Drive Hard, You "Sick Puppies!"

HARD DRIVE LIVE TOUR HITS THE ROAD IN APRIL

WITH SICK PUPPIES, RED SUN RISING, STITCHED UP HEART, HUDSON & SMASHING SATELLITES

What's better than one Sick Puppy? Going plural with three Sick Puppies...!

The 2016 HardDrive Live Tour is set to hit the road next month with SICK PUPPIES, RED SUN RISING, STITCHED UP HEART, HUDSON and SMASHING SATELLITES confirmed for the upcoming month long trek. The tour is scheduled to kick off in Houston, TX on April 22 and will run through May 21st where it will wrap up in St Louis, Missouri.  The 2016 HardDrive Live Tour is produced in conjunction with Ledge Entertainment.

Tickets, as well as VIP packages for Sick Puppies, will be available on Friday, March 04 at 10 A.M... 

via www.ticketmaster.com at www.sickpuppies.com , http://sickpuppies.soundrink.com and on the www.harddrivelivetour.com website.

Since bursting into the rock scene, headliners Sick Puppies have sold over 1 million records, including a Gold album certification for their breakout second full-length Tri-Polar which yielded 2 million in single sales including the gold-certified “You’re Going Down” as well as rock smashes “Maybe”, “Riptide” and “Odd One.” Sick Puppies fourth album is due to be released this spring and features the single, “Stick To Your Guns”. For complete band info visit: www.sickpuppies.com. 

Three's Company
Sick Puppies

Akron, Ohio’s Red Sun Rising proudly carries on the tradition of pure rock music with their full-length debut,Polyester Zeal (Razor & Tie). The band has been steadily climbing the rock radio charts since and was recently dubbed “New Artist of the Year” at the 2016 Radio Contraband Awards. Their debut single “The Otherside” topped the Active/Mainstream Rock radio charts, making them the only artist in 2015 whose debut single reached number one on the Rock chart. Their second single “Emotionless” is closing in on the Top 15 of Active Rock radio charts. Red Sun Rising is Mike Protich (vocals/guitar), Ryan Williams (guitar), Ricky Miller(bass/vocals), Dave McGarry (guitar/vocals) and Pat Gerasia (drums). The band started off playing local gigs and frequently performed all over the Midwest relying entirely on social media as well as word of mouth which allowed them to build a strong and dedicated fan-base. Though they released two albums independently in their early years, Red Sun Rising received critical success when they released their latest album Polyester Zeal via Razor & Tie in August 2015. Additionally, the band has shared the stage with Godsmack, Seether,Sevendust, Nothing More, Pop Evil, Shinedown, Chevelle, and more. For more information on Red Sun Rising, please visit: www.redsunrisingmusic.com.

Stitched Up Heart forged their path in sheer passion and earned their keep in physicality and volume. Both on the road and in the studio, frontwoman Mixi and the Los Angeles-based quintet face 2016 and their forthcoming Another Century debut with brazen confidence.  “Finally Free” is the clarion call for the band’s day of reckoning. Recorded by producer Mitch Marlow and captured on video by director Ron Underwood (also known as the high-flying frontman for labelmates, 9ELECTRIC), “Finally Free” delivers on the promise hinted at on their self-released EP, Skeleton Key. Stitched Up Heart's days of self-booked national van tours and Mixi being a Revolver “Hottest Chicks” mainstay was merely the beginning. Driven by a new level of sonic confidence and topped with the frontwoman’s soaring vocal verve, it’s the sound of a band unapologetically coming into its own. https://www.facebook.com/StitchedUpHeartRock.

HUDSON is a rock and roll band from Los Angeles that formed in the fall of 2013. The band’s dirty, bluesy, swagger-infused sound, shaped by childhood influences ranging from Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd and Nirvana, is catching the attention of fans and critics alike--Huffington Post recently wrote that "HUDSON might just be the next legendary rock and roll band with the potential to change the world."  Catch the video for their new single "Cast Out" off their sophomore EP on MTV Live or by visiting www.HUDSONtheband.com.

Regarding Smashing Satellites, Sal Costa fulfilled his dream of playing arenas in a rock band, but that band wasn’t his, so now he’s going full-force as lead singer, songwriter, co-producer and guitarist of Toronto’s alternative-rock band Smashing Satellites. The band — comprised of childhood friend/guitarist-keyboardist Mick Valentyne, drummer Mykey Thomas, and Vancouver guitarist-keyboardist Devon Laughed. “Coming from a straight up rock band, I wanted people to know that that wasn’t the only place where my heart lies,” says Sal. “Smashing Satellites is a quirky alternative rock band with a throwback to all the greats of many genres and eras that influenced me growing up. This is who I am and this is what I’m going to do in the future.” www.smashingsatellites.com 

HardDrive with Lou Brutus debuted on July 5, 1996.  HardDrive is America’s longest running new rock show supporting the careers of hundreds of artists in the hard rock genre.  Many artists got their first airplay on the nationally syndicated program. United Stations acquired the series in 2001, and in 2007 originator / producer Roxy Myzal developed the much longer, five-night-a-week brand extension, HardDrive XL, also featuring award winning air talent, Lou Brutus. Myzal has been awarded RadioContraband's Non-Traditional Rock Programmer of the year 4 consecutive years in a row, and also received their prestigious Impact Award in 2013 and Format MVP, their top award, while among his many accolades. Brutus has been consecutively and overwhelmingly voted as Nationally Syndicated DJ of the Year as the programs’ host.  

United Stations Radio Networks, Inc. is America's leading independently owned and operated radio network. USRN currently produces and distributes dozens of format-specific programs and services accounting for over 5000 affiliations with commercial radio stations across the country. The New York-based company maintains programming, sales and affiliate marketing offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Washington and Nashville. USRN was founded in 1994 by radio pioneers Dick Clark and Nick Verbitsky.

www.harddrivelivetour.com 

TOUR DATES: 

                                                                                

2016 HardDrive Live Tour dates

APRIL21:  San Antonio, TX @ Siesta Fest *
22:  Houston, TX  @ Scout Bar #23:  Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory*
24:  Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock **26:  Birmingham, AL @ Workplay Theater
27:  Destin, FL @ Club LA
29:  Tampa, FL @ 98 Rockfest Amalie Arena*
30:  Orlando, FL @ The Social

MAY
01:  Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome To Rockville*
03:  Johnson City, TN @ Capone’s
04:  Chattanooga, TN @ Revelry Room
06:  Concord, NC @ Carolina Rebellion*
07:  Lancaster, PA @ The Chameleon Club ^
08:  Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
09:  New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theatre
11:  Buffalo, NY @ Iron Works
12:  Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
13:  Arlington Heights, IL @ Home Bar
14:  Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center  ^
15:  Battle Creek, MI @ The Music Factory ^17:  Bloomington, IL @ The Castle Theater
18:  Nashville, TN @ Exit In

20:  Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range*
21:  Maryland Heights, MO @ Pointest Hollywood Casino Amphitheater*

23:  El Paso, TX @ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center*

JUNE

12:  South Bend, IN @ The Bear’s Big Growl 5 St Joseph County 4H Fairgrounds*

* = These dates are not hardDrive Live Tour stops, but include Sick Puppies

** = No Red Sun Rising

^ = No Red Sun Rising/With Smashing Satellites
# =No Red Sun Rising or Stitched Up Heart

www.harddrivelivetour.com
www.sickpuppies.com    

Shake Your Booty With Tootie!

Here and Ready to Twerk!
Kim Fields

Hey all you people who made it through the 80's, it's time to get nostalgic. Because, Kim Fields who played Tootie on the iconic of the time series The Facts Of Life is breaking out her boogie shoes for season 22 of Dancing With The Stars.

Fields, who now appears on the Bravo reality show Real Housewives Of Atlanta. Will be showing you how all that time in dance clubs paid off. Kidding, or perhaps I'm not.

Whatever happens all you people yearning for some fond memories of the 80's should definitely tune in. I am sure Kim will not make you ride on a bummer with her dancing prowess.

So, can I get a pair of roller skates and a brand new key high five?!

Yep, that's the spirit, I knew I could count on you guys!

Kim on IMDB:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004917/?ref_=nv_sr_5

Happy Leap Year!

Lady Gaga & Sexual Assault Survivors
@ The Oscars

Yes, today is that day that happens once every four years another day gets added to the shortest month of the year, February 29th, Happy Leap Year!

After what will go down in history as one of the worst Oscar telecasts ever, I felt a need to reflect on the best moment of the evening. Lady Gaga performing her song that addresses the issue of sexual assault Till It Happens To You. 

Not only did Gaga give a knock out performance, she was bravely joined on stage by actual survivors of sexual assault. This song was robbed of the Oscar in my opinion giving it to Sam Smith for an anemic Bond Theme instead.

Then another piece of Oscar magic happened Brie Larson who won for best actress for Room hugged each and every one of those who took a stance with our Lady on stage as they exited. Check out the video below.

Have a terrific February 29th, you won't get this day again for another four years!!!

Oscar Tribute: It's Raining (Naked) Men

Naked Oscars & This Year's Host
Chris Rock

Every year my friend Tye Briggs does an Oscar tribute on his Favorite Hunks blog to the nominated Actors and some past winners, who have bared it all on screen. Which seems quite fitting since the award statue itself is essentially a nude dude with a sword.

This year is no exception. Tye offers some sharp writing to accompany the libido charged images. 

I have already checked it out and for those of you want something unique in your Oscar coverage I offer you this option.

Christian Bale, Sylvester Stallone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy to name a few, are showing off their bodies for your viewing pleasure.

To all you lovers of naked men, happy Oscar viewing!

Hit the link here:

http://favoritehunks.blogspot.ca/ 

And The Oscar Goes To...

Does anyone out there really care who wins the Oscars anymore? I know I don't, but it is fun to watch the spectacle that accompanies it. 

Below are 7 Things my friends at E! think you should know about the Oscars. I will re-iterate for those who may not be in the loop, that I really have no passion for covering award shows, thus I re-post whatever catches my fancy.

Of those 7 Things the two I am personally excited for are Chris Rock Hosting and of course the musical performances!

Here are E!'s top 7 Things, enjoy the show!

1. Rock the Boat: For weeks, fans have been speculating as to what Chris Rock will say and do when he host's tonight show. The guessing games only continued when he posted a tweet Friday with the words, "See you Sunday…#BlackOut #Oscars." Will the #OscarsSoWhite controversy be addressed? Watch what happens!

2. Thanks Academy: This year's producers are trying to make acceptance speeches a little more engaging. So what's their plan? Nominees were asked to submit a list of the people they'd like to thank. Those names will then run across the bottom of the screen while the winners fill this 45-second maximum time requirement.

3. Leo's Time: From the SAG Awards to the BAFTAs, Leonardo has been able to pick up the Best Actor trophy all season long thanks to his role as frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant. After six Oscar nominations over his career, this has to be his year, right? Before you place your bets, though, don't forget that he's up against Bryan Cranston, Matt Damon, Michael Fassbender and Eddie Redmayne.

4. Boycott: Because of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, some stars have made it clear that they will not be attending the show. Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and Spike Lee are opting to pass on the event. 

Meanwhile, Selma director Ava DuVernay and Creed director Ryan Coogler are opting to attend a special event in Michigan titled #JusticeForFlint.

5. Red Carpet Magic: Ryan Seacrest is back on the carpet with a front-row seat to all the gowns, tuxedos and fashion for tonight's show. During Live From the Red Carpet, the pro will be chatting with all the big stars. Giuliana Rancic, Kris Jenner,Zanna Roberts Rassi and Ashley Graham will also be close by to dissect all the hot looks.

6. The Weeknd's Big Weekend: Three of the five nominees for Best Original Song have been given the opportunity to perform their songs live at the Dolby Theatre. Audiences can look forward to Sam Smith's "Writings on the Wall," The Weeknd's "Earned It" and Lady Gaga's "Till it Happens to You." In an added twist, The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl will also be on-hand for a "special performance."

7. A-list Alert: If you're favorite Hollywood star isn't nominated, that doesn't mean you won't see them at the Oscars. The Academy has announced that familiar faces including Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Sofia Vergara, John Legend and Jennifer Garner are just some of the stars expected to present awards tonight.

Staying Relevant With Cheryl Tiegs

Simply Beautiful!
Ashley Graham

A memory of my youth was the hot selling poster of one Ms. Cheryl Tiegs. Beautiful to look at and very accessible. 

Not sure what has happened to Ms. Tiegs in recent years. While she is still gorgeous and looks amazing, why is she shading plus size models?! OK, we get it, you weren't one, but seriously?!

Cheryl had this to say about equally beautiful Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover model Ashley Graham:

"Actually I don't like it that we're talking about full-figured women because it's glamorizing them and your waist should be smaller than 35 inches. That's what Dr. Oz said, and I'm sticking to it."

First off we are all built differently, I personally would like to look like some of the guys in my spin class, but guess the fuck what?  I don't! Oh, and I am still comfortable in my own skin, so there. While I understand where the comment was coming from, models in glass houses should not throw stones. 

Pretty on the Outside
Cheryl Tiegs

Yes, Cheryl I am calling your ass out! You look way too thin, like you could be toppled over with a feather, and you really need a face lift. BTW Ashley is sporting a size 30 waist, ignorance is bliss baby! 

Let's place some bets here, I bet Ashley is going to get film offers too. Well, I feel certain she won't need to appear in anything like "The Brown Bunny" or resort to quoting Dr. Oz to stay relevant. 

Here is your humble pie, I made it just for you Cheryl! 

Get real with Ashley at:
https://www.instagram.com/theashleygraham/?hl=en  

Got "Butthole" ???

Buttholes! Butthole Surfers "Let's Go to Hell" Scattered Memories of the Butthole Surfers by James Burns Finally tells the story that was thought (and often hoped) would never be told... 495 pages, 7x10" paperback published by Cheap Drugs Because life was made for "Butthole"

The Butthole Surfers remain one of the most enigmatic bands in the history of rock music. Most of their records have no information of any kind, and often with the suggestion that you play them at 69 rpm.... They lived like nomads through much of the 1980s, and built their reputation upon tours that never ended, and shows that resembled hedonistic acid tests. They left a heap of former band members in their wake, and have often alienated as many fans as they've attracted. Here for the first time is the complete story of one of the most controversial and dangerous bands to have emerged from the ashes of the punk rock movement.  Let's Go to Hell compiles the scattered memories into the first comprehensive overview of the band. Featuring exclusive interviews, tons of rare and unpublished photographs, and analysis of the band's vast recorded (and unrecorded) efforts, Let's Go to Hell finally tells the story that was thought (and often hoped) would never be told... Author James Burns lives in Saugerties, NY with his wife and four children. He founded Cheap Drugs Records in 2000. Let's Go to Hell is the 9th release of the label, and first book to bear the Cheap Drugs name... James been running the Butthole Surfers Anal Obsession archive for more years than he wants to admit. Order: http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9780578164397