Monday, April 30, 2018

Synth Innovator, Pere Ubu founding member Allen Ravenstine releases new abstract instrumental album titled, Waiting For The Bomb


ALLEN RAVENSTINE, SYNTH INNOVATOR AND PERE UBU FOUNDING MEMBER, 
RELEASES NEW ALBUM TITLED, WAITING FOR THE BOMB, 
JUNE 29TH, 2018 ON CHRIS CUTLER'S LABEL RECOMMENDED RECORDS 

April 18, 2018 (New York, NY) – Proto-synth innovator Allen Ravenstine will release a new album titled, Waiting for the Bomb, on fellow Pere Ubu alumni (and Henry Cow founder), Chris Cutler's label Recommended Records. The release date is Friday, June 29th, 2018 and formats will include vinyl LP, CD and digital download. 

"This album has brought Allen back," Cutler says "to modular synthesis and, in this unusual recording, he arrives at a hybrid musical form that is more or less without precedent: discursive, digressive and disrupted by generic and emotional shifts; a music in which real-world sounds and real-world instruments occasionally argue with - or complement - the electronic current…" Noted journalist Rob Bowman adds “[Waiting for the Bomb] is a huge step forward for Ravenstine…various tracks conjure up ambient soundtracks, jazzy miniatures, space age exploration, world music, the ghost of Harry Partch, and, on “Day Shift,” the industrial dance floor.” 

Allen Ravenstine is recognized as one of the most creative synthesizer players of the past forty-plus years. His career began around 1975 when his composition, Terminal Drive, (released last year on Smog Veil Records) led him to become a founding member of the band Pere Ubu. Music scholar Nick Blakey notes "Terminal Drive's significance, in terms of Cleveland underground music, cannot be understated." And Keyboard Magazine wrote "…he constructed the recording using concrète sounds and a primitive, yet powerful analog synthesizer—the EML ElectroComp 200." 

Although Ravenstine initially rejected live performance, by joining Pere Ubu he was soon a working, touring, full-time musician. He contributed, as Robert Bowman writes "unpredictable textures, effects, bleeps, squalls, pulsating washes of sound—whatever he felt could enhance the soundscape of the band’s performances and recordings. In the mid-1980s, with Pere Ubu on hiatus, Ravenstine crafted similar sonic coloration for Red Krayola and David Thomas’ Wooden Birds, the latter of which eventually mutated into Pere Ubu Mk 5." 

By the early 1990s, Ravenstine quit working as a professional musician and instead became a commercial airplane pilot. However, in 2014 due to circumstances surrounding the documentary film, "I Dream of Wires," Ravenstine was drawn back into making music. Last year he released The Pharaoh’s Bee, and began writing and recording Waiting for the Bomb. 

"Most of this record was recorded in my apartment in New York city," Ravenstine explains, "using both analog and digital instruments, hardware and software. I accompanied the files to the Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton Ontario where tracks were added by Bob Doidge, Joe Sorbara and William Blakeney. Bob Doidge and Amy King assisted by Andrew MacPhail engineered the studio sessions. William Blakeney acted as producer and mastered the recording.  George Boski provided transportation." 

William Blakeney's production credits include CD projects by John Cage, Iannis Xenakis, Luc Ferrari, Mark Sutherland, Joel Chadabe, Gayle Young, Yoko Ono, John Luther Adams, Hugh Le Caine, Lukas Foss, Allen Ravenstine & Robert Wheeler, Reptilicus, Syrinx, Intersystems, John Mills-Cockell and many others.  Film credits include " I Dream of Wires," "Electronic Voyager" and "Subotnick." 

The eighteen tracks on Waiting for the Bomb are: 1. "Sentimental Duet" (01:32), 2. "Waiting For The Bomb" (03:01), 3. "The Ladies In The Garden" (03:38), 4. "Bombay Tar" (03:17), 5. "If Only There Was More Time" (03:11), 6. "In the Ether" (03:25), 7. "Tin Wallah"     (03:16), 8. "Day Shift" (03:11), 9. "The 537 to White Plains" (03:35), 10. "Save Our Ship" (04:20), 11. "Out Late" (09:39), 12. "Waiting" (01:40), 13. "Spirits" (04:20), 14. "Insomnia" (03:10), 15. "Bump in the Night" (03:29), 16. "Shoot This Dog" (04:14), 17. "Venus Calling" (02:57), and 18. "Short Wave" (03:59). 

Ravenstine has played on countless classic recordings of global acclaim, including “30 Seconds Over Tokyo/Heart of Darkness” 45 (Hearthan/1975); “The Modern Dance/Heaven” 45 (Hearthan/1977); The Modern Dance (Blank/1977); Dub Housing (Chrysalis/1978); Datapanik In The Year Zero EP (Radar/1978). As a live performer he has shared the stage with acts like John Cale, The Cramps, The Dead Boys, 15-60-75 (The Numbers Band), Destroy All Monsters, Devo, Gang of Four, The Human League, The Stranglers, The Styrenes, Tin Huey, X and many, many others. 

Allen Ravenstine lives in New York City and is a commercial airline pilot. He enjoys playing and recording music but rarely performs live. Waiting for the Bomb will be available via Morphius Records Inc., iTunes, Amazon and directly through the label at ReRmegacorp.com. 


Sunday, April 29, 2018

Soulwax Share New Track "Essential Four" || Announce 'Essential' LP Due Out 6/22 On DEEWEE


Soulwax Share New Track "Essential Four"
Announce Essential LP Due Out 6/22 On DEEWEE



Today Soulwax are thrilled to announce that they will release a new album of original material titled Essential on June 22nd via DEEWEE / [PIAS]. Alongside this news they have shared first cut "Essential Four". Listen to it HERE.

Elaborating on the album, the band say: "When we were approached to make an Essential Mix for the BBC in May 2017, we chose to do what every sane human being would do, we decided to lock ourselves into our studio for two weeks and make an hour of new music based around the word 'Essential', instead of preparing a mix of already existing music. The product of this otherwise unwise decision is something we ended up being very proud of and is now being released on the piece of plastic you’re are currently holding in your hands."
Soulwax are the first artists to ever submit an entire hour's worth of original material for a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix. “It felt like a challenge,” the band explain, “and something no-one had done. We loved the challenge of releasing a full record live on a radio show without people having any advance notice, and we always wanted to release it on DEEWEE after it was aired on Radio 1”

Comprised of 12 tracks, named "Essential One – ‘Essential Twelve", each song on the album is based around the word ‘essential’. "Essential Four", a cut from the album, features vocals from Belgian vocalist Charlotte Adigéry, who will be releasing her second EP on DEEWEE in 2018.

Recorded in just under two weeks at Soulwax’s DEEWEE studio in Ghent, Belgium, Essential was created using the gear they didn’t use for their celebrated 2017 LP From Deewee, which was recorded live with the band in one take.

Since the creation of Soulwax in 1995, David and Stephen Dewaele have consistently pushed the boundaries into new and innovative territory. In addition to Soulwax, they continue to tour the globe as 2manydjs, have their DEEWEE record label and studio, Radio Soulwax – a visual radio station and app, and the Despacio project with James Murphy. And, furthermore, producing some of the most cutting-edge remixes we’ve seen in recent times for the likes of Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jagwar Ma, Warpaint, Tame Impala, Metronomy, Arcade Fire, Daft Punk, Gossip, Hot Chip, MGMT, and many more.

Essential will be available on heavyweight double-vinyl, CD and digital formats on June 22nd via DEEWEE / [PIAS].

Soulwax will perform at Coachella on April 20th, All Points East in London on May 26th and the DEEWEE stage at Dour Festival on July 13th, plus further festival appearances to be announced shortly.


SOULWAX LIVE DATES

4/19/2018 - Los Angeles, CA - Fonda Theater
4/20/2018 - Indio, CA - Coachella
5/26/2018 - London, UK - All Points East
7/7/2018 - Caen, FR - Festical Beauregard
7/13/2018 - Clitheroe, UK - Beat Herder
7/19/2018 - Carhaix, FR - Vielles Charrues Festival

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Horror-Thriller THE RAKE Coming to Digital and DVD

A Terrifying Urban Legend Becomes Real in the Horror-Thriller




 Starring Shenae Grimes-Beech (TV’s “90210”), Rachel Melvin (Dumb and Dumber To), and Izabella Miko (Coyote Ugly)



Spreading Fear on DVD & Digital June 5




A terrifying urban legend becomes real in the horror-thriller THE RAKE, spreading fear on DVD and Digital June 5 distributed by Unified Pictures via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Shenae Grimes-Beech (TV’s “90210,” Scream 4), Rachel Melvin (TV’s “Sleepy Hollow”), and Izabella Miko (Clash of the Titans) star in this chilling tale of siblings who return home 20 years after the shocking murder of their parents and discover that the horrible crime may have a startling connection to a local urban legend. Directed by award-winning horror filmmaker Tony Wash (2014’s SXSW Film Festival Midnight Short Award nominee “The Muck”; 2011’s Chicago Horror Film Festival Jury Award-winning short “A Chance in Hell; It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want To) and co-starring Joey Bicicchi (Rudderless), Stephen Brodie (The Lone Ranger), and Joe Nuñez (Superbad), this scarily entertaining movie features a perfect mix of action, suspense, and scream-worthy moments horror fans won’t want to miss when THE RAKE creeps home on DVD and Digital. 



Synopsis: At a young age, Ashley and Ben witnessed the brutal murder of their parents.  Years later, Ashley is still convinced it wasn’t someone, but something that killed her parents and now she’s tormented by the thought of THE RAKE returning for her and her family.  Is Ashley traumatized, or is the creature inside her real?



THE RAKE was co-written by Tony Wash and Jeremy Silva (High on the Hog) and produced by Mike Dozier (Devil in My Ride).



THE RAKE has a run time of approximately 79 minutes and is Not Rated.

Friday, April 27, 2018

2001: A Space Odyssey 50th Anniversary Special Program

2001: A Space Odyssey 50th Anniversary Special Program


The Museum of Science Fiction, in cooperation with The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey with a special program featuring a film screening, special guests, and never-before-seen prop reproductions at Escape Velocity 2018: https://escapevelocity.events/2001-program

A 1:1 scale replica of the EVA pod built by Greg Nicotero, executive producer and director on The Walking Dead, will make its public debut at EV 2018. The project is now nearing completion after having been in production for several years.

The EVA pod will be on display for the first time ever alongside screen accurate replicas of two of the most iconic props from the film: a 9-foot tall Monolith replica and Clavius moon base spacesuit reproduction. The spacesuit was constructed by prop maker and 2001 aficionado Mike Scott, who also provided spacesuits to Adam Savage and astronaut Chris Hadfield for Comic-Con 2015.

Engineer and author Adam Johnson will bring his book, The Lost Science of 2001: A Space Odyssey, to a discussion panel looking back on the film and examining why it remains one of the most influential and thought-provoking works of science fiction even now, 50 years after its premiere. Johnson will be joined by Robert Godwin, the book's publisher, and Greg Nicotero. The panel will be moderated by Arthur C. Clarke Foundation treasurer and board member, Tim Logue. The panel will be followed by a book signing and film screening.

"Sir Arthur C. Clarke, the acclaimed author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, believed that it was not just science and technology that was essential for the future survival of humankind, but imagination and art as well," said Logue. "This mantra is reflected perfectly in the motto of Escape Velocity 2018 -- from imagination to reality -- and we at the Foundation are delighted to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Clarke's groundbreaking work with the Museum of Science Fiction."

A prototype of an exact reproduction and fully functioning HAL9000 wall panel will also be presented in the exhibition hall by iconic prop modeling company, Master Replicas Group. The HAL9000 production model will be available this spring. The working prototype also includes HAL’s voice and uses an Amazon Alexa interface to communicate with people.

The Museum Gallery will display a Pan Am stewardess uniform which was featured prominently in the famous "floating pen" scene in the film as the Orion III spaceplane transported Dr. Heywood Floyd to Space Station V. The uniform was reproduced in partnership with the UNC Chapel Hill graduate costume production program and features the iconic hair cap and Velcro shoes. A CAD model of the floating Parker “atomic pen” is available for free downloading and 3D printing on the Escape Velocity CAD catalog: https://escapevelocity.events/cad-catalog

Escape Velocity 2018 is the third annual convention presented by the Museum of Science Fiction. It will return to the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on May 25-27, 2018 at National Harbor, MD, the site of the inaugural convention in 2016. For additional information about Escape Velocity, including details for press registration, please visit: https://escapevelocity.events/press-media/

About the Museum of Science Fiction
The nonprofit Museum of Science Fiction will be the world’s first comprehensive science fiction museum, covering the history of the genre across the arts and providing a narrative on its relationship to the real world. The Museum will show how science fiction continually inspires individuals, influences cultures, and impacts societies. Also serving as an educational catalyst to expand interest in the science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) areas, the Museum uses tools such as mobile applications and wifi-enabled display objects to engage and entertain. For a full press packet on the Museum of Science Fiction’s vision and other information, please visit: www.museumofsciencefiction.org/presspacket

About Escape Velocity 2018
The Museum of Science Fiction and NASA are partnering to bring Escape Velocity 2018 to Washington, DC. The event is a futuristic world’s fair to promote informal STEAM educational activities within the context of science fiction using the fun of comic cons and fascination of science and engineering festivals. Escape Velocity 2018 seeks to make a measurable positive impact to boost informal learning on the more conceptually challenging academic areas. Escape Velocity's mission is to attract young people to science, technology, engineering, art, and math by producing and presenting the most compelling, exciting, educational, and entertaining science festival in the United States using science fiction as its primary engine. Escape Velocity will achieve orbit on May 25-27, 2018 at the Marriott Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Fright-Rags Rings in Friday the 13th with MISFITS, BASKET CASE, & MASTERS OF HORROR Apparel



Fright-Rags Rings in Friday the 13th with MISFITS, BASKET CASE, & MASTERS OF HORROR
New apparel on sale now at Fright-Rags.com

Fright-Rags rings in Friday the 13th with new merchandise from the Misfits, Basket Case, and masters of horror Alfred Hitchcock and Lon Chaney.



Fright-Rags has once again joined forces with punk legends the Misfits for three shirts: “Fiend from Crystal Lake” crosses the band’s iconic fiend skull logo with Jason Voorhees’ signature hockey mask; "American Nightmare" gives Freddy Krueger a Misfits-style makeover; and "Mommy Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight?" puts a horror poster spin on the band's classic song of the same name.

Fright-Rags launched a collection of apparel for Frank Henenlotter's 1982 cult classic, Basket Case. It includes three new shirt designs, the classic poster art on T-shirts and baseball tees, and an enamel pin with slide action to reveal what's in the basket: the monstrous Belial.

Fright-Rags has expanded its Masters of Horror collection with new Alfred Hitchcock and Lon Chaney apparel. The Hitchcock shirt is dedicated to his influential Alfred Hitchcock Presents anthology series, while Chaney is featured on a shirt and a pair of socks in his iconic Phantom of the Opera makeup.



Misfits, Basket Case and Masters of Horror collections are on sale now at Fright-Rags.com.

Be sure to return to the site on April 20 for its latest "classick" re-print of Jeff Zornow’s The Burning shirt, available for three days only. Fright-Rags will also be participating in the Alien Day festivities on April 26 with several limited edition items.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Arrow Video US - April 2018 Release Schedule


New from Arrow Video US and Arrow Academy US

Seijun Suzuki: The Early Years. Vol. 2 Limited Edition [Blu-ray + DVD] (4-17)


Sleeping Dogs [Blu-ray] (4-17)


A Pistol For Ringo & The Return Of Ringo: Two Films By Duccio Tessari [Blu-ray](4-24)


Killer Klowns From Outer Space [Blu-ray] (4-24)


All the Colours Of Sergio Martino [Book]  (4-3)


The Hitcher [Book]  (4-6)



Ennio Morricone - Autopsy: Original Soundtrack [Vinyl]  (4-21 - Record Store Day)


via MVD Entertainment Group
Go All-Around the World with Arrow this April!

Break out your passport because Arrow Films is ready to take you on a journey across the globe for a taste of cinema from all corners. First up, the Arrow express takes us to Japan with the release of Seijun Suzuki: The Early Years, Vol. 2 - Border Crossings: The Crime and Action Movies. This set brings to home video for the first time outside of Japan, 5 films from the first 5 years of Suzuki's career (1957-1961). Released under Nikkatsu's Borderless Action line, these thrillers of mob warfare and exuberant action helped set the stage of Japanese action to come.

Moving from the islands of Japan to the island of New Zealand with the release of Roger Donaldson's Sleeping Dogs. Based on the novel Smith's Dream, Sleeping Dogs helped launched the New Zealand New Wave movement, introducing a system of government tax breaks and creating a boom of film production in the country. The film is also significant for starring a young Sam Neill who would go on to be sort of a big deal.

The next stop on this April adventure takes us to Europe with a pair of spaghetti westerns with A Pistol for Ringo & The Return of Ringo: Two Films by Duccio Tessari. While Tessari doesn't have the quite the name recognition as Leone, he was a major player in the spaghetti western world having co-written A Fistful of Dollars a year before making his back-to-back Ringo films. The films were a rousing success and helped kick-start the career of actor Giuliano Gemma.

Arrow's journey through the world of film comes to a close in the United States with the 80's cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Since the beginning of time, clowns have always been scary rather than funny, but it was the release of the Chiodo Brothers horror-comedy that forever cemented clowns as space creatures with a thirst for human blood. If this circus comes to your town, move.

April releases from Arrow will also include two more books - All the Colours of Sergio Martino and The Hitcher. The former takes a look at the 40 year career of the Italian maestro Sergio Martino, while the latter exams the complex beast that is Robert Harmon's 1986 film The Hitcher. 

Finally, the month will see the Arrow Records release of Autopsy: Original Soundtrack from Ennio Morricone on marbled orange vinyl. Previously unreleased on vinyl, this soundtrack is one of the most experimental scores from the Oscar winner's legendary career.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Philly's Forgotten 70s Rock 'n' Roll trio Once Performed with Music Greats


The band that introduced Ozzy to cheesesteaks!



Our heads will always jam out to the classic heavy metal rock ‘n’ roll as radios still play the songs we grew up with or cherish from our parents. Relive those times in BANG’s book, The Bang Story. Follow Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frankie Gilcken as they tell of their rise to fame starting from meeting in childhood to then performing with Hall of Famers. Re-experience the culture of the time from the trio’s memories and photos. In just under 200 pages, The Bang Story is a fun read filled with Rock 'n' Roll nostalgia.
In the summer of 1971, BANG, a trio from the Philadelphia area, decided to take a road trip to Florida to try their fortune. While buying some rolling papers in the Sunshine State, they learned about a Small Faces and Deep Purple concert nearby in Orlando. They showed up at the venue and brazenly declared they were ready to go on stage. The concert organizer asked them to set up and play for him. After a couple songs, he told them they were opening for Rod Stewart and Faces. Before they knew it, BANG was playing with Bachman Turner Overdrive, Deep Purple, Three Dog Night, Fleetwood Mac, Ike and Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers, and even Black Sabbath. Capitol Records signed them, and three LPs were released. Join Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frankie Gilcken, as they recall their rapid rise to fame, playing with numerous Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.


Monday, April 23, 2018

THE CLASH: ALL THE ALBUMS, ALL THE SONGS" - New Book Next Month



COMING NEXT MONTH: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE ENTIRE STUDIO OUTPUT OF ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BANDS IN ROCK…




In THE CLASH: ALL THE ALBUMS, ALL THE SONGS, veteran music journalist Martin Popoff dissects each of the band’s 103 tracks, including the circumstances that led to their creation, the recording and writing processes, the historical contexts, and much more. In addition, an introductory essay sets the scene for each album, while sidebar features explore influences on the band, album art, non-LP singles, the band’s staunch political stance, and song details, such as running time, instruments played, engineers, and studios. A DEEP LOOK INTO THE MUSIC OF THE CLASH

Publishes May 8, 2018 by Voyageur Press | Hardcover, 240 pages with 250 color photos | $30.00 USD, $39.00 CAN

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

D.O.A. "Fight Back" new album coming May 1st



D.O.A., Canada's legendary pioneering punks who set the bar high for punk and basically invented hardcore, are ready to rip it up on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. They have a brand new album called Fight Back and they are embarking on a worldwide tour to support this impressive new effort. The "Men of Action" are ready to take on all opposition and lay down a punk rock path of wild music and free thought. Their rough and ready line up is led by the godfather of Hardcore, Joe Shithead Keithley (guitar, vocals) he is more than ably accompanied by the manic rhythm section of Paddy Duddy (drums) and Corkscrew (bass).
Early reviews indicate that Fight Back is the most innovative D.O.A. album since War on 45. D.O.A. has always been right on the pulse of what's going on in our screwed up world. Fight Back deals with what we have left, which in a lot of ways, is not much.
"When you really think about it, income inequality and disparity is at the root of a lot huge problems, like environmental degradation, war, sexism and hate" said Keithley who has been fighting the good fight for the last 40 years. It's why he's made TALK - ACTION = 0 his lifelong mantra.
Fight Back, released on Joe's own label Sudden Death Records, is a scathing and timely piece. Joe deals with all manner of unseemly low characters and issues. The album opens with acerbic "You Need an Ass Kickin' Right Now," next rips right into the startling "Killer Cops," then smashes into the anthemic "Time To Fight Back," which is street punk resistance at its fiercest. The album proceeds with the timely "Gonna Set You Straight" with violent and natural ease, and continues with the vitriolic "I Just Got Back From the USA." Then, the album takes a funny twist with "We Won't Drink This Piss" (down with bad corporate beer!) and "You Can't Stop Me," a song in which Joe delves into the character of Slapshot's playing coach Reggie Dunlop (a natural alter ego perhaps).
D.O.A. was formed amidst a whirlwind of controversy and upheaval. In 1978, three guys fresh out of high school from the backwaters of Canada's suburbs heard about the punk rock revolution. In February of that same year the band formed and started playing shows. They soon realized that there were no record deals coming in any time soon.
Keithley (aka Joey Shithead) who was working towards being a civil rights lawyer before he found punk rock, concluded that the band had to take the "do it yourself" approach long before DIY became a popular concept. He formed a fledging record label called Sudden Death Records and the label released D.O.A.'s first snarling slab of vinyl, the Disco Sucks 7" EP.
Disco Sucks soon became an underground hit and the band started touring from Vancouver to their newly adopted "home base" of California five to six times a year. In 1980, Keithley coined the term "hardcore" and the band soon released their landmark album Hardcore 81. The album became a hit, the hardcore movement took off, and D.O.A. pushed that expression into common vernacular.
Over the last four decades, D.O.A. have released 17 studio albums, sold over a million albums, and played 4,000 shows on five different continents. The band's albums, shows, and attitude have won over three generations of fans and influenced the likes of Green Day, Nirvana, Offspring, Henry Rollins, David Grohl and The Red Hot Chilli peppers, to name a few. Keithley has also written two books: I Shithead: A Life in Punk and TALK - ACTION = 0.
From day one, D.O.A. has helped organize and lead hundreds of benefit concerts and protests for good and just causes like environmental issues, women's rights, food bank benefits, and First Nations' rights. They have organized protests and stood against war, racism, weapons proliferation, and countless other causes.
Keithley has been called a cultural politician, trying to change the world from outside the system. He's currently running for Mayor of his home town of Burnaby, under the Green Party banner, attempting to change the system from inside. Keithley and the band were also ardent supporters of the Occupy Movement, realizing this was a step towards equality in our world. He is always looking for a way to push "grassroots democracy" and like his idol Pete Seeger, he and the band won't give up.
When the band takes their wild, unbridled show live show on the road, it's a must see, because it's a chance to see one of the last real punk rock bands that gets out there, kicks ass, and tells it like it is. It's a perpetual atmosphere of chaos, veering out of control, but somehow, at the last minute, D.O.A. manages to reign all of it back in. And in an indescribable way, you are not quite the same person afterwards.

TIME TO FIGHT BACK AND CHANGE THIS WORLD
TALK - ACTION = 0
Ya Hey! D.O.A. - Forty years and going strong

The "Men Of Action" are returning to the US for some unfinished business.

US TOUR DATES (w/ MDC as main support):
5/21 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
5/22 - Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
5/23 - Fort Collins,CO @ Hodi's Half Note
5/24 - Denver, CO @ Streets Of London Pub
5/26 - Las Vegas, NV @ Punk Rock Bowling Festival
5/29 - Laguna Niguel, CA @ Karmann Bar
5/30 - West Hollywood, CA @ The Viper Room
5/31 - San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
6/02 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
6/03 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
6/04 - El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace
6/05 - Harlingen, TX @ Hop Shop
6/06 - Austin, TX @ Barracuda
6/07 - Houston, TX @ The Secret Group
6/08 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
6/09 - Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar and Grill
6/10 - Tulsa, OK @ Shrine
6/12 - Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
6/13 - Des Moines, IA @ Lefty's Live Music
6/15 - Billings, MT @ The Pub Station
6/16 - Spokane, WA @ The Pin!

US & CANADA TOUR DATES (w/ Down By Law + Kevin Seconds (of 7 Seconds) playing solo:
07/06 - Vancouver, BC @ First Annual Fight Back Festival, Rickshaw Theater
07/11 - Regina
07/12 - Winnipeg
07/13 - Thunder Bay
07/14 - Minneapolis
07/15 - Green Bay
07/16 - Madison
07/17 - Milwaukee
07/18 - Chicago
07/19 - Detroit
07/20 - Cleveland
07/21 - Buffalo
07/22 - Brooklyn
07/23 - Philly
07/24 - TBA
07/25 - Toronto
07/26 - Ottawa
07/27 - Montreal ¹77 Festival

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

LETHAL AMOUNTS ANNOUNCES SPIRITUAL CRAMP : A DOCUMENTARY ON CHRISTIAN DEATH AND ROZZ WILLIAMS

LETHAL AMOUNTS ANNOUNCES

SPIRITUAL CRAMP

A DOCUMENTARY ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OFCHRISTIAN DEATH AND ROZZ WILLIAMS


SEE MORE ON THE DOCUMENTARY AT PLEDGE MUSIC

Los Angeles gallery and promoter Lethal Amounts is excited to announce the documentary Spiritual Cramp, a film on the life of Rozz Williams, frontman of seminal goth rock band, Christian Death. Lethal Amounts has partnered with Pledge Music to raise funds to further the production of the documentary. Items available through Pledge Music include rare, limited edition merchandise, art pieces and collectors items. To see the full list of items click HERE.

Spiritual Cramp is more than just a music bio about a death-rock band. It examines the life of Rozz Williams - a young artist coming of age during the California punk explosion of the late 70s. At the young age of 16, Rozz Williams and his friends started Christian Death in their garage as a reaction to the growing hyper-masculine, straight male dominated SoCal punk scene. Christian Death ignited a new musical genre and opened the doors to what later became known as the Goth subculture.

The name Christian Death was an act of defiance in itself, especially for Williams. He grew up in an extremely religious household, and was brought up being told that to be gay sent you straight to hell. Christian Death’s music and their existence as a band acted as a rejection of traditional modes of thought and damaging religious beliefs. Their live shows blurred the lines between art and shock. The band gained a cult-like following around the world, influencing generations of outsiders and countless boundary pushing icons such as Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor.

Historically, Christian Death is important to the narrative of California music but what’s more, Williams is an archetype for the tortured artist. People looked up to his bravery as he fearlessly dressed in women’s clothing on and off stage in a time and a scene where that kind of self-expression could lead to arrest or even being killed. His image was not meant to be glamorous but to be feared and avoided. Much like Ian Curtis, Amy Winehouse or Kurt Cobain, Williams shared the same dilemma – trying to strike a balance between art and overcoming personal trauma.

Williams’ lifelong battle with depression eventually defeated him in 1998. He took his own life in a way that some may interpret as a staged, elaborate April Fool’s Day “prank” art tableau.

This documentary has been a longtime dream of Lethal Amounts owner and creative director Danny Fuentes. Fuentes grew up in the violent 90’s punk scene of East Los Angeles, dominated by hypermasculine and oftentimes homophobic attitudes. He often  felt obligated to keep his sexuality to himself in order to fit in. When he became interested in Christian Death he was fascinated and inspired by how bold Rozz Williams was when walking around in “Drag” at a punk show. To Fuentes, Williams was the embodiment of strength and fearlessness.

To honor the life of Rozz Williams, Lethal Amounts opened an exhibit at the gallery space in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday April 1st - marking the 20th anniversary of Williams’ passing. The exhibit includes never before seen Christian Death photos by legendary rock photographer Edward Colver, lyric sheets, set lists, original artwork, and personal artifacts that give an intimate look into his life as an artist. The exhibit will be up through the middle of April.

ABOUT LETHAL AMOUNTS
Lethal Amounts focuses on subversive and counter culture themes throughout history, addressing the social and artistic value of underground movements while highlighting taboo topics. Lethal Amounts showcases the extremes of those individuals who have moved culture forward and live on the edge of and outside of societal norms. Rock ‘n Roll of the past that has crossed over into pop culture fanaticism, street culture influences and cult hero worship.

Lethal Amounts inhabits a physical gallery space in downtown Los Angeles that features three exhibition rooms and over 2,500 sq. ft. In addition to the gallery space Lethal Amounts hosts and produces events throughout Los Angeles, including the monthly Sex Cells party, as well as a clothing line that partners with like-minded musicians and artists to release original licensed shirt designs and more.

Friday, April 6, 2018

DVD/VOD Release (4/10) -- Breaking Glass throws a killer party with new slasher RAVE PARTY MASSACRE



Rave Party Massacre 

Synopsis: On the eve of an abandoned hospital’s demotion, evil walks its empty corridors to the pulsating echo of 150 beats per minute. It’s 1992, an uncertain time of uprising, of violent revolution against the so-called New World Order. When Rachel, Branson, and others attend an illegal rave party held in the facility, they encounter the malevolent presence lurking within. A hallucinogenic drug nightmare infused with illicit partying and forbidden sex, these young ravers will soon discover the insane world of DeadThirsty in RAVE PARTY MASSACRE.
Release Date: April 10, 2018 - DVD/VOD

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Night Flight Returns To Cable With New Season On IFC

Night Flight Returns To Cable With New Season On IFC
 


Screening event on Thursday, April 19 at 7 PM at Brooklyn's Alamo Drafthouse 


The '80s are back and bigger than ever on IFC. The network recently partnered with Night Flight, the cult late night series that originally aired from 1981 to 1989. 

This spring, IFC is reviving the pop culture show as a short form program, showcasing the most memorable moments from the original Night Flight library, including iconic interviews and performances from 80s era all-stars. Premiering Friday, April 20 at 1 AM (Friday night/Saturday morning) each 15-minute episode of Night Flight on IFC will bring back classic guest stars such as Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, KISS, The Sex Pistols and even Gumby. 18 episodes of Night Flight will air this year. Catch a sneak peek HERE

To honor the return of Night Flight, IFC is hosting a 90-minute screening event on Thursday, April 19 at 7:00PM at Brooklyn's Alamo Drafthouse (445 Albee Square W #4, Brooklyn, NY 11201), where they'll be showing a collection of the series' best moments coming to IFC's air followed by a Q&A with original Night Flight Creator and Producer Stuart S. Shapiro. Tickets are available HERE

In 2016, Night Flight was reborn as Night Flight Plus, a streaming channel from the original creators of the cult USA Networks '80s classic. Available online, and via streaming services including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast, Night Flight Plus offers access to
Night Flight episodes in their original airdate form, plus an array of provocative new selections (many from MVD)  from the world of music, documentaries, animation, cult film, horror and more for just $39.99 a year.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

The Dead Will Walk the Earth in Fright-Rags' DAWN OF THE DEAD, PINHEAD, & NECRONOMICON Gear


The dead will walk the earth in Fright-Rags' Dawn of the Dead, Pinhead, & Necronomicon gearNew shirts, socks, & trading cards available now from Fright-Rags.com


Fright-Rags has released new merchandise featuring Dawn of the Dead, Hellraiser's Pinhead, and the Evil Dead franchise's Necronomicon.

When there's no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the earth in Fright-Rags' Dawn of the Dead gear! Five new shirts and a pair of socks join several previously-released designs from George A. Romero's 1978 zombie classic. 

The company has also created a series of Dawn of the Dead trading cards. Individual wax packs include nine cards and a sticker, with chase and sketch cards randomly inserted. They can also be purchased in limited edition sealed boxes with two complete, 86-card sets and more.

Fright-Rags has such sights to show you with its expanded Pinhead collection. The lead cenobite from Clive Barker’s Hellraiser and its many sequels is featured on four shirts and two pairs of socks.

Reading is fun with Fright-Rags' new Necronomicon tee, which re-imagines the Book of the Dead - as featured in the Evil Dead franchise - as a 1970s children's book. Necronomicon folding enamel pins, pocket notebooks, socks, and a classic shirt design are back in stock as well.

Dawn of the Dead, Pinhead, and Necronomicon collections are on sale now at Fright-Rags.com.



Monday, April 2, 2018

Killer Klowns From Outer Space 30th Anniversary Event



Something Bitchin’ This Way Comes...

KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE 30th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!


A Premiere Live-to-Film Concert of The Original Cult Classic, With Live Music Performed by The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, Conducted By The Film’s Composer John Massari

Featuring a Q&A With The Filmmakers – Including The Chiodo Brothers, John Massari, and Cast Members Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder

Plus Circus Performers, Magicians, Klown Kostumes, Body Art, and Fan Art Media Exhibits

And … Special Guests, The Dickies Performing Their Iconic Theme Song
Killer Klowns From Outer Space

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Killer Klowns From Outer Space with a Bacchanalian Circus Celebration and Fan Tribute on May 19, 2018 at The Montalban Theater (1615 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90028​, tickets at http://bit.ly/2GmJmnU). 

America’s fascination with Killer Klowns From Outer Space began on screen in 1988, as a group of clown-like aliens land their trans-dimensional space ship and terrorize a small American town. The film has achieved cult status with its clever blend of horror, science fiction and comedy.


“Clowns can be frightening, bizarre and terrifying. We took that primordial fear and put it in a Sci-Fi movie,” explained composer John Massari.  “You have something that should make you happy and laugh, but now it will kill and eat you and… it’s from outer space! Who would have dreamed of this? That’s the craziest idea in the world.”  Over time the film has earned generations of fans – many of whom Massari has connected with both through social media and at conventions leading him to create this special celebration of all things Killer Klowns.

For the 30th Anniversary, Massari has created a three-ring Sci-Fi/Horror celebration, reuniting an amazing line-up of special guests, including the film’s creators, the Chiodo Brothers, musical guests The Dickies, stars Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder.

At 6PM, the Kosmic Klown circus celebration will begin with stilt walkers, balloon folding artist Buster Balloon Cadwell, contortionist Bonnie Morgan, plus fortune tellers, strong men and women, magicians, body art, fan arts and crafts, and of course the Killer Klowns.  There will be a pre-show Q&A at 7PM featuring Stephen Chiodo (writer/director), Charles Chiodo (writer/art director), Edward Chiodo (writer/producer), Grant Cramer (Mike Tobacco), Suzanne Snyder (Debbie Stone), members of The Dickies, and composer John Massari, moderated by Jim Branscome of Cinematic Void.

Following the Q&A, at 8PM, the film will be screened with it’s original musical score performed live by The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Massari.  LA's very own original punk rockers, The Dickies, will perform their enduring classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space theme song.
Stephen Chiodo declares, “Whoopdee God Damned De Do!! What a fantastic way to celebrate a 30 year anniversary surrounded by fans, John’s incredible score and the Dickies.”

Varèse Sarabande Records will be releasing a new recording of the soundtrack on CD and LP, available for sale at the concert.  The album features the original score performed by members of The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, with new orchestrations by Massari and Bernhard Eder. The Dickies recorded a BRAND NEW version of the film’s theme song featuring an extra creepy intro followed by their signature pure punk energized sound.

“For 30 years, love and loyalty from fans the world over made this extraordinary movie a beloved cult classic,” said Massari.  “This event is our way to celebrate Killer Klowns From Outer Space directly with these fans.”

Sunday, April 1, 2018

‘The Karate Kid’ Returns to the Big Screen With a Sneak Preview of YouTube Red’s Original Series Reboot ‘Cobra Kai,’ in Cinemas Nationwide April 25 Only



Moviegoers across the country will be practicing their “wax on, wax off” skills when Fathom Events and YouTube revive the beloved “Karate Kid” saga with an exclusive, one-night cinema experience featuring the original 1984 classic, “The Karate Kid,” coupled with an exclusive advance screening of the first two episodes from the new YouTube Red Original Series, “Cobra Kai,” based on the Karate Kid franchise.

Tickets for “Cobra Kai: Premiere Feat. The Karate Kid” can be purchased beginning Friday, March 23, at www.FathomEvents.com or participating theater box offices.

This special event screens in cinemas nationwide for one night on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. local time. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 700 select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Originally hitting theaters in 1984, “The Karate Kid" received critical acclaim as a heart-stopping yet endearing underdog story following the friendship of high schooler Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his apartment maintenance man turned martial arts trainer Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), as Daniel prepares to take on arch-rival Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) in the All Valley Karate Tournament. Through Miyagi's teaching, Daniel learns important life lessons, overcomes adversity and ultimately faces his opponent in an epic match. An instant commercial success, the film spawned a franchise of memorabilia, three sequels, a television series, and a 2010 remake featuring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.

In the highly-anticipated return of two iconic characters, the arch-rivals from the legendary “Karate Kid” film reunite in “Cobra Kai.” Now living in the affluent hills of Encino, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) leads an enviable life with his beautiful family, while running a successful string of car dealerships throughout the valley. Meanwhile, his high school adversary, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whose life has taken a rocky turn, seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. Their lives inevitably become intertwined and the rivalry is reignited, setting forth the next generation of “karate kids” in “Cobra Kai,” a YouTube Red Original Series. “Cobra Kai” is produced by Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television.

The YouTube Red Original series “Cobra Kai” will have its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 24 and will later launch to audiences around the world May 2 on YouTube Red.

“‘The Karate Kid’ became an instant classic in the 1980s and continues to resonate with generations of film lovers across the country,” said Fathom Events VP of Programming Tom Lucas. “We’re excited to partner with YouTube Red to give audiences an exclusive look into the reignited rivalry in ‘Cobra Kai,’ along with the original film and a cast panel discussion -- all on the big screen.”

“A beloved American classic, ‘The Karate Kid’ film continues to be one of the most searched entertainment properties on YouTube,” said Susanne Daniels Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “We’re thrilled to recreate the world inside the dojo in this exciting new YouTube Red Original Series, featuring iconic cast members from the original film.”



About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with participating theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top stage productions including Newsies! The Broadway Musical and George Takei’s Allegiance, major sporting events such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, epic concerts with artists like Lady Antebellum and Sammy Hagar, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events such as Is Genesis History? and IN OUR HANDS: The Battle for Jerusalem, and beloved anime titles like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 912 locations and 1,427 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About YouTube Red

YouTube Red is a paid membership that gives you access to YouTube Red Original Movies and Series like STEP UP: HIGH WATER. In addition, you get a premium music service and an uninterrupted experience across YouTube, YouTube Gaming and YouTube Kids. YouTube Red is currently available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Korea.