I’ll talk to you about my memories. Like it or lump it, you will listen.
Let’s go back in time to September 2006. I was walking through Manchester [UK] after departing from the train, and me and my comrades needed money. On the way to the cash machine, out of the corner of my eye I saw Nick Oliveri pre-gig.
After a few minutes of idle chit-chat and stunned silence [nothing wrong with Star-Struck-Ness] mixed with an autograph session I proceeded to thank Nick and Co and walked away. I only found out later from guitarist Ian the truth of what happened, but Nick chased after me, yes GoDoomers, to grab a photo of the back of my jacket. More on this later.
Nick and me (pictured at right). Honestly.
The gig at the Roadhouse rocked. It rocked hard. Nick played the favourites from his two previous albums. Because I decided early to go to the front while the support bands were on, I secured myself prime central position which meant I got utterly crushed!
After the gig Nick came into the crowd [something he wouldn’t be able to do with QOTSA I’m sure], signed shit, signed ‘fucker’ on my arm, had beers, etc. It was here Ian told me that when Nick saw the back of my jacket, [with ‘Kyuss’ and ‘Mondo’ painted on it] and came running after me, he launched his phone out of his hand breaking it. I don’t care about you, it’s not Sex or Drugs but it is Rock ‘N’ Fucking Roll.
Now don’t forget, Nick was on tour for his latest UK release of Nick Oliveri and the Mondo Generator: Dead Planet: SonicSlowMotionTrails. I had a promo edition. It’s due for release in America as Dead Planet on July 17, 2007. I’ve had the British Edition since 2006. Because Oliveri understands that BRITAIN FUCKING LOVES HIM.
Nick Oliveri. Stoner Rock Pioneer. Desert Rock Staple. Punk Rock Rebel. Try the new album. Seriously. As much as I would love to review this, all I will say is pick up your own copy. It isn’t Queens of the Stone Age. It’s the nuts and bolts of what made Kyuss and QOTSA great. It was Oliveri all the way. All you need to expect is this:
“Full-time raw, godless punk-rock” — SPIN
“Oliveri is a Bon Scott-style better who’s fond of screeching about being heartbroken” — STUFF
“The devil bearded human hurricane cranks out a set that borders on psychotic” — KERRANG
“Deranged and debauched Nick Oliveri may be, but on the strength of this thrashy performance, you’d be a fool to write him off completely.” — KERRANG
“So raw that it almost bleeds” — ROCK SOUND
“will raid your medicine cabinet and fuck your wife 4/5” – KERRANG
Track Listing:
1. Like A Bomb
2. All The Way Down
3. Sonic Slow Motion Trails
4. Basket Case
5. Lie Detector
6. So High
7. Life of Sin
8. Mental Hell
9. She Only Owns You
10. Take Me Away
11. I Never Sleep
12. All Systems Go
13. Paper Thin
Personal favourite: “I Never Sleep” – My life pretty much.
Go get it!
It’s always wonderful to meet celebrities who genuinely enjoy and appreciate their fans. I think one of the reasons I’ve been interested in comic books so long, is that MOST of the comic book creators I’ve met have been extremely nice and courteous. I once had the privilege of meeting Gil Kane who was a great gentleman and patiently autographed several comics for me. Don Simpson (“Megaton Man”) once sold me a piece of original art for almost NOTHING because I enjoyed it. I could list dozens of comic creators who have been good to me, but getting back to ROCK…
It’s terrific that someone with Oliveri’s fierce talent and punk-rock attitude is so good to his fans. I always admired his work (I LOVE “I Never Sleep” — it could be my anthem) and reading this makes me like him even more!!!
Keep on rockin’ in the UK, my friend.
And thanks for this insight into a rare and special musical talent.
Comment by Some Call Me "Tim" — July 15, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
Yeah son.
Everyone is a human being. Putting them on a pedestal only makes it harder to talk to them.
Genuine, down-to-earth Rock stars are not up their own ass.
[Not naming any names – Josh Homme – ]
Rock On.
Comment by Manic_Rage — July 16, 2007 @ 4:49 pm
I’m so proud of my Sam.
He always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and gets to meet all these people. I’m always the camera-woman. Proof is in his myspace pictures!
And Nick Oliveri rocks!
Comment by Dizzy_Alien — July 16, 2007 @ 10:45 pm