Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Flying on the Ground Is Wrong
Thanks CHAZZ! I too watched the evening unfold in a sometimes driving rain that seemed symbolic of the cleansing of the past 20 years of corporate generated, homogonized, machine marketed muzac. This was no lighweight lineup preceeding Buffalo Springfield. And as they took the stage for a moment all was right in the world. Ritchie.....pure magic and a magnet for Neil and Stephen to play off of into and around. Ritchie is the frontman exuding and reflecting the pure joy of the entire audience. I will go anywhere, at anytime to experience this again. I can only envision the sudden rebirth of some of our lost musical idols generating this much love and joy. Names like Garcia, Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Redding, et.al That is not going to happen so this is as good as I can possibly imagine in fact.
"When the dream came
I held my breath with my eyes closed
I went insane
Like a smoke ring day when the wind blows
Now I won't be back till later on
If I do come back at all
But you know me, and I miss you now
In a strange game
I saw myself as you knew me
When the change came
And you had a chance to see through me
Though the other side is just the same
You can tell my dream is real
Because I love you, can you see me now
Though we rush ahead to save our time
We are only what we feel
And I love you, can you feel it now
Buffalo Springfield..........AGAIN!!!! Now if we could get McGuinn to agree (Never happen) to The Byrds opening for BS. (What is his problem? Still pissed that Crosby tried to wrest control away from him??)
B. Shakey
"When the dream came
I held my breath with my eyes closed
I went insane
Like a smoke ring day when the wind blows
Now I won't be back till later on
If I do come back at all
But you know me, and I miss you now
In a strange game
I saw myself as you knew me
When the change came
And you had a chance to see through me
Though the other side is just the same
You can tell my dream is real
Because I love you, can you see me now
Though we rush ahead to save our time
We are only what we feel
And I love you, can you feel it now
Buffalo Springfield..........AGAIN!!!! Now if we could get McGuinn to agree (Never happen) to The Byrds opening for BS. (What is his problem? Still pissed that Crosby tried to wrest control away from him??)
B. Shakey
Monday, February 14, 2011
CHAZZ CHIMES IN ON SPRINGALO REUNION!!
I first saw Buffalo Springfield at the Beau Brummell's Club, in Phoenix December 15th 1967. I was 18 and lead singer of The Mourning Son. No stranger to seeing great talent, I had already seen dozens of acts who are now legends.
The Beau Brummels, The Bobby Fuller Four, The Lovin Spoonful, Freddy and The Dreamers! years before this night. And after them the Airplane, The Dead, James Cotton, Canned Heat, Hendrix and many many more.
Seeing the Buffalo Springfield up close in this 250 person club, was a huge deal.
Then they broke up.
I waited 43 years to see Buffalo Springfield "Again" (sorry could not resist it!)
I confirmed the 2 reunion shows were really going to happen, at the Shoreline on the 23rd and 24th October.
I sold my old Fender Stratocaster immediately, to finance the trip!
I told anyone who would listen, that this was important.
All I got in return were the blank stares of people long deadened from too much anthem rock and top 40 radio.
My wife who has heard it all a million times, and seen so many legends that she is actually starting to think we are still involved in rock and roll, agreed to go so we flew to San Fransisco.
We arrived at the Shoreline about 10 AM to see if we could upgrade our tickets (acquired off craigslist!).
Everybody around the front of the venue were all older rockers like me, who seemed to be from every corner of the planet.
One guy had driven 5 days to get there, others had flown from Florida, Canada, Detroit and Texas. One thing struk me right off. All that anybody was discussing was Buffalo Springfield.
You must remember the all star lineup for both nights was astounding. Pearl Jam, Neil, Elton John, Leon Russell, Billy Idol, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard (who was ill and not able to perform)
Lucinda Williams, Ralph Stanley, Jackson Browne, David Lindley, and many more! More like a 60's festival than a pair of concerts.
I was there for Buffalo Springfield and enjoyed the warm up bands, while I impatiently waited for them to play. After Pearl Jam left the stage on the 23rd, a huge number of people exited the venue!
As I bid them farewell, we moved over 20 rows closer to the stage for The Springfield's set!
From the start it was like magic. With but a few days rehearsal, the guys folded time and wiped out 4 dry decades of dead air with live Audio Magic!
You could see it in their faces too. They figured it out as it was unfolding live onstage.
It could not have been clearer to me if they had all stepped up to the microphones and said "Why the fuck did we wait so long to do this again?"
It was wall to wall grins, and the audience went from expectant to ecstatic to manic! Everybody felt this was history and we were some lucky people to have made it there for the shows.
Well everything ends, and too soon it was all done and we were back in Denver on a high that lasted weeks. Friends called and moaned about their fucking up, and "what were they thinking!"
The great Youtube videos pushed them near despair, and they feared they had missed their only chance.
Well the spirit of the event moved a lot of people. The talk of reunion and a tour simply would not die. Months of emails, and forum postings, coupled with endless speculation and the newfound excitement of the players themselves, pushed things along.
I just received the news from a band member that the tour is a GO for later this year!
I jumped on the net and found this.
As the Professor would say,..."Good News Everyone!"
http://www.spinner.com/2011/02/11/buffalo-springfield-reunion/
Forty-three years after their last tour, Buffalo Springfield, the legendary 1960s band that featured Neil Young and Stephen Stills as members, will embark on a North American tour later this year. David Crosby, a longtime friend and collaborator of the aforementioned, spilled the beans to Rolling Stone on Thursday.
"I think he is excited," Crosby said of Stills. Buffalo Springfield, best known for classic rock staples 'For What It's Worth' and 'Mr. Soul,' first reunited with original member Richie Furay last October to perform at Young's 24th annual Bridge School Benefit Concert.
As for Furay, Crosby suggested he was the catalyst behind the first reunion gig. "He really sparked that thing, and I think it was a very pleasant experience for Neil and Stephen both," Crosby said. "I know they're going to go out for at least some dates in the fall. Personally, I'd like to go watch. They're one of my favorite bands."
Furay's manager, David Spero, confirmed to the magazine that tour discussions were in place. Meanwhile, Crobsy cautioned fans not to hold their breath for new studio material. "I doubt it," he said, but admitted, "Anything's possible ... all three of those guys are still writing, so you can say anything."
Time to start generating capital. Gotta go to as many of these shows as I can!
See Ya There folks, just ask around for CHAZZ!
www.myspace.com/neonhalo
Thank you Charles for the great review and retrospective. Now all we need is some unearthed live tape from the original Springfield lineup to go with the live box set from the reunion show and we can all die happy. Thanks again and keep on rockin!! - Big Gene
The Beau Brummels, The Bobby Fuller Four, The Lovin Spoonful, Freddy and The Dreamers! years before this night. And after them the Airplane, The Dead, James Cotton, Canned Heat, Hendrix and many many more.
Seeing the Buffalo Springfield up close in this 250 person club, was a huge deal.
Then they broke up.
I waited 43 years to see Buffalo Springfield "Again" (sorry could not resist it!)
I confirmed the 2 reunion shows were really going to happen, at the Shoreline on the 23rd and 24th October.
I sold my old Fender Stratocaster immediately, to finance the trip!
I told anyone who would listen, that this was important.
All I got in return were the blank stares of people long deadened from too much anthem rock and top 40 radio.
My wife who has heard it all a million times, and seen so many legends that she is actually starting to think we are still involved in rock and roll, agreed to go so we flew to San Fransisco.
We arrived at the Shoreline about 10 AM to see if we could upgrade our tickets (acquired off craigslist!).
Everybody around the front of the venue were all older rockers like me, who seemed to be from every corner of the planet.
One guy had driven 5 days to get there, others had flown from Florida, Canada, Detroit and Texas. One thing struk me right off. All that anybody was discussing was Buffalo Springfield.
You must remember the all star lineup for both nights was astounding. Pearl Jam, Neil, Elton John, Leon Russell, Billy Idol, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard (who was ill and not able to perform)
Lucinda Williams, Ralph Stanley, Jackson Browne, David Lindley, and many more! More like a 60's festival than a pair of concerts.
I was there for Buffalo Springfield and enjoyed the warm up bands, while I impatiently waited for them to play. After Pearl Jam left the stage on the 23rd, a huge number of people exited the venue!
As I bid them farewell, we moved over 20 rows closer to the stage for The Springfield's set!
From the start it was like magic. With but a few days rehearsal, the guys folded time and wiped out 4 dry decades of dead air with live Audio Magic!
You could see it in their faces too. They figured it out as it was unfolding live onstage.
It could not have been clearer to me if they had all stepped up to the microphones and said "Why the fuck did we wait so long to do this again?"
It was wall to wall grins, and the audience went from expectant to ecstatic to manic! Everybody felt this was history and we were some lucky people to have made it there for the shows.
Well everything ends, and too soon it was all done and we were back in Denver on a high that lasted weeks. Friends called and moaned about their fucking up, and "what were they thinking!"
The great Youtube videos pushed them near despair, and they feared they had missed their only chance.
Well the spirit of the event moved a lot of people. The talk of reunion and a tour simply would not die. Months of emails, and forum postings, coupled with endless speculation and the newfound excitement of the players themselves, pushed things along.
I just received the news from a band member that the tour is a GO for later this year!
I jumped on the net and found this.
As the Professor would say,..."Good News Everyone!"
http://www.spinner.com/2011/02/11/buffalo-springfield-reunion/
Forty-three years after their last tour, Buffalo Springfield, the legendary 1960s band that featured Neil Young and Stephen Stills as members, will embark on a North American tour later this year. David Crosby, a longtime friend and collaborator of the aforementioned, spilled the beans to Rolling Stone on Thursday.
"I think he is excited," Crosby said of Stills. Buffalo Springfield, best known for classic rock staples 'For What It's Worth' and 'Mr. Soul,' first reunited with original member Richie Furay last October to perform at Young's 24th annual Bridge School Benefit Concert.
As for Furay, Crosby suggested he was the catalyst behind the first reunion gig. "He really sparked that thing, and I think it was a very pleasant experience for Neil and Stephen both," Crosby said. "I know they're going to go out for at least some dates in the fall. Personally, I'd like to go watch. They're one of my favorite bands."
Furay's manager, David Spero, confirmed to the magazine that tour discussions were in place. Meanwhile, Crobsy cautioned fans not to hold their breath for new studio material. "I doubt it," he said, but admitted, "Anything's possible ... all three of those guys are still writing, so you can say anything."
Time to start generating capital. Gotta go to as many of these shows as I can!
See Ya There folks, just ask around for CHAZZ!
www.myspace.com/neonhalo
Thank you Charles for the great review and retrospective. Now all we need is some unearthed live tape from the original Springfield lineup to go with the live box set from the reunion show and we can all die happy. Thanks again and keep on rockin!! - Big Gene
Saturday, November 20, 2010
!DOG SI NOTPALC
I was listening to Deep Tracks XM40 in the car the other day when Eric Clapton’s Layla came on. Not the pained impassioned plea of a heartbroken tortured lovesick man who really did sound like he was down upon his knees from the Derek And The Dominos album, but the sleepy droney bluesy version of later years. It was raining and between the anemic rhythm, the limp wristed pseudo blues easy listening type guitar solo and the constant “slap,slap,slap” of the windshield wipers I went into a trance….1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4………..I dozed off and awoke a few minutes later. I had driven off the road onto the sandy shoulder. I was getting ready to call the CHP when the next song came on, (it was Twofer Tuesday), Before You Accuse Me. I listened to the first verse and slipped back into the boredom induced coma………….1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4…….zzzzzzzzzzzz.
It was the same strange sensation I experienced reading his autobiography…..”I locked myself in my mansion shooting heroin everyday until Ginger Baker came over and suggested we form a band” …….…..”I locked myself in my mansion shooting heroin everyday until Steve Winwood came over and suggested we form a band”…….. …..”I locked myself in my mansion shooting heroin everyday until Pete Townshend came over and suggested we form an all star band, do a concert, record and release so everyone will understand why you shouldn't do drugs after paying $12.99 for a cd of a concert that barely held together”
It was the same strange sensation I experienced reading his autobiography…..”I locked myself in my mansion shooting heroin everyday until Ginger Baker came over and suggested we form a band” …….…..”I locked myself in my mansion shooting heroin everyday until Steve Winwood came over and suggested we form a band”…….. …..”I locked myself in my mansion shooting heroin everyday until Pete Townshend came over and suggested we form an all star band, do a concert, record and release so everyone will understand why you shouldn't do drugs after paying $12.99 for a cd of a concert that barely held together”
(Don't ask me why he looks like Trey Anastasio in this photo, ok?)
I was awakened by 4 buddhist monks who had already wedged 2x4’s under my tires. They instructed me to shove it into reverse. After the customary “domo origato” we all bowed and waved good bye then I was on my way.
That evening I was watching a Rush concert on VH-1 and marveled how, despite being older than dirt, relevant, vital and innovative that band still is. Alex Lifeson launched into the solo for Spirit Of the Radio, then Working Man after that and it just hit me. No Master Card commercials. No designer line of Hawaiian shirts. No half baked anemic remakes of earlier songs. He was just banging away with sincerity, authority and aplomb. My jaw just dropped…and it wasn’t because I was snoring.
“Alex Lifeson, Gene The Local Legend In His Own Mind Cover Band Bass Player Typing On his Laptop From a Non Descript Tract Home From A Non Descript Suburb Of Los Angeles Salutes You!!”
Saturday, October 2, 2010
DEWEY COX GREATEST ROCK MOVIE EVER!!!
The votes have been tallied but it really doesnt matter because Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is the greatest rock movie ever!!!
It takes a smart team to make a good spoof. This is evident in the many not-good spoofs that have polluted cineplexes in recent months, simple-minded exercises like "The Comebacks" and "Date Movie" that think referencing something is the same thing as spoofing it.
"Walk Hard" gets it. Written by Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow and directed by Kasdan, it's a parody of musical biopics, particularly "Walk the Line" and "Ray," and it merrily deconstructs the conventions of the genre with subtlety and (where required) blatant outright mockery. When the legendary rock singer Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) stands contemplatively in the shadows backstage before a performance and a crew member urges him to get ready, a band member explains: "Dewey Cox needs to think about his entire life before he plays."
The rest of the film is a flashback, of course, starting with Dewey's childhood in Arkansas in the 1940s. His brother Nate is a talented pianist and the favored son; as you know from seeing other biopics, Dewey is bound to be responsible, at least indirectly, for Nate's death. In this case, it's horseplay in the barn that leads to Dewey accidentally cutting Nate in half with a machete.
At age 14, Dewey -- already being played by the very obviously 40-something John C. Reilly -- performs rock 'n' roll at a school talent show, resulting in mayhem. A few years later he's married to, and has an impossible number of children with, Edith (Kristen Wiig), who doesn't support his dreams of being a musician. "I do believe in you!" she insists. "I just know you're gonna fail." He sweeps floors at a black nightclub where everyone dances erotically, and gets his big break when the regular singer/guitarist is injured.
His trajectory mostly follows Johnny Cash's, notably in his falling in love with a backup singer named Darlene (Jenna Fischer) and eventually leaving his wife for her. He becomes a drug user, too, after being introduced to it by his drummer, Sam (Tim Meadows), who warns him against using marijuana ... not very convincingly, since he also mentions that it has no side effects, isn't addictive, and is the cheapest drug there is.
There are a lot of laughs in seeing Dewey go through the phases of a rock star whose career spans several decades.
In the '60s alone he has a Dylan-esque incomprehensible period and an LSD-fueled romp with the Beatles, who are played by Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Jason Schwartzman, and Justin Long in a scene that will either slay you with its ad-libbed silliness or leave you absolutely cold. Me, I cracked up, particularly at the constant declarations of "We're the Beatles," a jab at the tendency in fact-based movies to include self-conscious cameos by actors playing real people. Either way, there's no denying Rudd's John Lennon impersonation is simultaneously accurate and absurd.
That sums up the movie's general attitude, actually: accurate and absurd. The record execs who guide Dewey's career are Jewish, which is to be expected; to bring the point home, they're dressed in ringlets, beards, and yarmulkes and have names like L'Chaim and Mazeltov.
It takes a smart team to make a good spoof. This is evident in the many not-good spoofs that have polluted cineplexes in recent months, simple-minded exercises like "The Comebacks" and "Date Movie" that think referencing something is the same thing as spoofing it.
"Walk Hard" gets it. Written by Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow and directed by Kasdan, it's a parody of musical biopics, particularly "Walk the Line" and "Ray," and it merrily deconstructs the conventions of the genre with subtlety and (where required) blatant outright mockery. When the legendary rock singer Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) stands contemplatively in the shadows backstage before a performance and a crew member urges him to get ready, a band member explains: "Dewey Cox needs to think about his entire life before he plays."
The rest of the film is a flashback, of course, starting with Dewey's childhood in Arkansas in the 1940s. His brother Nate is a talented pianist and the favored son; as you know from seeing other biopics, Dewey is bound to be responsible, at least indirectly, for Nate's death. In this case, it's horseplay in the barn that leads to Dewey accidentally cutting Nate in half with a machete.
At age 14, Dewey -- already being played by the very obviously 40-something John C. Reilly -- performs rock 'n' roll at a school talent show, resulting in mayhem. A few years later he's married to, and has an impossible number of children with, Edith (Kristen Wiig), who doesn't support his dreams of being a musician. "I do believe in you!" she insists. "I just know you're gonna fail." He sweeps floors at a black nightclub where everyone dances erotically, and gets his big break when the regular singer/guitarist is injured.
His trajectory mostly follows Johnny Cash's, notably in his falling in love with a backup singer named Darlene (Jenna Fischer) and eventually leaving his wife for her. He becomes a drug user, too, after being introduced to it by his drummer, Sam (Tim Meadows), who warns him against using marijuana ... not very convincingly, since he also mentions that it has no side effects, isn't addictive, and is the cheapest drug there is.
There are a lot of laughs in seeing Dewey go through the phases of a rock star whose career spans several decades.
In the '60s alone he has a Dylan-esque incomprehensible period and an LSD-fueled romp with the Beatles, who are played by Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Jason Schwartzman, and Justin Long in a scene that will either slay you with its ad-libbed silliness or leave you absolutely cold. Me, I cracked up, particularly at the constant declarations of "We're the Beatles," a jab at the tendency in fact-based movies to include self-conscious cameos by actors playing real people. Either way, there's no denying Rudd's John Lennon impersonation is simultaneously accurate and absurd.
That sums up the movie's general attitude, actually: accurate and absurd. The record execs who guide Dewey's career are Jewish, which is to be expected; to bring the point home, they're dressed in ringlets, beards, and yarmulkes and have names like L'Chaim and Mazeltov.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
GREATEST CONCERT EVER??!!
Tommy Lee Meis, (aka R.X. Banner), writes:
Hey Big Gene:
I was wondering if you could ask your massive throng of subscribers to the Big Rock Blog what is the best live show they've ever attended and why? Mine has to be KISS with their original lineup at the Arrowhead Honda Duck Pond Center in 2002 during their farewell tour when Paul Stanley got stuck suspended on a cable high above the crowd and Gene Simmons tried to sing Love Gun for him but couldn't remember the words.
I've seen them twice since...once on their "Tour After the farewell Tour" tour, and...again on their "Farewell Tour II"...but those didn't quite match up. I'm curious to know what your readers have to say???
Thanks so much for your great contribution to society.
RX Banner
Massive throng indeed!! I would have to say my number one concert was The Pixies last swing through the southland last November. BUT I have lousy taste in music so I will disqualify myself from the lousy taste test. BUT, after the official Big Genes Big Rock Blog "Which Is The Greatest Rock Movie?"poll is over we will open the next poll up for the month of October "What Was The Greatest Concert You Ever Saw?". Stay tuned. Thanks for the input! - Big Gene
Hey Big Gene:
I was wondering if you could ask your massive throng of subscribers to the Big Rock Blog what is the best live show they've ever attended and why? Mine has to be KISS with their original lineup at the Arrowhead Honda Duck Pond Center in 2002 during their farewell tour when Paul Stanley got stuck suspended on a cable high above the crowd and Gene Simmons tried to sing Love Gun for him but couldn't remember the words.
I've seen them twice since...once on their "Tour After the farewell Tour" tour, and...again on their "Farewell Tour II"...but those didn't quite match up. I'm curious to know what your readers have to say???
Thanks so much for your great contribution to society.
RX Banner
Massive throng indeed!! I would have to say my number one concert was The Pixies last swing through the southland last November. BUT I have lousy taste in music so I will disqualify myself from the lousy taste test. BUT, after the official Big Genes Big Rock Blog "Which Is The Greatest Rock Movie?"poll is over we will open the next poll up for the month of October "What Was The Greatest Concert You Ever Saw?". Stay tuned. Thanks for the input! - Big Gene
DESPERATION SQUAD VIDEO PREMIERE TONIGHT!!!
Desperation Squad is going to be premiering their new music video "Ogasawara" TONIGHT at the Fox Theater in Pomona as part of the 909 Film Festival. It starts at 8:00 and is free.
303 S. Garey Ave. Pomona (Garey and 3rd)
303 S. Garey Ave. Pomona (Garey and 3rd)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
RX BANNER SCOOPS BOONIES DRUMMER SIGHTING!!
BOONIES SIGHTING! Drummer Sal Boonie was spotted this weekend behind the tubs in a local speak-easy at an undisclosed location within the Circle City. A rare cameo for Sal, apparently a good time was had by those in attendance, most unaware of the celeb's presence. He was sporting a bald skull-cap and using the moniker Mick Jojoba.
This curious fan wasn't fooled. When approached, Mick (Sal), wasn't fazed that his real persona had been compromised. When asked about rumors of Raul's death...he was quick to shrug it off simply saying “ “.
Other Boonies news...a statement made by Juan Lenin that The Boonies are bigger than Jesus caused quite the politically incorrect backlash from multiple religious groups. Zealots were quickly subdued, however, when Juan clarified that in fact The Boonies ARE bigger than Jesus. Jesus Esparza, who turns out to be the gardener for The Boonies manager Eppie Brianstone, measuring 4'4” tall. The master horticulturist hails from Guatemala, where NO ONE is actually bigger than any of the Boonies. He speaks the truth.
-RX Banner
Good Job RX! Now can you give me some advice on my sago palms?- Big Gene
This curious fan wasn't fooled. When approached, Mick (Sal), wasn't fazed that his real persona had been compromised. When asked about rumors of Raul's death...he was quick to shrug it off simply saying “ “.
Other Boonies news...a statement made by Juan Lenin that The Boonies are bigger than Jesus caused quite the politically incorrect backlash from multiple religious groups. Zealots were quickly subdued, however, when Juan clarified that in fact The Boonies ARE bigger than Jesus. Jesus Esparza, who turns out to be the gardener for The Boonies manager Eppie Brianstone, measuring 4'4” tall. The master horticulturist hails from Guatemala, where NO ONE is actually bigger than any of the Boonies. He speaks the truth.
-RX Banner
Good Job RX! Now can you give me some advice on my sago palms?- Big Gene
D SQUAD LAUDS OGASAWARA TOMORRA..............(well,Sunday actually)
Desperation Squad is going to be premiering their new music video "Ogasawara" next Sunday, Sept. 26 at the Fox Theater in Pomona as part of the 909 Film Festival. It starts at 8:00 and is free, but if you come before 6:00 you can catch "Blazing Saddles" on the big screen for 5 dollars. 303 S. Garey Ave. Pomona (Garey and 3rd)
THIS IS A MUST SEE!!!! - Big Gene Siskel
THIS IS A MUST SEE!!!! - Big Gene Siskel
BIG GENE EXCLUSIVE!! WHOOPSIE GOLDBERG JAMMIN' WITH ERIC CLAPTON AND ROBERT CRAY AT CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL
ONLY on Big Genes Big Rock Blog!!!
http://t.univision.com/uv/video/Whoopsie-Daisy/id/2286508846
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
BOONIES BACK IN THE (former) U.S.S.R!!!!!!!
The answer to the question everyone has been asking "WHERE THE SAM HILL ARE THE BOONIES?" has been revealed with the discovery of this photograph showing The Boonies frolicking at a dacha somewhere in Siberia.
More importantly the photo lays to rest the rumors of Raul's death. The internet has been rife with speculation that "Raul Is Dead", which it turns out, is a hoax. Raul did not return with the rest of The Boonies from India and their two week retreat with Swami Nuanamister Magoo. Raul was last seen sitting in the asram position chanting "Oh Watta Goo Siam".
Big Gene can relate.
Our sources also tell us that a cd will be released very shortly. Big Gene hopes 'Your Mother Should Go" makes it onto the new disc.
More importantly the photo lays to rest the rumors of Raul's death. The internet has been rife with speculation that "Raul Is Dead", which it turns out, is a hoax. Raul did not return with the rest of The Boonies from India and their two week retreat with Swami Nuanamister Magoo. Raul was last seen sitting in the asram position chanting "Oh Watta Goo Siam".
Big Gene can relate.
Our sources also tell us that a cd will be released very shortly. Big Gene hopes 'Your Mother Should Go" makes it onto the new disc.
OPEN! OPEN! OPEN!
Sorry Big Gene, The Methadone for old music junkies goes on sale Sunday when The Bridge School Benefit Neil Young puts on every year announced the appearance, the first in 40 years of the remaining members of......wait for it. The Buffalo Springfield (Again as Neil recently wrote in a cool tune) Stills, Young, Furay are all on board. Still working on Messina. Palmer and Martin are no longer with us. Just one more fix and then, and then, I'll listen to Mudcrutch as I go through withdrawls. I hear Robert Cray can curb the cravings some. I'm sure it'll be pure stuff man. There's something happening here............B Shakey
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Boonies Bravura Babble
The recent unearthing of the Boonies Archives has generated a lot of buzz among rock critiques.
4 Mike Loves writes:
The Picture itself is credible evidence in it's own right. They bought their wardrobe from J.C. Penney in 1968. Brian saw them wearing his trademark white gym socks with brown pants and shoes. A human cloning experiment gone terribly wrong.
4 Mike Loves writes:
The Picture itself is credible evidence in it's own right. They bought their wardrobe from J.C. Penney in 1968. Brian saw them wearing his trademark white gym socks with brown pants and shoes. A human cloning experiment gone terribly wrong.
ONE BAD APPLEJACK DONT SPOIL THE WHOLE BUNCH GIRL
Mrs. Manila Onvelope' of Bogota Columbia writes:
A little bird told me that one year during a taping of the Osmonds meet the Denvers Christmas special, some of the children dipped into the rider mandated still setup backstage. Drunk kids being drunk kids, and cover-ups still being fashionable, the resulting offspring was whisked away to family backwoods property in the Ozarks. Being from musical families, the four brothers kept the tradition. Finally, in 2010, they figured it was finally time to step into the limelight; hey if a guy with a degree from University of Delaware can be vice-president, inbred musicians aren't even a consideration.
Thank you Mrs Onvelope', for your input and thank you for reading The Big Rock Blog - Big Gene
And while we're on the subject:
"The Osmond Brothers, joined by siblings Donny, Marie and Jimmy, took the stage this week to tape a 50th anniversary reunion show to be aired on PBS next year. Unfortunately, with all seven Osmonds on stage, there is no one left to watch the show."
WHO ARE THE BOONIES?? CONTEST
Anyone with any credible information about this band will win their choice a mini bean and cheese burrito at Miguels Jr. or a cerified pre owned Jack In The Box antenna ball, (the one where Jack is wearing a baseball cap).......
Big Genes sources tell him that hearing the Sgt. Pepper record for the first time then seeing The Boonies live in the same week is what sent Brian Wilson into a funk, causing him to cancel the release of the the Beach Boys "Smile!" record resulting in a lawsuit with Capitol Records and his ensuing reclusion, (though that has not been confirmed).
Disclaimer:
Only one (1) prize will be awarded per person or family/household.
Winner may be required to sign a release, but by entering, readers agree to allow BGBRB to use their name and/or likeness for promotional purposes without further compensation. Your entry will be considered your advance permission to make light of you on BGBRB any related posts you make to us or we make to you, without further approval. Winner may also be required to sign a form of eligibility.
Winner will be required to execute a release of liability – winner will agree to hold BGBRB harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the contest.
BGBRB will not be held responsible for any technical difficulties. For example: phones that result in a potential winner being disconnected, Internet connection or e-mail problems.
If any potential winner fails to return all required documentation in a timely manner, then an alternate winner for that prize may be selected by random drawing or the prize may be forfeited.
Prizes are not transferable and once redeemed, no changes can be made. No cash redemption or substitution by winner permitted.
BGBRB may, due to the unavailability of prizes awarded, substitute another prize of equal or greater value for the prize originally won.
Winners are responsible for all federal, state and local taxes in conjunction with any prize won on BGBRB. If total prize value is $600 or more per person per calendar year, winner will complete form 1099 for BGBRB to submit to Obamacare. All federal, state and local laws apply. Any additional costs related to a prize that incurred as a result of accepting a prize are the sole responsibility of the winner and not of BGBRB.
With respect to any disputes regarding contests, the decision of BGBRB will be final. BGBRB has the right to change the rules or discontinue any contest at any time. BGBRB has the right to revoke prizes if winner is deemed ineligible, even if on-air announcement has been made.
Employees of BGBRB or other juvenile rock blogs, their clients or associated agencies, vendors, and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.
No purchase or donation is necessary. Only legal residents of Southern California are eligible to win, unless specific age is required by type of contest or by law (i.e. you must be 13 or older to enter online). Void where prohibited. Any false or fraudulent entries will be declined. Multiple entries will be discarded and may be deemed cause for disqualification.
BGBRB will not sell, lease or trade your personal information with non-affiliated third parties. All contest entries and materials become the property of BGBRB. These rules are subject to change without notice.
Big Genes sources tell him that hearing the Sgt. Pepper record for the first time then seeing The Boonies live in the same week is what sent Brian Wilson into a funk, causing him to cancel the release of the the Beach Boys "Smile!" record resulting in a lawsuit with Capitol Records and his ensuing reclusion, (though that has not been confirmed).
Disclaimer:
Only one (1) prize will be awarded per person or family/household.
Winner may be required to sign a release, but by entering, readers agree to allow BGBRB to use their name and/or likeness for promotional purposes without further compensation. Your entry will be considered your advance permission to make light of you on BGBRB any related posts you make to us or we make to you, without further approval. Winner may also be required to sign a form of eligibility.
Winner will be required to execute a release of liability – winner will agree to hold BGBRB harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the contest.
BGBRB will not be held responsible for any technical difficulties. For example: phones that result in a potential winner being disconnected, Internet connection or e-mail problems.
If any potential winner fails to return all required documentation in a timely manner, then an alternate winner for that prize may be selected by random drawing or the prize may be forfeited.
Prizes are not transferable and once redeemed, no changes can be made. No cash redemption or substitution by winner permitted.
BGBRB may, due to the unavailability of prizes awarded, substitute another prize of equal or greater value for the prize originally won.
Winners are responsible for all federal, state and local taxes in conjunction with any prize won on BGBRB. If total prize value is $600 or more per person per calendar year, winner will complete form 1099 for BGBRB to submit to Obamacare. All federal, state and local laws apply. Any additional costs related to a prize that incurred as a result of accepting a prize are the sole responsibility of the winner and not of BGBRB.
With respect to any disputes regarding contests, the decision of BGBRB will be final. BGBRB has the right to change the rules or discontinue any contest at any time. BGBRB has the right to revoke prizes if winner is deemed ineligible, even if on-air announcement has been made.
Employees of BGBRB or other juvenile rock blogs, their clients or associated agencies, vendors, and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.
No purchase or donation is necessary. Only legal residents of Southern California are eligible to win, unless specific age is required by type of contest or by law (i.e. you must be 13 or older to enter online). Void where prohibited. Any false or fraudulent entries will be declined. Multiple entries will be discarded and may be deemed cause for disqualification.
BGBRB will not sell, lease or trade your personal information with non-affiliated third parties. All contest entries and materials become the property of BGBRB. These rules are subject to change without notice.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
BRENTWOOD BUTLER BRINGS BIG BLOG NEWS ABOUT BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD REUNION BENEFITTING BRIDGE SCHOOL!!
Its official! The long awaited Buffalo Springfield reunion is set for October 23rd and 24th.
Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay and Jim Messina along with drummer Bruce Vitale sitting in for the late Dewey Marting and Joe Vitale on bass in place of the late Bruce Palmer. Big Gene was asked to play bass but has tickets for Sufjan Stevens Phoenix and L.A. shows that weekend and respectfully declined, (although if Shakey does come through with a ticket Big Gene would be more than happy to fly up on the 23rd wink wink)
Two weeks ago, Buffalo Springfield guitarist Richie Furay got a text message from Neil Young that simply said, “Call me.” “I called and he asked me if I’d be up for a reunion at the Bridge School Benefit,” Furay says. “He said, ‘If you’re into it, I think Stephen [Stills] will be into it.’ The three of us then arranged a conference call, chit-chatted for a few minutes, and planned it all out. The last time I was onstage with them was the last Buffalo Springfield show at the Long Beach Arena back in 1968. Our lives have gone in different directions and I wouldn’t say that we’re close friends, but we’re friends and its an opportunity for us to get together again for a good cause. I’m very excited.”
“We’re going to play for 35-40 minutes,” Furay says. “The setlist will probably be composed of the three albums, though probably more of the first album with a few of the second album and maybe ‘On The Way Home’ from the last one. I really have no idea, though. I’m just going to show up and have a good time.” He says it will be bittersweet, however, to be up there without Martin and Palmer. “Those guys made the sound,” Furay says. “For as many people as were in and out of the Springfield, it was the five of us that really created a sound that people really remember the most.”
In the 1980s the original five members attempted to reform on three separate occasions. “All three times were at Stephen’s house,” says Furay. “The first time was pretty amazing. The second time was a little lackluster, then the third time never really happened. The rest of us were shooting for a tour, but there just wasn’t a flow.” Furay, who continues to tour in his solo career and serves as the senior pastor at the Calvary Chapel in Broomfield Colorado, said he never imagined a reunion would happen at this late date. “I didn’t give it much of a chance at all,” he says. “Whether anything happens after this, I certainly don’t know. Generally speaking, it’s Neil that gets these things set up and happening. We’re not really saying ‘Hey New York and Chicago and Miami and Denver, we’re coming to your city.’ This is two shows for charity. Everybody who gets a chance to come out and hear it will be like ‘Wow, I heard a little bit of history here.’”*
Good Job Shakey! You're excused for not knowing who Ben Keith was now...............
Big Gene
*Thanks to Andy Greene at Rolling Stone.
Monday, September 13, 2010
AWAY AT COLLEGE AND HOMESICK
Dear Big Gene,
I've been attending school at SF State now for three weeks and I'm very homesick. My mom is a saint and my dad is basically a local legend on the Southern California rock scene. I'm experiencing severe separation anxiety. I've been keeping my nose to the grindstone because I want to make my parents proud and prove to the world what a stud I am by graduating with flying colors like I did in High School. Planning on going into teaching but the little voice in my head keeps telling me I was a born salesman. No matter. I'm going to make a difference in peoples lives like I did with my band "Silver War".
www.last.fm/music/Silver+War
At any rate, I'm hitting it hard and there are great peoples here in San Francisco. Here's a picture of my dorm room.
See you in Chinatown. Peace out,
J.B. aka Big Gene Jr
p.s. please send money
I've been attending school at SF State now for three weeks and I'm very homesick. My mom is a saint and my dad is basically a local legend on the Southern California rock scene. I'm experiencing severe separation anxiety. I've been keeping my nose to the grindstone because I want to make my parents proud and prove to the world what a stud I am by graduating with flying colors like I did in High School. Planning on going into teaching but the little voice in my head keeps telling me I was a born salesman. No matter. I'm going to make a difference in peoples lives like I did with my band "Silver War".
www.last.fm/music/Silver+War
At any rate, I'm hitting it hard and there are great peoples here in San Francisco. Here's a picture of my dorm room.
See you in Chinatown. Peace out,
J.B. aka Big Gene Jr
p.s. please send money
Sunday, September 12, 2010
THE SILVER STATE WEIGHS IN ON BIG GENES BIG ROCK BLOG!!!
Dear Big Gene,
Your blog has changed my life forever! Before I started reading your blog I thought a Meat Puppet was something elementary school cafeterias served up for lunch, that Elliott Smith was Neil Young's manager, that Sleater-Kinney was a law firm and that KISS was a rock band. But since reading your blog I've realized theres so much that I've been missing. Thanks Big Gene!!
There isn't much to do up here in Yucca Mountain, but all of us who live here are glowing with pride after discovering your blog. The whole town is getting ready for our first big concert of the year, (REO Speedwagon, Loverboy and Kansas), next week. I'll write a review and post on BGBRB. We're excited because the only celebrity's we've seen lately have been Ed Begley Jr, Al Gore, Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover. And none of them can sing!!!
Keep up the good work Big Gene. Lookin' forward to a Leslie West and Mountain profile,
Lewis Cazager
Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Your blog has changed my life forever! Before I started reading your blog I thought a Meat Puppet was something elementary school cafeterias served up for lunch, that Elliott Smith was Neil Young's manager, that Sleater-Kinney was a law firm and that KISS was a rock band. But since reading your blog I've realized theres so much that I've been missing. Thanks Big Gene!!
There isn't much to do up here in Yucca Mountain, but all of us who live here are glowing with pride after discovering your blog. The whole town is getting ready for our first big concert of the year, (REO Speedwagon, Loverboy and Kansas), next week. I'll write a review and post on BGBRB. We're excited because the only celebrity's we've seen lately have been Ed Begley Jr, Al Gore, Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover. And none of them can sing!!!
Keep up the good work Big Gene. Lookin' forward to a Leslie West and Mountain profile,
Lewis Cazager
Yucca Mountain, Nevada
GIRISH PATEL, (HUGE RUTLES FAN), FROM NEW DELHI WROTE......
ఐ లవ్ ది సాంగ్ ఇండియా రికార్డెడ్ బి బిగ్ స్టార్. ఐ వ్యాస్ సారీ తో హేఅర్ అఫ్ ఆలెక్ష్ చిల్తోన్స్ పస్సింగ్. యౌరే బ్లాగ్ ఇస్ ది బాంబు. ప్లీజ్ కీప్ అప్ ది గుడ్ వర్క్ అండ్ కీప్ ఆన్ రోచ్కిన్!!!
थैंक्स
गरेश सिंह
Thanks Girish!! Keep em flying and ROCK HARD in New Delhi!!! - Big Gene
थैंक्स
गरेश सिंह
Thanks Girish!! Keep em flying and ROCK HARD in New Delhi!!! - Big Gene
Saturday, September 11, 2010
RUTLES TRIBUTE BAND DISCOVERED IN AUSTIN TEXAS!!!!
A tribute band to the greatest tribute type band in the world THE RUTLES who paid a satirical homage to THE BEATLES has been discovered in Austin Texas. They're called OUCH!!!
"A glass of wine with Gertrude Stein I know I'll never share"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/OUCH-The-Rutles-Tribute-Band/122349514125
"A glass of wine with Gertrude Stein I know I'll never share"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/OUCH-The-Rutles-Tribute-Band/122349514125
I WILL FOLLOW
Yes Shakey there IS help for you.
I'm going to prescribe 7 days of listening to U2.
You're like the proverbial Japanese soldier guarding the tiny island in the South Pacific 20 years after WW2 ended.
There IS life after Alvin Lee. Embrace the future NOW, because its already gone!!!
I'm going to prescribe 7 days of listening to U2.
You're like the proverbial Japanese soldier guarding the tiny island in the South Pacific 20 years after WW2 ended.
There IS life after Alvin Lee. Embrace the future NOW, because its already gone!!!
SHAKEY NEVER FILED A MISSING PERSONS REPORT!!!
Man......Either Northern California is like Siberia or I've been stuck in a musical time warp since I left SDSU in 1981. I had to Google Dale Bozio just to find out who she is / was. On the bright side living in my time warp, I just friended Donna Jean Godchaux - Mackay. Gene, Can I be helped? Is there a 12 step program for me? Hi my name is B Shakey and I've been in the 90's now for 2 days.
HI B SHAKEY...
HI B SHAKEY...
Friday, September 10, 2010
STANDING ON THE MOON
B. Shakey aka Brentwood Butler writes:
Well Geno I can never seem to top you so I might as well learn from the master. I mean if I can get on "The Bus" at 52 I can do anything. Almost got my kid expelled from his christian college for putting a Steal Your Face Sticker on his truck. (satanic theme, yea right) You know well that I am stuck in 1966 - 1980. My bucket list is made up of musicians I need to see before THEY die. Ray Charles ......dang. There is hope however. My 13 year old wants to negotiate good grades for a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top with the gold parts replaced with silver top parts. Just like Neil's "Old Blackie" I just want his Strat. So here is my Jeapardy answer, He auditioned for the part eventually given to Peter Tork of the Monkees (Real name Torkelson) Now Gene, for a Ice Cold IPA what is the question?
"Remember when we took acid to escape the world? Now we take Prozac to deal with it."
-unknown
Well Geno I can never seem to top you so I might as well learn from the master. I mean if I can get on "The Bus" at 52 I can do anything. Almost got my kid expelled from his christian college for putting a Steal Your Face Sticker on his truck. (satanic theme, yea right) You know well that I am stuck in 1966 - 1980. My bucket list is made up of musicians I need to see before THEY die. Ray Charles ......dang. There is hope however. My 13 year old wants to negotiate good grades for a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top with the gold parts replaced with silver top parts. Just like Neil's "Old Blackie" I just want his Strat. So here is my Jeapardy answer, He auditioned for the part eventually given to Peter Tork of the Monkees (Real name Torkelson) Now Gene, for a Ice Cold IPA what is the question?
"Remember when we took acid to escape the world? Now we take Prozac to deal with it."
-unknown
Dale Bozzio - HOT!!!
"Not Just Any Frank" writes:
Is rock music in a trough of a product lifecycle whose amplitude will rise again and crest as mighty as it had before? Or has this star been thrown to the dogs? Some thought Guitar Hero would generate a revival in live music—especially a migration from controllers to actual instruments—but it has largely come and gone and those of us in the live music thing haven’t really seen a change. I believe that if there’s a future in rock music, it will come from the children that grew up watching Disney Channel (and to a lesser degree NIK). Music—from bands as well and just singers—is at the heart of Disney. Kids routinely see others playing, practicing, performing with guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards—it’s cool to play an instrument. Unfortunately (by and large) the young adult crowd has little interest in bands and live music. We live in the era of the DJ and Hip-Hop music and fewer and fewer clubs support live music. There’s still a small bastion to be found in the 40+ group who appreciates real musicians and live performances but the reality is that majority of this group is saddled with life: spouses, kids, jobs, mortgages, etc….
DALE BOZZIO, in the 80’s was the object of many a young boys wet dreams. She was a living Barbie doll. So yes she was HOT, HOT, HOT!!!! Let’s face it, most of us haven’t aged all that well either, but in her day she was smoking. It’s easy to criticize but how many of us have been on a “Sexiest list?” None! That’s what I thought; she was in Playboy which is a very small and selective group.
Is rock music in a trough of a product lifecycle whose amplitude will rise again and crest as mighty as it had before? Or has this star been thrown to the dogs? Some thought Guitar Hero would generate a revival in live music—especially a migration from controllers to actual instruments—but it has largely come and gone and those of us in the live music thing haven’t really seen a change. I believe that if there’s a future in rock music, it will come from the children that grew up watching Disney Channel (and to a lesser degree NIK). Music—from bands as well and just singers—is at the heart of Disney. Kids routinely see others playing, practicing, performing with guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards—it’s cool to play an instrument. Unfortunately (by and large) the young adult crowd has little interest in bands and live music. We live in the era of the DJ and Hip-Hop music and fewer and fewer clubs support live music. There’s still a small bastion to be found in the 40+ group who appreciates real musicians and live performances but the reality is that majority of this group is saddled with life: spouses, kids, jobs, mortgages, etc….
DALE BOZZIO, in the 80’s was the object of many a young boys wet dreams. She was a living Barbie doll. So yes she was HOT, HOT, HOT!!!! Let’s face it, most of us haven’t aged all that well either, but in her day she was smoking. It’s easy to criticize but how many of us have been on a “Sexiest list?” None! That’s what I thought; she was in Playboy which is a very small and selective group.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)