the Rock Report

Hmmmm … listen, you know the Double-E’s wishin’ you all a great New Year, but …
but, for you readers in the UK, it’s gonna be 2009 while we statesiders are still stuck in 2008!.
Sooooo … does that mean whatever I write tomorrow is gonna travel through a time-warp to get to you who are already in the next year? Geez … now I feel important! lol

Actually, 2008 had its ups and downs in just about every topic, but none more than in rock (well, that and Obama. But just go with me on this, huh?).

• We lost a bonafide legend, superstar and awesome talent when Mike Smith — former keyboardist/vocalist for the Dave Clark Five — passed away.
• But we rejoiced when drummer/songwriter/rockmeister Peter Dintino actually beat leukemia (with the skill of great doctors, the grace of God, a fabulous attitude, prayers and thoughts from readers and friends worldwide — and a special angel-daughter named Lin who encouraged him, stayed by his side, and kept us all informed throughout the ordeal.
• It was the year we lost one of the most optimistic people who ever walked show-business earth. Teen-show legend (and close friend) Lloyd Thaxton. He, like Mike Smith, is still missed terribly.
• On the plus side: I met and introduced you to the most prolific songwriter since Lennon and McCartney (IMHO); a man who epitomizes the word gentleman and knows more about the Sixties UK beat better than anyone, Ron Ryan … a man whom I’m proud to call a great friend.

There were many other milestones, but the one I’m most thrilled about is getting to know the ultra-fab sounds and members of The Fore. Keep your eyes on these lads, ’cause 2009’s gonna see them take the international stage by storm!

The blogs, the articles, the reviews, the personal appearances, and now U.S. Press Agent for The Fore — if not for you fantabulistic yardbirds readin’ this writin’ (whether here or on the original, other site [which went belly-up earlier this year]) , none of it would’ve happened.

So, to you all, I wish the happiest and most peaceful of New Years, with every song yer heart sings goin’ #1-with-a-bullet (meaning, solid gold!).  Now … until tomorrow,

see ya on the flip side!

The last week of the 08 brings back some memories …

For example, on New Year’s Day, 1953, country legend Hank Williams died of heart failure while he was on his way to a show in Ohio. Ironically, he had the top song that week on the Country chart called, “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive”.

On that same date in ‘62, The Beatles auditioned for Decca Records and recorded 15 songs. But, after reviewing the tracks, the company decided to sign Brian Poole and The Tremeloes instead.

And, on Dec. 31, 1970, with the magazine Melody Maker reporting that The Beatles were looking for a new bass player, Paul McCartney filed suit to dissolve the Beatles for good. It would take until 1974 for the split to become final.

MORE TO COME. BUT, FIRST

Remember when I toldja about John Lennon doing a pitch for the “One Laptop Per Child” Foundation? Of course, he was murdered over 28 years ago, but that didn’t stop digital technology from “resurrecting” him for the 30-second commercial you’re about to see. And, yes, that really is Lennon’s voice, and not some “imitator”!

Now, I’ve gotta take a break here and ask ya:
Yardbirds, what do you think about this? Is it right to take sound bytes and vid clips of John and, through the “magic” of software, make it look like he’s doin’ a commercial?
Or is the cause bigger than the ethic?
Lemme know.
Now, there’s more comin’ up in less than 20 (huh?? Yeah, I fell asleep-at-the-board last night, so I’ve got some catchin’ up to do!), so stay tuned …

See ya on the flip side …

DELANEY BRAMLETT 1936-2008

Delaney Bramlett, the singer and songwriter best remembered for his work with former wife Bonnie and with Eric Clapton, died Saturday (December 27) in a Los Angeles hospital from complications from gall bladder surgery. He was 69.

Although remembered for his work with (then-)wife Bonnie and their megahit Neverending Song of Love”, he was also a member of the Shindogs along with (later) Elvis-guitarist James Burton on the TV show, Shindig!

A number of “friends” jammed with him and played on both albums and live concerts — the most notable of those friends being Eric Clapton and Duane Allman.

Another casualty of a year that’s taken all too many of our rock heroes …

JOHN LENNON MAKES COMMERCIAL … IN 2008??

Yep. Wellll, sorta, anyway:

Thanks to digital technology, John Lennon was brought back to life on Christmas Day for a charitable television commercial on behalf of One Laptop Per Child, which attempts to donate solar-powered laptops to the world’s poorest children.

“Imagine every child no matter where in the world they were could access a universe of knowledge,” says CGI-John. “They would have a chance to learn, to dream, to achieve anything they want. I tried to do it through my music, but now you can do it in a very different way. You can give a child a laptop and more than imagine, you can change the world.”

And the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy people) announced the recipients of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement honors at next year’s ceremony. Brenda Lee, the Four Tops and Dean Martin will be honored, along with Gene Autry, folk singer/songwriter Tom Paxson, jazz pianist Hank Jones and the Blind Boys of Alabama. New Orleans songwriter and producer Allen Touissant will receive the Trustees Honor and Clarence “Leo” Fender (designer of the Fender Telecaster guitar) will receive a technical Grammy (now, this one was a lonnnnnnnnnng overdue one, IMHO!). The awards will be given out in a ceremony February 7 in Los Angeles and acknowledged during the Grammy broadcast the next night.

Alright … that’s gonna be it for now, but stay tuned … there’s gonna be more in 24 (in fact, I’ll be addin’ a few little tidbits, so you’ll wanna be here!

See ya on the flip side!

HUDSON TO PERFORM AGAIN!The lady’s got as much fortitude as she does heart.

Jennifer Hudson — who lost her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew in a brutal triple-murder this past October — has just been announced to be one of the Grammy nominees who’ll sing the songs of Neil Diamond at February’s MusiCares Person of the Year gala.

The Grammy week event could mark the first public appearance of the lovely Oscar winner since those tragic events. The murders prompted her to also start a charity benefitting those who’ve lost loved ones in the same manner.

Now, besides Jennifer, Tim McGraw, Coldplay, Josh Groban and Foo Fighters (who are takin’ time off from their hard work combatting wild Foo infestations) are expected to perform Feb. 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The 51st annual Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 8 at L.A.’s Staples Center.

She’s also said to be filming the vid for her single “If It Isn’t Love”. This is a bit emotional for her, because it’d been originally scheduled to start at the same time the tragedy occurred.

Hey … have ya ever wondered what song was #1 on the charts the day you were born?
Well, there’s a spot that’ll tell ya, sure as shootin’ (hey … gotta put a little Souf in my mouf to remember where I came from!).
Just click on this link to find the Number One Song on any date in history (or, at least, the past hundred-or-so years)! My own “birth song” was Goodnight, Irene by The Weavers; and, as fate would have it, my mama’s name was Irene (hmmm … if daddy’d said that about nine months earlier, mebbe I wouldn’t be here! But noOOOoo … he just hadta … well, you know …)
You can also use it to find the #1 for other significant events as well!

JONAS BROS. TO PLAY NYC 12/31
Yep … those three young’uns from the Disney camp are scheduled to play at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on Wednesday. Others scheduled to perform from NYC will be Lionel Ritchie and country singer Taylor Swift (who’s been romantically linked to one of those Jonas kids).
The Hollywood segment will include songs by Natasha Bedingfield, Ne-Yo, Pussycat Dolls, Solange, Fall Out Boy, Robin Thicke and Jesse McCartney.

WHICH BRINGS UP TWO QUESTIONS:

These from the Rock Mail:

“Is Jessie (sic) McCartney any relation to Paul McCartney the Beatle?”
No. Although you don’t hear much from Paul’s son James, or hear Macca talk about him often, they are close. Y’see, the younger McCartney wanted to make it without riding on his father’s fame — and Paul appreciates that. James does wield a pretty mean guitar, though. Besides, Jesse’s from New York.

“You write alot about The Fore. Why dont u write about the Jonas brothers? Are they any different?”
First, everybody’s writing about the Jonas Brothers. And, while I appreciate what those three are doing, they’re under contract to Disney Studios, who has a tremendous budget for publicity. Unfortunately, Disney’s also known for ditching any “star” when he/she becomes an “adult”. Don’t get me wrong; they have a good sound — but there’s only the three of them with a backing group and guests like rappers, etc.
The Fore, meanwhile, have gotten to the top the “old-fashioned” way — playing big as well as small gigs, lugging and setting up their own equipment, writing their own material, financing, recording and selling their own CDs — without a corporate giant’s backing. As they get closer to a major label signing, you can be assured that, since they’ve had to claw their way to the top (so to speak), they’ll be around a long time.
Besides, they’re a full band (two guitars, bass, drums) and carry their sets without walk-ons, extras or guests. In other words, like their FOREfathers of rock and the British Invasion!

Okay … that’s it for this edition, but stay tuned:  there’ll be more in less than 24!  So, until then, remember:
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, don’t walk across the street like that or you’ll be hit,  your heart with the music, and …

I’ll see ya on the flip side …

She was the only one who could adequately play the female villain. In fact, in fans’ eyes ever since the Batman TV show left the airwaves 20 years ago, she was Catwoman!

Eartha Kitt — the extraordinary singer, actress and dancer from North, South Carolina (hey … it’s true! It’s a real town in the Palmetto State!) — passed away today of colon cancer at the age of 81.
Sure, she was fantastic (and no woman could “purrrrr” like she could) — but, when she spoke out so adamantly about our boys dying in Vietnam (it was in the White House, in front of Lady Bird Johnson — the President’s wife!), she was blacklisted here in the states for a few years. Fortunately, she returned as strong as ever and, at the time of her death, she had just finished a production for the educational network PBS.

OKAY … WHO TOOK ‘EM??

Now, this is eerie: It’s been reported that the ashes of Nirvana leader Kurt Cobain have been stolen!

According to the News of the World, the singer’s remains - whose location’s been secret until now - were lifted from the home of Courtney Love (his widow) in Los Angeles.

She was married to the rocker when he (allegedly) committed suicide in 1994, and kept the ashes in a pink bag along with a lock of his hair, the report says.

A LITTLE RESPITE HERE …

Natch, I hope everybody had a dynamite Christmas.  For me, it got a little … well, sentimental.
Y’see, my lovely sis sent me a gift.  “No big deal??”  You ain’t heard the rest of the story:
Years ago, I was a child.  With hair.  And a love for books.  When my ex took off in 1991, she also took all my early photos (valuable, as they’re the ones made by the magic camera with the “unbreakable lens”) and books.  No, she wouldn’t return any of ‘em.
The day before yesterday, I received a nice package from my sister.  Inside were two of my “all-time favorite” books when I was six years old, with a bit of my six-year-old handwriting inside!  But that’s not all:  She also included a photo of me, taken in ‘58 (1958), with my two brothers, sister, mama and daddy.

Sometimes the sweetest gift we can be given are warm and loving memories of that which brightened our hearts and soul.

 Hey … listen:  Since the PC apparently took the night off last evening (it’s entitled.  And it was Christmas!), I’m in a bit of a rush to complete this one before deadline.  But, now that I’m back online, I can promise ya more in less than 24 …

so I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Gotta make this quick, ’cause, in just a few stateside hours, The Man’s gonna come down the chimney and …
(waitaminnit … I don’t have a chimney! Well, then, let’s go on …

The Associated Press has just crowned its Entertainer of the Year for the 08 — and it’s 30 Rock’s Tina Fey (who, I guess, makes the rest Palin comparison!).

A tape of an apparently-drunk John Lennon singing a risque version of Lloyd Price’s hit, “Just Because”, in 1973 sold at auction in Los Angeles Monday for $30,000. A spokesperson for the auction house described the six-minute tape as “a fun song to listen to.”

And the boss of Rolling Stone™ has axed a few people from his staff — for the second time this year! Maybe people are startin’ to get a bit worn out with his biased opinions, ’cause sales have been off for some time!
But he’s not the only one facing hard times in the hard-copy world. Even the publishers of National Enquirer are facing bankruptcy. (Maybe inquiring minds don’t wanna know that much anymore?)

Now …

See ya on the flip side!!

Man, you’ve gotta be kiddin’ me …

Robert Plant — screamin’ vocalist for superband Led Zeppelin, has said he was getting too old for long rock shows! He’s said that he doesn’t want to be part of any Zeppelin reunion.
But he added that he stays in touch with LZ guitarist extraordinaire Jimmy Page and they’re great friends.

“I still see Jimmy quite a lot,” Plant says, “and he’s very complimentary and supportive of what I’m doing. But we are in different places now and you have to go on to do different things.”

Plant’s been nominated for five Grammys for Raising Sand, an album he recorded with bluegrass’ Alison Krauss. He said, “I’m doing very well with Alison and I’m enjoying that.”

Scottish Parliament Goes AC/DC

MSP Christine Grahame has filed a motion calling for AC/DC to be acknowledged by the country’s Parliament.

Angus and Malcolm Young were born in Glasgow, and a memorial plaque to honor the late Bon Scott (lead vocalist prior to his untimely passing) is found in Kirriemuir, where he was born. (The only true Aussie of the band is drummer Phil Rudd.)

Ms. Grahame’s motion is called AC/DC We Salute You, and asks Parliament to recognize the band’s Scottish roots; welcome their upcoming show in Scotland; and to acknowledge the inspiration they’ve provided to Scottish musicians.

“It is clear Bon Scott had a strong sense of his identity, from the ‘Scotland forever’ tattoo he had on his arm to his playing the bagpipes on the AC/DC track It’s a Long Way To The Top,” she said. “I think they have long deserved official recognition from their homeland for that major musical contribution and my parliamentary motion will go some way towards recognising that.”

BRIAN THINKS CHUCK BERRY’S A WHAT??

Present AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson thinks that Chuck Berry is “the biggest piece of s–t I ever met in me life”.

When a fan asked if he’d ever asked any star for an autograph, Brian responded: “I asked Chuck Berry once in 1975. The rudest man I ever met.”
Then the fan asked if the reason he signs so many autographs himself is due to the way Berry treated him. Brian answered: “Well, I don’t want to be an a–hole like he was.”

Oh … perhaps you heard Craig Ferguson joke about the Dutch version of Santa. Here’s the real story:

Sinterklaas — an old man with a long white beard, a red costume with golden stripes, and a bishop’s headdress on his head — usually brings gifts to the children of Holland on December 5th. The kids put their shoes next to their chimney filled with straw and a carrot (for Sinterklaas’ horse). The next morning, when the children wake up, they find the straw and carrot have been replaced by a present and/or candy.

Sinterklaas travels on his horse with a helper named Zwarte Piet. It’s his job to let Santa know if a child’s been good or bad. Sometimes, it is Zwarte Piet’s job to discipline the naughty ones. He has dark skin, curly hair, and wears red lipstick. Here in America, the words Zwarte Piet are translated as Dennis Rodman.

Anyway, that’s it for this edition. Of course, there’s more in 24, so stay tuned!
See ya on the flip side …

GREAT NEWS FROM THE FORE!

If you remember, the Double-E plugged the band’s run for the Number One spot on the Unsigned Charts Show with their hit tune, You’ll Be Mine. I gave ya the link (as well as the band’s) and asked you to vote.
Well, your voices (along with many other fans) were heard, and …
THEY’RE NOW NUMBER ONE!!
So thanks to all you ForeHeads out there … you made it happen!

Oh … and their new CD (Run and Hide) is just out … and ya wanna talk big? How about almost 400 copies sold during only three gigs? Or that they’ve got 600 new fans wantin’ to be on their mailing list? Imagine what’s gonna happen when this album starts hittin’ in the states shortly … and the music starts spreadin’ through CD Baby®, Amazon™ and other fab outlets?  Yardbirds, you’ve just gotta get one!  Not only is it completely awesome music from the best band since the British Invasion … it makes the perfect Christmas gift for the music lover in your circle!  Trust the Eagle on this one (I didn’t steer ya wrong with Black & White, did I?)!!

And if that isn’t enough: The Fore has a new member! Now, I’m not gonna tell ya more until I get the nod from their managers, but I can tell you that he’s already a great asset to the band! I’ll introduce ya to him a little later on.
But, for now, let’s get on to other news:

MADONNA’S NEW PAL IS: JESUS!?!

It sounds weird, especially considering the season (which highlights two of the above names, though in a different setting).

Y’see, while she was on her Sweet And Sticky tour in South America, Madonna picked up a “boy toy’ model by the name of Jesus during a magazine photoshoot in Rio de Janeiro.
In fact, she’s so interested in Jesus Luz (pronounced “HAY-soose LOOZ”) that she’s asked him to follow her tour to Sao Paolo.
A source said, “He’s there with her and [photographer] Steven Klein is helping him get along with everyone.”
And a Brazilian website, Glamurama, reports: ‘Everyone knows they are ficando - which is a Portuguese expression that means they are kissing and doing other things but without any obligation of being faithful or getting into a relationship afterwards.’

They’ve only got one, teeny-tiny problem though … the Double-E’s heard that this Jesus is gay.
WOW! From the princess of paparazzi (Britney Spears) to Jesus (Luz), she’s obviously movin’ “up the ladder!” There’s only one higher being left.
If Barbra Streisand will deal with her …

CHRISTMAS MEWS:

See ya with more in less than 24 … on the flip side!

Now, this was what I was gonna mention on the last post (you know; before I got so sleepy that I forgot to change the title?).
Beginning with the next ish, we’re gonna also add some primo TV views and reviews! Naturally, the rock’s still gonna roll here just as it always has — but why not add a little more to the mix? It oughtta be interesting …

DYLAN TO TOUR UK! Yep, the folk legend’s gonna take his guitar, harmonica and unmistakable voice across the pond for a handful of gigs. He’s plannin’ to do all his classic hits, as well as squeeze in some newer material.
To find the venues (and see some very interesting vids on Dylan), just click here.

(BTW:  Am I lookin’ at the pic wrong, or does he bear a bit of resemblance in the face to rapper/SVU star Ice-T?)

Billboard™magazine just released its list of top grossing performers for the year of 2008, and named Jon Bon Jovias the winner of the stage wars.

He earned $210.6 million during his tours, just barely ahead of fellow New Jerseyite, Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band ($204.5 million), and Madonna ($162 million) for top honors.

While tours have pulled more than four billion dollars worldwide, gate figures are showing a steady decline in attendance.

Reports are showing a six-percent drop worldwide, along with a twenty-two-percent drop in North America over the past two years. What makes it worse is that promoters seem to be raising prices to compensate for the downward trend. Natch, that makes it a bit worse for the gate itself.
Personally, I believe it’s because the acts are either saturating specific regions (remember the old adage: “Always leave ‘em wanting more!”) or are musically duplicable. Another reason is the lack of spontaneity and liveliness of certain acts: they show up, do their gig, pack up and head for the next one. You’ve gotta interact with the audience and their emotions as much as possible.
That’s why I (and fans and many readers, according to my emails) believe The Fore is gonna break that mold! They’ve got one of the liveliest, enjoyable shows on the planet!

A WARM, FUZZY LINK FOR CHRISTMAS

Awww … what’s Christmas without a nice, glowing fireplace, huh? (Well, where else are ya gonna roast your nuts?) Well, thanx to (CHESTNUTS, I mean …CHESTNUTS!!. Awww, geez …) the lovely BabyBoomer angel, you can have one courtesy this site!
There’s a song that plays with it, but I’m not gonna give it away here … let’s just say it’s appropriate …

Well, that’s it for this edition. But stay tuned — ’cause more is definitely on its way! Until then — and if you wanna catch up with the latest news events, check out the Double-E’s other site, okay??

See ya with more in less than 24! Until then …

Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet off the ground, yer hands off the presents itisn’tTIMEyet!, yer heart with the music, and …

I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Yup … it’s been a slow one around the Nest — at least where oldies/classic rock’s concerned (the rest can be picked up here, at the Double-E’s regular news site).

But, God knows, we’ve got enough serious news on other fronts, so whaddya say that we take a breather and just have a little fun for this go-round? =

OLD WORDS, NEW MEANINGS

Right. It’s nearing the end of the 08, and there’ve been a few words that’ve developed new … er, meanings. Maybe, someday, you’ll see ‘em in a dictionary somewhere:

1. Coffee: (n.) the person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted: (adj.) appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate: (v.) to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade: (v.) to attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-Nilly: (adj.) impotent.
6. Negligent: (adj.) absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph: (v.) to walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle: (n.) olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence: (n.) emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash: (n.) a rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle: (n.) a humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude: (n.) the formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon: (n.) a Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster: (n.) a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism: (n.) the belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.

A LITTLE HOLIDAY FUN:

Have ya ever told Santa what ya want for Christmas, just to feel like the old man’s shafted ya? Okay, then … why not get even?? You tell Santa what to do! Just make sure it’s clean, okay?

Okay … tomorrow, we get back to speed with the rock news, etc. Just wanted ya to have a little fun break for a change. Soooooo …
I’ll see ya on the flip side!