Battle of the Bands Volume 21:Perfect Strangers and Highway Stars

13 years ago today my life changed  at a Dio, Scorpions and Deep Purple concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In commemorating that I thought it was fitting to pull out some Deep Purple covers.

This song is from that tour and kind of fits "Perfect Strangers" by Deep Purple..

Before that fateful night Deep Purple had been one of the groups I first liked way back in high school as my tastes were switching from a more pop oriented taste to a rockier guitar driven taste. Today's song isn't "Perfect Strangers." I decided to go with a song I still like to listen to when I roll down the windows and cruise down the highway.

Deep Purple's "Highway Star" from their 1972 album "Machine Head."

My battle of the bands contenders are below. However , I thought I would share some other Battle of the Bands with you as well.

If you are still looking for more musical fun after you vote, you can check out these sites for more battles:

Tossing it Out

‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ 

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

 'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Book Lover

This Belle Rocks

DC Relief Battle of the Bands

Shady Dell Music & Memories

Angels Bark 

The Doglady's Den

'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE

WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME

ALEX CAVANAUGH

Introducing:

Jingle Jangle Jungle

Please check out my friends above, they post some pretty neat stuff! 

Regular rules. Listen to the two versions of the song below and vote in the comments for the version you like best. Of course the best rule is to enjoy. Rev your engines and welcome to the Battle! We have Type O Negative taking on an all star band featuring a Deep Purple alumni, a Red Hot Chile Pepper, and great guitarist. So the battle should be fun!

Challenger One: Type O Negative 

Challenger Two: Glenn Hughes, Steve Vai and Chad Smith

Thanks for visiting and I look forward to your vote!

Happy Birthday Joe Bonamassa

Today is a great birthday for blues artist. Today of course is Robert Johnson's birthday. However, I wrote about that last year here. Today is also blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa's birthday as well. He is more contemporary and for those who may not like the blues as much I will throw in a rock crossover as well.

Here he is with Beth Hart on "I'll Take Care of You"..

Here he is with a song called "Driving Towards Daylight"

Here is something to rock out with. Joe with Black Country Communion featuring Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple fame and Jason Bonham,,"The Ballad of John Henry"

Happy Birthday Joe and thanks everyone for visiting. I will be back soon with a new post!

Jason Bonham Leaves California Breed

California Breed with "The Way"

Jason Bonham has certainly been busy lately touring with Sammy Hagar (currently), his own Led Zeppelin Experience, and with Heart. Rumor has it he is apparently going to be the drummer on the new Phil Collins album.

Jason with Sammy Hagar performing Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll"

I enjoyed Jason Bonham working with Glenn Hughes in their last band Black Country Communion..

Here is "I Can See Your Spirit"

I thought these bands would steer Jason a bit out of his Father's shadow. Being in a band that isn't a Zeppelin cover band or a band with a similar sound. Jason is a heck of a drummer but being the son of John is a blessing and a curse I would imagine.

Anyway I was looking forward to catching California Breed live somewhere down the road..

Here they pay tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin...(Mr. Hughes was in Deep Purple)

Oh well. I enjoyed Jason in a rock trio setting while it lasted..

I wish him luck in whatever he pursues. I mean I have been following him since the 80's. Catching him live in 1988 with Jimmy Page and again in 2012 with Black Country Communion.

A to Z: Challenge: California Breed

You might not have heard about California Breed. They are a brand new power trio in the rock world. Collectively the group can be linked to Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and Black Country Communion. I'm ready to hear their debut being released in the United States on May 20, 2014. I mean I haven't been this excited for a new band's debut since Black Country Communion's first release.California Breed consists of Jason  Bonham, Glenn Hughes and Andrew Watt.

The beginning:

Jason Bonham and Glenn Hughes made up the rhythm section of the supergroup Black Country Communion. Mr. Hughes adding his legendary vocals with his energetic stage presence easily could be considered a frontman in the band.

BCC had more ingredients including blues guitar maestro Joe Bonamassa and keyboard master Derek Sherinian.

Then they split up and out of the ashes came California Breed. Though in honesty, BCC didn't go down in flames. Probably the reason falls more on logistics and conflicting music projects.

Older Past:

Glenn Hughes first made his mark in the music world with bands like Finders Keepers and Trapeze. His status took a legendary leap as a member of Deep Purple. A successful run with Black Country Communion brought Glenn Hughes into the now. Now California Breed is set to put him into the future..

Jason Bonham has the bloodline being Led Zeppelin's John Bonham. He has cut his teeth on rock and roll. He has recorded with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. The first time I saw him play live was in 1988 with Jimmy Page on The Outrider Tour...

He played in his own band and  Bonham in the 80's. Did some Zeppelin tribute tours. He played as a member in Led Zeppelin in a couple of one off reunions including The Celebration Concert at the O2.

He even honored Led Zeppelin with Heart at The Kennedy Center..

The New


Andrew Watt at 23 represents a new generation of guitar heros playing with the established Hughes and Bonham.

The Future coming 5.20.14..

California Breed coming soon!