Time Flies When
You're In a Coma:
A Conversation with Mike Daly
By: Bernadette Giacomazzo
Over twenty years ago, the hard driving guitar and
dark lyrics of heavy metal music defined the voice
of a generation, and brought black leather, big
hair, and spandex pants to the height of fashion.
Proving it's popularity is still as strong as ever,
metal is enjoying a renaissance with star roles
in video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, on
programs including VH1's Rock of Love, and with
new albums from legends like Metallica, AC/DC and
Motorhead.
Head banging may be fun, but can heavy metal
save your soul? "Absolutely!" says songwriter,
producer, and Whiskeytown member Mike Daly . Seeking
the meaning of life? Ozzy has the answers. Looking
for love? Twisted Sister has street-tested advice.
Want to relieve stress? Perhaps Slayer can cool
you off with some soothing words of comfort. Part
tribute, and part self-help guide and entirely
hilarious, Daly's Time Flies When You're in a
Coma: The Wisdom of the Metal Gods (featuring
some amazing photos taken by renowned rock photographer
Mark Weiss) is a collection of lyrical words of
wisdom from some of the greatest metal rockers
of all time. This is definitely not your mother's
Dr. Phil books!
The genesis of this book came from Daly's own
life experiences. His decision-phobic friend,
Avery, had been moving to Paris for over a year
(she'd found an apartment and a job, but was still
hesitating). When she'd called Daly for advice,
he quoted Rush -- "If you choose not to decide,
you'll still have made a choice." Her response?
"Dead silence," said Daly. "Then
she sheepishly muttered, "I know, I know."
After a few tense beats she burst out laughing
and said, "You're the only person I know
who would quote Rush and have it make sense. I
actually feel better, thanks."
This lead Daly to a series of thoughts that resulted
in the book. "I thought, why NOT consider
advice from Rush, or, for that matter, any other
80's metal icons? Did Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmeister
or James Hetfield of Metallica not freely share
their gems of wisdom with me throughout the 80's?
Let's be honest - what separated them from the
Deepak Chopras, Anthony Robbins or Eckhart Tolles
of the world? The more I thought about it, the
more I realized the lyrics of 80's metal anthems
were what a whole generation turned to for guidance
and support before the "self-help" craze
of the 90's brought peace and tranquility to every
corner of the suburbs," he said.
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Bernadette
Giacomazzo began her career as an on-air DJ for WDSR-FM,
Duquesne University's radio station. She also began writing
and photographing for many online publications - uncharted
territory at the time - including IN MUSIC WE TRUST, autoREVERSE,
STORMBRINGER, and THE INDIE JOURNAL. After graduating
Duquesne Bernadette returned to New York, began writing
and photographing for the legendary ISLAND EAR, and worked
for a time at the now-defunct WLIR-FM. She has also written
for a variety of other publications, including GOOD TIMES,
LONG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS,and THE INSIDE CONNECTION.
In 2006, Bernadette's photography
caught the eye of SPLASH NEWS AND PICTURE AGENCY, after
her work was selected for an OFFICAL NEW YORK FASHION
WEEK photography exhibit (sponsored by BLACK BOOK).
Thanks to Splash News, Bernadette's work has appeared
in a variety of internationally recognized and respected
publications, including THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, VANIDADES,
THE INDEPENDENT (Ireland), THE DAILY MAIL, the UK's
most popular, widely read newspaper.
In 2007, she garnered further
industry respect and attention when she,with VATIC MEDIA
president MELISSA DESKOVIC, wrote SWIMMING WITH SHARKS:
A REAL-WORLD HOW-TO GUIDE TO SUCCESS (AND FAILURE) IN
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC. The book was featured on MSN.com,
gained endorsements from HOT PICKS, KARMA MICS, and
HALO GUITARS and was even signed to a record deal (with
legendary punk label CONQUER THE WORLD RECORDS). It
became a best-seller on ITUNES, and was sold out within
a matter of minutes in FYE stores throughout the country.
In 2008, Bernadette joined Pop
Culture Madness.
She lives in New York City and is the CEO of
AKASHA
MULTIMEDIA
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