Real Life Husband RockStar Dad!

Dad Law #2: Show Up For Dinner!

2012-03-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

I love eating dinner at home with the family. Thanks mostly to my wife, we all gather around the table each night for a feast of food, fun, and conversation. Everything is typically ready by the time I get home from work...the table's set and the meal is hot. I'm so lucky, all I have to do is sit down.

It sounds almost too easy, but it's my Dad Law #2: Show Up For Dinner!
Whatever you do as a Dad, make getting home for dinner a priority.

We all have busy schedules, and it seems to be getting harder as the kids get older, but nothing beats the five of us talking over dinner. After joining hands for a quick prayer, usually given by our youngest, we take turns answering two questions:

'What's the Best part of your day?'
and
'What's the Worst part of your day?'

Some nights we get great, lengthy answers that lead into great, lengthy stories and some nights we don't. Either way, I love the sense of togetherness and security that the routine brings.
I can't begin to describe the feeling when one of us, in response to the 'Best Part' question, pauses thoughtfully and answers..."Right Now."

When we occasionally go a few nights in a row without it, a sense of normalcy always reigns once we sit back down for our nightly tradition.
As spring approaches, the inevitable Baseball/Softball "Snack Shack-Dinners" will take over for awhile and as much as I enjoy hot dogs and M&M's, I'll miss the love.
Besides, the cold metal bleachers at the Little League fields just don't feel the same as my chair at the head of the table.

As strange as it sounds, the dining room table has become almost a member of the family itself, constantly beckoning us to sit down and relax and temporarily forget about the hustle and bustle of the day.

If you don't eat together as a family on a regular basis, you are missing out on one of parenting's greatest treasures.

Emilie Autumn Comes Out Swinging at The Crofoot: Concert Review

2012-02-24T06:24:00.001-05:00

Emilie Autumn won over The Crofoot's audience last night, February 23rd, with her distinct mix of theater, music, and madness.

Empowering her fans with the oh-so personal tales of life from inside The Asylum, she artfully uses her willing accomplices, The Bloody Crumpets, to weave the theatrical adventure. In a much darker show than last year's outing, Autumn introduced selections from her upcoming release, 'Fight Like A Girl.'

'Take The Pill' has a brutal and edgy feel to it, while 'Gaslight' evokes grief and sadness with the self-defeatist realization that "No one is coming...
coming to take me home."
The main set ended with 'One Foot in Front of The Other Foot' in a marching solidarity of perseverance.

The show played just under two hours with the Pontiac nightclub not quite full. Perhaps, once FLAG is released, this production will outgrow a club like this.

For now, the loyal Plague Rats seem to appreciate the greater picture.

Emilie's master plan is evolving right before our eyes and it's quite a sight to see.

In between the song chapters, there still is plenty of excitement on this tour. Veronica's Rat Game is intact, Captain Maggots slices and dices away with her cute little sword, and The Blessed Contessa displays her super skilled athletic circus tricks.

But the real show is the new music, which artfully ties together Emilie's life story, and the songs should end up on Broadway.

Emilie Autumn is a special performer. One that can unite such a diverse crowd, and yet touch them all, is a rarity. When she alters the lyrics and sings "Thank God WE'RE Pretty," her adoring fans truly believe the message.

The Set List:

David Lee Roth or ShamWow! Vince?

2012-02-22T09:56:00.001-05:00

In my Review of Van Halen, I made a snarky comment about David Lee Roth's wireless headset.

Ok, no disrespect to anyone, but I have to publicly ask...

Were David Lee Roth and ShamWow! Vince separated at birth?????

(Photo by Theo Wargo)

You be the judge!!!!

Van Halen Palace of Auburn Hills Review

2012-02-21T07:04:00.003-05:00

Van Halen: My 30 Year Grudge Part 2

Van Halen returned to the Palace of Auburn Hills last night, February 20th, looking and sounding better than they have in years. Mixing 5 new songs into the set list, the legendary Van Halen rocked the classic DLR-era hits playing 22 songs in just under 2 hours.

Wolfgang, under the spotlight, kicked out the bass intro to 'You Really Got Me' standing up on the drum riser and they were off and running. David Lee Roth came out swinging, literally, twirling a baton and sporting his Barry Manilow-esque short hair and sequins. Eddie looked fairly fit and able and ready to rock while Brother Alex just banged away hiding behind his sunglasses.

The stage is incredibly sparse and rectangular with one small barely-even-used walkway extending out about 9 rows into the crowd. A huge electronic screen backdrop apparently had stage fright, and didn't really get working until about 8 songs in with the rocking 'China Town', easily the best new song of the night.

It had been over 30 years since I'd seen the band, and overall it was a very entertaining evening. Watching the dynamic between Diamond Dave and Eddie, it's obvious that these two are the strangest bedfellows in the history of Rock n' Roll. I get the impression that the Van Halen's wish they could do this on their own, but wisely realize that they can't.

The dichotomy of Roth's outrageousness against Eddie's seriousness is what makes this outing work. Bizarre but compelling, the two genuinely enjoyed each other's company and were even caught hugging...twice!

Roth pirouetted and pranced on an 8' x 20' smooth plywood runway set down for him in the middle of the stage and only dropped 3 F-Bombs. With more costume changes than Eddie had guitar changes, DLR looked mighty proud of himself when he nailed a few trademark spinning leg kicks.

This guy is an absolute nut-job of a showman. Rocking the wireless headset, despite the uncanny resemblance to Vince of Sham-Wow Infomercial fame, he overwhelmingly demands and commands attention. A strangely poignant moment in the show came with Roth on stage alone, with an acoustic guitar, narrating home-movie footage of his dogs working on his ranch. Who knew that he's a sentimental-cat after all?

The music was loud and the songs were great. 'Hot For Teacher', 'Panama', and 'Somebody Get Me A Doctor' were highlights for me. The only musical complaint I have was the somewhat annoying use of backing tracks, especially during the drum solo. Wolfie plays a mean backbeat and looks like he could jump right into a Metal band if this lineup implodes again.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Kool & The Gang as the improbable warm-up act. It was impossible not to like these guys! I think I counted 12 of them, and they gave the Detroit audience a wild mix of funky hits with outstanding horns and groove. They went over well here in Motown and I only hope the rest of the country will give them fair shake.

I admittedly held a grudge against Van Halen for years. At $165 a ticket I'm not sure it was a great value, but I'm glad I went. I swear mid-way thru 'Beautiful Girls', Roth stared me in the eye, smiled that huge smile, nodded, and raised his hand as if to say...

"Hey Kurt, we're glad you gave us another chance!"

Van Halen: My 30 Year Grudge Part 1

2012-02-19T21:18:00.002-05:00

Van Halen is back and on tour again with David Lee Roth, live at The Palace of Auburn Hills Monday February 20th.

You just can't get away from the marketing onslaught: New Tour, New Album, New and Improved Mostly Original Lineup! Supposedly Sober!

I have only seen Van Halen in concert once, and I have carried a grudge against them ever since. It was the summer of 1981...(insert flashback music and squiggly visuals here)

A friend and I bought Van Halen tickets for their sold-out Cobo Hall show from a scalper. In those days, the scalpers were hard-working independent scumbags, not like the sophisticated insiders of today. After a trip down a quiet suburban Ferndale street, we found the correct address and followed the precise instructions we received after calling the phone number from the classified ads:

"Park in the street two houses away, walk down the driveway to the small side door, and knock three times. Bring CASH, no checks. Don't be late."

The clandestine transaction went down with surprising ease and we sped downtown with tickets in hand. Spinning up and up and up to the Cobo Roof parking deck, we polished off a few cold beverages and headed in to ROCK!

(Before you come to any conclusions...the tickets were REAL and the seats were GREAT, side stage about 10 rows up, just as the overweight greasy-haired wife-beater wearing salesman promised!)

It was easily one of the Top Five Worst Shows I've ever seen! David Lee Roth was absolutely, positively, out-of-his-head bombed. He spun around in circles like a dog chasing it's own tail and dropped the F-Bomb 57 times in a row. Actually, it could have been 67 times...I lost count.

At one point, after someone threw a handful of pennies at him, Roth told us how much he "F-ing loves Detroit", pirouetted and plowed into Eddie, knocking them both on their asses. Alex sat behind this kit slamming tall boys, and Michael Anthony just kept grinning. It was like watching four college-age party crashers ruin your parent's house.

Great, we spent a lot of our summer-job money to watch a bunch of spoiled rock stars waste our time. They looked like they were having sooo much fun. Too bad it was at the audience's expense.

Fast Forward to 2012. Over the last three decades, Michael Anthony grew to be the only one I've gained respect for, but he's not invited to the party this time around.

I just bought a ticket, less than 24 hours B4 showtime.
Am I an idiot? We'll see soon enough.
It can't be healthy to hold a grudge this long, so I'm ready to give them one more try.
C'mon Van Halen, Don't F*#$ up this time.

Flogging Molly Tears Down the Fillmore Detroit Concert Review

2012-02-18T02:33:00.003-05:00

Flogging Molly kicked off their latest Green 17 tour with an absolutely phenomenal mix of old and new songs at the Fillmore Detroit Friday night. They hit the stage shortly before 10:00 PM with a frenetic 'Drunken Lullabies' and I liked them instantly. Over two hours later, they ended the Detroit love affair by dancing their way into the audience, handing out stage-worn set lists and signing autographs.

Having never seen the band live before, I was blown away with their blistering energy and their genuine love for Detroit. It appeared that I may have been the only Flogging Molly virgin in attendance, since every song was greeted with wild abandon, especially on the Main Floor.

From my Upper Balcony seat in the sold out theater, it was entertaining to watch the band at work and see the constant crowd surfing from our bouncing level. Really, it must be some heavy duty engineering that keeps this place from crumbling down on a night like this.

The new songs, like 'Saints & Sinners', 'The Powers Out', 'Speed of Darkness', and 'Sail On' went over extremely well, especially mixed with some rarities. The highly charged cover of Bob Dylan's 'The Times They are A- Changin' actually turned a song that I hate into one that I now love. A rare feat, indeed.

I talked my friends into heading downtown early, selfishly wanting to catch the opening acts. After a quick dinner at Hockeytown Cafe, we jumped into the line to get in, which stretched almost 8 blocks long! Kudos to the Fillmore staff for keeping the peace and herding everyone into the building in a safe and orderly fashion. So much for thinking it was a wise idea to leave my coat in the car! A special thanks goes out to our line mate, Linda, for letting me borrow her hat during the march thru the streets.

The opening act was a rather hip Bluegrass-Punk trio, The Devil Makes Three.
These guys put out a great vibe without drums, picking and strumming away on just Guitar, Banjo, and Stand Up Bass. I liked them so much that I bought an album from them in the lobby after their set. I totally appreciate a band working for their future, and I highly recommend them.

Unfortunately, I can't dole out such high praise for Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. Even with a great name and a little bit of pre-hype, I was disappointed that it took them 4 or 5 songs to really pull together and find their groove. Maybe they were intimidated by the Flogging Molly-loving crowd, who seemed restless and ready for action during most of the set.

All in all, a great value at only $25.
Thanks Kev, you rock! What a good call.

Oh, and I just missed hitting a coyote streaking across the M-5 On Ramp during the drive home.
Not sure of the significance, (chasing a rooster perhaps?) but she was beautiful!

Life is so sweet.
I'm getting a banjo!

Detroit DJ Steve Black

2012-02-17T16:01:00.003-05:00

Do I have to remind you that I LOVE rock music?

We're so fortunate here in Detroit to still have "real" rock n' roll radio stations with "Real Life" rock n' roll DJ's. I despise the "new" stations with their computer generated playlists. How can you claim to be in the "D" when you don't even have a real person talking between the strategically planted and focus-group approved hits?

Recently I decided to reach out to Steve Black and get his thoughts on the state of the radio business. You may know him from his WRIF weekend shifts, or from his outstanding weekly syndicated Chop Shop Radio show.

Steve, who has been a DJ for over 20 years, likens the current business model to that of McDonald's. Ugghh, I say.

Despite all of the changes in the industry, Steve remains one of "the good guys." Please click on this link and visit Six String Theories to read our entire interview and check out his stellar Top Ten Album List while you're there.

As the host of The Chop Shop, Steve has logged over 800 (!) RockStar interviews and I totally admire his stance on drinking and drugs. "I almost never drink, just an occasional glass of wine. I'm not a drug guy at all, I don't even have any tattoos for God's sake," said Black. "But I've found that rock stars, just like everyone else, appreciate honesty."

He even turned down a shot with legendary guitarist Slash at a party once. "When I told him I wasn't a drinker he hugged me and said 'I wish I had your strength'."

WOW, that takes resolve, huh?

(Memo to the RIFF: The Chop Shop is currently on waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early in the morning on Sundays. Please give this quality guitar-driven show a more accessible time slot!)

The next time you're listening to music in your car or at work, tune in to one of the local stations that still employs local DJ's. We've got a wealth of knowledge and talent left on the airwaves in this town, for now...

Long Live Rock!
Long Live Rock DJ's!

Nuclear Cowboyz Review: Palace of Auburn Hills

2012-02-12T10:48:00.001-05:00

Just when I start to fondly reminisce the days of Sesame Street Live and Disney On Ice, along comes The Nuclear Cowboyz.

The Nuclear Cowboyz is a high energy traveling extravaganza of fire, lasers, smoke, and Motocross excitement. The touring group hit The Palace of Auburn Hills last night and my best friend and I took our nine year old boys, his twins and my youngest.

Set in the apparently post-nuclear war Los Angeles, street gangs of expert Motocross riders battle it out while their stripper-like girl friends root them on. A classic battle of good vs. evil ensues and you can guess the end results.

This premise had the boys absolutely hooked!

The high-flying tricks were spectacular, with back flips, twists, one-hand, no-hand, huge air non stop action.

A pumping soundtrack kept the whole thing rocking.
The performers are pros, and they never missed a mark.

Honestly, this event was a great total entertainment package. Our boys seemed to be in the perfect age bracket and I'm wildly happy that we went. I love spending time individually with my children, and I nailed it with this one for my "little dude."

Well done, Cowboyz.If you want a ringing endorsement, here's a sample of what each of the kids had to say:

"This is SICK!!!!"

"That was the most awesome-est night of my life!!!"

"Dad, thank you so much for bringing us to this!!!"

(I'm pretty positive that the first quote meant that he liked it!?)

Heavy Metal Concert or Drugs 101?

2012-02-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

Today, I am faced with a "Real Life Husband" decision.

Tonight, Megadeth and Motorhead are playing at the Palace of Auburn Hills, along with two other great metal bands, and I really want to go and see some loud head-banging live music. Believe it or not, I've never seen Motorhead live.

But...

Tonight, there is a Drugs 101 seminar at our Middle School, and my wife really wants to go so that we stay vigilant and informed as parents. It's not that we think our kids are on drugs, but every parent should know what's going on out "in the streets," right?

In my mind, what better place than a heavy metal rock concert to learn about alcohol and drugs. I mean, let's just witness some of this illicit activity first hand, no?

Well, this "RockStar Dad" is going to the seminar.
The real one...at the middle school.
With the wifey.

We might as well just make it a "date night."

See you next time Lemmy...
I hope you understand.

Happy Birthday Alice Cooper

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

#7 on Kurt's Greatest Rock Frontmen of All Time List Alice Cooper celebrates a birthday today, February 4th.

Alice's 'Be My Lover' is one of my all-time favorite songs, mostly because of these unbeatable lyrics:

"I told her that I came from Deetroit City.
And I played guitar in a long-haired rock n' roll baaaannd.
She asked me why the singer's name was 'Alice.'
I said listen, baby, you really wouldn't understand."

C'mon and admit it...you can't read those lines without singing them in your head, can you?

That's the beauty of Alice Cooper. His song catalog is so recognizable, even without the incredible stage show presence, that his success will forever stand the test of time.

But, speaking of the stage presence...Whoa! You just haven't lived until you've seen the master in action.

Guilletines, Machetes, Baby Doll Heads, Monsters, and Make-Up. What an evening!

The best part of the story is that Alice doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. He can, and should, keep entertaining the world with his twisted and bizarre carnival of touring horrors. Rock On!

Happy Birthday, Alice! May you live through ten thousand more onstage executions!

Since it's an election year, here ya go!

Global Warming? No, just Local Warming

2012-01-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

I just came back into my office and it's currently 50 Degrees and Sunny out in the parking lot. A truly spectacular looking spring afternoon here in the D, except that it's January 31st!

If we're going to live in Michigan full time, then I say: "Let There Be Winter!"
Not this year.
Not yet at least.

I'm sure that I'd feel differently if I didn't have children. The Christmas skates have been laced up only twice so far, and we've been sledding ONE TIME. Really bizarre.

Sorry Al Gore, but I don't believe in Global Warming, so I am calling it Local Warming.

Ask the people in Alaska how they are liking this winter. It looks downright brutal up there.
Check out New York City and Washington D.C., they just got blasted with record snowfalls again yesterday. We shouldn't complain or even try to explain.

Who knows what February and March will bring? The kids sure are hoping for a Snow Day.

I sure hope that it doesn't snow in May...

Welcome to Detroit, Prince Fielder

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

Late-January is a great time to be thinking about baseball. Even though this has been a painless Detroit winter so far, Spring is always welcome to return. After the latest free agent signing, it can't get here fast enough.

The news broke yesterday of a monster deal which would bring the monster slugger, Prince Fielder, to the Detroit Tigers. SWEET! The thought of Miguel Cabrera and Fielder hitting back-to-back homeruns on Opening Day, April 5th, makes me ecstatic.

Thank you, Mr. Ilitch. You are one of the greatest owners in all of professional sports and I can't wait for you to get your World Series title.

The best part of the signing is now I can rid our house of the Milwaukee Brewers souvenirs that my boys own, strictly because they're Fielder fans.

Who knows? Maybe he and his Dad, Cecil, will make up and be seen together around the ballpark again.

Welcome Back to Detroit, Prince!

You will love it here.

Go Tigers!

Happy Birthday Michael Hutchence

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

#4 on Kurt's Greatest Rock Frontmen of All Time List, Michael Hutchence, would have celebrated a birthday today, January 22nd.

It's been nearly 15 years since the charismatic lead singer left this earth, but his memory and body of work will live on forever.

Hutchence fronted INXS like a true rock god, and the world will forever miss his swagger.

I saw INXS in 1997 at Pine Knob and was utterly stunned by his presence. Roaming the stage like the coolest cat on the planet, he captivated the audience with his unique professionalism.

He scaled the amplifiers, belted out the hits, and worked the crowd with perfection while looking so freakin' cool.

Little did anyone there that night know, three months later he would be dead.
INXS soldiers on without their fearless leader, and I wish them the best.

I actually tried out for the replacement position when the band partnered with Mark Burnett and created a reality TV show documenting the search, INXS ROCKSTAR.

When I first heard about the show, I stopped cutting my hair and sang INXS songs daily for 18 months straight.

Two home-made videos and a private audition in Chicago later, I didn't make the cut. Maybe I would have had a better chance if I could actually sing!

I obviously couldn't replace Hutchence and neither could JD Fortune, the eventual winner of the televised competition.

You cannot replace genius, you can only hope to contain it.

Happy Birthday, Michael.
Your world is still smiling up at you.
RIP

Dad Law #1: Love Your Wife

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have no problem telling the world that I love my wife. I highly recommend it.
If you want to be a better Dad, then be a better husband.

In fact, it's my Dad Law #1: Love Your Wife.

Be a great father and set the ultimate example for your kids by loving your wife.
Put her on a pedestal and let the world know about it. There's a reason you got married in the first place. Try to remind yourself of this fact every day, even if it's in a tiny piece of thought, memory, or a smile.

Respect. Faith. Honor. Love. Big words, huh?
Stay loyal. Help around the house. Listen.
Above all, be honest with her and yourself. Believe me, it's cool to be a good husband.

Don't get me wrong...I get it. Life is hard. Relationships aren't easy.
Suck it up, work at it, and the rewards will be endless.

Whatever you do, don't fall for any of the B.S. that some men project. I hate hearing other guys complain about their marriages.
Do anything and everything in your power to stay together. Society makes it too easy to throw in the towel. It's not acceptable, don't be a statistic. Just be a man.

Sometimes I feel that I don't deserve the second chance I was given to find love and happiness in this world.
My Wife and I are together for a reason. She's the perfect woman, according to me.

She's the best mom and the best wife I could ever ask for. She's quick-witted, loving, intelligent, and super cute with such an infectious laugh that no one is immune to her charm.

Happy Birthday, Wifey!
I love and adore you.
You are a greater person than you will ever know.

Happy Birthday to My Son

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

As of today, January 17th, I have a 14 year old son.

What does this mean?
Well, there are a few ways to look at this momentous occasion.

#1: Life just doesn't stop. It barrels on like a runaway freight train and we need to either jump out of the way, or grab on and enjoy the view. I prefer the later.
Remember kids: Time Flies, but Life Rides The Train.

#2: I need to remain ever vigilant. As the kids get bigger, so do the challenges. Looking back now, changing diapers and singing silly songs really wasn't that difficult. Screaming forward to High School, Driver's Training, and Teenage Independence seems rather daunting...

#3: I'm old.

#4: I am incredibly proud and fortunate to be a Father. This truly is my dream job.

But really, where did this guy go???

It's hard to forget the time leading up to his birth. Like most new parents, we had absolutely no idea what we were doing. I ran a red light on the way to the hospital, just because I felt like it was a cool thing to do. Then, I proceeded to thoroughly freak out when they sent us home because it just wasn't time yet.

We skipped the day they presented the Cesarean lesson at birthing classes, because we knew that there was no chance of us having one of those. Guess how that turned out?

Oddly, my experience working at a Veterinary Clinic as a teenager got me solidly through the C-Section procedure. It remarkably reminded me of a Dog being spayed, and those operations always worked out fine. (Sorry honey) The unexpected bonus: a perfectly round head!

I bought cigars and handed them out to EVERYONE. What a feeling!
I celebrated then, and I'm still celebrating today.

Happy Birthday Big Guy!
I love you more than you'll ever know.

Feeling Down? Go Outside!

2012-01-13T19:12:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a week.

I've been battling a nasty cold that I got from my KIDS! (Thanks, I really appreciate you bringing that home from school.)While working and not sleeping and battling thru Nyquil-fueled/dream-filled nights, I'm thrilled to see the end in sight.

Sometimes, you just need to go outside to appreciate the beauty in this life.

Last week, while I was feeling great, I spent a few days with my Dad in Florida. There really is nothing like the sun setting and melting into the ocean...

Then, this week while I was feeling awful, I had a full moon to cheer me up...

Life is so sweet.
But when it starts to beat you down, go outside.

New Year = New Detroit Music

2012-01-08T10:06:00.001-05:00

Twitter is really cool. The more I get used to using it, the more value I take from it. You can really get instant news and sports updates, and definitely music news!

But beware, it can be a major time waster, like Facebook. (Which I still refuse to fall into!)

About a month ago, I got a new "follower" on my @RealLifeHusband Twitter account. @heroinemusic started to follow me. Like a considerate user, I checked out the profile, and "followed" them back.

heroine is a really cool Detroit musical duo, Brett and Bethany. I published a great interview with them on SixStringTheories.com Click HERE for the Full Article.

One of the interesting things about heroine is that they left Detroit years ago and have just recently returned. They're "believers" in our city and I highly recommend supporting them by checking out their website, http://www.heroinemusic.com/

A quirky note on my interview: Every answer came back to me in "lowercase." I asked the two of them if I should read anything into their exclusive use of "lowercase"...

(Brett) the lowercase, i’ve always just seen that as contradictory to names of someone or ‘titles’ that you would capitalize the first letter of to signify ‘importance’.. whereas our song titles may not even be mentioned or sang within the body of the song and it certainly is not important to what you might hear in the song itself.

(Bethany) it used to be ‘period’ everything, too.. all song titles ended with a period but for some reason i thought to do away with that this album.

Check out this great video...

Happy New 2012

2012-01-02T17:45:00.000-05:00

My wifey asked me for my New Year's Resolution and the only thing I could think of was this:

"I resolve to be more like Lady Gaga."

She seems to be doing just fine by changing her image continuously. I probably can't keep this up all year, but here's my first go at it:

This:

Or This:

By the way, if you need a Head Shot Photo for business or fun this year I highly recommend Shawn Lee.
If he can make me look cool, he can do the same for you. Give him a call!
SHAWN LEE STUDIOS (248) 764-0600

The Christmas "Hangover"

2011-12-27T16:32:00.000-05:00

The build up to Christmas is always so intense that the "Hangover" afterwards is inevitable.

All the planning, the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, the wrapping, the eating, the traveling, the caroling, the hugging, the smiling, the drinking, the playing, the roasting and the toasting sure take a mighty toll on the body.

Sometime during the mid-week right between Christmas and New Year's is when it typically hits me.
WOW, am I tired.

Even the dog looks like he's had enough Yule Tide Cheer to last another year or so...

Thank goodness I don't drink alcohol anymore. Otherwise, I'd probably be on the floor right next to him!

Santa is Real. Dad Law #10

2011-12-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

Santa Claus. His image is everywhere.

Advertisements, greeting cards, wrapping paper, storefront windows, and candy wrappers all bear his likeness. Countless television programs and motion pictures feature his timeless story and various tales of his yearly adventures.

You never quite know when you'll run across a person dressed as Santa. Frequent the mall, a sporting event, the hardware store, an office holiday party, the local pet shop, or even a used car lot and he'll be there with his red suit, HoHoHo'ing and spreading good cheer.

With the multitude of reminders every December, and July for that matter, why do I hear that "he doesn't exist." Of course he exists.

In fact, it's my Dad Law #10: Santa is Real.

When I was a child, my brother and I believed in Santa. All the proof I ever needed came in the very real form of giant Oranges and delicious candies in our Stockings every Christmas morning. Colorfully wrapped presents under the tree, that weren't there the night before, couldn't have come from anyone but Santa.

At some point, I stopped believing in him. My parents never told me directly that he didn't exist, but I let my friends convince me that only "little kids" believed in the jolly old fat man. The presents eventually stopped coming and the stockings only held the gifts that we, as a family, would give to each other.

Then, shortly after my first child was born, a truly wonderful and amazing thing happened:
The presents from Santa reappeared under the tree!

I found that I believed again, and the magic was back. The Stockings have overflowed with treats every year since.

I know that my kids are at that age, like I was so long ago, where "Santa" seems like a hoax. But I am here to tell you...he is real. He's as real as anything I've ever known.

Merry Christmas, everyone!
I believe in Santa Claus.
Do you?

Game Day Neckties

2011-12-13T14:42:00.001-05:00

My son plays on the middle school basketball team and the Coach has instituted a Dress Code for all his players.

On the day of a game, home or away, the team must wear a necktie to school. The tie singles out the boys from their friends in the hallways and draws attention to that evening's upcoming contest. Since there's no standard dress code in our district, this little wardrobe change really sets the kids apart from the crowd.

At first, my son resisted the thought of looking different, but he's more than come around to it. Now, he looks forward to picking out a different necktie for each different game day. Anything in my closet has been fair game for him to choose from, since my ties don't get used much anymore anyway.

Apparently, his friends are complementing him on his "unique and exotic" tie collection. So far, he's borrowed a MSU Spartan tie, a Grinch Who Stole Christmas tie, and I think a colorful Santa tie might be next. Mixing these in with his personal Mackinac Island tie and his Looney Tunes tie has made him quite the "Sharp Dressed Man!" Looking good leads to feeling good, and I'm grateful to see him walking tall.

I am absolutely loving the time we've been spending together in front of the mirror, talking and tying in the early mornings. Real Life Dad and Kid bonding-type stuff. He's been borrowing my dress shoes, too. But that's about to end, since his feet have easily outgrown mine since the start of the school year.

I think he's only still squeezing into my loafers to make me feel better about him growing up so fast.
I love you, son.

Happy Birthday Corey Taylor

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

#8 on Kurt's Greatest Rock Frontmen of All Time List, "Number 8" Corey Taylor, celebrates a birthday today December 8th.

Taylor is the lead singer for Stone Sour AND for Slipknot. But you already knew that, right?
Right!

I saw Stone Sour once in concert at The Fillmore in Detroit from the safety of the balcony and they were really excellent. I've been fortunate enough to catch the brutality of the 'Knot three separate times, twice on Ozzfest tours and once when they headlined The Palace of Auburn Hills.

From the front row of the pit is where I really experienced Slipknot at it's finest when they headlined the second stage at Ozzfest 2004. There's just nothing like the intense summer heat rising off the asphalt parking lot at DTE mixing with the sweat of thousands of other "maggots" clamoring for attention in front of this cataclysmic rock band. That's truly my idea of fun.

Happy Birthday Corey!
I wish you happiness and sobriety and hope to see you next summer wearing a new mask and doing what you do best.

Happy Birthday Ozzy Osbourne

2011-12-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

Kurt's Greatest Rock Frontman of All Time #6 : OZZY OSBOURNE celebrates a birthday today, December 3rd.

Ozzy is a freak of nature and it's pretty damn awesome that he's still alive.

I saw him live at the old Castle Farms in Charlevoix over Memorial Day Weekend in 1982. He stomped on an enormous cardboard cross, stalked the stage with a real medieval Castle-like backdrop housing his imitation touring medieval backdrop, and hung a midget. Yeah, I was hooked.

""

Black Sabbath is reuniting in 2012 with a new album and Ozzy will rule again! The world is a better place with Ozzy prowling around screaming "...I Can't Hear YOU.." in between belting out another one of his monster hits.

Happy Birthday Mr. Osbourne. May you grow wiser and happier every year.

My Daughter's Music: Cimorelli

2011-12-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

UPDATED 12/11/2011
THE CIM FAM EP IS AVAILABLE NOW ON iTunes and Amazon!

Here's the BRAND NEW VIDEO for "Million Bucks"

Even though it drives my oldest son mad, I love to listen to kid-music. XM Satellite Radio has a great station they call "Kid's Place Live!" and we tune into it all the time. I'll admit here publicly that I've been known to click on the channel even when I'm in the car by myself. Not for long, though...and I typically blast out some heavy metal afterwards to cleanse the palette. Don't judge me, OK?

My kids are still honing their tastes when it comes to music, but my daughter seems to be finding her way a bit sooner than her brothers. A few weeks ago, she and I were talking about musical groups and she asked if I'd ever heard of Cimorelli? When I shook my head no, she speedily brought up their YouTube Channel and with a few clicks introduced me to this wonderfully talented group of sisters from Northern California.

If you haven't heard of Cimorelli, just wait...you will. They're releasing their debut EP on December 6th which features 5 Covers and 1 New Original song. If it sounds like I've become a Cimorelli expert, it's because I just finished an exclusive interview with the family and it's published on a super cool music website, www.SixStringTheories.com CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Thanks to the power of Twitter, I reached out to the band and they expertly responded. We conducted the interview over the Thanksgiving holiday and the Cimorellis answered my emailed questions between bites of turkey and pumpkin pie.

Since I've got troubles of my own with three kids sharing only two rooms (Oh the injustice of it all!), I had to ask them what the bedroom situation is like in the Cimorelli household:

"Yes, we do share rooms! Lauren, Lisa, and Dani share a room, Christina, Katherine, and Amy share a room, and all the boys share a room."

Oh, did you know that they have 5 Brothers! My daughter was shocked to hear this answer, and she appreciates her own situation a little bit better today.

Check out these sensational singing sisters and ask your kids about them. Odds are, they already know everything there is to know. If not, maybe your new knowledge will give you some temporary "Cool" status. Fleeting, I am sure...

""

Today in Kurt Rock History: Stones in the Silverdome

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

30 years ago today, November 30 1981, my best friends and I skipped school and headed for The Pontiac Silverdome. The Event: The Rolling Stones in Concert! My life would never be the same again.

I had seen concerts before, and was well on my way to a life of rock n' roll crime. But, this one was different. General Admission. In The Dome. 80,000 people. THE STONES.

We were actually semi-responsible that day. After all, we went to school for a morning swim team practice and left only after informing our coach that we wouldn't be attending the afternoon session. "A Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Show" was calling.

The gates opened at 2:00pm, so we hung out in the sprawling parking lot for a few hours making friends with the fellow diehards and hooligans that had played hooky from their prospective lives that day.

A mad rush of humanity pulled us into the building and we sprinted free to find 8 seats in a row, on Stage Right in the lower level. Perfect. Secure in my surprisingly comfortable blue plastic seat, I took a nap and woke around 3:30 to find the building buzzing...

Iggy Pop opened the festivities with a debris dodging, frantic 18 minute set. Despite being the "hometown legend," Iggy received a brutal barrage of boos and beer cups, and pretty much anything that wasn't bolted to the floor flew in his stage-humping direction. "Thank you VERY much" dripped sarcastically from his mouth, the microphone collided with the stage and he was gone. His band took one look at the situation and, one by one, followed their leader to safety. Whoa. This one was different.

Santana came on next and blew the roof off of the place. I had seen them live before, but never like this. Never in front of this many people. The guitars and bongos meshed and bounced perfectly around the arena and the fans went wild. I swear that we could see someone literally pull the plug and kick the band off of the stage after close to two hours of grooving. Could it be possible? Had Carlos and his musicians just upstaged the headliners? Damn. This one was different.

No worries. The Rolling Stones dominated the stage from the start of 'Under My Thumb' to the end of 'Satisfaction.' Smoking and drinking on stage, Keith and Ronnie's guitars were absolutely blazing. Charlie and Bill just looked so cool holding down the beat. Mick strutted his swagger and even rode a cherry picker out over the crowd. Indoor fireworks closed out the finale. Who had ever even heard of indoor fireworks? I was completely, utterly, and thoroughly hooked. This one was different.

Thank you Mick, Keith, Ronnie, Charlie and Bill. You changed my life that day and I am eternally grateful for it.

Even after 30 years, I can't wait for the next Stones concert. When they tour again next year, who's going with me?????

The Asylum by Emilie Autumn Book Review

2011-11-28T21:11:00.001-05:00

Emilie Autumn is a multi-faceted hidden gem in the entertainment world. A virtuoso, a violinist and an author, seemingly on the precipice of greatness. In her own words, she lives her life out in the open, in the middle of the road. Where it's safer.

After witnessing Emilie and her merry band of travelling performance artists live in concert earlier this year, I was so enthralled that I ordered her book online. 'The Asylum For Wayward Victorian Girls' is a massive hardcover that gorily illustrates two hauntingly similar tales of psychiatric ward residents struggling amongst different centuries, written from both sides of the walls.

Weaving her autobiographical story with that of a most unfortunate girl named Emily (with a 'y'), Autumn takes the reader on a wildly fast-paced and terrifying journey. Blending truth with fiction, it becomes a rather vicious game for the reader to keep up with and it's an extremely entertaining and captivating journey.

I'm a huge fan of Rock n' Roll autobiographies but this one is hard to categorize. As a man, I found myself surprisingly drawn into the world of 'Wayward Girls.' I've never read anything like it and it thoroughly took over my thoughts while I devoured it over two weeks time.

During the first weekend of my adventure in 'The Ayslum', I dreamt about Emilie (with an 'ie') and the chilling assessment of her Doctor. Not normally one to be freaked out, I re-read the entire first quarter of the book unsuccessfully finding the passage that came to me so vividly in my dreams.

Further into the saga, I finished a detailed account of her prescriptions entitled "The Drug Diary", set the book down and turned on a CD to clear my head. After a few minutes, I realized that the music hadn't started to play yet and was just about to check the old boombox when a single lyric emerged softly from the speakers '...Medicine is in the jar...' before fading into nothingness again. As I stood in horror, the song rose to full volume with this line '...falling thru liquid air, with music everywhere.' I'm not kidding.
The Black Crowes' "Been A Long Time (Waiting on Love)." Look it up.

The final episode that convinced me this epic novel was something unique came on a gorgeous Sunday morning as I turned the final few pages. I glanced up at the ceiling in my kitchen and the combination of shadows and sunlight streaming through the blinds recreated the striped cover of the book with precise perfection. I felt compelled to point it out to my kids, and they fully agreed without understanding the significance.

Tackling tough subjects like suicide, cutting, blood letting, and manic depression, Autumn serves up a fantasy filled with a message of strength, perseverance, and hope. But as she so succinctly states in the book, "I am neither a role model nor a teacher," just a storyteller.

"May the future grant us a happier chapter..."
Let's all hope.

Click Here to Buy This Book It's currently ON SALE in Emilie's online Emporium.

Also, catch her upcoming tour with a stop at The Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac Michigan on February 23, 2012. Click Here For Tour Information
You've never seen anything like it!

The Things I'm Thankful For...

2011-11-23T09:26:00.001-05:00

I am truly and utterly blessed for living such a charmed life.
Being Thanksgiving and all, here comes my inaugural "Things I'm Thankful For" post...

I am thankful for my incredibly kind, patient, and beautiful wife.
I am thankful for the greatest three kids a Dad could ever ask for.
I am thankful for my wonderful family, immediate and extended.
I am thankful for my friends, great and small.

I am thankful for The Oakland Press for guiding me along this fantastic journey called blogging.
I am thankful for the friends and associates that I've met online in the blogosphere and on Twitter.

I am thankful for The Rolling Stones, The J. Geils Band, Jason Ellis, and Detroit Rock Radio, all alive and well.

I am thankful for my job.
I am thankful to be living in The United States of America.

I am especially thankful for YOU, the reader. I am honored that any of you would show such interest.

Oh, and I'm definitely thankful for this video...

Happy Thanksgiving!
Keep going and Keep Smiling, and never ever forget to Brush Your Teeth With Rock n' Roll.

Sonic Drive-In At Midnight!

2011-11-17T15:31:00.001-05:00

How do I end up at Sonic close to midnight on a semi-regular basis, when I'm typically in bed by 9:17pm?

Because I'm a Dad.

A few summers ago, a Sonic Drive-In opened near us and when the kids heard it was "Open Until Midnight!" we had to try it.
Once.
Or so I thought...

Now, it has become a standing tradition that whenever my daughter has friends sleeping over, we pile into the car sometime after 11:00PM and head for a late-night meal of Tots, Shakes, Corn Dogs, and Sundaes.

Healthy, no.
Fun, yes.

Normally, these slumber parties fall on the weekends. But this week, because of another odd and unexplainable day off in the middle of the school week, we had extra kids in the house on a Wednesday night! Arggghhhh....Work be damned, I polished off a Hot Fudge Sundae a mere five hours before breakfast while listening to kid-friendly music and kid-friendly conversation in the well-lit parking lot again.

Call me crazy, and the wifey frequently does, but these silly trips always bring a smile to my daughter's face. And if I can stay "Cool" a little while longer in her eyes, it's totally worth it.

In case you ever want to join us, we'll be there with the car RUNNING. I don't recommend shutting it off if you plan on: turning on the interior lights to see your whipped cream better while blaring the satellite radio for a Spongebob sing-along while lowering the windows to make them easier to climb out of so you can dance under the moonlight while opening and closing the back lift gate to simulate a tail-gate party. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Can you say Jump Start?

Happy National Metal Day!

2011-11-11T05:40:00.001-05:00

11-11-11 means one thing...ROCK ON, it's National Metal Day!

Sure, perhaps it's just another "Hallmark-type holiday", but I'm celebrating. Inspired by the brilliant rock mockumentary 'This is Spinal Tap,' today we worship hard rock music by turning our speakers and amplifiers UP TO ELEVEN!

VH1 Classic is behind the name, but I'll play along and embrace the lifestyle. For their explanation, click here...VH1 Classic Blog Site

At some point today, watch a video, throw up the horns, and bang your head. Crank up the music in your car and feel the freedom that great music brings with it.

If you're really feeling adventurous, follow up the Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden with something new. I just profiled a cool young band from Sweden that is ready to come out of nowhere and take over the world. Check out my article on Summoned Tide by clicking here...http://www.sixstringtheories.com/

Have fun today and everyday.
Remember kids...Brush Your Teeth With Rock N' Roll.

Check this out, c'mon, you know you want to...

""

My Wife Left Me...Home Alone w/The Kids!

2011-11-03T11:41:00.001-04:00

My Wife is Gone.
Las Vegas.
She left me...and the kids, home alone for four days to fend for ourselves.

What was she thinking?

I guess she felt that she needed to get away.
Away from what, we asked. From her job? From housework? From the dog? From the kids? FROM ME?!

I am so lucky and fortunate to have her as my wifey. She's the best at everything she does and I'm glad she took a few days off. Being a Mom and a Wife and an Employee and a PTA Vice President (X2) and a Homework Tutor and a Maid and a Chef and a Wonder Woman all at the same time looks extremely tiring. If anyone deserved a quick vacation, it's her.

I'm reminded that it's been about 5 or 6 years since she's left us for more than a day. The last time, I really had to plan my days around our young kids and their schedules. This time, not so much. I do get to work a little later in the morning after hanging out waiting for the bus, which is pretty fun. But, the middle-schoolers can let themselves into the house on their own in the afternoons, and are trustworthy enough to get their little brother off the elementary bus and not abuse him too badly by the time I get home for dinner.

Speaking of dinner, I surprised them by grilling cheeseburgers last night instead of copping out and picking up fast food. Two more dinners to go. We'll see if I can continue to successfully avoid $5 dollar pizzas or $5 Footlongs!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, which is supposedly some sort of old wise proverb. I respect everything she does and I'm confident that I'll make it through. Although, I must admit, she's better at most of this parenting stuff than I am. She just doesn't give herself enough credit.

It's been a gruelling stretch of "Mom and Dad" duty this fall. School activities, Cross-Country, Little League Fall Baseball, and Halloween have taken up the bulk of our nights. Sadly, our "Husband and Wife" time has taken a back seat and the "Marriage" side is lacking. I'll get to work on that...as soon as I finish washing the clothes and the dishes.

We're a great team and always will be.

I Love You Babe. See You Soon.

Dad Law #18: Dress Up For Halloween

2011-10-27T12:01:00.001-04:00

Halloween is an absolute full-on blast of a holiday for kids. "What are you going to be for Halloween?" conversations start around the middle of June every year in our house. I have learned to expect and wait for the dreaded "Hey Dad, what are you going to be this year?"

Years back, I relented and now in fact, it's my Dad Law #18.
Dress Up For Halloween With Your Kids.

I've accumulated a few costumes over the years. A Pirate get-up bought on-sale before a January Disney World trip, an Alice Cooper ensemble, a random Top Hat and Wig that work perfectly for a quick Slash outfit, a cool Mick from Slipknot mask, and of course the every popular Gorilla Mask. (Click Here for My Dad Law #8 on that one! )

My best find has probably been a Wolfman costume purchased on the 1st of November a few years back. It came with a sweet mask, cool gloves, and a hilariously hairy-chested shirt. I can easily mix and match and share these items to create enough possibilities every year until my children outgrow trick-or-treating. That will certainly be a sad day for me...

Until then, I will play along and dress up.

It's weird, but I always seem to smile for the camera, even when I'm inside a mask!

Here's the bottom line: Nothing is cooler than making your kids feel comfortable and happy. If dressing up for Halloween helps in a small way, I am on-board.

One important caveat to this law:
DO NOT DRESS UP FOR HALLOWEEN AT WORK!
No one needs to see this guy passing out donuts around the water cooler at Coffee Break!

Concert Review: Matthew Sweet 'Girlfriend' Live!

2011-10-20T10:04:00.000-04:00

'Girlfriend' by Matthew Sweet is one of my all-time favorite albums. Released in 1991, Sweet uniquely chronicled the life-span of a relationship in a Pop Rock explosion of music and song. The soul-searching "Divine Intervention" starts out by re-acquainting the listener with the well-worn feeling of hopelessness after a love affair goes bad. Inevitably, love returns when least expected, and the next eleven songs carry you through the madness with reckless abandon. On the CD version of the release, three extra songs were included and the vibe is gloriously extended. Sad and wonderful, gut-wrenching and powerful.

Sweet is marking the 20th Anniversary this year by playing out the entire album live. I saw him in Ann Arbor, MI at the Blind Pig last night with a crack backing band: Dennis Taylor on Guitar, Ric Menck on Drums, and Paul Chastain on Bass. The songs were played in exact tracking order, meaning that the most popular commercial hits had been played in the first 15 minutes. Although Sweet himself admitted that by nature the set list is top-heavy and front-loaded, the band really hit it's stride after the first three songs.

Sweet was rather chatty between tunes, tuning his "Cadillac Green" electric guitar which he never took off the entire evening. Since the 'Girlfriend' portion of the show ends on a "sad" note, Sweet offered to pick up the pace with "Sick of Myself" from 100% Fun. Sure, a faster and heavier tune, but dark nonetheless. "Time Capsule", the new and really fantastic "She Walks The Night", and "We're The Same" finished off a stellar night of Rock and Roll.

Father Time seems to have favored the album more than the artist. With only a few hundred people in attendance on a rainy Wednesday night, I felt a sense of empathy towards Sweet. He deserves better and I wish him happiness. I can only hope that more people show him some love as he ably carries the burden of greatness throughout his life. Check out his latest release, 'Modern Art.' You won't be disappointed.

When 'Girlfriend' first came out, I had never heard a better or more relate-able telling of the soaring highs and the loathing lows of love, and haven't since. The best part about the album is that when it invariably ends, you can just play it again to close the circle of emotions. Get in line and climb back on, just like life. I personally took a few turns on the "girlfriend" merry-go-round until my carnival ride stopped on "Wife." Thank God!

The Rolling Stones Live in Texas 1978 Movie Review

2011-10-18T23:17:00.001-04:00

I saw The Rolling Stones in concert again tonight, October 18, 2011, and they decidedly blew me away. Sadly, they were on a local Commerce Township movie theatre screen and not actually "live." But in the midst of this ever-growing stretch of inactivity, I will take anything I can get from the Stones' camp these days.

The show, broadcast out to theatres nationwide and aptly titled "Some Girls: The Rolling Stones-Live in Texas", was filmed in 1978 at a small convention center in Fort Worth. It is an absolutely brilliant account of the power that The Stones had on-stage during their middle aged years. This is "MY" Rolling Stones, with Ronnie Wood in his full glory on guitar. The eternal debate amongst Stones' fans always falls on who was the better replacement for original guitarist Brian Jones: Mick Taylor or Ronnie Wood. In my humble opinion, Ronnie wins every time by TKO, as clearly evidenced here. His skills and unique stage presence sent the band into a completely different stratospheric level of success after his arrival in 1975.

Watch the trailer for the movie here:

Captured live, just six weeks after the release of my first and sentimental favorite Stones' album of all-time, the band impressively showcases 8, (Eight!) songs off of 'Some Girls.' Oddly, the title track is not one of them. It would only be a matter of months before they would appear on Saturday Night Live in October and send my world spinning off into a new direction. After watching the raucous and practically disastrous performance on TV, I played the Eight Track versions of Shattered, Respectable, and Beast of Burden incessantly until the tape literally disintegrated.

Since it was the seventies, Mick Jagger's black vinyl pants with carefully and thoughtfully placed strips of duct tape certainly matched his bright red plastic hat and tan sportcoat in an odd sort of way. I was struck by how often Jagger strapped on a guitar, only to strut with it as an accessory to his outfit. Keith Richards looked tan and fit, and my wife made the incredulous comment that he was actually "good looking."

If and when the band ever tours again, I hope they feel the same way that I do about the '78 version of 'Happy.' There is just nothing better than The Glimmer Twins sharing a microphone and swapping lines of this iconic "Keith-song" together. Please Keith, don't ever let Mick leave the stage again before performing this song!

And another thing, as long as I'm giving out suggestions, Ronnie and Keith look sooooo cool singing background vocals at one microphone. Bring back the love!

If you missed it, don't worry. The concert DVD will be on sale November 21, 2011 just in time for Christmas.

Memo to my wife: I will try extremely hard NOT to buy this for myself before you can give it to me under the tree! But no guarantees... Poster courtesy of rollingstones.com

Don't Be Afraid to Try New Music

2011-10-15T09:26:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows that I love music. Especially LIVE music. Whether it be in a small club, an arena, or a stadium, I'm consistently enthralled by real musicians playing real instruments.

As I get older, life certainly gets in the way of my concert-going activities. I missed Kid Rock this summer due to our family vacation. This Wednesday night October 19th is a potential conflict between Matthew Sweet in Ann Arbor and Game 1 of The World Series. GO TIGERS! Our upcoming annual trip to Boyne City and the fantastic Santa Parade will prevent me from seeing Corey Taylor at the Crofoot in Pontiac. Mick Jagger was right, "You Can't Always Get What You Want."

So, what's a guy like me to do? Expand my horizons and find new music online.

Through my adventures in blogging, I've met some fellow passionate and super cool music fans. One of the best is Fred Goodall, the mastermind behind MochaDad.com and SixStringTheories.com

I've written a few Indie Artist Profiles for SixStringTheories and would love it if you checked out the site. Just hover above the gray text and click on the link to take you there. My most recent piece is on Kafka, an incredibly talented artist from across the pond.

Kafka shares my love of live music and explains it perfectly with this line: "Ultimately I think live music is what it’s all about, it’s the most natural of things to do is to listen to music in a live setting with a group of like minded people. There is no other feeling like it."

Check him out and keep brushing your teeth with Rock and Roll.
Thanks for reading!
Watch this!

An Open Letter to Axl Rose

2011-10-06T10:11:00.000-04:00

October 6, 2011

Dear Axl,

I am 47 years old and I am a Guns N' Roses fan. 'Appetite For Destruction' holds up to this day as one of the greatest rock and roll albums of all time. As a child of the MTV era, I sat riveted to the small TV's of yesteryear waiting for each and every GNR video to explode off of my tiny screen.

I consider myself crazy lucky to have seen your former band warm up for The Rolling Stones at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1989. I was there for two of the four nights, completely mesmerized by the spectacle that played out that week. The music was raw and as heavy as the onstage drama. When you fell off of the stage, I marvelled at your ability to make the best of it and win the crowd over by sprinting the Olympic Oval surrounding the field seats. Unbelievable, destructive, dangerous, and bordering on insanity. I listening intently to Slash as he rambled his way through a diatribe warning me and the thousands of my brethren on the dangers of heroin. Or was he extolling the virtues of heroin? No matter, his guitar did the real talking. Rock and Roll the way Rock and Roll should be. You, Slash, Izzy, Duff, and Steven were absolutely brilliant together.

Now, in 2011, you are bringing your live act to America again. I cannot and will not spend any of my hard earned money to feed your corporate entity, "Guns N' Roses, Inc." or whatever this touring party may be legally called. Sorry. In my humble opinion, it is a farce and an outright tragedy to hold such a spectacular song catalog hostage. Your music should be performed properly in front of potentially millions of adoring fans, with the original members on stage at your side.

On the eve of a potential induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, I implore you to reunite the band. The world is ready to forgive and forget, and I hope you are too. Please take this precious opportunity to reach out and put your differences aside for good. The five of you made an indelible mark on music history. Stand up and take back what is rightfully yours. And by "yours", I mean Guns N' Roses, The Band. The Band that we all loved and crave to take a look at one last time. World Domination can still be "yours" but time may be running out.

Thank you for your contributions to my degree from the College of Musical Knowledge. I hope to be seeing you sometime next year, standing proudly next to Slash, Duff, Steven, and Izzy having just finished a celebratory bow. I'll be in the crowd that night, for sure.

Brush your teeth with rock and roll,
Kurt Schwarz
Detroit Rock City

c.c. Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler

Original Post Intro:

Guns N' Roses is coming to the Palace of Auburn Hills on December 1, 2011 and tickets go on sale this Saturday, October 8th at 10:00AM.

There is one major problem with this concert... it won't be Guns N' Roses on stage. It will be the infamous W. Axl Rose with some talented hired-gun side men masquerading as the legendary band. I have a MAJOR problem with this charade and will definitely NOT be on my computer Saturday morning to secure tickets to this freak show. Since I can already anticipate reading Gary Graff's telling review on December 2nd detailing this inevitable trainwreck , I humbly post an Open Letter to Axl Rose:

UPDATED DECEMBER 7, 2011:
Guns N' Roses are in The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame!
Reunite, Damnit!

RE-UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2012:
Guns N' Roses is playing The Fillmore Detroit tonight and tickets are still available.
Even after adding local favorites SPONGE as a warm-up act, Axl still can't sell out a 3,000 seat theater here in Detroit.
Doors open at 9:00 PM. Anyone want to take a guess as to what time this show will end??

C'mon Axl. Wake up and smell reality...I'll see you again when you reunite the real band.

Go Tigers! I Hate Curtis Granderson!

2011-10-05T13:59:00.000-04:00

Updated Tuesday October 11th:
Now I officially hate Nelson Cruz, too!
Game Three of the ALCS TONIGHT!

I love baseball. I've been fortunate enough to see some great MLB Playoff baseball moments, live in person. I was in Tiger Stadium with my best high school friends when we clinched the American League Pennant in 1984 . I was in the seats of Comerica Park with my son when we sent the Yankees home in the first round of the 2006 Playoffs. I've witnessed two World Series wins in both 1984 and 2006.

Our whole family waved our rally towels furiously Monday night and watched Justin Verlander beat C.C. Sabathia in Game 3.

Unfortunately, my MLB Postseason winning streak came to an abrupt end last night during Game 4.

I certainly won't be in New York Thursday night for Game 5, but I'll be watching and waiting for my next opportunity to root the Tigers on in person. Hopefully, I won't have to wait too long...

By the way, I never thought I would say this but...I Hate Curtis Granderson!

Go Tigers!

Dad Law #14: Look Up!

2011-09-27T12:19:00.000-04:00

It's not only sage advice, but a lifelong philosophy as well. Don't go through life with your head down. In fact, it's my Dad Law #14.

Always Look Up!

I want my kids to appreciate all the wonder that is above them. The moon and the stars, the sun and the clouds, the birds and the trees, the rain and the rainbows, the sunrises and the sunsets. You get the idea. There is just so much beauty in the world to be missed if you don't pay attention, and an absolute ton of it is above eye level. The next time you are in the fabulous Fox Theatre in Downtown Detroit look up, and you'll see what I mean.

I know that they tire of me pointing out simple everyday occurrences, such as sunlight streaming through the leaves or a flock of southbound geese in perfect V-formation, but I am not about to stop doing it.
"Why yes Daaad, those ARE birds on a wire," comes out of my son's mouth with a twinge of sarcasm, but to me it's infinitely worth pointing out.

Besides, I don't like to see people moping around. Don't sleepwalk through life. Keep your head up. A positive vibe is contagious.

Maybe I am just borrowing from one of the great philosophers of our time, The Friendly Giant. Remember him? "Look Up-Way Up." I guess he had this figured out long before I did.

Since I'm only 5'8", it's inherently easier to follow this law. I feel that I'm constantly looking up!
Oh, and be careful out there.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-09-22T15:17:00.000-04:00

September 22nd = Happy Birthday to Me!
Today I turn 47. Forty-seven sounds old, but I feel great.

Sure, my kids taunt me constantly about my "old-man" status. In their defense, I can remember thinking that my parents were positively ancient after they turned forty. How ignorant I was at their age. Age can be a vicious thing and Father Time still outruns EVERYONE, but I am not ready to give in quite yet.

Here's the truth to the matter: 47 is the new 47. That's it. You are what you are, so make the best of it.

Years ago, I made the conscious commitment to spend all my Birthday evenings with my wife and kids. After all, the kids always seem more excited about celebrating the occasion than I do. When I turned the big 4-0, we were sitting front row at Disney On Ice. Last year, we shared fabulously rich chocolate cake and Buffalo Wild Wings, followed by a refreshing swim off of the boat. Tonight, we will be dining on hot dogs and peanuts together at Comerica Park for the Detroit Tigers' game.

Throughout the years, I've wanted to be a few different things when I "grew up." A Fire Fighter, a Rock Star, a Veterinarian, a Rock Star, a Teacher, and a Rock Star. The one thing I never counted on loving so much is just what I've become: A DAD.

Keep going and keep smiling.

P.S. Happy Birthday to Joan Jett and Emilie Autumn, as well.
September 22nd is a great day for Rock Stars.
Even pretend ones like me.

Las Vegas Without The Family

2011-09-16T09:21:00.000-04:00

Las Vegas is a bizarre town for a sober, non-gambler. Especially bizarre without my wife here with me, but it had been a few years since we've done a "Guys Trip," so here I am again. Sure, there are a ton of shows and great things to see, like the Beatles' Love show and my friends losing money, but my favorite thing to do is go on a walk-about.

Cabs are everywhere, unlike Detroit, but I would rather walk and see the sights and the lights and the people. This town is gaudy and loud and grimy and beautiful all at the same time. Walking is wildly interesting both day and night, again...unlike Detroit.

The weather is perfect, the pool rocks, and I absolutely LOVE the music and the memorabilia at the Hard Rock Hotel. The next few days should be interesting.

Oh, and now is when I throw in the obligatory "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, blah blah blah."

Sorry Honey.

My Perfect 9/11

2011-09-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

I really wasn't sure I could capture enough heart and emotion in a blog post today, so I decided to just simply recap the day. September 11, 2011. We will never forget.

Everything I did today was my choice, since I live in The United States of America. Perfect.

I woke up early and played nine holes of golf with my oldest son, his best friend and his Dad. Perfect.

I discussed the significance of today's date with my children, who were fortunately either too young or not even alive yet when we were attacked ten years ago. Perfect.

I read the newspaper, The Oakland Press. Perfect.

I ate two breakfasts, one before golf, and one after. Perfect.

I went to the Detroit Tigers game with my wife. During an incredibly stirring pre-game ceremony, the skies opened up and cried raindrops down upon the crowd. By first pitch, the sun was out and stayed out. Jose Valverde closed out the win with his team record-setting 43rd save. Perfect.

I danced with my daughter at her Bedroom Dance Party! Perfect.

I ate an ice cream bar for dessert and afterwards went swimming with my children. Perfect.

I watched the full moon rise up over the trees while my boys played wiffle ball in the backyard. Perfect.

I lit a paper Sky Lantern and our family watched it fly up and disappear into the night sky in honor of our fallen heroes.

Everything today was Perfect because of the freedom we are all allowed in this fabulous country we live in.
We are STRONG, we are POWERFUL, and we are FREE. You can't take that away from us.

God Bless America.

Happy Birthday Chrissie Hynde

2011-09-07T05:36:00.000-04:00

Kurt's Greatest Rock Frontmen of All Time #9: CHRISSIE HYNDE celebrates a birthday today, September 7th.

I am a sucker for a chick with guitar, but Chrissie set the bar for rock front men years ago. Seriously, this woman kicks ass. She's powerful, talented, capativating, and sexy as hell. My college girlfriend took me to see The Pretenders, Hynde's creation, live in concert in 1984 and probably regrets it to this day. I was so mesmorized by the performance that I'm not sure I ever took my eyes off the stage. It's VERY easy to ignore your date watching something like this...

She is the original inspiration behind my "Rock Star Rule." Which, by the way, almost backfired on me when my wife met Roger Daltry backstage after a WHO concert. But that's another story...

Happy Birthday Chrissie! Keep rocking and may you have many, many more.

Dad Law #5: Be Late The First Day Of School

2011-09-05T09:31:00.000-04:00

Schedule a few vacation hours, call in sick, log some personal time, or just tell them the truth. You're going to be late. It's the first day of school and work will wait. In fact, it's my Dad Law #5 .

Be Late To Work On The First Day Of School. There's nothing like watching your kids get on the bus for the first time of the year. Have breakfast with them. Take pictures of their new backpacks in action. Compliment them on their choice of clothing. Help them brush their hair. Calm them down. Hug them. Tell them you love them. Tell them to have fun. Wave goodbye from the bus stop. Give them a thumbs up.

In the grand scheme of life, how many times will you actually get to do this? Eight? Ten? Twelve? Add up the hours and it becomes an obvious choice. The job can wait. Sure, it is easier said than done, especially if you are the boss, but c'mon. Do it.

The First Day of School is a new beginning for both kids and parents. I hate the fact that summer is over, but time marches on so you must make the best of it. As a Dad, you need to be strong and constantly set a great example. Be excited for them but not TOO excited. Don't ever be one of those Dads that looks forward to your children going back to school and talks it up for weeks ahead of time. Nothing kills confidence in a child like a parent telling everyone they see, "I can't WAIT until they go back to school!" I loathe that kind of parent.

Please remember though, if it is late September and you're STILLwatching the little dudes climb on the bus every morning then you probably need to let go.
Seriously... Go To Work!

Dad Law #9: Get A Gecko

2011-09-02T11:29:00.000-04:00

All kids should have a pet. Pets teach responsibility, discipline, and respect. Plus, they add an element of fun and excitement to your household. In fact, they are so important for your child's development that it's my Dad Law #9.

All Kids Should Have A Leopard Gecko. Or a dog, or a cat, or a rabbit, or a Chinese Dwarf Hamster. We have all of them and, yes, our house is a ZOO. I don't necessarily recommend that you have FIVE pets, but one or two is mandatory.

Here's a quick run down of our gang:
Moondog: A Golden Retriever that is obsessed with fishing, eating, scratching himself, smelling terrible, and sleeping.

Bob: A Fat Black Cat that was born in the wild but quickly assimilated himself to the lazy ways of the indoors. He really likes to be lifted up onto the utility room counter top so that he can eat Kit n' Kaboodle until naptime.

Waffles: The best Rabbit EVER. She and the cat chase each other around the living room every morning while I drink coffee and watch Bill O'Reilly reruns on FOX News.

Trouble: A Chinese Dwarf Hamster that really looks like a gerbil with a big butt. All he ever does is run on his ever-squeaky wheel in the middle of the night. He must look awfully tasty to the cat, since Bob stares at him constantly during his non-eating waking hours. With apologizes to my daughter, he is a sad excuse for a pet.

Beavis: A Leopard Gecko and the newest addition to the family. This dude is pretty cool prowling around the old converted fish tank licking his lips after devouring crickets and mealworms.

Am I more crazy for having 5 pets, or for letting my kids NAME all 5 pets? You decide.
In the meantime, go get one. Or another one.

Concert Review: Alice Cooper w/ Ace Frehely at DTE

2011-08-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

A visit from Alice Cooper just seems to make a Detroit summer complete. Last night at DTE Energy Music Theatre the local boy gone bad/gone good again gave the crowd almost everything they wanted. Alice brought lots of smoke, swords, blood, a snake, and as many costume changes as a pop princess. He even dragged out a KISS legend, without any makeup.

Ace Frehely kicked off the evening with a generous hour long set.

He ripped through a great mix of KISS classics, along with some of his solid solo material. This guy can still really play the guitar and, knowing that he's had a tough last decade or so outside of the Gene and Paul KISS machine, I liked him. His jet black-haired band was tight and cranked through 'Detroit Rock City', 'Shock Me', 'Cold Gin', and 'Love Gun.' He admirably led the crowd in a sing along of 'New York Groove', substituting our fair city, Detroit, into the chorus. Frehely must be making some good choices in his life at the moment, and I commend him. And yes, his guitar STILL smokes

I'll admit that this wasn't the best Alice Cooper show that I've seen. He delivered a tightly choreographed presentation, clocking in at exactly 90 minutes. But because of the props and expected theatrical aspect of the show, there was no room for any crowd interaction.

Next time, with 10 minutes to spare on the PINE KNOB curfew countdown clock, I would hope that Cooper could improvise with an extra tune, or a local story. I'm sure that his band could take a go at 'Be My Lover' and offer up another Detroit City reference. Concert crowds never get sick of that here. Although, we never get sick of a good decapitation either.

The major reason Cooper can still draw huge crowds is his stellar catalog. With a wicked sense of humor, he introduced 'I'll Bite Your Face Off' with his "NEW SONG" jacket, which was shed to reveal a blood splattered tux shirt with the song's name written in bright red on the back. The song kicks ass and has that recognizable vibe to it, even though it's off of his new release Welcome 2 My Nightmare due out September 13th.

I will say that we sat in some of the best seats that I've ever had at Pine Knob. Thanks to Alice's website, I successfully skirted Ticketmaster and their notorious fees, and purchased 7th row pavilion seats for only $43.95 EACH. What a great value! It's not often that I can come home with streamers, confetti, two guitar pics and a smile on my face. Thanks Alice, you are a Rock n' Roll genius and a true showman. And thanks again to my wife. Saturday night brought an end to a wild run of shows this month, and she deserves a well earned break. I tried to thank her this morning, but her ears were still ringing and I don't think she even heard me.

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne Movie Review DVD

2011-08-25T10:01:00.000-04:00
DVD RELEASED NOVEMBER 15, 2011

Jack Osbourne has hit a grand slam home run with the documentary, 'God Bless Ozzy Osbourne.' The movie accurately, honestly, and candidly examines the life and times of the Rock n' Roll Star without glorifying Ozzy's legendary escapades. This movie pulls no punches, and Jack should receive great accolades for presenting the real story of his Dad.

Sure, we get treated to drunken and drugged out footage of the Ozzman, paired up with crazy tour stories from fellow rockers like Tommy Lee, of Motley Crue. But, surprisingly, we also are privy to private reflections from Osbourne's family. The interviews with all of his children keep the movie together. Ozzy has 5 kids, from two different marriages, and none of them considered him to be a good father. In fact, it is rather heartrending to see the pain in the adult childrens' tearful recollections from their childhood. Ozzy was a fabulous "RockStar" but an absolute failure as a "Dad."

I've seen Ozzy in concert eight different times, dating back to 1982.

Onstage, he is as entertaining as anyone I've ever seen in the business. I thought I knew his story, and it was pretty cool to learn something new from this movie. My wife, who positively rules, agreed to go with me last night to the theatre for a special showing of the film. Sadly, we sat with only 4 other people. The movie will be shown in theatres one more time next Monday August 29th, before being released on DVD in December. Go see it on the big screen. The archival footage of Black Sabbath and early solo Ozzy with Randy Rhoades is awesome. Ask the manager to turn up the volume, which I will do if I go again. Click here for the details.

As I watched the movie last night, all I kept thinking about was alcohol. I am so glad that I quit drinking. It is never to late to start over. If sobriety is the only thing that Ozzy and I have in common these days, we are both better fathers for it.

Dad Law #3: "I Love You"

2011-08-24T14:38:00.000-04:00
I try to say it every day. "I Love You."

In fact, it's my Dad Law #3. Tell your children that you love them everyday. It's so simple. They're only three little words, yet strung together and directed toward your kids they become the most powerful statement you can make as a father.

I say it so often that I get different responses back. A few of my favorites are:
Yeah, I know Dad.

OK, Dad.

Whatever, Dad

I love you too, Dad

Thanks, Dad

And my favorite:
Why do you tell me that all the time?

"Because I never want you to forget it," I answer.

Oh, and don't forget to say it to your wife, too.

Concert Review: Kenny Chesney in Detroit

2011-08-21T09:44:00.001-04:00
I went to a "Country Music" Concert Saturday night but I'm not sure that I saw any country music. My wife and I hit the Kenny Chesney 'Goin Coastal' Tour at Ford Field in Detroit last night along with a sold out screaming bunch of 50,000 (?) others. Borrowing a line from Billy Currington, the second act of the evening, I've never seen so many "Detroit Hillbillies" in my life.

Uncle Kracker kicked off the extravaganza around 4:30 with a great set of sing along hits. This local boy has been building a great catalog since parting ways with Kid Rock, and had the building rocking with a cover of his old buddies' 'All Summer Long'. I just wish he would take better care of himself. Even a well air-conditioned indoor Ford Field and the rather dark afternoon start time couldn't keep him from sweating.

Billy Currington smiled his way through a set of great tunes, including his monster hits 'People are Crazy' and 'Pretty Good at Drinkin' Beer', the later of which gave the crowd a sense of justification and pride scrambling to get back to the beer line. Between sets, basically all we got was a barrage of Corona advertisements. But I digress...

The Zac Brown Band separated themselves from the bunch by playing some great music. They reminded me of The Black Crowes, teasing the crowd by playing extended jams tucked in the set list between their mega-hits. Zac Brown writes his own songs, a rarity in this genre, and his overall talent is obvious.

Chesney, the main event, puts on one hell of a slick show.  The crowd went absolutely bonkers when he rose up out of the mixing booth and floated above the floor during the opening number. He knows the show biz game, and plays it well. I asked my wife midway through his set why this is considered "Country?"

Her perfect response..."Well, he wears a hat!" Excessively tan, smiling, and jerking his microphone up and down constantly, he is the Jon Bon Jovi of country rock. Take that comment as you will.

The end of the show brought some great cameos from the opening artists and I give Chesney huge props for sharing the elaborate stage so late in the set. Poor Uncle Kracker. The lovable loser lumbered out and dropped his microphone on the stage ramp before a really good run through 'When the Sun Goes Down.'
Kracker sang "Michigan gets hotter when the sun goes down," sweating, while Chesney smiled and glistened due to the water that he occasionally pours on himself to make it look like he is working hard.

The show ended with a fantastic stretch of real music with the entire Zac Brown Band joining Chesney's gang for 5 or so songs, including covers of 'The Joker' by the Steve Miller Band, and Tom Petty's gem 'Running Down a Dream." When the lights went up, 75% of the crowd had left their seats and were heading out the doors. No one even clapped. What the hell is wrong with these people? Maybe six hours of Corona drinking is too much, or maybe they wanted to beat the traffic. Or just maybe, the encores weren't slick enough for the "rednecks."
Too bad, they missed the best part of the show.

Concert Review: The J. Geils Band

2011-08-20T10:12:00.000-04:00
The J. Geils Band reminded the close to sold out crowd at DTE Energy Music Theatre last night why they ruled Detroit in the 1970's and 1980's. They are STILL, 31 years after the first time I saw them (July 22, 1980), the best live band on the planet. Peter Wolf commands the stage and is as funky and energetic as ever. With his wild hair hanging out under the fedora, and his skinny legs carrying him everywhere including into the pavilion, he is hard not to watch. But the band never lets up, and as a unit they cooked their way through a set filled with blues, rock, funk, and hits.

I love the interaction of these guys on stage. When they go from a Harmonica solo to a Guitar solo to a Keyboard solo in the same song, they show the adoring fans what a truly good rock and roll band can and should do onstage. Magic Dick, on harmonica, stole the show. His playing was as loud and as strong as it was in 1982. I don't know if he's primed up due to a few shows under his belt on this mini-tour or if he's in a better place in his life right now, but he killed it! Of course, 'Whammer Jammer' was great as an encore, but Magic Dick was blasting during 'Crusin' For Love', 'Nighttime', and 'One Last Kiss'. His playing and stage presence was wildly appreciated by me, and the rest of the Geils' fanatics.

Wolf said they would play songs from every one of their albums, and they came close. Ladies Invited, from 1973, was skipped over although it sounded like they came close to playing 'Chimes.' Also, the omission of Hotline's 'Love-itis' was missed, but I believe it would have been played if not for the 11:00 PM curfew at DTE. Or as Peter so elegantly put it, "TKO PlM LMNOP Music Something Stage. Some fat cat with a big wallet changed the name when we all know it's Pine f*#%ing Knob! " Wolf admitted late in the show that he needed to stop talking and start playing some more songs. "If it wasn't for the curfew," he shouted, "we'd play for you all night!" I believed him. Thank you for the hurried and frantic run through 'Where Did Our Love Go' as the clock ticked down to zero.

I loved the addition of 'Make Up Your Mind' from Bloodshot and 'Surrender' and 'I Do' from Monkey Island.  Seth Justman looks and sounds fantastic on his riser surrounded by keys. J. Geils can still do some "chicken pickin" (when his guitar is plugged in!) and DK can pound the backbeat on bass like the "ambassador of funk" that he is. Someone please tell original drummer Stephen Jo Bladd that he is missing out. I will forever be grateful that Justman and Wolf have put aside their differences these last few years. I hope The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is paying attention. This great American band deserves an induction.

A heart-felt and genuine tribute to the city of Detroit and it's hardships came with the introduction during the second set of encores with a quite stirring rendition of 'Start All Over.' Then, it's hard to believe that the band's biggest commercial hit could be the weakest song of the night. 'Centerfold' has gone beyond the obligatory inclusion and it's obvious that Wolf doesn't enjoy singing it and the band doesn't seem to have any enthusiasm playing it. Memo to the band: Next time you can skip it. Detroit will forgive you. Oh, and there better be a next time.

Concerts and Compromise

2011-08-18T09:07:00.000-04:00
Marriage is a wonderful batch of compromises. This weekend is a prime example. My wife and I are going to two concerts together. Friday night is my choice, Saturday night is her choice.

The J. Geils Band is the best live band on the planet. I 'Just Can't Wait' to see them again at the old Pine Knob. If I am counting correctly, it'll be the 15th time I've seen them in concert since they blew me away at 15 years old. Last summer we travelled to Boston to see them with Aerosmith at Fenway Park. Aerosmith is great live, but the Geils Band is better. Yes, Friday night is mine!

Saturday, it's Country Music in the D with the D. My wife loves country, especially today's new country, so we are going to see Kenny Chesney at Ford Field. She's super excited about the openers Zac Brown Band and Billy Currington. Also appearing will be local boy Uncle Kracker. I've seen him a few times before, and hope that he has learned to pace himself. I worry about Uncle Kracker, he's certainly not the healthiest dude around. Yes, Saturday night is hers.

It's really a win-win for me. I love live music and will go to just about anything. Besides, with three kids, I will take a date night with my wife any chance I can get. I really do love just hanging out with her.

Please, no references to the cheesy Donnie and Marie Osmond classic. Yes, she is a little bit country...

Today in Rock History: The Ramones at CBGB's

2011-08-16T10:44:00.000-04:00
Today is a monumental anniversary in Rock Music. The Ramones played their first gig at CBGB's in New York City on August 16, 1974 and changed the face of rock n' roll. Sadly, 37 years later, the legendary club and most of the original band are dead and gone.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have witnessed The Ramones live in concert three times. They were a force on stage, powering through a set list with excessive speed and ferocious focus. The first time I saw them was in Atlanta from the front row. When they took to the stage, the crowd surged forward and a poorly and hastily constructed wood barrier gave way, splintering and cracking in pieces. As I lay on top of the jagged shards of plywood, my body was pinned to the stage only inches from Joey's feet. He looked down at me, still hanging from the microphone stand, and never flinched. At that moment, I knew that these guys had seen it all. I was hooked.

In the melee, I lost my right shoe. A brand new, white K-Swiss. About an hour and ten minutes later, I found it in a pile of debris left over from the chaos. Cups, bottles, shirts, jewelery, ticket stubs, and yes, even other shoes! I laced it up, and went home wearing what looked like a mismatched pair of tennis shoes.
One was fairly white, the other was absolutely black with concert floor sludge. I wore them like a badge of honor from that day forward.
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In 2005, I got a chance to walk into CBGB's with a great friend shortly before they closed down for good. The owner, Hilly Kristal, was on the phone giving an interview and trying to keep the doors open.  He told us to feel free to look around, and go next door to buy a T-Shirt. I still wear the shirt, and will never lose the feeling of standing in front of that stage. I get goosebumps thinking about just being in that room of rock n' roll greatness.

RIP Joey Ramone
RIP DeeDee Ramone
RIP Johnny Ramone
RIP CBGB's
RIP Hilly Kristal

Hey Ho, Let's Go!

Book Review: Kwame Kilpatrick Surrendered

2011-08-12T09:58:00.001-04:00
Tuesday August 9, 2011
Kwame Kilpatrick releases: Surrendered. The Rise, Fall & Revelation of Kwame Kilpatrick

I love Detroit.
I hate what Kwame Kilpatrick did to Detroit.

My review of his book:

I didn't buy it.
I didn't read it.
I don't plan on reading.
I don't recommend that you read it.

Coming soon: My review of Kwame's next release.

Surrendered II. The Rise, Fall, Revelation, Fall, and ReIncarceration of Kwame Kilpatrick.
Subtitled: The Federal Years.

Love Stinks and So Does The Ticket Business

2011-08-10T05:47:00.003-04:00
The J. Geils Band Ticket Update 8/17/2011:
Well, the Premium Seats are Back!
A quick check into our friendly Ticketmaster reveals you and eleven of your friends, (12) tickets in all, can sit in the 7th row for only $3,492.60

The J. Geils Band Ticket Update 8/16/2011:
Who in Detroit wouldn't want to sit 4th Row Dead Center at Pine Knob for J. Geils????
Apparantly no one does, because they are available right now at Ticketmaster. Two (2) CTR1 Row DDD.
Do you think it has anything to do with the $582.10 price tag that goes with them? Oh, you could also pick and choose from over 382 available seating options at StubHub. Guess who owns StubHub?

The J. Geils Band Ticket Update 8/15/2011:
As of this morning, Monday August 15th, the entire high end priced pavilion tickets have disappeared from the Ticketmaster inventory. The highest priced seats are gone. Gone????????

Strangely, when I entered one (1), Best Available, I am still offered a seat in Row G for $291.05.
Something still stinks about this one...

Why is the ticket business so frustrating for fans?  The concert industry is a massive money-making entity and I am all for capitalism, but c'mon. This monster is out of control, and something has to give. I publicly call out one concert this summer and demand to know the answer behind the pricing strategy of it's tickets.

Take this one: The J. Geils Band wsg The Chris Robinson Brotherhood live at DTE Energy Music Theatre on August 19,2011. Detroit loves the J. Geils Band. I repeat, DETROIT LOVES THE J. GEILS BAND. All three of their live album releases have been recorded in Detroit. Every time they play here live, they sellout. Back in the eighties, they would play in this town twice a year, and sell out Pine Knob for a week PLUS Cobo Hall repeatedly. They have toured together very sporadically over the last 30 years, and this upcoming reunion gig should be a slam dunk, multiple night sell out. It is not sold out. Not even close.

I am a huge Geils fan, and I logged on to Ticketmaster with high hopes the first day of the sale. I skillfully clicked 2 seats Best Available, typed in the cryptic code with lightning speed, and my heart raced when I was looking at 3rd Row Center in my shopping cart. Then, I noticed the price...

The pricing strategy for this show is ridiculous. Who is to blame? The band? (doubt it) The promoter? (possibly) Ticketmaster? (probably) Are they one in the same? Whoever set the ticket prices aimed for only one goal in mind, to milk a guaranteed hot market for as much profit as humanly possible. Guess what? Their strategy is backfiring.

Look at the pricing in the pavilion: There are seven (7) different price ranges available. You want the first 15 rows? You can pay $291.05 for EACH ticket. The next 10 rows? Pay $188.80 EACH. Middle of the pavilion = $86.50 or $66.05 each. Closer to the lawn, but still covered by the roof will cost you $55.80 or $45.60 each. The cheapest pavilion seat is the same as the lawn, both uncovered, for $35.35 each.

Today, with less than a two weeks before the curtain drops, you can easily purchase entire ROWS of the higher end pavilion seats. Just a few Ticketmaster clicks, a huge hit to your credit card, and you can bring all your friends! Will the front of the house look sparse and half empty to the band on Friday night? I'm sure they'll resort to some sort of ticket blitz, or Groupon, or some exclusive Radio Promo code to fill the seats, but it won't make the fans that shelled out top dollar very happy. Better yet, show up and buy tix in the parking lot since the speculators will be taking a bath on this one.

I bet that the concert "geniuses" are looking at the sell charts for this show and blaming Detroit's horrible economy. They will certainly claim they are trying to keep the premium seats away from the scalpers/brokers and blame the secondary market. They need to only blame themselves. Why didn't they price the pavilion at $80 and the lawn at $30 right from the start?

GREED. If someone knows more than I do, feel free to set me straight.

By the way, I bought tickets in the middle of the pavilion and will be there to see Peter Wolf and the Geils band blow the roof off of the place. I just wonder who will be sitting in front of me...

Dad Law #13: Go Fishing

2011-08-09T11:50:00.000-04:00
All it takes is a rod, a hook, and some time..It's my Dad Law #13. Don't worry about making a big deal about it, just do it.

Get the kids and Go Fishing. You don't need a fancy boat, a gigantic tackle box, or an expensive rod and reel. Just drop a line in the water and wait. Nightcrawlers work the best with kids, mostly because it's really fun to play with worms. Get them to get their little hands dirty and slimy and teach them how to bait a hook. If that fails, try a bare hook! Some rather dumb sunfish have been known to bite onto a shiny, dancing bare hook.

If you're a pro, you've already got everything that you need. Now you just need to make the time. If you've never fished, even better. A cheap starter rod and a plastic Scooby-Doo tackle box got us started. Don't forget to bring along a small net and a pair of needle nosed pliers. Whether you dig for worms, or ride your bikes to the gas station to buy them, make an adventure out of it.

It's no secret that fishing is just a way to spend time together. Precious, quality time. Let it be easy.

This song and video is a little corny, but it hits the mark perfectly. Besides, Trace Adkins is one cool dude and we totally agree on this issue.
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Dad Law #8: Never Say NO to the Gorilla Game

2011-08-03T09:47:00.000-04:00
Don't ever say NO when your kids ask to play a game with you.
In fact, it's my Dad Law #8, and it is much easier to follow than you think.

Never Say NO to the Gorilla Game.
Even if you're tired or busy or just plain don't feel like it.

"Dad, can we play..." Feel free to insert: Go Fish, Kick Ball, Wiffle Ball, Catch, Shark Attack, Yahtzee, the Animal Game, or Sorry in place of "the Gorilla Game." It's so easy to say YES and the short amount of time spent together will be priceless.

BTW, the Gorilla Game is when I put on a Gorilla mask and hide in our dark bedroom while the kids take turns coming in to try and find me.  Borrow it, but be warned...hiding under the covers in a hairy rubber mask gets quite hot.

One exception to the rule: You can say NO to Monopoly.
That one can just take too damn long!

Concert Review: INXS w/ Berlin in Detroit

2011-07-31T09:06:00.001-04:00
INXS just may have the best back catalog in 80's and 90's rock music, and they showed off the hits Saturday night at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Detroit. Sadly, my wife and I were part of a pathetically small crowd that turned out to witness this once mighty live act. The Farriss Brothers, in a show of solidarity, began the show on stage with a drum/percussion solo that let the crowd know of their resolve to keep this machine together. I give them credit, playing to a quarter of the house looks hard and the die-hard fans that did turn out got their money's worth.

In a set list that included a few of their classic hits reinterpreted and rearranged, the early and true-to-form Kiss The Dirt and Listen Like Thieves rocked the first half of the concert. TV reality star turned front man, J.D. Fortune finally hit his stride at the back end and gave the crowd "What You Need" and Never Tear Us Apart, followed by a blistering encore of New Sensation, By My Side, and Don't Change.

Opening act, Berlin, took the weak turnout and turned it to their advantage.  Lead singer Terri Nunn sounds (and looks!) fantastic. After raving about the true beauty of the venue, she strolled barefoot through the aisles of the Fox Theatre connecting with everyone she could. Her hit packed set thrilled and impressed, and I feel lucky that I was there to witness it.
In an unavoidable comparison, I am compelled to ponder the difference in success between INXS and Journey. Both bands are currently touring in 2011 without their original lead singers to polar opposite results. Journey is selling out sheds and setting download records, while INXS flounders at the box office. My take on it is this: Journey could replace Steve Perry with a sound-alike voice, but INXS can never replace the stage presence of Michael Hutchence. Hutch was one of the all time great front men, and you just can't clone a commanding front man.

Happy Birthday Mick Jagger

2011-07-26T05:45:00.000-04:00
Kurt's Greatest Rock Frontmen of All Time #2: MICK JAGGER celebrates a birthday today, July 26th.

I saw this guy on stage at the Pontiac Silverdome for the first time November 30, 1981 and it changed my life forever. We were both a lot younger back then, but I still am inspired by Jagger and his "never grow old" type of lifestyle. His face carries the weathered and wise look of a Rock and Roll Champion, and I admire him for it. I can only hope to be in half the shape that he's in when I turn 68.

Jagger is the epitome of cool. A true RockStar, in every sense of the word.

But, Time Waits For No One. Mick, please get The Rolling Stones back on the road and give the fans another look at why you are so captivating in front of an audience.

Happy Birthday, Mick! I hope you are surrounded by family on your special day.

Family Concert Review: Paul McCartney in Detroit

2011-07-25T09:36:00.001-04:00
Baby, I'm Amazed at the performance Paul McCartney put on at Comerica Park in Detroit Sunday night. For nearly 3 HOURS, the Beatles LEGEND entertained a huge crowd, including three generations of my family, and single-handedly held off a thunderstorm. McCartney's talent as a musician is phenomenal, and he seemed to truly enjoy the evening. How can he be 69 years old and still look as good as he does and maintain the stamina that it takes to rule the world? I got tired just watching him.

I must say that the pace of the show was perfect. Sir Paul has found a way to integrate some relevant and honest interaction with the crowd, and not lose any momentum between the 35 or so songs he and the band played. (I actually lost count!) My wife thought the show was over five separate times, but it just kept rolling. One word comes to mind: comfortable. It was the most comfortable I have ever been at at rock concert and I give Macca credit for this unique experience.
I took my parents, my wife, and my kids to this show and I'm so glad that I did. Paul McCartney may be the ONLY performer that can captivate an audience of any age. My parents loved it and my Mom, in particular, appreciated the clarity of the vocals "even on the songs she didn't know!"  Of course they knew most of them, including The Long and Winding Road and Hey Jude.  Both of them have seen the Rolling Stones in concert, and this show topped those by far for them. McCartney certainly doesn't move like Mick Jagger, but he holds the crowd in the palm of his hand and controls them equally as well.

As far as the kids go, overall they enjoyed it. The familiarity of the venue certainly helped. My 13 year old, who rarely shows great emotion, smiled and told me he loved it. The spectacle of the stage, the pyro, and the fantastic video displays banking the sides of the stage sucked him in. I was 15 when live music took a stranglehold on me, we'll see if it does the same for him over the next few years. The Beatles Rockband has strangely and wonderfully provided musical education in our house, and my daughter sang along with the familiar old hits. Especially Paperback Writer, Drive My Car, All My Loving, and Back in The U.S.S.R. Funny though, after a ripping version of Band On The Run, a song she had never heard before, she asked if the chorus (Band On The Run, Band On The Run) was "Red Rubber Duck, Red Rubber Duck." So much for the clarity of the vocals!

As much as I wanted it to be perfect for all seven of us, my 9 year old succumbed to the late Sunday night start and crashed about half way through. Even with the M&M's, Cracker Jacks, Popcorn, Pretzels, Nachos, and a Sierra Mist (or because of it all) he was asleep in my wife's lap(!) and snoozed right by Live and Let Die, complete with flames and fireworks!
Even the hard hitting Helter Skelter couldn't wake him. Oh well, it was past his bedtime. Sorry Paul, don't take it personally.

Congratulations, Paul McCartney. What a show! I never stopped smiling. Nothing offensive, no obscene gestures, and no cursing. The first F-Bomb came on the way to the car, courtesy of one of Detroit's finest panhandlers. Thanks, buddy. Of course there were a few concertgoers that overindulged in alcohol, but I felt perfectly safe and secure having my family at this show. Comfortable.

It was a privilege and an honor to witness one of the most famous people on the planet, performing at such a high level of professionalism. McCartney could blow any other act off the stage, regardless of age. WOW.
What an inspiration. Maybe I've spoiled my kids...this one will be tough to beat.

And as far as this die-hard Rolling Stones fan goes...I publicly admit that Paul McCartney won me over last night. It only took about 4 songs into the set when Jet took off and grabbed me. A few guitar changes later, an excellent Jimi Hendrix solo clinched it. Well done.

Dad Law #19: Stop at ALL Lemonade Stands

2011-07-21T09:59:00.000-04:00

Don't ever pass by a kid's Lemonade Stand without stopping. It's my Dad Law #19, but it really applies to anyone with a driver's license.

You Must Stop At ALL Lemonade Stands. C'mon, make the little entrepreneurs happy.  Buy whatever they are selling and tip generously.

Enjoy the summertime. It never lasts long enough.

DAD RULES

2011-07-18T09:38:00.000-04:00
This has been hanging on my refrigerator for months:

I just took it down.
I wonder if the kids will notice that it is gone?

Sneak Attack Works Best With My Kids

2011-07-15T09:51:00.001-04:00
Sometimes the simpliest evenings turn out to be the best.

Have you ever planned an event for your family, weeks or months ahead of time, and had it turn out to be a complete disaster? If you're anything like me, of course you have. Nothing destroys my mood more than the entire family arguing like caged cats spewing barbs like "why do we have to go to this?" or "when is it going to be over?" or the all-time classic "I'm BORED! Can't we just go home?" Best laid plans...

Last night on a whim, I loaded the kids in the car and drove 6 minutes to Wixom, MI for an impromptu family fun fest. Blues and BBQ in the park. I took total control by not allowing them enough time to gang up and construct any kind of complaint. They didn't really know what hit them until we were standing in line for food. It was great! Victory for me!

We ate some fantastic BBQ sitting on a curb near the fountain, listening to some fantastic music played live in the background. SnoCones, Cotton Candy, and a chance on the "Spin to Win" wheel, presented by your local Credit Union, rounded out a wonderful event with the Oh-So-Important Small-Town feel. Add a few Fire Trucks, a Farmer's Market, and a wild ride on the Mechanical Bull and I was the Best Dad Ever. Again. See kids, I really DO know what's best for you.

My lesson and advice: Take advantage of the inexpensive things in life. Don't overthink your plans and you just might be surprised with the results.

But remember, Don't Ever Give Them Advance Notice! The sneak attack seems to be the most effective.

Rock is NOT Dead, But it is OLD

2011-07-12T13:20:00.000-04:00
Rock is not dead, but it is old.

Think about the groups that are still active and touring and generating interest in the concert business this summer. A large portion of them are old. Peter Frampton, who was just at DTE last week, is 61. Alice Cooper = 63, Buddy Guy = 74, Paul McCartney = 69, Bob Dylan = 70, Elton John = 64, Roger Daltry = 67, Iggy Pop = 64, and Ringo Starr is touring Europe at 71. Later this month, Mick Jagger turns 68, and you just know that he is not ready to call it quits.

These high level Rock Stars have somehow defied age, fought back time, and consistently prove that music knows no retirement age. I am inspired by the ones that take their jobs seriously and put in the time to stay in shape, stay on the top of their game, and give the fans their money's worth on stage. Honestly, most of the older generation musicians look better and act younger than their fans do in the seats!

I get asked all the time, "Aren't you too old to still go to concerts?" When I'm still younger than most of the great performers, why wouldn't I? Music has a magical healing power and a "fountain of youth"-type quality to it. The next time you're not sure if you want to see a show, just go. When you close your eyes, you might even be transported back in time.

In fact, I'm dragging my parents along to see Paul McCartney. After all, they are only 3 or 4 years older than he is! Rock On!

Kids At Rock Concerts

2011-07-07T14:47:00.000-04:00
How old should a kid be before he/she goes to a rock concert?

Our children are exposed to so much media at such an earlier age now than we ever were. I listened to music on vinyl or the FM airwaves, while my kids can watch Eminem, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, and Katie Perry videos online. (For the record, they are not allowed to...but it's possible!) So when an act comes to town "Live At An Arena Near You!", do you bring your kids? Sure, they seem to enjoy the music at home, but are they ready for the crowds, the noise, and the overall feel of a concert?

In my humble opinion, it depends on the artist and the typical makeup of their fans. No, I'm not referring to the KISS ARMY and their makeup! A typical rock show will be super LOUD and a lot of the crowd will be drinking alcohol. F-Bombs from the stage and from the people around you. Pushing, shoving, fighting. All things to consider. I've seen a couple carry their little girl away from front row seats at Madison Square Garden, crying and screaming and holding her ears during the warm up act at a Rolling Stones show. I wonder how much money was wasted on those great seats?

I took my son to see Cheap Trick a few years ago and they scared the crap out of him. He wasn't ready for the sensory overload and I felt like a bad parent for trying it. On the other hand, I've seen The Cheetah Girls in concert, and felt like a bad parent for taking my daughter to that one too. It was horrible yet slightly educational, she learned what "lip-syncing" meant that night. Hannah Montana was actually good, but Miley Cyrus was on the edge of inappropriate.

Our entire family is going to see Paul McCartney at Comerica Park this month. I don't expect him to curse or incite the crowd into circle mosh pitting, but I will be ever vigilant monitoring the attitude and vibe of the fans around us. I won't be taking them to Slayer/Rob Zombie at DTE. They're just not ready yet for the onslaught of the crowd at that one. What do you think?

Are You A Drinker, or Are You A Dad?

2011-07-04T07:54:00.000-04:00
Six years ago, July 4th morning, I asked myself this question: "Are you a DRINKER, or are you a dad?"

I woke up familiarly hungover, shaking the fog from my brain. Another great party, I thought. Except I didn't remember as much of it as I should. Why was my three year old asleep on the couch in our bedroom? Fireworks? I seem to remember my son trying to wake me up, pleading with me not to miss them. He must have given up, and curled up on the couch to be near me. Shit.

OK, I had been drinking Vodka and Orange Crush. Very Keith Richards. I might have grilled some hot dogs. I didn't recall even seeing half of the friends that we invited. Shit.

What about the sparklers? What about the desserts? What about the bonfire? Where was my wife? Shit.

"Are you a Drinker, or are you a Dad?"
I was good at one, and not good enough at the other.

The choice was simple.  A decision that had to be made, yet perhaps the toughest challenge of my life. It was almost TOO hard, and it didn't fully take the first time. But now it's been close to 4 YEARS since I've had a drop of alcohol. We talk openly about my quitting with the kids, and I know that I'm setting a good example.

"Are you a drinker, or are you a DAD?"
I couldn't and shouldn't be both. Some people understood, some did not. Abstinence had nothing to do with friends, and everything to do with my family.

As I watched the fireworks with the gang last night, I felt totally clear and alive. I love being sober. The best thing I've ever done was to choose DAD.

Happy Independence Day!

I used to HATE Country Music

2011-06-29T12:23:00.002-04:00

As I drove into work this morning listening to the insanely good country/hellbilly/metal/rebel artist Hank III on CD, I am reminded that I used to HATE country music. At least that’s what I would tell people, claiming the statement as some kind of badge of honor. Rock and roll has no place for country music, I naively thought. Then one man single handed changed my entire perspective on the genre: Marty Stuart.

I stumbled onto a diverse musical hour of rock, punk, gospel(!), bluegrass(!), and country(!) on the XM satellite years ago and the voice behind the series absolutely captivated me. I had never heard of Marty Stuart yet felt so compelled by his knowledge on the power of music that I was driven to check him out.

Five years later, I have had the privilege to see him and his outstanding band, The Fabulous Superlatives, three times live.  Last fall, my wife and I headed out of town to see him in concert, and after a box office mix up, ended up enjoying the show from the Front Row. When you see these guys in concert, they always stay after the show selling CD’s, pictures, signing autographs, and spending quality moments with every single one of their fans. Genuine acts of kindness that I rarely see in the music business. I've also had the great fortune, through another in a long series of strokes of luck that seem to come my way, to meet him and his also-famous country-legend wife, Connie Smith, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. It was there that I got to tour his unparalled personal exhibit of historic Country Music artifacts.

Things just happen in life for a reason, and I don’t think anything is random. If you’re not always paying attention, you might miss something. I thank Marty for introducing me to some of the better things in life and highly suggest you check out his weekly TV show Saturday nights on RFD TV. Look it up, you’ll find it. They broadcast live cattle auctions on the weekends!

Ever wiser in my older years, I look back and realize that The Rolling Stones tried their best to steer me into country music. I was just too closed-minded to hear it.

Why don't they have funerals for dogs?

2011-06-27T12:05:00.003-04:00

I spent Sunday with the family. Some days are better than others, and this one was all about Life and Death. I certainly didn’t prepare myself ahead of time for it to be that way. My father called me twice, book-ending the day with reports of death. The loss of my Uncle from Alabama was the morning news, and the 11:00 PM news brought the untimely loss of a great business associate/friend.

I found myself in conversations all day about death and the sadness that it brings. We talked about losing relatives and pets, and about the wonderful memories they left us with. In between, my 9 year old and I went to downtown and witnessed an incredible celebration of Life with the retirement of Number 11, worn by the late Detroit baseball manager Sparky Anderson.  The Detroit Tigers helped convey my message immensely with their sparkling tribute to Sparky before the game. Remember the joy. Remember the good things, and the great things. Remember the love.

The end of the day phone ringing brought a small knock at our bedroom door, and in peeked our youngest son. Upon hearing the fresh news about my friend’s death, he hugged me and told me that it was just ‘so sad.’ I could see his brain processing the day’s events, trying to make some sense out of it all and put something else into words.

‘Why don’t they have funerals for dogs?’ he asked.

Son, there are just some questions that a Dad can’t even answer.
RIP Ron.
RIP Tom.

Why I'm NOT going to U2

2011-06-23T15:23:00.001-04:00

I love live music. I have been to hundreds of concerts since The J. Geils Band electrified my skeleton back at Pine Knob when I was 15. I am up for anything, but I am not up for going to Spartan Stadium this Sunday to see U2 and their seemingly endless 360 Tour. Why you ask? The answer is simply a matter of principle: it’s been 580 days since the tickets for this show went on sale.

First of all, I’ve already seen a show on this same tour, over 20 months ago in Las Vegas. It was visually stunning. The “Claw” stage is so big that it only fits in outdoor stadiums. (Kind of like Bono’s ego.) U2 has carried a business model of selling tickets to their concerts an average of 7-8 months ahead of time for years now. They are the only band that secures and holds on to their fans’ money for this long. Coupled with an “injury” that pushed the MSU show back, it’s been 1 year, 7 months, and 3 days since the original on sale date. Wow.
My friends’ emotions have gone from disbelief, to anger, to complete abandonment with me on my stance with this show. 580 Days. Just to put that in perspective, Kid Rock tickets went on sale a mere 62 days before his upcoming Comerica Park appearances. The aforementioned Geils Band reunion tix came out 98 days ahead of their curtain drop. Paul McCartney sold his with only 37 days notice!

If you go, have fun. I’m sure that I’ll hear all about it on Monday. The 360 Tour is the highest grossing tour of all time. No wonder, it never seems to end…

Bottom of the ninth...

2011-06-22T09:29:00.001-04:00
It's the bottom of the ninth, two outs, down by two, two men on base, and your favorite player is at the plate. He strikes out to end the game. Arggghhhhhh. We've all felt the disappointment and the despair. Now, what if the favorite player in that scenario is your son? And, to make matters worse, what if his strikeout ends not only the game, but the team's entire season? Well, it happened to my little guy last night.

Actually, this is the second time in Schwarz-family Little League history that one of our sons has ended their team's playoff run at the plate. Rough. Anyone have any advice for a Dad in my position?
A pep talk from the coach, a hug from us, and a trip to the Dairy Twist for ice cream helped. But I hate to see him growing up and coming to the realization that things don't always go the way you want them to. It's a sad day when dreams of becoming a big-leaguer are shattered. He will bounce back. Hopefully this morning he's already thinking about a summer full of swimming, bike riding, and wiffle ball in the backyard. Maybe I'm the one that's taking it too hard.

Life can be cruel. At least he went down swinging. I love you kid.

The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones

2011-06-18T11:42:00.008-04:00
It is truly the Battle Royale of rock music: The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones. Whose side are you on? With Paul McCartney firing on all cylinders this summer and touring like a youngster (instead of a 69 year old!), it seems that The Beatles may be winning this round.

I am a Stones fan. Always was, always will be. I haven't missed a tour since 1981 and am waiting impatiently for the next one. As each year passes with inactivity, I fear that Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and Charlie may call it quits. After almost 50 years, you couldn't blame them. I have softened my stance on the Beatles over the years and it's hard for me not to be in awe of the prolific, firework-display-type songwriting career of Lennon/McCartney. I do enjoy playing Rockband with the kids, and have definitely been known to hog the microphone during 'Paperback Writer.' So this week I went and did the unthinkable...

I bought tickets to see McCartney at Comerica Park! As a die-hard Stones fan, have I fallen for the hype? Or will the show be as good as it's being billed? Will I enjoy his solo versions of the Fab Four tunes? Time will tell, and so will I... the morning after the July 24th show.

Until then, watch this:
It pretty much settles the debate, doesn't it?

Baseball, Baseball, Baseball!

2011-06-15T10:09:00.000-04:00
Last night was a huge baseball night for my family. I needed to be in three places at the same time. My wife, lucky her, only needed to be in two places at the same time. Sometimes in life, you just have to make choices even when you don't want to. In case I haven't told you yet, I hate to miss anything!

My son's Little League playoff game, my daughter's Softball playoff game, and Tigers vs. Indians downtown all at the same time. How could I pull that off? We split up and my wife hit both of the kids' games, while I went downtown with my Dad. What a night!

The Schwarz family won in every possible way. My son's team = win. My daughter's team = RARE win. The Tigers = First Place win.  I got to spend a fantastic evening with my Dad in awe of another potential no-hitter by Justin Verlander, with a full moon rising up over the flagpole in centerfield. Verlander is the best pitcher in baseball right now. Period. What a treat.
I was disappointed to miss the kid games, but thanks to the "sometimes-it-really-does-come-in-handy" text messaging technology, I felt I was still in the loop. The only downside...no Magglio in the lineup. Oh well, you can't have everything.

Memo to Magglio:

2011-06-13T07:34:00.001-04:00
Detroit is the greatest sports town in the country. We also need a pick me up every now and then, and the Tigers are in position to make this city come together and be great again this summer. Today, June 13th, we are tied for First Place(!) and Magglio Ordonez is returning to the lineup after an injury-filled stretch.

Some will say that we don't need him right now. Some will say that we shouldn't mess with the chemistry of the team. Some will even say that he is washed up. I say bring it on, Maggs. This guy electrified the D back in 2006 and he's capable of doing it again. There's only one thing that I will ask of him...

Don't cut your hair. Let it grow.

I'll be at Comerica Park tomorrow night to see him, and I fully expect to see him in the lineup this October hitting clutch singles and belting home runs. Make us proud, Magglio. And stay away from your barber...

Date Night with Jay Mohr

2011-06-10T06:10:00.001-04:00
It seems like it's been months since my wife and I have had a real "date night." Sure, we spend quality time together at Little League games, track meets, softball games, and school picnics but we needed some time alone away from the kids. The other day, I actually uttered the phrase "I'm sick of Family Fun!" Scary.

Jay Mohr at the Sound Board in the Motor City Casino was just what the doctor ordered. Mohr is my personal favorite substitute host in The Jungle when Jim Rome is on vacation from his sports-talk radio show, so I knew he was funny. I didn't know that he would have so much great material on raising kids. His bit on young boys having sleep-over parties absolutely killed us. Congrats to him on his newborn, and thanks to him for the hilarious stories on dealing with an 8 year old coming home from school every day. We could totally relate. Besides, my wife is a comedian's best friend. She always has the best laugh in the room.

We got home at a decent time, and after leaving the kids in the care of our oldest son, it was truly wonderful to see them all alive and asleep in their own beds. Albeit risky, saving money by not hiring a babysitter on a school night helped to offset the 20 bucks I lost in the slot machines before the show. All in all, a great night.

By the way, tonight is "Family Fun" night at the ball fields, and I'm recharged and ready to be a Dad again.

Inspiration from Cartoons

2011-06-09T10:23:00.001-04:00
When I was a kid, cartoons were a rarity on TV. There just was nothing like a Saturday morning with Bugs Bunny, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Now, my kids can access cartoons 24/7. I don't think they really appreciate them anymore, they are just always on.

I do have to give the nod to Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb. I took inspiration from this consistently awesome show recently...

"It doesn't matter how you choose to toss the dice, Your marriage is the adventure of your life!"

No truer words have been spoken, especially from little animated characters. Keep holding on, wifey. I just love this adventure!

No more "South Detroit!"

2011-06-03T08:41:00.003-04:00

OK, I know that I'm not the first one to bring up the fact that there is no such thing as "South Detroit."

In the Journey song, Don't Stop Believin', Steve Perry sings about being "born and raised in South Detroit." What I will never understand is why the Red Wings, Kid Rock, and now the Detroit Tigers insist on playing this tune and expecting us to sing and/or scream these lyrics at their events like it's our own local anthem.

Enough already. There are plenty of other great songs that name-drop Detroit.
Arghhhhhh. Is it just me?

Dad, What do we do...the power's out!

2011-05-31T09:30:00.000-04:00
Our power went out last night, right at the end of a PERFECT Memorial Day, and the kids just about lost it.

"What do we do?" "Does the TV still work?" "What! No Wireless Internet Access?!" "How will I make a hot breakfast in the morning if the power is still out?" "Dad, I HAVE to take a shower in the morning before school!" "Dad, my alarm doesn't even work!"

Granted, it was about 7:30PM and we did what any normal family would do. We talked. We swam. We laughed. We searched for batteries and flashlights. Typical, back to the past-type stuff. Simple stuff. Wonderful stuff.

The power was restored sometime in the middle of the night, and this morning our household was back to normal. Toaster waffles and Disney Channel reruns before school. Oh well. Thanks to DTE for giving us a few hours of pure simplicity last evening. Happy Memorial Day!

Looking Forward...To Concerts

2011-05-25T14:48:00.006-04:00
I love having a concert or an event on the calendar to look forward to. I've got a place in our utility room where I keep all of my tickets, and just knowing that they are there gets me through the rough days. Even glancing toward the plain, unmarked, white Ticketmaster envelopes as I head out to work in the morning perks me up. When that stash of envelopes is empty, I get depressed.

I always try to have something to be excited about.

Right now, there's J. Geils Band tickets and Alice Cooper tickets waiting to be used in August. Yes! I can't wait to see J. Geils again. They are without a doubt THE greatest live band on the planet.

I'm sure glad we didn't all die...

2011-05-23T08:03:00.003-04:00
Life can be so great. We're coming off of a fantastic weekend of summer-like weather here in SE Michigan, and our family took full advantage of it. We're lucky enough to live on one of the many small inland lakes here and I took the first swim of the year with the kids yesterday.

The days are getting longer and it's getting harder to get the kids to bed at night, especially on school nights. Hopefully, Memorial Day Weekend can be close to this past one weather-wise. Enjoy the outside whenever you can.

Man, I sure am glad that we didn't all die over the weekend. Rapture? What the heck was that all about anyway? I would have hated to miss something.

Kids Birthday Parties

2011-05-18T09:26:00.001-04:00
Two of my kids have birthdays coming up in the next 10 days and of course they are SUPER excited. When they were younger, we used to be able to combine the parties and have a backyard blowout, which seemed to be mostly for parents. Now, at age 9 and 11, boys and girls don't mix as well as they used to, and we're having two separate sleepovers. If I seem a little tired after the next two weekends, you'll know why.

I spent yesterday's lunch hour in my backyard setting a tetherball pole in concrete so that it would be ready for the first party on Saturday. The weather was cold and nasty, but I find myself doing crazy stuff like this all the time for my kids. We've got a small backyard, so a major concern was the placement of the ground sleeve so it wouldn't interfere with the Wiffle Ball batter's boxes, or the basepath from homeplate to first. Yes, my children have taken over the entire house, inside and out.

I know that I let it happen, and I love it.

Be a Real Life Husband

2011-05-17T09:48:00.002-04:00
I have become a firm believer in "being real."

At the top of my list every day is to be a Real Life Husband. My wife rules. She is the reason I am the man that I am.   She is always there for me and I try to always be there for her. I know that I'm not easy to deal with. One minute I can be complaining about work, and the next minute I am flying off to see a concert or sporting event. At the end of each day, when the kids are asleep and the world slows down, it is just the two of us in the dark. A united front. Love conquers all, you know.

The one thing that I can't stand is listening to other guys complain about their wives. It's not cool and I don't want to hear it.

Trust me, you can openly and publicly love your wife and still be a real man. Try it and see if it makes you smile.

Great Rock One Liners...

2011-05-16T10:36:00.001-04:00
Favorite rock and roll lines:

"Life's just a cocktail party on the street." Beautiful and accurate, except that I quit drinking.
"I'm a street-walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm." Wow, talk about an entrance.
"Love Hurts." Yes, it certainly can.
"Love Stinks." See above.
"Let Love Rule." It will.
"Stand in the mirror and dig yourself." Everyday, oh yeah, everyday.

Thanks for reading and don't forget...
"Brush your teeth with rock and roll!"