Have you seen the trailer yet for the new Bob Dylan bio-pic “A Complete Unknown?”
Definitely looks interesting enough to check it out!
It opens in theaters on Christmas Day. (kk)
Damn! Frankie Valli was just here this past weekend and he’s already coming back in March as his Farewell Tour continues until Frankie reaches the age of 100! It’s just unreal! (kk)
In other Farewell Tour news, Shelley sends us this …
(I think we all knew it was coming!)
Bowzer’s Rock ‘N’ Doo-Wop Party Volume 23: The Final Chapter
at Mohegan Sun Arena
Sunday, January 19th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Starring:
Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (“The Twist”)
Gary “U.S.” Bonds (“Quarter to Three”)
Jay Siegel’s Tokens (“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”)
Peggy March (“I Will Follow Him”)
The Dubs (“Could This Be Magic”)
Lala Brooks, Original Lead Singer of The Crystals (“Da Doo Ro Ron”)
9/11 Firefighter Frank Pizarro with The Music of The Platters
Bowzer & The Stingrays Featuring Johnny Contardo
Rocky & The Rollers
And, in perhaps the ULTIMATE Farewell Tour news, The Eagles have extended their stay at The Sphere in Las Vegas into March of next year now. (Will it ever really end???)
What’s amazing to me was that when the band first announced their farewell tour, they figured they’ be saying goodbye for at least two years in order to play before all of the fans around the world who would want to see them one last time …
But how on earth were six months’ of weekend dates budgeted into this plan in advance?
They’ll literally be playing Vegas for six months’ worth of weekends … and that’s assuming that their residency there isn’t extended yet again.
Unreal! (Everybody sing that old Shari Lewis theme song, "This Is The Song That Never Ends ... It Just Goes On And On My Friends!") kk
The Who have now become the SIXTH band to be honored with British postal stamps. (They follow The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, The Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden.) David Bowie was also awarded with his own series of collectible stamps in 2017.
And, speaking of Queen, could new music be on the way?
That’s the latest rumor.
If so, it’ll be their first release of new material since 2008’s “The Cosmos Rocks,” featuring then lead singer Paul Rodgers. This would be the first complete project to feature former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert, who has already been the group’s lead singer for the past thirteen years!!! (kk)
Tom Cuddy sends us this news flash …
East Orange street renamed in honor of music legend Dionne Warwick
North Arlington Avenue will be renamed in honor of the 83-year-old New Jersey native.
https://search.app/nRX8bXhBQEeWbQbH9
Source: News 12 - New Jersey
Dionne Warwick was officially inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last night. (kk)
I guess I'm not going to hear that X-ray ...
Even though Green Day isn't a band that typically gets mentioned in Forgotten Hits, I wanted to mention a terrific promotion that the group just finished.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of their "Dookie" album, the group released each track in a different "de-mastered" format, where sound quality wasn't the focus. For example, one song was released on a Game Boy cartridge. Another was released on a talking toothbrush. One song was released on a doorbell. One was released on an X-ray. [Note: I had no idea that X-ray recordings were even a thing until I read about them online - I learned something new!]
Green Day launched a contest where people could enter to win a chance to BUY the songs. In the interest of fairness, people could enter to buy as many songs as they wanted (cost varied per song) but no matter what, nobody could win more than one song. Helping to add to the excitement, each song was released in very, very limited quantities, making each one a collector's item for music geeks like me.
As I alluded to above, sound quality was not important - instead, this promotion was a great way for people to get something rare and unique to add to their music collection, and for the band to celebrate a classic album.
I hope some of our favorite oldies artists will find their own ways to connect fans with fans through unique collectibles like this. I would certainly be willing to part with some hard-earned cash (within reason) to obtain a limited-edition keepsake. I'm sure people at the bank will understand if the mortgage payment is late, as long as I was able to buy something cool.
My wife, by the way, is relieved that I didn't end up spending $50 on a toothbrush, and I'm glad I won't have to sleep in the garage as a result.
PS: You brought up the lyrics to Alice Cooper's "School's Out" the other day and mentioned that you hoped he did not censor the lyrics. I saw him in concert a couple months ago. Not only was he freaking fantastic, but he kept all lyrics intact. I would 100% recommend seeing him play live if you get the chance. His stage show is full of awesome effects - his showmanship is top notch - and he still sounds incredible.
Colin Donahue
I’ve seen Alice Cooper exactly one time … and the only reason I went was because Burton Cummings was the opening act! (lol)
Burton had just launched his solo career … and this has to be one of the oddest pairings EVER for a rock concert double bill … you couldn’t find two more opposite headliners!
But, I have to admit that Cooper put on one hell of a show back then (this had to be 1976 or 1977) … and it’s great that he’s still knockin’ ‘em dead some 47 years later.
I’m not sure I was advocating Alice NOT changing the lyrics to “School’s Out” in light of their context in today’s society where school shootings and bomb threats seem to have become if not a way of life, certainly an on-going concern. I would hate to think that two years from now some kid will attempt to justify his actions in court by saying “I heard it in an Alice Cooper song.” (kk)
Stephen Bishop is the latest artist to call an end to
touring.
In an official post earlier this week, he announced:
After much thought, I’ve decided to officially retire from touring.
It's been an incredible 50-year journey, starting with my first performance in 1970 and ending in 2020. I know many of you were hoping for the postponed dates to be rescheduled after the COVID-19 pandemic, and while I won’t be hitting the road again, I’m excited to make it up to you with a virtual concert in the near future.
I can’t express enough how grateful I am for your unwavering support through the years. I’ve read every comment, email, and message, and your kindness has meant the world to me. I'm extremely grateful to my long time booking agent and good friend, Shaun Hague, who has been with me for many years now, he's the best agent I've ever worked with.
Thankfully, health wise, I’m feeling fantastic — I walk a few miles every day in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains of Colorado and have never felt better!
I’m also thrilled to share that I’ll be releasing a brand-new single, “In The Limelight,” on my birthday this year, November 14th! More new songs are on the way in 2025, as I’ve been writing regularly. On top of that, my wife and I are working hard on opening a music venue, we will be calling it “Bish’s Hideaway.” Once it's ready, I’d love to invite you all to come experience it or even perform there if you are a musician!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my team and me at info@stephenbishop.com.
Love and Sunshine,
Stephen
Stephen has also announced that he is now signing merchandise with all of the proceeds going to two of his favorite charities …
In the past year, I’ve received numerous unsolicited items from fans sent to my office and my business manager’s office for signatures.
While I appreciate the support, the volume has become overwhelming.
Up until now, I have not signed any items that weren’t available through my website, but I’ve decided to start offering this service, as I’ve seen other artists do the same. I'm donating all the proceeds to MusiCares and the animal rescues from which my family and I rescued our pets.
Click the link below for details!
Meanwhile, Paula Abdul is recovering from the unspecified injuries she suffered, causing her to cancel her scheduled tour.
“I’m recovering well. I have already had one procedure done,” she told “Us Weekly” at the Dancers Against Cancers’ 10th Annual Gala of Stars Awards last week.
“I have one more to go, but I’m guaranteed eight weeks I’ll be Humpty Dumpty back together again.”
Abdul had been performing as the opening act for New Kids on the Block’s “The Magic Summer 2024” Tour in North America. She was then expected to take her “Straight Up!” tour to Canada in September, but cancelled several weeks beforehand, telling fans on social media about “some injuries I’ve recently sustained.” She added that “in an effort to keep going, I’ve received targeted injections that will allow me temporary relief, but the demands of an entire tour is a different story.” She also revealed that doctors had advised her that “one of my injuries requires a minor procedure followed by a 6-8 week recovery time.”
(During one of her recent US shows, she was given oxygen mid-way through performing a song.)
She also told “Us Weekly” that “of course I plan to tour again. I had the best time just coming off this tour and there’s still the rest of the world to see and to be able to perform in front of.”
In the meantime, no new or rescheduled dates have been announced. (kk)
After reading last Friday's piece about the Cowsills "Global," I asked former Atlantic A&R guy Marc Nathan if he'd seen it yet.
He showed me this piece from Best Classic Bands that covers the same story:
https://bestclassicbands.com/the-cowsills-global-marc-nathan-atlantic-10-11-24/
David Lewis
Yes, in this day and age, we pretty much all get the same news releases as they pertain to the vintage acts we prefer to cover in our publications. I have ALWAYS been a big Cowsills fan … and have already preordered their new, upcoming album (as well as the tracks that are currently available to download now.)
Here in Forgotten Hits, we do a little bit more than just PRESENT the news …
For the most part, we absorb and listen to it as well, to determine who is still out there making music worthy of enjoyment by their life-long fans. And to this degree, The Cowsills most definitely qualify. I just LOVE seeing them in concert … more so at their solo shows than at their very abbreviated appearances as part of The Happy Together Tour. It just doesn’t do them justice (and leaves the audience craving more!) kk
Kent!
My life has been hectic as of late and so it goes. I haven’t had the chance to write in in a long, long time.
But I wanted to let you know that my latest hobby/obsession has been "The Band." I live and breathe "The Band," 24/7.
We recently saw a tribute band called, The THE BAND Band in NJ, who did a tribute to the infamous "Last Waltz" rockumentary movie and then another gig where they did some of their greatest hits in another show in PA. I loved every minute. As a tribute band they rocked. I've read five biographical books so far. I was quite astounded when I read these books and was very intrigued. Some good and some not so good ... but never dull. Gone, too soon. I loved them all.
I just wanted to keep the music alive by bringing this to your attention. And to boot, here's the classic and famous album cover The Brown Album. And yes, I was fortunate enough in their heyday to see them twice in concert. And to me they are very much alive through their music.
Thank you and best wishes.
Sandra Lorenz
Hi Sandy! Good to hear from you! (You’re right, it HAS been a long, long time!)
I don’t know if this is one of the books you’ve read or not, but let me throw in a quick plug for our buddy Harvey Kubernik’s book, “The Story of The Band: From Big Pink to The Last Waltz,” available thru Amazon.com …
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Band-Pink-Last-Waltz/dp/1454928905/
I thought that this book might be out of print now because Amazon is showing a used copy in very good condition available ... but Harvey assures me that there are still new copies available.
Harvey is quite proud of the hand-written note he received from Robbie Robertson after the completion of his book ...
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Speaking of The Band, Martin Scorsese has announced that he’ll be directing the filmed version of the recently completed Robbie Robertson Tribute Concert.
It’s kind of a fitting tribute. Scorsese directed The Band’s legendary concert film “The Last Waltz,” which documented the last concert that singer-songwriter-guitarist Robertson did with his group the Band in 1976. (Robertson and Scorses worked together on several other film projects over the years.)
“Life Is A Carnival: A Musical Celebration Of Robbie Robertson” took place last Thursday Night (October 17th) at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles and featured performances by Trey Anastasio, Eric Church, Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes, Bruce Hornsby, Jim James, Daniel Lanois, Taj Mahal, Van Morrison, Margo Price, Robert Randolph, Nathaniel Rateliff, Allison Russell, Mavis Staples, Bobby Weir and Lucinda Williams. These artists were backed by a house band that included Ryan Bingham, Jamey Johnson, Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Don Was, John Medeski, Dave Malone, Terence Higgins, Cyril Neville, Mark Mullins and the Levee Horns.
There is no official word yet as to when this film may see its release date.
(Scorsese also produced the new, upcoming Beatles 1964
Documentary airing on Disney+ the day after Thanksgiving this year.)
Glad you’re so passionate about their music. Former Buckingham Marty Grebb played in a Band tribute band for years … never got the chance to see them but I heard they were quite good. Marty’s gone now and we miss him. (kk)
I wound up going to that Robbie Robertson tribute last night. Holy shit! What a fun show. Van Morrison was absolutely fucking mind blowing!!! Nathaniel Rateliff also blew my mind. And Warren was his usual amazing Warren self and then some. What a fun night. Over five hours.
Ardas Khalsa
Why didn't Dylan show up for Robbie's tribute?
Timmy
Sounds like a perfectly reasonable and logical question to me ... I have NO idea ...
You think that would have been a natural!
They filmed the for a Martin Scorsese theatrical release ... which should be something ...
At least the rest of us will get to see the musical highlights ... (as determined by somebody else! Lol) kk
Another review ... from Best Classic Bands ...
Here's a very nice profile of Colin Hay, leader of Men At Work in the ‘80’s … and now performing as a solo artist (as well as part of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band) …
While not always ranked very high on the Critics’ Favorites List, “Goat’s Head Soup” has always been one of my favorite Rolling Stones albums … and not just because I won a free copy thanks to an Elvis Trivia Contest in the newspaper! (lol)
In fact, I just listened to it again last week in the car, along with the bonus disc that came out a few years ago.
Anyway, here Harvey Kubernik looks back affectionately on the LP, too, leaving no Stone … or at least a COUPLE of Stones … unturned …
https://bestclassicbands.com/goats-head-soup-interview-rolling-stones-8-30-233/
For the most part, we have steered clear of the how Sean Combs / Puff Daddy / P Diddy craziness that seems to be occupying most of the music news headlines these days. (Without question, there are some VERY serious charges against the music mogul … and odds are he will spend the rest of his life behind bars … I certainly cannot sympathize with all that he has brought upon himself … and still can’t in any way, shape or form justify or understand in my own mind HOW on earth he came upon THIS much money over the course of his career to do all of the things he’s reportedly done.)
This is going to be a VERY big case … and some VERY high-profile names are going to brought in for questioning and to testify at the upcoming trial, which is now scheduled to begin in May of next year. Diddy himself says that he absolutely wants to testify in his own defense … and I am anxious to see and hear just how he plans to go about defending and justifying his actions. When all the dust has settled, we may just find that THIS has been to story and the trial of the century. (kk)
From Jim Roup ...
Happy 89th birthday to Sam Moore, seen here at The Century Plaza Hotel where the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Awards was going on in Century City. A few seconds later I caught k.d. Lang and Barbara Orbison walking by.
Jim Roup
And Happy 89th birthday to Barry McGuire ... seen here at The John Phillips Memorial Concert at The Roxy in Hollywood.
He used to chime in from time to time in Forgotten Hits.
Happy Birthday! (kk)
Here's a cool little factoid sent in by Timmy ...
And a couple of other cool pics, too, that Timmy sent in!
Here's Jimi with Nes ...
And if that's Yoko Ono screaming, in this picture, I'd say EVERYBODY's done for!!! (Especially Spock with his mega-sized ears!!!) kk
60 YEARS AGO TODAY:
10/20/64 – Current Vice President Kamala Harris is born
In another two weeks we'll either be referring to her as "Former Vice President Kamala Harris" or "Brand New President Elect Kamala Harris!"
Also on 10/20, Former US President Herbert Hoover dies. Hoover was the 31st President Of The United States and was 90 years old when he died. Only John Adams, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter lived longer.
