Music and politics have always been linked together. As noticed by the latest US election with rapper Kanye West running and getting some votes. There are countless lawsuits between politicians and musical artists about the use of their music and political leanings. Kanye wasn’t the first musician to run for office and he probably won’t… Continue reading 9: Politics, Shock Rock, and Monster Raving Loons
8: Zombies, Texas, and Post-Career Hits
As it’s the scariest time of year, what a good time to talk about a band called the Zombies. This week’s story is about how a bunch of Texans went to take fame from the British rock band. It’s about how easy it was in the first 25 years of the rock and roll era… Continue reading 8: Zombies, Texas, and Post-Career Hits
7: A Lawsuit, A Countersuit, and Rock and Roll
What is there not to say about the Beatles? The Fab Four broke so many boundaries in the 1960s that they rewrote the whole pop song experience. The influence is heard to this day. I believe that the band have done more for music than anyone else in music history. Even the influencers have influences.… Continue reading 7: A Lawsuit, A Countersuit, and Rock and Roll
6: A Former Child Star, A Reinvention, and a Jagged Little Pill
Some albums have moderate success. Some albums get multi-million selling success. But there is an album that comes along once in a generation that is a monster. Everyone has a copy, and the singles are always playing on the radio, you cannot get away from them. This happened to a young then-unknown pop star called… Continue reading 6: A Former Child Star, A Reinvention, and a Jagged Little Pill
5: The Killer, The King, and a Gun Obsession
Jerry Lee Lewis has never been away from controversy. All the different stories about him could be a blog itself. For instance, upon arriving in the UK for his first tour he brought along his 13-year-old cousin, who happened to be his wife. Or the fact he’s been married SEVEN times. He has been accused… Continue reading 5: The Killer, The King, and a Gun Obsession
4:Homesickness, Nirvana, and Serendipity
Sometimes fate intervenes in music which is beyond anybody’s control. Paul McCartney met John Lennon at a church fete. Mick Jagger met Keith Richards at a train station. There are hundreds of stories like this where a chance meeting or event happens. Just think about it if McCartney decided not to go to the fete… Continue reading 4:Homesickness, Nirvana, and Serendipity
3: A Guitar God, The 27 Club, and The Inability to Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
This week on the beat go on blog we are doing something a little different. Today marks the 50th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s death. What the Guitarist did for Rock music in his three years of fame has never been matched. Even for bands who have been touring for decades. His untimely demise has never… Continue reading 3: A Guitar God, The 27 Club, and The Inability to Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
2: Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and the creation of Dad Dancing
This story is about two singers who made a charity single. How they created a stunning video in the London Docklands late at night. How they can embarrass themselves in under three minutes for charity and how it came to fruition. This week the Beat Marches On to 7th September 1985. The origins of this… Continue reading 2: Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and the creation of Dad Dancing
1: The Who, A Stolen Van, and The Sound of Loud
If you have been to a rock concert in the last 55 years, then you have probably seen a Marshall amp on the stage. Even if you haven’t noticed it. The amplification company has powered musicians since the mid-1960s. It was a misfortunate event that happened to the mod rock band The Who that provided… Continue reading 1: The Who, A Stolen Van, and The Sound of Loud