I am really pleased to talk about the music on one of the great stations, number 2 on my pre-set, Sirius23 Hair Nation.

My introduction to metal was through the popular and big selling hair bands of the 1980′s. Gradually I moved on to heavier music while still retaining a great love of the best bands from this era. It is awesome that these bands have a home on Sirius23. Listening to the station a ton recently, I am moved to write a bit about some of my favourite bands from that era, and share my personal story.

During my third grade year, someone lent me the tape for Motley Crue’s “Theatre of Pain”. I wore the tape out instantly much to the chagrin of my friend. Ultimately I ended up getting my own copy. The record completely knocked me out. Amazing when you consider this is not the Crue’s best record. At the time for me it rocked hard and had some great riffs. In particular “Raise Your Hands to Rock” felt like an anthem. I slowly started to get into other great Glam Metal bands such as Poison, Dokken and Cinderella.

Over the course of a few years later, I broadened my metal taste into the extreme, and got caught up in the rebellion against Glam Metal partly brought on by the great thrash bands who were just starting to emerge as metal powerhouses.

I am thankful that when I entered senior high school, myself and several friends acknowledged the profound impact this kind of music had on our youth, and musical development.

Thursday I will continue my reflections. Meanwhile in between columns, check out Sirius23 Hair Nation and listen to a half hour worth of songs. I am enjoying reflecting on the musicality of what essentially is loud and proud hard rock. It is agreeable to most that the influences behind this music pushed it into the metal column where it belongs.

Turn it up!!!!