The Hardest Working Man in Show Business

Today in rock history, the Godfather of Soul died in 2006 after being hospitalized in Atlanta. James Brown was 73 years old. I'm sure we've all heard about his heirs squabbling over his assets (and his remains). Let's hope all that's settled and that James can rest in peace. Meanwhile, let's celebrate his life and remember that "It's a Man's Man's World." Thanks to http://crawdaddy.wolfgangsvault.com/ for the info, keep on rockin', and Merry Christmas to you all!

PS: Personal to Mr. Whoamus: thanks for being my inspiration and for all the great posts you put up day after day!

DOLI Llamas Reunion World Tour, Part 2

This is aimed again at my handful of constant readers who may remember that I put up a post back in February noting the auspicious start of my "work" band's gig, dubbed the "Reunion World Tour," which was extremely tongue in check, as we've only played cafeterias in state office buildings. We once again coaxed Fast Eddie and John O out of retirement (they don't work for the State anymore) to join Llama Dave and myself to play a Christmas gig at work. So we've had two stops in our "world tour," and now we're essentially done for the year. Please join me in enjoying "route 66." Keep on rockin', and happy holidays!

Charlie Mac at the Hammond Organ, Part 2

You constant readers (of which I may have a couple) may remember back in August I put up a post about how I managed to get my hands on a free vintage Hammond organ. I didn't know nuttin' about playin' the thing back then (and I still know next to nothing now), but at least now I can (almost) play a tune, rather than just experimenting with the various sounds it can make. So bear with me as I pay tribute to one of Minnesota's own with a little "Like a Rolling Stone". Let's hope someday I can figure out what to do with the other hand! Happy Holidays, and keep on rockin'!

Who are you...

Today in rock history, eleven people died at a 1979 Who concert at the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio. The fans were trampled when they were trying to reach unreserved seating. An episode of WKRP in Cincinnati later discussed the incident on American television. It was The Who’s first tour after Keith Moon’s death three months earlier. While I don’t remember this tragedy at the time, I do remember the sensitive treatment of the incident on the “WKRP” show “In Concert” that aired on 2-11-80. It may have helped; there’s since been a national ban on “festival” seating. “WKRP” was always one of my favorite shows (let’s hear it for Bailey Quarters, who in my mind, was way hotter than Jennifer Marlowe); I’d pay big bucks (well, maybe $29.95) for a DVD of the first season! Since I’m notoriously cheap, I’m still looking for it to show up at a thrift store. Well, I’m getting off track here – is this blog supposed to be about the Who or “WKRP”, or a little of both? Well, here is some vintage Who from that tour. And for you "WKRP" fans, here's the famous "Turkey Drop" video (thanks to crystalcheats for the video). Thanks to www.garylessard.com and www.wikipedia.org for the info. Keep on rockin’, and please, no running!

I'm So Glad...

Today in rock history, Cream played their final two concerts in 1968 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Over 10000 fans attended while thousands more were turned away. British groups, Yes and Taste were supporting acts. It seems odd to fans that Eric Clapton didn’t think very highly of the music created by his band with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Maybe Eric was "so glad" that the band had run it's course... Well, he must have seen at least the commercial value of those tunes because they did get back together back at the same venue in 2005 for a reunion. Here's "Crossroads" from that concert; not the version we're used to hearing, but a good one nevertheless. Thanks to www.garylessard.com for the info, and keep on rockin'!

"Third Stone From The Sun"

John “Mitch” Mitchell: 7/9/47 – 11/12/2008

Doing some fact checking today, I was astounded to learn that he started playing with Jimi when he was still a teenager. When I, as a 16 year old, heard him on the “Are You Experienced?” album in 1967, I was just blown away by the power and technical sophistication of his drumming. Now that I know that he was just a “kid”, only three years older than me at the time, it hits me again how really good he was. His passing reminds us that we’re all mortal and don’t have too much time on this little rock, the third stone from the sun. Let’s take a look at this vid of Mitch in his prime, and celebrate his life. It should be noted that he died while on a break during an "Experience Hendrix" tour, playing the music he loved. He will be missed… Thanks to www.wikipedia.org for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Dino’s Song

Today in rock history, Dino Valente (born Chester (Chet) William Powers, Jr.) was born in 1943. He was an early figure in the Village folk scene in the early ‘60’s, and wrote the seminal love and brotherhood song, “Get Together,” later recorded by the Airplane and the Youngbloods. After relocating to San Francisco in 1963, he became pals with David Crosby, Roger (Jim) McGuinn and Mike Clarke, and reportedly turned down an offer to join the Byrds. He was best known for forming Quicksilver Messenger Service with John Cippolina, David Frieberg, and Jim Murray in 1964, although he didn’t stay in the band very long – he was ousted for frequent drug busts. He served about 5 years of a 1 to 10 stretch in Folsom, and rejoined the band in 1969. The band lasted through 1979 and Valente died in 1994. Let’s celebrate his life by checking out “Dino’s Song,” written by Valente, which became his signature tune. It’s also a song I can play on guitar, bass or drums, which makes it instantly attractive to me! Thanks to www.garylessard.com and www.wikipedia.org for the info, and keep on rockin’!