7.19.08:
I'm on the tour bus heading to Berlin. Looking outside, it's rainy and gray. We haven't had any good weather since this leg began. Thankfully, the shows have been selling very well but I'm having trouble getting a good performance in on my end. The cold wind and rain messes with my hands every night. Very frustrating...
I've added more photos.
Happy Birthday Brian May!!!
Metal,
Crook
7.08.08:
Sorry this took so long...
I'm in Nottingham at the moment. Day off today. Meat Loaf, John Miceli and I went to the movies this afternoon: "WANTED". Cool flick. Loud, fun...
I've posted some photos. Please click on last uploads.
Metal,
Paul
5.16.08:
I received the following in an email (thanks Joe):
General Cosgrove was interviewed on the radio recently.
You'll love his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children. Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this! This is one of the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of an ABC interview between a female broadcaster and General Cosgrove who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military headquarters.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
So, General Cosgrove, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery and shooting.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?
GENERAL COSGROVE:
I don't see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they even touch a firearm.
FEMALE INTERVIEWER:
But you're equipping them to become violent killers.
GENERAL COSGROVE:
Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?
The radio went silent.
4.12.08:
I've added a bunch of photos:
Caught up with Vince Neil again at one of his solo shows.
Some Vegas night life shots and of course Marya.
The band is starting to sound really good!
Go to "last uploads" to view them.
Metal,
Paul
3.23.08:
I received a phone call from a good friend yesterday. The caller ID read ERIC BLOOM... Blue Oyster Cult was playing in town and he asked me to come down and jam with them. I said okay! When I hung up the phone I realized... I must be crazy... I just agreed to swap solos with BUCK DHARMA! Not only that, Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy/ Quiet Riot/ White Snake) is playing bass with them! OY!!!
I'm not to sure how it went while I was up there on stage. It's all a blur...
Anyway, they sounded awesome! They have such great, classic songs.
I've posted some photos...
Metal,
Crook
03.14.08:
The MARYA ROXX EP is now available online:
HERE
,
HERE
,
HERE
,
HERE
02.22.08:
The Official Marya Roxx site has been launched
HERE
Metal,
Crook
02.15.08:
Take a look
HERE
and
HERE
Very informative...
In other COOL news... MEAT LOAF is feeling great and is going to tour over the Summer and into the Fall!
Have you seen the video clip on his website? Too funny!!! I can't believe the accuracy that has been captured. There's NO acting
HERE
Metal,
Crook
2.11.08:
We're now one week into MARYA ROXX rehearsals. I'm surprised at how quickly the songs are coming together... Well, maybe I'm not.... I guess things tend to run easy when you're surrounded by talented people.
Marya is very happy with the line-up and the sound that's being generated. It shows in her postive vibe when she walks in room and grabs the mic.
I'm running off of the same HIGH that I felt while recording the record in Malibu. Everyone gets along so great!
It's wonderful (to say the least) having Miceli back in town. We had such a great time together performing in the "We Will Rock You" musical. I was very bummed when he left to go back to NYC. Aaaaa, but the "MIGHTY ONE" is back in Vegas now and he's driving the HELL out of these tunes! I have no need to worry.
The low end is moving quite nicely in the room. On top of solid bass playing there's great singing. I can't believe how well Wayne Carver's voice blends with Marya. A perfect match!
Las Vegas, in my opinion, is the greatest city in the USA. I'm never bored. There's always something to do. Vince Neil (another Vegas local) invited us down to his Birthday Party. He's such a cool guy. There's no agenda with him. He's a very genuine man.
While with ANTHRAX, I remember being blown away with the friendly vibe that MOTLEY CRUE created on the Maximum Rock Tour. Vince would always warm up/ stretch in the hallway and he would always stop what he was doing and say "hi" if I mistakenly got in his way...
I'm not sure what I'm getting at... I'm babbling... Maybe it's just so you can have some fun
HERE
. Happy Birthday Vince!!!
Metal,
Crook
01.25.08:
I'm hitting the airwaves tonight...
If you're anywhere in central Europe please tune into radio station 100,7 Mecht Senn out of Luxemburg to hear an in-depth interview. You'll be able to hear some songs I recorded with ANTHRAX and M.O.D. as well as unreleased music which includes work I did with PATTI RUSSO, instrumental music I recorded with RANDY FLOWERS and for all you RUSH fans out there... JACK SECRET!!!
Here's what Luc (very cool radio host) has to say about it:
January 25, 2008: A special with Paul "Metal" Crook. A Dirty Heavy Metal Rock Show featuring a lengthy interview with Paul including several unreleased songs. The show will be highlighted with the debut of " 21?! " by Marya Roxx! Tune in at 20h00 on radio 100,7.
There you have it... This will be the first time you can hear MARYA (and myself together). The show is aired during prime time Friday evening 20h00 local time (Paris time) and re-aired on Saturday afternoon (the 26th) at 14h30.
You can see the radio station's web
HERE
" 21?! " is the first single from last summer's Malibu, CA project (Kevin Shirley Producing). Recorded while I was on tour break with Meat Loaf.
I have lots of "news" about Marya coming up. She's a SHOOTING STAR! Please watch this space...
Metal,
Crook
01.15.08:
Las Vegas was rockin' over the weekend. We had CES and the Porn Convention going at the same time. Tons of other stars out as well. This is the coolest city in the world...
There's a great restaurant called JR's. Definitely the best Italian food in town. It's only a 10 minute drive from the Strip. Take a ride, you'll probably run into me or Ken Ciancimino...
HERE
Metal,
Crook
12.31.07:
I saw VAN HALEN last night! I've put up a few photos...
Metal,
Crook
12.28.07:
I have to share this...
I invited my dear friend Mark Katzen over for Christmas dinner. You all know him as my "Van Halen" replica builder.
For those of you who don't, Mark builds me (VH) guitars out of his home for the cost of parts. He respects Edward to much (so do I) to sell anything...
I wish he could go into business. He would make a fortune (he's that good). Maybe Mr. Van Halen will see his work and hire him!!! I sure do hope so...
Anyway, he comes over for Christmas dinner holding a guitar case (I'm confused). I open it and freak!
Mark's been (secretly) working on this guitar for months. He gave it to me!
This is my most favorite guitar Eddie has ever played.
THANKS MARK!!!!!!
HERE
Scroll through the different building stages. If you click on the photo itself, it will enlarge and you'll be able to see the neck plate writing.
Metal,
Crook
12.18.07:
Just got back from Cabo, Mexico. What a beautiful place to unwind...
I've posted some photos. Click on the "spare time" folder.
Tequila,
Crook
12.08.06:
11.26.07:
A very sad day here in Las Vegas. My sympathies go out to Kevin's family. I'm proud to say that Kevin DuBrow was my friend.
Go
HERE
Love,
Paul
11.23.07:
Go
HERE
p.s. Happy Thanksgiving!
11.16.07:
I've posted some new photos from the Classic Rock Awards Dinner which took place in London. Most of them were lost but here's what's been recovered. Thanks to Mike Moore and Scott Ian for the photos.
HERE
Metal,
Paul
10.09.07:
Take a look at these links. Some truely incredible gear...
10.02.07:
Paul now endorses X2 Digital Wireless Systems. Check out the X2 Digital Wireless Systems Official Web Site HERE
9.24.07:
When I'm not busy composing/ recording music for a Golf reality show (more on that later) you can catch me in the desert.
9.13.07:
Some cool MAARJA news. Click HERE to open the PDF.
9.4.07:
Lots of tour photos added. Finally posted some of the MAARJA project too!
9.2.07:
Backstage photos from Cleveland and Clearwater, Fl have been added.
08.22.07:
A few new pics added from The Borgata, Atlantic City
08.20.07:
Happy Birthday Dimebag.
I Miss You.
Paul
08.12.07:
A few new pics added from Musikfest- Bethlehem, PA
08.09.07:
Paul is featured in an ad on the Official Web Site for Brian May Guitars.
HERE
08.04.07:
Brian May mentions Paul in his "Soapbox".
HERE
08.03.07:
New pics added...Mohegan Sun, Toyota Pavillion
07.31.07:
Paul's brother here. As Paul has been pretty busy on the road, he hasn't had a chance to update his page as much as he likes to. So I will now keep his site updated to give you more info, more pictures, more stuff--- more often. I'll be uploading a bunch of new performance photos from the PNC Bank Arts Center show in NJ to his album later today. Check them out!
07.14.07:
I'm back from Malibu. It was an incredibly fun and creative experience. Kevin Shirley kept the recording light hearted and heavy sounding the whole way through. Go
HERE to read his diary.
MEAT LOAF news: I leave for NYC in two days to start the North American summer tour. It's going to be a lot of fun!
The Naked Wire (great site) has posted a video from our NFL performance. Thank you very much Jules!
HERE
Metal,
Crook
07.01.07:
Sorry I haven't updated. I couldn't seem to find the time on the 9 week UK/ EURO tour. Well, I'm finally home (for 1 day) after a brutal commute from London, UK. with delayed flights, connections missed and of course lost luggage...
I've uploaded a bunch of new photos. A lot more coming...
I'm off to Malibu, Ca. tomorrow morning. I'll be spending the next 10-12 days working on a record with my good friend and incredible producer Kevin Shirley
HERE . That's all I can really say about the project at this time.
Metal,
Crook
04.26.07:
Anyone for NFL Europe?!
HERE
Metal,
Crook
04.02.07:
Tampa, Fl...
Woo Hoo! Sunny Florida!!!
Don't get me wrong, Canada was great. It just feels good to be warm...
John Miceli and I just completed editing a new "Grady's Roadie Cam". This is Part 2 of the London, Ont DVD shoot.
This video is very funny to me because there is a new character in the fold. His name is Buck Futton. I have a feeling he'll be around for a while...
Please go to my "Video" page the view Grady's misadventures...
Metal,
Crook
03.19.07:
London, Ont...
Thanks to John Miceli I've just finished editing a new installment of "Grady's Roadie Cam". John has a cool video editing software. He and I spent most of yesterday figuring out how to use it and the rest of the night adding sound effects while laughing. Too much fun!!!!
Please go to my "VIDEO" page to view the new installment !!!
Metal,
Crook
03.12.07:
Toronto...
I've finally had a chance to upload some video footage for you.
This is a new series titled: "GRADY'S ROADIE CAM".
We're starting at the 2nd installment: WINNIPEG.
I lost the first installment (Calgary). Very bummed...
This show was a lot of fun. Meat's good friend Dennis Quaid hung out and performed with us. I can see why Meat and Dennis get along so well. He is HILARIOUS, CRAZY, and a lot of fun to be around. The guy can really ROCK too!!!
What's great is that Mr. Quaid doesn't realize that he's a huge "Movie Star"...
Click the "VIDEOS" link for GRADY'S ROADIE CAM.
Metal,
Paul
02.15.07:
And we're off...
I fly to L.A. in a few hours to begin rehearsals for the BAT OUT OF HELL III tour.
We'll be there for about a week then it's straight to San Diego for our first show.
See you on the road!!!
Metal,
Crook
01.21.07:
More guitars...
Here are my new Mayas. Built by Washburn.
The "Yankee" will probably be used for "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad". That is, of course, if Meat decides to put it into the setlist for the tour.
The "German Skull" will be used for "If It Aint Broke". It has 7 strings. It'll allow me to get really nasty sounding.
Metal,
Crook
01.16.07:
Although it's not official it is interesting...
Metal,
Crook
1.16.07:
The FLAT BAT is almost complete...
I'm very happy with the paint. It's loaded with Seymour Duncan "black back" pickups and a Floyd Rose Speedloader.
Metal,
Crook
1.09.07:
And now... It's time for... "PIMP MY GUITAR"...
These were pimped in Ed's custom shop. www.edroman.com
To be honest I'm a little freaked by it...
Metal,
Crook
1.01.07:
Happy New Year!
I've posted some photos in my album from the DICK CLARK show.
Metal,
Crook
12.31.06:
The last day of 2006 and another new guitar...
Here is the "JD". Yes, it refers to Tony Iommi.
I can't think of a heavier player in the history of electric guitar.
TONY = METAL. THE DARK LORD. He terrifies me. No Tony... No Metal... It's that simple. He must have cut a deal with Scratch a long time ago...
Click the photo:
Ed Roman built this beauty for me a few years ago. I had him re-paint it so that it would match all the other instruments that I'll be taking out on the MEAT LOAF tour.
This is one of the only guitars that I own that has a "stop tail piece" (no whammy bar). It's setup to deal with very low tuning.
I'll be using it for "The Monster's Loose". The song is tuned down to "C" which is the main reason it comes across so heavy/ dark. If you want a song to sound "heavy" tune your guitar down a whole step. Instant "Sabbath".
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Tony's work just do a Google on him:
"TONY IOMMI".
You might want to take a few laps around the rosary to protect yourself before you click the enter button.
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!!
Metal,
Crook
12.24.06:
12.19.06:
I love Christmas. I'm so excited about this weekend that I put together a dance routine for your viewing pleasure. Click to photo...
Metal,
Crook
12.18.06:
Grady (my tech) has a very stressful job. He has to maintain my guitars and amps while on the road.
Each new city has something to offer in the way of ground hum/ noise. Grady has to track down the noise and clean it before sound check.
The temperature in an arena varies all day. It really makes it fun for a guitar neck to figure out where it wants to sit. Temperature messes with the tuning ta boot.
If we have a few weeks off I perfer to have my rig sent home. This way I can get some recording or basic tweaking done before the next leg begins.
The gear needs to be labeled "Las Vegas" so that it doesn't get shipped back to storage in NYC.
This is the kind of thing a Musician has to deal with when a Tech has too much time on his hands...
Metal,
Crook
12.08.06:
12.03.06:
A new member of the Crook family...
How can someone move from their home and leave their family dog all alone in the cold backyard for more than 5-6 days?! People like this are sick, cruel, etc...
I can't imagine the karma that's going to hit them.
Upon hearing this, I immediately drove (about 30 minutes) to the house and found her. Meet MOLLY (after her trip to the vet and groomer). She's a very gentle, well behaved Bichon Frise.
Apparently, she's been very negected for the first few years of her life. But now she'll have so much love she won't know what to do with it...
Metal,
Crook
11.29.06:
NEW YEAR'S EVE...
I'll be performing with MEAT LOAF on DICK CLARK'S: "New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006". I'm very excited. I've been watching this program every year for as long as I can remember.
Click the photo to read more.
Metal,
Crook
11.25.06:
More "new" guitars...
Ed Roman's custom shop is only a 10 minute drive from my front door. You can always catch me there hanging out with the guys.
What's really great is that I can actually pick out the wood I want to use while it's still in a block (raw) form. I love the sound that's created when you combine Mahogany and Maple.
Click HERE if you want to see Ed's wood...
Here are two instruments ready for paint (white).
The ROCKINGBIRD and the ROCKINGBAT (new design). Both of the these consist of Mahogany wings with a maple neck (center).
Thanks to the talents of Alan and Brent (luthiers) these guitars will make their debut in February, 2007.
Metal,
Crook
11.23.06:
11.08.06:
NEW GUITARS!!!
The VAMPIRE TOOTH hand built by ED ROMAN. I first played it in NYC at the Palace Theatre (11/02/2006). I used it for the the song "Life Is A Lemon".
The STAR hand built by ED ROMAN. It made it's debut in Toronto at the Elgin Theatre (11/04/2006). I used it for "Objects..."
Metal,
Crook
11.06.06:
BAT III: Bases Loaded Tour reviews:
The TORONTO STAR — "Meat Loaf's still pleasantly powerful tenor voice soared above a massive hard rock band driven by two killer guitarists and a drummer who played like Zeus on a bender..."
“****” (out of 4) -The Independent (Royal Albert Hall Performance)
THE NEW YORK POST - "Thursday's performance was better than any that Loaf's played in New York in the last decade..."
BRIAN MAY - " I was paying special attention to the lead guitarist ... he's my dear friend Paul Crook. And a brilliant player..."
