FallenBlue.org - Serving Those Who Protect Us
Fallen Blue
Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 April 2013 20:18
A TATTOOED POLICE DAUGHTER
There were many trips to the hospital to visit my Father, although I only recall one visit clearly, his leg, suspended in traction and full of metal rods. We were all unsure if it would be amputated, but luckily, it was saved. During his stay in the hospital for his severe injury, he was given a blood transfusion. Blood in the early 80’s wasn’t as strictly tested as it is today. We would later find out that the during the transfusion, he had contracted Hepatitis C.
Our lives moved on and given no other option we moved to West Virginia. My Mother went to nursing school to support our family and my Dad became “Mr. Mom”, staying home with 4 children. At this point, I was making friends and my time as “mascot of MCPD” was filed away in my memory, only to be reminded as my Father reminisced of his days as an Officer.
Throughout the years, my Dad can be directly linked to mentoring at least 10 men who went on to be Police Officers. His passion for the job translated in his words and he surrounded himself with memories of his service and his inspiring encouragement to other young people who eventually followed in his footsteps. My youngest brother being the most encouraged (as you would expect), is now a Maryland State Trooper and has taken on my Father’s passion and legacy for arresting drunk drivers.
My life continued, mostly as a self conscious, chubby, unpopular kid in private school. My Dad would try and try to convince me to ‘like’ myself, but I always thought I fell short of my own expectations and often hid behind walls I’d built within myself and assumed my position as married, successful business woman. I had a decade where I used the work ethic my father taught me to get promoted at a corporate job in Washington DC. Surprisingly, I was good at what I did, made lots of money and to everyone’s surprise--was absolutely miserable. I soon left that career and the marriages, unsure of where to turn. Of course, I ended up again, looking to my Dad for advice.
My Father supported me through two failed marriages and three children, always willing to lend and ear and advice. Each time I stood in front of him in tears his words were “The sun WILL come up tomorrow”. Simple, dry, but wisdom nonetheless.
As time passed, our relationship evolved as did his idea on tattoos and my choice to finally put his words to the test and “like who I saw in the mirror”. After my second divorce, I was willing to finally put into action 30 years of advice I hadn’t really taken to heart before. At that point, I had nothing to lose. I jumped right into everything I was passionate about….art, tattoos, not making excuses any longer for who I wanted to be. It came with an understanding from my Father that I wasn’t expecting coming from his conservative past. Something had changed….
We knew many years prior that his having contracted Hepatitis C during that blood transfusion would eventually catch up to him and it was at this point in our lives, just a few short years ago, it did. His liver was failing and a transplant was becoming more and more unlikely.
As his condition worsened, coincidentally, my new found confidence grew as did his support in a before-frowned-upon path. The more he believed in me, the worse I saw his health deteriorating, the more determined I became to fulfill the belief that he had instilled in me from my youngest years….do what you believe in, be passionate and always honest with yourself and others. Once I learned to put this into action within myself, it started to show and “Laura Lynn” the model was born.
In a show of support and solidarity, my Father surprised everyone by getting a tattoo. Of course, it was his Police badge. I wouldn’t have expected it to be anything else. Finally, my Dad and I found common ground and our relationship blossomed. I only wish we had more time to enjoy it.
At this point, in 2010, I opened my first business, a tattoo studio. The same day we opened the shop, I got another terrifying call, reminiscent of all those years ago and my stomach fell. My Father’s disease had made him unsteady on his feet and he had fallen, hitting his head and requiring emergency brain surgery. That was the beginning of the end.
In early 2011, I stood beside my Father’s hospital bed (this time at home, provided in his Hospice care) as he encouraged me to enter my first Pin Up contest. That very day, I left for DC with his blessing and won that contest. I couldn’t get home fast enough to share with him that I had won. He was proud. I spent that night rubbing the swelling down on his bad leg and watching reruns at the end of his hospital bed. We talked and talked, many of the stories also reruns but I listened intently as if hearing them for the first time. Nights like that would continue as often as I could be there. I had grown to appreciate him and his stories as gold.
2011/2012 became the best and worst years of my entire life. It would be the time I won that contest, got into my first big magazine and booked for events all down the East Coast. Suddenly, waves of success were met with nights of sorrow as I was often called to help as he’d fallen again. By day, I was wearing a Pin Up smile, hiding a scared little girl who by night was diligently caring for her dying Patriarch.
In mid January of 2012, again at his side as he was falling in and out of consciousness there was a moment…a moment of clarity in his eyes as he seemed to look right past me as if acknowledging information from a source behind me and very clearly said (and I will NEVER forget this) “Don’t give up. It may take 6 months, it may take a year, but I KNOW you’re going to make it”. This became the last conscious thing my Father said to me. He passed, in my arms just a few short days later, his body finally succumbing to his liver failure. He was only 64.
My Father died of what’s commonly referred to as a ‘drunk’s disease’, ironic for a man who never drank but lived a very straight edge life. He died at home, under Hospice care, surrounded by family. He died with a tattoo of his Police badge proudly displayed on his arm. He died retired many years, but still a Police Officer till the end.
I work today, far from my life as a ‘Police mascot’. Heavily tattooed and oftentimes hanging out with “Rock Stars” --a million miles from Police stories around the dinner table but no matter where I go or who I’m with I still carry the values instilled in me by my Hero--My Father, William D. Talbert. Fallen Blue as an organization has allowed my two worlds to finally come together and for that, they will always have my full support. I may be a tattooed model, but I will always be a Policeman’s daughter. I will take his legacy with me throughout my travels and will rest peacefully in the knowledge that he was able to finally see me as the confident woman he had always known I was. We had both finally evolved, and as it turns out, he was right--the sun continues to rise each day, giving us all an opportunity to grow and accept one another in love and loyalty.
RIP Officer William D. Talbert EOW: 1/27/12
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LAURA LYNN: www.LauraLynnPinUp.com
Concerts
FALLEN BLUE ROCKS WITH M3 ROCK FESTIVAL, ONCE AGAIN
Once again, Fallen Blue is honored to partner up with the M3 Rock Festival. Now in its fifth year, M3 will once again be held at the Merriweather Post Paviallion (Columbia, MD) on May 3-4, 2013. This years lineup hits close to home with Fallen Blue, as our National Spokesperson, AJ Pero, will once again be a force on the drums for TWISTED SISTER, who are co-headlining the show on Saturday. We have also have the distinction of working with several of the other bands playing this weekend: FIREHOUSE, TRIXTER, DANGER DANGER, and STEELHEART! Look for some interviews with all of our artist supporters, leading up to the festival this year.
In the coming weeks, we will announce how Fallen Blue will be involved this year with the show...it will be something memorable for sure! If you were able to attend last year, Oakley sponsored the band WARRANT to play an acoustic set to kick off the show on Friday!
Thanks for all your continued support!
Artist Stories
Last Updated on Monday, 11 February 2013 07:13
Mandy Lion's Roar Hits Fallen Blue
1.) 2013 is shaping up to be a big year for you, having just signed a record deal with HVM; what plans do you have music wise? Can we expect a new music video?
We already have the new single ready to go and 9 more in the making. Most of them will be produced by Roy Z of Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest fame. The new stuff paints some pictures that warrant visual support so we will definitely have some videos coming with the new music. We are also working on national tours and some festival appearances with an all star line-up which includes members of Rainbow, Dio, Halford, The Cult and Judas Priest...I cannot wait to see my RnR family on the road in 2013!
2.)You have had the honor of playing with some of the legends in the music business, George Lynch & Vinny Appice to name a few. And recently, you named Roy Z & Jimmy Bain as your latest band members...how did you decide on both Roy & Jimmy?
Jimmy has always been and forever will be my favorite bassist and one of my dearest friends. Whenever we have the opportunity to work together I enjoy the privilege of doing so.
Roy and I have been wanting to work together for a long time. I have watched him in action with Halford and Dickinson and always thought that he was and is one of the very best in the business. He is also a stellar gentleman which I respect on a personal level. We both believe that right now is the moment to create something special together. I cannot wait to show you what we come up with...
3.)We have heard that you have done some extensive research in regards to Vlad The Impaler, and you even own some of his jewelry; what is it about Vlad that interests you the most? Any thought of doing a concept album?
Vlad is a very interesting character which is misunderstood for the most part because he was the inspiration to Bram Stoker's Dracula. The truth is that he was not "evil" but rather heroic. He had to fight an insurmountable force with just a handful of warriors when the Turks invaded his country. He realized that the only way to win this war was through intimidation. So didn't just kill the enemy soldiers but he also impaled them for the enemy to see. Wherever the Turks went they saw forests of impaled bodies which did severe damage to their resolve. One particular incident stands out though...
While having a dinner meeting with one of his enemy warlords Vlad dined with a recently killed second enemy warlord propped up next to the dinner table. He proceeded to dunk his bread in the still open and bleeding wound of his dead antagonist and ate it which scared the crap out of his guest and no doubt was the birth of the legend of the blood drinking monster we all have come to know as Dracula.
In any case... Vlad succeeded in scaring the Turks to the point where they fled his country. So Vlad was not a monster but actually an exceptional war hero and genius who saved his people from death and slavery.
I would say that the next 10 singles, once put out, will make for a combined concept album since they all tell a different part of a larger story. It will all make sense as it unfolds...
4.) There is no denying your love dogs; what led to your sincere & adamant involvement in being a champion for their rights?
I adore all animals... Dogs in particular and certain breeds happen to be my personal favorites. My greatest passion are the so called "fighting" breeds. These dogs are so completely misunderstood and bad mouthed by hate mongering media and the uneducated public that one can say there is a literal witch hunt against these innocent victims running rampant on a global basis.
The interesting thing about this is that ALL of the bad stuff you hear about these breeds is spread and perpetuated by people who have never lived with any of these dogs. On the other hand you cannot find a single pitbull, perro de presa or tosa (there are many other breeds) owner who has anything but great things to say about these dogs...
So here is the question I would like to ask every THINKING person who reads this:
If I told you that Porsche handles badly, breaks down all the time and is an all around shit bucket of a car you might believe me... But if you found out that I never owned, handled or driven a Porsche in my life then how much would my opinion mean to you now...?
If you want to know about what kind of a car Porsche is then find someone who has owned and driven these cars all of his life because only such a person can give you the real information.
If everyone who owns pitbulls says they are great dogs and everyone who says they are bad dogs never had one then who is credible here?
ANY dog can be turned into a dangerous animal by a sick human being. But NO dog is more dangerous than any other by nature. Anyone who believes any different is someone with a severe lack of intelligence and has absolutely no common sense. Such a person is much more dangerous than a pitbull because stupid people kill humans all the time.
5.) This past November, you performed at the first annual Rock Harvest, a police concert for Fallen Blue. How did you get involved with that? Do you have any police stories to share?
Rock Harvest was a blast. It was a long way to go from home but worth it for sure. When I was asked to participate in this event I thought it was a fantastic cause and immediately said yes. All too often a single bad cop gets national news exposure and makes the police on the whole look bad. I think it is important that we don't forget the vast majority of heroes who keep our streets safe and often give their lives protecting ours. I think we all owe these men and women a big thank you and Rock Harvest to me is a great way to do just that. I am honored to be a part of it and will return to do it again whenever I am asked to do so...
For more on Mandy Lion: www.highvolmusic.com
Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 December 2012 08:11
Rock Harvest Rocked For Fallen Police
Sometimes when you purchase tickets to an event, you wonder whether or not the VIP upgrade is worth it. I am one who usually springs for the upgrade with the hopes of getting to meet the performers (even if it is a 2 second photo op). Sometimes I am disappointed; sometimes I am thrilled with the experience!. The VIP upgrade for Rock Harvest was one of those thrilling experiences. It was so much more than a laminate and a poster (both of which were presented to us at check in). It was the experience of a lifetime!
Early in the day, VIP ticket holders got to check in early and have a Meet and Greet with the artists. Most of the artists were present and took their time taking pictures with people. The artists were gracious in taking pictures and chatting with the VIP guests. We even got free autographed CD’s!
The line-up of artists was nothing short of amazing. The ensemble was not the same group of bands that tour every year and play all the big festivals. Instead we got to experience a blend of local talent, acoustic sets, full plugged-in sets, and stellar collaborations. Early in the day, local Band King Belvedere pulled out a solid, plugged-in set. Modern Superstar also gave a high-energy performance. They demanded and got plenty of audience participation throughout their set, but especially with their closing song, Britny Fox’s “Girl School.”
The tempo slowed down a bit for a few acoustic performances. Michael Olivieri (best known for fronting Leatherwolf) gave a solo performance with a very soulful rendition of Leatherwolf’s “Hideaway”. A truly stand-out, unplugged performance was a rare acoustic set from Phil Lewis & Scotty Griffin of LA Guns (with Scotty tearing it up on guitar). They performed “You Better Not Love Me” off their new album and some of their staples including “Ballad of Jayne” and “Sex Action”.
Mandy Lion’s WWIII delivered a rare East Coast performance, nailing it with his trademark guttural vocals on “I’m Gonna Love You To Death.” But, the most dynamic amped performance of the evening had to go to Burning Rain on their rendition of “Cryin in the Rain.” (Burning Rain includes Whitesnake’s Doug Aldrich, Dokken’s Sean McNabb, Montrose’s Keith St John, and Matt Starr of Ace Frehley). They killed it!
Throughout the evening, the VIP guests were welcomed backstage where there was plenty of pizza, beer, bottled water, and artists coming in and out between sets. All of the artists were kind enough to take more photos with the guests. All in all it was a great time. After experiencing incredible live music sets, posing for photos with music legend Paul Shortino and others, also giving site-seeing advice to Michael Olivieri. I can say the entire event was like nothing I’ve ever participated in. Most importantly, everyone there was honored to be part of such a great event supporting Fallen Blue.
Fundraisers
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:59
ROCK HARVEST 2012
On November 10, 2012, at Recher Theatre in Towson, MD, Fallen Blue will be presenting Rock Harvest, our first of what hopes to be many years of this annual benefit concert. We have a couple of families in mind that we plan to donate proceeds from the show to, as well as send some money to our partner police non-profits, Get Behind The Badge and Safe Call Now. Once again, this show couldn't be possible without the support and sponsorship from some of our biggest allies: Shockwave Magazine, Jamsync Music, 97 Underground, and last but not least, Recher Theatre for stepping up to the plate to host, what will be an all-day music event.
In its first year, Rock Harvest has assembled an incredible mix of music from the rock and hard rock genres, as well as the hair, progressive, thrash, and power metal scene. The artists we have performing have graced some of the largest stages in the world, to include the Download Festival, M3 Rock Festival, and Rocklohoma.
Don Dokken (Dokken)
Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen)
Mandy Lion's WWIII
Paul Shortino & David Henzerling (King Kobra)
Ashes Of Ares (Matt Barlow & Freddie Vidales of Iced Earth, and Van Williams of Nevermore)
Neil Turbin (Anthrax)
Phil Lewis & Scotty Griffin (LA Guns)
Burning Rain featuring Keith St. John (Montrose) & Doug Aldrich (Dio, Whitesnake)
Michael Olivieri (Leatherwolf)
King James
Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob, TRED)
Marten Andersson (Lizzy Borden, Lynch Mob)
Modern Superstar (OH)
Fallen Martyr (DC)
Ghost Of War (PA)
Iconic Tonic (OH)
King Belvedere (MD)
Planet 9 (OH)
Leather & Lace (MD)
RipTide (MD)
Wasabi (MD)
Rock Harvest will once again be hosted by our National Spokesperson, AJ Pero (Twisted Sister) and Mike Brilhart of Baltimore, Maryland's, 97 Underground!
While the music is going, there will also be an incredible silent auction going on, which will include items from some of our artist friends, to include autographed posters from Henry Rollins, Incubus, and Shinedown, framed autographed album from Ted Nugent, an autographed Dunlop pedal from Zakk Wylde, and numerous other items.
Tickets go on sale July 31, 2012: http://www.showclix.com/event/3645063/listing . Tickets are $20 advance and door, and $45 for VIP, which will include concert poster, VIP laminate, and a meet/greet with all the talent involved.
Stay tuned for information and trivia leading up to the complete line-up announcement for Rock Harvest later this summer.
Angels stood beside me
As I gave them my life
They gazed upon my badge
The sign of pride and strife
I did not die on duty
Nor was I dressed in blue
For that doesn’t matter
Since my days are never through
For I fought the unjust
I stood for what was right
I hope I was a beacon
In a world that needed light
Weep not long for me
For I am with you still
I stood in front of danger
And for you, I always will
To serve and protect
I took a sacred vow
And on streets of gold
I keep that promise now.
LRG. 2010