the Rock Report

Yes, it’s the Sixties “legend”, Wayne Fontana; leader of the Mindbenders, singer of “Game of Love” and “Pamela, Pamela”.
But what’s it all about? You ain’t gonna believe it! Here’s the 411, as described verbatim by British reporter, Sally Peck of the London Telegraph.

Sixties pop star burns bailiff’s car
By Sally Peck and agencies

Sixties pop star Wayne Fontana, who arrived for his court hearing
dressed as the Old Bailey’s Lady of Justice, was remanded in custody
today after he admitted setting fire to a debt collector’s car.

The judge branded the singer a ‘fool’ after he arrived dressed as
the Lady of Justice
A judge called the former lead singer of the Mindbenders a “fool”
after he turned up in court in fancy dress. Wearing a crown and home-
made cape, the defendant, whose real name is Glyn Ellis, had to hand
in his fake sword and scales to security guards before the hearing
at Derby Crown Court.

He kept his dark glasses on, however, claiming “justice is blind”.

Fontana is alleged to have poured petrol over the bonnet of bailiff
Paul Stott’s car and then ignited it while Mr Stott was still
sitting inside. It is claimed Fontana told the debt collector: “I am
going to burn you.”

Fontana admitted arson being reckless to whether life is endangered,
but he denied a more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger
life, insisting Mr Stott got out of the vehicle before it was
engulfed in flames.

Judge Andrew Hamilton said: “He regards this whole procedure as a
pantomime. He has come dressed as a fool and he wants to act like a
fool. I hope they give him a prison uniform at Nottingham Prison to
keep him warm.”

The 61-year-old had to surrender his sword to security guards before
the hearing
The singer, who carried out the attack on February 1, when the
bailiff visited his home in Glossop, Derbyshire, could now face up
to 14 years in jail if it is decided he committed the more serious
offence.

Hugh McKee, the defence barrister, said his client had no vendetta
against bailiffs but admitted he had been “in considerable contact”
with a number of them.

The case was adjourned until July for a Newton hearing and Fontana
was remanded into custody. Judge Hamilton also ordered a psychiatric
report.

Fontana shot to fame in 1964 with his band Wayne Fontana and the
Mindbenders, recording hits including Game Of Love. After he left
the group in 1965, the Mindbenders recorded their biggest hit,
Groovy Kind Of Love.

So there ya have it. But, y’know something?

IF HE’D BEEN SMART…

and gotten some sensible, extensive market research done, he could’ve pleaded his case more intelligently and convincingly! No question about it … if ya put these folks to work for ya — especially their “value added” services (c’mon … click the link!), you’ll be ready to tackle your next presentation like an expert, no matter where it is!
Well, that’s it. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your ears to the radio, and I’ll see ya on the flip side.

Missouri. You’d think that, before Branson came along, it was nothing but cattle, pro wrestling and a few tornadoes thrown in for good measure (oh … but let’s not forget the real “Golden Arch,” right?).
Who would’ve thought, thirty or so years ago, that this little territory just west of the Mississippi would become a thriving haven for singers, dancers … even legendary rock groups like Paul Revere and the Raiders? (see above)
Although Paul (incidentally, it’s his real name!) is getting on up there in years, his group (which also includes Righteous-Brother Bill Medley’s son) is still kickin’ it after all these years! Begun originally in the late 1950’s, with its heyday including Mark Lindsay, Freddy Weller and the late, great drummer “Smitty” Smith, the band is a veritable feast of butt-kickin’ music and side-splitting humor.
They’re part of bandstander Dick Clark’s weekly show in Branson … but many other legendary acts show up there, as well!
From comedians to pop and (of course!) country singers, dancers and prancers, you’ve got it all in Branson. For the uninitiated, believe me: a drive (plane, Greyhound, scooter) there is well worth the cost (which, surprisingly, isn’t bad)! You’ll enjoy every moment of your stay. (Oh … and ask me where you can find the world’s best hot dogs there! I’ll be waitin’ …)

So, until next time, keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your ear to the radio … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Now, you may be wondering why I’m runnin’ a pic of Bo Diddley when I’m supposed to be talkin’ about Macca.
It’s because, as of this writing, the legendary guitarist and creator of the “Bo Diddley Beat” is fighting back after a stroke floored him post-concert in Council Bluffs, Iowa, recently. Diddley (real name: Elias McDaniel) has a history of diabetes and hypertension, and it contributed to the stroke that nearly paralyzed the Hall of Famer! More info on his condition as it becomes available.

In other news: MacCa has finally come to friendlier terms with soontobeex-wife Heather … if only for the sake of their daughter, Beatrice. But the bloke’s smart; he’s not gonna tour to promote his Memory Almost Full CD until the smoke clears from their divorce! Sources in the UK say that it’s a tactic that’ll keep Heather from adding any of the profits from the tour to her divorce demands! Sir Paul’s kids, by the way, are closer to Dad than ever, since he and Heather have split.

Hey … have ya watched Family Jewels — Gene Simmons’ (KISS) reality show — on A&E? The dude is hilarious, but it’s his kids who steal the show! And his significant other, actress Shannon Tweed, really knows how to keep the rocker in line (hmph … with a love who’s that fine-looking, what man wouldn’t give in?).

GOD GAVE ROCK AND SOIL TO YOU

… and Simmons and Co. have taken great care of their lawn (which is composed of … now ya get it??). It’s quite an attractive attraction in itself! But, y’know, it doesn’t have to just be THEIR lawn that looks great! You can spruce up your own with some fantastic yard markers. These are not only attractive and useful, but won’t dent your wallet! Give the link a click today!

Well, that’s it … so, until next time, keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, and your ears to the radio. I’ll see ya over on the flip side …

Undoubtedly, one of the most creative and energetic entertainers to come out of the Sixties is John Fogerty. He, along with drummer Doug Clifford, bassist Stu Cook and rhythmist Tom Fogerty, first got together in the early Sixties and performed as The Golliwogs — a standard rock group at best. Though most of their songs were fronted by Tom (who died in 1990 of AIDS due to a tainted blood transfusion), the one airplay they had, Fight Fire, happened to be sung by John himself.
The song was known for its heavy guitar lead-in attack … and was duplicated years later in CCR’s Hey, Tonight! Though he had an uncanny ability to create a definitive mood through song, John (who wrote most of them) seemed to find inspiration from unusual sources: Listen to Traveling Band, for example, and hear a bit of Big Apple jazz; Lookin’ Out My Back Door (especially the bridge) and hear the national anthem of Scotland (Scotland the Brave — or didn’t you see Braveheart?). Recently, he was sued by Fantasy Records for allegedly plagiarizing his song The Old Man (Down The Road) with a rhythm pattern from Run Through The Jungle. He won, the Old Man is still a part of his stage set.
Another thing: If you ever get a chance to see Fogerty in person, TAKE IT! Believe me, you’ll get ten times your money’s worth … and will leave the show feeling more alive than ever!
One thing I’ve noticed over the years: Since John’s songs (whether solo or with Creedence) are so toe-tapping and alive, they became favorites with truckers as they traveled America with heavy loads and long, tiring schedules!

WHEN YA GOTTA WATCH THE SPEED

Of course, during those long and tiring schedules, it’s always handy for haulers to have decent radar detectors with ‘em, just in case the feet get a little heavy. These beauties can keep drivers in check (meaning, letting up on the pedal a bit). Y’see, sometimes — especially on the interstate — we start speeding up without realizing it … and, with Smokies and Mounties out there, we can’t afford big tickets. So the detectors not only remind us to slow it down, they actually save us money! Click on the link for the best of ‘em …

Well, that’s it … so, until next time, keep your feet on the ground, your eyes to the skies (hmph … thought I’d just do it to keep ya on your toes!) and your ear to the radio … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Lemme see now … was it work harder, not smarter or the other way around? I forget …
Actually, the Eagle has been workin’ overtime here at the NeStudio, trying to cross all the “i’s” and dot all the “t’s” (see? It has been rough here.) Not unlike that hapless guy in the pic, I’ve been burning a gallon of that midnight oil (come to think of it, the dude does resemble the Bald Bird a little). But, then again (awww, c’mon … I said a little!), most successful anythings require a bit of latenight elbow grease.
Nobody knows this better than McCartney, whose new CD should be hitting the shelves next month.
Back when that group he was in (ummm … no, before Wings!) began to roll the rock, they played endless sweaty nights at Caverns, Kaiserkellers and Star Clubs … often wayyyyyyy into the morning. Their mixmaster, George Martin (awwright, producer, then …) would do the same, sticking around Abbey Road Studios to get just the perfect blend of the Fab Foursome, work on album layouts and playlists, and more.
On a writer’s side, there are ideas that haveta go on paper, research, collations, rough drafts, proofs, edits, more edits, final product and submissions (before the dreaded deadline) and then all the non-journal paperwork. It can drain every ounce of energy from you — especially when you’re chopping away at it all night after night …
Natch, if ya want something badly enough, you’ll be up for the challenges. Stick with the program, and it’ll eventually pay off. It’s where I’m at right now.
Two things to remember, though: Ya GOTTA get some zzzzz’s each night! No matter how important your task is to ya, it ain’t gonna do ya a bit of good if you’re fallin’ asleep-at-the-wheel! 100% success only comes from 100% awareness, awakeness and attitude.
Secondly: It’ll do ya good and help ya, too, if you have a good, solid energy boost during the workwar breaks! In the next section, you’ll find one of the most effective, successful and popular ways of doing just that.
Read on, rockers … (by the way, gotta give a coupla props here: Two of those lines ya read in the last paragraphs are quotes from the sweetest woman of the 20th Century … Irene Hinson … my mama. Though she’s huggin’ Daddy again in heaven, a Mothers’ Day tribute of any kind would be empty without thinking of her …)

BOOSTING THE SUCCESS RATIO

One of the neatest things to come down the pike has been Red Bull which, as so many people already know, juices you up so you can keep going. It’s refreshing, sensibly priced, and does the job!
And it’s one drink in the Nest that the cats won’t touch. They know it’s sacrosanct … this RockEagle depends on it during those nights when he’s gotta pull graveyard.
But it’s also great if you get a bit weary during the day! So click on the link above and check it out for yourself!

Anyway, that’s it for this go-round. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground and your ears to the radio. Then, I’ll see ya on the flip side.

While I was out in my garage a couple of days ago, I opened up a small cabinet under the workbench (I keep some of my old .45s out there [ummm … records, not guns!]) and found a copy of Elvis’ song Mama Liked The Roses (recorded as the “B” side of If I Can Dream). Ever since my own angel passed on a few years ago, it’s been one of my favorites (I’ve got it on CD in the house. That’s why the vinyl’s stored!).
But the King himself (talkin’ Elvis here) loved his mama more than any entertainer before or since, I believe.
And she was a special lady. Gladys Presley had lost Elvis’ twin, Jesse Garon, at his birth, and she and Vernon did their dead-level best to provide for their surviving son as he was growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Now, some say Elvis was a bit too spoiled. After all, he slept with his mother until he reached puberty. And his mama would walk him to school every day until he reached high school.
Lunches were a bit different, too, as Gladys would pack him some silverware from home so he wouldn’t get germs from eating with school cutlery!
She wouldn’t allow him to swim, either … afraid that it would lead to violence somehow.
But there’s no doubt that she did good by the boy …
And Elvis repaid her and his daddy … big time: Big cars. Fancier clothes. Some little place called Graceland. But the greatest repayment, it’s been said, was near the time of his death. During those first few months of 1977 — though he was slated to tour again in late summer — even some of the “Memphis Mafia” (his closest buddies) said that he was beginning to look more and more like his mama.
And, when Elvis died in August, he was the same age as Gladys when she died.

REMEMBER THE CABINET?

If you’ve ever looked in a bottom cabinet for something (where you’ve gotta stoop), ya know that, chances are, you get back up with at least one bump on your noggin. But don’t light a candle to curse the darkness that caused the ouch! Instead, get yourself some under cabinet lighting from the folks who can brighten your search! Believe me, it’ll save ya loads of time … and a few scratches, bumps and whereizzits? Just click on the link … and enjoy your search safely!

Well, that’s it. ‘Til next time, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your ear to the radio … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Ahhh, Saturday nights …
Even while pushin’ the books at Sabre Central (South Meck, Charlotte, NC), my band and I would book on weekends in the southern Carolina area. Didn’t matter if it was a teen club like Spider’s Web or a park picnic in Pineville, we’d grab a few hours’ practice at my house, then pile in our drummer’s and lead guitarist’s cars on Saturday afternoons for the gig itself.
You always have butterflies when you’re setting up in a teen club; from wondering whose gonna show up to sound checks and tuning up, your hands start to sweat in proportion to your accelerated heart rate!
But it all went without any problems … and we had a great time … until …
Lead guitarist, Mike Morgan, was killed in an auto accident in 1967 … and I retired the band. Besides, a short time later, I was drafted and did a stint in the Army.
Upon my escap … er, discharge … I got back into the music (it never leaves you!), and began playing gigs in new spots: Orlando, Leesburg and Columbia, as well as back in hometown Charlotte/Pineville. Then — after a brief rest, then a shot at (gulp!) country music and a few recordings — I moved over to the media side of the trax.
Sometimes, I’m asked (even at my advanced age) to give it one more shot. Fans have a renewed interest in the Sixties and the magical musical madness of the era.
Naaaah … you’ve got new groups, like OK GO and The Fratellis doing a great job with the sound. Let the new blood carry it on to the masses … they’re gonna keep the rock on a roll for generations to come.
And they deserve the spotlight …

A BAND’S GOTTA TRAVEL

As an act grows, it’s gotta travel if it’s gonna get the dues it deserves. But, whether you’re a travelin’ band or just heading for a much-needed vacation (hey … it’s almost time for it, right?), you’ve just gotta get some good, solid Samsonite luggage for your take-alongs (hey … the Relic used it way-back-when, and still swears by it today.). It’s the only brand to carry if ya want sturdiness, reliability and security for your onboard belongings.
Click on the link above and check out the best.

Okay … that’s it for this session. Until next time,
you know what to do …
so I’ll see ya on the flip side.

Back in 1999, I had the distinct honor of performing with one of rockabilly’s most famous pioneers. Billy Adams led his group, the Rock-A-Teers, into the hearts of thousands of jive-hungry teens back in the mid-to-late Fifties. Today, as one of America’s top entrepreneurs, preachers and just plain really-good-friend-and-person, he’s launched a successful comeback tour in Europe.Along with other musical pioneers, Pat Williams and Mack Rabennack (known more popularly as Dr. John), Billy blazed a path that many — including Elvis — would follow. If you ever get a chance to pick up one of his CDs or hear him in person, you’re in for a realllllllll treat. (And tell him I sentcha!)
Y’know, they worked hard to be noticed by the folks who counted. But …

TODAY, IT’S EASIER!

All ya gotta do is take about a zillion bulky business cards, a ream of faxes, and … ummmm …
OR …
you could order some sleek-looking, smooth-writing imprinted pens to do the job!
Hey … face it: Whatcha gonna do with all those business cards that folks give ya? But, y’see, when your info’s on a pen, your prospects and friends (and I hope they’re the same) will not only have you in their pocket all day long, but you’ll be of some really sensible use to ‘em (like, scribbling something with your pen on the back of others’ bulky business cards!).
And the cost is really wallet-friendly! So whatcha waitin’ for??
Click on the link above, okay?

Well, that’s it for this session. ‘Til next time, remember to keep your eyes to the skies, your feet on the ground (watch out for telephone poles if you’re walkin’!) your ears to the radio … and I’ll catch ya on the flip side!