Guns N' Roses Reunion Rumor Addressed By Festival Promoter(hennemusic)
Soundwave Festival promoter AJ Maddah has made his first public comments on rumors that Guns N' Roses will reunite to headline the Australian event next year.
James Young, the owner of Melbourne's rock and roll Cherry Bar, told Triple M radio last week that he had heard rumors within the industry that a GNR reunion would take place, just days after Slash revealed that he and Axl Rose were on friendly terms again.
"It's been nice for me personally to share this fantasy for a few days along with the fans but it is not happening for SW16," Maddah tells Music Feeds. "I sure hope those guys do get back together again as there has never been, or as far as I am concerned ever will be such a potent force for rock'n roll than the original GNR in full flight.
"If it does happen, it is going to take longer than 6 months for the band to be ready to tour. I think it'll take a hundred lawyers 6 months just to get the 5 of them into a rehearsal room together.
"But if - by a miracle - it does happen, then of course, I'll throw everything I can to be involved and it would be my last act as a promoter as after that I'll have nowhere to go!" Read more here.
KISS Drummer Eric Singer Slams Copycat Accusations(Classic Rock)
Kiss drummer Eric Singer says he finds it "ridiculous" when he hears accusations that he's expected to play, sing and act like original sticksman Peter Criss.
He does wear the Catman makeup mask that Criss used - but he insists that's where the similarities end. Singer tells Michael Cavacini: "I've heard people say that I was told to sing, play and act like Peter Criss. That's completely ridiculous. I've never once been told to do that. Never. Look at any of the shows I've done. I don't play anything like Peter Criss."
A section of Kiss fans will always long for the return of Criss and co-founding guitarist Ace Frehley. But Singer believes Kiss are as good a live act as they've ever been with him and guitarist Tommy Thayer on board - and that should be enough to appease followers.
He says: "If a band can't continue on because somebody quits, can't play any more, whatever the reason is, that shouldn't prevent the remaining members from continuing, if that's what they want to do." Read more here.
Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde Sparks Rape Controversy(Classic Rock)
Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde has caused controversy by suggesting women can be at fault for some rapes. She's discussed her opinions after she revealed her own experience of being the victim of sex attacks.
Writing in her autobiography Reckless, the 63-year-old told how she'd been been kidnapped by members of a motorcycle gang while under the influence of drugs at the age of 21, and forced to perform sex acts.
Hynde tells the Sunday Times: "Technically speaking, this was all my doing and I take full responsibility. If I'm walking around in my underwear and I'm drunk, who else's fault can it be?
"If I'm very modestly dressed and I'm keeping to myself, and someone attacks me, then I'd say that's his fault. But if I'm being very lairy, putting it about and being provocative, then you're enticing someone who's unhinged. Don't do that. That's just common sense."
She adds: "I don't think I'm saying anything controversial, am I?" Read more here.
Lamb Of God's Randy Blythe Calls Out Culture Of Hate Online(TeamRock Radio)
Randy Blythe says the internet has warped the way people view the world and he can't believe the things that are deemed acceptable these days. The Lamb Of God frontman insists he "not a luddite," but he can't understand how technology has allowed us to become so accepting of some of the views aired online.
He tells Revolver: "If you think about the type of sh*t you can talk on the internet anonymously, this would never, ever happen 30 years ago. Think about Justin Bieber.
"I can't name a single Justin Bieber song. I don't really know what his music sounds like. But I'm sure it's not good. He's not writing anything life-changing. But if you Google 'I hate Justin Bieber,' or 'Kill Justin Bieber' - and I did this one time - there's thousands of hits that come up.
"And I read all these comments from anonymous people, some of whom are probably 14-year-old kids. And they're writing stuff like, 'I hope he dies. I wish he'd catch on fire. Someone should murder him.'
"They're doing this in a public forum, and this is the norm. There are no repercussions. So, yes, Justin Bieber probably sucks. But does he deserve to die? Dude, he's a f***ing Canadian pop singer. When I was a kid, if I had a problem with someone I'd go to his f***ing face and deal with it. It's insane to me that this type of sh*t is accepted now. It's f***ing nuts." Read more here.
Protest The Hero's Original Lineup Reuniting(Prog)
Protest The Hero have brought back drummer Moe Carlson and bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi for a run of live shows to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album Kezia.
Carlson left the group in 2013, with Mirabdolbaghi following him last year. The band say in a statement: "Ever since we put up our 'portal' for people to submit their Kezia memories and experiences for our scrap book, we noticed a huge demand for us to do a run of shows where we play this bad boy front to back. So we thought, 'Why the frig not?'
"Very proud to announce our first Kezia 10th anniversary shows across Canada - and even prouder to announce we will be doing this thing with our original lineup." Read more and see the dates here.
Disturbed Top Album Chart With 'Immortalized'
Disturbed scored their fifth consecutive No. 1 album after their latest studio effort, "Immortalized", debuted in the top spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart this week.
With the chart topping debut of the surprise comeback album, Disturbed and Metallica are now the only rock bands in history to score five consecutive No. 1s on the U.S. album chart.
Disturbed will be supporting "Immortalized" early next year with the launch of a North American headline tour which will be kicking off on March 11th in Vancouver, BC.
The 4-week trek is scheduled to conclude on April 10th in Memphis, TN at the New Daisy Theatre and all but four of the dates for the tour have already sold out. See the tour dates here.
Dickinson Hopes 'The Book Of Souls' Isn't Iron Maiden's Final Album(Classic Rock)
Bruce Dickinson says he had so much fun making The Book Of Souls that he really hopes it isn't Iron Maiden's final album. The metal giants release their 16th album on September 4. The follow-up to 2010's The Final Frontier was five years in the making and its release was delayed as frontman Dickinson was treated for cancer.
But not even his battle for health could weaken the singer's drive to get the album out. And they are even working on a massive world tour for next year, on which Dickinson will pilot the band and crew onboard a new and improved Ed Force One.
After flying 150 fans from Cardiff to Paris for an album listening party, Dickinson took questions from the audience at the Guillaume Tell Studios. He tells Metal XS (via Blabbermouth): "I really hope that this is not the last album. I've had way too much fun making this one. I'm gonna have way too much fun and enjoy the next tour for a variety of reasons." Read more here.
Richie Sambora Developing TV Drama Series(Classic Rock)
Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora is to be executive producer on a drama series based on his own experiences. He was originally approached by HBO to work on a soundtrack for a show in development - but instead, he presented a script he'd written three years ago about the "toil, trials and tribulations" of a rising-star band trying to make it big.
The network decided to run with his concept, which he created after repeatedly being asked to write a tell-all memoir. Sambora tells ABC Radio: "I don't want to do that cliched thing about who slept with who, what substance happened here, what was going on there.
"I'm a Jersey guy, so I keep everything to the chest - I don't want to talk about anybody anyway. Plus, I have a daughter. So I said, 'Why don't I write a teleplay?'" Read more here.
Faces' Kenney Jones Thought Keith Moon's Death A Practical Joke(Classic Rock)
Faces drummer Kenney Jones has recalled how he wondered if Keith Moon had played a practical joke the night he died. The pair had been together on the night of September 6, 1978, then Jones woke the next morning to discover The Who icon had died after an accidental overdose of drugs designed to combat his alcoholism.
Jones tells Noise11: "I was going to the opening of the Buddy Holly movie that Paul McCartney was producing. We had a party and watched the film. I said goodnight to Keith. I asked him how he was - he said he hadn't had a drink for a while. He told me, 'I take these pills to stop me drinking. If I have one drink they make me violently ill.'
"That was that. We said goodnight to each other." He heard the tragic news the following day. "I went, 'I can't believe this,'" he recalls. "'He is such a practical joker - it can't be right.'" Read more here.
Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood Announces Book Release Event(The Blues)
Ronnie Wood will host a launch event for his memoir How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary next week. The standard edition is published on September 8 after the Rolling Stone found a long-lost account of his doings in 1965, when he was 17 years old.
Wood recently told The Blues Magazine: "It's like no time has gone by. It was a very pleasing thing for me to rediscover this. It was, like, 'Wow, I remember.'
"All of the places, the names, the situations - I remember crystal clear, like it was yesterday." He'll appear at Waterstones, Piccadilly, London at 6.30pm on September 11. Read more here.
Prog Award Renamed In Honor Of Late Yes Legend Chris Squire (Classic Rock)
Late Yes bassist Chris Squire will be remembered at this year's Progressive Music Awards - as the Virtuoso Award has been renamed the Chris Squire Virtuoso award.
He passed away in June after a short battle with cancer, and he's since been acclaimed by artists from across the music world. The renamed Virtuoso Award, sponsored by Carlin Music, seeks to highlight the very best instrumentalists. It's not disputed that Squire influenced many of them.
Yes drummer Alan White says: "Renaming the award is highly appropriate. Chris did so much to share the way the bass is played these days. His impact was incalculable.
"All of us who were privileged to know him will miss him hugely. But the music he did so much to help create is timeless - and this honor will ensure his name will never be forgotten." Read more here.
Savage Announce New Double-Disc Album(Classic Rock)
Savage have confirmed their next album 7 will be released in October. The NWOBHM act issue the double-disc album on October 9 via Minus 2 Zebra Records. It comes complete with live album Live 'N Lethal.
Savage were said to be an early influence on Metallica and their 1983 debut album Loose 'N Lethal was one of the biggest selling independent releases in the US at the time.
The label says: "Savage's classic debut is now given a fresh and live treatment in the form of a recently recorded live gig in their hometown. In addition to this, Savage has been hard at work writing and recording set of new classics on this double release.
"7 features 12 blistering new songs, which mix old with new. Many of the tracks are fast-paced and hark back to the early days, while cuts such as Superspy and Empire Of Hate sound akin to something off a modern Ozzy Osbourne album or even Metallica at their best." Read more and see the cover art here.
Rory Gallagher Feared Rolling Stones Call Was Kidnap Attempt(Classic Rock)
Irish blues-rock icon Rory Gallagher feared a late-night phone call from the Rolling Stones was a terror threat from the IRA. Stones keyboardist Ian Stewart phoned the Gallagher house in Cork in January 1975, while the Irish Troubles were at their height.
And Gallagher - who died in 1995 - worried that he was about to be kidnapped. His brother and manager Donal tells the Sun: "It was a really scary time in Ireland. Paramilitaries were kidnapping people.
"So when the phone went off after midnight, and a strange voice asked if Rory Gallagher was there, we got very scared." The guitarist spent four days rehearsing with Mick Jagger and co, with a view to replacing Mick Jones. Read more here.
Aerosmith's Tyler and Perry Contributing To SpongeBob Musical(hennemusic)
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry are among the artists contributing songs for The SpongeBob Musical, which will open in Chicago next June.
Broadway World reports the project will feature tunes written by the Aerosmith duo as well as The Flaming Lips, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Lady Antebellum, Panic! At the Disco, Dirty Projectors, Plain White T's, They Might Be Giants and T.I., with an additional song by David Bowie and additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton.
Co-conceived and directed by Tina Landau with music supervision by Tom Kitt, The SpongeBob Musical will begin performances at Broadway in Chicago's Oriental Theatre on June 7.
The debut limited engagement runs to July 3, following which the musical will open on Broadway in New York as part of the 2016-2017 season. Read more here.
Sammy Hagar Announces Book Tour(hennemusic)
Sammy Hagar has announced dates for a book signing tour in support of the September 15 release of "Are We Having Any Fun Yet? The Cooking & Partying Handbook."
The project sees Hagar share his passion for food and his secrets for rock-and-roll entertaining, including his favorite recipes from home, on the road, and his go-to vacation spots, Cabo and Maui.
The singer is joined by his celebrity chef friends from around the globe for insights into entertaining as readers pour over more than 50 food and drink recipes.
Hagar also shares his greatest drink recipes - accompanied by true stories of the wild nights that brought them to life. A six-date book signing tour starts September 14 in Ridgewood, NJ with stops in New York, Illinois, Missouri and California.
"Are We Having Any Fun Yet? The Cooking & Partying Handbook" is Hagar's second run as an author: in 2011, he published his memoir "Red: My Uncensored Life In Rock", which topped the New York Times Best Sellers List. See the book tour dates here.
Ghost Score Top 10 Debut On Album Chart With 'Meliora'(hennemusic)
Swedish occult rockers Ghost have scored their first-ever US Top 10 showing with "Meliora." Billboard reports the group's third album has debuted on the US Billboard 200 at No. 8 with opening week sales of 29,000 copies.
The record follows 2013's "Infestissumam", which peaked at No. 28 on the chart following its release. Produced by Klas Åhlund and mixed by Andy Wallace (Slayer, Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, Linkin Park), "Meliora" presents the debut of vocalist Papa Emeritus III alongside the Nameless Ghouls following the resignation of his three-month older brother, Papa Emeritus II, earlier this year.
Ghost launched the project with an unplugged tour of US record stores in Seattle on August 18. The intimate appearances will be followed by the Black To The Future North American tour, which begins at The Fillmore in Washington, DC on September 22. Stream the new album in its entirety here.
Slayer's Jeff Hanneman Wanted To Disappears Says Frontman(Classic Rock)
Tom Araya believes late Slayer bandmate Jeff Hanneman didn't want to work again - no matter how much his band needed him. The frontman says he tried as hard as he could to bring Hanneman back as they began work on what would become 11th album Repentless - but his calls were never returned.
The co-founding axeman died in 2013 after a long illness related to alcohol abuse. He hadn't been an active member of the thrash giants for two years. Araya tells Crack: "I was at a point where I needed him back in the band for it to work.
"I didn't care to what extent his abilities were at their best. I just needed him back. So I was reaching out to him, leaving messages, but he wouldn't return my calls. He'd decided he wanted to disappear. That was really hard." Read more here.
Dave Kerzner Reveals Live Band Members(Prog)
Dave Kerzner has unveiled the seven-piece live band who'll perform his debut solo album New World. The lineup features Pink Floyd backing singers Durga and Lorelei McBroom, guitarist Fernando Perdomo, drummer Derek Cintron and multi-instrumentalist Randy McStine, along with Kerzner's Sound Of Contact bandmate Matt Dorsey.
The mastermind has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the recording of a live DVD at a show in Los Angeles, to be announced soon. Kerzner, who funded New World the same way, says:
"When an independent artist wants to put on a production with star players, fortunately there are creative ways to make it happen, by connecting with fans and offering a one-of-a-kind experience." Read more here.
Baroness Release Animated Video For New Song 'Chlorine & Wine'(TeamRock Radio)
Baroness have issued a single and confirmed their fourth album will be out in December. The single Chlorine & Wine has been issued alongside an animated video and the album, Purple, is due to appear on December 18 via the band's own Abraxan Hymns label.
It is the band's first new music since the 2012 bus crash that came a month after the release of last album Yellow & Green and which left nine people injured. In the wake of the accident, drummer Allen Blickle and bassist Matt Maggioni left and have been replaced by Sebastian Thomson and Nick Jost.
Frontman John Baizley says: "After releasing a lengthy and investigative record like Yellow & Green we all felt that we needed to make something much more direct and immediate.
"It was important for us to write our new songs with the type of enthusiasm and expressiveness that could act as a counterpoint to the album's dark themes. As a result, the music came out in an intense, heavy and sonically captivating in a new way, which was important, loathe, as we are to fall into any kind of complacency pitfall or formulaic songwriting routine.
"Purple is the most fully realised representation of our intention as a band. Considering the amount of physical and mental energy spent writing it, we have accomplished something which would have seemed impossible to us a couple of years ago." Watch the video here.
The Decline of Western Civilization Final Released On DVD and Blu-Ray(Gibson)
The Decline of Western Civilization documentary series is perhaps best known for its second volume, which chronicled the Los Angeles metal scene of the mid 80s, but all three films have just been released on DVD and Blu-Ray, and together they offer a unique look at their respective times, places and social climates.
I just interviewed director Penelope Spheeris (who also directed Wayne's World) for Australia's Beat Magazine, and I asked Spheeris if she has been surprised by the career or life trajectories of Decline II's stars. "I didn't think Chris Holmes would end up happily married in France, having stopped drinking," Spheeris said. "Dave Mustaine's trajectory has been nice and constant. I'm surprised he ended up a Christian but I'm glad for him if that works for him."
As for the band Odin, who were touted as the next big thing by club owner Bill Gazzarri in the film, "I've heard the guys from Odin feel like they can never live it down. One of them says it'll be on his headstone: it'll just say "Odin… Odin… Odin…"
As for London's Nadir D'Priest, "He's living the high life in Vegas. He hasn't told me this but judging from his car and his $2,000 boots he's got a very rich girlfriend. That's just me guessing because I don't know where the record sales are coming from! I saw Ozzy the other night and he seems to be doing fine. He's getting older but so am I." Read more here.
Vreid Streaming Song 'Haust' From Forthcoming Album(TeamRock Radio)
Sogndal, Norway's black metal veterans Vreid are gearing up to release a new album, Sólverv, via Indie Recordings on October 9, and TeamRock has an exclusive preview in the form of the first single, Haust, which will be released as a shot across the bows on October 1.
Bringing black metal back to its cold and unforgiving roots, Haust reflects the harsh environment in which the members spent their upbringing, but still with the band's uniquely epic touch.
"The opening riff has been humming in my head for years," says bassist Hváll. "An autumn night in my cabin it all made sense, and Haust was born."
So pull your woollen cloak closer, stick another log in the flames and give yourself to Haust here.
Chelsea Wolfe, Lightning Bolt Lead Mutations Festival Lineup(Prog)
Chelsea Wolfe are part of the lineup for the first ever Mutations festival. The event takes place in Brighton on November 28 and 29 and is organized by the people behind last year's Wire-curated Drill Festival in the city.
Also on the bill for Mutations #001 are Lightning Bolt, OM, Josh T Pearson, Tourist and METZ, among others. Organizers say: "Mutations is a creative mass of genre hybrids and expression, delivering some of the most inspiring, creative and interesting music the world has to offer.
"Highlights include aggressive noise pioneers Lightning Bolt, Canadian noise rockers METZ, experimental House producer John Talabot, infamous Texan singer-songwriter Josh T Pearson, legendary Doom stalwarts OM, the viciously experimental Chelsea Wolfe." Read more and see the full lineup here.
Slipknot's Corey Taylor Slams Pretentious Rock Stars(TeamRock Radio)
Corey Taylor has hit out at bands who are "ashamed of their success." The Slipknot frontman is one of the biggest rock stars on the planet and insists he isn't uncomfortable with that status. And he has a message for musicians who feign embarrassment at being successful.
He tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "I always get so upset when I talk to some of these dudes in some of these bands - and I won't mention any names - but they're just so elitist to the point of pricky. They just have this air about them where it's like nothing matters. They're almost ashamed of their success.
"And it's like, 'Then why did you leave your basement? Why did you start playing shows live? You could have been a pretentious a**f*** in your basement, and just made your own music for yourself.'
"Like these guys who try to come off better and holier than thou, it's all a f***ing con, because if that were true, they would never have played their first live show. They would never have worked their ass off to get a record deal, or to put that song out for people to hear. It's just a weak excuse to come off as petty and preachy." Read more here.
Slayer Streaming New Song 'Cast The First Stone'(Classic Rock)
Slayer are streaming their new song "Cast The First Stone" online. The track comes from the band's 11th album Repentless, due to be released on September 11 via Nuclear Blast. They've previously issued streams of the title track and When The Stillness Comes.
Slayer worked with producer Terry Date on the album. Frontman Tom Araya recently said: "I only really knew him from the Pantera records, but then I was given this laundry list of stuff and he's done a lot of great records. He's all about letting you do what you do and then telling you if it sucks or not. He's a sweet guy."
A prison-themed video for the title track is expected to be unveiled soon, featuring a string of movie actors including Machete star Danny Trejo. Stream the new song here.
Ghost's Nameless Ghoul Fears People Have Lost Their Purpose(Classic Rock)
One of Ghost's Nameless Ghouls has slammed the misguided culture in modern society - saying that the concept of happiness has been lost as a result.
He says there's been a change in attitudes over recent years, with people now judging success by how much cash they can earn. He tells Kerrang (via Blabbermouth): "People are most content when they have a purpose - but most people think their purpose is to be a millionaire. They can't be content until they're their own boss."
He continues: "25 years ago, people were content being a carpenter. But after the internet, people can now create an app in five minutes and sell it for $5m. That's the career choices now." Read more here.
Scorpions Classics Given Lullaby Makeover(hennemusic)
The music of German rockers the Scorpions is featured on "Lullaby Versions Of Scorpions", the latest release from Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star who are streaming the lullaby version of "Wind Of Change."
The company which creates "beautiful lullaby versions of your favorite artists" was born for the parent that wants to pass along their passion for music to their child by transforming popular music into instrumental lullabies perfect for babies, yoga or just relaxation.
There are seven classic tunes featured on the set alongside "Still Loving You", "No One Like You", "The Zoo", Rock You Like A Hurricane", "Rhythm Of Love" and "Send Me An Angel."
The Scorpions will launch a 50th anniversary North American tour in Boston on September 10. On September 11, the band will also release an expanded edition of their latest album, "Return To Forever", in North America following its European spring release. Stream the lullaby version of "Wind of Change" here.
Queen Release Preview Videos For The Studio Collection Box Set(hennemusic)
Queen have issued a four-video preview package of "The Studio Collection" Special Edition Vinyl Box Set, due for release on September 25. The Box Set will present 18 remastered vinyl editions of the complete collection of 15 Queen studio albums - from the 1973 self-titled debut to 1995's "Made In Heaven", and comes with a fully customized limited edition Queen-branded turntable made by Rega.
The 15 albums are configured across 18 discs due to some tweaks in the change of format to vinyl: 1974's "Queen II" is spread across two records with a custom etching on the reverse side in tribute to the original "Side White" and "Side Black" presentation, while 1991's "Innuendo" and 1995's "Made In Heaven" are double albums due to the longer running time on the original CD releases.
"The Studio Collection" presents each album in a different colour along with an illustrated 12 x 12 inch 108 page hardback book complete with introductions to each record - including quotes from Queen themselves, hand-written lyrics, rare photographs, memorabilia, and information on singles and videos. Watch the videos here.
FIDLAR Frontman Zac Carper Kicked Drugs Over Death Fears(TeamRock Radio)
FIDLAR frontman Zac Carper says he kicked his drug habit as he didn't want to die young. The band release second album Too on September 2 and Carper reports writing and recording the new material helped him work through his issues.
He tells Stereogum: "The way that I look at it is through the whole first FIDLAR album cycle and the tour, I was basically this crazy person on drugs.
"On this new record, I'm just a crazy person. I stopped doing heroin, I stopped doing meth, I stopped smoking crack, so now all I'm left with is just being this crazy person who's trying to deal with it - and the way that I dealt with it was writing songs."
He says he's been clean for a year and adds: "I'm not going to stay f***ed up just to fit in or because that's what people want me to be. I don't want to die when I'm f***ing 28." Read more here.
Singled Out: Frank Viele's Broken Love Song (featuring Joe Bonamassa)
Today Frank Viele tells us the story behind "Broken Love Song" (featuring a guest appearance from Joe Bonamassa), which comes from his brand new album "Fall Your Way". Here is the story:
While a lot of my songs start with a theme or idea, this track started simply with a guitar riff. The main riff of the song was something I had developed being stuck in traffic all day listening to the Muddy Waters "Folk Singer" record in route to a show in Virginia. I was so enthralled with the whole acoustic blues approach he had on that record that when i got back to the hotel that night, i just felt like playing blues licks on my acoustic guitar. I stumbled into this riff as part of my goal to try and combine that acoustic blues swagger and soul with the constant strum rhythm technique I customarily play. Then I kind of kept the riff in my back pocket for a while waiting for the right story to tell with it.
Months later, I'm on a date with a girl who tells me she really likes my music but that I don't write enough happy songs about love and relationships. My response was that "my songs, or at least my stories, usually start happy. But they just end up sad in the end. It's almost as if they're broken". Thats when the idea of a "Broken Love Song" and the bluesy yet percussively insistent guitar riff I had been carrying in my back pocket seemed to come together.
I went home that night and began to pen the story of a misguided relationship I had fallen into and eventually out of. A relationship where because of situations outside of my control, life got in the way of two people's best intentions to build a life together.
The song starts out in the first verse with lines like "she's been running from every move I make". The first verse ends with the line "found it hard so she held on tight, wrapped her arms and held me all night. Now I'm singing love songs". This verse describes conquering the early obstacles of modern dating leading into the early part of the relationship when you find two essentially "love drunk" people enjoying all of the little things life and love have to offer.
The second verse starts off with discussing how "her world has gone astray". And then goes into the line where I'm "playing the role of her distraction". This is the verse that talks about the outside world getting in the way. Be it other people's opinions, confusion on one's personal path in life, geographical distance, or even the stereotypical resurfacing of an ex…in my case, all of those things were woven into the story that inspired this song.
Then the bridge comes in which has some of my favorite lyrics of the song.
With the realization that the person on the other side of this relationship knows she's hurting less than I am and is almost ashamed of her actions as she's the one making the decision to end the relationship, the bridge starts with the line "You're staring at the ground, so I fall to your feet".
The second line in the bridge goes into the whole power struggle that seems to exist in modern dating and relationships when it says "I wish I never knew your love, cause it made me weak".
The last line in the bridge is probably my favorite though. Playing guitar has been my comfort zone since I was a teenager. It was what I did when I needed to separate myself from the world around me. No matter where my journey brought me or what troubles I came across, playing my guitar always seemed to help me find my center again. So ending the bridge with this line just seemed to make sense "Now I'm stuck here, six strings strung along, with nothing but this broken love song". I also really felt I got the point across from the second verse here where I talk about "playing the role of her distraction" when I used the phrase "6 strings strung along" as part of the ending of the bridge.
So while there is a particular story to the song, there is indeed an overall theme to it as well.
I grew up hearing stories about how things were supposed to happen in regards to Relationships, Love, and Happiness. But for my generation, it seems like things have changed. Love and relationships seem at times almost plastic or like they have become a commodity in this world with the massive popularity of online dating and society's increasingly growing inability to communicate outside of our cell phones. With the advent of online dating and full blown text conversations acting as the major form of communication, dating to me has become as informal, "efficient", and streamlined as ordering something off of Amazon.com.
But to me, that just seems to cheapen the journey and whimsy of it all. It makes us use more of our brains and less of our hearts when approaching the world and who we decide to spend our precious time on it with. It almost makes us subconsciously devalue our relationships as if the next person is just a few clicks away.
It's almost as if the whole thing is broken… a "Broken Love Song"!
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