MUS:Rock online magazine 3/89

"Lead me to the 'Rock' that is higher than I" (Ps 61:2)


          THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE
        Christian Music Magazine
         (C) Copyright 1989


         Editor-Publisher:
         Diane Gambino

         All Rights Reserved.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

VOLUME 3, #3            MARCH 1989
___________________________________________________________
  FROM THE EDITOR'S COMPUTER....

Christian HEAVY METAL MUSIC is very big! There have been
several letters to T'R'OL from readers asking about it. So
much interest has been generated lately that I decided it
was time to devote one issue to it...this one. -- Now that
the issue is completed, I realize that one issue is not
enough...but since there's alot of other music out there as
well that the magazine should cover, from now on you'll be
able to read heavy metal reviews and comments monthly.
Thomas Zerucha will handle 'heavy metal' reviews and
commentary - any questions you have can be left to him on
the data base echo.

THE DOVE AWARDS

If you have been reading the 'ROCK'-ON-LINE data base for
>between issue< information, than you are already aware
that the list of nominations for the Dove Award has been
announced. -- I am happy to report that 6 of out the 10
songs I chose for SONG OF THE YEAR are nominees. Now comes
the tough part...narrowing it down to one first choice.
Also, I recently got to hear a song I hadn't chosen and now
I am really undecided. The way I got to hear that other
song is worth mentioning.

Once again, it's time to 'tip our hats' to the >ingenuity<
of >>THE BENSON COMPANY<<. The publicity department, headed
by Laura E. Lee, sent, to all voting members of the GMA, a
cassette featuring all the Benson and affiliate songs that
are nominated. It's the little things that make a company
stand out, it's that 'something extra' and what they do
with it. Too bad there isn't a Dove Award for most
ingenious publicity department.

The nominated songs speak for themselves, but what if for
some reason, whatever reason, you can't place the song or
haven't heard it. Thanks Benson for a job well done (two
times!)


HAPPY EASTER!

Next month is Easter. Just like with the Christmas issue, I
would like to hear from you with your favorite Easter
memories, thoughts or just what the season means to you.
Send them to me in netmail or email by March 15th. And have
a blessed and Happy Easter!

Next issue...Will have more heavy metal, plus news of the
upcoming Dove Awards, the first of a new column where
you'll find out more about the Computer Bulletin Board
Systems that carry THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE. Meet Mike
Ashburn, systems operator of the St. Louis MO home of
T'R'OL, and more!
==================

>>BEHIND THE SCENES INTERVIEW<<

>>WITH MUSIC EXECUTIVE: Terry Hemmings<<

We regret to report that the interview with Terry Hemmings,
of Reunion Records, has been postponed to due personnel
changes at the company.

We are however hopeful that the interview is forthcoming.
------------------

REACTION TO STEVE CAMP'S A.C.C.T. (AIDS CRISIS and
CHRISTIANS TODAY)

In the last issue of THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE, information was
included about the new organization called A.C.C.T. (AIDS
CRISIS and CHRISTIANS TODAY).

We are happy to print the following letter received in
reference to it.

=================
Dear Diane,

Considering the bad rap that some Christians have received
about blaming the victims of AIDS and being self righteous,
it is good to see the public example that THE 'ROCK'
ON-LINE MAGAZINE is setting.....Your example of the Kingdom
operating on earth will no doubt be good for many, in ways
beyond what you can ever be sure of! Keep up the good work!
- David Burnet (Baltimore, MD)
=================

It is our wish that all our readers will be open and
receptive to the ideas brought forth in A.C.C.T. and we
will continue to bring you updates and information on this
new association.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

RICH MULLINS LIVE IN ST. LOUIS
(A PERSONAL STORY)

by Michael Ashburn

Rich Mullins appeared in concert at our church a couple of
months back.  It seemed Rich was passing through town and
was short on money.  Rich knows our song leader who is with
a group called <September< and asked if they would perform
at our church for a love offering.

Our church rarely does such a thing but agreed this one
time.  Anyway, we planned on one short concert on a Sunday
evening. I guess I should mention our church is not very
big. It only holds about 350 people in the auditorium.
Anyway, we really wanted a good crowd so Rich could raise
enough money to move on to his next concert so we asked the
local Christian radio station to mention that Rich would be
in concert there. It was only advertised for about 5 days.
As Sunday night drew nearer, it was obvious that we were
going to have a HUGE crowd based on the number of calls
coming in wanting to know to get to our out of the way
church. Rich immediatly agreed to to do two concerts that
night. As it turned out, we had over 1000 people show up
for an imprompto concert. Rich and the band got enough
money to move on to their next engagemment. This concert
took place just about the time that "AWESOME GOD" was
hitting it big on the local stations.

It was also at this same time, that protests against the
showing of 'The Last Temptation' were going on and the
protestors had chosen >AWESOME GOD< as their 'battle cry'.

When Rich began singing that song at the concert, the
entire crowd stood on their feet. It wasn't the kind of
thing that happens when some popular song is played. It was
more like it was out of reverence - that song has really
hit home to alot of people.

After the concert people were crowding to get autographs.
One of the members of the band is a brother to one of our
church members.  They told us the following Wednesday that
the hardest thing to get used to with their sudden rise in
popularity was the fact that people always want their
autographs. The group has had a hard time dealing with
this.  He said, 'We do this to God's glory - not ours. It
doesn't seem right to sign autographs.'

They were really humble servants. I will never forget the
look on Rich Mullin's face everytime people would start
singing with him on one of the many big hits songs that he
did that night. It was always like - 'you mean you guys
know this one???'.
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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!

Please consider purchasing computer print out back issues
of the magazine for a nominal price and/or current computer
print-out issues for your friends who cannot read the
magazine online.

You financial help for the magazine will be greatly
appreciated.

/////////////////////////////////////

ATTN: COMPUTER SYSOPS

The 'Rock' On-Line Magazine now carrys files by music genre
&/or artists with record, cd, and video reviews from past
issues of the magazine - all compiled and found in one
place to help Christian music fans broaden their music
libraries.

If you don't already carry these music files, but would
like to just let me know. (DG)
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#=>#=>#=>#=>#
#           #
#  Heavy    #
#  Metal    #
#  Music    #
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>><<>><<MUSIC IS MY MINISTRY>><<>><<

                by

*Your name could be on this byline.
*Your ministry could be in the spotlight.

*If you are in a music ministry - if you sing, if you play
an instrument, if you are part of a band...
*If you write songs...
*If you are locally known and want more people to know
about you...
*
*"MUSIC IS MY MINISTRY" is a good place for you to tell
others about your ministry.

If you are interested in being in the spotlight of "MUSIC
IS MY MINISTRY", please leave a message to Diane Gambino.

Not only will you be helping others to know about yourself,
but with the minimal fee for this column, you will be
helping to support THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE - which is
read free of charge on computers across the globe.


#$%&@()#$%&@()#$%&
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#   CLASSIFIED   &
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#       ADS      &
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#$%&@()#$%&@()#$%&

Please help support THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE Magazine by placing
classified ads here.

$1.00 per word, 10 (ten) word minimum. FIRST THREE WORDS of
the ad will be in upper case (free of charge). Special
headers (see list): $3.00 ea. Your Own Header $4.00.

SPECIAL HEADERS:

MUSIC
MINISTRY
WANTED
FOR SALE
EVENTS
AVAILABLE
PERSONAL
BOOKINGS
PUBLICATIONS
MISCELLANEOUS

The 'Rock' On-Line reserves the right to refuse any ad that
is deemed not fit for the format/purpose of this magazine
and/or its audience.

To place an ad:

Send netmail/email to Diane Gambino, include rought draft
copy of your ad, your name address, phone number (with area
code), and name of the BBS you are calling from.

All orders must be paid for in advance. Payment must be
received before ad can appear in an issue. Copy should be
received at least one issue in advance.

Area code + telephone # = 1 word
State and zip code      = 1 word
P.O. Box with number    = 2 words

///////////////////////////////////////
SPOTLIGHT ARTIST OF THE MONTH: REZ BAND

REZ Was founded in 1972 as Resurrection Band amid the
excitement of a new move of God known as the Jesus
Movement. The band logged thousands of miles touring the
country in a beat-up old school bus as an outgrowth of the
Jesus People USA (JPUSA) Christian community. Now based in
Chicago, JPUSA spports itself via community-run businessed
and sponsors a variety of outreaches both local and
nationwide.


The band's founder (as well as a pastor) Glenn Kaiser has
spent the last few years reflecting on 15 years of ministry
and turning many of the lessons he's learned into books and
seminars for the growing crop of young Christian artist.
Drummer John Herrin (likewise a pastor) has been
instrumental in planning the annual Cornerstone Music
Festival, a chance to apply Rez's emphasis on musical and
spiritual integrity on a broader scale.

And there has been growth in other directions. After 15
years playing bass in the band, Jim Denton has been sent by
JPUSA to pursue theological training at North Park Seminary
in Chicago. Roy Montroy, a long-time friend and songwriter
for the band who authored such REZ classics as "White
Noise", "Crimes" and "2,000", joined in on bass in time to
contribute half the tunes on "Silence Screams".

EDITOR'S NOTE: More on REZ next issue (featuring a review
of their concert and an interview with the bandmembers)

///////////////////////////////////////
          <>REZ ON THE ROAD<>

March 10th    Detroit MI    (call) 313-561-4599
March 18th    Chicago IL    (call) 312-989-2087
March 24th    Bransen, MO   (call) 501-741-1090
March 29th    Washington DC (call) 301-942-1212
March 30th    Greensboro NC (call) 919-855-3636
March 31st    Gainsville, FL (call) 904-373-4440

//////////////////////////////////////

___________________________________
THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE

Editor/Publisher: Diane Gambino

Regional Editorial Contributors:
*New York: Kenneth E. Norian
*Michigan: Thomas E. Zerucha

Radio Services:  Kenneth E. Norian

THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE is copyrighted. All Rights Reserved. No
portion of this magazine can be re-produced electronically
or in any form without special permission of the
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher: Diane Gambino. Download &
duplication permitted for non-commercial use only.
*Opinions expressed in the issue are not necessarily those
of magazine Editor/Publisher. Not responsible for
typographical and/or line noise errors.
Purpose Statement: Ps: 61:2 "Lead me to the 'Rock' that is
higher than I" thru the music that honors Him."
Comments are welcomed. Address to Diane Gambino online: %
Fido net/node 107/139, 107/1000 or % Sysop of this BBS.
Read echoed data base online: Call 914-667-9385.
THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE is a member of the Gospel Music
Association.


 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>in<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>CONCERT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
 
Review of The IN GOD WE TRUST WORLD TOUR at The Palace of Auburn Hills,
Michigan in December 1988.
 
by Tom E. Zerucha
 
This concert was different from the others I have gone to.  For one thing, the
average age here was much younger, though I suspect Stryper appeals to a wider
audience.
 
The group, "Hurricane", a secular group, was the opening act, and a very good
one at that. Their style was not like Stryper's, so it provided a good
contrast. The audience seemed to like this group as well.
 
When Stryper came on, the audience (except for the far edges) were on their
feet immediately and stayed standing throughout the entire concert. The concert
was full of suprises, not the least of which was what was revealed when the
curtain marked with the big question mark was raised to reveal Robert Sweet's
drums. Same thing when the giant $100 bill curtain dropped...and I don't want
to spoil things, except to say you will know who they serve.
 
They played all the songs from their current album, >IN GOD WE TRUST< (Enigma
records), as well as a few of their classics.  Of course they threw Bibles into
the audience, and gave their testimony.  And they rocked hard. Very hard.
 
They will be filming videos for MTV on their stops, but didn't do any that
night.  However, they will be going to each city on their tour twice, so you
can still catch them and they may be filming a video in your town.  If you ever
wonder why this Christian group appeals to secular audiences, just go to a
concert - it is done as well as any other Christian or secular group.
 
If you like Stryper's style of Heavy Metal and ballads, you shouldn't miss this
concert. One caution: Bring your earplugs if you don't like the music 'that
loud' (that loud = being able to hear it halfway across the parking lot!).
--------------------------------------
 
HEAVY METAL GOES TO THE DOVE AWARDS....
 
The nominees in the category of METAL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR are:
 
<>BREAKAWAY; ROSANNA'S RAIDERS, ARTIST; R.D. PALMER, WRITER
<>DANCING ON THE HEAD OF THE SERPENT; JERUSALEM, ARTIST; ULF CHRISTIANSSON,
WRITER
<>ENOUGH IS ENOUGH; WHITECROSS, ARTIST; REX CARROLL, WRITER
<>IN GOD WE TRUST; STRYPER, ARTIST; STRYPER, WRITER
<>SHOUT; SHOUT, ARTIST; KEN TAMPLIN, CHUCK KING, WRITERS
 

 
The nominees in the category of METAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR are:
 
<>HAMMER AND NAIL; REX CARROLL & JOEY POWERS, PRODUCERS; PURE METAL MUSIC
<>IN GOD WE TRUST; STRYPER; STRYPER & MICHAEL LLOYD, PRODUCER; ENIGMA RECORDS
<>IT WON'T BE LONG; SHOUT; KEN TAMPLIN, PRODUCER; FRONTLINE RECORDS
<>ROCK IN A HARD PLACE; BLOODGOOD; TERRY SHELTON, PRODUCERS; FRONTILINE RECORDS
<>SILENCE SCREAMS; REZ BAND; REZ AND TOM CAMERON, PRODUCER; OCEAN GREE RECORDS
-------------------------------------
 
SHOUT RECEIVES SECULAR PUBLICITY
 
SHOUT received secular publicity this past December. It came in the form of
print media when the group's lead singer and guitarist Ken Tamplin, was quoted
in the December issue of >Raw Magazine<. (Raw is the name of an international
heavy metal tabloid based in England). When asked how he viewed this
opportunity, Tamplin said that he "felt God gave me the opportunity to respond
in an intelligent way regarding the historical event of the birth time of our
Lord Jesus Christ and relate that reality to the world."
 
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 
"LISTEN" TO THE MUSIC MAKERS....
 
The following are responses to questions posed to some of the hottest names in
Christian Heavy Metal today.
 
From <=BARREN CROSS=>
 
Q. You've picked the most misunderstood segment of Christian music to carry out
your ministry. How do you feel about those who criticize you?
       
A. (from bandmember Mike Lee) "We've had lots of people coming up to us in
concert telling us about heir life-changing experiences, such as they've gotten
away from substance-abuse because one of our songs, which is "Deadlock". There
are other people who haven't had abortions because of our song. There are a lot
of people who are coming up to use with changed hearts in different areas and
hopeful lives, whereas, before they were really struggling in certain areas.
It's been helping a lot and there is a lot of fruit."
 
Q. Same
 
A. (from bandleader Steve Whitaker) "I had a guy come up to me in Ohio not too
long ago say that he tried to commit suicide. The first time, he didn'T succeed
for some reason--I think God kind of intervened there, but the second time he
was just about ready to do it again to cut his wrist with a razor blade. He had
just gotten our album and played "In The Eye of The Fire" and it totally ust
changed his mind. He felt like he was worth something and that really
ministered to me when he told me that." 

 
From <=BLOODGOOD=>
 
Q. The critics of Christian metal are vocal and often-times hostile. What's
your reaction when the criticism is directed at you?
 
A. (From bandmember Les Carlson) "The best reaction is no reaction, I think, to
the critics. We have a job to do and that is to go out and spring the gospel.
That's what we do and our commander in chief is watching over all of us, making
sure that is being carried out, not some brother across the way. I would just
encourage those that ask that question to spend more time in the trenches
fighting against the enemy than fighting against their own brother."
 
From <=SHOUT=>
 
Q. Your type of ministry has come under fire from many sectors of the Christian
community. How do you respond to those people?
 
A. (From bandmember Ken Tamplin) "I respond with the way I've been instructed
to respond, that's with love. We need to love one another just as Christ loved
the church. Unfortunately, there are a lot of hostile feelings towards people,
in particular in Christian rock and roll music. Frankly, I don't blame them
from whhat they have seen on MTV and what they see in the world. Unfortunately,
due to some lack of understanding, Christian bands don't have that in mind.
They don't have sexual innuendoes in mind. They don't strive to deliberately go
out of their way to cause young people to be involved in drugs or early teenage
pregnancies or suicide. We're doing all we can to minister to young people and
to get them to see that there is a lot more to life than illicit sex and
abortion. We genuinely are making an effort in all that we can to communicate
that to young people. I would appreciate, if people do have a problem with
that, that they would bring it to the Lord."
 
From <=STRYPER=>
 
Q. As a result of the success of >TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL<, did you consider
toning down your message or changing it in any way?
 
A. (From bandmember Robert Sweet) "In some people's eyes, maybe they think we
have toned down our message cause we don't say Jesus in every song. We are just
going about it how we think we should do it. Every song on this record and the
three previous albums all point to Christ in one way or another. We've realized
that you don't have to say Jesus in every song to mean that. We haven't toned
down anything. As a matter of fact, I think coming out saying "In God We Trust"
is pretty bold. I think that's probably the boldest album title we've ever had
as far as standing up for God".
 
(Special thanks to The Benson Co for the interviews.)
 
=====================================
     Ps 61:2

