Music Bender

The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares are asking teen fans to take part in a new charity auction that can benefit their high school music programs.

You can bid on items like: original artwork and photos from Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, signed postcards from Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, and actual guitars signed by Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

The GRAMMY Foundation makes it possible to show others how our culture is impacted by music, and does it through music education programs, scholarships and grants. MusiCares, on the other hand, provides a safety net of critical financial assistance and services for music people in times of need.

You’ll also have the opportunity to pick up hoodies signed by the Jonas Brothers, a T shirt signed by Iggy Pop, and items from Coldplay, Maroon 5, Joe Satriani, the Dave Matthews Band, Slash, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Neil Diamond, 3 Doors Down, John Legend, Jason Mraz, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Green Day and many more.

The auction runs until July 31 and can be accessed here.

Y’know, it’s great to read something positive about rock music — especially when the “harder” bands are gettin’ such a “bum’s rush” in the mainstream media. For example:

A young rock fan in England had his dream come true when he met the legendary rockers, AC/DC, thanks to the UK Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Six-year-old Hendrix of Walsall, West Midlands, has Acute Monocytic Leukemia and has been a BIG fan of the famous rockers since the age of three, when he had to have a major bone marrow transplant. Believe it or not, AC/DC’s music was the only thing that would calm him and help him sleep!

As well as watching the band’s show in Wembley (from a VIP box, no less), the youngster was escorted backstage where band members Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Phill Rudd and Cliff Williams gave him a goodie bag and his very own miniature guitar, signed by all the band members!

“Tonight has been fantastic for Hendrix and just to see him so happy means everything,” his father said. “He has met his heroes and this will be something he will never forget. Thank you so much for making his wish come true.”

You’ll find many in our field who are busy with charitable or benevolent causes today — namely, because, as a genre, we know the benefits will only help the human condition — one that we, not so long ago (think Sixties here) had such a hard time with.

So kudos to Brian, Mal and the band for their kind work. Having lost a young friend years ago to the disease, I can guarantee that what they did for this lad helped him more than a hundred doctor visits!

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE …

Obviously, the last word is “Home”.  Wherever we go in this world — whether on business trips, college, military service or simple vacations — we always look forward to getting back to the comfort and safety of home.
But what happens if your home is hit by some kind of disaster?  Is it insured in the event of a loss?  So many homeowners put insurance on a “back-burner” because they think it’s too expensive. 
Of course, it’ll cost you a lot more should anything happen to your residence.  But, to help you find the best home insurance quote, all you have to do is click the link you just passed. These folks will help you find multiple quotes — and do it fast, so you can save time and money. They’ll even give you tips on how much coverage you’ll need.
Protect the investment that’s called “home”, and click there now, okay??
It’s the smart thing to do!

Y’know, whenever rock music’s discussed — whether here or elsewhere — there’s something missing from the conversation; something interesting.

Have you noticed that, among all genres of music, ours has the fittest, trimmest stars?  Yeah, country music’s in the mix, too, but, by and large, rock performers have better builds and, overall (if they stay away from the booze and bongs), better health.

Now, there’s a reason for this. 

You see, the rigors of rehearsals, tours (often from setting up equipment to the actual performances themselves) and the adrenalin that’s pumping throughout all that can be excruciating to any singer or instrumentalist who’s out-of-shape.
They also have to concern themselves with the public image.  Let’s face it:  in today’s world, “fat” just doesn’t sell (unless you’re a comic actor).

So, beyond the music, the glitz and glamor that comes with the territory, we’ve gotta take a moment and appreciate their fitness — and maybe even take a few lessons from them!

DIETING MADE EASIER

Of course, we all want trimmer, healthier bodies … and, when that calls for dietary supplements, we want to make sure they work to their full potential!
But there are so many of them out there, how can we be sure we’re getting the best?

Obviously, we can “pick and choose” through whatever pills and potions the local department store or pharmacy has, but, to find an actual diet pill that works, all you need to do is click that link you just passed.
These folks compare the best diet pills on the market and rate them by criteria that mean something to the consumer: Power, ingredient quality, reputation, results, value … even possible side effects! (Now, how many will go so far as to check that out for you?)
If you want to know which pills scored the highest (ie, the best), then just click the link you saw up there …
and, with their findings, you can discover the best diet supplement to help bring out the new you!

Y’know,  a rock musician’s life isn’t filled with only the best in life.  Drug and alcohol abuse has taken quite a few of them from us, often at an early age.

Michael Dick was born in Spokane, Washington (I don’t believe he was any relation to Paul Revere [rn: Revere Dick] who was from the same area).  His father was an artist and his mom, a musician.

In 1963 he met Chris Hillman, Gene Clark, David Crosby and Roger McGuinn, and changed his name to Michael Clarke when they formed The Byrds. The rest, as you know, is history.

Other than the band that put his face and name on the map of rock music, Mike was also part of the Flying Burrito Brothers and founding member of Firefall (who hit the chart twice with You Are The Woman and Just Remember I Love You). 
An accomplished artist as well, Michael died from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 47 as the result of an addiction to alcohol, which started at the age of 14.

It was his dying wish to go on national television so that all the children across the nation could see what happens to you when you start abusing alcohol in your teens.
He said, “I want to tell them to say no to alcohol, it’s the most deadly drug of all! I want to tell them to get high on life through music and art.”

Although he looked forward to making this PSA, he never got the chance (the photo on your right was taken just an hour before he died). 
But he did leave an amazingly-heartwrenching letter … one that all teens … in fact, everyone, rockers included … that I wantcha to read.
Now, it’s a bit long to put in here, so do yourself a tremendous favor and download it here … or, to see it online, go here (the hard-copy is easier to share offline, though).
Maybe it’ll wake somebody up …

Hey … better late than never, right??

For you tennis fans who dig the Wimbledon scene, you’ve still got one more day to visit Starcards.org and bid on the only WTA Tour No.1 Jersey signed by nine former “World Number Ones! Those who signed the jersey include Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Martina Navratilova, Justine Henin, Tracy Austin and Maria Sharapova.

You can also bid on Serena Williams’ signed designer Nike shoes, and thirty other items. This auction runs until tomorrow … so go for it!

MRS. SLOCOMBE/MOLLIE SUGDEN

Man, I had no idea how popular this wonderful lady — who died last week at the age of 86 — really was until I received a number of emails on my Facebook entry about her!
Now, in the last post (and as a tribute to her), I gave ya Part I of The Erotic Dreams of Mrs. Slocombe.
Doesn’t seem right to have it stop there, does it? So … here’s Pt. II:

Part 3 follows later this evenin’ (should be on yer monitor doorstep while you’re fixin’ yer morning coffee!) … so, I’ll see ya then!

If you haven’t heard this duo, you’re really missing …
wait a minnit …
isn’t … isn’t one of them …???

Yep!  It’s actor/writer/guitarist/singer Kevin Bacon (uh-huh … he of famed loose feet in Footloose) and his harmonic brother, Michael. 

They’re a great folk-rock act (accompanied by Paul Guzzone, Charlie Giordano, Frank Vilardi and Ira Siegel in their backing band) that’s definitely catching on — not necessarily because Kevin’s a “star”, but because their act (a mix of humor and some of the best harmonies this side of Simon and Garfunkel) is that good!!

And, on Saturday, they
joined about 100 other people in hiking to the top of Colorado’s Pikes Peak to raise money for the Love Hope Strength Foundation cancer charity.

After paying a fifty-buck entrance fee, eacn one raised $1,000 or more in donations so they could take part in the climb. When they reached the top, they were treated to a special concert by Kevin and Michael.

Foundation Director Shannon Foley said, “This is not a race, this is to enjoy. (It’s) for all people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Take it slow. Enjoy the hike.”

Now, the Brothers had to get a puff of oxygen before beginning their set at the top of the 14,110-foot peak, but, at that height, it’s expected.

“It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically,” said Kevin remarked. “The hike is inspirational, a combination of playing music and altitude.”

True … but there’s one thing that Kevin left out that both brothers exhibit … it helped them in the climb but is a definite in their shows: ATTITUDE! No matter how ya feel when you take in their shows, you always leave feelin’ great! It’s because their attitude’s contagious!

Listen … until their site’s revamped and ready-to-ride, how about checkin’ out the guys at their <\/script>"); } //OBEND:do_NOT_remove_this_comment //-->

If there’s any video that Michael Jackson left us that we actually NEED to watch, I believe it’s to his Earth Song (from his HISTORY CD).
Man, see if this doesn’t hit ya right in the heart:

‘Nuff said, right?

Justin Timberlake is gonna climb Mount Kilimanjaro … and it’s all for charity.

He and rapper Lupe Fiasco – were asked by Ethiopian-born pop star Kenna to help out with the mission, which is aiming to raise awareness of the world water crisis.

Now, the climb has been done before by other rockers,(and, again, for charity) like Take That’s Gary Barlow and Boyzone’s Ronan Keating. Their climb last year raised over £3,326,142 for Comic Relief.

There’s a special significance to this climb for Kenna, whose hits include Out Of Control.

“My dad almost died as a child from waterborne diseases in Ethiopia, and he had talked to me about digging a well there, and I thought, ‘I have too many friends who would be concerned with the subject of clean water,” he said. “‘Maybe I can help out.’”

It’s actually something that Fiasco’s looking forward to.
“I’m an adventure junkie. Part of the motivation is beating Kenna to the top. Sabotaging his tent, taking the lining out of his coat, lacing it with ants or something like that. (The water crisis in Africa) is a universal problem; it’s all mounting to the point where eventually there’s no clean water left. If I did a song, it would be jam-packed with so much information, it would almost be like we fit the substance of an entire interview in three and a half minutes.”

All three are expected to take the climb later this year. My only suggestion? For the rapper Lupe Fiasco to leave his last name at home for this one (you … do know what the word “fiasco” means, right?).

Hope they make it, though … and that it’ll awaken a lot of people to the burgeoning water problem, whether throughout Africa or elsewhere.

Look … I know we’re not startin’ off with rock this time, but the following is so good I just had to include it:

92-year-old screen legend Kirk Douglas has been behind a long-running campaign for Congress to apologize to African-Americans for our history of slavery.
Earlier, he wrote on his MySpace® page (yes, he does have one of those!): “As I told you quite some time ago, in my last book Let’s Face It, I wrote about the importance of our country showing the world that we are capable of humility by making an apology for our behavior towards African-Americans before and after the Civil War. I think this action is more important right now.”

Well, it finally happened! The apology received from the Senate reads that it: “acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow laws,” and “apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws. [The US] expresses its recommitment to the principle that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and calls on all people of the United States to work toward eliminating racial prejudices, injustices, and discrimination from our society.”

Now, brothers and sisters, that, by itself, makes a helluva post, don’tcha think?? But wait … here’s another item:

JOEY’S BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer (who turned 59 on Sunday), hosted a different kind of birthday party – he invited 20 wounded warriors to be his personal guests at the band’s show that night at Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA, near Washington, DC.

“I can’t think of a better gift to receive on my birthday than to have the privilege of sharing a night of our music with these brave and heroic warriors who have been wounded in the service of our country,” he said.

The Marines and sailors attended the show – which also featured ZZ Top – all served in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and are patients at the National Naval Medical Center. Some are single leg amputees; others have suffered blast injuries, burns, and traumatic brain injuries.

Kramer has also just written a book about his experiences with the band and his struggle with depression. Hit Hard – due in stores on June 30 – is “the story of an average kid from an average American suburb who went through physical and emotional trauma. It’s about years of depression and the nervous breakdown at the height of the band’s comeback success. Ultimately, Hit Hard is about how Joey recognized his confusion between love and abuse, awakening to the kind of self-acceptance and compassion that makes relationships possible in the real world.”

To find out more about the book, visit his official website.

One of my favorite tunes by any duo has to be I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Scottish tandem called The Proclaimers.

And today, they’re showing their support (you’ll see it’s a double-entendre in a moment) for a major charity event this weekend by appearing on … a bra (seee?).

The duo of Chris and Charlie Reid have had their caricatures drawn onto both cups of the bra, thanks to cartoonist Malky McCormick. It’ll then be auctioned at the Edinburgh Moonwalk tonight.

For those who don’t know, the Edinburgh Moonwalk is part of a series of walks being held around Britain to raise money for breast cancer research. It’s organized by a charity called Walk The Walk and features women and men walking while wearing bras! So far, it’s raised over £48 million for vital breast cancer causes.
Since its beginning thirteen years ago — and with a patron in the form of Prince Charles — the charity has donated its proceeds to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and other organizations.

“We could never say no to helping a charity like this,” said Chris. “Every family has been touched by cancer, so we were only happy to do something. Even though Malky has drawn us as caricatures we are flattered by out portrayal – we have seen the drawings he has done of other people!”

Tonight’s Edinburgh Moonwalk will see 10,000 people pound the streets of the Scottish capital in their decorated bras to raise money for the cause.

“It’s a shame we can’t do the walk,” said Charlie Reid. “I am very interested in doing it in the future – possibly next year.”

With breast-cancer awareness being one of the hottest (and most important) topics on both sides of the Atlantic, the fundraiser should be very successful. Thanks to organizations like this — and with the help of musical celebs like The Proclaimers, it’s possible that, sometime in the near future, we might find a cure for this disease.

To find out more about the Moonwalks, visit the official Walk The Walk website.

COINING AN INVESTMENT

With today’s economy being what it is, most of us would love to find some way to ensure that our families (as well as ourselves!) can survive financially!
The best way to provide that security is to invest in rare coins. You see, these only increase in value as time progresses — so, by investing in them, you’re bound to see a great return on them over time!
Now, investing isn’t hard at all — if you let reputable, dependable and experienced professionals help you with it.
That’s where Monaco Rare Coin comes in. They’re not only the leader in rare coin investments, but they help you in every step of the investment procedure. Their courteous, trained staff will also help you find the top value of your rare coins!
So, whether you want to invest in or collect rare coins, it makes sense to go to the pros who’ve had nearly 40 years’ successful investing and trading in precious metals and rare coins!
For the best rare coin dealer you will ever want, just click the link you just passed!
You’ll be glad you did, believe me!

Just read that Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt has designed his own shoe (this on the heels [pun intended?] of the band’s already-established line of footwear), the 45 RPM Schubert, in association with the vegan footwear company Macbeth.

Though it was established only seven years ago, Macbeth shoes contain no animal products. In 2007, Macbeth won “Best Vegan Skate Shoe” from Peta2, and is quickly becoming the rage among those who decry the mistreatment of animals in any form (this writer included).

Now, Dirnt’s new shoe has a canvas and synthetic-patent upper with a rubber sole. As you might expect, the shoe is classic-punk black, sort of like what you’d expect to see The Clash wearing. The price starts at around seventy bucks US and there are different styles to choose from.

To view the 45 RPM Schubert, visit the Macbeth website.

Natch, there are other stars who’ve put out their own brand of shoes (especially tennis shoes) — but the one I was most impressed with were the special footwear designed by Jerry Garcia (the famed late front man of The Grateful Dead) and distributed by his wife and Trust.

The shoes, themselves, were limited-edition, very hippie-style colorful — and the sales proceeds went to help underprivileged kids in and around the San Francisco area.
Now, whether they’re offered to the public again or not is a matter of conjecture — but it was a great move by a man who, along with his band, was known for their selfless and compassionate charity work (as well as some seriously dynamite jams)!

John Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia Lennon, and their son, Julian, are about to launch a new exhibition of memorabilia in the name of a new charity.

White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon is being held in conjunction with Liverpool’s Beatles Story museum, and will include belongings and photos of Lennon’s family life. The White Feather Foundation is also the name of a charity that’s being set up by the Cynthia and Julian that’ll on environmental and humanitarian issues.

“The white feather is so prevalent in my life,” Julian says. “One thing for sure is that it’s always represented peace to me. And one of the things my father said to me was that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be okay, or that we were all going to be okay, it was by in some way, shape or form presenting me with a white feather.

“I hope this exhibition lets people see another aspect of his life and our time together as a family. This collection represents something of great importance to us as it is part of our history.”

The exhibition opens at the Mersey Ferries terminal building at Liverpool’s Albert Dock on June 17 and runs until December 31. More information can be found at the official website.

Back when I started this blogging thing, I was searchin’ for a special song for National Children’s Day (which I sorta helped revive back in the ’80s). The reason? The “B” side of Lies by The Knickerbockers is as true a story as could’ve been told back then. We were The Coming Generation … and, sure enough, we’ve fulfilled this prophetic song (e.g.: “One day we’ll give you a President” George W. Bush, 60 … as bad as he turned out, he wasof the same “Generation”!).

Right … couldn’t find the song anywhere — until the dynamic (and inspiring) US rockmeister Pete Dintino plugged me into where I could get it. Heard it a few times … then the mighty YouTube™, sadly decided to remove it. But, to kinda spark yer memory, you can find a snip of it (by a band called The Gremlins) here.

Now, the torch is being passed to a newer, younger and more innovative generation … and this song should be theirs (if you’ve got a copy of The Knickerbocker’s hit, Lies, just flip the 45 over to the B side and listen …)! It’ll be as true to them someday as it was to us.

We held the future in hands and voices that actually changed the world around us: Those united voices and hands brought the end of a terrible war, equality for women, civil rights, lowering the voting age and more! IMAGINE what the children of today can do for our collective future!

But they have to realize they hold the future in their hands! And this song, above all others, can do it.

See ya on the flip side!

Last night, actor Dean Cain hosted the 2009 Hero Awards on Saturday, which was held to honor everyday people who have gone out of their way to help others and their community. (Hey … who better than “Superman” himself, right??)

Set at Universal Studios in Hollywood, the Awards were filmed for television broadcast and will benefit the non-profit Feed the Children. Presenters included Tatyana Ali, Anthony Anderson, Tom Arnold, Nnamdi Asomugha, Corbin Bernsen, Sharon Case, Erik Estrada, Kelly Hu, Jason London, Willie McGinest, Judd Nelson, Chester Pitts and Efren Ramirez. Musical guests were disco legend (and heroine in her own right) Gloria Gaynor and Brian McKnight.

The honorees really touched a lot of hearts last night:

* NANCY DAVIS – Diagnosed with the illness 16 years ago, she founded The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis and has raised millions in her Race-to-Erase-MS.
* KATHY IRELAND – Well-known actress and author as well as CEO & Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, she continues to give back by dedicating countless hours of personal time and financial resources to philanthropic and non-profit projects.
* DR. TODD PRICE – Director and President of International Medical Outreach, he supervises medical and humanitarian aid projects around the world. In this past year alone, his foundation has sent over $70 million dollars worth of resources abroad!
* DOROTEA LIGUORI – Compassionate international jewelry designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist; she recently co-funded the ABC Baby Center for Feed The Children in Africa.
* JOLANDA & JIOVANNI JONES – This mother and 16-year-old son saved the life of a teenage driver by pulling her from the rubble of a fiery crash just seconds before the car exploded!
* ZACH SMOTHERS – This 12-year-old rescued his 3-year-old cousin from the bottom of a pool and, repeating what he saw on TV, administered CPR to save her life.
* USMC LANCE CORPORAL JEREMY LEPSCH – A Marine who saved the life of a motorcyclist whose leg had been severed in an accident.
* MADELYN EAVES – The … 3-year-old you read it right!) … who called 911 to save her pregnant mother! (btw, her mother taught her a song to remember how to call “911″. Read more about it here. (This is something all moms and dads should do, IMHO!)
* HERO - A German Shepherd who saved a stranger from a car wreck and is now being trained as a search and rescue dog.

Now, we all know of heroes who, in one form or another, have made an impact upon people or society through their selfless efforts. Wherever they are, take a minute to thank them for their work, whether through a card, a call or a compassionate hug. God knows, we need more of those around …

I posted this because … well, it was too good to pass up! More ROCK in the next installment. Until then …
See ya on the flip side …

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.