The Band Guestbook, December 2002

Entered at Tue Dec 31 22:56:02 CET 2002 from (64.208.194.184)

Lars Pedersen

Subject: Crowmatix / Legends venue / 12-28-02

I've always been lazy about giving reports on the shows I go to. Sooner or later, someone more capable than myself posts his impressions, setlist, etc. and that gets me off the hook.

Since no one (yet) has mentioned Prof Louie & the Crowmatix show at "Legends" restaurant on Dec 28th, I feel it would be wrong to not contribute something. I thought it was one of the better shows I've seen coming out of the Band "family" (the various groups that have grown out of the Band).

I like all of the Band "off-shoots," but sometimes the Crowmatix tend to get overlooked. I've read something recently that their vocals aren't "rough enough;" that's true. They don't growl, but they bring their passion through with smooth, tight vocals backed up by a VERY tight band. I think I liked Louie and Marie's duets the best. Like good scotch, it feels smooth and hits you hard. Mike Dunn is not only playing better than ever, but I think he's grown a couple of inches (commom for guys just leaving their teens). I miss Jimmy Eppard, but Mike Demicco sounded great on guitar and mandolin. And Levon and Randy have been replaced by ONE excellent drummer, Gary Burke. And he locks in with Mike Dunn on bass so well that he and Dunn become one.... 1 1/4 because Mike is awfully tall.

Finally, "Legends" is a nice restaurant. I always have to sneak pretzels or pizza into some of the other venues, but this place has good food and they will serve it late.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Jim Weider Band and the Barnburner's tonight. May 2003 be good to you all; may we all live in peace.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 22:16:30 CET 2002 from (63.194.159.53)

Joe

Subject: Gene Parsons

Calvin, et al; Gene Parsons released a live concert album in 2000. It was the result of his work with Mendocino Community College's Artist in Residence series (or something like that). The album, titled "In Concert: I Hope They Let Us In", documents a spectacular solo show. Clearly, Parsons enjoyed the event and his joy shines through within the music and stories he shares with the audience. Check it out. Just last month, it was my good fortune to see Gene Parsons at a small club in Fort Bragg, CA sitting in (on banjo, guitar and drums) with the David Nelson Trio. He sang his classic cover of Willin'. Pretty cool stuff. Happy and sweet new year to all.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 22:00:43 CET 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

An Observer

Subject: Canadian "Border Guards"

Butch, what the hell are you talking about? Do you seriously think that Canada has "border guards" that check people _leaving_ the country? You may be confusing us with Iran, Iraq or Syria where they pay as much attention to who leaves as to who comes in. By the way, like you I'm a Jew and a strong supporter of Israel (as well as Canada my home and native land) and just as I don't appreciate the anti-Semitism that rears its ugly head on this site once in a while (e.g. Roz, She-Wolf of the SS), I don't like derogatory terms such as "a-rabs" used to describe others.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 21:46:04 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

Has anyone picked up a copy of the Gangs of New York soundtrack? It is certainly growing on me. The U2 song is the best with the Linda Thompson track not far behind. The mood music is unusual at first but is much more dramatic after seeing the film.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 20:52:01 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Ed Voci

Subject: Levon, Rick and Roca

Well, Pat, I'll be darned. No wonder you got the dates right! I remember you introducing one of your songs in your opening performance for Rick and Levon in '83 with: "This next song is what came out of listening to 'Northern Lights Southern Cross" a thousand times."

To Butch: Shall I assume from your comments and choice of language that Arab-American are not welcome at any Barn Burners shows?

Entered at Tue Dec 31 20:26:57 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

JTull Fan

Subject: Bayou Sam

Did not see your post when I posted mine on top; don't want you to think I was addressing you.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 20:09:27 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Rick

Entered at Tue Dec 31 19:39:30 CET 2002 from onrampinternet (216.88.81.90)

cdave

Subject: growing forward

Maybe the subject line shoulda been reality check, tho real just is and therefore not affected by individual POV. If one goes forward from a music event, veiw , listen concerned by syblomlism of props or packaging they have too many walls. Does anyone experience the sound any more? The sound of great individual efforts blending together growing to build music so whole it becomes THE SOUND. The sound that roots to basic essence so strong that it can soar to any level. The music giving unity that celebrates uniqueness. Is there a combination of words that will indenify something that must be experienced? Peace...dave

Entered at Tue Dec 31 19:30:50 CET 2002 from 1cust169.tnt24.lax3.da.uu.net (63.14.55.169)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Subject: ~HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE"

LIVE WELL,,LAUGH OFTEN,,,LOVE MUCH :-)

Entered at Tue Dec 31 18:57:02 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

butch

BRAVO BAYOU SAM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You said it all for those of us unlucky enough to see the ruins, or have lost someone in that cowardly act,,

Levon & the Barn Burners played a benefit for the Firefighters a couple of weeks afterr sept 11th,,,,& YOU COULD SMELL THE DEATH & DESTRUCTION,,still,,,

cars were still covered with the dust of the crumpled Towers,& those High-Intensity lights, allowing those brave souls to keep on digging , were still on all night,,

those 5 a-rabs that slipped in here were allowed to by the "lax policies" of the Canadian Border Guards,

this a quote from Border personell @ the scene,,,

not condemning our northern brethren,, just that their gov't is playing ostrich & they better watch their flank or they'll know 1st hand the losses we all feel everyday,,,,,,

from a new yorker & a proud vigilant American,,

Happy New Year,,,if the rag-heads let us have one,,,,,

Entered at Tue Dec 31 18:51:41 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

JTull Fan

Subject: potpourri!

Peter, sorry I didn't give you any alt. hist. titles. I just know there are plenty out there on the subject. CANADA: rather than blame our friends to the north, let's remember that the bad guys are taking advantage of the trusting friendship between our two countries; the largest 'unsecured' border in the world, and let's not forget what Canada did for us during the Iranian hostage crisis in smuggling out some hostages under the Ayatollah's nose. Terrorist's not only seek to blow up buildings and people; they seek to divide communities, and that is the only way they can truly win. We have the power not to let them. HAPPY and SAFE NEW YEARs to all! Stay sober and if you can't stay sober, stay home. I am welcoming a friend and his family over for the night whom we haven't seen in almost two years, and we are going to make some Mint Julips with some single-barrel Knob Creek bourbon, and the only things we are driving will be the rocking chairs (oh to be HOME AGAIN, down in Ol' Virginny)on my front porch! (warm down here today, 50's for a low tonight)Can't afford to lose any Band fans tonight!. THANKS JAN for another year of your great website, the work is appreciated. Perhpas our GB members in Europe can tell us how the New Year feels like when it arrives there first so we North Americanos can decide if it is worth it or not!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 18:39:13 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

It still amazes me when a person cops an attitude that we are over-reacting, or over-sensitive to ANY sort of terrorist scare, or rumour. I wish I could take you back in time to early Nov. 2001 when I spent a couple of hours walking around the perimeter of Ground Zero on a Sunday morning when Manhattan is quiet. All you could hear was the sound of the machines working on the mess that used to be two 110 story buildings, in which each floor was one acre in size. Every once in awhile I'd hear a sound of the crane ripping a section of twisted building out of the pile. Then they'd stop so they could spray water into the void they just made because it was still burning underneath, nearly two months after the fucks flew the planes into the buildings........That smell that you get after a fire was heavy in the air. You've all smelled that wet/charred/burnt smell after a fire is just about out. Imagine that smell multiplied by 220. I felt in in my chest for a few ours after I left the city that day. I could taste it too.

None of the previous experience compared to the memorials and the pictures of the missing that were EVERYWHERE. There was one spot where there was hundreds of teddy bears with hand-written thoughts on them. One was from a child saying that they missed Daddy. It almost makes me tear up thinking about it now.

I remember thinking at the time that everyone in this country should make this visit to Ground Zero that I did. We all need to know the severity of what happened. I now have a slightly new perspective on what happened at Pearl Harbor in 1941. It's more than just old film footage of what got us into WWII to me now.

When someone gets bent out of shape about what we do, or how we react to even the whisper of a terrorist threat, I get two feelings. One is that feeling that I mentioned about wishing they had the experience I had walking around the mass grave in lower Manhattan. The other is fucking anger - not a good combo. There's no doubt in my mind that there are bastards planning another hit on us. Tonight of course would be a spectacular time to do something. Take a look at what Times Square looks like at about 11:30 pm tonight. It's a security nightmare.

We need to take every little tiny threat very seriously. If we don't people might get dead. Then others will be screaming that we should have done more to protect. It'll probably be the same people screaming that we can't compromise freedom by detaining people. If you look suspicious, you get checked out. You don't like it - tough shit - leave. That's my humble take on it. They can check me out anytime. I understand. Those who scream and yell everytime we react strongly to any possible risk, should talk to someone who was there that day and hear stories about watching bodies fall from the upper floors and hit the sidewalk. Someone told me about the bloody PARTS of bodies that were on the ground as they ran for their fucking lives. These are not soldiers in a war - these were people that were at the coffee machine at the office.....So, put yourself a little more in those shoes, or please, shut the fuck up.

So that's my gut reaction spilled into the GB. I've tried to steer away from these things, but a couple of recent posts kind of triggered me. I hope I've conveyed my feelings into words well. I'm no Viney, or Edge - but I tried......I've obviuosly been heavily impacted by my visit to NYC that November. I can't even fathom, in the deepest parts of my brain, what it was like for the innocent souls that were there on Sept 11, 2001.

Happy New Year.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 18:29:24 CET 2002 from dialin-82-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.1.82)

Gene

Peter

Maybe more to your liking would be, "If the South Had Won the Civil War" by MacKinlay Kantor. This was first published in the 1960s, before sci fi moved into the genre. The premise is that General Grant was killed falling off his horse.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 18:21:35 CET 2002 from dialin-82-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.1.82)

Gene

Peter,

Spot On, sir. I believe time travel is involved.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 18:00:55 CET 2002 from du-tele3-179.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.179)

Peter Viney

Thanks, Gene. Mr Turtledove's "Alt History" sounds like one of those sci-fi ones involving time travel to me- a bit like the film where a modern aircraft carrier finds itself in Pearl Harbour in 1941 (Final Countdown?). I prefer the ones where they work out what would have happened without the touch of Back to the Future! Anyway, I thought according to Star Trek you couldn't change the past … drifting into Jack Finney territory here.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 17:41:22 CET 2002 from (65.88.118.11)

carmen

Subject: Rick Solo

Mystery question - Why did Rick stop making solo music after his initial solo release?

Entered at Tue Dec 31 17:13:27 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: Richard Claire Danko

The other day I celebrated the anniversary of Rick's birth by listening to his first solo album. His beautiful spirit & voice lives on in our hearts through his music. I was reminded that he had signed with Arista, a new label that Clive Davis had started after his unhappy departure from Columbia. Whereas many big label execs, especially today, act as if they're deaf, Mr. Davis has always shown that he has a good set of ears when it comes to recognizing talent. This is what has made Mr. Davis a survivor after all these decades in a cut-throat business. When he started his own Arista label, he went out and signed the best available talent he could find, and it's no wonder that Rick Danko was among his choices.

There's a famous story about Clive Davis and Janis Joplin. After gaining quite a bit of attention at the Monterey Pop Festival, Janis & Big Brother signed on with Albert Grossman, who then helped broker a deal with Columbia, headed by Clive Davis at the time. Following the formal inking of the contract, Janis offered to have sex with Mr. Davis to consumate the deal. Mr. Davis politely declined to those terms of contractual relations, but it certainly gave new meaning to a contract rider (:-)

Entered at Tue Dec 31 17:06:04 CET 2002 from dialin-82-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.1.82)

Gene

Brien

Harry Turtledove wrote "The Guns Of The South" in 1992. From the back cover, "January 1864 - General Robert E. Lee faces defeat. The Army Of Northern Virginia is ragged and ill-equipped. Gettysburg has broken the back of the Confederacy and decimated its manpower.

The Andries, Rhoodie, a strange man with an unplaceable accent, approaches Lee with an extraordinary offfer. Rhoodie demonstrates an amazing rifle: its rate of fire is incredible, its lethal efficiency breathtaking - and Rhoodie guarantees unlimited quantities to the Confederates.

The name of the weapon is the AK-47..."

Enough to stir one's Unreconstructed (non-racist) soul. Happy New Year everybody. Thanks for the infos, Pat.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 16:21:45 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year (as it is already 2003 on my side of this little planet) and I hope that it will be a good one for all of you and your family members and that, if I may steal a line from Paul G..and John Lennon, we all shine on.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 15:43:13 CET 2002 from ppp128.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.9.194)

Paul Godfrey

Subject: TLW

Al, thank you for your kind words. I could not have said it better about Rick. But I am glad you did.

For many Canadians we did not view the 'Boys' as Stars. They were our friends. Only in America did they get caught up in the Big Starmaker Machinery. Most grew up in rural areas and had many of the same collective values which included 'church music' because we went every Sunday and the music was just naturally part in our blood. It came as naturally as Gospel music to so many of our American friends.

On the radio they discovered 'the blues' and with Ronnie and Levon coming north...it all came together to become the BAND.

But most importantly they were, they are just folks. Good Folks and Good Family. Being apart of the family makes the music so much more meaningful.

Somehow you share their roots and glory in the simply beautiful 'down home' feel of it all. It is like having a big family picnic...then out come the guitars, violins, harps, spoons...and what ever one can make music with, or just plain old slappin your knees.

Many happy returns to you Al and all the members of the BAND GB family. Lord let there be peace on earth in 2003.

shineonpaulg

Entered at Tue Dec 31 15:31:35 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Brien Sz

Subject: Alt History

An author I keep meaning to read that writes lots of Alt History stuff and is highly acclaimed is Harry Turtledove. I know he's tackled the Civil War but in what manner, I do not know.

Happy Healthy New Year everyone!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 15:29:52 CET 2002 from h00104c1150c6.ne.client2.attbi.com (66.30.166.195)

Jim

Subject: WS

Hey, WS, what ever happened to solidarity? Let's see how you feel ( and who you ask for help) when a couple planes fly into a few buildings in your country.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 15:25:54 CET 2002 from (65.88.118.11)

carmen

Subject: ws

WS, before you go and make up the news and start shouting at the Americans, the facts are that a known document forger in Canada created fake documents for 5 men (or more) who slipped into the US via a non official post. The news today stated that there are no records of the men entering the US through an official boarder crossing using the fake id's. They either stowed away or hopped a fence so to speak. I guess it is easy to look the other way when its not your buildings and people being targeted.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 15:22:38 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

I second what WS Walcott said, and will add that no one knows that these individuals are terrorists...they do have names and faces that are guaranteed to incite fear in lots of people who have been conditioned by an untrustworthy government...let's go back to the old wisdom, don't believe everything you read...it's astonishing that people, on the basis of a few news reports and some government warnings, are already convinced that these individuals are planning a massacre...what the hell ever happened to questioning authority?

Entered at Tue Dec 31 15:14:55 CET 2002 from stjhts25d074.nbnet.nb.ca (142.166.249.203)

WS Walcott

Subject: rosalind/terrorists

I see some you Americans are blaming us again for your terrorist problems. They crossed at the Canadian border? Well, even if they did, don't they have to go through U.S. customs? If your border security lets these people in, I don't see how it can be Canada's fault. It doesn't really matter where they come from. They still have to cross into the U.S. Sounds like you guys dropped the ball on this one, again. Don't blame others for your ineptitude.

By the way. The talk about the Confederate flag is "gettin' pretty old". Must be other things to talk about.

Happy New Year everybody!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 14:46:10 CET 2002 from (12.34.17.194)

Johnny Flippo

Subject: Firesign Theatre

Mr. Proctor - if that's really THE Phillip Proctor we've all known and loved o'er these many years - let me say on behalf of the GB that your presence is truly an honor - and your post hilarious. Thanks for all the yuks.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 14:35:08 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Subject: Alternate Histories/Peter Viney

Peter, there are actually a slew of alternate histories dealing with a Confederate victory, although unfortunately their quality is dubious. I read Fatherland, but gave up on For Want of A Nail, which deals with whether Burgoyne (whom my wife is directly decended and some of whose heirlooms we possess)had won at Saratoga. I don't have enough time for real history nevermind the fake stuff! Anyway, feel free to email me as this could be a LARGE thread. the rest of you: us2inva@excite.com. Several things to keep in mind: The New England States considered seceding in the 1820's. The South never would have ratified the constitution had they not thought they had the right to secede. The Confederate Constitution is identical to the Union Constitution with the exception of the Presidential term set at 1 term of 6 years. The international slave ban is still there as well as no additional rights of secession (they believed it was always there!) California had already been admitted as a free state, thus hampering westward expansion by any successful Confederacy. Time of Confederate Victory would make a huge impact; if the Union let the South go without a fight, some states may have come freely back, and some would have been fought over still, particularly KY, MO, KS, etc. Virginia would have remained Union as it only seceded upon Lincoln's call for troops. If Lee one at Gettysburg and earned a peace, there would have been conflict over Union occupied lands, midwestern states that had been approached to recreate the Union with the Confederate states minus New England. By wars end, Davis and Lee were so desperate as to propose immediate emmancipation to any slaves that would fight for the South with ultimate emancipation for all slaves several decades away, so you could have had a free confederacy. Ultimately, I think states woul leave the Confederacy for the Union and vice versa depending upon the political winds of the day, leading to a situation similar to the Articles of the Confederacy (1780's pre constitution) where we had a very weak central government and bickering states. This would have led to many more decades of U.S. isolation, probably preventing our effective entry into WWI and possibly WWII, but ultimately I think the country would have reunited out of necessity.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 13:58:50 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

Lovely to read your post Paul. Thanks mate. Sure would love to hear a bit more about Rick from you, if that's not too cheeky or intrusive. He always struck me as the 'downhome' sort you say. A guy who just genuinely liked others and being amongst others - without having to make any effort. A natural.

Not sure if you read that piece I did on Big Pink a few days back but I actually wrote it with Rick in mind as the sort of central generic 'Band' character - the salt of the earth type who you like to think is at the bedrock of any community. Over here in Liverpool, we hold such characters in very high regard. That notion of some real unifying spirit of community and identity still matters greatly.

For me that little clip in TLW where he puts his arm around Richard say it all. It sort of typifies the type of guy he was. It's as if he's SO proud of Richard as a human being and musician not to mention the fact he's his big buddy and wants everyone watching to know that Richard is a star as well as the others. I identify that sort of cameradie so much with The Band's underlying spirit. There's another little clip at the end of TLW during I Shall Be Released - this time with Robbie - where Robbie's stretching over the crowd to peer at Richard singing forlornly on his own, clearly concerned about his buddy that he's not overlooked [though of course the cameramen didn't seem to share Robbie's concern].

Those sort of things are fundamental to the spirit of The Band for me. It was why I wrote that Big Pink piece. At the time of Big Pink I'm convinced that was the 'feel' that The Band were trying to capture. Whether it was conscious or subliminal doesn't matter in a way because whatever the case you just know it had to be genuine otherwise it wouldn't have come across as it did. I think Rick was at the very heart of that. It seems he was often the glue that once helped bind it all together.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 12:36:47 CET 2002 from pcp01420654pcs.lndsd101.pa.comcast.net (68.81.34.77)

carmen

Subject: what if

Q: What if my aunt had balls? A: She would be my uncle!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 11:32:36 CET 2002 from du-tele3-120.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.120)

Peter Viney

Civil War – actually the percentage of The Band’s songs “about the South” is remarkably small. “Storyville” adds a few more. But the discussion set off a train of thought. There are a number of novels based on the “What if …?” change of a point in history. Philip K Dick’s “The Man in The High Castle” sees a USA defeated in WW2, divided between the Japanese zone on the west and the German zone on the east. Robert Harris’s “Fatherland” imagines a contemporary Europe if Germany had won the war. There’s another British one (I can’t recall the title) that imagines the Spanish Armada had defeated the English navy in 1588 and set up a fiercely conservative Catholic state in England. I don’t ever remember seeing a “What if …?” novel based on a Confederate victory. Is there one? There’s food for speculation. I can’t imagine late 19th century relations between the USA / CSA would have been good, because the Westward expansion would have become necessarily competitive. There would have had to be close ties with Spanish Caribbean colonies- Cuba didn’t abolish slavery until 1898, and a slave-holding CSA would have become something of a pariah state – though the cases that regularly appear in London courts of law indicate that slavery does exist today in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in all but name. Maybe there’d have been a “Unionist rebellion” aimed at tying it back together … the possibilities are endless.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 08:35:10 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-022castocp0087.dialsprint.net (65.178.96.87)

Rollie

Ah,buddy,The Band ain't gonna be playin L.A. anytime soon. Enjoy the recordings,get the movie,and settle back with some Glen Fiddich and a sixer............

Entered at Tue Dec 31 08:00:42 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Paul

Subject: Any Concerts Around LA?

Hello, I'm 19 and for the past year or so I've really come to love and enjoy your music, which has lead me to buy 6 of your albums(CD's). I'd like to see a concert, but due all of them being only on the east coast I'm out of luck. Please Please Please come to the west coast so I can you guys perform.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 04:26:11 CET 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.83.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.83)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Tue Dec 31 04:07:35 CET 2002 from ac9baba8.ipt.aol.com (172.155.171.168)

J.L.B.

Subject: P.S.

P.S.99.9 FM in Cleveland TN.WOOP FM

Entered at Tue Dec 31 04:04:43 CET 2002 from ac9baba8.ipt.aol.com (172.155.171.168)

J.L.B.

Subject: Traditional Music Center

Down our way in TN,we are gonna start havin' some good bluegrass music.And possibbly even some of the Band's stuff. We officially go on the air midnight tomorrow night.Wish us luck.Click the above link to go to our website.ROCK ON!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 03:58:36 CET 2002 from ac9baba8.ipt.aol.com (172.155.171.168)

J.LB.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 03:38:39 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

All this talk about the confederate flag being "out of place" or "out of order" or "politically incorrect" or whatever this new anal retentive stuff is called, well it's just plain stupid! The confederate flag represented musical influences. Country music, Blues music, Bluegrass music and New Orleans music. What the Band was made of. They knew and loved those old VFW clubs, those old out-of-the-way honky tonks. They came of age in those old places and it got into their musical bones and stayed there.

Martin Scorsese had a very dfficult time saying the word N***** in the back of that taxi cab. Julia Phillips insisted he say the line about what a 44 Magnum could do to a woman's pussy.(I hate "toe" asteriks) They rejected the line about sticking the 44 Magnum up the woman's Pussy and blowing her brains out.(I just hate those little "toe" asteriks) Marty thought the whole 44 Magnam deal would have turned the women in the audience off to the point that they would have got up and left the place dragging their mates by their sides ALTHO he seemed to have had no problem whatsoever with that hideously graphic conversation outside in the doorway between Harvey Keitel's "Sport" and Travis Bickle ... Does anyone remember the one I'm referring to? (Will_Not_Go_Into_Detail) I would like to add that during the blacked-out-windowed Bel Air - Bel Air days Marty kept a crucifix hung above his bed with a dagger sticking out of it, periodically ran down Mulholland Drive completely naked and falling on his knees in front of his girlfriend Julia Cameron begging forgiveness, convincing her he would change, walking her back to the house and starting in again the moment they walked through the door. (Shadows of Life Lessons) and he carried that priest around with him everywhere he went. Peculiar dude indeed.

Oh--- You know those 5 or 6 terrorist guys they're lookin' for now? The ones who are loose in NYC somewheres waitin' for the ball to drop? They---Came---Over---The---Canadian---Border.

Happy New Year -- Don't Forget To Duck Y'all!

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM -- Gonna blow ya right down!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 03:19:16 CET 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.83.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.83)

Pat Brennan

Ed, sorry I missed your post. I was the keyboardist is the band Rocca--actually Roca--that opened the Sunday Metro show. I believe Jump In The Saddle ("The Curley Shuffle") opened the McGreevy's (or was is McGreedy's?) show.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 03:11:05 CET 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.83.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.83)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Tue Dec 31 02:52:24 CET 2002 from (61.161.216.77)

Phil Proctor

Subject: Seasonal Howdies...

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral, winter holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all; plus...

A fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2003, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to the race, creed color, religious, or sexual preferences of the wishers.

*Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 02:44:35 CET 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.83.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.83)

Pat Brennan

Given the importance of nailing down these dates, I jumbled through some memorabilia to find a backstage pass for the Chicago/Auditorium Theater show. It was Friday, November 4, 1983 (well, the right season at least). Gene, the Mandel Hall for The Band Is Back tour--as recorded by the estimable Tim Powell for WXRT and noted here on site--would be Sunday, November 6, 1983. Levon and Rick were here in March of 1983 and did their front porch thing on a Thursday night at McGreevy's in the northern suburbs, probably a Mandel Hall show (I can't recall, but the trader date is probably correct), Knox College in Galesburg on Saturday, and back at the Metro for a Sunday night show. That July show however is definitely misdated.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 02:04:54 CET 2002 from st-catherines-ppp112529.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.158)

Cousin Paul

Entered at Tue Dec 31 01:21:55 CET 2002 from dialin-378-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.2.124)

Gene

Pat (you Heathen :V) 4 Oct 83 was a Tuesday. I believe that the Helm/Danko Mandell Hall show was 4 Mar 83, and there were 2 The Band dates; 1 July 83 and the October show (anybody know the date?). All three shows are being traded by collectors.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 01:09:01 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

For Dawn

Dawn, Blondie will start another touring stretch with the Stones on January 10th in Pittsburgh. Maybe you can leave a message for him at one of the venues.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 01:01:05 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Bumbles

Subject: Flag Hags

Looks like a duck, sounds like a duck…

The “Washington Post” piece on Cherokee High School made for interesting reading. According to the invaluable blogger atrios, though, the Post managed to omit some unsavory but relevant background information on a key source, Kirk Lyons, identified as “lead counsel for the Southern Legal Resource Center, a North Carolina-based public-interest law firm that works to protect Confederate heritage and is in discussions with some families at Cherokee High School...[Lyons] said the center is litigating six lawsuits and that dozens of others challenging Confederate clothing bans have been filed across the country.”
According to atrios:

”Kirk Lyons was once a member of the National Alliance [a neo-nazi white-supremacist group]. He married the daughter of the leader of the Aryan Nations [see National Alliance] at their compound. The best man at his wedding was one Louis Beam, former Grand Wizard of the Texas KKK. In addition to working to protect "confederate heritage" he's defended prominent white supremacists and neo-Nazis. In 1993 he participated in a protest of the opening of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. He is reported to have invited skinheads to his house to celebrate the anniversary of Kristallnacht. In a 1992 speech to a gathering of the Populist Party, which had run David Duke for president four years earlier, Lyons summed up his views: ‘This is a global struggle that European people will not perish from the face of the earth…a worldwide movement, for that of white rights and a white future.'"

Given that, one could be forgiven for thinking there are weightier items on the confederate heritage agenda than what some redneck kid wears in homeroom.

CHARLIE_YOUNG: While Martin Scorsese isn’t above playing with racial dynamite when it suits his purpose (check out his creepy turn in the backseat of De Niro’s cab in “Taxi Driver”), I think it’s a stretch to imagine that, given the other possibilities, an educated New Yorker working in Hollywood insisted on the presence of the Confederate flag in “TLW.”
Speaking of Scorsese, I noticed that his longtime collaborator Jay Cocks received a writing credit on “Gangs of New York.” Cocks may be better known in these precincts as the author of the infamous 1970 “country rock” Time cover story.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 00:58:30 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Ed Voci

Subject: The Band in Chicago

Pat, I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you, but you're in Chicago, right? We've probalby attended the same shows at Park West, Taste of Chicago, Milwaukee's summer fest, and the Cubby Bear (with Billy Preston, remember?). How about Levon and Rick with Ringo Starr and His Allstarrs whenever that was at the open air place where the The Band played a couple of times? I think your right about the Auditorium and UofC shows, but if I'm not mistaken, Levon did eventually show up for the Friday night Mill Run show. I remember Rick gigling and saying, "Hey, when Levon gets here, let's make him sing every song he knows!" and a ruckus when he did show. I seem to recall a strong and particularly beautiful "King Harvest" that night. Ah, Richard. But Levon's hushed vocal was clear and real dreamy-like. I could be getting the nights mixed up. It WAS 20 years ago, afterall. I also remember finding out about the Mill Run shows only because a gossip columnist mentioned it in passing. Were you at Cabaret Metro and, later that week, at McGreedy's up north for the Levon and Rick acoustic shows in '82 or '83? Levon was in town making the "Doll Maker" with Jane Fonda. David Bromberg sat in at the Metro show and a group named "Rocca" opened. Get this: I had heard about the Metro show the day of the show by running into a friend I had not seen in awhile. So we went and had a great time. I did not see that friend again for a few years until I ran into him again (on Dearborn Street) and he gave me the news about Richard passing away the night before. Spooky shit. Nonetheless, The Band kept their engagement the next week at Park West. Blondie stood in for Richard. It was the first time I noticed Rick's elbow not working with the exuberance it used to have. Also, have you been catching Prof. Louie when he comes to town? If you care to, you can email me at edwardvoci@aol.com.

Entered at Tue Dec 31 00:49:41 CET 2002 from ti231210a080-1471.bb.online.no (80.212.253.191)

Groan Alone

Hello fellow band fans..as a very erratic visitor to this guestbook, I'm always curious as to what the current issues are, but checking in again was such a pleasant surprise, great mails, good stories and fun links, I've never found it as entertaining as now! You folks are really on to.. something... all I can do is wish everyone a great new year, hopefully peace will prevail and please continue the constructive and informative tone that seems to bless this great site! All the best folks!

Entered at Tue Dec 31 00:15:18 CET 2002 from adsl-65-43-158-232.dsl.bcvloh.ameritech.net (65.43.158.232)

Calvin

The rest of the "regular lineup" is Carlton Moody, Tommy SPurlock and Willie Watson. A lot of guest stars though. Gib Guibeau and Greg Harris along with Garth, so good call Jeff. None of guys from the classic Brothers appear. Too Bad, I havent seen a CD with a Bearnie Leadon or Gene Parsons credit in quite a few years.

I've said this before and I'll continue to say it, The Byrds lineup of McGuinn\Ge. Parsons\and CLarence White get far too little credit. Whether it was because of David Crosby's constant criticism of them over the years or the trashing they took by the record company when they label tried to put together that joke of a Byrd's reunion album around 1973, they simply dont get the credit they deserve for being a damn fine band

Entered at Tue Dec 31 00:09:30 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Yeah David .. Thanks for linkin' that

Entered at Mon Dec 30 23:43:46 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: Hank Sr.

David Powell = thanks for posting that link to the story about the night Hank died. I knew he died in the backseat of a car, but I'd never read the account from the "kid" that was driving. It's a hell of a story - musical history for sure.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 23:30:52 CET 2002 from h-68-164-8-152.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.8.152)

Pat Brennan

Ed, great story. I believe the Auditorium show was on a Friday night (Oct 4?) and the U of C show was a Sunday night. There's a picture of the backstage festivities from the Auditorium on the site here. I recall Mill Run being two shows, a Friday and Saturday thing, with Levon missing the Friday night show.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 23:25:20 CET 2002 from dialup-67.28.89.167.dial1.saintlouis1.level3.net (67.28.89.167)

MARCIES HOUSECLEANING SERVICE, TULSA

LOVE YOUR SITE!! PLEASE VISIT MINE!! SINGLE MOM OF 2 NEEDS WORK. HOUSECLEANING OVER 20 YRS. NOW. BASEBOARDS TO CEILING EDGES!! MOST HOMES ONLY $65.00 918-295-0040

Entered at Mon Dec 30 22:51:09 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Ed Voci

Subject: The "Con-flag-uration" , resistance by Southern whites and another story about The Band

Non-slave holding whites who opposed the civil war (“a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight”) resisted the war in many ways. First and foremost they refused to join the Confederate army or desserted from it. They also gave haven to runaway slaves, refused to pay war taxes and took up arms to defend themselves against the Confederate Army which mercilessly punished them. In the case of Jones County, Mississippi (“The Free State of Jones”) they voted to secede (!) from the Confederacy and raised their own flag to further distance themselves from the Confederate slavocracy. So, the meaning of the Conflag with respect to slavery and white supremacy was as important then as it is now.

Has anyone checked the commentary track on the TLW DVD release to see what RR had to say about the scene with the Conflag? That would have been the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.

Now the story. Around 1997 I sent Levon a set of lyrics about Jones County which I thought could be turned into a good song for The Band. I never expected to hear from them, but one night a couple months after I had sent the lyrics off to Woodstock, Levon called. My wife, Gina, who had helped with the lyrics, was up late working. She, who had told me initially not to get my hopes up, took the call in disbelief, thinking it was a friend playing a hoax. She ran into the bedroom and shook me out of a sound sleep. I relish good sleep and had made Gina promise me never, ever to wake me unless the house was on fire, the kids were on fire or some other dire emergency. "Levon Helm is on the phone! Levon Helm is on the phone!", she yelled shaking the hell out of me. I thought I was "in a dream", so to speak. I was nervous, foggy from sleep and thrilled to the bone all at the same time. Levon was excited about the possibilities with the song and we talked for a good while. He said he'd call back which he did the next week and our babysitter took the message. Well, time went by, Rick ran into his problem in Japan and Levon his problem with throat cancer. "Jubilation" came out, I heard the hoarseness in Levon's voice and I figured that was that. More time passed by and I saw that Rick Danko and Aaron Hurwitz were coming to Chicago. By that time I had recruited a friend to put music to the lyrics. Rick and Aaron gave a great show on Friday night at the Cubby Bear in Chicago. I was able to speak to Rick after the Saturday show at the Cubby Bear North. I had decided, what the hell, I'll give it a shot with the song. I had written the lyrics with Levon's southern drawl in mind, but to have Rick sing a song I had written would be devine. I gave Rick a tape of my song which he said he would listen to on the way back to Woodstock. Rick said he would be back in Woodstock by Wednesday and in the recording studio on the Thursday. I left the show that evening with a happy, gut feeling that something might just happen with the song. When I got home that night, I told Gina what happened (she rolled her eyes), but I also mentioned that I thought Rick did not look well. It was the following Friday, December 10, 1999 that I got the news about Rick's passing away Thursday night. For me it truly was the day the music died.

Happy 60th Rick and Happy New Years to all (listening to "Rock of Ages" tomorrow night is mandatory I would hope).

P.S. to Pat Brennan: I was at the Auditoriaum Theater show in '83 and the next night at the University of Chicago show which WXRT recorded. Two fabulous shows. I still have a poster from the UofC show. In '84 did you make it to the three shows at Mill Run Theater with that slowly rotating stage in the round?

P.P.S. on racism North and South: As Malcolm X said, "...as long as you are South of the Canadian border, you're 'South'!".

Entered at Mon Dec 30 22:38:49 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Jeff

Subject: Burrito Deluxe

Bones. That is the best musical newsI have heard in a long time. I consider Sneaky Pete and Garth Hudson to be two of the most innovative musical geniuses of our generation. Somehow both have managed to be original, unique, and innovative, yet play within the scopes of musical types (there might be a better way to say what I want to express). Hearing them playing together is going to be exceptional. Definitely something that would be a mindblower live.

do you have details as to the rest of the lineup. I would love to see any or all of the following musicians in this: Chris Hillman, Bernie Leadon, Al Perkins, Rick Poberts, Gene Parsons. Think about it: Chris on bass and vocals. Rick on rhythm and vocals.Al or Bernie on lead guitar and backup vox. Gene on drums and vocals. Gib Guibeau could surface on this, fiddle, vocals, as could Greg Harris, vox, fiddle, banjo, guitar, as well.

Thanks for the news.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 21:42:33 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

Entered at Mon Dec 30 21:15:16 CET 2002 from (216.88.34.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: Lincoln's Loyalists

Pat, a good book on Union support is Lincoln's Loyalists. I tcame out in the mid-nineties and if I weren't back in the office (less than a mile from home so my last post was from there over lunch)I'd give you the publishing info. FIRST WALTZ: bet that Taj Mahal show was at Toad's place. That is one artist I would love to see. I did see the Band at the Marquee theater in Norwalk, and Jefferson Starship (Kanter, Balin, Cassidy and Papa John Creech, who's hand I got to shake just a year prior to his passing) there.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 20:09:34 CET 2002 from adsl-64-171-211-91.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net (64.171.211.91)

Dawn Spicer

Subject: A letter for Blondie Chaplin

I am taking a serious risk when leaving this message. But I am the one who wrote to the website earlier this morning asking if someone could help me with relocating Blondie Chaplin. I want to leave my phone number: The best way to reach me is: (818)434-3677 I don't normally broadcast my personal information on websites such as this. You never know what could happen. But if anyone out there can help me, help me find my friend, or at least pass on my information to Blondie, it would be deeply appreciated. Blondie is a very kind hearted person who by sheer luck crossed paths with me recently but under private connections we lost communication. And as a friend I miss him tremendiously. Again, you can reach me at my personal email address if you'd like to respond to this message. It is: Dawn Spicer hrtbreakgrl@yahoo.com. Merry Christas - Happy Holidays and Happy Happy New Year! God Bless - Dawn Spicer =)

Entered at Mon Dec 30 20:03:54 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: Hank Williams -- The Lonesome Whippoorwill

New Year's Day, 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. In the early morning hours, somewhere on a snowy road between Bristol, Tenn. and Oak Hill W. Va., Hank Williams passed away in the back seat of a Cadillac. Rumor, myth and speculation have surrounded the circumstances of his death ever since that fateful day. Recently writer Jim Tharpe of the Atlanta Journal Constitution newpaper interviewed the only person who was with Hank Williams on that ride, Charles Carr. Mr. Carr was 17 at the time, filling in as a driver to help Hank Williams get to his next concert. Click on the above link to read Mr. Carr's informative recounting of events.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 19:40:27 CET 2002 from w0034362.partners.org (170.223.97.92)

First Waltz

Thanks for the nice comments. I never did see them in the 90's I did pick up the first reunion album but never caught a show after Richard died. I was out of Connecticut by then (originally from waterbury) and I did live in New Haven and Norwalk at different times too. Moved to Virgina for one year of college then back to various parts of new england. Some other shows i caught during the 80's Band era were the "Byrd Reunion" shows with Rick and Richard at Woodbury Ski and Raquet, with Blondie Chaplin and Rick Roberts of firefall, plus Gene Clark and Micheal clark of the Byrds. Hardly a reunion but a nice show of mixed songs from each of them. I caught the band with Taj Mahal somewhere, New Haven maybe..some small theater. I saw the Band at a summer show somewhere outside at a ski hill with many other artistin Mass must have been summer of 85, Happy Traum might have been there, I dont think I knew anyone else... In all I probably saw 12-15 shows with some configuration of Band members, Rick being the only one I have seen solo. Good memories.. whish they had been more productive studio wise in those days.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 19:27:15 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Subject: Charlie Young

After I sent that post I meant to mention Bruce Springsteen's '41 Shots' as a good commentary on the situation. PAT: You're right that the Lincoln statue issue may be too complex for the GB, but between you and me I feel such a statue strongly belongs in Richmond, both due to historical accuracy as well as Lincoln being a hero of mine and countless others. i always saw the irony that Lincoln walked the streets of Richmond virtually unguarded the week after it fell and nothing happened to him, but one week later back in DC where he should have been safe...

Entered at Mon Dec 30 19:19:48 CET 2002 from h-68-164-6-251.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.6.251)

Pat Brennan

An interesting aspect of Confederates In The Attic is Horwitz's discovery that the neo-Confederate movement is incredibly stong in areas where most Southerners had supported the Union during the war. As an adjunct, William Freehling's new study finds that one of the prime contributing factors to the South's defeat was the simple fact that a majority of the people there did not support the war or secession. West Virginia--which was part of Virginia when the war began-- was created because the population there had no interest in seceeding from the Union. East Tennessee was decidedly pro-Union and Kentucky contributed many more soldiers to the Federal war effort than to the Confederacy. Literally millions of Southerners who happened to be slaves voted with their feet, and many of them signed on with USCT units. Of course, only a third of the country supported the 1776 revolution.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 19:01:41 CET 2002 from h-68-164-6-251.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.6.251)

Pat Brennan

Sir Charles Young is correct in assuming the Washington Post (Liberal heathens!!!) is the source for the latest Confed flag/etc. twistings and turnings. I accessed it through MSNBC.com. The Lincoln statue in Richmond is probably beyond the purview of this GB.

Although Scorcese has no real need to be historically accurate with his art, I wouldn't be so quick to pin the placement in TLW of the Confederate flag on him. One of the more striking uses of flags was when the curtain came up at the Auditorium Theater here is beautiful Chicago to reveal the Band is Back lineup. Three flags hung over the boys and their friends: the American, Canadian, and the Japanese. And recall that Dylan made interesting use of the American flag in Paris in 1966. Perhaps one of you East Coasters could ask Levon or Garth about it.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 18:50:29 CET 2002 from (158.72.76.224)

SteveH

Subject: Rebels

Happy New Year to one and all.

If you're interested on how Americans view the Civil War today you could do a lot worse than read a book called "Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War" by Tony Horwitz. Here's a description of the book: "Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tony Horwitz returned from years of traipsing through war zones as a foreign correspondent only to find that his childhood obsession with the Civil War had caught up with him. Near his house in Virginia, he happened to encounter people who reenact the Civil War--men who dress up in period costumes and live as Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks. Intrigued, he wound up having some odd adventures with the "hardcores," the fellows who try to immerse themselves in the war, hoping to get what they lovingly term a "period rush." Horwitz spent two years reporting on why Americans are still so obsessed with the war, and the ways in which it resonates today. In the course of his work, he made a sobering side trip to cover a murder that was provoked by the display of the Confederate flag, and he spoke to a number of people seeking to honor their ancestors who fought for the Confederacy."

It's worth a read, I've linked to the Amazon page on the audio book above.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 17:32:01 CET 2002 from 1cust226.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.226)

Rollie

Subject: incarceration

....had just started reading Crabbies predictions when my door was kicked open and i was surrounded by marines who immediately rammed my head against the wall, and then brought in a huge stereo system and began wailing Neil Diamonds "Beautiful Noise" recording. I passed out and woke up on my knees with my hands tied behind my back and some weird contraption place over my head, which I can only assume was done to prevent me from detonating a dirty bomb.I was finally made to confess that I had been at the Last Waltz, and that ,yes, I had enjoyed the beaatnik poetry that had been read there, and that I had some ties to Bob Dylan but knew not his current whereabouts. I'm finally free to walk about(in between beatings and sessions of Neil Diamond) and have been allowed to get this one message out. I know my fellow GB'ers will take heart and perhaps attempt to rescue me from this dreadful hole.Please!!! Before the New Years!!! I need to get out in time throw on my "Rock of Ages" album in time for the New Years.----Jeffrey

Entered at Mon Dec 30 17:28:39 CET 2002 from adsl-64-171-211-91.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net (64.171.211.91)

Dawn Spicer

Subject: Need to get a message to Blondie Chaplin - please help!

To Whom This May Concern: I'm going with my heart on writing this message to the public, for you see I am not sure who can help me. But I am going to try - My name is Dawn Spicer and I am a friend of Blondie Chaplin's. The only sad part is that we lost communication about 2 months ago and I am hoping that one day he and I will come into communication again. To whom ever receives this message, I am not trying to cause any problems, etc. I only want to find a way of reuniting with Blonds. If anyone out there has anyway of contacting Blondie would you please give him my message, please let him know that I think of him almost every day, and truly miss him. He is a Beautiful person and it saddens me that we have lost one another. If you can help me, please respond by writing my email address: it is: Dawn Spicer hrtbreakgrl@yahoo.com then I can give out my personal home information for you to pass along to him. Again if you can help me, I would truly appreciate it. I hope you had a nice Christmas Holiday and all my best for the new year in 2003 - Happy New Year! Best Regards, Dawn Spicer

Entered at Mon Dec 30 17:17:13 CET 2002 from 1cust194.tnt3.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.153.194)

Charlie Young

Subject: Crabby's Predictions & More on Those Freakin' Flags...

I'm not sure if Crabby is the next Nostradamus or if he's just eaten too many of his special holiday brownies, but I do know that his material is funnier than anything Jay Leno has had to say lately.

Pat: I couldn't get your link to work, but I have a feeling that it is the same story as the one above from today's "Washington Post." The more I think about that Confederate battle flag in TLW, the more I think that it was just a prop placed there by Scorsese as a sort of symbol of the Southern roots of much of the music of The Band and an emblem of the group as "rebels" against the sort of trendy music of their time (what Robbie once called "jockstraps and feedback").

The historian who acted as a consultant for the new Scorsese film, "Gangs of New York," says that the director is much better at creating dramatic images than at sticking to the facts. Of course, Scorsese is an entertainer, not a documentary maker like Ken Burns. That flag may have also been intended by the filmmaker as an atmospheric backdrop with no more significance than the Orange Crush bottle or the famous fly (which may have been just air, after all).

On the race issue, I agree completely with JTull Fan that there is just as much (if not more) racism in the North as the South. In fact, a recent study whoed that the most racially integrated community in the US is around Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, thanks to government enforcement of fair housing laws. I lived in metro New York for eight years and witnessed more racial discrimination there than I ever experienced down here in Old Virginny...

Entered at Mon Dec 30 17:14:46 CET 2002 from (216.88.34.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: Pat, your link isn't working. Is it the Lincoln/Richmond thing?

Entered at Mon Dec 30 17:12:52 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

How about those JETS!

Entered at Mon Dec 30 16:24:14 CET 2002 from h-68-164-11-217.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.11.217)

Pat Brennan

Subject: More Confederama

Check the link. The saga continues...

Entered at Mon Dec 30 15:57:19 CET 2002 from dsc04-cir-oh-5-235.rasserver.net (198.211.102.235)

Jenny T

Forgot to mention the most important thing: The concert's purpose is to raise awareness regarding global warming.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 15:54:22 CET 2002 from dsc04-cir-oh-5-235.rasserver.net (198.211.102.235)

Jenny T

Didja miss me? Guess not. I have been busy watching the movie Unfaithful over and over again. Mostly just the parts with Olivier Martinez--after he dies I kind of lose interest.

Just thought some GBers might be interested to know that the Rolling Stones are staging a free concert in LA on Feb. 6 at 8 PM at the Staples Center. You can register to win free tickets from Natural Resources Defense Council (http://www.nrdcstonesconcert.org/) though I don't think airfare is included.

Entered at Mon Dec 30 15:34:57 CET 2002 from citrix5.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.9)

John Cass

Subject: weather

what is the weather going to be like for the 12-31-02 trip???

traveling from Rutland, VT

Entered at Mon Dec 30 06:28:18 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp189844.sympatico.ca (64.229.1.3)

brown eyed girl

I felt like watching the Hawk video where all three remaining Band members are shown talking a bit about Ronnie.....In short....Levon is shown saying that he's so glad that Ronnie is appreciated by Canadians and so happy that he was inducted into Canadian Walk of Fame..........Garth was talking how no one could follow Ronnie and his band in 1958/9....Ronnie's Hawks were a super group who were intelligent and showed a crafty presentation.....(must be referring to those flips of Ronnie's!....:-D).....Robbie states that whether the Hawk knows it or not.....He was a very good teacher of good things and bad.....He didn't draw the line between good and bad and so you had to learn it all.....Robbie was only 16 and the first Canadian guy.....Robbie laughs as he remembers.......

The Hawk stated The Band were probably The TIGHTEST BAND that he ever played with day and night and that's why.....They could cover Dylan's mistakes because The Band could think like one.....They could look at one another and shift with it.....Here's to.....The Hawk!..Musician.....Teacher.....Supporter.....Friend.....Negotiator.....Still Rompin'!

Here's to.....The Band..........

Talented musicians who played Timeless music....Robbie, Levon, Richard, Rick, Garth
Hypnotized other musicians and fans
Embraced many genres of music

Beated to their own drums
Authentic
Needed to share with the world exceptional stories, musicianship and singing
Determined to leave a musical legacy....INSPIRED EVERYONE TO BE THE BEST THEY COULD BE!....

Good night.....Good-bye....or was it.....Good-bye....Good night.....;-D

Entered at Mon Dec 30 06:07:27 CET 2002 from 1cust56.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.56)

Crabgrass' Amazing Predictions for 2003!!

Okay, I just can't stand to keep you waiting any longer so here they are:

1. Dylan's new flick will open and bomb big time at the box office. Film critics will trash it although music critic Griel Marcus will laud it as "a minor cinematic masterpiece rife with multi-layered symbolism."

2. The Barn Burners (known in New Jersey as the Levon Helm Blues Band) will release their long overdue debut album, not!

3. A frequent contributor to the Band Guestbook will be abducted by the CIA, stripped of his civil rights, branded an "enemy combatant," and detained at an undisclosed location never to be heard from again.

4. Michael Jackson's nose will fall off while moonwalking during a LIVE international pay-per-view cablecast but he will stick it back on and finish his dance routine. A DVD of the special will be released with the nose incident edited out resulting in an unprecedented avalanche of "store returns."

5. The Band will only be mentioned in the Band Guestbook a total of 7 times in all of 2003 and not at all during the following year.

6. Missing Aussie singing sensation Nicky Love will suddenly re-surface and no one will notice.

7. As a gesture of good will, Saddam Hussein will release one of the United Nations weapons inspector hostages during Ramadon.

8. Robbie Robertson will be the target of a class action lawsuit by Chinese-Americans for penning "Shootout In Chinatown" but will claim on the witness stand that the song was actually a group collaboration and that his contribution was limited soley to part of the melody line.

9. Bob Dylan will record a hip-hop album completely in Yiddish which will soar to the top of the Billboard charts.

10. The Fabulous Fabian, Chubby Checker, and The Fugs will be named as 2004 inductees into the RRHOF.

11. P. Diddy will receive a Special Grammy for having the largest and rudest entourage in the entire recording industry. Ivana Trump will present the award.

12. *NSYNC song and dance boy Lance Bass will finally be launched into space by the Russians after personally raising the required 20 million dollar fee by breaking open one of his piggy banks.

13. After a public rift with the Jehovah's Witnesses, Prince (f/k/a The Artist Formerly Known As Prince) will fly to Sweden for a sex change operation, release a new album under the name Princess, and appear nude on the cover.

14. Cellular phones will become obsolete soon after a new brain-implanted personal telepathic communication device goes on the market during the month of August.

15. Rush Limbaugh and Britney Spears will...

[Whew!! Gee, I guess that's it - everything has suddenly "gone cloudy."]

Entered at Mon Dec 30 04:18:20 CET 2002 from 1cust39.tnt4.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.201.50.39)

Charlie Young

Subject: Bob & Eric & Emmylou

I've heard a couple of mentions this month of a version of Bob Dylan singing "Silent Night." Does anyone know anything about this or is it just one of those urban legends?

I watched the new Eric Clapton concert DVD, "One More Car, One More Rider (Live on Tour 2001) this afternoon and enjoyed it a lot. It may be Eric's best band ever, with both Billy Preston and David Sancious (who played on the first two Springsteen albums) on keys and the great Steve Gadd on drums.

Speaking of DVDs and TLW performers, Emmylou Harris has an all-too-fleeting bit part in the new Paul McCartney concert DVD. She's seen backstage with Sir Paul, harmonizing on an impromptu take of "Here, There and Everywhere."

Entered at Mon Dec 30 02:28:57 CET 2002 from 1cust249.tnt7.adl1.da.uu.net (63.12.9.249)

Grand Webmaestro

Subject: Hi CyberBuddy!

Very nice website. Please visit my website. Happy New Year!!! :)

Entered at Sun Dec 29 23:55:42 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Ed = nice post - very cool.

Lil = I don't know if you'll read this before you head north, but- I drove from FLA. to NY earlier this year. I decided that I couldn't stand the site of I-95 anymore. I veered west in S.Carolina (I was visiting someone in N.C. also), but I ended up picking up I-77 north, and I went through some of the most gorgeous country anywhere as I went through Virginia on 77. Then you can pick up I-81 north and decide where you want to head back north-east toward upstate NY ( I-80 is the way I went). It might add some mileage to your drive, but it won't take any more time 'cause you avoid all those horrible stretches of 95. Plus you'll just feel good going through much nicer scenery than 95 offers. I'm teeling ya, that run on I-77 through Virginia is stunning.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 22:58:16 CET 2002 from (129.237.250.26)

Ray Pence

Hello--now THAT's a good remembrance--one of the best contributions I've read here. AT's horns on "Dixie," the Staples on "Weight," and Muddy on "Mannish Boy" are at the top of the highlights from Last Waltz...all of which complicates the flag issue, which you explore in very enlightening fashion...Thank you.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 21:57:43 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Ed Voci

Subject: Allen Toussaint, TNTDODD, the Confederacy

Sometime in the mid to late 1980's at the New Orleans jazz fest, I had the opportunity to ask Allen Toussaint about how his horn arrangements for "Rock of Ages" had come about. He was most gracious and genuinely flattered by my inquiry. He said, though, that the biggest compliment about his work on "Rock of Ages" had come from Bob Dylan who at that time told Toussaint that his arrangements had given him, Dylan, for the first time a great appreciation for "light horns". There's also a funny story about how Toussaint hooked up with The Band which I'll get to in a moment.

I was also interested in knowing how he, as an African American artist, felt about TNTDODD given that some people interpreted the song as an apology for the defeat of the Confederacy. He said he did not interpret the song in the manner, that it was a lament about the tragedy of the war and the toll it took (..."they should never have taken the very best"). Then he quickly added that he was "a Southerner" and had a love and passion for the romance of the South, its lore and history. I immediately flashed to the Confederate flag hanging on the wall in TLW. Although I'm firmly in the camp that believes the Confederate flag generally and predominantly is and has been a symbol and code word for racism and white supremacy, I had repeatedly defended its appearance in TLW as an expression by The Band (or at least by RR) as an obvious, albeit naive, expression of appreciation for Southern music. (I'd also point out that we're talkin' about guys who barely graduated high school, had left home at an early age to be rock muscians, were not always, shall we say, clear thinking and were largely Canadian. Of course, on this last point, admittedly weak point, my opponents would immediately through Levon in my face.) In any event, I have not visited this guestbook in awhile and appreciate very much the discussion that has taken place on this issue. (I suppose at this point Tent Lott won't see a need to add his two cents.)

Now the story from Toussaint about how The Band hooked up with him. When The Band found themselves in New Orleans, they wanted to find and work with Toussaint, but they did not know how to get in contact with him. So, (and I gotta believe this was Rick Dank's idea) they rang up the sheriff who, of course, was familiar with the legendary Toussaint and was happy to oblige. But, Toussaint did not know this when he saw the sheriff's car pull up outside his place. Thinking it was trouble, he hid and did not answer the door. Eventually, the benign purpose of the sheriff's call became evident and the historic connection between Tossaint and The Band was made. The rest, as they say, is history.

And, yeah, I live for those light horns at least once month if not more often. (And no where are they better than on "Rock 'n Roll Shoes.")

Entered at Sun Dec 29 21:39:43 CET 2002 from dap-209-114-164-141.nfas.monroe-tnt-1.sns234.pa.stargate.net (209.114.164.141)

Mary (bear)

Subject: Rick

Just wanted to mention that I miss Rick who had the voice of an angel. He would have been 60 today......he should have been here with all of us. Well Happy Birthday to you Rick up there in heaven partying away. Just wanted to mention that. Have a safe trip home Lil and I wish all my fellow band fan buddies a safe and Happy New Year.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 20:33:48 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Bumbles

Subject: Hometown News & Views (Martin Scorsese Et Allaya)

Good to see in the “Woodstock Times” that Levon now has a “pretty balanced” view of the feud. Sounds like he's finally let it go: “[B]asically we got ripped off from the Last Waltz. By Robbie, Martin Scorcese [sic], et all [sic].”

Entered at Sun Dec 29 19:37:33 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

paul

Subject: levon and robbie

will you guys get over what is ever in between the two of you and get back to what you guys and garth do make great freakin music.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 18:06:10 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

JTull Fan

Subject: just a few last thoughts on regional racism

I am a Richmonder for quite a while now, but as I've said before I was born a Yankee and graduated high school in West Haven, CT, which is a working class part of the New Haven area, so I have had the opportunity to observe the social structures in both north and south. I can report that in some ways, the south is far better than the north, and in some ways worse in terms of race relations. The south has 'the history'of race problems, segregation, etc., but one of the first things I have noticed upon relocating here and when I visit areas like Amanda's beautiful Charleston area and Savannah, are that blacks and whites seem to get along in public far easier than up north. I tend to see MORE, not less interacial dating down here. In CT, which is heavily Italian/Irish, Puerto Rican, and black, the races seldom mingled socially. In high school, looking at someone of the wrong race (even innocently) could cause a fight in the hallways to break out. The Italian kids(who allied themselves with the irish and vice-versa) frequently joined illegal fraternities which were really street gangs who would frequently get into on and off campus fights with the black kids who would do the same. The hockey team was really an Irish/italian fraternity frequently would be invlovled with fights with the basketball team, which was black. The football team was another story altogether. Things got so bad at one point (1986) that the KKK actually had a rally at our school. Things were very, very uncomfortable. This is New Haven, guys, and we didn't need a Confederate flag as a symbol of hatred to create ill feelings all by ourselves. Fortunately I was the type to keep to myself and not get involved, but still things were frequently uncomfortable. I remember too a famous incident in Boston in the 70's when bussing was an issue, and a white protester used the an American flagpole (with the metal eagle on top) to spear a black demonstrator.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 17:43:20 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

When I was a kid in High school, and someone sported the Confederate flag, it meant that they were into Skynard and the Allman Brothers.

Where exactly is that flag hanging in TLW? - is it in Shangri-La?

Entered at Sun Dec 29 17:40:33 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

DZ Agin

Entered at Sun Dec 29 17:01:24 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

Hi, I didn't notice you and I had found the same information regarding Iraq until I scrolled down...I like the way you think...Peace.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 16:54:50 CET 2002 from du-tele3-098.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.98)

Peter Viney

Jan- I do know what a huge task trawling the archives to compile bits into articles would be. I really meant that Al’s Big Pink essay was worthy of separating out as an article, as some other posts have been extracted as articles from time to time. Any retrospective look through the archives would be the task for someone with a lot of time and a broadband connection. What I do is clip out items that refer to any songs I’ve done articles about so they can be incorporated if I revise them.

Yazooman – hard to say what racism’s like from my English perspective. I do see more “mixed couples” walking around in the UK than in the USA. Also, there isn’t a definite accent marker here as there is with Black American English, even though young Afro-Carribbeans tend nowadays to adopt a kind of modified Jamaican accent (regardless of their origins). People of all races are quite likely to have the British regional accent of their home town. I haven’t seen the same mindless yob culture (which has racist connections) in the USA, but I guess I’ve been more circumspect about where I’ve been!

As symbols go, we were always perplexed at our local hospital (demolished about 20 years ago) because the late-Victorian marble floors had swastikas inset at regular intervals. It seems the symbol (which I thought was Tibetan in origin) is an ancient symbol of both “well-being” and “luck”. I guess you hoped for the first and trusted in the second in Victorian hospitals. In the 50s and 60s there was talk of gouging out the symbols because they’d been hijacked by the Nazis, but I guess it was too expensive and in any case the hospital was nearing the end of its useful life. But isn’t there something about the direction of the arms? But symbols change and if I saw a skinhead approaching me with a swastika tatooed on his forehead, I’d be under no illusion that he was wishing me well-being. Whatever the confederate flag may mean, I’m sure The Band saw it as a regional symbol with romantic connotations. There’s a story or two in Levon’s book- doesn’t he say he was embarassed because the Canadian members wouldn’t understand the attitude of the local police to their jam with Sonny Boy Williamson? I think being Canadian might cast a romantic “Gone With the Wind” glow round the Confederate flag as it does here in the UK. I’ve recommended the hilarious “Heartache Spoken Here” by Stephen Walsh before. It details his adventures in the British C&W scene, where it’s a frequent symbol.

There’s a comparison with the English Civil War of 1641-45. In retrospect, popular opinion tends to prefer the dashing long-haired Cavaliers (Royalists) to the dour, religiously-obsessed Roundheads (Parliamentarians). Take out the obnoxious Puritanism, and most people would far prefer the Roundheads’ political views to those of the Royalists (and they had close allies among American Puritans and their heartland was the areas of England that produced most Mayflower travellers), but they didn’t dress as well, they banned Christmas and dancing and they weren’t a lot of fun. And they carried pikes rather than swords (maybe how Ben chose his name …). In the same way there is a romantic view of the South which predates the use of the flag as a racist symbol – we actually refer to the Southern leaders as “Cavaliers” and “real Southern gentlemen”. That view is still pervasive … from a distance. Being myth-makers, The Band were displaying the myth- not the unpleasant later realties.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 16:42:09 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

Have a safe drive home Lil... and remember to check those CD cases before you start out... speaking of books, I'm really loving the Hawk's book by Goddard & Hawkins... just got it yesterday and I'm already about half way through... and Peter, I picked up Aunt Julia & the Scriptwriter for 2 bucks... and it's a scream... I'm about half way through that too... Now I can't wait til I'm in my 50's a.k.a. the prime of one's existence...

Entered at Sun Dec 29 15:48:44 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

You have a misguided perception of the southern United States. I have lived here all my life and have never been taught to hate or judge anyone by the color of their skin. I definitely didn't grow up with any fixation on a Confederate flag. There is hate and evil everywhere--within any race. I feel sad that you have those sorts of images of a land that I love so much. If you ever visit the U.S., please come my way and we'll see the beautiful cities of Charleston and Savannah. I'll take you to Daufuskie Island where the true spirit of the Gullah heritage resides. You will see what Southern Hospitality is all about and I promise you--you will not be afraid.

Happy New Year to you all!!

Entered at Sun Dec 29 15:43:23 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

Subject: In Memory of Rick Danko...

A story about "people of conscience" (click on "My Link" above).

Entered at Sun Dec 29 15:14:58 CET 2002 from cache-ink2-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.4)

Al Edge

Have mailed you twice - obviously not got thro for some reason. Many thanks for the wonderful cd - the contrast between the sparsity of the solos and the full blown stuff is stunning. Great to hear Richard and Rick in fine fettle. Sad that Gene's voice is so hoarse - probably similar to how it was on Gypsy Angel in the aftermath of his operation - even so he proves what a trooper he was.

BTW your address was obliterated on the package so can you send it me by e-mail and I'll send you that rare Gene stuff I mentioned plus a copy of Bruce's latest Christmas Stone Pony gigs which I've just come by - it's a good laugh.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 14:26:04 CET 2002 from proxys.ord.marketscore.com (170.224.224.38)

BPPink

Subject: Happy New Year

Being a lurker who posts about once a year, usually around this time I would like to wish all Band fans a great new year.

I was also very interested to read in the foreword of a new Charles de Lint book (one of my favourite authors) that while he was writing this book he was listening to (amongst a lot of other very interesting music) a great deal of Robbie Robertson's Music for the Native Americans and Contact from the Underworld of Redboy. Charles de Lint writes my favourite kind of book, full of music, magic and offbeat people.

Thanks to all those who make the Guestbook such an interesting place for lurkers like myself.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 12:57:34 CET 2002 from 119-pool1.ras11.flwpb.alerondial.net (206.148.164.119)

Lil

On what would've been...should've been...Rick's 60th birthday...I think of him with both smiles and tears.. and I miss him....

Wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy new year before I get on the road back to New York. Florida's a nice place to visit, but I can't wait to click my snow-covered heels 3 times and say "there's no place like home.."

Happy New Year folks! Hug Jan.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 10:12:45 CET 2002 from (203.197.126.107)

Yazooman

Happy New Year to all Bandland denizens.....may you stay Forever Young !!

Fred: Swastika is a sacred Hindu symbol as well. I can say with pretty much certainty that it was borrowed into Buddhism from Hinduism. After all India was the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism (among other religions). Since Hinduism is the oldest of the lot (no founders as such and nobody really knows when) the other religions are highly influenced by its concepts, motifs etc. In my house we have some Swastika symbols.

From the experiences of my family I can pretty much say that Britain is regarded as more racist than the US. However from what I have gathered, even in the US, people tend to mix only within their own respective races most of the time - whites with whites, blacks with blacks and browns with browns. Not to say that this is the rule, but that this is what happens mostly.

Also the Confederate flag is pretty much regarded by most people worldwide as a symbol of slavery and racism. Whether that is fair or unfair, right or wrong, accurate or not.....is not important. Thats what people think so. Most people do not research into the Civil War like Pat or would be aware of the details of the Civil War like Mr. Viney. The Dixie flag stood for racist beliefs - thats what people all over the world believe. Whether you like it or not. Period.

In the US, I wud be dead scared to enter a shop that hung the confederate flag outside. In fact if I ever goto the South of the US, I wud make sure I knew which places were safe and which were not. Maybe thats not fair, but thats the way at least most people in these parts of the world wud see it. I know of people who have faced many racist taunts in the south of US. One girl I know was so emotionally scarred that her mother had to come back to India, while the father still works in the US. This might hurt a few I know, but its better to know the truth how people do view things. Mr. John Birch would have no problems, but Supratik Chaudhuri most likely would.

Watch American History X and see how the Confederate flag symbolises racism.

Peace and love

Supratik

PS. The Band were ill-advised to put up the flag. One of the reaons I wud think twice to see a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert is because I have seen concert videos of theirs with people moving around with the confederate flag. I find that insulting and scary. My problem being with the audience and not the band.

PS2. Thankfully ABB's got Jaimoe

Entered at Sun Dec 29 10:12:57 CET 2002 from user-uinj05b.dialup.mindspring.com (165.121.128.171)

Catskill

Subject: Oops!

That should have been Bob Reichers and not Bob Rykers. Sorry Bob :-)

Entered at Sun Dec 29 09:27:47 CET 2002 from user-uinj05b.dialup.mindspring.com (165.121.128.171)

Catskill

Subject: TLW

Rollie - thanks to you and the rest for sharing your first hand stories of The Last Waltz. I don't think anyone that was there would forget that night. There are alot of interesting moments from TLW, one of my favorite was during "I Shall Be Released", when Richard Manuel sings the next verse from Dylan, and everyone on stage was looking around to find exactly where that deep soulful voice was coming from. He had a great range as a singer for Blues, Rock, and Gospel. Gone too soon. Let's give a hand to Bob Ryker for the Nighthawks show on WOMR for Dylan and The Band. I enjoy the show. I called in from Portland. It's always great to connect with others that appreciate their music as much as I do, and prevent this fire that was started by The Hawk/The Band/Dylan from going out. I hope to see Levon and the Barn Burners sometime in 2003.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 08:21:52 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0213.dialsprint.net (63.187.168.213)

Rollie

Subject: Human shields in Iraq

Decorated Gulf War vet to act as human shield in Iraq.(see link)

Entered at Sun Dec 29 08:03:31 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

the same can be said for colours. Let's say I'm walking down a street in Italy wearing a balck shirt, someone could call me a fascist because I'm wearing a black shirt..a colour associated with Italian right-wingers...when in reality I just happen to like the colour black (although, I'm sure someone will point out that black isn't really a colour..to which I'll respond: picky,picky,picky)

there are many more examples of this, but I won't go on.

On a different note...that cloning of The Band does sound like a good idea!! As long as we can delete from the DNA "The Moon Struck One"!!

Entered at Sun Dec 29 08:00:53 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0213.dialsprint.net (63.187.168.213)

Rollie

Wait till you see the pics of Skip and me from Christmas!Talk about spikin the punch!!!

Entered at Sun Dec 29 07:36:21 CET 2002 from px1wh.vc.shawcable.net (24.69.255.202)

cupid

Happy New year all my old Band bud's. Whether you be a Levonist or a Robertsonian or a Manuelarin like myself may the new year be Peaceful. Rollie you magnificent bastard hope you and Skip have a great time..make sure he doesn't spike the punch again this year. Browneyed girl you doll..talk to ya soon.

Joe Strummer we'll miss you my prayers go out to Lucy and the kids. Be safe y'all..

Entered at Sun Dec 29 06:40:58 CET 2002 from 1cust163.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.163)

Crabgrass

Subject: Cloning THE BAND

With human cloning now proven possible (click "My link" above), why not put this scientific breakthrough to good use by creating a cloned version of The Band?

The boys could be raised in the Big Pink house by rotating shifts of volunteers from amongst the pool of Guestbook posters, taught to play their respective instruments, and by the time they are 18 or so sent out to entertain new generations of Band fans across the country and around the world!! Eventually, when the cloned Band members got weary of life on the road, a new batch could simply be cloned to take their place - a process which could be repeated indefinitely.

This website should play a crucial role, of course, by establishing a non-profit foundation for the purpose of raising funds to buy Big Pink and build a local cloning facility nearby.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 05:37:03 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Bumbles

Subject: A Proud Heritage of Ignorance, Brutality, Treason, Defeat & Humiliation

The Confederate flag is the symbol of a political entity that was in all ways vile and contemptible. Its display outside a museum is always unfortunate and usually hateful. Any attempt to view it as a charming “regional symbol” ignores the approximately one third of that region‘s inhabitants who happen to be African-American. The best that can said about its appearance in “The Last Waltz” is that it’s no doubt more a matter of stupidity or thoughtlessness than racism or warped nostalgia.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 04:39:10 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

J.L.B.

Entered at Sun Dec 29 03:36:14 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: JRR

J.L.B. - That's an easy answer.

A die hard Levonista would pronounce it, "Bas-turd".

Many Levonista's simply perfer to ignore his first name and only refer to him as "Robertson".

One or two staunch Robertsonians might say it, "God".

Actually, his first name is pronounced, "Jay-me".

Entered at Sun Dec 29 02:28:27 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

J.L.B.

Subject: Robbie Robertson

How do you pronounce Robbie's first name?

Entered at Sun Dec 29 01:15:16 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Entered at Sun Dec 29 00:35:21 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0295.dialsprint.net (63.187.169.41)

rollie

Subject: this from the man who waved to Stevie Wonder

Entered at Sun Dec 29 00:23:08 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

The Confederate Battle Flag represents the Southern struggle for independence. The racists and psychotics have used it to stir up old wounds and show hatred towards the black race. My grandfather told me that the flag was very important to battle because wherever the flag was waving was the most dangerous scene of battle. I live in South Carolina for heavens sake and we are not embroiled in any type of racial brawl here--at least where I am standing. Black and white men and women work together, raise our children together, play sports and exercise together, volunteer in the schools with each other--celebrate together. The most fabulous thing that the black community is organizing here is a celebration of their Gullah heritage during the month of February. They celebrate their strength and power for the future. I plan on attending as many activities as I can. I know I have mentioned the Gullah culture once, but if you have a chance vist www.gullahcelebration.com--you can learn about really special people. There is also a movie you can rent called Conrack--it is from a book written by Pat Conroy.

I am so excited about Bearsville and Butch's good news makes it even better. I'll be leaving early Monday morning. I have really wanted to get up that way for a long time. I kept telling myself that the RIGHT show would come around and look what happened!! See ya'll Yankees--;O)--in a few days!!!

Entered at Sun Dec 29 00:13:39 CET 2002 from dialup-166.90.70.106.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.70.106)

Pat Brennan

Robert E. Lee thought so little of memorializing Confederate artifacts that he encouraged people to ofrget about the war and take on their responsibilities as United States citizens. He never took part in any war memorializing and told one woman who was nursing a tree that had been hit by Federal artillery to tear it down. My sense is that Lee would be very uncomfortable with the battle flags flying at his gravesite.

The Confederate battle flag has a longer history of use by racist groups than it did as a Confederate icon. That is the flag's unfortunate history. Shelby Foote has rightly pointed out that South's allowing of racist yahoos to highjack the battle flag was a terrible miscalculation, something that can't be removed by some nice words. From the massive marches of the KKK--hardly a fringe group in the early 20th century--to Thurmond's Dixiecrats and segregationists, the flag came to represent racist, segregationist sentiment. There is simply no way to talk your way around it.

Interestingly, many have recently tried to win the flag back. Southern rock groups used it to identify themselves with the region, which is no doubt the Band's intention in TLW. Heritage groups that decry racism and segregation have also tried this same approach. They are fighting cultural tides, but God bless them all, although I am shocked to discover that God's Son is a fat liar.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 23:02:02 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Joe

Subject: New Years Eve......Bearsville

Great way to start 2003.."Year of the Blues" !!! It keeps gettin' better.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 23:00:42 CET 2002 from quebec-hse-ppp3612829.sympatico.ca (65.93.193.196)

brown eyed girl

Do you ever go so far as to do research for songs?

Robbie:....."And I always thought, I'm from Canada, and I'm the one who wrote "TNTDODD". It wasn't some guy from Clarksdale, Mississippi. Because I came in fresh and said "My God, look at this" and they were saying "What? What's the big deal?" I'm saying "This is extraordinary! This is brother against brother! This is the first revolution! This is the first revolution from a young, foolish country that made it possible for there to be a Chinese Revolution and a Russian Revolution and a French Revolution. These people never knew it would work before that! This is fantastic! And it's sad and uplifting (The CONTRADICTIONS Ray referred to in his posts) and its got every emotion that I can imagine in it." It's what made me want to write the song, just by coming in."

Is there a song or even a moment that you think is more revealing of yourself than any other here?

"Well, a lot of it is personal..."Fallen Angel" is a very, very personal song to me and was very hard for me to work on emotionally. But probably the most autobiographical thing that I've ever done in my life is "Testimony", just from my point of view. I feel more naked singing that song than any of them"......

Well...back to listening to Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich........

Entered at Sat Dec 28 22:45:25 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

O man Butch... I wish the heck I could be there... darn it all... anyway, you have a great great GREAT time man... I just can't make the math work... for a while... dag nabit, $%#@!.... ^%$#!...*&^?":(*$!!!!...

Entered at Sat Dec 28 22:19:43 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull fan

Subject: Ray Pence

Ray, I will take you up on your offer, but give me some time, as it is the weekend. My email is us2inva@excite.com. Concerning the reemergence of the battle flag during the 50's, yes, that was part of the anti-desegregation movement, but it does not honor the original heritage of the flag. There are native groups in Canada, particularly in the northern territories, with a bitter history with Canada, yet I do not see anyone coming to their defense over the display of the Maple Leaf in TLW. I do not fault anyone for this ommission, rather I think it just points out that we all have blind spots and every historical thread has it's tawdrier aspects. The Confederate battle flag? How many of you knew that large numbers of Cherokees fought for the confederacy because of the way the union had treated them in removing them from their native North Carolina lands? How many of you know that a large number of free blacks in the south owned slaves themsleves, as did the aforementioned cherokees?(Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia, Ervin L. Jordan Jr., 1995, University of VA Press)Neither of these circumstances justifies slavery or racism on any grounds, but I bring them up because our collective history is a complex one where the lines of right and wrong are not always as neat and tidy as we would wish. Simply banishing a symbol like the confederate battle flag or others is dangerous to me because it suggests a simplicity that never existed and a convenient solution where no such convenience exists. I think a little discomfort and awkwardness is good every so often, as it requires us to constantly rexamine ourselves, our society, and our place in it. If seeing the confederate battle flag causes such discomfort, then it also causes us to reaffirm our values of national unity and equality. If you still disagree, then I'm fine with that too.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:49:42 CET 2002 from c143wn2.wifi.halden.net (194.69.211.143)

jh

OK. Someone (hi, Peter) compile a list of entries that should be selected for the archives, then. Yes?

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:45:36 CET 2002 from du-tele3-124.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.124)

Peter Viney

Geoff, would you consider a Texan musician playing before the Lone Star flag to be displaying racism? I’d guess not. Yet Texas was a slave-holding state. Mexicans and Native-Americans might consider the flag to be a symbol of oppresion. Texas was in a unique position among the Confederate states in that (from memory- correct me if I'm wrong) it had retained the right to secede when it joined the Union, so unlike the other Confederate states, Texas was not technically “in rebellion”. I think when The Band chose to display a Confederate flag, it should be equated with a Texas group playing in front of its regional flag, rather than as a racist message. However, it might have been a thoughtless move and if the connotations had been pointed out, I’d guess they’d have been appalled.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:45:44 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

butch

This will be Hubert's 1st appearance since his lung was removed last month, from cancer,

Jimmy Vivino & The Barn Burners too of course,,,& Levon leading the band,,,

then when Jimmy , Randy & Sid join in, with the rest of the weider band,, it will be too cool for mere mortals,,,

so bring your dancin shoes,,,, the music is rising again,,,

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:39:16 CET 2002 from 1cust54.tnt3.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.153.54)

Charlie Young

Subject: God...and Signed Books

According to that 1960's scrawl on a London wall, Clapton was God back then, but later George Burns played the role. Rush Limbaugh doesn't look like the son of either, and reliable sources say that he was the offspring of a wealthy, politically-connected lawyer.

Meanwhile, Limbaugh's diminishing influence can be seen in the freefall of the value of signed hardcover first editions of his books. For years these have sold for cover value or less, but there is a new low price for one on Bookfinder.com right now, priced at $2.00 American. Meanwhile a signed first printing of the second edition of Bob Dylan's lyrics book is currently priced at three THOUSAND dollars...

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:27:28 CET 2002 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:24:17 CET 2002 from quebec-hse-ppp3612829.sympatico.ca (65.93.193.196)

brown eyed girl

Ray: You not only have intelligence but show a willingness to use it....Your posts always evince insightfulness that brings me back to this Guest Book.....Thank you! Btw....What is your dissertation about?

The song of the earth is a symphony

Every player

Every instrument

Every note plays its own special part

In the harmony of this unique and inspiring planet.

Earth Song.....Happy Irie New Year to all Music and Band fans!

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:14:52 CET 2002 from du-tele3-017.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.17)

Peter Viney

Speaking as a foreigner- I see the Confederate flag as a mark of identification with the South AS A WHOLE, not as a racist symbol, and for sure the group that backed Muddy Waters at TLW harboured no racist views. Didn’t they display the Confederate flag AND the Canadian flag in Vancouver? I do take Ray’s point that it would be insensitive to display this flag if you had black friends to dinner, but the flag represents a region too. C&W musicians in the UK tend to have the stars and bars as bumper stickers, and just as the Welsh and Scots like to display the dragon or the St Andrews cross here in the UK, I see it as a regional symbol, not as a racist one. I don’t see the Welsh dragon (for instance) as “anti-English” but simply as pride in Welsh identity.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 21:08:45 CET 2002 from (129.237.250.26)

Ray Pence

rpence3@sunflower.com

(That's my e-mail address for anyone, not just JTull fan, who wants to discuss this off list...don't want to clutter up the GB or take away from the enjoyment, so this will be my last word on the flag issue here)

I wouldn't call you a racist if you, for instance, made a principled and logically sound argument against, for instance, affirmative action. Could you imagine a situation in which someone could argue, with principle and logic, that the Confederate flag is a racist flag, without your dismissing and trivializing their argument as "political correctness"? Or have you already decided that any opposition to the flag is PC BS, so therefore, why bother to listen?

Doesn't sound like democracy's dialogue to me...

If you were to invite a black family to your home for dinner and you had that flag hanging in your dining room, would you leave it up?

Would people who think Indian sports mascots are just good All-American fun call an Indigeneous person a "redskin" to his or her face?

I'll repeat what I said earlier: I think the flag stands for racism. But I know the Band aren't racists. There's a contradiction there I'll never be able to resolve.

Nothing and no one is (or should be) immune to criticism in these United States, not even the "innocent" actions of my favorite Band.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 20:30:31 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

J.L.B

Subject: confederate flag

I don't understand why people are so offended when they see the Confederate flag.What the heck I got one in my room,but that don't mean I'm for slavery.The Confederate flag is a flag for the sounthern people.The south lost(whether we like it or not),at least let us keep our flag.please excuse my bad typing.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 20:05:22 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull fan

Subject: sensitive, sensitive.

The Confederate flag is an historic, not a racist symbol. Save your sense of outrage for the racists who have coopted it, not for a battle flag. Slavery existed for only 4 years and 3 months in the Confederacy, while the Union had it for 'Four score and seven years', yet we don't associate that flag with racism. (Stop, yes, I know some on the fringes will but I am not addressing them) The KKK continues to burn crosses, yet we how many of you wear or know people who wear jewelry with the crucifix on it? I think we are failing to consider the source here. Clearly, the Band were not displaying the Confederate Battle flag as a symbol of some type of pro-racist dogma, and the fact that we would wince at it, coming from these 5 guys whose reputations we know and trust, points to the ridiculous extent political correctness has reached.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 19:58:00 CET 2002 from h00104c1150c6.ne.client2.attbi.com (66.30.166.195)

jim

Subject: The Last waltz

I agree, you can't look at 1976 through 2003 glasses. Back then the flag, as has been said mayhave offended some, but certainly wasn't as offensive as people find it today, because ithas been identified soley with racism in 2003, and back then it was more or less just a symbol of the south. The Boys in The Band were the last men on earth you would call racist....

Entered at Sat Dec 28 19:24:48 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Ca;vin

I for one have a very hard time putting 2003 criterion on 1976 actions. As each year passes by we gain different levels of understanding about what should be acceptable, oft times we go to far in our efforts to not offend anyone-but that is another argument. The vast majority of us cringe a little at a COnfederate flag today, I'd say less then half of us even noticed it in 1976. I knew a man who marched against King in the mid 60s and voted for Jessie Jackson in the Democratic Primaries in the 1980s. THings change, people change, perceptions change.

Al, did you recieve my package. Excellent essy by the way.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 19:13:39 CET 2002 from 1cust131.tnt1.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.135.131)

Charlie Young

Subject: A Confederacy of Dunces

Geoff: that is a good point about the Confederate battle flag being used as a backdrop during one of the interviews in the Scorsese film. That flag was already politically incorrect by then and bicentennial celebrations had made the American flag fashionable again in 1976. On the other hand, I graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School five years before that and the Confederate "stars and bars" were banned from the class rings in 1972.

Speaking of politically incorrect symbols, click the link for a bizarre article about the Raelian cult religion (the one that announced a successful human cloning yesterday). It seems that their original symbol was a swastika inside the Jewish Star of David...

Entered at Sat Dec 28 19:07:49 CET 2002 from 222.40.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.40.222)

Ray Pence

It's a good question...I would assume that the Band would have seen it as an apolitical symbol of their music's roots in the south, and Levon's life roots there...which doesn't immunize them from criticism for displaying it. I don't think it's just a matter of political correctness to object to the flag, I'm sure some people were offended in 1978.

There is a black singer who covered "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," whose name I can't remember, and Allen Toussaint's horn arrangement for "Dixie" is the most moving he wrote for the Band...ironic that these black artists were involved with that song...

Another controversy: when Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers toured in the mid 80s they used a huge Confederate flag as a stage backdrop and were criticized, I think by the NAACP.

I think middle class whites with college educations would generally be the most offended by that Confederate flag in "Waltz." I base that opinion on my own experiences as, and with, middle class white college students.

My view: the flag is indeed racist. The Band most definitely were not. That scene captures a lot of the contradictions that are part of rock and roll and race in America.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 17:37:44 CET 2002 from pcp02932562pcs.nstnig01.ct.comcast.net (68.63.123.24)

Geoff

Subject: last waltz

I'm a huge fan of "the band" and recently watched "the last waltz" with my girlfriend the other day. She was really offended by the confederate flag that was hung up behind the band members during an interview. I know a lot of their songs are about the civil war and the south but does anyone know why they would put the confederate flag up when it is such a controversial symbol? What's up with that? Thanks for anyone who responds.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 16:22:46 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-018castocp0442.dialsprint.net (63.187.177.188)

Rollie

Subject: Link to Gods disciples

Entered at Sat Dec 28 14:36:33 CET 2002 from du-tele3-002.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.2)

Peter Viney

Quite often, there are GB posts that deserve to be articles in the library on this site. Al Edge's essay on Big Pink is an obvious one- OK, it remains in the archives of the GB, but those of us without broadband connections really can't go searching the GB archive. It would be good to put that up as an article for posterity. Rollie's revelation that he was at TLW is another- add Paul's and you start to get a set of "TLW Recollections" that could be in the articles section too (and could be added to).

Entered at Sat Dec 28 14:35:17 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Entered at Sat Dec 28 08:59:24 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0350.dialsprint.net (63.187.169.96)

Rollie

Subject: The King

(click the link to see the homepage of God)

Entered at Sat Dec 28 06:02:59 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0350.dialsprint.net (63.187.169.96)

Rollie

Right on Crabgrass!

Entered at Sat Dec 28 05:51:48 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

that last bit should have read 30 years down the line NOT "30s".. I should have asked Santa for better typing skills instead of THE GREAT ESCAPE DVD!!

Entered at Sat Dec 28 05:49:07 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

New Year's Day: Time to visit the relatives, hand out cash to the nieces and nephews and other little children..they get money up till the 18th birthday (I WILL be asking my daughter for a loan sometime in January) and eat, eat and eat some more. By January 5th everyone is back to work and school

It rained on Chritmas Day...I hate that! I also got to spend the day all by my lonesome (I've been on winter break since Dec 20th) as the wife was at work and the daughter was at school(last day before winter break). however I got to relax "playing" with my Christmas presents..some CDs and a couple of DVDs. I was going to make Christmas dinner, but we went out for supper instead.

While listening to the Who's version of "Baby Don't You Do It" I realized that a majority of the biggies from the 70s..the Who, the Band, the Stones just to name 3...(who started out in the 60s) started their musical careers playing R&B, soul and Blues covers, and thier music is still popular today. You can still pop a Band or Stones CD into the player (or for you audiophiles, put a disc on the turntable) and the music hasn't lost anything in it's impact. I wonder if there is a connection between beginning one's career playing 1950s/60s R&B covers and one's music still having an impact some 30s down the line?

Entered at Sat Dec 28 05:47:39 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

Entered at Sat Dec 28 05:20:45 CET 2002 from 1cust144.tnt17.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.25.125.144)

FEUD RELEVANCE

In November, he reunited with his former Clash partner Mick Jones for the first time in 20 years, at a benefit concert by Strummer's band, the Mescaleros.

"You sort of grow up and stop grousing," Strummer told Rolling Stone. "You bury the hatchet, or you just sort of forget what the hatchet was."

Entered at Sat Dec 28 04:13:24 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Sally

Subject: First Waltz

Dejavu...Sweet story.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 03:04:50 CET 2002 from 1cust18.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.18)

Crabgrass

Subject: God

If God's son looks like Rush Limbaugh, then God Himself must look like this...

[Click "My link"]

Entered at Sat Dec 28 02:40:04 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

TONTO

Subject: SPRINGFIELD

Dave Z, this is not a direct answer, just a statement. The Springfield has effected the United States, the world, and the culture, both of the age group that it hit during, and the greater culture, in a way similar to the Band. Their effect may have been more overt, since they were overtly political in their way. But it is hard to measure if either had a greater effect. I believe as a unit the Band will always be remembered more, and that their legacy will be more easily passed down than that of the Springfield, as a unit.

The Springfield's music was of course different, and it's members more political, once it splintered. Right there, a big difference between the Springfield and the Band. The band hung in as a unit, far longer. The egos in the Springfield were more in direct clash from day one.

Springfield harmonies, while not as complex and worked out as those of the Band, were just as beautiful and could rival those of our Band.

The Springfield guys obviously did not love each other the way our guys did and do (save for.....).

Hard to measure the greater lasting effect. Look at how "For What It's Worth" activated a generation, then consider CSN &Y coming back with "Chicago" and "Ohio". Consider what Poco and Loggins and Messina (bothSpringfield offshoots) brought to the musical mix,.

The Springfield was, and always will be, one of the musical cornerstones that a 45 to 70 year old person today will lean on.

One other interesting contrast. While Garth "taught" his Band mates how to play some instruments, or about music, Richie Furay probably "taught" Jim Messina and Neil Young a lot about singing. Richie originally sang most of Neil's early Springfield songs, and Jim, once he graduated from engineer to bass player, his little bit of singing originally was not much more than talking. But what was he when he started out, like 16 or 17years old.

Lot's of analogies between the 2 bands, lots of contrasts.

Really, a subject worthy of far greater and far more organized scrutiny.

Anybody?

Entered at Sat Dec 28 02:06:39 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

Alan Edge: I'd love to hear how you feel about Buffalo Springfield... i.e. from your age group... about the time I came into ROA... I also came into that double LP with the extended version of Bluebird... one of the few groups along with the Band that really affected me... and it's stayed with me...

Entered at Sat Dec 28 01:57:19 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

J.L.B

Is anybody there?

Entered at Sat Dec 28 01:31:13 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

J.L.B.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 01:23:20 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

J.L.B.

Subject: appearances

Why don't any of the Band come down to Cleveland,or Chattanooga TN.I'm only 15 and can't go many places?

Entered at Sat Dec 28 01:14:42 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

bob wigo

Happy New Year everyone.

Entered at Sat Dec 28 00:42:16 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

THE BAND'S BEST

Really nice of Amanda to take on board the point I was attempting to make regarding the significance of Music From Big Pink to many of us older Band fans. I have to say I found it really quite gratifying that she had gone to the trouble of trying to listen to the album through the ears of one of us 'arl arses', as it were. Rarer thing than ever these days, empathy. Thanks Amanda.

If we go back to the time of the original discussions on this topic, my more magnanimous side had put forward a view little of which could, I feel, be construed as contentious. It was along the lines that since The Band so clearly represented different things to different sections of the group's following - in many cases this being consistent with the point of exposure of the respective individual to whichever album, album collection or particular incarnation of the group they had first experienced - the way in which Big Pink itself was rated would often correspond to such patterns. In such light it was therefore scarcely surprising - although nonetheless still very much personally disheartening - to witness the relatively lowly rating of Big Pink amongst so many on this GB - particularly, it would appear, amongst those of more recent persuasion.

My more bullish and contentious side now ventures to expand upon the slant that Amanda touched on - that is, how and why Big Pink came to represent something of a watershed to many of us who were exposed to it for the first time back in 1968; why and how it has come to carry such significance to us.

In fact, let us go even further and for the sake of argument take it to a rather more extreme conclusion. What if we now put it to fellow GB'ers that anyone who finds they are unable to rank Big Pink alongside The Brown album at the very pinnacle of The Band's recorded musical achievements are very possibly failing to see the entire picture as lucidly as they perhaps should? That certainly - in so far as history must surely end up judging our heroes - such a contention actually goes to the very core of what The Band represents.

Okay, so I realise feathers can easily get ruffled with such candid assertions as this. Let's see then if we can try and follow this one through right from the start, beginning with a slightly broader perspective on how we formulate judgements on these sort of things.

Let's take somebody who has just latched onto a particular artist. Any artist of significance. They naturally rate this artist highly and are genuinely earnest about acquiring a completely balanced perspective on this artist. In such a case which would constitute the most reliable way for them to become acquainted with the catalogue of that artist? Would it not be to do so as chronologically as possible? Clearly, not always the easiest way - nor the most affordable. However, in order to formulate a truly objective appreciation of a particular artist's development, both in its own right and in relation to its peers, surely the best way? In other words, you can certainly have your favourite snatches of any artist but unless you have viewed everything through the appropriate objective lens then such favouritism remains merely that.

I'll venture a personal experience where I perceive relying on mere favouritism can tend to obscure such judgement.

I have spent many an hour on various websites defending the magnificence of the Beatles first album, 'Please Please Me'. What I have tended to find is that many of the Beatles more recent fan base are invariably only too eager to dismiss the - shall we call them in hindsight - rather naive and simplistic qualities of that first album. They compare it with the sophisticated intricacies and resonances of subsequent Beatles offerings, such as Revolver, The White Album, Abbey Road or any late sixties/early seventies Rolling Stones classic album and declare poor old PPM a non-starter by comparison.

In doing so they are - in my opinion - overlooking what simply has to be a crucial part of any such judgement. That is the comparison with what else was on offer at the relevant time.

In the Beatles case this is straightforward enough to demonstrate, of course - at least it is for those of us who happened to be around at the time. They - we - take it as read the pivotal importance PPM occupies in rock history. Before it, for example, no other popular artist had self-penned so many songs purely for an album. Further no other popular artist had so successfully merged pure pop with R&B and R&R. The fact is that at the relevant time - 1963 - PPM was simply staggering in its consistent quality. Comfortably, the best pop/rock album up to that point in time. The best, in fact, until The Beatles next album - 'With The Beatles'. Indeed, as a little 'test the water' gauge on this, one needs only look at arguably the joint weakest track on that second album. The track "I Wanna Be Your Man" was given to The Rolling Stones by John and Paul and became the Stones - up to then - most successful song. It also convinced Mick and Keef that they could try their hand at songwriting. A prompting of some significance I'm sure most would agree.

Thus, in the case of The Beatles, it would be extremely flawed reasoning to form a judgement on PPM - or its follow up - without placing such judgement in its historical context. Also without taking cogniscence of all the ensuing limitations of what at that time the Beatles' peers were creating or, indeed, what it was humanly possible for any contemporaneous popular music artist to create.

Moving onto the case of The Band, we find things are significantly different.

The Band's creative arc never mirrored that of The Beatles. True, their musical development did not begin an awful lot later than The Beatles - possibly only a matter of a year or so at most. The crucial difference was that by the time The Band formally released their first recorded offering in 1968, namely Music From Big Pink, they were already comfortably the finished article, possibly as tight and accomplished as it was possible for any combo to be. What's more, by being able to dip selectively into the full repertoire of rock music's, by then, already formidable legacy and marinating it with their own vast range of contemporary and traditional musical influences, they created a sound that, whilst in itself no more unique than that of The Beatles, carried a maturity that was entirely unique.

A major part of that maturity evolved from an instinctive democracy that seemed to permeate every pore of that first album. Each tiny part of Big Pink appeared to exist simply to serve the whole. It was as if each vocal, each harmony, each instrument - in fact each and every contribution - was teetering on some invisible tightrope between dominance and subservience; competing frantically for every available space yet never less than complementary or utterly accommodating to the other. Meanwhile, the products of these precarious balancing acts - the ensuing finished album tracks - no matter how memorable and distinctive they happened to be were, in effect, always going to be there as merely a part of an integral whole. It meant Big Pink was not simply a collection of outstanding yet ultimately disparate songs. Rather, like the group who'd created it, the album was a genuine entity where everything fused together seamlessly to create a whole that was simply magical. The instinctive metaphorical jettisoning from this entity of This Wheel's on Fire and I Shall Be Released by some fans - myself included - was to come later. As it stood at the time of its inauguration, it was to be little wonder that The Band's contempories had never before heard such a sound, let alone that they were never able to approach the mark it set.

Nor was such unmatched accomplishment the only quality that distinguished Big Pink from anything else around.

Possibly even more distinctive and defining was its inherent authenticity. The sound conveyed everything about where it was from. The singers and performers on Big Pink sang of their everyday life; the everyday trials and tribulations of the community they were so clearly an integral part of. Crucially their words and sentiments were not mere posturing. In contrast to the vast majority of their white contempories with their sometimes limp - by comparison - offerings, these fellows were real. They were true representatives of their bretheren.

This wasn't Joe Cocker asking you to lend your ears for him to sing you a song or Eric Clapton waiting for some mystical love to shine in. It wasn't even John Lennon dissecting the pitfalls and/or merits of a revolution. Rather these were ordinary joes, country cousins and kinfolk singing from all corners of their front parlour - often at the same time - in some deliciously raw and previously unheard yet unmistakeable harmony of the rural American community they emanated from. The music they were making was simply an extension of that community. Earthy yet heavenly, bleak yet uplifting, stark yet comforting. Significantly, too, they were also inviting you, their audience, to become a part of it. Its joys and heartaches, its vitality and its mundanity, its suffering and its healing. Even if it were only for the magical interludes when you were listening to them extolling it, then it was still more than enough for it to sink its teeth into your psyche and draw you right in to its very heart.

"Come let me show you how...to milk a cow" was no idle aside. Rather this was a fully blown invitation to get those city hands of yours carressing those cow's teats for all they were worth.

Forget anyone else, this was the nearest to complete Soul - and, for that matter Blues and Gospel - that any white artists had ever got; have ever got. The community they extolled was opening up before your very ears - and eyes. Imprisoned in some inner city bedroom you simply couldn't ask for more from a piece of long playing plastic than for it to transport you heart and soul into the backwoods and homesteads of rural America.

Big Pink - and its successor The Band - were a reflection of an artistic entity at the very zenith of its individual and collective power and sensibility. They were performing and singing about and within an environment in which they had become steeped, about which they were genuinely passionate. And it showed. In every note, in every chord, in every pause came evidence of their conviction. It may not have been the easiest listening music in which you'd ever attempted to immerse yourself. It may not have contained a solitary moment of what we might term pure pop or rock. However, once you had allowed its rhythms and pulses, its front parlour harmonies and sentiments, its craftsmanship and sheer mastery of the idiom to invade your own sensibilities then you could not help but become convinced that you were in the presence of some unique musical entity wherein the sum of the constituent parts amounted to far more than seemed at all humanly possible.

Not surprising the attachment grew stronger with each play. And there were hundreds and hundreds of them. One after the other as the album's ambience entered your every orifice. And lingered for all time.

You'd find yourself reading the words of the back cover over and over again searching for some hidden clues as to what these fellows were about, which bit of the respective songs each of them was singing, where they had come from, where they were going. Frustratingly, you'd find little to quench your thirst. All you had to go on was the music and vocals spitting out from what seemed like different parts of that little mono record player before you. There was a complete absence of fuss or hype. It left you craving for the merest snippet. Your intrigue at the stark simplicity of their collective name would soon cede to a glaring realisation. What else, after all, could these guys possibly have been called? Then there was the utter appropriateness of their own names - Danko, Manuel, Garth, Jaime and Levon. 'Levon' for Chrissakes!! You just couldn't make this sort of stuff up, so authentic did it all sound. And then the few brief sentiments uttered by the guy on guitar, Jaime 'Robbie' Robertson, about them enjoying it all 'just enough to smile at one another when we're playing'. It was like some snatched insight into the mental rigeurs of a bunch of musical geniuses. What else would they do, you'd reflect knowingly, smiling yourself at the logic of it all. Not only was all this utterly convincing. For those to whom such things mattered - and as you might expect with these sort of things that was regrettably a minority - it was intoxicating, enchanting. In short it became vital.

Meantime, the downside was there as well, of course. Invisible, undetectable yet nevertheless looming all the time in the background.

Not surprisingly, The Band as a collective power could never surpass such an epiphany; such bona fide genius. With Big Pink and its bedfellow The Band they had succeeded in establishing a ceiling that nobody before nor since has got near. Their achievements had soared beyond merely the sound their music had created. Somehow, the sincerity and sheer downhomeness of their songs and performances on those albums had married together to create an aura of ordinary folk community, rustic life and American history that had resulted in something unique. An art form within an art form as it were. What's more, they had taken it as far as it could go. In the process they had set a mark that was to become unattainable not only for others but also for they, themselves. Thereafter, inevitably, they, their music and that art form waned. As unerringly as an arrow falling from the apex of its arc, they - and we - were all destined to head towards earth.

As they and, hence, their music grew away from the very togetherness and lifestyle that had helped forge it; that had created and sustained it, so it tended to lose its substance. The integrity and purity of Big Pink and The Band - those albums' very essence - had been but a tangible manifestation of what was a living breathing entity. Now the inherent pressures and trappings of fame meant The Band were struggling to hold that together. Sure, their subsequent offerings were still of the very highest order. Fact was even at their lamest these fellows were peerless musicians and vocalists. Many individual tracks were remarkable. There still came moments of exquisite beauty. Stagefright, their third album contained a string of magical songs and performances that were a testimony to artists of such stature. Rock of Ages was ludicrously accomplished. Moondog Matinee a nostalgic delight. Northern Lights, meanwhile, presented luscious textures that just soothed the soul.

The difference was in the tales these subsequent albums told; the windows they opened.

No longer did those tales carry the authenticity of Big Pink and The Band. No longer did those windows open up to reveal a consistent cinematic landscape. What had once somehow sucked you into its tapestry until you had felt an integral part of it, now merely enthralled you with its isolated layers of brilliance. That validity which had singled those masterpieces out; that had set them apart was - understandably - gone. Those very ingredients that had made Big Pink and The Band such complete entities, once so ready to hand, were now proving more than elusive. No longer did the new material speak for an entire breed of people. Rather it spoke just for the singers and performers and, while that made perfect sense for someone in their position and could still sound at times like heaven, it was simply no longer enough to sustain the aura. The Band's first two creations had made them immortal. Now, manifestly, they were showing they were not. Remorselessly, life was calling in its dues.

A sense of duty is an instinctive thing. Mostly we display it in respect of family and those closest to us. The need to protect them and defend them. To be responsible for them. It is part of the bond. To feel something akin to that for what is merely a rock album is most probably a preposterous notion. Nonetheless, that I feel such a bond for 'Music From Big Pink' is quite evident from what I find I've written here. This is not least in response to what I have perceived since first discovering this site as a tendency of some to relegate the import of Big Pink. The intensity of my sentiments may or may not be shared by others. And in the overall scheme of things that, frankly, matters not. What does matter, as far as I'm concerned, is that what I see as the unique majesty of Music From Big Pink has now been represented in a manner which I hope has done it some form of the justice I believe it merits.

Big Pink forever. :-o)

Entered at Sat Dec 28 00:43:54 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

JTull Fan

Subject: First Waltz

Nice story! I am a graduate of West Haven High School (1987)and although I got into them in the late '80's, our stories and geopgraphies sound quite simialr. Were you at any of the '90's shows in New Britain or Stamford?

Entered at Sat Dec 28 00:27:17 CET 2002 from h00104c1150c6.ne.client2.attbi.com (66.30.166.195)

jt

Subject: first waltz

nice story first.......

Entered at Fri Dec 27 23:41:04 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Entered at Fri Dec 27 23:26:03 CET 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Nice yarn.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 23:18:35 CET 2002 from ppp182.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.9.248)

Paul Godfrey

Subject: The Last Waltz Remembered

Loved your LW story Rollie. Wish I had known you when.

Here is an article from RPM Magazine - December 18, 1976. I get credit for writing it...but really it was ghost written based on a conversation I had with RPM.

It was an invitation to a farewell to the Band. We arrived in San Francisco at 6pm Thursday Novemeber 25th which was Thanksgiving day in the U.S. The Bay City was getting set for what was billed as the biggest music performance of one of the most exciting groups to make rock history. We arrived at the hotel at approximately 7:30pm which by the way is about three blocks from the aging Winterland - the scene of the Band's Farewell Party. Levon Helm was on his way to Room 1501 to dress for the "Last Waltz."

The hotel was beginning to fill up with travellers who had flown into San Francisco for the big show. Much of the 14th floor was put aside for friends and at 7:45pm as we joined some of the last nighters, in walked the Hawk (Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins): "Welcome little Paul", he said as he gave me a big hug, "this is the big one son."

It was now 8:40 pm and time to move to Winterland. The streets around Winterland are showing signs of excitement as crowds began lining up for tickets. We go in backstage for a before-concert reception. The tables were loaded with food and the room with celebrities, Actor J.Michael Pollard is holding up one wall with a big grin, and gracing another wall are five empty golden frames and the names under each: Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth hudson, Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.

The clock moves around to 8:45 and Don Tyson says its time to head out to our seats. The old Winterland was dressed for the occassion. Bill Graham and the boys had created a make believe ballroom with seven huge chandeliers and a stage setting that gave a warm feeling of the "Old South."

On the button at 9pm the Band was stage front and centre with a 'good evenin'" from Robbie Robertson. (????) One of the first guests was Ronnie Hawkins who was reunited with the group he had so much to do with in the beginning - and it was a nostalgia bit with "Who do You Love." Following came several big names including Dr. John, Bobby Charles and Paul Butterfield, the legendary Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. Neil Young joined the boys and sang Four Strong Winds and stayed around to back Joni Mitchell for Helpless.

It was just the beginning of one of the most memorable evenings in my lifetime. On stage came Neil Diamond, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan. The stage was beginning to sag and the audience was on the brink of collapse as the rock and roll history makers paraded on stage from the wings. Ron Wood and Ringo Starr joined the Band for the finale. "I Shall Be Released" a fitting capper for a superb evening of never-to-be-seen-before entertainment and the end of a complete volume in the history of rock and roll.

A few hours later as I look out the window of the DC-10 the Golden Gate Bridge fades away. Across the aisle Ronnie Hawkins says: " We'll never forget this on son." The Hawk drops off to sleep with a Big Time Smile on his face.

The Last Waltz. The Band's Farewell concert. Watch for an album and motion picture.

Oh my, for Julia and I, it is certainly memories of 'days gone by'. shineonpaulg

Entered at Fri Dec 27 23:16:21 CET 2002 from du-tele3-064.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.64)

Peter Viney

Yet another version of ‘This Wheel’s On Fire’ for the records - Debbie Harry & Adrian Edmonson (Absolutely Fabulous, Xmas Special, 27 December 2002). Very brief clip of Debbie singing it. This is the special where Edwina searches for her son (who shall be nameless in the interests of harmony) in NYC.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 22:52:33 CET 2002 from (209.142.184.102)

Derek Bryant

Wanted to let y'all know that I am 26 years old and would love to see y'all come somewhere near.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 22:38:34 CET 2002 from w0034362.partners.org (170.223.97.92)

First Waltz

I've never posted to this site any of my band experiences, and it looks like this page has long since moved on from first person encounters or, stories of how we came to find the Band. For me, I was in high school in the early 80's; Heard of The Band knew probably 2 songs and nothing else. I heard about the reunion, minus Robbie in rolling stone. I remember a picture in rolling stone that compared them to the Talking Heads due to the large number of people that were on the stage with this version of The Band. They had booked a date outside of Hartford Connecticut at a place called the Agora Ballroom (long gone I imagine). I started getting psyched up about seeing them as I started to learn some history (Dylan, Last waltz etc) Being the huge concertgoer I was in those days. I got there extremely early and stood and waited right at the stage. I believe the Cate Brothers did an opening set so I was there quiet a while before the members of The Band came out. My first recollection was how skinny they were... I dont know why I thought that.. I still hadn’t seen that Last Waltz. I stood on the side of the stage where Richard sat pressed against the edge of the stage that was less than 2 feet high. It was a great show... the kind of show that could turn a casual fan into a fanatic. I recall Rick bouncing around on stage and appearing extremely happy, almost hyperactive. When the show ended maybe 90 minutes later, I was close enough to grab the set list, which I still have today, somewhere. Along the way I would catch them whenever I could, In different combos. At another show the same year that summer in Hartford I had the good fortune of seeing Rick and Richard together and was able to get an autograph from both, A great show with Rick on acoustic guitar and Richard on piano. There was a harmonica player too, his name escapes me. After that, I caught various shows in various combos, including shows in the Washington DC area, Rick solo with Bob Margolin of Muddy Waters Band, I got to meet Rick for the second time and actually bought him a shot of Cognac which he sipped and gave back to me to finish. I had about 6 dollars on me and that’s what it cost. I saw some members again around Washington with members of “the call” filling in, I think it was Levon missing for some reason. I think the bar they played at was Club Soda, I think they did 2 shows and they let all the fans from the first show stay for the second show, which I did. I caught them again in the summer of 85, opening up for CSN on tour in Hartford. I was a huge CSN fan but I was definitely there to see The Band. They had slimmed down to just the four of them plus a new guitar player who I didn’t know the name of at the time, (Weider) but I remember thinking that it was a good move and they resembled The Band of old at this time. It was great to see them in front of such a large crowd, and although I was farther away and the set was short… they more than made up for in with the energy they put in the show and the huge crowd really got into it. The final time I would see them was in the winter of 86. They were to play the Lone Star Café in NYC and headed down there with a non-Band friend to see them. It was snowing that day and I’m pretty certain I took the commuter train out of Connecticut down. They were doing 2 shows that night and between the price of the ticket (being in a NYC bar) and how limited the space was. I would only catch the first show. (I recall the Lone Star being Long, but not very wide with the stage on the right side the bar on the left) I was probably one person deep from the stage maybe 4 feet away. Garth was late, they announced on the PA so the show would start without him and indeed they did. My claim to fame at this show was a few songs in I was screaming “Don’t Do It” and after a few tunes the broke out into it. (I've since searched this site on the tape archives and sure enough someone has a tape of it.. Feb 7 1986) So if you listen to it you can hear me screaming. Would love to have a copy of that.. I think that was the only time I had heard them ever play that song live. It was about a month later that Richard committed suicide.. My hopes of hearing a reunion album with his participation dashed. I never caught a “Band” show again. About 5 years ago Rick came to my town and played a free show with some other artists and I went down to see it for a few minutes. He had really ballooned up, I was shocked, and saddened. I pretty much lost my hard core interest along the way, till the DVD and Box set of the Last Waltz releases earlier this year got me thinking about them again. One day I will find that autograph of Rick and Richard and put it up on my wall.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 22:02:15 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

Hope everyone had a merry christmas!

Entered at Fri Dec 27 21:52:15 CET 2002 from h-68-164-225-216.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.225.216)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Fri Dec 27 20:33:44 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

J.L.B.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 20:23:08 CET 2002 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

Subject: The Band

J.L.B

no need to plead to the fellas they are all still playing!!

will they ever play as The Band again?? you may ask... I say no way!!... and for this big time Band fan thats a good thing....

Hey the Band was the greatest Band in my opinion and I love to hear the old stuff... listen to it almost daily... BUT.. the fellas are all doing new stuff and it is great stuff.. go catch Levon's Blues Band, Jim and Randy's Band and pray that Garth may make a apperence thats as close as your gonna get.. and if you do see them don't bother yelling any request... unless it's some of the great blues tunes like Muddy Waters, Little Walter or something off Remedy or Bigfoot...

people need to stop thinking about "The Band" in 2003 and start apprecating what the fellas are doing today!! I for one love it and live it as much as I can...

Entered at Fri Dec 27 20:03:08 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

J.L.B.

It might very well be.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 19:53:47 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Sounds to me like a classic refugee-type situation

Entered at Fri Dec 27 19:11:51 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

J.L.B.

Subject: The world will always need The Band!

The world will always need the Band.Guys if by chance you are reading this,please, just put aside your differences and come together again.I know that deaths and thngs have happened ,but don't let that stop you.Just play we all need it.I am speakin on behave of all the Band fans,when I say that the Band has been a blessing to all of us.Please consider these words.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 18:13:46 CET 2002 from h00045ad99334.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.91.206.61)

mojo360

Tomorrow night --Saturday the 28th-- WOMR-FM Provincetown Mass-- "Nighthawks" program--three solid hours of The Band & Dylan--- tune in anywhere in the world www.womr.org toll free calls 800-921-9667 -- solo and together---where else will you hear Levon and Garth and Richard Manuel on the radio these days ? 11:00pm-1:00am PST / 1:00AM-4:00am EST

Entered at Fri Dec 27 17:40:10 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

That picture of Jesus is just a little off. Click this link to see what the Son of God REALLY looks like.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 17:21:08 CET 2002 from stjhts24c112.nbnet.nb.ca (142.166.232.117)

Ws Walcott

Well, we had quite a snowstorm, but everyone braved the weather and showed up at my place on Boxing Day. Lots of food, and I had a bit too much to drink. Just starting to come around now. I think we played everything from Dylan to The Band to Delbert Mcclinton, and some Johhny Cash for the old folks. Gov. Mule, Lucinda Williams, after that the rest gets pretty hazy.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 15:44:48 CET 2002 from du-tele3-027.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.27)

Peter Viney

Me again. Crabbie’s link to the short-haired Jesus article. Never again will the long-hairs be able to say (as I used to) “It was good enough for Jesus.” I guess “It was good enough for King Charles II” doesn’t have the same ring. Now that time has attacked the follicles I have to say a pleasing Xmas present was hair clippers. I will no longer have to pay to have a three-minute “No 2” cut. I also got the DVD-Audio of “American Beauty” and if the stunning 5.1 mix of “Ripple” is anything to go by, the forthcoming DVD-Audio of “Music From Big Pink” should be revealing. I hope everyone else got what they wanted. I know Serge would have been delighted with a leather-bound personally-inscribed copy of “Across The Great Divide” as Crabbie would have been with “Lives of The Saints (Illustrated edition)”, Ben Pike with “The Complete Political Writings of P.J. O’Rourke”, Al Edge with a “History of Everton F.C.”, Levon with “Contact from the Underworld of Red Boy”, Robbie with “This Wheel’s On Fire (revised edition)” and Garth with “Accordion Music of Khazakstan Volume 47.” I didn’t like the necktie much either : - ) Back to over-eating now.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 15:18:28 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Somebody gave me a book for Christmas entitled "You'll never Make Love In This Town Again" written by a couple high-priced Hollywood prostitutes. David Crosby's in it, Don Henley's in it, Don Simpson's in it, Jack Nicholson's in it. No, Emmett Miller ain't in it.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 15:17:12 CET 2002 from du-tele3-060.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.60)

Peter Viney

Read J.Tull Fan’s post about the stray, and BBBs comment – well, on Christmas morning we found a large grey squirrel outside the glass kitchen door, sitting up and begging, which I’ve never seen them do. This was a plump, well-fed example and we guessed that neighbours were feeding it – our area is full of (infested with?) squirrels and foxes and I disapprove of feeding wild animals in normal weather conditions as it makes them tame and dependent. The foxes round here stroll about nonchalantly in daylight glaring at people. We had a lot of trouble with a family of squirrels in the summer who ate off the plastic hinges of our trash bins to get to the waste- and did the same for the £40 replacements. We rented a humane trap, caught four one by one, and released them in woods about eight miles away – all by the same tree, being sentimental. Anyway, this Christmas beggar was not frightened off by shouts or by the flash of a camera as we took his portrait at close range. He stayed there an hour scratching at the glass. Maybe they look cute, but if you’ve ever had squirrels invade your attic, you’re lacking in sympathy and regard them as tree rats with bushy tails. Anyway, my daughter’s friend came to lunch (he lives next door) and it turned out he’d trained this squirrel to eat out of his hand, and as he’d been out all morning there’d been no one to feed the squirrel who’d come looking for his meal. Sadly, as the little beggar is extremely fat as a result of this largesse, he will no doubt soon be prey to the skinny foxes. Reading the comments, I now feel somewhat guilty for not throwing him a handful of Christmas nuts! He had never done the begging trick before, nor has he in the two days since.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 12:21:17 CET 2002 from saintpaul.pioneerpress.com (208.149.52.102)

jerry

I bought "Northern Lights-Southern Cross" a while back and to be honest havn't listened to it that much until lately and I'm really liking it a lot, as has been said in here in comparison to the first two it's not to that level but on it's own is a nice disk. Forbidden Fruit, Driftwood, Ring your Bell stand out to me but the rest is very good also. Being a newbie these are first listens.........."Stage Fright" is up next

Entered at Fri Dec 27 10:28:30 CET 2002 from ptd-24-194-182-106.maine.rr.com (24.194.182.106)

MattK

Actually, the US Penny is, as of 1982, only about 2.4 percent copper, with the remaining 97.6 percent made out of zinc. Prior to 1982, the US penny was 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc. Additionally, the post-1982 US penny is about 19 percent lighter than the pre-1982 model.

Hence, the term "bright as a new copper penny" is a misnomer. Properly, I'm "as bright as a 1981 penny when it was newly minted," OR I'm "as bright as a new, mostly zinc penny."

Insufferable? Moi? Sheesh!

Entered at Fri Dec 27 09:21:04 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Ben Pike

Of course, trying to tie the admittedly somewhat wacked out Bryd with Lott, like most of what comes from the Limbaugh playbook, is total nonsense. Bryd has renounsed his racist past long ago for all to see, and put his vote where his mouth is on both counts. Not so, of course, Lott. And once again for the record: nothing provoked hatred for Clinton as distintly as his status as a race traitor to the likes of Lott.

Had a fantastic Christmas in our troubled land, may those misguided enough to put there lives on the line for the President's Oil Interests be around to say the same next year.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 04:25:28 CET 2002 from 1cust72.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.72)

Crabgrass

Subject: Short-haired Jesus

They turned to the Bible to determine the length of his hair. In the New Testament, "would Paul (one of the apostles) have written, 'If a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him' if Jesus Christ had had long hair?

[excerpt from CNN.com - click "My link" for full article.]

Entered at Fri Dec 27 02:06:57 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Subject: BBB: Dog reply

this stray animal thing is eery. It's happened with cats too, the last time being at my old apt. 2 years ago (Christmas Eve that time). I have two cats, both rescued as kittens from a shelter. I've never owned a dog, and having one would be difficult due to my extensive traveling and I really don't have a conducive home for one, although if it was a choice between the poor guy being put to sleep at the pound or accomodating him, I will just have to find a place for him, my wife and I have agreed. It is a weird kharma, especially with the holiday aspect.......sorry, had to go and feed the guy....but maybe it is some thought of cosmic message. I like to think it is just an animal's instinct as to what homes are animal-friendly and which ones aren't. i'll keep you updated.

Entered at Fri Dec 27 00:48:42 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Dave Z

johntrudell.com has announced that it is going to release in spring 2003... the 6 pack of cassettes as reissued CDs... there are also a couple of good mp3's available on the site... 1 is a great song about Elvis...

Entered at Fri Dec 27 00:19:02 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

BuScH_BeEr_BeLlY

Subject: J Tull Fan

Yes, JTull Fan, you have a certain kind of karma. May I suggest you listen to "Lost Dog Blues", on the "School For Fools" cd. It may be a good explanation for you, or maybe "Tired and Lonesome", the old blues standard, will do it. I wonder, do you cross paths with and help animals in need year round, or does this only happen to you at Christmas time? Did you have a loved one that could be continually returning on Christmas day as an animal? Have you always been home on Christmas when this occurs, or has it happened in other Christmas settings? Of course, there is a message here for you. Until you get the message, you will probably continue to get revealing opprtunities.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all you Bandfands. And to Garth, Levon, and Robbie, of course. And to Peter Viney, thanks for being civilized enough to actually welcome me, weeks back. Hats off to all those responsible for raising you proper!

Entered at Thu Dec 26 23:17:59 CET 2002 from 56k-socal-05-46.dial.qnet.com (209.221.199.61)

Dave the Phone Guy

Great choice David P. Blue Country Heart by Jorma K. is a must have for everyone.

I've been groovin' to Robben Ford's Blue Moon on Concord label.It opens with a Little Walter tune "Movin' On Up The Line". The Barn Burners cover Little Walter.

Another good album for 2002 is Phil Lesh and Friends "There and Back Again".It has some Robert Hunter songs and guitar playing by Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring.I was surprized by the harmony vocals.There is a lot of good singing on this record.Singing was never high point of Grateful Dead music but Phil Lesh's latest studio recording has some great singing on it to go with some decent R. Hunter lyrics.

Entered at Thu Dec 26 21:12:55 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Dr Pepper

Subject: TLW/Bashful (in no way was he in the 70's) Bill

Bashful Bill was there....I heard him tell Rick so, and Rick replied, "So was I". Bill did have some official credentials - he was the Green Hills Executive loaf layer and I was second in command to Pat Campbell (who runs the Carrier Dome now) in the Beverage Department. Six pack of Michelob went for $1.19 then.

How about them Christmas apples? Or should I say strawberries?

Happy New Year and roll up the window and let the wind blow back your hair, after you get the dust off your sunglasses, that is.

Entered at Thu Dec 26 19:51:59 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0340.dialsprint.net (63.187.169.86)

Rollie

It's the one and the same. David was driving the rig out from New york for Garth to have on the west coast, and picked me up in SLC on the way thru.

Entered at Thu Dec 26 19:38:51 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: The Music Room

As the year comes to an end, the "best of 2002" lists proliferate at each turn. Rather than list my own "top ten" this year, I'm just going to focus on a few recordings that I've enjoyed.

Does the current crop of what's marketed as country music nowadays turn you off? If you enjoyed the recent breath of fresh air in music that surfaced via the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" revival of roots country, you should definitely give Jorma Kaukonen's recent release, "Blue Country Heart" (Columbia), a listen. Mr. Kaukonen's longtime devotion to preserving & celebrating the blues, as well as other pure forms of music, has established him as a Zen master in the art of guitar. With "Blue Country Heart" he collaborated with a group of Nashville's top acoustic pickers to explore a blend of country from the past which was deep-rooted in the blues and the Appalachian music.

This album is a showcase for Jorma Kaukonen's exquisite guitar picking and rich, mature singing voice. He's joined by Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck and Byron House in an exuberant journey into country music's past. The all-acoustic renditions are beautifully recorded, sounding as if you're actually overhearing songs played live on a quiet night, drifting in the breeze across the hollow from someone's front porch.

The Columbia label has released both standard CD and SACD versions of "Blue Country Heart". On my music room's system, the DSD format of the latter is so far one of the best sounding SACD recordings I've heard and has fast become my new demonstration disc. It's one of those amazing recordings that always seems to elicit the following response, whenever I play it for others: "Who is that great singer and guitarist?"

Entered at Thu Dec 26 17:28:32 CET 2002 from dial2a-107.i2eyenet.com (64.80.2.107)

Hi

Rollie I enjoyed your LW story. I was curious about how you started in Garth's mercedes with "the one and only David Boyle" at the wheel. No doubt the same David Boyle in the Elliott Landy photo of Dylan and his son Jesse in front of the Woodstock Bakery circa '68.

For those coming soon to the area you might want to check out many of Elliott Landy's photos now hanging at the Maverick Health office on Zena road in Woodstock.

Entered at Thu Dec 26 15:17:39 CET 2002 from (66.200.102.19)

JTull Fan

Subject: The dog who came for Christmas (a Christmas tradition for me)

Well, it happened to me again. I don't know what it is, but 4 or 5 times over the last ten years I have spent Christmas Eve or Christmas watching over some stray cat or dog that makes its' way to my doorstep. This has happened in 4 separate residences now. The latest was yesterday. My wife spotted a beige lab mix sleeping on a neighbors front yard as we left for my in-laws. I later returned to pick up a board game (Jenga) and discovered the animal had sought shelter under my side porch. It was cold and hungry and frightened of me, but I gave it some wet cat food and water, and it gobbled both up. I then proceeded to leave messages at several animal shelters in the area (www.ral.org is a great non-destroy one)When we got home late last evening we gave it dog-food feast (courtesy my inlawas) and a blanket. (we have two indoor cats and no basement so we couldn't bring him in. Richmond at least does not get bitterly cold)Today I try the shelters again. This is becoming weird Christmas Kharma for me, but I am a sucker for needy animals and the word must have gotten out to them all.

Entered at Thu Dec 26 13:05:38 CET 2002 from dialup-0553.dublin.iol.ie (193.203.146.41)

Hank

Subject: The Night Old Dixie Took Over The World

Seasons Greetings One and All Here in The GB.......

I received a book, "Where Dead Voices Gather" by Nick Tosches, as a Christmas present......and what I've read so far is fascinating.......

Reading this book AND some of the recent postings here made me want to tell y'all, once again, that The South DID rise again.......

.......just like Diamond Helm told RR it would....

The music of the conquered rebel and the oppressed sharecropper.......the music of these impoverished, broken people....actually TOOK OVER THE WORLD........

What all the racists miss is this point........they mistake ownership of property and resources as power. Power is actually getting someone to sing your song and dance along........

Saw Joe Strummer with The Clash in Dublin in 1983.........too soon gone.........

Entered at Thu Dec 26 12:40:26 CET 2002 from usr1233-haw.blueyonder.co.uk (62.30.106.231)

Roger Woods

Subject: The Last Waltz

Great story Rollie. But out of this community there are three regulars who were at TLW that we know about. All had some official entree or accreditation. Where are the others? I can remember all the concerts I've ever been to, from the Beatles and Band to Son Volt and the Jayhawks. Being at TLW must be special. Yet we never hear from anyone who was out front. Strange.

Merry Christmas everyone. Lifeboy - send me your address - Largo waiting...

Entered at Thu Dec 26 03:59:34 CET 2002 from ptd-204-210-72-121.maine.rr.com (204.210.72.121)

Simple Herdsman

Subject: Christmas Must Be Tonight

A shepherd on a hillside, while over my flock I bide

Oh a cold winter night a band of angels sing

In a dream I heard a voice saying "fear not, come rejoice

It's the end of the beginning, praise the new born king"

...

I saw it with my own eyes, written up in the skies

But why a simple herdsmen such as I

And then it came to pass, he was born at last

Right below the star that shines on high

Entered at Thu Dec 26 02:54:37 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Megan = the moment you posted in this guestbook you became an official card-carrying member. You do need to answer an important question though =

Levon, or Robbie?

...just kidding.

I'm Bayou Sam - real name is Tom - nicest guy on the site, ask anyone:-)

Oh, and, if you see a guy named Rollie - he was at the Last Waltz.

Entered at Thu Dec 26 00:16:50 CET 2002 from pool-129-44-145-76.buff.east.verizon.net (129.44.145.76)

Celia

Subject: "Whispering Pines" on new Dar Williams CD

Wondered if you all were aware that Dar Williams covers "Whispering Pines" on her new CD, with Alison Krauss and Cliff Eberhardt singing as well. Great stuff! Check it out.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 23:21:16 CET 2002 from schltns-3.demon.nl (212.238.196.9)

Ragtime

Entered at Wed Dec 25 20:05:09 CET 2002 from sam6.revealed.net (208.16.227.101)

Mike D.

You and John D. are lucky indeed to have been amongst something as special as The Last Waltz. Jealous, I am.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 18:37:34 CET 2002 from 251-pool1.ras11.flwpb.alerondial.net (206.148.164.251)

Lil & Kids

And most of all, we wish you peace.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 18:16:59 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0208.dialsprint.net (63.187.168.208)

Rollie

There were two hotels.But it was the Miyako we stayed in. Could be Richard's voice........Merry Christmas folks!!!!

Entered at Wed Dec 25 17:01:56 CET 2002 from 75-pool1.ras11.flwpb.alerondial.net (206.148.164.75)

AMAZED

Entered at Wed Dec 25 16:34:06 CET 2002 from zorg166.revealed.net (208.243.237.166)

Mike D.

Great story Rollie. Though I must disagree and say that it is Richard who says "you got it" before Ophelia and "Wheel's On Fire". On the TCLW, it sure sounds like him. I wouldn't ever mistake that voice. But hey, why quibble over something so small. Rollie, it WAS The Miyako. Well, that's the hotel mentioned in Levon's book anyhow. Thank you for the great story. Gotta run...family will be here soon and I gotta finish making the traditional brunch for an army of belgian relatives, including a few recipes passed down from generations. No, NOT waffles either! And they can sure pack it away! Take care all. Thanks to Jan, and to all GB'ers. You guys and gals make it all worthwhile.

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 25 11:49:04 CET 2002 from ua91d69.elisa.omakaista.fi (80.186.69.91)

Jakke

Subject: Christmas Calender

For Christmas lovers here is a nice and warm Christmas Calender including poems and aphorisms with relaxing music. Cavalry65 at yahoo.com

Entered at Wed Dec 25 10:06:33 CET 2002 from cache-hki-2.inet.fi (194.251.240.106)

Kalervo

Subject: Alfred Burt' s musical Christmas cards

Jazz trumpeter Alfred S. Burt (1921-54) wrote fifteen Christmas carols (with lyrics by Wilha Houston), originally just to print on personal Christmas cards to family friends. Those fifteen carols are real treasures for all of us Christmas and music lovers. Could there be more beautiful songs as Some Children See Him or The Star Carol?! Please check the web site!

Entered at Wed Dec 25 09:23:20 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-018castocp0305.dialsprint.net (63.187.177.51)

Rollie

Subject: The Last Waltz Remembered(for Catskill)

Many have heard the tale. This is for those who have not."...traveling from Salt Lake to S.F. in Garths's Mercedes , piloted by the one and only David Boyle.I'm 18. Dave is 40's? late 30's? I'm sure he doesn't know what to make of me. I sure as hell don't know what to make of him.Somewhere out in the Nevada desert he asks me if I've ever smoked pot. Not wanting to lie , but not wanting to confess to someone close to my fathers age(sort of)I suggest I may have tried it once or twice.Good , he says, reach into my coat pocket. I'm catatonic until we reach Mill Valley. I do recall at one point he pulled out some canned brown bread and sardines. They disappear quickly! Mill Valley appears thru the fog(yes both kinds!)We reach the home of a young damsel who is obviously very interested in David, but barely notices the young squire standing next to him.Off they go,somewhere into the domicile, me to the couch. Make into SF the next day, where I check into the Miyako Hotel(or is it Kyoto? Godfrey or Donabie wanna help me here?) I'm settling in chillin out, when an older guy comes in. What kind of people is my sister hangin out with I wonder. Jack Wingate is the fellows name, long time raconteur and pal to the Band.He's beginning to get the sense he may be in charge of baby sitting me, when a rather neandrathal-ish figure strolls in with a cowboy hat, and steals Jack away.I don't know who the guy is until I see him on stage the next day. Ronnie Hawkins. Down to lunchwith Garth,sis, and some other folks. Levon and Rick come strolling thru and steam is emanating from Levons head.We duck back into our lunches.Lunch over,we help Garth prepare for the big gig,ie; a trip to the hardware store!!!! Now I'm sure musicians are total screwballs!!!!!!! Back to the Lobby of the hotel,sis and I take a breather and have a seat. In thru the front doors comes Gods messenger. Muddy Waters!with Pinetop Perkins close behind. They sit down no more than five feet from us, waiting for their bags to brought in.At that point in my life(and to this day)there existed no greater a human being. I've since heard that when Muddy walked into a room , you could feel his presence, stateliness.To be ssure , I sat stunned, mesmerized. I forever want to go back to that moment, and hold the conversation I didn't have the nerve to discuss then. A few hrs later, I'm waiting for Bill Grahams son to bring the motor home around to the hotel to take guests down tot he Winterland to check out rehearsals. I'm blown away when he shows up!! He can't be more than 12? 13? Should I get in? He can't even see over the wheel!!!!! Fuck it! I'm definitely on this bus!!! The floor of the Winterland is sparse compared to the onslaught the following evening. Scorcese and Bill Graham are getting into it......Joni Mitchell-riveting, Clapton, cookin. This is the rehearsal??? The day of the show, some photographer hands me the set list , and as a prank, tells me to call out the name of the songs beforre they happen.(yep, you can me hear hollerin before "Ophelia" and Robbie replying"You got it". Fascinating ,eh??" Could the photographer have been Elliot Landy? Get down to the Winterland early.5:30ish ---Everybody gets fed the full on Thanksgiving dinner. Tables cover the entire floor. Dinner over, Ballroom dancing. A boogie -woogie piano player either preceeded or followed this. Bill Graham introduces the show"Good Evening". You know the rest. Ahh, the good old days. Garth picks up the newspaper the following morning, which announces that Robertson has led the Band thru the Last Waltz, or something to that effect."Fuckin guitar players get all the credit" he mumbles in mock disgust. Down the hall we go to breakfast, when we're cut off by a haggaard looking Neil Young."How bout a little O' Canada,Garth" he says brandishing a harmonica.We wander off, with the canadian national anthem trailing in the distance.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 08:49:35 CET 2002 from host-209-214-0-225.mia.bellsouth.net (209.214.0.225)

Kristopher Allen Pabon

Subject: Where may i find some sheet music or tablature for Band songs?

The Band is amazing. Where can I find some transcription of their music? Thanks.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 07:25:20 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: megan's membership

Megan, since you are such a nice person and it's Christmas, I'm going to make you an "HONORARY MEMBER" of this site ... consider it done.

If that doesn't work, do what I do ... sneak in ...

Marry Christmas HO-HO-HO

Take care na. Y'all, hea ?

Entered at Wed Dec 25 06:18:49 CET 2002 from 0-1pool173-82.nas17.minneapolis1.mn.us.da.qwest.net (67.4.173.82)

megan

Entered at Wed Dec 25 05:37:44 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Calvin

I wanted to add my own wishes for a Merry Christmas to every last one of you. While the U.S. economy and uncertainty about my industry has played havoc with my business this was quite possibility the best year of my life, so I for one have a lot to be thankful for. I sincerely hope the rest of you can say the same.

Al, I havent heard from you, did you recieve the package?

A lot of information and opinions have come my way during the 2+ years of been a somewhat regular poster here. One of the most beneficial is the amount of music I've tracked down that until I read about it here would have fallen under obscure for me. Unfortunately Cleveland radio isnt known for its diversity, so much for being the birthplace of Rock n Roll-boy is that is silly claim. But a small question for you folks, we've often made best of lists on this board-and year ends certainly calls out for them, howz about some album recomendations from this year that would have fallen under most of our radars. I'd like to start it out by suggesting to everyone one of the more fun albums I've heard in a long time-Rhett Miller's The Instigator.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 03:51:06 CET 2002 from dax8.revealed.net (208.16.227.151)

Mike D.

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all GB'ers and their families a Merry Christmas. Have a safe holiday.

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 25 03:45:30 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Hey, I just want to add a little extra good wishes, and a thank you to Jan for, all this.

hug Jan :-)

Entered at Wed Dec 25 02:56:59 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

To fellow Band fans everywhere as lovely and contented a Christmas as it's possible for you to have.

And to the Manuel and Danko families especially - at this time of togetherness remember that both them and you will figure in the thoughts of all of us to whom they brought so much joy.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 02:56:06 CET 2002 from stjhts19c116.nbnet.nb.ca (142.166.253.121)

WS Walcott

Subject: Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year. I am having a do drop in on Boxing Day. Very informal, lots of food, beer, etc. Boxing Day is a great time to unwind from the hectic pace of Dec.25. Too bad you Americans don't celebrate it. Its a good day to get together with those you may not have been able to see on Christmas. There are just not enough hours in the day to visit everyone all in one day. Boxing Day lets you make up for those you may have missed out on Christmas Day.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 01:16:41 CET 2002 from user-uinj0au.dialup.mindspring.com (165.121.129.94)

Catskill

Subject: The Last Waltz

Merry Christmas to all! Rollie - As a relatively young man and fan of The Band and this music which has captured me (I am almost 30 now), I could only imagine what it would have been like to have seen this all in person and and hear up close. Would it be too much to ask to share some of this experience of the concert from your point of view back then? I appologise if this has been asked of you before. I can't belive that Robertson will turn 60?? in 2003, and that Helm and the rest are/were around that same age, with Hudson being the eldest of them all. Their music is fresh and powerful as anything today. The music really gets into your soul. Unfortunately, change is a constant part of life and the good things never last. But they managed to capture some magic of what they achieved in The Band in this time. It's hard for anyone to understand exactly what Richard's motives and feelings were at the time of his death. I've been inspired by many people. The music from LTW is no exception at all. I only recently was given the new DVD edition which was released in May of 2002, after only seeing this in 1983 originally. I was hooked again after watching the first (end) song. Years ago, I set out obtain my 3rd guitar, a black vintage 1977 Fender Stratocaster, where this will lead who knows, but music is very important in this chain of storytelling and I'm glad I've stuck with it.

Entered at Wed Dec 25 01:16:50 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-022castocp0396.dialsprint.net (65.178.97.142)

Jeff Newsom(rollie)

The best to the left,right, black ,white, and even you banjo players in the pack!!!!

Entered at Wed Dec 25 00:20:30 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

Entered at Tue Dec 24 23:51:50 CET 2002 from schltns-3.demon.nl (212.238.196.9)

Ragtime

I hear it ev'rywhere"

A happy Xmas and a very happy 2003 to all friends of The Band.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 23:28:49 CET 2002 from 12-243-212-169.client.attbi.com (12.243.212.169)

King Whistle

Subject: Greetings

In the spirit of true disclosure: my real name is Karl Lewis and I would-- as a daily lurker and very occasional poster-- like to wish everyone on the board a Merry Christmas and a music-filled season. I hope you all got every single disk (vinyl or compact) that you asked Santa for, and I hope in the face of all that my eyes see for a peaceful new year.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 22:58:24 CET 2002 from ua91d69.elisa.omakaista.fi (80.186.69.91)

Jakke

"Son of the Carpenter, Mary carried the light, this must be Christmas must be tonight" Happy Christmas all The Band fans!

Entered at Tue Dec 24 22:06:16 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

bob wigo

Wishing all who visit here a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous and very Happy New Year.

Peace.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 21:27:08 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Christmas

Happy Christmas everyone. Stay safe and sane.
a challange, to be sure ...

Chocolate Jesus

Don't go to church on Sunday
Don't get on my knees to pray
Don't memorize the books of the Bible
I got my own special way
Bit I know Jesus loves me
Maybe just a little bit more

I fall on my knees every Sunday
At Zerelda Lee's candy store

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus
Make me feel good inside
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Keep me satisfied

Well I don't want no Anna Zabba
Don't want no Almond Joy
There ain't nothing better
Suitable for this boy
Well it's the only thing
That can pick me up
Better than a cup of gold
See only a chocolate Jesus
Can satisfy my soul

When the weather gets rough
And it's whiskey in the shade
It's best to wrap your savior
Up in cellophane
He flows like the big muddy
But that's ok
Pour him over ice cream
For a nice parfait

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus
Good enough for me
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Good enough for me

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus
Make me feel good inside
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Keep me satisfied

(Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan)

PEACE

Entered at Tue Dec 24 21:01:47 CET 2002 from (67.40.103.202)

SCHIFF

Subject: THE BAND

I am quite possobly the youngest lover of the band. I took interest in them when I was in only seventh grade. I am now in eleventh and they are my favorite band along with dylan and the dead. none of my friends have heard of the band or like their music, but I just laugh and know I am better for it.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 19:53:37 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

Health, mystery... and love... wished for all my fellow GBers... I shout out my New Year's resolution to meet more of you on the journey... and be moved by the great music!!!... burp...~:^)

Entered at Tue Dec 24 18:31:58 CET 2002 from h00045ad99334.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.91.206.61)

Bob Reichers -WOMR-FM

Subject: An Evening with Bob Dylan & The Band

Hi all-- this saturday evening December 28th, my program "Nighthawks" on WOMR-FM will be dedicating its entire show to the music of Dylan and the Band (together, solo, etc)--Nighthawks is on from 11:00pm-1:00am PST / 1:00am-4:00am EST and can be heard anywhere in the world by logging onto www.womr.org....calls and requests are toll free anywhere in USA, Canada and the US territories... so please join us for three hours of nothing but the Band, Dylan, plus some added surprises ! thanks and happy holidays! Bob

Entered at Tue Dec 24 18:01:36 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Happy Holidays - Happy New Year to ALL of you - even you Serge :-)

Be well

Entered at Tue Dec 24 17:51:41 CET 2002 from du-tele3-015.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.15)

Peter Viney

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, and remember that the disputes here are disputes among friends with a deep shared interest … and none of the arguments matter in the long run. We wouldn't keep coming back here for years if we didn't enjoy the discussions and truly value these cyber-friendships. So crank up "Christmas Must Be Tonight" and have a great holiday. I will toast your very good health tomorrow - all of you, including those I irritate!!!

Entered at Tue Dec 24 17:07:53 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

Maya Angelou

"Always Laugh"

Bad news is not news. We've had bad news as a species for a long time. We've had slavery and human sacrifice and the Holocaust, and we've had brutalities of such measure that in truth today, sitting in Seattle, Washington, in 1995, we can't imagine what Attila the Hun did; we can't imagine the cruelties of the Inquisition. We can't imagine it.

Today we say "Ahhh, how horrible!" But the truth is we have had bad news a long time. Somehow we have survived, amazingly. While on the one hand we have the brutes, the bigots, the bullies, and at the same time we have had men and women who dreamed great dreams. We've had Galileo and Aesop, Paul Laurence Dunbar and W.E.B. Du Bois; we've had Sholem Asch, and Shalom Aleichem - great dreamers. We've had women who stood alone, whether it was Harriet Tubman or Mother Jones. We've had Margaret Sanger. We've had women who have stood in the gap and said, "I'm here to try to save the world."

So I would say - not to the young people, but to you and to other adults - bad news is not news. Somehow, miraculously, we've survived and had a chance to laugh at each other and with each other, and fall in love and honor each other, and make dinners for each other.

This is what young women and men should know. They should know that we are carnivorous yet we have decided somehow not only not to eat our brothers and sisters, who may be delicious, but to accord them some rights and to try to love them and look after them. Look at that. That's amazing!

I don't want young men and women looking around at this little lonely planet and saying, "Oh my God! Mea Culpa. It's so awful." It's bad, but it's also good, and it's up to each one of us to make it better - everyone of us. We deserve our future.

Always laugh; it is the sweetest thing one can do for oneself and one's fellow human being. When people see the laughing face, even if they're jealous of it, their burden is lightened. But do it first for yourself.

Laugh and dare to try to love somebody, starting with yourself. You must love yourself first, of course, and you must protect yourself when you can. You say, "Just a minute! I'm worth everything, dear."

If you really realize that, you realize everybody else is worth everything. Everybody, fat and thin and plain and pretty, white and black, rich and poor, thick and slow and brilliant, everybody is worth everything. Start with yourself though.

I think we have to start to love life. Again, I didn't think about that 'til this moment, but Thomas Wolfe said in A Web and a Rock, "And in loving life, hate death". We have got to start loving life and the living. We have to respect that thing which we cannot create, which is life and stop taking it from people and stop taking it from things. Stop taking it. We can't make it. We can't reproduce one single person. Stop minimizing people's lives by our ignorance, at our whim, for our own personal convenience. You see, I can minimize your life. I can keep you from getting that job. I can keep you from having respect for yourself. I can keep you from being able to support your children. I can keep you from that. I can minimize your life. Yes, I can. So I can live fuller.

Well, we've got to get beyond that. And it is passed aloof stars. I mean, we are living on this mote of matter. That's exactly what it is. And we live about that long. (Snaps fingers.) I mean, to realize that the reptiles were on this little blob of spit and sand for 200 million years and here we are, moths of time. And so -- and even so in this little brief interlude, we can pinch out somebody's life. We have to force ourselves to be more intelligent. I don't mean intellectually agile either, but really intelligent.

Taken from the Winter 1995/96 edition of Generation Next.

Bumbles: Thanks for noticing that I am going to have a few brief moments to feel like I'm sixteen again. Well, maybe not sixteen...nineteen...yeah, nineteen...that was a good age. Sixteen was too hormonal. :o)

Entered at Tue Dec 24 16:38:55 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp191486.sympatico.ca (64.229.0.121)

brown eyed girl

Yes....the Native Canadian/Americans understood and knew.....

Happy Holidays to all Band and Music Fans and goodwill towards all people.....As long as there is communication....There is hope......:-D

Entered at Tue Dec 24 16:26:57 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Brien Sz

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!! Oh I mean Happy Holidays (never know who's going to take offense). Hope everyone has a joyous and healthy holiday season.

Bumbles - nice job. I found it amazing that you took that funnpoke at folks and the reaction was pretty neutral/low key (which in here means successful) - I had actually tried the same thing about a week earlier but deleted my efforts, thinking it would come off wrong. I'm glad I did, yours was far better than mine would have been.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 16:18:11 CET 2002 from h-68-164-10-247.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.10.247)

Pat Brennan

Jon Langford of the Mekons tells an interesting story. As a lad in Wales in the mid-70's, he said he and his friends were all caught up in the teen-oriented radio hits of the day. At some point however they realized that their tastes were changing and it was time to move on, so they had a discussion among themselves to decide on a more mature group that they could follow. After some debate, they chose Procol Harum. He can wax eloquently on a number of viewed performances, and I had the odd pleasure of recording a version of Salty Dog with him for inclusion on some forthcoming collection. Recently, Kevin Coyne voiced his pleasure with another PH song, Homburg, a piece Langford has also performed. Additionally, Langford is a huge Band fan.

Well, if I don't check in again, I suppose this is the time to wish all you heathens a Happy Holiday. Don't forget to can the "Peace On Earth, Goodwill toward men" routine, but remember that there is true holiness in a baby's smile.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 16:09:06 CET 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Entered at Tue Dec 24 15:35:42 CET 2002 from cache-frr-ab12.proxy.aol.com (195.93.73.22)

karlheinz

Subject: MERRY X-MAS TO EVERYBODY

Entered at Tue Dec 24 15:34:13 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

I can recall Salty Dog being the first time I ever had the compulsion to play music as loud as possible for the education of others. It would be late '67 early '68 I think. I'd be 16 or 17. We lived in maisonettes in North Liverpool - tenaments I suppose Americans might term them. I'd open the bedroom window as wide it would go, place the record player on top of the chest of drawers next to the window, stick on the Salty Dog track and then turn the volume up as loud as it would go, utterly convinced that passers by would come flocking to the door asking for details of this fantastic sound they could hear from my window. Desperate to share in this perchance discovery of the greatest song ever recorded :-o)

Needless to say the nearest I ever got to a show of interest, let alone communion, was the odd howling dog joining in on Gary Brooker's highest notes and the neighbours on all four sides banging on the walls, floors and ceilings demanding me to switch off the din.

Philistines. :-o(

Entered at Tue Dec 24 14:49:31 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Subject: Gueneviere, PH, and Lott

Pat: I will agree with you that Lott has other issues as well. As a Republican, he is to me what Robert Byrd,ex-klansman who used the 'n' word on national tv last year, probably is to you. I apologize for my abbreviated posts on the issue, I just haven't wanted to get off subject out here with it. GUENEVIERE on The Learning Channel: As Jimmy Carter once said in a Playboy interview: 'I have sinned in my heart'. Thought I was the only one. And my wife thought I liked to decorate! PROCOL HARUM: There was a day in the '80's that changed my life. I walked into a record store and bought Best of The Band, Best of Procol Harum, and Pet Sounds the same day!. My mom thought I was doing something in my room that would make me go blind, but actually it was something that would make me go deaf! :) Saw PH at toad's Place in New Haven back in '91 after Prodigal Stranger came out, and again opening for Tull on the '93 tour up at Stowe Mountain, Vermont. Matt Pegg, son of Tull's Dave Pegg, was the Bassist. I still think Matt Fisher is second only to Garth Hudson on the organ; just listen to his solo on Shine On Brightly. B.J Wilson's demise was a sad one; I understand the band members were trying to keep him going in the late 80's with the prospect of a reunion. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Entered at Tue Dec 24 14:20:04 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

...is a one-way ditch

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 14:15:28 CET 2002 from du-tele3-083.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.83)

Peter Viney

Braving the Christmas Eve shops (yesterday was the key day- it was pretty quiet today) I was upset to see great piles of the remastered Big Pink in MVCs sale at £4.99 (reduced from £16.99 via £9.99) – next to Van’s Down the Road at £5.99. I almost wanted to buy all the Big pink copies and press them on everyone I could. So maybe the remaster’s appeal was over-estimated by Capitol?

And so Britain slips into the Christmas siege. Every business I deal with closed last Friday and it’ll be a full two weeks. The degree to which the UK shuts down at Christmas is hard to believe- I’ve spent three Christmases in the USA and have to say the proportion is more sensible there. In that mood, I think I’d better watch Scrooged again – I never did figure out where Robbie’s solo “Christmas Must Be Tonight” appears!

Al’s post eloquently pictures The Band at Nostell Priory, without Levon (who didn’t make the trip). In 1976 –1977 the picture must have looked rosy for at least three of them. Levon had the RCO All-Stars project, plus film deals hovering in the future. Just look at that original elaborate, expensive album cover. Look at the stellar list of musicians. Then look at Rick’s solo album, which was already under way when they did the TLW interviews. A cheaper sleeve, and a less stellar cast perhaps, but Rick’s solo had the more interesting and original songs. While the RCO All-Stars had better songs than the next solo album, and the performance is impeccable, it could have been foreseen that you couldn’t keep that line-up together except for (say) a lucrative annual tour, much in the way Ringo Starr has done it. The problem might have been that Levon was TOO successful, in that he was standing at a crossroads between film star and bandleader. The film roles kept him from supporting the early albums enough. He was too much of a musician to switch careers totally (interestingly, just what Mickey Jones did). What happened to Rick? A second album building on the first a couple of years later would have solidified his move to a solo career. Robbie, as Al said, had the songwriting which looked likely to be a safety net- though I don’t think anyone could have predicted that the songs would still be being recorded, used in soundtracks and played on the radio 25 years on. But back in 1977 Levon and Rick’s future, at least in music and especially in performance, must have appeared more secure than Robbie’s. That’s why I believe the “feud” is a hindsight thing, probably based on a concealed rivalry that dates back far longer- don’t forget it was “Levon and the Hawks”, even though according to Levon “Richard was our lead singer” and Robbie was already their main songwriter. Once Levon had jumped ship late in 1965, The Hawks had their most interesting and educational spell - the Dylan World Tour and most of the basement era - without Levon. When he was asked to come back after nearly two years, it was inevitable that the balance of creative decision making (if not ‘executive’ power) had switched to Robbie (whatever they say about all being equal). Lack of power always galls, and it must have been apparent below the surface that the other four had asked Levon back into The Band, and that Robbie decided to stop The Band. Some people don’t need control of their own lives. Others it angers (it does me, too!)

Entered at Tue Dec 24 11:48:40 CET 2002 from host217-40-216-123.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.216.123)

Lifeboy

Subject: Brown Eyed Girl

Click on the above link, this book is a good detailed read on The Clash. I'm still reeling from the shock of Joe's passing.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 07:28:26 CET 2002 from 1cust66.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.66)

jollie

Subject: Santa tuning up for the big ride

Entered at Tue Dec 24 07:15:50 CET 2002 from 12-218-144-48.client.mchsi.com (12.218.144.48)

Phil

Subject: Beyond The Pale

I go there often, and you're right, it's second only to this fine site. I also think Joe must have dug The Band. I know I've read where he dug Dylan. I really don't see how anyone who loves The Band can't at least dig PH a little bit.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 06:54:20 CET 2002 from dialup-166.90.64.21.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.64.21)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Tue Dec 24 06:18:11 CET 2002 from 12-218-144-48.client.mchsi.com (12.218.144.48)

Phil

Subject: Procol Harum & The Clash

Pat: The Clash and PH had a very close connection. The guy who produced London Calling, Guy Stevens, introduced Gary to Keith. It's also legend that it was his cat who was the namesake for the band. The cats name was supposedly Procol Harum.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 05:15:47 CET 2002 from 1cust146.tnt1.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.135.146)

Charlie Young

Subject: Thanks!

Thanks to Pat, David and JTull Fan for words in response to my "Dixie" question. I bought that book you suggested a while back, Pat, but haven't read more than the part about The Band and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" so far. It looks like a great book, though.

Bumbles, you pretty much nailed me on your GB regulars identity post, though I don't really listen to NPR (most often in the car it's music CDs, CBS news radio, WRNR in Maryland and WXPN in Pennsylvania). Otherwise I'm usually reading or on occasion I've been known to watch this one show on the Learning Channel when a certain Genevieve Gorder is involved. She's from Minnesota and really seems Canadian, but don't get me started...

Entered at Tue Dec 24 04:49:10 CET 2002 from dialup-166.90.64.21.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.64.21)

Pat Brennan

In the early 90's, a buddy of mine went to see Procol Harum and was surprised to see Joe Strummer up front cheering the band on. When the crowd was leaving, he approached Joe and asked him incredulously why he was there. Joe said something to the effect that Procol Harum was one of the best bands he had ever heard and had influenced him greatly. I've also heard this from other punk rock survivors. Makes me think he probably liked The Band. London Calling remains a crucial couple of records. RIP, Joe.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 04:47:47 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

JTull Fan

Subject: Southerners

Should be noted too, that blacks are also Southerners....

Entered at Tue Dec 24 03:02:38 CET 2002 from ppp72.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.1.200)

paul godfrey

Subject: milestones

Maybe it is just getting a little older that makes one appreciate milestones that are the benchmarks of our life. This has been a wonderful week with son Levon home from his Global TV gig in Edmonton Canada. Our daughter Shannon will join us for Christmas tomorrow in Hamilton Ontario. The city where the Hawk first came to the 'promised land' on the advise of Conway Twitty. And so the city where the BAND was born. Hamilton was the city where Julia and I got married. You can catch a photo of her with Robbie here in the GB and with Levon and I on my website under 'Days Gone By 2'.

She passed the #50 milestone this day and it was a wonderful family gathering. Levon of the BAND really made me better understand the meaning of the word 'family' with gatherings in Woodstock and Kingston NY.

To my friends on the BAND site....May you find much love and peace in this week of light. Consider that in some parts of the world 'Christmas Must Be Tonight' has already arrived. God Bless you and let us all have a peaceful New Year. Merry Christmas everybody and I hope to talk with you next year. shineonpaulg

Entered at Tue Dec 24 02:43:58 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

I already sent out my thoughts on the passing of Joe Strummer, but they reminded me that another former Clash member, Mick Jones, sampled "Shoot Out in Chinatown" for a song on a Big Audio Dynamite record from the late 80s, early 90s--am not sure what record it was, but I recall hearing it at a party and being wonderfully surprised at that sample...(and the only person in the room who recognized it.)

anyone out there on the GB have/know the record on which that appeared?????

Entered at Tue Dec 24 02:22:46 CET 2002 from (63.164.145.33)

Caledonia

Entered at Tue Dec 24 01:51:12 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

Politically sound. Decent to boot. Good night god bless Joe lad.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 01:27:42 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

I think Pat Brennan's highlighting, a month or so ago, of the boys' possible concensus about The Band reaching the end of the road by the mid seventies carries a certain degree of credibility.

Meanwhile, on reflection, while I don't think it pans out quite as straightforward as Levon's subsequent affirmations that the entire disbanding was rather foisted upon the others by Robbie alone, it is possible to detect why such a simplistic interpretation might have materialised in the hindsight of certain individuals.

Back to Pat's theme, with the notable exception of Richard, the others may indeed have felt the time was right to finish on what seemed to be a high note and explore other possibilities. When all's said and done it was hardly what could be termed an unorthodox move for any band. On balance possibly the opposite in fact.

Rick and Levon's contemporaneous and/or subsequent solo ventures could certainly be interpreted as supporting the notion. Robbie, meanwhile, was clearly enthralled at the prospect of a fulfilling career beyond The Band, safe in the knowledge that his songwriting/musicwriting/producing prowess guaranteed him future income and enticing prospects both in music and film. Garth, manifestly the most placid of the five, was no doubt eminently capable of handling anything that might happen to befall him, whether fame or anonymity. Richard? Well goodness knows what poor Richard must have been feeling.

But then, of course, there's the other side to it all.

What I think history goes on to tell us is that the only one who had ever properly thought through the long term implications of the split - or at least must have done so at some stage - was Robbie.

For the others - however much it might have seemed like 'a good - or at least not bad - idea at the time' - as the clock ticked by the cold hard uncompromising realisations of the rock world's fickleness and life's universal bitter truths must have gradually begun hitting each of them like thunderbolts. Relative obscurity was beckoning.

I remember seeing their initial reunited format with the Cate Brothers at Nostell Priory in the north of England in the early eighties. This was little more than a decade after the original quintet had announced their utter peerlessness to the world on the stage of The Royal Albert Hall in London. Back then, hardened critics had acclaimed them as the best there had ever been; best there could ever be. Something Band afficianados already knew, of course.

Yet there, scarcely more than a decade later, on that seedy, paltry platform in Northern England, was a mere shadow of the original incarnation going through the motions to little more than several hundred assorted UK Band loyalists surrounded by a herd of oblivious dope and smackheads.

At the time, naturally, I savoured every moment in the presence of my heroes; no more than ten feet away, joining in their every word, every note, every breath. In hindsight, in that all so inevitable sobering cold light of day that always manages to rear its ugly head, I realised what I had witnessed was little short of ignominy for my heroes. A stately old Rolls Royce down on its luck railroaded into some desolate back country jalopy rally. Making do. Scratching around.

Now whilst there is never any disgrace in any artist doing what The Band reincarnate were doing that night, there will always remain a desperate sadness and regret when an artist, once so wondrous as The Band, are reduced to singing for their supper in some backwater such as Nostell Priory.

Once recognised, theirs should - forever - be the stage for only the very best. That, of course, is never the reality. One is reminded of the plight of some of those old Blues artists rescued from a crippling obscurity by their transatlantic bohemian prodigees who had inherited their heroes' stage. Sad that no such prodigees seemed to have existed for those who could be ranked amongst the finest artists of the lot.

Entered at Tue Dec 24 01:12:11 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

BWNWIT - [can't be arsed with an alternative tonight :-o)]

Have to say I'd have thought that, just like myself some 6 months or so ago, you would have been absolutely delighted in having the tag of 'buffoon' bestowed upon you by dear old Serge. In relative terms I see it coming from such a solemn soul merely as confirmation of at least a degree of normality. Then again what the fuck do I know? :-o)

Entered at Tue Dec 24 00:48:21 CET 2002 from inktomi1-swa.server.ntl.com (213.105.224.4)

rich

Subject: joe strummer

rest in peace joe.iv had the clash on all day on my cd player.a musical giant has fallen today.also joe was intelligence,integrity and humanitarianism all rolled into one.the worlds a lesser place and im to upset to say much more.lets not forget his wife and kids.condolences to the family and god bless joe.viva the clash and all they stood for.rich

Entered at Mon Dec 23 23:44:56 CET 2002 from net.ino.no (213.236.221.2)

Frode Nyland

Subject: God Jul

God Jul og Godt Nytt Aar, Jan, og takk for innsatsen med Band-sida! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Band fans and to Garth, Levon, Robbie, Ronnie, Bob D., John S., Jim W, Randy, Richard, Aaron and the rest of them fabulous musicians! RIP Rick and Richard.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 23:30:20 CET 2002 from h-68-164-13-61.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.13.61)

Pat Brennan

Charlie, off the top of my head, I can assure you that Virgil Caine would not have voted Republican back then. However, he probably would support his homeboy Frist.

My view of PC is this: freedom of speech entails certain responsibilities. The Supreme Court said as much in various cases curtailing speech--the old "Fire" in a movie theater thing. Just as "art" (in my little world) demands honesty. At the same time, speech can be quite illuminating. When you hear someone use a racial epithet, just like when you hear someone use a lot of swear words or sexual references, you have a pretty easy time pegging that person. Which, in the long run, is useful. However, Trent Lott didn't really violate these strictures. What he did do (in fact, what he has been doing for years and finally did again in such a public manner that you couldn't ignore it anymore) was violate his own party's imagemakers. It's well known that if the Republicans don't start appealing to minorities--given the changing racial face of America--they will become extinct. Bush knows this well, so when his top man in the Senate seemed to employ segregationist rhetoric from the late 40's , the President knew he had to go. I think Lott lost much of his support when, in an effort to reduce the damage, he started back-pedalling on Civil Rights and Martin Luther King's birthday, neither of which sits particularly well with Southern, Christian Conservatives (don't blame me for this characterization as this is how Lott described himself over the weekend as he put forth the conspiracy theory of his downfall).

Which comes back to TNTDODD. First of all, it is art, which to me is nearly immune from censorship as long as it's honest. Yeah, I know that's pretty ephemeral; I didn't say this was airtight. Secondly, rather than cast the Civil War in political terms, it tells one man's dedication to the cause in personal, familial terms, much like Faulkner. In this alone it illuminates the reason why dirt farmers on both sides marched off to kill their fellow Americans, although the thrust of the song is obviously Southern. You can easily argue that the reasons wars are fought have nothing to do with the reasons why soldiers fight, and you'd be right. But there still are reasons why soldiers fight, and TNTDODD is as good a description of the phenomenon as any. Which, in my mind at least, makes it immune from criticism along those lines.

Of some interest is the song's emergence at the height of Vietnam, a discussion of which is published in a book called The Civil War in Popular Culture by Jim Cullen. It's very good but a bit too arcane to get into here. But if you'd like, I could re-read it and post a synopsis.

Some of Levon's people--I believe Butch on alt.band but I might be wrong--say that Levon didn't like the song, but backstage in 1983 I heard different.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 23:23:59 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: Dixie

Not all Southerners are insensitive to the painful connotations of racism & slavery associated with the word "dixie". For years the marching band at my alma mater, the University of Georgia, was known as the "Dixie Redcoat Band". In 1968, the band's longtime director, the late Roger Dancz, realized it was time to move forward. After consulting with students, faculty & alumni, he decided to drop the word "Dixie" from the band's name. This came during a rather turbulent time in history, not just in the South, but in the entire nation. Although it may seem like a rather small step today, it was a courageous thing to do at the time, and Mr. Danz & his family bore the brunt of some threats as a result. The following year, 1969, coincidently the year of the release of The Band's "brown album", Mr. Dancz ended the long tradition of performing the song "Dixie" at football games & other athletic events, which also caused quite a stir at the time.

It should be noted that Roger Dancz established a jazz studies program at the University of Georgia. Through his years of teaching, and as host of a radio program, Mr. Dancz helped educate many to the joys of jazz, a form of music enriched by blacks & whites alike.

I am constantly reminded that music can be a powerful instrument of unity in a world filled with strife. Like the hearts the beat within all of us, music moves in universal rhythms. Unfortunately, there are some who are deaf to the sound of beauty, and their dark hearts are filled with cacophony.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 22:55:54 CET 2002 from (66.200.102.19)

JTull Fan

Subject: Dixie

Charlie: I can't see the song as being politically incorrect no matter where politically correctness may take us. It is sung from the POV of an ex-Confederate (and seemingly apolitical one, of which there were many on both sides)in 1865, and anyone performing the song is no more politically incorrect than Martin Sheen playing Robert E. Lee in Gettysburg. I think the song is strong enough to be seen as the allegory it is. On Trent Lott, I haven't chimed in on this out here, but I am glad he has stepped down as majority leader. Taking what he said aside, the fact that he said such a thing reflects a shocking lack of judgement that we must question his qualifications to make ANY decisions as a leader. It's no different from Gary Hart when he dared the press to follow him to a motel. I'm just glad it wasn;t dragged out any longer.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 22:32:15 CET 2002 from dialup-65.58.138.1.dial1.phoenix1.level3.net (65.58.138.1)

RON MILLER

Subject: COUNTRY STLYE SINGERS

http://www.FIREHOUSE.COM http://www.ElvisCarden.8m.com http://www.sugarhillrecords.com http://www.RTEINC.8m.com http://www.Dollypardon.com http://www.radiocountry.org http://www.NickelCreek.com http://www.amazon.com http://www.kmarecords.com http://www.RailRoadEarth.com http://www.701mb.com http://www.JohnCowan.com http://CountryMusicWebs.com http://www.ScottMiller.com http://www.JerryDouglas.com http://guitarhouserecordsinc.homestead.com/ihtml http://www.stardustcountrymusic.com http://WWW.WW11CaptainMartee.8m.com http://www.Trend.Records.8k.com http://www.FredLeoBrown.8m.com http://WWW.RonMiller.8m.com http://www.TheMovingWall.com http://www.VietNamByNet.com http://WWW.KristineMiller.Johnson.8K.com http://www.compubank.com/index.cfm?affinity=17651 --- "RON MILLER" singer of Some Gave All",and other's --- ronmexnow@earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 22:23:50 CET 2002 from 1cust185.tnt2.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.201.37.185)

Charlie Young

Subject: "Dixie" Question

I'm just wondering what Pat Brennan, JTull fan and any other American Civil War history experts here feel about this: is "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" now an officially politically incorrect song in post Trent Lott America? Also, I was wondering if anyone knows (or has any theories) on why Levon stopped singing the song after "The Last Waltz."

Entered at Mon Dec 23 21:54:39 CET 2002 from du-tele3-041.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.41)

Peter Viney

Entered at Mon Dec 23 19:19:48 CET 2002 from (129.237.250.26)

Ray Pence

Brown Eyed Girl, this is for you (and others who are interested in Billy Bragg and the Clash--kindred spirits fighting to kindle human spirits):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2602083.stm

Entered at Mon Dec 23 19:10:01 CET 2002 from (129.237.250.26)

Ray Pence

Brown eyed girl, I'm with you in mourning the passing of Joe Strummer...his art, passion, and points helped me get through high school...in fact they helped define my youth, shaped the way I look at our world...one of the first bands to show me that I didn't have to accept the lies that are all around us, told by the powerful, and, at their peak, the Clash were the only band that mattered...

whenever the Clash and Elvis Costello put out a new record in those days it was An Event for me--I knew I'd be at the record store in Casper Wyoming, and would spend the next few weeks being transported by the ideas, the humor, ferocity, it must have been what it was like when my older brothers would wait for the next Beatles or Stones or Hendrix...

I recall reading about Martin Scorsese and Robbie Robertson attending early Clash shows and raving about them: in fact I found a picture of Scorsese wearing a Clash t-shirt while directing boxing scenes in "Raging Bull"...

when Allen Ginsberg hooked up with them you knew something special would happen, that Dharma Lion didn't share his chemistry with just anyone...

BEG your words were beautiful as usual, but I wish you wouldn't have had to write them.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 16:12:21 CET 2002 from h00104c1150c6.ne.client2.attbi.com (66.30.166.195)

Jim

Subject: Band Fans from MA

Any Band fans from massachusetts???

Entered at Mon Dec 23 16:11:53 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp190012.sympatico.ca (64.229.1.171)

brown eyed girl

Subject: Joe Strummer

I wish I never woke up this morning...........When I saw posted that Joe Strummer from The Clash, The Pogues (briefly) and The Mescaleros was dead.......I could hear Bob Marley singing, "Life is but a fleeting illusion"......I have posted many times about The Clash because they were always in my top seven bands.....

For me punk.....was The Clash.....I saw them perform when Black Uhuru opened for them.....I still remember all of us in the aisles dancing away to "Brand New Cadillac".....

One of the times I was in Brooklyn, New York at a club with Crabgrass I noticed that Joe would be performing a few days after I was flying back to Toronto......I thought.....shit.......timing isn't in my favour this time......It would have been an honour to see him up close and personal......

He epitomized for me what drew me to Bob Marley, Billy Bragg, Gang Of Four, Paul Weller, etc.....Apparently Dylan even made friendly connections with The Clash and had found their music exciting......They exuded ENERGY which is MC2.....Energy equals motivation, Commitment and Clarity........Music and Left-wing Politics......I know.....not many of us around anymore.....but that's why these artists will live on......They stood for something.....

I still have a 1984 post card where Joe's t-shirt reads......"Freedom is more vital than a job".....The weird thing is I've always been looking for a good history book of The Clash....I could only find photo books or not very detailed books on the group but I wanted a complete history of the group.....I now regret when I did find one in NYC I didn't buy it 'cause my flight bag was filled right to the brim with books.....I have a great documentary where Joe is as articulate and honest as ever....and I have the video "Rude Boy" where Joe shares his politics openly and where although he later sacked Mick Jones.....it is here where Mick really shines when he sings "Stay Free" without the band......

One of my fave beginning guitar licks in a song was always when they played...."Should I Stay Or Should I Go".....Those licks always make me stop what ever I'm doing at the time.....Every time Crabgrass and I pass by Electric Lady Studios.......He always has to tell me that he was there when The Clash were recording......I guess I will have to ask my brother now once again.....Please tell me what it was like catering for The Clash when they were in town.....and......you didn't even tell me at the time!!!!!!.....

I loved what you represented Joe......Your group was one of the very few groups who incorporated reggae vibes on a consistent basis.....not because it became trendy.....but because you were singing rebel music......You made us think and.....groove.....Everytime I hear "Lost In The Supermarket" I know you're thinking about Karl Marx.....Oh yeah....Capitalism at it's finest......and "Sandinista".....How many other bands would take a huuuuuge risk and put out a three record CD with blatant political messages and incorporate many genres of music as well!......THE CLASH.....that's who!.....

Peace, Love and Unity.....Joe Strummer.......Stay free.....

Entered at Mon Dec 23 16:10:00 CET 2002 from dialin-1343-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.6.73)

Gene

Subject: Happy Crimble

God Bless All.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 14:49:19 CET 2002 from (216.88.34.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: update from trip

As I said in my last post, it was a John Candy Planes Trains & Automobiles weekend. We flew to CT from DC again (to save $$ over the high Richmond fares) and our flight left over 3 hours late. We got in at 12:45 am. Normally I rent a car from Alamo or Thrifty, where I have preferred customer status, but since Santa has been busy this year I reserved with Avis to save a few more $$. As we arrived AFTER midnight the agent had to reenter my reservation. In the process, rather than cahrge $79.00 to my credit card, he charged $7,900.00 to it! He apologized and immediately removed the charges but said it would take 24 hours for the hold to clear. Well guess what, my card was now 'maxed' and they would not take a debit card or the cash in my pocket. At this point, Alamo, which takes debit, was closed, I did not want to call my elderly parents for them to drive 50 miles in the dark to pick us up, and my only choice was to take the agents 'helpful' suggestion and call my credit card to see if they would raise my credit limit. After giving the agent a death stare for a moment I proceeded to dial on the courtesy phone. I got put on hold for several minutes, at which point JTull fan proceeded to lose it and slammed the handset several levels into receiver, and let out a long string of expletives at the agents involving a variety of orifices and foreign objects. (keep in mind, a hotel room was no longer an option at this late hour and the airport was about to close and leave everyone to fend for themselves in 20 degree whether.) Fortunately for Mr. & Mrs. Tull a nice burly policeman arrived and let us sit in his nice big vehicle for a while while they made sure our ID's were in order and that people across the country who wanted to send us holiday cards and gifts could find us in the case they were having difficulty locating us. When Mr. officer said that indeed, we were not missing persons (thank-you very much) we were allowed to stretch our legs and continue our search for alternate transportation. At this point I was spotted by a middle aged Pakistani cab driver (only mention that because he told me where he was from)who listened politely while I begged him to drive me 50 miles to the middle of nowhere where I promised I would not rob him even though in 20 degree wheter I was beat red and perspiring profusely with veins bulging from my forehead. He agreed, provided I pay him $112.00 cash, to which I said 'fine'.We had a pleasant ride and talked all sorts of subjects and things. 5 miles from my parents house 3 massive bucks which obviously escaped Santa's sleigh leaped in front of our cab. Fortunatley I saw it coming and Mr. Pakistani, never seeing such creatures in his native land, said some things I could not understand, swerved dramatically, but missed them! Our luck was changing. We arrived safely and I gave him a $40.00 tip for being our one angel in a night from hell. I had not realized I left my cellphone in his cab until daylight. Well, this gentleman tracked me down, and not only offered to return the phone, but surprised me by driving FIFTY miles to bring it back to me. Flabbergasted I handed him another large tip which he refused, and my dad tried to convince him to join us for dinner. Not wanting to keep the money either, I gave it to my dad who in turn gave it (though his church) to a local family that lost everything in a recent fire. So, there it was at Christmas; the worst, and the BEST, in humanity. Merry Christmas all.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 14:56:07 CET 2002 from (194.100.60.131)

Kalervo

Subject: Iloista Joulua kaikille!

Hauskaa Joulua, Gud Jul, Mele Kalikimaka, Merry Christmas etc...to everyone!

To be child-like as an adult is different when as a child. Your concsiousness is expanded ... you are brave and wise enough to be child-like.. Constant cynicism is for small and superficial souls...

Bumbles: Speak Finnish, I can' t understand you!

Entered at Mon Dec 23 14:27:27 CET 2002 from oshst-096.olysteel.com (63.91.50.96)

bob wigo

Jan, your last post regarding your appreciation of the blues was a welcome sight. In due time you will know why.

Have a wonderful holiday and thanks for everything.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 12:08:40 CET 2002 from 47-pool1.ras11.flwpb.alerondial.net (206.148.164.47)

Lil

Hello from sunny Florida! (Ok..it's 5:30am so it's still _dark_ Florida..but eventually it will be sunny :-)

How does Willie Nelson do it? "On the Road Again" I mean. This was the loooongest drive I've ever done. I don't think I'll ever want to get back in the car again after doing it all again to return home next week.

Was incredibly bummed as I had planned to put on Richard doing "Georgia" when I hit the Georgia line (took a photo of that great "welcome sign" that says 'everyone has Georgia on their minds')..only to find that the cd case was empty. Left the stupid thing in the cd player at home. Did the same thing with "Jubilation". Have to hit a cd store today.

Realizing after this drive that there's no way I'll make it back for the Bearsville show on New Years even though I already have tickets, so those of you going, please post and tell me all about it.

Amanda: Have a safe trip. Be really careful on I-95...if you go slower than 80 they'll run right over you. (We saw an oil tanker overturn and a _house_...yes a _house_.. in the road (it fell off the trailer that was carrying it). Be careful!!

Have a good day everyone. Safe and happy holiday. God jul Jan. Hug.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 12:00:35 CET 2002 from host217-40-198-180.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.198.180)

Lifeboy

Subject: Joe Strummer

A sad day indeed, I've lost one of my heroes, bless you Joe.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 11:21:57 CET 2002 from cache-edi-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.31.64.2)

A sad day

Subject: Joe Strummer RIP

See link above.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 07:41:12 CET 2002 from windsor-ppp115954.sympatico.ca (216.209.150.27)

George W. Bush

Islam means "submit" as in obey me or die. Merry Christmas.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 06:17:35 CET 2002 from host-209-214-113-148.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.113.148)

BWNWITennessee

P.S. - Thanks for reminding me of that video, Quinn. I haven't watched it in awhile; might need to get it out of the closet to give myself a nice interracial holiday treat.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 05:36:49 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Son of a bitch

Entered at Mon Dec 23 05:28:46 CET 2002 from dialup-65.58.43.90.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.58.43.90)

Pat Brennan

Don't worry, pally, we all love you.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 04:54:28 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Dave Z

Oh well, left out again… from another outing… no, that’s allright, I’m not tooo pissed… it’s just, well… I’m dragging 40… my current gig runs out before the bombs fly… and on career day, my little Mafoo told his teacher his Dad is a poopie poppy… so I’m looking to upgrade... to a new identity (my calling is to slab paint)… and was just looking for some suggestions, that's all… maybe sumpin’ like rodeo clown, but the bull’s gotta be red-green colored blind because I only wear green... my power color… 2nd thought, skip the bulls... cows used to freak me out in the 70's... you know, they don't blink... I’d woulda got the girl if I only coulda crossed the field… or maybe we were blinking at the same time... spooky… anyway, during these holidays, while my mife makes enough chocolate so we will never have to have sex again... I’m frantically preparing my video entry for the next Survivor show… right now I’ve got a wicked cover of Whispering Pines, the sound should crack Jeff Probst’s balls… but my bio’s a little weak… DZ, too frequent GB poster, always minimal Band related content, nervous itching habits brought about from an inability to choose sides in the Serge/Viney Fued (the itchin’ is going get me in my wife says)… Career objective: To be G-man!!!… Unfortunately, by the time I’m properly trained, the guys won’t be around anymore… and then there’s that distance problem… besides, G works way too hard, right?… I’d have to follow Robbie… I even had a dream about it… I was sitting with Bones at the Robbie/Levon Reunion gig… under some big ole’ wind electric turbines… but I lost my ticket stub… and in order to get back in I had to compete in a Survivor-like “just before bedtime” peeing contest… with a couple of 4 year old boys… I never had a chance… being 40 sucks… got pee’d on too… so I’m outside on the wind turbine service road… copping a good hypnotic vibe off the blades going around… hanging with the cows… when this guy scares the jeepers outta me… says he’s got the street cred I so dearly covet in the GB… no no, I’m light years away from amassing the discography necessary to walk in the same circles as those folks… but this guy says he’s got a bootleg of the gig which just ended… I look over my shoulder to see if Butch is watching… then I fork over my Ebay Euros… and rush home to my basement… pop in the CDR… and Shazammm… all I hear admist the shrieks of death from hawks being mulched by turning turbine blades… which btw, are soooo loud you can’t possibly make out the Robbie/Levon vocals… is the sound of some jerk yelling play “Mahk Jchi”…

Entered at Mon Dec 23 04:52:13 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

JTull Fan

Subject: Dancing around in tights

Bumbles: I guess I left the shades up that night. My wife was out and I borrowed some of her tights, assembled a makeshift codpiece and fake flute made out of a wooden pasta spoon, and let loose. Damn, hope the neighbors didn't notice! Nice to be home. Had a Planes Trains & Automobiles-like weekend, including ...I'll tell ya tomorrow.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 03:48:34 CET 2002 from parachute3-156-40-62-94.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.94)

Quinn the Eskimo

Subject: Pink

Amanda: To quote from years ago on "Laugh In," all of you are pink on the inside!

Entered at Mon Dec 23 03:39:48 CET 2002 from (63.164.145.33)

Caledonia

"The first show the Band ever played was at Winterland with Bill Graham presenting us. And the last show I ever played with the Band, The Last Waltz, was at the Winterland with Bill Graham presenting us. I remember the first time I met Bill. It was around 1969, and we were up in Woodstock. We hadn't toured after the first album, Music From Big Pink, because Rick Danko had been in a serious accident. As a result of not touring, this incredible mystique had developed about us, which had nothing to do with us."

"So Bill came to see us, and he seemed to have this idea that he was going to have to beg us to play. His appeal was to use the voice of the people. He kept talking about we owed it to "the people" to play. The heaviest part was when he said something like "The people's hearts are bleeding. You must come down out of the darkness and play for the people."

"On one hand, I was completely taken by this. But on the other hand, the truth was he didn't have to convince us. We were already planning on touring after the second record anyway. So as he talked about our obligation to the people, Albert Grossman, our manager, was sitting there cracking up. But I didn't have the nerve or the heart to tell him the truth. So I just said, "Bill, how do I meet these people you speak of." And he said, "The best place would be in the Winterland in San Francisco - that's where there's the most love - and then at the Fillmore East in New York."

"Ironically, after all that, when it finally came time to play the Winterland, I was as sick as I've ever been in my life. And as the show got closer and closer, I got worse and worse. As a last resort, Bill and Albert Grossman came up with the idea of getting this Freud hypnotist to help me. We were desperate - Bill had been talking about "the people" so long, they were like refugees in my mind, and I wasn't about to let them down. So this hypnotist made it so I couldn't remember how badly I felt. And it worked, for a while. He stood on the side of the stage, and every time he saw me starting to fade, he would say the word 'grow', and somehow it got me through the show. And the people, as it turned out, were lovely people."

Entered at Mon Dec 23 03:23:33 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp190012.sympatico.ca (64.229.1.171)

brown eyed girl

Subject: Irie Holiday Mon!

Crabgrasssssss has inspired me to share a less expensive and more available herb for all occasions...

If God had long hair and a goatee
And if his eyes were pretty glazed
If he looked spaced-out
Would you buy His story
Would you believe He had an eye infection
And yeah yeah
God looks baked
Yeah yeah
God smells good
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
What if God smoked ganja
Hit the bong like some of us
Drove a tie-dye micro-bus
And He subscribes to Rolling Stone
When God made this place
In the beginning, did he plant any seeds
Or did he put them there for Adam and Eve
So they'd be hungry for the apple that the snake was always offering
And yeah yeah
God rolls great
Yeah yeah
God smells good
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
What if God smoked cannabis
Do you 'spose He had a buzzzzzz
When He made the platypus
When he created both our homes
Does He like Pearl Jam or the Stones
And do you think He rolls His own
Up there in heaven on the throne
And when the saints go marching home
Maybe He sits and smokes a bone

Joan Osbourne Parody.....Please forgive me if this song offends anyone....but sometimes I have to inhale and get in touch with my Higher Power..... Sorry Marx and Feuerbach....:-D

Bumbles.................................................almost................right on!

Entered at Mon Dec 23 03:05:38 CET 2002 from cdm-66-35-245-tyrd.cox-internet.com (66.76.35.245)

John, "The Guitar Master"

Subject: The Last Waltz and Bob Dylan

I saw the last waltz for the 1st time. It was great. I liked the part with Bob Dylan the best. Indeed Bob Dylan is great...hmm...I like Bob Dylan. I saw him in 01' it was great. Bob Dylan is great. Indeed. John

Entered at Mon Dec 23 02:26:04 CET 2002 from 1cust163.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.163)

Crabgrass' Special Xmas Brownies!!

Okay gang, once again it's time to drop everything else and whip up a batch of these super-yummy Yuletide treats!!!

Melt 3 lbs. dark chocolate in saucepan. Add 4 cups brown or turbinado sugar. Stir gently with wooden spoon on low heat for about 10 minutes. Add 2 cups chopped walnuts and 1 cup halved raw cashews. Remove from heat while continuing to stir. Add 3 shots of rum and 2 shots cognac. Blend in 1 and 1/2 cups organic brown flour, 1/4 tsp. baking powder, 1 pinch of salt, and 2 kilos crumbled hash. Pour into large size baking tray and place in pre-heated 360 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes. Remove, slice into squares, and cool in fridge for 3/4 hour before eating if you can stand waiting that long. (Serves 1)

Entered at Mon Dec 23 02:16:35 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

bob wigo

Bumbles, a commendable attempt at humor. I can't imagine the time it must have taken....with you having only one hand free.

With Bearsville coming up would someone be kind enough to once again post directions to Big Pink and a few of the other Band landmarks in the area.Thanks in advance.

Amanda, please email me.

Entered at Mon Dec 23 02:03:47 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Whheeeyyooooo

Some got it ... Some don't ...

; ^ )

Peace Boy's and Girl's ...

Entered at Mon Dec 23 01:44:11 CET 2002 from dial2a-207.i2eyenet.com (64.80.2.207)

Hi

I'll have a pink rose in my black leather jacket's lapel..If you see me come by and say Hi. Tom

Entered at Mon Dec 23 01:18:22 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-022castocp0283.dialsprint.net (65.178.97.29)

rollie

Cool!! You got me PEGGED!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Entered at Mon Dec 23 00:20:57 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Bumbles

Subject: Holiday Meta Post

Why not a post about posters? Not another attempted GB “outing,” with names, addresses, phone numbers, and other information of interest only to stalkers (and Serge), but a glimpse behind the Internet curtain of anonymity at the men & women from around the world, from all walks of life, who come together in the GB community to declare their devotion to a long-defunct rock group. Can’t say you’re not curious, right? So in the holiday spirit of sharing, I offer an almost-random sampling of what one daily GB reader & occasional poster has learned about some very special people: You.

Amanda – Fair flower from the fields of the South planning a spectacular return to action after reluctantly curtailing Levon-related activities to spend more time with family

Bayou Sam – Affable outer-borough resident and reliable source of annual posts on the subject of Rick, Richard, John (Lennon) & George (Harrison) “jamming” in heaven can’t find what he’s looking for in the chat room

BEG – Reader of books, taker of pictures, typer of words, the GB’s siren casts an irresistible spell over all who dare glance at her often incomprehensible posts; cyber sex object of choice for male GB-ers born prior to the inauguration of John Kennedy gives exquisite e-mail—very irie, indeed!!!

Bill – Gentleman & scholar currently at work on a multivolume Little Caesar & the Consoles sessionography

Bones – Kind-hearted soul can be found clutching his autograph book and shivering outside the rope at any industry function JRR might conceivably attend; longs to see Levon & Robbie frolicking together again like brothers—or puppies

Pat Brennan – Noted Civil War re-enactor and historian without portfolio; towering figure in the emerging field of Watkins Glen studies

BUTCH – Nixon-era F.B.I. informant (counterculture division) currently in the witness protection program, he serves as a deputy sheriff and NORML chapter president somewhere in the greater Hudson Valley region

BWNWIT – Formerly the same person as Bayou Sam, this cranky GB staple has since struck out on his own; Badge of Honor: His picture is distributed to event staff at all Barnburners shows as an individual marked for termination with extreme prejudice

Crabgrass – “Subway shooter” and N.Y. Post pin-up Bernhard Goetz

Diamond Lil – Salt of the Earth Mother

Harry & Mim – Wealthy libertines notorious for the weekend goings-on at their lavish Bucks County spread

Donald Joseph[s?], Esq. – Attorney at law, amateur literary man, and alumnus of an almost-Ivy institution of higher learning uses his infrequent appearances to remind fellow GB denizens that he is DJ and they are not—much to the relief of all parties

John D – Bon vivant, renowned raconteur, and media personage Canadian style; word from Dana Glover is that he knows Robbie

jh – Little do his students suspect that behind his cherubic, bespectacled dean’s exterior lurks…a cherubic, bespectacled Webmaster

JTull Fan – Upwardly mobile snake handler and illegitimate son of Trent Lott enjoys prancing about in tights

MATT_K – The GB’s eternal prize pupil: Bright as a new copper penny! Exhaustingly prolix!! Insufferable!!!

Kalervo – Undergoing Delta Force interrogation after intercept of “questionable” Internet transmissions

Kay – Savvy newsroom veteran not shy about flexing major media muscle on behalf of the old Woodstock crowd

Ben Pike – Gabby Hayes III

David Powell – Well-mannered & unfailingly polite retired postal worker, his real name is David Powell

Rollie – Former harmonica technician for Norton Buffalo knows why the black helicopters are coming for him

Rosalind – 400-lb. man in a Chef Boyardee-stained undershirt gives himself a little squeeze south of the border every time he posts about having his period or blowing the boys in the GB

Serge – Deranged fur trapper from Indian territory, a.k.a. “Lucky Pierre,” was once, 40 years ago, in the same room with the future members of the Band and a camera and will never, ever let anyone forget it; conducts guided tours to Richard Manuel’s grave for Euro tourists

Brien Sz – Smug suburbanite dabbled in right-wing politics & film criticism; last seen near an Ocean County cranberry bog, leading a hapless expedition of would-be nature photographers to their Blair Witch-like doom

SUNDOG – Guest of honor at a recent intervention

Peter Viney – Dazzling British globe-trotter single-handedly made ESL a glamour profession; often found in the company of American film stars

Bob Wigo – Self-appointed GB den mother/hostess/hall monitor is resolved to shed those unsightly excess pounds in 2003

Charlie Young – Bookish dad & devout NPR listener with a painstakingly assembled collection of bootleg “Hootenanny!” video.

And me? My name is Bumbles, and I’m…

Entered at Sun Dec 22 23:22:23 CET 2002 from port-212-202-186-93.reverse.qdsl-home.de (212.202.186.93)

Katzen

Subject: Katzen

I enjoyed my visit. Greetings from Olga Katzen -

Entered at Sun Dec 22 19:26:05 CET 2002 from 1cust116.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.116)

Mullah Omar

At this time of the year when our Christian brothers and sisters celebrate the Holy Day of Christmas, I would like to remind all that Islam means "PEACE."

Allah Akbar! - God is Great!

Entered at Sun Dec 22 16:53:04 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: silliness

Yay, yippee, yahoo, allllllright.

I saw that Quinn The Eskimo was here, so....

whoopie, yay, ......(jumping for joy).

Entered at Sun Dec 22 16:37:05 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

I don't have any pink clothing to wear, but I'll put on some pink lipstick!

Entered at Sun Dec 22 16:18:05 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

John Cass

Subject: THE BLUES

What a great night of the Blues in Great Barrington Mass complements of the Barnburners.... Levon provin once again that he is the best, Pat rippin those blues licks he has Blues in his Blood, Mudcat grovin on the stand up Bass its always a pleasure to see Mudcat playin with the fellas, and Chris the best harp player out there today blowin the harp like a man possesed and singin the blues the way it is supposed to be sung..

great to see George who must have the best collection of videos out there... and Butch as always loving the blues and loving life...

great club and I will defentally be hittin Great Barrington MA more often they got some great acts that play in that small venue..

see ya all on 12-31-02... what a night that is gonna be!!

Entered at Sun Dec 22 16:07:47 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

Rosalind: Thank you for the good wishes! I really don't have too much experience driving on snowy or iced roads. I have driven through the Ozarks and the Smokey Mountains in bad weather. Believe it or not we got a little snow in Hilton Head last Christmas. I have been assured that at a certain point of my trip, a very capable and reliable person is going to guide me towards Bearsville! ;O)

John Donabie: I wish you and your wife could make it to Bearsville for the show. It would be fantastic to meet you. If you change your mind and decide to go-David Powell could always ride with me. If he is still in the Atlanta area, that is only about 3 1/2 hours from the place of departure. ;O)

Entered at Sun Dec 22 15:51:49 CET 2002 from dax31.revealed.net (208.16.227.174)

Mike D.

Subject: Festival Express

Lately, I've been pondering if this "documentary" will ever see the light of day. I have read that Director Bob Smeaton, who directed The Beatles Anthology, "Classic Albums" series on DVD, etc...is working on the project, as well as engineer Eddie Kramer. But as of this point, that's all I know. Can anyone else shed some light in regards to this? Strangely enough, no mention is made of the "Featval Express" in Levon's book either. I've always wondered why. Doubtless, this would make for a very interesting DVD.

Entered at Sun Dec 22 10:42:10 CET 2002 from cache-edi-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.31.64.2)

Water Of Tyne

Subject: Boxing Day

Boxing day is British in origin.. there's a million explanations as to it's history - the link above is one theory.

Entered at Sun Dec 22 07:21:43 CET 2002 from abby8.revealed.net (208.16.227.199)

Mike D.

I was out finishing my x-mas shopping tosay when I decided to use some of my x-mas bonus on the DVD audio version of TLW. The rest goes to friends and family, of course!

I thought the 4 disc box set and DVD of the movie were as good as possible. It gets better. Hearing "Cripple Creek" through 6 channels is unbelievable. Ok, the whole disc is amazing. Looking forward to "Big Pink" on DVD Adio in January. Another good DVD audio disc is Neil Young's "Harvest". If you have the equipment, snag this!

Mike

Entered at Sun Dec 22 07:08:08 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Boxing Day

I was just wondering if one of you GB'ers from the Great White North ( Canada ) could explain " Boxing Day " to me ? I've heard of this holiday for years but ( not being Canadan ) never of what it's about and how it came to be ... Anyone ? ...

Entered at Sun Dec 22 04:04:44 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-018castocp0468.dialsprint.net (63.187.177.214)

rollie

Yes Charlie, the dinner was included with the $25.But , hey, I skated on the whole evening, not to mention a flight back to Salt Lake.Ah, those were definitely the days. As soon as my Toyota shits the bed, my music career is over.......a lot of concerts for my dog and cat.

Entered at Sun Dec 22 03:18:30 CET 2002 from parachute1-156-40-64-174.net.nih.gov (156.40.64.174)

Quinn the Eskimo

Subject: Inflation

The $25 ticket to TLW in 1976 would be $78.87 today.

As for who's the hypocrite in the Senate? Answer: All of them. But don't blame it all of them. You have to be a hypocrite to be able to raise enough money in donations to mount a successful campaign. In the U.S. we have the best government that money can buy. You want this to change? Demand campaign finance reform in a big way.

Entered at Sun Dec 22 02:00:48 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

Hi, if you haven't checked these already, www.backstreets.com and www.brucespringsteen.net seem the places to go to find face-value tickets if you can't get them through Ticketmaster...I saw Bruce for the first time in my life in September and it was worth every cent, but of course you know that already...it took me a long time but I finally made it to a show, was just four rows away from the front and center of the stage, still can't believe it...the man loves what he does and loves his audience, a Springsteen show is one place where there's no showbusiness BS...no wonder the Band clicked with him.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 23:23:19 CET 2002 from 1cust149.tnt1.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.135.149)

Charlie Young

Subject: Ticket Prices & Priceless Tickets...

I was really hopeful this morning when I logged onto the Ticketmaster site at 10 AM in hopes of grabbing some Springtsteen tickets for the fist time since 1975, but every single seat in the entire Richmond (Virginia) sports coliseum was snapped up in about twenty minutes. I saw Springsteen with the original E Street Band five times in 1974 and 1975 in small venues where the combined ticket prices didn't approach the $74 per seat for the March 2003 concert. I still admire Springsteen, though and the idea of seeing him in perhaps his earliest stronghold outside of Jersey made me make the attempt. As Kurt Vonnegut wrote, "so it goes."

Putting that $25 admission price for attending the actual "Last Waltz" in current concert dollars is almost unimaginable--I would think that $1,000 dollars in this era of scalper-driven ticket inflation would be at the low end of the price range. By the way: did that $25 include the turkey dinner? Rollie?

For those who like political humor, click the link for an animated cartoon on the hypocritical guys in glass houses who helped push Trent Lott from his powerful position. I've been voting for Democrats since war hero George McGovern in 1972, but I believe in truth and justice over political parties--and the fact is that Democratic Senator Byrd of West Virginia was actually a member of the KKK in the 1940s, while Ashcroft and Bush have as many racist skeletons in their closets as Lott. I looks like that Strom Thurmond birthday party might have become the real "Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

Entered at Sat Dec 21 23:24:48 CET 2002 from c143wn2.wifi.halden.net (194.69.211.143)

jh

Subject: Peace & The Blues

As I'm getting older (I _am_, John D.), I'm growing more and more fond of blues music. So simple, and yet so full of emotion... and the artists... Muddy, James Cotton, Levon and his group, all the classics like Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter and Robert Johnson and Bukka White and everybody else that I am looking forward to discover.

Another thing that I've always _hated_ is war.

So... here's a site devoted to the blues _and_ peace... check it out: http://www.bluesforpeace.com/.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 20:43:28 CET 2002 from dialup-166.90.68.35.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.68.35)

Pat Brennan

In August of 1979 I was doing a solo car tour of Civil War sites on the East Coast. After checking out Antietam near Sharpsburg, Maryland, I shot up 81 and crossed NJ toward NYC--playing Springsteen's Piece de Resistance boot the whole way (and finally grasping Bruce's allure in the process). A friend of mine was living with a soap opera actress on west 79th and I stayed with them. Btw, seeing NYC for the first time as you approach Newark in the pouring rain after submerging yourself in Springsteen live is pretty cool. Anyway, we hung in town for a day then we got the great idea of hitting the Catskills and finding Big Pink. Perfect day for a run up the Hudson, and Woodstock was weirdly crowded. We stop in a music store called Mountain Music and I ask the longhair behind the counter where Big Pink was. He gets a bit defensive and asks why I want to know. I told him I drove from Chicago to see it, so he writes out the directions. We follow them and they take us right there. Boom, it appears out of the woods on the right of the road, we park and get out. Pretty excited to say the least, and I start clicking my camera. We're out in front maybe 25 feet and a woman comes to the door. All of a sudden I realize that we're on the side of some mountain in the middle of the woods standing on this stranger's lawn photographing her house. I become sheepish and look to apologize for being so studid and insensitive, but she opens her screen door and waves and calls out, "Don't worry, it's allright. I understand." I fell in love with her immediately.

As a postscript, we went back into town and hit the local record shop. Like I mentioned earlier, it was pretty crowded but I figured it was just a typical August Saturday. But the longhair in the record store asks if we're there for the party. I asked what party he was talking about, and he says the 10th Anniversary of Woodstock!! I had no idea it was 10 years ago that weekend that the festival happened, and I immediately thought of the wonderful girl I was dating back then in high school. You see, we met some folks on their way back to Milwaukee from the fest and heard a bunch of great stories and wished we had gone. Then, there I was, ten years after, thinking about diamonds, thinking about gold, thinking about Isis, and the world's biggest necklace.

I still have the BP pictures.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 18:43:49 CET 2002 from dial2a-34.i2eyenet.com (64.80.2.34)

Hi

Entered at Sat Dec 21 17:54:53 CET 2002 from 1cust174.tnt1.madison2.wi.da.uu.net (67.233.23.174)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

I'm leaving this state of Wisconsin now. I'm going back home to be close to family in Las Vegas. The "Sundog Summer Shakedown" will remain here as its home for now. I'm starting a "NEW" out-door music event in Las Vegas called "Sundog Nation Festival". Its already in the works,,and it will be a blast to say the least!!! There are many good folks out in Vegas,,and the entertainment is HIGH. It was fun here, but its time to move on and grow, got that traveling bone!!! I'll be back in August for the Sundog Summer Shakedown #3.

HAPPY HOLIDAZE TO ALL MY FRIENDS ON "THE BAND" WEB SITE,,AND THE WARMEST WISHES TO ALL THE BANDS AND MUSICIANS THAT MAKE ALL FESTIVALS SO MUCH FUN!!!

Entered at Sat Dec 21 17:41:19 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

jcf

Entered at Sat Dec 21 17:37:57 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

jcf

Subject: Favorite Bands/ Least Favorite Bands

I have a possible idea for a series of posts. There may only be particular examples that are interesting enough to warrant a post. The idea is a pair of someone's (the person making the post or someone known to her/ him) pair of favorite and least favorite bands that are an ulikely pair... Someone I work with, who isn't that much into rock and roll anymore, pair is the Allman Bros (favorite) and the Grateful Dead (least favorite)... They are some differences but probably more similarities.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 17:33:03 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Dave Z

Best of luck on your trip Amanda... I'm envious too... You are gonna have a blast for sure... Paul G, I loved your post on Levon interviews... As the memories of Big Pink are being tossed around, I'd just like to thank the G-Man and Donna for driving us up there the long way this summer... I remember at one point we drove over a big stone that was part of the road... and I thought for a moment that Dylan didn't totally leave northern MN behind... I also was surprised that it's not at the end of a road... but just at the point where a road curves... with nice views... If I were the boys, I would have waited for a fresh snowfall... then drove one car down a hill... to get two race-tire tracks... then applied some water... and presto... a great slide run... my money would be on Levon... or maybe Richard to win a race... Anyway, we've got a dusting of snow flakes here now!!!! Today, me and the boys are making a marble run... out of various junk...

Entered at Sat Dec 21 16:58:02 CET 2002 from modem061.phl-tc02b.fcc.net (63.121.115.148)

bassmanlee

David Powell - As a teen I was very much into that Clapton/Russell scene with Delaney & Bonnie, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, the Dominoes, etc. but never heard Motel Shot. I will put it on my search list. Didn't know there were so many Band connections. Thanks!

I did see Ian Wallace with King Crimson in a rather bizarre show in a university gymnasium (probably Lehigh) back in the very early Seventies. (How bizarre? Edgar Winter's White Trash was the opening act!) I remember Ian leaning back and looking up during his drum solo with a puzzled look...until realizing there was a plexiglas basketball backboard in it's retracted position, at about a 45 degree angle, located directly over his head. He scrutinized it for a minute (executing a splendid roll the whole time), craned his neck a bit and flung a stick at it. Ka-ching! He grinned broadly, and proceeded to repeat the procedure several times, eventually ricocheting 8 or ten sticks off of it and into the crowd with perfect timing as a part of his solo. The crowd kept quiet enough to let the sound carry throughout the solo and then went nuts with applause at the end. (Come to think of it, I may have seen Delaney & Bonnie in the same gym. Hmm.)

Entered at Sat Dec 21 16:48:15 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: my first time :-)

No - not that first time.

The first time I saw Big Pink. It is a very cool experience. First of all it's not actually on Stoll Rd. which is the address of the house. It took a couple of trys to find. It was a blast just hunting for it. I kept coming upon roads that I knew were part of Band history. Glasgow Turnpike, which I beleive Robie lived on. John Jay Road which, if I recall right, is the road they're standing on on the brown cover........Anyway, we finally made our way down Parnassus (spelling?) - and it IS a horrendous road as someone pointed out - then you sort of come around some shrubbery and BAM, there it is. You see it just as it is on the album cover. It's like - oh man, here it is, it's not the picture I've seen a thousand time, it's the real damn house right in front of me - get the camera - oh no. am I gonna piss someone off, am I tresspassing?

That's pretty much how my mind worked. Then I stared at the door to the basement, and at the grass around the house, and the road. I just pictured the sounds drifting out of the house, and the guys throwing the football around, and Dylan coming up the road on his motorcycle - and Levon and Richard spinning their wheels as they raced toward Woodstock.

Yes - it's a very cool pilgrimage to make. Enjoy it, those of you who will see it for the first time.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 16:29:55 CET 2002 from dialup-158-101.tnmem2.usit.net (216.80.158.101)

Sharon

God bless you! Merry Christmas! www.pedalsteel.us

Entered at Sat Dec 21 15:34:02 CET 2002 from sid47.revealed.net (208.23.178.190)

Mike D.

I'll post later when I calm down again :)

Entered at Sat Dec 21 15:20:15 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Sally

Amanda,How exciting you are traveling in from S.C for New Years Eve, Hope to meet you @ the show.Wear something pink!!! If you are planning on visiting Big Pink,be really careful on the road,I spent alot of time there during the winter months & that road can be real icy & not very well maintained. Good Luck! See ya 12/31!!!!

Entered at Sat Dec 21 10:13:51 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

roz

By complete accident tonite I ran into The Last Waltz being played on Turner Classic movies ---I just wish the guy would finally get the intro to the film right tho. Yeah "The Band formed in San francisco in the late sixties" he said. I hate that! "The Bicycle Thief" was the next picture in line after TLW. Neat ... Two Beauties back to back.

I think Robbie's "Behind The Music" did air a few years back. I watched Robbie on the Bill Mayher show the night Sandra Bernhard was on with him and the expression on his face when the show was brought up told the whole story. They must have asked him some difficult questions. I never got to see the airing of the VH1 Thing. I'm sorry, I forgot to check your name as I read your post.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 09:52:52 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Amanda - I wish you the greatest time of your life. Be careful on those roads Darlin' And thanks for the card .... :)

Paul G - Thanks ... you too.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 07:50:26 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-022castocp0134.dialsprint.net (65.178.96.134)

jollie

"I hate having (lyrics on albums) now. I say 'Is my diction so bad?' People piss and moan about it, but I don't like it. When I read other people's lyrics on their sleeves I think they look stupid. If I read the lyrics to some of my favourite songs, they don't mean shit to me. But if I hear 'When A Man Loves A Woman', it is so powerful and emotional. All I want out of any of these songs is the right emotion. I don't give a shit what the lyrics are. Dylan rambled on way too much for my liking. I remember years ago saying to him: 'listen to 'When A Man Loves A Woman'; I like this more than any of the songs we're playing. This is emotional to me; our songs are clever. I don't care for clever. Let's try and get somewhere that has an emotional thing. " ----- I wonder if the emotion credits from these songs pay as much as the lyrics!!!!!

Entered at Sat Dec 21 07:40:17 CET 2002 from uslink-66.173.40-143.uslink.net (66.173.40.143)

Marsen

Subject: Tennesee

OK.... maybe 60%

Entered at Sat Dec 21 07:35:47 CET 2002 from uslink-66.173.40-143.uslink.net (66.173.40.143)

Marsen

Subject: Greetings

Hey there gang.... So many topics flying around the ol'GB lately......Have to agree on the accolades on Big Pink as of late. It was my first Band album, and it reminds me of that each time i put it on.Also picked up the new Bob Dylan Live 1975 last week. It's so good I've had to shelf it for a few days for fear of overexposure..It sure is nice to get theese recordings that have been in the vaults for all theese years.. By the way is there a category for Levonistas for Tennesee?......Im with ya 90%....and your posts pretty insightful, if downright interesting at times.

Also as i was shopping the other day, I was being bombarded overhead by Sir Paul singing "Simply having...wonderful X-mas.."...and later on I thought of The Doors and Pete Seeger singing that very song to Peter V's Dismay........Seasons Greetings All!

Entered at Sat Dec 21 07:07:19 CET 2002 from cache-hki-2.inet.fi (194.251.240.106)

Kalervo

Subject: Gilberto Gil

I don' t know if U.S. media have any foreign sections anymore, but there are happening real important things in western world, too. Culturally I mean...Gilberto Gil is the new secretary (minister) of culture in Brazil! That' s real news for music lovers!

If someone doesn' t know him, he is one of the leading singer-songwriters/artists in western hemisphere.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 05:53:26 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: $$$$$$

I suppose if I wasn't in California I might fork it out but ... $37.50 ... How much were the Tickets for The Last Waltz? ... Does anyone remember?

Entered at Sat Dec 21 05:17:55 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Mike Dent

Subject: Moles

I have always assumed he was a guy but now that you ask it might be a very mannish looking female.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 05:06:51 CET 2002 from cpe014120014212.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.101.162.86)

John D

Envy is not a good thing; but I am so envious of Amanda and the others being at Bearsville for New Year's Eve. Since going to the Woodstock/Bearsville/Saugerties area years ago, I find I fall in love with it every time I return. It takes me back to remembering that 5 men could live out in the country and when the "feeling" hit them they would "play" for the folks somehwere and then return to The Catskills. I hope that all of you who make the journey to Bearsville, especially those for the first time, have a wonderful evening and it turns out to be everything you want it to be.

Amanda I would love to stand beside you when you see Big Pink for the first time. I know I sound wishy washy; but I found it to be quite emotional for me. Going into the Basement and walking through the house ( the renter at the time was a wonderful man who had a classical records import export business in the basement)and just soaking up the vibes. Take a few breaths and let it sink in.

All the crap that sometimes flys at us here in the guestbook will become meaningless. It will just make you remember why you fell in love with the music in the first place. Levon will be a gracious host to everyone I am sure. Butch save me some New Year's Eve brownies. One day I would like to meet David Powell there and just "chat" over some food and music.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 04:17:10 CET 2002 from (203.197.126.107)

Yazooman

Subject: Trades ?

Hi,

I was going thru my trade list and I found extras (2 each to be exact) of the following shows of Van Morrison. They are all good shows with excellent sound quality. The shows are:

8/5/95 Helsingor Jazz Festival, Denmark 1CD, A+ w/ Danish Radio Jazz Orchestra

6/13/99 Roseland Ballroom, NYC 2CD, A+ “If you meet me by the Lamplight” covers Georgia OMM

6/14/99 Jones Beach, Wantaugh, N.Y. 2CD, A+ “Let Us Ramble Through The Midnight Fair” w/ Dr. John guesting on one song

I am interested in trading these in lieu for shows of The Band and related family. If anyone is interested, please email me at yazooman (at the rate of) rediffmail.com . I have a few shows by The Band and I am looking to expand the collection. Please mail me for clarifications if you want to clear out something.

I can trade thru snail mail and I send thru registered post (tho you do not have to do the same).

And now back to the music......

Entered at Sat Dec 21 04:03:42 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

I had been thinking a little about the reaction of many people weeks back, to criticism of Big Pink. I guess it wasn't really criticism-more like a disagreement on status. I especially noted how Al Edge defended BP to it's core. He posted that "when we listened to BP, we had nothing else to go on. It was all there was. We knew instinctively there was something in what we were hearing with which we connected very deeply and we had no safety net of say the sweeter luscious synthesized 'Rags and Bones' with which to catch us if we fell. It became BP or nothing. We went with it." I gave myself a couple of hours of downtime last night, put on Big Pink and listened with Al's perspective. The music really does have a dusky brilliance that consumes you. I can see why Big Pink, for some of you, is a first love from which you just can't recover.I'm happy that I listened to it from Al's point because I hadn't before. The historical importance of The Band's debut has always been there for me, but some of you actually lived it. I'm a little sad that it wasn't my first Band love as well. "The Weight" is "The Weight",of course, but I think that "In a Station" is my favorite song on the record. I've always been surprised there isn't any articles around here written about the song. Susan, perhaps you should write something because you have such a deep admiration for Richard. I went back and read the interview that Ruth Albert Spencer did with Richard for Woodstock Times. She asks him about "In a Station" and he talks about the aroma of sun-baked hair and Overlook Mountain. Incredible song with fabulous meaning. I will think of Richard in eleven days when I get my first glimpse of Overlook Mountain. I am sure "In a Station" will absolutely come to life or the spirit of it will. I am so looking forward to this trip and the extraordinary music. Donna, I can't wait to meet you and all the other Band folks. I too hope that Garth and Maud will grace us with a surprise performance-that would just be the icing on the cake for me. I'm getting in my Road Warrior-esque mode even as I am writing this post. I know it will be the experience of a lifetime. I'll be flyin' my Levonista flag all the way up the coast! ;o)

Entered at Sat Dec 21 04:00:40 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Does It Really Matter?

Subject: Uncle Willy's

Donna,"Uncle Willie's" was a standout dive amongst dives I have frequented everywhere. It was in Kingston, New York. Uncle Willy, the former proprietor, can still be seen at any and every Yankee game. The television cameras usually pick up a shot of him, in various costumes or uniforms. He was, and is, one of the more colorful scoundrels, er, I mean rascals associated with the Ulster County music scene. He now tends bar a few nights a week somewhere in the area. "Uncle Willy's" was the home to many a great show. Rick and Jorma, many times. Dicky Betts, often. The Crows,(Jimmy Eppard, Mike Dunn, and Randy Ciarlante) predecessors to the Cromatix,regularly. Papa John Creach, quite a few times. The state finally closed the place down.Back taxes. There was a great benefit in Woodstock to raise money to attempt to keep it open. Hot Tuna played. Rick played with some group of his, I can't remember if it actually was a Band gig or not. I remember talking to Rick for a while. He had just come back from Australia, and was using an Australian accent of sorts. In Rick's cheerful, happy go lucky way of being, it was very amusingly (in a good way) interesting. There were quite a few good band's there that day, and a mob of people. Money was raised. The place closed anyway. That's all I remember.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 03:52:54 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Donna

Tiny Monster: This will be one show that will be worth every penny! That is of course you father see Madonna, Pink,or JLO , whose tickets go for $40.00 or more...

Entered at Sat Dec 21 03:45:49 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Fat Cat

Tiny Monster... I assure you it will be well worth it!!! Hope to see you there!

Entered at Sat Dec 21 03:26:23 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: $$$$$$$$$$$$$

"Tickets are $37.50," ...

YyeeeoOoOoowww ...

Entered at Sat Dec 21 02:33:49 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Donna

Subject: Little Feat and Bearsville

Little Feat, is one of those bands that still have it, and are still playing strong today! Of course, it was such a great loss after the great Lowell George passed. I would have to say that in my book, Lowell George will always be on my list of the top 5 singer/songwriters of all times! After reading all this talk about Little Feat, I went looking for my "Waiting For Columbus" Cd, only to find the Cd missing! Really bummed out, nothing beats listening to Lowell, singing "Fat Man in the Bathtub" where he belts out "I hear him moan". What a voice, such a talent, taken too soon! Little Feat is still going strong, and my one dissapointment was missing them recently in D.C. when Levon played with them. I would like to thank Amanda for sharing those wonderful pics from that show, on this site.

HI: I have a cassette sent from a friend, from a place in Woodstock, called "Uncle Willie's" It is Rick and Paul Butterfield, playing live from there. They call Jim Weider up to play during this show. Would this be back in 82?

Mike Dent: I am sure that tickets are still available for the Bearsville Show, for Levon's Blues Band, and The Jim Weider Band. Tickets are $37.50, and the doors open at 9:30. You can call #845-679-7600 ext. 10 for ticket information. BTW: Did you mention that Srendi, will be there? Be nice to meet Rick's old friend. Lastly who exactly is MOLEMAN? Or did you mean MOLEWOMEN?

Really looking forward to Bearsville! Jim Weider's Band, with Jim, Rando, Albert, and Dan. Levon Helm Blue's Band, with Chris, Pat, and Jeff! Special guest Jimmy V. and Sid! I hope that Garth and Maud, will be there as well! What a show this will be! Looking forward to seeing all the nice people from this site there! The one's who know what being in a NY state of mind is really about!

Entered at Sat Dec 21 02:14:12 CET 2002 from ppp46.a1-1.56k.execulink.com (209.239.1.46)

Paul G

Subject: Levon

And the same to you ROZ. And may you have a wonderful New Year Free from trouble and strife.

Rarely will I hit on this point, but ....

Levon's interviews are just fine thank you...as long as one mind's their own business and not his. \If you choose to enter into certain area's you will probably get the news you are looking for. \Personally, I never speak to Levon on that level, therefore all the memories of the BAND are good ones in my memory, discussions and past interviews.

So how bout your New Years resolution. Mine is the same as last year....May this New Year make me a better person! shineonpaulg

Entered at Sat Dec 21 02:11:31 CET 2002 from syr-66-67-116-236.twcny.rr.com (66.67.116.236)

Bashful Bill

Entered at Sat Dec 21 02:06:24 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: Chat Room

HEY - anybody want to hang out in the chatroom tonight? -

or today, or this morning, depending on where you are.

It's been awhile - I'm into it. Say tonight (Fri), about 11:00 - 11:15 Big Pink time. That's Eastern Standard Time of course. Come on by.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 02:02:22 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

David Powell = John Lennon would.

.."but if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow".

Entered at Sat Dec 21 01:13:30 CET 2002 from pcp03144198pcs.midval01.tn.comcast.net (68.59.246.135)

Troy

Thanks for the info folks. Shame that Levon and Robbie can't work things out. Life is too short to hold grudges in my opinion. Would be nice if they would simply talk and try to get things worked out. From what I understand they were pretty close friends during the Band days.

Entered at Sat Dec 21 00:21:19 CET 2002 from dial2a-24.i2eyenet.com (64.80.2.24)

Hi

Entered at Sat Dec 21 00:05:10 CET 2002 from proxy2o.dpn.deere.com (192.43.65.245)

Mike D.

Bob W., I was going by the lyrics in the cd booklet. Now, I checked their website and it says "plague". I wonder which it really is? It sounds lik either of them could be correct! Just a friendly dispute :)

Mike

Entered at Fri Dec 20 22:43:04 CET 2002 from h-68-164-5-234.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.5.234)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Fri Dec 20 22:35:21 CET 2002 from h-68-164-5-234.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.5.234)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Fri Dec 20 22:16:48 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Ben Pike

Mentioned it before but... round 78, after the first album had come out, Rick Danko got a very splashy Random Notes headline in RS about how he was working on a new, harder rocking album. Of course, we never got it.....

Entered at Fri Dec 20 22:08:37 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

I do think that Levon needs to find some kind of peace when it comes to Robbie and the so-called suits. All a reporter has to do is bring up Robbie's name and all he*# breaks loose. Now, he appears to be giving the impression that Robbie didn't write any Band songs. The thing is ....Levon doesn't seem to be a bitter guy. When you see him, he's relaxed, jovial, etc. I wish that this side of Levon would appear in interviews.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 21:56:34 CET 2002 from host-64-179-13-83.syr.choiceone.net (64.179.13.83)

Suzie

Boy--don't wanna mess with you people! You sure have your facts.

Pat B.--

1983 was when the shit was starting to hit the fan for the others, wasn't it? Meaning riding on the legacy wasn't cutting it anymore.

So you're (somebody is) telling me Rick and maybe the others had enough money to live the live of ease in Malibu too...for a while (I know Rick in particular did a fair amount of session work then). It's certainly nothing against Robbie that he had more imagination and drive and versatility. But I still believe he initially closed the door on The Band as an active group; if the others went along they may just have miscalculated their own chances of success without him. Fact of the matter is, he'd already come to the end of his songwriting run with them anyway.

Eventually Levon's got time to put two & two together & get, like, eighteen--Massive Betrayal; in interviews he really seems fixated. While Robbie, being the slickmeister that he is, remains graceful about it.

So that's all I can figure out, for what it's worth.

About the Barn Burners: I've seen them, once. Levon sounded great; the songs reminded me of Fabulous Thunderbirds or Stevie Ray Vaughan...which was not my cup of tea. Levon's daughter Amy didn't grace us with her presence that night. Sid McGinnis did. All those young session-musician-type guys...I don't know. Would've rather seen just Levon and Jim Weider, with Garth for a real treat.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 21:24:06 CET 2002 from host-209-214-118-141.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.141)

BTW in Tennessee...

Hey Butch, is Levon planning on going to see Gangs of New York tonight?!

Entered at Fri Dec 20 21:15:16 CET 2002 from host-209-214-118-141.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.141)

BWNWITennessee

I think that Dr. John is a great, vastly underappreciated songwriter.

Troy - in answer to your question, Levon gradually began to badmouth Robbie in public sometime around the late '80s or early '90s. Since that time, it has grown into something which he seemingly must either mention or be asked about in every interview he gives these days. At the time of The Last Waltz, which was supposed to be an end to touring only, no one in the group had any negative statements to say, at least in public, about the motivation, concert, or movie. Both Rick and Levon, at least, at the time said that The Band needed a bit of a break, and interviews given at the time by the other band members created the impression that it was a mutual decision. Levon now claims to have been opposed to the Last Waltz at the time, and to have disagreed with Robbie over it, but there is no indication in any interviews he gave at the time that this was really the case. They were supposed to continue to record albums, but for whatever reason never did, although Robbie Robertson invited his old bandmates to participate in all of his musical activities up through 1992. Robbie also expressed interest in recording a new album with them as The Band in the early '90s, and was rejected by his former partners. He also stated that he had offered to participate in what became their Jericho album, either contributing a guitar solo or a song for them to record, but was apparently also rejected on that. Robbie was present at Levon's RCO Allstars backyard barbecue sometime in the late '70s, after the Last Waltz. He also mentioned calling Levon on the telephone around '91, at the time of the Great Divide box set, and said that Levon had mentioned them getting together and playing music for fun. One would imagine that these days he no longer would feel comfortable to call Levon on a social basis. And as for a perceived rift, or feud, that is not an entirely accurate description, since Robbie has never said anything negative about Levon in public. At least, I have been asking people on this website who are strongly anti-Robbie for three years now to provide an example of such a statement by Robbie, and as of today, no one ever has been able to.

By the way, while Levon moved back to Woodstock shortly after the Last Waltz, all of the other band members continued to live in Malibu, by no one's standard an affordable working class community, for some time afterwards. I'm not sure of the dates, but I believe that Rick lived there through the mid '80s, and Garth might have lived there until the early '90s. I'm not sure if Richard ever moved back to Woodstock or not. I know there is someone here who would be happy to clear me up on this point.

So that's the true story behind the Levon/Robbie situation. Any information that would contradict what I have mentioned here is more than welcome to be posted, and I would be interested in hearing it.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 20:58:03 CET 2002 from host213-123-129-130.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.129.130)

Lifeboy

Funny, I was just listening to "Strawberry Flats" from their debut lp and it sounds like it's off "Exile on Main Street"(thinking of "Loving Cup" and all the sidemen playing with them), but this is a couple of years before "Exile", those glimmer twins are a crafty pair of magpies me thinks. They remind me of The Band also, I think it's that funky country flavour maybe?

Entered at Fri Dec 20 20:33:49 CET 2002 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

Subject: Levon

Suzie

If you call playin in a kick Ass Blues Band, perfroming in front of fans that love him, playin on other people's projects, living in a great town like Woodstock NY, having the respect of his peers, and being one hell of a great guy.....going insane.. then more people should be like Levon

Levon is doing what he wants to do... being a drummer in a blues band..

People do yourself a favor go and catch Levon & Barnburners and you will see that Levon is having a blast and so aren't the people listening to him and thats what it is all about!!

Entered at Fri Dec 20 20:21:05 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

Without Lowell George, the band calling itself Little Feat has as much attraction for me as Creedence Clearwater Revival without John Fogerty, Pink Floyd without Roger Waters, Lynyrd Skynyrd without Ronnie VanZant, the Beach Boys without Brian Wilson, etc...it's the difference between music that is competent and pleasant, and music that demands your attention and respect AND knows how to kindle and maintain passion, intelligence, originality, and a groove...those "leaders" of their bands may not be much fun to work with or for, but I don't have to...sometimes an artistic situation calls for a perfectionist egomaniac, sometimes it doesn't...I'm interested in the results onstage or on the stereo, not the soap operas behind the scenes...Those leaders realized good bands aren't always democracies.

now, the Band were a bit of a different story--in my view still worthwhile when they had all three original voices, though they were missing their uncanny chemistry without Robbie. And the same would be true if ANY of the original five were missing...had it been Robbie on the road with a Band missing Levon, that would leave much to be desired...but I also believe it was ultimately Robbie's loss not to have rejoined his compatriots on at least a few occasions.

The Seth Rogovoy piece: another "new" interview that treads the same stagnant waters of the feud...but it's interesting, now that more people are aware of comments from Garth and the Hawk that prove the history of the Band was a hell of a lot more complicated, and that Robbie's no one-dimensional villain in their eyes, that the general atmosphere of the guestbook has changed, unmistakably...

I very much appreciate the addition of the SCTV clips of Levon from 1981--one of my favorite musicians on one of my favorite shows..."American Son" is a dynamite record! thanks as always, Jan!

Entered at Fri Dec 20 19:50:33 CET 2002 from oshst-057.olysteel.com (63.91.50.57)

bob wigo

Entered at Fri Dec 20 19:45:51 CET 2002 from proxy2o.dpn.deere.com (192.43.65.245)

Mike D.

\ I have to agree with Messrs Prennan and Powell. Mot only was he a great singer/songwriter, but also an excellent slide guitarist. His slide-playing style was the result of an accident in which the fingers on his left hand were slashed by a propeller on a model airplane. And not too shabby of a producer either. One of those perfectionist types, no doubt! And, he was a friend/collaborator with Van Dyk Parks. That's a plus in my book.

David, I don't wanna ruffle your feathers but it's " it's a pavlov on the human race" not a "plague upon the human race" :) Ya know, I think "teenage nervous breakdown" still rings true today. I first heard that song when i was 16. I found it easy to identofy with Ok, so I am big fan too! It's nice to see a few Lowell/LF supporters in here.

Also, Lowell was a big supporter of Bonnie Raitt. Overtones of Lowell's playing can be heard in her playing, imo. Also, she did open shows for Feat and sing backup on the "Dixie Chicken" and "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" albums. Lowell also was responsible for helping to get Rickei Lee Jones a record deal (Lowell's cover of "Easy Money" on "Thanks, I'll Eat It Here" being the clincher).

Pat, the 2 different released versions of "Front Page News" show the difference between Bill Payne's and Lowell's ideas on it. I'll take the version on DOTF anyday. Lastly, Lowell had guts. One simply doesn't tell Mick and Keith that they can't sit in and jam AND that their band (The Stones) should be opening for his band (Little Feat). Another great thing about Feat is that each album is different from the previous one and they never "sold out". They remind me of The Band in so many ways. Lowell...what a loss!

Entered at Fri Dec 20 19:16:11 CET 2002 from h-68-164-13-49.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.13.49)

Pat Brennan

Levon had nothing bad to say about Robertson until 1983.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 19:05:43 CET 2002 from h-68-164-13-49.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.13.49)

Pat Brennan

Bob, I was just reiterating and amplifying my original point, with which your disagreement sparked this thread, that Little Feat was never the same after Lowell died, and that for all his genius singing and guitar/slide work, it was his extrordinary songwriting that they miss the most.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 18:24:42 CET 2002 from host-64-179-12-27.syr.choiceone.net (64.179.12.27)

Suzie

To Troy:

I imagine the rift started shortly after--or during--The Last Waltz, which after all was Robbie's idea. And then festered all those years the others had to scramble for gigs & record contracts while Robbie lived the life of ease in Malibu. I guess once Levon got off the intoxicants, he looked around and saw they'd been a little too agreeable about that crediting stuff, back when they had the chance.

So now, it appears, Mr. Helm is driving himself insane about it all.

(Don't wanna get you other guys worked up, but I was so glad somebody asked a Question!)

Entered at Fri Dec 20 18:16:42 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: Lowell George

In my opinion, Lowell George was a great songwriter, a great guitarist & a great singer. As a songwriter, he could write exquisite, as well as quirky, songs of many genres. In my book, one of the true tests of a songwriter is the challenge of telling a good truck driving story. Lowell wrote not only one, but two, great truck driving songs, "Willin'" and "Truck Stop Girl". Who else would incorporate Chairman Mao into a song, or rhyme "torts" with "shorts", or sing "from Tucson to Tucumcari, Tehachapi tp Tonapah"? And the song "Dixie Chicken" is a modern classic -- some talented young women from Texas liked that song so much that they named their group The Dixie Chicks. Mr. George once so eloquently addressed the myriad of problems faced by the youths of today, with whom he certainly identified with, by singing:

"Unscrupulous operators could confuse
Could exploit and deceive
Conditional reflex theories and changing probabilities
It's a crass and raucous crackass place
It's a plague upon the human race
It's a terrible illness, it's a terrible case
And it's usually permanent when it takes place

It's a teenage nervous breakdown
It's a teenage nervous breakdown"

Entered at Fri Dec 20 17:51:46 CET 2002 from (170.158.89.48)

Mike Dent

Subject: NYE

Hey does anybody know how much admission is for NYE at Bearsville? I have a friend from out of town who wants to know. He coming up from DC. Mole investigator for the CIA. The MOLEMAN is on the way!

Entered at Fri Dec 20 17:41:08 CET 2002 from cache-ntc-ae10.proxy.aol.com (198.81.26.143)

Chris Ippolito

Subject: Just a line to some of the BBs.

Hi, kids. Jeff Sarli, I saw your name and it brougt back memories. Working on R. Bruce's "Album?" with Big Night Out at Wally Cleaver's. I really enjoyed working with you. Anyway, I was just reading Gritz Magazine and saw that you were working with Levon Helm. Congrats!! Hey Levon, I'm in St Louis, MO at Barnes/Jewish Hospital undergoing Chemo and Radiation prior to surgery for esophegial cancer. Any words of encouragement would be appreciated!! Strong faith can work even in the dark, but some daylight sure helps! I have played your stuff since I could. (many years). Love you guys, Chris

Entered at Fri Dec 20 16:55:01 CET 2002 from oshst-057.olysteel.com (63.91.50.57)

bob wigo

Pat, the statement I made had nothing to do with pre or post Lowell George output. You stated " he is easily one of the five great rock songwriters of all time."

I disagree.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 16:35:57 CET 2002 from h-68-164-13-178.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.13.178)

Pat Brennan

Bob, the only reason Lowell doesn't turn up on those lists is because the heathens who compile the things don't ask me.

As is evident from above (and those are just some of the LG compositions--Paul and Bill were turning out some fine material), the first five Little Feat records rival any group's first five. On top of that, Time Loves A Hero and Waiting For Columbus (their sixth and seventh) were their biggest sellers (ahh, the buying public was finally catching up). Now, we could massage these points all day, but I don't think you can argue that the post-Lowell LF comes any where near the songwriting of the Lowell-led organization. Lowell also forced the others to write better; compare Oh Atlanta to Gringo for instance. And when the others delivered lesser material, Lowell spun it into gold; compare the outtake of Front Page News to Lowell's re-working of it on Down On The Farm. Only a genius manages that. And by saying this, I'm not denigrating the others at all. Absolutely incredible band that, unfortunately, lost one of the greats.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 14:42:28 CET 2002 from oshst-057.olysteel.com (63.91.50.57)

bob wigo

Pat, I have always enjoyed Lowell George's songs and have great respect for his work but.....I have to say he most certainly would not turn up on many "top five great rock songwriters of all time" lists.

He wrote some wonderful music and I've always been a Feats fan but I could never get him "easily" on to that list. With all due respect, it's not even close.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 12:38:39 CET 2002 from pcp03144198pcs.midval01.tn.comcast.net (68.59.246.135)

Troy

Can someone tell me when this rift between Levon and Robbie actually started?

Entered at Fri Dec 20 08:56:10 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

" Well the sun came in my window Wednesay mornin'
And your love was like the golden rays again
Now I'm lyin' here on a Thursday and you're lovin' someone new
And it looks like I'm up Shit Creek again

And I can't help m'self from thinkin' of your lovin' ways
And I've cried a quart of tears since you been gone
And I can't face the mornin' by myself love
And it looks like I'm up Shit Creek again

Since you been gone I cry all the time
And I cannot stand a'leavin' you behind
But I'll pull myself together and I'll dry away the tears
But the mornin' light has brought back memories
And I can't face the mornin' by myself love
And it looks like I'm up Shit Creek again

And so I'm out a'walkin' on this dusty highway
Cause you've given me no reason for to stay
And I'll walk until I find someone who'll love me not in vain
And it looks like I'm up Shit Creek again
Yes it look like I'm up Shit Creek again."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That woman will take ya
That woman'll break ya
That woman will make you sign away your soul
That woman's got claws, That woman's got laws
Now look out man you're gonna lose your mind

I had a friend, his name was Frank
He walked on the water but Lord he sank
We used to go stag, now Franks got a hag
It looks like Frankie's got a brand new bag

That woman will take ya
That woman'll break ya
That woman will make you sign away your soul
That woman's got claws, That woman's got balls
Now look Frank you gonna lose your mind

What happened to Frank can happen to you
Just get you a woman and watch what she'll do
That woman will take ya
That woman's gonna break ya
Now look out boy, you gonna lose yo' mind."

--Tom Waits--

Entered at Fri Dec 20 08:38:48 CET 2002 from host-209-214-119-166.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.166)

BWNWITennessee

John - the worst aspect of corporate conglomerates is that they are destroying the quality of life for all of us. When it comes down to it, it is not money that humanity rests on. It is things like music, movies, food, the products we buy such as cars, televisions, etc. The larger and more powerful a corporation becomes, the more it becomes profit-oriented and free to place sales above quality. Of course, all businesses, or at least the vast majority, are profit-driven. But as an entity becomes more and more invulnerable, the greater level of importance they are able to place on creating higher and higher profits. And while even the biggest corporation consists of individual people, the more employees there are, the more the "group-think" mindset takes effect, for two reasons. One, people begin to get the feeling more and more that they are powerless to change things. They become one of a multitude. Even a CEO has a board to report to, who have stockholders to answer to. Secondly, personal accountability begins to fade. It doesn't matter if you are a little immoral, look at how many other people in the company are doing the same thing.

In Nashville, the group-think mentality is evidenced in the number of people in the music industry who feel that the music they are creating is wretched. In my experience, the vast majority of people in this town think the music Nashville produces today sucks. The musicians who play it, the producers who create it, the songwriters who write it, the DJs who broadcast it, all down the line. Everyone says that things have to change, but no one feels like they have any power to change it. Of course, this is not the result of one corporate behemoth, but it is the result of every major record label being owned by multinational multimedia conglomerates. Last year there was an article in the paper where two major label presidents, Tony Brown and Luke Lucas, said that they thought the country music being made today was not any good. These are the people who should be able more than anyone else to change things, but they can't, because they have to report to foreign-owned corporations who could care less about music, and are unwilling to take a risk simply to improve quality.

Here is a true story. There was a song that was used in a popular novel without permission, and without paying the songwriter. Scenario A, the independent music publisher goes after the book publisher, and collects royalties on all previously sold copies of the book. The publisher keeps their 50%, the other 50% goes to the songwriter, several thousand dollars. Scenario B, the music publisher is owned by the same conglomerate that also owns the book publisher. There is no reason in the corporation's opinion to transfer money from one company to another, which would simply result in a loss through man hours, legal fees, etc. Therefore they force the music publisher into granting a gratis permission to the book publisher. This is fine in the company's eyes, but the songwriter, who is by all rights due compensation for the unauthorized use of his intellectual property, receives non of his writer's share, of several thousand dollars. Unfortunately, in this case Scenario B was the reality. Try telling this particular writer that the conglomerate is not evil.

A problem with the profit-driven mentality is that it erodes creativity and uniqueness. In the 1950s, many artists broke into the national market after being regional hits. Elvis Presley was a hit in the South before he was ever heard in New York. New Orleans established a unique style of music in local recording studios and on local record labels. In fact, it might be argued that Rock and Roll was a regional phenomena. Today, regionalism no longer exists in any significant form. A large corporation needs a product that will be successful on a national, or international, level. Our parents generation can remember when you travelled in the U.S., food was different in different parts of the country, music was different, the culture was different. Now, it is not profitable for McDonald's, Wal Mart and MTV to carry something that does not appeal to all markets. So all the stores carry Coke, all the restaurants serve Big Macs. And these same stores have driven the small, local, unique ones out of business, so there is no alternative. Did you know that there are something like 200 different varieties of apples, some of them supposedly much tastier and crunchier than the four you can buy in a chain grocery store? But they don't ship as well, and are not as profitable for the company, so we can't get 'em.

On the Disney thing, I hope you don't think that the artists they pick aren't selected through extensive market research. So yes, they'll sign a rap group who uses the F word, if they think that will sell. But a rap group that doesn't use the F word, and preaches tolerance? We don't know if that will sell, too risky. A teen singer who's fat and ugly? We don't care if she's awesome - too risky. Think Aretha Franklin would get signed and pushed in a market that produces Britney and Christina? The danger of a company that owns a publishing division, label and film studio is that they are going to push their own carefully selected product. An independent publisher might be willing to push an off-the-wall tune that could possibly end up being huge. They have less to lose, and need to take more risks to stay profitable. A small label can pitch a music supervisor some weird song that can work perfectly in a movie. But that kind of thing is happening less and less.

Incidentally, Tom Petty has fought, successfully, to keep his ticket prices some of the lowest of any major artist. The Bands with corporate sponsors, like the Stones, usually have higher ticket prices. For the oil corporations, people would be a lot more willing to buy electric cars if they mroe affordable and practical. Which they would be, if the industry put more money into designing them. Look at how much gasoline-powered cars have improved since they were invented. But the automobile industry is founded is gasoline vehicles, and they'll do everything in their extremely considerable power to prevent having to completely change their entire industry. That's riskier than New Coke. And more people would be willing to use alternative energy sources if they were more practical. Which they would be, and we'd all be living in a cleaner world, if the traditional energy corporations didn't have the enormous political influence and power to resist a threat to their very existence.

Yes, all companies are out to survive and increase profits. But the bigger they get, the less accountable they are. There is a reason that anti-trust laws were created. Unfortunately, creating a multinational conglomerate is another way to get the benefits of a monopoly, with all of the danger that a monopoly poses.

See, if more people would encourage me to enter lively discourse and debate, I wouldn't need to always argue about The Feud. Of course, I've taken up half the GB, so I guess it's a trade-off.

Entered at Fri Dec 20 06:01:44 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Merry Christmas ... It's good idn't it?

Entered at Fri Dec 20 05:18:49 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Angelina

ANGELINA

Well, it's always been my nature to take chances
My right hand drawing back while my left hand advances
Where the current is strong and the monkey dances
To the tune of a concertina

Blood dryin' in my yellow hair as I go from shore to shore
I know what it is that has drawn me to your door
But whatever it could be, makes you think you've seen me before
Angelina

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

His eyes were two slits that would make a snake proud
With a face that any painter would paint as he walked through the crowd
Worshipping a god with the body of a woman well endowed
And the head of a hyena

Do I need your permission to turn the other cheek?
If you can read my mind, why must I speak?
No, I have heard nothing about the man that you seek
Angelina

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

In the valley of the giants where the stars and stripes explode
The peaches they were sweet and the milk and honey flowed
I was only following instructions when the judge sent me down the road
With your subpoena

When you cease to exist, then who will you blame?
I've tried my best to love you, but I cannot play this game
Your best friend and my worst enemy is one and the same
Angelina

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

There's a black Mercedes rollin' through the combat zone
Your servants are half dead; you're down to the bone
Tell me, tall man, where would you like to be overthrown
Maybe down in Jerusalem or Argentina?

She was stolen from her mother when she was three days old
Now her vengeance has been satisfied and her possessions have been sold
He's surrounded by God's angels and she's wearin' a blindfold
And so are you, Angelina

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

I see pieces of men marching; trying to take heaven by force
I can see the unknown rider, I can see the pale white horse
In God's truth tell me what you want, and you'll have it of course
Just step into the arena

Beat a path of retreat up them spiral staircases
Pass the tree of smoke, pass the angel with four faces
Begging God for mercy and weepin' in unholy places
Angelina

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

Bob Dylan

Entered at Fri Dec 20 01:52:06 CET 2002 from ppp7.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.1.135)

paulg

Have you changed your email address? Can't send back mail. Let me know. paulg

Entered at Fri Dec 20 01:44:02 CET 2002 from ppp7.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.1.135)

Paul G

Subject: Richard - Live at the Getaway Saugerties, N.Y.

This moment...this very moment is a very special moment. "Christmas Came Today" It has been a long time in coming but Lord it happened just today. I'm finally listening to Richard Manuel, Live at the Getaway. Into cut 13 HARD TIMES. This live CB reaches into the very fragile soul, the very quick of such a beautiful creature who had the widest most wonderful grin of anyone I have every known. Now its on to cut #14 CHEST FEVER. Talk about Unique.

It still amazes me that 5 young men could come together especially in the manner they did and go on to the top of the Mountain. The night after the Linda Ronstadt concert at CNE Toronto there was a party at the Harbour Castle Hilton in the aftermath. Beak sat there grinnin' as usual and now and again he would laugh. A rich full genuine laugh that only he could have. So much life and so much music was condensed into those few short years. Another time after a concert in Kitchener with the reunited BAND we got to talkin' after the concert and he thanked me for getting in touch with him to let him know his dad had passed on. Fortunately he was able to make it home for the funeral and he was grateful. Now its cut # 15 Whispering Pines. Somehow its like closing your eyes and having him right there in your own living room, just Richard on the Keyboards, Jimmy on Guitar and Ricky playin harp. Special, so special.Indulge yourself in the treat ... get the CD. shineonpaulg & thanku Serge.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 23:55:51 CET 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.home.nl (212.120.101.7)

norbert

Subject: Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! ...... make it a good one!

Adela Calbillo ..... liked your post ...... shows character and a warm heart.

Ragtime, hou jij de klas in de gaten? ...... Prettige Kerstdagen!

Woodlark, have a good flight ...... speak ya in France!

Entered at Thu Dec 19 23:39:20 CET 2002 from 1cust189.tnt3.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.153.189)

Charlie Young

Subject: Little Pink & Little Feat

Jan: I think that you may be right about the origin of that group's name, though it is hard to tell from their "cobweb" site that has not been undated since early last summer.

Pat: that "woman named Sean" you mention who is one of the lead vocalists in the current version of Little Feat is actually Shaun Murphy, a member of Bruce Hornsby's touring group a decade ago or so. She was in Hornsby's full-length VHS "Night on the Town" with Jerry Garcia and Bela Fleck from that period and is also is also featured in the recently-released DVD of Hornsby from Germany's "Rockpalast" TV show from 1990 (the same series includes an excellent Little Feat DVD from the Lowell George days).

Entered at Thu Dec 19 22:32:49 CET 2002 from w0034362.partners.org (170.223.97.92)

Tim

Did the Robbie Robertson Behind the music ever air? never seen it listed to play on VH1 website. Thanks Tim

Entered at Thu Dec 19 22:05:26 CET 2002 from h-69-3-219-76.chcgilgm.covad.net (69.3.219.76)

Pat Brennan

Bob Wigo, although Lowell certainly slowed down toward the end, he is easily one of the five great rock songwriters of all time. Since his passing, Little Feat has soldiered on, first with Craig Fuller of Pure Prarie League doing his Lowell impression then with a woman named Sean (Fred Tackett also joined the band). However, their songwriting has never come near approaching Lowell although their playing is as good as ever. Lowell also produced the group, and while his demanding ways upset the players, they created some of history's greatest rock albums. They still have one of the best rhythm sections. Interesting story: when Ken Gradney left Delaney and Bonnie, he had a choice between the new Rascals and Little Feat. As much as I love the Rascals, he made a good choice.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 21:52:13 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Last week I finally found a CD version of "Motel Shot" by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends -- a Japanese import. This great album, as Bill & many of you may know, features an allstar cast that includes Sandy Konikoff, Leon Russell, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, Jim Keltner, Dave Mason, Duane Allman, Gram Parsons, John Hartford, Kenny Gradney, Joe Cocker and others. Mr. Konikoff certainly found himself in good company there!

Entered at Thu Dec 19 20:36:12 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

And it's always neat to learn that there's yet reason to mention Mylon here on the GB.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 20:31:23 CET 2002 from (192.68.30.111)

Adela Calbillo

Subject: in defense of Serge

Hey everyone, please be nice! I remember the good old days of the guestbook in 1995-1996 when there were just a few of us and all we talked about was Band, Band, Band. But with progress comes change, and I must admit it has been nice to see so many Band-fans come out of the woodwork, all with such diverse interests, even you, with all due respect, Johnnies-come-lately! :-) So my Christmas wish is that we all be nice to each other on this site and in this guestbook because we are here united in one common passion: some of the best damn musicians ever to live, Levon, Garth, Richard, Rick, and Robbie!!!

And by the way, to whoever called Serge a troll or whatever it was, if you read mine and Jill Howland's articles on our Band tour trip, you'll see that we BOTH gushed over how handsome and dashing we found Serge to be--and that was just a mere 5 years ago!!!

Entered at Thu Dec 19 19:04:08 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Bill: I did some checking, a/k/a googling, and it is indeed the same Ian Wallace you mentioned. Mr. Wallace, an Englishman, has been a very in-demand musician over the years. Here's just a partial list of who he's drummed for:

Tim Buckley, King Crimson, Alexis Korner, Alvin Lee, Steve Marriott, Ron Wood, Don Henley, Warren Zevon, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, CS&N, Roy Orbison, Larry Coryell, Bob Dylan, and, as Bill mentioned, Lonnie Mack.

In addition to Stan Szelest, bassist Tim Drummond is also a Lonnie Mack alumni. Believe it or not Bill, Ian Wallace also has a connection to Mylon LeFevre. He appeared on the over-looked classic 1973 album, "On The Road To Freedom" (Columbia), a collaboration between Alvin Lee & Mylon. This album also features appearances by George Harrison, Ron Wood & Steve Winwood. Not a bad line-up!

Entered at Thu Dec 19 18:49:58 CET 2002 from cbhigh.ednet.ns.ca (142.227.96.65)

kathleen

Subject: school porget

me and my friends love johnny favourts he is the coolest and he has ossome music

Entered at Thu Dec 19 18:44:14 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Dave Z

Tiny Monster: "Thank'e boy; I thank you with all my heart; but what you call love for Mabel is only friendship like, and every different thing from what I feel. Now, instead of sleeping as sound as natur' at midnight, as I used to could, I dream nightly of Mabel Dunham. The young does sport before me; and when I raise Killdeer, in order to take a little venison, the animals look back, and it seems as if they all had Mabel's sweet contenance, laughing in my face, and looking as if they said, "Shoot me if you dare!" The Pathfinder by JFCoop.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 18:08:31 CET 2002 from oshst-051.olysteel.com (63.91.50.51)

bob wigo

Thanks David. After another listen of my own I am of the same opinion. It's a great record isn't it?

Pat, thanks for responding as well. I found your comment "what passes for Little Feat since Lowell died" kind of strange though. What passes for LF is LF. They are a wonderful band and have held true to their roots over a long span of time. Let's not discount the fact they have been playing together now without LG for nearly twenty three years. I saw them with LG four times and without LG at least six times and they remain a magnificent live act. Paul Barrere, whose playing has done nothing but get better and better over those twenty three years, is a very special guitarist and singer and takes no back seat to LG in my book.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 17:51:26 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Something Fish-yyyy

"It was while gliding through these latter waters that one serene and moonlight night, when all the waves rolled by like scrolls of silver; and, by their soft, suffusing seethings, made what seemed a silvery silence, not a solitude: on such a silent night a silvery jet was seen far in advance of the white bubbles at the bow. Lit up by the moon, it looked celestial; seemed some plumed and glittering god uprising from the sea. "

"and at intervals one of the cloud of soft-toed fowls hovering, and to and fro skimming like a canopy over the fish, silently perched and rocked on this pole, the long tail feathers streaming like pennons...."

"Now, three to three, ye stand. Commend the murderous chalices! Bestow them, ye who are now made parties to this indissoluble league.... Drink, ye harpooneers! drink and swear, ye men that man the deathful whaleboat's bow -- Death to Moby Dick! God hunt us all, if we do not hunt Moby Dick to his death!"

Melville, Moby Dick

More rain today ...

Sorry ... I couldn't resist ... Tnx Roz, now you've got ME doing it ...

Entered at Thu Dec 19 17:45:16 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: misc. ramblings

I don't think it was ALL the songs that Paul wanted as McCartney/Lennon. I believe it was just "Yesterday". I think that's sort of silly too though. Actually, the earliest Beatle singles were listed with Paul's name first. I guess Lennon put his foot down though. He was still wearing the leader hat at that time.

George also wrote a cool song called "Cockamaime Buisness" about the music biz.

I saw something where a second medical opinion stated that John Entwhislte's heart attack was bought on by Cocaine use. What a damn shame.

BWNWITenn = I didn't think you needed any backup. I saw Serge's post and waited for your response. You are never short of responses that get right to the point. I also am tired of the pissing match with the guy. He immediately proved what I said in one of my posts about going right after people ( epecailly PV). So you and I won't be getting a Christmas card from Serge. Let's cry in out egg-nog together. He seems to feel that he has one up on everyone because he was in the right place at the right time with a camera. There's nothing we can do to change that. I almost got electrocuted yesterday, really. I guess trying to get some guy up in Canada to stop being nasty to people isn't as important to me today.........and by the way Tenn, If you ever want your place redecorated, I have some wonderful ideas for you :-)

Did I see a Witt sighting a couple of days ago?

Oh, and Richard Patterson never answered my question as to why a person posts in here often makes them an obvious target for criticism. Especially the mean hurtful stuff.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 17:38:42 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

By the way, the same book notes that Mack was also with the Doors (Guestbook regulars: "boo, hiss") for awhile circa "LA Woman".

Entered at Thu Dec 19 17:12:28 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: The Music Room

Bob Wigo's question regarding Garth's playing on the title cut of David Lindley's "El Rayo-X" prompted me to give my old Asylum LP (white label promo copy) a spin on the turntable. It sounds to me like Garth is playing a real sax (soprano?) that perhaps has been double-tracked. He plays lines in unison with the guitar & Vox organ which further creates a fuller sound palette. Here is the complete line-up for that song:

David Lindley: vocals, electric guitar, banduria / Ras Baboo: timbales / Ian Wallace: drums / Bob Glaub: bass guitar / William "Smitty" Smith: Vox organ / Jorge Calderon & Jackson Browne: vocals / and "Special Guest Garth Hudson as...'The Horns' "

"El Rayo-X", as a complete work, is one of those amazingly distinctive albums. Mr. Lindley, along with his West Coast compatriots, Van Dyke Parks & Ry Cooder, are pioneers in blending a variety of different influences from what is know commonly called "world music". The songs on "El Rayo-X" incorporate rhythms from Mexico & the Caribbean with roots of American rock 'n roll to produce a joyful blend of grooves. This album features David Lindley's definitive version of K.C. Douglas' "Mercury Blues", a raucous romp kicked into overdrive by Mr. Lindley's high-octane slide guitar work and Ras Baboo's percussive accents.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 16:03:18 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 15:43:49 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Calvin

I received Levon's 2cd CD from Amazon yesterday as it has been rerealeased and I found myself pleasantly surprised. I had always read that the reason you could find his other 3, 4 if you count the live disc with the Crowmatix, is that they were all much better than that this effort-so frankly I expected a pretty week effort. It isnt his best effort, but I liked it-and I wondered why it had been slurred over the years.

Dont worry about no one coming to your defense BWTenn. I think the people on this board fall into 2 groups concerning Serge. Those who think he is a sad, angry man who just isnt worth their time and those who know him personally and cant reconcile the guy who appears on this GB with the decent fellow they know and as such dont say anything. SO I wouldnt let it bother you nobody defended you.

I do kind of feel slighted, as I use my real name and have spoke about my profession and where I live not one person tried to "out" me, I miss all the fun.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 15:32:16 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 14:01:34 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-022castocp0258.dialsprint.net (65.178.97.4)

jollie(rollie&jeffrey)

Subject: Hammond,Helm reunion

Whaddya think Butch? Helm,Hammond,Hudson,Musselwhite,Vivino studio album! Pardon my French,but they'd fuck'in kill it, eh?

Entered at Thu Dec 19 13:01:40 CET 2002 from pc51-172.hiof.no (158.36.51.172)

jh

Subject: Little Pink

A band called "Little Pink"? Could it be possible that they named themselves after this site's "home button", i.e. the small graphic at the upper left in the navigation border? That one has been called "little pink" since '95 or something, see the "Link" above for previous versions of it.

Entered at Thu Dec 19 09:05:35 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

"Do you think I'm pretty?" she asked.
"Yes of course, but there's something else .. There's more than your looks."
"People are always accusing me of being pretty. Do you really think I'm pretty?"
"Pretty isn't the word, it hardly does you fair."
Cass reached into her handbag. I thought she was reaching for her handkerchief. She came out with a long hatpin. Before I could stop her she had run this long hatpin through her nose, sideways, just above the nostrils. I felt disgust and horror. She looked at me and laughed, "Now you think me pretty? What do you think of me now Man!"
I pulled the hatpin out and held my handkerchief over the bleeding. Several people, including the bartender, had seen the act. The bartender came down:
"Look," he said to Cass, "You act up like that again and you're out. We don't need your dramatics here."
"Oh, Fuck you Man!" she said.
"Better keep her straight" the bartender said to me.
"She'll be alright." I said.
"It's my nose, I can do what I want with my nose."
"No" I said, "It hurts me."
"You mean, it hurts you when I stick a pin in my nose?"
"Yes, it does, I mean it"
"Alright, I won't do it again. Cheer Up."
She kissed me, rather grinning through the kiss and holding the handkerchief to her nose. We left the place at closing time. I had some beer and we sat there talking. It was then that I got the perception of her as a person full of kindness and caring. She gave herself away without knowing it. At the same time she would leap back into areas of wildness and incoherence. Schitzi. A beautiful and spiritual schitzi. Perhaps some man, or something would ruin her forever. I hoped it wouldn't be me. We went to bed and after I turned out the lights Cass asked me.
"When do you want it, now or in the morning?"
"In the morning" I said and turned my back"
In the morning I got up and made a couple of coffees, brought her one in bed. She laughed.
"You're the first man who ever turned it down at night"
"It's okay. I said, We needn't do it at all"
"No wait, I want it now. Let me freshen up a bit."
Cass went into the bathroom. She came out shortly, looking quite wonderful, her long black hair glistening, her eyes, her lips glistening, her ... glistening. She displayed her body calmly, as a good thing. She got under the sheet.
"Come on Lover Man."
I got in. She kissed with abandon, without haste. I left my hands run over her body, through her hair. I mounted. It was hot and tight. I began to stroke slowly, wanting to make it last.
" What's your name?" I asked.
What the hell difference does it make?" she asked.

-- Charles "Buk" Bukowski--

Thank you John ....

Entered at Thu Dec 19 07:23:50 CET 2002 from 1cust82.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.82)

Crabgrass

Subject: Stereo Separation

If you pan to the R and L channels on Rubber Soul you will hear the most dramatic separation you've ever heard (aside from Enoch Light's late '50s series).

Entered at Thu Dec 19 07:00:26 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp190599.sympatico.ca (64.229.3.250)

angelina (brown eyed girl)

Come on Back With Wit In Tenn....Tell the truth.....I'm not ashamed....I did not work at the Purdue Processing Plant....It was actually at a Plant where we had Carpet Fresh on the line.....Let's just say that this summer job was enough to convince me to stay in school....I survived by hearing Bob Marley's lyrics in my mind.....:-D

Going to see Julie and Buddy Miller and I'm going to try and make Bearsville show as well....I'm in a New York state of mind.....

Quotes from 2002: "Crack is whacked"....Home girl Whitney Houston
"I'm going to hit Robbie for some money the next time I see him"...The Hawk! on Goldhawk's Talk In Show after he was at Dana Glover's event with Robbie Robertson
One of my students told me today that his favourite word that I used this year was "mediocre".....I thought it was "oblivious".....

Pat B: After your last E I put on Johnny Winter's "Prodigal Son".....

Received "People Of The Dancing Sky" this week...Profiles by Lorre Jensen and Photographer Myron Zabol....who just happens to be my Naturopath's husband....

Acknowledgements....."To Robbie Robertson, whom I met very briefly at his "Honouring Dance" at the Six Nations Pow-Wow in 1997, my deepest gratitude for his support, as well as for the lyrics from "Music For The Native Americans" and "Contact From The Underworld Of Red Boy", which give the pages additional character."

When the Dark Moon has come to live in your soul
Get in touch with your creator, you are not alone

I gave my love a golden feather
I gave my love a heart of stone
And when you find a golden feather
It means you'll never lose your way back home

Going away to where I'm from
Find my way back within the circle
Listen to the learned, the tattooed and the scarred
LISTEN TO THE QUESTIONS, NOT THE ANSWERS

All lyrics by Robbie Robertson

Entered at Thu Dec 19 06:03:11 CET 2002 from host-209-214-119-72.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.72)

Back with no wife and a great big bundle of Serge's giant insolence in Tennessee

So yesterday Serge posted a heartfelt apology to Tracy A. Kramesdogdish; and today he calls me a useless, bad buffoon. Yes, methinks it's definitely time to up the meds. And hey, the reason I typed out that Rick Danko article was so that you would be forbidden from saying I've never contribute anything to this site. But where the hell were all of my allies rushing to my defense in my hour of need?!

ATV Music was an existing company that Michael Jackson purchased, they do not publish his own songs. They do own some Little Richard and Nat "King" Cole songs. When he later bought the Beatles catalog, it was incorporated into ATV. In 1995, ATV entered into a joint venture with Sony Music Publishing. It has been rumored that as a result of MJ's financial troubles, he might sell ATV to Sony outright. Incidentally, the Sony/ATV catalog, including the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Aerosmith, Mariah Carey, is administered right here in little ol' Nashville, TN, a scant few blocks from where BWNWITenn is currently sitting (in a pair of polka dot boxers, red velvet smoking jacket, and a pair of prehistoric dinosaur slippers that go "RAAWWwrrrgh" whenever you, I mean he, takes a step), hence my intimate knowledge of their affairs (and my only intimate knowledge of Michael Jackson's affairs, I can assure you). Sony first entered Nashville's publishing industry with the 1989 purchase of the classic Tree catalog, featuring many of Willie Nelson's classic hits. In 2002, Sony/ATV Tree also purchased the OTHER classic country publishing company, Acuff-Rose Music, further evidence of the fact that in the near future the entire music industry will be owned by three companies. Sony is, as we speak, preparing to move their headquarters into Acuff-Rose's old facilities, also a few blocks from BWNWITenn's feminine-less domicile (where he is, as we speak, consuming a giant bowl of Haagen-Dasz Rum Raisin ice cream. Yum.). (Incidentally, Gaylord Entertainment, the Oklahoma-based company that sold 60-year-old Acuff-Rose, Nashville's first music publishing company, also attempted to convert WSM, Nashville's first country radio station and the "country radio station of the century" to a sports talk format, closed the Opryland theme park, lost the desk where Fred Rose first signed Hank Williams Sr., sold the TNN cable channel, and is currently attempting to divest the Grand Ole Opry of its older performers. We all love 'em here in Nashville!)

But speaking of music industry consolidation, I'm sure most of you heard the report on NPR today on Disney's new teeny bopper artist. She's on a Disney label, and is receiving heavy airplay on Disney-owned stations, as well as Disney television, while being virtually ignored by other stations. So basically, if you listen to a Disney station, you are getting to listen to commercials between the commercials. A nice way to get around the whole payola issue. I don't know if Disney has a publishing company, but if they did, you can be sure she would be singing Disney-owned songs, which would be placed in Disney movies and ABC television shows. Do you think that any artist who was in the least bit controversial, such as singing songs against Bush's war on Iraq, would be acceptable to such a corporation? Do you think The Band would have been? Someone said here they thought multinational conglomerations weren't evil - this is why they are. Unless you consider destroying our quality of life okay. While I'm generally pro-Clinton, deregulating the broadcast industry was just a horrible, horrible, horrible misfortune for all music listeners, and must be reversed (not that that's gonna happen any time soon).

How's that for a useless post? Booyah!

Entered at Thu Dec 19 04:53:54 CET 2002 from 1cust168.tnt1.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.135.168)

Charlie Young

Subject: Big Pink & Little Pink

The mono/stereo talk reminds me of a cassette I made many years ago from some of the songs on my original vinyl version of "Big Pink," pulling the left and right channels completely apart to hear the channels completely by themselves. I think I literally yanked the connections out in alternating sequence to get the desired effect. I remember "Chest Fever" in particular as having some interesting elements that I didn't notice otherwise, and reminded me of the way Beatles records of the middle '60s had those dramatic stereo splits with vocals on one side of the mix.

Speaking of Big Pink, there is now a band in the DC area called Little Pink. Click the link above for more information. Beware littlepink.com, though, as that is something completely different...

Entered at Thu Dec 19 04:51:23 CET 2002 from syr-66-66-46-205.twcny.rr.com (66.66.46.205)

Mike Dent

Subject: height

This is not a tall tale --- I'll be at the Ramada Inn AND at Bearsville on NYE! I have a ticket but Furn thinks he knows a door that will be unlocked somewhere. Sredni is still on the permanent guestlist (I would think). Will this show sell out? Have a VERY merry Christmas to all of you wonderful people...especially FLO............Rock n Rye, baby!

Entered at Thu Dec 19 04:15:57 CET 2002 from parachute3-156-40-62-112.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.112)

Jonathan Katz

Tracy [a.k.a. AHROO] please e-mail me at jkatz[at]intra.nida.nih.gov

Entered at Thu Dec 19 03:26:44 CET 2002 from hse-montreal-ppp32576.qc.sympatico.ca (216.209.194.74)

mick

Subject: good tunes

Just came accross a cd by a band called Old Reliable. It seems Elliott Landy did the photos for them. The pictures look great and the cd is even better. Take a look at some of their pics on www.oldreliableband.com as opposed to oldreliable.com which it turns out is a gay porn site. Cool music. Reminds me of Neil Young, The Band and the like.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 22:59:10 CET 2002 from proxy2o.dpn.deere.com (192.43.65.245)

Mike D.

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 18 22:40:11 CET 2002 from proxy2o.dpn.deere.com (192.43.65.245)

Mike D.

The last Beatles lp to have a mono mix was The White Album. And the mixes of several songs are streikingly different. The same goes for Sgt. Pepper and Revolver. I prefer the mono mixes as well. \ None of The Band's lp's were mixed for mono, that I know of. There might be some converted from stereo to mono pressings though. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 18 21:36:52 CET 2002 from h-68-164-14-8.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.14.8)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Wed Dec 18 21:17:12 CET 2002 from h-68-164-14-8.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.14.8)

Pat Brennan

I must say there is some interesting irony in the statements here concerning Paul's publishing woes.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 21:06:16 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Sir Paul should be grateful he gets any share at all of publishing since many artists don't enjoy this luxury. I believe the Northern Songs publishing is split this way: Paul 25%, Yoko 25%, Michael Jackson 25% and Sony ATV 25%. Paul's reference to Yoko receiving more than him at one time is probably due the legal complexities arising out of John's death during the term of the existing publishing arrangement prior to Michael Jackson's purchase of the rights. Jackson subsequently entered into a partnership with Sony ATV.

As you can gather with all things that pass involving the Beatles, the lawyers & the fountain pens come into play as much as the musicians themselves. George Harrison, God bless him, put it all in perspective when he wrote "Only A Northern Song" and "Sue You, Sue Me Blues".

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:55:50 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

Bashful Bill: I completely agree about The King Of Comedy. This would be a great time to release it on cd.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:37:10 CET 2002 from 1cust179.tnt17.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.25.125.179)

Crabgrass

Subject: Old Saying

"Great minds think alike!!"

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:35:16 CET 2002 from wcs2-pent-2.nipr.mil (206.38.114.100)

Nick

John D.- Thank You!!! I need to get a couple back ups for when I wear out the one I have now.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:29:57 CET 2002 from (192.154.62.2)

Richard

Subject: Danko/Helm

--just purchased a Danko/Helm live acoustic CD through eBay (from the rather picturesque, or disturbingly, named seller "Rik666".) It's from the early '83 'Living Room'tour, but the song list doesn't exactly match any of the shows listed in the Band website tape archive. Here's the set (the exact order might be slightly different): Caledonia, Evangeline, Down South in New Orleans, Makes No Difference, Farmer's Daughter, Don't Ya Tell Henry, Long Black Veil, Rag Mama Rag, Blaze of Glory, The Weight, Java Blues, Short Fat Fanny, Milk Cow Boogie, Ophelia, Every Night and Every Day, and Willie & the Hand Jive. The performance is excellent, the source is an "okay" audience recording. If my priorities were audiophile rather than Band-fanatic I'd probably be disappointed in having plunked down $20+5 s/h, but I've always wanted to hear one of those acoustic duo shows, so it makes no difference. When I ordered this, I thought it was some obscure import-only release, but apparently the seller just churns them out because another one is already for sale on eBay. I wish Woodstock Records (forget Capitol) would release this kind of archival stuff, polish the sound, add some notes, and get the royalties sent to where they ought to go.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:19:49 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: Band in mono?

Dan: I've often wondered about that myself since I've never seen a mono Band LP. Many of the albums I purchased back in the '60s were mono versions because they were cheaper -- an important issue for a young man with limited funds. I don't recall seeing mono versions of "Music From Big Pink" or "the brown album". By the '70s, the record labels gradually quit releasing mono versions. For example -- I think the last "true mono" mix done for a Dylan album was "Blonde On Blonde". I believe the mono version of "John Wesley Harding" was really a folded-down stereo mix. Many preferred the mono mixes of Beatles' albums (supervised by George Martin) over the stereo versions. I think the last mono Beatles album was "the white album".

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:19:23 CET 2002 from cpe014120014212.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.101.162.86)

John D

Watching my friend Ros' language from time to time, I honor her with the full name Mrs. Charles Bukowski. It doesn't get much better than that.

Just finished listening to "Christmas Must Be Tonight" and it again reminds me why I'm here.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:09:23 CET 2002 from cpe014120014212.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.101.162.86)

John D

Subject: Mr. McCartney Please Please Me

It's rather strange that billionaire McCartney now wants to change the song writing credits of The Beatles from "Lennon-McCartney to McCartney-Lennon."

"Jagger and Richards, Leiber and Stoller, and Rodgers and Hammerstein have lived with their respective slots and the resulting music." Please Paul.........enjoy your legacy, your new wife, your billions and your good health. Yoko is fighting him on this and I say "Go Yoko" on this one. Writing is one thing; but re-writing history is quite another. I don't care who wrote what. Many of The Beatles Songs were written by only one of them. Stick to the original deal Pauley.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 20:06:35 CET 2002 from 1cust179.tnt17.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.25.125.179)

Crabgrass

Subject: Excerpt Re: Paul/Yoko Feud

Music historians suggest McCartney, now 60, has become worried about his place in history -- as if half-ownership of rock'n'roll's most-revered writing credit was not enough. And though he's a multimillionaire many times over -- a spring tour of North America grossed $53 million -- it still irks McCartney that part of his songwriting profits go to Ono.

"At one point, Yoko earned more from `Yesterday' than I did," McCartney complained in a May 2001 interview. "It doesn't compute, especially when it's the only song that none of the Beatles had anything to do with." [Did McCartney not consider himself a "Beatle" or care that he ended a sentence with a preposition?]

(Click on My Link to read complete article.)

Keith Richard's shares the same birthday with "Pops" Staples.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 19:56:36 CET 2002 from mix-rouen-107-2-70.abo.wanadoo.fr (193.248.21.70)

dan

Subject: mono or stereo

does anyone know if the Band issued any 45s in mono or even lps for that matter. All i've seen so far were stereo lps and the odd single in mono . Thanks anyone

Entered at Wed Dec 18 18:19:23 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Dinosaurs

Alligator

Sleepy Alligator in the noon day sun,
Lyin' by the river just like he usually done.
Call for his whiskey, he can call for his tea,
Call all he want to, but he can't call for me.

Oh no! I've been there before,
And I ain't gonna come around here any more.
Creepy alligator coming all around the bend,
Shoutin' about the times when we was mutual friends,
I checked my memory and I checked it quick, yes I will.
I checked it runnin' some old kind of trick.

Oh no! Well I've been there before,
And I ain't gonna come around here any more.

Sailin' down the river in an old canoe,
A bunch of us in an old tennis shoe.
Out of the river all ugly and green,
Came the biggest old alligator that I've ever seen!

Teeth big and pointy and his eyes were buggin' out,
Contracted the union, put the beggars to rout.
Screamin' and yellin', he was pickin' his chops,
He never runs he just stumbles and hops.
Just out of prison on six dollars bail,
Mumblin' bitches and waggin' his tail.

Grateful Dead, 1968

Be-Bop-A-Lou-La

Peace

Entered at Wed Dec 18 17:33:28 CET 2002 from sam24.revealed.net (208.16.227.119)

Mike D.

I didn't think you were slamming them Dave :) I have to agree with you about the talents of The Sons Of Champlin. Very uderrated group of musicians indeed.

WS Walcott, Chicago made some great albums up thru 1977. In my opinion, after the death of Terry Kath they ceased to be a rock band. The drummer you are referring to is Danny Seraphine :) You have good taste in drummers, if you like him! Off to work.

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 18 17:24:17 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Although he may indeed have gathered some moss over the years, he's still rockin' -- Happy birthday Keith Richards! Click on above web page link to access a sound sample of Keith with The Band.

W.S Walcott: I generally find the analogue listening experience to be more involving than that of the digital counterpart. I don't find myself getting fatigued by the sound of vinyl as I do with many CDs. Thankfully, some CD releases are mastered better than others and I try to seek those out. My initial impressions of the few SACDs that I've heard, are that this higher-resolution format combines the smooth airiness of analogue with increased detail from the original master recording. I guess it's in the way the DSD process figits with the digits.

My recent listening sessions with the "Music From Big Pink" and "the brown album" LPs, using my new phono cartridge, further confirm that the vinyl versions still capture that distinctive "woody" sound at the roots of The Band's music best.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 16:44:42 CET 2002 from stjhts26c094.nbnet.nb.ca (198.164.241.99)

WS Walcott

I enjoyed your post D. Powell. I still love vinyl. I would put a good vinyl pressing played on a top quality turntable and top of the line cartridge up against a CD anyday.

Had a party last weekend. Some girl kept asking me to play the Stones. The only Stones stuff I had was on vinyl. She was really impressed when I had a turntable that actually worked. I must admit, the Lp sounded pretty good. A little moment of nostalgia for my guests.

I have never been too high on Chicago. They had a few interesting albums earlier on. And I love their drummer. I can never remember his name. But I would say that in the last 20 years they have just churned out shlock. Personally, I feel they are a joke and should have packed it in long ago. Their are a lot of groups like that, still hanging around and embarrassing themselves.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 16:44:05 CET 2002 from 56k-socal-03-13.dial.qnet.com (209.221.198.172)

Dave the Phone Guy

If you're enjoying Chicago V, Tracy, you will flip for The Sons.Try Sons of Champlin Live from 1998.They have a DVD coming out any day now that will be offered through their website.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 15:37:12 CET 2002 from jed9.revealed.net (208.23.178.104)

Mike D.

I thought that "thing" went away. Serge, sounds like a detergent! Ladies and gents, please do not feed the troll that is Serge. He gets off on this sort of stuff. Every message board has a troll. Best to ignore him. For all we know, he's bi-polar and takes meds just to cope with everyday life. Seeing as he hasnothing else better to do than rile people up in this GB. I guess there really ARE some people who have lost every trace of human kindness eh Serge?!

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 18 15:30:10 CET 2002 from jed9.revealed.net (208.23.178.104)

Mike D.

Now Dave, The Sons couldn't touch the original lineup of Chicago. Afterwards, yes! Bill came aboard Chicagoin late 1981! And The Sons had a double album for their debut, just like Chicago did. Actually, both bands started around the same time. Chicago started in 1967 under the name of "The Big Thing". But Bill has a heck of a voce and is an excellent musician, I must admit. I find it hard to compare The Sons to Chicago. BS&T to Chicago, a fairer comparison. Then again, I just like the music. That's why I have been coming here for 4 years :)

Mike

Entered at Wed Dec 18 15:28:57 CET 2002 from (213.48.94.12)

Coffee Johnny

Subject: Umm...

Ah, but where I come from 'shite' is used instead of 'shit' regardless of the context. It's part of our culture.

Which I think is a good thing, but I'm not sure.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 15:23:44 CET 2002 from 56k-socal-02-10.dial.qnet.com (209.221.198.121)

Dave the Phone Guy

Sons of Champlin. They have always been a lot better than Chicago and Chicago has employed Bill Champlin for several years now as songwriter,singer,keyboardist.The Sons even started out before Chicago.Check 'em out at Sons of Champlin dot com.

Link to The Band,,,,The Sons opened for The Band at the first concert The Band played as The Band.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 15:12:37 CET 2002 from on-tor-blr-a58-01-35.look.ca (216.154.0.35)

Wittgenstein

Serge, I think that it was pointed out before that one does not "not give a shite". Shite is an adjective, as in "That cd is shite." A person cannot be "shite". A person can be a shit. I thought Peter Viney explained this quite beautifully and succinctly a few days ago. "Shite" is never a noun. One doesn't say, "Shite stinks." Some may feel that "shite" is more genteel, more acceptable in mixed company or on a guestbook. But if one truly wanted to mind their manners they would say, "I don't give a damn". Now back to our regular programme.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 15:07:50 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

"In the corner of the bar-room
Lives the ghost of Langston Hughes
He's takin' notes and smokin' cigarettes
Sippin' slowly on his booze
He's got those goin' nowhere blues..."

--Robert Earl Keen--

"The Negro
With his trumpet at his lips
Has dark hair moons of weariness
Beneath his eye
Where the smoldering memory of slave ships
Blazed to the crack of whips
About his thighs

The Negro
With his trumpet at his lips
Has a head of vibrant hair
Tamed down,
Patent-leather now
Until it gleams like jet
Were jet a crown

The music
From the trumpet at his lips
Is honey
Mixed with liquid fire
The Rhythm
From the trumpet at his lips
Is ecstasy
Distilled from old desire

Desire
That is longing for the moon
Where the moonlight's but a spotlight
In his eyes,
Desire
That is longing for the sea
Where the sea's a bar-glass
Sucker size

The Negro
With the trumpet at his lips
Whose jacket
Has a fine one-button roll
Does not know
Upon what riff the music slips
Its hypodermic needle to his soul
But softly as the tune comes from his throat
Trouble
Mellows to a golden note"

"What happens to a dream deferred?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load
Or does it explode?"

--Langston Hughes--

Entered at Wed Dec 18 13:02:08 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-144.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.144)

Serge

Entered at Wed Dec 18 07:15:02 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-018castocp0276.dialsprint.net (63.187.177.22)

rollie,jeffrey,,,,,,,,,awww, whatever

Subject: Ok,I'm comin clean...................

If I don't see you no more in this world.........

Entered at Wed Dec 18 07:12:22 CET 2002 from dialup-209.244.64.91.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (209.244.64.91)

Pat Brennan

Entered at Wed Dec 18 07:04:00 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Ben Pike

If your looking for the Danko album in any form I would keep an eye on ebay; everything seems to pop up eventualy at a good price.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 06:47:03 CET 2002 from host-209-214-115-198.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.198)

BWNWITennessee

Peter Viney: Real name is Peter Viney, occupation is author.
Pat Brennan: Pat Brennan, musician.
John Donabie: Real name, John Donabie, DJ.
Jan Hoiberg: Jan Hoiberg, webmaster.

(Man, the muse is really failing me tonight!)

Entered at Wed Dec 18 06:41:41 CET 2002 from 1cust203.tnt2.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.201.37.203)

Charlie Young

Subject: Zal

Crabby nailed something there (as usual). That pot bust was around the time of the end of the era depicted in the great Tom Hanks movie, "That Thing You Do," when the innocent early years of rock'n'roll ended and dope and pretense took over. Last week a couple of second graders in Florida were caught with fifteen bags of cannibis, so that innocent era gets harder to remember all the time. Personally I wish that "good time music" still played on my radio.

I dug out my Japanese complete Lovin' Spoonful set that includes the Zal Yanovsky solo album to quote something he wrote in 1968. He wrote the track "Alive and Well in Argentina" as a joke about his fall to obscurity after being blacklisted by so many in the drug culture, but some of the words stand up as a nice farewell to a man who paid his dues and earned his place in the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame:

"...So I found myself down by the river side,

[With] no place to run or jump inside or hide,

I signed aboard a Norweigan freighter...

I'm gonna sail away, baby--see you sooner or later...

-(c)Zalman Yanovsky, 1968

Entered at Wed Dec 18 05:25:41 CET 2002 from 1cust90.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.90)

Crabgrass

Subject: Zal

"In 1966, Yanovsky and Spoonful member Steve Boone were arrested in San Francisco for marijuana possession, and although charges were dropped after the pair turned in their dealer, the incident proved the beginning of the end for the band. Yanovsky left the group in mid-1967 and Sebastian quit months later."

www.billboard.com - (Click above link for complete article.)

Entered at Wed Dec 18 05:07:14 CET 2002 from syr-66-66-46-205.twcny.rr.com (66.66.46.205)

Briefs

Subject: The Ramada Inn

DentBird, Sredni, Furn (the short handed-empty-pocketed man) and others...it looks like.....as we speak...BB are you in?

Entered at Wed Dec 18 03:56:19 CET 2002 from tnt-77-51.ct.dialin.ntplx.com (209.54.77.51)

Tracy a.k.a. AHROOO!!

Subject: The Band vs. Chicago

No problem, Serge. Ya just gotta let bygones be bygones. Apology accepted and much appreciated. By the way, I was born in the states, and even my grandparents had Americanized names, Helen and Alfons. My grandfather was born in Michigan and my grandmother from Connecticut. He only stayed in Poland for a very short time until he returned to the states. My mom named me Tracy (better than Mildred or Gertrude) simply because she liked the name. I am Polish/Ukranian/--(on my mom's side)---French/German/Scottish/---(on my father's side). I got to keep my mom's maiden name.

Now onto the music! I just gotta know something. A friend turned me onto Chicago and I can't get enough of "Chicago V." There is a song on there that's called, "Alma Mater." Terry Kath takes on the vocals of this one and his voice is just as heartwrenching as Richard Manuel's. It sounds like something that could have been off of the brown album if The Band had done it. Danny Seraphine's drumming is really stripped down to a beat parallel to "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The piano phrasing stands out much like "Whispering Pines." Down to the horn section in unison much like John Simon's work. This song just reaks of influence of The Band. Does anybody know any facts about this song or if there was a connection.

I find both bands similar in make-up although, Chicago had seven members while The Band had five. You've got the stacking of the vocals and three lead singers. Terry Kath had that deep soulful voice and could carry a falsetto when needed with ease. Robert Lamm has that middle tone, not too high and yet not too low but very rich and smooth. Then there is Peter Cetera with a higher tone and makes very good use with the call and response verses. Of course there is the horn section and Jimmy Pankow is a genious as much as Garth is on a Wurlitzer. Very complicated horn arrangements weaved into the music.

It's just such a shame that music doesn't have that quality anymore or that comraderie between bandmates. It wouldn't even have to last that long but just long enough to be put on record. When do you ever hear the call and response like you would on either, "Whispering Pines" or "Saturday In The Park." Or even hearing amazing arrangements through horns or organs? That's right, bands don't use those instruments anymore. Sad.

Tracy

Entered at Wed Dec 18 03:15:44 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: to nobody particular - really

It's easier to tell a lie than it is to tell the truth

It's easier to kill a fly than it is to turn it loose,

It's easier to criticize somebody else,

Than to see yourself

It's easier to give a sigh and be like all the rest

Who stand around and crucify you while you do your best,

It's easier to see the books upon the shelf,

Than to see yourself

It's easier to hurt someone and make them cry, than it is to dry their eyes -

I got tired of fooling around with other people's, rather I'd find someone that is true

It's easier to say you won't than it is to feel you can

It's easier to drag your feet than it is to be a man,

It's easier to look at someone else's wealth

Than to see yourself

"See Yourself" - George Harrison

Entered at Wed Dec 18 02:37:08 CET 2002 from cpe014120014212.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.101.162.86)

John D

Nick.........Call 1-888-414-1468; which is HMV Records Toronto. They send it right to your mail box and with your American dollar it will be cheaper for you. I checked the site and the Danko Solo CD is available. I had a lot of people from the guestbook order the Richard Manuel CD through HMV and they were all happy.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 01:57:24 CET 2002 from syr-66-67-68-155.twcny.rr.com (66.67.68.155)

Bashful Bill

King of Comedy was just released on DVD, seems like there would be enough interest for them to release the soundtrack, esp since I wore out two vinyl copies.

Entered at Wed Dec 18 00:18:54 CET 2002 from cpe0080c6f00eff.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.156.103.95)

Toronto Craig

...you eat with that mouth too?

Entered at Tue Dec 17 23:01:31 CET 2002 from (209.236.161.17)

Mikey Lenahan

Subject: Big Thank You

Hey Crabgrass, Thanks so much for the photo of me with Rando and Frank. I think the picture came out just fine, it almost reminds me of a Peter Max original. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. I also wanted to mention that I see that Buddy and Julie Miller are playing the Bottom Line on the 30 and 31 of december. I just put aside two tickets for my wife and I for the december 30 show at 10:00 pm. I remember you telling me how great this husband and wife duo is. We are big fans of E. Harris and I am sure we will love this show. I hope to see that night at the bottom line. It should be a great night. Thanks again for the photo! PS: Clear some of your e-mail space, it will not except anymore e-mail until you clear some out.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 22:43:07 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Spud

Subject: Back With No Testicles Intact You'll See

You're gonna get your fuckin 'ead kicked in

Entered at Tue Dec 17 22:31:38 CET 2002 from 1cust198.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.198)

MEMO

Regrettably, our entire line of fine automobile products including all models of the Snope Rear Window Demist-A-Matic exclusively manufactured for Snope International at our Mainland China and Indonesian industrial plants are currently unavailable for purchase in the UK and other EEC member countries pending the outcome of litigation initiated by the RSPCA.

We apologize for any inconvenience and wish to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers worldwide for their past and continued confidence in our excellent innovative time and work saving products.

"Don't Be A Dope - Get a SNOPE!!"

Entered at Tue Dec 17 22:17:30 CET 2002 from wcs1-pent-2.nipr.mil (206.38.114.99)

Nick

It appears the '77 Danko solo album is out of print. All my requests through CDNOW and Amazon have been shot down. Maybe there are used copies available.

On the subject of Jackson Browne-In my opinion the one must have is "Running On Empty" from '78. A true 5 star album. All the tunes 'cept the great "Cocaine" by Rev. Davis are original and new but all are recorded live in concert or in hotel rooms on the road. Very unique and very excellent. "You'll Love the Thunder", "Rosie", "The Load Out", "Running On Empty" etc. Song to song I think it's perfect. His first "Saturate While Using" is second for me. "Late for the Sky", third and then "The Pretender".

But hey...to each his own, Right?

Entered at Tue Dec 17 22:10:38 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

Trent Lott

Thanks to President Bush for trying to help smooth things over after my recent misguided statement (see link).

Entered at Tue Dec 17 21:49:21 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

Gangs Of New York soundtrack is out today and I just got my copy. Another Band connection is that Hal Willner produced the soundtrack. Scorsese is listed as Executive Producer, then Robbie is listed as Music Supervisor, and Willner is soundtrack producer. Oddly enough, on the movie poster, it is Robbie who is listed as Executive Music Producer with score by Howard Shore. There is also a Linda Thompson track on the cd. As you know, both Linda and Hal have worked with the great Garth Hudson. Sorry if this is only info that I would be interested in (petty details that is).

Entered at Tue Dec 17 21:10:43 CET 2002 from cpe0080c6f00eff.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.156.103.95)

Toronto Craig

Bill- thanks for the mention of Smitty and Dr. Music- made me go and pull out a little of each from my library. You're right about them being the aristocracy in TO about then, with a nod of the hat to Rabbit Fonfara and maybe even Joey Chirowski. TC

Entered at Tue Dec 17 20:21:02 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Watch out for that demister wire on that naked ride home, considering what it did for your bobbing german shepherd!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 20:06:35 CET 2002 from du-tele3-055.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.55)

Rear End

Mr Snope- I have used your “press on” rear screen demisters for many years and would like to say they are far superior to the ones you get nowadays. Who wants it wired-in when you can get one that just plugs in the cigar lighter like yours? I know some people complain that the trailing wire restricts back seat activities, but I thought the odd 12 volt shock added to the fun. I will buy another soon as the last unpeeled on a rainy day and electrocuted my nodding German Shepherd. Please send lists of distributors.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 19:23:47 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: The Music Room

For the last month or so, the state of my music room has gone through a transition. Years of wear and resulting malfunction have necessitated the replacement of two key pieces of equipment.

First I replaced the phono cartridge on the turntable. After the tedious process of installation & alignment, I joyfully discovered a much more revealing sound than that of my previous set-up. Soon I found myself pulling out one LP after another, until the wee hours of the morning, enjoying new perspectives in my reference albums. I reached into the stack of recent acquisitions from the used record stores that I hadn't yet listened to. There was an early pressing (black rainbow Capitol label) of "Music From Big Pink" in very good condition. As fellow vinyl-retentives will attest, you can never have too many copies of your favorite LPs. I certainly wasn't let down by the job my new cartridge did in revealing all the layers of instruments & vocals on this wonderful album. Next up was a Capitol green label copy of "the brown album", also in very good condition. My original, reference copy of this album, which I bought when it was first released, had the black rainbow label. I recently found out that Capitol had begun switching to the green label in 1969, the year that "The Band" was released. Certain pressing plants made the switch earlier than others, hence, some first pressings of this album had the green label. Needless to say, I was quite pleased with how great my newly-acquired version sounds. It seems to have been mastered by Robert Ludwig, since the initials "RL" are etched in the run-off grooves.

Disproving the contention of many, that I'm an old fart who listens to nothing released in the new millenium, I do have some newly released music, albeit, some in analogue form. There's a great new album from the Soft Boys, "Nextdoorland", that I've been listening to. I understand that these British gentlemen from Cambridge, are very influential in some circles, even though this is their first release of new material in 22 years. Judging from this LP, it's been well worth the wait! Finely-crafted, guitar-driven rock with an edge that sharpens the sheen of pop melodies. Although available on CD, for vinyl-retentives, the LP version from Matador is the one to get, not only for the smoother, spacious sound, but for the bonus 7" 45 that come with it, containing two live cuts not available on the digital version!

I also had to replace my malfunctioning DVD player which also serves as my primary CD source -- yes, I do listen to CDs, about 50% of the time. For budget reasons, I choose to use a multi-format machine, and for my replacement I got a modestly-price Sony machine that capable of playing DVDs, CDs, CD-Rs, MP-3s, and the SACD format. With the later feature, I can finally enjoy the DSD layer of the few new Stones remasters that I've picked up. "Beggar's Banquet" has never sounded better! I've also been enjoying the SACD-only version of Dylan's "Blonde On Blonde". The original two-track mix of this classic album is too worn out from use, and this new version is completely re-mixed from the original four-track session tapes. Although it is distinctively different from both the original stereo and mono mixes, the music is revealed in an exciting new perspective in this version.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 18:55:43 CET 2002 from (66.200.102.19)

Luther McKenzie AKA JTull Fan

Subject: John W.

John, you just need a can of hairspray and you'll be prime time!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 18:42:14 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W. Bush

Sorry my link did not work on last post. Click to see my picture.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 18:39:09 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-146.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.146)

Serge

Munson forgot to mention Motherlode where Smitty probably got his first recognition with their hit "When I die". I watched them write that tune and rehearse it here in this town. I believe Steve Kennedy had that melody in mind and Smitty came up with the bridge.

TRACY R. I am sorry about the bullshit that I said earlier regarding your name. It was dumb, and you don't deserve it. If you have an Email address where I can reach you, send it to me through Jan. Even it's a Yahoo or a Hotmail.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 18:16:06 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

One of the oldies stations played seven Lovin' Spoonful songs in one "10-in-a-row" set this morning. The other three were: "Bo Diddley" by Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, "Love-itis" by Domenic Troiano's Mandala, and "Tracy" by the Classics IV. I believe that David Powell told us recently how the latter are related to the Hawks, but I forget the details.

Speaking of Troiano, a big part of the sound on his first two solo LPs was provided by the magnificent organ playing of the late William "Smitty" Smith, who was just cited here for his work with David Lindley. If I'm not mistaken, Smitty also played on Dianne Brooks' terrific version of "Small Town Talk". Anyway, it's fair to say that Smitty and Doug Riley were the big organists around town after Garth left.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 18:06:04 CET 2002 from 1cust188.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.188)

J.D.R.L. Snope

Subject: Internet Super Snooper

Hey, BWNWIK:

I didn't think that Internet Super Snooper software really worked but now I'm a believer!! I'm gonna send you a Do-It-Yourself Deluxe Rear Window Defroster Kit along with one of the KEEP X IN XMAS bumper stickers which my company gives free to all our customers each year at holiday time.

All the best,

J.D.R.L. Snope a/k/a Crabgrass

JDRLS/mg

Entered at Tue Dec 17 17:37:06 CET 2002 from 1cust60.tnt1.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.135.60)

Charlie Young

Subject: Zally (Again)

Thanks to all the Canadians here who posted personal memories of Zal Yanovsky. It's nice to hear that a guy I always wanted to meet was as nice in person as he seemed to be from his public persona.

A close friend I met over 20 years ago because we were both huge fans of Zally and the Spoonful sent me the link above to some rare (and expensive) photos from that era. The ones of Zally playing dobro and autoharp are really unusual and the one of him with the late Phil Ochs is really worth a thousand words. Zally could make even the political and constantly depressed folkie Ochs sprout a big smile...

Entered at Tue Dec 17 17:25:20 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

BWNWIKnoxville - Wow you really outed me, man, here's my picture.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 16:59:39 CET 2002 from du-tele3-066.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.66)

Peter Viney

Bob Wigo- yes, I started with Naked Ride Home - and as I tend to with albums, I get to track 4, listen to it and press repeat three or four times. The store didn't have much else on Monday (Best of … which I have). It's wonderful to discover another good one to trawl the back catalogue of. I also got the Flaming Lips that got voted "album of the year" by everyone (oh, once it came second to Solomon Burke) but it hasn't grabbed me yet. Very lush sound but it started irritating me after a while. This could be down to having just installed System X on my Mac and being in a generally bad mood ever since. System X is probably liveable with, but Office X is the biggest pain in the arse since Word 6 (which is where Microsoft really started going bad). I had on Flaming Lips while cursing Bill Gates and all his sub-devils and it became part of the soundtrack of my state of stress. I'll leave it a few days and try again. So far it seems like a sub-Mercury Rev (who I do like). Actually, due to having to kick the computer at frequent intervals I've had a non-listening week. My brain can't take Office X and music. Probably due too much travelling.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 16:37:21 CET 2002 from oshst-014.olysteel.com (63.91.50.14)

bob wigo

JQ, I must be honest, I'm not certain how Garth's sound on that track was achieved. I know it could be a sax that has been "layered" or multi-tracked or it could well be "synthed" from a keyboard. I love the sound though.

Anyone else here familiar with the track? Pat B., you may well be able to answer this one.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 16:08:12 CET 2002 from (66.237.235.243)

JQ

Subject: David Lindley

Bob Wigo - My question for you has to do with your post a week or so ago, so I may not have this right. On the DL record El Rayo X, the title track lists Garth Hudson on "horns". I've listened to this record hundreds of times and I always thought that Garth's part was done with keyboard horns. There were a lot of horn-sound layers and (I thought) and some trumpets, like a mariachi horn section. But since your comment about Garth's sax I'm now confused about how it was done. There were no other horn players credited. DL had a couple keyboard players that played with him then: "Smitty" Smith was the original and then Ian McLagen and I don't remember those 2 doing a horn sound on that song when they performed it live.

Anything more on your side?

My favorite track is "Ain't No Way Baby"; that snappy reggae guitar lead at the end is just spot-on right for my taste.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 15:20:38 CET 2002 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

some of you people are getting really Sad... fighting... get over your egos... new people who may have great info on the Band will come to this site and read all the BS and this place will become a joke!!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 15:17:54 CET 2002 from oshst-014.olysteel.com (63.91.50.14)

bob wigo

Peter,

Have you "spruced up" your Jackson Browne collection as yet? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 14:55:25 CET 2002 from 219.55.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.55.219)

Dexy

Subject: Rock Hall timeline

Happened across the Rock Hall of Fame's timeline this morning (12/17/02). Among the few items from rock history on this date was Garth joining the Hawks! See link above.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 14:34:06 CET 2002 from (66.200.102.19)

Luther McKenzie

Subject: BWNWIT

BWNWIT: That's 'MR.' MacKenzie to you. Mr. 'Lex' Luther MacKenzie, and when my shift is over at the Bowl-O-Mat, I am going back to my basement to work on my formula, and when I am done, I am going to destroy you all. Hee Hee Hee hee hee!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 14:10:34 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-186.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.186)

Serge

Subject: Reality TV finds Ronnie

Ronnie Hawkins may shove Ozzy out of the way soon. Check out the Link.

BWNWITenn. The Guitar God things was not mine. I do play with the grand children. Matter of fact I was babysitting one last night. If you check my last entry, the IP ad. is different. I do still work, Viney's the one with all the time in the world.

TRACY, I find Polish women to be some of the most beautiful in the world, and I've travelled plenty, almost as much as Viney. But he's the "travel champ". He tells us that all the time. As to your name, I only thought that a nice Polish first name would have been more in step with your family name, which by the way I can read everytime I am at the optometrist and he asks me to read it on the eye chart. Names like "Wayne" Gretsky, or "Kenny" Jablonski, "Ralph" Petrokovskewicz make me cringe. But that's me, I need help. Like the crew on Saturday Night Live.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 12:17:26 CET 2002 from (61.161.217.206)

Richard

Subject: A Nice Article on Zal...

From a Canadian paper in Kingston, Ontario:

Lovin' Spoonful guitarist dies at 58

NICOLAAS VAN RIJN

STAFF REPORTER

Zal Yanovsky believed in magic.

As a member of the Lovin' Spoonful it got him his first big hit, the 1960s "Do You Believe in Magic," which helped put the group second only to the Beatles in record sales for a while.

And, after the music died, it got him to Kingston, where the man known as the Jewish version of Ringo Starr - for his resemblance to the Beatles drummer - started a restaurant, Chez Piggy, that is known across the land for its fare and welcoming atmosphere as a meeting place.

"He had an unorthodox style of playing, to say the least," said Denny Doherty of the Mamas & Papas, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with Yanovsky in 1996. "There was not any book anywhere that he followed.

"And he is gone too soon."

Yanovsky, 58, died suddenly at his farm home just outside Kingston Friday of a heart attack.

Survivors include his wife Rose Richardson, his daughter Zoe, 2-year-old grandson Max, a sister Buba and his first wife, the actor Jackie Burroughs. A private family service will be held Monday in Kingston.

Kingston Mayor Isabel Turner, who said she was "shocked" to hear of the death of the man she'd casually greet on the city's streets, hailed him as "a part of the very fabric of our community.''

"He took a very old building, went in and not only cleaned it all up, but brought it back to its former glory," she said of the work Yanovsky and his wife Rose put into restoring an 1880s livery stable for their Chez Piggy.

"He was one of the first to do that, and because of it, others looked at what he had done and followed suit, with the result being that quite a renovation has taken place in downtown Kingston."

To recognize their work, Turner said, the couple was last year recognized with a heritage restoration award.

"He had a really wonderful life in Kingston," said Toronto writer Marni Jackson, who used to work at Yanovsky's first Kingston restaurant, the lakeshore Dr. Bull's, making cappuccinos.

"He's a heart guy, the guy at the heart of Kingston. He and his wife Rose were really crucial in restoring Kingston's downtown and keeping the tourist economy kicking along because Chez Piggy's was really the city's first gathering place."

Born in Toronto, Yanovsky dropped out of Downsview Collegiate at age 16 to begin the peripatetic lifestyle that marked his early days.

"I was late the second day of school," Yanovsky recalled in an interview. "They wouldn't let me in school 'cause I didn't have all my books. I never really went back to get 'em. I guess I really didn't want to get back to school."

Since he'd just learned to play the guitar a year before, Yanovsky turned to the stage, working "the Toronto coffee houses with a cat named Roy Gural," he recalled. "Then I worked in a coffee house in Kitchener and then I packed it in and went to Israel," where he worked on a kibbutz.

But, Doherty recalled, Yanovsky didn't last long.

"He was fired because he'd driven a Caterpillar tractor through a building. He was trying to help his people rebuild the country, not tear it down, but... So they said `You'll do better in Tel Aviv,' and he tried busking in Tel Aviv, but it didn't go, so he came back to Toronto."

For the next year he survived by sleeping in an all-night coin laundry at the corner of Dupont and St. George Sts., busking, playing coffee houses and swiping milk bottles off front porches in his neighbourhood.

"I used to steal milk bottles, sell them to the candy store and get deposit money," Yanovsky once confessed. "Listen, I needed the dough, so I mooched around a lot. I still got a lot of debts to pay when I get back, but I wasn't very original with the milk bottles - and my technique was not very lucrative."

Longtime friend Larry Zolf, in a 1966 interview, laughed "I remember Zal from the days he was so poor he was claimed as a tax exemption by 27 people.

I remember Zal in the days when he was so dirty he was condemned as unfit for human habitation by the Toronto Board of Control."

Yanovsky finally caught a break when Doherty, then with a group named The Halifax Three, asked him to come aboard, and for a while it was The Halifax Three Plus One.

"He played lead blues, kind of a single string picking, when I met him in 1961," Doherty recalled.

"Zal had been into rhythm and blues, and folk music. Our gig paid him a couple of hundred bucks a week, and we toured a lot, so through that he met other musicians and started hanging around New York.

After a stretch playing with Doherty in Washington's Georgetown district, Yanovsky returned to New York where he teamed up with John Sebastian who wanted to put together a group.

The result was the Lovin' Spoonful, with Sebastian on guitar, harmonica and autoharp, Steve Boone on bass and piano, Joe Butler on drums and Yanovsky on guitar.

The group was so impressive so quickly that it and Doherty's Mammas & Pappas were hailed by Time magazine in the mid-1960s as the two top groups in America.

The band's reputation soared as "Do You Believe in Magic" took over the charts, and for several years the Spoonful had a loyal and fanatic following. But by 1967 Yanovsky was ready for other challenges.

A clash with San Francisco police over marijuana contributed to his decision, friends say.

"I left because I don't want to compromise any more," he said. "I want to be completely responsible for myself. I want to make decisions for myself."

With the cash settlement he received from the Spoonful, one that he candidly confessed made him "crazy rich," Yanovsky spent several years casting about for a new life.

He attempted a musical comeback of his own in 1968 with the album Alive and Well and Living in Argentina, but it was, to put it kindly, a flop.

Still, he would occasionally pull out his own review of the album, published in the Star in 1968 under his own byline, and cringe.

Then came a shot at television producing - Magistrate's Court, a mercifully short-lived and unlamented soap Yanovsky himself admitted was "awful" - and a brief period playing with Kris Kristofferson in 1970.

Finally came the challenge of running a restaurant in Kingston.

"Zal's father Avram was a cook," Doherty recalled yesterday.

"He was a bohemian himself, an artist and a writer, so Zal was raised rather 21st-century. There was cooking in the family."

Yanovsky "loved his later life," Doherty said.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 12:24:35 CET 2002 from (194.100.60.131)

Kalervo

Subject: United Nations Survey

Last month, a world-wide survey was conducted by the UN. The only question was:

"Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the food shortage in the rest of the world."

The survey was a huge failure because....

In Africa they didn' t know what 'food' meant.

In Eastern Europe they didn' t know what 'honest' meant.

In Western Europe they didn' t know what 'shortage' meant.

In China they didn' t know what 'opinion' meant.

In the Middle East they didn' t know what 'solution' meant.

In South America they didn' t know what 'please' meant.

In USA they didn' t know what 'the rest of the world' meant.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 12:23:14 CET 2002 from host217-40-217-1.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.217.1)

Lifeboy

Subject: BWNWITennesseee you tumbled me

That's it, I'm outed!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 10:59:46 CET 2002 from du-tele3-041.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.41)

Peter Viney

Welcome to Busch Beer Belly- stick with us. We digress, we squabble but generally we do come back to The Band pretty often!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 10:55:42 CET 2002 from du-tele3-041.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.41)

Peter Viney

Names – (for the British) Actress Lucy Davis plays Dawn in “The Office”. On the DVD extras for series one (Ricky Gervais says it doesn’t matter what you put on DVD extras because only nerds access them), she says a little about names which reflects on BWNWIT’s listing. I’d guessed that Ben Pike was an accountant actually. And hey, Rollie, why didn’t you let them film Hazel? It is well-known that Lucy Davis is the daughter of British comedian Jasper Carrot. She said that some one came up, mentioned this fact, and asked why she’d chosen the stage name ‘Davis.’ She says … “So they thought DAVIS was the fake name …”

Entered at Tue Dec 17 10:29:32 CET 2002 from host213-122-201-68.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.122.201.68)

frank heatley

Sorry for digressing from all things The Band, but Tommy do you live anywhere near Park Slope, i have friends on 9th street in that area....spent a very drunken summer there in 1980, Smitty,s, The Roost, Veterans Post etc,etc etc, went back there in 2001 things had changed, people had got a little older but all in all Park Slope was looking in good shape...interested to hear if you are in and around that area. cheers all

Entered at Tue Dec 17 08:51:28 CET 2002 from hse-ottawa-ppp164162.sympatico.ca (64.229.156.229)

Mick

Entered at Tue Dec 17 08:49:24 CET 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Let's Here it for Chicago

I honestly don't know what the fuck is going on here.

Whatever!

But seriously folks.....why shouldn't we have some Barnburner's shows in Chicago?????

I recently got a dvd player and of course immediately played The Last Waltz. I am very impressed with the product. I appreciate that Levon, Robbie, Garth, and John Simon involved themselves in the commentary. I am slightly bugged that one commentary would be just Scorcese and Robbie. I feel that, even if they hadn't taped it together, all of the musician's audio commentary (including John Simon of course) should be on the same track commentary.

I also have the New Orleans DVD and previously have only heard it through computer speakers. Man alive! Great stuff! It really smokes audio wise but I hate the greyout on the interview sections between songs. What's with that?

Any other Band related DVD's I should pick up?

Entered at Tue Dec 17 07:57:59 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

BuScH_BeEr_BeLlY

Subject: Blues, St Louis, Levon Helm, "School for Fools", Busch Beer

Hey bandfans, this is one helluva site.

I know the Band no longer functions as an entity, so obviously some one cares very much to put together a site like this. I linked here through the 'School For Fools" cd. I am a St. Louisan, alot of the guys on "School For Fools" are local heroes. Gus, Tom, Keith and Rich are regulars on the local blues scene these days.Have been for many years unless they were touring with someone. Johnnie plays as his schedule allows. Jeff Alexander had a brainstorm when he brought Levon Helm out to play with these guys.Don't forget, Levon may have lived in NY all these years, but he was born and raised just a few hours down the highway from here. It was a perfect fit. &nbs! p; I love this cd , my favorite songs are "Happy Hour" and " Gravediggin" Man".

Did I hear someone ask "Why?" Well both have great lyrics and a great sound, as do all the songs on the cd. But if I turned on the radio and heard "Gravediggin Man", I would immediately recognize Levon Helm as the drummer. The song has a Band like feel. "Happy Hour" is just a plain old simple but brilliant song that gets you laughing, smiling, and dancing.Again, there is an indelible musical stamp on the song, this time the imprint belongs to Johnnie Johnson. Everyone who gets in my car has to hear both those songs, if the drive is long enough they have to hear the whole record.

What else is Levon up to? As I browsed the site some already i see he and his band do some touring, does he have any more projects scheduled? I would love to see the"School For Fools" band live. Might be a tough one cause here in St. Louis it is a known fact that Larry Thurston has little desire to perform. It was a shock to the musical community here when this cd came out. Larry is extremely inactive musically, but I guess the quality of the material Alexander writes inspired him. Sure sounds like it. I imagine all you band fans must love this cd as well. Levon must, he sure looks happy on the cover!

I saw the pix of Ronnie Hawkins, great shot of a very real yet larger than life man.

I do believe I am going to enjoy this site. Kudos to the person or people who run this thing! it is a wealth of info and memories. I never had the good fortune to see the Band live, but their music has a irreplaceable place in my consciousness. To see the picture posted of Rick Danko playing a upright bass was very touching. The Band may be gone, but fortunately there are great projects like"School For Fools" that come along and we get to hear Levon anyway.

I wish the Barnburners would come back to St. Louis. They played at a club here, Blueberry Hill. I was not able to see the show, my job at the time interfered. I was tempted to blow off work, but was walking a fine line wtih the BIg Boss Man at the time. So Levon, if this makes it to you, come back to St. Louis.

Hope you guys don't mind newbies. Anybody know if Levon and the Barnburners are gonna record any time soon? I would love to hear some more blues Levon was involved in.

Anybody out there in webland any where near St. Louis? No doubt you are all music lovers, we have one helluva scene here. Every kind of music, loads of blues and insurgent country music. Lots of bluegrass and good ole country as well.

There is more here than just an arch and Anheiser Busch. So if you are from nearby, speak up, if you are driving by, stop in, listen to some tunes and sip a Busch with the old Beer Belly.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 07:50:03 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind richardson

Subject: Christmas is cancelled !

Tennessee you loud-mouthed rednecked son-of-a-bitch! You ungrateful little prick you! How dare you turn on me like this! You know those letters you been sendin' me for the past 30 years beggin' me for that blowjob? Guess What? That's Right Boy! This year she woulda been a'slippin and a' slidin' right your chimney! You poor foolish fool ... This is a warning to each and every one of you good AND bad little children. The one thing you should never do is "Out" Ol' Saint Nick!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 07:49:56 CET 2002 from (194.100.60.131)

Othar...Kalervo

Subject: Uncovered

Haaa...BWNWandsoon. You uncovered me! I have this obsession to dig graves for many over-exposed music items and artists here! Without any results, of course!

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say...

Entered at Tue Dec 17 07:40:38 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

I think Gary Coleman is right... we ain't going nowhere for a while... so whoever is under the table with me here while the bottles are flying... I vaguely recall some Canadian GBer talking about some mystery writer or series a while back... from Canada... maybe Toronto... maybe London?... I know this is vague, but I'm looking for a good book again... Damn, I wish I could remember the thread... I wrote it down too... but then throwed it down somewhere... I want to say a Bill or a Peter or a Witinsumpin or maybe a BEG recommended it?... and finally, Lil, quit hogging the snow!!!!!!!!!!!

Entered at Tue Dec 17 07:15:03 CET 2002 from host-209-214-117-139.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.139)

BWNWIKnoxville

But I was thinking about you, actually, and realized that if you took those pictures of the Hawks in 1963 you were most likely about twenty, which would make you pushing sixty now, if you haven't already blown straight through it. So at an age and time of year when you should be bouncing the grandkids on your knee and reading "The Night Before Christmas" to them, you're instead staying up at night trying to insult people you've never met on a website dedicated to people you were friends with forty years ago, and laughing at caricatures of retarded people. That is seriously very, very sad.

I do have a feeling that we're not going to see Sergio for another few months now, until he has the need to pop up again. But since he seems to want to know everyone's identity, and since I've made friends with a few of the "regulars" here, I thought I'd help the guy out. It might make a few people mad at me, but I think if you post here you shouldn't hide behind a phoney identity. So, here goes -

brown eyed girl: her real name is Shamiqua O'Dowd, she is employed as a feather remover at the Purdue processing plant.
JTull fan: name is Luther MacKenzie, bowling pin resetter.
Bayou Sam: Bruce LaFleur, interior decorator.
Kalervo: Othar Shaganevieskewicz, gravedigger.
Crabgrass: John David Ray Lee Snope, rear window defroster magnate.
Ben Pike: Ben Pike, accountant.
Lifeboy: Sylvester Mancuso, triple-A professional wrestler.
Tommy: Thomas Kincaid, the world's best-selling painter.
Rollie: Bob Dylan, musician.
Tiny Monster: Gary Coleman, actor.
John W.: John W. Bush, pariah.
Bones: Nancy Smith, runway model.
Rosalind Richardson: Santa Claus, philanthropist.
Amanda: Not Amanda Reilly.
Al Edge: Spud, football hooligan.

Well, there ya go. I think that's about everyone. I hope nobody's too angry about being "outed", but I think it's all for the best.

(Man, if I got even one of those right, it would blow my mind!)

Entered at Tue Dec 17 05:33:15 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: You Ain't Goin Nowhere !

You Ain't Goin Nowhere

Clouds so swift
Rain won't lift
Gate won't close
Railings froze
Get your mind off wintertime
You ain't goin' nowhere
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

I don't care
How many letters they sent
Morning came and morning went
Pick up your money
And pack up your tent
You ain't goin' nowhere
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

Buy me a flute
And a gun that shoots
Tailgates and substitutes
Strap yourself
To the tree with roots
You ain't goin' nowhere
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

Genghis Khan
He could not keep
All his kings
Supplied with sleep
We'll climb that hill no matter how steep
When we get up to it
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

Same Guy ...

That's it

Entered at Tue Dec 17 04:59:29 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp190354.sympatico.ca (64.229.3.5)

Van's "brown eyed girl" and Dylan's "angelina"

Subject: Time To Inhale....Nitrous Oxide

Yeah I was at "Chez Piggy's" too....I was taken to Zaaaaal's restaurant.......'cause it was Zaaaaal's.....

I feel like posting this again......How to dominate reality.....Imagination is one way.....Love is another way......and Music......is still another way......:-D

Entered at Tue Dec 17 04:45:50 CET 2002 from dialup-65.56.138.17.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.56.138.17)

Pat Brennan

I have no doubt that the singer of Jemima Surrender would consider Trent Lott and his ilk a pack of idiots.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 03:50:32 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

He's Notorious! I love Notorious.

Kramadogsdish is Ahrooo or whatever? Didn't you used to be pretty well respected in these parts gal? I remember you.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 03:03:17 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Dave Z

If Garth is still looking for song titles for those last few unreleased basement tape songs... then I vote for... Aunt Julia and her little invisible dog...

Entered at Tue Dec 17 02:57:43 CET 2002 from tnt-77-157.ct.dialin.ntplx.com (209.54.77.157)

TRACY

Jeez, Serge, I thought you would finally figure out who kramedogsdish really was just by looking up my IP address. You know that's how I can tell yours by your gtconnect service and your bitterness you so proudly spew. So, what can you call me now that you know my real name? Bacy? Nacy? Shacy? Kacy? Lacy? Bracy? Jacy? Dracy? Gracy? Blacy? Acy? Oh yeah, AHROO!! AHCHOO!! Akookoo? Apoopoo? AHDOODOO? AHGOOOOOGOOOOOOO!!! AWAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! LOLOLOLOL!!! Okay, let's give it a shot for my last name why don't we? What can you do with "Rotkiewicz?" Butcher it and I might think you work for the Post office or one of those annoying junk mail offerings who don't know how to get the name right. How about stupid polish people. Hey man, I've heard it all! You know how to address all British folks. "Limey" is the word, right? Maybe it's just lack of intelligence and maturity.

It seems as though Mr. Daniloff that nobody is allowed to have any other interests other than The Band and even that doesn't suit you sometimes. You have a way of trying to belittle people by making fun of something else they might like or enjoy. I for instance was labeled at one time as a furry loving freak by you for the pets that I own and happened to want to share on my website. Or how about, "the girl that loves that X Files actor?" Where the hell did that come from? Now I see you decided to make fun of Chris and Gail Bell for having an interest in space and all it has to offer and liking the band, The Corrs. What gives? Here you stand, spewing how you want to know everybody's business, who they are really, where they come from, and bullshit of the such. What is that, so you can come back each time and pinpoint if a site opens so you can make fun of them on this guestbook as you have in the past?

It's funny that this all started simply because I said I was a Robbie Robertson fan and had sort of a newsletter going for a short time. That's when you barged in and started in on me when I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO YOU. Robbie is a Band member, but like I said. Even if somebody is into The Band in some shape or form it still doesn't suit you. Everybody has to abide and follow the rules of you and your beliefs, ideals, opinions otherwise they're own opinions need to be flushed down the toilet.

Tracy a.k.a. AHROOO!! and/or Kramedogsdish

Otherwise I still think your attitude is shit, shiite, shite, bullcrap, bullshit, caca, poops, farts, diarrhea of the brain

Now that you know virtually everybody's REAL name, can you talk about The Band FINALLY?

Entered at Tue Dec 17 01:39:47 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Pie

Country Pie

Just like old Saxophone Joe
When he's got the hogshead up on his toe
Oh me, oh my
Love that country pie

Listen to the fiddler play
When he's playin' 'til the break of day
Oh me, oh my
Love that country pie

Raspberry, strawberry, lemon and lime
What do I care?
Blueberry, apple, cherry, pumpkin and plum
Call me for dinner, honey, I'll be there

Saddle me up my big white goose
Tie me on 'er and turn her loose
Oh me, oh my
Love that country pie

I don't need much and that ain't no lie
Ain't runnin' any race
Give to me my country pie
I won't throw it up in anybody's face

Shake me up that old peach tree
Little Jack Horner's got nothin' on me
Oh me, oh my
Love that country pie

By You Know Who ...

I'm sorry ... Did you say something ?

Entered at Tue Dec 17 00:52:34 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-018castocp0344.dialsprint.net (63.187.177.90)

rollie

Hey you bugger! I WAS there!( and don't you forget it!;)

Entered at Tue Dec 17 00:44:50 CET 2002 from host217-40-217-1.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.217.1)

Lifeboy

Nice one Rog, you couldn't resist that could ya? How ya doin?

Entered at Tue Dec 17 00:33:08 CET 2002 from pc-62-30-198-91-sm.blueyonder.co.uk (62.30.198.91)

Roger

Subject: Peace on earth

Serge took those pictures? Jeez, you'll be tellin' me next that Rollie was at the Last Waltz.

Entered at Tue Dec 17 00:24:39 CET 2002 from host217-40-217-1.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.217.1)

Lifeboy

Serge, thanks for the mention. I'm glad we got that sorted and you seem to be better for getting stuff off your chest. I'm gonna stick with "Lifeboy" cos it's my moniker on here now, but if you wanna call me "Matt" it's fine and I will acknowledge. I'm sorry you got stitched up with your pictures, just remember that they came from you and nobody can take that away from you, I don't think anyone here is gonna dispute that. So all's well that ends well.

Merry Christmas

Matt

Entered at Mon Dec 16 23:37:37 CET 2002 from ppp594.ac1.56k.execulink.com (209.239.15.24)

Serge

Thanks BAYOU TOM for the name and location, I feel good all over. If you could figure out that I only used my name half the time, then it follows that you always knew when I made and entry here. Even Viney can figure that out.

Lifeboy MATT, thanks to you too.

As to BWNWITenn. he's still hiding, ashamed as he is about his background. Check the ID POLICE Link from earlier today. He can't hide any longer.

Brown Eyed Girl, I hear you want something from me. I'll contact you soon.

I go to Kingston Ontario all the time since I have relatives there. I have dined at "Chez Piggy" many times and have chatted with Zal often. A terrific unpretentious man he was. I remember well the Spoonful sides, and loved them. He will be missed as a musician, and especially in Kingston as a restaurateur.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 23:08:53 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam AGAIN

Subject: Lil

I didn't want to just tack this onto that unfortunate mess that I just had to post down below.

That was a beautiful post Lil. Merry Christmas to you and yours - and have a safe trip visiting your folks.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 23:06:13 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: last comment on this - maybe

There you go Serge. A couple of us have attempted to comply with your challenge after you called us hypocrites, little invisible dogs, scared, and chickenshits. Do we now meet with your approval for inclusion on this site? You can't call people names like that, and not say something when they put-up. I also apologised for assuming that you posted something that you apparently didn't post. BTW, after a quick run through over the last few posts of your, I see you used your real name less than half the time. Now, are you going to respond to our answers, or will you lay low again until you feel the need to rip Peter to peices again - under a cleaverly hidden name of course.

Richard P = Hey man, how ya doing? - didn't you once have the stupidest post of all time here, before it was beaten? I'd like to know why it makes a person an OBVIOUS target of criticism simply because they post in here often? What a ridiculous statement. Maybe some of us are more "talkative" than others. Does that warrent the vicious attacks, and name calling? Please tell me. I really want to know. It's fun to chime in on something. It's not intended to upset anyone. If it does, that person has deeper issues to resolve.

I hate this shit - but after a day, and rereading yesterdays posts, I'm not too thrilled about being called those names.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 23:01:40 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 22:54:48 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Pat: You're right about Zal's solo on "Magic" - it was. He had a knack for bringing something fresh (in guitar department) to each of the hits. Didn't just replicate the solo from last time out.

I forgot, in my last post, to refer to his work as a producer of Yester and Henske and of the Fifth Avenue Band - which I believe is related somehow to Ohio Knox, Jolliver Arkansas and that John Hall 'Orleans' crowd that gets mentioned here from time to time.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 22:53:17 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Pat: Although Zal's guitar certainly looked cheesy, it really wasn't exactly thrift-shop quality. He played a Guild S-200 Thunderbird, a solid-body with 2 humbucker pickups, a weird array of switches and resembling a bizarro Fender Jazzmaster. This '60s vintage axe really wasn't used, at least publicly, by too many rock artists at the time. A few bluesmen, like Muddy Waters, played it at one time.

I'd rather talk guitars than politics any day, although both subjects are played either from the right or the left, and sometimes up-side down.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 22:47:27 CET 2002 from ppp62.a1-1.56k.execulink.com (209.239.1.62)

Paul Godfrey

Subject: Serge - Bill M. - Zally

I get together from time to time at Bernies Bar for a beer with Serge. Like me he goes away back with the BAND and the HAWK for that matter. I have been ripped off a number of times re: photos I have taken or of photos I now own the rights to, by those a little the other side of honesty. So I understand his feelings about copyright. Normally I give most anything away. All I ask ... is that they ask and give me credit. Seldom happens in this greedy world.

Bill M. About three years ago Serge & I were at Bernies and trading mementos of "days gone by" and he was nice enough to share with me original photos and negatives of the shots from "The Brass Rail" London circa 1963. BTW - Oh occassionally he will tease me about the fact my father was a "limey" from Birmingham UK. He really was a "limey" as he served in the navy during WWII and I am damn proud of Stanley Arthur Clinton, my biological father.

Zally - had the pleasure of interviewing him on my Paul Godfrey & Friends Show in the mid 70's on CFTR Toronto, back when we were rockin'. Most of the tape had to be 'beeped' Zally...I am certain you will introduce some new words to those heavenly body's vocabulary you are entering. God Bless you and raise a little hell in Rock n Roll Heaven.

shineonpaulg

Entered at Mon Dec 16 22:28:52 CET 2002 from ric-sn-oprx-pxy2.firstunion.com (169.200.215.36)

Bones

Jerry T: Thanks for that great story about Robbie from the old Hawks days. I hope you kept that guitar. What kind was it?

John W: Sorry for screening you out. You're right, for there were plenty of people submitting political posts. I just wish they were submitted elsewhere.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 22:24:02 CET 2002 from shop.visual.arts.uwo.ca (129.100.120.62)

Red

Subject: Zal

There was a great radio programme on CBC radio with Zal and John Sebastian where Zal said his major influence as a guitar player was Luther Perkins. He just loved the guy's simplicity.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 22:07:09 CET 2002 from h-68-164-9-118.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.9.118)

Pat Brennan

Even though my fave Lovin Spoonful song was recorded after Zal left the band ("She's Still A Mystery"), the visual of him laughing and rocking back and forth and strumming his dime-store guitar still defines what was so cool about pop music back then--and what it lacks in a large part today. Great guitarist (think solo in "Do You Believe in Magic"--dang, it's perfect) and another tough loss.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 21:28:44 CET 2002 from 1cust178.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.178)

jeffrey

"To oppose the policies of a government does not mean you are against the country or the people that the government supposedly represents. Such opposition should be called what it really is: democracy, or democratic dissent, or having a critical perspective about what your leaders are doing. Either we have the right to democratic dissent and criticism of these policies or we all lie down and let the leader, the Fuhrer, do what is best, while we follow uncritically, and obey whatever he commands. That's just what the Germans did with Hitler, and look where it got them." Michael Parenti

Entered at Mon Dec 16 21:07:24 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Entered at Mon Dec 16 20:50:28 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

"You Didn't Have to be So Nice," is one of my favorite songs of all time. It's sweet loveliness always stops me in my tracks. I just went on The Lovin' Spoonful's website and saw that the song reached #10 on the charts in 1965. I realize that is a great achievement, but it should have been #1 for weeks!

You came upon a quiet day

You simply seemed to take your place

I knew that it would be that way

The minute that I saw your face

And when we've had a few more days (when we've had a few more days)

I wonder if I'll get to say (wonder if I'll get to say)

You didn't have to be so nice (be so nice)

I would have liked you anyway (would have liked)

Entered at Mon Dec 16 20:21:01 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Subject: Zal Yanovsky

I once had a nice telephone chat with Zal Yanovsky about 20 years ago when he was in Toronto to appear on the Peter Gzowski Show with John Sebastian. I spoke to him very briefly in person too, as he and Sebastian were leaving the studio and I asked the latter if he knew how I might get in touch with Richard Bell (who'd played with Sebastian not all that long before). I don't recall now what the answer was, although the upshot was that I didn't catch up with Richard until 2002.

Does anybody remember his Buddah 45, "As Long As You're Here", which used to be in bargain bins all over everywhere? The b-side, "Ereh Er'uoy Sa Gnol Sa", was the same tape played backwards. I think the label may be been printed backwards too.

After the solo LP, and that 45, the only other appearance on record (not counting "One Trick Pony") was impressive lead guitar on one song on the second of three albums by Tony Kosinec, "Bad Girl Songs". (I'm pretty sure that it was Kosinec who wrote the "okay Blue Jays let's play ball" jingle, so he'll need no tag days presumably.)

Entered at Mon Dec 16 19:53:47 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: remembering Zal Yanovsky

"Bald-headed Lena has anybody seen her?"

(:-)Goodtime music for all times!

Entered at Mon Dec 16 19:23:08 CET 2002 from (150.216.191.165)

jmartin

Subject: the band

I was introduced to the Band by a friend on the ultimate frisbee team i am on. I now own 5 albums along with The Last Waltz which i watch at least once a week. i love listening to these guys. Me and a few friends have celebrated the artists' birthdays (kind of an excuse to drink and listen to the band all day) on 3 or 4 occasions. just wanted to let everyone know there is one more lover of this great band.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 18:49:44 CET 2002 from libstfstx03.library.uiuc.edu (130.126.34.238)

Susan

Subject: guitar instrumental music search

I need to buy a Christmas present for my brother-in-law. This becomes my job every year since his brother refuses to shop at all. What this guy, I'll call him Jeff, really cares about is guitar, so the obvious choice is some guitar cd. But which? I don't really keep track of most instrumental albums, and my lack of skill at remembering names means I don't usually recognise players and know what styles they work in. So I turn to you all for advice.

Jeff does not buy much music for himself. The last purchase I know of was off the Guitar Nine site - a guitar player from Sweden, I think, named Mat Ecklund. He liked that very much, and he prefers instrumental, not songs. He did like Garth's album, which was last year's Christmas gift.

Any suggestions will be gratefully received. I'm putting my address below. If the Nigerians find it so be it. Nigerian spam is more entertaining than the stuff I've been getting lately about golf and renting my vacation home.

adairh at uiuc.edu

Entered at Mon Dec 16 18:26:48 CET 2002 from rrcs-nys-24-97-200-252.biz.rr.com (24.97.200.252)

3 Faces of Eve

Subject: Serge Daniloff

I just wanted to say that there must be more things to talk about on this site than a poor, bitter man from London, Ontario. Actually, Serge's tirades are more appealing to me than a bunch of well intentioned milksops who spend all day saying "Oh, yeah....I agree with that."

Serge is the salt of the Earth. Leave him alone, he's got real problems and I don't think we should add more anger to his full plate. He's probably done more for this site than anyone, with the exception of Peter Viney. Which is probably why he's jealous of Peter.

As for why Serge calls people names and is very crude with his language.....come on. You can't handle that? This isn't grade school any more. I find it interesting. Although God knows I'd be really insulted if he talked to ME like that. As for why an educated man like Serge would lump an entire country (England) together and insult all the "Limeys," I can't Explain that. It's wrong, very wrong. But what the hell: he's French, what else can you expect? All French are very rude, you can look it up.

What am I saying!!!! I don't agree with that. We're all God's children and we should be kind to each other. Even those freakin' Laplanders who I believe now have weapons of mass destruction. Don't think we don't know about you guys, you're not fooling anybody.

Let's all try to get along.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 18:16:41 CET 2002 from nas1-billings-103.theglobalroad.com (65.121.127.103)

Jack Straw

Subject: Guestbook Identities

Since I have a lot of time on my hands courtesy of the Veterns Administration I thought I would devout some serious effort to unmask some of these clowns. After long hours of searching and hacking into servers (Sorry Jan, I'll return and fix all the damage :)). I believe I have discovered the identity of the misfit responsible for some of the problems around here. Read his site carefully and form your own conclusions!

Entered at Mon Dec 16 18:02:40 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-149.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.149)

About photos

There are a few more. I'll be glad to meet you my next time in Toronto, and wave the negatives at your face. Or I'll make a contact sheet of the pix and email it to you. What's the address?

Entered at Mon Dec 16 17:40:14 CET 2002 from 1cust123.tnt1.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.200.135.123)

Charlie Young

Subject: The Real Christmas Album of the Year

Bob Wigo: I love your idea of an all-star instrumental album of holiday music. I might add Bela Fleck, David Grisman and Bruce Hornsby to your list of musicians who could add some great riffs.

Meanwhile, the heirs-apparent to the Ventures, Los Straitjackets, will appear on the Conan O'Brien show on Tuesday December 17th playing something from their excellent new instrumental Christmas collection. Click the link above for the full scoop.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 17:37:49 CET 2002 from du-tele3-017.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.17)

Peter Viney

Biffalo Bull- I expect that’s why they call it the Blue Danube, then. Band link- the Band must have known about your theory, hence the Third Man Theme. Scholars of the blues.

Isn’t it strange how Serge has left these clues in pseudonyms for us to discover in the past? The very pseudonyms he denied using at the time so vehemently – and isn’t it strange how a new poster always appears to attack Serge’s perceived enemies. Different one every time, yet always with the same hang-ups about the British. You need to read Vargas Llosa's "Aunt Julia & The Scriptwriter" where every radio script reveals more of the scriptwriter's hang ups about the Argentinians. As for a grown man bothering to spend time animating a picture merely to insult his perceived cyber enemy, words fail me (you’ll be relieved to hear, Richard P.) It's happened before.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 17:11:51 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-018castocp0353.dialsprint.net (63.187.177.99)

jeffrey

Well, I'm disappointed to say the least. This character simply is not credible.Nice work to the identity police.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 17:04:34 CET 2002 from oshst-037.olysteel.com (63.91.50.37)

bob wigo

In a perfect world...

An instrumental album from Robbie, Garth and Levon with all sorts of special guests. A few of those guests come to mind.....Ry Cooder, Eric Clapton, Bill Payne, John Simon, Neil Young and Paul McCartney for starters.

Anyone you would like to include?

Place your orders now. This one is going to be good.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 17:00:45 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Entered at Mon Dec 16 16:53:12 CET 2002 from mcha-ab077.taconic.net (205.231.148.172)

And now we know why he has no wife !

Entered at Mon Dec 16 16:47:29 CET 2002 from cpe0080c6ea3120.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (65.48.85.247)

biffalo bull

the slaves were tending to business at the ball in the mansion, and others thankfull to their white owners were resting in their shacks, when the orchestra, in the mansion ballroom did a cover of a strauss number. servants caught this strange beat, put it to memory, and hummed it for comfort. at the same time, the slaves in the shacks, heard the filtered sounds wafting out to their dreary domain, began tapping and stomping their feet, grabbing the washboards, spoons and brooms, to add texture to the sweet beat. poetry of life, work, observation, pain and love was added for various and obviuos reasons. so i humbly submit that it was the austrians who gave the world the blues. the fist waltz! da

Entered at Mon Dec 16 16:01:50 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-120.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.120)

ID Police

Subject: BWNWinTenn...Identity

I got the schmuck nailed. His name is Sherman, and he works at a Drive-Thru in an industrial site on the outskirts of Knoxville, right across a three junkyards and two trailer parks. Check the URL to meet him.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 15:59:02 CET 2002 from ns.hpedsb.on.ca (209.226.83.2)

Clay

I saw "The Last Waltz" at the music store, the one that is a 4 cd set that comes in a long case, looks like a book. Is there much of a difference from that to the 2 cd set. I saw the first one for $100, compared to $30 for the 2 cd set. I just wanted to know from the band fans here if it is a good set and get the opinions on the differences. Thanks.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 15:47:46 CET 2002 from (66.200.102.19)

JTull Fan

Subject: Greensleeves TLW

Can anybody clarify just when Garth played Greensleeves at TLW? Was it while the turkey was being served (it sounds on the cd as if someone is yelling 'hey turkey') or was it later between some of the jams. Just curious to put it into context. There, a musical post to get out of the rut the gb has been in with this mudslinging and all.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 15:17:28 CET 2002 from host62-6-92-86.in-addr.btopenworld.com (62.6.92.86)

frank heatley

Subject: holidays

Way to go Lil could not agree more, everyone out there in Band land have a great Xmas and much happiness and above all health in 2003...please God we will all meet up back at the ranch when the hols are over.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 14:26:20 CET 2002 from oshst-037.olysteel.com (63.91.50.37)

bob wigo

Entered at Mon Dec 16 14:19:39 CET 2002 from mcha-ai089.taconic.net (205.231.28.89)

Lil

As I sit here this morning watching the snow fall (yes..._more_ snow)....I can't help but think of the season and all the things that go with it... from children's happy anticipation..to Rick's voice singing "Christmas Must Be Tonight". December brings us such a variety of feelings and emotions, some of which are those of family and dear friends. Amd memories of those not with us anymore. Personally, I think of John.. who's heart gave out at 36 years old 7 years ago..exactly one week after New Years Day. Memories of that last December are forever etched in my heart.
And so.. me and the kids are about to embark on a road trip to spend the holidays with my folks. My mom is so excited she's been putting Christmas lights in every available place in the house, and my dad is mostly just asking her (every 10 minutes or so) why there are lights in every available place in the house. I love them both dearly, and can't wait to spend the holidays with them.

My point for posting this (and yes..I do have one.. go figure :-) is that despite some of the nastiness that goes on in here, we should all remember that in a broad sense of the word.. we are a family here (like one big bunch of bickering brothers and sisters :-)
So.. to this extended family, before I hit the road...I wish all of you the happiest of holidays. And to my dear friends (you know who you are).. thank you for givng me you.

Thru the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourselves a merry little Christmas now...

Entered at Mon Dec 16 10:29:45 CET 2002 from host81-132-23-56.in-addr.btopenworld.com (81.132.23.56)

Lifeboy (Matt Wise)

Subject: Serge

What do you wanna know Serge? Fire away. Anything to cheer you up. I have explained on here recently how I came to be a fan of The Band and you would be right in asssuming it is fairly recently, the last few years in fact. I wasn't around to appreciate them at the time, I'm 34 years old see. Is that allowed or must it be a closed shop? Calling people chickenshit from the safety of your pc keyboard is very brave indeed. Why don't you try being civil instead of banging on about people's identity and who is new and who ain't, they are only "usernames" after all, it's no big deal, most people on message boards use one and it has nothing to do with cowardice or any dark secret. Seems to me that you get off on aggro from afar. Your bitterness is stretching to people who's names you have just admitted you don't know. Well here you go, you can insult me to my real name now if you so wish.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 06:42:27 CET 2002 from host-209-214-116-181.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.181)

BWNWITennessee

I enjoyed Scorsese on Conan O'Brien, too. Obviously, Conan is a Band fan. I just wonder how many of his viewers knew what Scorsese was talking about when he went on for three or four minutes about living with Robbie Robertson.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 06:22:26 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

And what a time we'll have there
We'll bring our own folding chair
And then Serge begins to cuss and stomp around
And he'll bite Peter on the ass just like a hound
And we'll just all have have a blast
Ol' Serge winds up in a cast
And then we'll laugh and jump and giggle up and down
And we'll pass beer and wine and reefer all around
And we'll all get stoned to the gills
Then we'll head off to the stills
And then Amanda Lil and Roz get kinda loose
And we'll argue fuss and fight and try to choose
And Pike will go for the gold
Roz knocks his ass right out cold
And we'll all be laughing fit to beat The Band
And then we'll all stand back and give The Band a hand
And we all kiss and make nice
Till some weed comes out with the dice ....

Entered at Mon Dec 16 06:16:10 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0311.dialsprint.net (63.187.169.57)

jeffrey

Subject: This must be christmas

The first of many offerings though the holidays! Cheers! Rollie

Entered at Mon Dec 16 05:59:17 CET 2002 from (61.161.211.136)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Who's Trent Flop?

SERGE: I always enjoy seeing your posts. I only wish you would stop by more often. Nice idea, asking people for their personal info. Obviously a good enough idea that Sam complied immediately.

SAM: Peter V is an obvious target for criticism in here because he posts more words in a day than just about everybody else combined (save yourself). Serge obviously doesn't need anyone to stick up for him but, I really don't think he sees himself as "better than anyone" because he knew the Band "when", in fact I find his posts to be generally directed towards others (particularly British journalists) who make "high and mighty" statements. Even Al Edge admits that "such American [and I assume Canadian -RP] perspective on 'pompous' Brit journos et alia is spot on. That is exactly what they are like for the great part" and, "That they know better than virtually anyone they write about is simply taken as read". (Although Al does point out that he thinks Peter Viney is the one great exception to this rule - BTW Al, I don't think it's you and _I_ people will be talking about ;-).

I know, I know, just call me Judas...

Entered at Mon Dec 16 04:58:41 CET 2002 from as3-2-29.hip.berkeley.edu (136.152.194.143)

Dave Hopkins

Subject: a disciple speaks

I just wanted to chime in with the phrase "no relation"! But actually I do have long-lost relatives in Canada somewhere, so who the hell knows. I do find it amusing that the guy concerned about "copycats" is yet another Canadian sputtering incoherently at Peter in the Guestbook, complete with derogatory remarks about the British. Not very original!

Listening to Neil Young's "Are You Passionate?" right now..."Back when The Band played Rock of Ages, in their prime, and the whole juke joint was jumpin'..."

Entered at Mon Dec 16 04:51:54 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

Chestnuts roasting on a... open flame... bla bla bla... Blue 41 hut hut... yikes... Fred, I agree... and just flashed back... over my shoulder where I thought I saw Mom with the wooden spoon... and Dad yelling... "take it outside boys"... and, just after thumbing through Levon's book... 8 pix pages after page 96... but before page 97... where I see Garth kicking a football ferociously ... Levon catching one... and right next to it... well, hmmm... let's just say that maybe Richard was smart to stay with that night gig... unless, no... brothers don't wouldn't put... well, I would for sure... being a no. 1 son... with 2 inferiors below me... I'll show you who's the lead gonna make you singer... btw, I have to confess I have yet to be able to spend 3 consecutive days in peace with any family member... till I met my wife... hmmm, how come we don't see JRR and the Dankster throwing footballs?... Two pretty faces, right? I'm not buying it... they gotta be wrestling it out in a leaf pile... or maybe they were cropped just outside that pix of Richard... ready to do some serious anti-punt return damage... hmmmm... anyway, I just wanted to say I luv you guys... and thanks for bringing back brotherly memories of past holidays... wonder how my kids will fare... we watch the Fox and Hound... Ice Age... we got Pan and Hook... and Tink don't play no touch either baby... who's up for taking it to the Chat Room before Dad gets real pissed... come on, we can get real shat ficed on nog and go way neg... or not?

Entered at Mon Dec 16 04:43:09 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

On a lighter note - I saw a photo of Martin Scorcese in todays paper, and he seems to have had the 'ol eye brows trimmed. Good move.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 04:38:42 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Serge = if that Hopkins cat isn't you, then I apologise for assuming it was. I suposse I thought it was you because most of your GB posts seem to be assaults on Peter Viney - and those get to be a tremendous drag. Even you have to admit that that Hopkins post was right up your alley.I do think on one hand, that it's none of my buisness why you have such a dislike for the PV, but when you hammer him in this public forum it seems OK for anyone to chime in. PV never stoops to the level of those posts that attack him. He seems like a cool guy to me. He has opinions about things - and is always willing to hear others. He's a guy that could be big-headed, but isn't. It's probably a tribute to his upbringing.

My name is Tom. I've never kept that a secret. I always use my name when e-mailing folks from here. I've told the story more than enough why I use Bayou Sam. I've mentioned the fact that I live on Long Island, N.Y., by way of The Beautiful Bronx,lot's of times. I actually posted under my name once - when Rick died and I added my condolances in the GB. I've traded CD's with a couple of people in here (which involved my name and address), and met a few others in person. I'm not trying to hide. I'm not looking to fight with anyone.

As Peter said - we don't know each other. I really only know you as a guy who has contributed some fantastic photo's to this site - and as a person who only seems to enjoy posting when it's a confrontational situation. The fact that you knew the Band "when", makes you a wonderful asset to this site, but it dosen't make you higher and mightier than everyone. If I met you at a bar Serge, I'd ask you about those great photos, and the camera/flash set up - and then I'd ask, "what the hell did Viney do to you".

I'm just trying to be honest with you here. You called me a hypocrite, and I wanted to respond. How many different names have you posted under BTW.

Sorry to everyone else for this stuff in here. Someone suggested once that we put our e-mails at the end of our posts with the word "at" instead of "@", so the Nigerian Princes can't snag the e-address. I'm trying to remember to do that. This way we can e-mail each other right away and help avoid these barneys (I got that from Hard Days Night) in here.

wipeout1960 at yahoo dot com

Entered at Mon Dec 16 04:19:41 CET 2002 from 1cust237.tnt4.fredericksburg.va.da.uu.net (67.201.50.237)

Charlie Young

Subject: Zally

I'm saddened to read here that my other favorite Canadian guitarist is gone at age 58. Zal Yanovsky was not only a fine guitarist for the Lovin' Spoonful in their heyday, but a great entertainer in the spirit of the Marx Brothers. I am sorry that I never got to meet him or even hear him play live. I do own every recording I know of that he played on, though. Thanks to a close friend who went to Canada on his honeymoon last year, I do have a t-shirt and autographed cookbook from the restaurant Zally opened when he retired from the music biz.

To me, his solo on "Night Owl Blues" is as raw and powerful as prime Hendrix. Hell, I even liked that Yanovsky "Alive and Well in Argentina" solo album. I'm glad he lived to play with Robbie and Clapton when the Spoonful were inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, though. It wasn't the road that took him at age 58, though. My thoughts are with his family as well as his old band mates, John Sebastian, Joe Butler and Steve Boone.

Meanwhile in the Washington, DC area today a concert and sports venue was demolished afer less than 30 years of service. The old Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, where I saw Dylan with The Band on their 1974 tour and George Harrison with Billy Preston that same year, plus later gigs by the Grateful Dead, the Who and even Muddy Waters opening for the Allman Brothers. Those are all great memories but I won't miss that hideous building a bit.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 04:13:35 CET 2002 from cpe0080c6f00eff.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.156.103.95)

Toronto Craig

To all on the Board, please don't associate all Canucks with the comments that sometimes come from one Sam Hopkins jr., especially the ones relative to Van Morrison. I've never seen a musical Board go thru the meandering that goes on here- politics, religion,philosophy, economics but then again maybe I'm missing the boat. One boat, I'm not missing at all and never have, is anyone who thinks that the opinion Van The Man is talented is showing "stupidity", just conveyed the word beautifully himself.

I was so shocked when I read that comment. You are the first person , Sam H, that I have read or heard with that opinion. Believe me,in my experience, it is a very minority opinion in Canada. TC

Entered at Mon Dec 16 03:54:10 CET 2002 from parachute2-156-40-65-89.net.nih.gov (156.40.65.89)

Jonathan Katz

Subject: Conan O'Brien

Anyone see the Conan O'Brien show the other night? Martin Scorcese was the guest and he talked for a while about TLW and the days with the windows painted black. But the best part was that he talked about his 3-yr old daughter and her preoccupation with the movie "Fox and Hound." Hilarious comentary on kids movies from one of the best directors ever.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 03:08:58 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

Entered at Mon Dec 16 02:52:53 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-151.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.151)

Me again.

We all know who David Powell is, and Donabie and Paul Godfrey and Viney, and Lil (I understand her position) and that strange dude Tim Sungod of Rock, and Brennan, and MattK, a guy that have come to respect because he had the balls to tell who he was ( after accusing me for years of hiding}. I have always used MY name or given enough clues for Viney and others so I was identifiable. I challenge and dare all those chicken shites like BWNWife.., or Bayou Sam (so quick to get on my arse), or that Kramedogswhatever person, or newcomer Lifebuoy, ( I can forgive the gals )or anyone hiding and snapping at heels like little invisible dogs to come forward, and briefly tell about who they are, and at least the area they are from. You all do want to be a Band loving "community", don't you?? Don't be scared you chickenshites. Contribute something to this site or split.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 01:46:53 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-151.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.151)

Serge

Yes it was a good move to resubmit the two photos from the two books on the Band. Levon was given the copy in his book with blessings. The #2 photo that Hoskyns stole without permission is another story. I have contacted Penguin at your suggestion, warning them NOT to reuse that pic. in any subsequent editions of Hoskyns' drivel. They can have a good close look on this site. I am glad that you admit that "the photo should be seen", so there it is. Stare at it all you want. I am tired of being ripped off as you are aware. Everything from photos to the Port Dover recording. I hope your buddy Hoskyns has a conscience. So far I have not seen any display of that. Only badmouthing of people who earned him a buck, or a shilling or a pound or whatever your funny money is. BTW Since you're such and expert on photo cameras (as well as everything else) guess what camera was used almost 40 years ago to take the Brass Rail pics. that you love so.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 01:19:49 CET 2002 from host217-40-222-25.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.222.25)

Lifeboy

Sam, with all due respect all those musical genres are hybrids in one way or another and are neither exclusively American or Canadian if you trace them to their roots. They are the result of different cultures coming together musically and being influenced by different styles\traditions that go way back. So there have been "copycats" all the way down the line, a healthy thing surely? Otherwise we wouldn't have such great music to listen to. There have been plenty of innovative English musicians who have made new ground or expanded on different styles.Nothing is totally original, if you bang a radiator with a spoon it's still a drum, just a different drum. If any music is the sole property of anyone what's the point?

Entered at Mon Dec 16 01:05:10 CET 2002 from host-209-214-113-151.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.113.151)

BWNWITennessee

Isn't rock 'n roll typically considered to have been a combination of blues and country music - the origins of country/folk music being in the music of the British Isles that the emigrants brought with them when they settled in Appalachia and the Southern U.S?

Entered at Mon Dec 16 00:35:44 CET 2002 from aca29de6.ipt.aol.com (172.162.157.230)

sam hopkins jr

VINEY-I AM NOT SERGE---DONT KNOW HIM PERSONALLY--but 'MUCH APPRECIATE" his contributions-NEVER SAID VAN MORRISON WAS ENGLISH-YOU"assumed"THAT--I LIKE ENGLISH/IRISH PEOPLE PERSONALLY-LETS BE HONEST-----JUST ADMIT-IRISH/ENGLISH NEVER INVENTED-JAZZ,BLUES,ROCKABILLY,ZYDECO,CAJUN,ROCK AND ROLL,NOTHING--ADMIT IT!--YOU ARE JUST"COPYCATS"-MERRY XMAS-SAM HOPKINS

Entered at Mon Dec 16 00:10:51 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-151.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.151)

Serge

You arsehole. That post is not and was not mine. Don't blame me if others think you are an arsehole. Check with Jan.

Entered at Mon Dec 16 00:05:10 CET 2002 from host217-40-222-25.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.222.25)

Lifeboy

It's crap telly or character assassination, what a choice!

Entered at Mon Dec 16 00:02:33 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Bayou Sam

Subject: Zal

another one gone too soon. I remember when the Spoonful got inducted into the RRHOF - Zal looked happier than a pig in shite, and so proud. Rest in Peace Zally.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 23:59:31 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Bayou Sam

Subject: just some responses

Lil = thanks for posting that Lennon item - it's a very cool idea. John would be more proud of that than any #1 hit he ever had.

Serge Hopkins = you said nobody cares about Peter's posts - and you say you've been reading them for two years. HELLO!

Ben Pike = there's been nary a mention of Trent Lott because this is a music oriented site and that's what people are drawn to it for - not the politics. Even rollie's talkin' music.

Jack Straw = nice Dylan links - thanks.

wipeout1960 at yahoo dot com

Entered at Sun Dec 15 23:57:17 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

John Cass

Subject: Thanks Joe

Joe,

Thanks for the details on the show I missed... I couldn't sleep all night thinking about the great time I missed...I tell ya I hate missing Levon and Barnburners.. always a great time with great people and the music is the best.. Too mush BS going on in my life right now... a weekend away is what I need hopefully next Saturday in Mass..

Thanks again sounds like a great time had by all!!

Entered at Sun Dec 15 23:48:36 CET 2002 from du-tele3-089.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.89)

Peter Viney

You pop into the site for ten minutes mild recreation and first (scrolling in reverse) you get poor old Serge in yet another guise foaming at the mouth, then scroll down to find Ben Pike saying "Look in the mirror, PV" after quoting people I've never even heard of, like Trent Lott and Clinton Hunt, and as they're undoubtedly politicians I don't care too. What Harry Belafonte has to do with it mystifies me.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 23:40:25 CET 2002 from du-tele3-089.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.89)

Peter Viney

Sam Hopkins - is that your latest name? Sharing more snapshots on the site - good move. Continuing your little vendetta? Why bother? You don't know me, I don't know you, and couldn't give either a shit or a shite (whichever you prefer). Where Van Morrison (with an unfounded and dumb allegation) or the English contribution come into your problem beats me. Especially as Van happens to be Northern Irish. If you want to dismiss … The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, The Who, and about 500 others who I can't be arsed to name, it says a lot about you.

BTW, I see "Absolutely Fabulous" Xmas Special will see them in the USA seeking Edwina's long lost son, Serge. I joke not.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 23:38:08 CET 2002 from host217-40-222-25.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.222.25)

Lifeboy

Entered at Sun Dec 15 22:59:21 CET 2002 from ac8d8088.ipt.aol.com (172.141.128.136)

sam hopkins jr

Subject: peter viney

Why do you "waste your time" & other peoples time with such trivial meaningless "crap"-NOBODY CARES--I have been reading your posts for 2 years and am completely sick & tired of your opiniated "NONSENSE"-the "ENGLISH"--have invented :NOTHING" when it comes to music-you think that"wife beater"van morrison has talent-shows your STUPIDITY

Entered at Sun Dec 15 22:51:59 CET 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.home.nl (212.120.101.7)

Norbert

Subject: 20th century timeline (again)

Dear brothers and sisters,

good news ...... please study the site above once more

NOW notice 1976

see what we can achieve?...... this was important ..... I'm proud of you all!

Peter Lloyd: ...... thank you ......

Entered at Sun Dec 15 22:26:43 CET 2002 from mcha-ab064.taconic.net (205.231.148.159)

Lil

I thought this was very interesting, so I'm posting the info here for anyone who might be interested.

( And btw.. I was about to post about Zal Yanovsky but I see Crabgrass already has. Very sad.)

John Lennon Day Peace And Love On Earth

Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try,
no hell below us, above us only sky,
Imagine all the people, living for today.

Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do,
nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too,
Imagine all the people, living life in peace.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.

Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can,
no need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.

The heartbeat of humanity is music. Let us honor our greatest singer songwriter and the most influential political artist of our time with an International holiday celebrating his message for us of Peace and Love on Earth.

Starting on Sunday October 9th 2005, the 65th birthday of John Lennon and thereafter every October 9th shall be known as the John Lennon Day for Peace and Love on Earth.

I was at the Dakota on December 8th, 1980 from 11:45 pm till 8:45 am the next morning. These 9 hours were the longest and saddest of my life. That night I promised John I would give the rest of my life to Changing the World by filling it with Peace and Love. This is why this petition is online, to gather the more than 10 million signatures that will be needed to make this dream a reality. Imagine all the people of Earth honoring John Lennon, a man who gave his life for spreading the message of Peace and Love. This holiday is for all the people of Earth to celebrate together in harmony, One Love in the spirit of Christmas time.

When there are 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 10 million signers of this petition it will be sent to the heads and governing bodies of every Country on Earth and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Following each Countries own official process, we will ask them to proclaim every October 9th, John Lennon Day. There's nothing you can do that can't be done

Mark Elsis
Executive Director: http://www.Lovearth.net
Online Petition: http://www.John-Lennon.com/Petition or
http://www.JohnLennonDay.com

The petition reads:
I agree that there should be an International holiday every October 9th to celebrate the life’s message of John Lennon, to be known as the John Lennon Day for Peace and Love on Earth. Every October 9th Imagine shall be played on TV, radio and websites in all 24 of the world’s time zones at their local noontime.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 20:37:15 CET 2002 from 1cust166.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.166)

Crabgrass

Subject: Zal Yanovsky

Not good news - click above link for more info.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 20:29:44 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Ben Pike

Interesting there has been nary a mention of the Trent Lott flap(and to a certain extent, it is media generated blah blah blah) on the board. Some of us, (though not proud know nothings like bassmanlee) are aware that the southern gang who formed the base of Clinton Hunt were old southern racists who viewed Clinton as a traitor to his race. So we know all about Lott's record; and quite obviously, the Dem's embrace of the Civil Rights movement(back in those evil, amoral sixties) cost them the critical loyalty of the white south. We also know the kind of moderate republicans who joined in have long since been drumed out of the party.

Some middle class types find all this "part of the past", look the other way when such types ingage in the more socaily paletable "fag baiting" (though a bit of jew baiting sneaks out once in awhile too!) and tell those like Belafonte, brave enough to call them on it, retro. Take a look in the mirror, PV!

Another pretty good recent Christmas album is Hear Music's "Snow Angels", folkie devision. It's got Joan Osborne and the angel voiced Catie Curtis, I've never heard of anybody else but all the tracks are pretty nice.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 19:43:15 CET 2002 from sdn-ap-017castocp0274.dialsprint.net (63.187.169.20)

Jeffrey

Subject: New NJ studio opens

For all you east coast musicians. My buddy has just opened up a two story recording/rehearsal studio in Howell ,NJ. Arnie Brown has worked with numerous blues acts (Otis Rush,Anson Funderburgh to name a couple) as well as the Drifters and other doo-woppers. George Gumas does repair work and set-up on guitars as well through this studio. George is well known thru -out the east coast blues scene and works with Anson from time to time in a tech capacity. Check it out at the above link.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 18:58:02 CET 2002 from nas1-billings-114.theglobalroad.com (65.121.127.114)

Jack Straw

Subject: Music

The linked paged has two interesting streaming audios. At Dylans 11/13 New York show, his last encore was "Something" for George Harrison, nicely done.

Another is from 11/11when he performed "Yea, Heavy and A Bottle of Bread, first time ever. In true Dylan style it's very different from the Basement Tapes version.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 18:57:35 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

....yeah sure - that'll change thier minds.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 18:27:55 CET 2002 from cpe014280006969.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.101.238.182)

Jerry Tenenbaum

Subject: Young Robbie Robertson

I've been communicating with brown-eyed girl and she thought that this little story might be of interest to the readers. As I've said here before, my late dad owned the Concord Tavern in the 60's. Levon and the Hawks played there often and I (a 14 year old kid) used to go down for the Saturday afternoon matinees. Needless to say, they were the best thing I saw there. (saw David Clayton Thomas and the Shays, Jon and Lee and the Checkmates (Rhinoceros later/some of them) and others. Anyway, my dad was a holocaust survivor from the camps. (he taught me most of what's important that I know). He and Robbie (from his perspective) 'hit it off'. Robbie was a kid but my dad said he carried himself with the greatest maturity. He was quiet, kind and sensisitve and polite from my dad's perspective. And my dad met a lot of 'different' people in that business. Anyway, I wanted an electric guitar. Clearlly, I and my dad had no idea what to consider. Robbie Robertson was very helpful. He advised my dad on what to get and told him that getting me that guitar was a good idea. My dad took his adivse and spent about $100 getting me what Robbie suggested. (a lot of money in those days for my dad) I never personally talked to Robbie or the boys (too shy and who talked to 'stars' in those days). But my dad spke to them often and liked them all. He had nice things to say about all of them but particularly about Robbie. He said he had wisdom beyond his years. The bad news is that I can't play the guitar worth a damn but trying was half the fun.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 18:20:28 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Joe

Subject: Towne Crier gig again

Geeezzzzzz. Forgot to mention the assortment of desserts on display at the Crier. All ignored by the Waitstaff, which favored Butchie Crocker's brownies. Perpetual smiles by all. No knock downs though. I've seen em' drop in the past, literally, from his recipe. Carried away by EMS. Oh, and by the way, Butch brought the new cymbals given as a gift to Levon by Zildjian. They know how to treat a guy. Whatta night!!!

Entered at Sun Dec 15 17:27:51 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

New Sensations

I don't like guilt be it stoned or stupid

drunk and disorderly I ain't no cupid

Two years ago today I was arrested on Christmas Eve

I don't want pain, I want to walk not be carried

I don't want to give it up, I want to stay married

I ain't no dog tied to a parked car

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, new sensations

Talkin' 'bout some new sensations

Talkin' 'bout some new sensations

I want the principles of a timeless muse

I want to eradicate my negative views

And get rid of those people who are always on a down

It's easy enough to tell what is wrong

but that's not what I want to hear all night long

Some people are like human Tuinals

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, ooohhh, new sensations

Talkin' 'bout some new sensations

Talkin' a new sensations

I took my GPZ out for a ride

the engine felt good between my thighs

The air felt cool, it's was forty degrees outside

I rode to Pennsylvania near the Delaware Gap

sometimes I got lost and had to check the map

I stopped at a roadside diner for a burger and a coke

There were some country folk and some hunters inside

somebody got themselves married and somebody died

I went to the juke box and played a hillbilly song

They was arguing about football as I waved and went outside

and I headed for the mountains feeling warm inside

I love that GPZ so much, you know that I could kiss her

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, ooohhh, new sensations

Talkin' 'bout your new sensations

Talkin' new sensations

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, new sensations

Ooohhh, new sensations

--LOU REED

Entered at Sun Dec 15 17:09:25 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Joe

Subject: Towne Crier show

You missed it John. Standing room in the bar only with a waitng list. Phil, the owner, I'm sure put somebody in your unoccupied seats. There was nothing left. The boys played 2 sets with a couple of encores. Jimmy V. wailing on the piano and vintage Tele throwing in a little slide as needed. Besides adding some lead and backup vocals. He surely is a most talented guy and an asset to the BB's. Lotsa' new material played too. Levon pounding the skins and sounding great, even with the tail end of a cold hampering him. Chris winning the crowd over with his unbelievable harp playing and his gutsy blues vocals. You have to luv him. Pat on rhythm guitar and sharing the leads with Vivino was something to see. He is such an improved guitar player over the last couple years and getting better all the time. Jeff Sarli was on bass and a booming one it was. Laying down some fantastic lines. There's something about bass players, they're in there own little groove. I luv to watch em' Lot's of familiar folk and friends were there. Bill the fireman and his wife, Mike Lyons, The Sheriff of Ulster County, Barbara and her friends from the sheriff's dept., Rob Fraboni, and his wife and son, Norman, A.P. the BB soundman came up from Mississippi and handled things behind the board, and may others. Maybe we'll see ya' next time.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 17:04:34 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Tommy = good to see you..........it wasn't by chance that George's album sounds like it does, and isn't too ELO-ish. George knew he was not going to be around and worked on the recordings and left some very specific instructions for Jeff Lynne, and his son Dhani. I saw a peice somewhere with Jeff Lynne where he talked about that. George even asked him NOT to put things in certain songs that he knew were Lynne-ish things to add. It wasn't out of disrespect for Jeff - George just wanted it to be a George Harrison album, and it is.

Bassmanlee = thanks for that link for Emitt Rhodes. I sort of vaugely knew his name. Now I want to seek out that first album and give it a listen......That's one of the things I love about this website - sharing musical things, and discoveries like that.

Butch = is Levon using Zildjians ?

Entered at Sun Dec 15 16:37:50 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Subject: The Staple's Silent Night

Amanda, I take it I may have something to do with that? :) Wait 'til next year; there is plenty more where that came from.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 15:37:36 CET 2002 from 62.136.fl1.ip.foni.net (212.7.136.62)

Ralf

great site! best wishes!

Entered at Sun Dec 15 15:35:16 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

John Cass

Subject: kicking myself in the ass

Details on the Town Creier show... anybody...

I missed the show last night... long story... had 4 tickets and the ride to the show fell through and everything else fell through too...

I am sure the weather wasen't even that bad Saturday in Pawling... was it??... I am one angry VTer today thats for sure!!

Entered at Sun Dec 15 15:19:18 CET 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-a-12.hhe.adelphia.net (68.70.18.12)

Amanda

Roebuck "Pops" Staples:

"I was raised on the Will Dockery place from the time I was eight till I got to be 20 years old. Charley Patton stayed on what we called the Lower Dockery place, and we stayed on the Upper Dockery."

"He was one of my great persons that inspired me to try to play guitar. He was really a great man."

"At first I was too small to go hear him on a Saturday night. But on Saturday afternoons, everybody would go into town, and those fellows like Charley Patton, Robert Johnson and Howlin' Wolf would be playin' on the streets, standin' by the railroad tracks, people pitchin' 'em nickels and dimes, white and black people both."

"The train came through town maybe once that afternoon, and when it was time, everybody would gather around, just to see that train pull up. They'd play around there, before and after the train came, and announce where they'd be that night, and that's where the crowd would go."

"They'd have a plank nailed across the door to the kitchen, and be selling fish and chitlins, with dancin' in the front room, gamblin' in the side room, and maybe two or three gas or coal-oil lamps on the mantelpiece in front of the mirror, powerful lights."

"It was different people's houses--no clubs or nothin'. And I finally grew up to play."

-as quoted on the album- James Mathus and His Knock-Down Society Play Songs for Rosetta.

The most beautiful song for the season-"Silent Night"-The Staple Singers.

I just got Lucky Man Clark's Seaworthy with special guests, Garth Hudson and Levon Helm. I am really gettin' into it and Track 13-"Airplane Landing in Crickets"...Guido, I love you for that!!!!

I'm comin' with lots of great music for the trip! ;o)

Entered at Sun Dec 15 12:24:25 CET 2002 from mcha-ac059.taconic.net (205.231.150.90)

Lil

Have a good day everyone.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 12:01:48 CET 2002 from cache-hki-1.inet.fi (194.251.240.105)

Kalervo

Subject: Real jewels

Oh yes there are some jewels from the over-exposed 60's and 70' s...Bassmanlee: I used some marks to buy Emmitt Rhodes album 30 years ago and it is still one of my best buys...Makes me want to get his records on cd. Emmit Rhodes is in the heart of deep pop...

Kiiiiiiiitossss BEG!

Entered at Sun Dec 15 09:03:56 CET 2002 from host-209-214-117-128.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.128)

BWNWITennessee

Entered at Sun Dec 15 07:22:41 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Subject: Everything seems so silent tonite ...

" If you will listen, a song I will sing
About my daddy who ran a log train
Way down in the southland in ol' Alabam'
We lived in a place that they called Chapmantown

Late in the evenin' when the sun was low
Way off in the distance you could hear the train moan
The folks would come runnin' and mama would sing
"Get the supper on the table here comes the log train"

Every mornin' at the break of day
He'd grab his lunch bucket and be on his way
Winter or summer, sunshine or rain
Every mornin' he'd run that old log train

A sweatin' and a swarin' all day long
Shoutin' "Get up there oxens, keep movin' along
Load her up boys cause it looks like rain. I got to get movin' this old log train"

This story, it happened a long time ago
The log train is silent, God called dad to go
But when I get to heaven, to always remain
I'll listen for the whistle on that ol' log train."

--Hank Williams--

Entered at Sun Dec 15 05:17:01 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

TOMMY

Subject: hello old friends...

Hey friends,

How has everyone been? Just wanted to stop in and say hello... see how things're goin' here in the GB. I hope everyone's having a good holiday season. Butch, it's a little late, but Happy Hannukah, m'man!

Saw Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers again last night @ MSG and that band is nothing short of amazing! TP IS a true ROCKER'! They did a little tribute to George with a Heartbreakers rendition of the Wilbury's "Handle With Care". Good shit! I do so like the rock'n'roll. Their new album is really good too.

And speaking of new albums and Harrison, what does everyone think of 'BRAINWASHED'? I think it is some of his best work... thought provoking, yet funny as hell. Sweet, and also at times very sarcastic and sardonic. And that slide guitar playing... SHIT! It's so unique, and so synonymous with George after all these yaers. I'm glad Jeff Lynne backed off with his usual production style. That can guy produce the personality out of any bands or performers album! He musta stepped in some pile of shit to get to work with, and produce albums for, people like Orbison, Petty, Harrison, The Beatles, McCartney... I mean, ELO isn't even that good! Ahhh... Now I'm ranting. I'll stop. The songs on the Harrison album are really great, and that's what matters in the end. LONG LIVE GEORGE!!! Haha. What a great man.

And on that note friends, I will say goodnight. I will try and make more stops here in the GB, like I used to, but with finally doing my music (I've been playing some shows, solo acoustic, in NYC) and going back to school (Dangerfield style), I've just been peroccupied. Take care, old friends! And keep the spirit alive! What spirit you ask? I don't really know. I just thought it was a good way to end the post. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

~Tommy

PS. Hey Crabby, PLEASE send me an email... SKELLBAG@aol.com... I wanna get your email address. And thanks!... (for the Waits video).

Entered at Sun Dec 15 05:04:01 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: more "crap"

...some people say shoot - but you can't fool me man, shoot is "shit" with two o's.

George Carlin

Entered at Sun Dec 15 04:05:51 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

And I hate those little notes you leave stuck to my pillow! "Oscar, Don't be late from work tonight! F.U." "Oscar, Were out of corn flakes F.U." "Took me three weeks to figure out that F.U. meant Felix Unger!"

Entered at Sun Dec 15 01:31:18 CET 2002 from host217-40-217-204.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.217.204)

Lifeboy

Sam, The way you pronounce it and spell it don't matter, it's the sentiment that counts and I get your drift! It's like an international credit card. Peace.

Entered at Sun Dec 15 00:31:19 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

JTull Fan

Subject: An even more useless post then B. Sam's

From the Meryl Streep movie Sophie's Choice: "F*** F*** F*** Argh!!!!!' "She could say F***, but she couldn't do it'. :)

Entered at Sun Dec 15 00:30:44 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

Thanks for sharing Serge... great shots... Have fun at the show Joe... I can hear cowboy boots stomping the floor in my head as I write this... I hope all you political types will be watching Gore on SNL tonight...

Entered at Sun Dec 15 00:06:50 CET 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Great pix. Takes me back (sob). Think I wuz in a corner having a pop that night.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 23:50:46 CET 2002 from cpe0080c6ea3120.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (65.48.85.247)

biffalo bull

useless for sure, til it appears on paper

Entered at Sat Dec 14 22:35:51 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Shit

Ass

There - I just wanted to see these two words the way I know and love them.

I'd like to also submit this post for consideration as the most useless one in Guestbook history.

......just a little levity (or is it leavity?) :-)

Entered at Sat Dec 14 21:33:26 CET 2002 from modem033.phl-tc02b.fcc.net (63.121.115.120)

bassmanlee

I just bought the Last Waltz Box set from BMG Music Service for 27.55 (shipping included). Did I do a good thing?

Thanks Lil! His record is pretty good, too - very McCartney/Beatlesque.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 21:28:15 CET 2002 from mcha-ai146.taconic.net (205.231.28.146)

Lil

Have a nice evening everyone. Hug Jan (and _that_ one was from me :-)

Entered at Sat Dec 14 21:21:14 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Calvin

Hard for me to say Peter, there are about 5 Minolta Dimage Scanners. The One I said I sell for around $299.00 is a USB connection-there is a new one that is very close to the same that also uses Firewire for about $100 more. Perhaps that is the piece you are thinking of. I can tell you I buy it from Minolta for $254.60 and sell it for $299.99. I hope that helps.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 21:02:30 CET 2002 from modem033.phl-tc02b.fcc.net (63.121.115.120)

bassmanlee

Subject: Another cool website

I know I am not the only scourer of used record bins around here. Last week I found a copy of Emitt Rhodes first album, which I had never heard, and it prompted me to find out more about him. (An interesting tale of an artist driven to a lifetime of obscurity by the greed of record companies, BTW.) Anyway, it led me to the site above which is the only site I've ever seen that adheres to the same spirit of dedication and love of an artist that our host applies to this wonderful place (which we so often abuse and take for granted). Check it out. And somebody hug Jan.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 20:12:39 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

butch

The Towne Crier will be boint to the ground tonight,,

Levon, The Barn Burners & Jimmy V are ready to BLUES it up !!

I just got Levon all new cymbals,, so look out,,,, see you there Joe, Bill the fireman,the Sheriff & his wife,,,John & Krista, & everyone who helped to SELL IT OUT !!!!

bd

Entered at Sat Dec 14 20:00:06 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Joe

Subject: Barn Burners tonight

Just a reminder. Levon Helm and the Barn Burners tonight,Saturday Dec. 14th with Jimmy Vivino at the "Towne Crier" Pawling, N.Y.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 18:37:09 CET 2002 from cdm-66-254-199-tyrd.cox-internet.com (66.76.254.199)

BANDfan

I didn't receive a poster.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 18:00:28 CET 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.home.nl (212.120.101.7)

Norbert

Subject: 20th century timeline

Dear GBrs,

please study the site above
notice 1995
notice 1976
notice 1963
look at the bottom right

...... you can tell him ...... this Peter Lloyd

thanx

Entered at Sat Dec 14 17:51:09 CET 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: yeah...what he said.

I'm with Dave Z. on the book issue.

Either that or maybe we should all kick in a ten spot to fund a live online forum / voice chat room with the three remaining members and John Simon. All from the comfort of their own homes. Nobody within striking distance.

We could ask Ronnie Hawkins to be the moderator.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 17:45:54 CET 2002 from hse-hamilton-ppp190087.sympatico.ca (64.229.1.246)

brown eyed girl

Serge: Thank you sooooo much for the absolutely amazing irie photos of The Hawks that you have shared with all of us on this site! Two of my faves are of the very young Robbie just after he joined The Hawks in 1960 and Robbie and Levon and Ronnie with female fans at The Brass Rail Tavern in London, Ontario in 1963.......

I also really like how Levon has his arm around Robbie's Ma in The Band family photo....Also check out the photos of Levon and The Barn Burners when Amy was around by Crabgrass and Robbie and Garth at TLW Premiere and Garth at The Bottom Line by Crabgrass everyone...You're right Crabgrass....although I am an extremely sensitive person like Richard.....My spirit is strong.....Your Birthday post to me was everything I would want it to be.....Many thanks also to Ray P, Ilkka and Fred as well....I guess I'll call all of you the Gang of Four now......lol.....

Ray Pence: I agree with everything you said in your last two posts re Hoskyns' article....One of the most telling comments Levon ever made about Robbie was that they were best friends at one time......Therefore the anger and bitterness are understandable but out of respect for their former friendship...........If you are a true Band fan then you should care about how all members are portrayed in public.....There was a poster on this site who is friends with one of Robbie's daughters so.......I'm still debating what I want to say to Robbie....all I know is that he didn't turn anyone away who wanted anything signed.....One person already had a Band record on Ebay for sale......Robbie signed it at the Dana Glover show.....Ray I like your sense of fair play when it comes to all Band members......There has been a double standard in the Guest Book.....I respect that you have the balls to say it like it is......Others will email me privately but won't post what they really think.....Everyone knows why of course......

BTW.....I have a great documentary taped on The Clash and Joe Strummer states what Hoskyns states......It took all original members to create the magic....and once any Band member leaves.....doesn't matter which one.....The magic can never be recreated again.....never....

BTW2 Ray.....Isn't Billy Bragg's "Ontario, Quebec And Me" great?.....;-D

Brien: I don't even "know" you but you were the one who understood.....Thank you! I sent you an E from one of my "real" accounts.....

Entered at Sat Dec 14 17:36:16 CET 2002 from cm223.14.120.24.lvcm.com (24.120.14.223)

swansongpam

Subject: sundog

Hey Tim, I hope your trip out here to Vegas is a safe one. I bet you can not wait to leave Madison....it's been a long time comming. Now instead of watching the weeds out there get tall and dusty, you can see the bright lights of Vegas were people really know how to get off. Then we can go and play those kick-ass 15-in five cent video poker machines that we always win on.(free money is soooo cool). Don't forget to spit in the wind when you cross the border out of Madison...never look back..(a cow might be chasing you).........Pam

Entered at Sat Dec 14 17:15:23 CET 2002 from du-tele3-096.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.96)

Peter Viney

A question for Calvin. You suggested the Minolta Dimage Elite II film scanner- I think at $229. It got “Best buy” in a magazine here too, comparing favourably in output to the Nikon at two and a half times the price (it does say the Nikon is in a much better case though). In the UK we’re used to something that costs $229 in the USA costing £229 here (i.e, 50% more). However this is a whopping 3 times the US price at £549 here! Is it the same scanner? It’s a lot to pay to get 240 volts power supply instead of 110 volts! I know Sony digital cameras are twice the US price here but this seems extraordinary.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 13:16:14 CET 2002 from host217-40-217-204.in-addr.btopenworld.com (217.40.217.204)

Lifeboy

Thanks for defending me there Kramesdogfish, most noble of you. Anyway I won't getting in a lather about such a plank. My nickname is something a friend of mine occasionally uses for me and comes from something other than soap. I use it for various reasons on the internet because usually when you are signing up with an ISP or similar there is somebody who already has your name so "Lifeboy" it is.

BWNWITennessee, I'm pretty certain that the spelling of "arse" would be the original spelling and pre date "ass", it's probably another "olde" English word, also the way we pronounce it justifies the letter "r" so that it rhymes with "farce", after looking at this GB that is most ironic. I gotta go and put up my Christmas tree now as my son is getting rather impatient.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 07:54:53 CET 2002 from 1cust212.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.212)

Mullah Omar

And how about the origins of the "Shiite" Muslims while we're on the subject?

Entered at Sat Dec 14 07:36:52 CET 2002 from host-209-214-113-100.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.113.100)

BWNWITennessee

Okay, Peter, Al, Lifeboy, et. al, why "arse"? And if you hear a news story about the government attempting to reduce the size of the military's arsenal, do you start to giggle uncontrollably?

And since we're on the subject, can any of our Georgia friends explain the origins of the word "sheyit"? And it is grammatically incorrect to use it if it does not proceed the word "boy"?

Entered at Sat Dec 14 06:25:43 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

Dave Z

A while back I remember reading somewhere that Prince or his people had included on his website an area where he addressed and corrected the many false speculations that objective writers were making about him... I tried to check it out but his site was too interactive at the time for my modest hookup... Has anybody else heard of this?... Because I thought Prince had a big beef with Barney... Hey, if we are gonna analyze things to death, why not include Barney in the fun?... so I may try again... Also, just curious... would the Levon book have been written without Barney first starting his effort?... I at least give Barney some credit for attempting to be the first to do something, ANYTHING... because the fans really do want to read about the makers of this beautiful music... and because after all... they are in the Hall of Fame... in two countries... So I'd vote for a new book... sanctioned by those still left... to be written by a famous Canadian writer... who'd naturally hire Jan as a consultant... and provide him with all the beer and travel expenses necessary... to help ferret out the heartfelt stories and remembrances appropriate for a good loving story... It also seems to be the fashion to bash the excesses of the 60's and 70's... I'd like to see more stories that would share some of the good stuff about the beautiful Woodstock area and it's people in a way that doesn't spook your average "Just Say No" Republican...

Entered at Sat Dec 14 05:15:16 CET 2002 from tu4.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.170.165)

Fred

A question: those of you who bought The Last Waltz DVD when it came out a few months back, did you get a poster with it? (A freebie from the store...part of the promo campaign)

Entered at Sat Dec 14 05:00:16 CET 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

A bit more on Lightfoot:

Since his admission to hospital, Lightfoot and his family — wife Elizabeth and his five children — have asked that details about his condition remain confidential.

Reporters and fans had been calling and visiting the hospital frequently trying to learn more about his illness. Barry Harvey, who spoke with the singer Friday morning, said his friend appreciated the gestures and well-wishes but did not want to discuss his health publicly just yet.

“He’s requesting his privacy, especially with Christmas coming up,” he said.“He’s quite positive about his recovery but it’s going to take some time. He’s the only one that can really decide when and where and how and if he’s going to talk about it and when he’s ready to resume his activities.”

Entered at Sat Dec 14 04:41:33 CET 2002 from dial-189.r14.scktre.infoave.net (216.218.73.189)

kirk

Subject: hello Levon

I caught Levon and the Barnburners at Gypsy's in Myrtle Beach. I really enjoyed the music and most of all enjoyed meeting Levon in person,he's a nice guy not above talking to a stranger. If you get a chance to see the Barnburners, do it. Kirk

Entered at Sat Dec 14 04:39:41 CET 2002 from slip-166-72-126-233.fl.us.prserv.net (166.72.126.233)

Charlie Young

Subject: Scotty Moore CD With The Band

Scott: the Scotty Moore CD you mention that features the final incarnation of The Band on one track is out-of-print, but there appear to be four copies available on Ebay's "half.com" used merchandise Website. That's where I bought my copy a couple of years ago, though the condition was not the best. Good luck, it's a pretty good disc.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 04:38:11 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Mike Nomad = I was just wondering about Gord's condition. Thanks. Glad to read something bright and positive.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 04:36:04 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

.....such a night.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 04:27:15 CET 2002 from adsl-67-121-74-1.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (67.121.74.1)

Scott

Any idea where I can find a copy of Scotty Moore's All the Kings Men CD?? Even Amazon can't locate it

Entered at Sat Dec 14 03:49:46 CET 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Fans of Gordon Lightfoot may be interested to know that he was released from hospital this week, more than three months after developing a serious abdominal illness.

Barry Harvey, who has managed Lightfoot’s career for 20 years, said Friday that Lightfoot is "on a strong road to recovery. He’s in quite good spirits. He’s up and walking around. He’s doing really well, considering where he’s come from.”

Lightfoot was flown to McMaster University Medical Centre in Hamilton, Ont., on Sept. 8 with internal bleeding from a rare weakness in an abdominal blood vessel.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 03:23:45 CET 2002 from 64-121-53-145.c3-0.snmt-ubr1.sfrn-snmt.ca.cable.rcn.com (64.121.53.145)

Tiny Monster

Subject: Kissinger

Henry Kissinger sits on the board of several multinational corporations and is a consultant to a few more. He also has dealings with some overseas interests that his "job" as an "investigator" requires him to disclose ... That's why he resigned ...

At least that's all the reasons you are alowed to know about ...

Uh, hold on ... There's a knock at theee ...aaaAAaOOooOOo

Entered at Sat Dec 14 02:39:11 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

JTull Fan

Entered at Sat Dec 14 02:27:22 CET 2002 from tnt-77-27.ct.dialin.ntplx.com (209.54.77.27)

kramedogsdish

You are amazing Sergey. You can come up with so many names that insult others' user names. Go crawl back in your dark, miserable hole and stop talking about shite you prick. Yeah, Lifeboy is a soap, I knew that already...so now go use some. You're starting to stink up this place already.

kramedogsdish

kramedogsdoodoo

kramedogsshite

kramedogspuke

Entered at Sat Dec 14 02:19:40 CET 2002 from 1cust49.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.49)

Jeffrey

Ok, now I'm not pushing an agenda . I just have one question here. How can a man who is investigating terrorist attacks on his own country, have a conflict of interest? What am I missing here? Ok, that's two questions.Sorry.

Entered at Sat Dec 14 01:16:55 CET 2002 from core20d178.dynamic-dialup.toad.net (162.33.190.178)

tony

""LIFEBOY" used to be a brand of soap. I guess that went right over Kramerdogshite's head. "

maybe because the soap was called "Lifebuoy"

Entered at Sat Dec 14 01:09:52 CET 2002 from schltns-3.demon.nl (212.238.196.9)

Ragtime

Entered at Sat Dec 14 00:29:35 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

Hi, yes, you make a good point, and one of the things that makes BH's remarks especially hurtful to several Guestbookers is that they knew Rick personally. I wasn't Rick's friend and have never been near Woodstock, but I certainly don't like the putdowns. I witnessed his greatness when I saw and heard him onstage in 1983 and I'll always love what he did that night. The same goes for Levon, Richard, and Garth. As a fan of Robbie's--both before and after the Band--I also don't like what BH says about him. I doubt if we have anyone who knows Robbie personally here. Brown Eyed Girl met him and writes about him beautifully, and I think we need her voice here.

But I do believe the root of the resistance to BH is that he doesn't take sides in his history of the Band, and lots of people seem to want that. If his book criticized only Robbie and supported Levon's version of events, BH's book would be very popular indeed here with many people.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 23:08:02 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-148.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.148)

It's me of course.

"LIFEBOY" used to be a brand of soap. I guess that went right over Kramerdogshite's head.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 22:10:52 CET 2002 from du-tele3-146.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.146)

Peter Viney

OK, did the book “Across The Great Divide” do the Band any harm? They even named their box set to tie in with it. Deliberately, I think. No, it polished and embellished the legend and kept their name alive. They are better off because of it than they would have been otherwise. Were the “revelations” untrue? Seemingly not, Levon’s subsequent book confirms them and takes them a stage further. Were they scurrilous? Cathy whoever had worse to say. Was Rick in a physically bad way in the late 90s? Was Richard in a bad way in the 80s (and 60s and 70s)? Was Robbie in a bad way just after TLW? A pattern emerges. So what’s the problem with Hoskyns? I have to say, as so many times before, I have never met nor corresponded with or even seen the guy in the distance. Did he get a bad deal over the remasters? He wasn’t the only one, but yes he did. Though having read both sets of sleeve notes (the rejected ones were in the library here), I think Rob Bowman’s were more appropriate and his remarks on them (like Robbie’s BMW) betray some bitterness. Hoskyns is even-handed in irritating the Robertsonians and Levonistas, (plus the Dankoists and Manuelites, though Garth comes out unscathed) which takes some effort.

‘Revolver’ might be the best whole album. Myself I prefer either the singles side of the (initially) American LP “Magical Mystery Tour” or side two of Abbey Road, but taking both sides together, Revolver might be the one. Nothing had the impact of the Autumn 1962 Beatles though.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 21:59:18 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

This looks EXACTLY like my daughter - sorry for showing off - Merry Christmas everyone

Entered at Fri Dec 13 21:39:38 CET 2002 from tnt-77-187.ct.dialin.ntplx.com (209.54.77.187)

kramedogsdish

Mr. GTCONNECT, go ahead and call me Kramedogspuke all yo want but I really think you deserve something for Christmas and I truly hope you get it. Try asking for either therapy or anger management classes. That should suit you well. Also, Lifeboy doesn't need any cleaning. You do, because your attitude in this GB stinks!

kramedogspuke

special for you Sergey Purgey

Entered at Fri Dec 13 20:53:45 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Entered at Fri Dec 13 20:32:37 CET 2002 from (129.237.250.26)

Ray Pence

It's interesting that none of the folks who are angry with Hoskyns for speaking ill of Rick Danko have said anything about BH's plentiful nasty remarks about Robbie Robertson.

For Peter Viney and others who have had slurs aimed at them here for where they were born and raised--I know you know that not all of us Guestbookers agree with such things, but I want to apologize for the insults you've been seeing here. People who can't stick up for Rick Danko without calling people who share their affection for Rick names are a disgrace.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 19:46:13 CET 2002 from host179.olysteel.com (63.91.50.179)

bob wigo

The recent mention of Jackson Browne brought mention of David Lindley's "El Rayo-X". This is a wonderful recording and the bonus in the deal is Garth playing some great sax on the title track.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 19:14:12 CET 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: Missed opportunities and such...

After being out of town for the last several tuesdays, managed to make it to my buddy's open mic night this past week, primed to do "It Makes No Difference" not realizing the significance of the date at the time... did play a little bass behind a thrashing electric troubadour, but didn't get a solo spot. A sadly missed opportunity. What's interesting about the open mic is the variety of music some of the young'uns are playing. Lots of talented Bluesmen, space jammers, etc. I could of sworn one young band was channeling Pigpen & the Warlocks circa. 1966.

I'm shocked, Peter that you don't own Jackson's great discs, Pretender, Late For The Sky, and I'm Alive. Essentials IMHO for any collection.

Got to see Shawn Colvin solo acoustic at our local Grand Opera House. Another really impressive female acoustic guitarist who doesn't get props for her playing. Highpoint of the show was her 4-yr. old daughter dancing about the stage during one number. Very warm and friendly show - go see her if she's in your neighborhood. And speaking of the neighborhood, just missed David Bromberg coming out of his shop the other day, talking on his cell as he strode up Market Street, coatless but in three-piece suit. And I was just about to go in and welcome him to town. Damn. (For more on David and his shop, see link.)

As for the rest of the shite that's been going down in here...I'll pass.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 18:40:51 CET 2002 from wcs2-pent-2.nipr.mil (206.38.114.100)

Nick

The point is, Mr. Viney, that when asked if there was something he would have like to add to his book, Hoskyns said that he would have added that Danko was "overweight and stumbling around Woodstock". Is that all he could think to say about a man who gave us so much great music in the 90's and gave so much of his time for worthy causes. Danko did some of his best vocal work from '91-'99 (fat or not). That's something to add. And where does he get off saying that Rick acted like a rock star. Everyone knows that's not true. Why do you defend Hoskyns' bitter comments? The man could have a little grace dontcha' think? Obviously your with Hoskyns.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 17:34:57 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

Entered at Fri Dec 13 17:13:30 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

Ed Blayzor

Subject: John Cass - Towne Crier

John Cass the local weatherman said there will be snow flurries with no accumulation for Saturday night, he has been wrong before I might mention. I will not be able to make it Saturday night due to prior plans but its always a great show when Levon & the BB`s play the Towne Crier. Drive Safe!!!!!!

Entered at Fri Dec 13 14:29:09 CET 2002 from du-tele3-050.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.50)

Peter Viney

Derivatives of "shite" are the popular Irish expression "gobshite" and also "shite hawk" which is an Egyptian vulture, but is also used figuratively.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 14:21:22 CET 2002 from citrix1.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.5)

John Cass

Subject: Weather

hey any GBers that live in the Pawling area kindly post what the weather is gonna be like on Saturday and what I can expect traveling from Rutland VT... will it be a slip slidin adventure or will we cruse right into the Towne Crier and belly up to the bar in one peice???

hope old mother nature is kind to us this weekend!!

Entered at Fri Dec 13 13:51:14 CET 2002 from host213-123-112-106.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.112.106)

Lifeboy

Does it matter when I discovered this site and when I put forth any opinion? You know fuck all about what I do beyond this guestbook. You sound like a real nice guy.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 13:40:18 CET 2002 from du-tele3-102.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.102)

Peter Viney

Hi Serge, and a very happy Christmas to you too. I don’t think we can keep having our Hoskyns conversation three or four times a year. Jeez, it must be getting dull for everyone else.

To put it in perspective, your beef with Hoskyns dates from this allegedly misappropriated photo. You have the chance to redress that, because a new edition has been announced and so Viking / Penguin have every chance of painlessly correcting the fault. Inform them and invoice them. You seemed to think that huge sums were involved but at the date of publication a researched photo would have been worth £50 to £60, even one of this historic interest and rarity. Or you have the chance to withdraw permission, which would be a pity because the photo is one that should be seen. But where you and I differ is that you seem to want to horde what you know and maintain it as a secret arcane knowledge of The Band restricted to a few initiates who were there (sorry I know you like that to be in caps). Hoskyns reviewed these hundreds of articles and drew them together into a cogent story which is exactly what every other biographer does- they research what’s been written, do new interviews where they can, and then create a book – he adds a lot of his own critical views on songs.

For those who don’t know, the “Limeys” Serge refers to are Chris and Gail Bell, both very nice people, who founded the Band Appreciation Society (a fact which Levon himself appreciated) and who were enthusiastic and valued contributors to this site in the early days, until they were hounded out by a series of cruel and childish posts and unpleasant pranks involving them and their other interests. They kept the flag flying between TLW and this site starting, and they also had a great number of articles and a lot of info, except they were happy to share their research and their extensive knowledge of The Band.

As for General Montgomery (who my father served with), the crack you make is both dumb and meaningless. The Free Poles fought valiantly with the British, in a war we entered because their homeland had been invaded. They weren’t however prominent in the North African campaign (though they were in the Battle of Britain). The Polish air force flew to Britain in face of the German invasion. I don’t think the ground forces had any chance to do so, as they were being rounded up and murdered by the Germans and the Russians. However try making your remark at a Desert Rats reunion. Or a Free Polish Air Force reunion, They may all be in their 90s now, but I think they’d be able to deal with you.

I too have been playing Rick Danko’s records over the last few days. But come on, Serge, Donnie Jo said the same as Hoskyns in 1997 and 1998 and got lambasted here, but what sort of revisionism has to suggest that he was neither seriously overweight nor had had a series of substance problems?

‘shite’ is an older form of ‘shit’ but in recent years seems to becoming more popular. I think the sound is just more dismissive. e.g.“Serge speaks utter shite …’ But I wouldn’t say “Serge IS a shite,” but “Serge is a shit.” Can’t work out why that should be grammatically, but will give it some thought. The above is a grammatical example using a name plucked at random, and does not refer to my good friend from London.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 13:33:16 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-125.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.125)

About LIFEBOY

Here's a guy who's just discovered this site and is already passing opinions without ever looking beyond this damned GB. Viney knows the writer. Go wash somebody's armpit or other parts, and lather up real good.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 13:13:22 CET 2002 from host213-123-112-106.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.112.106)

Lifeboy

Who Else,You're entitled to your opinion on Barney Hoskyn's book pal but is all the bitchy "limey" stuff really neccesary? You are full of shite as are your remarks concerning Pete Viney and anyway you clearly don't have the balls to identify yourself.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 13:06:53 CET 2002 from mcha-ah043.taconic.net (205.231.30.90)

Lil

Entered at Fri Dec 13 12:52:53 CET 2002 from host213-123-112-106.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.112.106)

Lifeboy

Hi Lil, we still use "shit" in the same way and "shite" means the same thing but is pronounced so that it rhymes with "bite" or "tight". I think it is an "olde" English spelling, though I can't find it in my out of date Oxford dictionary.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 12:45:50 CET 2002 from mcha-ah043.taconic.net (205.231.30.90)

Lil again

Entered at Fri Dec 13 12:26:42 CET 2002 from mcha-ah043.taconic.net (205.231.30.90)

Lil

Al Edge (or Peter Viney): I have probably the world's stupidest question. I notice the word " shite" in your posts, and although I know what the word is, I was wondering why it's spelled with an 'e' at the end? I know we have different spellings of words (eg:color, colour)..but 'shit'..err...'shite'? Which of us is spelling it correctly.. and since it's not in the dictionary.. how would we know? I know this is of very little importance, but I've always wondered about it. Thanks.

Finished digging out of 10 inches of snow here..and expecting more of the same tonight. Arrghh.

Dave Z: Got any show yet? Want some? :-)

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 11:15:44 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

AL Edge

Must admit I think I can understand some of your angst. I have often shared it especially as someone from lowly working class who has more than once experienced the sharp end of it.

Such American perspective on 'pompous' Brit journos et alia is spot on. That is exactly what they are like for the great part. Certainly the many I have encountered are what I would term 'imposters' in that they simply are not the real thing and would not know the real thing if it jumped up and bit a chunk out of their collective arse. There are exceptions of course as ever but broadly speaking that element of British 'media' is virtually 100% the domain of university [invariably the old school tie/Oxbridge you scratch my back etc]educated middle class with their head so far up their arse they can taste brylcream [a Juniorism] and scarcely an ounce of authentic street experience to their name. Either that or they are elevated upper working class pompous pricks who have forgotten where they come from.

The problem with them all is the arrogance their class or their desire to be a part of that class seems to imbue within them. That they know better than virtually anyone they write about is simply taken as read.

Creative writers are of course a completely different entity - you tend to find they are imbued with a humility no matter what their background, though especially if they're from down below.

As regards Pete V - please do one. What you wrote is shite. Pete is as far removed from that element as anyone you care to name. He proves that time and time again on here with his comments and within the archives. The fella is the real McCoy in that his sheer love for The Band and rock music per se is the equal of anyone - American, Scandinavian or friggin Martian.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 10:31:58 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

LOL - nice one fella - of course in the States it would no doubt be MENLUUUURVE AVENUE - ha ha - with a picture above it of a smiling Liberace trying to get his leg over a grimacing Barry White. What a thought. Now this is what a real forum is for - deep thinking bastards like me and Buckteeth.

Re Barney Hoskyns - probably just me but I read 'Divide' when it came out and all these years later I can scarcely recall a solitary debunking of The Band myth contained in the book. It all slid off me like the shite that stuff often is.

For me Rick will always remain how he was in those early shots on The Band, Stagefright and Rock of Ages covers. Utterly magnificent. He is immortal in that respect as far as I'm concerned no matter how awry things may have subsequently gone. Same goes for the others. Of course I do appreciate it is difficult for those who came onto The Band during subsequent reincarnations to have the same perspective and so the words of Hoskyns may inflict more pain. I think the thing is that whatever Hoskyns may have said or inferred it is abundantly clear that Rick was such a gifted musical and generally good egg that his spirit will always remain impervious to any home truths. Again, the same goes for the others. Indeed, the only ones who haven't retained that 'innocence and purity' aura would appear to be Robbie and Levon - and that would seem to have emanated from the sordid manner of their impasse rather than anything written by Hoskyns.

Best Beatles era - no argument - the very start. Nothing like it will - could possibly - ever happen again till we're all wiped out and we start all over again. The chills from 'that' unique sound can never be matched. And the beauty of it was we in Britain had it twice as over as they conquered America - the top 7 in the Billboard charts or something as outrageous - goosepimples and moist eyes all round.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 07:51:47 CET 2002 from h66-59-176-197.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.197)

Who else..?

9th.LINE ( and others ) you are absolutely right on. Hoskyns is a scum bag thief of other people's efforts. An opportunist who saw a chance to make buck. The late Jack W. left me his huge collection of magazines, articles and photos from the Hawks to the Band, and along with my collection, I can trace where Google copped all his information, often without any attempt to at least reword passages. He helped himself to a rare photo ( Brass Rail 1963, shown on this site )without checking its source or asking permission. The dumb bastard who gave him a copy didn't even know where the pic. was taken. Hoskyns knew diddley about the Band until Mr.and Mrs.Ding Dong, another pair of pompous limeys, tore themselves away from their research of UFO's long enough to turn him on to the group and suggest that he should write something. He stole, speculated, copied, and dedicated the book to them. They are so embarassed that they no longer frequent this site. They became big fans of some pussy group called the Corrs and Google will likely write a book about that outfit soon. Viney "Mr.know it all, motormouth with too much time on his hands, who always goes out of his way to let us all know how well travelled he is, and how much he knows and we don't" will always do his tap dance around any criticism of, and defend his limey buddy. But then, limeys have always been good at having others do all the leg work, then reaping the benefits and the glory. (Remember Montgomery's famous words in North Africa " We will fight them to the last Polack..!") I shouldn't be so harsh on Viney. He can't help it. Hoskyns didn't bust his butt too much in his "research" ?! If approached, I know that Jack would have told him to F*** **f. We knew that Levon would write a Band story. It was a question of time.

Jan, you should have dragged Google by the ear when you had the chance, for the insults he directed at the late Rick Danko. Who does he think he is ? The Lifestyle Police ? He's just pissed that all Band members ignored him.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 07:08:50 CET 2002 from adsl-67-113-246-100.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net (67.113.246.100)

scott

Any idea where I can find a copy of Scotty Moore's All the Kings Men CD?? Even Amazon can't locate it

Entered at Fri Dec 13 06:34:21 CET 2002 from host-209-214-114-19.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.114.19)

Back with no Hoskyns in Tennessee

Al Edge, was it you who mentioned something about living on Menlove St. awhile ago? Good God! I forgot to post about that before. I think that confirms my previous description of our British friends. How are your neighbors, George Michael and Boy George? (My friend did spot a pub in London, though, called the Horneman Pub and yelled, "Aye, it's the Horny Man!"

Oh, my. Not one, but two Butch posts today (albeit one incognito.) Welcome back!

Entered at Fri Dec 13 06:15:36 CET 2002 from cdm-66-35-245-tyrd.cox-internet.com (66.76.35.245)

John the, "Guitar Master"

Subject: Sweet

Sweet dream Bandfan. Man I took my guitar apart a little bit. heheheh I probibly should not have. I unscrewed the Pickup from the pick guard and I'm haveing trouble getting it back on. hehehe I'll figure it out. Email me man if you feel the need sublimerocks439@hotmail.com by the way I had a dream that I was a gangster, but I had a rule that I would not kill anyone...I guess I picked the wrong profession in the dream. As always I love each and every fan of mine, John

Entered at Fri Dec 13 04:33:40 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou "Mersey" Sam

Tull = I couldn't have said it better. John seemed so happy and content with his place in this world in 1980. I do think they would have done something together. It wouldn't have been an album, or a full concert, or anything like that. Maybe a couple of tunes at Live Aid or a "real" new song for the Anthology (as you said). "Free As A Bird", and "Real Love" are great tunes.

Lifeboy - YIKES! - let's be calm now. Stay out of peoples noses. There's plenty of Beatle Peeples around to touch on the fabs now and then.....I can't pick a favorite Beatles era. It's impossible for me. I can be in the mood to hear "I've Got A Feeling", and "The Ballad of John and Yoko" one day - and the next day I get off on "Tell Me Why", and "Misery" - then the third day I just gotta hear "Drive My Car", and "Hey Bulldog".

Band connection - George went to Woodstock and Ringo was at TLW.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 04:12:13 CET 2002 from ottawa-dial-206-191-1-223.d-ip.magma.ca (206.191.1.223)

9th line

Levon's book remains the only accurate and complete account.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 03:13:35 CET 2002 from host213-123-116-175.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.116.175)

Lifeboy

Sam, Fuck it, let's get up some noses then shall we? Revolver is my fave(though it's hard to pick one), there's something about '66 Beatles that does it for me. Something about Macca's bass playing and all that indian drone influence not to mention the songs they came out with that year, "Rain" is fantastic, all that great floppy and brilliant drumming from Ringo. I like that period where it was just on the verge of psychedelia.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 02:58:58 CET 2002 from cache-dg05.proxy.aol.com (205.188.208.137)

JTull Fan

Subject: Beatles

Bayou Sam: I second your last post. I think the Threetles finally put a happy ending on the era by getting together and making Free As A Bird and Real Love. I also think those are two underappreciated songs. The critics seemed to expect the Second Coming when they came out rather than pleased that 25 years after the breakup, we could have two new songs that deserved the 'Beatle' name. It is also my belief that were Lennon still around, the Fab Four would at some time regrouped, if only to do the Anthology sessions sometimes in the mid-eighties. In fact, discussions were already underway when Lennon was alive, and I believe he made positive statements about 'getting together and playing something'. It would have happened. They would have found themselves in their mid-forties, content and with nothing to prove, and that's when it would have happened, even if it didn't involve live concerts or the like.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 02:52:16 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Lifeboy - I may watch those videos too - and BTW, I would never be bored with discussing the Beatles. But, it IS The BAND site.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 02:39:59 CET 2002 from host213-123-116-175.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.116.175)

Lifeboy

Sam, I agree. I think John liked to look like the rebel. Anyway I won't bore you with stuff you probably already know about so I'll just say I Love The Beatles! I think I may watch the anthology videos this weekend as you've got me in the mood now,cheers.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 02:21:40 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Lifeboy = Ah you don't need to apologise. There's just this legend that Lennon was the guy that did stuff like that. He was just louder about it. I believe it was Paul that admited to the world that he'd tried LSD in '67. This somehow pissed off John who had tried it earlier. I think they all tried to distance themselves from the Beatle image after the split, and prove themselves as solo artists. McCartney did a pretty good job of it - by the mid-70's Lennon was just sick of the whole buisness.....One of the things that makes this Beatles fan happy is that in the mid-90's the three-tles got together and kind of added that finishing touch to the Beatles history with the Anthology thing. They seemed totally content with the legacy of the Beatles. They were true friends. The sad thing of course was that John wasn't able to be a part of it - except of course via a couple of old recordings.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 00:55:46 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Dave Z

Thanks Stu... nice post... Peter V, I admit I was probably too hard on Barney... but a guy that smart probably could have told us some cooler stuff... I think it's kind of cliche to pose as being objective... by being negative... I read the Rogan book on Van too... because I was just as thirsty for anything about Van... but it felt like drinking poison... With Barney, I actually enjoyed it the first time through (a compliment) but it feels more like a hangover the next couple times I've read it... anyway, I would like to see somebody write a more positive account in such a way that the book critics would want more than anything to call the writer a wimp for liking the Band too much... but then again they couldn't because it was so well written... but maybe I'm too idealistic... anyway, Stu's post and David P's rant has given me enough energy to get out the door to feed this cold... with some brewskis... Gonna fire up "Remedy" in the Jeep tonight and hit uptown... take care all...

Entered at Fri Dec 13 00:47:59 CET 2002 from host213-123-112-199.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.112.199)

Lifeboy

Sam, I know it was no secret as such but when ever Lennon went to any lengths to destroy the myth it seemed to irritate some people(and I think he enjoyed that) and make them resentful of him taking away this perfect image they had. It's understandable I guess. Sorry I wasn't very clear there.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 00:28:14 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

When exactly did Lennon come clean about the Beatles not being four lovable moptops? Just curious......I think that was a public perception, and a Brian Epstein creation that they just evolved out of around '66.

Mike Nomad = I'd hang on to that Last Waltz LP set. Put it in a nice plastic sleeve and hang on to it.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 00:01:51 CET 2002 from du-tele3-085.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.85)

Peter Viney

Hoskyns mined past articles, so did Helm-Davis. They both mined the Ronnie Hawkins 1969 Rolling Stone interview and a lot else. But that's how you create a book- you research sources and quote where appropriate. Hoskyns reviews (e.g. 76 Paladium. TLW) as if he'd been there when he wasn't. Levon was, However, I don't know that either account is more "true" as a result.

Entered at Fri Dec 13 00:01:13 CET 2002 from host213-123-112-199.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.112.199)

Lifeboy

Thats a coincidence you have the same name as someone you obviously despise. You've proven my point anyhow.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 23:43:06 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Hoskyns

Entered at Thu Dec 12 23:30:04 CET 2002 from host213-123-112-199.in-addr.btopenworld.com (213.123.112.199)

Lifeboy

Oooohh! Mr Hoskyns has hit a nerve. I knew it was gonna kick off. What we really want to read is that everyone was great and there was no destructive drug taking or rock stariness or bitching or unreasonable behaviour and nobody fucked anybody over and they all lived happily ever after. Barney Hoskyns is a music "journalist" who obviously found out a good deal more than he bargained for. I'm sure he got no pleasure from any of the nasty stuff and he clearly loves the music of The Band dearly and I think he has been sincere in his work. Maybe he just tried to put some painful truths in there. Does anybody really think that if and when Robbie decides to do a book it's gonna be the whole truth and nothing but? All this reminds me of how resentful people were of John Lennon when he came clean about The Beatles not being four perfect loveable moptops. Oh no you can't do that! It's never gonna be what you've built it up to be in your head....Sorry to say so.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 22:56:53 CET 2002 from (216.88.34.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: Thanks Robbie!

Just got my Last Waltz DVD/Box set combo rebate check for $5.00 today! Christmas Must Be Tonight!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 22:13:38 CET 2002 from m124-130.on.tac.net (209.202.124.130)

Bill

It's kind of ironic that he thinks so little of Rob Bowman but borrowed so freely from Bowman's earlier writings on the Band that he even repeats the errors (which would have been identified by a serious fact-check).

Also, I wish he'd make up his mind whether his notes were ditched for his views on Robertson or for his views on "Bessie Smith". (He gives both as the reason, in consecutive responses.)

Entered at Thu Dec 12 21:53:40 CET 2002 from cdm-66-254-199-tyrd.cox-internet.com (66.76.254.199)

BANDfan

Last night I had a dream that I was riding in like a 1970s 4-door car with Rick Danko(as he looked around the time of The Last Waltz) and "Mama Cass" Elliot. Rick was driving and we were riding through some countryside that looked like the area around Woodstock, New York. It was strange yet it felt like I got the chance to meet two legends that I have revered all of my life. Just thought I'd share.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 21:14:41 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Peter: I don't doubt that Mr. Hoskyns may have begun his project first. Perhaps the release of the "Across The Great Divide" box set was a more significant factor in the timing of Levon's book. I just thought it was ridiculous for Mr. Hoskyns to assert that Levon "bullied" other members of the group, when they probably felt it was in their best interest not to open-up to him. They didn't need a weatherman to know which way that wind was going to blow, so to speak.

Pat: I'm not hot -- I'm just chillin' & havin' some fun. "All seriousness aside", as Brother Dave Gardner used to say. Speaking of Brother Dave, here's one of his quotes that seems quite appropriate in light of today's news out of Washington:

"I love everything about the South; I even love hate".

It was Brother Dave that said that and not that Senator that used to be a cheerleader at Ole Miss.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 20:54:34 CET 2002 from du-tele3-151.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.151)

Peter Viney

David- there was a fair bit of evidence posted a few years back on a link by the defunct "Band Appreciation Society" that Barney Hoskyns was well into his project before the Helm-Davis book got under way, and that it was Hoskyns looking around for interviews that prompted the Helm-Davis book as a spoiler in the first place. Me, I'm delighted that we got two books instead of one. The Hoskyns got in the shops six months earlier too. He's written about just about everyone in the rock scene and met them all, so I think he's entitled to an opinion, even when we don't like it. I thought his remarks on Robbie and BMWs were pretty crass and sour grapes myself, but don't shoot the messenger. Most of his stuff is excellent.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 20:24:27 CET 2002 from ool-18bc7fb9.dyn.optonline.net (24.188.127.185)

Bayou Sam

Subject: just a kneejerk thought

It must be a whole lot of fun for our Band friends from around the world to stop by the GB and see us bitch about U.S. politics in here. What a rush for them.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 20:12:23 CET 2002 from h-68-164-8-4.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.8.4)

Pat Brennan

David P, more, daddio, more. It's fun to see you heat up a bit.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 20:08:27 CET 2002 from syr-66-67-68-155.twcny.rr.com (66.67.68.155)

Bashful Bill

I thought it was pretty cool when U2 did Ruby Tuesday at Live Aid. And, that Crowmatix lineup Stu saw a few days before Rick passed was a real good one. Mike Dimicco(spelling?) and Jim Epperd are 1st class.Mike released his own jazz-oriented album,don't know what Jim is up to.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 19:11:55 CET 2002 from host2.pgfm.com (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: That other Oxford Town

"Oxford Town in the afternoon
Everybody's singin' a sorrowful tune"

It's not only ludicrous, but duplicitous, for Barney Hoskyns to assert that Levon & Stephen Davis "conspired to bully Rick and Garth into not talking to me". After all, Mr. Hoskyns was engaged in a business project that was competing directly with Levon's own book.

Surely Mr. Hoskyns must understand the principles involved, having so eloquently expressed his own fondness for the "revenue stream" of Rolling Stone -- one that, unlike Cripple Creek, apparently dried up. He evidently has no qualms whatsoever about specking ill of the dead, or the living for that matter. He doesn't even care if his remarks are printed, just as long as he's, in his own words, "paid well for [his] services, thank God". It's reassuring to read that he sees fit to give thanks to someone. One wonders why Mr. Hoskyns doesn't confine himself to subjects he truly respects, such as the "much-maligned genre of Glam [exclamation point deleted]".

Although it's evolved into a literary artform there, the concept of lynching is not foreign to those who've been inside the halls in that other Oxford Town. Excuse me for leaving the music room to enter the editorial space, but I just thought I'd have some fun giving Mr. Hoskyns a bit of his own treatment [exclamation point added].

[I was planning on including an accompanying photograph here, but Serge bullied me by denying his permission]

Entered at Thu Dec 12 18:41:40 CET 2002 from h-68-164-1-147.chcgilgm.covad.net (68.164.1.147)

Pat Brennan

Although he's a good looking Irishman, Sean Hannity is a pathetic historian. I pasued for a moment the other night to see him absolutely mangle the history of the Civil Rights movement from the Civil War on. Since he was obviously dealing in these distortions to buttress his partisan stand, I find him repulsive. The other guy is pretty poor too, but what would you expect from a media outlet like that?

Entered at Thu Dec 12 18:26:46 CET 2002 from cache-kno-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.0.2)

Al Edge

Impossible to cover but here goes

Heretic - Knowsley Road - always a soft spot for the Saints - right back to Tom Van Vollenhoven. I really believe Mal Maninga was just the best ever - eat yer heart out Billy Boston.

John D - surely you cannot be serious John lad - The E-Streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeters without their heart, soul and lifeblood - it simply could never be - it would be like North America without the USA - then again... :-o)

Richard - we need to stop exchanging smiley faces - people will talk. All's we're doing is confirming other people's perceptions of us as childish little buggers. Btw I far prefer mine :-o) to yours :-) - I feel it captures much better the ambience of my enormously bulbous hooter :-O]

Fred - the simple answer is we're not good enough. Yet. Maybe for a while to come too. Our excellent early season results can be summed up as simple flattery to deceive. None were achieved via a fluid football playing style which is the traditional Liverpool way. The pass, control and move of our heritage. Rather those results came via an effectiveness in the vital areas of defence [Dudek, Hyypia and Henchoz - all outstanding footballers] and attack [Mikey Owen and Baros]. We never controlled any games by passing and movement. Eventually such inhibited style of play is almost bound to come unstuck. If you play with a mediocrity and a caution and simply happen to win rather than engineer or grind out a win through a positive forcing/playing pattern then you can just as easily lose those same games. That is what is happening now. We are not necessarily playing that much worse than when we were winning. It's just that the breaks we were getting that were winning us games back then are now going against us and we are losing them. Fear not though. We shall be back. Houllier will eventually see the light, I'm sure. That light being that if you play a 4-4-2 with a central diamond formation like his beloved France then you need a Zidane plus two attacking full backs like France [Thuram and Lizarazu] to provide an attacking outlet beyond and wide of your tucked in midfielders. Fact is we haven't got them at the moment. Simple really :-o)

Frank H - from a while back - toss up as to who's hurting most Frank - though I suppose we don't have to suffer our manager crooning 'What d'you wanna make those eyes at me for?' - so I guess it is you who wins on the suffering stakes after all!

Bob W - cheers - simple answer is that Liverpool City Council is and always has been absolute shite at prettywell everything. Consequently the city has never actually got round to any official recognition of The Beatles generally or John Lennon particularly. What this means is that aniversaries come and go with only the efforts of individuals to acknowledge them. The odd little memorial gig here or there. The odd [and must be said maginificent] statue now and again contributed by local sculptors. Nothing as lavish or significant as you would no doubt have organised in any comparable place in the States. Any tribute to the Fab Four in Liverpool, including the annual Matthew Street August festival is down to the efforts of individual fans or the like. Nobody loves a Beatle more than their fellow Scousers. It's just we never get round to demonstrating it that often.

Rog - cheers - SAWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You betcha mate. Must be second only to Broocie for a knees up IMHO. Absolutely love them - 'So far from home, my cry of pain, won't ease my aching heart, I miss you mam, I miss you dad, I'm falling apart....' Gets me every time. The only time I've ever been complimented on my singing was my accompanying Davy Carton [from the back of the Royal Court of course] and some Irish fella in front of us turned round after it and shook my hand - said he was Davy's cousin and that Davy would have loved my version, though you know the Irish - they're everybody's friggin cousin, especially the ones who are clearly tone deaf!!!

Calvin - could you possibly recommend to me a value for money digital camera for my son - we were thinking of around £150-200 - is that enough? - he's late twenties, fairly up on such things but totally skint so I'd like to get him something decent but we can't afford the earth. Also Calvin, don't suppose there'd be any chance of you doing a copy for me of that Gene Clark and Friends bootleg? I'd gladly return the favour. My mail is al.edge at talk21.com

WS Walcott - I agree about U2 - I find them undoubtedly really really good, inspired even occasionally, but certainly overrated. They were the ones that benefited more from Live Aid than anyone. Queen merely rekindled their fan base but Bono's Sunday Bloody Sunday performance that day catapulted U2 to the mega stage and they've remained there ever since - I was a fan prior to that btw so there's no sour grapes. As a gauge - Echo and the Bunnymen were arguably bigger than U2 in UK prior to Live Aid.

Roz - wanna buy a used car?? I'll be wearing Bono style shades :-o)

BEG - good to see you back with your uniques style posts - ironically John tho definitely a hardcase and with his heart firmly planted amongst the working class, was from a very middle class environment as was his school - Quarry Bank. Unlike Paul, George and Ringo who were all solid working class. Menlove Avenue is all doctors and gynaecologists. There's not a whiff of hypocrisy though as with say The Stones who were were pure middle class and simply feigned their street image throughout their careers. With John, despite his Aunt Mimi, he was a real street kid.

God I don't half go on sometimes don't I?

Btw - I don't really need any confirmation of that last comment just in case anyone's tempted :-o)

Entered at Thu Dec 12 18:01:18 CET 2002 from 1cust20.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.20)

Jeffrey

Last fall, just weeks before his death, Rick Danko of the Band chortled with delight as he recalled the Festival Express: "It was one of the greatest jam sessions ever. There was a couple of cars for music. A couple of cars for drinking. A couple of cars for food. A couple of cars for [sex]. It was a pretty wild ride. It was sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll at its best." Danko forever!!!!!!!!!!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 18:00:40 CET 2002 from 68-114-28-95.charterga.net (68.114.28.95)

Don Pugatch

Subject: The Samples

Forgot to mention, but anyone who is a fan of Ricks, you got to tune yourself into a group from Boulder, Colorado, called The Samples. The lead singer, Sean Kelly, reminds me so much of the way Rick could sing and carry an audience. There are certain traits and similarities that I pick up when I hear The Samples that I would like to see if others pick up. I have emailed Sean, and he is a real person, and I mentioned this to him , and he was honored about the comparison.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 17:39:13 CET 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: Well Well Well

Butch Dener you old rascal....nice to see you post. Hope you are well and enjoying a great holiday season. The Barnburners shirt that you sent me has been a staple of my concert wardrobe and almost everytime I wear it I get HUGE feedback from all sorts of people.

How about some Barnburner's shows in Chicago?????

I went to see the Stones at the Aragon Ballroom here in Chicago and a guy standing behind me loved the shirt. Going on and on about Levon...which of course always thrills me. Wanted to know where I got it and when I told him he said that he had met you at a show in Levon's bar down in New Orleans. Lot's of cool stories. You sure get around Butch. Maybe you need your own website?

Todd: Thanks for the comment on my Rick story. What can I say I just feel the lost opportunity like it was yesterday.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 17:26:17 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

butch

how "nice" to see that the venom & vitriol continues unabated,,,, EVEN with me not here,,,

i guess it wasnt all me, was it,,,

& the same ones are still @ it,,,,

tsk, tsk, tsk,,, n "cant we all just get along ? "

heheheheheheheh,,,,

Entered at Thu Dec 12 17:18:30 CET 2002 from (12.33.126.130)

John W.

J. Tull Fan - I don't know if Ben Pike is Rush Limbaugh, but I think he might be Mrs. Henry...

People can disagree and still be respectful of the other side. For example, in a time where unemployment is high and people need jobs, I think tax cuts that would free up some money so corporations could do more hiring is not such a bad idea. But if you disagree, that's cool, you may even be right, I'm not going to start in with name calling and insults. (Unlike some of the people who post here.)

Entered at Thu Dec 12 16:34:51 CET 2002 from 1cust20.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.20)

Jeffrey

Subject: Boot leg Last Waltz

Anybody have a Complete Last Waltz boot for trade?(Link to our man Henry K)

Entered at Thu Dec 12 16:10:02 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Brien Sz

Entered at Thu Dec 12 16:06:27 CET 2002 from mail.mtscnc.com (64.164.242.58)

Bill Lewis

Subject: Peter Gabriel Concert 12/11/02

Robbie.......I saw you last night at the Growing Up Concert. You have always been a inspiration to me and I really wanted to meet you but didnt want to bother you. Well it was great to at least see you.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 15:59:09 CET 2002 from portage.cia-group.com (194.201.58.205)

Heretic?

Look, I need to know, am I weird or what? Of course I love MFBP and the Brown album, but recently I've been listening to Cahoots and Islands a lot. And enjoying them! Is this normal?? Maybe it's because these albums are talked down by critics, fans and the Band members themselves that I'm pleasantly surprised when I hear tracks like Street Walker, Where Do We Go From Here (yes, really!), and Knocking Lost John? The album I reach for least is Stagefright. I like the live renditions of tracks from that album, but the album itself comes across as a bit stale/sterile. I really don't get any 'warmth' from it. Maybe the remastered version adds a bit more depth? I should add that I've only been listening to the Band for about 3 years - maybe there's still time?? I'd be interested to hear people's opinions of Rick Danko's 'Times Like These'. I think it's a bit of a mixed bag but where it's good it's outstanding. Especially the title track. I don't think there's any weak tracks on there, but maybe becuase it was recorderd over several years with different musicians it doesn't hang together so well. However, if there was any more Rick Danko material in the vaults I'd love to hear it. Thanks for listening and best wishes to all. PS. Al Edge - stop watching that girl's game and get yourself down to Knowsley Road to watch Saints!!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 15:26:05 CET 2002 from 234.43.cm.sunflower.com (24.124.43.234)

Ray Pence

I'm breaking my vow to not get political here for today because I read Ben's post that said Limbaugh's making fun of John Kerry's personal appearance...I haven't witnessed this but I'm not surprised...the word on Limbaugh is that a medical condition, anal cysts to be precise, prevented his serving in Vietnam...I always have known that Rush IS an anal cyst, but this reason is priceless...

perhaps Senator Kerry has more than a few worry lines in his face--excusable, I think, because he's gone through more shit than the President (who did his duty alongside some members of the Dallas Cowboys in the reserves) will ever know, earning two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star in Vietnam, then leading the veterans' opposition to the war here on the streets of Nixon's Amerika...and perhaps Kerry's hair does invite some fun-poking, especially when you've not got much, like Limbaugh...

this has me fired up...it's interesting how the Republicans are jumping very quickly all over Kerry...could they be a bit concerned? Perhaps they should be, the contrast between what Kerry's given to his country and what Bush has is rather stark...and that contrast would be even greater if, say, in 2004 the wrongheadedness of another Bush war is apparent for all to see...we'll see...I hope I have the opportunity to vote for the Senator, I know he's a TRUE patriot...

Now, back to THE BAND...thanks for the samples from the bootlegs, Jan!! And the photos of Rick!!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 14:40:17 CET 2002 from (66.200.102.19)

JTull Fan

Subject: Ben Pike IS Rush Limbaugh

How else can we explain the purposeful misspellings, constantly angry, pompous tone, and bizarre rantings about Clinton, Ken Starr, etc., not to mention the constant name dropping of Rush Limbaugh? Rush has created this Ben Pike personna in a thinly veiled attempt to make all liberals look bad. Well, it's not going to work! Some of you, like Rollie and Pat Brennan, are genuinely nice people!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 13:08:38 CET 2002 from saintpaul.pioneerpress.com (208.149.52.102)

jerry

Wow...Marty's eyebrows have taken a life of there own...

Entered at Thu Dec 12 11:55:24 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

" You'd better watch out ... if ya don't want me around all the time ... cause I'm attracted to you ..
You got the way to keep me interested in the things that you do
The sides that you show to me ..
The ones you keep concealed
They are pulling me into your magnetic field

So you'd better watch out ..if you don't want me around all the time .. cause I'm attracted to you ..."

Steve Goodman

Every Christmas I see that Grinch cartoon thing on TV, and every Christmas I think the same thing. Steve Goodman had a big sweet smile that looked like the Grinch after his heart grew great big and bursted that spring ....

Entered at Thu Dec 12 11:05:51 CET 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Ben Pike

Yes, how like a day running by a mountain stream injusting the sludge of Bill O'Reilly must be... letting the crypto facist Australian billionare who owns Fox News explain your country to you, gosh, such a breath of air! If only I could tune into a fat, rich draft doger everyday and listen as he pushes other young men to war, how like lying in a field of goldenrod!

How liberating Roz's ever present F@g baiting must be! If only I could stop and smell such roses! Or is that the fertalizer.... Sorry Bri, we who AT LEAST haven't swallowed such a tawdry bill of goods have a claim on happiness I doubt you will see in your lifetime...

Nothing makes you feel younger, better, more alive and happier than a tiny bite of what in the broadest sense is too big to hold... THE TRUTH. This is why my points are virtually never answered, but a sort of sick spiting up hurrumphing bleeds out of grown men and women who spent YEARS smirking like rabid possums over the failings of one man's sex life! Oh, how I envy such FREEDOM OF THOUGHT!

My favorites for 2002 are albums I still have not heard out of busyness, new ones from Linda Thompson, The Negro Problem, and Peter Gabriel.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 10:46:01 CET 2002 from proxy.newmedia.no (212.71.66.13)

Jens Magnus

Subject: nelson

Watched the Nobel Concert from Oslo last night. The most shining star was Willie Nelson, beyond doubt. Have you seen his acoustic guitar? Old and torn with a large hole in it.

Anyway his performance was excellent!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 10:37:34 CET 2002 from 6.ppp141.rsd.worldonline.se (213.204.141.6)

Woodlark

Happy Birthday Brown Eyed Girl!
Thanks to all of you who have posted your reminiscences of Rick Danko and let us share your great memories.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 06:56:49 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)

Stu Hruska

Subject: Remembering Rick

Rick and The Guestbook, one of my favorite Rick stories The summer of 1998 was a very exciting and busy one for us. We were empty nesters and took the opportunity to catch as many shows with connections to The Band as we could. We traveled from Montauk to Massachusetts often combining the shows with weekend trips. On the weekend of July 27th we were in the Berkshire Mountains near Lenox Mass. Our sons had gone to summer camp there for years and, although they were no longer campers, the area was such a beautiful part of the world that we found that it took several years to break the visiting day weekend in the Berkshires routine. On Saturday night we drove form Lenox to Northampton to see Rick and Aaron Hurwitz perform at The Iron Horse. A few weeks prior to Rick’s show we had gone to see Levon and The Crowmatix in Chester, New York and it was truly a memorable show for us. On July 13th I had posted a review of that show in this guestbook. In the body of the review I wrote about the drive up to the show from Westchester and mentioned the how it was still bright at 8:30 in the evening and how magnificent the sun appeared as it was setting in the foothills of the Catskills. We arrived at the Iron Horse just before the performance began and took our seats away from the main stage on the other side of the aisle that Rick and Aaron would soon enter from. As they took the stage both Rick and Aaron passed our table and stopped to shake our hands. Once they were on stage Rick once again greeted us and acknowledged our presence in the audience. I remember my heart starting to pound and the blood rush to my head. This was a truly a geezer-groupie’s lifetime experience. As I remember, Rick started to play a few cords and in that beautiful Danko voice, as if it were a song, recited about the sun setting in the foothills of the Catskills. The words immediately caught my attention with a jolt. It was the instant recognition that Rick read this Guestbook. I always try to remember special little things about all the shows. I recall that it was the first time I heard Rick make it thru the lyrics to “Book Faded Brown” flawlessly although my vision was blocked and Aaron may have been feeding him the lyrics. It was also the first time meeting Rick’s son Justin Grafton. That night rather than using their usual touring vehicle they had a small compact car that they had borrowed or rented to get to the show. As I recall for Rick by then it was a very tight fit for the trip back to Bearsville. I was lucky to see Rick a few times more in 98’ and brought in the New Year 99’ with him at Levon’s new club in New Orleans. We stayed in the same hotel with Rick and the rest of The Band. I wrote a travel report of my trip to New Orleans for the opening of Levon’s club for this website. The New Year 1999 was hard and the spiral Rick was on was obvious to me. I saw him perform just a few days before his passing at an Aids benefit in Washingtonville, Ct accompanied by Garth, Aaron Hurwitz, Marie Spinosa, Jimmy Eppard, Gary Burke, Mike Dunn, Mike DeMicco and Tom “Bones” Malone. We all heard Rick sing a beautiful but labored rendition of “Christmas Must Be Tonight”. For me it was my last goodbye to Rick. Several weeks later at a Jim Weider show in Piermont, New York I had a few words with Butch Dener. I mentioned how badly this fan felt about Rick’s passing. Butch looked at me and said, “I know your loss was a very personal one.”

Entered at Thu Dec 12 06:53:53 CET 2002 from 1cust157.tnt2.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.227.173.157)

jeffrey

Just a nice quote I found on the David Lindley Home page. "Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. To destroy this invisible government, to befoul the unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of the day." - Theodore Roosevelt, 19-Apr-06

Entered at Thu Dec 12 06:26:43 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

Entered at Thu Dec 12 06:10:04 CET 2002 from netcache-2004.public.lawson.webtv.net (209.240.198.63)

rosalind

I think it's completely understandable why The Band seemed to come off as superior and exclusive back then. Because they were superior and exclusive and they knew it, from their bones they knew it. They didn't need anyone telling them nothing! They had been firmly planted, watered well and deeply rooted by their own experiences. They were survivors, salty old seadogs by the time that delicious fruit blossomed out to the world. They had been there and done that and went back and done it some more! You can't be anything you're not. When ya learn something, you know it. They carried the rich soil of this country in their hands and in their hearts. They were the last of a breed and they knew it! When you KNOW your blood is special, you protect it with everything in ya and don't never mix it with anything or anybody! That kind of "knowing" can sometimes be mistaken for arrogance, self-righteousness, aloofness and exclusivity. That's Just Tough!

Entered at Thu Dec 12 05:10:08 CET 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

The plastic wrapper is missing from the album jacket but the records themselves are in their original sleeves and have never been played.

I'm not quite sure what I'll do with this treasure trove, but it's an interesting dilemma to be saddled with.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 04:22:37 CET 2002 from host-209-214-118-109.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.109)

BWNWITennessee

I've seen that Barney Hoskins interview before, too. It's interesting that Rick and Levon, along with the others, were once (and for a long time) considered to be "aloof" and "superior," when they're supposedly such salt-of-the-earth types. Robbie still seems to offend a lot of people by appearing "aloof" and above them, but his friends seem to have nothing bad to say about him. Maybe he just hasn't been able or willing to shed the intimidating image. It can be a defense mechanism for shy or private people.

John W., yes, multinational conglomerations are evil. That's all there is to it.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 04:22:51 CET 2002 from parachute5-156-40-69-61.net.nih.gov (156.40.69.61)

Quinn The Eskimo

Subject: Vote for Best Live Album

Click the link above and vote for the best live album of all time.

Entered at Thu Dec 12 03:24:28 CET 2002 from cpe0080c6f00eff.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (24.156.103.95)

Toronto Craig

Hey, Mike D - I'll mention Domenic regularly if you'd like. He means a lot to me and to the Toronto music scene, from whence, The Boyz this Board is dedicated to, came. TC

Entered at Thu Dec 12 03:19:41 CET 2002 from cache-rf05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.188.165)