Tag Archives: John Tempesta
CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: White Zombie – "Astro Creep: 2000" Turns 25
For many, the nineties would prove to be the end of heavy metal as we knew it. Bands who rose to greatness in the preceding decade suddenly found themselves either retreading old ground, out of their depth trying to explore new territories, or simply grinding to an unceremonious halt. Within just a couple of years, denim, leather and even the term "heavy metal" itself, were out.Continue reading →
Posted in Album Reviews, Classic Albums Revisited, Reviews | Tagged album reviews, alternative, Blade Runner, Classic Albums Revisited, Dawn of The Dead, Fear Factory, features, Gary Alcock, Ghost Cult Magazine, Grunge, Iggy Pop, Jay Yuenger, John Tempesta, Monsters of Rock, Pantera, Patricia Krenwinkel, Prong, Reading Festival, Rob Zombie, Sean Yseult, Shaft, Soundgarden, Special Features, Terry Date, The Curse of Frankenstein, The Manson Family, The Omega Man, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, To The Devil a Daughter
Sean Yseult Is Glad White Zombie Ended When It Did
In a new interview with Mitch Lafon's radio show "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon", former White Zombie bassist Sean Yseult is at peace about when the band broke up and that she was able to pursue her true calling of art and photography. Yseult had previously expressed her disappointment about the end of the group, forced by Rob Zombie, during interviews and her incredible book I'm With The Band (Soft Skull Press), back in 2010. White Zombie was one of the greatest metal bands of the early 1990s, along with their peers like Pantera, Type Of Negative, Fear Factory, Marilyn Manson and more. Continue reading →
Posted in News | Tagged Boyd Satellite Gallery, I'm With The Band, Ivan De Prume, Jay Yuenger, John Tempesta, Mitch Lafon, Rob Zombie, Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon, Sean Yseult, They All Axed For You, Tom Five, White Zombie
ShipRocked 2016 Part 2: Days 3 And 4
Red Sun Rising at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana Photography
The Monster Energy Girls at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana Photography
Halestorm at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana Photography
ShipRocked Day 3 got under way at picturesque Costa Maya, Mexico. The cruisers who left the ship for the beach and the sun were treated to a fun day of action hanging with artists and making new friends. At night more music poured out of the speakers and onto the stage with the all-star band The Stowaways, who performed the first of two sets. The Stowaways includes a who's who of rock and metal royalty in their lineup such as David Ellefson of Megadeth, Marcos Curiel and Wuv Bernardo(P.O.D.); John Tempesta (The Cult, Motor Sister); Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Bumblefoot, Guns N' Roses); Jonny Hetherington and Tavis Stanley (Art of Dying); Lukas Rossi, Josh Newell, and Miles McPherson (The Halo Method); Carly Smithson (We Are The Fallen); Dave Buckner (ex-Papa Roach); Oli Herbert (All That Remains); Joey Duenas (Anew Revolution, ex-Unloco); . They played songs like Temple of The Dog's 90s classic 'Hunger Strike', Megadeath's thrashterpiece 'Peace Sells', Metallica's 'For Whom The Bell Tolls', and tributes to the recently passed on Scott Weiland (STP's 'Vasoline') and Lemmy ('Ace of Spades'). Halestom and Nonpoint figured prominently on Day three as well.
The Stowaways at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana Photography
Day 4 was a full day at sea back to Miami which meant hijinks on the high seas the entire time. High winds canceled some of the outdoor activities, but the bands moved to the Sprinkler Lounge and the big theater too. In addition to FFDP playing an extra long set, Day 4 included Helmet, who was the band most talked about after the headliners by other bands on the cruise in terms of the "must see factor". Up and comers like The Dead Deads and Red Storm Rising and another performance by the Stowaways. All in all ShipRocked #7 was and action packed, awesome time had by all. Once again special thanks to Rick Triana for RIPT Media Productions for throwing down behind the lens, and in front of it too; bringing Ghost Cult readers as close to the action as possible without being there. ShipRocked 2017 is already being booked, so we highly recommend this one-of- -kind, dream come true experience for music fans!
SHIPROCKED PART 1 REVIEW:
Nonpoint at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana Photography
Helmet at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana Photography
Posted in Festival Reviews, Music Cruises | Tagged 10 Years, All That Remains, Anew Revolution, Art of Dying, Carly Smithson, Costa Maya Mexico, Danny Worsnop, Dave Buckner, David Ellefson, Doll Skin, FFDP, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, For Whom The Bell Tolls, Ghost Cult Magazine, Glorious Sons, Guns `N Roses, Halestorm, Helmet, Hunger Strike, Joey Duenas, John Tempesta, Jonny Hetherington, Josh Newell, Lemmy, Like A Storm, Lukas Rossi, Marcos Curiel, Megadeath, Metallica, Miles McPherson, Motor Sister, Nonpoint, Oli Herbert, P.O.D., Papa Roach, Peace Sells, Rick Triana Photogrphy, RIPT Media Production, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Scott Weiland, Seether, ShipRocked, ShipRocked 2016, Shiprocked Cruise, Stone Temple Pilots, STP, Tavis Stanley, Temple of The Dog, The Cult, The Dead Deads, The Halo Method, The Norwegian Pearl, The Port Of Miami, Unloco, Vacation Harder, We Are The Fallen, Wuv Bernardo
Video: Metal Allegiance With All-Star Guests Pay Tribute To Lemmy, Other Legends
Posted on January 10, 2016 by News Team
Metal Allegiance played their scheduled hollywood show last night and took part in the celebration of Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead's life, since his funeral was earlier in the day and the public memorial was happening all around them on the Sunset Strip. The band which themselves is made up of stars from other bands like Mark Menghi, Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater), Alex Skolnick of Testament, and David Ellefson of Megadeth; were joined by Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Andreas Kisser of Sepultura, Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer), John Tempesta of The Cult and formally White Zombie, Mark Osgueda of Death Angel, Mikkey Dee of Motorhead, Phil Demmel of Machine Head at The Whiskey A Go – Go. The Whiskey is next door to The Rainbow Bar and Grill, Lemmy's favorite hangout on the strip. Watch videos below of the assembled all-stars covering Motorhead,
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Posted in Concert Announcement - Charity Concert, Concert Announcement - Tribute Concert, News | Tagged Alex Skolnick, Andreas Kisser, Corey Taylor, Dave Lombardo, David Ellefson, Death Angel, Dream Theater, John Tempesta, MACHINE HEAD, Mark Menghi, Mark Osgeuda, Megadeth, Metal Allegiance, Mike Portnoy, Mikkey De The Whiskey A Go - Go, Phil Demmel, Sepultura, Slayer, Slipknot, Testament, The Cult, The Rainbow Bar And Grill, Tribute To Lemmy, White Zombie
Sweet Motor Sister- Jim Wilson of Motor Sister
Posted on July 22, 2015 by newsteam
Motor Sister
Within the parameters of Los Angeles, rock music often spawns in the most unlikeliest of places. For Motor Sister, it came together at a birthday party with five people performing music from a defunct band which was brought back to life. Their début album Ride is the result of the love of one band's music that they felt more people needed to hear.
Motor Sister is the somewhat alter ego of the long time Los Angeles based musician Jim Wilson's band Mother Superior. The band called it quits in 2009, but the interest in their music from fans was still there. Then came Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian's 50th birthday party at his home. Wilson explained how the whole scenario took place.
"When Scott started hassling me about the original idea, they made a poster that said Mother Superior and that's what they sent out to their friends. We weren't making a new band. We were having a party and having a good time. By using Mother Superior lives, it's kind of saying we're playing these songs and with a skeleton head on the flier."
"Word got back via Neil Zlozower (veteran LA photographer). He did all of the old Van Halen and the Motley Crue album covers. He was at the party. He did two of the Mother Superior covers – the one on Triple X (2001's Mother Superior) album and the Deep (1998 on Top Beat Records) album. When it came time to have the party, he was on the list. Neil had to be there. So he was the one who made the call to Metal Blade on the Monday morning after the party. He made the call on our behalf to Mike [Faley] from Metal Blade and talked about the party and seeing us. He hyped it up. So he dug further and approached us about making a record. There were some hardcore Mother Superior fans there. I'm not lying but there were some people tearing up because they hadn't heard it for so long and joy was in the air. We finished the first song and the band looked at each other and laughed. Some people hadn't experienced anything like it. They were emotional. A friend of ours had a list of every Mother Superior show she had been to, and she thinks she's seen about 95% of every show from the earliest days. That's how long she's been following us. That kind of fan was really touched. We didn't know where to begin. We just figured let's just get together and do this. But when the Metal Blade thing came around, they asked Scott first. Scott said it's all up to Jim if he wants to go back there or not."
"I had such a good time and I had nothing but respect for Mother Superior. It's been a little difficult with the old members… I'm sure they're happy the music's getting out again. We didn't part as the greatest of friends. It's hard to go to them and say 'hey guys everything's great.' But it wasn't me trying to form a new band. This kind of happened organically and the response is what's keeping it going, and more so than anything it's been the music. We can't complain about that."
Their début album Ride was based on the set list of songs played at that party, and somewhat of a Mother Superior best of record. The band who performed then (Wilson, Ian, co-vocalist Pearl Aday, bassist Joey Vera and drummer John Tempesta) became the band who recorded the album, with producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) overseeing the recording sessions.
"I know the twelve songs that are on the album is the actual twelve song list that Scott came up with himself for his birthday party. So those are the ones that he came up with off the top of his head, and after he sent the email to myself, Johnny, Joey and Pearl saying these are the songs for the party, a week later he said 'oh shit, I forgot 'Rolling Boy Blues.' I forgot 'Five Star.' We kept it at those original twelve. We did "Rolling Boy Blues" as the encore for the New York show. We are open to other ones. We are starting to write new songs as well. The album's been done for six months now recording wise. We need to get the cover and the release schedule. It takes a little while for the label to get it all together. In that time, we've been talking about making another record with some original tunes too. So maybe the next album might be 75% all brand new and a couple that we left off."
While the twelve songs chosen for the set list that evening were compiled by Ian, Wilson himself talked about songs left off that evening he may have also added.
"The one I was surprised that we didn't pick was from our very first album (1993's Right in a Row) called "The Wiggle." It seemed like one of those rock songs and every time we play it someone would yell 'The Wiggle!'. We always ended up playing it. It's a good jam. We were so young. I was in my early 20s and barely had any beer in that time. It was many beers ago!"
Wilson shared how he first met Ian, which he knew was a Mother Superior fan from the early years.
"It was the Viper Room. It was around the Deep album in 1998," he said, recalling that moment. "I do remember when we played and where the Club Lingerie was on Sunset Boulevard, and at one point it was taken over by John Bush (Armored Saint/ex-Anthrax vocalist) and some of the Armored Saint guys when John was in Anthrax. They sponsored the club. Scott was probably at that show because I remember meeting John Bush. I remember meeting Scott at the KNAC Anniversary show at the Palladium in 1999. It was Skid Row, Rollins Band and Anthrax played. I met Scott backstage."
Ironically, Wilson shared a story about him nearly becoming a touring mate of Ian's.
"I heard a rumor. I've never confirmed this with Scott before but Henry told me that when we were about to go on our first Rollins Band tour and according to Henry, Scott said 'what's Jim doing this summer? We might need a replacement Anthrax guitarist because our guitarist can't make the tour.' Henry said we're going out and doing our first shows. Henry told me that at the time and I was tripping like 'what?! I could have had the chance to play with Anthrax! Hey Henry – shouldn't you have asked me first? – just kidding!"
Wilson also nearly got to share the stage with another idol of his, but due to scheduling conflicts, it ended after a few rehearsals. But the fact he got to audition meant a lot to him.
"Another friend of mine was playing with Dave Davies of the Kinks at the same time. Dave Davies was looking for a bass player and my friend asked if I had a good choice for that. I said of course. I went to audition for Dave Davies and I got the gig, and they were supposed to go out a month before the Rollins shows started. I told Dave that I was playing with Henry, and Dave was a big Henry fan. He was super excited to have me in his band. When I got the call from Dave Davies, saying he had to push the tour back to this time. So I told him I was going out with Rollins, so I didn't get to tour with Dave Davies but was in the band for a minute. I got to rehearse with him a couple of times and play 35 different Kinks songs."
By Rei Nishimoto
Posted in Featured Conversations, Interviews | Tagged Anthrax, Dave Davies, Jay Ruston, Jim Wilson, Joey Vera, John Tempesta, Metal Blade Records, Mother Superior, Motley Crue, Motor Sister, Neil Zlozower, Pearl Aday, Rollins Band, Scott Ian, Skid Row, Steel Panther, the Kinks, Top Beat Records, Van Halen
Motor Sister Appearing On Motorhead's Motorboat
Posted on March 26, 2015 by newsteam
Motor Sister will be taking part on the second edition of Motorhead's Motorboat, taking place on September 28 through October 2, 2015. For more information, go here.
They are a group of musicians whose collective musical pedigrees speak for themselves. Mother Superior founder, guitarist, and vocalist Jim Wilson fronts the band, with Anthrax's Scott Ian on guitar, Pearl Aday on backing vocals, Joey Vera on bass, and John Tempesta on drums. They are supporting their debut album Ride, out now via Metal Blade Records.
Motor Sister on Twitter
Scott Ian on Twitter
Pearl Aday on Twitter
Jim Wilson on Twitter
Joey Vera on Twitter
Johnny Tempesta on Facebook
Posted in Concert Announcement, News | Tagged Anthrax, Jim Wilson, Joey Vera, John Tempesta, Metal Blade Records, Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Motorhead's Motörboat, Pearl Aday, Scott Ian
Motor Sister Streaming "A Hole" Music Video
Motor Sister is streaming the new Jack Bennett directed music video for "A Hole," off their new album Ride, out now via Metal Blade Records here.
"Motor Sister is a group of musicians whose collective musical pedigrees speak for themselves." Mother Superior founder, guitarist, and vocalist Jim Wilson fronts the band, with Anthrax's Scott Ian on guitar, Pearl Aday on backing vocals, Joey Vera on bass, and John Tempesta on drums.
The group was originally assembled to jam for Scott Ian's fiftieth birthday party. Thanks to Scott's wife Pearl Aday, who has been working on her solo career with Mother Superior front man Jim Wilson for years, all it took was a quick phone call and the stage was literally set for Scott's dream gig. "I wanted to cherry-pick a set list of my favorite Mother Superior songs and get these guys together and have the concert at my house," Ian says of the event that eventually led to an album. That album became known as Motor Sister's Ride.
Stream the video for "Fork In The Road" below.
Posted in News, Video Premiere, Video Premieres | Tagged Jack Bennett, Jim Wilson, Joey Vera, John Tempesta, Metal Blade Records, Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Pearl Aday, Scott Ian
Motor Sister – Ride
What started as a one-time jam for Scott Ian's 50th birthday party, Motor Sister is a semi-super-group minus all the hype. Scott wanted a cover band to play his party, and for him to play in; one to play the jams of his favorite LA rock band: Mother Superior. While not a household name, Mother Superior was a good rock band with some kickass songs for the better part of 20 years, and included a stint as Henry Rollins' backing band. The party came and went, but the experience sat in Ian's mind and he felt that if they could capture the spontaneity of how the jam came together on a record, it might be something special. Metal Blade agreed, the band recorded with Anthrax house producer Jay Ruston and Motor Sister and Ride were born.
Motor Sister suffers from none of trappings of a lame vanity project, mostly due to Jim Wilson. Jim is not just a songcraft master and strong riffer, he has a voice of gold. He has power and soul, and never over reaches for notes. His voice is also happily absent of the hideous fake growly blues quality so many try out and fail. In addition to Jim chipping in his own harmonies, Scott's wife Pearl sings back-up on many tracks, adding in her sassy, powerhouse delivery. Their voices work off each other to great effect. The lead track 'A-Hole' is feisty like a lost AC/DC or Thin Lizzy song. 'This Song Reminds Me of You' starts out with slinky riff and then drops into an old-school vamp. 'Beg Borrow Steal', and 'Fork In the Road' are pretty badass concoctions too. The terrain stays adventurous too with the epic closer 'Devil Wind'.
In addition to Ian and Wilson on guitar, the real treat of the album comes from the rhythm section of Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Anthrax) on bass and John Tempesta (Testament, Exodus, White Zombie, The Cult) They are locked in tight every measure. If you love simple, well-written rock music with some occasional heaviness, Motor Sister is right up your dirty back alley.
KEITH CHACHKES
Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews | Tagged Anthrax, Ghost Cult Magazine, Henry Rollins, Jay Ruston, Jim Wilson, Joey Vera, John Tempesta, Keith Chachkes, Metal Blade, Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Peal Aday, Ride, rock and roll, Scott Ian, super groups
Motor Sister Post Making Of Video For Upcoming Music Videos
Posted on March 4, 2015 by newsteam
LA rockers Motor Sister have shot two music videos for the songs "Beg, Borrow, Steal" and "A Hole," which a behind the scenes video was shot during the filming process and is streamed here. The album Ride is out March 10, 2015 via Metal Blade Records.
Stream the entire Ride record here.
The band is playing two exclusive California shows in support of the new album Ride.
Mar 11: The Whisky – Los Angeles
Mar 12: DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
Posted in Album Streams, Concert Announcement, News, Trailers | Tagged Anthrax, Jim Wilson, Joey Vera, John Tempesta, Metal Blade Records, Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Pearl Aday, Scott Ian
Motor Sister Streaming Ride In Entirety
Posted on February 28, 2015 by newsteam
Motor Sister is streaming their full album Ride, out March 10, 2015 via Metal Blade Records, here.
"Motor Sister is a group of musicians whose collective musical pedigrees speak for themselves." Mother Superior founder, guitarist, and vocalist Jim Wilson fronts the band, with Anthrax's Scott Ian on guitar, Pearl Aday on backing vocals, Pearl Aday on bass, and John Tempesta on drums.
Singer Jim Wilson on the album:
"Get ready for Motor Sister! Finally some music you can turn up LOUD and feel it!
The video for "Fork in the Road" which provides a rare glimpse into the recording of this Mother Superior favorite by Motor Sister can be viewed here.
Watch the video for "This Song Reminds Me Of You" here.
The group was originally assembled to jam for Scott Ian's fiftieth birthday party. Thanks to Scott's wife Pearl Aday, who has been working on her solo career with Mother Superior front man Jim Wilson for years, all it took was a quick phone call and the stage was literally set for Scott's dream gig. "I wanted to cherry-pick a set list of my favorite Mother Superior songs and get these guys together and have the concert at my house," Ian says of the event that eventually led to an album.
"[Mother Superior] frontman Jim [Wilson] was totally into the idea. Pearl was a huge Mother Superior fan from way back and was in. I asked my good friends Joey Vera (Fates Warning/Armored Saint) and John Tempesta to be a part of it because I knew they were both big fans as well and with no hesitation they said, 'We're in.'"
Wilson, too, was stoked by the opportunity to dust off some songs he hadn't played since his LA rock trio broke up in the early 2000's after releasing eight albums and playing as Henry Rollins' backing band. "I definitely didn't need any arm-twisting," he says. "I was totally flattered and thought it was a great idea. I figured it would be fun and it was a great opportunity for a new chapter to be established in order to move forward."
In support of the project Motor Sister played a show a in Brooklyn, NY earlier this month and have scheduled two special shows:
Mar 11: The Whisky – Los Angeles, CA
Mar 12: DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA.
Posted in Album Streams, Concert Announcement, Exclusive Song Streams, New Album Announcements, New Album Release Announcements, News, Song Streams and Premieres, Trailers | Tagged Anthrax, Henry Rollins, Jim Wilson, John Tempesta, Metal Blade Records, Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Pearl Aday, Scott Ian