When I went down to Cleveland last October to see Accept, I did so on the assumption that it would be my only chance to catch the reunited lineup in action. After all, they were never as big in North America as they were across the pond, so I didn’t think that a more extensive N.A. tour was in order. I’m glad I was wrong. While I had a good idea what to expect going into Wednesday’s gig at the Mod Club, I’m happy to say the Teutonic Terror exceeded expectations.

April 15, 2011 was the day the music died. At 6:45 pm, without any warning, CKLN 88.1 fm was taken off the air, ending 28 years of community radio programming–five and a half for yours truly.
I should mention that the station continues to broadcast online, and will do so for the foreseeable future (which might not be too long). And while I’m pretty convinced that I’ll be walking away, I’ve got some unfinished business to attend to first. Tonite is the 100th episode of Smokin’ Green, est. 2008, RIP 2011.

Three signs that it’s April:

1) Time to pay the taxman!

2) Start of the NHL playoffs (or as the Leafs call it, golf season)

3) The Acid Mothers Temple is playing at El Mocambo

Fortunately, we won’t hafta wait as long this time around, since the band will be releasing its second opus tonite at The Garrison before heading off on a European tour with their ghastly label mates. Support comes from Blizaro–a psychedelic side-project of Rochester doom titans Orodruin–who’ve had their name misspelled on many a gig listing, including the venue’s.

Don’t get me wrong, there are parts of Cleveland where I’d be dead if I set foot in. I’m told that the local nickname for East Cleveland is “Mad Max,” which says it all, really. But when you’re busing it into town with the sole purpose of seeing a metal gig, it’s the best place I can think of within a seven-hour drive.

Faced with all the gentrification and redevelopment in the Queen W area, one rock bar still rears it’s ugly head: the Bovine Sex Club, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary with a month-long bender.

It might not have been the first-ever split, but in 1981, Motorhead teamed up with labelmates Girlschool for the St. Valentines Day Massacre EP. The former were the kings of fledgling NWOBHM label Bronze Records, having just put out Ace of Spades, while the latter was making waves as the first all-girl metal band after the release of their debut, Demolition. The early February release suited the album title perfectly, and the cover photo lives on in metal lore.

Although I took to the airwaves last weekend facing the very real possibility that I could be doing so for the last time, I did so also knowing that CKLN was planning to request a stay of the CRTC’s decision, pending our request to the federal court of appeals to hear the case.
Alas, twas well after 4 pm yesterday when I finally got the news. Request granted. We’re on the air–but not in the clear, by any stretch.