"Their Chicagoland performance was nothing short of spectacular and firmly solidified in the minds of all who attended their show why GHOST currently reign's supreme atop the alter of all things metal."
Opening for IRON MAIDEN is an honor an a privilege, and most bands tapped for this role are accomplished musicians at the top of their game. Bands such as DREAM THEATER and AVENGED SEVENFOLD are recent members to this exclusive club, and both have noted success all around the world. GHOST is no exception to this rule and have checked off all the boxes required as opener for IRON MAIDEN on the 2nd leg of their Book of Souls World Tour. In addition to their meteoric rise in popularity (including a Grammy in 2016 for Best Metal Performance, Cirice), GHOST may be one of the most provocative bands on the planet today. Their overtly Satanic themes have placed them firmly in the cross-hairs of many religious organizations worldwide, and this added controversy has fueled an already rabid appetite for this band. Whether you an avid follower of the band or despise them to no end, it’s clear that GHOST has taken the world by storm with catchy lyrics, solid vocals, and musicianship that is second to none. Toss in the recent controversy regarding the firing (and rehiring) of the entire band - aka as the Nameless Ghouls, and you you have quite the story to tell. Those in attendance for Thursday's performance at the amazing Hollywood Casino Amphitheater got a chance to witness the spectacle firsthand that so many have been raving about over the past few years – GHOST.
Prior to the show, my biggest question was whether or not the average IRON MAIDEN fanatic would accept GHOST. Although similar in some respects, there are some sharp contrasts to their musical sound and theatrical style that all fans may be able to appreciate. As a music aficionado, I love that contrast but was not sure everyone would. I was surprised that over a quarter of the fans in the pit were decked out in GHOST shirts and some of the hard core fans came dressed in full costume (including Papal Mitre - also known as the Pope's big hat). After a what seemed like an eternity waiting in the hot and humid pit, lights finally dimmed and Gregorio Allegri's "Masked Ball" filled the amphitheater with a beautiful prelude that seemed to calm the rapid crowd. Then, as if ascending from hell itself, Papa Emeritus III appeared center stage with Nameless Ghouls surrounding him on all sides. The evening’s services were now underway and the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater was rocking to GHOST’s latest smash, “Square Hammer”.
Over the next hour or so, concert goers of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds got a chance to rock together to 8 GHOST masterpieces spanning their entire discography including tracks from Opus Eponymous (2010), Infestissumam (2013), Meliora (2015), and current EP Popestar (2016). Fan favorites included “From the Pinnacle to the Pit" and “Cirice”, while I gravitated towards lesser known tracks like “Ritual" and “Year Zero”. During an all-out assault of one of my favorite GHOST tracks, “Mummy Dust”, it was clear that Maiden fans were won over by Papa and the Ghouls as energy levels jumped to "11" for the remainder of the show. “Monstrance Clock” wrapped up an incredible set and one would have never guessed that this was an entirely new set of Nameless Ghouls based on the amazing chemistry they displayed on stage Thursday evening. Whether you are new to the GHOST coven or have been following them since they started off on their diabolical journey in 2008, there was something for everyone at Thursday evening’s show.
Ghost continues to challenge the status quo of the current metal scene with their unique sound, haunting imagery, and controversial messages. Their rise in popularity over the past few years should be no surprise to those who have been following them over the years, and is a testament to how talented this band truly is. Strip away all of ones’ preconceived notions about the band and you’ll easily see that GHOST is one of the most talented and innovative bands touring the globe today. And if you don’t take my word for it, maybe their numerous top-ten, sold-out shows, or that Grammy might convince you otherwise. Regardless, there is no doubt in my mind that GHOST is the real-deal and will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Their Chicagoland performance was nothing short of spectacular and firmly solidified in the minds of all who attended their show why GHOST currently reign's supreme atop the alter of all things metal. IRON MAIDEN couldn't have made a better choice for their opener, and their performance took the crowd to a whole new level as Maiden took the stage later that evening.
GHOST is currently trekking across America in support of IRON MAIDEN's 2017 Book of Souls Tour.Please click HERE for more information and to buy your tickets now. Top to bottom, this was by far my favorite show of 2017 to date and I assure you that you'll walk away feeling the same way too. It was simply a bucket-list performance for the ages!!
Until next time - Stay Frosty and Rock On!
Setlist:
"Masked Ball" (Recording by Gregorio Allegri)
"Square Hammer"
"From the Pinnacle to the Pit"
"Ritual"
"Cirice"
"Year Zero"
"Absolution"
"Mummy Dust"
"Monstrance Clock"
Dr. OGX is one of our communities finest manufacturers and distributors relating to THC and CBD products. Find out more about the health and recreational benefits of their all-natural cannabis infused shot in this Hunnypot Live segment hosted by Hot Tub Johnnie and Jeff Gray!
Dr. OGX has won Cannabis Cup and High Times for their 100% water soluble THC and CBD shots. Steve Suh got into the cannabis business to help stop his wife's seizures, proving CBD's medical uses. He also makes all-natural potent THC products for those that use cannabis recreationally. The shots are flavorful and kick in almost immediately! Additionally, they come in either Sativa or Indica allowing users to chose what kind of experience they have.
Find out more about the products and the company at Dr. OGX's website HERE.
Confession: We found bizarre guilty pleasure listening to this song about a Llama named “Chow Chow”.
Sweden’s latest viral dance export, DJ and electronic producer Aron Michael Ekberg, aka AronChupa, has made another viral hit with his sister Nora Ekberg, aka Little Sis Nora. Originally a soccer star and later became part of viral group Albatraoz, AronChupa went solo in 2014 to make electro- and hip-hop influenced dance music. He has also recently started his own label House of Albatraoz, which vision is to build something together with other talents.
With views on AronChupa’s youtube channel approaching 1 billion, the track “I’m An Albatraoz” alone have scored double platinums across the board in Sweden and Australia, and platinums in New Zealand, Italy and Denmark. Videos of it on AronChupa’s channel had easily hit a combined 800 million views, which could be blamed on the fun and catchy melody with that urban twist.
Released for less than 3 weeks, “Llama In My Living Room” is already approaching 4 million views and more than 3000 comments. Known for their visual pricks in their music videos, this one with “Llama In My Living Room” is no different. House of Albatraoz brought in a clone of porn star Ron Jeremy, llama “Chow Chow”, and Little Sis Nora in albatraoz attitude among walls of straw bale. And may we say the eccentric lyrics and the pitch manipulated “meh” was simply on point.
What’s an “albatraoz”? Urban Dictionary defined that to be one, is to be “a strong woman, or in other words, a boss ass bitch,” which definition is verified by Little Sis Nora.
Admit it, the eccentric title is tempting you to your first play. Well, give it a spin. “Ciao ciao”.
P.S. We found a little secret in the names of the siblings… Their names spelt backwards are each other’s name. How cute!
Mike WiLL Made-It teams up with Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane and Rae Sremmurd on a hot new single "Perfect Pint". The video falls into the mind-blowing catagory, Enjoy the trip, Hunnypot Approved!
We can't get enough of this party track from Brooklyn based Disco flavored ESCORT. A favorite Hot Tub DJ set anthem. Party on!
In a stunning change of protocol Hot Tub Johnnie assembled his appointees and had them bestow praise, adulation and allegiance to his "party" platform. We all unanimously agreed to serve him without measure. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with some sharp tunes to smooth the edges. Bruce Duff dusted off our turntables and brought a set of music that defines his mad genius influence and influences, Eugene Marie haunted us with progressive melody and meter, Sumo Princess "Yusho'd" us the way to hard rock victory, Fused By Defiance literally brought the crowd to their knees with hardcore sounds and The Glorious just live up to their name with...glorious melodies and songs. *DR. OGX (STEVE SUH) INTERVIEW!!! -Jeff Gray 6/12/2017
Musician, producer, manager, rock journalist, indie label executive, Southern California native Bruce Duff has seen and been a part of more rock 'n' roll fantasies come to life than the average guy with long hair and a penchant for living the dream. From biohazardous opening slots with the legendary GG Allin to playing alongside the notorious Jeff Dahl and the Dead Boys' Cheetah Chrome, wearing multiple hats at Triple X Records, and writing for the most acclaimed publications in the genres. Bruce currently oversees the Artist Management division at Knitting Factory.
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Eugene Marie is a new electropop duo from Brooklyn by way of Seattle and Portland. The couple, Lucy and Spencer, is currently releasing their debut self-titled EP – an album built from a foundation of found sounds and serendipitous situations. By gathering seemingly mundane artifacts of life and putting them on a pedestal, Eugene Marie turns squeaks into symphonies and conversations into melodies: "The perfect blend of Björk's unconventional left field exuberance and Sylvan Esso's odd-pop earworms" (Crack in the Road).
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Los Angeles based, bass and drum duo Sumo Princess is the brainchild of bassist/ vocalist Abby Travis (The Go-Go’s, Eagles of Death Metal, Masters of Reality, Farflung, The Bangles, Beck, KMFDM, Elastica) and drummer/cohort Gene Trautmann (Queens of the Stoneage, Eagles of Death Metal, The Miracle Workers, The Twilight Singers, Mark Lanegan, Drag News, Mojave Lords)
After working for 30+ years, as a gun for hire: Travis got sick of being appropriate and tasteful so she started creating a new, post political, music from her gut. Sumo Princess has the balls of teenage rebellion with the experience and chops of two alt rock music veterans. Travis and Trautmann have been friends since the 1980’s when she was in The Lovedolls and he played drums with paisley undergound stalwarts The Miracle Workers. The sound they are creating draws heavily from their misspent youths with direct lines to the Residents, Butthole Surfers, Devo, Black Flag, acid during the Reagan administration and legendary LA punk rock clubhouse Rajis.
Improvisation and strange vocal stylings are main ingredients in Sumo Princess’ work. When singing, Travis seems to take on different characters in each narrative. This is big departure from her earlier, more personal, solo work. (Cutthroat Standards & Black Pop, Glittermouth, IV, The Abby Travis Foundation) Through filtering her bass guitar through a myriad of strange pedals, she creates a new sound she calls “Artcore”
Travis is surprised that such reactionary, non results oriented work is resonating so deeply with fans: “I started this band to preserve my own sanity”, Travis says, “My initial goal was just to play at my brother’s club. (Dave Travis/ Café Nela) I’m amazed at the audience response we are getting.”
Trautmann says: “When Abby asked we to play in Sumo I was stoked because I knew her musicianship and drive would challenge me to better my own playing and to do things I wouldn’t normally do in the standard rock paradigm. We’re really hitting marks across the spectrum of style and I like it like that. Also I get to sing and play orchestral percussion, which is awesome.”
Look for the debut Sumo Princess release in ‘17.
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Fused By Defiance, also known as FxD, is a five-piece band from Los Angeles, CA, formed in 2012. They incorporate sounds of rock, metal, hip hop, and funk, coupled with socially conscious lyrics, to create songs that will move both your body and your mind. Add in their naturally energetic performance and the live show becomes an event to remember, or as one fan put it, "Poetry in motion." The band has opened for the following international acts: The Offspring, SUM 41, Rival Sons, LIT, Unwritten Law, Puddle of Mudd, Crazytown, Fear Factory, Metalachi, the Westfield Massacre, Everclear and Eyes Set To Kill. FxD has participated in the Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands, and won twice (in 2013 and 2015, respectively). They also made it through KLOS's Heidi and Franks "Stay or Go"; and, consequently, won a spot into SOG Fest 2015. And, won a battle-of-the-bands to play on 4/8/17 at 95.5 KLOS's SABROSO Music Festival. Currently, Fused By Defiance is sponsored by EMG Pickups, Red Six Drum Gear and Coldcock Whiskey.The FxD team is excited for the road ahead. And, more than anything, is dedicated to putting in the necessary work into sharing their music with the world.
Members - Ryan Cheek (Cheeks) - Vocalist/Kevin (Kevo) Cordero- Lead Guitar/Alvaro (Al) Padilla- Rhythm Guitar/Jonathan (Jon) Sigala- Bass/Edwin (Ed) Daboub- Drummer
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Late evening on December 25th, 2008 at footballer and now movie star, Vinnie Jones’ annual Christmas Party, the Glorious Two; Christopher Wicks and Mick Rossi would meet.
Christopher Wicks, the lyricist, designer and creator of all things English Laundry®, was born a child of the Sixties in Manchester, England–the Centre of the Universe.
In his very early years, he found solace by sketching what he remembers mainly to be shirts, shoes & guitars , listening to music and going to see shows at the many legendary Manchester music venues. His coalminer father often remarked to his Mum, “there’s something wrong with that kid, he should be outside kicking a ball.”
What began as a pre-teen pasttime, however, became a life-long career designing men’s & women’s apparel. Since leaving his home land in 1989, Christopher currently lives in Los Angeles where he pursues his passion for rock ‘n’ roll, open-top cars, motorcycles and, of course, fashion.
A day without music is a day without inspiration. The soundtrack playing in the backdrop of all his endeavors, includes music from The Small Faces, The Who, The Stones and, most important, the clean-cut elegance of early Beatles.
Mick Rossi, actor, writer, musician & producer, began his career in Manchester, England. As a teenager, he formed the cult British punk rock band, Slaughter and the Dogs. Mick has written & produced several albums with Slaughter and the Dogs to date. They have played with The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Talking Heads and many more. A guitar hero to many, Mick Rossi and his band Slaughter and The Dogs are considered to be one of the founders of the punk rock movement in Britain today. Since moving to L.A., Mick continues to work as an award winning actor in independent film. As a writer he has penned scripts with Gabriel Byrne, Joanne Whalley & Patrick Bergin. Some of his more recent projects are: “Played”, “2:22” and his latest project is the dark psychological thriller “A Kiss and a Promise” which he also wrote with Phillip Guzman. Mick plays the leading role of “David Beck” a sociopath opposite actress Natasha Gregson Wagner. “A Kiss and a Promise” was directed by Phillip Guzman and produced by Lenny Bitondo. A Kiss and a Promise opened theatrically on September 9, 2011.
Mick revisited his musical roots when he teamed up with fellow Mancunian singer/lyricist Christopher Wicks and together they penned the album “Stories From A Fractured Youth”. Wicks’ lyrics proved to be the perfect companion to Rossi’s melodies & riffs. Every lyric on the album telling a story, every riff on the guitar, an infectious melody and with a little help from their friends who lent their musical talents to the album. These include Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Billy Duffy of the Cult and a duet with Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilot’s.
Their debut album: “Stories from a Fractured Youth, consists of 13 powerful songs that will stand the test of time.
Matt Halper and Eli Sones, the young masterminds behind Two Friends team up with another LA based pop/dance duo Cosmos & Creature and bring us the tenderly ruckus pop single "Out Of Love". Don't miss Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore pka Cosmos & Creature performing live at our June 26th Hunnypot party!
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Well, you may or may not know this but Hunnypot has been providing marijuana friendly events for over 17 years. With legalization now in effect we're thrilled to be able to introduce our community to some of the finest manufacturers and distributors of a plethora of new THC and CBD related products. Our June 26th event is no exception. We're proud to have Steve Suh and his Dr. OGX team sponsoring the party and invite everyone to experience their specially infused all natural cannabis shots.
Hunnypot Live Sampling Session
6/26/17 7-11pm
Mid-City Music Lounge (behind The Mint)
6010 W. Pico Blvd.
LA, CA 90035
Get ready for some serious nostalgia! If you’re craving that early nineties feel with some indie chic rock, you’ve found it in Chastity Belt. In their recent music video “Different Now”, released March 2017, we seem to travel back in time with vintage looking shots that later get mixed with more modern media. It’s a fun video to get lost in with carefree vibes that pays homage a simpler time.
Chastity belt started in Walla Walla, WA and made their way to Seattle where they stated gaining serious momentum. Members consist of Julia Sharpiro on lead vocals and guitar, Lydia Lund on lead guitar, Annie Truscott on bass and Gretchen Grimm on drums. Their content includes battling the social norm of femininity and empowerment, all wrapped up in humorous lyricism. Currently, they’re celebrating the release of their third studio album “I Used To Spend So Much Time Alone” while playing local Seattle shows. They’re getting ready for their 2017 summer tour as well and will follow with a recently announced West Coast tour.
Australian psych rock juggernaut and Hot Tub favorite King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard proclaimed I am a black hole shitting into the void. The band releases the video of their latest epic single off the upcoming release Murder Of The Universe available on ATO Records. It's their second full album so far this year, five albums are expected. King Gizzard are currently touring the world. Hunnypot Approved!