It is not widely known but, in some respects, rock concerts used to be very dangerous places to be. Since the 1970s there are over 130 incidents of fans being killed, usually accidentally, at such events. In many cases these deaths could be attributed to failings of the management to control the crowd adequately.
On the 3rd of December 1979, one of the worst such tragedies took place. The event was a concert by British supergroup, The Who and the venue was the Cincinnati Riverfront Coliseum, since renamed as the Firstar Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The event was a sell out and was at the peak of the band's popularity. The size of the crowd has been estimated at around 18,000.
As is often the case, fans were admitted to the venue early and began to make their way to the front in order to get the best view possible. The seating arrangements were, in fact, a combination of standing and unreserved seats so it really was "first come first served". When this is the case many fans arrive at venues hours before the start so as to get a good seat or standing position.
The deaths and numerous serious injuries occurred as a massive crowd tried to get through what was an inadequate number of doors. Those who were caught up in a surge of fans trying to gain entrance were crushed and, sadly, eleven of them did not survive. It is believed that the surge was caused when the band did a late sound check. Hearing this, the fans waiting outside mistakenly thought that the concert had begun and started to move forward so as not to miss the performance.
As a result of this, the Cincinnati authorities banned the practice of "festival" seating, i.e. unreserved seating, for many years after the tragedy.
Safety standards at indoor concerts have improved considerably over the years following this tragedy but one only has to look at other tragedies such as the Hillsborough Football Stadium disaster which took place on 15th April 1989 at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, This event, however, was a football match and not a music concert. 96 fans were crushed to death and over 700 others were injured making it the UK's worst stadium disaster.
The Who performed that night, unaware of the tragedy until after their set had finished.
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Friday, 10 May 2013
Spider Not Guilty Of Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman's Death
Despite all of that, Slayer were hugely successful both live and on record. Estimates vary as to their album sales but it is fairly certain that a figure somewhere in the region of 30 million worldwide would not be far from the mark.
Jeff Hanneman was undoubtedly a pivotal member of the band and contributed to their musical output both musically and lyrically. He was an accomplished guitarist and was capable of delivering the high speed technically polished picking that was essential to the fast-paced material produced by the band and others in the genre.
In 2011 Jeff was reported to have contracted the flesh-eating disease "necrotizing fasciitis" as a result of a spider bite. It was said that this incident took place in 2010 whilst he was in a friends hot tub. Following this, Jeff was forced to take time away from touring whilst the condition was being treated. He underwent a series of operations to remove dead tissue from his arm and was in a medically-induced coma for a few days.
There followed a period of convalescence during which the seriousness of the disease became more apparent with reports that Jeff almost had to learn to walk again.
When his death was first announced in early May 2013 it was widely reported that he had died as a result of the spider bite induced necrotizing fasciitis but this later proved not to be the case. The coroner's report into Jeff's death confirmed that it was in fact alcohol-related cirrhosis, (liver failure) that was the actual cause of death.
It appears that Jeff, along with his friends, family and bandmates had been largely unaware of this condition or at least of the advanced stage it was in.
Jeffrey John Hanneman, born January 31st 1964, died on May 2, 2013 aged 49, in his native California.
Friday, 26 April 2013
Boston's Brad Delp's Death By Barbecue 2007 Aged 55
Brad Delp was a founder member of the hugely successful American band Boston who released their eponymous first album, "Boston," in 1976.
Even people who have never heard that album, and I guess there will be a few of those despite the fact that over 19 million copies of it were sold, will probably have heard the song that made Boston a household name not just in the USA but all over the world, "More Than A Feeling".
Along with his bandmates, multi-instrumentalist, engineer and producer Tom Scholz who founded the band, guitarist Barry Goudreau and the band's original drummer Jim Masdea, Brad recorded several songs that were initially rejected by the record companies to which they were submitted.
Eventually a deal was struck with Epic Records and Masdeau left, apparently at the insistence of Epic, to be replaced by Sib Hashian.
With the lineup now stabilised, at least for a while, the band finished work on what became the fastest selling debut album in USA history, "Boston", which finally hit the shelves in August 1976. Three further platinum, (1 million plus sales) albums followed, the first being "Don't Look Back" in 1978 and then after a long gap, "Third Stage" in 1986. Their fans had to wait another 8 years before "Walk On" which came out in 1994 and also, albeit only just, turned platinum.
Brad Delp's characteristic vocal style and wide vocal range complemented Tom Scholz's instrumental and writing styles perfectly and the results were, by any standard, truly impressive. The band continued to enjoy critical and commercial success for many years although not quite at the heady levels that they experienced with their phenomenal debut work. A version of Boston, with Tom Scholz now the only original member, persists to this day and is still touring.
Brad had signalled his desire to do other things during the gestation period for "Walk On and had indicated to Tom in 1990 that he might not be fully available anymore. He did contribute to "Walk On" however, (in fact he co-wrote that particular song after which the album was named) but was eventually replaced as vocalist by Fran Cosmo.
Since then, Brad did in fact work with Scholtz on a number of occasions and toured with Boston several times.
He also had a number of different project on the go including RTZ with Barry Goudreau and Beatlejuice, a tribute to the Beatles who Brad had always cited as one of his most significant influences.
On March 9th 2007 Brad Delp was found dead on the floor of his bathroom at his home in New Hampshire. He had died as a result of Carbon monoxide poisoning which had been caused by fumes from two lit barbecues that had been placed in the room and after which the room had been sealed to prevent the fumes from escaping.
Brad had left four suicide notes privately addressed to family members and had pinned a further note to his shirt for public consumption. The note read simply "Mr. Brad Delp. "J'ai une ame solitaire". I am a lonely soul."
You will find it extremely difficult to find anyone who spoke ill of Brad Delp. He was widely described as a nice thoughtful and generous person. The true reason for his suicide has never been established or, if it has, it has never been made public. It seems that he didn't want those details to become public knowledge and we have to respect that and the wishes of his family and close friends.
He has left us a great deal of significance to remember him by, I never knew him personally of course but, like the millions of other Boston fans all over the world, my enduring memory of him will be those wonderful songs on which he performed and sang. The world would have been less wonderful without Boston and without Brad, Boston would never have been the same.
Bradley Edward Delp was born on June 12, 1951 and died on March 9, 2007.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Too Good For The Pistols - Guitarist Steve New Dies 2010 Aged 50.
In the early to mid 70's when Punk began to emerge there was no shortage of musically adept, virtuoso performers around to satisfy what had until then been an insatiable public appetite for music that was becoming more complex, more sophisticated and, perhaps, a little tired.
During that time I was managing a venue where rock music was the order of the day but where I began to notice more and more of the bands we promoted were leaning towards what later became known as Punk.
We even had a future diary date for the Sex Pistols and a promoter was keen for them to do a gig in Sheffield, where I was based at the time, but, as the Pistol's reputation grew the local licensing authority became less eager to grant the necessary licenses and the concert was removed from the calendar.
Which brings me to Steve New and why I consider him to be a "RockBottom."
First of all, anyone who dies of cancer at the relatively early age of 50 could be considered to be, at the very least, unlucky. As I have written in my articles time and time again, cancer is completely indiscriminate as to how and when it wreaks its havoc. In Steve's case it did so towards the end of what proved to be a short but very eventful life.
The mantle of being too good for the Sex Pistols is deserved only on the grounds that, in 1975, (some accounts put it in 1976), Steve auditioned for the role of guitarist in the Pistols but was turned down because his style of playing was too technical, too accomplished and would not sit easily with the raw unpolished material that they went on to produce in, thankfully, relatively small quantities.
Other accounts cite the length of Steve's hair as being the barrier to entry as he wore it long and was therefore, in terms of his appearance and his musical ability, more akin to the more established musical stereotypes that still dominated the music scene at that time. There were few, if any, examples of short spiky hair amongst the likes of Pink Floyd, Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer and the plethora of other Progressive Rock bands of the day.
Whatever the truth of the matter, his time with the band was short and lasted only a few weeks.
Whatever the pro's and con's of that may be, Steve certainly missed out on the undoubted celebrity and financial rewards that normally followed when a band becomes as big as the Pistols.
Their fame was short lived but there were few people in the UK who had not at least heard of them - albeit usually for the wrong reasons. Their only studio album, "Never Mind The Bollocks" made the top spot in the UK album charts and went Platinum, (over one million copies sold) and this, along with their other antics, made certain of their place in music and social history.
Steve New went on to perform in other bands, including a spell with Iggy Pop, however his most notable project was The Rich Kids which was formed by Steve and another ex-Pistols bandmate bassist Glen Matlock, and which also included vocalist and guitarist Midge Ure for a short period before he went on to play with thin Lizzy, The Skids and ultimately found fame in Ultravox.
The Rich Kids were short lived but attracted a lot of attention during that time - and for the right reasons too. Their only album, "Ghosts of Princes In Towers," was produced by the celebrated ex-Spider From Mars, Mick Ronson and made number 24 in the UK album charts. Steve also had a short spell with Public Image Ltd - John Lydon's post Sex Pistols project with virgin records.
Throughout his career and for a large part of his life, Steve was a transvestite and had described that aspect of his character as a "secret life" and something which he had been ashamed of. Nonetheless, during the latter part of his life, (I could not find a definitive date or time), he came out and changed his performing name to Stella Nova.
Despite having survived the rigours of a musicians lifestyle, including periods of addiction to Heroin, Steve finally succumbed to cancer and died in 2010 at the age of 50.
His final project, Beastellabeast, which he formed with Beatrice Brown, was still running at the time of his death and had seen the release of three albums.
Stephen Charles New, AKA Stella Nova, was born in London in 1960 and died there at the age of 50 on 24th May 2010.
Friday, 12 April 2013
Cartoon Capers - A Bad Move For The Move
The move were a highly successful band formed in the 1960's by singer/songwriter and guitarist Roy Wood, drummer Bev Bevan, singer Carl Wayne, guitarist Trevor Burton and bassist Chris Kefford.
Guitarist and songwriter Jeff Lyne joined in 1969 and it was he, along with Roy Wood, who engineered the band's transition into the Electric Light Orchestra in the early 1970's.
The band released a number of singles that entered the charts in the UK starting with "Night Of Fear" in 1966 followed closely by "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" in April 1967. These reached number 2 and 5 in the UK charts respectively.
After "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" came the song which is the main focus of this article. Entitled "Flowers In The Rain" it was written by Roy Wood and made number 2 in the UK charts. This song has the distinction of being the first chart single to be played on the BBC's newly launched radio station, Radio 1, on 30th September 1967.
At this time, the band were being managed by Tony Secunda, who also managed the Moody Blues. Secunda had devised a promotional campaign to drive sales of the single and as part of that campaign he had commissioned a satirical cartoon depicting the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, having an affair with his political secretary Marcia Williams.
The cartoon was published as a postcard and prompted Wilson to file for libel in the court - a case which he subsequently won.
As a result of the court case, all royalties from the song were donated to a charity nominated by Harold Wilson. When Wilson died in 1995 Roy Wood had hoped that the royalties would revert back to him but this was not the case - the ruling continued in perpetuity.
Most copies of the card were destroyed but a few remain. The image depicted is of one such survivor which was sold at auction in 2004 for £66.
After this debacle, the band sacked Secunda as their manager and were taken under the wing of Don Arden, who had also managed the Small Faces and subsequently went on to manage Black Sabbath.
More chart success followed for the Move, including a number 1 in the UK charts with "Blackberry Way." in 1969 and "Brontosaurus" in 1970, both written by Roy Wood.
Another Wood song, "Fire Brigade" had charted at number 3 in the UK charts in February 1968.
Subsequent releases did not fare so well however and one, "When alice Comes Back To The Farm", released soon after Brontosaurus, failed to chart. Things looked up briefly in 1972 with "California Man", (number 7 in the UK charts), but by this time the group's transition into the Electric Light Orchestra was underway and the Move faded away.
There was a resurrection of sorts in 2000 when Bev Bevan organised a revival but this did not carry the support of Wood. The band, now known as 'The Move featuring Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan, continue to perform.
Guitarist and songwriter Jeff Lyne joined in 1969 and it was he, along with Roy Wood, who engineered the band's transition into the Electric Light Orchestra in the early 1970's.
The band released a number of singles that entered the charts in the UK starting with "Night Of Fear" in 1966 followed closely by "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" in April 1967. These reached number 2 and 5 in the UK charts respectively.
After "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" came the song which is the main focus of this article. Entitled "Flowers In The Rain" it was written by Roy Wood and made number 2 in the UK charts. This song has the distinction of being the first chart single to be played on the BBC's newly launched radio station, Radio 1, on 30th September 1967.
At this time, the band were being managed by Tony Secunda, who also managed the Moody Blues. Secunda had devised a promotional campaign to drive sales of the single and as part of that campaign he had commissioned a satirical cartoon depicting the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, having an affair with his political secretary Marcia Williams.The cartoon was published as a postcard and prompted Wilson to file for libel in the court - a case which he subsequently won.
As a result of the court case, all royalties from the song were donated to a charity nominated by Harold Wilson. When Wilson died in 1995 Roy Wood had hoped that the royalties would revert back to him but this was not the case - the ruling continued in perpetuity.
Most copies of the card were destroyed but a few remain. The image depicted is of one such survivor which was sold at auction in 2004 for £66.
After this debacle, the band sacked Secunda as their manager and were taken under the wing of Don Arden, who had also managed the Small Faces and subsequently went on to manage Black Sabbath.
More chart success followed for the Move, including a number 1 in the UK charts with "Blackberry Way." in 1969 and "Brontosaurus" in 1970, both written by Roy Wood.
Another Wood song, "Fire Brigade" had charted at number 3 in the UK charts in February 1968.
Subsequent releases did not fare so well however and one, "When alice Comes Back To The Farm", released soon after Brontosaurus, failed to chart. Things looked up briefly in 1972 with "California Man", (number 7 in the UK charts), but by this time the group's transition into the Electric Light Orchestra was underway and the Move faded away.
There was a resurrection of sorts in 2000 when Bev Bevan organised a revival but this did not carry the support of Wood. The band, now known as 'The Move featuring Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan, continue to perform.
Sunday, 24 March 2013
1967 Otis Redding Dies In Plane Crash
His activities, were limited to a large extent in those early days by the ongoing effects of racial segregation that persisted in the USA well into the 1960's. As a result, he performed mainly on what is referred to as the "Chitlin Circuit" named after the popular soul food dish of pigs intestines (called chitterlings).
He was, however, in very good company. Other performers on that circuit also did OK for themselves, albeit after having moved away from it into wider circulation, as segregation gradually became a thing of the past. These include Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Wilson Pickett, to name but a few.
Prior to the major impact on his career that was to be Monterey, Otis had nonetheless made a lot of headway, (and quite a lot of money), and had released several singles that sold very well including "These Arms of Mine" which sold almost a million copies.
Monterey was, however, his opportunity to break into the largely white audience from which he had previously been hidden, at least to an extent. His appearance was the closing act on the Saturday night and he was backed by Booker T and the MGs. from most of the accounts that are available, he went down a storm and was certainly brought to the notice of such influential folk as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Post Monterey, Otis had success with the single "Sweet Soul Music", which was actually a re-working, in conjunction with singer Arthur Conley, of the Sam cooke song "Yeah Man" but was out of action for some time due to requiring surgery to treat polyps which had formed on his larynx.
It was during the post Monterey period, three days before his death as it turned out, that he wrote and recorded his masterwork, "Sittin On The Dock of The Bay" which was released posthumously and became a massive hit worldwide selling in excess of 4 million copies.
In December 1967, Otis and his band were hopping from venue to venue in his private aircraft. They were due to travel from Nashville where they had made a TV appearance and played at a small venue, to Madison Wisconsin - the location of the venue for their next appearance, a nightclub called the Factory.
Weather conditions were poor and they were advised not to make the trip. Make it they did, however, and the pilot ran into trouble just before reaching its destination.
The exact cause of the accident has not been determined but the plane crash landed in Lake Monona killing all but one of passengers and the pilot. The only survivor was trumpet player Ben Cauley.
Otis Ray Redding jnr was born in September 1941 and died on the 10th December 1967 aged only 26.
Friday, 22 March 2013
1980 Ex-Beatle John Lennon Shot Dead In New York.
In the same way that many people of my parent's generation remember where they were when it was announced that President Kennedy had been assassinated I can clearly remember where I was when I heard the news about John Lennon's murder.
It hardly matters, but for the record, I was in Birmingham, (UK), on a training course.
The man who, in conjunction with Paul McCartney, had been responsible for some of the most memorable songs in the history of popular music, was gunned down outside a New York Hotel by a man for whom, just a few hours earlier, Lennon had signed a copy of his album "Double Fantasy".
Having acknowledged John's massive achievements as a songwriter, a singer and as a truly inspirational human being, it has to be said that he did have more than his fair share of mishaps.
The first of these was the death of his mother after being struck by a car when John was 17 years of age. His parents had split up (his father was a seaman), and John's aunt Mimi and her husband George actually looked after him for most of his childhood and adolescence.
John's scholastic performance was not too good, he failed all his 'O' Level exams, (roughly the equivalent of today's GCSE's) although he did manage to secure a place at the Liverpool College Of Art with a little help from his friends, (actually his headmaster and his aunt Mimi interevened). Their intervention was to no avail however because John reverted to his childhood role as class comic and was eventually expelled.
All of this, of course, had no adverse effect of his talents as a musician and, after completing their apprenticeship in the bars of Hamburg as well as hundreds of other small venues, along with many other British bands of the time, the Beatles had "made it big" and went in search of the big money - in the USA.
It was there that John's quick fire wit and propensity to speak first and think afterwards got him and his bandmates into a great deal of trouble. Whilst being interviewed in the UK he made a remark, "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink ... We're more popular than Jesus now, I don't know which will go first, rock and roll or Christianity." At first this remark went unnoticed in the UK but, after a while, it was quoted in the USA and all hell broke loose. Faced with damming public criticism, where once die hard fans were seen burning their copies of Beatles records and the Klu Klux Klan became involved in anti-Beatles rhetoric, the Band were forced to abandon touring over there.
John's heavy and prolonged use of drugs was another of his RockBottoms. He had periods of dependancy and heavy use of LSD, Amphetamines and, eventually, Heroin. It was his eventual withdrawal from Heroin which was the subject of his stark and shocking song, "Cold Turkey", released in 1969.
As if one major controversy in the USA was not enough, John became the focus some years after the "more popular than Jesus" quip, when his political leanings came to the attention of the Nixon administration. John Lennon had managed to piss off the American Government with his stance on the Vietnam war and Nixon, who thought that Lennon's activities could actually impact his chances of a second term in office, made strenuous efforts to get him deported.
It also transpired that John was the subject of extensive FBI activity, details of which were only released after years of campaigning by the author and historian Jon Weiner. in the end, of course, John Lennon was not the architect of Nixon's downfall - he arranged that himself with his involvement in the Watergate scandal.
Future presidents were more accommodating of John's ideals and he eventually gained "green card" status enabling him to live and work in the USA permanently which, to a large extent, he did. He even attended, with Yoko, the inaugural ball of newly-elected President Carter in 1977.
On December 8th 1980 John and Yoko had been working at the Record Plant studio and were returning to their apartment in the Dakota building in New York late in the evening. The plan was to say goodnight to his son, Sean, before going out to a restaurant. As the couple left their vehicle a gunman who, only that same morning had asked John to autograph a copy of his latest album "Double Fantasy", fired a total of five shots at john's back and shoulders causing fatal injuries.
The murderer, Mark David Chapman, made no attempt to escape the scene and sat on the pavement awaiting arrest. He was tried and found guilty of second degree murder for which he was sentenced to at least 20 years in prison.
John Winston Lennon was born on the 9th of October 1940 and died on the 8th December 1980, aged only 40.
Wear The Legend
John Lennon Revolution T Shirt
£13.99-£14.49 depending on size.
Recommended Listening
Imagine 1971, Remastered Audio CD
His masterwork and most famous album. If you only buy one Lennon album this has to be it.
It hardly matters, but for the record, I was in Birmingham, (UK), on a training course.
The man who, in conjunction with Paul McCartney, had been responsible for some of the most memorable songs in the history of popular music, was gunned down outside a New York Hotel by a man for whom, just a few hours earlier, Lennon had signed a copy of his album "Double Fantasy".
Having acknowledged John's massive achievements as a songwriter, a singer and as a truly inspirational human being, it has to be said that he did have more than his fair share of mishaps.
The first of these was the death of his mother after being struck by a car when John was 17 years of age. His parents had split up (his father was a seaman), and John's aunt Mimi and her husband George actually looked after him for most of his childhood and adolescence.
John's scholastic performance was not too good, he failed all his 'O' Level exams, (roughly the equivalent of today's GCSE's) although he did manage to secure a place at the Liverpool College Of Art with a little help from his friends, (actually his headmaster and his aunt Mimi interevened). Their intervention was to no avail however because John reverted to his childhood role as class comic and was eventually expelled.
All of this, of course, had no adverse effect of his talents as a musician and, after completing their apprenticeship in the bars of Hamburg as well as hundreds of other small venues, along with many other British bands of the time, the Beatles had "made it big" and went in search of the big money - in the USA.
It was there that John's quick fire wit and propensity to speak first and think afterwards got him and his bandmates into a great deal of trouble. Whilst being interviewed in the UK he made a remark, "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink ... We're more popular than Jesus now, I don't know which will go first, rock and roll or Christianity." At first this remark went unnoticed in the UK but, after a while, it was quoted in the USA and all hell broke loose. Faced with damming public criticism, where once die hard fans were seen burning their copies of Beatles records and the Klu Klux Klan became involved in anti-Beatles rhetoric, the Band were forced to abandon touring over there.
John's heavy and prolonged use of drugs was another of his RockBottoms. He had periods of dependancy and heavy use of LSD, Amphetamines and, eventually, Heroin. It was his eventual withdrawal from Heroin which was the subject of his stark and shocking song, "Cold Turkey", released in 1969.
As if one major controversy in the USA was not enough, John became the focus some years after the "more popular than Jesus" quip, when his political leanings came to the attention of the Nixon administration. John Lennon had managed to piss off the American Government with his stance on the Vietnam war and Nixon, who thought that Lennon's activities could actually impact his chances of a second term in office, made strenuous efforts to get him deported.
It also transpired that John was the subject of extensive FBI activity, details of which were only released after years of campaigning by the author and historian Jon Weiner. in the end, of course, John Lennon was not the architect of Nixon's downfall - he arranged that himself with his involvement in the Watergate scandal.
Future presidents were more accommodating of John's ideals and he eventually gained "green card" status enabling him to live and work in the USA permanently which, to a large extent, he did. He even attended, with Yoko, the inaugural ball of newly-elected President Carter in 1977.
On December 8th 1980 John and Yoko had been working at the Record Plant studio and were returning to their apartment in the Dakota building in New York late in the evening. The plan was to say goodnight to his son, Sean, before going out to a restaurant. As the couple left their vehicle a gunman who, only that same morning had asked John to autograph a copy of his latest album "Double Fantasy", fired a total of five shots at john's back and shoulders causing fatal injuries.
The murderer, Mark David Chapman, made no attempt to escape the scene and sat on the pavement awaiting arrest. He was tried and found guilty of second degree murder for which he was sentenced to at least 20 years in prison.
John Winston Lennon was born on the 9th of October 1940 and died on the 8th December 1980, aged only 40.
Wear The Legend
John Lennon Revolution T Shirt
£13.99-£14.49 depending on size.
Recommended Listening
Imagine 1971, Remastered Audio CD
His masterwork and most famous album. If you only buy one Lennon album this has to be it.
Monday, 18 March 2013
1978: The Who's Drummer Keith Moon Dies In Same Apartment As Mama Cass
But not at the same time!
Updated March 2013 - Includes The Who's 2013 Tour Info
It is well known that the prodigiously talented drummer, Keith John Moon was a bit of a "wild one." There are many well documented accounts of his antics both on and off stage and you can see my recommended reading below if you would like all the details.
Despite all of that, and there are differing accounts of most of the incidents that have persisted including the infamous driving of a car into a swimming pool, Moon was a fine drummer in a successful and very highly regarded band.
The Who produced some fabulous work, before Tommy there were such masterpieces as "My Generation," "I'm A Boy," Pictures Of Lily" and "I Can See For Miles" and after Tommy (which was released in 1969 and included the hit single "Pinball Wizard"), came the live album "Live At Leeds" which was recorded in 1970 and is rated by many as one of the best live albums of all time, (although Thin Lizzy's "Live and Dangerous" is stiff competition for that title along with Humble Pie's Rockin the Fillmore, but I digress).
Keith lived the rock and roll lifestyle to the full and this included, regrettably, the all-too-common over indulgence in drugs and alcohol.
In the end it wasn't exploding toilets, (one of his favourite bad-boy signature practical jokes) or indeed any of his excessively boisterous stunts that caused his demise but an overdose of a prescription drug that his doctor had given him to help with the process of giving up alcohol.
Keith John Moon died on 6th September 1978 aged 32, in London.
Another very strange fact surrounding Keith's death, referred to in the title of this post, is that it occurred in the same flat, (owned by Harry Nilson), that Mama Cass Elliot had died in 4 years earlier.
Great News For 2013 - The Who are touring the UK in June with their "Quadrophenia & More" Tour and you can get tickets from this link, (safe and reputable - it takes you to Ticketmaster and plonks you on the correct page). The Who "Quadrophenia & More Tour" Link.
Wear the legend!
This fine T-Shirt is one of several featuring Keith available from the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" or you can order it here by clicking the image.
RockBottoms Recommended reading:
My Dear Boy - The Life Of Keith Moon.
Tony Fletcher's book, available in paperback or on Kindle, is over 500 pages (630+ on the Kindle),and is a well written account of Moon's eventful but, sadly, short life. See this and other selected good things in the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store"
RockBottoms Recommended Listening:
Live at Leeds
Recorded at Leeds University in 1970 and as fine a live performance as you will ever hear. This is one to really wind up the stereo for. More selected Who recordings in The "Celebrated RockBottoms Store."
Updated March 2013 - Includes The Who's 2013 Tour Info
Despite all of that, and there are differing accounts of most of the incidents that have persisted including the infamous driving of a car into a swimming pool, Moon was a fine drummer in a successful and very highly regarded band.
The Who produced some fabulous work, before Tommy there were such masterpieces as "My Generation," "I'm A Boy," Pictures Of Lily" and "I Can See For Miles" and after Tommy (which was released in 1969 and included the hit single "Pinball Wizard"), came the live album "Live At Leeds" which was recorded in 1970 and is rated by many as one of the best live albums of all time, (although Thin Lizzy's "Live and Dangerous" is stiff competition for that title along with Humble Pie's Rockin the Fillmore, but I digress).
Keith lived the rock and roll lifestyle to the full and this included, regrettably, the all-too-common over indulgence in drugs and alcohol.
In the end it wasn't exploding toilets, (one of his favourite bad-boy signature practical jokes) or indeed any of his excessively boisterous stunts that caused his demise but an overdose of a prescription drug that his doctor had given him to help with the process of giving up alcohol.
Keith John Moon died on 6th September 1978 aged 32, in London.
Another very strange fact surrounding Keith's death, referred to in the title of this post, is that it occurred in the same flat, (owned by Harry Nilson), that Mama Cass Elliot had died in 4 years earlier.
Great News For 2013 - The Who are touring the UK in June with their "Quadrophenia & More" Tour and you can get tickets from this link, (safe and reputable - it takes you to Ticketmaster and plonks you on the correct page). The Who "Quadrophenia & More Tour" Link.
Wear the legend!
This fine T-Shirt is one of several featuring Keith available from the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" or you can order it here by clicking the image.
RockBottoms Recommended reading:
My Dear Boy - The Life Of Keith Moon.
Tony Fletcher's book, available in paperback or on Kindle, is over 500 pages (630+ on the Kindle),and is a well written account of Moon's eventful but, sadly, short life. See this and other selected good things in the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store"
RockBottoms Recommended Listening:
Live at Leeds
Recorded at Leeds University in 1970 and as fine a live performance as you will ever hear. This is one to really wind up the stereo for. More selected Who recordings in The "Celebrated RockBottoms Store."
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Proby Probed By Benefit Fraud Investigators
The life and times of Texan singer P.J Proby would make an excellent novel. The plot is complex and convoluted but, even so, I think I might have a go at it.
Why though, I can hear you asking, is this once famous trouser-splitting ballad singer considered to be a RockBottom?
Well, there are two reasons, maybe more, but these will do for a start. Firstly, how many people can say that Led Zeppelin were their backing band? Yes, he can say that and I'll give details as to why later, plus, how many balladeers have recorded and performed with progressive rockers Focus? What's more, since qualification as a RockBottom strictly speaking requires something to have gone horribly wrong, he also has two claims on that basis.
Firstly, P.J missed out on the massive hit song "Delilah" which he had recorded for an album from which it was eventually omitted and which subsequently became a massive hit for Tom Jones . Secondly, in 2011, the singer was charged in the UK with benefit fraud. It went to trial but Proby, real name James Marcus Smith, was acquitted of all charges.
If you want a third reason for P.J's RockBottom status, there is always the trouser splitting incident. This was a big deal at the time, leading to ol' PJ being banned by the ABC Theatre chain and by the BBC. It was, however, not such a sensational event as all that might have you believe. He was dancing energetically in tight fitting trousers and they split. He didn't proceed to display his nether regions to the crowd, no one was hurt, nothing was damaged but it was Britain in the sixties, operated by a bunch of seriously out of touch bureaucrats. Thank goodness its not like that now!
I said I'd come back to the "Led Zeppelin was my backing band" claim. Well. I did exaggerate slightly here, but only slightly because it is, to all intents and purposes, true. In 1968 P.J recorded an album called "Three Week Hero" and his backing band for that project was indeed, the "New Yardbirds" shortly afterwards to become Led Zeppelin.
The work with Focus happened in 1978 when he recorded an album with the Dutch band entitled Focus Con Proby. I haven't got a copy and I haven't heard it so no comment really.
James Marcus Smith AKA P.J Proby was born in Texas on November 6, 1938. He is still recording and performing.
Why though, I can hear you asking, is this once famous trouser-splitting ballad singer considered to be a RockBottom?
Well, there are two reasons, maybe more, but these will do for a start. Firstly, how many people can say that Led Zeppelin were their backing band? Yes, he can say that and I'll give details as to why later, plus, how many balladeers have recorded and performed with progressive rockers Focus? What's more, since qualification as a RockBottom strictly speaking requires something to have gone horribly wrong, he also has two claims on that basis.
Firstly, P.J missed out on the massive hit song "Delilah" which he had recorded for an album from which it was eventually omitted and which subsequently became a massive hit for Tom Jones . Secondly, in 2011, the singer was charged in the UK with benefit fraud. It went to trial but Proby, real name James Marcus Smith, was acquitted of all charges.
If you want a third reason for P.J's RockBottom status, there is always the trouser splitting incident. This was a big deal at the time, leading to ol' PJ being banned by the ABC Theatre chain and by the BBC. It was, however, not such a sensational event as all that might have you believe. He was dancing energetically in tight fitting trousers and they split. He didn't proceed to display his nether regions to the crowd, no one was hurt, nothing was damaged but it was Britain in the sixties, operated by a bunch of seriously out of touch bureaucrats. Thank goodness its not like that now!
I said I'd come back to the "Led Zeppelin was my backing band" claim. Well. I did exaggerate slightly here, but only slightly because it is, to all intents and purposes, true. In 1968 P.J recorded an album called "Three Week Hero" and his backing band for that project was indeed, the "New Yardbirds" shortly afterwards to become Led Zeppelin.
The work with Focus happened in 1978 when he recorded an album with the Dutch band entitled Focus Con Proby. I haven't got a copy and I haven't heard it so no comment really.
James Marcus Smith AKA P.J Proby was born in Texas on November 6, 1938. He is still recording and performing.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - There's A Church!
After having first been used as a cinema, which was, after all, what it was originally designed and built for, the building that many a concert goer from the 70s attended in order to pay homage to their chosen rock gods, (or indeed godesses), has now become a church.
After it had served its time as a cinema, having originally been called the Astoria, the Odeon closed its doors in September 1971 and was renamed the Rainbow Theatre.
It was here that some of rock's finest hours occurred. Its a long list but it started with the Who performing the opening concert in November 1971, supported by the little known Roxy Music and a great blues Singer/Guitarist called Loyd Watson who, like me, hailed from the Cambridgeshire city of Peterborough.
Prior to this, however, back in its days as a cinema, The Rainbow hosted occasional music concerts and it is notable for the fact that Jimi Hendrix played there on 31st march 1967. It was at this event, for the first time, that Jimi set fire to his guitar as part of the act - a stunt he became famous for afterwards along with playing the instrument with his teeth and behind his back. At this point, Jimi was not top of the bill however, that honour being held by the Walker Brothers. Another pre-rainbow highlight was the Beachboys who recorded their "Live In London" album there.
During its lifetime as one of the world's premier music venues, the rainbow played host to many legendary acts, a few of which are as follows, in no particular order:
The Rainbow closed as a music venue on Christmas Eve 1981 with the management citing difficulties in maintaining the building to the standard required by its listed status. I myself was working in the industry at the time and had become aware of the problems in staging major bands in what were relatively small venues where it was becoming difficult to cover the costs of touring. The maths, increasingly, started to point towards larger venues for major acts where they could stand a chance of making a profit.
From the venue's point of view, all smaller venues, not just the Rainbow, it was getting difficult to fill the places often enough to keep the numbers in the black.
The Rainbow served as a boxing venue for a short time and, like many of Top Rank's former cinemas, was considered for conversion into a Bingo Hall but in 1995, following years of disuse, it was purchased and restored by the Brazilian Pentecostal Church who still own and use it to this day.
So, one of the worlds premier venues is currently a church, nothing wrong with that, my "RockBottom" angle here is that this wonderful destination for musical pilgrims has, like many other smaller venues, fallen by the wayside as we rush towards a concert culture that involves much larger venues that are primarily designed for sporting events with tens of thousands of seats and in which you will almost certainly not have much of a view of the act - except of course, on the giant screens that have become ubiquitous at such occasions.
That's progress of course and I accept it as you must too. If you want to see major bands its probably going to be in an Arena or stadium or at one of the increasing number of festivals that keep popping up.
The Rainbow Theatre, born 1930, still going strong.
Thanks to Rick Burton who runs an excellent site dedicated to the Rainbow Theatre here.
Here are some links for Rainbow Live concert albums.
Bob Marley & The Wailers Live At The Rainbow Theatre (recorded 1977)
This link is for the DVD.
Focus At The Rainbow, (recorded May 1973)
The guitar virtuoso Jan Akkerman was still with them at this point, (he left in 1976 but has played with them since then for short spells). remastered and sounding great. This link is for the CD, see the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for MP3 and other options.
After it had served its time as a cinema, having originally been called the Astoria, the Odeon closed its doors in September 1971 and was renamed the Rainbow Theatre.
It was here that some of rock's finest hours occurred. Its a long list but it started with the Who performing the opening concert in November 1971, supported by the little known Roxy Music and a great blues Singer/Guitarist called Loyd Watson who, like me, hailed from the Cambridgeshire city of Peterborough.
Prior to this, however, back in its days as a cinema, The Rainbow hosted occasional music concerts and it is notable for the fact that Jimi Hendrix played there on 31st march 1967. It was at this event, for the first time, that Jimi set fire to his guitar as part of the act - a stunt he became famous for afterwards along with playing the instrument with his teeth and behind his back. At this point, Jimi was not top of the bill however, that honour being held by the Walker Brothers. Another pre-rainbow highlight was the Beachboys who recorded their "Live In London" album there.
During its lifetime as one of the world's premier music venues, the rainbow played host to many legendary acts, a few of which are as follows, in no particular order:
- Queen, (recorded 1974's "Live At The Rainbow")
- Genesis, (recorded 1973's "Live At The Rainbow")
- David Bowie, (who introduced us to Ziggy Stardust there in August 1972)
- Stevie Wonder
- Frank Zappa, (due to play 2 nights but pushed off the stage on the first night by a "fan" resulting in serious injury)
- Deep Purple
- Eddie and the Hot Rods, (recorded live album 1977)
- Bob Marley, (recorded "Live At The Rainbow" there)
- Wishbone Ash
- Mott The Hoople
- Buzzcocks, (recorded live album there 1979)
- Fairport Convention
- Pink Floyd
- Yes, (parts of he live album "Yessongs" recorded here)
- Lindisfarne
- Alice Cooper
- King Crimson
- Thin Lizzy, (parts of "Live & Dangerous" recorded there)
- Stiff Little Fingers, (live album "Hanx" recorded there, 1980)
- Iron Maiden, (1981 live video "Live At Rainbow Theatre" recorded there)
The Rainbow closed as a music venue on Christmas Eve 1981 with the management citing difficulties in maintaining the building to the standard required by its listed status. I myself was working in the industry at the time and had become aware of the problems in staging major bands in what were relatively small venues where it was becoming difficult to cover the costs of touring. The maths, increasingly, started to point towards larger venues for major acts where they could stand a chance of making a profit.
From the venue's point of view, all smaller venues, not just the Rainbow, it was getting difficult to fill the places often enough to keep the numbers in the black.
The Rainbow served as a boxing venue for a short time and, like many of Top Rank's former cinemas, was considered for conversion into a Bingo Hall but in 1995, following years of disuse, it was purchased and restored by the Brazilian Pentecostal Church who still own and use it to this day.
So, one of the worlds premier venues is currently a church, nothing wrong with that, my "RockBottom" angle here is that this wonderful destination for musical pilgrims has, like many other smaller venues, fallen by the wayside as we rush towards a concert culture that involves much larger venues that are primarily designed for sporting events with tens of thousands of seats and in which you will almost certainly not have much of a view of the act - except of course, on the giant screens that have become ubiquitous at such occasions.
That's progress of course and I accept it as you must too. If you want to see major bands its probably going to be in an Arena or stadium or at one of the increasing number of festivals that keep popping up.
The Rainbow Theatre, born 1930, still going strong.
Thanks to Rick Burton who runs an excellent site dedicated to the Rainbow Theatre here.
Here are some links for Rainbow Live concert albums.
Bob Marley & The Wailers Live At The Rainbow Theatre (recorded 1977)
This link is for the DVD.
Focus At The Rainbow, (recorded May 1973)
The guitar virtuoso Jan Akkerman was still with them at this point, (he left in 1976 but has played with them since then for short spells). remastered and sounding great. This link is for the CD, see the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for MP3 and other options.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Alvin Lee Dies - 45 Years After
Alvin Lee wasn't a RockBottom, of course, not in the normal sense, he was one of the best guitarists on the planet and had enjoyed huge success with Ten Years After and beyond. I just wanted to say a few words about a man whose music had brought me so much pleasure.
Ever since I first heard "I'm Going Home" on the Woodstock album and saw the film I was spellbound by Alvin's guitar playing. I wanted to be able to play like that. I practiced my arse off but, of course, I never reached those heights. The riff to "Love Like a Man" was about as far as I got but it didn't matter because I could always listen to the real thing on the Ten Years After albums.
I was disappointed when Alvin left Ten Years After, somehow it wasn't the same afterwards although the others carried on and are still performing to this day - good on them.
The RockBottom here seems to be in the manner of his demise, apparently as a result of complications following a surgical procedure. The family haven't released the full details and their privacy is to be respected but whatever the cause of Alvin's death they have my commiserations and heartfelt sympathy.
He was a fine musician and I for one am very glad that he shared his craftsmanship with the world. Alvin Lee died on March 6th in Spain, aged 68.
As my regular readers know, I like to recommend things that I have myself enjoyed and think they might too. With Alvin this is a very long list so I'm going to limit it to the very best. If you want to experience Alvin's guitar work then one of the live albums would be a good choice, see my special TYA selection in the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store." For now, however, this is the one I have on my MP3 player and as a CD, it has all the best studio and live stuff, yes - including "I'm Going Home," and is available as a CD, (the picture link below), or as an MP3.
Ten Years After - The Best Of (Audio CD)
14 tracks to introduce you to the band and, in particular, Alvin Lee's superior guitar work. If you prefer an MP3, it's here The Best Of Ten Years After
.The current situation on eBay, is shown below:
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Kevin Ayers Dies In France Aged 68
There are very few musicians on the planet who could boast that Mike Oldfield used to be their bass player. Kevin Ayers could, although I don't know whether he ever did.
Although Kevin could not be described as a RockBottom in the literal sense, he did have, what is often called, "a good innings" although these days I think most of us would like to get well into our seventies or eighties before heading for the final gig in the great stadium in the sky.
My angle with Kevin, stay with me on this, is that he never seemed to get quite as far as he could have done, given his considerable talent and extensive network of contacts in the industry.
Kevin's long career started in the mid-sixties when he became a founder member of the Canterbury-based Wilde Flowers. This band became a starting point for several other notable musicians and two principal bands came into being from the ashes of Wilde Flowers when it fell apart in the mid-sixties, namely Caravan and Soft Machine which Kevin formed with drummer Robert Wyatt, Guitarist Daevid Allen and bassist Hugh Hopper.
Keyboard player Mike Ratledge soon completed the lineup and Soft Machine became successful in the UK and toured the USA supporting Jimi Hendrix in 1968.
After this tour Kevin left Soft Machine to follow a solo career and released a number of fine albums with the Harvest label following which he moved to Island Records and released the critically acclaimed "The Confessions of Dr. Dream and Other Stories" with Mike Oldfield making a comeback into the lineup.
As the seventies wore on, Kevin performed less and almost disappeared from the scene until, in 1988, he released "Fallin Up" which met with considerable acclaim and also recorded a vocal for Mike Oldfield's "Flying Start".
After this, Kevin again became a virtual recluse and spent much of his time in his adopted French home, the medieval village of Montolieu.
After a brief burst of activity in 2007 with the release of "The Unfairground" which, once again, gained considerable critical acclaim, Kevin once again retreated into obscurity and died in his sleep on 18 February 2013 aged 68.
Rolling Stone magazine referred to Kevin as "Britain's Carefree Psychedelic Genius" when announcing his death - I think that says it all.
Recommended Listening & Reading
It's worth setting some time aside and listening to a selection of Kevin's work but if I had to choose a few for you, which is a task I happily take upon myself, then we'd have to include:
Joy Of A Toy
Kevin's first album, still plenty of overtones, or are they undertones? of the Soft Machine. This is hardly suprising since several of his old colleagues from Soft Machine were featured on the album. This is one I urge you to listen to first although if you want a great value option covering the early years of Kevin's career then the following is probably a better bet:
The Harvest Years 1969-1974
All four of the albums Kevin created with Harvest records before moving to Island Records. He did return to Harvest in 1976 but those recordings are not on this compilation.
My favourite Kevin Ayers track is May I?, from his second album, Shooting At The Moon with Mike Oldfield, Lol Coxhill and David Bedford. This is the one you should really get if you only want a flavour of the man's work, (although there is much that you would be missing), here is the MP3 download link
Other great Kevin Ayers & Soft Machine stuff can be found in the "Celebrated Rockbottoms Store" or check out the currently listed items available on eBay.
Although Kevin could not be described as a RockBottom in the literal sense, he did have, what is often called, "a good innings" although these days I think most of us would like to get well into our seventies or eighties before heading for the final gig in the great stadium in the sky.
My angle with Kevin, stay with me on this, is that he never seemed to get quite as far as he could have done, given his considerable talent and extensive network of contacts in the industry.
Kevin's long career started in the mid-sixties when he became a founder member of the Canterbury-based Wilde Flowers. This band became a starting point for several other notable musicians and two principal bands came into being from the ashes of Wilde Flowers when it fell apart in the mid-sixties, namely Caravan and Soft Machine which Kevin formed with drummer Robert Wyatt, Guitarist Daevid Allen and bassist Hugh Hopper.
Keyboard player Mike Ratledge soon completed the lineup and Soft Machine became successful in the UK and toured the USA supporting Jimi Hendrix in 1968.
After this tour Kevin left Soft Machine to follow a solo career and released a number of fine albums with the Harvest label following which he moved to Island Records and released the critically acclaimed "The Confessions of Dr. Dream and Other Stories" with Mike Oldfield making a comeback into the lineup.
As the seventies wore on, Kevin performed less and almost disappeared from the scene until, in 1988, he released "Fallin Up" which met with considerable acclaim and also recorded a vocal for Mike Oldfield's "Flying Start".
After this, Kevin again became a virtual recluse and spent much of his time in his adopted French home, the medieval village of Montolieu.
After a brief burst of activity in 2007 with the release of "The Unfairground" which, once again, gained considerable critical acclaim, Kevin once again retreated into obscurity and died in his sleep on 18 February 2013 aged 68.
Rolling Stone magazine referred to Kevin as "Britain's Carefree Psychedelic Genius" when announcing his death - I think that says it all.
Recommended Listening & Reading
It's worth setting some time aside and listening to a selection of Kevin's work but if I had to choose a few for you, which is a task I happily take upon myself, then we'd have to include:
Joy Of A Toy
Kevin's first album, still plenty of overtones, or are they undertones? of the Soft Machine. This is hardly suprising since several of his old colleagues from Soft Machine were featured on the album. This is one I urge you to listen to first although if you want a great value option covering the early years of Kevin's career then the following is probably a better bet:
The Harvest Years 1969-1974
All four of the albums Kevin created with Harvest records before moving to Island Records. He did return to Harvest in 1976 but those recordings are not on this compilation.
My favourite Kevin Ayers track is May I?, from his second album, Shooting At The Moon with Mike Oldfield, Lol Coxhill and David Bedford. This is the one you should really get if you only want a flavour of the man's work, (although there is much that you would be missing), here is the MP3 download link
Other great Kevin Ayers & Soft Machine stuff can be found in the "Celebrated Rockbottoms Store" or check out the currently listed items available on eBay.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Atomic Rooster's Vincent Crane Dies From Overdose 1989 Aged 46.
Those of us who remember The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown will usually think of that burning helmet before anything else. The song, "Fire" was a number one hit for the band and one Vincent Rodney Cheesman, AKA Vincent Crane, was the keyboard player.
Vincent was a member of The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown since the start and stayed with Brown until the tour of the USA in 1969 after which he and Carl Palmer left to form Atomic Rooster.
Atomic Rooster were, predictably, successful as an albums band and very popular on tour, I saw them several times and they did not disappoint They also enjoyed a couple of chart hits with "Tomorrow night" and "Devil's Answer" in 1971.
Carl Palmer had departed in 1970 to form ELP with Greg Lake and Kieth Emerson but Vincent continued with various lineup changes, including a spell with the wonderful Chris Farlowe as vocalist, until February 1975.
He played with numerous other musicians including Rory Gallagher and Peter Green which gives an indication as to the esteem in which he was held by the very best in the business. He also featured in the lineup of Dexy's Midnight Runners for a spell in 1985.
The problem was, unfortunately, Vincent was not in good health, having suffered from mental illness for almost all of his career.
The end came in 1989 when Vincent sadly died from an overdose of painkillers on 14th February, aged only 45.
If you haven't listened to Atomic Rooster recently give them a go - Vincent's keyboard work is superb and Carl Palmer needs no recommendation from me, you know how good he is. Here is my selection of their work:
Atomic Rooster
Their first album from 1970, on MP3, also available as a CD - visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for the full Atomic Rooster recommendations. A fine first album showcasing the high levels of musicianship in the band but subsequent albums were, arguably, more accessible and better entertainment. This is the only album to feature Carl Palmer on drums.
Death Walks Behind You - Expanded Version MP3 Download
Both of the band's chart singles, "Tomorrow Night" and "Devils Answer" are on this one which now has extra tracks and has been remastered to sound fab.
I'm not aware of any books currently in print about Vincent or Rooster but he does get a mention in the rather excellent "All The Madmen" which is now available on Kindle, as below:
This is an interesting and entertaining book and well worth the download. it examines the lives and careers of a number of musicians who suffered from various disorders that we often collectively refer to as mental illness.
Visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for more Atomic Rooster stuff.
Vincent was a member of The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown since the start and stayed with Brown until the tour of the USA in 1969 after which he and Carl Palmer left to form Atomic Rooster.
Atomic Rooster were, predictably, successful as an albums band and very popular on tour, I saw them several times and they did not disappoint They also enjoyed a couple of chart hits with "Tomorrow night" and "Devil's Answer" in 1971.
Carl Palmer had departed in 1970 to form ELP with Greg Lake and Kieth Emerson but Vincent continued with various lineup changes, including a spell with the wonderful Chris Farlowe as vocalist, until February 1975.
He played with numerous other musicians including Rory Gallagher and Peter Green which gives an indication as to the esteem in which he was held by the very best in the business. He also featured in the lineup of Dexy's Midnight Runners for a spell in 1985.
The problem was, unfortunately, Vincent was not in good health, having suffered from mental illness for almost all of his career.
The end came in 1989 when Vincent sadly died from an overdose of painkillers on 14th February, aged only 45.
If you haven't listened to Atomic Rooster recently give them a go - Vincent's keyboard work is superb and Carl Palmer needs no recommendation from me, you know how good he is. Here is my selection of their work:
Atomic Rooster
Their first album from 1970, on MP3, also available as a CD - visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for the full Atomic Rooster recommendations. A fine first album showcasing the high levels of musicianship in the band but subsequent albums were, arguably, more accessible and better entertainment. This is the only album to feature Carl Palmer on drums.
Death Walks Behind You - Expanded Version MP3 Download
Both of the band's chart singles, "Tomorrow Night" and "Devils Answer" are on this one which now has extra tracks and has been remastered to sound fab.
I'm not aware of any books currently in print about Vincent or Rooster but he does get a mention in the rather excellent "All The Madmen" which is now available on Kindle, as below:
This is an interesting and entertaining book and well worth the download. it examines the lives and careers of a number of musicians who suffered from various disorders that we often collectively refer to as mental illness.
Visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for more Atomic Rooster stuff.
Saturday, 2 March 2013
The Triple Tragedy Of The Allman Brothers Band
Recognised as being one of the finest guitar bands ever, the Allman Brothers Band was formed in 1969 by the two Allman Brothers Greg and Duane along with bassist Berry Oakley, drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimo Johanson, (yes, they did have two drummers!), and guitarist Dickey Betts.
Both brothers were born in Nashville Tennessee, Duane in 1946 and his younger brother Gregg in 1947, the sons of an US army sergeant who himself met a bizarre and untimely end when he was murdered following a robbery attempt by an ex-serviceman to whom he had given a lift in his car.
The band quickly achieved success and were touring and recording prolifically in the late 60's and early 70's. A landmark in their career was the release of the "Live At Fillmore East" album in 1971. This is included in my list of fine live albums which includes the Who's "Live At Leeds", Thin Lizzy's "Live and Dangerous" and Humble Pie's "Rockin' The Fillmore."
It was, sadly, whilst they were enjoying success at such a level that their first tragedy occurred. Duane Allman was a keen motorcyclist and owned a Harley Davidson Sportster on which he was travelling at high speed on October 29, 1971 when he reportedly struck a truck and sustained serious injuries from which he died shortly afterwards.
After the release of the band's 2nd album, "Idlewild South," Duane had joined forces with Eric Clapton to record the classic "Layla and Other Love Stories" album under the guise of Derek and the Dominos. Clapton was a great admirer of Duane's playing and at one point had invited him to join the Dominos permanently - an invitation which Duane declined.
There is a popular myth that Lynyrd Skynrd's "Freebird" was written about Duane but this is not true, the song having been written some time prior to the accident, but the late Ronnie Van Zant, Skynyrd's vocalist, often dedicated the song to Duane during live performances.
The second tragedy to affect the band, who had decided to continue after Duane's death, was the death on November 11, 1972, of bassist Berry Oakley in extraordinarily similar circumstances to those of Duane's sad demise. Berry died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in a location very close to, but not as has often been reported, the same as that where Duane was killed. He was the same age as Duane when he died, a mere 24 years.
The third part in the triple tragedy concerned Berry's replacement, bassist Lamar Williams. Lamar stayed with the band until it ceased to function in 1976, (although it subsequently reformed and is still active to this day), and died from lung cancer in 1981 at the age of only 34. Lamar had served in Vietnam and had allegedly been exposed to "Agent Orange" a chemical weapon, which was considered by medical staff to be a contributory factor in his death.
RockBottoms Recommended Reading:
Skydog, The Duane Allman Story
Skydog is the nickname by which Duane Allman was known and was reputedly an amalgamation of "Skyman" as he was dubbed by soul man Wilson Pickett for whom Duane had played as a session musician and "Dog" as he was often called by friends in reference to his long hair and sideburns.
This paperback book, not currently available in Kindle format, is written by Randy Poe, past president of Leiber & Stoller Music Publishing and former executive director of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York.
The book covers Duane's life and that of the Allman Brothers Band.
My Cross To Bear
Duane Allman's younger brother, the six-times married Gregg Allman, tells the story of the band and his own eventful life including his marriage to Cher and his relationship with his mega-talented brother.The picture link is for the paperback, follow this one for the Kindle download.
You can find my recommended listening in the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" but I really must insist that you get a copy of the 1971 Fillmore performance on your MP3 player and if you only get the chance to listen to one track on your way to the office, "whipping post" gets my vote every time. here's the link to the MP3, its also still available on CD - visit the store.
Live At The Fillmore East - The Allman Brothers, MP3 Download.
Compatible with MP3 Players including iPod®, iTunes, and Windows Media Player.
Both brothers were born in Nashville Tennessee, Duane in 1946 and his younger brother Gregg in 1947, the sons of an US army sergeant who himself met a bizarre and untimely end when he was murdered following a robbery attempt by an ex-serviceman to whom he had given a lift in his car.
The band quickly achieved success and were touring and recording prolifically in the late 60's and early 70's. A landmark in their career was the release of the "Live At Fillmore East" album in 1971. This is included in my list of fine live albums which includes the Who's "Live At Leeds", Thin Lizzy's "Live and Dangerous" and Humble Pie's "Rockin' The Fillmore."
It was, sadly, whilst they were enjoying success at such a level that their first tragedy occurred. Duane Allman was a keen motorcyclist and owned a Harley Davidson Sportster on which he was travelling at high speed on October 29, 1971 when he reportedly struck a truck and sustained serious injuries from which he died shortly afterwards.
After the release of the band's 2nd album, "Idlewild South," Duane had joined forces with Eric Clapton to record the classic "Layla and Other Love Stories" album under the guise of Derek and the Dominos. Clapton was a great admirer of Duane's playing and at one point had invited him to join the Dominos permanently - an invitation which Duane declined.
There is a popular myth that Lynyrd Skynrd's "Freebird" was written about Duane but this is not true, the song having been written some time prior to the accident, but the late Ronnie Van Zant, Skynyrd's vocalist, often dedicated the song to Duane during live performances.
The second tragedy to affect the band, who had decided to continue after Duane's death, was the death on November 11, 1972, of bassist Berry Oakley in extraordinarily similar circumstances to those of Duane's sad demise. Berry died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in a location very close to, but not as has often been reported, the same as that where Duane was killed. He was the same age as Duane when he died, a mere 24 years.
The third part in the triple tragedy concerned Berry's replacement, bassist Lamar Williams. Lamar stayed with the band until it ceased to function in 1976, (although it subsequently reformed and is still active to this day), and died from lung cancer in 1981 at the age of only 34. Lamar had served in Vietnam and had allegedly been exposed to "Agent Orange" a chemical weapon, which was considered by medical staff to be a contributory factor in his death.
RockBottoms Recommended Reading:
Skydog, The Duane Allman Story
Skydog is the nickname by which Duane Allman was known and was reputedly an amalgamation of "Skyman" as he was dubbed by soul man Wilson Pickett for whom Duane had played as a session musician and "Dog" as he was often called by friends in reference to his long hair and sideburns.
This paperback book, not currently available in Kindle format, is written by Randy Poe, past president of Leiber & Stoller Music Publishing and former executive director of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York.
The book covers Duane's life and that of the Allman Brothers Band.
My Cross To Bear
Duane Allman's younger brother, the six-times married Gregg Allman, tells the story of the band and his own eventful life including his marriage to Cher and his relationship with his mega-talented brother.The picture link is for the paperback, follow this one for the Kindle download.
You can find my recommended listening in the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" but I really must insist that you get a copy of the 1971 Fillmore performance on your MP3 player and if you only get the chance to listen to one track on your way to the office, "whipping post" gets my vote every time. here's the link to the MP3, its also still available on CD - visit the store.
Live At The Fillmore East - The Allman Brothers, MP3 Download.
Compatible with MP3 Players including iPod®, iTunes, and Windows Media Player.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Jethro Tull Bassist John Glascock Dies In 1979 Aged Only 28.
John Glascock was an accomplished musician who played with Jethro Tull between 1976 and 1979, the year in which he died tragically at the age of only 28.
Glascock had come to the attention of Tull's frontman and founder, Ian Anderson, whilst he was playing bass for the Flamenco-Rock band Carmen.
Carmen were touring as support for Jethro Tull during their "War Child" tour in 1975 and shortly afterwards he joined them as bassist replacing previous incumbent Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond.
Tull were a prolific band with a history of recording and live performance successes under their belt and this was a significant appointment for Glascock.
Although it could be said that the band was passed its prime by the time Glascock joined he still went on to play on the albums "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!," "Songs from the Wood," "Heavy Horses, Live - Bursting Out," and some of "Stormwatch" - the album Tull was working on at the time of John's departure from the band due to ill health in 1979.
Soon after, on 17th November 1979, John died, in London, as a result of a heart condition that had been exacerbated by an infection. He was only 28.
RockBottoms Recommended Reading
"Jethro Tull": A History of the Band 1968-2001 (Paperback)
This book is expensive @ £33.73 but it is very comprehensive and is probably essential reading for true Tull fans. There is good news, however, for those who would like a book about the band with a less challenging price tag because "Minstrels In The Gallery - A History of Jethro Tull" by Martin Rees is available as a Kindle edition for only £8.04 using the link below.
See the Celebrated RockBottoms Store for more Jethro Tull selected items.
Glascock had come to the attention of Tull's frontman and founder, Ian Anderson, whilst he was playing bass for the Flamenco-Rock band Carmen.
Carmen were touring as support for Jethro Tull during their "War Child" tour in 1975 and shortly afterwards he joined them as bassist replacing previous incumbent Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond.
Tull were a prolific band with a history of recording and live performance successes under their belt and this was a significant appointment for Glascock.
Although it could be said that the band was passed its prime by the time Glascock joined he still went on to play on the albums "Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!," "Songs from the Wood," "Heavy Horses, Live - Bursting Out," and some of "Stormwatch" - the album Tull was working on at the time of John's departure from the band due to ill health in 1979.
Soon after, on 17th November 1979, John died, in London, as a result of a heart condition that had been exacerbated by an infection. He was only 28.
RockBottoms Recommended Reading
"Jethro Tull": A History of the Band 1968-2001 (Paperback)
This book is expensive @ £33.73 but it is very comprehensive and is probably essential reading for true Tull fans. There is good news, however, for those who would like a book about the band with a less challenging price tag because "Minstrels In The Gallery - A History of Jethro Tull" by Martin Rees is available as a Kindle edition for only £8.04 using the link below.
See the Celebrated RockBottoms Store for more Jethro Tull selected items.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Spooky Tooth Bassist Greg Ridley Dies Aged 56 In 2003
Actually, to refer to Greg as "Spooky Tooth's bassist is not really an adequate reflection of who and what he was.
Chronologically, he did find fame, if not fortune, with Spooky Tooth in 1968 and came to my attention mainly because of the wonderful cover version that they made of the Beatle's "I Am The Walrus."
You really should have that track on your MP3 so here is the link:
Spooky Tooth was relatively short lived however and things got much better for Greg when he joined forces with Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton to form, what became, one of the finest rock bands in history - Humble Pie.
In other articles I have discussed the virtues of several "Live" albums, including those by The Who, (Live At Leeds) and Thin Lizzy, (Live and Dangerous) but in any such list there is an album that simply must be included. That album is Humble Pie's live at the Fillmore epic - "Performance Rockin' The Fillmore," a double album when initially released on vinyl and now available as a download or on CD.
This link is for the CD version - visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for the downloads.
Humble Pie came to a stop in 1975 although there were other versions of the band with different lineups to follow but Ridley's involvement ended there, not counting a reunion of sorts much later in 2001 and again in 2003.
With the exception of those brief reunions, Greg's involvement with the music business came to an end, effectively, with the end of Humble Pie in 1975. It should be mentioned that he did have a short-lived association with Cozy Powell along with Humble Pie guitarist, Dave "Clem" Clempson, just after Humble Pie shut up shop, this collaboration being known as Strange Brew.
In 2001 there was a concert held as a tribute to Steve Marriott who had died in a house fire ten years previously. Greg teamed up with Jerry Shirley, Peter Frampton and Clem Clempson for that event.
Greg Ridley died, in Spain, on 19th November 2003 at the age of only 56 from Pneumonia.
Chronologically, he did find fame, if not fortune, with Spooky Tooth in 1968 and came to my attention mainly because of the wonderful cover version that they made of the Beatle's "I Am The Walrus."
You really should have that track on your MP3 so here is the link:
Spooky Tooth was relatively short lived however and things got much better for Greg when he joined forces with Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton to form, what became, one of the finest rock bands in history - Humble Pie.
In other articles I have discussed the virtues of several "Live" albums, including those by The Who, (Live At Leeds) and Thin Lizzy, (Live and Dangerous) but in any such list there is an album that simply must be included. That album is Humble Pie's live at the Fillmore epic - "Performance Rockin' The Fillmore," a double album when initially released on vinyl and now available as a download or on CD.
This link is for the CD version - visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for the downloads.
Humble Pie came to a stop in 1975 although there were other versions of the band with different lineups to follow but Ridley's involvement ended there, not counting a reunion of sorts much later in 2001 and again in 2003.
With the exception of those brief reunions, Greg's involvement with the music business came to an end, effectively, with the end of Humble Pie in 1975. It should be mentioned that he did have a short-lived association with Cozy Powell along with Humble Pie guitarist, Dave "Clem" Clempson, just after Humble Pie shut up shop, this collaboration being known as Strange Brew.
In 2001 there was a concert held as a tribute to Steve Marriott who had died in a house fire ten years previously. Greg teamed up with Jerry Shirley, Peter Frampton and Clem Clempson for that event.
Greg Ridley died, in Spain, on 19th November 2003 at the age of only 56 from Pneumonia.
A Bad Day At The Speedway - Murder & Mayhem At 1969's Altamont Free Festival
There's a massive clue in the name, "Hell's Angels." These are not people that most of us would associate with good behaviour and respect for law and order.
Despite all of that, however, it was decided that they would be excellent chaps to keep the fans under control at a rock concert - well, more of a mini-festival really.
The event took place on December 6th 1969. Billed as the "Altamont Speedway Free Festival," several major acts were scheduled to appear including Santana, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jefferson Airplane and the top of the bill to be occupied by the Rolling Stones who, in some accounts, are credited with having organised the event.
So, what should have been a great day out with some serious music on offer, turned out to be a festival of violence, death and disaster. A total of four people died that day, one murdered and three as a result of accidents.
Despite all of that, however, it was decided that they would be excellent chaps to keep the fans under control at a rock concert - well, more of a mini-festival really.
The event took place on December 6th 1969. Billed as the "Altamont Speedway Free Festival," several major acts were scheduled to appear including Santana, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jefferson Airplane and the top of the bill to be occupied by the Rolling Stones who, in some accounts, are credited with having organised the event.
So, what should have been a great day out with some serious music on offer, turned out to be a festival of violence, death and disaster. A total of four people died that day, one murdered and three as a result of accidents.
Sunday, 17 February 2013
The Man Who Turned Down Led Zeppelin
Terry Reid, the man who was once billed as "the man with a hell of a story to tell," first impressed me back in the 1960's when I first heard his eponymous album, "Terry Reid".
Amongst other gems, this 1969 release included Terry's fabulous version of "Stay With Me Baby" his version of Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" and his own compositions "Rich Kid Blues and "Silver White Light."
The Dylan song sandwiched a version of his own song, "Friends" which was later recorded by Arrival and reached number 8 in the UK.
So why is Terry a RockBottom?
Well, the main reason is that he missed, due to unfortunate circumstances and probably no fault of his own, the opportunity to be a part of one of the world's most succesful bands.
It all happened in 1968 when the Yardbirds were disbanding and Jimmy Page wanted Reid to take on the vocalist job in, what was then called, the "New Yardbirds." Unfortunatelt Terry was already committed to a tour supporting Cream and was unable to accept recommending instead that the New Yardbirds consider a certain Robert Plant for the job.
The rest, as they say, is history - but not quite. Terry had another bite at the big band cherry when he was considered for the vocalist role in Deep Purple following the departure of their then singer Rod Evans. As most of you will; know, that job eventually went to Ian Gillan.
Terry would undoubtedly have done a superb job in either role but has, in any case produced a fine body of work for us to enjoy.
Terry Reid was born on 13th November 1949 and is still active.
RockBottoms Recommended Listening
Superlungs
This album contains the complete studio recordings of Terry Reid between 1966-1969 and includes "Superlungs," "Silver White Light," and the wonderful "Stay With Me Baby" which is worth the download price on its own! 37 tracks, all remastered - check out why Jimmy Page thought Terry would have been a great vocalist for Led Zeppelin.
This link is for the MP3 download, visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for the CD version and for individual track downloads.
Amongst other gems, this 1969 release included Terry's fabulous version of "Stay With Me Baby" his version of Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" and his own compositions "Rich Kid Blues and "Silver White Light."
The Dylan song sandwiched a version of his own song, "Friends" which was later recorded by Arrival and reached number 8 in the UK.
So why is Terry a RockBottom?
Well, the main reason is that he missed, due to unfortunate circumstances and probably no fault of his own, the opportunity to be a part of one of the world's most succesful bands.
It all happened in 1968 when the Yardbirds were disbanding and Jimmy Page wanted Reid to take on the vocalist job in, what was then called, the "New Yardbirds." Unfortunatelt Terry was already committed to a tour supporting Cream and was unable to accept recommending instead that the New Yardbirds consider a certain Robert Plant for the job.
The rest, as they say, is history - but not quite. Terry had another bite at the big band cherry when he was considered for the vocalist role in Deep Purple following the departure of their then singer Rod Evans. As most of you will; know, that job eventually went to Ian Gillan.
Terry would undoubtedly have done a superb job in either role but has, in any case produced a fine body of work for us to enjoy.
Terry Reid was born on 13th November 1949 and is still active.
RockBottoms Recommended Listening
Superlungs
This album contains the complete studio recordings of Terry Reid between 1966-1969 and includes "Superlungs," "Silver White Light," and the wonderful "Stay With Me Baby" which is worth the download price on its own! 37 tracks, all remastered - check out why Jimmy Page thought Terry would have been a great vocalist for Led Zeppelin.
This link is for the MP3 download, visit the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store" for the CD version and for individual track downloads.
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