The Classic Metal Show has been independent for 13 years, but now a corporate festival promoter wants a piece of the action. Chris Akin is forced to read a script for "Rock Gone Wild" that is so incredibly bad it actually triggers a full-scale riot in the chatroom. From the "If you build it, they will rock" tagline to the $565 ticket prices for a festival in the middle of a cornfield in Algona, Iowa, nothing about this makes sense. Watch as Chris and Neeley mock the lineup, the "Platinum" packages, and the absolute absurdity of corporate radio copy while the fans turn on each other in a blaze of insults.

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THIS EPISODE ORIGINALLY AIRED ON 1/24/09!

ON THIS EPISODE
Corporate Sellout Fail: Chris reads the cringeworthy "Rock Gone Wild" script.

The $500 Cornfield Party: Dissecting the insane pricing for a middle-of-nowhere festival.

Chatroom Anarchy: The CMS fans go for the throat while Chris is "fucking around" on the mic.

The "If You Build It" Disaster: Why this tagline is the worst in recorded history.

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In a candid new interview, Trixter guitarist Steve Brown has opened up about his surprising side project that has rock fans doing double takes. The 1980s hard rock veteran revealed he fronts a Bon Jovi tribute band where his vocals bear an uncanny resemblance to Jon Bon Jovi in his absolute prime.

Brown, best known for his work with the New Jersey-based glam metal outfit Trixter, shared details about the tribute act during a wide-ranging conversation. He described possessing what he calls a “crazy ability” to channel Bon Jovi’s signature soaring vocals, complete with the same rasp, power, and emotional delivery that defined hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

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The revelation comes as tribute bands continue to thrive in the rock scene, offering fans a chance to relive the glory days of arena anthems without the high ticket prices of original acts. Brown’s project stands out because of the eerie vocal match, which he says developed naturally over time. “I have this crazy ability to where my voice sounds just like Jon Bon Jovi at his prime,” Brown explained, noting that the similarity has amazed audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Trixter rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their self-titled debut album and hits such as “Give It To Me Good” and “One in a Million.” While the band never reached the stratospheric commercial heights of Bon Jovi, they carved out a loyal following in the hair metal community. Brown’s decision to step into the shoes of one of rock’s most iconic frontmen adds an intriguing layer to his career, blending nostalgia with a fresh twist on familiar material.

Fans of both acts have reacted with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Some have praised the vocal likeness as spot-on, while others debate the merits of tribute projects in an era where original bands still tour. Brown appears unfazed by any skepticism, embracing the opportunity to celebrate the music that shaped his generation.

The tribute band allows Brown to explore a different creative outlet while keeping the spirit of classic rock alive. Performances reportedly feature faithful recreations of Bon Jovi’s biggest anthems, complete with the high-energy stage presence and sing-along choruses that made the band a stadium staple throughout the 1980s and beyond.

As the interview highlights, Brown’s passion for music remains as strong as ever. Whether shredding with Trixter or channeling Bon Jovi’s charisma, he continues to prove that the heart of rock ‘n’ roll lies in delivering unforgettable performances that connect with audiences old and new.

This unexpected chapter in Steve Brown’s journey serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of 1980s metal and the talented musicians who keep its legacy burning bright. With his Bon Jovi tribute gaining attention, fans are eager to see where this vocal chameleon takes his dual career next.

Hard rock fans, brace yourselves for a seismic shift in the scene. Original Tesla members Brian Wheat and Tommy Skeoch have joined forces with former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes and original Saliva frontman Josey Scott to launch a ferocious new band called T3RMINAL. The powerhouse lineup is already deep in the studio crafting their debut full-length album, set for release later in 2026, with tour dates to follow.

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The collaboration brings together decades of rock history and raw talent from different eras. Wheat handles bass duties as a founding member of Tesla, while Skeoch returns as the band's original guitarist, known for his work on classics like Mechanical Resonance and the live favorite Five Man Acoustical Jam. Holmes adds his signature heavy metal edge from his iconic years in W.A.S.P., and Scott delivers his unmistakable vocal power that propelled Saliva to massive success. Handling drums in the studio is Sal Giancarelli from Staind.

The story behind T3RMINAL began on the Monsters of Rock cruise in 2022, where Wheat and Holmes first connected. Wheat, moved by Holmes' documentary "Mean Man," approached him and sparked an instant friendship. Their bond grew stronger through visits between Wheat's home in Italy and Holmes' residence in southern France. Wheat later brought Skeoch into the mix, recognizing the explosive potential of pairing his former Tesla bandmate's gritty style with Holmes' metal firepower. Skeoch jumped at the opportunity, and the search for a vocalist led straight to Scott, whose energy bridged generational gaps perfectly.

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Wheat explained the organic creative process: the members bring their individual influences—his melodic Beatles-inspired touch, Skeoch's heavy edge, Holmes' metal intensity, and Scott's dynamic vocals—and let the magic happen naturally. "We don't know what we're looking for, because whatever the sound is of me, my poppy Beatles thing, Tom's heavy edge, Chris's heavy metal stuff, you put it all together and then what Josey sings, that's gonna be the sound," Wheat shared.

Skeoch added that the music features "pure modern hard rock attitude — loud, heavy, in some cases bluesy and built to shake stages," blending melodic elements with raw power. Holmes recalled giving early song ideas during their initial hangouts, and the group has since spent dedicated time writing together while juggling other commitments.

Wheat has emphasized that T3RMINAL is a fresh project and not a departure from Tesla, stating he's simply expanding his musical horizons alongside old friends. The band promises a sound that stands apart from their past projects, with fans likely to be surprised by the unique chemistry.

A studio video already circulating shows the quartet in action, capturing the excitement as they hammer out tracks. With songwriting well underway and the album on the horizon, T3RMINAL is poised to deliver high-octane live performances that honor their legacies while pushing hard rock forward.

This supergroup represents a thrilling reunion of rock veterans who refused to let past differences or separate paths dim their passion. As they put the finishing touches on new material, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most exciting releases of the year. Stay tuned—T3RMINAL is just getting started, and the stages are about to get shaken.