Lots of happenings in the world of late ‘80s/early ‘90s hard rock this past week. RATT has ousted drummer Bobby Blotzer, who was touring under his own RATT lineup. The new Blotzerless RATT includes Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini and Juan Croucier and they’ll be playing shows in 2017. Blotzer has just played a show with his version of the band but it looks like the lawyers will probably have something to say about that. Also, Phil Lewis has left LA Guns in order to devote his time to LA Guns. Confused? Phil is working on a new LA Guns album with Tracii Guns, but until recently had his own version of LA Guns with longtime drummer Steve Riley. Phil and Tracii will release their new LA Guns record in 2017.
After spending most of 2016 on the road in support of their most recent release Gravity, Perth-based Deadspace are unleashing their chaotic live show on even more of Australia in 2017. They’ll bring their nihilistic visions of hell to The Tote on Friday January 13.
Some killer shows coming up at The Bendigo Hotel this week. On Thursday December 8, to celebrate the release of their debut album Monster, Graves are hitting the road as hard as they can. They’ll be joined by Texan hardcore legends Kublai Khan, as well as Sydney’s Justice For The Damned and Perth’s Cursed Earth. On Friday December 9 catch Space Bong’s first Bendy show, which includes a rare recording and live performance of Darkthrone’s Rust. Also along for the night are Whitehorse, Sewercide and Diploid.
On Saturday December 10 is the return of the Bodies On Bodies Thrash Fest. The Bendy will be graced by 12 of Australia’s finest thrash metal acts, featuring a lineup that’ll have everyone doing the toxic waltz. The festival will be headlined by the current Holy Trinity of Melbourne thrash – In Malice’s Wake, Desecrator and Harlott. Joined by many other world class local and interstate bands, Truth Corroded, Alkira, Murderworld, Envenomed, Metreya, Atomic Death Squad, Direblaze, Wartooth and Requiem. Doors at 3pm.
