REVIEW: OCT KILLER DWARFS/DEMOLITION RAGE/ RELLIKDOG & LUKAS ROSSI OSHAWA SHOW/CARBON AND CROSSDOCKERS and Black Moon Entertainment.

STAYING IN TUNE with 

Killer Dwarfs & Lukas Rossi & CRUED!

Demolition Rage

ROCK n ROCK WILL NEVER DIE.  What a tremendous weekend in rock n roll starting at The Rockpile Night Club Friday October 21st, 2016.  The club was just a rockin the classic heavy metal, in the sold out Killer Dwarfs show filled with 410 all aged fans. Opening artists were a spectacular collective group of seasoned metal veterans featuring hard and heavy local act Demolition Rage.  Kevin Brazolot bassist/vox, founder/song-writer/guitarist/vox Fabio La Rocca, drummer Cameron Cathcart & frontman George Petkovski delivered some "Screaming Metal" with intensity to bands like Pantera & Dio.  Set list was impressive with 2 Faced Smile, Cast Iron Bitch, Taste of Hell, Adjusting the Pain, Jack of Shadows & leaving the audience awe inspired by vocalist's sound alike DIO cover- Rainbow in the Dark.  Having the past pleasures of playing with Iron Maiden, Motor Head, Dio, 3 Days Grace, I Mother Earth, Kim Mitchell, Slick Toxic, Lee Aaron & ANVIL, you know it won’t be long until you see their name in lights, so hurry and don't delay "Run For The Fence" today to view  www.demolitionrage.com  and get your $10 ticket to see them perform Nov. 12 at 5555 Dundas Street West, The Rockpile Night Club as they are in a huge high profile Metal showcase.
Rellikdog

Also, on the Oct 21st bill just cranking it loud & proud was Orillia's distinct power house & "Angel from Hell" Chuck Swire on lead vox/guitar & his Rellikdog members Adam Cooper lead guitar/vox, Stu Beaudoin bass/vox & Keith Jardine on drums. They can sure growl with the best of them & their sound has a hard shredding uniqueness, check out their wicked set list: God Killer, RIP, Psycho, Mental Society, FTW, Bring on The Fight, Heavy Metal, Fallen, War, Devil Within Me, Bleeding Out & World of War.  If you were stressed out before attending this lineup, you were cured as soon as the first chord was struck, as Metal relieves Mental. Stay in tune at 
https://www.reverbnation.com/rellikdogtheband

Killer Dwarfs This show had the largest all age’s audience I have ever seen at the Rockpile, which was presented by S & S Promotions.

2 time JUNO nominees the Killer Dwarfs are 35 year innovators & creative structures in the Canadian hard rock industry. They called out for their #DwafNation to "Stand Tall" & be a part of the Killer Dwarfs history forever and celebrate by being a part of their live recording on a future album (they finished the live recording at the October 22nd Brass Monkey show in Ottawa).  T.O fans jammed the stage to witness magic occur; some new songs and familiar DwarfNation metal staples, Russell Dwarf Graham and his body surfing the crowd and his famous head stand, sure "Drifting Me Back" in time. 

Killer Dwarfs

Their set list was an incredible mix of tunes and they never lost the fans focus as they worked the crowd and they sure knew how to "Keep The Spirit Alive" while founding members Russell Dwarf  Graham lead vox/guitar, Darrell Dwarf Millar on drums, and Killer Dwarfs veteran Gerry Dwarf Finn lead guitar/vox and newest member (since 2013) bassist Johnny Dwarf Fenton performed their hits: Comin Through, Hard Luck Town, Tell Me Please, Union of Pride, Doesn't Matter, Can’t Lose, Start @ 1, Burn It Down with 3 amazing encores: Four Seasons, Dirty Weapons & Heavy Mental Breakdown.  Jump on board this freight train known as Killer Dwarfs as they roar into a community nearest you.  Hey Whitehouse Yukon Territory, the Killer Dwarfs are a coming tonight . www.killerdwarfsband.com   
Photo below you will see Peterborough Promoter and dear friend music lover Judd Smoke out to support friend Darrell Millar and the Killer Dwarfs.  Left to right bassist Kevin Brazolot and leader Fabio La Rocca of Demolition Rage, ANVIL actor (couldn't obtain his name) Judd Smoke and Darrell Millar of the Killer Dwarfs.

☆

Struck gold once again as they presented another stellar show, Saturday. October 22nd featuring LUKAS ROSSI, at the Oshawa Music Hall.

Thanks for an amazing line-up and presentation once again Shamus Black! and stay in tune with Black Moon Entertainment future shows at:

https://www.facebook.com/Black-Moon-Entertainment-37294094379/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=n

Crossdockers

 This was a rare, up close and fan-freakingtastic lineup consisting of the explosive and highly entertaining GTA act Crossdockers. I've been a fan of this indie act a few years now and they have created a rare sound, that hidden gem that pops up surprising listens of all ages and genres.  Hits like "Antidisestablishmentarianism" & the hilarious "Blue Balls" and my fave "Identify the Crucified" & their iconic sound clears your mind and are one tight unit with their musical art that is steadily being presented across Ontario.  It is truly just a matter of time when Crossdockers becomes a house hold name. This particular band lineup came together recently under the highly skilled mind of the Crossdockers founder Jay Alan, but, you would never have known that this line-up, have only been together 4 weeks, as they are a professional group of rock royalty with a tight sound.  This is what music is supposed to do, invade your senses, uplift, and heal.  Crossdockers are believable, fun, creative and addictive.  Stay tuned as the alternative hard folk rock style & friendly natured act are the next music icons on the planet. Crossdockers are on fire, a must see to believe the creativity that oozes from founder/lead vox/rhythm guitar/song-writer/multi-instrumentalist/comedian Jay Alan, bassist Kevin Brazolot (Demolition Rage), drummer Jack Herman (who has worked with high profile artists like Alana Miles and the list is plentiful)& the newest and youngest member Kyle Gee on lead guitar.  Man oh man that Kyle is brilliant and finely tuned, he can make his electric guitar smoke!, he compliments and rounds off the colourful sound known as Crossdockers.  These 4 are one of the fastest climbing act on the GTA music circuit with a plethora of huge concerts under their belts like Honeymoon Suite, Killer Dwarfs Lee Aaron, David Wilcox, The House Call, 

Psychotic Authority, NIB, Gene Pool, Demolition Rage, Y108 Concert Series just to name but a few.

For a mind altering experience visit www.cdr.rocks  www.facebook.com/crossdockers or
www.reverbnation.com/crossdockers

 Carbon

Oshawa’s homegrown "Dark Secret" CARBON rocked in direct support with originals that strongly favored the sounds of Tragically Hip, Teenage Head and even the Headstones.  Set the volume to INCREDIBLE, totally the best way to describe this 5 piece act. Their set list of originals were chalked full of various topics like Love and Money, T.H.C, Shots of Whiskey, Behind the Shade of Night, Just a dream, Plan C, Tailor Made Suit of Misery & Feeling Wasted.   Lead vocalist Jeff Dacey mixed in with Andrew Losier on lead guitar, Jamie Turner on bass, Corey Reynolds on Rhythm guitar & Scott Burrows on drums, have created a massive sound and are a great addition to any party or special event.  Follow and stay in tune with CARBON at:  http://www.carbonband.ca/

Lukas Rossi

This was close enough to being a hometown gig for the headlining superstar (Rock Star Supernova's) Lukas Rossi and was a reunion as well with old school band mates from previous acts he worked with pre Supernova.  Lukas put together a freaking genius panel of top notch musicians as he joined past band mates Jon Jameson on drums from Cleavage,  Jay Cianfrini bassist for Rise Electric, and what the audience assumed would be guitarist and long-time companion, genius guitar virtuoso Dominic Cifarelli, however, was indeed the in-demand 
GTA session musician Nathan Whitney.

It was the 1st visit to Oshawa from Lukas in 5 years and the full house 19+ crowd proved that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Die-hard Rossi Posse fans traveled from as far away as Washington DC, Ohio, Indiana, New York and even Peterborough.  SPECIAL thanks to Christina Marie Riverstorm Brown from Ptbo. for texting me. She asked me to search for and say hello to, her dear friend in attendance, Michelle McCauley; consequently, I made a new friend.  Michelle is a die-hard dedicated fan and has traveled North America and attended 30 Lukas Rossi concerts in only a few short years.  I further learned she is the beautiful wife, of the fabulous Dano Selleck, who was Entertainment Director of The Wire Megazine and also played bass in one of Michael Bell's prior bands.  Small world isn't it? People are meant to cross our paths and mysterious things and events like this are meant to happen.  So thank you Christina Marie Riverstorm Brown.  Fans travelled near and far that night, who were sure not going to miss this rare home town performance. Kicking it off in high gear with their Rise Electric’s “Lonely Ones”, “Bored and Gorgeous" (by Cleavage), right into Radiohead’s CREEP, the song that allowed Lukas to shine bright on Rock Star Supernova.   Intimacy and passion followed with the high energy band right into the marvelous melodic 5 song acoustic solo set, with just the prolific song-writer, his acoustic guitar and his mesmerized legion of fans.  Lukas Rossi's concert didn’t disappoint.   He wore his heart and emotions on his sleeve and had me at "Hello," & his version of Adele’s hit has garnered him over 1 million hits on YouTube in under 1 year.   Surprising not just the audience but, Jon Jameson as well, calling him on stage on drums for an impromptu  add on song to assist with a soft back beat to their 1st song that they wrote together during the Cleavage days, “Trust Me” it was divine. Mesmerizing the infatuated fans by performing more old school hits of Rise Electric and Cleavage, covers and personal Lukas Rossi masterpieces like: Empty City and newest hit AWOL which will appear on his future double-album  entitled "United State of Music".  Lukas propelled a tribute to 1 of his Idols Jimmy Gnecco by way of Jimmy's OURS: Sometimes, a truly moving piece, & another I got right into was WAR.  Lukas is truly one super creative entity all his own.

The final song of the night as Lukas told us, “this one is for all of you, as Canada made this hit Double Platinum" and then broke into a hypnotic version of his song “Headspin" which he wrote regarding his mother.  I melted as the entire audience sang it word for word almost over top of him at times, leaving my body covered in goose bumps.  This world-wide internationally acclaimed music master blew my mind!  After the audience cried we love you Lukas and chants got louder and louder he returned solo to the stage to indulge his legions of loving fans and stated “the screams I can’t resist”, & proceeded to perform a song that hit home for me.  I LOVE MYSELF TODAY was written for his 6 year old son Bryden who has been bullied and I could relate as I experience bullying to this very day.  Lukas Rossi's show was much needed for this lost soul, his songs allowed a revivalment of my being and reinstalled faith in my heart.  You must keep up to date with this legend in the making.  You can catch Lukas performing with his band HALO METHOD, Ben Moody (Evanescence), Dave Buckner (Papa Roach) as they are finishing their full length album entitled "Circus Freak Sideshow" and they have released a single "Neurotic" co-written by Neil Sanderson of

Three Days Grace.  stay tuned @  www.lukasrossi.com 

As a volunteer photojournalist I get to express my heart and my soulful views on performances I see or hear and 99% have a Peterborough connection. This show was juicy just like a T-bone steak. Hearty and meaty just what you would expect from a Black Moon Entertainment presentation menu.  THANK YOU Shamus Black & Black Moon Entertainment for allowing me to meet my IDOL.

Written and photos taken by 3rd year contributor volunteer photojournalist/columnist

Deb Draper www.thewiremegazine.com

Also, of interest regarding CRUED and Crossdockers

Musical friends of mine

 CRUED - The  Notorious Motley Crue Tribute Act, are holding their Annual CRUED Toys for Tots X-Mas 

All Ages Show at the Rockpile Night Club

 at 5555 Dundas Street West in Etobicoke

and Crossdockers are on this bill to share their musical gifts. Come one come all on

 Sunday December 11th, 2016, start times, price and full line up deets to follow in a future blog so stay tuned! Tickets will be going on sale soon as well, sells out fast, so once announced get your tickets asap from any band member or the Rockpile Night Club  @ (416) 504-6699

https://www.facebook.com/events/933156496829707/



INTERVIEW: OCT 2016 super star LUKAS ROSSI

STAYING IN TUNE with LUKAS ROSSI

by Photojournalist Deb Draper

DEB:       It is my distinct honor to be sitting down with internationally acclaimed, 40 year old, multi-award winning, Gold and Platinum selling frontman, singer, song-writer, multi-instrumentalist, mixer/master, vocal coach & producer-Lukas Rossi.

LUKAS: I'm not 40 yet! But we'll go with the rest, and thanks. Haha

DEB:       I would like to give you a huge round of applause.  You sport so many talented hats in the music business and you add in family man with becoming husband to Kendra Jade in 2007 and a father in 2015 to your son Brydon.  Wow not many can juggle all that you do. 

DEB:       Q)           How do you find time for Lukas Rossi ?

LUKAS:  A)            Thanks!! My wife and I do a good job of making sure that we each get time together, time alone, and time with our son. It can be difficult but for the most part we are very fortunate that we work from home and when I need some Lukas time, I can get into my studio and write.

DEB:       Q)           When did you realize that music was going to be your way of life?

LUKAS:  A)            Pretty much since the day I was born. My mom used to sing all the time when I was growing up and she had a beautiful voice so I grew up in a pretty musical household...but for me, the first time I played a guitar and sang, that was it. I can't imagine doing anything else.

DEB:       You possess a rare vocal talent having ranges of 7 plus octaves and the flexibility to swing from deep guttural baritone to soprano riffs. 

DEB:       Q)           What is your secret to maintaining good vocal health and keeping it in great shape?

LUKAS:   A)          It's like going to the gym to keep your body healthy. You gotta work it out every day.  I drink a lot of water and I sing every day.  Just like any craft, you always keep striving to perfect it.

DEB:       Q)           What was going on in your brain that iconic moment they announced you as the winner, the man to front 3 of the world's leaders and innovators of rock like Motley Crue's drummer Tommy Lee, former GNR guitarist Gilby Clarke and former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted ?

LUKAS:  A)           I was so happy. I just couldn't wait to go on tour. Tommy is like a brother to me and that day, and that record...all of it…are such special memories to me. The song "Headspin" I wrote for my mom became our single, we toured the world. We put out a record that I'm still really proud of.  I made such great friends on the show and there was so much talent amongst my peers. I'm still amazed by the fans who have stayed with me and supported me for the last decade and travel around the world to come to see me perform. That show opened a lot of doors for me and I wouldn't change a thing!

DEB:       Always creating, recording, producing, mixing and mastering whether your own or other artists songs in your studio.  I heard you even manage musical artists? 

DEB:       Q)          Is this true? & can you let your fans know what other services your studio provides? 

LUKAS:  A)           Yes, this years been a crazy one. I did some writing w/Tommy (Lee). My band The Halo Method (Ben Moody -Evanescence , Dave Buckner (Papa Roach) etc. is currently working on our full album. I also recently did a side project "King City" with Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace. I wrote some songs for Geoff tate's (Queensryche) last record. Even wrote with some Christian Rock Bands like Children:183 and RED. I did a music video with (Canadian Rapper) Peter Jackson.  I'm currently producing a lot of bands. My artist Mykey May has a record about to drop, My other artist Atwell's record is about to come out. And I just played a killer show in LA with Scott Stapp. So yeah. Lots going on!   My production company handles everything from Artist/Talent development and Management to record production, song-writing, and even social media for our artists. People can find out more at www.LukasRossi.com

DEB:       Q)           From the impressive list of songs you have written during your in depth career, which stands out the most in your soul and why?

LUKAS: A)           Headspin is a definitely a stand-out one for me. It represents a lot of who I was and what I was going through at that time. Each album I put out is so special and personal to me for that period of my life so it's hard to pick just one. I love the songs that I'm doing with The Halo Method. Every song-writing experience is so different and reflects different sides of my personality. So there's fun sexy stuff like "Super Sex Magic" (which starred the gorgeous Shanna Moakler in the video) but there's also really dark and moody stuff like "Toxic". I think as artists we just continue to grow and evolve and we write from our souls so every song means something to us, but more importantly, to the listener who can connect with it. A song represents words that sometimes others can't say. Music is life. 

DEB:       Q)           Who would you say has influenced you the most ?

LUKAS:   A)           On a musical level, definitely some of the people  I look up to most are guys like Prince, Jeff Buckley, Freddie Mercury. I learned to play music because of guys like them. Smashing Pumpkins was a major influence. Lionel Richie.   On a personal level, my mom and dad who have both struggled  but are such strong people. I have a lot of traits of both. Also , my friend Barb Sedun who signed me to my first publishing deal is such an inspiration. She's a really wonderful woman who just believes in me so much and she's tough and smart but also kind and passionate about music . And Mike Mccarty who's at SOCAN now. I would not be where I'm standing today without all of those people. But also my wife, she inspires me as I’ve watched her be an amazing mom to our son. And the fans, they inspire me every day to keep doing what I do.

DEB:       Q)           Would you say there is a difference in your creative song writing process there in the USA versus Canada?

LUKAS:   A)           Not really. There may be a difference in what labels/radio etc are looking for but I don't write for accolades from the masses or by theory in a room with 30 people to write a "hit".  I write for myself as a way of healing and then I hope it means something to someone else out there too.  And if it becomes a "hit", then even better.

DEB:       Q)           Fans want to know more on how to become 1 of the elite ticket holders at your Rockfest Lukas!

LUKAS:  A)           We put on a 4 day VIP event yearly for our fans. We only invite 20 people because we want it to stay small and super intimate. Then my wife and I spend the weekend (hopefully!) entertaining… lol We play music, go camping, swimming, singing, hanging out and cooking for everyone at our home and then I perform each night. This year we rented a cabin in Malibu where we all stayed. It's literally one of the things I look forward to most every year.

DEB:       Q)           What can we expect at your October 22nd Oshawa Music Hall Night Club & Concert Theatre performance Presented by Black Moon Entertainment held at 39 King Street East ?

LUKAS: A)           You should expect a great fuckin rock show. I'm playing with members of my pre-supernova bands Rise Electric and Cleavage so it's gonna be a really special night for the old school fans. And a lot of fun for us to play together again!

Thank you Lukas Rossi, for keeping The Wire Megazine audience in tune with you and your incredible career.  Hurry folks don't delay, stop by Wilson and Lee Music or run to www.ticketweb.ca to obtain your $20 in advance ticket today.

Follow 1 of the largest & most recognizable vocalists in the music biz today www.lukasrossi.com