the Rock Report

IT WON’T BE LONG …

before you hear The Beatles’ music on a “Rock Star”-like video game! MTV announced, just “yesterday” (October 30), that they’d inked a deal to use The Fab Four’s songs in a video game — one that’s like their popular Rock Band game. According to MTV developers, it should be available by the end of next year.
About the game, Sir Paul McCartney said, “The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out.”
This’ll be the first time the band’s been featured on a video game.

SHOOTING FROM THE H-P

I dunno … maybe you’ve seen the new Hewlett-Packard Smart TV commercial already. Yeah — the one with Joan Jett singing Don’t You Wanna Touch Me.
Now, I love her singing, but … was that particular song such a good idea? Y’see, it was written by …
Gary Glitter!
Right … the perp whose conviction on pedophilia, prison time and subsequent deportation made headlines. What’s worse is that, if they continue to run the advert, Glitter will earn up to $200,000 in royalties! Now, in the US, he wouldn’t make a penny profit off it (after all, here he’d be a felon)!

THE SPECTOR SPECTRE (pt. II)

Well, it looks like the trial of producer Phil Spector is on hold — again! It was supposed to have started yesterday, but an alternate juror fell in the court’s parking lot and broke his foot! Natch, it required medical treatment, sooooooo the trials been rescheduled to begin this coming Monday (Nov. 1). Just thought you’d wanna know …

DID SHE? OR DIDN’T SHE??

Mary Wilson, formerly of The Supremes, allegedly had a heart attack in Hanoi while preparing for a concert to help victims of landmines and bombs in Vietnam. Thus, the concert was cancelled … but it’s kinda strange that the Vietnamese newspaper was the only one reporting this! No other news agency seemed to know about it!

LONG ISLAND HoF: NEW INDUCTEES

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame (which hopes to open late next year or early in 2010) inducted its 2008 honorees Wednesday night down at the Garden City Hotel. Some of the entertainers gettin’ the nod include: Neil Diamond, Carole King, Simon and Garfunkel, Barbra Streisand, the Tokens, Kenny Vance, Louis Armstrong, Arlo Guthrie and Blue Oyster Cult.
These all have definite ties to New York, and they’ll all true legends of music and remember: some were connected to the great Brill Building all those years ago … so, to all, we send congratulations!

Well, that’s it for this news re-cap, yardbirds!  So, until tomorrow, remember to

keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, and your hearts with the music 

– and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Yep … they’ve already made their plans!
The Rolling Stones will be one of the headline acts at the London Olympics … four YEARS from now!

They, along with Elton John and David Bowie, will perform (I understand that Mick’s gonna prop Keef up on the stage, then wind him up to see if he’ll run …).

Meanwhile, two million dollars worth of things belonging to those three acts were destroyed in a fire recently at the Iron Mountain storage company on the east end of London. Now, if that wasn’t bad enough, the company’s branches in New York and Ottawa, Canada recently burned to the ground, too! (Police are “looking into arson” as a cause? D-UH!!). Duran Duran and the Sex Pistols also lost memorabilia in the fires!

NOTE: I’ve just been informed by sources close to the “Y” Generation that “D-UH!” is no longer used. Therefore, please remove it from your monitor. Thanx.

A VOICE FROM THE BEYOND aka MEDIUM? WELL …

By now, ya know that Lisa Marie Presley had a set of twins, right? Well, she hired a medium to “introduce” her new daughters to her daddy, a guy named Elvis (yes, he’s apparently dead!)“The medium comforted me with his words by telling me that he was proud of me and the babies were beautiful,” she told a British tabloid. “He’s doing fine on the other side and he watches over me… This was my dad, this was Elvis coming through. I would know his energy anywhere and this was him, I have no doubt.”
Problem is, she didn’t say which “other side” he was on …

SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Well, the Songwriters HoF announced the inductees for its Class of 2009 on Monday. Now, its non-performing songwriters include Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart (”Last Train To Clarksville”), Joe South (”Rose Garden”) and Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway (You’ve Got Your Troubles”).
Problem is, they all did perform: Boyce and Hart are best known for I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight?, Joe South for Games People Play, Walk A Mile In My Shoes and Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home? and Cook-Greenaway as “David and Jonathan” with a cover of Michelle.
Performing songwriters include Jimmy Buffett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, David Gates, Yusuf “Don’t call me Cat Stevens” Islam, Tommy James, Steve Miller, Leon Russell, Bob Seger, Ray Davies of the Kinks and members of ABBA and the Rascals. The winners will be inducted next summer.
Between you and me, I don’t understand why they didn’t include the great Ron Ryan in there.

Now … since I’ve gotta take a break to unpack a fresh case of zzzzz’s and use ‘em tonight, let’s meet back here tomorrow,  okay?  Until then …
I’ll see ya on the FLIP side of things …

Awww, geez …
Here I am, beefin’ up the blog and invitin’ rockers from around the world to this side of the Rock Tracks …
and my kickoff story is this guy!

What I’m talkin’ about is that the jury for Phil Spector’s second trial has just been picked, and they’re gonna be ready to go with it as soon as alternates are chosen.

Some people are sayin’ the Spector’s spectres (ghosts) of the past trial will finally haunt him enough to ‘fess up.  Others say he had a thing for Lana Clarkson, but she turned him down … and he could claim an insanity defense.  (Hmmm — then … NEW CATCHPHRASE FOR THE TRIAL:  “If the love didn’t fit, you must acquit!”) 
Naaaah … he knew what he was doin’!  Too many witnesses have said he had a thing for terrorizing women.  It was a sick turn-on for him …

THIS COULD BE THE LAST TIME

… Bianca (former Mrs. Mick) Jagger sees the inside of her apartment! 

The NY Court of Appeals upheld their decision to evict the former diva-turned-journalist from her apartment in Manhattan, saying that foreigners on tourist visas like Bianca (she’s from Nicaragua) can’t use a New York apartment as a “primary residence.”  

Dunno why they’ve decided now, though; she’s lived there for two decades!! 
Oh … wait:  Could it be that this former Cannonball Run star is (according to Wikipedia™) also a Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador, Chair of the World Future Council, Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, and a member of the Director’s Leadership Council of Amnesty International?
If that’s so, the lady oughtta sue their axxes off for discrimination!

IT’S NOT UNUSUAL …

for an entertainer to grow a mustache and goatee (even the guys!).  But when a singer named Thomas Jones Woodard from Pontypridd, Wales grew his, the fans were beginnin’ to wonder.  I mean, they love it, but don’t know why he did it.
Actually, Tom Jones admitted he grew the Van Dyke beard because it covers his plastic surgery scars. But he’s done more than that … he’s also had his teeth capped, hair dyed and fat removed from under his chin.
But, man, can that cat still belt out a tune!!

THE FORE’S NEW CD DUE IN STORES SOON!

And it was The Relic’s honor to write a few of the liner notes for the inside jacket!  Now, I’ve heard some advance tracks from it, and there’s only one thing to say:
When this CD hits the stores, GET IT!!  If you think “Black and White” was fab, then you’re gonna be totally blown away from the awesome songs on this one!!  Now, the lads are still auditioning guitarists to replace the departing Luke, but, until one’s selected, they’re still knockin’ ‘em dead in performance … just the three of them!
The moment I hear from Neil, David or the band that they’ve hired one, I’ll letcha know, okay?

Well, that’s it for now … but stay tuned for more news and views tomorrow!  Until then,

Hey … remember, back on the 21st, when I toldja Sir Paul’s head was missing? (check here for the story)

Well, it’s found now … so y’all kin stop lookin’! It was found by a homeless man in a trashcan at the Reading railway station. Now, get this: the poor guy had to beg for money for train fare to London — but he’ll get a $3,400 reward for finding the former-moptop’s top!

The head was expected to pull about 17 Grand before the incident, but all the publicity surrounding its disappearance might drive the price up a bit.

Hey … how ’bout some props for the guy who found it?? I mean, the dude was decent enough to return it, and not try to scarf it as a keepsake!

FOR SALE: CAR. CHEAP! Hey … in the market for a good, inexpensive car? Let Rod Stewart sell ya one! Y’see, the legendary rocker — who changes Ferraris every so-often, has his 2005 F430 Spider (classic red with cream interior!)with only 6,800 miles on it, on the market for a wallet-pleasin’ $150,000 — nearly one hundred grand off the price he paid for it.

So y’all hurry on down to Rod’s Hardly-Used Cars and check out the best in used car. Heeeeeee’s DEALIN’!! commercialnotpaidforbyRod’sUsedCarstaxesandtagsnotincluded

HALLOWEEN SCARIES

While shock-rocker Alice Cooper is gonna host a 16-episode Munsters marathon on Chicago’s WGN cable network from 4 PM to Midnight (EDT) on Halloween (followed by a thirty-minute world premiere of his latest album, Along Came A Spider), somethin’ else is gonna be … er, brewing this Halloween:

John “The Cool Ghoul” Zacherle (”Dinner With Drac) artist is gonna put on the costume and play Roland to host The Tarantula on Channel 11’s famous Chiller Theatre in New York tomorrow night (October 25). It’s the same show he hosted beginning in 1963.
But here’s the interesting part: He’s doin’ it at the tender age of … 90! (Man, who says you’re too old to rock, huh??) And, if you’re a Gothamite, you’ll be happy to know that his wife, My Dear, is gonna be there, too!

SHERIFF ANDY, OPIE and THE FONZ LIVE!

If you haven’t seen the coolest campaign vid ever made, you’re in for a treat!
In this one, Ron Howard and Andy Griffith start off by reprising their roles as Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son, Opie! Their vignette is filmed in classic black-and-white and is backed by Earle Hagen’s famous whistling theme (properly named, The Fishin’ Hole). Then there’s a second vignette, where Richie Cunningham walks out to meet Fonzie (leaning on a sleek ‘57 Chevy) while Bill Haley’s Rock Around The Clock (the signature song of Happy Days) plays. In both, they talk about Sen. Obama bein’ the best choice in the upcoming Presidential election!

A stroke of pure genius on Howard’s part, you can see it here.

Okay, that’s it for this ish, yardbirds! So, until tomorrow, remember:
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your hands to yourself, and your heart with the music …
and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

.

In the news today (huh??  Well, it was slow for the past coupla!  Hey … don’t blame me!!  Besides, see the bottom of the post):
Yusuf Islam, aka Cat Stevens, has been (no, not ’til ya read this first!  Be patient, okayyyyy??) cancelled from performing at a show in Israel — promoters say it’s for security reasons. Y’see, he was to have appeared at the 10th anniversary concert for the Peres Center for Peace.
Some bigwigs at the Center said the plan to bring him there got everyone upset as soon as they heard about it.  

The show’s producer, though, had a different opinion. “He may have supported Hamas once, but the fact that a singer who converted to Islam wants to come to Israel and express his support for peace and we’re not letting him do so infuriates me.”

Y’know, it’s the same song, different singer:  There are still ignoramuses out there who won’t vote for Barack Obama because his middle name is Hussein — therefore, to them, “hay’s uh dang TURruriss … an’ hay’s won-uh dem MAWZlummz”. Obviously, these nutcases think that, just ’cause you choose a different religion — and that religion is based in the Middle East — you’re gonna plant a bomb or take over somebody!!
In the Relic’s opinion, since the guy wants to perform for peace … and the org that supposedly promotes it won’t let ‘im in — how dumb can they get?? 
 
HEY, GUYS … IT’S A “CENTER FOR PEACE, RIGHT??  THEN WHY ARE YOU USIN’ THE SAME IDIOTIC PREJUDICE THAT STARTS WARS?? 

Ahem … in other news:

Supersinger Natalie Cole said earlier today that she was near death when she was in the hospital for Hepatitis C!  She was placed on dialysis last month and may need a kidney transplant. The second-generation superstar said,  “They told me … ‘Your lungs have filled up with fluid and your kidney is functioning at 10 percent,’ The kidneys could repair themselves, but we still don’t know. We’re looking at a possible transplant. My son and sister have already volunteered.”

Natalie, your fans from around the world are prayin’ and sending out positive thoughts for ya.  Your music is Unforgettable, and you’re an amazing woman in yourself!   We all wish you well and hope the donor can be found soon …

CHANGES IN RELICTOWN …

Now, if ya follow my other writes, you’ll know they’re a little behind schedule.  There’s a reason for this:  Since the Relic’s day has been from around 10 AM to 5:30 AM, I’ve been runnin’ on Zombie Juice (instant; the ground kind doesn’t “kick in”).  It’s not done my system a whole lotta good, either!

Sooooooooo … The Relic’s gonna streamline things a bit, and change the theme of some other writes to make it all a bit more interesting! (’Sides … it’s gotten repetitive, don’tcha think?)
And there’s been a shout-out (’Sides … it’s gotten repetitive, don’tcha think?) for me to release my original alter-ego, a rock-crazed bird known as The Eagle.  So I might just “bump the nest” a bit to get him back into the air …
I’ll explain more in the next ish, and letcha know how it’s goin’! 

 OH YEAH … soon, I’ll have the pleasure of announcing the new rhythm-master for The Fore!!  If you haven’t heard ‘em yet, you’re missing the best music (and personalities) this side of The Beatles!  A new article about the band’s comin’ up in the next ish — but, until then, check out their site and their blog! You’re in for an extremely exciting and musical tour through the best of rock … composed, recorded and played now … by the band that’s rockin’ the UK and Europe like it hasn’t been since 1964!

Okay … that’s it for now, yardbirds. Tune in again in 24 or less for new news that you can use … and more Fore will be at your door …

See ya on the flip side!

Got two awards to kick off this ish tonight:

The first is a well-deserved prop and award given by MusiCares — a Grammy-sponsored cause that was formed back in 1989.

BACKGROUND OF MUSICARES:
the org was designed for musicians to have somewhere to turn in the event of a crisis, its goal is to focus the music industry — and its resources — on human service issues that have a direct impact on the music community’s health and welfare. Some of its programs include emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, outreach and leadership activities, and senior housing.

Since 1991, it’s given an award for its Person of The Year. These artists have either been helped successfully through the program and have testified as to its effectiveness, or have contributed to the program through concerts, fundraisers, etc. The past winners (and a Wikipedia™ link to each) are:

• 2008: Aretha Franklin
• 2007: Don Henley
• 2006: James Taylor
• 2005: Brian Wilson
• 2004: Sting
• 2003: Bono
• 2002: Billy Joel
• 2001: Paul Simon
• 2000: Elton John
• 1999: Stevie Wonder
• 1998: Luciano Pavarotti
• 1997: Phil Collins
• 1996: Quincy Jones
• 1995: Tony Bennett
• 1994: Gloria Estefan
• 1993: Natalie Cole
• 1992: Bonnie Raitt
• 1991: David Crosby

This year, the nod goes to one of the nicest gentlemen ever to grace a soundstage. Recently, he’s donated 100% of his merchandise sales in three cities to hurricane relief efforts in Texas (re: Hurricane ‘Ike’).

Natch, I’m talkin’ about Neil Diamond. Just click the link to learn why he’s getting the award. You’ll be amazed at what you didn’t know about the man …
(btw, this was all just announced this afternoon [10-21])

AND AT THE ABORIGINAL AWARDS …

Native-American singing legend Buffy Sainte-Marie is gonna be given the Lifetime Contribution to Aboriginal Music honor at the 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Awards November 28 in Toronto.
This amazing vocalist has not only recorded some terrific songs over the years, but has advocated the need for everyday people to be heard in the midst of Establishmental pressures!
Probably better known for her songwriting ability (Universal Soldier by Donovan and Until It’s Time For You To Go by Elvis and also Cher), she’s also an accomplished artist!
For a visit to this eclectic, spiritual being, just click on her site atCreative-Native.com. Be sure to check out both her foundation and her biography. You’re gonna be blessed …