Carl Canedy Returns on This Bonus Episode of Focus on Metal

Episode 460SE - Warrior

On May 8th Carl Canedy released his latest solo effort under the name Canedy with “Warrior”. Warrior is 10 tracks of the kind of classic metal we’ve come to expect from Carl. Beside Carl there’s also Mike Santarsiero on vocals. Charlie Russello handling guitars and synth stuff. Tony Garuba handles bass, takes some vocals duties and also throws in some metal cello. Head over to CanedyBand.com for your own copy.

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always
Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

TKO / THE RODS members record MOTORHEAD cover of Ace of Spades as a tribute to Lemmy..

Members of legendary American metal bands TKO and THE RODS recently teamed up to record a high octane version of the MOTORHEAD classic "Ace of Spades" as a tribute to Lemmy.

Video Link - TKO / THE RODS members performing MOTORHEAD - "Ace of Spades" Lemmy tribute cover.

TKO vocalist Brad Sinsel has checked in with the following comment:

Immediately following the death of Rock Legend Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, the surviving members of Motorhead reached out to & simply requested that fans " Play Lemmy's music loud. Have a drink or few. Share stories. Celebrate the LIFE of this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself."

Former members of TKO gathered together to follow those instructions on a dreary Saturday while tuning into the live broadcast of Lemmy's "Celebration of Life." Brad Sinsel, frontman for TKO / Warbabies / Angels of Dresden, took things a step deeper in his search for closure in the matter. Speaking with guitarist Rick Pierce, bassist Evan Sheeley, Guitarist Brynn Arens, Sinsel asked with a grin, "How 'bout we go in and record some Motorhead? Who's game?

Immediate reaction from everyone was "Hell Yeah!". My next call was to Carl Canady, drummer for the Rods" and I couldn't think of anyone more fitting to do this with, he added.

Dubbed ,"The Lemmy Sessions," TKO entered the studio in celebration of what they viewed as a rock n roll life well lived. Although the plan was never to release the recordings to the public, the final decision was made to release Ace of Spades as a loving tribute to Lemmy. All proceeds will go to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up and Shout" Cancer fund.

Carl Canedy has checked in to share his favorite memory of Motorhead's Lemmy:

When The Rods opened for Motorhead at the Calderone Concert Hall in Hampstead, Long Island, New York, we were in the middle of recording our "Live" album for Combat Records.

It was a crazy time for us and I remember having been called to the back of the venue during Motorhead's set. They were so loud that even outside, we had to yell to each other to be heard. Motorhead was so loud, I couldn't believe it. As we'd been called the "American Motorhead" in the first Sounds review by Geoff Barton, I was eager to see them live. They didn't disappoint. It was truly one of the loudest shows I've ever seen.

After the show Lemmy hung out with us at the back of the venue. I remember him being a really good guy. He had his arm around me chatting and offering me his seemingly "never ending" beer. He was patient and kind to the fans. The nicest and most unpretentious guy I'd met in the music business. A true metal icon!

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official websites

Official TKO Facebook page

Official The Rods website

THE RODS re-record CRANK IT UP single for 35th Anniversary of self titled album.

Veteran New York heavy metal power trio THE RODS have re-recorded the song "Crank It Up" which originally appeared on their 1981 self titled album, as part of the album's upcoming 35th Anniversary celebration.

The re-recorded song is available for purchase via itunes, Amazon and CD Baby.

Guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein has checked in with the following comment:

"CRANK IT UP", what more is there to say? It's kind of been our "motto" since day one. Thirty-five years later, we are still slamming our audiences with great powerful music. It's amazing to see all the different generations singing along to this classic RODS "Anthem". Call it "Rock n' Roll", or call it "Heavy Metal", it's meant to be played loud with a passion, and that't what we have done for thirty-five years.

Drummer / producer Carl Canedy has checked in with the following comment:

We felt re-recording our very first single, "Crank it Up", would be a fitting way to commemorate our 35 years together. Originally we'd pressed a few hundred 45's and sent them off to radio stations and record companies without much hope of getting any response. I'll never forget how thrilled I was when I contacted the DJ at a Rochester, NY radio station, asking if he'd received our song and what he thought of it. His response was, "Yeah, we received it, and Crank it Up sounds great on air!". I was floored. It was the first time we'd received any recognition for our music. 35 years later I still love playing the song and the fans still seem to love hearing it.

Bassist Garry Bordonaro has checked in with the following comment:

Re-recording The Rods most recognized early release seemed like an obvious way to celebrate having survived 35 years, almost a miracle! We wanted to show that we still have the same energy and dedication to our fans we had in the beginning. They deserve it after the faith they have shown in us!

The Rods early years saw them open up for Judas Priest, Motorhead, Krokus, Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Foghat, as well as playing alonside Virgin Steele, Exciter, Def Leppard, a rising new band called Metallica and tapped by Iron Maiden to open up their legendary "The Number of the Beast" UK tour".

Upcoming The Rods shows:

4/22-23, 2016 - Keep It True XIX festival - Lauda-Königshofen, Germany
4/29-30, 2016 - Very 'Eavy festival - Stadskanaal, Holland

For the latest The Rods news and show dates, visit the following sites:

Official The Rods website

Official The Rods Facebook page

Veronica Freeman Returns To Focus on Metal This Week

Episode 244 - The V

At long last the wait is over, Veronica Freeman (aka The V) has finally released her first solo outing "Now or Never". As long time listeners know we are heavy duty supporters of Benedictum here on FoM and part of that is due to the vocal firepower of Veronica. This week we are pleased to have The V making her third appearance back on FoM. Don't miss this one folks as the always outspoken Veronica didn't disappoint and of course you'll also get to her some samples of what to expect on "Now or Never". So sit back and enjoy a healthy dose of vitamin V.

Find The V at her new site http://veronicafreeman.com/ , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/veronicafreemanofficial or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/therealvfreeman

Here's a bit of classic V as she announces her first solo effort.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us Tuesdays on Platinum Rock Radio and be sure to check their schedule because we usually get repeat run during the week.

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio, Metal World Radio, Audio Graffiti

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

THE RODS and Veronica Freeman to perform at 2015 DIO Day in Cortland, New York.

American 80's heavy metal power trio THE RODS featuring special guest vocalist Veronica Freeman "The V" (BENEDICTUM) have announced their performance at the 2015 DIO Day to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex in Cortland, New York.

The Rods band members and The V have released the following statements on the joining of forces for this special show:

(Guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein) - After Ronnie's untimely passing in 2010, the city of Cortland, in honor of Ronnie, decided to make July 10th, officially DIO DAY. Every year around that time, we celebrate and honor the man that gave us so much good music and inspiration. His talent as a singer, musician, song writer and producer were unparalleled. The Ronnie James Dio Music Scholarship Fund was started in 2010 and every year a $1,000.00 scholarship is given to a student that is pursuing a career in music. This year our fund raising concert will be held on June 20th, at the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex in Cortland, N.Y. Any donations to this worthy cause are accepted by check or money order, and can be mailed to: The Ronnie James Dio Music Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 533, Cortland, N.Y. 13045 "Keep the Music Alive"..

(Drummer / Producer - Carl Canedy) - The Rods European shows, which included Veronica Freeman performing a Dio Tribute set, were a huge success. The US fans have been asking if she'd be performing with us in the US. The answer until just now has been "no". Fortunately for us, and the fans, she's shooting a video for her new CD, "Now Or Never", the following day in NYC which will allow her to perform. The Rods with Veronica performing a Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, at this Dio Day Concert, is truly special for each of us. We're all proud to be a part of this Memorial Fund event in Ronnie's name.

(Bassist Garry Bordonaro) - I’m really happy that Veronica is going to be able to perform at our Dio Day show. She is a perfect fit for this celebration, and I think the fans are going to love her!

(Vocalist Veronica Freeman "The V" - BENEDICTUM) - Sure had a blast in Europe with these crazy guys and it was a wish in the back of my head to be able to do Dio Day. Now, it is a reality.... ! Lets roll!!

For the latest news, visit the official DIO Day websites:

Official DIO Day website

Official DIO Day Facebook page

Video - The Rods featuring Benedictum's Veronica Freeman- The Mob Rules/Heaven And Hell/Stand Up And Shout

CANEDY releases video for "My Life, My Way".

CANEDY, the solo project from The Rods drummer / producer Carl Canedy has released a new video for the song "My Life, My Way" from the independently released debut album "Headbanger".

Carl Canedy has checked in with the following comment:

My Life, My Way is a song written for and about my best friend, Jim Nunis, who died from Cancer 4 years ago. It is dedicated to the memory of both Jim Nunis and Billy Hilfiger. Two great guitarists and even greater people who left us way too soon. Gone, but not forgotten.

Canedy - "My Life, My Way" video

For the latest Canedy news, visit their official Facebook page:

Canedy official Facebook page

THE RODS release new single featuring BENEDICTUM vocalist Veronica Freeman.

American 80's heavy metal power trio THE RODS have announced the release of their brand new single "Smoke on the Horizon", featuring BENEDICTUM vocalist Veronica Freeman "The V".

"Smoke on the Horizon" will be available for purchase worldwide via itunes and all digital media outlets on May 14, 2015.

The Rods band members and The V have released the following statements on the joining of forces for this new recording project and upcoming tour dates:

(Guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein) - Garry had let Carl and I know that he had made friends with Veronica some months ago. After a while he began playing her recordings for us, and we knew after hearing them, that she had a very good voice. Her original music is very good, but quite different than the traditional RODS style, and her voice is powerful with a true "Heavy Metal" edge to it. Soon Garry suggested that maybe she could come and sit in with us to sing a couple of songs. She had already been doing some DIO covers, so we thought that would be a perfect fit. We have a great time playing the DIO songs, and Veronica does an excellent job of singing them. A guest performer is something different for us, but so far it has been great fun, and I think the fans will really love it.

(Drummer / Producer - Carl Canedy) - Veronica Freeman has a truly powerful voice! After a killer warm-up show with her in Auburn, NY, it struck me that it would be a shame to not document this merging of talents with a studio recording. David's song, Smoke on the Horizon, seemed like a perfect fit. We were able to record this song very quickly during Veronica's visit and I think the fans will be surprised and pleased with the outcome. The "V" will also be joining The Rods for their European dates performing a set of Classic Dio and Black Sabbath songs.

(Bassist Garry Bordonaro) - I met Veronica “The V” Freeman through friends, musical connections. During a trip to Phoenix to visit family, I asked her to meet me at a Y&T show. Unfortunately, because of some communication snafus (my fault), she went to the show and I didn’t. The exchanges following that regrettable incident convinced me that she and I had a lot to talk about. On later visits we did meet and spent some time together, and had a lot of good times. We have a real friendship, and have often talked about working together on a project. After hearing early mixes of her new album, it was clear that she deserved exposure to a wider audience. We discussed having her come with us on our European dates, and Carl and Rock agreed to bring her along. We thought it would be fun working with her, and to have a female singer in front of the band, something we have not done before. We decided to play Dio songs because we all know and enjoy playing them, and really didn’t have time to work up her new material. We also put together a quick recording session for a new version of Rock’s song “Smoke On The Horizon” to document this collaboration and get her on the news pages. I think Rods fans and Benedictum fans will have a blast seeing her perform with us, and will really like her new material when it’s released this summer. At least we are going to have a lot of fun doing it!

(Vocalist Veronica Freeman "The V") - After having met Garry in person I knew I had a friend for life! We clicked on a lot of levels. I felt comfortable enough to share some of the solo material with him and was blown away by his reaction.
The series of events that followed have been exciting and rather unbelievable for me. Next thing you know I am meeting the entire band for the first time, doing photo shoots and then bam, in the studio to record “Smoke on the Horizon” then a show and soon we head out for some shows in Europe! It was like a mini whirlwind and I survived it lol.Now we go to Europe and I am beyond excited. The guys are great and things just seem to be falling into place. I love it!

The Rods will feature a guest performance from BENEDICTUM vocalist Veronica Freeman, ("The V") during selective upcoming European shows.

European shows featuring "The V".

May 23 - Heavy Sound Festival - Poperinge, Belgium - ++
May 25 - Sounds - Lubeck, Germany - ++
May 28 - Muskelrock Festival, Tyrolen, Sweden - ++

The Rods will be on the road promoting their latest single as well as performing classic songs from their entire album catalog.

Video - The Rods featuring Benedictum's Veronica Freeman- The Mob Rules/Heaven And Hell/Stand Up And Shout

For the latest news, visit both The Rods and Benedictum official websites.

The Rods official website

Benedictum official website

THE RODS announce US and European tour dates / BENEDICTUM vocalist Veronica Freeman as special guest.

American 80's heavy metal power trio THE RODS have announced a string of dates in the United States and Europe during April and May 2015.

The Rods will feature a guest performance from BENEDICTUM vocalist Veronica Freeman, ("The V") during selective shows.

+ US show featuring "The V".

++ European shows featuring "The V".

April 24 - Suzy's Tavern - Auburn, New York - +
May 2 - Ragnarokkr Festival, Chicago, Illinois
May 23 - Heavy Sound Festival - Poperinge, Belgium - ++
May 25 - Sounds - Lubeck, Germany - ++
May 28 - Muskelrock Festival, Tyrolen, Sweden - ++
June 13 - Pines Pavilion - Endicott, New York - Opening for Queensryche
June 20 - Dio Day, Cortland, New York

The Rods will be on the road promoting their latest critically acclaimed independently released album "Vengeance".

For the latest news, visit both The Rods and Benedictum official websites.

The Rods official website

Benedictum official website

METAL GREATS, THE RODS, RETURN WITH AN EXPANDED REISSUE AND SOLO ALBUMS

Over the past few years, a whole new generation of headbangers has discovered the mighty metal of the Rods. And their history lesson will noww continue, as a pair of vintage Rods-related releases were recently reissued digitally. Originally unleashed in 1986, 'Heavier Than Thou' and 'Hollywood' (the former featuring singer Shmoulik Avigal - formerly of Picture, Horizon and Hammerhead - and the latter credited to "Canedy, Feinstein, Bordonaro & Caudle"), has been remastered for iTunes and will each contain a bonus track - the Rods' latest single (and new composition) "Great Big Fake Ones."

And if that isn't enough Rods rock for you, then you can also feast your ears on solo albums by singer/guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein ('Clash of Armor') and drummer Carl Canedy ('Headbanger'). Feinstein's disc has already been issued, while Canedy's will be released on October 23^rd, and will feature guest spots by the likes of Mark Tornillo, Chris Caffery, Joe Comeau, and John Hahn, among other artists.

'Headbanger' can be purchased via iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/headbanger/id932500934

'Heavier Than Thou' can be purchased via iTunes here: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heavier-than-thou/id919552252

And 'Clash of Armor' can be purchased via iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/clash-of-armor/id720829464

"'Hollywood' and 'Heavier Than Thou' are two albums we’ve always been proud of, but have never been available to fans," says Canedy. "Now, having been re-mastered for Itunes, these recordings are finally available to our fans."

The Rods are responsible for offering up some of the '80s hardest-hitting metal, as evidenced by such classic recordings as 1981's 'The Rods' and 1982's 'Wild Dogs,' while the group also played shows with Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, and Metallica over the years. And now, fans will have the opportunity to rediscover two underrated titles of the Rods discography, as well as two new individual efforts by Feinstein and Canedy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

therods.com

facebook.com/RodsFanPage