Hey … if you’re into the sweet, soft sounds of The Who, it’s obvious ya dunno who they are. BUT … if ya dig the serious, gutsy rock of Roger, Pete, John and Keith, you’ll wanna check out the trib they’re getting on July 17 on VH1!! Some of today’s hottest acts, like Foo Fighters (who are obviously gonna take time from defending us against the dreaded “foo”!) to The Flaming Lips and Pearl Jam, are to knock off some of the band’s classics!
Btw, didja know that Jam was named for the stuff that actually makes a pearl? Yup. Says frontman Eddie Vedder: “The name is in reference to the pearl itself… and the natural process from which a pearl comes from. Basically, taking excrement or waste and turning it into something beautiful.”
DIDJA KNOW: Though many radio stations banned Barry McGuire’s Eve of Destruction from radio airplay (saying it was either too leftist, too incendiary, or pulled too much attention to civil rights) they did play the “right-wing” answer to it, a song called Dawn of Correction by The Spokesmen?
Or that songs with the words Tell Me starting off the title charted sixteen times over a thirty year period?? Tell Me Why was charted by Bobby Vinton, Elvis Presley, The Belmonts, Expose … and The Beatles’ tune of that title grabbed some serious airplay!
Speakin’ of the Beatles, didja know that the last (and hidden) track on Sgt. Pepper, called Inner Groove, included a high-pitched tone that only dogs could hear?
MORE NEWS
Speakin’ of this coming Thursday, an auction of James Brown’s belongings has been nixed. Y’see, his will sez that money raised from the sale of his stuff goes to his “I Feel Good Trust” to educate poor children. But his relatives want it to go to his estate. The courts in South Carolina will make the decision on Monday. If everything sells (and it’s gonna!), they’re expectin’ it to bring in more than a million bucks!
INTRODUCING: MICK RYAN
Yep … it’s songmeister Ron’s bro — the one who was with the Dave Clark Five before Lenny Davidson! And this vid shows ya the man still knows how to play a mean guitar!!
LUKER’S FEELIN’ A BIT BETTER …
but he still needs those good vibes you’ve been beamin’ from your hearts, Relicateers! Now, while you’re doin’ that, how about checkin’ out The Fore’s new look (I mean, their website!)? Just click on this link and you’ll be there!!
More on the lads in our next ish. But, for now …
Keep your nose in the wind, your eyes on the skies, your heart with the music (and Luke!) … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
Okay, let’s seee … cats are asleep, everythin’s quiet … guess it’s time to PARRRRTY!!
ummm … waitaminnit … I can’t … break … this … chain that’s cuffed me to the computer. And there’s … there’s only …coffee … in front of me. (Sigh!) Okay … guess I’d better get back to writin’, then …
DUNNO … MEBBE SHE WUZ FROM THE FBI OR SOMETHIN’: Can ya believe this?? Someone sent RelicMail askin’ “Relic, we don’t know nothing (sic) about you, so why don’t you tell us what you’re (sic)back ground is like?”
Okay … but only ’cause you asked: My background is covered in pants at the moment, and I’m sitting on it … got a cat scratch on my …
oh …
Naaaah … ain’t gonna go into it here, okay? But I’ll give ya a coupla/three clues — and they’re all in songs:
AMAZING by Aerosmith. Bro, this is my past. It’s no diff from any of the rockers who’ve gone before me. Wanna know more?Just ask via email, okay? Let’s just say that ya can’t gain inner strength unless you’ve been through an outer fire or two in yer life.
YOU’VE GOT THE TOUCH by Van Halen. From the Transformers cartoon movie came a song that pretty much sums up how I feel since learnin’ the uncovered secret. It’s a song that I’d recommend to anyone fightin’ a battle … ’cause “you’ve got the power” inside you (PS it was on this site a coupla/three clicks back).
DON’T STOP by Fleetwood Mac. It’s my belief for the future. It’s as bright as we wanna make it, if we realize that “it’ll be better than before. Yesterday’s gone …”
TUBTHUMPER by Chumbawumba (chorus only). Hey … it’s me, man …
TELL YOUR FRIEND by The Fore. Now, it’s not released yet, but I’ve an advance copy from the lads and, believe me, when ya do hear it, it’ll make ya wanna walk a little faster and feel a whole lot livelier!
That all bein’ said, I’ll let you put the pieces together, okay? We’ve got a coupla …
NEWS ITEMS
Remember when I toldja about Olivia Newton-John’s recent marriage? Well, The National Enquirer (that great bastion of breaking news. Or mebbe the writers are just bastions … or something …) reported that Cher just married a Hell’s Angels member who’s 22 years younger than her!
What’d she say about it?? Who knows? My contacts say she was too busy “laughing hysterically” to answer anyone! I mean, she could hardly catch her breath! So, apparently, that means “no”.
And tabs in the UK are sayin’ that Ron Wood (he of the Stones) has left his wife and is sharin’ his estate in Ireland with an 18-year-old Russian cocktail waitress! Funny thing, though: His wife says it ain’t so, and says he’s “off the wagon” and the girl is just his “drinking partner.” Uh-huh. Suuuuuuuure, Mrs. Wood! Ummm, wanna look again??
REMEMBER TO KEEP LUKE BENTLEY (of The Fore) IN YER PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!! As soon as I hear somethin’, I’ll share it with ya here! The lads are due to play a Beach Party this afternoon … and I’ll also report on that the moment Neil gets the info to me …
Well, that’s it for this edition! Until tomorrow afternoon, remember to Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music (and Luker!) …
Okay … who else wondered where I wuz besides me? wait … that didn’t sound right … I mean Awww, I wuz off-the-air due to a small glitch in the system … but, now that that’s taken care of, let’s get back to the bizness of MUSIC!
First, someone wrote and asked Who was that Lord Something you mentioned? Well, his pic’s in the upper left there. He fashioned himself after America’s Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and, with his group The Savages onstage, would arise from a black coffin to open his act!
Though he wasn’t the best singer, his Jack The Ripper gained some pirate airplay and became sortuva cult hit.
Lord Sutch (real name David Sutch) also wanted to be a politician — even going so far as to start his own political effort, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.
There’s more about him in this Wikipedia article. And, no, he’s passed; sadly, he hanged himself in 1999.
On to brighter things:
HEY … CHECK OUT THE NEW FORE SITE!!
After a lot of careful planning and hard work, Fore manager Neil White has put together one of the best-looking (and easy-loading!) sites on the web!
ForeHeads, if you’re as wild about the band as yer emails have led me to believe, you’ve gotta check the band’s new site! It is completely FAB!!
Oh … and, while we’re at it, let’s take a mo to remember Luke, and keep the lad in prayer and thought as he battles this yet-mysterious malady. Dunno yet what the docs are findin’ out, but we’re hopin’ it’s all gonna be good!! Just hang onto that keyboard for a sec and send some good vibes out to him now, okay?? Thanx …
THE GREAT ROCK AUCTION AT CHRISTIE’S
Now, someone out there’s already thinkin’ “Geez … that divorce of Ms. Brinkley’s really costin’ her! She’s sellin’ Billy Joel’s old stuff!”
Naaah … it was the auction of auctions in London, where the following were up for bids (and, obviously, sold!)
The drum skin used on the cover of The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper album sold for £541,250 ($1m) - almost four times the estimate.
John Lennon’s lyrics for Give Peace a Chance sold for £421,250.
A pair of John’s tinted prescription sunglasses, which he wore for the cover of the single Mind Games, raised £39,650 ($79,000).
Recordings of the Jimi Hendrix Experience performing at the Woburn Music Festival in July 1968 went for £48,050 ($95,000)
A Marshall amplifier used by Hendrix in concert brought £25,000 ($50,000) and a pair of his stripy flared trousers made £20,000 (49,000).
A 1967 Gibson guitar, formerly owned by Pete Townshend of the Who, sold for £32,450 ($64,000).
Man, if there was ever a time ya wish ya had the spare change …
Anyway, that’s it for this ultra-concentrated, power-packed, vitamin-enriched edition. Until this evening, remember: Keep yer hands where I can see ‘em …waitasecond … I’m on the wrong script … errrrr … Keep yer eyes on the skies, your nose in the wind, your heart with the music (and Luker!) ….
To kick off this quick edition of TRR, I gotta letcha know that, for the mo, Luker’s out of the hospital while they’re runnin’ the results of tests and investigations. Let’s hope the lad has great results (and I’m sure he will! Just keep on thinkin’ and prayin’, okay?)!
Now … remember that quiz of a few days ago? Well, here are the answers, delivered as promised:
Which popular band was named after a John Wayne movie? If ya didn’t get this one, then turn off that opera music and start thinkin’! It’s The Searchers, of course!
This one started as a 13-member band called The Men.The band’s name was changed to The Association.
This ’70s group was named after top-quality LSD. Blue Cheer, who recorded a successful cover of Summertime Blues.
KHAWFYBU’ IVAX KTPHQ — who was this rockin’ wildman? None other than England’s own Screamin’ Lord Sutch!
The great Alice Cooper got his band’s (and later, his solo act’s) name from: (a) a girl he usedta date, (b) the first name of his mum and a make of automobile, or (c)it just came up on the Ouija board?
They were first known as Noble Five and then as One Percent. Thanks to their teacher, they ended up with their legendary name. Who were they? The great Lynyrd Skynyrd, who was named after one of their high-school teachers, Leonard Skinner!
NAMED FOR WHO??
A soccer player in Norway is makin’ headlines — not because he’s originally from Brazil, but due to his name! In the pic, you’ll see 27-year-old Creedence Clearwater Couto!
His parents, of course, were great fans of CCR, and decided to name their son after the band (gee … why didn’t we pick up on that?? Th’ name does ring a bell!). Nonetheless, Couto is touted to be a great player and is an asset to the Norwegian clubs as they play in the “elite series”.
And congrats to Olivia Newton-John who got married on Friday! It was a surprise service (friends who were invited thought they were heading to a barbeque) as the Aussie songbird married an American businessman ten years younger than she.
Well, that’s gonna be it for this short, midday edition. So, until later this evening, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music (and Luker) … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
Awww, man … of all the Beatles LP covers I coulda put on here, why that one?? ‘Cause it’s got some of the best rock of ‘65 on it. And, with it bein’ just a shake and sigh away from Beatle Day in the ‘Pool, I thought it’d be okay to include it! Bad Boy — the Larry Williams classic — was my fave track (ahem … I wuzn’t one myself, though. Often. Enough. er …). But, for serious connoisseurs of the genre (okay, so I accepted a bet that I’d use those words! KEITH, PAY UP! and don’t ask me to say those words again!), there’s Kansas City (the Wilbert Harrison [he from Charlotte, NC plug plug). It’s got the harmony, the rhythm, some great lead, and serious vocals from Paul.
The one song that intrigues me is I Don’t Wanna Spoil The Party. Y’see, awhile back, some C&W artists tried to get the rights to it and turn it into a teers-n-yer-beer sawngggg. Didn’t work, fortunately. No place for the dobro, I guess …
AH, Yes … The FAB FOUR Facts …
DIDJA KNOW that Andy White, 32-year-old (at the time) session drummer on the US version of Love Me Do, was only paid ₤ 7 for his work at the session that also included the original Please, Please Me? Yep … and that’s all he was ever paid!
Ringo had come down with 104-degree fever and tonsilitis before the Fab Four’s 1964 tour of Holland, Denmark and Australia, and was temporarily replaced by Jimmy Nicol (who was part of a decent group called the Shubdubs). In the following vid, you’ll see him behind John, Paul & George in Holland doing …
I SAW HER STANDING THERE
Sadly, Jimmy died in 1988. From what I’ve heard from mates of his, he was very humbled over all the attention he received during the 24 years following his subbing.
Some Beatlemaniacs say the Abbey Road album was the best one ever produced by The Beatles (and not many would argue that point!). But hidden within the final tracks of this, the very last new record the Fab Four would ever release as a whole group, is their “good-bye” to fans: Carry That Weight is their self-realization that, no matter what they did individually from that point on, each would always be remembered as an “ex-Beatle” or “former Beatle”. Within the song was a short seque into .. You Never Give Me Your Money, which some say is a reference to the financial squabbles they faced with their managerial debacle. But, after going back into ” … Weight”, they went straightaway into … Love You (which is the proper title of the instrumental). Ringo’s solo (copied after the one in Iron Butterfly’s In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida) introed the best guitar interplay since the earliest days of the band.
Then came The End, which, besides being the fitting last track for the band as a whole, was also a final “Beatle blessing” for fans. The ending built up in splendor, as though they wanted to go out with a flourish.
After an extra split-second in-between tracks, there was a heavy note as if The Beatles were closing the door behind them … leaving Paul and his single acoustic behind (and his guitar), singing “Her Majesty”. To some, it meant the whole thing was in his hands now … John, Ringo and George were done …
TO ALL THE UK ROCKITEERS (especially), HAPPY BEATLES DAY! (and here’s to Minnie Mower, wherever she is …)
WORD ON THE LUKER
Actually, no word’s come in from his mum or mates yet, but, as soon as I get the 411 on what the docs have found out, I’ll send it straight to ya, even if it’s just a brief note, k?
Until then, how about sendin’ the lad an e-mail wishing him well? You can do it quickly just by clicking here. (Been asked why I don’t put his email on here. It’s ’cause he’s without his computer at the mo. Not to worry, though; I know Spencer, Si, Matt, managers Neil and David or his mum will get them to him!)
Or … hey, how about calling him? If he’s in his room, the magic number is 07041 14 8157 (in the states, just add the international code. Check yer phone directory if ya don’t know, or call directory assistance). And, listen … be considerate about the time, okay? ‘Twixt here and there, there’s five hours (your mileage may vary) … and let’s give him some rest after dark, okay??
Well, that’s it for this edition. Tune in tomorrow afternoon for more on this Relicized station! Until then, remember …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your nose to the wind, your (WHEW! long …) heart with the music (and with Luke!) … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
With the first-ever Beatles Day less than 24 hours away in Liverpool, I thought ya might wanna read a bit more about it. Just click on this link to read more! And getcher Beatle wigs outta storage, yardbirds … ’cause this deffo ain’t gonna be the last one!
THE SPECTRE OF SPECTOR
Seems like, no matter where the physically-androgenous Phil Spector is, he attracts trouble! Now, while waiting on his second murder trial to commence, some of his former clients have filed a joint lawsuit against him, saying he hasn’t paid them the royalties they’re due twice yearly. Members of the Ronettes, Crystals and Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans are some of the plaintiffs in the issue!
And one of the greatest ’70s white-soul fronters has left us. Remember the Climax Blues Band’s Couldn’t Get It Right from back in ‘77? Well, Colin Cooper, CBB’s lead singer, passed away in Stafford, England, of cancer. He was 68. The Relic sends condolences to his family and fans worldwide.
A BIT MORE OF FRY & LAURIE
Had a few readers wonderin’ what happened to the comic vids, so (aww, hasn’t Uncle Relic always tried to make ya happy??) here’s
A BIT OF FRY & LAURIE — PSYCHIATRISTS
UPDATE ON LUKER (with CONTACT INFO)
As most of ya know by now, THE FORE’S amazing rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Luke Bentley, is in the hospital while doctors are investigating the mysterious malady that’s waylaid the lad!
As you can imagine, this has not only perplexed doctors and family alike, but also has caused Luker to become a bit anxious (he wants to get back onstage with the band!) and sad at the same time.
Look … he needs our support, troops! So you can email him c/o The Fore or — and as a bonus (and this would mean worlds to him!) — if you live in the UK, you can call and speak directly to Luke in his hospital room! His number’s 07041 14 8157 (in the states, just add the international code. Check yer phone directory if ya don’t know, or call directory assistance).
Okay, that’s it for our afternoon chat. Until later this evening, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your nose to the wind, your heart with the music (and with Luker) …
and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
TO ALL UK ROCKITEERS: If ya live in, near, or can fairly-easily drive to Liverpool, you’ll wanna be there for Beatles’ Day, which is this coming Thursday!
According to Lee Bennion at BBC: Radio Merseyside, “‘mop-top’ wigs are being sold across the city to raise money for Alder Hey’s Imagine Appeal and the Rhys Jones Memorial Fund. There’s also a concert at the arena as part of the Summer Pops.”
Now, Alder Hey is a world-famous children’s hospital in Liverpool, and the Imagine Appeal is the campaign, done in John’s honor and with Yoko’s blessings, to raise money for it.
The Rhys Jones Memorial Fund is set up to build a safe place for children to play and meet in Liverpool. Named after an 11-year-old boy who was killed last August 22, it’s a very worthwhile cause — and the Relic wishes them total success!
Just remember what the Fab Four signified throughout their careers, and you’re off to a great start:
Belief in themselves. If they didn’t have that, they would’ve broken up after their first demo turn-down. (It was with Decca Records, who, since they already had Brian Poole & The Tremeloes signed, thought “guitar bands are on their way out”!)
Energy. Whenever The Beatles played early-on in their career, they were electric! They felt the immense power the music held!
Teamwork. Yes, John and Paul wrote most of the songs — but every member of the band had a voice!
Tenacity. For years — from tough gigs to the Christ misquotes, to jellybeans in the Philippines, drugs and more, they stuck with it.
And, most of all, sincere belief in PEACE and LOVE
We all need that … in fact, all you NEED is love, right?
IN HONOR OF “BEATLES DAY”
Here’s the song mentioned in the last paragraph. Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Marianne Faithfull, Keith Moon and Graham Nash were in the “audience” for the recording, done for the first live, international satellite television production, Our World, back in 1967. So here’s …
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
KICKS JUST KEEP GETTIN’ HARDER TO FIND
When I first heard about Paul Revere and The Raiders doin’ a song called Kicks, I assumed it was about hangin’ out with friend and girls and cars and stuff. Then I heard the record, and realized there was something bigger — a lot bigger.
Thanks to Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, top songwriters who had a friend with a serious drug problem, this tune was created specifically to help her “kick the habit” — and ended up helping thousands of young people when they needed it the most!
Today, it’s just as appropriate. As ya watch this vid, think about anyone you know who could stand a little help, huh?? To my knowledge, it’s the first major hit that deals directly with a social problem. So tune yer eyes to …
KICKS
Oh … dig the effect of the bridge, when Mark Lindsay gets the zoom-in (face shot)! It’s like he’s really serious about this part of the song. BTW: Is it just me, or does he bear just a little facial resemblance to Phil Everly? Maybe we’ll neverly know …
UPDATE ON LUKER
Like so many of you, The Relic’s still waitin’ for word from Luker’s mates and mum on his condition (including what the docs have found). Until that word comes in, keep yer prayers and good vibes tuned toward and for him, and I’ll give ya the 411 just as soon as I get it, k?
And that’s it for now. Until tomorrow afternoon, remember:
Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music (and Luke Bentley!) …
No, I meant FAAB … as in “Free As A Bird” (the other is one “a” shorter and is either short for fabulous or the name of a laundry detergent! Pick the first one, please …).
This masterpiece, recorded on home-recorder by John before his brutal murder (hey … let’s call it what is was, right?) is one of the most peaceful songs he’d ever written (and, with the other Beatles overdubbing their vocals and instruments, very relaxing and reflective).
Of course, when Paul, George and Ringo got John’s demo from Yoko and performed their magic, they also did a video for the song!
But … but (true to Beatle form) they hid some references to some of their other hits within the vid itself! Now, how many can you find? When you’re finished, gimme a shout-out and let me know, okay? I’ll publish the results here in about a week.
Until then, though, here’s:
FREE AS A BIRD
A BIT MINDBENDING (MIXED BAG QUIZ)
From the easy to the hard (which reminds me of the Three Dog Night song, Easy To Be Hard, which the Viagra people coulda used as their theme. But that’s another story …)
Which popular band was named after a John Wayne movie?
This one started as a 13-member band called The Men.
This ’70s group was named after top-quality LSD.
KHAWFYBU’ IVAX KTPHQ — who was this rockin’ wildman?
The great Alice Cooper got his band’s (and later, his solo act’s) name from: (a) a girl he usedta date, (b) the first name of his mum and a make of automobile, or (c)it just came up on the Ouija board?
They were first known as Noble Five and then as One Percent. Thanks to their teacher, they ended up with their legendary name. Who were they?
KEEP ON PRAYIN’ and THINKIN’ and GOOD-VIBIN’ about LUKE BENTLEY, okay?? The lads went on and played their gig last night without him, but, though they played a fab set (not the laundry detergent), Luker’s laughter and drivin’ guitar was seriously missed!
I’m gonna try to get an update, and, the moment it comes in, I’ll post it here, okay??
Now … that’s it for the first of my new TWICE-daily posts. So, until this evening (yep … a new one due. I mean, posts!), remember what Luker says:
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you’re upside down!
From a coupla years after The Beatles left the charts for good to just after the disco years, there was a new “style” that was heavily-promoted — and took early-teen America briefly by storm.
Here’s what happened: by early ‘74, some industry moguls began seeing anything disco, psychedelic or metallic as unappealing to the massive fan-base of Sixties groups like The Beatles, Searchers, Dave Clark Five, etc.
Y’see, as rock music began to change, they realized that fan-base (and the money it brought back then) was too immense to neglect; so they searched out bands and acts that would create a pseudo-early-Sixties sound (and, in some cases [like Fruitgum, The Flying Machine, White Plains and the earliest Monkees], created ‘em in the studio). Then they gave ‘em a decent contract (can ya say Arista? I thought ya could!) and put ‘em on the road. And, for the years between 1974 and 1980, it seemed to satisfy the masses. And, since youngsters like bubble gum so much, reviewers christened the music “Bubblegum”.
Alas, many of these (like actual bubblegum) didn’t “stick” and became “stale” after awhile. But a question from the RelicMail asks: What was the diffrence (sic) between what they call bubblegum and Beatle type rock?
Okay … first, check what The Relic wrote in the paragraph before the question Herb asked.
As far as reasons why they didn’t stick around long: Well, the early UK Invasion bands had a strong attack to their songs; they let you know, from the first note, they were there and they meant business! Many of the b’gum era didn’t have that … instead, they just melted into the song itself.
Secondly: most of the b’gum bands didn’t have the background their predecessors had. They (the ’60s UK bands) hadta learn on hard-to-play instruments that were inferior to the ones of the US (with strings so far from the fingerboard their fingers would bleed from pressing them into chords!), and they had to play even the toughest dives (which often made their sounds so loud and raucous!) in order to gain a bit of name recognition and, maybe, some pay! Of course, the b’gummers weren’t born during the hardest times (like the Nazi bombings of London, etc.). Since the war was over before they saw their first light, they pretty much had an easier life growin’ up.
Another point: Unlike early bands from Liverpool (who had little to go on but rock and R&B records coming in portside from the states) and London (who fashioned their own brand of rhythm-and-blues), who mostly paid their dues as skiffle groups, the b’gummers had a wealth of songs to inspire them … mostly from the bands who made it big in the Invasion.
Now, all that doesn’t mean they weren’t fun to listen or dance to, but … well, lemme ask ya: Have ya heard The Searchers lately? (They are FAB!!) Gerry and the Pacemakers? Troggs? Now … have ya heard 1910 Fruitgum Company’s latest? Or Andy Kim?
Y’see, our generation had staying power … and forever will have it!
THE FORE HAS THE SAME “STAYING POWER”
Here’s why: The lads have all paid their dues on streetsides, clubs, Caverns and such. They built their sound from the ground up! Nothing’s been handed to them on a silver plate, either! They really work at their music! And their staying power is gonna be immense!! While I’m at it, lemme put in one more plug for mate LUKE BENTLEY. Luker’s headin’ to the hospital today (Tuesday) for more tests, and could REALLY use yer prayers and well-wishes! Just send YOURS to this address and I know the band will get the wishes to him!
Tonight, Spencer, Matt and Si played without their comrade, but still put on a dynamite show! Still, Luker’s solid rhythm and humorous persona was definitely missed! TO LUKER: You’ll come through this like a CHAMPION, mate! The Relic and thousands of Relicateers are behind ya, my friend! Just remember … GET SOME REST!
RINGO LOSES HIS HOME
Unfortunately, even the Heritage Foundation couldn’t stop the Liverpool council’s call to raze the superstar’s childhood home in Liverpool! But, in an ironic twist, they were able to save Pete Best’s birthplace! (Natch, John, Paul and George’s places have already been saved!)
Who said life was fair??
Okay … that’s it for this edition! Tune in tomorrow when I start postin’ a little (yawn!) earlier (heck … mebbe I’ll start doin’ two a day. It’s been requested — and thanx!). Until then, remember:
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music (and with Luke!) …
ATTENTION: ROCKITEERS!! As you know, today’s Ringo Starr’s birthday. And, as you know, he stands for “peace and love”. So, for his birthday, he’s asking this:
AT TWELVE NOON, EVERYBODY TAKE A MOMENT TO FLASH THE “PEACE” SIGN AND SAY,
PEACE AND LOVE
AS LOUD AS YOU’RE ALLOWED!!
Hey … we’ve tried everything else to make this world work, and haven’t had any luck with guns, war and hate, so let’s try this for a change!!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RINGO!!
IN THE NEWS AT THIS HOUR …
If ya saw the Gene Simmons Roast on A&E tonite (it was a re-run, but well worth it!), you witnessed a load of laughs at “The Demon’s” expense … but there was somethin’ else: At the end, the president of a veteran’s group (along with a consort of Armed Forces personnel) handed Gene a flag that had flown over Iraq on his behalf. The once-boisterous crowd was touched … but it wasn’t until Simmons found out that the flag, in fact, had flown in Fallujah — where so many of our troops died — that he actually broke down, speaking through a trembling, emotional voice. Members of the audience were in tears (as was Shannon Tweed, Gene’s ladylove, who tried to blink back tears by looking at the ceiling). Then, at the end of the show, he joined the house band in a kick-axx rendition of Rock and Roll All Night as confetti fluttered down on the rockin’ crowd!
WHAT’S IN A NAME, ANYWAY?
Well, here’s where yer gonna find out! Try this experiment: Take yer name, then mix up the letters and see how many words or phrases you can come up with! Need help? Here … go to this anagram server, who’ll do it all for ya! (Huh?? The Rock Relic’s name?? I’ll keep the anagrams to myself, thankee!)
IN HONOR OF THE BIRTHDAY (ex)BEATLE
Here’s a popular vid of Ringo performing on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The song is “With A Little Help From My Friends” — a song, btw, whose original, working title was Badfinger! (Yep … it’s where that band’s name came from!)
ONE MORE QUICK THOUGHT
Yardbirds, remember that, tomorrow (Tuesday) is when Luke Bentley — cool, friendly, dynamic (and, in one fan’s words, “cuddly”) rhythm guitarist/vocalist for The Fore — gets his diagnosis from the doctor (or at least the results of his blood test). So remember to take a minute right now and send some good vibrations and prayers his way! It’s gonna be okay, Luker (I know he’s readin’ this) … so get some REST after the gig tonight!! (I understand he’s gonna go ahead and honor his obligations! Man, it’d be great if we all learned to do that …). Keep yer chin up, Luker! It’s Gonna Be Alright!
DIDJA KNOW that, 51 years ago yesterday, Paul McCartney met John Lennon for the first time? Y’see, The Quarry Men were playing at a church wingding when, in-between sets, Paul (a youthful 15) taught a still-16-year-old Lennon to play Eddie Cochran’s Twenty Flight Rock as well as Gene Vincent’s Be-Bop-A-Lula. John said, later, that he was most impressed with Macca’s ability to tune a guitar.
STRANGE LETTER Okay, so I don’t often hear from my backwoods relatives. But, a coupla days ago, Cuzzin Rooby’s boy, Gritz N. Baykin, found out how to run this internet thing and wrote, Dere Chukky, mah mamma dun redjer jawjackin’ tew may, an’ ah wawnna no if’n ah kin sigh sumpin’ sumtahm! Ah’m uh gud rotter an’ ah luv dem Baitles an’ bairds and stuf. Mama dawn lock may ta play none-a det “bawnga-bawnga” moozik, so mebbe ah kin ROT sumpin’ ‘bouddit!”
Well, I’m not gonna turn that cracker loose on this site … so I’m gonna revive an old site of mine and let him have his shot! Look for more about it within a coupla shout-outs …
Now, I’m gonna shut ‘er off for about six or so, but stay tuned … I’ll be back with more in just a bit! Until then, remember:
Keep your nose in the wind, your feet on the ground, (if yer feet smell and yer nose runs, yer uPsIdE-DoWn), your eyes on the skies and your heart with the music …
Hey … if you’re into the sweet, soft sounds of The Who, it’s obvious ya dunno who they are. BUT … if ya dig the serious, gutsy rock of Roger, Pete, John and Keith, you’ll wanna check out the trib they’re getting on July 17 on VH1!! Some of today’s hottest acts, like Foo Fighters (who are obviously gonna take time from defending us against the dreaded “foo”!) to The Flaming Lips and Pearl Jam, are to knock off some of the band’s classics!
Or that songs with the words Tell Me starting off the title charted sixteen times over a thirty year period?? Tell Me Why was charted by Bobby Vinton, Elvis Presley, The Belmonts, Expose … and The Beatles’ tune of that title grabbed some serious airplay! 
Okay, let’s seee … cats are asleep, everythin’s quiet … guess it’s time to PARRRRTY!!
DUNNO … MEBBE SHE WUZ FROM THE FBI OR SOMETHIN’: Can ya believe this?? Someone sent RelicMail askin’ “Relic, we don’t know nothing (sic) about you, so why don’t you tell us what you’re (sic)back ground is like?”
Okay … who else wondered where I wuz besides me? wait … that didn’t sound right … I mean Awww, I wuz off-the-air due to a small glitch in the system … but, now that that’s taken care of, let’s get back to the bizness of MUSIC!
After a lot of careful planning and hard work, Fore manager Neil White has put together one of the best-looking (and easy-loading!) sites on the web!
FIRST, A FEW ANSWERS
A soccer player in Norway is makin’ headlines — not because he’s originally from Brazil, but due to his name! In the pic, you’ll see 27-year-old Creedence Clearwater Couto!
Awww, man … of all the Beatles LP covers I coulda put on here, why that one?? ‘Cause it’s got some of the best rock of ‘65 on it. And, with it bein’ just a shake and sigh away from Beatle Day in the ‘Pool, I thought it’d be okay to include it!
DIDJA KNOW that Andy White, 32-year-old (at the time) session drummer on the US version of Love Me Do, was only paid ₤ 7 for his work at the session that also included the original Please, Please Me? Yep … and that’s all he was ever paid!
Some Beatlemaniacs say the Abbey Road album was the best one ever produced by The Beatles (and not many would argue that point!). But hidden within the final tracks of this, the very last new record the Fab Four would ever release as a whole group, is their “good-bye” to fans:
With the first-ever Beatles Day less than 24 hours away in Liverpool, I thought ya might wanna read a bit more about it. Just click on 
As most of ya know by now, THE FORE’S amazing rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Luke Bentley, is in the hospital while doctors are investigating the mysterious malady that’s waylaid the lad!
TO ALL UK ROCKITEERS: If ya live in, near, or can fairly-easily drive to Liverpool, you’ll wanna be there for Beatles’ Day, which is this coming Thursday!
From a coupla years after The Beatles left the charts for good to just after the disco years, there was a new “style” that was heavily-promoted — and took early-teen America briefly by storm. 
Here’s what happened: by early ‘74, some industry moguls began seeing anything disco, psychedelic or metallic as unappealing to the massive fan-base of Sixties groups like The Beatles, Searchers, Dave Clark Five, etc.
Here’s why: The lads have all paid their dues on streetsides, clubs, Caverns and such. They built their sound from the ground up! Nothing’s been handed to them on a silver plate, either! They really work at their music! And their staying power is gonna be immense!!
ATTENTION: ROCKITEERS!! As you know, today’s Ringo Starr’s birthday. And, as you know, he stands for “peace and love”. So, for his birthday, he’s asking this:
If ya saw the Gene Simmons Roast on A&E tonite (it was a re-run, but well worth it!), you witnessed a load of laughs at “The Demon’s” expense … but there was somethin’ else: At the end, the president of a veteran’s group (along with a consort of Armed Forces personnel) handed Gene a flag that had flown over Iraq on his behalf. The once-boisterous crowd was touched … but it wasn’t until Simmons found out that the flag, in fact, had flown in Fallujah — where so many of our troops died — that he actually broke down, speaking through a trembling, emotional voice. Members of the audience were in tears (as was Shannon Tweed, Gene’s ladylove, who tried to blink back tears by looking at the ceiling). Then, at the end of the show, he joined the house band in a kick-axx rendition of Rock and Roll All Night as confetti fluttered down on the rockin’ crowd!
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