One year ago the Heavy Music community lost one of the most charismatic, charming, and down to earth rockers in history. Ronnie James Dio is the emblem of Horns Up Rocks, not just because he popularized the "devil horns" (the Horns Up Rocks logo), but also because he was one of the most humble musicians ever. Not one person that had the privilege to meet Dio has one bad thing to say about him and always comment on what a great role model he was. Any musician out there reading this, should take note of Ronnie James Dio, a legend that will never be forgotten and will keep influencing musicians forever.
Here are some facts about the great Ronnie James Dio:
- RJD was an Italian-American Heavy Metal vocalist and songwriter.
- He performed with: Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his band Dio.
- Considered the most powerful singer in Heavy Metal history.
- Ranked as one of the greatest Rock vocalists of all time.
- Credited with popularizing the "devil horns" hand gesture in Metal culture.
- Prior to his death he was collaborating with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice, on a new Heaven & Hell album, which would have been the following to "The Devil You Know", released on April 28, 2009.
- Dio died of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010.
- One of the last songs he recorded was titled "Metal Will Never Die".
The last interview that Ronnie James Dio ever did:
The last public appearance of Ronnie James Dio:
Horns Up Rocks interview with Wendy Dio (wife of RJD) & Geezer Butler (band-mate of RJD):
Horns Up Rocks interview with Jose Mangin (Sirius XM Liquid Metal) about his interview with RJD:
Horns Up Rocks interview with Don Jamieson (That Metal Show) about the legacy of RJD:
Kerry King is synonymous to Heavy Metal! Ever since he founded Slayer in 1981, Kerry's mission has been to deliver the madness both on and off stage. While many Heavy Music fans will always clash when it comes to their different tastes in bands, artists, etc. We all agree that Kerry King represents what Heavy Metal is all about: uncompromised badass honest rugged music that's not for the weak hearted!
Slayer recently performed in front of 50,000 headbangers at the "Big 4" show in Indio, California, and Jose Mangin from Sirius XM Liquid Metal interviewed Kerry King about the historic event that took place in the middle of the desert. The interview airs tomorrow Thursday 5 de Mayo at 5 pm Eastern. Here is the OFFICIAL press release:
"Kerry King from metal gods Slayer spoke to Liquid Metal's Jose Mangin backstage at 2 AM in Indio, CA and gave Sirius XM an exclusive post history making Big 4 experience wrap-up, which ended hours earlier. He opens up about the all-star "jam" on stage that he finally took part in, the massive turn out in the desert that day & other Slaytanic thoughts from Metal's reigning King!"
Kerry King BIG 4 Exclusive Interview airs on:
- Thursday, May 5th @ 5PM Eastern on Sirius XM Liquid Metal (CHANNEL 40)
Repeat Broadcasts:
- Friday, May 6th @ 8PM Eastern - Saturday, May 7th @ 12PM Eastern - Sunday, May 8th @ 10PM Eastern
Tune in, grab a smoke, a beer, and put your horns up for Kerry Fucking King, Slayer, and Liquid Metal!
Ever since we started Horns Up Rocks we have shared with all of our fans every vital move that we have made in order keep our mission of Redefining Heavy Music, progressing and rising all of us to the top. Yes, all of us. We didn't start this movement for personal satisfaction, we started Horns Up Rocks in order to unite the Heavy Music fans and to celebrate our lifestyles.
Since day 1 we have been all about taking measured risks in order to keep this movement growing stronger every day. Today we are making history at the 3rd installment of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. We will be covering the Black Carpet at the event and bringing our East Coast/Latino flavor to the Heavy Music elite. We are extremely proud and ready to destroy! Thank you all for the support since day 1 and this one is for you! HORNS UP!!!
Here are some videos we produced last year after the 2nd installment of the Golden Gods, which ultimately was the "stepping stone" for us to be able to be part of these years event!
Headbangers of the world, have you heard the music of Danish masters Volbeat? If the answer is no, then what are you waiting for? For the first time ever, Volbeat will be visiting Sirius XM's Liquid Metal and will be hanging with Jose Mangin! Here is the OFFICIAL press release:
"Danish Metallic Rock band VOLBEAT pays their first visit to Sirius XM's New York City Headquarters to hang with Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin. VOLBEAT is one of our “I told you bands” and we’re happy to see their rise to the top! Tune in to hear music from VOLBEAT, which includes tracks off their latest release "Beyond Hell… Above Heaven", and find out how the band feels about their North American explosion and current tour with the Damned Things."
Where? Liquid Metal (Sirius 27/XM 42)
Who? VOLBEAT
When? Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ 4 PM Eastern
Repeat broadcasts: - Thursday, April 14th @ 8 PM Eastern - Saturday, April 16th @ 9 AM Eastern - Sunday, April 17th @ 5 PM Eastern
Liquid Metal decided it was time to kidnap Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down, Kingdom Of Sorrow) and the only way that they will let him go is if he annihilates the satellites with some hard hitting powerful music.
Here is the OFFICIAL press release:
"Sludge Metal lord Kirk Windstein joins Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin inside the Sirius XM headquarters for an hour special surrounding the latest release from CROWBAR called Sever The Wicked Hand (out now through E-One Records). You’ll hear Kirk discuss the new album, their current stint on the Metalliance Tour (featuring Saint Vitus & Helmet), his upcoming summer plans with Kingdom Of Sorrow on the Mayhem Festival, the update on the recording of the new Down, and how life as a father has grounded the 20 year plus Metal veteran and made him see things in a new light. Tune in not only for the exclusive content but also for hard hitting numbers from all his bands, plus some of his favorite cuts from Pantera & Black Sabbath!"
Here are all the details:
- Where? Liquid Metal (Sirius 27/XM 42)
- Who? In-Studio guest: Kirk Windstein
- When? Thursday, March 31 @ 8 PM Eastern
Repeat broadcasts:
- Friday, April 1 @ 5 PM Eastern - Saturday, April 2 @ 12 PM Eastern - Sunday, April 3 @ 3 PM Eastern
Last night the band Hellyeah held their Official after party at Duff's Brooklyn, following their performance with Buckcherry and All That Remains at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square. As usual, the vibe was great and the band had a great time with their fans. Among the rowdy fans were media personalities Jose Mangin (Sirius XM Liquid Metal and MTV's Headbangers Ball) and Don Jamieson (That Metal Show).
Dean guitars has been one of the top manufacturers of guitars during the last 10 years. What started as a guitar company has become a solid force in the Heavy Music scene. Most of you probably know Dean Guitars thanks to the legendary Dimebag Darrell Abott (RIP)! After Dime ignited the Dean flames throug his phenomenal guitar work with Pantera and Damageplan, the manufacturing of electric guitars was revolutionized. This is where Dean guitars came in and helped many artists the ultimate guitar sound!
Here are some other artists that are endorsed by Dean Guitars:
- Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH) - Michael Schenker (SCORPIONS & UFO) - Michael Ammott (Arch Enemy & Carcass) - Bret Michaels (Poison) - Glen Drover (King Diamond) - Vinnie Moore (UFO & Alice Cooper) - Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions) - Eric Peterson (Testament & Dragonlord)
Starting tomorrow at 10 am Dean Guitars will bring back their revolutionary "Live from NAMM" Webcast. After last years success in which 100,000 viewers tuned in, once again Jose Mangin (Liquid Metal and Headbangers Ball) will be joined by Metal Sanaz, and together they will interview over 100 artists! They will also be showing you a ton of new products, as well as giving you the chance to win free swag!
Artists scheduled for signings and interviews in the one-stop combined Dean Guitars + DDrum booth include: Dave Mustaine and Shawn Drover of MEGADETH, Michael Schenker, Dave Lombardo of SLAYER, Uli Jon Roth, Eric Peterson of TESTAMENT, Vinnie Paul, Tom Maxwell and Bob Zilla of HELLYEAH, Tracii Guns of LA GUNS, Eric Bass of SHINEDOWN, David Vincent & Tim Yeung of MORBID ANGEL, Rusty Cooley, Leslie West of MOUNTAIN, Michael Angelo Batio, Carmine Appice, John Humphrey of SEETHER and much more!
When we were planning our end of the year recap, we had a full bag of ideas. However, the last thing we wanted to do was to use old content, simply because this is the formula that most media outlets use. Luckily, we were able to create exactly what we think you deserve. We truly believe that this is the best recap you will see when it comes to Heavy Metal in 2010.
Here at Horns Up Rocks we've been very lucky to be at the right place, at the right time. As a matter of fact, the majority of our content was gathered with a simple formula: connect with the artist, be honest with the artist, and never script the interviews. This is a skill we learned from the "Voice of Metal": Jose Mangin from Sirius XM Liquid Metal and MTV's Headbangers Ball!
And who better then Jose to tell you about the most important moments in Heavy Metal in 2010, the most important albums, the Most Valuable Players, and even some pretty cool behind the scene moments!
With this video, which will be our last one for 2010, we want to wish you all an amazing 2011 and remember to keep the Horns WAY Up! Be safe, because we need every single one of you in the Army of Chaos! And remember: If it's getting too loud, you are getting too old!
Special thanks to Jose Mangin for his endless support and for keeping Heavy Music stronger than all for over 10 years! \m/
After carefully watching what different media outlets released this holiday season, we decided that instead of creating an end of the year summary using old content, we would instead create a 30-minute program that showcases the impact of Heavy Music in 2010. In order to make this a successful program, we would have to find the ideal platform. That platform? New York City’s Times Square, also known as the “center of the world”!
You may be thinking that we went into a Broadway show and bumped elbows with tourists. But the reality is that what we experienced was magical.
We arrived at the Best Buy Theater (formerly the Nokia Theater), which is the best sounding venue in New York City. The place is pimped out! As soon as we got there we ran into a lot of familiar faces, one face that stood out was Tommy Vext (formerly from Divine Heresy and Snot). From that moment on, we knew this night would be like no other! The video special will make this very evident, so make sure you check it out. We have live footage, exclusive interviews and more!
Seventh Void, which features members of Type O Negative opened the night with a tight set, and made all the concert attendees remember the great Peter Steele (RIP)! A few minutes later, it was time for Long Island’s Kings of Hardcore Vision Of Disorder. VOD never just shows up to a show, they make sure they get the crowd pumped and could have easily headlined the show. We had the chance to talk to their singer Tim Williams (included on the video special), and 2011 is shaping up to be an awesome year for this phenomenal band.
As soon as VOD finished their set, we caught up with Revolver Magazine’s Editor In Chief Brandon Geist and discussed the impact of Heavy Music in 2010 (also included on the video special). Revolver Magazine’s latest issue is a tribute to all the “fallen heroes” of Heavy Music. Make sure you pick it up!
Next up was Biohazard, who always makes sure to get the crowd moving and that they leave with a smile on their face. We had the chance to talk to their guitarist Bobby Hambel (also included on the video special), and he is a true legend!
In our opinion, Biohazard should have been the main headliner, simply because they are a lot more energetic then Life Of Agony. As a result, the crowd was somewhat tired once Life Of Agony took center stage. Nevertheless, Life Of Agony sounded amazing!
WIthout further due, here is our 2010 Holiday Special (includes bonus footage starring Brian Fair from Shadows Falls)! We want to dedicate this piece to Peter Steele, Ronnie James Dio and Paul Gray! And of course, all the fans of Horns Up Rocks!!!
Special thanks to our photographers Evil Steve, Damien Mitchell and Simi Friedman. Our videographers Lucky, Evil Steve, Lisa Marie Gort DeStefano and Alissa Shimansky. And last but not least, Jose Mangin, Brandon Geist, Tim WIlliams, Bobby Hambel, and Brian Fair!
This past Friday, the first version of Dimebash 2010 took place at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. The event was organized as a tribute to "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (Pantera and Damageplan), who was shot and killed on December 8, 2004 at the Alrosa Village in Columbus Ohio. The event was also a fund raiser for the "Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund". Additionally, the concert was shot for a future DVD release and proceeds from the sales will also go towards the fund.
The event featured some of the top Hard Rock musicians in the world, here is the partial list:
Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD) Dave Grohl (FOO FIGHTERS) Joey Jordison (SLIPKNOT & ROB ZOMBIE) Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) Simon Wright (DIO) Brent Smith, Zach Myers and Eric Bass (SHINEDOWN) Kerry King and Dave Lombardo (SLAYER) Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD) Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) Maria Brink and Chris Howorth (IN THIS MOMENT) Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT) Tony Campos (STATIC-X) Gerry Nestler (PHILM) John Boecklin (DEVILDRIVER)
This "All Stars" performed songs by PANTERA, BLACK SABBATH, and MOTÖRHEAD
Additionally, the sold-out event was hosted by Jose Mangin from Sirius XM, Headbangers Ball and Latination. Jose has hosted several Dimebag events, including the "Ride for Dime". Mangin also jammed with Chuck Billy (Testament), Phil Demmel (Machine Head), Joey Jordison (Slipknot & Rob Zombie) and Tony Campos (Static X & Asesino). During their cover of Mouth For War, he cut his head open with Phil Demmel's Dean headstock. Chuck Billy later baptized Jose's gash as the "Dimegash".
Here are some pictures by Dirtjunior.com from this historic event:
Today is the release date of Pantera's Cowboys From Hell 20th Anniversary Edition. In order to celebrate this day, Pantera's vocalist Philip Anselmo got online and chatted with fans worldwide via Ustream. During the chat Philip looked healthy, strong and was very eloquent with all of his answers. As usual, he was very honest and comical. When asked what his recipe for looking younger and younger is, he jokingly said: "next thing you know, I will be back in an egg. My mother used to call me a hatch." Since we know not everyone was able to tune in, here is a rundown of what went down during Anselmo's chat with Pantera's fans. Uncensored and real, just like the way it should be!
Why did you decide to become part of a Heavy Metal band?
There is no energy like the Heavy Metal energy!
What is your favorite track from Cowboys From Hell?
Philip Anselmo: It has to be Primal Concrete Sledge! It is a brutal song that came out of nowhere. We where in between takes while recording Cowboys From Hell, and Vince started playing this beat that made all of us lose our minds. Dimebag started playing this crazy guitar part, I started scribbling some lyrics. And next thing you know we had a whole song. It was magic!
How does it feel to have been part of Pantera?
It was a full way split when the four of us would get in a room and jam. All of us! The only way to describe it is: "Modulistic terror, a vast sadistic feast, the only way to exit, is going piece by piece." (SLAYER lyric from Piece by Piece)
How was the lyrical process during Cowboys From Hell?
It was up to me to make sure the lyrics fit into the song. But I would be open to the bands opinions, and sometimes we even voted to see if a lyric was right for a particular song. Specially during Cowboys From Hell.
What was your personal inspiration and motivation to switching gears into a more ass shredding sound?
Gradual but honest things. When I joined Pantera, we made it be known that we were going for a more aggressive sound. The thing is that at the time we had a war with the clubs. If you wanted to be part of the club scene, they made you dress with Spandex like Motley Crue since that was popular in the 80's. But that did not last long.
Where you aware that this album would change Heavy Metal forever?
No Way! We knew we were great, but we had a lot to prove. Cowboys From Hell was our introduction to the world. We had to prove ourselves every night, show after show.
During that time, which vocalists influenced your vocal style?
I found a lot of beauty in Thrash metal vocalists like Paul Ballof from Exodus and Dark Angel's Don Doty.
What inspired the lyrics from Cemetery Gates?
There was a friend who had died in NOLA and it had a real heavy impact within my group of friends. When I wrote the lyrics I did not want them to be too personal, because that can be cheesy. I also had to make sure that the lyrics would not take away from the song, because that was one of our best songs.
What are your top five songs of all time?
Man, that is a fucking hard question! But if I have to pick five songs, they are: At Dawn They Sleep by Slayer, The Battle of Evermore by Led Zeppelin, Drowning Man by U2, Blind by Swans, Painted Black by the Rolling Stones, A Day in the Life by The Beatles, and I got one more, The Prophet Song by Queen.
What is your favorite Dimebag solo from Cowboys From Hell?
It has to be The Sleep! It is a ripping solo, with so much feel, it is a great song!
What is your favorite Black Sabbath album?
That is another tough question, I feel like two lovers feeling like a fool. I have to go with Sabotage and you cannot forget Paranoid!
What song gives you goose-bumps?
David Bowie's Wild Is the Wind.
What is your most meaningful tattoo?
When in doubt, always go with the first! The old PHIL CORE.
Which artists were your main influences when writing lyrics for Pantera?
Definitely Van Halen, some Judas Priest, and even Metallica and Slayer. Metallica made the breakthrough for Thrash Metal bands, but Slayer killed me! Without Slayer I would be a differrent man today!
If you would be 18 years old today, would you try to make it in the music business?
Of course! But its not about making it, it is all in your head. When Far Beyond Driven went number one on Billboard, I was overwhelmed. But also underwhelmed. It is a great honor, but making it is all a state of mind. Put in the work by practicing, spending time in the studio, and definitely get on that fucking stage!
What can you tell us about your upcoming autobiography? Would say it is a cautionary tale? Why should people read Phil Anselmo's story?
It is a cautionary tale about an interesting journey, with certain stories that nobody has heard before. You will understand me better if you read it. When you write a book it is a self examination. When you start getting old, you will see how much you learn from when you were younger. It will not be your average rock autobiography!
What was your first concert?
When I was young I would go see local acts. But my first big show was KISS in the 6th grade, a good friend of my family who was Kiss's tour manager took me. Around that time I also saw Jethro Tull, and I even OZZY with a shaved head and a wig on! INSANE!
Did you ever experience stage freight?
When I was a kid I was always the youngest in the bands I played in, so there was some apprehension. With Pantera we had to work our way up. Being in the Cowboys From Hell tour taught us a lot. We had to build our ground. Once you have that microphone on your hand, you simply melt the stage freight away!
Which of your songs is the hardest song to sing?
It has to be The Great Southern Trendkill! I had no time to breath on that one, since I had to fill in all the gaps. I learned my lesson hard on that one.
What are your favorite memories of the Cowboys From Hell tour?
Hanging out with Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus was mayhem every night! The funniest story was when Dimebag ruffled Yngwie Malmsteen's feathers. It was hilarious, everyone was inhebriated. They wanted to kick his ass!
How was it to reach Platinum status with Pantera?
It was a great achievement! Very unexpected. I am a pessimist when it comes to getting something good with my music because the music industry is very rough!
How did you end up doing guest vocals on Vision of Disorder's Imprint?
I toured with Tim Williams from VOD, and I became friends with the band when they would come see us in New York. They asked me to do it, so I did! VOD DAMN! I hope they are doing good, they are great guys.
What are your favorite boxers?
Great question! Got to go with Mohammed Ali, Rocky Marciano, MikeTyson in his prime, Lennox Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran (manos de piedra), and Tomas Hitman.
What was your first gig ever?
Speaking of stage freight. I was terrified! It was in NOLA at an all ages show. I was wearing Jeans, a Van Halen t-shirt, and a bandana on my neck. Once I gripped that microphone stand, I did not let go! I plugged my microphone into a guitar FX pedal. Then at the end of the a Black Sabbath song we were covering, I hit the guitar pedal. It was horrific!
What band did you want to play in, but couldn’t?
KISS. What is your favorite NFL team?
Please! I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana! So my team has always been the New Orleans SAINTS. I would stand in front of the TV as a toddler and watched them lose all the time! But now look at this t-shirt (shows Saints championship t-shirt), world champions! And we are looking good this year too.
What message do you have for your fans?
I love you all! Celebrate this special day! Just have an awesome time! Be happy, be strong!!! I love you all!!! This is Philip Anselmo signing off!
On Friday September 10th, we experienced history in the making at the Official Pantera 20th Anniversary Edition release party at Duff's Brooklyn. It was like being at a Pantera show in the mid 90's. People were losing their minds, losing their voices and losing their sanity song after song. From the moment we arrived Pantera's Cowboys From Hell was blasting on the PA and we ran into many Pantera fans from all over the tri-state area. Once the first beer was in hand, it was all about Pantera's legacy. The legacy that was established thanks to the bands passion and the well crafted music that Pantera created throughout their tremendous career.
Cowboys From Hell was released on July 24, 1990, and it was Pantera's 5th studio album. After many years of trial and error, Pantera was signed by Atco Records after the band found their sound, their image and the right moment to bring Heavy Metal back to the surface. Produced, engineered and mixed by Terry Date and Pantera, the album is a sonic assault that quickly gets the crowd grooving and headbanging. This is exactly what happened at Duff's Brooklyn!
There was definitely something in the air that night, a vibe that brought people together in unity. It reminded us of when Pantera played in 1991 at the Monsters of Rock festival in Russia, in front of 1.6 million people. That day Pantera shared the stage with Metallica, AC/DC and Aerosmith in what is considered one of the largest music festivals in history. Pantera outperformed every single band that day and made a statement that they were ready to rise the flag of Metal for many years to come.
Today the impact of Cowboys From Hell is evident throughout the entire Heavy Music scene, there is no artists or fan that doesn't own this classic record. If you ask anyone to choose their favorite song, they will have a hard time picking just one song. Cowboys From Hell is one the best records of all time, and 20 years later it is as relevant as it when it was released. We want to thank the Duff's crew for inviting us to cover the event and all the Pantera fans worldwide.
Here is a promotional clip we produced for the Pantera 20 Year Anniversary Edition, and it features footage from the party at Duff's Brooklyn. ENJOY! \m/
It gives Horns UP Rocks GREAT honor to dedicate our 150th post to PANTERA!!!
The Kings of Metal PANTERA, are releasing the 20 year anniversary edition of their legendary album Cowboys From Hell, on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14th! Make sure you pick it up! \m/
To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of "Cowboys From Hell", Pantera is offering a limited edition, web-store exclusive box set. This box set contains merchandise only available in the band's official web-store! Here is what this box set contains:
- Cowboys from Hell Logo Flask - Belt Buckle Bottle Opener - Cowboys from Hell Exclusive T-Shirt - 4 Piece Guitar Pick Set - Cowboys from Hell 20th Anniversary Expanded CD
The "Deluxe" and "Expanded" editions of "Cowboys From Hell" will be released on September 14th at all retail outlets. This special editions will also be sold on Pantera's Official site and on Rhino Entertainment's site. The "Deluxe Edition" will be available for a suggested list price of $29.98 (hard copy) and $17.99 (digital copy) and the "Expanded Edition" for $19.98 (hard copy) and $12.99 (digital copy).
The "Cowboys From Hell" 20th-anniversary reissue track listing:
Disc One - Ultimate, Deluxe, and Expanded Editions
01. Cowboys From Hell 02. Primal Concrete Sledge 03. Psycho Holiday 04. Heresy 05. Cemetery Gates 06. Domination 07. Shattered 08. Clash With Reality 09. Medicine Man 10. Message In Blood 11. The Sleep 12. The Art Of Shredding
Disc Two - Ultimate, Deluxe, and Expanded Editions
01. Domination (live) * 02. Psycho Holiday (live) * 03. The Art Of Shredding (live) * 04. Cowboys From Hell (live) * 05. Cemetery Gates (live) * 06. Primal Concrete Sledge (live) * 07. Heresy (live) * 08. Domination (live, "Alive And Hostile" EP) † 09. Primal Concrete Sledge (live, "Alive And Hostile" EP) † 10. Cowboys From Hell (live, "Alive And Hostile" EP) † 11. Heresy (live, "Alive And Hostile" EP) † 12. Psycho Holiday (live, "Alive And Hostile" EP) †
Disc Three - Ultimate and Deluxe Editions Only
01. The Will To Survive * 02. Shattered (demo) * 03. Cowboys From Hell (demo) * 04. Heresy (demo) * 05. Cemetery Gates (demo) * 06. Psycho Holiday (demo) * 07. Medicine Man (demo) * 08. Message In Blood (demo) * 09. Domination (demo) * 10. The Sleep (demo) * 11. The Art Of Shredding (demo) *
* Previously unreleased † Unreleased in the U.S.
Here is a promo video featuring footage from the OFFICIAL Release party at Duff's Brooklyn! We want to thank Jimmy Duff and Nightcrawler Steve for asking us to cover the event.
Desi Sanchez (born Adesina Sanchez) is one of the most dedicated and passionate media personalities in the entertainment industry. Not only does Desi proudly represent the Latino culture here in the United States, but she is also leaving a mark in music, fashion and culture. This is why we decided to interview Desi about her past, her present and her future. We predict that Desi will become one of the top media personalities in the United States within the next 5 years. At the moment she is hosting three TV shows, she is working on her musical sound, and smiling at life. She is also a visual artist and an actress. If you are familiar with Desi, you know that she can make people smile within seconds with her radiant energy.
Desi broke into the entertainment industry when she joined American Latino TV's "Latination" in 2005. Ever since then, she has been working non stop on her skills. She recently became the face of MTV 2, simply because she has phenomenal talent and she is a pleasure to watch on television. Good interviewer, great personality and plenty of latino fire.
If you wonder how Desi became a successful TV personality? The answer is discipline and determination. She is constantly taking classes to better herself, because mediocrity has never been accepted in the Sanchez household. Without further due, here is the interview we conducted with the "brightest smile" in the entertainment industry!
Yesterday we made history! When we started Horns Up Rocks one of our goals was to help promote the Heavy Music scene wholeheartedly. In order to do this, we have been building rock solid relations with bands, fans and the media. We believe that the only way to reinvent the scene and relay the bricks made of steel, is by standing strong together as one.
Some may say we cover some bands that nobody knows about, but we know what our role is and we will never back-out from our mission. When we heard the Sirius XM Liquid Metal crew plug the upcoming Hixonfest on satellite radio yesterday, we felt the impact of what we have accomplished thus far. Rest assure that we are keeping the underground strong for years to come! As Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual & Arson Anthem) says: "The pulse of Heavy Metal lives in the underground scene!"'
This is why we are presenting to you! HIXONFEST 2010! HERE IS THE SIRIUS XM LIQUID METAL HIXONFEST PROMO! Voiced by Kara Pain for the "Metal News Blitz" segment! Tune in daily to LIQUID METAL!
Last December we headed to the "Man Cave Fiesta", hosted by Jose Mangin from Sirius XM Liquid Metal. After a tedious bus ride in the snow, we finally arrived at the Mangin hood. As we are looking for the address, we run into a big dude with a bottle of Don Julio on his hand. We look at each other and smiled as in saying "this is going to be a good night". This big dude was none other then Eduardo Barragan. Eduardo is the guitarist of The Hixon, a crushing Thrash Metal band from New Jersey!
The party started and I ran into the rest of The Hixon boys, which include Marc Hixon (Vocals), Stephen Wells (Drums) and Flip Martorano (Bass). Marc who has a striking resemblance to Chuck Billy from Testament, was sipping on Jim Beam and we immediately started cracking jokes. Next thing you know we are all talking Metal, drinking hard drinks and being obnoxious Metal heads.
Then Jose asks them to play a few songs at his jam room. They look at each other and in unison they say: "Lets do this!" We had never heard this band before, and were completely stoked to see how tight they were. Their music was well received by everyone who attended the party.
Fast Forward 6 months and we find out that they are opening for Charred Walls of The Damned at the Gramercy Theater in New York City. We arrived at the venue minutes before they played the biggest shows of their lives. It was surprising to see how calm they were. It was great to see them get on stage with so much confidence and to see them play such a killer set. We were lucky to have captured some of their performance on video and we think you should definitely check it out. The Hixon are proof that if you persevere as a band, and never compromise your musical ideals, you can rise up to the occasion and make some ears bleed!
Here is The Hixon with their song "Turn Up the Hate":
On Thursday July 8, Charred Walls of the Damned (featuring Tim "Ripper" Owens and Richard Christy) took over The Gramercy theater in New York City. On this night, the band was joined by The Hixon, Magus Beast and comedian Don Jamieson from VH1's That Metal Show.
We arrived just in time to check out The Hixon, a band that we have been watching for a while and they are starting to get the recognition they deserve. The Hixon always puts on great performances and their music is brutally structured. Their message is very clear: they are here to spread the brutality through uncompromised and well focused music.
Following The Hixon, comedian Don Jamieson was introduced by Eddie Trunk and Jim Florentine, who are his co-hosts from VH1's That Metal Show. Don put on an excellent comedy show, something that we had never experienced at a concert and found it to be very entertaining. He talked about all things that rock: getting laid, drinking booze, smoking and rocking out at Duff's Brooklyn.
A few minutes after Don was cheered loudly off the stage, Charred Walls of The Damned took over center stage and played a rocking set. The all star band sounded loud and proud, and the New York crowd was very stoked to have Richard Christy from The Howard Stern Show and formerly from Death, Iced Earth and Control Denied, back behind the drums. Some of the highlights of their set included a cover of Iron Maiden's Number of The beast and Sepultura's Territory sang by Jose Mangin from Sirius XM Liquid Metal.
The night was a reunion of the New York Heavy Music family and it couldn't have been any better. We ran into Richard Christy at the end of the night and this is what he had to say: "I am so happy of our show tonight. New York is my home, so I wanted to make sure that everyone had a good time. I actually was nervous right before we went on, but everything was great! I want to thank all the fans for making this a memorable night!"
Here is Charred Walls of the Damned covering Sepultura's Territory, with Jose Mangin from Sirius XM on vocals:
Here is Charred Walls of the Damned covering Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast:
Here is Charred Walls of the Damned with their video for Ghost Town:
One year ago the Heavy Music community lost one of the most charismatic, charming, and down to earth rockers in history. Ronnie James Dio is the emblem of Horns Up Rocks, not just because he popularized the "devil horns" (the Horns Up Rocks logo), but also because he was one of the most humble musicians ever. Not one person that had the privilege to meet Dio has one bad thing to say about him and always comment on what a great role model he was. Any musician out there reading this, should take note of Ronnie James Dio, a legend that will never be forgotten and will keep influencing musicians forever. 
