Trim My Tree, Baby!

It's time for my annual holiday blog, and this year I'm giving you some more Rock and Roll Xmas Spectacular, from Slip Twister out of St Cloud. Nice vocal, guitar and harp on this one. Merry Christmas, and keepn on rockin'!

It's Festival time...

... if you're in California, that is... On this day in rock history, in 1968, the San Francisco International Pop Festival gets underway. The weekend event features, Johnny Rivers, Eric Burdon & The Animals and the Iron Butterfly. And, of course, Canned Heat, a truly under rated blues band. Check out "Same All Over," (Bob Hite with his shirt off is pretty exciting too) Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin'!

Break on through (to the other side)

On this date in 1971, the Doors’ vocalist Jim Morrison is found dead by longtime companion Pam Courson in the bathtub of the Paris apartment they shared. Morrison had gone to Paris to escape fame and focus on his poetry. Though the cause of death was officially listed as a heart attack there are indications that drugs (most likely heroin) played a part in the singer's demise. And, also on this date, in 1969, Brian Jones, ex-Rolling Stones guitarist, is found dead in his swimming pool. Death is ruled a misadventure while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. However, murder rumors circulate. A deadly two-fer for this 3rd of July. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info. Keep on rockin’, and be glad you’re not dead!

Let’s do the Time Warp Again…

On this date in rock history, in 1973, Tim Curry begins the role of a lifetime. Curry heads the cast of the stage production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in London. Curry reprises his over-the-top vamp role in the 1975 film. This movie is still showing in select art houses all over the country, and has become a cultural phenomenon. Ok, by a show of hands, how many of you came to the movie dressed in costume? Threw rice at the screen? Shouted out lines of dialog? You know who you are… BTW, here’s your chance to learn some Italian while you’re at it… Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Come On...

Today in rock history, in 1963, The Rolling Stones release their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s "Come On." The Stones also make their TV debut on Thank Your Lucky Stars where they perform the song. Glad to see the Stones still out there making music on their current “50 and counting”Tour. Here they are off to a great start in Anaheim. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

E Z Rider...

On this day in rock history, in 1971, Iron Butterfly disband one month after “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” falls off the Album Chart, following a 138 week run. Ah, but they were to rise again – The band reformed in 1974 with Ron Bushy and Erik Brann joined by bassist Philip Taylor Kramer and keyboardist Howard Reitzes. Brann, who had done occasional lead vocals during Iron Butterfly's original run, served as the band's main lead vocalist. Check out this vid from their late ’71 period (with members Mike Pinera and Rhino Reinhardt). Half-naked drummers rule! And check out the hot licks that start at 3:10 - sizzlin'! Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Butterfly for the info, and keep on rockin’!

I'm A Man...

On this date in rock history, in 1969, The Chicago Transit Authority (later known simply as “Chicago”) release their self-titled debut double album. When I first heard this album back in the spring of my senior year in high school, I was just knocked out – here was an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, psychedelia, and blue eyed soul; heavy rock with horns! The music still holds up today; check out this vid (helluva drum solo starting at 3:13!) and keep on rockin’! Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info.

I Feel Good…

Unh! Good God! Ow! On this day in rock history, in 1933, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, was born in a one-room shack near Barnwell, South Carolina. The Soul legend's style, sound and stage presentation had a major impact on Rock. He was also influential in the development of Funk, Hip-Hop and Rap. Let’s hear it for the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business” by celebrating his life. He was also a frequent target for lampooning by comedians due to his stage antics, flamboyant dress, and dramatic cape routines. Check out these vids, thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html, and keep on rockin’!

I Don't Need No Doctor...

... I know what's ailing me. On this date in rock history, in 1991. Small Faces and Humble Pie guitarist Steve Marriott dies in a house fire. He is 44. Gone too young and too fast, and perhaps really didn't need a doctor. Here he is again from 1971. Let's celebrate his life by checking out this Humble Pie video tribute to Mr. Marriott, from '01 - Peter Frampton on the lead vocals. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin'!

The Next Day...

On this day in rock history, in 1968: In London, David Bowie makes his debut with the Lindsay Kemp mime troupe in Pierrot in Turquoise. As we all know, he went on to bigger and better things. Here we see Mr. Bowie (aka David Jones), who just put out a new album after a 10 year absence from the scene , yesterday and today. Thanks to http://www.thisdayinrock.com/index.php/general/1968-in-london-david-bowie-makes-his-debut/ for the info, and keep on rockin'! Sorry, no embedding allowed for this clip: http://youtu.be/iFXsrFo2-bU

Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man…

Today in Rock History, in 2004, Kid Rock presents Michigan born Bob Seger for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rock counts Seger among those who influenced him. Meanwhile, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm issues a proclamation declaring Bob Seger Day. Bob is still out there tearing up concert halls; he’s on tour currently. Let’s hear some vintage Seger, as well as a tune from his induction. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Beware of Mr. Baker...

On this date in rock history, in 1968, the definitive (and lengthy – 16:51) version of “Toad” is recorded at Fillmore West in San Francisco (2nd show). The original studio-take appears on Cream’s debut “Fresh Cream.” This version is found on the studio/live “Wheels Of Fire,” the first double-album to go platinum. Much has been written of the legendary Ginger Baker, arguably the best of the rock drummers, but only now, with the release of this documentary, can we see what he was really like – apparently the man needs anger management classes! Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’, but in a kinder and gentler manner!

The Immigrant Song…

… although I doubt they’d ever be invited to emigrate to this country… Today, in rock history, in 1970, under threat of legal action in Denmark by the family of airship creator Ferdinand Von Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin perform as The Nobs (and kids, this word is English slang for what body part? A free Led Zeppelin album if you get it right!) for their Copenhagen show. Countess Eva von Zeppelin, granddaughter of Count von Zeppelin, objects to the "shrieking" the group produces using her family’s name. Well, too bad – let’s hear some of said shrieking, thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

C'mon now...

Today in rock history, in 1961, for what is almost surely the only time in their stage career, the Beatles play three separate gigs in three venues on one day: a lunchtime show at the Cavern followed by and evening show at Liverpool's Casanova Club and a nighttime gig across town at Litherland Town Hall. The only video that could have existed from this long, long day in the band’s career is this vid of the band at the Cavern Club in 1962. As a commenter on YouTube said, “Wish I could have been in the back of the hall with a cold beer that day!” I second that emotion, enjoy the vid, and keep on rockin’! (thanks to http://oldies.about.com/od/oldieshistory/a/february21.htm for the info).

Who knew...

… that the Spencer Davis Group could also have been known as the “Spencer Davis Blues Band,” and that little Stevie Winwood (shown her in 1967, at age 19) was (and I’m sure still is) such a great blues guitarist? Here they are with their take on the old Elmore James classic “Dust My Broom” shown on some obscure Scandanavian TV show (Spencer, Muff and Pete York ain’t bad either), and more recently at Crossroads with Eric. Thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Davis_Group for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Low Country Blues

Today in rock history, in 2010, Gregg Allman's solo album “Low Country Blues” hits stores. The Allman Brothers Band co-founder says the album was largely influenced by listening to late night radio as a kid growing up in Florida. Great to hear Gregg getting back to the blues again and paying tribute to his influences. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Truly One of the Best Moments…

Today in rock history, in 1994: Donny Osmond of the Osmonds and Danny Bonaduce of the Partridge Family appear in a three-round charity boxing match. The fight was created after Osmond taunted Bonaduce at the gym they both frequented. Bonaduce won the split decision. Boys, boys, boys – how many times have I told you, no fighting! Now that they’re old enough to know better (you’d think!), if you can stand it, let’s take a look at some vids from these boys when they were in their prime. Thanks to http://oldies.about.com/od/oldieshistory/a/january17.htm, and keep on rockin’!

While My Guitar Gently Weeps…

Apparently he was weeping, too…On this date in rock history, in 1969, a frustrated George Harrison quits The Beatles. John Lennon suggests getting Eric Clapton as Harrison’s replacement. Harrison returns less than a week later. What would the Beatles have been like with Eric Clapton on lead guitar? Check out this vid to find out (with Keef on bass and Mitch on drums, no less). Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

The Boys are Back…

Today in rock history, in 1986, Thin Lizzy bassist/singer, Phil Lynott, dies of complications (heart failure and pneumonia) from a drug overdose. I’ve always been a big fan of ‘Lizzy. I don’t know what it was – perhaps the twin lead guitar snarl of guitarists Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham, Phil’s unique lead vocal stylings, or the over the top bombast of drummer Brian Downey – but their 1977 album “Live and Dangerous” ranks up there in my top 10 live albums of all time. They did reform – most recently with the line-up of original members Downey and Gorham, Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell, Darren Wharton on keys, Marco Mendoza on bass, and singer Ricky Warwick – most recently touring in 2011 and an album of new material to be released in 2012. Here’s a vid from their ‘70’s golden age. Enjoy – thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html, and keep on rockin’!