Memorable Live Performances: Alice In Chains at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996

Today is April 5, 2021. 19 years ago today, Layne Staley died. Though, it wouldn’t be for another 2 weeks until his body was found in his home. It’s still a very sad thought in my mind. I even remember being a senior in high school when I heard about it, and I was devastated. Thankfully though, we still have all the great music Layne created and was a part of. In remembrance of what a talent Layne was, let’s celebrate him by doing something a tad bittersweet. What you have here is the very last concert (I’m not counting the unplugged show) Alice In Chains played with Layne in 1996. This show in particular was when Alice was asked to open up for KISS. Also, this is a fun note, the picture at the top is me in front of Layne’s house (his was the very top floor). Enjoy this show!!

Alice In Chains: Live at Kemper Arena, Kansas City July 3, 1996:

Cover Song: The Donnas (Kiss)- Strutter

I was talking to a friend the other day who is doing one of those post an album cover without explanation things on social media. One of the ones he posted was an album cover by The Donnas. It’s been so long since I’ve listened to them that it sent me on a little bit of a dig back through their catalog. While doing so, I remembered they did a pretty awesome and fun cover of the Kiss song “Strutter” for the soundtrack to Detroit Rock City. So for the fun of it, here’s that cover for you to enjoy.

The Donnas- Strutter:

That Was A Bad Idea: Gene Simmons- Firestarter

Bad ideas happen a lot in music.  I mean A LOT of bad ideas. Sometimes it’s a business decision, a song arrangement, or even a member change/addition. One of the biggest of the bad ideas are cover songs. Sure if you are in your rehearsal studio and you’re messing around it’s fun and silly but, when you actually dare to put it out for the public to hear, that’s a whole other story. I’d like to bring your attention to a cover song that was released in 2004. Gene Simmons, yes THAT Gene Simmons, released a “solo” album in 2004 entitled Asshole. When the album was released the first single from it was a cover of The Prodigy’s “Firestarter.” It’s worth noting too that Dave Navarro lent his guitar playing to this cover. Well, not only did the album flop but, this cover is probably one of the worst covers you’ll ever hear, plus, what Gene looks like and does in the video makes it even worse. Gene Simmons has never been shy about his goal of making money. Just look at all the KISS merchandise there is along with all the other schlock he peddles. This was one of those really bad ideas that will live on in infamy and should you need a laugh, it’s perfect for that.

 
Gene Simmons- Firestarter:

 

Gene Simmons- Firestarter Video:

 

Cover Song: White Zombie (Kiss)- God Of Thunder

I’m still hoping that one day White Zombie will get back together for at least one show. But at least there is still the music. One of my favorite Kiss songs “God Of Thunder was covered by White Zombie way back when. It’s definitely an interesting cover. Enjoy it!

 

White Zombie- God Of Thunder:

 

Kiss- God Of Thunder:

 

Rob Zombie, Slash, Scott Ian, Tommy Lee, Ace Frehley, Gilby Clarke (from VH1 Rock Honors)- God of Thunder:

Songs In Film: Kiss in Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey

I love me some Bill and Ted. I remember when Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey came out, I thought it was the coolest movie. The soundtrack was great, and Jim Martin’s cameo (from Faith No More), was awesome. William Sadler stole the movie for sure as his role of, Death. The ending song was perfect, Kiss with Steve Vai performing “God Gave Rock n Roll To You. I’m pretty stoked on Bill and Ted 3 actually happening. Keanu back as Ted… count me in!

 

Kiss with Steve Vai- God Gave Rock n Roll To You:

 

 

Top Ten Bands A-Z: K

The journey continues to find the top ten bands/artists in the alphabet. K is here and like H, I, and J, K  is another difficult one to complete. As usual your suggestions are wanted in completing this list.

01) The Kinks
02) Korn
03) King Crimson
04) Kyuss
05) Killswitch Engage
06) Kiss
07) Lenny Kravitz
08)
09)
10)