Alright … so we’re all cats who like to rock, right?? That’s cool … but didja know that, thanx to our brand of boogie, we’re also unique, ’cause we’ve got the most powerful sounds on earth?
Okay … and use the most italics …
But, seriously; think about it a minute: Over the past issues, we’ve met greats like “Moulty” Moulton (who lost his left hand to an explosion, yet went on to become the famed drummer of The Barbarians); Steven Tyler who not only wages an impressive battle against painkillers but also dealt with the (very) recent death of his mum — and all that after the Aerosmith frontman’s win over booze and drugs; the great Drew Carey who, while not a singer thank goodness has fought I’m kiddin’. Actually, he has a good set of pipes! many battles over the years to become He can sing well, too! host of The Price Is Right, the former Power of Ten and the hilarious Whose Line Is It, Anyway?
We’ve also met the ultimate success story in Pete Dintino. This amazing drummer won one of the most brilliant and bravest battles in medical history when he defeated leukemia!
Hmph … don’t tell me there’s no power in rock-and-roll! Look around you now, yardbirds: The one-armed drummer for Def Leppard, Rick Allen; the growling frontman for Metallica, James Hetfield, who nearly lost his arm in a pyro accident a few years back. Or …
A madcap former-musician who built a career in production, writing and voicing despite having to deal with mild cerebral palsy. Yeah, you would know this rascal; you’re readin’ his post right now!
So there’s POWER in the rock if ya believe it … want it bad enough … and let it seep into yer soul!
THE NEW SITE
Yep … got it up and ready-to-ROCK when this puppy lets out its last bark! ‘Course, I’ve got some special stuff planned for the last b5 ish. At that time, I’m askin’ all you Rockiteers and Rockaholics to bookmark the new link I’ll be givin’ ya. Gonna run a contest in the very first edition … which, btw, will be updated every day, just like this little kaffeklatsche has been!
THE MISSING MUSIC OF MAD MAGAZINE
Awwww, who couldn’t love that adorable little face? Kinda cross between Alfalfa and George Bush, isn’t he?? Don’t ask him Who’s yer daddy? I … don’t … wanna … know …
But Mr. Alfred E. Neuman (who looked a lot like me when I wuz young except for the freckles headed up the and teeth … and hair … and eyes … great MAD magazine — one that had some of the craziest recordings you ever hoid!
Yeah! They were flimsy, paper-thin records they stuck in the pages of special issues (remember, anyone?). My favorite was one whose backing track was a rip-off of a guitar instrumental called The Stinger, but … was … interrupted … at times by … loud BURPS! (and the EPA didn’t say a word about their contributions to global warming! Hmph!) It was really (hold on … here it comes:) a GAS! (hey … I warned ya!)
More than that, though, came outta those inserts! Fake record labels that you could stick to yer fave 45s to fool yer friends: I AM A ROACH by “Slimy & Garfink” (on a realistic-looking Capitol Records label) and STRANGLERS IN THE NIGHT by “Frank Sinister” (same, but with Reprise Records!). Tres cool … unless yer bro didn’t get the joke and clobbered ya (yep …).
A FINAL NOTE: A.
Okay … that’s it for this quick edition (why? ‘Cause I’ve still gotta do some work for the G.O. in a coupla, that’s why!). Tomorrow, though, we’ll get back to the manic madness we’re known for here. So, until then …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
First, just a quick word to remind ya that, after this gig is over (got about ten more days, more or less, whichever comes first), the new one’s gonna start at a different venue! I’ll give ya more 411 in the next few days, so be ready to gear up for the move!
Wait a minnit … I’ve just been informed that The Move won’t be performing. They’re stuck in traffic outside London …)
Anyway, I’ve already heard from my RockCuzzins, Aunt Etta Shaim and Don Becrool that they’ll be there. But every Rockaholic/Rockiteer is welcome. In fact, let’s make it the biggest oldies/classic-rock party on the web!
More on the worx as merrily we go along …
MACCA’s BIG FINISH
On Friday night (the one we just passed, I mean), the crowd at Shea Stadium went gonzo for Paul McCartney as he appeared at the legendary stadium’s last show. But the (okay, I’ll say it … but just this once!) ex-Beatle and Billy Joel gave the most fitting “closing” for the show with their dual rendition of Let It Be. A tremendous finis h befitting a truly legendary site!
Some missed most of it, because they were waiting in line for the last of the great chili dogs. (Unfortunately, they weren’t scheduled to appear …*)
(oh, alright: *I meant the famed eats at the Mets’ baseball games!)
A FEW ODDS AND ENDS …
Hey … stateside boomers: Remember Dobie Gillis? He and his beatnik partner, Maynard G. Krebs (the late Bob Denver, played by “Willy” Gilligan), ruled the airwaves in the late Fifties.
Well, wanna feel old? Dobie (Dwayne Hickman) turned 74 in May!! Yep … he was playin’ the crewcut teen at 25!btw: The “G.” in “Maynard G. Krebs” stood for … Walter (his aunt’s name)! No, I am not making that up, either!
The Captain and Tennille usedta sing that Love Will Keep Us Together (hmph … and here I was, thinkin’ it was skin and muscle tissue! Silly me …). But didja know that Daryl Dragon got his nickname from Mike Love when he (Daryl) played with the Beach Boys? Or that Toni Tennille sang backup on Elton John’s Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and Pink Floyd’s The Wall? They’re celebrating 33 years together as a married couple (she’s two years older than th’ Captain).
On the heels of a rumour that Mark Lindsay is returning to Paul Revere and the Raiders (it’s not true, though he and Paul are still best of friends) comes the fact that their last hit, Indian Reservation (or Lament of the Cherokee Nation), wasn’t a Raiders hit after all! The song (a cover of Don Fardon’s #3 UK hit) was actually done by Mark himself (with the help of session musicians). He just included The Raiders name out of respect for Revere.
Well, that’s all for now, but tune in Monday evening for more! Until then, remember: Keep your nose in the wind, your feet on the ground (remembering to right yerself up if your nose runs and feet smell), your eyes on the skies and heart with the music …
“Old Shea, could you see/by the kleig’s burly lights/what so proudly we hailed/as two legends were teaming?”
Okay … not exactly the National Anthem, but Friday night, New York did have a star-spangled banner of greats onstage.
Yep … it was a bittersweet night at Shea Stadium as Billy Joel headlined a card that knocked the socks off the over 55 grand in attendance (even those who weren’t wearing socks were pleased!). Ya had the “Piano Man” (though my fave is The Entertainer), the legendary Tony Bennett, John Mellencamp, Roger Daltrey (incidentally, Billy broke his guitar onstage at the end of Roger’s song), Steven Tyler, some country singer named Garth Brooks, and, to close the very last show at the famed stadium: PAUL McCARTNEY!
Now, I said bittersweet. Actually, there’s a new stadium goin’ up next door (the old one? Gonna put up a parking lot [do I hear Joni Mitchell in the background somewhere??). That’s good. The old one has so many cool memories that it’s gonna be a bummer to see it go. That’s bad. But the performers onstage are still the best of classics (both rock and pop), and gave 100%+ to the crowd. That was sheer dynamite! The most poignant moment was when Macca and Joel joined forces on Let It Be.
Now, in case ya missed Paul’s appearance, here’s a vid of it (dunno how long it’s gonna be on YouTube, but, hey … I’m kinda “limited edition” here myself!). Oh … and you’ll see Macca only on the giant screens they had (since this was taped by a fan), and hear a the crowd singin’ along with him on …
Sir Paul McCartney — I Saw Her Standing There
NEWS FROM THE FORE-FRONT
Natch, the best news is that Luker is on the mend! His amazing vocals, drivin’ rhythm guitar and stage presence has been missed tremendously, and he’ll be back with the lads very soon! Until then, you can catch up with all the band’s news by clickin’ on their newly-redesigned site! You ForeHeads will really dig the way it looks!
Of course, when The Relic announces his new home, you’re gonna see and hear The Fore there every week, among many other goodies!! So gear up … we’re gettin’ ready to move it in about 11 days!! Got a special contest planned for the openin’ where you can win a cool prize … so stay tuned (UNH-unh! I ain’t-a gonna tell ya yet. See, I’m still writin’ here until the end of the month, and, dude, I’m devoted!).
YOU’LL ALSO BE READIN’ AND HEARIN’ MORE ABOUT SUPERSONGSTER RON RYAN … AND BE INTRODUCED TO HIS AMAZING BROTHER, MICK!! Some groovy stuff ahead, yardbirds … so be ready!
MORE ROCK NEWS
SPEAKIN’ OF STEVEN TYLER Condolences to him and his family on the loss of his mum, Susan Ray Tallerico on Monday (the 14th). She was 84.
AND THE WINNER IS … Wouldja believe Pat Boone? Yeah … the Parents Television Council gave him its Integrity In Entertainment award this past Monday! They said it was for his “uplifting, enlightening, educational and wholesome media messages.” Boone said, “I never made a movie or recorded a song that I didn’t want my kids and grandkids to hear or see.” (ummm … who else is left, Patrick? When ya dissed Little Richard by coverin’ his songs so “white” teens wouldn’t have to listen to him, ya lost our audience. Then ya practically killed yer career by makin’ that silly “heavy-metal” album. I mean, you’re a nice guy and all, but … geez …)
A RARE EVERLYS VID
Here are Don and Phil with the great Tennessee Ernie Ford. See how all three of ‘em handle playin’ one guitar on …
RATTLESNAKE DADDY
Well, that’s all the time we have for this installment. Until tomorrow night, then … or earlier … but not later … remember: Keep your nose in the wind, your eyes on the skies, your heart with the music …
Awwww, c’mon … ya didn’t really think yer Uncle Relic would just go “belly up” when he heard the news, didja?? Hey … there are still a few more runs left in this pony, so why not ride it??
After that? Just gimme a shout-out and I’ll letcha know the new home of The Relic, okay?
Y’see, (yeah, go ahead and getcher hankies out. Relic’s gonna get a little shmooozy here) we can look at whatever life brings us (not the magazine) the way (or the cereal) that pic (or the board game) up there can appear. It can either be a sun setting behind gathering storm clouds (YECCH!! A downer!!), or a sun rising, despite the clouds (maybe even scatterin’ ‘em away!).
Gotta go with the positive, yardbirds … anything else is gonna hold ya back …
So the beat goes on — and, with that in mind, let’s do it to it:
MAMMA MIA! Pt. II The feel-good movie of the summer (and, maybe, all year!) was released today to rave reviews from fans (awww, who cares what Roger Ebert says??), and Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan are stars-and-a-half! Excellent performances, brilliant colors, great humor … and, of course, the ultra-cool soundtrack with songs by … by … (ummmm … help me out here, people …). If there’s a movie that’s a “gotta watch”, it’s this one!
Betcha can’t come outta the theater without a smile on yer face!!
IT”S A WILD WORLDCat Stevens– now known as Yusuf Islam — won a libel suit against a UK news group today (Friday). They said he wouldn’t speak to women who weren’t wearing a veil. Now, I’m not a big fan of the Catman’s present style, but I do know that he’s been a gentleman to all women — even those unveiled! Yusuf said he’d donate the settlement (supposedly pretty hefty) to his own charity, Small Kindness.
IT’S IN GENE’S GENES, I GUESS …Gene Simmons, the guy who doesn’t look like the pic on yer left (though the face is familiar …), will be the lead judge on a new CBS-TV reality show (gee … reality show … such a strange, new concept huh?) that’ll premiere later this year. In this one, contestants will have to create and perform jingles for various products. The winner’s gonna get $100,000 and a job with an ad agency.
The name of the show?? Jingles! (what else?) Now, I’ve got a bonemunchin’ bowwow who watches Simmons & clan on Family Jewels. He’s got a tongue like Simmons’, as well. And, yes, “family jewels” (for now).
The name of my dog?? Jingles! (what else?) Coincidence?? I think not …
RE-MINNNNND YOU OF ANYONE? The famous catchphrase used by Craig Ferguson (he does it in close ups when relating some general attributes that he jokingly applies to himself) has finally made it onto the big screen! It’s used as a slightly-sarcastic retort (in the same long phrasing as Craig) in Hellboy II!
Well, that’s it for this go’round! Before we sign-off (until tomorrow), lemme leave ya with this: Whether ya rock soft, hard, classic or metal, just remember the sign on yer left, okay??
Now … until then, (I mean, tomorrow) remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music …
I just got the news a coupla hours ago, yardbirds: Yer favorite Uncle Relic’s gonna be leavin’ ya on August 1.
Right … they’re discontinuing the site.
Now, before ya think I’m about to fade into a soppy eulogy, mebbe The Relic needs to remind ya one mo’ time: ROCK ‘N ROLL IS HERE TO STAY — AND SO IS THE RELIC!
Y’see, this Rock Relic moniker has grown wayyyyyy beyond just writin’ since we first met back in 1957. It’s now a full-blown 24/7/minus-time-to-eat-and-sleep, rockin’ enterprise (hey … didn’t that happen on Star Trek once? nevermind …)
Besides workin’ with the four greatest rockers since JPG&R — collectively known as The Fore — and the best songwriter this side of Lennon/McCartney, Ron Ryan, I’ve got these paws involved in other Relicside endeavors like announcing, research, hard-copy articles, the occasional personal appearance, a possible radio talk show gig, an online SOLID GOLD ROCK! newspaper … even Relic merchandise!
Huh?? Nawwww … no hard feelin’s. I mean, the powers-that-be have their reasons (pssst: I’m not the only one leavin’, so ‘taintmahfawt!). We’ll all be partin’ as colleagues and friends.
Now, I’ve got a bit of work to be done before sunup, so (and since we’ve still got two weeks’ worth of shows yet) I’ll be back tomorrow with more. Until then … Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music …
MAMA MIA! Seems like it’s just coincidence but, ridin’ on the coattails of the new movie release with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan (and, listen … if ya haven’t seen it yet, please make a point of doin’ it! You’re in for a really pleasant treat!), singer Bjorn Ulvaeus said Tuesday that he’s now having a problem with long-term memory loss … and can’t remember any of their “hit” days. His short-term’s okay, though, which is why he could work on the script and production of the show. (Just as long as he remembers his gorgeous blonde wife, ABBA co-singer Agnetha Faltzkog!)
WOODN’T YA KNOW IT? By now, you’ve heard about Rolling Stone guitarist Ron Wood goin’ into rehab after his little … er, “non-affair” … with a 19-year-old cocktail waitress. Seems his wife wasn’t too keen on the setup (he’d moved Miss Ginny Tonic [not her real name] into his estate in Ireland), so she sent their 30-year-old son to get him into the “dry zone”.
Incidentally, the guy who introduced The Rolling Stones to stateside TV (this was before their Red Skelton one-shot) has died at the age of 74. Famed radio/TV host Les Crane was considered the “Don Imus” of his day due to his controversial topics and off-screen style. He was married for five years to “Gilligan’s Island” beauty Tina Louise.
HELLO, YELLOW BRICK(LE) ROAD Right. Just after Ben & Jerry’s (the ice cream giant) announced their Beatlesque flavor (they already had one called Cherry Garcia in honor of the Grateful Dead’s late frontman)comes word of a new one in honor of Elton John. It’s called Yellow Brickle Road, and should be out for only one week, in honor of Sir Elton’s very first concert in Vermont, the store’s headquarters (besides, after that, it melts).
JUST A QUESTION I mentioned The Grateful Dead, whose legion of followers are called Deadheads. We all know The Fore’s followers are called ForeHeads.
So, considering the trouble that “comedian” Andy Dick has just gotten himself into (read it here), would his two/three followers be … ummm, forget it … let’s just go on, okay? And, no, he doesn’t deserve a bigger pic here!
“ONE TIN SOLDIER” DIDN’T RUN AWAY In medical news: Jinx Dawson, who, with her group “Coven”, recorded the hit One Tin Soldier, suffered a massive heart attack on July 9th and had to be revived at the hospital (right … she’d, for all intents and purposes, died!). Her right artery was almost totally blocked, and she received emergency bypass surgery. Good news: She was released this past Sunday, and is now recovering at home. By the way, the group had re-formed in November and just released a new CD in May!
Singer Natalie Cole has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, according to word that just came in today! Admitting that it was probably due to years of drug use (she’s been totally clean for quite awhile, though) she’s taking anti-viral medication that, while makin’ her a bit tired and sore, hasn’t stopped her from working on a second album of “duets” with her late dad, legendary Nat “King” Cole. It’s due out in September.
THE FORE ARE FOUR AGAIN!! Apparently, the docs have found the reason behind rhythm guitarist Luke Bentley’s malady! The lad is recovering well under the medico’s supervision (and with support from fans, the band, and his fantastic family). He wants (oh, yeah — and his fave pooch, Fudge!) to thank all of you for your prayers, thoughts and well-wishes!!
Now, I’ll have more on the lads’ recent doings, plus more about The Flamingo Club, news and other stuff tomorrow. So tune in tomorrow for more Relicside Rave-ups …
until then, remember: Keep your nose in the wind, your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground (remember: If your feet smell and your nose runs, you’re … YOU got it! … your heart with the music …
I promised an update on Luker as soon as I found out, sooooo …
HE’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT!
From what The Relic was told by Fore management, the medicos have apparently found the cause of rhythm guitarist Luke Bentley’s ills. He’s doin’ a lot better … and the band’s lookin’ forward to their dynamic mate being back with ‘em soon!
Now, this is gonna be real short, as The Relic’s fingerboard-deep in work at the mo. But you yardbirds wanted to know as soon as I found out, so, here ya go!
CONGRATS, LUKER!! See? Toldja you’re gonna be alright! The fans are behind ya 1000%, man! Now … GET SOME REST!
To the rest of you: See ya on the FLIP SIDE (meaning, tonight!).
Over the past coupla issues, we talked a bit about The Cavern Club in Liverpool … but, over on London’s Wardor Street, there was a club that was equally exciting, especially to R&B buffs. The Flamingo Club, or “Old Mingo” (as some of the regulars called it), actually was run out of a dingy basement in the late’50s and early ’60s and featured some of the best talent of the era. It also proved to be a gigantic “melting pot” where people of any race could come in and have a great time!
As writer Mick Hall so aptly described it, “On entering you were hit by a wall of cheap perfume and roll-on deodorant, smoke, sweat and dancing bodies, all accompanied by a throbbing R&B soundtrack. As you pushed your way to the front there were three rows of old cinema seats in front of which there was a small stage for the band to perform on, with Hammond Organ, drums and amplifiers set up. To the left on a raised platform, there was a coffee bar type area from where you could oversee the stage and the rest of the club, a foot or so below and from which you could view the band and check out the girls dancing before you [attempted to] make a move.”
Ron Ryan was one of the many greats who performed there, along with Georgie Fame, Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band, John Lee Hooker, Chris Farlowe, Long John Baldry, and many, many more. It was the ‘in Club’ in London, and GIs stationed at US Air Force Bases in England made a beeline to it! While originally called a Jazz Club, it soon turned to blues greats like Alexis Korner (undoubtedly, the “Father of UK Blues”), who influenced people like ‘The Stones’, Ronnie Wood,Eric Clapton, and many others.
TO BE CONTINED IN THE NEXT ISSUE
Since the Relic’s going on a full day and a half with no sleep, I’m gonna cut this one short and return tomorrow afternoon! Gotta get as much as possible for a bit, then come back to the program tomorrow after. So, until then,
Who in their right mind hasn’t heard of the Mathew Street madness in Liverpool? On one side, you’ve got Lennon’s Bar, and, on the other, the famously-rebuilt Cavern Club.
In fact, it’s just beside where the old one — where The Beatles, Searchers, Big Three and many other top bands cut their musical teeth — stood (Spencer Hannabuss, bass player/vocalist/songwriter for The Fore,says he’s heard there’s a door in the ladies’ room of the new one that you can go through and see the original Cavern).
The Club — extremely popular as always (partly due to the music, partly due to legacy) — is still the place to go if acts wanna be noticed!
Now, we’ve all heard about JPG&R and their conquest of both Cavern and, in due time, the world. But there were unsung (pardon the pun) heroes of UK rock whose presence at The Club was just as exciting and boisterous.
For example, Faron’s Flamingos were a tremendous hit for three reasons: bassist “Faron” Ruffley’s wild jumps and dynamic voice, drummer Trevor Morais’ crazy “back-flip” during the set, and, of course, some of the most rockin’ music of the time.
Here, in this vid, you’ll not only experience FF for yourself but get a bit of a feel for the old Cavern:
FARON’S FLAMINGOS AT THE ORIGINAL CAVERN
The other was a trio called The Big Three. Not only could they rock, but they really knew how to work a crowd! They also had a tie-in with Faron (see above), as he and Paddy Chambers (guitarist) joined the Big Three in 1963, when Johnny Gustafson (bass) and Brian Griffiths (drums) left.
But here are the originals, doing Reelin’ and Rockin’, straight from the Cavern Club!
Of course, R&R was originally one of Chuck Berry’s hits, and it brings us to the subject of cover songs. Natch, in Liverpool, sailors would bring American 45s back to port, and many of the skiffle groups would take the songs and more-or-less adopt them. When they switched over to electrics and drumkits, they would use these songs as part of their earliest sets.
For example, The Paramounts would be known for the Leiber/Stoller (or Coasters’ ) hit, Poison Ivy. Later, this group would disband and, years later, re-form with original members as Procol Harum.
Another band specialized in Everly Brothers’ covers — and some say that The Del Renas were thisclose to the Brothers’ amazing harmonies! One of their finest works was this one: WHen Will I Be Loved? Though you can hear some differences, pay close attention to the vocal hooks and solo verses (Derek Green’s spot-on as a Don Everly soundalike!). By the way, these guys are also the ones who’ve been credited as introducing the first organ to UK rock bands!
Today, as we know, The Cavern Club is still the place to go for mood and music throughout the Merseyside and beyond! One of the best shows of recent was done by The Fore during the Liverpool IPO Festival. Here they are, doing one of their fab hits:
THE FORE — LIVE AT THE CAVERN (LIVERPOOL IPO FESTIVAL 2008)
KEEP ON SENDIN’ YER THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR LUKER!
I spoke with Fore rhythm-guitarist Luke Bentley by phone this afternoon and, while the blood tests have come back negative (meaning everythin’s alright in that respect), there are still more tests to run until the docs find out what’s got him down physically! So just hold yer cursor where it is right now, stop and say a quick prayer for or send a good vibration to the lad, okay?? He told me that he appreciates each one of them, and all his fans who’ve shown their support!
You can send a “get-well” email just by clicking here or here.
C’mon, Rockiteers … let’s lift the Luker’s spirits a bit! Do it TODAY!
Now, with that being said, I’m gonna take about 240 (got an earrrrrly business meeting tomorrow). So, until tomorrow, remember:
Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music …
and remember … if yer feet smell and yer nose runs, yer upside down!
INTERESTING “JULY” FACTS:Didja know that, 48 years ago this comin’ Friday, Roy Orbison had his first hit, thanks, in part, to the Everly Brothers … and Elvis? Y’see, they turned down a song called Only The Lonely, so he recorded it! It proved to be a good move, ’cause, over the next six years, he charted twenty-two times with top 40 hits!
And, with a lotta talk about The Who tribute comin’ to VH1 on Thursday, it’s interesting to note that they had their first full-scale U. S. tour forty-one years ago today (July 14). They opened for Herman’s Hermits on this one.
This day in 1973 also marked a sad event in rock history: the Everly Brothers’ concert at Knott’s Berry Farm where Phil smashed his guitar and walked offstage. It’d be the last time the brothers would perform together for over a decade. Y’see, the show was stopped by the entertainment director (Bill Hollingshead) ’cause he felt Don was screwing up the show. At that point, Phil broke his guitar and left Don to do the rest of the show by himself. They wouldn’t gig together again ’til September, 1983.
FOR YOU WHO’VE ASKED (and “why,” I’ll never know … but thanx)
It’s a quick tour of m’hometown of Charlotte, N. C., U.S.A. from back-in-the-day (at least now you’ll know who’s to blame for this mess!). Be back in a minute, myself:
QUICK TOUR OF CHARLOTTE, NC (circa 1986)
CONGRATS TO SIR GEORGE MARTIN …
George Martin (yes, the Beatles’ producer!) was honored with a career award from the Grammy Foundation in L. A. this past Saturday! They called him “the most successful producer of all time”, since he’s been responsible over fifty #1 hits and his productions have sold over (ready?) one billion copies. The widows of George Harrison and John Lennon (Olivia and Yoko, respectively) were on hand, and Jeff Beck and Tom Jones. It’s an honor well deserved!
NOW … IN HONOR OF THE WHO:
Since Pete, Roger, Keith and John are to be honoured this week on VH1 … and because this week also marks the 41st anniversary of their first big gig in America, I’m showin’ My Generation (the one with the big explosion at the end!).
MY GENERATION (apparently from Smothers Brothers TV Show)
MORE ON THE FORE IN THE NEXT ISH!! SO STAY TUNED!! Right now, I’ve gotta get the cats bedded down (except 20+-pound K-Cat. He can sleep anywhere he wants …) and catch (huh?? Well, you try to move ‘im! It’s like tipping a cow!) a few zzzzz’s (for you city folks: it’s a country expression) because it’s time for (or whatcha do after eating a big meal with a mean-lookin’, fat waitress lookin’ impatiently over yer shoulder!) me to get some shut-eye. Meaning …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your nose in the wind, your heart with the music (and Luker, who’s still waitin’ results …) …
Alright … so we’re all cats who like to rock, right?? That’s cool … but didja know that, thanx to our brand of boogie, we’re also unique, ’cause we’ve got the most powerful sounds on earth? 
Awwww, who couldn’t love that adorable little face? Kinda cross between Alfalfa and George Bush, isn’t he?? Don’t ask him Who’s yer daddy? I … don’t … wanna … know …
First, just a quick word to remind ya that, after this gig is over (got about ten more days, more or less, whichever comes first), the new one’s gonna start at a different venue! I’ll give ya more 411 in the next few days, so be ready to gear up for the move!
Hey … stateside boomers: Remember Dobie Gillis? He and his beatnik partner, Maynard G. Krebs (the late Bob Denver, played by “Willy” Gilligan), ruled the airwaves in the late Fifties.
“Old Shea, could you see/by the kleig’s burly lights/what so proudly we hailed/as two legends were teaming?”
Natch, the best news is that Luker is on the mend! His amazing vocals, drivin’ rhythm guitar and stage presence has been missed tremendously, and he’ll be back with the lads very soon! Until then, you can catch up with all the band’s news by clickin’ on 
MAMMA MIA! Pt. II The feel-good movie of the summer (and, maybe, all year!) was released today to rave reviews from fans (awww, who cares what Roger Ebert says??), and Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan are stars-and-a-half! Excellent performances, brilliant colors, great humor … and, of course, the ultra-cool soundtrack with songs by … by … (ummmm … help me out here, people …). If there’s a movie that’s a “gotta watch”, it’s this one!
IT”S A WILD WORLD Cat Stevens– now known as Yusuf Islam — won a libel suit against a UK news group today (Friday). They said he wouldn’t speak to women who weren’t wearing a veil. Now, I’m not a big fan of the Catman’s present style, but I do know that he’s been a gentleman to all women — even those unveiled! Yusuf said he’d donate the settlement (supposedly pretty hefty) to his own charity, Small Kindness.
IT’S IN GENE’S GENES, I GUESS … Gene Simmons, the guy who doesn’t look like the pic on yer left (though the face is familiar …), will be the lead judge on a new CBS-TV reality show (gee … reality show … such a strange, new concept huh?) that’ll premiere later this year. In this one, contestants will have to create and perform jingles for various products. The winner’s gonna get $100,000 and a job with an ad agency.
Well, that’s it for this go’round! Before we sign-off (until tomorrow), lemme leave ya with this: Whether ya rock soft, hard, classic or metal, just remember the sign on yer left, okay?? 
I just got the news a coupla hours ago, yardbirds: Yer favorite Uncle Relic’s gonna be leavin’ ya on August 1. 
MAMA MIA! Seems like it’s just coincidence but, ridin’ on the coattails of the new movie release with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan (and, listen … if ya haven’t seen it yet, please make a point of doin’ it! You’re in for a really pleasant treat!), singer Bjorn Ulvaeus said Tuesday that he’s now having a problem with long-term memory loss … and can’t remember any of their “hit” days. His short-term’s okay, though, which is why he could work on the script and production of the show. (Just as long as he remembers his gorgeous blonde wife, ABBA co-singer Agnetha Faltzkog!)
WOODN’T YA KNOW IT? By now, you’ve heard about Rolling Stone guitarist Ron Wood goin’ into rehab after his little … er, “non-affair” … with a 19-year-old cocktail waitress. Seems his wife wasn’t too keen on the setup (he’d moved Miss Ginny Tonic [not her real name] into his estate in Ireland), so she sent their 30-year-old son to get him into the “dry zone”. 
JUST A QUESTION I mentioned The Grateful Dead, whose legion of followers are called Deadheads. We all know 
I promised an update on Luker as soon as I found out, sooooo …
Over the past coupla issues, we talked a bit about The Cavern Club in Liverpool … but, over on London’s Wardor Street, there was a club that was equally exciting, especially to R&B buffs.
Who in their right mind hasn’t heard of the Mathew Street madness in Liverpool? On one side, you’ve got 
INTERESTING “JULY” FACTS: Didja know that, 48 years ago this comin’ Friday, Roy Orbison had his first hit, thanks, in part, to the Everly Brothers … and Elvis? Y’see, they turned down a song called Only The Lonely, so he recorded it! It proved to be a good move, ’cause, over the next six years, he charted twenty-two times with top 40 hits!
George Martin (yes, the Beatles’ producer!) was honored with a career award from the Grammy Foundation in L. A. this past Saturday! They called him “the most successful producer of all time”, since he’s been responsible over fifty #1 hits and his productions have sold over (ready?) one billion copies. The widows of George Harrison and John Lennon (Olivia and Yoko, respectively) were on hand, and Jeff Beck and Tom Jones. It’s an honor well deserved!
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