Velvet Insane goes paranormal

I could not help but notice the other day that Velvet Insane guitarist Jesper Lindgren is a bit of a showman, so much so that I got several shots where you can not see his legs. Or even a hint of him walking around like the rest of us mere mortals. Now this camera (a Japanese Olympus SZ-15) has served me well for this blog, although it is certainly not made for concert photography. Still, you can get some shots that are a bit intriguing, or artsy, if you like. I thought this one was kind of cool in that it is a rather bad shot but it still has that elusive quality that stands out a bit (in this case, almost in a paranormal sort of way). But it also says something about this guy and the music. And trust me on this, the music has got legs.

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Nice Lord autograph

Not exactly sure when Jon Lord signed this copy of his “Sarabande” album (I did three interviews with the man in his Whitesnake days), but it may have been in 1981. I always loved this cover, and it is a very fine musical statement from a man that inspired countless musicians out there.

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Nice Paice autograph

As I move stuff to my new house I might as well showcase some cool memorabilia from the old collection. Got this drum skin with the greeting from (Deep Purple drummer) Ian Paice as a gift from 220 Volt guitarist Mats Karlsson (“Concerto” tour 2000, as he attended a drum clinic that Paice did). I guess Mats mentioned that it was for the Swedish fan club (that part of my magazine publishing ended in 2003).

Good times.

(Inserted is a page from an eight page Tommy Bolin story that was published in Sweden Rock Magazine #31 in 2005)

Nice Hughes Tribute

Young Guitar Magazine in Japan has published a Glenn Hughes Special. 270 pages that covers his career. I guess this is a book rather than a magazine, but a lot of these looks like books over there.

Got to love Japan.

Talent in Spades

I attended a nice concert event at Gamla Teatern (The Old Theater) here in Östersund (Jämtland County) a few hours ago, jam packed with wonderful (local) talent. For me there were three particular highlights: ex-220 Volt singer Christer “Frille” Åsell (backed by Velvet Insane), Tina Moe and Velvet Insane themselves. Frille and myself go back to the good old days of 220 Volt and it was nice to see him perform with the next big hope from these parts. Tina Moe is another dear friend that I used to hang with long ago and I had not seen her in person for some 30 years. Her performance was beautiful, she really is one of the most talented singers/songwriters that this country has produced. It was wonderful to catch up a bit, I kick myself now for not having seen her live again for so long. She has matured like a fine wine. The boys in Velvet Insane is the next generation of superb talent coming out of this town and they write good songs and they certainly know how to sell it. New album coming up, and I will be back with more on them later on this blog. Best rockers since 220 Volt from Jämtland County.

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Nice Coverdale autograph

I rarely asked artists for autographs back in the day, but there were times when I did and I stumbled across this LP yesterday. I met David Coverdale for the first time in Stockholm 1981 (interview is up on this blog) and he was kind enough to sign some stuff then. I think he has a very nice autograph, very stylish. Looks great on this copy of his first solo album.

Good days.

More Babymetal dates

Babymetal is all set to perform in Australia for the first time in December. They will perform at three major festivals called Good Things in Melbourne (Dec 7), Sydney (8) and Brisbane (9). Babymetal has long been in demand in Australia and Su-metal did spend some time over there recording vocals for the “Metal Resistance” album. For all we know they may well have recorded more in Australia since, which would certainly help Su master the English language. After all, the world awaits.

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Death Wish

Watched Bruce Willis in “Death Wish” on DVD tonight and the franchise suits him well. I see remakes all over the place that are just annoying, this one actually works. My bet is that we will get more revenge tales with the good Doctor (his character) before you know it. Bring it on.

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Busy days

Spent my first night in my new place (Monday-Tuesday) but I did not waste any time on sleep (too much work to do). The books are slowly getting organized and dealt with. I pretty much know how everything is going to be set up but it will take a few weeks to do this (not counting a few projects that I have to undertake). Still, things are moving along nicely and that is a good thing.

These pictures show: early morning shot from the porch, bookshelves going up, view from the living room, books being organized.

(Tonight I got 12 hours sleep – guess I needed it).

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Ambassadors of Kawaii Metal

Watched my brand new import copy of “Legend S – Baptism XX – Live At Hiroshima Green Arena” yesterday. Babymetal do not take prisoners, not even when they are a member short (Yuimetal). The show is spectacular from the first second, then they take you for one hell of a ride. The live shot you see here was taken during the first song, “In The Name Of”, when Su-metal seemingly hurls a ball of fire with her staff through the arena (how the hell did they create that illusion?). If you catch Babymetal on a headline show, you will be entertained (no doubt about it). This DVD is just another masterpiece and they keep the standard on a level that is very rare. The musicianship is on a level that is just awesome. The show, captured by multiple cameras as always, leaves you wanting more. Su-metal was celebrated in her hometown Hiroshima on these two nights (edited down to 16 tracks for this release and mixed by long serving engineer Tue Madsen). The first night belonged to members of the Fan Club (called The One), the second night to club members and the general public. The fact that Yui could not perform, and that they had to decide on the spot whether to cancel or not, was a rough situation that they managed to deal with (this DVD is certainly proof of how professional they are). What nobody knew at the time was that these performances would also be the last for guitarist Mikio Fujioka, whom passed away in a freak accident just weeks later in early 2018. Watching him here is a sad goodbye of sorts, but he will be remembered.

Babymetal has absolutely nothing to prove to nobody at this point. This is a unique outfit, the world at large will surely wise up soon enough and give them the status that they so richly deserve. I think this will happen with the third album. The buzz is out there and with DVDs like this…

(Note. Word is that it has not been decided as yet whether Yui can perform the upcoming Japanese shows in October or not. At least we know that she is still part of Babymetal and that they are doing the best that they can to get through a tough period).

(My image of said release – thank you for your assistance Kalle)

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