What do you think about the Snipes/Sambora Sentences?

Wesely Snipes was sentenced to THREE YEARS IN JAIL

for not filing taxes.

Richie Sambora was sentenced to THREE YEARS PROBATION
for driving drunk with his daughter, another child and an adult passenger in his car.





What the ??????

It seems like it should be the other way around to me.

Foghat at Small Venue Near My Home!

The Coach House is one of my favorite venues of all time. I've been going there since I was old enough to use a fake ID. Its small, intimate and FUN. I've seen a lot of shows there over the years, usually local acts or older bands that can no longer draw a big crowd. I was surprised to see that Foghat will be there next month.

The best show I ever saw there was, surprisingly, Dennis Quaid and The Sharks. Anyone who thinks of Dennis Quaid as "just an actor" has not seen him perform - they guy is GREAT. He was on-fire wild all night long and walked/danced/ran by my table several times (ok, he's adorable too - I was smitten).

Anyhow he comes out on stage in an old Zeppelin t-shirt, a pair of jeans and no shoes and plays non-stop for two hours. Tons of great old songs that everyone knew. It was more like a party than a concert. Good time. Wish he'd do that again!!!

Here's a sample of the upcoming bands scheduled to play there:

Thursday, May 1
• UFO / Reid Holmes / Kenny Hale

Saturday, May 3

• BLIND MELON / ERIC HUTCHINSON / John Sotter

Sunday, May 4

• ASIA All Four Original Members of Asia / Union Of Saints

Wednesday, May 7

• TYRONE WELLS and JASON REEVES / Amber Rubarth

Thursday, May 8

• MELVIN SEALS & THE JERRY GARCIA BAND featuring DELTA NOVE / Deal By Dusk

Friday, May 9

• WISHBONE ASH / Sherman Fowler / Riversergo

Saturday, May 10

• HONK / Missiles of October

Sunday, May 11

• HOT AUGUST NIGHT A Tribute to Neil Diamond / Atomic Jones Tribute to Tom Jones

Wednesday, May 14

• HOT TUNA ELECTRIC

Thursday, May 15

• SMITHEREENS / The Relatives / The Gobshites

Friday, May 16

• DERRINGER Original Line-Up! / Give Me Back My Wig / McKibben Band

Saturday, May 17

• FOGHAT / The Reagan Browne Band / Anderson Hall

Friday, May 23

• HAL KETCHUM / Clementine / Country Roots

Attention Please:

(this post only makes sense if you read the one below it and the comments)

In the below post I mentioned paying $300 to see U2. This is not their fault. I think face value of my ticket was $85.

This is because ticket scalpers prey on people like me that TRY to get tickets for face value but only have the "scraps" (i.e. crappy seats in the nosebleed section) left to us after they have swarmed in and bought all the good seats.

I hate it, but I also spend very little money on myself, so when I do pay exorbitantly high prices on something, its always something that's worth it to me. U2 and Bruce are the only ones worth it.

NOW - with that said, I totally agree that the boys should throw a free concert or charge ONLY enough to cover costs. They have more money than they need. I'll run it by Bono, tell him Bond and Amulet had a great idea .....

----------------
Now playing: Maroon 5 - Not Coming Home
via FoxyTunes

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About U2

If your curious, check out the link to "The Ultimate Guitar" website.

And a tour update:

They WILL be touring in 2009, they have signed the deal with Live Nation.

Now, if you think I talked a lot about Bruce recently - just WAIT till they release their new music....I may lose a lot of readers but I will be one happy chick!

I think I will start a fund immediately, who knows how much I will be scalped for this time. In 2005 I paid $300 for one ticket :(

The Perfect Answer to the Question "why do I feel so bad about Danny dying?"

I've mourned several of my favorite musicians over the years. It was understandable to feel that way about Stevie Ray, Michael, John, Marvin, Freddy and George - because I listened to them and admired them and they brought me a lot of great music. But I was surprised at how sad I felt hearing the news of Danny Federici's death, and the sadness is lingering. My "brother in Bruce", Pete, addressed this very thing today in his very poignant post:

Missing Danny

An Amazing Springsteen Site

I recently met Gina, our mutual love of Bruce brought us together. Her Springsteen site is one of the best I've ever seen, she' has the music arranged perfectly. Visit her and say hello!

Danny Federici Has Died

I am in shock by this news. Knowing he had cancer but believing that he was on the road to recovery, this news hits hard. I will write more after I collect myself.

"Danny Federici, for 40 years the E Street Band's organist and keyboard player, died this afternoon, April 17, 2008 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City after a three-year battle with melanoma"

Federici, 58, was not touring while he underwent treatment, but had made a surprise appearance on stage at a March 20 Springsteen concert in Indianapolis.

From Bruce Springsteen's Official Site

Here is what Bruce said about Danny during his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

"Danny Federici, the most instinctive and natural musician I ever met and the only member of the band who can reduce me to a shouting mess. I love you Danny. Your organ and accordion playing brought the boardwalks of Central and South Jersey alive in my music. Thank you.''

"Learn From Your Mistakes"

That's one of my top five life statements and I plan to apply it to RUSH.

I missed out on the first part of their tour but God bless em, they'll be back here and will be down the street from me in less than a month. My usual problem: going alone. I have no one to go with.

My sister just informed me that she's "seen Rush several times". I don't remember ever seeing them in the past so this is my chance.

The question is - do I buy one ticket and just go alone or two tickets and try to find someone to go. Last time I did that (Roger Waters doing Dark Side of the Moon) I ended up selling my tickets at the very last minute because I wasn't feeling up to going alone.

I'll tell ya, loving rock and roll with no friends who like it SUCKS.

Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh Thunder Road, Ohhh Thunder Road.....

Oh, did I forget to mention who was sitting next to me at the Springsteen concert last week? He really got into it!

By now you've probably heard the latest news that Bruce has endorsed Barak. No surprise there.

I asked Pete this question and will ask all of you also:

What do you think an appropriate Springsteen song would be for Obama's "campaign theme song"?

Free Music

Do you enjoy reviewing new music? If so, have you ever considered reviewing music on your blog?

I've been approached by several different music labels and sent quite a few free CDs over the last year or so which I have reviewed here on my blog. Its fun getting "free music" and hearing the latest before anyone else does.

But, I really don't have the time or energy to continue doing it but if you are interested, let me know and I can pass their info on to you.

There's a new Steve Winwood coming out! Let me know...

Blog News

I have updated my blog "Gone But Not Forgotten". It may not look much different at first glance but I spent hours going through and editing each person on the list to verify that the info was correct and to make each entry consistent and concise. I also added many more photos to the sidebar.

It was a bittersweet project because of the good memories combined with the sadness of loss and the tragedy of so many lives lost to drugs, alcohol and suicide.

If you look through it and notice anyone I have missed, I will try to add them. I know there are some missing.

Also, I have started a website, its under construction but the title is "Music Lives On". I plan to teach myself as I go so will be adding to it in the days, weeks, months ahead :)

Lyrics Quiz

There's an eclectic mix here. Some old, some new, some rock, some not so much....but sort of. Some of them are hard, others are too easy :)

Which song/artist each of these lyrics came from?

There's something happening here, and what it is ain't exactly clear

I get home at five o'clock
And I take myself out a nice, cold beer
Always seem to be wonderin'
Why there's nothin' goin' down here

A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive

Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same, yes

Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room
Safe within my womb
I touch no-one and no-one touches me

News on New Releases

Rush are hoping to start work on a new studio album to be released
next year. Until then, they will release Snakes & Arrows Live on
Apr. 15th and a live video from that tour will surface on DVD in late
summer or early fall.

Peter Frampton has started writing new material for his next studio
album. He expects to spend the rest of the year writing and
recording with a break during the summer and fall for a tour.

Elvis Costello and the Imposters will release their new studio album,
Momofuku, on vinyl on Apr. 22nd and CD on May 6th.

Eagle Rock Entertainment plans to release a live Ted Nugent CD
entitled Sweden Rocks on May 13th. The show was filmed during the
2006 Sweden Rock Festival and a DVD is expected on June 10th.

The Steve Miller Band will be releasing a 3-disc set, Steve Miller:
Live From Chicago, via the Coming Home Studios label in the U.K. on
June 2nd. The set includes two DVDs and an audio CD.

source of info: 80's Music Central

Favorite Guitar?

Rock and Roll Guru has a section on his site that is called "Rock and Roll History".

Today I learned that on April 10, 1956 Leo Fender patented the Stratocaster guitar.

I know some of you play, do you have a favorite guitar? If so, what is it? If not, what type does your favorite guitar player play?

I Love Bruce Springsteen...

...and I openly admit it!

Continued review of the April 7, 2008 concert in Anaheim, CA:

Bruce opened the show with a spirited version of “Light of Day”, stopped to say hello to Anaheim, California, then immediately asked “Is there anybody alive out there?” This is has been his signature for starting each show on the Magic Tour.

The room filled with cheers, clapping and the familiar sound of “Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce” being chanted by an amped up crowd. It seemed that it took longer than usual for the show to get started, but when it did, time stood still for the next 2 and a half hours.

I’ve purposely avoided reading any reviews by music critics today. There are two types of Springsteen reviews: Critics who know he has a reputation for putting on one of (if not the) best rock and roll shows ever; and loyal fans that see him as perfect no matter what he does. Guess what – I think the show was perfect! It WAS perfect and I challenge any critic to come up with a reason it wasn’t.

There’s a reason we love Bruce. If I had to describe it one word I’d say “sincerity”. His passion is real, his views are his own, he means what he says and says what he means. He has no false humility on or off stage, but neither does he have a deluded image of himself as being “better” than anyone else because of who he is. He’s one of us. Bruce doesn’t perform to say “look at me I am here to entertain you” he says “Let’s Rock out together, I’ll provide the music!” Bruce is 100% present at his shows – he connects with his audience, he sweats like crazy giving his heart, soul and amazing amounts of energy to his performance. He and the band are a tight knit unit but there is no question to who “the boss” is, they follow his lead and are on their toes, knowing he could change up the set list spontaneously at any time.

Bruce is a poet, a writer, a master of storytelling. He paints a picture with his words and puts it to music then places his message within it. Never too obvious, the listener deciphers the meanings only if they pay attention to what he is really saying (i.e. does anyone remember the misinterpretation Ronald Reagan mad of "Born in the USA??).

As loyal Springsteen fans we don’t just love the music or the performance – I’ll dare say it, we love the man. We deeply admire him and are not embarrassed to show our alliance even if we don’t always agree with his politics or even like some of the music he’s done.

At age 58, Bruce’s performance indeed has slowed a bit. Just a bit. Considering he still bends over backwards at the mic and is playing guitar and moving all over the stage for over two hours non-stop night after night while on tour, I think he’s in better shape than many men half his age.

Last night was no exception. The other band members seemed to struggle to keep up (I thought poor Max was going to have a heart attack a few times – I don’t think he gets much of a work out on the Conan O’Brien show). But Bruce seemed aware of that and sponged him off several times. Nils did some outstanding solos and was more animated than his usual shy self. Steven was Steven. Clarence had to sit down a few times but considering he recently had two hip replacement surgeries it amazing he stood as long as he did. I love his deep voice and would have liked to have more of it. Danny was not there because he’s in the midst of treatment for cancer. The rest of the guys and Soozie were great. Unfortunately Patti was not there, she was back in Jersey doing “homeland security” (they have three teenagers now!)

Obviously I am not so great at reviewing the specifics of the show, but I could go on and on about the man himself. I will leave you with these two quotes that summarize very well what Bruce is all about and how we feel about him. I’m already feeling a bit blue knowing it will most likely be two years or more till I get to hang out with him again.

Here are a few quotes about Bruce:

From an article by Cornel Boca:

“Springsteen's genuineness and conviction, not to mention his command, embodiment, and extension of rock mythology, feels atavistic. It's also disarmingly heroic: the critics in his corner can hardly believe their own -- and rock's -- good fortune to still have him around.”

“It's a little embarrassing how naked a love we have for him.” (I know what he means, but I still proclaim it to whoever will listen – some of you are shaking your heads thinking I am a fanatical nut and others are nodding your heads in agreement).

This rock critic, Marshall Berman, gets it right.

“It is extraordinary how Bruce Springsteen has worked his way into so many people's lives. Ask them to think of their peak experiences over the past decade: Alongside the intimate private moments with their lovers, spouses, and kids, in deepest privacy, they'll remember moments in immense public spaces with Bruce and 20,000 others.”

(here is an "okay" video from last night of ROSALITA!)

It was a great night! See below for the set list and my personal highlight of the show!

Bruce Springsteen Anaheim, Ca April 7, 2008

See Below For Set List!

It was one of the best out of the 18 I've seen.

Bruce was in rare form - chatting up the crowd and pulling out some great favorites: Rosalita, Trapped, Prove It All Night, Promised Land, Badlands, and of course the songs of Magic. But the highlight for me was when Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine joined Bruce for "Ghost of Tom Joad".

It was THE MOST INCREDIBLE GUITAR PLAYING I HAD EVER SEEN! JEFF, I THOUGHT OF YOU IMMEDIATELY!

The band was ON and the house rocked....very few ballads, we just rocked the place down.

I'm a bit incoherent so will finish this up tomorrow, but lets hope someone captured the Tom and Bruce doing that song so we can see it on YouTube.

Unfortunately Patti was not there last home. Bruce said she sent her love. She was back in Jersey doing "homeland security" since they have three teens now! He mentioned catching them baking "special brownies" :)

The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Jim, Erin, Jessica, Mike, Angie, Becky, Donna V, Michael, Pete, Jeff, Bruce, Bob & Linda, and a few others would have been there with me!

Light Of Day { lyrics } Tour Premiere
Radio Nowhere { lyrics }
Lonesome Day { lyrics }
Gypsy Biker { lyrics }
Murder Incorporated { lyrics }
Magic { lyrics }
Trapped { lyrics }
Reason To Believe { lyrics }
Because The Night { lyrics }
She's The One { lyrics }
Livin' In The Future { lyrics }
The Promised Land { lyrics }
Working On The Highway { lyrics }
The Ghost Of Tom Joad { lyrics } Tour Premiere
Devil's Arcade { lyrics }
The Rising { lyrics }
Last To Die { lyrics }
Long Walk Home { lyrics }
Badlands { lyrics }
Out In The Street { lyrics }

Girls In Their Summer Clothes { lyrics }
Rosalita { lyrics }
Born To Run { lyrics }
Ramrod { lyrics }
American Land { lyrics }

48 Hours and it will be over...

I'll be sitting in the passenger seat of my sister's car. The adrenalin will still be flowing and our ears will be ringing. We'll turn on KLOS and listen as the legendary Jim Ladd talks us home. He knows. He's aware that 40,000 people have just spent the evening with a friend, rocking out. Jim will play Bruce exclusively for the next hour. Neither one of them ever lets us down.

Therese and I will discuss the highlights of the show sharing our personal favorite moments. The rock and roll high will start to fade as we speculate how many years it will be until experience our 19th Springsteen concert. Post Bruce Blues will start to set in, but we'll fight it as long as possible.

Inevitably Jim will play "ThunderRoad" for us. When it gets to the line "roll down the windows and let the wind blow back your hair" we will have simultaneously done just that...two grown women driving down the 405 singing in unison at the top of our lungs, windows wide open, air rushing in our faces.

We arrive home feeling worn out but satisfied, you know the feeling, sort of like a night of great sex that you never wanted to end. I'll fall asleep with a smile on my face and a song playing in my head.

Thanks, Bruce, for another perfect concert. And thanks, Jim, for keeping it alive as long as possible.

Baby if you wanna be wild, you got a lot to learn, close your eyes, let them melt, let them fire, let them burn. Cause in the darkness, there'll be hidden worlds that shine...


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Now playing: Bruce Springsteen - Trapped [Live]
via FoxyTunes

Concert Memory.... Benjamin Orr

Sometimes you hear a song that takes you back to a good memory of hearing that song. Today I heard this:



and was immediately back at The Forum in Inglewood with my sister. We were there to see The Cars. It was a Monday night. I don't remember they year.

We had great seats up front (this was possible back in the day!). When Benjamin Orr started singing this I could have sworn he was singing it to me. Sigh.

Ben died in 2002 of pancreatic cancer. I know most people think of Ric Ocasek when they think of The Cars, but I always think of Ben.