the Rock Report

Ahhh, those were the days, weren’t they??

Back in the Sixties, we had teen clubs all over the nation — places where kids could go to dance, listen to their fave bands, or just “hang out.”  Alcoholic beverages were verboten (as was smoking!), and … well, except for a rare fight between two guys vying for the same girl, these spots were peaceful and gave kids something to do on Saturday nights.

Everyone who ever played in a band back-in-the-day could regale you with stories from the stage; how they had to work at creating the excitement necessary to get the audience’s attention; how they worked long sets for little (if any) pay.  And that’s not including the set-up of amplifiers, PAs, mics, drumkits, unpacking instruments, tuning and more.
By the time the gig actually started, they were already sweaty and a bit worn.

Today, though, the scene’s different.  First, you’ve gotta be over 18 to play most of the clubs and dance floors (unless it’s an outdoor function, birthday, church social or whatever.  The teens-only gigs are few and far-between [see earlier post]).
The music is often backed up with high-tech gadgets and what-nots — and there’s always the Auto-Tune to help keep the vocals and instruments on track.
In some arenas, they don’t have to work hard to build up the audience; all that’s required is for them to be eccentric or outlandish (so much for drawing them in by the music …).

And, at the end, they expect a good paycheck.

Now, what brought all this up was that, yesterday, I had to meet a client for a quick meal as we went over some paperwork. Why he chose the kids’ fun-and-pizza place, GattiLand™, is anybody’s guess. Yeah, it was covered with kids playing video games, grabbing pizzas made of everything-but-broccoli … and takin’ in a band on their center stage!

a band made of … mechanical bears!!! And they were all lip-synching (of course, of course …)

Kinda made me wonder: Why not put some live, wholesome rock acts onstage instead? It could not only bring in a lot bigger crowd (and, GL, that means more $$$$, if you’re readin’ this!), but give more kids a safe, regular place to hear their favorite local acts — all the while grabbing some pretty appealing eats!

A few years ago, in speaking with Peter Noone (”Herman” of the original “Herman’s Hermits”), I found that things were pretty much the same across the pond (my interview with him was re-printed in 2008 and can be found here). He compares today’s venues with those of yesteryear’s (look for his take on The Cavern of way-back-when!).
Fortunately, today we have The Fore, who — while quickly gaining fans around the globe with their fab music, good looks and quick wit — are showing the music world that there is a huge desire for their brand of rock, as well as places for the kids to go, uncarded and unthreatened, to dig the music!

It’s high time somebody in Capitol Hills, Downing Streets or wherever, give the kids what they want … safe and fun places to hang out, listen to the music (and the bands that play it!), and just have good, clean fun!
Will Washington/London/etc. listen?? Only if we push them to do so!

In other words, the drinking agers have their places for fun … why can’t those of the greater demos — the “Coming Generation” of under-18ers — have theirs as well?

Okay … enough for now. Stay tuned, though … there’s more coming up in less than 24! Until then, remember:
Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music … and I’ll see you on the flip side!

IN THE NEWS: THE TOP TEN LIST IS OUT! We’re talkin’ about glam-rockers here, yardbirds — and the ones on this list are all from Britain (after all, they were the ones who launched the “glam” craze in the ’70s)!

(BTW: We all know what happened with that arse on yer left. But, here in the states, Gary Glitter did epitomize glam rock at one time. And, as an aside to Rose [I won’t give readers’ email addys or usernames without their permission]: Sorry, but I don’t trust that he’s changed! Most molesters thrive on their victims’ vulnerability. And most child predators never change; given the opportunity, they’ll do it again ..)

Anyway … here’s the list (as chosen by readers of Classic Rock magazine):

10. “All the Way From Memphis” - Mott the Hoople
9. “Telegram Sam” - T.Rex
8. “Ballroom Blitz” - The Sweet
7. “Cum on Feel the Noize” - Slade
(Yeah, I know. But listen to Slade’s original version, and you’ll see why this became Quiet Riot’s chosen anthem.)
6. “Rebel, Rebel” - David Bowie
5. “Changes” - David Bowie
4. “All the Young Dudes” - Mott the Hoople
(Written by David Bowie, sung by Ian Hunter. Some have said this is ’70s glam at its best.)
3. “Fox on the Run” - The Sweet
(My Sweet fave is still “Little Willy”)
2. “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” - Slade
1. “Bang a Gong” - T.Rex
(Any questions or doubts?)

Ya see any that you’d like to change or have included? Just lemme know …

THIS WEEK IN ROCK HISTORY had one of the most absurd moments of all! Y’see, on July 28, 1958, Billboard Magazine had an article involving a claim from the Esso Research Center that said: “…tuning in Rock ‘n’ Roll music on a car radio can cost a motorist money, because the rhythm can cause a driver to unconsciously jiggle the gas pedal, thus wasting fuel.”
Gladta see they were on top of their game back then, huh?? n*o*t ..

SPENCER’S RED JACKET (followup) After reading the article in yesterday’s post about fans’ fab reaction to his bright red outerwear, Spencer Hannabuss of The Fore sent this to me:
“… how great is it that your readers have noticed the jacket, or tunic as it really is.
The tunic is actually a horseman’s jacket which I bought in Greenwich village (UK version, not US!), along with the trousers to match. Unfortunately the trousers are a little short in the leg so they don’t make an appearance at gigs that often.
The tunic is pretty heavy and padded, which makes playing in it a little restrictive and hot - but it’s all worth it cos it adds to the show.
The tunic even has the former owner’s name writen in the inlay - Sergeant Turner. I often wonder who he was, whether he is still alive and what he would think about the fact that his jacket is still being showcased to hundreds of passers-by each week.”

Anyway ya look at it though, it still looks great — and adds even more spark to their already-exciting shows!!

NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE …

Remember the instrumental by a band called The T-Bones? Their song, No Matter What Shape, hit the Top Ten on the Billboard charts when it was used in Alka-Seltzer™ commercials here in 1965.
But it wasn’t the only time these performers would hit the top. Six years later, they released a song called Don’t Pull Your Love under their real names, (Don)Hamilton, Joe Frank (Carollo) and (Tom) Reynolds. And, in 1975, they hit again with Fallin’ In Love Again. While still maintaining the trio’s original name on the first pressings, they had replaced Tom Reynolds with (Alan) Dennison back in 1972!

Well, it’s about that time (3:45 AM here, 8:45 AM there, 5:00 PM somewhere …) and I’m gonna take a zzzzz break for about 300 minutes … but stay tuned! There’s more to come later today!
See ya on the flip side …

IN THE NEWS: Awww, c’mon … don’t tell me you haven’t heard yet!

Remember Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant?? You know … the guy who’s been lookin’ so comfy next to Alison Krauss lately?
The guy who, at one time, had hired a “coke lady” to service the band (and, brother, I ain’t talkin’ Coca-Cola™ here!)?

Well, he was involved in an auto accident a coupla days ago … and, wouldn’tja know it?  He plowed his Audi A8 into a Mercedes driven by a … drugs counselor!

Richard Grant (the counselor) was knocked unconscious and, when he awoke, he found Plant standing over him. 

He’s suffered whiplash, his car is totalled (I’m still talkin’ drug counselor here) and his only printable statement? “My Merc is smashed up and I’m not in a good way.”

Fortunately, Robert realized he was at fault in the North London accident and has taken full responsibility.

ON THE STREET:  Now, this, I’ve gotta give you straight up:
We’ve all head that doctors will come up with names of just about any condition you have … and, if ya don’t have one, they’ll make one up! 
Well, in Huntington, W. Va., a guy who was in court for nearly killing his wife (yeah … abuse … it sucks!) was “diagnosed” as having (ya ready??) “intermittent explosive disorder”!
A judge practically laughed that “defense” off … but it shows how sorry our “professionals” have become …

SPENCER’S RED JACKET has become quite an item here in the states! The personable and talented front man for The Fore has worn the coat on various gigs, and, from the Rockmail and personal queries I’ve received, it’s getting rave reviews over here in the States!
(Of course, it’s not just the jacket: I’ve six emails in my inbox right now from lady fans who say, “He looks so GOOD in it!” [Okay … I fibbed a little; one said “sexy” and another two said “hot”).
As soon as I can find where he bought the coat, I’ll letcha know. Now, you do understand that, if you buy one, he doesn’t come with it, right, ladies??

Okay … listen, I’ll see ya tonight, okay? Right now, still a load of work to do … so check back for more in about 12 hours or so.
See ya on the flip side …  

IN THE NEWS: I’ve been a fan of the lovely songbird, Sarah McLachlan, for some time — but especially after her “pet” commercials (the PSAs for pet adoption).
Now one of her many charities is making headlines again.

The Sarah McLachlan Foundation and the City of West Vancouver, Canada will host the Summer Sessions at Ambleside on Saturday, September 12. This holds special significance to Sarah as she’s a resident of the area. And her Foundation is equally significant:

It brings music into the lives of Canada’s youth by providing free music programs to those who live in impoverished and remote areas. Besides music, students will also learn the benefits of building self-esteem and creativity through the power of music.
The benefit concert is gonna be the first of its kind in West Vancouver, featuring performances by megastar artists Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow and Neil Young.

Sarah says, “I am thrilled to have Neil and Sheryl join me on stage at Ambleside Park this September to help raise funds for my Foundation. We hope the event will entertain and inspire, while increasing awareness of the need for music in children’s lives.
I am also excited that the City of West Vancouver has partnered with us to bring this event into the community that I have been proud to call my home for so many years.”

All proceeds from the concert go to the Foundation. If you want more info and/or tickets can be found here.

ON THE STREET: One of the big topics coming across the RockDesk recently has been the new drive to get marijuana legalized in America. Basically, they’re nearly unanimous in saying it’s “our biggest product”, so why not mix it with other tobaccos, put a decent label on it and … well, the readers say we could clear up the Federal deficit in no time!
No problem … but, if President Obama were to sign legislation to legalize it, he needs to include a tremendous bag of Cheetos with each pack! lol

Anyway, that’s all we have time for right now, but stay tuned … there’s gonna be another one coming up in about 16 hours (or less).

So, until then, see ya on the flip side ….

This past weekend, Sir Paul McCartney took the stage at the new Citi Field in New York — and what a show it was!!
One of the best reviews to come from the show is by Paul Gedney, a mate (and great fan of Macca’s) who took in the Saturday show. Here’s his report:

“This past Saturday night, my brother and I were able to see the McCartney show at Citi Field in Queens. We haven’t seen Sir Paul in nearly 20 years and we were delighted that he has only gotten better (like we would’ve complained if he hadn’t) and it was one of the more satisfying concerts I’ve ever seen.
Of course, what a catalog of music for him to draw from. Considering all the great tunes he’s responsible for, there was not enough time for him to perform them all, and with his Wings and solo stuff, he barely scratched the surface.

His tributes to Linda (My Love), John (Here Today), and George (Something, on ukulele given to him from George) all hit the spot with the enthusiastic crowd and drew great applause.
Live and Let Die was complete with exploding flashpots and fireworks that really worked outdoors against the clear sky.
But it was the Beatles songs that got the place moving, and as the evening went on, the intensity grew. Paul played all the popular (aren’t they all popular?!) songs like Let It Be, Long And Winding Road, and Hey Jude. They did a rousing version of Helter Skelter during one of the two encores, and in the beginning of the show they surprised us all with A Day In The Life.

The musicians in the band were great, the same band he’s had the last 10 years or so, including Wix, the great keyboard player who was with them back when I first saw them in 1989.
Being a new stadium, the sound system was a bit more sophisticated for music, and Paul’s chat between songs just made him feel a little closer to the audience. At one point, a girl held up a sign which prompted Paul to comment afterwards that “if you read the signs you may forget the lyrics to the song you’re singing”; then he read the sigh aloud ‘marry me Paul’, and in not even a breath he said ‘no!’. The audience laughed but the girl got her few minutes of fame from that, having herself projected on the two video screens. She had called in to one of the morning radio shows to tell her story and said she had gone all three nights.

My seat was wayyyyyyyy up on top near the third base and the band looked like ants, but with the help of the two big screens, the show was fine. I had hoped to hear two hours of music and with the encores it ran about 2 hours and 35 minutes. It was an absolutely terrific evening.”

Thanks again to Paul Gedney for this fab report! He captured the excitement of the entire show in just a few paragraphs!! (mate, ya got a great future as a reporter if ya want it … : ) )

Okay … with that, (hey … how’m I gonna top it?) I’ll see ya this evening …

IN THE NEWS: First, here’s a quick reminder that the Unsigned Chart Show is live this Sunday between 2pm - 4pm on Calon FM.
Now, The Fore’s Little Louisa is still up there at number 2, but we still have time to put it in the top spot before Sunday!
And all ya gotta do is click this link to make it happen.
There’s no “catch”, and it won’t take but a moment, so … let’s vote her in!

GOOD NEWS ABOUT FARON

So far, the operation was a success! Bill Ruffley (Faron of Liverpool’s legendary Faron’s Flamingos) still not out of the woods, though … so let’s keep this musical giant in our prayers and meditations, okay?
I’ll keep ya updated as to his progress …

CROWE’S FEAT

Russell Crowe, the New Zealand-born heart-throb, is in the UK filming a new movie version of Robin Hood and, recently, found himself being a hero to a real-life damsel in distress!

Denise Yarde – a boom operator on the film – was driving to the set when her car caught fire and was totalled! When he told about the accident, Russell immediately gave her £5,000 for a new car.
Now, that’s one of the reasons he’s so admired on-set: his concern and empathy toward others in need.

ON THE STREET: Looks like the biggest buzz is still about the healthcare issue that the President was talking about on Wednesday evening. Bottom line here is that we’re gonna have to “wait and see” how this works out. If previous Administrations didn’t do much about it, how do we know President Obama’s plan won’t work? (I’m cuttin’ this down a little because we’ve covered so much so soon, soooo …)

THE LIGHTER SIDE: Pssst … wanna learn to speak like a redneck?? Here ya go:
Jake and Bubba were out earrrrly one mornin’, gone duck-huntin’. They were in the blind when, suddenly, Jake looks up and sees a flock flappin’ their wings overhead. He nudges Bubba, whose nearly asleep.
If you can read their dialogue, you’re a step away from grits-and-gravy:
“A, Bubba! Luk R. M R Dux!”
“Uh? War?”
“Up err. C M Wangs?”
“Nomaint. A NO A!”
“M R 2! C Dar?”
“L. S C. L I B! M R DUX!”