70's Classic Rock

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Check out: Crosby, Stills and Nash

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:58:00 +0000

Check out: Bachman-Turner Overdrive

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Remembering Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:53:00 +0000

Hey guys I hope all have been doing good. Well I'm sitting here watching the Michael Jackson Memorial Celebration live on CNN, a tear drop racing down my cheek followed by another. The tears and lump in my throat aren't from sadness, but rather the incredible respect I have for this artist. I can't help but appreciate the impact that his music has had in my life. His songs remind me of first loves, Saturday morning smiles, summer breezes, growing up and venturing into the world, starting a family, raising my boys and cross country road trips with the family. Songs like I Want You Back, I'll Be There and Got To Be There are all associated to an episode or occurrence in my life. The magic of a song like Ben. A song about a rodent. Go figure this would wind up being one of my favorites. Jermaine is now singing Smile, another great song and there goes another tear.

It's been awhile since I've written a post from the heart so I've got a lot to share. I hope you bare with me as I try to put into words my thoughts from a 40 plus year observation of an incredible entertainer. You know back in the days of the variety shows like Ed Sullivan, Flip Wilson, Sonny and Cher and of course The Carol Burnett Show, I would determine which show I would watch based on the special guests they would have on. If the Jackson 5 were in the TV Guide, I guarantee I'd be watching that show. Saturday Morning cartoons? The Jackson 5ive was the bomb for me (hey, remember I was like 8 or 9 at the time). But honestly, from the early Jackson 5 songs and the later Michael Jackson songs spark both great and not so great memories for me.

In one of the interviews preceding this special I'm watching, a fan said, "Michael Jackson has written the songbook of my life". What an incredible gift to have such an affect on another's life and in such a selfless way. Songs that parallel the events in one's life. Music that can be related from the earliest days to the current. I know exactly what the guy was talking about. Here's my little association list of Michael Jackson songs:

Dancing Machine - In front of the mirror in the basement trying to do the robot. I think I was half decent because I tried it at a grammar school dance and that's when I found out the ladies like a dude that can dance.

Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) - Mom thinking that she's going to show me some new moves with this song. I broke into the robot and she went upstairs all mad and what not. It was hilarious.

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Fake ID and a dance club a short drive away. Need I say more.

Rock With You - A cold winter in Chicago, taking my girlfriend home in a nice toasty car. We wound up staying together through high school and shortly after.

Billie Jean - Reminds me of falling in love with an older woman and eventually marrying her. It lasted 15 years and she wound up being 2 years younger than me. But we sure wore out some rugs to this song.

Wanna Be Startin' Something - Trying to get my wife (9 months pregnant at the time) to dance and swing and work up a sweat. Not one of our more special moments. I don't recommend pushing the issue with your expectant wife guys.

Thriller - The moves were awesome and they make for a great group dance but my lasting memory is of watching MTV on my new Curtis Mathis console tv set. The first couple of nights I'd stay up watching music videos all night.

The Way You Make Me Feel - This song reminds me of taking a new position and moving back to Chicago. Wife and kids in tow, man was I nervous. Not sure why but this song and a couple of others were an escape from the day-in, day-out grind. I think it was the percussions.

Bad - Job turned out good. Now my little family had to hear me sing this every time I closed a big deal. (Sorry guys)

Dirty Diana - I'd always play this at Mother's when I'd stop for a drink after work before heading home. It sure got the girls to start dancing. I personally just liked the guitar riffs. (wink wink)

Smooth Criminal - Trying to match the steps and moves, whilst my two sons cracked up in the background saying dad you stink! Awesome beat in this song.

You Rock My World - Living in Tenn. trying to take a break from all the country and bluegrass tunes on the radio.

Well enough for this post. There's way too many hits to list all at once. I'm sure I'll revisit this soon. Thanks for stopping by and letting me share some great videos with you.

After all is said and done in this blogger's opinion, Michael Jackson will always be The King of Pop. What was my favorite song you ask? Human Nature. Surprised? Listen to the arrangement and the instruments. His voice is used as one and blends incredibly with the sounds.

I'm interested. What's your favorite?

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:27:00 +0000

Check out: The Rolling Stones

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Queen-Live.Aid from 70's Classic Rock.

Check out: Queen

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: The Who

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Weekend Concert Series - Rainbow

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Hey Guys. How's everyone doin'? We're setting up for this week's show and we've got Rainbow on the big IMAX screen Live from Melbourne, Australia. Ritchie Blackmore and gang performed this show in 1975, while on the last leg of their European Tour.

It's going to be a great weekend weather-wise. Bring the sunblock and your favorite blanket to lay out. The Brunette has us stocked up with both domestic and import brews. The backyard gate opens at 6:00 PM Friday and won't close 'til the last fan leaves on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you there.

For you first timers, here's the ground rules...

- Glass containers ARE allowed
- Everyone has General Admission lawn seats... so no need to try and sneak in
- Tailgating ALLOWED in the concert
- Respect the space of others. If their blanket is laid out, DON'T step on it
- A fully staffed playground area will be available so that mom and dad can enjoy the concert

Weekend Concerts - Rainbow
* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Check out: George Thorogood

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Weekend Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:24:00 +0000

Hey guys, the Brunette and I are hitting the road, headed for the coast. That's the destination us South Texans hit for a quick weekend getaway. Beaches, fishing, tubing, seafood and bars. Oh and did I mention BARS.

We look forward to hanging with you next weekend at the concert. Rainbow will featured.

I hope you all have a great safe weekend and we'll catch up to you on Monday.

Be safe. Later.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Ted Nugent

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Weekend Concert Series: Thin Lizzy

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Sat, 16 May 2009 11:20:00 +0000

We're off to a late start with this week's line up. We've got Thin Lizzy on tap and they're setting up as we speak. Some overcast clouds here in South Texas have kept a lot of folks from joining us, but the hardcore rockers are in da' house. Or I guess better said, in da' yard.

This is a compilation of two live performances from Dublin and Toronto in 1977. For you trivia buffs, John Earle plays the sax on Dancing in the Moonlight and Huey Lewis shows his harmonica skills on Baby Drives Me Crazy.

The Brunette and I want to say thanks for coming and we're sure you'll enjoy the concert. Here are the ground rules for you first timers.

Concert Rules:

- Glass containers ARE allowed
- Everyone has General Admission lawn seats... so no need to try and sneak in
- Tailgating ALLOWED in the concert
- Respect the space of others. If their blanket is laid out, DON'T step on it
- A fully staffed playground area will be available so that mom and dad can enjoy the concert

Weekend Concerts - Thin Lizzy

* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check Out: Stealers Wheel wiki

Weekend Concert Series: Led Zeppelin

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Hey guys. Well here we are again with another weekend party under way. The Brunette was nice enough to restock the fridge, so we're ready for another great turn out.

This week we're sharing Led Zeppelin's original 1976 release of their July 1973 Madison Square Garden show "The Song Remains The Same". An awesome sampling, at that time, of some of their hits as well as some new tunes off of the Houses of the Holy album which had just been released a few months earlier in '73. Alright, alright enough of the chit-chat. In case you guys forgot the ground rules I've posted them below. Move your chairs closer to the stage. Remember everyone has front row seats at this concert. And now on with the show.

Concert Rules:

- Glass containers ARE allowed
- Everyone has General Admission lawn seats... so no need to try and sneak in
- Tailgating ALLOWED in the concert
- Respect the space of others. If their blanket is laid out, DON'T step on it
- A fully staffed playground area will be available so that mom and dad can enjoy the concert

Weekend Concerts - Led Zeppelin

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Nazareth

Classic Rock Weekend Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Man I hope you guys had a chance to kick back this weekend and catch the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert here at 70's Classic Rock. The Brunette and I thank all of you who showed up and look forward to next week's show. But before I head out to the yard and start cleaning up here's a few stops you can make on your drive back home.

My buddy, Davek, a press photographer from L.A., has a pretty cool new blog called "Vintage Tour Jackets". He's got plenty of images and quite the collection of classic rock tour jackets from the 70's and 80's. He's also thrown in some concert images he's taken from his "in the crowd" vantage point. You can check out tour jacks from The Eagles - Long Run Tour (my personal favorite) to The Stones, Fleetwood Mac and Boston just to mention a few.

Davek also shares a little history and/or story behind each jacket. You can really appreciate the special place these items hold in his heart and memories. If your an all things classic rock fan like me you definitely need to do a stop by to Davek's site.

Are you an artist as in to draw or paint and looking to showcase your work? Are you a musician with your own compositions looking for an audience? Or a budding Steven Spielberg with some projects that are ready for the public? If you fall into any of these categories you need to check out this website. Sarah at PutItOn.com is doing some serious PR work for their new website. Here's her pitch - "Hello! I wanted to write and tell you about a new website for artists, musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers: www.PutItOn.com. I've been using the site as an artist and have my work there, and am trying to support it because I believe in it. Basically, the site allows artists from all over the world to connect, display their portfolios, and sell their work (with NO commission taken!). The site gives artists a FREE gigabyte of space to showcase their portfolios, allows you to stream audio and video works, lets you create live personal broadcasts, and translates any writing into ten different languages. If you could take the time to visit the site, and let your readers know about it, it would be greatly appreciated! We are trying to make a go of helping out artists everywhere and are trying to get the word out. Thank you!" -Sarah at PutItOn.com

Hey guys I couldn't have said it better myself. What's really cool about this is that for any creative need an individual or company may have they can find it centrally located at this site. Looking for a new jingle? Check it out. Need some new artwork for the new home? Check it out. Just interested in some new Indie tunes? Check it out. It's a great concept so please check it out and see if we can't support these artists. Like their tag line says, "Home to the world's undiscovered artists".

Roger Campo: What's Your Addiction This is an interesting one. A few Sundays ago (that's usually when I clean out my inbox) I came across an email from one of our listeners at 70's Classic Rock Radio on Live365.com. The message simply said, "Check out "What’s Your Addiction” & “Spiritual Detective”and consider adding this singer/songwriter to your station". Now I've received several of these requests before and I listen to the music and I'm sorry but I can be somewhat critical. A Simon Cowell complex comes to mind, but as requested I went to Roger Campo's MySpace page and checked out some of the tunes. Man, the more I listened the more i liked. Within 5 minutes of hearing the last song I had purchased and downloaded the album onto my iPod.

Usually when I'm approached regarding suggested selections for the radio station or my blog, I'm typically looking for a certain sound or rhythm that is distinctive of what I deem to be "classic rock". I'm usually disappointed by the result. With Roger's music though, I could pick up a definite influence of soft rock and some soul as well. It's worth checking out folks. Let me know what you think.

Well that's it for this weekend guys. Uh-oh the Brunette is waving a huge garbage bag at me. Time to get started on the yard cleanup. Thanks again for coming by and let's all have a ROCKIN' week. Later.

Weekend Concerts: Lynyrd Skynyrd

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:00:00 +0000

The Brunette and I want to invite you to enjoy the music we're listening to today. Every weekend we kickback and enjoy a live album from the past. This week we're hanging with Lynyrd Skynyrd and spinning their "One More From the Road" album. In my opinion the only way to really listen to Skynyrd is LIVE. So bring your lawn chairs and some extra SPF 30 protection. It's suppose to be sunny and 91 for a high all weekend. Oh, we always have something to drink on-hand, but depending on the turn out you may want to BYOB.

Concert Rules:

- Glass containers ARE allowed
- Everyone has General Admission lawn seats... so no need to try and sneak in
- Tailgating ALLOWED in the concert
- Respect the space of others. If their blanket is laid out, DON'T step on it
- A fully staffed playground area will be available so that mom and dad can enjoy the concert

That's it. Thanks for coming and hope you enjoy the show. Be sure to let us know who you'd like to hear at future concerts.

Sunday Concerts - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Concert for Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Today is Bloggers Unite for Hunger and Hope Day. There are so many great organizations that are striving for the worldwide focus of helping those who are starving, homeless and in the end dieing without the cure for many diseases. Just Google or use your preferred search engine and search for "World Hunger". I came up with 8.6 million results. Too many to pick one organization's site and focus on that one. Instead we're going to bring notice to the overall cause by sharing some music from one of the most famous concerts to help those who were displaced and dieing of hunger at the time.

The Concert For Bangladesh was the event title for two benefit concerts organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, held at noon and at 7:00 p.m. on August 1, 1971, playing to a total of 40,000 people at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Organized for the relief of refugees from East Pakistan (now independent Bangladesh) after the 1970 Bhola cyclone and during the 1971 Bangladesh atrocities and Bangladesh Liberation War, the event was the first benefit concert of this magnitude in world history.- from Wikipedia

Check out: George Harrison

Check Out: Leon Russell

Check out: Ringo Starr

Check out: Billy Preston

Check out: Bob Dylan

Check out: Ravi Shankar

I hope these images and videos have prompted you to take action. Find a cause or charity close to you and support it in anyway you can. Big or small, it's for the good of all.

What do you currently support in helping those less fortunate?

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Alice Cooper

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Pink Floyd

The Eagles: The New Kid In Town

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Taking a trip back to my early teens, brings up memories of moving to a new neighborhood (the 10th Ward -Southeast Side of Chicago) and the nerve wrecking proposal of having to make new friends. To one side were the Matczak's, a fun time family of four with two teenagers, Christy and Scott. To the other side were the Pettigrews, a slightly stricter parochial family with three teens, Carla, Paul and John. As it turns out it wasn't that hard to fall in place with the neighbors as they were very outgoing and welcoming to my new neighborhood. Polish, Italian and Hispanics living in harmony.

"There's talk on the street; it sounds so familiar
Great expectations, everybody's watching you
People you meet, they all seem to know you
Even your old friends treat you like you're something new"

Okay, okay, your probably saying, "That's nice Art but what about the Eagles?" I'm getting there. Tak e it easy. Anyways, a few months after settling into my new hood there was a song I kept hearing on the radio. New Kid In Town had been released and WLS Radio seemed to be playing it every-other-song. That was cool because I dug the song big time. It fit right into what was happening in my life at that time. And what that was is I had been dating my neighbor Christy for I think a fairly short time. I don't remember if it was a few weeks or a few months, but I remember her family and always having a great time whenever I'd go over. Needless to say to this day every time I hear that song I remember the Matczaks and especially Christy. Summer love 1976. That's old school people.

"You look in her eyes; the music begins to play
Hopeless romantics, here we go again
But after awhile, you're lookin' the other way
It's those restless hearts that never mend"

Naturally with such a great song I ran out to get the Hotel California album. Great investment. Every song from Hotel California to The Last Resort was awesome. A few plays later they were memorized and ready for my one man concerts in the basement. You remember... air guitar.

A couple of months ago I had a great surprise waiting in my gmail and that was an invite from Christy to be buds on Facebook. How cool is that, to come across someone you hadn't seen or spoken to in 30+ years and then there they are? Needless to say a quick click on yes and a brief note took me right back to the mid 70's. Sitting on the front stoop with her, talking and listening to the radio. Laughing and just hanging out. Good times!!!!

"There's so many things you should have told her,
but night after night you're willing to hold her,
Just hold her, tears on your shoulder"

Do you remember the early teen years? Guys first discovering "the other sex" and vice versa. Actually taking time to comb your hair or brush your shoes off. Maybe even iron your clothes or wear something you thought smelled good like English Leather. Those were the days lol.

"Where you been lately? There's a new kid in town
Everybody loves him, don't they?
Now he's holding her, and you're still around"

So as my fanship (is that a word?) grew for the Eagles I eventually collected their earlier hits like Witchy Woman, Desperado, One of These Nights and Take It to the Limit.

Instead of vids, here's my Eagles jukebox I want tosahre with you. The Eagles at their best. Vids are cool, but with these guys, unless you're there live, it's just not the same.

So tell me, what, when or who do the Eagles remind you of?

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Led Zeppelin

Classic Rock Weekend Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Hey all. Here's a couple of quick trips to fill your weekend. Happy Easter. Enjoy.

Here's another great site by my bud Kim Maki of Retro:Kimmer fame. Her latest design is a site that celebrates the career of Dennis "Machine Gun" Thompson, drummer of MC5. You remember them, the protopunk rock group from the Motor City. Strong anti-establishment lyrics with a ripping sound that cut right through you. A group hot enough to earn the coveted cover of Rolling Stone honor and behind it all the heart-thumping, bone shaking druming style of Machine Gun. Take a visit to Dennis' website. Listen to some of that hard hitting rock from the groups height and buckle-up the seat belt as he takes us on his journey through story, images and videos. A mention of the Grande Ballroom in Detroit takes me back to the heyday of classic rock in my own town, when groups like Styx, Chicago and REO Speedwagon were playing the small clubs, college campuses and area venues on their rise to the top. Another awesome job by Kimi.

Eric Frisbie and I hooked-up via BlogCatalog. Eric is a musician and like me has an obsession with not only classic rock, but specifically LIVE performances of these groups and tunes.

" I have been playing in live local bands for over 30 years. My obsession with live rock performances and videos led me to create a blog to share with fellow musicians and live rock lovers. Rock and Roll, Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Hard Rock, Modern Blues, and new Rock Bands are the focus." - eric.

Appropriately named, LiveRockLover, Eric's website includes videos ranging from Hendrix, Cocker and Skynyrd back in the day to Wonderbread Band, 9 Bar Blues Band and David Cook for good measure. Eric includes a didi and upcoming tour info with his posts. Definitely worth a stop-by on this Easter weekend.

I received the following headsup from Rachel Wishart of American Pop Inc. "I’m working on behalf of Positively Cleveland and I had sent you an email several weeks ago about the Rock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony events. As the induction ceremony gets closer, I wanted to keep you and your readers informed about the latest news. There’s an awesome new website called Rock Immortal, created by the Rock Hall of Fame, where fans of the artists being inducted this year can help to create a digital monument for the artists. The site also has all of the latest info about the events leading to the ceremony!
Fans can upload images, videos and stories in tribute to their favorite 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee!
You can check out Rock Immortal at: www.rockimmortal.com
We’d love for you to pass the Rock Immortal site on to your readers!! Let me know if you have any questions about the site!

Okay guys, before you start writing me, I know this one is late, but better late than never right? Hey, does that make it a classic?

Here's a little preview vid for my upcoming post on The Eagles. Have a good one.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Aerosmith

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: Supertramp

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Artster63) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Check out: ZZ Top