There have always been rivalries in music. The Beatles vs. the Rolling Stones, East Coast Rappers vs. West Coast rappers, and The Backstreet Boys vs. *NSYNC the list goes on throughout the ages since music notes started to play. Although rivalries aren’t anything new in music it’s rare to see them spill out at awards… Continue reading 35: Rivalries, Award Shows, and The Tabloids
34: Reading, Mud, and Tampons
The 1992 Reading music festival is remembered mostly for the headline performance by Nirvana. With rumours of singer Kurt Cobain being ill and may not being able to perform there was genuine worry that the band was going to be a no-show. However, the rumours turned out to be bogus and the band played a… Continue reading 34: Reading, Mud, and Tampons
33: Tie-Dyes, Basketball, and Freedom
When you think of the Grateful Dead you think of long jam sessions, LSD and the wall of sound. One of the last things you would relate to the band is basketball. But in 1992 they helped Lithuania get to the Barcelona Olympics and helped them get revenge on their previous occupiers. This week The… Continue reading 33: Tie-Dyes, Basketball, and Freedom
32: Cars, Conspiracies, and Not Filling Potential.
When it comes to Texas musicians they always seem to pass away before their time. Buddy Holly and Stevie Ray Vaughan both went before they reached their peak. Their tragedies were straightforward in terms of their untimely demise. However, there was another musician from Texas who had a mysterious death that still hasn’t been cleared… Continue reading 32: Cars, Conspiracies, and Not Filling Potential.
31: Disc Jockeys, Congress, and Bribery
Congratulations! Your band has just signed a record deal. You have recorded a single and now you need the radio to take notice among the thousands of other that are sent to them every week. Your manager gives you a wink and says, “Leave it to me”. Your manager will head to the radio station… Continue reading 31: Disc Jockeys, Congress, and Bribery
30: Rekindling, New York, and Saturday Night
If you have watched any American comedy show or film over the last 45 years, then it is highly likely that the stars of those have appeared on the iconic American TV show Saturday Night Live. The sketch show with musical performances has been a stalwart for American families for generations. The likes of Mike… Continue reading 30: Rekindling, New York, and Saturday Night
29: Wood, Black and Blue, and Finding A Replacement
In 1975 the Rolling Stones were the biggest band in the world. Millions of albums sold, selling out world tours and names constantly in the tabloids you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing of the band’s exploits. So, when at the end of 1974 Mick Taylor decided to quit the band the biggest job in music… Continue reading 29: Wood, Black and Blue, and Finding A Replacement
28: P.R, Planes, and Visas
In music, you need to stand out. It’s why as mentioned in the last article Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire. It’s why artists and bands dress up on stage and pyrotechnics are added because it’s more than just music to get people in the seats. There are offstage antics too. Snazzy press conferences… Continue reading 28: P.R, Planes, and Visas
27: Package Tours, Standing Out, and Fire
Pink Floyd’s The Wall tour, Arthur Brown’s fire helmet and Motley Crue’s Rollercoaster drum kit. Bands have been trying to get the edge over others in live performances throughout the whole music industry. As live performances are the best way for bands and artists to earn money, they want to put on a show to… Continue reading 27: Package Tours, Standing Out, and Fire
26: Eric, George, and Pattie
When love triangles are mentioned you think of an episode of EastEnders or Jerry Springer. You don’t necessarily think of music. Sure, there have been some over the years, Fleetwood Mac produced their most famous album over various affairs between members and Keith Richards stole Anita Pallenberg from Brian Jones but most of these ended… Continue reading 26: Eric, George, and Pattie