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Legendary composer, songwriter, and virtuoso Marty Friedman, one of the most esteemed guitarists in the metal genre, is celebrating a birthday today. (Photo: Susumu Miyawaki) Over a long career, he has recorded 27 gold and platinum albums, 13 solo albums, and 7 Grammy nominations and he has fans all around the world. Marty is also known as the legendary line-up guitarist of "Megadeth", of which he was a member for about 10 years, while taking part in the creation of the band's four greatest albums. Friedman's unique playing style combines rock and metal styles with exotic scales, impossible string stretches, and mesmerizing vibrato control and as clean a sound as possible without unnecessary effects. So for his birthday, we brought you some interesting facts about the guitar idol: 1. He was born on December 8, 1962, in Washington DC, USA to a Jewish family. His full name is "Martin Adam Friedman". 2. Friedman is included in the list of the 100 best guitarists in metal published by Guitar World magazine. 3. He started playing guitar at the age of 14, after attending a "KISS" show, and taught himself guitar without a teacher. 4. His major musical influences include "Kiss," "The Ramons," "Black Sabbath" and Elvis Presley. 5. Shortly after he started playing guitar, he formed the band "Deuce" with his friends. The band's rehearsals took place in a large barn that belonged to the band's lead singer's family. 6. After a while, the lead singer's mother built with her own hands a 2-level stage in the barn, and pretty quickly rehearsals became performances and jams that attracted a local audience almost every evening. 7. Marty testified several times that standing in front of an audience at this young age shaped his identity as a performer and improved his abilities as a guitarist. 8. In 1981 he formed the band "VIXEN" (not to be confused with the girl's band of the same name from the 80s). 9. At a later stage the band changed its name and became "HAWAI" and released 3 albums until Marty left. 10. In 1985 Marty formed the Speed ​​Metal band "Cacophony" together with guitarist Jason Becker . The band has released two albums. The band disbanded in 1989, after the two guitarists established their own solo careers and turned in separate directions. By the way, in 1996 Cacophony fell ill and was diagnosed with incurable muscular dystrophy (ALS) and has remained paralyzed ever since. 11. In 1988 Marty released his debut album "Dragon's Kiss". To this day the song "Thunder March" from it serves as a closing song for his performances. Watch the performance of the song together with the Israeli guitarist Yossi Sassi. 12. In the early 1990s, Friedman joined "Megadeth" to create the album " Rust In Peace ". The album kicked off the band and stunned the world of metal with songs like "Hangar 18", "Tornado of souls" and of course "Holy wars" with the immortal acoustic piece he wrote. Marty co-created and performed in four more "Megadeth" albums - " Countdown to Extinction ", " Youthanasia ", "Cryptic Writings", and " Risk ". 13. During his years at "Megadeth" Marty released 3 solo albums, which are still considered key albums in the genre. 14. In 1992 Marty released the album "Scene" which was produced by the well-known Japanese producer "Kitaro". 15. In 1999, after ten years as a band member, Marty left "Megadeth". The main reason was his desire to develop musically. Since leaving "Megadeth" - Marty has released 9 solo albums and 2 live albums. 16. In 2003 Marty left for Japan, where he has lived for the past 17 years. He is considered an idol in the Japanese entertainment industry and has appeared in countless TV and radio shows. 17. Marty speaks Japanese fluently, has written 2 books on music in Japan, and even received the "Ambassador of Culture" award from the Japanese government. 18. Marty has released 3 concept albums called "Tokyo jukebox" including and adaptations in his style to popular "J-POP" songs in Japan. 19. Marty performed 3 times in Tel Aviv. In 1995 with "Megadeth" and in 2006 and 2011 as a solo artist. In each of the performances, Marty performed the Israeli national anthem "Hatikva" and won great enthusiasm from the Israeli audience. 20. In 2007 Friedman released a live album called "Exhibit A: live in Europe". Some of the songs on the album were recorded while performing in Israel. 21. His album "Future Addict" from 2008, includes 2 versions of "Megadeth" songs - "The Killing Road" and "Tornado of Souls". The lead singer was none other than his drummer - Jeremy Colson (who also performs with Steve Vai ). 22. During his performance in Israel in 2011, Marty hosted the esteemed Israeli guitarist and composer Yossi Sassi ("Orphaned Land", "the Oriental Rock Orchestra") and later that year he was a guest on the song on Sassi's first solo album. 23. In 2012, Marty and Yossi Sassi held a combined tour in 12 European countries, which was a great success. 24. In these performances Marty used most of Sassi's ensembles as his band, which contributed to each of the member's solo career including - guitarist Ben Ezer, and esteemed bassist Or Lubianiker, who also served as part of Marty's band on his other European and Japanese tour. 25. In 2014, Marty released the song "Horrors" from the album "Inferno", a song written by his friend Jason Becker , who has been completely paralyzed for over 20 years due to "ALS" disease. Jason composed the song using special software with which he communicates and translates the eye blink into words and notes. The software was developed by his father. Marty performed another song that Jason Becker wrote in 2017 from Jason Becker's solo album which was all written in the same software and performed by different guitarists. 26. In 2018, while working on a joint single and metal arrangement for the folk song "Water Water" (a well-known and popular folk song also in Japan), and as a homage to his Israeli friends being from a Jewish home, Marty sought to include his interpretation of Israeli national anthem "Hatikva". This is very exciting, especially during a period of cultural boycott in which international artists canceled their performances in Israel. 27. Marty was asked to launch the Tokyo Marathon runners at the traditional 2018-2019 ceremony and did so i n his style . 28. Marty wrote and produced the theme song for Netflix's successful anime series B: the Beginning . The song r eceived a new version on the album "TJ3" released in October 2020. The song features Israeli bassist Or Lubianiker . 29. The only mention of the mother band "Megadeth" in Marty's performances, is the solo of "Tornado of Souls" which he plays at each show. 30. It is interesting to note that Marty cited the debut album of the band "Garbage" as one of the ten albums that most influenced him. 31. Marty is known for making the Jackson "Kelly" guitar very popular. 32. Over the years Marty has released signature models from guitar companies such as "Carvin", "Ibanez", and "PRS", but today uses a new model that "Jackson" has specially released for him and an amplifier of "ENGL". 33. In 2022, Marty was featured in the Israeli prog metal band "Steroid Puppets" song and even appeared in a music video filmed in the Dead Sea. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, he was shot in front of a green screen and the film was sent to israel. In August 2023, he reunited with "Megadeth" at the "WACKEN OPEN AIR" festival in Germany. He played 4 songs with them: "Trust", "Tornado Of Souls", "Symphony Of Destruction", "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due". More popular clips : Miracle Undertow Devil takes t omorrow Live T ornado Thunder march L ive in Japan L ive with Yossi Sassi Megadeth 1 2 3 Japan shows 1 2 Wrote: Amir Rozanes - Southern Productions . "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

He stands out as one of the most exceptional, highly regarded, and influential guitarists in the realm of Israeli rock. Additionally, he possesses notable talents as a skilled writer and composer. This remarkable blend of technical prowess, emotional expression, and melodious creativity is instrumental in shaping Iron Flock's contributions to Israeli music. Photo: Dror Berko The sheet falls short in capturing the extensive legacy of the iconic guitarist Yitzhak Klepter, also known as "Churchill." Here are 50 facts shedding light on both the man and the legend: 1. Born on March 31, 1950, in Haifa. 2. From an early age, he immersed himself in music, with a musical household where his mother sang, his father played the violin and guitar, and his brother handled the accordion. 3. His first instrument was the accordion, picked up at the age of 7. 4. Transitioned to playing the guitar at the age of 13, a musical companion ever since. 5. Formed the "Churchills" band at 15, along with Chaim Romano, Miki Gavrielov, and others, adopting the band's name from Klepter's school days nickname, "Churchill." 6. Became one of the pioneering "rhythm bands" in Israel during that era, performing in clubs across the country. 7. In the early days, Klepter focused on rhythm guitar, with Chaim Romano handling lead guitar duties. 8. Remained with the band until May 1968, when he enlisted in the IDF. 9. Concurrently, Klepter led guitar for another rhythm band, "The Styles," where he coined the band's name. This period also marked his friendship with guitarist Uzi Fox. 10. Post-IDF service, worked as a session guitarist, contributing to various artists anonymously due to contractual constraints. 11. Joined the "Apocalypse" band in 1971 alongside Zohar Levy, Eli Magen, Gabi Shoshan, and Miri Aloni, releasing their sole album in 1972. (Photo: YouTube) 12. The album achieved considerable acclaim, even earning the "David's Violin" award. It features enduring Klepter solos in tracks such as "The Tree Is Tall," "Under the Eucalyptus Tree," "There Is No Room for Two on a Power Pole," and "Open the Door for Me." 13. Despite the artistic triumph, the band faced commercial challenges, leading to its dissolution. Klepter returned to his role as a studio player. Notably, he played and arranged some tracks on Arik Einstein's "Jasmine" album, including "How Good You Came Home." Additionally, he contributed to Zvika Pick's second album in the song "Signs." 14. Subsequently, Klepter attempted to form a trio with Zohar Levy, his fellow member from the "Apocalypse" band, along with Shlomo Yidov. 15. In 1973, he abandoned the trio idea and joined the "Kaveret" band, heeding the persuasions of Danny Sanderson. Photo: Ilan Besor 16. Drawing from his background in "rhythm bands," Klepter brought his wealth of experience to the "Nahal Veterans" group. Conversely, the band represented a departure in style for Klepter, involving more accessible and humorous material. 17. Within the band, Klepter contributed to memorable melodies such as "Yu Ya," "She Is So Beautiful," "Tango Frogs," "That's How She Is in the Middle," and "Go Tell Grandma." He also composed and sang solo in the song "The Idiot." 18. Klepter had the opportunity to perform with the band at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, presenting the song "I Gave Her My Life." 19. In 1976, "Kaveret" disbanded, leading to a decline in Klepter's financial and mental well-being. 20. A turning point for Klepter occurred in 1978 when Jonathan Geffen extended an invitation to participate in his show "Living Room Talks." Klepter contributed songs like "Bedouin Love Song," "Green Island in the Sea," "Forever I Will Wait," and the segment "Picture." 21. During the same year, he composed "Simple Account" and "Let's Stay" for Gidi Gov's debut album. 22. 1978 proved to be a bustling year for Klepter as he also collaborated on a song from the album "The Sixteenth Lamb." 23. In 1979, he teamed up with Shlomo Yidov and Shem Tov Levy to form the ensemble "Tuned Sound," which featured the unforgettable theme song written and sung by Klepter. 24. In 1980, Zvika Pick's album "The Mirror" was released, featuring the participation of Klepter. 25. That very year marked the commencement of Klepter's solo career. It began with a broadcast record released in 1980, followed by his debut album "Isaac" which included tracks like "My Love Is Not His Love," "Me and Then," and "We Met." 26. In 1981, he wrote and composed the song "If You Are Around" for Eric Sinai's album "Heavy Shadow." 27. 1982 saw Klepter as a member of Yigal Bashan in the duet "We Are Both Together." 28. During the same year, he engaged in his first substantive collaboration with Arik Einstein on the album "Sitting on the Fence." Klepter composed all the songs on the album and received credit for the album title. 29. Continuing the collaboration with Einstein, the album "Fragile" was released in 1983. Once again, all the melodies were crafted by Klepter, who earned credit on the album cover. 30. Klepter's collaboration with Einstein extended to several albums, including "Time Out," "Loves to Be at Home," "On the Border of Light," "I Was Once a Child," "I Have Love," and more. 31. Notably, in 2011, Arik Einstein released the collection "Arik Einstein, Sings Yitzhak Klepter." 32. The collection comprised songs composed by Klepter for Arik Einstein, along with a cover of Einstein's song "Tuned Sound" and a new song, "Laboratories for Freedom," co-composed by Klepter and Guy Bucati. 33. The collection's booklet emphasized Arik's initiative, expressing how he rediscovered the magical and special nature of their collaboration upon revisiting their albums together. 34. In 1984, Klepter released his second studio album in his solo career, "Alone." Unfortunately, the album faced commercial failure, leading Klepter into a period of depression and contemplation of retirement. 35. Serendipitously, "Kaveret" reunited that year for a significant show, thrusting Klepter back into the limelight and improving his financial situation. 36. Over the next four years, Klepter continued composing songs for various singers, including Gali Atari, Arik Sinai , and Rivka Zohar . 37. In 1988, he released his third solo album, "Sustaining," featuring the hit "Free Imagination." However, this album also experienced commercial setbacks. 38. From the late 1980s and early 1990s, Klepter shifted his focus to composing for other artists, including Chaim Moshe, Yael Levy, and Roni Turgeman. 39. In 1993, he released his fourth solo album, "Those Streets." During the same year, he also unveiled his collection "Isaac, Alone, Holds On," encompassing songs from his first three albums. 40. 1998 saw Klepter's participation in another reunion of "Kaveret," resulting in the release of the album and DVD "Kaveret in the Park." 41. The members of "Kaveret" organized a fundraiser for Klepter two years later to support him during the recovery from surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his head. 42. In 2008, Klepter received the Lifetime Achievement Award as a composer in the field of Hebrew songs. 43. During the same year, he was further honored with an entire episode of the show "A Star Is Born" dedicated to his songs, where he also made an appearance. 44. In 2009, his live album "Free Imagination" was released, featuring a recording from 1989. 45. In that same year, another live album, "We Met," featuring Klepter, Alon Olarchik, and Ephraim Shamir, was released. 46. In 2013, Klepter participated in yet another reunion of "Kaveret," performing in five different shows across the country. 47. Throughout the 2000s, Klepter collaborated with various artists, including Arik Sinai, Gali Atari, Nurit Galron, Shlomi Shaban, Hadag Nachash, and more. In 2019, he collaborated with the band "Swan Band." 48. In 2012, Klepter recorded a remake of the song "Free Imagination" for the soundtrack of the movie "Cannon Flesh." 49. Klepter also composed music for several other Israeli films, such as "Road Without a Dead End" (1982), "Lena" (1980), and "Fictitious Marriage" (1988). 50. In his later years, Klepter faced health challenges, particularly chronic lung disease. He passed away on December 8, 2022, at the age of 72, in his home. We have prepared a playlist that includes selected songs he has written and/or performed during his tremendous career. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

He was a great performer, dripping with charisma and he's one of rock's great vocalists, let's read 27 facts about Jim Morrison who passed away at the age of 27. (Photo: CBS) 1. He was born on December 8, 1943, in Melbourne Florida as James Douglas Morrison. 2. When he was four, Morrison suffered a serious car accident in the desert, which involved a family of Indians. The event greatly influenced Morrison, who also wrote several songs about the event, such as, "Dawn's Highway", "Peace Frog" and more. 3. In his youth, Morrison read books of philosophy and poetry and was greatly influenced by Nietzsche and the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who influenced his writing style. 4. After graduating from high school he moved to live with his grandparents in Clearwater Florida. 5. In 1962 he began studying film at the University of Florida. Cinema was an area that Morrison had been drawn to since he was a child. 6. In 1963, during his studies, Morrison was arrested at a football game, due to drunkenness and for disturbing the public. 7. In 1964 Morrison moved to Los Angeles where he studied film and photography at UCLA. 8. At one point he moved to Venice Beach where he lived a bohemian lifestyle on the roof of a building, consuming LSD and writing some of the first songs of "The Doors". 9. In the summer of 1965, the Doors band began to form when keyboardist Ray Manzarek - Morrison's friend from school began writing songs with him. Later, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore whom Manzarek and Morrison met in a drama class, joined the band. 10. They chose the name "the Doors" for themselves after the book "The Doors of Perception" by Aldous Huxley, which was also influenced by the English poet William Blake. 11. In 1966, the band began playing in clubs in Los Angeles, including "Whiskey a Go-Go", where they served as an opening act for Van Morrison's "Them". 12. In 1967 the band released their first album simply called "The Doors". The album included several hits such as "Light My Fire" and "Break On Through (To the Other Side") which were a huge success and won the band huge fame quickly. 13. Morrison is the first artist to be arrested on stage during a performance. This happened during the band's performance in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, on December 9, 1967. 14. This was not Morrison's only arrest on stage. He was arrested in 1969 and put on trial in Miami Florida, following an unnecessary incident in which he exposed his penis during a performance. This incident heralded the beginning of the band's disintegration, in part after the band had to pay large sums of money during and after the trial. 15. Although many believe that Morrison did not play on "The Doors" albums, in the song "Orange County Suite" he plays the piano. Also, in the song "Strange Days" he plays the synthesizer Mog. 16. In 1969 Morrison released a book of poems he had written. 17. Morrison had a brief relationship with the well-known singer Nico. 18. He also tried his luck with Janis Joplin , but she was not happy about it and broke a "Southern Comfort" bottle on his head. 19. Morrison is also known as the Lizard Man - "The Lizard King" and "Mr. Mojo Risin". 20. Morrison recorded himself a lot while reading his poetry, even during his stay in Paris in 1971 shortly before his death. 21. Seven years after his death, the band released the album "American Prayer" based on these recordings in which Morrison reads the poetry accompanied by the music of the doors. 22. On July 3, 1971, Morrison apparently died of a heroin overdose while he was only 27 years old. He was found lifeless in the bathtub of the hotel where he was staying in Paris. According to French law, no autopsy was performed on her body and his death was determined as a heart attack. 23. The person who found him lifeless in the bathtub of the hotel was his girlfriend Pamela Courson. 24. Although Morrison and Pamela were never married they were considered a common-law couple in the state of California, where there was no such precedent at the time. After her death, Pamela was buried under the name Pamela Susan Morrison. 25. Pamela is known to have inspired many of Morrison's songs, including "Love Street," "Queen of the Highway," and "Twentieth Century Fox." 26. Morrison is buried in the "Per Laches" cemetery in Paris, where many celebrities such as Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Edith Piaf, and more are buried. Only five people attended his funeral. 27. During such a short period of only 4 years of activity, Morrison along with "The Doors" has released six masterpiece albums featuring a huge list of songs engraved in rock history forever. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

The talented musician John Lennon who was born on October 9, 1940, has greatly influenced music and the whole world in so many and varied ways !! (Photo: wordpress.com) We would like to tell you some interesting facts about him: 1. When he was only 5 years old his father left home and his mother handed him over to her sister, "Mimi", who is known for saying over and over again to John: "The guitar's all right John, but you'll never make a living out of it." 2. His last appearance was with Elton John in Madison Square Garden. During the show, the two sang the songs together: "Whatever Gets You Through The Night", "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "I Saw Her Standing There". 3. On the morning of the day of his murder he signed his album "Double Fantasy" to a fan named Mark David Chapman, the same fan who murdered him that evening. 4. During the Beatles' tour he liked to play the game "Monopoly". (Photo: John Pratt) 5.. John and Yoko hired a communicator (psychic) ​​who guided them in their business decisions. He earned just like their accountants and lawyers. 6. John asked that the cover of the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely-Hearts Club Band" also feature the figure of Jesus and Adolf Hitler, but the rest of the band refused his request. 7. The first instrument John learned to play was the harmonica. 8. John's dentist, John Riley, introduced him to LSD when he put a pill in his coffee without noticing during a meal. Bob Dylan was the one who introduced him to marijuana. 9. In 1967 John purchased a small island called Dorinish off the coast of Ireland, at a cost of £1,700. 10. George Harrison was John's roommate during the tour. 11. The first time Yoko met John she did not even know he was part of the Beatles. (Photo: Iain Macmillan) 12. Only during his adult life did John discover that he had dyslexia. 13. Before the band's tour in Japan, he studied Japanese for six weeks at the "Berlitz" language school in Manhattan. 14. John is the only member of the "Beatles" who has not become fully vegetarian. All the other "Beatles" yes. 15. When asked once what is the song with the best lyrics of the songs he wrote he replied: "All You Need Is Love" ". (Photo: "Walls and Bridges" photo sessions) 16. When John received his driver's license, in February 1965, a number of luxury car dealerships began parking their cars in front of his home, hoping to be able to sell him a car. 17. His first band was "The Quarrymen". Since they had no rehearsal room, they wandered from place to place and played mostly in the bathroom at John's house. 18. John's eyesight was so impaired that he was legally considered blind without glasses. During the Beatles, he was ashamed to wear glasses and mostly used lenses. 19. In 1971, when John moved to New York, the FBI opened a case called "John Lennon" and investigated every aspect of John's life. They researched his works, his daily routine, his actions, and all this to find a reason to expel him from the United States, for fear that he had come to incite American youth. 20. John used to drink about 30-20 cups of tea and coffee a day. Follow us on Facebook or Subscribe to our website "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog & Podcast

On December 7, 1984, "Foreigner" released their fifth studio album "Agent Provocateur". Marking the band’s only number-one album on the UK Albums Chart and reaching the top five on the US Billboard 200, it demonstrated their ability to adapt to the glossy, synth-heavy production trends of the 1980s. However, its creation was marked by artistic tensions and challenges, resulting in a record that blends soaring highs with some uneven moments. The album includes "Foreigner’s" most enduring hit, " I Want to Know What Love Is ," a global anthem that became their only number-one single on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite its commercial success, "Agent Provocateur" also reveals the growing creative divide between founding member Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm , whose conflicting visions for the band's direction became increasingly apparent. Writing and preproduction for "Agent Provocateur" began in mid-1983 with Trevor Horn as producer. Early sessions in New York hinted at an exciting collaboration, but the relationship soured when the band traveled to England later that year to resume recording. Horn eventually left the project, citing irreconcilable creative differences, though his contributions—particularly on the backing tracks for " I Want to Know What Love Is "—remain a part of the album's DNA. Mick Jones and co-producer Alex Sadkin ultimately helmed the project, shaping the polished, synth-heavy sound that defines the record. This production shift aligned with Jones’ vision of steering the band toward a softer, more commercial style. However, this direction clashed with Gramm's desire to maintain "Foreigner's" hard rock roots, creating an artistic tug-of-war that influenced the album’s eclectic tone. Adding to the tension, Jones and Gramm clashed over songwriting credit for " I Want to Know What Love Is ." Gramm felt his vocal interpretation was instrumental in elevating the track, while Jones—who wrote most of the song (about his relationship with future wife Annabelle Dexter-Jones) —believed the credit rightly belonged to him. This quarrel strained their working relationship with Jones offering Gramm only 5% of the credit and Gramm thinking he deserves at least 40%. Gramm was so hurt that in the end he gave up on his credit for the song. This led to his eventual departure from the band. Despite its fraught creation, "Agent Provocateur" features some of "Foreigner’s" most compelling work. The album’s centerpiece, " I Want to Know What Love Is ," is a masterclass in emotional balladry. Lou Gramm ’s soulful lead vocals, the gospel harmonies of the New Jersey Mass Choir, and contributions from Jennifer Holliday and Tom Bailey of the "Thompson Twins" create a lush, transcendent soundscape. It’s no surprise the song became a timeless classic. " That Was Yesterday " is another standout, blending a memorable chorus with sharp synthesizer flourishes that epitomize mid-1980s AOR. Mick Jones explained that he draws a lot of songwriting material from subconscious emotions from past relationships. He said that the song is about a relationship that failed, which you're still clinging onto. You still feel that there's a chance to resurrect it. Meanwhile, tracks like " Reaction to Action ", " Stranger in My Own House " and " Tooth and Nail " harken back to "Foreigner’s" harder rock roots, offering driving riffs and energy, though they lack the melodic depth of the album’s highlights. The album’s deeper cuts reveal a mix of experimentation and filler. " Stranger in My Own House " explores funkier grooves, while " A Love in Vain " and " Down on Love " stick to softer rock, delivering less impact. Gramm’s vocals remain a consistent high point, elevating even the less inspired material. "Agent Provocateur" is both a showcase of "Foreigner’s" strengths and a reflection of its challenges. Mick Jones ’ production emphasizes melody and polish, moving the band into softer, radio-friendly territory. While this approach yielded commercial success, it sometimes sacrifices the grit and spontaneity of "Foreigner’s" earlier albums. It is a fascinating snapshot of a band caught between artistic ambition and commercial pressures. It delivers moments of brilliance, particularly in its standout singles, while grappling with  creative discord and unevenness with a handful of fillers. For Listening: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On December 7, 1995, Berry Sakharoff's third album, "Hot on the Moon" , was released, an album that officially placed Berry Sakharoff at the center of the Israeli mainstream and spawned many hits that became the soundtrack of Israeli music. In 1994, Berry released his second solo album, "Signs of Weakness," a groundbreaking work that incorporated avant-garde electronic and sampling elements, pushing the boundaries of Israeli music at the time. Despite its innovative nature, the album did not achieve commercial success, experiencing lackluster sales. Undeterred by this setback, Berry, an experienced musician, remained resilient and embarked on the creation of his next album. In his previous release, Berry had already distanced himself from his longstanding collaborator Ramy Fortis, establishing an independent approach to his work. With the current project, Berry entered the studio with a clear vision of how he wanted to compose and produce the album. Unlike a singular guiding force, Berry favored a collaborative approach to music-making. In the studio, a diverse group of musicians gathered to contribute their individuality to the creative process, each adding their unique elements to the songs. Dan Toren, a significant figure in the writing and production aspects, described the atmosphere at D.B. Studios as exhilarating, marked by highs and lows. Berry aimed to capture the essence of live music, fostering an environment where musicians collectively shaped the musical direction rather than relying on a single decision-maker. Berry's collaborative and diverse approach to music-making, where each musician contributes their unique style, has yielded an album that is truly eclectic and varied. The inclusion of rock-grunge in tracks like "Come Home" and "I Know," blues in "'77," reggae, dramatic symphonies, nature-inspired parties in "Diamond," and the oriental vibes of "Ohtak Baby" showcase the album's wide-ranging influences. The creative ensemble comprised of Berry, Dan Toren, Oren Lautenberg, Haim LaRose, and Oded Farah has played a pivotal role in crafting this diverse musical landscape. The album produced several chart-topping hits, including "Come Home," "Yomoledet" (which received a dance rendition by Infected Mushroom), "Hot on the Moon," and "Make Room." These songs have not only left a lasting impact on Berry's career but have also made a significant mark on the landscape of Israeli music. Following the album's release, Berry embarked on a lengthy and successful local tour alongside the band with whom he recorded the album. This tour garnered increasing audiences, solidifying Berry's status as one of the most recognizable rock stars in Israel. Following the success of the aforementioned album, Berry's second album received a significant boost, solidifying its status as one of the pivotal works in Israeli music. Notably, tracks like "Kama Yossi," "White Noise," "For You," and "Tni li makom" left a lasting impact on listeners. In 2015, in celebration of the album's 20th anniversary, a tribute show named "Dub on the Moon" was staged during the "Indingev" festival. This special performance featured a dub and reggae interpretation of the album's songs. Beno Handler, the producer and bassist who had previously collaborated with Berry on the "You Are Here" album, took on the responsibility of managing the show. Listen to the album on: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

Written By: Moti Kupfer Release date - 7.12.84 (CD) / 1.10.84 (LP) In the book “Sefer HaChinuch” (" Book of Mitzvos") it was written: “After the actions, the hearts are drawn.” The idea behind this phrase is that the purpose of many commandments is to bring the heart closer to the right path through rituals and actions, because through words alone it will not happen. After the huge success of "Supertramp" with "Breakfast in America", Roger Hodgson, the vocalist and one of the band’s two primary songwriters, felt that he could manage by his own. Hodgson, who in 1980 won the Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers for "The Logical Song", decided to leave Los Angeles and move to the mountains of northern California, where he built himself a home studio and began recording solo material. The geographical distance created tension between Hodgson and the other band members, and in 1983 he officially resigned from "Supertramp" and began working on his first solo album "In The Eye Of The Storm", released on October 1, 1984 on vinyl and on December 7, 1984 on CD. His debut is a direct continuation of the last album he worked on with "Supertramp", "...Famous Last Words", and several of its songs were originally written and intended for that record. Hodgson wrote, sang, arranged, and produced the entire album, and aside from the drum parts and fretless bass on two tracks, he played almost every instrument himself. Hodgson continued the early-80s “Supertramp-style” direction, blending pop with progressive rock, resulting in an album built mostly from extended tracks of six minutes or more (five out of seven songs). The album opens with the eight-minute piece "Had a Dream (Sleeping with the Enemy)" , which begins like the introduction to a dramatic film before shifting into quicker rhythms and bouncing piano. The following track, "In Jeopardy" , combines piano and percussion with synthesizers. Conceptually, "In Jeopardy"  continues the dark thread of uncertainty introduced in the opening track. Later, on the fifth track, Hodgson almost pleads "Give Me Love Give Me Life" , and immediately after declares "I'm Not Afraid" , before the album closes with "Only Because of You"  - another long, eight-and-a-half-minute composition written during his "Supertramp" days. So Hodgson does everything on this album, but that does not mean he has no fears, and he expresses them throughout the songs. "In the Eye of the Storm" is a powerful and inspiring opening chapter in Hodgson’s solo journey. Its sweeping arrangements, daring song structures, and especially the fact that Roger Hodgson played nearly every instrument himself, revealed an artist redefining his identity outside the shadow of his former band "Supertramp". It stands as a moving reminder of what his solo career could have become, as he would go on to release only two more albums. For Listening: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On December 7, 1973 “Yes” released their sixth studio album “Tales from Topographic Oceans”. This was the moment where progressive rock reached its most ambitious, most fearless and most divisive point. A double album made of four side long epics, written at the height of the band’s confidence and tension, and recorded in the strange glow that came after the triumphs of “ Fragile ”. It was the sound of a band pushing every boundary at once, length, structure, spirituality, musicianship, as if rock music suddenly had no ceiling. This period in the story of "Yes" was turbulent and electric. Jon Anderson dove deep into Eastern philosophy, drawing inspiration from Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings and building a full album around the idea of four shastras, four spiritual paths represented by each epic movement, that range between 18 and 21 minutes each. Steve Howe  embraced the challenge, expanding his guitar palette, weaving acoustic textures into the sprawling structures. Chris Squire , the heartbeat of the band, delivered some of his boldest and most melodic bass work. Rick Wakeman struggled with the direction and the length but contributed textures, colors and moments of brilliance that shaped the album. Alan White , still new in the lineup, found himself navigating compositions that shifted every few minutes into new tempos, new moods, new landscapes. The recording sessions at "Morgan Studios" became legendary for their surreal atmosphere, carpets, foliage, dim lighting, almost an attempt to turn the studio into the topographic world the music was trying to describe. Jon Anderson decorated the studio with flowers, plants, and cardboard cutouts of cows and sheep. White picket fences were placed around Rick Wakeman’s keyboards, and amplifiers were set on stacks of hay. When "Black Sabbath" moved into the neighboring studio to record "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", Ozzy Osbourne recalled seeing a model cow with electronic udders and a small barn in the corner, “like a kid’s plaything.” The opening piece, “ The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn) ” , is where the album shows its heart. It moves slowly but gracefully, building layers of harmonies and repeated motifs until the whole band locks into a majestic flow. Jon Anderson’s voice takes its time, floating over Steve Howe ’s melodic climbing lines and solos which he admits were influenced by Frank Zappa , with Chris Squire  carving thunder beneath. The track was originally 28 minutes long, but was cut to fit the time constraints of a record. “The Remembering (High the Memory)”  is the dreamiest and most atmospheric of the four movements, softer edges, slow tides of keyboards, a sense of searching. Anderson described it as "a calm sea of music" and wanted the band to play like the sea. There is beauty in its patience, in its willingness to stretch themes until they shimmer. At moments it drifts, but in those minutes where everything aligns, it becomes one of the band’s most hypnotic pieces. Howe plays here various instruments like Danelectro electric sitar, lute, and acoustic guitar. “The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun)”  is the most chaotic, the most challenging, the moment where the album leans hardest into avant garde territory. Alan White ’s percussion spreads across the stereo like a ritual dance, Steve Howe  merges sharp electric lines with dissonant clashes, steel guitar and a Spanish Ramirez acoustic guitar, and Rick Wakeman’s keyboards move between textures as if refusing any single identity. And then, almost miraculously, it all dissolves into Howe’s gentle classical guitar passage which later became known as " Leaves of Green ", one of the most human and intimate moments the band ever captured. “Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)” , the closing side, gathers everything that came before and explodes it into one final 20 minute ceremony. Anderson described its bass and drum solos as the fight and struggle between "sources of evil and pure love" Chris Squire ’s bass roars with impossible size, Alan White  (who wrote the piano sequence for the closing "Nous sommes du soleil" section) delivers the extended percussion ritual, and Anderson sings with spiritual conviction. It feels like a farewell to the epic format the band had perfected, a monument lifted into the sky as the golden age of classic "Yes" approached its turning point. Upon release, “Tales from Topographic Oceans” split the rock world in half. Critics attacked its length and ambition, while fans debated its meaning, its structure, its purpose. Even inside the band, the cracks widened. Wakeman left shortly after the tour, exhausted from the conceptual weight. But with time, perspective softened. Today the album stands as one of progressive rock’s boldest statements, a document of a band unafraid to risk everything in search of transcendence. It is not an easy album. It is not a perfect album. But it is an album unlike any other, spacious, spiritual, overwhelming, flawed, breathtaking. “Tales from Topographic Oceans” is immersion, commitment, surrender. It demands patience, but it rewards imagination. For Listening: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On December 6, 1994, "Bush" released their debut album "Sixteen Stone" , an album that was a huge success for the small band from the UK just as Grunge peaked and began the downward trend. It all began at a Brian Adams concert at Wembley in 1991. Following his departure from his initial band, "Midnight," Gavin Rossdale attended Brian Adams' show at Wembley and caught the performance of the opening act, "Baby Animals." Nigel Pulsford, the guitarist in "Baby Animals," left a lasting impression on Gavin, leading to the discovery of their shared love for various bands. Inspired by this common interest, they, along with Dave Parsons on bass and Robin Goodrich on drums, decided to form a band named "Future Primitive." Despite being unsigned, the new band recorded several songs and opted to release "Bomb" as their debut single. Gavin released it under his independent label, Mad Dog Winston Records. Although the single received minimal airplay and attention, a person named Rob Kahane recognized its potential and signed the band. With the band's new manager having a distribution contract with Hollywood Records (then owned by Disney), they promptly began recording at Westway Records studios in London in January 1994. Despite Gavin's preference for producer Steve Albini, Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, renowned figures in British pop/rock from the early '80s, were chosen, mainly due to their British background. In retrospect, this decision proved wise, as events unfolded. Now, addressing the band's name, towards the conclusion of the recording process and during the album cover design phase, David Carson, the entrusted designer, persuaded the band to choose a shorter name for better presentation on CD packaging. Convinced by this reasoning, the band members settled on the name "Bush." (Photo: Bush) So, with songs recorded, a new name chosen, a cover designed, and the album seemingly ready for release... an unexpected hurdle emerged. Following the completion of the recordings, a key Disney executive, Frank G. Wells, who was Rob's connection within the company and a staunch supporter, sadly passed away. His absence had a significant impact, and immediately after his departure, the label's managers decided to shelve the album. They refused to release it, citing the absence of a standout "single" and predicting the album's failure in sales. Devastated, the band members, envisioning the demise of their careers before they even took off, returned to routine jobs. However, Rob remained undeterred and began searching for a new home for his budding band. Eventually, Interscope Records stepped in and embraced the band, releasing their debut album, "Sixteen Stone," under its Trauma Records label. Rob, having connections at the renowned KROQ radio station in the US (and globally), sent them the single "Everything Zen" to promote the album. The single received extensive airplay on the station, and along with other singles like "Little Things," "Comedown," "Glycerine," and "Machinehead," "Sixteen Stone" quickly climbed to number 4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The album gained significant exposure and achieved notable success. The decision to have English producers, Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, proved wise for several reasons. The band's lead, Gavin Rossdale, initially wanted the renowned American producer Steve Albini to produce the album. However, the choice of Langer and Winstanley, being British themselves, brought a different perspective to the table. In hindsight, this decision turned out to be astute, and the reasons became evident as events unfolded. Following the album's release and the subsequent success it brought to the band, critics and listeners started accusing "Bush" of riding the grunge wave and attempting to emulate the music emerging from Seattle, particularly bands like "Soundgarden," "Nirvana," and "Pearl Jam." Gavin Rossdale faced accusations of trying to imitate Eddie Vedder, and there were even claims that the song "Bomb" was attributed to Kurt Cobain's writing. However, the fact that the producers, Langer and Winstanley, were not associated with the music scene in the US, especially in Seattle, served as evidence against these allegations. It emphasized that the band's sound and style were not a result of trying to mimic the Seattle grunge scene but rather a unique approach influenced by their own musical influences and collaborations. Certainly, despite the aforementioned criticisms and comparisons, we firmly believe that this album possesses a distinctive quality of its own. Undeniably, it echoes the sounds emanating from Seattle, carrying the hallmark grunge roughness. However, what sets it apart is the unique interplay of the rugged guitars, introducing a slightly different dynamic to the genre. Gavin Rossdale's voice is truly captivating and stands out as a defining element. Whether he's pushing his vocal limits to convey raw emotion or adopting a cleaner tone, the power and emotion he imparts are both wonderful and deeply moving. There's a certain roughness even in his clean vocals that adds to the band's character. Following the release of this album, "Bush" firmly secured its place among our favorite bands. What further solidified our admiration was the band's commitment to evolution with each subsequent album. Their ability to adapt and grow with each release only deepened our appreciation for their artistry. Listen to the album on: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

If there's one singer we can say has a simply "divine" voice, it's probably Greg Lake. He has a powerful and caressing voice that penetrates through the pores of the skin into the bloodstream and from there through the veins directly into the heart. This talented singer is also a songwriter with supreme grace, who wrote and perform some of the greatest progressive rock anthems, and for all that, he also plays bass, guitar, and harmonica. (Photo: Ian Dickson) So let's tell you some facts about this very talented musician: 1. He was born to a poor family in the town of Poole in Dorset County, England, on November 10, 1947. His name at birth was Gregory Stuart Lake. 2. Already in his youth he became interested in music. Although his parents feared that there was no future from which to make a living, they did not stop him, quite the opposite. His mother, who was a pianist, bought him his first guitar and even work harder to finance his guitar lessons. 3. In 1957, when he was 10, he discovered rock 'n' roll and the first single he purchased was "Lucille" by Little Richard. 4. Already at the age of 12 he wrote his first song - "Lucky Man", which in due course will sign seal first album of the supergroup "Emerson, Lake & Palmer". 5. The first band he was a member of was "Unit Four", this was a cover band. 6. The first serious band he was a member of and with which he released Janis Ian's single "Don't Go Away Little Girl", was "The Shame". 7. Greg Lake was determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a musician, he worked during the day and played at night, but the money was not always enough so he often found himself hungry for bread and without heating in his apartment. On one occasion he even went into a coma as a result of acute pneumonia. 8. In 1967 he joined "The Gods", which included keyboardist Ken Hensley and guitarist Mick Taylor . 9. Greg later teamed up with guitarist Robert Fripp , also a native of "Dorset". They both took childhood lessons with the same music teacher. 10. After Robert Fripp disbanded his band "Giles, Giles and Fripp" he offered Lake to join his new band - "King Crimson", as a singer and bassist. 11. Although he was a guitarist, Lake agreed to join and to that end, he learned to play bass guitar. 12. Lake was part of the band's debut album, the masterpiece " In The Court Of The Crimson King " and even took part in writing some of the songs. (Photo: Top of the Pops B.B.C T.V) 13. During the band's tour in the US he met and teamed up with Keith Emerson who was part of the band "The Nice". In this meeting, the two expressed their desire to form a joint band. 14. When "King Crimson" returned to England in the early 1970s, Greg Lake announced his departure from the band, but agreed to record one more album with them before retiring - "In the Wake of Poseidon". Lake even appeared with them on a TV show with the song "Cat Food". 15. In April 1970 Lake was already jamming with Emerson. Joined by drummer Carl Palmer, known from the bands "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown" and "Atomic Rooster", they formed the supergroup "Emerson, Lake & Palmer". 16. The band's first album, which also bears its name, was released in November of that year, when the song that seals it is, as mentioned, "Lucky Man", which Lake wrote when he was only 12 years old. 17. The band later released masterful albums such as "Tarkus" and "Pictures at an Exhibition" both from 1971, " Trilogy " from 1972, "Brain Salad Surgery" from 1973, and the double album "Works Volume 1" and "Works Volume 2 " from 1977 and "Love Beach" from 1978. (Publicity Photo) 18. In the late 1970s the band disbanded and Lake burst into his solo career with two albums: "Greg Lake" from 1981 and "Maneuvers" from 1983, both in collaboration with guitarist Gary Moore . The opening song of the first solo album - "Nuclear Attack" was also recorded by Gary Moore for his 1983 album "Dirty Fingers". 19. In 1983 he briefly replaced John Wetton in the supergroup "Asia" alongside his drummer friend Carl Palmer. 20. In 1986 Emerson and Lake sought to unite "ELP", but because Carl Palmer was committed to the band "Asia" the one who filled his place in the band was Cozy Powell . The band was called "Emerson, Lake & Powell" and released an album of the same name that year. 21. The band "Emerson, Lake & Palmer" returned to activity in 1992 with the album "Black Moon" and later in 1994 the album "In the Hot Seat" was also released. 22. In 2001, Lake joined one of the incarnations of Ringo Starr's All-Star Band - "Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band". 23. In 2003 he was a guest as a bass player on the song "Real Good Looking Boy" by "The Who". 24. On December 7, 2016, Greg Lake passed away after a long battle with cancer and is 69 years old. We have prepared a playlist for you that includes some of his greatest moments: Spotify "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

He is one of the greatest guitarists the metal world has ever known. In such a short period he managed to influence many good guitarists, while assimilating his training in classical music into metal. Let's tell you some interesting facts about Randy Rhoads: (Photo: Paul Natkin) 1. He was born Randall William Rhoads, on December 6, 1956, in Santa Monica California. 2. Rhoads is the third of three children, the youngest son of two music teachers. 3. When he was a year and a half old his parents divorced and his mother Dolores raised him and his brother and sister by herself. 4. To help support the family, his mother, who was a professional pianist with a music degree from UCLA, established a music school called "Musonia", which is still active today. 5. Rhoads began learning to play classical guitar at age 7 at his mother's music school. 6. Randy Rhoads later took electric guitar lessons. The teacher soon informed Rhoads' mother that he could not continue to teach him, since Rhoads was already surpassing him in his playing. 7. The influences on Randy Rhoads from the rock genre included Leslie West, Ritchie Blackmore , Michael Schenker , and Gary Moore . 8. In addition to his guitar studies, Randy Rhoads took piano lessons with his mother, as well as music theory studies. 9. In middle school, Randy Rhoads met Kelly Garni. He taught him to play bass guitar and the two formed their first band "The Whore", with which they played at parties and events. 10. Later when Rhoads was only 14 years old, the two formed the band "Violet Fox", with Rhoads' brother Kelle on drums. The band played covers of the Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper , David Bowie , and more. 11. On July 11, 1971, Randy Rhoads and his brother attended Alice Cooper 's show. This was a turning point for Randy Rhoads who from that moment on decided that music was what he wanted to do. 12. Rhoads graduated from high school at the age of 16 after studying in a special and abbreviated program for outstanding students. (Photo: Fin Costello) 13. That same year Rhoads and Garni formed "Little Women". Randy Rhoads taught guitar at his mother's school during the day and performed with the band at night. Rhoads gave private lessons to only one student at a time, for half an hour, and sometimes taught 12 students a day and then performed on stage at night. 14. In 1973 Randy Rhoads and Garni were joined by Jewish singer Kevin DuBrow and drummer Drew Forsyth, then changed the band's name to "Quiet Riot". 15. The band gained popularity in the Los Angeles clubs scene and in 1976 "CBS / Sony Records" signed them on a recording contract. 16. The band's debut album named - "Quiet Riot" was released in March 1977. The album was in glam rock style and Rhoads participated in it writing all but one of the songs on it. 17. The band's second album "Quiet Riot II" was released in December 1978. During the recordings of the album, heavy disagreements arose between singer Kevin DuBrow and bassist Kelly Garni. At one time Garni fired a gun at the ceiling of the rehearsal room. This started a fistfight between Garny and Randy Rhoads. As a result, Randy Rhoads was forced to fire Garny and recruit Rudy Sarzo in his place. 18. In 1979 Ozzy Osbourne came to Los Angeles to locate musicians for a band that would accompany him as a solo artist, after being fired from "Black Sabbath". 19. Randy Rhoads' friend Dana Strum, who would later become the bassist of "Slaughter", convinced Rhoads to audition for Ozzy Osbourne . Rhoads initially refused but after much persuasion on the part of Storm did the audition 20. There are a few versions of the location of Ozzy's audition for Randy Rhoads. Some say it was done in the studio and some talk about the hotel room where Ozzy Osbourne stayed. 21. What's very clear though, is that Randy came to the audition with a Gibson Les Paul and a small guitar amp and while warming up, even before he actually started the audition, Ozzy was so amazed by the sound and playing technique, that he accepted him to the band on spot. 22. Ozzy Osbourne recruited Bob Daisley, who had previously played in "Rainbow", as the bass player. The keyboardist selected for the album Don Airey also played "Rainbow". He also played on "Black Sabbath's" " Never Say Die! " album. The last to join the band was drummer Lee Kerslake from "Uriah Heep" and the name chosen for the band was initially "The Blizzard of Ozz". 23. The band entered the studio to record their debut album " Blizzard Of Ozz " , most of which was written by Ozzy, Randy, and Daisley. Ozzy and Daisley gave Rhoads full musical freedom and encouraged him to play as he pleased without any restriction. The result was absolutely amazing. 24. Rhoads combined classical music that he devoutly studied in his youth, into heavy metal and created an amazing mix of genres, influencing young guitarists. 25. Years later Ozzy recounted that Rhoads told him that most of the heavy metal songs are based on the chord structure of A and E. Rhoads sought to create songs that would not be played in the same structure and so it turned out that almost all the songs on the first album were different and unique. 26. The band's debut album " Blizzard Of Ozz " was released on September 20, 1980. Rhoads had a decisive influence on the sound and style of the album, starting with immortal riffs and solos in the songs like "I Don't Know", "Mr. Crowley", "Crazy Train" and "Suicide Solution", to classic tracks like "Dee" and "Goodbye to Romance". 27. Following his incredible performance on Ozzy Osbourne's debut album, Randy Rhoads won the 1981 MTV Award in the "Best New Talent" category. 28. In November 1981 Ozzy Osbourne released his second album " Diary of a Madman ". Also in this case Randy Rhoads co-wrote most of the songs and had an impact on the album's unique sound. 29. That same year Randy Rhoads considered leaving Ozzy Osbourne and the rock world for a few years to study for a degree in music at UCLA. 30. On March 18, 1982, Randy Rhoads made his last appearance with Ozzy Osbourne at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee. 31. The next day the band made their way by bus to Orlando, Florida, where they were to perform at the festival. The bus broke down on the way and the band parked near a small airport in the estate of the travel company manager, to fix the malfunction. 32. The bus driver who was also a certified pilot Andrew Aycock, took one of the small planes for a tour, without permission. Keyboardist Don Airey and the tour manager were on the plain. He passed very close to the bus in an attempt to wake up drummer Tommy Aldridge, who was sleeping inside. In the second round, the bus driver took Randy Rhoads and the costume designer and tried to do the same pranks, the plane circled several times over the bus, only this time the plane wing touched the bus and caused it to crash into the mansion. Randy Rhoads' died on the spot. 33. Randy Rhoads' last words to Ozzy before his death referred to Ozzy Osbourne 's drinking and alcohol problems. He told him: “You’ll kill yourself, you know? One of these days”. 34. Randy was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in California. On his coffin were placed two photos, one of himself and one of him along with Ozzy Osbourne , in a performance from San Francisco. 35. On the fifth anniversary of his death, Ozzy Osbourne released the album "Tribute", in honor of Randy Rhoads. (Photo: Louder) 36. Randy Rhoads' mother perpetuated his legacy in a small museum she established at the music school where he studied and taught. Unfortunately on Thanksgiving Eve 2019, an unknown person broke into the museum and stole all the guitars. Ozzy Osbourne offered a $ 25,000 prize to anyone who would have information about the whereabouts of the instrument. Fortunately, in May 2021 the guitars were found. 37. Randy Rhoads' playing has influenced many great guitarists, including: Dimebag Darrell , John Petrucci , Zakk Wylde , Paul Gilbert, and Mike McCready . 38. Rhoads' list of achievements and accomplishments includes: Sounds Magazine's 1981 Best Heavy Metal Guitarist, No. 4 on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitarists, No. 9 on Heavy Metal's Greatest Solos List for "Crazy Train" And more. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On December 5th 2000, "Rage Against The Machine" released their last studio album to this day, almost two months after the band's official and first breakup. The album is a homage to artists who influenced the band members and had a significant role in music history in the eyes of the Rage Quartet. This is Rage's only album to not be accompanied by a supporting tour. Shortly after the release of the album, three of the four band members (minus vocalist Zack de la Rocha ) formed a new band, "Audioslave", with Chris Cornell . RATM did, however, release the live album "Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium" in 2003, consisting of their final two concerts before their initial break-up. (Photo: Rage Against The Machine) The album's cover art is a parody of the pop artwork "LOVE" by Robert Indiana, with the word "love" replaced with "rage" and the letter G at the bottom left corner slanted (in the original sculpture, the slanted letter O is at the top right corner). The album's packaging also includes a poem by Josh Koppel. On the back of the album's cover, there is an artwork with a photograph of an American one-dollar bill with the message "You are not a slave" written on the back. The album achieved platinum status a little over a month after its initial release. There is no doubt that each and every song in the album was adapted to the Rage style and it sounds like an original Rage album!! The album contains 12 cover songs as below: 1. "Microphone Fiend" - Eric B. & Rakim (1988) 2. "Pistol Grip Pump" - Volume 10 (1994) 3. "Kick Out the Jams" - MC5 (1969) 4. "Renegades of Funk" - Afrika Bambaataa (1983) 5. "Beautiful World" - Devo (1981) 6. "I'm Housin" - EPMD (1988) 7. "In My Eyes" - Minor Threat (1981) 8. "How I Could Just Kill a Man" - Cypress Hill (1991) 9. "The Ghost of Tom Joad" - Bruce Springsteen (1995) 10. "Down on the Street" - The Stooges (1970) 11. "Street Fighting Man" - The Rolling Stones (1968) 12. "Maggie's Farm" - Bob Dylan (1965) Listen to the album on: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website