Black Sabbath: Ten Interesting Facts About The Heavy Metal Gods

There are lots of legendary bands touring in 2013: The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, The Allman Brothers Band, Steely Dan, and Fleetwood Mac.  However, the only icons releasing a new album in 2013 (and touring) are Black Sabbath.  The heavy metal pioneers will release 13 (their 19th overall) on June 10.  It’s the band’s first studio album since 1995’s Forbidden and their first with Ozzy Osbourne at the helm since 1978.

To support their latest opus, the band will embark on a 20-date tour of North America beginning July 25 in Houston, Texas.  Their spree ends Sept. 3 in Los Angeles.  Major stops on their route include Black Sabbath in Toronto on Aug. 14; Black Sabbath at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington on Aug.  24; and Black Sabbath in Las Vegas on Sept. 1.

To get you ready for the upcoming Black Sabbath tour, BSTLV has come up with ten interesting facts about the band.  Even if you’re a hardcore fan you still need to read our list.  We guarantee that you’ll either learn something new or you’ll have a knowledge gap filled in that might have “developed” over the years.  If you’re new to Sabbath, then our rundown is the perfect way to learn more about the greatest heavy metal band of all-time.

>>Black Sabbath’s First Album Was Released On Friday the 13th.
How appropriate for a band so closely associated with the macabre, and one named after a horror film, to release their self-titled debut album on Friday the 13th (in February of 1970).  The band only had one day to record their first LP so they laid down all the tracks live and pretty much in one take.

>>Black Sabbath Released Their First Three Albums In A 17-month Period.
The band’s self-titled debut dropped in February of 1970.  Their sophomore effort, Paranoid, came out in September of the same year.  Their third studio album, Master of Reality, was released July 21, 1971.  At the time, all the three albums were panned by critics.  Nowadays, those three discs are considered hard rock classics and seminal to the genre of heavy metal music.

>>Black Sabbath’s Record Company Renamed Two Of Their Early Albums.
Black Sabbath wanted to call their second studio album War Pigs after the work’s lead track.  Their record company disagreed and changed its name to Paranoid after the album’s lead single.  The band’s fourth album was originally titled Snowblind after their song about cocaine abuse.  The record company called an audible and renamed the work Black Sabbath Vol. 4.  That was somewhat of a ridiculous epithet since there were no volumes one, two, or three.

>>Black Sabbath Toured With A ‘Who’s Who Of Hard Rock’ In The 1970s.
The band spent most of the early 1970s on the road selling Black Sabbath tickets.  They played all over the world.  Of course, the zenith of Black Sabbath concerts was their appearance at the California Jam Festival on April 6, 1974.  The music festival attracted more than 200,000 fans and parts where broadcasted on ABC.  Besides Sabbath, fans also enjoyed sets by The Eagles, Deep Purple, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.  Well-known bands that opened for Black Sabbath in the 1970s include KISS, Boston, Ted Nugent, AC/DC, Blue Oyster Cult, and Van Halen. 

>>Sharon Osbourne Suggested Ronnie James Dio As A Replacement For Ozzy Osborne.
In the late 1970s, Black Sabbath were nothing but a bunch of drunks especially Ozzy Osborne.  In fact, he was such a booze hound, and was contributing so little to the band, that they fired him.  As for a replacement, the band followed the suggestion of Sharon Arden, the daughter of their manager, and who, in a few years, would become Mrs. Ozzy Osbourne.  Sherri’s suggested Ronnie James Dio.  It was a good idea.  The former Rainbow singer breathed new life into a fledgling band.

>>”Mob Rules” Recorded At A Beatles’ Former Home.
“Mob Rules” is the title track and lead single from Black Sabbath’s 1981 opus.  The song was recorded in England at a home that once belonged to former Beatle John Lennon.  An alternate version of the song was used in the animated film Heavy Metal.  The album Mob Rules would be the last Black Sabbath album with Dio singing lead until 1992 (Dehumanizer). 

>>The Live Album, Live Evil, Eventually Cost Black Sabbath Half Of Their Lineup.
The material for Live Evil was recorded in 1982 during a Black Sabbath tour.  While mixing the album, Tommy Iommi and Geezer Butler accused Dio of sneaking into the studio and secretly increasing the volume of his vocals.  In the middle of all this turmoil was a poor sound engineer receiving contrary directions from two warring factions.  Eventually, Dio took his microphone and went home.  He also took Vinny Appice, the band’s drummer at the time, and started his own group.  Needless to say, Black Sabbath and Dio were overshadowed during this period by Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career.

>>Black Sabbath Inspired A Bit In The Movie This Is Spinal Tap.
Remember in the movie This Is Spinal Tap when “Stonehenge” is lowered from the rafters onto the stage and it’s just 18 inches tall?  “There was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf.  That tended to understate the hugeness of the object.”  Well, that scene was inspired by Black Sabbath.  The band was going to have a Stonehenge set built for a string of Black Sabbath concerts.  Unfortunately, the dimensions were incorrectly written down and instead of Stonehenge standing 15 feet high it stood 45 feet high.  At that size, it was much too big for even the largest of concert stages.

>>Bob Geldof Gets Original Black Sabbath To Reunite.
The 1985 Live Aid Benefit Concert inspired three reunions of three major British rock and roll bands: The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath.  The original lineup—Osbourne, Iommi, Butler, and Bill Ward— performed in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985.  It was the first time the prime foursome had been together since 1978.

>>Osbourne Sues Iommi
How does that saying go?  You’re not a legendary rock band until your members start suing one another.  In May of 2009 Osbourne sued Iommi for 50 percent ownership of the Black Sabbath name.  In Iommi’s defense, he’s been the only constant member in the group’s four decade-plus career and for several albums released in the 1980s and 1990s he was forced to use the name “Black Sabbath” by the record label.  Osbourne and Iommi ended their dispute in June of 2010 not long after Ronnie James Dio died of stomach cancer.

By David B.

KISS Lottery: The World’s Greatest Rock Band Sells Scratchers… Again!

“You don’t win the lottery and complain about taxes.” – Paul Stanley

Rock band KISS is famous for its vast array of merchandize.  The painted-foursome have slapped their likeness, logo, and/or name on countless products including latex masks, wine, blankets, action figures, comics, and caskets.

One of the most unusual products that have utilized KISS’s appellation and rendering have been state lotteries.  Yes, that’s right state lotteries.  We’re talking about those scratch tickets governments sell so they don’t have to cut spending.

The latest state to tap the world’s greatest rock band is Texas.  That means, if you’re in a Lone Star State convenient store, with a couple of bucks burning a hole in your pocket, you can buy yourself some KISS scratchers. 

KISS & New Mexico
Texas joins New Mexico, Nebraska, and British Columbia as states or provinces that have used KISS to sell lottery tickets.

In June of 2010, New Mexico had the brilliant idea of teaming lottery tickets with KISS.  The partnership was a huge success.   More than 80 percent of New Mexican lottery stores carried the KISS scratches within the game’s first week.  Those numbers don’t mean much to the layperson but in lottery circles they are pretty darn good—think of it as KISS selling a million albums in a week.

KISS made an encore appearance in the New Mexico Lottery in the fall of 2011.  To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the band’s seminal album Destroyer, the New Mexico Lottery launched a new KISS scratch-off game where tickets sold for $5 tickets and the top cash prize was $50,000.

KISS & Texas
The Texas lottery’s KISS scratch-off game features more than $10 million in prizes.  That includes eight cash awards of $35,000.  That money can buy a lot of KISS tickets and a bunch of KISS merchandize–for example, a KISS bingo game or a KISS stainless steel water bottle.

KISS fans however will probably be hoping that their tickets come up “Butkus.”  That’s because you can take your losing scratch tickets and enter them into one of four drawings held throughout the run of the game.

Prizes for each of the four drawings include a trip to Los Angeles and a private dinner with the band (all accommodations paid for by the State of Texas), 10 signed KISS guitars, and 100 autographed KISS wall plaques.

You also have to wonder how many tickets will be purchased but go unscratched.  Certainly, there will be a Texan KISS fan or two that will choose to leave their scratch tickets pristine.

Rock & Roll And Lotteries
There are 43 states in the U.S. that have lotteries.  Our research has found nary another band that has pushed scratchers (just KISS). 

It seems like a no-brainer.   A band, especially one as colorful as KISS, will attract fans that normally don’t buy lottery tickets while those who already play the lottery certainly won’t care who (or what) dons their scratchers.

If a state wanted to tap the hipster market they could use Mumford & Sons or if they wanted to expand into the tween demographics they could employ One Direction.  Wait, do you have to be 18 to play the lottery?  …you do.  …Nevermind.

KISS Loves Their Fans
Granted, there’s the whole gambling element, and the appearance of selling-out, but lottery money generally goes to worthwhile stuff like schools, parks, and roads.  So you’d think that a lot of artists would be willing to raise money for such causes.

There is however another element to this whole lottery thing that plays to KISS’ strength.  That’s time and energy.  These lotteries are an immense commitment (New Mexico also held a drawing to meet the band and to give away signed memorabilia).  The merchandize doesn’t autograph itself and it takes time to dine with all the winners of the lottery drawings.

Fortunately, there’s not a rock band more committed to showing their fans their appreciation than KISS.  Many artists talk about how much they love their fans but only KISS does something about it (and they do it consistently).

Stones Scratchers? 
Can you imagine The Rolling Stones doing something like this?  No way!  Or Bruce Springsteen?  Or Beyoncé?  Or Maroon 5?  You can’t imagine it because they wouldn’t do it.  Kid Rock would probably do it which is good since his image is perfect for scratch tickets.  Bon Jovi might do it.  Justin Bieber definitely would if cameras were around. 

It’s sad, but most artists will avoid events that put them in direct contact with their fans.  Most acts only care about collecting a paycheck and hearing their applause.  Bottom line, few rock bands have the clout to sell lottery tickets and even fewer have the desire to give back to their fans.

KISS On Tour
Lottery tickets aren’t then only tickets KISS is selling this year.  The band kicks off another world tour on June 1 in Stockholm.  During June, KISS marauds its way through Europe rocking cities like Helsinki, Berlin, and Zurich.

The band returns to the New World on July 5 for a KISS show in Victoria, British Columbia.  They’ve routed an extensive tour of the Great White North that includes KISS in Vancouver on July 6, KISS tickets being collected in Calgary on July 13, and KISS in Toronto, at the Molson Amphitheatre, on July 26.

KISS In America
Just recently, KISS announced four concerts scheduled in the United States.  All four are plotted for early to mid-August.  KISS will be in Gilford, New Hampshire on Aug. 7; KISS performs in Verona, New York on Aug. 9; KISS visits Simpsonville, South Carolina on Aug. 13; and KISS descends on the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida on Aug. 16.

Obviously, there are a few gaps in those four American dates so more KISS concerts could be on the way.  Who knows, they might even add a Midwest swing and/or a trip out west in late August and/or early September.  The band is touring to support their latest album, Monster.

By David B.

Depeche Mode: Ten Things You Need To Have To Be A Hardcore Fan

Actually, all you need to be a hardcore Depeche Mode fan is an unending passion for their music and at least one story involving Songs of Faith and Devotion, a hot date, and way too much leather.  However, if you’re like most people you enjoy owning stuff.  So this list is dedicated to ten tangible things (albums, videos, concert tickets) you need to have lying around the house in order to show the world that you’re a true hardcore Depeche Mode fan.

Longtime fans probably have most, or all, of the items on our list.  Even if you think you do, keep reading.  You might find something you don’t have in your collection and you might learn a few things about the stuff you already own.  If you’re a causal fan then my list will definitely help you know more about the band and their music.  And if you’re completely new to Depeche Mode then this is where to start.  Collecting just a few of the following items is the perfect introduction to the greatest electronic band of all-time.

Catching Up With Depeche Mode
Not to date myself, but to date myself, I owned this compilation on cassette.  Catching up with Depeche Mode was released in November of 1985.  It contains singles not found on the compilation album People are People as well as two B-sides which at the time were recently released.  Songs on this album include “Dreaming of Me,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and “Master and Servant.”  This is a great place to start if you’re new to the band and a great mix of songs if you’re already familiar with their music.  There are several Depeche Mode compilations available and all of them are good.  Even though I like this one for nostalgic reason, it’s still a great collection.

The Band’s Autograph
Since the beginning of time, autographs have been coveted by fans.  It’s a way to say “Hey!  I met Depeche Mode and to prove it I got their signatures.”  Autographs are also a great way to increase the value of a product.  For example, the album Black Celebration is worth a lot more if it’s signed by the band.  There are many ways to get autographs from the members of Depeche Mode—Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, and Andy Fletcher.  The best way is running into them before or after a Depeche Mode concert.  The other way is to buy an item they’ve already autographed.  At the time of writing this article I found a signed Enjoy the Silence poster on eBay selling for $2,850. It’s a bargain at twice the price.

Depeche Mode T-Shirt
Wear your love for Depeche Mode on your sleeves.  We’ll not exactly on your sleeves but at least on your chest and maybe your back.  You can get a Depeche Mode t-shirt at a number of places: a Depeche Mode concert, Amazon, and the band’s Web site.  There are many different styles to choose from but my favorite has the letters “d” and “m” on the front (where one would find the breast pocket).  They are written in the same font used by your alarm clock.  Underneath are the words “LOCAL CREW.”  The shirt is bright red but very understated.  Don’t worry, if crimson isn’t your color many DM shirts come in black.

Black Celebration
Longtime fans of the band have had Black Celebration in their collection since it was released on March 17, 1986.  Causal fans probably picked it up somewhere along the way.  If you’re new to the band, or you want your music collection to contain as many great albums as possible, you must acquire Depeche Mode’s Black Celebration as soon as possible.  It’s one of the most influential albums to come out of the 1980s.

Depeche Mode Concert Tickets
For the causal to hardcore fan, the must-have of all must-haves is Depeche Mode concert tickets.  In fact, even if you’ve never even heard of the band before this article (and let’s hope that’s not the case) you should make every effort to see them in concert.  They are one of the best live acts of all-time.  And no, that’s not hyperbole. 

In 2013, a robust Depeche Mode tour is being launch to support their latest opus, Delta Machine.  The world trek gets underway May 7 in Tel Aviv and ends Oct. 8 when Depeche Mode rolls into Phoenix for a show at the Desert Sky Pavilion.  Their first U.S. date is Aug. 22 in Detroit.  The band has a total of 19 shows scheduled for North America.

Highlights of Depeche Mode’s 2013 World Tour
>>Aug. 24 – Depeche Mode tickets for Tinley Park, IL @ Fort Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
>>Sept. 01 – Depeche Mode tickets for Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
>>Sept. 06 – Depeche Mode tickets for Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
>>Sept. 20 – Depeche Mode tickets for Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion
>>Sept. 28 & 29 – Depeche Mode tickets for Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center

Music Skins
How many times has this happened to you?  You’re at your local coffee house, working on your laptop, when Dave Gahan walks in and looks around for a Depeche Mode fan.  After finding none, he leaves with his head hung low.  And think, had he found a DM fan they would have been treated to a free concert.  To ensure that you’re always identified as a Depeche Mode fan get a “music skin” for your laptop.  These skins, sold on the band’s Web site, contain a high quality Depeche Mode graphic.  They are removable, reusable, and very durable.  You just apply it to the top of your laptop and then work with confidence knowing that you’ll always be identified as a hardcore Depeche Mode fan even when you’re busy updating your Facebook status. 

101
101 is a documentary about the band’s 1987/1988 Music for the Masses Tour, and in particular, the band’s sold-out performance at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.  That show was the final and 101st stop of their tour —the “101” part is where the film gets its name.  This is one of the best rock docs ever made.  It provides great insight into the band and their fans.  The movie also contains a slew of great clips of Depeche Mode performing live. 

Violator
Violator dropped March 19, 1990.  This classic album contains the hit singles “Personal Jesus,” “Policy of Truth,” and “Enjoy the Silence.”  Violator is on just about every major music publications’ list of “greatest albums of all-time.”  It should definitely be in your music collection.

Stripped: Depeche Mode
On Sept. 1, 2013, Depeche Mode: A Biography by Steve Malins will hit bookstore shelves.  The salacious biography is highly anticipated but until it’s released we’ll just have to make do with Stripped: Depeche Mode penned by Jonathan Miller.  While Miller’s fandom makes him a little bias, he still does a great job of telling the story of the band, its members, and electronic music in general.  He also goes into depth about the instruments they used.  This may seem like “inside baseball” but it’s completely necessary when you’re writing about a band that’s so dependent on technology. 

Remixes 81-04 & Remixes 2: 81-11 (Deluxe Edition)
Released in 2004 and 2001 respectively, Remixes 81-04 & Remixes 2: 81-11 are two groundbreaking Depeche Mode collections that not only feature some of the band’s best work but some of the world’s best remixers (a list that includes Depeche Mode).  The band has always been on the vanguard of remixing and these collections prove it.  For the newbie, it’s a great introduction to the band’s music.  For those familiar with Depeche Mode, it’s an exciting new way to enjoy old material. 

By David B.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers: 8 Reasons Why They Should Be In The 2013 NBA Playoffs Regardless Of Win-Loss Record

The Los Angeles Lakers should be in the 2013 NBA Playoffs.  Not because they deserve it but because they’re the Lakers.  They’re basketball royalty and too important to the game not to be in the playoffs.  It’s like the MLB Playoffs should always include the New York Yankees, the NHL Playoffs should always include the Detroit Red Wings, and the MLS Playoffs should always include…. ah… well… the MLS Playoffs should always include teams.

Some of you may disagree with this self-evident conclusion.  Perhaps you believe the Lakers should earn their playoff berth like a common NBA team (i.e. Golden State Warriors).  Or perhaps you’re reveling in their misfortune and hope they finish ninth.  Either way, you’re not seeing the entire picture.  To help you see that big picture, I’ve compiled a list of eight reasons why the Lakers should be in the playoffs regardless of their win-loss record.

1. Who Really Wants To See The Utah Jazz In The NBA Playoffs?

The Lakers are currently battling the Utah Jazz for the 8th seed in the NBA Playoffs.  Who wants to watch the Jazz?  Even when they had two hall of famers on their roster they were barely watchable.  And what about their fans?  Is there a group of people with more of a chip on their shoulders than Jazz fans?  No one roots for the state of Utah and no one outside of the Beehive State likes their NBA team.  Also, how can anyone root for a franchise that plays in Salt Lake City but is called the “Jazz?”  It’s tantamount to a team from New York being called the “Hicks” or a team from Cleveland being called the “Champs” or a team from Southern California being named after a bunch of Lakes. 

2. Lakers In Playoffs Mean An Increase In Television Ratings.

Unlike Jay-Z, I don’t own one-tenth of one percent of one-fifteenth of one night’s gate receipts of an NBA franchise.  Even so, I care deeply about the television ratings of a multi-billion dollar business of which I have no financial interest in.  I mean, who doesn’t lie awake at night worrying about the Association’s revenues?  The Lakers in the playoffs means higher television ratings and that means more restful nights.  The NBA needs all the help it can get when it comes to television ratings.  Remember, sports fans would rather watch the NFL Draft than an NBA Playoff game.

3. Clippers Can’t Be The Only Team From L.A. In The Postseason.

Can you imagine what would happen to the universe if the Los Angeles Clippers were the only NBA team representing the City of Angels in the NBA Postseason?  It would be like matter meeting anti-matter at a coffee shop owned by a stick of dynamite.  “Clippers yes” and “Lakers no” is a paradox that the league must prevent from happening if they want to keep the fabric of space-time in one piece.  Since the Clippers landed in Los Angeles they have never reached the playoffs when the Lakers haven’t.

4. The Lakers Will Be Dangerous Once They Get Into The Playoffs.

Seeding the Lakers at the eighth spot and having them battle the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round might sound like a recipe for a four-and-out.   However, the Lakers will be a dangerous team once the playoffs begin.  Think about it.  It makes perfect sense.  It’s hard to beat the bottom dwelling Phoenix Suns on the road or the Washington Wizards at home during the regular season when things don’t really count and there’s no pressure.  It’s much easier to play winning basketball in the postseason, when every possession is vital, and you’re playing teams that have won sixty- to seventy-percent of their games.

5. Lakers In Playoffs Fuels Rage Of Bitter, Small Market Fans.

The Lakers making the postseason keeps alive the argument made by small market fans that large market teams can buy championships (see the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat).  The Lakers appeared to have done this over the past offseason when they acquired Dwight Howard and Steve Nash.  The league must perpetuate the idea that an owner or GM can throw together any five superstars and win a championship and things like chemistry and teamwork are inconsequential.  If not, those small market fans may stop haranguing the NBA’s business model and get about making their dopey little towns into a thriving and interesting metropolis that could actually make a big time baller want to live there.

6. The Rest Of The NBA Doesn’t Want Lakers In The Draft Lottery.

If the Lakers were to miss the NBA Playoffs, and thus their chance at reaching the NBA Finals, where will they go?  Well, they’ll go straight to the NBA Draft Lottery.  And do you really think the ping pong balls won’t come up purple and gold?  Do you really think the NBA is going to give the first pick to Charlotte, Cleveland, Minnesota, or Sacramento if the Lakers are available to get it?  They’re certainly not going to give it to Portland after they botched the first overall pick back in 2007.  If they Lakers are in the NBA Draft Lottery they’ll win it.

7. The Lakers In The NBA Playoffs Means More Games For Steve Nash To Miss!

God Bless Steve Nash.  You can’t help but love the guy.  Although he’s a decent-sized human being for everyday life, he’s a shrimp in the NBA.  So his injuries shouldn’t come as a surprise.  This season alone, he’s had to miss about a third of the games with injuries.  Even though he’s from the Great White North, he’s the world’s most fragile Canadian.  Then again, what do you expect from a guy who’s part-owner of a soccer team. 

8. Lakers Making The Playoffs Keeps Coach Mike D’Antoni Above The .500 Mark.

There has never been a coach that more people have wanted to succeed that hasn’t than Lakers sideline general Mike D’Antoni.  He gets hired not because his up-tempo, offensive style works but because people want it to work.  Let’s face it; the NBA game is a sluggish, slow, defensive brand of basketball.  Not counting the year he resigned from the New York Knicks, midway through the season, and counting this season with the Lakers, D’Antoni has had the opportunity to lead his team to the NBA Playoffs ten times.  IF he makes it this year, he will have qualified for the postseason just six out of ten times—this in a league where more than half the teams qualify for postseason action.  D’Antoni has never made it further that the conference finals and twice he’s lost in the first round.

By David B.

Big Time Rush Quiz: Are You A Big Time ‘Rusher’

Big Time Rush is big time hot.  They are blowing up and their popularity shows no signs of waning.  This summer, they’ll win even more “Rushers” thanks to a hefty tour of the United States.  As all Rushers know, the band can entertain fans just about anywhere: on the concert stage, in the recording studio, and on television.

Okay, so you have all their records, you know the lyrics to all their songs, and your DVR is full of BTR episodes.  Yet, how well do you really know the band?  To test your knowledge of Big Time Rush, BSTLV has put together a short quiz.  The following ten questions will decide if you’re a Rusher or a “Big Time Rusher.”

Who is the leader?  Who is the funny one?  Who has the brains?  Who has the great hair? 
According to the band’s Web site, Kendall is the band’s leader; Carlos is the comedian; Logan is the smart one; and James has the great hair.  Allow me to translate.  “Leader” means most likely to have a career after leaving BTR.  “Great hair” means handsome.  Being the “Funny one” usually means you’re goofy looking although that’s not the case with Carlos.  The “smart one” connotes that you can’t dance and you need to lose a pound or two.  Sorry Logan. 

When Were Carlos, Logan, James, & Kendal Born And Where Are They From?
Carlos is the oldest member of the band.  He was born Aug. 15, 1989 in Missouri but grew up in Florida.  Logan was born about a month later, on Sept. 14, 1989, in North Richland Hills, Texas.  The remaining members of the band were born in 1990—James on July 16 in New York City and Kendal on Nov. 2 in Wichita, Kansas.  Both James and Kendal moved to California when they were relatively young.

What Is The Name Of The Band’s First Single And First Album?
The answer to this question is so easy it’s tricky.  Their first single was “Big Time Rush” and it was released in November of 2009 to coincide with the premiere of their television show (also named “Big Time Rush”).  Their first album dropped nearly a year later and it’s called BTR.  Nobody got a headache thinking up those names.  Their sophomore effort was Elevate.  It dropped in November of 2011. 

Name The Six Songs On The Band’s 2012 EP, Big Time Movie Soundtrack.
Here’s a hint: they’re all Beatles song.  Here’s another hint: they are six of the most popular Beatles songs—no deep cuts for this EP.  The songs are “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Revolution,” “Help!,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “We Can Work It Out,” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”  Those are all great songs but they weren’t looking very far into the Beatles songbook.  What about “Cry Baby Cry” or “I’m Down.”

Who Created The Television Show “Big Time Rush” And What Was His Inspiration?
The show Big Time Rush was created by Scott Fellows.  He also created the Nickelodeon series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.  After a couple of years of pre-production, Fellows’ BTR project finally reached the airwaves in 2009—its official premiere was actually mid-January 2010.  As for his muse, Fellows was inspired by The Monkees.  The fourth season of Big Time Rush premiered in April of 2013.

What Boy Band Opened For Big Time Rush In 2012, For How Many Dates, And What Songs Did They Perform?
Believe it or not, One Direction opened for Big Time Rush back in February/March of 2012.  The tour was 17 dates long and 1D warmed up audiences before 10 of those concerts.  Their setlist contained seven songs: “I Want,” “Moments,” “Use Somebody,” “More Than This,” “One Thing,” “Up All Night,” and What Makes You Beautiful.”

When Does BTR Launch Its “2013 Summer Break Tour?”
Big Time Rush begins collecting tickets for its Summer Break Tour on June 21 in Los Angeles, California.  There are nearly 40 dates on the docket with the final being in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Aug. 11.  Highlights of their trek include a June 25 Big Time Rush concert in Phoenix, a June 29 Big Time Rush show in Dallas, and a June 13 Big Time Rush gig in Holmdel, New Jersey at the PNC Banks Arts Center.

What Singer Is Accompanying Big Time Rush On Their “Summer Break Tour?”
Joining BTR this summer is television star, Victoria Justice.  Justice starred in the Nickelodeon sitcom, Victorious.  The 20-year old actress has been on practically every Nickelodeon show from iCarly to Figure It Out.  Up until now, her singing career has mainly involved television musicals but her debut album is set to drop sometime in 2013. 

For Their Upcoming Tour, Where Will BTR Perform When They Visit Wantagh, Mansfield & Tinley Park?
On July 20, Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice roll into Wantagh, New York for a show at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater.  The following night, Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice will be in Mansfield, that’s just outside of Boston, for a performance at the world famous Comcast Center.  Then on Aug. 4, the Chicago area, more specifically Tinley Park, welcomes Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice to the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. 

What Song Title Does Big Time Rush Share With Justin Bieber?
Expect to hear this song when Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice rock the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, New York on July 28.  The song is called “Boyfriend” and fans should also expect to hear it when attending a Justin Bieber concert.  The Biebs’ “Boyfriend” is an R&B song that channels the ghosts of ‘N Sync (Justin Timberlake’s old band).  BTR’s “Boyfriend” is more of a pop-dance joint.  Beiber’s song peaked at number two while BTR’s didn’t even crack the top seventy.  However, BTR’s “Boyfriend” features a rap by Snoop Dogg.  Justin Bieber’s does not.

By David B.