TIME TO DIE
“I thought, am I really going to die at a Guns N’ Roses concert?” Alison ‘Metal Babe’ Cohen reflects on St. Louis show

LOS ANGELES — One of Hollywood’s most distinguished scenemakers is Alison “Metal Babe” Cohen, who usually has a merch booth at most of the big rock shows.

She is focusing on clothing and jewelry now, but in the past she has worked as a rock journalist and even went on tour with Ozzfest a handful of times through the years.

We caught up with her, and Ms. Cohen gave Metal Sludge the lowdown on what really puts the metal in Metal Babe.

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Alison with friend Salpi at the Metal Babe booth

METAL SLUDGE: Let’s start with St. Louis. That is where you’re from right?

ALISON “METALBABE” COHEN: Yes.

Is it true you helped cause the Guns N’ Roses riot that night with Skid Row?

METAL BABE: (laughs) I wouldn’t say that I helped cause it, but I know who did. His name is Stump, and I actually know him. I was there though and was about to leave when they announced that Guns N’ Roses would return to the stage if we would all just calm down. My two friends and I ran to the front row, literally. And as we caught our breath, we got sprayed with fire hoses, maced and clubbed. At one point, I was on the ground getting trampled. I thought, am I really going to die at a Guns N’ Roses concert? It was crazy. Helicopters everywhere. People were running out of there with the band’s gear, chairs, anything they could get their hands on. GNR never came back onstage either.

Were you bloody?

METAL BABE: Just a few minor cuts and scrapes. Nothing serious.

And eventually you found your way to Los Angeles, where you’ve established yourself as a rock journalist — of all things — and doing clothes and jewelry and lots of other stuff. You like California?

METAL BABE: Exactly. I have been writing professionally since 2005 and have been published over 100 times to date in several print and online magazines, starting with Rock City News. And, I established Metal Babe Mayhem (Where Music And Fashion Meet) in 2006. I do love living in California, and I have known my entire life that I belonged in Hollywood — ever since I first heard bands like Poison and Motley Crue sing about the Sunset Strip.

Now Missouri is known as the “show-me” state. Who is the biggest rock star who ever asked you, “Show me your tits.”

METAL BABE: (laughs) You are correct on it being the “show-me” state, and I have heard that line quite a few times. OK, a lot of times. But honestly, I can’t think of who I would say the biggest rock star who asked was, though.

OK, any rock star . Just one name. This is Metal Sludge.

METAL BABE: Let’s come back to that one.

You were on the road with Ozzy for a long time. Did you ever see him snort a line of ants or anything like that? 

METAL BABE: I wish I could say I saw Ozzy do something crazy like that. I actually felt bad for Ozzy when I was on tour with him. I was with him for four years on tour. Everyone would eat together, and he never came out. He just kept to himself and walked on his treadmill. The one time I saw him come out to eat with his family, he got mobbed by all the bands. He couldn’t even eat.

What about Sharon Osbourne? Is she as big a bitch as everyone says?

METAL BABE: I only had one real incident with Sharon. We were setting up the vendor booth, and I looked up to hear Sharon SCREAMING at us at the top of her lungs. She is definitely someone you don’t want to mess with.

So you’re into style and accessories, right? Based ONLY on image, who is the coolest-looking rock star you’ve ever seen?

METAL BABE: Definitely I would have to say David Bowie. The make-up, hair, clothing. All of it. I love it.

You mean the glam era or suits-and-ties era?

METAL BABE: The glam era for sure. That’s my favorite. I love Ziggy Stardust.

Alison and Metal Babe Mayhem endorse cute models too,
like drummer boy Troy Patrick Farrell

OK, I will name some Glam rock icons, and you give me their “cool factor” 1 through 10. With a little comment, OK?

METAL BABE: Sounds good. Let’s go.

We will start off with Axl, of course. Oh, and for all of ’em, we are talking prime era.

METAL BABE: 5. I don’t think he is respectful of his fans or anyone else. It’s all about Axl. Both times I have tried to see GNR, there has been a riot.

David Lee Roth.

METAL BABE: 6. Nothing against him personally, other than I think he talks too much onstage and should sing more. Only time I saw him perform solo, it seemed more like a comedy show than a concert. He can definitely do some cool jumps, though.

Vince Neil.

METAL BABE: 8. I love Vince and Motley Crue. I think it’s cool that Vince is always trying out new business ideas, with his tattoo shops, restaurant, tequila, etc. I know most people make fun of him for his weight, but I don’t care. That’s life. And people make fun of him for not singing all the words when he performs live, but that’s what the fans are for. He always gives it his all and I respect him for that.

Meatloaf.

METAL BABE: 3. Don’t really know a whole lot about Meatloaf other than “Paradise By the Dashboard Light.” I love that song but can’t recall too many cool factors.

Rick Nielsen.

METAL BABE: 7. Love that five-neck guitar. Wouldn’t want to hold it, but he does it well.

I know you’ve done a lot of interviews. Name the artist who was most accommodating and kind in relation to how successful he was, and name the one who was a total prick.

METAL BABE: Geoff Tate was one of the most accommodating. He was nice, funny, informative, and it seemed as if we had all the time in the world. A lot of times they have a “hard out.”

A hard-on?

METAL BABE: (laughs) Maybe that’s why they are so nice to me. Surprisingly I haven’t had very many, if any, ‘prick’ encounters during interviews. Only thing that comes to mind, and I wouldn’t call him a prick, is Doug Aldrich. At first he was all excited, but when I mentioned I was married, he kind of turned his back and said “Oh.” He laughed. All was fine though.

You still haven’t answered which rock star asked to see your tits. The Missouri question.

METAL BABE: Well, here is a good story: Lillian Axe was playing a club in St. Louis and my boyfriend at the time and I were hanging with the band before their show. For some reason, I get in the van with the band, and he gets in his car behind us to drive to the hotel. As soon as I get in the van, they look at me all seriously and said, ‘Who are you gonna blow?’ I was like, “What?” I was a teenager for God’s sake. They said they were serious and that I had to pick one before they would drive. I was about to get out of the van when they finally said, “We’re just kidding” and ended up driving to the hotel. But it didn’t stop there. As soon as we got to the room, they sent my boyfriend out for ice and it started all over again. NOTHING happened. We went to the show, then came back to the room later that night to hang out. We knocked on the door a bit, and they finally let us in and acted like they were all tired after their gig and were going to bed, even though they were under the covers with their shoes on. I hope they ended up getting some action that night — because it definitely wasn’t from me. Another one was Derek Sherinian. He got all pissy because I wouldn’t go to his room with him when we got kicked out of an after-party.

There you go. I knew you had it in you. Please tell me you don’t ask for autographs.

METAL BABE: Nope. Don’t care to get autographs. Not anymore at least. I like to GIVE autographs though. I’m happy to mail out a super hot autographed 8×10 to anyone who buys something at Metal Babe Mayhem

What is your gotta-have-it item at the Rainbow Bar & Grill?

METAL BABE: Jack and Coke. Not a fan of the food.

Oh? Have your ever enjoyed a toast with the late, great Lemmy K?

METAL BABE: Yes. Jack and Cokes at the Rainbow, actually. On more than one occasion. First time was on the Motorhead tour bus when they were on Ozzfest.

Are you a vegetarian?

METAL BABE: Haven’t had meat in almost 16 years.

You would get along well with Keri Kelli. He doesn’t eat meat either — but he loves sushi.

METAL BABE: Sounds like we should all go out for sushi then.

Anything else to add?

METAL BABE: This has been fun, Gerry. Thanks for taking the time to interview me. For anyone reading this, please visit my website for rock n’ roll clothing, jewelry, accessories and more.

Metal Babe Mayhem @ WebSite – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Gerry Gittelson can be reached at gerryg123@hotmail.com