Tuesday This And That: May the 4th Be With You

Kent:

Look what’s been posted on You Tube! 

Opening Night of the Rascals Reunion Tour in Port Chester, NY.

https://youtu.be/h9Bl-x_2wzM

Tom Cuddy

I have been waiting for years for this entire concert / documentary to be posted. I could not afford to fly east and see the show but I figured it would be released as a movie eventually. I don't know how you got this but I sure am grateful you posted it. The Rascals were the best.

Joe Fulton

I had always thought that they would release the full concert on DVD for home viewing, especially when you consider how many fans DIDN’T have the chance to see the show live, the brevity of the tour and the money lost putting together something so extravagant … could have been a chance for Steven VanZandt to make some of that money back … plus keep The Rascals’ name out there for a while longer as more and more fans picked up copies.

Fans who contributed to the Go Fund Me Page received a professionally shot and staged dvd of the show … and it’s a prized possession of mine since a formal release never followed.  If the info here is correct, this is a totally DIFFERENT show and, in fact, the first live show The Rascals did at The Capitol Theater, home base to the show when it first launched.  Good quality … and the band is in top form … so WELL worth watching the next time you’ve got a couple of hours to spare.  (kk)

When The Beatles split in 1970, the world considered it to be the end of an era … and couldn’t help but wonder what type or musical riches might lie ahead for the four solo artists.

Fifty years ago, all four former Beatles hit the pop singles chart together for the very first time over the course of a two week period.  (We covered some of this in our weekly Sunday Super Charts … Ultimate Classic Rock takes it a bit further here:)  kk

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/beatles-solo-singles-1971/

Micky Dolenz talks about his new "Dolenz Sings Nesmith" album here in an interview he did with British Radio ...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09fqfy6?at_custom2=twitter&at_custom1=link&at_custom4=7E25584A-A5B8-11EB-9881-CA243A982C1E&at_medium=custom7&at_custom3=BBC%20Radio%20Ulster&at_campaign=64&fbclid=IwAR0Td1NC7vQVKuvJjXD2AVZ82dlN6

But the REALLY big news this week was the announcement yesterday that after this year Dolenz and Nesmith are officially retiring The Monkees' name from show business.

A quick whirlwind of concerts (many of which are make-up dates previously cancelled or postponed for any variety of reasons over the last two years, not the least of which was the Covid-19 pandemic) and then they're hanging it up.  (With Davy Jones and Peter Tork no longer with us ... and Mike's long penchant for not touring, I can't say that this really comes as much of a surprise.)

Calling these shows "A magical night of music:  all the hits, deep cuts and fan favorites," tickets will go on sale this Friday (May 7th) with special presales kicking off on Wednesday, May 5th.

I'm sure I've seen some configuration of The Monkees at least thirty times over the years ... so it is a bit disappointing that they won't be coming thru Chicago to say a final goodbye.  (We may just have to do a road trip up to Milwaukee to see them!)

Concert dates as they currently stand are as follows:

THE MONKEES 2021 FAREWELL TOUR

September 11th - The Moore Theater in Seattle, WA

September 14th - The Crest Theatre in Sacramento, CA

September 15th - The San Jose Civic Center in San Jose, CA

September 17th - The Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA

September 18th - The Magnolia in El Cajon, CA

September 19th - The Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ

September 24th - The Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX

September 25th - The Tobin Center in San Antonio, TX

Septembe 28th - Dosey Doe: The Big Barn in The Woodlands, TX

October 2nd - The Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga, TN

October 6th - Iron City in Birmingham, AL

October 7th - The Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN

October 8th - Atlanta Symphony Hall in Atlanta, GA

October 10th - Hard Rock Live in Orlando, FL

October 12th - Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

October 13th - Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL

October 15th - The IP Casino Resort and Spa in Biloxi, MS

October 22nd - The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA

October 24th - Town Hall in New York City, NY

October 26th - The Flynn in Burlington, VT

October 28th - The Paramount in Huntington, NY

October 29th - Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT

October 30th - The Chevalier Theatre in Medford, MA

November 2nd - Masonic Cathedral Theatre in Detroit, MI

November 6th - Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, WI

November 9th - Family Arena in Saint Charles, MO

November 10th - The Uptown Theater in Kansas City, MO

November 14th - The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (a VERY fitting end, as this is where Michael Nesmith FINALLY joined his former bandmates on stage for the very first time in DECADES back in 1986.)

a magical night of music: all the hits, deep cuts and fan favorites

Read More: Monkees Announce Fall 2021 Farewell Tour | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/monkees-farewell-tour/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=UCR&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

“a magical night of music: all the hits, deep cuts and fan favorites."

Read More: Monkees Announce Fall 2021 Farewell Tour | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/monkees-farewell-tour/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=UCR&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

“a magical night of music: all the hits, deep cuts and fan favorites."

Read More: Monkees Announce Fall 2021 Farewell Tour | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/monkees-farewell-tour/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=UCR&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

kk:

Melanie was Cousin Brucie's guest this past weekend. 

He must be running out of people to interview.

FB

I’ve only talked to Melanie once … it was in conjunction with our Ed Sullivan Series a few years ago.  (I’ve heard from her son a few times since then.)  She couldn’t say enough about what a nice man Ed Sullivan was … and the incredible feeling of love she received when she performed “Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)” on his program.  It jumped up the charts the very next week, eventually peaking at #3.

You can read HER comments below …

One most telling and defining incidents setting Ed Sullivan apart from any other presenter on TV came about when during my dress rehearsal.  A large number of the people in the audience rushed up on stage and sat around me on the floor.  (This had also happened spontaneously at a Carnegie Hall concert of mine and continued throughout my early career.)  The stage manager ran out and tried to shush them away, back into their seats.  Ed Sullivan himself came up on the stage and told all these “youths” -- as he called them -- that they could stay, as they seemed to be well behaved.  The stage manager left, shaking his head.   
But of course Ed Sullivan was the ultimate showman and knew it added to the essence of what he was introducing to the world, prompting the comment about Elvis.  
And of course at that time, one segment on his show was an introduction to the world and the only step needed to go from obscurity to stardom. 
Love
Melanie<3 

And comments from several other musical guests (and fans who watched from home) on this full page tribute to The Ed Sullivan Show … from BOTH sides of the screen!  (kk)

http://forgottenhits.com/forgotten_hits_remembers_the_ed_sullivan_show__from_both_sides_of_the_screen

Carl Giammarese (who talked quite a bit about The Buckinghams’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show when we saw him in concert the other night) originally shared THESE comments with our readers when our Sullivan Series first ran:

I talk about this before I introduce "Susan" at a Buckinghams concert.  

Back in the 60's, the epitome of success was being invited to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was 1968 and "Susan" was our latest hit so we performed "Susan" and what was to be our next single at the time, "What Is Love," a James Guercio produced song. We performed the two songs as a medley starting with "Susan."  We got to the psychedelic break in "Susan" when it cut to a video of us running around in various fun situations, then out of the break into "What Is Love." It was actually very cutting edge for the time. 
We were very excited to perform on Ed Sullivan, especially because Elvis, The Beatles and The Stones had been guests on the show. I remember thinking the Ed Sullivan Theatre was a lot smaller than I thought it would be ... on TV it seemed much larger. As a matter of fact, I thought Ed Sullivan would be taller, because he seemed larger than life on TV. The show was taped live, and I remember the week we were supposed to appear and after we told all our friends and family, it didn't happen. They pushed it a week later because of some scheduling problem, so that was a disappointment, but it finally aired. 
Like I said, appearing on Ed Sullivan was as good as it gets back then. We didn't have MTV or VH1, so the best you could hope for was to be invited on one of the great variety shows like The Smothers Brothers, American Bandstand or The Jerry Lewis Show, to name a few of the many we did. But Ed Sullivan was it! That was success! 
Carl Giammarese 
The Buckinghams

Of course, Carl also recollects how the stage setting for The Buckinghams' appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was decorated with Union Jack British Flags!!!  Did they REALLY think The Bucks were from Great Britain??? (And not five Italian guys from Chicago?!?!)  kk

>>>Bon Jovi, the New Jersey rock band, is shooting a new concert at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey.  The movie will be shown May 22nd in Bay Shore, New York, and 300 other screens around the world.  Here's how it works:  They charge $89 + fees per car (up to 6 people)  Tickets must be pre- purchased.  No ticket sales on site. The sound will be broadcast through FM radio.  They suggest that concertgoers bring a battery-operated FM radio to listen to the concert and not to use their car battery.  FB) 

>>>I dunno … seems like an AWFUL lot of bother (AND MONEY!!!) to watch a movie in your car and listen to it on the radio!  Now if Bon Jovi was actually PERFORMING at The Drive In, that might make a little more sense … but $89 per carload to watch a film???  Nope, sorry … I don’t quite get that one!  (kk) 

P.S.  That Bon Jovi Concert is actually $89 + Fees. I guess they really mean $100.

Frank B.

Probably more than that!  Lately the service charges that they tack on to a ticket purchase come out to be at least half the price of another ticket alone!!!  (kk)

And finally, from Chuck Buell, another official Forgotten Hits movie trailer …

May the 4^th be with you!  (and also with you)  kk

Chuck also points out that there will be exactly TWO chances today to celebrate The Final Countdown!

(And, unfortunately, by the time you're reading this, you've already missed the first one!  lol)

Stand By!  

You have only TWO chances to celebrate The Final Countdown!
Today, May 4th, at 3:21 AM and PM, it’ll be ~~~
5 .... 4 .... 3 .... 2 .... 1 .... !

That's May 4, 3:21, 2021

05 - 04 - 3:00 - 2021

CB ( which stands for "Calendar Boy!" & "Clock Boy!" )

 

And here's something else you can do this evening to help celebrate the 4th ...

From Tom Cuddy:

Watch at CampingWorld.com!

Turn up the volume and get your campfires going! Join us May 4th as we celebrate Camping World's 55th birthday with a FREE virtual concert by CHICAGO! We hope you can join us – you don’t want to miss this incredible celebration event! The concert will also live stream on facebook at facebook.com/Chicago.Official. Show starts at 9PM ET / 8PM CT. See you then!

WATCH NOW

Concert Review: Carl Giammarese and Jim Peterik - Live at The Genesee Theatre Cabaret Room - Saturday Night, May 1st

We ventured out for our first live show in about thirteen months this past Saturday Night (May 1^st) to see Jim Peterik and Carl Giammarese perform at The Genesee Theatre in a special acoustic / storytellers show.  Seating was limited to just 25 tables for 2 at two sold-out shows, so social distancing protocol was appropriately in place and the atmosphere of the nicely decorated Cabaret Room was more that of a swanky nightclub than a rock concert venue.  

Ironically, Carl mentioned during his set that his last live appearance had been right here at this same venue back in early March of 2020 when The Buckinghams opened for America in the much larger Genesee Theatre auditorium.  This was also OUR last live concert event before Covid shut down the entertainment world.

The show was arranged a bit differently than I had imagined …

I thought Carl and Jim would both come out together and just kind of trade off stories and songs from each of their respective careers.  (This IS Chicago Rock Royalty we’re talking about here!!!)

Instead, Peterik took the stage first, with Jim on guitar and his son Colin on keyboards.  Together they played a brief set of tunes that included the two hits Jim helped write for .38 Special (“Caught Up In You” and “Hold On Loosely”), what he described as a Dylanesque interpretation of Survivor’s “The Search Is Over,” The Ides Of March favorite “L.A. Goodbye” and a couple of others.

Then it was Carl Giammarese’s turn to take the stage, joined by long-time Buckinghams keyboard artist Bruce Soboroff.  Carl’s set offered much more in the way of storytelling than Jim’s did.  (At one point, he asked the crowd “Am I talking too much?” to which we responded with a resounding “No!”)

As you can imagine, some songs lend themselves better to acoustic versions and interpretations than others and, in this respect, “Hey Baby, They’re Playing Our Song” came up a little bit short for me.  But on the other hand, “Susan,” my all-time favorite song by The Bucks … and quite a complicated one at that when it comes to effects and vocals … sounded great, even in its stripped down form.

For the finale, Jim and Colin Peterik came back on stage to perform some of each band’s biggest, best-known and best-loved hits and, as you might expect, everything sounded much fuller when performed as a quartet. (I can only say that the drums played vividly in my head for these tunes!  Of course the addition of an electric guitar helped to liven things up a little bit, too!)  As we’ve done many times in the past, the audience provided the horn parts for “Vehicle” as the band ran through “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” (with  great trade-off vocals between Carl and Jim), “Kind Of A Drag,” “Eye Of The Tiger” and “Vehicle.”  The show wrapped up with a version of The Beatles’ classic “I Saw Her Standing There.”

Because the room was committed to a very strict time schedule, we never had a chance to visit afterwards, as they did their best to clear things out straight away once the concert was over.  Likewise, because of social distancing protocol, there was no visiting at the merchandise table afterwards (although plenty of goods representing both artists were on display and available for purchase.)

I got the impression that Carl and Jim may do a few more of these “up close and personal” shows in the future … (I swear, Peterik would put every bit as much effort into performing a private show for two in your living room … the guy just LIVES to entertain!) … but hopefully a return to full band shows at more traditional venues and outdoor summer gigs are right around the corner.  (Carl mentioned that The Buckinghams … meaning in this instance, he and Nick Fortuna … will be part of The Happy Together Show scheduled to appear at The Genesee Theatre on August 7^th.  It looks like this show is a complete sell out as well.)  Also on the bill are The Turtles (featuring original member Mark Volman and Ron Dante, who you can count on to also sing “Sugar, Sugar” and, if we’re lucky, “Tracy,” his hit with The Cuff Links), Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), The Cowsills, The Association, The Vogues and The Classics IV.

Here are a couple of shots I was able to get at the start of the show ...

Frannie snapped some great pix at the show Saturday Night, too ...

And then we got these from Jim's assistant, Chris May ...

SOOOO cool to see live music again!!!  (kk)

Before the show, Ides Of March member Bob Bergland asked that the audience “cut these guys some slack” because of their age.  (Both look EXTREMELY well for their age, I must say, even if Jim Peterik has gone prematurely purple!)  It seemed like the perfect lead-in for this photo sent in last week by former WLS DeeJay Ron Riley!

1971 SUPER CHARTS - Week Ending May 8th

Three Dog Night log their fourth week at #1, holding The Jackson Five at bay as "Never Can Say Goodbye" continues its slow assent toward the top, moving from #4 to #3 to #2.  [SPOILER ALERT:  It never makes it to the top]

But I'll betcha "Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones does!!!  It's already up to #16 in only its third week on the chart ... moving from #83 to #41 to #16!  "Sweet And Innocent" by Donny Osmond and "Want Ads" by The Honey Cone look like likely candidates, too, moving from #33 to #18 and #44 to #19 respectively this week.

Meanwhile, Murray Head's reissue of "Superstar" (from the Broadway Musical "Jesus Christ, Superstar") ... technically now in its 21st week on the chart ... makes another major move from #50 to #27 this week ... while Ringo Starr comes up right behind it with "It Don't Come Easy," another potential #1 Hit, climbing from #54 to #28.

Also making big moves this week are "The Drum" by Bobby Sherman, last week's top debut, which jumps from #64 to #43 this week ... and the latest from Diana Ross, "Reach Out, I'll Be There," which climbs from #77 to #47 in only its second week on the chart.

Top debuts this week include "When You're Hot, You're Hot" by Jerry Reed, the follow-up to his surprise crossover hit "Amos Moses," "I'll Meet You Halfway," the latest from The Partridge Family (new at #62), "Nathan Jones," a new one by the Diana Ross-less Supremes, "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin (who is suddenly a "pop star" thanks to her last big hit, "Me And Bobby McGee"), "Lowdown" by Chicago, "Try Some, Buy Some" by Ronnie Spector (Phil's wife), written and produced by George Harrison and released on The Beatles' own Apple Records label, "Hot Love" by a hot new band out of England called T. Rex (this one was a big hit here in Chicago a year before they caught on everywhere with "Bang-A-Gong"), "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by newcomer John Denver, who wrote the #1 Peter, Paul and Mary hit "Leaving On A Jet Plane" a couple of years ago, now scoring as a solo artist and "Rainy Days And Mondays," the latest in a string of hits for The Carpenters.

Playing Favorites (and Forgotten Hits):

"I'll Meet You Halfway," "Lowdown," "Hot Love" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads," one of those rare John Denver songs that I actually like! 

 

BONUS:  You can read more about Phil Spector's Apple Sessions in our recently published Phil Spector Series ... 

 

Most of this coverage can be found in Chapters 9 and 9A ...

 

https://fhphilspector.blogspot.com/2021/04/chapter-9.html

 

https://fhphilspector.blogspot.com/2021/04/chapter-9-a.html 

 

This Week In 1971:

May 3^rd – Grand Funk Railroad arrange for a press conference at New York’s Gotham Hotel.  (Despite their string of gold records, the press has never treated Grand Funk kindly … so this was their attempt to mend fences … and therefore “consented” to this press conference.)  150 reporters were invited to cover the event … and only six showed up!

May 6^th – Ike and Tina Turner receive a Gold Record for their recording of John Fogerty’s “Proud Mary”