Hi,
I just read your very nice review of Peter Cetera's concert at Elk Grove. I am a big fan and see Peter regularly in concert. So, yes, Peter's shows are well organized and he and the Bad Daddies Band from Nashville put on a fantastic show.
The only problem I have with your review is saying Peter caused a ruckus about the RRHOF induction ceremony. I followed that situation very closely as did many fans, reading many of Robert Lamm's rambling interviews. Unless you were there, nobody knows what really went down. And according to Peter and his website, he contacted the band and got one nasty reply, "Take a chill pill, dude". All other negotiations were made through the Rock Hall and Chicago's manager about who would do what, what songs to sing, etc. ... Nice, huh?
The bad blood never left after all these years and to blame Peter solely for a ruckus is clearly unfair. When people go their separate ways, it usually is for good reason. And, most times, you can never go back. Perhaps you should have kept that opinion to yourself unless you researched it out or asked Peter himself about it.
(name withheld by request)
I rarely post but here goes.
I have been a Chicago fan for decades ... even got to see Terry Kath twice.
But I think the remaining original members are like minded about band policies. Lee Loughnane has a lot of clout if you watch recent interviews. Also, it is no accident that now Seraphine, Champlin and Dacus do things together sometimes. In Danny's book he stated that he and Bill were somewhat like minded although they clashed ... and Bill complains now that Chicago became a tribute band and he wanted more. So I have no insight, but it seems the original members call the shots. As it should be I guess.
Santiago Paradoa
Hey Kent,
Hope all is well in your retro world.
Hi Kent,
And, speaking of Philadelphia, a brand new, revamped ("remix") mural of Philly rock stars is going up and will officially be unveiled October 15th during a rock and roll block party. Here's an artist rendering of what we can expect. (Notice that Charlie Gracie and James Darren have both been added) kk
And, I hate to say it, but this one was just too much fun to pass up ...
I can't believe you haven't posted this one.
I just read your very nice review of Peter Cetera's concert at Elk Grove. I am a big fan and see Peter regularly in concert. So, yes, Peter's shows are well organized and he and the Bad Daddies Band from Nashville put on a fantastic show.
The only problem I have with your review is saying Peter caused a ruckus about the RRHOF induction ceremony. I followed that situation very closely as did many fans, reading many of Robert Lamm's rambling interviews. Unless you were there, nobody knows what really went down. And according to Peter and his website, he contacted the band and got one nasty reply, "Take a chill pill, dude". All other negotiations were made through the Rock Hall and Chicago's manager about who would do what, what songs to sing, etc. ... Nice, huh?
The bad blood never left after all these years and to blame Peter solely for a ruckus is clearly unfair. When people go their separate ways, it usually is for good reason. And, most times, you can never go back. Perhaps you should have kept that opinion to yourself unless you researched it out or asked Peter himself about it.
(name withheld by request)
I rarely post but here goes.
I have been a Chicago fan for decades ... even got to see Terry Kath twice.
But I think the remaining original members are like minded about band policies. Lee Loughnane has a lot of clout if you watch recent interviews. Also, it is no accident that now Seraphine, Champlin and Dacus do things together sometimes. In Danny's book he stated that he and Bill were somewhat like minded although they clashed ... and Bill complains now that Chicago became a tribute band and he wanted more. So I have no insight, but it seems the original members call the shots. As it should be I guess.
Santiago Paradoa
Hey Kent,
Hope all is well in your retro world.
Just wanted to drop you a line about something fun.
I had read in your column that yesterday was the anniversary of “Rock Around The Clock” reaching #1 in 1955. I had gone to visit Comets' 92 year old drummer, Dick Richards, at his Jersey shore home a couple months ago and took a bunch of photos and a short video of him screwing around on the drums. I posted your Comets fact, along with the video, on my little Facebook page ... I can’t believe the response I’ve been getting about:
A) Your factoid about The Comets reaching #1 in 1955, and
B) people seeing Dick and his obvious love of the drums, and life
A) Your factoid about The Comets reaching #1 in 1955, and
B) people seeing Dick and his obvious love of the drums, and life
I’ve been getting messages from people all over the world thanking me for posting the video. Lots of messages from Germany, Italy and the UK from people who’ve had the pleasure of working with the guys overs the decades. Lots of notes from people who knew Dick from his acting career in movies and plays, too. I called Dick this morning to tell him and he was thrilled. He’s a real American treasure, not just from a Rock and Roll history point of view (these drummers were still playing swing beats to the straight eighths the guitarists were coming up with, the real evolution of rock in action), but he’s a living link to another moment in time. He’s a fascinating guy and still tours the world with The Comets, as well as plays locally with his rockin’ little trio, The Ready Rockers.
You can see the video and some photos of Dick with his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Award at https://www.facebook.com/tommyscheckel
I just wanted you to see it ... in a large part, it’s because of your post that this thing got all the attention and Dick got a fun kick today! I was just thinking about that and added a thanks to you in the post, so I thought I’d write you as well. I knew you’d get a kick out of the fact that you had a part in it.
Long live Rock and Roll!! (and Dick Richards!!)
Tommy
How VERY cool is that!!! All our best to you and Dick ... and ALL of the legends of rock and roll that keep the rest of us young at heart and in mind. Thanks so much for sharing, Tommy. Let us know when you and the band will be back out our way. (kk)
EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE
TOTO
LIVE AT MONTREUX 1991
NORTH AMERICAN RELEASE ON DVD+CD, BLU-RAY+CD, AND DIGITAL VIDEO
~SEPTEMBER 16, 2016~
New York, NY (July 11, 2016) –At the personal invitation of Quincy Jones and legendary Montreux Jazz Festival founder Claude Nobs to perform at the famed Swiss festival, Toto couldn’t resist the opportunity, resulting in Toto: Live At Montreux 1991. “From the perspective of the members of Toto," states guitarist Steve Lukather, “the Montreux Jazz Festival is amongst the most revered events staged in the world. Our association, as a band, and individuals, is something we are deeply proud of. So much fun, and so much history has graced the ground in and around the lake.”
On September 16, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will present this very special concert film from Toto’s storied history. Toto: Live At Montreux 1991 -- the last tour with Jeff and Mike Porcaro, alongside original members Steve Lukather and David Paich -- will be available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, and Digital Video in North America [MSRP TBA]. In 1991, Toto was in the midst of a run of headline dates and European summer festivals, while finishing their new album Kingdom Of Desire. It was a time of rebirth for the band, and the Montreux stage proved the perfect opportunity to test drive the new songs. Fans could feel the electricity in the air as Lukather, Paich, and the late brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro took the stage.
On September 16, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will present this very special concert film from Toto’s storied history. Toto: Live At Montreux 1991 -- the last tour with Jeff and Mike Porcaro, alongside original members Steve Lukather and David Paich -- will be available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, and Digital Video in North America [MSRP TBA]. In 1991, Toto was in the midst of a run of headline dates and European summer festivals, while finishing their new album Kingdom Of Desire. It was a time of rebirth for the band, and the Montreux stage proved the perfect opportunity to test drive the new songs. Fans could feel the electricity in the air as Lukather, Paich, and the late brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro took the stage.
“Yes! Time to take a trip in the ol’ Toto Hot Tub Time Machine! Back to 1991, yes ‘91! Where pure live music was performed on hallowed ground under the paternal wings of Quincy Jones and Claude Nobs,” states keyboardist David Paich. “When I first listened back, the thought omnipresent in my mind was simply, ‘That's that raw, sizzling energy we had in high school!’ Here we are - four valley dudes from Los Angeles with some assorted musical friends, bringing it once again.”
Sadly, this was Jeff Porcaro’s final tour with the band, before his passing in 1992. Lukather, who personally mixed Live At Montreux 1991 with legendary engineer Niko Bolas, expresses the real emotions that this concert channels, and how poignant it was to the band’s history: “The most important thing is you can see and hear the love we have for each other and watching this in 2016 with Niko … well bittersweet is a term that has been so overused but in this case…there were tears and a lot of laughter as the memories of this night and this final tour with Jeff were captured. You guys get to see a version of the band that will never and COULD never be again!”
Sadly, this was Jeff Porcaro’s final tour with the band, before his passing in 1992. Lukather, who personally mixed Live At Montreux 1991 with legendary engineer Niko Bolas, expresses the real emotions that this concert channels, and how poignant it was to the band’s history: “The most important thing is you can see and hear the love we have for each other and watching this in 2016 with Niko … well bittersweet is a term that has been so overused but in this case…there were tears and a lot of laughter as the memories of this night and this final tour with Jeff were captured. You guys get to see a version of the band that will never and COULD never be again!”
Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of Toto. With over 38 years together and thousands of credits and accolades to their names, Toto remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world.
As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations. Their repertoire continues to be current via high profile usage on broadcast television. They ARE pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles and enjoy a multi-generational fan base.
Last summer, they released their first new studio album in ten years –TOTO XIV – that debuted Top 10 in nine countries around the world and became their most successful album since 1988 in the U.S. and UK. This August / September, the band will stage a headline tour of North America. Details are available via totoofficial.com.
Click here for a sneak peak at "On The Run":
http://www.vevo.com/watch/GBC251602156
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ1C-Xxc_kY
We've always been big Toto fans ... and are looking forward to their upcoming appearance at The Arcada Theatre on August 13th. (kk)
My latest blog post compares the life and music of classical composer Franz Liszt to the rock n roll lifestyle of The Beatles. The similarities will shock and amaze you!
As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations. Their repertoire continues to be current via high profile usage on broadcast television. They ARE pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles and enjoy a multi-generational fan base.
Last summer, they released their first new studio album in ten years –TOTO XIV – that debuted Top 10 in nine countries around the world and became their most successful album since 1988 in the U.S. and UK. This August / September, the band will stage a headline tour of North America. Details are available via totoofficial.com.
Click here for a sneak peak at "On The Run":
http://www.vevo.com/watch/GBC251602156
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ1C-Xxc_kY
We've always been big Toto fans ... and are looking forward to their upcoming appearance at The Arcada Theatre on August 13th. (kk)
My latest blog post compares the life and music of classical composer Franz Liszt to the rock n roll lifestyle of The Beatles. The similarities will shock and amaze you!
http://beatles-freak.com/2016/07/11/lisztomania-vs-beatlemania/
Feel free to share this post with your readers on your own blog.
Feel free to share this post with your readers on your own blog.
Enjoy!
Jenn
Well, I certainly remember wanting to grow MY hair long to match Liszt's back in the 1840's! (But my parents wouldn't stand for it!)
This whole idea ties in nicely with a track off the new Jim Peterik CD, "The Songs", called "The Same Muse", where Jim imagines that the same inspirations to create music would have existed regardless of what time you lived. What a fitting tie-in to your piece! (kk)
Hi Kent,
This song written by P.F. Sloan was recorded on July 15th, 1965, and was a #1 song for Barry McGuire.
With all the chaos going on today, when you listen to the lyrics of "Eve Of Destruction", though we have technically progressed, political and social issues are frozen in time.
Peace,
Peace,
We DO seem to have lost a handle on things. I told Barry: I've received a few emails of late from fans (and disgusted Americans) stating that we once again have reached The Eve Of Destruction ... never before can we remember such universal chaos and craziness going on within our own sector. It's like we've completely lost a handle on all that is important and we're heading back to the wild, wild west. Look at me the wrong way ... disagree with me ... or worse yet discard my thoughts and feelings (no matter how bent, ridiculous and out of the norm they might seem) and you just may get blown away.
Of course we prefer to remember a time when it was the music that blew us away ... all the hope we had ... peace, love and flower power, right? We said we were going to change the world ... and we did ... it's times like these, however, that make me wonder if anything really changed for the better.
Of course we prefer to remember a time when it was the music that blew us away ... all the hope we had ... peace, love and flower power, right? We said we were going to change the world ... and we did ... it's times like these, however, that make me wonder if anything really changed for the better.
Anyway, would love to share some of your comments with our readers if you feel so inclined ... this goes WAY beyond two crotchety old men sharing their views ... America as a whole seems to have lost a handle on all things important and is spinning out of control. With all the other hate and despair in the world, how sad that we have seemed to turn on our own.
Hoping that you'll make a comment or two in this regard ...maybe we can get a few other folks to follow in kind. Thanks, Barry!
kk
kk
Chubby Checker joined Hall and Oates for their encore at a concert in Philadelphia the other night and performed his two-time chart-topping hit "The Twist". The crowd went crazy (and Checker looked great). A quick scan of YouTube this morning shows about a dozen extremely low-quality videos of the event ... but I'm hoping that somebody from Hall and Oates' camps will release something more worthy of this momentous occasion. Daryl Hall made a passionate plea during his Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony speech to include more worthy Philly artists into The Rock Hall. If ANYBODY from Philadelphia deserves this honor, it's Chubby Checker ... who topped the charts TWICE with his mega-hit "The Twist" and launched an international dance sensation ... first for the kids ... and then a year and a half later with the parents as twist clubs and discotheques started popping up all over the country. WTG, Hall and Oates! (kk)
(photo by Mike Morsch)
And, speaking of Philadelphia, a brand new, revamped ("remix") mural of Philly rock stars is going up and will officially be unveiled October 15th during a rock and roll block party. Here's an artist rendering of what we can expect. (Notice that Charlie Gracie and James Darren have both been added) kk
Danny Smythe, original drummer and founding member of The Box Tops, passed away last Wednesday (July 6th). He was only with the band for their first two chart hits, "The Letter" (#1, 1967) and "Neon Rainbow" (#16, 1967) kk
And, I hate to say it, but this one was just too much fun to pass up ...
Apologies to anyone who may be offended (btw my wife does NOT endorse this posting! lol)
I can't believe you haven't posted this one.
Steve Sarley
Uh-huh ... another gem from Joe Walsh! (kk)
