Links that Rock!
Below you will find some of the people and places on the web that in my opinion rock beyond words!
The Last Vegas
Based out of Chicago, Illinois, The Last Vegas claimed "the greatest prize in rock", by winning the "Make Rock History" competition, proving themselves to be the best out of 8,000 competing bands. Motley Crue hand picked The Last Vegas as the winners and they became the opening act for Motley Crue's Saints of Los Angeles tour in 2009. In addition, the recording label, Eleven Seven (of which Nikki Sixx is president) awarded The Last Vegas a recording contract. This absolutely put them on the map of the rock and roll world as a force to be reckoned with and a band not to be taken lightly.
Even before landing a contract with Eleven Seven, The Last Vegas had independently sold over 10,000 records. They have toured 17 countries including stops all over the U.S., and they rule their hometown of Chicago. Songs from this band have been featured in a wide range of media, from video games to Nascar, from Fuel Tv to MTV. The first single, "I'm Bad" was also featured in national Guitar Center radio spots.
"I'm Bad" was also selected as iTunes single of the year in 2009, off the album "Whatever Gets You Off". The album itself placing in iTunes top 15 rock albums of 2009.
They are an attitude driven, trashy, sleazy, sexy, feel-good, high energy mix of glam, punk, garage rock and swagger. Their one of a kind sound has earned them opening slots for major acts such as Motley Crue, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Smile Empty Soul and more. Currently The Last Vegas is out there tearing it up and burning it down, one venue at a time as headliners themselves.
Here's some of what is being said about The Last Vegas:
"If you like the Motley Crue mold, grab the new one by The Last Vegas." -Entertainment Weekly
"Pure hard rock...blessed with a singer, a menacing wall of riffage and tunes, the Chicago quintet is a good, sleazy time" -The Boston Globe
"The combine rock, glam, and garage for an ass-kicking sound. No doubt rock 'n' roll is here to stay in '09" -Billboard Magazine.
The Last Vegas is:
Chad Cherry - Lead Vocals
Johnny Wator - Guitar
Danny Smash - Bass
Adam Arling - Guitar
Nathan Arling - Drums
I have been fortunate enough to see the band live, and meet them several times. Trust me when I say they are as awesome offstage as they are on.
I am also absolutely honored to see my designs worn onstage by Chad Cherry and Danny Smash.
Pictures of Chad and Danny rockin' Steady Tilt are on my Rockers in Steady Tilt page.
If you want to see more and hear the future of rock, go check the links below because The Last Vegas is it.
Pure, true rock 'n' roll is back and it's here to stay, bearing the name of:
The Last Vegas
http://www.thelastvegas.com
http://www.myspace.com/thelastvegas
http://www.facebook.com/thelastvegas
Even before landing a contract with Eleven Seven, The Last Vegas had independently sold over 10,000 records. They have toured 17 countries including stops all over the U.S., and they rule their hometown of Chicago. Songs from this band have been featured in a wide range of media, from video games to Nascar, from Fuel Tv to MTV. The first single, "I'm Bad" was also featured in national Guitar Center radio spots.
"I'm Bad" was also selected as iTunes single of the year in 2009, off the album "Whatever Gets You Off". The album itself placing in iTunes top 15 rock albums of 2009.
They are an attitude driven, trashy, sleazy, sexy, feel-good, high energy mix of glam, punk, garage rock and swagger. Their one of a kind sound has earned them opening slots for major acts such as Motley Crue, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Smile Empty Soul and more. Currently The Last Vegas is out there tearing it up and burning it down, one venue at a time as headliners themselves.
Here's some of what is being said about The Last Vegas:
"If you like the Motley Crue mold, grab the new one by The Last Vegas." -Entertainment Weekly
"Pure hard rock...blessed with a singer, a menacing wall of riffage and tunes, the Chicago quintet is a good, sleazy time" -The Boston Globe
"The combine rock, glam, and garage for an ass-kicking sound. No doubt rock 'n' roll is here to stay in '09" -Billboard Magazine.
The Last Vegas is:
Chad Cherry - Lead Vocals
Johnny Wator - Guitar
Danny Smash - Bass
Adam Arling - Guitar
Nathan Arling - Drums
I have been fortunate enough to see the band live, and meet them several times. Trust me when I say they are as awesome offstage as they are on.
I am also absolutely honored to see my designs worn onstage by Chad Cherry and Danny Smash.
Pictures of Chad and Danny rockin' Steady Tilt are on my Rockers in Steady Tilt page.
If you want to see more and hear the future of rock, go check the links below because The Last Vegas is it.
Pure, true rock 'n' roll is back and it's here to stay, bearing the name of:
The Last Vegas
http://www.thelastvegas.com
http://www.myspace.com/thelastvegas
http://www.facebook.com/thelastvegas
Asphalt Valentine
Left to right: Brett Ciaramella, Joe Flynt, Scozzy Valentine, Scott Clark, Evan McKee
In 2003, five Atlanta based musicians got together to combine all aspects of the spirit of rock and roll. Influenced by every musical note they had ever heard, Asphalt Valentine fused them all together and made something of their own. The attitude of punk, the decadence of glam, the melody of pop, the blare of hard rock, the naiveté of youth, the worn weariness of country and the soul of rhythm and blues - but with one common goal, straight ahead balls to the wall, white knuckled rock and roll.
Asphalt Valentine understands there is not a secret formula for success other than determination, hard work and a little bit of luck. There is no reason to try and reinvent the proverbial wheel. The only thing needed is to keep that wheel rolling – and what truly matters is that you are true to yourselves. Asphalt Valentine are five guys who firmly believe that is what they do with the music that they create.
After thousands of miles logged, hundreds of shows and many satisfied fans, Asphalt Valentine finally found the perfect combination of seasoned and veteran musicians to fulfill their quest to rock and roll. Asphalt Valentine is poised to take it to the next level. Buckle up and hold on because it’s going to be a hell of a ride.
Here's some of what is being said about Asphalt Valentine:
"These guys are BADASS!!!" -Traci Guns of L.A. Guns and Brides of Destruction
"Asphalt Valentine's anticipated 1st release might well become the best sleazy hardrock release since Guns 'n' Roses debut from 1987" - Sleezerock magazine
"It's sleazy and catchy and you'll be banging your head throughout. if you like no-frills rock, get your hands on this cd and crank it for all it's worth. You won't be disappointed." - The Atomic Chaser, AllAccess
Asphalt Valentine is:
Joe Flynt - Lead Vocals
Scott "McGuyver" Clark - Bass
Evan "Kracken" McKee- Guitar
Brett "Beretta" Ciaramella - Guitar
Scozzy Valentine - Drums
I have been fortunate enough to see these guys perform live, and meet them as well. They are great guys offstage as well as on.
“ROCK AND ROLL” is a term used to define a type of music, a person, a
generation and a lifestyle. It’s a brand. Arrogant swagger, infectious
groove, unbridled sexuality, heart racing rhythm, undeniable passion and
soul are what separate ‘rock and roll’ from its musical counterparts.
Asphalt Valentine is, without a doubt, a rock and roll band.
Go check the links below to see and hear more from Asphalt Valentine!
http://www.asphaltvalentine.com
http://www.myspace.com/asphaltvalentine2
http://www.facebook.com/Asphalt-Valentine
http://www.twitter.com/AsphaltValentin
Asphalt Valentine understands there is not a secret formula for success other than determination, hard work and a little bit of luck. There is no reason to try and reinvent the proverbial wheel. The only thing needed is to keep that wheel rolling – and what truly matters is that you are true to yourselves. Asphalt Valentine are five guys who firmly believe that is what they do with the music that they create.
After thousands of miles logged, hundreds of shows and many satisfied fans, Asphalt Valentine finally found the perfect combination of seasoned and veteran musicians to fulfill their quest to rock and roll. Asphalt Valentine is poised to take it to the next level. Buckle up and hold on because it’s going to be a hell of a ride.
Here's some of what is being said about Asphalt Valentine:
"These guys are BADASS!!!" -Traci Guns of L.A. Guns and Brides of Destruction
"Asphalt Valentine's anticipated 1st release might well become the best sleazy hardrock release since Guns 'n' Roses debut from 1987" - Sleezerock magazine
"It's sleazy and catchy and you'll be banging your head throughout. if you like no-frills rock, get your hands on this cd and crank it for all it's worth. You won't be disappointed." - The Atomic Chaser, AllAccess
Asphalt Valentine is:
Joe Flynt - Lead Vocals
Scott "McGuyver" Clark - Bass
Evan "Kracken" McKee- Guitar
Brett "Beretta" Ciaramella - Guitar
Scozzy Valentine - Drums
I have been fortunate enough to see these guys perform live, and meet them as well. They are great guys offstage as well as on.
http://www.asphaltvalentine.com
http://www.myspace.com/asphaltvalentine2
http://www.facebook.com/Asphalt-Valentine
http://www.twitter.com/AsphaltValentin
Scream Machine
Scream Machine is female-fronted industrial horror hellrock. Think Suicide Commando meets Genitorturers and spawns a devil-bitch.
Mixing hardcore gabber beats and bass with more traditional percussion, industrial sounds, metal, rock and punk guitars with Scream Machine frontwoman SinDelle Morte’s alternately sexy and ripping vocals, Scream Machine is not your everyday mainstream industrial sound.
According to SinDelle Morte, “A lot of the industrial and electronic music today sounds really over-processed and over-produced to us. It’s industrial. It’s not pop. It’s supposed to be hard and heavy and gritty and nasty-sounding. We want to kind of get away from that over-processed sound.”
Industrial is not my personal style of music but I have to say I really like what Scream Machine has to offer, so check them out at the links below!
http://www.scream-machine.net
http://www.myspace.com/djpreshuss
http://www.facebook.com/Scream-Machine/
http://www.twitter.com/scream_machine
Mixing hardcore gabber beats and bass with more traditional percussion, industrial sounds, metal, rock and punk guitars with Scream Machine frontwoman SinDelle Morte’s alternately sexy and ripping vocals, Scream Machine is not your everyday mainstream industrial sound.
According to SinDelle Morte, “A lot of the industrial and electronic music today sounds really over-processed and over-produced to us. It’s industrial. It’s not pop. It’s supposed to be hard and heavy and gritty and nasty-sounding. We want to kind of get away from that over-processed sound.”
Industrial is not my personal style of music but I have to say I really like what Scream Machine has to offer, so check them out at the links below!
http://www.scream-machine.net
http://www.myspace.com/djpreshuss
http://www.facebook.com/Scream-Machine/
http://www.twitter.com/scream_machine
Styx Unlimited Tattoo Emporium
Styx Unlimited Tattoo Emporium in Springfield, Illinois was the first Sangamon county tattoo studio to be certified and inspected by the Illinois State Board of Health and the second studio located in Lincoln, Illinois has been certified as well. They have a current body art establishment license and also participate in a monthly autoclave sterilization program through Enviro-Tech Laboratories, Inc.
Styx Unlimited offers their customers the very best possible tattoos and piercings at the very best possible prices available for high quality work and customer service. Styx participates often in the mid-west tattoo conventions and has brought home several awards.
Your choices are truly "unlimited" whether it's a tiny butterfly on your ankle or an award winning, full Motley Crue backpiece (which incidentally is owned by me!)
Speaking from personal experience, I have several tattoos done by Styx and his studio and I will never go anywhere else. I am one tough customer when it comes to getting my ideas across to him, yet he never misses the mark and it always looks outstanding.
Stop in the studios and check out the artist portfolios after checking out the pictures of his work on myself and others below.
In the first pic, my award winning, completely custom, Motley Crue backpiece, done by Styx.
The incredible Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil have both seen this tattoo from the stage. I hope someday to have the chance to speak with the entire band and show them this mark of my dedication as a fan, because if it's true and a picture is worth a thousand words, this absolutely says it all.
The second picture is another band tattoo of mine dedicated to the boys in the link above, The Last Vegas. I can't say enough great things about this band and I have been fortunate enough to show them this tattoo and they know I love 'em. This one was also done by Styx himself.
My husband's custom skull with Indian headdress is on the left and the pic on the right is his custom wolf scene, both done by Styx.
The first customer walked away with what may as well be a photocopy of the True Blood lips and fangs! And in the second pic, different angles of a colorful fairie worn by another client. Both by Styx.
If you want to see more of the awesome ink done by Styx and his studios check out the links below:
http://www.styxunlimited.com
http://www.myspace.com/styxunlimitedtattoo
http://www.myspace.com/styxunlimitedTat2
Styx Unlimited offers their customers the very best possible tattoos and piercings at the very best possible prices available for high quality work and customer service. Styx participates often in the mid-west tattoo conventions and has brought home several awards.
Your choices are truly "unlimited" whether it's a tiny butterfly on your ankle or an award winning, full Motley Crue backpiece (which incidentally is owned by me!)
Speaking from personal experience, I have several tattoos done by Styx and his studio and I will never go anywhere else. I am one tough customer when it comes to getting my ideas across to him, yet he never misses the mark and it always looks outstanding.
Stop in the studios and check out the artist portfolios after checking out the pictures of his work on myself and others below.
In the first pic, my award winning, completely custom, Motley Crue backpiece, done by Styx.
The incredible Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil have both seen this tattoo from the stage. I hope someday to have the chance to speak with the entire band and show them this mark of my dedication as a fan, because if it's true and a picture is worth a thousand words, this absolutely says it all.
The second picture is another band tattoo of mine dedicated to the boys in the link above, The Last Vegas. I can't say enough great things about this band and I have been fortunate enough to show them this tattoo and they know I love 'em. This one was also done by Styx himself.
My husband's custom skull with Indian headdress is on the left and the pic on the right is his custom wolf scene, both done by Styx.
The first customer walked away with what may as well be a photocopy of the True Blood lips and fangs! And in the second pic, different angles of a colorful fairie worn by another client. Both by Styx.
If you want to see more of the awesome ink done by Styx and his studios check out the links below:
http://www.styxunlimited.com
http://www.myspace.com/styxunlimitedtattoo
http://www.myspace.com/styxunlimitedTat2
Tattoo Guru Magazine
Tattoo Guru Studio Magazine is the only one of it's kind to target 85% of it's mailing to tattoo/piercing studio professionals and collectors as well, while the other 15% will be handed out at the industry trade shows. They mail out to over 12,000 studios and collectors every month. You won't see the magazine on sale in supercenters or convenience stores. Tattoo Guru Studio Magazine will remain focused on it's content to the professional studios only.
They are now offering subscriptions to their tattoo magazine to both tattoo studios and everyone else as well. Be sure to get this great magazine each and every month sent to you because the magazine will not be sold on any stands. This is the only way to receive this magazine every month.
I met and spoke with the owner of Tattoo Guru at the last tattoo convention I went to. He's a great guy with a cool vision for a magazine focused on the best of the best from tattoo artists, supplies and collectors.
If you want to know more about Tattoo Guru check out the links below:
http://www.tattooguru.org
http://www.facebook.com/Tattoo-Guru-Studio-Magazine
They are now offering subscriptions to their tattoo magazine to both tattoo studios and everyone else as well. Be sure to get this great magazine each and every month sent to you because the magazine will not be sold on any stands. This is the only way to receive this magazine every month.
I met and spoke with the owner of Tattoo Guru at the last tattoo convention I went to. He's a great guy with a cool vision for a magazine focused on the best of the best from tattoo artists, supplies and collectors.
If you want to know more about Tattoo Guru check out the links below:
http://www.tattooguru.org
http://www.facebook.com/Tattoo-Guru-Studio-Magazine
Marti Taylor-Dee Photography
A self-proclaimed mid-west girl with a taste for loud music, photography and art, Marti has been in broadcasting for over 25 years, give or take a few. But her true love has always been music and photography. It started at age 15 with a little kodak camera and although she couldn't have known it then, it was the catalyst that sparked a lifelong obsession. Music is Marti's passion and she has been able to shoot some of the most amazing bands on the planet. She has sheer talent for getting the best shots.
Bands and artists she has photographed include: Aerosmith, KISS, Motley Crue, Sick Puppies, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Journey, Heart, SIXX:AM, Buckcherry, Vince Neil, BB King, Saving Abel, Vains of Jenna, The Last Vegas, Jon McLaughlin, Ryan Star, and others.
She also has a skilled eye for creating beautiful images offstage as well, of everything from nature and the weather to friends and family and so much more.
If a picture can be taken of it, this is the person to take it. A few of Marti's incredible shots of famous faces are below.
The beyond words amazing, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue as shot by Marti. She has such an incredible eye for fabulous shots.
Marti's great shot of Stephen Pearcy of Ratt! And a jaw dropping shot of Gene Simmons of Kiss
Legendary Ann Wilson of Heart caught by Marti's camera. Also what is sure to be another big name, Ryan Star captured in stunning detail.
Check out the link below to see more of my friend Marti's outstanding talent from behind the lens:
http://www.martitaylordee.com
Bands and artists she has photographed include: Aerosmith, KISS, Motley Crue, Sick Puppies, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Journey, Heart, SIXX:AM, Buckcherry, Vince Neil, BB King, Saving Abel, Vains of Jenna, The Last Vegas, Jon McLaughlin, Ryan Star, and others.
She also has a skilled eye for creating beautiful images offstage as well, of everything from nature and the weather to friends and family and so much more.
If a picture can be taken of it, this is the person to take it. A few of Marti's incredible shots of famous faces are below.
The beyond words amazing, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue as shot by Marti. She has such an incredible eye for fabulous shots.
Marti's great shot of Stephen Pearcy of Ratt! And a jaw dropping shot of Gene Simmons of Kiss
Legendary Ann Wilson of Heart caught by Marti's camera. Also what is sure to be another big name, Ryan Star captured in stunning detail.
Check out the link below to see more of my friend Marti's outstanding talent from behind the lens:
http://www.martitaylordee.com
DJ Erik
Erik Friedly was born in Denver and raised in Brighton, CO. He moved to Illinois almost 10 years ago. The last 8 being in Roger's Park and Edgewater neighborhoods. Erik has been an intern at Schubas and booked his first sold out show there with Outlaw Family Band and JT and the Clouds.
During that same time he began his apprencticeship as a DJ at Fig Media. Having proven himself Erik has now been a resident artist at Fig Media for close to four years. He has over 350 events to his credit, 101 of them just last year, ranging from small neighborhood bar, the Sovereign to downtown bar Rockit Bar and Grill. His more memorable moments have been audio setups at four different events for Mayor Daley, three years at Old St Pat's, World's Largest Block Party and most recently working with fig Resident Artist Megan Taylor at the opening for the Trump Towers and fig Artist Resident Jonathan Hood at the House of Blues for ZZ Top.
Erik is the Blue-Collar DJ, working 80 to 100 gigs a year and still training behind the scenes to keep his edge. He is a part of the training team that brought the fig DJ crew from 5-6 DJ's to a consistant 11 DJ's for the past two years. Erik is proud of his events and the systems he has built to create a strong and creative DJ team.
Erik is currently the DJ manager, department manager, handles sales, and is a resident DJ. Not to mention he has an outstanding personality which is perfect for your next event where a DJ is needed.
Check out Erik's page with Fig Media for more info:
http://figgy.net/deejay/erikprofilepage.html
During that same time he began his apprencticeship as a DJ at Fig Media. Having proven himself Erik has now been a resident artist at Fig Media for close to four years. He has over 350 events to his credit, 101 of them just last year, ranging from small neighborhood bar, the Sovereign to downtown bar Rockit Bar and Grill. His more memorable moments have been audio setups at four different events for Mayor Daley, three years at Old St Pat's, World's Largest Block Party and most recently working with fig Resident Artist Megan Taylor at the opening for the Trump Towers and fig Artist Resident Jonathan Hood at the House of Blues for ZZ Top.
Erik is the Blue-Collar DJ, working 80 to 100 gigs a year and still training behind the scenes to keep his edge. He is a part of the training team that brought the fig DJ crew from 5-6 DJ's to a consistant 11 DJ's for the past two years. Erik is proud of his events and the systems he has built to create a strong and creative DJ team.
Erik is currently the DJ manager, department manager, handles sales, and is a resident DJ. Not to mention he has an outstanding personality which is perfect for your next event where a DJ is needed.
http://figgy.net/deejay/erikprofilepage.html