Musician’s Notebook

Remember The Eagles’ 1990s reunion tour, Hell Freezes Over, which was given that name to recognize their spite for each other?
Well, it apparently hasn’t yet …

On a recent gig in Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, the band showed that, while it’s still got the musical tightness and vocal blend that made it famous, the members themselves are as distant as L.A. is to Liverpool.

They changed guitars often … perhaps as a way to keep from looking at each other … and performed songs from their Long Road Out Of Eden album with the warmth and life of a piece of cardboard.

Fortunately, the band still has Joe Walsh, who seemed to be the only one really interested in the gig and its audience!
He used the slide guitar to embellish In the City, soloing with an energy the rest of the band apparently has forgotten.

Two songs later, he tore up the stage to Life’s Been Good, his 1978 reggae-influenced musical satire. The fans finally got into the groove, rocking and laughing to Joe’s humorous take on life as a “star” (he always cuts up a bit when he does the tune).
Then he broke into the boogie-woogie rhythm of the James Gang’s Funk #49 (he had been with that band prior to his stint with The Eagles), and, for a moment, the band’s mood seemed to change!

But, overall, it was business as usual for the foursome: Glenn Frey could be a bit charming but had a knack to suddenly drift into the background. You couldn’t hear Timothy Schmidt’s bass, and Don Henley just seemed more like a robot.

Their biggest hits, including Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane and, of course, Take It Easy – were pretty much “by-the-book” but didn’t have the spark they once did. But when Walsh took to his set, it woke the crowd up and got a great response.

Bottom line: Joe still remembers how to rock … and play to the fans at the same time. He truly seems to enjoy it!

Would that the rest of the band could pick up on that.

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??

He’ll be one of the last acts to ever play Giants Stadium.

And now you’ve got a chance to bid on tickets to Bruce Springsteen’s concert — and the proceeds will go to help charity!

Springsteen and the E Street Band are gonna hit the stage at the stadium on October 3, and tickets sold out in just minutes! But “The Boss” is giving you the chance to get some special tickets (in some of the best seating areas!).

Now, proceeds from the auction will go to World Hunger Year (WHY), which is an organization formed in 1975 by radio talk-show host Bill Ayres and singer/songwriter Harry Chapin (he did Cat’s In The Cradle, Taxi and W*O*L*D).
Chapin saw hunger and poverty as an insult to America, and many of his concerts were benefit shows for the charities he was known to support (82 in all!). Also, the sales of all his concert merchandise were donated directly to WHY.
At the time of his death in 1981, it was found that Chapin had donated almost all of his personal fortune to charity!

Today, WHY is an international non-profit organization that connects grass roots charities with funding expertise and publicity.

Auction winners will also receive a WHY-Hard Rock Born In The USA 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Tee-shirt, Lapel Pin and Hat.

Now, the auction is gonna run until June 29, so time’s runnin’ out, yardbirds! If you wanna bid on the tix, they can be accessed here.

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 ….

If you remember, last year rock superstars Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood got together for a three-night gigs at Madison Square Garden.

Now, the duo’s bringing their combined sounds to the rest of America on a 14-date arena tour. They’ve even worked up some new material for this outing.

“I’d like to try my song ‘Help Me Angel,’ “ says Winwood. “And last year, I was having trouble singing harmony while playing guitar on Eric’s ‘Pretending.’ I’d like to have another go at that.”

WHERE TO CATCH THE SHOW:

6/10 – East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center
6/12 – Philadelphia, PA @Wachovia Center
6/13 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
6/15 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
6/17 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
6/18 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
6/20 – Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center
6/21 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
6/23 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
6/24 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
6/26 – Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
6/27 – Las Vegas, NV @MGM Grand Arena
6/29 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
6/30 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

And I see where some webwatchers are reporting that Jane’s Addiction front man Perry Farrell was seen using a teleprompter during a recent show. Whether that’s true or just another turn of the rumor millstone is yet to be determined.
But it’s really not unusual. For decades, performers from all genres have had teleprompters on the stage floor, near the edge, to help them (and before that, real people with cue cards)! As long as it doesn’t stop the music, right??

Def Leppard’s 1983 breakthrough album “Pyromania” and their 1992 multi-platinum “Adrenalize” are ready to be reissued on June 8th, the week that the band headlines this year’s Download Festival!
These will also include second-takes, acoustic versions and B-sides, and are expected to chart easily on the strength of the Festival.

Now, The Rolling Stones will also do some reissuing, but it’s of 14 (right: fourteen!) re-mastered albums throughout the summer (the first batch came out on May 4).

They’re set to be released in three batches with release of a special, mega-box set (including all 14 albums) in the works. And, yes, each one of the albums will be made available digitally.

First batch (just released):
Sticky Fingers
Goats Head Soup
It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll
Black And Blue

Second batch (due out on June 8):
Some Girls
Emotional Rescue
Tattoo You
Undercover

Third batch (coming out on July 13):
Dirty Work
Steel Wheels
Voodoo Lounge
Bridges To Babylon
A Bigger Bang

Yeah, I know that’s just 13 — but they’re expected to announce the release of a re-mastered version of their mega-hit, 1972’s Exile On Main Street, though no definite date has been set as of yet.

Between the two bands, there’s definitely gonna be some great music on tap for the summer! And, once again, proof that rock, in its most savage form, is still king of the music hill!

Legendary Pink Floyd front man David Gilmour is to headline a “hidden gig” in London this month to raise money for charity.

The concert is part of a series of gigs raising money for homeless charity Crisis, with bands such as Hot Chip playing concerts with a difference – the details of the gigs are withheld until the last minute to draw similarities to the situation faced by many homeless people on a daily basis regarding accommodation.

Gilmour will perform at a mystery venue on 24 May alongside Afro-blues act Amadou & Mariam.

“It was a wonderful surprise when they [Amadou and Mariam] called recently, inviting me to collaborate with them on this special one-off occasion for Crisis,” said Gilmour, who is a long-time supporter of the charity. “I’m looking forward to breaking down a few musical boundaries in the cause of helping the homeless.”

Gilmour sold his London home for £3.6 million in 2003 and donated the cash to Crisis. He also planned to create flats for the homeless using his own property, and has sold several items at auction to benefit the charity.

More info about the Crisis hidden gigs can be found at the charity’s official website.

For awhile now — well, on and off, anyway — we’ve talked about how you can start a new band. Not only have we walked through the first gigs, but we’ve gotten tips on how to make the band more successful.

But there’s one guaranteed way to be sure your band becomes a hit with the fans: It’s called the “WTF” method (and it’s about time we gave those initials to something decent, right?):

It means WATCH THE FANS!

Y’see, when you’re onstage before a live audience, you never know exactly which songs will fire up the fans. Obviously, if you’re good, they’ll listen, dance, holler or whatever.
But, if ya really wanna know how to get your band from “just another musical group” to favorite,

WATCH THEIR EXPRESSIONS!

While performing, each member can focus on separate sections of the crowd. As you go through your set, look at their faces … watch their movements.
If you see excitement, movement or other animation that shows they’re into the song, then you’ve got at least one number that you can tailor your sound and stage work by!

But if they seem too interested in talking to others, seem oblivious or even bored, then wipe the number from your set — at least until you can “fine-tune” it to bring the crowd to its feet!

Now, about the winning numbers (no, not lottery. I’m talkin’ about the set!): Have someone make a note of those songs and the fans’ reaction. Then, when you’re back into rehearsal or songwriting, work out new numbers (both fast and slow) that’ll most likely get the same response!

By this “trial-and-error” method, you can build a set — and a reputation — that’s dynamite!

The big Austin City Limits Festival is coming up this October (2-4) in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas (well, where else would ACL be?) … and what a tremendous lineup they’ve got for the big wingding.
Check out the lonnnnnng list of talent (In fact, due to its length, I’ll go ahead and tell ya now that three-day passes are available for just $185 from aclfestival.com.
And I’ll see ya with more on the flip sideNOW … on with the lineup:

Pearl Jam
Dave Matthews Band
Beastie Boys
Kings of Leon
Ben Harper and Relentless7
Thievery Corporation
John Legend
The Dead Weather
The Levon Helm Band
Ghostland Observatory
Sonic Youth
Mos Def
Toadies
Flogging Molly
The B-52s
Lily Allen
Citizen Cope
Arctic Monkeys
The Decemberists
Coheed and Cambria
Andrew Bird
Girl Talk
STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9)
Phoenix
Bassnectar
Bon Iver
!!!
The Avett Brothers
The Airborne Toxic Event
Medeski, Martin & Wood
Clutch
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Grizzly Bear
Heartless Bastards
Passion Pit
White Lies
Dan Auerbach
The Walkmen
The Scabs
Reckless Kelly
Devotchka
Blitzen Trapper
The Virgins
Here We Go Magic
Eek-A-Mouse
K’ Naan
Asleep at the Wheel
Dr. Dog
The Raveonettes
The Knux
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
State Radio
Los Amigos Invisibles
The Felice Brothers
Federico Aubele
Raul Malo
Daniel Johnston
Poi Dog Pondering
Brett Dennen
Rodriguez
Henry Butler
Preservation Hall
Sam Roberts Band
The Greencards
Sara Watkins
Walter “Wolfman” Washington
David Garza
John Vanderslice
Zac Brown Band
Todd Snider
School of Seven Bells
The Dodos
Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3
Alberta Cross
Deer Tick
Bell X1
Alela Diane
The Wood Brothers
The Parlor Mob
Rebirth Brass Band
Marva Wright
Terri Hendrix
L.A.X.
Lisa Hannigan
The Low Anthem
Sons of Bill
Suckers
Sarah Jaffe
Cotton Jones
The Henry Clay People
Papa Mali
Jypsi
Vince Mira
Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights
Mimicking Birds
Jeffrey Steele
Jonell Mosser
Leatherbag
Keith Gattis
Damien Horne
Sarah Siskind
Dexateens
Nelo
Danny Brooks
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
The Soul Stirrers
The Durdens
Palm School Elementary
The Gospel Silvertones
Diaconos
Quinn Sullivan
Ralph’s World
Q Brothers
Milkshake
Telephone Company
Loose Cannons
Lunch Money

Have ya noticed how much KISS is in the news these days?

Along with a new album coming up and a tremendous tour going on (as well as the very cool visits they recently gave to a youngster with leukemia), there’s something new on the wire:

Seems a worn-out suitcase used by guitarist Ace Frehley when he was on the road with the band thirty-plus years ago is being offered up for grabs on eBay.
How’s the bidding going? (remember … we are talkin’ just “suitcase” here!)

As of right now, there are 13 bids and the grand sum of $2,650 is on the table – but the bidding’s not over yet!

Yeah, I know it’s just a suitcase signed by some guys in a band — but, the again, it’s KISS — legends extraordinaire who wrote the book on hard rock!

Now, I know what you’re gonna do after readin’ this, so … enjoy your visit to eBay … lol

In a way, I was kinda like most of the rock world when I read about the lineup for “supergroup” Tinted Windows. I mean, James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) and Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick) … lining up with Taylor Hanson (yes, of that “brothers” group)? It just all seemed a bit far-fetched … almost comical.

Sure, they released their first album, the self-titled Tinted Windows — and for power-pop, it sounds pretty solid. And, yes, they did know each other (in fact, they first came up with the concept when Iha met up with Hanson, who was fourteen at the time, at a concert the latter had with his brothers). But still …

When they performed on the Late Show with David Letterman on Tuesday, they proved to viewers that Tinted Windows is serious about their music!
Of course, they need tightening up in some areas (but very few):

For example, it’d help if the band seemed a bit livelier when they played/sang. Taylor (whose vocals are refreshingly clear and work great with the instruments [now, there’s a hidden hint for you new bands! More on that later …) seemed a bit tentative behind the mic — when he could’ve been “playing” it to his advantage.
Another thing is that you couldn’t help noticing a second guitarist nearly “in the wings”, next to Adam. If he’s necessary, he should get billing with the band as well! (I know … the Stones don’t do it with their bass player, and it’s really a shame!).
Lastly: While they had a pretty decent attack at the first of the number, they needed a strong finish. Years ago, one of my very first contacts in the biz — a producer named Herb Moral from Massachusetts — told me “every song should end with an exclamation point, not a question mark!”

But the band still did an excellent number, Kind of a Girl, from the new album. And, believe me, if the whole album complements that single, there’s no doubt this band is here to stay!
PREDICTION: Get used to having Tinted Windows around for a long time to come! They’ve got all the elements needed for a strong and successful run on this music highway!

Whenever you’re starting a band — especially an electric rock band — you undoubtedly think, at some time, of what would happen at a gig if you were either unplugged, your amps fail, or there’s a power outage in the building.

It can be an embarrassing situation — unless you take the advice of Jim (now Roger) McGuinn, leader of the legendary ’60s folk-rock act, The Byrds.

If you’ve heard them, you know they relied heavily on the twelve-string Rickenbacker and very tight harmonies during their early years.
But there was a reason, as McGuinn explained in 1966: Their music was such that, if there was a power outage, they could switch to acoustic and continue the show successfully.

Now, there’s some good advice that comes outta that:

Build strong harmonies. Include adaptable songs in your set — songs that could be played as well on acoustic as they could electric, without losing any of their “punch”. Always … ALWAYS … bring acoustic guitars to your gigs … and invest in an acoustic BASS guitar.
In the event an outage does occur, for whatever the reason, switch to your “acoustic” set while the outage is active. Above all, keep the music going unless or until you’re told otherwise …

From the Eagles to the Beach Boys, we’ve seen how bands can switch from electric to acoustic with no problem (the masters of it, of course, would be Crosby, Stills and Nash).
But, if you want a perfect acoustic song or two, just take some lessons from the legendary folk duo, Chad and Jeremy. These harmonic wonders — still very active today with a new album ARK-eology — have been popular for over forty years and show no signs of stopping!

That’s the beauty of being able to do harmonic double-duty (acoustic or electric): You’re always in-demand!
And here’s hoping that your act will always be, as well!

Okay … one more word: Be sure to check out the new website (which, although not quite finished to my specs, will be for all rock — classic and modern!) at Doc Rock Online.

Well, that’s it for this round, but stay tuned … there’ll be more in less than 24!
So … see ya on the flip side!

Eddie Vedder — known best as frontman for Pearl Jam – has revealed details of a tour this summer.

Beginning in Albany, NY on June 8, the 14-date tour is scheduled to play fourteen dates in the South and East (stateside) and make a stop in Hawaii to close the tour on July 2nd.

Liam Finn, who also ran support on Vader’s first solo tour last year, is confirmed to play the main support for all 14 dates.

Oh, yeah … he’s also been booked for a guest appearance on the upcoming new LP from Rolling Stones guitarist, Ron Wood – one that’s entitled More Good News.

COBAIN REMEMBERED

It was fifteen years ago Wednesday that garage-rock icon Kurt Cobain was found dead — according to the coroner’s report, a suicide brought on by pills and heroin.

But a hero is a hero, no matter what the genre — and thousands paid their respects near Kurt’s Lake Washington home.

Unfortunately, the day also brought anger from Kurt’s widow, actress/singer Courtney Love. Although Cobain’s estate was worth millions, she said,“managers, assistants, CPAs, lawyers, people like that who were supposed to be entrusted with carrying for their well-being and finances basically looted the estate.”

And, as with any small town, Cobain and his band, Nirvana, wasn’t seen in a favorable light … until recently, when city fathers “adopted” the title of one of his hits to welcome visitors. When you come into his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington, you’ll see a sign that says “Come As You Are.”
And now there are plans to build a youth center in his honor where kids can come to play music and follow their artistic interests.  Today (Friday), a concert’s to be held in Seattle to honor Kurt and raise money for the center.

Okay … that’s all for now.  See ya on the flip side.

Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has confirmed that he will be performing with the band for the first time in nearly a decade when they are inducted to the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame on 4 April!

“There’s three bass players getting inducted, and James, Lars and Kirk.” he’s stated.
Newsted went on to reveal that it was drummer Lars Ulrich who made the call, saying: “I talked to Lars, and it’s all good - I was happy to hear from him.”
“I hadn’t talked to him for a long time, so it was nice to hear his voice.”

Now, in case you’re wonderin’ , Dave Mustaine won’t be included since he never played on a Metallica record.
“It’s not my decision,” Jason says. “I have nothing to do with that.
It was decided by the band, and I think it was just a hard-and-fast rule… anyone who has recorded on any Metallica recordings that have been released to the public as an official release were invited to the induction. So, that’s kind of that.”

Metallica also recently announced that their new single will feature b-sides from recent UK shows.

Speaking of their induction into the R&RHoF, it’s been announced that Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be the one who’s gonna induct the band.

Okay … short and sweet (well, it is 5 AM here, and I gotta get these peepers to close for about 300 or so!).  But stay tuned … there’s more later today (hopefully[YAWN!] a little earlier!).

See ya on the flip side!

For all of you Rockaholics who are followin’ the popular UK band, The Fore, you know that the lads are also known for doin’ great shows for charities.

But that’s not unusual for a number of UK bands … especially now that Spring is upon us, because that’s when these kind of gigs actually begin to pick up!

For example, the band Maximo Park just finished a gig for an org called No Surrender, which is a web-based forum for young adult cancer sufferers.  It provides a place where they can find people of their own generation who understand exactly what they are going through.

Also planning charity concerts are bands such as Hot Chip, The Bluetones and Bombay Bicycle Club, who will play a series of ‘hidden gigs’ in London in support of homeless charity Crisis. A total of nine gigs will be held in May and June, in unusual venues throughout the capital.

“Whether they would like to admit it or not, most people have an image in their head of a ‘homeless person’, the old-fashioned and unhelpful figure of the down-and-out, who in fact is entirely unrepresentative of the majority of homeless people in the UK,” said Hot Chip’s Al Doyle. “These are the hidden homeless, who for a variety of often very complex reasons have no regular accommodation. We hope our gig for Crisis will raise awareness of their plight, and are very happy to help the cause.”

Now, I brought all this up to remind you that, as a band or act just starting out, one of the best ways to get your name known is by offering to play at charity shows!  It’s not only great public relations, but think of all the people you’ll be helping; some of them may not have any other recourse than by the funds you generate!

Just be sure that you’re sincere about it, okay??  Remember … when it comes to people who are homeless (and, recently, the numbers have been growing), have cancer or some other debilitating disease, etc., there’s an old saying:  There but for the grace of God go I (or YOU.  Or someone you LOVE).

Think about it.  Meanwhile, I’ll see ya on the flip side!

The year was 1963. President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. Rock-n-Roll needed someone to seriously scratch a saddened and lackluster itch. With that in mind, The Rock Relic presents … 

The Rock Revolution Pt. 9 THE INVASION BEGINS!!

By mid-1963, while Rock America was teetering on the brink of superblahdom, the new British groups were picking up steam (and extra bookings) at places like the Star Club and Kaiserkeller in Germany and, of course, the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. Their records were becoming as big as their live performances.

While the blues sets in London (Animals, Pretty Things, Rolling Stones, Pirates) were pretty independent and comfortable playing the clubs ala stateside blues artists, the rock-n-roll groups were honing their acts, readying for the next big step in the rock process … The Invasion Of America!

THE BIRTH OF MODERN ROCK BEGINS HERE … The day the Beatles landed at New York’s La Guardia Airport signalled the exact birthdate of today’s rock:
Friday, February 7, 1964, 1 PM
Before that moment, our music was pretty much just glossy, post-Presley pop and light, tinny soul. We’d just lost our President to an assassin’s bullet three months earlier.
But when Pan American Flight 101 landed and the four Lads from Liverpool descended those steps from the plane, they brought the needed shot-in-the-arm that our music — our world — needed!

Two nights later, on CBS Television, Ed Sullivan introduced The Beatles to America. Now, for those who think their appearance was such a terrible influence, consider this: While the “really big shew” was on (from 7 to 8 PM EST), not even one major teenage crime was reported anywhere in this country!

Before long, other acts crossed the drink in an Invasion of sound and attitude that signalled a total rebirth of rock-n-roll! Future performers started taking notice, and established American acts started scrapping their sheet music for something more upbeat to keep up with this new wave of good vibrations!

AND DID WE EVER RESPOND TO THIS FOREIGN ATTACK!

Of course, every kid in America wanted a part of the action that was unfolding! While groups like The Searchers, The Kinks and The Dave Clark Five started appearing on our television screens, many statesiders started forming groups that copied these performers as closely as possible.

The first, and most popular, group to actually succeed was The Beau Brummels. By mid-year — toward the tail-end of the initial Invasion — the blues groups (Stones, Yardbirds, etc.) made their appearance, adding to an explosive mix of sound, sight, action and emotion.
New stateside groups drowned out the solo artists, and, soon, youngsters with names like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Bob Seger were influenced to take up the rock banner themselves.

While the Beatles are readin’, lemme sneak in here (q-u-i-e-t-l-y!) and give ya a quick peek at why these (and other) groups hit so big in America: First, the acts were simple in their set-ups. No big “pyros,” giant orchestras, turntables and DJs; just guitars, drumkit and (often) piano. Thus, it was easier for the individual personalities to shine through.
Secondly, they knew how to attack a song. They had the confidence to start it strongly, rather than just strum a few notes and hope the other blokes would feel their way into it.

There were exceptions, as in ‘Til The End of The Day by the Kinks and Gonna Make You by the Troggs. But these openers were done as a parody. The kids needed acts that were confident of themselves.
Thirdly, they had harmony. No individual “hogged the mic” all the time. The other instrumentalists would add their tenor voices to the fills, and gave the whole performance more body.

No one did this better than The Searchers. In fact, other folk-rock groups like The Nightcrawlers, The Critters and, of course, The Byrds, picked up on this and capitalized like wildfire!

Another factor was stage presence. Did ya ever notice how many of the “minor” groups just played and stared around like “Duh, whadda I do NOW?” You had to “liven it up” a bit … give it some substance!

There were a few other reasons that we’ll get into as we progress into the next chapter … so stay tuned …

QUIZTIME: After 1965, the original Kinks (Ray Davies and his brother Dave, Pete Quaife and Mick Avory) disappeared from American tours. Why??

Now, we’ll get back to the Revolution in just a few clicks. Until then, 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 …

Y’know, over the past month or so, we’ve talked about how to start a good rock band — and how to get it onstage with good results!
One of the best examples of “how to do it right” comes from the great UK band, THE FORE.

On Sunday, the lads (Spencer Hannabuss, bass/vox; Andrew McCulloch, rhythm; Matt Hardy, lead/vox and new drummer Nathan Persad, also on vocals) played in Market Square in Bromley, Kent. The results were fabulous!

Now, a marketplace isn’t exactly the O2 Arena (though the guys play some large venues as well …), but they remember the first rule of any band:  Play wherever you’ll find an audience. These lads don’t let “ego” rule, or say “Naaaah … it’s too small” when a gig opportunity comes open.
You see, anywhere you play brings two necessary benefits to your band:  Exposure and fan contact! These are gonna be vital to your growth — and it’s something you should always strive for!

Another point:  Stay focused when you’re onstage!  When you’re playing, listen to your instrument! Don’t get so caught up in the fact that you’re onstage that you don’t keep in control of your music.

Matt Hardy is one of the most prolific and studied young guitarists in the UK.  He’s constantly in touch with his guitar licks, all the while providing a vital part of the band’s onstage excitement!
Yes, both can be done at the same time!  It takes two words:  confidence and control. Showing both of those, while being enthused about your music, will take you much farther than you think!

Now, the gig also served as the debut of their new drummer, Nathan Persad. While, on occasion, you might have a new member, it’s always good to intro him or her to the audience before ya play.
But there’s no need to showcase the newbie unless a specific song calls for it.  Better to let that person “blend into” the sound, because, again, you’re promoting your act as a whole.

One more point: Always … always … be “fan-friendly”.  In the pic to your left, you see The Fore posing with some French fans who came to enjoy the show.
There’s an old saying that goes:  Remember who brought you to the dance. These are the people who come to your shows, who buy your CDs, recommend you to others, and otherwise give you some performing “clout”, as it were.
Don’t ever let them down!

Okay … we’re gonna continue this a bit later down the road.  In less than 24, we’re goin’ on an … Invasion! So stay tuned, and …

I’ll see ya on the flip side!