January 08, 2012

REGINA HERE WE COME!
Next Friday we'll be at the Regina Casino with our old friends KICKAXE. It looks like a sold out show or close to it, so make sure to get your tickets in advance. We fly out of Toronto Friday morning and go straight from the airport to the casino for soundcheck as soon as we land. After the show we'll be out to sign autographs at the merchandise booth and from there back to our rooms to basically shit, shower, and shave and then it's off to the airport once again for our 5:30 A.M. flight back to Toronto. Both Brent and Daryl are playing in other bands that Saturday night. Aw yes, NO REST FOR THE WICKED!

A lot of old friends and new Facebook friends have been emailing me for the past several weeks telling me that they're coming to the show. Looking forward to seeing you all.

Note: On Saturday I was interviewed via phone by Peter Mills of the Leader Post for an upcoming article in that paper. It should be in sometime this week.

THE HEAVY MENTAL CHRISTMAS SHOW
My focus for 2012 is going to be two things: Continued writing with Sean Kelly for the next Helix studio CD, and The Heavy Mental Christmas Show.
Ever since we released the "Heavy Mental Christmas" CD a couple of years ago, I've wanted to do a Christmas show. This Christmas I decided that 2012 would be the year to put my money where my mouth is, so now it's full steam ahead. Our goal is to play at least 10 shows next December.

Some of the towns/cities sure to be on the list of where we bring this show: London, Kitchener, Listowel, Stratford, Windsor, Sarnia, and Cornwall. Any clubs interested in booking the show can phone me at 519 452 0565 or by emailing me at bvollm0656@rogers.com. Today I set up a page on my Brian Vollmer Facebook page that I'll be adding to in the upcoming months. Brent is going to be helping me film a commercial to launch on the site and I would also like to possibly film a video as well.

A couple of things I'm going to do differently for the Christmas shows:
Where I am running the show (ie. London, Ontario) the show will have an early start. In London we plan to have a turkey supper as part of the ticket price. Supper will probably be from 5 P.M. to 7. Sean Kelly opens the show with an acoustic solo set shortly after supper, followed by our set at about 9 P.M.
I'm emphasizing the time here, because for the last couple of years I've been bitching to bar owners about the time they put us onstage. Most of our fans work during the week, so their normal routine is to go to bed around 10 or 11. Bars lately have been putting us onstage at 11, 11:30, and even as late at 12:30. I understand the rationale: The later the band goes on the more time to sell more booze. Unfortunately, what I think happens to our crowd is they go "Fuck it! I'm not going out that late." Either that or they have a couple of drinks at home and then decide after those couple of drinks that they're too tired to go out. In Sudbury there were 40 tickets sold where the ticket buyers never showed up. When we played the Sound Academy in Toronto in September, we had a very early start. The place was packed. As I walked onstage with Daryl, I asked him, "...How many of these people do you think would be here if we were going on at 11:30?
He turned to me and said, "...About 30.."
"Yah, that's what I think too," I replied.
Nuff said.

More on the Heavy Mental Christmas Show to come in upcoming Sunday Updates.

THE MONSTERS OF ROCK BOAT TOUR
At the end of February we are on the Monsters of Rock Boat Cruise (http://monstersofrockcruise.com). Here's an excerpt from the the Monsters of Rock website:

"...It all begins in Fort Lauderdale, FL, sailing from February 25 – 28, 2012 aboard the MSC Poesia, destination Nassau, Bahamas and Key West. This epic event will feature some of the greatest artists of the era, including Telsa, Cinderella, Night Ranger, UFO, Kix, Stryper, Firehouse, Y&T, Lynch Mob, Helix, Eric Martin (Mr.Big), Keel, Black n Blue, Faster Pussycat, John Corabi, Bang Tango, Rhino Bucket, XYZ, Odin, Flametal, DC4, Atomic Punks and Motley Inc.; with special appearances by Eddie Trunk (from VH1's TMS), Luc Carl (From Hair Nation XM/Sirius) and John "Big John" Murray (Rock n Lock). This is much more than a “Concert Cruise” event…it is fantasy camp for metal fans that will be talked about for many years to come!

The fun will begin the moment you come aboard the beautiful MSC Poesia, meeting new friends poolside during the kickoff Sailaway Concert. This will set the tone for the next 3 days, enjoying a myriad of over the top Special Events, including the Monsters Rock & Roll Prom 1989, “So You Think You Can Shred” Competition, Shotgun Wedding Vow Renewal, Artist Meet & Greets and much, much more.

In addition, you’ll appreciate the inviting Music Venues & Events, featuring our incredible artists on the Main Stage plus the Monster’s Coffee Shop, Back-Alley Stage and the Pool Deck Showcase for partying under the stars! You wont want to miss Eddie Trunk from VH1’s That Metal Show, as he moderates up close and personal Q & As with our artists called Rock ‘N Roll War Stories. Finally, our other celebrity guest, Rock of Love’s “Big John” will always be there to keep the party going…like you needed any more encouragement!!..."