Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Armadillo
Posted 2014-05-31 5:56 PM (#33697)
Subject: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
For your reading enjoyment...
the Official Road Report for Rocklahoma:
http://www.twistedsister.com/armadillo/index.php
Fast Joey
Posted 2014-05-31 6:35 PM (#33698 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Destroyer

Posts: 545
50010101010
That was a great read right there...and with NO NOTES this time around? Really well done Terry. Also, gotta say, with the whole Staind thing? I think you did a GREAT job with it, standing your ground. "I'm a friend of Dee."?? Right. He could have been a freaking psycho for all you know. Well done.
Armadillo
Posted 2014-05-31 7:46 PM (#33699 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Thanks Joey
it was C-R-A-Z-Y I felt like the entire day was on fast forward

And yep, in the end, the guys supported me. Truth be told, if I had known/said it was the lead singer of Staind, they would have probably made an exception for him. Oops. Seriously. the guy looked like your average Okie!
Captain Howdy
Posted 2014-05-31 8:12 PM (#33701 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Nearly A Band Member

Posts: 717
50010010010
Location: Chicago
Another great report Terry! Very impressive with no notes! And I for one applaud you for sticking to your guns and not letting the guy from Staind in to see Dee during lockdown! That's why they put you in charge my friend!
Rock10
Posted 2014-05-31 8:57 PM (#33702 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Good report. If they are killing it at these festivals, then why aren't they becoming a bigger band?
George
Posted 2014-05-31 11:25 PM (#33703 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Nearly A Band Member

Posts: 2072
2000501010
Great read Terry..its a great report....Let's not forget for all the work with TS...you saved a life at the airport...that deserves a standing ovation. We are proud of you and a special thanks for all the writing and reporting you do for all of us.
Hellburner
Posted 2014-06-03 3:48 PM (#33708 - in reply to #33702)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Full-On SMF

Posts: 83
50101010
Location: Belgium
Rock10 - 2014-05-31 2:57 AM

Good report. If they are killing it at these festivals, then why aren't they becoming a bigger band?


Are you talking about Twisted Sister? Maybe in the States they are underrated but here in Europe they are on top of the foodchain. Last year they headlined Graspop (35.000 people having the time of their lives in the pouring rain) together with Slipknot and Iron Maiden...

I think the only way to become even a bigger band, I said this before, is by releasing a new album.

On topic, great report Terry. Hope to see you soon at Alcatraz!
fountainfan
Posted 2014-06-03 4:33 PM (#33709 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Nearly A Band Member

Posts: 772
500100100501010
Don't pay attention to that "Tourist" he likes to say derogatory snide remarks here on the board..

He'll probably ask now whats a "Tourist"?/ Tell him to ask Dee. I'm sure he will educate him on that.

He's passive aggressive... What??? look that up.
SMFF
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-03 9:55 PM (#33712 - in reply to #33708)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Hellburner - 2014-06-03 3:48 PM

Rock10 - 2014-05-31 2:57 AM

Good report. If they are killing it at these festivals, then why aren't they becoming a bigger band?


Are you talking about Twisted Sister? Maybe in the States they are underrated but here in Europe they are on top of the foodchain. Last year they headlined Graspop (35.000 people having the time of their lives in the pouring rain) together with Slipknot and Iron Maiden...

I think the only way to become even a bigger band, I said this before, is by releasing a new album.

On topic, great report Terry. Hope to see you soon at Alcatraz!


It doesn't make sense for them to headline or blow the rest of the bands off the stage, and then they're not offered their own headlining tour.
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-03 9:56 PM (#33713 - in reply to #33709)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
fountainfan - 2014-06-03 4:33 PM

Don't pay attention to that "Tourist" he likes to say derogatory snide remarks here on the board..

He'll probably ask now whats a "Tourist"?/ Tell him to ask Dee. I'm sure he will educate him on that.

He's passive aggressive... What??? look that up.
SMFF


I was complimenting them.
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-04 12:12 AM (#33714 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Hi Rock10-

there are a number of reasons why TS gets (or doesn't get) top bill. As for Rocklahoma, I have no idea. I was far too busy stealing those little chocolate guitars off everyone's pillow to be concerned about whether TS went on at 9:00 pm or 11:00 pm. I can tell you that at a number of European shows, Twisted Sister was offered the headline spot but declined it. Sometimes it was strictly logistical--if the band had early a.m. flights, it allowed the band and crew time to return to the hotel, shower, and get an hour or two of sleep. (well, the band anyway. there were plenty of times when the crew had NO time to sleep and went from the show…to the hotel to pick up luggage…and back to the airport). Other times, I had heard band members talk about giving a "hometown"/national act the headline slot as a professional courtesy.

Some of those Euro shows have the "headline" act take the stage after midnight….and let me tell ya, the best acts are the ones earlier in the evening and local acts close the place up.
So it doesn't necessarily mean a band isn't popular. There are simply a variety of factors.

Twisted Sister headlined Rocklahoma twice, and clearly had the fans out en force this time around. And I would argue (and Jay Jay might chime in on this at some point) that they are bigger now than ever. They have headlined the biggest festivals in the world--Sweden Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, Download, Hellfest and the list goes on and on. When Twisted Sister was at their most popular in the 80's, they might have gotten 3 or 4th on the bills. And the response I've seen from international audiences in South American and Europe are absolutely beyond belief. Graspop had something like 60,000 fans and it was literally filled to the back gate when Twisted took the stage. The noise from the audience was so loud, that even with 35 decibel ear plugs, it was painful--and that was the crowd screaming.

So I don't think you can measure success by one show in OK.
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-04 3:48 PM (#33717 - in reply to #33714)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Armadillo - 2014-06-04 12:12 AM

Hi Rock10-

there are a number of reasons why TS gets (or doesn't get) top bill. As for Rocklahoma, I have no idea. I was far too busy stealing those little chocolate guitars off everyone's pillow to be concerned about whether TS went on at 9:00 pm or 11:00 pm. I can tell you that at a number of European shows, Twisted Sister was offered the headline spot but declined it. Sometimes it was strictly logistical--if the band had early a.m. flights, it allowed the band and crew time to return to the hotel, shower, and get an hour or two of sleep. (well, the band anyway. there were plenty of times when the crew had NO time to sleep and went from the show…to the hotel to pick up luggage…and back to the airport). Other times, I had heard band members talk about giving a "hometown"/national act the headline slot as a professional courtesy.

Some of those Euro shows have the "headline" act take the stage after midnight….and let me tell ya, the best acts are the ones earlier in the evening and local acts close the place up.
So it doesn't necessarily mean a band isn't popular. There are simply a variety of factors.

Twisted Sister headlined Rocklahoma twice, and clearly had the fans out en force this time around. And I would argue (and Jay Jay might chime in on this at some point) that they are bigger now than ever. They have headlined the biggest festivals in the world--Sweden Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, Download, Hellfest and the list goes on and on. When Twisted Sister was at their most popular in the 80's, they might have gotten 3 or 4th on the bills. And the response I've seen from international audiences in South American and Europe are absolutely beyond belief. Graspop had something like 60,000 fans and it was literally filled to the back gate when Twisted took the stage. The noise from the audience was so loud, that even with 35 decibel ear plugs, it was painful--and that was the crowd screaming.

So I don't think you can measure success by one show in OK.


Right, but I am saying that they should be getting bigger after winning these crowds over.

Edited by Rock10 2014-06-04 3:49 PM
Fast Joey
Posted 2014-06-04 7:31 PM (#33718 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Destroyer

Posts: 545
50010101010
You've also got to remember that Twisted doesn't WANT a headlining tour. They've said it many times in the past...everyone in the band has other stuff going on too, and playing 8 shows a year at these huge festivals is a perfect fit for them. They are playing it smart.
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-04 10:52 PM (#33720 - in reply to #33718)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Fast Joey - 2014-06-04 7:31 PM

You've also got to remember that Twisted doesn't WANT a headlining tour. They've said it many times in the past...everyone in the band has other stuff going on too, and playing 8 shows a year at these huge festivals is a perfect fit for them. They are playing it smart.


They meant if they had to struggle to tour they're not going to do it. If they were able to tour like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden in America they would.
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-04 11:23 PM (#33721 - in reply to #33720)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Rock10 - 2014-06-04 10:52 PM

Fast Joey - 2014-06-04 7:31 PM

You've also got to remember that Twisted doesn't WANT a headlining tour. They've said it many times in the past...everyone in the band has other stuff going on too, and playing 8 shows a year at these huge festivals is a perfect fit for them. They are playing it smart.


They meant if they had to struggle to tour they're not going to do it. If they were able to tour like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden in America they would.


Actually, I would have to disagree. First, they are now at the top of their game. They get the big festivals/headline spots--the ball is in their court these days. I can't speak for them, but I disagree that if they would tour they could. Some of the guys in the band absolutely would love to tour, but I can tell you that not all of them would. They have families…other lives…other projects, and I would bet a burrito that Jay Jay would agree--if you could make your living working 15 days out of the year, and spend the rest of your year with family and following other artistic pursuits that make you happy, WHY ON EARTH would you bust your butt touring the world? Dee has two grandkids and another one on the way--he's about to embark on a musical/theatre project in Chicago.

And don't say "Do it for the fans." They did it for the fans. They clawed their way through thousands and thousands of shows for the fans. These reunion-days shows are their gift to us. We are getting a LOT of shows this year, including a FREE (hello?) New York City show. Let me say that again…A FREE NYC show IN PUBLIC.

Finally...It's hard. It really is, and these guys aren't 20-somethings. I'm 15 years younger than they are, and I'll tell you, I sometimes have a rough time keeping up with the vigors of the road. I actually do enjoy living out of a backpack, but it really does wear the body down after the third or fourth show, and all I do is run around with towels and gaffer tape.

My advice is to grab a show while you can because we don't know when it will all end, and then when it's all over, we'll have little to do but do what we did on this board before the reunion--gripe about how much it sucks to have no shows.
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-05 3:40 PM (#33727 - in reply to #33721)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Armadillo - 2014-06-04 11:23 PM

Rock10 - 2014-06-04 10:52 PM

Fast Joey - 2014-06-04 7:31 PM

You've also got to remember that Twisted doesn't WANT a headlining tour. They've said it many times in the past...everyone in the band has other stuff going on too, and playing 8 shows a year at these huge festivals is a perfect fit for them. They are playing it smart.


They meant if they had to struggle to tour they're not going to do it. If they were able to tour like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden in America they would.


Actually, I would have to disagree. First, they are now at the top of their game. They get the big festivals/headline spots--the ball is in their court these days. I can't speak for them, but I disagree that if they would tour they could. Some of the guys in the band absolutely would love to tour, but I can tell you that not all of them would. They have families…other lives…other projects, and I would bet a burrito that Jay Jay would agree--if you could make your living working 15 days out of the year, and spend the rest of your year with family and following other artistic pursuits that make you happy, WHY ON EARTH would you bust your butt touring the world? Dee has two grandkids and another one on the way--he's about to embark on a musical/theatre project in Chicago.

And don't say "Do it for the fans." They did it for the fans. They clawed their way through thousands and thousands of shows for the fans. These reunion-days shows are their gift to us. We are getting a LOT of shows this year, including a FREE (hello?) New York City show. Let me say that again…A FREE NYC show IN PUBLIC.

Finally...It's hard. It really is, and these guys aren't 20-somethings. I'm 15 years younger than they are, and I'll tell you, I sometimes have a rough time keeping up with the vigors of the road. I actually do enjoy living out of a backpack, but it really does wear the body down after the third or fourth show, and all I do is run around with towels and gaffer tape.

My advice is to grab a show while you can because we don't know when it will all end, and then when it's all over, we'll have little to do but do what we did on this board before the reunion--gripe about how much it sucks to have no shows.


I disagree with you, because they wouldn't have had their press conference at the Entrepid like Kiss did if they weren't looking for offers. Jay Jay said it makes no sense for them to tour, because they don't make much money in America. As far as not knowing when TS will end. I saw what was supposed to be their last show at Yogi Bera Stadium in Monmouth, NJ in 2005, and they are doing shows nine years later.

"If you think you’ll catch Twisted Sister live the next time they roll through your town, think again. So says guitarist Jay Jay French. “It will never ever happen. I would just assume things would maybe happen, but we will never tour [again]. I look at the mathematics of it every year, the mathematics makes no sense. None. Every year people ask me, every year I revisit the math. Every year it completely makes no sense to tour. It’s just an incredibly money-losing proposition. I don’t like losing money.”

Read More: Twisted Sister Will Never Tour Again | http://noisecreep.com/twisted-sister-will-never-tour-again/?trackback=tsmclip
Fast Joey
Posted 2014-06-06 2:53 PM (#33730 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Destroyer

Posts: 545
50010101010
I'm lost here...so what are you trying to say? You WANT them to tour full time, or no?
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-06 3:55 PM (#33731 - in reply to #33730)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Fast Joey - 2014-06-06 2:53 PM

I'm lost here...so what are you trying to say? You WANT them to tour full time, or no?


I am wondering why they win over the crowds at festivals or blow the other bands off the stage, but it's not leading to any more success.
Fast Joey
Posted 2014-06-06 8:32 PM (#33732 - in reply to #33731)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Destroyer

Posts: 545
50010101010
I would think it because they chose a better route...playing LESS shows, to MORE people. Then putting on a live show that is unmatched by any other band, attracts even MORE people to the next big festival. They are playing it smart, and it's a formula that has worked amazingly for them.
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-06 9:38 PM (#33733 - in reply to #33732)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Fast Joey - 2014-06-06 8:32 PM

I would think it because they chose a better route...playing LESS shows, to MORE people. Then putting on a live show that is unmatched by any other band, attracts even MORE people to the next big festival. They are playing it smart, and it's a formula that has worked amazingly for them.


But they were able to do that when they first reunited. I'm talking about success in the U.S.

Edited by Rock10 2014-06-06 9:39 PM
fountainfan
Posted 2014-06-07 3:18 PM (#33734 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Nearly A Band Member

Posts: 772
500100100501010
Why are you over analyzing this???

It is what it is Mofo. Just be glad they still play together!

SMFF
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-07 3:29 PM (#33735 - in reply to #33733)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Rock10 - 2014-06-06 9:38 PM

Fast Joey - 2014-06-06 8:32 PM

I would think it because they chose a better route...playing LESS shows, to MORE people. Then putting on a live show that is unmatched by any other band, attracts even MORE people to the next big festival. They are playing it smart, and it's a formula that has worked amazingly for them.


But they were able to do that when they first reunited. I'm talking about success in the U.S.


Well, there are a few things here. First, Joey is absolutely correct. By playing fewer shows in bigger venues, it gets them MORE big shows in festivals. If they started flooding the clubs with small shows in the U.S., it would not be a good business move. Next: U.S. shows ARE 100% DIFFERENT from shows in other countries. U.S. shows stink. Sorry. Hate to say that but they do. They LACK the same quality stages and crews that they have in Europe, and the fans DON'T BUY TICKETS here. That's the fact, Jack. I've been to carloads of festivals here in the U.S. and while some are very nice, they don't hold a candle to the festivals in Europe. Not even remotely close. Small clubs are nice but they are a lot of work for a small reward. You still have to pay your road crew, tour manager, band members, etc. Same as a festival, yet a festival makes a lot more at the door and in merch.

As for giving a press conference like KISS did- that means little. Every single festival Twisted Sister plays, there is a press tent and they ask all of the bigger name bands to give a press event. At their last Sweden show, the local press asked for a quick press conference, which they obliged. At any given press tent, you will see a variety of bands giving press conferences. Not unusual--I wouldn't read more into it than that.
I know fans who won't leave Poughkeepsie to see them play in Jersey yet met fans in Europe and South America who traveled for hours (and in some cases, days) to see Twisted. The international fans buy tickets, they buy shirts and they come to concerts . The fans here simply don't sell out clubs.

There were MANY times when I've heard various band members say "this is it. this will be the last one." Jay Jay torments me with this. The fact is, we may never know when the last one is….it just may happen…and that's it. My hope is that we'll get a true, formal announcement but don't count on it.

Twisted Sister (and this applies to TONS of other bands) are HUGE outside of the U.S. and will likely never see the popularity in the U.S. that they enjoy in other countries. Heavy Metal is alive and well just about everywhere else except here. When you talk about Heavy Metal in the U.S., everyone uses "past tense"…as if heavy metal is a part of music history. When you go outside the U.S., heavy metal is the present! Heavy Metal isn't history- it's past, present and future. It's a part of culture everywhere else, whereas in the U.S., it's a point of nostalgia.
Hellburner
Posted 2014-06-08 5:45 AM (#33736 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Full-On SMF

Posts: 83
50101010
Location: Belgium
Heavy metal the past in the US? What about bands like Lamb of God, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, Hatebreed, Machine Head, Mastodon, Slipknot and my personal favourite Goatwhore, they are all part of the present and all hold the future of metal. Aren't these bands popular in the states?

I said it before, and many times J.J. said it wasn't going to happen, but I believe Twisted Sister should record a new album to get in the spotlight of the major media. I think this shouldnt be attached to a tour like J.J. says, it's just necessary to step away from the 80's label that's been put on them. You may disagree with me on this but Arnold Schwarzenegger made a lot of good movies, with Terminator being his Stay Hungry. He has been out for a few years but now he's back. The major audience may not like it, but he still makes movies that are good and the fans from back then like it and if he wins over a few new fans than I think that's a success. He doesn't have to do public appearances as a Terminator to earn his money, he makes new movies in the hope to earn some more money but also to please his fans. It is my believe that TS should do the same. They are back, it's real, give us something to hold on from after the reunion and not just the memory of all those brilliant live shows...
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-08 2:29 PM (#33738 - in reply to #33735)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Armadillo - 2014-06-07 3:29 PM

Rock10 - 2014-06-06 9:38 PM

Fast Joey - 2014-06-06 8:32 PM

I would think it because they chose a better route...playing LESS shows, to MORE people. Then putting on a live show that is unmatched by any other band, attracts even MORE people to the next big festival. They are playing it smart, and it's a formula that has worked amazingly for them.


But they were able to do that when they first reunited. I'm talking about success in the U.S.


Well, there are a few things here. First, Joey is absolutely correct. By playing fewer shows in bigger venues, it gets them MORE big shows in festivals. If they started flooding the clubs with small shows in the U.S., it would not be a good business move. Next: U.S. shows ARE 100% DIFFERENT from shows in other countries. U.S. shows stink. Sorry. Hate to say that but they do. They LACK the same quality stages and crews that they have in Europe, and the fans DON'T BUY TICKETS here. That's the fact, Jack. I've been to carloads of festivals here in the U.S. and while some are very nice, they don't hold a candle to the festivals in Europe. Not even remotely close. Small clubs are nice but they are a lot of work for a small reward. You still have to pay your road crew, tour manager, band members, etc. Same as a festival, yet a festival makes a lot more at the door and in merch.




I said if they were able to tour in America like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden they would. I didn't mean club shows. You said they wouldn't, but Jay Jay's quote showed it's about money.
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-08 11:29 PM (#33740 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Of course it's about money, Rock10! Nobody works for free. (oh. wait. I do. never mind.) No seriously, we should not forget that it is still their livelihood-- they play charity for…well…charity. (and a free show on in NYC this summer!)
And you missed my point--American fans don't buy the tickets. It's a crying shame. I know…we're older. We have jobs, wives, kids, mortgages…sure. But in the 80's…I had no car, no money, school and I clawed my way to see the bands I loved. Today…I still make tremendous sacrifices in my life in order to see the band I love. I don't expect others to make that commitment, but if we don't sell out the Nokia Theatre in NYC on September 5th, shame on us!

If TS can't sell out smaller venues, then playing larger venues in the U.S. is not gonna happen. I really don't get why there is such a perceived stigma about this--they are professional entertainers--they should make money. Period. Big festivals will pay big bucks, as they should. It's not greed--it's business. I'm kinda over the "do it for the fans" line. They have been doing it for the fans for years. Twisted Sister is playing incredibly well--they are at the top of their game--and they are getting bigger gigs now than they ever got in the 80's when they were plastered all over MTV. It's a great thing, and as fans, we should celebrate their success second time around.

There are still bands out there playing music that is in the genre of heavy metal, but it's not heavy metal to me.
It's hard, it's fast and it's loud--but it's not the same. What's missing is the culture. 80's Heavy Metal brought it's own culture, and that culture is still alive and well in Brazil, Argentina, Finland, Sweden, Norway, UK, Belgium, Russia and plenty of other countries. In the U.S., the culture of Heavy Metal music is no longer. Take a gander at the Copenhell Lineup-- I absolutely love the fact that you have all these young bands and a handful not so young playing, but look who is on top: Anthrax….Iron Maiden….Twisted Sister (midnight stage time, oy.)

I would LOVE a new album. I loved "30" and wanted more more more. Personally, I think if they put something out new, the new generation of fans would buy it. But as we've heard, Dee has lots of other creative endeavors right now, (as do several other band members) so while I can always hope, I think the reality is that we may not get new material. Keep lobbying!
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-08 11:32 PM (#33741 - in reply to #33736)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
Hellburner - 2014-06-08 5:45 AM

Heavy metal the past in the US? What about bands like Lamb of God, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, Hatebreed, Machine Head, Mastodon, Slipknot and my personal favourite Goatwhore, they are all part of the present and all hold the future of metal. Aren't these bands popular in the states?

I said it before, and many times J.J. said it wasn't going to happen, but I believe Twisted Sister should record a new album to get in the spotlight of the major media. I think this shouldnt be attached to a tour like J.J. says, it's just necessary to step away from the 80's label that's been put on them. You may disagree with me on this but Arnold Schwarzenegger made a lot of good movies, with Terminator being his Stay Hungry. He has been out for a few years but now he's back. The major audience may not like it, but he still makes movies that are good and the fans from back then like it and if he wins over a few new fans than I think that's a success. He doesn't have to do public appearances as a Terminator to earn his money, he makes new movies in the hope to earn some more money but also to please his fans. It is my believe that TS should do the same. They are back, it's real, give us something to hold on from after the reunion and not just the memory of all those brilliant live shows...


goatwhore? that's really a band. gonna have to google that one! I think the time is ripe too, personally. I think a new album would be huge and breathe new life. Fingers crossed but not holding my breath. Gotta be realistic.
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-08 11:50 PM (#33743 - in reply to #33740)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Armadillo - 2014-06-08 11:29 PM

Of course it's about money, Rock10! Nobody works for free. (oh. wait. I do. never mind.) No seriously, we should not forget that it is still their livelihood-- they play charity for…well…charity. (and a free show on in NYC this summer!)
And you missed my point--American fans don't buy the tickets. It's a crying shame. I know…we're older. We have jobs, wives, kids, mortgages…sure. But in the 80's…I had no car, no money, school and I clawed my way to see the bands I loved. Today…I still make tremendous sacrifices in my life in order to see the band I love. I don't expect others to make that commitment, but if we don't sell out the Nokia Theatre in NYC on September 5th, shame on us!

If TS can't sell out smaller venues, then playing larger venues in the U.S. is not gonna happen. I really don't get why there is such a perceived stigma about this--they are professional entertainers--they should make money. Period. Big festivals will pay big bucks, as they should. It's not greed--it's business. I'm kinda over the "do it for the fans" line. They have been doing it for the fans for years.


I wasn't saying they shouldn't do it for money. Before you said they wouldn't do a U.S. tour, and I said if they were more successful in America they would. You said they wouldn't no matter what they were offered.
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-11 8:55 AM (#33751 - in reply to #33743)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
That's not really what I said. Twisted plays 10-15 shows a year. Of those, a small number are club level in the u.s. The lion's share are international festivals. The United States does not have as many festivals as Europe....and the U.S.doesnt get the numbers. Hence, we see the schedule we see. Is the dead horse beaten enough?
Rock10
Posted 2014-06-11 5:25 PM (#33753 - in reply to #33751)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply
Extreme SMF

Posts: 181
10050101010
Armadillo - 2014-06-11 8:55 AM

That's not really what I said. Twisted plays 10-15 shows a year. Of those, a small number are club level in the u.s. The lion's share are international festivals. The United States does not have as many festivals as Europe....and the U.S.doesnt get the numbers. Hence, we see the schedule we see. Is the dead horse beaten enough?


Rock10 wrote
"They meant if they had to struggle to tour they're not going to do it. If they were able to tour like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden in America they would."

Armadillo wrote
"Actually, I would have to disagree. I can't speak for them, but I disagree that if they would tour they could."
Armadillo
Posted 2014-06-12 4:00 AM (#33754 - in reply to #33697)
Subject: RE: Rocklahoma Road Report is finally up!
Quote Reply


Road Reporter

Posts: 1729
10005001001001010
Location: Baltimore, MD
you didn't include the context...some band members would love to tour and play more but NOT all of them....the current formula of limited appearances is just plain smart.

What they are doing is working brilliantly for them. I'm sorry if you don't like it or agree. I would love a TS every night of the week. When I finish building my time machine to go back to the club days, I will leave room for two.