60 YEARS AGO TODAY:
The Dave Clark 5, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, Ian Whitcomb, The Moody Blues, The Yardbirds and Lulu all appear on tonight's episode of "Shindig!" (Who says The British Invasion is dead???)
You can watch this episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V28-Gs1eRbo&list=PL4pZ7mcB1c-NwasoyRXtmIsM9ol0cZI6R&index=124
60 YEARS AGO TODAY:
12/22/65 – The film “Doctor Zhivago” premiers in New York City
HBO ran the two Spinal Tap movies back-to-back Friday Night so we enjoyed watching both of them as a three hour binge.
This was the first time I had seen "This Is Spinal Tap" since I saw it in a movie theater in 1984. (Frannie had never seen it) And we never made it to the theater to see "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" ... which was a real treat to finally see. GREAT mockumentaries / rockumentaries ... so well done ... and so sad to see after the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. (kk)
The Beatles released a new video, addressing Paul, George and Ringo reuniting to record the “Free As A Bird” single from John’s original piano demo tape. They’re calling it “A Song Reborn.”
So now you’ve got this in addition to a “making of” video as well as the original video from when “Anthology” was first released … yet NONE of these appeared in the new “Chapter Nine” of the new Anthology Disney+ series, which seems really odd since “Real Love” and “Now And Then” don’t appear in their entirety either.
Still, we’re always fascinated by newly assembled footage, so we’ve included it here today so you can see it, too (if you haven’t already!) kk
In other Beatles-related news, it was announced last week that Höfner, the German guitar company that made Paul McCartney’s infamous violin-shaped bass, is filing for bankruptcy. They’ve been around for over 100 years so this in itself is sad news … but the fact that Paul’s guitar became SO iconic when The Beatles hit … and that he STILL plays it today ... is simply amazing ... it has become a part of our heritage.
Macca issued the following statement:
It is very sad to see Höfner go out of business. They have been making instruments for over 100 years, and I bought my first Höfner bass in the sixties. I have loved it ever since. It’s a wonderful instrument to play, lightweight, and it encourages me to play quite freely. It also offers pleasing variations in tone that I enjoy. So, commiserations to everyone at Höfner, and thank you for all your help over the years.
-- Paul McCartney
I remember when Macca dug the old Höfner bass out for the "Get Back" / "Let It Be" sessions ... and found an old Beatles set list still taped to it!!! Amazing! (kk)
Based on a breaking story last week, it sounds like Riley Keough, the grand-daughter of Elvis Presley, may have provided the eggs in order for John Travolta and his late wife Kelly Preston to have their son Benjamin. This news is coming out of court papers filed in an on-going suit involving The King’s ex-wife, Priscilla. Apparently, this procedure was simply in keeping in practice with what had gone on before … Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie also donated eggs to the Travolta’s efforts to have children.
Court documents claim claimed that Travolta needed help trying to salvage his career amid claims of sexual assault against other men, which threatened his career as a leading man. (How this is relevant to ANY of this is beyond me!!!) Per the complaint, "Lockwood claimed that Travolta said he no longer wanted to use Lisa Marie’s eggs because they did not want 'eggs with heroin' on them and they orchestrated a deal, where Riley Keough gave her eggs to Travolta, so that Kelly could give birth to their son, Ben Travolta." In exchange for donating her eggs, the court document claims that Riley was given an "old Jaguar and paid between $10,000 - $20,000 for the deal."
Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley jointly issued a statement saying that “These claims are not only untrue but also deeply hurtful. Our family is, and always has been, united in love and respect for one another. Our shared priority remains honoring Lisa Marie’s memory and protecting Elvis’ legacy with dignity. We will not allow outside voices to divide us or to diminish the strength of our bond as a family.”
(Can’t wait to see the TV movie on this one! Lol) kk
Rhino Records is releasing another new Monkees singles compilation CD called “The A’s, The B’s and The Monkees.”
While it’s got a beautiful cover (which naturally makes me want to have it right away!), it’s a bit of a “cash grab” release as ALL of these songs have been issued before in some form or another on CD … and typically today a release such as this would feature all 24 tracks on one CD … yet these are spread over TWO CD’s with 12 tracks each (one of all the A-Sides and the other of all the B-Sides), which is kind of a rip-off in its own way. This jacks the price up to $24.98, which is also kind of high for a catalog release.
Still, it’s there for the offering if you’re so inclined. The release date will be January 30th. (kk)
Remembering Gil Gerard who starred in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" and passed away on Dec. 16th.
Jim Roup
Songwriter Paul Williams had this to say about Summer’s career:
Donna Summer is not only one of the defining voices and performers of the 20th century; she is one of the great songwriters of all time who changed the course of music. She wrote timeless and transcendent songs that continue to captivate our souls and imaginations, inspiring the world to dance and, above all, feel love.
-- Paul Williams
She was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013 as well. (kk)
Stephen Bishop is hinting that he may tour next year ... first time in over seven years. More news as we here it. (kk)
From Stephen:
We are talking about the possibility of doing a few special shows with two legendary friends of mine. Nothing is set just yet, but it is something I am genuinely excited about if it comes together.
-- Bish
Shelley sent me an interview with Godfrey Townsend, band leader of The Happy Together Tour, who says that one of the ideas they're kicking around doing this year (with the absence of any original Turtles members) is to have each of the acts perform a Turtles song as part of their set as sort of a tribute, but in their own style ... and then have all of the groups come together for the big finale to sing "Happy Together." Godfrey also said that The Fortunes would be performing as a stand-alone band and NOT with the back-up musicians that Townsend normally provides. (This may be a Happy Together first.) With eight acts on the bill this year, that should make for an interesting mix of music! (kk)
Tom Cuddy sent us this interview with Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals -
Tom also sent us this clip to share ...
Last Night on the Tonight Show, Darlene Love: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) ft. Paul Shaffer, Little Steven and the Disciples Of Soul ...
And this final parting thought from Chuck Buell ...
