Tag Archives: mike portnoy

The Hall of Heavy Metal History Announces 2019 Inductees

We might not see a lot of Metal going into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame every year but that is okay because we now have the Hall Of Heavy Metal History and they’ve just revealed the 2019 inductees. Check it out.

The Press Release:
Once again, the annual Hall of Heavy Metal History’s Metal Hall of Fame Gala will take place on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Marriott Delta Garden Grove in Anaheim, CA. The event will be hosted by iconic television, radio personality and heavy metal champion Eddie Trunk, and will feature appearances by heavy metal greats of today and years past. The Metal Hall of Fame Gala is quickly solidifying itself as the most important night in rock and metal!

Doors open at 6:00 PM, and a red carpet will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM. The induction ceremony will begin at 8:00 PM with a performance by Los Angeles heavy rock/metal group Budderside. Admission is open to the public – tickets are available for just $30 via the website below.

2019 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees Include:
– Jon and Marsha Zazula (Founders, Megaforce Records)
– Lita Ford (with 2018 inductee Doro Pesch presenting)
– Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs)
– David Ellefson (Megadeth)
– Special Blizzard of Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne) band induction: Bob Daisley & Lee Kerslake (accepting via video, John Sykes accepting on their behalf in person)
– Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Sons of Apollo)
– KLOS FM – 50th Anniversary
– Saxon (with Nigel Glockler accepting)
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Metal Allegiance Returns to Anaheim For Their Annual Metal Assault

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While many of us are preparing for Halloween, this latest alert will fast forward us to the New Year and one of the special happenings that will take place during the annual NAMM Show. Check it out.

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The Press Release:
METAL ALLEGIANCE has announced that they’ll be returning to their second home of Anaheim, California at the House of Blues on Thursday, January 25th for their annual January metal assault! This year marks the introduction of Bobby Blitz (Overkill) and John Bush (Armored Saint / ex-Anthrax) to their ranks in addition to the surprise guests they are known for.
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ProgPower USA XVIII Day Three Musings (9/8/2017)

Contributor Steven Stolper was on point enjoying the findings at the annual ProgPower USA Festival that takes place in Atlanta, Georgia at the Center Stage Atlanta theater. Historically speaking, PiercingMetal has NEVER been to the event but we’ve occasionally had interest in going based on the lineup for the year. I asked for a quick briefing of the acts that he saw and here are his transmissions to the High Command from the field about Day Three



ProgPowerUSA XVIII Day 3:
Day 3 (or “Day 1” as it used to be known as until a couple of years ago) is when the ProgPower machine really revs into high gear. There are more bands (six versus four), longer sets performed, more autograph signing sessions, more merch and a whole lot more Prog. This year, almost all of the “Day 3” bands were heavy on the Progressive side with one notable exception being the visitors from Spain, Lords of Black. I assumed that this is due to different musical tastes of the booking teams of Days 1-2 vs 3-4. Although, as mentioned before, this seems to vary recently, probably based on touring schedules of non-exclusive bands. Speaking of exclusivity, all of the bands playing Friday, except Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, are flying in specifically for the ProgPower event and are NOT doing standard tours of the regions around the country. This is what makes this festival so unique and attractive to fans of the genre living in the Americas. It is often the only opportunity to see these bands live.

Daydream XI (Brazil):
Brazilian newcomers opened the main event on Friday in a very impressive fashion. Smooth progressive metal with thick dual guitars and nice vox is a recipe that has very broad appeal for the ProgPower crowd. I was not familiar with the band’s material beforehand. I suppose that was true for most attendees, but the band’s music was easy to connect with. A friend described it as a more mellow and sexy Symphony X. Sounds about right. No one really wants to have to be too analytical about music at 2PM on a Friday anyway, especially after 2 days of the festival. Most impressively, singer Tiago Masseti also handled the second guitar duties, including many of the solos. Highlight of the set was a beautiful piano and vocals only ballad, which really showcased singer’s lovely voice.
Continue reading ProgPower USA XVIII Day Three Musings (9/8/2017)