RIP Nick Curran: 1977-2012
I like to brag about Nick Curran because he wouldn’t dare do it himself. A talented guitarist with an outrageous image, Nick was a straight-up rock star minus the self-serving ego.
Metal Edge Tribute: Joey Ramone 1951-2001
By Metal Dave I wrote for Metal Edge magazine for about five years circa 2000-2005. This tribute to Joey Ramone was one of my proudest moments during that time (in sentiment, if not the writing). I tried to recreate the page as it appeared in Metal Edge, but couldn’t find the proper photo (right) any…
Joe Anthony: The Spirit of San Antonio Radio
My music collection and high school memories were immeasurably impacted by legendary deejay, Joe “The Godfather” Anthony.
Michael Monroe: Picture? Perfect! 24-7
After meeting Michael Monroe in a downtown Austin hotel room, I’m fully convinced the glam-rocking twister sleeps in his leather pants. And could he have been any nicer? Actually, no.
The Gospel According to Willie Nelson
By Metal Dave Glessner My heroes have seldom been cowboys, but Willie Nelson is a clear exception. Along with other real-deal outlaws like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, Willie was part of my childhood soundtrack thanks to Dad’s passing preference for country music. When I moved to Austin in 1995, it was hard…
Pure Rubbish: Too Much Too Soon?
By Metal Dave Glessner Pure Rubbish hooked my attention at SXSW 2001 when word from the gutter had the kids pegged as the next Guns N’ Roses. I was further impressed to learn the Houston upstarts were winning favor with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, and supposedly securing producer Mike Clink who played a vital role…
Me, Coe & Vinnie: Rebel Meets Rebels
By Metal Dave I’d like to say I wasn’t looking for trouble when I found myself next to David Allan Coe, but my defense would be pretty flimsy considering we shared a booth at a Dallas-area strip club owned by former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul. I know this sounds like it’s going from bad to…
Rewind: Armored Saint Delivers A Memorable Back Room Gig With McMaster, Dio, ‘The Pole’
By Metal Dave Glessner As the singer for Watchtower, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth and a million others, Jason McMaster has made more connections than Tiger Woods during his decades in the heavy metal trenches. As his friend and part-time publicist for many of the past 16 years, I’ve often been along for the ride when Jason re-connects…
Anthrax 1991: My Private Afternoon Concert
By Metal Dave Glessner The above photo was taken at San Antonio’s Hemisfair Arena (RIP) when I snuck into soundcheck on the afternoon of an Iron Maiden/Anthrax gig in 1991. Armed with a stack of records, I literally walked into the empty arena and found Anthrax on stage performing Judas Priest songs. Pressing my luck, I…
Lollapalooza ’94: Work Sucks? Not Today
BEFORE THE ‘DOOKIE’ HIT THE FAN: Interviewing Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt “backstage” at Lollapalooza 1994. A few months after this photo was taken, the unknown band became international superstars on the strength of the smash album, “Dookie.” The rest, of course, is multiplatinum, millionaire, rock-star history. By Metal Dave Glessner Seventeen years ago this month, I…
Airbourne Rocks, But WTF?!?!
By Metal Dave Glessner With very special thanks to the idiot on the right, the only caption that suits these photos is “WTF?” The look on my face says it all. Taken during SXSW 2008 following a killer performance by Aussie rockers, Airbourne, on the back deck of Creekside Lounge, what should have been a…
Metal Dave: Karaoke Kamikaze
By Metal Dave Glessner Here’s a photo I like to call “Don’t Quit Your Day Job.” The shot was taken by Jerry Milton circa 2005 (?) at Headhunter’s in Austin, which has long been one of my regular haunts. On this night, a live band was playing karaoke requests behind shameless and willing wannabes such…