Days of Lore

Breaking up is hard to do It’s been said before, but being in a band is like being in a relationship. You’ve got your honeymoon period, where things are exciting and new, and you’re ready to take on the world together. You ride a wave of fun and craziness and adventure. Then things level off a bit. The relationship gets a little stagnant, and you try and find creative ways to spice things up. Before you know it, one person is more into it than another. Someone gets hurt. There’s a big talk. There’s the break-up. Things are awkward. And the rest is a hazy memory where the people involved chalk it up to experience and move on. And, of course, there’s always someone who ends up crying like a bitch. Sniff.

Solo like Han I like to avoid drama at all costs. To that end, I pursued a solo career. Like Sting did back in ’85, I went out on my own. But I ain’t goin’ like Sting. This is more like … hmmmm … Bobby Brown. Yes! Bobby Brown!

To be honest, I hardly remember the recording process—must have been all the blow lined up on the consoles, and the copious amounts of alcohol and strippers … there had to have been strippers.

But the record is in the can, and someone was even nice enough to send me the glowing review from the S.F. Chronicle. Check out the cover—pretty snazzy, eh? Except for the glaring error of putting the wrong name on it. The record company is probably reprinting another million copies as we speak. You’ll just have to listen for yourself. Only $18.95 at finer music outlets across the nation. Or to expedite the process, simply drop off checks, money orders or, better yet, cash at the Chico News & Review. Make them payable to Mark Lore. Thank you, and rock on!

I have devil horns

Those days are over (or are they?), but there are still other ways to fulfill my voracious appetite for metal. I must say when Aye Jay! Morano first told me about his idea for a heavy metal activity book, I was all ears.

The local arteest and one-third of the Becky Sagers just finished up the Heavy Metal Fun Time Activity Book, and it’s set to hit the streets in the fall.

Included in the 48-page book is a color-in of Andrew W.K. (who also penned the book’s forward), a connect-the-dots of the Melvins’ King Buzzo’s afro, a Black Metal word scramble (guaranteed to be lots of consonants) and a Spinal Tap backstage maze.

Should be a blast, and it could be coming out at the perfect time as controversy surrounding Aye Jay!’s Gangsta Rap Coloring Book is starting to pick up … again … two years after it was released. More on that in next week’s Arts DEVOté column.

Willie and family My mom was quite taken aback the first time she heard me listening to a Willie Nelson CD a few years back. I think she was wondering what happened to the pissed-off teenager who used to sneak KISS tapes in the house with lyrics like “Wanna put my log in your fireplace.” Brilliant wordsmith, that Gene Simmons. Yes, he smiths words like no other.

Well, I love Willie Nelson. Phases and Stages and Red Headed Stranger are both brilliant records. I saw him back in 1999 at the Silver Legacy in Reno. It was the only show I’ve been to where I actually wept. The legend himself is coming to Feather Falls Casino, April 28. Tickets are a little on the spendy side (even more so now that you’ll need a scalper), but it will be well worth it. Don’t laugh when you see me cry.