The Bloody U2

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Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

“The Bloody U2: 1976- 1992”
“BUZZ: Newspaper Article” Feb- Mar 2012 (#12-L)

As St.Patrick’s Day (Ireland is 1 of 4 countries without snakes ie; the legend of St. Patty’s Day) is upon us I decided to cover the most successful Irish Rock Band of All time “U2” born out of a conservative country of 87% Catholics where up until 1979 the sale of contraceptive devices was illegal. 5 school boys met from an ad posted on the wall at Mount Temple Comprehensive School a new cutting edge project allowing Catholics & Protestants to intermix as well as Boys & Girls & no school uniforms. These 5 young men started out as “Feedback” in 1976.

The Players:
Larry; Lawrence Joseph Mullen Jr. (31oct1961 Dublin) started to include “Jr.” to his last name because his father “Sr” kept receiving outrageous bills that Larry “Jr” was failing to pay as he had not seen them, because they were delivered to the wrong address. Mullen hung an ad on the Mount Temple notice board looking for band members. Larry approached fellow student Adam Charles Clayton (13 March 1960 Oxfordshire, UK) because Larry thought Adam looked so cool he had to be in the band.

There were 3 other young men who answered the ad Richard “Dik” Evans & “The Edge” (rumor is nicknamed for the shape of his chin) David Howell Evans (8 Aug 1961 Essex, UK) & Paul David Hewson (10 May 1960 Dublin) “Bono” (rumor has it originally nicknamed ‘Monovox’ Latin for “One Voice”) Bono said in an interview “Irish nicknames are not given to be flattering, much like it’s the Irish way of thinking when you walk by a rich person’s house rather than thinking ‘Someday I’d like to be like that guy’, you tend to think ‘Someday I’ll get even with that bastard” In the fall of 1976 the band change their name to “The Hype” then Dik Evans leaves the band in Mar 1978 to pursue his academics. The band become “U2” in May 1978 the name was suggested by the singer of Irish punk band “The Radiators” Steve Averill.

Accomplishments:
The band scored 16 “Top 40” hits between 1987 & 2009, and 12 studio LPs from 1980- 2009. Back in the olden days bands used to release what was called a 45 Single with the “A-Side” designated as the hit and the “B-Side” as a cast off usually thought to be not good enough to include on the LP. U2 made the best of this situation for their fans by using the “Flip Side” as a way to put out more songs than the standard LP could hold. I have mentioned all the “Non-LP B-Sides” in the paragraphs below, as many of them are quite good.

“Boy” Oct 1980
A great first effort the stands for me are: “I Will Follow” “Out Of Control” & “The Electric Co” the 45 Singles contained the Non-LP B-Side “Things To Make And Do” “11 O’Clock (studio version) & “Touch”. U2 performed a concert at the now famous (First Ave.) “Uncle Sam’s” in Minneapolis on 9 April 1980 it’s been written that the band did an extensive soundcheck in the club working on new material. Years later on 1 May 2001 on the “Elevation Tour” Bono referenced this gig “With a guitar & 3 chords about 20 years later you get good enough to play across the street from where you first played this town” The following day 10 April my friend Dawn D. saw them in Ames, Iowa at The Fillmore (I think it became People’s Bar & Grill) Dawn was able to met the band after the show and got Bono, Edge & Adam to sign a poster for this event, Larry was very sick and waved to her through the bus window.

“October” Oct 1981
The follow up LP, the tunes I like best are: “Gloria” “I Threw A Brick” & “Stranger In A Strangeland”
with the Non-LP B-Sides “Out Of Control (Live ’81)” & “Boy- Girl (Live ’80)” “J. Swallo” and 3 live tracks from Boston, MASS. Mar 1981 “11 O’Clock Tick Tock” “The Ocean” & “Cry- Electric Co.”. It should be noted that Bono, Edge & Mullen had joined the “Shalom Fellowship” a Christian group that led them to question thee rock n roll lifestyle. Edge in particular seemed to have the most problem with choosing between his faith and rock n roll up until the fall of 1981. In 1982 there was a 45 Single released of “A Celebration” & “Trash, Trampoline & the Party Girl”

“War” Feb 1983
My favorite tracks on this one are “Seconds” “Surrender” & “Two Hearts Beat As One” including the Non-LP B- Side “Treasure; what ever happened to Pete the chop” which I do not believe has been released on anything else. While filming the video for “Sunday Bloody Sunday” the film crew used stunt doubles for the band for insurance purposes (rumor has it they used 4 Swedish women)

“Under A Blood Red Sky” Nov 1983
Their breakthrough “Live EP” recorded largely at “Red Rocks” in Morrison, Colorado there was a concert VHS (only) released of this LP containing 4 extra tracks “Surrender” “Seconds” “I Threw A Brick” & “Party Girl”

“Unforgettable Fire” Oct 1984
The stand out songs for me being “A Sort Of Home Coming” “Pride” “MLK” (covered by Joan Baez in 1988)
The 45 contained the Non-LP B-Side “Boomerang 11”. On 13 July 1985 U2 plays a 20 min set at “Live Aid” in London, UK at Wembley Stadium, consisting of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” & “Bad/ RollingStones: medley- Walk on the wildside” the band’s performance had run long and not only do they not get to perform “Pride” the power gets cut to the sound system effectively ending their set.

“Wide Awake In America” May 1985
This EP was released to pacify the fans until the next full LP could be released containing “Bad” “Sort of Homecoming” Live versions & “Three Sunrises” “Love Comes Tumbling” I personally feel “Three Sunrises” is one of the greatest songs U2 ever recorded as well as the Non-LP ‘B-Side’ “Sixty Seconds In Kingdom Come”

“The Joshua Tree” Mar 1987
My favorite’s being “In God’s Country” “Bullet The Blue Sky” & “Trip Through Your Wires”
Releasing 4 singles including the Non-LP B Sides “Luminous Times: hold on to love” “Walk To The Water” “Silver And Gold” “Sweetest Thing” “Spanish Eyes” & “Deep In The Heart” My friend Roscoe saw the band on 20 Oct 1987 in Iowa City, Iowa @ Carver Hawkeye Arena with the opening act “The Bodeans” Bono had his arm in a sling for several weeks before this night.

Roscoe was kind enough to give a tape of the show here’s the set list: “Where the streets have no name” “I will follow” “Trip through your wires” “Still haven’t found what I am looking for” “MLK” “Unforgettable fire” “Exit” “In God’s country” “Sunday bloody Sunday” “Help” “People get ready” “Bad” “October” “New year’s day” “Pride” “Star spangled banner- Bullet the blue sky” “Running to stand still” “With or without you” “40”
Later this year U2 also recorded 2 songs with Robbie Robertson (of “The Band”) on his 1st solo LP 1987 Geffen “Sweet Fire Of Love” & “Testimony”

“Rattle And Hum” Oct 1988
This unusual approach of combining a Live, Studio & Covers LP. Will include the Non-LP B-Sides “Halleluiah Here She Comes” “Dancing Barefoot” “Unchained Melody” & “A Room At The Heartbreak Hotel” and a companion Film with 10 extra songs.The color outdoor footage was filmed in Tempe, AZ. at “Sundevil Stadium” on 19, 20 Dec 1987, 2 of my sisters had tickets to one of these shows and missed out due too excessive tailgating in the parking lot outside (so I am told) ???
Also recorded from this time period was “Jesus Christ” “Christmas; baby please come home)” & “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” and a song for Roy Orbison (1936- 1988) “She’s A Mystery To Me” released in 1989

“Achtung Baby” Nov 1991
The first all new music CD from the band in 4 years, my favorite tracks are 2, 4, & 8 HaHa That’s how it became for us with the CD replacing LPs so that translates to: “Even Better Than The Real Thing” “Until The End Of The World” “Mysterious Ways”
The Non- LP Tracks (as there is no flipside to a CD single): “Alex Descends Into Hell for a Bottle of Milk” “Lady With the Spinning Head (U.V.I.)” “Satellite of Love” “Salome” “Where Did it all Go Wrong?” “Paint it Black” “Fortunate Son” I personally feel “Lady” is one of the best songs from this period as well as “Salome” also recorded earlier in 1990 was Cole Porter’s “Night And Day” for a tribute CD.

“Zoo TV Tour”
I saw U2 on 11 Sep 1992 in Ames, Iowa @ Cyclone Stadium and I supplied a tape of the show to the authors of the book “U2 Live: A Concert Documentary” 1997 Ominbus Press (my entry can be found on page #155) the set list for that night was: “Zoo station” “The Fly” “Even better than the real thing” “Mysterious ways” “One” “Unchained melody” “Until the end of the world” “New year’s day’ “Wild Rover” “Trying to throw your arms” “Angel of Harlem” “When loves comes to town” “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” “Satellite of love” “All I want is you” “Sunday bloody Sunday” “Bullet the blue sky” “Running to stand still” “Where the streets have no name” “Pride” “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” “Desire” “With or without you” “Love is blindness” “Can’t help falling in love” man it was cold that night but we stood there the whole show, there was great stage design.

In conclusion I know I just cover the Irish band “Thin Lizzy” (new boxset due out this year) however I would like to point out I am Irish my Grandmother’s Name ‘Doughty’ and that so few bands come out of Ireland much less achieve international success. So for this St. Patrick’s Day let’s all make a toast to the 4 lads from Mount Temple….

Happy St. Patty’s Day MrZero aka: Rik Doughty

By: R.L.Schwinden

“Mr. Zero’s”
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, Mn. 55113
www.mrzeros.com

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Wheres your Local Section

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Brooklyn Center, MN

Brooklyn Center, MN

“Where’s your ‘Local Section’ ???”

“BUZZ” Article May- Jun 2012 (#15-O)
By; Rik L. Schwinden aka MrZero

As some of you know I own a Local Used Music Shop Mr. Zero’s” in St. Paul. What you may not know is my Dad, Dr. W. A. ‘Bill’ Schwinden Jr. grew up in St. Cloud. When I was a kid in Sioux City, Iowa my Dad had a record LP in his drum practice room “The Trashmen: “Surfin Bird” with one guys face blacked out and my Dad wrote his name ‘Billy’ over the person’s head. When I asked him about this he replied “Well, I toured with them in ’63, when the drummer hurt his hand” I asked “Are you on this record?” he explained “I was told some of the shows I did with them were recorded for a live album”
At that time in the Fall 1972 when I asked my Dad about this album he was the drummer in the Local band “The Boyz (from Sioux City)” with Keyboardist, Vocalist Merle Pithan which evolved into the “Lazy Day Band” and then finally “BoneSteel” Years later when I was living in Mesa, AZ. with my Dad’s brother Mike, he confirmed this story. I was first introduced to music by my Aunt Debby in 1964 her favorite band was “Dave Clark 5” later in 1966 I saw The Monkees TV show. It was these 3 incidents that shaped my life and lead me to work in the music biz in one form or another since 1980. So in honor of the 9th year of my Dad’s passing I am going to cover some of the “Local” bands I get asked for the most from the past 13 years, since I have been back in “Twin Cities”

“The Trashmen” 1963- 1968
Steve Wahrer: Drums, Vocals, Tony Andreason: Guitar, Dan (Dal) Winslow: Vocals & Guitar & Bob Reed: Bass first recorded as “Jim Thaxter & the Travelers” they released a 45 Single “Sally Jo”/”Cyclone”. The band did release 1 studio LP “Surfin Bird” in 1964 Garrett #LFGA-200 with 12 songs containing 2 originals. As well as 8 singles between 1963- 1968 of these 6 were on Garrett, 1 on Tribe #8315 “Same Lines”/ “Hangin On Me” the last one on Metromedia #7927 “Green, Green Backs Of Home/ Address Enclosed” They had a #4 hit with “Surfin Bird” in Jan1964 & #30 with “Bird Dance Beat” Mar1964.

“The (hot)Half Dozen” 1966
James “Owl” Walsh: Vocals & Keyboards this band released 2 singles in 1966 “The Angels Listened In/ Heat Wave” Soma #1453 and then “Angels”/ “Another Day” later in 1966 on Dunwich. Walsh eventually joined up with several members of ‘The Underbeats’ and went on to form “Gypsy” in L.A.

“The Underbeats” 1964- 1966
The 1964 line-up was Jim Johnson: Guitar & Vocals, Ray Berg: Guitar, Rod Eaton: Drums & Doni Larson: Bass The 1965 line-up Enrico “Rico” Rosenbaum: Guitar & Vocals, Tom Nystrom:Drums & Vocals. This band did not release an LP however did release 4 singles; 1964 Garrett #4004 “Foot Stompin/ Route 66” and 2 in 1965 Soma #1449 “Darling Lorraine/ Book Of Love” Soma #1458 “I Can’t Stand It? Shake It For Me” & 1967 Twin Town #706 “Our Love/ JoJo Gunn” the joined forces with Owl Walsh and became “Gypsy”

“Gypsy” 1969- 1978
James “Owl” Walsh: Keyboards & Vocals (from the “Half Dozen”), Enrico “Rico” Rosenbaum: (1944 Italy- 10sep1979) Vocals & Guitar, James C. Johnson: Guitar, Doni Larson: Drums & Jay Epstein: Drums released their 1st LP was in 1970 on Metromedia #M2D-1031 their 1st 45 single is released from this LP & charted at #64 Jan1971 the 1970 Metromedia “Gypsy Queen / Dead And Gone”. Their 2nd LP “In The Garden” released in July 1971 also on Metromedia #KMD-1044 however with the addition of these new band members: Willie Weeks: Bass, Joe Lala: Percussion & Bill Lordan: Drums. Walsh told me “We hated that album cover, the label put it together while we were on tour, with no input from us” For their 3rd release the band are signed to major label RCA . This was released in 1972, “Antithesis” #LSP-4775 the band has yet a new Bass Player in Randy Cates a 45 single is released form this LP “Day After Day/ Lean On Me”. Their 4th and final release as “Gypsy” was in 1973 also on RCA “Unlock The Gates” with the addition on the Horn Section from the band ‘Chicago’ James Pankow: Trombone, Walter Parazaider: Saxophone & Lee Loughnane: Trumpet.
There is a 5th LP release under the moniker “James Walsh Gypsy Band” in 1978 #AFL1-2914 with the line-up; James Walsh, Richard Jorgensen: Trumpet, Jim Behringer: Guitar, Scott Fronsoe: Bass, Deone Johnson: Flugelhorn, Todd Hansen: Trombone, Bob Jones: Guitar & Ernie LaViolette: Drums. When ‘Mr. Zero’s’ article ran in “City Pages” Feb 2011 James Walsh called us up and asked if we would like to carry “Gypsy’s” product, naturally we leaped at the opportunity. Well in March 2011 James”Owl” Walsh came in himself and dropped off their product to sell. We took some pictures and James signed some albums for the shop. I have seen “Gypsy” twice in 2011 March & October, they have a few more members and not too many are original members , but man do they sound great !!! If you get the chance check them out !!!
http://www.citypages.com/2011-02-09/music/mr-zero-s-pop-culture-heaven

“The Castaway’s” 1962- 1967
Are; Bob Folschow: Vocals, Guitar, Jim Donna: Organ, Roy Hensley: Guitar & Vocals, Dick Roby: Bass & Denny Craswell: Drums The band did not release an LP while they were together from 1962- 1967 however they did release 3 singles in 1965; Bear #2000 “Feel So Fine”/ “Hit The Road Jack” Soma #1433 “Liar, Liar” (Charted #12 Oct1965)/ “Sam” & Soma #1442 “Goodbye Babe”/ “A Man’s Gotta Be A Man” Later Craswell went on to be the drummer of : “CROW”
Summer of 2013 we were lucky enough to have Jim Donna Autograph a 45 to the Shop “2 Low 4 Zero”

“Crow” 1969- 1972
Consists of; Dave Wagner: Vocals, Dick Wiegand: Guitar, Larry Wiegand: Bass, Kink Middlemist: Organ & Denny Craswell: Drums Their 1st LP 1969 Amaret “Crow Music” their 2nd LP 1970 Amaret “Crow by Crow” the band’s 3rd release 1971 Amaret “Mosaic” and then “Best Of” 1972 Amaret Records #AST-5012 (MGM) and finally “Before the Storm” on K-Tel. ‘Crow’ also released 8 singles from 1969- 1972 the 1st being “Evil Woman don’t you play no games with me” as recorded by Black Sabbath as their 1st 45 Single found on their UK pressings only, and left off the US pressings. Dave Wagner now living in Phoenix regularly comes back to Minnesota in the summer and performs as “Crow”.

“Cain” 1976- 1978
Jiggs Lee: (later of ‘Fragile’ fame) Vocals, Dave Elmeer: Bass, Lloyd Forsberg: Guitar & Kevin DeRemer: Drums The band had 2 vinyl releases in “A Pound of Flesh” in 1975 the cover of this LP was added to the “Top Most Offensive Album Covers List” & “Stinger” in 1976 on ASI #214. In their prime Forsberg was considered to be the next Jimmy Page. Jiggs would go on to front “Fragile” Kevin DeRemer married Melissa Manchester (“Don’t Cry Out Loud” and relocated to L.A. Zac & I were able to catch Jiggs & Elmeer in MPLS. fall 2011.

“Lamont Cranston Band” 1976- Current
First of all there is NO Person named “Lamont” this band. They have released 12 Albums from: 1976- 2001 on Shadow, Waterhouse, RCA, Attic, Atomic Theory, Cold Wind & Oarfin Records. They are as follows “Self Titled” 1976 & “Specials- Lit” 1977 Shadow Records Vinyl LP. “El Cee Notes” 1978 Water House Records “Up From The Alley” 1980 Attic. “Bar Wars” 1981, “Shakedown” 1981, “Last Call” 1984 “Measure of Time” 1986 all on Waterhouse Records The 12″ Single ‘Hot Track’ has a 3D Cover. Later titles are; “Blues Band” 1996 , “Roll With Me” 1997 both on Atomic Theory, “Tiger In Your Tank” 1999 & “Live” 2001 The 1976 Line-up was Pat Hayes: Vocals & Harmonica, Larry Hayes: Guitar, Bruce McCabe: Keyboards, Tom Burnevik: Saxophone, Joe Chandler: Saxophone, Joe Sheroman: Bass & Jim Novak: Drums. By 1980 newer members were Billy Shiell: Trumpet, Charlie Bingham: Guitar, Mick Mazoff: Bass & Dick Perna: Saxophone.

“Daisy Dillman Band” 1978
Here again there is NO Person named “Daisy” this band had 1 LP in 1978 United Artists UA-LA838-G ($6.98 list price) Vinyl LP
9 songs on the album 6 Originals. In the Country Rock vein, kind of like ‘Charlie Daniels’ or ‘Ozark Mountain Daredevils’
The Band: Steve (Feagan) Solmonson: Vocals & Guitar, Pat Frederick: Vocals & Violin, Steve (Styme) Seamans: Vocals & Bass, Michael Wolf: Vocal & Piano & Dan Flaherty:Drums. Just performed a show Sat 7 April 2012 @ ‘Famous Dave’s’ in Uptown, MN.

“DVC” 1981- 1982
Though 3 members are from Iowa the band formed in Minneapolis they had the Vinyl LP ‘DVC’ 1981 Alpha Records AAB-11005
10 songs on the album, 6 Originals including a cover of “Teaser” by: Tommy Bolin & a 1980 cover by: Le Roux “Let Me Be Your Fantasy” The band was: John (Johnnie) Bolin:(17 Aug 1954 Sioux City, Iowa) Drums, Rob Forest: (Des Moines, Iowa) Vocals & Guitar, John Bartle: (22 Oct 1950 Sioux City, Iowa) Vocals & Guitar & Max Padilla: (NYC) Vocals & Bass. DVC recorded a 2nd album in 1982 that has yet to be officially released “DVC II” the track listing: Post Toastee, Crash Landing, Nobody Wins, Right Between The Eyes, One More Time, Rock N Roll Women, Tonight, Up To You, I Want Your Body.
There are several “Live” Recordings circulating of “DVC” 2 from MN. & the 2nd to last show ever from Iowa. Before this band evolved from the MPLS. Band “The Penetrators” with David (Ducharme) Jones & Rick Reed, sometime in 1980. Earlier than that John Bartle was in “The Jan Park Band” in 1979 on Columbia Records #JC-35484 Bartle left to form “The Penetrators”.
In 1996 Bolin & Bartle reunited to become “Chill Factor” and released the CD “Some Like It Cold” on Antipreneur Records.
As of today Johnnie Bolin has been the drummer in Black Oak Arkansas since 1988. Bolin & Bartle still perform together regularly as the “Bartle Bolin Blues Project”

“Dare Force” 1982- 1989
Local Heroes Brian Bart: Guitar, Keyboards & Vocals, John O’Neil: Lead Vocals & Guitar, Brian Lorenson: Bass, Mark Miller: Drums and then in 1983 Johnnie Bolin replaced Mark Miller who was suffering from back problems. The band’s 1st release is a Cassette in 1983 on Blasto Warehouse Records 10 songs all originals. Their 2nd is an EP on Vinyl “Makin Our Own Rules” 1985 DME Records#224-949 contains 4 songs all originals a CD was later released in 2005 on Metal Mayhem Music #MM-00057 containing 20 tracks.
After the band split John O’ Neil & Johhnie Bolin formed “Rouge’s Gallery” sometime in 1987. Brian Bart released a solo Cassette in 1987 “Future Vision” on Logic Recordings #2630 with Johnnie Bolin. Sometime in 1988 David Reece was added as a lead vocalist then Reese went on to sing for ‘Accept’ for 1989’s “Eat the Heat”. The band reformed and then released the CD “Fire Power” in 1989 on Logic Records adding Karl Young: Lead Vocals, Dean Vallecillo: Bass & Paul Peterson: Drums. Currently 2 members O’Neil & Lorenson are “The Wayward Boyz Club”

“Jesse Brady” 1982
I am uncertain why most Minnesota bands do this but, there is NO person named “Jesse”. This band had 1 LP 1982 Beta Records 505 Vinyl LP 11 songs on the album 8 Originals. The Band: Frosty Atkinson: Guitar & Vocals, Brian Dynes: Guitars & Vocals, Jeff Hauschildt: Drums, John McKenzie: Keyboards & John Wellvang: Bass

“Boy Elroy” 1983
A St. Paul Punk Band with J. Shapira: Guitar, Eric Bergland: Bass & Tim Rowe: Drums released an LP “This Is Not Art” 1983 His Boy Records #001 with 16 songs. When Mr. Zero’s article ran in “Vita.Mn” June 2011 Eric Bergland Emailed me commenting on how he was flattered I used their LP in our photo section, cool eh ?
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vita.mn%2Fstory.php%3Fid%3D123460594&ei=xYexT5ToNMeugweS96yyCQ&usg=AFQjCNHYlSbLf9R8NQD-VjB5dmwx3NzFsw

“Urban Guerrillas” 1983-
Consisted of Larry Sahagian: Guitar & Vocals, David Loy: Guitar, Larry Abitz: Bass & John Hewitt: Drums, they released “Darwin’s Theory Of Pelvic Revolution” in 1983 on Camouflage Records containing 9 songs. As well as “Attack of the Pink Heat Seeking Moisture Missiles” and “Another View”

“Nitro Brothers” 1984
A MN. New Wave band with Mike: Guitar Keyboards & Vocals, Nick: Guitar, Jon: Bass & Ozzy: Drums released 1 LP in 1984 “Naked” on Stickface Records #2000 consisting of 6 all original songs.

“Banther” 1988
Local Rock band with the members being Stevie Gerard: Vocals, Johnny Mac: Drums, Dusk: Guitars, D’Paul: Guitars & Keyboards & Mark Haynes: Bass released 1 LP in 1988 “Raw Entertainment” Raw City Records #RCLP- 9960 consisting of 8 songs. Johnny Mac is a frequent customer of ‘Mr. Zero’s’

“Jesus Chrysler” 2000- Current
St. Paul Rock Legends are; Bakko: Vocals & Guitar, Treble: Guitar, Duffy: Drums & Knuckles: Bass however in 2011 Christian Howard Shores replaced him on Bass. Currently they are working on a 4th double CD they have released 3 CDs “Ride” #NBLP-7001 & “Intake” NBLP-7004 in 2001 and “Burn Out” NBLP-7011 in 2002 all on Sixpack Records. “Jc” was kind enough to write and record the “Mr. Zero’s Theme” for us, that we have used in our Commercials and Radio Ads on AM 5.40 WXYG & Rockin 101. I was lucky enough that “Jc” asked me to be part of their project “The Minnesota Un-Stars Tribute” ‘Born To Raise Hell’ released Sep 2011.

Yes of course there is Vixen, Prince, The Revolution, The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Husker Du, Meat Puppets, Atmosphere, The Suburbs, Alexander O’Neal, Howler, Impaler, Attica, Inflict, Flipp, Jonny Lang, Rockin Horse & The Tractorz… however my Co-Worker ‘Lemon’ was suppose to write up something on them, hopefully next time….yea, and Cheers to Zac Plese for his work on “Cain”.

Until the next time “Get Your Fix @ Mr.Zero’s”
By: R.L.Schwinden aka MrZero

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Thin Lizzy 1968 to 1986

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

“Cocky Rocky, the rock and roll star”

Thin Lizzy: 1970 -1983
By: R.L.Schwinden aka MrZero
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article Nov- Dec 2011 (#9-I)

Thin Lizzy, what do you think of when this name comes to mind ??? Yea, sure “Boys are Back in Town” or maybe the only Black- Irishman Lead Singer, well there is way more to this band that that… 13 studio LPs, and a myriad of guitarists, and a load of changes.
First of all the name is pronounced “Tin Lizzy” after the comic-book character called “Tin Lizzie” from the comic “The Beano” as well as is also the nickname for the Ford Model ‘T’

*From the Trouble City…1969
It began in Dec 1969 when 2 lads from Belfast, Eric Robin Bell (3 Sep 1947 Belfast, Ire) on Guitar & Eric Wrixon (29 Jun 1974 Belfast) on Keyboards met 2 lads from Dublin; Philip Parris Lynott (20 August 1949 – 4 January 1986 Staffordshire, UK) of an Afro- Guyanese Father & an Irish Mother, on Vocals & Bass, he was tall and lean and he strummed his bass like a guitar player & Brian Michael Downey (27 Jan 1951 Dublin, Ire) on Drums. Now the fact that 2 lads from Northern Ireland hooked up with 2 lads from Dublin is a feat within itself considering the “IRA” conflict was in full bloom at this time.

*First 3, Decca Years…. 1970- 74
The band released it’s 1st 45 on EMI in Jul 1970,”The Farmer”/”I Need You”, now Wrixon left before the band recorded it’s first LP. Released Apr 1971 “Self Titled” the band signed to Decca released an EP “New Day” in Aug 1971 followed by “Shades of a Blue Orphanage” in Mar 1972. In an unlikely twist the band was asked to record an LP of ‘Deep Purple’ Covers under the name “Funky Junction” released in Jan 1972. In late ’72 saw the release of the band’s “Whiskey in the Jar” this reached #6 and lead to a “Top of the Pops” performance. Their 4th official LP “Vagabonds in the Western World came out in Sep 1973, Guitarist Bell left after a New Year’s Eve Gig due to ill health. Early 1973 guitarist Gary Moore (Robert William Gary Moore 4Apr 1952 Belfast, Ire- 6 Feb 2011 Moore died of a heart attack due to champagne and hoagie sandwich) joined the band to help finish up a tour and begin work on their 4th LP “Nightlife” in Nov 1972 Moore left in Apr 1974. The band hired 2 temporary guitarists John Cann & Berliner Andy Gee to finish up the rest of the tour.

*Messenger of Fate, Mercury years… 1975- 77
Now this is where it gets Great !!!! Lynott & Downey hired 2 new guitarists Brian David Robertson (12 Sep 1956 Renfrewshire, Scotland) & William “Scott” Gorham (17 Mar 1951 Glendale, Ca.) with a new record label Mercury, they release their 5th LP “Fighting” the 2nd using Robertson & Gorham. Thin Lizzy then unleashes their biggest success on 26 Mar 1976 “Jailbreak” is released (Fu Manchu released a great cover of this song in 1998) Stand out tracks to me are: “Emerald” & “Warriors” Robertson & Gorham had honed their patented duel guitar sound. Oct 1976 saw the release of what I consider their finest work “Johnny the Fox” the tracks I feel are the best “Rocky” “Boogie Woogie Dance” “Johnny” & “Don’t Believe a Word” this song caused some tension between Lynott & Robertson over writing credits. As well as Robertson sustained some damage to his hand in a bar fight so the band brought back Gary Moore for a 2nd time for a 1977 US Tour. In May 1977 the band records “Bad Reputation” as a trio with some help from Robertson and releases in Sep. 1977 songs I really enjoy “Killer without a Cause” & “Dear Lord” Thin Lizzy head lines the “Leeds Festival” in the UK.

*London is very Dangerous… 1978 -79
In Jun 1978 Thin Lizzy gets a new label puts out “Live and Dangerous” like many live albums of it’s day there is controversy over how much is actually live. This same year Lynott records “Daddy Rollin Stone” with former ‘New York Dolls’ Johnny Thunders. Gary Moore comes back for a 3rd and final time.The band tour Australia & New Zealand without Brian Downey who cited “fatigue” as his reason to stay home. Mark Nauseef (11 Jun 53 NYC) took his place on drums there is a DVD of this tour. In Apr 1979 the band release the 1st full LP with Gary Moore “Black Rose:A Rock Legend” stands outs: “Róisí Dubh” “My Sarah” & “Got to Give it Up” Unfortunately Moore left for the last time in Jul 1979. James “Midge” Ure (10 Oct 1953 Lanarkshire, Scotland) was brought in to take Moore’s place temporarily.

*Into the 80s brother… 1980 -81
While the Band was recording their new LP Lynott released a solo LP in Sep 1980 “Solo in Soho”. Thin Lizzy picked Snowy White (Terrance Charles White 3 Mar 1948 Barnstaple UK) Gorham had seen White playing with Pink Floyd and asked him to join. Also joining in 1980 was Darren Leigh Wharton (24 Dec 1962 Lancashire, UK) on keyboards. “Chinatown” was released Oct 1980 with “Killer on the Loose” charting because of the controversy of Peter Stucliffe aka the Yorkshire Ripper. The band went on tour for the very last time in the US. In 1981 Lynott & the band started working on songs for what would be Lynott’s 2nd solo LP and the band’s next LP tentatively titled the “Trouble Boys” and a single was released of the song in Apr 1981 however the name was dropped and changed before the LP came out. Thin Lizzy head lined the “Slane Castle” concert on 16 Aug 1981 and the next LP “Renegade” came out Nov 1981. I personally feel this was again one of the band’s finest hours stand out tracks include: “Hollywood” “Mexican Blood” “Angel of Death” .

*Do You Believe This To Be True…1982 -83
In 1982 the band was suffering from some issues. Lynott releases his 2nd solo LP in Sep 1982 “Philip Lynott Album” with some of the other band members contributing to this LP. White leaves the band in Aug 1982 stating, frustration from disorganization within the band. Sep 1982 Lynott hires former “Tigers of Pan Tang” guitarist John James Sykes (29 Jul 1959 Berkshire, UK) the band now revitalized and heading in a “heavy metal” direction records and releases their final LP “Thunder and Lightning” in Mar 1983 stand out tracks for me “Bad Habits” “Holy War’ “Sun Goes Down” a -farewell tour followed although it was not accepted to be the last, all former guitarists showed up and played various songs though out the tour, the exception being White. Concerts were recorded and a final “Live” album was released. The last 2 shows performed by the band were the “Reading Festival’ 28 Aug 1983 & “Monsters of Rock” in Nuremberg 4 Sep 1983 before they disbanded.

Phil Lynott died on 4 Jan 1986 in the hospital due multiple organ failure from excessive drug usage. Some of the members of the band “Nazareth” had said in an interview; “The only rock star we saw, who came close to the excessive (drug) usage of Tommy Bolin, was Phil Lynott”
“He’s a rebel, that has fallen down”.

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Game of Shadows 2011 Sherlock Holmes

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“Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows” 2011 Warner Brothers

“LOST MY STUB” Review Jan 2012 (MZ: #D-4)

Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris, Noomi Rapace & Rachel McAdams

I was asked recently “Why, don’t review newer films in theaters” So here we go, fans
Now ordinarily I do not see films like this, however in this case I went with an
extremely attractive, intelligent, humorous blond lady !!! So as you might Imagine I was happy to go…

Where do we begin, lets start with Robert Downey Jr. well I can never really get past his (real life) performance in “Less Than ZERO” as well as when my Dad, Dr. W.A. Schwinden Jr. was the on site Psychotherapist for a certain California Penal Institution, his very first patient was in fact none other than Mr. Robert Downey Jr. and how Downey’s real life antics mirror his on screen characters. But !!! here’s a guy who truly gets better with age.

As I mentioned this kind of film is not really may bag, you dig. However I enjoyed it. I have been told most Guy Ritchie films are kind of done in the same theme, view forward, the scene happens in slow motion, and the a rewind. Which I personally feel is essential to this film, the viewer gets a look into the mind of Sherlock, what he sees and an idea of how he thinks… I am on the fence about Holmes disheveled look in this film and his fringe of madness attitude. I was captivated by Moriarty I feel this part was played beautifully by Harris. I think there’s enough for everybody, drama, comedy, action, intrigue & mystery. I am not too drawn to Rapace, however I find McAdams, smashing !!! There a great scene with McAdams and Holmes brother…

In closing, if I can enjoy a film that I know is really not my thing, then that’s a good film. I give it a 3 Stars.

Until the next time….MrZero

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Spirit of 76

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“The Spirit of ’76” 1990 Castle Rock

“Lost My Stub (.Com)” review Feb 2012 (MZ: #F-6)

David Cassidy, Olivia D’Abo, Leif Garrett & Jeff & Steve McDonald

Here we go fans, another installment sent in by “Mr. Zero’s” fan Wes S. my 2nd review of the new year, it’s 2012, yo… !
I had not heard of this film until recently given to me. As many of my close friends know I am a huge “Partridge Family” fan, as David Cassidy is in this I had to see it, as well as the McDonald brothers of the band “REDD KROSS”.

I found the acting to be over the top, but that’s what this dumb comedy needed, and I like Cassidy, even though he can be at times a one- trick pony, but the McDonald Brothers really shine in this film. Check out the out-takes at the end Cassidy “What’s this?” McDonald “Spam” and Olivia… from “Wonder Years” my God this is a fine looking woman, but what I like best is her overbite, cute & sexy (no joke fans) and Garrett well he is solely a No trick pony .

The premise is in the future everything is gray and bleak because the original constitution of the USA was lost in the past . Cassidy a non-conformist is building a time machine, is asked by the government to use it to go back to 1776 and recover the lost document. Here’s where the plot thickens, something goes wrong and they end up in 1976, oh man who could have guessed it, right ??? Let the Shenanigans begin !!! Well being a Pop Culture Historian I can tell you at times it is slightly inaccurate, but not enough to ruin the period piece. I love the color and the style myself (although I realize it is not for everyone).

Some of the music I can do without, the only people who really like Disco, were not around when it was popular the first time. There is a soundtrack CD on Rhino Records, if you’re curious. Oh yea ‘REDD KROSS’ is really good too “Third Eye” 1990 Atlantic & “Phaseshifter” 1993 TWU I strongly recommend for your retro listening enjoyment !!! As far as David Cassidy songs I recommend “I’ll Meet You Halfway” “No Bridge I Wouldn’t Cross” “Ricky’s Tune” “Summer Days” & “Rainmaker” and the list goes on and on…(shut up Bakko)

An honorable mention to Liam O’Brien as Rodney Snodgrass he did a great job, everybody knows a NERD like this and everybody can’;t stand him… O’Brien did a great job, it was however his only film. Boo…? Cheers to Wes for bringing me this film gem, If you like stupid time period comedies then here’s one for you, I myself liked it and will give it 3 out of 5 “Peace Signs”
Until the next time… Mr Zero
can be found @ www.mrzero.com & “fb” & ‘MySpace’ & ‘Twitter’ & ‘Yelp’

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Foolin Around 1980

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“Foolin’ Around” 1980 Embassy
Annette O’Toole, Gary Busey, Tony Randall, William H. Macy & Cloris Leachman (30 April 1926 Des Moines, Iowa)
“Lost My Stub” review Aug 2012 (MZ: #M-13)

I first saw this film on HBO when I was in hIGH CRUel in Sioux City. It was a momentous occasion for me as that’s when I fell madly in love with Annette O’Toole. I had seen her in “The Partridge Family” 1971 “Up a Pair Tree” but I was too young to notice her then. And then, came “Foolin Around” and later on “Cat People” 1982 & “Cross My Heart’ 1987. To me she is the perfect woman, thank God she married a good man like Michael McKean in 1999 someone I admire and worthy of her talents. I have searched for years for a woman like Annette, (I actually found one in Aug 2005 at my friend Josh’s wedding)

Here’s the irony, this was filmed locally here in the Twin Cities, at the old Met Stadium during a Vikings game & at the Cathedral in St. Paul (Rules) !!! This is a very basic boy meets girl story. Wes (Busey), a good ole boy from Texas, meets Susan (O’Toole) a Rich Girl, at a collage testing facility. Wes is quite taken with Susan and sets out to date her except Susan is engaged to Whitley (Calvin) a Rich, Condescending, Snob (aren’t they all). So let the shenanigans begin. There are some great moments in the film. Like the “Testing” scene, Wes’s revenge on the Book Crook, Radall’s portrayal of the Butler. All the bad things that happen to Whitley (not enough bad things as far as I am concerned) How Wes loses the thugs in the chase.

Unfortunately it’s all very unrealistic as the good ole boy NEVER gets the girl, as true love does not prevail. In real life the girl chooses Money everytime. just like the scene where Daggett (Albert) prefers Wes to Whitley and wants his Granddaughter to end up with the “Good Ole Boy”, But that’s why there are movies like this to escape reality, and imagine that love does conquer all and the nice guy does end up with the gal !!! My thanks to Tina for digging up this gem for me. Thanks to Josh for getting married and having Mac sing at your wedding so I could met her. Thanks to Mac for being the “Total Package” & My Thanks to Annette O’Toole for being so beautiful and perfect.

Until the next time …. MrZERo aka RLSchwinden

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Yellow Submarine 1968

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"Yellow Submarine"

“Yellow Submarine”

“Yellow Submarine” 1968 Nov. King Features

“Lost My Stub” Review June 2012 (MZ: #K-11)

Paul Angelis, John Clive, Dick Emery, Geoffery Hughes, Lance Percival & The Beatles

Hello, Hello it’s good to be back again !!!

This time ’round I am going to cover 1 of my favorite Cartoon Movies from when I was a kid in Sioux City. It seems to me this film used to play a lot around Halloween. I remember 1 tragic year, this film was playing and my parents had me decide between carving pumpkins and watching “Yellow Submarine” unfortunately I chose making a “Jack O Lantern” that year. Bummer.

Well this is quite timely for 2 reasons. Number 1 the newest re-release of this film 29 May 2012 (my Bday) It was previously released on DVD in 1999 Apple with a revised CD & LP “Songtrack” and VHS in 1987 MGM.

And the other ?!?!?!? Thanks to my long time friend Billy S. he got me to go to “SpringCon” last month in May 2012. There I accidentally ran into my 2nd Favorite Artist Of All Time !!! Jose Delbo (9 Dec 1933 Argentina) Who Was One of the artists who drew the characters for: “Yellow Submarine” Jose being of Italian descent, I drummed up my best Italian I have not used in about 20 years (Grazie Elena & Grace) and asked him if he would create his interpretation of our mascot “MrZero” in the style of “The Yellow Sub” characters. So He Did And Here It Is: This is the crowning achievement in my career !!! (Note: my 1st is Peter Max)

Onto the film, my friend Billy said “I don’t get ?” I replied “What?” You see there’s this magical place under the sea called “Pepperland” and everything’s cool there. Then the “Blue Meanies” who could represent a variety of things, School, Government, negative people… etc. well the “Blue Meanies” hate everything and want to take over and turn everything into a drag, see ? So “Young Fred” is sent out to find help… instead he finds “Ringo” well they start off on a journey back to “Pepperland” then they stubble across “Jeremy Hilary Boob PhD” (Nowhere Man) who I feel represents all of “NERDS” everywhere who feel lonely & out of place with the rest of the world. And sooooo The Beatles, Young Fred & Nowhere Man venture back to “Peppeland” and over throw the “Blue Meanies” with Music & Love !!!! Yay !!!!

The ad for this film was great (Thanks again Wes) it informs you “4 new Beatles songs, see 5 new colors & 30 words you’ve never heard before !” The soundtrack for the film is great !!! However the Original LP has 1 side of Beatles music, the other side is the George Martin instrumental score for the film. The 1999 “Songtrack” has 15 songs with 4 from “Sgt.Pepper’s” and 5 from other LPs, yet used in the film. A wonderful Beatles listing experience !!!

Here’s the catch… if you do not like The Beatles or Psychedelic art, well then you’re out of luck !!!

Love is all you need…. MrZero (RLSchwinden)

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Prometheus 2012

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“Prometheus” 2012 Brandywine
Michael Fessbender, Noomi Rapace ,Charlize Theron & Idris Elba

“Lost My Stub” review July 2012 (MZ: #L-12)

Here we go, I saw a preview for this film back in December 2011 (with an amazing Blond Lady), and I hoped I lived long enough to see it. And I did, I loved this film so much I went twice, 2 days in a row !! So now I just got word I have a small part in an upcoming local film scheduled to come out in May 2013 (Thanks Dir. Mihm) so now, I view films in a completely different light. Let us begin;

Wow… I just loved it, however, my friend Perry L. said after our viewing “I don’t get it … ?”

From the beginning when the ‘Engineer’ sacrifices himself to create mankind, to where the scientists sower the Earth in search of man’s origins. Especially The Robot “David” (Fessbender) was played superbly, I was just drawn to this character, what a fantastic job, and when David informs Dr. Holloway “Because they could” a perfect cinematic moment.

An interesting, albeit not a new idea, when Weyland (Pearce) cryogenically freezes himself so he can ‘Live Forever’ poses the question “Why” after a certain amount of time, one would think they have experienced all there is to do in life, even IF you do not believe in the ‘Here After’ or a higher power.

‘Vickers’ Ice Maiden played exceptionally well by Theron, the only thing she really cares about is power & financial gain, so much so she thinks nothing much of a ‘physical encounter’ with ‘Janek’. They even threw music nerds, like me a bone, by ‘Janek’ referencing Stephen Stills & “Love the One You’re With” #24 hit in Jan 1971

Although towards the end when Dr. Shaw (Rapace) seems indestructible, like Tom Cruise in every film he’s ever done, it seemed to get over the top. ‘Shaw’ gets impregnated with an Alien, has a caesarian operation, hikes though the Temple, escapes a crashing spaceship by out running the crash, fights an “Engineer” and wins, then hikes out of the crashed ship … Com’on. Anyways … this is a rare cinematic case where I was actually angry when the film was over and I will have to wait 2 years to see the follow up. I would love to see Sigourney Weaver in the next film but I will understand if she is not. I myself can not wait for the follow up.

Until the next time …MrZer0

Rik @ “Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113

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3:10 to Yuma 2007

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“3:10 to Yuma” 2007 TreeLine
Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Ben Foster & Gretchen Mol

“Lost My Stub” review May 2012 (MZ: #J-10)

Many do not realize this is a re-make of a 1957 Film starring Glenn Ford & Van Heflen.
So let me start off with, I do not like Christian Bale, But I Love his Character; Dan Evans in this film. Here is a Man that would be lost in this day and age, family man, honest with the utmost in integrity. A simple Rancher, who is a Civil War Vet, who is just trying to make an honest living to support his wife & 2 boys that he loves and desires to keep their respect for him.

Having lived in Arizona and the fact most of my family still lives there, I can verify it is still quite a different place to live with a different attitude, partially due to the fact it was the last of the original 48 states to join the Union in 1912, no less.

There are so many multifaceted aspects of this film, for example;
A. Charlie Prince’s” devotion to Ben Wade to the point of unrequited semi homosexual love.

B. Dan Evans honest to a fault undeterred to ‘Do the right thing’ and his love and devotion to his family

C. The incredulous anger of “Shiny Shoes” Butterfield that Ben Wade has robbed the Southern Pacific 21 times and continues to elude justice.

D. The determination of McElroy, a man of somewhat questionable morale’s, to finally get Ben Wade, seemingly more out of spite than justice.

E. Ben Wade’s ultimate respect for Dan Evans that he kills his own side-kicks, because they killed such a man of integrity.

And lastly these unbelievably memorable quotes (that I can personally relate to) from Dan Evans;
“I’ve been standing on one leg for the last three years waiting for God to answer”
“No one could think any less of me”
“I am not stubborn, my boy had tuberculosis, that’s why I stay on a dying ranch”

Although I will admit I am a little biased, because I do love Westerns to begin with. Such as “Outlaw Josey Wales” “Good, Bad & The Ugly” “Hang Em High” “Joe Kidd” “Pale Rider” “Unforgiven” “Magnificent Seven” “100 Rifles” “Bandolero” “Guns Of Diablo” etc. This is still a great film.

Until our next installment… make some Popcorn for me: MrZero (R.L.Schwinden)

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Phantom Menace 1999 Star Wars

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“Star Wars: Phantom Menace” Episode One 1999 20th Century Fox
Starring: Ray Park, Ahmed Best, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman & Jake Lloyd
“Lost My Stub .Com” Review April 2012 (MZ: #I-9)
By: RLSchwinden aka MrZero

Welcome Home Fans…

Recently, I was asked by the most beautiful and talented lady I have ever met, (a fiery red head named Heather of The Charlson Trio) if I was interested in seeing the 3D re-release of this Star Wars film, well I am no fool so naturally I said “Yes”. So off we went to a theatre in W. Des Moines, Iowa.(my former home of 14 years).

Now I had seen this film in the theatre when it first came out back in 1999. At the time I laughed at my Co-Worker Eggley for waiting in line over night. I thought it was ok, I did think even back then, it was a carefully planned strategic, franchised business venture. This was written with something for everyone, Queen Amidala as a female heartthrob, Ewen MacGregor for the young girls.

Darth Maul for the horror fans. Andy S. Mr.Zero’s fan (and star of their newest commercial) was quoted as saying “Darth Maul has to be the biggest case of “Cinematic Blue Balls” in the history of the movie business. There was all this hype about Darth Maul and then the film comes out and there’s a few scene’s of him flying around the desert and one lightsaber fight and poof he’s cut in half… what a let down” My co-worker S. Lemon “The lightsaber duel is worth seeing in the 3D version alone”

And of course Jar Jar for the kids. Heather MacLennan (the beautiful redhead I attended this with) is quoted as saying “I think Jar Jar (who pooped all over Episode 1, I’m not sure you really want to print that, Rik) must have been a favor called into George Lucas, because his character was not characteristic of the Star Wars we know and love.”

So I was eager to see how this film has aged over time. To my surprise I really enjoyed it (or maybe it was the company I was with) but I thought it held up really well all things considering, if you take into account, like I said this 1st film was written for kids, the star of the film Lloyd is a kid, to appeal to kids to get them hooked on the franchise for the next 2 films over the next 6 years. I don’t know that the 3D added anything to the overall film, but I did enjoy it much to my surprise.

Until the next time………..MrZero
With a special thanks to Heather for getting me to go.

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