AC/DC and Axl seen leaving studio
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Well folks, it looks as though the internet rumors over the past few weeks are true. If Axl is indeed singing for AC/DC this is going to be either the greatest thing to happen to rock and roll since AC/DC found Brian Johnson or the biggest flop in music history since AC/DC dropped Brian Johnson…Only time will tell but opinions welcome!
From TMZ:
No one on the planet is about to rock as hard as Axl Rose, and we have the first photos of him leaving rehearsing with what could be his new band … AC/DC!
There are reports the Guns N’ Roses frontman is going to fill in as lead singer for AC/DC, which is rumored to be opening for GNR on its upcoming tour. Axl was at a rehearsal studio in Atlanta with Angus Young and co. on Friday … maybe running through the classics, maybe finalizing a deal.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz44E1PitpG
Categories: General Tags: ac/dc, axl rose, brian johnson, guns n roses, new singer, tmz
Is It Really Happening…? All things point to this!
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The Official Guns N Roses website recently updated their front page to the original logo!
All the rumors are answered here! Metal Sludge
KickActs interviews GNR’s original manager here! Vicky Hamilton
Categories: General Tags: 2016 reunion tour, 80's iconic band, axl rose, duff, GNR, guns n roses, Metal sludge, slash, stevie rachelle, sweet child o mine
KickActs interviews Norman Matthew of “Murder FM”!
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Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
NORMAN MATTHEW: (in the vein of Tenacious D) Murder FM, greatest band on earth haha! We are the second coming of arena rock and not to proud to say
You can #getevil and find us online at murderfmmusic.com
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
NORMAN MATTHEW: KISS, MOTLEY CRUE, GUNS N ROSES for that big, edgy, arena rock sound with huge hooks. THE CURE and DEPECHE MODE for introducing a dark, sleek, sexiness to lyrical content, because I’m not much a partier, so I really connected with that growing up, along with a dark classiness to band imagery I fell in love with. Then there was NINE INCH NAILS. Trent changed the game for me and opened my ears to an whole other sensory level of production. I adopted Trent Reznor’s work ethic in that i write the songs for the band, then bring them to the jam room to bring them to life live. Im not a jammer, i like to have a blue print or a road map with at least a general idea of where I am heading. NIN really influenced me production wise as well..
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Learn it from the inside out!! Educate yourself on every level from management to booking, from being a roadie to a producer. The only way to be successful in this new industry model is to understand the business at the core, from the inside out, much like executives need to have product knowledge. The educated musician is the musician that will survive in this new world order of music.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
NORMAN MATTHEW: I have listened to every piece of advice ever given to me from anyone who came before me was willing to give me. I may not have followed it all, but I tailored it to what fit me. Best advice I ever received, “be careful who you step on the way up, because you see them on the way down” and “they can’t feel what doesn’t have feeling, so put every bit of yourself in every note”, i morphed that one so i can feel yoda like.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Hmmm, that’s hard. EVERY show comes with it’s own set of challenges, from travel to sleep deprivation, the stress of having a hand in the business and in the creative, but i try to not focus on the negative and i never, ever look back or dwell on what i could’ve done, i just learn and move on. DEF greatest memory, first UK tour being sold out and performing in cities I only dreamed of as a kid such as Cardiff, Wales, Glasgow, Scotland and London, England, UK Fans Represent!
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos haha! I’m a video game freak, love WWE Wrestling, I re-watch episodes of King Of the Hill and I’m addicted to DDP Yoga..yup I said, ALL of that.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
NORMAN MATTHEW: I don’t really pay attention to the scene, I’m too busy worrying about creating OUR scene and bringing something new to the table. Time for a new regime and a new legion to take over. I’ll either succeed or fail, but it will be on my terms and with my peeps \m/
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Both. Anything that can give an artist exposure and a chance to thrive in the business is always a plus to me on any level, i’m not a hater like that. I do feel it has hurt the mentality and the work ethic. Perception is reality and on the outside, it makes it seem like all you have to do is get on one of these shows, competition or in a battle of the bands and you are set. It takes years of work, blood, sweat equity and tears. You have to earn your way up the proverbial latter within the industry and network, while creating your brand, understanding your market and growing as an artist. Opportunity only pays off when an artist really has something to offer. Until then, keep driving in that van and jamming in the basement until you know in your heart it’s right. If your mind is connected to your heart and your soul, you will know.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Sucks. I love it as a consumer, but as a musician, it’s hard. It’s not about the money, but it’s about your favorite artist being able to survive as a musician and financially sustain yourself to keep creating. People seem to think if you are a “rockstar”, you are somehow rich. Spotify pays crap, Who knows what Apple Music will do and do some simple math of your own, split $0.99 between, band members, manager, label, distribution, marketing and you tell me who’s robbing who at the end of the day haha! If you are going to take music for free, at least support your favorite bands by going to the shows, buying the merch. and spreading the word like a disease, that’s the best way to help your favorite artists art.
I thank you in advance! \m/
Click the album cover to get it at Amazon!
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
NORMAN MATTHEW: I wish I could. We are all pretty chill dudes, no good drama and weird quirks. We like to create and maintain all our madness onstage…and believe me…it shows
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
NORMAN MATTHEW: That’s a loaded question, that could get me in trouble no matter how you slice it haha! If i HAD to pick, it would be either Gilligan for the laughs or Ginger for the…..laughs, yeah that’s it!
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
NORMAN MATTHEW: are you kidding me? i grew up on vinyl. My 1yr old loves to listen to KISS “Alive II” or Guns N Roses “Appetite For Destruction” before bed with me, not even kidding! Those are his lullabies.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
NORMAN MATTHEW: I’d keep him around just to torment him, If I killed him, then I would be bored. Hopefully he owns the island we are marooned on, then I’d live it up! I have the super power of tuning people out, so it’s easy for me to ignore things.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
NORMAN MATTHEW: who didn’t love “Achy Breaky Heart”? Oh wait, that’s her dad ha! I don’t ever pay attention to that celeb scene because it’s a waste of my day. It’s like, who cares and how does this effect me and my life? so im pretty out of touch with all that and always will be.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip syncing or real vocals?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Lead Singers being lead vocalists of course! I Love hearing a singer tell their story, even if it’s breathy or pitchy, it’s real. Additional vocals in live production on track are nothing to be scoffed at though, some huge productions have to do it and much like playing to a metronome or click track live, you have to be spot on, the whole time. So as long as there’s reality in the mix, i don’t mind a little fantasy to ensure the live show is amazing. People pay their hard earned money to see a great show. Deliver.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
NORMAN MATTHEW: Murder FM. haha! I don’t know, it’s hard to tell, attention spans are so short these days and technology allows Anyone to put Anything out, there’s no natural filter anymore. Murder FM want to bring rock back to arenas \m
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
NORMAN MATTHEW: KISS
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
NORMAN MATTHEW: I’m terrified of karaoke. I don’t drink and i play an instrument, so you can see where i’m a terrible candidate for karaoke, i take it too serious haha!
Favorite movie of all time and why.
NORMAN MATTHEW: Nightmare Before Christmas. The imagery, the characters, the story, the combination of my two favorite holidays and without a doubt, the score by Dany Elfman. I absolutely love his work.
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
NORMAN MATTHEW: You know what grinds my gears? People looking down on Fake boobs, why do people frown upon them? i mean really, they aren’t fake. i can see them, touch them, they don’t disappear and make my Ocd very happy. hahahahaha! I’m sure that will get me in all kinds of trouble, but i don’t really think about many other things. Man, born and bred! “Sex,Sex and Rock N Roll”
Over 100 interviews here!
Categories: General Tags: arena rock, Dallas, drugs, guns n roses, kickacts, KISS, metal, motley crue, MUEN Magazine, murder FM, rock and roll, sex, TX, youtube
KickActs interviews The Legendary Vicky Hamilton!
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Hello Vicky and welcome to KickActs. For those of our readers that might not be familiar with your incredible body of work with such legendary bands as Guns N Roses, Motley Crüe and Poison just to name a few. Give us a little back ground on who you are and what you do.
I have been a personal manager for 3 decades, did A&R at Geffen, Capitol and Vapor Records and for the last 15 years I have been writing…2 screenplays a musical play and have just finished my first book “Appetite For Dysfunction,” it’s a autobiography.
First off, I am sure every Generation has said the same thing about each new Generation of music coming up. But what the HELL has happened to the music?
“There is still a lot of great music out there, you just have to look harder for it. The business of music has changed, but the creativity remains.”
LA is known for being unforgiving. Back in the day a friend of mine from the Midwest stepped off the bus and went to a pay phone (pre-cell phone days kiddos) to call home and tell his folks back home that he made it safe. He was graciously robbed of his guitar and amp. My first memory of LA was of someone sitting on the concrete ledge of an overpass with their feet dangling over the traffic below… I have no idea if they were just chilling or on the verge of jumping. I fortunately, had a friend I could stay with when I got off the bus. How was your first trip to LA and did you experience any of the bad side of LA?
I came to visit LA for a month and then went back to Indiana for a year and saved money. I was a very trusting soul when I first moved here, I got taken advantage of a few times…but for the most part I am a very streetwise creature and trust my gut to stay out of trouble.”
You are currently in the publishing part of a “tell all” book about the glamorous and not so glamorous days on the Sunset Strip. From someone that grew up in the Midwest, it had to be a surreal but magical time, right?
Yes, I thought I was in Oz…there was no place like LA in the 80’s and I took advantage of every glorious minute of it. Everything seemed attainable and I felt the cities magic, and figured out a way to make it all happen”
I remember getting Motely Crue’s “Too Fast for Love” when it came it. I was totally blown away by the sonic sound of it. The guitars, the big drum sound and Vince’s vocals. “Live Wire” and “On with Show” were my favs. Most of the album still holds up well today. Hell back in the day I got thrown out of the Executive Inn in Evansville Indiana for trying to meet the Crue when they were in town. Your time with Guns and Roses is well documented. What about the time you spent with Motley Crue?
I met the Crue when I first moved to Hollywood and the scene at that time was very punk rock, so when I met these rockers with teased hair, makeup and spandex…I was “What is this?” I loved the Glam rock of the 70’s and was excited to see this new scene emerging.
I loved their music too. Motley Crue were the beginning of a very wild ride for me. Everything was new, and I felt like I could achieve anything…and did!
Do you think there is an age limit to being legit and being taken seriously in pursuing music? I look at bands like the Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper, Cheap trick, and KISS to name a few. All of those guys are in their mid to late 60’s or even older. Mick Jagger for one being 71. Are they still relevant and have something to say and prove or are they just nostalgic acts?
I made a record with June Carter Cash when she was 70 and it won a Grammy. Good music, is good music. If you are pop artist playing off of teenagers, you should probably be a teenager yourself…but if you have music in soul, you should play! The right audience will find you.
You recently ran a Pubslush campaign and far exceeded your targeted goal. This book is
going to be FREAKIN’ HUGE! Where you surprised by the love shown and what can we expect from the book? Are heads going to roll or?
It’s actually Pubslush.com, a great literary crowd funding site. Yes, I raised $7,577! $2,577 over my goal. I am so excited by all the love, support and press I am getting. People really seem to want this book! I don’t know if heads are going to roll, but I have been completely truthful in my experiences with all the acts I have worked with. I think the book will be a fun read for anyone who loves music and art. I’m hoping to have books by August 1, however I am at the mercy of my editors…so when they say it is done…it will be done!”
You managed Guns n Roses early on in their career. At the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for them, you got shout outs from two key members of the band. That had to be validating. Did you know about it before hand or was it a total surprise and how did it feel?
It was a total surprise. I had a friend that was at the induction who texted me and told me that Steven and Slash both thanked me. Slash had talked to me about going, but then when Axl said he wasn’t going, the plan fell apart. Either way, it was a great honor to be acknowledged for the work I did and my piece of the Guns N Roses history.”
Check out the shout outs here!
In the end what happened to Guns n Roses and do you think Axl will ever reunite the original band?
You will have to read my book for my take on this…it’s not something I can give you an answer to in a paragraph. There is a lot of water under that bridge. I hope one day the band can put down their differences, and do a reunion tour.”
You have several projects in the works and still represent bands. Tell us about that.
I do a v blog called Aesthetic V Blog www.aestheticvblog.com. It’s a blog about the creative process of musicians, artists, writer, producers etc. I love interviewing creative people about their art form. I managed Diana Meyer, a singer songwriter and blogger in Los Angeles, she is one of the best songwriters I have managed! www.dianameyermusic.com Also I co-manage a California country band called Talk Like June, who are currently in the studio in Nashville with John Carter Cash producing. Suzanne, the singer, has unbelievable pipes! www.talklikejune.com I also management consult a handful of bands…I love 222 band. 222.band.com They are kind of like Blondie meets the Divinyls with a Tim Burton sensibility. Another great band I work with is BlackList Union www.blacklistunion.com.
I also co-wrote a musical play called Glitter Beach with Robbie Quine that is soon going into it’s second workshop. I keep myself busy…life is good!”
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you 
want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
Ok here goes my rant!
PEOPLE WAKE UP! SUPPORT THE ARTS! Something has happened where the public expects art, music and films etc for free. it isn’t free for the talent to create their art and if they can’t make a living at creating art, they will go get a job at McDonald’s or something so they can survive. So buy music, don’t steal it. Change the laws so artists can make a living off their art form. Go to concerts, buy merch….buy paintings…encourage kids to do the same, also encourage them learn about the art of creating entertainment. I could go on for days about this but I think you get my point.”
Vicky Hamilton
Artist Mgmt & Creator of Aesthetic V Blog
