Say what you want, Blackie worked hard for his success. Rod Smallwood, (WASP + Iron Maiden's manager) has stated "I don't manage shit bands". Through WASP's success in the 80s, Blackie was targeted by the PMRC & other do-gooders. He was personally shot at twice and - at one point - advised by the FBI not to live by himself.
So, what about Chris Holmes's beefs, saying that Blackie cheated him out of his publishing royalties? I DO NOT think that Chris is making that up. He strikes me as a man with some integrity. Blackie, although I admire the man tremendously, is no saint. In an interview from the early 2000s, Stet Howland is quoted as saying "Blackie would rather pay someone out of his own pocket than be accused of cheating anyone".
I've said it elsewhere but will repeat myself here: to put out an album like KFD took balls. Not only that, but - imho - that album stands shoulder to shoulder with ANYTHING by Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, or Marilyn Manson.
Who amongst us can claim to have journeyed through life without making ANY mistakes? If people are honest with themselves, I seriously doubt that even one person could credibly make such a claim.
AMEN.
God Bless Blackie Lawless
God Bless Chris Holmes
God Bless Each and Every One Of Us