MetalSucks

First Maynard, now this.

Look: I fucking love Vegas. I was there for New Year’s once and I think I had pretty much the best fucking night of my life.

But part of what’s so fun about that town is how friggin’ ridiculous everything is; it can’t be taken seriously at all, and if you try to take it seriously, you’ll probably just give yourself an aneurysm. As a place to go spend a couple of days drunk and act like a total dip shit, I think Las Vegas is just swell – but I think if I had to live in there, I’d kill myself.

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My first Fuck Rolling Stone post on metal singers was such a hit I thought I’d dig back into the RS archives and stir up some more shit. So, I decided to re-read their summertime list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (also here).

Thankfully, there are a few metallic (but mostly rockish) noteworthy icons; however, extreme metal is woefully ignored. Nonetheless, the list did include Jimi Hendrix (#1), Jimmy Page (#9), Kirk Hammett (#11), Kurt Cobain (#12), Johnny Ramone (#16), Tom Morello (#26), Thurston Moore/Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) (#33/#34), Joe Perry (#48), Ritchie Blackmore (#55), Vernon Reid (#66), Eddie Van Halen (#70), Adam Jones (Tool) (#75), D. Boon (The Minutemen) (#89), Glen Buxton (Alice Cooper) (#90), Wayne Kramer/Fred “Sonic” Smith (MC5) (#92/#93), Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) (#95), Angus Young (#96), Leigh Stephens (Blue Cheer) (#98), Greg Ginn (Black Flag) (#99), and Kim Thayil (Soundgarden) (#100).

And, yet another reason why we here at the MetalSucks Mansion like to say “Fuck Rolling Stone!” — coming in at #86, TOMMY Iommi…yes, “TOMMY.” How the fuck do you not know the first name of one of the true legends of not only metal, but of rock guitars? Hmmmmmmmm….Please, clue me in.

IT’S TONY, YOU FUCKS!!!

Anyway, here is my stab at the best Metal Guitarists of All Time — and for a point of reference, my Old Fartness will be shining through here, as will my love for rhythm guitarists:

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Behind the scenes at the MetalSucks Mansion yesterday:

Vince Neilstein [via email]: Wanna cover this? I think it’s pretty big news.

Michael S. Robinson [MetalSucks' Hair Metal Happy Hour columnist]: Old news; this has been circulating for a while. I think the bigger news will be where John Corabi ends up – it won’t be Velvet Revolver, but it should be! Anyway, no one gives a shit about Ratt, not even Ratt, so I’m not sure MS readers would care. Cavazo is useless anyway – what has the guy done worthwhile since Metal Health? Even then, that record was great, but he wasn’t. Anyway, let me know if you want me to put something together, but I just don’t see people caring.

And there you have it. This is how news is made, folks.

Not much else to say. Drugs take another life.

-VN

Surprisingly few people know that one of Quiet Riot’s biggest hits “Cum on Feel the Noize” was actually a cover, originally a hit in 1973 by British glam rockers Slade. So the brothers Gallagher of Oasis figured, “Why not cover it again?” Here’s their own version.

Oasis – “Cum on Feel the Noize”

-VN

After the announcement yesterday that Quiet Riot singer Kevin Dubrow passed away in his home Sunday at the age of 52, drummer Frankie Banali and original bassist Kelly Garni issued statements about losing their friend. More public statements have been issued today by current and former Quiet Riot members. Says one-time guitar player Billy Morris (also ex-Warrant) to the Cleveland Scene:

“During our tours together, he would really take care of himself, eating well (certainly better than the rest of us). He’d take his vitamins every day, and always kept his body and voice in check. One thing about Kevin was that he was always so thankful for what he had.”

Says current bassist Chuck Wright to MelodicRock.com:

“I have so many fond memories and it’s a blessing that these recent few years have been so great with the band. There is no reason to say ‘I wish we could have…’ We did! I still can’t believe I won’t be sharing the stage with his larger-than-life presence ever again.”

And one-time touring bassist Rudy Sarzo (also ex-Ozzy) to Headbanger’s Blog:

“He was somebody who really loved life. He loved to have fun and have a great time. Every day to him was like a party — that’s what it was like when I played with him. I think he’ll be remembered for being a hell of a rock singer. He was definitely one of the best singers of the ’80s.”

R.I.P. Kevin Dubrow.

-VN

Michael Politz of The Vegas Eye reports that Quiet Riot singer Kevin Dubrow was found dead in his home last night, Sunday, November 25, at the age of 52. Little is known thus far other than the above article, and statements written by original bassist Kelly Garni and drummer Frankie Banali. From Garni, on the Randy Rhoads message board:

“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 [sic] info will be passed on to you here when it becomes available to me. Thank you.”

And from Banali on his official website, in lone white text on the main and only page:

“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.”

We will of course update when we have more information.

-VN

MetalSucks reader Brandon S. has provided us with this incredible find, a 7″ of “Crazy Train” signed by Ozzy and Rudy Sarzo, scanned image below. The best part: he found it at a New York City street fair for the unbelievably low price of 20 cents. Though Sarzo didn’t play on Blizzard of Ozz, the album containing “Crazy Train,” he did serve as the bass player for the subsequent tour, playing for Ozzy from March 1981 to September 1982 before improving his Metal Health in Quiet Riot.

-VN