Halloween - Top Scary Movies

Halloween -  a brief insight.

The Name Derived

Halloween - is derived from the phrase "Hallow's Eve" and the festival pre-dates Christ. The Irish Celtic people called it "Samhain". Samhain fell on October 31 and was deemed to be the last day of Summer.

The Celts believed that on this day, the veil between the real and spirit world was thinnest and thus spirits would be able to cross over and take over one's body for just that one day. Humans not wanting to be possesed would dress up as ghouls and spirits to keep the spirits at bay. Hence the origin of "dressing up" for Halloween.

Trick or Treat

Treats came in once the Irish came to America. As part of Halloween, tricks would be played on neighbors and one way to avoid these tricks was to offer or leave candy - hence candy and the "trick or treat".

Pumpkins

The pumpkin is associated with folklore whereby a fellow named "Jack" trapped the devil and upon his death neither Heaven or hell would take him. But the devil gave him a light which he "housed" in a turnip. Later on the turnip was replaced by pumpkins.

I prefer the "Man-o-lantern" - remember 40 Year Old Virgin?

Horror Flicks
With that said, and since all things dark and scary are associated with this day I leave you with my fave scary movies:

5. The Evil Dead
4. The Return of the Living Dead
3. The Ring
2. Fright Night (Wonder Man - I know your a fan of this one)

Fright Night Poster

1. Halloween (the original by John Carpenter)


(See link - I also mentioned in one of my posts "Rob Zombie - Me Scared" about Halloween - Halloween)

If your a fan of "Supernatural" there is an episode in Season 4 which talks about the origins of Halloween, and Samhain. Check it out!

So what's your fave?

Happy Halloween Peeps!

My Favorite Porn Star - Parker Williams

Wow - please see more pics at http://www.parkerwilliamsxxx.com

Hi there - this would be an area we should all have an opinion on - after all - we are men - and men like porn.

So - who's on the top of my list - uneqivocally and without a doubt or another thought - my fave - is Parker Williams.

Have you seen this 6 foot 1 hunk of pure sexiness and masculinity - everything about Parker Williams is about being and looking like a man - from that hot sexy body; his gorgeous blonde hair; those beautiful blue eyes; that super-sexy hairy chest; and OMG - that smile that makes you melt. He's got a killer body - amazing abs - ummmm - that sweet hairy torso just gets me (well imagine) super horny; those masculine legs I would love to be wrapped around by; and those biceps are like the mountains of Shiva....this is 100% pure USDA prime beefy hunk.....

That body is scrumptious

Well - I am hoping you can let me know who's your fave - drop me a line.

Here are some pics of the sex god - after Parker - I don't have a second place - he just does it for me.....

PS: On a different note - I actually e-mailed Parker and asked him if I can use some of these pics or this blog - and would you believe that he was nice enough to answer and say yes - Wow - that made my day and I had to show-off a bit about it - isn't he just awesome?

I also said that I would not post any naked pics as I kinda want to keep my blog a bit tame for noe - but folks please - please trust me - to see this man in the buff is a wonder of the world!

What a model of pure sexiness

Parker - handsome and hot and cute.  This man has it all

I melt.

Pure sexual energy

All American hottie

Thanks peeps and thanks Parker for letting me use some of those pics.

U2 Weekend/Gay Tampa

The "starship" - one of the most expensive, biggest and most elaborate stage settings for a concert - ever!

Here's an insight to the tour - The 360 degree tour saw U2 having one of the most impressive structures ever to grace a concert. The premise behind the name of the tour is that the structure and massive screen wold allow the fans to see the band regardless of if they are in VIP or the grass area. It therefore brings the band closer to their fans and allows everyone to see them. 

The band had a life satellite feed and interview with GUY LALIBERTÉ - the founder of Cique De Soleil and the millionaire who paid $35 million to be in space. He is also the founder of "ONE DROP" Foundation, which is greared towards fighting poverty by making water accesible to everyone.

The band also paid tribute  with the song "Walk On", to Burmese peace campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi.

Well this post is a bit long overdue so forgive me - it's a follow up on my trip to Tampa to see U2, and on the gay scene in Y'bor (or Gaybor as the fellow citizens there call it).

Me and my partner had VIP tickets to see the band, so we had our own VIP parking area (we could not find the access area so we ended up parking in the general area). There was also a reception area for us with fellow VIP'ers, food and drinks. Wanting to make the most of this, we arrived at around 5:00 p.m. to make the most of the free offering and get a bit of a buzz before the show (and also getting drinks at a rock concert is a pain in the arse).

Food was good and they had everything from gyros; pasta; oysters; breads; cheeses and loads of desserts. They had no vodka - :(

Despite no vodka - I was still happy.

The concert actually made front page two days in a row - the first being the day of the concert which was forewarning people about the traffic and congestion and the second was the day after the concert which boasted that the concert had around 72,000 folks and broke attendance records at the Stadium - WOW - rock does rule!

My review on the concert - well - they played quite a bit of new stuff and I am really a fan of the older stuff and their 80's material. They did not play anything on "Rattle and Hum" (Desire / Love Rescue Me etc.) or "Pop".

They also did not play "New Years Day" or "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" - two of their classics (and which started the band off into super-stardom and heavy rotation on MTV).

The best track for me was their soulful strip down of "I Still Haven't Found" which had the entire crowd singing along at the top of their voices and to every word (including me). This then kicked into "Stand by Me" (the classic Ben E. King song) along to which everyone continued to sing note for note - I really enjoyed this.

It was a bit unusual that as part of their encore they did "Ultraviolet Light" - but it was great to see Bono in his jacket that looked like a runway - all lit up in red lights.

Overall - it was a good concert - I have to give it a 4 out of 5. 


Here are some pics from the concert:

The 360 degree screen - Bono

The Edge and Adam

The concert stage - in awe!

Bono

Larry and Adam

The 360 degree screen - The Edge

There were some big fans there - there was a couple from Ohio whom we shared a table with in V.I.P. who saw the concert in Chicago a few days ago and then travelled to Tampa to see the band again (on their vacation) - cute couple.

All in all - I would go back to Tampa - particularly Y'Bor which is the gay area. There are numerous gay friendly bars and clubs along the main street and throughout which made everyone feel welcome. Couples were also openly affectionate in public so I found this cool.

Also - the traffic is not too bad and the infrastructure in Tampa is pretty good. I also heard that Tampa was voted one of the best places to live manly because of the good infrastructure.

So peeps there you go - I will write another piece on the clubs I have visited in Tampa in case you are there!

Best Rock Guitarists.......Part 2 - The Classic (Rock) Era

OK peeps - so I did my 1st part of this 2-part blog about the greatest and most influential guitarists in rock. The first part looked at those guitarists of the Modern Rock era (see link (http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-rock-guitarists-according-to.html)

The second is going to look at some of the more classic rock guitarists - the list is obviously highly debatable but as I said - it's based on "SteveA" - hehehehehe. So I look forward to your comments and of course feedback. Have fun sexy bodies whilst reading.

(As a pre-cursor - I sort of made this list based on those artists I have listened to and who have influenced the modern guitarists and whose sound was really considered artistic and visionary).

10. Keith Richards

Captain Jack Sparrow?

Keith Richards - eccletic and some of the most memorable riffs in rock's library - from that dancy deep sound on "Satisfaction" to some of the more modern tracks from the band like "Start Me Up" - you can't deny that Richard's contribution to some of the most memorable rock tracks in history.

Not only could Keith play some of those blusey riffs he can also keep it simple on tracks like "Wild Horses" and "Angie" - two ballads from this timeless band.

Keith also has a die-hard persona - he is so loved by the music industry and he is really one of those timeless people who would always be associated with Rock history.

9. Jeff Beck

Jeff was part of the band "The Yardbirds" along with Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page (see higher in chart) and had a classic blues feel to his guitar stylings. Like many good guitarists his sound and styling evolved and fused many genres including jazz and hard rock.

Jeff, along with Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton was one of the amazing guitar-trio from the Yardbirds. 

8. Pete Townsend

Pete is a member of "The Who" - and don't ask who "The Who" are because you know who they are. If you don't, well there songs are the intro-tracks on CSI (Miami / NY and my fave Vegas baby).

"The Who" have a number of rock classics but the band was one of the first to experiment with theatre and electronics to give them a new and dynamic sound. On "Won't Get Fooled Again" - the intro starts with a "fiddling" of the guitar amp and then comes in the drums of Keith Moon (I had Keith in my Top 5 fave drummers - see link (http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-favourite-drummers.html) and the simple, hard-rock riffs from Pete.

On "Behind Blue Eyes" the guitars are classic and acoustic and then picks up the pace and intensity as the vocals of Roger Daltry changes the mood and meaning of the song.

7. Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana as far as I am aware (and I am subject to correction) may have been one, if not, the first Latin artist to make it big in rock. He was not afraid to merge the Latino sounds with classic rock and was not guided by commercialism with such a brave venture.

"Oye Come Va" is my favorite along with "Black Magic Woman" are classic Santana tracks, and showed his Latin styled guitar work. In the 80's his sound and music became a bit more commercial, and in the 90's/2000's he has returned to success to reach a whole new generation of rockers.

He is respected and well loved in the music industry.

6. Stevie Ray Vaughn

I first heard Stevie Ray Vaughn play in the mid-80's on TV and it completely blew me away. I was quite young then and by that single site of how simple he handled the guitar and the complexity of sound that emerged I was instantly inspired and wanted to play like that.

I have to say that at that moment I was inspired to play guitar and no other artist has really made me feel so inspired as Stevie (probably because "Stevie" was my nick name and we both shared this).

Unfortunately Stevie died in 1990 is an aircrash (RIP).

5. Eddie Van Halen

If you read my blog you probably realise that I am a fan of Van Halen but more so of "Eddie Van Halen". See attached link for my blog post on Van Halen http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/10/van-halen-wow-when-i-first-heard-that.html.

In the 70's classic rock had it's own sound as defined by the blusy and sexy sounds of Zep to some of the more traditional classic 70's bands like Deep Purple; Sabbath to name a few. But then came in this hard rock-edged new comer and in my opinion he introduced the sound of modern hard rock/metal that was so popular in the 80's with metal bands.

The sound coming out of Eddie's guitar was not something I had heard before - it was clear and seemed digital - but in a good way. It made me feel to play air guitar because I can tell that these guys were having fun as well as starting a new wave of hard rock.

4. B.B. King

BB King is an American Institution and has fused rock; country; jazz; and gospel to produce a unique and characteristic sound that no other artist has been able to match. BB is visionary and really is associated and synonomous with the "BLUES".

BB can make his guitar narrate a story that anyone can relate to - his style and classic "finger bending" on the strings provides both atmosphere and skill - it has influenced so many - if not all - of the artists on this list.

3.  Eric Clapton

"Slow hands" himself as he is nicknamed by many of his fellow artists in the music industry.

Clapton's career spans the 60's to present - his many incarnations includes "The Yardbirds" ; "Cream"; "Derrick and the Dominoes" and of course as a solo artist. On each incarnation he has a characteristic and unique "blusy" style meshed with classic rock, but his most characteristic sound - that of rootsy, stripped down blues and rock n'roll really stuck in his solo career.

Clapton's sound is timeless.

2. Jimmy Page

Anyone learning the guitar wants to aspire to "Stairway to Heaven". This is often regarded as the Top rock track of all time, and I have to agree.

Zeppelin were the blueprint of rock - they were truly a four part band that played as one. The voice of Robert Plant along with the classic blues rock and sexy styling of Jimmy Page; the sweet and stern bassline of John Paul Jones and the unforgettable drumming of one of rock's best drummers John Bonham (see my link to the Top 5 drummers - http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-favourite-drummers.html).

Each member was as much a part of the success of the Zep. But Page had some of the most intricate and memorable riffs in classic rock. The sound of Page has influenced generations since and the music of Zep will always be a part of the architecture of rock.

1. Jimi Hendrix

The introduction to "Purple Haze" says it all. Part hard-rock, part blues, part every other style in music - Jimmy's contribution to rock is set in the pages of music history.

I have kept Jimi's narrative to a minimum because his music says it all - I don't need to say anymore.

Well peeps - feedback welcomed and thanks for reading. 

Best Rock Guitarists (According to SteveA) - Part 1

So I did a blog on my Top 5 drummers (http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-favourite-drummers.html) and I got to thinking about who would be my favorite rock guitarists. I was not sure what angle to take - do I go with only modern rock artists (as within the last 25 years or so) or should I just go with throughout the rock era.

The former is more familiar territory but the latter could really bright to light the music legends. With that said I have decided to do two Top 10 lists - one being that which was really influential for me and the other being the more vintage (or really classic) rock guitarists.

I will do two posts - the first tackles the Top 10 of the Modern Rock era and the second would look at more of the classic rock guitarists.

It's a tough list but here goes:

Top 10 Guitarists of the Modern Rock Era:

These guys and gals are the modern rock heroes and have taken probably what has been done and added their own twist to it. They probably span over the last 25-30 years or so. I was looking at innovation and artists who (in my opinion) have been both influential and also artistic:

10. Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead)

If ever you take a listen to "O.K. Computer" and "Kid A" and then see this band live you'd probably understand. Radiohead (like their fellow British predecessors - The Who) have wildly experimented with electronics which provide a background to the haunting and beautiful voice of Thom Yorke. The use of these electronics is part simulation and also part haunting/dark strumming of Jonny.

This band live - forget electroncis - Jonny plays a hard rock show which showcases his amazing talent to add a harder rock edge to the band live.

9. John Mayer

John Mayer is probably one of the newer or younger ones here. I have heard him play of course his pop/rock gems, and have also heard him play some tracks by Radiohead and was really amazed by how talented he is.

I think on record his talent is not shown to its true potential, but if you see him play any live concert you will see his true awesomeness (and sexiness).

I also voted John as one of the sexiest men in rock today (see link - http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/10/sexiest-men-in-rock-according-to-stevea.html

8. James Iha (The Smashing Pumpkins)

There is something about James Iha from the Smashing Pumpkins that really peaked my interests in him. First of all, the look of the Smashing Pumkins when they launched circa 1990 with "Gish" seemed to be four odd balls that did not fit together. But then there music is something different - it's in sync and over the 90's they had become one of the most influential modern hard rock bands around.

James is Japanese and at looking at him he seems fragile as if the wind could blow him away!
But then you hear this guy play that dark, deep and clear riff that is characteristic of the Pumpkins and you can't help but get blown away.

Best summary of James style - you know a hurricane is coming and he builds the intensity with patience and them......BOOM!

7. John Squire (The Stone Roses)

The 90's brought us "alternative rock" which lead to a number of left of center radio stations such as WDRE 92.7 (NYC) becoming really popular amongst the "yuppie" generation - this was the sound of Generation X.

The traditional rock songs and classics gave way to a new breed of lighter, simplier and moody guitarists. In my opinion, John Squire of the Stone Roses epitamised this - a stripped down, blusy approach to rock.

The Band's debut album (in 1989/1990) illustrates the simplicity and effectiveness of John's guitar stylings - if you can also take a listen to "I Wanna Be Adored" and also that catchy and dandy jam session on "I Am the Resurrection".

Also, on "Shoot You Down" I can spot a sweet melody that leaves you humming a great pop tune.

I also wrote a blog on the Stone Roses - see link:- http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/08/stone-roses-1st-album.html

6. Johnny Marr (The Smiths)

Ahhhh - the Smiths - this band was in a league of their own. I don't think that Morrissey would have been so effective without the stylings of Johnny Marr.

This band had put out some classic singles in the 80's and we can not really remember the 80's without talking about this band and their impact and influence on modern rock artists.

I remember in Queer As Folk they played "How Soon is Now" in "Babylon" and hottie Bryan getting his groove on.....but I digress....

How can I sum  up Johnny - Melodic and dark - he has a tune of it's own, which is both individualistic and at the same co-exists with the melodic stylings of Morrissey.

5. John Frusciante (Red Hot Chilli Peppers)

John was only 18 when he joined the Chilli Peppers on "Mother's Milk" - this guy provided a different edge and dimension to their already funky rock sound. John at just 18 was amazing on the guitar - he had his own style. Don't forget the classic alternative/rock/funk album "Blood Sugar Sex Magic" which shows the wide array of John's musical artistry as a guitarist.

Styling - best summed up as - strip down and modern funk n' roll. This guy complements no one  - he is pure talent.

4. Kirk Hammett (Metallica)

When I heard this band for the 1st time, I described them as "The MOZART OF METAL" Kirk's stylings was unlike any other hard rock artist at the time, or even for a long time. There was a metal movement on in the early 80's with bands like Accept; Iron Maiden; Celtic Frost to name a few - alot of these bands played speed metal, but the sound emanating from Kirk's guitar was fast and rythmic and seemed to provide a symphony of metal.

The sound of Kirk sealed the sound of Metallica and provided the band with their unique sound.


See link - I previously blogged on Metallica - http://longhairedboy.blogspot.com/2009/08/dentist-yikes.html

3. Slash (Guns N' Roses)

This guy needs no intro - as the lead guitarist of GNR he gave the band and rock music some of the most memorable riffs and bridges. Just listening to the entire of "Appetite for Destruction" (one of the biggest selling albums in history) you can tell that this guy gave everything he had, and that he worked his ass off to make one of the best rock albums of all time.

I heard one critic say that GNR were one of the most relevant bands to come out of the 80's - I have to agree with this.

How do I sum up Slash's style - classic rock in the 80's baby - but to even say that would be an understatement as everyone wanting to learn and play guitar has to learn "Sweet Child Of Mine" - it's one of those riffs which would span time and generations.
And even if you can't play guitar - everyone can play air guitar.

2. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)

I saw Tom played recently in North Carolina with his new band and I never got to see Rage Against the Machine play (I missed them in NY a few years ago and I was pissed at that).....

Rage meshed two genres - hard rock/metal and rap to become one of the most memorable acts in modern rock. There debut album was a classic with tracks like "Killing in the Name Of" and "Wake Up" (which was the ending track on "The Matrix").

Tom made absolutely no apologies for his style - he gave rock music what it was looking for at the time - a guitar revolutionist. Tom can make his guitar sound like "scratching a turntable" and to understand Tom's style you would probably have to understand Rage's music.

Rage was political...they sang about everything from crooked politicians to farmers to the disadvantaged - they had a "fuck the system" attitude and this was reflected in vocal stylings of Zack DeLaRocha and the hard edged guitar stylings of Tom Morello.

How do I sum up Tom - I can't - I just love to hear him play and I am at a loss for words here!

1. The Edge (U2)

OK - don't shoot me - like I said this was a list based on "my opinion" (heheheheh).

The Edge - I can only say that his styling is more simplistic and minimalist than any of the other mentioned guitarists here! But when I listened to the Edge on early U2 albums all I know is that I had never heard any other guitarists play like that before - with the Edge there was no classic rock bridge in the middle of the song - there was this one single sounding loop that seemed to build in intensity but never really pushing it over the "edge" (for want of a better term).

I think the Edge's style was a blue print for modern alternative bands and this is really the reason why I have him at Number 1. This man could make his Stratacaster play that minimal looping riff and seemed to complement the voice of Bono.

I just saw U2 in Tampa live and my thoughts at the end was that The Edge really carried the show - I mean the riffs are simple and clever and really added atmosphere and dimension to the band.

Well peeps - thanks for reading and next Chapter on the classic rock guitarists at some time in the future.

Van Halen.......(More Popular in the 80's...Part 3)

Van Halen - wow!

When I first heard that intro to "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" I knew a hard rock/metal revolution was on. I had not heard a guitar sound like that before - that's why in my opinion - I think Van Halen (well really the guitar stylings of Eddie) modernised hard rock/metal.

Why do I say that - well I am no expert on the matter - but when I listen to the classic hard rock artists like Led Zeppelin and Sabbath - they were awesome and they obviously laid the ground work and grid for rock and rock musicians - these were the pioneers.

But Van Halen - took what was already done and made it - well - stylish? - fun and edgy. The sound of Eddie's guitar seemed "less fuzzy" - played more rythmic - and sounded like they were having fun!

Van Halen - brothers Alex and Eddie, Mike the bassist and of course - the lovable frontman with his wild and crazy stage antics - David Lee Roth. The chemistry of these four contributed as much to their sound and to their success.

The 70's saw Van Halen release two albums - "Van Halen" in 1978 and "Van Halen II" in 1979. I have both of these albums on vinyl and they are awesome.

Van Halen (the album) did not crack Top 10 in the US (it peaked at number 19), and had some really great tracks on it from that killer intro on "Eruption" (try playing air guitar to this one); to the Kink's re-make of "You Really Got Me" and my favorite Van Halen song - "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love".  This album also had "Runnin' With the Devil" and "Jamie's Crying" (both also rock classics).

For me - this remains Van Halen's best album!

Debut album giving the band their first Top 40 single with the remake of the Kink's "You Really Got Me" - 1978

Van Halen II was released in 1979 - it had the Top 20 hit "Dance the Night Away". I was not too keen on this album but it was also still a good one.

The 80's saw Van Halen release six albums. I will only focus on some of the bigger ones. The 80's was the play ground of Van Halen - they had the most #1's on the Mainstream Rock Charts and they also had the most Top 10 hits than any other hard rock/metal artist in the 80's. It might also be safe to say that Van Halen was probably the biggest selling rock band in the 80's for both albums and concerts.

In 1984 - the band was pushed to super stardom with the release of "1984", which was named after the "George Orwell" novel of the same name. This album gave Van Halen their first and only number 1 hit single - "JUMP" (which can still be heard at any 80's party and also on rock radio still today). The album also had two other Top 20 singles - "I'll Wait" and "Panama".
"Hot For Teacher" was also on this album - and although it did not hot Top 40 (it got as high as # 56) - it was regarded as one of the best rock videos of all time (per MTV).

10 millions sold

1984 (album) was also the last album that saw the original line up. Soon after this David Lee Roth (rather unpleasantly) left and was replaced by Sammy Haggar (YEAH BABY!).

My man Sammy!

Now - this is obviously debatable but I prefered Sammy as a front man - his voice was rockin' and he gave Van Halen that harder rock edge - and he was also a good frontman and was great at the power ballads (which was all so big in the 80's).

Sammy also lead Van Halen in the 80's with a number of great albums and singles. Following 1984 was the release of "5150" (released in 1986) - the band seemed to stay with the numbers for a while. It gave the band another Top 10 hit with "Why Can't This Be Love".

At this time as well - the band was huge on MTV.

In 1988 - "OU812" was released - it gave the band another Top 10 hit with "When It's Love" - my favorite since "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" as well as some more Top 40 hits.

This was the band's last album in the 80's. So just to summarise - the band was big in the 70's with a killer launch of their debut in 1978. Eddie's unique style was a prototype for modern hard rock/metal acts that followed in the 80's. But with two successful release in the 70's the band dominated the rock and pop charts in the 80's scoring a number 1 single - Jump which stayed 6 weeks at the Top and also scoring the band 10 million copies on the album 1984.

With David being replaced by Sammy - the band continued with major successes and album sales during the 80's was about 30 million. The band also had the most number 1 mainstream rock tracks and probably were the biggest selling rock band of the 80's (taking record and concert sales together).

With that said - it shows the amazing track record of the band - the 90's started off pretty good with the album whose album title I absolutely love "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" - figure it out!
The band did not have a Top 10 in the 90's but they won "Video of the Year" on the VMA's for "Right Now". Sammy eventually left and was replaced by the former lead singer of rock band "Extreme" - Gary Cherone.

In conclusion here are my Top 5 Van Halen songs:

5. Black and Blue (why - it's sexy baby!)

4. You Really Got Me (why - they "modernised" the guitars on this classic"Kinks" track!)


3. Jump (why - it's a classic baby)


2. When It's Love (why - it's a rock ballad and it's sung by Sammy!)


1. Ain't Talking 'Bout Love (why - it has one of the most amazing guitar intros - ever!)

Thanks Peeps - next stop - Starship or Jefferson Airplane or Jefferson Starship.

U2 update

Hi ya peeps, I am doing this blog update from my blackberry so will be brief.

I saw U2 last nite at Raymond James stadium in Tampa. The crowd was mammoth at 72000! They said this broke box office records for the stadium and it took one of the world's greatest rock bands to do it!

One thing I realised as I listened to the band is that after performing for over 30 years together with the same line up shows how each musician can move the crowd - lead singer, the amazing driving riffs of the Edge, the calm presence of bassist Adam and the rythm of drummer of Larry!

Oh yes the experience of these boys show up!

Love them!

Peeps will try and post some pics when I am back.

U2 Weekend

OK Peeps,

Off to Tampa for a weekend of hot fun, great music, food, friends (and some man lovn' heheheheheh).

And of course I am going to see U2 baby - will try and take some pics unless my camera gets confiscated.

But - looking forward to it - I have VIP tixs and also after party tix with the band - it pays to be a member of their fan club.

In the mean time I am hoping they play my faves from the band:

- New Year's Day;
- Sunday Bloody Sunday;
- Until the End of the World;
- Mysterious Ways;
- I will Follow

(Just about everything U2 does I am a fan of).

Take care peeps and please do something exciting for that special loved one this weekend - wear some sexy underwear; hell - wear no underwear; make breakfast in bed; give him a massage - whatever - just make it a "classic moment".

Ciao peeps

More Popular in the 80's - Part 2 (Heart)

Heart - two hot women who can rock the ass of any guy! I was so inspired by these rockers that they made me feel alive as a rocker and gave me the energy to put my fist in the air and say - YEAHHHHH!

Heart - the 70's and the 80's. To begin with these chicks were so hot to me when I saw them on the album cover for "Dreamboat Annie" that it would make me straight! My brother and sister were huge fans and once I heard "Crazy on You" and "Magic Man" - I was sold!

Dreamboat Annie - Heart's 1st album (1976)

I don't think that any female rocker(s) preceded Heart who gave such energy, conviction and sensuality to music. I mean these babes "rocked" hard and made no apologies for it as "women in rock".

This was the Heart of the 70's - the 80's a different story. The 80's saw a more pop rock Heart but the voice of Ann and Nancy Wilson - OMG - it is foreceful, full of energy and still maintains that soft appeal as  women singing in rock.

I love Heart - there music is a big part of me growing up - I may have had short hair but inside I was head bangin' to some of their rock classics.

Let's start with the rockin 70's. At this time women in rock had to prove themselves. There was no one else really making waves as Heart was - as such this band would become a major influence to women rockers worldwide - like Joan Jett (whom I saw live and loved her); Pat Benetar ; Chrissie Hynde.

If you listen to Magic Man - you can tell that these women can tell a sensual tale just as good and as rocking as their male counterparts in the 70's. Crazy on You was their first top 40 hit in the US and Magic Man cracked Top 10. I personally like Dreamboat Annie - which unlike Crazy On You and Magic Man - was a rock ballad - which is something these hotties can sing no matter what decade it is.

Of course - how can I forget "Barracuda" - that unforgettable riff setting the stage for a major apocalyptic meltdown! This is one major rocking track and a true classic - it's been heard on so many TV shows and movies - it is timeless. Barracuda was off Heart's second album "Little Queen" which I have on vinyl - the song just missed the Top 10 - peaking at # 11.

The 70's ended for Heart with the album "Magazine" (which I also have on vinyl) which gave them the Top 40 hit "Dog and Butterfly" - another rock ballad.

The early 80's (from 1980 - 84) saw Heart having one Top 10 hit with "Tell It Like It Is" and some minor hits, before their major comeback in 1985.

Now bear in mind - Heart was big in the 70's, but in the late 80's they came back stronger and bigger than ever. Again with this phenomenon they again opened up the doors to a new generation and also re-established their status as one of the greatest "women in rock".

The 80's come back began in 1985 with "What About Love" which cracked Top 10. This song had emotion and feeling in it - it was a great rock ballad that they sing so well. The comeback album was self-titled and gave Heart four Top 10 hits and their first number 1 single "These Dreams".

This is the comeback album. Their look was different from the 70's - they seemed more "glam" but the makeover may have also been part of their rejuvenation in the 80's. Their look was a bit characteristic of some of the 80's metal bands.

I loved this album - and each song was so good. The single "If Looks Could Kill" was actually my favorite song on the album and it was the 5th single but it bubbled under the Top 50. My sister liked "Never" the best.  Another feat with this album was that it had 5 singles released (4 being Top 10).

With their comeback - MTV had a major role to play here - their videos were everywhere, and the band was prime material for the then "white rock" which ruled the playlist on MTV.

The follow up album "Bad Animals" was equally good as "Heart" - it gave them their second # 1 hit "Alone", which was another strong rock ballad and was the #1 song of that year. This song has survived the ages and many artists (including Carrie Underwood) have done their own rendition of this classic rock track. The album gave Heart another 2 Top 10 hits ("Alone" and "Who Will You Run To") and in all the album had 4 singles released. The band was also big on MTV at this time as well.

It was a bit odd - but the comeback album "Heart" was released in the US in 1986, but in 1988, the Heart album was now making waves in the UK and gave the band and the album a new lease of life on that side - this shows that you can't keep a good album and songs down.

Another big hit for the band was "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You" - this song was written by none other than "Prince". The video was awesome and the lyrics to this song was - well I can't find a better word than "hot". The song was huge and made it to #2 in 1990.

Throughout the 1990's the band had some minor success but it was not parallel to that in the 70's and 80's.

For me - Heart is one of my all time favorite bands and Magic Man is one of my favorite rock tracks along with Alone and Who Will You Run To. I had entered a Marathon and of course set my playlist - "Who Will You Run To" was on it and it kept me going - I love that song.

And now to leave you - I have my Top 5 Heart songs:

5. Barracuda - don't you feel to pump your fist in the air with this song or even play air guitar!
4. Alone - set the mood and play this sing to candlelight while making love to that special one!
3. Crazy on You - class 70's rock baby
2. Magic Man - the guitar bridge in this song is nucking futs!
1. Who Will You Run To  - the build up in Ann's/Nancy's voice in the chorus sends chills up my spine!

Thanks peeps - next post - will be Van Halen.

Sexiest Men In Rock (According to SteveA)

OK - it might be a bit bias - but after all sexiness is something subjective and everyone has their own checklist when it comes to defining "sexiness". But I tried (and it was really hard) to come up with a Top 10 list of the sexiest men in rock today. It was "hard work" but I looked mainly at my IPOD and searched through my memories to come up with this list. Hope you enjoy - cutie readers:


10. Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)

Ummmm! I saw Trent live in conert a few months ago and this guy has a great, fit body. And he is still got that timeless, sexiness about him.

9. Brandon Flowers (The Killers)

I think of Brandon as a chameleon in rock today. He has changed his image and style with each album and over the years.

8. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave)

Whether Chris is sporting long hair (as in the days of Soundgarden) or short hair or simply being a dad - this rocker is sexy sexy sexy - ummmmmmm! Scrumptios.

7. Bruce Springsteen

Vintage hotness! Bruce just turned 60 and he still (well to me at least) has that sex appeal.

6. Matthew Bellamy (Muse)

Ummmm....this guy is quite a charmer. Muse are on tour with U2 and they have been quite popular on rock radio.

5. Chris Martin (Coldplay)

Chris has got a great voice, is an amazing song writer and musician; fights for "fair trade", and is hot to boot. Chris's band Coldplay is that new wave of British rock/pop bands that are a hit internationally. The band have been nominated quite a number of times at the Grammies and their music is pure quality.

Chris is also married to Gwyneth Paltrow - hot couple.

4. John Mayer

What a cutie. His boyish looks - and now the tattoos. He is also an amazing guitarist and I admire him as such.

3. Lenny Kravitz

Ummmmm - just take a look at him. Whether he is sporting dreads, or short hair or an afro - Lenny just looks damn fine! He looks great in (and out) of clothes and in recent years he has also become a major fashion icon. But don't forget his music - there are some great riffs on "Are You Gonna Go My Way" and "Fly Away".

2. Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars)

Wow - have you seen this band's music videos - they are the absolute best and they are hot. In addition - they have a message - take a look at "A Beautiful Lie" on you tube and have a look at this gorgeous man's eyes - tell me you don't get lost in them.

Jared is also an actor, but he is also a rocker - his band "30 Seconds to Mars" are modern and edgy rock. I have to see them live. This guy has loads of talent and he is sooooo hottt!!!

1. Gavin Rossdale (Bush / Solo Artist)

OK OK - I just find this guy really sexy and he's got that sexy boyish look. In the 90's with his band "Bush" these guys rocked and ruled rock radio. Even today, you can still hear many of Bush's music - up to the other day I heard Everything Zen. And what a lucky guy - he's married to Gwen Steffani - what a beautiful couple.

Peeps - there you go - Hope you like!