speed of dark

I grew up listening to classic rock music, either through one of my parents, especially my Dad, or through my sister, who spent a very annoying time obsessed with Pink Floyd. As a result, I still like classic rock quite a bit and there are a few songs that I swear I knew the lyrics to at birth. There are songs that I don't know who sings them or what they are called, but when they come on the radio, I know every word and every chord change.

Starting May 17 through May 23, VH1 is hosting Rock Honors Week in Los Angeles, culminating in an awards ceremony honoring classic rock legends ZZ Top, Ozzy Ozbourne, Genesis, and Heart in Las Vegas on May 24. Check out some of the featured events associated with Rock Honors Week:

THURSDAY,MAY 17
Rock 'n' Roll Bingo
Join rock legend Wayne Kramer of the MC5 as he hosts Crane's Hollywood Tavern's monthly Rock 'n' Roll Bingo Night. It's just $5 per bingocard for a chance to win concert tickets, record store gift certificates and much more. All proceeds will go to LifeLab, a community dedicated to helping young adult cancer survivors restart their lives. Then, stick around after bingo for special surprise performances.
Crane's Hollywood Tavern | 1611 N. El Centro Avenue, Hollywood
323-302-2695 | 6.30pm | website

Zero 1 featuring lead singer Hal Sparks
Kick off Rock Honors Week at the Hard Rock Cafe with a special performance by LA based power trio, Zero 1. Featuring lead singer Hal Sparks (Talk Soup, Queer as Folk, VH1 I Love the 80's, Dude Where's My Car?), special effects make-up artist Robert Hall on bass, and Miles Loretta on drums. Raffle to benefit VH1 Save the Music with prize pack valued at $1000, as well as other cool Rock Honors prizing.
Hard Rock Cafe | 1000 Universal Studios Boulevard
818-622-ROCK | 8 pm, $10 | website

Whitestarr at the Roxy
The Roxy | 9009 Sunset Blvd.
310-278-9457 | 8pm | $12/$14 | website

FRIDAY,MAY 18
Art Exhibition Opening: Robert Knight
Celebrate rock 'n' roll with a silent auction of photostaken by Robert Knight and signed by Rock Honors honorees Genesis, Heart, Ozzy Osbourne and ZZ Top. All proceeds go to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Also enjoy artwork by rock legends like Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, Ringo Starr, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and more.
Gallery 319 | 319 Wilshire Blvd. | 6pm - 9pm
RSVP to 310-899-1499 | website

SATURDAY,MAY 19
Air Guitar Contest at Bally's
Bally Total Fitness | 1628 N. El Centro Ave.
323-461-0227 | 1pm - 2.30pm | website

Art Exhibition Opening: Steve Joester
British-born rock photographer and mixed media artist Steve Joester premieres his work in L.A. for the first time at Mr. Musichead RockArt Gallery, which also exhibits work from more than 50 internationally known artists and an amazing collection of rock poster art. Raffle to win official VH1 save the Music Gift Bag, valued at $1000.
Mr. Musichead RockArt Gallery | 7517 W. Sunset Blvd.
323-876-0042 | 7pm-10pm | website

Burlesque Show: IvanKane's Royal Jelly
Forty Deuce | 5574 Melrose Ave.
323-465-4242 | 9.30pm | website

MONDAY,MAY 21
Music: Metal Skool at Key Club
Metal Skool tributes the 2007 VH1 Rock Honors honorees, Genesis, Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, and ZZ Top.
Key Club | 9039 Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood
323-465-4222 | 8.30pm | website

ONGOING ALL WEEK
VH1 Rock Honors Guitars
VH1 Save The Music, Gibson Musical Instruments and Guitar Center host an exhibition of customized VH1 RockHonors guitars signed by this year's Rock Honors honorees.
Guitar Center | 7425 Sunset Blvd.
323-874-1060 | Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-8pm | website

In celebration of this event, I have for you a great prize package courtesy of VH1 and Filter Magazine. This prize package includes all of the following: a shot glass set, Rock Honors hat, and guitar picks! Check out the shot glass set! All you have to do to win is leave a comment to this post by midnight, Monday, May 21, with your favorite classic rock song and your email address (so I can contact you). The winner will be picked randomly from all entries and will be contacted via email by Wednesday, May 23. Thanks and good luck!


ozzy ozbourne (with black sabbath): paranoid
phil collins (formerly of genesis): in the air tonight
peter gabriel (formerly of genesis): shock the monkey
zz top: la grange

buy ozzy | buy genesis | buy heart | buy zz top
Rock Honors Award Show website