10 Questions to Phil Campbell

For all you Motorhead fans out there, I'm sure there are burning questions you need the answer to on members of Motorhead. Here are 10 questions that were asked to Phil Campbell

A brief backstory of Phil Campbell is included in the interview these questions are from. He grew up in Pontypridd. He was inspired to play guitar because of Jimi Hendrix. He met Lemmy Kilmister while Kilmister was still in the 1970s band Hawkwind.

The interview from theartsdesk was conducted by Thomas H. Green, most likely one of the employees there. He states Campbell has a strong Welsh accent and a very infectious sense of humor.

Thomas H. Green: What do you reckon to that shrill, high pitched voice so many heavy metal singers use, the one that sounds like Led Zep-era Robert Plant but even more screechy?

Phil Campbell: It's time to go and make a cup of tea then, isn't it? I'm not keen. I like a good tone. Just because you're hitting the high notes, well, some dogs might like it. You might get a pack of dogs following you round. Some people like it too. I couldn't sing like that. I don't think many people can sing like that. Those that do, and with so much ease, they think it's really cool but it's not for me. I'd rather listen to Johnny Cash. He wouldn't have been into the screamers, would he? He'd probably have just taken a gun out and shot them. He wouldn't have put up with that bull----, anyhow

1. What's a normal day home in Pontypridd for Phil Campbell?

-Well, I didn't get up until ten today but sometimes I'm up at six. I just can't sleep. I usually get up and walk my dogs, three Bichon Frise called Ozzy, Angel and Leah. Then I might plod a bit on the guitar, have a read - at the moment I'm reading Heaven and Hell, the autobiography of Don Felder of The Eagles. I read a lot of rock biographies. Then I'll do a bit of cooking, maybe go for a game of snooker with my brother, then walk the dogs again. Nothing too exciting then. 

2. How do you feel about having your album given away with a special edition of Classic Rock Magazine?

-We did it before [with previous album The World is Yours] and it's fine. Well, I don't have any problem with it anyway. Classic Rock's a great magazine, one of my preferred reads because it's kind of my era. I just hope people like the record.

3. Do you prefer playing Motorhead's thrashier, more metal songs or bluesier numbers such as  "Lost Woman Blues" from the new album?

-Both really. I wouldn't want to play all one type. I wouldn't want to play all mental stuff. You need a nice balance. We got 14 songs together for this record which is more than we've ever done before. That's quite surprising for three old geezers but we took our time on it, wrote some songs early last year, wrote a few bits touring, then had time to reflect and record it properly. There were no major problems. Everyone knows what they're doing and what needs to be done.

4. How was filming that Kronenberg ad where you did an acoustic version of "Ace of Spades"?

-I wouldn't mind doing a few more acoustic bits and pieces. That Kronenberg ad they mocked up a French bar on the outskirts of LA. It was a good laugh, guys wearing berets, and took one day's filming.

5. Do you ever get sick of Lemmy being the focus of the band, the one all the media want to speak to? Do you ever wish the spotlight swung your way?

-It doesn't bother me, actually. I feel sorry for Lemmy all the time because he's such a recognizable chap. He can't really go anywhere without people staring at him, asking him things, shouting "Ace of Spades" in his face. We split everything three ways but I get to sneak around most of the time largely unnoticed which suits me fine. Lemmy's a legend and he can cope. He's used to it all by now.

6. He's had well documented health problems over the last year. Is he all right?

-He's just building up his stamina. He's moved into a new house in LA. After a nice summer break we're all getting ready for the tour to start. He's moved out of the cramped flat which was featured in the film Lemmy. He's keeping that for storage as his new place is down the road on the same street. He's keeping the old place for some of his memorabilia. He'll have two places but you couldn't even fit a Rizla paper in that old flat anymore. It was that jammed. It was a mess in 1990 when he moved in. Imagine what it's like now. He put a train set up in there last year - that must have been fun, but it'll never do one full lap of the track.

7. What's your favorite Hawkwind song?

-"Psychedelic Warlords" from The Hall of the Mountain Grill. I like the way the riff starts up, a little bit of a delay on it. I always get excited about that. That album was the tour I first saw Hawkwind and met Lem when I was 12, like

8. My favorite Motorhead album is 1916, How was it to make?

-We did it at Music Grinder in Los Angeles. That was the last one with Philthy drumming [original Motorhead drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor]. Peter Solley produced it and did some great work. It was the first album we made when we'd all moved to LA, a lot of fun and a sparkling sharp attacking sound. I was talking to someone the other day and he said that if you listen to each track in alphabetical order it works even better. So you listen to "Angel City" first and so on. He reckons that's amazing...well, it's something to do when you're at a loose end, eh. I spent a couple of years off and on in LA but I'd rather be back here. When you're Welsh, you're Welsh, innit. Never stray far from the valleys.

9. Do you concur with Lemmy's anti-religion stance?

-Well, it's all bull----, innit. I don't believe any of it, really. It just causes trouble all the time when you take religion too seriously. Turn on the news any day and you see what happens.

10. This year is your 30th anniversary with the band - what have three decades in Motorhead taught you?

-Don't let the bastards grind you down.

11 Facts You May or May Not Know About Rob Halford

Rob Halford is often known as "The Metal God". He's the vocalist for legendary British metal band Judas Priest. There are things that people may or may not know about him. According to the people at Loudwire.com, here are 11 facts you may or may not know about Rob Halford. Also, if you want to know more about him, read his book Confess. Heads up, if you do read his book, be forewarned. He does not hold back on what it's like being a gay man. He will be honest about being in relationships with men and his battle with drug and alcohol addiction.

11. Motorcycles on stage were dangerous

-During the final show of Judas Priest's 1990 Painkiller tour, Rob Halford, as always, rode his motorcycle out to sing "Hell Bent for Leather". He was knocked off of his bike because of a misplaced prop. He suffered a broken nose and was knocked unconscious, which caused him to miss the final song of what would be his final show with Judas Priest for more than 10 years

10. While fully sober, sang a song about drugs with Queens of The Stone Age

-While being a former drug / alcohol addict, Halford got himself clean and sober in 1986. He feels like it was a cry for help, because he was struggling with his closeted homosexuality. He said getting sober gave him a "great sense of empowerment and strength". Of course, he ended up singing along with Queens of The Stone Age on their 2000 song "Feel Good Hit of the Summer", which references various vices

9. Sang for Black Sabbath...twice

-Two different occasions seen him fronting the fellow British metal legends Black Sabbath. First in 1992, he sang two concerts with them when Ronnie James Dio refused to open for Ozzy as a solo act and in 2004 when Ozzy was sick

8. Got shoved around by Mickey Rourke

-Halford had a small part in the 2002 independent film Spun. He played a clerk in a porn store

7. Not a real priest, but appeared as one on TV

-He dressed as a mischievous priest for a Virgin Mobile commercial in 2010. Halford states that being raised in a Christian home helped him build the spiritual foundation for helping him to keep sober all these years

6. He trusted the fans on supporting his coming out

-It's not easy being gay and coming out. It's especially harder if you are in a career that is as masculine as heavy metal. Halford said he could count on the fans being incredibly supportive during his 1998 announcement that he was gay. But, many fans already suspected he was gay long before he came out. During an interview with the Montreal Gazette, Halford said "Metal fans are just as compassionate and caring and tolerant as any other form of music fans are." He said that the love and support from the fans surprised him by being "incredibly intelligent and compassionate" and that "it made me feel great"

5. Despite being a rock star, drives a pretty boring car

-Despite owning several expensive cars over the years, he's pretty basic in his personal vehicle. It turns out he prefers nothing more simple than a 2006 Cadillac DTS. During an interview with MotorTrend, "I'm not a frugal person, but I find it difficult to be extravagant materially."

4. Took going bald with pride

-Like any man, going bald is usually bad. But, like a lot of men, he shaved his head, figuring it would disappear eventually. Halford took going bald with pride. He simply shaved it off after going with a close cropped look for a while. In fact, the first album to feature him with a completely shaved head was 1990's Painkiller

3. Went into electronic music with Trent Reznor

-1997 seen Halford going electronic with his band Fight. He recorded an album called Voyeurs, which was an electronic-techno album with people like Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, etc. It was a pet project of Reznor. It didn't do well, but did put Halford back on his heavy path with 2000's Resurrection

2. Could have sung classical music

-Classical voice teacher Claudia Freelander rated five of the most famous voices in metal. She listened to unmarked tapes of each singer and their work. She stated Rob Halford was "super talented, and the only one I really wish I could get my hands on." She also complimented his "fabulous range of vocal colors" and "mad skills"

1. He's becoming a one man business empire, quietly

-Rob Halford formed Metal God Records in 2009. This label reissued all of his solo records and records with post-Priest band Fight. Halford even did a gig recently with Ozzy Osbourne on his Scream tour

FBI (2018-)

This show, created by Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, follows a team of FBI agents in a New York field office

Summary

-The show centers around the various cases worked by the FBI's New York-based field office

Cast

-Missy Peregrym: Special Agent Maggie Bell

-Zeeko Zaki: Special Agent Omar Adom "OA" Zidan

-Jeremy Sisto: Asst Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine

-Alana De La Garza: Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille

-John Boyd: Special Agent Stuart Scola

-Taylor Anthony Miller: Analyst Kelly Moran

-Vedette Lim: Analyst Elise Taylor

-Katherine Renee Lane: Special Agent Tiffany Wallace

-James Chen: Analyst Ian Lim

Did You Know?

-ViCAP is a term used in enforcement. It stands for Violent Criminal Apprehension Program. It started out from a Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective named Pierce Brooks. During the 1970s, he was searching and hunting through papers on murders similar to what he was investigating at the time. His thought process was "What if this information was contained in a searchable system?" After pitching the idea to the Department of Justice, in the summer of 1985, Brooks became the manager of the then new ViCAP program. The system is only effective if law enforcement care enough to input data into the system

-There are at least three actual FBI agents who work as advisors on the show, to make sure things are accurate. They are Anne Beagan, Dan Fethiere and Scott Garriola. Scott and Dan are FBI technical advisors while Anne is an FBI special advisor

-In every episode, at one point or another, ASAC Valentine is seen carrying a pencil, whether it be behind his ear or using it as a pointer on the massive screens in the bullpen

-Originally, the character of Omar Adom Zidan was supposed to be Latino. But producers changed the character to be American, but of Middle Eastern descent to adapt to Zeeko Zaki's Egyptian heritage and his Muslim faith

That Metal Show Top Moments

For those of us who had the luck of having VH1 Classic as a channel on TV, we could watch That Metal Show, a show about three experts in music (two of which are also stand up comedians) interview their favorite musicians. The people at Loudwire.com have compiled a list of the Top 10 Awesome That Metal Show Moments.

For those not familiar with this show, That Metal Show centers around music expert Eddie Trunk and his two co-hosts, Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine, both of whom are fellow music experts and stand up comedians who often infuse their comedy with music references. This show centers around interviewing musicians. This show features "That Metal Show Top Five", which involves the three hosts choosing their own top 5 lists and then combine those together to create the TMS Top 5. Then there's "Stump the Trunk", which involves either musicians themselves or guests in the audience asking Eddie Trunk questions. If he gets them wrong, they win a prize. Miss Jennifer, the attractive blonde who appears on set, will be the one to bring a box labeled "Eddie Trunk's Box of Junk" and inside will be something music-related, such as a DVD on a band, a CD of a new band, a book, etc. Other skits included "The Throw Down" where people would pick a topic and debate it. There's also the "TMS Pick of the Week", where one of the hosts would choose a book, CD, DVD to highlight and give it publicity. Ironically enough, on the episode of That Metal Show with Rick Allen of Def Leppard, the TMS Pick of the Week was Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath by Tony Iommi. I have that book and have read it numerous times.

Also, there may not be pictures for each one. The link this is from had videos showing each episode. But your best bet is to seek the episodes out on YouTube or see if they are on VH1.com

L-R: Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson, Eddie Trunk

1. Alice Cooper Reveals Holding a Gun up to Elvis Presley

-Shock rock legend Alice Cooper reveals that he once held a gun up to Elvis Presley. He jokes about what history would have looked like if he shot Elvis

2. Mike Portnoy Names His Top 5 Hard Rock Drummers

-Dream Theatre drummer Mike Portnoy reveals his personal list of his top 5 drummers. The episode of Mike Portnoy has them throwing down who they believe are the best hard rock drummers

3. Jake E. Lee gives guitar to "Stump the Trunk" winner

-Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee gives his guitar to the winner of "Stump the Trunk". In each episode, there is "Stump the Trunk", where either an audience member or a musician themselves come on and ask questions, in the hopes of baffling the local music expert Eddie Trunk. If they manage to stump him, Miss Jennifer and her "Eddie Trunk's Box of Junk" appear and the winner reaches in to pull out a prize. On this episode, a fan asked a question about Thin Lizzy. It was where Phil Lynott played his final show with Thin Lizzy. Eddie was stumped and the audience member won a guitar from the famous guitar legend

Eddie Trunk and Jake E. Lee

4. Lemmy Kilmister mocks Eddie for drinking Vitamin Water

-The famous Motorhead frontman mocks Eddie for drinking Vitamin Water. Eddie recalls a long day and night of drinking and woke up with a hangover. He chose wisely to drink Vitamin Water, and guest star Lemmy Kilmister mocks his choice of drink

5. King Diamond tells the story of his triple bypass surgery and return to the stage

-Musicians are human beings. They have the same frailties as we regular people do. That also includes medical issues. The iconic front man for Mercyful Fate tells the story of how he underwent a triple bypass surgery on his heart and how he returned to the stage after recovering. Heart surgery is hard on anyone. It's even harder on someone who is in a physically taxing career, like music, which involves running around on stage

6. Steve Harris and refusing to conform to label pressure

-Iron Maiden are known for their steadfast refusal to compromise their music to the tastes of popular demand. They are known for being who they are, doing straight metal and not changing to pop, light rock or other genres. Bassist / founding member / primary songwriter Steve Harris talks about when the band released "Flight of Icarus" as a single and how the label, at the time, was disappointed that it was not another success like "Run to the Hills"

7. Corey Taylor talks his book Seven Deadly Sins

-Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor talks about his New York Times bestseller Seven Deadly Sins and what the book is all about

8. Vinnie Paul talks about Vulgar Display of Power cover art

-The artwork for Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power can certainly get one's attention. Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul talks about the work that went into the album and the fact that a man did get punched several times in the face until the perfect shot was captured. It's not known if the band paid for the man to have his jaw reset or the man just paid for it himself

9. Dave Mustaine talks surgery and wearing a neck brace before a show

-The Big 4 show involved four of the biggest thrash bands known to metal-Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth. The spotlight was on them and each aspect had to be perfect. Megadeth front man Dave Mustaine talks about being in a neck brace literally minutes before going on stage with Megadeth at the Big 4 show in New York at Yankee Stadium

10. Lars Ulrich talks early days of Metallica

-Jim Florentine, one of the hosts and a stand up comedian, talks of driving Metallica around in 1983, when the band stayed at Megaforce Records own Jon Zazula's house. Lars looks back on the early days of Metallica and what the world of metal music looked like then

20 You May or May Not Know About Carlos Sainz Jr.

Carlos Sainz Jr. is a Formula 1 driver on the Ferrari team, opposite Monaco-born driver Charles LeClerc. Like all people, there are things you may or may not know about him. According to Facts.net, here are 20 facts you may or may not know about Carlos Sainz Jr.

1. His father is a legendary racecar driver

-His father is Carlos Sainz Sr. Whenever the camera at Formula 1 races shows the pit area for Ferrari, who Carlos Sainz Jr. drives for, his father, Carlos Sainz Sr. is always seen there, supporting his son. Carlos Sainz Sr. is a world famous World Rally Champion

2. 2015 is the year he made his debut in Formula 1

-Carlos Sainz Jr. entered the fast paced world of Formula 1 in 2015. He was just 20 years old. The team he started out on was Scuderia Toro Rosso. His good skills and determination won him the respect of fans and experts in F1

3. Not surprisingly, he's raced for several teams

-It's not surprising to hear he's raced for several teams. Most Formula 1 drivers have been on several teams. Carlos Sainz Jr. is no exception. He's raced for Scuderia Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren, before finally settling on Ferrari

4. His first podium finish came in 2019

-While driving for McLaren, Carlos Sainz Jr. got his first podium finish in 2019, four years after he first started. He secured third place at the Brazilian Grand Prix

5. Overtaking is his specialty

-He's known for his impressive overtaking skills. He outmaneuvers his fellow drivers and overtakes them in ways that might be considered risky, but fans love watching the excitement of his overtaking skills

6. The fans love him

-Because of his humble, down to earth personality, his ability to engage in conversation and exciting racing skills, the fans love watching him race. He's one of the more popular Formula 1 drivers

7. He can say that he raced in the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans

-This legendary 24 hour race is not for the faint of heart. This is a world famous race that does last 24 hours. Besides Formula 1 racing, he has undertaken endurance racing, including the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans

8. He is close with his father

-Their bond goes beyond father and son. They both support each other with valuable guidance and share a love of motorsport racing

9. He is multi-lingual

-He can speak multiple languages. In addition to being an excellent racecar driver, Sainz is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian

10. He is competitive in esports competitions

-Carlos Sainz Jr. has competed in esports competitions. His passion for racing is strong both on and off the track

11. He does charity work

-Carlos Sainz Jr. also supports charities. He firmly uses his position as a Formula 1 driver to help make an impact on global society

12. He's highly visible on social media

-He's able to support and communicate with fans through various social media platforms, like Instagram and Twitter. He usually gives updates about his racing career and what's going on with him outside of racing

13. His work ethic is beyond belief

-He has a strong work ethic. He's continuously dedicated to training, improvement and pushing his limits farther and farther

14. While under pressure, he's known for remaining calm and composed

-Unlike some people who would explode from high pressure, Carlos Sainz Jr. is known for being cool, calm and collected during times of high stress

15. He's an ambassador for several companies

-He is known both on and off the track for his partnership with several companies because of his popularity and good marketing skills

16. He's earned the respect of his peers

-Fellow drivers and competitors hold the highest respect for him. They recognize his talent, professional demeanor and sportsmanship in the highly competitive world of Formula 1

17. He has a strong support system

-From his father to the dedicated team members at Ferrari, he is able to reap the rewards of a strong support system who provide support and also belief in his success

18. He loves other sports as well

-Besides being in Formula 1, Carlos Sainz Jr. loves other sports as well. He plays tennis and golf, showing his talent for other sports and a love of other sports

19. His future looks bright

-With him being not only a popular driver, but a successful driver with a humble, engaging personality, the sky is the limit for him

20. He's determined to make an impact in Formula 1

-Carlos Sainz Jr. is determined to have his name put into the history of Formula 1, to be up there with such luminaries as Jackie Stewart, Nikki Lauda, Ayrton Senna and more

Mikkey Dee says what Lemmy would have thought of Rock Hall nomination

Induction into the Rock Hall of Fame seems to be a hot button issue with a lot of musicians. Some strive to enter these hallowed halls. Others could honestly care less. Mikkey Dee says what he thinks his former bandmate Lemmy Kilmister would have thought about induction into the Rock Hall of Fame.

During a recent interview with Billboard, Mikkey Dee talks about when Motorhead won a Grammy in 2005. "I remember when we won a Grammy in 2005. He was prouder than any of us. He really glowed. I said 'Lem, this is pretty f---ing cool.' And he said 'You're right, mate. This is great.' And when we got our hands in the Rock Walk on Sunset in Hollywood, that was also a moment for him, and he was really proud. And this here (Rock Hall nomination) is the king of kings, if you will, so he would've been very, very proud."

Rob Halford, vocalist for British metal band Judas Priest, agrees. "I think he'd be really happy. Lemmy always had this big, tough guy personality, which he was, and I believe he'd have a few 'words' to say from one angle. But I think he'd be thrilled for his bandmates, and equally for his fans. I think he would genuinely appreciate this." Despite guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee not being included in the nomination, Dee is still excited by the prospect of it. "In my book, if anyone really deserves to be in that Hall of Fame, it's Motorhead in so many ways because of the inspiration on thousands of bands. Even the biggest of the biggest have been so influenced by Motorhead and Lemmy. It's the real deal. If you talk to Ozzy (Osbourne), he thinks that Motorhead should have been in before Black Sabbath, even."

Mikkey Dee adds that, even on tour with his current band Scorpions, he feels the impact of Motorhead's 40 years of metal, across the 22 albums they released and the nonstop touring. "What I find now is it's bigger than ever, this Motorhead thing. People are hysterical about it. I've never signed so many records and t-shirts and answered so many questions. They're standing in droves with boxes full of Motorhead stuff for me to sign. It's embarrassing sometimes how big it is, but it's all about Motorhead still. It's even bigger than when Lemmy was alive."

Unfortunately, there is controversy lurking. The current nomination into the rock hall dictates that only the original lineup, which consisted of guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, drummer "Philthy" Phil Taylor and bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister are to be inducted. Clarke and Taylor both died in 2018 and 2015. Unfortunately, that leaves Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee left out, despite serving in the band for so long. "That is pure wrong, I would say, and I know Phil would be very disappointed, too. We've been carrying the flag for 25 years together, and actually brought Motorhead to what it was. We did 25 years out of the 40. The original band lasted just a few years (Clarke left in 1982, Taylor in 1984, but returned in 1987-1992). They started it off, but as Lemmy said himself they wouldn't have lasted another six months doing that lineup. I don't think we would've been where we are today without the 25 years we spent touring."

Despite what happens, Dee says he and Campbell will attend the induction ceremony to represent Motorhead if they make it through. "Absolutely. I think it's a must. Phil and me have to attend - and play there, of course. It would be a real honor."

Rob Halford Duets with Dolly Parton at Rock Hall Induction Ceremony

Two unlikely musicians, Dolly Parton and Rob Halford, duet together on Parton's iconic song "Jolene" at rock hall induction ceremony

During the rock hall induction ceremony, Judas Priest, which consisted of guitarist Glenn Tipton, who was still a member of the band, despite retiring due to his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, former guitarist K.K. Downing alongside current guitarist Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford and drummer Scott Travis, played three iconic songs from the band's catalogue: "You Got Another Thing Coming", "Breaking the Law", "Living After Midnight". Later on, Rob Halford joined country music legend Dolly Parton in singing on her classic hit "Jolene".

It turned out a lot of people sang with Parton and Halford on the song "Jolene", as part of her induction into the hall. This "super jam" included Simon LeBon of Duran Duran, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and Eurythmics vocalist Annie Lennox.

Chicago Fire

Not only is this the name of the MLS team in Chicago, this is also a popular television show. Very frequently, you'll see officers and detectives from Chicago PD on here. These two shows will over cross over with each other on a frequent basis. Both shows will also cross over with Chicago Med.

Summary

-The show centers around the professional and personal lives of Chicago firefighters and paramedics

Cast

-Taylor Kinney: Kelly Severide

-Christian Stolte: Randall McHolland

-Eamonn Walker: Wallce Boden

-Joe Minoso: Joe Cruz

-Randy Flagler: Capp

-David Eigenberg: Christopher Hermann

-Jesse Spencer: Matthew Casey

-Anthony Ferraris: Tony

-Monica Raymund: Gabriella Dawson

-Amy Morton: Trudy Platts

-Jon Seda: Antonio Dawson

Did You Know?

-There are some scenes filmed on a studio set and others filmed inside an actual firehouse. The kitchen scenes are filmed inside the real firehouse kitchen, complete with Danger Men Cooking sign. If you see a door to the left of the cooking area, it's the studio set. If you see a water fountain, that is in the actual firehouse

-A lot of the locations used on the show are real locations, just given different names for the show. Firehouse 51 is actually Station 18, which is on 1360 S. Blue Island Ave in Chicago. Molly's Bar, which is owned by Hermann, Dawson and Otis, is in real life Lottie's in the Bucktown section of Chicago

-Anthony Ferraris, who plays Tony, is an actual firefighter. He helps plan how each accident in the show occurs, so that it appears accurate for a firefighter

-Whenever the fire academy is shown, that is the actual Quinn Fire Academy, located at 558 W. De Koven Street in Chicago. The academy is built on the former grounds of the O'Leary Farm, where the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 is believed to have originated from

-Most if not all fire departments do not allow facial hair, as seen on Lt. Severide. It interferes with the tight seal on the SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) air masks worn by firefighters. The seal gasket, which ensures a snug fit, cannot work properly if the wearer has facial hair. Firefighters with too much facial hair will also fail this test. Mustaches, seen on Otis, Chief Boden and Mouch, don't present a problem. Firefighters must be clean shaven at all times to ensure a snug fit on their oxygen masks

-Actor Steve McQueen's grandson, Steven R. McQueen, plays a firefighter candidate named Jimmy Borelli. His grandfather starred in The Towering Inferno (1974) as a fire chief. He jumped into action and assisted real firefighters when a fire broke out on set

-The title for each episode comes from a bit of dialogue from that episode

Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, opens up about his battle with pancreatic cancer

Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, had recently undergone a battle with pancreatic cancer, but had luckily undergone treatment and also did early detection, which saved his life.

Monty Python actor Eric Idle has recently set up the Bright Side Fund to aid with Stand Up to Cancer to aid in promoting early detection of cancer. Idle hopes that his early detection of pancreatic cancer will inspire others to get themselves checked out. Statistics show that the five year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is around 11%, but Idle hopes to change that. "I think we can make a difference. The good news is that we are starting to fight back."

In connection with Stand Up to Cancer, Eric Idle had set up the Bright Side Fund to promote research and early detection. In his interview with People Magazine, he said "They're doing great work. I think if we can spread the word a little and try and raise some money, we can put it in the right direction." He recently appeared on the music television show The Masked Singer. Thanks to early detection, he was able to catch his cancer very early on. "My doctor specializes in preventative medicine, and he makes me go for blood tests every year. He noticed a difference in the markers from the previous year, so he ordered an MRI and asked them to add contrast. That lit up the pancreas, and there it was." He talked about the surgery related to it. "It was a partly robotic five hour surgery. I had a fantastic surgeon...and he cut it all out because it wasn't attached to anything; it was intact. The technicians had never seen it in that state before because they'd never seen it that early. A lot of the research is studying early warning signs."

When Idle had gotten the all clear, he said "I cried. You can resign to whatever fate you're in. You put yourself in the hands of the doctors, and off you go. You keep smiling and whistle and then look on the bright side. And then when they tell you that you're going to survive, I mean, that was quite a moment." The actor gives credit to his wife Tania, son Carey and daughter Lily for their strong love and encouragement. "They rallied around me. We had to move quick, and we did. There was no time to lose." Since the news of his cancer battle came out, there has been an outpouring of love and support from all over. "I wanted to be honest and come out about the cancer and encourage people because this is very good news. I got extraordinary responses from people."

He is looking ahead. "I'm a father, so I really enjoy my kids, and I love seeing them. I don't look very far in advance. I'm a writer, so I tend to get up and start early on whatever problems I've set myself. And that's a good way of avoiding any anxiety. You just spend your time trying to solve them."

March Birthdays

Since it's March, time to say Happy Birthday

Steve Harris

-Birth name: Stephen Percy Harris

-DOB: 3/12/1956

-Where: Leytonstone, London, England

-He wrote "Blood Brothers" from Iron Maiden's 2003 album Brave New World about losing his father to cancer

Carrie Underwood

-Birth name: Carrie Marie Underwood

-DOB: 3/10/1983

-Where: Muskogee, Oklahoma

-She became famous after appearing on American Idol

Sting (wrestler)

-Birth name: Steve Borden

-DOB: 3/20/1959

-Where: Omaha, Nebraska

-He is a born again Christian

Daniel Craig

-Birth name: Daniel Wroughton Craig

-DOB: 3/2/1968

-Where: Chester, Cheshire, England

-For the role of James Bond, he was told to dye his hair black. He refused

Alexander Albon

-Birth name: Alexander Albon Ansusinha

-DOB: 3/23/1996

-Where: London, England

-He drives under the Thai flag as a tribute to his mother's Thai heritage

Mick Schumacher

-DOB: 3/22/1999

-Where: Genolier, Switzerland

-His father is legendary Ferrari F1 driver Michael Schumacher

Michael Caine

-Birth name: Maurice Joseph Micklewhite

-DOB: 3/14/1933

-Where: Rotherhithe, London, England

-He left school at age 15 and worked a series of odd jobs before enlisting in the British Army and serving in Korea during the Korean War, where he fought in combat

Elton John

-Birth name: Sir Elton Hercules John

-DOB: 3/25/1947

-Where: Pinner, United Kingdom

-Known for his flamboyant outfits

Dee Snider

-Birth name: Daniel Snider

-DOB: 3/15/1955

-Where: Astoria, New York

-He took on the Parents Music Resource Council when Tipper Gore tried to get one of Twisted Sister's albums banned

Eric Idle

-DOB: 3/29/1943

-Where: South Shields, United Kingdom

-He's a highly talented guitarist

Gary Oldman

-Birth name: Gary Leonard Oldman

-DOB: 3/21/1958

-Where: New Cross, London, England

-He is known for frequently working with director Christopher Nolan

Angus Young

-Birth name: Angus McKinnon Young

-DOB: 3/31/1955

-Where: Glasgow, Scotland

-His onstage schoolboy uniform is inspired by the days of when he would come home from school in his uniform and start playing guitar

Michael Imperioli

-Birth name: James Michael Imperioli

-DOB: 3/26/1966

-Where: Mount Vernon, New York

-Has played a character named Jo Jo twice, both times in films released in 1995: Bad Boys and Clockers

Mark Calaway (The Undertaker)

-Birth name: Mark William Calaway

-DOB: 3/24/1965

-Where: Houston, Texas

-When he entered the ring, the lights went to purple and smoke emerged. Funeral music would then start playing