Black Blog

SBF gets a check from Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2010-01-05T14:25:00.001-05:00

2009 recap

2009-12-29T15:47:00.001-05:00

I’m not sure what the real value of blogging is anymore. I post on Facebook form work and it’s seems like an easier, faster and more interactive way to keep in touch with listeners and friends.
However my wife Gina reminded me that not everyone is on FB and that I should still blog every now and again.

2009 has been a very happy year for me. I got married in June. I have two fun and loving step-kids. Our family got a new puppy, a Springer named Emme.
Gina is a dream and a true blessing in my life. She also turned out to be the answer to many prayers that were sent my way during the 2006 struggles.

As for the Chop Shop and Chop Shop Classic we are ending the year on 50 affiliates in the U.S. It’s a good feeling. We are not as big as HOH or Jim Rome but who would have thought this little kid from Flushing MI would be heard by nearly a million people every week.

On the Sabrina Black Foundation side of things, our non-profit corporation continues to pay bills for Michigan cancer patients in need. We adopted 3 new patients in 2009. Carol Rice, Robert Winerowski and Alan Pienta. All as of “press time” are doing well.

As for the book I’ve been working on for the last year or so, it’s coming along. I took a 3 month break in the summer to focus on my wedding and my new family but I and my author Chris A. are back at it now. We have the bones of the story written for the first 5 chapters and hope to have chapters 6 – 12 done before spring. At that point we’ll go back through from front to back and make sure everything is in the right place and as accurate as I can remember. The book is about the 9 Years I spent with my first wife Sabrina and her struggles with cancer. Her fight, inspiration and death and how I’m holding up on the other side.
That is most of the projects that I have as of now. I also continue to work part-time at WRIF.

Lets see: I run my own business (a syndicated radio show) a non-profit corporation, work part time at RIFF, I’m working on a book, I have a new wife, 2 kids (4 ½ and 10) 2 dogs and a cat. I guess that explains why I don’t make it out to the movies very often!

Happy 2010 everyone.

The SBF Zombiefest video is up

2009-09-29T15:13:00.001-04:00

Help set the world record

2009-09-22T14:52:00.003-04:00

We are teaming up with Darksyde Acres to set a world record for most Zombies in one location this Saturday!

Join us, call for details 517-549-5100.

20 dollars for all-night access, Live bands, auction items from Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper!

SBF adopts a new patient

2009-09-22T14:37:00.000-04:00

Chickenfoot Photos

2009-08-09T09:02:00.002-04:00

A few photos I took last night at Chickenfoot.

Kid Rock Weekend recap

2009-07-28T19:58:00.000-04:00

Kid Rock weekend in the D.

2009-07-20T07:04:00.002-04:00

A good but long day at work.
Please keep in mind I’m not complaining here. I love my job and if I won the lottery someday, I’d still work in radio. It’s just in my blood.

10:30am – I arrive at the WRIF studio and get ready to rock the Motor City.

11:00am – My air-shift starts. During the next 4 hours I get to play plenty of Kid Rock and giveaway tickets to see Def Leppard.

2:45pm – I’m in the car and headed to the Fox Theatre downtown.

3:04pm – I pay the obscene $20 to park

3:14pm – My wife Gina and I check in with Howard at Capital Records and get a great spot to sit at the Alice in Chains listening party.

3:40pm – Alice in Chains arrive and talk to the select media members and take some photos.

3:55pm – We get to listen to the entire Alice in Chains CD “Black Gives Way to Blue”. The CD sounds great. All the heavy riffs and vocal harmonies you would expect from AIC, yet it sounds fresh. The recording and mix are crystal clear and everyone in attendance seems to feel like this is a special moment listing to the album with the band.

5:00pm – I make my way over to Cheli’s Chili for the rest of the per-show party…and test out 4 samples from the Chili cook off….extra yum!

5:30pm – between 5 and 7pm I walked around and greeted listeners and friends. I did a couple of breaks on the air with Suzy Cole, talked to Chris Chelios for a couple of minutes before crossing the street to Comerica Park.

7:15pm – I’m in my section 137 seats to catch most of the Cypress Hill show.

7:35pm – up to the concession stand for an Ice cream.

8:00pm – Alice in Chains rock the 40,000 plus people at the show.

8:50pm – I love Alice in Chains, but I’ve never liked the Rooster, so I leave during that song to send some emails and make a phone call.

9:15ish – Kid Rock puts on the show of his life. Kid was on fire and really delivered. Now having said that ALL of the men in the crowd thought coving the Jackson 5’s ABC was dull and very un-necessary. I’ve seen Kid 5 times and this was the best of the 5!

10:50pm – Oh crap! I’m supposed to be at the MGM to host the after party at 11.

11:05pm – I made it in to the V-night club and traded hugs and smiles with our guest DJ, Salam Wreck from Cypress Hill.

11:55pm – The rest of the Cypress Hill band arrives and meets the listeners.

1:10am – I’ve said my goodbyes and headed to the parking lot.

2:02am – 14 hours and 2 minutes after leaving for work I’ve made it home to get some sleep.

Wedding photos w/o password

2009-07-14T11:18:00.005-04:00

Here are some photos taken by Chris A. at our wedding on Mackinaw Island.

Ted Nugennt CD cover

2009-07-05T15:57:00.002-04:00

Look who's on the cover of the new Ted Nugent CD/DVD.

It's WRIF's Christy Lee.

If you zoom into her right hip you can even see the WRIF tattoo.

Les Paul in the Hall

2009-06-07T12:14:00.003-04:00

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Les Paul into the Chop Shop Hall of Fame.
Check out the free art work and all the details at
http://www.chopshopradio.net/LesPaul.html

Rock on the Range recap

2009-05-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

Let ther be Rock (on the range)

2009-05-17T10:14:00.003-04:00

Saturday at Rock on the Rage was crazy as usual. The 1st interview of the day was with Rikki Lixx of Rev Theory. Next up as my old pal Wayne Swinny of Saliva.
A few minutes after that I was escorted to Duff's tour bus to talk to him and his band Loaded. Duff was running late (imagine that a former member of Guns 'N Roses running late) and that made me miss my scheduled interview with All That Remains.
When I got back to the media tent, I sat down with Semear from Flyleaf.
The 5th interview of the day was with Pete from Chevelle, and then I finally got with Mike from All That Remains.
My 7th interview was with Black Stone Cherry, the nicest group of guys you'll ever meet. Then I talked with RJ from the band Hailstorm.
By 5:30pm it was time for my 9th interview (shown above) with Corey Taylor of Slipknot. It's the 2nd time I've talked with Corey and he's one of my favorites.
Next up was Alice in Chains, I talked with Jerry backstage for about 10 minutes...but he kept me waiting for 30 minutes...no big deal it's all park of the rock & roll world, but the guys in Atreyu were waiting for me.
I showed up almost 20 minutes late for my Atreyu interview and thank God they were still waiting for me. I told them why I was late and they were all smiles as they LOVE Alice in Chains.
At aroud 7:30pm I ran into the guys from Veer Union and that became my 12th and final interview of the day.
When I get back home this week we'll post a photo page of the entire weekend.

Rock on the Range

2009-05-15T21:21:00.001-04:00

It's Friday night. I've made it to Columbus, OH and am staying in the same hotel as Motley Crue.
I'll have lots of interviews and photos to post at wrif.com, and here on the blog as well.

SBF/Teamsters Horsmen itchin' run

2009-05-05T18:49:00.001-04:00

NHL Predictions

2009-04-13T10:09:00.003-04:00

It's time for my annual playoff predictions....Go Red Wings

EAST

Boston vs. Montreal
Always a fun series, but Boston wins it in6.

Pittsburgh vs. Philly
Pitt played well down the stretch but I like the Flyers in 7 games

New Jersey vs. Carolina
This is going to be a tight series. New Jersey and Brodour will win it in 5 games...all by 1 goal.

New York vs. Washington
The caps are my early pick to go to the cup...so Washington in 6.

WEST

Detroit vs. Columbus
It won't be easy, but you have to go with the experience of the Wings in 6.

Sharks vs. Ducks
The Sharks are the real deal....easy 5 game series

St. Louis vs. Vancouver
I believe in the Canucks, I'll take them in 6.

Calgary vs. Chicago
Most of the time I take the team with the best goalie....but not this time. I like Chicago in 7.

Final Four Sparty Party

2009-04-10T16:38:00.001-04:00

Win a Queensryche ESP guitar

2009-03-28T09:33:00.002-04:00

The Chop Shop, ESP, Queensryche and The Tour Bus are giving away an Autographed guitar. Just go to: http://www.rhino.com/fun/contests/queensryche09_sweeps.lasso
and register to win!

St. Patrick's Day recap

2009-03-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

A day with WRIF/Chop Shop

2009-03-10T07:05:00.000-04:00

Nickelback interview Part 1

2009-03-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

New Queensryche interview

2009-02-24T17:20:00.001-05:00

Lifeson's 3 favorite solos

2009-02-14T11:38:00.002-05:00

I found this on music radar.com

we asked him the question on everybody's mind: So what are your three best solos, Alex?

The legendary guitarist needed only a moment before answering:

1. Limelight (1981)

"I love the elasticity of the solo. It's a very emotional piece of music for me to play. The song is about loneliness and isolation, and I think the solo reflects that. There's a lot of heart in it. It's a feel thing: you have to feel a solo as you play it, otherwise it's going to sound stiff. I never had that problem with Limelight. The first time I laid it down in the studio, I feel a real attachment to it and I could tell it was special. Even now, it's my favorite solo to perform live. I never get tired of it. Each time I'm about to play it, I take a deep breath and I exhale on that first note. I guess that sounds corny, but for me, it releases something."

2. Kid Gloves (1984)

"That song is from our Grace Under Pressure album. What I like about the solo is, it's the opposite of Limelight: it's got a hip, kind of slinky attitude, a little goofy humor. When I play it, I feel a certain confidence, almost like a prankster, which is not the way I am in real life at all. What's funny about it, too, is that it has a plot to it, and I only realized that after I recorded it for the first time - I never have a plot in mind when I'm recording solos; I always just kind of wing them. The Kid Gloves solo guided me; it's like it knew what it wanted to be and I just had to allow myself to follow."

3. Freewill (1980)

"It's a really hard solo to play. I think I feel a certain amount of pride in that fact alone. Every time I play it, I'm amazed I got through it. It's so frenetic and exciting. The rhythm section too - Geddy and Neil are all over the place. It's probably one of the most ambitious pieces of music Rush has ever done. In a sense, everybody's soloing at the same time. Recording it, I didn't have anything planned; I was just responding to what the other guys did. Basically, I was just trying to keep up! But I think it worked out pretty well. I'm rather happy with it, and I can usually find fault with everything I do."

GH: Metallica

2009-01-31T09:55:00.002-05:00

The full set list has been released for the new Guitar Hero: Metallica....check it out.

“All Nightmare Long”
“Battery”
“Creeping Death”
“Disposable Heroes”
“Dyers Eve”
“Enter Sandman”
“Fade To Black”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“Frantic”
“Fuel”
“Hit The Lights”
“King Nothing”
“Master of Puppets”
“Mercyful Fate”
“No Leaf Clover”
“Nothing Else Matters”
“One”
“Orion”
“Sad But True”
“Seek And Destroy”
“The Memory Remains”
“The Shortest Straw”
“The Thing That Should Not Be”
“The Unforgiven”
“Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
“Wherever I May Roam”
“Whiplash”
Alice In Chains - “No Excuses”
Bob Seger - “Turn The Page (Live)”
Corrosion of Conformity - “Albatross”
Diamond Head - “Am I Evil?”
Foo Fighters - “Stacked Actors”
Judas Priest - “Hell Bent For Leather”
Kyuss - “Demon Cleaner”
Lynyrd Skynyrd - “Tuesdays Gone”
Machine Head - “Beautiful Mourning”
Mastodon - “Blood And Thunder”
Mercyful Fate - “Evil”
Michael Schenker Group - “Armed and Ready”
Motörhead - “Ace of Spades”
Queen - “Stone Cold Crazy”
Samhain - “Mother of Mercy”
Slayer - “War Ensemble”
Social Distortion - “Mommy's Little Monster (Live)”
Suicidal Tendencies - “War Inside My Head”
System of a Down - “Toxicity”
The Sword - “Black River”
Thin Lizzy - “The Boys Are Back in Town”

Check out the new Dean guitar

2009-01-17T14:59:00.001-05:00

http://www.deanguitars.com/dean_winter_09/Dave_Mustaine_VMNT_Rust_in_Peace.htm

responding to CS Email

2009-01-14T10:42:00.001-05:00

TSO Video

2008-12-02T12:08:00.003-05:00

New Rock for 2009

2008-11-21T15:39:00.000-05:00

2008 was kind to the rock world with new music from Metallica, AC/DC, Guns ‘N Roses, Shinedown, Saving Abel just to name a few.

2009 is looking promising as well with new albums on the way from U2, Breaking Benjamin, Pearl Jam, Aerosmith, Ace Frehley, ZZ Top and The Mars Volta.

Also on the way is the Super Group Chicken Foot with Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith from the Chili Peppers; Alice in Chains first album with William DuVall as singer, Lynyrd Skynyrd who have been working with John5, Dan Auerbach’s (The Black Keys) solo album with a guest apperence from Billy Gibbons and the long awaited Trans-Siberian Orchestra double (possibly triple) CD package Night Castle.

Sabrina Black Book

2008-11-19T15:07:00.001-05:00

Work has begun on a book about my first wife Sabrina’s life. The focus will be on the 9 years we spent together, her long struggle with cancer, the class, dignity and grace she showed during her struggle and the Hope she gave to so many others.

The book, which does not currently have a working title is being written by Chris A. I met Chris in the spring of this year and while reading his book, A Vulgar Display of Power, knew that his style would work very well for what I want to accomplish.

I’ll keep you updated on the project. We expect this to take at least a year to complete.

A day with jet Black Stare

2008-11-17T10:48:00.001-05:00

500 interview video

2008-11-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

500th Career Interview

2008-11-06T10:58:00.005-05:00

WOW. 19 years ago this month I was a nervous kid who was brand new to the world of radio. I was asked to interview the band Savatage. Chris Oliva, Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery showed up and THEY did a great job of not making me look like a total idoit.
None of us would have guessed that 19 years later I'd have a syndicated radio show and hundreds of interviews under my belt, and they would be part of the seeds that grew into the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Below is the full list of 500 interviews that I've been lucky enough to conduct.

Name Band # of times
Steve Vai, Steve Vai - 10
Ted Nugent, Ted Nugent - 10
Zakk Wylde, BLS,Ozzy Osbourne - 8
Chris Caffery, TSO/Savatage - 7
Alex Skolnick, TSO/Savatage - 6
Joe Satriani, Joe Satriani - 6
Paul O'Neill, TSO/Savatage - 6
Rik Emmett, Triumph - 6
Dan Donagin, Disturbed - 5
Mark Tremonti, Creed/Alter Bridge - 5
Nick Perri, Silvertide/Shinedown - 5
Chris Henderson, 3 Doors Down - 4
Eddie Money, Eddie Money - 4
Frank Hannon, Tesla - 4
John5, Several Bands - 4
Jon Oliva, Savatage - 4
Kenny Wayne Shepherd - 4
Mike Mushok, Staind - 4
Rob Halford, Judas Priest/Fight - 4
Aaron Lewis, Staind - 3
Alice Cooper - 3
Barry Stock, 3 Days Grace - 3
Charlie Huhn, Several Bands - 3
Dick Wagner, Several Bands - 3
Dug Pinnick, King's X - 3
Eric Johnson, Eric Johnson - 3
Gene Simmons, Kiss - 3
James Young, Styx - 3
Jasin Todd, Shindown - 3
John Petrucci, Dream Theater - 3
KK Downing, Judas Priest - 3
Mark Kendall, Great White - 3
Michael Wilton, Queensryche - 3
Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater - 3
Pete Loffler, Chevelle - 3
Ricky Lixx, Operator/Rev Theory - 3
Sammy Hagar, Van Halen/Solo - 3
Simon Ormandy, Trapt - 3
Slash, Guns/Velvet Revolver - 3
Steve Stevens, Billy Idol - 3
Stevie Blaze, Lillian Axe - 3
Stu Hamm, Several Bands - 3
Tom Morello, Rage/Audioslave - 3
Tommy Shaw, Styx - 3
Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath - 3
Tony Rombolla, Godsmack - 3
Vinnie Paul, Pantera/Hellyeah - 3
Walt Lafty, Silvertide - 3
Wes Scantlin, Puddle of Mudd - 3
Yngwie Malmsteen - 3
Al Pitrelli, TSO/Savatage - 2
Angus Clark, TSO/Savatage - 2
Ben Wells, Black Stone Cherry - 2
Bob Kinkle, TSO - 2
Brad Walst, 3 Days Grace - 2
Brent Smith, Shindown - 2
Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers - 2
Chris DeGarmo, Queensryche - 2
Chris Oliva, Savatage - 2
Dave Minaketti, Y&T - 2
Dave Mustaine, Megadeth - 2
Don Barnes, .38 Special - 2
Ed Sloan, Crossfade - 2
Eric Gales - 2
Frank Heart, Atomic Opera -2
Gary Chrone, Extreme - 2
George Thorogood - 2
Gilby Clarke, Guns 'N Roses -2
Glen Tipton, Judas Priest -2
Jack Blades, Night Ranger/Yankees - 2
James Labrie, Dream Theater - 2
Jason Krause, Kid Rock - 2
Jerry Horton, Papa Roach - 2
Joe Garvey, Hinder -2
Joey Eppard, 3 - 2
John Rzeznik, Goo Goo Dolls - 2
Kenny Olson, Kid Rock -2
Kieth Nelson, Buckcherry -2
Mark King, Hinder -2
Marylin Manson, Marylin Manson -2
Matt Sorum, G&R / The Cult - 2
Matthias Jabbs, Scorpions -2
Michael Anthony, Van Halen -2
Mike Stone, Queensryche -2
Myles Kennedy, Alter Bridge -2
Neal Schon, Journey -2
Nuno Bettencourt, Extreme -2
Pat Travers - 2
Paul Reed Smith, Manufacturer - 2
Paul Stanley, Kiss - 2
Peter Frampton - 2
Peter Steel, Type O-Negitive -2
Ricky Medlocke, Blackfoot/Skynyrd - 2
Rob Zombie, White Zombie - 2
Robby Takac, Goo Goo Dolls - 2
Robin Trower, Robin Trower - 2
Rodney Shepherd, Sugar Ray - 2
Ryan Peake, Nickleback - 2
Sam Loffler, Chevelle - 2
Shaun Morgan, Seether - 2
Steve Lukather, Toto - 2
Tony MacAlpine - 2
Troy McLawhorn, Seether - 2
Vinnie Dumbrowski, Sponge - 2
Wayne Swinny, Saliva - 3
Aaron Fink, Breaking Benjamin - 1
Adam Gontier, 3 Days Grace - 1
Adrian Perry, Tab the Band - 1
Anthony Armstrong, Red - 1
Ben Burnley, Breaking Benjamin - 1
Billy Duffy, The Cult - 1
Billy Gibbons, ZZ Top - 1
Billy Sheehan, Several Bands - 1
Blackie Lawless, WASP - 1
Bob Ezrin, Producer - 1
Bobby Messano, Starz - 1
Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down - 1
Brett Michales, Posion - 1
Brian Greenway, April Wine - 1
Brian May, Queen - 1
Bruce Kulick, Kiss - 1
Buck Dharma, Blue Oyster Cult - 1
C. J. Szuter, Magna-Fi - 1
Chad Kroger, Nickleback -1
Chris Brown, Trapt - 1
Chris Dabaldo, Saliva - 1
Chris Robertson, Black Stone Cherry - 1
Chris Squier, Yes - 1
Cliff Campbell, Fair to Midland - 1
Corey Taylor, Slipknot/Stone Sour - 1
Dallas Smith, Default - 1
Damon Johnson, Brother Cain - 1
Dan Jacobs, Atreyu - 1
Dan Spitz, Anthrax - 1
Daniel Johns, Silverchair - 1
Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters - 1
Dave Murray, Iron Maiden - 1
Dave Rude, Tesla - 1
David Brenner, Theory of a Deadman - 1
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd - 1
Dean DeLeo, STP/AOA - 1
DJ Ashba, Sixx AM - 1
Don Dokken, Dokken - 1
Doug Aldridge, Whitesnake - 1
Drew Abbott, Bob Seger - 1
Duff McKegan, Guns 'N Roses - 1
Dweezil Zappa, - 1
Ed Roland, Collective Soul - 1
Eddie Van Halen - 1
Eric Bass, Shindown - 1
Eric Sardinas - 1
Frank Marino, Mahogony Rush - 1
Frankie Sullavan, Survivor - 1
Fred Coury, Cinderella - 1
Gabriel Garcia, Black Tide -1
Gary Hoey - 1
Gary Moore - 1
Gary Phil, Boston/Sammy Hagar - 1
Gavin Rossdale, Bush - 1
Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath - 1
Geoff Tate, Queensryche - 1
George Lynch Dokken/Solo 1
George Martin, Producer - 1
Glen Danzig - 1
Greg Tribbett, Mudvayne/Hellyeah - 1
Grham Nash, CS&N - 1
Herman Li, Dragonforce - 1
Howard Jones, Killswitch Engage - 1
Hubert Sumlin, Howlin' Wolf - 1
Hugo Ferreira, Tantric - 1
Ian Astbury, The Cult - 1
Ian Hunter - 1
Jack Douglass, Producer - 1
Jacob Lynam, Lynam - 1
Jag Tana, I Mother Earth - 1
Jake Studavoss, FLOT World - 1
James Hetfield, Metallica - 1
James Munky Schaffer, KoRn - 1
Jason Ross, 7 Mary 3 - 1
Jeff Carlisi, .38 Special - 1
Jeff Keith, Tesla - 1
Jerry Gaskill, King's X - 1
Jessie James Dupree, Jackyl - 1
Jim Root, Slipknot/Stone Sour - 1
Jixxy Pearl, Love/Hate - 1
JJ French, Twisted Sister - 1
Joe Perry, Aerosmith - 1
Joe Pessia, Tantric - 1
Joel Ellis, Cats In Boots - 1
Joel Koesche, Collective Soul - 1
Joel O'Keeffe, Airbourne - 1
Joel Stroetzel, Killswitch Engage - 1
John Entwhistle, The Who - 1
John Humphrey, Seether - 1
John Norum, Europe - 1
John Taylor, Neurotic Outsiders - 1
John-Angus McDonald, The Trews - 1
Johnathan Davis, KoRn - 1
Johnny Lang - 1
Jon Levin, Dokken - 1
Josh Childers, The Showdown - 1
Josh Rand, Stone Sour - 1
Julien Jorgensen, Rev Theory - 1
Kevin Moore, Dream Theater - 1
Kid Rock - 1
Kip Winger - 1
Lacey Mosley, Flyleaf - 1
Lajon Witherspoon, Sevendust - 1
Larry Carlton - 1
Larry Lalonde, Primus - 1
Lenny Kravitz - 1
Les Claypool, Primus - 1
Les Paul - 1
Leslie West, Mountain - 1
Manny Charleton, Nazereth - 1
Mark Farner, Grand Funk - 1
Mark McGrath, Sugar Ray - 1
Mark Wood, TSO - 1
Marty Freedman, Megadeth/solo - 1
Mary Huff, Southern Culture on the Skids - 1
Matt McCloskey, Rev Theory - 1
Matt Roberts, 3 Doors Down - 1
Matt Wantland, 10 Years - 1
Meatloaf - 1
Michael Bruce, Alice Cooper - 1
Michael Grant, Endeverafter - 1
Michael Hedges - 1
Michael Manring - 1
Mick Box, Uriah Heep - 1
Mick Jones, Foreinger - 1
Mick Mars, Motley Crue - 1
Midnight, Crimson Glory - 1
Mike Kineely, Zappa - 1
Mike Mangini, Extreme - 1
Mike McCready, Pearl Jam - 1
Mike Reno, Loverboy - 1
Mike Szuter, Magna-Fi - 1
Nancy Wilson, Heart - 1
Nate Mendel, Foo Fighters - 1
Nic Cester, Jet - 1
Nick Bowcott, Grim Reaper - 1
Nikki Sixx, Motley Crue - 1
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, The Mars Volta - 1
Page Hamilton, Helmet - 1
Pat Callahan, Seether - 1
Pat Metheny - 1
Paul Gilbert, Mr. Big/Solo - 1
Paul Phillips, Operator - 1
Peter Klett, Candelbox - 1
Randy Jackson, Zebra - 1
Reb Beach, Winger/Whitesnake - 1
Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, KoRn - 1
Rex Brown, Pantera - 1
Rich Williams, Kansas - 1
Richard Patrick, Filter - 1
Richard Wright, Pink Floyd - 1
Richie Ranno, Starz - 1
Rick Jacket, Finger 11 - 1
Rick Miller, Southern Culture on the Skids - 1
Robb Torres, Trapt - 1
Robby Krieger, The Doors - 1
Robert Trujillo, Suicidal Tendencies - 1
Rudy Schenker, Scorpions - 1
Ryan Johnson, 10 Years - 1
Ryan Martine, Mudvayne - 1
Scott Ian, Anthrax - 1
Scott Lucas, Local H - 1
Serj Tankian, System of a Down - 1
Skunk Baxter, Doobie Brothers - 1
Snake Sabo, Skid Row - 1
Stephen Pearcy, Ratt - 1
Steve Harris, Iron Maiden - 1
Steve Howe, Yes - 1
Steve Hunter, Several Bands - 1
Steven Stills, CS&N - 1
Stevie D., Buckcherry - 1
Synster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold - 1
Terry Blasamo, Evanessence - 1
Tim Fluckey, Adema - 1
Tim Sult, Clutch - 1
Todd Rundgren, Todd Rundgren - 1
Todd Whitener, Tantric - 1
Tom Scholz, Boston - 1
Tommy Skeoch, Tesla - 1
Tommy Victor, Prong - 1
Tony Perry, Tab the Band - 1
Tracii Guns, LA Guns - 1
Travis Baily, The Showdown - 1
Travis Miguel, Atreyu - 1
Tylor Connolly, Theory of a Deadman - 1
Vernon Reid, Living Colour - 1
Vince Gill - 1
Vinnie Moore - 1
Vivian Campbell, Def Leppard - 1
Wally Palmer The Romantics - 1
Weird Al Yankovic - 1

Ace is in the Chop Shop Hall of Fame

2008-10-31T15:30:00.001-04:00

Yngwie, SBF, Fender guitar auction

2008-10-23T08:22:00.001-04:00

The auction starts on November 3rd on ebay. We'll add the link when the auction starts.

a day with Tesla

2008-10-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

Video interview with Mick Box (Uhiah Heep)

2008-10-16T12:03:00.000-04:00

Puddle of Mudd interview

2008-10-16T12:02:00.001-04:00

Rev Theory inteview video

2008-10-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

Mark Kendall interview

2008-10-16T11:57:00.002-04:00

Robby Krieger Interview

2008-10-14T18:32:00.002-04:00

Video Blog is on the way

2008-09-27T21:28:00.002-04:00

As of October 1st, my blog will be changing to a video blog. It will be udtated weekly on the Chop Shop website, I'm not yet certain how/where WRIF will incorporate into wrif.com
The 1st videos are already produced and look pretty good.

Steve Black

Steve Vai Video

2008-09-11T18:43:00.003-04:00

Here's a must see video of Steve Vai's new Jemini guitar pedal:

www.youtube.com/user/SteveVaiHimself

Kiss can/will sell anything:

2008-09-06T14:50:00.003-04:00

I found this at the Metal Hammer website:

Following in the footsteps of the Kiss casket, Kiss billiard balls and Kiss rubber ducks is the latest product from the Kiss empire; Kiss Ketchup.

Bottles of Kiss 'Hotter Than Hell' Ketchup will be sold at the Kiss Coffeehouse in South Carolina and will cost $8 a bottle. This ketchup is being sold to celebrate the Kiss Coffeehouse's second birthday on September 6th. Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer will also be at the store on this date to add to the celebration.

Ozzy & Zakk on Guitar Hero

2008-08-22T19:12:00.003-04:00

I Found this at The Sun U.K.:

In the game, Ozzy fans will be able to perform two of his hit songs - Crazy Train and Mr Crowley, both from his debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz.

And his OZZFest heavy metal gathering will also be brought to life as a venue within the hit PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title.

Ozzy spent hours being motion-captured to make his character as lifelike as possible and joining him will be his lead guitarist ZAKK WYLDE, who is also a playable character.

In the title, gamers will be able to have an eight player Battle Of The Bands allowing two groups - each with drums, guitars and microphones - to compete against each other online.

AC/DC tour is locked in

2008-08-02T22:31:00.001-04:00

From FMBQ:

AC/DC will embark on an 18-month world tour beginning in October. Creative Artists Agency managing partner Rob Light confirmed the news during a touring panel at the 83rd annual IAAM conference and trade show in Anaheim this week. As previously reported, AC/DC's upcoming album will be a Wal-Mart exclusive release and a new single is expected to hit radio in August.

AC/DC tour is locked in

2008-08-02T22:31:00.000-04:00

Attention local bands!!!

2008-08-02T19:12:00.002-04:00

Your band could open on tour for rock icons, Motley Crue. Now through September 21 2008, bands across the United States are invited to submit their music at www.makerockhistory.com for a chance to win a prize package that includes an opening slot on Motley Cure's 2009 U.S. tour (dates to be announced at a later date), $25,000 cash, $20,000 in exclusive new gear from Gibson Guitar, management from Tenth St. Entertainment, and a recording deal from Eleven Seven Music, Motley's management and record label.

awsome new guitar

2008-08-01T10:49:00.005-04:00

In honor of Joe Satriani's Surfing with the Alien 2oth anniversary Ibanez & Marvel have temed up to release this very rare collecter guitar.

only 150 JS20th model guitars are being made available in the US. It features a 3D Silver Surfer graphic, DiMarzio PAF Pro and Fred pickups and the original Edge locking tremolo. The list price for this model is $7,999.99.

Sweet!

This sounds like a BAD idea:

2008-07-12T19:54:00.002-04:00

An Ozzy Osbourne TV Variety Show is headed for prime-time on the Fox network.

No precise air date has been set. But a spokesman said the show, featuring musical performances and comedy sketches, is planned for sometime in the upcoming 2008-2009 season.

Fox alternative programming president, Mike Darnell, told Daily Variety he hopes to launch the series with a Christmas special. Envisioned as a throwback to variety classics hosted in the 1970s by Sonny and Cher and by Donny and Marie Osmond, the show will include Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon, with daughter Kelly, 23, and son Jack, 22, and again Ozzy's daughter Amiee will not be part of the show.

Hendrix

2008-07-12T19:48:00.003-04:00

World Entertainment News Network reports that a lost album Jimi Hendrix recorded with rocker Stephen Stills has been discovered more than 30 years after it was recorded.

Stills recently found the recording among a stack of material he taped during the 1970s, and his CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH bandmate Graham Nash is helping him prepare it for release.

Nash tells the Las Vegas Sun, "He has an enormous history of recording. In the '70s, he was a recording fool. He just found a bloody album he made with (Jimi) Hendrix.

RIAA Awards

2008-07-12T19:34:00.003-04:00

Once upon a time big name rock artists were expected to have gold (500,000 copies sold in the U.S.) albums with just about every release.

The top line artists would sell Platinum (1,000,000 copies in the U.S.) or multi platinum albums several times in their career.

There were even a few who hit Diamond status by selling 10,000,000 copies or more of a single album, AC/DC’s Back in Black just hit the 22 Million mark last December, but times have changed since the glory days of the 80s.

Illegal downloads, video games, DVDs, and the gross over pricing of CDs have all driven down album sales. In today’s market you are truly moving mountains if you can sell a million or more CDs, so I hereby give props to the following bands for finding a way to sell to that magic number:

3 Days Grace – One X – 1 Million

Buckcherry – 15 – 1 Million

Flyleaf – Flyleaf – 1 Million

RHCP – By The Way – 2 Million

Linkin Park – 2 Million

Hinder – Extreme Behavior – 3 Million

These albums are gold and are on their way to Platinum:

3 Doors Down – 3 Doors Down

Seether – Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces

Finger 11 – Them vs. You vs. Me

Ozzy – Black Rain

Foo Fighters – Echoes Silence Patience & Grace

Kid Rock – Rock & Roll Jesus

4th of July weekend

2008-06-15T09:56:00.004-04:00

This 4^th of July weekend on the Chop Shop and Chop Shop Classic, we will have several members of the USS Seawolf, nuclear submarine on as my co-hosts/guests.

My nephew ET3/ss Tony Easton is among the crew and is working out the details with me now.

The USS Seawolf (SSN-21), is the lead ship of her class. The Seawolf has the highest tactical speed of any US submarine. Much of the design effort was focused on noise reduction, the Seawolf's propulsion system makes it ten times more quiet over its full range of operating speeds than the Improved-688 class and 70 times more quiet than the initial generation of Los Angeles 688-class submarines.

Probert & Kocur

2008-06-15T09:47:00.002-04:00

If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet pick up the new book The Bruise Brothers, It’s the story of 2 of Hockeytown’s all-time favorite players.

It’s a great reminder of why I became a hockey fan. A fun look back to a time when players didn’t share the same agents, and work out together in the off-season. A time when the Wings Hated the Leafs, the Bruins hated the Habs and the Flames hated the oilers!

You can find it here:
http://www.immortalinvestments.com/

good news

2008-06-15T09:40:00.003-04:00

On a personal note, I’ve just gotten engaged. I met Gina in June of 2006. Gina is a high school teacher, and she invited me in to speak to her class. We kept in touch and became friends.

We’ve been dating seriously for about a year, and decided that life without each other just wouldn’t feel complete.

We are working on the idea of getting married next summer, 2009.

ROTR Day 2

2008-05-19T19:02:00.003-04:00

Day 2:

12:30pm: Day 2 started out by talking to the teen-aged bands. First up was Gabriel Garcia from a pretty cool band called Black Tide. Gabriel wasn’t really well spoken, but who was at age 15!

12:50pm: I worked my way up to one of the suites at Crew Stadium to talk to the band Drive A. These kids were also in the 16 – 17 age range. They were in way over their head in the interview part of the business, but the band can flat out play.

1:30pm: I was summoned to the media tent to talk with Seether. At 1:502pm, I got the call that the bus was late, and they needed to push the interview back. I scrambled back to the media tent just in time to recapture the interview with Aaron and Mike from Seether.
I couldn’t wait any longer, I was supposed to meet Papa Roach in the back-stage area. When I arrived at my predetermined site, there was nobody there. At exactly

2:20pm: Papa Roach had arrived and we climbed aboard the tour bas to record a long and detailed conversation with guitarist Jerry Horton.

3:00pm: Rev Theory made their way to the Press tent. I grabbed Ricky Licks the guitarist who had been at the ROTR Festival last year in the band Operator. Rick told me Operator is still together but he had moved on.

4:00pm: Next up for me was my old friend Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down (Photo above). I Love Chris, he’s a hard working musician that really loves what he does. Chris and I always have fun conversations, and this was no exception. In fact it was the best interview of the day. Unfortunately in 2 crazy days like this something would eventually go wrong, and we had a digital error on our recording device (a Zoom H4) and we lost the entire interview.

5:45pm: Due to the fact that Flyleaf had to cancel the show, Alter Bridge moved their set time around, and then had to adjust their interview times. Mark Tremonti is a big fan of the Chop Shop and wanted to be on the show again, but our schedules didn’t sync up. Mark did agree that he would be my “Guest Host” next time I take a vacation. In the mean time, I went back to the dressing room and recorded a great conversation with Guitarist & singer Myles Kennedy.

8:30pm: It’s time for my 8^th interview of the day and 19^th interview of a dizzying 2-day excursion to Columbus…..bring on the star of the show Kid Rock. I have talked to Kid maybe 10 or 12 times before he hit the big time, and said hello a good 5 times since his rise to the top. I’ve interviewed his guitarists several times, but this was my first official interview with him. It started a little slow, I don’t think he was used to my musical line of questioning, just when he was starting to really get into the interview, management said last question….I hate when that happens, but you just have to be gracious and accept it as part of the job. After I got off the bus I realized it was only a 6-minute interview….a bit of a gyp. Most interviews are at least 10 minutes. But that was the end a 2 long kick ass work days!

Rock on the Range

2008-05-18T12:04:00.002-04:00

A record breaking day of rock $ roll at Rock on the Range!

11:00am: The first interview of the day was with Anthony Armstrong of the band Red. We recorded our conversation behind the 2nd stage….no big deal except there was no where to sit, so we wandered over to a giant rock and sat down. My first rock & roll interview, while actually sitting on a rock

11:15am: I scrambled back to the media tent and my crew uploaded the audio and still photos, and emailed them to WRIF, to be posted on the website. I was on the phone confirming additional interviews

12:00pm: It was back to the 2nd stage area, this time on a tour bus to interview both guitarists and bass player for the band 10 Years.

12:20pm: Back to the media tent, more uploading!
12:30pm: Joel O’Keefe from Airbourne made his way to the WRIF/Chop Shop table. Joel is a real high energy Australian guitarist, who LOVES Iron Maiden…naturally we got along very well.

1:00pm: with a quick break in the action, as the team uploaded and emailed, I grabbed a grease burger and some chips.

1:30pm: Kill Switch Engage came into the media tent. I sat down with guitarist Joel Stroetzel to tall about their recent success.

2:00pm: Tyler and David from Theory of a Deadman were escorted to our table. This was the 5th interview of the day, and the 5th 1st time interview of the day for me. Tyler and David were cool, and I really like their new album.

3:00pm: Next up is Staind, I got to talk with both Aaron and Mike. Mike had been on the Chop Shop before, but it’s the 1st time I had talked to Aaron.

3:45pm: One of the highlights of the day as I went back stage to talk with Serj Tankian. Serj is a very learned and eclectic person, and it’s always a treat to talk with someone of his intellect.

4:30pm: Onto the Disturbed tour bus to talk to Dan Donagin. This was the 5th time I’ve interviewed Dan, and the 5th season of the Chop Shop…..I love how that works!

4:50pm: Shinedown stops by the media tent. Former Silvertide guitarist and good friend Nick Perri is now in the band and it really great to see him looking happy and healthy.

5:15pm: My crew managed to grab Richard Patrick of Filter, and I got to talk to him about their powerful new song Soldier of Misfortune.

5:30pm: My 11th interview of the day is with Finger 11 guitarist Rick Jackett. Rick is fired up and loves to talk guitars!

6:00pm: I take a deep breath and enjoy my new personal record of 11 interviews in 7 hours.

Official Press release

2008-05-07T15:20:00.002-04:00

As of June 2nd, the Chop Shop and Chop Shop Classic will be available in 1 and 2 hour versions. Both versions will contain two feature interview segments as well as the exclusive Chop Shop Hall of Fame feature, where such guests as Ted Nugent, Brian May, Leslie West, and hundreds others pay tribute to guitar legends Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Angus Young, Slash and more. The expanded show will also feature weekly updates on bands and tours, web exclusive content, and special guests all while playing 10 songs an hour.

Host Steve Black (WRIF/ Detroit) comments on the ongoing success of the show, “The thing that makes the Chop Shop stand out among other syndicated radio shows is that it’s not pigeon holed by its concept.” “The Chop Shop is dedicated to playing music that includes a guitar, in other words, ALL rock music!” Black continues, “From classic to punk, pop to grunge, metal to current, all rock music incorporates the guitar, so the show can always stay relevant.”

In the last three years, guitar sales for the first time ever hit the billion dollar mark, selling 1.02 billion in 2004, 1.15 billion in 2005 and 2006 according to the musictrades.com website. The Guitar Hero video games have been wildly successful, and the interest in rock music is on the rise.

The Chop Shop is the only established show to center on guitar music and musicians. This week marks the beginning of year 5 for The Chop Shop

Thank you all..

Big Announcment

2008-05-03T19:58:00.002-04:00

The week of May 12th is the Start of Season # 5 for the Chop Shop and we'll have a major announcment to go along with the launch of our 5th season of rockin' the Nation!

I'm Back

2008-04-14T09:45:00.004-04:00

Well you know you’ve been away from your blog too long when people actually email you to see if everything is alright….Sorry folks I’ve just been busy. One emailer even went so far as to ask if I’d lost my passion for Rock & Roll? – Please people it’s just a blog!

Anyway, I was asked recently how many concerts I’ve been to, the truth is I really don’t know, I told the person it was probably in the nationhood of 500 shows, and then when I got a few spare minutes over the next several days I scratched down all the concerts I could remember.
Here is the list I came up with and the number of times I’ve see each band, so far I can only remember going to 476 concerts not counting tons of local bands.

Rik Emmett 12
Trans-Siberian Orchestra 12
Steve Vai 11
Triumph 11
Joe Satriani 9
Ted Nugent 8
King's X 7
Queensryche 7
Alice Cooper 6
Dream Theater 6
Kiss 6
Metallica 6
Ozzy Osbourne 6
Rush 6
Van Halen 6
Aerosmith 5
Dio 5
Iron Maiden 5
Sammy Hagar 5
Yngwie Malmsteen 5
Audioslave 4
Deep Purple 4
Def Leppard 4
George Thorogood 4
Howling Diabloes 4
Judas Priest 4
Pantera 4
Savatage 4
Silvertide 4
Tesla 4
Velvet Revolver 4
.38 Special 3
AC/DC 3
April Wine 3
Bruce Springsteen 3
DC Drive 3
Eddie Money 3
Eric Johnson 3
Jackyl 3
Kenny Wayne Sheperd 3
Kid Rock 3
Korn 3
Krokus 3
Motley Crue 3
Mr. Big 3
Night Ranger 3
Peter Gabriel 3
Scorpions 3
Shinedown 3
Styx 3
Suicidial Tendencies 3
ZZ Top 3
3 Doors Down 2
Accept 2
Alice in Chains 2
Alter Bridge 2
B.B. King 2
Billy Idol 2
Black Label Society 2
Blackfoot 2
Breaking Benjamin 2
Buckethead 2
Buddy Guy 2
C.O.C. 2
Chevelle 2
Chris Cornell 2
Clutch 2
Crossfade 2
David Bowie 2
Disturbed 2
Dokken 2
Edwin Dare 2
Eric Clapton 2
Eric Sardinas 2
Extreme 2
Fastway 2
Foghat 2
Foo Fighters 2
Foriegner 2
Goo Goo Dolls 2
Greoge Lynch 2
Hinder 2
I Mother Earth 2
James Taylor 2
Jane's Addiction 2
Johnny Lang 2
Journey 2
Kansas 2
Lillian Axe 2
Mars Volta 2
Megadeth 2
Monster Magnet 2
Nickleback 2
Primus 2
Puddle of Mudd 2
Rob Zombie 2
Robert Plant 2
Saliva 2
Sponge 2
Stu Hamm 2
Tool 2
Trapt 2
Twisted Sister 2
Type O-Negative 2
White Zombie 2
Whitesnake 2
Zakk Wylde 2
3 Days Grace 1
30 Seconds to Mars 1
Aaron Lewis 1
Ace Frehley 1
Adema 1
Against Me 1
Allman Brothers 1
Animal Bag 1
Another Animal 1
Atomic Opera 1
Avenged Sevenfold 1
Bad Company 1
Black Sabbath 1
Blue Oyster Cult 1
Bob Seger 1
Brian Wilson 1
Brother Cain 1
Bruce Dickinson 1
Buckcherry 1
Bush 1
Cat's In Boots 1
Cheap Trick 1
Cinderella 1
Crimson Glory 1
Cure 1
Danzig 1
David Lee Roth 1
Default 1
Donnie Iris 1
Dragon Force 1
Eric Gales 1
Evanessence 1
Fight 1
Flyleaf 1
Frank Zappa 1
Future Leaders of the World 1
Galatic Cowboys 1
Geogia Satllites 1
Godsmack 1
Great White 1
Heart 1
Helloween 1
Hellyeah 1
Helmet 1
Infectious Grooves 1
J, Geils Band 1
Jet 1
Joan Jett 1
Joe Walsh 1
John Petrucci 1
Junkyard 1
Kicking Herold 1
Living Colour 1
Loudness 1
Love Hate 1
Loverboy 1
Lynyrd Skynyrd 1
Marilyn Manson 1
Mark Farner 1
Michael Hedges 1
Michael Schenker 1
Moby 1
Molly Hatchet 1
Mudvayne 1
Neal Schon 1
No Doubt 1
Overkill 1
Papa Roach 1
Pearl Jam 1
Peter Frampton 1
P-Funk 1
Pink Floyd 1
Pretty Maids 1
Prong 1
Ratt 1
Raven 1
Red Hot Chili Pepers 1
Robert Cray 1
Robert Randolph Famly Band 1
Robin Trower 1
Roger Waters 1
Santana 1
Scatterbrain 1
Seether 1
Serj Tankian 1
Sevendust 1
Shotgun Messisah 1
Skunk Anansie 1
Slipknot 1
Smile Empty Soul 1
Snot 1
Spock's Beard 1
Staind 1
Starz 1
Stone Temple Pilots 1
Stryper 1
TAB the Band 1
Talas 1
Tantric 1
Tea Party 1
The Eagles 1
The Look 1
The Showdown 1
Tom Petty 1
T-Ride 1
Trouble 1
Vinnie Vencet Invasion 1
Vovoid 1
Warrant 1
Weezer 1
XYZ 1
Y&T 1
Yes 1
Z 1
Zappa Plays Zappa 1

GH Aerosmith

2008-03-26T15:30:00.001-04:00

I found a few new details on the Guitar Hero: Aerosmith game, check it out.

Here are some of the additional artists you’ll find in the game:

Mott the Hoople - “All the Young Dudes”
The Kinks - “All Day and All Night”
Joan Jett - “Hate Myself for Loving You”
Cheap Trick - “Dream Police”

Other names mentioned are Lenny Kravitz, The White Stripes and Deep Purple.

Neversoft, the studio behind the series since Harmonix was acquired by MTV, is creating a full Aerosmith experience. They're taking steps to motion-capture the band mid-performance and recreate the high school where the group first performed.

total injustice

2008-03-16T13:10:00.001-04:00

The NHL made their statement loud and clear, You can NEVER try to injure a player with your skate or you’ll get a 30-game suspension…..oh, unless you are a big name star like Chris Pronger, then go ahead and stomp on someone’s leg, that will only be 8 games and you’ll be rested and ready for the playoffs!

Way to go NHL.

another CS Question

2008-02-26T09:24:00.006-05:00

I thought this quest was a nice turn of events:

"Hey Steve, Mike from Jackson (dawg pound) here. I got a
question for your Chop Shop blog. I know you always ask your guests about guitar
players, well I thought I'd turn it around on you. Give me your thoughts, in 5 words or less, on the following guitar players.

Eddie Van Halen, Shaun Morgan, Phil Collen(for my wife,a huge DL fan),
Tony Rombola, Zakk Wylde(for my 9 year old who loves Ozzy), Kirk Hammett

Thanks and take care."

Mike I can’t do it in 5 words or less, but here is my unrehearsed response:

Eddie:

Believe it or not I think he’s under rated as a rhythm player, he’s come up with some of the best, and most fun licks ever! He’d be a top 20 guitar player of all time even if he never played a lead, but he did and that makes him a top 5 guitar player in my book. He’s beyond brilliant.

Shaun:

Shaun is obviously a good writer, He builds good riffs into songs with strong melodies, but he hasn't realized that solos are back! I know he can do more that he's show us so far...

Phil:

I know Phil is a classy player and very talented, but all my favorite Def Leppard songs are on the first 3 albums, with Pete Willis and Steve Clark. Phil is a fine player but never really moved me much.

Tony:

I love Tony’s crunch, he has a lot of power in his playing. What I also love about Tony is he just wants to play and learn. He’ll sit down and jam with whoever he’s out on tour with just to learn and have fun.

Zakk:

One of my best friends in the music biz. Zakk is the most powerful rhythm player I can think of. His chops are so thick! Plus Zakk can be brutal and tender, not everybody can pull that off. I also love that he plays piano, banjo, and can really sing as well. Also is there a better, more appropriate solo in the world that “Mama I’m Coming Home”?

Kirk:

He had me at “Fade to Black”. Kirk has that knack for finding the right notes to really complete a solo. I’ve never been in love with his tone, sometimes it’s a bit thin, but then again that tone really complements James and fits Metallica perfectly.

Chop e-question

2008-02-08T19:38:00.000-05:00

From J.R. in Traverse City, who listens on WUPS. "Have you ever had Steve Lukather on your show? He smokes on guitar."

Yes, I had Luke on back in 2006, and I expect to have him on again in about a month, when his new solo album comes out. I heard a sneek preview by the way and it’s pretty amazing.

God bless the USA

2008-02-02T20:37:00.000-05:00

I just got this email from a friend and long-time listener.s stationed in Falujah, Iraq.
He just got home yesterday. While he was there I told him to check out you show
online. He was the Senior Comand Master Chief For his platoon, and all his men
said to say they love the Chop Shop, and thanks for the support of the troops.
Dennis Aldis
Senior Command Master Chief Christopher Aldis, USN/USMC Med supply Hdqtrs, Iraq

8 years ago today

2008-02-01T10:47:00.001-05:00

As you all know I lost my wife Sabrina to cancer almost 2 years ago. I’ve made it through 2 Christmases, her birthday, the anniversaries of her Bone Marrow Transplants, all the other holidays and even the anniversary of her death but today is the most difficult one for me to get through each year.

February 1^st was the day we got married in Hawaii in 2000. 8 years ago was the day that we said “In sickness and in health”. The day we made a resolution to “Love, honor and cherish.” And it seems unfair that we only got 6 years of married life.

I know we made the best of it and had 6 of the best years anyone could hope for, and on all other days of the year that is enough for me to keep moving forward, but on the first day of the second month of every year, I take the time to reflect on our time together.

Today I look back instead of forward to a time when my sick bride needed me more that most couples ever will, and to a time when God gave me strength beyond my own comprehension to be there for Sabrina in all capacities.

Today I remember crawling under all the tubes and wires connected to her, so we could lie in the hospital bed and watch the NFL Playoffs together. I remember the Christmases we shared on the 10^th floor at Karmanos with our tiny tree. I remember the late night life or death decisions I was forced to make while she was in the ICU. I remember her friends driving the extra miles to find an Arby’s to bring her her favorite jamoca shake. I remember her seizures, and my awareness that she knew I was there in control, as calm as could be, to take care of every detail. I remember the miracle that was delivered to us on a snow filled night in January of 2004, when Sabrina was supposed to die but instead started a recovery that went beyond science and gave us an additional 2 years.

But most of all today I remember that through all the pain, and difficulties, there were lots and lots of smiles. I remember that I had the god given honor of being the most important person in Sabrina’s life when she needed it the most. And I remember our wedding in Hawaii, one of the most perfect weeks in my life.

God please take care of my angel.

blog answer for the week

2008-02-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

"Chris Douloudis from Space Monkey and the Space Monkeys here. Just wondering if you\'re accepting discs for possible play on your show. I\'m from Australia and have just finished up my first album and am looking for places that might be interested in playing it.
Please let me know, and tell me where to to send it. If you want to, please check out: http://www.myspace.com/planetspacemonkey for some teasers...

Thanks mate
Chris"

Chris,

There is a delicate balance in programming a syndicated radio show. You have to keep in mind that listeners want to hear music they know and artists they know mixed in with the best of what is new. My approach in programming the Chop Shop is if I’m blown away by something new, I’m going to want to play it for all my friends! So by all means send it along, but keep in mind I’m not often blown away. Most of what I get, both signed and unsigned is somewhere between average and pretty good, and that will not get your music on a national show.

If you’ve got something amazing; send it to Chop Shop Radio P.O. Box 282 Clawson, MI 48017.

weekly email questions

2008-01-24T07:36:00.000-05:00

A simple question this week from Don, in PA. “Love your show, always brings back memories! Some good, some great. Just like tonight on the show. You played Together by Ted Nugent. I don't know if I had this album or if it was just played a lot, but now the wife wants to know where to get this song. I have searched a few places, but I have little patience! Can you help me out?
We hear your show on WTPA 93.5FM in Harrisburg PA.”

- Together is on the Ted Nugent Free For All album, and should still be pretty easy to track down.

A more complex question from Terry in Independence WI, who listens on Classic Rock 100.1 “I really want a Dean guitar, but the one I want is too expensive, can you suggest one?”

Terry, this advice has been passed on to me from lots of big name guitar players including Slash and Billy Gibbons. Go to your local guitar shop and play around, find the guitar that feels right to you, if it’s not a Dean that’s all right and if it is a Dean, you won’t go wrong they make great guitars. But the one that feels best to you is the one you’ll be happiest with and play more often.

Black

Q of the week

2008-01-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

Our weekly question comes from WRIF listener Tim in Redford. “Who is your favorite D.J. and what do you think of Dee Snider?”

My station in Flint when I was growing up was WWCK “Flint’s Best Rock” Jeff Holbrook was probably my biggest influence, before I even dreamed of working in radio.

The first time I ever said to myself “That’s what I want to do” was while listening to an old syndicated show called Metal Shop.

Charlie Kendall was the host, and I can tell you I bought a few albums simply because of that show. I even have 2 “elements” in the Chop Shop that were directly influence by Metal Shop….first the name, the Chop Shop is more musically in depth and focuses on the guitar, so I took the word "Chop" as in if a guitarists has “good chops” and combined it with shop and there ya go. Also Metal Shop had an Yngwie Malmsteen guitar lick that sounded like a buzz saw that they used going into the breaks, so, in tribute I did the same, that’s why I use the Van Halen lick into the breaks. Here's a Metal Shop tie-in to the 2nd part of your question, Dee’s brother Mark Snider was one of the show’s producers.

As for Dee, you’ve got to love him. Sure he’s cheesy but he is just being himself and they do a great job with HOH.

Best,

Black

CS question of the week

2008-01-04T08:55:00.000-05:00

This week’s question is from Brett in Parkersburg, WV, who listens on Z106 “Where is the strangest place you have ever done an interview?”

98% of all the in-person interviews happen either back stage or on a tour bus.

I did interview Vernon Reid of Living Colour in a local coffee shop. We sat at a table you had to pass to get to the main counter, so we had a lot of folks stopping to stare on their way in for a cup.

Some of the other spots I’ve talked to artists include, on-stage, in their homes, Hotels and in the studio.

In 2006 I did an interview with John5 (Rob Zombie’s guitarist) on stage during sound-check. John asked everyone to chill for 10 minutes and we stood in front of his pedal board and did the interview while the rest of the band just kind of stood around and watched.

Kid Rock’s guitarist Jason Krause invited me to him home to record a Chop Shop interview and others have invited me into their hotel rooms including Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, the late Michael Hedges and Matthias Jabbs of the Scorpions.

Slash and I sat in a hotel lobby and recorded a 30 minute conversation once. The coolest moment was when a couple came by who were holding their wedding reception in the hotel, they stopped to wave at Slash, and he got up and took some photos with the happy couple in their wedding apparel. Now that would be a special wedding photo to have on the mantel.

I realize none of these places qualify as “Strange” places but the one that I remember most vividly is when I recorded Paul O’Neill in the studio in New York, during the actual recording sessions of “The Christmas Attic”. To be in the studio with one of the all-time greats and watch him work will always stay in my mind.

TSO night

2008-01-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Christmas was the 26^th of December this year for the SBF. That was the day of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra shows in Detroit. Sabrina’s brother (and SBF board member) Johnny, my girl friend Gina and I went to the Palace at 1:30pm. We picked up our passes and went back-stage to talk to some of my old friends including the bands manager Adam Lind, Piano player and Musical Director Bob Kinkle, Violinist Mark Wood and guitarist Chris Caffery.

I was the official WRIF M.C. of the show, so I had to make a few trips from back-stage to the WRIF booth in the Red Bull Bar to do some live radio breaks.

Just before 2 pm Johnny and I went on stage to announce the amazing generosity of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra who donated matching $10,500 checks to SBF and the Salvation Army.

After the check presentation, the 3 of us went back to Gina’s house for a few hours and then returned at 6:30pm to do it all aging for the evening show.

We went into catering and had a quick bite with my friend, guitarist Alex Skolnick, and tour Manager Ellioit Saltzman.

This time after the check presentation we stayed for the show…..and once again it was the best concert of the season.

Thanks to Paul O’Neill, Adam Lind the entire TSO family, WRIF, Live Nation and all of you for your support in keeping Sabrina’s memory alive.

SBF Fundraiser

2008-01-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

On Friday December 21^st we held a Sabrina Black Foundation Fundraiser/Award ceremony at Teddy’s Times Square in Shelby Twp. On this special night we introduced Craig Popovich as our 2^nd “Adopted” cancer patient, and presented him with a $10,000 check to pay his hospital bills.

Craig is a survivor of Hodgkin’s disease, the very form of cancer that Sabrina fought so courageously.

In attendance was Craig, his family, 3 of Sabrina’s brothers, Johnny, Michael, Tony and one of her sisters, Theresa, SBF board members Rebecca Thornton and Shelly Darmetko, our fist SBF patient Laura Alexiou and even Santa Clause showed up to help us raise more than $2,200.

Thans to WRIF, Miller Lite and all of you.

weekly Chop Shop question

2007-12-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

From gdjags1 “can anyone just pick a guitar up and learn how to play and does finger size matter or is it purely a gift from God.”

I believe that anyone can learn how to play guitar, but some people have to work harder at it than others. The “gift from God” concept is a reality in that some people have music in their blood, they just can’t get enough of it, so they play more and practice more because it’s not work, its fun. Others like me have to struggle to find every note.

My “gift” is in the production area of music. To borrow a phrase from my musical hero producer, Bob Ezrin, I’m often able to hear the colors that most people can’t see. My abilities are listening & observing music, and creating & enhancing musical ideas in the studio. Because that is my “gift” I don’t find it to be tiring or taxing to me like playing music can sometimes be as it’s such a struggle for me.

Follow your passion, and you can’t go wrong.

Ozzy & Zombie

2007-12-22T20:58:00.001-05:00

Last Friday was the Ozzy/Zombie show. Doug and I were at the Hard Rock for a pre-show party with the opening band In This Moment. It was the first time I had met them and they were all very nice people.
At 6pm I caught a ride with Jeremy down to the Joe to interview John5. John has been on the Chop Shop 3 times in the past and is a native Detroiter so it always good to see him.

After the interview I worked my way over to the Ozzy meet & greet. It is the 1st time I’ve been face to face with Ozzy since 1994/95. He is defiantly looking MUCH older, but he really sounded good on stage.

After meeting with Oz, I met with Zakk Wylde. Brother Zakk and I go back a good 15 years. Zakk is always one of the most “real” rock starts you could ever hope to meet and he was making everyone laugh backstage.

When I was done talking with Zakk, Zombie was already on stage. I walk out on the floor and watched most of the Zombie show from the 10th row.

When Ozzy came on I started in the 7th row….until he brought out the foam gun. At that point I went back and joined some friends further back on the floor. For the last 6 songs I worked my way up to the 2nd row.

Both Zakk and J5 were on fire. All and all a brilliant show.

weekly email question

2007-12-13T20:42:00.000-05:00

Anthony Taylor of Miami who gets Chop Shop Classic on Big 105.9 sen in this email:

“Can you please do a show about some of the 80s best and most overlooked guitarists. Vito Bratta (White Lion) and Derek Frigo (Enuff Z’nuff), Also can you please feature Steve Stevens.”

We do feature under-rated guitar players all the time, and Steve Stevens has been my guest on the show 3 times, but Miami is a fairly new affiliate, so Anthony had no way of knowing that. I am going to take that as an invitation to blog about 4 or 5 under-rated guitar players however.

If you get the time, check out Ronni Le Tekro and his band TNT. They are VERY 80s due to the high end vocals, but the music is melodic with a dash of prog. And Ronni is skilled beyond belief. The “Intuition” CD is a mast-have for guitar players.

Gary Moore is a big name in guitar circles but if you’re not familiar with all his work check out the “Back on the Streets” album with instrumental jazz fusion tracks like “Flight of the Snow Moose” and “What Would You Rather Bee or a Wasp”. Plus his guitar hero era stuff like “End of the World” and “Over the Hills and Far Away”, and then his blues stuff which he is most famous for.

Ty Tabor, and King’s X for that matter may be the most under-rated of them all. Ask musician after musician and they will all tell you that they should have been as big as the Beatles. They have everything. Brilliant songs, fun melodies, layered harmonies, diverse music styles and some of the finest guitar work the world has ever know.

Steve Lukather is another monster player, and he does get a lot of credit from his peers but he’s got Clapton, Beck and Brain May talent and most people will never know his name.

Also, I’ve been listening to some of my old Suicidal Tendencies stuff lately, so don’t forget Rocky George. The music is not very commercial, but Rocky is a clever, raw powered guitarist that made that band what it was….and by the way what was it?

Black

next blog question

2007-12-07T18:16:00.001-05:00

From Kevin O’Shea in Visalia, CA who listens to the Chop Shop on 99.7 KIOO “What is your favorite punk rock band?”

Punk rock has never been a big part of my musical life. I generally like more complex music, melodies and subtleties. As you know puck is more about energy, rebellion and raw emotion.

Having said that I’d say Iggy and the Stooges were my favorite. What a truly fearless band.

weekly music question

2007-11-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

from Bill in Pinewood Park, Florida - "What is the funniest song you've ever herd?"

Humor if often defined by mood so I suppose it changes from time to time. I’ve always appreciated Frank Zappa’s humor, and I love “You Are What You Is”. I would also suggest a song called “Toast” by Heywood Banks for those who laugh at kid-like silly stuff. I also think “I’m with Stupid” by Scatterbrain is a masterpiece of humor. I guess Weird Al has the best track record of funny songs so I’ll say “Yoda” is my pick for now.

This just in

2007-11-26T12:27:00.000-05:00

QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie BanaliKevin DuBrow, at the age of 52. In an e-mail to Spain's The Metal Circus, which had requested a comment from Banali on the rumors of DuBrow's death, the drummer wrote, "I can't even find words to say. Please respect my privacy as I mourn the passing and honor the memory of my dearest friend Kevin DuBrow." UPDATE: The same statement can now be found on Frankie Banali's official web site.

Michael Politz of The Vegas EyeDuBrowPolitz, DubRow — whom Politz calls "one of my closest friends" — recently celebrated his 52nd birthday in New Orleans "where he ate great food and even caught THE CULTHouse of Blues."

Although the band has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, bassist Kelly Garni, who was one of the founding members of QUIET RIOT, has posted the following message on the Randy Rhoads (late QUIET RIOT/OZZY OSBOURNERandyRhoads.tk:

"I ask this to all of you not only for myself but for other friends and family. I ask that no one here offer any speculation or opinions, theories or other things that could be construed as negative or, and I'm sorry for this, even sympathetic, right at this immediate time. I am already within hours of this having to deal with untrue rumors and speculation and that only adds fuel to that. There is a tendency for the subject of Kevin to incite flames on every board and now is not the time for that. I will explain to everyone here the facts and the truth in the next 24 to 48 hours as I realize this will effect us all. So please, until then, be patient. All details and other pertinate info will be passed on to you here when it becomes available to me. Thank you." has confirmed the passing of the group's singer, reported earlier today that was found dead in his Las Vegas home on Sunday, November 25. According to at The guitarist) web site

This week's question/answer

2007-11-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

A creative question this week from Arthur993 in Rigby, Idaho “If you could replace the presidents on all the U.S. bills, which guitarists would you choose?”

Tuff question so I'll need to make up some ground rules. First since it is U.S. money I’ll only choose players born in America. Next to keep with the “founding fathers” tradition, I’ll pick primarily the guys who started it all.

1 dollar bill – Les Paul – where would we be if not for Les Paul and Leo Fender?

5 dollar bill – Leo Fender – see above.

10 dollar bill – Chuck Berry – He was the foundation of everything that happened in the 60s, without chuck there would be no Hendrix, Stones or Beatles.

20 dollar bill – Jimi Hendrix – Possibly still the most innovative and electrifying guitarists of them all.

50 – Muddy Waters – The Rolling Stones took their name from his song “Rollin’ Stone”, his music has been covered by Cream, Hendrix, and even Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" is based upon his hit, "You Need Love”.

100 – B.B. King – One of the most soulful blues players of all-time, he directly impacted the playing of Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore and hundreds of thousands more

And let’s put Frank Zappa on the 2 dollar bill, he was so under the radar and odd that he’s perfect for the 2 dollar bill.

Up the Irons!

2007-11-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

Iron Maiden are touring in a unique fashion in 2008. They will be traveling in a specially commissioned and customised Boeing 757, flown by Airline Captain and Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

The Astraeus 757, decked out in Maiden and Eddie designs, will carry the band, road crew and other personnel of around 70 people plus over 12 tons of equipment.

This first leg of the ‘SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME’ World Tour opens in Mumbai India on Feb 1st, and continues through Australia and Japan before arriving in the U.S.

The entourage then fly to Mexico then the band’s first ever concerts in Costa Rica and Columbia, and then on to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Puerto Rica and New York, before finishing in Toronto on March 16th.

Comments Bruce Dickinson, “I have been flying commercial passenger jets for Astraeus Airlines for a few years now and we are commissioning an Astraeus Boeing 757. It will go in for overhaul, painting and conversion in November which will then give us time to ensure we have all the necessary safety documentation, especially with regard to fire safety. It also means it could possibly be flying commercial air routes decked out in Maiden colours for a couple of months before we start!”

To tie in with forthcoming 2008 releases on DVD of the classic ‘LIVE AFTER DEATH’ concert video this tour, aptly entitled ‘SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME’, will revisit the band’s history by focusing almost entirely on the 80’s in both choice of songs played and the stage set, which will be based around the legendary Egyptian Production of the 1984-85 ‘Powerslave Tour’. This will arguably be the most elaborate and spectacular show the band have ever presented, and will include some key elements of their Somewhere In Time tour of 1986/7, such as the Cyborg Eddie.

So Far there are only 2 US dates and the closest to Detroit is the Toronto show.

this week's email question

2007-11-15T09:32:00.000-05:00

This week's question comes from Jill Goldesberry, IA “Why aren't Jorma Kaukonen or Jack Casady in your Hall of Fame?”

So far there are only 24 guitarists that have been inducted. All of them have been voted in by listeners and music fans who visit the Chop Shop website. It’s not suppressing that the biggest names Hendrix, Page, Van Halen & Jeff Beck were the first to be inducted. As for Jorma Kaukonen, the average listener wouldn’t know who he is. Even considering his work with Jefferson Airplane and his outstanding acoustic work he would finish dead last in the voting, simply because very few people know his name. As for Jack Casady he is known primarily as a bass player, and therefore it makes no sense to talk about adding him to a Hall of Fame of guitarists.

weekly email question

2007-11-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

This week’s email question comes from Chad in Davenport, Iowa, who gets the Chop Shop on Q106.5. “Do you think CDs will ever become obsolete?”

Yes, at some point they all bite the dust, reel to reel, 8-Track tapes, records, cassettes have all disappeared. We have already seen a dramatic shift among the youngest generation who only use CDs or DVDs to back up their mp3 collections.
I do think that digital music will be here to stay, but the digital formats are likely to change. The concept of “on-demand” will also play a larger roll in the music and broadcast industries. People are becoming used to watching (through the Tivo/DVR revolution) shows when ever they feel like it. Music and programming must do the same. It will be done mainly through web sites, but shows like the Chop Shop will ultimately need to be ready for listeners on their own timetable.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2007-11-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

Last week I made a quick trip to Florida to get ready for this year’s 2-hour Chop Shop Christmas special. For the 4^th year in a row the special will be hosted by the guitarists of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, what is different this year is the timing and the number of guitarists.

I usually wait for the T.S.O. tour to hit Detroit, Toledo or Grand Rapids to sit down with the guys and record the CS/Christmas special but this year they are playing so many matinee shows, that the timing would have been tuff to record 2-hours worth of stuff. The solution was for me to go to Florida and interview the band members during their tour rehearsals. This gave us more time to record, allows me get the show produced sooner for affiliates that want the special early to tie into the T.S.O. tour schedule and it gave me access to both touring troupes TSO East and TSO West.

This years CS/TSO special will feature all 4 guitarists, Chris Caffery (Savatage/Doctor Butcher), Alex Skolnick (Testament/Savatage), Al Pitrelli (Alice Cooper/Megadeth/Savatage), Angus Clark (Kitaro/Naked Sun) as well as electric violinist Mark Wood (toured with Steve Vai, Celine Dion, Dee Snider).

The 5 of them will talk about their amazing journey over the last 12 years to become the #1 Seasonal touring band in the world, what it’s like spending Christmas on the road and being part of the biggest light, sound and performance show in the world.

The Chop Shop/TSO Christmas special will be on all across the nation Christmas week, with most stations running the 2-hour show on Christmas eve and Christmas morning.

Listeners questions

2007-11-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

We’ve started answering Chop Shop listeners email questions here on the blog.

This week’s question comes from Nick in Barboursville, WV who listens on WRVC Planet 92.7. "How many CDs do you own and what artist do you own the most of?"

I don’t really know, I have 5 CD racks that hold about 350 CDs each, plus another cabinet that holds maybe 100, and I have a separate shelf that holds all local or “Unsigned” band’s CDs and there are 200 or so there, plus the stacks on the floor, I’m guessing it’s in the neighborhood of 2000 to 2500 somewhere.

The artists I have the most of are Frank Zappa, I have 78 different Zappa CDs, 21 Alice Cooper CSs & 18 from the Cure.

my music

2007-10-17T13:14:00.000-04:00

I started a new feature on the Chop Shop, you can now email questions to blackmail@chopshopradio.com and I'll answer them on the blog.
One of the most common questions throughout the last few years is "what guitar do you play" and "have I recorded any music?"
I own a nice Parker Night Fly guitar and I love it. As for recorded music I was in a Detroit based band for several years back in the early 90s. We were called Surreal. I was the primary vocalist and co-writer. Our guitarist, and still very good friend, Will Carter has recently set up a myspace profile if you want to hear what we sounded like. http://www.myspace.com/surrealrockmusic

I also recorded 1 solo album that was released in December of 1999. Will posted some of that music as well at

http://www.myspace.com/26oclockproject

Thanks,

hot off the press

2007-09-27T17:01:00.001-04:00

The new Chop Shop logo. Just in time to celebrate our 2 new affiliates WBGG in Miami and WKBH in La Crosse. That gives us a total of 36 Rock stations....and growing.

Nikki Sixx

2007-09-27T16:59:00.001-04:00

Monday afternoon Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue and the new band Sixx A.M. was in Taylor signing copies of his new book and CD at Borders.

Nikki started early and signed for more than 325 fans before being forced to depart for the airport. Unfortunately that left more than 100 people who got stuck waiting without an autograph.

The photo is Suzy Cole and I with Nikki in the back office.

Black

Steve Vai

2007-09-27T16:56:00.001-04:00

Guitar hero (and Chop Shop Hall of Fame member) Steve Vai was in town this past Saturday.

Steve and I have known each other for almost 13 years, but we don’t get the chance to sit and talk very often, so it was nice to do that.

We talked for 20 minutes on the record, and spent another 40 minutes off the record, catching up on life.

As for the on-the record stuff, Steve Will be my guest in Chop Shop Classic in 2 weeks and on the WRIF version of the Chop Shop in a few weeks. We will also be offering the full interview unedited to the Chop Shop email club next month. You can sign up at www.chopshopradio.com

As for the show…it was pretty outstanding. Very fun to see Steve play with the 2 electric violinists.

Live on remote

2007-09-27T16:53:00.000-04:00

The last 4 Sunday’s I’ve been at live broadcasts.

One week I’m at the Renaissance festival, then the Belle Isle Grand Prix (That’s Gene Simmons at the race in the photo I took), we did the Lion’s home opener per-game and this last Sunday was at Warrenfest with Ashes of Soma and the Howling Diablo’s.

This weekend it’s a perfect 10 weekend and I’ll be back at the studio.

Get your Perfect 10 lists in and listen!

This Friday

2007-09-03T15:35:00.000-04:00

The Sabrina Black Foundation awards dinner is this Friday. Please make it out for a wonderful night if you can (full details below).

We will be awarding a check to pay off the hospital bills for a lady named Laura who has stage 4 lung cancer. Laura is from St. Clair Shores. She has 2 kids and a husband, who recently lost his job due to the awful Michigan economy. Laura is on leave from her job while receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

I hope to see you this Friday.

pass it on

2007-08-11T19:57:00.000-04:00

The Sabrina Black Foundation is pleased to present our 1st Annual SBF Awards Dinner.

This evening of dinner and entertainment will be held on Friday, September 7th at the fabulous Andiamo Celebrity Showroom on 14 Mile in Warren. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by hometown favorite and "Full House" star Dave Coulier.

We will also 'adopt' our first cancer patient and present a check to eliminate his or her's entire hospital bill. Moreover, we shall present our first annual Caregiver Award to someone who deals with cancer and its effects on a daily basis.

Tickets are $100 per person, which includes dinner and an open bar.

All proceeds go to the Sabrina Black Foundation.

Doors are at 7PM, and dinner is served at 8PM. Dress for the evening is casual.

In addition to the evening itself, Dave Coulier has extended an invite to ticketholders who have young children: bring your children to Andiamo's at 5PM and Dave will do a meet and greet geared toward them!

To purchase tickets, go to www.sabrinablackfoundatio.org or hit any ticket Master location.

For any questions, please e-mail Steve Black at black@sabrinablackfoundation.org.

please pass the word.

Black

new video

2007-08-04T20:44:00.000-04:00

Please check out the smokin' new Chop Shop video. go to www.chopshopradio.com and scroll down half way and enjoy. It's olny 1:33 seconds but it's really cool.

Black

Perfect 20 - Frank Zappa

2007-07-29T12:50:00.000-04:00

With the Zappa plays Zappa show just here a few days back, I decided this would be a good time for another perfect 10 (20) list; so here's my top 20 Zappa songs.

1. City of Tiny Lights
2. Stinkfoot
3. Zombie Woof
4. Titties and Beer
5. Cosmik Debris
6. In France
7. Bamboozled by Love
8. You Are What You Is
9. Baby, Don't You Want a Man Like Me?
10. Keep it Greasy
11. Outside Now
12. Joe's Garage
13. Brown Shoes Don't Make it
14. Dirty Love
15. Camarillo Brillo
16. Broken Hearts are for A** Holes
17. We Are Not Alone
18. Why Does it Hurt When I Pee?
19. Carol, You Fool
20. Frogs With Dirty Little Lips

another day at the office

2007-07-28T20:22:00.001-04:00

Wednesday at the Family Values show I had a “Spinal-Tap” type interview.

Ron (our on-site promo man) and I went back stage to interview Amy Lee of Evanescence, but due to some confusion she was not ready to roll. We knew that we had an interview set with Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah, so we just stayed back stage to wait for the call from management.

When the call came, it turned out that vinnie’s bus was out front by the 2^nd stage, all the way on the opposite side of Pink Knob, so we jogged over to the bus, got set up in record time and started recording on the WRIF digital Marantz hard disc recorder. 3 minutes into the conversation, the machine breaks down.

Vinnie to his credit was laughing and talking about crazy #*%# like this happens to him all the time. He agreed to wait and I ran to the WRIF broadcast RV, slithered in the door where Doug Podell was live on the air with Atreyu, and grabbed my trusty Chop Shop mini disc recorder and scooted back to vinnie’s bus.

We resumed the interview, and took a couple of photos, then went back to the RV to figure out how to piece the 2 digital sources together.

The station has a 3^rd digital option, a recorder/editor called the short-cut. I knew I could feed both the Marantz and the Mini Disc into the short-cut and edit the interview into one piece, but where was it.

It turned out that while I was doing all this Amy Lee was ready for her interview so Anne Carlini had the short-cut with her back stage to do that interview.

When Anne returned, I was set to get everything put together and ready for broadcast when suddenly the power on the RV went out. To shorten the story, we kept tripping a breaker at DTE and it took me until almost 5pm to piece together an interview I recorded at 1:30pm.

But hey we persevered and delivered in true RIFF fashion!

fishing

2007-07-23T10:37:00.001-04:00

My family has been in town visiting from Arizona for the last week +. I always miss them but it really becomes clear just how much when you get to see them, and laugh with them.

I took my Dad and Brother Dave fishing while they where here, it was the first time in more than 20 years that we all went fishing together.

Speaking of fishing, I’ll be at the Lenover’s/Portifino fishing tournament and clinic tomorrow (Tuesday) from 4pm to 8pm at Portofino in downtown Wyandotte. Bring the kids and I’ll see you there.

SBF award dinner

2007-07-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

We have confirmed that we will be presenting the 1^st Sabrina Black Foundation dinner/award banquet. It will be on Friday, September 7^th at Andiamo’s, and will be hosted by TV Star Dave Coulier.

We will pay off a cancer patients hospital bill that night, honor a local cancer nurse, provide dinner and comedy for $100 a ticket with all the proceeds to go to the foundation.

I should have ticket information in the next two weeks!

Black is Back

2007-07-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

I’m back from vacation. My girlfriend Gina and I took a quick trip up to Mackinaw Island and had a magnificent time. It so great to be outside, get lots of exercise including all that bike riding. It was also nice to get away from the sounds of the city and the cell phone!

Perfect 10 (20) Van Halen

2007-07-01T12:53:00.000-04:00

Eddie Van Halen is out of rebab, and he looks great. Eddie is on the cover of the new guitar World Magazine pimping his new Fender 5150 III amps, and he looks fit, tan, and happy. Think about it, when was the last time you saw a photo of Edward smiling? He even cut his hair and got his teeth fixed.

Anyway, now seems like the perfect time to share my perfect 10 VH songs of all-time.....and as usual I love them too much to stop at 10.

1. 5150

2. Little Dreamer

3. D.O.A.

4. Little Guitars

5. I'm The One

6. Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do

7. Take Your Whisky Home

8. Mean Street

9. Feel Your Love Tonight

10. Take Me Back (Deja Vu)

11. Outta Love Again

12. Drop Dead Legs

13. The Dream is Over

14. So This is Love

15. Dreams

16. Bottoms Up

17. Poundcake

18. Cabo Wabo

19. Ice Cream Man

20. Fools

long time no blog

2007-06-30T20:32:00.000-04:00

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, I apologize for that.

I had to replace (upgrade) 2 computers, and get all the bugs ironed out. That is always time consuming and stressful, but things are approaching normal again.

As for the Chop Shop I’ve been loading up on interviews, In the last several days I’ve talked to Ian Hunter, Manny Charleton (Nazareth), Ted Nugent, Pat Travers and Les Paul! Yep the one and only creator of the solid body electric guitar, inventor of sound on sound recording and the 8-track recorder. Les just turned 92 and Page, Clapton, Steve Miller and a ton of other mega-stars all showed up to jam.

In the world of the Sabrina Black Foundation, we are preparing for our first award ceremony. Unfortunately, very little is official yet so I can only tell you that it will be a $100 a plate dinner in a nice place, with a national celebrity hosting. That night we will pay off one cancer patient’s entire hospital bill. We are also planning on making a local nurse our first “Sabrina Caregiver of the Year”. It will be a magical night, and it looks like it will be in September. More details soon.

I’ll be at Tool this Tuesday night, the Tigers game this Friday, Nickelback on the 16th, Tesla on the 18th, Chris Cornell on the 22nd and Deep Purple on the 27th.]

See you out there on the streets of the D.

Black

Perfect 10 - Scorpions

2007-06-23T21:34:00.000-04:00

WRIF is giving away tickets this weekend for the Scorpions, so here's my weekly perfect 10 - Scorps style.

1. We'll Burn the Sky
2. In Trance
3. Always Somewhere
4. The Zoo
5. I'm Leaving You
6. The Riot of Our Time
7. Loving You Sunday Morning
8. Bad Boys Running Wild
9. China White
10. Holiday

Cheers.

Perfect 10 (20) - Joe Satriani

2007-06-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

It's been 20 years since the release of Joe Satriani's ground-breaking instrumental album "Surfing With the Alien".

On August 7th, Joe will release a new expanded edition of "Surfing". This meticulously restored two-disc set includes the newly remastered album and a previously never-before-seen live show filmed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1988. It will also feature new liner notes written by Joe and special deluxe packaging featuring photos, notes and other memorabilia from Joe's personal archive

In honor of this I give you my perfect 10 Joe Satriani songs (and once again I couldn't stop at just 10....sorry)

1. Rubina
2. Ice 9
3. Rubina's Blue Sky Happiness
4. The Snake
5. I Believe
6. Back To Shalla-Bal
7. Crowd Chant
8. Memories
9. Up In The Sky
10. Banana Mango II
11. The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing
12. Cool # 9
13. Surfing With The Alien
14. Cryin'
15. Big Bad Moon
16. The Forgotten
17. Raspberry Jam Delta V
18. Circles
19. Thinking of You
20. Crushing Day