Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas

First off, Merry Christmas everyone!!!!
This being Christmas week there are no new releases to tell you about.

December 25th birthdays: Noel Hogan from the Cranberries is 36; Annie Lennox is 53;

Central Florida Concert Datebook for the next 2 weeks:
Saturday, December 29 Derek Trucks House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Saturday, December 29 Joan Jett And The Blackhearts WMMO Downtown Concet Series
Saturday, December 29 10 Years and Sevendust Jannus Landing St. Petersburg
Sunday, December 30 10 Years House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Sunday, December 30 ZZ Top Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Monday, December 31 Sevendust House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Monday, December 31 Foreigner Universal City Walk Orlando
Saturday, January 5 Poco Largo Cultural Center Largo

Friday, December 14, 2007

Ike Turner - Dead at 76


Ike Turner who is often credited with helping craft the very first rock and roll song, 1951's "Rocket 88," died at his California home at the age of 76. Turner's biggest notoriety would come later when he paired with Tina Turner, both professionally and personally.

Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife Tina Turner, died Wednesday at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.

Turner died at his San Marcos home, Scott M. Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's career, told The Associated Press. There was no immediate word on the cause of death.

Rush in Orlando


Word on the streets today is that RUSH will be touring in 08 - and Orlando, Florida is on the list of cities!
The band is resting for the holidays - and will begin rehearsals for the next leg - with a revamped set list. Look for a official tour announcement in the new year....
Stay tuned

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Led Zeppelin aftermath


Rumours, or not rumours, who nows?, are spilling out and around everwhere. There's a DVD coming, supposedly, of the concert from the other night. There's a full blown tour with dates being worked on at this very moment. I wish I could tell you that either one of those statements was fact. I've only heard snippets of the show, mostly from videos on youtube from folks who were lucky enough (and I do mean lucky), and they sounded like they never took a 19 year break from the Led Zeppelin stuff. To see Led Zeppelin live is my third music fantasy, first being to see the Beatles live, which obviously can't happen, my second is to see the original 4 Kiss members live, which I didn't get to do when they did it back in the 90's. Now I live in Central Florida, and they could easily come to Tampa or to Miami. Orlando isn't exactly out of the question, but I wouldn't hold my breath. As far as the new DVD or the tour-the DVD could happen, easily. The tour-don't be surprised either way. It went well the other night in London so that could put the idea into their minds. But since they were hesitant to do it in the first place they may stick with their original plans and make this a one time thing.
December 12 birthdays: Dickey Betts from the Allman Brothers is 64; Eric Schenkman from the Spin Doctors is 44;


Tuesday, December 11, 2007

New Rock Oriented Releases


Here are this week's New Rock Oriented Releases: Dave Matthews - Live At Piedmont Park (CD); Dave Matthews - Live At Piedmont Park (DVD); Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains The Same (HD and blue-ray); Pink Floyd - Oh By The Way (16 cd box set); Sevendust - Retrospective, Vol. 2 (Enhanced); Styx - Caught In The Act (DVD);
December 11 birthdays: David Gates from Bread is 67; Mike Mesaros from The Smithereens is 50; Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue is 49; Darryl Jones, who plays bass for the Rolling Stones, is 46;


Monday, December 10, 2007

Led Zeppelin Playlist

Today's playlist is the set list from the Led Zeppelin reunion show.
Enjoy!

Led Zeppelin Reunites

Led Zeppelin performing their first full LIVE concert in 27 years!!!! They sound GOOD!!!



Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Van Halen in concert


Hey Orlando Van Halen fans, they will be performing at Amway Arena February 14, 2008. It's Van Halen as it should be (just about anyway. Michael won't be there, but David will). Ky-Mani Marley will be the opening act(please be kind). Tickets go on sale December 8. You can charge by phone - (407) 839-3900, or go to www.livenation.com, Amway Arena Box Office or ticketmaster.com. The prices suck, but that's normal these days: Reserved Seats: $149.50, $79.50 & $49.50. It's time to ROCK,Orlando!

December 4 birthdays: Chris Hillman of the Byrds is 63; Southside Johnny Lyon is 59; Gary Rossington from Lynyrd Skynyrd and the FGary Rossington band is 56; Vinnie Dombroski from Spong) is 45;

Monday, December 3, 2007

Led Zeppelin at Bonnaroo

Led Zeppelin will play its first U.S. show since July 24, 1977, this June at the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tenn., according to an email published in industry commentator Bob Lefsetz's newsletter. The report also says Metallica will headline the event.
Speculation about additional shows for Zeppelin, which will play a stated one-off Dec. 10 in London in tribute to late Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun, has been buzzing for weeks.
A Bonnaroo spokesperson had no comment on the email. A Led Zeppelin spokesperson could not be reached at deadline.
Summer Zeppelin shows would reportedly conflict with a tour by frontman Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, which is presently being booked. However, Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones has played at Bonnaroo on several occasions, most recently this summer when he jammed on his old band's songs with Ben Harper and the Roots'?uestlove.
As for Metallica, Bonnaroo would likely provide a launching pad for the group's next album, expected sometime in 2008 via Elektra.

New Rock Oriented Releases For This Week


New Rock Oriented Releases For This Week: Elton John - Elton 60-Live At Madison Square Garden (blu-ray); Sponge - Galore Galore; Godsmack - Good Times, Bad Times-10 Years Of Godsmack;
December 3 birthdays: Ozzy Osbourne is 59;

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Kevin DuBrow mystery

Seems as though Kevin DuBrow, the lead singer for Quiet Riot, had been dead for 6 days before he was found in his own bed. How he died is still a mystery. Original plans were to have DuBrow buried today (Dec. 2) in Corona Del Mar, California next to his fathers' grave, but the coroners office has still yet to determine how he passed. Friends and family became worried after former Quiet Riot bassist Kelli Garni was notified a week ago today (Nov. 25) that DuBrow's home in Las Vegas had been broken into. DuBrow didn't show for Thanksgiving dinner with one of his girlfriends. Another girlfriend asked a paramedic friend that lived near to check on his home, and he found his body. The police say there was no sign of foul play and it's believed to be an accidental death.

December 2 birthdays: Rick Savage from Def Leppard is 47; Nate Mendel from the Foo Fighters is 39;

Monday, November 26, 2007

Kevin Dubrow Dead at 52

Kevin Dubrow, lead singer for the 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot that scored a hit with "Cum on Feel the Noize," was found dead in a Las Vegas home. He was 52. The cause was not immediately known. 
A neighbor summoned police and paramedics Sunday to the house where he was pronounced dead, police and coroner's officials said. 
There was no forced entry, and no suspicious circumstances were reported, police Officer Jose Montoya said Monday. 
Quiet Riot was perhaps best known for its 1983 cover of "Cum on Feel the Noize." The song, featuring Dubrow's powerful, gravelly voice, appeared on the band's album "Metal Health" — which was the first by a metal band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart. 
DuBrow recorded his first solo album in 2004, "In for the Kill," and the band's last studio CD, "Rehab," came out in October 2006. 
"I can't even find words to say," Quiet Riot drummer Frank Banali wrote on his Web site. "Please respect my privacy as I mourn the passing and honor the memory of my dearest friend Kevin DuBrow." 
Determination of the cause of death was pending an autopsy and toxicology results, Clark County coroner's spokeswoman Samantha Charles said. 

Sunday, November 18, 2007

November 18 birthdays

November 18 birthdays: Herman Rarebell, formerly with the Scorpions, is 58; Kirk Hammett from Metallica is 45;

Saturday, November 17, 2007

November 17 birthdays

November 17 birthdays: Ben Wilson from the Blues Traveler is 40;

Friday, November 16, 2007

Pete Townshend and Rick Wakeman


Since the Led Zeppelin show was changed to December 10 there have been some changes in the opening lineups. Pete Townshend has bowed out, and Paul Rodgers has taken his place. Rick Wakeman was to be part of a one-off supergroup but now is backing out due to a prior commitment. The group will now contain Simon Kirke, Chris Squire and Keith Emerson.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

This Week's Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums


This Weeks Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums:

1. The Eagles...Long Road Out Of Eden

2. Robert Plant/Alison Krauss...Raising Sand

3. Kid Rock...Rock 'N' Roll Jesus

4. Bruce Springsteen...Magic

5. Avenged Sevenfold...Avenged Sevenfold

6. Nickelback...All The Right Reasons

7. Daughtry...Daughtry

8. Matchbox 20...Exile On Mainstream

9. Seether...Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces

10. Santana...Ultimate Santana




November 15 birthdays: Producer Mitch Easter is 53; Chad Kroeger from Nickelback is 33;

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Van Halen

Looks like February 12 might be the only Florida date for the Van Halen tour, ya know, the one with David Lee Roth that we would all love to see. It will be in Sunrise, right outside of Ft. Lauderdale. Tickets go on sale Saturday. $49.50 to $149.50 on ticketmaster.com.

November 14 birthdays: James Young from Styx is 58; Brian Yale from Matchbox 20 is 39; Travis Barker, formerly with Blink 182, is 32;

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Led Zeppelin

It's an exciting time for us Led Zeppelin fans. Today we see the release of Zep albums on iTunes, plus a new cd called Mothership, a two cd/1 dvd release of their greatest material put together by Jimmy Page. Speaking of Page, he recently attended the Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards in central London on November 5. He revealed that he had broke his pinky finger on his left hand, saying he had taken a tumble in his garden at home. The Ahmet Ertegun show is still a go, for December 10. (Were you aware that Ertegun co-wrote The Joker, the Steve Miller Band hit?) Page told reporters that the chemistry in the band was still there. Robert Plant recently released an album with bluegrass artist Alisson Krauss called Raising Sand. It's a pretty dang good album. Plant recently said that he went into rehearsals with Led Zeppelin when he was 19, and he's a different person now, so once the one show in London is done, he's heading back to Krauss. So obviously any rumours about a new cd from Zep can be stopped here and now. The Song Remains The Same cd and DVD releases are next week, while the blu-ray and HD releases come December 11.

Monday, November 12, 2007

New Releases for this week

Here is this week's list of Rock Oriented New Releases for this week: John Lee Hooker - I'm John Lee Hooker; Black Crowes - Shake Your Money Maker (Enhanced); Black Crowes - Three Snakes And One Charm (Enhanced); Black Crowes - Amorica (Enhanced); Black Crowes - Greatest Hits 1990-1999: A Tribute to a Work in Progress (Enhanced); Black Crowes - By Your Side (Enhanced); Black Crowes - The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion (Enhanced); Duran Duran - Red Carpet Massacre (CD/DVD); Led Zeppelin - Mothership (2CD/1DVD); Creed - My Own Prison: 10th Anniversary Edition (Enhanced Special Edition); The Rolling Stones - Rolled Gold+ (Import); The Killers - Sawdust; Queensryche - Take Cover; Bon Jovi - Lost Highway: The Concert (DVD); Paul McCartney - McCartney Years (DVD);

November 12 birthdays: Neil Young is 62; Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser from Blue Oyster Cult is 60; David Ellefson from Megadeth is 43;

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Worst lyricist, November 11 birthdays


Blender magazine has issued their list of the 40 worst rock lyricist. At number One: Sting! Just about anybody who's anybody in rock music is on the list. Made me think that there is no such thing as a good lyricist. Paul McCartney is even on the list at #38. Robert Plant is #23, Bernie Taupin is #15, Jim Morrison is at #10, Paul Stanley is at #7 and Neil Peart from Rush is at #2. Now, let's have the boys at Blender have the success that these boys have had. I think not. So, who do you think is the worst lyricist? The Best?

November 11 birthdays: Vince Martell from Vanilla Fudge is 62; Scott Mercado from Candlebox is 43;

Saturday, November 10, 2007

November 10 birthdays

November 10 birthdays: Greg Lake from Emerson, Lake and Palmer is 60; Chris Jannou from Silverchair is 28;

November 9 birthdays

November 9 birthdays: Alan Gratzer, formerly of REO Speedwagon, is 59; Dennis Stratton, formerly of Iron Maiden, is 53;

Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums, November 8 birthdays

Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums for this week:
1. The Eagles...Long Road Out Of Eden
2. Avenged Sevenfold...Avenged Sevenfold
3. Robert Plant/Alison Krauss...Raising Sand
4. Kid Rock...Rock 'N' Roll Jesus
5. Bruce Springsteen...Magic
6. Nickelback...All The Right Reasons
7. Seether...Finding Beauty In Negative Places
8. Serj Tankian...Elect The Dead
9. Matchbox 20...Exile On Mainstream
10.Santana...Ultimate Santana

November 8 birthdays: Bonnie Bramlett from Delaney and Bonnie is 63; Row Wood from ELO is 62; Larry Burnette from Firefall is 56; Terry Lee Miall from Adam and the Ant is 49;

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

November 6 birthdays

November 6 birthdays: Glenn frey from the Eagles is 59; Blues guitarist Rory Block is 58; Corey Glover of Living Colour is 43;

Monday, November 5, 2007

This Week's New Releases

Rick Springfield - Christmas With You; Gram Parsons - Gram Parsons Archive, Vol. 1; Nazareth - Hair Of The Dog Live; Oasis - Lord Don't Slow Me Down (DVD); Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full (CD/DVD Deluxe Edition); Blondie - No Exit; Ritchie Blackmore - Paris Moon; Stevie Ray Vaughan - Solos, Sessions And Encores; Stevie Ray Vaighan - Pride And Joy (DVD); Van Morrison - Still On Top: The Greatest Hits; The Small Faces - Anthology 1965-1967; George Lynch - Guitar Slinger; The Police - Regatta De Blanc (DVD); The Beatles - Help! (DVD);

November 5 birthdays: Art Garfunkel is 66; Bryan Adams is 48;

Sunday, November 4, 2007

November 4 birthdays

November 4 birthdays: Delbert McClinton is 67;

Saturday, November 3, 2007

November 3 birthdays

November 3 birthdays: Doug Simper from Deep Purple is 61; Adam Ant is 53;

Friday, November 2, 2007

November 2 birthdays

November 2 birthdays: Keith Emerson from Emerson, Lake and Palmer is 63; Carter Beauford from The Dave Matthews Band is 50; Bobby Dall from Poison is 44; Fieldy from Korn is 38;

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums

Barr's Music 101 Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums for this week:

1. Robert Plant/Alison Kraus...Raising Sand
2. Serj Tankian...Elect The Dead
3. Kid Rock...Rock N Roll Jesus
4. Seether...Finding Beauty In Negative Places
5. Neil Young...Chrome Dreams II
6. Bruce Springsteen...Magic
7. Matchbox 20...Exile On Mainstream
8. Nickelback...All The Right Reasons
9. Santana...Ultimate Santana
10.Foo Fighters...Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace

November 1 birthdays: Dan Peek, formerly of America is 57; Eddie MacDonald from the Alarm is 48; Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 45; Rick Allen from Def Leppard is 44;

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Rocktober 31 birthdays

Rocktober 31 birthdays: Larry Mullen from U2 is 46; Mikkey Dee from Motorhead is 44;

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

New Releases

Today's Rock Oriented New releases: John Lee Hooker - I Feel Good; Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold; The Tubes - Best Of The Tubes; Blues Traveler - Cover Yourself; David Bowie - David Bowie Box; Levon Helm - Dirt Farmer; Foo Fighters - DVD Collector's Box Unauthorized; The Kinks - The Kinks Greatest 1970-1986; Gary Wright - Human Love; Herman Rarebell, Pete York, and Charlie Antolini - Live 2005; Motorhead - Audiobiography; Motorhead - Motorhead (Remastered/Limited Edition); Queen - Queen Rock Montreal; Queen - Queen Rock Montreal + Live Aid (DVD); David Gilmour - Remember That Night - Live At The Royal Albert Hall (blu-ray); Mountain - Sixty Minutes With Mountain; Blue Oyster Cult - Some Enchanted Evening (remastered/bonus DVD); Blue Oyster Cult - Spectres (Limited Edition/Import/Remastered/Extra Tracks); The Moody Blues - The Magnificent Moodies (remastered); Bob Dylan - The Other Side of the Mirror: Live at Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965 (DVD); The Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden;

Rocktober 30 birthdays: Grace Slick, formerly of the Jefferson Airplane, is 68; Chris Slade from Asia is 61; Timothy B. Schmidt from the Eagles is 60; Gavin Rossdale from Bush is 40;

Monday, October 29, 2007

New Releases

This week's Rock Oriented New releases: John Lee Hooker - I Feel Good; Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold; The Tubes - Best Of The Tubes; Blues Traveler - Cover Yourself; David Bowie - David Bowie Box; Levon Helm - Dirt Farmer; Foo Fighters - DVD Collector's Box Unauthorized; The Kinks - The Kinks Greatest 1970-1986; Gary Wright - Human Love; Herman Rarebell, Pete York, and Charlie Antolini - Live 2005; Motorhead - Audiobiography; Motorhead - Motorhead (Remastered/Limited Edition); Queen - Queen Rock Montreal; Queen - Queen Rock Montreal + Live Aid (DVD); David Gilmour - Remember That Night - Live At The Royal Albert Hall (blu-ray); Mountain - Sixty Minutes With Mountain; Blue Oyster Cult - Some Enchanted Evening (remastered/bonus DVD); Blue Oyster Cult - Spectres (Limited Edition/Import/Remastered/Extra Tracks); The Moody Blues - The Magnificent Moodies (remastered); Bob Dylan - The Other Side of the Mirror: Live at Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965 (DVD); The Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden;

Rocktober 29 birthdays: Denny Laine, formerly of the Moody Blues and Wings, is 63; Peter Green, formerly with Fleetwood Mac, is 61; SA Martinez from 311 is 38;

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Rocktober 27 birthdays

Rocktober 27 birthdays: Garry Tallent from the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is 58; Rock musician K.K. Downing from Judas Priest is 56; Simon Le Bon from Duran Duran is 49; Jason Finn from the Presidents of the United States of America is 40; Scott Weiland, formerly of the Stone Temple Pilots and currently with Velvet Revolver, is 40;

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Top 10 Rock Albums

Barr's Music 101 Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums
1. Bruce Springsteen...Magic
2. Kid Rock...Rock And Roll Jesus
3. Santana...Ultimate Santana
4. Matchbox 20...Exile On Mainstream
5. Nickelback...All The Right Reasons
6. Eric Clapton...Complete Clapton
7. Foo Fighters...Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace
8. John Fogerty...Revival
9. Daughtry...Daughtry
10. Linkin Park...Minutes To Midnight

Rocktober 25 birthdays: Jon Anderson from Yes is 63; Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest is 60; Matthias Jabs from the Scorpions is 51; Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 45;

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Rocktober 24 birthdays

Rocktober 24 birthdays: Bill Wyman, formerly of the Rolling Stones, is 71; Ben Gillies from Silverchair is 28;

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

New Releases

Barr's Music 101's New releases for today: Ringo Starr - Live At Soundstage; Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand; John Mellencamp - 20th Century Masters: Millenium Collection; Motley Crue - Carnival Of Sins: Live 1 & 2; Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II; Carl Perkins - Dance Album Of Carl Perkins (1958 album remastered with 19 bonus tracks); Heart - Dreamboat Annie Live (CD and DVD releases); T. Rex - Electric Jewels; Seether - Finding Beauty in Negative Places; Helloween - Gambling With The Devil; Bo Diddley - I'm A Man: The Chess Masters, 1955-1958; Rob Zombie - Zombie Live; Judas Priest - Platinum; Electric Light Orchestra - Platinum; Motorhead - Stage Fright (HD DVD); Santana - Ultimate Santana; America - View from The Ground/Your Move (remastered); The Who - The Who: Up Close And Personal (DVD); The Beatles - Up Close And Personal (DVD);

Rocktober 23 birthdays: Robert Trujillo from Metallica is 43; Brian Nevin from Big Head Todd and the Monsters is 41;

Monday, October 22, 2007

New Releases

Barr's Music 101's New releases for this week: Ringo Starr - Live At Soundstage; Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand; John Mellencamp - 20th Century Masters: Millenium Collection; Motley Crue - Carnival Of Sins: Live 1 & 2; Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II; Carl Perkins - Dance Album Of Carl Perkins (1958 album remastered with 19 bonus tracks); Heart - Dreamboat Annie Live (CD and DVD releases); T. Rex - Electric Jewels; Seether - Finding Beauty in Negative Places; Helloween - Gambling With The Devil; Bo Diddley - I'm A Man: The Chess Masters, 1955-1958; Rob Zombie - Zombie Live; Judas Priest - Platinum; Electric Light Orchestra - Platinum; Motorhead - Stage Fright (HD DVD); Santana - Ultimate Santana; America - View from The Ground/Your Move (remastered); The Who - The Who: Up Close And Personal (DVD); The Beatles - Up Close And Personal (DVD);

Rocktober 22 birthdays: Leslie West from Mountain is 62;

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Rocktober 21 birthdays: Manfred Mann is 67; Charlotte Caffey from The Go-Go's is 54; Steve Lukather from Toto is 50;

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Top 10 Rock CD's

Barr's Music 101 Rock Oriented Albums
1. Kid Rock...Rock 'N' Roll Jesus
2. Bruce Springsteen...Magic
3. Matchbox 20...Exile On Mainstream
4. Alter Bridge...Blackbird
5. Eric Clapton...Complete Clapton
6. Foo Fighters...Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace
7. Nickelback...All The Right Reasons
8. John Fogerty...Revival
9. Puddle Of Mudd...Famous
10. Linkin Park...Minutes To Midnight

Rocktober 20th birthdays: Tom Petty is 57; Jim Sonefeld from Hootie And The Blowfish is 43;

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Led Zeppelin, Barr's Music 101 tidbits

The last quarter of 2007 is a great time for Led Zeppelin fans. First, on November 13th a two cd set called 'Mothership' will be released. That same day their entire catalog will be available on all online music services, ending their holdout on digital music. Then, one week later on November 20th the remixed/remastered version of 'The Song Remains The Same' will be released, with 6 extra songs not on the original release. The DVD will be released also. Then, November 26th the band plays a salute to Ahmet Ertegun at London's O2 Arena. Ertegun was the co-founder and chairman of Atlantic Records, whom Zeppelin recorded for their entire career. There is a big stink over the online lottery ticket distrubution, but that's a whole different story.

Barr's Music 101 tidbits: Annie Lennox and Peter Gabriel will play a concert in Johannesburg, South Africa on World Aids Day December 1. Also appearing are Razorlight, Corrine Bailey Rae, Jamelia, Ludacris and Goo Goo Dolls. Ex-Kinks frontman Ray Davies will have his new cd 'Working Man's Cafe' available as a free giveaway with the Rocktober 21 issue of the Sunday Times. No U.S. release date as of yet. Paul McCartney says that it was a good thing the Beatles never reunited. He said there would have been too much pressure and so it wouldn't have been as good as before.

Rocktober 16th birthdays: C.F. Turner from Bachman-Turner Overdrive is 64; Bob Weir from The Dead is 60; Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 45;

Monday, October 15, 2007

One Voice/Bryan Adams, New Releases


An organization out of New York called One Voice planned two simultaneous concerts, in Tel Aviv and Jericho, but now both have been cancelled. Bryan Adams was slated to be the headline act. The Jericho show was cancelled last week due to threats to blow up the One Voice office there. The Tel Aviv concert was called off in solidarity. The purpose of the events was to gather a million signatures from Israelies and Palestinians hoping for their respective governments to reach a peace agreement by Rocktober 2008. Those who attended the free concerts would have to sign the petitions.

This week's New Releases: John Mayall - Live From Austin, Texas (cd and DVD); T. Rex - Interstellar Soul; AC/DC - Plug Me In (2 DVD and 3 DVD sets); AC/DC - Live At Donnington (blu-ray); Foreigner - Alive And Rockin' (DVD); Night Ranger - Box (box set); Gary Moore - Definitive Montreux Collection (DVD); The Hollies - Distant Light (reissue with extra tracks); The Sex Pistols - England's Dreaming (DVD); The Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Sex Pistols-An Alternative History; The Police - Every Breath You Take/Live In Atlanta; The Cure - Greatest Hits: Deluxe Sound And Vision; Jimi Hendrix - Live At Monterey (CD and DVD); Tom Petty - MCA Years (box set); Foo Fighters - Skin and Bones [Limited Edition, Live, Import, reissue); R.E.M. - R.E.M. Live 2 Cd/1 DVD; Santana - In Concert; Jimmy Page - This Guitar Kills; More 60's Groups And Sessions;

Rocktober 15th birthdays: Mark Reznicek from The Toadies is 45

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Rocktober 14th birthdays

Rocktober 14th birthdays: Justin Hayward from The Moody Blues is 61; Thomas Dolby is 49;

Saturday, October 13, 2007

McCartney's divorce


Heather Mills was in it for the money, and I think we all know that. especially now. Thursday Paul McCartney and his 'Money (That's What I Want)' estranged wife were in a private hearing in which Mills refused a gagging order as part of the deal. She agreed to take less money if there was no gag order put in place. Can't you just picture the hurt, pain and anger in Paul's face as the mother of his youngest daughter is showing her true colors. So now there will be an open court proceeding in February since a settlement couldn't be reached in private under tight security. Mills will be quite a rich woman when this is, if ever, over, as McCartney is worth a fortune, and will likely be the costliest divorce in British history. Leaked documents have Heather stating that Paul was physically violent and abusive.


Rocktober 13th birthdays: Paul Simon is 66; Sammy Hagar is 60; Joey Belladonna from Anthrax is 47;

Friday, October 12, 2007

Barr's Music 101 tidbits

Catch Larry King Live tonight on CNN at 9 p.m. Eastern as Eric Clapton will be the guest; Check out this AP article on record labels - http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/12/irrelevantrecordlabels.ap/index.html;



Rocktober 12th birthdays: Blues singer Nappy Brown is 78; Pat DiNizio from the Smithereens is 52; Bob Schneider is 42;

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Kiss Expo



Central Florida Kiss fans will be very happy to hear that there will be a Kiss Expo Sunday, November 4th in Kissimmee from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Maingate East at 5711 West U.S. Highwat 192. Bruce Kulick will be a special guest, along with Dale "The Demon" Torborg. VIP ticket holders will be able to get in one hour early (1pm) and get a FREE KISS collectible. VIP tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Regular admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Barr's Music 101 Top 10 Rock Oriented Albums for this week:

1. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN...Magic

2. MATCHBOX 20...Exile On Mainstream

3. JOHN FOGERTY...Revival

4. FOO FIGHTERS...Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace

5. NICKELBACK...All The Right Reasons

6. MELISSA ETHERIDGE...The Awakening

7. LINKIN PARK...Minutes To Midnight

8. BOB DYLAN...Dylan

9. DAUGHTRY...Daughtry

10. EDDIE VEDDER...Into The Wild (Soundtrack)




Rocktober 11th birthdays: Scott Johnson from Gin Blossoms is 45;



Wednesday, October 10, 2007

George Harrison on iTunes


So either it was done quietly or I just wasn't listening, but I logged onto iTunes yesterday and lo and behold there is George Harrison's music catalog finally available for download. I found it pretty cool that it occured on John Lennon's birthdate. Now all 4 of their solo catalogs (for the most part) are now available. All but 2 of Harrison's albums are available, the two being 'Dark Horse' and 'Extra Texture.' Those two have yet to be released remastered, as the rest of his catalog has. Biilboard.com says that they should be available after the first of the year. Now all we need is for The Beatles as a group to be added. Life is good.
Music bits: Trent Reznor says he is now focusing on Nine Inch Nails new album as their contact with Interscope has now expired; "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings", the new cd from the Counting Crows has been pushed back from November 6 to January, their first cd since 2002; Tune into AC360 on CNN tomorrow night at 10 Eastern to hear the debut of R.E.M.'s new song 'Until The Day Is Done'; Rhino is releasing a Genesis box set November 20 called 'Genesis 1983-1998;
Rocktober 10th birthdays: Mike Malinin from the Goo Goo Dolls is 40;


Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Nine Inch Nails, Ozzfest, the Police

"I have been under recording contracts for 18 years and have watched the business radically mutate from one thing to something inherently very different and it gives me great pleasure to be able to finally have a direct relationship with the audience as I see fit and appropriate." Those are the words of Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. Since 1994 the band has been with Interscope but have fulfilled that contract. Interscope has made no comment on the matter so far. Reznor stated on the bands website that soon there will be an announcement as to the band's plans for 2008. This year they have been touring behind their cd 'Year Zero'.


Ozzy Osbourne, however, has already shared some of his 2008 plans. He stated yesterday (Rock. 8) that he will headline Ozzfest, as far as he knows. There has been some talk, or rumours actually, that next years fest would be without Ozzy. That just wouldn't be cool, don't you agree? He did not make it clear whether there would be any Black Sabbath projects, as those plans were up in the air. He did say he wanted to make a new cd with the band. He said he will be recording a new cd next year, either with Sabbath or with his own band. What's not on Ozzy's agenda is a book, as he said he can't remember things, and a documentary that's in the works about the late Randy Rhoads.







Police guitarist Andy Summers told reporters yesterday in Dublin, Ireland that it makes sense to him that the Police record another album. Summers stated that the band is sharp right now, playing exceptionally well, but as of now there has been no discussion between the band of a new album. C'Mon guys, let's do it! Summers said that the tour is physically,mentally and emotionally draining but they are having a good time. Summers, Sting and Stewart Copeland are currently on their 30th anniversary tour that goes into 2008.


Rocktober 9th birthdays: Jackson Browne is 59; Sharon Osbourne is 55; Sean Lennon is 32;


If John Lennon were alive he'd be 67 years old today.

Monday, October 8, 2007

This Week's New Releases

This weeks New Releases: Buddy Guy - Live At the Checkerboard Lounge; Robert Johnson - Mississippi Blues, Volume 4; Sonny Boy Williamson II- The Original (Box Set); Bruce Springsteen - Under Review-1978-82: Tale Of The Working Man (DVD); David Bowie - The Document Unauthorized; Deborah Harry - Necessary Evil; Eric Clapton - Complete Clapton; Ian Anderson - Ian Anderson Plays The Orchestral Jethro Tull (CD and DVD); Jimi Hendrix - Jimi Hendrix: Smash Hits (DVD); Santana - Jingo; Van Zant - My Kind Of Country; Kid Rock - Rock 'N' Roll Jesus; Rick Wakeman - Sixy Minutes With Rick Wakeman; Led Zeppelin - The Lowdown Unauthorized; T. Rex - Up Close And Personal (DVD); Megadeth - Warchest Box Set (4 cds/1 dvd); Alter Bridge - Blackbird;

Sunday, October 7, 2007

John Mellencamp

If you are black you might not like this post. First, and foremost, I am not prejudice in any way. Now, if you don't know about the Jena 6 story go read about that first, then come back to this. Ok, so we all know the story? Good. There was a hip-hop artist (who cares what his name was) who stated recently in a video that students walk out October 1. Nothing was said about that. John Mellencamp put out a video for a song that has a line in it that says "Jena take your nooses down". Now the mayor of Jena is taking issue with that. Jena Mayor Murphy R. McMillin says the video is "inflammatory" and "defamatory". Such crap!! Mellencamp said that the song is a condemnation of racism, not an indictment of the people of Jena. But because Mellencamp is white we got an issue. Blacks can say whatever they want about whites in movies, stand up comedy, and I hear the stuff at work everyday. But if a white person was to do that now we have 6 days of CNN talking about the statement, an apology is demanded from Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, and if I said the things that are said around me or to me at work I'd be fired. Any person, white or black, who is involved in the events that have happened in Jena, Louisiana should be punished according to the law. Comments, please.

Rocktober 7th birthdays: Kevin Godley from 10cc is 62; John Mellencamp is 56; Ricky Phillips from the Baby's, Bad English and Coverdale/Page is 56; Tico Torres from Bon Jovi is 54; Charlie Marinkovich from Iron Butterfly is 48;

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Clapton's book

So on Tuesday Eric Clapton has a double cd called 'Complete Clapton' and a book 'Clapton: The Autobiography' hitting the shelves. The excerpt I read was about his relationship with Patti Boyd, who just released her book which was about her relationship with Eric and her first husband George Harrison. I found out today something I didn't know-that even tho Eric 'stole' Patti from George he was Eric's best man at his wedding to Patti. Looking forward to the book. The cd-well, I got everything on it already.

Birthdays for Rocktober 6th: Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon is 56; David Hidalgo from Los Lobos is 53; Matthew Sweet is 43;

Friday, October 5, 2007

Central Florida Concert Datebook

New events are in red

Saturday, Rocktober 6 Velvet Revolver and Alice In Chains Ford Ampitheatre
Monday, Rocktober 8 Daughtry Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Tuesday, Rocktober 9 ZZ Top Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Wednesday, Rocktober 10 Shannon Curfman Baldwin's Pub Orlando
Wednesday, Rocktober 10 ZZ Top Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Friday, Rocktober 12 Dickey Betts And Great Southern Jannus Landing St. Petersburg
Saturday, Rocktober 13 Puddle Of Mudd and Saliva Jannus Landing St. Petersburg
Saturday, Rocktober 13 Chevelle House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Sunday, Rocktober 14 Puddle Of Mudd and Saliva House of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Sunday, Rocktober 14 Jim Brickman Orange County Convention Center Orlando
Thursday, Rocktober 18 Rick Derringer Largo Cultural Center Largo
Saturday, Rocktober 20 Robert Cray Band Tampa Theatre Tampa
Monday, Rocktober 22 Blues Traveler House of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Tuesday, Rocktober 23 REO Speedwagon and .38 Special Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Friday, Rocktober 26 Soul Asylum House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Saturday, Rocktober 27 HellYeah Guavaween Tampa
Saturday, Rocktober 27 Alan Parson Live Project Vinoy Waterfront Park St. Petersburg
Tuesday, Rocktober 30 The Cult Jannus Landing Saint Petersburg
Thursday, November 1 Chris Cornell Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Tampa
Friday, November 2 Rick Derringer Sertoma Youth Ranch Brooksville
Sunday, Nobember 4 Chris Cornell Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Friday, November 9 Kansas Vinoy Waterfront Park St. Petersburg
Saturday, November 10 Grand Funk Railroad RibFest St. Petersburg
Saturday, November 10 Eddie Money Vinoy Waterfront Park St. Petersburg
Saturday, November 10 Elton John New UCF Arena Orlando
Tuesday, November 13 Bob Weir and Ratdog Mahaffey Theatre St. Petersburg
Thursday, November 15 Fuel and Trapt House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Friday, November 16 Bob Weir and Ratdog House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Sunday, November 18 Breaking Benjamin, Finger Eleven, Seether and Sum 41 Thunder Field Orlando
Friday, November 23 Avenged Sevenfold House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Saturday, November 24 Avenged Sevenfold and Operator Jannus Landing St. Petersburg
Thursday, November 29 Michael McDonald Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Friday, November 30 Collective Soul House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Monday, December 10 Jethro Tull Bob Car Performing Arts Center Orlando
Wednesday, December 12 Jethro Tull Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Sunday, December 16 Johnny Winter The State Theatre St. Petersburg
Friday, December 21 Jim Brickman Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Saturday, December 29 Derek Trucks and his wife Susan Tedeschi House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Sunday, December 30 Sevendust Jannus Landing St. Petersburg
Monday, December 31 Foreigner Universal Studios Citywalk Orlando
Monday, December 31 Sevendust House of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Thursday, January 17 Toad The Wet Sprocket Jannus Landing St. Petersburg
Friday, January 18 Toad The Wet Sprocket House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Saturday, January 19 Night Ranger Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater
Wednesday, February 13 Queensryche House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista
Saturday, February 23 Derek Trucks Seafood And Blues Festival Clearwater
Sunday, February 24 Leon Russell Art and Living Expo Orlando
Saturday, March 8 Hootie And The Blowfish Weston Innisbrook Resort Palm Harbor
Wednesday, June 11 The Cure St. Pete's Times Forum Tampa

Illegal (?) downloading,

So if I pay an internet service provider (ISP) (in my case Brighthouse Networks) so many $$$ per month to receive the internet in my home shouldn't I be allowed to receive ANYTHING that is available on the internet? Whether it be news, porn, pay my bills, instant messages, software, or music, whether it be from iTunes or a peer-to-peer network or a torrent, if it's there I should have the right to access it. But the music industry has deemed peer-to-peer (or networks where one can download and/or share files, or songs, or movies, etc.) as illegal, infringing on copyright laws. Now, I can understand how one might feel ripped off if he/she has written/recorded/published a song and you download it, and because you can now hear that song anytime you want AND it sounds very good (most mp3's do nowdays) you won't go buy it. However, if that is or is not stealing is open to your interpretation, but before the internet boom and the download era that we are in even began the record labels, computer software giants like Microsoft and a whole host of other entities knew that this capability was on the horizon, yet they did little or nothing to stop it (I personally feel Microsoft is more to blame than others, I could be wrong but I doubt it). Now there are millions of folks out there who haven't bought or have bought very few physical cd's in a very long time. I still buy them, at least 2 to 5 a month, but hey, I'm old school I still love vinyl. Record labels decided to make an example out of someone so yesterday a jury found a woman liabel for sharing copyrighted music online and awarded the labels $220,000. What do you think?

Hey, be sure and catch Kid Rock on 'Larry King Live' tonight at 9 pm on CNN. I'm sure we'll be hearing how he thinks Pamela Anderson lied about having a miscarriage diring their marriage, his brawl with Tommy Lee at the VMA's
Nirvana is putting out their 'MTV Unplugged' on DVD November 20th
New rock tracks that MIGHT hit a radio near you: Neil Young - Dirty Old Man; Bob Dylan/Mark Ronson - Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine); Paul McCartney - Only Mama Knows; Alter Bridge - Rise Today;

Rocktober 5th birthdays: Steve Miller is 64; Brian Johnson from AC/DC is 60; David Bryason from the Counting Crows is 53; Bob Geldof is 53; Dave Dederer from the Presidents of the United States of America is 43;

Thursday, October 4, 2007

The Who playlist

Today's playlist is 10 by The Who!!!
Rock out!


Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Springsteen's new cd 'Magic', A Bigger Bang Tour, Phil Spector hearing, David Bowie

So have you heard the new cd from Bruce Springsteen called 'Magic'? I've checked it out a few times now. I'll give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Currently Rascal Flatts holds the number 1 slot on Billboard's Album charts, but Springsteen will take that position next week. 'Magic' has sold 89,000 units in it's first 2 days of release. Matchbox 20's 'Exile On Mainstream' should also hit the top 5.

The Rolling Stones 'A Bigger Bang' tour is the most lucrative tour ever. After 144 shows attended by 4,680,000 folks the tour grossed $558,255,524. One of those folks was me. In second place is U2's 'Vertigo' tour, which made $389 million, third is the Stones 1994-95 'Voodoo Lounge' tour.

In a hearing today in Los Angeles the district attorney's office confirmed that they will retry 67 year old Phil Spector for the murder of Lana Clarkson February 3, 2003. Spector's lawyer announced that Spector will hire a new defense team.

Bowie may be pleased to hear that his last 5 cd's will be released in a box set November 27th. Each of those discs will include a bonus disc containing rare tracks.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

New Releases

This week's Rock New Releases: Asia - Fantasia Live In Tokyo (DVD); Bruce Springsteen - Magic; J.J. Cale - Rewind: The Unreleased Recordings; Matchbox 20 - Exile On Mainstream; Mick Jagger - The Very Best Of Mick Jagger; John Fogerty - Revival;


Rocktober 2 birthdays: Don McLean is 62;Mike Rutherford from Genesis and Mike + the Mechanics is 57; Sting, currently with the Police, is 56; Bud Gaugh from Sublime is 40;

Don McLean

Monday, October 1, 2007

Van Halen in Charlotte

The Van Halen tour with David Lee Roth is off an running.
Reviews are all positive - and the band is sounding GREAT.
Hear for yourself. Play "Everybody Wants Some" from opening night
in Charlotte in the playlist box below.

New Releases

This week's Rock New Releases: Asia - Fantasia Live In Tokyo (DVD); Bruce Springsteen - Magic; J.J. Cale - Rewind: The Unreleased Recordings; Matchbox 20 - Exile On Mainstream; Mick Jagger - The Very Best Of Mick Jagger; John Fogerty - Revival;



Birthdays for Rocktober 1: Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra is 39;

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Wes Scantlin



When you visit Graceland in Memphis, you must act with decency, respect, and with good behavior. Wes Scantlin must've forgot. Wes is the singer for Puddle of Mudd, and he recently visited Elvis's home and decided he would take a swim in the pool. He is banned for life (I'm sure that means from now until there is no museum anymore). Scantlin was fully clothed when he took the dip. Puddle of Mudd has a new cd out Rocktober 9 called 'Famous'.


September 30th birthdays: Dewey Martin from Buffalo Springfield is 65; John Lombardo, formerly of 10,000 Mainiacs, is 55; Bill Rieflin from R.E.M. is 47; Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls is 43;

Dewey Martin

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Sammy Hagar at 60?, Rock Hall of Fame nominees, George Harrison documentary


Sammy Hagar is turning 60 next month, I kid you not!!! First thought is "NO WAY"!!! He and his band the Wabos will be celebrating big time with 6 shows at his Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Michael Anthony and his band will appear October 13th. Then they hit the road for a North American tour through July 2008. 60, dude! Wow

In order to be one of this years nominees to be put into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame the artist or band had to release their first single no later than 1982. This years nominees are: John Mellencamp, along with Madonna, the Beastie Boys, Leonard Cohen, Afrika Bambaataa, Chic, the Ventures, Donna Summer and the Dave Clark Five. 5 of those will be inducted March 10, 2008 in New York. 500 musicians, industry professionals and journalists vote on the inductions.



Martin Scorsese is to direct a documentary on George Harrison with the help and blessing of his widow Olivia Harrison. George being my fav Beatle this is exciting for me. Work is already underway. It's also been reported that Paul and Ringo will contribute to the film. It will cover his time with the Beatles and his often under-appreciated fantastic solo career. Can't wait.

September 29th birthdays: Jerry lee Lewis is 72; Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad is 59; Mike Pinera from Blues Image, Iron Butterfly and was once the guitarist for Alice Cooper is also 59; John Payne from Asia is 49; Leslie Edward "Les" Claypool from Primus is 44; Brad Smith from Blind Melon is 39;

Friday, September 28, 2007

Van Halen Playlist


The Van Halen tour is underway!!!
Today's playlist (which I first published here back on September 11) now comes to life!!!!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

What now for Spector

In yesterdays blog about the Phil Spector mistrial I stated that I thought the Los Angeles DA couldn't retry Spector, but I was informed today that yes they could simply because he wasn't found guilty or not guilty. There will be a hearing Rocktober 3 where the district attorney will ask permission to retry Spector. Spector has more troubles in front of him when you stop and think about it. Going through a trial is emotionally and physically draining, now he might have to do it again. Can he afford it? I'm sure his bank account has suffered greatly these past 4 years. Most folks feel like he is guilty so his 'celebrity' has suffered. But he was always thought of as essentric so his reputation was already tarnished anyway. I remember watching video of when he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He acted like such a fool.

September 27th birthdays: Randy Bachman from Bachman-Turner Overdrive is 64; Meat Loaf is 56; Greg Han from Men At Work is 54; Stephan Jenkings from Third Eye Blind is 43; Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down is 29;

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Phil Spector MIStrial update


Seems as tho if you live in LA, are a celebrity (famous one or not) and have some dough you ain't going to jail. Let's face it, whether the prosecution could prove it or not, Phil Spector killed Lana Clarkson February 3, 2003. However, a mistrial was declared today by Judge Larry Fidler after the jury for the second time could not reach a verdict. A hearing has been set for Rocktober 3 where the prosecution will decide whether they will seek a retrial (I thought that it was against the law to retry someone?). The jury deliberated for 12 days and were split 10-2. This did not surprise me at all as, lucky for Spector, there just was not enough physical evidence to convict him. In some of the blogs I've been reading about the hung jury folks have been saying that there was enough evidence, but in actuality there was not.

Now there is a sheriff's investigation into a myspace.com posting which stated "I lovePhil Spector" and "The Evil Judge should DIE"! Whoa!!! The page has been taken down, which was called 'Team Spector'. It was signed "xoxo Chelle". And what is Spector's wifes' name? Rachelle. Of course the defense said that she has denied any involvement.
September 26th birthdays: Cesar Rosas from Los Lobos is 53; Al Pitrelli, who has played guitar for Megadeth, Blue Oyster Cult, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (and others) is 45;

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Bruce Springsteen, New Releases

Bruce Springsteen has a new Cd coming out Rocktober 2, and he and the E Street Band will hit the road the same day, starting in Hartford, Connecticut. Last night the band played a warm up show in Asbury Park, New Jersey. They played 7 songs from the new CD.

New Releases scheduled for today: Twisted Sister - A Twisted Christmas Live (DVD); Canned Heat - Christmas Album; Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace; Pearl Jam - Immagine in Cornice: Picture in a Frame (DVD); Tesla - Real To Reel Vol. 2; Melissa Etheridge - The Awakening;

Monday, September 24, 2007

Rolling Stones Playlist


Today's playlist is a selection of tracks by the Rolling Stones! How many of these tracks do you know?? Enjoy!!


New Releases

New Releases scheduled for tomorrow: Twisted Sister - A Twisted Christmas Live (DVD); Canned Heat - Christmas Album; Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace; Pearl Jam - Immagine in Cornice: Picture in a Frame (DVD); Tesla - Real To Reel Vol. 2; Melissa Etheridge - The Awakening;

Sunday, September 23, 2007

September 23rd birthdays

September 23rd birthdays: Bruce Springsteen is 58;

Saturday, September 22, 2007

September 22 birthdays

September 22 birthdays: David Coverdale from Deep Purple, Whitesnake and Coverdale/Page is 56; Joan Jett is 49; Matt Sharp from Weezer is 38;

Friday, September 21, 2007

The Who DVD, Foo Fighters, Santana

Yesterday we mentioned a new concert DVD from Queen, today we learn of a new DVD from the Who which will contain some rarities entitled 'Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who.' Release date is November 6th. There are some video of the band when they were known as The High Numbers. Also film from Roger Daltrey's and Pete Townshend's personal archive are included. The DVD will also feature interviews with Eddie Vedder, The Edge, Sting ans Noel Gallagher. Another great selection for the DVD collection.

The Foo Fighters new cd 'Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace' will be released September 25th. But last night Dave Grohl asked the audience in New York if they had the new record. The 1,100 folks in attendance cheered. Grohl just said that it was cool as long as they sang along. Musicians just have to hate the internet. Kinda funny, tho!

Another exciting release will be on Rocktober 16th from Santana. And, as has been the rule as of late, an impressive list of guest musicians. They include; Chad Kroeger, Jennifer Lopez, Baby Bash, Rob Thomas, Product G&B, Mana, Tina Turner, Everlast, Steven Tyler and Michelle Branch. The cd is called 'Ultimate Santana'.

September 21 birthdays: Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, is 60; Philthy Animal from Motorhead is 53,
With the announcement by Led Zeppelin that they are performing a one off concert in November, today’s playlist is a list of some less familiar Zeppelin songs for your enjoyment!


Thursday, September 20, 2007

New Queen CD/DVD, Phil Spector trial update

This fall will see the release of a cd and DVD of Queen's November 1981 concert at the Montreal Forum. October 30 is the release date for "Queen Rock Montreal". This was the final tour that featured the original members of Queen. If you buy the 2 disc DVD edition it will also feature Queen's 1985performance at 'Live Aid'.

Where do we begin. First, a recap: The jury on Tuesday told Judge Paul Fidler that they were a hung jury with a 7-5 vote. So today (Thursday) Fidler listened to arguments from the attorneys on how to instruct the jury now that he has to withdraw the instructions that he originally gave them, which the jury had problems with causing impasse. Those instructions were in order to find Spector guilty they had to find that Spector actually committed the crime. The judge stated on Wednesday that he should not have given them those instructions because it missstates the law. So, the judge told the defense that they could reargue their case, which they declined saying that that would give the prosecution a chance to argue a different theory. So some of the 'legal experts', if you will, are saying that Fidler fumbled the ending of this case after having had such a great handle on it all the way, and that if there is a conviction it would mean that the case would be heard all over again in an appellate court. Phil has been on trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson February 3, 2003. Spector has produced some of the best known songs in the rock era. Beatle fans will find his name on the 'Let It Be', All Things Must Pass', 'Imagine' and 'Rock 'N' Roll' albums.

September 20th birthdays: Chuck Panozzo from Styx is 60; Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are 40; Ben Shepherd from Soundgarden is 39; Rick Woolstenhulme from Lifehouse is 28;

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Playlists Come To Life

A new feature of Barr's Music 101. My playlists will now come to life.
Here is yesterday's Jimi Hendrix playlist! Click on the play button on the player - and enjoy!!


Phil Spector update

The Judge in the Phil Spector case said today that the jury will not consider a lesser charge. Yesterday the jury deadlocked. Judge Fidler told the attorneys that if he were to tell the jury to decide on a lesser charge that they might think they should find Spector guilty of manslaughter. He told the lawyers that that would be inapproriate. So what happens now? Fidler is not about to declare a mistrial, and he was clearly troubled by the impasse after a 5 month trial. Fun times!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Phil Spector

Barr's Music 101 has learned that the jury in the Phil Spector trial have told the judge that they are unable to reach a verdict. The jury is split 7-5. 67 year old Phil Spector has been on trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson on February 3, 2003. Judge Fidler has decided to dismiss the jury for the day, but not for good, as a few of the jurors told the judge that they need more instructions on reasonable doubt. He told them to return tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Fidler told the jury that it is possible that he will instruct the attorneys to re argue portions of the case.

Jimi Hendrix Playlist

In honor of Jimi - here is a playlist of the not so popular/well known Hendrix tracks for your iPod.
Synch and enjoy.

1. Peace In Mississippi - Crash Landing
2. Midnight - War Heroes
3. Beginnings - War Heroes
4. Cherokee Mist - Lifelines
5. Still Raining, Still Dreaming - Electric Ladyland
6. Pali-Gap - Rainbow Bridge
7. Hey Baby (The Land of the New Rising Sun) - Rainbow Bridge
8. Tax Free - War Heroes
9. Power Of Soul - South Saturn Delta
10. Highway Chile - War Heroes
11. Valley Of Neptune - Lifelines
12. Captain Coconut - Crash Landing

Jimi Hendrix

37 years ago today Jimi Hendrix passed away at the age of 27 in London. I'm really looking forward to the cd and DVD release October 16 'Live At Monterrey'. Jimi was born Johnny Allen Hendrix November 27, 1942 in Seattle. He would now be 64 if he were alive. Still, to this day, no guitar player has intrigued me as much as Hendrix does. There have been many that were absolutely fantastic and grabbed my attention, but Jimi's is phenomenally unique and mind absorbing. Rock 'N' Roll lost so much when Jimi basically fell victim to the rock n roll lifestyle.

New Releases slated for this week: MVD Visual is releasing a Jimi Hendrix DVD entitled 'Complete Story'; Carmin Appice and Vinny - Drumwars (DVD); Mark Knopfler - Kill To Get Crimson; David Gilmour - David Gilmour: Remember That Night - Live from the Royal Albert Hall (DVD); Alvin Lee - Saguitar; Keith Richards - Under Review (DVD);

Monday, September 17, 2007

New Releases

New Releases slated for this week: MVD Visual is releasing a Jimi Hendrix DVD entitled 'Complete Story'; Carmin Appice and Vinny - Drumwars (DVD); Mark Knopfler - Kill To Get Crimson; David Gilmour - David Gilmour: Remember That Night - Live from the Royal Albert Hall (DVD); Alvin Lee - Saguitar; Keith Richards - Under Review (DVD);

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Otis Redding

Check out this video posting about Otis Redding. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2007/09/15/intv.otis.redding.anniversary.cnn

Birthdays for September 16: B.B. King is 82; Kenny Jones from the Small Faces and the Who is 59; Ron Blair from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is 55; Richard Marx is 44;

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Led Zep Concert, Van Halen's opening act, Fred Durst

The deadline to register for your chance for some Zeppelin tickets has been extended until midday September 19th. Only 18,000 tickets will be available to registered applicants on a lottery basis, with a 2 ticket-per-household cap. Plant, Page, Jones and Jason Bonham will perform November 26 in London at an Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert. The Who's Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman, Foreigner's Mick Jones and Paolo Nutini are also on the bill. If I had the cash, baby, you can believe I'd have already registered.

Rock n Rollers heading to the Van Halen tour will be utterly disappointed with their opening act. Ky-Mani Marley. Bob Marley's son. He says it's not reggae, it's not hip-hop, it's not R&B, and he won't be doing his fathers music. This will be when I'll get some dinner, buy a t-shirt, pee and look at the chicks. Lame, baby, really lame opening act!

CelebTV.com reports that 37 year old Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst pled no contest to 7 misdemeanor charges August 16 for deliberately hitting 2people with his car in LA October 26, 2006. He was handed a 120 day suspended jail sentence, ordered to perform 20 hours of community service and fines $1,500. Those rockers!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

New Rock Recommendations, Led Zep Concert

Here are this week's New Rock Recommendations (download legally,of course): Seether - Fake It; HellYeah - Alcohaulin' Ass; Sebastian Bach - (Love Is) A Bitchslap; Robert Plant/Lil' Band O' Gold - It Keeps Raining; Santana/Chad Kroeger - Into The Night;

It seems as tho us at Barr's Music 101 aren't the only ones excited by the Zeppelin concert next month in London. Seems as though around 20 million people have applied for the tickets, which amounted to around 80,000 hits per minute on the website, which did crash. The $250 tickets will be alloted by lottery, with Monday being the deadline for registering. Wish I could go!!!

September 13th birthdays: Dave Mustaine from Megadeth is 46; Zak Starkey (Ringo's son), who has drummed for the Who and Oasis, is 42;

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Led Zeppelin Playlist

With today’s announcement by Led Zeppelin that they are performing a one off concert in November, today’s playlist is a list of the less familiar Zeppelin songs for your ipod.
Synch and enjoy


  1. How Many More Times
  2. Bring It On Home
  3. Out On The Tiles
  4. Four Sticks
  5. The Crunge
  6. The Rover
  7. Candy Store Rock
  8. Hot Dog
  9. Bonzo's Montreux
  10. Somethin’ Else

The date is set for November 26 in London at the O2 arena. This will make only the third time in 27 years that Robert Plant, Jimmy page and John Paul Jones have reunited, the first in '85 for Live Aid, and then again in '88 at the 40th anniversary of Atlantic Records. This event is a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records. Jason Bonham will be the drummer, son of the late John Bonham, original Zep drummer, who died in 1980. Performing the same evening will be Pete Townshend from the Who, Bill Wyman, formerly of The Rolling Stones, and Paolo Nutini and Mick Jones from Foreigner (wouldn't we love to be there). My first thoughts are a DVD and CD release of the show, yeah Baby!!!!

Birthdays for September 12th: Gerry Beckley from America is 55; Neal Peart from Rush is 55;

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Van Halen Playlist

With the new Dave era Van Halen reunion tour about to start - thought i'd post a Dave-era playlist of non-hits. Again - not so much 'overlooked' - but not given the recognition the hits do!!

1. Romeo Delight
2. Somebody Get Me A Doctor
3. I'm The One
4. Mean Street
5. Ice Cream Man
6. Beautiful Girls
7. So This Is Love?
8. And The Cradle Will Rock....
9. Everybody Wants Some!!
10. Little Guitars
11 Atomic Punk
12. Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
13. Little Dreamer
14. On Fire

load that ipod up!! Wonder how many of these will make the new concert set lists!!

Phil Spector trial update, New releases

The Phil Spector trial went to the 9 man 3 woman jury yesterday after 5 months of testimonies, yet there were still dramatic moments in the court. Before the judge sent the jury to their deliberations he asked them if any of them had seen any reports over the weekend concerning this trial that could influence their decisions. No juror said anything. A newspaper from London stated that Spector had said to a documentary filmmaker that the judge does not like him, and that the jury thinks he's guilty and insane. (I personally got the feeling from the opportunities I got to watch the trial that the judge was at times more lenient with the prosecution than he was to Spector's side, IMO). Spector denies having made those statements. The judge slapped a gag order on Phil and his wife, Rachelle (you mean he's married?!!!), who the judge said sent emails to reporters which mentioned an interview she had given, even after the judge had told her she couldn't do that. Rachelle began to argue with the judge, but he wouldn't have any part of it, and he reiterated to her, Phil and the Clarkson family that they will not speak to the press until after a verdict has been read. Phil is on trial for murder in the death of Lana Clarkson February 3, 2003. The defense says she committed suicide.

New Releases for Tuesday, September 11: Another covers cd from an established rock artist comes out today, this one from Ann Wilson - Hope And Glory; Hurrican International is releasing 3 DVD's called "In Performance", one from Bruce Springsteen, one from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and one from Rod Stewart; Mark Knopfler - Kill To Get Crimson; Yes - Live At Montreaux 2003; Glenn Hughes - Live At The Basement; a DVD called "Up Close And Personal: Syd Barrett;

September 11th birthdays: Mickey Hart from The Dead is 64; Tommy Shaw from Styx is 54;

Monday, September 10, 2007

Thirteen Non-Mainstream Beatles Songs

Exactly what it says. 13 Beatles songs – not necessarily ‘overlooked’ – but not given the mainstream recognition like the ‘Hey Jude’s and ‘She Love You’s! They are (in no particular order):

  1. It’s Only Love
  2. Think For Yourself
  3. I Will
  4. Any Time At All
  5. Good Morning Good Morning
  6. Two Of Us
  7. Do You Want To Know A Secret
  8. Oh Darling!
  9. Don’t Bother Me
  10. Baby’s In Black
  11. For No One
  12. Hey Bulldog
  13. Baby You’re a Rich Man

Load them up in itunes – and make a playlist for your iPod. An hour well spent.

Last nights MTV VMA's, Sara Evans, New Releases

Did you watch the MTV Video Music awards last night? I'm sure you didn't as most of us probably watch 'dem Cowboys kick them New York Giants!!! Anyway, none of the rockers that we mentioned yesterday won anything (surprise, surprise!) but it sounds like the best part of the evening wasn't even aired. Seems as tho Kid Rock and Tommy Lee had a scuffle in the audience last night. And what do these boys have in common? They've both been married to Pamela Anderson, who was a presenter at the awards last night. Kid was cited for misdemeanor battery. Of corse, as with most incidents, the eye-witnesses are giving different stories. One story is that Lee was sitting next to Sean "Diddy" Combs and Kid Rock just walked up to him and hit him. Others were saying that Tommy started the whole thing, and that Kid Rock was trying to ignore him. When Tommy stood up Rock hit him twice, and security took Lee out of the building while letting Rock stay. Rock was not arrested. See what a woman with nice tits can do to men? Barr's Music 101 will keep ya updated on this.

From the title you might be asking yourself why does a Rock N Roll site wanna tell me about Sara Evans? Read on: Sara file for divorce from her husband the day after they had a blow up at a restraunt in LA where the police were called. Court filings by her husband since state that Evans revealed to him that evening an intimate relationship with someone else. A 118 page document was filed September 4th by Evans' husband wanting Evans to admit under oath and penalty of perjury whether or not she had "an affair/sexual relationship/romantic involvement" with country singer Kenny Chesney, Tony Dovalani, who was her partner on Dancing With The Stars, any members of her band, and rockers Richard Marx, and Brad Arnold, Matt Roberts, Todd Harrell or Chris Henderson -- all members of the group 3 Doors Down (now you know why this story is here). The Associated Press tried to reach all parties involved for statements, but all declined. So does Sara like sex, or is her husband so hurt by some affair that he wants to know if any others occured? Probably both. A hearing is set for September 28 in Tennessee.

New Releases for Tuesday, September 11: Another covers cd from an established rock artist comes out tomorrow, this one from Ann Wilson - Hope And Glory; Hurrican International is releasing 3 DVD's called "In Performance", one from Bruce Springsteen, one from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and one from Rod Stewart; Mark Knopfler - Kill To Get Crimson; Yes - Live At Montreaux 2003; Glenn Hughes - Live At The Basement; a DVD called "Up Close And Personal: Syd Barrett;

September 10th birthdays: Joe Perry from Aerosmith is 57; Robin Goodridge from Bush is 41;

Sunday, September 9, 2007

MTV VMA's Tonight

MTV's Video Music Awards show is tonight, but of course we'll be watching The Cowboys and the Giants on NBC. Nominees of rock artist for tonight: Best Group includes Linkin Park and White Stripes. Monster Single Of The Year includes Daughtry - "Home". Most Earth-Shattering Collaboration includes U2/Green Day - "The Saints Are Coming". Quadruple Threat Of The Year includes Bono. Best Director includes Joe Hahn, who directed Linkin Park's "What I've Done". Best Editing includes Igor Kovalik, who edited Linkin Park's "What I've Done". Remember when MTV played music videos? Remember when you'd watch hours of MTV, and you liked about 70% of the videos they played? Remember when the VMA's were worth watching? For us rock fans tonight's show is a boring time guaranteed for all!!!

September 9th birthdays: Dave Stewart is 55;

Saturday, September 8, 2007

September 8 birthdays

September 8 birthdays: Will Lee from the Late Show With David Letterman is 55.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Led Zeppelin News, Ozzy and Zombie

As you may or may not know Led Zeppelin has some new product coming out this year. First, a new compilation best of package titled Mothership being released November 13, and then a week later The Song Remains The Same cd with extra tracks and DVD will be released. This is great news. A press conference is scheduled Wednesday the 12th in London, in which the band will discuss the possibility of a reunion with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and the late John Bonham's son Jason on drums. That, my friends, would be so extemely awesome. Keep checking for updates on the Zep front.

Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie are hitting the road together starting Rocktober 18 thru January 24, starting off in Seattle. Tickets go on sale the 14th. However, don't be looking for a date on the Central Florida Concert Datebook cuz they ain't comin' to Florida. Fartheads!!!

September 7th birthdays: Chrissie Hynde from the Pretenders is 56; Benmont Tench from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is 53.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Bob Dylan DVD, Genesis Tour, Hot New Rock Tracks

On Rocktober 30th you can buy a new Bob Dylan DVD, The Other Side of the Mirror -- Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965. About 70% of the music from this DVD has never been released in any form before. It was during the 1965 performance at this festival that Dylan "went electric", which angered some fans who were accustomed to Dylan's acoustic performances. Also a movie called "I'm Not There" with 6 different actors playing Dylan opens in theatres November 21. Dylan hits the road with Elvis Costello this fall. And, as if that wasn't enough, Bob debuts the second season of his XM Satellite Radio show September 19. Plenty for Dylan fans to cheer about.

Genesis begins their first tour in 15 years tomorrow (Sept. 7) in Toronto, Canada. The band is saying that they don't have any ideas or plans for what may or may not happen once this tour is over, so we may not get anything new from the band. However, there are hopes that the band will get Peter Gabriel to join them for some special concerts to recreate "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." 2007 seems to be the year for a lot of reunions, which is just fine with me.

Some Hot New Rock Tracks for ya to check out: Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On) and John Fogerty - Don't You Wish It Was True

Roger Waters from Pink Floyd is 64 years old today.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Phil Spector Trial Update, Edie Brickell keyboardist, Rock stars dying article

Ok, folks, this long trial is starting to wind down, as closing arguments started Wednesday (Sept. 5). Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson, delivering the prosecutions closing statements, simply stated "He killed her." Phil Spector, who is 67, is on trial for the killing of 40 year old Lana Clarkson February 3, 2003. The judge has said that he expects that the 9 men and 3 women jury should have the case by Friday, finally, after a 5 month trial.
My thoughts are that Spector is guilty, but the physical evidence just isn't there. Spector is a crazy, mental, careless guy who has several times tried to intimidate women with waving a gun in their face to try and do what he wanted, and on this fateful night in 2003 it all went wrong and he accidentally killed Clarkson. He didn't mean to, he didn't want to, it wasn't premeditated. It was an accident, but it was an accident that he is responsible for, but one that, unfortunately, he's probably not gonna have to pay for.
As far as him being a musical genius, give me a break! His 'Wall of Sound' is irritating. When George Harrison remastered his All Things Must Pass album he said he was so tempted to remix them to get rid of the 'Wall of Sound'.
Your thoughts on these two topics are definitely welcome.

Edie Brickell's keyboardist, 34 year old Jeffrey Carter Albrecht, a member of her band The New Bohemians, was killed Monday in Dallas, Texas, evidently by self defense. Dallas police are not pursuing any charges against the man who shot Albrecht. Police are saying that Albrecht was drunk and had been arguing with his girlfriend. He then went next door to his girlfriend's house and tried to kick the door in. The neighbor yelled at Albrecht to leave, and when he did not he fired a shot through the door. Albrecht has also played with Paul Somon, Brickell's ex-husband and with Charlie Sexton. Wow, isn't getting drunk so fun?!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/04/rockstardeaths.ap/index.html
Check out this article on rock stars mostlikely dying earlier than ordinary folk

Aerosmith Hitting The Studio In November

Aerosmith plans to hit the studio on Nov. 1 to begin recording its next album -- and that's about the only concrete detail guitarist Joe Perry has about it right now."I'm not sure who the producer is gonna be or what (studio) we're gonna do it in," Perry tells Billboard.com. "We may use a few different producers. I don't know. All I know is that the heart and soul of the thing is us getting in the studio and seeing what comes out."Perry did say that the band was "excited Rick Rubin is now in the so-called captain's chair at Sony; his heart's in the right place when it comes to rock'n'roll." Rubin, according to Perry, will be involved with the album in some capacity, even if not necessarily as a hands-on producer. "It's not just about the music; it's about the feel, and he's one of the few that really gets it," Perry explains.

So - Joe said everything politically correct except he didn't mention it will sound like 'Rocks'!! I HOPE this is a rock and roll album - and doesn't turn into something that only sees the light of day on soundtracks and MORE best of packages!!! (RB)

Metallica, Mayer, Vedder Join Young For Bridge School Benefit

John Mayer, Metallica, Tom Waits, and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder are among the artists that will join Neil Young for his 21st annual Bridge School Benefit concerts on Oct. 27-28. Also on this year's bill are Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor and Jerry Lee Lewis.Tickets for the pair of Bridge concerts, which will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheater near San Francisco, will go onsale Sunday (Sept. 9) via Live Nation.

Great White Fire Defendants Agree To Settle

Several defendants being sued by relatives of the 100 people killed in a 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire have tentatively agreed to a $13.5 million settlement, one of the families' lawyers told the Associated Press today (Sept. 5).The settlements, if approved by a judge, would be the first in what the plaintiffs hope will be several agreements with dozens of defendants in the lawsuits stemming from the Feb. 20, 2003, fire during a Great White concert at the Station nightclub in West Warwick. The fire also injured 200 people.

Beatles "Help" Coming To DVD!!!!

The Beatles' second film, 1965's "Help!," will be released in a double-DVD edition Oct. 30 via Apple Corps Ltd and EMI Music. The movie was released in DVD in 1997 and again in 2000, but has been off the market ever since due to rights issues.

In "Help!," drummer Ringo Starr comes into possession of a cursed ring, which he cannot remove, prompting adventures in London, the Austrian Alps and the Bahamas.

The first disc of "Help!" boasts a digitally restored version of the film plus a new 5.1 audio soundtrack, with songs like "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," "Ticket To Ride," "The Night Before," "Another Girl" and "You're Going To Lose That Girl."

Disc two offers a 30-minute documentary about the making of the movie, a missing scene, a featurette on the restoration process, interviews with cast and crew, three theatrical trailers and vintage radio advertisements.

"Help!" will also be available in a boxed set with a reproduction of director Richard Lester's original script and a 60-page book with rare photos and production notes.