Are you familiar with the expression "Second Album Syndrome"? The second album syndrome is a situation a band finds itself in after their first album was a dizzying success. A band that received success and fame very quickly, a band that immediately entered the public awareness. The pressure on such a band to create, write, record and release the second album before the "hype" around it fades away is enormous, so there are quite a few bands that do not withstand the pressure and release albums that do not come close to the level of their debut album. In many cases, this syndrome destroys the band completely. So "Stone Temple Pilots' "Purple" album that we want review today, released on June 7, 1994, refers to a band that despite all the pressure put on, managed the syndrome and released an album no less good than its debut album, and if you catch us in a specific day we will admit its even better. The band did this while taking a risk, which involved a conscious decision not to repeat the winning recipe from the previous album. While changing and diversifying the musical material that this time included influences of psychedelic, progressive, folk, funk, southern rock, blues and even jazz. On top of that, Stone did so despite Scott Weiland’s severe addiction problems which greatly affected the creative and recording process. The result is particularly impressive, given the fact that the pressure on the band here has doubled. On the one hand, it sold well and was very successful in the charts, two criteria that put a stamp on the classic "syndrome". On the other hand, the band received high reviews from critics, from most of whom killed their first album, with titles such as "theft", "copycat", "lack of identity", compared to the bands: Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Nirvana. This double standard was best expressed in a survey conducted by Rolling Stone magazine in 1992, in which on the one hand the audience chose the band as "Best New Band" and on the other hand critics of the same magazine chose it as "Worst New Band". (Photo: Jeff Kravitz) Now imagine what an inexperienced young band, goes through with all the pressure, criticisms and problems described above, and understand that under the circumstances this album is simply a musical miracle, not only because of its amazing content but because of the fact that the band managed to release it against all odds. Amazingly Scott was able to channel his addictions into the words, most of which include descriptions of his condition, addiction problems and the peripheral damage they left. While the three remaining friends wrapped them in an amazing compositions that only intensified the tremendous power behind the words. The album begins with the slow and heavy riff of "Meatplow" and with a sharp statement by the band towards all those who criticized it after the release of the first album. It is no coincidence that the band chose to open the album with this particular song, Scott points the middle finger at those critics who came down on the band with negative reviews to show them, we are here even though you tried to "break us. "They got these pictures of everything/To break us down, to break me down”. The album gains momentum with Dean DeLeo's howling guitar and the fade into "Vasoline"'s so monotonous riff. Amazingly, this reef has everything it takes to bother, drive mad and annoy, but it does just the opposite !!! And you find yourself drifting after the two notes repeating themselves repetitively. The percussion work of Eric Kretz who happens to be celebrating his birthday today is simply commendable, it enriches and fills the song in just the right places. We must say a word on Dean DeLeo's short but ingenious solo that completely breaks the monotony of a 4/4 rhythm. A great song that was released as the second single from the album and jumped straight to number one on Billboard. Scott said this song was written about the insects that attach to Vaseline and die slowly in an attempt predestined for failure to break free from it. Wieland told "VH1's Storytellers" that after the release of the debut album he felt like an insect under a magnifying glass. Birthday boy Eric Kretz continues to transcend himself with amazing drum work and percussion leading the song “Lounge Fly”. A song that opens with Backwards-Effect with Dean DeLeo's howling guitar and is interrupted by the rolling drums, before returning to his basic hard rock. During the transition section this song switches to pure acoustic folk and immediately afterwards comes Paul Leary's slide guitar from the band "Butthole Surfers" hosted here. The fourth track "Interstate Love Song" introduces us to one of the band's most beautiful melodies and the most successful single from the album. After a short acoustic-intro comes the sweeping entrance with DeLeo's funky riffs. Scott simply transcends himself here with amazing and powerful poetry, which probably stems from the personal story that emerges from the lyrics of the song in which Willand tells of his insincerity in trying to hide his addiction problems. The next two tracks "Still Remains" and "Pretty Penny" emphasize the musical diversity that is on this album. The first corresponds a bit with a country mixed with southern rock while the second is wrapped in oriental folk that is reminiscent at times of the acoustic sections of "Jethro Tull" that come from the progressive rock in general. Did we say progressive? So the seventh song "Silvergun Superman" includes transitions reserved for the same genre, yet it is so far away. This is one of our favorite songs on the album. A very dynamic segment that opens with the metallic and slow riff and reaches the climax with DeLeo's amazing solo and bizarre rhythm breaking towards the end. From here we move on to the first song recorded on the album, or actually not recorded for the album but for the soundtrack of the movie "The Crow" starring Brandon Lee son of Bruce Lee. The band wrote this song specifically for the film's soundtrack, but since they really liked it, they put it on the album as well. The original name of the song was "Only Dying" but after the death of Brandon Lee on the set of the film, the band decided to change its name to "Big Empty". It should be noted that the song was originally played in the band's MTV Unplugged performance that took place even before the soundtrack of the film came out, but the song was not recorded there and was only released on the soundtrack and then on the album. The song that seals the album "Kitchenware & Candybars" is probably the most melodramatic of all the tracks on the album, and again one of our favorites. The first entry with the dirty and unprocessed distortion excites us time and time again. What a tremendous and meticulous production that includes strings and orchestral effects that add to the uniqueness of the song. The song also includes a "Crazy" Hidden Track called "My Second Album", a jazzy part whose combination of madness and genius is reserved only for virtuous individuals like Mike Patton. This is actually the twelfth track of the album that includes a guest appearance by Richard Peterson on vocals. This section provides an explanation of the image on the back cover of the album, which features a cake with the phrase “12 Gracious Melodies”. Listen to the album at: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 7, 2005, "Dream Theater" released their eighth album "Octavarium". As the band's eighth album, its main theme deals with the number 8 and hence its name. As is well known, "Octave" indicates a series of eight notes on a musical scale, as does the number of songs on the album. When the band started working on the album Mike Portnoy told his friends that it would be their eighth studio album and that since so far they have released five live albums, it reminded him of a piano that contains within one octave 8 white keys (full tone) and 5 black (half tone). This idea has already been enough for the rest of the band to promote the concept of the album. The aforementioned album includes 8 tracks, each of which was written by the band in a different key, according to the sequence that exists in an octave. In this way, the opening song "The Root of All Evil" is written in the key of (F), the song followed "The Answer Lies Within" is written in the key of G, and so on, until the epic song that seals the album "Octavarium" that closes the circle (and the octave) and was also written in the key of F, like the opening song. But the band was not content with that. They made sure to place short passages between the songs, that marked the 5 halftones (the black keys on the piano). For example, at the end of the first song, there is an 18-second segment called "Nature Sounds" that connects it to the next song and is written in the Key of (F#). The album has 5 such short passages, as the number of black keys in the octave. One can learn about the placement of these five tracks on the album by looking at the black keyboards on the album's back cover. Similar to the octave that closes a circle between two similar notes, the secondary theme of this album is also related to "closing circles". This is the band's last album recorded at "The Hit Factory" in New York and the band's last with "Elektra Records". In addition, this album closes the sequence of the "mega album" that the band started as part of "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory", where the ending note of the previous album is also the opening note of the next album. In this way, the opening song "The Root of All Evil" begins with the last note of the previous album "Train of Thought" which began with the last note from "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence", which in turn began with the static noise that ended "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory". Drummer Mike Portnoy said he realized he had dug himself a deep pit that he did not know how to get out of, because he felt the band was expected to do so on every album over and over again. Portnoy finally found a golden opportunity to resolve this matter on "Octavarium", whose secondary concept is "closing circles". And so, the last track on the album ends with the same opening note as the first track. This made the album a cycle in itself, allowing the band to start with a "smooth page" on the next album. If we have already mentioned the concept of the album and the digits "8" and "5", then it is interesting that the cover designed by Hugh Syme also corresponds with the above themes, when Newton's pendulum includes 8 balls and 5 birds are flying in the sky. As for the musical material. After epic albums such as "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory" and "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence", the band decided to produce a classic "Dream Theater" album, which would rely on the styles and artists from which the band was influenced. Therefore, you will find in this album and especially in the theme track clear influences from bands like "Yes", "Pink Floyd", "Genesis" and more. At the same time, the band made an attempt to make their music less complex (except, of course, for the theme song). They aspired to produce songs that would be easier for listeners to absorb and appreciate. To achieve that, the band based their writing primarily on Rudess's piano playing and John Petrucci's guitar. Despite the clear direction and conscious choice to create more receptive music, drummer Mike Portnoy rejected claims that this album was an attempt to write a more commercial album. He noted that the band members also like bands like "U2" or "Coldplay" and that they have no problem with shorter songs, on the contrary, he claimed that it is actually easier for them to write long pieces. Indeed, songs like "The Answer Lies Within" and "I Walk Beside You" are examples of short tracks that Rudess saw as "radio-friendly" songs that still retain the basic style of "Dream Theater." The album opens up with "The Root of All Evil" and a lone and unique piano note by Rudess that gives the signal for the opening of Portnoy's drum attack. What an amazing pace and what a crazy riff by Petrucci. A mighty opening song that is the third part of Portnoy's "Twelve Steps Suite", describes his journey through the "Alcoholics Anonymous" rehab method. The song contains the sixth and seventh parts of the suite: "Ready" and "Remove" respectively. It all started with "The Glass Prison" from the album "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" which refers to the first three stages of the method, then "This Dying Soul" from the album "Train of Thought" describes the fourth and fifth stages, the song "The Root of All Evil" refers For parts six and seven of the method, "Repentance" from the "Systematic Chaos" album represents the eight and nine parts, and the song "The Shattered Fortress" from the "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" album ends the saga with the last three sections of the story. Immediately after that comes the ballad "The Answer Lies Within" which is led by Rudess' piano playing and breaks us to pieces with each re-listening. Not for nothing did Rudess choose to include a version of the song on his solo album "Notes on a Dream", from 2009. It is interesting to note that the band is aided here by a string quartet that accompanies this marvelous piece. The third track "These Walls" is one of the great tracks on the album, that best explains what the band meant when they decided to produce a classic "Dream" album. There are all the "main food groups" we know well from this amazing band and "Dream" manages to connect them all in such a beautiful way, which does not embarrass its youth nor does it sound like a repetition of things the band has done before. "I Walk Beside You" is the shortest on the album and perhaps also among the shorts of the band ever. A song meant to be a "hit" and flirt with the radio, but we really have no problem with that. Why? mainly because the band manages to do this without losing a drop of its DNA or respect. The C part that leads to the chorus is one of the band's melodic and beautiful, just a sheer delight! It seems to us that there should be no controversy at all as for "Panic Attack". Starting with John Myung's crazy bass, through Petrucci's brutal riff and Rudess' virtuoso playing, it's a tremendous and rare display of musical ability and precision, on which "Dream" has based an entire career and which many bands and artists can only envy. "Never Enough" has clear influences from "Muse". From the sound of the keyboards and guitar to the effect on the vocals of James LaBrie. Portnoy wrote the lyrics in response to fans who complained about the band. He noted that on the one hand, he appreciates the dedication of "Dream Theater" fans, but on the other hand, he was frustrated because he felt he was giving everything of himself to satisfy the fans, but still, some of them complain that they went to the show and did not hear "Pull Me Under". "Sacrificed Sons" is actually a musical work that lasts almost 11 minutes. The lyrics were written by lead singer James LaBrie, and deals with the 9/11 attacks. Keyboardist Rudess noted that the band felt comfortable at times writing about more serious topics. LaBrie noted that during the work on the lyrics there were many discussions about the song and how direct it should be. Listen to the ending section starting at 10:18, it reminded us of the ending to another song "Diary of a Madman" by Ozzy Osbourne listen there starting at 5:24. "Octavarium" is the longest track on the album, 24:00 minutes in Length. It is divided into five parts. Petrucci stated that the band wanted to write an epic song to accompany it with an orchestra. Indeed, so it was. This is the first time "Dream Theater" has worked with an orchestra, conducted by Jamshied Sharifi (who studied at Berkeley College of Music with Portnoy, Petrucci, and John Myung). The orchestra was selected based on its ability to read notes, which allowed all of their parts to be recorded in just two takes, even though they had never heard or played the music before. This epic is a tribute to all the classic prog bands "Dream Theater" grew up on and especially "Genesis", "Yes" and "Pink Floyd", but it also mentions some of the other songs on the album and instrumental tracks from other "Dream Theater" albums. Starting with the instrumental introduction, which corresponds with "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from the album "Wish You Were Here", performed by Rudess using a device called "Continuum Fingerboard" that imitates the sound of a lap steel guitar (which he also plays here unusually), this is a salute epic to the prog giants the band grew up on. This piece is also full of references to other progressive rock songs, even in lyrics. For example: "sailing on the seven seize the day tripper Diem's ​​ready Jack the Ripper Owens Wilson Phillips and my supper's ready lucy in the sky with diamond dave's not here I come to save the day for nightmare cinema show me the way to get back home again". No matter how you look at it, it's one of the band's most beautiful and delightful albums and we have no problem with the claim of "commercialization", if only for creating the phenomenal epic theme song that contains all the staples of progressive rock. We think that since "Images and Words" no album of the band has flowed smoothly for us like "Octavarium", and we are not talking about the level of writing and sophistication, innovation, "musical quality", nor making a comparison to albums like "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory" and "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence". We intend that this album just flows smoothly from start to end, despite the great variety between the songs that range from kicking metal ("The Root of All Evil" and "Never Enough"), through the familiar prog-metal of "Dream" ("These Walls", "Panic Attack"), soft ballads ("The Answer Lies Within"), friendly "hits" ("I Walk Beside You") and of course a prog-symphonic epic work ("Octavarium"). For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Today we celebrate the birthday of the talented and diverse guitarist Dave Navarro. So here are some interesting facts about the guitarist and actor: (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder) 1. His full name is David Michael Navarro and he was born on June 7, 1967, in Santa Monica, California. 2. When he was 16 years old his mother was murdered by her former boyfriend, Dave was supposed to be with his mother that evening but at the last minute decided to stay with his father. 3. His mother's death was very difficult and put Dave into a deep and long-standing relationship with drugs. In 2015 he released a documentary called "Mourning Son" which depicts the murder of his mother and the years in which he later dealt with her death. 4. Three years later Dave began his career with the band of his life - "Jane's Addiction". He came to the band through childhood friend Stephen Perkins with whom he played together in the school orchestra. Stephen recommended Perry Farrell and after an audition, he joined the band together with Eric Avery. 5. Very quickly, "Jane's" became a sensation in the Los Angeles clubs and especially in the "Scream" club where they were a regular opening show. After courting several record companies, the band signed with "Warner Bros. Records" but conditioned the release of their "debut" album on a local independent record label called "Triple X". 6. In 1987 the band released their debut album, which was a live performance album recorded during the band's performance at the famous "Roxy Theater" club in Los Angeles. 7. In 1988 the band released their first studio album "Nothing's Shocking". The first single from the album "Jane Says" reached number six on Billboard and the album was a huge success. It began to pave the way for the band as one of the most influential and successful in the development of alternative rock in the early 90s. 8. But... the beginning did not have only a positive side!! Although the album was created by all band members, Farrell decided he wanted 50% of the royalties for writing the lyrics and another 25% of the remaining fifty for the contribution to writing the music, a total of 62.5% of the band royalties leaving 12.5% for the rest o f the band members. Although the band almost fell apart, the record company intervened and resolved the dispute when Farrell got what he asked for. The conflict and the "solution" created a deep rift between the band members that would continue on. 9. In 1990 the band released their second album "Ritual de lo habitual". An album that Dave claimed he does not remember at all the making process since he was deep in drugs and this whole period was erased from his memory. The album is split in two with the first part, songs 1-5, consisting of strong hard rock songs, and the second part, songs 6-9, all dedicated to Farrell's ex-girlfriend - Xiola Blue - who died from a drug overdose and is mostly influenced by progressive rock. Two singles from the album "Been Caught Stealing" and "Stop!" won many plays and gave the album great success. 10. After the release of the album Dave decided to get cleaned from drugs and had begun rehab along with his bandmate bassist Eric. The two would end each performance when they return to a separate hotel and not to the tour bus with the rest of the band members and the tour crew. 11. During the tour to promote the album, the rift between the band members began to grow, especially between Dave and Farrell who were documented arguing on stage during a large number of performances. Farrell said that at the end of the tour that he realized his drug and narcissistic rituals did not allow him to get along with anyone and it caused the rift to deepen and indeed at the end of 1991 Avery and Dave decided to complete their contract commitments and leave the band. 12. That same year Izzy Stradlin left "Guns N 'Roses" and Axl Rose courted Dave asking him to replace him. Despite many invitations from Axl to come and play with Slash he never showed up. A year later Dave received an offer from the "Red Hot Chili Peppers", but he elegantly refused them. 13. In 1993, Dave and his friend Avery formed the band "Deconstruction" which also included drummer Michael Murphy. Together they released in 1994 their only album bearing the band's name which was a kind of direct contrast to Farrell's "Porno for Pyros" album that was issued after "Jane's" breakup. 14. That same year, Dave agreed to the offer and joined the "Red hot Chili Peppers". Together with them, he released the band's sixth album "One Hot Minute". The album was a huge success and sold very well. Dave who didn’t relate to the band’s funky side gave it a heavier and even psychedelic sound. 15. During the tour to promote the album the relationship between the band members began to deteriorate as Dave and Kiedis contributed to the deterioration by heavy drug use. In 1998 Dave left the band, some say it was a mutual decision and some say he was fired due to increased of drug use which led to general dysfunction. 16. In 1995 Dave recorded his first EP called "Rhimorse". He wrote, created, and recorded the EP entirely on his own. The EP contains 5 songs that were recorded on one track without separation. The EP was not officially or commercially released but leaked online. 17. That same year Dave participated in the recordings of the song "You Oughta Know" by singer Alanis Morissette which came out on her album "Jagged Little Pill". 18. In 2001, Dave released his debut solo album "Trust No One". Dave recorded the album back in 1988, playing all the instruments on the album. The album focuses on Dave's difficult personal experiences like the drugs, the divorce, and the lonely life of a rock star. Dave said it was a very difficult and demanding experience that made him realize that he would rather be part of the band than a soloist. 19. In 2002 Jane's was reassembled and Dave returned to play with Farrell and Stephen with Chris Chaney joining on bass. A year later they release their third album "Strays", 13 years after the release of their previous album. The first single from the album "Just Because" earned the band a Grammy nomination. 20. That same year Dave formed a cover band called "Camp Freddy" in collaboration with his Jane's friend Chris Chaney and drummer Matt Sorum. The band used to host many artists such as: Scott Weiland, Chester Bennington, Sebastian Bach, Jerry Cantrell, Fred Durst, Tom Morello, Corey Taylor, Zakk Wylde, Steven Tyler, Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, and more and more ... In 2014 the band changed its name To "Royal Machines". 21. In 2003, Dave appeared with his then-partner Carmen Electra on an MTV show called "Til Death Do Us Part," which documented the couple's wedding. (Photo: Pinterest) 22. In 2004 Dave participated in the "Celebrity Poker Showdown" program, the name says it all so there is no need to explain. 23. After an intense tour in 2003, Jane's broke up again for unknown reasons, when Dave wrote on his website that the breakup was due to the same reasons as the first time. 24. In 2005, Dave formed the band "The Panic Channel" with the rest of the newly disbanded Jane's band plus singer Steve Isaacs. They released together one album called "One a year later". 25. In 2006 Dave would host along with model Brooke Burke on the reality show "Rock Star". In the first season of "Rock Star: INXS" they held auditions for the role of the singer of the band INXS and in the second season of "Rock Star: Supernova" they held auditions for the role of the singer of the band "Supernova" which was composed of his previous band "The Panic Channel". (Photo: Ollie Millington) 26. In 2007, Dave directed an adult movie called "Broken" as part of a reality show where celebrities direct adult movies (porn for those who did not understand). 27. In 2008, Jane's reunited for the third time and began a small tour in the North of the United States along with "Nine Inch Nails". 28. In 2011, Jane's released their fourth and final album "The Great Escape Artist". The album combines post-punk styles with influences from bands like Muse and Radiohead. 29. Among his other on-screen appearances in movies and TV series, Dave participated in 2012 in four episodes of the excellent series "Sons Of Anarchy". Another interesting appearence is in the reality competition "Ink Master" where he shows and talks about his various tattos. 30. He has collaborated with many other artists from different worlds such as: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Marilyn Manson, Christina Aguilera, and many more. 31. In 2022, after Dave was infected by the corona virus he suffered severely for two years from post-viral side effects and was shut down from all musical activity. 32. In 2023 members of Jane's entered the studio without Dave and began working on new material when in May 2024 they took the stage together for the first time in 14 years and performed several songs including two new ones. 33. The reunion did not last long, and after just a few performances (September 2024), Dave and the band's singer, Perry Farrell, got into a fistfight on stage. During the performance of one of the songs, Perry began violently attacking Dave nonstop. Even the concert's security guards tried to separate the two, initially without success, until they eventually managed to remove Perry from the stage and the show was halted. Since that incident, the band has not performed or recorded together again, and it seems that the event marked the end of the band’s existence. Feel free to listen to his only solo album "Trust No One". "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Written By: Moti Kupfer Release date- 06.06.1978 Many people develop an emotional attachment to their car. The longer they own it, the more memories become associated with it, and the greater its sentimental value grows. Some people can almost be defined by the type of car they drive. That was not the case with "The Cars", a band that deliberately chose a simple, generic name that was not tied to any particular era or musical style. The same could be said about their musically diverse self-titled debut album, released on June 6, 1978. "The Cars" consisted of Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar), Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards, saxophone, backing vocals), Elliot Easton (guitar, backing vocals), and David Robinson (drums, percussion, backing vocals). "The Cars" were formed in Boston in 1976, but the story began much earlier. In 1965, Ric Ocasek met Benjamin Orr in Cleveland while Orr was performing with his band "The Grasshoppers". Ocasek, whose family was of Polish descent, remembered Orr well, and three years later the two reconnected in Columbus, Ohio. They began performing together and formed their first band, "ID Nirvana". After playing in various bands around Columbus and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ocasek and Orr relocated to Boston in the early seventies to form "Milkwood", a folk-rock band influenced by "Crosby, Stills & Nash". The group released one album with keyboardist Greg Hawkes, who would later become a member of "The Cars", before disbanding. However, the core trio of Ocasek, Orr, and Hawkes continued working together in their next project, "Richard and the Rabbits". At the same time, Ocasek and Orr also performed as an acoustic duo. Several songs from those performances would later evolve into some of the earliest material recorded by "The Cars". Ocasek and Orr later joined guitarist Elliot Easton in the band "Cap'n Swing", a group whose sound was heavily influenced by "Television". After hearing one of their demo tapes, Boston radio DJ Maxanne Sartori began playing their music on WBCN, but record labels still showed little interest in signing them. After replacing their drummer and changing their name to "The Cars", the band recorded a nine-song demo. Among its tracks, "Just What I Needed" received significant airplay on local radio stations. It turned out to be exactly what they needed. Both Elektra and Arista offered the band recording contracts, but "The Cars" ultimately chose Elektra because the label had very few New Wave artists on its roster and was willing to offer a more favorable deal. In February 1978, "The Cars" entered the studio to record their debut album, a record that blended power pop, new wave, rock, and punk influences. At the time, this combination was highly unusual, as rock music and electronic elements rarely coexisted so naturally. Add to that the distinctive songwriting of band leader Ric Ocasek, whose lyrics were often filled with self-aware sarcasm and irony, and the result was something that sounded unlike almost anything else on the radio. Because of the band's fascination with emerging technology, "The Cars" were given opportunities to experiment with a wide range of newly released instruments and electronic equipment supplied by local music stores. These cutting-edge tools helped shape the sleek and futuristic sound that would become one of the band's defining characteristics. The album opens with "Good Times Roll", a song that offers a sarcastic take on the idea of the "good times" often celebrated in rock music. Beneath its smooth melody and polished arrangement lies a tongue-in-cheek commentary on fame, success, and the glamorous image associated with the rock-and-roll lifestyle. One of the album's standout singles, "My Best Friend's Girl", was often assumed to have been inspired by a personal experience from Ric Ocasek's life. Ocasek dismissed that interpretation, explaining that the song was not based on anything that had happened to him personally. Instead, he described it as a story about a situation that could happen to anyone: having your girlfriend stolen by your best friend. Ocasek frequently wrote about relationships, but rarely from the same perspective twice. Sometimes he explored the dynamics of intimacy and romance, while at other times he adopted the viewpoint of a man who has no one in his life and is willing to endure emotional pain simply to avoid being alone. This ability to examine relationships from different angles became one of the defining characteristics of his songwriting. The closing track, "All Mixed Up", is often viewed as reflecting Ocasek's observations about a relationship with a fashion model and the gradual deterioration of that relationship due to the demands of the modeling world. The song captures feelings of distance, frustration, and recurring neglect, themes that Ocasek returned to throughout much of his work. "The Cars" became one of the best-selling debut albums of the 1970s, selling more than six million copies worldwide. Its success established the band as one of the leading forces of the New Wave movement and proved that guitar-driven rock and synthesizer-based music could not only coexist, but thrive together on mainstream radio. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 6, 1986 (US) and June 9 (UK) "Genesis" released their 13th studio album "Invisible Touch". Crafted entirely from jam-based improvisations and shaped in the studio with longtime producer Hugh Padgham, Invisible Touch stands as a defining moment in ‘80s pop-rock, packed with catchy melodies, polished production and high charting singles. Following a hiatus after their 1983 "Genesis" album and tour, Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford returned to "Genesis" after pursuing solo careers (Rutherford formed "Mike + The Mechanics" and had success with their debut album, Banks released "Soundtracks", and Collins released his third solo album "No Jacket Required"). Their external projects had significantly influenced their musical perspectives—especially Collins’ "No Jacket Required", which helped solidify the band's shift toward streamlined, radio-friendly music. When the trio reconvened at their private studio, The Farm in Surrey, they came without pre-written material. Instead, they relied on long jam sessions, extracting ideas from spontaneous interplay. As with their previous album, "Invisible Touch" was built from scratch—recorded between October 1985 and February 1986. They captured moments from their improvisations using rudimentary sampling (including Banks’s E-mu Emulator, which had only 17 seconds of record time), before sculpting them into full songs. Each band member typically handled the lyrics for particular tracks, giving the album a varied narrative voice within a cohesive sonic framework. The album is a synthesis of cutting-edge ‘80s production and pop songwriting, built on electronic instrumentation and digital studio techniques. Phil Collins's drumming—both on acoustic and Simmons electronic kits—delivers the trademark gated reverb sound he helped pioneer. Tony Banks's arsenal of synthesizers and sampled textures dominate the arrangements, while Mike Rutherford often lays back with rhythmic guitar figures and melodic basslines. A Roland TR-727 drum machine and Collins's Roland Pad-8 added Latin and percussive flair to several tracks, contributing to the album’s tight, electronic groove. Though cleaner and more concise than their earlier epics, the band still managed to sneak in moments of complexity. The album opens up with the title track "Invisible Touch". It was born spontaneously during a jam on “Domino.” When Rutherford began playing a riff with echo effects, Collins sang the now-iconic hook line on the spot. Inspired partly by his first wife, Collins built the lyrics around irresistible but damaging relationships. Sonically, it's upbeat and sleek—propelled by Banks's sequenced synths and Collins’s crisp rhythms. A perfect pop song, it became the band’s only U.S. No. 1 hit. "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" – One of the album’s darkest and most atmospheric tracks. The song evolved from Banks's moody keyboard improvisations over a hypnotic groove. Collins’s intense vocal delivery and lyrics about addiction unfold over layered synths and a haunting instrumental middle section. The original title “Monkey/Zulu” hints at its abstract beginnings. It recalls older "Genesis" in scope and tone. "Land of Confusion" – A biting political anthem with a muscular rhythm section and urgent vocal delivery. Rutherford, writing through a feverish haze, penned the lyrics as a protest song. Collins’s punchy performance gives the track its edge, while its animated video (featuring puppets from Spitting Image) helped cement its cultural impact. "In Too Deep" – A smooth ballad originally written for the film "Mona Lisa" . Collins wrote the chorus in Sydney while touring solo, then added verses during the recording sessions. Subtle piano and understated guitar work support one of Collins’s most tender vocal performances. "Anything She Does" – Inspired by images of pin-up models the band jokingly posted around the studio, this is the album’s most playful moment. Banks used sampled brass stabs (not from the Phenix Horns, despite the sound), giving it a punchy, pop-soul feel. "Domino" – The album’s proggiest offering, this two-part suite ("In the Glow of the Night"/"The Last Domino") runs over 11 minutes. Banks wrote the lyrics as a critique of political carelessness. Though buried beneath the hits, “Domino” is one of "Genesis's" most musically ambitious tracks of the decade, full of dynamic shifts and dark tension. Rutherford called it one of their best. "Throwing It All Away" – Built on a gentle guitar riff from Rutherford, the song began as a heavy piece before transforming into a more delicate love song. Collins’s description of it as a “one-note samba” captures its rhythmic flow, while the melodic vocal hook makes it a standout ballad. "The Brazilian" – The sole instrumental, driven by Banks’s looping sample (triggered via a knife wedged on the keyboard!) and Collins’s experimental programming on the Simmons kit. The track started as a studio experiment and ends the album on a vibrant, percussive note. Three additional songs—“Do the Neurotic,” “Feeding the Fire,” and “I’d Rather Be You”—were recorded during the album sessions but excluded from the final album. They later appeared as B-sides and in the "Genesis Archive 2" and 1983–1998 box sets. "Invisible Touch" became "Genesis’s" most commercially successful album, topping the UK chart and hitting No. 3 in the US. It sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone and produced five U.S. Top 5 singles—a feat no other foreign act had achieved at the time. Despite its success, the album drew mixed reviews, with critics both praising and criticizing its overt pop leanings and resemblance to Collins’s solo work. "Invisible Touch" is not just a reflection of "Genesis’s" adaptability—it’s a masterclass in pop craftsmanship without fully abandoning their progressive spirit. It's a polished, forward-looking record that captures the sound of the mid-1980s while showcasing the trio's chemistry and musical evolution. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 6th, 1981 the first-ever "Kerrang!" issue was published. "AC/DC’s" guitarist, Angus Young, was on the cover.⁣⁣ Founded by Geoff Barton, it was first published as a supplement part of the "Sounds" newspaper. Named after the word that derives from the sound made when playing a power chord on a distorted electric guitar, "Kerrang!" was initially devoted to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and the rise of hard rock acts.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ Launched as a monthly magazine in 1981, "Kerrang!" began to appear on a fortnightly basis later, and in 1987 it went weekly. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ During the 1980s and early 1990s, the magazine placed many thrash and glam metal acts on the cover (like "Mötley Crüe", "Slayer", "Bon Jovi", "Metallica", "Poison" and "Venom"), but later discarded them when Grunge acts such as "Nirvana" rose to fame. After that the magazine became the trendy headliner, posting the new hottest bands/genres on the front page. Many big bands were criticizing "Kerrang!" ⁣⁣⁣⁣for going after "yellow" articles and not focusing on music, one of the famous was "Guns N' Roses" in the song "Get In The Ring" "And that goes for all of you punks in the press That want to start shit by printin' lies instead of the things we said That means you andy secher at hit parader, circus magazine Mick wall at kerrang, bob guccione jr. at spin What you pissed off 'cause your dad gets more pussy than you? Fuck you! suck my fuckin' dick!" Today Kerrang! is more than a printed magazine... Since 1993, the magazine has held an annual awards ceremony to mark the most successful acts and bands. This became one of Britain's most recognized events. In 2000, "Kerrang!" launched a digital radio station, across the United Kingdom. Kerrang!'s website, was launched in the summer of 2001. Also in 2001 "Kerrang! TV" was launched. As with the radio station, the television channel covers the more mainstream side of rock music as well as classic rock bands. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Guitar legend Steve Vai is celebrating his birthday today and we are here to tell you some facts about him: (Photo: Soundcloud.com) 1. He was born in New York on June 6, 1960, to a family of immigrants from Italy. 2. When he was 6 years old he discovered the guitar and he immediately knew he would be a guitarist. 3. At the age of 13, he started taking guitar lessons from another virtuoso guitarist - Joe Satriani. Later on, Satriani will admit that the student surpassed his master. 4. During high school he was a member of several young bands including: "The Ohio Express", "Circus" and "Rayge". 5. Vai was influenced at the time by guitarists Jimmy Page, Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Allan Holdsworth, and Al Di Meola. 6. In 1978 he began studying at Berklee College of Music. 7. That same year Vai sent Frank Zappa a transcript of Zappa's "The" Black Page as well as a recording of him and his band. Zappa, who was very impressed with Vai's abilities, hired him to produce transcripts of his works. 8. In 1980 Vai joined Zappa's band as a full-time player. 9. In 1983 Vai left Zappa. He bought a house in Los Angeles where he built a recording studio and began recording his first solo album "Flex-Able", which was released in January 1984. The excerpt "The Attitude Song" from the album was published in Guitar Player magazine as an exceptional work whose main riff Played at 7/16 weight on a basic 4/4 beat. 10. In 1984, Vai replaced guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen in "Alcatrazz" and recorded with them the album "Disturbing the Peace" which was released in 1985. 11. In 1985 he joined David Lee Roth's band alongside bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Gregg Bissonette. This "dream team" recorded the album "Eat 'Em and Smile" which was released in 1986 and included, among others, the hit song "Yankee Rose" that Steve Vai co-wrote. 12. Vai continued in David Lee Roth's band and on his next album "Skyscrper" which was released in 1988 he also served as a producer. 13. In 1986, Vai participated in the recording of "Public Image Limited" fifth album. 14. That same year he participated in the movie "Crossroads". In the iconic climactic scene of the movie, he had a guitar duel with the movie star Ralph Macchio. 15. During this period he continued to study music theory and specialized in production and musical equipment. As part of Vai's experience, he began using a 7-string guitar built especially for him by "Ibanez". He was also a partner in the design of the JEM model of "Ibanez guitars", and later also of the Universe model and more. 16. In 1989, Vai joined "Whitesnake". He replaced the injured Adrian Vandenberg, and recorded the guitar parts for the album "Slip of the Tongue". 17. In 1990, Vai released one of his greatest solo albums, "Passion and Warfare". The album is considered one of the most successful instrumental albums and it won the "album of the year" title in the magazine's Guitar World and Guitar Player. 18. In the same year Vai joined a band of which were also Devin Townsend and Terry Bozzio. Together with this band, Vai released the album "Sex & Religion" in 1993. 19. In 1991, Vai was a guest on Alice Cooper's album "Hey Stoopid". 20. In 1992, Vai participated in the "Guitar Legends" concert with Joe Satriani, Brian May, Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Cherone, and more. 21. In 1994 Vai began working with Ozzy Osbourne on the album "Ozzmosis" and co-wrote the songs on it. Due to disagreements the album was written and re-recorded together with guitarist Zakk Wylde. 22. Since 1996, Vai has participated in "G3" guitar performances with Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, and more. 23. He was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards and won twice in 2006 and 2008. 24. In 2004, Vai participated in two songs from "Motörhead's" album "Inferno". 25. He is among those who read the lyrics in the song "Repentance" from "Dream Theater's" "Systematic Chaos" album. For Listening to his last album "Inviolate" Click: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 5, 2022 "Wolfsbane" released their 5th album "Genius". Blaze Bayley's mother band returned with their first studio album in a decade, after "Wolfsbane Save the World", which came out in 2012. As you may recall, Blaze Bayley, known from "Iron Maiden", began his musical career back in 1984, when he joined "Wolfsbane". The band's first album - "Live Fast, Die Fast" was released in 1989 and since then Bayley has participated in three more of the band's studio albums. Interestingly, since its inception, "Wolfsbane" has retained its original line-up, which beyond Blaze Bayley includes guitarist Jason Edwards, bassist Jeff Hateley and drummer Steve Danger. The songs on "Genius" move mostly in the comfort zone of "Hard Rock" with light touches of punk and metal. We loved the combination of speed metal and punk in the opening song "Spit It Out", and the hard rock of "Impossible Love" which for a moment sounds like a combination between "Bon Jovi" and the David Lee Roth's era in "Van Helen", and the punk-pop in the chorus of "Zombies" and "Good Time". Song list: 1. Spit It Out 2. Zombies 3. Impossible Love 4. Rock the Boat 5. Small Town Kisses 6. Things Are Getting Better 7. Good Time 8. Rock City Nights 9. Running Wild 10. I Was Born in '69 For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

A Sneak Peek... And this time... on the debut album of the supergroup "Chickenfoot", which was released on June 5, 2009. "Chickenfoot" is a supergroup that was formed in 2008 by vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex "Van Halen" and "Montrose"), bassist Michael Anthony (ex "Van Halen"), guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Chad Smith ("Red Hot Chili Peppers"). So where did it all start? Remember the song "Cabo Wabo" from the album "OU812" by "Van Halen"? Sammy Hagar called his clun in Mexico "Cabo Wabo" and also the tequila line he produced. Sammy's friends would occasionally come to "Cabo Wabo" and jam with him in front of the crowd present at the bar. Both Michael Anthony and Chad Smith have often played with Sammy on stage at the club. It sounded so good that people started to ask Sammy when they are going to record an album and go on a tour. Sammy replied that if they are going to do it right, then they must get a cannon guitarist, so they must talk to Joe Satriani first, because for him he is the best guitarist in the world. Now ask how Sammy knows that? Because Hagar, Anthony, and Striani had already collaborated together in 2002, under the name "Planet Us", which also included guitarist Neal Schon and drummer Deen Castronovo, both from the band "Journey". The four members' first appearance together on the same stage was in February 2008 at Sammy Hagar's performance in Las Vegas. They played three songs: "Rock and Roll" by "Led Zeppelin", "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Going Down" by "Traffic". During breaks in Joe Satriani's tour schedule, the four friends gathered at Hagar's house to record a demo, but in the end, everything went so well that they recorded a full-length album in the studio. All the songs on the album were written by Joe Satriani and Sammy Hagar, except for "Down the Drain" and "Future in the Past" which were written by all four members. The band's name and logo are a result of a self-joke by the band members. It shows the footprint of a chicken that corresponds with the peace symbol. Bassist Michael Anthony claimed that the origin of the name came from the initial jam encounters between him, Hagar, and Smith. They thought of themselves as the three fingers of the chicken's leg. It was a joke, but as rumors spread about the emerging supergroup they were already using the name and logo. The first single released from the album, was "Oh Yeah!". A sweeping hard rock song that Satriani and Sammy wrote while talking about the blues-rock artists they grew up on. They thought of combining the beloved styles of metal with the blues-rock they loved so much. The rest of the tracks on the album do not go far from that. A combination of edgy hard rock with touches of blues, led by Joe Satriani's phenomenal guitar playing and Sammy Hagar's powerful voice. This is also one of the weak points of this album. Most of the songs are generic and sit on the same formula. The potential is huge but in most cases, something gets lost on the way. The opening track "Avenida Revolucion" is a political song about the troubles on the Mexican/American border. Satriani wrote the music and recorded his guitar parts as a demo. he thought the rest of the band members would not like it. He came back from his tour and was surprised to find out that they've already recorded bass, drums, and vocals on his demo. "Down the Drain" was written spontaneously in the studio. Satriani was to play a new song he wrote to the band. He was checking his guitar tuning and played a blues riff just to warm up. Chad started to play a beat on the riff and Sammy asked Joe "is that the new song?" and started to write the lyrics on the spot. They kept jamming and in the end asked producer Andy Johns Did you record that? The answer was "YES". Although this supergroup went on a tour together, the tight schedule of each of the four members did not allow this band to last long. In October 2009, Chad Smith returned to the arms of the "Red Hot Chili Peppers" to begin work on their tenth studio album, which eventually caused "Chickenfoot" to take a short break. The band returned to work on their second album in 2010, following the release of the "Red Hot Chili Peppers" "I'm With You" album. "Chickenfoot III" was eventually released in September 2011, but as early as June 2016 Chad Smith said he had doubts about the band's future due to the busy schedules of all members. But still, up to date, the band did not officially announce its breakup. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 4, 1982, "Genesis" released their third live album "Three Sides Live". By 1982, Genesis had completed one of the most remarkable transformations in rock music. A decade earlier they had been regarded primarily as progressive rock innovators, first under Peter Gabriel and later as an increasingly democratic collective led by Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford. With "Abacab" in 1981, however, the band deliberately streamlined its sound, embracing shorter structures, stronger rhythms, and a more contemporary production style. "Three Sides Live" documents the moment when those changes were fully realized on stage. The album was assembled after "Genesis" completed their extensive 1981 world tour supporting "Abacab". Following the tour's conclusion in December 1981, the band entered an eight month hiatus while Collins, Banks, and Rutherford pursued solo projects. During this break, recordings from the 1980 and 1981 tours were selected for release, resulting in what became one of the most commercially successful live albums of the band's career. The performances feature the core trio of Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford alongside longtime touring drummer Chester Thompson and guitarist/bassist Daryl Stuermer. By this stage, Thompson and Stuermer had become essential components of the live lineup. Their contributions allowed Genesis to faithfully reproduce the increasingly complex arrangements of both their progressive classics and newer material while maintaining the power expected of an arena act. In contrast to the more complex and expansive "Seconds Out," "Three Sides Live" features a more focused, sharp, and rhythmically dynamic band. The influence of "Abacab" is felt throughout. Phil Collins' vocals take center stage. He sometimes accompanies himself with a snare drum, and on instrumental sections he takes control of the drum station alongside Thompson. Tony Banks increasingly uses synthesizers to create atmosphere and color rather than thick layers of orchestral arrangements. Mike Rutherford's guitar and bass work often serves the groove and rhythm more than taking the lead. The opening sequence of "Turn It On Again", "Dodo", and "Abacab" immediately demonstrates the band's renewed focus. "Turn It On Again" thrives on its unusual time signature, sounding even more energetic before a live audience. "Dodo", one of the most ambitious pieces from "Abacab", showcases "Genesis'" ability to combine progressive structures with modern songwriting discipline. "Abacab" itself becomes more aggressive on stage, driven by Thompson's muscular drumming and extended instrumental interplay. Perhaps the album's greatest achievement is the way it bridges different eras of the band's history. "Behind the Lines" and "Duchess" retain the emotional resonance of the "Duke" album while benefiting from more dynamic performances. Collins in particular demonstrates how much he had grown as a frontman. His relaxed interaction with the audience contrasts sharply with the theatrical presentation associated with the Gabriel era, yet proves equally effective. The unquestioned centerpiece remains the "In the Cage" medley. First introduced during the late 1970s, the medley had evolved into a vehicle through which Genesis could revisit its progressive catalogue without interrupting the flow of a modern concert. Themes from "The Cinema Show", "The Colony of Slippermen", and other classics are woven into a seamless 12 minute journey that highlights the band's extraordinary musicianship. Banks is especially impressive here, delivering some of the album's most memorable keyboard passages. The album's history is made even more interesting by its differing regional editions. After completing the "Abacab" tour, "Genesis" selected recordings from the 1980 and 1981 tours for release. The first three sides were identical worldwide, but the fourth side varied significantly. The UK edition featured additional live performances, including "One for the Vine", "The Fountain of Salmacis", and "It/Watcher of the Skies", drawn from concerts recorded between 1976 and 1980. The North American and international edition instead included studio recordings includes tracks from the group's second EP "3×3" (1982) – "Paperlate", "You Might Recall", and "Me and Virgil" and two B-sides recorded during the sessions for "Duke" (1980) – "Open Door" and "Evidence of Autumn". The accompanying concert film, also titled "Three Sides Live", was filmed in November 1981 at the Savoy Theatre in New York City during the "Abacab" tour. Commercially, "Three Sides Live" proved highly successful. The album reached the Top 10 in the United Kingdom and the United States, further demonstrating "Genesis'" growing mainstream appeal. More importantly, it documented a band that had successfully navigated one of rock's most difficult transitions. Few groups survive the departure of a charismatic frontman. Even fewer evolve from cult progressive act into one of the world's biggest touring attractions without abandoning their musical identity. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

He has a child's smile, a comedian's sense of humor, and a nickname of puppy bear, but make no mistake, every drum beat of his bounces the clocks at the seismological stations around the globe. (Photo: drummagazine.com) His name is Nicko McBrain and he is celebrating his birthday today. So let's tell you a little bit about him. 1. He was born in the suburbs of London on June 5, 1952, as Michael Henry "Nicko" McBrain. 2. The nickname "Nicky" was given to him by his parents after the bear Nicholas which he had as a child. 3. Already at the age of 10 he began drumming on an improvised drum set he had assembled for himself at home from pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils. 4. A year later his father bought him his first drum set and he began teaching himself to play when he drummed songs by "the Beatles" and "the Rolling Stones". 5. At the age of 14 he had already started playing in pubs with local bands. 6. After high school he began studying engineering at "Southgate Technical College,. 7. He financed his rent during his studies when he served as an employee session player in studios. 8. The first serious band was "The 18th Fairfield Walk" which later changed its name to "Peyton Bond", it was a cover band. 9. The first recording he participated in was in 1973, it was a single called "Cockerel Chorus' Nice One Cyril". 10. That same year he participated in his first serious recording. It was on English guitarist Gordon Giltrap's debut album. 11. Nico continued to accompany Gordon on his subsequent albums as well and in 1978 he recorded an album with him called "Fear Of The Dark" (just like the band he would later join). 12. The font used by Giltarp's "Fear Of The Dark" album is very reminiscent of the font in the, Iron Maiden" logo. See here: 13. In 1975 he joined the band "Streetwalkers" with whom he released two albums, "Downtown Flyers" from 1975 and "Red Card" in 1976. 14. He later joined the band of Canadian guitarist Pat Travers and also released two albums with him in 1977. 15. In the same year he released with the band "Blazer Blazer" a single "Cecil B. Devine". (Photo: Heavymetalrarities.com) 16. Nico continued his international tour when he joined the French hard rock band "Trust" and released with them the album "Marche ou Crève" in 1981. 17. In December 1982 he received an offer he could not refuse. Replace drummer Clive Burr in "Iron Maiden". 18. This was not the first time he played with the band. He replaced Clive during a TV show held in April of that year, as Clive did not feel well. At that show, Nicko put on Eddie's mask, apparently, so he would not recognize as a replacement drummer. 19. Since then he has been a regular member of the band and has released 13 studio albums with it, one of which is a double. 20. Already in the first song from the first album he recorded with the band from the album "Piece of Mind", his amazing drumming ability was revealed. He refused to play with a double bass drum, and did it all with one base drum and fast tam-tam passes. 21. In the album "Piece of Mind", his sense of humor was revealed. At the end of the song "The Trooper" and before the "Still Life" track, there is a short speech that is played backward, which was created as a mockery and contempt of the band for those who accused them of Satanism, after the release of the album "The Number Of The Beast". In the segment, Nico is heard trying to sound like the British actor, John Byrd, who imitates the dictator "Idi Amin". In the recording, McBrian says the following words, as they are played backward: "What did she say the t'ing with the three 'bonce,' do not meddle with things you do not understand". 22. McBrain has never used double bass, except for one case, in the song "Face in the Sand" from the album "Dance of Death". 23. Nicko wrote one song for "Iron Maiden". it is called "New Frontier" and it appears on the album "Dance of Death". 24. In 1991 he released an instructional video for drummers called "Rhythms of the Beast". 25. In 1991 he participated in the supergroup project "WhoCares" with Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, and more. 26. You may be surprised to find out, but Nico McBrain also has a pilot's license not only Bruce Dickinson. 27. He's crazy about Jaguar cars. In 2012 the company created for him a special model according to his specifications and requirements. (Photo: Lessentiel.lu) 28. In 2018 he opened a drum shop in Manchester called "Drum One". 29. When not on tours with Maiden he maintains his side project called "McBrain Damage" also known as "The McBrainiacs" along with bassist Dave "The Beast" Spitz who played with "Black Sabbath" on the album "Seventh Star" and was part of the lineup of "Great White". 30. He owns a restaurant in Florida, USA, called "Rock 'N' Roll Ribs". 31. In January 2023 he had a stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side. He went through months of intensive physical therapy and within three months got back into shape, but still he admits there are songs Of "Iron Maiden He can't play. 32. In 2024 he kicked off a short tour in Florida with his "TITANIUM TART" project, which he said is a "celebration band of Iron Maiden". Despite the stroke Nicko continued to perform with Iron Maiden until the end of the "The Future Past" tour. In December 2024 he announced his retirement from "Iron Maiden" after 42 years. His final performance with the band was held on December 7, 2024. He stated that his retirement was only from live performances and that he would continue to be a part of the band, as well as manage other drumming-related projects. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 5, 1979 "Dire Straits" released their second album, "Communiqué". "Communiqué" is notable for being the last album to feature David Knopfler, who left the band during the recording of their following album - "Making Movies" due to creative differences with his brother, Mark Knopfler. This album is also the last to feature the original lineup of the band. If we have to describe why we love this album so much, it will be its "unique sound and the masterful production quality". This album was a real favorite by Home Audio shops, using this excellent album (and of course "The Dark Side Of The Moon") to demonstrate the capabilities of their advanced stereo systems. Just turn up the volume on your Hi-Fi stereo system to the sound of "Where Do You Think You're Going?" and you will know exactly what we mean. Well, even though released in 1979, this album has a very impressive sound quality which does not embarrass the advanced productions of our time. It is offering a dynamic listening experience with a perfect recording production that sound so clear, vivid and relevant even today. Produced by Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler, two legendary figures from "Muscle Shoals Sound Studio", That crafted this beautiful album. "Communiqué" has a polished and refined sound. The production quality is impeccable, capturing the band's performance with each instrument and vocal line captured with clarity and warmth. The album exudes a laid-back vibe, reflecting a more relaxed and confident band compared to their debut. Following their self-titled debut that featured the iconic track "Sultans of Swing." Mark Knopfler, the band's lead guitarist and vocalist, along with his bandmates, delivers an album that, while not as commercially explosive as their debut, cements their reputation for crafting smooth, intelligent rock. After concluding the "Dire Straitblends Tour" in Hitchin on November 18, 1978, the band immediately set to work on recording "Communiqué". The recording sessions took place from November 28 to December 12, 1978, at "Compass Point Studios" in Nassau. The album was mixed in January 1979 at "Muscle Shoals Sound Studio" in Alabama. Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett from Muscle Shoals Sound Studio helmed the production. Beckett (credited as B. Bear) also contributed keyboards to some of the album's nine tracks. Beyond its magnificent sound and perfect production, one of the standout aspects of "Communiqué" is the superb musicianship. Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing is as captivating as ever, characterized by its clean, melodic lines and intricate solos. The rhythm section, consisting of John Illsley on bass and Pick Withers on drums, provides a steady, understated foundation that allows Knopfler’s guitar work to shine. Additionally, David Knopfler’s rhythm guitar adds depth to the band’s sound. The album that blends beautifully Rock, Country and Reggae influences, opens up with "Once Upon a Time in the West", which sets a contemplative tone with its moody guitar riff and introspective lyrics and Knopfler's unique and sensitive vocals. "News" comes right after with its beautiful guitar work by the Knopflers'. Such caressing and beautiful, and we can swear that if you will close your eyes you will feel as if the whole band is there in your room playing just for you. "Where Do You Think You're Going?" is another standout track, showcasing Knopfler's storytelling ability and the band's dynamic range. The song builds from a gentle, introspective beginning to a powerful, dynamic crescendo. The sound is so clean worm, you can actually hear every slide on the guitar neck and every breath of Knopfler - just A perfect song and production. The Theme song "Communiqué" comes right after with a honky-tonk vibe, but after the beautiful intro takes another musical direction. "Lady Writer", the lead single from the album, is one of the more upbeat tracks and features a catchy guitar hook. This song has all the ingredients from the debut album, and could have been an outtake from it. It was inspired by a woman writer Mark Knopfler saw on TV, speculated to be Marina Warner, known for her writings on the Virgin Mary. The song reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 51 on the UK Singles Chart. Another two worth-to-mention tracks from the album are "Portobello Belle" and "Single-Handed Sailor" with the former's folk-influenced sound and the latter's "electrifying" up beat guitar. The album ends up with the bluesy and "Follow Me Home" that leave us with a taste for more of this hypnotizing music. "Communiqué" might not have the immediate impact of "Dire Straits'" debut, but it is a strong follow-up that showcases the band's growth and versatility. It rewards repeated listens, revealing more of its nuances and subtleties over time. For fans of "Dire Straits" or anyone who appreciates a great sound, masterful production and well-crafted rock music with a touch of sophistication, "Communiqué" is a must-listen. The album is a testament to "Dire Straits'" ability to create music that is both accessible and artistically satisfying. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website