Posts Tagged ‘inspiration’

Hollywood Undead, ‘Lion’ Lyric Video – Exclusive Premiere

Octane Hollywood Undead have returned to the music scene with their just-released third album, ‘ Notes From the Underground .’ Helping to grow the buzz this week is the band’s new lyric video for the song ‘Lion,’ which is exclusively premiering Loudwire (watch below). The video itself features time-lapsed footage of the sun setting into nightfall over a gated closure, presumably for a lion. In the background, you see a very well maintained grassy area shaded by the neighboring trees. Lyrically, the song takes you on a journey, opening in more restrained tones with, “ I am a lion and I want to be free / Do you see a lion when you look inside of me / Outside the window / Just to watch you as you sleep / Cause I am a lion born from things you cannot be .” But as the track builds, so does the title character’s inner turmoil and the aggression of the song. Creatively, the track is a little deeper than normal. Johnny 3 Tears recently told us that the band may not always receive artistic credit, but there are moments on the new album where it’s clear that songwriting is something they can do rather well. Though he was not speaking specifically about ‘Lion,’ it’s clear that the group offered something a little more personal on the song. ‘Lion’ can be heard on Hollywood Undead’s ‘Notes From the Underground,’ which is currently available for purchase  here . The song follows their previously released video for ‘ We Are ,’ which was directed by Slipknot ‘s Shawn Crahan . The band just launched their North American tour in support of the album. Watch Hollywood Undead’s ‘Lion’ Lyric Video [button href=”http://loudwire.com/hollywood-undead-johnny-3-tears-we-are-inspired-by-americas-youth/” title=”Next: Hollywood Undead’s Johnny 3 Tears Discusses ‘We Are’ Inspiration” align=”center”]

10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs

Larry Busacca, Getty Images As the ’70s turned into the ’80s, Ozzy Osbourne was trying to figure out his next move after his ousting from Black Sabbath . What he did was embark on a very successful solo career that was lasted more than 30 years. In addition to releasing a number of memorable tunes over the past three decades, Ozzy has selected some virtuoso musicians to record with him, including the incomparable Randy Rhoads and the very talented Zakk Wylde. While Osbourne has reunited with Sabbath on several occasions and is recording a new album with the heavy metal legends, we’re taking a look at some of the best music that Osbourne’s solo career has produced. So, stick with us as we take our “shot in the dark” at counting down the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs: 10 ‘Over the Mountain’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) If you need some drums to kick your ass, Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Over the Mountain’ might just do the trick. Lee Kerslake’s furious flurry of beats not only kicks off the song but also offers the opening notes of the ‘Diary of a Madman’ album. The fantastical Osbourne track takes listeners through a dreamland with an invitation to join him on his journey. Listen to ‘Over the Mountain’ 9 ‘Suicide Solution’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Suicide Solution’ may be the most controversial songs Ozzy Osbourne has ever released. Osbourne stated that the song was a tribute to the late Bon Scott, who died of alcohol poisoning, while bassist Bob Daisley who wrote the track says that Osbourne himself, who was struggling with alcoholism, was the inspiration. There was also the matter of the title, which sparked a lawsuit when a depressed teen shot himself. But controversy or not, the song rocks with Randy Rhoads’ chugging guitar and Osbourne’s wail leading the way. Listen to ‘Suicide Solution’ 8 ‘Gets Me Through’ From: ‘Down to Earth’ (2001) What is Ozzy really all about? The singer attempted to clear it up in the 2001 song ‘Gets Me Through,’ which he wrote as a thank you and explanation to his fans. In the song, Osbourne states, “ I’m not the Anti-Christ or the Iron Man ,” thus separating the man from the image. The song itself starts with keyboard before guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo and drummer Mike Bordin grunge up this trudging rocker. Listen to ‘Gets Me Through’ 7 ‘Mr. Crowley’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Mr. Crowley’ is a solid choice for the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as it smoothed the singer’s transition from Black Sabbath frontman to solo artist. Osbourne’s dark side fully intact, the singer created a song about black magic practitioner Aleister Crowley and his sinister ways. The track launches with the distinctive organ solo from Don Airey before the rhythmic rocker kicks in. Listen to ‘Mr. Crowley’ 6 ‘Shot in the Dark’ From: ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986) ‘Shot in the Dark’ makes the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as one of the more instantly recognizable tracks of the singer’s career. The catchy mid-’80s rocker was penned by bassist Phil Soussan and altered to Osbourne’s specifications. Easily one of the more radio-friendly songs of the singer’s career, the track does still rock with wailing guitar work from Jake E. Lee and a driving beat laid down by Randy Castillo. Listen to ‘Shot in the Dark’ 5 ‘Flying High Again’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) Osbourne’s affinity for drugs did occasionally find its way into song and ‘Flying High Again’ is a perfect example. In the lyrics, Osbourne shares his concern, stating, “ Mama’s gonna worry / I been a bad, bad boy / No use sayin’ sorry / It’s something I enjoy .” Then rationalizing his behavior, he adds, “ If you could be inside of me / you’d see, you’d see what light I see / flyin’ high again, alright! “ Listen to ‘Flying High Again’ 4 ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Here’s the rare non-rocker on our list of 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs. But this song was a major hit in the era of the power ballad and its success was all the sweeter for Osbourne as it was a love song to his wife Sharon. The track, co-written with Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister , was penned about his proposed retirement from music and his return home to his lady love after his support of the album was complete. Listen to ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ 3 ‘Bark at the Moon’ From: ‘Bark at the Moon’ (1983) ‘Bark at the Moon’ finds Osbourne once again digging into mythical territory for inspiration, as the track follows a beast that terrorizes a town, was killed and then was resurrected to wreak even more havoc. Musically, the guitar work from Jake E. Lee is top notch with a driving riff that is easily one of the most recognizable licks from Osbourne’s catalog. Listen to ‘Bark at the Moon’ 2 ‘No More Tears’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Ozzy Osbourne stated in his ‘Prince of Darkness’ liner notes that the song ‘No More Tears’ was “a gift from God,” and we’re not ones to disagree. The Bob Daisley bass line that opens the track pulls the listener in, while chugging Zakk Wylde guitar licks propel the song’s verses. The track also features an extensive bridge infused with keyboards, piano and what sounds like a string backing before finishing out with a fury. Listen to ‘No More Tears’ 1 ‘Crazy Train’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) No surprise here — ‘Crazy Train’ is the best Ozzy Osbourne song of all time. It’s the song that signified that Osbourne’s move to a solo career was a wise one. Guitarist Randy Rhoads “doubled” his parts for the song’s very difficult solo, in the process delivering one of the most admired licks in rock history. As for the lyrical content, Osbourne addressed the crazy state of the world during the Cold War and offered the uplifting message, “ Maybe it’s not too late / To learn how to love and forget how to hate .” Simply put, ‘Crazy Train’ is not only one of Ozzy’s best, but one of the best rock songs ever. Listen to ‘Crazy Train’ What Is Your Favorite Ozzy Osbourne Song? We’ve show you our list and now it’s your turn to tell us if we got it right. What is your favorite Ozzy Osbourne song and did it make the list where you think it should have? Is there something we completely missed that you can’t believe didn’t make the cut? If so, what song would you knock off to replace it? Let us know your thoughts on the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs list in the comments section below.

3 Doors Down: The Story Behind the ‘Loser’ Video – Exclusive Premiere

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com As part of the continued ramp up to 3 Doors Down ‘s ‘ Greatest Hits ‘ album, original band members Brad Arnold, Chris Henderson and Todd Harrell are reflecting on the songs and videos that paved the way for their success. The group is once again teaming with Loudwire to showcase the video vignette reflecting on the clip for one of their earliest hit singles, ‘Loser.’ In the piece, guitarist Chris Henderson takes the lead, talking about what it was like to be a new band and having to shoot music videos for the first time. He explains that ‘Loser’ was the first time that he was actually given a solo shot in a music video and the nerves that went into that shoot. Henderson gives his account of things in the vignette below. ‘Loser’ was the second single from the band’s 2000 debut disc, ‘The Better Life,’ and after the huge success of ‘Kryptonite,’ it showed that the band was not going to be a one-hit wonder. Years later, there’s a lot of 3 Doors Down hits, including ‘ Duck and Run ,’ ‘Be Like That,’ ‘ When I’m Gone ,’ ‘Here Without You,’ and ‘It’s Not My Time’ among others. All of those tracks are featured on the forthcoming ‘Greatest Hits’ collection, due Nov. 19. 3 Doors Down will support the upcoming release with a late 2012 co-headlining trek with Daughtry . The tour gets under way with the band’s annual ‘The Better Life’ Foundation concert Nov. 17 in Tunica, Miss., and concludes Dec. 15 in Anaheim, Calif. Watch 3 Doors Down’s ‘The Story Behind the ‘Loser’ Video’ Vignette [button href=”http://loudwire.com/3-doors-down-brad-arnold-inspiration-one-light/” title=”Next: 3 Doors Down’s Brad Arnold Shares Inspiration for ‘One Light’ Single” align=”center”]

Steel Panther Expose Performance of ‘Fat Girl’ From ‘British Invasion’ DVD – Exclusive Premiere

Universal Sunset Strip heavy metal humorists Steel Panther are about to blast fans in the face with the awesome concert film ‘British Invasion.’ Steel Panther lovers have been anxiously awaiting the ‘British Invasion’ DVD, which took the band over two years to film, as they began the project in March 2010. Graciously giving fans a sneak preview of the film, Steel Panther are unleashed live footage from the song ‘Fat Girl,’ exclusively through Loudwire. The tale of ‘Fat Girl’ has taken many forms, as the inspiration for the song has been attributed various members of Steel Panther over the years. Whether the ‘Fat Girl’ stigma falls upon vocalist Michael Starr, drummer Stix Zadinia, or any other Panther, the band boasts a bitchin’ track that leaves many singing along while hazily remember a night of questionable choices. ‘British Invasion’ was directed and produced by Daniel E. Catullo III ( Rush , Nickelback , Godsmack ) and an official website for the new DVD has been launched by the band. The film contains a documentary, full concert performance and a 16-page color book, and fans who pre-order the film will also receive a limited edition autographed poster. ‘Steel Panther: British Invasion, which is also available on Blu-ray, hits stores in North America on Oct. 30. What the hell are you waiting for?! Check out Steel Panther’s exclusive performance of ‘Fat Girl’ in the player below and be sure to grab a copy of ‘British Invasion.’ Watch Steel Panther, ‘Fat Girl’ From ‘British Invasion’ [Exclusive to Loudwire] ‘Steel Panther – British Invasion’ Track Listing 1. ‘Eyes of a Panther’ 2. ‘Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin” 3. ‘Fat Girl’ 4. ‘Hair Solo’ 5. ‘Party All Day’ 6. ‘Hell’s on Fire’ 7. ‘Stripper Girl’ 8. ‘Asian Hooker’ 9. ‘Turn Out the Lights’ 10. ‘Girl From Oklahoma’ (featuring Corey Taylor) 11. ‘We Want Pussy’ 12. ‘Community Property’ 13. ‘The Shocker’ 14. ‘Death to All But Metal Bonus Disc 1. Documentary 2. ‘Supersonic Sec Machine’ (Download 2012) 3. ‘Community Property’ (Download 2012) 4. ‘Just Like Tiger Woods’ (Download 2012) 5. ’17 Girls in a Row’ (Download 2012) 6. ‘Death to All But Metal’ (Download 2012)

Lacuna Coil Launch Their Own Social Networking Fan Community

Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Lacuna Coil are making sure their faithful followers are able to keep up with the latest news from the band by launching their own social network-fan community. The group teamed with Mobile Backstage to create the application, which will allow fans easier access to all kinds of Lacuna Coil information. As part of the new application, Lacuna Coil followers from around the world will be able to connect in real time and share photos, videos, audio, and get the latest updates from the band. They’ll also be able to invite the friends to take part and follow Lacuna Coil’s activities while the band is on the road. The application is currently available via the band’s website , on their Facebook page , and through iPhone and Android smart phones. Get the iPhone app here and the Android app here . The group just kicked off their Dark Legacy European Tour in support of the ‘Dark Adrenaline’ album. Co-vocalist Cristina Scabbia says, “The Dark Legacy tour is a dream come true! This tour will present the history of Lacuna Coil, melding old fans with a new generation of Coilers. The Dark Legacy set will offer both the electric and acoustic vibe and absolute melodic epicness!” Co-vocalist Andrea Ferro added, “We wanted to give our fans a special present for Lacuna Coil’s fifteenth anniversary and that was the inspiration for the Dark Legacy tour. The Dark Legacy show will be very special, with a lot of our history in a surprise-filled set. You won’t want to miss it!” [button href=”http://loudwire.com/lacuna-coil-cristina-scabbia-rejects-solo-career/” title=”Next: Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia Rejects Solo Career Talk” align=”center”]

Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson Reveals the Musical Secret Behind ‘Run to the Hills’

EMI Cover your eyes degenerate Iron Maiden fans! Our beloved heavy metal deity is wearing a suit! Okay, it’s not that big of a deal, as Bruce Dickinson spoke at the IBM Smarter Business event in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct. 10 to draw parallels between music and business. Dickinson’s address included his own experiences as a successful musician and even revealed one of his super-secret compositional strategy behind the classic Maiden track ‘Run to the Hills.’ Dickinson explained a strange day in his life to the crowd: the day he realized that people were referring to the vocalist as a “businessman.” It’s not too far of a leap, as Iron Maiden have put many of music’s greatest sonic and materialistic products, but how does the term “businessman” sit with Dickinson? “I’ve had some strange experiences in my life”, begins Dickinson, “and one of the strangest was waking up one day and discovering that people called be a businessman, which is very odd.” Dickinson goes on to describe the role that creativity has played in the mind of history’s greatest minds. “Leonardo DiVinci invents the helicopter … he imagined it and eventually it happened. Jules Verne invented the nuclear submarine, he just didn’t know about nuclear reactors. He imagined it, and that inspired generations of people to invent things. Einstein, of course, who was the kid at school who would never amount to much because he was rubbish at physics and didn’t pay any attention in class, said, ‘Imagination is greater than knowledge.’ If you can’t imagine it, it will never happen.” As for composing the legendary ‘Run to the Hills,’ Dickinson revealed the inspiration for the song came from the analysis of a television musicologist. “The program was about why the song ‘My Way’ (Frank Sinatra), was the most popular recorded song in history,” begins Dickinson. “The musicologist came along and said, ‘It’s all in the rising sixth.’” Referring to the sixth interval within a scale, Dickinson went on to give a vocal example of ‘My Way’ versus ‘Run to the Hills.’ Check out highlights of Bruce Dickinson’s IBM speech along with his vocal demonstration in the videos below. Bruce Dickinson Reveals Secret Behind ‘Run to the Hills’ Bruce Dickinson Explains the Importance of Creativity

Shinedown’s Brent Smith Reveals ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ as First Musical Influence

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Musicians have to get their inspiration from somewhere, and Shinedown singer Brent Smith says he owes a debt of gratitude to the ’70s television series ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ and the singer of the show’s theme song, Waylon Jennings , for putting him on the path to music. Smith recalls in the ‘Beacon Moment’ video series (shown below), “I was about four years old and I had a love for the television show ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’ The funny thing was that I loved the theme song so much that my grandmother got me a 45 of just the Waylon Jennings song.” Smith says that his love of the song really helped define a passion early on in his life. He recalls, “I would play it just over and over and over and over again, and honestly I knew pretty much from that moment that I wanted to be a singer. It’s funny cause I would tell my parents, ‘I want to do what the man’s doing, like on the song.’ And they were like, ‘Oh, you want to be a guitar player or be in a band?’ and I was like, ‘No, I’m gonna be a singer.’” The vocalist says that from an early age, he knew music was his future. He explains, “It was very profound because the way I looked at it, even at a young age, I don’t feel I was ever desensitized to songs or the beauty of being an artist as far as creating songs and being a songwriter. I started writing songs when I was probably six, at least in my mind I did.” Aside from ‘The Dukes of Hazzard,’ Smith says his dad helped provide his soulful side, turning him onto the music of Otis Redding. The vocalist says that even though he loves rock, you can hear a bit of the Redding influence in his delivery. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/shinedown-bizarre-tour-rider-requests/” title=”Next: Shinedown: Bizarre Tour Rider Requests” align=”center”] Watch Shinedown’s Brent Smith Recalling His First Love of Music ?