My Goodbye to Hierosonic!

Wow it’s been along time since I last spoke, so buckle up your seatbelts and enjoy the ride. 

I’d like to begin by welcoming two new site staffers to our HBGOnline family.  I’ve stated many times in the past, I only trust a handful of people on their opinions, and I’m pleased to report two of them, will now be sending in articles for the website. 

 Please join me in a BIG WELCOME to “Caesar Says” and “Fly on the Wall”!!!  It’s not to hard to know who Caesar is, however “Fly On the Wall” doesn’t want his ID known as of yet. Both have years of experience in the local music scene and I’m so proud/glad they have joined the HBGOnline family of staffers. 

I have a few more staffers that will be added over the next few weeks, so be sure to keep checking back in every week to see the latest editions to our staffer family. I can assure you this will be our best crop of peeps ever seen! 

I must admit, I’m quit disappointed on the new vision I’ve had for HBGOnline.  Our new format allows for anyone to critic a band, venue or article anywhere on our website.  I know over the years, many have appreciated my honesty and my staffers, with what we have said, so I thought opening things up, would create more interaction from our users everyday.  OK sure you have to register to leave a comment, and to date a couple hundred have done so.  Yet only a few handfuls of peeps have left a comment.  So quit dicking around and leave some comments!!!

 Everything on this website now has the ability to leave a comment.  Bands, venues, dining establishments and all shopping establishments, you just need to click on the comment link and tell us what you experienced.  You can also rate via a 1 – 5 star on the particular listing. So stop being slackers and get involved with your opinions.  If you don’t see a listing to comment on, just shoot an email to jimo@hbgonline.com  and I’ll get it up. 

Over the year’s I’ve done my fair share of shows.  Fortunately most have been successful.  It’s been proven over time that if you come out to one of our shows you have my “No suck guarantee!!!” 

I must admit our last show was the hardest ever to promote.  We had agreed to a fundraiser at Gullifty’s on May 7^th, for the H.A.R.D. roller derby girls at Gullifty’s.  In case you didn’t hear, Gullifty’s flooded twice during the month of April.  In fact 1 week before the show, Matt emailed me and said he doubted the show would happen.  I personally went over there to see what was going on, and pleaded with Matt to make this event happen.  Later that night he called me to insure we were ready to rock for May 7^th.  Despite my “street efforts”, there was still doubt, the club would be opened.  In fact at 7pm the night of the show, I still got an email from someone wanting to know if the show was still a go. 

Despite everything leading up to the show, we really did rock Gullifty’s that night!!!  You all know what I feel about Bon Fuhrer, (those fucker’s rock) however that night I saw 2 bands that are a must see!!!!  Saint of Sorrow are on fire of late!  If you like Dead 50’s or that type of punkish rock type music, be sure to check them out. With D50’s not playing as much, I’m sure SOS will take over the slack. They have a CD Release Party coming up the you will see more about next week on this website. 

For all my shows, I usually like to see the bands first, before booking.  However for this show, I gave a chance to Goat Roapin Bastards.  I listened to their music stream and have known Jr, for many years.  (Remember the F Bombs?)  I was impressed with what I heard and wanted to take a chance.  So glad I did!!!!  I don’t want to call GRB a “country band”, because that would be the end to them.  Perhaps, I should say they are the Lnyrd Sknyrd of Perry County.  They offer an exceptional stage show that will keep any local music fan entertained, plus their original songs are pretty damn good too!!!  Shot some video from the Gullifty’s show, however the video doesn’t show the true magic on stage of GRB.  Be sure to check them out, as soon as possible, I give them the 2 BigJim thumb’s up for sure! 

So Hierosonic is having another CD Release show this Saturday, May 21^st at ABC.  Over 4 years ago, we teamed up and had a record breaking crowd at the Dragonfly main stage.  This year however, no talks to help promote the latest CD.  Hiero (that’s what I have always called them) will always have a spot in my heart.  Over 10 years ago we gave them one of their first shows. (They totally bombed)  However, I saw something that grabbed me in their potential.  Over the years, the band has gone thru a few member changes, reduced their songs from 15 minutes to under 5 catchy minutes and stopped hanging baby dolls from the ceiling tied with ropes around their necks.  I guess my most impressive moment with the band, was that time I met with Ben at Zembie’s.  He was confused and really wanted to take the band up a notch.  We shot a few ideas around, and he hit the ground running.  

For all you old schooler’s, you know, I always thought Hiero was the best band around in Central PA. I didn’t climb on the Underwater bandwagon, and god forbid I took many shots for not hopping on the Bridges and a Bottle bandwagon.  I just felt in my gut, Hiero was the real deal.  Hard to explain, but it’s the same feeling I had with Halestorm. 

Over the years we have taken hundreds of photo’s and videos to help promote Halestorm. Recently I was told, I’d have to “wait in line” to see Lzzy.  Fuck her is what I told security.  I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m seeing the same pattern now with Hierosonic.  I received no invite to their CD release party and didn’t hear back on a possible 4^th band on the bill, that their record label wanted to play. 

Guess it’s time to let the boy’s go on their own and work on pumping up the next great band to hit the area.  I wish much success to Ben, Mike and Jared.  There’s 2 more in the band, but these 3, have been my contact, fun and great memories over the years. 

Not sure why, but I do have an ear for great music.   At this time my ear is hearing, Buzzchopper, Goat Roapin Bastards and Saint’s of Sorrow!  Be sure to catch one or all of these bands if you can.  You will not be disappointed!!!! 

Lator Gators – BigJim