I started this website in 2012, reaching just a few thousand people. As I head into 2022, which will be my site’s 10th year, I’m reaching more people than ever before. 2020 was my all-time best year for traffic, and this year I broke that record by 54%, reaching hundreds of thousands of people in 145 countries. Thanks to all of you who continue to read what I write. I really appreciate it. To celebrate, let’s take a look back at some of my favorite and most popular posts from over the past 10 years.
Rob Zombie’s Firefly Trilogy
In 2003 Rob Zombie made his writing and directing debut with the gritty horror film House of 1000 Corpses. The success of this movie spawned a sequel, The Devil’s Rejects, and a third entry in the series, 3 From Hell, was just released on digital and physical video this month. Let’s take a look back at these films about the infamous Firefly family, including my thoughts and Rob Zombie’s insights on each of these twisted tales. Read more here.
Review: Paul Stanley’s Soul Station
Paul Stanley has been and will forever remain my favorite member of KISS. I’ve always been able to relate to Paul on a personal and professional level, and he’s clearly the most talented member of KISS. I’ve consistently enjoyed the music he’s written and performed, including when he made forays into uncharted territory, like “Then She Kissed Me,” “Hold Me, Touch Me (Think Of Me When We’re Apart),” and “Odyssey.” Thankfully, I had the opportunity to interview Paul about his latest and most compelling work as a solo artist: Soul Station. Paul has assembled a soul group aptly named Paul Stanley’s Soul Station, and the band’s debut album entitled Now And Then is spectacular! Read on for my track-by-track review of this special record that is the embodiment of everything that makes Paul Stanley the unique individual and talent that he is. Read more here.
Meeting Clive Barker
On August 18, I met one of my horror idols: Clive Barker. A multi-talented artist who has mastered numerous mediums, Clive is a playwright, an author, a director, and a painter. He created, wrote and directed Hellraiser, his most famous work, and he’s also known for Candyman and Nightbreed, as well as more than 20 novels, hundreds of incredible paintings, and so much more. Stephen King once said, “I’ve seen the future of horror, and his name is Clive Barker.” That’s the highest praise one can get in this genre, and Clive lived up to that prophecy and then some. Read more here.
71-Year-Old Wrestler “Action” Mike Jackson Tells All
“Action” Mike Jackson is one of the best wrestlers in the world, yet he’s 71-years-old. I first saw him perform live at Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore show in November 2019, and he blew me away. He was the highlight of the entire show, and I told him so afterward. The entire crowd was captivated by his speed and ability. In April 2020 he debuted on IMPACT Wrestling in a match against Johnny Swinger, again, blowing away wrestling fans, but this time it was on a worldwide stage. Around this time COVID took over the world, so that run came to a halt. However, as you’ll see in my interview with this championship wrestler who has grappled with countless legends, the best is yet to come. I look forward to the day when “Action” Mike Jackson returns to the ring in IMPACT Wrestling, and I hope I’m there to see it live. If you’re looking to enjoy some of his prowess while at home, give him a call at 205-936-9050 to buy a variety of DVDs, t-shirts, and more from the living legend himself! Read more here.
Review: KISS Destroyer 45th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition
On November 19, the 45th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition of Destroyer, KISS’ quintessential album, is unleashed upon the world. UMe is releasing multiple versions: a Super Deluxe 4-CD + Blu-ray Audio box set, a standard double black vinyl, limited edition yellow and red double colored vinyl, a 2-CD set, and digital. I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the Super Deluxe Edition of Destroyer. Read on for my thoughts on this album and whether or not it’s worth buying.
My First Book: 20-Year History of TNA/IMPACT Wrestling
At long last — after debating it for many years — I’m writing my first book! And the scope of this project is so big that my first book is going to be two books. Yes, you read that right: two books! About what? The entirety of the first 20 years of TNA Wrestling, which is now known as IMPACT Wrestling. Read more here.
My Last KISS
On August 21, I attended what may have been my final KISS concert ever. At this point, I’ve seen the band live more than 20 times, including five dates on its End Of The Road World Tour. If this was my last show, I went out on top because I watched the entire performance from the pit, which is in between the stage and the front row. Being in the pit was not planned ahead of time, but it was a fantastic surprise. Read on for my thoughts on my last KISS.
A Conversation With Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow is my all-time favorite musician. He’s a Grammy, Tony and Emmy award-winning icon who has 50 Top 40 hits, including 12 #1 singles and more than 85 million albums sold worldwide. With credentials like this, it’s no wonder Barry Manilow is the #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time, according to Billboard and R&R magazines, and that Rolling Stone referred to him as “the showman of our generation.” Simply put, he’s fantastic, and I’ve wanted to interview him for the past three years. Yesterday, that dream came true. Barry and I discussed his new album, This is My Town: Songs of New York, which is available April 21, his nearly-40-year relationship with his husband Garry Kief and much more. I hope you enjoy reading this interview. And don’t forget to pick up Barry’s new album – it’s spectacular! Read more here.
A Conversation With Michael Des Barres – Part 1
I recently had the opportunity to speak with one of my favorite musicians and actors, Michael Des Barres. Many of you may know him for his role as the sinister Murdoc on the TV show MacGyver. Others may know him from his tenure as lead singer of Silverhead, Detective and The Power Station. While music is Des Barres’ main priority, he still makes time for acting, including his recent role in the wonderful film California Solo.
Below is part one of the interview. Stay tuned for parts two and three. And at the end of each part I’m including live clips from Michael Des Barres’ concert in New York City on March 7, 2013 at the Bowery Electric. I was in attendance, and it was an awesome show. Enjoy! Read more here.
Author Interview: Lisa Scottoline
I recently had the honor of interviewing Lisa Scottoline, the author of the wonderful novel Don’t Go, available April 9. As you’ll see below, her answers were a compelling and insightful look into the life of a bestselling author. I hope you enjoy the following Q&A. Read more here.
