"That's the way I like it baby, I don't wanna live forever..." A tribute to a rock icon.

The last post I made here at Norris Approved was about my collection of Knucklebonz Rock Iconz. For those who missed it, Rock Iconz are limited edition statuettes of rock and metal legends. In a strange coincidence that connects that post to this my wife Kayleigh bought me a Rock Iconz statuette for Christmas to add to my collection. The statuette in question was Lemmy Kilmister. Lemmy (who had just turned 70 on Christmas Eve) has always been one of my favourite musicians in rock. While Motorhead's combination of punk and hard rock arguably spearheaded the thrash metal movement, they always took to the stage with a simple battle cry: "We are Motorhead, and we play rock and roll!" Sadly as of Monday 28th December, Lemmy has played his last rock and roll show for us mere mortals.

In a devastating turn of events, Lemmy discovered only two days earlier that he had a very aggressive form of cancer which only took 48 hours to take his life. For those who don't know much about Lemmy and Motorhead, please don't be fooled into thinking that his advanced years meant that Motorhead were a spent force. They were still touring, still rocking out across the planet and had a UK tour planned for 2016 as well as a Download Festival slot. Even at 70 Lemmy was determined to keep the Motorhead train going.

The outpouring of grief from the rock and metal community shows just what an impact Lemmy had on the current music scene. I was lucky enough to see Motorhead three times live and will never forget the effect they had on my love of rock music (as well as the effect they had on my hearing!). The first time I saw them was in 2007 as they toured the UK with Alice Cooper and Joan Jett. They hit the stage and I couldn't believe the sheer ferocity and force that they had. I knew I was in the presence of rock royalty and soaked it all in. With a lot of bands and singers, they are trying to impress you. You've paid your hard earned money to watch them perform and you deserve to see a good show. In the case of Motorhead however it's somehow the other way around. Lemmy (and indeed the entire band) have performed for so long and released so much material that it is they who demand respect. I always remember with amusement Lemmy telling a tame Newcastle crowd that night that they "weren't as loud as Manchester!" Almost any other group or singer would have been booed offstage. Lemmy had earned the right to be ballsy and demand something more from every crowd he performed in front of.

I was also lucky enough to see Motorhead twice more; once at the Download Festival and once more in Newcastle City Hall. Both times the band were an unstoppable juggernaut of noise who could more than keep up with the younger bands on the bill. That last time at City Hall I looked around during their encore and saw a loyal, hardcore group of fans. Some had their shirts off dancing like crazy while others were bashing into each other so hard I thought they'd shatter into millions of pieces. That was a Motorhead gig. It was loud, it was vibrant, it was rock and roll.

It feels weird to come to terms with the fact that I'll never see Lemmy perform live again. It may surprise some to hear that the performance of his that I'll always remember wasn't even with Motorhead. At the same Download Festival in 2010 I also saw Slash perform on the main stage. As well as the obligatory Guns N' Roses classics, he also performed tracks from his debut solo album which hadn't long been out. My personal favourite track from that album? 'Doctor Alibi'; a collaboration between Slash and Lemmy. You can imagine my excitement when Lemmy joined Slash on stage to perform the song. It had never happened before and unless I'm misinformed it never happened again. A moment in time with one of my favourite guitarists and one of rock's great icons.

As I awoke to the news of Lemmy's passing, I immediately thought of two things. The first was a quote from his autobiography 'White Line Fever' that stuck with me over the years.

In my life so far, I have discovered that there are really only two kinds of people: those who are for you, and those who are against you. Learn to recognize them, for they are often and easily mistaken for each other. 

Not only did it stick with me as truly great advice but it (as the whole of 'White Line Fever') gave a great insight into a very public figure. Lemmy lived life to the full but was very intelligent and articulate. I recommend you read the book to see what I mean. It's a great read for even a casual Motorhead fan.

The second thing that sprung to mind was a subtle lyric change to Motorhead's biggest hit 'Ace of Spades'. At least two times that I saw them live as well as on an advert for Kronenbourg 1664, one line was changed; perhaps as a wry wink at Lemmy still standing tall despite decades of excess:

That's the way I like it baby I don't wanna live forever... but apparently I am

The true irony of that line today isn't that Lemmy is no longer with us. The irony is in that Lemmy will always be with us. A pioneer that inspired the likes of Metallica and Foo Fighters while continuing to rock out to a whole new generation of fans. There's simply no way that Lemmy will ever go quietly.

RIP Lemmy. Thanks for being you.

Knucklebonz Rock Iconz

Not a particularly long post from me today. With a rare bit of downtime this weekend I thought I would share with you something that means an awful lot to me: my Knucklebonz Rock Iconz collection!

Knucklebonz have been producing high quality statues of rock and metal legends for fans since 2003 and have recreated the likes of Ronnie James Dio right through to Rush! Crucially all of their statues are limited edition, (some of the more recent editions have only 1000 going into production!) so once they sell out their value increases exponentially. Some of the statues in my collection were long sold out before I discovered Rock Iconz but I have been lucky to get some from eBay for a very reasonable price. That being said just a quick search on eBay will show you just how rare some of these collectables have become!

So in between braving the snow outside and watching 'Marvel's Jessica Jones', I had a quick mess around with my camera to try and take some pictures of my Rock Iconz; just to show you all the detail that goes into each hand painted statue.

Brian May

Each statue is individually hand-painted and numbered. 

Each statue has a unique base that reflects the guitarist/musician.

Brian is currently sold out but may pop up on eBay occasionally,

Freddie Mercury

Rather than the familiar yellow jacket Freddie circa 1986, Knucklebonz chose to go with
Freddie's 70's look which complements Brian May's attire on his statue.

AC/DC were one of the first bands to sign off on
having their likeness used by Knucklebonz.

I'm lucky enough to own a Malcolm Young statue as it sold out
a long time ago,

His brother Angus is also available but good luck finding that one!
Those babies are like gold dust!

Here is just one of two Jimmy Page's that Knucklebonz
have released.

This particular one catches a moment in time from 1977
as Jimmy held his bow over his head during a performance
of 'Dazed and Confused'

I managed to get this for a tiny £20!! Someone obviously didn't know
what they had!

One of my very favourite guitarists ever I am thrilled to
have Slash in my collection!

One of the first releases from Knucklebonz, the detail
is exquisite and it has long since sold out.

The last Slash I saw on eBay sold for over £500!
Hats off to you if you have one of these!

Finally this amazing statue of Rob Halford from
Judas Priest is a true highlight of the collection.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as to what Knucklebonz have produced. If you like Slayer, The Beatles, Ozzy and many more you'll be well represented. As for me? There's a fantastic Lemmy that I hope to get my hands on before it sells out. Plus... PLUS... check these out!

FYI people it's my 30th birthday next June and these ship in Spring 2016... anyone wanna buy me a Gene Simmons? I may love you forever...

If you want to know more about Knucklebonz head over to www.knucklebonz.com to see the full collection!

A Heavy Metal Christmas!

Well folks we're officially into December and Christmas is nearly upon us! Christmas trees are going up, the snow isn't coming down (as per usual here in England) and the same Christmas songs are blaring in every supermarket, on every radio station and on every compilation album. Now I love Slade and Wizzard as much as the next guy but after 29 years of hearing them EVERY Christmas it can get a little grating.

I volunteered to put together a Christmas playlist for work last month and the usual suspects are on there. However I was looking frantically for something just a little bit different I came across quite a few that would appeal to the headbanger in all of us. Some of them are safe to play at work while some of them would certainly get me sacked almost immediately! So while I can't play some of these at work, here are some Christmas hits that truly RAWK!

#1. Lemmy/Billy Gibbons/Dave Grohl- Run Rudolph Run

An awesome version of a true Yuletide stalwart. The idea of Lemmy singing a Christmas song is genius enough before you add ZZ Top and Foo Fighters' DNA to the mix. Play this one loud on Christmas Eve folks!

#2. Black Stone Cherry- Santa Is Back


Come on... you didn't think I could make it through this without mentioning my favourite dudes from Kentucky? Again this is a cover but only BSC could cover the King himself Elvis Presley and nail it this hard. FYI this IS on the work playlist. The next one however is not!

#3 Steel Panther- Sexy Santa

As I hunted for Christmas songs for work, I'd actually forgot about Sexy Santa. Then like most Steel Panther songs, I laughed until I nearly pissed myself. With lines like "In the back of the sleigh he's got some Ho Ho Hos" and "He's got eggnog dripping from his firehose" I can safely say that this song will not be played in your local supermarket any time soon; all the more reason you should play it immediately!

#4 Twisted Sister- My Heavy Metal Christmas

So did you know Dee Snider and co had recorded not only a Christmas song but a whole album? 2006's 'A Twisted Christmas' is the perfect tonic for the metal fan sick of hearing Band Aid and John Lennon. While there's a fantastic version of 'Come All Ye Faithful' to the tune of their biggest hit 'We're Not Gonna Take It', I selected 'My Heavy Metal Christmas' as the standout track. "4 quarts of Jack, 3 studded belts, 2 pairs of spandex pants and a tattoo of Ozzy" are much more practical presents than french hens and turtle doves. Where would you keep them all?

#5 Steel Panther- The Stocking Song

Another NSFW entry from the Panther. A little less raucous than Sexy Santa but certainly no less rude. You'll never look at candy canes in the same way again!

So there you have it! Give Mariah Carey a rest this year and let metal's finest rock you into the Christmas season. Alternatively check out my post from last December and see some other Christmas songs that I often give a spin this time of year.

"We're gonna live tonight like it's our last night"- The Fozzy VIP Experience

I first saw Fozzy live back in 2010. Their album 'Chasing The Grail' had come out earlier in the year and it seemed like the band had a new vigour and drive. The band hit the road and reached the North East of England in October when they played the Middlesbrough Empire on October 12th. I was single at the time and couldn't find anyone to take my second ticket. I decided against my better judgement to go alone and it was one of the best decisions I ever made! The band were phenomenal and I swore that I would see Jericho and the gang again.

 The band hit Newcastle on their 'Sin and Bones' tour in August 2013. It was the night before I proposed to my future wife and my gig buddy Phil and I watched the band absolutely destroy the O2 Academy. I knew then that Middlesbrough hadn't been a one off. Fozzy were a live force to be reckoned with. The 'Y2J' chants that had been ever present in the Empire 3 years earlier were replaced by rabid chants for the entire band; chants there were well deserved. This isn't merely Chris Jericho and a backing band. This band are all extremely accomplished and phenomenal musicians and I'm positive that Chris would be the first to agree with me.

Fast forward to present day and Fozzy return to the UK to promote their latest album 'Do You Wanna Start A War', arguably their most cohesive and accessible album to date. When I heard they were coming to Newcastle once more it seemed a no brainer that I'd be going. It's relevant to say at this point that my ever present gig buddy Phil has made the life changing decision to emigrate to Canada early next year and that Fozzy's show will be the last gig we go to together for quite some time. This is a guy that I've seen the likes of Metallica, AC/DC and Kiss with; some truly legendary bands and memories. I'd heard for a long time that Fozzy's VIP experience was both incomparable and affordable. What better way to celebrate 13 years of gig memories with my best friend? I upgraded our tickets as a gift for Phil and we both waited for the big day in anticipation. But I know what you're thinking. You clicked on to this page to see what that VIP experience is like right? Well here we go! ...

We were instructed to be at the Riverside Newcastle venue for 5pm so after a couple of drinks and something to eat we braved the rainy Newcastle weather to get to the venue on time. It turned out that there were nine of us who had upgraded to VIP and there was plenty of excited chatter and conversation. Some were talking about the band and the live music scene, for others the conversation turned to wrestling. Some were local to the area while others had been following the band on tour or had flown out from across the UK to meet the band. Thanks to the videos and social media updates from the band we had a reasonable idea of what to expect but luckily VIP rep Talena was there to run through what to expect once the band were ready to see us. As we waited outside we heard Fozzy tuning up and doing a run through of 'Do You Wanna Start A War'. It was at that point we were invited in to meet the band.

I've been lucky enough to meet many musicians and celebrities. I've met the likes of Sting (the singer not the wrestler), Mick Foley (the wrestler not the singer) and Steel Panther but it was a truly surreal experience to see Chris Jericho waving to us from the stage. For those who don't read this blog normally I should disclose that I am a wrestling fan as well as a heavy metal fan so the experience was doubly exciting. As we all headed to the stage, the band all said hello and went straight into a rendition of Bryan Adams' 'Summer of '69' as sung by drummer and founding member Frank Fontsere. Frank has a really good voice and it was pretty cool to hear something unexpected so soon into our experience. We were informed that it was the first time that the band had ever performed it on the tour before they launched into 'TNT' by AC/DC and 'You Really Got Me' by the Kinks. It was at this point that Jericho let us know that they would be playing a few Fozzy classics and started off with 'Sin and Bones' cut 'Spider In My Mouth'. It was at this point that one of our fellow VIPs asked if the band were taking requests. They obliged and started to play 'To Kill A Stranger'. It was during this song that something pretty awesome happened.

If you read my previous post about VIP experiences Meet and Greets- The good, the bad and the ugly you'll see that I posted a video of Jericho coming off the stage to sing with VIPs. There I was casually singing along to 'Stranger' when I saw Jericho coming towards me! Suddenly Phil and I were singing 'To Kill A Stranger' with Chris Freaking Jericho! I really hope that a video of it surfaces on the Fozzy social media pages as it was truly a once in a lifetime moment. Once 'Stranger' was done, the band took one more request and played 'Bad Tattoo' from the new album.

Fozzy opened the floor for questions. There was a hilarious conversation between one VIP and the band about the lyrics to Krokus song 'Eat the Rich' that Fozzy traditionally cover at the end of their live set as well as some insight as to why the band chose to cover ABBA on their latest album. It was at this point that we had a group photo taken with the band before we all went up individually for a photo with them all. Every member made a point of introducing themselves and shaking hands. It's small things like that that make all the difference. Next it was time for the band to sign some stuff for us. Talena had helpfully provided band photos for us all to get signed but the band were happy to sign other stuff we brought too. As I had my 'Chasing The Grail' album signed, the band were joking with new bassist Randy Drake for being the new guy as he signed albums and photos for the VIPs. Now I've been a huge Jericho fan for a good 15 years now and he was such a nice guy throughout the whole meeting. However guitarist Rich Ward also left a huge impression on me. I had picked 'Chasing The Grail' to get signed by the band for a specific reason. Not only was it the album that really got me into Fozzy, it was also an album that helped me through some rough times. I've spoke before on this blog about my struggles with anxiety and depression and in early to mid 2010 those struggles were arguably at an all time high. 'Chasing The Grail' was an album that helped me through those times. I always said that if I had the chance to meet the band that I would thank them for that and I could tell that both Rich and Chris were genuinely touched by my words. Chris even asked me which songs I liked on the album and we discussed how 'New Day's Dawn' had never actually been performed live by the band. It was a truly 'full circle' moment for me to realise that I'd gone from a depressed twenty something finding solace in a great album, to a happier, more rounded person who could thank the people who gave me that solace for doing so. I also took the opportunity to cheekily ask Jericho for a selfie to which he obliged even though he had to have been in a rush. Once again it's those kind of experiences that you can't set a price on so I have to give a special thanks to Chris Jericho and Rich Ward for humouring this Fozzy fan and really appreciating what I shared.

Unfortunately nothing lasts forever and all the band once again shook our hands and thanked us for coming. Rich once more thanked me for what I'd said and I really could tell it meant a lot to him. It was at this point that I quickly got my Jericho selfie and just like that it was over. We got first dibs at the merch table and it was time to leave so the venue could get set up for doors opening. Some VIPS waited outside to get in first while the rest of us had a drink or two in the bar opposite. I'd genuinely like to say at this point that if any of the Newcastle VIPs we talked to are reading this please feel free to follow me on Twitter @NorrisApproved3 and add me on Facebook as you were all great people and I had some great music/wrestling related conversations throughout the night. Who knows? Maybe we'll see each other at the next Fozzy gig!

In short if you're a Fozzy fan and you are on the fence about going VIP next time they're in town, I wholeheartedly recommend you do it. The whole band are so friendly and accommodating that any nerves will soon dissipate. Plus it seems that they pride themselves on making the whole thing as fan friendly as possible. I think other bands and singers should look at how Fozzy do VIP and take it from there.

As for the gig itself? Well it's just what I expected from a Fozzy show. Plus the support acts were excellent. Canadian band Sumo Cyco opened proceedings and really got those who'd shown up early into the spirit of things. They certainly earned two new fans in Phil and I and I'm now pretty sure that they're why he's emigrating to Canada! Hard rockers Nonpoint picked up the baton in style and fired through their hits including 'Bullet With A Name' and their cover of Phil Collins' 'In The Air Tonight'. Of course Fozzy were the main event and they stormed the stage with 'Do You Wanna Start A War'. The rest of the set was a tour de force of their ever growing and impressive back catalogue. 'To Kill A Stranger'? Check. 'Sandpaper'? Check. 'Enemy'? They were all there. Even their ABBA cover 'SOS' got an airing. By the time Fozzy reached set closer 'Eat The Rich' they had Newcastle in the palm of their hands. I even noticed Jericho mouth that he would remember the lyrics in a cheeky nod to his conversation earlier that day during the Q&A. In summary, Fozzy are a band constantly on the rise. They get better every time I see them and will leave you begging for more. The sooner Fozzy get back to the UK, the better!

Setlist

Do You Wanna Start A War

Tonight

To Kill A Stranger

One Crazed Anarchist

Sin and Bones

She’s My Addiction

God Pounds His Nails

Spider In My Mouth

S.O.S.

Lights Go Out

Enemy

Bad Tattoo

Sandpaper

Eat The Rich

VIP Private Gig Setlist

Summer of '69

TNT

You Really Got Me

Spider In My Mouth

To Kill A Stranger

Bad Tattoo