@rah 21 October 2021 more from that month

So in recent days I have been expounding on some of my favourites and most influentials that I had on vinyl (sad to say in past tense but I have moved country a few times and am now on my third country outside the UK). So today I need to give a special mention to a major influence of my youth and this might come as surprise to many. Ronnie James Dio holds the crown as the best metal singer ever (sorry Rob H and Bruce D.). Speaking of Bruce Dickinson, he is the best live front man I have ever seen. His energy and how he uses the stage is incredible as is his abilty to hold an audience when giving one of his mini-speeches - usually when introducing the Clansman. I was there in an auditorium when he made a speech about William Wallace and I would estimate that at least half the audience didnt understand what he was saying and yet you could have heard a pin drop. And yet it is not their glory I am focusing on today. Today I want to give you... Blackie Lawless. And this is why, despite the years of decadence and hard living his voice, always distinctive, sounds just as good today as it always has. After Ozzy and Motley Crue he and WASP pretty much epitomised Heavy Metal excess. Just listen to him today - he's still got it! And whatever your religious leanings Golgotha is a superb track - even if some detractors say it is a rip off of Queen's The Show Must Go On... So today I salute Blackie Lawless and I miss my vinyl of him. An MP3 just doesn't come close.