Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s 'Rising Force' released 33 years ago today + '85 concert (aka: neo-classical shredder sets bar into stratosphere).

First time I heard Swede-shredder Yngwie Malmsteen was on Steeler's debut album (w/Ron Keel on vocals) and Alcatrazz ‘No Parole From Rock and Roll' (both released in '83). But man, first time I heard Yngwie's three-and-a-half-minute intro to Steeler's "Hot On Your Heels" I was absolutely floored.  I'd always admired Ritchie Blackmore's  neo-classical guitar style for years, but this neo-classical shredding was an absolute game changer and set another guitar playing style/technique bar very high.  And the 1984 Alcatrazz release 'Live Sentence' proved to me what Yngwie was capable of in a live setting.

When Yngwie released this '84 debut I knew it would be great, but I had no idea it would blow the doors off all three of the previously released albums (in my humble opinion).  I was familiar with 'Evil Eye' from the 'Live Sentence' album, but the studio version was so much better.  I enjoy every track, but two favorites will always be 'Icarus' Dream Suite Op. 4' and 'Far Beyond The Sun'.  Upon first listen though, I was surprised a vocalist was used at all. I became a fan of vocalist Jeff Scott Soto due to this album. Plus, having an opportunity to see him perform live made me realize he'd become more popular as time went on (never imagined he'd join Journey down the road). My brother and I listened to this album all the time. We played it frontward, backward, upside down. We played along to every friggin’ note….on air guitar of course.

Some fifteen months after this release, the local concert gods came through and Yngwie was coming to town June 19, 1985 (it was booked at the same dance club venue where I had seen Metallica three months prior - Graham Central Station). And as a HUGE added bonus, Talas (bass god Billy Sheehan's band) was providing support.  I already owned Talas' first two studio albums and "Live Speed On Ice" (another all-time favorite live album). I witnessed greatness that evening - one on guitar and the other on bass.  I remained up front for both sets have the highlights etched in my brain for life.  Both bands played as though they were performing in front of a sold out stadium of 50,000 fans. My jaw was sore from the many times it hit the ground during both Talas and Yngwie's sets. Remarkable musicianship and I never saw a concert quite like it ever again.

By the way, I can still play this album......note for air guitar note.

Sidebar: I always got a kick out of the ‘J’ he had added to his name. I get the classical connection, seriously, I get it…but I joked about that the most back in the day. Kinda went like this, “You have to listen to the new Ingvay Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Malmsteen album!"

Photos from my personal collection (original Polydor label):

Yngwie Malmsteen - Icarus' Dream Suite Op.4 (1984)

Master Of Puppets turns 31 today + RTL concert 32 years to the day (aka: my mini metallica overload - you've been warned.)

This just in from the "holy shit I'm old" department.

My original Metallica "Master Of Puppets" cassette

Couple of Metallica anniversaries today:

1. Attended Metallica/Armored Saint concert 32 years ago today [Mar 03, 1985].
2. Metallica released "Master of Puppets" 31 years ago today [Mar 03, 1986].

I saw Metallica perform at a local club in Albuquerque, NM 32 years ago today at a local dance club/bar called Graham Central Station (complete with the multicolored dance floor straight out of 1977's Saturday Night Fever) and one year prior to "Master of Puppets" being released upon the masses.  Who knew that a musical juggernaut the size of the moon would be hurled at us in a years time down the road.  But before I go there, I have to reflect on this "Ride The Lightning" concert event of a lifetime.

My ticket stub from Metallica/Armored Saint - Albuquerque, NM  03-03-85

Prior to the concert (same day), Metallica did an in-store appearance at a local record store (Sound Warehouse) and the place was MOBBED.  The parking lot was.....well...a human parking lot. As spacious as Sound Warehouse was, it wasn't large enough for this crowd. And we're talking 1985, Metallica was not on the radio, not on MTV, and yet they had an underground following that was growing larger by the minute (maybe every half minute). 

After waiting in line for two hours, I walked up to a small platform (maybe three steps) where James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Cliff Fuckin' Burton were seated.  I had my "Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning" albums with me.  Walked up to James, nervously shook his hand, handed him both albums to sign and told him how much I loved the music.  He flashed that shit eating grin, thanked me for being a fan, signed the albums; scratched out "lightning" on RTL album cover with his black Sharpie and wrote "bar tab" over it. Next....haha.  Lars and Kirk were in their own world, but both signed the albums.  Then there was Cliff.  I was more nervous about meeting him than I was James. Cliff was kicking back on the end, talking to a few girls, smiling, laughing, just enjoying it all.  Then I walk up and he's super cool. We did the "bro handshake" [sideways, cupped palms] and talked about Kill 'Em All, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Misfits for a minute. He signed my stuff, stood up and gave me a "bro hug". Patted me on the back and sat back down to greet the next person (who happened to be my brother - who was still chatting away with Kirk and holding up the line....haha....people were pissed - but fuck 'em all). 

Concert time. Line was ridiculous to get in, but once in it looked so damn empty.  There were more people at the damn in-store than there were at the show - WTF?! Ticket's were $6.75....that's it!  If I had to guess, I'd say there were maybe 100 people at the concert - 150 tops.  Armored Saint opened (they were touring behind their debut "March of the Saint") and blew the power out after playing for 10 minutes.  Vocalist John Bush informed the crowd they were going to kick our asses harder once the power was restored - and they did. They played as though they were the headliners.  Love that band to this day.

Metallica hit the stage and it's complete anarchy on the floor. Mosh pits in full force. One big one, then two smaller ones. I was up front for the first two songs with my brother, then got the hell outta dodge.  Plus, I was recording the show (shhhhhh.....) on my micro cassette recorder and there was no way I was going to lose that.  The show was far beyond my expectations. I was blown away by the power, strength, and energy radiating from the stage. The guys played with extreme conviction proving their musical abilities not only to shred, but to kick everyone's collective ass. Of the hundreds of shows I've attended, that concert remains at the top of my all-time favorite list.  And I'll post photos of the signed albums once I dig them out of the archives (I've been digging through it lately anyway). They're both on the Megaforce label (prior to signing with Elektra Records and being re-released).

The setlist from the '85 gig:

  

+++++++++++++++++++++++I N T E R M I S S I O N+++++++++++++++++++++++

*******ACT II - Master Of Puppets is released*******

I was still on my 'Ride The Lightning' high in '86, I wasn't prepared for 'Tallica's next aural assault (I said 'aural').  "Master Of Puppets" split things wide open and set the music/album bar so damn high for every Thrash/Metal band in the world to try and match.  This band didn't make videos (yet) to cater to the MTV minions. They didn't wear spandex, tease their hair, or wear makeup. They wore their street clothes, drank from the bottle, killed it onstage, and flat out delivered the goods.

For a band with ZERO radio/MTV airplay, they did pretty damn good reaching the masses and building a global fan base.  The seeds were already planted with 'Kill 'Em All' and 'Ride', but 'Master of Puppets' and opening for Ozzy on the "Ultimate Sin" tour set things in motion....then it snowballed into something more massive.  

I was home sick the day 'Master Of Puppets' was released.  My brother picked up a cassette copy for me (see above photo - it's the original one he purchased - still have it) and left on my front doorstep. I had no idea he did that until later in the afternoon when I opened the front door to get the mail.  Forgot about the mail, picked up the cassette and made a bee line to my room.  Popped it into my stereo and it was life changing for this teenager.

"Battery" opened with a majestic acoustic guitar, then segued into ripping riffs in a matter of seconds. Then "Master Of Puppets" set a precedence not many songs can compete with to this day.  I probably listened to this song six times straight before moving onto the next track.  Those were the best 8 minutes and 36 seconds ever. 'Master Of Puppets' is my generation's "Stairway To Heaven". It's as simple as that. And how could this album continue to get better?  Then "The Thing That Should Not Be" kicked in.....just so colossal.  I couldn't get over the absolute heaviness of this song. "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" was next. It was the perfect balance of chaos, serenity, and melody.  I was then decimated by not one, but two devastating tracks ("Disposable Heroes" & "Leper Messiah") which had contained so many time changes and chugging riffs, I thought, "Who else can play like this?"  Pffft...no one. Then the almighty Cliff Burton laid his greatness upon us with "Orion".  Not that '(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth' wasn't already phenomenal, but 'Orion' is just gargantuan.  It gave me goosebumps when I first heard it and has the same effect on me to this day (as I'm sure it does for so many others).  The final track, "Damage, Inc." closes this masterpiece going a jillion miles an hour...

"Fuck it all and fucking no regrets
Never happy ending on these dark sets
All's fair for Damage Inc. you see

Step a little closer if you please...."

GAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Metallica then toured with Ozzy on the 'Ultimate Sin' tour.  I caught their show in May '86 and the place went totally off-the-hook during their set. Holy shit.  Biggest mosh pit ever. Judging by the number of people who attended this concert, most were there to see Metallica because more than half cleared out after their set ended.  True story.

Also, for many, 'Master' signaled the end of an era after Cliff died. Who knows how things would've turned out musically had Cliff lived.  There's no telling.  But he put his stamp on this and helped make it what it is and will always remain; a masterpiece.

Photos of my original MOP cassette [purchased Mar 03, 1986]:

The rust from the screws that hold the cassette together are visible on the inlay card.

And one of these days I'll crack this open.

Black Sabbath "Live at Hammersmith Odeon" (aka: the Sabbath bully album that beats Live Evil's ass)

"Sing me a song, you're a singer"
"Do me a wrong, you're a bringer of evil........"

I remember purchasing this one on the Rhino/Warner Bros. website in 2007.  It was a series called "Rhino Handmade" and it was limited to 5000 copies. I made a conscious effort to purchase two copies for a few reasons; they're limited edition, numbered, and I wanted to keep one factory sealed so I could open the other.  Normally my plan of attack as long as the item I'm purchasing isn't too expensive. If I remember correctly, these were $15 a piece.  And Rhino/Warner Bros. had just released "Black Sabbath - The Dio Years" a month prior to this one.  Knowing the Dio Sabbath lineup was back in business and ready to roll as Heaven & Hell made my year. Sweetening the pot with this collector's item was just icing (molten metal) on the cake.

Having been a Ronnie James Dio fan since his Rainbow days (I didn't know about Elf until the late 70s) and LOVING "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules", buying this was a definite no-brainer. First and foremost, this was an unreleased concert from the Mob Rules tour. I did own (still do) a bootleg CD-R/silver copy; but the sound was pretty horrid.  I knew this mastered copy would sound incredible and probably better than the atrocious "Live Evil" quiet/no balls version (which wound up being true). I had only one gripe when I saw the track listing prior to buying it, "Where is "Sign of the Southern Cross"?!" But upon further inspection I saw two tracks not included on "Live Evil"; "Country Girl" and "Slipping Away", so that made up for it.  Threw my money at Rhino/Warner Bros., bought two copies and waited for them to arrive....patiently.

OK, not so patiently because I visited my favorite FLAC (Lossless audio) site and someone had already received their copy and uploaded it for the world to procure (one of my favorite words).  I couldn't help myself and had to hear it. So I procured the FLAC files, burned them to a CD-R, threw on some headphones and was blown away.  Yeah, this is way superior over "Live Evil"...no doubt about it.  You could actually hear all the instruments!  Holy shit!!  That crappy "Live Evil" had everything lost in the mix.  This one has Tony's guitar in your face, Geezer's bass slapping you in the head, Vinny's pounding his drums where you could feel it in your chest, and Ronnie singing his damn ass off and not mixed way up over everyone.  Finally!  Someone did this band justice and released a live album to be proud of for eons. Neon Knights, Black Sabbath, Slipping Away, The Mob Rules, Heaven and Hell, and Voodoo are all show stoppers here.  Yes, there's feedback and squelching going on during the show, but it doesn't take away from the performance at all.  No telling how many times I listened to this in one sitting (okay okay....five times).  One of my favorite live albums of all-time.....period.  And a hell of a nod to Ronnie who we lost in 2010 and keyboardist Geoff Nicholls who we lost this year (both to cancer).

Fast forward to delivery day.  They arrived!  When I removed them from the packing envelope I just sat there trying to figure out which one I should open and which to keep sealed.  They're both numbered, but the number is found INSIDE the packaging, not outside on the back insert like most. UGH! Such a dilemma for me. Then I started thinking about the newly burned CD-R I had just created.  I already know what it sounds like so should I even open these? My final decision?  Never opened them. They're both sealed to this day.  I have no clue what they're numbered.  Maybe I have #0001 or #5000...who knows. Or, maybe when I'm on my death bed I'll crack them both open.

Side note: "Mob Rules" was re-released in 2010 as a deluxe edition and includes this show as the bonus second CD.  I'm sure you can find it on YouTube if you haven't already gone that route.

I own this concert below and it's another favorite of mine. Tony's pre-Black Sabbath guitar interlude is nice and easy then he fuckin' riffs into the song.  Love it! Only one Tony Iommi.

Black Sabbath - Live Tokyo 1980 [Audio Only]

Accept Some Y&T On Sabbath (aka: ASYTS)

Spending early Sunday afternoon with Accept. I was hooked on this band the day I heard "Fast As A Shark" back in he day.  Hollllllleeeeeeee shit! Been a fan ever since.

Accept - Blast From The Past Trailer (2002)

My mid-afternoon viewing pleasure. How can anyone not be a fan of Y&T? Dave Meniketti is such an underrated musician. The guy smokes on guitar (Rock, Blues - you name it) and capable of singing effortlessly (even to this day in 2017). Plus the late, great Phil Kennemore on bass. I'll never be able to watch this one enough. Definitely one of my favorite concert videos. And this CD/DVD was hard to come by as well. Was a thorn in my side for many years. 

Y&T - I Believe In You [Live: One Hot Night 2006]

 

Ended my afternoon with a look back at Black Sabbath's 2013 tour since today's Tony Iommi's birthday. Such a great show, even though Bill Ward wasn't onboard. So many fantastic songs here (aside from the classics). This was a nice little find. I had already pre-ordered the Blu-ray, then found out afterwards there was a CD/Blu-ray version released on the Vertigo label in the UK. Had to have it. The Deluxe Box set included three more songs, interviews and behind-the-scenes. Might have to get that at some point. And I'm looking forward to the package they'll be releasing later this year in regards to their final show (filmed a few weeks ago on Feb 4th). This time I'm waiting before I pre-order anything. 

Black Sabbath - Into The Void [Live 2013]

Metallica WorldWired Tour Presale (aka: wherever I may groan)

Ever since Metallica released this 10 second video "glitch" teaser on Feb 11th, many knew it was regarding a US Summer tour.  But the "when" and "where" had been left out completely.

Needless to say, speculation ensued and it was anyone's guess as to which cities they would actually be playing.  I knew it was a no-brainer for them to hit the big cities (Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, New York City, and so on).  But was hopeful there might be a stop here in Albuquerque, NM.  Only reason being?  Metallica makes it a habit of performing here every 8-13 years.  So if anything, we're overdue for a visit.

The dates were bestowed upon the masses yesterday morning at 7 AM local time and......yeeeeeaaaaahhhnnnnooooooo......no Albuquerque.  Well, so much for my hopefulness and throwing 58¢ worth of wishing pennies into the fountain (OK, street puddles). But they are playing all the cities I expected, plus some Canadian dates to boot, eh? (or is that..."a boot"?).  All ticket presale ticket dates were plastered across the internet.

Long story short - here's the link ➠ WORLDWIRED TOUR 2017 - NORTH AMERICAN PRESALES

Anyway, this just means the inevitable for me; ROAD TRIP!

Small nod to 'Wayne's World' which was released 25 years ago today.

Oh, and nice to see Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat, and Gojira as support (Gojira replaces Volbeat a portion of the tour).  I'm a fan of all three and caught their live shows over the years. I have yet to be disappointed.  These bands actually have the fan base to headline their own shows, especially across the pond.  Some avid Metal/Hard Rock music fans for sure.  At least the international Metal/Hard/Rock fans don't follow music trends like many do here in the US.  Ugh......but I digress.

*cue Ennio Morricone's "Ecstasy of Gold"  [This piece of music made famous from the Clint Eastwood movie, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".  But also used as Metallica's intro music before hitting the stage since 1983.]

Tues Feb 14th ➔➔➔ Pre-sale tickets went on-sale at 9 AM local time.  I was preparing for this since 7:30 AM.

☑ Presale website open in its own window and on a separate monitor.
☑ Presale code.
☑ Credit card info.
☑ Coffee - full cup...fuck it...brought the entire pot into my office.
☑  Go pee....not leaving my office for a millisecond.
☑ Reminder NOT TO CLOSE THE PRESALE WINDOW.

It's 8:59 AM.....I watch the seconds countdown....clicked the presale button at precisely 9 AM (say that sentence using Doc's voice from "Back to the Future"), barely blinked and I'm immediately placed in an online queue "waiting room" due to high ticket demand. Damn, that was quick!  I had to wait 36 minutes already?  COFFEE....STAT!

Okay, no problem.  Note to self:  AGAIN, DO NOT CLOSE THE PRESALE WINDOW FOR ANY REASON!

The 36 minutes elapsed, I'm ready to get this done and........what's this?  A new waiting room and I have to wait another 12 minutes?  Ummm, WTF?  OK....OK.....deep breath.  More coffee. All is good.

Of course these 12 minutes took longer than the the original 36 minutes (new math).  Well, the heavens parted, the sun shined and the birds sang because I was directed to the purchase window and was able to choose any package I desired (with the exception of the Snakepit; area closest to the stage, around the catwalk, front stage, and sold in very limited quantities).  Always wanted to be in the Metalli-Snakepit over the years.  Oh well.  Maybe when they tour again eight years from now.  You know, when I'm pushing 60 and unable to be far from any exit because of poor bladder control.  Yet again, I digress.

I really wanted to do the Meet & Greet.  It's been too long.  But holy shit......$2500 to meet the band?  Love them, but not gonna happen.  Never thought they'd be priced higher than Black Sabbath or KISS.  I miss the old Met Fan Club days where a member could choose the show they were attending on the Metallica website and your name would be placed in a lottery, and 20 people would be randomly chosen to meet the band.  And it was FREE!  You did have to pay for an annual membership, but that was $40.  So, no Meet & Greet this time around.

I purchased the ticket package I wanted and beyond excited to see a band I've always deemed my Rolling Stones.  Been a fan since their early years and never turned my back.  Many believe the band died when Cliff died. I get it.  But that's never been the case for me.  I've supported the band through the years buying their albums, vinyl, picture discs, posters, cassettes, CDs, concert tickets, t-shirts, jackets, caps, box sets, limited edition everything....the list goes on.  I've acquired a lot over the years and 100% worth it all.

Wherever I May Roam.  That'll be to Denver.....in June.  And it better not fuckin' snow.

The 'Thrax...the whole 'Thrax and nothin' but the 'Thrax

"Now we're Anthrax and we take no shit
And we don't care for writing hits
The sound you hear is what we like
I'll steal your pop-tarts like I stole your.....Socks!"

Trying to catch up on my blog since last week and failing miserably.  First world problems, right?

Saw Anthrax last week (Wed Feb 10th Albuquerque, NM) then left for Vegas the day after to attend the Black Sabbath show.  Then returned home on Mon 15th, back into work-mode annnnnd it's Friday.

So, Anthrax.  I've never been let down by a performance by these guys over the years.  Show sold-out as well.  Been a loyal fan since their 1984 debut Fistful of Metal was released on Megaforce Records (when it was still an indie label).  I made damn sure to get that baby signed.

The Meet & Greet (M&G).

I took part in the M&G prior to the concert and brought A LOT of items with me to get signed by the guys. Kinda felt bad for guitarist Jon Donais (ex-Shadows Fall) since everything I brought was Anthrax/S.O.D. related (all prior to him joining the band in 2013).  I had memory relapse and forgot to grab my Shadows Falls CDs and the Anthrax live CD/Blu-ray Chile On Hell he appears on.  He signed a group photo we were given, but other than that, bupkis. He makes his studio album debut with the band on the upcoming release For All Kings (release date: Fri Feb 26th). I've had a copy for over a month and it's pretty amazing. I've read a few online reviews already and some people are slamming it.  But if you give it a proper listen all the way through without any distractions, you'll enjoy the hell out of it.

Back to the M&G.  Things kicked off about an hour before the doors opened.  Stood in a small group with others by the front doors. The people at the front of the long line were asking why we didn't go to the back of their line. Ugh, always some drama...Metal show or not.  Bonus part of an M&G is not only meeting the band and hanging out with them for a bit, but also early entry.  My patience run low nowadays listening to these kids complain about having to stand in line and wait to get in.  They have no idea.  But I digress.  There was a 16 yr old guy who was in line for VIP and befriended me by saying how much he loved my Ace Frehley shirt (a total KISS fan and who eats, sleeps, and shits 80s Metal). He was so mad about being born later in life and missing the 80s Metal shows. So, I passed the time talking with him about the many (huge understatement) shows I attended back in the 80s.  His mind couldn't take much more.  He had to sit down for a while (true story).  He made me feel pretty old...haha.  But it was fun talking with him and fielding a ton of questions.

There was about 20 of us doing the M&G. We all had albums, CDs, cassettes (yup), guitars, photos and all that jazz to have autographed.  We were given a VIP laminate, a deck of Anthrax For All Kings playing cards (signed by the band), turntable mat (Evil Twin single cover), photo of band, etc.
The band came out to the lobby where we were waiting and the M&G ensued.  Charlie was first in line, then Joey, Frankie, Jon and Scott. It was great to converse with these guys, especially Joey and Frankie. I try very hard not to fanboy out during these things. It was easier when I wrote for 'zines and interviewed bands because I could do that for an hour.  I told Joey I last met him when his solo band Belladonna opened for Motörhead in 1996. He had a good laugh with that one and went on to tell me about how great that tour was opening for Lemmy.  I always have so much to say and so little time.  Photo opp with the band (we used our own phones)....three photos and done.

  Quick shot of the beanie, t-shirt and a few CDs I had signed.  I brought three albums and nine CDs with me not expecting all of them to get signed.  Especially since some M&Gs specifically indicate to bring no more than two items.  No limit indicated for this one, so I figured it was fair game to bring a 'few' items (included Spreading The Disease [30th Anniversary Edition], Among The Living, Armed and Dangerous, Fistful Of Metal and S.O.D. - Speak English Or Die [30th Anniversary Edition].

The show.

This bad boy was sold-out (kind of rare for 'burque), which made the show even sweeter since this would've been a day off for them (currently on tour opening for Lamb of God).  Yes, opening for LoG. Again, I digress.  Best part about getting an Anthrax headline show...longer set. WIN! Anyway, the 'Thrax delivered a non-stop barrage of Thrash Metal from start to finish.  Riff upon riff. The pit action on the floor was a throwback to the old-school days.  I was up in the balcony snapping photos and making sure I didn't get caught in a mosh (I did plenty of that shit when I was much younger. Thanks but no thanks).   The band was feeding off the energy being thrown back at them from the audience and the band played heavier with every song.  Again, I've never been disappointed with any of their concerts (something I told Frankie earlier and he responded, "Man, I swear, you won't be disappointed by his one either.").  The man didn't lie.

Setlist:

Hymn 2 (tape intro)
A.I.R.
Lone Justice
Madhouse
Caught in a Mosh
Got the Time
Evil Twin (new song)
Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't
Breathing Lightning (new song)
Medusa
March of the S.O.D.
In the End
Antisocial

Encore:
I'm the Man --> total surprise!!
Indians
Among the Living

Another one for the books.

I'll always support this band, purchase albums and some swag.  I'm big on supporting the bands I love.  Be sure to pick up their new one For All Kings on Fri Feb 26th.  If you're like me and prefer the deluxe editions, then purchase the 2-CD UK version since it includes four live songs not included on the US version.

"I am the walkin' dude
I can see all the world
Twist your minds with fear
I'm the man with power
Among the living
Follow me or die...."

Some photos I shot with my phone.

Rocklahoma 2014 Announcement

The details surrounding ROCKLAHOMA 2014 (which is touted as the biggest Memorial Day Weekend party in the U.S.) were released today and it’s a doozie.  The three day shindig goes down May 23-25 in Pryor, OK.

The lineup for the eigth Rocklahoma festival is as follows: KID ROCK, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, STAIND, TWISTED SISTER, DEFTONES, SEETHER, MOTÖRHEAD, JACKYL, FILTER, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SKID ROW, ALL THAT REMAINS, TOM KEIFER OF CINDERELLA, HELLYEAH, KIX, DOWN, POP EVIL, ADELITAS WAY, BLACK STONE CHERRY, TRIVIUM, TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, THE PRETTY RECKLESS, THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH, REDLIGHT KING, SKINDRED, KYNG, WE AS HUMAN, NOTHING MORE, DEVOUR THE DAY, HEAVEN’S BASEMENT, GEMINI SYNDROME, BUTCHER BABIES, EVE TO ADAM, TRUCKFIGHTERS, KILLER DWARFS, BAI BANG, LYNAM, ASKA, BLACK TORA, FIRSTRYKE, MYSTERY, NASTY HABIT, SLEEPY HOLLOW, WICKED, DOWN & DIRTY, LOVEBLAST, RUFF JUSTICE, RATCHET DOLLS, RAGDOLL, DELLACOMA, CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, SCATTERED HAMLET, SIREN, MACH22, TEMPT, LONDON’S DUNGEON, MINE ENEMIES FALL, THE CHIMPZ, SLEEPWALKING HOME, WELL HUNG HEART, FRAMING THE RED, BLACKWATER REBELLION, DRYVER, and DIRTY CRUSH.

Dee Snider of Twisted Sister was quoted saying, “I view this festival as sort of a ‘Royal Rumble’ of rock; it’s every band for itself, each trying to claim the belt. When Twisted Sister is done that night, the promoters are going to need to change the name of the event to ‘I Wanna Rocklahoma’!”

Presale tickets go on sale Wed Feb 12th and public sale will Feb 14th (the perfect Valentine’s Day gift).

Visit the official Rocklahoma site for more info: http://www.rocklahoma.com