After all the delays in getting the reunited Doobie Brothers back on the road again for their 50th Anniversary Tour, now comes the sad news that founding member Tom Johnston will miss this next leg of the tour due to needing emergency back surgery.
The Doobies will continue on without him … but it was Tom’s voice that factored into most of those early hits (“Listen To The Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “China Grove” and more.) Surely Michael McDonald will take over more of the leads on his own material (which will likely be beefed-up in the set list) while Patrick Simmons will now get a chance to shine on more of the early material I’m sure.
The Doobie Brothers have an extensive run of dates booked between now and October … so hopefully Johnston will be able to rejoin his bandmates at some point down the road.
Per the official press release:
Rest assured that the shows will go on – Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, and John McFee will continue the tour beginning with their May 25th show at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL. Not wanting to disappoint their fans, the rest of The Doobie Brothers will continue performing their greatest hits and more in celebration of the band’s 50-year legacy. Johnston sends his utmost appreciation to his fans and eagerly awaits his return to the stage once he makes a full recovery.
“I hope for a speedy recovery and can’t wait to get back on the road and continue doing what I love. I would like to thank Pat, Michael, John, and the entire Doobie Brothers band for covering for me while I recover from back surgery … I’m sure they will bring it every night as they always do.” -- TOM JOHNSTON
What's yet to come ...
May 25th – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
May 26th– St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center For the Arts
May 28th – Concord, NC – Charlotte Motor Speedway
June 7th – Highland, CA – Yaamava Casino
June 9th – Sparks, NV – Nugget Casino Resort
June 11th – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
June 14th – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
June 15th – Springfield, MO – Great Southern Bank Arena
June 17th – Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center
June 18th – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
June 20th – Duluth, MN – Amsoil Arena
June 21st – Madison, WI – Breese Stevens Field
June 23rd – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
June 24th – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
June 26th – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center
June 28th – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
June 30th – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
July 1st – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
July 3rd – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
July 6th – Reading, PA – Santander PAC
July 8th and 9th – New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre New Jersey
July 11th and 12th – Morristown, NJ – Mayo PAC
July 14th – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
August 18th – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater
August 20th – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl
August 23rd – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater
August 26th – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
August 28th – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
August 30th – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheatre
August 31st – Franklin, TN – Firstbank Amphitheater
Sep 02 – Macon, GA – Macon Centreplex
September 3rd – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
September 6th – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheater at Heritage Park
September 7th – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre
September 9th – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
October 5th – National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
October 6th – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
October 8th – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
October 13th – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre
October 14th – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre
October 16th – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
October 17th – Ottawa, ON – Tribute Communities Centre
October 19th – St. Catherines, ON – Meridian Centre
October 22nd – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
October 24th – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
October 25th – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
October 27th – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
October 28th – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre
(kk)
And Jimmy Buffett had to cancel a show earlier this week when he was hospitalized for a medical issue that required immediate attention.
(As Frannie suggested, this sounds a bit more serious than that time he blew out his flip flop when he stepped on a pop top and broke his leg twice, having to limp on back home.)
Buffett issued this statement:
Hello, my faithful friends in Charleston and beyond.
These few words from Mark Twain about life changes seemed perfect to pass on at this time ...
“Challenges,” he said, “make life interesting … however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
I had a sudden change of plans this week that affected us all.
Two days ago, I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California “winter tour,” and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston. I had to stop in Boston for a check-up but wound up back in the hospital to address some issues that required immediate attention. Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you. I also will promise you that when I am well enough to perform, that is what I’ll be doing in the land of She-Crab soup. You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe-headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, “NOT YET!”
Love to all
JB
I was sad to hear the news about the passing of football great Jim Brown – without question, one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
While with The Cleveland Browns, Brown won the NFL Rushing Title EIGHT TIMES during his nine years with the team. (He was also named the NFL MVP for three of those seasons.) In 1971, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame … and in 2002, The Sporting News named him The Greatest Professional Football Player In History.
He quit football to pursue an acting career (we first saw him in “The Dirty Dozen,” a film that is still near and dear to my heart) … but perhaps his most famous (or would that be notorious or infamous?) role would have to be the love scene he filmed with Raquel Welch (who we also lost recently) for the film “100 Rifles.”
Brown was recently depicted in the film “One Night In Miami,” showing him hanging out with brand new heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, singer Sam Cooke and Malcolm X. He was also best buddies with Bill Cosby during the prime of his comedic career.
Definitely an activist, Brown drew a lot of attention to any number of causes he supported … but he also knew where to draw the line.
Regarding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,whose cause (in principle) he whole-heartedly supported, Jim Brown once said, “He is a great man … but I, for one, will not march down the street and kneel and pray for my rights. That is just not my shit.”
Brown stood up for what HE believed in … so you’ve got to give him props for that. (kk)
MICKY DOLENZ JOINS THE “PLAY IT, JAMES” / JAMES BURTON EVENT IN LONDON
Legendary rock and roll guitarist James Burton, who will be instantly recognizable to Elvis Presley fans around the world, is to make a rare return to London for a special one-night-only concert event at the iconic London Palladium on Sunday June 4th (after an inaugural one in Nashville in 2019.)
One of the most recognized musicians to emerge during North America’s burgeoning rock and roll, rockabilly and country music eras, Burton’s name has since been attached to such legendary artists as George Harrison, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, John Denver, Emmylou Harris, and Merle Haggard, and on thousands of recordings. His innovative use of banjo strings on his guitar in the 1950’s to bend and stretch notes, coupled with his unique ‘chicken pickin’ playing style, revolutionized rock, country and pop guitar and continues to inspire and influence artists across all generations to this day.
He holds a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted by longtime fan and friend Keith Richards in 2001, and has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
It should come as little surprise then that Burton’s London appearance on June 4th has drawn the participation of many of his fellow musician and artist admirers from around the world.
Joining
Burton in this special one-off event are Sir Brian May, Van Morrison,
Albert Lee, Micky Dolenz and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, with more
surprise guests to be announced.
Dolenz was present for the Nashville presentation and says, “It was an honor to
perform with James; indeed, a tremendous musician and innovator.”
[Dolenz is just now off the first-leg of his tremendously well-received Micky Dolenz Celebrates The Monkees. The tour resumes on June 8th. Dolenz appears later this week, May 25th, at Abbey Road On The River in Louisville, KY.]
Presenting the evening is Welsh singer, songwriter, and radio presenter Cerys Matthews, MBE, who currently hosts her own award-winning radio show on BBC 6 music every Sunday, as well as The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2, each Monday.
Tickets for the event are now on sale and are available from: LWtheatres.co.uk and Ticketmaster.co.uk
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And this update just in …
‘JAMES BURTON & FRIENDS UK’ … ONE NIGHT ONLY!
FURTHER MUSICIANS ADDED TO STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP:
JOHN OATES, MICKY DOLENZ, JASON SCHEFF, STEVE WARINER, TOMMY EMMANUEL, TOMMY SIMS, CAROLINE JONES, ESSEX COUNTY & MORE GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED
THE LONDON PALLADIUM - SUNDAY 4 JUNE –
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW from LWTheatres.co.uk and Ticketmaster.co.uk
Renowned rock & soul guitarist John Oates (Hall & Oates) and Monkees star Micky Dolenz are the latest musical icons to join legendary rock and roll guitarist James Burton for a special one-night-only concert at the iconic London Palladium on Sunday 4 June; ‘James Burton & Friends UK – For One Night Only’. Tickets are on-sale now.
They will join previously announced celebrated musicians: Sir Brian May, Van Morrison, Albert Lee and Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter. Together with further performers also announced today: Jason Scheff, Steve Wariner, Tommy Emmanuel, Tommy Sims, Caroline Jones and Essex County.
Instantly known to Elvis Presley fans around the world and one of the most recognized musicians to emerge during North America’s burgeoning rock and roll, rockabilly and country music eras, James Burton’s name has since been attached to such legendary artists as George Harrison, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, John Denver, Emmylou Harris, and Merle Haggard, and on thousands of recordings. His innovative use of banjo strings on his guitar in the 1950s to bend and stretch notes, coupled with his unique ‘chicken pickin’ playing style revolutionized rock, country and pop guitar and continues to inspire and influence artists across all generations to this day.
Burton holds a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted by longtime fan and friend Keith Richards in 2001, and has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. It should come as little surprise then that Burton’s London appearance on 4 June has drawn the participation of many of his fellow musician and artist admirers from around the world.
This very special and historic show ‘James Burton & Friends UK,’ will take its audience on a unique musical experience across more than six decades of exceptional musical history. In addition to the line-up of names announced so far will be Musical Director Leo Green, along with the Leo Green Orchestra - a fantastic ensemble of topflight musicians and singers, forming the supporting cast for this unique event. The evening will be hosted by Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews.
James Burton said: "We are thrilled to announce another host of phenomenal musicians for our unique event at The London Palladium. Don't miss out on this evening of incredible musical entertainment that will help our Foundation continue its mission of providing music education to those who need it most. We're grateful to all of the artists who are generously donating their time and talent to support our cause."
Proceeds from the show will go to The James Burton Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports music education for those in need through guitar donations and music instructions. Over the years, the Foundation has given thousands of guitars to schools, children’s and veterans’ hospitals, and other organizations. The success of this event will allow the Foundation to expand its music education program, facilities, and partnerships.
James Burton explains: “I've always wanted to do my own show, which - in 2005, we actually came up with the idea, invite all my friends that I worked with, and all my guitar player friends and singers as well. I wanted to do something for the kids in music, and I got to thinking I would like to donate guitars to the kids in school - you know, get music back in schools. But the government took it out years ago. I still get letters from teachers and young kids thanking me for this program that we do.”
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Date: 4 June 2023
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The London Palladium
8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF
Ticket Prices: from £61.70
Website: LWTheatres.co.uk
Here is more proof that everything old is new again …
Billboard Magazine just ran an article spotlighting fourteen hits that made The Top 10 in the 1980’s … and have since returned to The Top 10 when they were remade by other artists. In perhaps the strangest cases of all, Elton John remade his OWN hit … “Candle In The Wind” … and hit The Top Ten twice with it, some nine years apart! … while Peter Cetera sang “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” all the way to #1 for Chicago in 1982 … and then again to #8 with Az Yet in 1997.) kk
Rockabilly Queens WANDA JACKSON & LINDA GAIL LEWIS Team Up With Punkabilly Group THE BRAINS On A Cover Of SHANIA TWAIN’s Country Hit!
Fans of rockabilly take note!
Today, a new single is released featuring two leading ladies of rockabilly on a superb version of Shania Twain's country crossover hit "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?"
Oklahoma-born singer/songwriter and widely regarded “Queen Of Rockabilly,” Wanda Jackson, recorded her cover of Twain’s ode to female empowerment in 2005. More recently, Linda Gail Lewis, sister of rock n’ roll founding father Jerry Lee Lewis, recorded additional vocals on the track and the two were mixed together by punkabilly mastermind Rene D La Muerte of The Brains, who also provided an energetic new backing track.
Together this trio of talented artists craft a stunning version of the song that contains all the sass and attitude of the original while adding a good dose of musical maturity. Fans of Twain's country pop flavorings will find plenty to love here as will those who prefer a little more grit in their roots music. Either way the track is a celebration of female rockabilly artists who have gone unappreciated for too long!
Stream the single: https://orcd.co/whosebedhaveyourbootsbeenunder
The single is also released on 7” vinyl backed with a killer version of Jackson singing "Heartbreak Hotel" from her excellent 2006 album I Remember Elvis!
kk …
"TURN THE PAIGE" / Bob Seger -- Good Luck To Paige With Her Acting Career!
"KANSAS. CITY" / Wilbert Harrison -- For Kent's Trip
"GOODBYE KANSAS CITY" / Wilbert Harrison Got Smart and Left KC For NYC –
You Should Do The Same Thing!
FB
Here's a great review of the Peter Pan and Wendy play we drove down to Kansas City to see last weekend …
https://kcstudio.org/kc-rep-puts-an-excitingly-fresh-spin-on-peter-pan-and-wendy/
I’ve got to tell you … it is a VERY long and rather boring ride … not much to see in the way of scenery along the way … just open fields and wooded areas … so I found enjoyment and amusement in the little things …
Like the BUELL ROAD sign we saw above us at one point …
And the fact that on our return trip (nearly eleven hours on Sunday!) we passed thru Pleasant Valley, which made it a Pleasant Valley Sunday for us.
It was also fun to hear Toto’s “Hold The Line” come on the radio at the most opportune time for me to say “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto!”
(On the NOT so cool side, I got a $120 speeding ticket in Iowa … a completely bummer way to end the weekend.)
But the show was great … and it was nice to see Paige in her element again … acting gigs have been scarce since Covid … and the competition is brutal … but she played the role perfectly and was singled out in a few of the reviews that we saw. (Honestly, the whole cast was outstanding … each character was perfectly cast and with Mr. and Mrs. Darling ALSO appearing as Captain Hook and Tinker Bell respectively, this was a nice added bonus.)
We also stopped at The World’s Largest Truck Stop (amazing!!! And absolutely packed, too!), had some great Kansas City BBQ … TRIED to get a picture of 12th Street and Vine (which is now 12th Terrace … and right in the middle of the projects … seemingly replaced by 18th Street and Vine District sign as the tourist attraction)
Not enough time to visit any of the half dozen casinos we must have seen to and from … or The Baseball Negro League Museum (which would have been interesting to see) … but a fun trip nonetheless, if a bit exhausting. (kk)
And, speaking of Kansas City …
And Buell Road …
>>>Paige landed a lead role in the production of "Peter Pan and Wendy" currently playing at The Kansas City Repertory Theater" to rave reviews ... (kk)
So very, very Kansas City Kool!
But you didn't mention WHICH role she plays. I ask only because about 15 Female Actors have played the part of Peter Pan (him)self! Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan, Cathy Rigby, Haley Mills and Mia Farrow just to name a few of the most historically recents.
Chuck Buell
She played Tiger Lily … who had a MUCH bigger role in this
production as it swung toward the whole “Girl Power” angle about what “fighting
the battle” was REALLY about. (see
review above … and if you scroll back to Friday’s video promo, you’ll see Paige
decked out in her full Indian gear on stage) She previously played Peter Pan in a local production here in Chicago a few years ago ... and got to fly onstage! (kk)
>>>We're going to BOTH Kansas Cities actually ... wonder what's up with that?!?!) kk
According to local legend, one of
the reasons why one city named itself Kansas City, Kansas, even though the name was already taken
and was so close by, was resentment. The people there reportedly didn’t
like how Missouri had a city named after their state. It was also a major, wealthy
river-reliant city and that just added insult to injury. So, they
sought to steal back some of the attention by purposely trying to confuse
industry and individuals to divert money and visitors there by naming their town Kansas City, Kansas!
So then, why was there
a city named Kansas City in a state that isn't in Kansas in the first place? Because it was actually named after the Kansas River!
Interestingly enough, there's a Ghost Town also in Kansas named "Chicago!"
Anyway, it sounds like a Fun and well-deserved trip for you! You've GOT to take a picture of you standing on the corner of 12th Street and Vine!
Meanwhile, music for a KC Road Trip is Attached!
CB ( which stands for "Cartographer Boy!" )
12th Street and Vine doesn’t actually exist anymore – but if you check above, you’ll see the intersection cross signs for 12th Terrace and Vine … which is smack dab in the middle of the Kansas City projects.
Just a few blocks away is the baseball stadium, home to The Kansas City Royals, which is also adorned by a large mural touting the 18th Street and Vine District … apparently their new designated landmark. (kk)
Love to Love You documentary tells the harrowing story of Donna Summer
We finally had the chance to watch this last night ... and it was MUCH better than I had anticipated based on the disappointing trailer that's circulating. (I made mention of this in an earlier post ... although I was looking forward to seeing the film, there was absolutely NOTHING in the trailer to make me say “Man, I’ve gotta see this!!!”) The film is very interesting, with all kinds of great Donna Summer footage. (One forgets just how many hits Summer really had ... see our Donna Summer Hit List below!) kk
More …
Donna Summer's Daughter Mimi Opens
Up About Healing from Sexual Abuse as a Child (Exclusive)
https://people.com/music/donna-summer-daughter-mimi-on-experiencing-sexual-abuse-as-child/
Harvey Kubernik sent me this great picture of Donna Summer on stage (with Bob Conti) kk
1980 - On The Radio (#1)
I have to tell you about a new exciting six hour radio program that airs every Sunday night beginning at 6:00 eastern, 5:00 central time called "The Dusty Rhodes Show."
Currently, he is doing yearly specials from 1955 to 1979. Done in a very unique way, he presents the music of the year with intros by famous radio personalities, There are also commercials. jingles, news and sports clips along the way.
You have missed the first five years, but can pick up the show tonight starting with 1960. The six hour show is presented on two internet radio stations:
z98fm.com and https://www.1059theoasis.com.
He also has a three hour show on wmkvfm.org. These shows are different each week than the other two internet stations. They play the six hour specials with part one and part two the following week. Some of those specials you can read about by visiting his facebook page. Since they are on simultaneously, I record the three hours to listen to later in the week. I really think you will love his presentations. Give him a listen.
edrponsSot7gh1g0l93u1if5haa273506l83al7g99fc6544i6m611u39u7t
A new decade begins!
It's 1960, start to finish, Sunday (5/21) at 6pm on Cincinnati and Dayton's great new radio station, 105.9 FM "The Oasis", wherethemusicwent.com and Delhi Township's WDTZ 98.1 FM and Z98fm.com. We're on at 9pm, too (5/21) on WMKV 89.3 FM, WLHS 89.9 FM & wmkvfm.org
Z98 is commercial free. (Just a few promos) and The Oasis breaks are three minutes or less. There are only four breaks in each hour.
Enjoy!
Bill Tietz
We have plugged Dusty’s shows before in FH … but this sounds like a whole new concept … and definitely worth checking out.
Thanks for the tip, Bill! (kk)
kk …
Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis Took Don Kirshner's Advice And Became Tony Orlando.
Here's An Example Of Don Kirshner Earning His Nickname = "THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN EAR.”
Tony Thought If Ritchie Valens Could Make It At Such A Young Age, So Could He.
"LA BAMBA" Was His Audition Song. Over The Course Of A Year, He Tried Every Office
In The Famous Brill Building And Got Kicked Out Of Every Office.
When He Met Don Kirshner -- Call It His First Big Break -- Don Said He Would Turn Him Into A Big Star.
Don Told A Fat Teenager With An Acne Problem That He Was Going To Be A Star.
Don Gave Tony His Number And Said “Call Me In A Few Days.” Tony Didn't Call. Even He Didn't Believe What Don Said About Him. Don Had To Go Searching For Tony. They Finally Got Together.
Don And Company Taught Tony How To Act Onstage And In The Studio.
Don Said That "HALFWAY TO PARADISE" Would Be His First Recording.
Don Wanted Tony To Sound Like Ben E. King. He Wanted A Latin / Greek White Boy To Sound Black.
Tony Was Told To Pronounce "PARADISE" Like "PAIR-OF-DICE."
"HALFWAY TO PARADISE" Peaked At # 16 On Cashbox … Not Bad For A Complete Unknown To The Pop Music World.
Don Kirshner Picked "BLESS YOU" (Mann - Weil) For Tony's Second Recording.
UPDATE: Tony Orlando Follows Cousin Brucie On WABC 77 AM And Is Still Doing Concerts.
FB
Tony Orlando’s autobiography (also called “Halfway To Paradise”) is a great read. An early mentor was Bobby Darin, who used to write songs and jingles with Don Kirshner before they each clicked with their own very successful careers. (Tony was fortunate enough to have a couple of “comebacks” during the course of his long career. We saw him a few years ago and he is still in fine voice.) kk
Hello Friends!
The first public screening of ™️THE
VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA was met by an enthusiastic crowd at the Des Plaines
Theatre on SUNDAY, MAY 21. Oh, what an amazing day it was! I'm still
feeling the warm glow from the outpouring of love for Dick Biondi and for the
film.
Kudos to the amazing team of Ron Onesti & OSHOWS.COM who attended to every
detail. I especially want to thank Jackie and Dana for going above and beyond.
Ron was with his family (we missed you, Ronnie 🥰) so our good
friend, MC extraordinaire, Mr. Scott Mackay stepped up to make the day
spectacular, and raised a substantial sum for this beautiful guitar. Thank you,
Scott! 😍 Special thanks to Carl Giammarese, Ray Graffia Jr.,
Ronnie Rice, and the fabulous StingRays who also autographed the guitar and for
making the day so very special!
Much appreciation to Jim Summaria was on hand to capture all the excitement through his lens. I am deeply touched by so many friends and family members who came to support my dream, including my beautiful family and Director of Communications & Marketing, Joe Farina, and his family.
Love & gratitude,
Pam Pulice
Producer & Director
THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY
We have two more screenings scheduled, one on June 25 at the Hobart Arts Theatre, Hobart, IN, and one on July 9 at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. Please spread the love. ❤️💕💙
SURPRISE FORGOTTEN HIT OF THE WEEKEND:
Couldn’t help but smile when I heard Stealers Wheel’s “Star” playing over the closing credits of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Amazon Prime this weekend.
What a GREAT song … a truly Forgotten Hit that deserved a better fate. (It only peaked at #29 in Billboard in 1974 … doing a little better in Cash Box, where it peaked at #20.)
Here it is again for all you early Gerry Rafferty fans out there! (kk)
