metalshow_logoThat Metal Show starring hard rock guru Eddie Trunk, comedian Jim Florentine, and Inside The NFL’s Don Jamieson aired its fourth episode on VH1 Classic last night at 11 p.m.

The first topic of discussion was “rockstars being rockstars,” with much emphasis on Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver. Jim Florentine made reference of the STP show at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey on May 31, 2008. Florentine, who attended the show with then girlfriend Robin Quivers, labeled it as a “crummy show,” due to Weland’s tardiness and his stumbling across the stage for the set’s duration. I have made reference to this appalling performance on several posts and was happy to see it get attention on television. It was among the worst concerts I attended in 2008.

Jamiseon pointed out that he wants “rockstars to be rockstars,” citing Zakk Wylde’s beer guzzling antics. Trunk pointed out that Wylde needed to tone it down after a recent medical scare, and that we may see Wylde shift to tea drinking.

amazon-dream-theater-motionThis week’s special guest of honor was Mike Portnoy, the legendary drummer of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Trunk asked about Dream Theater’s ever growing and highly loyal fan base over the last 20+ years, despite receiving no radio or video airplay. Portnoy noted the lack of female fan base saying that it is only “our five wives…girlfriends…daughters” at DT concerts and they are usually miserable. Portnoy acknowledged it is easier to be faithful to their wives but there was one year in 1992 when they had some female fun with the success of “Pull Me Under.”

Other DT topics discussed included the recent release of Chaos In Motion 2007-2008 live album and DVD, Portnoy’s induction into Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, and an upcoming studio album that is currently in the works. Trunk noticed DT’s “old school” approach to recording—the band moves into an expensive NYC recording studio for five moths to write and record their albums. Portnoy said, “we are the only band stupid enough to spend half a million dollars on a record.”

ufo-logoThe next segment was pretty cheesy and scripted as the show’s hosts, along with Portnoy, visited a tattoo parlor known as East Side Ink in the East Village of NYC. Trunk thought that they were meeting a girl that was going to get a tattoo of the logo of That Metal Show. It turned out that Florentine, Jamieson, and Portnoy really wanted to convince Trunk to get a U.F.O tattoo instead. Trunk debated getting the tattoo and felt that he should have his kid’s initials if anything. Florentine joked, “they don’t have your kid’s initials, I already checked.” At the end of the skit, the viewer was left to believe Trunk got the U.F.O. tat but revealed to the studio audience that there was nothing—the audience booed. I would like to note that Jamieson wore a sweet “Sabbra Cababra” shirt throughout the skit.

amazon-ted-nugent-sweden“Stump The Trunk” was interesting this week as Trunk fielded three questions (rather than four) and there was more participation from the special guest, Portnoy. First, a long haired shaky guy asked a W.A.S.P. drummer question which Trunk nailed. Second, a giant chested fake blond woman asked about the original 1982 Exodus lineup. Trunk couldn’t answer correctly and she received the Ted Nugent Sweden Rocks DVD. The final question came from a skinny drummer with the actual drum notes of DT’s “6:00” on his arm. Portnoy guessed the song based on the clue “1995.” The skinny drummer asked Trunk about Tesla’s Five Fan Acoustical Jam, which Trunk also incorrectly answered, making him 1/3 on this episode—Trunk is now batting under .500 with a .467 (7/15).

The “Pick of the Week” is the Judas Priest concept album, Nostradamus [read our review here], released over the summer. Trunk urged everyone to revisit the record because there are many great tunes that flew “under the radar.”

amazon-extreme-saudadesAn email came in regarding the status of Extreme and the submitter left off with “Hi Jim.” Florentine joked that there is a “rub and tug” up in Conecticut, however Julie is not a Russian name. Trunk responded that Extreme recently released Saudades de Rock [read our track-by-track review here] and they are currently on tour. Why this fan didn’t know this is beyond me.

“The Throwdown” debate was “Britny Fox vs. Brittney Spears.” Portnoy chose a pre-rehab Spears as he is a long time fan, and Jamieson likes Spears because he has seen her privates. Trunk and Florentine sided with Fox because of the sexy girls in the video for “Girl School,” and because this is a heavy metal show. The audience, however, seemed to side with Spears.

Overall, another good episode as the guests have become more involved with each show. I also believe that Florentine and Jamieson are still worthy to discuss hard rock related topics given this forum. However, the tattoo bit was too scripted and cheesy.

Next week’s guest is one of my favorite baseball players of all-time, future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza.

Watch the full episodes of That Metal Show on vh1classic.com now.