Musician’s Notebook

Where do you think rock’n'roll first began?
Some say it was with Elvis, while others say Beatles — and even a few still say Chuck Berry.

But the truth of the matter is that it all started in the African-American spiritual churches at the turn of the 19th-2oth Century!  Here’s what I’m talkin’ about:

Y’see, the congregations of these churches loved to move and sway to the energetic gospel sounds emanating from their choirs.   Meanwhile, over in the Atlantic, African-American sailors would take note of their ships’ swaying and rocking on unsteady seas.  They’d eventually describe those movements as the ships’ rockin’ and rollin’.

So, when they got back home and settled back into their churches, they’d see the choirs and congregations swaying and moving to the music, caught up in the “spirit”, as such.  These same sailors would remember their high-seas escapades and say the people were rockin’ and rollin’, too!  And the music would be nicknamed … rock and roll music!

Now, according to some records of the ’20s, a few of the deacons would be … well, more than, er, “spiritual guidance” to some of the prettier ladies of the congregations and start some “rockin’ and rollin’ of their own!”

Okay … we’ve got the name, and we’ve got the association to, let’s say, secular pleasure …

Soon, the word “rock” became used in country and rhythm-and-blues songs as a synonym for sexual or romantic intimacy. As these two forces produced the next steps toward rock music — the “hoy-hoy” era from rhythm and blues and rockabilly from country — we came closer and closer to what we now know as rock and roll!

We’re gonna pick it up here and elaborate on this in Part 2, later this evening.
See ya on the flip side!

Just a word to letcha know I’ll be back on here tomorrow … ’cause, right now, I’ve a coupla serious negotiations I’m working. 
When we do get back, though, we’ll be starting an in-depth (and fun) look at the roots of this thing we call Rock and Roll! 
So be sure to have yer paper and pencils handy … you’ll wanna take some notes!

Until then, here are some oldies I’ve run across:

http://docrockonline.net/music/alternateabbey.ZIP
(This .zip file has the alternate takes to the Beatles’ popular “Abbey Road” … some not even found on “Anthology”!)

http://docrockonline.net/music/paramounts.mp3
(This is the supergroup PROCOL HARUM as “The Paramounts”… back in 1963!  Yep … same lineup and everything!)

http://docrockonline.net/music/nightriders.mp3
(This is THE root of ELO … before the Move, before Idle Race … they were  part of “Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders”)

It’s inevitable:
Almost every week, I either get email or someone stopping me to ask how a band got a specific beat. Last week, it was about I Want Candy. Just this morning, someone wrote in and said the Deep Purple hit, Hush, had a familiar beat. Who orginated(sic) that type of beat? they asked.

Well, the famed Bo Diddley Beat came from the artist himself, blues legend Bo Diddley (Elias McDaniel), who passed away in June of last year.

Many of his signature songs were known by their jungle-like rhythm pattern. And, since his song, Bo Diddley introduced that rhythm in 1955, it seemed hundreds of artists (in many musical genres) began patterning some of their material after this man and his beat.

HERE’S HOW HE GOT IT: The style actually stems from early forms of latin and afro-cuban rhythms (clave) derived from their respective countries.

It’s important to note that this rhythm was also used for years as the
playful music knock, “Shave and a Haircut”,… “Two Bits”.

How to play it:

Another simple beat to learn but important to make it swing!
Play singles from hand to hand on the floor tom accentuating the clave (top line) below. Bass drum can match the clave or play “4 on the floor” (bottom line). Guitarist and/or bass player will play simultaneous lines so it is important to keep a steady tempo to be in sync with them.
Use the afro-cuban son clave below as your foundation. For those that don’t read, it’s:

1 (2) and (3) 4 - (1) 2 3 (4)

Variations:

Many drummers play this beat on the floor tom as mentioned above.
Others play it as a rudimental snare groove (New Orleans style) and still
others play the Bo Diddley beat within a standard, syncopated rock groove on drums.

Examples (Songs)

Not Fade Away - Buddy Holly, Rolling Stones
Willie & the Hand Jive - Johnny Otis Show
I Want Candy - Strangeloves
Women are Smarter - Grateful Dead
Magic Bus - The Who
She’s the One - Bruce Springsteen
Faith - George Michael
Desire - U2

Hey … pretty soon, you be able pretend to be your favorite local band when you play the popular interactive vid, Rock Band!

Harmonix is planning to add tools for bands and game developers to turn their songs into tracks for the game, according to Billboard Magazine.
At first, game tracks built by outside developers will only be available to Xbox 360 users, but the company wants to add these tools so they can be used by all consoles.

Now, tracks that are developed by other parties won’t be available through the actual ‘Rock Band’ store, but they’ll be put up for sale in other areas (I’m sure they’ll tell you where you can find ‘em!).

It’ll give local bands the chance to have a piece of the game pie while it’ll give Harmonix a way to build and expand both its platform and catalog without having to invest any extra time and effort into actually developing the tracks themselves.

Bottom line?  Inventiveness, initiative and inclusion … and who knows?  It could mean one serious upward thrust by local acts that are really wanting to get ahead in this world of rock …

Stay tuned … I’ll bring more on this story as it develops …

First of all: remember when I introduced you to the fab new UK band who’s really makin’ headlines around the music world? Many of you have already become fans of THE FORE — but now they’re in the running to become the best independent artist of 2009!
And you can vote for them! Just click this link and read how to do it!
Then, scroll down til you see the band (The Fore) and click! You’ll be given a chance to hear the music and vote (and, for you who haven’t done it yet, we hope you’ll become a fan!). That’s all there is to it! I’ll be repeating this in another post soon, btw … so be sure to tell yer friends …

Y’know, over the past few years, it’s looked as if rock has lost itself in noisier rhythm, heavy riffs and drum fills; it’s shouted, screamed, broke tempo, synthed itself and, largely, has become a bizarre emo imitation-rock. As records gave way to CDs, amps and PAs began surrendering to synthesizers and computerized loops, and “gigs” were “performed” by way of YouTubes and MySpaces, it would seem that true rock had been all but forgotten …

UNTIL …

Here it is, 2009.  In music stores, we’re starting to find turntables again … on televised talent showcases, we find more acts who’ve just put out a new 33 1/3 RPM record instead of CD …

in studios, more bands are pluggin’ into PAs and amps rather than a computer …

written, hard-copy pubs are coming back, highlighting the return of rock rather than teched-out, overlooped stuff!

Rolling Stone and USA Today have both articled that today’s teen would rather hear the Sixties-style music than the metal, alt, synth, etc.

THE FORE’s popularity is spreading like wildfire! Their music is not only raw, original rock in the vein of their FOREfathers, but they’ve paid their dues in much the same way as the Beatles and other acts of the period! The biggest similarity, though, is that these lads have come up in the same way; gigging wherever they can (whether on High Street in London, The Cavern in Liverpool or in front of thousands at festivals or other shows), and actually absorbing the same energy that the earlier bands had! And they’re getting the attention of A&R reps for large record labels now!

What I’m saying is that the best of rock-n-roll is returning to mainstream big time!! And, just as the original rock soothed the worries and sadness after November 22, 1963, this time it’s soothing the same for a world needing relief from war worries, recessions, violence, etc.

And I’ve got a feelin’ that, this time, it’s gonna stay in the FOREfront of music for a lonnnnnnng, lonnnnnnng time to come!!

Y’know, in the world of rock-n-roll … in fact, in the music world itself … there seems to be a lack of the one thing that can turn people on, get endorphins rushin’, and make life a little easier to bear.
It’s called humor.
Now, there’s no doubt that Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention had it. Their tongue-in-cheek music was a cult hit, though some of their songs were considered to “risque” in one form or another to be considered “Top 40″ material.

But there were those who could get their humor onto the radio, and with great results: From the Trashmen’s Surfin’ Bird (which, incidentally, was about a dance, but became a popular voiceunder for some of the craziest bits on television) to the most humorous songwriter of the Sixties, Roger Miller, at one point in time humor was popular.

Miller always seemed to be smiling while singing his signature hits like Dang Me, Chug-A-Lug, England Swings, You Can’t Roller Skate (in a Buffalo Herd) – even more pensive songs like One Dyin’ and A Buryin’ and Husbands and Wives. The man was one of the most likeable guys off-camera as well, and he’s sorely missed.

Another performer not only set the stage for some megafunny hits but also developed sort of a “prototype” for rap! Ray Stevens, of Ahab the Arab fame, could belt out some hilarious stuff (including Gidget the Midget, Along Came Jones and The Streak) as well as some amazing story songs like Have A Little Talk With Myself (which was covered by Sammy Davis. Jr.) and, of course, Everything Is Beautiful.
But when it came to rhyme, meter and phrasing — all in spoken-word verses — nothing could beat 1969’s Gitarzan. If you listen to rap and hip-hop today, you’ll hear exactly the same meter, the same timing … but Ray did it years before! Of course, today’s laughlord is “Weird” Al Yankovic, whose parodies of the hits-of-the-day have gone platinum!

Now, there’s one other, if you can find it (it’s on the soundtrack of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure). Primus (with legendary bassist Les Claypool) did a song that’d come right out of a radical comic strip or cartoon. It’s called Tommy the Cat, and, when you visualize the graphics, it’s totally cool! Anyway … in this day and age, we really need a few laughs … even in our music! It’s just a matter of time before someone steps up to the plate and decides to hit with one …

Well, that’s it for this edition. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, don’t walk into any telephone poles, though, keep your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

It’s one of the hottest radio stations on the Internet!
Express FM 93.7 is a mix of everything that’s right in the radio business!

Not only do they have some dynamite shows (I’ll get to one in particular in a moment), but they do great work for youth around the UK and the world!
Causes like their Amplify Show (sponsored by the National Youth Agency) give kids a voice. As it says on their web page:
“If you are aged between 13 & 19 then get in touch with Express FM for the opportunity to get people talking about…..whatever you want!”
And their vinvolved project (sponsored by vinspired.com) helps “to inspire, recruit and deliver hundreds of volunteer opportunities within radio for 16 – 25 year olds over the next 3 years.”

But they also rock! The famous Geoff and Andy Show (now including DJ legend Gary Jackson [see pic]) has interviewed greats like Genesis, The Drifters, Snow Patrol and Andy Fairweather Low.

Their banter, superb interview skills — and the music — all make for a dynamite show (hey … recommend these guys to a station in your area! It’ll really give a boost to their ratings!).
Recently, I had the pleasure of arranging an interview with the band that I’m proud to promote here in the states, England’s wildly popular Mersey/Hamburg-style rockers, The Fore. From top to bottom, this interview was fantastic — and fans tuned in from across the planet!

Now, I wouldn’t be fair to talk about it without givin’ you the chance to hear it, would I?? So just click here to download or listen!

So, whenever you’re lookin’ for good radio, I’m sure you can find it somewhere on the web.
But if you’re lookin’ for great radio, just click the Express FM 97 link, click on “What’s On”, then hit their “On-Air” button (to the right, top of main page).
Your ears are gonna be thrilled …

Just learned about Ozzy Osbourne’s dog — and, being a pooch-owner myself, I really feel for the guy.

Y’see, the Black Sabbath front man is in shock after finding out that his favorite bowwow, Little Bit, was eaten by a coyote!

His daughter Kelly was the one who broke the news that the pet had been taken out by the (mostly) Western dog/wolf.

She said her dad was heartbroken.

On Twitter, she said: “:( My dad’s dog Little Bit was eaten by a coyete (sic) last night in LA and he is devastated. She was his other women (sic)!”

Ozzy and wife Sharon rescued Little Bit when she (the dog) was a puppy.  She soon captured the hearts of all the Osbournes. She was saved from a puppy ranch following an investigation on National Geographic’s The Dog Whisperer (the one with Cesar Milan) and an animal welfare organization here in the states.

Earlier this year, Ozzy said that he and Sharon had eighteen dogs. He said: “We get them from the pound now. When I get home it’s like I’ve got four new dogs.”

And Sharon added: “Word’s got out in Los Angeles: ‘Anybody (who) finds a stray dog, call the Osbournes, they’ll take the dog.’”

There’s no animal that’s more likely to truly capture your heart than a dog (unless it’s a cat.  I’ve got both, and haveta be fair … especially when there’s a hungry 20-pound Bombay sittin’ on my desk, watching every word I type!).  So, to Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack (and no matter how strange you might think this sounds. Pet owners will understand …), my condolences …

Okay … normally I’d be jawjackin’ about the latest happenings or doohickies in rock music, right?

But, y’know, sometimes yer PC just doesn’t wanna behave when you’re doin’ the Last Writes (meaning, finally posting your finished copy)! It becomes so S*L*O*W* that you can only hope it’ll be published sometime before Barack Obama leaves office …

There’s good news though, campers! I’ve found a little app that’ll clean your computer and get rid of all the junk you’ve got layin’ around yer C: drive.
Best of all: It’s free!

It’s called “CCleaner” (short [honestly!] for Crap Cleaner!) and, when ya run it, you’ll be able to clean your files, registry and manage your startups (those applications that start when your computer does).

And it does it all with 100% efficiency!

Now, the best way to run it is to close all your browsers first (whether IE, Firefox, Opera or one yer mama made for you at Christmas). That way, you can get maximum cleaning!

Before ya know it, your PC/laptop/whatever will be running a lot more smoothly!
CCleaner™ is a product of Piriform, Ltd.® and is available by download from this site.

It’s high-school reunion time throughout America and, wherever you’re having yours, you know the routine:

It usually starts with an advance notice, which then builds curiosity. Then, as the day comes closer and closer, we sorta back away from it a bit because someone … somewhere in that crowd of formerly-familiar faces … might be “better” or “richer” or “better-looking” than us.  And (heaven forbid!) what … what if we ran into our old high-school sweetheart??  You know … the one who “got away” from us and married and is so in love with her new, fancy hubby?

Then, as the day draws to within shoutin’ distance, we start to feel a bit of panic … “butterflies” set in as we start our drive to the club/wherever-it’s-held.
Hey … go on in and enjoy, though — and remember:  this wing-ding only happens once every ten years!  If you’re skittish, just dig the good times and “bow out” at yer leisure …

But there’s another reunion that’s goin’ on … and this one oughtta be a doozy (okay … old word, I know, but oughtta be used at least once-in-awhile, right?).

Imagine bein’ behind the Pearly Gates right now and hearing an ageless Jimi Hendrix on lead, John Lennon on rhythm, Billy Powell on piano, Keith Moon on drums,  Sky Saxon on bass and Michael Jackson singing!  And that’s just one of the many bands at this continuing, ageless jam session!

On others, you’ll have Bobby Hatfield singing harmony, Ronnie Van Zandt or Stevie Ray Vaughan playin’ lead or rhythm, Mike Smith on piano, Mitch Mitchell drumming … or “Bonzo” Bonham, Otis Redding, James Brown or Jim Morrison singing, or even Roy Orbison … or Elvis … or, for the feminine touch, Janis Joplin. Sometimes, Buddy Holly will sit in …

And, still, there are others …

Reunions … while we look at ‘em down here with a bit of envy and (yes) even a little dread, look at what we’ve got to look forward to on the other side of the spectrum!!

Still … for your tenth, twentieth or fiftieth HS reunion, I say GO!! It’s a once-in-a-decade gig … and who knows?  By the time the next one rolls around, some of the ones you see this time might already be enjoying the Big Jam Session in the Sky!!

Count yer blessings, yardbirds … and have a great time!! And always be thankful for the legacy we rockers have been left with …

Y’know, we’ve talked a lot about how to start a rock band, get its first gigs and into the ears of those who can help move it forward.

But there’s one thing that every band should do … and that’s make the act non-offensive in its presentation.  Make your band and music acceptable to fans in general, and you’ll have very little problem growing one helluva fan-base (which, btw, buys the CDs, attends paying concerts, etc.).

But, for the sake of “getting noticed”, some will take the opposite (read: dumb) approach.  For example:  there are a few bands on a limited (very limited) circuit that have the “F-word” in their names. 

While they might think it’s radical or sends a statement, don’t kid yourself:  They’re doing it because it’s the only way they can get noticed!  Their sound’s just not that good to begin with!
And they seem to forget the number of legal issues surrounding the use of their “name”, which include various decency and incitement ordinances.
In other words, the sound you’re hearing from their sets isn’t a snare’s rimshot … it’s the sound of them shooting themselves in their musical feet!

They won’t be heard on radio; most TV gigs will be out-of-the-question; and larger venue managers will, for the most part, avoid them like the plague!

Remember … whatever you begin to play now, the way you carry that act onstage, even down to the band name you choose … can typecast you, not only now but all through your entire musical career!

Michael Jackson’s death yesterday has brought a looming question to thousands of fans who’d already bought tickets to his O2 This Is It shows:

Are we gonna get a refund?

So far, the answer is yes … “in due course”, according to AEG Live, who was sponsoring the gigs.

As with the rest of the world, the suits-behind-the-show are still in shock after learning of the self-proclaimed “King of Pop’s” demise and, with everything else to be handled about the eternal cancellation, they’re just not ready to handle the heavy refund load.

At present, there’s $82 million to be refunded off 750,000 ticket sales. It’s one of the biggest refund efforts in the history of the concert industry, and one concert executive said it’s also the “biggest mess in the history of our business.”

Ticketmaster’s customer service line played a recorded message advising customers to “await communication” from the company regarding refunds.

It continued: “We understand this is an upsetting time for all Michael Jackson fans and we want to thank you for your patience in this matter.”

And secondary ticket service Seatwave also told fans that they’d get a full refund.

“We are all saddened by the news of Michael Jackson’s death,” said CEO and founder Joe Cohen in a statement.
“All customers who purchased tickets for his O2 shows from Seatwave are covered by our TicketCover guarantee and will get a full refund.
Full information on how to do this is on our Web site at www.seatwave.com. We advise customers to use the Web site rather than our phone lines to obtain this information.”

Look … the world needs to take time to mourn Michael’s passing, as we’d need if we’d lost a loved one.  After all, he was a member of the rock family!

Paperwork (and ticket refunds) can come when that’s done.  Agreed?? …

They’ve introduced new shoes (including a vegan line). They’ve been the subject of books. They’ve inspired a new style of punk — and are the premier band of that genre in the world.

Now Green Day takes a giant step closer to Broadway on September 4th when the Berkeley Repertory Theater in Berkeley, California — close to the 924 Gilman Street Project, the hardcore club where Green Day debuted — premieres American Idiot, a (ready?) musical-theater adaptation of the band’s hit 2004 album!

I’m told the production’s directed by the famed Michael Mayer, who won a Tony Award for the Broadway rock-musical hit Spring Awakening, and runs through October 9th.

Incidentally, front man Billy Joe Armstrong admits that the two characters (Gloria and Christian) in their newest album, 21st Century Breakdown, are actually … him! Uh-huh … both of them!

Billie Joe implied, to Boston.com, that he’s a little concerned about his mental state due to this:
“I think the people on the album are 100 per cent me. It’s just different names … there’s a yin/yang element to them - it’s a little bit schizophrenic in a lot of ways.”

Okay … that’s all from here for now. Whatcha think about it there?

When Nine Inch Nails front man Trent Reznor asked fans for help, they answered to the tune of $260,000+ in just two days to help a man in dire need of a heart transplant. As of this writing, it’s reached $850,000+!

Trent asked for donations, via his Twitter page and a special donation page on the NIN website,  to help 27 year-old Eric De La Cruz, who urgently needs a new heart but can’t get medical insurance. While Cruz’s family struggles to raise the estimated $780,000 to complete the operation, NIN fans are stepping up to help – and earning some incredible benefits.

According to the band’s website, fans who donate  $1,000 to help Cruz will get an actual Tony Hawk skateboard, autographed by Reznor as well as “a signed-by-me copy of NIN’s rarest CD release, STILL - along with CDs of The Slip and the deluxe version of Ghosts I-IV (all signed and numbered by me for this donation).

Eric’s situation shines a bright light on a broken health care system, and his particular set of problems are being addressed on the political front, aiming for reform in addition to the need for immediate financial help to keep him alive TODAY. I think we can help with the latter,’” he wrote.

Listen — if there’s any proof that rockaholics have the biggest heart of any genre, it’s this! As Reznor says on-site, “we’re showing the WORLD the power of a strong and committed community, and we’re quite possibly saving a life in the process.”

Hey … wanna get involved? Just go to their site today, okay??

Man, talk about an “idea whose time has come”:

There’ve been many words in the English language that have been banned due to their offensive nature (such as the “n” word, “f*g”, “sp*c”, etc.) … but there’s one that should, by all means, be removed –

The word is “retarded”.

Recently, the Special Olympics gathered a group of the finest actors and performers in America to launch a campaign to “Ban The ‘R’ Word”.  It’s definitely a degrading, blasphemous label that can harm a person for years after he or she’s first labeled as such.

I know from firsthand experience:  From a troubled birth to today, I have lived with mild cerebral palsy.  Though, through the early tutellage of an older and patient sister and my involvement in the rock world as (early-on) performer and, now, journalist and promoter (btw, this music should be called the music of survivors, as so many have overcome their adversity through its energy!  It’s TRUE!), I was still considered, during my youth, a r*tard*te by some.
The word does spread, yardbirds … and, no matter whether you’re called that because you’re slower, not as coordinated, have a verifiable disorder or whatever … it’ll haunt you (in an extremely hateful way), cost you jobs, love … the overall right to a happy life!

So I join with people like Joe Mantegna, John Ratzenberger, Kristy Swanson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Victor Alfieri, Yvette Nicole Brown, Maureen McCormick, Jeremy Ratchford, Brandon Molale, Jimmy Jean Louis, Sunny Mabrey, Jason Dolley, Ethan Embry, AJ Michalka, Anthony Anderson, Jillian Claire, Marta McGonagle, Danielle Petty, Nancy LaScala, DB Freeman, Andrea Freedman, Lloyd Eisler and Anya Monzikova (and these are just a few) in asking you to BAN THE R-WORD!!

For more information on how you can help, go to The “R” Word.org

Sir Paul McCartney — who’s due to play at the opening of Citi Field (the new home of the NY Mets) has added a third concert set for Tuesday, 21 July. The first two shows (on 17 & 18 July) sold out in just under five minutes!

Tickets for the additional show are on sale now, exclusively online at www.507TIXX.com or by phone at 718-507-TIXX. I’m told that all performances will be held rain or shine!

Of course, the gigs will feature classics from Macca’s extensive catalog, including Beatles, Wings and his solo career hits. He’ll also include selections from his most recent album, Electric Arguments, released under his alias of The Fireman.

These shows are gonna mark the latest in a series of shows that link the former Beatle with NYC and the home of the Mets. Beginning with The Beatles’ legendary appearance at the opening of Shea Stadium in 1965 to his special appearance at Billy Joel’s “Last Play at Shea” show that closed the stadium last year, Sir Paul’s summer shows at Citi Field will once again mark a momentous occasion in the history of New York — and for rock n’ roll itself.

Okay … that’s it for now, but stay tuned … there’s more to come in less than 24!
See ya on the flip side ….

Gotta admit: I’m a tremendous fan of the Fox drama “House”, with actor/comedian Hugh Laurie as unconventional doc Gregory House. Not only is he an accomplished actor and pianist, but his character’s probably the closest that series-TV has come to rock.

And get this: according to ratings agency Eurodata TV Worldwide, the team of House gathered more than 81.8 million viewers last year — making it the most-watched fictional TV show in the world.

Now, when ya figure his show beat out, “CSI” (the original), and its spin-off “CSI: Miami”.

Here’s how they came up with the numbers: They collected data from 66 countries around the world (including the U.S.) — countries that represent a potential audience of 1.6 billion couch potatoes.

The runner-up? Desperate Housewives (though I’ve never known any personally!)

And, in case ya haven’t heard, Chastity Bono — daughter of Cher and the late Sonny Bono and gay rights activist in her own right — is undergoing a (wellll, here’s how media put it) gender transitioning from female to male (ummm, are there any other “genders”?).
That doesn’t mean she’s getting “the operation”. Instead, it means, for her, a social change — where she wants to be viewed and thought of as a man!

As her spokesman, Howard Bragman says, “He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz’s (what she wants to be called now) hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his ‘coming out’ did nearly 20 years ago.”

Sorry, dude … or dudette: I’m not buyin’ it! If ya wanna be a “man”, then get the friggin’ operation to MAKE it so! If ya don’t, then stay yer own gender!
It didn’t hurt Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres or kd lang, right?? So why should you be any different??

‘Nuff said for now. Until later this evening (when the PC’s due back from the repair. Right now, I’m usin’ a borrowed one) …
see ya on the flip side!

Well, looks like someone’s finally decided to study it:

According to new research by extra-marital dating site IllicitEncounters.co.uk (geez … they’ll have anything on this internet!) sex and rock’n’roll really do go hand in hand.

Basically, it says that rock fans are more likely to … er, “step out” on their partners (somehow, I’m faintly hearin’ the strains of Paul Revere and the Raiders’ Steppin’ Out .. although the warning on The Beatles’ Run For Your Life don’t seem too far behind …).

A poll of their 310,000 strong membership showed that 37% of their male and female members called rock their favorite genre of music.
In comparison, 20% of them dig Pop and R&B, 19% favor dance music (how could you if Lawrence Welk is runnin’ through yer mind?  You’d be asleep before ya even tried …) and 17% are fans of blues and jazz.

And (get this!) three percent said their favorite was … Christian or Gospel music! (what is this??  Try it before ya buy it??)

“This shouldn’t come as a surprise, really.” says site representative Sarah Hartley. “Rock music has been associated with sex since the 50s. Lots of prominent rock stars - Mick Jagger, Debbie Harry - oozed sex appeal.
“Many of our members in in their late 30s/early 40s, so would have grown up listening to pioneering bands like Aerosmith, Blondie, AC/DC and Fleetwood Mac. This may explain why so many of them are rock music fans.”

Suuuuuuuure … blame it on the music, why dontcha?  Anyone ever hear of that little word hormones? Hey … get some married dudes with money in a dimly-lit bar late at night, half-crocked, with some very well-built young women who are equally drunk, and it wouldn’t matter if they were listenin’ to cats farting — someone’s gonna end up … er, wellll … you know the answer …

It was a helluva band …

The year was 1966. I’d been a guitarist for about three years, and had a decent set of pipes — not like today, where my voice sounds like the mating call for bullfrogs! (Awww, it comes with age … and a lot of voicework [I've been a DJ and am now freelancing in voiceovers, as well as a lot of presswork for The Fore and rock journalism]).
My group was called Hy-Que (named — so help me — after a toy monkey that had limited “intelligence” when ya wound him up [the exact pic's on the right]. Today, I think they’re called “Republicans”), and Walt, Mick, Olin, Jimmy and I had a solid following throughout Charlotte (in fact, through the border towns of South Carolina as well).
We played various local gigs, and later, when I landed a job with The Panasonics as lead vocalist (they said I sounded like John Lennon. Or maybe it was Jack Lemmon. I don’t remember …), we got better gigs on the basis of the group I’d been with before.
Though we never cut a record deal or anything, the fact that so many kids would come out and dance at our gigs and have a good, clean time more than made up for it.
Some of our fans called it “The Hy-Que Effect”. And it felt good …

But it brings up a big question:

What’s HAPPENED to the fans of music these days? I mean, it seems like today’s rock neither has the staying power nor the excitement of our generation’s.
Usedta be that, whenever a record by The Beatles, Searchers, Stones or (yes, even) DC5 would hit the stands, kids would fall all over themselves to get it (either that or they were just clumsy …). If the bands appeared on Sullivan or Shindig, teens would be glued to the tube!

I dunno … maybe there’s just too much access these days: Ipods, YouTubes, ThemSomethings or whatever, along with the internet exposure and CDs being churned out without promoted singles might have something to do with it.
Or maybe it’s just too easy to get attention these days. Back then (and especially with the Invasion groups) you had to gain your fanbase through working small clubs, church functions, parties … wherever you could. When the apprenticeship led to headlining, you had a strong fanbase (PS This is exactly how The Fore is doing it today!!)
But largely, in 2009, it’s instant exposure …

Whatever the case, it’s good to know that our music’s comin’ back into big-time play now. Whether it’s from the Merseyside or London, Redondo Beach or Boston, the sounds are experiencing a resurgence!
I just wish there was a way to rekindle the teen fire we had back then …

Anyway, lemme close up this little “memory and wishbox” here, ’cause it’s about that time: 11 PM Eastern, 4 AM London, 3:00 in the Morning wherever Paul Simon is, and still Sleepless in Seattle.
In other words, time for this Relic to catch a sandwich, a little more work, then take it down for a few dozen zzzzz’s!
Now, if you wanna keep up with the latest buzz(es) in rock, check out my main site at Doc Rock Online!
So, until next time, remember:

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 …

LONDON (Billboard) - Never mind the bullocks. There’s more money in advertising.

Johnny Rotten (and some stampeding cows) have started a moooo-ve (had so say that. Sorry …) toward punk advertising in the UK.

The Sex Pistols frontman, now known as John Lydon, stars in popular U.K. TV commercials for the butter brand Country Life. Dressed like a country gentleman, the one-time rebel is seen watching English folk dancers, running from cows and yelling, “It’s not about Great Britain — it’s about great butter!”

On other UK channels, punk forefather Iggy Pop stars in ads for the online car insurance brand Swiftcover in which the shirtless Stooges frontman declares: “You think I’m selling car insurance? I’m not — I’m selling time!”

But he is selling car insurance — and lots of it! Swiftcover says its first-quarter sales soared 31 percent over the same period last year, thanks to the ad.
And Lydon has heated up butter sales — the ad brought an 85 percent increase in sales of its “spreadable” brands in fourth-quarter 2008!

Snowy Everitt, director of the London-based marketing agency Espionage, which specializes in putting brands and music together, explained what happened:
“Punk doesn’t mean what it meant 30 years ago. For most people in 2009, punk isn’t about music, it’s about attitude. Butter isn’t fun, edgy, sexy or cool — but, in times of economic crisis, advertisers need cut-through, and anything that gets you talked about is worth a punt.”

Swiftcover marketing director Tina Shortle agrees.
“We weren’t too worried if the target audience didn’t recognize Iggy as a celebrity,” she says. “We just wanted someone renowned for having fun and enjoying life.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if more brands looking to get cut-through go for rebellious figures,” Everitt added. “If it works, why not try it?”

Now, lemme see if I’ve got this right:

Tony Iommi, guitarist for Black Sabbath, is being sued by the rest of the band because he used its name while they had disbanded. And now they want the name back because they’ve reunited!
Without him on guitar, natch …

Sounds puzzling — but Ozzy Osbourne and the rest of the real Sabbath band are apparently going through with the lawsuit!
Here’s the petition that Ozzy had written:

‘It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action against my long-term partner, Tony Iommi, but after three years of trying to resolve this issue amicably, I feel I have no other recourse.
‘As of the mid-1990’s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of “Black Sabbath” was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi [touring under the name Black Sabbath] was reduced to performing in clubs.
‘Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world.
‘We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name “Black Sabbath” which lead to the band being inducted into the UK and US Rock And Roll Hall of Fames in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
‘Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the “Black Sabbath” brand through Ozzfest, touring, merchandising and album reissues.
‘The name “Black Sabbath” now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour.
‘Tony, I am so sorry it’s had to get to this point by me having to take this action against you. I don’t have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill, but I feel that morally and ethically the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally.
‘I hope that by me taking this first step that it will ultimately end up that way.
‘We’ve all worked too hard and long in our careers to allow you to sell merchandise that features all our faces, old Black Sabbath album covers and band logos, and then you tell us that you own the copyright.
‘We’re all in our 60s now. The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.’

So what do you think? If Iommi, in fact, does own the copyright, should he go through all the legal rigamarole to get it switched back over to the band?
Or, as some bands already do, should Sabbath maybe tweak their name a little, like “The Original Sabbath” or something?

Alice Cooper recorded under their banner … as did Mӧtorhead, Whitesnake, Blackmore’s Night and UFO.

But now it’s been learned that the German record label SPV (the home of many hard rock and metal bands) has just filed for insolvency.

According to the Billboard report, Manfred Schütz,, the label’s managing partner, decided to submit an application to commence insolvency proceedings on May 25 (it’s like Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection here in the states).
But there’s still good news: “Normal business will continue even after the application for insolvency,” Schütz is quoted as saying.

Everything — from pre-to-post production to sales and promotions — will continue as it normally does.
The purpose of the insolvency (now in progress) is to make it possible for the label to continue while working on a restructuring plan.

But there are other recording companies interested in buying SPV, though no names have been mentioned yet.

TONIGHT SHOW FINALE?

Make no mistake about it: When Jay Leno leaves the Tonight Show … well, tonight …, he’s gonna leave a bag of mixed feelings behind.

Some are gonna shed a few tears, remembering his ebullient nature, occasionally ribald jokes and, of course, that famous chin. But there’s also gonna be a bit of comfort in knowing that he will be back this Fall — albeit in an earlier time slot.

Personally, I think it could possibly be (as said in the subtitle up there) the finale of the show-that-Carson-built, at least in the long run.
Now, don’t get me wrong: Leno’s successor, Conan O’Brien, is one of the best improv comedians in the world. But will his zany, cartoon-like character actually fit in with the show’s legendary format?

I know … Craig Ferguson does it, and he’s wildly popular. But, then again, the show was built around him, having some serious rating troubles under Craig Kilborn’s hosting.
Here, you have a long-time standard, though. From the days when Steve Allen and Jack Paar hosted it through today, they’ve been somewhat formulaic — and, over the years, viewers have learned to expect that.

Maybe Conan will adapt — who knows? But, if he doesn’t, the only thing that’ll keep the show strong (in my opinion) is a gradual ease into the same style he used on his former late-night show (now hosted by Jimmy Fallon).

Nonetheless, as we bid Jay a fond “farewell” from the show, we wish Conan the best …

Amy Winehouse, The Killers and The Rolling Stones have decided to work with a group of Cuban musicians on an album that’s being recorded to fight climate change.

They’ll perform duets with Rhythms Del Mundo on the CD, titled Classics, and the proceeds from the album will go to fund climate change projects as well as natural disaster relief around the globe.

The album will have some spectacular musical moments with The Killers singing The Eagles’ Hotel California, and The Rolling Stones doing The Drifters’ classic Under the Boardwalk.
But you’ll also hear Winehouse’s covering Sam Cooke’s Cupid and, on a track that’s destined to stand out,  Fall Out Boy and John Mayer getting together to cover Michael Jackson’s Beat It.

The first Rhythms Del Mundo album was released three years ago and included an all-star cast of Cuban musicians as well as the Arctic Monkeys, Dido, U2, Coldplay, Sting, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Chiefs. Proceeds from the CD went to the non-profit environmental  org,  Artists Project Earth.

The new CD is due for release in July.

Following the theme of so many classic (and heretofore disbanded) rockers, the famed UK band Kajagoogoo is reuniting!

The original line up of the band (who had a UK hit with Too Shy in 1983) have organized 10 gigs for later this year.

Led by frontman Limahl (Christopher Hamill) they ended up at-odds with each other and split apart just eight months after Too Shy reached the top of the charts in the UK (it also was a hit in 22 other countries).

Limahl, 50, said: “It took us 25 years to grow up, basically. All this silly stuff - ‘if you want to talk to me, talk to my lawyer…’

“But now we’re back together, it’s a relief. When you get to our age, you know you’re half way through your life or more; you know this is not a rehearsal, it’s the real thing.”

The group’s publicist said Kajagoogoo is “armed with new songs”.

Fellow bandmate Nick Beggs, 47, is also pumped up for the reunion, saying: “If it ain’t fun, it ain’t worth doing.”

The tour starts in Liverpool on September 17 and finishes in Southampton two weeks later. Other locations being played will include Glasgow, Belfast, Norwich and Sheffield.