The Rock Relic

Where Are They Now?

by Chuck Hinson on March 1st, 2008

So often, the Relic’s asked “Where are they NOW??” Natch, the Generation (as well as New Breed) are talkin’ about their faves … including Ron and Moulty (both of whom you’ve met here [with still more to go on them, btw!]).

First, lemme tell ya that a number of your fave acts, both BritRock and AmerRock, are still onstage and wowing audiences! The Erics (both Burdon and Clapton — the latter of whom will be heading to N. Korea to be the first western Rocker to ever play there!), Zombies, Troggs, Searchers, Manfred Mann (now as The Manfreds), Swingin’ Blue Jeans, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Peter & Gordon (whew! one more …), Chad & Jeremy and others from the UK are still playin’ to excited audiences.
Here in the USofA, The Association, Lovin’ Spoonful (less John Sebastian), Steppenwolf, The Grassroots and others are doin’ the same for American crowds!

Yes, this includes The Barbarians! With a new lineup, Moulty’s still makin’ the drums talk while he belts out favorites and new compositions (he’s also an accomplished songwriter and producer)! He’s also pullin’ a realtor gig as well as his own business! The man’s also taught karate classes and has been a producer as well!
Now, if you ever have the chance to see The Barbarians live, take it! You’re not only gonna experience some great music and a bit of rock history, but one of the biggest inspirations in rock-n-roll. It’s no wonder they played on the “Royalty of Rock” tour awhile back …

Meanwhile (and thanks, in part, to our mate Peter Dintino), Ron Ryan is back at the guitar and keyboards, writing some amazing songs (one, called Make A Stand, I sent to the Obama campaign. Don’t be surprised if ya hear it on the election trail soon!). Originally from London, he moved out to the countryside in Lincolnshire about 30 years ago “… about eight miles from Boston, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail”. He’s written a lot of great country tunes lately as well (including one that, I swear, sounds like it’s from the foothills of Kentucky!). His voice has a charming, warm baritone to it these days, and his personality echoes those same qualities.
Of course, he’s still out to set the record straight about the Dave Clark Debacle — but, in light of the passing of Mike Smith and out of respect for Mike’s wife, Charlie (Arlene), the issue’s on temporary hiatus here.

Both these gentlemen are among the most knowledgeable in the biz, as it applies to what made rock-n-roll tick back then. Quite frankly, The Relic believes that, if today’s acts could give a listen to them, they’d be hitting the charts with some dynamic stuff! Still, it’s just a matter of time before both Moulty and Ron are back on the Billboard charts in one manner or another.

Now, one quick word about Sixties acts that are still working (and this applies, especially, to us statesiders): There are still some “bogus” acts out there — those who say they’re a famous act from back then, and have even learned the real deal’s songs to a tee — and get gigs where they’re promoted as the originals. Jon Bauman (Bowzer of Sha-Na-Na) showed me where they’d gotten a law passed in Michigan to ban these fakes from performing as originals. Still, they’re scamming other states’ venues (including, sad to say, two venues here in Ashland, Kentucky. The Relic tried to warn ‘em, but they wouldn’t listen …).
Now, if you have any doubts about someone appearin’ in your neck-of-the-woods, here’s how you can find out if they’re the real deal: First, check ‘em out on the real act’s homepage (you can Google® ‘em to find out. Then, if you’re still not satisfied, check ‘em out at the show; ask ‘em to sign an LP, under their name! Or you can find some obscure fact about the group or its members, and ask ‘em about it. If it doesn’t match what you’ve learned, fuhgeddaboudit! They ain’t them!!

If the law that’s bein’ bandied over in DC is any indication, they’re all gonna have to put a disclaimer in front of their names soon (e.g., So-and-so TRIBUTE Band, or, if one member’s an original, BlahBlah Band w/So-and-so of the REALDEALS). Just be sure you’re not shellin’ out the cash for the wrong act!

I can guarantee ya, though: “Moulty” Moulton and Ron Ryan are definitely as real as it gets … and both are gen-yoo-wine SUPERSTARS!

Well, that’s it for this edition. Tune in next time, when we bring you up to speed on both Ron and Moulty, more on Pete Dintino, and maybe … well, let’s just say a little “extra”, okay?

Til then, remember to set your clocks back this evening. Not that it’s DST again … just so ya won’t knock it off yer night stand, okay? And keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music (and Pete) … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

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POSTED IN: 60's rock, British Invasion, announcements, influences, personalities, rock heroes