Remembering The Pirates

They were just regular working-class guys from London ... and, whilst many statesiders may not be familiar with their name, they're bound to know their legacy.
Because these three lads (from left: Frank Farley, Johnny Spence and Mick Green), along with Frederick Heath (aka Johnny Kidd) formed one of the strongest, most influential rock bands ever to come out of Britain.
And, because lead singer Kidd wore an eye-patch, they called themselves ... The Pirates!

You didn't hear a lot of their music on stateside AM radio back in the early Sixties (except for a little ditty called Shakin' All Over, which was covered by the early Guess Who), but you definitely saw their effect ...

in guitarists like Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page and especially Slowhand himself, Eric Clapton -- all of whom were influenced by Pirates guitarist, Mick Green (in fact -- and I know somebody's got the studio version of this. If you do, please send a copy to me; my '92 divorce took it away from me -- if you listen to 1978's Saturday Night Shootout [from the LP Skull Wars], you'd swear it was Clapton doing it all!).

Early on, they had UK hits like Please Don't Touch and A Shot of Rhythm and Blues, and, whilst Mick left for Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Kidd kept the rock hot with a new set of Pirates -- until 7 October, 1966, when tragedy struck: He was killed in an auto accident, ironically in Bury, Lancashire.

In 1976, Farley, Spence and Green re-formed the band and hit the road. The first two albums released after their reunion, Out Of Their Skulls and Skull Wars, each debuted to wild acclaim; if anything, the band was tighter, meaner and stronger than ever before!

Then, in 2005 -- after some serious health problems -- drummer Frank Farley hung up his drumsticks, leaving Mick and Johnny to carry on with Mike Roberts on the kit.
And then -- in January of this year -- the world of rock lost one of its premier guitarists when Mick passed away.
It seemed as though the legendary Pirates were history.

NOT SO!! Johnny is now performing with a dynamite band called Doctor's Orders whilst Mick's sons have formed a powerful trio called The Green Brothers (what else??). And Brad and Lloyd have taken on, as their drummer, Mike Roberts, who'd replaced Frank in the original band!

For the entire Pirates story, all you need to do is visit their website. But, first, you've gotta hear these guys whilst they were still kickin' it together. From 1979, here's John, Frank and Mick doing the rock anthem, Johnny B. Goode.


See ya on the flip side with more ....

On Roosters and Waverleys

Sigh ... there are times when I wish I were already on my UK jaunt ...

and one of those is due to the fun that's comin' up for New Year 2011! For example: At The Waverley (on Marine Drive West, Aldwick Seafront, Bognor Regis) the Monday after New Year's Day, they're gonna have some of the best acoustic sets in the UK! The performers include one of the finest guitarists, singers and human beings that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Matt Hardy is gonna be onstage, performing songs that'll score a direct hit on yer soul. And, as good as the songs are as demos, you've just gotta here 'em LIVE to get the full effect (for you who've just joined us, click here to learn more about this multi-talented performer, and listen to his music!).

The show's gonna start at 2:00 PM and continue until 7:00 PM and, to give yer wallet a New Year's smile, it's all FREE! I'm gonna try and get either an .mp3 or (perhaps?) vid on here as soon as I can after the show ...

Now, you've heard me say it before, and, believe me, it's worth repeating: If you're in the UK and dig good country music and great family fun, you've gotta try out the new ROOSTERS WESTERN CLUB, which is based at; CLARKSFIELD CONSERVATIVE CLUB on HUXLEY STREET, OLDHAM!

Whilst it normally runs every Friday, with live artistes, line dancing, fast draw shootout, food and raffles, they've got a great show lined up for you on New Year's Eve(wait -- that is Friday ... so we're safe, right?? lol):
A full buffet (so come hungry!), fancy dress, a very late late bar, great music -- and all the other goodies for only £6! Now, the doors open at 7:30 PM, so mark it on your calendars now, and get ready to start the New Year with a good ol' country wing-ding!

When we finally get into the 2011, you're gonna want to come back every week!

But, remember, wherever you go this NYE, whether in the US, UK or Wherever (I think that's just south of Podunk), PLEASE be careful on the roads, okay?? It's no fun spending New Year's Eve in a hospital ...

IT'S AN INVITATION

Whenever a child is baptized into a church fellowship, the parents often want their friends and family members to know about the event. It's a pivotal event for the child, and a momentous one that you'll want a reminder of as well.
The most meaningful of these Baptism invitations can be found when you click on the link you just passed. From the simple to the popular "Sealed with Faith" cards, you'll find them there, with a wide selection of designs and sizes to create the style you have in mind!
So, if you have a child who is scheduled for baptism, make it an even more special event by ordering one of these beautiful invitations today!

Whilst I'm Reloading ...

Okay ... whilst I'm reloading this blog for the Big '11, let's get to some of the latest news, okay?:

COME ON, BABY, DOOO THE ...

Now, just about everybody who knows how to dance can tell ya how to complete that line: It's LO-CO-MOTION! When Little Eva Boyd sang it, we latched onto the chorus rather than the solo (though she did a fab job of it*).

Well, that chorus was sung by The Cookies, who also were known for their hit, Don't Say Nothin' Bad (About My Baby) and its killer line, He's true to me ... so you better shut yer mouth .... They also are heard in Sedaka's hit, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (yep ... sang the famous line, Kama-kama-down-shoo-be-do-down-downnnn -- which, FYI, was revived in Neil's later, slow version of the song and -- believe it -- a lasagna-scarfer named ... GARFIELD!).
Sadly, Dorothy Jones, founding member of the group, died Christmas Day of Alzheimer's disease in a Columbus, Ohio hospital, aged 76. To her family and fans, we send our condolences ...
(*= Writers Gerry Goffin and Carole King had originally planned for another group to record the song. Unfortunately, the group couldn't get to the studio in time for the session. Meanwhile, they heard their baby sitter sing along with the demo and, because she was so good, hired her to sing it for the final pressing. That baby-sitter was "Little" Eva Boyd!)

LIFE'S BEEN GOOD TO HIM SO FAR: Eagles guitarist and musicomical genius Joe Walsh is gettin' ready to release his first solo album in almost twenty years!

Now, while it doesn't have a title yet, this new one will be his first since Songs For A Dying Planet way back in 1992. Half of it's been produced by Walsh himself, and the other half's done with former Nightrider/IdleRace/Move/ELO/Wilbury member and omniproducer Jeff Lynne. It's expected to be released sometime in the spring.

Okay ... that's it for now but ... wait: Whatcha think about the new look on yer right?? Put a search box and top vids from the great acts you've been hearin' about here!
Anyway, it's just the start of the reload ... wait'll all the ammo's in place, mates ...

CARRYIN' ON WITH KARAOKE

Who hasn't tried "karaoke" at one time or another? Singing along with backing tracks of your favourite songs isn't just fun -- it can help you learn how to sing better and can also showcase the talent you do have!
And who knows where it can lead you? There are many singers who've started with karaoke, and gone on to be discovered by talent agencies! Why, there's even a program on stateside television that's dedicated to country karaoke!
But, in order for you to perform it right, you need good equipment -- including a solid microphone . And, by clicking the link you just passed, you'll find the best karaoke equipment anywhere!
At affordable prices and with the most reliable machines on the market, you'll be up and singing your fave tunes at parties, in churches -- or even practicing on your own!
And if your purchase is over $99.00, you'll even get free shipping! Imagine the smile on your friends' faces when they hear YOU serenading them with great music behind you -- and the one on your wallet when it realizes it's saved money thanks to your choosing from their fab selection.
So click there now -- and get ready for some great musical fun!

Until next time (gimme about 24 or so, okay?), I'll see ya on the flip side ...

Looking To The Future

WOW!! We sure covered some territory this past year, didn't we?? (Oh ... by the way: Authorities have just determined why Grandma got run over by that reindeer. Apparently, the deer-in-question was a stand-in for Blitzen ... a foreign elk named Toyota® .) Anyway ...

Now that Christmas is outta the way and we're lookin' at the Big 11 comin' up on the calendar, I thought I'd ask our resident fortune-teller, Madame Ruth (you know; the gypsy with the gold-capped tooth), if she could gaze into her crystal ball and see what's up for some of our fave acts this next year. Well, she bent down and turned around and gave me a wink (my cat does the same thing when she's in heat, btw), and came up with these:

• Whilst calling up bandmates for a recording session, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger mistakes Roy Wood for Ron -- and becomes completely confused when their music suddenly seems to mean something again ....
• In an interview with the UK Telegraph, Ozzy Osbourne shares his secret of longevity: "Wuhhh, thuhhh f--- thngzuh nud, uhhh, uvduvvo'n, ubaww d'efrite (snif) y'zee". Later, it's found that he's actually a cousin of Bob Dylan ...
• All Auto-Tunes® are confiscated and crushed in large garbage-disposal trucks. However, as they're demolished, the trucks' grinding mysteriously begins to sound more like a well-tuned Mercedes.

Okay ... we all know that nobody can tell what's comin' up in the '11 (and it's better that way, right? I mean, who doesn't like surprises??) ... but one thing is certain:
THIS PLACE GONNA ROCK IN THE BIG 11 ... AND, IN THE WORDS OF THE IMMORTAL ... (ummm, immortal ... OH, yeah ...) BTO:
YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!!

Stay tuned ... and I'll see ya on the flip side!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ROCKERS!!

THE FUTURE OF ROCK MUSIC

Man, has this been a crazy year for music or what??

I mean, we've hit the high notes along with some of the best in the biz ... and melodies have definitely made many mental musical memories. Up-and-coming bands like The Fore, The 286, Train and many more have brought some amazing sounds to terrestrial radio, iTunes®, Amazon™ and more.
But, at the same time, we've seen a surge in "techno" (ie, "electronic sounds mimicking the real deal") and even a return to metal.

On another front, more and more country stars are startin' to hitch a ride on the rock bandwagon; acts like Sugarland, Rascal Flatts and even the great Keith Urban (who's bound to have three hands, considerin' the way he plays that guitar) are, at times, sounding more like mainstream rock than their own genre.

So that brought up a question, and I posed it to about fifteen readers who sent a few comments into the RockMail (yes, they are printable! Hang on ... lemme finish this segment). When I replied (and I always do most of the time ... sometimes ...) and before signing off, I added What do you think rock is gonna sound like, say, thirty years from now?

To a man/woman/child/Californian, they all answered (btw, I actually do answer every piece of RockMail that comes in!). And what they had to say was ... well, interesting, to say the least:

For example, Josh wrote: I think its all going to blend in together some day. Country music will become more like rock and maybe include more techie sounds.

But Don says: Everything in music, including rock, is built on cycles. We inevitably return to the sounds that were made 15 or 20 years before. So I do not think it will change that much but just repeat it self.

Now, there were others but, because I have the news to cover yet, I don't have time to put 'em all in this post.
Tell ya what: How about writin' me here or dropping a comment below, and let me know what you think, okay?? (Now this oughtta be downright interesting!)

IN THE NEWS

Remember the pedestrian crossing outside north London's Abbey Road recording studio -- you know: the one made famous by The Beatles?? Well, it was designated a "site of national importance" by the UK Parliament on Wednesday! That means it can't be altered unless the city gets the approval of local authorities.

The Kingston Trio, Dolly Parton and The Ramones will receive Lifetime Achievement awards on February 12, the day before the Grammys in Los Angeles. And Stax Records Executive Al Bell will be honored with a Trustees Award.

Oh ... and don't look for that big screen bio of Jimi Hendrix that's been talked about. Legendary Pictures announced Wednesday (December 15) that Experience Hendrix (his estate) has not given its support for the film, which had a director, lead actor and script ready. The producers refuse to move ahead without permission.

Okay ... that's it for the news (as of now). But stay tuned ... 'cause there's more ROCK, RHYTHM and RIMSHOTS coming up shortly ...

Introducing MATT HARDY (and a launch)

From the first notes of The Fore's Love For Sale to the sterling vocals, you hear the fab lead guitarist Matt Hardy at his best within the popular UK band.

Now, though a number of readers have described Matt (and rightly so!) as being a mix of early Harrison/Clapton, few realise that he's also an accomplished songwriter and arranger!

But when he's not writing and performing, Matt spends his time in Bognor Regis with his first loves -- his wonderful wife, Victoria and two darling children (the lovely Miss Grace and young Mr. William Hardy, who made his debut earlier this year!).

Matt started playing guitar at the tender age of seven, and, over the years, also taught himself how to play drums and a bit of bass. His mates in the band have said that, when he learns a specific guitar piece, he never forgets it!

And his voice is so versatile -- able to generate the excitement of fast rockers, the smooth, reflective emotion of ballads, and even a bit of soul (as in The Fore's We Were Meant To Be). His harmonies are reminiscent of Paul McCartney's whilst in The Beatles.

Recently, Matt sent me a few demos of his solo work, and ... well, I've just gotta share these with you! These are "raw" -- just him and his guitar -- but, when you've heard them (they're all downloadable!), you're gonna want more of this amazing songwriter/singer/arranger/guitarist:

Point The Finger
Coming Home
Starting To Fly

Now, I'll have more on Matt in an upcoming post, but, for now:

FANS OF CANNED HEAT

C'mon over and join the launch of the Official Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson Website! The late star was a founding member of the legendary band (Going Up The Country, On The Road Again, Let's Get Together) and is being honoured for his contributions, not just to the band and the blues, but also to preserving nature (such as the Redwoods in California) and appreciating the cosmos ...
It's going on now, so click the link you just passed -- and stay tuned for a review of the book by Rebecca Winters, Blind Owl Blues, coming soon.

Stay tuned ...

Christmas Programming

This is actually an anchor page for the new Christmas greeting to my readers, friends, both or all (or something).
Hope y'all like it ...

(Okay ... mebbe it's just a tad unpolished, but you can thank this crazy head cold that accompanied me whilst recording ... but, geez ... the intention is gooood ... lol)

The Guitar, The Singer and The Rest

HELP OUR VETS ... GET A GREAT GUITAR IN THE PROCESS (PRICE REDUCED!!) Rockers, this is your chance to get a rare, limited edition Elvis Presley Epiphone EJ200 Guitar, owned by Luke Bentley (former rhythm guitarist/singer with The Fore)!
Now, ten percent of the final sale goes to "Help for Heroes: Support for our Wounded"! Not only is it the perfect Christmas gift for the musician OR Elvis fan in your family -- especially at the new, reduced price -- but it'll support many servicemen and women who've been wounded in the line of duty overseas. Click here to read more about it!

ROCKIN' THE MAILBOX(ES) Amongst the emails was this one from Frank in Canada (sometimes, I can tell by the domain): What's wrong with Paul McCartney? He didn't sound good on Saturday Night live. Well, Frank, ya gotta figure: the guy's been stretchin' those vocal cords for years now; he's also sixty-eight years old; and I've got a feelin' that, with everybody demanding the old hits from his Beatles and Wings years, after awhile he's probably gettin' a bit bored with it. Mix 'em all up, and you've most likely gotten yer answer ...
and five readers wanna know what happened to The Fore. Honestly, I don't know. When I can get more info, I guarantee to share it with you (ya don't think ...? Naaaah -- as good as those lads are, it couldn't be ...)
Then there's this one, from the UK: I saw Mike Lane play recently, and love his show! Can you tell us more about him, or where he'll be playing next?" I'll run a bit on him -- even an interview, if he can take a mo from his schedule -- soon! In the meantime, you can check him out at his site.
Then there's this one, from Jared somewhere here in the U.S.: What does a Relic want for Christmas? Awwww, geez -- tough question. Actually? Peace, love, continued support from fans would be a nice touch. I'm low-maintenance (lol) ...

FROM THE ROCKWIRE Levon Helm of country-rock legends The Band was hospitalized in NYC Saturday. Levon suffers from COPD and, when a cold worsened, doctors hospitalized him so they could monitor his condition. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Scott McKenzie (San Francisco [Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair]) was released from a L.A. hospital Monday after spending five weeks there. Y'see, he suffers from Guillian-Barr Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder which attacks the nervous system. He'll continue his long recovery at home.

NEXT UP: Miley Cyrus ... and answers to our recent quiz (go back a few issues and you'll find it)! Until then, see ya on the flip side!

LINE-UP 2011

Y'know, when I take a look back at 2010, I see a lot of things that were left undone here on this blog. There were a few loose-end posts, quizzes and stuff; certain bands were let down in my press status; and the number of posts varied -- I might've gone a week without takin' care of business.
Yep ... I take the blame for it, campers ...
The primary reason was that I had so much other shi ... er, stuff ... crowdin' my desk that I just got overwhelmed. Imagine takin' a coupla armsful of metal clotheshangers, throwing the whole bunch into the air at one time, watching them fall on the ground ... then attempting to pick them all up and put 'em in order.

So, to all of you who "witnessed" this in the RRR blog and beyond, I humbly and ashamedly apologise. THIS WILL NOT BE REPEATED IN 2011!!
Since the age of 11, I've built my life around rock-n-roll, and have been in the business, in one form or another, since the late Seventies; before my gig in the Army and the later, subsequent "slide" that took a few years of my life (from which I thankfully recovered), I was a performer, as many of you were.

Anyway, it's time to return to what I know best: ROCK, MEDIA CONSULTING and PRESSING And, this time, I'm gonna do it right:

LINE-UP 2011

Beginning with the next post (hey ... I ain't waitin' for the New Year to start this), you'll see an intro, followed by news that applies to us, the ROCK WORLD. Now, it may not have to do with rock music itself, but it'll be something that we can relate to.

Then there'll be a section where I'll reply to the e-mails, Tweets and anything else that comes in the RockMail. Now, if you have a question, remark, observation or whatever -- and ya don't mind seein' it in print here (huh? No, I'll just use your first name, but nothing more, okay??), either leave a comment at the bottom, a message on my Facebook® page, or email me here.
That'll be followed by a section on the latest rock news -- but a shorter version. Basically, a coupla sentences and a remark or two ... or three ... or ...
Afterward, we'll cap it off with a PostScript. Just some more of my jawjackin'.

On occasion, I'll have an interview with an act, or a YouTube® video, or even interrupt the regular proceedings if there's something special happening in the R&R world.

So, once again, I want to apologise to anyone I've let down over the past year. I guarantee a difference during the coming twelve-months-and-some days.

Stay tuned ... and I'll see ya on the flip side ...

Changes for 2011

Starting in January of next year, you'll be seein' some changes in the lineup here at RRR, as we introduce some new segments and ... well, sorta liven the place up a bit.
Y'see, over the past 40 years, we've been tryin' to bring you the best in classic-rock coverage -- news, views and interviews of and with some of the fabbest-of-the-fab from yesteryear and today.

But we've gotta face facts: There's more to this "rock" thing than the latest scoops on bands, old and new ...
We also have issues that we deal with on a daily basis. There's news that affects us as well. It's all part of the matrix of our genre -- in other words:
Whatever the news is today it's something that baby-boomers can relate to. We've either caused it, been through it, protested it or stopped it in one form or another.

For example:

The uprising that's going on right now against Parliament -- the UK's governing body that has gone back on its promises to students and decided not just to raise uni tuitions, but to TRIPLE them -- has the world's attention.
Now, anyone can understand the need for a government to rebuild its financial stability, especially with the recent economic downturns. But to attempt it by making it nearly impossible for kids to gain an education??
It's about as narrow-minded as you can GET! I mean, you can't tell me there's no other way these bigwigs can re-fund themselves???

Anyway, I mentioned baby-boomers. Most of us already know what the "people, united" can do: After all, from equal-rights to Vietnam, we made changes by refusing to be silent when there was a social malfeasance. And it's a bit coincidental that this major uprising came on the 30th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon -- a man who, himself, believed in the peaceful-but-powerful protest.
But, whilst the students are feeling the brunt of this crime, w

More about this as the story develops ... but, for now, I hadta throw my two cents' in ...

REMEMBERING BLACK FRIDAY

While Thanksgiving, 2010 has come and gone -- and that mad shopping day immediately after -- there are still a lot of dynamite buys that you can take advantage of, and just in time for Christmas!
By clicking on this special Black Friday link, you'll be taken to the best in electronics, jewelry and more -- and at prices that'll really make you feel good inside!
Along with the savings, you'll also get free shipping on many of the items -- a plus if you're looking to save even more!
So, what're you waiting for? Christmas is gettin' closer every day, and you're gonna get the best products, with the best selection, at the lowest price anywhere!

Dr. Ozzy and the GRAMMY HoF

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has just selected 30 more recordings for its Grammy Hall of Fame (it brings the grand total to 881 for now).

This year, the nod goes to:

The Beatles' "Penny Lane"
Fats Domino's "Walkin' To New Orleans"
"Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes
"The Letter" from the Box Tops
The Animals' "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" and
Harry Chapin's "Cat's In The Cradle."

Not a bad one in the bunch! Whilst "Postman" rang twice (once with The Marvs and once with John, Paul, George and Ringo), The Animals' big hit was a fave amongst our troops in Vietnam -- and is still touted as one of the servicemen's most-requested songs.

And Chapin's "Cat's" has been performed by singers as diverse as Ugly Kid Joe and contemporary Christian acts. But the one song that stands out, IMHO, was Fats' "New Orleans", as it helped promote the city as it rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina.

Congrats to all the new HoFfers ... ya did good!

CALLING DR. OZZY

There’s a new Ozzy Obsbourne book on the way (just thought I'd warn ya ahead of time!).

It’s to be called Ask Dr. Ozzy, and is based around his regular health advice column for the Sunday Times. Now, it'll be published by Sphere in October, and written by Chris Ayres, who not only writes Ozzy’s column, but also did his autobiography, I Am Ozzy.

Now, you can find out more at http://www.ozzy.com/, but -- considering what we just read -- is Ozzy too burned-out to write it himself?
We've already been told that Black Sabbath will not be re-forming, btw ... so he'll probably have a little time on his hands ...

THERE AUTO BE AFFORDABLE INSURANCE!

If you're going to be cruisin' around, taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season, you've got to be sure to always have your license and proof of insurance on you.
Now, there are a lot of drivers out there who don't have adequate insurace -- if any! And one of the main reasons is that they can't afford the insurance premiums.

But there's one spot that'll help you find the best coverage! You'll not only be able to get the best most affordable quotes from the top insurance companies in the nation, but you'll also find some great articles to help you make the best choice!
So click the following link for the best in cheap car insurance -- and be ready to drive in confidence this season!

Memories of A December Night ...

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard "the news" that John Lennon had been gunned down?

I'd gone to bed about 10:30 PM that Monday night, worn-out after a long day of scripting for The Birth of Superock! documentary. The next morning, I was to take our young son, Tim, to the daycare, then hit Santa Maria Restaurant near downtown Pineville for breakfast.

Tuesday morning, 7:30 AM found me on the way to the eatery after dropping Tim off at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Everyone was in such a rush that morning, we didn't even try to turn on the TV or radio. As I was going down the home stretch of Polk St., I turned on the car radio. The Long and Winding Road was playing; not my favourite Beatles song, but very strong and emotional. Turning the tuning knob to find others, it seemed like every station was playing Beatles' music. Having been a fan of the lads, and especially John, I thought, "Man, what a coincidence! These guys are all playing the best of the Fab Four."

After jockeying for a parking place, I got out of the car and headed straight for the newspaper rack. We'd had a scare from a nuclear plant at nearby Steele Creek and I wanted to catch up on the latest news whilst my breakfast was being prepared.

What I saw, blaring from the newspaper in the rack, paralyzed me as a cold chill ran through my body. I felt light-headed, and dropped the quarter from my hand. As it rolled to God-knows-where, I just stood and stared in disbelief. The headline - plastered across the top of the paper - read, simply:
JOHN LENNON SHOT TO DEATH
Underneath was his famous "glasses" picture from the Walls and Bridges album.
My heart nearly pounding out of my chest, I fished another quarter out of my pocket and got a copy of the paper.

I walked inside the restaurant in a complete daze -- more like a zombie, really. The news explained the constant Beatles music I'd heard on the way in.

When I finally sat down to wait for Lambrini, the waitress (also the wife of the owner, Pete Karagounis), I noticed everybody else was reading the same story. A guy at the table next to me turned to me and said, Well, he asked for it! I looked over, tears in my eyes, and growled loudly, SINCE WHEN DOES ANYBODY ASK TO BE MURDERED?? It shut him up ... and I began reading. Hesitantly. I didn't want to believe this was real.

Lambrini knew I liked coffee, so she brought me a cup and whispered, knowingly, I'll come back when you're ready, Chuck. I nodded slowly, because I was too busy reading. And re-reading. And reading again.
After about thirty minutes, she came and took my order. When she returned, my nose was still in that paper, and I was becoming angrier by the moment. I mean, how could anyone kill this man in cold blood??

An hour later -- my food still sitting there -- I just got up from my table, started to go to the cashier ... but Penny just nodded slowly and let me go on. Guess maybe my sadness showed a bit.
When I got back in the Green Hornet (AMC model, colour green), I just sat there ... tears streaming down my face, motor running ... and tuned in Big WAYS again just to hear the song Happy Xmas (War Is Over). That did it. I broke down and cried ...

Then I headed back home. No work today ... I just couldn't ...

Whilst the daytime programmes continued as scheduled, the noon news was filled with coverage: all the fans outside the Dakota highrise, where John and Yoko lived -- and where he was brutally gunned down by an alleged "fan". I hung onto every word, every visual, transfixed on our little set. My (now ex-) wife was at her new job at Rexham Packaging in Pineville, so the house was mine until she returned. I quickly put in a VCR tape and hit "record" -- this was truly the worst rock tragedy the world had ever known.

All afternoon afterward, I played every Beatles and Lennon song I had on cassette (about 20, all told). I didn't feel like eating but smoked (I used to do three packs a day back then!) like it was goin' outta style. Then, a little before six, she came in the door. She'd heard the news -- and laughed about it! I kept my patience; after all, the 6:00 news was coming on.

Bill Walker of WSOC-TV broke the news as the lead story, much as he did Elvis' death a little over three years earlier. He cut to a network reporter who voiced-over the scene of Lennon's body being taken to the hospital. Apparently, according to him, the gunman was upset because The Beatles had said they were bigger than Christ and, later, due to John's "blasphemy" of Christ in the Beatle hit, The Ballad Of John and Yoko.

Man, I was completely furious by that! I slammed off the TV, and stormed out the front door. THAT BASTARD! I mumbled, He's like every OTHER idiot! HE GOT IT WRONG!! Yeah, The Beatles were more popular -- with KIDS -- when they said it. And the SONG? My God ... John was TALKING to Christ in the chorus! LISTEN TO IT AS WORDS, WITHOUT SINGING IT!!

After regaining my composure, I went on and picked up our son Tim from the Schoolhouse -- where one of the workers, Gayle Day, was sobbing. She was the last one there, and one of the parents had just broken the news to her.

Now, here it is, thirty years after-the-fact ... and it's still haunting the hell outta me! But if there's one good side to this, it's that, whilst John is gone from us, HIS LEGACY STILL LIVES ON! As long as there are believers and protesters and desirers of peace; as long as there are bands who play with the same gusto as he and mates Paul, George and Ringo did; as long as there's life in all we do -- creativity, striving for the unity of man in the process --
as long as there's LOVE ...
those things in which John Ono (nee Winston) Lennon believed will never die ...

Nothing Was "Canned" About "Heat"

During the late Sixties -- when everybody's mind was on one word (no, not that one; think again!), there was one band that (nonoNO! Not that one, either!) musically-embodied the word "peace" (there! ... SEE?!?)

and that was the now-legendary Canned Heat.

Oh, sure, there were other non-Beatle bands, like Strawberry Alarm Clock, who proclaimed it (btw, on their hit, Incense and Peppermints, the lead singer was a 14-year-old who just happened to be in the studio at the time. He wasn't part of the group!). But Heat gets my nod because they were what the peace generation was all about: simplicity and sincerity! Oh, they could throw in a mess of blues when it was necessary, but their music could uplift any heaviness. It was all so genuine!

My favorite member was the late Bob "The Bear" Hite, whose voice was undoubtedly one of the most listenable in rock. A huge man who was also a keen blues historian, he and Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson formed the band as a tribute to the old blues masters -- and, whilst there are those who equate them with the more modern Blues Traveler, lemme tell ya that they leave those guys in the dust!

I first heard them back in '68, with a hit called On The Road Again (not Willie's song; this one has some serious body to it). The interplay between "Owl's" harmonica and "Bear's" vocals, along with that famous Heat rhythm (which, I swear, had to influence ZZ Top!), made it a song that ya just couldn't get out of yer head!

Most are familiar with CH by their signature tune, 1969's Goin' Up The Country -- but THEN came Let's Work Together, which was written by a fellow from my neck-of-the-woods, Charlottean Wilbert Harrison (most know him from his hit, Kansas City). And, friends, that's when I became a Heatseeker!

Today, only drummer Fito de La Parra (second from left in the pic) and bassist Larry "The Mole" Taylor(not pictured) are left of the original band. But they are still Masters of the Boogie ... and if you get a chance to check them out in concert, DO it! You're in for a fantastic musical journey ...

LET IT SNOW ...

During the blustery days of winter, we're all susceptible to some serious snowfall (in fact, many places have already gotten it!). As pretty as it is, the white stuff can pile up on lawns and driveways, making any type of movement hazardous.
That's where a good snowblower can come in handy -- and, of course, you want the one that'll do the best job, be dependable -- and, with any luck, also be affordable!
Well, you've got all three of those "wants" in the highly popular toro snowblower. Having used those, I can tell you they're absolutely the best on the market! And now, if you click on that link you just saw, you'll find a wide selection of them at prices that'll definitely make you and your wallet happy!
In some, you won't even have to mix the gas and oil; others have electric start; but, in all of them, you'll have the quality that's made Toro a household name for decades!
So click there now and get ready to win the battle against the driving snow on your lawn or driveway!

CONGRATS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!!

(Pssst ... wanna see somethin' happy for a moment? Look at this ...)
SPENCER HANNABUSS -- songwriter, musician, vocalist, fab front man of The Fore and The 286, and one of the greatest young men the UK has produced, and
NATALIE ANSELL -- beautiful and talented young lady and Spencer's #1 fan ...
are now MR. and MRS. SPENCER HANNABUSS!!

FROM ALL YOUR FANS HERE AT ROCK, RHYTHM AND RIMSHOTS:

CONGRATULATIONS, SPENCER AND NATALIE!! May your hearts be forever filled with love, joy and peace!

All Four Beatles To "Reunite"?

I ... I was gonna say it snowed yesterday, and have a really funny line about gathering enough up to build a snowman, but ...
well, y'see, I have friends in the UK, and I wanna keep 'em ... at least from laughing at me! See, they've been hit ... no, SLAMMED and PLASTERED by the white stuff! SO I'm gonna keep my mouth shut and go on with the news ...

Looks like there might be a Beatles reunion, after all! Now, before ya hit me with the obvious, lemme explain:

Word's already going around that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are gonna perform along with digitized big screen images of George Harrison and John Lennon at the Hollywood Bowl next August 27! The event would benefit breast cancer and world peace charities.
Whilst this sounds like a great gig, though, you've gotta remember three things here:

First, it's still just rumoured. Granted, it's in some higher circles, but it is what it is! Natch, if it does, er, "come together" (well, you expected at least one song reference, didn'tcha? Thought so ...), I'll letcha know here.

Secondly, it'll be "man + screen" here; though it'd obviously be a cool production, it can only amplify the fact that John and George are no longer with us.

And, thirdly, we've gotta remember that, despite the fact they're both legendary superstars with tremendous talent even yet, Ringo and Paul are no longer the "moptops" of yesteryear. By the time of the event, Starkey will be 71 and Macca will be close to the big 69 himself (still a young whippersnapper! lol).

IMHO, if they really want a gig that'll pull in mega-bux for both causes, here's an idea: Paul and Ringo (with John and George onscreen), with Dhani Harrison, Sean (or Julian) Lennon (or both), James McCartney and Zak Starkey!
And whilst they're doing their thing live, put it on a Pay-Per-View basis for viewers at home -- with proceeds going to the same charities!

MAKING IT CLEAR

Everywhere you go these days, you find people buying up "drinking" or "distilled" water by the gallons. Reason: Their water (ie, at home) tastes funny -- and, more often than not, it's because it has impurities in it.
No matter what the cause (town water supply, wells, etc.), what they really need is a good, home water-purification system.

Now, I'm the son of a plumber, and daddy used to tell me that the best to get is a whole house water filter because it provides filtration from wherever the water enters your home. That way, it'll give you filtered water in all areas of the house, whether it be kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
And if you'll click the link you just passed, you'll find the best and most economically-priced whole house filters! They also have the popular "point-of-use" models as well as those of different flow rates.
So, if you want the best-tasting, healthiest water straight from your faucet, be sure to click on that link today!

B.B. and Aretha, Eleanor and Gladys

Sometimes, what you hear ain't exactly what's really happened (shhh ... around here, it's called gossip! At least that's what I was told ...)

For example: this past Monday, a twit's Twitter™ tweet tweaked a lot of emotions when he announced that blues legend B. B. King was dead.

Problem was that he failed to tell B. B..

Still, the word went viral, and by the time King learned of it, he'd already been "dead, eulogised and buried"! Truth is, he'd just finished his latest concert on Wednesday of last week, and was just "takin' some time off".

Then, when word got out that Aretha Franklin underwent surgery today in Detroit, a couple of weird web-walkers said she's dying. Actually, she's recovering quite well from the still-secret surgery! Now, she won't be doing any concerts until next May ... but the Queen of Soul will be back!

ELEANOR RIGBY RIGGED??

Of all The Beatles' songs, one that has intrigued millions of fans was Eleanor Rigby. Whilst a tombstone inscribed with the lady's name is in the cemetery of St. Peter's Parish Church in Woolton, Liverpool -- not far from where Paul met John for the first time in 1957 -- Macca says he actually made up the name, as such:
"Eleanor" from actress Eleanor Bron, who starred with The Beatles in the film Help! and
"Rigby" from Rigby & Evens Ltd, Wine & Spirit Shippers, the name of a store in Bristol.
"I just liked the name. I was looking for a name that sounded natural. Eleanor Rigby sounded natural," he said in a 1984 interview.

Now, here's something interesting: When Elvis bought Graceland for him and his parents to live in, he said he wanted to make "the most beautiful bedroom in Memphis" for his mum, Gladys.
Ahhhh, but she had other ideas: Y'see, she wanted to add ...
a chicken coop and a hog pen!

TRIMMING DOWN

Now that Old Man Winter's just around the corner (and, already, parts of the country are being plastered with cold weather and snow), we know it's important to lose those pounds we picked up over Thanksgiving -- for health's sake! Of course, there are so many supplements and fat burners on the market that we can't be sure which ones will work for us.
Fortunately, in order to find the best and safest thermogenic fat burners, all you have to do is click on that link I just gave you! These folks have researched the top products and have ranked them by some strong criteria: fat burning power and results, quality of ingredients (in other words, no harmful chemicals) and overall value. They consider price, results, and recommendations in determining which is best and safest for you!
Then they'll show you where to get the best online price for these fatburners!
It's a win/win situation: Not only will you be getting rid of those excess pounds and have a healthier you, but you'll also save money in the process!
So click that link now ... and get ready for a slimmer and healthier you this Christmas!

Classics At New GRAMMY Noms ...

This year's Grammys® are gonna be filled with nominations that include some of the world's finest classic rock and soul acts!
Amongst the nominees are:

• Michael Jackson and Solomon Burke (both with posthumous honours)
• Elton John & Leon Russell
• Ronald Isley & Aretha Franklin (who I think, personally, should be given an award simply for not beatin' the bejabbers outta Big Lots® for using her song, THINK!
• Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand (wellll, it's not exactly rock, but ...)
• Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, Neil Young,
• Betty Wright, Mavis Staples (now you're talkin'!!), Maria Muldaur
• Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Tom Petty, Robby Krieger and
• "The Beatles (The Original Studio Recordings)" as Best Historical Album.

Two votes for Bingo McCoy and the Sin City Studs (now, somebody's gonna Google™ them just to see if they're a real band! Pssst ... they're not ... I just made 'em up!!)
Anyway, the awards will be handed out February 13 in Los Angeles ... and broadcast forever on PBS thereafter, I suppose ...

WANTED: HEALTH CARE WORKERS

In this time of recession and resulting layoffs, it's interesting to note that one field is still looking for the best employees! You see, no matter what we can and can't afford as far as sundries go, we always need to afford good healthcare, right? And, in order to provide that, the providers need good folks representing them.
In short, they need people like you!
Now, there are some of you either don't have time to travel all-over-creation to find health care jobs - but, by clicking on that link you just passed, you can be introduced to loads of jobs within the healthcare industry, once you sign up and post your resume!
Their record of successful placement is outstanding, and the benefits you'll derive by going into the healthcare field are many; the pay, the experience, the satisfaction that you've helped someone and many more -- and all this is waiting for you when you sign up with them.
So, if you're looking for a great job -- a great career -- click on that link today!

Rod Stewart and Pete Best

Man, no matter which talk show you turn to these days, you're bound to find Rod Stewart on it!

But there's good reason: This cat has outlasted many of his peers, and ... no, I'm not talkin' about age, but his vitality and stage presence ...
and his ability to diversify!

We've seen Hot Rod tackle rock, Motown and crooner material -- and all with the same gusto! We've seen him play big arenas and small charities -- even busking at one time recently.
But now he's looking at a new venture: Either doing a blues or country album!!

Now, between you and me, I can see Rod doin' the blues (besides, he has a tremendous voice for that!). But ... country?!? Geez ... I ... dunno ...
When one thinks of country music these days, he/she thinks either Nashville, Branson, Ron Ryan or Mike Lane. Whether Stewart can fit in with that style is yet to be seen ... but it's a sure bet that, no matter which genre he chooses for an album, he's gonna put everything he's got into it!

THEIR "BEST" BET

Just learned that the head honchos of Liverpool have included original Beatles drummer Pete Best on a list of names they're considering to use in naming new streets. Peter, who was drummed out of the group in favor of Ringo Starr (as if we didn't know ...) was chosen for his "'special contribution' to the city's musical heritage."
It's about time that Pete got the recognition he deserves. After all, not only was he the drummer who was with the band when it started building its fan base, but his mum was the one who gave the lads a break by letting them perform in her Casbah (a popular "club" built in the basement of her house)!

More coming up in less than 24, so stay tuned ... and I'll see ya on the flip side ...