This Could be the Last Time…

But it wasn’t…On this day in rock history, in 1964, the Rolling Stones perform for the first time on CBS-TV’s The Ed Sullivan Show. It's a riotous debut. Following the appearance, Sullivan vows to never have the group on the show again. “It took me 17 years to build this show,” he says. “I’m not going to have it destroyed in a matter of weeks.” Of course, Sullivan relents. I don't think I've ever seen the Stones do this tune "live" - check out Jagger's 2 or 3 second harmonica solo near the end of the song. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

… And the Livin’ is Easy…

Today in rock history, in 1970, Janis Joplin dies from what is termed an “accidental heroin overdose.” She checks out before fellow ‘60s icons Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison. Oh Janis, we hardly knew ye! Let’s celebrate her life by checking out this vintage video. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Tighten Up Your Wig!

On this date in rock history, Steppenwolf bassist Nick St. Nicholas is born with the name Klaus Karl Kassbaum in Plon, Germany. His family immigrated to Toronto after WWII. Later, Nicholas split for L.A. and joined Steppenwolf (replacing Rushton Moreve). His was fired from the band in ’70 for a number of reasons including playing a Fillmore East gig wearing only bunny ears and a jock strap. George Biondi then became the Steppenwolf's bassist but Nicholas rejoined the group from ’76 to ’80. Well, what’s wrong with that? Lots of people wear little or nothing when playing on stage (remember the Ladybirds, a ‘60’s-‘70’s topless all-girl group – you should!)! Enjoy some early Steppenwolf (this song is a thinly disguised version of Junior Wells’ “Messin’ with the Kid.” and talks about stealing riffs from other songs), thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html, and keep on rockin’!

I Ain’t Superstitious…

… when a black cat cross my door... On this date in rock history, in 1968, the Jeff Beck Group’s “Truth” album enters the charts. The Beck Group has Rod Stewart and future Rolling Stone Ron Wood (on bass). I always like Beck’s cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s “I Ain’t Superstitious,” which, as indicated in the liner notes, is “4:51 of my guitar being sick.” … drummer Micky Waller’s solo ain’t bad, either. Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_(Jeff_Beck_album) for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Send All Your Money, Money, Money…

On this date in rock history, in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono make an appearance on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. A reggae version of “Give Peace a Chance!?” Blood Clot, Mon! Thanks to http://www.rockintown.com/today-in-rock.html for the info, and keep on rockin’!

Uneasy Rider

Hiking along the Stillwater river in the Beartooth Range. Tubing down the Yellowstone River near Columbus, MT. Crossing Beartooth pass at over 10,000 feet and shivering. Eating a buffalo burger in Cody, WY. Gorge-watching on the Chief Joseph Highway. Rolling along I-90 towards Gillette, WY in strong crosswinds. Arriving in Deadwood, SD the day after Sturgis (you can get a table in any restaurant you want). Eating an elk burger at Old No 10 Saloon in Deadwood. Rolling up the Iron Mountain highway in the Black Hills – switchback city and hairpin county. Crossing the Missouri river near Chamberlain, SD in a torrential downpour and vicious crosswinds...

These are some of my experiences on a 3 day, 1200 mile motorcycle trip taken this summer with my cuz, Steve. He on his 2012 Harley Road Glide, me on my 1990 Honda Pacific Coast (aka “the Tupperwaremobile”), which never missed a beat.

Luckily we never had the problems that Wyatt and Billy had - only nice people on our trip and no rednecks!

Thanks and keep on rockin'

Pickin' and Grinnin'

Constant readers may remember a post from a couple of years ago entitled "Jammin' at Merkle's". Let's just call this one "Merkle's II" and leave it at that = thanks to Greg for the good shootin', and keep on rockin!