Dio Bassist Jeff Pilson By Jesse Striewski

For many years now, bassist Jeff Pilson has been someone I’ve held much respect for (as one bass player to another), and has been on my radar to interview for quite some time now. But with someone with as many fires consistently burning as Pilson has, that is not always an easy feat. Currently, Pilson is still rocking stages with classic rockers Foreigner, and has two new albums soon to drop with both “supergroups” Revolution Saints, and The End Machine.

My patience finally paid off this past Tuesday, January 30, when I was finally able to sit down and speak with Jeff regarding all of the previously-mentioned projects of his, as well as touch upon other aspects of his storied career, including playing in such other legendary acts as Dokken and Dio.

With new music from Revolution Saints looming on the horizon, I wanted to jump right on the subject of that group right away, and asked a little about how his involvement with them initially came about. He explained; “It was a project originally conceived by (Frontiers President and mastermind) Serafino Perugino, and just one of those things that I just couldn’t resist. I had already met and worked with (Whitesnake guitarist) Joel Hoekstra over the years, and (Journey drummer) Deen Castronovo is just a total powerhouse in everything he does. It’s all come together fairly organically, and definitely looking forward to the new album.” (Against the Winds will be dropping via Frontiers Music s.r.l. on February 9.)

Having a chance to already preview said upcoming album, I personally had a favorite track from it in mind already, and wondered if Jeff possibly had one as well. He told me; “I wouldn’t say I necessarily have a favorite track per se, since I tend to gauge things as a whole. I’d say the entire record is really solid overall.”

As previously alluded to, Pilson has also been busy once more with The End Machine, a project he started with former Dokken bandmate George Lynch in 2018. I asked him what could be expected with their upcoming third album, The Quantum Phase (set to be released in March), and he explained; “Well, it’s our first album with our new singer Girish Pradhan, who’s just such an amazing young talent that brings so much to the table. His vocal styles really compliment the band, and we’re extremely excited for everyone to hear the end results!”

2024 also marks twenty solid years for Pilson as a member of Foreigner, and I had to know what it was like for him when he first joined a band of such stature. He told me; “It’s been nothing short of phenomenal, having grown up listening to so many of those classic songs over the years and then having the chance to be up there actually playing them live has been such a joy. And we’re definitely excited to be getting out there this year and doing one last major stretch of the whole nine-months-out-of-the-year touring cycle.”

I was also curious what it was like playing quite possibly one of the greatest power ballads of all time every night in the form of “I Want to Know What Love Is” (which actually turns forty years old this year), and Pilson stated; “To this day I still get goosebumps from playing it and hearing the crowd sing it back to us. It’s just one of those timeless songs that everyone knows and loves, I’ve always personally loved it, along with “Waiting For a Girl Like You.”‘

And speaking of power ballads, I also wanted to know if he felt “Alone Again,” the very first ballad he had ever co-written while a member of Dokken, still holds up to this day. Pilson explained; “Don (Dokken, lead singer) already had the bare bones for that song for quite some time, and I just came in and helped complete it. I’d say it definitely holds up though – being told from the perspective of someone longing for something they cannot have will always no doubt be a fairly universal theme.”

Of course I wouldn’t be a good journalist if I didn’t at least inquire if the chance for a reunion (or even possibly a one-off show or two) with Dokken could someday be a possibility in the distant horizon. Pilson stated; “I wouldn’t ever rule anything out entirely (because there’s always a chance), but I know he currently has his new album out that he’s still promoting at the moment, and I’m definitely busy with all of the projects I currently have going on right now as well, so it’s definitely not a necessity at this given time.”

I also couldn’t resist to ask what it was like filming the video for “Dream Warriors” (from 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors), and if he was a fan of horror films prior to that moment. He told me; “I wouldn’t say I was a huge fan of horror films before that, but I always liked the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, and working with Robert (Englund) and being around him as Freddy was a ton of fun, and just a total blast on set!”

As if being a member of each of the previously-mentioned bands was not enough already, Pilson also spent some time on-and-off with the legendary Dio in the ’90s and early 2000’s. I asked him to tell me a little about what that experience was like for him, and, of the three albums he recorded with them, if he had a personal favorite. He enlightened me; “That was another dream come true, to be up there alongside someone like Ronnie James Dio – what more can you ask for?! But I’d have to say (1993’s) Strange Highways was probably my favorite to record; I’d say I was definitely more involved with that one over the others, and truly captured where the band was at at the time the most.”

Last but not least, I had to ask about his involvement with the 2001 Mark Wahlberg film Rock Star (one of my personal favorites), where he played the part of Jorgen in the fictional band Steel Dragon. He informed me; “Well, I was already involved with working on the music for the film at the time, so it seemed only a natural fit to play in the band on screen. I still had to audition for the role like anyone else, but I must’ve done something right…though I’m still not holding my breath for Hollywood to knock down my door again to this day” (Laughs).

Film Review: Godzilla Minus One (Toho)

By: Jesse Striewski

Often times when a franchise as storied as Godzilla gets to its seventh decade, the material can tend to start getting watered-down and predictably stale. Such is not the case with Godzilla Minus One, the latest in the Toho-produced Godzilla films, and perhaps the most surprising entry of the overall series to date.

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, it follows kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), who first encounters the monster at a small Japanese island base at the tail end of World War II. The beast wipes out all but Koichi and a mechanic on-hand named Tachibana (Munetaka Aoki), leaving them to live with the truth that transpired, knowing it too unthinkable for anyone else to even believe them.

Haunted by both the knowledge of what occurred that night, and guilt of not taking any action, Koichi slowly begins to pick up the pieces of his post-war life with a live-in, would-be bride (Minami Hamabe) and child who he is reluctant to play the role of husband/father to. Just when things finally start to seemingly fall in to place, their lives are disrupted when the creature shows itself again, eventually attacking mainland, and forcing Koichi to finally recount the horrors of his past.

From start to finish, everything about Godzilla Minus One is engrossing, instantly urging viewers in for the ride. Rather than just being another throwaway cash grab, it’s done with an artistic integrity that hooks you in with its human elements (actually worthy of award nominations) just as much as its action does. It somehow not only manages to be flawless, but hands-down the best film in the entire Godzilla franchise up to this point without a single doubt.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Album Review: Cassidy Paris – New Sensation (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

By: Jesse Striewski

Ever since I first laid my then-young eyes back in the day on the likes of Lita Ford, Susana Hoffs, and Joan Jett (among many others), I’ve always had a weakness for attractive female rockers (my wife will attest to this). But when that female rocker holding the guitar is more than just eye candy and actually knows how to rock at the same time, it makes it all the better.

Such is the case with Australia’s Cassidy Paris, a young singer and guitarist filled with as much talent and grace as she has looks. On her debut album, New Sensation, she sings her heart out with enough power to hang with the rest of ’em.

That’s abundantly clear as soon as “Danger” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hearts” kick off the eleven-song album. Some tracks do teeter on the brink of more LeAnn Rimes-esque (“Here I Am” comes to mind), but overall, it’s a fairly solid – albeit not perfect – effort, with “Midnight Desire” ending things as the perfect night cap with an almost familiar ’80s influenced sound to it.

Paris no doubt plays it safe on her first full-length release, but it’s a fairly harmless affair in the grand scheme of things.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Interview with Firefall Guitarist Jock Bartley By Jesse Striewski/Photo By Tom Apathy

Sometimes, projects will present themselves across my desk that are hard to say “no” to, and it almost always turns out for the better when I do agree to say “yes,” no matter who the artist may be. A perfect example; Firefall guitarist and co-founder Jock Bartley, who, thanks to the assistance of an old “friend” of the Rewind It fam, the opportunity to pick Bartley’s brain recently presented itself, and turned out to be another eye-opening experience that I’m glad to have jumped on.

First and foremost I was curious what was in store for him and Firefall in 2024. He informed me; “Firefall are in the process of making our new album Friends & Family 2 right now – it’ll most likely be released by May of 2024. The first Friends & Family album was released in early 2023 and had an amazing ‘concept’. Many of the original FF members – Mark Andes, Michael Clarke, Rick Roberts & I – played in other famous bands of the day: The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Spirit, JoJo Gunne, Heart, Dan Fogelberg, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, etc. And secondly, Firefall toured a lot (and got to be friends with) many top groups in 1976 after our first album hit real big – Doobie Bros., Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Loggins & Messina, etc. So the Friends & Family album was our band lovingly and respectfully re-creating songs by all those other famous band It got quite a bit of attention in 2023 and consequently, we decided to record a follow-up album for 2024. Same concept, playing great songs by other great bands we either toured with or we’re ‘in’ for a spell. It’s a new group of songs we compiled originally by Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys, America, Kenny Loggins and others. I’m in the studio this week finishing solos and vocals on a few of those new songs. It’s exciting to be doing this!!!”

He then added; “And as for touring in 2024 – We will be doing a 6-day ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise’ again in the Caribbean in March 2024 with 12-15 other famous bands. And playing a big number of co-headlining and headlining concerts across the U.S.A.”

I asked how he felt said latest release was received, and he told me; “Well, we got quite a lot of interviews and press on Friends & Family which was really fantastic since FF, other than touring a lot, has been out of the public consciousness with any of our newer recordings. But we made a few entertainment waves. We didn’t get much “radio” airplay, which was not a surprise (getting a song on any radio stations is a very tough proposition these days, much harder than back in the ‘70s when good songs could get played without being on a corporate playlist). But the album was VERY well received and got many fantastic reviews nationwide and even worldwide. Those positive reviews made me personally, as producer/band leader/lead guitarist, feel satisfied and thankful. Many of them said that our versions of those songs by other artists were “true” to the original band’s versions, recorded with respect and love for those songs (and the ’70s music they belonged to), and that those ‘cover songs’ still sounded like Firefall music and how great our band’s songs have been on record. And I was congratulated by some to have kept the guitar solos on our new versions, true and very reminiscent of the original soloists. On a few songs like Fogelberg’s ‘Part Of The Plan’ or Spirit’s “I Got A Line On You’, I pretty much learned and played verbatim Dan’s or Randy California’s original signature solos like they originally played them – that’s what those solos needed to be (and as you may already know, I asked Howard Lesse of Heart and Badfinger if he would play the solo on ‘What About Love’, the Heart song we covered). On other songs like Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” or Marshall Tucker’s “Can’t You See,” I just played guitar solos ‘reminiscent’ of those great solos played by the Skynyrd boys or Toy Caldwell. Friends & Family was a labor of love (and respect for that great music of the ’70s that Firefall played a small but vibrant role in). We’re lucky in that sense, to have toured with many of those bands and had saturation radio airplay of our own FF songs in the ‘70s, written by Rick Roberts and Larry Burnett.”

I also wanted to know of all the tracks on Friends & Family, if he had a favorite. He replied; “Tough question! The one song that still stands out as the perfect song to have chosen, and the perfect re-imagining and ‘alteration’ of the original tune I think is “Angry Eyes” by Loggins & Messina; that song is so like FF and what we sound like to start with; it was a natural selection (where other song choices like Heart and the Doobies were quite difficult). The original L&M version is probably about eight minutes long with long 1970’s segways of solos and instrumentation – I had to really try to capture the essence of the sax solo and guitar solos, while at the same time, pairing the arrangement down pretty significantly. Other favorites of mine are: “Part of the Plan” by Dan Fogelberg; just because we kept right to the original script of his recording and ours’ is energetic and fun, and sounds just right. My other fav is “What About Love” by Heart. That was a tough selection; what song by the Wilson sisters should we do??!! Yikes. New FF Lead singer John Bisaha said he could sing the hell out of ‘What About Love’ and bingo!! As it turns out, we deliberately made the intro sound like our hit “Strange Way” from 1978 and also kept that in mind on the acoustic guitars on the verses. And both John And I are good friends with Howard Lesse from Heart – who played the original great solo on the Heart version – and taking his solo, I learned it and played in unison with my lead guitar sound, so there are two of Howards solo tracks and one of mine (all playing his same unison melodic solo), and we ended up with a very striking and unique guitar solo on ‘our’ version.

With decades worth of memories in the music industry as a member of Firefall, I was curious to know what some of his favorite actually were. He enlightened me; “There are a few of those songs with great memories attached to them for me; “Chest Fever” by The Band makes me remember opening dozens of shows for that great group in 1976, one of America’s greatest ever musical groups. And all those times after FF had played our opening act set, I sat behind the curtain and watched close-up the amazing Levon Helm play drums and sing, and Garth Hudson weave his magical keyboard parts. And of course Rick Danko, Robbie Robertson, and Richard Manuel – they were my heroes!!! And also of course ‘Feel A Whole Lot Better’ by The Byrds has a special place in my heart. Not only did Byrds drummer Michael Clarke play drums for Firefall, but bassist Chris Hillman contributed quite a lot to our band’s inception and sound. Chris produced our 3-song demo tape (paid for by Warner Bros) that would lead to getting our record deal with Atlantic. And that Byrds songs (to me) was one of their best, written by the late great Gene Clark. The Byrds were/are at the center of Firefall’s ‘Family Tree’!!”

I asked if he’d elaborate a little on how all of the original members initially got involved, and he further explained; “Cool story!! It’s an example of the inter-meshing, intertwining and ’synergy’ of so many musicians and bands back in the 1960s and ’70s!! Gram Parsons joined the rock and roll Byrds and took them for one album in a very ‘country’ direction. Soon-thereafter, Gram quit the Byrds, and Byrds’ bassist Chris Hillman joined Gram in forming the Flying Burrito Bros. That core of L.A. musicians (in addition to The Buffalo Springfield & later Poco) pretty much invented the new genre of music at the time, ‘country’ rock (Rick Nelson and Michael Nesmith were in that ‘country rock’ musical experimentation in Los Angeles, too). When Gram Parsons quit the Flying Burrito Bros., Chris Hillman hired ‘new kid in L.A.’ Rick Roberts to replace GP. They made records together and toured the U.S. and Europe. While in Washington DC, after a Burrito Bros concert at the Cellar Door, Rick Roberts went to a club to hear local folksinger Emmylou Harris, she was amazing and Rick called Chris to come down and hear this phenomenal singer, which he did. They ‘ discovered’ Emmylou Harris and Chris called his friend Gram in L.A., and Chris quit the Burritos. For me – to have fallen into Gram & Emmylou’s band, The Fallen Angels, was a stroke of pure luck and ‘being at the right place at the right time’. On the road with Gram & Emmylou, in NYC Rick Roberts came to hear us and I met him at that show. We discovered we both lived in Boulder, Colo. and vowed to get together to jam. Rick thought he’d be making his third solo album on A&M Records, but when bassist Mark Andes joined our jam sessions, it felt like a BAND!!! Rick flew singer/songwriter Larry Burnett out to Boulder, and in that first week of rehearsals, we had 20-25 original songs by Rick and Larry to work out, WOW! Unheard of. Then Michael Clarke joined the band and we were set (Keyboard/sax/flute player David Muse joined the band to make our first album too). That’s the origins of Firefall.”

With the band’s 1976 hit “You Are The Woman” remaining their most popular to date, I asked if the track was ever a hindrance at all for the band. He stated; “Funny you should ask that! That question is a double-edged sword. A huge positive and a minor restricting ‘negative.’ On the one side, having a song as big a hit as “You Are The Woman” was and is fantastic and has kept the band working for 30 years – it got to be #1 on the Easy Listening charts!!! Top Ten on the regular charts in 1976. On the other side of it though, that song is kind of white bread pop music and isn’t a ‘rock’ song (like the band is really a ‘rock’ band), and has been somewhat of a ‘hindrance,’ with potential fans and the music industry thinking that Firefall is simply a light poppy band with a few big hit love ballads. But we’re a diverse rock band with ‘folk rock’ and ‘country rock’ roots, and our material (which gave us two platinum and three gold records) with a wide range of ’styles’ and impacts. We go a lot deeper than that, and unfortunately lots of people don’t know that. I thank my lucky starts to have “You Are the Woman” and “Just Remember I Love You” be as big as hit songs as they were/are. But the band has much wider range than those love ballads and can hold our own on stage on a bill with the likes of 38 Special, Doobies & REO Speedwagon!

And lastly, with original bassist Mark Andes having recently retired in 2022, I asked what it was like not having him by his side on stage any more. He told me; “Mark’s a few years older than I am, he totally got fed up with the physical grind of touring – airports, long drives, hotels, etc. I get that. The only ‘fun’ part of being on the road now is the GIG itself, being on stage for 45 or 90 minutes, everything else is a physical, mental and psychic DRAIN. So I get it. And the band greatly misses Mark’s amazing and unique bass playing on stage and in the studio. Mark Andes is one of the best bassists on the planet – he’s been in rock star bands in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and beyond – over five decades! But he wanted to be done with it all. And because Mark left the band, I suddenly was forced into finding a bassist who could sing high vocals (or maybe have Steve Weinmeister move over to bass and then find a second lead guitarist who could sing high). Then all of a sudden John Bisaha, lead vocalist and bassist for The Babys, became available. First time I heard him sing a lead vocal, I was astounded by how great a singer he was!!! And he was a very good bassist too. Fortunately The Babys weren’t touring much or recording at all…and it became a perfect fit for John. Having John Bisaha and Steven Weinmeister be the two lead vocalists now in Firefall, who sounded fantastic on our new 2023 album Friends & Family and currently making a F&F2 album featuring their lead vocals – is amazing, fantastic, the best lead vocal pairing FF’s had since the ’70s. Steve and John have become best of friends and – Voila! – Firefall vocals are as good if not better than they’ve ever been live AND in the studio since the 1970s heyday of the band (and as third lead singer in the ‘vocal blend’ and producer of these albums, I’m in high heaven working with these two!). They can sing anything, high or low, tough or tender. Here comes Firefall’s Friends & Family 2 album in mid-2024!!!

Book Review: My Effin’ Life By Geddy Lee (Harper Collins)

By: Jesse Striewski

I can vividly recall the first time I ever really heard Rush and listened to the basslines of frontman Geddy Lee – not to mention Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris – not long after having just picked up the bass guitar myself, and knew I really needed to step up my game (it should come as no surprise to anyone that I did not ever reach the same skill level or heights on the instrument as the two mentioned bassists). Still, my interest was more than just a tad piqued to learn more about one of my personal bass heroes via his new biography, My Effin’ Life.

Granted, the title may not be the most eloquent (I personally like and respect the fact that Lee uses the term “eff” in place of the F-word itself, something I’ve been known to do myself from time to time in place of stooping to vulgarities), but his story of awkward small town Jewish kid rising to eventual rock God status is nothing short of phenomenal.

Perhaps the most unique and surprising moment found in My Effin’ Life though is the third chapter, which is solely dedicated to his parents’ story of actually meeting while in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. It’s both a heartbreaking, yet triumphant and encouraging story of bravery that touches anyone connected in anyway to that dark period of history (my grandfather, Herman, along with his three brothers – one of which was killed in action in Serrig and buried in Luxembourg, Germany – all proudly served in the U.S. Army and Air Force during World War II, so the subject tends to hit home on a personal level for me as well).

But I digress, Lee’s journey is one that resonates in a multitude of ways, and it’s more than just a little relieving to hear that him and former Rush bandmate Alex Lifeson are still close to this day. The stories involving late drummer Neil Peart and the tragedies he experienced (many of which I was not aware of prior) are nothing short of amazing themselves. The casual fan may only find a limited amount of interest within the pages of My Effin’ Life, but the die hard should no doubt find it more than a tad difficult to even put down at all.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Album Review: The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds (Polydor/Geffen)

By: Jesse Striewski

Who knew I’d be reviewing a new album from The Rolling Stones in 2023, and it’d actually be well above average material at that? This Christmas almost felt comparable to when I actually received my first Stones album, Voodoo Lounge, as a Christmas gift all the way back in 1994.

Hackney Diamonds, the band’s first album since 2016 (and first one of all new material since 2005’s A Bigger Bang), reminded me much of said Voodoo Lounge album. It is also unfortunately now their final album to feature late drummer Charlie Watts on the tracks “Mess It Up” and “Live by the Sword,” each great tracks and recorded prior to his death in 2021.

Beginning with lead off track/single “Angry,” the entire album sounds fresh, and Jagger and Richards are on top of their writing game here (with the assistance of Producer Andrew Watt on three tracks as well). The legendary Paul McCartney lends bass to “Bite My Head Off” (which no doubt stands out as one of the strongest numbers here), and even former Stones bassist Bill Wyman makes an appearance alongside Watts on said “Live By the Sword.”

I suppose the seven-plus minute ballad “Sweet Side of Heaven,” featuring both Lady Gaga on co-vocals and Stevie Wonder on piano/keyboards, should be the song to gush over here. But for my money, “Get Close,” “Depending on You,” “Whole Wide World,” and “Driving Me Too Hard” are all far more superior. And should this be the last studio album the world ever receives from The Rolling Stones (which I truly hope it is not), it’s one hell of a way to go out for sure.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Film Review: The Iron Claw (A24/Lionsgate)

By: Jesse Striewski

As a wrestling fan, my only knowledge of the Von Erich family and it’s alleged “curse” are the things I’ve read about them in print or film over the years, considering they were just a tad before my time. But their story is nothing short of tragic, albeit it’s hard to find much “triumph” in it all as well. I can’t say I’ve ever gone out of my way to watch anything starring Zach Efron, either, but his portrayal here of the eldest brother Kevin Von Erich is so out of the norm, you forget it’s even him.

For those unfamiliar, the Von Erich brothers rose to prominence in the late ’70s/early ’80s under the leadership of their ruthless father, wrestling promoter and WCCW owner Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany in a particularly unlikable role). Each time seemingly on the cusp of greatness, tragedy strikes the brothers David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), and MiKe (Stanley Simmons), almost as though one-by-one (hence, the “curse”) while Kevin can only stand aside and watch all the carnage as a bystander more or less.

But there is beauty to be found among the tragedy, too. The budding young romance between Kevin and future wife Pam (Lily James), and the relationships between the four brothers and their tyrant father are relatable for just about anyone who’s lived the small town American experience. And I can’t even remember the last time I sat in a theater and could hear a pin drop the audience was literally so engrossed in the film. It’s not perfect, nor pretty, and it is no doubt emotionally draining on all levels. But it’s hard to walk away from The Iron Claw without feeling at least some sort of connection to the human elements witnessed on screen.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Series Review: Frasier (Paramount +)

By: Jesse Striewski

I grew up loving the dry, quick-witted humor of Kelsey Grammer as Frasier going back to when he first appeared as him on Cheers years before the original spinoff that lasted from 1993-2004. So when Paramount Plus announced they’d be rebooting the show, I was interested to see just where they would take the character in 2023.

The answer to that now of course being back to Boston where Fraiser Crane had originated, where he quickly moves in with his adult son Frederick (Jack Cutmore-Scott) in his upscale apartment while taking a professorship at Harvard. The same type of mishaps that followed Crane in the original show no doubt seem to follow him here, leading to more than just the occasional laugh.

Gone now though are many of the key characters from the first series that contributed to so much to what made the show so great to begin with, including Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce), Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves), and of course, the late John Mahoney as Marty Crane (whose loss is handled gracefully here). There are however a couple of worthy guests who do show up, most notably Bebe Neuwirth as Frasier’s ex wife, Lilith, and Peri Gilpen as his friend and former co-worker from his days as a radio talk show host in Seattle, Roz Doyle.

All things considered, it’s great to have Frasier Crane back again in a world that truly needs him at the moment (and foolishly wants to cancel the actor who plays him simply because…you guessed it, he hasn’t subscribed to the same forced, brainwashed indoctrination that the rest of the Hollywood elites have!). Lighten up, and laugh a little already.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Guns and Garland: A Guide to the Top Ten Essential Christmas-Themed Action Films of the ’80s/’90s By Jesse Striewski

When it comes to modern action films, I’m so far out of touch with what’s going on these days that many would probably find it laughable. But for my money, I’ll take the near-perfection that was produced in that beloved decade we call the ’80s (and also spilled over into much of the ’90s) over the uber fast-paced and often mindless romps that pass as “action” cinema these days.

Along with the horror genre, there was simply something so exciting and appealing being a kid in the ’80s when coming across that elusive, forbidden R-rated tape in your older brother’s VHS collection. And there was just something even more relate-able when that R-rated flick, often filled with gratuitous sex and violence, contained the themes of the Christmas season in its backdrop.

Over the years Rewind It has no doubt done similar pieces on horror-based and/or more obscure holiday films, but this is the first one dedicated solely to the “tough guys” of the ’80s and early ’90s (some other honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the list also include Night of the Comet (1984) and Batman Returns (1992), excluded for the sake of trying to stay within the more classic “shoot ’em up” variety action flick. So kick off your shoes, spike that eggnog, and enjoy…

10. Dead Bang (1989):

By 1989, Don Johnson was a bona-fide star thanks in part to the hit show Miami Vice, and on paper his first shot as leading man in a feature film should’ve been just as big of a hit. But Dead Bang, based on the real life story of LASD Jerry Beck’s pursuit of revenge of a fellow Sheriff’s Deputy’s murder, was more “dead” in the water than a “bang.”

The film actually starts off promising, with Beck’s fellow officer being mysteriously killed in his home on Christmas Eve (hence the holiday connection). But what could’ve been a strong cat-and-mouse hunt, quickly gets muddled down by themes of white supremacy and hate crimes that leads up to an unrealistic one-man showdown. Skip it unless totally desperate.

Penelope Ann Miller listening to Don Johnson ramble on in a scene from 1989’s Dead Bang.

9. I Come in Peace (1990):

Also known in some territories as Dark Angel (the film’s original title), this is one I only vaguely remember after catching scenes from it on cable at a friend’s house back in the day. Basically Dolph Lundgren plays a vice cop in Texas already up to his neck dealing with violent drug crimes when a dealer literally from another world comes to ruin his Christmas cheer.

I wish there was more I could say on behalf of this feature, but it’s been so long there’s not much I even remember now. Perhaps time for a revisiting of the film myself.

8. Cobra (1986):

Sylvester Stallone plays LAPD Lt. Marion “Cobra” Cobretti in this over-the-top ’80s vehicle that’s heavier on hits than it is heart (or plot for that matter). Brigitte Nielsen plays the fashion model who witnesses some serious crimes committed by a dangerous cult, leading to be put under Cobra’s protective care (during the holiday season too, nonetheless).

Watch for the supermarket shootout scene towards the beginning of the film – a definite highlight along with the 1950 Mercury Stallone sports in the film (and of course Nielsen’s famous long legs at the time too, naturally!).

7. Maniac Cop 2 (1990):

Granted more on the horror than action side, this gritty, direct-to-video sequel to 1988’s Maniac Cop once again finds the late Robert Z’Dar as the titular anti-hero on a rampage in New York City during Christmas time.

The cast is actually rounded out nicely, with Robert Davi, Claudia Christian, Bruce Campbell, and Michael Lerner all appearing in roles and doing their best to put an end to the killing spree. This is also the only film to the best of my memory that actually features pole dancing at a strip club on Christmas; that alone deserves a spot on this list.

Paula Trickey prior to spreading some adult yuletide cheer in 1990’s Maniac Cop 2.

6. Die Hard 2 (1990):

In the spirit of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Die Hard 2 (a.k.a. Die Harder) takes what the original did so well and moves Bruce Willis from a building to an airport, fighting ruthless terrorists with evil agendas on Christmas Eve.

This is standard early – ’90s action viewing with blockbuster written all over it, and even features a pre-Terminator 2 Robert Patrick, as well as a young John Leguizamo. While the original Die Hard will always get the most recognition as a Christmas movie, there’s no doubt the first sequel in the franchise is just as worthy of a winter’s watch.

5. Rocky IV (1985):

Going all the way back to the 1976 original, the Rocky films have never been distant from holiday fare, with the first two films centering around Thanksgiving (in fact, the only one I can really think of without some sort of mention of a holiday is 1982’s Rocky III). But by 1985’s Rocky IV, there was no denying the Christmas connection, with the main event taking place on Christmas day itself.

Sylvester Stallone had perfected the role of the “Italian Stallion” by this point, and Dolph Lundgren as his nemesis Ivan Drago is at his menacing best as the two prepare for their bout in the USSR. And there’s no doubt this entry contains not one, but two of the greatest montages spawned by an ’80s movie (how can you go wrong with the famous shot of Syl screaming “Dragooo!!!” from the top of a mountain at the end of the latter one?).

I also contemplated putting another PG-rated hit in this very same slot, 1984’s The Karate Kid, but decided against it after remembering a large portion of it was also set during Halloween in addition to Christmas.

4. Invasion U.S.A. (1985):

Chuck Norris. Terrorists trying to take over America during Christmas. Need I say more? This was one of those Cannon films often played in regular rotation on cable TV back in the day that was near impossible to pass up on. For my money there’s nothing more festive than the image of Norris holding two Uzi’s in his hand in a shopping mall at Christmas (see photo below).

No one messed with Chuck’s Christmas then, and they sure as hell still wouldn’t dare to now; watch the movie and find out why for yourself.

Chuck Norris gives ’em hell in 1985’s Invasion U.S.A.

3. First Blood (1982):

The one that by all means started it all on this list. Sylvester Stallone (for those keeping count he’s now featured in three of the films on this list) stars as John Rambo, a down and out Vietnam vet just trying to pass through small town America when he’s hassled by the local sheriff (played brilliantly by Brian Dennehy). What ensues is nothing short of mayhem.

There’s no denying this is definitely one of the more “dreary” films on the list, with the setting taking place in a rain-filled Hope, Washington (although actually filmed in British Columbia). But by its conclusion, Rambo is fully lighting up the town (with an arsenal of explosions of course), and just in time for Christmas, too.

2. Lethal Weapon (1987):

Without a doubt one of my favorite action/buddy films of all time, I legitimately struggled with putting 1987’s Lethal Weapon at number one on this list. Viewers are instantly drawn in at its very first sequence, as the tune of “Jingle Bell Rock” introduces us to the image of a beautiful young girl, under-dressed and alone in a hotel room, who quickly throws herself to her own sensless death from the top of a balcony.

The mysterious event sparks an investigation, putting two cops on the total opposites of of the spectrum – Danny Glover as the seasoned cop Roger Murtaugh on the verge of retirement, and Mel Gibson as the loose cannon with a death wish, Martin Riggs – together as partners. The film set the standard for the “buddy cop” sub genre of action films, soon to be duplicated with endless imitations. It’s an all-round flawless picture, with or without Christmas playing any part of it.

And few other movies on this list actually rival the very scene where Tom Atkins’ character is gunned down while holding a carton of eggnog, the bullet simultaneously piercing both (when I met Atkins in 2021, he actually had 8×10’s of this scene available to sign; passing on this shot in favor of a Halloween III-related signature instead was a tough decision indeed). If you’re not already familiar with any of this material, then do yourself a favor and add it to your Christmas list this year a.s.a.p.

Tom Atkins goes out with a seasonal bang in 1987’s Lethal Weapon.

1. Die Hard (1988):

Not the film that started it all, but indeed the one that opened the conversation to begin with. We all know by now that yes, Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie (along with its 1990 sequel as previously established in this article), and there should be no question about it by now, with most of us surely having heard the phrase “It’s Die Hard in a (fill in the blank…),” referring to its many copycats since.

If you somehow still haven’t seen it yet, here’s the rundown; Bruce Willis plays NYPD Detective John McClane, who flies out to LA to join his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at a company Christmas party in LA. But before the two can even reconcile, the tower is seized by a group of terrorists, lead by the cut-throat Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber. But having not been seen by the group, McClane is able to fight them from within, while informing outside agencies of everything happening on the inside, establishing another famous “buddy cop” relationship between McClane and LAPD Sergeant Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson).

Between the inclusion of Run-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” and the oft-quoted “Now I have a machine gun, Ho-ho-ho” scene, there’s no shortage of Christmas spirit among the many gun fights and explosions throughout the film. It’s first-rate action with plenty of emotional depth tied into it much like Lethal Weapon. Definitely essential viewing this (and every) holiday season.

Terrorist Tony Vreski (portrayed by actor Andreas Wisniewski) is the first of John McClane’s kills in 1988’s Die Hard.

Album Review: KK’s Priest – The Sinner Rides Again (Napalm Records)

By: Jesse Striewski

I feel like my love for metal bands like Judas Priest only grows stronger with each year, with the classic guitar work once laid by the team of K.K. Downing and Glen Tipton being among some of the best in the genre. And while I was lucky enough to see that lineup perform at least once (at the 2004 Ozzfest) while it was still intact, I am still saddened by Downing’s ultimate ousting from the band.

Thankfully this has not kept him down one bit though, still releasing material just as comparable to Priest under the moniker K.K.’s Priest along with one time vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens at the front nonetheless. On their second studio outing together, they seem more determined than ever to prove their worthy place alongside the greats.

“Sons of the Sentinel” paints a perfect picture right off the bat of what listeners can expect, while “One More Shot of Glory,” “Hymn 66,” and “The Sinner Rides Again” all stand out as strong declarations, and “Wash Away Your Sins” ends things on an epic note. And there’s no doubt in my mind that if this were released under the Judas Priest name, most would not even bat an eye at it; do yourself a favor and have a listen.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars