Music Bender

Okay … I’ve gotta admit it: I’m a humongous Green Day fan. The trio (for the uninitiated [and how could you be?], it’s Mike Dirnt, Tré Cool and, of course, the amazing Billie Joe Armstrong) are a mix of everything that’s essential in rock: strong rhythm, fantastic attack, great stage presence and more!

But I’ve had a coupla questions stuck in the RelicMail about ‘em (sorry if it’s taken awhile. Got mixed in with that online Sears® circular and a coupla bills …):

FIRST: From Ann A. in Houston: While the rest of the band seems to have a steady rhythm section, the drummer (Tré) will sometimes go off in some wild fills! I know his name is Tres (sic) Cool, but what’s his real name?

Well, Ann, Tré’s birth name is Frank Edwin Wright III, and he was born 37 years ago this December (wouldja believe he’s the youngest member?), in Frankfurt, West Germany.

SECOND: From Jason R. in Spokane: Everybody knows there are three Green Day members. So who is the forth(sic) person they have playing the guitar and is he a real member?

Jason, the guy you’re wantin’ to know about is Jason White, and he plays with the band on tours promoting their new album, 21st Century Breakdown (which is definitely cool).

He and Billie Joe have been friends for years (he’s the dude makin’ out on the vid When I’m Not Around, btw).

Incidentally, if you wanna find out where the band’s gonna be takin’ their latest tour, just click here. If they’re within driving/train/boat distance, be sure to take in their show!!

NO WEIGHTING!!

With summer comin’ up in a couple of weeks, there are loads of people out there who want to take off some extra pounds so they can look their best out there in the sun.
Obviously, there are so many appetite suppressants on the market that you can’t really tell which one in which to invest your time and money (and, most importantly, your health). You see, everyone has a different need and situation, and there’s none that works for everyone, right?
But, outside of going to a store, choosing by trial-and-error, standing in a lonnnng line, perhaps, at the checkout and then maybe paying too much for it, what else can you do?

The answer??  Simply click on the link I’m about to give you, and read as these folks show and tell you about the top rated suppressants … and give you a chance to order these at a cheaper price than you’d find at any street or mall store!
You’ll also get free shipping, a 90-day money-back guarantee, and secure online delivery (meaning, no one’s gonna know what you’re doing except you and the company you’re ordering from!).
So if you’re looking for a good, reliable appetite suppressant — especially one that’ll work for you — just click the link you just passed!

THIS JUST IN: Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan has just had a successful operation to remove a malignant tumor from his bladder.
It was discovered when he went to a hospital on May 12, complaining of gastroenteritis.

The band has canceled its O2 appearance, scheduled for this Saturday, and will be on hiatus until June 8 to give Gahan time to recuperate.  On that date, they’ll continue their tour with a gig in Leipzig, Germany.
Natch, we all wish the 47-year-old frontman a full and speedy recovery, with no recurrence.

THE MOORE, THE NOT-SO-MERRIER

As I reported earlier, guitarist Ronnie Montrose finally found his 1959 Les Paul Standard (which was stolen during a concert in 1972) — in a guitar magazine!
Well, now he’s suing another guitarist named Gary Moore.
The reason? He says Moore has the stolen axe!

When he saw Moore’s guitar collection in a British magazine he was convinced that one of the Les Pauls in the photo was his.
A photo showing a pin-sized hole in the back of the guitar is the proof, according to Ronnie, since he drills those holes in all of his guitars.

So far, Moore hasn’t responded to any attempted contact, so Ronnie is suing the Irishman (here, it’s gotta be said that there’s no proof that Moore actually stole the guitar himself. He could’ve just bought it off someone …) was behind any claimed theft in 1972.
Reached at his home in Brighton, England, Moore wouldn’t discuss the matter, saying only that the “whole thing is a sham”.

Wait … if Ronnie’s having that much trouble trying to contact Gary, but the reporter had no problem getting a quote from him, then why not ride with the reporter the next time he goes?? Makes common sense, right??

Rod Stewart is planning to attend attend a special busking show on board the HMS Belfast to launch this year’s Busking Cancer event (now, for our statesiders who don’t know, busking is a term meaning “entertaining in a public place for donations”).

The HMS Belfast is permanently moored on the banks of the River Thames near Tower Bridge in London. In the concert, Madness frontman Suggs will be just one of the performers on stage in support of the cause, which will have street performers from all over Britain donating their takings to Cancer Research UK.

“When it comes to busking, I’m your man,” said Stewart, who, as most fans remember, survived thyroid cancer.
“That’s how I started in the early 60s on the streets of Paris. So the idea of Busking Cancer has my support. It’s what music is all about just getting out there and singing or playing for the sheer joy of it. And if you can earn a few quid for Cancer Research UK – a few quid that might just help to save someone’s life – what could be better?”

Stewart has contributed his time, voice and/or money to many charities over the years, but it seems that, lately, the requests have been staggering. It obviously reflects the shape of the socioeconomic world in the last years of this decade, and it’s to Rod’s credit that he’s put himself on the “front lines” in the quest to help others.

Besides that, he has a remarkable performance style — both on record and in live venues — that shows a rare ability to cross genres.

The HMS Belfast concert will take place on June 20, and Busking Cancer will run until June 27. For all my UK and Euro readers who’d like to go, click here.

GREAT NEWS for all Lynyrd Skynyrd fans (and who isn’t one??):
They’ve just completed a new album, which’ll be called God & Guns — and it’ll be released (mark yer calendars!) on September 29.

The album will have thirteen tracks – each one stamped with the band’s unmistakable, classic sound.
It was recorded in Nashville with producer Bob Marlette (who worked with Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne).

I’ll tell ya now that the first single is gonna be a powerful and very appropriate one, given the recent passings of Billy and Ean. Still Unbroken is due in July, at the same time as its new video, which the band will shoot in Nashville next month.

God & Guns will be Skynyrd’s first new studio material in six years!
But, until the album comes out, you can still catch them on their UK tour beginning Wednesday (May 27). They’ll also be working the Rock Rebels Tour this summer along with (who else?) Kid Rock!

CAROLINA ON MY MIND

Y’know, being from North Carolina (originally) has its perks: I can tell — no, guarantee you — that some of the most beautiful seaside property in the world is in our Outer Banks (you’ve probably seen the vanity license plates with the “OBX” sign on them! Hey … that’s us!).

And if you’re looking for a great vacation home (and, with summer approaching, it’s about time to start, right?), why not visit the folks who not only have the best rentals in the area, but also a great blog on the OBX, the best recommendations anywhere, and so much more?
Believe me, you’re headin’ into the perfect vacation by going to the Outer Banks via the link you just passed.
Click there now and see what I’m talkin’ about … then have a great holiday!

Awhile back, I toldja about the new Aerosmith Tour that’s gonna explode into amphitheaters across America.

But, to add extra firepower, the legendary Texans of ZZ Top are sharing the bill as well!

“That’s just amazing to be able to play with them because it’s going to be a kickass show,” guitarist Joe Perry says.

So, where’s the pic of Top?? Usually, I put two shots per post, and they …
waitaminnit. I found one:

No, it’s not a knockoff band — it’s the real deal, circa … 1971!
If you’d like the full size of that pic, btw, just email me, okay? Right now, let me give ya the gig list for the tour:

6/10 – St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre St. Louis
6/13 – East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Center
6/16 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center
6/21 – Bristow, VA @ Nissan Pavilion
6/24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion
6/26 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
6/28 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
7/1 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
7/3 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
7/5 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/7 – Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
7/9 – Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
7/11 – Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre
7/13 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BankAtlantic Center
7/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
7/17 – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
7/19 – Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Amphitheatre
7/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
7/27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
7/30 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
8/1 – Englewood, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
8/17 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
8/19 – Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion
8/23 – Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/28 – Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/30 – Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
9/1 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
9/3 – Toronto, ONT @ Air Canada Centre
9/5 – Ottawa, ONT @ Scotiabank Place
9/8 – St. Paul, MN @ XCel Energy Center
9/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
9/12 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
9/14 – New York NY @ Madison Square Garden
9/16 – Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills

If you’re in one of these areas, be sure to catch the show! Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also be catching to of the greatest acts in the world!!

Remember to circle July 10 on your calendars!

The reason? Beatlemaniacs from around the world will be celebrating their favorite band during Beatles Day 09 — and raise money for Yoko Ono’s Imagine Appeal which will use their share for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (the largest children’s hospital in Europe). Part of the receipts will also go to the Marina Dalglish Appeal for a radiotherapy center in Liverpool.

Officially launched by Julia Baird (John Lennon’s sister) and Ricky Tomlinson, the event will take place in places as diverse as China, Russia, New Zealand and, natch, the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool.

Last year’s event (which was actually the first, and raised a few international eyebrows as one of the highlights is for everyone to wear Beatle wigs) raised over £45,000.
Liverpool will once again host a concert as part of the event, and there will be loads of merchandise and happenings available.

Oh … in case yer wonderin’, July 10 was chosen as the date because it’s the anniversary of the Beatles triumphant return to Liverpool from the States and the premiere of the film ‘Hard Day’s Night’ in 1964. On that day, the streets were lined with thousands of adoring fans, and organizers hope to they can recreate the same sort of Beatlemania atmosphere this year.

The Summer Pops promoter, Chas Cole, said, “It’s 24 hours when people can show their love for the Beatles and celebrate the legacy of their music. The concert at the Echo Arena will be a great way to finish, but Beatles Day is really a chance for the ordinary people of Liverpool and other towns and cities all over the world to take part in Beatles-related fundraising activities and events. The most important thing is to have fun whilst raising money.

Liverpool will be the center of events on 10th July. It would be a great time to visit and let the people show you what makes this city truly great; its heritage, humor, boundless enthusiasm under pressure and above all, its ability to not take itself too seriously. BEATLES DAY here we come!

Since 1914, the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has led the way in the care of sick children and now treats more than 200,000 young patients every year.

To find out more about this event, here’s the article from the Liverpool Echo.

WOW! Talk about yer marketing ploys:

The popular rock band Chickenfoot has hired Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI), a custom special effect inks and coatings manufacturer, to create a … er, very special cover for CF’s debut album.

Now, get this: Buyers will see the record’s artwork change by the heat that radiates from their hands!

This is supposed reveal hidden images on the front cover and hidden song titles on the back. I dunno if that’ll make the album a bit pricier — or if the hand-heat will make the music sound better — but we’ll find out soon …
(Oh, yeah — is it just me, or does that drummer look a little like a young George Bush? Just wonderin’ … back to the program …)

QUEEN - (yep … MINUS) PAUL RODGERS

Well, it looks like singer Paul Rodgers is no longer with the superband Queen. At least that’s what Brian May said on his official website.

Though May himself hasn’t said anything personally on whether this is true or not,  it doesn’t matter; Rodgers has pretty much answered the question, anyway.

“We [Q+PR] did a world tour, we did a second tour of Europe and the Far East and Eastern Europe and a studio album [The Cosmos Rocks] and I think we’re kind of leaving it there gently.” he said.
“It’s out there for us to do things in the future if there’s something, [for instance] a huge charity say like Nelson Mandela, but I think we are pretty much done.”

Now, Paul’s not making a formal announcement about his plans, but his publicist is playing it down, saying that they’re  “just not touring right now.”
Besides, Rodgers has a 10-date tour of the US with Bad Company – featuring original guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke – coming up in June and July.

By the way, QP+R’s latest release is a CD/DVD, titled Queen + Paul Rodgers Live In Ukraine, which hits the racks on June 15.

Gotta start this round with Brian, Angus and the gang at Friday’s AC/DC gig in Germany.

Now, these guys aren’t exactly known for soft, easy-going music — but I do believe they overdid it with the loudness this time.
Especially when the neighbors complained about the hard-rockin’ noise …

from twelve miles away!!

Sie hörten mich nach rechts, yardbirds! Their Munich concert drew complaints from the fine folks of Unterhaching, about 20 kilometers (okay … twelve miles, give or take a foot) from the scene of the crime … er, show.
(Reckon, when they heard about it, they shoulda borrowed Quiet Riot’s Cum On, Feel The Noize to close the set?)

THE PAT & DEBBIE SHOW

One of the sultriest rockers on the planet, Pat Benatar, will join Blondie (Debbie Harry) on a tour across America this summer that they’ll both headline. Joining them on their run will be up-and-coming “girlgroup” The Donnas.

Debbie Harry said: “Pat Benatar is not only a friend, but a fearless female rocker who has entertained me and her wealth of fans for so many years. This will be a reunion for us both and being able to bring our two shows to fans across the country is very exciting.”
It’ll be sort of a 30th anniversary celebration for Benatar, btw: she got her career start in 1979 with a debut album called In The Heat Of The Night.
Their tour begins in Saratoga, California on July 21. For a list of dates, just click here.

(Oh … didja know that Blondie’s big hit Heart of Glass actually came from a change in lyrics? Yeah … remember the line, Soon found out, he had a heart of glass? Welllll, it was written as Soon found out, he was a pain in the ass. Natch, they hadta change it to get airplay … and the rest is history …)

The Guns ‘n Roses offshoot, Velvet Revolver, is looking for a new front man — and they just may find him in the form of an American Idol contestant!

Their versatile guitarist Slash appeared on the show recentlly to coach contestants for “rock week” – and, apparently, one singer stood out above the rest.

According to columnist Joe Bosso at the scene:
“All performed admirably but nobody seemed to truly hit it out of the ballpark until Adam Lambert came on and lit into an I’m-going-for-it version of the Led Zeppelin classic Whole Lotta Love.“
“Wonder if Slash asked Lambert to come on down for a Velvet Revolver audition? If he didn’t, perhaps Jimmy Page might want to give him a ring. Stranger things have happened.”

It’s interesting to note that, of all the applicants for the VR position, Shooter Jennings — son of late country legend Waylon Jennings and a recording artist in his own right — was seriously considered for the job.
But, since it appears American Idol is the testing ground for a few of today’s stars, it’s very possible that the next Revolver frontman will come from their ranks.
Anything to get away from Simon Cowell, eh??

See ya on the flip side …

Looks like things are starting to look up again for Eddie Vedder and the band!

For one thing, the Seattle legends are gonna be hittin’ England for two big summer shows. The first will be on August 17th at the Manchester M.E.N Arena
and the second one the very next day, August 18th, at the already-famous London 02 Arena.

Then, in October, Pearl Jam heads down to Austin, Texas for the big Austin City Limits Fall Festival that’s coming up on the 2nd-4th in the city’s Zilker Park. More about this tremendous gig in an upcoming post.
Meanwhile, tix to the UK shows will go on sale to the general public on May 8th.

There’s also word of possibly more UK dates in the early Fall, following the release of their new studio album.

It’s obvious that this band (who allegedly took its name from the excrement left by formation of an actual pearl) is still a serious player on the rock scene … but, with Vedder heading it, what else could you expect??

No, it wasn’t a misprint.

Y’see, former rock/blues/jazz superstar Van Morrison is being called that by a number of singer/songwriters on both sides of the pond.
Although he’s been in the business for almost fifty years now (he was first noticed here in the states as front man for the Irish band, Them, and their hit song Gloria), Van Morrison has done everything from refuse contact with his fans to dissing the entire world of rock, both yesterday’s and today’s.

On Sunday night, he appeared on Austin City Limits and, quite frankly, I was disappointed in his music! Seems his gutsy, blues-tinged voice has been replaced by a lot of slurred lyrics and occasional grunts.

At the end of the show — while the credits are rolling — ACL normally has their musical guests doing some interview time — it’s there to show the human, offstage side of the performers.

Not with Morrison, though. As I understand it, he refused to be part of it. Somehow, one gets the feeling that he’s above all that (at least, in his own mind).

What’s your take on the man? Have I missed something here? I mean, he does have some fabulous songs in his library, and there’s no question that he can still belt them out, but … why shut out the fans that made him?
That, in any entertainment field, is dangerous!

AC/DC NOT APPEARING BECAUSE …

they never said they would! Actually, the legendary hard-rockers have accused Romanian promoters of “falsely advertising” them as headlining the Bucharest Rock Arena festival, which runs on 30-31 May. Now, this must’ve been a pretty convincing scam, because you could buy tickets online as well as at different retail outlets in the country’s capital.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time it’s happened to a band. Y’see, the fact is that, somewhere along the gig route, someone “representing xxx band” is gonna contact a promoter and strike a deal for that “band” to appear.
Then, once a partial is paid to this “rep”, he/she takes off for the vast unknown, leaving the promoter with “egg on his/her face” when the real band doesn’t show.
By showtime, the fake “reps” will be long gone … and it takes a ton of paperwork as well as some crafty detective work to find them. Sadly, all too often, the courts give ‘em a “slap-on-the-wrist” when they’re found.

IS THE BEEBS REALLY PRO BONO?

Seems that the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is under fire again, thanks to their allegiance to the Irish rock band, U2.

Not only have they given over a million pounds’ worth of free publicity to the band (whose latest album, No Line On The Horizon, entered the charts at #1) and apparently beginning to edit on-air remarks that question the band’s sincerity.
Apparently, Bono and the boys have moved their company to The Netherlands, thus giving them a big tax break … even while they’re pushing the Irish government to increase its aid budget!

Now, the BBC did pretty much the same thing, publicity-wise, for The Beatles, and there wasn’t much flak at the time. As far as editing goes: The Beebs seems to have forgotten a cardinal rule that governs today’s shows: If it’s not obscene and doesn’t promote hatred or racial prejudice, run with it; it could be a ratings boost!

QUICK UPDATE: Check out my new website at Doc Rock Online for news, views and more!

Okay … that’s it for this go’round. Until tomorrow, 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!

After the death of founding member and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, the legendary Dave Matthews Band put on an understandably emotional show the night of his death … and continued plans for a new album.

Well, the CD’s complete, and Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King, and is due in stores on June 2.
They’ve made the lead single from the album, Funny The Way It Is available for free download here, and also released a pretty emotional video trailer talking about the record, and what it’s like moving on after a death in their rock “family”.

If this is the last album that I make, it’s the only album I hope people listen to, Dave says.

Moore died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, in Los Angeles from complications an ATV accident that occurred two months earlier on his farm in Virginia. He’d returned to his L.A. home to begin an intensive physical rehab program.
You can read more about it behind this link.

People, I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice, and I’ll say it until the book closes:
Some of the GREATEST stories of resilience and triumph are found in the lives of our ROCK STARS, whether privately or as acts, individually or collectively!

“Such as …??” Well, off the top of this bald head are: “Moulty” Moulton (of the legendary Barbarians), Ringo Starr (he was with some group lol), James Hetfield (and Metallica as a whole), Peter Dintino, Rick Allen (of Def Leppard fame), Eric Clapton, Jennifer Hudson … and the list just keeps on growing!

Got more examples?  Please … send ‘em on in via the “comments” page!  I wanna do a series exploring these amazing heroes!  If you’ll submit your star (whether local or world-renowned), I’ll give ya credit as co-writer of his/her article!

Well, that’s all for now … so, until later this evening, see ya on the flip side! 

This is just a friendly reminder to tune in to the ArtistFirst Radio Network today at 12 Noon EST (New York Time) for a full hour of music and live interviews with THE FORE!

Following this brief announcement, you’ll find out HOW to tune in (it’s right here, on the web!).
Get ready for some serious rockin’ enjoyment!

ATTENTION: ROCK MUSIC LOVERS EVERYWHERE:

The fab UK band THE FORE will be debuting their new CD “Run and Hide” on the ArtistFirst World Radio Network, T O  D A Y!! April 11th at 12 Noon New York Time (EST).
To tune-in on your PC: - Click this link to listen: http://wms.artistfirst.fastserv.com/artistfirst or visit www.artistfirst.com

E-mail us during the show for free CD and T-shirt giveaways!

BAD IS GOOD FOR DOOBIES …

I’ve already toldja about surviving Bad Company members Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs reuniting for a ten-show tour (with The Doobie Brothers) this summer (June 17-July 4.) But what’s really cool is that they’re double-heading with The Doobie Brothers! The band’s re-formed for the tour and they’ll be joinin’ forces with BC on the road from June 17 to July 4. If they’re in your neck-of-the-woods, be sure to make the trip and Listen To The Music!

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL …

Having finished their month-long gig at the Beacon Theater in NYC, they’re hitting the road, The Allman Brothers will be teaming up at various times with the Doobies, The Dead (as in “Grateful” without the “Garcia”) and Widespread Panic. They’ll be tourin’ from May through October.

CSN UPDATE

Crosby Stills & Nash, as I noted earlier, will tour this summer (June 3-July 11.) Now, some of the dates are gonna be benefits for The Guacamole Fund, which helps “nonprofit organizations that work in the public interest, for the environment and conservation, social change, education, safe, clean energy, a non-nuclear future, and peace,” according to their website.

J. GEILS BAND TO TOUR AGAIN??

J. Geils Band played the opening of the House of Blues in their hometown of Boston last month. But now they’ve booked an April 24 show at the Fillmore in Detroit (the city that got ‘em launched nationally.)
They’re not sayin’ it’s the start of something big (like a big reunion tour or anything), but watch this space.  Knowin’ Peter and the guys, anything can happen!

Now, add all that to a Simon & Garfunkel reunion tour of Asia and Australia … and a possible Black Sabbath reunion (with surviving original members!), and it looks like we’re gonna have a rockin’ summer comin’ up!

WHEN THERE’S A NEED …

We have to face facts:  There are millions of people out there who have incontinence problems.  Now, these can be caused by many different factors (like prostates, injured bladders, hysterectomies, etc), and can be short or long term.
If you or a loved one suffers from this problem, no matter what the cause, you know you still need the dependable, sanitary protection against the inevitable leaking or staining that can occur.  Often, you might feel a bit embarrassed by shopping for them publicly, in stores that don’t have the knowledge or understanding to help you.
Well, there is a wonderful place where you can find these items, shop privately for them (ie, from the comfort of your own home), know that they’re the best and most reliable on the market, and even save money in the process!
All you have to do to find the best in incontinence products is click that link you just passed. You’ll be able to choose the brand you trust, at a better price, with free shipping, an AutoShip service for faster delivery, and much more!
Believe me, they’re there to help …

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