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Post by Hey Man on Mar 11, 2024 12:32:15 GMT -5
 IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson's brand-new solo album, "The Mandrake Project", has become a global smash hit, with huge chart success already announced across Europe and further major worldwide chart positions to follow this week. In Germany and Sweden, Bruce has topped the album charts, while in the U.K. the album has entered the official album chart at No. 3, just behind Liam Gallagher and John Squire at No. 1, and narrowly pipped to the No. 2 spot by Rod Stewart and Jools Holland with a last-minute Mother's Day surge of sales. Elsewhere, the album is already a Top 10 success in many European countries' national charts, including Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and France. And in Latin America's iTunes charts, "The Mandrake Project" is Top 10 in both Brazil and Mexico, with many more countries following suit in the days to come. #1 In Germany and Sweden #2 In Finland and Switzerland #3 In U.K. #4 In Brazil #5 In Belgium and Italy #6 In Netherlands #10 In France and Mexico Bruce — pictured above with his No.1 Award in Germany — comments: "I'm delighted that so many people love the record. It's been incredible to hear directly from so many fans in the countries I've visited over the last week or so, and the chart positions are just icing on the cake to be honest. I can now focus on bringing 'The Mandrake Project' and songs from my previous albums to life on the tour next month. See you on the road!" Featuring the singles "Afterglow Of Ragnarok" and "Rain On The Graves", the ten-track collection has been receiving swathes of critical acclaim, with rave reviews running around the world. "The Mandrake Project" is Dickinson's seventh solo album and is released via BMG worldwide on multiple formats. Prior to the new LP's release, Bruce's highest-charting album in the U.K. was his 1990 debut, "Tattooed Millionaire", which landed at No. 14. "The Mandrake Project" was released on March 1. Bruce and his long-term co-writer and producer Roy "Z" Ramirez recorded the LP largely at Los Angeles's Doom Room, with Roy Z doubling up as both guitarist and bassist. The recording lineup for "The Mandrake Project" was rounded out by keyboard maestro Mistheria and drummer Dave Moreno, both of whom also featured on Bruce's previous solo studio album, "Tyranny Of Souls", in 2005. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 18, 2024 23:36:30 GMT -5
I didn't see anything wrong with Bruce's response; he was actually quite gracious. Again, it's that middle ground that is so elusive to modern society. There is nothing wrong with taking pride in one's work. (I actually find artists who sulk, fishing for compliments, off-putting, as well). For me it crosses the line when someone erroneously elevates themself by putting themself in league with someone they are nowhere near, artistically. I'm also put off when grandiose claims are made that are either deliberately misleading, and/or grossly exaggerated. "Grammy winning producer," "I make hit records," etc. As much as I detest sore losers, I dislike sore winners even more - especially when they didn't actually win anything. That's what I like about sports. The handshake like at the end of a hockey playoff series is beautiful. In life, we will all be on both sides of that throughout our lives. Appreciate victories, but do so with grace. I got invited to an NFL game last fall, and was very impressed. They never show it on TV, but after the game, players and coaches from both teams join hands and say a prayer of thanks. You can't tell from either of these pics which team lost and which team won.   |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 18, 2024 23:56:56 GMT -5
I didn't see anything wrong with Bruce's response; he was actually quite gracious. Again, it's that middle ground that is so elusive to modern society. There is nothing wrong with taking pride in one's work. (I actually find artists who sulk, fishing for compliments, off-putting, as well). For me it crosses the line when someone erroneously elevates themself by putting themself in league with someone they are nowhere near, artistically. I'm also put off when grandiose claims are made that are either deliberately misleading, and/or grossly exaggerated. "Grammy winning producer," "I make hit records," etc. As much as I detest sore losers, I dislike sore winners even more - especially when they didn't actually win anything. That's what I like about sports. The handshake like at the end of a hockey playoff series is beautiful. In life, we will all be on both sides of that throughout our lives. Appreciate victories, but do so with grace. I got invited to an NFL game last fall, and was very impressed. They never show it on TV, but after the game, players and coaches from both teams join hands and say a prayer of thanks. You can't tell from either of these pics which team lost and which team won. Well there are people in sports who obviously have ego as well or don't exactly have great sportsmanship. I guess it depends on what you can accept. Like say spiking the ball in football as a sort of fuck you to the other team. I remember this was controversial - some thought it was great, others thought it was bad sportsmanship. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 19, 2024 0:23:06 GMT -5
A lot also dug the response:
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 19, 2024 0:26:29 GMT -5
A lot also dug the response: Did you think Bautista was bad sportsmanship? |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 19, 2024 0:36:11 GMT -5
Yes.
I don't like showboating.
It happened in a Leafs game a couple of weeks ago, too.
Save the antics for rasslin'.
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 19, 2024 0:52:55 GMT -5
Yes. I don't like showboating. It happened in a Leafs game a couple of weeks ago, too. Save the antics for rasslin'. My brother was a sore loser in hockey and that was just local hockey. He would skate off to the change room, when everyone else was doing this after the game:  |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 19, 2024 1:01:45 GMT -5
Yes. I don't like showboating. It happened in a Leafs game a couple of weeks ago, too. Save the antics for rasslin'. My brother was a sore loser in hockey and that was just local hockey. He would skate off to the change room, when everyone else was doing this after the game: Our culture sends mixed messages. I get not wanting to get comfortable losing; but the reality is, everyone loses. How we handle losing says a lot about us. Same with having an ego vs. having confidence. Some believe if you repeatedly tell the world how great you are, they will eventually believe you. The problem is fact-checking has never been easier; which then makes them look like a fool. We know Bob K. isn't a Grammy-winning producer, Steve Brown doesn't make hit records, and pretty much anything Vinnie says is a lie. |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 19, 2024 1:18:16 GMT -5
My brother was a sore loser in hockey and that was just local hockey. He would skate off to the change room, when everyone else was doing this after the game: Our culture sends mixed messages. I get not wanting to get comfortable losing; but the reality is, everyone loses. How we handle losing says a lot about us. Same with having an ego vs. having confidence. Some believe if you repeatedly tell the world how great you are, they will eventually believe you. The problem is fact-checking has never been easier; which then makes them look like a fool. We know Bob K. isn't a Grammy-winning producer, Steve Brown doesn't make hit records, and pretty much anything Vinnie says is a lie. Well Bob has embellished this, but yes - he didn't have a Grammy Award in this home. I mean that is the first thing you would show anyone.  The thing is even successful people lie and embellish accomplishments. Paul and Gene have lied and embellished for 50 years. I think it is actually worse when you are successful, but still need to puff yourself up for whatever reason - to be respected by critics or whatever - than someone who has mostly been a failure or had moderate success and they hype themselves or lie. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 19, 2024 3:03:42 GMT -5
Bob was being deliberately misleading in an attempt to come off as bigger than he really was. That's why he received so much flak over his bragging; same with Brown.
Look, I don't dig Paul and Gene bragging; but at least they did sell millions of records.
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 19, 2024 22:01:32 GMT -5
Bob was being deliberately misleading in an attempt to come off as bigger than he really was. That's why he received so much flak over his bragging; same with Brown. Look, I don't dig Paul and Gene bragging; but at least they did sell millions of records. Not even close to the amount they claim though. That's worse in my book. When you need to lie about being MORE successful than you already are. Why can't they just be happy with the great level of success they have achieved and not the fantasy land level of success they have claimed? |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2024 13:39:19 GMT -5
Bob was being deliberately misleading in an attempt to come off as bigger than he really was. That's why he received so much flak over his bragging; same with Brown. Look, I don't dig Paul and Gene bragging; but at least they did sell millions of records. Not even close to the amount they claim though. That's worse in my book. When you need to lie about being MORE successful than you already are. Why can't they just be happy with the great level of success they have achieved and not the fantasy land level of success they have claimed? As I've mentioned before, the cultural shift to grunge brought some good with it, including the comeuppance for a lot of guys who had gotten too big for their britches. This includes Gene and Paul, who were vocal critics of grunge. My estimation is the bragging by all of these guys, on whatever level - Kiss, Bob K., Vinnie, Brown - stems from insecurity. I don't like any of it; I just find it a tad more palatable coming from a band who actually did climb the top of the mountain. |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2024 13:49:11 GMT -5
Not even close to the amount they claim though. That's worse in my book. When you need to lie about being MORE successful than you already are. Why can't they just be happy with the great level of success they have achieved and not the fantasy land level of success they have claimed? As I've mentioned before, the cultural shift to grunge brought some good with it, including the comeuppance for a lot of guys who had gotten too big for their britches. This includes Gene and Paul, who were vocal critics of grunge. My estimation is the bragging by all of these guys, on whatever level - Kiss, Bob K., Vinnie, Brown - stems from insecurity. I don't like any of it; I just find it a tad more palatable coming from a band who actually did climb the top of the mountain. Ironically KISS made a grunge album, but to your point - Paul and Gene were lying and overhyping the band's success since 1974. This wasn't some thing that started in the 90's. They have been full of shit for 50 years despite their success. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2024 15:34:16 GMT -5
As I've mentioned before, the cultural shift to grunge brought some good with it, including the comeuppance for a lot of guys who had gotten too big for their britches. This includes Gene and Paul, who were vocal critics of grunge. My estimation is the bragging by all of these guys, on whatever level - Kiss, Bob K., Vinnie, Brown - stems from insecurity. I don't like any of it; I just find it a tad more palatable coming from a band who actually did climb the top of the mountain. Ironically KISS made a grunge album, but to your point - Paul and Gene were lying and overhyping the band's success since 1974. This wasn't some thing that started in the 90's. They have been full of shit for 50 years despite their success. They've exaggerated since day one; but they became a cultural phenomenon, recorded many gold and platinum albums, had numerous high-earning tours, etc. Vinnie, Bob K., and Brown multiplied by 10,000 are still nowhere approaching Kiss' league. Like I said - I find bragging to be a bad look for all of them. But Kiss can at least sort of back it up. |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2024 15:51:28 GMT -5
Ironically KISS made a grunge album, but to your point - Paul and Gene were lying and overhyping the band's success since 1974. This wasn't some thing that started in the 90's. They have been full of shit for 50 years despite their success. They've exaggerated since day one; but they became a cultural phenomenon, recorded many gold and platinum albums, had numerous high-earning tours, etc. Vinnie, Bob K., and Brown multiplied by 10,000 are still nowhere approaching Kiss' league. Like I said - I find bragging to be a bad look for all of them. But Kiss can at least sort of back it up. I just find it interesting that Paul and Gene are not happy with the success level they have achieved. They have to lie to be at a level that they WISH they were at. Same with those at a much lower level of success. Even Stevie does it. No one is simply humble and just thankful for what they have or what they achieved no matter what level they are at. I am so used to it, that it is pretty much normal behavior. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2024 19:15:00 GMT -5
They've exaggerated since day one; but they became a cultural phenomenon, recorded many gold and platinum albums, had numerous high-earning tours, etc. Vinnie, Bob K., and Brown multiplied by 10,000 are still nowhere approaching Kiss' league. Like I said - I find bragging to be a bad look for all of them. But Kiss can at least sort of back it up. I just find it interesting that Paul and Gene are not happy with the success level they have achieved. They have to lie to be at a level that they WISH they were at. Same with those at a much lower level of success. Even Stevie does it. No one is simply humble and just thankful for what they have or what they achieved no matter what level they are at. I am so used to it, that it is pretty much normal behavior. I agree. Social media certainly hasn't helped, in which everyone creates their own fantasy world. |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2024 19:24:38 GMT -5
I just find it interesting that Paul and Gene are not happy with the success level they have achieved. They have to lie to be at a level that they WISH they were at. Same with those at a much lower level of success. Even Stevie does it. No one is simply humble and just thankful for what they have or what they achieved no matter what level they are at. I am so used to it, that it is pretty much normal behavior. I agree. Social media certainly hasn't helped, in which everyone creates their own fantasy world. I do think you kind of have to do it to some degree - I mean you are marketing and promoting yourself or having others do it for you. I just don't think you have that in you. You can make the music, but you can't PUSH the music. Vinnie has the opposite problem. Maybe you should work together.  |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2024 22:27:11 GMT -5
I agree. Social media certainly hasn't helped, in which everyone creates their own fantasy world. I do think you kind of have to do it to some degree - I mean you are marketing and promoting yourself or having others do it for you. I just don't think you have that in you. You can make the music, but you can't PUSH the music. Vinnie has the opposite problem. Maybe you should work together. Absolutely. I'm terrible at pushing anything, not to mention I'm not comfortable doing it. I would never be able to say any of the outlandish things uttered by Vinnie, Bob K., Steve Brown, etc. Apparently Vinnie can't work with anybody, so I wouldn't fare any better. |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2024 22:45:18 GMT -5
I do think you kind of have to do it to some degree - I mean you are marketing and promoting yourself or having others do it for you. I just don't think you have that in you. You can make the music, but you can't PUSH the music. Vinnie has the opposite problem. Maybe you should work together. Absolutely. I'm terrible at pushing anything, not to mention I'm not comfortable doing it. I would never be able to say any of the outlandish things uttered by Vinnie, Bob K., Steve Brown, etc. Apparently Vinnie can't work with anybody, so I wouldn't fare any better. Ironically you have the talent where if you did have an ego, you could legitimately toot your own horn like Reb Beach saying Kurt Hammett sucks on the guitar. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2024 22:53:52 GMT -5
Absolutely. I'm terrible at pushing anything, not to mention I'm not comfortable doing it. I would never be able to say any of the outlandish things uttered by Vinnie, Bob K., Steve Brown, etc. Apparently Vinnie can't work with anybody, so I wouldn't fare any better. Ironically you have the talent where if you did have an ego, you could legitimately toot your own horn like Reb Beach saying Kurt Hammett sucks on the guitar. Thanks! I've been studying music history and there is nothing more humbling. I never get full of myself since Mozart is always there to keep me in check. I'm not the type to say anyone sucks, and I don't see music as a competition. Obviously there was animosity between Winger and Metallica, which led to some of those exchanges. |
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2024 22:57:49 GMT -5
Ironically you have the talent where if you did have an ego, you could legitimately toot your own horn like Reb Beach saying Kurt Hammett sucks on the guitar. Thanks! I've been studying music history and there is nothing more humbling. I never get full of myself since Mozart is always there to keep me in check. I'm not the type to say anyone sucks, and I don't see music as a competition. Obviously there was animosity between Winger and Metallica, which led to some of those exchanges. If you did get some big gig in the 90's and had been say touring all the time and recording albums - perhaps it would have brought out the ego and competition in you to brag. |
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 21, 2024 0:09:37 GMT -5
Thanks! I've been studying music history and there is nothing more humbling. I never get full of myself since Mozart is always there to keep me in check. I'm not the type to say anyone sucks, and I don't see music as a competition. Obviously there was animosity between Winger and Metallica, which led to some of those exchanges. If you did get some big gig in the 90's and had been say touring all the time and recording albums - perhaps it would have brought out the ego and competition in you to brag. I played hockey as a kid, and was good enough that I often played in divisions one above my age. I learned early on to keep my mouth shut. Because A) no matter how good you are, there's always someone better, and B) paybacks are a b**ch. I also believe in displaying grace toward others, even when competing. Of course we all have egos; but showboating crosses a line for me. |
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Post by KISS79 on Mar 21, 2024 10:51:48 GMT -5
I remember when BRUCE DICKINSON played a Bar (Studebakers Cabaret) in 1997/98? in Vancouver BC Canada & the Bar Held 250 (TOPS) and there was maybe 125 people there. Heavy Metal was Dead @ that point in time, So many Bands played that place in Mid 1990's to Early 2000's, DIO had about 175 people there.
- DIO
- CHEAP TRICK
- WARRANT
- RATT
- DEE SNIDER
- URIAH HEEP
- DAYGLO ABORTIONS
- NAZARETH
- NICKELBACK
- TROOPER
- FISHBONE
- CANNIBAL CORPSE
- SEBASTIAN BACH
- KIM MITHCELL
- PETE BEST BAND
- SLAUGHTER
- QUIET RIOT
- BLUE OYSTER CULT and Many Many More, It was great to see Bands up so close, No Barricade, It was like watching them in your Living Room I shit you not lol.
* PAUL DI'ANNO was scheduled to play 3 times and cancelled all 3 times, I do like the Origional IRON MAIDEN (Debur/Killers) the Best, Bruce's NOTB, POM, Powerslave were grat LPs but 4 me I'd died off after that, 1/2 songs per LP after Powerslave 4 me. I just prefer the rawness and attitude and everything with Maiden 1977-1981 era personally!!!
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Post by kissoff on Mar 21, 2024 11:12:37 GMT -5
I remember when BRUCE DICKINSON played a Bar (Studebakers Cabaret) in 1997/98? in Vancouver BC Canada & the Bar Held 250 (TOPS) and there was maybe 125 people there. Heavy Metal was Dead @ that point in time, So many Bands played that place in Mid 1990's to Early 2000's, DIO had about 175 people there. - DIO - CHEAP TRICK - WARRANT - RATT - DEE SNIDER - URIAH HEEP - DAYGLO ABORTIONS - NAZARETH - NICKELBACK - TROOPER - FISHBONE - CANNIBAL CORPSE - SEBASTIAN BACH - KIM MITHCELL - PETE BEST BAND - SLAUGHTER - QUIET RIOT - BLUE OYSTER CULT and Many Many More, It was great to see Bands up so close, No Barricade, It was like watching them in your Living Room I shit you not lol. * PAUL DI'ANNO was scheduled to play 3 times and cancelled all 3 times, I do like the Origional IRON MAIDEN (Debur/Killers) the Best, Bruce's NOTB, POM, Powerslave were grat LPs but 4 me I'd died off after that, 1/2 songs per LP after Powerslave 4 me. I just prefer the rawness and attitude and everything with Maiden 1977-1981 era personally!!! WTF no UFO or Schenker? |
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Post by KISS79 on Mar 21, 2024 11:21:14 GMT -5
I remember when BRUCE DICKINSON played a Bar (Studebakers Cabaret) in 1997/98? in Vancouver BC Canada & the Bar Held 250 (TOPS) and there was maybe 125 people there. Heavy Metal was Dead @ that point in time, So many Bands played that place in Mid 1990's to Early 2000's, DIO had about 175 people there. - DIO - CHEAP TRICK - WARRANT - RATT - DEE SNIDER - URIAH HEEP - DAYGLO ABORTIONS - NAZARETH - NICKELBACK - TROOPER - FISHBONE - CANNIBAL CORPSE - SEBASTIAN BACH - KIM MITHCELL - PETE BEST BAND - SLAUGHTER - QUIET RIOT - BLUE OYSTER CULT and Many Many More, It was great to see Bands up so close, No Barricade, It was like watching them in your Living Room I shit you not lol. * PAUL DI'ANNO was scheduled to play 3 times and cancelled all 3 times, I do like the Origional IRON MAIDEN (Debur/Killers) the Best, Bruce's NOTB, POM, Powerslave were grat LPs but 4 me I'd died off after that, 1/2 songs per LP after Powerslave 4 me. I just prefer the rawness and attitude and everything with Maiden 1977-1981 era personally!!! WTF no UFO or Schenker? Nope, I don't recall anyway. What I do recall is my Friends and I after shows we'd go to ROBINS DONUTS at Midnight and all the Donuts would be on sale (It was called "DAY OLD" Donuts) so we'd get a Dozen (12) for $1.49 Plus Tax. I remember you could get a Dozen for $4.99 @ the time so it was a great deal and they weren't that old ciuz they made a batch in Morning and at 5pm. Good times LSD and Day Old Donuts |
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Post by kissoff on Mar 21, 2024 16:38:25 GMT -5
Nope, I don't recall anyway. What I do recall is my Friends and I after shows we'd go to ROBINS DONUTS at Midnight and all the Donuts would be on sale (It was called "DAY OLD" Donuts) so we'd get a Dozen (12) for $1.49 Plus Tax. I remember you could get a Dozen for $4.99 @ the time so it was a great deal and they weren't that old ciuz they made a batch in Morning and at 5pm. Good times LSD and Day Old Donuts I'm jealous. |
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