THE CULT TO LAUNCH EUROPEAN TOUR

SHARING STAGES WITH OZZY, GUNS N’ ROSES AND MORE

The Cult, one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the last 20th century, announces its 2012 summertime tour of Europe that will include headline shows, festivals, special dates with Guns N’ Roses, and main support on an Ozzy & Friends show. The tour is in support of The Cult’s first new album in five years, Choice of Weapon, which is set for a May 21 release date internationally, and a May 22 release date in North America, on Cooking Vinyl worldwide. Read more

Members Of Kiss, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses Form Supergroup

Latin America will be getting a thunderous dose of heavy rock, as the Rock ‘N’ Roll Allstars, an 11-piece supergroup comprised of Gene Simmons of Kiss, Joe Elliot of Def Leppard and many others will tour South and Central America this spring. A press conference was held at the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood on Thursday (March 1) to announce the details. Read more

LIVE! : Adler’s Appetite @ Vamp’d

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

May 7, 2011 at Vamp’d in Las Vegas, NV.

Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler and his band Adler’s Appetite is getting ready to set the metal world on fire with his current U.S. Tour that made a special stop May 7 on the third night of the tour at Vamp’d in Vegas. Not only does Steven have a new lease on life but a new band line-up that Steven revealed to Hardrock Haven earlier in the day of the show which includes singer Patrick Stone on vocals, Lonnie Paul on guitar, Chip Z’Nuff on bass, and guitarist Michael Thomas.

Over the years, Steven Adler has influenced so many fans with his expertise drumming. The charismatic drummer has a rock and roll story that is truly intriguing. On May 17, Steven will release the paperback version of his memoir My Appetite For Destruction: Sex And Drugs and Guns N’Roses. Be sure to pick up a copy, as Steven tells the whole story about life in the fast lane back in the heyday of metal.

Well it is a Saturday night in Sin City, and Vamp’d formerly known as Feelgoods was gearing up for one of one of the most exciting concert this Spring, Adler’s Appetite. Fans streamed into the club early, as the doors opened at 8 P.M. Adler’s Appetite Appetite hit the stage around midnight for a rock and roll extravaganza of GNR hits but also included some awesome new songs in the mix. Opening with “Night Train,” it did not take the fans long to rush to the front of the stage. New singer Patrick Stone that Steven Adler informed Hardrock Haven about earlier in the day and who was recommended to him by Slash really knows how to work the audience. Patrick also has a vocal style similar to Axl Rose. Guitarist Michael Thomas shredded the riffs with a fury. New guitarist Lonnie Paul did a great job and the rhythm section of bass player Chip Z’Nuff and Steven Adler roared. Steven was on top of his game and never missed a beat.

Adler’s Appetite slammed through such GNR hits as “Mr. Brownstone”, “Knockin On Heaven’s Door”, “Sweet Child Of Mine”, and “Paradise City.” The energy of the band was infectious. I recently saw Adler’s Appetite perform in December at Feelgoods. Although that night the band very good, I have to say that tonight’s performance was magical. It had that raw energy that transpires when the right band members click together as a unit.

It was great to hear many of the GNR hits that have become so timeless. But what really impressed me was Adler’s Appetite new song “Alive.” This tune has an ’80s vibe with lots of guitars, and a GNR vibe. It really reflects the state of the band today!

The momentum of the night never exhausted. The fans could not get enough as the final encore “Welcome To The Jungle” ripped. Before the encore guitar Michael Thomas played “named this tune” on guitar. That segment of the set was pretty cool. Be sure to check out Adler’s Appetite coming to a city near you! For Tour Dates visit Adler’s Appetite official website. Also be sure to check out Hardrock Haven Exclusive interview with Steven Adler!

Steven Adler of Adler’s Appetite

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

These days former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler is at the top of his game. Steven and his band Adler’s Appetite are currently on the road with a new line-up that is comprised of Lonnie Paul on guitar, singer Patrick Stone, guitarist Michael Thomas, and bassist Chip Z’Nuff. Hardrock Haven had the opportunity to hear the new band line-up perform in Vegas as the band performed with a vengeance and a new born energy.

On May 17, Steven will release his memoir on paperback version, My Appetite For Destruction: Sex And Drugs And Guns N’ Roses. Be sure to pick up a copy, as Steven reveals all the mayhem that transpired back in the heyday of metal.

In an exclusive interview with Hardrock Haven, Steven unveils the new Adler’s Appetite band line-up, and discusses the release of his memoir, My Appetite For Destruction: Sex And Drugs And Guns N’Roses.

HRH: Steven, Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with Hardrock Haven. Let’s begin by discussing your memoir that will be released on May 17 My Appetite For Destruction: Sex And Drugs And Guns N’ Roses. What was the greatest goal and accomplishment that you were looking to achieve when writing your life story?

Steven: Taking full responsibility of everything that has happened in my life. I am not blaming anybody. I am not putting anybody down in my book. Everyone that is in my life and has been a part of my life I love. I am thankful they have been a part of my life.

HRH: With the release of your book, do you think that you have inspired and helped many of your fans to deal with their demons? I know Nikki Sixx has told me that with the release of Heroin Diaries, so many fans have thanked him for writing the book.

Steven: I hope so. That is always a plus if I could do that. For me in AA, one thing that is very important about getting sober is writing down your history and burning it. That is what I did, I wrote down my history. The book talks about it. I have partied with superstars and survived the story. The book is about all the scars and tattoos of my life.

HRH: Would you say that you have a new lease on life?

Steven: I am enjoying my life now. I am happy. I realized that if I didn’t go through all the hard times and rough times, I guess to appreciate pleasure you have to know pain. I know pain. I don’t want pain anymore. I don’t need it, and I don’t want it.

HRH: Steven, you have a great new band line-up. Tell us about the new players. We’re excited. You are playing here in Vegas tonight.

Steven: The new singer is Patrick Stone. He came from a band Aces N’ Eights. Slash is the one who hooked me up with him. He worked with Slash. I told him I needed a new singer. I asked him if he could help me. Slash said,” Yes, I can.” We have Lonnie Paul on guitar, and of course Michael Thomas and the world famous Chip Z’Nuff.

HRH: I hear you are going in the studio soon. Did you do some work with Fred Coury from Cinderella?

Steven: We did do some work with Fred. I love Fred very much. I have known him half of my life. It was really great working with him. But the people that are going to help me make the new record, I can’t mention their names yet. They wanted someone else. So I can’t name their name yet. Two months from now I can tell you. It is going to be all brand new material.

Chip Z’Nuff: We were told by the record company don’t say anything because there is going to be stars on this record far to huge to mention because of all the contracts and red tape that is out there. But I promise you; we are going to give the fans the best material ever written. We have been together for five or six years. Finally, there is a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. After the record, we will get right back on tour again. We want to play more of our stuff, and less of Appetite For Destruction.

Steven: We are always going to play GNR songs. They go over so well I love them. I know a lot of musicians that made records and they don’t listen to their own records. I listen to my record.

HRH: What would you say your greatest accomplishment is as a drummer? You are known for being one of the premiere drummers in the rock music world. You have inspired so many musicians.

Steven: I have to say having a dream and believing in myself and achieving it. Appetite For Destruction the five of us had this dream. Slash, and me we had a goal and a dream. We gave 100 percent and we achieved it. So now everything is gravy.

HRH: We appreciate your time Steven. Is there anything that you want to say to your fans here at Hardrock haven?

Steven. Well they can go online at www.adlersappetiteonline.com. Watch the band for the summer tour that we are doing. The fans coming to the shows are always video taping it. I love meeting everybody and signing stuff.

Chip Z’Nuff: This tour brings out all the rock stars, actors and actresses around. It is ridiculous the people who come out to hear Steven and these songs. We are going to be hanging with The Warrior a lot.

Steven: We are going to be going to Manny Pacquiao after party after our show.

HRH: Are you a big wrestling fan?

Steven: Wresting and boxing.

Chip Z’Nuff: I remember when The Warrior was a champion and he beat Hulk Hogan in front of 90,000 people. It was a huge event. He took time off to spend time with his family. Now he is coming out of retirement. He wants to hang out with a tough rock band. We are very grateful.

Steven: Manny Pacquiao is a big karaoke fan. I guess there is going to be a band set up at his after party and I am going to go up and play “Sweet Child Of Mine” with him. Well Chip and me are going to go up and Manny is going to sing.

HRH: Thank you Steven. It is an honor to speak with you.

Velvet Revolver Live In Houston, Texas

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

All has been quiet on the Velvet Revolver homefront since the departure Scott Weiland. So, with the search for a new singer now approaching three years, we have Velvet Revolver: Live in Houston, Texas to tie over diehard fans. Recorded in 2005 in support of their debut studio album, Contraband, in Houston Texas. Slash, Duff, Dave Kushner, Matt Sorum and Scott Weiland take us through their 12-song set that includes music from their debut album and two songs each from Guns ‘N Roses and Stone Temple Pilots.

Live In Houston, Texas was directed by Kevin Kerslake, whose directorial approach to the DVD combines the live concert footage spliced with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage between each song. The DVD also includes footage of Playboy Playmate Irina Voronina, wearing a Nazi uniform, which must have been inspired by Weiland past visual antics.

The video of the live performance shows Weiland’s character to be that of a poser, who lacks originality. His sickly visage and monotone vocals don’t boost the band’s performance beyond mediocre. The band’s originals songs are OK live, but they don’t compare to the Guns ‘N Roses material. That being said, Wieland is nowhere close to being a stand in for Axl Rose.

If this is a band-sanctioned release, it was put out to bide time with fans so the band could find a new singer. Honestly, they need to find an unknown vocalist to avoid being compared to either Guns ‘N Roses or whatever band the new singer hails from. Slash’s solo album demonstrates that he can escape the Guns ‘N Roses comparison with his writing and recording when he tailors his writing style to reflect the artists vocal style he is working with.

Seeing Slash live in 2010 with Alterbridge’s vocalist Miles Kennedy gives hope that Velvet Revolver will find a talented singer to replace Scott Weiland, then the band can get on with producing better original songs for fans to digest.

Band:
Scott Weiland (vocals)
Slash (guitar, background vocals)
Dave Kushner (guitar)
Duff (bass guitar, background vocals)
Matt Sorum (drums, background vocals)

Track Lisitng:
1. Sucker Train Blues
2. Do It For The Kids
3. Headspace
4. Crackerman
5. Illegal I
6. It s So Easy
7. Fall To Pieces
8. Big Machine
9. Set Me Free
10. Used To Love Her
11. Slither
12. Sex Type Thing

Hardrock Haven rating: n/a

Adler’s Appetite LIVE!

December 11, 2010 at Feelgood’s in Las Vegas, NV

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

It has been a whirlwind of a year for former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler. His band Adler’s Appetite has been touring nonstop in the U.S. and abroad. On Dec.11, Adler’s Appetite performed their final show for 2010 in Las Vegas at Feelgood’s.

If you never been to the newly Feelgood’s on West Sahara in Vegas, you are in for a treat. This is what a Rock N’ Roll Bar should be all about: friendly staff, nice rock decor, good sound system and the venue is open to 4 a.m. featuring some of the ’80s top bands. Let the party begin!

Adler’s Appetite hit the stage at midnight for a 90-minute set of pure Guns N’ Roses hits performed at their best loud and proud with a new rock n’ roll twist. The band features Steven Adler on drums, Alex Grossi on guitar, Michael Thomas on guitar, Chip Z’nuff on bass, and new singer Rick Stitch.

From the opening catchy chords of “Night Train” to the final encore of “Welcome To The Jungle,” is was clear to see what an impact that Guns N’ Roses music has made on the metal community. Steven and Company were at the top of their game. Cranking out the GNR hits as if they were playing in an arena to new fans and all the die hards.

This line-up features Adler’s Appetite at their strongest. Guitarist Alex Grossi is really making a name for himself in the music business. Alex has performed with some of the greatest names in ’80s metal including Dizzy Reed, Beautiful Creatures, Quiet Riot past and present. Alex has a musical style all his own cultivated by his penchant for ’80s music. He breathes new life into the GNR hits. Highlight of the set was “Sweet Child Of Mine’’ which featured a melodically passionate guitar solo from Alex and driving drum solo from Steve Adler. Check out Alex Grossi’s website at www.alexgrossimusic.com.

New Vocalist Rick Stitch has a style the is reminiscent of a young Joe Leste meets Buckcherry. The band has just released their single “Alive” available on i-tunes from their upcoming CD slated to be released in 2011. Singer Rick Stitch informed us, “The upcoming CD sounds like a more modern version of Guns N’ Roses. It definitely has everyone’s signature roots and influences on it. I am really looking forward to the European tour. We are currently working with producer Cinderella drummer Fred Coury on pre-production of our upcoming album.”

Adler’s Appetite slammed through such GNR hits as “Mr. Brownstone”, “Knockin On Heaven’s Door,” and “My Michelle.”

It appears that third time is the charm for Adler’s Appetite as Steven Adler commented that this was the band’s third time performing in Vegas this year and coincidently the bands’ final show for 2010. Steve commented, “Vegas reminds me of the jungle,” as the band wrapped up the set with the final encore, “Welcome To The Jungle,” with fists in the air.

Everyone at Feelgood’s had a great time listening to these timeless hits that has spanned a generation of fans. It was exhilarating watching Steven perform again. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of his book, My Appetite For Destruction: Sex And Drugs And Guns N’ Roses. Adler’s Appetite hit the road again in January.

For tour dates visit www.myspace.com/stevenadlersite

Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy

by Kenneth J. Mac Vicar
Staff Writer

Is it possible to actually give this album a fair and unbiased review? It’s so easy to make the argument that Chinese Democracy was destined to be a disappointment, an album that could never satisfy the pre-release expectations and hopes of its audience. In fact, no work of popular culture, perhaps with the exception of a Zeppelin or Seinfeld reunion would ever be subject to the scrutiny and expectations heaped on this release. With every spin of “Welcome to Jungle” on classic rock radio, came the question, when, if ever, would Chinese Democracy see the light of day. The oft-rumored but never fulfilled release dates that came and went as well as the continuous Internet leaks make the success of this album almost impossible. Even the Dr. Pepper giveaway campaign that became associated with the release by happenstance somehow managed not to live up to its promise.

With that said, Chinese Democracy is a great record if you have an open mind and, as Axl once reminded us, just a little patience. This album is not Appetite for Destruction. Take a deep breath and say it slowly, “This album is not Appetite for Destruction, nor can it be.” Appetite represents a moment in time that was created by five unique and disparate individuals. It was and remains a spontaneous, combustible representation of the band that made it. Chinese Democracy is a labor of love, meticulously and sometimes overly crafted during a 10-year period. It is the bastard child of the Use Your Illusion albums, being devoid of fathers Slash and Duff. Of perhaps greater loss is the absence of Izzyy Stradlin and his blues influenced rhythm guitar and swagger, the sometimes overlooked element that made Appetite and Guns great. If the Use Your Illusion albums reflected where Axl was taking the band, then Chinese Democracy is the Mecca of his journey with a few twists and turns along the way.

So what is Chinese Democracy? At its core, it’s a hard rock record that encompasses everything from industrial to thrash to new-age pop. It’s a gem that’s been polished to the point that all of the rough edges, along with some its character, have been removed. It’s a loud, raucous and often bittersweet journey through the sometimes beautiful, sometimes tortured, sometimes dangerous soul that is W. Axl Rose. It is the heart-wrenching vocals in the pre-chorus of “Better,” and it’s also the snarling opening riff and vicious scream that kick off the title track. It is a work of a genius. But like the work of so many geniuses, when left to their own devices, it can be both brilliant and frustrating at the same time.

The title track is a classic hard rock song that opens with one of the best recorded riffs in recent memory. The opening scream and piercing vocals equate to more than four minutes of pure G ‘n’ R fury. Tracks like “Shackler’s Revenge” and “Riad N’ the Bedouins” are straight ahead rockers with strong hooks. Though both good songs, the real intensity of these tracks is somewhat lost under the layers of overdubs and instrumentation. “Catcher in the Rye” evokes memories of “Yesterdays” with a great mid-tempo riff that builds into a relaxed solo. The wistful vocals and chorus belie some of the dark lyrics that lie underneath. “If the World” may be the best track on the album and is unlike anything that appears on any prior Guns album.The track opens and closes with a beautiful Flamenco-inspired guitar that flows into a rhythm section that evokes some of the best of ‘70s funk. Axl’s vocals range from a strong falsetto to a subdued scream that soars over the riff-laden chorus.

Despite channeling a little too much Grand Funk Railroad, Axl manages to make Madagascar his own through the sincerity of his vocals. He’s at his best when you can hear and feel the raw emotion in his voice, and this is a fine example of that style. It’s also the closest you’ll get to a classic Slash riff on the album, underlying and punctuating the entire song much like the guitar work in “November Rain.” Unfortunately the middle section of samples adds little to an otherwise great song. At first listen, “Scraped” sounds like a possible sequel to “Mr. Brownstone” although the vocal style and subject matter take the song in a different direction. In particular, the falsetto harmonies actually take away from the grittiness of the song, though it’s still a very solid track. After several listens, it can be stated that “Better” is arguably one of the finest songs ever recorded by any version of Guns, containing all the elements of rage and vulnerability that made songs like “Sweet Child” and “Civil War” so great. The techno intro leads into a falsetto vocal, followed by a simple but effective riff that plows into a beautiful chorus that suddenly erupts in anger. The two songs that suffer the most from Axl’s overindulgence are “Street of Dreams” and “Prostitute.” At times, they both veer dangerously close to generic power ballad territory. Though both are somewhat redeemed by killer mid-sections, particularly “Street of Dreams”.

Bottom Line: Due to its complexity and layering, it’s not a record that grabs you the first time out. However, it’s well worth your time and effort. Don’t be scared off by downloads that are available on the Internet; the final mixed vocals on the finished product are far superior to any previously leaked tracks. After a few rotations in your iPod or MP3 player, you’ll appreciate how good the album actually is This album already is being ignored by radio, so turn off the usual suspects such as “Civil War,” “Sweet Child,” or “Rocket Queen,” and give Chinese Democracy a chance. Well, maybe not “Rocket Queen,” but you get the idea. Enjoy.

Label: Geffen Records

Track Listing;
1. Chinese Democracy
2. Shackler’s Revenge
3. Better
4. Street of Dreams
5. If the World
6. There was a time
7. Catcher in the Rye
8. Scraped
9. Riad N’ the Bedouins
10. Sorry
11. I.R.S.
12. Madagascar
13. This I Love
14. Prostitute

HRH Rating: 8/10