Today marks the first anniversary of Horns Up Rocks and we want to share with you the story of how it all came about. So sit back, grab a drink, and buckle up. This ride is going to get bumpy!
On February 11, 2010 our founder Jo Schüftan decided it was time to expand the minds of the Heavy Music fans by educating them about the different flavors that exist within the Heavy Music world. In order to explain the rise of Horns Up Rocks, here is a rundown on the different periods of time that were vital in the revolutionary vision behind our founder.
Growing up in Colombia, Jo was exposed to tropical music like Vallenato, Salsa, Merengue, Rock En Español and Cumbia. While all this music was fun to listen to at a party, it didn't have the drive that Heavy Music does!
Around 1987 Jo discovered Metallica, Guns N'Roses and Def Leppard. This is when he discovered that headbanging was a natural display of affection towards music that hits you hard! In the early 90's Jo discovered Grunge and Punk Rock Music through bands like Nirvana, Green Day, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, The Offspring and Stone Temple Pilots. A few years later things got pretty rough in Colombia, and kids were angrier than ever! This is when Jo started listening to Heavy Metal and Hardcore, especially New York Hardcore, which was a key factor in making Jo want to live in New York City.
In 1997 Jo moved from Colombia to Germany, a country where Heavy Metal has been very prevalent for decades. You know how you read or hear stories about the "crazy" European Metaleros, and how the shows in Europe are more intense than the ones here in the US? Well, all those stories you hear are true! In his first year in Europe Jo saw Pantera, Metallica, Sepultura, Soulfly, Fear Factory, Meshuggah, the deftones, Helmet, Green Day, Rancid, Biohazard, System Of A Down and a whole bunch of other bands. Needless to say, this opened Jo's eyes and mind to a new level of confidence and power.
In 2000 Jo moved to the United States in search of the land of opportunities, at first he felt handicapped since in upstate New York there was no chance to see the big shows he got used to seeing while in Europe. This all changed when he discovered College Radio, in which for 4 years he delivered the Heaviness to hundreds of inmates at Clinton County Jail through his hit radio show called “The Kings Of Chaos”! During this time Jo also ran the Loud Rock department, and thanks to his hard work, he was able to interview artists such as Oderus from Gwar, King Diamond and Chris Barnes! Another key factor was when Jo went to see Slayer in Canada! When it comes to extreme Heavy Music, no fans in North America smash as hard as the do in Montreal. The fans there are united and this is evident at the shows, in which they literally share their beer with you.
In 2004 it was time for Jo to take over New York City, and make the dream of living in the capital of Hardcore music a reality! Years passed, and after going to hundreds of shows, it was time for a change. While many think Jo is new to the scene, as you can see he has quiet a history within the Heavy Music world! Before we sign off, here is a statement by our founder Jo Schüftan:
"1 year ago I decided it was time for the Heavy Music fans to unite and celebrate our crazy lifestyles! While I didn't expect such an amazing response, I do believe that Horns Up Rocks arrived at the right time. Rest assured that we will keep rising together, because together we are stronger than all! I want to thank my family, my friends, all the bands, the record labels, the publicists, the venues, and all the fans worldwide! Much respect!"
Here are some of the artists that we have interviewed:
Here are some of the artists that Jo has interviewed:
- Gene Hoglan (Fear Factory & Dethklok)
- Bobby Hambel (Biohazard)
- Oderus Urungus (GWAR)
- Brian Fair (Shadow's Fall)
- Jose Mangin (Liquid Metal & Headbangers Ball
- Desi Sanchez (MTV2 & Latination)
- Tim Williams (Vision Of Disorder)
- Jay Sanchez (Thy Will Be Done)
- Alex Skolnick (Testament & the Alex Skolnick Trio)
- Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down & Kingdom of Sorrow)
- Ben Falgoust (Goatwhore & Soilent Green)
- Doc Coyle (God Forbid)
- Tommy Vext
- Jasmin St Claire
- Don Jamieson (That Metal Show)
- Jim Florentine (That Metal Show)
- Vinny Stigma (Agnostic Front)
- Freddy Cricien (Madball)
- John Joseph (Cro Mags)
- Paul Bearer (Sheer Terror)
- Jimmy Gestapo (Murphys Law)
- Richard Christy (Howard Stern Show & Charred Walls of the Damned)
Here are the top interviews that we did this past year:
HORNS UP 4 LIFE! \m/
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