ANGER AS ART's Steve Gaines Remembers RONNIE JAMES DIO - "That Voice Was Powerful And Majestic"
May 23, 2010, 14 years ago
ANGER AS ART vocalist/guitarist Steve Gaines has issued the following update:
First, it would be foolish to not mention the impact of the passing on RONNIE JAMES DIO (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, RAINBOW, ELF). Last Sunday, I was on the phone and online with so many people, and a lot of tears were shed. So many times, you think that a hero's impact on your life is internal, or personal. Like you are the only person that 'get's it' (maybe that is part of the appeal of underground metal bands, I dunno). But Ronnie jumped out of the speakers and appealed to this 12 year old pimply faced kid so long ago. I had been told by all of the music people around me that hard rock was just a bunch of screaming. But not Ronnie. That voice was powerful and majestic. Always. As an aspiring vocalist, it was a goal to shoot for - and I know that even on my best day I was no where close to him. Like all else who met him, he was a class act, and a gentleman. But what I realized since his passing was that he had the same impact on me that he had on everyone else. People truly loved this guy. I will be attending the memorial service a week from today simply to pay respect and reverence to someone who shaped my life. Thanks Ronnie. It was not wasted effort. To this kid, it meant the world.
Okay, back to bizness. As you know, our DVD Live Dissent is now available. The original plan was two-fold - to have a memento of a concert to sell at shows, and to send out as a promotional tool. we did this with the blessing of OSM Records, but on our own. So I sent a copy to Patrick (Label CEO) and he loved it - so much in fact that he wants to sell it through OSM. The label has experience in moving DVD's - perhaps you recall the LAAZ ROCKIT DVD from a few years back. He believes that we can move these, and get a sizeable return on our efforts and investment. Ultimately, it means that there are more opportunities for us to play live in your living room! So, we have some copies available now, but very soon they will be available through the OSM online store. Here is a sample video - from Live Dissent:
Now for the bad news - to all of our friends in Europe. Sadly, we had to pull the plug from the second leg of our European tour. The dates were there, but the cost of being on the road for those dates was quite simply "upside down." As fans, we were already there. As businessmen, there was no way. Imagine assuming a debt that would tie you up well into 2011. So, we are revisiting our options to get to Europe in 2011 in a logical manner. People, it has to make sense. In this day and age, with the economy like it is and the plummeting Euro against the Dollar, any error could bankrupt a band. We thank you for understanding, and appreciate and will work for your continued support. By the way, all of your comments on this will be approved and posted - even comments like "so sorry - LOL". Remember, they have to come from someone.
On a better note - it looks as though we will be able to fill the remainder of the year with dates across the US - so we will keep you posted as they are confirmed. Upcoming - we play with HELSTAR on June 12 at the Boulevard in Los Angeles, and also return to the Galaxy on September 25 with KATATONIA."