In this interview Pierre discusses what he’s been up to for the past 18 months, experiences with eastern healing, and of course, his new movie, “Little Klaus, Big World.” (Fair warning: while Klaus’ accent may make it sound cool, depending on your work environment, some language may be NSFW.)

*exclusive to MetBlogs (and anyone else who can access YouTube.)

Tough Cookies battle The Swarm on Saturday night. Photo by Stalkerazzi f/8.

The L.A. Derby Dolls 2009 season is drawing to a close. With only one regular season bout left (then the Championship in December,) now is the time to get to the Doll Factory for the most exciting fast-paced, full-contact sport in Los Angeles. LA MetBlogs has your tickets, so read on to find out how to get them.

The bouts have continued to get more and more exciting throughout the season. This Saturday, November 14, the action will reach a fever pitch as the Tough Cookies (2008 Champions) take on The Swarm. Both teams are undefeated this season, and will battle for the top spot in the standings.

Come with me past the jump to win your tickets to this epic bout. As a special bonus, I’ve also got your tickets to Sunday’s Baby Doll Brawl…

In addition to the great bout on the banked track, Saturday’s event will feature a half-time performance by bass & drum rock duo Evil Beaver.

As if one evening of roller derby action wasn’t enough, Sunday will feature the semi-annual Baby Doll Brawl, where Hell’s Belles will face off against The Ice Vixens. This is an afternoon all-ages event, so bring the kids. Kids love roller derby. The Baby Doll Brawl is an exhibition bout for the league’s newest skaters. These girls give it their all and show their best stuff, hoping to get drafted for the 2010 season. In addition to the Baby Dolls, half-time will feature a mini-bout with the L.A. Junior Derby Dolls (8-17 year olds.) This is going to be big fun for the whole family. Even better, kids under 10 are free!

Of course, I’ll be there both days with the ref team, The Enforcers. Come find me (”Third Degree Burns!”) and say hi.

What:    L.A. Derby Dolls roller derby
Where:  The Doll Factory, 1910 Temple Street, Los Angeles.
When:   Saturday, November 14 (Tough Cookies vs. The Swarm.) Doors at 6:00pm, bout at 8:00pm.
When:   Sunday, November 15 (Hell’s Belles vs. Ice Vixens.) Doors at 3:00pm, bout at 4:00pm.
Why:     It’s awesome!

Now for the free tickets!

I’ve got a pair of tickets and a Derby Dolls t-shirt for two lucky winners (one for each bout.) Leave me a comment below and tell me why you should be one of those winners. For bonus points, tell me what your derby name would be. Make sure you let me know if you prefer Saturday or Sunday’s bout; I’ll do my best to accommodate.

Have you had a deep love of roller derby since watching the Thunderbirds on television in the ’70s? Did you see Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It,” and fall in love with Iron Maiven & Krissy Krash (Tough Cookies skaters featured in the movie?) Cheering them on at the Doll Factory is definitely a better idea than stalking them at Trader Joe’s. Have you just heard roller derby is the coolest thing going (probably from me,) and want to check it out for yourself? Whatever the reason, tell me about it below and those tickets may be yours.

Don’t want to take a chance on a contest? You can buy tickets to both bouts through the L.A. Derby Dolls website. Don’t wait too long; Saturday’s bout will definitely sell out.

Whether you win the contest or buy your tickets, I’ll see you at the Doll Factory this weekend!

Early in 2008 I discovered a great talent with the help of the good people at Boing Boing’s BBtv. Klaus Pierre, a German/French actor had come to Hollywood to train to be the next big action hero. If you’re not already familiar with Klaus Pierre, here is a BBtv episode you need to see:

I have recently become acquainted with the director who brought those episodes featuring Klaus Pierre to the world. He tells me that Klaus has recently completed post-production on his movie, and that it will be available for your enjoyment soon. In the meantime, Klaus will be shooting an interview later this week to let his adoring fans know what he’s been up to over the last year.

Here is where I share my connections. I know that you all must have many questions for Klaus, so leave them in the comment section below. I’ll pass them along, and perhaps Klaus will answer in his interview video. If you could ask Klaus Pierre anything, what would you want to know?

More BBtv episodes featuring Klaus Pierre after the jump…

Klaus Pierre explores the challenges of dating in Hollywood:

Klaus auditions for “Point Break LIVE!“:

I am fascinated to hear what Klaus has been up to for the past year. I know you are, too. Leave your questions below. I’m looking forward to seeing the interview with Klaus’s answers.

MetBlogs teams have won big at Booze Clues in the past. Well, technically we’ve placed somewhere near the middle of the pack, but with fun people, good drinks, and a moderate showing in the contest, aren’t we all really winners? Plus, when the game ends, the games begin. All are welcome to join me across the street at the Dresden Room to see the legendary Marty & Elayne.

We’ll arrive at Agave Tequila House y Cantina about 7:30pm, game starts at 8:00pm. We’ve got a couple of MetBlogs readers and authors already confirmed, but we can always use more brains packed with useless (yet interesting) knowledge. Even if you think you’re not good at trivia contests, come anyway. You never know when you’ll have the one answer the puts the team over the top. Join in and help us dominate the trivia world. Leave a note in the comments to let me know you’re coming, and I’ll make sure we’ve got enough seats reserved for everyone.

Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead performs at Club Nokia.

Motörhead rocked my ass off. As they’ve done for the last 34 years, Motörhead hit the road with one thing in mind: Everything Louder Than Everything Else. Well done, boys.

Motörhead headlined Club Nokia at LA Live last Friday night in front of a packed house. Nashville Pussy and the Reverend Horton Heat opened the show and started to build the energy in the room, but when Motörhead took the stage the crowd exploded.

LA MetBlogs gave away tickets to the show, and invited the ticket winners to write about their experiences. Their accounts and more photos after the break.

Click the link for more…

Eddie Riggs & Kyle Gass (background) perform "The Roadie."

Just prior to Motörhead’s set, a roadie walked on the stage to check mics and drums. He seemed like most other roadies you’ve seen (dressed in black, baseball cap, scraggly hair,) though he may have been hitting the gym a little too hard. When he was done checking the stage, he approached the mic. That roadie was none other than Eddie Riggs (Jack Black,) from the new heavy metal fantasy video game “Brütal Legend.” The game also features the voice of Lemmy Kilmister, among other metal legends.

Black invited his Tenacious D partner, Kyle Gass, to join him onstage and the duo performed an ode to “The Roadie.”

Then the time had finally arrived. Motörhead walked on to the stage and Lemmy made a simple introduction in his familiar gravelly tone: “We’re Motörhead. We play rock & roll.”

Thus began a 90 minute aural assault that covered all the expected Motörhead classics, as well as great new songs from their latest CD, “Motörizer.”

MetBlogs reader Adam had this to say:

“Lemmy’s clearly the real deal. I was shocked at how immaculate his outfit is and that he truly looks exactly the same as he ever has. He hasn’t become fat and bloated like other 70s rock stars, but instead has aged rather gracefully, considering. His son came out the second to the last song on acoustic guitar. Of course, the second song he encored with was ‘Ace of Spades,’ which is naturally what everyone was waiting for and the mosh pit truly erupted like never before.”

Phil Campbell, Lemmy Kilmister and Mikkey Dee (behind drums) perform at Club Nokia.

Cary, one of our other ticket winners, added:

“There are, in my estimation, very few constants in hard rock. Although there may be bands who never disappoint, they are few. Slayer and Megadeth are sterling examples of bands who never disappoint, but there is no greater example than Motorhead. I am overjoyed to report that Motorhead continued their reign as the most dependably awesome band in hard rock with their performance at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. They came out of the gate on fire and they never let up, playing new stuff with which I was utterly unfamiliar and old stuff with which I am very familiar. Highlights of the set list, for me, included two of their best: Bomber and Killed by Death. Song after song, my ass was kicked. What more can you ask from a rock band?”

Indeed, what more can you ask from a rock band?  Therein lies the secret of Motörhead’s enduring success. Become the best at what you do, then do it consistently; song after song, night after night. Motörhead achieved legendary status long ago, yet they never phone it in; they never take that status for granted. They show up every night and give the fans what they want – a good ass kicking. That is why their fans (like me) will continue to see them again and again. That is why people who are (inexplicably) unfamiliar instantly become loyal fans upon experiencing Motörhead live.

Were you at the show? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on Motörhead’s awesomousity. Did you miss the show? You’ll probably want to chime in below with how bummed you are (and, you are) and how you’ll certainly not make the same mistake the next time Motörhead comes to town.

Thanks to MetBlogs readers Adam and Cary for contributing.
All photos by Burns!. They get bigger with a click of your mouse. More photos from the show, including Nashville Pussy and Reverend Horton Heat can be found here.

Eddie Izzard by Nick J. Webb, used under Creative Commons.

As I’ve mentioned previously, 826LA is my favorite non-profit organization. There may not be any profit, but it still takes a lot of money to do all the great work they do. Thus, there are occasional fund-raisers and benefits. 826 benefits are always win-win situations, though, because while they get the money, you get top-notch entertainment for a relative bargain price.

There are a couple of great 826LA benefits happening this week, starting with a very special show tonight at the EchoPlex featuring the spectacularly funny Eddie Izzard! This show was just announced, and as of this writing some tickets are still available for only $20 (plus a reasonable, non-TicketBastard service charge.) Race to get them at TicketWeb HERE. Izzard’s L.A. shows have historically sold out very quickly (with higher ticket prices,) so don’t wait.

On Friday night, M Bar Supper Club in Hollywood is the place to be for “Behind the Smoggy Veil: Tinseltown Tales.” This evening of comedy features (among others) Taylor Negron, and is hosted by my old friend, the very funny Sarah Taylor. Given the title, I’m going to guess it will be an evening of funny stories about life in Hollywood. This promises to be a great show as well, so call the number at the link above and make a table reservation now.

One week. Two benefits for 826LA. Two evenings full of laughter. You’re welcome.

The PA holds cue cards for "Keanu" while "Pappas" looks on.

The longest running theater show in Los Angeles celebrated its two year anniversary on Saturday at the Dragonfly in Hollywood. Point Break LIVE! has been extremely successful, and with good reason. It is one of the most entertaining theater pieces in my memory; even better than Cats. (Okay, granted: most shows are better than Cats. Point Break LIVE! is exceptionally good, though.)

Point Break LIVE! is an absurdist stage adaptation of the classic 1991 movie starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. The twist to this show is that at every performance the role of “Keanu” is performed by a member of the audience (hence, the cue cards.) Because the show has been running for two years, I’m certain there are dozens of reviews more eloquent than mine just on the other side of a Google search. This is not so much a review as an unabashed endorsement.

Buy tickets. See this show. Now! I’m already planning to see it again with other friends.

Point Break LIVE! is a spectacular interactive theater show with comedy, stunts, special-ish effects, hot half-naked surfer dudes…everything you could want in a big budget action movie, but on a seriously diminished budget. There are so many delightful surprises in this show, I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling any of the fun. I will include this, though, from the Point Break LIVE! ticketing site:

“This show is not for the squeamish, uptight, faint of heart, or the easily offended. Theater snobs probably won’t get it. If you are looking for a traditional theater experience – STAY THE F**K AWAY FROM THIS SHOW.”

MetBlogs readers don’t fit any of those categories, so you should all enjoy it immensely. Point Break LIVE! runs Saturday evenings at the Dragonfly in Hollywood. Get tickets here.

PRO TIP: When you collect your tickets at the box office, you’ll be offered a “survival kit” for a buck. Take it. It may be the best dollar you’ll ever spend. Seriously.

Motörhead by Mark Marek Photography, used under Creative Commons.

Motörhead and special guest Reverend Horton Heat are coming to Club Nokia in downtown L.A. on Friday, October 9. Also on the bill are Nashville Pussy and Chelsea Girls. Best of all, LA MetBlogs has your tickets to the show.

Motörhead is one of my favorite hard rock bands. After 34 years on the road, Lemmy & co. still rock harder than most bands half their age. The influence they’ve had on rock & roll is undeniable. Ask any latter-day hard rock or speed metal band who taught them how to rock, and if they’re honest, the first name on the list will be Motörhead.

Here’s your chance to see these legends (and the other great acts on the bill) with Lucinda Michele & me!  Well, we’ll give you the tickets; whether you hang with us is up to you.

Tell me via comment below which band(s) you want to see and why. Or tell me about your favorite Motörhead song. Really, just tell me something that will convey how much you want, need, demand to be at this show. Winners will be chosen at my whim and notified via email, so make sure you enter yours correctly. Complete show info is here.

Bonus: My all-time favorite photo of Lemmy is here.

UPDATE: First, ticket winners have all been notified and confirmed. All the responses were great, and I wish I could take everyone to the show. If you didn’t win, buy tickets at the link above and meet us at the show. This is going to be an unforgettable concert!

Second, I just got off the telephone with Motorhead’s manager. He wanted to let everyone know that Motorhead will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live tomorrow (Thursday) night, so stay up late.

Finally, for those going to the show (which should be everyone,) doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8:00. Reverend Horton Heat goes on at 9:40, and Motorhead hits the stage at 11:00pm. Get there early to see Chelsea Girls and Nashville Pussy, and get ready for Motorhead to rock your ass off. Also, bring earplugs. Safety first.

See you at the show!

Watch the Derby Dolls from the comfort of your own Intertube.

Tonight at 6:30, the Los Angeles Derby Dolls are taking the excitement of high-speed all-female banked track roller derby out of the Doll Factory in Historic Filipinotown and bringing it live to the entire planet via the World Wide Web.

Varsity Brawlers (the pretty team) will take on Tough Cookies (last year’s champs) in a full-length exhibition game streamed live to your very own home, office, or car (if you’re on your laptop, parked down the street stealing WiFi.)

Now how much would you pay? But wait! There’s more!…

Have you seen the trailer for Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, “Whip It?” I can’t wait to see it when it’s released this weekend. Barrymore, Ellen Page (”Juno,”) Juliette Lewis (”Old School,”) and other stars from the movie will be at the event for a post-bout Q&A. I’m told you can submit your questions online, too. There will also be a live half-time concert by Landon Pigg.

All for the low, low price of…FREE. That’s right! All you have to do is log in to www.derbydolls.tv at 6:30pm and it will all stream right out of the internets and into your eyeballs and ear holes.

I’m kind of excited about this, so there’s even more. Click the link and follow me…I’ve written about the Derby Dolls before, so you already know I’m a big fan. It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a roller derby evangelist. What you may not know is that as of about a month ago, I’m also a new member of the Enforcers (Derby Dolls ref team.) You can call me Third Degree Burns! I’m hoping to have some roller derby insider stories for you soon, but so far I’ve been having too much fun to stop and write about it. Can I tell you the best part about my new team, though? The Enforcers always win.

We here at LA MetBlogs may have had an indirect hand in bringing another disciple to roller derby, as well. Our very first Derby Dolls ticket winner back in February used those tickets to attend his very first bout. He hasn’t missed a bout since, and now he is one of the new Enforcers, too. I won’t tell you his government name, but when you come out to see him at the Doll Factory he’s known as Schindler’s Fist.

As exciting as tonight’s webcast is going to be, once you see it on the screen you’ll want to come see all of the action live and close-up. Luckily, you can do just that this weekend! Tonight’s exhibition game is a preview of the official bout happening this Saturday, October 3. Here’s a little teaser:

These bouts are known to sell out, so get your tickets now at the Derby Dolls website. Just scroll down to the big pink box that says “Buy Tickets Online Now.”

Log in tonight and see it on the web. Come out Saturday night and see it live. After the bout Saturday you should find me, say hi and tell me what a great time you had. I already know, but it’s nice to hear anyway.

Are you as excited about tonight’s webcast, Saturday’s live bout, or “Whip It” as I am? Leave me a comment below. Fellow roller derby fan? Or just think I’m a crazed roller derby cultist? Raise your voice and be heard (via text below.)

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Burns!

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Photo by Burns!

More after the jump.

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails at the Henry Fonda Theater. Photo by Burns!

Nine Inch Nails played what is reported to be their final show (ever) last night at the Wiltern Theater. To say that the last four dates of the tour, played here in Los Angeles, were “epic” would be a bit of an understatement.

Nine Inch Nails band leader Trent Reznor knew he didn’t want to spend all of his time on the road anymore, but he also wanted an opportunity to give the band (and the fans) a proper send off. Thus, the Wave Goodbye Tour: four shows in New York, two in Chicago, and the final four here in L.A. All in very small venues.

Each of the concerts had unique set lists, covering the vast NIN catalog as well as some of Reznor’s favorite cover tunes and guest artists’ songs. There were guests at each of the shows. In New York, Peter Murphy joined NIN on stage by being lowered (upside down, like a bat) from the ceiling.

Here in Los Angeles, electronic music pioneer Gary Numan joined the band at all four of the shows. Reznor introduced Numan by saying that he was most influential when Reznor was trying to discover his own musical identity. Last night’s guest list also included Dave Navarro (of Jane’s Addiction,) Mike Garson (keyboards with David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins, et al,) Atticus Ross, and The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Nine Inch Nails. Photo by Burns!

Early in last night’s set, Reznor thanked the audience for coming and for supporting the band for the last 20 years “…but I’m not going to get all weepy just yet.” The band then launched into another fan favorite song. Later on in the show, Reznor assured the audience that while the band wouldn’t be touring anymore, they would continue to make music together and individually.

James Brown was known as “the hardest working man in show business.” Having seen Brown live twice, I can confidently say that he had nothing on Trent Reznor. Never have I seen so much energy (and sweat) poured out onto a stage than these final NIN concerts. Reznor & Co., as they say, left it all on the stage.

After a nearly 3 1/2 hour set of almost 40 songs, the end drew near. Following a very moving rendition of “Hurt,” Nine Inch Nails closed the show with “In This Twilight.”

With Reznor playing keyboards at center stage, the band slowly departed. First, guitarist Robin Finck took off his guitar, waved to the crowd and left the stage. Drummer Ilan Rubin then stood and gave a wave, and followed Finck from the stage. Bassist Justin Meldal-Johnson laid his instrument at his feet, waved and joined the others off-stage, leaving only Reznor playing solo on piano.

As he played the last few notes, Reznor thanked the audience, gazed at them one last time, then waved goodbye and disappeared into the darkness.

I look forward to whatever future music Reznor creates, but I will truly miss the live shows. Nine Inch Nails records are great, but nothing compares with the excitement, the raw energy, of one of their concerts; especially these last four.

Thank you, Trent. You have truly changed the world with your music. We’ll miss you, but hopefully not for long.

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