GUITAR CENTER DRUM OFF THIS FRIDAY JAN. 8
GUITAR CENTER ANNOUNCES DRUM-OFF GRAND FINALISTS AND JUDGES
Top 5 Undiscovered Drummers in the Nation Set to Compete For Title of Drum-Off Champion, $25,000 Cash and More
Judges Include PETER ERSKINE (Steely Dan), TAYLOR HAWKINS (Foo Fighters), DREW HESTER (Joe Walsh), THOMAS LANG, JASON SUTTER (Chris Cornell), KENNY ARONOFF (John Mellencamp), JOHN TEMPESTA (The Cult), TONY ROYSTER JR. (Jay-Z), NISAN STEWART (Jamie Foxx / 50 Cent) and RAY LUZIER (Korn)
January 8, 2010 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles
December 22, 2009 - Westlake Village, CA – Guitar Center today announced the top five finalists of Drum-Off 2009, the world’s largest and longest running search to find the nation’s top undiscovered drummer. These five finalists will travel to Los Angeles, where they will compete in front of a star-studded capacity crowd at the Wiltern on January 8, 2010. One talented drummer will win a prize package worth more than $40,000 and the title of “Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion,” making them the nation’s top undiscovered drummer.
The five drummers battling for Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Championship crown are:
Troy Molsberry (Carlsbad, CA)
Eugine McBride (Flint, MI)
Stanley Jamal Hampton (Smithtown, NY)
Ramon Sampson (Cordova, TN)
Michael McGrath (Henderson, NV)
Beating out more than 4,000 other drummers in several rounds of local and regional competitions over the past several months, the five finalists will now face the final round of competition judged by a panel of highly accomplished drum celebrities including Peter Erskine (Steely Dan), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Drew Hester (Foo Fighters / Joe Walsh), Thomas Lang, Jason Sutter (Chris Cornell), Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp / Sessions Legend), John Tempesta (The Cult), Tony Royster Jr. (Jay-Z), Nisan Stewart (Jamie Foxx / 50 Cent) and Ray Luzier (Korn).
The evening includes an A-list line-up of guest performances, including “Bezerk” – an exclusive project presented by Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe) and the Street Drum Corps’ Frank Zummo, featuring Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), José Pasillas (Incubus), Abe Cunningham (Deftones), DJ Aero, Sully Erna (Godsmack), Jay Weinberg, BANG! and others to be announced. Hosted by Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), this historic evening will also include a very special tribute to the legendary John Bonham by Jason Bonham, along with an exclusive collaborative performance by Danny Carey (Tool) and Brann Dailor (Mastodon).
Guitar Center will also induct drum icons Billy Cobham and John Bonham into Guitar Center’s Drum Legends as part of the evening’s festivities.
***TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD OUT***
Vegas Hilton Darling Stilettos and me
Need everyone to come out to Vegas Darling Stilettos And me on drums at the Vegas Hilton 8pm in THe Barry Manilow theater
January 2nd 2010
LUXE LIFE BLOG MATT SORUM PONDERS MARRIAGE AS HE UNVEILS DARLING STILETTOS SHOW
Four of the sexiest singer-dancers are off on a rock-and-sex-fueled journey through the history of rock music thanks to their legendary guru Matt Sorum, drummer of Velvet Revolver, The Cult and Guns ’N’ Roses fame.
Matt’s love match with lead singer Ace Harper led to the creation of the Darling Stilettos, who track rock from the early days of the first British invasion to punk and the classic rock through the 1970s and ’80s. Matt showcases the glamour girls tonight and tomorrow in free concerts at the Palms.
The Darling Stilettos also will perform in early January at the Las Vegas Hilton in another showcase.
“We’re looking for a regular home here in Vegas,” Matt told me yesterday. “The Rock ’n’ Roll A Go Go show is a natural for Las Vegas. It belongs here. People will make comparisons with the Pussycat Dolls, obviously, but we’re a full-blown, way-out-there rock ’n’ roll show with a story. The girls sing, they dance, and there are costume changes throughout the show. I have my drums, and we have a guitarist to accompany them.”
Palms Entertainment Vice President Michael Greco confirmed that the showcase is an audition to see if the show will work at one of the Palms’ venues. He said: “We’re looking hard to see if this will work in one of our nightclub venues or in another room. Matt Goss was off this weekend from his lounge, so we thought this was the perfect time for the showcase. To stop any rumors, let me say Matt is signed with us to continue on in his lounge.
“We’re excited to have Matt (Sorum), who is such a big name in music, showcase his new project here at the Palms. We’ve always brought the most cutting-edge entertainment to the city and look forward to having our guests out for a weekend of great rock and roll.”
Both tonight and tomorrow’s shows will start at 11 p.m. after Lady Gaga’s show this evening and World Extreme Cagefighting 45 tomorrow. The buzz is that Lady Gaga and other surprise celebrity guests will be at the debut shows.
Ace, who founded the Darling Stilettos, has been dating Matt for nearly five years. “We’re great together,” Matt told me. “I really wanted to support her vision because it’s so solid. She’s a great singer and dancer, so to accompany her with classic rock is a real thrill. They put on a hot, sexy, out-of-control, full rock show that will knock you on your ass. It’s a fully choreographed production. I have to stay on them to keep them in good shape for it. This is all disciplined and not the aftermath of a drunken party.”
The Stilettos also comprise rocker chicks Gina, Lindsey and Allie. “They’ve got all the elements of rock,” Matt continued. “Rebellion, swagger and talent, so the edgy, defiant sounds have been perfected. Now add in the strong dose of sexuality, and that adds an essential and long overdue element. They’re bringing rock back into the female world inspired by Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde. They’re telling a whole new generation of young women that it’s OK to rock and feel sexy simultaneously.”
Matt admitted that he and Ace have talked about their longtime relationship. “We’re fully committed. I couldn’t find anyone better. So next year may well be the year we actually get married. We’ve talked about it, and we’re both ready for that.
“Hey, Robin, if you get a minister’s license, you could marry us right here in Vegas! Now that would be a blast. This is the city of weddings for rockers! And think of the rock and roll party afterward.”
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.
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original article is here:
http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2009/dec/18/matt-sorum-ponders-marriage-he-unveils-darling-sti/
Sammy Hagars BDay Bash
Just rocked The Cabo Wabo for Sammy Hagars Bday. Awesome crowd as usual. Mike Anthony on bass what a fuckin bass player. Good times all around. Met Criss Angel super cool dude man. Ace my girl sang RNR with Sam and killed it. Great time all around Rock on Sammy
Matt Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Motorhead Rules
Have been touring with Motorhead on drums for the last 2 weeks. It has been the most amazing tour I have ever done. Lemmy text me about a week before the beginning of their tour and ask if I could fill in. I was truely honored and overwhelmed at the same time. I was in the middle of moving which as we all know is the worst. But how could I say no. This gig is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I called Lemmy back and said yes and asked when we would rehearse. He said we could do a soundcheck in Washington DC at the 930 club. I felt some anxiety about it but was still very up for the challenge. Mikkey Dee is an amazing drummer with a lot of chops and a double bass drum master. So big shoes to fill in that department. I have had some experience with double bass, but it has never been at the forefront of my playing. Once again a challenge. Motorhead songs are agressive and require power, chops and especially stamina. Being off the road for awhile I had to make sure my energy level was in top form. Being a little older now its not as much about drinking 2 shots backed by 2 beers before hitting the stage. Its more like make sure I'm rested and healthy and ready to rock period. Also not to let any Motorhead fans down who are the mainstay of Motorhead and the most important thing to Lemmy and Phil. I did my homework by watching Videos and learning all the songs with keeping in mind the integrity of the songs. Listening to Mikkeys versions as well as Philthy Phil Taylor who was a much different drummer than Mikkey. And to respect the songs as well as put some of my own flair on them. 8 gigs in I have to say the blisters are healed and the band is sounding great now. Had great shows along the way and met a lot of cool people. I very much appreciate all the support from the Motorhead fans and the band and crew of Motorhead. RockNRoll is alive and well in the USA
Rock On!!!
Fillin in for Mikkey
Hey Friends, Have been out on the road for 6 shows with the mighty Motorhead filling in for the great Mikkey Dee. It is a real honor to be onstage with these guys. Mikkey is some big shoes to fill. Got a text from Lemmy about a week prior to them leaving on tour. Met up with the boys in Atlantic City and watched Mikkey do his thing as well as Boston. Took some notes from the live show and a cool Wacken, Germany DVD to learn the show. Had one rehearsal the day before at 930 Club and jumped in the following night. It was a bit of a challenge I must say. Learning 18 songs , wanting it to be as good as possible so as not to let any of the fans down. 6 gigs in have to say startin to feel great now and want to thank everyone who came out and supported Motorhead in Mikkeys absense. It has been an amazing tour so far hanging with Lemmy, Phil and the entire Motorhead crew. These guys are the real deal and can teach us all a thing or two about Rock n Fuckin Roll. I hope to see you out at the next few shows with Motorhead.
Long Live Lemmy,Phil and Mikkey.... Motorhead!!!!!
matt
Motorhead Tour
Hey Friends Rockin time w Motorhead havin a blast. Lemmy and Phil rock!!! Come see a show . You won't be dissapointed!!!!! Played Roseland tonight.
Matt Matt Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile