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Product Description
Contents Blackie Lawless's W.A.S.P.'s masterpiece and legendary concept album, "The Crimson Idol"! This anniversary edition, "Reaidrized ~ The Soundtrack to The Crimson Idol," commemorates the 25th anniversary of the album's release! It includes the original film "The Crimson Idol," which has never seen the light of day until now! A grand epic unfolding in the world of the rock business, swirling with ambition and intrigue, glory and setbacks?its full scope is now revealed! "The Crimson Idol" is a concept album that tells the story of a fictional rock star named "Jonathan Aaron Steele." This edition, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the album's release, includes a DVD containing the original film "The Crimson Idol," which was filmed for hundreds of hours after the album's release with the aim of making a movie, but remained unreleased for a long time. W.A.S.P. was formed in Los Angeles in 1982, centered around Blackie Lawless. Initially called "HYENA," the band changed its name to W.A.S.P. due to the negative reception of the original name. With their brutal and violent stage performances featuring fake blood, raw meat, and naked women, they became an iconic band of 80s metal. Their stage presence was so impressive that in 1983, before their debut, they managed to fill the 3,000-seat Santa Monica Civic Hall to capacity. In December of the same year, Rod Smallwood, manager of IRON MAIDEN, heard about them, attended a live performance, signed a management contract on the spot, and secured a deal with major label Capitol for an exorbitant fee. Since then, the band has continued to thrive despite numerous member changes. In September 1989, after the tour for their fourth album, "THE HEADLESS CHILDREN," several members left the band, leaving Blackie Lawless as the sole member. In April 1990, Blackie began recording a solo album at his own Fort Apache Recording Studio. He handled bass, rhythm guitar, and keyboards all by himself. With Bob Kulick on lead guitar and Frankie Banali and Stet Howland on drums, he completed "The Crimson Idol." However, at the record company's suggestion, it was ultimately released as W.A.S.P.'s fifth studio album. "The Crimson Idol" is a concept album that tells the story of a fictional rock star named Jonathan Aaron Steele. Set in the world of the rock business, a world swirling with ambition and intrigue, glory and setbacks, it is a grand rock opera that unfolds a realistic story based on Blackie's experiences. This album was released in the UK and Japan in early summer 1992, but not in the US until May 1993. Perhaps because of this, it failed to chart on the US Billboard charts. However, it achieved explosive sales in the UK, peaking at number 21. It also became a hit in various European countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, and Germany. Of course, it was also highly acclaimed in Japan. Listening to the album will make these reasons clear. The dramatic structure and melody-driven heavy sound clearly show a strong influence from British rock and British metal. In addition, as a concept album, it was understandably difficult to promote in the US, where radio airplay is crucial. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that this work is W.A.S.P.'s masterpiece. With this re-recording, the sound production has evolved to a modern level, and the album's charm has been vividly conveyed. Listening to it, you will realize once again that the brilliance of the songs has not faded even after all these years. This album possesses a magic that captivates the listener from the opening track, "The Titanic Overture," to the very end. Tracks like the nearly nine-minute epic "Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue)" and the over ten-minute closing track, "The Great Misconception of Me," are so magnificent that you won't even notice the length. The full scope of the story Blackie was trying to tell is also revealed, making this an excellent item for a deeper understanding of the work. With this 25th-anniversary edition, "The Crimson Idol" will undoubtedly continue to be celebrated as a masterpiece in rock history. [Includes Japanese liner notes/lyrics translation/Japanese subtitles] [Members] Blackie Lawless (vocals/guitar/keyboards/bass/percussion) Doug Blair (lead guitar/vocals) Mike Duda (bass) Mike Dupkee (drums, except "The Peace") Frankie Banali (drums, "The Peace") [Tracks planned for the 2-CD set] [CD1] 01. The Titanic Overture 02. The Invisible Boy 03. Arena of Pleasure 04. Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue) 05. The Gypsy Meets the Boy 06. Michael's Song 07. Miss You 08. Doctor Locktar [CD2] 01. I Am One 02. The Idol 03. Hold On to My Heart 04. Hey Mama 05. The Lost Boy 06. The Peace 07. Showtime 08. The Great Misconceptions of Me [DVD Tracks Scheduled to be Included] 01. The Titanic Overture 02. The Invisible Boy 03. Arena of Pleasure 04. Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue) 05. The Gypsy Meets the Boy 06. Dr. Lockter 07. I Am One 08. The Idol 09. Hold On to My Heart 10. The Great Misconceptions of Me 11. Jonathan's Farewell Media Reviews and More Blackie Lawless's W.A.S.P.'s masterpiece and legendary concept album, "The Crimson Idol"! Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the anniversary edition, "Reaidridized ~ The Soundtrack to The Crimson Idol," includes the original film "The Crimson Idol," which has never seen the light of day! A grand epic unfolding in the world of rock business, swirling with ambition and intrigue, glory and setbacks?its full scope is now revealed! (C)RS