Appetite For Addiction

My roommate and I just finished watching the last season of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. I've never done a drug in my entire life, but I can only imagine what these people are going through. I think the only thing I could possibly relate to their trials is the energy drink detox I went through over Thanksgiving break (unfortunately I relapsed on Christmas day) =P. The main reason we tivo'd every episode this season was because Steven Adler, the original drummer for Gun's N Roses, was on it. A few years back we got to meet him! He did a show in the city called Adler's Appetite, where he (along with 4 other guys) got together and played Appetite For Destruction, GNR's debut album, live. Dave's band at the time, The Servants, opened for him, and we got to meet him backstage.**




In a nutshell, Steven's addictions took such a strong hold on him, that GNR gave him the boot. Just think about that for a second....."GNR" decided he was out of control. That's serious. He's dealt with so many more problems besides his career. He was kicked out of his house by his step dad at only 11 years old. His depression and drug/alcohol abuse hit an all time low after his departure from the band that he OD'd on pills in a suicide attempt, inducing a stroke and slipping into a coma for days. While he was in a coma his Mother basically emptied his bank accounts. It's been a hard road for him, and his choices have been bad ones for years, but I can tell you this...he would give you the shirt off his back without thinking twice. If he saw you crying, he'd be the first one to take you in his arms and tell you he loved you, even if he didn't know you. He has a heart of gold. My heart goes out to people like him, who have the instinct to do so much good, but have made choices that have ruined so many opportunities to express it. Here's to his long road to recovery. I'll be watching the next step for him, a VH1 show called Sober House. While I love the drama, I hope he makes it.



**A funny story about that night...It was the night after Dimebag Darrell, guitarist for Pantera, was shot on stage in Ohio(not the funny part fyi). The news was doing a story on security at small venues, and had a cameraman there while we were getting frisked at the entrance. The bar at the club had a couple tv's and they turned it on later that night to see if they made the news. Next thing I know someone punches me on the arm, pointing at the tv, and says "Hey! That's you bro!" I was probably the only dude in the venue not wearing all black, and you could see my white and green shirt from the chest down, getting patted down by a security guard. I must have stuck out like a sore thumb. I got a laugh out of it at least.

HeartSick and Tired

Is it bad that I'm already out of ideas for this thing? I find it somewhat amusing though, so rather than just not write in it for months, I'll give anyone who's reading this an opportunity to ask me whatever they want. Hell, you can even do it anonymously! Ask me anything about me, my life. What have you always wanted to know about Brett? And I'll answer it the best I can. I suppose this is also a way for me to see if anyone is reading still. So have at it. Make it as personal as you want, or make it about something that has nothing to do with me. You'll find, if you don't already know, I'm not easily shocked or offended. Hit me with your best shot.

Forever More

That's the name of Tesla's new album, fitted with a painting of the famous skeletal remains embraced in death.



As some of you know, a good friend of mine was recently picked up by Tesla to be their new guitar player, along side rock legend Frank Hannon. Before that happened I was already a fan of Tesla, and had seen them live a handful of times. I think I was more excited than Dave was when he told me! I'm glad that he gets an opportunity to fulfill his dreams in the environment that Tesla creates for themselves. They have an attitude towards their live shows that most bands don't...doing it all sober. In fact that was the biggest reason Tommy Skeoch, their original guitar player, left (or was forced to leave) the band. They said it was to spend time with his family and new baby, but rumor would tell a story more surrounded with addiction and all the drama that comes with it. To paraphrase an interview of Tommy that I heard on youtube, 'I'm into sex, drugs, and rock and roll. They're just into rock and roll'. Through Dave, I've had the opportunity to meet the band, and even eat with them a couple of times, and they represent a really awesome side to the rock lifestyle. It's one that I feel like I can actually relate to. So I have to thank Dave for sneaking a piece of me into the album. Click to enlarge, and look carefully!



I'm going to stray away from the political type of posts I think. I already have enough friends on both sides of my last topic that don't want to talk to me. So I've decided it's not worth it. I'll just leave it how it is and keep my opinions to myself. To be totally honest, I've hardly thought about any of it since I wrote about it. I suppose it was a way to get it all off my chest. So I'm sorry if I offended or disappointed you. Love you guys, blog you soon.

BRE