The Sunday Comments ( 09 - 21 - 14 )

We missed a few big stories while we were on our extended "vacation" ... including the passing of Bob Crewe, which we hope to acknowledge in greater detail at a later date.  

Here in Chicago there was some big radio news, too!  

re:  ON THE RADIO:  
Tommy Edwards bid a very tearful and emotional farewell to his audience last week when he signed off for the last time on K-Hits.  Tommy's been on the air for the past 54 years (and the bulk of those were spent right here in Chicago on a variety of stations, most notably WLS in its hey-day.)  He will be missed.  From what I've heard from the many who worked with him or crossed paths with him over the years, a nicer man you'll never meet.  Congratulations, Tommy ... on whatever next comes your way.  Thanks for being such a big part of our lives ... we love ya!  (kk) 

Meanwhile, word is Scott Shannon will be returning to The Chicago Airwaves real soon, too, although for now (maybe I should say "for the time being anyway"), through a new, syndicated program that will also be broadcast on K-Hits. 

Scott's VERY familiar voice can soon be heard on K-Hits Saturday Mornings (from 6 - 10 am) with "Scott Shannon Presents America's Greatest Hits".

Each hour of the show will feature artist interviews, song countdowns, one-hit-wonders and commentary from Shannon, who says “I love the medium of radio — everybody knows that — and I’ll grab any chance possible to play the greatest hits of all time and tell stories about the artists, and the songs and the era that they come from.”

It all makes sense ... K-Hits was modeled after WCBS-FM in New York where Scott now hosts the city's #1 Morning Show ... so the CBS tie-in to K-Hits is a natural.  (I don't know that I'll get up early on a Saturday just to tune in and listen ... I mean the guy is already on 24/7 on The True Oldies Channel ... 20+ hours a week on WCBS-FM and now another four here in Chicago ... just how much Scott Shannon does the world need?!?!  lol)

Just kidding ... I swear, the older this guy gets, the greater his popularity grows ... and there's nobody better at what he does ... or loves the oldies more than he does.

So one can't help but wonder ... with the mid-day slot now open again at K-Hits after the departure of Tommy Edwards, could Scott Shannon be returning to Chicagoland Radio again in THIS capacity???  (Why not?  His specially-recorded voice-tracked program ran for YEARS on WLS-FM ... in fact, Scott's ratings ... broadcasting from New York ... regularly trumped those of all of our local on-air personalities here in Chicago.  And let's face it ... every single one of these stations are playing the exact same songs ANYWAY, so why not?!?!?)

Hopefully Scott will mix things up a bit more with his new "America's Greatest Hits" program ... over the years, this guy has had access to just about EVERYBODY ... and you can ALWAYS get more variety on The True Oldies Channel, too!)

Click here: Scott Shannon's TRUE OLDIES CHANNEL

His new K-Hits program kicks off on October 18th.  (kk)

re:  THE SATURDAY SURVEYS:  
Kent, 
The pictures of the DJ's on KIX's survey showed one Russ Spooner doing mornings.  He later would be here in OKC doing mornings at WKY - 930 AM.  In fact, he was the PD at the time when he came on board. Also, it showed a Charlie Brown working the 6 - 9 PM time slot. WKY also had a Charlie Brown working in the late 60's but it was a different Charlie Brown. 
I believe back in those days the air name of Charlie Brown was a dime a dozen. 
Larry  

Great charts this weekend, Kent! 
It's interesting that the Box Tops' "I Met Her In Church" is one of your favorites. 
I met her in church on October 20, 1974. Our first date was November 8, 1974. Married her a couple of years later.   That's TMI, but since it actually happened to me ... 
David  

Hi Kent -
Enjoy reading about all the Top 40 Survey Charts.
Everyone remembers the WLS Silver Dollar Surveys, but at the same time WCFL was the top rival to WLS and they printed their surveys also.
I remember receiving a Herb Alpert album in the mail and found out someone sent in my high school photo and WCFL printed it on back of one of the surveys!  Memories ... 
Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Carolyn  
How cool is that?!?!  Do you have a copy?  (If not, we can probably get one for you ... TONS of survey collectors on our list!)  
We've run quite a few 'CFL surveys, too, since we started our new Saturday Surveys feature.  I used to pick up BOTH lists every Friday on the way home from school ... and still have a complete set of both charts for as long as they existed.  (kk)  

Hey Kent,  
Just a little side bar about Hurt So Bad which I think I have mentioned before about it being a reluctant hit.  Of all the surveys I have collected from across the country from the major markets, Hurt So Bad was in the top 5 but there was a disparity in the time line. By the time it was number one in one city, it had just made the play list in another.  There is a month difference between KHJ (#1) in LA and WLS (#2) in Chicago and even a greater disparity in other cities.  There were even some markets where it was on their play list, taken off and then put back on.  I truly believe that if it had peeked all at once it would have charted higher than #12 on the national charts.  We still received gold for it.
I would also like to talk about David Gates who is one of my all time favorite tune makers.  We did a few of his songs before he was the famed David Gates.  I’m sending one we did in '65 which has a  Gary Lewis feel to it.  My brother Jim has the lead on it. I thought it was going to make some noise for sure but it didn’t.  
Keep up your good work!!!  
Thanks,  
Ex-Letterman, now The Reunion,  
Gary Pike

re:  NEW MICHAEL JACKSON:  
Have you heard the new Queen track featuring Freddie Mercury's duet with Michael Jackson? Honestly, not much to this track ... yet it still sounds absolutely amazing.  Two of the greatest voices we have ever known, singing together for the first and only time.  (Reminds you of just how much we lost when these two left us.) 
Listen here:   
Click here: Hear Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury's Long-Lost Duet | Rolling Stone

 

re:  RECENT AND UP-COMING CONCERTS:

As more and more artists seems prone to do, Stevie Wonder will be performing an entire album's worth of material on a brand new, limited-access tour hitting eleven cities.

Stevie's undertaking may be a little more ambitious than the rest however, as he has decided to perform in its entirety his "Songs In The Key Of Life" LP ... a #1, 2-Disc Set (plus bonus EP) released in 1977.

As was the way back then, Stevie dominated The Grammy Awards with this amazing effort that spawned five hit singles (including two #1's, "Sir Duke" and "I Wish".)

As noted, only eleven cities will be treated to this extravaganza (and Chicago just happens to be one of them!)  The full itinerary is as follows: 

11/06 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

11/09 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center

11/11 - Boston, MA - TD Garden

11/14 - Chicago, IL - United Center

11/16 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

11/20 - Auburn Hills, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills

11/22 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena

11/25 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre

11/29 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena

12/03 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena

12/05 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena

While additional cities are not expected to be added, don't be surprised if additional shows in the cities shown above are added to meet the demand for tickets for this very special event.  (There are enough open dates here to add at least one more show to every city ... and hot spots like Chicago, Madison Square Garden and The MGM Grand seem likely candidates to accommodate some additional performances.

I won free tickets to see Stevie Wonder many, many years ago (his "Hotter Than July" album had just come out) and it was a GREAT show.  As evidenced by many recent television appearances, Stevie is still in great voice ... and this is a "can't miss" show, performing one of my favorite albums.  (kk) 

Here's one I've just GOT to see (if it ever comes to be!!!)

A couple of months ago we told you about Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra fame) doing his first solo show in nearly thirty years.

Well, that all happened last week ... and man, what a set list!!!  Some of the greatest hits of our lives were played that night!
This was supposed to be just a one-off concert ... but now Jeff is saying that since things went over so well, he just might like to do a world tour!!!  (And how awesome would THAT be?!?!?) Here's the full report from Vintage Vinyl News: 

Jeff Lynne took the stage at the Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park festival on Sunday with the BBC Concert Orchestra for his first full concert in 28 years. 
Before coming on stage it was announced that Lynne had said that, if all went well with the show, he was seriously considering a world tour and, by all indications, everything went EXTREMELY well. The BBC Concert Orchestra was a superb stand in for the original ELO and Lynne was in perfect voice, not showing any sign at all of aging in his normal range or during falsetto passages. The original recordings were reproduced all the way down to the ringing sound in Telephone Line.
Lynne covered a great deal of the ELO canon and even snuck in one song from his Traveling Wilburys days.
The set list:
Main SetAll Over the World (from the soundtrack to Xanadu, 1980)

Evil Woman (from Face the Music, 1975)

Ma-Ma-Ma-Belle (from On the Third Day, 1973)

Showdown (from On the Third Day, 1973)

Living Thing (from A New World Record, 1976)

Strange Magic (from Face the Music, 1975)

10538 Overture (from No Answer, 1971)

Can't Get It Out Of My Head (from Eldorado, 1974)

Sweet Talking Woman (from Out of the Blue, 1977)

Turn to Stone (from Out of the Blue, 1977)

Steppin' Out (from Out of the Blue, 1977)

Handle With Care (from the Traveling Wilburys' Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1, 1988)

Don't Bring Me Down (from Discovery, 1979)

Rock 'n' Roll is King (from Secret Messages, 1983)

Telephone Line (from A New World Record, 1976)

Mr. Blue Sky (from Out of the Blue, 1977)

Encore

Roll Over Beethoven (from Electric Light Orchestra 2, 1973) 

Speaking of great concerts, here is an excellent review of some shows that took place at The World Trade Center before 9/11 ... a nice (and fitting) tribute to this recent anniversary ...  
Click here: The Summer Hits Series at the World Trade Center and the Day the Music Died: Fufkin.com: Dawn Eden: October, 2001

Star Plaza's putting on a Thanksgiving Soul Jam on Friday, November 28th, featuring The O'Jays, The Dramatics and The Manhattans ... more details on their website:  
Click here: Tickets | The O'Jays - Merrillville IN at Ticketmaster   

And here's a band we never expected to hear from again!  (kk)  

Gunhill Road CD Release Show ~~Doors Open 6:30~ ~ Hosted by: Gunhill Road with A2A Productions When: Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 07:00 PM   Where: The Bitter End 147 Bleecker St New York NY 10012

I interviewed Gunhill Road earlier this year.  They are getting set for their new release!
Phil - WRCO

Of course their big claim to fame (in One Hit Wonder Land) was "Back When My Hair Was Short", a #25 (CB) record in 1973!  (Hey, I always dug it!)    Even bigger here in Chicago where it peaked at #13 on the WCFL Chart.  (kk)

Eagle Rock Entertainment will be releasing two classic Rolling Stones concerts from the vaults ... a 1981 concert recorded at The Hampton Coliseum and a vintage 1975 show from The L.A. Forum, both scheduled for release in November!   

THE ROLLING STONES 

FROM THE VAULT - HAMPTON COLISEUM – LIVE IN 1981 

~SD BLU-RAY, DVD / 2 CD, DVD / 3 LP, DVD, AND DIGITAL FORMATS~ 

~NOVEMBER 4, 2014~ 

FROM THE VAULT – L.A. FORUM – LIVE IN 1975 

~DVD, DVD / 2 CD, DVD / 3 LP, AND DIGITAL FORMATS~ 

~NOVEMBER 18, 2014~ 

BOTH SHOWS RESTORED AND NEWLY MIXED BY BOB CLEARMOUNTAIN

New York, NY (September 17, 2014)—Eagle Rock Entertainment are about to deliver a double dose of Rolling Stones this November, with the debut of the new series of live concerts: From The Vault.   
From The Vault will unveil live concert films from the Rolling Stones archive, now receiving their first official release. The footage from these concerts have been carefully restored, and the sound has been newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain. From The Vault – Hampton Coliseum – Live In 1981 will be released simultaneously on SD Blu-ray, DVD / 2 CD, DVD / 3 LP, DVD, and Digital Formats on November 4, 2014 [Pre-book Order Date October 10, MSRP $17.98 SD Blu-ray, $29.98 DVD / 2 CD, $44.98 DVD / 3 LP, and $TBA DVD]. From The Vault – L.A. Forum – Live In 1975 will be released on DVD, DVD / 2 CD, DVD / 3 LP, and Digital Video on November 18, 2014 [Pre-book Order Date October 24, MSRP $TBA DVD, $29.98 DVD / 2 CD, $TBA DVD / 3 LP].  
Hampton Coliseum – Live In 1981 boasts a full-length 2 1/2 hour concert, featuring “Under My Thumb,” “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” “Shattered,” “Beast Of Burden,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Miss You,” “Brown Sugar,” “Jumping Jack Flash,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and many more. The Rolling Stones American Tour in 1981, in support of the critical and commercial smash Tattoo You, was the most successful tour of that year, taking in a then record $50 million dollars in ticket sales. The 50-date tour kicked off in Philadelphia in September 1981 and ended with two dates in Hampton, Virginia on December 18 and 19. The show on December 18th, which was also Keith Richards’ birthday, was the first ever music concert to be broadcast on television as a pay-per-view event.  
L.A. Forum – Live In 1975 also clocks in at 2 ½ hours, and features “Honky Tonk Women,” “Gimme Shelter,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Brown Sugar,” “Midnight Rambler,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Sympathy For The Devil,” to name a few. The Rolling Stones’ “Tour Of The Americas ‘75” was the band’s first tour with new guitarist Ronnie Wood. Even before the dates started, there were dramatic scenes in New York City at the official tour announcement, when the band unexpectedly turned up on a flatbed truck to play “Brown Sugar.” After a couple of low-key warm-up shows in Louisiana, the tour began on June 3, with a 44-date run lasting through August 8. They settled into the L.A. Forum for a five-night stint from July 9^th to 13^th. The L.A. Forum – 1975 film features the show from July 12^th. 
The electricity and power of the Rolling Stones onstage is a concert event like no other. From The Vault perfectly captures two separate evenings that prove why a Rolling Stones concert is the ultimate live experience. 
Click here to view a video of "Shattered" from Hampton Coliseum - Live In 1981 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj96Tau44OA  
Click here to view a video of "Star Star" from L.A Forum - Live In 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou90MPHZzXs  
HAMPTON COLISEUM TRACK LISTING:    
1) Under My Thumb 
2) When The Whip Comes Down 
3) Let’s Spend The Night Together 
4) Shattered 
5) Neighbours 
6) Black Limousine 
7) Just My Imagination 
8) Twenty Flight Rock 
9) Going To A Go Go 
10) Let Me Go 
11) Time Is On My Side 
12) Beast Of Burden 
13) Waiting On A Friend 
14) Let It Bleed 
15) You Can’t Always Get What You Want 
16) Band Introductions 
17) Happy Birthday Keith 
18) Little T & A 
19) Tumbling Dice 
20) She’s So Cold 
21) Hang Fire 
22) Miss You 
23) Honky Tonk Women 
24) Brown Sugar 
25) Start Me Up 
26) Jumping Jack Flash 
27) (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction 
L.A. FORUM TRACK LISTING:  
1) Introduction* 
2) Honky Tonk Women 
3) All Down The Line 
4) If You Can’t Rock Me / Get Off Of My Cloud 
5) Star Star 
6) Gimme Shelter
7) Ain’t Too Proud To Beg 
8) You Gotta Move 
9) You Can’t Always Get What You Want 
10) Happy 
11) Tumbling Dice 
12) It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll 
13) Band Intros* 
14) Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)* 
15) Fingerprint File 
16) Angie 
17) Wild Horses* 
18) That’s Life* 
19) Outta Space* 
20) Brown Sugar 
21) Midnight Rambler 
22) Rip This Joint 
23) Street Fighting Man 
24) Jumpin’ Jack Flash 
25) Sympathy For The Devil
*Not available on LP  

re:  LOU CHRISTIE:  
I finally got to read Shelley J Sweet-Tufano's Lou Christie concert review. One of the songs she wasn't sure on the title was Heart Of Saturday Night, a Tom Waits song that I prefer most by Dion (from his 1970's comeback LP, Return Of The Wanderer). That must've been a great show. I've never seen Lou on his own, so I've only gotten the "medley of hits" treatment. I did meet him once, though, and he is one of the nicest guys I've met. He told me he is not a fan of technology and the internet ... and I don't blame him ... but in this day and age, it helps keep names alive and people in the spotlight. 
Tom Diehl  
Shelley talked to the folks at Lou's website, who were able to provide a full and complete "set list" from Lou's concert ... 
I received information direct from the source on Lou's set-list from September 1st at Mohegan Sun.  Couldn't get any better. 
Shelley 
THE GIRLS ON THE BEACH WAS ALSO PART OF THE SUMMER MEDLEY 
SURE FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU  
HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT 
AND THE ENCORE WAS 
LOVE CAN MAKE YOU STRONG 
A BUNCH OF THE SONGS ARE INCLUDED ON THE LIVE CD FROM THE BOTTOM LINE 
I STILL WANT TO ROCK AND ROLL WITH YOU 
HOLD ME THRILL ME KISS ME 
IT'S OVER 
SURE FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU 
HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT 
BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON  
IT'S LOU'S ONLY LIVE CD RECORDED IN 2003 JUST BEFORE THE BOTTOM LINE CLOSED   

And, speaking of Lou, we also heard ...   
Lou Christie was interviewed on Cousin Brucie's show this past Wednesday, Sept 17th, around 5:00 pm 
Shelley 
I know I'm getting you this information too late to do anything about it ... but maybe they'll repeat the performance on a future show.  Still would love to see this guy!  (Hey, Ron, are you listening???  How about a double bill featuring Lou Christie and Tommy Roe???  BOTH of these guys would LOVE to come to Chicago ... and we'd sure love to see them!!!)  kk  

re:  JOHNNY RIVERS:
Just read your review of the Johnny Rivers concert ... 
I don't think there's anyone MORE unprofessional in the business (at least as a solo act). We were supposed to see him as part of a package deal this past March but literally at the last second he pulled out of the show, telling the booking agent that he would no longer do oldies shows as part of a package deal. I already lost respect for him before that because of a previous incident, but I have absolutely none for him now.  
As for Johnny being in a bad mood, I seem to think that he is only happy when he's unhappy. I've seen him two other times and he was pissed off pretty much the entire time then, too.  
The first time was at an outdoor show in Atlanta in the middle of summer (and yeah it was extremely hot).  At this show Johnny signed autographs but he wouldn't even look at the person he was signing for.  I handed him a Taiwanese pressing of one of his albums ... he took the record out of the jacket and commented "This looks like some cheap bootleg" (which it wasn't ... it was actually pressed using the original Imperial LP stampers). After that, I asked Johnny if he could record a short promo liner for me to use on my internet radio show and his reply was "There are people in line ... can it wait until I'm done?" so I said, "Sure", and I got back in the line at the very end ... got to him once again and asked if he could do a liner for me, and then his reply was "I don't have time for this right now". Really? After all that? A simple "no, I don't do promos" would've sufficed and I would've dropped the subject ... but, he didn't have time for me ... instead he got up from his table and walked four feet away from me to some big breasted bimbo and started chatting her up for the next 20 minutes. After that, we left. 
The second time I saw Johnny was inside a theater in New York in the spring of 2011, where it was nice and cool the entire night.  Johnny was the headliner and the other acts were Tony Lee (a British Gene Pitney / Roy Orbison tribute artist), Gary Puckett and The Association. The Association blew the rest of the acts away, including Johnny. During his set, he did look visibly pissed and seemed to have sound problems even then (but we could hear him just fine the entire time). After the show I was brought back stage by the booking agent and he was bringing me to Johnny who was just standing around backstage, when the theater manager came up and said "Johnny will be out in five minutes to sign autographs!". So we were scooted from backstage and not two minutes later the same theater manager comes out and says "Mr. Rivers has left the building".  Well, that was strike two for me right there, and then the third one came when he cancelled out on the show this past March. If he happens to ever again be on a package show I attend, I will make sure to walk out of his portion of the show. He doesn't show support to his fans and those who play his music on the air, so why should I support his music? It's unfortunate because he has so many good songs ... and the songs I still like, but him I can do without. 
Tom Diehl  

re:  THIS AND THAT:  
Donna Loren?  Only on FH ... way to go!

Great work! 
Phil 

Hey Kent,
I just heard Rupert Holmes' hit "Escape - The Pina Colada Song" on the radio. It's catchy and fun, but I think, a little cheesy. I really like his second hit, "Him", from the arrangement and harmony, to his scat-style (if you want to call it that) singing in the middle of the song. It's another one that you never hear on the radio these days. I just read his bio, and what a body of work he's had over the years, from composing, arranging, producing, and singing; from pop music to soundtracks to musical theatre! He has worked with the best in the business. He's really done it all. I'd like to inform one of the popular karaoke DJs (make that KJs) from this area, who had a trivia contest, that Rupert, whose real name is David Goldstein, is not in any way related to Clint Holmes ("Playground in My Mind"), even though they were both born in England.
- John LaPuzza

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6vAGdRxhzg

Ironically, I was just listening to "Him" the other day, too ... I always liked this song ... DEFINITELY one of those that fits our Forgotten Hits Credo of "One You Know ... One You Didn't Even Know You Forgot"! 
"Him went to #6 in 1980 ... and still sounds pretty good today (in small doses, of course!!!)  Then again "Escape" is probably one of the most over-played song on the air these days!  (Not necessarily a good thing as this one seems to be one of those "love it or hate it" type tunes!)  kk  

Paul McCartney has shared the original song he wrote for the video game Destiny.
Recorded with a 120-piece orchestra and conducted by Sir George Martin's son Niles, at the Abbey Road Studios in London, the track is called "Hope For The Future." 
It appears in the end credits of the first-person shooter video game. The track forms part of over 50 minutes of music McCartney composed for the game alongside Marty O'Donnell and Mike Salvatori. 
A representative for the game developer told Vulture of McCartney's involvement: 
"There was no check involved, big or otherwise. He's in it for the creativity. He got a wonderful opportunity to reach an audience that wouldn't typically be immersed in Paul McCartney." 
O'Donnell added of the recording process: "He brought out his old tape-loop machine - he said the last time he used it was on Sgt. Pepper. (He says stuff like that all the time!) So he sent me an entire session where he was playing around with all these tape-loops. We were just thrilled. That [was] the same machine that was on Revolver."  
The track will be available as a single, though details of the release have not been revealed.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI33VCbcyNE#t=167 Why buy it when I just downloaded it for free???  Interesting that he used a 120 piece orchestra for this, but had NO orchestra backing for his elaborate concert here months ago.   

-- Clark Besch     
McCartney is also releasing a special deluxe edition of "New", his latest LP, with a second disk filled with bonus material and live cuts plus a brand new DVD.  And "The McCartney Collection" continues as well, with ultra-deluxe reissues of "Venus And Mars" and "Wings At The Speed Of Sound".  Check Amazon.com for more details.  (kk)  

>>>Were the '60's and '70's really as exciting as you make them seem?  (Priscilla, born in 1983)

>>>Oh, Priscilla, you missed SO much!  There has never been another time quite like it.  Glad to know that while we're enjoying reliving many of these memories in Forgotten Hits, you're enjoying experiencing them for the first time (and are maybe just a little bit jealous!!!  lol)  kk    

I see that a Priscilla born in 1983 is wondering if the '60s and '70s were as exciting as Forgotten Hits showcases them as.  While it depends on how you spent those decades, I wouldn't have missed them for anything.   Of course, the '50s were pretty cool, too -- like, say, 1956, when Eddie Cooley hit the Top 20 with this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXfY9-v9g0k

Gary Theroux

Funny, I just listened to this song a couple of weeks ago!  A LONG forgotten gem.  (kk)  

I'd like to respond to the woman (Priscilla) who gave you what I thought was a great compliment about FH. 

So Priscilla, you were born in 1983. That means I've known Kent longer than you've been on this planet. Where does the time go, Kent?  It was still the 70s then. 

Seriously when I saw your letter I thought what a great thing to say! I know if I were the moderator of this site, I would think that all the hours I've spent sharing my passion of music with others has paid off, not necessarily in financial gains, more in personal satisfaction. 

You're right ... the 50s, 60s & the 70s  WERE an exciting time in music. We had gone from moon, June & spoon songs that my parents and your grandparents listened to, on to the latest dance grazes, the sophistication of lyrics, songs that questioned the existing order, into different genres of the music we affectionately call rock and roll. We had folk rock, psychedelic rock, space rock, jazz fusion, teen idols, etc. It was all new, strange and wonderful. Later we had more teen idols, southern rock, punk rock & disco (gasp!). Rhythm & blues morphed into soul. Even country music was starting to venture into rock territory. However that's not to say that as we approached the new millennium and you started taking music seriously, that there weren't gems to be heard. Every year has its icon songs, as well as it's trash. As a child of the 60s, I swore up & down that I would always try to keep abreast of what was happening in music. Sad to say, I've given up on that endeavor, if only because where I now live there isn't any radio station that plays any current adult rock. It's either classic rock, oldies, of stuff I'd appreciate if I were 14 again and first discovering the joys of music, as I did watching Ed Sullivan and American Bandstand. Sadly as music has evolved for better, or worse, the means to convey it has evolved and I'd say for the worse. Unless your parents let you listen to that God awful rock and roll on the living room hi-fi, you were stuck listening to your fave jocks on the AM dial (there was no FM rock until 67/68 or so), on a tiny transistor radio that you probably got from Sears. (No boom boxes then either). As Kent has mentioned more than once on this site, there are some of our "heroes" who have opted out as they don't want to live in the past. There is truth in that statement. However to appreciate the present, you must understand the past. Where did your fave artist learn about this music? Even the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, etc, took their cues from somewhere. Then the next generation of performers did the same and so it goes. If you were born in 1983, and if you have kids, then your oldest is approaching their teen years and is discovering music. (Feel old now)? Think how I feel knowing I could easily be the grandfather of a child approaching their teen years. Play my records / CDs? THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN! 

I don't know how the rest of FH readers felt about your letter, but I loved it. Please don't dismiss today's music as crap though, because it will be just as important to today's millennials as the 50s, 60s & 70s music was to us. If you have kids, encourage them to listen to ALL music. Don't say "Why are you listening to that crap", as my mom did, and I'll bet a lot of other parents did. Show them how the music evolved. As a contributor to FH for about a dozen years now, I thank you for a wonderful letter.

Jack (Rock and Roll Never Forgets) 

b. 1949

Well said ... I stand by my position that if you simply expose today's generation to the feel-good music that we grew up with in the '50's, '60's and '70's, they, too, will fall in love with it just as we did.  It's funny when a song that harkens back to that era pops up on the radio today ... I like things like "All About That Bass" by Meghen Trainor and "Bang Bang" by Jessie J ... "Happy" by Pharrell and Rude by Magic ... recent hits like "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster The People ... all of these tunes channel something from the past with a thoroughly modern sound.  (And it sure beats listening to "Don't Stop Believin'" for the 19th time today!!!)  kk

Is Gerry Marsden wearing a pacemaker by any chance?
Tal Hartsfeld

Kent,  
I'm joining with the many in expressing my sadness over the passing of George Hamilton IV.  I met him twice in my DJ days and found him to be among the easiest of the C&W stars to visit with.  We should note his Top 40 successes on this site, with four solo hits, the best being "A Rose And A Baby Ruth" and his teaming up with Paul Anka and Johnny Nash on "The Teen Commandments".  He was truly a gentleman and a solid performer. 
Chuck Wroste   
While never a major force in rock and roll, he did score five Top 40 Pop Hits between 1956 and 1950 (counting his Anka / Nash hit).   "A Rose And A Baby Ruth" was, indeed, his biggest, peaking at #6 in 1956 ... but he also hit The Top Ten a couple of years later with "Why Don't They Understand".

According to Joel Whitburn's book, Hamilton toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and The Everly Brothers in the early days of rock and roll ... so that put him in some pretty high-profile company back then.  He charted with 40 country hits between 1960 and 1978 and even hosted his own TV show back in 1959.

Here is how Ron Smith remembered him on his oldiesmusic.com website:

George Hamilton IV, who charted eleven times on the pop top 100 between 1956 and 1963 (and 40 times on the county charts from 1960 through 1978), died Wednesday (September 17) in a Nashville hospital. The 77 year-old had suffered a heart attack on Saturday. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina native is best remembered for his 1956 hit "A Rose And A Baby Ruth" (#6) and 1958's "Why Don't They Understand" (#10), but even after concentrating on country music, he crossed over to the pop charts with such hits as "Abilene" (#15 pop,#1 country, 1963). George hosted a Canadian TV program for six years and was one of the first American artists to record songs by Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell. He also was the first country artist to perform behind the Iron Cutain (Russia and Czechosolvakia) in 1974. He was inducted into the Grand Old Opry in 1960 and was known as the "International Ambassador of Country Music."

DONNIE KEHR & THE PATH FUND ANNOUNCE PERFORMERS FOR THEIR ROCKERS ON BROADWAY 'TEEN IDOLS' TRIBUTE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014, AT LE POISSON ROUGE

ROCKERS ON BROADWAY, the unique annual event (which has raised over $300,000 with over two decades of performances) featuring Broadway’s finest, performing something for everyone -  has announced the line-up for their next event, Monday, November 17 (at Manhattan’s Le Poisson Rouge) Celebrating five decades of music from our favorite teen idols.

Says Rockers’ Kehr, “This year we will honor two of America’s teen idol icons Micky Dolenz and Frankie Valli with Lifetime Achievement Awards and legendary DJ ‘Cousin’ Brucie Morrow with the Ambassador of Rock Award.”

Continues Kehr, “Teen idols have always been a special kind of rock star!  When their songs came on the radio our hearts skipped a beat.  We tacked their photos to our bedroom walls, faithfully watched their TV shows and bought their records -- and we might have even written some of them a love note or two… we all had one.”

These are not all the performers we will have, so this should either say ... 

"Already slated ... "  or below the cast list ... say ... "many more to come ..." or something

Slated to perform are; with additional names to follow, are:

Micky Dolenz, The Monkees

Lena Hall, 2014 TONY Award Winner – Hedwig and The Angry Inch, Kinky Boots

Nick Cordero, 2014 TONY Nominee – Bullets Over Broadway

Jarrod Spector,  2014 TONY Nominee – Beautiful

Donnie Kehr, Rockers Founder, Jersey Boys (Broadway & Film), Billy Elliot, Aida

Preston Truman Boyd, Big Fish, Bullets Over Broadway

Steve Gouveia, Jersey Boys

Michael Lanning, Bonnie & Clyde, The Civil War

Constantine Marloulis, TONY Nominee – Rock Of Ages

Tracy McDowell, Motown The Musical, Rent

Vinny Pastore, Sopranos, Bullets Over Broadway

Sara Schmidt, Jersey Boys, Brooklyn

Jeremy Schonfeld, Drift

www.rockersonbroadway.com

Le Poisson Rouge is located at 158 Bleecker Street NYC

Doors: 6:30 pm - VIP arrival

7:00pm – General Admission & Standing Room 

Tickets range from Single Tickets $30-250 and Tables available at $2000. www.rockersonbroadway.com

I thought you and your readers might like this:

http://video.wttw.com/video/2365298380/

Marlene 

Kent ...

Vito Picone & The Elegants, from Staten Island, New York, made an appearance at the San Gennaro Feast in New York City.  They did a half-hour show and closed with their #1 Hit from 1958, "Little Star."

Lead singer, Vito Picone, says "We're going to close with our big hit --- that sounds exactly like this. Wait, who am I kidding --- I'm 73 years old --- it sounds nothing like this. If you want to know how it really  sounds, go home and play the record.
Frank B.

Funny stuff!  (kk)    

Blood, Sweat & Tears Critically Acclaimed Debut Album 'Child Is Father To The Man'  
To Be Reissued On 5.1 Multichannel Hybrid SACD By Audio Fidelity  
"A brilliant work ... Al Kooper's finest!"  
Camarillo, CA - Exploding onto the scene as a band determined only to expand the boundaries of popular music, Blood, Sweat & Tears immediately made their mark as virtuoso players with an important vision and statement.  Calling on Rock, R&B, Jazz and even Classical influences, the band, led by Al Kooper, made what remains one of the truly inspired, groundbreaking records of the late '60s. Now much to the excitement of BS&T and Al Kooper fans worldwide, Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity is reissuing the band's critically acclained debut album 'Child Is Father To The Man' on 5.1 Multichannel Hybrid SACD! 
The album, released in 1968, introduced the idea of the big band to rock and roll and paved the way for such groups as Chicago. 'Child Is Father To The Man' peaked at #47 on Billboard's chart. “I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know” and “I Can't Quit Her” generated airplay on progressive rock radio. 
This is the sound of a group of virtuosos enjoying itself in the newly open possibilities of pop music ... the eclectic post-Sgt. Pepper era, a time when you could borrow styles from Greenwich Village contemporary folk to San Francisco acid rock and mix them into what seemed to have the potential to become a new American musical form.  
" ... among Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time."  
Tracks:  
1- Overture 
2- I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know 
3- Morning Glory 
4- My Days Are Numbered
5- Without Her 
6- Just One Smile 
7- I Can't Quit Her 
8- Meagan's Gypsy Eyes 
9- Somethin' Goin' On 
10-House in the Country 
11-The Modern Adventures of Plato, Diogenes and Freud 
12- So Much Love/Underture  
Produced by John Simon 
Multichannel recording Produced by Al Kooper 
Multichannel SACD 5.1 mix: Al Kooper at The Magic Shop NYC 
Multichannel SACD 5.1 mastering: Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios 
Stereo CD and SACD mastering: Steve Hoffman at Stephen Marsh Mastering  
For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

re:  CLIP OF THE WEEK:

Kent ...

I don't like to brag, but ---

When it comes to clips of the week, my unofficial survey says I'm #1.
This might be another one ... I'll let you decide. 

It's FUNNY.
Frank B.

OK ... you win ... EVERYBODY I showed this to thought it was absolutely HYSTERICAL!!!!  And the funniest part is that even though you KNOW what the real words are, after he plants the idea in your head as to the mis-heard lyric, you absolutely hear it that way!!!  (Kinda like "Mexican Monkey" for last year's big hit "Get Lucky" or, as Fred Winston used to call it, "Bald-Headed Woman" for The Bee Gees' hit "More Than A Woman".  (kk)

The Saturday Surveys (September 20th)

Kicking off this week with three from the '70's ...

First up, the first of TWO KLMS Charts featured this week.

September 20, 1970 finds Ernie's big hit "Rubber Duckie" falling out of the #1 Spot to make way for the latest from Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Lookin' Out My Back Door".  (While "Rubber Duckie" was a Sesame Street staple ... and a fairly successful novelty hit ... it was still an unlikely record to make The Top 40 ... and ESPECIALLY to go all the way to #1!!!  Billboard Magazine recorded its peak at #16.)

My favorite Bobby Sherman record, "Julie Do Ya Love Me", falls to #7, while Michael Nesmith's first big post-Monkees hit "Joanne" leaps thirteen places from #26 to #13!  I've also always liked The Poppy Family's follow up hit to "Which Way You Goin' Billy?", "That's Where I Went Wrong", which would still sound GREAT coming out of your radio today as one of those "WOW Factor" songs, COMPLETELY unexpected and out of left field!  (Ah, if only radio was that creative!!!)

Neat to see Bob Dylan's "instrumental" hit "Wigwam", falling from #12 to #18, right next to Johnny Cash's latest cross-over hit "Sunday Morning Comin' Down" (another Kris Kristofferson tune).

I've always been partial to the Mashmakhan record "As The Years Go By" ... and it's nice to see the Grand Funk Railroad classic "Closer To Home" working its way up the chart (up nine places this week from #37 to #28).  

John Lennon's future back-up group Elephant's Memory is at #34 with their best-known hit, "Mongoose" ... and the incredibly beautiful Linda Ronstadt track "Long Long Time" moves up a notch from #40 to #39.

Jumping ahead to 1973, we find Grand Funk on this Chicagoland chart, too ... they've just vacated the #1 spot with their latest hit, "We're An American Band".  You'll find Bob Dylan back on this chart, too, with his latest, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door".

Surprises this week?  A few ... how about "Sweet Charlie Babe" by Jackie Moore at #13.  (I don't think I could hum a line from this one without putting the record on first ... so let's do that!)  This record didn't even make Billboard's Top 40.  And look at that Styx record at #34 from back when they were still on the Wooden Nickel record label!

We've got some early 10cc with "Rubber Bullets", debuting at #42 this week ... followed closely behind by that love-it-or-hate-it Bobby Goldsboro track "Summer (The First Time)".

When it comes to personal favorites, I've got to include the Cross Country track "In The Midnight Hour" ... a slowed down, James Taylor / Crosby, Stills and Nash sounding version of the Wilson Pickett classic, done by Cross Country (who are REALLY The Tokens, sounding a LONG, long way from "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" on this one!)

1974 brings us back to KLMS with this chart, also dated September 20th.

Very little in the way of big surprises on this chart ... although it IS kinda funny to see Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joni Mitchell and Cheech and Chong falling back-to-back-to-back on the countdown.  (Wonder what THAT sounded like back in '74?!?!)  Let's find out, shall we???

And finally, a step back to 1968 where The Beatles top the chart with "Revolution" ... pretty amazing since this was clearly the B-Side of the record.  (Sliced Apple, remember???)  "Hey Jude", the designated A-Side (that topped Billboard's Chart for nine consecutive weeks) premiers at #17 as an "Extra"  (huh?!?!)

And talk about unusual rankings ... bubblegum was all the rage back in '68 ... so it's not at all surprising to see "Down At Lulu's" by The Ohio Express and "1,2,3 Red Light" by The 1910 Fruitgum Company back-to-back on the chart at #4 and #5 ... but look what follows it at #6!!!  

Making a BIG leap from #13 to #6 this week is Iron Butterfly with their classic "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" (which is also the #1 album this week!) And that's the very definition of '60's Radio diversity, my friends ... 'cause up at #2 is "Harper Valley PTA" by Jeannie C. Riley, a country / novelty hit that took the country by storm for a few weeks in '68 (before we all got sick of hearing it!!!)

In fact their Top Ten Albums list this week shows some pretty heavy programming ... besides The Iron Butterfly, they've ranked the latest offerings from Cream, Big Brother and the Holding Company, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Canned Heat and Steppenwolf ... that's some pretty heavy stuff for a station ranking a couple of Top Five bubblegum hits!!!

Another one I still play all the time is "The Snake" by Al Wilson ... and check this out ... last week we featured a 1968 chart that showed Aretha Franklin's version of "I Say A Little Prayer" at #1 ... and this week on KXOK that record is just first premiering on the chart at #29!  This somewhat "spread out" popularity caused many a hit record to chart far lower than it should have back in the day ... and why records that did VERY well locally and were a big part of your lives growing up often seem to fall short of your memories on the national charts.

50 Years Ago This Weekend

9/18, 9/19 , 9/20, 9/21  

THE ANIMALS are #1 again this week (for the third week in a row) on The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart.  New in The Top Ten is DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY by MANFRED MANN, up from #31 to #9.  THE DAVE CLARK FIVE also have the #8 Hit with BECAUSE.  

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT by THE BEATLES falls to #12.  IT'S ALL OVER NOW by THE ROLLING STONES is at #26.  THE BEATLES are also holding on to the #28 spot with AND I LOVE HER (down from #12 the week before) and then we've got three British hits in a row at numbers 30, 31 and 32 with A SUMMER SONG by CHAD AND JEREMY, HOW DO YOU DO IT by GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS and MATCHBOX by THE BEATLES respectively.  

THE SEARCHERS are at #35 with SOME DAY WE'RE GONNA LOVE AGAIN, BILLY J. KRAMER AND THE DAKOTAS are holding down the #37 spot with FROM A WINDOW … and that's it for British Artists in The Top 40.  

Bringing up the rear:  SLOW DOWN by THE BEATLES (#43), IF I FELL (also by THE BEATLES) at #55, RINGO'S THEME (which is actually THIS BOY by THE BEATLES, done as an instrumental by their producer GEORGE MARTIN), at #57, GONNA SEND YOU BACK TO WALKER by THE ANIMALS (#65), TOBACCO ROAD (up to #72 from #90 for THE NASHVILLE TEENS), I WOULDN'T TRADE YOU FOR THE WORLD by THE BACHELORS (#80), IT'S FOR YOU (a LENNON-McCARTNEY tune recorded by CILLA BLACK) at #84, first week on the chart, HAVE I THE RIGHT by THE HONEYCOMBS, brand new at #90 (and a GREAT overlooked track, by the way, that eventually topped the chart here in Chicago) and SOMEONE SOMEONE by BRIAN POOLE at #97.  

The WLS Silver Dollar Survey has been revamped yet again this week.  It now shows The Top 30 Most Popular Pop Hits … along with a Top 10 R&B Music Survey that will run through the end of the year.  (Their first 1965 chart returned them to a true Top 40 Chart.)  

This week THE ANIMALS fall to the #2 spot after just one week on top with THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN.  That's because they've got some VERY stiff competition in the way of OH, PRETTY WOMAN by ROY ORBISON, which will top the chart for the next five consecutive weeks, and LAST KISS by J. FRANK WILSON AND THE CAVALIERS (#3 this week).  

DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY by MANFRED MANN is at #5, followed by A SUMMER SONG by CHAD AND JEREMY at #6, BECAUSE by THE DAVE CLARK FIVE at #7 and A HARD DAY'S NIGHT by THE BEATLES at #10.  

THE ROLLING STONES hold down the #17 spot with IT'S ALL OVER NOW, followed by FROM A WINDOW by BILLY J. KRAMER AND THE DAKOTAS at #20, SOME DAY WE'RE GONNA LOVE AGAIN by THE SEARCHERS at #26 and MATCHBOX / SLOW DOWN by THE BEATLES at #30.

The British Invasion 50th Anniversary Tour

We've been talking about this one for nearly a month now ... I am SO disappointed that this show isn't coming to Chicago!   

And then, right before it started, we got some sad news that due to more heart problems, Gerry Marsden (and the Pacemakers) would NOT be able to perform ... he's one of my favorites from The British Invasion ... but doctors forbid him from traveling to The States ... so former Swinging Blue Jean / Hollie Terry Sylvester stepped in to fill his spot because, as they say, the show must go on.   

Fortunately we had THREE Forgotten Hits Readers present at the kick-off show in Ridgefield, CT ... and all have filed their reports below.  (Since this is such a limited tour ... and they've announced that more dates would NOT be added ... the rest of us may have to live vicariously through these excellent reviews ... until next time.) 

Hi, Kent -

“History of Rock ‘n’ Roll” engineer Peter Gould and I had a great time backstage at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT, interviewing the stars of The British Invasion 50th Anniversary Tour, which kicked off here a couple of nights ago. Mike Pinder, lead singer of The Searchers, was there, not only delighting the packed house with rock classics like “Needles and Pins” and “Love Potion #9” but, in a much quieter back office, sharing with Peter and I the inside stories behind the songs and saga of his group from its start in 1959 on through to the present.

Also on hand: Terry Sylvester, who first gained fame with The Swingin’ Blue Jeans and later, far more spectacularly, with The Hollies (“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “The Air That I Breathe,” etc.) Terry’s story behind what I consider one of the ten best rock records ever made (“Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress”) was particularly compelling, in that that track was intended as the throwaway B side of single to be released only in Germany. Quite by accident, one German DJ broadcast the “wrong side” of the 45 – sparking an avalanche of telephone requests to ‘play that song again.” That’s how what became The Hollies’ all-time biggest seller got launched.

Billy J. Kramer was equally enthusiastic, discussing “Bad To Me,” “Little Children” and his roots in the same tiny town that spawned The Searchers (Bootle, England). Denny Laine recalled his brief run with The Moody Blues (“Go Now”) as well as his key role (along with Paul and Linda McCartney) in Wings – a gig which ran for a full decade (1971-80) and included the writing of 1976’s “Mull of Kintyre,” which spent nine weeks at #1 in the U.K. but surprisingly never charted in the U.S. (It’s B-side, “Girl’s School,” reached #33 stateside instead.)

While Chad & Jeremy were both listed on the bill, only Chad Stuart appeared as Jeremy’s international flight had been delayed. Chad, though, sat down and spoke to us and told about the writing and production of “Yesterday’s Gone,” “A Summer Song” and their other key mid-‘60s hits. One disappointment: Gerry & the Pacemakers’ Gerry Marsden had been forced to cancel at the last minute due to heart surgery. Peter & Gordon’s Peter Asher, who acted as MC, explained that Gerry had just emerged from the hospital and was resting comfortably at home but could not fly yet as his doctors forbid it. While it would have been great to see and hear Gerry’s shimmering vocals on hits like “Ferry Cross The Mersey” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the crowd understood and collectively wished Gerry a speedy recovery.

Filling in for this date only, Mr. Asher sang some of his Peter & Gordon hits with others as his original partner, Gordon Waller, had passed away in 2009. Backstage Peter talked to us about his Peter & Gordon days as well as his later work as a Grammy-winning producer, crafting albums for James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt (his favorite female singer) and others. 

Our plan is to shortly work highlights from those interviews into new episodes of "The History of Rock 'n' Roll," which is heard three times a day around the world on rewoundradio.com and supernovaradio.co.
Come see for yourself what all the excitement is all about as this band of British Invasion stars continues to tour America, presenting live versions of some of the most timeless rock classics ever recorded. The British Invasion 50th Anniversary Tour is scheduled for a few more shows.

(The upcoming concert dates are accurate as of the last time I checked but changes and additions are quite possible so you might want to double check the tour itinerary before you make plans to attend.) 

The next will be Friday, September 19th in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills), Saturday, September 20th in Valley Center, CA. and Sunday, September 21st in Saratoga, CA.

For more information, visit their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/652017618202135/

Gary Theroux

"The History of Rock 'n' Roll"    

Kent,  

I was fortunate enough to catch the first date of the most recent "British Invasion 50th Anniversary Tour" at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut last night.  A fun show -- and nearly three hours long!A couple of snags made the lineup a bit different from what had been advertised.  Headliner Gerry Marsden had to withdraw due to what was described as heart surgery.  Apparently, he's recovering in England, but his doctors nixed his participation in the tour.  [Please, no "Gerry and his pacemaker" jokes.]  So he was replaced by Terry Sylvester, former member of the Hollies (1969-81) and, before that, of the Swinging Blue Jeans (1966-69).  Chad and Jeremy's act was bisected by some passport / visa hassles involving Jeremy Clyde, who had to stay in London until the mess is straightened out.  Jeremy communicated with the show (and the audience) via Skype, live from his apartment and in his PJs, it being past midnight in England; his comments were broadcast on the huge multimedia screen at the rear of the stage.Jeremy's being unable to appear did lead to a first (?) of sorts: duets involving Chad Stuart and Peter Asher, formerly of Peter and Gordon.  Peter took Jeremy's parts in such classics as "A Summer Song" and "Yesterday's Gone."  Peter also acted as the show's emcee and performed a generous handful of Peter and Gordon's big hits, from "A World Without Love" to "Lady Godiva."Terry opened the show with Hollies songs (in fact mostly from before he joined the band, however) and a couple from his Swinging Blue Jeans days, including "You're No Good."   He was followed by Mike Pender, late of the Searchers, who did a handful of that band's greatest; he looked to be in great shape and his guitar playing is still superb.  Then came Chad and Jeremy -- or, rather, Chad and Peter -- followed by Peter and the backup band doing his hits, the parts of the late Gordon Waller being handled by multitalented keyboardist, guitarist, and vocalist Jeff Ross, who was with the touring version of Badfinger in the mid-1980s.  (This British Invasion tour's drummer is the excellent Liberty DeVitto, best known for his work with Billy Joel.)After an intermission, Billy J. Kramer took the stage to reprise all his hits and some new material, including "Liverpool With Love," which is not only about his hometown but about the fact that his (and the Beatles') former manager Brian Epstein has this year been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  For quite some time, Billy has been banging the drum for Brian's admission to the Hall of Fame, and at last it's a reality. Billy had plenty of energy, but he could stand to drop a few pounds; the multimedia images of himself 50 years ago made it all too evident that he is no longer the fresh-faced 20-year-old he was when Brian managed him. Denny Laine, who looked and acted way younger than his 69 years, concluded the show with a scant three songs, including "Go Now" from his Moody Blues days.  (For my money, I would have preferred two or three fewer from Billy J. and two or three more from Denny.)  But then the whole crew got together for the finale, a lengthy singalong of "Band on the Run" from Denny's time as a member of Wings -- altogether a fitting end to an enjoyable evening.Not necessarily in terms of the music, but purely for being likeable, my favorite of the show was Peter Asher, who evidently is very fond of all his British Invasion compatriots and was the perfect person to introduce each act and tell a few when-we-were-fab stories, as well as dipping into the Peter & Gordon songbook for some favorites.  Plenty gear, in my opinion.
Henry McNulty
Old Saybrook, Connecticut    

Ridgefield, CT is one of those places that is beautiful, but rather inaccessible due to trees, rivers, and other natural road-blocks.  It is 30 minutes away from me as the crow flies, or 60 minutes by car ... if traffic is good.  The cities of Manchester and Liverpool are probably much easier to get to, but Ridgefield is where the 50th anniversary of The British Invasion began.   
The day before, I received confirmation from the theatre that Gerry Marsden will not be able to join the tour.  They also offer me, and every ticket holder that night, a way to get a free glass of wine or draft beer before the show.  Now ... they have never done that before, sooooooo ... I am thinking that this is either something new ... OR ... they feel bad because Gerry can't make it ... OR AGAIN ... they feel sorry for things I don't even know about yet.  Hmmmmmm.

Peter Asher hosted the show!  Unexpected, and delightful!  He is full of great stories about The British Invasion in general, The Beatles in particular, and a famous duo named Peter and Gordon.  You can almost fall into a trap of wanting him to keep talking and bring out the music another day.  ALMOST ...

Terry Sylvester opens the show and there are vintage videos and pictures projected of 60's dancers and Terry a 'couple' of decades ago.  I spot stage crew in the wings playing air guitar.  Yeah!  It's gonna be fun.  Since I am taking notes in a pitch black theatre, I need you to excuse me, as I cannot read all my notes now.  If I miss a song (and I will), it is only because my writing is illegible.  Terry's section was a composite of Swinging Blue Jeans and The Hollies.  Here is what I can read:  Bus Stop, Carrie Anne, You're No Good, and Hippy Hippy Shake.  At intermission I heard, "So Terry missed a couple of notes.  So what?  He was still great!"  

There is a moment when it hits you ... these are THE people!  These are THE ONES who made it happen!  They are only a few feet away from me, and I appreciate them so much more than I did at 12 years of age.  I have seen Terry perform before so maybe it hit me during Mike Pender's set.  Doesn't matter, here comes Mike.  Spry, running and rocking around the stage with a guitar slung over his shoulder.  Comment I heard?  "Oh, Mike was spot on!"  Mike Pender remarked that he has not been invited to the US very often over the 50 years, and he would LOVE to visit more.  So (says he) CALL THOSE THEATRES AND GET ME BACK HERE MORE OFTEN!  Here at Forgotten Hits, that is preaching to the choir, but it is a very good idea for all of us to be reminded of that.  Again, vintage pictures of The Searchers appear behind him while he sings and I think, "Oh look at that!  No!  Look at him!  Oh look at that!  No!  I want to look at him!"  Grrrrrrr!!  I am in the second row, but my angle forces me to choose one or the other.  As I watch the video, I ask myself the question, "Do you wish they were still that age?  The age of the pictures we relate to?"  I answer, "No.  They would be way younger than me, and that would be creepy."  (C'mon Shelley!  What did he sing?)  Sweets For My Sweet, Don't Throw Your Love Away, Sugar & Spice (not a fave of Mike's AT ALL, but we bought it here in the US), Every Time That You Walk in the Room, Needles and Pins, and Love Potion #9.  Quoting Mike, "Take me for what I'm worth."  It was worth a lot to me.

Now while the stage is reset, we watch videos of Gerry Marsden and The Pacemakers.  They are from a live show hosted by Brian Epstein so it is great to see him large and back on the screen.  Peter Asher has given us the information that Gerry is out of hospital and doing well.  But because of his prior major health issues, his doctor will not let him fly.  God Bless You, Gerry.  We missed you.

Wait now ... there is a Skype screen up and it has an icon that says 'Jeremy Clyde', but there is no Jeremy Clyde visible.  But isn't he talking?  I mean I hear his voice, but what is going on?  Short answer after I figure it out.  Skype SNAFU.  Jeremy Clyde IS supposed to be on the screen explaining that he is in London in his pajamas waiting for his VISA to be found.  He is packed, but can't leave the UK.  He says his VISA has the notation:  Person of Exceptional Ability.  Which makes him wonder how someone with less than that category would be treated.  I sit baffled.  Just what is going to happen now?  I'll tell you.  Out comes Chad Stuart, in a Canadian Tuxedo, (jeans top to bottom) and Peter Asher to perform as a MIXED DOUBLES.  As Peter says, the two short guys with funny looking glasses will be performing together.  I am excited, no disappointed, no excited, well absolutely disappointed; but a CHAD AND PETER concert?  Never been to one.  Maybe no one has.  This is a first!  I'm in!!  (Yes, I still missed you Jeremy). 

INTERMISSION  
I love Chad and Jeremy.  They are so down to earth and humble.  I have fond memories of the time my daughter and I found my son sitting and having coffee with Chad while they discussed politics.  We had briefly spoken with Jeremy the night before as he was hobbling on a broken ankle back to his hotel room.  He still stopped to speak with us.  

So we start with the first song Chad ever wrote, Yesterday's Gone.  Peter has a stand in front of him, probably holding lyrics.  You know, as many times as you hear a song, if someone says YOU SING IT, it can cause an instant memory loss.  Next up is Summer Song with a false band beginning that makes Chad banter, "What's wrong with you?  I haven't started yet?"  Open laughter from the audience.  OH LOOK!! Skype is working and there is Jeremy Clyde up on the screen and yes, he is in his pajamas.  He listens to Chad and Peter, and when they are finished, addresses us in the audience for awhile, ending with the introduction:  "He has played Me, and now he will play Himself."  The tables have turned.  Chad pulls out a paper with lyrics on it, professes fear of screwing up, and they begin with I Go to Pieces.  I may never see this combo again ... well, definitely not in this fashion anyway.  Fantastic applause as Chad Stuart leaves the stage and Peter Asher continues with Nobody I Know, I Don't Want to See You Again (which they sang on The Ed Sullivan Show), Lady Godiva (the song that snooty Peter first declined) and ending with World Without Love.  "According to English Music Hall tradition, you should end with your biggest and make it a sing-along."  The videos behind him not only included Peter, Gordon and Peter's sister Jane; but also Paul McCartney who was a great part of the success of Peter and Gordon.   
A stairway has been placed in front of the stage giving it access to the audience.  I can tell you who will be next:  Billy J Kramer.  I know he enjoys visiting us up-close and personally.  By the way, I recognize a couple of the back-up musicians.  Billy Joel's drummer Liberty DeVitto is here and Peter Asher's friend Jeffrey Alan Ross is on keyboards.  I believe Jeffrey is the musical director for this tour.

Billy, who was managed by Brian Epstein and is introduced as the top solo artist of The British Invasion, begins with the title track from his newest cd:  I Won the Fight.  Yeah, he did.  He won the fight of moving out of the trenches he began in and has continued to fight to his current days of successes.  His next piece:  I'll Keep You Satisfied, has not left my head yet and I seem to be waking up to it each day.  Actually, I am finding that to be the case with so many of the songs from this night.  Randomly something like 'Laaaady GoDIva' will fly into my thoughts and I smile or actually giggle.  Just confirmation on how much the music means to me.  Billy's set is thankfully lengthy, as I really don't ever want to leave this place and time, however much I know I eventually must.  So he willingly performs From A Window (Lennon / McCartney); Do You Want to Know a Secret; I Call Your Name; and Trains, Boats, Planes.  Then he gives us an in-audience rendition of another new song: To Liverpool With Love.  I heard this song first two years ago at The Fest For Beatles Fans.  The verse about 'why isn't Brian Epstein in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?' has thankfully been forced to change since this year he was inducted.  (ok ... one in a row right for the R&R ... ok, maybe two since they also inducted Andrew Oldham).  Billy says the next song is one of his favorites and surprises me by singing Little Children.  The surprise is that I have always loved that Kramer song and yet most people select a different one as their fave memory.  So Billy likes it too huh? hmmmmmm.  Of course he had to do Bad To Me, the song John Lennon thought perfect for him.  Billy adds the story that he asked for I Want to Hold Your Hand as well and was told, "No.  We're going to do that one."  What would have happened if John had said Yes?  Sorry Billy, but for you, The Beatles, and the world, I think it worked out best this way.  The final song is The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore. OH WOW!  If you have not heard that live, you have not heard it! 

Denny Laine!!  Here he is and he is Denny Laine!!  Denny Laine is probably one of the few people I could pass on the street and know who he was without having seen him recently.  He talks about the American R&B influence that the UK used in The British Invasion.  He mentions House of the Rising Sun and others that came from our past and were updated and restored during the 60's.  This is a fact not lost on my students when we hit the 60's and really ties into the beginnings of utilizing ALL the music genres in some fashion during this decade.  For my friend Dave Zane and the rest of The Buckinghams, I am pleased to tell you he begins with I Go Crazy!  This concert is just filled with Oh Wow moments.  I have to tell you now that the only two words I can read in my next notes are 'Don't Mind'.  Sorry Denny, we are moving on.  His third and last song is GO NOW!  hahahahaha ... good one!  However, we DON'T WANT TO GO ... NOW OR EVER!  Everyone is on their feet!  Everyone is clapping!  No one sits down!  No one stops clapping!  The stage is dark.  We won't accept this!  (Of course. we were pretty sure it wasn't over)  AND IT ISN'T!!!  EVERYONE RETURNS TO SING ... BAND ON THE RUN!  The audience stays on their feet and even when it is clear that the music will stop, we stand clapping watching Billy J come down the steps again and blast his way through the audience to the lobby.  Other artists pick easier ways and Chad Stuart remains trapped on-stage surrounded by fans. WHEW!!  I'm exhausted! 

I purchased merchandise during intermission and seeing the crowds engulfing all the performers at the merchandise tables and knowing I must be up at 6:00 AM (which I missed by the way, and had 30 minutes to shower, dress and get to school) I make an 'oh crap!' decision to leave for my hour drive home.

This is the tour of a lifetime.  This premier concert had Chad and Peter, no Jeremy.  The next concert will have Chad, no Peter nor Jeremy.  In a few, it will be Chad and Jeremy, no Peter.  Followed by Chad and Jeremy and Peter Asher.  See what I mean?  Not by plan, but by function, each of these concerts is an individual.  No two possibly alike.  I know!  No two concerts are ever alike.  Absolutely true.  But by mere luck of the draw, each person will be able to experience a celebration of a special time in a unique setting. 

My mind is now playing Go Now, so I will. 

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano  

Forgotten Hits salutes and remembers The British Invasion every Friday this year in our "50 Years Ago This Weekend" feature.  Join us here tomorrow ... and don't miss a single one!  (Scroll back to catch up on any that you may have missed along the way!)  We LOVE this music ... and would have loved to have been at this show.  Hopefully, if these shows prove to be a success, more dates (and/or artists) will be added for a return trip in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks to all for sharing your experience with us!  (kk)

And finally, here's a photo of the final bow ... man, what a line-up!!! ... sent into us by FH Reader Brad Joblin, of The Ridgefield Playhouse (who was also there that night) ...

Left to Right: Chad Stuart, Denny Laine, Mike Pender, Terry Sylvester, Billy J. Kramer and last, but surely not least, Peter Asher.