Signals From Mars – Episode 335 – Hour One

During this episode of Signals From Mars, my Patrons join the show to discuss some hot-button hard rock and metal topics. Among the topics discussed include:

–Rolling Stone‘s 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs

–Metallica Buys Vinyl Pressing Factory

-Record Store Signings

–Ozzy Touring In A Wheelchair

–Rick Allen Attacked

-Def Leppard Drastic Symphonies

Here’s some information based on these topics that Chat GPT has brought to my attention:

Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs:

In 2020, Rolling Stone published a list of what they considered to be the 100 greatest heavy metal songs of all time. The list includes classic tracks like “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath, “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead, and “Master of Puppets” by Metallica, as well as more recent offerings such as “Blood and Thunder” by Mastodon and “Dystopia” by Megadeth.

Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest heavy metal songs of all time was compiled by a panel of experts including musicians, critics, and industry insiders. The list spans several decades of heavy metal, from classic bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest to newer acts like Tool and Slipknot.

Some notable songs that made the list include “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath (ranked at number 1), “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead, “Master of Puppets” by Metallica, and “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath. The list also includes songs from sub-genres of heavy metal such as nu-metal (“Freak on a Leash” by Korn), progressive metal (“Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater), and thrash metal (“Angel of Death” by Slayer).

The list has been the subject of debate among fans and musicians, with some criticizing the inclusion or exclusion of certain songs. However, it remains a widely recognized and influential resource for fans of heavy metal and has sparked discussions and debates about the genre’s best songs.

Metallica buys Furnace Record Pressing:

To add some more context to Metallica’s purchase of the vinyl pressing plant, it’s worth noting that vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. In fact, vinyl sales have been steadily increasing over the past decade, with 2020 seeing a record-breaking number of vinyl album sales in the US. This has created a demand for more vinyl pressing plants to meet the needs of artists and labels who want to release their music on vinyl.

Metallica has been a longtime supporter of vinyl records and has released many of their albums on the format. By buying a vinyl pressing plant, they are not only ensuring a steady supply of vinyl copies of their own music but also providing a resource for other artists to press their records. The move is seen as a positive step towards supporting the vinyl industry and preserving the format’s legacy.

Record store signings:

Record store signings have been a popular way for musicians to connect with fans and promote their music for many years. During these events, the artist will typically visit a local record store and sign copies of their latest album or other merchandise for fans. Record store signings can be a great way for fans to meet their favorite musicians in a more intimate setting and get a personalized, physical memento of the encounter.

While record store signings were once a common occurrence, they have become rarer in recent years due to the decline of physical music sales and the rise of digital music. However, some musicians still participate in record store signings as a way to connect with fans and support independent record stores.

Record store signings can also be a great way for record stores to attract customers and generate buzz. By hosting a signing event, a store can create a unique and memorable experience for their customers, which can lead to increased sales and repeat business.

In addition to record store signings, some musicians have also participated in “pop-up” events at non-music retailers such as clothing stores or bookstores. These events can attract a wider range of fans and help to promote the artist’s music to a new audience.

Ozzy touring in a wheelchair:

In 2020, it was reported that Ozzy Osbourne was planning to tour in a wheelchair for his upcoming tour. This was due to the fact that Ozzy had recently undergone surgery and was still recovering from injuries sustained during a fall in his home. The wheelchair was seen as a practical solution to help Ozzy conserve his energy during performances and minimize the risk of further injury.

While the news of Ozzy touring in a wheelchair was met with some concern from fans, it was also seen as a testament to his dedication to his fans and his music. Despite his health struggles, Ozzy has remained committed to touring and performing, and the wheelchair was seen as a way for him to continue to connect with fans and deliver high-quality performances.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ozzy’s tour was ultimately postponed and rescheduled for a later date. As of 2023, there is no official word on whether Ozzy plans to tour in a wheelchair or if he has fully recovered from his injuries.

Rick Allen attacked:

Rick Allen, the drummer of Def Leppard, was involved in a serious car accident in 1984 that resulted in the amputation of his left arm. After the accident, many fans and critics doubted whether Allen would be able to continue playing drums at the same level as before.

However, Allen refused to let the accident hold him back and began experimenting with electronic drum kits that allowed him to play with his remaining arm and his feet. He also worked with engineers to develop custom-designed kits that were easier for him to play.

Despite this incredible display of perseverance and determination, there have been a few instances of Rick Allen being attacked due to his disability. In 1985, Allen was physically assaulted by a group of people while on tour with Def Leppard. He suffered a broken nose and other injuries in the attack.

Since then, Rick Allen has continued to play with Def Leppard and has become a role model for people with disabilities, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Def Leppard Drastic Symphonies:

“Def Leppard: The Definitive Visual History” is a book that covers the history of the English rock band Def Leppard. The book includes a section called “Drastic Symphonies” that details the band’s experimentation with orchestration and symphonic elements in their music.

According to the book, Def Leppard began incorporating symphonic elements into their music in the late 1980s, with songs like “Love Bites” and “Hysteria” featuring string arrangements. This experimentation continued with the release of their album “Slang” in 1996, which featured more experimental and atmospheric soundscapes.

In 1999, Def Leppard teamed up with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to record a live album called “Def Leppard & the London Philharmonic Orchestra: Live at Abbey Road”. The album featured live performances of some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Hysteria”, with orchestral arrangements.

Def Leppard continued to experiment with orchestration and symphonic elements in their music over the years, and in 2011, they released their album “Mirror Ball: Live & More”, which featured a symphonic version of their hit song “Pour Some Sugar on Me”.

Overall, “Drastic Symphonies” is a reflection of Def Leppard’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and techniques in their music, and their ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in rock music.