, Soulfly, Stone Sour, Spinal Tap, Sepultura, Alice Cooper, Testament, Simon Wright, Motorhead, Pantera, Judas Priest, Accept, Wendy Dio, Bob Kulick, Chris Caffery, John Comprix, Steve Stevens, Jeff Loomis, Michael Wilton, George Lynch, John 5, Scott Ian, Vinnie Paul, Rudy Sarzo, Billy Sheehan, Bobby Jarzombek, Road Runner Records, Road Runner United, Jeff Waters, Cory Taylor, The Grammys, Beyond Fear, SPV Records, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Schaffer, Matt Barlow, Judas Priest, Ian Hill, K.K. Downing, Rob Halford, Charred Walls Of The Damned, Richard Christie, Play My Game, Heaven & Hell, Hannah Montana, Pink.

The following songs are featured during this episode:

Believe – Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens
Death Race – Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens
Save Me – Beyond Fear
Yngwie Malmsteen – Live To Fight (Another Day)
Ten Thousand Strong – Iced Earth
Feed On Me – Judas Priest
Pick Your Self Up – Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens